Our Top Picks: 11 interesting stories from our friends you must not miss!

For the love of all things four wheeled and two. Nothing unites people more effectively than having them share a common ground. Be it gadgetry, cars, bikes, hobbies or even harebrained political factions; everyone will be happy so long as they have an avenue for camaraderie discourse.
Today, we look into some of our personal favourite write-ups from our friends within the automotive industry. Stories which we found to be enlightening and educational, most of them penned by well respected veterans and highly experienced journalists.
1.
Live Life Drive
 –
An inspiring tale of how Mazda makes beautiful cars
The author of this piece, Daniel Wong (also the Editor of Malaysian EVO magazine), is wholeheartedly a Mazda buff. He may deny it when questioned in person, but if he hadn’t settled down, we reckon he’d elope with his Mazda MX-5. In this piece, Daniel went to great lengths to provide an exclusive look on how Mazda designs beautiful cars; from sketches illustrated by eccentric designers to the intricate Soul Red paintwork – this is one story you wouldn’t want to miss.
2.
Autoworld
 –
Doing 200 km/h on public roads, legally
During brother Kon’s business trip to Germany, the itch to stretch his legs on the famous Autobahn proved too hard to resist. He then secured a BMW X4 xDrive28i and took it on a 1,500km journey over the course of eight days, more than half of which was spent on the Autobahn. There, he learned two key things. One, driving at 200 km/h on de-restricted stretches on the Autobahn is more invigorating and less tiresome than constantly traveling at 110 km/h in Malaysia whilst keeping track of driving speed. And two, driving fast can be safe if all drivers learn to be more alert, proactive, caring and responsible on the road.
3.
Autofreaks
 –
Why Indonesia’s Auto Show is better and KLIMS is rubbish
Autofreaks’ Editor-in-Chief Chris Wee is well-known for his straightforward and witty character, his two traits that blend seamlessly in the way he writes and the manner in which he speaks. Chris is also one of Malaysia’s most seasoned motoring journalist with a career spanning over 20 years. After countless test drives/rides and exhaustive international motor shows later, Chris throws light upon the one thing he can’t wrap his head around at KLIMS – the fact that he needs to cross a damn river to get to the next hall.
4.
Kensomuse
 –
A car’s price tag is not the only thing you should be keeping in check
Kenneth Sow may not be part of any major automotive titles in Malaysia, but the realist runs one of the most relatable (on a personal scale) automotive blogs out there. The
Sales and Marketing Rants
 section of his website is our personal favourite, filled with stories from detailing his experiences as a Volkswagen customer to whether or not you should get your desired Golf. His latest article on
Ownership Experiences
 addresses the real-world hurdles of not just maintaining a vehicle, but the pros and cons that follow before and after you purchase your dream car.
5.
Autogridz
 –
Discovering a true-blue, track munching Porsche 911
Fun fact of the day: Autogridz is actually a homegrown Automotive and Luxury Lifestyle title, and their high quality magazines can be found gracing at just about any bookstores near you. They’re also the official magazine for Ferrari Owners’ Club Malaysia since 2012, and their work is what we admire most. An exemplary case would be their coverage on a stripped-out Porsche 911, all done-up by the one and only One911 Autoworks. Be sure to grab a copy!
6.
Motor Trader
 –
20 years of Electronic Stability Programme
ESP is inarguably one of the most important safety features ever to be conceived, next to Anti-lock Braking System and seat belts. Senior motoring journalist Chips Yap rewinds 20 years to its birth in 1995 by Daimler and elaborated on what makes ESP of paramount importance and its role in saving numerous lives.
7.
Carlist
 –
The Great 2015 D-Segment shoutout
A few months ago, a handful of motoring media representatives took nearly a dozen D-Segment sedans (nine car to be exact) to the foothills of Fraser’s Hill to determine which is the best family sedan of the lot. Naturally, the idea came about over a
Teh-Tarik
 session (which we sadly weren’t invited) and later materialised into one epic group test. Carlist, a sister site to Live Life Drive, was one of the five media representatives participating in the drive. The top pick my surprise you, but read on to find out more. And oh, guys, the next time something of this scale takes place, please don’t forget to shoot us that invite, okay? :(
8.
Traffic Mag Online
 –
The devil drives a Neo
Our dear friend Bobby classifies Traffic Mag Online as Malaysia’s very own Speedhunters, and we couldn’t agree more. Earlier this month, they featured a phantasmic, wide-bodied Proton Satria Neo that’s locally honed and groomed to leave doom in its wake. They’ve also recently tested the new
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
 to find out if it had what it takes to face other distinguished hot hatches.
9.
Bikes Republic
 –
Ten most popular motorcycles in Malaysia of all time
Two-wheeled enthusiasts have surely heard of Bikes Republic, for they are one of the largest and fastest growing motorcycling news portals in Malaysia. Author Gokul Kandiah listed the ten most popular motorcycles to ever rule Malaysian roads, some of which can still be seen
rempit-ing
 the streets today.
10.
Mekanika
 –
RM320,000 for an all-electric Japanese motorcycle? What?!
Mekanika is a flourishing Bahasa Malaysia automotive news portal which recently revealed that a Japanese motorcycle costs nearly RM320k a pop! The bike, named ZecOO, is made by a company called Nezu and only 49 units will ever be made. Is there a catch? You bet, because the ZecOO is an all-electric bike!
11.
PanduLaju
 –
Four key reasons why Perodua is Malaysia’s favourite carmaker
We have nothing but great admiration and respect for the man behind
PanduLaju
. To cut short his introduction, Gan Yong Li is of Chinese descent but was born and raised in a FELDA settlement. His upbringing led to the mastery of our mother tongue – a level that can effortlessly shame the entire industry with his vast Bahasa Malaysia vocabulary. Our favourite story from
PanduLaju
 is their feature on why Perodua is Malaysia’s favourite carmaker and with four solid reasons to back. Oh, did we also mention that Gan speaks fluent Mandarin as well? Men can only achieve so much, but you, Mr Gan…
That folks, pretty much sums up our favourite picks thus far. We’d like to thank all those who have featured us in your well-respected portals, and we at
AutoBuzz
 hope that this camaraderie, for the lack of a better word, will continue to knit a bond we can all hold dear for years to come.
For the love of all things four wheeled, and two.


JPJ wants Pos Malaysia to resume licence and road tax renewal services

Here is an important update from the
Road Transport Department (JPJ)
 Malaysia regarding the key documents for driving and vehicle ownership.
JPJ is reminding vehicle owners to have their
expired road tax
 or “Lesen Kenderaan Motor” (LKM) and driving licences to be
renewed before September 30th
.
The department back in July granted an
extension of expiry
 for the CDL (our regular driving license), GDL (for commercial vehicles), and PSV (public service vehicles such as e-hailing and taxi) until November 11th.
The press release (above) issued today brings forward the expiry of all driving licenses to the end of September instead. JPJ and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are also scheduled for enforcement activities on the roads
from

October 1st
.
11 drivers using a popular e-hailing app caught cheating. Find out how they did it here!
To ensure a smooth and safe renewal of the two key documents, JPJ has discussed with POS Malaysia to resume JPJ transactions at over 650 POS Malaysia branches nationwide from
August 9th
.
The department also assures that there will be a sufficient supply of materials to facilitate the expected surge in renewals. Hopefully, the same attention would be applied to social distancing SOPs!
The JPJ also requests for renewals to be done online through their
MySikap
 portal as well as
MyEG
. All transactions that are not available to be performed online can only be done via
appointments
 at JPJ branches. Walk-ins will not be entertained.
Please ensure your vehicle is covered with valid insurance and bring along the “e-cover note” while driving with an expired road tax slip.


Iconic London Taxi Company is now London EV Company, launches first ever electric taxi

London Taxi Company (LTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), has rebranded itself to London EV Company (LEVC). This change signals the company’s ambitions to become a global leading urban commercial vehicle provider.
The first model to be conceived from this
 £325 million (RM1.8 billion) investment
 is the LEVC TX, the latest-generation of the iconic London Taxi. Driving the TX is a sophisticated eCity technology developed specifically for urban commute purposes, comprised of an electric powertrain with a small petrol engine acting as the generator. LEVC claims the TX has a range of over 640km and
pure electric range of over 100km
.
Chris Gubbey, CEO, LEVC said, “From our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.”
The LEVC TX is slated for launch in London later in the year pending final tests while order books open on 1 August 2017. LEVC has also received its first international bulk order of 225 vehicles from RMC, one of the largest taxi operators in the Netherlands.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Koenigsegg Agera RS goes from 0-400km/h-0 faster than you can tie your shoelaces!

You’ve been introduced to the new
Bugatti Chiron
; you’ve also be notified on its
ridiculously hopeless fuel economy figures
, been shown of its mind-boggling, record-breaking 0 to 400 km/h to 0 run and more recently, the
 car that filmed that run
. Well that news is as fresh as a two-week-old loaf of bread.
We’ve been waiting for “someone to reply” to that feat – with half a dozen hypercar builders out there, someone had to respond to that achievement and you know what, we weren’t at all surprise that it was Koenigsegg that stepped up to the plate.
Just a couple days ago, Koenigsegg sent their
Agera RS
 to lead that charge and dethrone what is now the Bugatti Chiron’s impressive but brief claim. Oh by the way, that particular Agera RS was destined to be shipped to its owner in the US, but the owner wanted to know how it would perform against other hypercars. Bet he/she must be pleased!
So here goes, the 1,395 kg Koenigsegg Agera RS accelerated from
0 to 400km/h to 0
 in just 36.44 seconds. We take longer to tie both our shoe laces!
Behind the wheel of the record-breaking run was Koenigsegg factory driver, Niklas Lilja, as he powered the
1,360 hp
 with
1,371 Nm
 of torque Agera RS down the 2.8 km Vandel Airfield in Denmark. All that incomprehensible power is derived from a 5.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed transmission.
The numbers are simply incredible; 0 to 400 km/h took just
 26.88 seconds
 and was completed in just
under 2km
 – covering more than 100 metres per second. Imagine Usain Bolt completing a 100 metre sprint in less than a second and let that thought sink in!
Decelerating from that took just
9.5 seconds
 (slower than the Chiron’s 9.3 seconds) over just
483 metres
with the Agera’s ceramic brakes! Total distance used for the run was just a mere 2.4 km; the Agera RS didn’t even require the full length of the runway!
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi Outlander gains rear air circulator accessory, for RM1,485

Not a day has gone by without consumers complaining about the lack of rear air vents on the Mitsubishi Outlander and now Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a solution for that. Introducing the air circulator, an official accessory available for the
Outlander 2.0L
 and
2.4L
.
The air circulator works by drawing in fresh cool air from the front, charge it and blast it at the rear passengers – similar set up as the
Triton facelift
 but the pick up truck admittedly is better integrated to the cabin. There are two fan speed setting and two adjustable vents for your convenience.
MMM offers the air
circulator for RM1,485 inclusive of installation and can be fitted onto brand
new and existing Outlanders. This combined with the dual-zone automatic climate
control and premium security and tinting film, your rear passengers will not
complaint about the heatwave in the Outlander anymore.


Would you take this BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe over a Mercedes-Benz CLA?

BMW will soon debut their first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, a compact premium sedan that is aimed squarely as the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3.
The company released a
single image teaser
 earlier in the year and is expected to reveal the car in full at the upcoming 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) in November. However, BMW has quietly released a set of camouflage photos of its new compact sedan ahead of its debut.
Pictured here is most likely the fully kitted out M Sport or possibly the M Performance variant as denoted by its aggressive body kit, sporty kidney grilles, M Sport blue-painted brake calipers and the dual exhaust outlets sandwiching the diffuser.
The new 2 Series Gran Coupe will share the same underpinnings as the all-new F40 BMW 1 Series. The UKL2 front-wheel-drive platform has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, 181 mm shorter than the
G20 BMW 3 Series
 and 59 mm shy of the
C118 CLA
. However, BMW claims that the new architecture promises a spacious cabin for all passengers.
Powertrain options should mimic the 1 Series with three diesel options and two turbo petrol, the latter consisting of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder (118i) and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder for the
M135i
.
Other notable kits that can be seen on the camouflaged 2 Series Gran Coupe include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe


Get up close with the Mercedes-AMG A 35, A 45 S and CLA 45 S at Cycle & Carriage showrooms nationwide!

Last week Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s introduced its latest trio of bad boys – the
A 45 S
,
CLA 45 S
,
A 35
 – with the A 35 and A 45 S available in Edition 1 form.
If you’re keen to catch a glimpse of the these compact AMGs,
Cycle & Carriage Malaysia
 will be bringing them around on a nationwide tour from 18th of June to 6th of July 2020 – stopping at eight different showrooms in different states.
18th to 20th June – Petaling Jaya Autohaus
21st to 23rd June – Alor Setar Autohaus
24th June – Juru Autohaus
25th June – Georgetown Autohaus
26th to 28th June – Ipoh Autohaus
29th to 30th June – Mutiara Damansara Autohaus
1st to 3rd July – Cheras Autohaus
4th to 6th July – Johor Bahru Autohaus
Watch our
5 Things video of the AMG 45s
here!
To recap, the A35 4MATIC is priced at RM379,888 and makes 306 hp and 400 Nm. As for the AMG 45 duo, both make 421 hp and 500 Nm from the most powerful production 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in the world. As for the price, the CLA45 S is priced at RM448,888 while the A 45 S is priced a little more at RM459,888 as it is an Edition 1 model.


2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600

After nearly nine years of serving Malaysians as the most affordable car in the market, the
Perodua Axia
 finally receives a full model update with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia today. Now built on the DNGA platform, the all-new Axia comes in four variants, with a starting price of
RM38,600
.
Perodua Axia 1.0L G –
RM38,600
Perodua Axia 1.0L X –
RM40,000
Perodua Axia 1.0L SE –
RM44,000
Perodua Axia 1.0L AV –
RM49,500
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
If you think the Axia is looking a little bigger than it used to, that’s because it is, already gaining 115 mm in length, 45 mm in width, and 60 mm in terms of wheelbase. It is also heavier by about 25 kg to 40 kg from the previous generation, depending on the variant.

Powering the all-new Axia is the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated 1KR-VE engine that has been powering the old Axia since its first facelift in 2017. The three-banger still makes the same maximum output of
67 hp
 and
91 Nm
, but is now paired with Perodua’s D-CVT. The powertrain is standard for all variants of the all-new Axia, and as you might have noticed, the 5-speed manual transmission is no longer provided in the all-new Axia.
RELATED:
Ahead of Axia, Toyota unveils all-new Agya in Indonesia with GR Sport variant
The same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine has been carried over, albeit paired with Perodua’s new D-CVT.
The result of the new transmission is an overall lower fuel consumption, now rated at
25.3 km/l
 for variants without Eco Idle and
27.4 km/l
 for variants with the Eco Idle feature. The 2023 Perodua Axia’s platform is also said to be ready for electrification, so we’re excited to see what comes up in the near future.
RELATED:
2023 Perodua Axia scores 4 stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test, to launch soon
Now with the ‘G’ spec as the base variant, the all-new Axia comes with the following features as standard:
14-inch alloy wheels
Halogen headlights
LED rear combination lights with bulbs
Reverse sensors
Powered door locks
Bluetooth Audio
4.2-inch LCD segment multi-info display
Adjustable seat height
Fabric seats
Monotone instrument cluster
2 Airbags
ABS with EBD & BA
RELATED:
2023 Perodua Axia – bookings for previous generation will be transferred to all-new model
Optional ‘Gear Up’ seat covers in this Axia X
Up a level, The ‘X’ variant adds on:
LED headlamps
Auto on headlamps with positioning lights
Front corner sensors
Smart Entry & push start button
The ‘SE’ variant adds on:
LED DRLs
Chrome front grille
Front skirting
Side skirting
Power mode
Digital aircond controls
Semi bucket seats
And finally, the ‘AV’ variant adds on:
Semi leather seats
9-inch LCD touchscreen with HDMI
7-inch TFT multi-info display
Full steering switch set
6 Airbags
Auto High Beam
Lane Departure Warning & Prevention
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Reverse Camera
A.S.A. 3.0
In terms of safety, you’ll have to get the range-topping Axia AV to get Perodua’s A.S.A 3.0, albeit an incomplete one. The Axia, even in its highest variant, does not get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Control.
With its new price range, the all-new Axia is more expensive across the range compared to its predecessor. However, the local carmaker assures that the value added to the Axia is worth much more than the price hike. In less than a month,
the all-new Axia has already garnered over 3,591 bookings
, with most of them being for the SE and AV variants.
GALLERY
Perodua Axia AV
Perodua Axia SE
Perodua Axia X (with Gear Up kit)
Perodua Axia G
Presentation slides


Mazda adds “premium touches” to base model 2.0G CX-30 with additional features

You all should know by now that there is an additional model added to the CX-30 line-up
in the form of the AWD 2.0G High model
. This means there are now four models of the fully imported CX-30 now on sale in Malaysia but most might not realise that there have been changes to the base model CX-30 as well.
Firstly, the price. The base model 2.0G CX-30
now costs RM145,759
 on-the-road without insurance, up from RM143,059 – representing a
RM2,700 price increase
 but it’s not without any returns.

Traditionally, base models have been barren, or rather referred to as “
kosong spec
” in our local lingo. They exist solely to cater to those who want access to better cars (or even a car for that matter) but do not have the means for a fully equipped model. Fair enough.
But value is everything these days and every bit counts. In doing so, Mazda has added
keyless entry
and
walk away lock feature
 to the base model – adding a more “atas” feel to the overall ownership experience.

No one would know/cares if the base model comes with fabric upholstery on the inside but it matters to most nowadays (we’d assume) that entry into and exit from a vehicle appears “much cooler”. Otherwise, everything
remains identical with model at launch
.
To recap, the new AWD CX-30 (2.0G base model and 2.0G High) is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine with
162 hp
 and
213 Nm
, paired to a 6-speed automatic.


Mature, classy yet distinctively MINI – this is the exclusive 60 Years Edition

After introducing the
MINI Cooper S Convertible to the Malaysian market
 recently, MINI is celebrating another milestone with the MINI 60 Years Edition to commemorate six decades of the iconic car.
Limited to just 60 units in Malaysia
, for obvious reasons, the 60 Years Edition dons the new British Racing Green exterior paint finish, accompanied by edition-specific details on the front fender, front bonnet and door sills that distinguishes it from the other MINIs out there.
The unique exterior is finished with 60 Years two-tone 17-inch light alloy wheels. Exclusively available as a 3-door variant, the 60 Years Edition can also be had in Melting Silver with a Jet Black roof.
It’s not all style either as the 60 Years Edition is drenched with equipment including LED head and tail lights with the
Union Jack design seen in the facelift models
 and LED fog lamps.
On the inside, the usual vibrant impression of the standard MINI is dialed down for a more classy and mature apperance with Dark Maroon upholstery.
The hand-stitched leather steering wheel bears a 60 Years insignia on the lower spoke, further adding touches of exclusivity to the commemorative model.
On board equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, reverse camera, MINI Driving Modes, Apple CarPlay, Smart Entry, Front and Rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control, automatic air conditioning and MINI Excitement Package that offers 12 different ambient lighting choices.
The MINI 60 Years Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with
192 hp
 and
280 Nm
 of torque so rest assured there’ll be plenty enough substance to go with the style.
0 to 100 km/h is completely in a brisk 6.7 seconds and once you’re done with all seven gears of the DCT Steptronic Sports transmission, you’d be nudging the 235 km/h mark.
In celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary, those who purchase the 60 Years Edition or other MINI models from now till the 31st of August 2019 can enjoy the
60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme
.
The programme provides owners with 60 months or 80,000 km of Free Scheduled Service and 60 Months of Warranty with Unlimited Mileage.
For purchases after 31
st
 August 2019, the MINI 60 Years Edition will be available with the MINI 4-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.
The MINI 60 Years Edition is also accompanied by a 5-Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation Services.
The on-the-road price for the MINI 60 Years Edition is set at
RM 255,888.00
and with Easy Drive from BMW Group Financial Services starts from RM 3,358 a month.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bosch shares tips on prolonging battery life in cars with Auto Start-Stop

The automotive car battery hasn’t been evolving as much even with the addition of more gadgets, more technology and other features. However, one technology directly linked to the humble 12-volt battery is the ‘Eco Idle’ or idling start-stop system.
First popularised in Malaysia by the
Perodua Bezza
 in 2016, the majority of modern Perodua models (except the Alza) now feature this fuel-saving technology. Unfortunately, from the outside, the black maintenance-free battery looks exactly the same as any generic 12-volt battery.
As such, Bosch highlights that not all maintenance-free batteries are the same, and with idle start-stop function, even more differences are packed inside the anonymous-looking battery. These batteries are known as Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) or deep cycle batteries, where it is loaded with more chemicals and different chemistry to withstand the high demands of charging and rapid discharging cycles (such as waiting at traffic lights, then restarting the engine).
For premium vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, a more advanced idle start-stop function combined with a regenerative braking system may require the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. These batteries, also pricier than EFB types, are designed to be more resistant to leakage and corrosion, thus enabling the supply of power over a longer service life.
EFB has a very active charge-discharge cycle, replacements are higher priced too.
Using a non-EFB or non-AGM battery on a vehicle with an idle start-stop system will not only accelerate the charge-discharge cycles of the battery but also damaging it, which may lead to further damages to the sensitive electrical and electronics system. It is thus a requirement than a recommendation to retain the same battery specifications for vehicles with an idle start-stop system.
Need to jump-start the weak battery? Keep this video bookmarked on your smartphone!
While we weren’t driving as much during lockdown periods, suggestions were to start and idle the engine for 15 to 20 minutes every week to keep the battery charged. Bosch instead recommends continuous driving for a 30-minute duration at least one to two times a week to fully charge the 12-volt battery.
Those short trips to the grocery store or nearby food court are actually detrimental to the battery (and engine oil) as they make it difficult for the battery to maintain a full charge.
Should you want to purchase a battery from Bosch, head to the official Bosch Autoparts Official Store on
Shopee
. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific details about the battery, especially vehicles fitted with the idle start-stop system. Drivers are also welcomed to approach friendly Bosch Car Service or Bosch Preferred Workshops listed
here
on all car maintenance matters.
Apart from changing batteries and wipers, we also have many other AutoDIY videos. Check them out here!
2018 Perodua Myvi
Example from Mazda 2
Apart from Perodua models, other mainstream models with the idling start-stop system that used EFB batteries include the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, the range of Mazda vehicles and Lexus plus Japan-made Toyota models.
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia also recommends the use of car batteries manufactured by reputable suppliers with reliable track records in automotive maintenance and aftersales services.
Rough idle? Check engine light on? Perhaps the oxygen sensor is faulty. Learn more about this unseen probe in the exhaust system.


Manthey Racing turns the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 up to 11

The
all-new Porsche 911 GT3
 is perhaps already one of the most capable track day machine money can buy (video coming soon!), but if there’s someone that can make it
even
 better, it has to be Manthey Racing. Why? Well, they’re the guys who helped Porsche
break the Nürburgring Nordschleife track record with the GT2 RS
 – so obviously they know a thing or two about going fast.
And it shows, because the racing outfit’s performance kit for the 911 GT3 includes upgrades for pretty much everything but the kitchen sink, from aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, to even a new set of wheels, all in the search of extra speed around the track.
Starting on the exterior, Manthey Racing has given the 911 GT3 a new splitter on the front bumper with additional canards on the sides, a redesigned rear wing made from carbon fibre, as well as a tweaked rear diffuser to enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance.
They’ve also given the GT3 a new set of Manthey OM-1 wheels, finished in gold, which just looks absolutely stellar when paired to the blue paint job of the demo car – especially with the aerodisc at the rear axle.
RELATED: The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is a bad-ass tribute to Manthey’s 25 years of racing success
On the mechanical side, Manthey’s performance kit for the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a set of their own four-way adjustable suspension kit, alongside upgraded brakes featuring new braided brake lines and new pads.
The engine, however, remains unchanged. Sitting behind the passengers is a 4.0-litre flat-six turbocharged engine which revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm, making
510 hp
 and
 470 Nm
. Both the seven-speed PDK or six-speed manual versions of the 911 GT3 can be equipped with Manthey Racing’s performance kit.
Even with that many upgrades, Manthey promises that the “car’s essential DNA” hasn’t been changed all that much – which their head of development Stefan Mages admitted was a pretty challenging task.
The development of the upgrade pack, of course, included many laps at the Nordschleife. We have no doubts that it’ll absolutely boss the
Green Hell
, but with the stock 911 GT3 already clocking a full 17 seconds faster than it’s predecessor, it’ll be interesting to see how much more Manthey can achieve with a few relatively-simple upgrades.
Relatively simple, because equipping your car with the upgrade pack won’t even void the car’s original factory warranty! No price tag has been given yet for the upgrade pack, but Manthey says that it’ll be available from the second quarter of 2022.
GALLERY


Nissan US will be offering Toyota test drives at their dealerships to sell more cars

Nissan is apparently so confident about their
Rogue SUV
 (also known as the X-Trail in our parts of the world) that it will be offering test drives for its main competitor, the Toyota RAV4, at its dealerships in the United States. Yes, you read that right.
The carmaker is expecting half of its 1,094 dealerships across the country to take part in this unconventional (to say the least) sales strategy. The rented Toyota RAV4s will be provided by Nissan to their dealers at no cost during December.
Data shows that keeping customers at the dealerships for longer usually result in incremental sales, but will having your competitor placed right beside your own product work? Who knows, but J.D. Power’s VP of the Power Information Network, Tyson Jominy seems to have his reservations.
Speaking to
Automotive News
, Jominy said, “The risk is that Nissan will indirectly contribute to selling more Toyota RAV4s. A percentage of customers are inevitably going to value the differences between the models differently than expected.”
The unorthodox campaign is known internally as ‘Rogue gone Rogue’, part of a four month advertising push that is described as the “most robust marketing campaign in Nissan’s history”. Nissan’s VP of Sales and Regional Operations, Judy Wheeler, seemed bullish about the outcome of the campaign, as seen from a video message sent to dealers that was acquired by the news outlet.
“We know that when consumers check out the all-new Nissan Rogue side by side
with the Toyota RAV4
, they will be amazed by our standard, advanced technology, premium design… and, most of all, outstanding overall value,” she said.
Toyota, having made known about the campaign, said that they were “flattered”. “We are confident their dealers and customers will appreciate the quality, value, versatility and safety features that have made the RAV4 the number one-selling (compact) SUV in the United States”, said Toyota USA’s chief of sales, Bob Carter.
The all-new X-Trail was unveiled back in June this year, with a fresh new design featuring the brand’s iconic V-motion active front grille. The Nissan X-Trail’s sleek and flowing exterior design is a stark contrast to the Toyota RAV4’s boxy, utilitarian look.
Although, if you’re a fan of everything else but the looks, you can always go for the
Mitsuoka Buddy
, which is a RAV4 redesigned to look like an old-school American SUV!
Underneath the hood, the Nissan X-Trail packs an updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with
181 hp
 and
 245 Nm
. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4, as
offered in our country
, comes with a 2.5 -litre Dynamic Force engine that makes
207 hp
 and
243 Nm
.


Mild hybrid Aston Martin DBX to be China-only, PHEV due in 2024

Aston Martin will be unveiling a new mild hybrid inline-six-powered
DBX SUV
 at the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show in China, according to CEO Tobias Moers in a conference call with analysts last week.
However, unless you live in China, you won’t be able to purchase one; an Aston Martin spokesperson told
Autocar UK
 that the company has no plans to sell the model outside the country.
The Aston Martin DBX is currently only offered with a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, but thanks to the Chinese tax structure, these larger-displacement engines are hit by a significant import tax of around 25%.
With the switch to a smaller mild-hybrid powertrain, expected to be the 435 hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged mill with a 48V mild-hybrid system that’s currently used on the
Mercedes-AMG E 53
, the import tax rate for the Aston Martin DBX will fall by more than half to 12%.
“A mild-hybrid in-line six perfectly fits the expectation of our customers in China,” Moers said.
VIDEO: Want to customise the Aston Martin DBX to your own tastes? Here’s how to do it!

For the rest of the world, Aston Martin will instead introduce a new version of the DBX next year. Moers hints that it’ll be a higher-performance variant of the SUV, and will most likely feature the 639 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that’s currently used in AMG’s GT 63 S.
The company also confirmed a plug-in hybrid variant for the DBX, and will be unveiled as part of the facelift model that’s planned for 2024.
Although rivals such as Bentley are already now offering PHEV powertrain variants in the “super SUV” space, Aston Martin remains confident that they won’t be losing out in market share until the hybrid DBX’s eventual debut in 2024.
RELATED: Aston Martin DBX launched in Malaysia, priced from RM818k before tax
“Do we lose momentum on DBX by not having a plug-in hybrid? No. This is where we’re really confident,” Moers told investors on the call. “We know who the market leader is:
Lamborghini Urus
 is the market leader in some areas without any hybrid.”
The Aston Martin DBX is one of the carmaker’s most important product in its modern line-up, with the company expecting at least half of its 6,000 predicted sales in 2021 to be made up by the super SUV model.


2016 BAIC EV200 unveiled, Malaysia’s first CKD electric vehicle

There’s a new Chinese automotive player in Malaysia, and they are called Beijing Auto International Corporation (BAIC). Pronounced as “
baik
“, the brand launched two new products at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow. Here we have the country’s first locally assembled all-electric vehicle (EV), the BAIC EV200, which was introduced alongside the
D20 hatchback
.
Assembled in Gurun and with the help of local partner
Amber Dual
, the EV200 is actually BAIC’s first ever EV to penetrate the South East Asian market.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BAIC EV200
Engine
Electric Motor
Battery
30.4 kWh  lithium-cell
Max Power
40 hp
Max Torque
102 Nm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
13 seconds; 120 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
TBD
EXTERIOR
The EV200 introduced here is of the sedan variant, but the hatchback will reportedly join the lineup. It’s based on the
 D20
 subcompact passenger car, and at a glance it somehow resembles the
Proton Saga
. The exterior equipment for all three variants are almost identical, and they all receive the standard 14-inch wheels, auto headlights and tail lamps.
The three variants are rather uniquely named:
Relaxing
,
Showy
 and
Enjoyable
. A total of six exterior hues are available for the EV200 – Madrid Red, Alpine White, Milan Silver, Hamburg Grey, Deep Blue, and Champs Elysees Gold, just like its D20 sibling.
INTERIOR
The interior goodies are almost similar as well. All EV200s receive an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that is planted in the centre dash, together with a separate 6.2-inch TFT multi-info display for the driver. Other similarities on the inside include fabric seats and automatic air conditioning, among others. The most expensive variant meanwhile has “VIP cloud service” as extra, while the cheapest variant gets lesser speakers than the rest.

PERFORMANCE
BAIC is one of China’s leading manufacturer of EVs, and the EV200 has proven its worth in its country of origin. Underneath the hood lies an
electric motor
 that outputs
40 hp
 and
 102 Nm
 of torque, and it’s powered by a lithium-cell battery that generates
30.4 kWh
of power. The EV200 has a driving range of
200km
, though if you drive below 60km/h, BAIC says you can extract an additional 40km over the 200km threshold. Top speed is
120 km/h
.
BAIC also said the battery pack is good for a cumulative range of up to 600,000km or 10 years, but we’ll take it with a pinch of salt, seeing as how unfriendly our temperate climate is towards electrified vehicles.
WHAT ELSE
As far as safety goes, the EV200 is equipped with two frontal airbags, Isofix mounting points as well as ABS with EBD. There’s no mention of active safety features, and the same can be said for its pricing. One thing BAIC can promise though, is competitive pricing, which means the EV200 could well be the most affordable EV sold in Malaysia to date. Deliveries will begin sometime in 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY
BAIC EV200 Sedan

BAIC EV200 Hatchback


There’s already a Lamborghini Urus body kit for the all-new Toyota Harrier

Everybody wants a Lamborghini Urus – or at least, that’s what we’re led to believe, because there seems to be an Urus body kit for almost every SUV out there. Remember the
Urus kit for the Toyota Harrier
? Well, there’s now a new one for the all-new model, courtesy of the guys at Albermo.
Albermo, you might recall, is the same outfit that made the
 RAV4/Urus and Prius/Ferrari mashup body kits
. For the
all-new Toyota Harrier
, the company has launched what it calls the XH42 – and well, the result is everything you expected.
Taking “inspiration” from the Italian super-SUV, the XH42 kit gives the Toyota Harrier an all-new front bumper with massive angular air inlets covered by mesh grille on both ends, replete with horizontal strakes and a giant blacked-out crossbar across the main intake.
The all-new Toyota Harrier was launched here in Malaysia just three months ago! Read more about it here.
The kit also includes tacked-on fender flare extensions, which gives them a more angular look (like the Urus) rather than the rounded design that the Toyota Harrier originally comes with.
Changes at the rear are a little more restrained compared to the front, with the kit only adding on a rear bumper with large diffuser-like elements, as well as a small spoiler on the bootlid.
In case you needed a refresher on how the Urus looks like, Lamborghini recently took the super-SUV alongside 41 other supercars for a road trip across China. Check out the amazing photos here!
Albermo is also offering an optional exhaust kit supplied by 5Zigen, which moves the twin tailpipe exits from the ends to the centre – although we’re not sure why anyone would do that, seeing that the Lamborghini Urus has their tailpipes at the sides too.
The Urus body kit for the Toyota Harrier will cost JPY362,000 (~RM14k) for the whole kit, though you’ll need to paint them yourself – as is standard in the body kit world.
To be frank, these imitation bodykits aren’t really our style, but hey, we won’t judge if you like them – beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, as the saying goes. At least, it’s one of the
better executed ones
…
GALLERY


Crazy Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus is pointless but brilliant to watch!

No, you can’t buy this 400 hp and 555 Nm version of the Hyundai Starex (called the iMax in Australia) because it’s not road legal and Hyundai doesn’t plan to build it either, but for fun/fear factor for eight, the Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus has no rival.

This one-off initiative is part of Hyundai Australia’s efforts to spread the good word of the N performance division, so they ditched the regular 2.5-litre CRDi four-cylinder common-rail diesel for a
fire-breathing 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
! The motor is in turn mated to an
eight-speed automatic
 transferring all the grunt to the
rear wheels
.
Always buckle up, even when you have helmets on.
The drift bus features
electronically controlled dampers
,
19-inch alloys
 borrowed from the
i30 N
, wearing ‘performance rubber’ and N-spec brakes. Incredibly, the iMax N Drift Bus achieves
50-50 weight distribution
with eight people on-board, take that BMW.
Even the interior isn’t spared, the Drift Bus comes with
N steering wheel and N sports front seats
, with matching suede and leather on the two rear bench seat rows, but still retains its
842-litre cargo space
. Talk about getting maximum bang for bus.


Mitsubishi Malaysia wants you to celebrate Merdeka with a new Triton!

The official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia is offering buyers the lowest interest rate of up to 0.88% for the Mitsubishi Triton exclusive with Maybank hire purchase only.
This promotion is in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities and is valid from now till the 30th of September 2019.

Those who register a new Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium can choose
either to enjoy the lowest interest rate of up to 0.88% exclusive with Maybank hire purchase
 or cash rebates up to RM6,000.
Those who opt for the Triton VGT Automatic or Manual are only entitled cash rebates of RM4,000 only. The highest specification Triton VGT Adventure X now comes with a
new Flying Sports Bar
, without additional cost.

As for the Outlander, those who book and register a new 2.0-litre (RM137,888) or 2.4-litre ( RM152,888) model will enjoy
cash rebates up to RM6,000 and RM4,000
 respectively.
The Mitsubishi ASX 4WD ( RM133,336) and 2WD ( RM118,866) is not excluded from the party either, with
cash rebates up to RM12,000 and RM8,000
 respectively.
While the Triton comes with a 5-year/200,000km warranty, the highest in its segment, the Outlander and ASX is accompanied with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.


The Genesis GV60 is a premium EV SUV with 435 hp… and a drift mode for some reason

Following a few weeks of teasers and a preview earlier last month,
Genesis
 has now finally unveiled its first EV model, the
GV60
 in full, including all the specifications for its electric innards. And as a premium fully-electric SUVs these days, everything in the document all sounds fairly standard… well, except one thing – ‘drift mode’.
Drift mode is far from being a new concept by any means. Now that hot hatches have mostly moved on to all-wheel drive propulsion, it’s normal to see it being advertised on these performance-oriented cars, using software and mechanical trickeries to push more torque to the rear wheels to give you more degrees of freedom in the lateral direction.
But on a premium SUV that’s supposed to go up against the likes of the Lexuses and Mercedes-Benzs? Well, we can’t help to feel a little… amused. OK, to be fair, the
Kia EV6 GT
 (which also rides on the same e-GMP platform) also comes with the same feature, but then again, it’s not a Genesis, is it?
Watch the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and the VW Golf R battle it out on track with their drift mode!
The premium carmaker from Korea says that the drift mode is for those “who are looking for a more dynamic experience”, and enabling the drift mode will allow for more “athletic driving by optimising distribution of the driving power and braking system” – everything people are looking for when they buy a Genesis SUV.
Anyway, we should digress. The Genesis GV60 will be offered in three variants, starting with the entry-level Standard RWD that gets a single electric motor at the rear axle with
228 hp
 and
350 Nm
.
The next step up is the Standard AWD, which gets an additional motor in front for a combined system output of
318 hp
 and
605 Nm
, and at the top of the pyramid is the Performance AWD model, with two 218 hp motors for a combined output of
435 hp
 and
605 Nm
.
Aside from the drift mode, the Performance AWD variant also comes with a “Boost Mode” which gives it a boost up to maximum performance (489 hp, 700 Nm) for 10 seconds – useful when you need to race a fuel-guzzling sports car at the traffic light.
On that note, the Performance AWD variant is capable of a century sprint time of
four seconds flat
with this mode enabled.
We don’t really see it on our roads here, but the Genesis is luxurious enough for even our own royalty. Check out the Johor Sultan’s G90 limousine here!
Genesis says that all three variants of the GV60 are equipped with the same
77.4 kWh
 lithium-ion battery, offering up to 451 km of range on the base variant, 400 km on the Standard AWD, and 368 km on the Performance AWD. We should note that these figures are based on the Korean test cycle, tough – EPA and WLTP numbers aren’t available yet.
For charging, the Genesis GV60 supports AC charging up to 11 kW, and DC fast charging up to 350 kW, which means at a compatible fast charging station, the batteries can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Similar to the EV6, the GV60 also supports Bi-directional charging at up to 3.6 kW, effectively making the car a driveable power bank during emergency situations.
The stunning Genesis X concept blends classic sports car design with modern tech. Check it out here!
As usual, the Genesis GV60 is equipped with the whole nine yards of advanced driver assistance features, with the notable ones being the Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
But this being a Genesis, and an EV at that, there’s also a whole suite of tech in the interior, such as Road Active Noise Control (ANC-R), Ergo Motion seats (with seven air pockets for a massage-like function), and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system to make your journeys as comfortable as possible. Oh, and the car can also be l
ocked and unlocked using only your face
, just like your fancy new smartphones.
Now, if we circle back to the drift mode again, doesn’t that just feel a bit… out of sync with the rest of the comfort and prestige-oriented equipments? No? Well, just us then…
GALLERY


James Bond’s next Aston Martin might be fully electric

Although not his first car, we can’t imagine agent 007 to roll around in anything else than an Aston Martin. Over the years, Britain big screen secret agent has been seen in a DB5, Vantage Volante, Vanquish and DB10.
For the upcoming 25
th
 Bond film, we may see James Bond chasing the bad guys sustainably and in complete silence. Britain’s Sun newspaper reported that the film’s director Cary Joji Fukunaga is looking to put the Bond character, played by Daniel Craig, in an all-electric
Aston Martin Rapide E
.
The Rapide E is driven by two electric motors mounted on the rear axle giving the four-door saloon over
610 hp
 and
950 Nm
 of torque. Aston Martin claims that the Rapide E can do the century sprint in under 4 seconds and register a top speed of 250 km/h.
Aston Martin has
confirmed that they will be building 155 units of the Rapide E but did not confirm
whether the car will make an appearance in the movie.
With the Rapide E, the
secret agent can silently creep up to the bad guys and catch them off guard,
but the issue is that he’ll have to find a charging station every 322 km (200
miles).


Audi RS Q e-tron to be the first to go electric in the Dakar Rally

Audi wants to be the first car manufacturer to use an electrified drivetrain to compete against conventionally-powered competitors in the world’s toughest rally. They will do so come January 2022 with this, Audi RS Q e-tron. It took Audi Sport just one year to go from idea to creating this prototype.
“The quattro was a gamechanger for the World Rally Championship. Audi was also the first brand to win the Le Mans 24 Hours with an electrified drivetrain. Now, we want to usher in a new era at the Dakar Rally,” says Audi Sport.
The all-new Audi RS3 is the new performance king in its segment. Read more about it here!
“What we are trying to do has never been done before. This is the ultimate challenge for an electric drivetrain.”
A Dakar Rally event usually lasts two weeks and the daily stages can see drivers clock up to 800 kilometers. Making this even more challenging is that there are no charging opportunities in the desert.
Instead, rather than going full electric, Audi will fit in a small, petrol-powered engine as a “charger” for the high voltage batteries while the RS Q e-tron is on the move.
Audi to switch to EV only from 2026, ending combustion engines by 2033. Find out more!
Driving the wheels are two motor-generator units (MGU) from Audi’s Formula E race car, one for each pair of wheels while a third unit serves to recharge the high voltage batteries while charging. Energy is also recuperated during braking. The batteries weigh about 370 kilograms, with a capacity of 50 kWh.
German tuner ABT turns Audi RS6 into 800 hp super wagon, with 125-year history. Read about it here!
Audi believes that the Dakar Rally is the best platform for the development of electromobility as what they learn there will go into making future electric cars better.
“Back then, the engineers didn’t really know what was coming. It’s similar with us. If we finish the first Dakar event, that’s already a success,” said Audi Sport.
GALLERY


Peugeot unveils new interior design – Panoramic screen, touch-based controls in upcoming 3008

Prior to the new
Peugeot 3008
’s
 launch, which is planned to be held in September this year, Peugeot has teased a new generation of its Peugeot i-Cockpit interior design. This new ‘cockpit’ will feature a panoramic design, and the new upcoming 3008, which the company teased to be an all-electric fastback SUV, will be the first Peugeot model to receive it.
The Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit interior, as its name suggests, features a 21-inch high-definition curved panoramic screen, which ‘floats’ above the dashboard. Slightly curved towards the driver for optimum ergonomics, the panoramic floating screen in the upcoming 3008 will still be easily accessible to the passengers. It is attached by a rear foot that is invisible from the passenger side, making it look like it is literally floating above the dashboard.
This new large digital screen in the Peugeot 3008’s interior combines two key functions, which include the instrument cluster and the central screen. The instrument cluster is in charge of all information relating to driving, such as the speed, power meter, driving aids, energy flow, etc. The central screen, on the other hand, is like many other infotainment displays, operable via touch control. Users can control features like air-conditioning, navigation, and media or connectivity systems via this section of the screen.
At the centre of the dashboard and right below the panoramic screen is Peugeot’s i-Toggles. It is a touch-sensitive panel that replaces the traditional air-conditioning control panel and can feature up to 10 configurable shortcut keys. This includes access to features such as air-conditioning settings, telephone contacts, favourite radio stations, navigation, and so on.
RELATED:
Peugeot wants to send you to Bahrain to watch the FIA WEC, but only if…
Thanks to the redesigned ‘cockpit’, Peugeot designers have left the upcoming 3008’s centre console to be uncluttered, allowing increased available space for storage and wireless smartphone charging. To maximise the available space in the new interior, the gear selector has also been relocated to the dashboard, right next to the start/stop button, making the gear selector more accessible in the process.
Like other modern Peugeot models, the new 3008 will also be fitted with a compact steering wheel. However, with the new i-Cockpit, it is redesigned, featuring a smaller central cushion.
Peugeot is also saying goodbye to physical buttons with the steering controls of its upcoming 3008’s i-Cockpit, replacing them with touch-sensitive buttons instead. The new buttons feature ‘tactile clicking’, and will automatically detect the driver’s fingers. To prevent unintentional miss presses, the buttons will only be activated when pressed.
LED ambient lighting is also included with the upcoming i-Cockpit to accentuate the interior. Located beneath the panoramic screen, the lighting contains eight customisable colours and is extended across the entire width of the dashboard and door panels.
RELATED:
Peugeot 2008 facelift unveiled – up to 406 km range for e-2008
GALLERY


Honda sets 2040 as the year they bid farewell to the combustion engine

Honda Motor Co. last week announced its targets to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. As such, the core automotive products will see their propulsion or fuel usage changed to fully electric beginning from 2040.
The company’s latest direction and goals were highlighted by Honda Global CEO and President
Toshihiro Mibe
 in his inaugural press conference as the company’s newest leader taking over from Takahiro Hachigo.
The plan to be offer fully electric or zero-emission powertrains takes a big step in
2030
, where battery electric vehicles (EV) and
fuel-cell EVs
 will make up
40%
 of the sales in major markets which consist of North America,
China
 and Japan.
To start the ball rolling, Honda will offer a series of EVs which adopt
e:Architecture
, a completely new EV platform led by Honda, will first be introduced to the North American market from the second half of this decade, and then to other regions of the world.
Two North American-exclusive models, developed with General Motors, with be offered from as early as 2024. The ratio of EV-to-combustion engine will double to
80%
 and the headlining 100% fully electric fleet will begin in 2040.
The
Honda e
 is Honda’s current global EV
Apart from just being fully electric without any local emissions, the production of automobiles and other products must also be as “clean” as possible, such as using renewable energy at all the factories. Besides focusing on hydrogen as fuel, the company will also research and develop
carbon-neutral fuels
, which is more suitable for use in aircraft.
The introduction of EVs will focus on localised sourcing and supply chain, such as batteries manufactured locally for the Chinese and Japanese markets. Honda will also move to the implementation of
solid-state batteries
 by the end of this decade.
Closer to home, Honda Malaysia has already
locally-assembled hybrid
 models since the Honda Jazz in 2012 and most recently the latest i-MMD hybrid technology through the
City RS e:HEV hybrid
.
As for safety initiatives, Honda will strive for
zero traffic collision fatalities
 involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Apart from fitting the latest driver assistance systems in vehicles, Honda will also approach the issue of motorcyclist safety through
education
 and government/industry relations activities especially in emerging countries.


You’d never forget the stature of your Mercedes with the LED Projector AMG Emblem

In case you forget the stature of the vehicle you’ve worked so hard to own, the Mercedez-Benz original-parts program now offers the LED projector AMG emblem.
When opening the front doors, the AMG emblem will be projected by the side sill area in 3D with the aid of the entrance lighting mechanism at the bottom of the door. The LED Projector AMG Emblem can fitted in numerous vehicle models from the A-Class to GLS models.
The AMG emblem displays all the elements of the Mercedes-AMG high performance brand: an apple tree on the river which symbolises the location in Affalterbach, Germany while the cam, valve and valve springs symbolises engine manufacturing.
The AMG emblem LED projector can be fitted in just a matter of minutes by simply replacing the factory-installed entrance lighting at the bottom of the front doors.
Another eye-catching addition is the illuminated Mercedes-Benz star where its outline is centred on the radiator grille, illuminating by means of light conductors and LED – adding a touch more exclusivity and visual-appeal.
IMAGE GALLERY

 LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem

 LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem

 LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem

 Beleuchteter Mercedes Stern Illuminated Mercedes Star


Review: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, so much more than just a pretty face

Exactly one year ago this month,
Honda pulled the wraps off the all-new, 10th generation Civic
 (codename FC) and promptly sent Civic loyalists and aspiring owners into an unprecedented fit of jubilance. The Civic was showered in praises for two key things – the groundbreaking new look and a turbocharged engine.
Superficially, nothing else matters if a carmaker gets these two things right. In Malaysia, the case rings even truer, especially when you hear stories of people trading in their ninth-gen Accord for the C-segment Civic. That wasn’t made up. We were recently flown to the Land Below the Wind (that’s East Malaysia for you Peninsular folks) to properly put the Civic through its paces, and suffice to say that there’s much, much more to the Civic than all its charming trivialities. But first, let’s talk about features.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda Civic 1.8S
Honda Civic 1.5TC
Honda Civic 1.5TC-Premium
Segment
C-Segment Sedan
Engine
1,799cc; inline-4, SOHC
1,498cc; inline-4, DOHC, turbocharged with VVT
Transmission
G-Design Shift CVT Automatic
Max Power
139 hp @ 6,500 rpm
171 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
220 Nm @ 1,700 – 5,500 rpm
0 – 100km/h
10.4 seconds
8.2 seconds
Price
RM113,800
RM127,800
 RM135,800
The new Civic blows the competition out of the water here. It is packed with toys like remote engine start that also gets the air conditioning running. There’s no need to be worried about someone stealing or driving your car off because the Civic will remain locked and immobile until you step inside and press on the ignition switch. The only other car I can think of that does the same is the
BMW G12 7-Series
. Elsewhere, Honda is offering
six airbags
 across the range, electric parking brake, Hill Start Assist and multi-angle rear view camera.
According to Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB), over 3,600 units of the Civic have been sold
since its launch in June
, and more than
70 percent
 of buyers chose the
turbocharged variants
. These are positively encouraging numbers for a segment that’s dwindling in popularity, driven largely by well-priced D-Segment sedans and SUVs in the same price bracket. If anything, the country’s B-Segment offering is more to be blamed, but we’ll save that story for another day.
EXTERIOR
To give credit where it’s due, Honda did a terrific job with the design overhaul of the Civic. Assistant Large Project Designer Hiroshi Ito-san, whose career in Honda spans an incredible 40 years, has played a role in every single iteration of the Civic. While there’s still a hint of the
ninth-gen Civic
 from the rear (more specifically the outline of the tail lamps), everything about this Civic is new, both inside and out.

There are three variants of the Civic to choose from, and our pick of the lot would be the range topping 1.5TC Premium – in White Orchid Pearl, too. It is the only trim that gives you that mesmerising
full LED headlamps
; opt for the cheaper turbo variant and you’d have to settle for halogen projectors.
However, all three come with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED-combination tail lamps and rear fog lamps as standard. The turbocharged pair sit on 17-inch hoops shod with 215/50 profile Continental MC5 rubbers while the 1.8-litre variant (pictured below) makes do with 16-inch wheels.
All variants don’t come with the full Modulo bodykit, but this can be specified during your purchase. Whether or not you like the bare-bodied looks of the fastback-styled sedan, we think the Modulo kit completes the whole package a little better.
INTERIOR
It’s worth noting that the Civic is larger in every way when compared to the preceding model. Length and wheelbase have grown considerably at 95mm and 30mm respectively, whereas shoulder and headroom are increased thanks to the wider body (44mm wider) and lower ride height (19mm closer to the ground). The bigger footprint allows Honda to create a roomier cabin that could easily accommodate three averaged-sized Malaysian adults in the rear bench, but it is not achieved without compromise.
Before that, we’d like to bring your attention to the main highlight of the cabin – the dashboard. Gone is the two-tier instrument cluster of the past two generations. It is now consolidated into a singular binnacle positioned behind the steering rack and boy is it gorgeous. The colours are vivid and crisp enough to be discernibly visible in the harshest of sunlight. Almost all driving information can be obtained from the digital display, operated by the integrated switches to the left of the steering wheel.

 Before (pre facelift)
Speaking of the steering wheel, it’s wrapped in high quality leather and provides a great level of grip. Even the paddle shifters are rubberised, unlike its rivals’ full plastic offerings. The only downside here is that the buttons feel and look a tad cheap. If the 7-inch touchscreen display in the centre dash looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same one found in the Honda HR-V. It’s not the best in the industry (that title still belongs to Mazda), but the user interface is more straightforward and easier to use than Ford’s SYNC2 system or Toyota’s proprietary DVD AVN head unit.
Honda pulled a neat trick in giving the illusion of a larger cabin. It is already spacious to begin with, but the two front seats are designed to get narrower towards shoulder-level. Besides the odd look, this isn’t much of a design flaw, though anyone with broad shoulders would appreciate a little more shoulder support. That’s compromise number one.
The second compromise is seating position. Getting comfortable in the low-slung car (regardless of front or back seats) took me some time because my knees just weren’t perpendicular to my posterior. While shoulder room and headroom fared better, the two excuses I could think of for the awkward seating position are the sloping roof and lower ride height.

Those niggles aside, the cabin really is a cut above the rest. Quality materials are used throughout, save for the less common areas. The soft-touch Audi-style dashboard is pleasing to both the sight and touch, and this is accentuated by the cleverer execution of ergonomics. Like a Volvo, the centre tunnel ‘floats’ to make way for additional stowage. This is also where the USB and HDMI ports reside, with plenty of room for multiple mobile devices and wires to be kept from view. The armrest is also very clever; it is perfectly positioned no matter how high up you seat, slides fore and aft, and is big enough to store snacks for three grown adults. There’s also a handy cubby for the occasional coffee to go.
PERFORMANCE
Prior to this, the eight and ninth-gen Civics were powered by two engines – a 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre i-VTEC motors, both four-cylinder naturally aspirated lumps. This time, there’s also
two engine choices
, but the larger SOHC engine is now replaced by a smaller
1.5-litre four-cylinder
 engine. Thanks to
turbocharging
, the engine outputs
 171 hp
 at 5,500 rpm and
 220 Nm
 of torque from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. It’s more fuel efficient, lighter and helps give the Civic a zippier edge around the bends. Comparatively, the older and heavier 2.0-litre engine produces 153 hp and 190 Nm of torque.
The
1.8-litre
 option is essentially a carryover unit, making
139 hp
 at 6,500 rpm and
174 Nm
 of torque at 4,300 rpm. Both engines are now paired to a
 Continuously Variable Transmission
 (CVT) for optimal balance between power and efficiency, retiring the five-speed auto of old. The CVT is developed and manufactured in-house, but Honda points out that the CVT in the 1.5L turbo is slightly bigger in size which helps cope with the extra grunt. Drive is sent to the
front wheels
 only.
THE DRIVE
One thing that stood out almost immediately from the get go is refinement. Wind and road noises are barely audible at legal cruising speeds, and this has lots to do with the Civic’s sleek exterior styling and comfort-oriented tyres. I vividly remember the ghastly road noise – some call it tyre roar, same thing – while driving the Civic FD (and the pre-facelift FB) some years back, though it’s clearly evident today that the Civic FC is more generously fitted with sound deadening materials.
When you’re up to speed, the steering wheel becomes weightier, numbing sudden inputs usually experienced during lengthy periods of driving. This makes the car less susceptible to twitching, thus easier and less tiring to drive on the freeways as opposed to a Mazda3. Road holding and high speed stability are also noticeably improved over the previous model, which I think is the outcome of the increased track width.
During the development stage, the Civic’s ride and handling were benchmarked against some of the more established German brands, particularly the
Audi A3
. The front-wheel drive A3 rides on a modular platform that is shared with dynamic pedigrees such as the
Volkswagen Golf
,
Audi TT
 and Seat Leon Cupra. Honda engineers however, are exceptionally proud that the Civic FC exceeds those benchmarking parameters.
An elaborate drive through the hilly roads of Kundasang and Menggatal allowed for substantive corroboration of those claims. A combination of front and rear anti-roll bars (these surprisingly come as standard) help manage lateral movement, expunging body roll normally associated with cars in this class. Suspension setup is the same as the Civic FB – MacPherson struts for the front and a multi-link type for the rear. Steering feedback leans towards ambiguity but not completely nonexistent, because you can still communicate with each of the four corners of the car. Again, this is an atypical but welcoming trait for a C-Segment car, bettered only by the
Ford Focus
 in our books.
But what the Civic does better than the Focus is the way it treads the fine line between comfort and dynamics. Driving on rural Sabahan roads is like going for a permanent drive through the potholed roads of Port Klang. The Civic’s suspension effortlessly soaks up road imperfections and does so almost as well as the Honda Accord. Imagine combining the dynamic prowess of a Mazda3 with the comfort levels of a Toyota Camry. That’s the sort of finesse that’s really hard to come by, giving the Civic a newfound edge over most of its rivals.
The turbocharged engine is mighty quick, and on paper it trails marginally behind the Ford Focus’ (also a 1.5-litre turbo) 178 hp and 240 Nm engine output. Tasks like getting up to speed and overtaking are simply a walk in the park. Like any CVTs, there is that characteristic delay when you floor the throttle from standstill, but once it gets going it’ll only take you
8.2 seconds
 to realise that you’ve already hit the 100km/h mark. However, the dreaded CVT drone becomes clearly audible at full whack, something the guys at Toyota are able to suppress more effectively in the Toyota Altis.
After getting my thrill fix, I took the backseat on an hour-long journey through a mix of B- and city roads. As stated earlier, finding a comfortable seating position requires a bit of an effort, and most of the time I find myself angling my legs in an odd direction just so my lower back wouldn’t hurt. As a sufferer of herniated disc, this may just be an isolated case, but I much prefer the regular seating height and position of the
Altis
 and
Kia Forte/Cerato
.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
Admittedly, there’s not a lot of bones to pick with the new Civic. It’s thoughtfully packaged and comes with plenty of features that will impress even the most car/tech savvy of people. For those who seek an upgrade, the Civic FC is definitely worth your consideration. It looks years ahead of the competition and will continue to turn envious heads long until the facelift model arrives. The only problem is, how much better looking can the Civic be?

On the other hand, if you’re looking to buy a C-Segment car on a workable budget, the Kia Cerato 2.0 SX is going at a sizeable discount in preparation for the
facelift’s arrival
. For the more brand conscious, the Toyota Altis remains a compelling option, as is the
Mazda3
. Two alternative turbocharged models that are pleasantly comfortable and fun to drive would be the Ford Focus Sport+ and
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI
, though they both share two common downsides which are poor after-sales support and residual value.
Stretch the budget a little more and you’ll be entering the
facelifted Accord’s
 territory. If you’re ready to spend some RM20k more for a brand new car with the Honda badge, zero in on the mid-spec 2.0L VTi-L variant.
COMPARISONS
On paper, the Civic is the most powerful, largest and also the most fuel efficient car when compared against its naturally aspirated rivals, the Toyota Altis and Mazda3. The Civic has a best-in-class boot space of
519 litres
, which gives it 50 litres more volume compared to the Civic FB’s 470 litres space. Interior space (especially legroom) is better than the Mazda3, but fares almost identically to the Altis and Focus.
The Ford Focus Sport+ is a lot of fun to drive, and ranks in the top three of the
AutoBuzz.my
 C-Segment selection
A more left-field choice would be the Ford Focus Sport+. The Focus,
Peugeot 408 e-THP
 and the Golf 1.4 TSI are the only cars in their class to come with
 automatic parking
 (high-spec variants only; perpendicular and parallel parking), but whether or not the common driver appreciates such a feature enough to use it on a day-to-day basis remains an unanswered question. The Focus and Mazda3 both have conventional six-speed automatic, and it is by default the more engaging choice for the casual highland drive.
Honda Civic 1.5TC Premium
Ford Focus 1.5L Sport+ EcoBoost
Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V
Mazda3 2.0L Skyactiv-G High Spec
ENGINE
Type
inline-4, turbo, DOHC with VVT
inline-4, turbo, DOHC
inline-4, DOHC
inline-4, DOHC
Displacement
cc
1,498cc
1,498cc
1,987cc
1,998cc
Max Power
hp/rpm
171/5,500
180/6,000
145/6,200
162/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
220/1,700
240/1,600
187/3,600
210/4,000
STEERING
Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
CVT
6-speed auto
CVT
6-speed auto
SUSPENSION
Front
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear
Multi-link type
Multi-link type
Torsion Beam
Multi-link type
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear
Solid Disc
Solid Disc
Solid Disc
Solid Disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyre
215/50/R17
215/50/R17
215/45/R17
215/45R18
Wheels
17-inch alloy
17-inch alloy
17-inch alloy
18-inch alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Length
mm
4,644mm
4,358mm
4,620mm
4,580mm
Overall Width
mm
1,799mm
1,823mm
1,775mm
1,795mm
Overall Height
mm
1,416mm
1,484mm
1,480mm
1,450mm
Wheelbase
mm
2,700mm
2,648mm
2,700mm
2,700mm
Max Kerb Weight
kg
1,316kg
N/A
1,300kg
1,292kg
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
Litres
519 litres
316 litres
470 litres
408 litres
FUEL
Tank Capacity
Litres
47 litres
55 litres
55 litres
51 litres
Consumption
litres per 100km
5.8 litres
5.9 litres
6.9 litres
6.5 litres
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
N/A
224 km/h
180 km/h
N/A
0 to 100 km/h
sec
8.2 seconds
8.6 seconds
10.0 seconds
N/A
Price
RM
RM135,800
RM139,888
RM138,900
RM124,354.40
WOULD I BUY IT?
For me, the Civic strums the right chords at the right time, and it’s the main reason why this locally assembled sedan is so well received by the market in a time of economic uncertainty. As the saying goes, if you don’t stop to take a second look at your car after parking it in the porch, you bought the wrong car. This Civic, as ravishing as it looks, oozes a sense of desirability that transcends all levels of superficiality. It’s not just a pretty face. It’s a monumental accomplishment; a distant departure from just one model cycle. Would I buy it? You bet I would. In Orchid White Pearl, no less.
We would like to express our sincerest appreciation and thanks to Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd for the test drive opportunity.
IMAGE GALLERY

 Before (pre facelift)


First plug-in hybrid AMG model to be expected in 2020

To comply with tightening emission regulations, Mercedes-AMG has pledged to offer a plug-in hybrid variant for every new model in line with the three-pointed star’s electrification plan to reduce fleet CO2 emissions.
According to
AutoCar UK
, the first PHEV AMG is expected to arrive in 2020. Unlike the PHEVs offered on regular Mercedes-Benz models, the AMG PHEVs will feature the EQ Power+ branding just like the brand’s Formula 1 race car. Besides the capability of zero-emission driving, the EQ Power+ is also calibrated primarily to provide extra performance.
Head of External Affairs for Emissions at Mercedes-Benz, Frank Overmeyer said “The battery itself and the application, including the electric motor, will be the same, and you can have a significant boost [in performance] that will reduce the range, but the experience will be better. Same battery, same drivetrain, different application. In an SUV, it might offer 100 km. It might only be 60 km or 70 km in an AMG.”
Currently, Mercedes-AMG offers a number of mild-hybrid variants that share the “53” moniker. They feature an EQ Boost 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that delivers additional
16 kW
 (21 hp) and
250 Nm
 of torque to promote better efficiency.
“All the AMG vehicles
will be available in the future with plug-in hybrids as an option, mild hybrid
is not the strategy of AMG, because the emissions savings are too small,” added
Overmeyer.


Denyu Bostandzhiev appointed as new Managing Director for Audi and Volkswagen in Malaysia

Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) Malaysia has announced its appointment of Denyu Bostandzhiev as the new co-Managing Director of PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) and
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
, the official distributor of
Audi
 and
Volkswagen
 cars in Malaysia.
The appointment will be effective from July 1 this year, with Bostandzhiev leading the sales, aftersales and network development, as well as marketing and IT for both companies. Serving in the position together with Bostandzhiev will be Kurt Leitner, who will continue to helm the HR and finance operations.
Succeeding Erik Winter in the co-Managing Director role, Denyu Bostandzhiev brings with him almost 20 years of experience in the automotive and engineering industry, which he has garnered across three different continents since 2004. This includes his most recent role as the Managing Director of Porsche Ukraine LLC.
With his expertise in business strategy and operations, and also product development and branding, Bostandzhiev will be tasked to strengthen both the Audi and Volkswagen businesses in Malaysia. The company also mentioned that in the coming months, “more progress” can be expected for the brands’ electric and ICE vehicle line-up here in our market.
ALSO WATCH:
2023 Audi e-tron GT launched in Malaysia, from RM601k
Bostandzhiev is no stranger to our local market, as he was once assigned here in Malaysia for two and a half years, back in 2016. He was instrumental in securing the local assembly operations of the Volkswagen Arteon, Tiguan Allspace, and Golf GTI.
“I am enthusiastic about returning to Malaysia to offer a premium experience for customers in which Audi and Volkswagen prides itself in. I believe that both the brand core values of digitalisation, design and sustainability – evident in the strong line-up of progressive premium and affordable premium products, will continue to captivate the local market,” said Bostandzhiev.
RELATED:
2023 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION in Malaysia now with IQ.Drive, from RM299k


Bermaz Motor celebrates 100 years of Mazda with six-year warranty and free service offer

To celebrate Mazda’s 100-year anniversary this year, Bermaz Motor is now offering a
six-year/120,000 km
 warranty and free service maintenance package for all Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pick-up truck) purchased from now
until the end of 2020
.
As usual, the free service maintenance package is inclusive of labour, as well as parts and lubricants as specified within the service booklet, and according to the standard Mazda service schedule of a six-month/10,000 km interval.
The limited-time six-year warranty and free service offer coincides with the
sales tax exemption
 period as announced by the government, which sees savings on Mazda vehicles
 of up to RM8,090
. To further sweeten the deal, the company is also throwing in complimentary official Mazda merchandises as sign-up gifts.
Since January 2019, Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50) are offered as standard with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free service package. For vehicles purchased before the updated service and warranty package, Bermaz Motor has also recently introduced a
 two-year extended service programme for selected models
.
Previously, the company also introduced a
limited-edition MazdaSports-designed CX-3
 accessories package to celebrate Mazda’s centenary. The accessories package, priced at RM14,500 including installation, includes several aesthetic improvements such as a new roof spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The package also comes with a new 11-inch JBL BassPro Hub subwoofer underneath the boot floor, new strut bar across the engine bay, along with stabiliser bars in the front, mid and rear section of the undercarriage.
For the latest revised price list for Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.


Bosch shares key tips to better prepare for flash floods/being stranded

With the recent flash floods that consumed many parts of Malaysia, it’s crucial to know when and how to save your vehicle from any potential damage that could result in a hefty repair bill.
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia
 is sharing seven important tips for us vehicle owners to better prepare ours when faced with flash floods on the road or home.
Image credit: Twitter/
BFMNews
1. Check if your car has flood insurance
Do you know that most vehicle insurance providers offer flood insurance as an add-on? With the change in weather patterns recently, it’s the right time to tick that option upon renewing your insurance.
There is no specific coverage called ‘flood insurance’ as an add-on, with the majority of the insurance providers use an umbrella term called ‘Special Perils’.
Sample of ‘Special Perils’ coverage being added in
Apart from flood, the ‘Special Perils’ from a certain motor insurance provider also offered coverage of typhoon, hurricane, storm, tempest, volcanic eruption, earthquake, landslide, landslip, subsidence or sinking of the soil / earth or other convulsions of nature.
Check with your insurance provider or their website on details of your insurance coverage policy, as some companies also bundle special perils and other coverage as a package to further simplify things.
2. Avoid driving or parking in low-lying areas
Low areas or certain basement parking lots can be prone to flooding during heavy downpours. Your car may become partly submerged and the flood can cause heavy damage to your car, especially to the engine, electrical systems, and interior.
3. Disconnect your vehicle’s battery
If it isn’t possible to move to a higher area, do not leave your vehicle in accessory mode with the electronics running when you are stuck in a flood. Turn off the engine, disconnect your vehicle’s battery and please seek assistance from a mechanic once the situation returns to normal to test if the battery is functioning optimally.
4.

Don’t start the car immediately if submerged
Water would most likely have seeped into the engine, transmission, or fuel system of your car after being submerged. Don’t start the car as you’ll just compound the damage. Immediately seek for mechanic’s advice after the flood water has subsided or tow your car to your trusted mechanic and let the car professional take care of it.
RELATED: Take a look at our videos on automotive D-I-Y in partnership with Bosch, here!
5. Avoid driving through tunnels
The risk of being caught in a flash flood is higher when driving into an underground tunnel as you are approaching lower ground that rain water is flowing to. In general, avoid driving through any flooded areas if possible.
6. Maintain a steady slow speed
Assess the situation or surroundings first if you need to drive through a flood. If the level is below half your vehicle’s tyre, make sure to wade through at slow speed by engaging low gear. This helps to create a small bow wave which will avoid the surrounding water to flood the engine bay or flow into the exhaust pipe.
7. Your safety is the utmost priority
If your car engine happened to stop and you are stranded in the car, turn off the engine, gather your belongings and leave your stalled car immediately. Lock the doors using the physical key (and lock barrel).
Do not try to start your car again as it will lead to more major damage. Proceed to higher ground and stay there until help arrive.
During this rainy season, ensure your tyres have sufficient tread for maximum grip on the road plus
replace wipers
 that are not performing anymore.
Main image credit: Twitter/
NST_Online


Toll rates to increase effective Thursday, between 20 sen to RM3.00

Let’s start with the good news. The toll rate hike that will take into effect this Thursday (15 October 2015) doesn’t involve all highways, but selected major highways within the Klang Valley. Talks of increasing toll rates have been ongoing for several months, but the latest development to come out of it confirms a hike of between 20 sen to RM3.
Now for the bad news. Highways involved in this hike are the Kajang SILK, DUKE, MEX, Karak, Latar, SMART Tunnel, NPE, Besraya Highway, Lekas, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, LKSA and Akleh. We’ve compiled a table for the new rates for Class 1 vehicles:
Highway/Toll
New rates beginning 15 October 2015
Kajang Traffic Dispersal Ring Road (SILK Highway)
RM1.80
Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) @ Ayer Panas, Sentul Pasar & Kampung Batu
RM2.50
Maju Expresway (MEX) @ Salak South & Putrajaya
RM3.50
KL-Karak Highway @ Gombak & Bentong
RM6.00
 @ Gombak
RM3.50
 @ Bentong
KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar)
RM2.50
 @ Ijok, Kuang Timur, Kuang Barat & Templer Plaza
RM1.30
 @ Kundang Timur & Kundang Barat
SMART Tunnel
RM3.00
Akleh
RM2.50
New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
RM2.30
 @ Pantai Dalam;
RM1.00
 @ PJS2 Plaza
Besraya
RM2.00
 @ Mines south and north plazas
Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban (Lekas)
RM1.30
 @ Semenyih,
RM3.40
 @ Pajam,
RM4.80
 @ Mantin
RM6.00
 @ Sentul
Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)
RM1.90
Kemuning Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA)
RM1.70
 @ Sri Muda
RM0.90
 @ Alam Impian
The Edge Markets reported
 that shares in SILK Holdings Bhd have soared to a seven-month high today, jumping as much as 8 sen or 16.67 percent following the announcement of its toll hike rate. “Some 1.97 million shares were traded between 48 sen and 56 sen. At its current price, its market value stands at RM340.24 million,” reads the report.
Picture credits to Wikipedia


Kia pitched the all-new Kia Forte against an Aventador on track! [+Video]

Kia Motors America took their newly introduced
all-new K3 Kia Forte
 (also called as Cerato in Malaysia) onto track and pitted it against its not-so-direct rival, the
Lamborghini Aventador
.
No, they did not pitch the two in a drag race because the raging bull packs a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 with over 700 hp. The Forte, on the other hand, has one-third of the cylinder count with a 2,000cc displacement paired to a CVT with a fancy name – Intelligent Variable Transmission. Well, let’s just say it’s not your typical kind of head-to-head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7L9XRfGULo
It’s refreshing to see Kia embracing some humour to promote their new compact sedan and at the same time showcasing some of its key features and practicality. The new Forte features a stiffer body overall (16 percent), improved NVH and a more efficient powertrain. Safety features are also abundant with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
IMAGE GALLERY


Borneo Safari 2016: Isuzu MU-X crowned as ‘Vehicle of the Year’

The
Isuzu MU-X ‘Monster’
 was just awarded the Vehicle of the Year title at the 2016 Borneo Safari International Off-road Challenge. The 2016 Borneo Safari challenge is an annual expedition covering 1,000km through the most challenging terrains of Sabah since 1991.
According, to Borneo Safari Organising Committee Chairman Faez A Nordin, this year’s challenge was the toughest in 12 years. Besides having to trek through steep inclines, the 430-strong convoy had to fight through slippery and muddy conditions. It poured every day, which caused the convoy to run two days behind schedule.
Even with just exterior modifications on the Isuzu MU-X 4×4, the stock
135 hp
 and
320 Nm
 2.5-litre VGS turbodiesel with five-speed automatic transmission held on extremely well throughout the eight-day journey into the wilderness.
“The Isuzu MU-X performed flawlessly, even in the ultra-tough section of the trail that stretched some 30km from the entrance near Kampung Garung to Timberwell Camp. The journey took three days to complete. The MU-X did not require any change of spare parts or repairs, which speaks volumes of its quality and reliability,” said Mr Nordin.
In addition to that, the three other D-MAX ‘Monsters’ accompanying the MU-X also successfully completed the challenge. Now the entire Isuzu 4×4 range can proudly wear the ‘proven-at-Borneo-Safari’ badge, further enhancing the appeal of the now refreshed Isuzu
MU-X
 and
D-Max
. Need more in-depth views of the MU-X? Check out what we think of it
here
.
This year’s Borneo Safari is the 10th consecutive year of sponsorship by Isuzu Malaysia and the company has pledged to continue supporting the premier international off-road challenge in the region for years to come.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen to expand SUV line-up in Malaysia – T-Roc and T-Cross coming soon?

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) could be expanding its SUV line-up here in Malaysia, according to a comment by Managing Director Erik Winter in a press conference following the launch of the new
 2021 Arteon R-Line 4Motion
.
“We are always looking into which models can we bring into the market, which models will fit in the malaysian market,” winter said in response to questions from Journalists. “It’s not a surprise that our SUVs are of course the most successful models.”
“SUVs are in high demand worldwide, so we are also looking to expand our model line-up with more SUVs,” he added, but as usual when speaking about future product plans, stopped short on revealing any further information.
VPCM’s model line-up in Malaysia currently consists of just one model – the
Tiguan Allspace
 – with the regular
five-seater Tiguan
 being discontinued here in our country following the launch of its bigger sibling.
Globally though, the German carmaker’s arsenal of SUVs does have a few more models available, including the
T-Roc
,
T-Cross
, and
 Touareg
, and the aforementioned Tiguan five-seater.
Click here to learn more about VPCM’s latest SUV here in Malaysia, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Based on the list above, we think that the T-Roc and T-Cross will be the most likely candidate for a Malaysian introduction. According to Erik Winter, the Tiguan Allspace has actually enjoyed a 15-20% boost in sales compared to the smaller Tiguan 1.4 Highline, so it’s doubtful that VPCM will actually introduce a new model alongside the bigger Allspace variant.
As for the Touareg, the first generation model that was introduced here in Malaysia many years ago did not move many units, so we’re not holding our breaths for a new one anytime soon – especially when there are now so many options available from other premium brands that fall within the same price point.
This leaves us then with the Volkswagen T-Roc and T-Cross, the two smallest crossovers in VW’s global line-up. The B- to C-segment SUV market is a highly lucrative one here in Malaysia, as proven many times over by the
Honda HR-V
,
Proton X50
, and the
Toyota Corolla Cross
, so it’s possible that Volkswagen too, want a piece of that pie – especially since it’s not planning to bring in the Polo in the near future.
Could we even see the Volkswagen T-Roc R here in Malaysia? Well, a man can certainly dream…
Moreover, the 1.5-litre TSI inline-four engine that’s found on either models are already used in other models here in Malaysia, which could simplify its CKD process should Volkswagen choose to assemble the T-Roc and T-Cross here in Malaysia.
To be clear, these are all speculations at this point in time, as VPCM are still keeping mum about their future product plans. Either way, we’re excited to see what the future holds for the brand here in Malaysia, especially after all the Covid-19 gloom and doom passes over!


We can’t decide if the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios looks good or bad

The long-anticipated all-new 2022
Toyota Vios
 has just been launched in Thailand, where it’s known as the Yaris Ativ. With prices starting from 539,000 Baht (
approx. RM67,608
) in the Land of Smiles, the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios is set to add even more spice to the already-hot B-segment market in the region, thanks to its generous list of standard equipment.
The highlight of the range is the ‘Premium Luxury’ variant, which features a segment-first 64-colour ambient lighting that mimics one of a certain luxury brand. Besides the fancy interior lights, the Premium Luxury trim also boasts an all-red leather interior decorated with red stitching.
As standard, the Vios is also equipped with 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and provides Android Auto and Apple Carplay on either an eight- or nine-inch infotainment screen, depending on the variant. Other conveniences on the inside include four USB sockets, rear air-conditioning, a push start button, electronic parking brake, digital air-con controls, and a seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster.
RELATED:
2020 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, world premiere of GR-S variant
The same can’t be said about the looks, however, as the experimental fastback design of the all-new Toyota Vios can only be described as ‘divisive’ based on online sentiment and comments in the
AutoBuzz
group chat.
While it does look sleek in the
 teaser images leading up to the launch
, the final product looks like a photoshopped ‘unnecessary front end swap’ image combining the
Honda City
 at the rear and a
Toyota Corolla Altis
 up front, thanks to its weird, mish-mashed proportions. Still, it features many of the new styling touches inherited from its elder siblings – especially on the front fascia – to make it unmistakably Toyota.
Developed on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios in Thailand is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine (
94 hp
/
110 Nm
) paired to a Super CVT-i automatic with Sequential Shift. That should however be a Thailand-exclusive powertrain due to the nation’s Eco Car regulations; the upcoming Malaysian Toyota Vios will most likely retain its bigger engine capacity and outputs.
Safety-wise, the all-new 2022 Vios is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite across all variants bar the entry-level model, which includes:
Automatic High Beams
Lane Departure Alert
Pre-Collision System
Pedal Misoperation Control
Front Departure Alert
All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control
Do expect these to be also available for the Malaysian Toyota Vios.
The four variants of the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios on offer in Thailand are priced as such:
Premium Luxury – 689,000 THB (approx. RM86,557)
Premium – 659,000 THB (approx. RM82,788)
Smart – 584,000 THB (approx. RM73,366)
Sport – 539,000 THB (approx. RM67,608)
The all-new 2022 Toyota Vios should make its introduction in Malaysia very soon, too, although there’s no official word from UMW Toyota just yet. But for now, do you think its styling has evolved forward or backward? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is in full steam, selling 6,017 cars in just 6 months!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), for the 16th month in a row, records their best ever month in June 2016 after selling a total of 1,203 cars. On top of that, the company’s second quarter performance also made history after they shifted a total of 3,359 cars.
MBM sold 6,017 cars during the first six months of 2016,  so let’s take a precise look at the numbers:
W205 C-Class CKD
 – 2,534 units
W212 E-Class CKD
 – 1,063 units
W222 S-Class CKD
 – 549 units
X205 GLC
 – 483 units
GLE & GLE Coupe
 – 93 units
S-Coupe,
C-Coupe
, CLS, E-Coupe & AMG GT S – 90 units in total
W176 A-Class
 – 570 units
GLA
 – 329 units
CLA – 341 units
As of today, MBM is selling no less than 19 models, with seven more to come before the end of the year. We have every reason to believe that the
C63 Coupe
 and facelifted CLA is among the seven, while the locally assembled GLC and
W213 E-Class
 could possibly be introduced as well.
From left: CEO and President of MBM, Dr Claus Weidner with VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine
The figures above means one thing – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia maintains its lead as the premium brand in Malaysia, with a market share of 2.5 percent. MBM’s sales grew 17 percent compared to the same period last year. Other notable achievements include:
Servicing a record 52,700 cars in the first half of 2016 (18 percent more than 1H 2016)
Best Customer Satisfaction Index for
After Sales
 (market leader)
40 percent of new cars are purchased through Mercedes-Benz Financing (over RM1.5 billion)
At the rate the three-pointed star is going, it’s seems like they’re on their way to eclipsing the achievement in 2015 (sales totalling 10,845 units). This reminds us, aren’t we in the midst of a widespread economic uncertainty? Just two days ago, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) again
revised the Total Industry Volume
 (TIV) from 650,000 to 580,000 due to lower vehicle sales in the first half of 2016. When asked about the percentage between private and company registration, MBM withheld the figures due to confidentiality.
Interesting times, isn’t it?


New 198 hp Hyundai Kona N Line available for booking in Malaysia

Following the launch of the
facelifted Hyundai Kona
 model in April, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially announced the arrival of the Kona N Line in Malaysia featuring the improved 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The turbocharged engine now makes
198 hp
 at 6,000 rpm, an
increase of 21 hp
 with the torque value maintaining at
265 Nm
. It continues to be paired with the Smartstream
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
 and drive the front wheels only.
The official figure of the benchmark century sprint has not been shared but expect the added 21 hp to slightly reduce the
previous 1.6 Turbo’s
 time of 7.7 seconds.
For those who aren’t too attracted by the Kona N Line styling, the ‘regular’ Kona variant with also be available with the updated 1.6 Turbo engine, making a total of four variants of Hyundai Kona models available (two 2.0-litre and two 1.6 Turbo) in Malaysia.
The Hyundai Kona N Line, exclusively available only with the high-performance turbocharged engine, features a sporty and progressive design. The front bumper, which bears a close resemblance to the
280-hp Kona N
, is now in full-body colour and styled more aggressively via squarer corners with gloss black grille inserts placed under the LED headlamp units. The new upper grille also features an ‘N Line’ emblem.
You can get this adorable pixel art of the Hyundai Kona with the Golden Gate Bridge as backdrop. More artwork here!
The side cladding is now colour-coded too, making the Hyundai Kona N Line appear much sportier like a tall hatchback. Complementing the ‘N Line’ emblems on the fenders are exclusive diamond-cut 18-inch wheel design and side skirts.
At the rear, the bumper incorporates a large central diffuser motif in a contrasting colour with the double-tipped exhaust tailpipes exposed at the right corner. Additional aerodynamic edges complement the sporty design of the Hyundai Kona N Line.
Inside, the Hyundai Kona N Line shares most of its features with the Kona 2.0 Active, such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and remote engine start.
The N Line treatment however applies red stitching on the leather-suede combination seats, metallic foot pedals and N logo on the shift lever, steering wheel and seats.
There are no technical changes to the suspension and powertrain of the Kona N Line, as the N Line variant is purely cosmetic.
As for safety features, both the 1.6 Turbo variants get the
full suite of Hyundai’s Smartsense
 advanced driver assistance system, adding Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go plus an updated autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist detection capabilities.
Interested parties can now head to
Hyundai’s online showroom
 to place a booking, from as low as RM300. Prices are not out yet thus we at Autobuzz.my will keep the information posted once it is available.
Entry into the Hyundai Kona range in Malaysia
starts at RM119,888
 for the 2.0 Standard.
GALLERY