This special edition Mitsubishi Xpander in Indonesia comes with a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer!

Mitsubishi Indonesia has unveiled a new special edition for the
 Xpander
and Xpander Cross in Indonesia called the Rockford Fosgate Black Edition, made in conjunction with American automotive audio gear company Rockford Fosgate (RF).
The RF Black Edition models are based on the Sport and Premium variant of the Xpander and Xpander Cross respectively, and features several variant-exclusive aesthetic trims, and of course, equipped with RF audio equipment from the factory.
As the name suggests, the RF Black Edition models are decked out in black colour styling cues. On the Xpander, these include the entire Dynamic Shield front fascia, front grille, skid plates, side mirrors, rear ‘X’ trim piece, and the 16-inch alloys.
Watch our review of the Mitsubishi Xpander here in Malaysia!
The Xpander Cross meanwhile has the Dynamic Shield and grille accents, as well as the side rockers finished in a dark chrome colour, though everything else is blacked out like the Xpander RF Black Edition. The 17-inch wheels are standard fitment, along with the blacked-out roof rails. Of course, both models also get a variant-exclusive emblem at the back.
Moving onto the inside, both the RF Black Edition models get an all-black upholstery – leather on the Xpander Cross, and fabric on the Xpander. Naturally, the special edition also gets a set of Rockford Fosgate audio system, consisting of a upgraded digital signal processor (DSP), subwoofer, and six speakers.
How does the Mitsubishi Xpander compare against the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush?
The new audio system is paired to a new seven-inch touchscreen head unit supplied by RF, which offers smartphone mirroring capabilities and a 360-degree surround view monitor on the Xpander Cross (only reverse camera for the Xpander).
Both special edition models are unchanged mechanically. Underneath the bonnet of both the Xpander and Xpander Cross RF Black Edition is the same 1.5-litre MIVEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine from before, capable of sending
105 hp
 and
141 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual (Xpander only).
The Mitsubishi Xpander RF Black Edition starts at RP273.9 million (~RM79k), and is available in either Jet Black Mica or Quartz White Pearl. Meanwhile, the Xpander Cross RF Black Edition is priced a little higher at RP312.65 million (~RM90k), and swaps out the black exterior hue for a Graphite Grey Metallic shade.
GALLERY


Geely Bin Yue facelift unveiled in China – Proton X50 cousin gets aggressive new look!

Proton X50
‘s Chinese cousin, the
Geely Bin Yue
, has just been given a facelift makeover in the country, with a fresh new aggressive exterior design befitting of its nickname “Chinese Artillery”.
Called simply as the “New Bin Yue”, the facelift makeover is front-lined by a new ‘X’-shaped trim that extends from the headlights down into the fog lamps enclosure on the front bumper, painted in black to complement the two-tone roof, giving the compact SUV a more aggressive look.
The mesh on the grille has also been updated with a new honeycomb pattern, while the headlights are also said to feature an Audi-like light show upon unlocking the vehicle.
Check out our full video review of the Proton X50!
Other visual changes include a slightly reworked rear spoiler with a carbon fibre-look finish, new blacked-out 18-inch wheels, body-coloured design trimmings on the side skirts and front splitter, as well as a chunky black racing stripe down the bonnet.
Based on the photos, the model on display here seems to be of the range-topping Battle variant of the updated Geely Bin Yue Pro – we’re not sure how much of these aggressive design touches will make it down to the rest of the variants, but they sure do look striking nontheless.
Not just a rebadge – Proton’s R&D efforts actually help make other Geely models safer! Learn more about it here.
The model shown off in these photos feature a sports car-inspired two-toned design on the interior, taking on the yellow hue of the bodywork. These can be seen on the upper portion of the leather/suede seats, centre armrest, as well as the sides of the steering wheel.
But if that’s still not flashy enough for you, there’s also a new 72-colour ambient lighting system that shines through the brushed aluminium panels on the dashboard and door cards, to give the car even more flair.
Other interior updates on the Bin Yue facelift include a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, running Geely’s latest GKUI software, alongside a updated T-shaped gear lever on the centre console.
There are no mention of the powertrains being offered on the new Geely Bin Yue facelift, though we don’t expect to see any changes in this department. No prices have been announced just yet, though reports say that it will go on sale in China sometime in August.
Would you like to see these changes being brought onto our new Malaysian darling, the Proton X50? Perhaps even a new ‘Sport’ variant? Let us know in the comments below!
[source: qctt.cn]
GALLERY


Video: All-Electric Nissan LEAF full review

It has no internal combustion engine, no petrol tank, and obviously, no tailpipe – it’s the
all-electric Nissan LEAF
. The second-generation
Nissan LEAF
 may look more conventional than its more cutesy bulbous predecessor, but the sleek, sharp design of the new LEAF sure looks easier on the eye.
In the time we had it, the LEAF was well specified, and surprising fun to drive. Being an all-electric car, torque is delivered almost instantaneously with just a tap of the accelerator pedal, and you can enjoy all the instant torque without feeling guilty as the car emits zero-emission.

Backing up that sleek, sporty new look is a more powerful electric motor driving the front wheels, rated at
150 hp
 and
320 Nm
 and worthy of a respectable time of 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h benchmark, along with a limited top speed of 155km/h.
However, all that fun can also result in range anxiety, a downside to many fully electric cars, the LEAF is no exception. The LEAF comes with a
40 kW
 lithium-ion battery pack which is good for around
311 km on a full charge
. There are two ways to top up the 40 kWh battery pack; either through ‘Normal’ 6.6 kW AC charging (utilising a SAE J1772 plug) or through the ‘Quick’ 50 kW DC charging.
Staying on the side of the battery, The Nissan LEAF’s 40 kW lithium-ion battery pack is covered with an
8-year or 16,000 km warranty
 not only for faults but also any
capacity loss exceeding 33%
.
Following the announcement from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to reduce private vehicle sales tax until the year-end as part of the post-COVID-19 economy recovery plan, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has released the revised pricing after Sales Tax Exemption for Nissan models in Malaysia
here
.


New Maserati GranTurismo electric coupe appears again in full camouflage

After over a year since the announcement of the project, Maserati has finally begun road testing of their new-generation GranTurismo.
The new vehicle will be Maserati’s first car to adopt a fully electric powertrain and the company based in Modena, Italy, is test driving the vehicle under an intensive road and circuit testing programme.
The ongoing GranTurismo coupe had quite a long life in the production line, debuting in 2007 before retiring as recent as 2019. It was fitted with a sonorous-sounding naturally-aspirated V8 engine built by Ferrari, with outputs ranging from 405 hp to 460 hp by the end of its production in the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

Here is a soundclip of the future of Maserati
Apart from the new GranTurismo, Maserati earlier this year took out their new
Grecale compact premium SUV
 for some photo shooting and test driving. The Grecale will be positioned under the Levante to compete with the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.


Video: Mercedes-Benz GLB 200, GLB 250 4MATIC, 5 Things

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the first-ever, seven-seater GLB with three different variants available – the
GLB 200 Progressive Line, the GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line
 and the bonkers
GLB 35 AMG
. Alongside the GLB, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the
G 350 d
.
The GLB 200 is powered by the same 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, like in the current A 200, paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox to drive the front wheels. Power is rated at 163 hp and 250 Nm.

On the other hand, the sportier GLB 250 4MATIC is driven by a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired to an 8-speed DCT to drive all four wheels. Unlike the GLB 200, this one gets a more respectable 224 hp and 350 Nm.
The most significant feature of the Mercedes-Benz GLB is the addition of the third-row seats, a first for the brand in the compact SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz says that the rear most seats can accommodate adults up to 168 cm in height, and up to four child seats. What’s more, the third row even comes with USB-C charger and cupholders.
GLB 200
GLB 250 4MATIC
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is priced at
RM269,118.15
, while the GLB 250 4Matic brings it up to
RM318,009.26
. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price is a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
With the Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s Possi-B-ilities Financing plan, The all-new GLB can be yours starting at RM2,688 per month, based on estimates of a five-year tenure and approximately 19% downpayment for the GLB 200.
For the latest price list of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.


Toyota UK shared a teaser image on Facebook – new Supra?

After what seems like years of talking and teasing, Toyota is close to unveiling their new Supra, in honouring their commitment to bringing its most iconic sports car back to the market.
This image was just released not long ago by
Toyota UK
 and while the caption reads, “The Legend Returns”, it will still be a considerable time before we actually see the real thing as what will be unveiled, at next month’s 2018 Geneva Motor Show,
will only be a concept model
.
Notice the similarities?
It’s no secret now that the Toyota Supra will share its underpinnings with
BMW’s new Z4
 and it is very likely that the new Supra would
only be available with an automatic transmission
, a (devastating) result (for enthusiasts at least) from its collaboration with BMW.
There are also talks about implementing the Gazoo name into the new Supra, which it will carry as the likely flagship of Toyota’s racing arm’s line-up.
Toyota Supra sounds just fine, thank you
.


Facts & Figures: MINI Malaysia launches the facelifted Cooper S, from RM253,319

MINI Malaysia today introduced the new facelifted MINI Cooper S 3 door and 5 door hatchback which also covers the
MINI Convertible
 as well as the new
MINI Electric
.
The MINI hatchback models also continue to only be offered in the Cooper S variant featuring the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Prices start from
RM253,318.69
 for the 3 Door and
RM261,005.83
 for the 5 Door model, which represents a hike of
over RM10,000
 compared to the 2020 models.
EXTERIOR
This is the second facelift improvement of the current F55/F56 MINI hatchback as back in 2018, the company revised the
taillamps
 to the awesome Union Jack motif and switched the transmission from 6-speed conventional automatic to the 7-speed dual-clutch unit we have today.
The facelifted 2021 MINI Cooper S now also looks flatter up front thanks to the fitment of the single hexagonal grille with the central pane being body-coloured. Moving to the side profile, the fender-mounted side scuttles are redesigned and now incorporate LED turn signal lights.
The hexagonal graphic is also repeated at the bumper while the centrally-mounted rear fog lamp is now replaced with an LED unit that’s nearly invisible courtesy of its slim profile.
MINI Malaysia has also fitted the
Piano Black Exterior
 package that applies deep black to the emblems, door handles, fuel lid and exhaust tips. 17-inch wheels continue to fill the wheel arches of the new MINI Cooper S.
The new colours for the MINI Cooper S are
Rooftop Grey
 and
Island Blue
 and joint by striking colours of Chili Red, British Racing Green and White Silver. All colours come complete with Jet Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes.
The
Multitone Roof
, a highlight at the international launch, features a colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black however seems to be not available for order yet in Malaysia.
INTERIOR
Inside, the dashboard is now fitted with a redesigned steering wheel, a central
8.8-inch
 touchscreen display, as well a digital driver’s display instrument cluster. Both displays are surrounded by high gloss piano-black with the large central display having touch-sensitive buttons. Key features in the 2021 MINI Cooper S include:
New 8.8-inch central display
New 5.0-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster
Apple CarPlay connectivity
MINI Ambient Light with six different colours
MINI App
Sport seats with leatherette carbon black
Silver surface chequered trim
Wireless smartphone charger
PERFORMANCE
The transversely mounted B48 turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine continues to push out the full
192 hp
 and
280 Nm
 of torque but at a different rpm range. For markets that adopt the Euro 6d emission standard, the engine with the Cooper S nomenclature loses a few horsepower to net 178 hp.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed Dual-clutch sports automatic
Max Power: 192 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm
Max Torque: 280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm to 4,600 rpm
0 – 100 km/h: 3 Door- 6.7 seconds, 5 Door- 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: 235 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.0 l/100 km
SAFETY
The new MINI Cooper S is equipped with the Driving Assistant as standard, consisting of:
New Lane Departure Warning
Digital high-beam assistant
Speed limit information
Person warning with light city braking function
Approach control warning with light city braking function
Rear-view camera
PRICING
As mentioned earlier, the fully imported MINI 3 Door Cooper S is priced from
RM253,318.69
 and the MINI Cooper S 5 Door from
RM261,005.83
. Both are inclusive of the
 four-year unlimited mileage warranty
 and
free scheduled service
 programme plus sales and service tax exemption. The booking fee for the new MINI Cooper S starts from
just RM1,000
.
With the MINI
Balloon Financing
 Plan, the MINI Cooper S 3 Door can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from
RM2,808
 and the MINI Cooper S 5 Door from
RM2,898
 (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).
As all car showrooms are closed due to the
full lockdown MCO 3.0
, customers are encouraged to view the new MINI
online
.
As standard, all new owners of the MINI Cooper S 3 Door and 5 Door will receive the complete MINI Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, which includes:
MINI 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
MINI Roadside Assistance and On-the-Spot Hotline
MINI Service Online
GALLERY
MINI COOPER S 3 Door
MINI COOPER S 5 Door


Government’s plans to acquire four highways would save taxpayers billions

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng claims that the take over of four major highways in the Klang Valley would save the taxpayers RM5.3 billion in compensation to the concessionaires, according to
The Star
.
The four highways, under the interests of Gamuda, include the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Konsortium Expressway Shah Alam Selangor (KESAS), SMART tunnel and the Sprint highway.
Upon acquisition of these highways, subject to the Cabinet’s approval, the long-awaited congestion charge model will replace the existing toll structure.
In other news, the Government is also working on
 adopting LED on all streetlights
beginning September this year.
Lim said the collection from the congestion charges would be enough to service the debt from the acquisition while also covering the operation and maintenance cost of the highways.
In a move to ease the burden of commuters and fulfill the ruling governments pre-election promises, Lim said the commuters stand to save more than RM100 million per annum from this initiative. As it stands, the market share of the four highways based on toll revenue is at around 48%.
In total, the Government has launched a RM6.2 billion bid to acquire the four highways, through a dedicated company under the watch of the Ministry of Finance.


Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: 12 new EVs & fully autonomous car by 2022

After Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
admitted to rigging fuel economy tests
, Renault-Nissan Alliance swooped in to
take over a 34 percent stake in MMC
 and
took the struggling carmaker under its wing
. Now known as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the newly formed alliance has announced their strategic plan, “Alliance 2022”, a six-year plan that aims to double annual synergies to €10 billion along with a new brand logo for the Alliance.
Helmed by Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Alliance, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi will collaborate on sharable platforms, powertrains, next-generation electric vehicles as well as autonomous and connected technologies. By end-2022, the Alliance will introduce
12 new zero-emission EVs
 in different segments,
40 vehicles with different levels of autonomous
 driving capabilities, share
22 engines
 and
four platforms
 together.
Chairman and CEO of Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, Carlos Ghosn
The new EVs will be built upon newly developed common and scalable EV platforms for multiple segments ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs. All three companies are also working on decreasing battery costs by up to
 30 percent
 and battery solution that significantly cuts charging time for approximately
230 km
 of driving range in just 15 minutes. Renault and Nissan will be adopting Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid technology for their C and D segment PHEVs by 2022.
In the field of autonomous driving, the Alliance has laid out a development timeline to deliver their first fully autonomous vehicle by 2022, starting with their first semi-autonomous driving system in 2018.
By the end of the six-year plan, the Alliance is forecasting a combined financial revenue of USD240 billion (RM1 trillion) with annual total unit sales exceeding 14 million vehicles.


Volvo Car Malaysia extends battery warranty for all PHEVs to 8-years/160,000 km

In an effort to further advance its green vision, Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that it is now extending the warranty coverage for the hybrid batteries in all of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to
eight years or 160,000 km
, whichever comes first.
The company has previously announced a warranty extension for all new PHEV vehicles registered from 1 January 2020 onwards, but today’s announcement extends the perk to all Volvo PHEVs purchased from Volvo Car Malaysia dealerships since
3 December 2015
, starting from the launch of the
Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV
 in the country.

Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, “As we continue our journey into sustainability, we are happy to announce this new, extended warranty coverage for our customers who have purchased any Volvo PHEVs since the launch of our first XC90 PHEV in Malaysia. This is our way of showing gratitude to the early adopters and also for those who are striving to make a more sustainable decision.”
Volvo’s PHEV line-up includes the recently-launched
locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 R-Design
, alongside the
XC60
,
S90
, and
XC90
 in the T8 powertrain configuration.
In conjunction with the year-end festive season, Volvo Car Malaysia is also rewarding its customers through its #MyVolvoJourney contest, starting from 4 December to 31 December 2020.
Customers who take their car in for service or repair at any authorised Volvo car service centres within the contest period will be eligible for the contest. To participate, just register through the QR code provided by the service centre, present a proof of service, and write a short and creative story of their Volvo service experience to be in the running for the prizes.
Ten weekly winners will receive a Sandqvist leather tote bag worth RM2,146, and three grand prize winners will each bring home a Thule travel bag set worth RM7,753. Weekly winners will be announced every Friday beginning 11 December, while the grand prize winners will be announced on the 8th of January 2021.
“This year has been very challenging for everyone, which is why we are most grateful to our customers for their steadfast support and our dedicated service teams who are always ready to address our customers’ needs despite the difficult circumstances we faced this year,” Added Nalin.
“As such, we hope this holiday contest will encourage our customers to reflect and share their meaningful Volvo story as a form of support for our hard-working service teams, while at the same time enable us to reward our customers for taking the initiative to ensure their vehicles are in good running condition.”


Review: Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV, too good to be true [+Video]

Malaysians have shown a strong appetite for premium mid-sized SUVs with the Mercedes-Benz GLC being the
strongest growth driver for the three-pointed star in Malaysia
. BMW Malaysia and Audi Malaysia, on the other hand, have lagged behind Mercedes-Benz in the SUV game with their outdated and uncompetitive offerings. Don’t get me started on the
Lexus NX
’s overly optimistic price tag no thanks to its fully imported origins.
Where does that leave Volvo then? The Swedish premium carmaker has re-entered the game in January with its second-generation Volvo XC60 and is set to give its rivals a good run for its money. It’s jam-packed with features and reasonably priced at RM373k for a
fully-imported top-spec T8 Inscription Plus model
.
Locally-assembled variants
 that will be available soon just makes the deal even more enticing.
Getting up close and personal with the car during its launch, I am all for the Volvo’s minimalistic design penned with clean and crisp body lines, but I am not a fan of the Russian Doll design that is evident when looking at it head-on. Surely the designers could’ve put in a little more effort to differentiate the 60-series from the 90-series other than its size. Fortunately, the rear end is not just a shrunken
XC90
 – sporting dual L-shaped tail lamps and a more angular tailgate. Top marks for that.
Having experienced Volvo’s new generation of cars based on the SPA platform (XC90,
S90
 &
V90
) and with its recent coronation as the
2018 World Car of the Year
, expectations for the XC60, needless to say, were high. We took the fully imported Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV (CBU) as our travel buddy for the Chinese New Year holidays and here is what we learnt about the Swedish SUV.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus CBU
Engine
1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
320 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
400 Nm @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm
Electric Motor
87 hp & 240 Nm
Combined Output
407 hp & 640 Nm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.3 seconds; 230 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM373,888
Top Notch Interior
The cabin while reminiscent of its larger sibling, the XC90, I’m more inclined towards the XC60 simply because it is slightly more pleasing to the eyes. Take the dashboard trim (CBU gets mesh metal, CKD gets wood inlay) for example, it now runs the full length of the dashboard held together by a single piece of aluminium. A little over the top for some, but to this author’s eyes, portrays a more outgoing personality as opposed to the 90-series models reserved nature.
Gone are the cluttered and uninspiring centre consoles of the
previous-gen XC60s
, now replaced by a sleek
9.0-inch Sensus Connect
 touchscreen infotainment system that is one of the most intuitive operating systems out there. How intuitive? It’s like an iPad for your car; all its functions are clearly spelt out with minimal sub-menus to navigate, perfect for on-the-go operations.

Other feel-good items like the
 Orrefors Crystal gear selector
, diamond cut start/stop knob, Drive Mode selector and Volume knob, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, Head-Up Display, 1,100W
15-speakers Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System
 as well as Panoramic Sunroof set the XC60 one class above its German rivals. Every touch, sight and even smell suggests that this cabin belongs way above its RM400k price bracket.
Driving a Two Tonne Machine Shouldn’t Be This Easy
Tipping the scale at
2,148 kg
, it is only natural to expect to feel the weight of the XC60 through the steering wheel. But its electronically-assisted power steering was on the lighter end of the spectrum thus helping the driver to manoeuvre this SUV with great ease. Of course, the trade-off is that the XC60 does not switch directions as accurately nor as engagingly as a Beemer.
The XC60’s proportions were surprisingly manageable in the city thanks to its light steering wheel coupled with a
360-degree surround view camera
. Its array of sensors will also beep frantically if you’re about to kiss a surrounding object, so you had to be on a really bad day to damage an XC60.

 Current
Its large reserve of torque also makes overtaking hilariously easy, entertaining at times. Indicators on, foot halfway through the floor and off you go. If you enter a bend with enthusiasm, the XC60 will display respectable road holding capabilities with body roll expected from a tall riding vehicle.
The
Air Suspension
 tries its best to hide the car’s weight around the bends, but it also becomes obvious that the XC60 was set up to prioritise filtering road undulations. Not quite AMG-levels of athleticism, but good enough to put a smile on your face for your weekend drives while being ahead of the pack. However, CKD versions of the XC60 all come with a standard spring and shocks set up, just like its other rivals in its class. Whether is it a deal-breaker or not, that is for you to decide.
No, it is not a High-Performance SUV
Despite its on-paper figures of
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 of torque from its 2.0-litre Twin Engine plug-in hybrid system, you won’t beat a
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
 to the quarter mile despite commanding more ponies and twisting force than the German.
The Swedes had done a fantastic job to hide its ridiculous torque figures, delivering propulsion in a very family-friendly manner. Off the line, the XC60 sets off with just its electric motor, using all
240 Nm
 of torque from
0 rpm
 to drive the rear wheels. Its eerily silent pure electric commute is something everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime.
Once the electric motor runs out of breath, the 2.0-litre TwinCharged (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder engine kicks in to deliver the remaining
320 hp
 and
 400 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels. The petrol engine comes in seamlessly with minimal torque dip and vibration, blink and you’ll miss it.
The eight-speed automatic transmission was also tuned to perfectly highlight the characteristics of the XC60 – smooth and docile. Volvo has done it in such a way that the average person can handle
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 with ease as the power comes in gradually and predictably, making city driving a serene affair.
Remember to Charge the Batteries
Sandwiched between the drivetrain is a 10.4 kWh battery pack that juices the electric motor. Plug it into a conventional 3-pin socket, and it will take around 4 hours for a full charge. Volvo claims the XC60 can cover up to
 45 km of pure electric range
 with a fully charged battery pack, but realistically you are looking at 30-odd km in an urban setting, factoring in driving habits and road conditions.
I made a mistake for not letting the battery charge overnight and left home with a flat battery. Not only fuel consumption took a downward spiral, it also made the journey somewhat uncomfortable. The engine was constantly shutting off when I came to a complete stop only to restart the moment I set off because the battery pack did not have enough juice to get the car moving.
There is a Charge Mode function that uses the combustion engine as a generator to juice up the battery pack, but in my opinion, that just defeats the purpose of driving one of these PHEVs. Like any other PHEVs, the XC60 is best enjoyed when routinely plugged into a power source.
Charge it up
Safety First… In Class
You know Volvo is serious about its safety business when its Intellisafe preventive safety systems are standard across the board, yes even the entry-level T5 model. It bundles City Safety Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System, six airbags and many more which we, fortunately, did not sample.
Its long list of advanced drivers assists systems are nowhere to be found on any of its closest competitors. Six airbags and ESC? That’s the best its competition can manage. While Intellisafe is not an accident-free charm, it does greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident by warning the driver and if necessary, brings the car to a stop automatically when it detects an imminent collision. Of course, it does not mean you can be silly and let the car do all the braking, it is, after all,
 a

driver assist system
.
T8 variants are equipped with Volvo’s Pilot Assist that bundles Adaptive Cruise Control and Steer Assist to give the XC60 semi-autonomous driving capabilities up to
130 km/h
. Never have I travelled on the North-South Highway (NSE) with such ease and comfort, if this is the future, sign me up.
Although it can’t be stressed enough that the system can only operate proficiently on well-marked roads. It does catch you off-guard as you’re cruising down the highway and the system ever so slightly goes out of lane due to faded road markings.
Will I Buy it?
The Volvo XC60 blows all its rivals out of the water offering high-levels of equipment, best-in-class safety features and being the only plug-in hybrid powered car in its segment. Based on that alone, Volvo’s latest offering would be the most sensible choice if I am in the market for a mid-sized SUV –  with minimalistic and handsome designs being the icing on the cake.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus CBU

 Current

 Current


2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift update finally ‘fixes’ the sedan’s controversial looks

The
seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra
has a very divisive appearance – you either love it or hate it. We fortunately
 fall into the former category
, but if you’re not a big fan of its looks, the 2023 facelift is sure to change your opinion.
That’s because the new facelift update, unveiled via these first official photos for South Korea, has finally ‘fixed’ the model’s controversial design – particularly on the front end. Gone is the big catfish front fascia, and in its place, a sleeker and shorter parametric front grille, flanked by the reworked headlights.
On the latter, they now feature a more “typical” design without the swept-back look of the pre-facelift model, and they’re also now joined by a new lighting strip that runs across the top of the grille, tying the two headlight housings together via the daytime-running lights.
Other changes on the exterior come in the form of reworked bumpers that look a lot more aggressive than before, alongside the newly-designed wheels. Fortunately, the unique jewel-like character lines survives the facelift update.
Inside, there doesn’t seem to be many obvious changes to the 2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift. The seats do seem to have a new green-coloured upholstery, but that’s pretty much as far as our eyes could see.
RELATED:
Hyundai Elantra Premium review – the overlooked gem
The Elantra’s powertrain should also still be unchanged from before. Similar to us here in Malaysia, the C-segment sedan for the South Korean market is also offered with a Smartstream 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, pushing
123 hp
 and
154 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels via the marque’s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox.
A more powerful N Line variant is also available for the Elantra, which packs a turbocharger onto the Smartstream 1.6-litre engine for an output of
204 hp
 and
265 Nm
, paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
But car enthusiasts will of course be most excited about the
range-topping Elantra N
, which gets a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making
280 hp
 and
392 Nm
, alongside a bunch of mechanical updates to make it a proper driver-focused “sports” car.
We expect the latter two variants to also be similarly updated following the official launch of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift in Korea.


Asia GT Festival coming to Malaysia for the first time in March 2019

Local property development giants, Country Heights have partnered with Goldenport Enterprises of China to host Malaysia’s first Asia GT Festival this 15 to 17 March 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
The racing festival,
held outside of China for the first time
, will see over 30 GT cars from all over the world compete for the coveted prize money pool of RM5.45 million (RMB9,000,000).
(Second from left) Jim Ye, Founder and Chairman of Goldenport Enterprises, Founder and Chairman of Country Heights, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and Executive Director of Country Heights, Matahari Lee.
“Through this Asia GT Festival, we want to grow Malaysian’s exposure to a different kind of four-wheeled motorsport racing while providing the platform for aspiring Malaysian racers to be part of an internationally-renowned race event,” said Country Heights, Executive Director, Matahari Lee at today’s press conference at the Palace of the Golden Horses.
“This event is also a step forward for Country Heights and the MINES Car City Centre towards our vision of developing the country’s automotive lifestyle and motorsports industry,” he added.
Executive Director of Country Heights, Matahari Lee expressed aspirations to fill the “motorsport void” at the Sepang International Circuit following the departure of Formula 1.
“We are thrilled to be here in Kuala Lumpur, a city with a rich culture and exciting opportunities. This is an exciting time for us and our partner Country Heights to see Malaysia as the highlight of the Asia GT racing calendar,” said Goldenport Enterprises founder, Jim Ye.
Throughout the three-day event, expect to see the likes of Porsche, Bentley, Ferrari, Audi, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz go head to head with one another, along with GT3 and GT4 support races.
Tickets for the Asia GT Festival is now available and can be purchased through MotoNation’s Facebook page or
their official website
 with ticket prices ranging from RM20 to RM350.


Here’s why we won’t be getting a new Lancer Evolution soon, according to Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or more commonly called simply ‘Evo’ by fans, is one of the most celebrated rally-bred sports car in the world. So when Mitsubishi announced that the
 Ralliart brand will be making a return
, fans rejoiced as they thought that the legendary Evo is coming back.
Alas, the excitement was short-lived, as Mitsubishi Motors President and CEO, Takao Kato confirmed soon after that they won’t be releasing a new Lancer Evolution after all. The Ralliart brand will only be used for their motorsports activities, particularly in rallies, alongside additional accessories for their model range.
Check out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition, the most expensive Evo ever sold!
But the question is, why not? Especially since it was specifically requested by several shareholders. And surely, with the amount of fans crying for the Evo to return, there’ll be a sizeable market for it, right?
2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition
The answer for this ultimately, boils down to Mitsubishi’s electrification plans. “Electrification costs a lot and the company is still not strong enough,” Kato explained. “We had a big deficit in the previous fiscal year, and our priority is to revive the company first and then roll out the cars that fans are waiting for.”
Mitsubishi aims to offer a fully electrified range by 2030, and that will require just about every last penny of their available funds. And In order to “revive the company” as Kato said, the Japanese carmaker will need first focus on high-volume products first.
Would Malaysians even care if the Lancer Evolution was revived? We’re not too sure…
In this day and age, that means SUVs like the
Outlander
,
Eclipse Cross
, or the
China-only Airtrek
. It’s always important to remember that those asking for new sports cars are usually the vocal minority. And even if there’s a real “demand”, ask yourselves this – how many times did you actually follow through when you said “I’ll surely buy one if they make one with a manual gearbox”?
2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition
With sedan sales dwindling down globally, it’ll perhaps be quite a while more before we see a new Lancer, let alone a Lancer Evolution. But all hope’s not lost, though, as Kato said in the statement himself that they’ll make “cars that fans are waiting for” too, just perhaps a little later than “soon”.
[source: Response.jp via Carscoops]


Mercedes-Benz to offer a replacement car if servicing requires more than 48 hours

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the
 MobilityPlus
, a car replacement program for those who have opted to finance or lease their Mercedes-Benz vehicles through Mercedes-Benz Financial.
The MobilityPlus features is the first of its kind in the auto financing industry, where it allows Mercedes-Benz owners to
enjoy a replacement car when their vehicles are sent for routine servicing
 (including warranty claims) that
require more than 48 hours
.

Watch GC Mah go head-to-head with the
VP of Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 in a drag race!
Through MobilityPlus, customers will be provided with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle as a temporary replacement while their vehicle is in the service centre. For added convenience, customers will also be able to select their preferred pick-up and drop off points.
The replacement vehicle will be made available to eligible customers within 24-hours of notification by the Authorised Mercedes-Benz Service Centre on behalf of the customer.

Have you checked out the new
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
?
The replacement car will come with a
20-day per year entitlement period
 at no extra cost to the customer. The programme’s extensive nationwide coverage also includes Langkawi and Labuan.
With the introduction of MobilityPlus, Hire Purchase Classic Financing will be rebranded to FinanceCare. The MobilityPlus also includes the Agility Financing (for new cars) and Young Star Agility Financing (Mercedes-Benz Certified Cars).
The MobilityPlus coverage is available for the first two year period for FinanceCare and Agility Solutions and up to four years for leasing solutions depending on the lease tenure.


Mazda6 facelift unveiled, new 2.5L Turbo with cylinder deactivation

Since the official debut of the Mazda6 back in 2012, Mazda has finally given the ageing model a much-needed refresher. Fresh off the stage at the 2017 LA Auto Show, the Mazda6 boasts a much more refined cabin and a new 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Mazda has employed a “Mature Elegance” approach, further elevating the maturity of the well-accepted Kodo Design. Upfront, you get a new mesh front grille as well as new LED headlamp design similar to the
all-new CX-5
. The front lower bumper gets an additional chrome strip, giving it a more upmarket feel. The rest of the car remains largely untouched save for new alloy wheel designs and lightly restyled taillamps.

The interior gets the most attention in this facelift exercise. A new Japanese Sen Wood trim replaces the old gunmetal appearance, giving the cabin a much more premium look and feel. Other than that, the cabin remains identical to the pre-facelift model.
New to the Mazda6 powertrain line up is a
2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G turbo engine
 pushing out
250 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque – the same unit found in the
CX-9
. The new SkyActiv-G turbo also features cylinder deactivation technology for greater fuel savings. The new engine can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The facelifted Mazda6 also gets updated
i-ActivSense safety technologies
 that adds the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and a 360-degree camera.
Locally, Bermaz Motors have just refreshed the Mazda6 with G-Vectoring Control for both its petrol and diesel variants. Given the pace that they are progressing, we can expect the facelifted Mazda6 to quietly roll into showrooms come 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


You don’t need to be rich to own this McLaren GT

Designed for kids from three to six years old, the
McLa
ren GT
 Ride-On is the fourth model following the P1,
720S
 and
McLaren Senna
.
The new McLaren GT Ride-On has an impressive list of standard options including authentic McLaren design detailing. The seat has been designed to mimic the ones in the actual car.
Working dihedral doors make for the ultimate entrance and getaway. Being a GT,
a boot has also been
 added and is ideal for stowing any junior driving essentials.
Watch the McLaren 720S Ride-On in motion here!
Just like the real thing, the GT Ride-On has workable dashboard controls with a key start that activates McLaren engine sounds. Kids, or rather, junior drivers, will get real thrills of driving thanks to a working accelerator with revving sound. The taillamps are functional items too.
The Ride-On has a top speed of 5 km/h with playing time estimated to range from 30 to 50 minutes with the 12-volt battery. Parents can also take the controls of the toy via remote control.
An optional MP4 infotainment system allows music to be played via a USB device or SD card.
Chances of getting the same colour as your neighbour will be slim, as the McLaren GT Ride-On comes in six authentic McLaren colours including Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, Amaranth Red, Burton Blue and Mclaren Orange.
The windscreen-less McLaren Elva will come with a windscreen after all. Read about it here!
In its UK, the McLaren GT Ride-On is priced from
GBP163
 (RM945) to
GBP234
 (RM1,360), depending on the options selected, and is available to order now from selected global toy retailers.
GALLERY


Five most memorable Formula 1 moments at Sepang

Our beloved, highly-acclaimed Sepang Circuit has just celebrated its F1nale as the host to the Formula 1 circus. While there are plans in the pipeline for more attention to be paid on the Moto GP, construction of theme parks and such to be built in the coming years, the inevitable void left by the absence of our revamped circuit at the pinnacle of motorsports will surely be felt.
We’ve seen victories being snatched, championships lost and partnerships strained in various chapters of this 19-year story filled with ups and downs. Before we forcefully move on from Malaysians departure from the Formula 1 arena, these are our  5 most memorable moments to have taken place in Sepang.
Ferrari stripped of double-win (1999)
Credit:
 New York Times
Drama unfolded at the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix back in 1999 which also happened to be the penultimate race to the Formula 1 season. Having raced to recovery after a broken leg, the great Schumacher impressively qualified ahead of then teammate Eddie Irvine by almost a whole second.
That said, Irvine took the chequered flag ahead of Schumacher followed by championship contender Hakkinen in third before controversy hit both the Ferrari drivers – they were disqualified for an alleged illegality with their race car’s body work, specifically the
 bargeboard
, a piece by the radiator opening and had their points taken away. This meant Irvine was leading the driver’s championship by just four points ahead of McLaren’s Hakkinen.
Ferrari appealed and their points were reinstated before the final race of the season in Suzuka. It still proved insufficient as Hakkinen clinched the Driver’s Championship with a win in Japan.
Montoya vs Shumacher (2002)
Credit:
REAL SPORT 101
With both having started from the first row, with Schumacher in pole position and Montoya in second, the two clashed when Montoya made a better start with his nose ahead of the Ferrari as they entered the first corner. Schumacher nudged into Montoya as a result of understeer, sending both of them into the pits for front wing replacements.Instead of penalising Schumacher, it was Montoya who was surprisingly hit with a drive-through penalty. Still, the fiesty Colombian fought back to an impressive second place finish.
On the side note, we still keep Schumacher’s unfortunate condition in mind till this day and always pray for his recovery.
Kimi Raikkonen’s maiden win (2003)
Credit: YouTube
Having only found his way into the Formula 1 arena back in 2001 at the tender age of 22, the “
Ice Man
” joined McLaren two years later to fill in the vacant seat left by another Finnish legend, Mika Hakkinen. Fast forward to years later, the Finn, famous for his lack of expressions and even lesser words stormed from 7th on the grid to clinch his maiden victory in faultless drive at Sepang.
Team Order woes between Rosberg/Hamilton & Webber/Vettel (2013)
Credit:
The Checkered Flag
Let’s begin with the Webber and Vettel incident; it’s one thing to be competitive, it’s another to be totally ignorant. While some may still argue Vettel’s ruthless urge to win, we believe that team efforts are essential and more crucially, team orders are team orders. Having been relayed the “
Multi 21
” coded message which essentially meant that Webber should be left to finish first, Vettel defied it and overtook Webber – nearly driving him into the pit wall in the process.
The other incident involving team orders was equally heart-breaking. Hamilton had been challenging the two Red Bulls before fuel and tyre concerns hampered his progress. With Rosberg clearly oozing more pace than his teammate, he was told to stand down and hold back behind Hamilton despite his superior speed.
Malaysian flag-inspired swimwear (2016)
We apologise for such generous display of skin. Credit:
ABC News
We saved the best for the last – possibly the most ridiculous incident to have happened at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix, nine unfortunate Australians were in hot water for a foolish act some would still argue was blown out of proportion. Dubbed the “
Budgie Nine
“, the spectators from Down Under stripped down to their Malaysian-printed swim wear in celebration of their compatriot, Daniel Ricciardo’s win.
Needless to say, trouble ensued as they were all detained for appearing to disrespect the Malaysian flag. They were subsequently released with misdemeanour charges after pleadings from various quarters, including Daniel Ricciardo himself, apparently.
Cover Photo Credit:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport


Naza Kia is giving you the chance to meet Blackpink!

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the country, is offering you the chance to meet K-pop super stars Blackpink in person!
Over the next seven weeks, Naza Kia will be hosting nationwide roadshows to find the biggest Blackpink fans – two lucky winners will be offered an all-expense paid trip to Seoul, Korea.
The grand prize comes inclusive of accommodation, flight tickets, Seoul city tour, Korean culture class, an exclusive meet-and-greet pass to meet Blackpink at the invitation-only Kia Special Party, as well as tickets to the Melon Music Awards 2019.
Can’t wait? All you have to do is to make the best Blackpink impersonation performance by taking a video of yourself dressing, singing and dancing, just like your favourite Blackpink member and post the video on your Facebook or Instagram profile. Remember to include the following hashtags: #KIAMalaysiaBLACKPINK #KIABLACKPINKWANNABE #KiaOnBeat, and most importantly a hashtag of your region, such as #Penang.
Don’t forget to set the ‘visibility’ of your social media profile to ‘public’, thereafter submit your details as well as the link to your post
here
.
The ‘Kia Blackpink Wanna Be’ campaign has already made its stop in Penang and will be moving to Johor Bharu on 5th October, Melaka on 12th October, Selangor on 16th November, where Blackpink fans will compete for a spot in the top 20.
Only five participants from each region with the best lip-syncing and impersonation skills will make it to the semi-finals, before vying to become one of the five finalists for the grand finale, happening on the 17th of November at Sunway Pyramid Mall.


All you need to know about the brand new Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5

In August 2016,
PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad announced the availability of their Dynamic Diesel Euro 5
 that will be concurrently sold alongside their Euro 2M diesel. At the time of launch, only six Petronas stations in the whole of Klang Valley and two in Johor Bahru carry the higher quality diesel fuel.
We had the privilege of interviewing Petronas Fuel Engineer, Mr Mohamad Hafiz Abd Aziz to address some of the questions you have in mind pertaining to Euro 5 diesel. So, without further ado.
AutoBuzz.my: Why is it that
BHPetrol has over 100 stations offering their Infiniti Euro 5 diesel
, but Petronas only has 15?
Hafiz: As of today, we have 15 stations across Peninsular Malaysia that sell our Dynamic Diesel Euro 5. We target to have as many as 50 stations by the end of this year (the target was initially 25 stations) and we are working very closely with the retail team to expedite this process.
Before answering your question, let me explain why the expansion isn’t as straightforward and easy as one thinks. There are a number of factors that play a role in this, but it’s ultimately the demand that necessitates the supply. Take the suburbans and rural areas for instance. Generally, places like these have a relatively low concentration of modern diesel cars. Conversely, they are populated by small to medium sized commercial trucks, especially pickup trucks. And these are the type of consumers who are our regular Euro 2M customers.
We’re not saying that we completely overlook the possibility, but a lot of the small Petronas stations have very limited underground tanks, which typically come in threes or fours. These tanks store the fuels, and the Government mandates every single station to offer two bread and butter fuels – RON 95 and Euro 2M diesel. It’s hugely uneconomical to install a brand new tanker underground, so the next best choice is to drain a tank and fill it up with the Euro 5 diesel. This brings me back to my earlier point: if the demand for RON 95 and Euro 2M diesel outweighs that of the Euro 5, then we simply cannot offer Euro 5 due to infrastructural deficit.
AutoBuzz.my: Why is Petronas, as a national oil and gas company, not able to locally produce Euro 5 diesel? And how long are we going to continue importing the said fuel?
Hafiz: Ever since Euro 5 diesel was introduced to our market, every litre of it was – and still is – imported from Singapore. Every other brand carrying Euro 5 diesel may or may not be importing the fuel from the same supplier. But the key point here is, everyone is currently importing due to the limitation of domestic refining capability which requires upgrading our refineries.
AutoBuzz.my: We know for a fact that Euro 5 diesel costs much more per litre than the Euro 2M diesel, but why is the difference between the two capped at 10 sen?
Hafiz: The Government issued a decree for all petroleum companies in Malaysia to price Euro 5 diesel 10 sen more than the Euro 2M. This will continue to be regulated indefinitely.
AutoBuzz.my: What are the unique selling points of Dynamic Diesel Euro 5, and how can your existing Euro 2M customers benefit from the higher quality fuel?
Hafiz: Our Euro 5 diesel is specially formulated to do three important things: protect the engine, restore power and promote cleaner combustion. Some people are skeptical about the restoration of power, but the concept is fairly simple. We have blended high quality additives into the diesel fuel whose function is to clean the injectors, which in turn removes dirt accumulated from using poorer quality fuel.
AutoBuzz.my: What is the current state of progress on the subject of biodiesel?
Hafiz: It gets a bit trickier here. Producing and supplying biodiesel (B5 to B10) is just a matter of blending (literally) our diesels with palm methyl ester. Besides
Mercedes-Benz
, most other car companies have expressed compatibility concerns with biodiesel, fearing that the fuel may cause untoward harm to the engine components, thus voiding warranty.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is one of the car companies confident enough to say that their diesel cars can run on biodiesel, and their in-house R&D have confirmed their compatibility. Supplying biodiesel is not at all a problem for us petroleum companies, but the Government needs to resolve the warranty issue with the respective car companies first prior to the implementation of B10 biodiesel. Currently, the relevant governing bodies are still in constant talks with car manufacturers.
AutoBuzz.my: Say I drive a BMW 320d and since day one I’ve been filling up Euro 2M diesel. Will the sudden change to Euro 5 adversely affect the performance of my car in any way?
Hafiz: Absolutely not! In fact, once your car is cleansed of Euro 2M diesel, you will notice the absence of black smoke. The engine will also rev smoother due to less heavy hydrocarbon content. Perhaps the only compromise would be fuel economy, but this varies by engine design, driving style, vehicle condition and other possible contributing factors.
AutoBuzz.my: One last question, Mr Hafiz, for all our readers who may have this question in mind. It is perfectly fine for any diesel cars, trucks and lorries of all makes and ages to pump Euro 5 diesel, am I right?
Hafiz: Yes, that is correct. All diesel-powered vehicles regardless of age and state of technology will experience more or less the same benefits by upgrading from Euro 2M to our Dynamic Diesel Euro 5. It’s cleaner and safer for the environment as well.
Well, all that benefits for just 10 sen more per litre? I’d certainly not think twice. Do share with us your thoughts and opinions on the matter, dear readers. Also, feel free to pose any questions relating to the fuel and we will address them with the help of Mr Hafiz.
We would like to thank Petronas Dagangan Berhad for this valuable opportunity.
IMAGE GALLERY


These images of the McLaren Elva and 765LT are so wallpaper worthy!

At the end of 2020, McLaren showcased its
Elva
 and
765LT
 at a private “McLaren Masterpieces” event at the Bluewaters Island in Dubai.
Enthusiasts of the British supercar brand got to immerse themselves with McLaren’s latest models, against Dubai’s signature ultra-urban backdrop and the images from this combo are so wallpaper-worthy.
“We are delighted to present the Elva and 765LT here in the UAE. Both models are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021,” said McLaren Europe, Middle East and Africa, Managing Director, Brett Soso.
The Elva is McLaren’s latest Ultimate Series supercar with a bespoke carbon fibre chassis and body; making it the
lightest road car ever from McLaren Automotive
.
It’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 815 hp and 800 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes less than three seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in under seven seconds.
After all the back-and-forth
 on production numbers, McLaren concluded that only 149 units of the open-cockpit supercar will be built.
As for the 765LT which was
launched in Malaysia recently
, it makes 765 hp and 800 Nm, also from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. As it weighs more or less the same as the
718 Cayman GT4
 we
tested in Sepang recently
, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 2.8 seconds!
GALLERY


New Volvo S90 unveiled, set to arrive in Malaysia in 2017

Volvo has unleashed its contender to challenge established premium saloons such as the
BMW 5-Series
,
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 and
Audi A6
 in the form of the all-new
S90
 saloon. Inspired from the 2013 Volvo Concept Coupé, the S90 is the Swede’s answer to counter Germany’s dominance in the mid-size premium saloon market, and is set to make its worldwide debut at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January.
Volvo said the S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. Just like the
newly launched RM454k Volvo XC90
, its sedan brethren will also be benefiting from the same USD 11 billion Chinese injection to build and develop new game-changing automotive technology.

Since the XC90 was introduced, it has received plenty of distinguished accolades to its belt, and the S90 seeks to ride the same bandwagon of success by adopting its looks. The sedan’s design language is a fine balance between its boxy past and the modern Scandinavian curves. Its front end is very much as visually stunning as the XC90, but the rear commands more than just a second look to really understand a profound one-word question – why?
Its cabin is also inspired by the XC90,
with natural finish wood
 and
fine leathers
 all around. Complimenting the interior includes
digitised instrument clusters, Bower a
nd Wilkins stereo
, the iPad looking 9-inch
Sensus Connect
 touchscreen and lastly, luxurious soft Nappa leather seats (these are extremely comfy in the XC90).

Both the XC90 and S90 sit on the same SPA platform (Scalable Product Architecture), which naturally means sharing similar powertrains. Volvo’s range topping
Twin Engine T8 2.0-litre Drive-E engine
 making
407 hp and 640 Nm of torque
 will be the S90’s top-end power plant – one that Volvo Car Malaysia is doing their best to make sure it arrives here. Also offered are the T5 and T6 petrol engines, as well as the D4 and D5 diesel engines. All variants regardless of powertrain will be mated to Aisin’s
eight-speed automatic gearbox
.
The S90 has plenty of new electronic goodies offered; one such is the
Pilot Assist
, an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature that makes sure the car doesn’t stray from its lane on the highway. This works up to speeds up 130 km/h! Another unique feature offered is
City Safety
; a system that actively detects moving objects and subjects, and subsequently warns the driver. It also provides autonomous braking to prevent collision.
As you would have expect, a wagon variant – the V90 – is also in the pipeline, and will feature the same power- and drivetrain as its S90 and XC90 siblings. Performance freaks will be pleased to know that a Polestar version for both the S90 and V90 are also in the works!
This S90 is among Volvo’s new transformative generation of products that have already begun sending shockwaves in the premium automotive segment. One thing is for sure, the Germans cannot afford to slack any longer!
IMAGE GALLERY


Kia Optima GT storms into M’sia, 242 hp & 350 Nm, CKD, priced at RM180k!

Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) promised that the all-new Kia Optima will come in its hottest and most dynamic trim, and true enough they delivered. Introducing the first turbocharged D-Segment contender from Korea, the fourth-generation Kia Optima GT.
Compared to the outgoing Optima, the fourth-gen is 10 mm longer (4,855 mm), 30 mm wider (1,860 mm) and 10 mm taller (1,465 mm). It also boasts a longer wheelbase of 2,805 mm. These altogether translate to improved interior space for all occupants.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Kia Optima K5 GT
Engine
1,998cc; turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
242 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,400 – 4,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
7.4 seconds
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM179,888
EXTERIOR
Up front, it gets a new face yet remains immediately recognisable as an Optima. It gets sleeker full LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) and LED daytime running lights, sporty front bumper with lower intakes and side air curtains. At the rear, it gets the exclusive LED combination tail lamps, rear diffuser with chrome garnish and dual exhaust tips.

A gloss black roof, red brake callipers and 18-inch dual-tone GT alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 profile Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres complete the exterior look of the car.
INTERIOR
Customer can choose between two interior themes – red with grey stitching and black with red contrast stitching. Regardless of colour choice, you get leather upholstery, 12-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, 10-way powered front passenger seat, electronic parking brake, 7-inch LCD infotainment system with 6-speakers, panoramic sliding sunroof, wireless charging tray, reverse camera, keyless entry and start, smart tailgate, 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display and rear air vents.

Some key features unique to this higher-performance variant include a flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Turbo-Torque display screen, GT seat embroidery and drive mode selector switch.
PERFROMANCE
Motivating this D-segment sedan is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine that develops
242 hp
 and
350 Nm
of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed conventional torque converter. Sprinting to 100 km/h takes only 7.4 seconds, making it 3.6 seconds quicker than the outgoing 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Optima.
It also gets a sportier GT Sports suspension setup – MacPherson struts up front and multi-link on the rear axle – to complement the dynamic engine performance. Drivers can select from three different drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport, each altering the throttle response and steering weight accordingly.
SAFETY
As standard, the Optima GT comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points. The Optima GT scored a full 5-Star crash safety rating at the ASEAN NCAP and EURO NCAP.
WHAT ELSE?
There are three colours on offer – Gravity Blue, Aurora Black and Snow White Pearl. As with all new Kia models, the all-new Kia Optima GT comes with 5-years warranty package.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: How to Jump Start Your Car – AutoDIY

In this week’s edition of AutoDIY, we’ll be demonstrating how to “resuscitate” your car, in case you get a little absent-minded one day, leave your car’s headlamps on, and your car’s battery becomes flat.
Obviously, the first thing you’d need, is a pair of jump start cables. They can range anywhere from RM40 to RM100 or more and it’s always recommended that you keep a set in the boot of your car.
As for how to go about it, we’ll leave it to you to find out in the fourth episode of AutoDIY. A new episode of
 AutoDIY
 will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come.


Check out this video of McLaren’s new, lighter yet louder Titanium exhaust

As if thundering in any of the
Sports Series McLarens
 isn’t already loud enough, there’s now a new Titanium SuperSports Exhaust from McLaren Special Operations’ (MSO) Defined range that emits louder and sharper exhaust notes.
The MSO SuperSports Exhaust is
 up to 5 decibels louder
 and comes alive as the twin-turbo V8 engines revs past 5,000 rpm. By using titanium instead of steel, and removing the resonator and mufflers for a unrestricted “straight-pipe” system, McLaren is able to
save up to 4.8 kg
 on the entire exhaust system.
Not only is titanium known for its resistance to heat, it also
enhances acoustic resonance
 where it prevents the purity of the V8’s roar from being suppressed and filtered.
As loud as it is, McLaren has ensured that it wouldn’t be intrusive inside the cabin. Booming sounds at lower engine speeds are eliminated so the practicality and everyday usability of your Sports Series is maintained.
McLaren Special Operation’s new
“Chinaman-spec” McLaren 570GT
Its tailpipes are
 finished either in MSO Nano Clear or Nano Black
 ceramic coating. Not only is the material scratch-resistant, it also protects the exhaust against heat-induced discolouration.
Sports Series McLarens consists of models like the
570S Coupe
 and
 570S Spider
,
570 GT
 and
540 C
.


Volkswagen promo: 0% interest for the Golf 1.4, Tiguan 1.4, Jetta 1.4 and Passat 1.8

If you’re looking to buy yourself a brand new Volkswagen, your wait could be over because Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has introduced their new
Volkswagen Goes Zero
 campaign, which grants you 0% interest rate when buying the
Golf 1.4
,
Jetta 1.4
,
Tiguan 1.4
 and
Passat 1.8
.
VGM previously ran their
Polo Goes Zero campaign
, which allowed customers to purchase a brand new locally assembled Polo without paying down payment while enjoying a 0% financing plan. This time around, the VW Goes Zero campaign extends to the more premium models, but you will still need to pay down payment.
Two financing schemes
 are available: a
5-year
or
7-year
 monthly installment plans (refer to table below).
Model
5-years monthly installment
7-years monthly installment
Jetta 1.4L
RM2,099/month
RM1,499/month
Golf 1.4L
RM2,499/month
RM1,799/month
Passat 1.8L
RM2,699/month
RM1,899/month
Tiguan 1.4L
RM2,899/month
RM2,099/month

If the Jetta is what you’re looking to get, then you might want to wait a little longer before the Limited Edition variant comes along. The campaign will run for a period of two months, before ending in June. All cars come with a
5-year unlimited mileage
 warranty.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton to launch the new 2021 X70 SE this Thursday

Proton has just started a short tease of a new variant of their flagship X70 SUV, with the model simply called X70 SE or Special Edition.
The company first revealed a similar blue painted
 X70 Exclusive Edition (EE)
 for the Brunei market in June. It was limited to just 37 units in conjunction with the celebration of the 37th National Day of Brunei Darussalam.
Watch the new X70 SE teaser video here!
Not much detail has been shared, but based on the visual accompanying the
model registration page
, the X70 SE for Malaysia does not differ much from Brunei’s EE units.
In the X70 EE, the
19-inch wheels
 with Y-spoke design that was first seen on the 2019 Geely Boyue Pro are used as the biggest visual indicator (and upgrader), as well as a black-painted roof and side mirror covers. While Proton is calling it
a ‘brand new look’,
 it is certainly not getting the Geely Boyue Pro’s new front fascia.
X70 EE
2019 Geely Boyue PRO
Units for Malaysia however is getting the option of red paintwork, as opposed to just blue in Brunei.
Inside, the X70 EE for Brunei is fitted with
Black Nappa leather
 with subtle red highlights to replace the existing upholstery in brown.
The new Proton X70 SE is scheduled for an online unveiling on
Thursday, 22 July at 11 a.m.
 on their
Facebook page
.
To recap, the Proton X70 is powered by the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine generating
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
of torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The benchmark century sprint time is
9.5 seconds
.
The high-spec Premium variants currently include niceties such as a handsfree tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seat with “boss-switch”, enhanced voice command function, nine-speaker premium audio system and the advanced driving assistance package. The Premium X just adds a panoramic moonroof.
Prices for the Proton X70 start from
RM89,900
 while the range-topping X70 Premium X 2WD is at
RM115,800
, thanks to the
ongoing SST tax exemption
 that was extended until the end of 2021.


SpyBuzz: Mysterious Ferrari spotted testing in Fiorano naked

Ferrari
 fanboys in the cyberworld are pulling their hair out, including myself, over these images of a mysterious Ferrari circulating on the internet. It wears the front of a 488 GTB, side curves of a
Lotus Evora
, and rear of… an entire new, thing. What is it exactly?
There are speculations that this could be the
488 Speciale
/
Scuderia
 variant as hinted by the racing stripes. However, if you look closely the body panels do not suggest a
488 GTB
. The headlights design, the side scoops, taillights positioning, and even engine cover are not of an inheritance.
This is a Ferrari 488 GTB
There are rumours that the Italian supercar maker are reviving the ‘
Dino
‘ nameplate, which will be the second entry level Grand Tourer model. It is said to be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine(!!?). The modern Ferrari Dino will come in between the
California T
 and the 488 GTB in the line-up. Not entirely a bad move to counter the ever growing
McLaren
 family, but seriously, V6? So, could this be it?
UPDATE:
It turned out to be a Ferrari one-off, the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale
Well then again, this could be a product of a
Ferrari Special Projects Programme
 of a 488 GTB-based one-off for a Prince from the East.

All that aside, this is
Ferrari
 we are talking about. Isn’t it a little suspicious that a new pony goes for a walk without any form of camouflage?
UPDATE:
It turned out to be a Ferrari one-off, the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale
Image Source: Unknown
IMAGE GALLERY


2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross unveiled, gets 1.5L turbo and 8-speed CVT!

The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has finally been unveiled, and true to the
teasers
, this SUV is clearly inspired by the iconic Eclipse coupe of old. The new SUV will sit between the
ASX
 and
Outlander
.
Largely based on the
XR-PHEV II
, the Eclipse Cross is quite the looker. It measures 4,405mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,685mm tall. Compared to the ASX, the Eclipse Cross is 110mm longer, 35mm wider and 60mm taller, although both cars share the same wheelbase length of 2,670mm.

It wears Mitsubishi’s new
Dynamic Shield
 design, with the fascia now flanking LED headlights, just like the Outlander. The tail design is somewhat controversial, and spanning across the rear windscreen is a single LED bar. The high gloss red metallic paint is also specially formulated for the Eclipse Cross.
Inside is a familiar cabin, adorned with clean lines that looks a mile better than the Outlander’s. Affixed to the top of the dashboard is an 8-inch infotainment screen supporting Smartphone Link Display Audio. Also making its debut here is a heads-up display.
Two choices of engines are available here, starting with a new
 1.5-litre direct-injected turbocharged petrol engine
 that’s paired with an
eight-speed CVT transmission.
 The other mill is Mitsubishi’s tried and tested
 2.2-litre turbodiesel
 lump that’s mated with a new
 eight-speed slushbox
. No output numbers have been unveiled for now. The Eclipse Cross is offered with
all-wheel drive only
.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be available for public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show, with sales commencing in 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


Never lose your GPS signal in the Smart Tunnel again with Waze Beacons

U Mobile
,
Waze
 and SMART Tunnel has partnered up to ensure that you’ll never lose your GPS signal in the Smart Tunnel again with the installation of Bluetooth-enabled
Waze Beacons
 along the tunnel.
These Waze Beacons ensure seamless and uninterrupted connectivity along the tunnel where GPS signal is poor, through wireless signals that guide navigation apps. Drivers merely need to ensure that the Bluetooth connection on their devices is switched on.
To date, nearly 240 “Waze Beacons” have been installed along the 5.2 km tunnel but that’s not all. The best part is, you don’t even need to be a U-Mobile user!
U-Mobile, Chief Marketing Officer, Jasmine Lee said, “This partnership with Waze and SMART Tunnel has made U Mobile the first telco in the world to power uninterrupted GPS navigation in a tunnel. With Waze’s Beacons, all mobile device users, regardless of which telco service they are subscribed to, will now be able to leverage on the full features of Waze uninterrupted throughout the tunnel.”
“With 30,000 commuters using the SMART Tunnel daily, we’re happy to collaborate with U Mobile and SMART to ease traffic congestion and reduce drivers’ hesitation and confusion caused by signal loss,” says Waze Malaysia, Country Lead, Kelvin Sim.
Waze engineer and Global Lead of the Waze Beacons programme, Gil Disatnik added, “We are excited to bring the Waze Beacons programme to the SMART Tunnel, the very first double-decker tunnel in the world to be fitted with Waze Beacons to provide seamless navigation to commuters in Malaysia.
Image source:
Automology


Video: How to Change Spark Plugs – AutoDIY

Following last week’s video on
how to change your car’s tyre
, this week’s edition of AutoDIY gets a little more technical but only just.
Most wouldn’t be aware but changing your spark plugs, like your engine oil,  is every bit a vital part of your vehicle’s maintenance, albeit between longer intervals.
If you’re adventurous enough to try this out on your own, you may need to research on which spark plugs would suit your engine and also be mindful to have the necessary tools for the job.
While it may seem like a trivial job, some workshops would charge up to RM 50 (some even more) just to perform this spark plug change, so learning how to tackle this on your own could save you time (to the workshop) and nearly a full tank’s worth of petrol money, with just a little initiative.
A new episode of AutoDIY will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come.


BMW gives closer look at the all-new iDrive system and user interface

After more than 20 years since the first-generation iDrive system made its debut, BMW will reveal an all-new system and user interface at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2021).

The virtual forum which will take place from
today till the 14th of January 2021
, will offer an initial preview of the all-new iDrive system due to be revealed later this year.
The BMW iDrive operating system was introduced for the first time in the 2001 BMW 7 Series which decluttered the dashboard of buttons and controls. The new iDrive system will be available for the first time in the all-electric
BMW iX
.
With the all-new system, BMW said it will bridge the gap between driver and car even more as the number of functions continues to rise, with even greater complexity.
All the content from BMW’s presence at CES 2021 and further digital presentations can be viewed in a special CES feature on the online platform
here
.
GALLERY


Continental ComfortContact CC6 and UltraContact UC6 tyres launched

Continental ComfortContact CC5 is a tyre most Malaysians are familiar with and one we can all take pride in. Locally produced at Continental Tyres Malaysia (CTM) plant in Alor Star, the CC5 is the tyre of choice by various manufacturers as an OEM fitment on their vehicles such as the
Toyota Vios
,
Nissan Almera
 and
Perodua Myvi
, just to name a few.
Besides offering high levels of comfort and quality, the locally made tyres also contribute to a vehicle’s EEV status (requires a certain percentage of local content when CKD). After serving many Malaysians reliably for many years, CTM has finally introduced the replacement for the CC5, the Continental ComfortContact CC6.
Alongside the CC6, CTM also unveiled a brand new model in their line-up, the Continental UltraContact UC6 that slots itself between the comfort oriented ComfortContact series and the performance minded MaxContact series.The CC6 and UC6 are part of the brand’s all-new Generation 6 products that replaces models that bear the number ‘5’.
In line with Continental’s philosophy of “In the Market for the Market”, the UC6 and CC6 went through vigorous localisation R&D to suit not only the Malaysian market but also the Asia-Pacific market. CTM played a major role in the process as they are
one of three
 Continental manufacturing plants in the Asia-Pacific region. Other two factories are located in India and China.
CONTINENTAL ULTRACONTACT 6
Previously with the Generation 5 tyres, the ContiComfortContact series only caters to wheel sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inch. Larger wheel sizes would have to opt for the sportier ContiMaxContact series. With the UC6, consumers will now have the option for a comfort oriented tyres for 16 to 18-inch wheel sizes.
Using the CC5 as a foundation, the UC6 is engineered with “all-rounded performance and safety” in mind. It features what the company calls ADD: Aqua channels, Diamond edge design and Diamond blend compound. The results are the UC6 that not only excels in the dry but also the wet, perfect for our unpredictable climate.

At first glance, the UC6 may come across as a regular tyre but plenty of innovation are etched into the tyres. The
holes
 along the centre of the tyres are the
Aqua channels
 that direct water from the contact patch to the tyre groove, giving the tyres enhanced water evacuation ability. At the side of the UC6, the treads are designed like a
Diamond edge
 to reduce rubber distortion during hard braking and provide more contact patch. Lastly, the UC6 is made up of what CTM calls it,
Diamond blend compound
 – a unique combination of short grip-polymers that provides higher grip levels and long mileage-polymers that ensures high mileage performance. As with the CC5, the UC6 features a new and improved
Noise Breaker 2.0
 located along the tyre grooves that breaks down noise frequency when travelling.
On our journey down to Melaka, the road noise on the Nissan Teana 2.5XV was almost inaudible even at preposterous speeds. Around bends, the 215/55 R17 tyres on the Teana offered adequate dry grip while maintaining high levels of comfort to passengers. If you’re the kind to be chauffeured in comfort, the UC6 would be perfect for your executive sedan.

To test the tyres performance, CTM provided us with the
facelifted Volkswagen Jetta
 equipped with 225/45 R17 UC6 to go around a short slalom course. To my surprise, pushing the comfort oriented tyres to its limits proved to be quite a challenge. The UC6 kept the Jetta well planted and adheres to steering inputs accurately. Moving over to the  wetbraking test from 60km/h, the UC6 performed exceptionally, stopping the car well within one metre in the dry braking test.
CONTINENTAL COMFORTCONTACT 6
The CC6 will serve as the direct replacement of the CC5. Based on the CC5, engineers took the key highlights of the previous generation tyres and improve upon them. The results are better mileage, lower road noise and more comfortable ride. Here’s HOW they did it – Harmonic comfort chamber, ‘O’ dB-eater and Whisper compound.
While the tyre pattern may be a novelty for many, CTM assures that the designs are all functional in relation to HOW. Starting from the little pockets along the tyre pattern, these are
Harmonic comfort chambers
 that
trap
 unpleasant frequencies, effectively reducing rolling noise. The
‘O’ dB-eater
 are the cross tips along the tyre groove which breaks down high frequency sound waves, reducing the sound-level measured in decibels (dB). Lastly, the CC6 is structured with
Whisper compounds
 which is a strong yet flexible compound that shapes itself on a microscopic level according to the roughness of the road to provide additional dampening and a smoother ride. As compared to the CC5, the CC6 also boasts better longevity thanks to additional sulphur network locking the polymers in place.

While all these may sound like a marketing gimmick, truth to be told, the CC6 were exceptionally quiet while cruising on the highway in the
 2.0-litre Nissan Teana
 running on 215/60 R16 profile tyres. During the “noise test” where we pitched the CC6 against its predecessor on two identical
Volkswagen Vento
 wrapped in 185/60 R15 profile tyres, the CC6 recorded consistently 1 dB lower noise levels compared to the CC5. Subjectively, when the two Ventos drove past, the CC6 equipped Vento appeared to have a lower tyre roar. Again, noise levels are each to their own. Performance wise, the CC6 offered higher levels of dry grip and plusher ride as compared to the CC5.

After sampling the two tyres back to back, it is evident that main highlights of the CC6 and UC6 are quietness and comfort with decent performance. Best of all, CTM has upgraded their warranty policy to a five-year manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of purchase, previously from manufactured date. According to CTM, CC6 are available for purchase at Continentals dealer network while the UC6 will be available at a later date. If comfort is not your top priority and would prefer something a little sportier, stay tuned for CTM’s unveiling of the MaxContact 6 in the first half of next year!
AVAILABLE SIZES CC6
Section
Rim Size (inch)
Load Index
Speed Rating
175/70
13
82
H
185/70
14
88
H
175/65
14
82
H
165/60
14
75
T
185/65
14
86
H
165/55
14
72
H
185/60
14
82
H
175/65
15
84
H
185/65
15
88
H
195/65
15
91
V
185/60
15
84
H
205/65
15
94
V
195/60
15
88
V
215/65
15
96
H
185/55
15
82
V
205/60
15
91
V
195/55
15
85
V
195/50
15
82
V
215/65
16
98
V
185/55
16
83
V
215/60
16
95
V
205/55
16
91
V
AVAILABLE SIZES UC6
Section
Rim Size (inch)
Load Index
Speed Rating
205/65
16
95
H
205/60
16
92
V
215/60
16
95
V
225/60
16
98
V
235/60
16
100
V
195/55
15
85
V
185/55
16
83
V
195/55
16
87
V
205/55
16
91
V
215/55
16
93
V
225/55
16
95
W
215/55
17
94
W
225/55
17
97
W
235/55
17
99
W
215/55
18
99
W
235/55
18
104
W
175/50
15
75
H
195/50
16
88
V
205/50
16
87
V
225/50
16
92
W
205/50
17
93
W
215/50
17
91
W
225/50
17
98
W
225/50
18
95
W
235/50
18
101
W
245/50
18
100
Y
215/45
17
91
W
225/45
17
94
W
225/45
18
95
W
IMAGE GALLERY


Citroen C4 Picasso launched in Malaysia, 5-seat MPV priced at RM148,888

Citroen, via Naza Euro Motors, has taken the limelight by becoming the first manufacturer to launch the first car in Malaysia for 2016 with the launch of the
C4 Picasso
.
This is not the seven-seater MPV like the
Grand C4 Picasso
, instead this is a more compact version with just five seats, designed for a smaller/younger family.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Citroen C4 Picasso THP163
Engine
1,598cc; direct injection, turbocharged
Transmission
6-speed auto
Max Power
163 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
240 Nm from 1,400 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
9.3 seconds; 210 km/h
Price (OTR
with
 insurance)
RM148,888.00 (with GST)
EXTERIOR
To begin with, the C4 Picasso is based on the French carmaker’s new
 EMP2 modular platform
 and has a smaller footprint than the Grand Picasso. This five-seater has a wheelbase of 2,785mm, an overall length of 4,428mm, is 1,826 mm wide and 1,625mm tall.

It retains most of the aesthetics from its bigger brother as well, with minimalist LED lights donning the front and back. Lower down, it rides on a set of 17-inch “Anaconda” rims.
INTERIOR
Stepping into the cabin and, suffice to say, there’s a sense of deja vu with the Grand Picasso, sans the third row seats. The C4 Picasso has a humongous panoramic roof just like its bigger sibling. Storage is aplenty thanks to its space-saving asymmetric dashboard, in which a 7-inch Touch Drive Interface is housed. The touchscreen will provide the occupants with all their infotainment needs and other driver assistive features such as park assist, reverse camera and so on.

Despite the shorter dimensions and lack of third row seats, boot space is decent at
537 litres
, with a cavernous 1,851-litre space that can be gained when the rear passenger seats are moved forwards. Speaking of seats, the slate grey leather with “Ondulice” cloth is offered here as standard.
PERFORMANCE
Just like most of PSA models in Malaysia, we get the tried and tested
1.6-litre turbocharged Prince engine,
producing
 163 horsepower
at 6,000 rpm and
 240 Nm
 of torque
from 1,400 rpm.

It’s mated to an Aisin-made
 six-speed automatic gearbox
,

and can hit from
 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds
. This is before topping out at a
 top speed of 210 km/h
. Fuel consumption is rated at
5.6 litres per 100 km
 on the European combined cycle.
SAFETY
Just like any continental cars in Malaysia, safety kit is decent in the C4 Picasso. It receives
six airbags,
 ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system, child Isofix mounts, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera view and Electronic Stability Programme.
WHAT ELSE
Available in five colours (Blanc Banquise, Blue Kyanos, Rouge Rubi, Gris Aluminium and Noir Onyx), the C4 Picasso is all yours for
RM148,888
 OTR inclusive of GST. It’s about RM31,000 cheaper than the petrol powered Grand Picasso (RM41,000 less compared to the diesel powered model).Every purchase of the C4 Picasso comes packaged with a
5-year with unlimited mileage
 warranty programme, including the distributor’s
24-hour roadside assistance
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton is bullish about 2020, sets sales target of 132,000 units!

In a speech to the media over lunch,
CEO of Proton
,
Dr. Li Chunrong
 laid down a marker –
to sell 132,000 cars

in 2020
 , which is around 30,000 units more than
2019’s achievement of 100,821 units
, which should further cement Proton’s position as the second best-selling brand after Perodua and strengthen its market share of
16.7%
.
Proton CEO Dr. Li gave a snapshot of 2019 and 2020 targets over CNY luncheon.
In his speech, Dr Li mentioned that the
locally assembled X70
 will be launched ‘very soon’ and that there will be
one more all-new model
 which he didn’t name but is presumed to be the
much speculated X50
 based on the
Geely Bin Yue
 B-segment crossover, or Coolray if you’re in the Philippines.
New ‘X50’ expected to a hit for Proton in 2020
Dr Li also pointed out that the
updated Saga
 is doing well; averaging around
4,200 units per month
, even trumping the Perodua Bezza over certain months this year, and that Proton hope to increase that to
5,000 units per month in 2020
.
Can the Saga hold its ground against newly facelifted Perodua Bezza?
Along with the
facelifted
 Exora
,
Persona and Iriz
, these bread-and-butter models are expected to drive the core volume of Proton, leaving the new X50 (if it is called that) to win over new customers.
Proton to grow exports in 2020, subject to ‘support’.
Proton also revealed that they have exported
1,017 cars to six countries
 in 2019 and hope to grow the export volume by four times to
4,000 units over 10 different foreign markets
, subject to securing ‘support’ – which we understand to be in the form of government incentives. Dr Li said that with that in hand, this number can even reach
6,000 units
.


The all-electric Kia Niro looks like Deadpool from the X-Men Origins movie

Kia has revealed the first images of its new all-electric Niro since it was premiered at last year’s Paris Motor Show and it’s hard to ignore how much it resembles Ryan Reynolds in the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie with his mouth “removed”.
Also taking inspiration from the
Niro EV Concept
, it features arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights, much like the
Kia Picanto
 and is powered by Kia’s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain.
Underneath it sits a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, allocating the Niro EV with
380 km of EV driving range
 on a single charge with zero emissions, or up to 240 km on an optional 39.2 kWh battery system.
The Niro EV is set to hit the Korean market in the second half of 2018 and will eventually be introduced to other markets in due course.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton adds new ‘kosong-spec’ Standard Lite variant to Saga line-up, RM38k

Proton has quietly added a new entry-level base variant to its
Saga
 line-up, priced at
 RM38,300
, now taking the spot as the cheapest automatic variant available for the A-segment sedan.
Dubbed the “Standard Lite”, the new variant undercuts the regular Standard variant by RM500, and removes the electronic stability control, traction control, and hill hold assist systems from the car. The price is still RM3,500 more expensive than the manual variant, however, but you do get a set of 14-inch alloy wheels instead of steelies on the MT, alongside two extra USB charging ports on the inside.

Aside from the removal of the electronic safety kit, the rest of the new Lite variant’s equipment is completely identical to the existing Proton Saga Standard variant. You only get a basic head-unit (with bluetooth) on the dashboard instead of the Android-based touchscreen units, and the seats are also only upholstered in fabric.
The mechanical bits are also completely unchanged on the new Proton Saga Standard Lite, which is powered by a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 95 hp and 120 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox on this new variant.
ALSO READ:
2022 Proton Saga facelift launched in Malaysia – from RM34,400
With only a RM500 difference between the two variants, we really wouldn’t recommend this new Standard Lite variant to any regular carbuyer considering purchasing a new Proton Saga – especially when the monthly repayment difference between the two variants will likely be negligible.
The new Proton Saga Standard Lite variant is primarily targeted at large fleet operators, such as car rental, e-hailing, or taxi services, where a RM500 saving per unit (before any other additional fleet discount) can translate to a worthwhile reduction in cost.
[header photo adapted from
Bindydad123/Wikipedia Commons
]


Subaru BRZ tS gets upgraded styling and handling, but sadly no performance boost

As part of Subaru America’s 50th year anniversary celebrations, they revealed not one but two specials for both the
BRZ coupe
 and WRX sports sedan. But first, let’s take look at the Subaru BRZ tS, which sadly gets zero engine upgrades and will soldier on with its 200 hp four-pot Boxer.
For starters, the BRZ tS is not entirely new because they did in fact
introduce a similar one a few years ago
. The “tS” moniker actually means “
tuned by STI
“, and to those unfamiliar with Subaru, STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International. Subaru claims the BRZ tS delivers

“the highest level of fun to drive and pure handling delight through greater flexibility, better control and stability.”
Subaru BRZ tS for the Japanese Market
In order to achieve that, this BRZ is equipped with SACHS dampers and coil springs at all four corners, and it’s specifically tuned by STI. The chassis gets enhanced via the usage of a flexible V-brace at the engine bay, together with draw stiffeners to improve steering response. For the fist time, the BRZ gets 18-inch lightweight rims wrapped with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubbers with Brembo brakes in every corner.
The Subaru BRZ tS also receives a minor body makeover, comprised of manually-adjustable carbon fibre spoiler, new front and rear diffusers and Cherry Blossom accents. The STI badges are littered inside and out.
Just like the JDM BRZ tS, this will be a limited edition version with only
500 units
 being commissioned. Pricing will be announced later this year with sales commencing early 2018.


Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge Round 3 Race 1, rain & pinball crashes

Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival went South for the Vios Challenge Round Three and as promised, it was all thrills with plenty of actions in all three classes of the challenge.
Kick starting its maiden race in Batu Kawan, Penang followed by MAEPS, Serdang, the third instalment of the Vios Challenge took place in Medini City, Johor. Like the rest of the race series, the Johor track is a 1.9 km street circuit consisting of seven turns. The anti-clockwise track features width of up to three lanes in many sections which allows significantly more room for drivers to build speed and overtake as compared to the previous two tracks.
Sporting Class
On the opening race of the day, we witness a massive pile up on Turn One of the first lap. Patrick Tham (#13) from Team Nanoplus made a great start and charged from the inside line of Turn one but Patrick went too deep under hard braking and tapped pole position Brenden Anthony (#22) of Dream Chaser Team. Dato Ken Foo (#10) who came in on the blind side couldn’t outmanoeuvre in time and sent Patrick into the wall. A red flag was called.
The race restarted without Patrick and Clement Yeo (#8) from Team Distinctive Model whose car suffered damage from the pile up. Lap 5 saw the safety car came onto the circuit after Goh Eng Peng (#99) crashed into the wall of Turn One. After three laps, the safety car retired, and the pack battled out for podium.
Brandon regained his composure and began to chase down Kenneth Koh (#28) from Paglima City Racing Team, by lap 13, the young driver is already on Kenneth’s tail. The two managed to catch up the lead driver Wong Chin Eeg (#5) from Hiewa Racing Team and the trio battled out for glory.
The race ended with Wong emerged at the top with a total time of 25:17.374. The Service Manager also set the fastest lap of 1:19.646 for Sporting Class. Followed closely behind is Brenden with a total time of 25:17.978 and Kenneth in P3 (25:19.076).
Promotional Class
The celebrities took centre stage after the Sporting Class ended theirs. Rain started to pour in certain sections of the track which made corners unpredictable and tricky. Danny Koo (#23) went after Diana Danielle (#15) in a hairpin turn but unfortunately made contact with Diana, causing her to spin out. The damage was enough to make her retire from the race and Danny was slapped with a drive-through penalty which he was not aware of and missed the window to pull in for the penalty, causing him to be excluded from the race results.
Janna Nick (#18) was in great form and managed to pass Fattah Amin (#9) for a podium finish but as the weather conditions deteriorate, Janna made a mistake two laps from the finish which caused a slow puncture in her tyre.
Shawn Lee (#6) and Shukri Yahaya (#24) emerged on top while Fattah took P3 on the podium. Shawn recorded a fastest lap time of 1:20.871.
Super Sporting Class
The Super Sporting Class lived up to is explosive hype with pinball crash and torrential downpour. Flag down and the whole pack made it through Turn One safety but come fast Turn Two, Kenny Lee (#38) and Tengku Djan (#12) from Team Nanoplus were caught in a tangle. Djan’s car #12 spun uncontrollably and collided into Akina Teo’s (#88) which sent his Mudah Racing car into the air, blocking off the circuit. Mark Darwin (#25) of Dream Chaser was also caught in the crossfire.
The safety car was deployed and lead the pack for a good part of 11 laps no thanks to the pouring rain which flooded the track. The race director finally deemed the conditions safe for racing on lap 12 but the drivers took a defensive position to minimise their risk amidst bad weather.
Race 1 concluded with William Ho (#39) taking top position followed by Wong Yew Choong (#21) of ST Wangan Racing Team and Syafiq bin Ali (#7) from M7 Racing Team.
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV

You can now move your family around in a bit more style as the
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)
 has unveiled the new Nissan Serena J Impul variant for Malaysia. With the new bells and whistles, the Nissan Serena J Impul fetches a price of
RM169,888
 (OTR without insurance).
With the new variant of the Nissan Serena, there are now 4 choices of the Nissan Serena – The standard 2.0L Highway Star, the 2.0L Premium Highway Star (Black Package), Premium Highway Star (Two-tone Package), and the new J Impul variant. They cost RM149,888, RM163,888, RM165,888, and RM169,888 respectively.
What does the Impul treatment add to the Nissan Serena? Well, for starters, it gets a complete J made-in-Japan Impul aerokit that features front and rear chome-plated garnishes. Giving the family-mover an even sportier appearance is a set of made-in-Japan 18-inch Impul Millennium alloy wheels which are wrapped in a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport tyres.
The Impul treatment extends into the cabin as well as the Nissan Serena J Impul gets a two-tone burgundy and black combination Nappa leather interior. Not only that, but the seats also get some “Zen” treatment as the upholstery also gets Japanese rock garden-inspired patterns on the backrest. Of course, there are also Impul logo embroideries on the seats.
RELATED:
Nissan Almera, X-Trail, Serena “Tokyo Auto Salon” Edition debut with RM10k worth of accessories
The enhancements are cosmetic-only as the Nissan Serena J Impul retains the same hybrid powertrain that outputs
150 hp
 and
200 Nm
. Making up the hybrid system is a 2.0-litre inline-4 engine (MR20DD) and an “Energy Control” electric motor. Paired with the engine is the brand’s X-Tronic CVT with adaptive shift control.
Other features of the Nissan Serena J Impul are pretty much the same as the Premium Highway Star variant. The new Nissan Serena J Impul is available for viewing and test drives at all Nissan showrooms nationwide.
RELATED:
All-new Nissan Serena revealed in Japan with Transformer-esque looks, e-Power hybrid


Geely BoYue Pro gets 1.8L turbo & 7-speed DCT, more efficient & torque

Geely recently unveiled its refreshed and updated best-selling SUV, the
Geely Bo Yue Pro
. It comes with an extensive revision to the exterior, interior features as well as new and improved powertrain options.
Sitting at the top of the line Geely Bo Yue Pro is the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDI petrol engine (the same one we have on the
Proton X70
). To comply with the more stringent China National 6B emission standards, Geely has paired the 1.8-litre mill with a new
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
 which has an efficiency of 97%.
Comes with a new electronic gear selector too
As a result, the Bo Yue Pro 1.8-litre TD has reduced fuel consumption by up to 1 litre per 100 km over the original Bo Yue. Power output has also been recalibrated to produce a maximum power of
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque, which is
15 Nm
 more than the original car.
There is also now a new entry-level variant packing a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that is
co-developed with Volvo Cars
. Unlike the Volvo, the engine is mated to either an Aisin sourced 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
The 1.5-litre three-pot produces
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
of torque with drive transferred to the front wheels. While Geely did not disclose the century sprint time of the Bo Yue Pro 1.5-litre TD, they did confirm it can achieve the same maximum velocity of
200 km/h
 like the more powerful variant.
The Geely Bo Yue Pro has
not been officially launched in its home market yet, but the Chinese carmaker has
announced that there will be six variants of the Bo Yue Pro on offer. Closer to
home, Proton has just begun trial runs for its CKD (local assembly) operations
of the X70 which is based on the Bo Yue.
Although it is very unlikely for Proton to introduce the “facelifted X70” (Bo Yue Pro) to the local market any time soon because right-hand drive conversion, parts localisation as well as trial runs will have to take an extended lead time considering how much more improved and advanced the Bo Yue Pro is.
Nevertheless, we have been hinted that there will be “some surprises” with the CKD X70, with more differentiation compared to the fully imported model. But don’t worry, even if we’re not getting the Bo Yue Pro any time soon, the current X70 still has plenty to offer.
IMAGE GALLERY
Geely Bo Yue Pro