Mitsubishi Malaysia records highest-ever monthly sales, led by Xpander

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
has recorded the highest ever monthly sales performance in April with 1,872 vehicles sold. The success has been highly contributed by the 7-seater Xpander.
The company is currently enjoying an upward trend in sales since January 2021, to strengthen its Top 3 position in the Non-National segment for the 4th consecutive month.

The new
Mitsubishi Xpander
 continues to dominate the non-national MPV segment since January. Of the 1,872 vehicles sold, 982 units of which were made up of the Xpander – contributing 52% of the company’s sales in April.
Since it’s launch in November 2020, Mitsubishi has received more than 10,000 bookings and has since delivered 3,800 units.

“Despite the challenges we are facing with the recently announced Movement Control Order (MCO) or even with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) prior to MCO, we are continuing our best efforts to meet with the strong demand for the XPANDER by increasing our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
As for the Triton, it’s maintaining its market share of close to 20%. Figure wise, the company sold 680 units in Triton, and have delivered 142 units of the new, aesthetically-striking Triton Athlete.


The Continental GT’s interior requires 300,000 individual stitches to complete

In celebrating the Sewing Machine Day, Bentley also paid tribute to the 120-strong sewing team in their headquarters in Crewe, England.
The sewing machine has been an integral part of the brand’s near 100-year history, where the handcrafted interiors of its vehicles have been created by these machines since 1919.
The “Diamond-in-Diamond” interior pattern in the new Bentley Continental GT is another extension of the “sewing machine story”, with a modern twist on its stitching and embroidery.
18 months were spent developing the embroidery, individually optimising and programming the exact alignment of the 712 stitches that make up each diamond shape. It
takes more than seven hours to produce a complete Diamond-in-Diamond-stitched interior
 for the new Continental GT and nearly 300,000 individual stitches.
The attention to detail is such that Bentley even takes into account the size of the leather panel when its cut; as the embroidery actually
causes the leather panel to shrink by 12%
.
Each interior is crafted from
nine Northern European bull hides
, stitched together
with 2.8 km of thread
. When completed, every leather panel is initialled on the back by the Bentley craftsmen who made it – a personal hallmark of quality.


Hyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – safer than EV6, Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s second all-electric Ioniq model, the
Hyundai Ioniq 6
 has just scored a perfect
5-star rating
 in the
Euro NCAP
 Crash test. The result of the Ioniq 6’s crash test was released together with the result of 14 other cars including the Toyota bZ4x and the Smart #1.
The Euro NCAP crash test is segmented into four sections. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 scored 97% in “Adult Occupant Protection”, 87% in “Child Occupant Protection”, 66% in “Vulnerable Road Users Protection”, and 90% in “Safety Assist”. Cumulatively this resulted in a 5-star rating for the Hyundai Ioniq 6. It is also the highest-scoring car to be built on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP architecture (
Hyundai Ioniq 5
,
Kia EV6
).
Equipped on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 are seven airbags as standard. It is also fitted with the “next level” of Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that includes Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 helps the car to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead whilst keeping the car in the centre of the lane even through a corner.
Interestingly, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also able to reflect the “learned” driving style of the driver/owner thanks to its Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC). It also uses the navigation system’s road information to optimise automated driving and perform speed adjustments. Other enhanced functions include Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane-Changing Oncoming and Lane-Changing Side along with Evasive Steering Assist.
RELATED:
Hyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech
To ensure the driver’s focus, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes with several driver attention-related functions such as Driver Attention Warning (DAW). DAW analyses the driver’s attention and provides a warning when necessary. It also alerts the driver when the front vehicle departs.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been launched in Europe (Germany) and all 2,500 units were sold out in under 24 hours. Less than 24 hours from the time of writing, it will make its official debut in the US. In Malaysia, the first Ioniq model, the
Hyundai Ioniq 5 was launched in March 2022
. It is the second electric vehicle (EV) by Hyundai to be sold in the country after the
Hyundai Kona electric
.
RELATED:
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV’s weird shape might be a sign of what’s to come in the future

With a swooping 911-esque styling, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts a low
0.21
 drag coefficient. In its most powerful version, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 makes
320 hp
 (metric) and
650 Nm
 via a dual-motor setup. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.1 seconds
. Storing power in the Ioniq 6 is a
72.6-kWh
 battery that provides
610 km
 of range (WLTP).
RELATED:
First 11 units of Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivered to Malaysian customers – nearly 300 booked since launch!


Watch the Honda Civic Type R set the fastest lap record at the Magny-Cours Circuit

The car needs no introduction anymore; it’s essentially a practical 300 hp four-door hatch that
capably cushions your commute to work
 in the weekdays but can turn into an absolutely lethal weapon when driving is purely for leisure in the weekends.
Having previously set a lap record at the Nurburgring, sealing the
fastest FWD vehicle
 on the 20 km track along the way, the
 FK8 Civic Type R
 was more than six seconds quicker than its predecessor, the
FK2
and more than 5 seconds faster than the Golf GTI Clubsport S that tarnished the FK2’s record.
The mastermind behind the FK8 Honda Civic Type R, Hideki Kakinuma.
Driven by Honda Racing’s WTCR race driver Esteban Guerrieri, this time around the FK8 Civic Type R achieved the fastest lap for a FWD production car with
a time of 2:1.51 seconds
 at the former F1 racetrack, Magny-Cours, in the first of Honda’s “Type R challenge” series.
The “Type R challenge” will see a line up of Honda racing stars trying to break FWD lap records at various circuits around Europe, including Estoril, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps.
IMAGE GALLERY


Range Rover Velar facelift debuts, P400e gets boosted 64km EV range

An update has been given to the
Range Rover Velar
, tweaking its looks slightly, and increasing the all-electric range on the plug-in hybrid PHEV) P400e variant. Together with the PHEV drivetrain, there are three petrol engine options and two diesel engine options.
On the outside, the updated Range Rover Velar gets a new grille and a new set of pixel LED headlamps. The taillights have also been updated and the Velar gets two new body colours, namely Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.
To recall, the Range Rover Velar is offered with 6 powertrain options – 1 PHEV powertrain, 3 petroleum gasoline powertrains, and 2 diesel powertrains.
P400e – 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol PHEV,
404 hp
(metric),
640 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
P250 – 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol,
250 hp
 (metric),
365 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
P340 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol MHEV,
340 hp
 (metric),
480 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
P400 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol MHEV,
400 hp
 (metric),
550 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
D200 – 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel MHEV,
204 hp
 (metric),
430 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
D300 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel MHEV,
300 hp
 (metric)
650 Nm
, eight-speed automatic, AWD
RELATED:
EV Land Rover Defender in the works with at least 482km of range
What the 2023 facelift has done is introduce a larger
19.2-kWh
 battery to the PHEV P400e variant. This has increased the car’s electric-only driving range to
64 km
 from the previous 53 km. On electric drive alone, the Range Rover Velar can hit a top speed of 140 km/h. The 19.2-kWh battery can be charged at a maximum rate of 50 kW with DC fast charging (0-80% in 30 minutes) and 7 kW with AC charging (0-100% in 2.5 hours).
As for performance, the PHEV P400e has a combined output of
404 hp
 (metric) and
640 Nm
. This launches the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just
5.4 seconds
.
RELATED:
 The all-new Range Rover Sport is exactly what the name says it is
Inside, the Range Rover Velar gets a new single floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen that creates a more simplistic appearance for the dashboard. The screen has neem ergonomically positioned higher and within easier reach to help minimise distraction and reflections.
On the subject of tech, the Range Rover Velar’s over-the-air (OTA ) updates now span 80% of ECUs. This includes navigation, onboard diagnostics, chassis, and powertrain without having to visit a retailer.
RELATED:
All-new 5th-generation Range Rover unveiled with PHEV variant – EV in 2024
For the cabin, four new leather colourways are introduced, namely Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue, and Deep Garnet. As for trim options on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds, and air vents, customers can choose a new option called Moonlight Chrome. Other existing trim options include Technical Light Anodised Aluminium, Dark Anodised Aluminium, and tactile Shadow Grey Ash.
To keep cabin noise to an absolute minimum, the Velar features the brand’s pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation Technology, which makes the Velar the quietest vehicle in its class. The technology senses external frequencies and automatically processes an anti-noise through the vehicle’s audio system, reducing overall interior noise levels by a minimum of 4 dB.
RELATED:
Land Rover Defender 110 now available in Malaysia, from RM798k


Geely vows to fully release the potential and brand appeal of Lotus Cars

Things have now been set in stone: DRB-Hicom is officially out of the sports car game and plans to channel all their focus and resources to the turnaround plan for national carmaker Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd.
Geely is now the majority shareholder (51 percent) of famed British sports carmaker, Group Lotus (Lotus Cars). The other 49 percent was sold to Etika Automotive Sdn Bhd, a company owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary who also happens to own the controlling stake in DRB-Hicom (Proton’s parent company).
At the signing ceremony, Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) said he aims to fully release the potential and brand appeal of Lotus. Both Proton and Lotus will create synergies for ZGH to be positioned as a major player in the ASEAN region, which will in turn help the company achieve its vision of
selling 3 million cars by 2020
.
In 2016, ZGH sold 2.1 million units of cars through their modest portfolio of auto brands Geely, Volvo and London Taxi Company. With Proton now as its strategic partner, Geely can fully utilise Proton’s Tanjung Malim production facility (which has an annual production capacity of 400,000 units or more) to build right-hand drive Volvo and Geely cars.
If Geely can
emulate the success they’ve created for Volvo Cars
, then Lotus’ future seems brighter than they have ever been. In fact, just how will this acquisition benefit Volvo, London Taxi Co, Geely and Proton cars from this point on? Guess we’ll have to let time do its thing.


All-new Perodua Myvi launched in Singapore, 1.3 X from SGD64,800

Our friends across the causeway can now purchase the third-generation Perodua Myvi from authorised distributor, Percom Auto Pte Ltd. Two variants are available, with the 1.3 X and 1.5 H joining the Axia and Bezza in the Perodua product line up of Singapore.
Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “The current-generation Myvi’s foray into Singapore is significant in terms of brand presence despite the high barriers for entry into this mature market. This also marks the model’s first export destination under the Perodua brand.”
The new Myvi is quite the crowd puller
The Myvi 1.3 X and 1.5 H
is priced at SGD64,800 and SGD69,800, inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement
(COE) which costs SGD29,159.
Yes, we know, the Myvi costs RM197,000 to RM212,000 after conversion and you can buy a brand-new
BMW 118i M Sport
 with that money. But the thing is, Singaporean buyers are not buying a car in Malaysia, likewise, you are not buying a new car in Singapore.

Perocom Auto Pte Ltd Managing Director, Mr John Ng said, “The Perodua Myvi has been very well received by Malaysians, and the enthusiasm has also found its way to Singapore, where there is a niche yet loyal cult following eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third-generation model.”


Watch out McLaren, the Ferrari F8 Spider is now here in Malaysia

The
Ferrari F8 Spider
 we checked out during its launch in Maranello has now made its way onto our shores. Just like the
F8 Tributo
 which this car is based on, we are the first country in the region to launch the Ferrari F8 Spider – lucky us!

Dubbed “less extreme than the
488 Pista Spider
 but sportier than the 488 Spider” which this model replaces, the F8 Spider gets the same award-winning 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, packing
720 hp
 and
770 Nm
 of torque. The output figure matches the 488 Pista Spider, and puts it squarely against its main rival, the
McLaren 720S Spider.
Power from the twin-turbo V8 is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission to the rear wheels, which helps propel the F8 Spider from naught to 100 km/h in just
2.9 seconds
; 0-200 km/h is done in just
8.2 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
340 km/h
.

The F8 Spider completes the century sprint 0.1 faster than its predecessor. This is largely thanks to the 50 hp increase in power and 10 Nm increase in torque, all while being 20 kg lighter than the 488 Spider – 18 kg of which is from the engine itself.
To keep all that power in check (and the car on the road), Ferrari is employing a whole arsenal of electronic assistance, including the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus (FDE+) with Side Slip Control, now in version 6.1, which allows the driver to easily carry out controlled slides, also known as drifts.
The century sprint time is pretty much identical to that of the F8 Tributo, but that’s assuming if you’d want to keep the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) on. Ferrari says that the Spider is designed in parallel with the Tributo, which means the F8 Spider’s lines have been crafted with the RHT in mind.
Crucially, Ferrari designers say that the separation between body and roof is shifted higher to above the B-pillar, compared to the conventional position at the beltline. This has made the roof more compact, allowing it to be split into two parts and stowed on top of the engine. The process takes just
14 seconds
, and can be done at speeds of up to
45 km/h.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is now available starting at the base price of
RM1,178,000, before customisation options, tax, and insurance
. Fortunately, the price also includes an extended seven-year maintenance programme, which covers all regular maintenance for the topless supercar for the first seven years of its life.
The F8 Spider is available for private viewing from now until the
31st of May
. Alongside the launch of the F8 Spider, Ferrari Malaysia has also introduced the Ferrari 812 GTS in the country.
IMAGE GALLERY


2020 Honda CR-V facelift sports a more mature look with new bumper design!

In addition to the hotly-anticipated
all-new City
, Honda Malaysia today announced that the 2020 CR-V facelift is also now open for booking, and will be launched locally within the next three months in 2020.
On the outside, cosmetic changes are fairly restrained. Based on the one single exterior image provided by Honda Malaysia, the CR-V facelift will feature a redesigned front bumper with a more prominent use of black plastics, accented by a chrome strip for a more understated and classier look.
Similar to the
2020 Honda Civic
, the large chrome ornament on the grille has been replaced by a gloss-black panel, though the slim chrome strip which joins the headlights still remains as before. The 18-inch wheels on the top-of-the-range model has also been redesigned for a more conventional two-tone five twin-spoke design.
looking at the facelift model launched in Thailand, we can also expect to see a smoked taillights assembly and redesigned bumper at the back, while the turn indicators will feature sequential lighting patterns. On the inside, the 2020 Honda CR-V facelift will most likely feature an updated centre console with a Qi wireless charging pad, as well as memory function on the electrically-adjustable driver seats – a new feature that is also added to the
all-new Honda Accord
.
Other equipment that have been confirmed by Honda Malaysia include a new powered tailgate with foot sensor, Honda LaneWatch camera that is now standard equipment on all variants, as well as the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system.
Crucially, Honda Malaysia has confirmed that Honda Sensing will also be available on the all-wheel drive model, which points to the fact that we will likely see a range-topping all-wheel drive model.
The range-topping variant (or variants) will continue to be powered by the 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT gearbox to send
193 hp
 and
243 Nm
 of torque to the wheels. Although from the press release, it is unclear if the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre mill on the base model will continue to be featured on the 2020 Honda CR-V facelift.


BMW plans to introduce an M model for the 1-series to challenge the AMG A45

It’s been seven years since we got an M model for the 1-series (the 135i xDrive doesn’t count) with the last being the 1M back in 2012 which raised hell and hairs of everyone who got to drive it.
With a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, it was compact, balanced, fast and most importantly, fun. It had around
340 hp
,
450 Nm
 and a sweet 6-speed manual gearbox.
But that seems to have been a thing of the past. Since then Mercedes-Benz has reigned supreme with their corner-carving A45 AMGs which were effortlessly quick and highly accomplished through the bends.
Recently, to further cement their position, the three-pointed announced that the next A45 AMG will be equipped with the
most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in production
 – making
416 hp
 (up 40 hp from before) and
 500 Nm
 (up 26 Nm) of torque.
The new BMW 1-series with M Performance bits.
According to international reports, BMW will be responding to that with a new M-model for the latest 1-series but with a twist. It will be all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, to bring the fight to Audi’s RS3 and Mercedes-Benz’ A45 AMG.
Focus will not only be on the 1-series as BMW will also be planning an assault on the performance car game with the new M3 and M4, as well as a new M2 CS.
Last week, BMW unveiled the
Vision M NEXT
, a hybrid concept that signals the new direction of the next generation BMW hybrid sportscars.


Ferrari to reclaim Le Mans glory after 50 years with the 499P Le Mans Hypercar

After half a decade since participating in the top class of endurance racing,
Ferrari

will return with the Ferrari 499P, its new Le Mans Hypercar that will tackle the FIA WEC in the elite class from 2023. Ferrari competed with the 312P 50 years ago, which was the brand’s last appearance in the premier class of world endurance racing.
Like the 312P, the 499P’s moniker hints at the displacement of each cylinder in the engine and the letter ‘P’ stands for Prototype. The livery with which the 499P will debut at the upcoming 1000 Miles of Sebring includes a version of the renowned 312P colour scheme from the 1970s to visually underscore the historical connection with Ferrari’s last works entry 50 years ago. As such, one car will bear the number 50, and another will bear the number 51.
Complying with the Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the Ferrari 499P is powered by a hybrid system. The internal combustion engine (ICE) is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that shares the architecture of the engine fitted in the
296 GT3
, but has gone through a thorough overhaul by Ferrari’s engineers. The engine bears some of the car’s weight and is crucial to the physical structure of the 499P.
Situated at the front axle of the 499P is an electric motor with a 272-hp (metric) maximum output. The electric motor is part of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) that does not require external charging as the battery is recharged during deceleration and braking. Combined, the Ferrari 499P’s hybrid powertrain makes 680 hp (metric) and is paired with a seven-speed sequential gearbox.
RELATED:
Ferrari 296 goes GT3 racing, ditches hybrid motor for pure V6 ICE power
As for styling, the Ferrari 499P was refined with the support of the Ferrari Styling Centre under the direction of Flavio Manzoni. Not just for show, the 499P’s shape allows air to pass through the side pods over the recesses between the main ridges surrounding the cockpit, cooling the radiators concealed beneath the bodywork. The large louvres behind the wheel arches reduce the pressure inside the wheel housings.
At the rear, a subtle carbon-fibre skin covers the various functions, leaving the wheels and suspension completely visible. The tail is characterised by a double horizontal wing; the main wing and upper flaps have been meticulously designed to guarantee the necessary downforce and achieve maximum performance.
RELATED:
One-off Ferrari SP51 unveiled – based on 812 GTS with V12 engine
Technology highlights on the Ferrari 499P include an all-new carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, a push rod-type suspension, and a brake-by-wire system. The brake-by-wire system allows the recovery of kinetic energy by the front electric axle under braking.
The Ferrari 499P will be managed on track by Maranello technicians and engineers with the collaboration of AF Corse. The partnership continues the winning streak, which began in the 2006 FIA GT with the F430 GT2 that secured Team, Driver and Constructor titles in its debut season. The vast majority of GT successes in recent years have been the result of the partnership between Ferrari and AF Corse, including all those achieved in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) since its inception in 2012.
RELATED:
Ferrari Purosangue – Maranello’s first-ever SUV is finally here
GALLERY


Mazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv is now in Malaysia, highly specced and priced at RM220k! [+Video]

Just slightly under a year
after its global debu
t
, the
fourth-generation Mazda MX-5
, or Mazda Miata as it’s known in some markets, have finally made its way to Malaysian shores.
Dubbed as the world’s most popular sports car, Mazda has shifted
over one million units
 of the iconic drop-top roadster since its introduction in 1989 – that’s a good 26 years ago. As we’ve previously reported, Malaysian-bound MX-5s will be fitted with the more powerful
2.0-litre Skyactiv-G
 engine paired to the sole
 six-speed automatic transmission with
Drive Selection Switch. Sadly, the six-speed manual gearbox will not be offered as an option.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda MX-5 Skyactiv
Engine
1,998cc; DOHC inline-4 cylinder, Skyactiv-G
Transmission
6-speed automatic (torque converter)
Max Power
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
200 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Price (OTR with GST and insurance)
RM226,376.32
Before you sigh at the absence of forced induction, there’s really no need for such measures because the new MX-5 is
nearly 100kg lighter than the model it replaces
. Although no official numbers have been released, Mazda claims that, despite all the technologies that have gone into the car, the new MX-5 has a maximum kerb weight of just
1,080kg
. To put things into perspective, the original MX-5 tipped the scale at just 940kg!
EXTERIOR
Bermaz Motor, just as they did with the
Thai-assembled Mazda2
, pulled an impressive feat with regards to the MX-5’s features. On the outside, the
soft-top roadster
 features LED daytime running lights,
automatic LED headlamps
 with Adaptive Front Lighting and High Beam Control, LED tail lamps, front fog lights, keyless entry and 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod with 205/45 R17 series rubbers.

INTERIOR
Stepping inside the low-slung roadster, you’ll be greeted with the familiar Mazda fit and finish, with the amenity kit reading as such; push-start ignition, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control with electrochromic rear view mirror, leather upholstered seats, a 7-inch touchscreen display with MZD Connect System and nine – let me repeat that,
NINE Bose speakers
.

The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel has a slim and sporty three-spoke design, whereas the leather seats are manually adjusted with a
unique tilt-only feature
. There’s
no reverse camera
 though, so owners will have to make do with the rear parking sensors.
PERFORMANCE
Onto the oily bits. Mazda’s high-revving
direct injection four-cylinder engine
 (13.0:1 compression ratio) makes
158 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
200 Nm
 of torque at 4,600 rpm, all of which will be sent to the rear wheels. The MX-5 also gets a healthy dose of Skyacativ technology – Skyactiv Body, Skyactiv Chassis, i-Stop and i-Eloop functions. Now, the ND’s 2.0-litre Skyactiv engine has been heavily reworked with most of its aluminium component lightened. Total weight loss amounts to 11 kg – that, and the MX-5 has a completely new extractor to give the roadster a sportier exhaust note.
The MX-5 rides on double-wishbone suspension on the front axle, whereas the rear gets a multi-link type suspension. It’s
barely 4 metres long
, with an overall length of 3,915 mm, 1,735 mm wide, 1,230 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,310 mm. The steering system is no longer hydraulic, and in place of it is a new Double-Pinion Electronic Power Steering.
SAFETY
While the MX-5 spells loads of fun, it is no less impressive in the safety department. For starters, the roadster comes with
Mazda’s i-Activsense technology
 which gives you
four airbags
 (dual front and dual side airbags),
Lane Departure Warning System
,
Hill Launch Assist
 and the aforementioned Adaptive Front Lighting and High Beam Control systems.
WHAT ELSE?
Like all other Mazda models, the fully-imported MX-5 comes packaged with a three-year factory warranty, and on top of that you get a three-year or 60,000 km free maintenance package. To recap, it’s priced at
 RM226,376.32
 with GST and insurance, and is available in
four different shades
 – Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Meteor Grey and Jet Black; all of which will come with a
Black Cloth convertible top
.
We will be flying to Japan to sample the MX-5 first hand, so be sure to bookmark this page as we bring you the full review of Mazda’s all-new roadster.
IMAGE GALLERY


Updated Proton Saga and Exora coming soon, expect “Hi Proton” voice command

With the successful launch of their
first ever SUV
 and subsequently two facelifts, Proton is not done with revamping their product line up as updated versions of the
Proton Saga
 and Exora are set to be introduced later this year.
Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong said in a statement on the brand’s
strong sales momentum
: “Our aim is to try and end the year in second place to create a solid base for our long-term goal of leading the Malaysian car market again. With the launch of the Iriz and Persona and improved versions of the Proton Exora and Saga set to be introduced later this year, the company is quietly confident it can achieve its goal.”
The Saga is Proton’s
volume model which breached the 3,000-unit mark in April 2019 while the Exora gives
buyers the option for a family seven-seater MPV. The fourth-generation Saga which
is now in its third year of production is due for a facelift while the Exora which
doesn’t even come with Electronic Stability Control is considered ancient in
this day and age.
No word on the updates these two models will be receiving but expect Proton to apply the same enhancements as the
Iriz
 and
Persona
 duo which covers drivability, NVH, fuel consumption and build quality. The brand’s new infinite weave and ethereal bow family face should also make its way to the updated models as is the
GKUI-based touchscreen infotainment system
 with “Hi Proton” intelligent voice command feature.
Note that the Exora is confirmed to be a running change model and not an all-new product. The next-generation Proton MPV which is based on the
Geely Jia Ji
, will not be coming to Malaysia any time soon.


2015 Mazda MX-5 engine confirmed, a 1.5-litre SkyActiv petrol engine

The fourth-generation
Mazda MX-5
 was unveiled last month and today at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Mazda has confirmed that it will be powered by a
1.5-litre SkyActiv petrol engine
[UPDATE: 1.5-litre for global market, while 2.0-litre for the US].
No information as of now on its performance figures but surely not a 2.0-litre engine as rumoured earlier [UPDATE: 2.0-litre SkyActiv for US market]. T
he new MX-5 is said to be about
 100kg lighter
 than its predecessor. The front wings, bonnet and boot are now made from
aluminium
, including a lightweight soft-top construction all contribute to the weight shed.
The engine now sits further back than the superseding model, and lower too. This means better centre of gravity and better weight distribution. Mazda claims it has a perfect
 50:50
 weight balance, further adding credibility to the fun dynamism the Mk1 offered. Looking forward to that!
The new Mazda MX-5 is set to arrive in the UK summer 2015, priced from around £19,000. Well, we Malaysians will have to sit and wait for a bit.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Proton X90: Several ‘Proton-first’ features debut – What are they?

Proton will soon launch the
2023 Proton X90
, its large SUV with both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With the car somewhat unveiled, netizens have been quick to point out the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. So much so, that we have overlooked some ‘Proton-first’ features on the X90. What are they? Let’s get straight to them.
1. RCTA, RCW, TSI
The Proton X90 boasts first-time safety features for a Proton model. Not even equipped on the
X50
 and
X70
, the upcoming X90 comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Traffic Sign Information (TSI).
The sensors on the car may not be so smoothly integrated into the design, but these are expected safety features for premium cars of today. You’re most probably already familiar with RCTA and RCW, but TSI is something rather interesting. This means that the ADAS camera system is more intelligent. If anything, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) function could benefit from this new feature as well.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X90 unveiled ahead of launch – 4 variants, hybrid powertrain only
2. Type-C USB sockets
A small but significant feature would be the new Type-C USB sockets in the 2023 Proton X90. Now, premium cars only come with Type-C USB sockets while budget cars seem to still use Type-A USB sockets. If anything, the world is moving towards Type-C sockets to reduce e-waste.
Type-C sockets provide faster charging times for your mobile devices. Today, even the
Toyota Vios
 comes with a Type-C USB socket. The Proton X90 is equipped with a mix of Type-C and Type-A USB sockets, with all three rows equipped with them.
3. Intelligent power tailgate (no kick sensor)
In terms of practicality, the 2023 Proton X90 introduces an ‘Intelligent Power Tailgate’ and this is different from what you’d find in the
X70
 and
X50
. Yes, the tailgate of the X90 is powered and it does come with a hands-free function, but without a kick sensor.
To open the power tailgate hands-free, you just need to have the keys with you and stay at a certain distance behind the tailgate for about 5 seconds. The indicators will then blink several times to let you know that the tailgate will open by itself. Should you cancel your intention while the indicators are blinking, just walk away and it will not proceed to open the tailgate.
4. Walk-away lock function and Nearby auto unlock
Next, the 2023 Proton X90 introduces a walk-away lock and nearby auto unlock function to Proton cars. The front door handles still come with a keyless sensor but now things can be even more hassle-free as you can simply walk away from the Proton X90 (with the keys with you) to lock the car. To unlock the car, you simply need to approach the car (with the keys with you as well). A great convenience.
5. A hybrid powertrain
The most obvious new thing for Proton is the hybrid powertrain. The Proton X90 is the company’s first “New Energy Vehicle” with its mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain. The X90 houses a 48V mild hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and an electric drive system. It will also be the first local car model with a hybrid powertrain that you could actually purchase. (The
Ativa Hybrid
 is only available on a leasing programme).
The benefits of this hybrid system? Well, Proton says that it is 15% more fuel efficient than its pure petrol version (a 1.5-litre TGDI Geely Haoyue). Oh, and in case you were wondering, the X90’s powertrain makes
190 hp
 (metric) and
300 Nm
. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Only previewed for the time being, Proton has already announced that the Proton X90 will come in four variants. Of course, some of these “never-before” features would not be available on certain lower-tier variants.


The new Golf GTI TCR is Volkswagen’s latest race car for the road

Aside from the potential display of more than 100,000 Golfs at the largest GTI gathering in the world in Wörthersee, Austria, this year’s edition will also mark the world premiere of the new Golf GTI TCR.
Due to be launched
 at the end of the year
, the road-going version of the two-time overall winner of the international TCR race series carries all the aesthetic features of a GTI, with Golf R levels of performance lurking underneath it.
The special edition is reported to make
286 hp
 (identical to the
Golf R
) with
370 Nm
 of torque (10 Nm less than the R) from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with power channeled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The GTI TCR will top out at 250 km/h (264 km/h with the electronic limiter removed), making it the fastest Golf available for road use.
The race car for the road will pick up from where the
 306 hp GTI Clubsport
 left off – a Golf GTI 40th anniversary tribute model – that was once the fastest front-wheel drive to lap the Nurburgring, until the
FK8 Civic Type R came along
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Putrajaya was “infested” by Beetles recently and here are the Best 3!

Last weekend saw Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) organised one of the largest Beetle gathering in Malaysia where over 405 Beetles were present.
The event, held at Putrajaya, was kicked off with a morning drive made up of 138 Beetle that subsequently joined the gathering later on.
Some Beetles, despite of their age, came from as far as Perlis and Johor just to be there to celebrate the occasion.
“It was an emotional moment for us to see the rows and rows of colourful air-cooled and water-cooled Beetle cars and I believe all those who were present today shared this sentiment, said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter.
In conjunction with the event, meant to bid farewell to Beetle, VPCM also took the opportunity to award three Beetles with the “Best in Show” title and selected one other as the “Most Liked Car” on social media.
The winners of the “Best in Show” were Fairul Irwan, Raja Gopal and Thavanesan A/L Selvaratnam, while Siti Aishah Ismail’s Instagram posting of her Bug earned the “Most Liked Car” award.
The
Volkswagen Beetle “Collector’s Edition”
.
Also on display was the
“Collector’s Edition”
 Beetle which was launch in Malaysia just a day after the last Beetle rolled out from Volkswagen’s production line in Puebla, Mexico.
There are only 75 units of the  “Collector’s Edition” Beetle, which comes with RM12,000 of goodies and is priced at RM164,390.
For added exclusivity, owners will also be given an official Collector’s Edition certificate of ownership.
IMAGE GALLERY


Eight-gen Toyota Hilux now officially on sale in Thailand

The Hilux nameplate is pretty commonly heard in this part of the world. Toyota first introduced the popular workhorse back in 1968 and have sold 16 million units globally over seven cycles of life.
It’s worth noting that the outgoing Hilux (7th-gen model) has been facelifted a number of times to
what it is today
, and the need for a new one is dire, especially with rivals dishing out worthy opponents like the
Ranger
 and
Triton
.

Seeking to reclaim the pickup truck glory this time around is the new,
eight-generation Toyota Hilux
. It dons a brand new look while the mechanics all around have been improved for better performance. This means new engines, new transmission and improved chassis. Read on.
Toyota claims that the new Hilux is designed to give occupants a more focused and easier pickup to drive than before. To warrant this claim, the engineers developed the new Hilux by putting it through forests and deserts of extreme conditions, sometimes with temperatures exceeding 50°C.
So, onto the highlights. The Hilux gets
two brand new engines
; a
2.4-litre
 and
2.8-litre turbodiesel
 engines, replacing the current 2.5L and 3.0L oil burning lumps. The new 2.4L makes
148 hp
 at 3,400 rpm and
400 Nm
 of torque from 1,600 to 2,000 rpm, whereas the 2.8L unit makes
174 hp
 at 3,400 rpm and
450 Nm
 of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 revolutions.
These engines are less noisy, more torquey and yield better fuel economy thanks to
commonrail direct injection
, exhaust gas recirculation and variable nozzle turbos. It also comes with
auto start/stop technology
 to conserve fuel whenever necessary. On that front, the Hilux will benefit from a
new six-speed automatic
 gearbox – two cogs up from the current Aisin-made four-speed slush box.
Underpinning the car is the same ladder frame architecture but is now made with more high-tensile strength steel, including an enlarged side rail cross-section for improved comfort. Thai models are comfort biased and benefit from new shock absorbers and upgraded leaf spring suspension.
Toyota says there are three suspension setups to suit driving conditions the world over; Standard, Heavy Duty and Comfort, with the comfort setup being offered in Thailand – an indication of what’s to come when it gets launched here.
On the outside, the pickup truck will get
LED daytime running lights
 (possibly on the higher trims only) with projector headlights, a new grille and more muscular front bumper. As for the wheels, Toyota is offering up to 18-inches for size, but the largest we have running the grounds is the 17-inch fitted to the 3.0G variants. Over the back, the tail lights have also been completely redesigned.
Inside, the Hilux comes equipped with a respectable raft of user-convenience features such as cruise control, touchscreen head unit, new instrument clusters and multi-info display. There’s also keyless entry and push-start button, but that feature will most certainly be reserved for the upper-end variants.

It’s only a matter of time now before the new Hilux finds its way here. Till then, stay tuned!
IMAGE GALLERY
8th-Gen Toyota Hilux

7th-Gen Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo


Isuzu Thailand sold more D-Max in Q1 2021 than the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger combined!

The all-new Isuzu D-Max was
unveiled in Thailand in October 2019
, and ever since then, the striking pick-up has ranked top dog in the country’s pick-up truck market. In 2020, Isuzu sold a total of 160,328 D-Max trucks in the Land of Smiles, and the form continued into the new year with a total of 40,222 units sold in the first quarter of 2021 alone.
That figure averages to approximately 13,000 Isuzu D-Max pick-ups sold every month in the period, and translates to a market share of 47.7% in Q1 2021, according to data compiled by Thai publication
Headlight Mag
.

Coming in at a distant second place is the
recently-updated Toyota Hilux
, with 28,216 units (33.4% market share) sold within the same period. The
 Ford Ranger
placed third with 6,847 units (8.1%) units sold, while the
Mitsubishi Triton
 and
new Nissan Navara
took home fourth and fifth place with 5,166 (6.1%) and 2,077 (2.5%) units sold respectively.
Although quite startling, the pick-up truck supremacy is frankly nothing out of the ordinary. First of all, the Isuzu D-Max has always been the undisputed pick-up king in Thailand, owing to its reputation for reliable diesel engines.
Couple that with an all-new design that has completely revamped its looks and feel both inside and out, and it’s not surprising why the demand for the all-new D-Max is at an all-time high.
Seriously – take a look at the swanky interior of the all-new Isuzu D-Max and tell us it doesn’t look like it’s
taken out of a luxury SUV
! Not only that, the D-Max also comes with some
seriously advanced driver assistance features
 that even many regular passenger cars don’t have.
Here in Malaysia, the all-new Isuzu D-Max was just launched in April this year. It’s available in seven variants across two engine choices, starting at
RM88,599.20
 for the workhorse single cab 1.9L model, moving all the way up to
RM141,938.40
 for the flagship
3.0L X-Terrain model
.
For a full breakdown on the differences between each variant, make sure to check out our Facts & Figures write-up from the launch, linked
here
. And if you want to find out the differences between the new pick-up trucks here in Malaysia, we’ve also made a handy-dandy comparison for you
here
.


The Breathalyser has now been saving your life for 50 years

50 years ago last weekend, police started carrying out roadside breath tests on UK motorist with the first ever use of the breathalyser. Prior to that, motorists were tested on whether they could touch their nose with their eyes closed, walk in a straight line or stand with one leg – we’ve sure come a long way from those archaic methods.
Way back then 1967, there were 1,640 road fatalities caused by drunk-driving and since the introduction of the breathalyser originally invented by Robert Frank Borkenstein, the number of deaths dropped by eight folds even with an stark increase in vehicle ownership.
Funnily enough, when the first laws were passed, it was greeted with outrage by many – with alcohol business owners even going to the extent of claiming that it disrupts their trade.
“In the first 12 months alone, there were 1000 fewer deaths and 11,000 fewer serious injuries on the roads – proving that the use of the ‘drunkometer’ was both necessary and justified”, said breathalyser firm AlcoSense Managing Director Hunter Abbott.
Before the breathalyser, the original method was to blow in a bag/balloon which as a crude device, used merely to confirm a policeman’s suspicion that a motorist was under influence of alcohol. Subsequently a blood or urine test would be conducted at the police station for evidential proof.
In case you aren’t aware, in Malaysia, the legal limit for alcohol content in your body while driving in Malaysia is
80 milligrams per deciliter
, or 100 milliliters which is more a less a pint or two of beer – depending on how watered down it is!


Mitsubishi Merdeka Deals, another round of smashing rebates

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is carrying another round of smashing rebates, from 4th August until 30th September 2014 in conjunction with our national independence celebration.
First off, the locally assembled
Mitsubishi ASX
 comes with a cash rebate of up to
RM2,000
.  Retailing at
RM114,743.50
 for the
2WD
 and
RM128,879.50
 for the
4WD
(OTR price not inclusive of insurance). The Mitsubishi ASX is powered by an all aluminium,
2.0-litre MIVEC
 petrol engine (
4B11
), that produces
150PS
  and
197Nm
 of torque via a smooth
INVECS-III CVT
 gearbox. The Mitsubishi ASX recently won the
Best Local Assembled SUV
by Auto Allianz Industry Awards 2014.
If you are looking for a high profile SUV, the
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
 (2013 make) offers a cash rebate of
RM9,000
, subject to model availability. There are 2 variants of the Pajero, the
Pajero Sport GL (2WD)
 retailing at
RM151,278
 and the
Pajero Sport VGT (4WD)
 retailing at
RM172,212
. Both OTR price not inclusive of insurance.
For those who fancy an urban pick-up, the
Mitsubishi Triton VGT GS
 (2014 make), a cash rebate of up to
RM5,000
 awaits you.  Priced at
RM107,809.60
 (OTR price not inclusive of insurance). Both the Pajero Sport VGT and Triton VGT GS comes with an updated engine via Variable Geometry Turbocharger that delivers
uncompromising power while maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency.
Head over to
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
 for more details and updates.


Suzuki Alto Works launched, new hotter Kei car for the Japanese market

Kei-cars are often regarded as cheap and cheerful but easily forgotten simply because the Japanese culture isn’t present here. They’re basically a regular point A to B kind of cars, but Suzuki upped the ante by revealing a hotter Alto variant known as the Alto Works.
Based on the Japanese-only
eight-generation model
, this Suzuki Alto on steroids has a new bodykit, fog lamps, new 15-inch multispoke rims, side decals, red brake calipers and chrome bezels for the headlamps. In the cabin, customers get Recaro bucket seats, red contrast stitching, sportier instrument clusters and so on. Suzuki also removed the Alto’s touchscreen infotainment system to reduce weight.
The Alto Works is propelled by a
660cc three-cylinder turbocharged
 engine producing
64 hp
 with
100 Nm
 of torque. It weighs just slightly above
600kg,
making this a peppy little pocket-rocket should it be paired with the standard
five-speed short-throw manual
 gearbox. Suzuki also retuned the suspension, steering rack and throttle response for better driveability. Also to note, the
five-speed automatic
 and 4WD are being offered as optional costs.
The car is retailed in Japan for
1,509,840 yen
, which is not more than
RM54,000,00
 after conversion to current rates. As for now, the Suzuki Alto is no longer on sale by Suzuki Malaysia.
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Ford GT production extended for 2 Years, additional 350 units

Ford has just announced that production of Ford GT supercar will be extended by another two years to meet the overwhelming customer demand. During the period, the company is expected to build an additional 350 units on top of the initial run of 1,000 units.
Unveiled back in the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Ford GT is the Blue Oval’s mid-engine two-seater supercar with technology derived from the brand’s participation in the
24 Hours of Le Mans
. Since its global unveiling, Ford
received over 6,500 applicants
 – yes you have to apply to be able to purchase one – for the first batch of 500 units which was subsequently increased to 1,000 units.
To be able to purchase one of the 350 additional units, Ford will re-open the application window to customers in selected markets beginning 8 November 2018. Prospective owners can submit their applications at FordGT.com, and successful applicants will be contacted by the Ford GT Concierge Service for a
personalised purchase experience
.
Director of Ford Performance, Hermann Salenbauch said: “The response to our Ford GT has been unprecedented, with demand outstripping supply more than six-to-one. By extending the Ford GT production run for a limited period, we’re able to maintain the exclusivity of the ultra-desirable supercar while offering the ownership experience to a greater number of customers in addition to the 80 Ford GT owners in Europe who’ve taken delivery of their bespoke car to-date.”
To recap, the Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine pushing out over 600 hp, capable of a top speed of 348 km/h.


This Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is as mean as it is beautiful

As is so often the case with new Aston Martins, the new DBS Superleggera is a thing of top notch beauty and will fittingly replace the old Vanquish S.
Beneath the sculpted carbon fibre body panels rests a 5.2-litre twin-turbo quadcam V12 that’s been tuned to produce
 725 hp
 and
900 Nm
 of torque. Within just 3.4 seconds, it’ll be doing 100 km/h from standstill and by the time a Golf GTI does the same run, the Aston would’ve hit 160 km/h in the same time. Top has been marked at 340 km/h.
The immense power is funneled exclusively to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring.
Keeping the DBS firmly on the tarmac, aside from the F1-inspired double-diffuser, are adaptive dampers fitted as standard. They stand behind a set of carbon ceramic brakes and the 21-inch lightweight forged wheels with Pirelli tyres developed specifically for DBS Superleggera.
With the front splitter, airflow is channeled underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes.
Behind the front wheels, the so-called ‘open stirrup’ and ‘curlicue’ – inspired by the Aston Martin Vulcan and Vantage GTE race car – allows air to escape and flow cleanly along the car’s flanks. At the rear, the Double Diffuser and Aeroblade ll helps generate the highest ever downforce achieved by a series production Aston Martin.
Not only is it more aerodynamic than other Astons, it’s also 72kg lighter than the DB11, with a dry kerb weight of 1693kg. Recalibrated valves in its quad exhaust system better distinguishes each driving mode, with pops and bangs on the overrun – a feature of Sport and Sport Plus modes.
Priced from £225,000 (approx. RM1.2 million) in the UK, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mini celebrates International Women’s Day with new Cooper Pat Moss Edition

Mini

achieved its first-ever international rally victory back in the 1962 Tulip Rally. And at the wheels? A British woman racing driver named Pat Moss, who so happens to be the younger sister of F1 great Sterling Moss. To celebrate Pat’s incredible achievement in a male-dominated sport, Mini has unveiled the special Pat Moss Edition for the Mini Cooper, 60 years later on International Women’s Day.
As a tribute to the rally that Pat Moss and her co-pilot Ann Wisdom won, the Mini Cooper Pat Moss Edition receives several special visual upgrades, most noticeably on the front fenders, emblazoned with information about the race that took the duo on a 2,500 km journey from Denmark to the French Rivera and back.
A tulip motif can be seen on the C-pillars, side scuttles, and wheel hub covers, while a horizontal white stripe on the bonnet pays tribute to the winning Mini’s registration number – 737 ABL. Pat Moss’ signature can also be found both inside and out of the car – the latter on the front bumper, just underneath the right headlight.
The same tulip motif can also be found on the interior, particularly on the door sill plates as well as the decorative plate on the steering wheel’s centre spoke. The dashboard trim piece also features a unique pattern, with bars of different heights forming the shapes of the letters ‘M’ and ‘W’ – standing for Moss and Wisdom.
RELATED: The facelifted MINI gets new adaptive dampers and infotainment system with “Live Widgets”
Mini will be offering the Cooper Pat Moss Edition with the unique
Multitone Roof
 as standard, although with a new colour scheme that transitions from Chili Red to Melting Silver to Jet Black. Due to the unique painting process, each roof will look have their own unique colour patterns, making them essentially one-of-a-kind!
As for body colours, the special edition model will be offered in Pepper White or Midnight Black metallic, although red mirror covers are standard regardless of the primary exterior colour.
Globally, the Mini Cooper Pat Moss Edition will be offered in both
Cooper S
 and
John Cooper Works
 guises, available in both three- and five-door forms. It’ll be limited to “just over 800 vehicles”, with deliveries to begin in May.
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Petronas Mesra Bonanza is back with over RM1.7 million cash prizes

Petronas Dagangan Berhad is back with the Mesra Bonanza Campaign with over RM1.7 million in cash prizes and RM2 million worth of Mesra points for over 10,000 winners.
Every two (2) months, three grand prize winners will go home with
RM100,000 cash each
, while 14 other winners stand to win
RM3,000 cash each
.
Every month, over 1,000 winners will be rewarded with
20,000 Mesra points (equivalent to RM200)
.
To participate, customers simply need to
spend a minimum of RM30 on fuel or on Kedai Mesra items
 to be in the running for the monthly prizes. For the cash prizes every two (2) months, customers need to spend a cumulative of RM500 within two months.
Payments can be made via cash, credit/debit card, Petronas Gift Card or Setel, the first e-payment solution for fuel purchases. Customers are also required to swipe their Mesra card with each transaction.
Mesra card members will enjoy 3X Mesra points for every litre of fuel – the highest offered in the industry. So go get those points,
 more mileage with the new Petronas Primax 95
and win yourself some cash!
The campaign runs from
5th April 2019 till 31st January 2020
. More details about the Mesra Bonanza campaign
here
.


BMW and Mercedes-Benz put autonomous driving partnership on hold

BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG have announced that the alliance to
jointly develop autonomous driving technology
has been temporarily put on hold. “Following extensive review, the two companies have arrived at a mutual and amicable agreement to concentrate on their existing development paths,” the joint press release read.
After an extensive review post technical discussions between the companies, both sides concluded that the timing is not right for a successful implementation of the cooperation, citing the expenses involved in creating a shared technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions.
With the cooperation now on hold, both companies may proceed with the development of their separate systems, which may also include working with other current or new partners. However, the two German automotive powerhouse emphasised that this alliance may be resumed at a later date.
The alliance, announced
July last year
, was formed with a goal to accelerate the development of next generation autonomous driving technologies. The companies planned to introduce autonomous driving of up to level four on passenger cars from as early as 2024.
Although the autonomous driving tech alliance has been put on hold temporarily, BMW and Mercedes-Benz underlined that they would continue working in close cooperation in other remaining fields as planned. These include the HERE technology platform formed together with Audi, as well as a mobility services joint venture under the NOW brand.


Mazda unveils the fourth-gen Mazda2, with SkyActiv and KODO design [+Video]

The time has finally come for Mazda to unmask its latest supermini, the
Mazda2
 (aka ‘Demio’ in Japan). Since all of its elder siblings namely the Mazda6, Mazda5 and
Mazda3
 receive the
SkyActiv
 treatment, it is only fair that the all new Mazda2 should get the same badge.
http://youtu.be/sGm8cnBdhQU
The Mazda2 has been fully redesigned from the ground up for the first time in 7 years and adopts the
KODO
 design language. Mazda’s Hofu plant in Yamaguchi, Japan is tasked at producing the Mazda2/Demio this coming autumn.
As expected, a wide range of
SkyActiv
 technologies will be applied to the Mazda2. Powering the compact Mazda2 is the
SkyActiv-G
 (gasoline petrol) and
SkyActiv-D
 (diesel). The
SkyActiv-D 1.5
, with a compression ratio of
14.8:1
 will be offered in both European and Japanese markets. The diesel mill utilises both low and high pressure
EGR
 systems, coupled with variable geometry turbocharger to maximizes fuel efficiency.

For the rest of the world markets where diesel is less prominent, the
SkyActiv-G 1.3
 and
1.5
will be featured instead. The
SkyActiv-G
 family of engine needs no special introduction as it is present in the all new Mazda 3 & 6. Expect the Mazda2 to come in manual and automatic transmission, tailored to different markets and needs.

Also in the books for Mazda2 is the
i-Activsense
 advanced safety systems and
Mazda Connect
 infotainment system. Interior wise, the cockpit design of the Mazda2 is a reminiscent of the larger Mazda3 where they share similar popup infotainment display and gauges.
For the uninitiated,
i-Activsense
 encompasses safety feature such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, radar cruise control, collision avoidance system and many more, though not all of these safety feature will be incorporated into the Mazda2.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
http://youtu.be/sGm8cnBdhQU
http://youtu.be/lJuWw0_y4Ic
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line now open for booking – est. from RM155k

The
all-new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf
has just been officially unveiled in Malaysia, to be offered in the 1.4TSI R-Line variant alongside the
Golf GTI
 and Golf R.
Assembled here in Malaysia for the first time ever, the all-new Golf 8 (
not Mk. 8, apparently!
) R-Line is now open for booking, with pricing estimated to be between
RM155,000 and RM165,000
.
EXTERIOR
The design of the Golf 8, unsurprisingly, is more “evolutionary” than “revolutionary”. It retains most of the silhouette of the outgoing model, but features some new design touches to spruce up the classic look with a touch of modernity.
In terms of standard equipment, the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line comes with:
R-Line exterior package with body kit, quad faux exhaust outlets
LED Plus headlights
LED tail lights
17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels
Exterior colour options: Kings Red (new), matte Moonstone Grey (new), Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, Oryx White
PERFORMANCE
Underneath the bonnet is a carry-over 1.4TSI turbocharged engine from the
Mk7.5 Golf
, but with increased power and a brand-new gearbox combination.
Engine: 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox
Driveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Max torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
INTERIOR
While the exterior design isn’t anything new, the Golf 8’s interior has been completely revamped with a focus on digitalised features. Called “Driver’s Workspace”, the entire cabin is almost devoid of any physical switches, with most of them being replaced by touch-sensitive buttons.
Thanks to the new electrical architecture, the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line also comes with a new shift-by-wire gear knob in the centre console, the first VW model in Malaysia to carry the feature. Other interior features include:
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
10-inch Discover Media touchscreen infotainment display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Semi-bucket sports seats, manual adjustment
Sardegna fabric and Art Velours suede-like side bolsters, R-line embossing on headrest
Carbon-look trim
Three-zone climate control with rear blowers and control panel
30-colour interior lighting system
SAFETY
The all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line in Malaysia comes as standard with the following safety equipment:
Six airbags
Electronic stability control
ABS with electronic brake-force distribution
Brake Assist
Post-Collision Braking System
Tyre Pressure Leak Indicator
Unfortunately, the locally-assembled model does not come yet with any advanced driver assistance features, although we’re hoping that it’ll be included in a future update, preferably soon!
PRICING
The all-new eight-generation Volkswagen Golf R-Line in Malaysia is now open for booking, with estimated pricing ranging between RM155,000 and RM165,000.
Included a standard in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year free maintenance package, and five years of free roadside assistance.
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Amazing 33-day road trip powered by the Proton X70 and Musang King!

When the travel itinerary reads 13,000 km, 13 cities, 4 countries over a span of 33 days, you’ve got to admire the sense of adventure and endurance of the participants. For nine Proton X70 owners, along with their family members and friends, this is what lies ahead for them.
The 13,000 km-long road trip is organised by the Borneo Automobile Leisure Touring Team and the Kunming Scenery-Customer International Travel Co. China, supported by Proton and other sponsors that include a durian retailer. Talk about laying the groundwork for the eventual export of Proton cars and durians to our ASEAN neighbours.
We wouldn’t recommend a road trip after consuming Musang King though…
A total of 33 participants will travel in nine
Proton X70 SUVs
 (mainly of the Executive AWD variant) from Proton’s Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, they will then traverse Thailand and Cambodia before crossing into China and then to Hangzhou, China, which is the trip’s halfway point and home to Proton’s joint venture partner Geely Auto. The other half of the trip will of course be the return journey back to Proton’s HQ.
The X70 will be put to the test in this 13,000 km journey.
When at Hangzhou, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Geely Experience Centre and get to know the latest models of one of the world’s fastest growing auto manufacturer. While the trip isn’t to pit man and machine against the elements but more about taking in the culture and sights along the way, the sheer distance, logistics and the varying driving conditions will naturally put participants and their vehicles to the test. We wish them a safe journey in their month-long adventure!


All-new Bentley Flying Spur sounds pretty insane for a luxury saloon

Bentley will be presenting its all-new third-generation Bentley Flying Spur on June 11. The British luxury marquee decided not to be secretive with the car because everyone knows it’s going to look
the same
.
The design of the new Flying
Spur is an evolution and not a revolution. Without diving into the details, we
can tell that the new luxury saloon features modern lighting technology, sharper
bumpers and updated tech on the inside.

Listen to that glorious exhaust note
This will be the very
first Bentley to feature All-Wheel Steering technology for, in Bentley’s words,
high speed confidence and low speed convenience. All-wheel drive is equipped as
standard on the new Flying Spur so should Bentley’s range of W12 and V8 engines.
The Bentley Dynamic
Ride now works in tandem with the new adaptive suspension that alters the
spring rates on demand to minimise body roll around the or iron out undulations
when cruising.


Video: Hyundai Elantra 2.0 Facelift, Things You Need To Know

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just launched the
facelifted Hyundai Elantra
 with a series of aesthetic
enhancements

changes, updated features at an unchanged price of RM109,888 (OTR without insurance).

Available as a sole 2.0L Executive variant, the facelifted Elantra packs the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission making
152 hp
 and
192 Nm
 of torque.
While safety kit is on par with rivals of the segment (six airbags, VSM, TPMS), the HSDM did not equip the Elantra with the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System like the
Ioniq
.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Valkyrie AMR Pro will be co-developed with Aston Martin’s F1 drivers

When the
“standard” Aston Martin Valkyrie
was first revealed, it made waves and headlines as it completely broke away from the traditionally elegant approach in design by the British sportscar maker.
Standard Valkyrie
Valkyrie AMR Pro
Now, they’ve revealed something even more extreme – the
Valkyrie AMR Pro
. While the standard Valkyrie is road-legal, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is a track-only hypercar that looks like something you’d buy for your kids to play. All units will be left-hand drive, with a
production run of 40 cars
 plus two prototypes.
Find out more about the road-going, 1,000 hp Aston Martin Valkyrie here!
First revealed as a concept back in 2018 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Valkyrie was built with the
aim to win the 24-hrs of Le Mans in the new Hypercar class
. As for the AMR Pro version, it will inherit most of what was applied in the actual Le Mans race car.
Standard Valkyrie
Valkyrie AMR Pro
Even better than that; because the AMR Pro’s design and performance is not restricted by race regulations, Aston said
its capabilities are even greater than the race car version
 of the Valkyrie.
Unlike the road car, the AMR Pro is longer and wider as a result of intense focus on aerodynamics. As a result, it can
generate twice as much downforce as the road car
 and produce up to 3G while accelerating.
Click here to listen to how the Aston Martin Valkyrie roars!
Based on the same 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine as the road-going Valkyrie, the AMR Pro gets additional weight reduction from the
removal of the battery-electric hybrid system
, use of more carbon fibre body work, carbon fibre suspension components, Perspex windscreen and side windows.
“Together with an aerodynamic efficiency that exceeds Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the AMR Pro promises track performance approaching that of a Formula 1 car,” said Aston Martin.
Aston Martin CEO, Tobias Moers said, “Nothing else looks like it, nothing else sounds like it, and I am absolutely certain nothing else will drive like it!”
Customers of the Valkyrie AMR Pro will receive the opportunity to attend a bespoke track day experience, hosted by Aston Martin at a selection of international FIA circuits around the world. The experience will include track and pit lane access, support from the Aston Martin Valkyrie Instructor team, as well as FIA exclusive racewear and a VIP hosted dinner.
Guess what, if all that isn’t enough, owners can also brag that their AMR Pro was developed together with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 team drivers. Hopefully with Vettel, mostly.
Check out how the Aston Martin Valkyrie looks like with the optional Track Pack fitted on!


Can this new Renault Megane R.S. Trophy match the Civic Type R?

Renault Sport has spawned a hotter, Trophy version of the
fourth-generation Megane R.S.
 with more power, reduced unsprung weight and beefier brakes. Fret not enthusiasts for the most powerful Renault Sport production car can still be had with a six-speed manual.
Its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the standard Megane R.S. now commands
300 hp
 and
 420 Nm
, 20 more horses and torque over the standard car. An EDC dual clutch or manual gearbox, both with six forward ratios, is tasked to send drive to the front axles. However, if you choose to have three pedals and row through the gears yourself, torque figure is capped at
400 Nm
 due to the transmission mapping.
The increased power comes from a new ceramic ball bearing system for the turbo and a variable valve exhaust system. The new innovations improve the engine’s responsiveness and acceleration at higher revs. Century sprint is now done in
5.7 seconds
.
With the new exhaust system that comes with an electronically controlled valve works according to the Multi-Sense mode (drive modes) selected. When the valve is shut, the tone is noticeably sportier than the standard exhaust system and when it is open, the reduced flow resistance allows for maximum performance and noise.

The Megane R.S. Trophy is equipped with the Cup chassis as standard which adds A Torsen® mechanical limited slip differential, 25 per cent firmer shock absorbers, 30 per cent tighter springs and 10 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars. It also has the 4CONTROL all-wheel steering technology as standard.
It is difficult to distinguish the Megane R.S. Trophy apart from the standard car with new items include larger 355 mm front brake discs with red painted Brembo calipers, 19-inch ‘Jerez’ alloy wheels and TROPHY stripes added to the F1-style blade. An optional 19-inch ‘Fuji’ lightweight alloys that reduce unsprung weight by 8 kg will be available at a later date. The Trophy gets optional Recaro seats that allow the driver to adjust the seating position 20 mm lower for a racier feel.
IMAGE GALLERY
Renault Megane R.S. Trophy


Would more power necessarily mean more fun for the updated Mazda MX-5?

Mazda has announced that there will be upgrades for both the soft-top and RF versions of the MX-5.
The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine is now higher-revving and acoustically-tuned, with its redline raised from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm – definitely a plus for the ears when you’re drying your hair in the MX-5.
While it wouldn’t overpower the car, expect beefier acceleration with both horsepower and torque increased from 160 to
184 hp
 and from 200 to
205 Nm
. As for the 1.5-litre model, power is up to
132 hp
 and
152 Nm
 of torque.
Both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre engine powertrains also come with quicker throttle response to further enhance the Jinba Ittai driving experience.
Aesthetically, the MX-5 has been enriched with a darker paint finish for both 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels and a new brown canopy for the soft-top models.


Every variant of the Audi A8 D5 will be a hybrid, high-tech system detailed

Audi has confirmed that their next-generation flagship model, the Audi A8 will feature a
hybrid powertrain as standard across the range
. The new A8, as Audi coins it, will be a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), supporting the combustion engine with enhanced performance and greater efficiency.
The MHEV powertrain features two main components: a water cooled
48-volt belt alternator starter (BAS)
 and a
48-volt 10 Ah lithium-ion battery pack
. The BAS enables the A8 to coast between 55 km/h to 160 km/h for up to 40 seconds with the
engine completely shut off
. Should the driver require additional propulsion, the BAS restarts the engine immediately and accelerates without delay. The BAS is permanently connected to the combustion engine.
Start/Stop function has also been greatly improved from the previous systems with the clever
Predictive Convenient Starting
. It uses radars to detect traffic and will restart the engine as soon as the car in front moves, even if the brakes are applied. This allows the A8 to follow the flow of traffic more efficiently.
To achieve greater efficiency, the new A8’s powertrain management uses navigation data and radar sensors to decide whether to go into coasting or energy recuperation mode. The system also works in tandem with other active safety systems to recover energy during emergency braking. This collectively give the A8 MHEV greater comfort and reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km.
Full details of the new Audi A8 will be revealed when the car makes its
world debut
 at the Audi Summit in Barcelona on 11 July 2017. Previously, Audi Malaysia has
announced plans to begin CKD operations here in Malaysia
. If the A8 gets assembled here, we’re sure it will receive the same tax break incentives as the
BMW 740Le xDrive
 and
Mercedes-Benz S400h
.
IMAGE GALLERY


The upcoming KX11 SUV might be the best-looking Geely model to date

Geely has just unveiled the first images of the upcoming KX11 (internal codename, of course), the brand’s third model to be based on the
Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform
, and you know what – this might be the best-looking Geely model to date. The Chinese carmaker says that the new model will be launched later this year.
The design of the Geely KX11 is clearly an evolution of its latest design language, with several design elements inspired by the brand’s most-recent CMA-based model, the
XingRui
 (or Preface, as it was known during the concept phase) – and we gotta say that it really does work quite well here.
The front fascia is dominated by the new evolved “expanding cosmos” grille, featuring a vertical slat design across the intake. Flanking the grille are the slim headlights, with a segmented daytime-running light signature seemingly sandwiching the main beam in the middle.
Further down, the lower apron dons a large faux intake trim piece with horizontal bars that runs across the entire width of the car, giving it a strong and muscular look, without being overly “busy” in design. A skid-plate front splitter acts as a border to the actual lower intake below the number plate.
The premium, muscular look is helped by the tall and flat nose when viewed from the side, along with the “squircle”-shaped wheel arches, and the sheer size of the car itself, at least at first glance. But of course, Geely did not divulge any other information aside from just these images, so we’ll have to wait and see how it actually measures up against their larger SUVs such as the
Hao Yue seven-seater SUV
.
What’s also uncertain for now is its powerplant underneath the bonnet. However, given that it is based on the CMA platform, a more powerful electrified powertrain is not out of the question.
With rumours swirling that
Proton
 is looking to add a larger SUV model to its line-up as the X90, could this be the one that we should look forward to? Let us know in the comments section below!


Former Lotus CEO creates its own supercar, based on the Lamborghini Huracan

Ares Design, headed by former Group
Lotus
 CEO, Dany Bahar, has presented the Project Panther, a modern take on the legendary De Tomaso Pantera built from the early 1970’s all the way up to the early 1990’s.
Powertrain options have yet to be revealed but the Panther is said to be based on the
Lamborghini Huracan
 that’s packed with a 5.2-litre V10 engine connected to an all-wheel drive system.
The Huracan’s aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid chassis should also be featured and as such, expect a 0 to 100 km/h time of around three seconds with a top speed exceeding the 300 km/h mark.
The Project Panther, said to be Ares Design’s halo car, is currently undergoing crash and aerodynamics tests in Italy and is expected to be delivered to its exclusive clientele as early as the end of 2018.


Nissan made an intern sit through stop-go traffic jams daily to improve its cars

Thought we were mean to our intern when we had him
sit in the truck bed holding on to boxes
? Wait until you hear about what Nissan did with theirs. You see, there are some things that just require real-world human testing, and in the case of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist hands-on driver assist system, that meant having to put it through actual stop-go traffic jams – and who better to do it than their intern?
Meet Tyler Szymkowski, who was an engineering intern at Nissan back in 2018. His job scope? Check his phone every day for traffic jams. “Each day, I would look to see if it was a ‘good’ traffic day – and good for me meant bad traffic for most people,” he said.
When there’s a dark red line indicating the worst standstill traffic jams, that means it’s go time for Szymkowski, who would “race to the jam” and pretend to be happy while doing it – OK we added the last bit in, but we’d have to assume it wasn’t exactly pleasant to sit through bumper-to-bumper traffic every single day.
“Customers were telling us that three seconds wasn’t long enough,” said Nissan Senior Project Engineer Brittany Tessmer. “How long the system could sit and then re-engage to make the experience more seamless was something we needed to pinpoint. If three seconds isn’t long enough, then what is?”
The
 Nissan Rogue
, or X-Trail as we know it here, comes with the latest ProPilot Assist systems.
Previously, the adaptive cruise control system was only capable of holding the vehicle stationary for three seconds before disengaging. If more than three seconds passed, the driver will need to tap the accelerator or press a button on the steering wheel to re-engage the system.
“I got a very realistic taste of what customers experience in major cities,” said Szymkowski. “There were hundreds of additional hours spent basically waiting for a traffic jam. I will say that sitting in traffic is a lot more tolerable when you’re intentionally getting something out of it. And it was really cool that Nissan was letting an intern have an impact on a new emerging technology.”
Throughout his internship, Szymkowski sat through a total of 64 standstill traffic jams in Los Angeles, Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and San Francisco – or in other words, pretty much hell on earth. But thanks to his superhero levels of determination and mental strength, the critical data collected helped increase the stop-go hold time up to 30 seconds.
The updated ProPilot Assist system is now available on the
all-new Nissan Rogue
 (X-Trail) and Pathfinder, which also includes the Navi-link feature that uses live navigation data to enhance the overall adaptive cruise control experience.
The ProPilot system also helped the
Nissan DayZ win the JCOTY Tech award
!
Fortunately, the torturous internship programme didn’t all go to waste, as he was hired as a full-time Nissan engineer after earning his engineering degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He now works on human machine interface (HMI) topics, specialising on how the ProPILOT Assist system enhances the customer’s connection with their vehicle.
“That internship was absolutely critical because it gave me visibility and experience with ProPilot Assist, which still helps me do my job today” Szymkowski said. “One of the most exciting things about my current role is that I still have an impact on how advanced technologies best benefit our customers.”


BMW to build cars in China with Great Wall Motors in a joint venture?

The automotive industry of late has been drenched with joint ventures. There was
Ford’s iniatiative with Zotye
 a couple months back and more recently, the
Toyota, Mazda
and
 Denso
 trifecta followed by the
Alliance
 between Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault.
Now reports have surfaced that BMW is now looking to form some kind of partnership with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor, according to
Reuters
.
The same report also mentioned the possibility of the two heavy weights coming together to
open an assembly plant
 in the Changshu, China. There is, however, no clear indication of what type of vehicles will be produced at the plant and officials from both parties have refused to comment on the matter according to the same report.
The BMW 1-series sedan that’s
specifically for the Chinese market
Although it’s still very speculative, what we can be sure of is that BMW has been affirmed to be the
leading luxury brand in China
 with over 48,869 cars sold in April 2017 alone.
Seeing as everyone is manufacturing EVs in China and with previous reports of a
joint venture with Intel
 together with BMW’s pledge to
offer electrified variants for all BMW and MINI models including an all electric X3 due by 2020
, what’s to say it won’t happen? Stay tuned.


BMW 7 Series 40 Jahre – the 7 Series turns 40, only 200 units of this will be made

The first-generation BMW 7 Series debuted in the same year a certain Skywalker was introduced to the big screens. Today,
the 7 Series flagship, currently in its sixth iteration
 turns 40 and BMW celebrates with the 7 Series 40 Jahre.
The 7 Series 40 Jahre (German for years) is offered across the entire
G11/12 7 Series
 range and will be limited to just
200 units
. It gets M Aerodynamics Package kit, high-gloss Shadow Line accents, 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels and exclusive
40 Jahre
 badging on the B-pillar. Two exterior colours are available for this series:
Frozen Silver
 and
Dark Blue Petrol Mica
.
The interior is packed with BMW Individual Merino fine grain leather upholstery, which can be had with two colour combinations – Smoke White and Cohiba or Smoke White and black. This comes with matching Smoke White piping and Alcantara Smoke White roof liner. The comfort seats are accented with hand woven piping in Smoke White. Two choices of dash accents are available: black piano lacquer finish or Eucalyptus wood with a Smoke Brown high gloss finish.
The BMW 7 Series 40 Jahre will be presented at the
2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
 this September.
IMAGE GALLERY


Goodyear Malaysia to power its plant using solar energy. Good on yer!

It’s easy to cast a wary eye on this news story as just another company touting a CSR initiative, but nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to the reduction of carbon footprint. Global warming is real and it is pressing matter, so every bit counts.
Just about every roof at Goodyear Malaysia’s facility is lined with a solar panel!
Goodyear Malaysia has done more than just a little bit by installing some 6,680 solar panels on the roofs of their office and production plant in Shah Alam, in line with its global mission to drive sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
The thought that your car’s tyres were produced using solar energy is cool.
The solar panel system is able to generate 2.5 megawatts of power each day, and it is connected to six low voltage substations located within the plant. The panels will be responsible for powering the manufacturing plant, as well as the office and warehouse buildings. Once optimised, the plant is expected to have excess electricity which can be chanelled back to the grid.
Photo ops aside, what more can the government do to facilitate ‘green’ buildings?
In total, the solar panels will be able to reduce up to
1,980,433.37 kg of carbon emissions per year over 25 years and cut Goodyear
Malaysia’s spending on electricity while significantly reducing the amount of
greenhouse emissions.


2023 Proton X50 R3 Concept previews production model – 200 units only, booking only at MAS2023

Proton has previewed the
X50
 R3 Concept at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 with cosmetic upgrades from the standard car. Unmistakably, the X50 R3 Concept features the signature colour accents of R3 vehicles from the past, such as the
R3 Iriz
 and
R3 Saga
.
Proton has announced that a production version of the X50 R3 will become a reality. Only 200 units will be available and bookings can only be made at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.
The X50 R3 Concept is dressed with an R3 Aerokit where at the front, the X50 R3 Concept is given a large front splitter with yellow accents. The same yellow/black treatment is given to the front hood, along with a grey stripe, that joins the yellow accent on the front grille. The front grille is fitted with a R3 badge.
On the side, yellow accents can be seen on the side mirror, side skirts, and 18-inch flow form lightweight wheels. The wheels also come with Race, Rally Research lettering. At the rear, the X50 R3 Concept is fitted with an aftermarket spoiler with yellow accents on the rear diffuser.
The exterior of the X50 R3 Concept is finished with a matte black wrap. On the inside, R3 treatment includes a R3 embroidery on the headrests, R3 mats, and what seems like aluminium R3 sports pedals.
In terms of output and performance, there are no changes to it. The X50 R3 Concept is based on the 1.5 TGDI Flagship variant and is powered by a 1.5 litre TGDI turbocharged engine with
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
, paired to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox to drive the front wheels.
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TC Euro Cars slashes price for Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo, now at RM117k

One of Renault’s most popular models, the
Renault Captur
, is now cheaper by RM5,800 at RM117,200 instead of its original asking price of RM123,000. However, the stated price doesn’t come inclusive of insurance.
Just to recap, this B-Segment crossover shares most of its mechanical and internal components with the
Renault Clio
, making it one of the more agile and dynamic crossovers in its segment. It’s not the most powerful (the award goes to the
Mazda CX-3
), but for RM117k you get a modern
1.2-litre direct-injection engine
, turbocharged to make
118 horsepower
 and
190 Nm
 of torque. The numbers are good, but it doesn’t stop there.
You get a
six-speed dual clutch transmission
 driving the
front wheels
, and there’s even an ECO mode which alters acceleration, gearbox behaviour and air conditioning to save fuel. But when you feel like gunning it, the Captur can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in
10.9 seconds
 before maxing out at
 192km/h
.
If you’re keen to find out more about the Captur, be sure to
read our review
 (you’ll find wonders about Renault’s 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty) or head on over to One Utama Shopping Centre from
9 to 13 March
 for a test drive session. You can find the Renault Roadshow at Lower Ground, Oval 1, where all other Renault models will also be displayed.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Geely Xingyue L comes with autonomous parking and self-return!

Geely has used the Auto Shangai 2021 motor show as the venue to fully unveil their latest flagship product called the Xingyue L or previously using the codename
KX11
.
Designed at Geely Design Shanghai, the Xingyue L expands on the design developments from Geely Auto’s Preface concept. Vice President of Geely Design Shanghai, Guy Burgoyne, commented, “In 2019, we unveiled a preface of what’s to come, a new design language and a slingshot from our Expanding Cosmos philosophy.”
“In 2020, with the new design language and the passion for realising an idea into reality, we conceived a super-premium and refined SUV concept. Today, this super-premium concept has become the Xingyue L,” concluded Burgoyne.
Upfront, is perhaps Geely’s largest and most imposing grille. Vertical slats in the grille expand from Geely’s logo towards the periphery like a moving cosmic energy wave. At the sides are high performance matrix LED headlamps featuring
126
 individually-controlled LED lighting pieces.
The DRLs meanwhile feature in a segment of six, a number that is well integrated into Geely’s rich history. The word “liù” or six in Chinese indirectly means smoothness, is also founder Li Shufu’s great aspiration for the company to enjoy smooth and auspicious development.
At the rear, the Xingyue L gets dot-matrix tail lamps with
176

LEDs
. Connected to each other by a strip of lights, the visual effect of a cosmic aurora is created when viewing the Xingyue L from the rear.
Proudly built on
Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA)
, the Xingyue L measures 4,770 mm in length over a wheelbase of 2,845 mm, placing it in the pool of large three-row SUVs such as the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8, and Toyota Fortuner. For comparison, the flagship SUV is 251 mm longer than the
Proton X70/Geely Boyue
.
Powering the flagship SUV are two engine choices. Both engines are based on the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. The high output engine delivers
238 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque that registers a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of
7.7 seconds
.
The standard tuning meanwhile has outputs of
218 hp
 and
325 Nm
 of torque and increases the sprint time by just 0.2 seconds to clock a time of
7.9 seconds
.
Two transmission options are available for the 2.0-litre engine, either a Geely-developed seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) or an Aisin’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Power flow is then transmitted to a BorgWarner sixth-generation all-wheel drive system that includes an
 off-road driving mode
 with an equal 50-50 torque distribution on the front and rear axles.
The Xingyue L comes with a dual-toned interior that combines a polished cyberpunk black with classical bronze inlays. The cyberpunk black highlights the model’s technological heritage while the bronze and green are reminiscent of ritual bronzeware given to nobility in Asian history.
Custom suede is used liberally while weaving in the seats
incorporate Chinese elements like classical knots
, adding an element of refinement in the details while giving a visual reminder of where the brand is from. CMA branding is also splashed on the front seats as well as the steering wheel.
Based on images seen in social media, the Xingyue L remains to be a five-seater, with plenty of legroom available for the rear occupants. Apart from an armrest, a rear air-conditioning system with controls plus phone chargers, there is nothing exceptional about being in the back seats.
Meanwhile, the front occupants get to enjoy multimedia presentation through a one-metre long (horizontal) display screen. Earlier
teasers
 mentioned the capability to display images across the entire length (sans borders) and not just a piece of protective glass.
Xingyue L teaser
Xingyue L actual display
However, images from
local media
 portals display two distinct and individual screens beneath the glass panel.
Going beyond
Level 2 autonomous drive
, Xingyue L comes with Geely’s newest 5G-enabled, completely unmanned automated valet system. Within a 200-metre area such as a parking lot, the Xingyue L can drive entirely on its own, search for a parking spot, and park itself.
The return trip can also be accomplished by calling the Xingyue L to
pick up the user

within a 200-metre area
. The vehicle can achieve this feat through the integration of 12 ultrasonic radars, five millimetre-wave radars, four high-definition surround-view cameras, a monocular camera, a dashcam, an interior camera and 24 environmental sensors.
Looking forward to the Xingyue L arriving as a Proton X90 or even X100 in Malaysia? We can only be hopeful!
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Xingyue L actual display


Latest Lotus showroom in Bahrain showcases new retail identity

As part of Lotus Cars revitalization of the brand, the company has unveiled a new global retail identity for its showroom. The first showroom to feature the new look is the Lotus Bahrain showroom.
The new showroom with plenty of glass and large Lotus signage is located at the premium and luxury retailers’ section of the exclusive Moda Mall shopping complex in Manama, the capital city of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The new Lotus retail identity is based on a design language and philosophy for Lotus retail environments worldwide that draws directly on the company’s design and engineering prowess. Sculptural and artistic in its execution, it captures the energy of the brand as it transforms from a UK sports car company to a genuine performance car player on the world stage.
The new retail identity is aimed to deliver an integrated physical and digital experience of the Lotus brand and product utilizing the latest technologies with beautifully crafted furniture.
Lotus Bahrain is operated by Adamas Bahrain Motors Company WLL, part of a highly respected automotive retail business with a wealth of experience in selling performance, premium and luxury cars across the Middle East and Asia.
 “We are delighted to be working with our dealer partner Adamas Motors at the all-new retail site in Bahrain. It is the perfect location for the world debut of our new retail identity and it looks brilliant,” said Lotus Sales and Aftersales, Executive Director, Geoff Dowding.
The Lotus Evija has 2,000 hp. Meet the most expensive car Lotus has ever built!

Dowding added, “Our new identity has been designed to adapt to the different markets that Lotus sells in around the world today – and will sell in tomorrow – and to reflect the cultural nuances and different consumer preferences in those markets. The inherent flexibility of what we have created will be perfect for all environments, whether they’re solus or multi-franchise, urban or out-of-town, high street or shopping mall, single or multi-storey, pop-up, seasonal or permanent.”
Currently on display in Lotus Bahrain is the
Lotus Evora GT
 and
Lotus Exige Final Edition
. Both will be joined by the brand-transforming new
Lotus Emira
 later in the year.
Find out what F1 World Champion Jenson Button has praises about the new Lotus Emira!
At launch, the new Lotus Emira will be powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine previously seen in the Exige and Evora. Later in 2022, it’ll also be offered with a Mercedes-AMG sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged mill with outputs to range from
365 hp

to 405 hp
 with up to
430 Nm
 of torque.
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Lotus Bahrain showroom
2021 Lotus Emira


Kode 0 by Ken Okuyama, the man who designed the iconic Ferrari Enzo

Ken Okuyama, the man behind the iconic Ferrari Enzo’s design has just revealed his latest project, a one-off modern-day supercar unlike anything else. Unveiled at the 2017 The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering at Pebble Beach, California, the Kode 0 (Zero) takes a
Lamborghini Aventador
 as base and gets a unique design penned by Okuyama himself.
The Kode 0 came into existence when Okuyama dreamt of reviving the supercar styling of the early 1970’s using modern-day technologies. Thus, the Kode 0 features a wedge-shaped design incorporating a no-frills, back-to-basic look with clean body lines, similar to the dream cars of the little kids from that era.
The car’s silhouette, identified by a low-slung front end and a sharp dipping roofline, are Okuyama’s efforts to give the Kode 0 superior aerodynamics while giving it a distinct profile from its donor car. The rear end of the car is perhaps the most radical profile with large rear corner mesh and visible green-painted fans. Okuyama also added a triangle-shaped, quadruple exhaust pipe combination that hints at the Kode series DNA.
Okuyama has turned to Novitec for their NOVITEC NL3 forged alloy wheels measuring at 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in the company’s signature metallic green.
Every single panel on the Kode 0 is made of carbon fibre and manufactured at Ken Okuyama Cars’ factory in Yamagata, Japan. Assembly of the supercar was done by hand with the highest precision and quality-controlled methods.
Stepping into the cabin and one will find all the Lamborghini branded items replaced by Ken Okuyama’s signature. The signature green metallic hue is also extended into the cabin with generous use of Alcantara and leather for the upholstery.
No changes were made to the 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the original Lamborghini Aventador, pushing out
700 hp
 and
690 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed single-clutch ISR gearbox.
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Audi A3 facelift unveiled, gets new engines and Virtual Cockpit!

The Audi A3 is riding with much success around the world lately. Ingolstadt’s premium small car is 2015’s
best-selling compact car
 in the world, which really is quite an achievement considering that the model was introduced four years ago in 2012! But the time has come for an update, and it’s a good one.
So, what’s new in the facelift? As always, the fascia gets some updated nip-and-tuck, with the front end receiving a sharper grille with updated Matrix LED headlights. Audi also introduced new engines for the A3, starting with the debut of an all-new
1.0-litre three cylinder turbocharged TFSI unit
 which produces
114 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque from just 2,000rpm
The 1.8-litre TFSI unit is now replaced by an
all-new 2.0-litre TFSI unit
 that delivers
 188 hp
 and
 250 Nm
 of torque. The new engine is paired to a new gearbox too – a
 seven-speed dual clutch transmission
 which replaces the six-speeder of old. Meanwhile, the
1.4-litre turbocharged
 lump sits in the middle of both these offerings, producing a healthy
148 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. New to that engine is
Cylinder-on-Demand
 technology, where it shut downs two cylinders during less demanding tasks like city driving.
The facelift’s party piece goes to the inclusion of Audi’s ingenious
Virtual Cockpit
that is the new 12.3-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster. This system comes integrated with all of Audi’s latest suite of driver assistance technologies, including active lane assist, pedestrian protection and traffic jam assist (optional).
The facelift applies to all A3 variants including the saloon, hatchback, Sportback and convertible. Audi Malaysia is currently offering the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged units, both available in saloon models. Should the facelift arrive here, it’s likely that the 1.8-litre TFSI will make way for the 2.0-litre TFSI. Seeing how BMW is offering its three-cylinder engine for the entry-level 2-Series and 3-Series models, could Audi join in on the fray by introducing the 1.0-litre A3? Perhaps not, but right now our guess is as good as yours.
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