Two new BMW i Charging Stations opens in Ipoh & Penang

BMW Group Malaysia together with authorised BMW dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto has just unveiled four new BMW i Charging Facilities located in Ipoh and Penang to support the e-Mobility movement in the Northern Region.
The introduction of two new BMW i Charging Facilities each at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh and Iconic Hotel, Penang is part of BMW Group Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to create awareness on new and clean technology in the automotive industry as well as promoting the convenience and availability of charging facilities.

Head of Sales of BMW Group Malaysia, Raymond Tan said: “The New BMW i Charging Facilities are another step forward for us in fulfilling our commitment to electro-mobility in the country. BMW Group Malaysia has delivered close to 10,000 vehicles year-to-date, with BMW iPerformance vehicles accounting for 56% of total deliveries. Globally, Malaysia is among the top three markets for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles deliveries. To facilitate our vision for Future Mobility, we will continuously expand the accessibility of charging facilities to our customers, particularly through our network of authorised dealerships.”
General Manager of the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Alex Castaldi said: “The Banjaran strives to provide guests with the most peaceful and relaxing retreat experience to recharge themselves. We believe our holistic hospitality should also extend to providing for their electro-mobility needs, a sustainable way of living that is embraced here at The Banjaran, surrounded by the best of natural beauty.”
Commenting on the launch, General Manager of Iconic Hotel, Kevin Cheah said: “The New BMW i Charging Facilities are a welcome addition to the hotel, as we can now conveniently serve the e-mobility needs of our guests. With the leading provider of premium electrified mobility in Malaysia as our partner, it will offer our guests complete peace of mind with the best facility to equip them for their next journey.”
Managing Director of Tian Siang Premium Auto, Tan Ka Kin added that 2018 has been a successful year for the premium dealership. He said, “Year-to-date, we have delivered over 300 BMW vehicles in Perak and over 400 in Penang, of which 64% and 59% respectively are comprised of BMW iPerformance vehicles. With the robust adoption of electro-mobility among our customers, we are excited to be developing more charging infrastructure together with our premium partners in this Region.”
With the introduction of the two new charging stations, BMW Group Malaysia now has six BMW i Charging Facilities in Melaka,
Ipoh
, Kuching and Penang. Additionally, under the BMW 360 Electric programme, BMW iPerformance owners have access to partner charging facilities where owners can enjoy 24/7 access to ChargeEV’s growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW i Charging Station in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh

BMW i Charging Station in Iconic Hotel, Penang


All-new Kia Carnival MPV open for booking in Malaysia, 199 hp turbodiesel with 11 seats

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the
new sole distributor
 for the Kia brand in Malaysia, is proud to announce that they have started to accept bookings for the all-new Kia Carnival. No price has been formally communicated, with the brand and the new MPV scheduled to make its public debut in Malaysia at this weekend’s Drive Auto Fair at the Setia City Convention Centre.
Similar to the outgoing Kia Carnival, this fourth-generation multi-row window van will continue to be powered by the 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel unit generating
199 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. A new 8-speed automatic transmission not only provides better driving response but also sees improved fuel consumption, registering 6.5 litres of B7-grade diesel per 100 km travelled.
Based on the specification sheet provided by Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd and Bermaz Auto, only one variant is available, and it’s quite generously equipped. For the exterior, LED lights are standard, with a pair of uniquely placed LED high beam lighting units inserted within the corners of the ‘Tiger-nose’ grille.
Smart dual-powered sliding doors, as well as smart powered tailgate, are standard features, together with rain-sensing wipers, roof rails and 18-inch rims wrapped with 235/60R18 tyres. Kia now emphasises the upper half of the vehicle or ‘Island Roof’, with additional individual
styling on the C-pillars
 that are finished in a subtle diamond pattern.
Inside, the all-new Kia Carnival offers seating for up to 11 occupants, including the driver. That means all three rows of the Kia Carnival can accommodate three passengers! The smaller middle seats can also be folded to make a walk-through aisle to the fourth row.
The innovative feature on the fourth row is the ability to completely hide when not in use. The entire seating assembly- the seatback and bench, sinks into the floor, creating a large luggage area for the travelling of eight occupants.
Key comfort features in the large MPV include three-zone air-conditioning, manual sunshades for the second and third rows, seven USB ports, a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as a wireless charger. For comparison, the range-topping
SXL variant in Thailand
 offers ventilation feature for the front seats plus memory function.
At the safety front, the all-new Kia Carnival will be fitted with seven airbags, inclusive of a driver’s knee airbag. The fitment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic assist and surround-view monitor system.
As mentioned earlier, the price of the all-new Kia Carnival that is fully imported from South Korea is not announced yet. The large MPV will be previewed at the Drive Auto Fair at the Setia City Convention Centre, Selangor from December 3rd to 5th.
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Nissan GT-R final facelift to debut at 2016 New York Motor Show

The Nissan GT-R has been around for close to 10 years now, and it’s almost about time for a brand new successor. However, that won’t be the case now because Nissan has released a single teaser picture of what we can expect at the upcoming New York Motor Show.
It’s unmistakably the Nissan GT-R’s rear end, but
according to Autocar.uk’s sources
, it could very well be
Godzilla’s
final facelift. Aesthetic details such as the front and rear bumpers could be revised yet again, and its performance is said to receive a slight bump as well. The outgoing GT-R is powered by a
3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine
 punching
 542 horses
 in standard form, but it’s known to be able to handle much higher outputs.
Details are scarce at this point, but the New York show is just around the corner now, so stay tuned for more updates!


Tesla Model S Plaid+ cancelled because Elon Musk thinks the regular one is “just so good”

Tesla unveiled the heavily-anticipated
“Plaid” versions of the Model S
earlier this year, featuring three electric motors, insane performance, and impressive range. Two variants were announced at launch, including a balls-to-the-walls Plaid+ variant that was supposedly scheduled to begin deliveries later this year.
However, within a short six months since the announcement, Tesla has now cancelled the range-topping Plaid+ variant. Why? Well, according to Tesla’s eccentric CEO Elon Musk, it’s because the regular Plaid is “just so good”.
In line with Tesla’s
modus operandi
 these days, the announcement was, of course, made on
Musk’s own Twitter account
. Tesla no longer has a PR department, thus details about the cancellation are scarce – and there’s no way of getting more information unless Musk decides to tweet about it.
Industry experts including
Bloomberg
 however, are
speculating
 that the cause of the cancellation is due to the new high-performance 4680 battery cells still not quite ready for primetime.
The Plaid+ Tesla Model S supposedly offers over 830 km of fully electric range in one single charge, a 200 km advantage over the regular Plaid variant. That is on top of the supposedly “over 1,100 hp” output, translating to a Bugatti Chiron-beating century sprint time of “under 1.99 seconds”.
Just too bad then that we won’t get to actually see it in action. Though if you choose to believe Musk’s words, the regular Plaid will be just as good – and the numbers certainly seem to suggest so. The new model will begin deliveries this week, with a delivery event livestream scheduled for the 10th of June.


Let Mark Webber take you through the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche has just unveiled the refreshed Porsche 911 GT3 RS at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Based on the
991.2 GT3
, the GT3 RS gets more power, revs all the way to 9,000 rpm and more aero.
The same 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six has been recalibrated to deliver
513 hp
, 20 hp more than the model it replaces and redlines at 9,000 rpm. A seven-speed PDK is retained, no option for a manual box still. Century sprint takes
3.2 seconds
 before hitting a top speed of
312 km/h
. Without going any further, let Mark Webber, Porsche Works Driver take you through the car:
The 911 GT3 now features optimised aerodynamics, a larger rear wing, recalibrated rear axle steering, 20-inch alloys with 265/35 profile tyres on the front and 21-inch alloys with 325/30 profile tyres at the rear, full carbon fibre bucket seats, lightweight door panels and reduced sound deadening materials.
Additionally, customers can have the Clubsport package at no extra charge that adds roll-over bars, manual fire extinguisher, battery disconnect switch and a six-point harnesses. For the ambitious drivers, the Weissach package further brings down the car’s overall weight by adding more carbon components and magnesium wheels.
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Would you take this Hyundai Kona Hybrid over an HR-V Hybrid?

The
Hyundai Kona
 can now be had with a hybrid powertrain as a response to European customer’s strong demand for more eco-friendly SUVs in addition to the
Kona Electric
.
The hybrid system here is one we are familiar with, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle Kappa GDI and electric motor developing a combined output of
140 hp
and
265 Nm
of torque, the same one found on the
Ioniq Hybrid
.
A 6-speed dual clutch transmission is tasked to drive the front wheels exclusively. The heavier SUV-bodied Kona Hybrid (~1,400 kg kerb weight) makes the century sprint slower than the sleek Ioniq, taking
11.6 seconds
. Top speed is registered at
160 km/h
.
To go with the hybrid powertrain, the Kona Hybrid gets a dedicated
ECO-Driving Assist System
 that uses satellite navigation data to pre-empt the driver and preconditions the battery charge to reduce fuel consumption. For example, if an incline is expected, the petrol engine will pre-charge the battery ahead of the uphill section for the optimal electrical assist going uphill.
Other than that, you’ll
find the same Cascading Grille, twin LED headlamps, 18-inch alloys, 10.25-inch touchscreen
infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, heads up
display, Qi Wireless charging tray, grey headliner and leather seats.
Hyundai’s comprehensive
SmartSense Advanced Driver Assist system
is also featured on the Kona Hybrid bundling Front Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist for pedestrian and cyclist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning and Lane Keep Assist.
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Kona Hybrid Unveiled


Bermaz Motor to launch Mazda MX-30 fully-electric crossover by end of 2022

Bermaz Motor recently revealed the
Mazda MX-30 fully-electric crossover
that’s expected to be launched by the end of 2022, with prices expected to be under the RM200k mark.
For context, the MX-30 shares the same platform as the
CX-30
but instead of an internal combustion engine, the MX-30 is powered by an electric motor with
143 hp
 and
271 Nm
 to drive the front wheels via single-speed transmission. Under the vehicle are 35.5 kWh batteries, which offers about 199 km of driving range.
With a standard wall plug, full charge requires up to 12 hours, but with a quicking-charging wallbox, charging time can be reduced by more than half, taking just five hours for a full charge. With DC fast charging, it take just 30 minutes to charge the car up to 80%.
As for performance, 0 to 100 km/h 9.7 seconds, although top speed strangely, is limited to just 140 km/h. As for dimensions, it’s much like the CX-30 as well, except that it’s slightly taller.
In terms of dimensions, the MX-30 measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,555 mm in height; with a 2,655 mm wheelbase. The CX-30 on the other hand, measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,540 mm in height, and with a 2,655 mm wheelbase. Boot space is rated at 332-litres but with the 60:40 split-folding seats flattened, the MX-30 offers can accommodate more than 1,100-litres of cargo.
Not much was revealed on the specifications of the car at the time of preview, although it’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like it in the Mazda range at the moment. The MX-30 sports a Sportback look, with black body cladding covering the entire bottom half of the car but that’s not the ‘wow factor’ of the MX-30. Instead, it’s the suicide doors, much like the RX-8, where you’d have to open the front doors before you can open the rear.
Inside, it’s very much like the Mazda’s we’ve come to know, clean and minimalist although it does stand out with an additional touchscreen for air-con controls, a different gear lever with storage spaces under it, and a different design for the air-con vents.
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Nissan to start ‘new company’ combining expertise of NISMO and Autech

Nissan Motor Corporation has announced plans to establish a new company by April 2022, that combines the expertise of
Autech
 and Nissan Motorsports International or more famously known as
NISMO
.
The move aims to utilise Autech’s know-how in developeing and manufacturing customised vehicles while NISMO’s international recognition through motorsports. Nissan said the new company will be an important strategic subsidiary that is expected to contribute to Nissan’s growth.
2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo gets company’s latest logo and Stealth Grey colour…check it out here!
Autech was established in 1986 and has since been known for the development, production, and sales of converted Nissan vehicles. NISMO on the other hand has been heavily involved in domestic and international racing activities, vehicle modifications and upgrades, design and development of race cars since 1984.
The new company is expected to provide 600 new jobs and will focus on vehicle conversions, the development of parts and accessories, and motorsports.
Nissan Almera Autech
 in Thailand.
Nissan, CEO, Ashwani Gupta said, “Autech, with its wide range of expertise, is a pioneer of customised vehicles. As for NISMO, it is a symbol of the spirit of challenge in Nissan cars. We are confident that the integration of these two companies will bring us even closer to the pinnacle of exciting mobility we are aiming for.
Autech and NISMO, CEO, Takao Katagiri said, “Both Autech and NISMO have more than 30 years of experience and strong solid and wide fan base. By connecting the high aspirations of our employees and advanced craftsmanship for the future, we aim to reach ever greater heights as a presence loved and supported by customers.”
Nissan introduces the AUTECH lineup in Japan….read about it here!


Mazda will be showing a few concepts & new Mazda 3 at Tokyo Auto Salon

As we are coming to the end of 2018, carmakers are already gearing up for events in 2019. One of the first large-scale automotive events for the new calendar year is the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon and Mazda has already jumped the gun on what they will be bringing to the show.
Other than the first public debut of the
all-new Mazda 3
, Mazda will also be showing four other design concepts – Mazda 3,
CX-5
 and
CX-8
 Custom Style as well as Mazda Roadster Drop-Head Coupe Concept. The latter is essentially an
MX-5 ND
 with a detachable roof just like previous generation models.
The MX-5 Drop-Head Coupe Concept is an alternative to the MX-5 RF that comes with a folding mechanism for the hard top. The carbon roof of the Drop-Head Coupe can be completely removed to create a sleek and unobstructed roadster silhouette just like the soft top MX-5.
Other items on the concept car include extended front and side skirts, towing hook, 16-inch Rays forged aluminium wheels, Recaro bucket seats, revised interior trim and aluminium sports pedals. Performance enhancing components read LSD, upgraded clutch set, lighter flywheel, air filter and reinforced bushings.

The 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon also marks the Japanese debut of the new Mazda 3. The Hiroshima based carmaker is also upping the ante with the display of the Mazda 3 Custom Style that wears a bespoke exterior aero kit, 18-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels and aluminium sports pedals.
Down the line, the Custom Style treatment is also extended to the CX-5 and CX-8. Both SUVs wears additional front, side and rear underskirt, aluminium sports pedals, welcome lamp, illuminated scuff plate and luggage end plate. The CX-8 also gains a new 20-inch aluminium wheel design.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda MX-5 Drop-Head Coupe Concept

Mazda CX-8 Custom Style

Mazda CX-5 Custom Style

All new Mazda 3 North America Spec


Proton sold 114,708 cars in 2021 – now the best-selling SUV brand in Malaysia

Despite the constant threat of the pandemic,
Proton
 ended 2021 on a high with a total of 14,147 units sold in December, bringing the total sales figure for the year to
114,708 units
 including exports.
The figure is the highest number that the national carmaker has achieved since 2014, and is the third consecutive year of volume growth for the company. Compared to 2020, the figure also represents a year-on-year growth of 4.5% – which is even particularly noteworthy as the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for Malaysia is estimated to have shrunk by 4.6% this year, to just over 505,000 units.
With the December sales figure now accounted for, Proton’s market share for the whole of 2021 is estimated to stand at 22.7% – a 2% increase over 2020’s numbers.
The key contributor to Proton’s performance in 2021 is once again the Proton Saga, which moved a total of 42,627 units, including some that were shipped as CKD packs and
assembled in other countries such as Pakistan
.
ALSO READ: Proton sold over 100,000 Sagas since launch of facelift in 2019
The new
 Proton Iriz Active
However, most of Proton’s other models have also registered positive growth last year, with the main highlight being the
X50
 which ended the year with a total of 28,774 units sold thanks to the record-breaking 4,310 units delivered in December – making it the best-selling SUV overall in Malaysia.
The
X70
 meanwhile garnered a total of 16,375 units sold (1,616 in December), while the
Proton Persona
,
Iriz
, and
Exora
 sold a total of 16,153, 6,708, and 4,035 units respectively – all of which among the top-three bestsellers within their segments (Exora top for C-segment MPV).
International sales were also a major highlight for Proton in 2021, with a total of 3,018 units exported representing a growth of over 100%, making it the “number one automotive brand for exports last year”, the company said in a statement.
“2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in Covid-19 numbers that lead to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome,” said Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.
ALSO READ: Proton delivers 30 X70 SUVs to Kenyan Police
He added that Proton’s sales growth, especially in a year when the market contracted, was the result of the company’s careful planning and juggling of available resources.
RELATED: The first Saga has rolled off the assembly line at Proton’s Pakistan CKD Plant
“Regarding export sales, we are equally proud about being the brand with the highest export volume in 2021 as it proves we are gaining traction overseas thanks to the joint efforts of our International Sales division and our foreign partners.
“While increasing shipping costs are a growing concern, our planned activities in 2022 means we expect export sales growth to accelerate in the coming years,” he added.
Aside from sales, the national carmaker was also particularly proud of its new addition to the total of 3S/4S outlets across Malaysia in 2021, now standing at 147 outlets strong (+7), despite the challenges faced in terms of financing and construction works.
Additionally, Proton’s in-house financing arm also became the leading OEM finance company in Malaysia in 2021, and is also the most popular choice for Saga buyers.
“The growth of Proton’s ancillary businesses such as Proton Commerce and the increase in the number of outlets is directly linked to the number of vehicles we sell. As sales have grown, so have our facilities to cater to an increased number of customers.” Roslan Abdulah added.


The first purely electric Porsche will be named the Porsche Taycan

In preparation for the production of the first purely electric Porsche, which is set to begin next year, the new name loosely translates to “lively young horse” – a reference to the Porsche badge featuring a leaping steed since 1952.
Formerly known as the
 “Mission E”
 in its concept stages, the Taycan is powered by two permanently synchronous motors (PSM) with an output of
600 hp
. As
Mark Webber recently experienced
, it allows the Taycan to get to 100 km/h from standstill in
under 3.5 seconds
 and with 0 to 200 km/h in under 12 seconds The vehicle’s
maximum range is over 500 km
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q_o4Pl-AuY
Porsche will have their hands tied in the next decade following the recent introduction of another
all-electric concept, the Mission E Cross Turismo
. Expansion works are already underway at the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany with a new paint shop, dedicated assembly area and a
conveyor bridge for transporting the painted bodies and drive units
 to the final assembly area currently being constructed.
Some 500 million euros will be allocated for the development of other variants for the Taycan with an additional one billion euros for electrification and hybridisation of the existing product range.


Audi to showcase seven world premieres at the 85th Geneva Motor Show

Audi is going all out this time at Europe’s largest auto show, the 85th Geneva Motor Show. The famed Ingolstadt-based carmaker will be exhibiting four variants of their second generation
Audi R8
, the AMG A45 rival
RS 3 Sportback
,
Q7
 e-tron quattro and the futuristic
Audi Prologue Avant
 concept; making for a whopping seven world premieres.
Audi Prologue Avant Concept

First off, the Audi Prologue Avant Concept points the direction to their future design language, flaunting a holistic styling approach both inside and out. It shares the same powertrain as the Audi Q7 e-tron quattro – the
3.0-litre V6 diesel
 engine that’s complemented with a
100 kW electric motor
. Drivetrain is an
eight-speed tiptronic
, sending
455 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels via the brand’s
Quattro system
.
Making another global debut is the blistering
Audi RS 3 Sportback
, a
367 hp
 and
465 Nm
 beast with its sight set firmly on the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Power comes from a
2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged
 petrol engine that’s also used in the preceding model, but has been bumped up by as much as 30 horsepower.

Joining the onslaught are four
R8
 variants – the R8 V10, R8 V10 Plus, R8 LMS and R8 e-tron. Highlighting the mid-engine V10 supercar is the e-tron variant, but wait, it’s an all-electric, waging war against Tesla’s Model S. The R8 e-tron is fitted with a
92 kWh lithium-ion battery
 which delivers
456 hp
 and a numbing
920 Nm
 of instantaneous torque. It sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in
3.9 seconds
, yet manages an impressive 450 kilometers in a single charge.

Summing up the list of world premieres is the
Q7
 e-tron quattro. Audi claims that it’s the
world’s first
 six-cylinder diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro drive in its segment, sharing the
same powertrain
 as the Prologue Avant Concept. In electric mode, the lithium-ion battery is capable of delivering
56 kilometers
, but its hybrid drive system allows the Q7 to cover more than a ridiculous
1,410 km
. This diesel V6’s state of tune makes
373 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque, whilst consuming
1.7 litres of fuel per 100 km
. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in
6 seconds
 flat – that’s mighty quick for a vehicle this size.

The 85th Salon international de l’automobile has in its history seen some of the automotive industry’s greatest milestones, and we’d be lying if we told you we’re not excited. Bookmark this page because we’ll bring you the latest developments at the world famous motor show!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi Prologue Avant Concept

Audi RS 3 Sportback

Audi R8 e-tron

Audi Q7 e-tron Quattro


Bentley Continental GT Speed goes flat out in the Outback, clocks over 331 km/h! [+Video]

Deep in the Northern Territory of Australia lies a stretch of asphalt called the Stuart Highway, which is one of only three places in the world that has a derestricted speed limit. The Stuart Highway covers a distance of 2,834 km from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Port Augusta, South Australia – approximately the same distance as Kuala Lumpur to Seoul as a matter of perspective.
Bentley decided (and we’d agree) that this was the perfect place to wail the latest
Bentley Continental GT Speed
 flat out. Here’s a bunch of mind-boggling figures for you. The Bentley is powered by a
626 bhp W12
 block that churns out an incredible
 820 Nm
 of twist at just
 1,700 rpm
. The combination of these two propels the
2.3 tonne
 luxury machine to the century mark in just
4.3 seconds
!
The Crewe-based company elected to have Australian racing legend,
John Bowe
 at the helm of this little experiment who was quoted saying “This isn’t a modified race car; it’s a luxurious grand touring road car fresh off the
production
 line. It took us a little over a
minute
 to go from a standstill to
331 km/h
. That’s extraordinary. Even when you break through the 200 mph (320 km/h) barrier, the GT Speed just keeps accelerating.”
Fans of the plucky BBC motoring show
Top Gear
 will at this point be replaying the episode where
James May
 drove the famed
Bugatti Veyron
 flat out in Germany in their mind right now. At top speed, the
6.0-litre

twin-turbo
 Grand Tourer was covering a staggering
92 metres

per second
! That’s equivalent to one football field per second!
At Vmax, the Bentley GT Speed is circulating
 216 litres
 of coolant through its engine and radiator per minute while drawing over
4,700 litres
 of air through the radiator each second and using only
80 percent
 of its engine power just to overcome aerodynamic loads. Amazing!
IMAGE GALLERY


Watch this Range Rover Sport PHEV take on the Dragon Road Challenge [+Video]

There is a mountain road called the Dragon Road in Hunan Province, China leading to
Tianmen
 Mountain or Heaven’s Gate. The legendary 11.3 km route consists of 99 turns and a towering 999-step stairway at a 45-degree incline so needless to say, getting there is no walk in the park.
Land Rover embarked on a challenge to arrive atop the Heaven’s Gate in their latest Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV – yes, the 999-step stairs included. With 24 Hours Le Mans winner, Ho-Pin Tung behind the wheel of a
stock standard P400e
, the world’s first-ever Dragon Road Challenge was underway:
The SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor that gives a combined output of
 398 hp
 and
 640 Nm
 of torque. The PHEV is capable of completing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in
6.7 seconds
 and has a top speed of
220 km/h
. The P400e is capable of pure electric commute of up to
51 km
.
Tung said, “I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1 and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without a doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced. The Range Rover Sport PHEV performed brilliantly as it inspired real confidence on the mountain road and climbed the stairs up to Heaven’s Gate effortlessly.”
Other than the optional off-road tyres equipped on the car, the challenge demonstrated the P400e’s Terrain Response 2 system to offer superior performance on-road and off-road. On the hill climb, Tung had the car set into Dynamic Mode, giving it sharper throttle response and maximum body control to carve through the 99 corners.
Rock Crawl Mode was used when ascending the stairway and here the PHEV’s ability to deliver instant torque from zero rpm proved to be a key to the success of the 45-degree incline climb.
Land Rover Experience expert, Phil Jones added, “This was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I’ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn’t categorically say we would succeed. By making it to the summit, we’ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid like never before – with a genuine world first.”
IMAGE GALLERY
Range Rover  Sport P400e PHEV Dragon Challenge

Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV


Review: Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD, traversing a different path [+Video]

Malaysians should be familiar with the
Nissan X-Trail
. The butch crossover from Nissan was not only spacious but it also came with rugged versatility, such as the plastic front fenders that will pop back into shape in minor bumps, and the boot that was equipped with a plastic tray which can be taken out and hosed down with ease. A favourite choice among the
Malaysian officials
 is also saying a lot about the hardy X-Trail.
The X-Trail might have look like it has been on sale for ages but in fact, it actually arrived in the market a few years later than the
Honda CR-V
. While the CR-V was seen evolving from generation to generation, the X-Trail stayed true to its boxy looks portraying its tough go-anywhere capabilities; but not anymore with this
third generation T32 X-Trail
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD
Segment
Mid-size SUV
Engine
2,488 cc 4-Cylinder, Normally-Aspirated
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Max Power
167 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
233 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
RM 165,800.00
The total redesign might be an attempt to keep the X-Trail competitive in the ever-expanding SUV market, but we suspect the fresh dose of appearance should be able to lure a more diverse buyers from the other brands as well. It even throws in extra two seats in the back for good measure.
The T32 X-Trail made its debut here in early 2015 and it is offered in two 4-cylinder engine options, a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre. With a price gap of more than RM 20k between the two, the difference is more than just the engine displacement, the
2.0L
 model is strictly a
front-wheel drive
 against the
2.5L
 model that
drives all four wheels
. We bagged ourselves the 2.5L variant test unit finished in Tungsten Silver, now let’s find out what the new X-Trail has to offer other than a new appearance.
EXTERIOR
It looks like the Nissan designers have misplaced their ruler when sketching the new X-Trail. Gone are the straight lines and the slab-sided profile of the previous X-Trail, replaced with an organic and athletic appearance that ties the X-Trail closer to the rest of the Nissan product range.
The X-Trail now is more pleasing to behold thanks to the smooth lines that define the more dynamic profile compared to its predecessors. The shapely front bumper adds some aggressiveness to the face, but it’s also adorned with a slash of chrome just below the air intake, as well as chrome rings surrounding a pair of foglamps for a bit of that classy touch.

The nose is highlighted by the thick and chromed V grille that frames the Nissan logo. The line from the grille then continues to flow on to the bonnet, and joined by another crease that emerges from the
LED headlamps
. Both lines curve towards the flanks, to become the rising shoulder line that ends up at the kicked-up rear D-pillar.
The strong side profile is accentuated by the wheel arches that houses a set of
17-inch wheels
, while some eye candy comes in the form of chrome door handles and the design of the LED indicators on the side mirrors. In addition to that, the X-Trail is equipped with roof rails and black plastic cladding line the lower part of the whole vehicle for some extra ruggedness.
At the other end, the new X-Trail is missing the trademark vertical tail lights from the previous generation models, now replaced by a pair of angular items. It appears quite generic if you throw away the Nissan badge, but that’s not an issue when the back looks more appealing than the previous X-Trails.
INTERIOR
Despite the dark colour scheme used in the X-Trail, the cabin feels spacious and airy; and with
leather
 covering the seats, it’s a comfortable place to sit in too. Another reason it’s so comfortable is the
zero-gravity inspired seats
 that supports your body at the right places so you’ll stay fresh as a daisy even on long drives.

Electric adjustments
 are only reserved to the two front seats, the rest rely on levers and straps to manipulate their form. The second row seats split, slide, and tumble forward to give access to a couple of third row “complimentary” seats that can be raised or lowered by a tug of the strap.

Getting in and out of the third row is still a bit of a squeeze, but at least the rear doors open to a wide angle to facilitate that. There are acres of space for everyone bar the two unfortunate souls in the third row, and it can feel quite claustrophobic due to the rising side window line and the thick D-pillars; but smaller-sized kids will fit in there just fine. Everyone gets a
three-point safety belt
, but sadly there are
only two airbags
 in the whole cabin.

With the last row of seats in place, boot space is limited for some light groceries. Fold them down and you get
550 litres
 of real estate, and even more when you fold down the second row seats. The boot floor is quite high but you do get a small compartment to stow away the tonneau cover at the edge of the spare wheel bay.

Dual zone climate control
 is standard fitment, complete with blowers for the second row passengers, but our test unit is fitted with the optional
TCAT touch screen
 multimedia system instead of a standard 5-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard. Other than the bigger screen size, the upgrade adds
GPS navigation
 into the mix.

Cabin practicalities are fine, there’s a well-sized glovebox, deep cubby under the front central armrest, a 12v power outlet in the boot, while each row have at least two cupholders (the first row cupholders are chilled as well). The build quality seems solid enough, although some of the materials used feel cheap, such as the glossy plastic surrounding the gearlever and the hill descent switch next to the drive mode knob on the center console.
PERFORMANCE
The
2.5-litre engine
 has survived since the first-gen X-Trail, but it’s now producing
169 hp
 and
233 Nm
 of torque. With that amount of power, the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time and top speed should be tolerable because it doesn’t really matter for the daily grind although the
fuel consumption
 is rated at around
8.3 litres per 100km
.
A
CVT
 is tasked to send the power to the
All-Mode 4×4-i System
, and you can choose from 2WD, Auto, or lock it in full 4WD mode via a knob on the center console. Complimenting the AWD system is the
Advanced Hill Descent Control
 (AHDC).
THE DRIVE
The
360 degree birds eye view camera
 has to be one of the main selling points of the new X-Trail. Aided by the four cameras located around the exterior, they’re reliably accurate so you should be able to slot the X-Trail in the tightest parking spot available. Having said, if you are still unable to park the X-Trail properly in a normal parking bay then maybe you should consider to retake your driving test.
After experiencing the serene calmness of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit in the Teana, the 2.5-litre unit in this X-Trail sounds gruff and agricultural when pushed. However, it delivers impressive performance while the CVT paired to the engine deserves a praise too; it mimics the stepped gearchange of a conventional torque-converter automatic quite well thus minimising the usual CVT rubberband effect.
Ambling along the city roads, the X-Trail rides comfortably, smothering any imperfection in its path and as you venture to the highway, the X-Trail becomes a refined cruiser almost similar to the Teana with its pillowy ride as well as encapsulating its occupants from the outside noise.
The handling is safe and secure, by virtue of the
Active Trace Control
 (ATC). Like torque vectoring, it senses and brakes individual wheels to allow for a better turn in to corners, making the X-Trail handle with admirable deftness.
The ATC is part of the
Active Chassis Control
(ACC), that also consists of
Active Ride Control
 (ARC) and
Active Engine Brake
 (AEB). The ARC is said to provide a smoother ride over road humps while the AEB utilises the CVT for engine braking. I didn’t really feel the former make any difference to the notorious multiple speed bumps of Jalan PJU 7/2, but the latter works whenever you lift off the throttle, slowing the vehicle down even when you’re not applying the brakes.
Although the X-Trail is most likely to be used to ferry kids to school and soccer practice, it’s actually a more capable vehicle than most would think it is; because the
All-Mode 4×4-i System
 allows you to traverse the broken path beyond the school’s football field. Just twist the knob on the center console to choose from
2WD
,
4WD
, or
Auto
, and the X-Trail will take care of the rest for you.
In 2WD mode you will get a front wheel drive SUV, but by default you can leave the knob in
Auto
 position, where the system will shift the power by
 up to 50 percent to the rear axle
 when needed, intelligently. Like any other “intelligent” 4WD system in other vehicles, the transition is seamless, but in case you doubt the system is even functioning at all, you can watch it work by looking at the 5-inch digital display between the meter cluster.
The 4WD mode is when you’re in the mood for some moderate off-roading session, like that sudden urge to climb a hill on a perfectly fine Sunday afternoon. Okay, even if you never have that kind of urge, the X-Trail is capable to crawl through rutted terrain and climb up a hill or two. Coming down shouldn’t be a problem either. Turn on the
AHDC
 switch located next to the drive knob, and let the car control the engine and braking while you steer the car safely into path, making you look like a
Camel Trophy
 veteran.
Fuel economy is acceptable for a vehicle this size and a large 4-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet. We managed to score
7.0 l/100 km
 during our mixed driving, which is better than the claimed figure.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
If you have a growing family thinking of upgrading from a C-segment sedan and you can’t be seen driving an MPV, the X-Trail is a worthy SUV to consider. The cabin is spacious and practical enough, and your missus would appreciate the commanding SUV driving position and the 360 degree camera. The inclusion of the All-Mode 4×4-i System could also come in handy in the time of need.
For those of you who are still single, the X-Trail could be your all-in-one vehicle. It’s pleasantly comfortable, spacious, and it can get you to almost everywhere with little effort behind the wheel.
COMPARISONS
We’re comparing the X-Trail with Honda’s refreshed
CR-V
 and Mazda’s hot-selling
CX-5
. The CX-5 is the most expensive here, but the X-Trail and the CR-V are priced within a few hundred ringgits of each other. The CR-V has the smallest 4-cylinder lump under its bonnet but the
2.4-litre i-VTEC
 produces the most horses while the
2.5-litre SkyActiv-G
 in the CX-5 has the most torque.
The CX-5 has extra goodies to reflect its asking price, such as sunroof and a fancy Bose sound system. Size-wise the X-Trail is the biggest of the lot, and it’s the only vehicle to offer seating for up to seven. It’s also the only car with the least amount of airbags though.
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

Honda CR-V 2.4 4WD i-VTEC
Mazda CX5 2.5 SkyActiv-G 4WD

ENGINE
Type
 Inline 4-cylinder
Inline 4-cylinder
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement
cc
2,488
2,354
2,488
Max Power
hp/rpm
169/6,000
187/7,000
185/5,700
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
233/4,000
222/4,400
250/3,250
STEERING
Type
Electric power-steering
Electric power-steering
Electric power-steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
CVT
5-speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
SUSPENSION
Type
Front/Rear
MacPherson strut/Multi-link
MacPherson strut/Double wishbone
MacPherson strut/Multi-link
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Ventilated disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
225/65 R17
225/60 R18
225/65 R17
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,650
4,590
4,555
Overall Width
mm
1,820
1,820
1,840
Overall Height
mm
1,715
1,685
1,670
Wheelbase
mm
2,705
2,620
2,700
Kerb Weight
kg
1,612
1,560
1,611
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
550
589
403
FUEL
Tank Capacity
60 litres
58 litres
58 litres
Consumption (Combined)
8.3 L/100 km
8.5 L/100 km
N/A
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
N/A
190
N/A
0 – 100km/h
sec
N/A
10.7
9.7
PRICE

RM
165,800.00
165,170.50
176,609.70
WILL I BUY IT?
The X-Trail qualifies as the best case scenario for a universal vehicle. It should please most family man/woman because it’s easy to live with and it can even be the sole workhorse for a single household. It’s a sensible all-rounder with amicable road manners but its low airbag count might put some people off, although the ACC is there to prevent from the worse to happen.
At this price point I’d happily recommend the X-Trail to anyone seeking an easy to drive go-anywhere vehicle, but personally I’d rather sacrifice the “plus two” seats and top up a bit more for something with a little more verve. I think you know which SUV I’m referring to based on the comparison table above.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s a closer look of the Geely Jia Ji MPV, 1.5L PHEV 258 hp & 385 Nm

The
Geely Jia Ji
 is the Chinese carmaker’s first MPV and here we have a closer look at the people carrier’s rear profile.
Like the front, the
rear of the Jia Ji is aesthetically pleasing with LED taillamps, chrome trim
with GEELY wording across the tailgate, neat bumpers and hidden exhaust outlets.
Unlike the traditional “box on wheels” design, the Jia Ji is a fresh and stylish
interpretation of an MPV.
Inside the Jia Ji, passengers
are presented with a full LCD instrument cluster, 12.3-inch floating widescreen
infotainment panel and a double deck centre console that houses the main
controls, electronic gear selector, roof mounted controls with motion activated
ceiling light, ambient lighting, intelligent cup-holder with cooling and
heating function, panoramic sunroof and a touch panel control for the rear
climate control.
The Jia Ji is available
in either a six- or seven-seater configuration with three seating options: 2+2+2,
2+2+3 or 2+3+2. Geely says this will ensure that the new MPV meets all family mobility
requirements.
At launch, the Jia Ji is powered by three powertrain options – 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV) with
190 hp
/
300 Nm
, 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid with
258 hp
/
385 Nm
 or 1.8-litre turbo petrol wit
h 183
hp/
300 Nm
. The electrified powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission while the 1.8-litre TGDi gets a conventional six-speed automatic.
Considering how well received
the Proton X70 is, do you think it’s time Proton replaces the aging Exora with a
car based on the Jia Ji?
IMAGE GALLERY
Geely Jia Ji MPV


All Volvo employees to get 24 weeks paid parental leave, new policy begins today

Nope, it’s not an April Fool’s joke and it’s in fact true that beginning today, Volvo’s new “Family Bond” policy will come into effect where employees with
at least one year of service
 will be entitled to 24 weeks of paid parental leave.
The new policy, will benefit some 40,000 Volvo employees around the world, regardless of gender, with
80% of their base pay
. The leave
can be taken anytime within the three first years of parenthood
.
“We want to create a culture that supports equal parenting for all genders. When parents are supported to balance the demands of work and family, it helps to close the gender gap and allows everyone to excel in their careers. We have always been a family-oriented and human-centric company. Through this parental leave policy, we are demonstrating and living our values, which in turn will strengthen our brand,” said Volvo Car, CEO, Håkan Samuelsson.
You can now
drop off your old electronic devices at Volvo Car Malaysia for recycling
!
The global policy is more inclusive compared to existing policies around the world, and includes all legally registered parents, including adoptive, foster care and surrogate parents.
Volvo Car, Marketing and Public Relations Director, Akhtar Sulaiman, “This is a big step for Volvo, in which we are happy to extend the benefits of Family Bond onto our colleagues here in Malaysia. It is indeed empowering to be part of such a progressive-thinking organisation, to deepen our endeavours for competitive employee benefits amidst our positive culture.”
When studying the outcome of its parental leave pilot programme, the company found that employees appreciated the policy for being
 gender neutral, inclusive and adaptable to personal needs
. The studies also resulted in important insights on how to encourage even more employees to take parental leave and make parental leave for both parents the new ‘norm’.
To further show its commitment to reducing the gender gap, Volvo Cars will share its participation results over time so that other companies can learn from its progress.

The newly launched XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid.
Volvo Cars’ global policy is inspired by national legislation in its home market of Sweden, famous around the globe for its generous parental leave arrangements, which have delivered tangible benefits for parents and children alike in recent decades.
Volvo Car Malaysia, Head of People Experience, Rema Chetty added, “At Volvo, our focus has always been on people. Family Bond by Volvo Cars is more than a new policy or benefit for employees – it is the embodiment of the company’s culture and values.
“We believe that collaborative, inclusive, and diverse work environment ensures a happy workplace and in turn a successful organisation. We hope with the introduction of this parental leave policy, we can liberate our people to focus the joys of parenthood and be assured of continuous support from the company for their careers,” she added.


Only 150 units of this MINI Cooper S GT will be available, for the Frenchies

MINI France has launched the MINI Cooper S GT Edition that’s inspired by the MINI 1275 GT – the first MINI ever to be offered with a tachometer – from 1969 to 1980 and will only be available with 3 doors specifically for the French market.
As such the exterior of the car pays tribute to the original car with with hood, trunk and side stripes, GT Limited Edition lettering across the doors, a rear spoiler with the GT Limited Edition lettering and 18-inch “Spacecraft” wheels as seen on the John Cooper Works model.
It shares the same tail lights from the facelifted MINI Cooper recently launched in Malaysia.
Inside, the GT Edition comes with a GT Limited Edition inscription on the passenger side of the dashboard, illuminated door sills with GT lettering and the same letters are also projected onto the ground when the doors open.
These supplement the standard John Cooper Works sports seats, John Cooper Works steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof.
Power comes from the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine from the Cooper S making
 191 hp
 with
 280 Nm
 of torque. Transmission options are between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch unit.


IONITY, new JV between BMW, Daimler, Ford & VW to build EV charging stations

BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen have just announced a new joint venture, IONITY to develop and operate a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe.
IONITY aims to get
400 HPC
 stations up and running by 2020, giving electric car owners greater convenience and peace of mind for long-distance journeys across Europe. The company aims to roll out the first
20 stations
 by the end of 2017 located on major highways in Germany, Norway and Austria placed at 120 km intervals.
Each charging point features a charging capacity of up to
 350 kW
 as well as different socket design to cater to cars from different manufacturers. The charging point is also able to support high-speed charging for shorter charge times compared to existing systems. This multi-brand, Europe-wide distribution of HPC will help make electrified vehicles more appealing and feasible, an important step for EVs.
IONITY CEO, Michael Hajesch said “The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. IONITY will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability, to facilitate long-distance travel”


The Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition is a RM 3.5m G-Wagon truck with 900 hp & 1,250 Nm

If the
Mercedes-AMG G63
 isn’t sinister enough for you, you might want to check out the new
Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition
.
Brabus

has not only converted the luxury performance SUV into a truck, but they have also widened the AMG G63 and upsized its engine.
Let’s have a quick look around the outside first. Of course, the most striking modification is the new truck bed on the G63 SUV. Brabus first did this with the Brabus 800 Adventure XLP by rebuilding the G63’s rear end, including the rear suspension and driveshaft, extending the frame by 500 mm.
The Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition gives the G63 the “Brabus Rocket Edition Widestar” exterior concept that widens the G63 by 100 mm. The concept includes the Brabus front fascia inserts and front spoiler, “Rocket Red” side flaps, and “Rocket Launch” ambience light integrated into the carbon front grille.
Completing the Brabus look on the P 900 Rocket Edition are a set of 24-inch Brabus Monoblock Z “Platinum Edition” Aero-Disc forged wheels. A unique feature on the exterior of the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition is the Brabus “PowerView” hood that provides a direct view of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
RELATED:
Welcome to 2022, where tuners increase EV’s range, not performance
Originally a 4.0-litre V8 AMG engine, Brabus has bored it out to 4.5 litres, churning out
900 hp
 and
1,250 Nm
. Hooked up to the G63’s nine-speed automatic transmission, the P 900 Rocket Edition launches from 0-100 km/h in just
3.7 seconds
.
The two original turbochargers have also been swapped out for Brabus-special turbochargers with reinforced axial bearings. The V8 twin-turbo engine sings a new tune through a Brabus Sport Exhaust System with actively controlled flaps and muffler tips with ambient lighting – fancy.
RELATED:
The Brabus B45 gives the AMG A 45 S more power than you’ll ever need
In the cabin, the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition gets a splash of “Rocket Red” on over 206 individual cockpit elements – From the steering wheel trims to the foot pedals and the air conditioning vents.
The interior design is handcrafted, and many interior elements are finished in Brabus’ “Heritage” brand pattern, paying tribute the Brabus’ founding year in 1977. Brabus has upholstered the seats with a special Brabus “Seashell Diamond” quilting. A range of high-end carbon fibre elements can be seen on the Brabus paddle shifters, steering wheel, dashboard, centre console trims, and door panel compartments.
Pricing for the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition starts at €773,069.22 (approx.
RM 3,471,293
). Production will be limited to ten units worldwide.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde facelift launched in Malaysia – RM327k

Following a
 short teaser
 earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the new E-Class facelift. Two variants – the
Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde
and
E 300 AMG Line
 – are on offer here in Malaysia, both locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.

Just like its predecessor, the E 200 variant will serve as the entry-level variant for the executive sedan here in Malaysia, priced at
RM326,943
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (until December 31, 2021).
EXTERIOR
First unveiled globally last year, the new
 W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift
 has received a significant overhaul to its exterior styling, featuring the marque’s new design language that was first seen on the
third-generation CLS
.
Up front, there’s a newly redesigned grille that actually takes on a different shape depending on trim levels, flanked by the new slimmer headlights. On the E 200 with Avantgarde trim, the grille features a hexagonal silhouette which tapers towards the bottom, with two horizontal chrome trims across the centre of the grille to highlight to three-pointed star logo.
The most striking change on the new E-Class facelift, however, is round the back where the tail lights are now slim, horizontal two-piece items, which are fully-LED illuminated.
As mentioned above, the E 200 is equipped with the Avantgarde exterior package, which Mercedes-Benz says highlights the “dynamism and elegance of the vehicle” with a sporty-looking body kit. Other standard equipment on the new E 200 Avantgarde include:
Avantgarde exterior package
LED High Performance Headlamps
Adaptive high-beam assist
LED tail lights
18-inch 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels
Electrically folding and adjustable exterior mirrors
Two new exterior colours: grey metallic and high-tech silver
Read our full review of the outgoing Mercedes-Benz E 300 for a rough idea of how the new one feels and drive!
PERFORMANCE
The powertrain underneath the updated Mercedes-Benz E 200 is unchanged from its
predecessor
, with power still coming from the same two-litre turbocharged inline-four engine.
Engine: 1,991 cc; inline-four turbocharged, petrol
Max horsepower: 197 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm
Max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
Driveline: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Agility Control suspension adaptive damping
0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift is also available in an E 300 variant. Learn more here.
INTERIOR
While the changes to the exterior are quite significant, updates to the cabin on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is comparably more reserved, with the dashboard architecture basically retained from the outgoing model.
On the E 200 variant, the dashboard and door panels are draped in a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, offset by the black open-pored ash wood centre console, and a new black nappa leather multifunction steering wheel with touch-activated controls.
The dual 12.3-inch display sitting on top of the dashboard have also been updated with the latest MBUX software, along with a new touch-control cluster on the centre console, though functionality wise remains largely unchanged with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity out of the box.
Other interior highlights on the new Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde include:
Electrical adjustable front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support, Artico man-made leather upholstery
Electric sunblind for rear window
Thermatic dual-zone automatic climate control
Ambient lighting
Auto-dimming interior mirror and driver-side exterior wing mirror
Integrated communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
Image from E 300 AMG Line model.
SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE
Being the entry-level model, the new Mercedes-Benz E 200’s safety kit is slightly more limited than its more expensive sibling. However, the Active Brake Assist autonomous emergency braking and blind spot assist systems are standard across the board.
Other safety and convenience features on the new E 200 Avantgarde include:
Reverse camera
Active parking assist with Parktronic
Bind Spot Assist
Active brake Assist
Adaptive brake lights
Pre-Safe system
Tyre pressure monitoring system
The new Mercedes-Benz E 200 is also equipped with a new Urban Guard Vehicle Protection package, which automatically notifies the owner through the Mercedes me application when their parked car detected a change in position, an alarm siren, or movement in the interior for security and property protection.
PRICING
The entry-level Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde is priced at
RM326,943.19
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption until the end of 2021, which is a slight RM8,673 increase over its predecessor. Included in the price is also a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
With the Step Up Agility Financing Plan offered by Mercedes-Benz Financial Malaysia, the new E-200 Avantgarde can be yours starting from RM2,388 per month, based on a five-year tenure and a downpayment of 10%. For more information on the Step Up Agility Financing Plan, log on to MBM’s website, linked
here
.
Still stuck at home due to the movement control orders? You can now shop for Mercedes-Benz cars directly online! Learn more here.
GALLERY


Malaysia Ford Ranger Club’s Mega Gathering, 215 Ford Rangers going beyond a car meet

One of the common misconceptions about car clubs and car meets is that they are participated by youngsters in their modified cars and ends with a drag race at the end of the night. However, don’t let one rotten apple spoil the whole bunch as some respectable car clubs are simply car enthusiasts gather to share their passion.
Car clubs come in many shapes and sizes. There are larger groups that umbrella over a brand such as the Ford Owners Club Malaysia and there are model specific groups such as the
Malaysia Ford Ranger Club (MFRC)
. Both clubs are not funded or managed by Sime Darby Auto Connexion but they maintain a close relationship with Ford’s sole distributor in Malaysia.
Besides sharing the passion for the brand, car clubs are also a good source of information for maintenance and modification of your vehicle. On top of that, having a mutual interest serves as a good foundation to foster new friendships. To experience the energy, vibe, and what goes on at a car meet, MFRC has kindly invited me to join them for their
Mega Gathering 2016
 drive to AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort happened last month.
It was an early morning for the rangers as traffic briefing at the rendezvous point happens at 7.30 am before flagging off at 8.00 am sharp. I suppose this will be one of those rare moments that
Jalan Dagang, Sepang
 (an empty stretch of tarmac leading to a dead end) will ever be crowded by
more than 200 vehicles
. Owners from far north of Penang to far south of Johor Baharu gathered here to spend a weekend of fun-filled activities with friends that share a common passion whom they would otherwise would not have met in person if it wasn’t for this MFRC Mega Gathering 2016.
Fortunately for the participants, the organisers have reached out to the traffic law enforcers to assist with the coordination of the drive. Truth to be told, with 215
Ford Rangers
 in a convoy, getting some form of support from relevant authorities is a sensible choice to make, plus it adds some flare to the whole event. After the safety precautions were conveyed to all the drivers, it’s time to depart for AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort.
Thanks to MFRC’s official fuel partner,
Shell
, participants filled up their respective vehicles with
Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5
. The 33km journey to the resort with a mix of highway stretch and scenic B-roads will give first time users of Shell Euro 5 diesel to experience not only the benefits of a Euro 5 grade diesel but also the
Active Efficiency Ingredients
 that helps improve engine and fuel efficiency.
In a single file formation, we set off at a pace set by the leading officer. With Ford Rangers of different generations, colours, and trims driving together in an organised manner, the Hyundai Sime Darby
Tucson
 media car I was piloting stood out like a sore thumb. Well, at least both brands are under Sime Darby’s management.
The hour-long journey was relaxed and smooth thanks to the responsible driving style of the MFRC members. When passing the local villages, MFRC members were extra considerate as to not disturb the local community by driving sedately through the village without causing a commotion. The Ford Rangers also did not leave a heavy carbon footprint thanks to the ultra-low sulphur content of Shell’s Euro 5 diesel (10 parts per million) which significantly reduces the black smoke from the exhaust.
Upon arriving at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, the carpark was immediately filled with Ford Rangers all lined up in an orderly manner. Participants temporarily adjourn to the family park of the resort to participate in activities such as go-kart, archery range, paintball target, and ATV experience among others. Some decided to put on their tourist hat and set off on a hunt for the best local delicacies the town of Bagan Lalang has to offer.
From L to R: Tuan Muhamad Azaazrin bin Alias, Penghulu Mukim Sepang; Encik Tong Jeng Harng, Ahli Majlis/Pengerusi JPP Zon Sepang Putra; Puan Lai Nyuk Lan, Pengerusi Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Dun Sungai Pelek; YDM Tengku Dato’ Dr Jamaluddin bin Tengku Mahmud Shah Al-Haj D.S.I.S., J.P. and wife; Encik Zahari bin Meskam, Ketua Kampung Kg. Bagan lalang.
At the family park, I realise that the friendship built upon a shared passion goes far beyond
just
 cars. Folks from different race, religion, and gender were spending their afternoon together in good fun and harmony, depicting the true colours of the multicultural melting pot that keeps our nation together as one. Who says car clubs are just a bunch of men with their fast toys?
As we approach lunch time, the gathering was graced by the presence of VIPs to express their gratitude to MFRC for choosing Sepang as their destination of choice for an event of this scale. Royal Family representative
YDM Tengku Dato’ Dr Jamaluddin bin Tengku Mahmud Shah Al-Haj D.S.I.S., J.P., Orang Besar Daerah Sepang, Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya
 and Sepang district leader,
Tuan Muhamad Azaarin bin Alias
 took the opportunity to share the history and places of interest with everyone present.
Unfortunately, I was unable to stay on with the fine people of MFRC throughout the weekend. Hearing stories from the organisers, they had a delightful weekend getaway with their families and fellow club members as they put up a night at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort. Lucky draw prizes ranging from
premium shock absorbers
 to car coating packages were also given out to lucky individuals.
This experience has opened my eyes to the true nature of a car club. It’s not only to meet like-minded enthusiasts but also to be part of a community that supports and appreciates the burning passion you have for cars., ultimately providing a sense of belongingness in this less than ideal world. Car clubs, give it a try.
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All-new BMW 2 Series coupe revealed – better looking than before?

BMW has unveiled the all-new G42 2 Series coupe ahead of its first public event at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The second-generation BMW 2 Series coupe has a rather conventional styling, featuring a simple front end unlike the much talked about
4 Series
. The new lighting signature at the taillamp split opinions though.
The taillamps feature the “pincer” design from the
facelifted BMW X3
, but only featuring the upper half. The front lighting signature conveniently looks like the bottom half of the “pincer” and now houses a single circular LED headlamp unit which BMW says reminiscently of the BMW 02 model.
2021 BMW X3
For the new 2-er, BMW has revised the vertical bars in the wide and horizontally emphasised kidney grilles. The bars now function as active air flaps. The much-loved widened rear arches in the BMW M2 has the styling been transferred to the new coupe, further announcing its rear-wheel drive orientation. First seen in the
BMW i4
 and then the
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
, the new BMW 2 Series coupe will also use
the flush-fitting door handles
.
The new 2-er stands 28 mm lower than its predecessor, and its tracks wider by 54 mm on the front axle and 31 mm on the rear axle and spread further apart over a 51 mm longer wheelbase (2,751 mm). While it certainly has a similar profile as the predecessor, the new G42 BMW 2 Series should more comfortable inside thanks to a 64-mm wider body as well as the aforementioned longer wheelbase.
While the new coupe carries the 2 Series naming, it has no relation to the currently available F44
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
, which is built on a front-wheel drive oriented platform. The new 2 Series coupe will continue to be propelling the rear wheels as well as a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system.
The best of both worlds with BMW six-cylinder and rear-biased xDrive! Find out why we love the M340i here!
BMW says
many of the chassis technology
 has been borrowed from the new BMW 4 Series and given a tailored tuning. The front axle features a two-joint spring strut layout while the rear gets the five-link system. Lift-related dampers from the new 3 and 4 Series are specifically tuned for use in the new junior coupe.
Inside, it is a familiar BMW interior, with the dashboard looking to be lifted from the BMW 3 / 4 Series rather than from the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Three-zone automatic air-conditioning and windscreen with acoustic glazing are fitted as standard.
At the current launch phase, the new 2 Series coupe will only be offered with a two-litre four-cylinder or a three-litre six-cylinder engine. The range-topping M240i xDrive coupe gets the big capacity engine delivering outputs of
374 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque, resulting in a century sprint time of
4.3 seconds
. Torque value remains the same but spread higher to 5,000 rpm, while peak horsepower is 34 more than the previous M240i xDrive coupe.
Can the front-driven BMW 218i Gran Coupe drive like a typical BMW? Find out more here!
The engine in the new 220i coupe meanwhile features identical outputs as found in the
BMW 320i sedan
–
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque. Benchmark century dash is completed in
7.5 second
s. In the US, the 230i coupe is offered with the
255 hp / 400 Nm
 four-cylinder engine with the rest of the world is only scheduled to have this powertrain option from the summer of 2022. 0 to 96 km/h is completed in just
5.5 seconds
 in the US-specifications 230i.
All engines at launch will be paired to the famed 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The range-topping M240i xDrive will have all the added performance-enhancing items such as M Sport differential, rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive, M Sport suspension and M multi-piston braking system.
The Sport automatic in the M240i xDrive will also be fitted with a “Sprint function” for instant and dynamic bursts of speed when on the move plus the usual Launch Control function.
All that six-cylinder, xDrive and M Sport rear differential hardware adds significant amounts of weight too, adding 200 kg to the kerb weight of the M240i xDrive. At
1,765 kg
, that is just 50 kg lighter than the larger M440i xDrive Coupe and close to 500 kg heavier than the new
Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins
.
The all-new G42 BMW 2 Series will be built at the BMW Group’s new San Luis Potosí plant in
Mexico
 which currently manufactures the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW 2 Series coupe will only be delivered to customers from early 2022.
In the USA, the new 230i coupe is priced from
USD36,350
 (RM151,200) while the range-topping M240i xDrive coupe starts from
USD48,550
 (RM202,000), with both prices cheaper than the
GR Supra
 range.
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2021 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe
2021 BMW 220i Coupe


Bermaz Motor introduces two-year extended service maintenance programme for selected Mazda models

Bermaz Motor has introduced a new extended service maintenance programme for Mazda vehicles, tailored for selected models with an existing three-year free service maintenance plan. The new programme will provide an
additional four services
 at 10,000 km or 6-month intervals, for a
period of two years
 (fourth and fifth year).
The programme will cover all safety checks, service, and maintenance work which are carried out at predetermined intervals, including all works stipulated in the owner’s manual, replacement of engine oil, oil filter, gasket, and other parts requiring scheduled replacements – refer to the FAQ
here
 for the complete list.
Models eligible for the new plan include the
Mazda2
,
Mazda3
,
Mazda6
,
MX-5
,
CX-3
,
CX-5
,
CX-9
,
Mazda5
, and Biante
registered between 2016 and 2018
, still
within the three-year Free Service Maintenance package
, or are
not yet due for their first fourth-year scheduled service
.
Once purchased, the extended service maintenance programme will automatically be in effect as soon as the original three-year plan expires.
The service maintenance extension programme is priced
between RM2,200 to RM3,800
, depending on model. The full breakdown of pricing is available in the table below. Benefits from the Mazda extended service maintenance programme is transferrable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold.
Last year, Bermaz Motor revised its free maintenance package for All new Mazda vehicles (aside from the BT-50 pick-up truck) to a
five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance package
 as standard. The change is applicable for vehicles registered after 1 January 2019. Previously, Mazda vehicles were entitled to a three-year/60,000 km free scheduled service offering.


BMW i4 Gran Coupe unveiled, 530 hp and 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds

Straight after releasing details of the BMW
iX SUV
, the premium brand from Munich showed off the latest product from their electrified ‘i’ brand, the i4. The world premiere took place as the curtain-raiser for the BMW Group Annual Conference.
The BMW i4 is a fully electric four-door Gran Coupé with a power output of up to 390kW /
530 hp,
590-kilometre range and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in
around four seconds
. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment.
A BMW
M Performance
 model is also in the works as well as a Sport package as seen in the iX SUV announced earlier. “With its sporty looks,
best in class driving dynamics
 and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales.

More information on the new i4 will be released in the coming weeks. BMW is expecting to deliver the new i4 to customers as soon as Autumn 2021, three months earlier than planned.
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Suzie Wolff: I never raced to be the best woman. I raced to be the best

Suzie Wolff is probably better known these days as the other half of current head honcho of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1, Toto Wolff, or, you may have caught sight of her standing alongside former F1 driver David Coulthard commentating on Formula 1 on UK’s Channel 4. She is currently the Team Principal of the Venturi Formula E team as well as a Mercedes ambassador.
Wolff was also the first woman to take part in a F1 race weekend for 22 years as a test driver for the Williams team back in 2014. And before that, she raced in the ultra-competitive German DTM (for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) races for seven years, from 2006 to 2012. In this interview by Daimler Communications, she gives an insight into her career as a DTM driver – a racing series which Mercedes-AMG will end its participation this year to concentrate on Formula E – and the many challenges she faced in motorsport.
Susie, how did you come to join DTM in 2006?

Susie Wolff: I’d just lost my cockpit in the World Series by Renault as I wasn’t able to raise the sponsorship. I was really frustrated and thought: this is it, when I got a call from Gerhard Ungar about testing a DTM car in Barcelona. The test went pretty well, but I didn’t hear from them for ten days afterwards. I had no idea whether I would get my chance in DTM or not. Ten days later, and I was flying out to Stuttgart to sign a contract to drive for Mercedes-Benz in DTM. With hindsight, it was the big breakthrough that influenced the direction that both my career and private life were to take. Norbert [Haug] is the one I’ve got to thank for giving me the opportunity, and I’m grateful to him for taking a chance on me. His support was invaluable, he pushed me forward and always believed in me.
Vanina Ickx (daughter of Le Man legend Jacky Ickx) also competed in DTM in 2006. Did it ever really matter much to you whether you raced against men or women?

Susie Wolff: No, not at all. It was never an issue for me. I started racing at the age of eight and made my way up through the various junior classes in karting and formula racing. There were never very many women competing, but I wouldn’t say that I ever raced to be the best woman. I raced to be the best.
Suzie met her husband Toto when she was the test driver at Williams F1.
You and Ellen Lohr really left your mark on DTM. You were with DTM for seven years, do you feel a sense of pride in the knowledge that you were such a defining figure in the series?

Susie Wolff: I was very proud to race for Mercedes-Benz for such a long time and go head-to-head with so many terrific drivers in such a highly competitive race series. I learnt so much during that time, privately and professionally. I became part of the incredible Mercedes-Benz family and I met some incredible people which is another reason why I have such wonderful memories of my time in DTM.
How important for you in general was your time in DTM?

Susie Wolff: They were some of the most important years of my racing career. At DTM I laid the foundations for driving a Formula 1 car, which had always been my ultimate dream. I also met my future husband, which was a pretty significant moment! All in all those seven years shaped me and helped prepare me for the future.
The Mercedes Tribune grandstand at Hockenheimring showing their support for Suzie.
Is there any particular race that you like to look back on with fond memories?

Susie Wolff: I’d have to say my very first DTM race actually at Hockenheim. I’ll never forget it, the support I received from the team was incredible. Add to this that I finished my maiden DTM race in the Top Ten and you can understand why it’s a race I’ll never forget. There have been other less spectacular races where I had some terrific scraps with great drivers like Tom Kristensen, Jamie Green, Jean Alesi and Gary Paffett. They’re pretty unforgettable too.
Have you got a favourite DTM track?

Susie Wolff: Well as my first ever DTM race track, it’s just got to be Hockenheim. When I was given the choice of where I wanted to drive in Friday practice with Williams in Formula 1, I had no hesitation in opting for Hockenheim.
With which team-mate did you most enjoy working with during your time in DTM?

Susie Wolff: Great question. I never had a favourite team-mate per se, but I learned a great deal from Gary [Paffett]. He was always very honest and gave me plenty of advice. I had a lot of great drivers as team-mates – David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen, Bruno Spengler, Jamie Green – and got on really well with them all.
During your time in DTM, there were two classes of drivers, if I can put it like that, with some in last year’s car and others being given the current generation of car to race. You were never given the opportunity to be a top contender, were you? How does it make you feel? Any regrets?

Susie Wolff: I found it tough, of course, as any competitive driver would. When Toto took over as Head of Motorsport, I urged him to make sure that every driver had a chance to compete up front. As a racing driver, success means everything. Seven years in DTM without achieving the success I craved was pretty hard to take at times and ultimately, it was one of the reasons I left in the end. I simply never had the chance to fight up front in a new car. But that’s just how things were at the time, and I’m still very grateful for the opportunity I was given. I’m very happy that current DTM drivers can now go wheel-to-wheel in cars that are more or less equivalent.
How hard was making the decision to leave DTM after seven years?

Susie Wolff: It was very easy to decide in the end, the stress versus reward wasn’t working for me. I wanted to compete and achieve to my potential so I knew I needed a change. I’d worked so hard and made so many sacrifices, I just said to myself one day, “It’s got to stop. It can’t go on like this.” So it was a straightforward decision to make and I don’t feel at all bitter looking back on my time in the DTM. I like to look back on my time with the series, I learned so much and it shaped me in many ways, but I know in my gut that I left at the right time.
What would you do if you didn’t have motor racing?

Susie Wolff: I’m actually not sure. I feel very grateful that I identified my passion so early on. And yes, I’m a woman, who opted to follow a career path that mainly men took at the time, definitely not the easiest of career paths to take but I do love racing. It’s always been like that, right from the very start. My career as a professional racing driver has ended but I’m still very much involved in competitive motorsport both through my latest challenge as Team Principal of VENTURI Formula E Team and also through Toto. We are very collaborative and supportive of one another both on and off the race track. I love the cut and thrust of competition and I’m very grateful for the continued opportunity to satisfy my passion for motorsport.


If you’ve got a Mercedes-Benz that’s 4-years old and above, check this out

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and a select network of dealerships will be hosting the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics between May and September 2018.
The Service Clinics will cater to Mercedes-Benz cars –
aged 48 months (4 years) old and above
 – with full safety checks conducted by a Mercedes-Benz Service Expert from Daimler, popularly known as a
‘Flying Doctor’
.
Upon the full safety check by the ‘Flying Doctor’, each car is then followed up by assigned teams for the relevant service or repairs recommended.
To do so, customers are urged to book their appointments in advance to secure their slot as per the table below. This effort will allow customers to have a first-hand look of the work that goes into maintaining a Mercedes-Benz.
Date
Venue
Contact Number
28th May – 1st June
Naza Wheels Klang
03-3342 3333
25th June – 29th June
Hap Seng Star Iskandar
07 – 509 9019
3rd Sept – 7th Sept
Auto Commerz
03 – 4144 5500
This effort not only serves to transcend new levels of customer service but also aims to develop local talent. As a result of assisting the ‘Flying Doctor’ from Daimler during the service clinics, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s local customer services teams will also stand to gain valuable experience and knowledge.
In other news, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announced that its newest dealer Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd has opened its first 2S centre located close to the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak. It has the capacity to service up to 200 vehicles per month.
The Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre is located at No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur. For more information, please contact 03- 4144 5500.


Can’t decide between a hot hatch and a yacht? There is the Abarth 695 Rivale

There’s something about well-rounded hot hatches that just triggers the eager, heavy-footed 18-year old in us. While most perky hatch backs appear racey and raw, vibrant and audacious, the limited edition Abarth 695 Rivale offers a middle ground between enthusiastic and luxury driving.
The Abarth 695 Rivale is the result of a collaboration with luxury yacht builder Riva whose success in the 1920’s and 30’s, coupled with Abarth’s prominence in the 1950’s and 60’s – offers a blend of style, performance and craftsmanship in the most sophisticated and refined Abarth ever built.
Powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it produces
 178 hp
 with
250 Nm
 of torque – capable of getting to a 100 km/h from standstill in just
6.7 seconds
 with a top speed of 223 km/h. Its transmission comes in the form of a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed robotised sequential gearbox.
An Akrapovic with carbon tailpipes ensures that the 695 Rivale will be heard at full scream. Stopping power is provided by 4-pot Brembo brakes along with a Koni suspension system tucked underneath its grey 17-inch Supersport wheels.
Inside, a combination of exclusive styling and premium materials pays tribute to the new open ’56 Rivale’ luxury yacht. A 7-inch U connect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto takes centre stage while the trademark Riva two-tone Sera Blue and Shark Grey colour scheme with Aquamarine double-stripe beauty line represents a thin line of sea on the horizon.
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Mercedes-Benz V-Class Limited Edition revealed, only 1,500 units worldwide

Mercedes-Benz has announced two additional variants for its
V-Class MPV
 – V-Class RISE and V-Class Limited Edition. Both models will be displayed at the upcoming 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show at the Mercedes-Benz booth.
The
V-Class Limited Edition
 gets an exclusive Hyacinth Red Metallic paint job to appeal to the style-conscious customers. To make things even sweeter, only
1,500 units
 of this MPV will be made available worldwide. A
Night Package
 which includes high gloss black finish for the wing mirrors, radiator, black tinted windows and 18-inch alloy wheels is also a standard feature on the Limited Edition MPV. An AMG Line can also be added for a more aggressive appeal.

Besides that, the
Night Package
 which includes the aforementioned items will be available as an option for all V-Class variants from September onwards.
In addition to that, Mercedes-Benz has also added the
 V-Class RISE,
 a new entry level variant that offers greater price-to-performance ratio. With a base price of €34,990 (RM177k), this V-Class is available as a five-seater configuration as standard with the option for additional seats (up to eight). Two turbodiesel engines with
 134 hp
 and
161 hp
, both mated to a six-speed manual transmission or the optional seven-speed dual-clutch unit, are available on the V-Class RISE. It rides on a choice of 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels.
On board safety systems are aplenty for the seemingly basic V-Class with the inclusion of Crosswind Assist as standard while active safety systems such as PRE-SAFE, Collision Prevention Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are available as options.
The V-Class saw tremendous growth in demand in the first half of 2017 with some 29,000 units made its way to new owners, a 24 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Germany and China had the biggest appetite for the luxury MPV.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz V-Class Limited Edition

Mercedes-Benz V-Class RISE


2020 Honda Civic Type R now gets Honda Sensing

The
fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring
 now even comes with Honda Sensing!
The updates not only extend to the mechanical bits but also aesthetics where the
Type R
 now comes with a larger front grille for an even more aggressive look and improved cooling. A new colour –
Boost Blue
 – is also now available with the 2020 model.
Inside, the Type R has been further refined with a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a new shifter with a redesigned knob and shorter shift throws.
The visceral effect from within the cabin has also been amplified with the new
Active Sound Control
, which modifies interior sound in relation to different drive modes.

Having
set multiple lap records in various international circuits around the world
, the Civic Type R has been further enhanced mechanically to cement its prowess on the road and track.
It now comes with
new two-piece brake discs and new brake pads
 which have been engineered for reduced fade and improved high-speed braking efficiency.
It also gets updated dampers for better ride comfort even though the Civic is already surprisingly comfortable for a car riding on 20-inch wheels and 30 profile tyres.
Stiffer rear bushings have been deployed for better road holding while modifications have been done to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.
Interestingly, speed isn’t the only focus in the new FK8 Type R as Honda has also incorporated the Honda Sensing driver assistance system into it.


Aston Martin DB11 unveiled; does DB stand for Downright Beautiful? [+Video]

Here’s a little piece for context. Aston Martin’s last road-going DB model was the
DB9 GT Bond Edition
 that’s powered by a DBS-sourced 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12. It was good for 539 hp and 620 Nm of torque, numbers that are not so good for fuel economy.
Then, the natural progression would lead anyone to think that the succeeding model should in fact be the DB10, right? Well, yes and no.
The DB10 was a bespoke-built model
; just 10 will ever be made, and one was just recently auctioned off for close to RM15 million! So the closest you can get to owning a Bond car is this, the
all-new Aston Martin DB11
.
The DB11 is important to Aston Martin because it’s the first model introduced under the Gaydon-based company’s ‘Second Century’ plan. It doesn’t look quite like the DB10, but the DB11 is charming in its own right. The
clamshell hood
 hinges at the front, its headlights and tail lights lit by energy-saving LEDs while the fascia gets the iconic Aston Martin grille.
Another remarkable engineering feat is making the DB11 as slippery as it is aerodynamic. Its outer body, particularly the roof strakes spanning between the A- and C-pillars, sit flush and flow smoothly into the tail lamps. There are functional air inlets built within each C-pillars, and what this does is feed air to the rear spoiler (Aston Martin calls it the AeroBlade; these Brits really know how to sound sexy) which contribute by increasing downforce. Front-end lift is dealt with ducts that release high-pressure air from inside the wheel arches.

Aston Martin is also not spared from the downsizing trend. The countless of hours spent back at the drawing board helped conceive a brand new
5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
, and it’s entirely designed in-house. It makes
600 horsepower
 and
 700 Nm
 of torque, making it the most powerful production DB model ever. If you’re not using all that power, the engine deactivates an entire bank, effectively making it a
2.6-litre
 Bond-mobile.
The engine is mated to a ZF-made
eight-speed automatic
 transmission which sends drive to the rear wheels only. Aston Martin said the DB11 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.9 seconds
 and has a claimed top speed of
320km/h
. There are several drive modes as well, such as GT, Sport and Sport Plus – all of which progressively intensifies damping stiffness, throttle and gearbox characteristics.
Inside, the DB11 gets a fully digital
12-inch LCD instrument cluster
, whereas the centre dash gets a smaller 8-inch head unit. There’s a rotary knob and an optional touchpad that supports alphabetical and numerical recognition, as well as multi-touch and gesture support. Many of these in-car infotainment system are the result of Aston Martin’s partnership with Daimler AG, their technical partner. If that’s not enough, the DB11 also comes with auto-park assist and 360-degree all-view camera. And because it’s a Grand Tourer, the rear seats come with Isofix mounts for two child seats.
If you’re planning on getting one, we suggest you look through their extensive list of optional accessories. Here’s what Aston Martin wants to tell you:
“Your personalisation choices are
virtually limitless
. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.”
Yes, we’re sold too.
The price for a brand new Aston Martin DB11 will set you back from £154,900 in the UK, and a quick conversion indicates a starting price of just over RM900k. Cars sold in the UK and Germany will come packaged with a 5-Year servicing plan, but US-bound DB11 won’t share the same fortune. Deliveries will commence during Q4 later this year.
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Get ready! The Mazda MX-30 EV could be in Malaysia from next year!

Just a day before the announcement of Budget 2022 by the Prime Minister, Maybank IB Research offered their thoughts regarding the automotive sector, kind of a “Budget Wish lists” of sorts.
In a report by
TheStar
,
Maybank IB Research hoped that the upcoming Budget 2022 would have a section dedicated to green automotive targets, as briefly mentioned by the Prime Minister during his reading of the
12th Malaysia Plan

(12MP).
Apart from incentives for both vehicle manufacturers as end-users, the “Wish lists” also hopes to see providers of all things EV and low emissions be given support via attractive tax incentives, grants and tax rebates.
As such, if the conditions are very conducive,
Bermaz Auto
 is set to bring in a range of low and zero-emission vehicles from Mazda,
Kia
 and
Peugeot
, with the Mazda MX-30 EV leading the proposal, according to the research unit.
Bermaz Auto is said, “to have identified private charging operators to collaborate with on EV charging infrastructure.” Rather than outright purchase, the company also intends to offer subscription-based plans to address the cost and warranty concerns perceived by consumers.
The
Mazda MX-30
, similar in size to the Mazda CX-30, is the company’s first fully electric model. Power output is limited to just
145 hp
 and range up to
200 km
 via 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The Mazda MX-30 EV is sized as such to provide the optimum balance between the driving range and CO2 emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective.
The European marketing team cleverly terms it as “A car with a battery, not a battery on wheels”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) hopes that the government will prolong the sales tax exemption into 2022, as it has proven to sustain vehicle sales and thus benefit the automotive industry as a whole.
“The Total Industry Volume (TIV) has still not achieved pre-Covid 19 levels. Also on MAA’s wish list is for the government to announce incentives for electric vehicles (EVs),” MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told TheStar.
For the first nine months of 2021, the TIV is circa 319,000 units, approximately 8% lower than the same period last year.
The MAA expects the 2021 TIV to reach 500,00 units, but the Maybank IB Research team sees an extra 20,000 units to land at 520,000 units.


Sun’s out, top down in the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante V12

There is no denying that the
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
 is a work of art and what better way to enjoy the car than folding the roof away for the ultimate open-top driving experience.
Introducing the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, the second model to carry the Volante name under the company’s
Second Century Plan
. Powered by a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 producing
725 hp
 and
900 Nm
 paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
With the additional weight from the folding roof mechanism, century sprint is slightly down compared to the Coupe at
3.6 seconds
 – which is still plenty fast. Nought to 160 km/h (100 mph) is dispatched in
6.7 seconds
 while its top speed of
340 km/h
 is identical to the Coupe.
To counterbalance the aerodynamics of the Volante, Aston Martin has introduced new deeper side strakes to draw more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and improve high-speed stability. The Aeroblade II system has been revised to accommodate the Volante’s soft top roofline and as a result, the Volante generates
177 kgs of downforce
 at V-Max, just 3 kgs lesser than the Coupe.
The fabric roof takes
14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and have been put through more than
100,000 operating cycles, simulating 10 years of usage into a one-month test to
ensure that the roof mechanism can stand the test of time.
Eight stunning colours
are available for the Volante’s roof including Bordeaux Red, Atlantic Blue and
Titan Grey while the inside can be personalised with a further six Rokona
headliners. There is also an option to have the windscreen surrounds to be
finished in a 2×2 twill carbon fibre.
Aston Martin Lagonda
President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the DBS Superleggera Volante:
“There is nothing on earth that compares to the roar of an Aston Martin V12 and
I believe that the DBS Superleggera Volante provides one of the greatest
sensory experiences in the automotive world.”
IMAGE GALLERY
 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante


2016 Audi A5 and S5 coupes unveiled, may reach Malaysia in 2017

Audi has taken off the wraps of the all-new Audi A5 and S5 coupes. The sporty two-door coupe spinoff from the
A4 B9 saloon
 will go on sale in selected markets by November this year, two months earlier than the Sportback’s January 2017 debut.
The second-generation A5 and S5 ride on Volkswagen’s MLB – a modular platform for longitudinal, front-engined vehicles. Aesthetically, the A5 doesn’t differ much from the current A4 B9, but the company says the A5 projects a more emotionally connected styling as opposed to the A4’s dashing looks.
To begin, the A5’s grille sits lower and spans wider than the A4, featuring a different and slimmer design of LED headlights and DRLs. The S5 meanwhile, receives an integrated rear diffuser and quad exhaust; two key exterior finishes that separate the S5 from the A5.
Unsurprisingly, the A5 receives three diesel and two petrol engines, producing between 187 hp and 282 hp. That said, the turbocharged
2.0-litre four-cylinder EA888
 petrol engine which powers most of Audi and Volkswagen’s cars will be carried over to the A5.
The range-topping S5 on the other hand, receives a turbocharged
 3.0-litre V6 petrol
 engine that produces
349 hp
 and
 500 Nm
 of torque. This sends it on a sprint from 0 to 100km/h in
4.7 seconds
 with a limited top speed of 250km/h.
All engines are mated with a choice of
a six-speed manual
 or optional
seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
 gearbox, with the exception of the range-topping oil burner and S5 which settle for an
 eight-speed torque converter automatic
. The latter two also have quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
The new A5 is also
60kg
 lighter than its predecessor, and a marginally longer wheelbase means that it’s more spacious on the inside too. Boot space is increased to 465 litres. The A5 also has a very low drag coefficient of
 0.25
, which should improve fuel efficiency. The numbers have not been revealed, however.
Inside the A5 is pretty much a carryover from the A4. As expected, a
12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit
 is fitted, along with Audi MMI Plus. Safety features include Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Pre-sense Safety Systems.
The
BMW 4-Series
 and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
 rival will undoubtedly be available in its hottest guise, the RS5 sometime in the future. For now, just look forward to its Malaysian debut in 2017!
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi A5

Audi S5


Suzuki Baleno hatchback unveiled ahead of Frankfurt debut, to feature 1.0L turbo engine [+Video]

The all-new production version of the Suzuki Baleno has finally been unmasked ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. According to the famed compact car manufacturer, the Baleno will raise the bar of compact hatchbacks that incorporates elegant and powerful design, spacious cabin and luggage space.
Suzuki remains tight lipped on the car’s details, but suffice to say that the company’s interpretation of an ideal hatchback will include features like LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry, push-start button and a host of other new technologies.
What we do know so far is that the Baleno will sit on Suzuki’s
new generation platform
, of which a ‘highly responsive’
1.0-litre turbocharged direct injected Boosterjet
 engine will be bolted to. The said engine will be assisted by
SHVS
 (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) – essentially an integrated starter motor.
Full details of the Baleno will be made available closer to its Frankfurt debut, one that will take place on 15 September 2015.


Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred premium touring tyres launched in Malaysia – 16-19 inch sizes

Goodyear Malaysia
today announced the launch of the all-new Assurance ComfortTred here on our shores. The Assurance ComfortTred tyre is a new expansion to Goodyear’s Assurance portfolio, in the form of a touring tyre “specifically customised for premium vehicles” with quietness and comfort as its main focus.
A key innovation in the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred tyres is the new ANX (Advanced Noise Cancelling) Technology, which combines an additional noise and vibration cancelling layer within the tyre, along with a unique tread design to reduce noise on the move. On the latter, the close pattern design helps reduce air pumping noise, while the high number of smaller tread blocks results in a lower impact force noise.
Additionally, the new tread compound, with high amounts of silica and resin, helps deliver additional traction, especially in the wet. The increased edges on the tread also helps with water evacuation, thus resulting in shorter wet braking distances.
ALSO READ:
 Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres launched in Malaysia – 16-19 inch, from RM375
The Assurance ComfortTred will be available in 12 sizes in Malaysia, ranging from 16- to 19-inches in rim diameter, covering the most popular tyre sizes for premium vehicles here on our shores, including both petrol-powered and electric vehicles, says Goodyear. The new tyre is now available at Goodyear Autocare Centres nationwide, with “very competitive pricing” ranging from
RM420 to RM860
.
The tyres will be manufactured in Goodyear’s plant in China.
In conjunction with the launch, Goodyear Malaysia has also announced a new promotion campaign where the first 200 customers who purchase four pieces of Assurance ComfortTred tyres will be entitled to a pair of free JBL headphones. Eligible customers will just have to register their tyres for the Worry Free Assurance (WFA) Warranty, and then WhatsApp their personal details, receipt, and the WFA screenshot to Goodyear at +6012 998 8410.
GALLERY