Beyond the downpayment and monthly instalments

Getting the keys to a car, whether it’s new or pre-owned, is an exciting prospect. But more often than not, car buyers, particularly first timers, overlook the fact that the ownership of a vehicle goes well beyond just being able to afford the downpayment and monthly instalments.
The car buyer must take into account expenses incurred to run, maintain and insure one of the biggest purchases in life. To generate more awareness on this topic, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch) organised an experts’ roundtable session recently with RinggitPlus and Allianz General Insurance Company to discuss and provide insights on financial planning, vehicle protection, car maintenance issues and their cost-benefit perspectives when purchasing a first car.
Questions to ask before pulling the trigger
“When purchasing a car, you have to ask yourself two important questions: ‘Do you need it?’ and ‘Can you afford it?’. The biggest misconception most first-time car buyers have is that as long you can afford the downpayment and the loan instalments, you are in the clear”, said Hann Liew, Founder and Director, RinggitPlus Malaysia, a leading personal finance portal.
Experts representing insurance, automotive parts and personal finance sharing valuable knowledge.
On the topic of insurance, Sazali Abdul Rahman, Head of Franchise, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd commented, “Be it a new or used car, there are a set of detariff factors that we take into account to determine the insurance premium. These detariff factors include age of vehicle, vehicle make and model, gender, insured age, high-risk theft vehicle and cubic capacity”.
Sazali added that used cars usually have a lower insurance premium when compared to new cars. For example, comparing a three-year old car against a new car, the difference in premium is 4.4% for national cars, 13% for Japanese cars and 22% for European cars.
Hann and Sazali both stressed that there are in fact many hidden costs that should be factored in when determining the ability to afford a car. These hidden costs create a sum called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that includes depreciation, interest, petrol, parking and toll, insurance, road tax and car maintenance on top of the down payment and loan instalments. As a rule of thumb, your monthly TCO should not exceed 20% of your gross income and to follow a 36% rule of debt-to-income ratio.
Go Boon Wah of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia expounding on the benefits of choosing reputable aftermarket spare parts.
Vehicle maintenance is key in managing TCO
“When it comes to car maintenance and auto parts, choose what is best for your pocket and for your car. To stretch your maintenance budget, one can either DIY in the upkeep of certain auto parts such as
changing your own wiper blades
 or opt for reputable spare parts brand such as Bosch as this can lower vehicle maintenance costs by 25% to 50%”, said Go Boon Wah, Marketing Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia.
Go concluded the session by emphasising that regular maintenance is the life of the car and it’s important to learn the vehicle maintenance eco-system available in the market including identifying trusted workshops and mechanics, which auto parts to maintain and change, as well as which loan financing and insurance coverage that work best for you.
(
Click here to view the presentation by Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia
)


Philippines’ Giti Formula V1 is a back-to-basics racing series

Motorsport has always been plagued by criticisms in terms of costs, with many claiming it as a rich man’s hobby. However, in our recent trip to Philippines for the launch of Giti passenger car tyres, we had the opportunity to briefly experience a new form of racing that is poised to change that very mindset.
The Giti Formula V1 Series took the Philippines racing landscape by storm when it first flagged off in 2018. Designed as the ‘next step’ for those looking to step up from karting in the motorsport ladder, the Formula V1 promises to be cheap to own and cheap to run, bringing single-seater racing back to the nation.
The Formula V1 is a single-seater kit car. Originally built by West Racing Cars Co. Ltd. in Japan, the kit is imported into Philippines by Tuason Racing School, the organisers of the racing series.
Powering the Formula V1 cars is the mid-mounted
1.5-litre 4-cylinder
 engine sourced from a Toyota Vios. The five-speed manual transmission along with the driveshaft are also borrowed from the B-segment sedan.
Now, you might think the
110 or so horsepower
 from the 1NZ engine is child’s play compared to other single-seater racing series, but for a car weighing just
 530 kg
 without fluids, the Formula V1 car does zero to 100 km/h in just
4.5 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
 200 km/h
.
In our brief stint in the car on the Clark International Speedway, we can confirm that the Formula V1 is a hoot to drive. Acceleration feels raw and brutal with every gear change, and turning in to a corner feels direct and darty, a result of the minimal weight and the MR drivetrain setup.
Contributing to the lightweight setup is the fibreglass body, which lays on top of the tubular steel chassis. Other performance-oriented parts include bespoke TEIN coilovers, Wilwood brakes on all four corners with adjustable bias, as well as motorsport wheels provided by ROTA. Of course, there are no driver aids here.
The tyre choice is perhaps the most unusual detail here. Supplied by series title sponsor Giti, the Formula V1 cars are decked out in
street-legal Gitisport GTR3 RR1 tyres
 instead of racing slicks.
However, our drive revealed that the lightweight car mixed with relatively low power output results in a pretty balanced driving experience with the street-based tyres. Upon turn-in, the car responds instantly and hugs the line pretty well. Although we weren’t able to test it ourselves, we would wager that the lower grip levels mean that the car should be pretty playful on extreme conditions too.
Giti says that their involvement in the racing series directly influence the research and development of their consumer-facing products. In particular, three aspects of the tyres – sheer forces, heat dissipation, and reaction to rotational forces, are tested to the extreme on race circuits. As a result, the compound choices and construction of the street tyres can all be better formulated.
Giti Europe Testing Centre Manager, Martin Gibson, also said that their engineers keep a close watch at every Formula V1 race event. The technology from motorsport tyres have already trickled down to Giti consumer tyres such as the newly launched Gitisport GTR3, which rivals the likes of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup and Pirelli P Zero Corsa.
The organisers have expressed intent to bring the Formula V1 series to other parts of the region including Malaysia, and we can’t wait to see these cars on our own Sepang International Circuit!
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All-new Mazda MX-5 unveiled globally, now shorter, lighter and sleeker [+Video]

Behold, dear readers. The car you see in the pictures here is the all-new, fourth-generation
Mazda MX-5
, a name that has been resonating in the world of lightweight sports cars for
25 years
. The global unveiling took place this morning on three separate continents: Japan, USA and Spain.
It’s pretty clear cut here that the new MX-5 embodies the brand’s
KODO-Soul of Motion
 design language. One undeniable difference from the third generation MX-5 to the fourth is its design. Despite keeping many of its characteristics relatively close to its original conception, the KODO designed MX-5 is by far the most drastic change made to the MX-5 lineage.
The MX-5, a model reflective of Mazda’s vehicle engineering philosophy that is the
pursuit of driving pleasure
. With the fourth-gen MX-5, Mazda promises to deliver what the car was intended to deliver since its creation – a lightweight, fun to drive sports car to suit the needs of today’s drivers. According to Mazda, the new MX-5 adopts the
Skyactiv technology
 which has contributed greatly to its weight loss, one of which is the brand new
rear-wheel-drive chassis
.
Speaking of lightweight, Mazda isn’t revealing any official numbers of yet, but have said that the new car is about
100kg lighter
 than the model it replaces. This brings it closer to the original kerb weight of the Mk1 of 940kg. The front wings, bonnet and boot are now made from aluminium, including a lightweight soft-top construction all contribute to the weight shed.
Two Skyactiv engines
 have been rumoured to feature in the MX-5, that is the
1.5-litre
 and
2.0-litre
 naturally aspirated engines found in the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 respectively. Judging from its previous powertrains, it’s quite unlikely that the new model’s engine will be force inducted. Nothing is set in stone here, so we may or may not be proven wrong.
The engine now sits
further back
 than the superseding model, and
lower
too. This means better centre of gravity and of course, better weight distribution. Mazda claims that the new MX-5 has a
perfect 50:50 weight balance
, further adding credibility to the fun dynamism the Mk1 offered, it seems.
Little has been made known to the public regarding the latest iteration of the MX-5. But what we do know on the whole is that the MX-5 still holds the record for the
world’s best-selling two-seater sports car
 with
over 940,000 units produced
 to date. Only time will tell how well the new one will fare. Watch this space for more MX-5 updates!
[divider]
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New 2021 Range Rover Velar loaded with extra goodies

First introduced here
three years ago
 in 2019, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has revealed some updates and changes to the Range Rover Velar 2.0L R-Dynamic model.
Among them is the Electronic Air Suspension that can lower or increase the SUVs ride height by up to 50 mm. These ride height changes can be done via the infotainment display, physical controls in the boot area or through the key fob. When cruising above 105 km/h, the air suspension will automatically drop the Velar’s height by 10 mm.
Another addition that supplements ride comfort is the Active Road Noise Cancellation system that comes as standard with the Meridian Sound System. The feature basically works like a pair of noise cancellation headphones.
Also new is the Wade Sensing system, which uses ultrasonic sensors by the side mirrors, to alert the driver of the water depth via the touchscreen infotainment display. Speaking of the infotainment system, the Velar’s all-new Pivi Pro infotainment system offers plenty of customised options, including allowing two smartphones to be connected at once.
The infotainment system has also been upgraded to feature 3D Surround Camera and the highly amusing ClearSight Ground View feature which allows users to see what’s under the car.
New design touches include a new toggle shifter and steering wheel design with integrated smart buttons and a “hands-on wheel detection” feature.
The 2.0-litre R-Dynamic model retains the same P250 turbocharged powertrain, translating to 249 hp and 365 Nm. The turbocharged engine drives all-four wheels via an 8-speed ZF gearbox.
The new 2021 Range Rover Velar 2.0-litre R-Dynamic model starts from
RM612,207.74
, inclusive of SST exemptions.


2016 Ford S-Max launched in Malaysia, priced at RM235k

Sime Darby AutoConnexion has quietly introduced the second generation Ford S-Max, an MPV that’s closely related to the
Mondeo
. It packs an almost identical underpinning from the handsome D-segment sedan, but its MPV form commands a price premium of about RM37k over the Mondeo.
And just like the Mondeo, only a single variant is offered for the Malaysian market. This
Titanium-spec
 S-Max is laden with useful tech, and it’s powered by the same
2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost
 mill from the Mondeo.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost

Engine
1,999 cc 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
237 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Max Torque
345 Nm @ 2,300 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
8.4 seconds; 226 km/h
Price
RM234,988
EXTERIOR
It’s not surprising that the S-Max looks like the MPV version of the Mondeo. Although it’s worth to note that the S-Max is not a full-blown MPV, that spot is occupied by the larger Ford Galaxy, which is not sold in the Malaysian market. The S-Max measures
1,655 mm tall
,
1,916 mm wide
, and
4,796 mm long
 with a
2,849 mm wheelbase
.

The side profile looks pretty sleek for an MPV, but the
17-inch alloys
 shod with
235/55 R17
 rubbers are rather modestly-sized like on the Mondeo. The Aston-esque grille is still featured at the front, and it’s flanked by a pair of
Adaptive LED headlamps
 with LED DRLs. Meanwhile at the other end there’s the LED combination tail lights and a pair of chrome-tipped tail pipes.
INTERIOR
The interior is brimmed with tech. You will get the
8-inch touchscreen SYNC 2 audio system
 that features
voice command
 to almost every function in the car, and it’s paired with
nine speakers by Sony
.
Black leather
 wraps all
 seven seats
, and the front two seats are fitted with
ventilation system
 and a
massage function
.
The second row seats slide forwards and backwards, and both the second and third rows of seats feature the
electro mechanical remote easy fold seat release
 via buttons in the boot.
Dual-zone automatic climate control
 is standard, and second row passengers also get their own aircond vents.
PERFORMANCE
The turbocharged
1,999cc four-cylinder EcoBoost
 is carried over from the Mondeo. It develops a healthy
237 hp
 and
345 Nm
 of torque, and the EcoBoost mill is mated to a
 six-speed automatic
 that deploys the power to the front wheels. We doubt that performance figures matter to the soccermoms out there, but the S-Max gets from
0 to 100km/h
 in
8.4 seconds
, with a
top speed
 of
226 km/h
.
SAFETY
The S-Max is equipped with
seven airbags
, and it’s packed with safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Hill Launch Assist (HLA).
Lane Keeping Alert
 with
Lane Keeping Aid
 is fitted to the S-Max too.
Other than that, Ford’s brilliant
MyKey
 is available as standard on the S-Max, which allows owners to configure the car’s settings as the seat belt reminder and top speed limiter.
WHAT ELSE?
The fully-imported Ford S-Max retails at
RM234,988.00 without insurance
. Order books are now open, and there are
three colours
 to choose from: Frozen White, Moondust Silver, and Magnetic Grey.
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Gallery: All-new Toyota Corolla Altis – could it take on the Honda Civic?

Ahead of its official launch, UMW Toyota has made the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis available for viewing at Toyota dealerships. Pictured here is the range-topping G variant Toyota Corolla Altis in White Pearl CS.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new Corolla Altis promises better handling and stability through the corners. Based on our experience with the
 2019 Toyota Camry
 and
C-HR
, we’re expecting nothing less from the new Corolla Altis.
The new Corolla Altis adopts Toyota’s new design language, looking more angular and aggressive compared to the last one. The Toyota emblem at the front is integrated into the top grille with a prominent V-shape. The headlights on the new Corolla Altis also reminds us a lot of the Camry, making it look a lot like a younger brother to the D-segment flagship from Toyota.
On the interior, Toyota has kitted the new Corolla Altis with several “quality-of-life” improvements. The instrument cluster has been updated to include a 7-inch color multi-information display, surrounded by Optitron meters on both sides for the tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges.
Toyota has also updated the climate control system to a dual-zone automatic air conditioning, with blowers for the rear passengers as well. Additionally, a wireless charger also makes an appearance on the new Toyota Corolla Altis.
On the G variant, the new Corolla Altis will come with full leather upholstery, as well as a 8-way power adjustable seats for the driver only.
The new Toyota Corolla Altis will also come with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense – Toyota’s active driver assistance system – including Pre-collision System (automatic emergency braking), Automatic High-Beam Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist and even Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Toyota has not made available the full specifications and official pricing yet, however estimated pricing of the new Toyota Corolla Altis will start at RM128,888 for the E variant., RM136,888 for the G variant is
now available for booking
 at authorised Toyota dealerships.
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Mercedes-Benz’s DIGITAL LIGHT can project warning symbols on the road

A select group of soon-to-be Mercedes-Maybach S-Class owners this year will be able to experience what DIGITAL LIGHT, premiered at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show by Mercedes-Benz is all about. Well, maybe their drivers, come to think of it.
DIGITAL LIGHT offers even higher lighting precision than the already cutting-edge MULTIBEAM LED headlights, minimising the risk of other road users being glared by the main beam.
With over
a million pixels per headlamp
, DIGITAL LIGHT not only creates ideal lighting distribution but can also
project visuals such as symbols in HD quality to warn the driver of what’s ahead
– whether it’s a pedestrian, a bend or even a construction site! The symbols include low-grip surface, lane keeping and even construction sites, to name a few.
It will operate in tandem with cameras and sensors to detect other road users, with data analysed by computers, a lighting chip with digital navigation maps within milliseconds to direct the headlamps to provide the best possible light distribution.
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The Hyundai Tucson N Line looks fast, but isn’t actually faster

Just like clockwork, Hyundai has now unveiled a new N Line trim for the all-new Tucson. The sportier C-segment will go on sale in Europe in spring this year, offering more aggressive looks, and a jazzed-up suspension set-up to suit.
The futuristic design of the
 base Hyundai Tucson
 is of course still present here, but is now paired with sportier bumpers and body-coloured claddings all-round. Up front, the lower air intakes and headlight cutouts have been restyled with a more angular design – the latter also now surrounded by black bezels.
The grille on the N Line trim, which sits taller and wider than the regular Tucson, also receives a new parametric jewel design with more elaborate edges, supposedly creating “additional reflections depending on the angle”. As is customary on a “sporty” trim, the grille is also given a new coat of black paint to go along the Phantom Black wing mirrors and roof.
At the back, the Hyundai Tucson N Line trim receives a new aerodynamic spoiler with integrated fins, while the bumper is accentuated by the new diffuser in satin silver, surrounded by a reflective red band. For extra sporty appeal, the Tucson N Line comes standard with twin tailpipe exits, along with a set of 19-inch alloys with a parametric design as standard.
Inside, the N Line touches are fairly limited, with the entire cabin basically lifted unchanged from its “regular” siblings. Sporty touches include the new leather and suede seats with red contrast stitching, N-branded leather steering wheel, N gear shifter buttons, alloy pedals, and a black headliner.
Unlike the
Elantra N Line
 which gets a new powertrain and manual shifter option alongside its sportier outfit, the Hyundai Tucson N Line is unfortunately all show, no go – disappointing. Buyers in Europe can pair the N Line trim with every powertrain option available in the continent, ranging from a pure ICE 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with
150 hp
, to a plug-in hybrid version of the same powertrain making
265 hp
.
Hyundai does however, slightly make up for it with an optional electronically-controlled suspension set-up with N-Line specific tuning, which the company says will deliver “even more driving fun” as the system “reacts faster and more strongly to both body movements and steering commands.”
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You’d never guess how much this Rolls-Royce “Champagne Chest” costs

Even if money is no option, this is a little bonkers. It’s called the “Champagne Chest”, a new addition to the Rolls-Royce Accessories Collection, and I guess there’s no need to explain what it’s for.
But you have no idea how much this things costs; a disturbing
£37,000 pounds – that’s RM197k!
 You can buy a brand new Toyota Camry with that kind of money!
The body is made of machined aluminium, carbon fibre and Tudor Oak wood, lined with Natural Grain black leather and embossed with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. Like all Rolls-Royces, the chest can be customised to your heart’s content.
Opening the chest requires nothing more than a touch of a button – opening to a champagne set fits for industrialists, oligarchs or even blood-sucking heads of state.
The illuminated chest not only contains four hand-blown crystal champagne glasses etched with the “RR” monogram and arranged to mimic the layout of a V12 engine, but also comes with four cotton napkins with “RR” monograms embroidered onto them.
The elaborate set also includes two anodised aluminium spoons, three porcelain bowls and thermal champagne coolers made from black anodised aluminium and carbon fibre, also proudly bearing the “RR” emblem.
Still, even with the financial might to own a Rolls-Royce, is it worth RM200k?


BMW previews windscreen-wide HUD, to enter production by 2025

During the unveiling of the BMW i Vision Dee,
BMW
 took the opportunity to showcase its new windscreen-wide Head-up Display (HUD) digital technology. BMW says that the technology will be available in its ‘
Neue Klasse
’ cars starting 2025.
Recently, the BMW social media accounts were apparently ‘hacked’ by an artificial intelligence entity named ‘Dee’. It turned out to be the brand’s way of announcing its new ‘Digital Emotional Experience’ (DEE) that aims to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward.
With the unveiling of the BMW i Vision Dee, we can expect many of the features showcased to eventually be available in future BMW production cars. One feature from the i Vision Dee that BMW has confirmed for its future productions cars is the new HUD that spans the entire width of the windscreen, providing a rather immersive experience.
BMW AG Chairman of the board of management, Oliver Zipse said, “It is more than a vision. We bring this innovation into the ‘Neue Klasse’. As early as 2025 – the year after next – our customers will be able to experience this completely new technology in their vehicles.”
RELATED:
Next-gen BMW 3 Series to go fully-electric with Neue Klasse EV platform, due 2025
The windscreen-wide HUD only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. With ‘Shy-Tech’ sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, and entry into virtual worlds.
What the vast HUD has done (at least to the BMW i Vision Dee) is create an empty dashboard. There are still some ‘Shy-tech’ controls on the dashboard, but generally, it is a look Marie Kondo would approve of.
RELATED:
 BMW’s sixth-gen EV battery offers 30% longer range and faster charging
BMW says that it is known in the automotive sector as the “trailblazer for the Head-Up-Display” and has “systematically refined this technology over the past two decades”. With the HUD in the i Vision Dee, BMW believes it has demonstrated the huge potential of projection technology.
BMW has been generally conservative with its cars in terms of digital displays, especially when you compare it to other German brands. The windscreen-wide HUD skips the ‘multiple-screen’ phase and jumps straight into full-on projection technology.
RELATED:
2023 BMW M2 (G87) ROI open for Malaysia, launching soon – RWD, 6-speed manual
A digital display is still present in a bar that runs across the dashboard of the BMW i Vision Dee
The digitalisation of in-car controls and displays has generated mixed reactions with Volkswagen recently announcing that
it will return to tactile buttons
 from capacitive buttons. A study has also shown that
buttons are better than touchscreen controls
. What are your thoughts on BMW’s windscreen-wide HUD? Share them with us in the comments section below.
RELATED:
BMW iX xDrive50 Sport now available in Malaysia – more power at RM546,800


Jaguar E-Pace SUV teased again before global debut [+Video]

The
Jaguar E-Pace
 is ready to present itself to the world on 13 July 2017, so Jaguar started revealing bits of the gruelling tests it went through during the development phase.
After some 150 prototypes and 25 months of testing and with over 500 engineers involved, the E-Pace is ready to withstand a lifetime of abuse from its most demanding and active customers. From the sub-zero Artic Circle to the scorching Dubai, the E-Pace has seen and conquered it all. Jaguar engineers have put the E-Pace to temperatures as high as
48°C
 to as low as
-40°C
 and it didn’t even break a sweat.
Other tests include a 500 mm submersion, a
5,000 feet hike above sea level
 and went flat out around Walter’s Arena, a famous rally stage in the UK. Not forgetting that the E-Pace was intended to be a “dynamic and entertaining performance SUV”, the team put it round the
Nürburgring Nordschleife more than 400 times
 to ensure that the E-Pace is worthy of the Jaguar badge.
While we wait with bated breath for its global unveiling, catch the E-Pace in action in the video below!
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Shell Malaysia conducts hourly sanitisation of their stations

In light of the Movement Control Order and the mad spread of Covid-19, Shell has announced steps to keep all 950 of their stations sanitary.
The company would like to assure customers that the most common touch points, such as the fuel nozzles, sinks, taps, switches/buttons and such are
disinfected by the hour
.
Customers at the Deli2go
can only takeaway food
 during this time. Hourly sanitisation is also conducted onto areas such as counter tops, pastry thongs, handles, and the touchscreen displays on the coffee machines.
They’re even
 increasing the frequency of cleaning their toilets, to every hour,
while ensuring constant soap and water supply. To remind customers of the need for “social distancing”, markers will be placed at the store’s counter and pay window.
Shell Malaysia would also like to assure customers that their staff undergo daily temperature screenings, are fully equipped with face masks and nitrile hand gloves.
Speaking of which, Shell would like to remind customers to remove all gloves and plastic protective gear to avoid static contact when refueling.
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2023 Peugeot 508 updated with new looks, but old engine tech

The
Peugeot 508
 has just been given a facelift update for 2023, sporting a refreshed exterior bearing many of the marque’s latest signature design touches. Although weirdly, its powertrain options are still stuck on older tech – we’ll get to that later.
Available in both sedan and estate/wagon body styles, the new 2023 Peugeot 508 distinguishes itself from its predecessor with an updated daytime-running light signature, featuring a three-stripe ‘claw’ design instead of the single ‘fang’ from before. Above, the headlight assembly is also now slimmer than before, and gets matrix LED illumination as standard across the range.
The grille has also been updated with the marque’s new emblem and its latest “borderless” design that blends into the bumper, which has also been given a slight revamp.
Changes to the rear are a little less obvious, limited to just a new Peugeot script between the taillights that replaces the previous logo. The taillights themselves have also been slightly restyled, with the triple-claw light signature now in a slanted orientation.
Wrapping up the exterior aesthetic changes are the new 18-inch aluminium wheels, alongside an updated colour palette that adds on Okenite White, Eclipse Blue, and Titanium Grey.
RELATED:
All-new Peugeot 3008 and 5008 to debut in 2023 with 700 km range EV variant
Inside, the 2023 Peugeot 508’s i-Cockpit is updated with new software on the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, adding new features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a TomTom Connected satellite navigation system, voice recognition, and over-the-air software updates.
The previous gear lever is also replaced with a new toggle switch, but aside from these changes, the rest of the cabin is largely identical to its predecessor.
Safety wise, the Peugeot 508 can be specified with a wide range of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane assist, and interestingly, a night-vision system that that can detect cyclists, animals, and pedestrians.
As for powertrains, the new 2023 Peugeot 508 unfortunately misses out on the new mild-hybrid mill that was introduced on the 3008 and 5008 recently. Instead, the old 1.2-litre PureTech inline-three engine will soldier on as the model’s entry-level offering alongside the 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, both serving up
130 hp
.
For export markets in Africa, Middle East, and Asia, a 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with
218 hp
 will be offered instead. All three internal combustion engine options are paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Most buyers, in Europe at least, will likely be opting for one of the three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options instead. For the standard 508 range, they’re made up of a 1.6-litre PureTech engine in two output configurations, paired to an 81 kW electric motor on the front axle for a total system output of either
180 hp
 or
225 hp
.
Opt for the range-topping Peugeot Sport Engineering (PSE) variants, and you’ll get an extra 83 kW motor on the rear axle to give you all-wheel drive capabilities, and a total system output of
360 hp
. The PSE also gets its energy management system from the Peugeot 9X8 race car, so it’s probably meant to feel a little more sporty.
The Peugeot 508 PSE is also slightly larger than the standard car, measuring 22 mm wider in front and 12 mm at the rear. The 20-inch wheels – wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres – are standard, and behind that are the larger brakes measuring 380 mm in front. Also standard on the PSE are the variable dampers that adapts to the Comfort, Hybrid, or Sport driving modes.
All three variants of the PHEV powertrains are paired to the same 12.4 kWh battery pack, which takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes to charge using the optional 7.4 kW charger, or about double that with the standard 3.7 kW onboard charger.
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Facts & Figures: Toyota Yaris facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM70k

Alongside the exciting Toyota GR Yaris and the
new Vios GR-S
, UMW Toyota Motor also launched the facelift Yaris – available in three variants – 1.5 J, 1.5 E, and 1.5 G.
Prices start from
RM70,940
 for the 1.5 J,
RM80,380
 for the 1.5 E and
RM84,808
 for the highest spec 1.5 G. Since it was launched in 2019, alongside the Vios, over 20,000 units of the Yaris have been delivered to customers nationwide.

PERFORMANCE
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
Transmission: CVT with 7 speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Horsepower: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
EXTERIOR
On the exterior, the facelift Vios certainly looks a lot less busy than before, and a whole lot more pleasing to the eye. It gets a new front bumper and front grille design, along with redesigned headlamps.
15-inch wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres for 1.5 J
16-inch wheels with 195/50 R16 tyres for 1.5 E and 1.5 G
LED headlamps with Follow Me Home function
LED daytime running lights
Rear LED combination lamps for 1.5 E and 1.5 G
Only the 1.5 J model is fitted with bulb-type rear tail lights. In the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants of the facelift Yaris, acoustic windshield glass has been used for better cabin insulation and noise reduction.
INTERIOR
Inside, smart entry with push start, redesigned fabric seats with 60:40 split-folding, illuminated scuff plates and automatic windows with Jam Protection for the driver is standard across three variants. Both 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants come with an Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display and a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As for the highest spec 1.5 G variant, you get the following:
Multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-wrapped gear knob
Auto air-conditioning
6 speakers
2x USB ports
Electrochromic rearview mirror
SAFETY
New in the Yaris is the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system which has been upgraded from 2D to 3D type. This is supplemented by a rear-view camera and parking sensors.
Seven airbags
Blind spot monitor
Rear cross-traffic alert
Hill-start assist control
Emergency stop signal
Rear seatbelt reminder
ISOFIX
The Yaris is now equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which includes the Pre-collision system and Lane Departure Alert. It’s only available for the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants.
Optional items include an Aerokit that provides a front and rear bumper lip, side skirts, and a roof spoiler. You can also upgrade the facelift Yaris to come with wireless charging.
Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is standard for both Vios and Yaris variants except the 1.5J variants are offered as optional. This system uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times so if it is stolen, recovery by the police can be made easier and more likely. It can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions, with data sent by email to a designated user via mobile app.
GALLERY
Image converted using ifftoany


Pos Malaysia & Yinson GreenTech launch 6 EV charging stations with 40 kW DC chargers across Peninsular Malaysia

Pos Malaysia Berhad (Pos Malaysia)
 has announced its strategic partnership with Yinson GreenTech (YGT), a green technologies solutions provider, to install
ChargEV
electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected Pos Malaysia post offices throughout Malaysia.
At launch, six outlets (Shah Alam, Ipoh, Melaka, Seremban, Alor Setar, and Johor Bahru) are already up and running, with more locations planned for future roll-out. The chargers are accessible to ChargEV users daily from 7 AM to 11 PM.
These charging stations will be equipped with one DC charger, with two CCS2-type nozzles that provide fast charging at up to
40 kW
. Pos Malaysia says charging an EV up to 80% with the provided charger will require anywhere between
60 and 90 minutes
, depending on the EV model.
The national postal service provider also recently partnered with a myriad of brands, including Cafe Mesra, Zus Coffee, and Photobook, to offer customers a diverse range of services at its retail outlets while waiting for their EVs to charge.
RELATED:
Yinson GreenTech & PLUS to develop Malaysia’s first hyperpower DC fast charging hub with 8X 350kW chargers
Pos Malaysia Berhad’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Brewer said, “This partnership marks a big step in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. As Malaysia’s postal and courier provider, we embrace the responsibility to forge a path towards a more sustainable future and we recognise the significance of integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations, ensuring that our legacy endures for generations to come.”
“This [partnership] demonstrates our unwavering commitment to lowering carbon emissions and advancing a greener future for Malaysia, and it perfectly complements our larger sustainability initiatives and net-zero goals,” he added. The company is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In parallel with this partnership, Pos Malaysia recently also deployed over 40 e-Bikes to deliver mail and parcels across the Klang Valley. By the end of 2023, Pos Malaysia aims to have a combination of more than 200 e-Bikes and 140 e-Vans, across Peninsular Malaysia.
RELATED:
TNB Electron DC chargers now in Ayer Keroh and Paka, free of charge


Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT range gains new tech but no power upgrades

Mercedes-AMG has just introduced a mid-cycle facelift for their entire AMG GT range from the AMG GT all the way up to the AMG GT R. The facelift brings about updated styling and a revamped interior with more digital screens and buttons.
Starting from the exterior, all variants of the AMG GT now wears the Panamericana grille which was previously reserved for GT C variants and up. Not much has been done to the exterior styling but the facelifted model can be identified through its new LED headlamp graphics, restyled black diffuser inserts with quad exhaust outlets (AMG GT R still wears the centrally mounted items), side skirts and smoked taillamps.

The AMG GT and GT S can be ordered with the new Y-spoke polished alloy wheels with soft black outlines or the 10 double-spoke forged wheels in titanium grey. The latter also available for the AMG GT C.
The highlight of this facelift exercise is the interior with new items include the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia display (non-touchscreen) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new-generation AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons as well as the display buttons on the centre console.

The new Command Online infotainment system also comes with the AMG Track Pace function that logs more than 80 specific performance data of the car including lap times, acceleration and deceleration values and more.
No changes were made to the M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission. Outputs are also the same as before
476 hp
/
630 Nm
 on the AMG GT,
 522 hp
/
670 Nm
 for the GT S,
557 hp
/
680 Nm
 for the GT C and
585 hp
/
700 Nm
 on the GT R.
Century sprint times remains unchanged at
4.0 seconds
,
3.8 seconds
,
3.7 seconds
 and
3.6 seconds
 as you climb up the horsepower ladder. In addition to the AMG Dynamic Select function that puts the car in Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race and Individual drive programmes, the updated AMG GT range also comes with the AMG Dynamics function that alters the ESP programme according to the drive mode selected, giving the drivers a wider range of dynamic potential.
All in all, the facelift exercise introduces a range of new connectivity technologies to the Mercedes-AMG GT range, bringing the two-door sports car closer to the AMG GT four-door Coupe in terms of design and technologies. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) offers the AMG GT in
GT S
,
GT C
 and
GT R
 flavours to the local market.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GT Facelift

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Facelift

Mercedes-AMG GT R Facelift


Toyota GR Yaris gets Kinto factory tune in Japan, extra 20 Nm of torque and personalised performance!

Toyota announced today that the standard GR Yaris is joining its Kinto Factory line-up, which means the factory tune-up, previously available exclusively to the
GR Yaris Morizo Selection
, is also now available on the standard car. Well, in Japan at least.
The Kinto Factory line-up enables the cars to “evolve” throughout its lifecycle. Currently, Toyota offers the “GR Yaris Performance Software 2.0” upgrade for the rabid hot hatch, which increases torque output from 370 Nm
up to 390 Nm
.
Toyota adds that the software improves the torque delivery curve, too, not just the peak figure. The maximum torque is boosted between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm, which the carmaker says provides a more “relaxed” acceleration.
If “relaxed” isn’t what you’re looking for, Toyota is also offering customers the ability to personalise their cars’ performance – including throttle response, AWD torque distribution, and even steering assist response – according to their tastes.
And for a little more money, Toyota can even help you tune your car using driving data analysis. For this, Toyota will gather data from having the driver drive on a designated track, with the information then sent to a GR Garage for analysis to pick out the best settings for all 27 of the input configurations.
RELATED:
Toyota is apparently working on a “sporty” automatic transmission for the GR Yaris
The first customisation option costs JPY8,800 (approx. RM290), but is also included in the GR Yaris Performance Software 2.0 update package, which costs JPY141,000 (approx. RM4,620). As for the data-based customisation, that’ll be a JPY15,000 (approx RM490) upgrade.
The upgrade package is unfortunately not available here in Malaysia, but at least the base car is already quite a hoot to drive –
especially out on the track
. The Toyota GR Yaris is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill, which in Malaysia makes a pretty mind-boggling
261 hp
 and
360 Nm
 of torque.
ALSO WATCH:
Road trip in the GR Yaris, JCW Clubman & AMG A45S, with GitiSport S2 tyres!


The new Radical Rapture does 0-100 km/h faster than a Mercedes-AMG GT R!

Radical Sportscars has blurred the lines between road and race performance with the introduction of its new flagship road-legal sports car, the Rapture, unveiled at the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Rapture is the latest road-legal model from one of the world’s most successful racing car manufacturers where the name essentially means a feeling of intense pleasure or joy.

The Rapture boasts a lightweight spaceframe chassis with FIA-compliant safety cell and crash structure and features high-downforce composite bodywork, complete with bi-plane rear wing and double-tunnel diffuser.
Powering the lightweight track car for the road is a 2.2-litre Ford EcoBoost engine that’s been reworked by Radical to feature an all-new turbo and air intake system, paired to a 6-speed paddle-shift gearbox.
As a result the Rapture is armed with
355 hp
 and
433 Nm
, enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h in 8.4 seconds, onward to a top speed of 265 km/h.
To put things in perspective, that’s marginally faster than one of the most powerful cars of the present day, the
Mercedes-AMG GT R
 that was launched in Malaysia for an estimated RM1.7million, which does the same run (0 to 100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bosch Malaysia launches new ‘tropicalised rubber’ wipers, from RM35

As the adage goes, the devil is in the details. It seems to ring true with Bosch too, as the German automotive parts giant launched the ‘One Wrong Part Ruins Everything’ campaign at its Petaling Jaya HQ.
Overlooking vehicle maintenance could often lead to disastrous results, and the culprit could be one of the many minor parts of the car. In the
#GetItRight
 vehicle safety workshop conducted for the media, participants were taught the basics of vehicle maintenance, including checks on essential fluids, battery level and wiper blades.
Choosing quality parts for your car is important too, foregoing safety and quality for measly savings at the checkout counter is unwise, to say the least. Malaysia has a traffic related death to population ratio of 24 to 100,000; a sobering
five times more
 than our neighbour down south.
Also released is the new Advantage Wiper featuring an exclusive “tropicalised rubber” engineered for our punishing climate. Malaysian celebrity Awal Ashaari was present to launch the blades with Country Manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, Mr. Pang Yoon Kong. The wipers are now available at all major car accessories shops and Lazada at RM35 a pair.
IMAGE GALLERY


Range Rover Evoque gets updated, subtle makeover and new engines introduced

Land Rover just did something that most people would have thought to be impossible; they have given the
Evoque
 a facelift. Since its reveal in 2011 the Evoque has been the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time, accounting for a total of more than 400,000 units sold worldwide. So Land Rover was very careful not to spoil the looks for the facelift.
The changes are very subtle but Land Rover claims that they create “more visual impact than ever before” to the already stunning Evoque. The
front bumper
 with taller side intakes and
grille
 is all-new, and the graphics on the lights are different too.
Speaking about lights, the Evoque is the first Jaguar Land Rover vehicle to feature
 full-LED adaptive headlamp
 technology. Apart from that,
bonnet vents
 are now available on selected five-door models, and
three new alloy wheel designs
 are also introduced, to go with the choice of either Standard or Dynamic body kit. You might also notice that weird looking
twin fins
 in the middle of the rear spoiler; they’re actually the optional 3G antenna and designed as such for optimum signal reception while on the move.

Land Rover didn’t mess much with the interior either. The cabin gets a
redesigned instrument binnacle
,
new seats
 and door casings, and a new
eight-inch InControl Touch
 touchscreen infotainment system. A massage function for the front seats are also available as option. Other than that it’s the same Evoque interior with that familiar rising souffle transmission selector.
However, the update under the bonnet is quite significant. The Evoque receives the new all-aluminium
Ingenium TD4
 engine with two power outputs:
148 hp
, and
178 hp
. Not only the new Ingenium TD4 weighs around
20-30 kg lighter
 than the outgoing TD4 unit, it’s cleaner and can do up to
4.2 l/100 km
.
For those who prefer their Evoques powered by a petrol engine, there’s the
Si4
 with
237 hp
 that can accelerate from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
7.6 seconds
 and a
top speed
 of
217 km/h
.
Keeping the Evoque safe is a host of driver assistance system. This includes
All-Terrain Progress Control
 (ATPC),
Lane-Keeping Assist
,
Autonomous Emergency Braking
 (AEB), and
Attention Assist Estimation
 that warns the driver when drowsiness is detected.
The facelifted Evoque will debut at the upcoming
 Geneva Motor Show
, and deliveries will commence in
August 2015
.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2019 Volkswagen Jetta unveiled – bigger, more aerodynamic, more advanced

Volkswagen USA has just unveiled the all-new 2019 Jetta – one of the most successful sedans with over 17 million units sold worldwide since it was introduced in 1979.
It’s powered by Volkswagen’s 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine making
147 hp
 and
249 Nm
 of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
On the outside, LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights are standard. It’s also got a longer wheelbase but with shorter front overhangs, while being taller and wider at the same time – opening up more interior space than the current outgoing model.
The new model is now
10% more aerodynamic
 with a drag co-efficient of 0.27 – credit to a special low-turbulence rear design, flow-optimised underbody panels, drag-reduced aluminium alloy wheels and an air curtain in the front. Vertical air intakes by the fog lights help guide air through the bumper and serves as an aerodynamic curtain in the front of the wheel arches.
Inside, the 2019 Jetta features digital instruments for the first time where the Active Info Display and infotainment systems are interconnected. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display allows drivers to configure and re-position all the important data for easy viewing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available along with a 400-watt BeatsAudio system, the first Volkswagen in the US to feature it.
The 2019 Jetta’s interior had also been fully redesigned featuring soft-touch materials and new trapezoidal design elements. It also features a 10-colour ambient lighting system surrounding an interior which will be offered with heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustable seats with memory, dual zone Climatronic air-conditioning.
Safety features are also abundant in the new 2019 Jetta – Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) – are among the noteworthy.
An R-Line is said to join the Jetta line-up at launch with more sporty and aggressive styling, R-Line badging and the coveted XDS electronic differential.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda CR-V i-DTEC race car joins Race of Remembrance. Yes, the family SUV…

Honda UK has unveiled a bespoke CR-V race car to partake in the 2017 Race of Remembrance. The charity race aims to promote motorsport as an avenue of rehabilitation for injured veterans to ease them into civilian lives. In respect for the cause, the CR-V was donated by Honda UK, designed and built by Mission Motorsport.
The SUV donated is the previous-gen 1.6-litre i-DTEC AWD turbodiesel, the most powerful variant in the CR-V range. It retains its
nine-speed automatic transmission
 for amputees in the team to be able to drive the race car. In preparation for the race, Mission Motorsport has replaced the panoramic glass roof with a clear Perspex panel and have the interior stripped bare to be replaced by a bespoke roll cage with racing seats and harnesses.
Mechanically, the CR-V diesel has been fitted with lowered racing suspension, large Brembo brakes from a
Civic Type R
, wider wheels and adjustable camber control has been fitted. Honda did not reveal whether the 1.6-litre i-DTEC gets a power bump but from factory, the oil burner churns out
160 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque.
In lieu of a 6 hours race in the dark, the CR-V race car gets an additional LED light bar fitted onto the grille while bonnet and roof scoops were installed to cool the engine and send fresh air into the cabin during the whole 12-hour race.
The Honda CR-V race car will be piloted by Private Lionel O’Connor who lost his left leg when serving in Iraq in 2006, Jon-Allan Butterworth MBE, 2016 Gold medal Paralympian who lost his left arm when serving in Iraq in 2007, along with able-bodied drivers: motoring journalist Alex Goy and Mission Motorsport’s CEO and Chief Instructor, Major (Retd) James Cameron.
IMAGE GALLERY


Peugeot 408 e-THP launched in Malaysia, priced at RM144k [+Video]

Just one week before the launch of the new Honda Civic, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official and authorised distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have leapt at the opportunity to introduce their very own turbocharged C-Segment sedan, the Peugeot 408 e-THP.
If you think what you’re seeing here is a familiar face, that’s because the 408 is essentially the sedan version of the award winning
308 THP
. And just like the hatch, the 408 is also locally assembled at the company’s facility in Gurun, Kedah. Just one variant will be offered, though it remains unclear at present time if Nasim will be introducing a cheaper Active (like the
308 Active
) trim somewhere down the road.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Peugeot 408 e-THP
Engine
1,598cc; Turbo High Pressure, direct injection
Transmission
6-speed automatic with Quickshift technology
Max Power
165 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
245 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Price
RM143,888 (OTR with GST and Insurance)
EXTERIOR
The 408’s fascia is almost identical to the 308. They both share the same full LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, but the subtle difference between the two is the new grille on the sedan. The lion badge is also moved to the grille instead of on the bonnet.

It sits on 17-inch Rubis wheels first seen on the 308 Active, which is one size down from the 308 THP’s 18-inch Sapphire alloys. Over the back, there’s a new pair of C-shaped LED tail lamps, reverse camera and two exhaust cutouts. In terms of dimensions, it’s every bit improved over its predecessor, but now sits 20mm lower to the ground thanks to the new EMP2 Platform. In total, over 140 kg have been shaved off, which should improve fuel consumption, amongst others.
INTERIOR
Inside the 408 is also a familiar affair. It gets the same i-Cockpit design which comes with a raised instrument cluster, small leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel,
9.7-inch touchscreen head unit
 (paired to six speakers) with integrated
dual-zone air conditioning controls
, electric parking brake, keyless entry and push-start button.

All seats are upholstered in black leather, but only the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with memory function. Rear passengers benefit from dual air conditioning vents, a 12V outlet and a centre armrest with dual cup holders. It has one of the largest boot space in its class – a huge 565-litre cargo area.
PERFORMANCE
It’s the same old story here in the performance department. As its name suggests, the 408 e-THP gets  a
 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine
 with Turbo High Pressure, cranked to make
165 horsepower
 and
 245 Nm
 of torque from 1,450 rpm. The transversely mounted 16-valve direct injection engine is paired to an Aisin-sourced
 six-speed automatic torque converter
 (with Quickshift technology) that channels drive to the front wheels.
The e in the e-THP doesn’t stand for
electric
, though. Instead, it’s to denote the engine’s auto start-stop feature, a first for Peugeot Malaysia. Interestingly though, this feature shuts off the engine when no throttle is applied at speeds below 20km/h, but restarts as soon as the gas paddle is depressed.
SAFETY
The 408 is big on safety. It has six airbags, blind spot information system, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD and Anti-Skid Regulation all as standard. There’s also four rear parking sensors, reverse camera and a more rigid unibody that can better absorb and deform, structurally, in the event of a collision.
WHAT ELSE?
All purchases of the Peugeot 408 e-THP comes packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty that includes Peugeot’s 24-hour roadside Assistance aid. It’s available in six exterior colours – Aluminium, Alpine White, Lucifer Red, Premium Black, Aster Grey and Bourrasque Blue. New Peugeot owners will also be entitled to complimentary access at Subang Skypark Terminal’s Peugeot Lounge.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Peugeot 3S service centre opens in Glenmarie

Bermaz Auto Alliance has officially opened its first Peugeot flagship 3S Centre in Glenmarie for sales, service and spare parts. The new 3S facility features the company’s new brand identity feature the new lion’s head
revealed in March last year
.
In a statement released by Bermaz Auto Alliance, the company said that as part of the Bermaz Automotive group that has been so successful with the Mazda brand in Malaysia, it aims to provide the best ownership experience for its customers through this new facility.
RELATED:

(Gallery)

All-new Peugeot 2008 now launched in Malaysia – RM127k
The company also said it is committed to improving after-sales support and warranty-related coverage to its customers. After-sales support will also be offered to Citroen and DS customers.
The new state-of-the-art service is home to 21 operational service bays, manned by trained and skilled technicians who are always kept up-to-date with the latest vehicle development updates. The service centre is also equipped with the latest manufacturer’s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools. Waiting customers can do so at a waiting lounge with refreshments and a working space with Wi-Fi amenities.
The new Peugeot 3S centre is located at Lot.15, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park U1, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor. Operation hours are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (weekdays) and 8.00 am to 12.00 pm (Saturday).
To book a service appointment, call 03-5021 2300 (ext. 2402/2403) or head to
Peugeot’s customer portal
 to book a slot online. Customers in need of roadside assistance can contact the Peugeot 24-hours roadside assistance at 1-800-22-3399.
Peugeot customers are encouraged to update their information
here
.


Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition launched, 120 units only

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced a new limited-edition variant of their seven-seater SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition. Only 120 units of this special edition variant will be available, priced at RM142,888 (OTR without insurance).
For RM5,000 more than the standard Outlander 2.0L 4WD it is based on, the Sports Edition gains visual enhancements in the form of a dual-tone paint scheme – Red Metallic body with Ruby Black Roof, black dynamic shield front grille, 18-inch multi-spoke alloys in gloss black, extended roof spoiler, black tailgate trim and diffuser inserts as well as an “OUTLANDER” emblem on the hood.

Inside, you’ll find new dual DVD rear entertainment screens and red accent floor mats with Sports Edition embroidery. Equipment list remains the same as the enhanced Outlander which was introduced last Raya with leather seats, multifunctional steering wheel with cruise control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Gesture Control, dual-zone automatic climate control, digital video recorder (dashcam) and security tinted film for all windows.
The same 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated MIVEC petrol engine that pushes out 145 hp and 196 Nm of torque paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to drive all four wheels. The Outlander is also equipped with the intelligent 4WD system that allows the driver to cycle between three driving modes – 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock according to their driving needs.

On the safety front, the Outlander Sports Edition comes with seven airbags, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts and all-round view monitor.
The Mitsubishi Outlander was recently crowned as the Family SUV of Malaysia at the 2018 Cars of Malaysia Awards. Enjoy the full gallery after the jump and let us know what do you think of this spruced up family SUV.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition 2.0L 4WD


Fatal accidents from drunk driving decreased following new harsher penalties – MOT

The government introduced a
new set of laws
last year in response to the increasing incidents of blatant drunk driving in our country, and according to a new comment by the Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, these efforts seem to be serving their purpose.
Speaking during the Ministers’ Question Time session at the
Dewan Rakyat
 yesterday, Dr Wee said that from January until July this year, the total number of fatal car crashes stood at 2,560 cases – among which, 11 cases were due to the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Additionally, the Ministry is also working with the
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS)
 on an ongoing study to understand the impact of the harsher penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. “From what we have found, the mandatory jail term does serve as a deterrent.”
The Minister said that there has been a change of mindset from previous times since the introduction of the harsher penalties, where previously many would just drive home after having drinks. “This is among the steps the ministry has taken to prevent fatal accidents,” he added.
The government is studying the implementation of a vehicle end-of-life policy for old cars in Malaysia. Read more about it here.
The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020, passed in the Senate in September 2020, contains 15 main clauses against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Among which, first-time offenders convicted for drunk driving causing injuries (but not death) will face a jail term of seven to 10 years, and slapped with a fine of RM30,000-RM50,000. Repeat offenders meanwhile will see penalties increased to 10-15 years jail time, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
For fatal accidents due to drunk driving, first time offenders will be jailed between 10 and 15 years, and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000, with the driving licence being disqualified for 10 years. Subsequent offences will see a jail term of 15 to 20 years, and a maximum fine of up to RM150,000, while their driving licence will be revoked for a period of 20 years.
Additionally, the bill also reduced the permissible alcohol content limit to 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; 50 milligrams (mg) of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, and 67 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine, in line with the World Health Organisation standards used in many countries throughout the world. These levels were previously 35 micrograms, 80 mg, and 107 mg.
For more information on the new drunk driving laws, click here.
In related news, Dr Wee also revealed that there were 807 accidents involving vehicles going against the flow of traffic since January this year. “From the total, 29 fatalities were recorded, 17 cases had serious injuries, 49 with minor injuries and 712 cases involving damage,” he said.
The minister added that studies have shown that human factors were among the main contributors to car accidents, especially for those who were speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and not focusing on driving because of the use of mobile phones and road navigation apps.
[source:
The Star
]


The Renault RS 2027 Vision F1 car looks like it came straight out of Tron [+Video]

The pinnacle of motorsports, Formula One, undergoes massive technological advances every year. But have we ever stopped to wonder how future F1 cars will look like? Well, this Renault RS 2027 Vision could be it, and it is simply breathtaking.
Developed by Renault Sport division (overseers of their F1 team), the RS 2027 Vision appears to come straight off a certain
Japanese anime
. It gets the brand’s signature C-shaped LED lights up front and the driver will be cocooned in a closed cockpit. The ultra-resistant polycarbonate cockpit will serve to protect the driver in the event of an accident.
The one thing that’s shared with current F1 cars is the
turbocharged V6 powertrain
 mated with two units of energy recovery system. In total, this machine cranks out
1,341 hp
, approximately 350 hp more than the outgoing F1 cars. It tips the scale at just
 600 kg
!
Conversely, the fuel tank is shrunk to half of today’s capacity, but this is overcome by incorporating higher density batteries. Renault predicts that the future of F1 cars will be all-wheel drive and use four-wheel steering for even more dramatic corner-carving manoeuvres.
Is anyone else as excited as I am for the future of motor racing?
IMAGE GALLERY


The GV80 Coupe Concept is Genesis’ idea of a performance-oriented model

Genesis
wants to make sportier cars now. No, really – that’s pretty what it said in the press release. So to that end, they’ve unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept ahead of the upcoming New York Auto Show 2023, and… it’s very orange.
Aside from the fact that fastback SUVs are now called ‘Coupes’, and they are apparently the definition of “more emotional, performance-oriented” cars, we do have to admit that the GV80 Coupe Concept does look very nice, and realistic enough that we can see it rolling off the production floor today, even though it’s officially a “concept” – well, maybe aside from the interior. We’ll get to that.
Genesis says that the GV80 Coupe Concept’s looks are inspired by the
X Speedium Coupe Concept
, though in practice, it’s essentially a GV80 with a swoopy rear end (
that somewhat looks like a Kia EV6?
), alongside a new grille, reworked exterior lighting, a sporty body kit, flared wheel arches, and massive five-spoke alloy wheels.
Genesis says the wheels are made out of forged aluminium, working together with the carbon fibre roof to lower the GV80 Coupe Concept’s weight and centre of gravity, thus aiding in its “dynamic driving qualities”. The twin spoilers at the back – consisting of a roof spoiler and the elliptical ducktail upkick on the bodywork – are functional too, giving the SUV extra downforce at speed.
RELATED:
The Genesis GV60 is a premium EV SUV with 435 hp… and a drift mode for some reason
While the exterior does look fairly production-ready, the interior of the Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept does give you a hint that it’s perhaps really just a concept vehicle. That mostly comes down to the four individual bucket seats (though with pretty plaid-style Alcantara fabric), as well as an exposed strut brace near the rear cargo area – both of which we probably won’t see in the final production version of the car.
No technical specifications are available just yet, but we can probably expect it to be powered something probably much more powerful than the 375 hp 3.5-litre V6 it currently offers on the standard GV80, if it wants to compete with the likes of the
BMW X6 M
 and
Cayenne Coupe
.
“At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the
G70
,
G80
, and
G90
 models,” said Hyundai Motor Group Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs. Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes.”
GALLERY


Government to improve on disposal of abandoned cars

Following the Housing and Local Government’s (KPKT) announcement last year that
all street lights nationwide will be converted to LEDs
 beginning September 2020, the ministry is now focusing on the disposal of abandoned cars.
A pilot study is now underway, according to

local news sources
, to improve on the disposal of abandoned cars and will take place for the next six months, said Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ), the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), and the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) are among the five local councils currently involved in the study. In Kajang alone, about 150 abandoned vehicles are towed away each day.
Datuk Zuraida said these municipals will be studied and they would draft standard operating procedures (SOP) and disposal methods. Zuraida is also seeking cooperation from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to implement this.
These places are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes as highlighted by Datuk Zuraida. She also stressed that the disposal methods are not as comprehensive as after the abandoned cars are towed away, the area will still be littered with rubbish.
This initiative also seeks to reduce the expenditure of local municipals as they would no longer need to rent a site for storage of abandoned vehicles if a more efficient system is in place.


Toyota recalls 1.75 million vehicles worldwide, less than 250 units affected in Malaysia

Toyota Motor Corp has issued another
worldwide recall
in a series of large-scaled recalls, totalling up to a good
1.75 million vehicles
 in what appears to be a voluntary move to address several
potentially hazardous
 manufacturing defects. Over
1.05 million
 vehicles from Toyota and Lexus have been recalled in
Japan
 alone, whereas the remaining bulk of defective vehicles are from markets outside of Japan.
The 2006 Toyota Mark X
Some of the defects include a
faulty brake master cylinder
 that could hinder braking performance and
faulty fuel delivery pipes
 which could – in the worst case scenario –
cause a fire
 through the leakage. The affected vehicles are the Crown, Crown Majesta,
Mark X
, Noah, Voxy, Auris and Corolla Rumion, including more than a dozen Lexus models
built between the year 2007 to 2012
, although
no fires, crashes or injuries
 linked to the defects have been reported.
Apparently, the problem with the fuel line involves some plating along the engine compartment which is responsible for the
prevention of corrosion
. However, there are fears that these particles could have found their way into the gasket seating surface, causing leakages and
potentially catching fire
 should there be
presence of an ignition source
.
The 2008 Lexus IS F is one of the many Lexus models recalled for inspection
However,
not more than 250 Lexus IS and LS models
 are affected in Malaysia, and Lexus Malaysia will be in
direct contact
 with owners of the affected vehicles for further inspection. Owners of the vehicles affected outside of Malaysia will receive a notification via
first class mail
.
For those who own some of the mentioned cars bought from our local
grey importers
, it’s best to get your vehicles checked by an authorised service centre.


Ferrari sweeps the floor with multiple International Engine of the Year awards!

Ferrari turns
70 years
 this year, and there’s no better way for the boys at Maranello to celebrate the occasion than bagging three major trophies in this year’s Engine of the Year awards. They also won the coveted “International Engine of the Year” title for the second year running.
The
3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine
 that powers the
488 GTB
,
California T
, and
GTC4 Lusso T
, was the biggest winner of the award, winning the ‘Performance Engine’ and the ‘3.0 to 4.0-litre’ categories. Also, for the past six years, Ferrari dominated the “Above 4.0-litre Performance Engine” category, making them the most successful brand for any high-performance sports car manufacturer.
In the smaller displacement sector, particularly the three-cylinder category, Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost, BMW’s 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, and Peugeot’s 1.2-litre PureTech all won their respective categories. Honda also walked home with the “best new engine” category with the 3.5-litre hybrid engine in the
NSX
.
This annual awards ceremony is run by Engine Technology International Magazine with a panel of 58 international motoring journalists. And if you’ve paid close scrutiny to this, no diesel engines  realised something, the diesel engines came out empty handed. How times have changed. Below is the full list of winners:
Category Winners
New engine –
Honda 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid.
Green engine –
Tesla electric powertrain.
Electric powertrain –
Tesla electric powertrain.
Performance engine –
Ferrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Below 1.0-litre –
Ford 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder
1.4 to 1.8-litre –
BMW 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
1.8 to 2.0-litre –
Porsche 2.0-litre turbo flat-four
2.0 to 2.5-litre –
Audi 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder
2.5 to 3.0-litre –
Porsche 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six
3.0 to 4.0-litre –
Ferrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Above 4.0-litre –
Ferrari 6.3-litre V12


The cool Hyundai Staria lands in Indonesia, as 7 or 9-seater seater

After making its ASEAN debut in
Thailand
 in early July, Hyundai has introduced the Staria MPV in Indonesia. It’s designed to replace the
Starex
 11-seater window van that has been in service since 2007.
The specifications between the Thailand and Indonesia units appear the same and are in the right-hand drive. However, the Indonesia-market Hyundai Staria gets an exclusive rim design as well as two different trim and badging highlights.
The Brass Chrome package gives a bronze effect on the Hyundai emblems, Staria emblem as well as the mesh pattern on the grille, the front spoiler, side mirrors, and the elaborate 18-inch rims.
For the Indonesian market, the colour palette for the new Staria includes White among three exterior colours- Abyss Black Pearl, Silver Metallic and Graphite Grey. The Dark Chrome package (image above) is paired only to this grey shade.
Hyundai and LG Energy to build Gigafactory in Indonesia. How big? More about the facility here.
Now for the interior, of which the new Hyundai Staria is offered in 7- or 9-seater configuration in Indonesia. Called “Premium Relaxation Seats”, the captain seats in the 7-seater are loaded with comfort features, such as ventilation, 8-way adjustment with additional reclining angle as well as ottoman leg support!
For the 9-seater, occupants can swivel the individual second-row seats to face the third row, turning the Staria into a mobile conference room or more engaging atmosphere.
Both interior configurations have standard premium features such as remote engine start, a fully automatic air-conditioning system for the front and back sections, leather upholstery (two colour choices), front passenger walk-in switch, manual window sunshades and LED ambient mood lighting. The 7-seater variant adds a Bose 12-speaker Premium Audio System.
Power to move the new Hyundai Staria is a modern CRDi turbodiesel unit displacing 2.2-litres. Outputs are
177 hp
 and
430 Nm
 of torque and all that power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Independent multi-link rear suspension provides comfort to the occupants as well as better cornering stability.
Prefer a rear-wheel driven Hyundai Starex? Find out how to own one with the new Smart Lease programme!
Similar to the Thailand model, the Staria gets almost the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features. We say almost because the only missing assist system is the Adaptive Cruise Control. Both seat configurations have standard fitment of the blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), Safe Exit Assist and Surround View Monitor camera system.
Hyundai Mobil Indonesia is positioning the 7-seater higher; thus it gets autonomous emergency braking, lane following assist, front vehicle departure alert and active assists in the BSM, RCTA and Safe Exit Assist.
The new Hyundai Staria in Indonesia is priced at IDR888 million (approx. RM260k) for the 9-seater variant and
IDR1.020 billion
 (RM300k) for the 7-seater variant. A ballpark figure, the new Hyundai Staria is IDR300 million (approx. RM88k) dearer than the Starex H1 model.
For reference, the entry-level Toyota Alphard 2.5 X starts from IDR1.065 billion, while a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer starts from IDR1.027 billion.
GALLERY


Meet Proton’s new foreign strategic partner, Geely Automobile – 49.9% stake

We’re almost at the end of the line with this one. DRB-HICOM announced that Proton Holdings’ new foreign strategic partner will be Geely Automobile, one of at least five bidders for the spot. The Chinese giant is agreeable to a 49.9 percent stake and will acquire a controlling stake (51 percent) of Lotus Cars.
One of the immediate benefits of this partnership for Geely is the utilisation of Proton’s manufacturing hub in Tanjung Malim to produce its products, among which is the
right-hand drive variant
 of the
Lynk & Co 01
 SUV for export. Geely said it will assist Proton with any available technology and resources to regain some of the global presence they have lost in recent years.
Meanwhile, Geely seems adamant in acquiring Lotus in full. Besides gaining access to the British carmaker’s engineering prowess, Geely is equally optimistic about the brand’s future. If Volvo’s current success is anything to go by, perhaps Lotus will soon have their share of taste in success as well. Proton’s shares are suspended for the day pending this vital announcement.
Proton, once the prideful carmaker of our country’s, has been in the reds ever since they lost their coveted top spot to Perodua. Last year, Proton took a
RM1.5 billion soft loan
 from the Malaysian government, but with the condition that Proton must seek a foreign strategic partner as part of its turnaround plan or risk winding up. Even with the launch of four new models last year, Proton struggled to deliver in the first quarter of the year, falling behind Perodua and Honda.
Other bidders for the partnership include Groupe PSA, Suzuki Motors, Skoda and Renault. Groupe PSA was also close to securing Proton after expressing interest in locally assembling their SUVs in Tanjung Malim.
The deal, which was signed today, is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. The definitive agreement between both parties is expected to be announced by July 2017.


Facts & Figures: Fully-electric BMW iX3 launched in Malaysia – two variants from RM317k

Following the launch of the
iX back in August
, BMW Malaysia has now unveiled the iX3 here on our shores. The EV SUV will be offered in two variants – iX3 M Sport Inspiring and iX3 M Sport Impressive. Pricing starts at RM317,360, and is now available for viewing and pre-booking at selected BMW dealerships nationwide.
EXTERIOR
The BMW iX3 arrives at our shores in the
 facelifted form
, featuring a reworked, slimmer headlights with trapezoidal daytime-running lights signature, a larger (conjoined) kidney grille, as well as a redesigned pincer-style 3D taillights.
Both variants comes equipped with the M Sport exterior package on both variants, consisting of the M Sport front and rear bumpers with iX3-specific design, M high-gloss Shadowline (chrome delete for window surrounds), and M Aerodynamics package.
Both variants are also equipped as standard with the panorama glass roof with electric with sun protection roller blind. To differentiate between the two, you’ll have to look at the wheels: the Inspiring comes with a set of 19-inch alloys in Style 842 Bicolour, while the range-topping Impressive gets the 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels in style 890 M Bicolour, replete with run-flat tyres.
The Impressive also gets the BMW Laserlight headlights up front; the Inspiring instead comes with the usual adaptive LED items, though both are equipped with high-beam assist as standard.
PERFORMANCE
Both variants of the BMW iX3 here in Malaysia are powered by the same electric drive unit underneath the sheet metal.
Drive unit: rear axle single electric motor
Max output: 210 kW (286 hp)
Max torque: 400 Nm
0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
The electric drive unit is also paired to the same 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (73.8 kWh usable), offering up to 461 km of range based on the WLTP test cycle.
Topping up the batteries with a 150 kW DC fast charger takes 32 minutes from 0-80%, while an 11 kW AC wall-box (Type 2 connector) can fill the batteries from empty to 100% in approximately 7.5 hours.
INTERIOR
The facelift on the BMW X3 line-up is more apparent on the inside, which gets a heavily reworked dashboard designed inspired by the G20 3 Series. Interior appointments are also similar between the two variants, which comes with the following items:
BMW Live Cockpit Professional – dual 12.3-inch displays for instrument cluster and centre infotainment display
3-zone automatic climate control
Sport seats with electric adjustments and memory function for driver and front passengers
M Leather steering wheel
M headliner in anthracite
Vernasca leather upholstery
Stitched Sensatec faux leather dashboard
Brushed aluminium interior trim with Pearl Chrome finishers and galvanised silver embellishers for the switches
Comfort Access contactless tailgate access
Qi wireless charging pad
The range-topping Impressive variant swaps the standard 205W 12-speaker sound system with a 464W 16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system, while adding additional acoustic glazing on the windows, head-up display, 360-degree surround view monitor, gesture control, and the
BMW IconicSounds Electric system that was developed with Hans Zimmer
.
SAFETY
Safety equipment is also fairly standard across the range, with the full suite of the Driving Assistant Professional systems available across both variants:
Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go functionality
Steering and Lane Control Assistant
Autonomous emergency braking
Evasion Assistant
Speed Limit Assist
Acoustic protection for pedestrians
PRICING
As mentioned above, the BMW iX3 in Malaysia starts at RM317,360 for the M Sport Inspiring variant (on the road, without insurance), however that only comes without a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty comes as standard. The prices also
 include
sales tax, which means deliveries will only begin next year after
exemptions expire on the 31st of December
.
As usual, you’ll be able to upgrade to the five-year Extended Warranty & Service Package at additional cost. A Power Package is also available, which adds a 22 kW BMW i Wallbox and a BMW i Standard Charging Cable at RM5,000 (without installation). The full pricing breakdown is as follows:
BMW iX3 M Sport Inspiring – RM317,360
with Extended Warranty & Service Package – RM330,800
with Power Package – RM322,360
with Extended Warranty & Service Package and Power Package – RM335,800
BMW iX3 M Sport Impressive – RM336,360
with Extended Warranty & Service Package – RM349,800
with Power Package – RM341,360
with Extended Warranty & Service Package and Power Package – RM354,800
GALLERY


BMW Group is the world’s Number 1 premium automotive company in 2017

It was all smiles at BMW Group Malaysia when they announced that
2017 was their best year in the country yet
, delivering 12,680 to new homes across Malaysia. On the global scale, the BMW and MINI brand achieved all-time high sales figures, resulted in BMW Group (as a whole) maintaining their Number 1 position in the premium brand segment.
In 2017, BMW Group delivered
2,463,526 cars
 worldwide,
up 4.1 percent
 compared to the previous year. The Group’s core
BMW brand
 recorded a 4.2 percent increase in global sales amounting to 2,088,283 units in a single calendar year. BMW X models were once again the main driving force with sales of X vehicles up 9.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models that contributed greatly to the total sales include the
5 Series
 (+6.3 percent; 291,856),
1 Series
 (+14.7 percent; 201,968) and the
7 Series
 (4.5 percent; 64,311).
BMW’s performance arm,
BMW M GmbH
 also achieved record sales in 2017. M division delivered a total of
80,795 units
,
up 19.1 percent
 compared to the previous year. The
M2
 charted the strongest growth with total sales of 12,293 units. M Performance variants of the new BMW 5 Series also contributed strongly to the increase in sales.
The MINI brand proved to be increasingly popular with customers across the globe, achieving an all-time high of 371,881 vehicles sold in 2017 – an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the previous year. The
MINI Countryman
 saw a significant jump in sales of 30 percent (84,441) while the
MINI Convertible
 was also a strong sales driver with 33,317 units delivered to customers.
Rolls-Royce, on the other hand, did not share the same success stories as the other two. The high-end luxury carmaker recorded a 16.2 percent decrease in sales to 3,362 units across the 50 countries it is represented in. The drop in sales was due to the absence of the
new Phantom
 which was only introduced in July 2017 and first deliveries are scheduled only in January 2018.
As reported earlier,
BMW Group has delivered 103,080 electrified vehicles
 to customers, exceeding their initial target. At the launch of the
G30 530e PHEV
, BMW Group Malaysia has expressed that Malaysia is the fifth largest market for BMW Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.
China remains the
single largest market
 for BMW and MINI cars in 2017 with 594,388 units delivered to new customers, 15.1 percent increase from the previous year. In Asia, the group delivered a total of 847,493 units (+13.6 percent) of BMW and MINI vehicles. A total of 1,100,975 cars were delivered across Europe, a slight increase of 0.9 percent from 2016 but Americas suffered a slight decrease in overall sales, with only 450,020 units (-2.0 percent) delivered to customers due to the limited availability of BMW X models.
Board member of BMW AG, Pieter Nota added “I am confident BMW sales will continue to grow during 2018, while we also maintain our focus on profitability. Increased availability of BMW X models and our ongoing model offensive, which includes the launches of brand new models this year such as the BMW X2 and the BMW 8 Series, will ensure we bring even more customers to the BMW brand in 2018.”


PSA Groupe SUV market share in Europe now 16.9%, ups production capacity

SUVs are all the craze these days. Head to any auto exhibition and you’ll find more SUVs than anything else on display. Such is the case with PSA Groupe as the Group’s SUV market share in Europe has risen to 16.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018.
Across the Group’s five brands – Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall – a total of 250,000 new SUV registrations in Europe was recorded in the first three months of 2018. As of end-March, PSA Groupe was among the segment leaders in the SUV game.
To support the rapid growth in demand for SUVs in Europe, the Group has made a move to increase its production capacity for SUVs in Europe. Appropriate investments will be made to support this expansion to maintain the high-quality standards of PSA Groupe vehicles.
PSA Groupe is also steadily expanding their global footprint as part of their Push to Pass business plan. The recent
acquisition of Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah
, as the first ASEAN manufacturing hub for Groupe PSA shows the Group’s commitment to tap into the 680 million potential customers in ASEAN.
Thanks to the use of modular platforms in their vehicles, PSA Groupe is able to adopt a worldwide and multi-site strategy of SUV production. Here are where PSA Groupe builds their cars:
Peugeot 2008 – Mulhouse (France), Porto Real (Brazil), Wuhan (China)
Peugeot 3008 – Sochaux (France), Chulai (Vietnam), Gurun (Malaysia), Walvis Bay (Namibia)
Peugeot 4008 – Chengdu (China)
Peugeot 5008 – Rennes and Sochaux (France), Chulai (Vietnam), Chengdu (China)
C3 Aircross – Zaragoza (Spain)
C4 Aircross – Wuhan (China)
C5 Aircross – Rennes (France), Chengdu (China)
DS 7 Crossback – Mulhouse (France) and Shenzhen (China)
Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X – Sochaux (France), Eisenach (Germany), Walvis Bay (Namibia)
Opel/Vauxhall Crossland X – Zaragoza (Spain)
Opel/Vauxhall Mokka X – Zaragoza (Spain), Bupyeong (Korea)


Sales Tax Exemption: Peugeot’s updated price list on the 3008 and 5008

Peugeot has released an update on its price revisions following the government’s recent initiative to spur the automotive industry following two months of inactivity during the MCO period.
The
CKD 3008 launched last year
 was featured in our Mega SUV shootout recently, piloted by Leona Chin, against the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Proton X70 and Nissan X-Trail.
The Mega SUV shootout saw all five SUVs take part in a drag race, an agility test and a fuel consumption test where each of the drivers in their respective SUVs were required to use the least amount of fuel to get to Port Dickson.
For the latest updates on the revised price lists from all other car brands in Malaysia, do check out our round-up, available
here
.


Toyota’s Total-care Service targets ultra-efficient vehicle maintenance for Grab

In June 2018, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) invested US$1 billion into Grab, the regions leading O2O mobile platform, to transform the Japanese automaker into a mobility company. As a result of the new partnership, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (TMAP), the sales and marketing regional headquarters of Toyota in Asia will be offering Total-care Service for 1,500 Toyota vehicles owned by GrabRentals in Singapore.
On average, ride-hailing vehicles accumulates five times more mileage than privately-owned vehicles which is why the Total-care Service is an innovative and world’s first service for ride-hailing companies to help ensure that their fleet of vehicles are maintained timely and are in safe condition.
Under Toyota’s Mobility Service Platform (MSPF), the company can leverage on the onboard telematics data from ride-hailing drivers and users to design dedicated fleet management, automotive insurance and vehicle maintenance packages to extend the life of ride-hailing vehicles. Through this Total-care Service, Grab is able to provide its driver-partners with more cost-efficient and timely maintenance services.
Through the Total-care Service, driving data is collected by Toyota’s in-vehicle data-transmission device, TransLog, and sent to the MSPF, an information infrastructure developed by Toyota for vehicle connectivity. Grab, Toyota and its local dealers will use such vehicle data collaboratively to achieve a safer and more secure ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia. For example, using vehicle data, Grab will be able to provide its driver-partners with support and advice for safety as needed. In addition, the Toyota dealer will apply TPS to vehicle maintenance for Grab-owned vehicles.
Since the rollout of telematics on the Grab driver app last year, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in speeding incidents and 20 per cent reduction in hard braking and sudden acceleration, which are potential causes of road accidents. Grab’s incident rates have decreased by 40 per cent over the last year since Q3 2017.
President of Grab, Ming Maa commented: “We are excited to work with Toyota to roll out the Total-care Service to our Grab Rental fleet. The ability to meld data analytics with vehicle maintenance will make our rental fleet even safer for our driver-partners and go toward achieving our goal to raise transport safety standards in the region.”
TMAP President, Susumu Matsuda said: “We are starting this world-first Total-care Service here in Southeast Asia, making full use of Toyota’s strength such as our philosophy of Toyota Production System and vehicle connectivity technologies. I believe the service will support the sustainable growth of Grab’s business and help offer even safer and more attractive ride-hailing services.”


Toyota Thailand spices up the Corolla Cross with new limited-edition Modellista kit

The Toyota Corolla Cross has enjoyed quite a notable success in Thailand, selling over 22,500 units over the past year since its launch in July 2020, making it the best-selling C-segment SUV in the Land of Smiles. So to celebrate, the company has now unveiled a new Special Edition Modellista model for the
Corolla Cross
.
Available exclusively to the Hybrid Premium Safety and Hybrid Premium variants, and only limited to 250 units, the Toyota Corolla Cross Modellista Special Edition is dressed up for a sportier look with a new exterior body kit consisting of front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, and an exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.
Customers can also further specify their special edition models with a black roof (at extra cost) for the full sporty crossover look.
Toyota Thailand also recently unveilled a Modellista kit for the Fortuner. Check it out here!
Aside from these aesthetic tweaks, though, the rest of the car is unchanged from what’s already offered in Thailand. Underneath the bonnet is a 98 hp/142 Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine, paired with an electric motor that makes 72 hp and 163 Nm for a total system output of
122 hp
, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.
The Hybrid Premium Safety variant, as the name suggests, adds the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and auto high-beam.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Modellista is also only available in three exterior colour choices: Celestite Gray Metallic, Metal Stream Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl – the last one being an extra-cost option at 10,000 baht (approx. RM1,276).
As for the interior, customers can choose between a regular all-black cabin, or a Terra Rossa two-tone upholstery option.
Can the Corolla Cross dethrone the Toyota HR-V as the SUV king in Malaysia? Check out our quick test drive review here!
The Modellista kit for the Toyota Corolla Cross is valued at 41,500 baht (approx. RM5.3k), which brings the total price (without cost options) up to
1,130,500 baht (approx. RM144k)
 and
1,240,500 baht (approx RM155k)
 for the Hybrid Premium and Hybrid Premium Safety respectively.
GALLERY


BMW i8 launched: A RM1.2 mil plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine [+Video]

BMW Group Malaysia, in a completely unanticipated move, announced the official arrival of the
BMW i8
. The model is by far the costliest Bimmer on sale right now, bandying a price tag of
RM1,188,800
 without insurance. Naysayers will find the price tag unjustifiable considering that this sports car comes with a
1.5-litre three-cylinder engine
, however do read on to find out how amazing this machine is.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW i8
Engine
1,499cc; inline 3-cyl with TwinPower Turbo
Electric Motor
Hybrid synchronous motor (131 hp & 250 Nm)
Transmission
6-speed Steptronic Sport auto
Max Power
362 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Max Torque
570 Nm from 1,200 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
4.4 seconds
Top Speed
250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM1,188,800.00 with GST
The i8 is a highly advanced, lightweight sports car and is one of BMW’s most distinguished models of late. It sits on an
aluminium chassis
 and the passenger cell is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Tipping the scale at just
1,485kg
, the
2+2 plug-in hybrid
 sports car measures at 4,689mm in length, 1,942mm wide and is 1,293mm tall. The axles are 2,800mm apart and the i8 has a ground clearance of 117mm.
EXTERIOR
Standard exterior features include
full LED headlamps
 with their distinctive LED DRLs,
‘Butterfly’ door design
 that opens upwards (they’re really light, don’t worry), beautiful
LED tail lamps
 and
20-inch
BMW i light alloy wheels. The front wheels are wrapped with 215/45 R20 series tyres whereas the rear wheels get fatter 245/40 R20 profile rubbers. All factory equipped tyres are run-flats and come with individual flat tyre indicator.

INTERIOR
Sitting inside the i8 with the doors closed will have you realise how well the outside noise gets filtered out, and in that sweet moment of serenity, we dialed into the intricacies of its cabin. It is said that the leather used to wrap the instrument panel is tanned with olive leaf extracts, but the same cannot be said with the leather seats, we’re afraid.

Other interior features include
automatic dual-zone air conditioning
, power adjustable front seats with memory function, folding centre armrests with storage compartment, high definition
10.25-inch display monitor
 with GPS navigation, 3D mapping and arrow display,
iDrive Touch Controller
, on-board computer with Check Control,
16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon
 surround sound system and
BMW Head-Up Display
. You also get convenient features like
cruise control
 with brake function, top and side view camera system as well as front and rear sensors – also known as Park Distance Control (PDC).
PERFORMANCE
Now for the most interesting part. We’ve already told you about its
1.5-litre engine
, but what we have yet to tell you is that it’s paired to a
hybrid synchronous motor
 that makes
131 horsepower
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. The petrol engine on its own makes
231 hp
 at 5,800 rpm and
320 Nm
 of torque at 3,700 rpm, courtesy of BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. Together with the electric motor, it makes for a combined output of
362 hp
 and
570 Nm
 of torque.
The numbers are good enough to propel this sub 1,500 kg green sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.4 seconds
, onto an electronically limited top speed of
250 km/h
. As with the BMWs that we’ve come to know, the combustion engine sends its power to the rear wheels with a
six-speed Steptronic Sport automatic
 transmission, whereas the electric motor sends power to the front wheels via a
two-stage automatic
 transmission. Battery type is
lithium-ion
 with a gross capacity of
7.1 kWh
, and gets to a full charge in three hours via a domestic charging port or two hours with BMW’s i Wallbox.
Even more impressive is its fuel consumption, rated at
2.1 litres per 100 km
. There are
five driving modes
 to choose from; Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. The other two driving modes – Comfort and Eco Pro – can be toggled in pure electric mode simply by pressing the eDrive button. In pure electric mode, the i8 is capable of doing 35km and maxes out at 120 km/h.
WHAT ELSE?
The i8 again, is priced at
RM1,88,800.00
 on-the-road without insurance. It comes with a
two-year warranty
 with
unlimited mileage
 as well as a three-year or 60,000 km BS+RI free service and repair, whereas the battery gets an eight-year or 100,000km assurance coverage, whichever occurs first. Keep in mind that when buying the i8, the aforementioned price comes with the
BMW i Wallbox
 for you to charge your car at home, but installation is a separate cost.
Catch the BMW i8 live in person at the
BMW World Malaysia 2015
 held at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort from 17 to 19 April. Tickets, which cost at
RM16.98
, can be bought
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new BMW 545e xDrive is the fastest PHEV BMW you can buy

BMW has released some stunning images of the new 545e PHEV xDrive and gorgeous as it may be, it’s not all show and no go.
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine paired to a synchronous electric motor for a combined output of
394 hp
while max torque is
600 Nm
. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
BMW says 0 to 100 km/h in the 545e xDrive takes 4.7 seconds – a tad quicker than the

Golf R
 – onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Using purely electric power, the 545e xDrive can reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
This makes the 545e xDrive the fastest BMW PHEV you can buy and within it’s own 5 Series family, it’s behind only to the 550i xDrive and the
M5
 in terms of performance.
The 550i xDrive makes
462 hp
 and
650 Nm
 from 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. With power driving all four wheels, it’s capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds.
The
M5
, on the other hand, is also powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, but with
 600 hp
 and
750 Nm
. 0 to 100 km/h in the first-ever all-wheel drive M5 takes just 3.4 seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in just 11 seconds.
With a pure electric range of up to 57 km, average fuel consumption in the 545e xDrive is rated at 2.1L/100km. Its 400V lithium-ion battery has been placed under the seat to save space; resulting in 410-litres of boot space.
GALLERY