Sime Darby Motors officially launches Motors City with six flagship 3S centres, costing RM570 million

For those driving along the old Subang Airport road (or Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang) in Selangor, you would have noticed the massive building complex housing various automotive brands in Ara Damansara. Sime Darby Motors today officially launched this automotive facility housing
six flagship 3S centres
, touted as the
largest
 in the Southeast Asia region.
Built at a cost of approximately
RM570 million
 on a land size spanning 8.6 acres, the eight-level Sime Darby Motors City (SDMC) automotive complex has an overall built-up area of 1.3 million square feet and house eight automotive brands plus Sime Darby Motor’s own
pre-owned car
 division.
The brands that are operating in SDMC are BMW, MINI, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford and Hyundai. BMW’s Motorrad motorcycles also have a dedicated 3S facility within the Auto Bavaria section of the automotive complex.
In total, the floor space can display more than
180 vehicles
, almost 200 service bays and close to
700 parking

bays
 for customers. The complex is also a Green Building Index (GBI) certified facility with sustainability in mind and incorporates technologies to cultivate a paperless organisational culture.
SDMC is Malaysia’s first automotive facility that employs the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, featuring systems such as vehicle tracking management (from customer check-in to servicing), automated number plate recognition and smartphone application.
The implementation of IoT is key to ensure the delivery of world-class services to customers with greater efficiencies and a seamless experience.
With the electric vehicle (EV) revolution already started, SDMC has its workforce trained to handle EVs plus designating special areas for EV charging, storing and repairs, which are currently available at BMW and MINI’s Auto Bavaria, Auto Hyundai,
Porsche’s Auto Performance
 and
Volvo’s Swedish Auto
.
Outside of the Porsche centre, a
175kW DC fast charging
 station has also been installed, delivering a near-full charge to the fully electric
Porsche Taycan
 in
36 minutes
.
Apart from new vehicles, trading-in of existing vehicles can also be done with
myTukar
, Malaysia’s fastest growing online used car trading platform. SDMC will be myTukar’s showcase centre.
To commemorate the launch, Sime Darby Motors City will be organising a “Grand Launch Weekend” with
attractive deals
 across the six flagship stores between 16 and 18 April 2021 (this weekend). Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many attractive deals specifically for this weekend and capitalise on the government’s vehicle sales tax exemption which will expire on June 30th 2021.
Sime Darby Motors City is located at No.6, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
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You can now book a Proton X70 SUV online

Proton Cars have just opened another booking channel for keen buyers of their upcoming
Proton X70 SUV
. From 17 October 2018 onwards, customers can now place a booking for an X70 through the company’s
online booking platform
. And to commemorate the launch of this platform, customers who wish to book an X70 from today till 19 October will only have to pay a booking fee of just RM99!
Customers who want to book a unit are required to fill in their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Once the details are filled in, customers will be directed to a payment gateway where they will process the booking fee complete with a system-generated receipt.
An appointed Proton sales representative will then contact the customer within seven days to complete the booking process. As per standard operating procedure at a physical Proton outlet, the booking fee is
fully refundable
 should the customer does not proceed with the purchase.
Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, Abdul Rashid Musa said: “After studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets.”
We know that the Proton X70 will be offered in
four variants
, all spotting the same 1.8-litre T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed automatic that develops
183 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of torque. The innovative 8.0-inch touchscreen
GKUI infotainment system with Voice Command
 that has been calibrated to recognise “Malaysian English” and indirect commands.
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Hyundai Sonata facelift spotted with Staria LEDs – Last hurrah before discontinuation?

Photos of the
Hyundai Sonata

facelift have surfaced on Korean car portals, apparently taken while filming was taking place. Joining the Staria, Stargazer, Grandeur, and all-new Kona, the facelifted Sonata now sports the same continuous LED front end.
The facelift is based on the current-generation Hyundai Sonata which was launched in Malaysia in October 2020. The Korean D-segment saloon is now no longer available on the Hyundai Malaysia website. When the current generation was launched, it fetched a price of
RM206,888
.
Photo:
thekoreancarblog
Sales of the current-generation Hyundai Sonata have been sluggish, unlike its predecessors. Its radical design is perhaps a little too much for most of its customer base to stomach. Hyundai even tried to spice things up on the current-generation Sonata with an “
N Line Night Edition
” back in October 2021. In May 2022, it was reported that Hyundai might soon cease production of the Hyundai Sonata to make way for more electrified models.
The latest facelift of the Hyundai Sonata could be the brand’s last hurrah at saving the Hyundai Sonata. The blurry spotted photos of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata show it in red body colour and what seems to be the ‘N Line’ trim of the D-segment saloon.
RELATED:
This all-black Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition looks lit!
Photo:
thekoreancarblog
In Hyundai’s model lineup, one model that would be the closest indicator of the facelifted Sonata’s styling would be the Hyundai Grandeur. It is the only low-riding Hyundai that has been given the ‘continuous LED’ treatment so far. The continuous LED design provides a simpler yet more futuristic look compared to the radical styling of the current Sonata.
With only the blurry images available as reference, photoshop artists have been quick to produce renderings of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata. While the front end has been given a huge revamp, the rear end still looks largely the same.
RELATED:
All-new Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia – RM207K
Render by
Gotcha Cars
To recap, the Hyundai Sonata that was launched in Malaysia is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes
180 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
232 Nm
 at 4,000 rpm. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
What are your thoughts on the facelifted Hyundai Sonata? Let us know in the comments!
ALSO WATCH:
2020 Hyundai Sonata, 5 Things


McLaren introduces limited edition Can-Am 650S Spyder, only 50 units will ever be made [+Video]

In no time at all, McLaren will be taking the knife to a big birthday cake adorned with sparklers and a big 5-0 plastered in icing on the face of it. But this isn’t just anyone’s birthday, it is the 50th anniversary of the company’s presence and victory in the Can-Am race series that first took place in 1966. Sadly, we can’t confirm the existence of the birthday cake with the scrumptious icing, but we can confirm that the company will be decking out its 650S Spyder model in the original livery. Only 50 units will see the light of day.
Now before we go on with figures like power, torque, price and all that lot, perhaps it be a good idea to revisit that momentous win back in
1966
. The
 Canadian-American Challenge Cup
 known simply as Can-Am was a race series born in the
mid-sixties
 and was a spectacle to behold. The race series had such minimal regulations that the only ones abounded were the cars’
dimensions
,
minimal safety
 equipment, and the requirement for
 enclosed wheels
 and
 two seats
. Everything else was a free-for-all and was an engineer’s wet dream.
Based on the
FIA’s Group 7
, these cars threw caution and regulations to the wind. Bruce McLaren’s car in the ’66 season was powered by a
 small-block Chevy V8
 motor that reportedly produced in excess of
 900 hp
 and weighed an astonishing
800 kg
. These cars were rockets to say the least. It was circa this period in time that the company’s
 trademark orange
 shade of paint came into existence. Spurred on by the win in ’66, these heroic chaps continued on with their march to victory. Fast forward to June 1970, the company had been hard at work building and designing their own
aluminium monocoque chassis
 and
powertrains
 for the upcoming season.
On the morning of June the second 1970 in
Goodwood
, Bruce McLaren was out testing their latest forerunner when the rear bodywork of his prototype
 M8D
 detached during testing resulting in a
 fatal high-speed crash
. McLaren continued to succeed in Can-Am after Bruce’s death with a number of other drivers, but with Porsche’s
turbocharged flat-12 engines
 and a soaring development budget meant that they guys weren’t able keep up with the mighty Porch 917. Although private McLarens continued to race, the factory concentrated its efforts into
 Formula One
.

Back to the 650S Can-Am Spyder. In honouring the momentous victory 50 years ago, McLaren has decided to paint the 650S in that same shade of red shared on Bruce’s car.
Three
 colours will be offered –
Mars Red
,
Papaya Spark
 and
Onyx Black
. Performance figures remain largely unchanged over the standard 650S Spyder with
 641 hp
 and
678 Nm
 of torque from the company’s award-winning
 3.8-litre V8
 that’s capable of catapulting the spyder from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere
three seconds
. Keep your foot mashed up to the pedal and you’ll see the speedo tick past
330 km/h
.
Having said that, only 50 prime examples built by McLaren’s Spec Ops (MSO) division will ever see the light of day with a sticker price of £255,850 (
RM1,629,347
).
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UMW Toyota Motor records strong sales figures in April

UMW Toyota Motor
, distributor and manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, reported a strong and positive month of sales in April where they sold 9,280 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
The performance in the month of April was heavily influenced by the
recently launched Corolla Cross
 and
all-new 4th generation Harrier
. The Corolla Cross
starts from RM124k
while the 4th generation Harrier is only available in one variant,
at RM249k
.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an extremely challenging year for both manufacturers and consumers, but measures put in place by the Government has successfully restored and strengthened consumer purchasing power,” said Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama.
He also attributed the growth in sales to the timely introduction of numerous new models that have been able to firmly establish new benchmarks in the various vehicle segments with enhanced technological and safety features, styling and driving dynamics.

“The new generation of Toyota vehicles retains all the hallmarks of being reliable, robust, economical, and practical but brings forward new levels of comfort, performance and driving enjoyment that resonates strongly with the evolving requirements of a new generation of consumers,” he added.
Alongside the sales performance announcement, UMWT also announced the opening of a new 2S Sales and Service Centre in Cheras
(PDC Automobile)
, and the opening of two new 3S Sales, Service and Spare Parts Centres by Mutiara Motorsport in Johor Bahru, Johor, and
HLT Temerloh

in Kemaman, Terengganu
.
In conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, keep a lookout for UMWT’s annual Hari Raya Festive Film titled “Umi Pembaris” which will be released this week.


All-new Ford Ranger launched with funky new headlamps and oversized display

The wraps are finally off. After plenty of
teasers
 announcing the arrival of the new pick-up truck, Ford has officially unveiled the new Ranger, an incredibly important product here in the Asia Pacific as their passenger car and SUV business has zero presence unlike the Japanese brands.
On the exterior, the new Ford Ranger has perhaps the boldest front design, thanks to a high mounted angular bonnet, large C-clamp shaped headlamps and accompanying DRLs overridden by a bold, full-height grille. The range-topping Wildtrak gets fancy LED projector units, while the XLT and new Sport variants feature reflector units.
At the rear, the simple tailgate has been finely sculpted and now has the ‘Ranger’ branding stamped. Similar to the front, technical-looking LED taillamps are used. A great feature, that was seen in the American Ford Maverick compact pick-up, are the integrated steps at the rear corners of the new Ranger. Another novel feature on the tailgate of the new Ranger is the fitment of a ruler, forming part of a temporary workbench for tradesmen.
At the side, the new Ford Ranger now features functional fender air vents and continue to be a powertrain indicator (such as V6 in the photos of the Wildtrak and Bi Turbo for the XLT). A 50-mm longer wheelbase has been added via movement of the front axle forward together with 50 mm wider tracks for more stability and better off-road performance.
Similar to the current Wildtrak, grey highlights are seen to be applied to the front grille, sports bar, rear bumper, side mirrors and the 18-inch rims wrapped with Goodyear Wrangler AT/S terrain tyres in 255/65R18 size.
Inside, the new Ranger sees the biggest departure from its previous generation as well as
rivals
. One cannot miss the large central infotainment display, measuring at least 10.1 inches for the entry variants and 12.1 inches for the Wildtrak. Ford says moving the increasing number of driver requested features into touch screen operation simplifies the user interface, a similar step seen in the newer models such as the Mustang Mach-E and
Ford F-150 Lightning
.
A large portrait-oriented infotainment display also allows more information to be displayed, especially more detailed data during off-road adventures as well as the 360-degree camera system.
Other wow features in the new Ford Ranger include a new short-throw shift-by-wire gear selector, soft-touch materials on the dashboard as well as an electric parking brake.
Under the bonnet, a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel makes its debut in the Ford Ranger and the existing
2.0-litre single (180 hp) and bi-turbo (213 hp)
 units continue to be made available. Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed automatic complementing the current six-speed unit. More details on the powertrain will be shared according to respective market launches.
The new Ford Ranger will also feature a new full-time 4×4 system joining the existing part-time 4×4 with an electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement system. Based on images of the interior of the Wildtrak, we also noticed a new 4A mode accompanying the 2H, 4H and 4L drive modes, as well as a
new off-road
 programme switch or Terrain Management System (TMS).
As more and more consumers are moving from SUVs to pick-ups, Ford has paid more attention to tuning the suspension of the new Ranger to be more comfortable. Apart from the aforementioned front suspension relocation, the rear dampers are shifted outboard of the frame rails to give occupants a better ride on all surfaces in all usage.
The information released today by Ford Asia Pacific is just a brief on the new Ford Ranger. We can expect more details as the respective regional launches gets nearer. The new Ford Ranger continues to be made in Thailand and a new facility in South Africa.
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2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak
2022 Ford Ranger Sport
2022 Ford Ranger XLT


This classic 420 hp Volvo P1800 is so beautiful it’ll make you cry

If there is one car made this year that’s so beautiful, it can make a grown man giggle and cry at the same time, it should be this – the Volvo P1800 Cyan made by Cyan Racing. Cyan Racing was the mastermind behind the first world title-winning Volvo race car and the Volvo C30 Polestar Concept Prototype. It is also motorsport partners with the Geely Group.
But forget all that and let’s just gawk at the marvel they’ve created. They’ve literally taken an original P1800 classic from 1964 and made it more rigid with high strength steel to go with a new carbon fibre body.
As a result, the Volvo P1800 Cyan weighs just 990 kg. Scary stuff when you consider how much power it now makes – 420 hp and 455 Nm of torque. That’s
as much power as a Mercedes-AMG A 45
 in a car that
weighs less than a Perodua Myvi
! Power now comes from the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the world title-winning Volvo S60 TC1 race car.
It’s said to be a turbocharged engine with “the linear power delivery of a naturally-aspirated engine”. With a redline of 7,700 rpm, a 5-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential and newly swapped Cyan-designed independent rear suspension, this rear-wheel drive restomod is just to die for.
“The power peaks late. It is designed for high revs a lot, with the torque intuitively linear to the pedal. We have learnt from racing where the drivers want perfect control of the torque, increasing precision and driving pleasure at the same time,” said Cyan Racing.
As the Volvo P1800 was built with driving purity and driver connection in mind, it is void of all driving aids such as stability control, ABS or even a brake booster. Helping maintain the P1800 Cyan’s composure on the tarmac are 2-way adjustable dampers and bespoke lightweight components such as aluminium double wishbones.
“The car goes where you point it. You can be brutal going into a corner and still find your apex and exit within millimetres. The settings of the car are not aimed at fast lap times but rather to deliver an enjoyable and exciting driving experience,” said Cyan Racing.
Brakes are 4-pot caliper units in the front and back, tucked behind 18-inch forged rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 235/40 tyres at the front and 265/35 at the rear. The only assurance of safety behind the wheel of the Volvo P1800 is a roll cage made of titanium.
Probably wouldn’t stop you from driving its wheels out, wouldn’t you?
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Final teaser before the new Mercedes-Benz CLA makes its global debut

The global debut of the
all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA
 is just around the corner and the company has just released a final teaser of what they will be showing at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening from 8 to 11 January.
In this extensive trailer, we can tell that the CLA will occupy a different space compared to the
A-Class sedan
. Differentiating cues include a sharper front end, fastback silhouette and a more intricate taillamp design with a three-dimensional look. All these are consistent with the brand’s promise of the CLA being the “most emotional vehicle of its class”.

Inside, the cabin appears to be taken lock, stock and barrel from the
W177 A-Class
 from the widescreen cockpit, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system – which will have improved functions – turbine air vents and centre console layout.
One feature that appears to be unique to the CLS is what Mercedes-Benz calls Interior Assistant which activates the passenger side reading light for better illumination. Not sure how does it add to the convenience but hey, another item to the add to the list of things that will impress your friends on top of the 64-colour ambient lighting.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA should feature the full range of powertrain options from the new A-Class starting from the 163 hp/250 Nm 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol up to the
banging four-pot from AMG
.
IMAGE GALLERY
New Mercedes-Benz CLA Teaser


Throwback Thursday: Brad Pitt in a Toyota Corolla Altis TV commercial

Remember the time when Brad Pitt was in a Toyota Corolla Altis TV commercial? Is it all coming back to you; the sweet memories of tacky TV commercials from the early 2000s?
You’re most welcome. The year was 2002 and as a 12 year old then, I was wondering what on earth was someone with the rugged good looks of Brad Pitt’s doing in a tacky TV commercial featuring a rather mediocre vehicle accompanied by Ricky Martin’s then hit-song “Shake Your Bon-Bon”. Toyota’s intention then was to pair up one of the hottest Hollywood assets with one of the most well-known names in the automotive industry.
There were even two versions of it – one with Brad being stuck in traffic and the other with him leaving a swarm of colleagues at the office for a drive in the Corolla Altis.
15 years on, turns out there’s nothing mediocre about the 9th generation Corolla Altis with countless numbers of them still going strong – aesthetically and mechanically. Overtime it has even built a reputation for being unquestionably reliable, practical and now, even cheap to own.
A quick check on Mudah.my will show that a 1.6-litre or even a 1.8-litre variant can be had for as little as RM 16,000 – more or less the price of a used
first-generation Perodua Myvi
 – and that’s a lot of car for that money.
No doubt the pale fabric/pseudo wood interior may look a little dated now but it still offers plenty value for the Ringgit – a capable VVT-i powerplant, Traction Control with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) in the 1.8 model, plenty of room in the cabin and massive boot space.
The 11th generation Toyota Corolla Altis – what a long way it has come.
Back tracking to the TV commercial, it was not without some controversy caused by local government officials (supposedly by the then deputy information minister) demanding for the commercial to be banned. He claimed that “using a non-asian’s face” would invoke inferiority and be insulting to Asians.
“Why must we used their face” was the famous question asked. I mean how insecure can a person be? It could be Homer Simpson behind the wheel for all we care – so long as it leaves an impression, it works.
Whether it triggered his own inferiority, we will never know. One thing is for sure, the 2002 Toyota Corolla Altis outlasted almost every car of its generation, is still thriving today and will certainly outlast the man and the memory of his ridiculous remarks.
Credit:
 johnhsaioken
 /
gustavo mendonca
 /
Favcars.com


Review: Proton Saga 1.3 Premium – Truly the people’s car

Being the longest-standing Proton model, the Saga nameplate is no stranger to Malaysians. With its low entry price, the Proton Saga has played an important role in our lives for many generations, especially in the “my first car” category.
Everyone has a Saga story, and for me, the Proton Saga was precisely my first car, some eight years ago. You can probably imagine what an emotional experience it has been for me to drive the latest Proton Saga again, and I am happy to report that it was a great one. I assure you that this is not me looking through my rose-tinted glasses.
The
2019 Proton Saga
 has been priced down across the board, topping off at RM39,800 for the Premium variant we have here. Despite seeing a reduction in price, the Saga is still improved in almost every aspect – take for example the styling changes, where Proton has seemingly breathed a fresh new life onto the Saga.
Quantitatively, not much has actually changed in terms of design. However, the few strokes of the brush have made substantial improvements to the rather bland A-segment sedan, and dare we say, even making it look classy.
The good news continues inside, too. It’s hard to imagine that a entry-level A-segment sedan comes with these many bells and whistles, but the Proton Saga surprises over and over again. When was the last time that you’ve seen a RM40,000 car come factory equipped with a seven-inch touch-screen infotainment system?
Sure, the Android-based infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive to use, and it doesn’t come with Proton’s now-iconic “Hi Proton” voice command functionalities, but at this price point, the mere fact of it being included should be applauded in our opinion.
The infotainment system is paired to a great set of speakers too, perfect for the young’uns and their Spotify playlist of the latest hits. The audio performance is further enhanced by the quiet cabin, a true testament to the refinement Proton has engineered onto the entry-level sedan.
Refinement is the keyword here, not just in terms of noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), but in little quality of life improvements too, such as the water-proof fabric seats, padded storage tray, and remote boot release.
The Proton Saga has always been seen as the underdog in the segment in recent years, especially in terms of build quality and value for money. With the new facelift model though, it’s hard to justify that claim anymore – and we haven’t even got to the driving part yet.
Historically, Proton cars have always protrayed the best handling capabilities in its class, and the latest Saga is no exception. Although focus has been placed on comfort, the Saga will not look out of place when it encounters the odd back-road, where it handles bends with absolute poise.
Negotiating changes in direction feels natural on the chassis, to the extent that some might even consider it exciting. Though, the steering feel is a slight let down with minimal feedback, due to it being tuned for better maneuverability in urban areas.
On the highway, the Proton Saga struts along confidently, and the 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine generates enough power (95 hp, 120 Nm) to propel it up to the national speed limit. However, overtaking other cars at highway speeds might need a little more motivation.
Proton has also switched out the infamous Punch CVT for a Hyundai-sourced four-speed automatic gearbox in the facelifted Saga. Besides being a cost-cutting measure, the new gearbox has also completely transformed the way the compact sedan drives.
The new four-speed slushbox will happily pull revs up to the 4,000 RPM range, making the Saga feel chirpy and eager to respond. Do I wish that there’s another gear at the top end? Sure – especially for highway cruising. However, the new four-speed automatic is more than sufficient – nay, perfect – for urban applications.
In many ways, the 2019 Proton Saga has returned to its roots as a reliable and dependable car, that can still be fun to drive. Tack on the added refinement and the extra kit, it’s no doubt that Proton has hit this one right out of the park.
With the lowered price point, the Proton Saga is once again the recommendation for a great first car. But perhaps more importantly, it also ticks a lot of the boxes to be the only car you might ever need – in other words, a true people’s car.

2019 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium Specifications:
Engine
1,332cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder VVT
Transmission
4-speed Automatic
Max Power
95 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Max Torque
120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Price (OTR W/O Insurance)
RM39,800
IMAGE GALLERY


2017 Ford Fiesta unveiled, 1.0-litre EcoBoost gets cylinder deactivation!

Apart from the
Focus
, the another important nameplate for the Blue Oval is the Ford Fiesta. Over six generations and with millions sold, the Ford Fiesta has proven its worth as an affordable and fun alternative for many countries, especially in the UK.
The outgoing
sixth-generation Fiesta
 was the first model to be sold globally, including Malaysia. The outgoing Fiesta, known for its fun driving characteristic, has been a tremendous sales success in the UK, with the hottest equivalent, the
ST
, being one of the best hot hatches in the market.
With that in mind, the successor has big shoes to fill. That won’t be a problem though, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Firstly, the new Fiesta’s dimension is slightly larger than its outgoing model. The new face is also a nice welcome, and it’s more evolutionary than a full blown facial overhaul. The front grille is inspired by the
facelifted Focus
, while the swept back headlights now being more compact than before. Changes are more obvious at the back, as seen with the number plate and LED tail lights.
Available in three- and five-door trims, this B-segment supermini is offered in four variants:
Active, Vignale, Titanium
 and
ST-Line
. The Vignale on the other hand, seems to be the more premium variant of the lot.
New to the range is the Active trim (pictured below): a
crossover
 variant of the Fiesta with a higher ground clearance. Ford insist this will not replace the
EcoSport
, but more as an additional choice for potential buyers.
The ST-line meanwhile is the sportiest of the bunch, and gives us a glimpse of what the new Fiesta ST will look like, remotely or not.
Inside, gone are the cluttered buttons on the centre console. In its place is an all-new 8-inch touchscreen interface with SYNC3 system. The Bang & Olufsen PLAY Sound System is also offered for the first time. Soft-touch materials are used on the dashboard while at the top trim receives powered panoramic sunroof as well.
The highlight of the new Fiesta is the implementation of
cylinder deactivation
 in its
1.0-litre EcoBoost engine
. This technology is a world-first for a three potter. Joining the engine lineup are several TDCI turbodiesel engines, which is a first for the model.
However, no technical specifications have been revealed so far. Expect Ford to retain its range of four-cylinder engines, including the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit for the ST.
The new Fiesta was unveiled at the company’s Go Further event in Germany, but not much details are available at press time. Expect the Fiesta to arrive on our shores sometime late next year, or in 2018. Stay tuned for more updates on the new Fiesta!
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW offers in-car football live streaming in a test programme, projected on Curved Display

BMW has announced that it’s the first car manufacturer to provide Bundesliga German football league content in a vehicle in a pilot test. To access the Bundesliga in-car app’s functions, the user will have to activate the Personal eSIM in their respective BMW vehicles. The system utilises the vehicle’s antenna to provide high-speed 5G football streaming via mobile date services.
Selected content from the Bundesliga – Germany premier football league – will be made available via an app on the BMW Curved Display – as seen on models such as the
BMW iX
 and the
facelift 3 Series
; both of which are available in Malaysia.
The Bundesliga in-car app will also be available in the new
BMW 7 Series
 but for now, it’s only limited for use in Germany. BMW said the feature will eventually be rolled out to other regions of Europe, America and Asia. The pilot programme is scheduled to run until March 31, 2024.
For safety reasons, the video content in the Bundesliga in-car app will only be available for viewing while the vehicle is stationary. This should also help users get through waiting times when the vehicle is being charged at charging stations. Last year, BMW announced a
partnership with AirConsole
, an online video game provider, to offer video games in BMW vehicles with the Curved Display.
The pilot programme focuses on on-demand content such as highlights or match data, but will also offer selected live content. When the vehicle is moving, users will only be able to listen to an audio stream of the contents. BMW pointed out that it expands to other regions, it will continuously improve the Bundesliga in-car app via over-the-air updates.


Here are 3 things we liked about the new Mitsubishi Xpander so far

The locally-assembled
Mitsubishi Xpander was officially launched last week
 to the tune of
RM91,359
including SST exemptions. On the same day, we borrowed a test unit for a couple of hours to shoot our
usual introductory video
 of the car and in that brief period of time, the 7-seater crossover as
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
wants to call it did spring a few pleasant surprises.
We got the Apple CarPlay going and went straight to Spotify for some tunes, as is the case with most of you, and here’s what surprised us first –
the sound system
.
It’s got six speakers and nothing more Mitsubishi could shout about but both myself and the videographer were not expecting that level of sound quality at all. It didn’t have the strongest bass but tunes were crisp and sharp and did not crack even when we turned the volume up. What we found to be quite intrusive was how the music goes off entirely, instead of fading out, when Waze is giving out directions.
It also led us to notice another thing, the Xpander’s
cabin insulation
. When Mitsubishi
previewed the Xpander to us weeks before its launch
, it was repeatedly highlighted to us that the glass used for the front and rear windows are thicker than industry standards and how it’ll have a positive effect on noise insulation.
Of course, we took it with a pinch of salt but as we were driving around Petaling Jaya, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, the effect was hard to ignore. Now we won’t go so far as to say that it’s as quiet as the
Subaru XV
, which in our opinion is the segment benchmark in this department, but it’s noticeable how much of the wind noise is blocked out, especially at higher speeds.
And then there’s
the way it rides
. It felt more composed than I had expected it to be and did not feel as if I was balancing a kayak. Body roll was minimal and there’s a sense of sure-footedness from the firmness of the “
Lancer Evolution-inspired suspension
“.
It was hard to not notice some of the glaring shortcomings of the car though; like its performance. It felt adequate in urban areas but the Xpander was only carrying us two then. We can’t help but wonder how it would cope with a full load.
Also, while we were positioning the car at various angles for our shoot, it was hard to ignore the quality of the reverse camera display. Simply put, it does enough to give you an idea of what’s behind the car and that’s it.
There’s plenty more of the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift to share we reckon, so keep your eyes peeled. We’ve also got a full review coming up on YouTube very soon!


This could be our closest look at the Nissan 400Z “Z Proto” yet

It’s been eight months since Nissan
unveiled the Z Proto
, the prototype (hence the name) previewing the upcoming Z model that’s heavily rumoured to be called the 400Z, which means we’ve pretty much seen all we had to see through the officially-provided photos.
Despite the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”, there’s only so much still images can show us. Thankfully, a new
walkaround video
 by
Drive 615
, who had exclusive access to the Z Proto in the United States, has just given us perhaps the closest look we’ve ever got at the retro-inspired sports car.

The first thing that jumps out to us when looking at the car in video form, is just how pretty its silhouette is – from the long bonnet, roofline, to the sloping roofline with its iconic katana-shaped accent trim, all taking inspiration from the original 240Z.
From the official photos, the Z Proto frankly looked rather basic overall. We liked the clean looks, but many people have rightfully criticised it as being a bit “boring”. In the walkaround video though, the camera does manage to capture some more minor details on the body work that you may have missed, such as the significantly flared wheel arches and discreet character lines.
The rear end of the Nissan Z Proto also looks incredibly gorgeous in the video, especially with the direct sunlight bringing out details such as the carbon fibre weave on the bumper insert. With the prototype being repositioned, we also got a glance at how the tail lights illuminate while braking and reversing.
Moving inside, we also got a closer look at the special three-dimensional piping on the seat backs, as well as the three analogue gauges on top of the dashboard, all covered by their own little suede hoods on top.
Although this is still a prototype, the entire interior already looks pretty much production-ready, as it even comes with proper door cards with cupholders. Don’t be surprised to see the entire interior pretty much replicated on the actual production Nissan 400Z.
Byron, the video host standing at a massive 196 cm tall, also noted that despite its small-ish appearance from the outside, the cabin is actually surprisingly spacious, with “a couple inches” of headroom to spare.
As we’ve mentioned repeatedly, the car you’re looking at is still a prototype, so there’s no mention of any technical details in the video. However, it is heavily rumoured to feature a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine lifted from other Infiniti models, purpotedly making 400 hp (where the 400Z name comes from) and 500 Nm. At least, we got to hear it a little bit in the video.
Nissan hasn’t officially confirmed the production of the upcoming Z car just yet, although the camouflaged mule has already been spotted multiple times carrying out validation tests on the public roads.
The Nissan Z Proto was also
previously spotted
 completely uncovered in a logistics hub, which further added onto our confirmation bias that it’ll actually be made into an actual production vehicle. And just in case you can’t tell, we’re really,
really
 excited.


The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe now looks better than before

Shortly after the release of the
facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC
, the updates have also found its way to its sleeker coupe twin. The refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe now adorns tweaked exterior styling, upgraded tech and EQ Boost mild hybrid system for the powertrain.
Like the regular GLC,
the GLC Coupe spots new headlamps, restyled bumpers and new taillamp graphics. Chrome
bits that are found along the lower lip, side steps and rear diffuser emphasises
the car’s off-road capabilities.
The cabin is now
fitted with the 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and 10.25-inch (7-inch on
lower variants) touchscreen infotainment central display with MBUX Mercedes-Benz
User Experience Voice Command feature. The infotainment system also supports Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other new items include
multifunctional steering wheel with Touch Controls, touch pad controller for
the infotainment, 64-colour ambient lighting, interior assistant and ENERGIZING
comfort control.
At launch, the GLC Coupe is available in the 200 and 300 guises, both powered by the new M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with EQ Boost 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The GLC 200 packs
197 hp
/
280 Nm
 while the GLC 300 commands
258 hp
/
370 Nm.
The EQ Boost mild-hybrid
system dispatches 13.6 hp and 150 Nm during initial set off and during the
turbochargers are building boost for maximum efficiency. A 9-speed 9G-Tronic
automatic transmission and sports suspension with adaptive damping is fitted as
standard across the range.
Like the standard GLC,
the GLC Coupe can be had with the optional Driving Assistance Package that
bundles Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steer Assist, Active Speed
Limit Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind
Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Facelift


Prices of RON95 & diesel unchanged, RON97 up 19 sen effective 7-13 June

Its 7 June 2018, Thursday which means it’s the
first fuel adjustment
 under the new Pakatan Harapan Government. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced earlier that the Government will take measures to stabilise fuel prices, in line with the coalition’s manifesto for the 14
th
 General Elections.
Effective 7 to 13 June 2018, RON95 and diesel Euro 2M will remain at
RM2.20
 and
RM2.18

per litre
 respectively – unchanged since 22 March 2018. RON97, however, will see an
increase of 19 sen
 to
RM2.66
 per litre after its subjected to a floating price mechanism as instructed by the MoF.
The sharp increase of RON97’s retail price, despite with zero-rated GST is attributed to the
steady recovery of global crude oil prices
 over the past four months. As of today, crude oil prices stand at US$65.52 per barrel.
Higher grade fuels like Petron Blaze RON100 also remains unchanged from its previous price point
RM3.08 per litre
. As for diesel Euro 5M, it will continue to carry a 10 sen premium over the Euro 2M pump price. Diesel Euro 5M is still priced at
RM2.28 per litre
.


Here’s how Honda made the lightweight BBS wheels on the new Civic Type R

It’s no secret by now what a capable performance car the

FK8 Honda Civic Type R

is

as
 GC Mah found out
. When first introduced, it was the
fastest Front-wheel driven car to lap the Nurburging
, before the record was eclipsed by the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R by four seconds; although we don’t think that’ll stick for much longer.
That’s because recently the Civic Type R reminded us that it’s not to be forgotten;
clocking the fastest time for a front-wheel driven car around the Suzuka Circuit
. The car it eclipsed was none other than the Megane RS Trophy-R – how ironic.

But that’s not what this is about. Instead, it’s about how the Civic Type R achieved what it did – by being light. The new record was set by the updated,

limited edition Honda Civic Type R
, which although did not receive additional power, has been significantly lightened.
By almost 50 kg to be exact! Around 12 kg of which was from the removal of sound dampening material while the new wheels on the limited edition Civic Type R have also added a further 10 kg in weight reduction.
To achieve that, Honda has opted for forged aluminium wheels which aren’t just lighter but stronger. To better understand the entire forging process, from a piece of aluminium billet to the completed wheels, you’d have to watch the video.


Toyota retrofits Pedal Misoperation Control for older models, JP¥55k only

Toyota has been proactively promoting its suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) called Toyota Safety Sense which helps to reduce the severity and potentially avoid entirely an unwanted collision. While the systems can be found on newer and more premium variants of the brand’s model line up, Toyota Japan is rolling out ADAS to be retrofitted onto older models.
The first system to be introduced is the Pedal Misoperation Control which uses ultrasonic sensors at the front and rear of the car to scan for obstacles. Similar to the system found on the
Perodua Myvi
 and
Toyota Rush
, the system will limit the engine power to prevent the car from leaping forwards when it detects an obstacle.
The sensors can detect
an obstacle within 3 meters (front and rear) and should the driver process to accelerate
hard, the system will cut the engine power and send a visual and audible
warning to the driver through a retrofitted display. Additionally, the system
will also limit the top speed in reverse gear to 5 km/h to reduce the likelihood
of a rear collision.
This is particularly
effective in reducing collisions at low speeds especially in parking lots when
the driver engages the wrong gear i.e. D instead of R when reversing out of a
space. Toyota also says pedal misoperation tend to be common for older drivers
over the age of 75.

The Pedal Misoperation
Control can be retrofitted onto selected models in Japan including the Prius,
Aqua, Prius α, Premio, Arion, Porte, Supeido, Wish, Corolla Axio, Corolla
Fielder, Passo and Vitz. Installation of the accessory costs JP¥55,080 (RM2,100).
Toyota plans to expand
this offering to more (and older) models as well as develop other safety features
that can be retrofitted onto its older vehicles.


2016 Honda City X Edition, more features for just RM1,500 more! [+Gallery]

Presented alongside the
Honda Accord at its launch earlier today
 was the Honda City X Edition – a limited run variant based on the mid-spec Grade E trim. The Honda City E carries a sticker price of RM84,600.00 with insurance, but let us show you what else you’ll be getting for just RM1,500 more.
Priced at RM86,100.00 (OTR with insurance), the City X Edition comes with a pair of vertically mounted
LED daytime running lights
 positioned right next to each fog lamp housing. Another way of telling the X Edition variant apart is the ‘X’ emblem placed next to the City moniker at the back of the car.

Inside, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has thrown in leather seats imprinted with the letter X. The boot floor also gets a trunk tray with the letter X. Other features of convenience include keyless entry and push start button.
The Jazz X Edition (priced at RM82,500.00 with insurance) was not present at the event today, but its specs mirror exactly that of the City X Edition. As a refresher, these two share the same powertrain – a
1.5-litre four-cylinder engine
 producing
 119 hp
 and
 145 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a
Continuously Variable Transmission
 (CVT), which helps propel the car from standstill to 100km/h in
10.6 seconds
.
Both the X Edition models come with a
5-Year unlimited mileage warranty
 package and six free alternate services up to 100,000km. Also worth noting is that each service interval is now extended to 10,000km.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mazda CX-30: The reason for its existence, and why it’s coming to Malaysia

If you’ve been left perplexed as to where the CX-30 stands in Mazda’s model hierarchy, you have every reason to, but don’t. The simple answer is that car buyers around the world are still very smitten by SUVs while falling out of love with traditional body-styles.
So yes, when the CX-30 eventually arrives next year (probably first half of 2020), it is expected to co-exist with the more compact CX-3 and the larger CX-5 in the model line-up.
In fact, it may even encroach upon the price territory of the CX-5 as the CX-30 is built on the same C-segment platform as the
new-generation Mazda 3
, which retails between RM 140,000 to RM 160,000. Of course, the price prognosis could still change if distributor
Bermaz Auto
 somehow manages to get the CX-30 into local production along with some government incentives.
Expect the CX-30 to arrive in Malaysia with the latest iteration of the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol 4-cylinder with mild hybrid system, mated to a 6-speed automatic.
Such is the demand for SUVs and crossovers that many carmakers are uncovering niches where none existed before. In the case of the CX-30, the gap which it’ll fill has to be where customers shied away from in recent years – C-segment sedan and hatchbacks.
The fully-imported Mazda 3 may be gorgeous but even if it’s offered in friendlier CKD prices, there won’t be as many takers as Bermaz would hope for, as proven by the last generation local assembled Mazda 3. Consumers appreciate the flexibility of SUVs and the higher seating position, they may not utilise all of the space all the time but knowing that you’re getting more car for the money is powerful.
The new CX-30 we checked out at the Tokyo Motor Show offers what the Mazda 3 can’t – a
more spacious cabin
 with
much better headroom
 for rear passengers, more accommodating foot space, a larger loading capacity at the back (
430 litres
) and a higher hip point that makes getting in and out easier, yet retaining all the sexy bits, premium quality and the latest tech of the new Mazda 3.
The exterior styling of the CX-30 is predictably Mazda, perhaps too derivative of the current
Kodo look
 but it is still a rather handsome crossover. It may be the case that the CX-30 will end up cannibalising a certain portion of the CX-5’s sales, but the nett gains will eventually justify its existence.


Spied: Smart #1 Brabus in Malaysia – 428hp, 543Nm, 400km range

We are only a few months away from the launch of the
Smart #1
 in Malaysia, and just today, we were lucky enough to spot what seems to be the Brabus version of the Smart #1. Fully wrapped in camouflage, the red brake calipers on the test mule giveaway the Brabus-tuned Smart #1’s identity.
It is no secret that the Smart brand is coming to Malaysia and that it will be managed by PRO-NET, which is Proton’s new energy subsidiary. In just a short amount of time, PRO-NET has announced 7 dealers for the Smart brand in Malaysia with Hap Seng Smart and EON Berhad as the first two candidates.
In Smart’s global EV range right now is the Smart #1 and Smart #3, with the latter being a coupe version of the former. The Smart #1 is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric car that makes 272 hp (metric) and 343 Nm and provides a 6.7-second century sprint time. The Smart #1 houses a 66-kWh battery pack that provides an all-electric driving range of 420-440 km on the WLTP test cycle.
The Brabus version of the Smart #1 adds another motor to the front axle, turning it into an all-whel drive (AWD) electric car. The souped up Smart #1 makes 315 kW (
428 hp
) and
543 Nm
 and does the century sprint in just
3.9 seconds
. Power is sourced from the same
66-kWh
 battery pack and the Brabus Smart #1 has an electric range of
400 km
 (WLTP). According to Smart, charging from 10% to 80% will take around 30 minutes.
RELATED:
Smart #1 launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far
The Smart #1 Brabus can be seen hiding in plain sight at the centre-right of the image
If anything, the Brabus Smart #1 will be quite the interesting alternative to the dual-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Other Brabus enhancenments include a newly developed steering wheel control that ensures maximum agility and millimeter precise steering, and a sport suspension system.
Besides being seen in camouflage on our Malaysian roads, the Smart #1 Brabuss has also been seen in official images released by Smart Malaysia, albeit shyly hiding from the camera. The Smart #1 will most likely be offered in its standard and Brabus configurations for the Malaysian market.
RELATED:
Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023


Kia is reusing old EV batteries as energy storage systems for buildings in Europe

If you’ve ever wondered where used EV batteries go, here’s one answer.
Kia
has partnered up with German rail company, Deutsche Bahn, to give the used batteries a “second life” by turning it into energy storage systems in buildings, with their first project now unveiled in Berlin.
Encore, the Deutcsche Barn-backed startup conceived specifically for this purpose, utilised multiple used batteries from
Kia Soul EVs
 to create a prototype energy storage facility at the EUREF-Campus in Berlin, capable of supplying up to 72 kWh of power to the building as part of the Micro Smart Grid.
With 24 battery modules arranged over three racks, each made up of 14 double cells, Encore’s new energy storage system at the EUREF-Campus will help the building reduce reliance on the main grid through predictable energy flows, while also increasing the share of renewable energy use across the campus – the latter via ‘timeshifting’, by storing energy generated via solar panels to be used more efficiently during peak demand.
For the project, the Soul EV’s batteries were collected from Kia dealerships across Europe and transported to Deutsche Bahn’s dismantling partner, who stripped them to the battery module level for diagnostic testing, before reassembling the suitable modules as a static storage unit. Batteries with less-than-ideal remaining capacity will then be passed on to be recycled.
RELATED:
Batteries from old Nissan Leaf now help to manufacture more Leafs
Second-life battery storage systems such as these are set to become increasingly common, as adoption of electric vehicles continuously rise, which will eventually lead to more used batteries as they reach their end-of-life. While these batteries may not be suitable for use in vehicles any more due to degradation, they could still function sufficiently well in domestic or industrial settings.
Kia Europe President, Jason Jeong said, “With our success in the electrification of Kia models, we also take responsibility for the batteries beyond their lifetime in the car. The pioneering partnership between Kia and Encore DB shows that we regard batteries as a valuable resource in terms of a sustainable circular economy.”
Deutsche Bahn board member for Infrastructure, Berthold Huber added, “It’s more urgent than ever for us to save power. Our new second-life battery banks offer a solution that is also sustainable. And that makes it an attractive option for any industry.”
GALLERY


Volkswagen Beetle icon now featured on Waze!

With red lines scattered across the screen, looking at Waze on an almost daily basis can be quite frustrating.
Before, you only had the likes of Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, an open-wheeled race car and a cute motorcycle among the other bland icons to amuse yourself but now,
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia
 has added a new, yellow
Beetle
 icon with a Volkswagen badge on its roof, into the mix. The icon will on be available till
31st December 2018
.
On the topic of Waze, the interactive navigation app also recently updated its voice options to
now include the Cantonese dialect
 – a collaborative effort by Waze users from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, United Kingdom and Malaysia.
As of September 2018,
Waze is now also available on Apple CarPlay
 for iPhone users who have updated to iOS 12. If you’re keen to find out more, here are some of the
quirks and perks of the beta version we tested
.


Chery exported 35,818 cars in June 2022, highest monthly exports in 21 years

Chery
 sold
35,818

vehicles
 outside of China in June 2022, setting a new monthly export record for the brand in 21 years. With the June figure accounted for, the first half of 2022 saw a total of
148,000 units
 exported, with 112,000 of those being new energy vehicles.
In Brazil, Chery ranked ninth among carmakers in the first half of 2022 (1H22). Chery’s sedan model, the Chery Arrizo 6, ranked fourth in cumulative 1H22 sales within the country, with a segment market share of 3.62%. The sedan was even awarded “Best Resale Value in the intermediate segment” by Kelley Blue Book and Quatro Rodas.
Meanwhile, 21,300 units of the
Tiggo 8
 series models were sold in Brazil from January to June; the series also serves as presidential and state transport in Brazil, alongside several other countries and regions.
RELATED:
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch – Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Chery also performed well in Chile, commanding 6.7% of 1H22 cumulative sales in the nation and placing it in the top three in terms of sales volume. The carmaker topped the SUV segment in 1H22 with 15.1% market share, led by the Tiggo 2 which sold 6,088 units in 1H22 to rank first in the segment.
Since entering South Africa last year, Chery has maintained a strong growth momentum and good market performance, with a 21.1% month-on-month improvement in terms of cumulative sales from January to May. Chery entered South Africa as a subsidiary in August 2021, and topped the SUV segment in less than 10 months from the product launch.
Chery also embraced its corporate social responsibility in early April 2022, when it held public benefit donation activities to provide water and other supplies to underprivileged areas, to alleviate water shortages caused by typhoon in the Kwazulu-Natal region.
RELATED:
Chery returns to Indonesia, to become new base for ASEAN exports
Chery says it will continuously expand its overseas markets, with Malaysia also a part of its plans moving forward.


Bell & Ross Pop-Up Store opens in KLCC, showcases super rare BR-X1 RS16 timepieces

Celebrating their partnership with Renault Sport Formula One Team and ushering the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, world-renowned watchmaker Bell & Ross, together with Cortina Watch launched a Lifestyle Pop-up Store in Suria KLCC which operates until the end of September 2016. Yes, only for one month.
Speaking at the launch,
Bell & Ross CEO
, Carlos A. Rosillo said, “Renault Sport Formula One Team and Bell & Ross share a common goal of pushing the limits of mechanics in a Race Against Time, and our partnership is symbolic of what can be achieved when precision and speed come together to form a synergy that could only lead to victory.”
Among the latest collection on display at the Pop-up Store include the
BR-X1 Hyperstellar
 and the
BR 01 Burning Skull
, the limited edition
BR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph
 and
BR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph Tourbillion
 watches which made their debut appearance here. Only
250 pieces
 of the former and
20 pieces
 of the latter are available worldwide, and both are inspired by the Renault Sport Formula One Team’s
R.S. 16 race car
 with their trademark black and yellow colour scheme.
BR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph
Being the only one in Malaysia and one of 20 units in the world, the
BR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph Tourbillion
 is priced at
RM691,000
 a piece. The
BR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph
is no less exclusive, as only 250 units are available worldwide and is priced at
RM102,500
 each.
A ‘Meet & Greet’ session with Renault Sport Formula One Team’s driver
Kevin Magnussen
 has been scheduled at the Pop-up Store on the
28 September at 5.00pm
, and fans can also win
attractive prizes
 apart from an
autograph session
 and a
photo opportunity
 with Magnussen.
The
Bell & Ross Pop-up Store
 is located at
Level 1
 of the shopping mall, and if you’re not around until October you can still visit the
Bell & Ross boutiques
 in
Pavilion KL
,
The Gardens KL
, and
Gurney Plaza Penang
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Thailand phasing out combustion engines, pushing to have only EVs as new cars in 2035

Thailand, the largest automotive market in the ASEAN region with Indonesia a very close second, is setting up an ambitious plan to
only offer electric vehicles (EV)
 as new vehicles from
2035
, completely phasing out the internal combustion engine, five years earlier than
Singapore
!
The report from
Bloomberg
 highlights now that the country has set a target for phasing out vehicles with combustion engines, the next step for the government will be to facilitate the transition.
Kawin Thangsupanich, an adviser to Energy Ministry’s national policy committee, said the government must press hard on the development of strategies to build more
charging infrastructure
, implement favourable tax incentives, regulations as well as promote manufacturing of EVs.
The target, that is only 14 over years away, is incredibly ambitious for the nation that registers
over 1 million units
 of new vehicles annually, of which, half are commercial vehicles such as
pick-up trucks
 powered by diesel engines.
MG is aggressive with its EV plans in Thailand
Battery EVs currently make up less than 1% of cars in Thailand, with just
2,202 units
 sold last year. Hybrid vehicles, both
self-charging
 and
plug-in
 charging, fare much better, registering over 178,000 units in 2020, a growth in sales given the disruption following the global pandemic.
By the end of 2025, Thailand hopes to have 25% of new vehicles sold are zero local emissions, with the figure increasing to 50% by the end of this decade, up from 30% previously proposed.
Both
Mercedes-Benz
 and
BMW
 have facilities to assemble PHEV batteries in Thailand
In a separate report by the
Bangkok Post
, total production of EVs consisting of both cars and pick-up trucks is estimated to be 400,000 units by 2025, and see an exponential jump to under
3 million units
 in just five years, supporting the plan to have 50% of new cars to be EV in 2030.
With the idea of 100% of new vehicles sold being an EV, the automotive industry in Thailand expects to have produced a cumulative of
8.6 million
 cars and pick-ups by
2035
.
As the supply of many components and sub-assemblies of vehicles come from Thailand, this bold plan will surely affect us all in the ASEAN region. Could this also mean
the first electric-powered pick-up truck
 could be released as soon as 2025?


There’s a new bad boy in town – the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has lifted the wraps of the latest baby AMG to appeal to an even younger group of buyers with an insatiable appetite for speed and a healthy bank account balance.
The latest offering for the young and vibrant is fully imported and retails for RM348,888 on-the-road without insurance, with 4-years unlimited mileage.
“The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC is the perfect entry into the world of AMG Driving Performance. With our new A 35, we are transporting the history of AMG into modern times,” says President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Dr Claus Weidner.
At the heart of this new heartthrob is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine making
306 hp
and
400 Nm
 of torque paired to an AMG Speedshift 7G DCT. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system which can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels.
With a launch control feature, 0 to 100 km/h speed is done in just 4.8 seconds. Bear in mind, the new A90 Toyota Supra launched last week that costs RM568k is just 0.5 seconds faster.
It may not win that drag race but the every single pronounced detail on the car such as the twin louvre front grille, rear diffuser and 19-inch AMG five twin-spoke light alloy wheels that make up the angry stance of the AMG 35 will definitely win the hearts of many.
Other fancy kit includes Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and suspension with Adaptive Damping and torque vectoring. Hiding behind those wheels which perfectly match the design of the AMG 35 are 4-pot calipers in the front and single pot calipers at the back.
Inside, the AMG 35 is adorned with a mix of Artico man-made leather, Dinamica microfibre, red seat belts to go with the 4-way adjustable sports seats and a distinct AMG centre console and AMG Performance steering.
On the instrument panel, the new A 35 features a head up display and twin 10.25-inch screens powered by Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with “Hey Mercedes” voice control features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As for driver aid, the AMG 35 is equipped with a blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: GAC GS3 compact SUV launched in Malaysia, from RM88,800

Here it is folks, the GAC GS3 with all the key information after being
teased
 on social media yesterday. The Chinese automaker, distributed by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA), has the GAC GS3 as the first-ever model to be introduced in Malaysia.
Fully imported from China, for the time being, two variants of the GAC GS3 are on offer and both are priced competitively and equipped with plenty of features too. The GAC GS3 Standard is priced at
RM88,800
 while the Premium grade goes for
RM96,800
. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been extended to 30th June 2022.
EXTERIOR
While the GAC GS3 arrive at our shores later in its model life, the schedule has allowed GAC to offer us the facelifted version, compared to the model currently being offered in the Philippines. New styling items include headlights, grille, taillights and bumpers, all of which has made the GS3 look a lot more sleek and modern.
The lower bumper cladding linking the smaller fog lamps add visual elements emphasising the width and dynamism of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the D-pillar in gloss black contributes to a “floating-roof” look.
Key dimensions of the GAC GS3 are 4,358 mm (length), 1,825 mm (width), 1,685 mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2,560 mm. Compared to the Proton X50, the GS3 is similar in exterior dimensions but has a 40 mm shorter wheelbase. Standard exterior features are:
Halogen headlamps with follow-me-home function
LED tail lamps
Roof rails
17-inch wheels with 215/60R17 tyres
The fully-imported GAC GS3 is offered in four colours – Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver and Rosefinch Red. The Premium variant is available in Rosefinch Red with black roof, Ivory White with black roof and Lunar Grey (with body-coloured roof) together with black side mirrors, shark fin antenna and roof rails.
INTERIOR
The interior of the GAC GS3 is well appointed too, with a good mix of gloss black finishing as well as panels with stitching. Standard items include:
Tilt and slide sunroof
Cruise control
Push-button air-conditioning controls with PM2.5 air filtration system
ECO Mode
8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and phone mirroring
Parking camera
For the extra RM8,000, the Premium grade gets power-folding side mirrors, a 3.5-inch coloured multi-information display, intelligent key with push-start button, leatherette seat upholstery, a more comfortable rear seat with a folding armrest and centre headrest.
The GAC GS3 boasts one of the widest cabins in its class measuring 1,500 mm and offers comfortable and well-supported seating for three adults at the back. WTCA says the boot has 356 litres of storage space and is expandable to 780 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Malaysia is also the first country to launch the right-hand drive model of the GAC GS3.
PERFORMANCE
Under the bonnet lies a rather conventional powertrain with the GS3 being powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Outputs are modest at
114 hp
 and
150 Nm
 with the transmission being a six-speed automatic made by Aisin A.W.
Engine: 1,495 cc, 4-cylinder Dual CVVT
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Driveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive
Max horsepower: 114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 150 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel Consumption: 14.5 km/L (6.9 L/100km)
Mechanically, the GAC GS3 has the standard MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle, with a conventional manual hand-operated parking brake acting on rear disc brakes.
SAFETY
Standard active safety features in the GAC GS3 include ABS, EBD with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), both Hill Descent and Hill Start Hold Control as well as Blind Spot Detection.
Only the airbag count separates the Standard grade from the Premium grade, with the latter having six airbags that include front side airbags. The Standard gets frontal units as well as curtain airbags. Seatbelt alarm (audio and visual) for all five seats is also fitted in the GAC GS3.
PRICE
The GAC GS3 Standard is priced at
RM88,800
 while the Premium grade goes for
RM96,800
. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been
extended to June 30th

2022. Included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus free labour charge for five scheduled services within the first three years or 100,000 km travelled (whichever comes first)
The GAC GS3 is available for viewing and test drives at its new showroom along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur (next to the Nissan ETCM showroom) with more sales outlets planned to support more models in the future.
GALLERY


The first production 2020 Toyota Supra was auctioned off for RM8.6 million!

Despite
divided opinions
 on how the
 new 5th-generation Toyota GR Supra
 looked (at least), the first production 2020 model dubbed the “Global #1”, to roll off the assembly line fetched a whopping USD2.1 million at a recent charity auction to support the American Heart Association in the United States.
A build unlike any other Supra or vehicle in the world, “Global #1” is stamped with the only VIN (or rather chassis) number that will end in 20201 – with “2020” representing the year the Supra was reintroduced to the world and “1” marking it as the first vehicle to roll off the production line.
The exterior comes factory-finished with a matte gray exterior, red mirror caps and matte black wheels; just like the
“Launch Edition” model
. Inside, the Supra is just as unique, with a red interior and carbon-fibre inserts representing the first of the launch edition for the U.S. market.
The sale of the Supra not only supports the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organisation dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke but the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), which benefits post-9/11 veterans and their affected families.
The winning bidder also received a full VIP race track experience that includes a fully customised professional racing suit. If you’ve not heard how the new Supra sounds like, check it out
here
!


Maserati wants you to embrace the sky with the drop-dead gorgeous MC20 Cielo

Shortly after Maserati unveiled the
MC20
, the Italian supercar maker said that they’ll also be
adding a convertible
 and an electric variant to the line-up. Well, the first of the two have now finally been announced some two years later, and it’s called the Maserati MC20 Cielo.
Cielo
 means sky in Italian, and it’s because you’ll be seeing a whole lot of that. Not only when the roof is down (
duh
), but also even when it’s fully covered up, because the retractable hardtop is made out of electrochromic glass on the top panel that can turn from opaque to clear at just a touch of a button.
Maserati says that the glass roof is the “largest in the segment”, with a surface area of more than half a square metre. Folding down the roof completely into the new rear deck behind the passenger compartment also only takes 12 seconds, which is up there among the best of the best.
Aside from the new roof, however, the rest of the MC20 Cielo is pretty much identical to the coupe – even the carbon fibre tub chassis and butterfly roof have also been carried over.
RELATED: The Maserati Grecale is here to steal a slice of the Macan pie
Power still comes from the same Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine making
630 hp
 and
730 Nm
 of torque, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and suspension set-up are also unchanged from before.
The addition of a folding roof mechanism on the MC20 does add a slight weight penalty, but Maserati says they’ve managed to keep the bloat to just 65 kg. Performance figures understandably took a hit, albeit a modest one – taking 0.1 seconds more to hit 100 km/h from a standstill (3.0 seconds compared to 2.9), and four tenths longer to 200 km/h at 9.2 seconds.
Top speed, meanwhile, is now rated at 320 km/h instead of “over 325 km/h”.
The Cielo will share the various new upgrades introduced to the coupe for the 2023 model year, including the new parking sensors, rear-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring system, alongside additions of autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign information, and a new 360-degree surround view monitor.
Inside, there’s also a new “digital touch” rotary drive mode selector on the centre console, with a digital touchpad at its centre that allows the driver to also tweak the car’s suspension settings using the same rotary dial.
ALSO READ: Maserati Levante S updated in Malaysia with new exterior design and onboard features
As for aesthetics, the launch car in these photos features a new three-layer pale blue metallic colour called Acquamarina, and will be available via the company’s Fuoriserie customisation programme. Maserati will also be making “around 60” PrimaSerie Launch Edition models for the MC20 Cielo, showcasing the new hue, alongside the new gold Roman numeral-inspired MM20 wheels and PrimaSerie badging.
Pricing information is not available just yet, but we expect a slight increase over the standard Coupe model, which goes for around GBP187k (approx. RM1.03 million) in the UK.
GALLERY


Can you believe that Geely opened 149 new 4S Centres in China within a day?

Dealership openings are always an auspicious and grand affair, but nothing comes close to what Geely Auto has done in China. The company has simultaneously opened 149 new 4S Centres in China in a single day. Yes, you read that right; 149 in one day.
The simultaneous opening of 149 new 4S Centres in the country is part of Geely’s ongoing “Geely Satisfaction” project which aims to improve customer satisfaction throughout their time with the Geely brand. Total investment for the 149 new 4S Centres was over RMB1 billion (RM594 million) and saw 65 newly built dealerships and 84 upgraded dealerships.
Geely’s new 3.0 era standards for sales and services stipulates that all new dealerships must adhere to Geely’s high standards and brand requirements which reflects on the appointment process of new dealers. Under this new standard, Geely promises that customer will have a comfortable experience throughout their ownership with the Geely brand from purchasing to after sales.
In 2016, Geely sold 766,000 vehicles and almost doubled to 1.24 million in 2017. Within the first half of 2018, the brand has sold over 766,000 cars, ranking fourth overall in sales and first amongst Chinese brands.
This rapid expansion for the Geely brand is also beneficial for the respective dealers. In 2017, over 95 per cent of Geely dealers were profitable and each Geely 4S Centres sold an average of 1,314 vehicles per shop, an increase of 31 per cent year-on-year. As of July 2018, the total number of Geely Auto dealerships reached 965.
Locally, Proton is also mirroring this move with rapid expansion and upgrades to more 3S and 4S centres to give Proton customers a more positive brand experience.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai releases the first image of the 4th generation Santa Fe

Hyundai has been making huge waves lately and for the most part, they’re proper reasons for the mind to surf. It recently unveiled the high performance
 Veloster N
and suggested that it could be
making a two-seater hybrid sportscar.
Now, they’ve unveiled the first facts about the fourth-generation Santa Fe which will make its world premiere in February before being debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The recently revealed
Hyundai Veloster N
.
The new generation Santa Fe will be packed with Hyundai’s latest active safety features offered by the Smart Sense technology. The innovative and industry-first
Rear Occupant Alert
 will be tasked to monitor the rear seats to detect passengers and alert the driver when leaving the car.
Its
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
 has also been enhanced by an automated braking function. To avoid the risk of collision when reversing out of narrow areas with limited visibility, the system will warn the driver and is capable of applying the brakes automatically. In other news, Hyundai also made headlines recently having developed the
world’s first panoramic roof airbag
.


Thailand becomes the first country in the region to sell the BMW iX

Just two months after the
BMW iX
made its official global debut at the 2021 Shanghai motor show, the fully-electric SUV has now made its way to Thailand, making it the first country in the region to launch the model.
The BMW iX will only be offered in a sole xDrive50 variant over in the Land of Smiles, with order books scheduled to open next Monday, the 21st of June. Fully imported from Germany, prices for the BMW iX in Thailand starts at
THB5.99 million
 (~RM793k) with the standard warranty package. Only 20 units will be available, according to the pre-booking website.
The xDrive50 variant, being the current range-topper of the model, is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – for a combined total system output of
503 hp
, translating to a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in
under five seconds
.
BMW claims that the xDrive50 can also travel
 over 600 km (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge
, thanks to the 111.5 kWh battery pack underneath the floor.
With a 200 kW DC fast charger, the BMW iX xDrive50 is able to replenish 80% of its battery in just 34 minutes. Though when charging at home with the included 11 kW AC three-phase wall box, a full charge will take approximately 7.5 hours.
The carmaker’s Thailand arm did not expand further on the model’s country-specific equipment list, though we do know that the iX will be the first car to feature BMW’s latest iDrive Operating System, displayed proudly on a single pane of curved glass which includes a 12.3-inch “information display” (instrument cluster) and a 14.9-inch “control display” (infotainment touchscreen).
Check out the BMW iDrive 8 Operating System in action here!
Closer to home, BMW Malaysia also
 recently started teasing
 the fully-electric model on its own website. With the model now available in Thailand, it’ll probably not be long until we see it on our own roads as well!


MR DIY expands its fleet with eight new Isuzu trucks, 100 in total

Isuzu Malaysia
 recently delivered eight new medium-duty trucks to home-grown retail brand, MR DIY, marking the 100th Isuzu truck in the latter’s vehicle fleet since purchasing its first unit in 2017.
The new trucks comprise six units of the Isuzu FSR90 and two units of the Isuzu FVR300, both from the Isuzu’s Forward Series range. These new trucks will be used to further support MR DIY’s nationwide expansion and its increased logistics needs.
Isuzu Malaysia CEO, Koji Nakamura shared, “We are very pleased to have completed the delivery of eight units of Isuzu medium-duty FSR90 and FVR300 trucks to our esteemed customer, MR DIY, and to be able to continuously provide the support they require to operate their flourishing logistical assignments.”
He added that the company has been producing the F-Series medium-duty commercial vehicles for decades, and through continuous development of new trucking innovations, customers around the world can count on these trucks for the advance features, innovative design, and dependable performance.
“Isuzu’s F-Series range of commercial vehicles feature a choice of five powertrains for a range of performance and torque, optimized wheelbases for greater load capacity and body-mounting capability, offering the versatility today’s businesses need to be successful,” Nakamura added.
The FSR90 supports a gross vehicle weight of 11,900 kg, while the larger FVR300 supports up to 19,000 kg.
Commenting on the handover of the vehicles, a MR DIY spokesperson said, “We are on a strong growth trajectory, with 700 stores now, and plans to open 175 new stores across our three brands in 2021.
“The backbone of our growth is the efficient distribution of goods via our centrally-managed distribution system. Isuzu has been a valued long-standing partner who well understands our needs, and has been supportive in meeting them.”


Petronas takes full responsibility for breakdowns after refuelling at Solaris Besraya station

Early this morning, approximately 20 cars were affected after refuelling at Petronas Station Solaris Besraya. Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has since come out and taken full responsibility for the incident.

According to the release, this was due to the mishandling of fuel products which cause the cars to run into issues after refuelling at this particular station. PDB has said that the Solaris Besraya Station is now temporarily closed for investigation and reaffirms that other Petronas stations are not affected. More than 10 cars were left stranded along Sungai Besi Highway after refuelling at said station.
PDB has since contacted all affected customers and will take full responsibility for the matter. The company is already taking the necessary measures and will compensate the affected customers accordingly. The video below shows the affected cars stranded on Sungai Besi Highway:


Isuzu D-Max to conquer Sabahan jungles at the 25th Borneo Safari off-road event

Asia’s premier off-road event is back for the 25th time, and this year the Borneo Safari will see a staggering convoy of over 250 vehicles run through the deep jungles of Sabah. For the next eight days, pickup trucks of all models and makes will be put to the ultimate test away from civilisation, including one of our most popular utes to date – the
Isuzu D-Max.
For the ninth year in a row, Isuzu Malaysia engaged several members of the media to have them experience jungle trekking like they’ve never before, but within the comforts of the D-Max’s cabin (with air-conditioning, no less) of course. The Isuzu D-Max boasts having two
Borneo Safari Vehicle of the Year
 for its commendable performance in the past years, proof that there’s more to the D-Max than just being the most fuel efficient pickup in its class.
Leading the media convoy are
three 4×4 D-Max pickups
; one 3.0-litre and two 2.5-litre variants. To recap, the
3.0-litre oil burning
lump makes
177 horsepower
 at 3,600 rpm and a conservative
380 Nm
 of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm, while the smaller
2.5-litre engine
 produces
136 hp
 at 3,600 rpm and
320 Nm
 of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 revolutions. Both engines feature the brand’s Variable Geometry Turbo technology with commonrail injection and are known for its frugality.
At the flag-off ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia’s Executive Director, Hajime Machimura said, “For nearly a decade, members of the media have been able to keep pace with the event’s progress from the cabins of the Isuzu D-Max. These vehicles have long risen beyond trying to prove their abilities in the rough and have instead established themselves as a fixture of the Borneo Safari where they are depended upon to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.”
The event was flagged off by Sabah’s Tourism Cultural and Environment Minister, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. The convoy will take on various obstacles in the highlands near Tenom and Keningau.


Volkswagen Malaysia offers 15% discount on all related vehicle parts damaged by flood

Also joining in on the many flood relief programmes is Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM), whom today announced a campaign that is specially catered for customers whose Volkswagen vehicles were affected by the floods in the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
VGM will be giving a
15 percent discount
 to their customers on
all related vehicle parts
 that were damaged by the flood, and will span over a period of
three months
 beginning January till mid-March.
For further information, customers may contact their nearest Volkswagen dealerships (look for their aftersales team) or simply
click here
 for the list.


2015 Lexus GS F sedan unwrapped, soldiers a 467bhp 5.0L V8 engine [+Video]

Watch out, Germans. You’ve ought to get your hands busy by now because the Japanese are upping their game in the arena of
really
 fast cars. The
Acura NSX
 wasn’t the only Japanese flexing its muscles at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, because under the same limelight, Lexus for the first time took the veils off their all-new
GS F
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Lexus GS F
Engine
4,969cc; naturally aspirated V8 (2UR-GSE engine)
Transmission
8-speed Sports Program Direct Shift automatic
Max Power
467 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Max Torque
527 Nm @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm

We already know that Lexus will be introducing their latest F-designated model following the release of
several teaser pictures
 last month. This time around, the
GS
 gets the F treatment and will be sold alongside the
RM782k Lexus RC F
 that was recently introduced here.

Not much details came about at the global premiere, but what we can tell you is that the GS F shares the same
5.0-litre V8 engine
 plucked from the RC F. The naturally aspirated engine is good for
467 hp
 at 7,100 rpm and
527 Nm
 of torque at 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm.
Paired to the engine is also the same
eight-speed
Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic gearbox with paddle shifters for manual shifts. This rear-wheel drive sports sedan comes with
four driving modes
 as standard – Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport S+.
Lexus also claimed to have upgraded their
Torque Vectoring Differential
 (TVD) and now comes with
three operating modes
 for optimum performance – Standard, Slalom and Circuit. As is the trend right now, the GS F is equipped with the brand’s
Active Sound Control
 feature which ‘transmits’ engine sound through the internal rear speakers during acceleration or deceleration.
To complement the ferocious F badge, the GS underwent a massive facial reconstruction externally, beginning with the brand’s trademark, F-oriented  “Spindle” grille. The headlights have also been redesigned, this time housing three horizontally placed L-shaped LED modules as the main illuminating source, complemented by their daytime running lights.
The GS F gets larger air ducts, rear spoiler, lower grille moulding made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer and quad exhaust pipes. It also sits lower and wider than its non-F siblings, while riding on 19-inch polished aluminium wheels with black-painted wheel nuts.
Inside the fastest (and loudest) GS variant is a different world altogether when compared to the other GS variants. Here you get specially designed seats, instrument panel meters that are inspired by a modern aircraft’s cockpit and switches to improve overall operational experience. There’s also an analogue clock placed right in the middle of the centre air-conditioning vents, just like the RC.
Looks like we’ll have to wait a tad longer for the IS F’s next lease of life, then. If Lexus decides to continue their journey down this path, then, hypothetically speaking, there could be an
ES F in the making
. Oh and also, if you haven’t already watched the transformer-esque video above, we highly recommend that you give it a go. It’s really worth the time, trust us.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Would you take this all-electric Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo off-road?

The
Porsche Mission E sedan is planned for production in 2020
 but the company has surprised us with yet another all-electric concept car, the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept. As its athletic name suggests, the Cross Turismo takes the shape of a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) to suit the active lifestyle of the adventurous bunch.
The Cross Turismo shares much of its design cues with its sedan sibling, slim Matrix LED headlamps with four-point DRL, angular bonnet as well as sharp bumper design. But at the rear, the Cross Turismo resembles the
Panamera Sport Turismo
 more than the Mission E sedan – tapering roofline that meets the tailgate.

As you can tell, Porsche is serious about the Cross Turismo’s off-road credentials – wheel arch protection, extended door sills, high ground clearance and off-road tyres. It will also feature all-wheel drive with Porsche Torque Vectoring, ensure maximum traction on any surface condition.
Inside, the Cross Turismo concept shows four seats with flexible cargo space for maximum practicality. The boot features a rail system with adjustable and removable straps to allow users to load and secure items quickly and safely. The cabin features a single piece, extra-wide display that extends all the way to the passenger seats which allows the passenger to operate the various infotainment functions.
New innovations that Porsche presented with the CUV include driver display with eye-tracking control which detects which information the driver is looking at and brings it to the foreground while the rest are minimised to give the driver a clearer view of the detailed information. Porsche is also foregoing the physical button, integrating all the controls including seat adjustments and window operation to the TFT screens.
Like the Mission E, the Cross Turismo has a twin electric motor set up that gives a combined system output of
590 hp
, allowing the CUV to sprint to 100 km/h in less than
3.5 seconds
 and arrive at 200 km/h in under
12 seconds
.
The 800-volt architecture allows the lithium-ion battery pack to feature rapid charging, giving it
400 km of range in just 15 minutes
. The rapid charging facility will come courtesy of
IONITY
, a joint venture by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen to build a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen Polo 1.6L CKD facelift due soon, ready batches spotted at Pekan plant

The facelifted
Volkswagen Polo 1.6L CKD
 has been openly displayed at the brand’s local production plant in Pekan, signalling that a local launch may be due as soon as the
coming two months
. These ready-made batches of Polo hatchbacks were spotted during an exclusive media tour round the DRB-Hicom assembly plant, and Volkswagen Malaysia made no effort in keeping these cars behind closed doors.

So it’s an open secret now, but there’s no mention of the price tag it will carry nor its estimated date of arrival. What’s more interesting is that the CKD Polo sedans that are rolling out of the same production line doesn’t carry the facelifted look.
Changes to the outside are minimal, though barely noticeable if seen from afar. The chrome strip inside the headlights are now
blackened
 to give it a sportier appeal and gets a chrome bar in the lower front grille. The front fog lights’ design remain the same, though they now come with a
thin black strip
 of plastic in the middle. Also new here is the grille – the facelift gets three horizontal lines (two black and one chrome), whereas the pre-facelift has two chromed bars running across the grille.
The pre-facelift
Polo 1.6L hatchback CKD
Changes at the back is even harder to tell, but upon closer inspection reveals that the tail lights are new in design. The bumper remains the same and the VW logo still functions as its tailgate-opening handle. Side profile remains identical and the Polo still sits on the same
seven-spoke 15-inch alloy
 rims shod with 185/60R15 series tyres.
Inside, the Polo facelift gets a new steering wheel design and is now
flat-bottomed
. Pardon us for not providing you with pictures because unfortunately for us, the ‘display unit’ was locked. But rest assured when it arrives, we will.
There’s no telling if the engine will be different this time around, but it’s very likely that the
1.6-litre MPI engine
 will be retained, as with its
six-speed
 torque converter auto’box. The naturally aspirated engine makes
104 hp
 and
153 Nm
 of torque whilst returning a fuel consumption of
6.3 litres per 100 km
.
At the time the Polo hatchback CKD was
introduced
, it carried a price tag of RM87,888 (first 500 owners had a RM2,000 discount), but is now priced at RM89,888. It’s hard to say if these minor enhancements would warrant (and justify) a price hike, but we’ll leave that element of surprise to the hands of VGM.
On a side note, the
Polo Goes Zero
 campaign is still being run by VW Malaysia, one that allows their customers to purchase a brand new Polo CKD without having to fork out a single cent for down payment on top of a 0 percent interest rate financing plan.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


McLaren 570LT teased again, gets top mounted exhaust like the Senna!

McLaren has released another teaser for their upcoming track-focused weapon. Believed to be the McLaren 570LT, the new model will be unveiled in full at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Following last weeks
view of the rear quarter panel
, the new image flaunts the new car’s top-mounted dual exhaust outlet, a design cue that follows the hardcore
Senna
. Like the Senna, the new model has its crosshair pointed at race tracks, as such benefits from increased power, weight savings, optimised aerodynamics and a more engaging driving experience.
The new car will be tackling the famous Goodwood Hill Climb on 12 July 2018, but we will learn its name and technical details prior to that on 28 June 2018. Like the Senna and
675LT
 that came before it, the new car will be produced in very limited numbers. However, it seems that allocations have not all been snapped up yet as the Woking-based company has opened a link for the public to
register their interest
 – a move was never seen on other limited-run series.


Aston Martin created a special-edition Vantage Roadster to honour its oldest surviving car

Aston Martin is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of its oldest surviving car in the best way it knows how – by commissioning a special-edition
Vantage Roadster
 after it.
The 100-year-old car you see in these photos is called the ‘A3’ – the third Aston Martin ever produced and one of the five original prototypes. After its completion in 1921, the ‘A3’ was apparently used extensively by Lionel Martin, the carmaker’s co-founder.
A century later, the original car (after achieving several light-car speed records and race victories, mind you) was painstakingly restored to its original factory condition, and is now the pride of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.
Naturally, Aston Martin’s Q personalisation service was tasked with the commemorative project. And to pay tribute to such a major milestone for the historic model, Aston Martin gave the Vantage Roadster a significant makeover, starting with a unique retro-inspired square-mesh grille with bright aluminium surround, finished with Aston Martin’s heritage badge that was also used on the original ‘A3’.
Aston Martin is no stranger to special-edition models. Check out this beautiful Concorde-inspired DBS Superleggera!
The side fender gets a polished aluminium finish, with a fixed with a saddle leather strap inspired from the exposed aluminium bonnet and strap on the 1921 car. The ‘No 3’ engraving seen on the panel is also in reference to the stamping on the original model.
Rounding up the exterior touches are the bronze brake calipers in reference to the bronze detailing on the ‘A3’, shown-off proudly behind the bespoke 20-inch lightweight forged gloss black wheels.
Inside, the special-edition Vantage Roadster is specified with an Obsidian Black interior specification, accented by Chestnut Tan leather accents and contrast stitching. The seats’ upholstery gets a fluted design in reference to the ‘A3’, while an embroidered heritage Aston Martin script can be found on the rear cubby lid.
The most impressive touch on the interior for us though, are the rotary dial surrounds for the climate control panel. Aston Martin says that these have been specially cast from brass to “create a heritage ambience”, and the natural patina-like finish just looks incredible when contrasted by the black panel.
Only three copies of the special homage Aston Martin Vantage Roadster will be built, in honour of its original name, and the company is now accepting orders via its long-time dealer partner Aston Martin HWM. Pricing has not been announced, but if you had to ask, it’s unfortunately probably too much for you.
GALLERY


Peugeot 308 THP Active launched in Malaysia, priced at RM119k!

Well surprise, surprise. Nasim Sdn Bhd, Peugeot’s official Malaysian distributor has added another variant to their 308 lineup – the Peugeot 308 THP Active. It’s a whole RM17,000 cheaper than the
fully-kitted 308 THP
 (RM136,888 a pop), but needless to say, it comes with a few things less.
Right off the bat you’ll notice the absence of its full-LED headlights, instead you get halogen reflector-type headlights. The LED daytime running lights have been moved towards the lower portion of the front bumper where the signal indicators used to be.

Most of the 308 THP’s chrome bits have been stripped off as well, leaving you with body-coloured fog lamp (also halogen) housing, flat-black or unpainted lower front lip and a smaller set of
17-inch wheels
 instead of the 18-inchers on the 308 THP. Thankfully, the rear end of the car remains intact, with its exhaust pipe still remain hidden within the bumper.
That’s not all, we’re afraid. Inside, the seats are now clad in fabric, but the good news is they don’t feel cheap. It’s still an unfortunate omission because we really fancied the leather-Alcantara finish from before. Elsewhere, things look identical, until you realise that the push-start button previously placed below the shifter gate is now replaced with a conventional key ignition.

If you think this proposition is a letdown, here’s why we think it isn’t. Sure, this 2014 World Car of the Year isn’t quite as well-equipped as the range topper, but you do get the same
1.6-litre turbocharged Prince engine
 making
150 hp
 at 5,000 rpm and
240 Nm
 of torque from 1,450 revolutions. It’s mated to an Aisin-made
six-speed automatic transmission
 with Quickshift Technology, but there’s no paddle shifters to tinker with.
Other numbers remain exactly the same; it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
9.4 seconds
, sips
6.5 litres of fuel per 100 km
 and maxes out at
 211 km/h
. It’s not quite the sprinter you’d expect, but frugal it certainly is. Peugeot claims that the 308 THP and 308 THP Active can both cover about
800km in a single tank of fuel
, which is quite a drastic improvement over the previous generation 308.

If you one of the
first 50 customers
 to purchase the 308 THP Active, you will be entitled to a
RM2,000 discount
. Each new Peugeot will come with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty with Nasim’s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance Service. Owners can also access the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and at the same time be entitled to a Peugeot Privilege membership.
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