2015 Subaru WRX STI photos leaked online

The 2015 Subaru WRX STI is set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. As you would have expected, photos of the all-new STI have leaked online. This new STI is instantly recognizable, as it comes complete with the legendary blue, huge spoiler and golden wheels.
Other than the signature STI theme, this Subaru WRX STI is almost identical to the
2015 Subaru WRX
. Save for what would to be fitted under the hood. The WRX STI will be more powerful than the WRX which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine derived from the Forester, producing 268 horsepower.
The all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI would probably be powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine similar to the previous model. However, it is expected to have a maximum output of more than 300 horsepower.
Check out the gallery below and do stick around for more 2015 Subaru WRX STI when it debuts.
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2017 Land Rover Discovery unveiled, claims to be the best family SUV in the world

The
Defender
 and
Range Rover
 models aside, the other quintessential Land Rover model is the Discovery. Four iterations later, the new Land Rover Discovery finally made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Land Rover boldly describes the fifth-generation Discovery as the best SUV in the world. The predecessor’s boxy shape has been replaced by curvier design cues lifted from the
Discovery Sport
. It also adopts the aluminium-intensive D7 architecture which helps shed over
 480kg
of mass over the previous model!

Step inside and it seats
seven full-size adults
comfortably. Land Rover also says the third row seats could fit individuals up to 6’2” tall. The Discovery’s flexible seating positions can be configured through your mobile phone (
Intelligent Seat Fold
)
 technology
. When all rear seats are folded, it frees up an astonishing 2,500 litres of luggage space. The interior is draped in premium Windsor leather, while other surfaces are finished with fine oak veneers and other optional extras.
The new Discovery is powered by a four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines. This includes the all-new

Ingenium four-cylinder diesel engine
 that’s available in two tunes: the TD4’s
180 hp/430 Nm
 and SD4’s
238 hp/500 Nm.
 The TDV6 is the most powerful oil burner of the lot, with a V6 lump churning
254 hp
 and
 600 Nm
 of torque.
The Si6 petrol unit is a
 3.0-litre supercharged V6 mill
 that belts
335 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. All engines are paired with a

ZF-sourced
 eight-speed

automatic
. Key performance figures are a
6.9-second century sprint
 for the TDV6, whereas the SD4 gets there in 7.7 seconds.
Land Rover also claims the new Discovery is the company’s most capable off-roader yet. They updated the
All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)
 in the new Discovery. This system assists the driver to select the appropriate crawling speed when it comes to traversing challenging surfaces. The
Terrain Response 2
 system chooses the best possible settings via a turn of the rotary controller while off-road. Even when on normal surfaces, the Discovery brags superior road handling made possible by its advanced integral link rear suspension.
Available in four trims – S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury, the new Discovery begins from
£43,495
 (approximately RM233k after conversion) to
£65,695
 (RM352k) before options. Expect a Malaysian debut of the new Discovery sometime in 2017.
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Second-gen Toyota Safety Sense, semi-autonomous driving, coming in 2018

Toyota has announced that its second-generation Toyota Safety Sense Active Safety Packages will be available in its 2018 line-up onwards. The next-generation Toyota Safety Sense builds upon its existing technology to mitigate or completely avoid imminent collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
When the first-gen Toyota Safety Sense-C hit the market, it utilised a single-lens camera and laser-based radar to enable Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for vehicles at speeds of
up to 80 km/h
. Later versions called the Toyota Safety Sense-P (as equipped on the
Toyota Harrier
) allows AEB at speeds
up to 180 km/h
 for vehicles and
up to 80 km/h
 for pedestrians in the day.
AEB for cyclists
The
next-generation Toyota Safety Sense
 adopts the same single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar combination but enhanced with AEB for Pedestrians in the night as well as AEB for cyclists (Day). Both are operable at speeds of 10 to 80 km/h. Other new features include
Lane Tracing Assist
 that autonomously follows the lane with minimal driver input,
Steering Assist Function
 and
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
 (adaptive cruise control).
The
Lane Departure Alert
 (LDA) has also gotten an upgrade to now detect road edges and warns the driver when the vehicle sways unintentionally (Vehicle Sway Warning Function). The new Toyota Safety Sense also includes
Road Sign Assist
 for the first time that recognises and displays road signs such as: Stop, No Entry, No Passing Through and Speed Limits.
The second-generation Toyota Safety Sense will be rolled out in stages with Japan, North America, and Europe as the early adopters with their 2018 Toyota models. Toyota will also be rolling out this system in other regions after extensive localisation and market research has been conducted.
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 AEB for cyclists

 AEB for pedestrians at night

 Lane Tracing Assist


Volkswagen offers rebates on the Golf GTI and Golf R!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering further incentive to those looking to own a
Volkswagen Golf GTI
or
Golf R
with RM2,000 rebates on both the hot hatches.
That should add extra persuasion to the 3-years free maintenance, 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and 5-years roadside assistance currently offered on all Volkswagen models except the
Tiguan and Passat which is accompanied by 5-years free maintenance
.

Model
Savings up to
Polo
RM4,000
Vento Comfortline
RM10,000
Vento Highline
RM6,000
Golf R-Line
RM2,000
Beetle Sport
RM5,000
Tiguan Highline
RM2,000
Passat Comfortline
RM15,000
Passat Highline
RM4,000
The Tiguan Highline, Passat Comfortline and Passat Highline comes with 5-years free maintenance and
low interest rate of 1.88% per annum
.
Aside from that, VPCM also recently introduced a
 “Walnut Blasting” service
 that gently removes carbon build up in the engine valves to prevent higher fuel consumption and engine power loss at all authorised dealerships from as low as RM 515.
The Golf GTI in its element. Here’s
what we think about it
.
Last week, VPCM also introduced the
Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)
 – an insurance programme that offers comprehensive coverage with minimal hassle to Volkswagen owners. VIP offers prioritised claim approval, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing and more.
Other on-going promotions include a Liquid Power Kit consisting of a 1-litre bottle engine oil, 1-litre windscreen cleaner and 200ml fuel additive for RM199, 20% off on shock absorbers, tyre promotions from RM184 and 20% off on battery replacements.


Here are the meanings of 8 different Toyota models commonly seen in Malaysia

If you ask me, every car needs a name; and I don’t mean personal pet names like Peter or Sally. I prefer a car to be called Enzo, rather than 850i for example.
What’s in a name? To have a name is to have a story behind it and we’ll all agree – stories are just nice. So here are the meanings behind the names of the Toyota models we’ve grown up – or some have even grown old with!
Corolla
The “Corolla” is the ring of petals that forms a flower. Ever since the Toyota Crown, subsequent Toyotas have been named after the word “Crown”. Corolla means “small crown” in Latin.
The
“beautiful monster”
 as Toyota calls it.
Camry
The name is derived from the Japanese word “kanmuri” which means Crown. Again, the name is an extension of Toyota’s tradition of using the Crown name.
Corona
Like the Corolla, which means “little crown, Corona is the Latin name for Crown.
Celica
The Celica name is derived from the word “coelica” which means “celestial” or “heavenly” in Latin – presumably sensation from being behind the wheel of the car.
The new
A90 Toyota Supra
.
Supra
It seems the Spanish have a lot of influence on the naming of Toyota vehicles as the Supra’s name was taken from the Latin word for “above”.
Yaris
For a change, the Yaris’ name is a combination of “Charis” – the name of Greek goddesses of charm and beauty – and the word “ya” for Yes in German.
Have you watched
Adrian’s video of the new Vios
?
Vios
Suprise surprise, we’re back to Latin again as Vios means “to move forward”. Your welcome for the free language classes.
Alphard
The name was inspired by the brightest star in Hydra, a group of stars that form the outlines of animals, mythical gods and creatures.


Proton R3 unveils new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise

Proton
 has unveiled a new range of lubricants and merchandise under its motorsports brand, R3 (which stands for Race, Rally, Research). With the brand now parked under Proton Global Services (PGS), Proton says the launch marks a new direction for R3 to “bring its heritage and products closer to the public” and “reconnect with fans”.
The launch was held today at the
Setia Gemilang Auto 4S Centre in Shah Alam
, where the outlet was also named the first Premium Merchandise Partner of the new PGS programme.
Fans of the R3 brand who want to deck themselves in R3 gear can choose from a variety of new merchandise clothings, including snapbacks and baseball caps, as well as cotton and dry-fit t-shirts and polo shirts. Prices for these gears range from RM49 to RM60.
As for the lubricants, R3’s range of Premium Genuine Oils is developed together with Petronas, and is offered in both fully- (P1) and semi-synthetic (P2) formulations. Both are formulated with Petronas’ latest Etro 6+ base oil, and are designed to fight excessive heat, promising better performance for modern direct injection turbocharged engines.
They’re rated at SP and SN Plus respectively according to the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic, and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic formulation. However, the company will be offering them at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128 respectively until the 30th of April this year.
“The launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range and merchandise products is the first step in R3’s rebranding journey,” said Proton Global Services CEO, Lee Yeet Chuan.
“There will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans.”
The new range of Proton R3 engine oil and merchandises is now available at the 20 Premium Merchandise Partner outlets across the nation, including the first at Setia Gemilang Auto, and
Proton’s recently revamped Centre of Excellence
.
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Nissan announces a new, longer range EV van – 280km in a single charge

Following the Nissan’s recent announcement that Mitsubishi would be part of its
new Alliance together with Renault
 after
 acquiring a 34% stake in MMC
with 12 new EVs and fully autonomous vehicles due for 2022, it has made EV headlines again with the new longer range, zero-emissions van called the e-NV200.
Claiming to go further than ever in a single charge, the fully electric e-NV200 with a new
40kWh
 battery offers a 60% extended range of up to
280 km
. There will be no compromise with load space or pay load either, as there has been no increase in the battery size.
Nissan Europe, Electric Vehicle Director, Gareth Dunsmore said, “With its longer range and excellent cargo capacity, the new e-NV200 is the perfect last mile delivery solution for urban deliveries and collections. Given the huge impact that business deliveries/collections and professional drivers have on air quality and traffic congestion, especially in city centres, helping cut the level of CO
2
 emissions they create is a vital part of creating a more sustainable future”.
Nissan is no stranger to making to such incredible EV feats. Its recently
debuted, all-new LEAF
, with Nissan’s signature V-Motion grilled like the one found in the
 X-Trail
, is capable of
 378 km
 of driving range on a single charge. This is served on the side of
147 hp
 and a whopping
320 Nm
 of torque – on an electric car for the masses mind you. It will also come with
Nissan’s ProPilot
, a semi autonomous technology which will rival the Honda Sensing. Better yet, the all-new Leaf has been confirmed for Malaysia,
due in 2018.
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What’s next for Audi Malaysia? New S and RS models, R8 V10 and CKD!

Following the
launch of the ninth-generation Audi A4
, the management of Audi Malaysia revealed their immediate plans going forward. In an effort to widen their presence here, Audi’s expansion will begin with appointing more dealers, three of which will be fully operational by the end of this year.
These new dealerships are located at Puchong (Setia Walk, formerly a Volkswagen showroom), Ipoh and Melaka. There are also concrete plans to introduce the
facelifted A3
,
all-new Q2
 and
A5 Sportback
 (that’s the four door; the coupe might not make it) in 2017.
We recently reviewed the R8 V10 Plus in Germany.
Find out what we think of the brutal AWD supercar
!
Prior to this, Audi’s halo car, the first-generation Audi R8 was officially sold through Euromobil Sdn Bhd. Now it’s just a matter of time before we get the second generation V10 model. Joining the performance lineup are some S and RS models, although Audi Malaysia has yet to name exactly which. If we were to guess, it would likely be the
S4
,
S5
, S6 and quite possibly the
TT RS
.
This expansion plan, despite the slow pace, will hopefully be the cure to the Four Rings’ Achilles heel – the lack of a dedicated local assembly facility. Currently, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are at the top of the country’s luxury volume game, with Audi trailing far behind in terms of sheer numbers.
The A4 is the most important Audi model in Malaysia, which means it will be the go-to model for local assembly
Setting up a CKD plant requires a huge sum of money. To justify the investment, a company must first be able to provide a reasonable return on investment (ROI), among other criteria. Audi Malaysia’s Marketing Director, Rudi Venter said there are existing talks between them and Audi AG for local assembly. Though the timeline isn’t particularly clear, Mr Venter specifically said “within the next two years”. Four core models will be CKD, but they remain unidentified for now. Chances are, the A4 and A6 will be among the four.
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Audi RS3 & RS7

Audi A4 B9 2.0 TFSI

Audi R8 V10 Plus


BMW Concept X7 iPerformance makes its first ever appearance in Malaysia

The
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance introduced just last year
 has been unveiled at the Bangsar Shopping Centre and will remain on showcase from Wednesday, 18th July 2018 to Sunday, 22nd July 2018.
The Concept X7 “Sports Activity Vehicle” is not only here in Malaysia for the first time, it’s also making its first-ever appearance in South East Asia. It’s a very important introduction for BMW, as the Concept X7 will serve as the brand’s new beacon which will set the tone for luxurious mobility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpfJYXKLZMk
It will also set the tone as the new face of the BMW “X family” and the most noticeable change to its front end is the introduction of a new “vertical kidney grille”. How will most take it? We’re not sure; but it’s certain that we’ll see them by the truckloads on the road before long.
With BMW not straying too far from the elongated twin headlights (as seen in the spy shots), the Concept X7 will resemble the face of the “taukes” that would undoubtedly be lured into that imposing presence.

Although what may unlikely follow the Concept X7 into production are those 23-inch wheels which are housed under circular wheel arches – another first in the BMW X series.
At the back, the new rear end of the upcoming X7, supposedly due for launch by early next year, is exemplified by sharp three-dimensional L-shaped tail lights, flanking a prominent chrome strip across the tailgate.

Inside the six-seater cabin – representing BMW’s new design language that focuses on vast, open surfaces and clear edges – is a panoramic roof, leather trims and upholstery in dark Olive-Bronze with gold pigmentation and Smoke White, and strands of laser light on the roof.
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Is the Audi A4 B9 worth considering over a 3-Series, C-Class and S60?

After a long wait, the
ninth-generation Audi A4
 has finally found its way to our shores with the tagline Progress is Intense. However, one might question whether the A4 entered the market a little too late.
Audi Malaysia explained that this is to secure a better deal for the A4 (that indirectly means pricing the A4 a little more competitively) with parent company that’s based in Ingolstadt. The negotiations delayed Audi Malaysia’s plans to introduce the A4, which was supposed to take place as early as the second quarter of this year. However, good things are worth the wait.
In this case, the biggest winner from this exercise are the consumers. Audi Malaysia has managed to bring in the Audi A4 B9 as a CBU unit (built in Ingolstadt itself) yet maintained an extremely competitive price positioning. Just how competitive, you ask? Allow us break it down for you.
For starters, the Audi A4 is a premium compact executive priced at
RM249k
. In this analysis, we shortlisted models that competes in the same price, power and segment bracket. This greatly narrowed the number of candidates for this comparison.
Naturally, the two other German contestants come into play – the
BMW 320i Sport
 and the
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde
. Other left-field choices include the Swedish
Volvo S60
 and the Japanese
Infiniti Q50
. Before jumping into the analysis, here are some quick facts:
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW 320i Sport
Volvo S60 2.0 T6 Drive-E
Infiniti Q50 2.0T GT
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI
Engine
2.0-litre 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower
2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinCharged
2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged
2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged
2.0-litre 4-cylinder, TFSI
Transmission
8-speed ZF automatic
8-speed automatic
7-speed automatic
7-speed G-Tronic Plus automatic
7-speed S Tronic dual cutch automatic (Wet)
Max Power
184 hp @ 5,000 rpm
306 hp @ 5,700 rpm
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
190 hp @ 4,200 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
290 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,250 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,100 to 4,800 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,250 – 3,500 rpm
300 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
320 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,200 rpm
0-100km/h; Top Speed
7.3 seconds; 235km/h
5.9 seconds; 230km/h
7.2 seconds; 245km/h
7.3 seconds; 235km/h
7.3 seconds; 210km/h
Fuel Economy Rating
5.8L/100km
6.7L/100km
7.3L/100km
5.3L/100km
5.0L/100km
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM231,800
RM238,888
RM239,800
RM248,888
RM248,900
Assembly
Malaysia
Malaysia
Japan
Malaysia
Germany
As you can see from the table, all five cars share the same formula under the hood – a
2.0-litre forced induction engine
. The Audi A4 edges the competition by being the only one to offer a
dual-clutch transmission
. In case you are wondering, this S Tronic adopts a
wet clutch
 that works more reliably in our hot climate.
Performance wise, hands down the Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E takes the most powerful car title. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive E engine is boosted by a supercharger and a turbocharger, which helps extract a mind bending
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
, making it the most powerful car of the lot. In the century sprint, the others are brisk but none dip below the 7-second mark, but the S60 obliterates the course in just
5.9 seconds
.
The A4 is being advertised as the most slippery car in its segment, and it is far from a marketing gimmick because it yields some real world benefits too. With a drag coefficient of just
0.23
, the A4 is able to slice through air much efficiently. Coupled with its improved S Tronic gearbox, the A4 is the most frugal of the bunch, consuming only
5.0 litres
 of fuel for every 100km travelled.
Among its German rivals, the A4 is the most expensive at RM248,900. Though, it is only marginally costlier than the RM248,888 C 200 Avantgarde. But don’t forget, the Audi is fully imported from Germany, while the BMW, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are all locally assembled in Malaysia.
Now that we have laid out the quick facts about the car, Audi’s facts and figures are very competitive. Audi Malaysia has done a great job bringing in the ninth-generation A4 at a reasonable price point. This usually comes by sacrificing equipment. Did Audi Malaysia make that compromise? Let’s find out.
EQUIPMENT
Name
BMW 320i Sport
Volvo S60 2.0 T6 Drive-E
Infiniti Q50 2.0T GT
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI
Rim Size
17-inch
18-inch
17-inch
Tyre Size
225/50R17
235/45R17
225/55R17
225/45R18
225/50R17
Keyless Operation
Keyless entry and start
Keyless start only
Keyless entry and start
Interior Upholstery
Leather
Powered Seats
Driver side only with memory function
Both driver and passenger. Memory function for driver only
Both driver and passenger with memory function for both
Both driver and passenger
Infotainment System
6.5-inch BMW iDrive with 9-speakers
7-inch touchscreen navigation with 8-speakers
8.0-inch Infiniti InTouch with 6-speakers
7-inch Audio 20 CD
7.0-inch Audi MMI with 10-speakers
Rear Blinds
Powered rear windscreen blinds
Manual rear passenger windows
N/A
Powered rear blinds and manual rear passenger windows
Manual rear passenger windows
Steering Wheel
Leather wrapped multifunction
Leather wrapped multifunction with paddle shifters
Leather wrapped multifunction
Leather wrapped multifunction with paddle shifters
Parking Brake
Handbrake
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
Footbrake
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
Airbags
6 airbags
7 airbags
6 airbags
Parking Sensors
4 front, 4 rear
6 front, 6 rear
4 front, 4 rear
Reverse Camera
N/A
Available
Autonomous Safety Features
N/A
Autonomous braking, lane keep assist, blind spot radar monitoring and pedestrian detection
N/A
Collision prevention assist.
N/A
From the comparison chart above, the A4 fares very well in-terms of equipment. Despite being a CBU-unit, Audi Malaysia did not skim on features to bring the price down. Essential features such as keyless entry and start, leather powered seats, Audi MMI and reverse camera are all standard affair.
As expected from Volvo, the S60 is the only one here that comes with a suite of autonomous safety features. Otherwise, the A4 is on par with the rest of its rivals in the premium compact executive sedan segment.
CONCLUSION
Audi Malaysia is without a doubt late to the game. Its rivals have been charging full steam, with Mercedes-Benz
consecutively smashing monthly record sales
. As mentioned earlier, Audi Malaysia worked their best to secure a fair price for its latest model offering. Although priced slightly steeper than its competitors, thanks to their efforts, the A4 still offers great value for your money.

Bear in mind that the
320i
,
S60
 and
C 200
are all EEV-incentivised. As a CBU import, the A4 cannot be entitled for the same incentive, but things may steer in favour of the Four Rings in the near future when they get the green light for their
CKD operations
.
To be fair, the A4 offers great value for money; unrivalled build quality, perfectly aligned body panels (be sure to inspect the gaps between panels yourself) achieved thanks to laser welding, premium interior, generous equipment list and best of all, 10 different exterior colours to choose from.
This is of course just an on-paper comparison based on facts and figures. To really know how the A4 stacks up against the other offerings, stay tuned for our review of the Audi A4 B9!
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: BMW M8 Coupe & M8 Gran Coupe, 5 Things

Alongside the
BMW X3M Competition

and
 X4M Competition
, BMW Malaysia also launched the
M8 Coupe
 and
M8 Gran Coupe
, priced at RM1.425 and RM1.455 million respectively.
Both are powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged engine making
600 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque. The mighty V8 engine is paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels via the xDrive system.

0 to 100 km/h takes just
3.3 seconds
 while top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the M8 Coupe is capable of hitting a 305 km/h top speed. Both the M8 Coupe and Gran Coupe comes with an M-specific exhaust featuring a Sound Control button to allow drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preference.
Drivers can select either the default 4WD setting or 4WD Sport mode, where the latter channels more power to the rear wheels. Deactivating the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) switches the car into 2WD mode. Both are fitted with M Adaptive suspension and M six-pot caliper brakes as standard. As an alternative, the new M8 duo is also available with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.
For those who want something a little more exclusive, BMW Malaysia says there is one and only one unit of the BMW M8 Coupe in BMW Individual’s Frozen Bluestone exterior available for an additional RM30,000.
For a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models
from 15th August to 30th September 2020
. The limited-time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coupé an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.
Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
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BMW M8 Coupe
BMW M8 Gran Coupe


Honda has sold 1 million vehicles with Honda Sensing in the US

Honda announced that US sales of vehicles fitted with Honda Sensing has reached the one million mark. By 2022, Honda Sensing will be incorporated across the entire lineup.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes, issued a report on the Honda Sensing’s effectiveness which claims that there have been significant reductions in vehicle damage claims and traffic injuries to people.
Looking into the benefits of Honda Sensing, particularly its Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking features, the report concluded that even if a crash is not avoided, it is likely that the vehicle at least slowed down sufficiently before the crash due to the systems, noting the
likelihood of injury is reduced when speed is reduced
.
“The data are clear. The role of Honda Sensing is reducing crash risk,” said Senior Vice President of Highway Lost Data Institure (HLDI), Matt Moore. “We commend Honda for rapidly expanding the application of this safety technology throughout its lineup.”
The full-suite of Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Low Speed Follow (LSF).
Currently, in our local market, Honda Malaysia has offered the Honda Sensing system for the
Honda CR-V
,
Accord
 and the recently rejuvenated
Honda Odyssey
.


Volvo Cars global sales up 22.4% in January 2018, XC60 most popular

Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker is starting 2018 with a bang after reporting an increase in global sales of 22.4 percent in January (year-on-year), amounting to 43,439 cars compared to 35,475 cars in the previous year.
Volvo saw strong growth in all its main markets with Europe leading in sales figures followed by China. Year-on-Year, Europe recorded an increase in 11.7 percent to 21,061 cars while China maintained a strong growth of 38 percent to 11,537 cars. The US also started the new year strong with 60.5 percent increase in sales to 5,567 cars in January 2018. Other markets saw 10.1 percent increase to 5,274 cars.
The strong growth was driven by the sales of the new XC60 and 90-Series models. Globally, the new XC60 was the best-selling model in January 2018, with 11,656 units sold, followed by the
XC90
 at 6,772 units and
S90
 at 6,057.
In Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just introduced the
XC60 SUV in three variants
 as well as the updated XC90 Inscription Plus that comes with the premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system.


Hyundai Kona and Sonata to launch in Malaysia virtually on October 30

Mark your calendars – Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just announced a virtual launch event to take place at
3pm
 on the
30th of October
, where both the
Hyundai Kona
 and
 Sonata
 will be making their debut here in Malaysia. Both models were recently previewed in the last month, and are both currently available for booking.
The launch of the Hyundai Kona will come just three days after its rival, the
Proton X50
, which is
scheduled for launch tomorrow (October 27)
. Fully imported from South Korea, the Hyundai Kona will be offered in three variants – 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid, and 1.6 TGDi High – with prices starting at “RM115,XXX”.
The first two variants with the ‘2.0’ designation are powered by a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPI engine, making
149 hp
 and
179 Nm
 of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping 1.6 TGDi High variant meanwhile is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-banger with
177 hp
and
 265 Nm
, alongside a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Hyundai Kona will launch in Malaysia as the pre-facelift model, though it should still come with a decent list of equipment on board. On the range-topper 1.6 TGDi High variant, these include LED headlamps and taillights, automatic climate control, head-up display, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Hyundai SmartSense advance driver assistance suite with features such as AEB, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.
We’ve had the opportunity to check out the performance for both variants of the Hyundai Kona on a short media drive, so be sure to check our
first impressions in our video
!
As for the Hyundai Sonata, the fully-imported D-segment sedan will only be offered one single variant, powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with
180 hp
 and
232 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels via a six speed automatic transmission.
The main selling point of the Hyundai Sonata however, is it’s unconventional design and attention to details that’s
unlike anything we’ve seen before
 on Malaysian roads. The daytime running lights is neatly integrated into the chrome trim that runs from the headlights onto the window surrounds, and is practically invisible when it’s switched off – thanks to the laser-cut micro perforations on the chrome strip.
The extravagant design is continued inside, which Hyundai says is inspired by stealth jet fighters. Standard equipment within the cabin include an eight-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, cooled wireless charging pad, power-adjustable seats with driver’s side memory, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents.
As for safety, the Sonata comes with six airbags as standard, along with a Blind Spot View Monitor, which displays a camera feed of the blind spot in the digital instrument cluster. Unfortunately unlike the Kona, the Sonata will not be equipped with the SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems.
Pricing for the Sonata is said to start from “RM20X,XXX”, and is set to take on other D-segment rivals including the
Toyota Camry
,
Honda Accord
, as well as the
Volkswagen Passat Elegance
 and
R-Line
.


2017 Land Rover Discovery teased ahead of debut, now with more curves

When the Land Rover Discovery was first unveiled to the world back in 1989, its conventional boxy off-road SUV styling appealed to many adventure seekers. However, even with the Discovery 4 that was introduced back in 2009, it remained the conventional boxy aesthetics the Discovery is well known for.
Not necessary a bad thing, however it appears as if it is a classic car when sat next to its main rivals like the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. However, Land Rover is set to change this with the fifth-generation
Discovery
.

 Land Rover has teased a picture of the
Discovery 5
 ahead of the
Paris Motorshow
. At first glance, the front is the resemblance of its smaller sibling, the
Discovery Sport
. The front grille seems to be a carryover from the Discovery Sport but the Discovery will feature a different LED headlamp design and a sharper edged bumper. As for the rest, we will have to wait for the global debut on
28 September 2016
.

 What we do know about the Discovery is that it will be a full-size seven-seater upmarket SUV that sits at the top of Land Rover’s offerings. Expect the Discovery to come with a range of luxury options and state of the art technology that is deployed on its siblings. The company’s new
 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel
 powertrain might also be offered with the Discovery.
Closer to home, the Land Rover line-up includes the Discovery 4, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque.


Nissan to extend vehicle warranty over MCO, roadside assistance active

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will extend Nissan vehicle warranties expiring during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period by an additional 30 days from the last day of the MCO.
Warranties will remain valid even if the recommended service intervals aren’t performed over MCO period, however Nissan owners are encouraged to reschedule service appointments within 30 days after MCO is lifted to keep their vehicle warranties active.
Appointment scheduling can be done via the
DriveOn mobile app
, TCEAS website, Nissan Customer Care Centre or directly through TCEAS service centres after the MCO is lifted.
Additionally, 24/7 breakdown and roadside assistance services remain active, Nissan owners can call
1-800-88-3838
 for help.


The new 200mph TVR Griffith has been unveiled – will they finally bounce back?

After years of turmoil, a more recent track record of not-so-attractive with forgettable names (like the Chimaera and Cerbera) and a brief ownership by an associate of Roman Abramovich,
TVR is yet again ready for a revival
in the hands of some good ol’ Brits.
It’s called the Griffith. Not much has been revealed in detail but it’s got a
406 hp per tonne
 power-to-weight ratio from a dry weight of
1,250kg
 and a 5.0-litre V8 Cosworth engine that’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a custom clutch and flywheel. 0 to 100 km/h is expected to take
less than four seconds
 and will surpass a top speed of over 200 mph, as current supercar social norms dictate.
Its dry sump engine also helps lower its overall centre of gravity. The Griffith’s signature TVR silhouette is enhanced with deep air intakes, side-exit exhausts and sculpted front wheel arches. It’s side-exit exhausts allows a flat floor lay out which generates downforce by channeling airflow along the undercarriage of the vehicle, sucking it onto the ground for better traction. Its chassis is made of carbon composites bonded to steel and aluminium.
Braking power is provided by 6-pot calipers in the front and 4-pot calipers at the rear, tucked beneath 19-inch and 20-inch wheels front and back. Keeping the car agile through the corners are double wishbones occupying all four corners with an electric power steering.
The new TVR Griffith is currently available in Launch Edition specification, with a full leather interior, custom alloy wheels, paint options and a bespoke infotainment system. Prices begin from £90,000 (approx RM 500,000) with production set to take off late 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo aims to make self-driving cars a reality by 2021, partners tech giants!

Volvo Cars has just teamed up with Autoliv, Zenuity and NVIDIA to develop the next-generation of self driving cars as part of their plan to introduce Level 4 autonomous cars on the road by 2021.
Here’s a little background on what each of them specialises: Autoliv is a world-leading automotive safety systems developer, Zenuity is an automotive software developer that’s jointly owned by Volvo Cars and Autoliv, and lastly NVIDIA is the world famous visual computing company.
All parties involved in this venture will see Volvo’s self-driving system be capable of comparing real-time situational awareness to a high-definition map. This lets drivers plan a safe route accordingly as well as adjusting to ever-changing driving circumstances. The bigger picture here is the creation of an Artificial Intelligence that is able to
adapt to everyday driving scenarios
.

At the core of the technology will be NVIDIA’s Artificial Intelligence car computing platform as the foundation. They will then work together to develop
deep learning systems
 (a form of self-learning AI) to recognise objects in their environment, anticipate potential threats and navigate safely.
“This cooperation with NVIDIA places Volvo Cars, Autoliv and Zenuity at the forefront of the fast-moving market to develop next-generation autonomous driving capabilities, and will speed up the development of Volvo’s own commercially available autonomous drive cars,” said Hakan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars.


Aston Martin seeking for strategic partner in China to develop EVs

Aston Martin, the British supercar maker is seeking for a strategic partner in China to break into the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market. Talks are underway with Chinese automakers and start-ups to establish a joint venture according to
Automotive News
.
The Chinese Government requires foreign automakers to form joint ventures with Chinese companies to be able to sell vehicles locally. Aston Martin has expressed that by 2030, EVs will account for 25 percent of its sales, hence penetrating the Chinese market will be essential for achieving this target.
President and CEO of Aston Martin, Dr Andy Palmer said that the firm does not have plans to manufacture the Aston Martin vehicles in China just yet but are ready to collaborate and share its lightweight and aerodynamic technologies with the Chinese partner.
The first EV to be conceived under Gaydon’s Second Century Plan will be the limited run
four-door RapidE
, spelt with a capital E for Electric. The four-door all-electric sports car will spearhead the brand’s development of low and zero-emission vehicles and is set to go into production in 2019.


Porsche Cayenne Turbo debuts – 4.0L bi-Turbo V8 with 542 hp & 770 Nm!

At the world premiere of the
third-generation Porsche Cayenne
, Porsche pulled off the wraps of its range topping model (for now), the Cayenne Turbo. The most powerful Cayenne gets a more powerful engine along with other first-in-class innovations.
Underneath the hood rests a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that pushes out
 542 hp
 and
770 Nm
 of torque. Drive is channelled to all four corners via a Tiptronic S transmission with eight-cogs. The new Turbo sprints to 100 km/h in just
3.9 seconds
 with the Sport Chrono Package equipped (4.1 seconds without) and will hit a top speed of
286 km/h
.
As standard the Cayenne Turbo rides on air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and
21-inch alloys
 with mixed tyre sizes (295/40 front; 315/35 rear). For ultimate driving dynamics of a sports car, be sure to select the optional
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
 and
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+)
.
The Cayenne Turbo is also the first SUV in the world to feature an
adaptive roof spoiler
 that optimises efficiency, increases downforce on the rear axle and shortens the braking distance from higher speeds
depending on its angle
 of inclination. Porsche claims that at full braking from 250 km/h, the adaptive roof spoiler in air brake position improves the Cayenne’s braking distance by
two full meters
. Of course, this applies to the standard
Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB)
 and the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).

From the outside, the Cayenne Turbo can be distinguished from its
Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
, double front light module, quad exhaust tailpipes and widened wheel arches with painted wheel arch trims.
Prices for the fastest sprinting Porsche Cayenne starts from
€138,850 (RM695k)
 and market launch in Europe is scheduled for end-2017. You can bet that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, are working overtime to introduce the all-new Cayenne to our market as soon as possible.
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica

In celebration of the
Aston Martin
 Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team’s success, the British luxury performance carmaker has debuted the AMR23 Edition of the
Aston Martin DBX 707
. This limited edition luxury performance SUV is named after Aston Martin’s Formula 1 (AMR23 F1) race car and looks identical to the official 2023 F1 Medical Car.
On the outside, the DBX 707 AMR23 Edition features a Podium Green Paint, with details such as the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ fender badge, as well as the Aston Martin Racing Green brake callipers. There are also lime accents on the performance SUV’s carbon body kit, reminiscent of those on the AMR23 F1 car and the official F1 Medical Car.
Inside the limited edition SUV are lime contrast stitchings on the Onyx Black and Eifel Green interior, as well as carbon fibre trims on the centre console and dashboard. The AMR23 logo can be seen on the door sills as well.
Under the hood, the DBX 707 AMR23 Edition features a powertrain similar to the one on the ‘regular’ DBX 707, which is the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz AMG. Mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, both the DBX 707 and its AMR23 sibling produce just as their names suggest,
707 hp
 and
900 Nm
, enabling the two to do the 0-100 km/h run in just
3.3 seconds
.
RELATED:
2022 Aston Martin DBX 707 launched in Malaysia from RM1.1 million
Although no pricing details of the performance SUV have been released by Aston Martin, the car is now open for booking according to the luxury performance carmaker’s website. In Malaysia, the ‘regular’ Aston Martin DBX 707 is available for purchase for those who are able to afford it. However, its sticker price is at an irregular
RM1.1 million
 before tax. There is also the
Vantage
 F1 Edition which has been launched in Malaysia in March 2023, fetching a price of
RM978k
 before taxes.
RELATED:
Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes
GALLERY


JPJ bans customised license plates, introduces centralised scheme

Remember the fancy number plates with weird designs, misleading others to think that their Proton is registered in Denmark? Well, the Malaysian authorities are putting an end to this by introducing a centralised production scheme for number plates.
Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Aziz Kaprawi said the new registration plates will be built out of metal and will follow the size and measurements based on regulations set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). For now, it’s compulsory for all newly registered cars (at no additional cost) to be fitted with the new plates before other cars on the road gets replaced in the near future. JPJ is also looking for government funds to help existing car owners switch from the old plates for the ne.
Looking at the monumental scale of 18-million registered vehicles in Malaysia, JPJ plans to appoint authorised agents in every district, ensuring that the production of number plates will be in accordance with the JPJ’s specification.
It’s also noted that appointed vendors will be required to utilise MySikap system to keep the production in sync with JPJ’s record. This is to keep production of plates as per JPJ specs and prevent irresponsible parties from changing the plates without any valid reason.
While one could think customised number plates are annoying in the eyes of a proper car enthusiast, the authorities said it’s done for the sake of road safety. Remember last year’s tragic road accident on Duke Highway that took three lives (including a newborn) involving a Pajero? Witnesses were unable to identify the registration numbers of the culprits because they were fitted with custom plates.
For additional information on the newly implemented number plate regulations, do head up to JPJ’s
link here
.


Manhart’s MH3 GTR is the BMW M3 on steroids – 650hp, 800 Nm, & carbon Recaros

You may not like the M3’s controversial aesthetics, but German tuner
Manhart
has created a monster that you probably can’t refuse. It’s called the MH3 GTR, and it’s a juiced up version of the
BMW M3
 that produces a whopping
650 hp
 and
800 Nm
 of torque.
The company says that the MH3 GTR is a one-off unit only, and showcases Manhart’s latest interpretation of the power sedan. However, customers will be able to purchase the upgrades shown on the MH3 GTR individually, if you too wish to tweak your BMW M3 to a similar style and performance.
“How was the additional power gained?”, you may wonder. Thanks to an MHtronik Powerbox auxiliary control unit, an additional 140 hp and 150 Nm are further extracted from the S58 bi-turbo inline-six engine. Complementing the powertrain boost (and creating a more brutal sound) is a Manhart stainless steel exhaust system with valve control that ends with four 100-mm diameter tailpipes.
All the upgrades mentioned above are TÜV approved. TÜV, if you’re wondering, is short for Technischer Überwachungsverein in German, which means Technical Inspection Association. A TUV certification means a sampling of the product has been tested for safety and found to meet the minimum requirements of the German Equipment and Product Safety Act.
RELATED:
2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia – from RM798k
Customers outside of Germany can also opt for non-TÜV approved upgrades such as:
Otto Particulate Filter Delete
Gasoline Particulate Filter delete
Optional race downpipes without catalytic converter
Replacement pipes with 200-cell HJS catalytic converters
Sport downpipes with 300-cell GESi catalytic converters
To further improve road-holding and, of course, lower the car, the MH3 GTR also received a Manhart suspension upgrade, including a Manhart Variant 4 coilover suspension by KW Suspensions. Alternatively, customers can opt for a lowering kit with H&R springs. The brakes of the MH3 GTR have been kept stock, but individually configured upgrades are also available upon customer request.
RELATED:
BMW celebrates 50th anniversary of M with limited edition ‘50 Jahre’ BMW M3 and M4
Exterior upgrades on the MH3 GTR include a Manhart Carbon Diffuser, M Performance Carbon Front Spoiler, M Performance Carbon Rear Spoiler, M Performance Carbon Side Skirts, M Performance Carbon Aero Flicks, and a unique Manhart Decal Wrap.
Completing the look of the MH3 GTR are the Manhart Concave One rims, measuring 20x9J in the front and 20×10.5J in the rear, and shod in 265/30R20 rubbers in the front and 295/30R20 in the rear. On the inside, the MH3 GTR gets Recaro Podium Carbon Seats.
Pricing of the upgrades has not been revealed by Manhart, but interested customers can already contact the German tuner for the cost of each part. Most of the parts should also be compatible with the
BMW M3 Touring
 and
BMW M4
.
RELATED:
The BMW M3 Touring is now the fastest wagon around Nürburgring


Video: 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review

Not long after Malaysia reopened for business in May, we took a couple of Land Rovers out for the weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the changes they’ve undergone in leaps and bounds.
First, there was the
Evoque
 and then this, the
Land Rover Discovery Sport
; a more compact, more accessible younger brother to the full fledge and frankly, not-so-good-looking Discovery. It has undergone a nip and tuck on the outside but more importantly, the aging interior architecture has been
given a refresh
 to usher the Discovery Sport into the new decade.

You get a redesigned front grille, slimmer headlamps, along with sportier front and rear bumpers bestowed by the R-Dynamic exterior package. Once inside, you’d immediately realise that the Discovery Sport has arrived in 2020; with tech-laden panels and displays elegantly placed on the dashboard
 just like the Velar
 and Evoque. Unlike the more expensive Evoque, the Discovery Sport even gets a massive panoramic roof!
This is where the Discovery Sport falls slightly short and it’s sitting under the front hood. It’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine, with
200 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque, paired a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Such meager figures certainly took the edge off what was otherwise a rather positive weekend in the Discovery Sport, to say the least.
The Discovery Sport 5+2 we reviewed is priced at
 RM399,809.10
 and is inclusive of Sales Tax Exemption. If you prefer the 5-seater model, it’ll set you back
RM370,325.31
. Both will be sold with the R-Dynamic exterior finish.
GALLERY


Toyota cuts October production by 100,000 units – GR Yaris, Harrier, Lexus models affected

Although COVID-19 restrictions have eased globally, the effect of the lockdown and the parts shortage is still felt today.
Toyota
 has just announced that it will have to cut its production plan by
100,000

units
 in October 2022.
The Japanese carmaker previously announced that its production plan for September through November would be approximately
900,000 units
per month. With the new announcement,
800,000 units
 will be produced in October and an average of
850,000 units per month
 is expected from October to December 2022. Toyota says its forecast for the fiscal year remains unchanged at approximately
9.7 million units
.
The
Toyota GR Yaris
 is manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation’s Motomachi Plant in Japan
Toyota’s new plan is based on careful confirmation of parts supply and the personnel structures and facility capacities of its suppliers. Toyota’s plants in Japan will suspend production on certain dates announced on its official website. Plants affected include the Motomachi plant, Takaoka plant, Tsutsumi plant, Tahara plant, Miyata Plant, the Hino Hamura plant, and Toyota Industries Corporation.
Affected Toyota models include the
GR Yaris
,
RAV4
,
Harrier
, Corolla Sport, Camry, Crown, Land Cruiser Prado, 4 Runner, and the FJ Cruiser. Affected Lexus models include the CT,
ES
, GX,
IS
, LS,
NX
, NX450h+,
RC
,
RC F
,
RX
,
UX
, and UX300e.
RELATED:
UMW Toyota sets new sales record in August 2022 with 9,091 units sold
Production of the
Toyota Harrier
 will be affected by the suspended production at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Takaoka Plant in Japan
As for Malaysia, most Toyota models on sale are either locally assembled (CKD) or fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. Among the Malaysian market models affected by the suspended production are the
GR Yaris

and the
Harrier
. As for Lexus cars in Malaysia, all of them are fully imported (CBU) from Japan and hence most will be affected by Toyota’s latest announcement.
Production of the Lexus NX will be affected by the suspended production in Toyota Motor Kyushu Miyata Plant, Japan.
Toyota says that it remains difficult to look ahead due to semiconductor shortages, the spread of COVID-19, and other factors. The company will continue to make every effort to deliver as many vehicles as possible to its customers at the earliest date while closely examining the situation.
RELATED:
Thailand sales of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominated by hybrids


Toyota stops production due to steel shortage in Japan

While Toyota’s expertise in the automotive manufacturing remains undisputed thanks to their highly efficient production system, a shortage of critical parts can really put a dent into its production. Toyota is now forced to halt production in Japan for the entire week following shortage of steel.
On 8 January, Aichi Steel Corporation, the company that supplies steel to Toyota, suffered an explosion that damaged the site’s ability to produce steel for engines, transmissions, and chassis. It’s expected for Aichi to recover in full by March, but at the same time Toyota is forced to scramble for other sources of steel, as the company’s existing supply can only last them till 6 February.
Production of the new Prius is impacted for sure
Toyota’s production will stop during 8 to 13 February, and production is expected to resume as soon as 14 February. The silver lining here is global sales won’t be affected as much because nearly two-thirds of Toyota’s volume are contributed from their plants outside of Japan. As for the Malaysian models, UMW Toyota imports their cars from Thailand and Indonesia, whereas the
Vios
 and
Camry Hybrid
 models are locally assembled in Shah Alam.


Watch the Cullinan do “un-Rolls-Royce” things in the desert!

Think of the desert, and you’ll picture undulating sand dunes that are impossible to traverse. Throw in a couple of pre-runners or race trucks, and you’ll relearn what excitement really is but doing that in a Rolls-Royce? That’s as unimaginable as Rolls-Royce making a hot-hatchback but that’s exactly what they did, with the
new Cullinan
.
The British luxury carmaker is keen to let you know, that their behemoth of an SUV is more than capable of crossing the Arabian desert dunes, should the unthinkable arise.

This particular Cullinan in pristine Sapphire Black is neither a demo unit nor is this a marketing gimmick. Instead, it actually belongs to a private owner who took to the desert dunes just outside of Dubai for a very fun but expensive way to social distance.
Clearly, the desert was no mountain too high to climb for the Cullinan. If anything, witnessing the bulky SUV gracefully glide over the steep sand dunes so effortlessly, and blasting sand in every direction is actually quite mesmerising.
It was definitely an effective demonstration of the Cullinan’s off-road capabilities, as Rolls-Royce said the Cullinan “became a force of nature” during the desert drive and “surfed over high and low terrains with absolute authority.”
Powering the Cullinan is a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with
571 hp
 and
 850 Nm
 of torque, allowing the

2,700 kg Cullinan to waft its way from to 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.1 seconds.

Recently, the
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge
 joined the likes of the
Wraith Eagle VIII in Malaysia
 with the latter being
 the only unit available in Malaysia
. Globally, Rolls-Royce limited the supply of these commemorative pieces to
 just 50 units.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, 250 launched in Malaysia – from RM244k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today unveiled the
all-new GLA-Class
 here on our shores, marking the company’s last product launch until the new year. Available in Malaysia in two variants – GLA 200 and GLA 250, the new baby of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up is priced starting at
RM244,200
 for the entry-level GLA 200 variant.

EXTERIOR
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA now carries a more crossover/SUV appearance as compared to the jacked-up hatchback look of the outgoing model. The change is mostly attributed to its significantly taller height, now 104 mm higher than its predecessor.
Aside from the height though, the all-new GLA is actually smaller in every other dimension compared to than before, measuring in 14 mm shorter (lengthwise) and 2 mm narrower. Despite the shorter length, the wheelbase in the all-new model has increased by 30 mm, and its track increased by 46 mm, giving it a more imposing stance on the road and more space in the interior.
As mentioned above, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is offered in two variants here in Malaysia – GLA 200 and GLA 250. The entry-level GLA 200 is dressed in a Progressive Line exterior kit, while the latter gets an AMG Line treatment.
The main difference between the two exterior styling kits are on the front and rear bumpers, with the AMG Line sporting a more aggressive look featuring a larger diamond pin front grille, a larger bone-shaped trim with a horizontal slats on the front bumper, integrated rear diffuser on the rear, alongside rear “air vents” and non-functional exhaust exits.
The GLA 250 also rides on larger 19-inch alloys; the GLA 200 gets 18-inch items as standard. Aside from the variant-specific styling differences, both variants are equipped with identical exterior features, which include:
Automatic LED High Performance headlights
LED tail lights
Automatic windscreen wipers
Auto-dimming driver’s exterior mirror
Aluminium roof rails
PERFORMANCE
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GLA 250 gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200
Engine: M282 1.33-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 163 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque: 250 Nm @ 1,620 – 4,000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds
Top speed: 210 km/h
Rated fuel consumption: 5.9-5.6 l/100 km
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Engine: M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 224 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
Rated fuel consumption: 6.7 – 6.5 l/100 km
The all-new GLA 250 in the sportier AMG Line trim also gets the Direct Steer variable-ratio power steering, alongside a lowered suspension set-up – though still the comfort suspension, similar to the GLA 200.
INTERIOR
The interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class features a very similar look to the latest Mercedes-Benz models, headlined by the standing dual-screen MBUX set-up. Unlike the
A-Class
, the all-new GLA features a cut-out for the screens, and the centre console and door handles also feature the tubular design motif as seen on the
all-new GLB
 for a more off-road-focused appearance.
Both variants are almost identical in its interior features, which includes:
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
10.25-inch infotainment display with MBUX, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and navigation with live traffic information
Mercedes me connect LTE connectivity module
Automatic climate control
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, four-way lumbar support
60:40 folding rear seat backrests
Leather multifunction sports steering wheel
Light and Sight package
Roof liner in black fabric
Powered tailgate
The GLA 200 gets the standard Comfort Seats wrapped in black Artico leather, while the AMG Line treatment on the GLA 250 includes Sports Seats wrapped in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre, galvanised aluminium pedal shifters, AMG door sill plate with illuminated ‘AMG’ lettering, as well as AMG floor mats.
Thanks to the changes in dimensions, the front headroom and rear legroom has been significantly increased, the latter by 114 mm. Boot capacity has also increased by 14 litres to now 435 litres of cargo space.
SAFETY
The standard safety equipment on both variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA includes the following features:
Autonomous emergency braking
Active parking assist
Parking package with reversing camera
Rear seat belt indicators
Interior monitoring system
Tyre pressure monitoring system
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 gains an additional blind-spot monitoring system, which also acts as a visual warning for the passengers exiting the car, when another vehicle is approaching at the blind spots.
PRICING
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at
RM 244,199.82
 for the entry-level GLA 200 variant, while the GLA 250 is priced at
RM285,336.66
. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 valid until the end of the year. Included as standard in the price is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.
The standard recommended retail price, which will be effective starting from 1st January 2021, starts at RM252,888 for the GLA 200, and RM295,888 for the GLA 250.
With Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) Malaysia’s EaseProtect Financing Plan, the GLA 200 starts at RM2,488 per month, while the GLA 250 starts at RM2,888 a month, based on a

5 years tenure period and down payment of approximately 20%. Additionally, MBFS Malaysia is also offering a two-month payment holiday for both variants, valid until the 31st of December 2020.
GALLERY


Video: Peugeot 2008 review – the alluring French alternative

French cars have a penchant of being… weird. They don’t usually do things the “normal way”, and the
all-new Peugeot 2008
 is really no different. But in a world dominated by bland, cookie-cutter SUVs, being a little weird is maybe not a bad thing, after all.
Even on its appearance, the Peugeot 2008 is unlike any other compact crossover out in the market. It’s looks angry with the unique lion’s fangs daytime-running lights, yet on a car this size, we can’t help but think of it as an adorable bulldog. At the rear, the intricate Lion’s Claw 3D tail-light design takes the exterior styling up several notches compared to its rivals.

But the most interesting aspect of the Peugeot 2008 is most definitely its interior, thanks to the unique i-Cockpit. The 3D digital instrument cluster is placed visually above the steering wheel, contributing to the latter’s joystick-like feel. Uniqueness aside, though, it’s also well appointed, with everything you’d expect from a car of its class, including automatic climate controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside a decent set of advanced driver assist features.
Underneath the bonnet of the Peugeot 2008 is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, putting out 130 hp and 230 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. For those weary of Peugeot’s infamous reputation of being “unreliable”, the French carmaker assures that the new 2008 has endured over 200,000 kilometres of testing in Malaysia’s climate and landscape.
But with all that being said, what did we think of the Peugeot 2008? Watch on to find out.
READ MORE:
New Peugeot cars now come with free 5-year warranty and maintenance


Grab a new Mitsubishi Triton at RM10,000 off!

In conjunction with the year-end festivities, Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia (MMM) is offering cash rebates on all Mitsubishi models, or a 0.88% interest rate on selected Triton variants, exclusive to Maybank and Public Bank hire purchase customers.

Customers who book and register the
Mitsubishi Triton
 VGT Adventure X, VGT AT Premium, and VGT MT Premium can choose
either to enjoy the 0.88% interest rate, or opt for the cash rebates of up to RM10,000
. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
Besides the Triton, the Mitsubishi Outlander is also getting cash discounts, with the 2.0-litre enjoying a
cash rebate of RM4,000 plus two-year free maintenance
, while the 2.4-litre Outlander gets a
RM2,000 discount plus two-year free maintenance
. The Outlander is priced at RM137,888 and RM152,888 respectively.

As for the Mitsubishi ASX, the 2WD variant (RM118,866) receives a
RM8,000 cash rebate
, while the 4WD (RM133,336) gets a
RM12,000 cash rebate
!
The promotion will run from now
until the 31st of December 2019
, and is valid at all 52 Mitsubishi dealerships.


Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross scores full 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating [+Video]

The latest car to undergo the ASEAN NCAP crash safety test is the
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
 and the latest compact crossover did not disappoint. The Eclipse Cross was awarded with the full five stars ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating with an impressive overall score of 91.05 (out of 100).
The car was tested with the more stringent
ASEAN NCAP 2017 – 2020 protocols
 which take into account advanced safety assist technologies. The variant tested was the Singapore-spec 1.5-litre turbo that comes with seven airbags, ABS, ESC, autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning.
In the
Adult Occupant Protection
, the Eclipse Cross scored 35.14 out of 36 points but notably, it scored the full 16 out of 16 in the side impact test.
 Child Occupant Protection
 was scored 43.34 out of the full 49 points while it managed a respectable 14.50 points (out of 18) in the
Safety Assist Category
. All these combined gives a weighted score of 91.05 which qualifies the compact SUV for the full five stars ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.
Commenting on its results, the organisation wrote “The Eclipse Cross is the fifth model under the Mitsubishi brand tested by ASEAN NCAP. It is expected that Mitsubishi will increase its strength in producing safer and competitive SUV in the near future. As both Euro NCAP and ANCAP acknowledged the model excellent rating under their respective assessment, ASEAN NCAP also congratulates Mitsubishi for another 5-Star car in their line-up”


2022 Nissan Serena facelift now open for booking, starting from under RM150k

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)
 today opened the order books for the 2022 facelift for the
C27-generation Nissan Serena
 on its website, with pricing starting from “under RM150,000”. Two variants are on offer – 2.0L Highway Star and 2.0L Premium Highway Star, with the latter to be priced below RM165,000.
New to the 2022 Nissan Serena across both variants are the advanced driver assistance features, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, as well as rear-cross traffic alert.
The 360-degree surround view monitor, six airbags, hill-start assist, ABS (with EBD and BA), stability control, and traction control systems are also standard across both variants.
As for appearance updates, changes on the 2022 Nissan Serena facelift are mostly focused on the front fascia with its new larger and taller ‘V Motion’ grille, flanked by redesigned headlights. Round the back, the taillights have also been reworked, and now extends further downwards for a taller appearance.
The Premium Highway Star variant gets a two-tone paint job with blacked-out roof and pillars, alongside larger alloy wheels (16-inch vs 15 on the Highway Star), but that’s pretty much all the differences in terms of styling between the two variants.
RELATED: Five mods you should do for your Nissan Serena!
Equipment wise, both variants of the 2022 Nissan Serena get the automatic LED headlights as standard, alongside the signature “dual back door” split tailgate, hands-free sliding doors, as well as the standard three-row seating with “Zero Gravity” captain seats on the front and second rows.
Inside, a dual-zone air-conditioning system is standard across both variants, with control switches on the second- and third-row seats. The seven-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard across both variants, but the range-topping Premium Highway Star variant gets a larger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as opposed to the 6.75-inch unit on the standard variant.
Both displays support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and are paired to a six-speaker audio system.
Other differences include the upholstery options, where the Premium Highway Star gains the premium quilted Nappa leather in either black or brown, while the Highway Star variants only get fabric upholstery as standard, with black leatherette offered as an option.
The 2022 Nissan Serena Premium Highway Star also gains an additional 11.6-inch roof-mounted entertainment display ahead of the second-row seats, front-and-rear dashcam, as well as LED interior lighting as standard.
Powering the 2022 Nissan Serena is the same 2.0-litre direct-injection inline-four engine on both variants, which sends
150 hp
 and
200 Nm
 to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The engine is further aided by a mild-hybrid motor that adds roughly 3 hp and 50 Nm during hard acceleration, and also functions as the starter and alternator to control the idle-stop system, as well as energy recuperation into the secondary battery.
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Subaru BRZ STI Sport unveiled ahead of Tokyo, improved handling, 100 units only

Shortly after Toyota launched its limited-edition
Toyota GT 86 Limited Black Package
, Subaru has also given its twin, the BRZ some exclusive touches. Unveiled ahead of the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, only 100 units of the BRZ STI Sport will be produced for Japan.
Like the GT 86 Limited Black Package, the BRZ STI Sport gets a mildly refreshed exterior and interior to take driving enjoyment and comfort to the next level. The chassis benefits from improved body rigidity and revised suspension tuning for greater driving feel. It gets a special Cool Grey Khaki exterior just like the
limited-series WRX STI S208
.

Inside, the cabin gets a two-tone (red on black) theme, highlighting the cars sporty appeal. No details were released about the cars powerplant but expect the 2.0-litre direct-injection boxer-engine to soldier on with
197 hp
 and
205 Nm
. Drive is of course sent to the rear-wheels and a six-speed manual transmission is a given.
Full vehicle specifications will be announced during the launch and like the S208, keen buyers will only be able to purchase this special edition BRZ through a lottery process.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lexus Malaysia taking orders for facelifted ES, starts from RM259k to RM355k

Just two weeks after the
facelifted Lexus ES broke cover
, Lexus Malaysia has gone on to start taking orders for the refreshed sedan. Like before, there will be three flavours to choose from – ES 250 Premium, ES 250 Luxury and the top-of-the-range ES 300h.
There’s no word on its arrival as yet, but we expect an early entry (very likely in August or early September), perhaps much earlier than the IS200t’s scheduled arrival in late Q4 this year. Prices are ever so slightly higher from before, and start from
 RM259,200
 for the ES 250 Premium;
RM278,600
 for the ES 250 Luxury and
RM355,100
 for the ES 300h hybrid. All prices stated are OTR but excludes insurance.
2015 Lexus ES 300h
The facelift brings about more visual than mechanical updates, because what you get on the outside are auto levelling LED headlights with
 Lexus’ signature LED daytime running lights
 (both standard across all trims), brand new tail lamps, bolder spindle grille, keyless entry with push-start system, powered sunroof and a new set of
17-inch aluminium wheels
 wrapped with 215/55 profile tyres.
Inside, all trims share the new multifunction, wood-and-leather three-spoke steering wheel, backed by the familiar
Optitron instrument clusters
 now seen on the
Camry facelift
. The tri-zone auto air conditioning feature is retained, as is the 10-way power adjustable front seats.
As mentioned earlier, there are no mechanical changes done unto the car. The same
2.5-litre four-cylinder
 2AR-FE block with Dual VVT-i technology will power the ES 250 variants, whereas the ES 300h (also powered by the same engine, but gets a unique set of cams and pistons to yield optimal fuel efficiency) will get Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
Numbers remain the same;
181 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
235 Nm
 at 4,100 rpm for the 2AR-FE lump, while the hybrid’s 2AR-FXE unit makes
202 hp
 and
213 Nm
 of torque, paired to a
105kW
 (that’s 141 hp and 270 Nm equivalent) electric motor. Where the hybrid settles for an e-CVT gearbox, both ES 250 variants will get the six-speed Super ECT automatic with three driving modes – ECO, Normal and Sport.
Safety wise, the ES comes with a host of passive and active safety technologies, of which include
10-airbags as standard
, Vehicle Stability Control System, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Tyre Pressure Warning System, Hill Start Assist and Traction Control. However, features like Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be had with the ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h variants.
For those interested, you may click on
this link
 to register your interest and be among the first to know about the facelifted Lexus ES. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more updates!
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota Previa 2.4 GL launching soon in Malaysia at RM258k

The year of horse will be an aggressive and progressive year for UMW Toyota Malaysia. Grey importers or recon-car dealers in Malaysia on the other hand will face tough times ahead as UMW Toyota is on ‘assault mode’ to chew off a huge chunk of the MPV market pie. The ever popular MPV, Toyota Estima will be sold officially under UMW Toyota Malaysia as ‘Toyota Previa’. And believe it or not, the larger premium class Toyota Alphard is joining the ‘assault’ very soon.
The Toyota Estima has been well accepted and popular among Malaysians but was never sold under its official distributor UMW Toyota Malaysia. Things are about to change with the introduction of the Previa. Some may wonder why rename the MPV since ‘Estima’ has been doing so well in Malaysia. In the land of its origin, it is known as Toyota Estima, which grey importers bring in directly from Japan into Malaysia. It is sold as Toyota Previa once out of Japan and sold under official dealerships in other countries.
The estimated price was at RM270,000 when first introduced at the KLIMS 2013. Toyota has now revised the price to
RM258,000
 to make it more competitive in the market. This price is published at Toyota’s teaser webpage together with its specifications.
Available only in one variant, it is powered by a 2.4-liter VVT-i engine that produces
168 horsepower
 and
224 Nm
 of torque. Paired with a 4-speed automatic Super ECT gearbox that powers the front wheels. On the outside, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto levelling HID headlamp with AFS and LED rearlights.
Shell-coloured fabric seats inside the car with wood grain and silver finish on the dash, 6-speakers 2-DIN CD player with Tuner and MP3, and keyless entry. You may be disappointed to know there are only two airbags for such a big car; driver and front passenger side only. The good news is you get a 3-year warranty from Toyota Malaysia and a brand new
Estima
 Previa.
Here’s the full specifications released by Toyota Malaysia.
The new Toyota Previa is now open for booking. Visit
Toyota Previa teaser webpage
 for more information and to register your interest.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


VW CEO Martin Winterkorn resigns over ‘dieselgate’ scandal, succeeds by Porsche CEO Matthias Müller

This is undoubtedly a dark phase for Volkswagen amidst the ‘dieselgate’ scandal involving up to 11 million oil-burning cars that are apparently fitted with an illegal “defeat device” which allows each car to cheat strict emissions tests in the US. The magnitude of these unfortunate turn of events are so far reaching that a mid-week dip in the Dow Jones Index was observed.
A scandal of this magnitude must somehow see the top guy taking responsibility, and that man is none other than the CEO of Volkswagen AG himself,
Martin Winterkorn
. Prior to his resignation, he said he was “stunned that
misconduct
 on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group” and mentioned that the company needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel.
The Passat B8 also runs on the controversial 2.0L TDI engine
Winterkorn in his statement said “I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life. The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the
Volkswagen Group
 and its team will
overcome this grave crisis
.”
The misconduct that Winterkorn was referring to in his statement is a ‘
defeat device
‘ fitted to roughly
 482,000

VW
 and
Audi
 cars in the
US
. All these vehicles are powered by the
four-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel
 engine and have a
special software
 in the ECU that automatically detects when the car was put through
EPA
 (Environmental Protection Agency) emissions testing, thus activating full emissions control by way of reducing engine output.
Matthias Müller is Volkswagen’s new CEO
The EPA said the software allowed all US-bound VW and Audi models to fully comply with the emissions standards during
lab testing
, but in real-word driving the
 nitrogen oxides
 emissions are up to
40 times
 above the permissible limit. Under US federal law, the EPA can apply a maximum fine of
$37,500
 (RM164,193)
per car
 which means the group could face a total fine of up to
$18 billion
 (
RM78 billion
).
In light of Winterkorn’s resignation, he may receive over
$32 million
 (
RM140 million
) as part of a severance pack and has since been succeeded by Porsche’s CEO Matthias Müller.


Volkswagen keeps Lamborghini and Ducati, but no word on Bugatti sale

The Volkswagen Group has announced that the
Lamborghini
 and
Ducati
brands will remain under the VW umbrella, following a vote by the group’s supervisory board. The announcement has also confirmed that
Bentley
 will be moved under the Audi’s control beginning March 1, 2021.
The supervisory board vote is part of the VW Group’s restructuring process to realign itself towards its electrification, laid out in the Together 2025+ strategy proposed by CEO Herbert Diess.
This news comes after
months of speculations and rumours
 that Volkswagen is looking to jettison the Lamborghini and Ducati brands, alongside the sale of
Bugatti
 to EV hypercar maker
Rimac
 – there was no mention of the latter in the announcement following the supervisory board meeting.
According to a report by
Reuters
 earlier this month, Diess has effectively
forced a vote of confidence in himself
 in order to extend his contract beyond 2023, and push through the Together 2025+ strategy. Although there is no confirmation as of writing in regard to Diess’ contract, the board has “unanimously resolved to give its full support to the strategy in particular the orientation of the company towards electromobility and digitalisation”, the press release writes.

The announcement has also confirmed some of Diess’ key such as confirming Dr Arno Arlitz as the new chief financial officer, replacing Frank Witter. A new board of management role, titled “Technology” has also been announced, which will be headed by current VW Group Components CEO Thomas Schmall.
Following the new role, the Group’s Components and Procurement responsibilities will be separated from each other, the latter will be led by Murat Aksel. Volkswagen says that this move will allow the group to reduce fixed costs by 5% by 2023, while the material costs are to be reduced by 7% in the next two years.
The announcement also confirmed that the group’s headquarters in Wolfsburg will become the electric factory hub for Volkswagen. To that end, a project similar to Audi’s Artemis Project will be set up at the site to increase efficiencies during the R&D stages.


Look after your cars this MCO with Proton’s five-point inspection guide

If you’ve all been following the

Movement Control Order (MCO)
 directives diligently, chances are most of your cars have been left deprived from care for quite some time. Although
some workshops (in Selangor) are allowed to operate
, priority should still be given to the front line workers; our own maintenance services will have to wait until the MCO is lifted, currently scheduled to end on the 28th of April.
But there is no need to worry – certain simple maintenance work can be carried out by ourselves. Besides taking care of our prized possessions, working on our cars can give some much-needed peace and alone time while we’re all stuck at home (definitely not speaking from experience here).
Proton has provided some pointers for a simple five-point inspection that we can all do ourselves at home as part of their
ongoing MCO car care series
, so let’s get right to it.
Firstly, ensure that
all fluids are topped-up
 to the optimum level. There are five important fluids that we can monitor – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer – and they can all be done without starting the engine.
If you notice insufficient fluids, you can try to top it up yourself. The fluids should be attainable in bigger supermarkets (when you’re out for your grocery run), and it shouldn’t be too hard to refill – instructions should be written in the user’s manual, or

found easily via a Google search.
While the bonnet is still open, have a look at the
battery
 to ensure that the clamps are tight and clean of any corrosion, and there are no visible bulges or cracks on the surface of the battery.
It’s advisable to keep track of your battery replacement dates, as batteries generally start to run low on power after about three to four years. If you have a voltmeter at home, check that your battery is pushing out higher than 14 volts – anything lower means it’s time for a replacement. It might also be a good idea to check on the alternator at your next service, after the MCO period.
Next, check that all your
lights
 are functioning as usual. If a light is dimmer than usual, that means that the lightbulb is nearing the end of its life. A helpful tip to check the taillights is to park near to a wall, and use the rear-view mirrors to check the light bouncing off the wall.
Have a look at the
tyres
 and make sure that there are no cuts, tears and bulges. At the same time, make sure that no tyre looks flatter than the others. Ideally, use a pressure gauge to check if the tyres are properly inflated to the optimum pressure – usually written in the user’s manual, B-pillars, or fuel tank flap.
While you’re at it, ensure that the tyre treads are still serviceable using the tread indicators built into the grooves of every tyre. If the indicators are flush with the surface of the tyre, that means that it’s time to replace the tyres.
Lastly, Proton recommends checking that the
windshield wipers
 are in proper functioning condition by using the wiper washer function. If the wipers are leaving behind streaks, or making loud squeaky noises, then it’s time to replace them. We recently had a look at the
Hella Cleantech wiper blades
 – check them out to see if they’re right for you!
A general tip to wiper blades maintenance is to prop it up away from the glass if your car is parked under direct sunlight. You can also wipe the blades with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil to extend the lifetime of the wiper blades.


Video: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line, 5 Things

Aside from
introducing the highly-anticipated Arteon
, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia
also introduced the new Tiguan Allspace R-line and Highline
– priced at RM165k and RM209k respectively.
The
Highline variant
 is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with
150 hp
 and
250 Nm
, paired to a 6-speed DCT gearbox to drive the front wheels. On the other hand, the more expensive
R-Line variant
 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with
220 hp
 and
350 Nm
, paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox to drive all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4Motion system.

Compared to the Tiguan Allspace Highline, the R-Line comes with a sportier front bumper, with black accents surrounding the front fog lamps and larger 19-inch wheels compared to the 18-inch set in the Highline. The R-Line also comes with more futuristic taillight graphics compared to the Highline variant along with different finishing for the rear bumper.
The new Tiguan Allspace is available in Blue Silk, Pure White, Deep Black, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver. Each is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 3-year free scheduled service package, and a 5-year roadside assistance package.
Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
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Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line


SDAC-Ford unveils new Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition with extra aesthetic goodies – RM137k

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles here in Malaysia, has just unveiled a new special-edition model to the
Ranger XLT Plus
, which adds some extra visual flare to the pick-up truck to hopefully tide us over until the launch of the
all-new model
 here on our shores.
The special-edition model is priced at
 RM136,888
 (on the road, without insurance, registration, and road tax), making it roughly RM6,000 more expensive than the standard XLT Plus model. It’s now available for booking, with display units scheduled to hit Ford showrooms nationwide starting 10 March 2022 – although those who want to get a first look can catch it at Queensbay Mall in Penang from 24-27 February.
For RM6,000, SDAC is essentially saving you the trouble of modifying the pickup yourself, as the special-edition includes some of the most popular visual mods among Ranger buyers these days. These include the Raptor-style FORD block letter front grille, black plastic fender flare claddings replete with fake bolts, and a tube-style sports bar round the back.
Inside, the Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition model also comes with illuminated door sill scuff plates, as well as a forward-facing HD dash cam with built-in light polariser (for clearer footage), a 32 GB MicroSD memory card, and smartphone connectivity via the companion app.
ALSO READ: All-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6
Standard Ford Ranger XLT Plus
Otherwise, the rest of the equipment list and spec sheet is identical to the standard Ranger XLT Plus. Motivation is still provided by the same 2.0 litre EcoBlue turbodiesel four-pot engine, good for 180 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Standard features shared between the standard and special edition model include the LED headlights, side steps, Easy Lift tailgate, an eight-inch touchscreen SYNC 3 infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear-view reverse camera, leather upholstery, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
The new Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition will be offered in five colour options – Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, and Meteor Grey. As
announced early last year
, all Ranger pick-up trucks are now covered by Ford’s new five-year/160,000 km manufacturer’s warranty.
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Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru named Dealer of the Year 2021 by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently held an event to commemorate the efforts and success of its dealers in their operations and commitment to customer satisfaction.
A total of seven awards were given out for the Best in Financial Services, Best in Business Excellence, Best in Customer Services, Best in Sales, Best in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) 5 Star Rater, Most Improved Dealer, and Dealer of the Year 2021.
The winners are as follows:
Best in Sales – Asbenz Motors
Best in Financial Services – Hap Seng Star Kinrara
Best in Business Excellence – Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie
Best in Customer Services – BR Jaya
Best in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) – Hap Seng Star Melaka
Most Improved Dealer – Hap Seng Star Kuala Lumpur
The coveted
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2021
 award went to Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru as the dealership excelled in various aspects of the business to achieve the highest overall score.
Cycle & Carriage Bintang, CEO, Mr. Thomas Tok said, “We are extremely proud of Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru for its achievement as the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2021. This is a testament to our continuous commitment to providing the best-in-class retail and after-sales experience to all Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts across all our 11 outlets.”
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, CEO, and President, Ms. Sagree Sardien said, “For us at Mercedes-Benz, it’s about delivering a luxurious customer journey and experience. We thank our dealer partners for their continued dedication and commitment towards elevating the brand’s presence and our customers’ experience in Malaysia this past year.”
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has the largest network in the premium vehicle segment with 31 authorised dealerships nationwide.


BMW Malaysia is looking for the oldest M cars in the country – anyone has an M1?

BMW’s performance division, better known as
 BMW M
, is celebrating its golden jubilee next week. And over its decorated 50 years of history, the company with the “most powerful letter in the world” has brought us some of the most iconic cars that have ever graced our roads, and more personally, some of our most memorable drives.
So to celebrate its 50th anniversary, BMW Malaysia has launched a nationwide search for the oldest BMW M models in the country – one for every model series. If you think you know of the oldest BMW M in the country, join in the celebrations by submitting your details via
this link here
.

Winners will stand a chance to receive exclusive BMW M merchandise, and a feature of their prized vehicle by BMW Group Malaysia. One winner will be selected for every BMW M model series, with special prizes for notable submissions as well. Submissions will close on
8 June 2022
, so best get to it soon.
But what are these “iconic cars” that we speak of? Car enthusiasts like us probably already have it memorised at the back of our minds, but for the regular Joe who don’t know that they’re sitting on a pile of gold, here’s a small list to help you out.
RELATED: Classic BMW Motorsport emblem returns for 50th anniversary, all-new M2 and other specials coming
Two BMW roundel emblems, because why not.
The story of the BMW M as we know it today started in 1978 with the launch of the M1, six years after the division was formed with just a small huddle of 35 engineers within the BMW Group to work on motorsports projects. To this day, it remains as one of the most revered sports cars in the planet, with only 456 units ever produced.
The M1 holds dear especially to motorsports fans, too, as it went on to spawn the
BMW M1 Procar
. The BMW M1 Procar championship, which ran only two years in 1979 to 1980, saw two legendary drivers – the late Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet – crowned champions in the respective years.
RELATED: This video of the BMW M1 on a hill climb will blow your mind and ear drums!
And then, there’s the M635CSi making its debut in 1984 as one of the most significant models in the history of the BMW M. Affectionately named ‘Sharknose’ and ‘Bayern-express’ by its most ardent fans, the M635CSi took the same high-performance inline-six engines concept of the M1 but marrying it to the luxury of the first-ever 6 Series model, paving the way for the M cars that we know and love today.
From then on, the rest is history, as they often say. The first (official)
 BMW M5
 followed shortly after with the E28 in 1985, and just a year later saw the introduction of the iconic E30 BMW M3.
Over the years, each iteration of the M cars became better than they were ever before, and in between the “regular” model series BMW also gifted us several instant cult classics including the “clown shoe” Z3 M Roadster and 1M Coupe. Today, the BMW M line-up has grown significantly to now even include SUVs.
It’s starting to sound like we’re writing a love letter here (
which isn’t too far removed from the truth, to be fair
), so we’ll just stop here for now. But if you have a classic BMW M car in your garage, be sure to send it in to BMW Malaysia – because we know for a fact there are many more people out there waiting to share the love.


All-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5

If the
BMW 3 Series
 is the quintessential sports sedan, then the 5-er is perhaps
the
 executive car. In other words, the long-awaited launch of the all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series today doesn’t just mark the start of a new era for the model, but also for its market segment.
That’s because the
5 Series
will now also be offered for the first time ever in a fully-electric i5 guise, joining the Munich-based carmaker’s ever-expanding line-up of EVs. And with that, the business sedan space will soon be changed forever.
But before all that, the basics: the all-new BMW 5 Series has grown in all dimensions over
 its predecessor
, measuring 97 mm longer (with a 20 mm longer wheelbase), 32 mm wider, and 36 mm taller. Viewed from its profile, though, and you’ll still see all of the hallmark 5 Series silhouette, including the long hood and sloped roofline – just with a little longer overhangs both front and back.
It’s styled around a new cleaner and “reduced” design language that’s supposed to bring out the new 5-er’s “sporty elegance and presence”, although you may argue that they’ve perhaps gone a little too overboard with that at the back, as it ends up looking a little anonymous in our opinion – just like the
 7 Series
.
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BMW i7 eDrive50 unveiled – New entry-level variant, up to 611km of range

The front of the all-new BMW 5 Series is still dominated by the (now larger) signature kidney grille, featuring a more geometric shape, covered mesh with 14 vertical louvres, and an illuminated outline if you so wish. Thanks to its M designation, the range-topping i5 M60 xDrive variant also gets an M-exclusive conjoined grille with a unique high gloss black plastic cover.
As for lighting, BMW says the new headlights are a reinterpretation of the marque’s signature twin headlights, featuring the new vertically-aligned daytime-running lights that also doubles as the turn indicators. Ditto the tail lights at the back, where the now-iconic ‘L’ shape is squashed into a slimmer three-dimensional enclosure.
The clean side profile is underscored by only the twin character lines, one high up above the door handles, and another at the bottom that kicks up towards the rear to give the executive sedan a more athletic stance.
On the mention of door handles, the flush items work alongside other aerodynamic touches, including a clean underbody and aerodynamic wheels, to give the all-new BMW 5 Series a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.
Inside, the dashboard borrows significantly from the BMW 7 Series, including the steering wheel that’s taken wholesale from its elder brother. The optional illuminating interaction bar is also from the 7, but it now gets a new split design, where the centre stack curves slightly towards the driver for the signature “driver-focused” layout.
Otherwise, the rest of the cabin is fairly standard for a BMW. The Curved Display up top, which combines the 12.3-inch instrumentation panel and the 14.9-inch infotainment display, now runs on the marque’s latest Linux-based iDrive 8.5 system (not the
upcoming Android-based iDrive 9.0
), offering
gaming
 and
video streaming applications
 to help pass time while charging.
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The advanced driver assistance features have also been significantly upgraded here, including an expanded range of systems for partially automated driving and parking in selected markets (due to regulatory reasons).
With the new Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change Assistant features, drivers can now take their hands off the steering wheel completely at up to speeds of 130 km/h, letting the car change lane autonomously by just looking at the exterior mirror.
The new Parking Assistant Professional system meanwhile allows for automated parking and manoeuvring of up to 200 metres, and can even be controlled outside the vehicle via a smartphone app.
At launch, the fully electric BMW i5 will be offered in two setups: an entry-level i5 eDrive40 i5, and the i5 M60 xDrive. The former sports a single motor on the rear axle making
250 kW (340 hp)
and
430 Nm
 of torque, translating to a century sprint in under six seconds, and a top speed of
193 km/h
.
The range-topping M60 xDrive variant meanwhile gets a twin-motor all-wheel drive set-up, making a combined
440 kW (590 hp)
 and up to
 820 Nm
 on Sport Boost mode. With launch control activated, the M-badged electric 5-er accelerates from 0-100 km/h in
3.8 seconds
, while top speed is limited at
230 km/h
.
BMW says the all-new i5 features “extensively enhanced
fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology
“. And even though it’s still relying on the old flexible CLAR platform, the batteries are still located in the underbody, which means its capacity can be expanded to a usable content of 81.2 kWh, translating to a WLTP ranges of up to
516 km
 on the twin-motor i5 M60 xDrive, and
582 km
 on the eDrive40.
A new Max Range function trades off power and comfort features to further boost driving range by up to 25%. To charge, an on-board 11 kW AC charger is standard (upgradeable to 22 kW), while DC fast charging support of up to 205 kW means you’ll be able to top it up from 10-80% SoC in around 30 minutes.
The use of the CLAR platform also allows for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure ICE options on the 5 Series, with this generation being the last for the latter. BMW did not reveal the full list of available powertrain options, only noting that the offerings will differ according to market.
We do know, however, that they’ll all be electrified via 48V mild hybrid technology, and there’ll at least be a 520i option offering up 208 hp and a 530i option with 255 hp, both utilising a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox combo, followed by two plug-in hybrid variants (and a new all-wheel drive i5) in 2024.
Despite everything that’s new, BMW claims that the new 5-er is still indisputably a bimmer, boasting a chassis that’s designed for a “unique balance between driving dynamics and travel comfort”, thanks to its “almost perfectly balanced” 50:50 weight distribution, and a new suspension layout consisting of double wishbones in front and a five-link set-up at the rear.
The fully electric BMW i5 rides on air suspension to manage the extra weight, although all 5 Series variants can be equipped with electronically-controlled suspensions, Active Roll Stabilisation, rear wheel steering, and even M Sport kit to amp up its driving performance.
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