FD Mazda RX-7 gets stolen while owner looks on in horror

Image credit

The FD Mazda RX-7 remains one of my favourite Japanese sports car of any era. I am massively envious of anyone who owns one. So, imagine how harrowing it is for this particular owner to watch helplessly as his FD RX-7 gets stolen before his very eyes.

Image credit

In this video below that took place in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, the owner can be seen shouting at the purported thief as he attempts to bypass the alarm and start the engine.

The owner of said RX-7 shared that around 1am on 12-July he heard the alarm of his car go off. When he opened the window, he saw that the thief had already unlocked his RX-7, and was about to drive off.


Want better resale for your VW? Sell it back to Volkswagen Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the launch of the Trade-Up campaign by Das WeltAuto, which is Volkswagen’s global used car programme.
The campaign offers Volkswagen owners the opportunity to trade-in their current vehicles with extra support on a brand-new Volkswagen.


2020 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift launched in Vietnam, to be CKD

Not only has Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam (MMV) launched the 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift in Vietnam, they also have plans to locally assemble (CKD) the popular MPV at the Binh Duong (just an hour's drive from the Ho Chi Minh City) starting from August 2020.

Not much has changed on the facelifted Xpander, the only few changes are mostly cosmetics like a new front grille, new wheels and a shark fin antenna. Mitsubishi has also upgraded the headlights to LED fitments.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia participates in Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023, 5 people can win RM 300 TnG reload PIN

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, will participate in the inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon from 9-11 June at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The company will display two modified Triton and Xpander, as well as two customers’ cars that are modified following a lifestyle element. Showcasing an overall sporty concept, Mitsubishi Motors’ booth will be located in Hall 3, lot C301 at Level 1.
Also Read: Mitsubishi Xpander: Not a 4x4, but MMM wants to show you its 205 mm ground clearance is good enough for mild flash floods


W206 2022 Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEV launched in Thailand, price equals to RM 425k

Mercedes-Benz Thailand has launched the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the C350e. It comes in the AMG Dynamic trim, priced at 3,350,000 Baht (around RM 425k).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 204 PS/320 Nm on its own. An electric motor boosts total output to 313 PS/550 Nm, sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.


Everyday, at least 5 accidents in Malaysia are caused by poorly paved roads

At least 5 accidents reported in a day are caused by poorly paved roads in Malaysia, reports Harian Metro. The cause of the poorly paved roads is allegedly due to the use of poor-quality materials during road repairs.
The Malaysian Road Accident Victims Association told Harian Metro that the most common complaint they received during the MCO is related to poorly paved roads since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0.


New gen 2023 Honda Accord to stay in Japan even as Camry leaves

Though Japan's thinning sedan market has witnessed the discontinuation of the Toyota Camry due to slow sales, its rival, the Honda Accord will soldier on, reports website Creative 311 through information gathered through its dealer contacts.

  An early spyshot captured by this Twitter user

Earmarked for a February 2024 launch, the all-new 11th-gen Accord is said to be sold there in just a single hybrid variant that pairs a 2.0-litre inline-four to the e:HEV dual-motor setup. More notable is that Japan is now in the running to be car's first-ever right-hand drive (RHD) market, having debuted in the United States of America late last year.
Also read: 2022 Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord - If it's good enough for the PM, which is best for you?


Naza offering low interest rate from 1.88% until 15-July for recond cars

Naza Automotive Group Malaysia is having a mid-year sale for all selected vehicles starting from now to 15-July.

Customers are entitled to a low-interest rate from 1.88 percent and a 1-year warranty during this promotional period.


Customs: Tan Chong owes RM 180 million in excise tax

Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA), the manufacturing subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings (TCMH), has been slapped with a bill of demand by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, asking for RM 180,105,596.86 in unpaid taxes.
In an announcement made to Bursa Malaysia earlier, the listed parent company TCMH said:
“The Board of Directors would like to announce that Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd (“TCMA”), a subsidiary of the Company, has on 22 May 2020 received bills of demand dated 15 May 2020 from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (“RMCD”) amounting to RM180,105,596.86 for excise duty in respect of periods from 1 November 2016 to 31 October 2019.


180 units of the 2022 Honda Civic RS e:HEV delivered, this man is the first owner

Honda Malaysia recently held a ceremony at Honda authorized dealer, MH Prestige Auto Sdn. Bhd. to honour the first owner of the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS, Mr. Chin Kok Fung.
As a token of appreciation, Mr. Chin Kok Fung received Honda Accessories and Official Honda Merchandise worth RM4,000 from Honda Malaysia.
Also read: 2022 Honda Civic RS e:HEV hybrid launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 167k, 315 Nm, Key Card


Owner Review: The different choice, My 2022 Proton Iriz Active

Basic information about my car:
2022 Proton Iriz Active
Reasons why I bought this car:


Cyclists hogging main roads will be fined up to RM 1,000

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has announced that they will be taking action on cyclists caught riding on the main roads. The rider will be fined up to RM 1,000 or jailed for not more than 3 months.
Cycling is a sport that has been growing in popularity in Malaysia. But as the popularity for cycling grew, PDRM has also been receiving more complains about cyclists causing congestion on main roads.


2025 XV80 Toyota Camry could get turbo power for the first time ever

Current XV70 Camry shown

Now it its 6th year of production, the current-generation XV70 Toyota Camry is a little long in the tooth. Moreover, the Camry’s fiercest rival, the Honda Accord, was given a new generation model in late-2022.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the development project is codenamed 380D and the upcoming D-segment sedan will be a Major Minor Change, or MMC in short. MMC in Toyota’s terms mean that the XV80 Camry will be an extensively updated model, not a full model change (FMC).
As such, the XV80 Camry will still be underpinned by the TNGA-K platform as the outgoing model, though dimensions have yet to be revealed.


The tent on this Mitsubishi Triton camper literally blows

The Mitsubishi Triton is a capable pick-up truck all things considered. In fact, we think it handles the most car-like among its rivals and yet, it can still be at ease off-road.

For those off-roading warriors who also enjoy a day in the great outdoors, Mitsubishi Motors Germany has just the perfect solution by offering a camper option on the Triton, which is sold as the L200. In collaboration with GentleTent, the pick-up camper merely adds on a large inflatable tent on the roof.


10 - 16-June Fuel Price Update: RON 97 up 2 sen, RON 95, diesels maintain

Another week and it's time for the weekly fuel price update.
The fuel prices from 10 - 16-June 2021 is as below:

RON 95 – RM 2.05/litre
RON 97 – RM 2.65/litre (+RM 0.02)
Diesel Euro 5 B10/B20 – RM 2.15/litre
Diesel Euro 5 B7 – RM 2.25/litre


Watch this Mitsubishi Triton pull a load of over 19,000 kg!

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand decided to make a record-breaking run with the Mitsubishi Triton by showing off the pick-up truck’s towing capacity limit all in a video.
In the video, engineers used a Hino transporter truck that weights 14,500 kg with its badge blacked out.
The reason why a similar Mitsubishi Fuso truck is not used is because the Mitsubishi's heavy truck division Mitsubishi Fuso is now a subsidiary of Daimler.


2022 Toyota Veloz teased in the Philippines while Malaysia waits

Indo unit shown

Though the all-new front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2022 Toyota Avanza could likely be only offered in Malaysia as the more upmarket Veloz, some of our neighbours are offering both the Avanza and Veloz. Joining Indonesia and Vietnam is the Philippines as Toyota Motor Philippines has posted a teaser over the weekend.

The all-new Avanza was introduced in the Philippines last month (March 2022) with four variants offered priced from PHP 813,000 to PHP 1,039,000 (~RM 66k – RM 84k). Two engines are offered for the Filipino Avanza – the 1.3-litre 1NR-VE (98 PS/122 Nm) and the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE (106 PS/138 Nm).

Filipino Avanza shown

The smaller unit takes up the bulk of variants offered for the Filipino Avanza with 3 variants and buyers have a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a D-CVT automatic transmission. The bigger 1.5-litre engine is only paired to the D-CVT.
Also read: To stay ahead, the 2022 Toyota Avanza needs FWD and CVT


Why isn’t Proton accepting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto yet? The simple answer is user data

Proton’s GKUI has been a standard on most of its models since it was introduced on the X70 in 2018. As of May 2021, there are now 100,000 connected Proton cars in Malaysia, according to a statement from ACO Tech.

ACO Tech is a Malaysian-Chinese joint venture between Proton, Altel Communications, and ECarX (Hubei) Technology. The company is the brains behind the localised version of GKUI and is currently developing the Thai language version for the upcoming Thai-spec X50 and X70.


Owner Review: The call from Vahalla, bank account robbed by Valkyries, My Volvo XC40

MY LIFE WITH VOLVOS & THE XC40
By Mr Rational
I woke up one fine morning and told myself I deserved a nice little petrol-powered SUV as another daily driver. A convenient excuse, I know. Nothing more than RM6,000 for monthly payments. So I went out to look at the Mazda CX30 and CX5, trying very hard to ignore their relatively anaemic engine options, having been dead spoilt by the joy of a Golf Mk6—when it did not break down. Way within my budget but they both spoke not to me. Not even a whisper that could have perhaps cajoled a test drive. If there was no jinba-iitai when I sat stationary, why should I even care for a run around the block? I came back depressed.


New 2021 Kia Stinger facelift unveiled, Gran Turismo car came to life

Kia Motors Corporation has finally released the first images of the new 2021 Kia Stinger facelift! Gran Turismo fans would find the new Stinger very familiar-looking, that’s because designers have worked to amplify and enhance the Stinger players have been piloting in the game since 2018!
While the overall look of the new Stinger remains the same, it does get a new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights (DRL). The headlamps also get darker smoked out covers while the indicator is made up of 10 individual LED units arranged in a chequered flag pattern.
Kia has also upgraded the lamps on the Stinger’s rear end. You get a combination lamp display arranged in a new light signature pattern. It now extends the full width of the car while mimicking the subtle spoiler on the boot lid.


Railwaymen Union: KTM delays, 40 minute intervals due to 11 trains not in service

The Railwaymen Union of Malaysia claims that the reason for KTM’s constant train delays is due to the insufficient trains in service and irregular arrivals.
President Abdul Razak Md Hassan told the Malaysian Insight that commuters are forced to wait up to 40 minutes for a train when the train frequency should be every 10 minutes.

Railwaymen Union of Malaysia President Abdul Razak Md Hassan

He further revealed to the news portal that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) currently only have 25 trains in service. Meanwhile, 11 more trains are not in service as they need to be overhauled since they have exceeded the set mileage.


30-Dec 2021 to 5-Jan 2022 Fuel Price Update: RON 97 up 1 sen, RON 95 & diesel remain

This is it, the last fuel price update for 2021 as we head into the New Year. Fuel prices from 30-December to 5-January 2022 will be as follow:

RON95 – RM 2.05/litre (RM 0.00)
RON97 – RM 3.00/litre (+RM 0.01)
Diesel Euro 5 B10/B20 – RM 2.15/litre (RM 0.00)
Diesel Euro 5 B7 – RM 2.25/litre (RM 0.00)


BMW and partners: No true circular economy without better waste management in Malaysia

There is no sustainability if there is no business to be made from waste, and there is money to made from waste. What’s lacking is the necessary enforcement of environmental regulations and establishing the necessary framework for such recycling businesses to thrive – this was the conclusion of a inaugural roundtable discussion hosted by Pentas Flora at KL Wellness City in Bukit Jalil.
Pentas Flora is BMW Group Malaysia’s waste management partner responsible for collection and refining of waste engine oils and lubricants, turning the waste material into re-refined eco base oil (EBO).
This is part of BMW Group Malaysia’s RE:GENERATE programme to establish a circular economy for its local operations. The goal is to achieve 100 percent participation in repurposing used oils and lubricants from all BMW dealers nationwide.


Review: CKD 2022 Kia Carnival - For the boss or for the family? Why not both?

Technically the 2022 Kia Carnival (KA4) sits uncontested in Malaysia. Well yes it's an MPV, with lots of seats and a couple of sliding doors, but it's the only one you can buy new in its price range that's built solely for the people-carrying business that's not a sanitised version of a commercial van.

The 11-seater Carnival that marked the Korean brand's re-entry into Malaysia

We already love the 11-seater, Korean-imported (CBU) variant that came to Malaysia first. It's far more difficult to sieve the negatives in the locally-assembled (CKD Kulim, Kedah) 7- and 8-seaters, as you'll discover if you do the decent thing and carry on reading.

2022 Kia Carnival Price in Malaysia

Variant
Price

CBU 11-seater
RM 196,340.80

CKD 8-seater Mid
RM 231,228.80

CKD 8-seater High
RM 247,228.80

CKD 7-seater High
RM 261,228.80

Exterior: Slab-sided no more


Myvi driver waving stick in viral video arrested again, this time for vehicle theft!

Bullying wasn’t the only thing that the white Perodua Myvi driver, who was caught on camera brake checking other road users and waving a stick out the car window, is in trouble for. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has also arrested the driver for vehicle theft.
According to a report by Bernama, the 31-year-old man was arrested once again in Kuala Selangor yesterday and will be remanded for three days until Sunday.


2021 Perodua Myvi facelift: What improvements are needed?

The Myvi is now reaching the 4-year-old mark

Let’s face it, the Perodua Myvi is due for a mid-life update soon. Perodua introduced the model in late-2017 and it received its first ‘running change’ last year, in which the popular B-segment hatchback received the improved ASA 2.0 AEB suite (up from the first-gen ASA 1.0) and a new Electric Blue colour.
While the updated ASA 2.0 AEB suite is sufficient to keep it ahead of the Proton Iriz (which still does not offer this feature), there are still areas where the Myvi can be improved upon.
Let’s take a closer look and see what Perodua needs to address in the upcoming Perodua Myvi facelift.
What about a more comprehensive ADAS suite?


Pros and Cons: 2022 VW Tiguan Allspace - Big driving talents, but less so on space

As the sole SUV in Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)'s line-up, boy does the 2022 VW Tiguan Allspace has its work cut out for it.

As we explained in the review of the mid-range Elegance, it's a model that not only has to fend off people shopping for competitors, but also attract those who'd love an SUV but don't quite necessarily need 7 seats.


The Honda HR-V’s crash test result is poorer than a Proton X50? Here’s why

Regardless of whether you are in China or in Malaysia, both the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 (also known as the Geely Binyue) are immensely well-received.
As impressive as their on-paper specifications may be, the burning question is: which one fares better in a crash test?


Be wary of hidden charges when buying a used car!

Buying a used car can net you quite a fair bit in savings, as depreciation is a painful reality for new car buyers.
But ask anyone who has recently purchased a used car and the general consensus is the same – the listed price isn’t always the same as the price they paid.


Another day, another flying Perodua Myvi spotted; Jumps divider and landed on steep slope

Social media users were treated to an amusing sight as a white Perodua Myvi was spotted resting on top of a steep slope in various viral videos. The incident allegedly took place near the Royal Military Police Corps Training Centre (PULAPOT) in Kuala Lumpur.
The video was first uploaded by TikTok user @tankeryrvoverboost on 21-September-2021. The uploader explained that he personally witnessed the Myvi jumping the divider and ploughed up the slope.
Also read: Flying car in 2021 achieved! This is proof that Perodua Myvi can fly!


Audi A4 Schedule To Be Renovated In 2020

Audi has announced a substantial renovation of its entire A4 Range by 2020. A new style of A4 will be introduced in 2020, along with that also updated interiors and new information entertainment systems.

The overall appearance has been greatly refreshed. The headlights and Taillights have been redesigned. With the erratic lower notch removed, the recast single-frame grille setting has a longer shape forming a fluent contour. Lower fascia’s corner vents get vertically-themed orientation. Significant changes in other components are the exhaust port and the lower mirror.
The new generation provides three distinctive exterior standard colour for customers to select, including Basic, Advanced, and S line. In addition, a new colour called Terra Gray is also available for this model.


50,983 units of Toyota Alphard and Vellfire recalled, recond models from 2017 onwards affected

A cumulative 50,983 units of the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire (model years 2017 - 2021) have been recalled in Japan for problems related to the car's auto stop-start feature.
Depending on chassis number, reconditioned Japanese-import vehicles could be affected. We checked with UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), who confirmed that officially-imported Malaysian-spec cars are not affected.

Top to bottom: Malaysian-spec VINs start with JT, with Japan-spec ones begin with AGH/GGH

This is because these officially-imported cars have been adapted for local driving conditions, and as such uses slightly different parts. The reconditioned cars and Malaysian-spec ones are different enough to warrant different vehicle identification number (VIN), or chassis codes.


BMW M3 police car isn’t a movie prop after all, but it’s still not a police car. Here’s why

Yesterday, photos of a BMW M3 police car started circulating online much to the excitement of fans. But various media reported that the BMW M3 is not a real police car but a movie prop. Now, we have confirmation that the car was indeed commissioned by the police but this doesn’t mean the M3 is a real police car. Yet.
So, why exactly did the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) decide to give the BMW M3 a police uniform? Think of the M3 as a concept car of sorts.

Yes, the BMW M3 police car is merely a proof of concept and will not be an active-duty police car.


Suzuki Jimny to launch in Malaysia in H2 2021, regular Swift on the cards

Naza Eastern Motors, the newly-appointed distributor for Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, has mentioned that they will be launching another model by H2 2021, which we believe to be the Suzuki Jimny. It could be joined by the regular Suzuki Swift next year.

Naza Group CEO for Automotive Division Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan

"We will bring in another model, which is a very popular model within the Suzuki range," Naza Group CEO for Automotive Division Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan told The Edge. He did not elaborate on the model, but the said model could be the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny.
Also Read: RM 200k Suzuki Jimny sold out in Thailand, what about Malaysia?


This rare Honda NSX-R can be yours if you have at least RM 1.7 million

The Type R badge is certainly a legend from Honda with roots that date back to the first NSX-R in the early 1990s. That legacy continued on with the Civic Type R, Integra Type R, and the little-known Accord Type R.

That being said, the NSX-R is truly one of the greatest Honda cars, if not one of the best to bear the red Type R badge. One of these rare beasts will be going under the hammer at an auction in Japan. The starting price? JPY 45 million (~RM 1.7 million) before taxes but it is expected to rise further given its rarity.


Goodyear Malaysia under fire for mistreating foreign staff

Foreign workers at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co Malaysian factory have filed complaints accusing the American tyre company of various mistreatments. The complaints include unpaid wages, unlawful overtime, and threats to foreign workers.
Reuters reports that six current and former foreign workers alleged that Goodyear made wrongful salary deductions, required excessive hours, denied workers full access to their passports.
An interview with Malaysia’s labour department confirms that it had fined Goodyear in 2020 for overworking and underpaying foreign employees.


Furious goldsmith tips over robbers’ Honda CR-V with his Toyota Camry

The common reaction after a person was robbed was to call the police, but this goldsmith shop owner did the complete opposite by chasing down the robbers in his Toyota Camry instead. The chase ended with the robbers’ Honda CR-V turning turtle.
In the incident that happened at around 10.15 am on 16-February-2022, after he was robbed at a petrol station, the Camry owner decided to chase down the group of five armed robbers who were driving a Perodua Myvi and a Honda CR-V.

According to a report by Harian Metro, all five robbers first escaped with three bags of jewellery, a handphone, cash, and personal documents of the 50-year-old victim.


The Honda CR-V was once sold in the Philippines as a 10-seater to get tax rebates

When you think of a people carrier that seats 8 or more, the first cars that come to mind would be the Toyota Innova, Hyundai Starex, or maybe the Mazda Biante. Bet you never imagined the Honda CR-V would fit in this category but a 10-seater option was offered in the Philippines nearly 20 years ago.

The tale of how Honda shoved in 5 more seats into the SUV is a tale of cunning genius by Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI). As told by AutoIndustriya, the 10-seater CR-V was scorned by many rivals in the Filipino automotive industry that it was nicknamed the “10-cheater” but it also inadvertently brought a downfall to a unique Filipino automotive culture.


The WiLL Vi, a weird Toyota made for Japanese youths that no one bought

Throughout automotive history, there have been a few notable flops. There’s the Ford Edsel, the DeLorean, and the Mercedes-Benz Maybach (not the current one). So, you might think that the Japanese don’t have a failure as huge as those, right?

Who thought this was a good idea?

Well, sorry to burst your bubble but the Japanese car industry isn’t entirely perfect as you might think. Certainly, some of their models do hold a candle when it comes to resale value, and you can’t help but be amazed at even their weirdest cars.
Also read: A Honda Civic holds 2x better value than a Fluence? Which C-segment sedan is the resale value king?


Toyota Raize’s new body scores big at JNCAP

The JNCAP has rated the Toyota Raize’s rigid DNGA platform with 5 stars in the collision safety performance evaluation. The Raize managed to achieve the top rank even though JNCAP has revised their collision safety performance evaluation criteria.
The new Raize is the first compact car built on Daihatsu’s DNGA platform. Daihatsu and Toyota created the platform with a goal of providing car passengers with the best driving performance, luxury, safety, and peace of mind.


All-new Honda CR-V launched in China price equal to RM 120k onwards; About 4% more expensive than before

The all-new sixth-generation Honda CR-V is finally on sale in China, and just as reported earlier only the 1.5-litre turbocharged guise with a choice of 5-seats or 7-seats are available for purchase for now. The hybrid (e:HEV) and plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) versions will only be launched in the first quarter of next year.

Available in seven variants, prices for the CR-V start from CNY 185,900 (~RM 120,000) for the entry-level Active variant and tops off at CNY 249,900 (~RM 162,000) for the range-topping Honour variant.


Own a Ford Ranger? Here’s how you can get 2-year free service courtesy of SDAC-Ford

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is offering a 2-year free service package to new customers of selected Ford Ranger WildTrak and XLT Plus models, while stocks last.

The 2-year free service deal is applicable for 2021 Ranger WildTrak and XLT Plus models only and is available now on a first come, first served basis.


EVs could catch fire days after crash, and keep reigniting for up to a week

Photo

As we transition from internal combustion engine to full-electric cars, a common concern for most would be the infrastructure support, i.e., number of charging stations available. But there is another area of concern – EVs may catch fire days after a crash and take more days to be fully extinguished.

Not as straightforward as this anymore.
Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Challenges of battery fires
According to the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe (CFPA-Europe), the batteries in electric and hybrid cars present numerous challenges from the emergency services’ perspective.
Individual cells in lithium-ion batteries can be damaged in an accident, causing a build-up of heat which then spreads from cell-to-cell. This event is called thermal runaway. It is a chain reaction that can be rather difficult to stop once started.


Google says Honda is Malaysia’s most searched car brand of 2021, not Perodua

Perodua might be the king of sales in Malaysia in 2021 and the Perodua Myvi holds the title as the country’s best-selling car for the umpteenth time but over on the web, Honda is the country’s most searched car brand of 2021.

Click on the image to check the full map

This is according to Google Trends data which analyses the top searched vehicle brands for 154 countries on Google in 2021. Just like prior years, Australian insurance comparison site, Compare the Market has created a map that showcases which vehicle brands were most searched in each location.


Proton extends warranty for its pre-owned cars, up to 12 months or 25,000 km

To provide additional peace of mind to buyers of used Proton vehicles, national car maker Proton will provide a one-year extended warranty for all Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) vehicles.
With immediate effect, all PCPO vehicles sold via Proton authorised used car outlets are eligible for the PCPO Extended Warranty Program (PCPO-EW) that is underwritten by Allianz General Insurance.


Party with the Peugeot 2008 at the WapCar Auto Show at Bukit Jalil

If you’re looking for a small SUV with some French flair, then turn your attention to the 2022 Peugeot 2008. The SUV is currently holding a party at the WapCar Auto Show Exhibition happening this weekend at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Launched earlier this year, the B-segment SUV goes up against rivals like the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru XV, and Mazda CX-30.


Geely delivers 30 units of the Geely Jiaji to Chinese police department

Geely recently delivered 30 units of the Geely Jiaji to the Gouyang County Public Security Bureau in Anhui in a small handover ceremony.

The Geely Jiaji police vehicles will assist the Guoyang County police to maintain public order and upkeep peace.


Old vs New: Just how different the 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI is from the pre-facelift?

The changes are frankly mild outside...
...but it's not quite as mild inside
Do you accept the change or not?

The 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI (facelift) is unveiled and while there may be little controversy outside with a regular-looking kidney grille, this being a BMW in the 2020s mean that there are some changes that might be a bit of an oversight on the Bavarian automaker.

Despite the world coming to accept crossovers, the 3 Series is still one of BMW’s best-selling models. In Malaysia, for instance, the 3er contributed 28 percent of BMW cars’ sales figures in 2021, so it’s quite an important model.


Liberty Mutual to take over AmGeneral to become Malaysia’s largest motor insurer

Boston-based Liberty Mutual is seeking to acquire Malaysian insurer, AmGeneral Insurance Berhad. AmGeneral is currently 51%-owned by AmBank Group and 49%-owned by Insurance Australia Group (IAG).
The combined entity will become the largest motor insurer and second-largest general insurer in Malaysia based off 2020 data. AmGeneral offers insurance services under the AmAssurance and Kurnia brands.


D27A 2022 Perodua Alza launched in Malaysia, RM 62.5k to RM 75.5k, 1.5L with D-CVT

After weeks of teasing, Perodua has officially launched the D27A all-new 2022 Perodua Alza in Malaysia. Since bookings were opened on 30-June, Perodua has received over 30,000 bookings for its latest 7-seater MPV, its highest ever booking.
Three variants are available, namely the Alza 1.5 X, Alza 1.5 H, and Alza 1.5 AV.
Here are the starting prices of all 3 variants:


Owner Review:  Into 23, (Ni-San), from Almera to Almera. My 2020 NISSAN ALMERA TURBO

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my/

Basic information about my car:
2020, NISSAN , ALMERA TURBO 1.0. VLT , RM91K


LHD 2021 Honda City Hatchback to launch in the Philippines this year

After making its global debut in Thailand in 2020 and slated to enter Indonesia in a couple of days, the 2021 Honda City Hatchback is also bound to enter the Philippines sometime this year.
Left-hand drive (LHD) City Hatch

Sonic Grey Pearl is a colour we desperately want

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) president Masahiko Nakamura confirmed the news in a recent interview with Philippines media.


2023 Mercedes-Benz A200, A250 4Matic sedan facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM 238k

Three new Mercedes-Benz compact cars dawn upon us today, headlined by the Malaysian launch of this duo: the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A200, and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line, both in sedan bodystyle.

Prices start from RM 238,888 for the A200, to an estimated RM 264,000 (pending government approval, CKD cars entitled to excise tax rebates depending on local content value) for the A250. Both are locally-assembled (CKD Pekan) as before.


UMW Group delivered 25k cars in July 2022 - Chip shortage easing, massive order bank to drive sales

The UMW Group, made of UMW Toyota Motor and associate company, Perodua, rounded off a strong month of sales in July, with 24,983 units delivered.
The lion’s share of that figure was of course contributed by Perodua. Sales across Perodua and Toyota for July 2022 are as follows:

Perodua: 18,346 units
Toyota: 6,637 units

Also read: UMW Toyota registers 35% higher sales as of June 2022, Toyota Veloz to launch soon


Why the 2020 Volvo S60 CKD isn’t cheaper than the CBU model


Honda HR-V's Sept 2022 sales in Thailand is weakest as Corolla Cross sold nearly 4x more

After a strong momentum in July which saw the Honda HR-V achieving its best sales figure in 2022 and overtaking the Toyota Corolla Cross in overall sales up to then, it would see a dip in sales culminating in its weakest sales figures of the year so far in September. The shortfall is due to shortage in semiconductor parts affecting production and deliveries.

Credit

According to the latest Thai sales data, the Honda HR-V slipped three spots from July to place fourth in September sales with only 497 units sold that month.


After Mi Robot, a driverless Xiaomi electric car will soon be a reality

It’s official, a Xiaomi car will soon be made and yes, it will carry the Xiaomi name. The smartphone giant established Xiaomi Automobiles Co. Ltd with a registered capital of CNY 10 billion (about RM 6.4 billion).
The announcement was made via Xiaomi Group’s official Weibo page. The post also announced that brand founder Lei Jun will be leading the new Xiaomi Automobiles unit.

The Xiaomi Automobile team

Xiaomi also revealed that the company has received overwhelming support from enthusiasts since it announced that they are stepping into the automotive industry. The company received over 20,000 job applications since March and more are still rolling in.


CARSOME hedging on trust and transparency ahead of all else leaves a positive customer experience

“If you have a gun with a single bullet and you’re locked in a room with a snake and a used car salesman, shoot the salesman.” We’ve all heard some cheap shots at the used car industry at some point or another, especially when you tell someone that you’re looking into purchasing a used car.
The issue is that the metrics behind the process of purchasing a used car are exactly that, metrics of numbers and figures. The price of the car, the interest rate of the loan, your credit score to qualify for said loan and even the monthly instalment… it’s all just a jumble of numbers that seal the deal.


All-new Toyota Corolla now open for booking

UMW Toyota Motor announced today that the All-New Toyota Corolla will be launched in Malaysia soon. Customers who wish to be the first to own the new sedan may place their orders at any authorised Toyota showroom nationwide starting today, 12th September 2019.
There will be two variants of the All-New Toyota Corolla Altis available – 1.8G and 1.8E and the estimated on the road price is RM136,888 and RM128,888, respectively.
The vehicle has been completely redesigned and re-engineered using the TNGA – Toyota’s New Global Architecture that have better performance, superior driving dynamics and comfort to meet today’s customers’ expectations.


All-new Isuzu D-Max launched in Thailand

Isuzu Thailand has just taken the wraps off the all-new D-Max, just a week after teasing the all-new pickup truck.

From the exterior, the all-new Isuzu D-Max gets a redesigned front fascia, incorporating a massive front grille with the Isuzu nameplate sitting right on top. Depending on the variant, the front grille is finished either in matte black (D-Max V-Cross), black with chrome (D-Max 2- & 4-door) or grey (D-Max Spark).


Used Toyota Innova in Malaysia; a comfortable MPV with up to 8 seats, yours from RM 80k

  Pre-facelift Innova 2.0X

For the uncompromisable need of ferrying a large family, few do the job better than 7 seaters. New ones are coming – think the Proton X90 and upcoming Toyota Innova Zenix in Malaysia – but if you're eyeing for second-hand ones, there's deals to be had too.
Perhaps none better than the used 2017 - 2021 Toyota Innova that's our focus this week. Prices for it now range between RM 80k to RM 120k, making for a viable contender especially when you consider its trump card: most variants of it can seat 8 adults comfortably.


Video: 2021 Aston Martin DBX 4.0T Review in Malaysia, For 007, wife & kids

It's no secret that SUVs are the flavour of the moment. Almost every carmaker has jumped on to the bandwagon - not just Aston Martin but also Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce (and people used to laugh at the Porsche Cayenne).


After Xiaomi and Huawei, Oppo too is jumping into the automotive scene!

Image credit: Edon Guraziu

Another mobile company is looking to jump into the pool of the automotive business. This time it is Oppo that will be taking the dive. Word is that the company already has a division set up in Chengdu, China to develop their first autonomous vehicle.
But hold your horses, Oppo has yet to confirm the news due to China's tightening on smart technology business. However, the company’s CEO Tony Chen has previously expressed his deep desire for the company to move into the automotive space and excelling beyond other car companies as well.

Oppo CEO Tony Chen

What is left to be decided is whether Oppo would like to take Xiaomi’s example and build their own car, or take Huawei’s example and acquire a company instead.
Chinese website XiuXiuShai reports that Chen, along with an army of Oppo heads, has already met with Tesla’s supplier and battery maker CATL.


Closer Look: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift - E300 worth the RM 49k premium?

About a month ago, the W213 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift was launched in Malaysia, with two variants on offer – E200 Avantgarde and E300 AMG Line, priced at RM 326,943 and RM 375,432 respectively (OTR sans insurance and SST).

Now, let’s take a closer look at both the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E200 and E300.


Smart #1 on track for Malaysian introduction in Q3 2023; bringing dedicated sales and service network, more EV chargers

The Smart #1 electric vehicle (EV) will be among the tens of models heading into Malaysia this year, and a recent media briefing with the team behind the brand, Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), has revealed some progress updates.

  #1s at an European port, awaiting delivery

Work is underway, and Pro-Net mentioned that the smart #1 is on track for its Malaysian premiere in Q3 2023, which is a good few months ahead of the Q4 timeline offered last year.
In preparation, the company has been expanding its talent pool in preparation of the brand's upcoming marketing campaigns, as well as building up office spaces, and are in the midst of establishing a sales and service network.


People in Thailand queued overnight for BYD Atto 3, just like for iPhones

The BYD Atto 3 went on sale in Thailand from 1-November and during the night before, queues were formed outside of BYD showrooms.

Photo

A buyer, Mr Panithan, told Blink Drive that he had to take a flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok in order to book the Atto 3. The BYD dealership in Chiang Rai only accepted full payment in cash due to limited allocations (reportedly 5,000 nationwide). To finance the Atto 3, he flew to the showroom in Bangkok.
He said that the first person who queued at the BYD showroom in Bangkok arrived at 8 p.m. The queue began forming past midnight after 1 a.m. and there were more than 30 people by 4 a.m.


Review: Same price as Vios G, we take a trip to Teluk Intan to see if the Nissan Almera is still competitive in 2023

I absolutely despise the previous generation Nissan Almera. It wasn’t a bad car in terms of comfort and reliability but the N17 Almera is pathetic in every other aspect. I hate the way it looks, the way it drives, and the fact that so many Malaysians bought one in its near decade of existence.

  The Sunny on the left might look battered on the outside but it still runs

So when the replacement to the modern-day equivalent of the Datsun Sunny was introduced in 2020, the N18 Nissan Almera experienced a massive glow-up. It went from a car with so many faults to one with so few.


Check out Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s elaborate CNY video!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s 30 second Chinese New Year video, titled World of CNY, might look like a set of elaborate CGI effects, but in reality, the video is produced by the art of Chinese paper cuttings!

Every piece of paper cutting that made up the red world in the video was meticulously hand-crafted from a team of highly skilled paper cutting artisans.


What the Corolla Altis lost to the Civic, the Toyota Corolla Cross will recover from the HR-V

The Toyota Corolla Altis has seen better days. Sales is faltering not just in Malaysia but also in Thailand, where Big T reigns supreme.

Image: Aounrangsit Taxi Company

Even after accounting for the Corolla Altis’ sizeable fleet sales to Bangkok’s iconic taxi companies, more than half of Thailand’s C-segment sedan market is still dominated by the Honda Civic.

Even without taxi sales, Honda Civic sold 2x (cumulative sales, 2020) as much as the Corolla Altis in Thailand, the region's biggest market for the Corolla Altis

That's a big change from 20 years ago, when the Corolla Altis was the dominant sedan of the early 2000s. The Corolla Altis was a car that everyone young and old would covet after. The ‘Break Into Style’ TV commercial featuring Brad Pitt with Ricky Martin’s Shake Your Bon Bon soundtrack was a massive hit across Asia.


This lorry driver was caught driving in the wrong direction and his excuse was…

We’ve seen several cars driving in the wrong direction by now, but we have yet to hear about a heavy-duty lorry doing so. But a few days ago, a video of a lorry driving in the wrong direction in Port Klang went viral and the logistics company that owns the lorry has now issued an apology and explanation.

In the video, the dashcam footage caught the lorry speeding in the wrong direction on one of Port Klang’s narrow two-lane highways. Thankfully, the lorry was unloaded and the driver can be seen flashing his headlights and honking to warn other drivers of its presence.
Swift Logistics, the company that owns the lorry, has taken swift action by issuing an official apology and also an explanation about the incident.


Ford dealership in Ara Damansara wins award for Best Overall Outlet in Malaysia

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, announced that its Ford dealership outlet in Ara Damansara has won the award for Best Overall Outlet at the SDAC-Ford National Dealer Convention 2021.
The award recognises SDAC-Ford Ara Damansara’s commitment to delivering on overall sales and after sales performance despite the challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic.


2021 Honda Civic prototype debuts next week, Malaysia launch in the same year?

Although we've seen it coming, we hardly expected it to happen so soon - Honda will be debuting the 2022 Honda Civic prototype online on 17-November 2020.

In line with the world's new normal, the unveiling will be streamed via Honda's Twitch channel, Honda Head2Head. The launch will take place on 17-November, 10:45 pm.


Proton Saga breaks its own sales records in June 2020, highest number sold since 2014!

Proton is on a roll as they follow their sales success in May 2020 with yet another healthy number in June 2020. Other than that, the Proton Saga also broke its own monthly sale record with the highest numbers sold since August 2014.
Proton recorded 9,623 units sold in June 2020. This number is the second-highest the brand recorded in 2020 and a growth of 69.5 percent over May 2020.


Leaked! This is how the interior of the 11th gen 2022 Honda Civic will look like

Previously, we reported on leaked patent images of the 11th generation Honda Civic in both its sedan and hatchback form. Now more patent images have surfaced and we get our first look at the car’s interior and exterior details as well.

Interior

From what we can make out on the dashboard, the next-generation Civic  looks like there will be special trim running across the passenger side of the dashboard.


Toyo Proxes Sport 2 (UHP), Open Country A/T III tyres now in Malaysia; new and improved for the discerning driver

A generational change from the old to the new is just as integral to tyres as they are to cars. No different then are the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 range of ultra high performance (UHP) tyres, newly launched in Malaysia and boasting notable improvements all-around.

Right off the bat, the new Proxes Sport 2 promises precise handling and exceptional wet grip; two key features that set it apart from its predecessor.


2022 Toyota Camry facelift to launch in Malaysia on 17-Feb; registration of interest open

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the launch date of the 2022 Toyota Camry facelift in Malaysia, and it's slated to take place on 17-February 2022.

Registration of interest for the model is now open too. The Honda Accord competitor's exact specifications are still under wraps, but at least one important detail is clear: under the hood sits the much vaunted 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine (209 PS / 250 Nm) and 8-speed automatic transmission powertrain.


Video: 2019 Perodua Myvi Advance 1.5L review, see why it's the best car ever

The Perodua Myvi Advance is one of the few cars that have the ability to appeal to buyers from all walks of life. From fresh grads to highly accomplished chief executives, the love for the Perodua Myvi knows no bounds.
Over 1 million Myvis has left the production floors since the car was unveiled to the public in May 2005. It's not hard to see why the Perodua Myvi Advance can capture the hearts of most, if not all, Malaysians.

The Myvi Advance has always offered superb value for its price as well as a spacious interior with bulletproof reliability. As an everyday car getting from point A to B, the Myvi checks all the right boxes. Besides, why would you need anything more than a Myvi?


EV-R,  EV for Rakyat to launch two CKD Chinese mini EVs with over 200 km range in Malaysia, Myvi-like price

  Not the actual EV-R model, image for illustration only

There are almost 20 battery EV models currently on sale in Malaysia. The best-selling EV model in Malaysia is the BMW iX, which starts from RM 403.8k, with extended warranty and service package. The cheapest model however, is the China-made Ora Good Cat, priced at RM 139,800 for the entry 48 kWh / 400 km range (NEDC) variant.
None of these cars are priced low enough to make battery EVs mainstream, thus explains the public's perception that EV are impractical rich man’s toys.
According to documents sighted by WapCar.my, a Malaysian company called EVR (M) Sdn Bhd. has secured the rights to locally assemble (CKD) and distribute two affordable Chinese mini EVs in Malaysia, with rights to export the cars to other ASEAN countries.

  Image for illustration only, not the actual EV-R model for Malaysia

The localized Chinese models will carry the EV-R brand, short for EV for Rakyat, or people’s EV. The said company is now deliberating between two contract assemblers to produce the CKD EVs.


Japan subways introduce ingenuous floating seats that disappears to help ease 'sardine'-like train situations during peak hours

To help ease Japan's well-known ‘sardine’ situation in its subways, the country’s authorities have introduced several measures throughout the years. And their latest effort is this new contraption that features retracting seats in their new trains.
The unique seating feature is available on Japan railway’s 5000 series train that is run by rail operator Keihan Railways.


All-new 2020 Isuzu D-Max begins export; Australia first, Europe to follow

Isuzu Motors Limited has announced that export of their popular pick-up truck, the Isuzu D-Max has begun. The D-Max will be assembled at Isuzu’s plant in Thailand and exported to Australia first before proceeding sequentially to countries across the world.
It has been almost a year since Isuzu introduced the all-new 2020 Isuzu D-Max pick-up at the Bangkok Motor Expo. Since then, the D-Max has maintained its status as the top-ranking pick-up in Thailand receiving many accolades like 2019 Most Popular Pick-up Truck and more.


Future Geely models to be closer to Volvo’s, but Proton might lose out – here’s why

Last week, Geely Auto, not to be confused with parent company Geely Holding which owns the Volvo Car Group, announced that it will no longer merge with Volvo Car. Instead, both Geely Auto and Volvo Car will remain separate (but still operating under the umbrella of Geely Holding), but will instead work together on specific electric vehicles- and driverless car-related projects.
In layman’s terms, it means that the Swedes at Volvo Cars and Chinese at Geely Auto will continue to do their own thing, only coming together for certain powertrain and driverless cars-related projects.

The fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge P8

It also means that Volvo’s unique Swedish identity will remain intact. There’s little need to merge Volvo Cars with Geely Auto because such an arrangement would’ve made the jointly-owned Lynk & Co brand redundant.


All-new fourth-generation Kia Carnival global debut; Bigger and safer than ever

Kia is gearing up for an exciting year end, not only will they be launching the recently revealed facelifted Kia Stinger, but the fourth generation 2020 Kia Carnival has also officially made its global debut. The all-new Carnival not only offers more space and safety tech, but it is also more tech-laden than ever!
Though not as sporty as before, the Kia Carnival does still offer an aggressive presence on the road. The new Kia tiger-nose design now spans the width of the vehicle while stylish LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and headlamps combined to give the MPV a futuristic look.


The Daihatsu Rocky is more expensive than the Toyota Raize, why?

Surprising as it may sound, selected variants of the Daihatsu Rocky are actually more expensive than the Toyota Raize in Japan.

Prices start from JPY 1.705 million for the entry-level Daihatsu Rocky 1.0 L variant, JPY 26,000 more than the equivalent (entry-level) Raize 1.0 X variant, which is priced from JPY 1.679 million.


New Mercedes-AMG E63 facelift, upgraded 4Matic+ AWD

The AMG variant of the facelifted W213 Mercedes-Benz E Class is finally here. With improved aerodynamics and comfort, the new AMG E63 sits in the league of big powerful saloons like the BMW M5. The estate version of the AMG E63 rubs shoulders with the V8 Twin Turbo Audi RS6. Both the AMG E63 and Audi RS6 are capable of 0 – 100km/h times of under 4 seconds.
The V8 twin scroll bi-turbo remains
The new AMG E63 retains the V8 twin scroll bi-turbo 4.0 L engine. Producing 612 PS of maximum power and 850 Nm of maximum torque, the AMG version of the E63 produces 41 PS more power and 100 Nm more torque than the base Mercedes-Benz E63. The power and torque figures of the AMG E63 are available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine is paired with AMG Speedshift MCT 9-Speed Transmission.


2020 Perodua Bezza: Less than RM 3,200 to maintain it over 5 years/100,000 km


New 2023 Honda City facelift leaked, gets Civic-inspired looks, March debut likely

News surrounding the upcoming 2023 Honda City facelift have been circulating for more than a month, but that was with said B-segment sedan heavily camouflaged.

And now, we have our first good look at Honda’s upcoming refreshed sedan, courtesy of a set of leaked photos from Autocar India and Headlightmag.


Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200 - Is the base baby S-Class good enough or well above its weight?

Often regarded as the baby S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been considered one of the best mid-size executive sedans on the market. The 2022 W206 C-Class continues that tag but in an age where SUVs and crossovers are more in demand, just how well can the venerable sedan cope?

While the Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde is considered the entry variant of the W206 that’s offered in Malaysia, there’s nothing base about this RM 287,888 executive sedan.


22 - 28 April 2021 Fuel Price Update: RON 97 up by 4 sen, others remain

Another week and it's time for the weekly fuel price update. This time around, RON 97 sees a 4 sen increase while RON 95 and diesel prices remain.
The fuel prices from 22 - 28 April 2021 will be as follows:

RON 95 – RM 2.05/litre
RON 97 – RM 2.58/litre (+RM 0.04)
Diesel Euro 2M – RM 2.15/litre
Diesel Euro 5 – RM 2.25/litre


Pros and Cons: 2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue - loads of good stuff, but not Triton-level comfort

The 2020 Toyota Hilux's name is just like Colgate to toothpaste; ubiquitous and usually the default option.

But is it really? The facelifted model which was launched in October brought it with the new range-topping Rogue variant and a price bump. Is it still worth it against long-standing rivals like the 2020 Mitsubishi Triton and 2020 Ford Ranger? Let's weigh in.


Malaysia-bound Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro now CKD in Indonesia; launching there in Oct

The 2022 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro – both SUVs earmarked for a Malaysian introduction in the near future – are now assembled in Indonesia (CKD) at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor plant in Bekasi, West Java.

PT Chery Sales Indonesia targets to produce 240 units first before the pair of SUVs go on sale there in October. "With the start of these Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro local assembly, we'd like to boost our customers' confidence on Chery's commitment to Indonesia," said Tao Yong, President Director of PT Chery Sales Indonesia.


Owner Review: The one and only Korean Coupe! My 2008 Hyundai Coupe FL2

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my/

Basic information about my car:
Hyundai Coupe FL2 2.0 aka Tiburon or Tuscani (Year 2008)


Indonesia to launch 2021 Hyundai Palisade - pricier than Mercedes-Benz GLA 200!

Hyundai is on a roll lately, making some nice cars - look at how the newly-launched in Malaysia 2021 Hyundai Elantra makes segment rivals' designs feel archaic. In Indonesia, they've just added a new model to their line-up: the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, now open for booking ahead of its January launch there.

Scheduled to be officially launched in Indonesia in January 2021, the 7-seat SUV is available in three variants. The variants and prices start are as below:


Honda explains how the 2021 Honda HR-V's A/C vents work like an air curtain to keep you cool

The all-new 2021 Honda HR-V's interior has been the topic of conversation ever since the model launched because it - just like the equally-new 2022 Honda Civic's - is miles simpler compared to its predecessor.

Comparison article between this and the previous-gen is linked at the end of this article

But these tweaks are beyond skin deep, as Honda Europe shows us.
New Air Diffusion System


Recap of the RMK-12; All you need to know regarding the automotive sector

During the reading of the 12th Malaysia Plan, or Rancangan Malaysia Ke-12 (RMK-12), at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed a few changes that will directly affect the automotive sector. Here’s a brief recap.

To achieve its carbon-neutral goal by 2050, the government plans to introduce a new carbon policy and carbon tax by 2022. Read more about it here.
Putrajaya has started a study to identify mechanisms in phasing out old vehicles in a sustainable manner. This means that the government is relooking at the idea of introducing a vehicle end-of-life (ELV) policy previously mooted in 2009.

Proposal to include extra benefits such as zero-rated import and excise duties and sales tax for the purchase of electric vehicles (EV). The government has also suggested the zero-road tax incentive be applied to fully-imported (CBU) EVs.
An energy-efficient driving programme to be made mandatory for all driving licence classes in Malaysia. The programme will teach drivers how to drive in an environmentally-conscious manner.
To scale up the use of palm oil-based biodiesel from the current B7 and B10 biodiesel to B15 and B20. The government plans to move on to the use of B30 biodiesel fully by 2025.
The government is considering reducing parking space and increasing parking charges in city centres. This is to discourage dependence on private vehicles and boost the reliance on public transport.


Review: Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 worth RM 200,000?


Former sec-gen of finance: Fuel and cooking oil subsidies are counterproductive

Following the news that the government is expecting to allocate RM 8 billion on fuel and cooking oil subsidies this year, a former top civil servant has spoken out, calling to the government to rethink their decision.
Mohd Sheriff Kassim, former secretary-general of the finance ministry, told Bernama that subsidising fuel and cooking oil will only lead to the smuggling of the commodities to neighbouring countries.


G28 2021 BMW 3 Series (G20 long wheelbase) set to be launched in India, 330Li and 320Ld variants

China-market BMW 325Li pictured

BMW India has opened bookings for the upcoming long wheelbase (LWB) BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine - essentially a stretched version the 3 Series that we are all familiar with. The new long-wheelbase 3 Series will be launched in India on 21-January, marking the first country to receive the right-hand-drive (RHD) version of the model.

China-spec BMW 325Li pictured (Luxury Line)

First things first. The G28 3 Series Gran Limousine (G20 long wheelbase) features a wheelbase that is 110 mm longer than the standard car, adding another 43 mm to the rear legroom. The seats also receive better cushions and bolsters than the regular 3 Series.
As a result, the G28 3 Series Gran Limousine boast an overall length of 4,829 mm. Its 1,463 mm height is also marginally taller than the regular G20 3 Series (1,435 mm), though the width remains unchanged (1,827 mm).

China-spec BMW 330Li pictured. India set to receive the same model

Exterior-wise, the G28 3 Series Gran Limousine is largely identical to the regular model, albeit with some minor tweaks. One of the biggest hint, apart from the 330Li or 320Ld emblems, is the marginally longer rear doors.


U-Turn: Police will still accept old MITI permit until 3 June 2021

In the latest development of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 total lockdown standard operating procedures (SOP) noodle soup, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has announced a new U-turn. Officers will still be accepting the old authorisation letters until 3-June-2021.
Although the total lockdown is already in effect, PDRM officers at roadblocks have been ordered to allow a 3-day grace period for essential service staff to get their authorisation letters updated.


2020 Proton X50 previewed for Malaysia: Two engines – 150 PS & 177 PS, bookings open 16 Sep

At long last, Proton has released preliminary details of the highly-anticipated Proton X50 to selected members of the media.
Here’s a quick low-down on what you need to know about this new SUV.
What powertrain do we get?


Watch just how elevated the all-new 2023 Honda Accord is inside and out

Making its global debut in the United States in November 2022, the all-new 11th-generation 2023 Honda Accord at first glance looks more mature and elegant in design. However, as this latest video by Honda Cars of America shows, it’s the most advanced Accord ever.

The US-spec Accord is available in two powertrains, a turbocharged 1.5-litre i-VTEC (192 PS/260 Nm) and a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid (combined 204 PS/335 Nm). The turbocharged petrol is paired to a CVT gearbox while the hybrid is mated to an e-CVT.


New MINI John Cooper Works introduced- 3,000 units only

The MINI 3-door Hatch has just received a new visual update from John Cooper Works.
Only 3,000 units are to be manufactured with plans to go on sale in July.


In Brief: Toyota Yaris - proof that a quiet cabin doesn't have to be expensive

After years of absence, the Toyota Yaris made a roaring return in 2019, shaking up the B-segment hatchback market with its stylish looks and superb list of features.
We use the term “roaring” because the Yaris’s comeback saw the car pioneer safety features that have never been seen on any B-segment hatchbacks - blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera (panoramic view monitor) plus 7 airbags.


No that's not a Panamera, it's called Ora Lightning Cat; 705km range, price equivalent to RM 123k

Yes, we know you needed to do a double-take because the car strongly reminds you of a certain German sports car. But we’ve established that Great Wall Motor’s electric brand, Ora, tends to take strong inspiration from other brands and make it more aesthetically pleasing. This specimen is called the Ora Lightning Cat, the latest cute electric vehicle (EV) to join the growing Ora clowder.
The Lightning Cat is perhaps the brand’s most mature model to date. The Good Cat and Ballet Cat were just downright cute while the Punk Cat is chic, none of these cater to the more mature crowd. So, the Lightning Cat will fill the gap for more mature family driven ladies.


Video: The all-new 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport raises its price but also raises the bar

Among the premium players, Lexus has always stood out by carving an impression of being better than the rest. True or not, when you’re shelling out that much of money, impressions count and when someone rolls up in a Lexus, you know that they know what class and luxury’s all about. That’s now taken a notch higher with the all-new Lexus NX 350 F Sport.
It’s longer and wider than its predecessor, which explains why it appears much larger… because it is. Of course, that F-Sport spindle grille further accentuates the sharper front end. At the rear, the NX now sports a sleek and distinct light bar design for the taillight.


Not bold enough? Check out these accessories for the all-new 2021 Honda HR-V!

Malaysians love the Honda HR-V and surely the all-new 2021 Honda HR-V that was just launched in Japan will get many of us excited. Its radically different looks give the all-new HR-V a much more mature and sportier look.

However, if you think the HR-V should get a lot more oomph for a crossover of its nature, Honda has also announced two accessory packages for the latest HR-V. For Japan.


AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you?

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced a trio of AMG models last week, one of them was the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, a four-door coupe priced at RM 448,888. But there’s another AMG model with four doors, similar output levels, and in a similar price bracket (RM 421,888) – the Mercedes-AMG C43. So in this article, we'll be looking at the CLA 45 vs C43.
CLA45 vs C43

Both are priced rather closely to one another because the Mercedes-AMG C43 is locally assembled, while the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is fully imported.


Owner Review: My Suzuki Swift - What it's like owning the car for 7 years

** This article is the personal experience of a 2007 Suzuki Swift owner and does not necessarily reflect the views of WapCar.
Hoo SH


Retirees and jobless youths joining climate Talibans, anti-car activists attacking Europe's economy

Europe is the home of motorsports and Germany is the inventor of the combustion engine car. For more than a century, Europe has been the spiritual home of the automobile, the origin of car culture.
The region’s picturesque roads birthed the genre of compact roadsters. German autobahns were the genesis of track-capable executive sedans. Italian and French villages are still the home of craftsmen who build art on wheels.
European road planners also tend to build roads that rise, dip, and flow with the land rather than cutting through it to make a straight road. Such roads are more demanding on the car, thus giving rise Europe’s tradition of having very high standards of ride and handling.


Here are your top SUV tyres in Malaysia for 2020!

Following last week’s buying guide on highly-recommended tyres for 13- to 17-inches, as promised this week’s follow up is on SUV tyres.
If you didn’t know, SUV tyres are a little different from passenger cars’ due to their larger size and heavier construction.
Disclaimer
In this guide, we’ll list out all available SUV tyres made by reputable manufacturers. Sure, there’s lots of cheap ones if you look but as Daniel says in this must-read article, better to stay away from them.


Spied: Waiting too long for Proton X50? Perodua D55L spied for first time in Malaysia!

We know the Perodua D55L SUV is coming, but it could be here sooner than expected.
Submitted by one of our readers, this heavily-camouflaged car is almost certainly the Perodua D55L, touted to be the carmaker's next big hit. The photo was taken right outside the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) Putrajaya office - which points to the car possibly undergoing the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process.
What is the Perodua D55L?


Over 4k participants ran in Toyota OutRun 2023; about RM 170k raised for National Cancer Society Malaysia

After 4 years, UMW Toyota Motor organised their second ever Toyota OutRun 2023 last Sunday, 15 January 2023 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. The event registered over 4,300 participants.

The theme for Toyota OutRun 2023 is All for One, Run for All. The theme is in line with UMW Toyota Motor’s new vision of Move Your World. The idea of All for One, Run for All stems from the idea of making running, which is seen as a rather individualistic sport, as something more collective.


New 2022 Volvo XC60 teased in Malaysia, here’s what’s new

The pending arrival of the new 2022 Volvo XC60 facelift was just teased on Volvo Car Malaysia’s (VCM) official Facebook page. The facelift made its world debut in March 2021 and the refreshment exercise is limited to very minor changes on the exterior.

Volvo XC60 Inscription

As we’ve mentioned, not much has changed for the 2022 Volvo XC60 facelift. For the XC60 Inscription package, the most noticeable change is the slightly redesigned bumper.
The front bumper now features sharper more angular lines that and has a chrome strip running across the entire front. Meanwhile, the lines on the grille are slightly thicker than the pre-facelift.


Honda Civic continues to pull strong in USA, shrugs off talks of slowing C-segment

If the C-segment class of compact cars is indeed shrinking, Honda doesn’t seem to be aware of it. Sales of the Civic in USA – still Honda Motor’s biggest car market – continue to grow strongly even as archrival Toyota has just released an all-new Toyota Corolla.
Despite being an aging model, the Honda Civic appears to be unaffected by the new generation Corolla, with sales growing by 26 percent month-on-month in August, totaling 34,808 units.
According to a report by USA’s Automotive News, the Honda Civic maintains an almost 20,000 cars gap lead over the Toyota Corolla’s cumulative sales for 2019.


Suzuki Jimny orders closed in Indonesia after waiting list stretches past 4 years!

With its retro looks and diminutive stature, the Suzuki Jimny isn’t just some plucky lil’ off-roader, it’s a trendy fashion statement on 4 wheels with a long waiting list everywhere it is sold. If you’re looking for a used one, tough luck, as they can be costlier than a new unit.

In Indonesia, the Jimny was launched in 2018 and it became a massive hit despite its high price ranging from IDR 409.5 million to IDR 425.1 million (~RM 123k-128k). Sales were so overwhelming that the waiting list for the small 4x4 stretches for at least 4 years.


Nissan dealer celebrates 60th anniversary with a kawaii anime short

Yamagata Nissan Group is one of the oldest Nissan dealership groups in Japan and is celebrating its 60th anniversary. In commemoration of that achievement, it uploaded a 30-second anime-inspired commercial.

Some weebs anime fans might recognise the art style which looks similar to those from Makoto Shinkai (Your Name, Weathering with You) and that’s because the anime was produced by Koichiro Ito, one of the producers for some of Shinkai’s films.


No 10% drop in car prices despite 10% Sales Tax exemption, here’s why

As you already know, the government has announced that all new locally-assembled (CKD) passenger cars will be exempted from paying the 10 percent sales tax starting 15-June until 31-December. Imported new cars will be given a 50 percent discount on sales tax, meaning that sales tax is still applicable, but at a lower 5 percent rate.
However, this doesn’t mean that the prices of new CKD cars will drop by 10 percent.
Most cars only saw a reduction of between 3 to 6 percent. Why is that so?


The future of electric Porsche sports cars is secured thanks to its new battery factory

As Porsche aims to expand its electric vehicle (EV) line-up beyond just the Porsche Taycan, the German automaker and its joint venture partner, Customcells, announced plans for a new battery factory which would be located near Weissach, Germany. This factory aims to be functional by 2024.

As part of this partnership, a new Porsche subsidiary, Cellforce Group, is formed that will be in charge of research, development, production, and sale of high-performance battery cells.


Here are the main highlights of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show!

This year’s 46th Tokyo International Motor Show (TMS) will have a very different approach. Under the theme ‘Open Future’, this year’s TMS aims to showcase their vision of the future of mobility.
Keeping in line with the theme, Japanese carmakers will be presenting concepts that they believe will be mobility solutions of the future. Key highlights include electrified vehicles, advanced connectivity and autonomous driving technologies.
An alleged brochure of the 2019 TMS was leaked online, showing some of the highlights that will be presented during the show. And we are excited about what’s in store for the next few days.


MIROS: Parents to also be blamed for basikal lajak menace

Parents should be more proactive in monitoring their children's activities in order to prevent them from getting into untoward incidents, says the chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Prof. Dr. Wong Shaw Voon.

Prof. Dr. Wong said that parents should not allow their children to race their bicycles or basikal lajak on highways.


New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport launched in Malaysia, final hurrah model priced from RM 158k

The all-new generation 2022 Ford Ranger may have just made its debut in Thailand last month but as you can tell by now, this is not the new generation Ranger, which by the way, will still ride on the outgoing generation’s T6 platform.


All-new 2022 Honda BR-V to cost more than RM 100k. Bookings opened in Thailand, price up 22%

Indonesia market model shown

Honda Thailand has just opened its order books for the 2022 Honda BR-V. Prices start from THB 930,000 (~RM 113k) for the base 1.5 E variant, while the range topping 1.5 EL is priced at THB 980,000 (~RM 119k). Don't read too much into the currency conversions, because the Ringgit is now a lot weaker than the Thai Bhat but let's not digress from the topic.
Compared to the previous generation model, prices have increased by 21 and 17 percent respectively for the two variants, but that’s also because its features list is now a lot longer.

While the previous generation BR-V came with just 2 airbags, this all-new model comes with 6 airbags and a full suite of Honda Sensing advance driving assistance systems (ADAS). The latter is fitted as standard. Also standard is LaneWatch blind spot mitigating cameras.


Is there a city car with a better interior than this all-new Honda Jazz?

By now you would’ve seen the all-new Honda Jazz, which made its world premiere yesterday at the opening of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, where the Jazz is sold as the Fit.

The fourth generation Honda Jazz will only go on sale in Japan in February 2020 so details like body dimensions and engine specifications are still unclear, but we do know that in Japan (and Europe), the all-new Honda Jazz will be sold exclusively as a hybrid.


Owner Review: A simple yet decent 7-seater family car - My 2017 Honda BRV 1.5 V

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Simple but nice
Basic information about my car:


Noticed persistent spiderwebs on your side mirror? Here’s why

TCY, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The prolonged lockdown would suggest that many owners are parking their vehicles for an extended period of time. In some cases, you may have started to notice spiderwebs or cobwebs on your side mirror. When removed, it seems to return in almost no time.
If this sounds like your situation, well, we have some news for you – there may be spider(s) living in your side mirror.

Added for dramatic effect.
Photo by Erik Karits from Pexels

What? Why is it in my mirror?
For one, spiders tend to live in secluded and undisturbed areas like underneath a stairwell or dusty old cupboards.
While some may not think much of it, there is a cavity behind the reflective glass in the side mirror housing. Even with some electric components, there’s more than enough space for a spider to live in it. It’s a safe place to hide from other predators such as birds.


Toyota launches affordable RWD, sort of ‘GR’ model in Indonesia, priced equal to RM 65k

For better or for worse, there’s a new entry level Toyota model in the GR-family – Indonesia’s Toyota Avanza Veloz GR Limited, priced from just IDR 221,400,000 (about RM 65,000). But hey, it’s rear-wheel drive, and in Indonesia, Avanza is the preferred car at gymkhana circuits.
Toyota’s GR family of cars are split into two tiers – sitting right the top are pure GR cars – the Toyota GR Supra, Toyota GR Yaris, and Toyota GR86 – models that exist only as a GR model, as opposed to BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG range, which are upgraded versions of their regular models.


The problem we have with the new 2020 Perodua Bezza

With A.S.A 2.0 made available on the top spec and VSC now standard for the Premium X, the new facelifted Perodua Bezza sounds like it has received the smartest updates. But one thing that Perodua didn’t see fit to bring to the board is an adjustable steering wheel.
Yes, the Perodua Bezza still continues on in this cycle without a tilt adjustable steering wheel. It’s not a strange concept as Perodua’s A-segment representatives, like the Axia, Viva, and Kancil that came before the current crop, has never featured adjustable steering wheels.


2020 Proton Saga Anniversary Edition - all 1,100 units sold out in 5 days!

Compared to our recent scoops on past Proton specials, the 2020 Proton Saga Anniversary Edition has had much better fate - all 1,100 units have sold out within 5 days.


Watch out, Tesla! Lynk & Co Zero EV zeroes in for production in 2021

Remember the Lynk & Co Zero EV? It was Geely's eccentric sub-brand's take on Tesla and this pre-production Zero looks very similar to the concept.

It took only 3 months for the Lynk & Co Zero to go from concept to production body-in-white (BIW) to pre-production performance tests. Talk about being fast-paced!


6 to 12-Jan 2022 Fuel Price Update: RON 97 up 3 sen; RON 95, diesel remains

Welcome to the new year's first fuel price update, the first of many to come throughout the year.
Fuel prices from 6- to 12-January 2022 will be as follows:

RON95 – RM 2.05/litre (RM 0.00)
RON97 – RM 3.03/litre (+RM 0.03)
Diesel Euro 5 B10/B20 – RM 2.15/litre (RM 0.00)
Diesel Euro 5 B7 – RM 2.35/litre (RM +0.10)

Meanwhile, the ceiling price for Diesel Euro 5 B7 sees a 10 sen increase in ceiling price, making it priced at RM 2.35/litre, compared to the previous RM 2.25/litre.


MG HS outsold Honda CR-V in Thailand, capturing 30% market share in 2020!

In 2020, a total of 20,267 units (a drop from 21,852 units in 2019) of C-segment SUVs were sold in Thailand but in a remarkable twist, taking the top spot for the year was the MG HS. The British-Chinese C-SUV successfully took the top spot from 2019’s leader, the Honda CR-V.

According to data obtained from Headlight Magazine, MG Thailand has sold a total of 6,008 units of the HS in 2020, capturing 29.6% of market share.


Priced from RM 650k, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ launched in Malaysia: Reduced range but gets 686 PS/1000 Nm

Drama comes to the luxury-EV sphere as the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan has just been launched in Malaysia. The all-electric, hyperactive version of the E-Class is fully-imported (CBU Germany), and priced from RM 649,888 (OTR without insurance)
Sitting on the same EVA2 platform as the AMG EQS (launched simultaneously, article here), the AMG EQE is also built with 100% recycled steel.
Specs


2023 Honda CR-V is now 28% more expensive in the US! To start above RM 160k mark in Malaysia?

  Mid-range EX-L shown

Deliveries of the all-new sixth generation 2023 Honda CR-V has started in the US, with American Honda Motor reporting more than 20,000 units sold in October alone. The figure is still about 24 percent less than the same month last year, but that’s because deliveries of hybrid variants – which is expected to make up 50 percent of CR-V sales in the US - will only start this month.
Still, it is left to be seen if the sales of this latest generation CR-V can match the previous generation model (putting aside semiconductor parts shortage), as the barrier of entry into the CR-V range is now a lot higher.

Prices now start from USD 31,110 (~RM 148k), a massive 28 percent leap over the previous model’s USD 24,350! (~RM 116k).


Production of 11th gen 2022 Honda Civic FE begins in Canada, Hatchback to debut next

The all-new 11th generation 2022 Honda Civic FE has entered production at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario, the first Honda plant to make the latest Civic.
The Canadian plant will only produce the sedan variant of the Honda Civic, which will soon go on sale in North America, the first region to sell the latest Civic, later this year as a 2022 model.
Also read: 11th-gen, all-new 2022 Honda Civic (FE-series) debuts - looks like a downgrade?


In Brief: 2019 Honda BR-V, if only the Rush/Aruz ride and drive this well

Model | Gallery
The Honda BR-V is a budget seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). If you have a young family and is looking for a seven-seater, the BR-V is a decent choice.
It offers a lot more space than a similarly priced Honda City. The 201 mm ground clearance (19 mm lower than Toyota Rush/Perodua Aruz) is also just right - not too tall that it becomes difficult for young children or even the elderly to climb into, and not too low that it makes it difficult for older family members to get in or out, but enough to allow you to climb over a kerb, or wade through a mild flash flood, if you have to.


12- to 18-May 2022 Fuel Price Update: RON 97 rockets by 37 sen to RM 4.31/litre, RON 95, diesel remain

This is the fuel price update for the week of 12- to 18-May 2022, which sees prices of RON 97 shoot up by 31 sen per litre. Here's the prices for this week:

RON95 – RM 2.05/litre (RM 0.00)
RON97 – RM 4.31/litre (RM +0.37)
Diesel Euro 5 B10/B20 – RM 2.15/litre (RM 0.00)
Diesel Euro 5 B7 – RM 2.35/litre (RM 0.00)


2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan, A45 AMG facelift teased for Malaysia; launch imminent

Fresh off the dual AMG-EQ introductions last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is set for another double whammy as they're gearing up for the local launch of the facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (V177) sedan along with the spicier 2023 Mercedes-AMG A45 (W177) hatchback as well.

They're revealed in a series of teasers on the company's Facebook page, though a launch date for both the regular car and the hotted-up AMG variant hasn't been specified at point of publication.


Available in 13-16 inch sizes, watch just how quiet the new Continental ComfortContact 7 really is

Continental tyres recently launched the latest model of its Generation 7 range, the iconic and longstanding Continental ComfortContact 7 (CC7).
The Continental tyre best known for its silence and comfort, now gets a host of new technologies that promises improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels without compromising all-round grip and safety.
To put the Continental CC7 through it's paces, we headed to the Bira Circuit in Thailand. Check out the video below:


If you own a Kia, new distributor Dinamikjaya wants to contact you

Big news yesterday as Kia's Malaysian operations have officially come under new ownership. In case you've missed it, the new distributor is Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto.

Kia Picanto

Following that, the new distributor is calling for current Kia owners to hop on to their site and participate in the company's customer information update exercise.

Kia Sorento

This information, the company says in their Facebook post, will be used to allow their system to check for warranty status and recall notifications, among others.


Red Bull and AlphaTauri F1 drivers ride in Honda Civic Type Rs

While Sir Lewis Hamilton alternates between a high-powered motorcycle and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Sebastian Vettel opts for his trusty bicycle, the drivers from the Red Bull Racing Team (RBR) and the Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda drivers roar up to the paddock in a Honda Civic Type R instead.
While the Civic Type R looks comfortably like it has been part of the paddock’s scenery for years, the model only started working as official cars in 2018 for the AlphaTauri drivers and 2019 for the RBR drivers.
Also read: Red Bull Racing still powered by Honda, to build F1 engines in-house


MAA: We don’t need third national car and every car company should pay equal duties

The Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) feels that the country does not need a third national car as the existing two are enough.
MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told The Edge, “From the industry’s standpoint, we already have two national cars — that’s already too many. To have a third national car? I don’t think we need it.”


Owner Review: Saved from abandonment, with a new life - My 2003 Proton Satria GLi (base model)

** This article is published on WapCar Community, represent the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Basic information about my car:
2003 Proton Satria GLi (base model)


Toyota RAV4's price confirmed! From RM 203,880, Dynamic Force engines, Toyota Safety Sense

After the official specifications of the all-new 2020 Toyota RAV4 were leaked earlier, UMW Toyota has now announced the full price list of the SUV. The RAV4 is set to launch on 18th June 2020.
The range-topping Toyota RAV4 powered by a 2.5-litre A25A-FKS Dynamic Force naturally aspirated petrol engine (shared with the Lexus ES 250) will have an asking price of RM 223,880 (inclusive of 10 percent sales tax). The 2.5-litre engine produces 207 PS and 243 Nm and is mated to a Direct Shift 8-speed conventional automatic transmission.


Toyota: CKD hybrids planned for Malaysia but clearer NAP needed

Following the announcement of the new National Automotive Policy (NAP) by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry earlier today, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has released a statement saying that it welcomes and supports the government’s directions for the automotive industry.
“We are pleased that the government has provided an updated ‘roadmap’ for the development of the industry and this will provide direction and guidance which will be of great value to forward planning, especially where investments in Malaysia are concerned,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd.

The Toyota Yaris (and Vios) enjoy lower prices thanks to EEV, but it is unclear when will the benefits be pulled back

However, the company also added that it is keen to support NAP 2020’s objectives “when the specifications and expectations are clear,” which is a very polite way of referencing to the lack of clarity with NAP 2020.


Volvo's latest air-conditioning system is cleaner than some hospital systems, certified asthma-friendly!

Volvo Cars is proud to introduce the Advanced Air Cleaner, the company’s latest air purification technology that will even provide occupants with live data of the outdoor pollen and air quality levels.
The new purification technology has been certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) as it is capable of removing up to 99.9 percent of grass, tree, and weed pollen allergens from incoming air.


Video: Tesla Model 3 review, time to say goodbye to combustion engines

Electric vehicles are hardly a viable option in Malaysia as we do not have the necessary infrastructure and policies in place to support prolonged use of high voltage cars.
I'm not talking just about setting up more charging stations – in fact, this is the easiest concern to address. Issues such as disposal of high voltage batteries, the readiness of emergency services personnel to handle accidents involving EVs and the reliability of EVs in hot tropical climates.


Why the Perodua Myvi continues to struggle in export markets?

Before you brush this off as yet another criticism against our own domestic products, let us make it clear that the Perodua Myvi is probably the best point A to point B car on sale right now.
As a daily car, the Perodua Myvi is close to perfection. It does its job so well that it’s quite hard to justify paying more for a Honda Jazz – does the Jazz have a built-in Smart Tag, or AEB? Guessed so. The Honda Jazz’s Ultra Seats is nice to have but how often do you even fold the rear seats?

Few cars can match the Myvi's overall package - low price, low maintenance, super reliable, fuel efficient, spacious

So what’s the problem then? Well, as good as the Perodua Myvi is in Malaysia, it’s a commercial flop the moment it leaves Malaysian border and that’s a big problem.


Jalur Gemilang berkibar, lagu Negaraku gah dimainkan di Indonesia, Hakim Danish tawan Mandalika!

Kejayaan membanggakan dicita pelumba muda berbakat besar negara, Hakim Danish Ramli di Litar Mandalika, Indonesia apabila memenangi Perlumbaan 1 Pusingan 2 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) 2022, hari ini.
Bermula di petak kedua, Hakim Danish membuktikan bakat yang dimilikinya apabila memintas pelumba di petak utama, Amon Odaki seawal pusingan pertama.
Juga baca: Kempunan podium IATC 2022 di Qatar, pelumba cilik Malaysia sasar 'bangkit' di Mandalika


The 2020 Volvo S60 CKD isn’t limited to 180 km/h, yet

Following Volvo’s announcement that all of its models will be limited to 180 km/h starting from 2020, the question on most people’s mind is: is the Volvo S60 CKD limited to 180 km/h?

According to Volvo Cars Malaysia’s Managing Director Nalin Jain, the Volvo S60 CKD isn’t limited to 180 km/h.


Owner Review: Impressive Cabin Space - My 2016 Hyundai Tucson 2.0

** This article is published on WapCar Community. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Basic information
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 TL Executive 2016.


Perodua Ativa (D55L) fuel consumption, lower than Proton X50 & Aruz, up to 680 km per tank

The 2021 Perodua Ativa (D55L) SUV is now open for booking and Perodua has very graciously announced the preliminary specification of their latest Proton X50 competitor.
One of the details that they’ve announced is the powertrain. The Ativa will be powered by the 1KR-VET 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol paired to a CVT automatic just like the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky.


New prices for Proton X50; Flagship now only RM 1.5k cheaper than HR-V

New, SST-inclusive prices for the Proton X50 in Malaysia are out, naturally seeing an increase of 9% to 10%. The new prices of the X50, as confirmed by dealers, are as follows:

Proton X50 prices in Malaysia

Variant
Price

Standard
RM 86,300 (up RM 7,100)

Executive
RM 93,300 (up RM 8,500)

Premium
RM 101,800 (up RM 8,600)

Flagship
RM 113,300 (up RM 10,000)

Bear in mind that it was first launched in 2020, when locally-assembled cars (CKD) were still exempt from the Sales and Services Tax (SST). The benefit, under the Penjana economic stimulus scheme, has expired on 30-June 2022.


Reverse invasion, small Chinese EV vans are penetrating Japan

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like DFSK and BYD will ramp up exports of EV vans to Japan soon, as Japanese manufacturers can’t cope with demand.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, DFSK will supply 5,000 units of its EV vans to Japan’s SBS Group. SBS Group will also buy another 5,000 EV vans from other Chinese manufacturers.


The Sultan of Johor shows his appreciation to his nurses by gifting them Myvis

His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, showed his appreciation to 10 nurses working at the Hospital Sultanah Aminah Royal Ward by purchasing 10 new cars for them as a gift.

The special gesture involved 10 brand-new updated Perodua Myvis for each nurse. The special gift was the Sultan’s way of showing his gratitude to these nurses for their services to the Sultan and the rest of the Johor Royal Family throughout the years.


Spied: 2020 VW Golf GTI Mk8 spotted testing without camo - CKD planned?

Surprise, surprise. It looks like the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 stealthily got on our shores as one was recently spotted testing on Genting roads.

Decked in Kings Red Metallic, we can tell that this is a GTI by a few ways: a telltale badge on its grille, front fascia design, unique wheels and twin-tailpipes.


Proton X70 CKD vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Which one should you buy

The Proton X70 CKD is finally here, slightly less than 2 years since Proton first introduced the imported (CBU), China-made model back in late-2018.
The new locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70 sees a reduction in price, increase in features, and an improved engine that sees a slight bump in peak torque.
Updated powertrain delivers slightly better performance
Although the engine remains the same 1.8-litre turbocharged TGDi, it has received some updates. It is known internally as a “Generation 3” engine, an update over the CBU’s “Generation 2” unit.


Its name is not Supra, but Toyota GR Supra – What GR means for TRD?

The Toyota GR Supra is now here, priced from RM 568,000. Any discussion about the Toyota GR Supra will inevitably be overshadowed by debates about whether this BMW-Toyota jointly developed model can be a true successor to carry the legendary Supra nameplate, which is a shame because it takes the attention away from something that’s very important to anyone who cares about the brand that makes the Toyota GR Supra.

The latest A90 generation Supra isn’t called the Toyota Supra but Toyota GR Supra. It seems that every few generations, the Supra nameplate will undergo some changes. What started as the Toyota Celica Supra before becoming Toyota Supra, is now known as the Toyota GR Supra.


Used car guide: For RM 60k, should you get the 9th Gen Honda Accord?

Now that there’s a new generation Honda Accord on sale, the previous ninth-generation Honda Accord is going on the used car market for just RM 60,000. This puts the D-segment sedan around the same price as the lowest spec B-segment cars! So, should you get a used Accord or should you get a B-segment car new?

9th Gen Honda Accord

Think D-segment sedans and the first car that comes to mind is most likely the Honda Accord. No surprises here considering how the Accord has been a house-hold name since the 70s and has always been the D-segment sedan of choice for Malaysians.
Even on the used car market, the Accord is a popular choice amongst buyers. But if you’re still wondering if the Accord is worth putting your money down for, here’s a simple guide.


There's something special about Mazda's white - RWD CX-60 PHEV teased again ahead of 8-Mar debut

In anticipation of its upcoming 2022 Mazda CX-60, Mazda dropped another teaser for its Japan- and Europe-bound large two-row SUV. Amidst the shadows in this new video, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) CX-60 shows off what appears to be a reflective white paint.

CX-5 shown in some of Mazda's most striking and beautiful colours

Mazda is no stranger to mesmerising colours with Soul Red Crystal and Polymetal Grey being some of the most beautiful hues ever produced on a regular car. Leave it to Mazda then to make a colour as common as white to look so pretty.


Prices up for 2023 Toyota Corolla Altis and Camry; increased by RM 4k to RM 10k

What we've warned about last year is happening very quickly in the first week of 2023, with two brands announcing price revisions. First it was BMW and MINI; now it's Toyota's turn to announce the same, affecting the Corolla Altis and Camry.
UPDATE: Prices have also increased for the Toyota Corolla Cross, by around RM 3k.

2023 Toyota price increase

Model
Price

Corolla Altis 1.8 E
RM 134,888 (up RM 4,000)

Corolla Altis 1.8 G
RM 145,888 (up RM 4,000)

Camry 2.5 V
RM 219,888 (up RM 10,000)

OTR prices sans insurance and road tax

Both these models are fully-imported (CBU) Thailand, meaning our weak Ringgit and general inflationary pressures are largely responsible for these increases.


Right-hand drive, Malaysia-bound 2022 Chery Omoda 5 spied

Shortly after putting the 2022 Chery Omoda 5 into showrooms in China, the Wuhu-based company has its sights set on export markets as spyshots of a right-hand drive (RHD) unit have appeared.

From these spyshots, it appears that RHD versions of the Chery Omoda 5 will get a slightly different centre console compared to the Chinese market model.


What’s the Proton X50’s tested fuel consumption?

Proton claims the X50 returns a fuel consumption figure of 6.4-litre/100 km for the range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant. But what’s the real-world fuel consumption like? We tested the Proton X50 to find out.

As per usual, all tyres were inflated according to the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure. Then the Proton X50’s 45-litre fuel tank was brimmed.


2023 Toyota Prius launched in Taiwan: PHEV only, pricier than Camry 2.5 Hybrid

Hotai Motor Co. Ltd., the official distributor of Toyota models in Taiwan has just launched the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius. Like earlier generations of the Prius, the Taiwan-spec Prius is imported (CBU) from Japan.
For the Taiwanese market, the fifth-generation Prius, codenamed XW60, is only available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.


Spotify makes its way into the Atlas OS; Proton vehicles to get the feature

As the largest music streaming service in the world, you’re probably going to want Spotify in your car’s infotainment system. Now, ACO Tech has made that possible for Proton users with the streaming service being made available via integration with its Atlas in-vehicle infotainment operating system.
With the collaboration, Atlas users will now have access to Spotify’s library of over 82 million audio tracks and over 4 million podcast titles while on the road. All they have to do simply cast the content from their smartphone’s Spotify’s app to the vehicle’s infotainment head unit.
“I’m incredibly proud of the steady progress the team has achieved in introducing the capabilities of a humanised connected lifestyle to a wider public in Malaysia through meaningful brand collaborations. Working 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’s also instrumental in easing Malaysians into the possibilities of smart and connected car technologies,” said Li Pu, CEO of ACO Tech.


Newton's third law in action! Motorcyclist injures himself in road rage attempt

Newton's third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Push an object with a certain amount of force and that equal amount of force is exerted on you. When you jump, your legs push a certain amount of force on the ground and that force pushes you upward. It's like communist Russia, but with physics. Rockets work on this principle too.
The video below is a perfect example of Newton's third law in action:

In an attempt to express his anger, a motorcyclist injured himself while kicking a Proton Saga that was changing lanes. From the dashcam video, the Proton Saga had indicated its intention to move to the left lane. Had the motorcyclist kept his cool, he wouldn't have had to endure such pain. keep your cool and stay safe!


All-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata previewed in Malaysia, first right-hand drive market?

After being absent from the Malaysian market for about two years, Hyundai's D-segment model is set to return to Malaysia as Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just previewed the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata in Malaysia.

This isn’t the first time that we’ve been up close and personal with the all-new Hyundai Sonata, as we’ve seen the car before at Hyundai Motor Company’s (HMC) regional training centre. It’s worth mentioning that the unit we first saw wasn’t destined for the Malaysian market as it was a left-hand drive car.


Volvo and Polestar delay EX90 EV over glitches in the software

Another day, another delay in vehicle production. The only difference this time around is that the carmaker can’t place the blame on the global parts shortage or supply chain hiccups as the onus falls squarely on the programmers. Volvo and sister brand Polestar just announced that production of their flagship EX90 SUV will be delayed due to software problems.
Originally due to enter production in the last quarter of 2023, the announcement stated that the EV will now do so in the first half of 2024.


Smart #1 rolling out of factory fast, 500 units delivered within one week!

The first batch of Smart #1 has rolled out of the factory and into their new homes. Deliveries started on 23-September-2022 and by 30-September, a week after deliveries started, the company has already delivered 500 units of the electric vehicle (EV) to customers.
In case you missed it, Smart has rebranded itself into an all-electric brand under the new joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, with the Chinese company manufacturing the vehicles. The Smart #1 is the first product of the JV.


Leaked: First clear look at 2021 Proton X70 SE with new Ocean Blue colour

Those looking to purchase a brand-new 2021 Proton X70 should pay more attention, as Proton is set to launch a new SE variant of the X70 real soon.

Compared to the regular X70, the upcoming SE is draped in Ocean Blue – the same shade of colour found on the Proton X50. An SE emblem can also be seen in this rear-view shot.


Girl’s night out? Here’s why you shouldn’t bring the 2020 Proton X50 along

We've heard all about the praise for the 2020 Proton X50, it is more affordable than its bigger Proton X70 sibling and offers the benefits of a new generation 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi and MPi engines. It also has plenty to offer like the new GKUI infotainment system compared to its closest B-segment SUV rival, the Honda HR-V. But there is one thing that makes the new SUV not so suitable for the ladies and that is the lack of “slidability” of the leather seats.

Though the X50 boasts leather seats, the leather material doesn’t feel like leather at all. Instead, the material feels plasticky and rough to touch, because of the rougher surface, it is also not very slide friendly and makes natural movements like fidgeting a little uncomfortable.