Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 001 SUV tyre launched in Malaysia, from RM294

Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd has officially introduced the Ecopia H/L 001, replacing the EP 850. The tyre is specifically designed for SUV drivers who desire a balance between safety, long wear life and fuel efficiency.
Developed using Bridgestone’s advanced technologies and compounds such as the NanoPro-tech, the Ecopia H/L 001 provides confident wet handling and braking performance, an optimized contact patch for longer-lasting tread life and low rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency. The new tyre is also designed for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Managing Director, Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, Michael Chung commented, “The Ecopia H/L 001 is a low rolling resistance tyre designed for SUVs without compromising on safety or comfort. Through our market feedback, key attributes of driver’s when evaluating tyres are grip, wet performance, wear life and comfort. The Ecopia H/L 001 is a tyre that excels in all these fields with the added bonus of fuel savings,”
In the new Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 001, new tread pattern with improved chamfered design provides a flat contact point for enhanced wet grip and handling. Based on internal benchmarking, up to 12% shorter wet braking distance is achieved compared to the EP 850.
The deeper lug depth on the tyre shoulder is meanwhile designed to strengthen stiffness in the tyre and increase wear resistance as well as noise vibration for a more comfortable ride.
Bridgestone’s NanoPro-tech chemistry strengthens the bond between silica and polymer, resulting in lower heat generation for better fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.
Find out more about the dangers of driving with under-inflated tyres here!
For this initial launch timing, the new Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 001 is available in 10 sizes ranging from 15-inch to 18-inch and priced from
RM294 to RM854
 a piece.
Popular SUVs in Malaysia that can experience the new Ecopia H/L 001 include:
205/70R15- Toyota Unser
215/60R17- Perodua Aruz, Toyota Rush, Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi ASX
225/65R17- Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V 2.0 and Proton X70 Standard
225/60R17- Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester and Subaru XV
225/60R18- Honda CR-V 2.4 and Proton X70 Executive
In conjunction with the product launch, Bridgestone Malaysia is also having a promotion for the new tyre, where up to
RM 80 cash rebate
 is offered for a set of four tyres.
Wondered what will you see if you placed an action camera inside a moving tyre? Find out more here!
GALLERY


Porsche 911R is the old school 911 we’ve been craving for

While purist have lamented the fact that modern supercars are nothing but turbocharged monsters with rapid-shifting automatic gearboxes, this news from Stuttgart may just be the sweetest music to their ears.
As revealed by a German website
, Porsche is set to unveil the 911R, just hours before its official unveiling at Geneva.
The pictures here don’t reveal much, but the 911R essentially shares the same track-bred credentials as the
911 GT3 RS
. Sure, it loses the RS’ aesthetic prominence, but the bright red stripes here make up for all the kind of heads you’d like to turn when driving by your favourite shopping mall.
Under the hood (or boot, cos’ it’s positioned at the back) of this 911R is the same naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine as the GT3 RS, and makes
493 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of torque. However, instead of being paired to Porsche’s PDK dual clutch gearbox, the 911R gets a manual transmission, which should translate to a slightly slower century sprint performance. The GT3 RS gets that dusted in just 3.3 seconds, though we reckon the 911R will manage below
3.6 seconds
. Oh yes, the manual transmission here cannot be upgraded to the PDK, so it’s either this or the GT3 RS.
Porsche conceived the 911R as a tribute to their original model produced some 50 years ago. In an era dominated by turbocharged and electrified super/hypercars (Porsche isn’t spared, ironically), it’s really refreshing to see Porsche giving its core model a piece of what driving used to be in the old days – simple driving pleasure.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI gets more power and better kit, cheaper too

Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced the updated Golf 1.4 TSI, and customers can now choose between two trims – Comfortline and Highline. They cost RM149,888 and RM159,888 respectively, both cheaper than the
RM163,888 asking price prior to this update
.
The Comfortline trim carries essentially the same kit from before, but opt for the Highline and you’ll get some added features like Keyless Entry with Push Start, Park Assist and Rest Assist, Fatigue Detection System,
17-inch five-spoke Madrid wheels
 (as seen in the picture above) and a new pair of LED tail lights, just like the
Golf R
‘s, except it’s not smoked.
The Golf R’s LED tail lamps are smoked, thus appear darker than those on the Golf 1.4 TSI Highline
Inside the cabin, the Highline trim gets new sport seats with “Mel Stripe” fabric upholstery while retaining the same 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit. The rest of the equipment kit here are as before – six airbags, multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and eight speakers.
If you’re looking for more firepower then good news because both trims will benefit from a more powerful engine; the
1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 engine now makes
148 hp
 from (5,000 to 6,000 rpm) instead of 138 horses, but torque figures remain the same at
250 Nm
, peaking from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Only one transmission is offered, and it’s the same
seven-speed dual clutch
 auto.
Again, the Comfortline is priced at RM149,888 and the Highline costs RM159,888. Both are not inclusive of insurance, by the way. If you’re in the market for a car in this price bracket, the
Ford Focus EcoBoost
 makes for a very compelling alternative and costs RM139,888 for the highest specced Sport+ variant. If you’re not in a rush, then hang on to that dough and wait for the
new Honda Civic
 to make its Malaysian debut.


All-new Toyota Alphard & Vellfire debut – more luxury & space, 2.5-litre NA, 2.4-litre turbo, hybrid

Dear bosses, after an 8-year long run of the second generation
 Toyota Alphard
 and
Vellfire
, an all-new generation of the luxury MPV twins is finally here. Presenting you the 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which have just made their global debut in Japan today.
For starters, the all-new third-generation Toyota Alphard is offered in three variants, namely the Z, Executive Lounge, and Welcab. The sportier Vellfire, on the other hand, is available in two variants – Z Premier and Executive Lounge.
The two luxury MPVs are built upon the GA-K version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, which the Japanese carmaker says is optimised for MPV use. This optimisation is said to improve the cars’ rigidity by 50% as compared to the third-generation models, as well as provide better manoeuvrability and stability.
Underpinned by a
3,000 mm
 long wheelbase, the luxury Toyota MPV twins measures
4,995 mm
 long, and
1,850 mm
 wide. Depending on the model and variant chosen, height is measured at
1,935 mm
 or
1,945 mm
 tall.
The Alphard and Vellfire have also been designed to conform to the size constraints of the standard automated parking system, which limits the car’s dimensions to a maximum of 5,000 mm long and 1,850 mm wide. Suspension-wise, Toyota has fitted the Alphard and Vellfire with MacPherson struts at the front and an updated double wishbone setup at the rear. The suspensions are also said to be tuned to deliver a more fun driving experience.
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On the outside, Toyota says that it has made an effort in differentiating the Alphard and Vellfire even more clearly this time around. Despite featuring different faces, the luxury MPV twins are still fitted with large grilles as before.
And as usual, the Alphard features an executive face, with its grille made up of black and chrome plates, together with LED headlamps and dashed-patterned LED DRLs. The Vellfire, which is the sportier twin, features chrome slats for its grille, with LED headlamps and a series of black elements around the car.
The black elements on the Vellfire are even more apparent with the Z Premier variant. It gets a series of design elements Toyota calls “Jet-black plating”, as well as black equipment to deliver an aggressive demeanour. Toyota also said that the two MPVs have been designed with a sense of solidity, akin to a fighting bull in full charge.
Both the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are available in naturally-aspirated (NA) petrol, turbocharged petrol, as well as petrol hybrid powertrain options, depending on the model and variant chosen. A choice of 2WD, AWD, and hybrid AWD options are also available between the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.
The Alphard with its Z variant gets two powertrain options. This includes the 2.5-litre NA petrol engine, which paired to the Super CVT-i transmission makes
182 hp
 (metric) and
235 Nm
. Power is sent to either the front wheels only (FWD) or all four wheels via an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Another powertrain that is available with the Alphard is Toyota’s series parallel hybrid system, which is available for both the Z and higher-end Executive Lounge variants. This setup consists of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine which by itself produces
190 hp
 (metric) and
236 Nm
, as well as a 5 NM electric motor that puts out
182 hp
 (metric) and
270 Nm
 by itself.
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System output is rated at
250 hp
 (metric). Powering the electric motors is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, rated at
5 Ah
.
Mated to the hybrid system is an E-CVT, power can be either sent to the front wheels only or all four wheels via Toyota’s hybrid E-Four AWD System. The rear wheels also gain an extra 4NM electric motor that pushes out
54 hp
 (metric) and
121 Nm
.
The sportier Vellfire also gets the same hybrid powertrain as the Alphard, but gains a turbocharged petrol option alongside it. Available with the Z Premier variant only, the 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder is paired with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. With both FWD and AWD options, power is rated at
279 hp
 (metric) and
430 Nm
. Toyota says that it will further contribute towards carbon neutrality, and is planning to introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options in the future as well.
Moving inside, the all-new fourth-generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire gains a more modern and minimalistic interior, which consists of fewer buttons than before. Equipment included in the new MPVs include a digital instrument cluster, central display, and a touch-based climate control. There is also a redesigned gear selector positioned within the centre console, as well as an electronic parking brake which also comes with auto brake hold function.
All variants are six-seaters, featuring a 2-2-2 layout. The second row gets a pair of powered captain seats too.
As its name suggests, the Executive Lounge variants get “executive” features such as a retractable table, captain seats that come with heating and ventilating functions, a detachable control panel that enables occupants in the car to control media playback, climate control settings, and also the sunshade.
To make the Alphard and Vellfire which are already known for their comfort even more comfortable, Toyota has increased the space between the front and second-row seats, as well as between the second-and third-row seats, by 5 mm and 10 mm respectively. Toyota has also concentrated on interior fixtures such as lighting, assorted switches, and aircon vents in the centre of the ceiling. These fixtures were all located along both sides of the ceiling in the previous gen luxury MPVs.
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Toyota also claims the all-new Alphard and Vellfire to be the first-ever Toyota vehicles to feature its Universal Steps on both left- and right-hand-side sliding doors. The steps are also positioned approximately 220 mm above ground, which helps entering and exiting the vehicles even easier for small children and the elderly.
Just in case you need more luxurious features, Toyota has further improved the Alphard and Vellfire’s sunshades. The moonroof uses independently operable right and left-side shades, so that some occupants can choose to see the sky while others choose to block out the sunlight. Toyota’s has also installed its first-ever pull-down side sunshades, enabling occupants to block excess sunlight while still enjoying the scenery.
The Alphard and Vellfire have often been used by bosses as super-luxury mobile offices and as exquisitely comfortable private rooms. Therefore comfort was one of Toyota’s main priorities while developing the fourth generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. With that, Toyota has overhauled the seats to prevent vibrations and noise from being transmitted to the occupants.
In the safety department, both the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense suite. The suite features safety features such as proactive driving assist & intra-lane steering assist, as well as deceleration assist when turning at intersections.
Toyota Teammate, which comes as standard with the Executive Lounge hybrid variants, and as an option for the Z and Z Premier variants are also available. This includes the Advanced Park function, which also comes with remote park function, and can also be controlled via the Remote Park smartphone app.
Toyota is also offering the Advanced Drive system. When certain conditions are met, it can help reduce driver fatigue in congested traffic and enables the driver to pay closer attention to his or her surroundings to achieve safe driving. This feature is available as standard with the Executive Lounge and Z Premier variants, and is available as an option with the Z variant.
The all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will be built at Toyota’s Inabe Plant in Japan. Toyota is expecting to sell 8,500 units of the luxury MPVs each month, with 70% of the sales contributed by Alphards, and around 30% contributed by Vellfires.
The previous third-gen Toyota Alphard and Vellfire were brought in by
UMW Toyota Motors
. Whether the official Toyota distributor will be bringing in the all-new Alphard and Vellfire in the future, only time will tell. What do you think of the new luxury MPVs, bosses? Let us know in the comments!
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All-new Ssangyong Rexton more upmarket and cheaper than Toyota Fortuner!

The Ssangyong Rexton once took the Malaysian SUV market by storm, and the hype went almost as quickly as it arrived. Ssangyong have made great strides with the up and coming model, codenamed Y400, to which they will unveil at the Seoul Motor Show in April 2017.
Positioned as the company’s flagship model, the large SUV is confirmed to be a seven-seater and will be powered by two engines: a
2.2-litre turbodiesel engine
 making
184 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque, as well as a
2.0-litre lump
 with
 225 horses
. A choice of
 seven-speed automatic
 or
 six-speed manual
 will be offered.
Standard equipment include LED DRLs, a massive
9.2-inch touch-sensitive infotainment screen
 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility,
additional 10.1-inch screens
 mounted behind the headrests of the front seats as well as individual “captain seats” with massage function. Yup, this one’s not fooling around. There will also be electric sidesteps (like the Range Rover!) with mild illumination for convenient ingress and egress.
Ssangyong also revealed that the wheelbase is a massive 120 mm longer than the Fortuner’s, potentially giving it a roomier cabin. The best part is, when it’s introduced to the Indian market, the new Rexton will most likely undercut the Fortuner by a full RM34,000. Now that’s an irresistible bargain.


Peugeot 2008 revised, now even more rugged with new GT Line trim

The Peugeot 2008 is not an old car. It debuted just three years ago in Geneva together with the
Renault Captur
. But even so, Peugeot has given their subcompact crossover a mild styling refresh as well as a new GT Line trim.
The update is very subtle yet it gives a sizeable impact. A
new bonnet
 accompanies the
new grille
, and the black plastic cladding now extends to the wheel arches. A couple of new shades are also introduced to the refreshed 2008 – Emerald Crystal and Ultimate Red; the latter is a shade nicked from the
308 GTi
‘s colour palette.

The cabin is left largely untouched, though. Peugeot is adamant that their
i-Cockpit
, which includes the quirky small diameter steering wheel and the
7-inch touch screen
 infotainment display to provide a “unique driving experience”.
New for the 2008 is the range-topping
GT Line
. Externally marked by some “GT Line” emblems on the fenders and on the tailgate, it gets a set of unique
17-inch wheels
 finished in Eridan gloss black. Most of the chromed items on the 2008 such as the grille surround, roof rails, and side mirror covers are now finished in
gloss black
 too.
Meanwhile the interior of the 2008 GT Line is littered with
red highlights
, in the form of the stitch work on the leather upholstery, the edges on the seat belts and the floor mats, and the LED used for the
Head-Up Display
. Also bundled in is a set of
aluminium pedals
 as well as
stainless steel door sills
.
Powering the 2008 is a
PureTech 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol
 and a
BlueHDi 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
. The petrol unit is offered in three states of tune: 82 hp, 110 hp, and 130 hp. The
PureTech 82
 is available in either a five-speed manual or automatic, and the
PureTech 110
 comes in either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The most powerful
PureTech 130
 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The diesel variant comes in three different power outputs: 75 hp, 100 hp, and 120 hp. The least powerful
BlueHDi 75
 is paired to a five-speed manual and the most powerful
BlueHDi 120
 is mated to a six-speed manual, while the mid-range
BlueHDi 100
 comes with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
To recap, our Malaysian-market pre-facelift 2008 currently retails at RM116k. It’s only offered with a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder producing 120 hp, and the engine is mated to a four-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the
Renault’s Captur
 offers 118 hp from its turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill and it only costs
RM1k dearer
.
IMAGE GALLERY


New look Subaru WRX & WRX STI launched, from RM238k [+Video]

Two of the most anticipated cars in 2014 are here.
Motor Image
, the exclusive distributor of
Subaru
 vehicles in Malaysia, has finally unveiled the all-new
Subaru WRX
 and
WRX STI
 in Malaysia. The standard variant comes in the guise of
Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT
 while the performance sibling as the
Subaru WRX STI 2.5 6MT
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT
Subaru WRX STI 2.5 6MT
Segment
C-Segment Sedan
C-Segment Sedan
Engine
1,998cc 4-cylinder Boxer, turbocharged DIT (268hp, 350Nm)
2,457cc 4-cylinder Boxer, high-boost turbocharged (300hp, 407Nm)
Transmission
Sport Lineartronic CVT
6-Speed Manual
Price
RM 237,190.80

RM 278,720.50

WRX
, which stands for
W
orld
R
ally e
X
perimental used to be turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza. While WRX
STI
 or
S
ubaru
T
ecnica
 I
nternational is the hooligan version of the Subaru Impreza WRX. This time around, Subaru decided to develop an all-new sedan, the
Subaru WRX
, which comes with
Subaru WRX STI
 of course.
The standard variant has gone for a new but smaller
 2.0-liter
 turbocharged Boxer engine, whereas the WRX STI sticks with its
2.5-liter
 turbocharged engine. There’s a bad news for some Scooby fans though, no hatchbacks this time.
EXTERIOR
 Subaru nailed it with the
WRX Concept
 which was sharp and masculine, with strong WRX DNA. The end product didn’t fall far from it. Thankfully.

Both WRX and WRX STI are exactly the same in terms of dimension. The performance variant is however lighter by 13kg at 1,516kg of kerb weight. They are equipped with LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, rear diffuser, shark-fin antenna and twin dual tail pipes.

The WRX STI gets the large rear spoiler obviously, whereas the WRX has a ducktail spoiler. 18-inch rims for the performance sedan while the standard variant 17-inch.
INTERIOR

Interior design is unmistakably Subaru with both cabins looking exactly the same if not for the gear sticks and upholstery. The WRX comes with fabric upholstery with red stitching while the WRX STI gets leather and Alcantara with red stitching.

Both variants are equipped with leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever, keyless entry, push start button,
2-DIN audio system, Rear Vision Camera System, Multi Function Display including Boost Pressure Meter, cruise control and aluminium pedals.

The WRX STI is fitted with driver-set rev indicator, a D-shaped quick ratio (12.7:1) power steering wheel and stainless side sill plates. The WRX gets a D-shaped quick ratio (14.3:1) power steering and paddle shifters.
PERFORMANCE

The Subaru WRX is powered by a new
2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine
 and for the first time coupled with a
sport lineartronic CVT
 transmission. It produces
268 horsepower
 and
350Nm
 of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h at
6.3 seconds
 with the top speed of
240 km/h
. Fuel consumption is reported to be
8.6 liter per 100km
 for mixed city and highway driving.
Tha Subaru WRX STI gets a little more than that, a
2.5-liter high-boost turbocharged
 with large capacity intercooler Boxer engine, mated with a
6-speed manual
 gearbox. It generates
300 horsepower
,
407Nm
 of torque, 0 to 100km/h in
5.2 seconds
 with a top speed of
255km/h
. The WRX STI is fitted with high performance Brembo brakes for that extra braking power. Both city and highway driving in the STI uses
10.4 liter per 100km
.
In terms of drivetrain, the WRX gets
Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive system
. The WRX STI has a
Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) type all-wheel drive system
, which can be set on the multi-mode DCCD .
Both WRX’s are equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (
SI-Drive
) that allows driver to select driving modes;
Intelligent Mode [I]
 for smooth and efficient drive,
Sport Mode [S]
 for a fun and sporty drive,
Sport Sharp Mode [S#]
 allows sharper throttle response and precise rev control.
Safety is as important for both WRX and WRX STI, so the duo get the same and complete safety package.
 Seven SRS airbags
 including driver’s knee airbag, reinforcement beams, whiplash reducing front seats, Brake Assist and Brake Override.
WHAT ELSE?

Motor Image invited British precision stunt driver
Russ Swift
, who invented the Parallel Park manoeuvre. He has had a few Guinness World Record under his belt such as pa
rallel parking in tightest space, J-turn in tightest space and fastest time in doing 10 donuts. A mind boggling 10 donuts in 16.07 seconds. That’s 1.6 seconds per complete spin!

Russ did some amazing tricks in the new Subaru WRX STI at Desa Park City, including a side wheelie in a Subaru XV! He started off with one passenger (me!) in the car, which he eventually took in more passengers. Me managed to perform the side wheelie with 4 other passengers in the car! A great guy with incredible talent. He’s 63 this year by the way.
As of the day of launch, Malaysian market is more interested in the performance sedan as there are more orders placed for the Scooby WRX STI than the WRX. The Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT is priced at
RM 237,190.80
, the Subaru WRX STI is priced at about RM41,000 more at
RM 278,720.50
.
There are
seven colours
 to choose from; Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Galaxy Blue Silica, WR Blue Pearl, Lighting Red, Dark Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


This new Toyota provides every passenger with their own touchscreen display

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has launched the “Fine-Comfort Ride,” a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) they hope can set the tone for transportation in a low carbon society.
With hydrogen as it energy source to produce electric, it does not emit any carbon dioxide (CO
2), comes with a generous cruising range and takes only three minutes for a full hydrogen refill.
Power is delivered through an in-wheel motor which is positioned at the very corner of the vehicle. Together with an underside cover, the Fine-Comfort Ride achieves the stability and quietness of a premium saloon.
On the outside, while it may have wider front and middle section dimensions, its diamond-shaped cabin narrows towards the rear – maximising space for the second row seats and enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Inside the 6-seater, in adopting the “wearing comfort” concept, the Fine-Comfort Ride’s seats allow for flexible layouts and individual seat adjustments according to posture. The its windows on both sides also operate as touch screen displays for both driver and passengers for various accessibility.
It is said that the Fine-Comfort Ride is estimated to achieve a cruising range of approximately
1,000 km
!
IMAGE GALLERY


Yet another country set to ban internal combustion engines

Ireland is the latest country to join the war on internal combustion engines, following recent announcements by
UK
 and
France
 whose plans are to phase out petrol and diesel-powered vehicles by 2040.
Reports have claimed that the Irish government is proposing a new law that would effectively ban the sale of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2030, just like India.
By then, the local government plans to have nearly one million electric vehicles on the road which would form nearly half of the two million or so vehicles in Ireland at the moment.
Car manufacturers have also taken unconventional approaches in elevating their brand’s EV appeal, like
Porsche’s launch of the Taycan in collaboration with Star Wars in Singapore.
The ban was proposed by Ireland’s Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Richard Burton, as part of the Irish government’s new “Climate Action Plan” which aims to make the country carbon-neutral by 2050.
It’s still mind-boggling to think how these countries would achieve such a target seeing as an overwhelming majority of cars on the road are still powered by conventional internal combustion engines.
In the Malaysian context, it’s hard to imagine how our local government would go about such a move seeing as there are still cars from the 1980’s still roaming our streets.


BMW i8 awarded International Engine & Powertrain of the Year award

The BMW i8 has been crowned winner of the International Engine & Powertrain of the Year award for the fifth year running, as it competed in a new category – Best Hybrid Powertrain.
The i8 beat its competition with 233 points with second place competitor coming in with only 138 points.
 The task of electing the best engines in numerous different classes falls to a jury of experts, which this year was made up of 70 motoring journalists from 31 countries.
The BMW i8 is the pioneer and technology donor for the entire BMW plug-in hybrid family. The line-up is set to grow to a
total of ten models by the end of 2019
.
The BMW i8’s powertrain has been in the market since 2014 and ever since it has scooped the coveted award in its category every year since – with the Best New Engine and overall award in its first year of contention.
The latest BMW i8’s 3-cylinder engine makes
231 hp
 supplemented by a
143 hp
 electric motor to power the rear wheels. The electric motor draws power from the i8’s lithium-ion batteries which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket – and sends its power to the front axle.
With the combustion engine powering the rear wheels and the electric motor feed the front wheels, it creates an all-wheel drive system that offers maximum traction of the line and through the corners. As such 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.4 seconds with the i8’s all-electric driving range rated at 55 km.


Proton achieves 100,000 units target for 2019, thanks to strong December performance

Since Proton forged its partnership with Geely, the national carmaker has achieved many significant milestones – including the launch of the brand’s first SUV, along with updated versions of four different models, as well as the launch of its
new logo
.
However, this achievement might be the sweetest yet – Proton has just announced that the brand has recorded a total sales figure of
100,821 units
 for the year of 2019, inclusive of both domestic and export sales. This marks the first time the brand has exceeded the 100,000 unit threshold since 2015.
The figure equates to an increase of
55.7%
 over 2018, giving Proton the highest sales growth in 2019 for the top-five automotive brands in Malaysia. Overall market share for the year is estimated to be at
16.7%
, the highest for Proton since 2014.
Proton’s December sales figure was also the highest for the year, with a total of
11,117 units
 sold, a
112% growth
 from the same period last year. The figure translates to a 20.5% share of the Total Industrial Volume (TIV), and marks the first time the national carmaker has sold more than 11,000 cars a month since July 2014.

The main contributor for Proton’s successful year is the
Proton Saga
, having sold a total of
38,144 units
 for the year – of which 3,892 units was sold in December alone. The
 Proton X70
 was the second best-seller of the brand, closing the year at
26,311 units
sold. The
Proton Persona
 also achieved positive sales performance, with
 21,876 units
 sold in 2019.
While no specific figures were provided for the
Iriz
 and
Exora
, Proton says that the sales of the Iriz has nearly doubled for the year at 97%. The Exora recorded a sales growth of 40% from the previous year, as a result of the launch of the updated model in May 2019.
While Proton has launched four products in the past year, which is unprecedented in the brand’s history, the national carmaker has also been focusing on improving the quality of its products. According to Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong, “[Proton’s] internal quality audit GCPA score is 1190 points, an improvement of over six times compared to 2017 when we first started using the measurement. This is also a better quality score than Geely currently has, proving the success of our efforts.”


All Nissan showrooms now back in operation with revised operational hours

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that all of its Nissan showrooms in the country have resumed operations, following the commencement of the
Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
.
In compliance with the new standard operating procedure (SOP) during the CMCO period as set-out by the Ministry of Health, all Nissan showrooms will be adhering to new operating hours. The showrooms will also strictly enforce hygienic measures, such as temperature screening for all customers and staff and social distancing practices.
All staff will be wearing face masks, while face masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers will be freely available to customers. Disinfection of touch points at the premises, including display and test drive vehicles, will also be carried out daily.
The company has previously announced that its Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) service centres have
recommenced operations since 10 April
. All customer vehicles will be disinfected before and after their service. During this period, the company also encourages the use of contactless payment methods.
The full list of showrooms and their operating hours can be found on Nissan’s website
here
. Customers who wish to make an appointment for vehicle servicing can do so via the
 DriveOn mobile application
, or through the TCEAS website
here
.
For customers who prefer to minimise contact during this period of time, ETCM has also recently launched the
Nissan Online Showroom
 where they can submit and enquiry or request for a test drive with just a few clicks. A Nissan sales representative will be in contact within 24 hours.
In conjunction of the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, ETCM has also announced its Raya promotion campaign, offering attractive instalment packages with monthly repayments starting from RM800, as well as free two-year Periodic Maintenance Service package and other bonuses on selected models. The full list can be found in the table below:
Additionally, customers who purchase a Nissan X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid between 1 May to 30 June will also receive a
complimentary 1-year FWD Protect Direct Family Takaful protection plan
 with a sum insured of up to RM100,000.
Lastly, 20 lucky customers will take home additional
Cuckoo Healthy Home Appliances
 worth up to RM128,888 as part of the Nissan Buy & Win Contest, eligible in the same contest period.


Facts & Figures: 2021 Toyota Innova facelift launched in Malaysia – from RM112k

Alongside the
Fortuner
, UMW Toyota today also officially launched the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift here in Malaysia, featuring several updated styling and features, along with additional safety features being made standard across the range.

As before, the 2021 Toyota Innova is available in three variants, with prices starting from
RM111,622
 for the entry-level 2.0E variant, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
EXTERIOR
Being a facelift model, styling changes on the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift are fairly subtle. There’s a new sportier and more angular bumper up front, featuring redesigned fog lamp housings oriented vertically. The Innova facelift also receives a new chrome and black trapezoidal grille, a new signature design element on many new Toyota models.
Changes are less obvious at the rear, aside from a new garnish trim on the back door to visually widen the vehicle for a more aggressive-looking stance. Capping off the exterior styling changes are the new chrome wing mirror housings with integrated turn indicators, as well as a refreshed dual-tone finish on the 16-inch wheels, which are standard on the 2.0G and 2.0E variants.
The range-topping Innova 2.0X variant is also offered with an “Enhancement Package” as standard, which adds on several exclusive exterior styling elements for a sportier touch. These include:
Wheel arch mouldings
Bodyside mouldings
Redesigned side skirts
Reprofiled roof spoiler for improved aerodynamic performance
Automatic LED projector headlights
Chrome door handles
17-inch alloy wheels, Dark Grey Metallic finish
PERFORMANCE
No changes are found underneath the sheet metal on the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift, which continues to be powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine.
Engine: 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i, petrol
Transmission: 6-speed Super ECT electronic automatic transmission
Drivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Max hp: 139 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Max torque: 183 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
INTERIOR
The cabin of the 2021 Toyota Innova is pretty much lifted wholesale from the outgoing model, save for the repositioned USB ports in front, now move to the dashboard instead of on the centre console, while third row passengers also gain additional ports to charge their mobile devices.
Otherwise, changes to the interior mostly consists of bringing existing features of the outgoing 2.0X variant across the new G and X variant. These include:
Optitron instrument cluster with 4.2-inch Multi Info Display (MID)
9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
LED roof ambient lighting
Easy closer tailgate
Second-row seatback tables
In addition to the above features, the range-topping 2.0X variant also gains black combination leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, and captain seats for the second row in place of the 60:40 folding bench seats.
SAFETY
Standard safety features across the board of the 2021 Toyota Innova line-up include:
7 SRS airbags
3-point auto-retracting seatbelt for all passengers
ABS with EBD and BA
Vehicle Stability Control
Hill-start Assist Control
The two higher-end models are also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) as standard. These features are also available as cost options on the 2.0E variant, though Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is nowhere to be seen on the 2021 Toyota Innova.
PRICING
As mentioned above, the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift will be available in three variants, priced as following:
Toyota Innova 2.0X – RM129,677
Toyota Innova 2.0G – RM121,483
Toyota Innova 2.0E – RM111,622
All prices listed above are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which have now been extended until June 30 2021. Included as standard in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
The 2021 Toyota Innova facelift is available in six exterior colour choices: Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown, Silver Metallic, Super White II and Bronze Mica Metallic (new). The range-topping 2.0X variant does get an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic, pictured in these photos.
GALLERY


Lamborghini Urus Performante makes Southeast Asian debut in Malaysia

It’s only been a little over two weeks since the
Lamborghini Urus Performante made its global debut
, but the souped-up performance-luxury SUV has now been officially launched here in Malaysia, marking its first entry into the ASEAN region.
The Malaysian premiere of the Urus Performante saw over 150 customers and guests in attendance, who were offered the chance to get up close and personal with the super SUV, as well as the range of customisation options offered Lamborghini’s Ad Personam programme.
The new Urus Performante is billed by Lamborghini as the “new benchmark for Super SUV ‘fun to drive’ performance”, and its main party piece is the uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet, now making a devilish
666 hp
 and
850 Nm
. Power is sent to all four wheels via an upgraded differential and eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Thanks to the new higher output figures, the Lamborghini Urus Performante completes the 0-100 km/h in just
3.3 seconds
, or 0.3 seconds quicker than before. 0-200 km/h meanwhile is achieved in
 11.5 seconds
 (-1.3 seconds), while top speed is rated at
306 km/h
.
RELATED:
Lamborghini deals with the devil, new Urus Performante unveiled with 666 hp
But power alone isn’t what helped the Lamborghini Urus Performante
break the Pikes Peak SUV hill climb record
 – It’s also been given a serious weight-loss exercise, which saw the Urus drop as much as 47 kg of fat.
This is primarily achieved by the generous appointment of carbon fibre parts, most notably on the bonnet and (optionally) roof, both of which can be specified without a paint job to show off the intricate carbon fibre weave – as seen on the display unit here during the regional launch.
ALSO READ:
Lamborghini Urus makes history as the company’s best-selling model of all time
Lamborghini says that the Urus Performante utilises more carbon fibre in its construction than any other vehicle in its class. The rear diffuser and aggressive new roof spoiler at the back are also made out of the lightweight material – the latter providing 38% more downforce than the basic spoiler on the regular-spec Urus. Overall, downforce on the Lamborghini Urus Performante has increased by 8%.
Complementing the huge swath of CFRP parts on the outside are the new set of steel springs, which also lowers the SUV by 20 mm aside from handling improvements, as well as a new set of 23-inch wheels wrapped in Urus Performante-specific Pirelli Trofeo R rubber.
On the inside, the new Lamborghini Urus Performante gets a slightly revamped cabin, with the door cards, roof lining, seats, and rear wall all finished in the marque’s Performante trim with microfibre upholstery. Customers, however, can also opt for leather if they so choose, or a myriad of other materials via Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalisation service.
Most of the aluminium trims on the inside have been replaced with a black anodised finishing, and customers can also take it a step further with the optional ‘Dark Package’ which further extends the matte black treatment onto more parts on the interior, including the Urus’ central ‘Tamburo’ control stack.
“We are extremely excited and proud to be one of the first few markets to premiere the Urus Performante,” said Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur CEO, Roland Chan. “The Malaysian market of Lamborghini enthusiasts has been growing steadfastly and I have no doubt that this higher performance SSUV is going to accelerate that momentum.”
“The Urus was a big game changer for the Lamborghini brand, and this new variation of the Performante, combining luxury, performance, and its versatility, is truly escalating the bar set to an all-new level,” Chan added.
No pricing information has been announced, but based off of its international pricing, we’re guessing it’ll be around the RM900k mark, before taxes, duties, and – of course – options.


Toyota to roll out an electric vehicle in China by 2020

With China reportedly looking
 to ban the production and sale of petrol-powered cars
, the
most online-searched car brand in the world
, Toyota, has just announced that it will be rolling out an electric vehicle under the Toyota brand for the Chinese market by 2020.
Toyota has developed China-made hybrid units for years now and aims to sell around 100,000 units of the Corolla Hybrid and Levin Hybrid models in 2017, with both featuring domestically-produced hybrid units.
Zotye’s Porsche Macan lookalike – the
SR8 SUV
In addition, development of plug-in hybrid Corollas and Levins are underway in preparation for their rollout. “We will use the technology we have nurtured in hybrid electrification to carry out extensive development of new energy vehicles as required by China,” said Senior Managing Officer and CEO of the China Region, Hiroji Onishi.
Toyota wouldn’t be the only be the only latching on this increasing lucrative prospect. Ford and Zotye, the brand behind the
Porsche Macan clone
, have hit the ground running
in a new joint venture to build electric cars in China
. Zotye themselves already have a hybrid model in their inventory in the form of a
2.0-litre Macan lookalike
while Volvo, now fully owned by Zhejian Geely, has announced
 its first electric car will be made in China
.


Petronas to build 100 AutoExpert service centres in Malaysia

And they’ve launched the first of many today in Shah Alam, Selangor, managed by local partners, Autohaus, and will become Malaysia’s first Petronas AutoExpert service centre, offering top-end products and high-quality car maintenance services to customers.
The service centre is a collaboration between Petronas Lubricant International and Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia, with more to be opened across 30 countries in the next five years.
The AutoExpert service centre opens from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily, except public holidays. It will be home to 12 personnel, including 14 work bays and the capacity to handle 40 cars a day.
Expertise at the AutoExpert service centre includes vehicle diagnostics, wheel alignment and balancing. While waiting, customers can kick back at a dedicated lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages as well as free WiFi connectivity.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: 2022 Maserati Grecale GT, Modena & Trofeo now in Malaysia, 5 Things

Naza Italia has made available the all-new, first-ever
 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia
with three variants available – the base model GT, the Modena and the savage Trofeo variant. Unfortunately, prices were not revealed as it was just a preview.
It was still enough for the Maserati Grecale to indicate that it has what it takes to wrestle some customers away from the
Porsche Macan
. Not only is it NOT a Porsche, but it’s also festooned with Italian flair. It’s got headlamps inspired by the
MC20 supercar
, taillights that pay tribute to the Maserati 3200 GT from the early 2000s and triple air vents on the front fenders – a Maserati signature.

Wheel options range from 19-inch to 21-inches, with the largest allocated for the Trofeo variant. Air suspension and the large Brembo 6-pot calliper brakes are only available in the Trofeo as well. Even the door handles are a little more unique, with the switch tucked inside the door handles for a more flush look. A panoramic sunroof can also be specified.
The cabin is breath of fresh air as well; everything from how the seats and steering design just induces excitement and if you’re into the digital stuff, there are three digital displays to contend with – for the instrument cluster, the infotainment display and air-con controls.
There’s more to it too….but we’ll let the video do the talking instead!
More images of the Maserati Grecale in Malaysia
here
!


DBKL and MIROS to implement 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limits in Kuala Lumpur

First proposed in
 May last year
, the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has announced that they are currently working with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to make the 30 km/h and 50 km/h speed limits within certain parts of the capital city a reality.
The
announcement was made by MIROS Chairman Suret Singh
 on Twitter, which read “DBKL and MIROS will work together to make speed limit [sic] 30 kmph for selected zones and 50kmph for [others] a reality.”
Aside from that, the two entities are also in talks to share CCTV data and footages to better study and pick out traffic offences within the city centre.
The locations for the new speed limit zones have yet to be finalised, but Suret Singh said in response to a concerned citizen that it will be piloted first in “
one or two locations
 and perfect it first before proceeding further”.
RELATED: Volvo starts rolling out 180 km/h speed limit on new cars
The proposal for the lowered speed limit was brought forward following the Stockholm Declaration in 2020, of which Malaysia was part of. During the global ministerial conference, 80 ministers from their respective countries pledged to halve road fatalities by 2030.
Included in the Declaration is the call for law enforcements to mandate a 30 km/h speed limit for areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles frequently coexist, except where “strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe”.
The World Health Organisation have also pledged their support for the proposal, who said that in addition to reducing road fatalities, also help create “healthy, green, and liveable cities”.
[Source: ProtectRoadUsers @SuretSingh/Twitter]


What is: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Possibly the most common term in the Safety Features column of any new car’s brochure, ABS in essence prevents your wheel from locking-up in the event of sudden braking.
But what’s this safety feature about, one that’s commonly available in 99.9% of the new cars on our roads today?
In a car without ABS, the wheels can lock-up causing the wheels to “stop spinning” and simply skidding forward. When the car’s tyres start skidding, the driver will lose significant vehicle control along with increased braking distance – meaning that it would take a longer distance for your vehicle to stop especially in wet surfaces.
Using a central control unit, each wheel is monitored using speed sensors placed on all four corners. When it is detected that one of the wheels is spinning slower than the rest, indicating a potential lock up, the ABS system will intervene and systematically applies optimum braking pressure to enhance braking performance – shortening the brake distance significantly.
The video above clearly illustrates how the ABS system works to reduce braking distance, maintain a vehicle’s stability and control under heavy braking and increasing the likelihood of evading an obstacle under heavy breaking.
It should be known that the ABS system merely supports the driver’s control of the vehicle and not a standalone system that takes over completely should the driver run out of talent.


Perodua aims to plant 300,000 trees by 2024, more than half planted so far

Perodua
 organised the Perodua Tree Planting Programme recently at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Around 120 volunteers from the company were involved in the one-day programme, with Perodua Group Chief Financial Officer, Cik Noor Zakiyah Hasan and Perodua General Manager of Corporate Relations and Communications Division, Puan Sulasi Haji Mahadi present during the programme as well.
The local carmaker’s tree planting programme is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme run under the UMW Green Shoots Initiative (UGS), which started in the fourth quarter of 2021. The initiative aimed at planting a total of
300,000 trees
 by the end of 2023.
Perodua Group Chief Financial Officer, Cik Noor Zakiyah Hasan (centre) with Perodua General Manager of Corporate Relations and Communications Division, Puan Sulasi Haji Mahadi (right) and Perodua General Manager of Purchasing & Safety Operation, Encik Zulkafle Ismail (left) during the Perodua Tree Planting Programme.
As of now, approximately
174,000 trees
 have been planted since the launch of the initiative. The local carmaker expects to plant the remaining
133,000 trees
 by the end of this year.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “Mangroves are a vital part of Malaysia’s ecosystem as it helps to protect riverbanks from environmental risks, particularly from flooding and tsunami. Apart from that, mangrove trees protect water quality by removing nutrients and pollutants from stormwater runoff before they reach seagrass habitats and coral reefs. It also provides nursery habitat for many commercial fish and shellfish, thus contributing to the local abundance of seafood.”
“Given the huge benefits of mangrove trees, Perodua has decided to tie up with the Malaysian Nature Society for the tree planting activity as part of our CSR activity”, said the CEO. He also added that as Perodua embarked on its Sustainable Development Goals journey, having such programme is important to reflect the company’s commitment towards achieving its goal.”
“The tree planting event is also related to one of the SDG goals, namely the goal number 15, Life on Land. Its objective is to stop biodiversity loss, stop land degradation, stop desertification, protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and manage forests sustainably. Therefore, the tree planting activity organised by Perodua can help spread more awareness to conserve the earth,” he said.
RELATED:
Perodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction – RM22,000


Porsche Malaysia launches the new Macan SportDesign Series

In conjunction with the Sime Darby Auto Performance’s (SDAP) Media Appreciation Night, SDAP has launched the new Macan SportDesign Series recognisable by its distinctive sporty appearance.
The new Porsche Macan SportDesign is available in two attractive exterior colours –
Volcano Grey Metallic
 and
Carrara White Metallic
 on an exterior that features a more dynamic front apron, painted side skirts and rear apron.

Also part of the new look is a livery with subtle silver and red accents especially designed to give the Macan SportDesign Series a sportier appearance. They’re complemented by black LED headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), tinted LED taillights as well as roof rails and sports tail pipes in high gloss black.
The edgy exterior sits on 21-inch wheels, available in two different designs – the 911 Turbo wheel in a multi-spoke design or as an alternative, the Sport Classic wheel, a forged one-piece alloy wheel painted in high gloss black.

Internally, the SportDesign is dominated by Black and Garnet Red combination leather upholstery with 14-way power seats including memory function for both the front seats. The Garnet Red is also applied to the seat belts, instrument cluster and Sport Chrono stopwatch while entertainment is provided for by a 14-speaker Bose Surround Sound System.
Other standard equipment include air suspension with levelling system and ride height adjustment including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Sport Chrono package.
The Macan SportDesign Series is priced at RM 545,000 (excluding Insurance) and is limited to 40 units only. It will come with a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package. The Porsche 360 Financing, an intelligent alternative to conventional financing by reducing monthly payments by up to 30%, will be available.
IMAGE GALLERY


Things you always wanted to know about EV ownership

The second-generation Nissan Leaf was recently launched in Singapore, Thailand and Australia, it will be Malaysia’s turn tomorrow. And while electric cars sales continue to gain momentum in various parts of the world, its propagation remains subject to governmental policies that support zero-emission mobility, something which carmakers do not have control over. What they can do is to try to win over customers by addressing the inherent concerns of EV ownership.
Do I need rapid charging or normal charging?
In a four-part series dubbed ‘Demystifying Electric Vehicles’, Nissan looks at key areas, namely charging, range, driving and ownership of an electric car which generate the most questions. What happens when it rains, can I charge the car? Would I have enough battery to last a full day of driving? Are electric cars fun to drive or will they bore me?
Can I charge an EV when it’s raining?
Watch the videos below, give it a try and see if your EV knowledge beats that of Tim Jarvis, Australian explorer and environmental scientist, and Naya Ehrlich-Adam, founder of sustainable food business Broccoli Revolution in Bangkok, as they take on the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

Part 1: Charging

Part 2: Range

Part 3: Driving

Part 4: Ownership


Ford’s new idea will allow you to eat or have meetings in the car

Ford, like every other leading manufacturer, is always been on the competitive edge of innovation – most notably with its award-winning EcoBoost technology which has garnered praises from all quarters of the industry.
This new “idea” they’re toying with, is on a whole new level. They’re tinkering with the idea of fitting a conference room or a kitchen into their future autonomous vehicle’s interior. This follows after a report by
AutoNews.com
on a patent filing for a retractable table that comes with an airbag for use in self-driving cars.
It makes sense if you think about it; if you’re not going to drive, might as well have some work space to be productive. The table is said to be able to retract into the floor of the vehicle if not in use. Get this – it will even come with an airbag that would inflate in a crash to absorb the impact to reduce injuries sustained by the passenger.
As interesting as the idea sounds, it may or may not be a reality.
AutoNews.com
 also reported that these patent submissions on new ideas are merely standard business procedures – to protect new ideas with no concrete indication that it would reach the production line.
There’s still loads to be excited about and expected of the Blue Oval though – its new Fiesta with
cylinder deactivation technology
 and the prospect of
 13 new electrified cars and a possible hybrid Mustang
!

Source:
 AutoNews.com


Honda Malaysia hits 10,000-unit milestone for locally assembled hybrids

It’s not a widely known fact but Malaysia is the only the third country in the world (after Japan and United States) to produce a hybrid bearing the Honda badge. And while 10,000 units is relatively modest in the global scale, this milestone was recently celebrated in conjunction with the delivery of the 10,000
th
 unit, a Honda City Hybrid, to new owner Saddam Hassan Bin. Abdul Salim.
The 10,000th unit of CKD hybrid is a City Hybrid belonging to owner Saddam Hassan.
The hybrid journey began in 2004 when Honda Malaysia decided to introduce the first-generation Civic Hybrid with the agenda to promote awareness and green technology. If you were lucky, you may have come across a Civic Hybrid police patrol car sometime back in the mid-2000s, but the lack of government incentives then meant that it had no chance in competing against petrol-powered equivalents.
The first ever locally assembled hybrid was a Jazz Hybrid, back in 2012.
That changed in 2012 when Honda Malaysia started the local assembly
of the Jazz Hybrid (based on the second generation Fit/Jazz platform) with duty
exemptions at the Pegoh plant in Malacca – the first manufacturer in Malaysia
to actually assemble a hybrid model. Thus far, out of the 10,000 units produced,
6,000 units have been the Jazz (previous and current generation), followed by City
Hybrid with around 3,400 units and the remainder being the recently introduced
HR-V Hybrid at over 600 units.
Do bear in mind that from 2010 to 2013, Honda Malaysia also sold CBU units of the Insight, CR-Z and Honda Civic Hybrid, so the total number of Honda hybrids in Malaysia actually exceeds 10,000.


BMW M dropping dual-clutch, manual gearboxes in favour of automatics

The all-new BMW M5 is due sometime next year, and when it does come out, expect it to come with an automatic gearbox, instead of a speedy dual-clutch – and you can expect the same for all
BMW M
 models in the future, too.
“The double clutch, from BMW M’s point of view these days, it’s gone,” said BMW M Head of Development, Dirk Hacker, in an interview with
Top Gear
. “It’s now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.”
Honestly, though, we really could’ve seen it coming, when the more “hardcore”
 M4 CSL
 made its debut last year with the same automatic gearbox as the rest of the M3/M4 range. With manuals also on the verge of being sunsetted (the
all-new M2
 is reportedly the last new BMW M model with a manual gearbox), it might really just be slushboxes from here on out… at least until the electric overlords takeover.
So why exactly is BMW M killing the dual-clutch? According to Hacker, it’s about… comfort. Yes, on a BMW M car.
ALSO WATCH:
2023 BMW M2 tested in Arizona – the only M you’ll ever need!
“Around the M5 there was a big discussion, not only for the automatic transmission, but also for other things. And the decision was not only because of cost, but also because of comfort [with the automatic], because we got a lot of reactions about manoeuvring, parking, no rolling if you leave the pedal and so on,” he said.
Essentially, the automatics won because the people buying these BMW M cars spend the majority of their time trundling about in town. Hacker does however say that “the automatic is better performing than the double clutch,” adding that the automatic shifts faster than a DCT on the M4 CSL, and the same automatic gearbox is also used in their new M4 GTR race car.
He also commented on the future of the manual gearboxes for the M division: “If you take a look around, you will see the future for manual gearbox suppliers will decrease. So I’m not sure we will have the possibility in the future – but in the future means six, seven years in forecast.”
So if you want a manual M car, now is really the time to do so. Because in the near future, not only will there be no more manuals, you won’t even be able to get one with the sportier “automatic” too.
RELATED:
Well done, everyone: manual transmission sales already up 41.7% this year
[
source: Top Gear
]


Post SST: Nissan reduces prices for all CKD models, up to RM5,400 reduction

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced its revised price list for its Nissan models, in line with the Government’s implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) that came into effect on 1 September 2018.
All Nissan models that are assembled locally saw a price decrease of up to RM5,400 for the Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD. With the new tax structure, Nissan vehicles in Malaysia are now priced between RM69,800 to RM153,800.
Whereas for the Nissan Navara pick-up truck, ETCM has not announced its new pricing with SST applied and noted that the pick-up’s price will remain at 0 per cent GST (Goods and Services Tax) while stocks last. This puts the Navara’s price at RM77k to RM119k for the fully loaded VL Plus variant.
We have detailed
why are cars now cheaper under SST
 as opposed to GST times and it all boils down to a tax structure that favours high local content for CKD vehicles.


New Volkswagen Arteon R-Line to launch in Malaysia on July 16!

Here it is, guys. Following a pretty lengthy teaser period for the upcoming fastback sedan, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has finally announced that the new Arteon R-Line will be launched this Friday on the
16th of July
via a livestream on its social media channels, starting at 12.30 pm.
VPCM has already begun
taking orders for the new VW Arteon R-Line
 since more than a month ago. Locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the flagship fastback model will carry a price tag of between
RM245k to RM255k
, making it at least RM20k more than
its predecessor
– but at least it has a spec sheet that more than justifies its price hike.
First things first, the numbers. With a new 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine under its bonnet, the new Volkswagean Arteon R-Line here in Malaysia makes
280 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque, significantly higher than the 190 hp/320 Nm from its predecessor.
Find out how the current (outgoing) Volkswagen Arteon drives in our first impressions video!
Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transmission and the marque’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just
5.6 seconds
. Other standard items on the performance side include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, as well as the electronic differential lock (XDS).
As for the equipment list, our Malaysian model is dressed as standard with the R-Line exterior package, featuring sportier R-Line trims such as the more-aggressive bumpers, rear bootlip spoiler, and 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloys. Fun fact – the upcoming Volkswagen Arteon R-Line will also be the first model to carry the new VW and R logos here in Malaysia!
Find out what the new Volkswagen logos are all about here.
Inside, standard items include a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless App-Connect for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully-digital instrument cluster, the new steering wheel with haptic touch controls and gearshift pedals, ErgoComfort sports seats wrapped in ‘Nappa Carbon’ leather, and a premium 700-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
With its newfound performance and a matching pricetag, VPCM seems to be charging straight on into the premium market here in Malaysia. We can’t wait to put it through its paces and see how it compares against the similarly-priced
BMW 3 Series
 and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 – but until then, keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news on the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line!


There is only 1 of this BMW Alpina B6 XDrive Gran Coupe BMW CCA Edition in the world

Alpina’s have been well-known for tweaking BMW’s since the middle of last century and unlike other performance specialists, they’re actually recognised by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority as “automotive manufacturers” as some of their renditions of BMW models have rolled off the same production line as the “normal people BMWs”.
And this one-of-a-kind BMW Alpina B6 XDrive Gran Coupe BMW CCA Edition, created together with the BMW Car Club of America, is no exception.
Sitting in the front is a bespoke 4.4-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine delivering an eye-watering
600 hp
 with
800Nm
 of torque; propelling the Gran Coupe to a 100 km/h in just
3.6 seconds
 with plenty of power left to spare before it hits the
318 km/h
. Being the XDrive also means power is sent to all four wheels.
On the outside, the Alpina B6 is finished in the exclusive
Alpina Blue Metallic
 while its interior gets draped in Merino Opal White leather upholstery – a truly timeless combination of style and exclusivity. Complementing the upholstery are
Alpina Piano Black
 trims with a hand-finished
Alpina Lavalina
 steering wheel with white stitching alongside floor and trunk mats with bespoke white edges.

Beside the unique production plaque found in the engine bay, the interior is also finished off with a customary, handmade Alpina production plaque positioned on the centre console – it reads
BMW CCA Edition 01/01
.  Just one of one, in the whole world. The plaque features signatures from the
father and son
 behind the Alpina family business.
Also worthy to note is the CCA Edition’s titanium exhaust system which has been engineered as a complete one-piece exhaust system which stretches from near the engine to the rear carbon fibre exhaust tips. The lightweight system by
Akrapovic
 alone saves around 7 kgs of weight.
Since 1965, Alpina has been a family-owned business producing exclusive automobiles based on BMW models and have retained close ties with BMW AG. Each BMW Alpina is manufactured in collaboration with BMW production facilities where Alpina’s bespoke components are installed to ensure the highest possible standards of production.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi Motors donates Triton to National Cancer Society Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)
 has just donated a
Mitsubishi Triton
 pick-up truck to National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). The Triton will be used by NCSM to travel to rural communities, especially those in poor urban areas, and suburban villages around Malaysia that have little or no access to screening facilities.
NCSM is a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966 that provides an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. Financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public, NCSM provides holistic cancer support to patients and caregivers in understanding and dealing with cancer in various phases, through its Cancer and Health Screening Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Resource and Wellness Centre, the Adults’ Home of Hope, and Children’s Home of Hope.
Photo:
NCSM/Facebook
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Shinya Ikeda said, “Mitsubishi Motors supports NCSM’s noble efforts in carrying out their mission to raise public awareness on cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. In line with our CSR vision ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’, we know that success isn’t solely measured by the vehicles we put on the road, but also by the lives we enrich along the way. As part of a responsible Malaysian society, we are pleased to fulfill our CSR by utilizing the innovative strength of our 4x4s for the greater improvement of society.”
He added, “Over the years, the award-winning Triton pick-up truck has passed many endurance tests and has been put through the harshest road conditions. We hope that the Triton will gain NCSM access to many places and assist as many people as possible.”
NCSM’s philosophy is to “Educate, Care and Support”. With that, NCSM aims to decrease the incidence of cancer, and also increase the accessibility of cancer services in Malaysia by providing advanced facilities for screening and diagnosis.
RELATED:
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Lamborghini spent over 25,000 hours recreating the original Countach show car

Remember the
Countach
 that
Lamborghini
 kept
teasing on their social media channels
? As it turns out, it is indeed a recreation of the original LP500 show car for a very lucky (and wealthy) collector – one that took Lamborghini over 25,000 hours to complete at that!
The recreation work was done by Lamborghini’s own in-house heritage department, Polo Storico. And notice how we say “recreation” and not “restoration”? Well, that’s because the original show car was actually destroyed in the homologation crash tests before the model’s market launch – a rather heroic sacrificial death if you ask us.

Anyway, in order to recreate the LP500, the Polo Storico had to work directly with Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department, where they pored over original build documents and photos to ensure that every detail was emulated perfectly.
The team even had to consult the memories of people who were working at Lamborghini at that time, and even completely 3D-scanning a LP400 (chassis 001) to ensure authenticity. All-in, the team spent almost three months just working with the documents, before the build even began.
To celebrate the Countach’s 50th anniversary, Lamborghini also completely reimagined the model as a brand-new car, limited to only 112 units! Check it out here.
As for the build itself, the whole car was largely built entirely from scratch. That includes the platform chassis (different from the tubular design on the eventual model), which also had to be slightly redesigned for the modern recreation.
Despite that, Lamborghini also incorporated original parts – especially mechanical components – for the build to bring it as close to the original 1971 show car as physically possible. The pursuit for authenticity went as far as obtaining the original tread design for the Pirelli Cinturato CN12 tyres on the show car, and recreating it using modern tyre compounds.
The documentation that the team collected proved exceptionally useful when it came to painting the car, as they’ve managed to obtain the exact composition to produce the same yellow colour used on the original show car, called “
Giallo Fly Speciale
“.
The coolest part of the recreation, for us, is that Lamborghini also tried to emulate the production methods that were available at that time. For example, the bodywork for the rebuilt Countach is hand-beaten by traditional Italian “battilastra” artisans rather than a sheet metal press.
The same process is followed for the entire interior, including hand-sewn leather seats and the lighted diagnostic instruments as seen on the original 1971 prototype.
“The Countach reinvented high-performance cars, and it became an icon in terms of stylistic language that even today, after decades, still inspires contemporary Lamborghinis,” said Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.
As part of the Lamborghini Countach’s 50th anniversary celebration, the rebuilt LP500 will be put on display at the
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
 at Lake Como, Italy, before being handed over to the collector.


2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63S unveiled – new looks, same performance

Right after the launch of the
BMW M5 and M5 Competition
, Mercedes-AMG immediately hit back with its own big daddy E 63 4MATIC+ models, continuing the long-standing German rivalry.
The new E 63 twins are now refreshed following the introduction of the
extensively updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift
, and subsequently the
Mercedes-AMG E 53
performance variant, completing the E-Class AMG performance line-up.
On the exterior styling, Mercedes-AMG took the very pretty E-Class facelift, and turned the aggressive knob all the way up to 11. Up front, the big boy E 63 twins gets the full AMG jet wing treatment on the front bumper intakes, along with the AMG-specific Panamericana grille.
Aside from making the supersedan (or wagon) look really cool, the elaborate front fascia details also serve important aerodynamic and cooling purposes – the front splitter for example “significantly reduces lift at the front axle”.
Over at the rear, the 63 twins get a more elaborate rear lip spoiler and bumper design compared to the
AMG E 53
 which, you guessed it, also helps with the overall aerodynamic performance of the car. The E 63 is shod in 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the S model gets 20-inch five-spoke units – both of which are “aerodynamically optimised”.
Exclusively on the 63 models, the exterior trim pieces can be optioned in two levels of carbon fibre-ness. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I includes the front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member, and the rear apron trim element. Upgrade to the Package II, and you’ll get additional carbon fibre on the mirror caps, and the boot-lid spoiler on the sedan.
Underneath the hood, the powertrain in the E 63 and E 63 S remains
unchanged
 – both still powered by the M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, rated for the same power output as before:
571 hp
 and
750 Nm
 on the base E 63;
612 hp
 and
850 Nm
 of twist on the E 63 S.
The V8 mill is paired to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels via the AMG 4MATIC+ constantly variable all-wheel drive system, with Drift Mode of course.
Performance figures are also unchanged from before – the E 63 S sedan does the century sprint in a scarily-fast
3.4 seconds
, while the E 63 does it just 0.1 second slower at
3.5 seconds
. The wagons take 0.1 second longer on both S and non-S configurations.
On the E 63, top speed is electronically-capped at
250 km/h
, though you can raise it to 290 km/h if you tick the optional AMG Driver’s Package. The E 63 S reaches
300 km/h
 on full whack.
The E 63 twins rides on the AMG Ride Control+ suspension with multi-chamber air suspension system, paired with the adaptive adjustable Adaptive Damping System+ to deliver high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics, and steering precision, along with improved ride comfort.
Inside, the updated E 63 comes equipped with the marque’s latest MBUX system, displayed across two 10.25-inch screens on the base model, while the S models get the larger 12.25-inch units as standard.
The MBUX system comes with an additional AMG-specific display mode (Supersport), along with other vital performance data such as engine output, gear speed indicator, G-meter and Racetimer.
The rest of the interior is pretty much identical to its younger E 53 sibling, with standard kit including the new two twin-spoke design AMG Performance steering wheel with on-wheel integrated buttons and knob, and AMG seats upgradeable to the AMG Performance Seats with integrated head restraints and better lateral support.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new BMW M2 unveiled – 460hp, 550 Nm, 6-speed manual

Joining the many debuts and special editions that celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH is the newly unveiled all-new
BMW M2
. Set to be launched worldwide in
April 2023
, the all-new M2 will be built in BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupe.
With bulging fenders and a distinct “M” face on the outside, you already know that the M2 packs some serious performance underneath the skin. The compact coupe houses a 3.0-litre inline-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Only differing slightly from the
M3
/
M4
 engine, the M2’s power unit makes
460 hp
 @ 6,250 rpm and
550 Nm
 @ 2,650-5,870 rpm. It adds an additional 90 hp over its predecessor. BMW says the new M2 engine revs up to a maximum of 7,200 rpm.
Orchestrating the inline-six engine is an M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. To enable an intense track driving experience, the oil supply system and cooling system have been beefed up on the all-new M2.
All power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission as standard. The eight-speed automatic transmission’s Drivelogic function offers a choice of three shift settings – one for comfort, one for sporty driving, and one track-optimised configuration.
There is also an optional six-speed manual gearbox should you fancy shifting your own gears. The M2 does the 0-100km/h acceleration in
4.1 seconds
with the eight-speed automatic transmission and
4.3 seconds
 with the six-speed manual box.
RELATED:
BMW XM bookings open for Malaysia starting 20 Oct, RM1.4 million estimated price
Sporting a rear-wheel-drive system, the all-new M2 is equipped with BMW’s M Traction Control and Active M Differential. The M Traction control allows the driver to carefully probe the vehicle’s performance limits by setting individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation, with a choice of ten stages.
The Active M Differential (at the rear axle) is able to generate a locking effect of up to 100% whenever required. This optimises traction on road surfaces, offering different levels of adhesion for the left- and the right-hand rear wheel as well as improving power transfer when accelerating hard out of corners.
RELATED:
Is this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?
Underpinning the all-new BMW M2 is a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with M-specific kinematics. Standard on the all-new M2 are:
Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers
M Servotronic steering with variable ratio
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode
M Compound brakes with six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear.
On the outside, the all-new M2 features a large, frameless kidney grille with horizontal bars and a three-section lower air intake with almost rectangular contours. Combined, this gives the M2’s front end a familiar M look. At the rear of the M2 are a spoiler lip on the boot lid, vertically arranged reflectors, diffuser inserts, and quad tailpipes.
Wheels on the new M2 are 19-inch light alloy wheels in front and 20-inch allow wheels at the rear. Customers also have the option of fitting them with track tyres from the factory.
RELATED:
Manhart’s MH3 GTR is the BMW M3 on steroids – 650hp, 800 Nm, & carbon Recaros
The cockpit features a driver-centric design with M-specific readouts, controls and setup options, as well as the advanced BMW Curved Display. Driving-related information including Shift Lights appears in a new graphical layout on the 12.3-inch information display.
In the middle of the dashboard is a 14.9-inch control display that features M-specific widgets for vehicle setup and tyre condition. Both the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant form part of the latest-generation BMW iDrive. The new BMW iDrive system enables personalisation with the BMW ID and My BMW App as well as allowing a Personal eSIM to be used in the vehicle. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity are likewise included.
RELATED:
The BMW Alpina XB7 boosts the X7’s performance, but not so much its looks
Standard seats in the all-new M2 are M2-specific sport seats with Sensatec/Alcantara surfaces. Alternatively, customers can opt for M Sport seats with integral head restraints and perforated surfaces in Vernasca leather/Sensatec. There is also the option to upgrade to M Carbon bucket seats that shave 10.8 kg of the vehicle’s weight. The M Carbon seats use carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest and also feature cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints.
Optional items for the all-new BMW M2 include the M Race Track Package, comprising the M Driver’s Package together with the M Carbon roof, M Carbon bucket seats, interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre finish and track tyres.
GALLERY


The new Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle

In just several months since the new Nissan LEAF went on sale, Nissan has confirmed that it has received more than 20,000 orders across Europe.
Statistics have shown that one unit of the
new Nissan LEAF
 was sold every 12 minutes, making it the fastest-selling electric vehicle in Europe. More than
300,000 Nissan LEAFs
 have been sold since 2010 – making it the world’s best-selling zero-emissions electric vehicle.
The
Nissan LEAF Autech
 – one that focuses on premium craftsmanship.
The all-new Nissan LEAF which made its debut at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show has been so well-received that Nissan UK had to launch an
online digital reservation system
 just to make ordering the LEAF a simpler process.
Recently, Nissan also
revealed the cost to replace/rejuvenate the LEAF’s battery packs
 where owners of the first-generation LEAF will get to exchange their old batteries for refabricated ones, starting this May in Japan,
for a fee of RM 11,000
; new battery packs will cost RM 23,700.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor had also confirmed that the all-new LEAF, packing
147 hp
 and
320Nm
 with
378 km of driving range
, would make its way to Malaysia this year. Stay tuned!


Mitsubishi Triton is thriving despite pick-up segment downturn

The Triton was the only pick-up which successfully achieved positive growth and expanded its overall sales.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) announced a 2.4% increase in sales for the Triton with
5,792 units sold from January to December 2019
. It’s a real positive outcome considering that the pick-up truck segment saw a 21% downsize last year.
In spite of the challenging climate for pick-up truck sales, the Triton
more than quadrupled its market share
 – from 3.8% to 16.5%. After its introduction early last year, the handsome pick-up has been the bread and butter for Mitsubishi – contributing to 71.2% of MMM’s overall sales.

“Our achievement this year also includes being ranked No.1 in J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI) Mass Market Study. This is the second consecutive year for MMM to be ranked No.1 and remained in the top three positions for five consecutive years.
Momentum is unlikely to slow down with the introduction of the new
Triton Quest
,
updated versions of the Adventure X and Premium AT models
 and a
 limited edition Triton Knight
.


Toyo’s new Proxes TR1 is the new Ultra High Performance street tyre to look out for

As the successor of the highly successful Proxes T1R tyres as used in the Toyota Vios Gazoo Racing one-make race, the new TR1 tyres have a lot to live up to and as tested at the Sepang International Circuit today, they sure did not disappoint.
The new Ultra High Performance tyre features a new asymmetric tyre pattern that focuses on giving the best possible grip in the wet along, along with enhanced cornering stability.
The new TR1’s combination of long slanted groves and lateral slits improves water drainage while the wide grooves and stiff rib, improves cornering grip and stability.
Also new to the Proxes TR1 is the “wear process finder” that uses “five stars” to indicate the tyre wear. The tyre will indicate five stars at the start and customers are encouraged to replace them when it shows “zero stars” – as if most Malaysians look into the condition of their tyres.
Having spent two laps testing the tyres in a F30 BMW 320i around the circuit, the first thing I realised was the rolling noise, which was close to non-existent, when cruising down the back straight at around 100-110 km/h – a speed that’s not uncommon for BMW drivers.
Going through Turn 5 and 6 of the circuit also showed how stiff the side walls were, as the car responded well to quick directional changes from successive left and right turns.
Going through a slalom course in the Honda Civic.
In terms of all-round improvements, the new Toyo Proxes TR1 is said to be 16% better in the wet and in terms of braking performance compared to the old T1R.
The Toyo Proxes TR1 is available in 24 sizes ranging from 15 to 19 inches and is mostly made in Malaysia (18-inch and above are made in Japan) with recommended retail prices starting
 from RM199 to RM800 per tyre
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Chery promises “user-centric” aftersales services in Malaysia with nationwide dealership network

Chinese carmaker
Chery
 is plotting an
aggressive return to Malaysia
, with four new models already planned for the country, including the Tiggo 4 Pro,
Tiggo 7 Pro
,
 Tiggo 8 Pro
, and the
Omoda 5
. While the new cars will certainly be taking all the limelight, Chery says that it is also laying down the groundwork for a solid aftersales service offering here in Malaysia to complement its sales strategy.
The company says that it will be establishing a new nationwide sales and after-sales network, which will build on the company’s experience and learnings from its other global markets to offer Malaysians “top quality” and “user-centric” services.
Chery dealership outlet in Brazil, built with its global unified corporate identity.
Chery says that it will continuously improve its services through extensive market research, utilising a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) research management method to ascertain how well its services meet customer expectations.
Through this, the company says it can thoroughly understand its customers’ lifestyles and requirements, and based on this knowledge, work to improve customer experience. Chery also says that it will also constantly monitor customers’ feedback on social media, coupled with timely responses from Chery’s after-sales team to boost its customers’ confidence and trust.
ALSO READ:
Chery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70
Besides collecting customer issues through active research, Chery has also developed online service channels to respond quickly to customer’s queries. The company’s OTA (over-the-air) data platform can not only remotely diagnose vehicles intelligently, but also provide services and solutions through the cloud.
On top of that, Chery’s global mobile app with 24-hour support allows quick response to customer issues, and customers can also book service appointments directly through the app.
RELATED:
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As for its cars, the company says that both the software and hardware will be optimised specifically for our local preference, and will be paired with “competitive service policies” – the latter could mean a 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty for their cars, similar to what the company is
offering in South Africa
.


Next-gen Volkswagen Golf Mk8 to feature 48-V mild hybrid system

The
Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5
 has just arrived on our shores but the brand has already announced its plans for the next-generation hatchback – a 48-V mild hybrid system. The Golf Mk8 will spearhead Volkswagens plans to gradually electrify almost every vehicle in its model range.
The new Golf will feature a conventional combustion engine supported by a 48-V belt-integrated starter generator and a 48-V battery. It also features a small, lightweight electric motor to give the car improved driving dynamics (higher torque at initial start-up).
The 48-V system enables a considerably higher amount of energy to be saved through energy recuperation when braking and stores in the 48-V lithium-ion battery pack. Adopting this system allows the Golf mild hybrid to coast with the combustion engine completely switched off (much like
Audi’s mild-hybrid system
) which contributes to fuel savings of up to 0.3 litres per 100 km.
The company, however, did not reveal whether the 48-V mild hybrid will be featured in all variants of the Golf or will it be introduced as a new variant altogether. Judging from Volkswagen’s push for greener electrified vehicles, it will only be a matter of time before we see the GTI and R getting the same treatment.


2021 Proton Iriz & Persona facelift will be launched on the 5th of Aug!

The cat is now officially out of the bag – well… sort of. After numerous leaks and rumours over the past year, Proton has now officially announced that the new 2021
Proton Iriz
and
Persona
 facelift will be make its debut via an online launch on its Facebook page, at
11 am on August 5, 2021
.
Based on the short teaser video, it seems like there will be quite a few significant updates to the new “second major change (MC2)” Proton Iriz and Persona, both inside and out of the B-segment duos.

On the exterior, we can see that the Iriz has received a major restyling effort, now taking on a “jacked-up” crossover look, as you’ve probably seen on previous leaks. These include new plastic claddings around the fenders, alongside new integrated roof rails up top.
Changes to the Persona meanwhile aren’t too obvious from the teaser video, though we do see the new round Proton logo in front alongside a redesigned grille, as well as what looks like larger, 16-inch wheels.
The teaser video does focus quite significantly on the interior upgrades of the new cars, which, from what we can see, include a new red accent trim around the centre console, and new leather upholstery options – including one in brown just like the range-topping
Proton X70
 variant!
The biggest change on the 2021 Proton Iriz and Persona, however, will come in the form of an upgraded infotainment system, now a free-standing unit on top of the dashboard, underscored by the central air vents underneath.
As shown-off in the video, the new infotainment system will come with a more tightly-integrated “Hi Proton” voice assistant system, with deeper control over the rest of the car, including the ability to open and close windows – a huge upgrade over the current system, which pretty much only tells you the weather, or help with navigation.
Check out our demonstration on how Proton’s voice assistant can recognise our various “powderful” Malaysian accents!
Mechanicals underneath the bonnet will most likely remain unchanged from the current model, which means we’ll continue to see the same 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, that’s good for
109 hp
 and
150 Nm
.
There are rumours swirling about a change in the engine’s transmission pairings, more specifically a change from CVT to a four-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the discontinuation of the 1.3-litre models for the Proton Iriz. However, we haven’t heard any solid confirmation on either of these, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
Here’s how the Honda City, Toyota Vios, and Nissan Almera stack up against each other. Can the Proton Persona finally join the fight for the best B-segment sedan?
Either way, we’re excited to see what Proton can bring to the table now that the partnership with Geely has sufficiently matured. Can we finally have a home-grown product that’s capable of competing head-to-head against the likes of the
Toyota Vios
 and
Honda City
? Not too long more to find out!
GALLERY


Only 10 units of this Maserati Levante Vulcano will be available in Malaysia

Maserati is
celebrating its 10
th
 year anniversary in Malaysia and to celebrate
the occasion, Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati vehicles in
Malaysia, launched the limited-edition Maserati Levante Vulcano.
Only 150 units of the Levante Vulcano will be made available exclusively for Europe and Asia market and Malaysia is fortunate enough to receive 10 units of these beauties. Based on the standard Levante S GrandSport trim, the Vulcano gets exclusive touches inside and out but carries an RM50,000 premium over the standard car.

QUICK FACTS
 Name

Maserati Levante Vulcano
 Engine
 2,979cc; twin-turbo V6
 Transmission
 8-speed automatic
 Max Power
 430 hp
 Max Torque
 580 Nm @ 4,500 – 5,000 rpm
 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
 5.2 seconds; 264 km/h
 Price (OTR without insurance)
 RM838,800
On the outside, the Levante
Vulcano features an exclusive “Grigio Lava” matte paint work. The Levante’s athleticism
is further highlighted by the Nerissimo pack that adds a black chrome touch to
the front grilles, logos, black window surrounds, body-colour door handles, burnished
exhaust outlets and tinted taillamps.
It rides on a set of 21-inch Helios wheels finished in matte and gets red painted 6-piston Brembo brake calipers as standard.
Inside, you’ll find full
red Pieno Fiore leather upholstery – the highest grade leather Maserati produces,
Trident logo embroidery on the headrest, carbon fibre interior trims, carbon
fibre paddle shifters and steering wheel inserts, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins
surround sound system and a dedicated “Vulcano ONE of 150” badge on the centre
console.
Under the hood rests a
3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol pushing out 430 hp and 580 Nm of twist.
Drive is channelled to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Century sprint takes 5.2 seconds onwards to a top speed of 264 km/h.
The Levante Vulcano
also features the brand’s comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance
System (ADAS) that bundles Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision
Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System,
Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Every purchase of a Maserati
Levante Vulcano comes with a 3-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and a 3-Years/100,000
km Free Maintenance programme.
IMAGE GALLERY
Maserati Levante Vulcano Launched in Malaysia


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia donates cash, laptops to welfare organisations, Arthritis Foundation

As part of their continuous corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) recently made a cash donation of RM35,000 to First International Soccer Academy Malaysia (FISA), and also donated laptops to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Yesuwin Mahligai
Selangor (PKYMS) and the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM).
The company says that the donation to FISA was to support the latter’s efforts towards betterment of children, particularly those coming from the B40 families, and stop teens’ involvement in social issues.
MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “We recognized FISA’s efforts in working towards the betterment of young children and to put a stop towards their involvement in social issues. In line with boosting the country’s economic growth for the underprivileged family, we hope that our contribution for the academy may continue to assist them todevelop these children’s competencies and to provide them with the opportunities to excel and lead a better life.”
Meanwhile, the laptops donated to PKYMS and AFM will be used to assist students affected by the
 Covid-19 pandemic
, as well as to support AFM’s administration purposes.
“We understand that many students at the welfare homes were at a limitation or left without the technology they require to continue their education. We hope that the contribution of these laptops will support the children for home based learning throughout the pandemic,” Shinnishi said.
“At Mitsubishi Motors, we aim to create a better society where people can hope for a better future. We have been making efforts to support the local activities of society and contribute towards the development of the local communities through its various needs,” he added.


Lynk & Co celebrates five years of achievement with the 09 flagship SUV

By now, we would already have been pretty familiar with Lynk & Co’s product offerings even though they are heavily focused in China and just started business in
Europe
.
The brand backed by Zhejiang Geely Holdings, which also owns a 49.9% stake in
Proton
, has just launched the latest Lynk & Co 09 model to celebrate five successful years of brand operation.
Originally planned
 as a premium brand positioned between Geely Auto and Volvo Cars back in 2016, Lynk & Co currently offers the
01
 Compact SUV, the
02
 and
05
 Coupe-SUVs plus the 06 City SUV, with only the 01 available in both China and Europe. Non-SUV models are the 02 Hatchback and the
03 Sedan
.
Connectivity is the key attractor to the Lynk & Co brand, where users have access to actively connected technologies in the vehicles. In just five years, Lynk & Co has accumulated nearly
600,000
 vehicle users, with app registrations reaching an even higher number of 1.57 million. Average active monthly users on the app exceed half a million whilst average daily users have reached 120,000.
All Lynk & Co models share the same CMA platform as Volvo Cars as well as Geely’s BMA platform, but the latest Lynk & Co 09 Flagship SUV goes upscale by using the SPA platform that underpins the current generation Volvo XC90.
The Lynk & Co Zero Concept is now being produced as the Zeekr 001 in an intelligent plant. Find out more here!
The flagship SUV for the brand will offer a choice of six or seven seats across two choices of petrol engines. Similar to the
Volvo XC90 T5
, the Lynk & Co 09 starts off at CNY265,900 (approx. RM173k) with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 254 hp and 350 Nm of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and mild hybrid assistance.
Called the Lynk & Co 09 Ultra, this variant that can be had with either six or seven seats. It features the plug-in hybrid powertrain that also serves the
Volvo XC90 Recharge
, dishing out a combined system output of 431 hp and 659 Nm of torque, will all-electric range up to 80 km thanks to a massive 18.83 kWh battery pack.
Latest Lynk & Co 01 awarded one of the gold standards in global automotive recognitions- Euro NCAP 5-star rating. Learn more about it here!
Key features in the Lynk & C0 09 include a full suite of ADAS, matrix LED headlamps, in-car PM2.5 air filtration and purification device, massaging and ventilated seats, infotainment system with over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities and 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Fully adaptive air suspension and 20-inch wheels are cost-up options even for the range-topping Ultra variant, which is already priced at a relatively high CNY370,900 (approx. RM240k).
The company also announced that it is expanding into the Gulf region within this quarter and will begin Asian market expansion, perhaps together with Renault Samsung Motors as
reported earlier
.
GALLERY


Mazda2 price list leaked, officially debuting in Malaysia on 22 January

The hotly anticipated, all-new
Mazda2
 hatch and sedan had their
order books opened
 last October and were priced at
RM85k
 and
RM87k
 respectively. Just today, we were tipped of what appears to be the Mazda2’s official price from a reliable source. It’s good that the prices didn’t veer off the ballpark figure, so kudos to Bermaz Motor for that.

The fully imported, high-spec unit from Japan is priced at
RM85,470
 without insurance, although we haven’t yet found out how much more you will have to fork out for the sedan variant (RM87,470 seems probable). Everything on paper here seems to match Mazda’s previous brochure on the Mazda2, so the kit list is pretty much spot on and laden with tech, unlike the Mazda2 sold in Thailand.

Under the hood beats Mazda’s
1.5-litre Skyactiv-G
 engine that makes
114 hp
 and
148 Nm
 of torque, paired to a
six-speed automatic Skyactiv-Drive
 transmission. It sits on
16-inch wheels
 wrapped with 185/60R16 profiled tyres, and comes equipped with leather seats, reverse camera,
LED daytime running lights
 with projector headlamps, keyless entry with push-start system, paddle shifters and auto air conditioning.
The Mazda 2 brochure as when it was released last October
Other in-car features include the 7-inch LCD display with Mazda Connect, audio system with six speakers, power folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators as well as a
head up display
 (HUD) – a first in its segment. Should you find the need for a navigation system, it will cost you an additional RM1,200.

The all-new Mazda2 will be launched here on 22 January – that’s a little less than two weeks to go before we get to see the
2014 Japan Car of the Year
 and
Golden Steering Wheel
winner. [divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda 2 Hatch (Japan high-spec)

Mazda 2 Sedan (Thai spec)