In case you didn’t realise, this is actually the updated Kia Stinger

Kia has released the first images of the updated Stinger ahead of its market debut later this year, and no – we promise we did not choose the wrong photos.
Exterior changes on the facelift is relatively minor, with most of the updates visible on the new 18- and 19-inch geometric-design alloy wheels, along with the new taillights that now run across the entire width of the rear end – its turn signals now made up of 10 individual LED units arranged in a chequered flag pattern.
At the front, Kia also says that it’s given the headlights a little nip and tuck, with a newly redesigned LED daytime running lights signature in the shape of sharp slashes slightly angled towards the front of the car. Oddly enough, those in the photos provided doesn’t seem to be all that different from the
current Stinger
, and does not tally with the
previously leaked photos
 of the Stinger facelift – which looks a lot more like the description.
Depending on market, Kia will also be offering two optional packages to jazz up the exterior: a Dark Package which includes gloss black diffuser surround at the rear and black wide-bore muffler tips, and for North America a Black Package which brings new 19-inch wheels in matte black, new bootlid spoiler, blacked out side mirror caps, and blacked-out side fender trims.
Buyers of the higher-performance variants can also individually opt for the larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, which comes with a more pronounced and functional performance-inspired rear diffuser.
The redesign restraint continues on the inside of the updated Kia Stinger, with the most notable change being the new infotainment display – now upgraded to 10.25-inches in size, up from the previous eight-inch unit. There’s also the new 64-colour ambient lighting, while buyers can opt between aluminium or faux carbon fibre trim for the centre console.
Kia also says that the material choices within the cabin have also been upgraded for a more luxurious ride. Depending on the market, Kia will offer a variety of interior colour options, such as the Dark Brown monotone interior with quilted diamond Nappa leather as seen in the photo, exclusive to the Koreans.
Other international market gets to choose from Saturn Black, Red and Beige – the former being a combination of black suede on the seats with red contrast stitching in a “chain” pattern, designed to mimic the links of a watch strap.
Aside from these images, other information will only be revealed closer to the actual launch. However, recent rumours suggest that the updated Kia Stinger will receive a pair of more powerful engines – the
304 hp

2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four
, and a
380 hp

3.5-litre twin-turbo V8
 lifted from the
Genesis G80
.
Locally, the Kia Stinger is
available in two variants
 – a 2.0-litre GT-Line model producing
255 hp
and
353 Nm
 of torque, as well as a 3.3-litre Stinger GT that makes
365 hp
 and
510 Nm
 of torque from its twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Both variants are equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.


Lexus NX updated (again) in Japan, adds smart powered tailgate & HUD

The Lexus NX just underwent a
facelift in early April
 this year, however, Lexus has already rolled out a further enhanced version of it or in Lexus-speak – Minor Change model in Japan. The latest model gets subtle aesthetic tweaks and new convenience features.
The facelift exercise before this brought about a new bumper design, restyled headlamps and taillamps as well as new aluminium wheel designs. New items to the updated NX include a five-spoke 18-inch Bronze coloured aluminium alloys and a
hands-free powered tailgate
 which can be operated through a kicking motion under the rear bumper.

Besides the abundant colour choice for the Japanese domestic model, the latest NX gets a new colour
Heads-Up Display
 while F-Sport variants gets additional upholstery colour options of White and Flare Red.
As before, two engine choices are available on the updated NX – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with
235 hp
/
350 Nm
 and a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid with
197 hp
. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (a technology shared with the new
LC 500
) that computes 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments to give superior ride comfort and handling gets a new Custom Mode which allows drivers to select a combination of engine, suspension and gearbox settings to suit their driving needs.

Lexus Safety System+
 which made its debut on the facelift model, bundles Collision Avoidance Support Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control Function, Automatic High Beam and Radar Cruise Control.
Prices for the updated Lexus NX ranges from ¥4.4 million (RM164k) to ¥5.9 million (RM220k). The facelifted NX has yet to make its local debut, perhaps Lexus Malaysia was waiting out for this Minor Change model?
IMAGE GALLERY


2017 MINI JCW Countryman launched in Malaysia, 231 hp & 350 Nm, priced at RM348,888

Sitting at the top of the second-generation MINI Countryman range is this, the high performance John Cooper Works Countryman. The introduction also completes MINI Malaysia’s JCW model range, from the JCW Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door to the
Clubman
 and now the
Countryman
.
Under the hood is a hotter 2.0-litre inline-four engine equipped with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to produce
231 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels (MINI All4) through the sole
eight-speed Steptronic Sports automatic
 transmission. Paddle shifters come as standard too.

QUICK FACTS
Name
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine
1,998cc; inline-4, twin-scroll turbo
Transmission
8-speed Steptronic Sports auto
Max Power
231 hp
Max Torque
350 Nm
0-100 km/h; Top Speed
6.5 seconds; 234 km/h
Price
RM348,888 (OTR excluding registration)
There are three drive modes to choose from – Sport, Mid and Green, each altering engine acoustics, shift characteristic and throttle response. Exclusive to the JCW Countryman is Dynamic Damper Control which adjusts stiffness according to the selected drive mode. In Green mode, the drivetrain is decoupled between 50 km/h to 160 km/h when the driver’s foot is off the pedal. This reduces engine drag and improves fuel efficiency. Braking power comes from Brembo with a 4-piston callipers that’s finished in red.

To match the grunt, the JCW Countryman comes dressed with go-quick bits that are exclusive to the variant. These include JCW aerodynamic bodykit, 19-inch JCW Course Spoke wheels finished in Burnish Black, JCW grille, Chili Red roof and side mirror caps, Chili Red body stickers, rear spoiler, JCW side scuttles, Door Sill and stainless steel exhaust pipes.
Inside, the sports seats are wrapped in black Dinamica Leather that’s contrasted in bright red. The seats also come with better bolster support, and the driver now benefits from a high contrast head-up display which feed vital data such as speed, current gear and ideal shift times.
In the centre dash rests a super crisp 8.8-inch screen with split-screen function that’s surrounded by a multi-coloured LED ring. The head unit supports MINI Connected, Bluetooth and has 20GB built-in storage for multimedia consumption. The Countryman is fitted with a 410-watt Harman Kardon sound system with two central bass speakers positioned beneath both front seats.

Several convenient features such as foot-activated automatic tailgate, reverse camera, a Picnic Bench that folds out of the boot and LED MINI logo that’s projected onto the ground from the side mirror.
The MINI JCW Countryman is available in Rebel Green, Midnight Black and Light White, all of which come with the mandatory dual-tone Chili Red finish. Every purchase comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, as well as
MINI Roadside Assistance
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Smart #3 coupe SUV teased ahead of April 18 world debut

While Malaysians are anticipating the arrival of the Smart #1 through PRO-NET,
Smart
 has teased the
Smart #3
, a fully-electric coupe SUV which is also the brand’s second car since its revamp. Only shown in camouflage for now, the coupe SUV will make its world debut on April 18, 2023 at Auto Shanghai.
In the teaser video shared by Smart, key highlights of the new Smart #3 include an all-new SUV coupe design and an “extended range”, although details have not been disclosed. The Smart #3 also boasts “exceptional aerodynamic efficiency”, as Smart says that the Smart #3 has a drag coefficient of 0.27.
Aero highlights on the new car include air curtains on the front bumper, front wheel air deflectors, active grille shutters, and a roof spoiler. The car also features aerodynamic mirrors, an optimized underbody, and a rear diffuser.
Smart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann said, “After launching the
Smart #1
, we are excited to present the second model since our rebranding: The Smart #3. It will be unveiled at Auto Shanghai and the car will be a vital element of our product portfolio that enables us to further shape urban mobility.”
RELATED:
Smart #1 – Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far
The front end of the Smart #3 looks very similar to the Smart #1, albeit with a more aggressive bumper design. The air curtains/vents flare out more, giving the car a wider and sportier appearance. The continuous front light design is carried over, but the Smart #3 seems to sport a newly-designed headlight cluster.
The panel gap lines at the front look the same as the Smart #1, and the Smart #3 still appears to have the same all-around body claddings (albeit hidden by the camouflage). It also employs flush retractable door handles. Interestingly, the Smart #3 appears to have the brand’s emblem on the front fender.
RELATED:
Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023
Of course, the main exterior highlight of the Smart #3 would be its coupe styling. The C-pillar curves straight into the rear end and the transition seems to be a little abrupt. At the back, the car also sports a continuous LED taillight design.
Mercedes-Benz AG Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagner said, “This muscular, yet elegantly sensual and perfectly balanced attraction of opposites makes the design an important milestone in the evolution of smart’s premiumness’ core value. The design of the #3 is emotionally confident, attracting and even thrilling the viewer.”
RELATED:
PRO-NET is Proton’s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network


Land Rover Discovery Sport launching soon, to debut at One Utama this weekend!

Eager fans of the
Land Rover Discovery Sport
 can finally look forward to seeing the SUV in the flesh, for all are afforded a sneak peek at what could only be described as one of the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia
 will bring the all-new Discovery Sport to the
1 Utama Shopping Centre
 in PJ to sneak a preview for potential owners and to all adoring fans of this particular Landy. The event will be taking place this weekend from
22 to 23 August
(Saturday and Sunday) from
11am
 to
9pm.
Those interested can make your way to the
ground floor fore court
 in the old wing and head out to the
 outdoor carpark
 for the opportunity to see first hand what the Discovery Sport is capable of doing. The SUV will make its grand performance with the
 Terrapod Mobility Track
 that transforms into
 steep slopes and inclines
 at the touch of button.
If this piques your interest, click
here
 to register for an up-close view of the Discovery Sport.
Early birds
 who register
online
 will also receive a limited edition
 Land Rover gift
. The Discovery Sport will make its Malaysian debut this Friday, 21 August 2015.


The Dodge Viper we’ve all revered and feared is officially dead

It may not have been a household name on this side of the planet but those familiar with the Dodge Viper should be well acclimatised with its fearsome nature and its stature as one of the most exhilarating high-performance vehicle to come out of the US.
But as they say, all good things have to come to an end and we’re afraid, the finish line has arrived for the Viper. It has ceased production with the last unit rolled out in red while the final customer-destined Viper is a Yellow ACR with black racing stripes.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @ralphgilles
Its been reported that
low sales volumes
 and
new federal safety standards
 for side-curtain airbags have contributed to the extinction of the American icon. It prospered through five different generations, striking fear as the tyre slayer since it first saw the light of day back in 1992.
Cost was an issue as well as the current Viper was mostly hand-built, it could never be as cost-efficient and competitive as the Corvettes. Following the announcement, it also marks the end of the Detroit plant that had churned out some of the most frightening wheels the world has ever seen.
While there are rumours of a comeback, for now, a moment of silence in celebration of iconic Viper is in order.
Source:
Autoblog
 /
 Road
 &
Track
 /
Instagram
Image credit:
Dodge.com


Government working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat – Tengku Zafrul

Are
EVs
 only for the rich? While they may be cheaper to run than their internal combustion-engined counterparts in the long run, the current entry point to EVs – with prices north of RM140k – means that it’s still a rich man’s game for now.
Fortunately for the most of us, the government is now looking to change that. In a

Facebook post
yesterday, Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said that the National EV Task Force (NEVTF) is currently exploring ways “reduce EV prices in our country so that more citizens can afford them”.
The announcement is in line with the ministry’s recent statements on bringing in more affordable EVs into the country. Just last week, deputy secretary general of industry, Datuk Seri Norazman Ayub, said there will be more EV models – priced from as low as RM120,000 – to be introduced in Malaysia starting Q2 2023.
“We have now encouraged the importation of more EVs, particularly from China, because we want to have more EVs which are affordable for the rakyat,” said Norazman. This could be in reference to the
BYD Dolphin
, which has already been teased here in Malaysia during the launch of the
Atto 3
 last year.
Currently, the most affordable electric vehicle on sale in Malaysia is the
Ora Good Cat
, with prices starting from RM139,800 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the base 400 Pro variant.
ALSO READ:
Malaysia, Singapore sign cooperation agreements for EV charging standards
Aside from reducing EV prices, the NEVTF has also committed to increasing the number of charging stations across the nation in support of the growing EV ecosystem in Malaysia. The ministry previously targetted a total of 10,000 EV chargers across the nation by 2025, as part of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030.
The expansion of the charging infrastructure is also in line with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), where the country aims to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050, the minister added.
READ MORE:
TNB Electron 180 kW charging stations now in operation at R&R Tapah, Ayer Keroh and Paka
READ MORE:
Shell Recharge HPC network now fully operational in Malaysia – 6 DC chargers along North-South highway


2017 Honda Civic Hatchback 1.5L Turbo is coming… to Thailand

Honda Thailand has released a teaser image via their social media channels, containing a glimpse of what appears to be the new Civic Hatchback with a message telling viewers to be patient and wait for the countdown.
According to sources, Honda Thailand is prepping for the launch of the Civic Hatchback which is said to be within this month. Only a single variant will be offered, powered by the
 L15B7 turbocharged 1.5-litre
 with
171 hp
 and
220 Nm
, paired to a
CVT
.
The Civic Hatchback is said to be
priced between the Civic Sedan 1.5 Turbo and the Civic Sedan 1.5 Turbo RS
, which is currently selling at
THB 1,099,000
 and
THB 1,199,000
 respectively. More details will be released nearing to the launch, and it will eventually make an appearance at the upcoming
2017 Bangkok Motor Show
 in March.
It’s a shame that the Civic Hatchback
won’t make it here in Malaysia
, so we’ll just have to make do with these press images. Gorgeous isn’t it? Meanwhile, you can
read
 and
watch
 our review of the booted sibling, the
Civic Sedan Turbo
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mazda is producing rotary engines again… for the MX-30 R-EV

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions
Mazda
 would be the brand’s use of the rotary (or Wankel) engine. Last used in the Mazda RX-8 back in 2012, Mazda has just restarted production of its rotary engine, albeit for the
Mazda MX-30 R-EV
. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is an electric vehicle by Mazda with a range extender rotary engine.
The production of the rotary engine for the Mazda MX-30 will take place at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima City. The production of the rotary engine marks a return after an 11-year hiatus. Before the hiatus, Mazda had cumulatively produced
1.99 million
 rotary engine vehicles.
Although the rotary engine is making a comeback for the Mazda brand, it won’t be driving the wheels this time as it functions as a generator or a range extender for the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. The engine in question is an 830-cc single-rotor unit called the Mazda 8C.
With the rotary engine in the MX-30 R-EV, what drives the wheels is a single electric motor setup that makes
170 hp
 and
260 Nm
. It is slightly faster than the non-range-extender version of the car by 0.6 seconds in the century sprint. The MX-30 R-EV clocks
9.1 seconds
 while the MX-30 clocks 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda MX-30 REV houses a
17.8-kWh
 battery that is only able to provide
85 km
 of range. However, with the range extender/generator, the Mazda MX-30 REV is essentially a series hybrid with a
50-litre
 fuel tank. You basically don’t have to worry so much about charging the car, but should you choose to do so, the MX-30 R-EV can still be charged like the usual electric vehicle via either AC charging or DC charging.
RELATED:
Mazda MX-30 R-EV – The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it
In Malaysia, the MX-30 is only available in its non-range-extender version. It houses a 35.5-kWh battery that provides 199 km of range (WLTP). The Malaysian-spec Mazda MX-30 is propelled by a single-motor setup that powers the front wheels, making 143 hp and 271 Nm. The Mazda MX-30 fetches a price of
RM198,780
 in Malaysia.
The rotary engine is an iconic engine that has become quite synonymous with the Mazda brand. Now, it has made its return, albeit in a ‘greener’ iteration.
RELATED:
2022 Mazda MX-30 updated with faster charging, still has only 200 km of range


Virtual Racer vs Real Racer: Who’s faster in a Honda Civic Type R?

The
FK8 Honda Civic Type R
 was launched in Malaysia more than a few months ago after endless fanfare but it seems like the dust will take awhile before it settles. Having established itself as the
 fastest FWD car to lap the prestigious Nurburgring
, Honda was up for another challenge with its highly-decorated sportscar.
This time they’ve pitted the real car against its virtual reflection, piloted by a race car driver against a professional gamer. The actual car comes with a “mixed reality windshield” that projects the virtual car in real time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2DPAnkOPkA
For those who’ve ever questioned if a virtual racer can be as quick as a real race car driver, given that he isn’t bound by the fear factor, by the consequences of his mistakes and the sensation of speed, here’s your answer.
The FK8 Honda Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine with
305 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Aided by a slick 6-speed close ratio transmission, 0 to 100 km/h is done in
5.8 seconds
, with non-stop exhilaration all the way to a
272 km/h
 top speed.
Credit:
YouTube


Bugatti “recalls” its vehicles by personally picking them up from owners

The
Bugatti Chiron
 is one of the fastest cars known to man and at approximately RM 11 million before taxes, it is arguably one of the most expensive too – especially if you live in Malaysia.
That said, it seems like even the
418 km/h hypercar
 is not immune from recalls but as it is a Bugatti, certain levels of service is expected and obviously delivered.
The exact car that was sold for a 1 million pound profit.
Bugatti recently announced that it will be recalling some of its Chirons due to
 faulty welds in the front seat recliner brackets
. Not only will Bugatti personally phone the owners, they will also send their concierge technicians
to retrieve the affected Chirons
!
They will be then transported in an enclosed truck to the closest Bugatti dealership. Bugatti will be replacing the entire seating assembly should improper welding be found.
In total, 47 units are affected globally, 12 of which are in North America. In recent news, aside from its
appalling 21.4L/100km fuel consumption
, one lucky owner in the UK
made a cool 1 million pound
 (RM 5.6 million) profit for reselling his 1,000 mile (1,609 km) Bugatti Chiron – supposedly the first used Bugatti Chiron in the market.


Review: Volvo V40 T5 Polestar, the underdog with a surprising bite

Volvo purists are tested with every passing generation of their beloved automobiles. First, the disappearance of rulers and set squares from the design studio. Next there was something called the C30 which didn’t make sense to them, because it was not a station wagon and thus not the vehicular equivalent of the word “utility”. Most recently, their tears fell once again at the death of their beloved five-pot engine.
This
updated V40
 is the culmination of all of those incidents. It has curves, is a hatchback and carries the Drive-E 2.0-litre mill in a strength setting of T5. And then some. Because now, Volvo’s in-house tuning arm, Polestar, is offering add-on packages which also reach under the hood and through the chassis for a little added spice to the standard Volvo fare.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volvo V40 T5 Polestar
Engine
1,969cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed auto
Max Power
253 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
400 Nm from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
6.2 seconds;
Price
RM240,888 (inclusive of RM60k Polestar kit)
EXTERIOR
Small touches will make the aesthetic deal here. Huge star V-spoke Polestar 19s on Pirelli P-Zero (!) shoes, side mirrors finished in black, a spoiler where the roof ends and a diffuser down below. Quite how much benefit these confer on a car with these output numbers, and being front wheel drive, I cannot say; but the package does serve to turn up the menace of the V40’s looks. The icing on the cake would have been the inclusion of the Thor’s hammer headlight DRLs but alas, they are unfortunately not to be found on local spec cars.

The bigger picture is pleasant, even if it doesn’t raise your blood pressure the way a
Megane RS
 or
Focus ST
 might. At the rear, the character line sporting the spaced capitals of the word Volvo is a focal point for the glass of the hatch and the concavity beneath. From the side, especially with the stumpy D-pillar, this makes the V40 look like a wedge-y sports shoe. Lovely.
INTERIOR
This is probably the last time we’ll see the “waterfall” floating centre console in a Volvo. Yes, Volvo lovers, that’s the next quirky feature to go the way of the dodo. In its steady upmarket push, Volvo interiors will no longer be the stoic, matte affair that we’ve become accustomed to and the
recent reveal of the XC60
 has all but confirmed this.

For the time being, there is character yet in the cabin. The 8.0-inch Adaptive Digital Display instrument cluster and the 7.0-inch infotainment screen are the regions of the dash your eye will undoubtably be drawn to, but not because the rest of it is dull.
There is a calmness to this execution that feels indescribably Swedish in the best way, and for those who find things a bit too dichromatic there’s a little Polestar square on the stubby gear knob begging to be gripped hard. Elsewhere, the only other changes are sports pedals and a footrest finished with rubber grips along with Polestar door sills.

A word of caution however; if there is anyone riding shotgun, pay careful attention when you reach for the handbrake. It’s on the wrong side of the tunnel console and can lead for some awkward unintentional touching.
THE DRIVE
The note is a strange one, clearly the work of a four-pot and emanating as a constant grumble through the Polestar pipes. The gains are there however, on torque alone the Polestar-ed V40 gains an additional 50 Nm alongside about 8 hp to
400 Nm
 — from a low 1,500 rpm to 4,800 rpm — and
253 hp
. This trims a tenth off the century sprint time from 6.3 seconds to
 6.2 seconds
, and completely leaves the burbly, characterful five-pot and its 6.9 seconds in the dust.

For comparison, the Volkswagen Golf GTI — the world’s go-to hot hatch — goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Just pray you don’t run into an
S60 T6
 when you’re flicking the paddle shifters through the six cogs in a world of your own.
Chucking the V40 into a corner on the optional absorber/spring combo and Pirellis is a satisfying experience, but the downside (of course, with a skinny section of 235/35) is it will crash over bumps and eat into comfort. The feel through the wheel however, not so satisfying.

The electric power steering tends to shimmy playfully (torque steer) when you bury the throttle in a straight line, but if you get on the power midway through a corner there is not much in the way of direct feedback. You can, however, choose between three steering settings which mostly seem to affect steering weight.
On the whole, progress is smooth when you behave and sufficiently urgent when you don’t.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
The standard V40? Maybe. But you have to be a real masochist to spend roughly a third of the V40 T5’s value to completely spec it up, as per this unit here. For some, it’s perfectly acceptable as everything that the Polestar package augments under the skin is covered by Volvo Car Malaysia warranty.

This is as left field as sporty hatch choices get, for the rebel in you who is just completely averse to going with the grain. But a sensible rebel, one for whom safety and build quality matters. So if you’re part of this small subset of car-driving society who want a very warm hatch — not hot — that may or may not pass under the visual radar with some of the best active safety systems available in a car of this price, then yes. Go for it. If you live for the Ironmark, even more so.
WOULD I BUY THIS CAR?
As a tool to irritate mainstream hot hatches, it’s hard to think of a better car. The Uncle stigma may be slowly waning but I’m willing to bet that being overtaken by a Volvo, regardless of whether or not drops of Polestar cyan dot the exterior to subtly hint that this is no average V40, would not sit comfortably with a significant set of drivers.

To answer the question: I’m a sucker for sleepers, so I just might. If I had maybe two to three other cars in the garage especially, but I digress. To keep up the façade, my ideal Polestar Performance Optimisation pick ’n mix would only include the chassis, intake and exhaust and optimisation options, leaving out the interior and exterior trim bits alongside the ludicrous RM21,000 wheels and tyres pairing. There, now I only need to spend RM30,000 to cause Swede nuisance wherever I go.
[Words by V.B]
IMAGE GALLERY


BYD Atto 3 deliveries to begin soon, 500 units being shipped to Malaysia

500 units of the
BYD Atto 3
 are now on their way to Malaysia, as posted on the
BYD Asia Pacific Facebook page
. Launched in Malaysia in December last year, the BYD Atto 3 is available in two variants in Malaysia, namely the Atto 3 Standard Range and the Atto 3 Extended Range.
In the Facebook posting, BYD says that the 500 units already on their way to Malaysia demonstrate the company’s “robust supply chain and in-house production capacity”. The latest report on BYD’s sales in Malaysia shows that
over 1,000 bookings were received in 10 days
 for the Atto 3. It looks like almost half of those customers will be getting their car soon.
The launch of the Atto 3 in Malaysia spearheads the brand’s entry into the country. Officially distributed by
Sime Darby Beyond Auto
, the brand target to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by the end of 2024.
Prices of the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia start from
RM149,800
 for the Atto 3 Standard Range and
RM167,800
 for the Atto 3 Extended Range. The Standard Range model has a
49.92-kWh
 battery that provides
345 km
 of range (WLTP). The Standard Range houses a
60.48-kWh
 battery that provides
420 km
 of electric range (WLTP).
RELATED:
2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k
Charging the batteries can be done at a maximum rate of
6.6 k
W with AC charging for both variants. DC fast charging can be done at a maximum rate of
70 kW
 for the Standard Range and
80 kW
 for the Extended Range. Like some Korean EVs, the BYD Atto 3 is also capable of vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. This can be done at a maximum rate of
2.2 kW
.
Safety features on the BYD Atto 3 include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Door Open Warning (DOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
RELATED:
BYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022
While the Atto 3 isn’t the cheapest EV you can buy (that goes to the Or Good Cat), it is one of the more affordable ones that could boost EV adoption in Malaysia. BYD has also
teased the BYD Seal and BYD Dolphin
 in Malaysia, which will soon join the brand’s all-electric lineup here.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 BYD Atto 3 electric SUV now in Malaysia, from RM149,800


Rolls-Royce built a “car” for kids to drive through hospital corridors

Last year, Roll-Royce revealed a new luxury concept, catered to the very specific needs of a customer. It was not for an affluent individual, but a medical institution; one that’s situated in the marque’s hometown of Chichester in West Sussex, the St. Richard’s Hospital.
Named the
Rolls-Royce SRH
, the toy car was hand-built for the hospital’s Pediatric Day Surgery Unit to allow children awaiting surgery to drive themselves to the operating theatre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35rkuwdf9xQ
The self-driving initiative to the operating theatre – through the Pediatric Unit corridors which are lined with ‘traffic signs’ – has been
 proven to reduce child patient stress
.
A year later, the car has performed flawlessly, with no ‘failures to proceed’ and was given the technical green light to continue its service. An average of
 one child per day has driven to the operating theatre
 in the Rolls-Royce SRH.
Sue Nicholls of St Richard’s Hospital, said, “Rather than being anxious about their upcoming procedure, our young patients are positively distracted by the fun experience of negotiating the corridors to operating theatre in a car they can drive all by themselves. We’ve also noticed that dads especially love to admire the engineering and design specification and often ask for a turn.”


Hyundai Le Fil Rouge flaunts design language of next-gen sedans & SUVs

Hyundai unveiled a brand-new concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Officially named “Le Fil Rouge”, the concept car serves as a preview of Hyundai’s next-generation design theme – “Sensuous Sportiness” which will trickle down to all future Hyundai vehicles ranging from sedans to SUVs.
“Le Fil Rouge” loosely translated to
common thread
 in English, reflects the Korean carmaker’s belief that all its design – past, present and future are linked with one another. Drawing inspiration from the 1974 Hyundai Coupe Concept, the “Le Fil Rouge” aims to create emotional value and desirability in Hyundai vehicles.
The proportions of the concept car is based on the
Golden-Ratio
 – a mathematical formula that is commonly associated with aesthetically pleasing objects. This resulted in a car with long wheelbase and short overhangs. This Golden-Ratio proportion is then combined with what Hyundai calls “Light Architecture” – seamless panels and body lines blended into the silhouette as though as the car is continuously moving forward. Lastly, Hyundai’s
Cascading Grille
 is further enhanced with 3D effect to make it instantly recognisable as a Hyundai from afar.
Vice President and Head of Hyundai Styling, Sang-yup Lee commented: “Our goal is to build a beloved brand by creating vehicles with heightened emotional value to reshape the landscape of car design. This is the foundation of our concept.”

Inside, the designers took the approach of “Tube Architecture”, carrying the car’s sensuous exterior and sporty character into the cabin. The design goal is drastically different for the driver and passenger. A comfortable bench with ample leg room was prioritised for the rear passengers while the driver seat was conceptualised to create an engaging but ergonomic cockpit.
While Hyundai promised that the “Le Fil Rouge” concept’s design will make its way to future models, it remains to be seen whether Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand, or Hyundai Cars will be the early recipient of the design language.
IMAGE GALLERY


Frankfurt 2015: All-new Kia Sportage shows its face to the world [+Video]

We’ve seen the
sketches
 and the
spy pictures
, and now it’s official. Kia’s best selling model in Europe, the Sportage, enters its fourth generation with the unveiling of the all-new Sportage at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
There’s a saying that if you keep doing a silly face, it will stay that way for the rest of your life. Unfortunately this new Sportage is stuck with the face that we saw in the spy pictures. Kia claims by repositioning the
tiger-nose grille
 lower at the front creates an “imposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance”, but we’ll reserve our judgement until we see it in the metal
Designed by Kia’s European design studio, the new Sportage is
longer
 than before by 40 mm at
4,480 mm
 and the
wheelbase
 has been extended by 30 mm at
2,670 mm
. The
width
 and
height
 remains the same as its predecessor at
 1,855 mm
 for the former and
1,635 mm
 for the latter.
In contrast to the shocking face, the rest of the Sportage takes an evolutionary approach similar to the all-new Optima. The side profile is retained with the familiar window line and the unpainted black plastic cladding that underlines the whole vehicle, while the bulging wheel arches accommodate a choice of 16, 17, and
19-inch wheel
 options.

The back is slightly different, though. The LED tail lights are sharper and they are bridged together by a metallic strip. Those who want more can opt for the
GT Line
 specification. It will add on the
ice cube front fog lamps
, a special set of
19-inch wheels
, metal-effect diffuser and
dual tailpipes
.
The cabin is said to be an improvement over the predecessor, with more space, upgraded materials, and greater soundproofing. The dashboard is more driver-oriented this time, and buyers can specify a
touchscreen infotainment system
 up to 8.0-inches with navigation and
Kia’s Connected Services
. The standard six-speaker audio system for the infotainment system can be upgraded to a
320 W eight-speaker JBL audio system
 too.

Wireless charging
 pad is a standard feature, but for devices that don’t support wireless charging there are
two USB charging ports
 included as well. Several driving assistance systems are offered on the new Sportage, and it includes the
Autonomous Emergency Braking
 (AEB), the
Lane Departure Warning System
 (LDWS), and the High Beam Assist (HBA).
Front occupants get extra leg room, while the rear passengers sit more naturally with a comfortable posture thanks to the 40 mm lower floor and 30 mm higher rear bench hip point. The rear seatbacks recline in 17 positions, and behind it is a
503-litres
 worth of cargo space with adjustable boot floor.
In Europe, the Sportage will be offered in two petrol and three diesel engine choices. The base petrol is a
1.6 GDI four-cylinder
 paired exclusively to a
six-speed manual
 transmission, delivering
130 hp
 and
161 Nm
 to the front wheels only. The other petrol engine is a
turbocharged 1.6 T-GDI four-cylinder
 delivering
175 hp
 and
265 Nm
 of torque, with an option of a
six-speed manual
 or a
seven-speed DCT
. The manual T-GDI can be had in either a FWD or an AWD guises, but the DCT-equipped T-GDI can only be had with AWD.
The
1.7 CRDi four-cylinder diesel
 churns out
113 hp
 and
280 Nm
 of torque, and it’s also available only with the six-speed manual driving the front wheels. The bigger
2.0 CRDi four-cylinder diesel
 comes in two different tunes. In ‘low’ tune it produces
134 hp
 and
373 Nm
, while the ‘high’ tune offers
182 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Fitted with a six-speed manual, the 2.0 CRDi is available as a FWD or an AWD guise, whereas the optional six-speed auto is only reserved for the AWD variant.
Opt for the
GT Line
 and you will not only receive the enhanced exterior looks, it also comes with the new
rack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system
 (R-MDPS) as standard, bundled together with a
specially tuned suspension
.
Don’t hold your breath just yet, because the all-new Sportage will only go on sale in Europe in
 Q1 2016
, so don’t expect it to arrive in Malaysia any time soon.
VIDEO GALLERY

IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica launched in Malaysia from RM1.05 million

Lamborghini has launched the new Huracan Tecnica here in Malaysia less than three months after its global unveiling. The Huracan Tecnica sits between the Huracan STO and the Huracan EVO RWD to offer a balance between a road-friendly supercar and a track-focused weapon.
The Huracan Tecnica is essentially a ‘tamer version’ of the Huracan STO but still shares the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine with 640 hp and 565 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is channeled solely to the rear wheels, but unlike the STO, the Huracan Tecnica is 0.2 seconds slower from 0 to 100 km/h at 3.0 seconds.
The Huracan Tecnica’s top speed is also higher than the STO, at 325 km/h compared to 310 km/h, as it does not have as many aerodynamic components. Weighing just 1,379 kg, the Huracan Tecnica is the second lightest Huracan behind the Huracan STO. With the new Huracan Tecnica, Lamborghini has developed a sharper sound from the V10 engine, with more immediate throttle response similar to the STO.
Aesthetically, the Huracan Tecnica is easily identifiable through its new front bumper design with a distinct Terzo Millennio Ypsilon design element to separate it from the rest of the Lamborghini range. Unlike the STO, the Huracan Tecnica does not come with a clamshell front bonnet but is nonetheless made of carbon fibre.
The Huracan Tecnica has been fitted with a carbon fiber front bonnet but unlike the STO it has a proper rear windscreen and a new carbon fibre rear bonnet, offering a peek into the V10 engine bay. It’s also fitted with a more subtle rear spoiler with the rear end sporting hexagonal exhaust tips compared to the STO’s round exhaust tips.
Like the carbon fibre front bonnet, the rear engine cover is also made of the same material. Unlike the Huracan STO, the Tecnica comes with a vertical rear windscreen for better visibility. Under the wheel arches are 20-inch rims inspired by the Vision GT, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
Moving inside, there are certainly more creature comforts than the STO, with features like cruise control and height adjustable carbon fibre bucket seats. Standard features include a digital instrument cluster and infotainment display to access various features and parameters of the car. The rest of the interior can be specified to the customer’s like via the Lamborghini Ad Personam customisation programme.
To the most exciting bit; the new Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica starts from RM1.05 million before options and duties. For more details on the Huracan Tecnica, click
here
.
Otherwise, watch our track session in the Huracan STO at Sepang
here
!
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: All-New 3rd generation Isuzu D-Max now available in Malaysia – from RM88.6k

Just over six months after its global introduction that began in Australia in September 2020, Isuzu Malaysia has unveiled the all-new D-Max pick-up truck, with Malaysia being the latest country to offer the new generation after the Philippines.
The all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be offered in seven variants across two engine choices (1.9L or 3.0L single cab, 1.9L Standard manual or automatic transmission, 1.9L Premium, 3.0L Premium, and 3.0L X-Terrain), with prices starting at
RM88,599.20
 for the workhorse single cab 1.9L model and all the way to
RM141,938.40
 for the flagship
3.0L X-Terrain model
.
EXTERIOR
There aren’t any revolutionary design changes transitioning from the current to the new generation Isuzu D-Max. Upfront, the bonnet is now placed 15 mm higher for a sleek silhouette while the “four-prong” accent on the radiator grille gives a more masculine look.
Bi-LED projector headlamps with “follow-me-home” function and LED DRLs are used from the double cab Standard 1.9L AT. The Premium variants get roof rails, LED tail lamps and fog lamps together with chrome finishing on the grille, door handles and side mirrors. The wheel sizes are 17 inches for Standard while the Premium variant gets 18 inches.
Identifying the flagship X-Terrain variant will be easy, as the model is only available in Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue paintwork and highlighted by dark grey-painted overfenders that blend cleanly onto the front bumper.
The X-Terrain variant also receives dark grey finishing on the radiator grille, side mirrors and door handles, as well as the tailgate and 18-inch rims.
Five colours are available for the Standard and Premium variants- Mercury Silver, Onyx Black and the above-mentioned orange and blue colours. The fifth colour, white, is split into two finishing- Premium gets Silky Pearl White while Standard variant gets Splash White.
PERFORMANCE
Two choices of engines are continued to be on offer for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max. The recently launched
1.9L turbodiesel
 with outputs of 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque will be available in the single cab, the Standard variant and the Premium variant.
Variant
3.0 X-Terrain AT, 3.0 Premium AT, 3.0 Single cab MT
1.9 Premium AT, 1.9 Standard MT & AT, 1.9 Single cab MT
Engine
3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (4JJ3-TCX)
1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (RZ4E-TC)
Max horsepower
190 hp @ 3,600 rpm (+13 hp)
150 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque
450 Nm @ 1,600 rpm – 2,600 rpm (+70 Nm)
350 Nm @ 1,800 – 2,600 rpm
The new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, has been improved with a new piston and combustion chamber design, delivering
190 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque, an increase of 13 hp and 70 Nm respectively, compared to the outgoing model. Isuzu also highlights that the new 3.0-litre engine is quieter, more efficient and more durable.
Both engines have been upgraded to be compatible with biodiesel and petroleum diesel blend of up to 20% or
B20
, surpassing the previous
B10
 design parameters.
All variants are offered with the Terrain Command shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, with the two engines in the single cab variants paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Apart from the 1.9L Standard MT, all other double cab variants are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift mode.
Other additional performance upgrades include a wading capability of
800 mm
 thanks to a redesigned air intake system, plenty of under-engine protection plates and larger brakes both front and rear.
INTERIOR
Here we arrive at the biggest visual change for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max- the interior. In the Premium and X-Terrain variants, the dashboard, centre console and door panel feature
soft-touch plastic
, which the X-Terrain exclusively in a brown hue.
The wheelbase of the new-generation D-Max has been increased by
30 mm
 to measure 3,125 mm, which creates a more spacious cabin. And with that, the rear seatback is now angled less upright for a more comfortable seating position, together with an increase of
20 mm
 in shoulder room.
All variants get a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display for key driving information. Two sizes of infotainment screens are assigned- 7 inches for the Premium and 9 inches for the X-Terrain. Both variants also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
SAFETY
All the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) goodies are only offered in the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant, which not only offers autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, but also adaptive cruise control with
stop and go function
, which is a best-in-segment feature.
Here’s the full list of ADAS features that are featured on the all-new Isuzu D-Max:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist
Pedal Misapplication Mitigation (AT variant only)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
One notable feature that is not found in many other vehicles but only in the new D-Max is the
Turn Assist
. The ADAS system monitors opposing traffic when turning into junctions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
The larger ladder frame chassis now has
eight cross members
, the most among its competitors. The result is an increase in torsional rigidity by 20% while longitudinal rigidity is up by 26%. The ASEAN NCAP has also awarded the new Isuzu D-Max with a
five-star
 rating.
The Premium variants only get the blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert features. Standard safety features across all variants (also in the single cabs) include two airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, brake override system, seatbelt reminders and emergency stop signal.
PRICING
The new-generation Isuzu D-Max will be officially launched in Malaysia on
April 26
.
Pricing for the 2021 all-new Isuzu D-Max
double cab 4×4
 in Malaysia starts at
RM99,599.20
 for the 1.9L Standard MT and
RM106,999.20
 for AT,
RM121,549.20
 for the 1.9L Premium AT,
RM128,038.40
 for the 3.0L Premium AT and
RM141,938.40
 for the new flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant. All variants are fully imported (CBU) from Thailand for now.
Prices mentioned above are on the road, without insurance, individual private registration and valid for Peninsular Malaysia that has higher road tax pricing than East Malaysia. As for warranty coverage, all models come with a standard five-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), but the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant comes with a best-in-segment
seven-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage
.
The sports bar found at the deck is an optional accessory and is priced at RM1,320.
GALLERY


Video: Living the pick-up life with the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X!

It’s the season of new pick-ups and as other brands have introduced theirs in recent months, including the likes of
 Toyota
 and
Isuzu
, Nissan has joined in on the action and brought out their new facelift Navara to play.
There are a whopping
 six variants availabl
e
, starting from RM92k for the single cab variant, all the way to RM142k for the range-topping PRO-4X variant.
The PRO-4X sports a blacked-out grille design that’s different from the other variants, blacked-out Nissan emblems, roof rails….well, you get the drill. Bringing all the blacked-out details together is the Stealth Grey paint job that just makes the PRO-4X stand out from the rest.

Tell you what though, it looks incredibly menacing too with those quad projector headlamps. Everywhere we went, the PRO-4X just stood out and turned heads as if someone just walked by completely pantsless.
All variants except the single cab and SE Manual variants get
190 hp
 and
 450 Nm
, from a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 7-speed automatic. The lower two variants get significantly less power with
163 hp
 and
403 Nm
, from the same engine paired to a 6-speed manual.
As for the inner bits, and how it drives, we’ll leave it to you to find out. Pssst…this VLOGs just a little different from the rest, so check it out and let us know if we should do more of these!


Kia Grand Carnival finally previewed in Malaysia, CBU, to cost over RM160k

It has been 30 months since the Kia Grand Carnival made its international debut, but now the eight-seater people carrier is finally being previewed for the first time at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow. Kia Malaysia have also started taking orders for the MPV, which they say will be launched within the first quarter of 2017.
With an indicative price tag between RM160k to RM165k, the Grand Carnival (known as the Sedona in several markets) will be fully imported and is powered by the sole 2.2-litre CRDi four-cylinder diesel engine. It is turbocharged to make
 191 hp
 and
 440 Nm
 of torque, while drive is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Standard features include xenon projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, 19-inch wheels, LED combination tail lamps, powered sliding doors and a powered tailgate. The Grand Carnival dwarfs the Sorento with a massive footprint, spanning 5,115mm long and boasts a wheelbase of 3,060mm. The 19-inch chromed alloys are optional, we’re told.
The interior of this display unit is draped in brownish-beige hide, but we are more likely to get an all-black interior once the equipment list gets finalised. In place of the driver’s seat is a sporty leather wrapped multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, but all seats in this trim are manually adjustable. We can’t say for sure if we will be getting powered seats, though our chances seem pretty good at this point.

With all the seats up, the Grand Carnival can swallow up to 960 litres of cargo. Fold the second and third row seats and this blows up to a cavernous 4,022 litres! Creature comforts include tri-zone climate control with cluster ioniser, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and cruise control.
As for safety, it gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, hill-start assist and Isofix anchors for the second and third row seats. If you’re in the market for a proper MPV, this one seems to fit the bill quite adequately.
IMAGE GALLERY


Production begins for the new BMW 8 Series Coupé at Dingolfing plant

Beginning this week, the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, Germany which has been integrated with self-driving transport systems and smart devices, began production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé.
Intelligent lightweight construction, with a clever mix of steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon fibre, has been used in the body of the new sportscar. In addition to the supporting structures at the front and rear of the vehicle, other components such as the roof, doors, bonnet and the front firewall of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupé, are made of aluminium.
https://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/06173052/PF0006112_264.mp4
For the first time in a series-production BMW model, the roof is available in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), also manufactured at the Dingolfing location.
The luxury sportscar, which will roll off the assembly line alongside BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models, relies on tried and tested manufacturing processes.
Virtual reality glasses have been used for the first time in training assembly staff whereby specific assembly processes for the new BMW 8 Series Coupé were recorded and viewed by employees through VR glasses. This enabled them to familiarise themselves with the new model and the correct fitment process before production ramped up.


Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid due in 2024, new Triton and B-segment hybrid SUV coming soon

The
Mitsubishi Xpander
 is a 7-seater MPV that has been successful in markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, as well as Malaysia. However, it seems like the Japanese carmaker isn’t going to just stop at that, as the hybrid variant of the Xpander has just been teased to be launched in 2024. It is to note that no details regarding the hybrid MPV have been confirmed as of yet.
Based on Mitsubishi’s financial results presentation slides, the Xpander hybrid’s exterior looks to be featuring an identical design to the one on the existing facelifted petrol model. Details such as the LED headlights should remain, but the grille design might be tweaked a little.
The car might also feature one or two ‘HEV’ or ‘Hybrid’ emblems on the outside as well. As for its interior, it is expected that the Xpander hybrid will feature a similar design to the petrol model, with an energy-flow indicator displayed on the central touchscreen display as the exception.
Powering the hybrid MPV could be the same 1.5-litre 4A91 MIVEC 4-cylinder, but that is just a possibility for now. Of course, an electric motor will come into play to complete the hybrid powertrain. However, details are scarce for the time being. The transmission could also be one that is specially made for a hybrid powertrain.
This combo should be able to provide better fuel economy and reduce emissions produced by the car. And just like the petrol variant Xpander, when made into reality, the Xpander hybrid is expected to be launched in Indonesia and Thailand first, with Malaysia receiving the hybrid MPV later.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi Triton, Xpander now cost up to RM3.3k more, Phantom Plus dropped
Other than the Xpander hybrid, Mitsubishi has also teased and is planning to launch other models within its Financial Year 2023 (April 2023 – March 2024) as well. Based on the timeline provided by the company, these models include the next-generation Triton pickup truck, Colt, ASX, Delica Mini and a compact SUV based on the
XFC Concept
, which are all expected to be launched by this year.
A 2-row hybrid SUV is also planned to be made into reality by late 2024. As for 2025, a 3-row petrol-powered SUV and a PPV (Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle) seem to be in Mitsubishi’s plan as well.
ALSO WATCH:
How to go CAMPING with a BABY! (Part 1)


GWM Malaysia begins deliveries of Ora Good Cat in style

Great Wall Motors (GWM) Malaysia
 has officially begun deliveries for the
Ora Good Cat
 here on our shores, just in time to nip it in before the end of 2022. In conjunction with the festive season, the cars were delivered to their new owners in a giant transparent ‘gift box’ that also travelled around Klang Valley for display.
The personal door-to-door delivery was a special surprise organised by GWM Malaysia, specifically for the first batch of Ora Good Cat owners who have pre-ordered the car before its official launch.
Commenting on the special delivery, GWM Malaysia Managing Director, Mike Cui said, “We are proud to have delivered the first batch of Ora Good Cat, GWM’s first fully electric car to our Malaysian customers. As much as we value our customers, we hope that they enjoyed our surprise delivery of Ora Good Cat as a giant ‘holiday gift’ to their doorsteps!”
Subang Jaya resident, Ms Liow, was one of the first few customers visited by GWM Malaysia with the giant transparent gift box. Sharing her excitement, she said, “I have always wanted to own an electric car. So when I first saw this car on GWM’s website, it’s unique cat-like design immediately caught my attention, and I just couldn’t take my eyes off it.
“As I have not owned an electric car before, I can’t wait to experience driving this EV and be the first few to drive Ora Good Cat on the road to showcase its beauty.”
RELATED:
GWM Malaysia collects over 100 bookings for Ora Good Cat EV in just three days
The Ora Good Cat made its
official launch in Malaysia
 late last month. It’s offered in two options at launch: 400 Pro and 500 Ultra, with prices starting at RM139,800 making it technically the cheapest EV currently on sale in Malaysia.
Aside from equipment, the main differentiator between the two variants is their battery size: the 400 Pro comes with a
47.8 kWh
 battery pack for a fully-electric driving range of roughly 400 km (based on the more forgiving NEDC test cycle), while the 500 Ultra boasts a larger
63.1 kWh
 that gives the electric hatchback a driving range of 500 km (NEDC).
Both variants are powered by the same single electric motor on the front axle, providing
105 kW (143 hp)
 and
 210 Nm
of torque for a 0-100 km/h sprint in
 7.9 seconds
.
Following the delivery of the initial batch, GWM Malaysia says that they will continue to deliver cars to their customers in time for Chinese New Year.
“We aim to deliver more Ora Good Cat electric vehicles in the coming weeks ahead of Chinese New Year and hope that our customers get to drive their brand-new car around while visiting their friends and family during the New Year,” Cui added.
READ MORE:
GWM Malaysia to launch 9 cars in 3 years, CKD to start in 2023
GALLERY


Gallery: Hyundai Kona N Line – Arguably the most complete and futuristic crossover in Malaysia

Following the launch of the facelift Hyundai Kona, the 1.6 Turbo and N Line variants were subsequently launched in July last year. The
 1.6 Turbo
 comes with an RM146,888 price tag while the range-topping N Line variant goes for RM156,888.
Bearing in mind, the highest spec Honda HR-V RS is priced at RM118,581 while the CX-3 has an RM126,829 price tag. Even the newly launched
Subaru XV GT Edition with EyeSight
 comes in lower with an RM146,788 price tag, and these are the usual suspects the Hyundai Kona will be going up against.
So what do you get for all that money?
For starters, the Kona N Line is
based on the 1.6 Turbo Kona
 but stands out with a far more funky exterior. We’re talking about different wheel designs, different front grille, and bumper designs, and some N Line badges here and there to remind you that it’s different.
Under the hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired to a 2nd generation Hyundai Smart Stream 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s 198 hp and 265 Nm to drive the front wheels, with 0 to 100 km/h rated at 7.7 seconds.
There’s no shortage of gear on the outside, you get slim and sleek LED daytime running lights with unique LED headlamps underneath them. The front bumper also gets additional extensions on sides with blacked-out trims for a more aggressive look. The same applies to the rear with the Kona N Line sporting dual exhaust tips and a sportier rear bumper.
Inside, the seats are upholstered with a mix of suede and leather and offer plenty of support, especially in the rib section. Both the front seats are electronically adjustable but the lumbar support is only available for the driver. The seats even come with cooling and heating functions – a feature we used as religiously as the air conditioning.
Upfront is a head-up display that doesn’t pop up every time you start the car. If you’re not the type to use head-up displays, the one in the Kona N Line can be buried forever.
Other features include a terrain selector which includes Sand, Snow and Mud, along with drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco. The foot lighting which comes on and goes off once you start driving is definitely a simple but effective feature.
There are three USB ports, including one for charging, and if you hate dealing with cables and wires, there’s also a wireless charging pad. What’s also wireless is the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature – without a doubt one of the Kona’s key selling points.
If that’s not impressive enough there’s also a 10.2 inch fully digital, coloured instrument colour with different displays according to the drive mode selected – again, another standout feature of the Kona against its competitors.
Another practical plus point worth mentioning in the Kona N Line is the cupholders; which were large enough to hold 1-litre bottles. On the topic of storage, the small bin above the rear USB for smartphone storage is also another practical feature.
There’s also plenty to note on the safety front as the Kona is equipped with the Hyundai Smart Sense driver assistance system.
It includes features like forward collision warning and autonomous braking with pedestrian and vehicle detection. It also has lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, front vehicle departure alert, high beam assist, safe exit warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and a blindspot monitor.
Most useful of all, especially for young families with newborns is the Rear Occupant Alert feature which triggers the horn if a child is detected to be in the car, once it has been locked. On top of that, the Kona N Line comes with six airbags, hill start assist and hill descend control as standard.
The facelift 2.0 Kona
The Hyundai Kona N Line, like the 1.6 Turbo and 2.0 variants, come with a 5-year/300,000 km warranty and a 3-year/50,000 km free maintenance package.
If the 1.6 Turbo or N Line is a little steep, there are other options as the Kona starts from as low as
RM119,888
for the 2.0 base

model and
RM136,888
for the 2.0 Active – more information on those two variants
here
!
GALLERY


Final round of Honda Civic Type R Challenge, new record by Jenson Button

In the final round of the Type R Challenge, Honda stops by the Hungaroring GP circuit in Hungary and like the four rounds before this, they set a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.
Driven by none other than Jenson Button, the Hungaroring GP holds a special significance for the retired Formula One World Champion, where he won his first ever Grand Prix with Honda in 2006. Speaking about the lap record, Button said: “We came here to the Hungaroring, where I won my first F1 race in 2006 with Honda, to set a new front-wheel drive production lap record in the new Type R, and I’m very happy that we did it!”
The 4.38 km circuit is a twisty and narrow track with 180-degree corners and a complex chicane, making it one of the more technical tracks in Europe. Button managed a new lap record of 2 min 10.19 seconds around Hungaroring GP.
Commenting on the Type R itself, Button said: “The first thing I noticed when I left the pit lane was how neutral the car was. I come from a background that is not front-wheel drive focused, so it was very different for me but because the Type R is so well balanced it was instantly really enjoyable and more natural,”
“The thing that surprised me most is how late you can brake with this car. The manual gearbox works really well, too. Most cars these days don’t come with manual boxes, so it’s nice to have that manual feel. You always feel a lot more connected to the car.” he added.
To recap, the challenge saw five of Honda’s racing champions put the car through its paces around five tracks in Europe, setting new record lap times for a front-wheel drive production car.
WTCR driver, Tiago Monteiro, set a lap record of 2:01.84 at Estoril circuit in Portugal
BTCC legend, Matt Neal, set a lap record of 2:31.32 at Silverstone in the UK
Japanese Super GT star, Bertrand Baguette, set a record of 2:53.72 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium
WTCR driver, Esteban Guerrieri, set a new 2:1.51 lap at the Magny-Cours GP circuit in France
IMAGE GALLERY


Borneo Safari 2016: This Isuzu MU-X will go places you will never dare go

Many years ago, there was an annual event called the
Camel Trophy
. This extreme off-road event pits men and Land Rovers to Mother Earth’s toughest obstacles, ranging from rainforest to deserts. That event has been long discontinued, but closer to home there’s something similar, and it’s called the Borneo Safari. This time, Isuzu is dispatching their SUV, the
MU-X
 to traverse a path not many dare to follow.
This specially modified MU-X, known as the `
Monster
’, will lead Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s four-vehicle team in this exhibition. Modifications to this MU-X are mainly the addition of large kangaroo bars and the fitment of bigger tyres. The MU-X’s
turbocharged 2.5-litre
 VGS diesel engine and the
five-speed automatic
 gearbox, are bone stock.
Also, they need to extract every ounce of the MU-X’s talent as the path for this year’s event is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain will see them cover the grounds along the base of Mount Kinabalu and stretches across the districts of Ranau and Kota Marudu. This also includes nearly 40km of hardcore trails comprised of dense forest paths, abandoned logging trails, and several river crossings.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd Executive Director Hajime Machimura said, “Although it is a lifestyle SUV, the Isuzu mu-X shares the same tough DNA as our Isuzu D-Max pick-up, which has repeatedly proven itself in every edition of Borneo Safari since its debut in 2005.  It is definitely all set for more.”
This year’s Borneo Safari will kick start from 30 October to 6 November. Best of luck, Isuzu! Meanwhile, do you think the MU-X is good enough for your daily needs? Take a look at our video below or do read our review
here
.


Gallery: 2022 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 with 220 hp and 350 Nm

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat R-Line was introduced in
 early 2022
and is now priced at
RM212,938
 on the road without insurance including SST exemptions. That’s around RM8,500 more than the
model first introduced in 2020
 so what do you get for the extra money?
As it turns out, even more. For starters, it’s a lot more powerful. The new Passat R-Line produces
30 hp and 30 Nm more
 than before, with
220 hp
 and
 350 Nm
 on the taps from 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to drive the front wheels. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox from before has now been replaced with a 6-speed unit.
The Passat also comes with five different driving modes, including ‘Individual’ that allows users to separately adjust the firmness of the suspension, the responsiveness of the engine, transmission and also steering.
As the R-Line variant, the Passat gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers with fake exhaust outlets. Completing the exterior are 19-inch Verona wheels, along with the newly designed Volkswagen logos in the front and back.
It gets more exciting inside with a myriad of convenience features, space and practicality. The rear seats can be collapsed 60:40 to accommodate longer items with plenty of leg room for passengers even with the front seats pushed back to fit a 180 cm tall driver.
For an even more luxurious ride in the back seat, there are rear sunshades too; for the sides and rear windscreen.
Moving forward, in typical Volkswagen fashion, the front seats offer plenty of support in the rib section to minimise body movement when cornering, with memory function for the driver side. By the way, the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather!.
For entertainment, the Passat R-Line is fitted with a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers and subwoofer. Other features include a 30-colour ambient lighting system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 3-zone air-conditioning, a highly customisable digital meter display, touch-sensitive air con panel, and three USB-C ports.
The glovebox even comes with a cooler function! Boot space is rated at 568-litres. For safety, owners can rely on six airbags, a blindspot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert and hill hold control.
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Mazda MX-5 Speedster and Spyder concepts unveiled ahead of SEMA debut

SEMA is currently abuzz with hype as all the titans of the industry descent upon the sandy desert plains of Vegas. This year, Mazda has decided to bring out a couple of really snazzy party tricks in the form of the
MX-5
. SEMA is typically the one place on the planet where imaginations run wild and free when it comes to customisation. Mazda couldn’t just show up at the world’s largest specialty automotive product and tuning trade show with a couple of store-bought
Miatas
, could they?
As we’ve seen from the
BMW stands
,
lightweight
 seems to be all the rage right now and Mazda jumped onto the bandwagon with a couple of
lightweight concepts
 that, if we’re completely honest, haven’t yet stopped drooling over. The concepts we see here are in two guises – a Speedster and Spyder.

The engineers sought inspiration from classic vintage roadsters for the
Spyder
 concept that features a
 bikini-type rag top
 holstered in place by a
 carbon fibre aero kit
 and a Mercury Silver exterior finish. The lightweight theme keeps on going with a set of lightweight 17-inch Yokohama ADVAN Racing RS II wheels. The interior and trimming is decked out in
Spinneybeck PRIMA
 natural hide. The result of all this weight saving brings the car’s kerb weight down to just
1,043 kg
. If you think that’s featherweight, you’ve yet to clap eyes with the Speedster.
We’ve all heard of the term ‘
Chop-top
‘ but we’ve an uncanny suspicion that Mazda may have take the term way too seriously with the Speedster. Say what you will, but the bottom-line is that the Speedster is simply
drop-dead-gorgeous
. The concept does away with a windscreen and in its place is a
deflector
for an
ol-school
 wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with
carbon fibre doors
 and
seats
 as well as custom 16-inch RAYS 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels.
The Speedster tips the scales at only
943kg
, and is also
 30mm
 lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an
adjustable
 coilover suspension. Powering the Speedster is the same mill in the bikini-top concept which makes for a brilliant
 power-to-weight ratio
. That being said, these two Mazda MX-5s are in a class of their on, one that even Floyd Mayweather Jr. would find hard to contend with.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Toyota Innova 2.0X facelift, 5 Things

UMW Toyota Motor has just launched the new
facelift Toyota Innova
with
 three variants available
 – 2.0E, 2.0G, and 2.0X. Prices start from
RM 111,622
 for the 2.0E,
RM121,483
 for the 2.0G, and
RM129,677
 for the range-topping 2.0X. All variants are accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Underneath the hood is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with
139 hp
 and
183 Nm
, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels.

As for the exterior, the new 2.0X comes with a redesigned grille (losing the chrome strips from before), and its signal and fog lights are now separated instead of being clustered together previously. On the side, the Innova 2.0X comes with additional body cladding by the doors while the rear now features a blacked-out lower bumper along with a chrome strip on the tailgate.
The cabin of the facelift Innova is where the magic really is. In our opinion, they’ve done a really good job in making the Innova feel luxurious on the inside.
For one, you get
captain seats with arm rests
 and a cupholder in between. There’s also a collapsible table on each side with air-con blowers for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers.
Features in the facelift Innova include a 4.2-inch Multi-information display, a 9-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
For safety, the facelift Innova relies on seven airbags, a blindspot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert. Unlike the
new facelift Fortuner
, it does not come with the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system.
However, it is available with Toyota’s Vehicle Telematics System that’s able to track the MPV’s movement and location via GPS.
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Daihatsu new Karawang plant construction starts, hints at EV made in Indonesia

PT Astra Daihatsu held a groundbreaking ceremony to initiate the construction of its second plant line in Karawang to replace its aging plant in Sunter. With the groundbreaking ceremony,
Daihatsu
 hinted that it may start to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia.
The new line in Karawang aims to help Daihatsu to continue providing high-quality vehicles to customers at prices that remain competitive while maintaining the sustainability of the company. The new factory has a total investment value of around IDR 2.9 Trilion (approx.
RM823 million
) and will adopt the E-SSC (Evolution, Simple, Slim, Compact) concept. It will also have a production capacity of 140,000 vehicles per year.
Daihatsu says that the construction of the new Karawang factory proves the company’s commitment to carbon neutrality which is in line with sustainable development or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Indonesia in the future. The new factory will utilize renewable energy which can reduce carbon emission levels by up to 20%. Not officially stated in the press release, Daihatsu is also hinting at the production of EVs in Indonesia to complement the carbon neutrality efforts.
At the groundbreaking ceremony,
CNN Indonesia
 reports that Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. Executive Vice President, Hiromasa Hoshika said, “We already have electric car products in Japan and we are conducting studies to introduce them in Indonesia in 2024.”
RELATED:
Daihatsu Ayla EV concept unveiled – Electric Perodua Axia in the making?
Daiuhatsu Ayla EV concept was unveiled last year
The groundbreaking ceremony was carried out by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Dody Widodo; Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kenji Kanasugi, and Representative of the Regional Government of Karawang Regency, Ir. H. Hanafi, MM.
Also present were three representatives of the shareholders of PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, such as the Executive Vice President of Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC), Hiromasa Hoshika; Director of PT Astra International Tbk, Hamdhani Dzulkarnaen Salim; Regional Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific, Mitsuhiro Tsubakimoto; President Director of ADM Yasushi Kyoda, and Deputy President Director of ADM Erlan Krisnaring Cahyono.
Astra Daihatsu has been present for almost 45 years since 1978. Daihatsu’s production achievements in 2022 also recorded the highest record in history.
RELATED:
The Indonesian 2022 Daihatsu Sirion is built in Malaysia, but gets more features than the Myvi!


Mercedes-AMG’s 55th anniversary model for the GT63S E Performance is called… F1 Edition

It’s no secret that Mercedes-AMG has been rolling out
special edition models one after another
 to celebrate its
55-year anniversary
. We even
joked about it on Facebook
 recently asking you, our dear readers, to guess which is next, but the company ended up pulling a fast one on everyone because the latest anniversary model is not even called “55 Edition”. Instead, it’s called the “F1 Edition”, and it’s exclusive to the recently-launched
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance
.
As the name suggests, the new F1 Edition model is meant to emphasise the proximity between its E Performance hybrid tech in their road cars, and the hybrid engines used in the F1 race cars.
“To celebrate 55 years of AMG, the performance and sports car brand not only looks back with pride on its successful past, but also celebrates the present with the ‘Edition 55’ models. With the special ‘F1 Edition’ model, Mercedes-AMG is now making the electrified future even more visible,” the statement read.
Much like the Edition 55 models, however, the F1 Edition package’s scope is reserved mostly to just aesthetic upgrades, with the oily bits left untouched. At EUR23,800 (approx RM110k)
 on top
 of the car itself, you’ll get a unique coat of Manufaktur alpine grey, topped with an exclusive AMG decal set that fades from grey to black.
RELATED: Mercedes-AMG continues 55-year celebration with more special edition models for A 45, CLA 45
As part of the package, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance F1 Edition will also come with the AMG Aerodynamics and AMG Night packages as standard – the former adding a larger front splitter, high-gloss black rear wing, and an optimised diffuser, while the latter essentially replaces all external chrome trims with gloss black items.
Inside, the F1 Edition gets red accents littered throughout the cabin, including red seatbelts, carbon fibre trims with red accents, black nappa leather upholstered AMG Performance seats with red contrast stitching, AMG door sill plates with red illumination, and special floor mats with an exclusive Edition badge.
To top it all off, buyers will also receive an indoor car cover that features the F1 logo, with the inner fabric made from an antistatic flannel material that’s designed to protect the car from dust and scratches.
While the special edition model only include aesthetic changes, the “idea” of the F1 Edition is – of course – all about the powertrain. That’s because the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance comes with a
 new hybrid powertrain
just like their F1 cars, with a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 paired to a rear-mounted electric motor to give the car a combined output of
843 hp
and a whopping
 1,470 Nm
 of torque.
The output figure translates to an incredible century sprint time of just
2.9 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
316 km/h
. While you’re not hooning it on a circuit, however, the range-topping GT model can actually travel up to 12 km on electricity alone.


Porsche 911 GT2 RS unveiled, the most extreme road-legal 911 ever!

While motor shows are usually the default platform to launch a car, Porsche chose to unveil theirs at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game exhibition. Behold, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS – the return of the GT2 moniker in seven years since the 997.
Previewed in all its glory during the preview of the
 Forza Motorsport 7
for the Xbox One, the 911 GT2 RS will be featured in this long-running racing game series coming out later this year. Details of this super 911 remain sketchy, although it’s safe to say that it’s a
911 Turbo S
 on steroids.
It’ll be powered by the same
3.8-litre twin turbo flat six engine
 shared with the 911 S Turbo, enhanced with larger turbos and water spray intercooler. The final output figure will surely be more than the donor’s 580 hp, which means it will sprint faster than the Turbo S’ 2.9 seconds century sprint. Drive is sent to the
 rear wheels
 via a
seven-speed PDK dual clutch transmission
.
The new 911 GT2 RS is expected to be equipped with
rear-axle steering
 with
 Porsche Torque Vectoring
 and a fully variable locking rear differential. Exterior wise, it gets clothed with motorsports-inspired aerokit and a huge rear wing.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is scheduled for launch in
late 2017
and will be the final hurrah to the current 991 generation. We can’t think of a more fitting sendoff than this, really, until we make way for its
electrified successor
.
Image Source: Auto Week


5 new Smart dealerships appointed across Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia expansion in 2024

The official importer and distributor of
Smart
 vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand,
Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET)
 has appointed five new dealerships to be in charge of Smart electric vehicles (EV) in Peninsular Malaysia. Stationed across the Peninsular in strategic areas such as Bangsar, Ipoh, Penang, Kedah, and Melaka, the appointed dealerships include Smart Mobility, GB Auto, Eleganz Lifestyle, Lee Motors, and Sigma Energy.
The Smart Mobility dealership will be located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and is set to target a diverse spectrum of customers. This includes expatriates and high-profile corporate individuals.
Is that the Brabus Smart #1?
GB Auto will be located up north, in Ipoh, Perak. Eleganz Lifestyle, Lee Motors, and Sigma Energy EV, on the other hand, will be in charge of Smart’s dealerships in Penang, Kedah, and Melaka. The dealerships will also be occupying their standalone buildings.
In total, seven dealers have been appointed by
Smart Malaysia
, which includes the previously appointed Hap Seng Smart and Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON). This is done as part of the EV company’s strategy to attract customers ahead of the launch of the
Smart #1
 in Malaysia, which will be taking place in the fourth quarter of this year.
RELATED:
Smart #1: Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far
Smart #1
PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang said, “We are working hard to ensure that our EV mobility ecosystem is ready before the launch of the Smart #1 at the end of this year and we will share more news about other major developments in the coming months.”
Smart Malaysia is also considering more dealerships for collaborations, including its expansion into East Malaysia next year. The dealer appointments come as part of the company’s strategy to introduce its new all-electric auto brand to the local market, which includes the establishment of an all-new Smart brand centre, known as “Smart Space” as a one-stop centre for EV adoption and convenience.
Interior of the Smart #1
All of the centres will be equipped with full sales and service support, as well as additional services such as quick charging, quick repair services, and a delivery centre. Additionally, the Smart app will be introduced soon.
The Smart app will allow customers to conveniently access product information, ordering, and payment options. An integrated EV charging map with easy-to-navigate DC charging facilities will also be included.
RELATED:
EON appointed as dealer for Smart Malaysia, Smart #1 to be sold at Glenmarie facility
Brabus Smart #1
The CEO of PRO-NET said, “Smart epitomises the pinnacle of premium EV mobility solutions with a combination of futuristic design and advanced technology, hence it is paramount that our appointed dealers deliver on our brand promise with unparalleled service that reinforces the exciting customer journey regarding ownership of smart vehicles,”
He added, “We believe EV is not only about positioning premium products but most importantly it is how we can strive to be an inspiring creator and urban companion to provide a new premium service experience to customers and invite them to co-create a better future together.”
RELATED:
Hap Seng Smart appointed as first Smart authorised dealer in Malaysia


All-new Hyundai Elantra to be launched online tomorrow via Facebook

As promised
, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will be launching the all-new Elantra
via their official Facebook page
 tomorrow morning at
11:00 am
.
This follows after a teaser video was released on their Facebook page today revealing snippets of the 7th generation Elantra which was
previewed to us in detail last week
.
The Elantra will available in a
 single variant
in Malaysia, powered by the company’s latest 1.6-litre SmartStream engine with
123 hp
 and
154 Nm
. Power is sent to the front wheels via
the company’s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox
.
As for the price you’ll have to wait till tomorrow morning to find out although HSDM has hinted that it would cost
“RM1XX,888”
 on its site and that bookings can be made at
RM777
 through HSDM’s official site or at any authorised Hyundai dealership.
The Hyundai Elantra is another offspring of the company’s latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language following the
local launch of the all-new Hyundai Sonata
at the end of October.
HSDM’s competitor for the
Toyota Camry
 and
Honda Accord
 is available in a single variant and is fully-imported from South Korea, with a price tag of
RM206,888
.
However, the Sonata is available at a special introductory price of
RM189,888 for the first 50 units
 inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.
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A documentary on Fast and Furious star Paul Walker is coming soon

It has been almost five years since the untimely death of the Fast and Furious franchise star, Paul Walker. What better way to celebrate and remember the man that sparked and fueled our interests and passion for cars than with a documentary?
The initiative will be led by the same team that brought us the “I am Heath Ledger” and “I am Evel Knievel” biopics. The film which will be titled,
I am Paul Walker
, will shed light on Paul’s rise to fame, his passion for philanthropy and conservation of marine life.
We would’ve loved to see Paul drive this new Supra.
The film, supposedly
due for release sometime this year
, will also include interviews of Paul’s closest friends and cast mates as well as the obvious mention of his undying love for cars as he has been known to have collected most of the “hero cars” from the F&F franchise.
Walker was riding shotgun in a Porsche Carrera GT when it went out of control and smashed into a tree; killing both himself and the driver. Porsche, initially involved in safety accusations, has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Image Credit:
Car Crushing


Video: Mazda CX-8 2.2L High turbo diesel AWD review

When it comes to people carrying in absolute convenience and comfort, there’s no denying the practicality of an MPV such as the Toyota brothers or Honda’s Odyssey for example. What if you needed a 6- or 7-seater but refuse to conform to social norms? The AWD Mazda CX-8 we reviewed may offer a solution.
The
Mazda SUV
 launched
last year
is one such example. There are 6- and 7 seater options of the CX-8 but the one you’d want to look at is the
MID PLUS variant
 with a centre aisle to access the 3rd row from the 2nd for the closest MPV experience in an SUV.

There are
four different variants of the Mazda CX-8
with prices starting from RM173k to RM206k,
down from RM179k to RM217k
, following
price revisions
 after the recent
Sales Tax Exemption
 announcement.
Two engine options are available – a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making
192 hp
and
 258 Nm
 for the front-wheel drive models, along with a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine making
188 hp
 and
 420 Nm
 in the Mazda CX-8 AWD we reviewed. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode.


Haval H9 previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2018, set for launch by end of 2018

Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia is currently previewing the new Haval H9 at the
Malaysia Autoshow 2018
 held in MAEPS, Serdang.
Due to be launched as a
fully-imported
 unit by the end of 2018, the H9 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection dual VVT engine producing
160 hp
 and
 324 Nm
 torque.
Information as been scarce with Go Auto being extremely tight-lipped, in building the suspense for the
 all-wheel drive
 Haval H9; to the extent that we couldn’t even get shots of the interior.
Although, what has been revealed is that the H9 will come with
active and passive safety features
 such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Descent and Ascent Control,
 ABS
,
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and a total of 6 airbags.

The
 seven-seater
 is expected to
cost below RM 200,000
 and will come in two variants –
Luxury and Ultra
 – with five colours to choose from including Alaskan White, Ebony, Sleek Silver, Kakadu and Bronze.
CKD units of the Haval H9 on the other hand is expected to be available towards the end of Q2 in 2019. Existingly, Haval Malaysia exports to Cambodia, Brunei, Batam and Indonesia, with plans to penetrate the Myanmar and Philippines market.
For more information, customers can contact Customer Care at 03-5569 7332 or email us at
[email protected]
. Customers can also visit www.haval.my or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havalmy or instagram page at www.instagram.com/havalmy.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Lamborghini Urus Super SUV, Things You Need To Know

Lamborghini has etched its name in the history books with the unveiling of the world’s first Super SUV – the Lamborghini Urus. Six years after the concept was revealed,
the landmark Lamborghini has arrived in Malaysia
.
Priced at approximately RM 780k before taxes, the Urus is as much a Lamborghini as it is a SUV. Named after Spanish fighting bulls, everything about the Urus’ intricately sculptured body is about aerodynamic efficiency. Being aerodynamic not only ensures the Urus’ high speed stability, it also keeps cabin noise at a minimal.
The Lamborghini Urus, the world’s fastest SUV with a 305 km/h top speed is implanted with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 650 hp and 850 of torque. It’s also perfectly capable of keeping up with today’s modern supercars with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds.
It’s all-wheel drive system is supplemented by rear wheel steering, which allows the Urus to be nimble at low speeds and around tight bends while maintaining stability at high speeds. Active torque vectoring is also standard, along with an Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilisation system, used in a Lamborghini for the first time.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai shows that it’s serious about Fuel Cell EVs with new HTwo sub-brand

Following in the footsteps of its new
electric sub-brand Ioniq
, Hyundai has now unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell-focused division, adorably called the HTwo (styled HTWO). The new company will continue building upon Hyundai Motor Group’s background in hydrogen fuel cell development, which reaches back over 20 years.
The HTwo name stands for H2, the molecular name for hydrogen, as well as  ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Humanity’, the “two main pillars” of its fuel cell business, according to the press release.
While the company did not disclose a development roadmap for the technology, it claims that the next-generation fuel cell system can be adapted for various forms of vehicles, including cars, (marine) vessels, trains, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) – a flying car project that Hyundai is working together with Uber.
According to Hyundai, the HTwo sub-brand will have a global reach, with existing strategic partnerships with hydrogen, energy, and logistics companies around the world already in place. However, initial focus will be on the major hub regions – Korea, the United States, Europe, and China.
The
Hyundai Nexo
 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.
Since the introduction of the “world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle” Tucson (also called the ix35 in certain regions) back in 2013, the South Korean carmaker’s line-up of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles has expanded to now include the
Nexo SUV
, Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck, and a fuel cell electric bus.
For its upcoming next-gen fuel cell system, Hyundai promises to deliver an “enhanced performance and durability” at an affordable price, alongside a lighter architecture and improved energy density.
Hyundai Motor Group is now pretty much all-in on its future “alternative fuel” strategies. In August this year, the company launched the Ioniq battery electric vehicle sub-brand, with three separate EV models already planned over the next four years.
The South Korean conglomerate aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field. No such plans have been laid out for HTwo and the hydrogen fuel cell operations as of yet.


400 Honda Civic Type Rs descended on Motegi circuit in one of world’s largest gathering

It’s the 25th anniversary since the first
 Honda Civic Type R
 first made its global debut back in 1997. So as a celebration, Type R fans in Japan organised the Honda Civic Type R All Japan Meeting 2022, which saw 400 Civic Type R from all over the country descend onto the Mobility Resort Motegi (previously Twin Ring Motegi) circuit.
Photo: kiyochanEK9VTEC/Twitter
The 400-strong line-up in the gathering includes Civic Type Rs of all generations, from the EK9, all the way up to the most recent
FK8
. But aside from fan-owned cars, the gathering also saw displays from Honda themselves, alongside many of the Japanese marque’s partners, including Spoon,
Mugen
, J’s Racing, BBS, and even our own national petroleum company Petronas!
RELATED: ‘Ride along’ in the latest Honda Civic Type R as it breaks a new record in Japan!
Photo: hayate24wa8615/Twitter
Even the Drift King himself,
 Keiichi Tsuchiya
 was also present at the gathering to host a talk show, in partnership with Honda Access. But the main highlight of the day is definitely when all 400 Honda Civic Type Rs descended onto the track for a parade lap during sundown – the photos just speak for themselves.

Owners were also given the chance to take their Honda Civic Type Rs on the track, although it’s a separate entry fee of JPY19,200 (approx. RM645) – a small price to pay to explore the limits of your car safely, around a whole swarm of other enthusiasts.
It’s safe to say that the love for the Type R is truly still alive and well in Japan (and the rest of the world, too!) – we can only imagine the reception when Honda finally unveils the
next-generation Civic Type R
, slated for the second half of this year.
GALLERY
Photo: Nuko3_FK8/Twitter
Photo: kiyochanEK9VTEC/Twitter
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Photo: civictyper_0409/Twitter
Photo: civictyper_0409/Twitter
Photo: civictyper_0409/Twitter
Photo: civictyper_0409/Twitter


Audi’s new charging hub with swivel arms doesn’t care where your charging flap is

While an electric
Audi
 has yet to officially debut in Malaysia, Audi is innovating the electric vehicle (EV) space with the Audi Charging Hub, now with its second location in Zurich. Aiming to serve those in urban areas without access to fast chargers, the brand’s charging hub also boasts innovative ideas that make the charging experience more pleasant.
Audi’s charging hub in Switzerland is not its first, as it has previously opened one in Nuremberg in 2021. Compared to the one in Nuremberg, the Swiss Charging hub forgoes a lounge since it is located at ‘the Square’ at Zurich Airport which offers a wide range of services in the vicinity. Its main innovation is the ‘charging cubes’ which are modular energy storage components made of used lithium-ion batteries from disassembled Audi test vehicles. The hub also has a photovoltaic system on the roof, allowing for 100% renewable energy for the facility.
Audi Head of Business Innovation and the Audi project leader for the Audi charging hub in Switzerland, Martin Wosnitza said, “The second-life batteries serve as buffer storage, the advantage of which is the fact that we don’t need an elaborate, expensive infrastructure with a high-voltage grid and transformers. The hub only requires minor power demands from the local power grid. The Audi charging hub is in a position to bring a sustainable quick-charging infrastructure with second-life battery storage to all the places where the power grid would prove insufficient.”
Another highlight of the charging hub are the ‘swivel arm’ charging cables that hang above the vehicle. Like the fuel pumps in a racing paddock, the ‘swivel arm’ charging cables can reach the car’s charging socket easily without tensioning the cable, regardless of where the socket has been located by the manufacturer. This also means that the Audi charging hub is also open to EVs of other makes.
RELATED:
Audi’s idea of an EV charging station is, of course, a first-class luxury lounge
Provided at the Swiss Audi charging hub are 4 sheltered high-power charging (HPC) points that are rated at
320 kW
 each. This means EVs with 800-V architecture like the
Audi e-tron GT
 can make full use of their fast-charging capabilities of up to 270 kW. Audi says its Swiss hub can supply power for up to 60 electric vehicles per day.
Also provided at the hub are two 55-inch screens that provide essential information, in addition to tips on maximising your charge. The operating displays at the charging points are height-adjustable, and the areas between the charging cubes and vehicles are wide enough for wheelchair users.
RELATED:
Updated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron – tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm
To use the chargers at the hub, Audi customers can use the myAudi app to book a charging slot. Details on how other makes can access the charger have not been specified, but the chargers are open to the public.
Now under the management of
PHS Automotive
, Audi Malaysia may soon bring in an electric car. For now, the Audi charging hub certainly shows some interesting innovations that we could learn from.
RELATED:
PHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM
An EV charging spot in Subang Jaya. Notice how the Tesla has to be reverse parked for the cable to reach its charging flap.


McLaren sold 43.9% more cars in 2018, another record breaking year

Since the company started selling its first road car in 2010, McLaren Automotive has recorded increased sales every year. 2018 was no exception, with sales up by 43.9 per cent over the previous year.
In 12 months, 4,806 new McLaren cars found its way to new owners worldwide. North America remains the largest single market for the British supercar maker, accounting over one-third of global sales. European sales rose 44.2 per cent but the biggest sales growth was seen in China with 122.5 per cent more cars sold compared to 2017. This strong sales growth was attributed to the introduction of the
570S Spider
 and
720S
.

McLaren’s in-house customisation division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) saw more customers ordering bespoke options to their cars leading to MSO order books to triple in 2018.
CEO Mike Flewitt said: “Record sales highlight what a momentous year 2018 was for McLaren Automotive when over 4,800 cars left our Production Centre. That compares to 1,650 in 2015 showing the remarkable expansion in just three years as we work to consolidate growth to 6,000 cars a year by the end of our Track25 business plan.”
1 of 3
McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection by MSO
“In 2018, we achieved our broadest product offering, launching differentiated, world-beating products such as
600LT
 and the first two cars under our Track25 business plan in the sublime forms of the
Speedtail
 and
720S Spider
 both of which have been enthusiastically welcomed by the market,” Flewitt added.


PM announces 50% discount on tolls for 2 days before Hari Raya

Following the announcement of the
return of Sales and Services Tax (SST) in September
, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also announce that the
rakyat
 will receive 50 percent discount on all tolled roads across the country for two days before Hari Raya.
Come June 13 and 14 (Wednesday & Thursday), Malaysians will enjoy half price on their toll fares while travelling back for the festive season. Without revealing any further details, it is unclear whether the toll discount is offered on behalf of the Pakatan Harapan Government or the toll concessionaires themselves.
Traditionally, only major toll concessionaries offered a discount on toll fares on days leading to or during festive seasons. It remains to be seen whether toll operators will extend the discounted fares to more days throughout Hari Raya.