Toyota Vios Sports Edition open for booking, gets actual sports suspension, RM85k!

Toyota Malaysia is now taking orders for the Toyota Vios Sports Edition, a variant specifically inspired by
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Vios Challenge race car
. Unlike the TGR spec, this Vios is completely road legal despite looking almost identical in outward appearance.
The Vios Sports Edition gets sports aero kit with rear spoiler and black-painted alloy wheels. The decals that you see on the car is exactly what you’ll be getting, and of course this is on top of all the curious heads it’ll turn on the road.
It’s not all show no go, though. This special Vios gets sports suspension which lowers the centre of gravity by up to 27mm. Visually, you can also tell that it sits closer to the ground compared to the roll-off-the-mill Vios. This suspension helps improve cornering stability and reduces body roll as well.
Inside, the car gets unique fabric seat design with the Sports edition emblem embroidered onto the carpet. The gear knob is also special, whereas the front footwell gets amber illumination –
unlike the tacky blue ones previously fitted to the 1.5 GX
.
The Toyota Vios Sports Edition is priced at
RM85,300 before insurance
 and is covered with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Customers who purchase this Vios will receive a complimentary Sports Edition merchandise comprised of a TGR polo shirt that can be customised with their name, cap and tumbler. The order books are now open at all authorised Toyota dealerships nationwide.


New 10-seater Hyundai Staria launched in Malaysia – from RM179,888

If you’re in the market for a large people carrier,
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM)
 has just launched the new 10-seater
Hyundai Staria
 in Malaysia. Available in three variants (Lite, Plus, and Max), the prices of the 10-seater Hyundai Staria start at
RM179,888
.
Yes, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria actually has 11 seats including the middle bench seat on the first row. However, since it doesn’t have a proper three-point seat belt, it can’t be considered an official 11th seat in Malaysia. With more people-carrying capacity, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria joins the
seven-seater Staria Premium
 that was launched in October last year.
EXTERIOR
The futuristic look of the Hyundai Staria is hard to miss. It is also a very large vehicle, measuring longer, wider, and taller than the
Kia Carnival
. The Staria measures 5,253mm, 1,997 mm, and 1,990 mm in terms of length, width, and height. The Kia Carnival measures 5,155 mm, 1,995 mm, and 1,775 mm in the same dimensions.
Standard exterior equipment on the 10-seater Hyundai Staria “Lite” are:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Bulb taillights
Rear bulb fog lights
LED daytime running lights
Manual sliding doors
The “Plus” variant adds on:
LED Taillights
Rear LED Foglights
Power sliding doors
Parametric Pixel LED taillights
The “Max” version adds on:
18-inch alloy wheels
Smart Sliding doors with one-touch button
Electric tailgate with Smart System
Remaining exclusive to the seven-seater version Hyundai Staria Premium is the following exterior features:
Full LED headlamps (Premium-exclusive)
Brass trim options
1st-row double-laminated soundproof glass
Touch-type outside door handle (1st row)
PERFORMANCE
Like the seven-seater Hyundai Staria Premium, the 10-seater is powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All
177 hp
 and
431 Nm
 are sent to the front wheels and the Hyundai Staria does 0-100 km/h in
12.4 seconds
. Although the Staria is offered with a 3.5-litre V6 petroleum gasoline engine in other markets, all four versions in Malaysia are sticking to the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.
INTERIOR
With more seats in the cabin, the 10-seater Staria has a 2-3-2-3 seat arrangement (3-3-2-3 if you consider it an 11-seater). This means there are no plush second-row seats from the seven-seater version. Even in its most basic form, the “Lite” variant, the Staria still gets a an eight-inch touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 10-seater Staria also uses a basic gear lever instead of the shift-by-wire buttons in the seven-seater Staria Premium.
RELATED:
2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia – from RM359k
Standard interior equipment on the 10-seater Hyundai Staria “Lite” includes:
4.2-inch digital instrument cluster
Fabric (black) upholstery
Manually adjustable driver seat
8 USB sockets (7 for charging, 1 for connectivity)
Power up-and-down window for driver only
8-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
The “Plus” variant adds on:
10.25-inch TFT digital instrument cluster
Semi Nappa Leather (Carbon) upholstery
Power up-and-down window for driver and front passenger
Surround view monitor
The “Max” variant adds on:
Nappa Leather (black) Upholstery
Power-adjustable driver seat
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Wireless phone charger
High-beam assist
Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
Dual-zone auto air-conditioning system
Smart walk-in entry system
Auto Light Control
SAFETY
In its highest variant, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria features the full suite of the Hyundai SmartSense safety system. This includes:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
The most basic “Lite” variant doesn’t come with the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense, but be rest assured that the following safety features are standard across all variants of the Hyundai Staria:
ABS & ESC
Front & rear parking sensors
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
The 10-seater Stari does not get a sunroof.
PRICING
Offered in three variants, prices for the 10-seater Hyundai Staria start at
RM 179,888
 for the “Lite” variant, and maxes out at
RM 209,888
for the “Max” variant.
Hyundai Staria Lite –
RM179,888
Hyundai Staria Plus –
RM196,888
Hyundai Staria Max –
RM209,888
The seven-seater Hyundai Staria Premium is priced at RM 366,768 with SST. As standard, the price of the Hyundai Staria includes a two-year/50,000km warranty. To extend the warranty to five years/300,000 km (alongside a 50,000 km free scheduled maintenance package), you would have to pay an additional RM 10,000.
ALSO WATCH:
2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia, 5 Things
GALLERY
4.2-inch digital instrument cluster for the “Lite”


Geely unveils ‘Galaxy’ sub-brand, 7 PHEV and EV models planned by 2025

Geely
 has unveiled yet another sub-brand, this time a new luxury electrified offshoot, dubbed Geely Galaxy. The company is leaving no stones unturned, with an ambitious seven model line-up already planned for the next two years for the new sub-brand.
The seven models will include four long-range plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and three fully-electric battery electric vehicles (BEV), two of those were showcased at the brand’s launch yesterday: a production-ready PHEV SUV called the Galaxy L7, and an EV concept dubbed Galaxy Light.
The Galaxy sub-brand is said to integrate Geely’s global car development capabilities to offer its customers “best in class intelligent and electrified vehicles”. The full EVs will be built on a “dedicated smart electrified architecture”, which we assume is likely to be derived from its existing
Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA)
, while the PHEVs will utilise the E-CMA platform.
The Geely Galaxy models will also feature a new “futuristic” design language that was created specifically for the sub-brand. As seen from the photos of the L7 and Galaxy Light, the design is characterised by slim lighting elements and sharp angles throughout the entire vehicle.
ALSO READ:
Geely launches new ‘Radar Auto’ outdoors EV sub-brand, RD6 pick-up to offer 600 km of range
In terms of model launches, the PHEVs will be arriving first, starting with the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV as previewed yesterday in the second quarter of 2023. This will then be followed by a yet unseen L6 sedan in the third quarter.
The hybrid models will feature the Geely’s latest generation of PHEV powertrain, dubbed NordThor Hybrid 8848, which boasts a maximum thermal efficiency of up to 44.2%. Paired to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and what the marque calls “the industry’s first predictive energy management system”, the new hybrid powertrain is said to improve fuel economy by up to 15% over Geely’s existing PHEVs.
On the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV, this translates to a fuel consumption of
5.23 l/100 km
, or roughly 1,370 km of range from a single tank of fuel in hybrid driving conditions – pure electric range will be announced later. In terms of performance, the hybrid SUV is able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in
7.5 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
200 km/h
.
As for the EVs, the first to launch will be the Galaxy E8 flagship, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. It’ll be the first to utilise Geely’s latest Aegis battery safety system, which promises increased protection against direct impacts to the battery during crash situations.
The new battery safety system works together with the vehicle’s
Wise Star Cloud Connected Central Computing System
, allowing the car to accurately predict and pre-empt thermal runaways and other dangerous situations, and thereby increasing its battery life by up to 20%.
RELATED:
Zeekr X EV revealed – third model after Zeekr 001 & 009 based on Geely platform
Geely did not explicitly mention this, but it’s likely that the Galaxy Light is indeed a preview to the upcoming fully-electric Galaxy E8. The model’s design will most likely be toned-down for production, but the large screen within the cabin will most likely remain in some form, running the marque’s latest smart vehicle operating system called Galaxy N-OS.
The vehicle will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 vehicle processor, which enables what Geely calls “the fastest system startup and response time in its class”, taking only half a second to be operational from boot up.
The operating system will also be connected to Geely Holding Group’s network of satellites, which allows for “centimetre-accurate precision positioning” and “high-precision maps to assist in intelligent driving functionality”.
The company expects to launch all 72 satellites by the end of 2025, providing “full global coverage” for its new Galaxy models – which could hint at Geely’s export plans.
GALLERY


BMW 2 Series GC updated with Standard Suspension in Malaysia, Adaptive M Suspension for 330i M Sport

BMW Malaysia has just updated its model line-up, with many of its models now being offered with “comfort-oriented suspensions” starting March 2023. More specifically, the
BMW 218i Gran Coupe
, as well as the X3 sDrive20i M Sport, will now be offered with the marque’s Standard Suspension system with a softer spring and damper set-up, which the company says will enable a more comfortable ride in these models.
The change will be much welcomed on the former, as it was widely criticised for being
too harshly sprung
 for such a compact model.
The X3 xDrive30i M Sport, and
X3 xDrive30e M Sport
, meanwhile, will now be offered with an Adaptive Suspension set-up, replacing the previously fitted M Sport Suspension and Standard Suspension respectively. BMW says the new set-up is designed to reduce disruptive vehicle movements to a minimum, with shock absorbers that automatically adapt to road conditions.
Additionally, the recently-updated
BMW 330i M Sport
 will also now be offered with a set of Adaptive M Suspension, replacing the previous M Sport Suspension. The new Adaptive M Suspension offers “increased sportiness” compared to the previous set-up thanks to the electronically controlled dampers with individual control for each wheel, and can also adapt to the different driving conditions based on the drive mode selected via the Driving Dynamics control switch on the car’s central console.
BMW Malaysia has yet to confirm if the updated specifications have resulted in a price change, but we have reached out to the company for clarification – the price list below will be updated as soon as we received confirmation. As of now, the models are priced as follows, inclusive of the extended five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and service package.
BMW 218i Gran Coupe: RM235,800
BMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport: RM329,800
BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport: RM367,800
BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport: RM371,800
BMW 330i M Sport: RM317,800


Mercedes-AMG GT43 4-door has the best looking wheels on a modern car

Mercedes-AMG has just added two entry-level variants to the new
Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe
, the AMG GT 43 4MATIC+ and the AMG GT 53 4MATIC+, both equipped with the marques new 3.0-litre in-line six engines.
The GT 43 comes equipped with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six mill that pushes out
367 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. The engine is further supported by an
EQ Boost integrated starter-generator (ISG)
 that supplies additional
22 hp
 and
250 Nm
 for seamless engine performance and improved fuel economy.

Drive is transferred to all four corners via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, allowing the GT 43 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.9 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of
270 km/h
.
The GT 53 follows the same recipe – 3.0-litre in-line six with EQ Boost ISG and 9-speed auto combo – but the petrol engine commands increased output of
435 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of twist. Century sprint time is also slashed to
4.5 seconds
 while top speed is raised to
285 km/h
.
There are not many visual differences from the in-line six powered AMG GT four-door coupe compared to the
V8 powered variants
 – Panamericana grille, adaptive spoiler, quad exhaust outlets and AMG styling body kit; albeit all in a more mellow design.
But the elephant in the room is the Black 21-inch AMG five-spoke alloys on the Jupiter Red GT 43 that in this author’s opinion, is one of the most stunning looking wheels ever fitted on a modern car. It pays tribute to the wheel design fitted on the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG that looks badass on the W202 C-Class. Now before you grab your pitchforks to Affalterbach, AMG does offer other wheel designs for the GT 43 but nothing half as cool as this.
See the resemblance?

The idea of the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 and 53 4MATIC+, is to bring the entry price point of the four-door coupe to more “affordable levels” but in Europe, the company is asking €95k and €109k respectively.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC+ 4-door Coupe

Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ 4-door Coupe


Mitsubishi offers special deals for the Triton, ASX and Outlander this Merdeka

In conjunction with the upcoming 63rd Merdeka celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering attractive promotions valid till the 30th of September 2020.
Customers interested in the Mitsubishi ASX may opt to trade in their current vehicles for an additional RM8,888 trade-in top-up support from MMM authorised dealers. The promotion also comes with 5-years free maintenance and 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.
Those who opt for the Outlander 2.0-litre will receive a cash rebate of up to RM4,000 and 2-years free maintenance. As for the Outlander 2.4-litre, customers will receive up to RM2,000 and 2-years free maintenance as well. Both variants of the Outlander comes with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.
As for those interested in the Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium, and Triton VGT MT Premium, they can either opt for cash rebates or a low-interest rate of up to 0.88%. The 0.88 low-interest rate is exclusive with Maybank or Public Bank hire purchase only.
For the latest price list of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
!


Ken Block is selling his “dream car” collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas

Clearly, the
Covid-19
 pandemic has caused a lasting financial impact for many people. Case in point: Ken Block, the professional rally driver best known for his “Gymkhana” YouTube series, is now putting up his “dream cars” for sale. We kid, but the cars are really being sold.
Three of Ken Block’s cars are currently listed on LBI Limited’s website, a company specialising in trading collector cars: the 2011 Ford Fiesta ST “GYM3”, the 2013 Fiesta ST “RX43”, as well as a rare 1986 Ford Escort RS200 that makes over 800 hp.

The first two in the list perhaps makes a little bit of sense, since Ken Block and his Hoonigan Racing team only just recently split up (amicably, we should add) with the Blue Oval brand. The RS200 however, was one of Block’s most prized possession, with him affectionately calling it his “dream car”, so it’s a little odd to see it being sold.
Anyway, the first Fiesta in the list is the exact one featured in the 11-year-old Gymkhana Three video. Starting life off as just a regular Ford Fiesta ST, Block turned to Swedish racing team Olsbergs MSE to transform it specifically for his Gymkhana antics.
Underneath the bonnet is an Olsbergs 2.0-litre Duratec engine, which makes
600 hp
 and nearly
900 Nm
 of torque. Supposedly, these engines are capable of making north of 850 hp, but Ken Block preferred the torque band in this tune to better control his car around tight obstacles.
Working in conjunction with the six-speed sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Fiesta ST GYM3 propels from a standstill to 100 km/h in the two seconds range.
The next Fiesta ST meanwhile, dubbed “RX43”, is featured in the three separate Gymkhana videos: Six, Eight, and Terrakhana, with a combined view count of over than 100 million. Ken Block fans will also know that this RX43 Fiesta ST brought him his first-ever Rallycross win, back in 2013.
This one here is modified by M-Sport, with a
 600 hp
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine launching it from 0-100 km/h in “under two seconds” – that’s
faster than a F1 car off the line
, by the way.
LBI Limited doesn’t list the prices for the two Gymkhana Fiesta STs; you’ll have to inquire directly with them to find out. Don’t expect it to be cheap though, considering the extensive modifications and of course, their YouTube fame.
Last but not least – and arguably perhaps the coolest one in the list – is the Ford Escort RS200, which Block says is his “favourite car of all time”. Born from the Group B rally era, Ken Block’s RS200 unit here is number 80 out of the 200 ever made for homologation requirements.
Block’s RS200 is also one of the 24 that were upgraded to EVO specifications, which means the 2.1-litre Cosworth four-cylinder engine makes
over 800 hp
 on race fuel. This car here also gets custom K&W coilovers, alongside a custom exterior and interior makeover to Ken Block’s signature style.
The RS200 does get a price here, at USD550,000 (~RM2.3 million). A small price to pay, we think, for a piece of Group B history, and even more so for the hardcore Ken Block fan.
And just for posterity’s sake, here are some of the Gymkhana videos featuring the two Ford Fiestas.

GALLERY


This driverless race car is the “grown up Tamiya” for 80’s kids

It’s called the Robocar. Built by Roborace, it became the first ever race car in the history of the Goodwood Festival of Speed to have completed the traditional Hillclimb without a driver in it.
The electric race car utilised a variety of sensors located around the vehicle to give it 360-degree “vision”. The information gathered from the sensors provide the Robocar with the ability to localise its position and detect drivable surfaces and objects using
deep neural networks
.
Its speed was limited to
120 km/h
 – allowing visitors to have a clearer look of the car as it made its way up the Hill but honestly, the whole idea and concept of a driverless race (should there ever be one) just sounds weird.
“It is an enormous achievement for a race car to complete the very first run of the hill using only artificial intelligence,” said Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond and Founder of the Festival of Speed.
Sure that’s rather impressive but really, what’s its purpose? To eliminate the need for drivers with the most outlandishly reckless drivers?
It’s hard to imagine Formula 1 being this “sterile” as part of what makes motorsport interesting are the drivers and their individual driving styles and behaviour, both on and off track.
Imagine what the pinnacle of motorsports would be like if it were to lose the arrogant confidence of Lewis Hamilton, the outlandish maneuvers of Daniel Ricciardo and of course, the blatantly crude and short replies of Kimi Raikkonen.
Where’s the fun in that? Sure, lap times tumble and accidents reduced without the likes of Max Verstappen around but who wants to see such a clean and calamity-free race?
A future where driverless race cars are controlled by computers and monitored indoors through multiple screens – is not one I’d like to live in.
Robocar is the
world’s first autonomous race car
 and is the creation of those behind Hollywood films like Oblivion and Tron: Legacy. It weighs 1,350 kg and is powered by four 135 kW (
184 hp
) electric motors
used to drive each wheel
, for a combined output in excess of
500 hp
.
IMAGE GALLERY


The all-new Nissan Serena now starts from RM125k thanks to GST & Raya rebates

In line with the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government’s move to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 0%, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will offer GST rebates for Nissan models registered from 16 to 31 May 2018.
Under this promotion, ETCM will provide full GST cash rebates between RM4.6k to RM9.4k for its customers ahead of 1st June 2018 when the 0% GST takes effect. When the new fiscal policy is in place, ETCM will honour the new zero-rated GST price list as below:
Additionally, ETCM also encourages customers to take advantage of the Duit Raya Rewards promotion throughout the month of May with
attractive cash rebates of up to RM13,000
 and lucky draw prizes such as an OSIM uLove Massage Chair (worth RM19,888) when they purchase a new Nissan vehicle.
With car prices plummeting thanks to zero-rated GST, we have highlighted some tips and tricks on
whether you should buy a new car amidst the “tax-free holiday”
.


The Myvi is safer than the MG 3 & Renault Kwid according to ASEAN NCAP

The New Car Assessment Programme for South East Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has just released its latest crash test results for the MG 3 and Renault Kwid and the two cars did not do very well. The MG 3 fared a measly 2 Stars while the Renault was given 0 Stars. As a comparison, the
Perodua Myvi scored full 5 Stars ASEAN NCAP rating
.
Let’s dissect the cars in a little more detail. The MG 3, which is sold in Thailand, gets a decent list of safety equipment such as dual airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX mounting points and Seatbelt Reminder yet, its poor performance in the impact tests brought the car’s overall scoring down.
The MG 3 scored zero in the offset frontal impact showing its poor structural rigidity in a head-on collision. All its 19.58 points (out of 50) in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category was solely contributed by its side-impact score. To put things into perspective, the Myvi scored 45.43 points in the AOP category.
Onto the Kwid which is destined for the Indonesian market (made in India), the 0 Star rating is due to the absence of safety assist systems (ABS, ESC), single airbag set up and the car’s weak overall structural rigidity. Results have shown that in a frontal and side impact collision, the front occupants sustained serious injury to the chest area.
Fortunately for us, these two models are not sold here in Malaysia as our country adheres to the UNECE standards for crash safety standards. This means cars sold in Malaysia must live up to crash safety standards dictate by UNECE.
So, the next time you go banging on the
poor
 safety standards of cars in Malaysia, know that we are making good progress in making cars safer for everyone. Even a compact hatchback.


Geely’s Zeekr to enter Malaysia? Ministry visits Ningbo plant

Ahead of Auto Shanghai which is set to happen later this month, it is revealed that
Zeekr
, the Geely premium electric sub-brand may soon make its way to Malaysia. The news comes as part of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)’s investment mission to China.
Zeekr’s upcoming arrival to Malaysia was indirectly announced through
Smart Malaysia’s Facebook post
 that reads, “The delegation test-drove various EV models, including the
Smart #1
 and were thoroughly impressed by the premium design and advanced technology of the EV cars from Geely and Zeekr, heightening the anticipation of their arrival to Malaysia, with the Smart #1 expected to be the first on the road.”
Over the past few days, Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz has been seen testing several Chinese electric cars during his visit. Through the images that he has shared on social media, it can be seen that he has test-drove the Zeekr 001 and even the soon-to-launch
Lotus Eletre
 electric car.
Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s delegation to China included MITI, MIDA, MATRADE, DRB-HICOM, and local car maker Proton. The visit takes place just a few weeks ahead of Auto Shanghai which is set to happen later this month. Stay tuned for that as
AutoBuzz.my
 will be covering the international motorshow.
RELATED:
Zeekr X EV revealed – third model after Zeekr 001 & 009 based on Geely platform
Inside the Lptus Eletre
Through his social media accounts, Tengku Zafrul was also seen in talks with Chery for investments in Malaysia. Through the investment mission, it was reported that the ministry has secured RM170 billion in foreign direct investments. Malaysia has also secured RM2.44 billion in potential exports.
Under the Geely umbrella, the Zeekr 001 shares design traits with the Lynk & Co 01. The first electric car under the Geely group that will make it to Malaysia is the
Smart #1
. It will be distributed by PRO-NET, which is a new energy subsidiary of
Proton
.
Proton later released a press statement on the ministry’s visit to the Ningbo plant. The event saw the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) document between DRB-HICOM and Geely that sealed their commitment to jointly invest, manage, and develop the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim into a smart city and hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV). Over the next 10 years, AHTV is expected to attract investments worth an estimated RM32 billion.
Proton Chairman, Dato’s Sri Syed Faisal Albar said, “I am pleased to highlight after five years into their partnership, Proton and Geely have made great strides in bringing new products, technology, and investment to Malaysia. Following the signing of the HOA in Beijing on 1 April, it is now clear AHTV has great potential to attract RM32 billion of investment and today’s visit to Ningbo demonstrates the PROTON and Geely partnership will continue to prosper with the future implementation of NEV programmes.”
“We acknowledge the importance of Malaysia becoming the regional hub for NxGV products hence Proton as the national brand will play an active role in contributing significantly towards achieving the nation’s goals. To be competitive, Proton and the automotive ecosystem must invest in research and development (R&D), as well as advanced manufacturing processes. With progressive development of AHTV and constant engagement among stakeholders especially the Government of Malaysia, DRB-HICOM, Geely Group, Proton and automotive ecosystem, these goals are within reach.”
RELATED:
Geely’s Zeekr 001 rolls out of Intelligent Factory at Ningbo
GALLERY


Review: Honda HR-V 1.8L, short for Highly Recommended Vehicle [+Video]

With over 10,000 units sold in Malaysia after its debut in early 2015 and the waiting list stretching beyond the six-month mark, does the
Honda HR-V
 deserve the title above?
Known as the Honda Vezel in Japan, the HR-V is based on an extended platform from the third-generation
Honda Jazz
. The is also not Honda’s first attempt at introducing the HR-V, in fact the first iteration of the HR-V was a weird mashup between the Hummer and a platypus.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade S)
Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade E)
Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade V)
Segment
B-Segment Compact Crossover
Engine
 1,799cc; inline 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Max Power
 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
 172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Price (OTR with

insurance)
RM101,500
RM111,100
RM121,500
While many subcompact crossovers like the
Ford EcoSport
 and Peugeot 2008 have failed to grasp the market, the HR-V was introduced at the right time, and boy does it pay. Malaysians who have eagerly waited for the HR-V reminds me of the Honda Cub (aka, the EX5) of yore, where decades ago Honda’s ingenious two-wheels mobility solution generated a tremendous demand in the West.
Over here, we tested the Grade V HR-V, which you may see was
pitted face-to-face with the handsome looking Mazda CX-3
.
EXTERIOR
The HR-V’s aesthetics strike a fine balance between the larger CR-V and the smaller Jazz supermini, resulting in a handsome looking compact crossover that will appeal to most buyers. The front’s bold design is more alluring when combined with the LED headlights with LED DRLs, while the sporty looking hidden rear door handles give it that alluring coupe-esque silhouette.

Also included in this review unit is the “
Tough Advance Package
”, which for RM3,700 gives you bumper guards, extended side sills, and some chrome garnish under the foglamp. Not sure if these give the HR-V some ruggedness to it, but my kind advice is to spend that money elsewhere.
I would say the overall package will be sweeter should Honda Malaysia equip the HR-V with 17-inch rims for the V-spec, as its puny 16-inch set didn’t do justice to the car’s overall handsome packaging.
INTERIOR
Step inside into the HR-V and you’ll be greeted by an all-black interior with piano black instrument panels, giving the Honda a premium allure for the driver and occupants. The hard plastics blend in well with the interior, not leaving any sense of “cheapness”.

The gear lever is a tad too small for my liking, but the electronic parking brake is one welcoming feature that wasn’t introduced to the Jazz or City.
Perhaps the most prominent feature found in the cabin is the floating centre console, something we’ve seen in Volvo cars over the past two decades. Underneath the centre console are dual USB sockets, a HDMI input and a 12 volt outlet.
The 7-inch infotainment screen and climate controls are both touch-sensitive and are easy to use, responsive but takes some time to get intuitive. The rear-view camera feeds a visual display onto the screen when reversing, and this proves to be useful no thanks to the slim rear windscreen panel during parking.
While Honda’s engineering capabilities are unquestionably good, the way they’ve packaged the HR-V deserves some high praise. Riding on Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy, the HR-V is by far the roomiest crossover in its class. The versatile
Magic Seats
 from the Jazz makes it even better. Just like the Jazz and City, the HR-V’s fuel tank is positioned underneath the driver’s seat, freeing more cargo space for a total of
437 litres
. When rear seats are folded flat, this will expand to a cavernous 1,032 litres.
PERFORMANCE
The HR-V is powered by Honda’s tried and tested
140 hp R18A 1.8-litre
 four cylinder engine that have been in existence since the eighth-generation Civic. Luckily for us, we won’t be getting the 1.5-litre lump used to power a 1.2 tonne crossover in Japan.
Sharing the similar
 Honda EarthDreams CVT
 (with seven virtual ratios) with the Jazz, the HR-V’s powertrain does its job adequately. Just like most modern Hondas, an Econ mode is available, allowing the car to extract more km/litre, a useful feature to use in all occasions.
THE DRIVE
Being a crossover, the HR-V has already established itself as the practical car as opposed to the CX-3’s more sporty credentials. Firstly, the CVT here is one of the better CVT gearboxes I have sampled, if only acceleration is not rushed. The omission of paddle shifters dampen things a little, especially during overtaking.
The HR-V’s ride is pliable, translating to a rather comfortable experience while cruising on the highways. Predictability and fun to drive factors are two things I would not associate the HR-V with, although we have to say that the refinement is decent enough. The HR-V’s quest for more space and lower cost means that rear axle management is overseen by a torsion beam setup, which explains the harsher ride quality for rear occupants.
No thanks to our poor road conditions, the HR-V’s choppy ride became apparent, causing discomfort occupants inside. The comfort-based dampers aren’t as promising as they sound, but the omission of 17-inch wheels in Malaysia proves to be quite the blessing in disguise.
IS THIS THE CAR FOR YOU?
Let’s be clear. Honda didn’t cheekily name this compact crossover as the Highly Recommended Vehicle. However, the “R” could very well stand for as “Reliable” or “Robust” because well, they make sense after all. Also, we’re talking about a solid Honda car which has brilliant residual values.
But will this be the vehicle I highly recommend? Well, it’s close by a whisker. The HR-V is indeed solid compact crossover for the small family or urbanites, but the only gripes I have for it are the air con vent’s design and harsh ride. Otherwise, it’s a car that many will be happy living with, until the next best crossover comes along of course.
COMPARISONS
The subcompact crossover segment is decently competitive lately. With the introduction of the hip and sporty Mazda CX-3 (CKD assembly will commence soon), the HR-V is up against a real contender. For this round of comparisons, the HR-V will go head to head against the CX-3 and Europe’s best selling subcompact crossover, the
Renault Captur
 which was just given a price cut to
RM117k
.
Honda HR-V
Mazda CX-3
Renault Captur
ENGINE
Type
inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC
4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC
4-cyl turbo, direct injection
Displacement
cc
1,799cc
1,998cc
1,197cc
Max Power
hp/rpm
140/6,500
154/6,000
118/4,900
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
172/4,300
204/2,800
190/2.000
STEERING
Type
Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
7-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
6-speed automatic
6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)
SUSPENSION
Front
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear
Solid Disc
Solid Disc
Drum
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyre
215/60 R16
215/50 R18
205/55 R17
Wheels
16-inch Alloy
18-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Length
mm
4,294mm
4,275mm
4,122mm
Overall Width
mm
1,772mm
1,765mm
1,778mm
Overall Height
mm
1,605mm
1,535mm
1,567mm
Wheelbase
mm
2,610mm
2,570mm
2,606mm
Max Kerb Weight
kg
1,249 kg
1,211 kg
1,180 kg
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
Litres
437 litres
350 litres
455 litres
FUEL
Tank Capacity
Litres
50 litres
48 litres
45 litres
Consumption
litres per 100km
N\A
6.6 litres
5.4 litres
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
188 km/h
192 km/h
192 km/h
0 to 100 km/h
sec
N\A
N\A
10.9
Price
RM
RM121,500.00 (OTR including insurance & GST)
RM135,082.99 (OTR including insurance & GST)
RM117,200.00 (OTR w/o Insurance & GST)
WILL I BUY IT?
If common sense trumps emotion, then the HR-V would be the one to go for. The HR-V’s overall package meets all the needs in daily motoring shenanigans and does so with flying colours. It’s affordability (priced from RM100k) also makes it a very enticing proposition and should be convincing enough to sway those who are planning to upgrade from a B-Segment to a C.
Despite excelling in many aspects, the Hiroshima-made subcompact would surely make me a happier new-car owner because of its looks and the way it drives.
IMAGE GALLERY


All Proton models to cost more beginning 15 February

This piece of news is probably one you’ve been dreading to hear come true, but the outcome is simply unavoidable. It’s the same old story;
devaluing Ringgit, rising production costs, rising operating costs
 and so on. As such, the prices will go up from a minimum of RM312 to RM2,021, depending on the model.
Proton has already been absorbing the increase of manufacturing costs since August 2015 by optimising operational costs through several rationalisation programmes. However, there’s only so much they can do, and the Ringgit’s 20 percent depreciation in such a short period of time didn’t help at all. Despite that, Proton is still
offering promotions and cash rebates
 of up to RM6,200 for selected 2015 models with a low 2.8 percent interest rate for all Proton cars.
At press time, Proton has yet to update its product pricing up to this point. Currently, there are six models on offer – the Saga, Persona, Preve, Suprima S, Iriz and Exora SUV. This year, the
Perdana
 model will make a return, followed by the upcoming launches of the new Persona and Saga models. If all goes well by the end of 2016, we may just see
Proton and Suzuki’s
 first ever co-developed product make it to life.


All-new Ford Everest unveiled at Bangkok, shares Ranger’s diesel engines [+Video]

Ford’s long overdue SUV, the
Everest
, has just made its world premier at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show alongside the
Ranger facelift
.
It’s designed to meet Southeast Asian demand and live up to what is expected of a premium SUV. Unlike the previous Everest, this
seven seater
 SUV isn’t built on the Ranger T6’s platform, but is new from the ground up, we’re told.
The all-new Ford Everest world debut in 2015 Bangkok Motor Show. #Ford #FordEverest #FordBIMS #BIMS #BIMS2015
A video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on
Mar 23, 2015 at 9:53pm PDT
You might notice a bit of design familiarity here with the Ranger, and you’re not wrong to spot them because the Everest’s front end looks like it is indeed chopped off the Ranger, except less bold, like that grille in particular. It boasts best-in-class all-terrain capability, further strengthening that ethos with a class best
225 mm ground clearance
 and
800 mm water-wading
 capability.

Inside, this SUV should be the answer to all your weekend outdoor excursions with more than
30 cleverly positioned stowage spaces
. It also comes with the
Active Noise Cancellation
 feature which, like the Honda Accord’s, uses three microphones inside the cabin to detect and measure noise.
When sound is picked up by the microphones, a smart control module immediately generates opposing sound waves through the speakers to cancel out noise. To add comfort, the Everest also gets a generous amount of sound
deadening materials
, optimising cabin sealing.

Not much is known in terms of its specifications, but Ford Asia Pacific revealed that two Duratorq engines will power this SUV: an updated
2.2-litre
 and
3.2-litre
 diesel engines sourced from the
Ranger facelift
. Output figures are exactly the same too. The former makes
158 hp
 and
385 Nm
 of torque, whereas the
3.2-litre
 engine makes
197 hp
 and
470 Nm
 of torque. No mention on any EcoBoost engines, though.
Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic gearbox to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the variant.
If you’re wondering when the Everest will arrive here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion confirmed that its arrival will be sometime in August or September this year. Pricing for the 2.2L variant is said to be around
RM150k to RM160k
, whereas the 3.2L will be touching the RM200k figure. That said, does this SUV pique your interest? Let us know in the comments section below!
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Ford Everest at the Bangkok Motor Show

2015 Ford Everest Product Photos


Over 500,000 cars in Malaysia have not replaced their faulty Takata airbags

There are still more than half a million vehicles in Malaysia fitted with faulty, life-threatening Takata airbags according to a Public Service Announcement (PSA) by Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.
On June 2018, Loke said that
owners who have yet to replace their faulty Takata airbags
 will not be allowed to renew their road tax and now the Road Transport Department (JPJ) together with affected car brands will issue reminders to affected owners to bring their vehicles in for a replacement. Owners of the affected vehicles who fail to do so will be given a
RM300 fine by JPJ
.
To date, there have been seven Takata airbag-related deaths recorded in Malaysia, where the most recent happened on
21 May 2018 involving a 2004 Honda City
. Certainly, your life is worth more than a short trip to your nearest authorised dealership for a replacement, yes?
To check whether your car(s) are involved in a Takata Airbag recall campaign, access the online VIN checkers as listed below and follow the instructions provided:
Honda –
Product Recall Honda
Toyota –
Special Service Campaign
Nissan –
Recall Campaign
Mazda –
Takata Airbag Recall
Mitsubishi –
Mitsubishi Field Fix Campaign
Subaru –
Takata Airbag Recall
BMW –
Takata Airbag Technical Campaign
Lexus – 1-800-88-53987


Think you’re an efficient driver? This man just managed 28km/l with Shell FuelSave 95

Since the launch of the newly improved
Shell
 FuelSave95 fuel in
February
 this year, Shell has been promoting the benefits of its new fuel, which includes providing deeper cleaning and improved protection for the engine, as well as extending your range by up to 15 km per tank. To further prove the effectiveness of the new fuel, Shell recently held its 2023 FuelSave 95 Challenge across the country, with the grand finale having taken place just yesterday, on
June 18
,
2023
.
Five winners from five different zones across the country, which include the Northern, Eastern, Southern, Central, and Borneo zones participated in the grand finale of the fuel economy challenge. Chin Li Qin (26) from Johor appeared as the winner of the challenge, clocking
28.23 km/l
 during the grand finale challenge, which is an even higher achievement than his previous record of 25.45 km/l, driving home with the
RM20,000
 grand prize.
Chin said after the prize-giving ceremony, “I’m genuinely excited to win the Grand Finale of Shell FuelSave 95 Challenge 2023, and I was surprised when my name was announced as the champion. It was impressive to see all participants achieving mileage beyond the average benchmark. Some roads were quite challenging, but I tried to keep myself calm and drive like I normally do back in my hometown.”
The Grand Finale challenge took place at Shell SM Alisha, Shah Alam, with the participants driving through Cyberjaya – Bukit Jalil – Cheras – Ampang – Gombak – Sri Hartamas – Kota Damansara – Puncak Alam and returning to the starting point. The participants were provided with a fleet of
Honda City
 cars for the challenge, and drove across various types of roads totalling up to
121 km
 of distance.
Shell Mobility General Manager, Seow Lee Ming said, “Now, not only are we able to quantify the fuel economy gained by the customers from a full tank of Shell FuelSave 95, but we are also able to witness the unbelievable mileage experienced by our customers, which further proves our New + Improved Shell FuelSave95 to be truly better by far.”


BMW will finally have an answer to the Mercedes-Benz EQS with upcoming i7 EV

Here we go again, with carmakers publishing their own “spy shots” showing off yet-to-be-announced models undergoing testing. Sorry, BMW, but the charm about spy shots is their inherent blurriness and mystique, as carmakers are still trying to keep their secret under wraps. When you hire your own photographers to do these photoshoots, the magic just falls apart.
Okay, sorry, we got carried away. Why are we here again? Oh, right – what you’re looking at here is the upcoming all-new i7, BMW’s shiny new flagship electric sedan that will eventually replace the
7 Series
 in the future, undergoing its final endurance tests in the icy weather of BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.
A more traditional three-box shape, so I guess BMW is technically right…
Interestingly, BMW calls the i7 the “world’s first all-electric luxury sedan” – which I guess is fair enough since the
Teslas
,
Taycans
, and
Mercedes-Benz EQ
 models are technically liftbacks/fastbacks, but it still doesn’t really sit right with me.
But let’s not fixate on technicalities, because there’s a brand-new car in front of us that we can pore over. And from what we can see (over the inordinate amount of camouflage), it does indeed appear to carry a more traditional three-box design, with a charging port above the right rear wheel arch, and headlights at a bizarrely low position on the front fascia.
BMW says the i7 will be officially launched sometime next year, which means we’ll probably get to see more details of the new flagship EV model pretty soon. But at the meantime, the car is currently being tested for driving dynamics, as well as “integrated application of all drive and suspension systems”.
Specifically, the suspension components, steering, braking, and vehicle stability systems are all being subjected to “performance-oriented tuning” in line with the car’s different driving modes “to ensure maximum driver feedback and enjoyment”, while the low-friction surface of Lapland’s frozen lakes also give the engineers a chance to hone in on the car’s Dynamic Stability Control system.
Aren’t these headlights just a little too… low?
On top of that, the extreme sub-zero temperatures at the north of Sweden also makes it a perfect test bed for the electric powertrain’s temperature control system, ensuring the motor and batteries remain completely functional in all weather and conditions.
No further information have been provided in terms of powertrain, but BMW says that the upcoming i7 will feature a powertrain based off of its fifth-generation eDrive technology, so we won’t be surprised if it closely follows the
iX
‘s performance figures.
Either way, BMW’s entrance to the electric executive sedan(-ish) space has been a long time coming. With so many players competing for the same piece of pie, it’ll certainly be interesting to see what the Munich-based carmaker will pull out of its hat to claim the top spot against the other heavy hitters. Stay tuned.
GALLERY


Ariel set to unleash an electric supercar codenamed P40 – 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds

Ariel Atom, the automaker set out in little Somerset, England is set to send more English chills down our spine with a 1196 hp electric supercar that is due for production in 2020, in a report by
Autocar
.
The British firm believes that it will be the fastest-accelerating and most advanced supercar in history, but not out of thin air. Codenamed the
P40
, it’s two-seater aluminium monocoque chassis will be clad in carbon fibre body panels with an expected weight of around
1600 kg
 – an obese by Ariel’s standard.
Power comes from four separate electric motors with liquid-cooled batteries mounted at the car’s base. There will be a 4×4 variant alongside a proposed “slower” two-wheel drive model. Both models will include a
turbine range extender
 sitting at the back to provide continuous performance once the initial 200 km or so range is exhausted. It is estimated that a good 50 minutes of charging would get you 15 minutes of flat-out track driving.
With around
1,800 Nm
 of torque, forecasted performance figures are simply uncomprehensible – 0 to 100 km/h takes
2.4 seconds
, 0 to 160 km/h in
3.8 seconds
, 0 to 240 km/h in
7.8 seconds
 with a restricted top speed of
257 km/h
. Reinforcements come in the form of an advance electronic traction control system, torque vectoring alongside regenerative braking.
Due to be revealed later this month, the new Ariel is a result of a three company cooperative project called Hipercar (High-Performance Carbon Reduction) together with Innovate UK, a government technology agency.
Image Credit:
arielatom.com


It’s heartbreaking that the new Kia XCeed is only available in Europe

There aren’t many crossovers available in Malaysia that shy away from the conventional SUV bodies except the Subaru XV being the only notable comparison.
Judging from its facts and figures, features and proportions, it could be quite a hit should it be sold in our local market; which it wouldn’t as the Xceed was created specifically for the European market.
There are up to five different engine options from 1.0-litre, 1.4-litre, and 1.6-litre turbocharged although the most feasible for our market seems to the 1.4-litre turbocharged T-GDi engine making 140 hp and 242 Nm.
For the curious, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine makes as much as
 204 hp
 and
265 Nm
; enough power to turn the Xceed into a “hot crossover”. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed Dual Clutch unit.
As for the looks, it’s almost impossible to point out a flaw in the Xceed’s aesthetics from any angle. It bears the same “ice cube” LED headlamp design like in the
new Kia Forte
, slapped on to a body that does not have to try hard to impress.
The Xceed is equipped with either 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, with ground clearance rather at 174 mm and 184 mm. Decent figures, but it would be no match for the Subaru XV’s 220 mm ground clearance. Then again, it may not even match the Subaru’s off-road prowess so that shouldn’t matter all that much.
Inside, the Xceed is laced with soft touch materials and is available with a new yellow-themed interior made up of yellow stitching for the seats and doors, yellow seat piping and metallic yellow highlights throughout the cabin.
What it lacks in ground clearance, the Xceed makes up for it in bootspace where it’s rated at 426-litres, giving it bragging rights over the Subaru XV’s mere 345-litres.
Features which have been made available also includes the Smart Power Tailgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a JBL Premium sound system with Clari-Fi technology, and the most significant of all, the brand’s fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster – similar in size to the newly-launched DS7 Crossback.
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and High Beam Assist are among the driver assistance systems available.
The Xceed is supposedly more engaging to drive due to its bespoke suspension tuning, aimed at offering more compliant rides, absorbing large shocks and improved steering response.
According to Kia, there will even be plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid models available by 2020.
IMAGE GALLERY


DS Automobiles reveals facelifted DS 4, now joined by new Crossback body style

Since the rebranding of the DS by Citroen into a separate entity, DS Automobiles is now introducing the updated DS 4. No longer carrying a Citroen name, the DS 4 is now available in two guises: the DS 4 and the DS 4 Crossback.
Externally, major work has been done to the front, where the face received a
new DS grille
 and a pair of new
DS LED Vision
 headlamps. The back receives a new pair of tail lights along with the new lettering. Elsewhere, it looks just like the outgoing Citroen DS 4, with its semi-crossover hatchback body style.

But if the standard DS 4 is still not
crossover
 enough for you, you need the
DS 4 Crossback
. The Crossback rides
30 mm higher
 than the standard DS 4, as well as having additional
wheel arch extensions
 and
roof rails
. Some parts are also finished in
gloss black
, such as the middle section of the front bumper, side mirrors, and rear roof spoiler.
The interior has been revamped slightly, the center panel now incorporates a new
7-inch touch screen display
 which also includes
Mirror Screen technology
 that displays your smartphone contents to the screen. The DS 4 is also the first vehicle in the PSA Group that supports
Apple CarPlay® technology
.
The touch screen helps reduce the button count on the center panel too, while the handbrake lever on the center console gave way to a more space-efficient
parking brake button
.
There’s also the
DS Connect Box
 that uses the connectivity to locate the vehicle’s location in case of an emergency, as well as helping the owner by providing information about the vehicle’s condition.
Three petrol and three diesel engines are available on the new DS 4. The
petrol
 range kicks off with the
PureTech 130
, churning out
130 hp
 and
230 Nm
, followed by the
THP 165
 that produces
162 hp
 and
 240 Nm
, and topping off with the
THP 210
, generating
208 hp
 and
285 Nm
. Only the
THP 165
 is mated with an Aisin-made
six-speed automatic
, while the other two petrol engines are coupled to a
six-speed manual transmission
.
The
diesel
 range consists of torquey oil burning mills; the
BlueHDi 120
 with
300 Nm
, the
BlueHDi 150
 with
370 Nm
 and the
BlueHDi 180
 with
400 Nm
. The
BlueHDi 120
 comes with a choice of either
a manual or an automatic

six-speed transmission
, whereas the
BlueHDi 150
 comes only with a
six-speed manual
and the most powerful
BlueHDi 180
 comes exclusively with a
six-speed auto
.
The DS 4 duo will debut at the upcoming
2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show
, and they will go on sale in the UK from
November 2015
. We drove the
Citroen DS 4
 last year, which is the petrol variant with a six-speed auto. So if the revised DS 4 makes its way to our shores, we can expect it to be the THP 165 guise.
IMAGE GALLERY


Sales Tax Exemption: Volvo revised price list announced – up to RM23K less

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced its revised price list in anticipation of the
sales tax exemption period
 starting next Monday, from 15th June to 31st of December 2020. The sales tax exemption is announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as part of the government’s short-term economy recovery plan.
All prices listed above are without insurance, inclusive of excise duty and exclusive of sales tax.
As the entire Volvo line-up in Malaysia are assembled locally, all models are eligible for 100% sales tax exemption – including the recently-launched
CKD S60 T8 R-Design
, now available at RM282,540 (-4.5%). The
 XC90 T5 Momentum
 sees the largest price reduction at RM23,078, while the
XC60 T5 Momentum
 gets the largest rebate in terms of percentage change (6.5%).
Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said: “We fully welcome the introduction of the sales tax holiday and are grateful for the opportunity to pass on the full benefits to our customers.  The incentive comes at an opportune time especially as the nation and the auto sector look towards recovery, onward from challenges brought on by the pause in business operations.
“The attention and support for the automotive sector in Malaysia has always been progressive and we believe that this decision will not only boost the economy but also provide relief and hope for Malaysians as we transition out of a challenging period to better times ahead together,” Jain added.
The company added that all ongoing promotions, such as the complimentary Recharge Package worth up to RM30,888, and 5 years maintenance service package (VSA 5+) are still applicable on selected models. The full list of current offers are available on VCM’s website
here
.
For more coverage on the revised price lists during the sales tax exemption period, be sure to check out our other posts
here
 – we will continuously update as we receive the latest information.


Next-generation BMW X5 prototype undergoes testing, global debut soon?

The
third-generation BMW X5
 has been in service for the better part of five years now and it is starting to show its age against modern rivals like the
Volvo XC90
. BMW is set to regain lost ground with a little teaser of the next-generation X5.
To ensure that the new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is as durable and dynamic as the generation before it, the prototype model is being put through its paces from the depths of the polar circle to the Green Hell that is the Nürburgring. The prototype X5 must not only withstand the  world’s different climates but also master every kind of terrain.
BMW has hinted that the new-generation model will bring the X5’s all-round, all-terrain capabilities to the next level with a new suspension set up, chassis and off-road drive mode calibration. Through these real-world tests, the X5 meets BMWs expectations of agility, precision, control and comfort thanks to the Adaptive M Suspension Professional and the Integral Active Steering – both are new technologies being offered for the first time.
The heavily-camouflaged prototype wears an enlarged kidney grille, adaptive LED headlamps with “corona ring” LED daytime running lights, a never-seen-before multi-spoke alloy wheel design and a radar cut out on the front apron.  While there are no hints of the interior, expect the X5 to follow a similar cabin design as the new
G30 5 Series
 and
G02 X4
.
BMW did not hint on a release date, but we can expect the X5 to present itself this year at the soonest or by early 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
New BMW X5 Protoype


Volkswagen Raya Deal – 5-year free service & RM500 petrol voucher before 31 July!

Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia is extending their Hari Raya promo to two additional models – the
Passat
 and
Vento
.
From now till 31 July 2017, new and aspiring Volkswagen customers will get 5-years free maintenance when they purchase either models. The company is also offering RM500 petrol voucher for those who make their bookings before 30 June 2017.
In the aftersales department, Volkswagen is running a special promo for existing customers. Between 5 June till 15 July 2017, owners can get up to 20 percent off for brake discs and brake pads which start from RM304 (subject to car model). Those who spend a minimum of RM400 within this promotional period will also be given free gifts and Raya packets.


Local artist charms the auto world with ultra-realistic paintings

It all started when GC Mah was at McLaren’s showroom in Glenmarie. Being a fan of 3-time Formula 1 Champion, Ayrton Senna, he was instantly drawn to a painting of him that was on display.
Upon closer inspection, to his surprise, the picture which he thought was a print due to how realistic it looked, was actually hand-painted. After some probing, it turns out that the painting was the work of a local artist from Ipoh.
Her name is
Karwai
, and having spoken to her briefly through the phone, here’s her story.
Ever since she was a child, Karwai always had a passion for all things art and paintings, and at the tender age of 14, she sold her first piece of art for SGD500 (approx. RM1,500) and it wasn’t of a car! Her first big break, however, came a few years ago when a painting she drew fetched up to SGD 2,888 at an auction in Singapore.
Given the exposure, she started receiving countless enquiries from car enthusiasts and collectors for paintings of their personal cars. It was then she started taking an interest in all things cars and has not looked back since – with a series of ultra-realistic motorsport-inspired paintings including the
recently crowned Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton
 and Sebastien Vettel.
It’s no easy feat as you’d imagine, with some commissioned paintings taking more than a month to complete. Patience aside, you’d better have deep pockets before getting in touch with her as some of her paintings will easily set you back RM40,000!
Not wanting to limit herself to just automotive and motorsport-inspired art pieces, Karwai has also painted potraits of royalties and landscapes but that’s not all. At the present time, her clientele stretches far and wide across the region, with clients all the way from Sydney, Australia.
With a heart as pure as her smile, Karwai donated five paintings just recently which were sold for RM1 million each. All of the proceeds went to assist our local Covid-19 frontliners, with the initiative receiving high praise from our Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
As for what she’d like to own in the future, she singled out the
Ford Mustang
 and the
Mercedes-AMG G63
. We reckon she’s not far off from achieving that dream.
GALLERY


Yamaha Sports Car Concept proves motorcycle companies can make fun cars!

Do motorcycle companies know a thing or two on making fun cars? We all know Honda made tonnes of them, in fact Suzuki’s popular Swift is joy and practicality combined – just like
yin and yang
. In Europe, Austrian motorcycle maker KTM showed the world their version of “fun with two extra wheels” with the KTM X-Bow. Now, Yamaha is hopping onto the bandwagon with the unveiling of their
Sports Car Concept
 at the 2015 Tokyo Motorshow.
The Sports Car Concept is essentially Yamaha’s follow up to the Motiv city car revealed in the 2013 Tokyo Motorshow. The true innovation of this car goes to the inclusion of
Gordon Murray’s iStream production process,
 a known method of manufacturing light cars at low cost. Despite not being designed by the man who crafted the legendary McLaren F1 himself, some valuable inputs from Murray point towards a really special vehicle from Yamaha. When I said
special
, you ought to know that this car weighs a mind boggling
770kg
, thanks to a
radically new carbon fibre technology
.
Although no details have been revealed on the powertrain as yet, the concept is expected to be propelled by a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine. But given Yamaha’s solid record of creating loud and fast automotive engines (Lexus and Toyota will nod to that), it’s safe to expect something magical from this one.
As much we enjoy the looks of this whimsical concept, sadly, Yamaha has no plans to make into production. Perhaps time will tell if we will get a
small fun lightweight coupe
 that brought smiles at every corner or if it’s just another easily forgettable concept like the Motiv city car.
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Auto Bavaria MINI x TNTCO’s new “Chrome” collection is the merchandise for Gen Z hypebeasts

Look, I don’t get streetwear, and I won’t pretend that I do. But even though I might not be the target audience for Auto Bavaria MINI’s new line of “Chrome” clothing capsule that was made in collaboration with Malaysian streetwear label TNTCO, I must admit that these do look pretty sweet.
The new limited-edition collection consists of items such as jackets, hoodies, tracksuits, and graphic T-shirts, and features the winning designs of Yu Jin Lim, who was named top designer at the recently-concluded TNTCO x Auto Bavaria MINI T-shirt design competition.
According to them, Chrome supposedly stands for “the spark of ideas that inspire and epitomizes the bright future that lies ahead for those who are always in pursuit of their dreams with relentless passion”.
It also reflects the “eye-catching and infectious allure of the iconic MINI”, and represents both Auto Bavaria MINI and TNTCO’s interpretation of “what it means to be a trendsetter, a leader in fashion, and a trailblazer”.
RELATED: Bugatti’s latest merchandise is… a shaver. Check it out here.
Auto Bavaria continues by saying that MINI has always been associated with cool ideas and passion, as well as “youthfull inspiration, independence, and spontaneity” – the same spirit that TNTCO supposedly embodies, which ultimately resulted in the partnership between the two companies.
The Auto Bavaria MINI x TNTCO Chrome collection is now available for purchase on Auto Bavaria MINI’s Lazada Flagship Store, linked
here
. Prices start at RM179 for the graphic T-shirts.
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Lexus admits its oversized grilles can be a “turnoff” for customers

It seems like in the past few years, carmakers have been going at it in an undisclosed arms race to see who can make the biggest grille. It all started with
Audi
 and their Singleframe design, and now even
Hyundai
 is also pushing the envelope on what’s considered “acceptable” on a car; we don’t have to mention
BMW
.
While the overwhelming negative sentiment online haven’t really made a dent in these carmakers’ unending quest towards the gaping holes, it seems like
at least

Lexus
 is starting to realise that perhaps big doesn’t necessarily mean better.
The Lexus LX’s front fascia is almost entirely all-grille.
Speaking to
Automotive News
, Lexus global design chief Koichi Suga said that based on US market research, the oversized grilles, in the publication’s words, can be a “turnoff” for potential customers. In particular, Suga said customers have even compared their own trademark spindle grille to everything from a Braun electric shaver to the fictional Predator character from the sci-fi movie series.
But that doesn’t mean that Lexus will be ditching the spindle grille once and for all. Instead, Suga said that the designers have to find “the right balance”, which is why they’ve come up a new design style called the ‘spindle body’.
The new grille design standards made its debuted on the
 all-new Lexus RX
 and
fully-electric RZ
, where the ‘spindle body’ grille blends in more homogeneously with the rest of the front fascia – by integrating a filled-in top insert on the RX, or blanking it out entirely on the RZ.
“We want to maintain the spindle shape itself. But the spindle has always been based on functionality of what’s happening under the hood,” Suga said. “This sleek, dynamic design is symbolized by a sense of solid mass.”
RELATED: All-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new ‘F Sport Performance’ variant
The headlights also play a huge part in Lexus’ new spindle body design, where the sharp swoosh-shaped daytime-running lights pinch in from both sides to “strengthen and evolve the signature design”.
At least that’s how it’s supposed to be in theory. Suga noted that people have already started drawing comparisons between the new RX’s front grille to Darth Vader’s helmet, so perhaps there really is no way of pleasing everyone. Maybe BMW is onto something then; make whatever you want, and people will still snap it up anyway.


Daimler crashes a smart fortwo into an S-Class [+Video]

Daimler claims that when it comes to safety, there should be no compromises to all the cars whether big or small. Thus their
smart fortwo
 has been put into the same safety development programme as the new
S-Class
. The in-house crash test they conducted showcases the strength of smart fortwo’s tridion safety cell, by crashing it against an S-Class.
For comparison, the fortwo only weighs 1,124kg compared to the
W222
 S-Class that weighs 2,308kg.The test was regulated at the speed of 50 km/h, head-on with half of the car overlapping each other.
Find out more about the new smart fortwo
here
.
As you can see from the video, the tridion cell is pretty much still in shape after colliding with the S-Class. With the combination of front airbags for each occupants and knee airbag for the driver, you can say that the chances of survival for both driver and passenger in the fortwo is pretty bright.

Professor Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Vehicle Safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars says “The well-proven tridion cell forms the basis for the high crash safety of the new smart. It ensures efficient energy absorption in a frontal impact.To this end, the crumple zones of the new smart have been made as large as possible. Homogeneous application of force in the structure is achieved with several load paths”.
Find out more about the new smart fortwo
here
.
[divider]
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This “Bonneville Jetta” will be attempting to exceed speeds of 335 km/h

Volkswagen America announced that it has prepared a purpose-built Jetta based on the 2019 model to attempt a new speed record at the  famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
To break the existing class record, it will have to exceeds speeds of
208.472 mph (335 km/h)
. The Bonneville Jetta, as its called, is powered by a modified version of Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine.
The Bonneville Jetta previews the powertrain that will be used in the forthcoming Jetta GLI performance model. Volkswagen is hopeful that it can beat the existing class record, with the performance of the modified EA888 engine and the all-new Jetta’s low drag coefficient of just 0.27.
To run at high speed on the salt-laced surface, the Bonneville Jetta has undergone substantial modifications. Its suspension has been lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires have been fitted along with a limited-slip differential to aid traction.
The interior has been stripped and treated to a full range of safety equipment including a roll cage, a racing seat with harness and a fire extinguisher system. To help slow the car down from its top speed, the Bonneville Jetta will be utilising a pair of parachutes.
“We wish the team luck as they attempt to make this the fastest Jetta and the fastest production-based Volkswagen we’ve ever seen!”, said Director of Volkswagen Design Center California, Reto Brun.


The Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO is the closest thing to an AMG GT3 race car

At the announcement of the
facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT
, the company has also released a limited-edition, even more track focused version called the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. The PRO brings the GT R even closer to their
AMG GT3
 and GT4 race cars.
Learnings from its motorsports programme can be found in four different areas of the AMG GT R PRO – suspension, weight reduction, aerodynamics and exterior styling. Starting with the design, the GT R PRO gains a more aggressive styling in the form of extended front splitter, air louvres, redesigned roof with lowered centre and extended rear diffusers all finished in high-gloss carbon fibre. The rear wing is also bolted onto a lighter housing.

Besides the carbon fibre components, the GT R PRO benefits from a weight saving exercise through the standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, lightweight AMG Performance five double-spoke forged wheels as well as AMG carbon fibre bucket seats.
Under the hood rests the same M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 sharing the same tune as a standard AMG GT R –
585 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of twist. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshfit dual-clutch transmission. As a result, century sprint and top speed maintains at 3.6 seconds and 318 km/h.
Despite that, the GT R PRO manage to set a quicker lap time around the Nürburgring Nordschleife of 7:04.0632 minutes, beating the GT R by some six seconds. Although the World’s fastest rear-wheel-drive production vehicle title still belongs to the Porsche GT2 RS.
The faster lap time was contributed to the motorsport derived suspension set up consisting of adjustable AMG coil-over suspension, carbon fibre adjustable torsion bar, Uniball spherical bearings on the upper wishbones, carbon fibre shear panel as well as the standard Track Package which includes a roll cage and four-point harnesses for the driver and passenger. All these combined gives the GT R PRO more precise control at the limit and better road feedback.
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Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO


Audi is finally serious about rear-wheel drive with the Audi R8 RWD

Since its inception, the
Audi R8
 has always featured the brand’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system.. Except for that one time when Audi made the limited-production
R8 RWS
 in 2017, race cars aside.
Well, it seems like Audi has realised a thing or two from that experience, as the marque has just announced the Audi R8 RWD as a permament fixture to their model lineup. The rear-wheel drive R8 will be available in both Coupe and Spyder form, too.
Powering the R8 RWD is the
5.2-litre V10
 naturally aspirated engine, delivering
540 hp
 and
540 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed
S tronic gearbox
, and transfers power to the rear wheels via a mechanical locking differential.
Without the extra mechanical parts for the all-wheel-drive system, the R8 RWD also sheds
65 kg
 in weight (55 kg for the Spyder), though the 0 to 100 km/h times remain unchanged at
3.7 seconds
, with the Spyder coming in a hair slower at
3.8 seconds
. Flat out, the R8 RWD will reach a top speed of
320 km/h
.
The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) should help keep the oversteer in check. For the more daring bunch, Audi says that the sport mode will allow for “controlled drifting” on the R8 RWD.
Styling wise, the R8 AWD is pretty much identical to the all-wheel drive models, though Audi has added a new Kemora Gray colour scheme to the R8’s color chart. The rear-wheel drive R8 rides on
19-inch forged wheels
 as standard with a staggered sizing of 245/35 and 295/35 at the front and rear respectively; Larger 20-inch wheels are available as option.
Now, can Audi please bring back the 6-speed gated manual transmission from the first-generation Audi R8?
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Toyota Hilux swaps diesel for hydrogen, development of FCEV pickup begins

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK has received funding from the UK government to develop a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV)
Toyota Hilux
 prototype. The funding was received through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for zero-emissions vehicle development, and the Hydrogen-powered Hilux will be produced in the UK in 2023.
The Japanese carmaker
 has been known for taking a multi-path approach to carbon neutrality by offering all electrified vehicle technologies including Hybrid Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Electric, Battery Electric, and Fuel Cell Electric. Toyota’s famous hydrogen fuel cell car is the
Toyota Mirai
. As such, the prototype Toyota Hilux will use the same second-generation Toyota fuel cell components as the Mirai.
Joining Toyota in the development of the Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux are UK-based technical engineering partners. These include Ricardo, ETL, D2H, and Thatcham Research.
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build its own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next-generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities. If the prototype is successful, Toyota targets to prepare for small series production of the Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux.
RELATED:
2022 Toyota Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux updated in Malaysia with wireless CarPlay, dashcam
Toyota Motor Europe President & CEO, Matt Harison said, “The UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and is an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero-emission solution in a critical market segment. We would like to thank the UK Government for the funding that will enable the consortium to investigate the development of a fuel cell powered powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition.”
In Malaysia, the Toyota Hilux is the most popular pickup truck, with its name being used to label the entire segment. There are two engine options in Malaysia which are the 2.4-litre turbodiesel and the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines. With East Malaysia being the ‘land of pickup trucks’ and also
focusing on hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology
, the hydrogen fuel cell Hilux might just be perfect for the region.
RELATED:
2022 Toyota Hilux Rogue updated in Australia with wider, Raptor-esque looks


Renault Malaysia maintains pricing for 2016, no hike

Official Malaysian distributor and sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles, TC Euro Cars, have announced that there won’t be any price increase for all locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) units this year.
Although the poor exchange rate has impacted the cost of importing vehicles, acquisition of components and production costs, TC Euro Cars’ strategy in optimising operating efficiencies and cost management exercises have allowed the company to continue selling the cars at the same price.
The full price list for all Renault cars in Malaysia for 2016
Every purchase of a brand new Renault car will come packaged with a
five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty
 (fully backed by Renault), except for the R.S and EV models. Each car’s service interval is 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first.
Read our review of the Renault Clio GT Line and Captur
 (both powered by a peppy direct injection
1.2-litre turbocharged engine
) to see if it’s the car for you!


Volkswagen Touareg teased again, promises Golf like handling!

It appears that the good people at Volkswagen are eager to present their
latest-generation Volkswagen Touareg
 in a series of teaser images showing a camouflaged SUV undergoing road testing in the remote areas of Saragossa, Spain.
Engineers conducted its latest test drives or “approval test run” as they call it, in the challenging terrains of Saragossa to complete final tweaks before the Touareg hits the production floor. The flagship SUV is scheduled to make its global debut in Beijing, China this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMnKdqZc-co
Speaking to the test drivers, Head of Driving Dynamics, Karsten Schebsdat was eager to promote that the Touareg is able to handle tight corners like a Golf. Its agile handling prowess is due to innovations such as the MQB platform, roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering that reduces turning radius from 12.20 metres to 11.13 compared to the outgoing model.
Inside, the new Innovision Cockpit is Volkswagen’s latest digital instrument cluster that combines two 12.0- and 15.0-inch displays to create a seamless surface. The infotainment screen controls the main functions of infotainment, navigation and air-conditioning while the driver display provides all the essential driving data to the driver. New interior trims include radiate real wood and aluminium to create a luxurious cabin.

The all-new Volkswagen Touareg will be presented to the world on 23rd March 2018 in China, the firm’s largest individual market and also the world’s strongest growing SUV market. The German carmaker is expected to double its sales volume of the Touareg in China by 2023.
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The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 will react accordingly if you say, “My bum is hot”

Technology sells cars, so it’s no surprise that many new generation models come equipped with digital instrument panel, touch interface, voice command, even remote access. The
new Volkswagen Golf Mk 8
 doesn’t disappoint in that regard – it has a dashboard that’s virtually free of physical buttons and knobs.
Look Ma, no hands… no problem.
But as is typically the case with touch interfaces, you do trade familiarity and tactility for uncluttered coolness. The operation through touch can also be imprecise when the driver is focused on driving and looking out for the traffic around him.

Volkswagen would have been aware of this and have outed a video showing how the
Smart Climate
 menu system works as part of the 3-zone
Air Care Climatronic
 system in the latest generation Golf. To adjust the temperature of the air conditioning, you slide your finger horizontally on a ‘strip’ located at the base of the infotainment display. To call up more on-screen AC functions and frequently used presets, there’s a ‘
direct entry key
’ on the centre of the dashboard which serves as a shortcut button.
Of course, if the fingers are occupied with other tasks (like holding the steering wheel), there’s the
voice command feature
that’s smart enough to respond contextually to what the driver is saying, such as ‘I am cold’ and then dial up the temperature. We do wonder if the system would launch Spotify or lower the temp when the driver says, “It’s getting hot in here” or “98 degrees, please”.


Here’s where you can view the Toyota C-HR in the flesh before its launch

One of the most anticipated SUV in Malaysia, the Toyota C-HR made its first public appearance at the 2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy event two months ago. Thanks to the overwhelming interest in the compact SUV, UMW Toyota Motors (UMWT) will be hosting a public preview of the C-HR starting 4 August to 10 September.
The full list of venues and dates are as follow:
Venue
Date
Toyota Section 19, Petaling Jaya Showroom
4 – 8 August
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival at Batu Kawan Stadium, Penang.
12 – 13 August
Toyota Subang Jaya Showroom
16 –  22 August
Mid Valley Megamall
23 – 27 August
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
4 – 10 September

The C-HR has appeared on UMWT’s website stating that it will feature a
1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine
 mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with sequential shifter. UMWT has also equipped the C-HR with side mirror puddle light, follow-me-home headlamps, a “luxurious interior”,
“full range” of safety features
 and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
 that should be bundled with Blind Spot Monitoring.
Our local-spec C-HR will be available in no less than
six exterior shades
 – White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black while Red Mica, Radiant Green Metallic and Blue Metallic will come with a
blacked-out roof
.
With all that said, what remains a corporate secret is the price, drive platform and number of trim levels. If the funky looking C-HR tickles your fancy, be sure to check it out at the selected venues. Lock those dates down people!
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New EQ Power plug-in hybrids to help Mercedes-Benz achieve CO2 compliance

If you are wondering as to why European manufacturers are rushing headlong into hybrids and pure electric vehicles, 2020 marks the year where the strict
95g CO2/km fleet emission rule
 is enforced upon manufacturers based on total passenger vehicle registrations.
There are now six EQ Power plug-in hybrid variants in the compact class range.
While there are exceptions, it effectively means that manufacturers are liable to be fined if the
average CO2 per km
 output of passenger cars sold by the end of the year exceeds the
95g
. To achieve that magical number, Mercedes-Benz (and other European brands) are introducing various new plug-in hybrid models to help keep the average CO2 output below the threshold, and they have just added
three more plug-in models
 to compact class range.
CLA Shooting Brake 250e can travel up to 71 km on electric power (NEDC).
Expected to go on sale in spring, the
CLA Coupe
,
CLA Shooting Brake
 and
GLA
in
250e
guise will join the A250e (hatch and saloon) and B250e announced last year. The three plug-in newcomers are powered by the same power unit as found in the A250e; comprising a
160 hp
 and
250 Nm

1.33-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder
 supplemented by an
electric motor
 rated at
100 hp
 and
300 Nm
, in combination, they generate a
total system output
 of
218 hp
 and
450 Nm
.
CLA Coupe 250e does 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The EQ Power hybrid unit is mated to an
8-speed dual-clutch transmission
 and drives the
front wheels
. While the 0-100km/h acceleration numbers are impressive – CLA 250e (6.8 seconds), CLA Shooting Brake (6.9 seconds) and GLA (7.1 seconds) with top speeds exceeding 220 km/h, the same can also be said of their CO2 outputs which ranges from
31 g/km
to
42 g/km
.
How the high voltage battery pack is packaged under the skin (image of A250e used)
All three models carry a
15.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
 (weighs approximately 150 kg) under their rear seats and Mercedes-Benz says that the clever exhaust system packaging is such that there’s
virtually no compromise
 to the practical aspects of the vehicles such as legroom and cargo space.
The electric range per full charge are quoted in NEDC and WLTP (in brackets) cycles, it ranges from
72 km to 79 km
 (60km to 69 km) for the CLA 250e,
69 km to 76 km
 (58km to 68 km) for the CLA Shooting Brake 250e and
64 km to 71 km
 (53 km to 61 km) for the GLA 250e. AC normal charging is up to 7.4 kW while fast DC charging accommodates a maximum of 24 kW.


2020 Toyota Yaris facelift unveiled in Thailand – AEB, Apple CarPlay included!

Shortly after the international debut of the
2020 Toyota Vios
 in Philippines, Toyota Thailand has now unveiled the new Yaris facelift, bringing over some of the design changes that has been introduced to the B-segment sedan.
Up front, the 2020
Toyota Yaris
 receives a similar new face to the Vios (also known as the Yaris Ativ in Thailand), replacing the old wide grin-like lower grille from the outgoing model. The Yaris, catering to the sportier and more youthful crowd, gets a mesh-like pattern instead of the horizontal slats as seen on the Vios.
The headlights are now slimmer and integrates neatly into the tweaked upper grille, with the range-topping variants receiving fully LED units with integrated LED daytime-running lights. Other cosmetic upgrades include more discreet skirtings all round, along with a less shouty rear lower apron and roof spoiler.
The new exterior look is completed by the new 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the range-topping Sport Premium variant in Thailand gets a blacked-out roof.
Inside, the bright brushed silver trims on the outgoing model have been replaced by darker smoked brushed aluminium items. But most importantly, the infotainment display has also been upgraded with a 6.7-inch unit, now supporting
Apple CarPlay
 connectivity in addition to MirrorLink screen mirroring!
The new 2020 Thailand-spec Toyota Vios and Yaris also received a big upgrade in its safety department, now equipped with a basic
Toyota Safety Sense
 advanced driver assistance suite, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure alert (without correction assist) on the range-topping Sport Premium variant.
Otherwise, the rest of the B-segment duos remain unchanged, including the Thailand-only 3NR-FE 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, making
86 PS
 and
108 Nm
. When the facelift models make its way over to our country though, expect to see the same 1.5-litre 2NR-FE units under the hood.
As the outgoing
Toyota Vios
 and
Yaris
 were only launched here in Malaysia last year, it might still be some time before we get see the facelifted models being introduced here on our shores. However, with the
all-new Honda City
 and
Nissan Almera
 due for launch very soon, the B-segment space is shaping up to be quite an exciting playing field!
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The new Volkswagen T-Roc R is essentially a Golf R on stilts!

Remember the bonkers
Volkswagen Golf R we reviewed recently
 – the one that could hang with the likes of
Ferrari’s 812 Superfast
 and
Aston Martin’s new V8 Vantage
for
last year’s Car of the Year video
?
The new T-Roc R could just trump that, while offering generous head room and boot space.
In fact, the T-Roc R should do so effortless cause it has 10 hp more than our local Golf R at
300 hp
 and 20 Nm more torque at
400 Nm
.
Size and weight does not seem to hinder the T-Roc R either. With the same 7-speed DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the T-Roc R is marginally quicker from 0-100 km/h, which is done in just 4.9 seconds.
Our local Golf R
 on the other hand does the same in around 5.1 seconds. In terms of top speed, both are anti-climatically limited to just 250 km/h.
The 19-inch Pretoria wheels you seen in the pictures are actually an optional extra, along with the R-performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic – Bummer. Instead, the T-Roc R gets 18-inch Spielberg wheels as standard.
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BFGoodrich launches Trail-Terrain T/A tyres for SUVs and pickups

BFGoodrich
, a subsidiary of Michelin tyres, has unveiled the Trail-Terrain T/A tyres here in Malaysia. Designed specifically for all-wheel drive crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, BFGoodrich says these are premium “on-road plus” tyres promising superior on-road performance and light off-pavement capabilities.
The new BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tyres features a Full-Depth 3D Locking Sipes tread design, which provides improved tread block stability for even wear, resulting in longer tread life, while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride.
The new treads with a serrated shoulder design also promises increased grip in soft-soil traction in light off-pavement situations, while also able to resist chipping and tearing from the rougher gravel terrains. The tyres are rated for a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) severe snow rating, and promises enhanced grip throughout the full life of the tyre.
Michelin Malaysia Managing Director, Oliver Biggart said, “Due to the pandemic, not only has leisure travel replaced the work commute, but people are increasingly looking to go outdoors, or turning to home improvements and DIY projects. Thus, they need vehicles that are ready for anything.
“The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A that values the freedom and versatility of All-Wheel-Drive crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, is therefore the perfect tyre at the perfect time.”
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A comes in a total of 41 tyre sizes (23 T-rated, 18 H-rated) covering all key OE fitments for crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. It’s now available at selected Michelin authorised dealers nationwide, and comes with a six-year manufacturer warranty as standard.
Pricing information hasn’t been provided at the time of writing, but we’ll update as soon as we hear back from BFGoodrich.


Budget 2023: EV tax-free extension proposed – CBU until 2025, CKD end-2027

While not mentioned during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s speech, the revised
Budget 2023
 that was tabled today also included proposals for the extension of tax exemptions for electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia.
As laid out in the tax measures appendix document, the excise and import duty exemptions for fully-imported (CBU) EVs is now being extended for two more years until December 31, 2025, if the Budget 2023 in its current form passes through the parliament’s legislation process.
The tax exemption for CBU EVs was originally set to end by the end of this year, although the former minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has already proposed an extension until end-2024 in the original tabling of Budget 2023 last year.
Similarly, the excise duty and sales tax exemption for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs is also being proposed for an extension of two more years until 31 December 2027. In the same vein, the import duty exemption for EV components used in local assembly will also be extended until end-2027.
Other EV-related proposals include 100% tax deductions for companies renting non-commercial EVs, up to a value of RM300,000, as well as a 100% income tax exemption from year of assessment 2023 to 2032 for local EV charger manufacturers. Both of these porposals will be eligible until 2025.
The tax exemption intiatives included in Budget 2023 were said to help support the development of the EV industry in Malaysia, and in particular to encourage the growth of locally-assembled EV activites, in line with the nation’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.
RELATED:
Government working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat – Tengku Zafrul


2017 Honda Jazz facelift launched in Thailand, comes with sporty RS variant

Right after the world premier of the
2017 Honda Jazz facelift
 at Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event, Thailand becomes the first country to officially launch the new and refreshed Jazz hatchback. While the Jazz Sport Hybrid landed on our shores, our northern neighbour gets the sportier RS variant.
We have seen the
exterior changes
 (mainly cosmetic) on the Jazz hybrid, and the differences between the hybrid and RS are minimal. The White Orchid Pearl and snazzy
Phoenix Orange
 are both new to the range topper.
Interior goodies such as Ultra Seats, Multi-Information Display (MID), touchscreen air condition panels, 6.8-inch infotainment screen and push start button are standard for the Jazz RS. In the safety department, it gets six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a rearview camera.
Powering this hatchback is the same
1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC
 four-cylinder petrol engine that develops
117 hp
 and
146 Nm
 of torque. The
seven-speed EarthDreams CVT
is also carried over from before, while a manual transmission is offered for the base variant.
The Thai-bound Jazz is available in
 six variants
, beginning with the S manual at
 555,000 baht
 (approximately
RM70k
) and S CVT at 594,000 baht (RM74.4k). The mid-range V and V+ can be had for 654,000 (RM82k) baht and 694,000 (RM87k) respectively. The RS commands an asking price of 739,000 baht (RM93k) while the RS+ is the priciest among all at
754,000 baht (RM95k)
.
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This Maserati Ghibli Hybrid features a cool colour, but a funny name

It’s called the
Love Audacious
. The limited-edition hybrid model is a collaboration between
Maserati Fuoriserie
 and
Canotwait
, a fashion label owned by William Chan, a singer/actor from Hong Kong.
The limited-edition model was made to commemorate the 20th of May, or 520 which loosely translates to “wuo ai ni” which means “I Love You” in Mandarin. Think of this day as like an unofficial Valentine’s Day within the Chinese community.
It doesn’t come with dimmer headlights for romantic lighting, nor does it come with a love counselor onboard. What the Ghibli Hybrid features is a special shade of purple called
Digital Aurora
.
The unique multi-colour appearance was inspired by the Northern lights with a blend of purple, blue and pink flakes. Watch the video of the development process
here
!
The
Maserati Ghibli Hybrid
 Love Order is only for the Chinese market, with eight units available for purchase online.
With a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an electric supercharger, the Ghibli Hybrid produces 330 hp and 450 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes a brisk 5.7 seconds, before topping out at 255 km/h.


GoCar Subs adds new Sports category – Subaru BRZ, WRX from RM2,699/month!

Daily driving a sports car might just become a whole lot easier starting today, thanks to
GoCar Malaysia’s Subs car subscription
service and its newly-launched Sports category.
As with the company’s other subscription plans, the new Sports category offers customers the experience the joy of “owning” a sports car, without any of the hassle from
traditional long-term ownerships
, such as maintenance costs, road tax, and depreciation.
GoCar Subs’ Sports categories currently includes the
Subaru BRZ
 and
Subaru WRX
 “for a start”. As with GoCar Subs’ plans, there isn’t an individual price for the models, but rather three single prices (12, 24 and 36 months) for the entire category.
The one-year package costs
RM3,299 per month
, while the two-year and three year plans are priced at
 RM2,999
 and
RM2,699
 per month respectively. All fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing, wear & tear parts coverage, as well as a mileage cap of 1,650 km per month.
Additional mileage can be purchased as optional add-ons, alongside additional insurance coverage, Singapore access fee, and window tinting.
With the new Sports category, GoCar Subs’ offerings now spans six categories, with the others being Econ, Base, Plus, Exec, and Luxe, each with a streamlined “One Price” structure ranging from RM799 to RM2,299 per month.
The new Sports category, alongside all other offerings, can be subscribed via the company’s website
here
.


Suzuki Jimny five-door makes world debut in India – Is bigger better?

The 5-door
Suzuki Jimny
 has been unveiled at Auto Expo 2023 in India, officially making its world debut. It is the first time the Jimny has an extra two doors, and the company plans to “appeal to a wider range of customers” with this new configuration.
Previously, the 5-door Jimny has been spotted undisguised, and it has now become official, first being available in India. It will be built at Maruti Suzuki’s plant in Gurugram.
To accommodate the extra two doors, the 5-door Jimny is 505 mm longer, measuring a total length of 3,985 mm. The wheelbase has also been extended by 340 mm, now measuring at 2,590 mm. Despite the additional length, the 5-door Jimny retains its compact boxy look that we have all grown to love on the 3-door version.
Powering the 5-door Jimny is the same 1.5-litre engine that powers the 3-door version. Making
102 hp
 and
130 Nm
, the engine is paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.
RELATED:
5-door Suzuki Jimny to debut on 13 January, with brand’s concept EV
Suzuki says that the Jimny 5-Door will provide the driving performance expected by customers from an authentic off-roader, like the 3-door Jimny. Like the 3-door, the 5-door is equipped with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system.
Inside, the cabin remains largely the same save for the addition of the second-row seats. Special rear seats and interior trim have been adopted in the rear space.
ALSO WATCH:
2021 Suzuki Jimny now in Malaysia – 5 Things
In Malaysia, the 3-door Suzuki Jimny fetches a price of RM174,900 with SST included. It is fully imported from Japan and is available in one variant only. The Malaysian-spec Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It remains to be seen whether the 5-door Jimny (which is built in India) will find its way into the Malaysian market.
RELATED:
2021 Suzuki Jimny launched in Malaysia – RM169k


Mercedes-Benz GLC earns top safety award by IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States has conferred the highest, TOP SAFETY PICK+ award to the
2017/18 Mercedes-Benz GLC
 for its good ratings in all of IIHS’s crashworthiness tests.
It is the first time the GLC, since the 2016 model, has been put through all of IIHS’ evaluations. The year before, it also scored a
5-star Euro NCAP
 rating. To receive the award, a vehicle must score good rating in five crashworthiness tests which covers the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, the vehicle’s sides, roof strength and head restraints.
It will also need to score either an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and have a good or acceptable headlight rating. The GLC’s standard front crash prevention system earned a superior rating as it avoided collisions in IIHS track tests at
12 mph
 and
25 mph
while its LED headlights earned a good rating.
Ever since the
 locally-assembled GLC 250 4MATIC
 was made available, it instantly became the brand’s
best selling mid-sized SUV model
 in 2016, with 1,421 units sold in just four months.
Aside from the most recently addition to the GLC line up, the
GLC 200
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also has an wide selection of models like the
GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe
 and the
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe
 to cater to different demographic of buyers.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200