Peugeot made a brand new pick up truck and called it… the Pick Up

Peugeot returns to the pickup business three years after the discontinuation of the 207-based Hoggar. Strictly for the African market, Peugeot’s newest workhorse is literally called the “Pick Up”. Yes, we’re not kidding.
At first glance, the Pick Up looks like another spinoff derivative of an old truck. But in reality, it’s just a rebadge from one of Dongfeng’s lineup, which on its own was based on the first generation Nissan Navara in 1997. Dongfeng is Peugeot’s Chinese partner. So technically, Peugeot rebadged a 20-year old pickup and slapped it with a rather unimaginative name.
The large Peugeot embossment on the tailgate resembles the Peugeot 404 and 504 pickups of old, and Peugeot also added ABS, CD Player, dual front airbags and two rear parking sensors to make it seem more “up to date”.
It is powered by a
2.5-litre

turbodiesel
 that makes
115 hp
 and
280 Nm
 of torque and can be had as a
rear-wheel drive
 or
 all-wheel

drive
. Only a five-speed manual transmission is offered. The tray bed measures 1,400 mm by 1,390 mm and has a maximum payload of 815 kg.
The Peugeot Pick Up will go on sale in Africa by September this year. Couldn’t they give it a nicer name, like the Peugeot Sahara or something…?
IMAGE GALLERY


Sales Tax Exemption: Updated price list of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has updated its price list for the ASX and Outlander in light of the government’s recent initiative to reduce car prices by offering sales tax exemptions for CBU and CKD vehicles.
Unfortunately, as the Triton is categorised under commercial vehicles, it will not benefit from the tax exemption and as a result, prices for the pick-up remain unchanged.
With most still reluctant to be out, understandably, MMM recently launched a “
Test Drive 2U
” online test drive booking service to allow customers to test drive Mitsubishi vehicles without having to go to a Mitsubishi showroom. The vehicle will be brought to your doorstep instead.

During the test drive, the sales consultant will be seated at the back to observe social distancing. To request for a test drive, customers can browse and select their preferred model on the MMM website
here
. After selecting their nearest dealership and completing the personal details form, a Mitsubishi sales consultant will be in contact either through WhatsApp or phone call, according to customer’s preference.
For the updated price list from other car brands in Malaysia, click
here
.


Video: 2019 MINI Clubman facelift, 5 Things

For RM298,888, which would you rather have? This, the
new 2019 facelift MINI Clubman
, or the
 407 hp and 640 Nm Volvo S60 T8 R Design
 launched recently? The decisions should be unanimous!
But there’s much to like about this new Clubman. Chief among which is the fact that not only can it carry at least four in relative comfort, it can also carry up to 1,250-litres of cargo!

The new Clubman can be had from RM 3,418 a month based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure through the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
Aside from the 4-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, the new Clubman is accompanied by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, along with 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.
IMAGE GALLERY


Putting the brakes on autonomous driving

More than a million people around the world die in road accidents each year, with human error cited as the cause in 90% of the cases, the majority of which involves persons of a young adult age.
Malaysia has the unenviable distinction of being ranked top three in the world by the World Health Organisation for her road accident death rate of 23 per 100,000 persons, which equates to around 7,000 fatalities every year, or 20 individuals per day.
There is little doubt that autonomous driving technology will eventually be far superior than human beings at preserving lives on the road, but the untimely demise of Elaine Herzberg in Tempe, Arizona recently, caused by an Uber self-driving vehicle* that seemingly failed at what it was supposed to do, is a timely reminder to auto manufacturers, ride hailing companies and technology peddlers that this piece of technology should not be rushed through to the public domain.
Tempe Police Vehicular Crimes Unit is actively investigating
the details of this incident that occurred on March 18th. We will provide updated information regarding the investigation once it is available.
pic.twitter.com/2dVP72TziQ
— Tempe Police (@TempePolice)
March 21, 2018
The science behind a fully autonomous car is mightily complex. It is not to be confused with driver assistance functions such lane keeping, active braking and adaptive cruise control which are already commercially available.
While manufacturers are pushing on with the development of self-driving vehicles equipped with sophisticated laser sensors such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) along with greater computing power (read artificial intelligence) to crunch the data, we, as consumers, must be wary of the rosy picture being painted of the future.
Instead, we should pose the question that given the unimaginable variables in real life situations, can an autonomous vehicle (
as currently defined based on different levels of automation
) ever be smart enough to function independently and safely?
Like a modern railway system, it’s hard to imagine self-driving cars not requiring infrastructure support at some point to be truly autonomous, particularly within the confinements of a city.
Without an intelligent road system capable of tracking and communicating with cars, there is no redundancy whatsoever for other road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists to rely on; a car doing its own thing is indeed a frightening scenario.
But because auto manufacturers and lawmakers operate at vastly different speeds and motivations, a smart road system supporting self-driving vehicles is an inconvenient but critical aspect rarely touched upon.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=j7VaRWZFz7c
Many lessons will be learned from the first ever death of a pedestrian inflicted by an autonomous vehicle. But unlike the more pertinent issue of hydrocarbon emission reduction (because global warming isn’t a hoax) through the proliferation of electrified vehicles, the glorification and the ‘rush’ to adopt autonomous driving technology may have to be reviewed, if not regulated.
(* The Volvo XC90 was operating on Uber’s self-driving technology during the Arizona accident.)


Hyundai and Kia to invest an additional USD250 million in Grab

It’s not only that, the deal will also see the Korean giants establish a partnership with Grab to spearhead electric vehicle (EV) programmes across Southeast Asia, beginning with Singapore in 2019.
Aside from the focus on utilising EVs to maximise cost efficiency for Grab drivers, the partnership will also involve governments and infrastructure players to improve EV infrastructure in the region, such as providing more quick-charge stations.
The EV partnership will also explore the development of customised maintenance packages to Grab EV drivers and conduct research into how EVs can be most efficiently deployed in Southeast Asia under hot and humid climate conditions.
“As the largest fleet owner of EVs in Singapore, we are excited to establish an industry partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to drive EV adoption across Southeast Asia. We both share a common vision on the electrification of mobility as one of the key foundations for building an environmentally sustainable and lowest-cost transportation platform,” said President of Grab, Ming Maa.
Grab is on track to raise over US$3 billion by the end of this year. Investors in Grab’s current financing round include Booking Holdings, Microsoft, Toyota, and global financial institutions such as OppenheimerFunds, Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, and Citi Ventures.


Toyo Proxes Sport 2 launched in Malaysia – 18-20 inch UHP tyres, from RM700

Toyo Tyres
 today unveiled the new Proxes Sport 2 here in Malaysia, a new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre offering that promises improved handling performance and wet traction over its predecessor.
Offered in 31 sizes ranging from
18- to 20-inches
in diameter, The company says that the new Toyo Proxes Sport 2 will be compatible with a variety of vehicles from C- to F-segment classes, especially those with “high torque powertrains”. Pricing for the new Proxes Sport 2 ranges from
RM700 to RM1,300 per tyre
, depending on size.
The aforementioned improvements come courtesy of Toyo’s latest tyre technologies, including a new advanced asymmetrical tread compound, which is softer on the inside to increase contact surface, and harder on the outside to reduce rib deformation under heavy loads.
The tread pattern also features a new asymmetrical rib layout and what the company calls “dynamic taper design”, both to increase traction during hard braking, and handling feel while cornering, in all conditions.
RELATED:
Toyo Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV launched in Malaysia – 14-19 inches, from RM160!
At the launch event today, Toyo Tyres also brought along its recently launched Open Country A/T III for members of the media to sample. The new all-terrain tyre features a new aggressive tread pattern with increased lateral grooves for improved off-road traction, while also prioritising on-road comfort at the same time, thanks to the company’s proprietary T-Mode and Nano Balance technology.
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is now available at Toyo Centres nationwide in 14 sizes, with prices ranging from
RM500 to RM1,200
 each.
GALLERY


2015 Mazda2 1.5L Skyactiv sedan and hatch launched, CBU Thailand priced from RM85k [+Video]

After much hype and anticipation, the
multi-award winning

Mazda2
 or
Mazda Demio,
 as it is known in Japan, has finally made its way here in both
 sedan
 and
hatchback
 forms. What’s interesting is that both variants
cost exactly

the same
 (the sedan costed
RM2,000 more
 when the
order books opened last October
) and its specifications mirror each other, without having the need to fork out additional cents for the sedan variant.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda2 Hatchback
Mazda2 Sedan
Segment
B-Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1,496cc; inline-4 cyl Skyactiv-G, DOHC
1,496cc; inline-4 cyl Skyactiv-G, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
Max Power
114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR
with
 insurance)
RM87,956.00
RM87,956.00

We’ve seen pre-sale
brochures
 and
spyshots
 of the
2014 Japan Car of the Year
 surfacing in the past few weeks, and the specs seem to conform to the Mazda2 that we are presenting to you today. Let’s get on with it, then.
For starters, this 2 is Mazda’s fourth incarnation of the model, and it’s also the carmaker’s fourth model to be equipped with Mazda’s full suit of
Skyactiv Technology
, after the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3. Seven years after the last Mazda2 was introduced, this all-new model is built from the ground up and loses the Ford Fiesta’s underpinnings it’s previously based on.

EXTERIOR
We used to think the Mazda2 looked really good in pictures, but that changed for the better when we saw the car in the metal. First things first. The 2 is now
longer
 than the previous model, with its wheels positioned farther apart and the
windscreen moved slightly
 to the back. This directly translates to a
better
 and more livable
cabin space
, yet weighs close to 40kg less than before.
On the outside, both Mazda2 variants get reflector-type halogen headlights with manual-leveling switch and daytime running lights (bulb type). No LED DRLs here, which is quite a loss to be frank. We hope it’ll be introduced as an option, fingers crossed.
From the front, the Mazda2 pays close resemblance to its bigger
3 sibling
, thanks to the brand’s signature front grille, now accented in a dash of its body colour. Fog lights come as standard, too. At the rear, it gets rear combination lamps (bulb type, again), reverse sensors aided with a reverse camera.
Underpinning the car is Mazda’s Skyactiv-Chassis, and its suspension spells MacPherson Struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear. Both hatch and sedan variants ride on
16-inch wheels
 wrapped with 185/60R16 series tyres.
The real differences between the two variants are its
boot space
 and
overall length
. The sedan measures at
4,320mm
 compared to the
4,060mm
 of the hatch’s. The sedan is also
25mm taller
 and weighs just
9kg
 more. With the added length, the sedan’s luggage capacity expands to 410 litres compared to the hatch’s 220 litres.

INTERIOR
Stepping inside the Mazda2 is a pleasant affair, because then you realise that you do get what you pay for. How does leather upholstered seats, fully automated air conditioning,
keyless entry
 and
push-start ignition
, driving mode (Normal and Sport), multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with
paddle shifters
 sound to you?
If you’re not convinced, don’t worry, because the next breath you take to read this out loud will. Both Mazda2 get a first-in-class
Head-Up Display
 (Active Driving Display, as Mazda calls it). Also standard in the cabin is the brand’s
MZD Connect system
, granting you a 7-inch LCD display with a rotary knob in the centre.

The MZD Connect supports iPod, USB, SD card, MP3 and CD playback and comes pre-installed with apps like Eco-display, maintenance reminders, warnings and fuel consumption data. The screen is also where the reverse camera will feed its visual aiding job, while
GPS navigation
 is a RM1,200 option. A total of six speakers complete the kit list here. Speaks volume about its value, no?
PERFORMANCE
Like previously reported, under the B-Segment contender’s bonnet is Mazda’s
1.5-litre Skyactiv-G
, four-cylinder DOHC engine that’s good for
114 horsepower
 at 6,000 rpm and
148 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm. It drives the
front wheels
 via a
six-speed Skyactiv-Drive
 automatic transmission. The engine also features the brand’s
i-STOP technology
 which shuts off the engine at idle, thus improving fuel economy.
SAFETY
This baby Mazda doesn’t fall short on the safety front. It comes equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Traction Control System and Mazda’s Dynamic Stability Control.
Dual SRS front airbags
 come with the car as standard, as with ISOFIX child anchor mounts, immobiliser and burglar alarm.
WHAT ELSE?
Both Mazda2 variants are priced at
RM87,956.00
 (on-the-road
with
 insurance) and come in four different colours – Snowflake White Pearl, Aluminium Metallic, Metropolitan Gray and everyone’s favourite, the Soul Red Metallic. It also comes with a
three-year warranty
 and three-year
free scheduled maintenance
. If you’ve always fancied the
Mazda3
 but wouldn’t spend RM139k on a car, then this car right here will be one you cannot resist.
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Mazda2 Hatchback

2015 Mazda2 Hatchback with Optional Bodykit


2017 Honda Civic Hatchback now in Thailand, 1.5 Turbo, no 6-speed manual

Since the Honda Civic sedan was introduced in Thailand back in 2016, Honda Thailand has shifted over 35,000 units of the sedan Civic. Now, the company is offering the hatchback version of the hot selling 10th generation Honda Civic, and it’s also turbocharged, no less.
Teased
 back in February, the Honda Civic is available in a sole 1.5-litre turbo variant. The L15B7 turbocharged four-pot churns out
171 hp
 and
220 Nm
, just like our
local-spec Civic sedan 1.5T
. Unfortunately, the six-speed manual was given a miss, and instead a CVT gearbox is tasked to drive the front wheels.
Exterior styling wise, the hatchback gets a more aggressive front bumper with a unique bee hive grille. At the rear, the overhangs are much shorter, giving it a more pronounced hatchback profile. Unlike the European Civic hatch, the Thai-spec gets hidden exhaust pipes instead of the central mounted dual exhaust tips.
Inside, the features mirror the Civic we have, beginning with the 7-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, TFT Multi-Information Display, remote engine start, multi-angle rear view camera, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, walk away auto lock and emergency stop signal. Unfortunately, due to the hatchback styling, boot space is slightly compromised at 414 litres. However, the rear bench can be folded down with a 60:40 split for more cargo space.
Five colours are available for the Thai Civic Hatchback – a new Midnight Burgundy Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic. Prices for the Thailand Civic Hatchback starts at 1,169,000 baht (RM149k). Honda Malaysia remains firm on their decision to not introduce the Civic Hatchback, citing unjustifiably low demand from the public. Very well, then. We’ll just settle for the Civic Type R instead. Pretty please, Honda Malaysia?
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda Civic Hatchback Thailand

 Civic Hatch

Honda Civic Hatchback Europe


The BMW M2 CS is the F82 generation’s last hurrah

First launched back in 2016, the
F82 BMW M2
 received a mid-life performance bump with the
BMW M2 Competition
 last year.
As BMW is set on introducing the next-generation 2 Series coupe soon (thankfully still in
rear-wheel drive configuration
), the German marque has just introduced the swan song of the F82 M2, the BMW M2 CS.
Building upon the M2 Competition, the same S55
biturbo inline-six engine
 receives a 40 hp dose of power boost, giving the M2 CS a total of
450 hp
 and
550 Nm
 of torque. This brings the 2 Series well within M3 and
M4
 performance territory!
The M2 CS will be available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual. BMW says the DCT version does 0 to 100 km/h in
4.0 seconds
, while the manual version takes 0.2 seconds longer. With the M Driver’s package, the M2 CS will reach a top speed of
280 km/h
.
The M2 CS still retains its rear-wheel drive set-up, with power transmitted via the Active M differential. Improved cooling systems for the engine oil, turbocharger, as well as the transmission oil for the DCT variants help keep the car in peak performance during track sessions.
Suspension set-up on the M2 CS comes standard with BMW’s
Adaptive M suspension
, allowing drivers to switch between different drive modes on different driving situations.
The M2 CS rides on
19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels
 in high-gloss black, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that have been specifically adapted for the M2 CS. As an option, buyers can also choose to dip the wheels in a matt gold colour shade for that extra flair.
Behind those wheels are the new larger brakes, now comprising of 400 mm discs in front paired with six-piston fixed calipers (painted in red!), while the rear discs measures 380 mm, with four-piston calipers.
BMW also fitted the M2 CS with new dual-branch quad tailpipes with electronic flaps inside, setting the tune of the M2 CS befitting to “the BMW M profile” for a complete audiovisual package.
Seeing as it’s the all-out edition of the junior M car, the BMW M2 CS gets a whole host of carbon fibre reinforced plastic parts to differentiate itself from the lower M2s, besides the obvious weight savings.
 The carbon fibre treatment includes the hood – reducing the weight by half compared to a regular steel one, along with the roof, front splitter, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser, and door mirrors. BMW doesn’t mention the total weight savings compared to the M2 Competition, but we assume it’s quite significant given the generous use of carbon fibre.
Inside, the M2 CS gets a motorsport-inspired makeover with an Alcantara steering wheel with optional red centre-marking, as well as M sport seats finished in Merino leather and Alcantara. The centre console was also replaced with a carbon fibre item for extra weight savings.
The BMW M2 CS will be limited to only
2,200 units
, with production to commence in March 2020. We’re pretty sure if not for the performance, the M2 CS will sell out just with the exclusive Misano Blue exterior colour.
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan explains the reason behind its new centre display

Nissan said its approach, as exemplified in the
Nissan Ariya Concept
, prioritises design and vision over trends.
Instead of a tablet-like display at the core of the dashboard, the electric crossover concept has a curved, two-screen display that’s reminiscent of a wave. According to Nissan, it’s representative of the brand’s new “Timeless Japanese Futurism” design language that adds a sense of horizon throughout the car.
“The human eye naturally looks from side to side when driving. People can see and absorb more information if it’s laid out horizontally – peripheral vision works this way,” Nissan said.
“In addition to conveying information more effectively to the human eye, the layout does so from a safer location — in the line of sight, closer to the road. By matching the cabin’s horizon aesthetic, it becomes a seamless part of the dashboard.”
Nissan calls this “
Engawa
” – the undefined space between where you are, and where you are going.
The sweeping display in the Ariya Concept is made up of two screens, where information can be moved between the screens to create a feeling of a single display.
According to Nissan’s design team, it took multiple iterations to arrive to this final product. The team built similar displays into a large black “box” that they affectionately named “the Monolith,” inspired by the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” From there, they started to mould the housing until it became what it is today.


Europe passes law to officially ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2035

After years of considerations and reviews, the European Union has now officially passed the controversial law to formally ban the sale of new internal combustion engine-powered vehicles throughout its 27 nations starting from 2035.
In addition to the ban, carmakers selling vehicles in Europe will also be required to cut their new-car carbon dioxide emissions by 55% before 2030 (compared to 2021 levels), while a 100% reduction will be enforced from 2035. The tailpipe emissions targets will encourage carmakers to focus on hybrid and fully-electric vehicles before the full ban commences.
Small volume carmakers with annual production under 10,000 units will be given a little more leeway, with the ban only being enforced one year later in 2036.
However, this does not mean that internal combustion engines are completely outlawed in 2035. Carmakers can continue producing and utilising internal combustion engines in their vehicles, as long as they do not produce any emissions. That means they can only be powered by carbon-neutral fuels, such as hydrogen and synthetic alternatives (commonly known as e-fuels).
Several carmakers have already been investing heavily in alternative fuels, so this will certainly be a welcome addition to the ban. In recent years, Toyota has been experimenting with
 hydrogen combustion engines
, while Porsche’s synthetic fuel plant in Chile have also
 recently started production
.
RELATED:
 Formula 1 sparks creation of synthetic petrol, to replace fossil fuel
The law will still have to go through a couple more stages before being officially enforced, including being formally endorsed by the Council of the EU and be published in the EU Official Journal. However,
Reuters
 notes that the final approval is expected to be given by March.
Ahead of the 2035 deadline, many carmakers have already announced their own timeline to end production of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Volvo has set its own deadline at 2030, while automotive giant Volkswagen has also committed to stopping production of ICE vehicles in Europe starting 2033.
READ MORE:
 Yet another country set to ban internal combustion engines


Lotus announces name of new sports car – will not feature hybrid systems

In earlier communications, Lotus only identified their new-generation global sportscar as the
Lotus Type 131
. The sports car company known for lightweight driver-focused machines has now released new information on their latest model, to be called the
Emira
.
Pronounced as ‘E-meer-a’, the word is featured in numerous ancient languages and often translates to ‘
commander
’ or ‘
leader
’. It’s highly appropriate as this is the exciting new sports car leading Lotus to a thrilling new future.
Lotus has also confirmed the Emira will
not have electrification
 or a hybrid system attached to its powertrain. The Emira will be powered by a choice of internal combustion engines (ICE) with
an exciting new powertrain partnership
. The additional powertrain option will be new to Lotus, highly efficient, use cutting edge technology and be tuned to help deliver that distinctive Lotus experience.
A three-cylinder turbocharged engine from Geely. It is used in the Volvo XC40, the
Proton X50
 and various Geely models
Lotus has been using Toyota-designed in-line four and V6 engines since the late 90s. Lotus, now a
subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely
 Holding Group, could see turbocharged
three-
 and four-cylinder engines from the parent company being fitted in the new global sports car.
After the Lotus Emira, every new Lotus car will be
electric
, which development of the vehicle will also be joint with
Alpine
, Renault’s performance brand. This new fully electric sports car will use a new flexible and modular platform called E-Sports.
Speaking to
Automotive News Europe
 back in January, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said that this new ICE sports car “will focus on
usability
”, and is “designed so you can live with it on a day-to-day basis”. He also said that the new sports car will hopefully broaden Lotus’ appeal in the United States, giving the Hethel-based sportscar maker “quite substantial growth”.
The Emira
The Evija
“This car will have a wider price point, and that gives us an opportunity in the US,” said Popham. “To be successful in the sports car market you have to be successful in the US.” Due to legal issues and safety regulations, Lotus currently only has the
Evora
 on sale in the states.
The Emira is said to feature plenty of design and styling cues from the fully-electric
Lotus Evija hypercar
. Underneath it is one of
four new platforms
 developed by Lotus. Called the

“Elemental” architecture, it features the signature Lotus
extruded aluminium
 technology.
The Emira
The Evija
The Emira will be unveiled on
July 6th
 at Hethel, Norfolk, where it will be built and will make its public dynamic debut at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed
 two days later.
Locally in Malaysia, the Lotus brand is also making a comeback (of sorts), through
Toycarz Garage
, who will now take on the sales and after-sales roles for the Lotus brand in Malaysia.
GALLERY


Drive it hard, drive it long – the BMW i4 will have over 500 hp

It won’t be anytime soon before the BMW i4 is ready for the public’s eye but the details BMW have shared should be sufficient to whet your appetites for the inevitable electric future.
Based on the next generation
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
, the i4 is set to be capable of
500 hp
 from a single motor placed at the back.

And the claimed performance is simply staggering – 0 to 100 km/h is done in around four seconds with top speed well in excess of 200 km/h.
Positioned flat under the floor, the 80 kWh battery is capable of offering up to
600 km of electric driving range
 and
can be 80% charged in just 35 minutes
.
BMW says the modular powertrain can be applied in various models including all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrids.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Proton X50 vs Honda HR-V vs BMW X1 drag race on the KLIA runway

Following the first video released
last week
, the second installment of our new drag race series on the KLIA runway is just a little different.
This time we have the Proton X50, the Honda HR-V, the BMW X1, and a myth to debunk as we “revisit the same race” that took place in Sepang during the X50 launch.

And just like the unprecedented idea of drag racing on an international airport runway, we figured why not organise a three crossover race that no one has done and seen before in Malaysia!
Proton X50 faster than a BMW X1? On Sepang? Here’s what actually happened!
The Proton X50 clearly has the advantage here, with the most power from 1.5-litre direct-injection 3-cylinder engine with
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
. The BMW with a similar 1.5-litre turbocharged engine only produces
 140 hp
 and
220 Nm
.
The ‘myth’ from the X50 launch in Sepang that we were curious to debunk. Find out more
here
!
The HR-V may put out a little more horsepower than the X1 at
142 hp
but it’s only got
 172 Nm
. That being said, the HR-V does have the advantage of having a naturally-aspirated engine for better throttle response. That should help it get off the line more effectively but who knows?
Find out who gets to brag about having the most powerful crossover in Malaysia!
Watch last week’s video here!


BMW’s sixth-gen EV battery offers 30% longer range and faster charging

BMW
 has unveiled its newly developed sixth-gen battery that will be used for the first time in the Neue Klasse starting from 2025. Boasting new round battery cells instead of the prism-shaped cells in the fifth-generation batteries, BMW says the new batteries provide a longer driving range and are faster to charge.
The Neue Klasse will be spearheaded by an
electric version of the BMW 3 series
 and a new version of the
BMW iX3
. With the sixth-gen BMW battery, the
Neue Klasse
 is set to gain an array of advantages:
• 30% longer range
• 30% shorter charging time
• 20% higher energy density
• 60% less emissions for battery production
• 50% lower cost
Credit is due to the new cell format and enhanced cell chemistry. There is higher nickel content on the cathode side, lower overall cobalt content, and increased silicon content on the anode side. The round cells are 46 mm in diameter and come in two different heights.
Another advantage of the sixth-generation battery is that it can be flexibly integrated into the body, thus eliminating the cell module level. The Neue Klasse will be built with an 800 V architecture that can support 500 A charging.
RELATED:
Is this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?
BMW AG member of the Board of Management responsible for Development, Frank Weber said, “The newly developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20%, improve charging speed by up to 30% and enhance range by up to 30%. We are also reducing CO
2
 emissions from cell production by up to 60%. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits.”
The BMW Group has set itself the goal of bringing manufacturing costs for fully-electric models down to the same level as vehicles with state-of-the-art combustion-engine technology.
RELATED:
BMW hints at all-electric M3, says no one cares if there’s no engine
BMW AG member of the Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, Joachim Post said, “To meet our long-term needs, we will be building battery cell factories with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in key markets for us: two in China, two in Europe and two in USMCA.”
“We have also reached agreement with our partners that they will use a percentage of secondary material for the raw materials lithium, cobalt, and nickel, as well as utilising green power for production, to ensure CO
2
-reduced manufacturing.”
Concerning battery production, BMW AG has awarded contracts worth above ten billion Euros for the production of BMW battery cells. For BMW batteries, CATL and EVE Energy will both build two gigafactories in China and Europe with each factory having a total annual capacity 20 GWh. Two more battery cell factories are planned in the North American free trade zone.
Regarding future battery technology and the supply of raw materials, BMW says the sixth-generation battery technology also offers the option of using cathodes made of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) for the first time. This means the critical raw materials (cobalt and nickel) can then be avoided entirely in the cathode material. In parallel, the BMW Group is also pushing forward with the development of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).


Volkswagen has a really cool new colour for the Golf R

And it’s called the Indium Grey and word is that there are only a few units available in Malaysia with this shade of grey.
The new Indium Grey colour exclusively for the
5-door Golf R we reviewed
 a few months back will feature alongside the existing colours – Lapiz Blue, Pure White and Deep Black – at
no additional cost
.

As for the 3-door model in the video above, Volkswagen Malaysia only brought in 10 units of them, and they’re already sold out.
The ballistic
Mk7.5 Golf R
makes
290 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.1 seconds onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new 2023 Honda CR-V set for ASEAN debut in Thailand this month

Honda Thailand has announced that the
all-new sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V
will be making its regional debut later this month at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show. The announcement was brief and included only two teaser photos, but it does reveal some very important details for the model offering in Thailand.
Chief of which is the model’s powertrain options. In Thailand, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will be offered with a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid mill in its range-topping RS variant, alongside a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine for the other variants.
If the 2.0-litre e:HEV engine sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same unit found on the Civic e:HEV RS hybrid that was launched in Malaysia late last year. On the CR-V, however, the e:HEV hybrid mill (based on international specifications) now makes up to
207 hp
and
371 Nm
 of torque, compared to 184 hp and 315 Nm on the Civic.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, meanwhile, is carried over from the pre-facelift model, boasting
 193 hp
 and
242 hp
. Both powertrain options are paired to a CVT gearbox (e-CVT for the hybrid), and according to the images provided by Honda Thailand, it’ll also still be offered with an all-wheel drive option – on the turbocharged powertrain option at least.
RELATED:
11% of Honda HR-V buyers in Malaysia opted for the hybrid e:HEV RS variant
Honda Thailand also mentions that the Honda Sensing advanced driver assist systems will be standard across all variants. As for the rest of the equipment, we’ll probably have to wait for the model’s actual launch in Thailand on the 22nd of March.
With the e:HEV mill making its debut on the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V in Thailand, it’s likely that we’ll also see the same hybrid powertrain in the SUV when it’s launched here in Malaysia. As for when it’ll be launched, though, we’re guessing it’s probably going to be towards the latter months this year – although camouflaged test mules have already been spotted in the country.
ALSO READ:
 2023 Honda CR-V transformed into 800 hp hybrid track weapon


Volkswagen Malaysia offers 0% downpayment and interest on selected models for Hari Raya

It’s that time of the year again. Hari Raya brings back memories of family reunions, visiting friends at open houses and not to forget the
rendang and lemang
. Volkswagen is now giving a rather compelling reason for everyone to balik kampung in a brand new VW thanks to its zero downpayment and zero interest offer. No, you did not read that wrong.
Starting from
1 June to 31 July 2015
, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) will collaborate with
five leading banks
 (Affin Bank, AmBank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank and Public Bank) to offer a range of their cars this festive season with a total savings of up to
RM48,000
.
Models
Polo Hatchback
Polo Sedan
Jetta
Golf TSI
 (not inclusive of GTI and R variants)
Passat
Tiguan
 (1.4 TSI only)
Savings
RM22,000
RM23,000
RM34,000
RM42,000
RM44,000
RM48,000
5 years monthly repayment
RM1,399
RM1,399
RM2,099
RM2,499
RM2,699
RM2,899
7 years monthly repayment
RM999
RM999
RM1,499
RM1,799
RM1,899
RM2,099
The
No Downpayment, Zero Interest
 campaign will be ongoing throughout the promotion period at
all authorised Volkswagen dealerships
. To make things a little sweeter, if you drop by
Setia City Mall
 this
12 till 14 June
, you will receive a
 RM500
 petrol voucher when you
place an order
 for your new Volkswagen.


Lotus Evija goes pedal to the metal on track with no driving aids

The development of the first all-electric Lotus hypercar, the
Lotus Evija
, is well underway as the British carmaker prepares for start of production next year.
In a newly released video, the 2000 hp Evija is seen testing on track at Hethel, UK – Lotus’s base – with all driving aids and torque vectoring switched off.

Lotus has three prototype on test for the Evija, and the one featured in this test is engineering prototype #2, which is the most advanced chassis of all three.
The prototype features final production-specification suspensions, EV powertrain, brakes and carbon-fibre body panels, and hydraulics system for the deployment of the car’s active aerodynamics.
Prototype #2 also features the most complete interior of the bunch, with key elements such as the ‘ski slope-style’ floating centre console already in place.
In the driving seat for the all-electric prototype is Gavan Kershaw, Lotus Cars Director of Attributes and Product Integrity. He noted that “The car is in a completely pure state at the moment, with
no stability control or torque-vectoring
.
“This is so we can evaluate the fundamentals of the chassis, to create the mechanical advantage before the other layers, such as the electronics, are added. It means we can really read the car. Later we can tune what we’ve gained as a mechanical advantage as we add layers.
“It’s the Lotus way – get the fundamentals right from the start and use baseline aerodynamics, suspension kinematics and geometry to feel the vehicle’s response,” Kershaw added.
However, Lotus purists may still argue that the true Lotus way, “simplify, then add lightness”, is long gone now, with the Evija coming in at
1680 kg
, despite being carbon fibre bodied.
Contributing to the significant weight is the four electric motors that produce
 2,000 hp
 and
1,700 Nm
 – making it the most powerful production hypercar in the world come 2020.
The production-specification Lotus Evija will use a
70 kWh
 battery. Range is estimated at
400 km
 on the WLTP scale, and can be topped off in
9 minutes
 with a 800 kW charger.
Kershaw reaffirms that the Evija will still drive like a Lotus. “I feel really at home in it, it’s really driveable. We assessed the stability and agility through tight corners. We did brisk accelerations to work out the torque split and looked at tyre grip and response.
“It’s also about bringing in experience from other vehicles – what we know from driving Exige and Evora, the Lotus GT race cars – and making sure that core Lotus DNA is all at its absolute best in the Evija.”


Kia Picanto now the most affordable car with Apple CarPlay thanks to GST rebate

Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has announced a GST rebate campaign in light of Pakatan Harapan Government’s decision to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) to zero percent.
Effective 18 May to 30 May 2018, the company will honour the lower purchase price with a 6 percent GST reimbursement. Eligible customers will receive instant cash redemption during this interim before the Ministry of Finance (MoF) establishes the new Sales & Services Tax (SST).
Most Kia models (not the entire range, similar to
Honda
), will see a price reduction of between RM2,000 to RM10,000. The Kia Picanto, the cheapest non-national car now starts from RM47,888 while models like the Sorento HS Diesel and Grand Karnival (EX & KX) gets a rebate of RM10,000. NKM will honour this price list for customers who purchased a new Kia model before 31 May 2018.
NKM is in full support of the new Government’s initiatives and is looking forward to passing on any further benefit(s) that may or may not arise from the new tax structure to its customers. Now that car prices for
local
 and
German makes
 alike have come down a bit, we have broken down whether you should
take advantage of this “tax-free holiday” and buy a new car now
.


Caltex Power Diesel Euro 5 with Techron D launched, 3X more cleaning power!

Chevron Malaysia Limited, the distributor of Caltex fuels has just officially launched their Euro 5 compliant diesel – Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D at the Caltex station in Glenmarie.
Caltex Power Diesel, being a Euro 5, boasts
less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur
 compared to regular Euro 2M diesels which contains 500 ppm. This significantly reduces carbon emissions or the black smog commonly found in diesel vehicles that use lower grade fuel.
Caltex Power Diesel’s Fuel Specialist and Product Engineer, Mr. Philip Chee explains that Chevron’s Techron D contains
three times more
 cleaning agents as compared to the regular Euro 2M diesel. This in turn cleans the carbon deposits on the fuel injectors, allowing for a more complete combustion cycle which returns better fuel economy, better emissions as well as restoration of lost power.
Chee also highlighted that if an old vehicle that has been fuelling up with Euro 2M fuel all these while, upon switching to Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D, will immediately notice the aforementioned benefits such as lesser black smog, smoother power delivery and increase in vehicle performance. In fact, he mentioned that these benefits can be experienced by the drivers upon switching to any Caltex fuel with Techron technology.
The company plans to first introduce their Euro 5 diesel at key areas with high market demand such as expressway exits, Klang Valley and Johor. The fuel will be continuously rolled out at these stations in the coming months. However, no specific stations have been named. As with the
recent reduction of fuel prices
 in December, the Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D is priced at
RM1.95 per litre
, only 10 sen more than the regular Euro 2M diesel.


BHPetrol Malaysia brings Infiniti Euro5 Diesel to Klang Valley [+Video]

BHPetrol once again takes the lead by introducing Euro5 diesel to the Klang Valley, after being the first petroleum company to bring in the fully-imported fuel in Johor last November.
As of today, only the Sg Besi Highway BHP station is selling the
 RM2.05 fuel
 (10 sen more than Euro2 diesel), with at least
eight other stations
 set to introduce the fuel
by 13 August 2015
. These stations are – BHPetrol Subang Airport, Jalan Genting Klang (KL bound), MRR2 Highway, Kesas Highway (KL bound), Mutiara Damansara, Pulau Indah Highway, Jalan Batu Caves and Taman Connaught, Cheras (click
here
 for full address). The company aims to introduce their Infiniti Euro5 diesel to at least 20 stations in the Klang Valley.
BHPetrol’s Infiniti Euro5 diesel is an extremely clean fuel with
 considerably low sulphur content

of 10 ppm
(parts per million), compared to Euro2m’s 500 ppm. Besides being a much cleaner fuel than the existing Euro2 diesel, Euro5 is mixed with
high grade German additives
 to ensure that diesel engines can operate smoothly without suffering from premature wear or damage. It can also go as far as to increase the engine’s performance by
delivering more power
 whilst
yielding better fuel economy
.
In the video above, our peers from Car Malaysia magazine put three vehicles –
BMW 520d
, Nissan Navara and
Peugeot 508 GT
 to the test to see just how much gains one can get by making the switch from Euro2 to Euro5 diesel. The results speak for themselves, with all three vehicles experiencing power and torque increase, most notably the Navara which
gained close to 39 Nm
 of torque!
The introduction of Euro5 diesel in Malaysia will certainly encourage more car manufacturers to bring in diesel variants from their stable. After all, that’s the prospect all of us are looking forward to, no? Mazda, if you’re reading this, it’s about time to call upon the
Mazda2 Skyactiv-D
‘s arrival. Meanwhile, click
here
 to read BHPetrol Malaysia’s explanation on some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Euro5 diesel.


Ferrari to help combat Covid-19 with production of ventilators

After halting production on its majestic horses at the Maranello factory, Ferrari and parent company Fiat Chrysler are now switching their attention to the people of Italy by helping the country’s largest ventilator manufacturer boost its production, according to
Petrolicious
.
Reports claimed that Siare Engineering, a Bologna based company specialising in health monitors and ventilation devices, is now in talks with the automotive giants and Italian parts maker, Marelli, to produce parts and assist with assembly.
If the companies can shake on it, it could see Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler lending a hand at Siare Engineering’s facilities or that production of ventilators taking place in Maranello. Talk about coming together for the greater good, this is truly touching.
Specific arrangements have yet to be confirmed but
Petrolicious
 speculates that the latter option would be more viable given the inactivity at Maranello as Ferrari’s Formula 1 team is also on hiatus.


Volkswagen is planning for the Beetle’s return, as an electric car

Having confirmed just a few months ago that the
current generation Beetle would not be replaced
 once production ends next year, Volkswagen is now mulling the return of the iconic model with modern twist.
Should it be given the go-ahead by Volkswagen’s chiefs, it will not only
 adopt an electric powertrain
 but will also feature
a four-door layout and rear-wheel drive configuration
 (currently FWD) based on the original Type 1 Beetle from the 1940s, according to
Autocar
.
The Original Type 1 Beetle, as featured in our
two-part Throwback Thursday series
.
The “new Beetle” would most likely utilise Volkswagen’s MEB platform which underpins all of the brand’s new electric cars
under the ID badge
.
The transition to a 4-door layout indicates Volkswagen’s intentions to move away from the two-door niche in order to sell more cars, much like what MINI did by introducing a 5-door Cooper, but would a mass-market Beetle tamper with the long-cultivated charm of a Beetle?
Isn’t that why we all adore the Beetle so much? Because it’s such a niche vehicle; partly due to its low sales volume.
The
new Microbus
, scheduled for debut by 2022, will be making its return as an electric vehicle under Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
Whether or not it would dilute the Beetle brand or actually help Volkswagen pump up its sales numbers, one thing seems to be for certain. Volkswagen representatives have claimed that a Beetle built on the MEB platform would offer
loads of cabin space
 without compromise on its functionality.
Don’t get your cheque books out just yet though. Despite the keen interests, Volkswagen’s representatives have added that the decision to put the electric Beetle into production will not be finalised until the beginning of the next decade.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches the facelifted C-Class – C200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is continuing its product offensive with one of its most successful models ever; with the new, significantly updated model of the C-Class.
The “family” is now made up of the C200 Avantgarde Line, C300 AMG Line and an even more powerful C43 AMG 4MATIC.
C200 Avantgarde Line
C300 AMG Line
Engine
1.5-litre turbocharged with EQ Boost
2.0-litre turbocharged
Max Power
184 hp + 13 hp (w/ EQ Boost)
258 hp
Max Torque
280 Nm + 160 Nm (w/ EQ Boost)
370 Nm
0-100 km/h; Top Speed
7.7 secs / 239 km/h
5.9 secs / 250 km/h
Price
RM 259,888
RM 304,888
The Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde Line is powered by the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt on-board generator, known as the EQ Boost, for an additional 13 hp and 160 Nm of torque on top of the
 184 hp
 and
280 Nm
 available. Completing the powertrain is a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
As for the exterior, you’ll get a set of newly designed 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, twin tailpipe exhaust system and newly-designed LED High Performance headlamps, to go with a more aggressive front and rear bumper design.
Inside, the standard features include a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, a new high resolution 10.25-inch media display and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel.
In terms of driver assistance systems, the updated C200 Avantgarde is added with Blind Spot Assist, on top of the active parking assist and cruise control features.
C300 AMG Line
As for the C300 AMG Line, it gets
258 hp
 and
370 Nm
 from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, similarly paired to the 9G-TRONIC transmission. Unlike the C200, the C300’s ride is supplemented by the AIRMATIC suspension.
Unlike the previous C300, the new car gets the grille from the pre-facelift C43 AMG 4MATIC, along with 19-inch five twin spoke AMG wheels, Multibeam LED headlamps, and of course the AMG Line bits.
Inside, you get similar displays from the C200 but it’s more plush with Nappa leather, black open pore ash wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester Sound System. The interior can be had in either black, brown or red. Also new to the C300 is the Active Lane Keeping Assist system.
The C200 Avantgarde is priced at
RM259,888
, while the C 300 AMG Line carries a
RM304,888
 price tag. The new C-Class will be available with the Flex-C financing services from as low as RM 2,688 (22% downpayment and 3-year tenure). The Flex-C deal will also be offered with a complimentary first year tyre and rim insurance package until 31st December 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY
C200 Avantgarde Line

C300 AMG Line


2015 Mitsubishi Triton revealed in Thailand, with new 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT diesel [+Video]

Mitsubishi
 Motors Corporation
 (MMC) unveiled the latest generation
Triton
, with a range of engines including an all-new
2.4-litre MIVEC VGT diesel
. Current Triton is nine years old now and still looks futuristic (for a truck) even today but the game has moved on and Mitsubishi claimed that new Triton was developed to be the “Ultimate Sport Utility Truck”.

EXTERIOR
On the new Triton, the curvy styling evolves from the current Triton, so some might mistaken it as a facelift job. Although the nose is noticeably different especially with the new grille design, and the headlights incorporate
 LED daytime running lights
 as well.

From the side it’s familiarly Triton with its trademark
J-line design
 between the cab and the cargo bed.

INTERIOR
The new interior is even more car-like with updated materials, better sound insulation, and more tech equipment such as the
seven-inch head unit
 with navigation and
reverse camera
,
automatic climate control
, and
multi-function steering wheel
. The drive mode now can be selected by twisting the selector knob on the center console instead of the secondary lever next to the gear lever in the current Triton.

PERFORMANCE
Three different engines will be offered in the new Triton, a
2.4-litre petrol
 with
126 hp
 and
194 Nm
 of torque, a
2.5-litre diesel
 with
 126 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque or
175 hp
 with
400 Nm
 of torque, and the all-new
2.4-litre diesel
 with
 179 hp
 and
430 Nm
 of torque.
The new
2.4-litre MIVEC VGT diesel
 is claimed to be quieter and have
20% better fuel efficiency
 compared to the 2.5-litre unit. The engines are paired to a choice of
five
 or
 six speed manual transmission
, or a
five speed automatic
.
WHAT ELSE?
The new Triton will be built in Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Laem Chabang plant in Chonburi and naturally, Thailand will be the first to get the Triton. No Malaysia launch date has been announced yet but expect the new Triton to arrive at our shores in the first quarter of 2015 at the earliest.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
2014 Mitsubishi Triton launch event in Malaysia

[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Chevrolet Colorado launched in Malaysia, 5 variants, priced from RM100k

If there’s one pickup truck that’s been on the sidelines for far too long, it would be the Chevrolet Colorado. With 500 Nm of torque produced out of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel, it boggles the mind why we don’t see more of this on the road.
Today, Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, have launched the facelifted Colorado. Prices start from RM100k to RM133k (including GST and insurance), and there are three engine variants powering five Colorado trims.
QUICK FACTS
Variant
2.5 LT (Manual)
2.5 LT (Automatic)
2.5 LTZ
2.8 LTZ
2.8 High Country
Engine
2,499cc; inline-4 with Fixed Geometry Turbo, DOHC
2,499cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo, DOHC
2,776cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic with Manual Mode Function
Max Power
163 hp @ 3,600 rpm
180 hp @ 3,600 rpm
193 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Max Torque
380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
440 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Price (with GST and Insurance)
RM99,991.28
RM107,948.20
RM115,031.12
RM124,916.00
RM132,874.48
EXTERIOR
This facelift exercise is rather extensive, but they are mostly aesthetic enhancements inside and out. The front fascia is comprised of a new grille, halogen reflector headlamps with LED DRLs, halogen fog lamps, chromed tailgate handle with built-in rear view camera, as well as three brand new rim designs.

For LTZ and High Country variants, a Flip Remote Control Key grants Remote Engine Start and Automatic Air Conditioning features as standard. Both the 2.5 and 2.8 LTZ variants sit on 18-inch dual tone wheels, as will the High Country variant, albeit differing in design. All are shod with 265/60 section tyres. The LT duo make do with 16-inch six-spoke wheels (245/70 rubbers).
INTERIOR
Inside, the most affordable LT trims come with manual climate controls, 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay (supports Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and USB inputs), four-speaker system and fabric upholstery.

The rest of the range gets a seven-speaker Premium Sound System, 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, leather upholstery and electrochromic rear view mirror. The steering wheel here also gets audio and phone controls, including cruise control.
PERFORMANCE
All five variants of the Colorado are all-wheel drive. This can be configured on the fly through an electronic 4WD system, which comes as standard for all. The base LT variant (six-speed MT) is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with Fixed Geometry Turbo, outputting
163 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. The LT (AT) and LTZ share the same 2.5-litre lump as the LT (MT), but thanks to Variable Geometry Turbo, the engine produces
180 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque.
The top of the range mill is the same
2.8-litre turbodiesel
 from before, making
193 hp
 and a staggering
500 Nm
 of torque. All horsepower and torque figures peak at 3,600 rpm and 2,000 rpm respectively. Automatic variants have six working cogs that can be manually selected through the Manual Mode Function.
SAFETY
Standard safety equipments include three airbags (two front, one driver knee), rear view camera, rear sensors, ABS with EBD and Panic/Emergency Brake Assist. LTZ trims upwards will receive Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, front parking sensors, ESC, Traction Control System, Anti-Rolling Protection, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Extensive, no?
WHAT ELSE?
According to Chevrolet Malaysia, the first 100 customers to purchase the facelifted Colorado will get
three years free service
 on top of the standard
5-Year or 200,000km manufacturer
 warranty package. Just five colours will be on offer: Summit White, Black Meet Kettle, Switchblade Silver, Blue Mountain and Pull Me Over Red.
IMAGE GALLERY
Chevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ

Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country

One-off Chevrolet Colorado (For display only)


2015 MINI Clubman unveiled, now bigger and has six doors [+Video]

Five was the maximum number of doors that can be had on a new
MINI
, until the arrival of the second generation
F54 MINI Clubman
 that comes with a total of
six doors
.
MINI is stretching the hatch even further, offering more doors and more space than before, and for the first time ever, it’s available with an
eight-speed gearbox
.
EXTERIOR
The new Clubman dropped the asymmetrical driver-side suicide doors in favour of a couple regular opening doors on each side, but it’s still keeping the split rear barn doors, making it a full-fledged six-door MINI. The Clubman is
90 mm wider
 and
270 mm longer
 than the
MINI 5 door
, and
100 mm
 of that goes to the
wheelbase
.
More work has been done to distinguish the new Clubman from the lesser-doored siblings this time, so it’ll be easier to spot one even from the front. The recognisable face has been updated with a
new grille
 and a
new bumper
 that incorporates
Air Curtain
 vents.
Full-LED lights
 can be specified and that includes a pair of
LED foglamps
 as well.

Another vent is featured on each side of the front fenders and they’re the same
Air Breather
 vents that appeared on some BMW models that works in conjunction with the Air Curtains for an optimum air flow around the front wheels. Above that, the side scuttle design is new with unique shape for the signal indicator.
The two ridges at the edge of the roof are carried over from the previous Clubman, and buyers can opt for
roof rails
,
panoramic glass roof
, and even a red
LED status light
 on the antenna for the alarm system.
The usual vertical MINI tail lights have been rotated 90 degrees on the Clubman, and they’re now fixed to the
rear barn doors
 unlike the predecessor. With the optional
Comfort Access
, the rear doors can be opened via the remote or just by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
INTERIOR
Most of the interior bits are new and exclusive for the Clubman. The circular center panel is retained, together with the instrument panel that’s attached to the steering wheel column, and also some basic switches, knobs, and toggles. What’s new is the
dashboard
 with flatter design and a couple of new outer air-cond vents, as well as redesigned panel for each door.

The center console has been cleaned up with
electronic parking brake switch
 replacing the old-school handbrake lever, and the base of the console now incorporates the center armrest. Both the
 front seats
 comes with
optional electrical adjustments
, while the
 rear bench
 will accept three persons and
splits 40:20:40
.
There’s
360 litres
 worth of cargo space at the back, and it can be extended by
up to 1,250 litres
 with the rear seats folded down. The pillars in the middle of the rear split doors are said to be slimmer this time, and it should improve rear visibility especially from the driver’s seat.
PERFORMANCE
The Clubman shares the same underpinning as the other smaller MINIs, which means transversely-mounted engine up front driving the front wheels. Three turbocharged engines were announced for the new Clubman: a
1.5-litre petrol three-pot
 in the
Cooper
, a
2.0-litre petrol four
 in the
Cooper S
, and a
 2.0-litre four banger diesel
 in the
 Cooper D
.
The
 smaller petrol
 engine generates
136 hp
 and
220 Nm
 while the
bigger petrol
 engine develops
192 hp
 and
280 Nm
, and both comes with
overboost
 function that brings
additional 10 Nm
 on the Cooper and
20 Nm
 on the Cooper S. The
Diesel
 mill produces
150 hp
 and
330 Nm
.
All variants come with a
six-speed manual gearbox
, but the
four-cylinder engines
 can also be paired to an
eight-speed automatic with Launch Control
. The
three-cylinder engine
 however, comes with the familiar
six-speed automatic torque converter
. The sprint time from
0 to 100 km/h
 is
9.1 seconds
 for the
Cooper
,
7.2 seconds
 (7.1 auto) for the
Cooper S
, and
8.6 seconds
 (8.5 auto) for the
Cooper D
, while the
top speed
 is
205 km/h
,
228 km/h
, and
212 km/h
 respectively.

SAFETY
All five occupants get their own
three-point seatbelts
, and
six airbags
 are fitted as standard. The camera-based
Driving Assistant
 is available as an option, and it features
 high beam assistant
, road sign detection, and
active cruise control with auto braking
.
WHAT ELSE?
Since it’s a MINI, the Clubman is offered with the long list of MINI customisation options. Inside, options such as the
MINI Yours Interior Styles
 and the
MINI Excitement Package
 allow buyers to choose various trims, seats, and steering design, while the outside can be specified with various designs for the mirror caps and the side scuttles, as well as several rim designs and sizes.
In the UK, the new Clubman is slated for launch this autumn and it is priced from £19,995 (RM118k est).
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Mazda CX-9 to debut at Los Angeles, flagship SUV will likely get a 2.5L Skyactiv turbo

It’s official. Mazda Motor Corporation will take the wraps off their all-new flagship SUV, the Mazda CX-9. This second-gen iteration has been a long time coming, considering that its world debut was back in 2008. Some seven years and two facelifts later, the time has come for a succeeding model.
This three-row midsize crossover SUV will get Mazda’s full suite of latest Skyactiv technologies, including the brand’s signature KODO – Soul of Motion design theme. Judging by how they positioned the previous CX-9, we can expect nothing but the best of cabin quality, including an entirely new exterior look.
The Mazda CX-9 will share the Mazda6’s platform and 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine which is rumoured to be turbocharged
Previously, the CX-9’s platform was shared with the Mazda6 (a loosely-based Ford CD3 Platform) which, at its front end, accommodated Ford’s
3.7-litre Cyclone
 engine. The
270 hp V6
 engine was transversely mounted and paired with
Aisin’s six-speed automatic
 torque converter. Speaking of numbers, one particular figure to look out for is its new kerb weight, including the new powertrain.
The 2015 Los Angeles Motor Show will take place from 20 to 29 November, but full details of this brand new SUV will be disclosed on 18 November. Watch this space!


Jaguar F-Pace SVR is the most hardcore F-Pace to date, 5.0L supercharged V8

Jaguar Land Rover’s customisation arm, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), has given the F-Pace the SVR treatment to make it the fastest and most powerful F-Pace yet. The
2017 World Car of the Year
 now packs a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 giving it 542 hp and 680 Nm of torque.
All that V8 grunt is sent to all four corners via an SVR-calibrated eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission, sending the F-Pace from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.3 seconds
 with a new top speed of
283 km/h
. The supercharged V8 is complemented by
Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System
 that delivers a thunderous soundtrack befitting of a souped-up Jaguar. The SVR exhaust is also 6.6 kg lighter than the standard system.

To manage the 44% increase in grunt compared to the
standard F-Pace
, engineers at SVO has purposefully tuned all aspects of the vehicle’s dynamics – all-wheel-drive system, Adaptive Dynamics suspension, sifter front and rear springs (30 and 10% stiffer respectively), anti-roll bar, larger brake discs (395 mm front; 396 mm rear), Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and Dynamic Driving Mode. All these give the F-Pace SVR even greater body control and agility.
The F-Pace SVR rides on 21-inch lightweight forged alloys as standard but the optional 22-inch alloy wheels are what the enthusiastic drivers would want. The larger alloys are not only wider at the rear by 25 mm compared to the front to give the SUV better handling but also lighter by 2.4 kg on the front and 1.7 kg lighter at the rear. They are also designed to deliver greater airflow to the uprated brakes for better cooling under heavy usage.
Inside, the F-Pace SVR’s sporty intent is highlighted by the new Slimline Performance front seats with lozenge quilting and SVR embossed logo, Sport Shift selector, SVR steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters and supportive rear seats.
Four interior colour themes are unique to the SVR variant: Red with Jet, Light Oyster with Jet, Siena Tan with Jet and Jet with Light Oyster stitching. Despite its high-performance nature, the creature comforts and practicality of a regular F-Pace have been retained – they include a 10-inch touchscreen Touch Pro infotainment system, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, onboard 4G WiFi and the all-important 650 litres of boot space.
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Here we go again: Next-gen 2023 BMW i5, 5 Series leaked ahead of debut next week

We’re only five days away from the official launch of the next-generation all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series, but images of the executive sedan (and its
fully electric counterpart, the i5
) have already been leaked online, giving us an almost complete first look of the car.
The images currently circulating online come courtesy of
Wilcoblok

on Instagram, who also brought us our first images of the
BMW iX1
 and
2 Series coupe
. This time, though, the serial leaker has presumably got into trouble with the suits in BMW management, because the original leaked post has now been deleted. Of course, once something is online, it never truly goes away.
Image: Wilcoblok via
headlightmag.com
As usual, we’ll pass off judgement until the car is actually launched, but the two leaked images already give us a pretty good idea of how the car will look like. The usual 5-er three-box silhouette is retained here, with its long bonnet emphasised by the taller and more upright front fascia.
The bonnet section of the car, meanwhile, looks to be shortened significantly, with the actual boot lid now given a slight slope to complement the raked windshield, resulting in a fastback-esque appearance.
READ MORE:
BMW i5 teased in pre-production testing ‘spyshots’ – fully-electric 5 Series coming this year
Image: Wilcoblok via
headlightmag.com
Looking in detail, the headlamps appear to sport a more “angry eyes” shape, and now comes with a daytime running light signature that can best be described as two parentheses. Between them is the new taller kidney grille, with a more angular shape that’s inspired by the BMW XM. The lower bumper meanwhile features the new hexagonal lower air intake that was first seen on the new facelifted
G20 BMW 3 Series
.
As for the rear, the tail lights are now significantly more minimalist than before, taking on the slim horizonal profile of the
all-new BMW 7 Series
.
The all-new next-generation 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 is set for official debut on May 24. We don’t know too much about it yet, aside from the fact that it’ll be offered in internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) options. Expect the ICE options to feature mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrains too.
On the EV side, the 2023 BMW i5 will be offered in at least two variants, including the
M60 xDrive and eDrive40
. BMW’s Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus will be on offer depending on variant, powered by the ninth-generation Vertical Dynamics Management system.
Interested? The all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 is already
open for registration of interest (ROI) here in Malaysia
.


Porsche once designed a fully-electric van

Porsche has published a set of 15 different car designs from 2005 to 2019, which have until now been kept under lock and key, as part of its Porsche Unseen collection. The full collection will be released over the next few weeks, but to start things off, Porsche has given us a closer look at three of these models which never made to production, from initial sketches to finished clay models.
Porsche says that these models were not designed to be actual cars to go on the road, but instead as design studies to establish a “creative space and a relationship with the future”. In simpler terms, the studies are made to imagine how the Porsche brand might evolve in the future, acting sort of as guidelines for the design languages of all models in the long-term.
Porsche 919 Street
The first one of the three unveiled today is the Porsche 919 Street, which is basically the Porsche 919 LMP1 race car imagined for the public roads. The somewhat imaginary 919 Street concept takes on the same dimensions as the Le Mans racer, and is also built on the same carbon-chassis monocoque, and features the same 900 hp engine.
Certainly not for the faint hearted, but Porsche says it’s meant to “make the exhilarating driving experience of the LMP1 race car available to amateur drivers”. How incredible would it be if they actually made this an actual car to rival the likes of the
Aston Martin Valkyrie
?
What’s that on the right, Porsche?
Hidden behind one of the shots of the Porsche 919 Street is also another clay model of a compact SUV still in the works. Is this Porsche’s way of teasing the
all-electric Porsche Macan
 that we’ve previously heard about? We’ll only know when the car is launched – but if true, that’s pretty sneaky!
Porsche Vision Spyder
The next model shown off in the Porsche Unseen collection is the Porsche Vision Spyder, a tiny little roof-less sports car that features design elements like nothing we’ve seen on any previous Porsche models – such as the slim vertical headlights up front.
Inspired by the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954, we choose to believe that this model also contributed to the
911 Speedster
 that was launched in our country earlier this year. Just like the Speedster, the Porsche Vision Spyder also features a pretty spartan and puristic cockpit – designed to keep the driver focused on the drive.
Porsche says that this study was designed specifically to further develop the “design identity” of Porsche, with a pool of ideas – such as the modern angular roll bar – to be used on similar models in the future.
Porsche Vision “Renndienst”
For us though, the most interesting of the lot here is the Porsche Vision “Renndienst”, which is a fully-electric van-like model of sorts – yes, you read that right. The futuristic “space shuttle” is designed to study how the iconic Porsche flavour can be transferred to an unknown vehicle segment for the brand.
The “comfortable and modular travel cabin” is designed to fit six adults, and the driver sits right front and centre of the cabin – like Gordon Murray’s
GMA T.50
, except this isn’t a sports car but a people carrier! Just like most modern electric drivetrains, all of the electric components of the Vision “Renndienst” are located under the passenger cell in the form of a skateboard, which helps increase its interior space.
The rest of the models will be slowly revealed by Porsche, and you’ll be able to see for yourself on their
Newsroom
. We’ll be taking a closer look at some of the more interesting ones – like the Porsche electric van here – as they are released, but if you’re an avid Porsche collector, all 15 models will be published in a 328 page Porsche Unseen book, filled with photos to show them off in all of their glory.
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Video: When was the last time you checked your car’s tyres?

The festive season is here and you know what that means – “balik kampung” madness. Before heading on that long drive, even to a holiday retreat, we can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your tyres are in optimum condition.
The tyres are
the only contact point between your car and the road
 so needless to say, good traction is highly dependent on how they’ve been maintained and taken care of.
So when was the last time you paid any attention to your tyres? Are you aware if your tyres can survive a gruelling journey back to your hometown? We hope this video can prepare you for your upcoming trip. Safe travels!


Genesis G90 “copied and pasted” its emblem outline onto front grille!

The all-new Genesis G90 has finally been detailed for its major market, the US. Hyundai’s luxury arm has certainly used as many new technologies as possible for this flagship limousine to compete with the likes of the
latest Mercedes-Benz S Class
, the upcoming new-generation
BMW 7 Series
, Lexus LS and Audi A8.
While Lexus has strongly defended the decade-old spindle grille design and BMW even
illuminating the kidney grille
, Genesis has gone a step further by replicating the emblem design onto the front fascia of the latest Genesis G90.
The large Crest Grille now comes with two G-Matrix patterns for a three-dimensional effect and are flanked by ultra-slim Two-Line headlamps. Looking like a pair of wings to the central crest as used in the brand’s emblem, the headlamps’ slim design was made possible by intercrossing the lends of the DRLs with turn indicators, the high beams and the Micro Lens Array (or MLA) technology-powered low beams.
The low beams combine circa 200 micro-optic lenses per module with ultraprecise technology. In the Korean models, the Two-Lines lighting are extended to the fender and even illuminates and functions as repeaters for turn indicators!
Dimensionally, the new Genesis will continue to be offered in two wheelbase variants. The standard wheelbase is at 3,180 mm, a shade shorter than the German rivals. However, at
3,370 mm
, the long-wheelbase Genesis G90 will be the longest in the segment, beating the
Mercedes-Maybach
 by 5 mm.
At 3.6 m, Hyundai’s latest Casper mini crossover can almost fit in between the wheels of the new Genesis. More about this little cute car here!
The signature two-line lighting strip continues to the rear, albeit just functioning as tail lamps. A cleaner, simpler look is conveyed via the Genesis lettering being spelt out with ‘crest’ shaped decorative exhaust tips at the corner of the bumper.
Inside, customization and packages allow plenty of configurations. Being a limousine targeted to the heads of states and VVIPs, the rear seats get plenty of adjustments, ventilation, massaging functions and upholstered by the softest Nappa leather with a quilt pattern.
The new Genesis G90 also provides a new experience to occupants with thoughtfully designed storage spaces such as an independent tray for magazines and books in the C-pillar area.
RELATED: The Johor Royal Family has an ultra-rare Genesis G90 Stretched variant. Take a look at the interior here!

Perhaps the single most outstanding feature inside the new Genesis compared to rivals is the removal of the door handles. Lexus did pay plenty of attention in crafting the inner door handles of the
LS 500
 and
ES 250
 models, but for Genesis, complete removal in place of an electric operation speaks the advanced technological image of the flagship model.
The EasyClose system closes to doors at a press of a button which are placed inboard as well as on the doors. The outer door handles, also electrically operated, meanwhile extend outwards to greet the driver and occupants.
Cabin air is well purified, scented and energized by an advanced air-conditioning system while the driver can even perform secured payments over-the-air via the infotainment system and fingerprint authentication system.
Genesis is taking on the EV revolution with the GV60, also their smallest in the line-up
Bang & Olufsen meanwhile will provide the best audio system for the new Genesis G90 via a Premiere 3D Sound System with 23 speakers and Acoustic Lens Technology that optimizes sound quality through pop-up tweeters and in the headlining.
Powering the limousine from South Korea is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 with outputs of
380 hp
 and
530 Nm
 of torque. Rear-wheel drive via an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, with all-wheel drive made standard for the long-wheelbase variant.
Apart from the usual multi-chamber air suspension system with adaptive control, the suspension system also scans the road ahead as well as translate navigation data to better prepare the ride quality for the most important occupants.
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2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible F23 unfolded, with folding fabric roof [+Video]

Always wanted a BMW 2 Series Coupe but found it didn’t have enough headroom at the back? Well BMW has chopped the roof off the 2 Series Coupe to give you the
2 Series Convertible
 so you can have infinite headroom for everyone on board. Even though the 2 Series Coupe was revealed months ago (and already
launched here
 back in April), BMW claims that the 2 Series Convertible was developed in parallel with the hardtop sibling.
Sharing the same good looks with the Coupe, the Convertible loses the trademark Hofmeister kink on the rear quarter windows along with the roof altogether. In its place is an
 electrically powered and acoustically insulated soft top
 that
opens and closes
 in just
20 seconds
. It can also be operated at speeds
 up to 50 km/h
 and can be had in Black, Anthracite with silver effect, or Brown with silver effect.

Compared to its predecessor the 1 Series Convertible, it has grown in every direction. Total
 length
 has grown by 72 mm to
4,432 mm
, the
2,690 mm wheelbase
 is 30 mm longer, and front and rear tracks are wider than before. Cargo space has also increased by 30 litres to
335 litres
 with the top up, or by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top down. Its body
 torsional rigidity
 has increased by around
 20 percent
 too.
No changes to the interior that comes with
BMW Professional radio
 and
 iDrive
 operating system as standard, but there’s an option for a leather trim with
 SunReflective technology
 to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine. Also optional is the latest-generation
Navigation system Professional
 including
Touch Controller
.

Safety is provided by the
integrated rollover protection system
 with two pop-out aluminium protective bars behind the rear headrests, in addition to the front, side, and head airbags. All models are equipped with
Dynamic Stability Control
 (DSC) system including
Dynamic Traction Control
 (DTC),
Cornering Brake Control
 (CBC), and
Dynamic Brake Control
 (DBC).
As with other BMWs, the
EfficientDynamics technology
 such as the
Air Curtains
 and
Auto Start Stop
 are fitted as standard along with
ECO PRO mode
 that can be activated via the
 Driving Experience Control
 switch.
The 2 Series Convertible is offered in four engine options, a
1,995 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbodiesel
 in the
220d
, a
1,997 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo
 in the
220i
 and
228i
, and a
2,979 cc 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo
 in the
M235i
. All engines can be paired with either a
6-speed manual
 or an
8-speed automatic transmission
.
Power outputs are
190 hp
 and
400Nm
 for the
220d
,
 184 hp
 and
270 Nm
 for the
220i
,
245 hp
 and
350 Nm
 for the
228i
, and
 326 hp
 and
450 Nm
 for the
M235i
. Average
fuel consumption
 throughout the range is from
4.1 to 8.5 l/100 km
.
The 2 Series Convertible will premier alongside the all-new
X6 F16
 at the upcoming Paris Motorshow in October.
[divider]
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Kia Sorento facelift unveiled, refreshed design & new 8-spd AT for 2.2L CRDi

Despite still looking fresh and relevant, Kia Motors has decided to give its seven-seater SUV, the
Kia Sorento
 a midlife refresh, distancing itself even further from its competitors. The facelift exercise sees the Sorento getting a refreshed exterior, more premium interior as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox for the 2.2-litre CRDi unit.
Changes to the exterior are mild but impactful, new items on the car include redesigned
full LED headlamps and taillamps
, dark metallic finish on the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, revised front and rear bumper. Customer will also be delighted to know that the Sorento now comes with new wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19-inch in diameter. Rich Expresso and Gravity Blue are new additions to the colour palette.
Additionally, for the bold and outgoing customers, the Sorento is now available in the sporty
GT-Line
 which further enhances the car’s adventurous appeal. The Sorento GT-Line features quad LED fog lamps, red brake callipers, more prominent side steps and subtle GT Line badging. Diesel models of the GT-Line gets a twin-exhaust design at the rear.
Inside, there are more liberal use of
soft touch materials
 and leather to elevate the premium look and feel of the Sorento’s cabin. Customers can have their leather or fabric upholstery to be finished in single-tone (black) or two-tone (black and stone beige) theme. Those who went for the leather upholstery gets additional colour choice of brown or light grey.
Other
newly designed features
 include the steering wheel, driver instrument cluster, climate control display, four-way powered front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging tray. A 640-watt, 10-speaker
Harman/Kardon® surround sound system
 is now offered as an option.
As before the Sorento is offered with two diesels and one petrol engine – 2.0-litre CRDi with
182 hp
/
402 Nm
, 2.2-litre CRDi with
197 hp
/
441 Nm
 and 2.4 GDI with
185 hp
/
241 Nm
. The 2.0-litre diesel and 2.4-litre petrol soldiers on with a six-speed automatic transmission while the 2.2-litre diesel gets an all-new eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The option for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive remains.
The all-new
eight-speed auto
 is developed in-house by Kia that promises quicker gearshifts and better engine response compared to the old six-speed unit. The extra cogs also help bring down fuel economy to
6.2 litres per 100 km
 (AWD model).
On the safety front, the Sorento facelift now gets the company’s latest
 DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

(ADAS)
 that helps mitigate or avoid collisions completely. New safety systems include Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.
The Kia Sorento facelift will go on sale in Europe in Q4 of 2017 with pricing to be announced at a later date. Locally, Naza Kia Malaysia has just introduced the
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi in the highest specification for RM192k
.


Lexus LBX unveiled – Mild-hybrid only, based on Yaris Cross

Here it is, the new SUV from Lexus – the
Lexus
 LBX, which has just made its world debut in Milan, Italy. Expected to be the Japanese luxury carmaker’s best-seller, the Lexus LBX, which stands for ‘Lexus Breakthrough Crossover’, is the brand’s first B-segment, positioned under C-segment models like the
Lexus UX
, and the CT hatchback from the past.
Based on the GA-B platform, which also underpins the European
Toyota Yaris Cross
, the Lexus LBX measures
4,190 mm
 long,
1,825 mm
 wide and
1,545 mm
 tall, and has a
2,580 mm
 wheelbase. Suspension-wise, the LBX features MacPherson struts at the front and double-wishbone at the back. This platform and suspension setup is created to provide the Lexus LBX with an engaging yet comfortable driving experience and to put a smile on the face of all occupants, according to Lexus.
On the outside, the Lexus LBX is designed with a ‘premium casual’ design philosophy. The front features Lexus’ new ‘Resolute Look’ design, which comes with the brand’s iconic spindle grille, a design that was first introduced in the LF-S concept car in 2003.
The rear design of the Lexus LBX features a simple, yet planted stance, which as a result provides the SUV low centre of gravity. The LBX’s low-slung bonnet belt mouldings flushed with the body, a gate-style rear roof spoiler, and the light cluster designs also help enhance its aerodynamic performance.
RELATED:
Gallery: 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury now open for booking in Malaysia – RM469k
To make luxury more personal, as mentioned by Lexus, the LBX comes with four design themes, or what the company referred to as ‘atmospheres’, in order to better fit its customers’ different lifestyles and preferences. These four ‘atmospheres’ are namely Elegant, Relax, Emotion, and Cool, which are all offered on top of the base grade option.
The Elegant and Relax options come with a monotone painted exterior and glossy 18-inch alloys. The Emotion and Cool options, on the other hand, come with a bi-tone paintwork and 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish.
Lexus is also providing further convenience with the Lexus LBX with its optional digital key. Compatible with both Apple and Android smartphone devices, the digital key allows owners to use their smartphones to unlock and start their car.
Powering the Lexus LBX is the brand’s new hybrid electric system, consisting of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, and a bi-polar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Paired with an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), the LBX produces
136 hp
 (metric) and
185 Nm
of torque and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in
9.2 seconds
. The B-segment luxury SUV is offered in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
RELATED:
2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia – over 500 bookings received in one week
Inside the Lexus LBX is an interior design with refinement reserved for higher-class vehicles, according to Lexus. The LBX Cool comes with an Ultrasuede and leather bi-tone black or dark grey interior with copper details and stitching. The LBX Elegant, on the other hand, comes with synthetic leather in a subtle Forest Brown shade or Ammonite Sand for the door panels, instrument panel and console pads as well as the seat upholstery. The Relax model is equipped with a choice of Saddle Tan or Black semi-aniline leather with distinctive Tatami stitching.
Lexus designed the LBX with a driver-focused cockpit, based on Lexus’ Tazuna concept, first featured in the
NX
 SUV. This concept positions principal controls and information sources immediately around the driver, so their operation only requires minimal movements of the hand or eye.
The LBX comes with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, featured in a Lexus for the first time, as well as a head-up display (HUD). The Lexus Link Connect system is also included and can be operated via the 9.8-inch central screen.
The “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant is also included, allowing both the driver and front seat passenger to interact via voice command. Wireless or wired connections are available for Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto is wired link. The LBX comes with an array of 13 speakers by Mark Levinson. Ambient illumination is also available, with a range of 50 colour options.
Safety-wise, the Lexus LBX comes with the Lexus Safety System+. This includes Pre-Collision System with Intersection Turn Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist/Lane Keep Assist and Road Sign Assist. Safe Exit Assist, a driver monitor, intelligent parking sensors with auto-braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor are also included. An extended safety will be optionally available, introducing features such as a Front Cross Traffic Alert system and a Panoramic View Monitor. A remote parking option can also be opted for.
The Lexus LBX will be introduced to markets such as Europe, Japan, and selected markets worldwide in
Q4 2023
. Sales of the SUV will begin in European and selected global markets in early
2024
.
RELATED:
2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand – fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?
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5 cars from Frankfurt Motor Show we can’t wait to see in Malaysia soon!

The annual Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany has been in full swing and we’re pretty sure you lot have been well updated on all the latest concept and production offerings from the biggest and newest manufacturers in the automotive industry.
Based on what we’ve been exposed to, seeing as we didn’t get a chance to personally be there to deliver the good stuff to you, here are 5 cars we can’t wait to see in roaming around in Malaysia soon!
BMW Z4 Concept

From the moment
its teaser was released
, we’ve been drooling over this new roadster. As it is still in its concept stage, engine and performance specifications have yet to be revealed. It’s not clear either whether it will bear BMW’s prestigious M-badging. That said, speculation has revolved around the same rumour – with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre 6 cylinder in the pipeline with output ranging from
187 hp
 to over
300 hp
.
Honda Urban EV Concept

 If the car for the masses looks like this, imagine what the interior of the Sport EV concept would look like!
As we’ve featured recently
, the Honda Urban EV concept rides on a new platform which will be the basis for Honda’s electric vehicle development and a road-going production model is set to debut in two years. For the keen-eyed enthusiast, the Urban EV concept bears close resemblance to the first-generation Civic albeit with a lower, more muscular stance.
We on the other hand, aren’t as enthusiastic with this being an EV but rather see it being a nippy little hot hatch with a punchy yet efficient, small displacement engine. Give us a manual transmission too for that matter. Certainly can’t wait to send messages to tailgaters through the interactive display!
Chery Exeed TX SUV
The Chinese armada cannot be denied anymore – not when they’re capable of designing an SUV that looks as good as this Exeed!
Based on its dimensions
, it appears that it would be marginally bigger than the new Honda CR-V but what’s more exciting than its sleek exterior is the way it’s expected to perform.
First to go on sale would be a plug-in hybrid model, with a 1.5-litre engine mated to an electric motor producing
 147 hp
. Power will be delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed transmission. 0 to 100 km/h will take just
six seconds
, flat. We’re going to see a lot of more “Made in China” – like it or not.
BMW 8 Series Concept

The only digit that has been missing from BMW’s ever-expanding inventory of offering is set to make a comeback. Those who grew up adoring the old V12 8-series will probably be on their knees looking at how beautiful the “comeback edition” will be. Like the Z4 concept, there is no word on the engine specifications and performance figures yet but
expect this to go neck and neck with the new S-Class coupe
. For now, just feast your eyes on these pictures straight out of Germany.
Renault Megane R.S.

The long awaited
Type R challenger has finally been unveiled
. While we wouldn’t shout too loud about it (cause we’ve still not gotten a chance to try the Type R), we secretly love the way this thing looks. More than the new Type R in fact! Performance figures are truly amazing when you consider that the engine has been downsized from a 2.0-litre to a
1.8-litre
; turbocharging is still present.
The result?
280 hp
 with
390 Nm
 meters of torque with either a 6-speed manual or Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch transmission.
IMAGE GALLERY
Chery Exeed TX

Renault Megane R.S.

BMW Z4 Concept

BMW 8 Series Concept

Honda Urban EV Concept

 If the car for the masses looks like this, imagine what the interior of the Sport EV concept would look like!


This Q Inspiration Concept drops hints of future INFINITI productions

The car wouldn’t be for sale – let’s get that out of the way first and foremost. The Q Inspiration Concept however, merely teases what Infiniti will have in store for future production.
They revolve around the innovatiove
VC-Turbo powertrain
, next-level
autonomous driving technologies
 and a
unique human-centric interior
. The Q Inspiration is powered by INFINITI’s unique VC-Turbo technology, a breakthrough in combustion engine design.
The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimise power and fuel efficiency. It combines the power of a larger V6 gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder diesel engine.
The VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The positioning of the engine’s turbocharger enables immediate response at any speed or compression ratio which changes seamlessly.
The Q Inspiration also previewed the new
ProPILOT
 function that operates through radars and cameras to read the road ahead and monitor the position of other vehicles. Acting as a co-pilot, the autonomous driving technology supports the driver by identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards.
ProPILOT will empower the driver with end-to-end autonomous driving, providing autonomous multi-lane highway driving and intersection auto-navigation functionalities.

Inside, each passenger is greeted with his/her own floating touchscreen to access the many features of the Q Inspiration including the “meditation-regeneration mode”. This minimises the level of information displayed, offering meditation to relieve the passenger’s stress. It can also monitor its passenger’s biometrics.
With a smaller engine, designers have been able to free up more cabin space – with a shorter hood and A-pillars pushed further forward. The arcing roofline frees up valuable headroom for front and rear occupants.
A floating center console maximises leg room, paired with “thin-frame zero-gravity” seats, designed to minimise fatigue on long journeys. The Q INFINITI’s pillarless rear-hinged doors and low sills make getting in and out of the car easier. The driveshaft providing power to the rear wheels is positioned to offer additional leg room in the second row.
Its dashboard is trimmed with “kabazakura wood” with a matte finish while the seats, centre console and doors are finished in soft white leather.
The inside door pockets are lined with a Nishijin-ori material, which includes golden washi paper shreds woven with silk threads. Not only is it a luxurious touch, it also acts as a sensor to enable passengers to switch on and adjust the pocket lighting.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Volvos registered from 1st January now comes with 5-year unlimited mileage factory warranty

Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced that all Volvo cars registered from the 1st of January 2021 onwards will now come with a 5-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, at no additional cost.
The new extended factory warranty is only exclusive to privately owned vehicles and not applicable to vehicles registered or used for commercial purposes i.e. a company car.

Previously, Volvo only offered a 3-year/100,000km factory warranty with a 2-year/20,000km warranty through the Extended Warranty Programme (EWP) by an external insurance partner.
“This new offering is part of our dedication to quality, particularly in relation to our vehicles and customer relationship. At Volvo Car Malaysia, every decision we make is designed around the customer’s needs and more so to solidify their trust in Volvo. We want our customers to feel supported throughout the ownership of their vehicle and we believe that the new extended factory warranty is a step in the right direction as a premium car brand that is rooted in safety,” said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Nalin Jain.

This is another step up in Volvo Cars Malaysia’s warranty game. Last year, the company also announced that customers who purchase a Volvo Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) will be
entitled to an extended high voltage battery warranty of up to eight years or 160,000 km
 (whichever comes first).
The new extended factory warranty is provided for privately owned vehicles only, and not applicable to vehicles registered or used for commercial purposes.
Read more about it
here
!


No plans to abolish tolls in Malaysia for now due to high cost, says Works Minister

The federal government currently has no intention of abolishing tolls here in Malaysia, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
In a written response to Padang Besar MP Rushdan Rusmi, who asked about the Anwar administration’s strategy to eliminate tolled highways, the minister said that a takeover of the existing highway concessionaires is currently not feasible due to the significant financial implications.
“For the honourable member’s information, the government is committed and focused in its agenda towards addressing rising cost of living and reducing such burdens on the people. However, at this point in time, the government is not planning to take over highway concessionaires who are in operation since the financial implications are high,” the minister wrote in the reply.
However, Nanta did add that the government would reconsider the plan when the country’s finance and fiscal situation permits.
The elimination of tolls, specifically along the
 North-South Expressway (PLUS)
, was a key point in Pakatan Harapan’s 15th general election manifesto. The PH coalition is currently part of a unity government that comprises most political parties in the nation, except those part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
RELATED:
Open payment system for tolls on five highways this September – NPE, AKLEH and more!
[Source:
Malay Mail
]


The 2018 Toyota Century brings back the cool in retro designs

Contrary to popular believe, Toyota’s flagship limousine doesn’t wear a Lexus badge. Instead, that title belongs to the forgotten-by-this-generation Toyota Century, where only two generations have been introduced over its five decades of existence. Now, a new third-generation  Toyota Century is expected in 2018, not before its unveiling at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
The new model doesn’t look too different from its two predecessors. Its retro aesthetics is similar to Honda’s approach with
Urban EV
 concept, wherein it adopts retro design cues with the adaptation of modern features. It’s essentially bigger and longer than before, and its wheelbase of
3,090 mm
 means cabin space will be generous and abundant spacious and comfortable, as its intended demographics would need.
As for the interior, the rear seats are strictly for two fortunate souls with seat upholstery made of
100% wool
with leather upholstery available as an option though. Fit for the elite and captains of the industry, it comes with a massaging function, powered leg rests, 20-speaker stereo and a writing table. The latter should be perfect for issuing cheques or holding a glass of champagne…
Gone is the v12 engine from the previous models and instead, it’s now a hybrid where a
5.0-liter 2UR-FSE V8
 petrol engine is paired with a
two-stage electric motor
. Toyota has yet to unveil its power and fuel consumption figures however, in line with newer Toyota offerings, the Century is equipped with collision avoidance support, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen Malaysia to offer courtesy vehicle when your car breaks down

Existing Volkswagen owners will now be entitled to collect a
courtesy vehicle
 issued by authorised Volkswagen service centres in the event of a vehicular breakdown, and needs attention
exceeding 24 hours
.
This move is part of Volkswagen Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to increase customer satisfaction, and over
200 Volkswagen cars
 will be available on the road to offer mobility support for their customers.
Volkswagen Malaysia’s Managing Director Mr Armin Keller said, “Volkswagen is the first OEM in Malaysia to embark on a fully sponsored mobility guarantee programme. We now have a complete mobility service to complement our comprehensive dealer network.”