The 2020 Lexus LS facelift might be the ultimate bossman transporter

Three and a half years after the introduction of the
fifth-generation model
, Lexus today unveiled the 2020 LS mid-cycle, with a nip and tuck to its exterior styling and overall refinement to take on the
soon-to-be-released updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class
.
On the exterior, the new
Lexus LS
 gains a slightly updated front fascia, with the most obvious change being the new cleaned-up headlights that have now ditched the split daytime-running lights design for a single lighting package – much like the
new Lexus IS.
The headlights also now come with the marque’s BladeScan Adaptive High Beam system, which uses a rotating blade mirror to accurately project light ahead without blinding oncoming and preceding traffic.
Other exterior changes include a reworked front bumper with new vertical character lines on the front bumper edges to emphasise the vehicle’s stance, a slightly refreshed taillights assembly with new piano black trims instead of chrome, as well as a slightly retouched rear bumper.
There’s also a new silver paint job called the “Gin-ei Luster”, which uses aluminium flakes to achieve deep shadows and shimmering highlights – Lexus says it’s almost mirror-like, an exterior hue Lexus says is only possible thanks to new paint technology.
On the inside, the new Lexus LS gains a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with a new digital rear-view mirror. Though, the overall architecture is largely carried over from the outgoing model.
Cabin styling on the 2020 Lexus LS is headlined by the new ‘
Nishijin & Haku
‘ interior ornamentation option, emulating the look of “sparkles of light on moonlit waves” and “sparkle of platinum leaf” –
Haku
 stands for metal leaf in Japanese.
If you think that the styling updates made on the 2020 Lexus LS is a little reserved, that’s because the Japanese luxury carmaker focused this update on refining the sedan’s comfort and overall refinement – meticulously down to the smallest detail, such as the positioning of stitch points on the seats.
Comfort-oriented revisions include a retuned suspension spring rates an dampers to go along with the updated Adaptive Variable Suspension system, updated engine mounts, as well as optimised stabiliser bars. The Active Noise Control system has also been updated, along with the Engine Sound Enhancement tuning.
The powertrain on the new LS remains the same as the outgoing model, though Lexus says that the low-end torque on the petrol model has now been improved, while the hybrid model’s electric motor will now kick in earlier to enhance acceleration while keeping the engine revs low.
Another key addition to the 2020 Lexus LS is the new Lexus Teammate artificial intelligence-based advanced driving assistance technologies, with features including adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous driving with actions mimicking actual human drivers, as well as a new upgraded Park Assist feature.
Lexus says that the new Lexus Teammate system can be updated via software updates down the line for improved safety performance, and bringing new functionalities when it becomes available.
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Feature: Seven things you may not know about the Proton Saga [+Video]

The one Proton car which started it all some 31 years ago is the Saga. With over millions sold throughout two generations, the Saga plays a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of our national carmaker, particularly by providing an affordable car for Malaysians.
With the third generation Proton Saga’s arrival just around the corner, perhaps it’s time we take a look back at the makings of the Saga. So here are seven things you may not know about the Proton Saga.
1. The Name
Many believe Proton’s first car was named after a tiny red seed, which is actually quite close to the truth. Instead, among the thousands of entries at the time, the winning choice came from Ismail Jaafar, a retired soldier who coined the “SAGA” acronym. It’s short for “
Safety
,
Achievement
,
Greatness
,
 and
Ability
“.
Image Source: Proton
2. The Initial Pricing
The Saga was offered in two variants back in 1985 – a
1.3S
 and
1.5S
. The cheapest variant was priced at
 RM17,575
 while the 1.5S costed
RM19,005
. Proton’s first ever customer was
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
himself (then Prime Minister; Malaysia’s fourth PM). The purchase was actually a gift to his wife, Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah.
3. Battling initial perception
The first obstacle faced by Proton was not about the Saga’s production, but rather
meeting Malaysians’ expectations
. Many aren’t convinced that a Malaysian-made car can be as good as their Japanese or European makes, let alone survive a trip up Genting Highlands. Proton relied on the marketing genius of one Malaysian – the late Datuk Gurcharan Singh.
According to
this amazing story
 curated by our friends at
Carlist.my
, this man, also known as ‘
Gurch
’, was instrumental in marketing the car and did so with much more efficacy than regular print advertisements. He masterminded an interstate roadshow, called the ‘
Sagarama
’, where two Proton Sagas traveled to towns, villages and East Malaysia to show people what this Proton was all about.
Image Source: Motor Trader MY
Gurch later pushed the limit of the Sagas by organising a bigger roadshow called  ‘
Sagathon
’. Aimed at aspiring Proton owners, this event pitted them driving from Kuantan to Genting Highlands and from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. But the 1986’s edition of the Sagathon was the most epic of all, when the Sagas were pitted to drive at the unforgiving lands of East Malaysia. Our friends at Motor Trader had that amazing account of that event
here
.
Just in case you’re wondering, all Proton Sagas survived the Sagathon events.
4. It appeared on Top Gear UK!
Eventually, the first-generation Proton Saga was so big a success, it even did well overseas. In the United Kingdom, the Saga’s “cheap and cheerful” nature struck a chord with the Brits, earning Proton the “fastest new marque” to enter the UK. More amazingly, it appeared on UK’s original TV show
Top Gear
, but this was way before the era of Jeremy Clarkson and co. Proton should be thanking its lucky stars for that!
5. Aeroback was Proton’s own invention
Remember the Saga “hatchback”, more commonly known as the “
aeroback
“? The word “aeroback” was truly Proton’s own creation. During the time when Knight Rider was at its peak, Proton briefly renamed the Aeroback as the Proton Knight, but this Knight spoke no word nor perform any turbo boost runs.
6. The first generation Saga lasted 23 years
A car model typically goes through a generational change after five years or so. The first-gen Saga lasted for over two decades, making it the longest running production model sold in Malaysia. It evolved at least twice (Iswara and LMST) before passing the baton onto the second-gen Saga in 2008.
Image Source: Wikipedia
7. The Saga has been demoted, twice
The first-generation Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, which was a C-segment saloon model of the 80s. Its successor, the Saga Base Line Model (BLM), was downgraded to a B-Segment saloon. Now, the third-gen Saga will be marketed as an A-Segment saloon to take the
Perodua Bezza
 head on.
The Saga has had its vehicle classification changed throughout the years. Regardless, the Saga is still up to the task of offering Malaysians a decently practical saloon that’s bang for the buck. That objective remains hardly swayed since the model’s inception three decades ago. On that note, we can’t wait to see what’s to come.
The third-generation Proton Saga will be launched at 2pm on 28 September 2016, and our short spin around Proton’s private test drive circuit proved to be quite promising. Stay tuned!


BMW apprentices have restored this rare BMW 1600 GT to its former glory

The apprentices at BMW’s plant in Dingolfing have added another unique showpiece to BMW Group Classic’s collection with the restoration of a convertible BMW 1600 GT, in a project spanning years, under the supervision of their trainers.
The story of this BMW 1600 GT goes beyond its restoration as it’s the only surviving example of two original convertible prototypes that BMW commissioned from Italian bodywork designer Pietro Frua.
In 1967, both automobiles left the production plants in Dingolfing for the first time. Testing for one of the vehicles came to an abrupt end when it met with an accident and was subsequently scrapped.
The second unit went on to live a colourful life under the ownership of BMW AG’s then major shareholder, Herbert Quandt, before being passed on to several private owners where it eventually fell into the hands of a fashion model from Munich, Germany.
The car was later acquired by a businessman from Fürth in Franconia, before the 1600 GT called the Munich-based Allianz Centre for Engineering its new home.
When experts from BMW Group Classic caught wind of the car, they acquired it with a plan to return the car to its original condition and former glory.
The restoration at the Dingolfing plant became a project that formed part of the training for BMW apprentices who aspired to become bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics.
Before its conception, a proposal was made by US importer Max Hoffmann to develop a new version of the 1600 GT coupé, fitted with a 2.0-litre engine and an open-top for export to the USA.
In October 1967, Frua delivered a convertible body mounted on a strengthened floor assembly which was then painted in Dingolfing where all further assembly work took place. In November that same year, the BMW 1600 GT convertible was entered in the plant’s production book as being completed.
However, the plans for series production and export to the USA never came to fruition. As such, only a single example of the Italian-Bavarian convertible was ever licensed for driving on public roads.
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Facts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M “Modificata” launched in Malaysia

Naza Italia has just introduced the new Ferrari Portofino M in Malaysia as the new entry point into the convertible Ferrari with prices starting from
RM998,000
 excluding taxes, duties and options.

The M stands for ‘
Modificata
‘ which by Ferrari’s standards is a name ‘for cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance’.
The Portofino M makes extra 20 hp
from before
, and also gets a new 8-speed gearbox box adopted from the
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
 to replace the previous 7-speed gearbox. The new dual-clutch differs from the SF90’s unit with longer gear ratios and a mechanical reverse gear. The Portofino M is also a full second faster from 0 to 200 km/h compared to the
2018 model
.
PERFORMANCE
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Max Power: 620 hp @ 5,750 to 7,500 rpm
Max Torque: 760 Nm @ 3,000 to 5,750 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
Top speed: 320 km/h
The new Portofino M gets revised front and rear bumpers as the latter has been redesigned to accommodate a new exhaust system. The rear diffuser has also been completely redesigned and is now separate from the bumpers. This also allows clients to be able to specify it in carbon fibre.
As for the convertible roof, it can open and close within 14 seconds.
EXTERIOR options
Adaptive headlights with SBL function
Gloss black brake calipers
Matte black grille with Satin effect
Sport tailpipe tips
Scuderia Ferrari emblems
Magneride Dual Mode suspension
20-inch Forged diamond wheels
Inside, the design architecture remains largely the same save for some savoury optional extras and an exciting new drive mode. The Portofino M’s Manettino switch now features five driving modes instead of three from before, and with an exciting new “Race Mode”.
Just to heighten the senses for both driver and passenger, this specific Portofino M unit comes with the optional carbon fibre steering wheel with LED rev indicators and a passenger display.
INTERIOR options
Yellow rev meter
Passenger display
Carbon fibren steering with LED rev indicator
Ventilated seats
Neck warmer
Cavallion stitching on headrest
High Power Hi-Fi system
Surround view
DRIVER ASSISTANCE
As Ferrari calls it, the Portofino M is a 2+ GT Spider so long-distance and ease of driving is highly crucial. As such, not only is it quick, it can also do a butler’s work with the full Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package.
ADAS includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive high beam and a 3D surround-view monitor. These features were not available in the previous Portofino.
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Pricing for BMW X2 M35i xDrive confirmed, RM398,800

Two months after the public unveiling of the
BMW X2 M35i xDrive
, BMW Malaysia has announced the official retail pricing for its first M Performance model in the country. The fully imported BMW X2 M35i xDrive is priced at RM398,800 (OTR without insurance), which is under RM400k as promised.
To recap, the X2 M35i xDrive is not a direct rival to the
much-loved Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC
 as the Beemer only derives
306 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque from the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wind-drive system allow the X2 M35i to go from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.9 seconds
 with an electronically governed top speed of
250 km/h
. Our local spec X2 M35i also comes with the M Sport adaptive suspension (Comfort and Sport Modes), M Sport exhaust system and M Sport front differentials.
Differentiating items from a regular X2 sDrive20i includes the M Sport Aero Kit, M Sport Brakes with blue callipers, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels Double-spoke style 721 M wrapped in 225/40 profile run-flat rubbers, Red Dakota leather upholstery as well as M Sport Seats and seat belts.
Every purchase of the BMW X2 M35i xDrive comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Service.
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BMW M35i xDrive
BMW X2M35i
BMW_X2M35i


The updated 2019 Proton Exora is the most value for money MPV you can buy

With prices
 starting from RM59,800 for the Executive model
, there really isn’t any parallels out there that even comes close to the new Proton Exora – you get so much car for the money!
Also offered is the
Premium variant, priced at RM66,800
. As for the exterior, the new Exora is available in a new Rosewood Maroon colour along with a new 16-inch wheel design.
Powering the two variants is the sole 1.6-litre turbocharged engine option paired to a CVT gearbox, making
140 hp
 and
203 Nm
 of torque.
In the Premium model, you get LED fog lamps, rear fog lamps, daytime running lights, a black roof, side skirts, a rear spoiler and power folding side mirrors.
Inside is probably where the changes are more apparent. Inside the Premium model, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with voice command controls as opposed to a Urethane unit, cruise control, semi leather seats and arm rest for the front row.
The interior as a whole as been revamped with a redesigned instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch TFT display, new centre console that houses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display (only for Premium model) with the GKUI voice command system, new door panel insert and seat designs.
Along with the GKUI voice command system, the Premium model is also equipped with 4G and WiFi connectivity. That said, standard on both models are Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and 4 speakers.
Both models come with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD while features like Electronic Stability Control and a reverse camera is only available for the Premium model.
The new 2019 Exora is offered with four different Extra Value Packages. There’s the Service Package that offers three free labour services, an Internet Data Package with free data (1 GB) for five years.
The other two packages are the Interest Rate Package with
financing rates as low as 2.76%
 and the Insurance Package that offers a number of benefits to buyers who insure their 2019 Exora with Proton’s panel insurers.
On top of the Extra Value packages, Proton is also offering special Value Added packages where those who buy the 2019 Exora this year will be given a 5-year or 11 times free labour service package while the first 1,000
buyers will also be given free road tax for two years for private buyers and free road tax for one year for corporate customers.
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Family clocks 200,000 km over 10 years in a Nissan Leaf!

The first Nissan Leaf fully-electric vehicle (EV) was launched in Japan and the USA in December 2010 and since then, Nissan has delivered over
half a million units
 in close to 60 countries around the globe.
Celebrating this milestone, Nissan USA spoke to one of the first owners who purchase the Nissan Leaf back in December 2010. He is one of over 118,000 owners of the first-generation Nissan Leaf models sold in the US alone.

Shannon Monroe from Bellevue, Washington, had his first electric vehicle (EV) experience in his neighbour’s garage-project when he was a child. When the order books for the Nissan Leaf opened, Monroe stayed up till midnight to place his order.
Sharing the first few years of ownership of the Nissan Leaf, Monroe also “electrified” his parents after sending his then-newborn son home in the Nissan Leaf.
“As soon as my parents realised we were that committed to it, they went out and bought a Nissan Leaf as well. That was another great moment that we made another transition for someone else,” he said.
“It is a great feeling to know that, for ten years I haven’t had to purchase gasoline, I haven’t contributed to those emissions,” said Christin Monroe, wife of Shannon.
Mrs. Monroe drives the Nissan Leaf to work, send her kids to school as well as taekwondo practice – it’s the household’s daily car.  Apart from scheduled maintenance, Monroe said there haven’t been any unplanned trips to the workshop. The family has travelled over
200,000 kilometres

since starting their ownership
 journey in Florida, with a short stay in California and now in Washington.
Although it works out to an average of just 20,000 kilometres of travel a year for the Monroes, the range of the first-generation Nissan Leaf was only 120 kilometres per full charge (US EPA cycle) with its relatively small 24 kWh battery. The Monroes certainly know how to
plan their trips
 and adopt a habit of charging whenever possible.

Globally launched in 2018, the
second-generation Nissan Leaf
 offers up to
311 kilometres
 of range (NEDC cycle) per charge in a larger
40 kWh battery
. Power output from the motor has also increased tremendously, from 109 hp / 254 Nm to
150 hp / 320 Nm
. The new Nissan Leaf can even be
driven with just the accelerator pedal
!
Monroe definitely has huge praises for the Nissan Leaf and its EV technology, claiming that “there is no going back, once you had a Nissan EV”. Good news for the household then, as the latest
Nissan Ariya
 in a more spacious crossover size has at least 400 kilometres of emission-free range.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor has been offering both generations of the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia, and the latest Leaf can be had with
a subscription plan
 rather than outright purchasing it.
The plan offers the usage of the Nissan Leaf at
RM 2,500 per month
 for a three-year contract and it includes all scheduled maintenance, a wall box charger and first year’s insurance coverage.


Novitec has given the Tesla Model S a visual upgrade, and we absolutely love it!

As if driving a Tesla Model S wouldn’t help you stand out enough, since it is doesn’t emit the melodious soundtracks only petrol-powered cars can produce, Novitec, a well-known German-based tuner are offering some subtle tweaks for the electrifying saloon’s exterior without drastically changing its form.
Exterior enhancements include aerodynamic carbon fibre body trims consisting of a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler. The Novitec suspension system offers electronically-adjustable shock absorbers where ride height can be lowered by up to
1.5 inches
.

Novitec’s interpretation of the Models S comes with custom
 21-inch forged wheels
 designed by Vossen in a variety of colours but the gold and white combination certainly tickles our fancy. Stopping power comes from Novitec’s carbon-ceramic brake kit with new calipers and brake pads.
Visual enhancements also extend to the interior with leather and Alcantara combinations offered in any colour your heart desires. The company also offers visual and performance enhancements for the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren and even Rolls-Royces!
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Volvo Car Malaysia opens new 3S centre in Setia Alam

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) alongside its newly appointed dealer, Motion Beyond, just launched Volvo Setia Alam, the latest Volvo 3S centre in Klang Valley and the second in three months after
the opening of Fotroende Automobile in Kuching
.
To date, VCM has
11 dealerships across Malaysia with five locations
 within Kuala Lumpur and they’ll be looking to add to that figure and widen their dealership network in more locations within this year.
Like the sole dealership in Kuching, the Setia Alam dealership with three service bays also adheres to Volvo’s global showroom and service standards called the Volvo Retail Experience” or VRE; a customer-centric, Scandinavian-inspired experience that is cool on the outside and warm on the inside.
Volvo Setia Alam is located at No. 5-1, Setia Avenue, No.2 Jalan Setia Prima S U13/S, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Operation hours are from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 10:00 am till 5:30 pm (Sundays and public holidays) while the service centre opens from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For enquiries, do call 03-5891 6627 (Showroom) or 03-7499 0027 (Service Centre).
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Subaru BRZ facelift launched in Malaysia, 6-speed manual for RM224k!

Motor Image Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has just officially launched the
facelifted Subaru BRZ
 in Malaysia and to the delight of enthusiasts, the Toyota GT 86’s twin can finally be had with a manual transmission alongside the automatic variant!
The facelift exercise brings aesthetic enhancements inside and out as well as subtle suspension tweaks to the BRZ. Outside, the updated BRZ gets full LED headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, a new fender design, restyled dual exhaust outlets and 10-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Subaru BRZ facelift 2.0 (MT)
Subaru BRZ facelift 2.0 (AT)
Engine
2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Max Power
197 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max Torque
205 Nm @ 6,400 – 6,600 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM224,389
RM230,749
The interior benefits from a new 4.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, new climate control knobs and Alcantara leather combination upholstery. Drivers will also be happy to know that the redesigned instrument cluster now offers better clarity.
Underneath the hood rests the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine pushing
197 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels either through a six-speed automatic or
manual transmission
. Subaru claims the BRZ will return
7.8 L/100 km
 on the manual while the automatic consumes lesser fuel at
7.1 L/100 km
.
Changes that goes skin deep include a larger stabiliser bar at the rear axle, strengthened chassis and revised suspension damping. All these gives the updated BRZ better control at high speed turns.
On the safety front, the BRZ comes equipped with seven airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Hill Start Assist among others.
The facelifted Subaru BRZ can be had in
three exterior shades
 – Crystal White Pearl, WR Blue Pearl and Pure Red. Motor Image is asking you to part with RM224k for the manual transmission and RM231k for the automatic, both on-the-road without insurance.
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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia ends 2015 on a stellar note – best performance in history

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has plenty of reasons to celebrate this occasion, especially after sailing through the past year by selling close to 11,000 cars. It’s hard to imagine how such a feat could be achieved in this struggling economic climate, but the company’s tactical finesse shot them right up to the top of the premium segment.
From January to December 2015, MBM shifted approximately
10,845 units of vehicles
 – up by 56 percent compared to the previous year where they sold 6,932 units. Their best-selling model is none other than the
W212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 with 3,383 units shifted, followed by the
W205 C-Class
 at 2,697 units and 1,909 units of the
W222 S-Class
. All three models are the company’s
core products
, and they are all locally produced at the Pekan Production Plant. The trio also qualify for the
EEV tax break incentive
.
Close to 80 percent of the 3,383 units of E-Class sold is of the
E300 BlueTec hybrid variant
The C-, E- and S-Class models total up to 7,989 CKD cars that were sold in 2015, up 75 percent from 2014. The remaining figures come from Mercedes-Benz’s compact vehicles – a segment which saw a growth of 21 percent (2,811 total units sold). Here, the best selling model is the CLA with 959 units registered (74 percent growth), whereas the A-Class and GLA found 832 and 816 new homes respectively.
Lastly, the company’s Dream Cars range which comprise of the AMG models saw a record sales of 379 units. This includes the A45,
CLA45
,
GLA45
,
C63 S
 and of course the
AMG GTS
.

Additionally, the
Pekan Production Plant
 is the
first CKD plant in the world
 to successfully implement the Second Shift Production. This maximises production capacity to
meet the rising demands
 of the S400L Hybrid and E300 BlueTec Hybrid models.
MBM President and CEO, DR Claus Weidner said, “2015 produced many milestones for the Mercedes-Benz brand in Malaysia, both on the product and customer service fronts. As we mark our 13th year in Malaysia and the brand’s 130th year as the inventor of the automobile, we are more aligned than ever in pairing a ‘Best or Nothing’ model lineup complete with the best ownership experience in the business.”
To sum things up, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is now the market leader for the premium segment, with a
YTD market share of 1.9 percent
 – up from 1.2 percent in 2014. The three-pointed star will continue their product offensive this year, beginning with the GLC,
GLE and GLE Coupe models
 next Friday at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). Other models like the
facelifted A-Class
 will also arrive later in the year.


Toyota has finally given the all-new GR86 an in-house GR Parts treatment

The
all-new Toyota GR 86
 has been out for a while now, and with it being a mod-friendly model, several tuning outfits have already started work on the car. Naturally, Toyota’s own in-house tuning arm TRD wants to have a go at it too, and what do you know – they’ve given us not just one, but two different takes on the beloved two-door coupe.
Just like their recent work for the
Yaris Cross
, the new TRD kits for the second-generation Toyota GR 86 will actually be branded as “GR Parts” items – specifically, GR Parts and GR Parts Concept.
The former is a more street-friendly take on the GR 86, with modifications leaning more towards the reserved end of things. These include new front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, and a relatively small (you’ll see) trunk lid spoiler at the back.
HKS and GReddy have both also shown-off their own takes on the Toyota GR 86, with – of course – additional forced-induction parts. Check them out here!
Additional canards on the front bumper and fender fins give the GR Parts-equipped Toyota GR 86 a touch of extra sportiness, while the GR muffler and 19-inch forged-aluminium wheels round up the exterior modifications.
Inside, buyers can also specify it with an exposed carbon fibre look on the panels, alongside a suede knee pad on the centre console to help keep your legs comfy during hard cornering.
Is the Toyota GR 86 actually better to drive than its Subaru twin? Check out the comparison here!
On the performance front, there’s a new set of GR adjustable suspension, alongside a larger GR Monoblock brake kit on all four corners. The company does not mention any changes underneath the hood, though, so we’re assuming there are no changes there.
For proper performance gains, you’ll have to step up to the Toyota GR 86 GR Parts Concept, which comes equipped with a revised intake and exhaust system. The website also mentions weight reduction, and improved body rigidity, but exact figures were not disclosed.
Designed for track use (without the constraints of any racing series), the GR Parts Concept model does get a significantly more aggressive design, including a more aggressive front fascia with a large ram air intake on the grille, and more substantial front and rear bumper extensions.
The Concept also comes with wide-body 43 mm-wide fenders, with built-in air vents (alongside those on the bonnet) to channel air over the top of the car, enhancing the effectiveness of the massive GT wing at the back. Meanwhile, the carbon fibre side skirts also function to split the underbody airflow from the air above, to – you guessed it – amplify the effects of the large diffusers.
Check out the massive diffuser fins!
The 19-inch forged aluminium wheels share the same Y-spoke design as the street car, but feature a deeper cone to fill out the massive flared wheel wells and increase out-of-plane rigidity, which according to TRD, allows for a thinner cross-section and thus reducing unsprung mass.
Sounds too good to be true? Well… yeah. The GR Parts Concept is just – as the name suggests – a concept. However, TRD says the research that went into designing the concept has trickled down into the regular street car version of the GR Parts kit, so the silver lining is that the regular street version isn’t just some dress-up parts.
But given the choice, would you rather pick the street style, or the balls-to-the-walls Concept race-track version? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Toyota GR 86 with GR Parts
Toyota GR 86 with GR Parts Concept


Perodua Myvi updated with new colour and more advance ASA 2.0

The updated 2020
Perodua
 Myvi will now be available with the more capable Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 and a new colour called
Electric Blue
. Other colours available before such as Peppermint Green and Mystical Purple have been taken away from the colour options list.
Colours available now include Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Lava Red and Granite Grey. Granite Grey in now offered in all variants except the 1.3 G. Previously, it was only available for the 1.5-litre variants.
Previously only available in the range-topping Myvi 1.5 AV, the new Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 driver assistance system seen in the
Aruz
,
Axia
and
facelift Bezza,
 is now available in both 1.5 AV and 1.5 H models. It is also available as an option for the 1.3 X.
The ASA 2.0 comes with Pre-collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-collision Braking (up to 80 km/h) and Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h). In the
first generation ASA
, the Pre-collision Warning and Pre-collision Braking only worked up to 30 km/h. Also offered in the ASA 2.0 is the Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.
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Review: Peugeot 2008 1.2 PURETECH – Exceeding Expectations [+Video]

Having expectations – whether with relationships, goals, be it even cars – can be tricky. It’s great when things fall into place, but when they don’t, it can be rather heartbreaking, disappointing and maybe even downright revolting for the lack of a better adjective – especially with the part on cars.
I’m not going to lie to you; I’ve been sitting on this review for a while and it did take a lot for me to buckle down and type my two cents out on this facelifted Peugeot 2008 1.2 PURETECH. It’s not that I dislike Peugeots or this particular 2008 – no, the truth is far from it.
I like all cars, whether they’re French or Chinese – with the only condition that they must be well-made and by that I’m not saying that it should be made of elephant tusks and crocodile skins. Even if it were a sub-RM100k vehicle, there needs to be evidence that things were given thought on – even if it wasn’t necessarily well executed.
On that front, I think it’s rather clear to see that there’s been thought given on the Peugeot’s crossover attributes; and it’s been rather well executed too. Compared to the pre-facelifted 2008, this one just looks a lot leaner – everything just seems to have been tightened up – befitting of its “facelift” calling.

If you look closely, you’d see that the edges on its LED headlamps have been sharpened; it’s got a new grille that makes it look way more imposing as compared to the “dual horizontal appearance” in the older 2008, to go with a bulgier forehead at the edge of the front bonnet without looking odd – like the once trendy flowerhorn fish. Oh, its front fog lamps swivel as you turn into a bend – always a nice touch.
It may just be plastic mouldings but you know what – I liked how they emphasised so much more on the 2008’s side profile compared to the glare of the chrome trims – highlighting the wheel arches and the door sills and drawing the eyes closer to those 17-inch wheels which I must say, is a real match with the car. If you’ve watch the Kingsmen movie, which by the way got worse with the sequel, you’d be familiar with the whole “Manners maketh man” phrase and I’ve always thought that the “Wheels maketh the car” and the wheels on the 2008 sure “maketh” it striking.
Some may not be in favour of it but I’m a big fan of how the roof takes an elevation from the B-pillar onwards with the signature roof rails on – sure gives the side profile more character and not without substance too as it does have an effect on the interior but we’ll get back to that later. Over at the back, again, those black, plastic mouldings which follows on to the tailgate of the 2008 makes it look stealthier, more subtle without losing a drop of its handsome aura. What really did it for the rear though had to be those LED taillights which demanded a more focused attention to the back end.
I’d give it a 7 out of 10 for how it looks on the outside but you see, that’s the thing with Peugeots –  I would never ever disagree that they make relatively good looking cars, except the old 2010 3008 but often times, it ends there. As harsh as it sounds, I have to single the 3008 out as one of the most visually-revolting models from Peugeot I’ve seen on our roads. Now that they’ve aged and become irrelevant, I’m glad they’re less prominent on our roads –  and certainly do not care where they’ve ended up. Hope I’m not the only to have that sentiment and it’s so pleasing that the new one is such an eye candy.
Getting back on track with the 2008, this is where it gets tricky in terms of impression. Yes, it has some blue lighting around the dials (which by the way can be switched off), with the same lighting running parallel with the panoramic roof, where together really makes the interior pop, especially at night fall. Elsewhere if I’m rather honest and I should be, lacks that French-styling factor. Unless of course, you consider the oval steering a standout feature – something I took lots of kilometres to get used to before finally accepting the oddly-shaped but rather functional steering wheel.

What stood out to my attention though was how comfortable and supportive those semi-leather and fabric semi-bucket seats were – on a high driving position with great all-round visibility and that rather mean sounding 6-speaker Arkamys 3D audio system which held up even when I went a little mad with the bass. And then there was what Peugeot called the “Aviation-style” handbrake – not sure what to think of it but I’d say this, I’d rather have my fist clenched on a conventional handbrake than operate an electronic parking unit.
Elsewhere, I found the 7-inch multifunction touchscreen rather easy and straightforward to use with handy information for parameters like the engine oil level easily obtainable through the display unit. Other than that, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity are standard, including automatic dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control. What I did not particularly fancy, and this might be me just nitpicking, was the curved air-con control panel with that glossy surface – it leaves just way too much fingerprints.
So far so good then – except for the plastic panels which I thought could’ve been given a different appearance, a different surface if you will, to make it look less “inexpensive”. The aluminium surface did offer a little saving grace though – providing, at least, a contrasting look to a slightly average interior.  The seats at the back were a little upright if you asked me but no matter, given the space afforded (for the head, knees and foot), it makes sitting in the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V feel like you’re in a baby tub.

I did spot a little quirk that may or may not bother you – the rear headrests. When erected, they completely obstruct your line of sight on the rear view mirror. It’s not so much a design flaw if you ask me, but more of a minor inconvenience. Further at the back, as GC Mah could attest in his review video, offered plenty of usable room with over
350 litres
 of space with
1194 litres
 with all the seats folded down!
The driving bit well – well let’s just say was as exciting as a rocking chair. It doesn’t raise hairs but it was predictable without unsettling you. First off, its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine’s note – it was no Adele, it was no Pavarotti, it sounded like an old Proton on carburetors screaming up the rev range – safe to say, I wasn’t a fan but maybe I’m too fussy because it was only me in the office who didn’t enjoy it. What I did enjoy was the smoothness of the engine from the get-go and onwards to the mid-range aided by
110 hp
 and
 205 Nm
 of torque from as low as 1,500 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h, if it matters to you, is done in around
10 seconds
 with a top speed of
190 km/h
 – tried and tested.
While I wouldn’t confer high praises for the 6-speed auto transmission with Quickshift Technology, it did its job without the jerking about and being confused as to what gears it had to employ. Although, moving up and down through the drive selector was a bit of a farce – why can’t the “P, R, N, D” and so on just be in a straight line, why? Every drive change was met with harshness and unrefinement – totally uncalled for if you asked me.
A pair of ventilated discs in the front and a solid pair at the back offered plenty of progressive and assuring brake performance – although, it was quite noticeable how the brake pedal was positioned much higher than the accelerator pedal – thought it was an inconvenience. It’s probably pointless to talk about the handling attributes of such a car, even more pointless to expect anything out of it but inheriting the underpinnings of the 208, I’d say it was rather predictable and poised when it was chucked about.
While the 2008 did not jolt me and my passengers around the backseat of the car, I thought it could’ve done better absorbing all the bumps left behind by incompetent roadworks men. At speeds, I’d say wind noise in the 2008’s cabin was present but not blaring in your face. Fuel consumption is rated at
 6.6L/100 km
 (urban) although I’m not so sure about the 1,000 km range Peugeot claims it to be capable of – in the few days that I had it, I managed to clock over 500 km with just over a quarter tank to go – it’s perhaps more feasible for the 2008 to reach the 1000 km on one tank if it were on a long distance drive.
Safety wise, the 2008 can’t be faulted at all – as it comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating,
 6 airbags
, ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Electronic Brake Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-skid Regulation and the standard ISOFIX anchor points.
10 years ago, if you were to ask me whether I’d buy a Peugeot, I’d laughed so uncontrollably that I wouldn’t have been able to answer a simple “No”. But with the changes and improvements, in terms of usability, practicality and more importantly, the looks, it’s actually worth a second look. At RM 106k (on the road without insurance), it’s hard to deny, or at least avoid considering, don’t you think?
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Toyota Corolla sales surpass 50 million worldwide – 300,000 in Malaysia alone!

The humble
Toyota Corolla
 first made its debut in November 1966 in Japan, and within two years, doubled its annual production from 480,000 to 1.1 million units. Looking back in hindsight, it’s clear that was a sign of what’s to come, because 55 years on and 12 generations later, Toyota has now sold 50 million units of the Corolla sedan worldwide.
Twelve generations apart.
The Corolla was a catalyst for mass car ownership in Japan and the rest of Asia, says Toyota. At the time of introduction, Japan was just about to experience its first boom in motorisation, and the same phenomenon was also happening in many countries, including our young Malaysia, thanks to the government’s plans to industrialise the nation.
As such, the Corolla was developed right from the start to be a global model, not only by export from Japan, but also for assembly in many countries. Completely knocked-down (CKD) packs were developed to accelerate local assembly, and in the process, valuable technology was transferred which helped in the industrial development of these countries.
UMW Toyota restored an original KE10 Toyota Corolla to celebrate the 12th-generation model’s launch! Check it out here.
And that was why in 1965, when the Malaysia government invited car manufacturers to assemble their products in Malaysia, Toyota was among the first to respond, with the Corolla being the ideal candidate to kick off the Japanese carmaker’s local assembly operations.
Since then, the carmaker has sold some 300,000 units of the Corolla in the Malaysian market, a part of the 50 million nationwide. Demand has only grown stronger since the model was first launched in 1968 – more than 40,000 units of those were for the
11th-generation Corolla
, sold from 2006 to 2013.
In fact, in the decade between 2010 and 2020, the Corolla accounted for 6% of Toyota’s total sales in the country, with the 11th-generation model becoming the best-selling generation to date.
Affordable and reliable, the perfect recipe that’s even good enough for workhorse applications by the PDRM. Check out the police’s new ride here!

Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla has become Toyota’s most recognised models, and one of the world’s top-selling cars. It’s available in more than 150 countries around the world, and about one of every five Toyotas made is a Corolla.
The Toyota Corolla also bred a generation of loyal Toyota customers – and specifically loyal Corolla customers; 63% traded in their old model for a new one when it was launched, and almost a third of Corolla customers also bought one as an additional car for the household.
“Each generation, right from the very first, has been a contributor in the brand transformation. From the first generation which began the motorization of the masses to the latest generation which was the basis of the transformation, the Corolla has always been in sync with the changes in society and the economy of Malaysia,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
In the 55 years that the Corolla has been around, one thing remain constant and still valid – the basic philosophy of affordable and reliable motoring, filled with advanced technologies. The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla is a true testament to that ideology, now being built on the TNGA platform, and offering class-leading advanced driver assistance and technologies with the Toyota Safety Sense suite.

We had the chance to test drive the Toyota Corolla Cross earlier this year, and here’s what we think about it!
While the philosophy remains, the original design of the Corolla has also evolved over the generations to meet changing tastes and lifestyles of customers. For example, the
Toyota Corolla Cross
 was unveiled last year in response to the surge in popularity of SUVs, marking the first time that the best-selling car model in the world has been offered in this body style.
The segment has since become increasingly competitive in recent years, the Toyota Corolla’s achievements cannot be denied, and we’re sure it’ll continue to achieve greater successes in the future. Do you have a Corolla story of your own? Let us know in the comments section below!


Lebanon’s first EV, the Electra Quds Rise, looks like a Photoshop job gone wrong

Remember those homemade supercar replicas, like the
Bugatti Chiron
 we shared yesterday? Despite nailing most of the exterior features, these home projects all seem to have one fatal flaw, and that’s their proportions, usually due to the limitations posed by the donor car.
What you’re looking at here though, is actually Lebanon’s first-ever electric car, the Electra Quds Rise, and not a homemade project. But somehow, even though it’s a brand-new car, its proportions are just downright odd – as if someone accidentally squished the photo in Photoshop.
The Electra Quds Rise, whose name is derived from the Arabic name for Jerusalem (Al-Quds), claims to be the first car ever – not just fully-electric – to be made in a Mediterranean country “from start to finish”. Although, online commentators are quick to point out that Lebanon is currently struggling through a dire economic crisis, with frequent power cuts – oh the irony.
Anyway, just like Bugatti, Electra also gets its own signature grille design, styled after the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque – Islam’s third-holiest site. The body panels are fibre glass, bolted onto a “superlight aluminum” chassis, while a set of 18-inch staggered forged aluminium wheels complete the exterior package.
Inside, the cabin of the Quds Rise does look fairly lavish, while being minimalistic at the same time. Dominating the dashboard is a 15.9-inch touchscreen display, mounted in a vertical layout.
The Electra Quds Rise is branded as a sportscar, and it does pack some proper performance. According to official documents on Electra’s website, the odd-looking sports car allegedly hits 100 km/h in
3.6 seconds
, onward to a top speed of 180 km/h. Power comes from a 45 kWh battery that helps the single electric motor on the rear axle deliver
180 hp
, through a single speed transmission.
It’s priced at USD30,000 (~RM124k), which is frankly quite cheap when compared to other EV sports car. Then again, affordability is relative; the average annual salary in Lebanon is USD38,000, but most typical Lebanese earn nearer to half of that, at USD17,000. So by all measures, this is a premium car.
Electra hopes to make up to 10,000 units of the Quds Rise by next year, with production to start later this year.
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Aston Martin pays tribute to iconic warplane with the V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80

Aston Martin has announced a new series of limited edition cars, this time celebrating the 80 years of Britan’s most iconic World World 2 fighter – the Supermarine Spitfire.
First, a little trivia about that plane’s history.
The Spitfire
 first flew in 1936 and had played a pivotal role in defending Britain from the clutches of the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. The beautiful yet agile fighter packed enough machine guns to completely annihilate the
Me 109
, and has been a source of inspiration and hope for the Brits.
Fast forward to today and what we have here is Aston Martin
V12 Vantage
 S Spitfire 80. No, there isn’t any machine guns, instead, it features components made by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford. It receives a special ‘
Duxford Green
’ colour with yellow pinstripes on the sides, of course inspired by the warplane.
It also receives Spitfire inspired goodies, ranging from an aluminium bar inside the car which looks like the fighter’s rear strut brace, and tailpipes tips that mimic the fighter’s exhausts. The carbon fibre front and rear diffusers bring some contemporary touches to the car.
The attention to detail on the inside is pretty amazing too. The ‘Spitfire 80’ logo can be found embroidered onto the headrests, and the door handles come in red ‘webbing’ finishing, just like the Spitfire. To complete the experience, buyers can spec for Irvin flying helmet and flying goggles just for kicks.
Unlike the real deal, there’s no Rolls-Royce Merlin engine underneath the hood. Instead,  Aston Martin retains the same
565 hp 5.9-litre V12
 engine from the standard V12 Vantage S. In case you’re wondering, it takes
3.9 seconds
 to reach from nought to 100 km/h, with a top speed of
 328 km/h
.

Only 80 examples will be made and exclusively available at Aston Martin Cambridge dealership. Each of these fine models will cost
£180,000
 (or approximately RM956k based on today’s rates). As a matter of fact, for each car sold, a portion of the profit will be donated to the Royal Air Force welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.
[Image Source: Aston Martin Cambridge]
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 Source: Wikipedia


Bookings for Perodua Myvi exceeds 20k, 4,500 units delivered to owners

Less than a month after the official debut of the
fourth-generation Perodua Myvi
, the company has collected over 20,000 bookings for the all-new Myvi and successfully delivered 4,500 units so far.
When the car was first teased at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow,
5,000 prospective buyers placed their bookings
 for one before the car was unveiled in full. Just a week after pulling the wraps off the new Myvi, the
bookings soared to 13,000 units
 and 1,000 owners collected the keys to their new car within the same period.
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, YBhg Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin said, “The focus now is to ensure delivery of the All-New Perodua Myvi within an acceptable time frame. We thank the public for choosing the Myvi as the car of choice.”
“Please speak with our authorised sales and service advisors about the many deals in store for you as they would have the latest and correct information about our offering. Please get an opportunity to test drive our all-new Myvi 1.5 and 1.3 and feel the experience,” Dato’ Zahari added.
Perodua has shifted 184,707 vehicles in the first 11 months of 2017, 1.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The company targets to sell an average of 6,000 units of the new Myvi monthly and remains positive to achieve
annual sales target of 202,000 cars
 for 2017.


Ladies only! Leona Chin and Morac Go Kart launch “The Pink Stuff SODI Ladies Cup”

To encourage and motivate more women to take part in motorsports, Morac Go Kart Track 1 Utama and
Leona Chin
 together organised “The Pink Stuff SODI Ladies Cup” go kart championship. Exclusive to women, this special competition is the first of its kind.
Round 1 took place on October 1, 2022, at the Morac Go Kart Track at 1 Utama with the support of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM). The tarmac track measures 420 meters in length and consists of 17 corners.
The championship is open to the public and consists of five catgeories – “Expert”, “Novice A”, “Novice B”, “Media”, and “realme Celebrity”. A total of 44 participants registered for the first round of the championship. Prior to the race, the participants were given a 10-minute practice session and a 5-minute qualifying session. The participants battled it out in a 30-lap long race.
Finishing first in the “Expert” category was Nurul Auni Nasharuddin followed by Latun Fatin Lyana and Wan Farrahrunissa. The podium for the “Novice A” saw Coleen Tan in first place followed by Siti Nor Aminah and Najwa. Emerging victorious in “Novice B” was Siti Khadijah, followed by Putri Razana and Anness Chua.
ALSO WATCH:
A purposeful morning drive to an Orang Asli village, with Leona Chin – AutoVlog
Meanwhile in the “realme Celebrity” category, Emitsa Shirazi finished in first place, while DJ Jeana and Mira Rizam finished second and third respectively. As for the “Media” category, Dorathy Anne took the checkered flag to finish ahead of Nurul Husna in second place, and Siti Balqis in third.
Besides the real-life karting action, the racing also went onto the virtual world where Raceroom Simulators prepared two simulators. Participants and visitors got a taste of eSports through the racing simulators, and some even walked away with trophies as a mini time attack challenge was held during the event.
Commenting on the successful event at Morac Go Kart 1 Utama, Leona Chin said, “I’m very glad to see the spirit and level of competition shown by the participants, and we hope that we can inspire more women to come out and give motorsports a try!”
RELATED:
Leona Chin wins again at Sepang, clinches MCS 2021 championship!
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The new 2017 XJR 575 – it’s the Jaguar’s turn to prey!

In the vicious and lawless world of the animal kingdom, you either eat or be eaten. The sentiments in the exclusive circle of fast saloons aren’t that different either and this time, its the Jaguar’s turn to prey.
Gone in 44 Seconds, was the heading of Jaguar’s press release of the new XJR 575 as it will hit its top speed of 299 km/h in just 44 seconds with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.4 seconds.
The XJR will be the new performance flagship of the
XJ range
 with an output of
567 horsepower
 from 6,250-6,500 rpm, a whole 25 horsepower extra from the outgoing XJR.
But the source of the XJR575’s mammoth grunt is down to its
700Nm of torque
 from 3,500-4,500 rpm courtesy of the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine similarly found in the
F-Type SVR
. Despite the hike in output, the immense power is deployed through the same 8-speed ZF automatic found in the other XJ’s.
Jaguar’s Director of Design, Ian Callum said, “This is a performance vehicle, but that doesn’t mean we have had to cut any corners when it comes to comfort or design. Jaguar is the standard bearer for interior refinement and the XJR575 is no different. It can go very quickly, but it does so with the serene comfort customers expect from a Jaguar saloon. That makes this a very special car indeed.”
Distinguishing itself from the rest of the XJ range, the new XJR575 features updated exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres as well as red brake calipers and 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels. Other tailor-made exterior details that allows the XJR575 to project a discreet yet imposing figure includes a rear spoiler, side sills, the front bumper and lower air intakes with gloss black surroundings.
The XJ line-up will adopt, across the range, Jaguar’s Advanced Adaptive Dynamic system alongside a new system called All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) for improved all-weather traction.
Available in short wheelbase options only, the XJR575’s uncompromised interior refinement flourishes with bespoke embossed tread plates, intaglio and diamond-quilted seating. There will be two bespoke colour finishes available, either in Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey, courtesy of Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations division.
The XJR575 is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE, XF, F-TYPE and XJ model lines.
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Honda City hatchback has raised the bar for B-segment cars

I like a good hatchback; whether it’s the first generation Myvi, which I used to own, or even the
GR Yaris we test drove in Sepang
, they all have an inherent characteristic that just injects more fun into a drive.
Having been a fan of the Jazz, and spent time with it (through an ex-girlfriend), I was convinced the Jazz was the car to get when I retire the
BMW

Project EJ36
to serve as just a weekend car. You can imagine my reaction when it was announced that the Jazz will be no more and instead, replaced with the
City hatchback
.
It doesn’t look anything like the Jazz but the City hatchback promises to be every bit as good, if not even better. So we went to the Sepang Circuit recently to find out just what the City hatchback is all about and if it’s as good as a Honda hatchback should be. Remember, this is a car company with a long and illustrious history of producing immensely quick hatchbacks that have since gained cult status.
There were three cars on the chopping block that day; the City hatchback RS with Honda’s new E:HEV system, the petrol-powered 1.5 V City hatchback, and lastly the City hatchback’s direct competitor, the Toyota Yaris.
We first set off in the Honda City RS hatchback and instantly, its E:HEV system makes an introduction. The system makes the RS get off the line just like an electric vehicle – smooth, effortless, and a complete surprise.
In a nutshell, the E:HEV system essentially makes the City RS hatchback a semi-electric car with the 1.5 engine only serving as an assistant. The latter only kicks in upon hard acceleration, on uphill climbs, and when the car is on the highways. Otherwise, the car is running mostly on the electric motor.
Truthfully speaking, it didn’t feel like much on the wide-open Sepang circuit but the difference in acceleration became more apparent when we got into the Toyota Yaris and 1.5 V City hatchback.
The “oomph” from the RS may not be drastic but definitely noticeable, especially when moving from a standstill, uphill sections of the track and speeding up while the car is moving. Its CVT gearbox also comes with “simulated gear changes” for a more natural experience.
What I liked most was how composed both the City hatchback (RS and 1.5 V) felt and how communicative the steering was. Honda said the City hatch comes with stiffer engine mounts, improved suspension, and a more rigid body. Interestingly, it’s also lighter.
All that translated to a more communicative steering which felt engaging but not cumbersome. It felt more responsive too, making the car feel nimble through the slalom course prepared for us.
As we were speeding down the main straight of the circuit, the additional insulation to the body and floor of the City hatchback came into effect. Granted the surface of the circuit was smooth as butter but even at speeds well above 120 km/h, the cabin was undisturbed with annoying wind noise.
The improved suspension was also noticeable when compared with the Yaris. Through a series of long swooping bends, the City hatchback felt more composed and stable with less effort needed to keep the car in the right direction.
The additional weight in the City RS, due to the batteries it carries, did have an effect on the handling of the car but the suspension was still up to the task. It merely felt a little heavier through the slalom but without any adverse effect.
Personally, what I liked most was how supportive the seats were in the RS especially in the rib section – something that would really appeal to all the young Honda enthusiasts.
Could this be the new hot property in the B-segment? How will it fare in the real world? Will it be as spacious as its sedan sibling?Only time will tell but for now, based on what we experienced on track yesterday, it has ticked all the right boxes.
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Honda City RS hatchback
Honda City hatchback


What is: Turbocharged Engines

For the enthusiasts, it’s a euphoric drug that brings them (and their car) to another dimension. For manufacturers, it’s a “get out jail free card” from emission regulations. But what exactly is a turbocharger?
Turbocharging technology has been around since the early 1900s and has been in motor car applications since the early 1930s. Back in those simpler times, forced induction (supercharging or turbocharging) was used for one reason – to make more power.
A turbocharger is a compressor that utilises a portion of the waste gases from the exhaust system to generate clean, compressed air through the turbine (pictured below) before it is channelled through the intercooler for cooling.
The cooled, compressed air is then channelled to the combustion chambers through the intake manifold with more dense air containing more oxygen, prompting a larger combustion thus creating more power.
This allows the original engine to produce more power without having to add more cylinders which ultimately reduces emissions and improve fuel economy (using less fuel for more power). For car manufacturers, the benefits are a more compact engine design with lower capacity, more powerful cars and lower emissions.
Turbocharging is not only found in high-performance sports cars to go blazingly fast but also in small capacity engines. Cars such as the
Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI
 are only fitted with tiny 1.2-litre four-cylinder engines but thanks to turbocharging, it makes more power than its 1.6-litre equivalent at
104 hp
 and
175 Nm
 of torque as compared to the naturally aspirated
104 hp
 and
153 Nm
.
Turbocharging also allows maximum power to come in at a much lower rev range like in the case of the Vento 1.2-litre TSI; it makes all the
175 Nm
 from 1,550 rpm while the 1.6-litre MPI engine gives you all its grunt only when the needle sips past 3,800 rpm. What do all these mean? Quicker off the line and addictive in-gear acceleration.
For us living in a country that imposes higher road tax for higher capacity engines, turbocharged cars allow us to own small capacity engines that is equally powerful but with a much lower annual road tax. For example, the
 1.6-litre Vento MPI
 would cost you
RM90
 in annual road tax while the
1.2-litre Vento TSI
 would only cost you
RM55
.
Now that might not seem like a lot to many, but scale that up to a
Ferrari 458 Italia
 (4,499cc naturally aspirated V8) vs a
488 GTB
 (3,902cc twin-turbo V8), you are looking at RM11,352 vs RM6,189 – an annual savings of RM5,163.
However, turbocharging is far from perfect. Because the engine is working “overtime” to produce more power than it normally would, heat build-up and engine longevity can be a concern. The best way to ensure that your turbocharged engine runs as it should for as long as it possibly can, here are some ways of keeping it in shape.
Use high-quality engine oils and have them changed regularly and on time. Good quality engine oil reduces the friction between the cylinders by keeping it well lubricated and can withstand higher operating temperature.
Engine oils in turbocharged engines tend to go through heat cycles more aggressively than normally aspirated engines which is why you should be stricter on the oil change interval to ensure the engine is running with good engine oil.
As turbocharged engines find its way to more and more mainstream vehicles, it is vital that you are aware of the technology you are buying into, understand the characteristics of your car and exercise the necessary preventive maintenance. Lastly, I will leave you with this “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilities”.


MINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k

MINI Malaysia has revealed new colourways for the
MINI Electric
 Resolute Edition priced at RM205,834 for the standard two year warranty. With the extended four-year extended warranty with service, the price is RM211,164. The battery comes with an eight-year/100,000 km warranty.
Limited to 90 units in Malaysia, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition is now also available in Enigmatic Black and Nanuq White. The two new colourways add to the existing Rebel Green exterior finish. As part of the Resolute Edition package, the MINI Electric moves away from chrome trims in favour of Resolute Bronze on the headlamps, front grille and tail lights.
The Resolute Bronze treatment is also applied to the front fenders, door handles and tailgate. Finished in Piano Black are the MINI and model badges. The door sill trims like the bonnet decals come with a ‘Resolute’ inscription. Completing the exterior are 17-inch Electric Collection Spoke alloy wheels.
On the inside, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition is furnished with Black Pearl/Light Chequered fabric upholstery. The fabric seats are made of recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather and bears the MINI Resolute logo. Boot space is rated at 211 litres.
As for specifications, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition comes with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charger, autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, a head-up display, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and adaptive LED headlamps.
In terms of powertrain, the Resolute Edition shares the same with the standard MINI Electric (Cooper SE). It’s driven by a front-mounted electric motor with 184 hp and 270 Nm. The 0-100 km/h time is 7.3 seconds, while top speed is capped at 150 km/h.
The electric motor is powered by a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that’s good for 232 km of range based on the WLTP cycle. With 11 kW AC charging, a full charge takes 2.5 hours while with 50 kW DC charging, 10%-80% state of charge takes just 36 minutes.
GALLERY


Watch out Bugatti Chiron, this Hennessey Venom F5 tops out at 483 km/h!

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), a Texas based tuning house specialising in weaponising everyday high-performance cars and supercars like the
1,000 hp Chevrolet Camaro
, has announced that they will be revealing an all-new hypercar, the Venom F5.
Inspired by the fastest and most vicious tornado on the Fujita scale, the F5 tornado, the Venom F5 is developed from the ground up by Hennessey and will take the fight straight to the
Bugatti Chiron
 for the title of world’s fastest production series super sports car.
To achieve this goal, the Venom F5 will feature a unique chassis design, cutting-edge engine and aerodynamic profiles as well as an ultra-light weight body. Hennessey expects the Venom F5 be capable of speeds
 close to 300 mph
 (483 km/h). In comparison, the Chiron’s top speed is rated at
418 km/h
.
“We are very excited about our F5 and that it brings forth an all-new design and chassis to achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics and technology,” said company founder and CEO, John Hennessey. “The best way I can describe the Venom F5 is that it is sophisticated aggression on wheels. We look forward to sharing F5 with the world later this year,” added Hennessey.
The Venom F5 hypercar will be built in Texas and is expected to debut end-2017. HPE has incorporated a new company to spearhead the development and sales of the Venom F5 –
Hennessey Special Vehicles
. Yeah, as if what HPE has been doing all these while is not special enough.


Shell Rimula Malaysia launches new and improved fully synthetic 10W-40 engine oil

Shell Rimula, the world’s best selling heavy duty diesel engine oil (HDDEO) brand has just been updated. Two products are available in Malaysia beginning today, starting with the R5 LE 10W-40 and fully synthetic R6 LM 10W-40. They both feature Shell’s Dynamic Protection Plus Technology and its base oil is made of natural gas through the company’s patented gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology.
The acronym in the R5 LE stands for Low Emissions and Energy Saving, whereas the R6 LM stands for Low Emissions and Maintenance Saving. Both lubricants are Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions compliant, and its CJ-4 specification now exceeds ACEA, MAN and Mercedes-Benz’s specifications for engine wear and cleanliness.

What the engine oils offer is up to
53 percent better protection

against engine wear
 and deposits, especially cam wear and up to
45 percent lower engine oil consumption
. Its low SAPs formulation reduces downtime from clogging, which means you get more done time than down time. Prices for the oils begin at
 RM572.60 for a 20-litre
 tub, but those who wish to purchase in bulk will be entitled to a discount.
In conjunction with the introduction of the Rimula duo, Shell Lubricants have also launched the 2016 edition of the Shell Rimula Global Promotion. This year, eight lucky Grand Prize winners will be sent South Africa for a unique, money-can’t-buy driving challenge. Last year, the winners visited Budapest to experience first hand the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, while the winners in 2014 took part in a heavy equipment challenge in London.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Drivers confront policemen at road block as tempers flare in three-hour traffic jam

Nobody likes traffic jams, but most of us usually keep our displeasures within the confines of our cars. Sometimes though, the inconveniences can get a bit too much to handle, as this group of drivers experienced after being stuck in a four-hour-long crawl at the Sungai Besi Toll yesterday.
Photo: Bernama/
Facebook
The traffic jam built up on rush hour Monday morning, following the commencement of the
third Movement Control Order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur
 which banned interstate travels without police permit. Speaking to Astro Awani, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim confirmed that the congestion traffic jam lasted between 7am until 10am, stretching out to over 2 km in length.
However, he said that the traffic returned to a more acceptable flow after 10 am, once the police on duty had relaxed inspections at the road block, even though there were still many vehicles on the route.
Click to go to the video!
In an emotion-induced fit, a few drivers decided to vent their anger towards the policemen on duty. As seen on a
video published on Bernama’s Facebook page
, the group can be heard saying that their cars were running out of petrol, and engines overheating as a result of sitting motionless in the traffic jam.
An agitated driver added that they had no other choice but to sit through to traffic jam, as they weren’t allowed to turn around. The police officer responded saying “you want to be angry at me, but I can’t do anything,” to which the crowd replied “we are not angry, just trying to negotiate.”
Azmi added that the Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has set up a special patrol force during
Op Lancar
, who will advise the officer manning the road block to relax the inspections if there are severe congestions.
Photo: Bernama/
Facebook
Traffic jams are never pleasant, however we should all keep in mind that it is a necessary evil in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic; the police officers are also just carrying out their duty in keeping us all safe.
Unless absolutely necessary, please, play your role by staying at home – at least until the end of
MCO3.0
 – and we’ll be able to get over this sooner. It’s easy to see through
“lame excuses”
, and you might even get fined for breaching the SOPs – so why risk it?
[Header Image: Bernama/
Facebook
]


Infiniti QX80 officially teased, to debut at the Dubai International Motor Show

Early this year, Infiniti dropped a “design study” for their third-generation QX80 SUV called the
QX80 Monograph
. Although the car has been showed in its full glory, it does not represent the actual production model. Think of it as a concept car, if you will.
Now, the Japanese luxury carmaker has just teased the all-new QX80 in a series of images ahead of its global premier at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show happening on 14 November. The overall design resembles the QX80 Monograph very much but the design has been refined to suit a production vehicle.

Infiniti’s design language has been scaled up considerably for its most commanding vehicle available in its stable. Flanked with the iconic double arch grille and signature headlamps, the QX80 will certainly be a head turner. Those outrageous 24-inch items on the “design study” have been swapped out for more
conventional
 22-inch multi-spoke items wrapped in 275/50 profile tyres, although it is not known whether Infiniti will offer other wheel options.
Locally, the Infiniti Malaysia has the second-generation QX80 on sale for a shade under RM800k and if it does arrive to our shores, do you think the Japanese marquee is able to go up against the likes of
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400
?
IMAGE GALLERY
Infiniti QX80 Teaser

Infiniti QX80 Monograph Design Study


Mercedes-Maybach could be revealing its new GLS concept in Beijing

Mercedes-Maybach will soon be unveiling the concept version of its upcoming third-generation GLS, following the immense success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, at the Beijing Motor Show, according to reports by Autocar UK.
The push for this ultra luxurious SUV will see the new Maybach-branded GLS challenge the likes of
Bentley Bentayga
, the
Lamborghini Urus
, the Range Rover and the highly-anticipated
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
.
Mercedes-Benz also took to Facebook to vaguely introduce the concept Mercedes-Maybach GLS in a teaser video above. It is said that the new Maybach GLS will share the
same aluminium bodyshell as the regular GLS
 with a few signature Maybach design tweaks.
There’s still no confirmation on what the GLS would be powered with just yet, but all signs point to the twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine found in the recently launched S560. It’s also the same powerplant that powers the
Aston Martin DB11
 and the
new Vantage
.


This is probably the final Toyota GT 86 of its generation

Someone has to say it and we don’t mind being that voice but we hope it’s the last of what we’ll see of the current generation 86 after this.
Toyota has introduced the Black Limited edition which will be limited to 86 units for obvious reasons and it mimics the same move Toyota made when it unveiled the Black Limited model to give the AE86 a grand send off in 1986.
Like its predecessor, the Black Edition has been given a full black appearance, matched with bronze wheels and red Brembo brake calipers.
On the inside, Toyota has applied the same sinister theme with a full black interior with leather and alcantara seats. The only indication of this being a special edition model is the Black Limited embroidery on the partially suede dashboard.
43 units of the limited edition model will come with a manual transmission while the other half will adopt an automatic transmission – it’s clear which will be more sort after in the years to come.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: How to Change Wiper Blades – AutoDIY

Apparently it’s so easy, you can change it in the comfort of your own pyjamas. In this week’s edition of AutoDIY, we’ll show you how you can change your car’s wiper blades without making the unnecessary stop to the workshop again!
You’re probably thinking, “I still have to pop by the spare parts shop to buy the new wipers, right?”.
That’s true to an extent but now Bosch has that covered even; with
an official store within Lazada
 to buy most of your vehicle’s consumables!
I suppose there aren’t any excuses to “AutoDIY it yourself” now. Save your parents some hassle, make them and yourself proud with this simple replacement on your own.
A new episode of
 AutoDIY
 will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come.


Smart’s new electric SUV concept teased, more details in September

The Smart brand from Daimler Group is set to rebuild its product portfolio, starting with a fully-electric compact SUV. The brand that focuses on ultra-compact cars for use in narrow European streets currently offers the smart EQ fortwo (hardtop and cabrio) as well as a smart EQ forfour, all in
fully-electric flavour
.
On its Instagram
page
, the Smart company said, “The shape of things to come – here’s a never-before-seen glimpse of the next chapter of the Smart brand.”
In our earlier
article
, Smart’s vice president of global sales Daniel Lescow, has not been shy to talk about the latest developments within his company. He said “It may come as a surprise to some: Smart will enter the market with a fully electric SUV – spacious yet compact. This will be the first vehicle of the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and
Geely
, due out in 2022,
built in China
.”
Lescow also says in his LinkedIn post that the upcoming Smart vehicle will be built on Geely’s new
SEA
 electric car architecture.
Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design of the new Smart electric SUV model, while Geely will be the main contributor in terms of development and production of the vehicle.
Reports from China suggest that the still-unnamed Smart SUV model will be equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, generating peak power of 272 hp, alongside a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of less than 70 kWh and a range of more than 500 km, based on the Chinese NEDC test cycle.
Mercedes-Benz’ latest
EQA
 350 AWD compact meanwhile has an output of 292 hp, a battery pack with 66.5 kWh usable energy content and a range of 432 km under WLTP test cycle.
These examples are much larger scale than the current Smart forfour (image above), with the vehicle measuring just 3.5 metres in length and fitted with a 82 hp/160 Nm electric motor, a 17.2 kWh battery pack and a range of 126 km.
Smart is intending to unveil the new electric SUV in
September
 at the IAA Mobility in Munich.


You will struggle to unclench just by watching this driver’s epic save

As races go, nothing makes it more exciting for spectators than a little eager door-to-door racing. Save for this season, the Formula One championship, the pinnacle of motorsports, seemed to have lost its luster for being too dull and one-sided.
That has made race smaller scale series’ like the evergreen British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) or the V8 Supercars series a more exciting prospect to spectators and TV viewers. Enter the VAG Trophy –  a race championship famous for its good ol’ fashioned door-to-door racing by drivers from all walks of life. They come from all sorts of backgrounds; from mere GTi enthusiasts to season racers, hill climbers and track day junkies.
The VAG Trophy revolves around 6 different circuits in the UK, bringing together cars like the
Audi TT
, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, and a variety of Volkswagens including the
Polo
,
Golf
, Scirocco and even
Passat
. Divided into two categories, Class A houses the more powerful machinery of up to 300bhp with Class B open to cars of up to approximately 220bhp.
https://twitter.com/KmdRacing/status/893901306590638082
The highlight of Round Three at the Brands Hatch circuit had to be the moment when 22-year old Kenan Dole, pulled the most epic save in recent time, possibly even more epic than Max Verstappen’s drift in a Formula 1 car. Having lead the race from start, his car was caught on camera fishtailing wildly for nearly 10 seconds, with on-board footages showing Dole furiously counter steering and miraculously avoided a major crash into other cars or the barriers.
Talk about skill, and having a bit of luck. We can’t report if he had a change of race suits after that incident though.
YouTube footage credit:
Stopwatch Hospitality


Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu named Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Dealer of the Year

The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year Awards is back for the second year running, with a new category introduced – the Most Improved Dealer – to the
six existing awards
.
Held at the Renaissance Hotel in Johor Bahru, this year’s Dealer of the Year award went to
Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu
, as they emerged tops among 35 authorised dealers from nine dealer groups. Last year, the title was clinched by Hap Seng Star Balakong.
The representatives of Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu with Dr. Claus Weidner (5th from the right)
 Looking ahead, we look forward to continue exciting the market by pushing the boundaries in automotive excellence and innovation,” said
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr. Claus Weidner.
The rest of the winners are as follow:
Dealer of the Year
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu
2nd Place –
Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi
3rd Place –
Hap Seng Star Kinrara
Most Improved
Champion –
NZ Wheels Klang
2nd Place –
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras
3rd Place –
NZ Wheels Bangsar
Best Performance in Sales
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi
2nd Place
 –
Hap Seng Star Jalan Ipoh
3rd Place –
Hap Seng Star Balakong
Best Performance in Customer Services
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Balakong
2nd Place
 –
Hap Seng Star Kinrara

3rd Place –
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Glenmarie
Best Performance in Financial Services
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi
2nd Place
 –
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras
3rd Place –
NZ Wheels Johor Bahru
Best Performance in Business Excellence
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu
2nd Place –
Cycle & Carriage Bintang (North), Juru/Bukit Tengah
3rd Place –
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Perak
Best Performance in CSI & CLI
Champion –
Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu
2nd Place –
Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi
3rd Place –
Hap Seng Star Kuching


Facts & Figures: 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer launched in Malaysia – RM342k

The updated 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer has just been unveiled today here in Malaysia. Offered in a single variant at launch – the Select 121 Extra Long, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer will be a
Hap Seng Star
 exclusive, priced at RM342,036 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
EXTERIOR
The design of the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer has basically been unchanged since the introduction of the third-generation model back in 2014. With the new Malaysian-specification Vito Tourer being offered exclusively as an Extra Long model, it’s also one of the largest people carriers here on our shores, measuring in at 1,958 mm tall, 2,244 mm wide, and a whopping 5,370 mm long – that’s even longer than some pick-up trucks!

As standard, all units of the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer here in Malaysia comes with the following exterior equipment:
LED Intelligent Light System with High Beam Assist Plus
17-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
Electrically-folding and adjustable exterior mirrors
Roof rails (150 kg weight limit)
Exterior colour options: Obsidian Black Metallic, Rock Crystal White Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Vavansite Blue Metallic
PERFORMANCE
As mentioned above, the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer will be offered solely in a single Select 121 Extra Long variant, powered by the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Engine: 1,991 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission
Driveline: Front engine, rear-wheel driven
Suspension: Comfort suspension
Max horsepower: 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque: 350 Nm @ 1,300 – 4,000 rpm
INTERIOR
The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is offered here in Malaysia as a 10-seater (3-2-3 rear seat configuration) as standard, but can be customised into multiple seating options – including as a seven-seater – thanks to its guide rail and quick-release system for the rear seats.
Other interior features on the new Vito Tourer include:
Analogue instrument cluster with multi-info display
7-inch touchscreen Audio 30 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Black leatherette upholstery
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
Electrically-operating sliding doors
Thermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control for the front passengers
Tempmatic semi-automatic climate control for rear passengers
SAFETY
As standard, the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver safety features, including:
Active Distance Assist Distronic adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
Lane Keeping Assist
Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection
Blind Spot Assist
Attention Assist
Crosswind Assist
High Beam Assist Plus
Additionally, the new 2021 Vito also comes with six airbags as standard including windows and thorax-pelvis airbags, alongside Hill-start Assist, tyre-pressure monitoring system, reversing camera, as well as the aforementioned High Beam Assist Plus.
PRICING
The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 Extra Long is priced at
RM342,036.40
on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that was recently
 extended until the end of June 2022
.
Also included in the price is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty (two-year manufacturers warranty, two-year extended limited warranty).
The new Vito Tourer is now available at all Hap Seng Star dealerships nationwide.
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia records best ever first quarter (Q1) in 2018

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had just experienced its best ever first quarter of 2018 with a total of 3,335 vehicles sold – registering a 13.2% growth compared to the first quarter of 2017. In January 2018 alone, MBM sold an impressive 1,200 vehicles and 1,185 units in Febuary.
In Q1 of 2018, MBM’s locally-manufactured C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, collectively recorded a total of
1,965 units
sold. Elsewhere,
596 units
 from the compact segment were sold, consisting of the A-Class, B-Class, GLA and CLA models.
The SUV range, a growth driver for the MBM, charted a total of
 675 units
 sold while the exclusive Dream Cars range recorded a 1% jump from 2017, with
94 units
 sold.
To put this remarkable feat into perspective,
 just five years ago
, in Q1 of 2013, MBM only sold 1,211 units – surpassing the 2,000 units mark in 2016; up from 1,886 in 2015 to 2,658 in 2016.

Earlier in the month, Mercedes-Benz announced its best ever quarter on a
global scale
 at 594,304 units with the
best month of all time in March 2018
 at 237,307 units.
MBM recently also held its inaugural
Dealer of the Year awards
 in March 2018 where respective dealers were acknowledged with awards like Dealer of the Year, Best Performance in Sales and Best Performance in After-sales, to name a few.
We recently spoke with Mike Ponnaz, MBSM Managing Director (Left), on
MBSM’s Agility Financing and Lease2Go
.
For a holistic Mercedes-Benz ownership experience, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) continues to
offer customisable financial and insurance solutions
. As a result, MBSM recorded a servicing portfolio of over MYR 2.4 billion – with four out of 10 new Mercedes-Benz financed and insured by MBSM.
Since the start of 2018, 249,106 customers were handed the keys to their new Mercedes-Benz, more than ever before in the first quarter of a year. South Korea, India and
Malaysia also set new sales records
 in the first three months of this year.


A Ford workshop in Russia turned the Focus into an incredible speedster

Not only is the end product so polished you’d think it was factory-built but the funny thing is, Ford does not even sell the Focus in Russia!
It seems speedsters are all the rage these days;
Ferrari’s
 got one as with
 Porsche
,
Aston Martin
 just introduced one and so did
McLaren
. While those are mere fantasies reserved only for the sweetest of dreams, this converted Focus is a more realistic target.
Apparently it’s based on the 3rd generation Focus with generous use of the 4th generation’s body panels, such as the front bumper, head and tail lights for example. Other major modifications include removing the windshield and rear seats, welding the doors and dual humps behind the passengers – a signature look of most Speedsters.
And for a car that’s been so drastically modified, the cabin looks unbelievably “standard” too; who would’ve thought that the Focus would look so good as a speedster?
Unfortunately, the St. Petersburg-based workshop did not reveal the power source of the Focus Speedster although we sure hope they did something about the Focus’ gearbox – a prone to fail component that has put most Malaysians off the Blue Oval brand.
GALLERY
Source:
Ford-Market


Here’s a closer look at the Kia Seltos GT-Line’s lighting technology

Ahead of the
official launch
 of the Kia Seltos here in Malaysia, Naza Kia Malaysia is now giving us a closer look at the

compact B-segment SUV
, specifically at its lighting technology of the range-topping GT-Line variant.
Described by Kia themselves as a “work of art”, the lighting system on the Kia Seltos GT-Line is dubbed as “Heart Beat Lighting”, thanks to its light signature on both the headlights and taillights that mimics the heart monitor graphs.
Up front, the Kia Seltos GT-Line features an all-LED headlight, with the main highlight being the eyebrow-style daytime running light that extends into the tiger-nose grille, bookended by a U-shaped kink – a design that is mirrored on the taillights, representing the “heart beat”.
The lower part of the headlights assembly houses the turn indicators, which features three J-shaped LED light strips along with four individual LED bulbs – the former giving the lights a three-dimensional look. The main headlight meanwhile, is illuminated by two individual beams on each side, taking the outer two bulbs in an array of four. Lower down, the Kia Seltos GT-Line also gets vertical LED “ice-cube” foglamps as standard.
The heartbeat motive is even more apparent on the taillights of the Kia Seltos GT-Line, with a light signature featuring the same u-shaped kink similar to the ones on the daytime-running lights in front. The light signature – which doubles as the turn indicators – also feature the same 3D “multi-layer” effect as seen on the front for even more road presence.
Unfortunately, all of these fancy LED lighting technology is only present on the range-topping GT-Line variant. The EX variant settles for halogen projector headlights, halogen foglamps, as well as bulb-type taillights, thus removing the 3D heartbeat graphic on both ends of the compact SUV.
The Kia Seltos is
now available for booking
 at selected Kia showrooms nationwide; the full list of participating showrooms can be found
here
. Two variants are available – EX and GT-Line, though no pricing has been indicated as of yet.
Expected to be launched during Q4 of 2020, the Kia Seltos will face stiff competition from other new compact SUVs including its brother-from-another-mother, the
Hyundai Kona
, as well as the hotly-anticipated
Proton X50
, and of course the old guards of the
Honda HR-V
 and
Mazda CX-3
.
Will the fancy lighting technology on the Kia Seltos be enough to capture a portion of the compact SUV market? We’ll have to wait and see, but it certainly is exciting to see the B-segment SUV contenders duking it out, giving us the consumers more competitive products to choose from!

GALLERY


Sorry, but you can’t balik kampung for Ramadan this year

Ramadan is set to begin on the 24th of April this year. While many will usually choose to travel back to their respective hometowns to spend Ramadan with their families, this will unfortunately not be permitted this year due to the ongoing
Movement Control Order (MCO)
.
According to a report by
Berita Harian
, Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that interstate travel will not be allowed as long as the MCO is in effect. “Interstate travels has been prohibited since the first and second phase of the MCO. The same rules will still be applied even during Ramadan.
“which means, travelling en-masse back home (balik kampung) to celebrate the Ramadan will also not be allowed,” he said to the press after a senior minister meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.
The MCO, currently in its third phase, is scheduled to end on the 28th of April – five days into Ramadan. Although, it is currently unclear if there will be any further extensions to the MCO, or if there will be specific directives to restrict interstate travels.
The spread of the virus seems to be stabilising in the country, with 900 confirmed cases in the past week. However, the positive sign is not an invitation for us to let down our guards.
All of the hard work from our heroic front liners and our perseverance for the past 30 days will all be flushed down the drain if a “third wave” epidemic happens – even after the MCO. So while we can, please do stay home unless absolutely necessary!


2015 Honda HR-V records 7,000 bookings, waiting period now 4 months [+Video]

Within one month, Honda’s new
HR-V
 has garnered itself
more than 7,000 bookings
, making it the
 fastest selling Honda SUV
 in Malaysia. This results a waiting period of up to
four months
, but Honda ensures that the customers will be receiving a quality product made in Pegoh, Malacca.
Officially launched
here
 back in February, the front-wheel drive
Hip & Smart Runabout Vehicle
 is powered by a
1.8-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC
 engine coupled to a
CVT
 and produces
140 hp
 and
 172 Nm
 of torque. It comes in three variants:
RM 99,000 Grade S
,
RM 108,000 Grade E
, and
RM 118,000 Grade V
.
Among the three variants offered, it’s the
Grade V
 that accounts for
 65% of the total units booked
. We did a
First Look video
 on the Grade V so you can check it out
here
 if you want to know more.
Apart from the HR-V,
Honda Malaysia
 set a new record by receiving a total of 11,047 bookings and more than 6,000 units sold in February. The month before that they sold 6,522 vehicles thus maintaining their No. 1 position in the
Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment
.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Touch ‘n Go n Smart Tag to be phased out by 2025

The Works Ministry has announced that the public will soon be allowed to make highway toll payments using any digital provider, and move away from Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag.
According to
FMT
, Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, also mentioned that highway concessionaires have been instructed to implement a multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) system by 2025.
An example of the gantry system implemented in other countries.
The MLFF is a barrier-free toll system without toll booths but instead uses a gantry structure fitted with an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
The ANPR system is currently under going testing at the LEKAS highway and will later extend to the Besraya highway.
According to FMT, there are some 20 million users and over 90% of them use Touch ‘n Go for toll purposes.
Long overdue for retirement?
In the same report, the Works Minister also said there could be a private investment model to take over the MLFF system if there are delays from highway concessionaires in implementing the MLFF system. The Works Minister used Taiwan and Singapore as an example, where they have a single authority over the system.
Question is then, will it be open to an abuse of power? We all know very well by now what a single entity with absolute power can do.
RELATED:
Touch ‘n Go eWallet now offers ‘Premium tier’, reload up to RM20k


New 2020 BMW 5 Series unveiled with sleeker look, revamped engine line-up

BMW has unveiled the updated 2020 BMW 5 Series, fitted with an extensive list of updates including refreshed styling, updated engines, and newer technology features to take on its
recently-updated three-pointed star rival
.
In terms of styling changes, the new 5-er remains on the more conservative end of the spectrum, especially when compared to some of the
other recent BMW efforts
. The new kidney grille, although wider and taller (but positioned lower) than before, still looks “normal” in size. The kidney grilles are also now built in a single-frame design, joined by a chrome central element.
Flanking the grilles are the new slimmer headlights, featuring a twin-L-shaped daytime running lights that also functions as the turn indicators. As usual, LED headlights are standard, though you can now opt for the Matrix LED or Laserlight headlights on all variants of the 5 Series.
The front lower apron gets new reprofiled bumpers – standard models get small angular air vents at the side, joined by a slim central air inlet, while the M Sport versions (pictured here in blue) gets a U-shaped contour line that connecting the two headlights at the central kink.
At the back, the taillights get new three-dimensional housing, featuring a new C-shaped light signature that integrates both the rear lights and brake lights into a single lighting fixture. The rear bumpers have been slightly reshaped, with the M Sport variants getting a more elaborate styling. All variants now get trapezoidal exhaust tips as standard.
The new 5-er sits on alloys ranging from 18- to 20-inches – including the new BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels launched together with the new 5 Series. Behind those wheels, the upgraded brake callipers as part of the M Sport package can now be specified in red, in addition to the standard blue colour.
As part of the launch, BMW is also introducing a 1,000-unit limited M Sport Edition, which can be ordered in either Tanzanite Blue or Donington Grey – a colour previously only reserved for the full-M models. As the name implies, expect to see the usual M Sport touches and larger 20-inch M Sport wheels.
Inside, the changes on the updated BMW 5 Series are less obvious. In general, the overall dashboard architecture is directly inherited from the pre-facelift version, including the BMW iDrive Operating System 7.0 infotainment display – 10.25-inches as standard, or sized up to 12.3-inches – sitting atop the dashboard.
Other interior touches on the LCI 5 Series include the rearranged multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, a larger climate control lower display, new gloss-black centre-console, new optional M multifunction seats design and upholstery material options.
By far the biggest update to the 5 Series is the engine line-up, now featuring
48V mild-hybrid technology
 on all four- and six-cylinder variants to provide an additional 11 hp of boost power when needed, aside from other fuel-saving features.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is available in the 520i (
184 hp, 290 Nm
), and 530i (
252 hp, 350 Nm
), while the 3.0-litre inline-six petrol mill powers the 540i with
333 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque.
As for oil-burners, a
190 hp
 and
400 Nm
 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel powerplant is available on the 520d, while the three-litre inline-six diesel engine comes in two configurations – 530d (
286 hp, 650 Nm
), and 540d (
340 hp, 700 Nm
).
Topping the range of the new 5-er (for now) is the M550i xDrive, featuring a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that is good for
530 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque, resulting in a century sprint time of just
four seconds flat
.
The 530e plug-in hybrid has also been updated, featuring the brand’s latest 2.0-litre turbocharged mill. Although total system output remains the same as before (
252 hp
,
420 Nm
), a new XtraBoost function adds an
extra 40 hp for 10 seconds
.
A new 545e xDrive model will be joining plug-in hybrid family, featuring the 252 hp straight-six engine paired to a 109 hp electric motor for a combined output of
395 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of twist. As a result, the 545e does 0-100 km/h in just
4.7 seconds
, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of
 250 km/h
.
As before, all powertrain options are paired to an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic gearbox, with no manual options available worldwide.
In terms of safety, the new BMW 5 Series is available with an updated Driving Assistant Package, which comes with Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist (previously warning only). Meanwhile, the higher-grade Driving Assistant Professional Package gains an updated Steering and Lane Control Assistant, which can now move the car to the side to give space to emergency response vehicles, along with a navigation-based automatic lane-change system.
IMAGE GALLERY