Geely Boyue Pro updated with new looks & tech, will X70 get the same updates?

Geely has just unveiled a refreshed version of its best-selling SUV, now called the Geely Boyue Pro. It is quite an extensive facelift exercise with a revised exterior, new powertrain options as well as more sophisticated tech and cabin.
On the outside, the Boyue Pro receives elements from the sporty
Xing Yue SUV Coupe
, with full LED headlamps cluster (previously only the main beams were LEDs), monochrome emblem, restyled lower front bumpers, new 19-inch wheel design, sportier rear spoiler inspired from the smaller
Bin Yue
, Geely inscription across the tailgate as seen on the
Proton X70
 and revised LED taillamps with 3D effect.
Stepping inside and you’ll
be greeted with a decidedly more upmarket and high-tech cabin. For starters the
8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system is now replaced with a larger screen
with a new operating system which allows the users to link the system functions
to their smartphone and X Watch smartwatch. Details of the new GKUI operating system
will be annoucned in due course.
The driver is greeted
with an updated LCD instrument cluster that resembles Volvo’s new-generation Digital
Driver Display, slimmer three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and a new
electronic gear selector.
Other revisions
include piano tile like layout for the climate control, sleeker centre console
layout, new Drive Mode selector rotary dial, ambient lighting and more generous
use of aluminium inlays.
Reports have suggested that the Boyue Pro will have revised powertrain options in view of China’s tightening emission regulations with the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi petrol and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo mill – the latter was
co-developed with Volvo
 and first seen on the Bin Yue. Transmission options are expected to be a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch. It remains to be seen whether the 6-speed automatic will be carried over.
On the local front, Proton will be locally assembling right-hand drive versions of the much-loved X70 once the Tanjung Malim factory is ready, although we can’t say for sure whether the X70 CKD will be based on the Boyue Pro considering the cost involved for right-hand drive conversion.
IMAGE GALLERY
2019 Geely Boyue Pro Unveiled


Grab is going to charge you RM3 for cancelling your ride

Grab has just announced
that they have updated their cancellation policy where customers will be
charged a minimal fee when they cancel a ride.
Customers will only be
charged in the following two situations – if riders cancel after 5 minutes of
getting a driver or if the driver cancels the ride after waiting longer than 5
minutes for the rider to arrive at the pick-up point (3 minutes for GrabShare).
The cancellation fee ranges
between RM3 to RM5 depending on the services selected (GrabCar to GrabCar Luxe).
Grab has assured that 100% of the cancellation fee will go to the driver as a
compensation for their time and effort.
However, the cancellation
fee will be waived if the rider cancels the booking within 5 minutes or the
driver does not arrive within 10 minutes after the first-shown estimated time
of arrival. For example, if the app displays the driver being 3 minutes away but
you’ve waited for more than 13 minutes, you will not be charged a cancellation
fee.
In the event where
riders think that they have been charged unfairly, they can file a request via Grab’s
in-app Help Centre. If their investigations show that the riders were charged
unfairly, Grab will reimburse the cancellation fee within 2 working days. Grab expects
that this new cancellation policy will affect less than 1% of its bookings.


Proton rewards Malaysian Olympic medalists with brand new cars

Our national athletes are currently progressing towards the end of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. To show appreciation for their effort and achievements, DRB-Hicom and Proton Holdings have announced that they will be rewarding our Olympic medalists with brand new Proton cars when they return from the Games.
The company will reward a
Proton Perdana 2.0
 to any gold medalist,
Suprima S Turbo Premium
 to silver medalist and
Iriz 1.6 Premium
 to bronze medalist. Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-Hicom and Chairman of Proton Holdings said, “We hope that this will provide further encouragement to our athletes to strive harder to make our beloved Malaysia proud, especially at the highest level such as the Olympics.”

So far, our nation has bagged two silver and one bronze medals from Rio. The silver medalists are
Pandelela Rinong
 and Cheong Jun Hoong in the women’s synchronised 10m platform (Diving) as well as Chan Peng Soon and
Goh Liu Ying
 in the badminton mixed doubles event.
Azizulhasni Awang
 took home a bronze medal in the men’s keirin cycling event.
The
AutoBuzz.my
 team would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all our Olympic athletes for your achievements and hope that when they come home, they will enjoy DRB-Hicom and Proton Holdings’ generous rewards.
We will also be catching Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong in the badminton men’s doubles finals tonight at 10.50pm, as well as
Datuk Lee Chong Wei
’s hugely anticipated match against Lin Dan in the badminton men’s singles semi finals tonight at 7.30pm. Malaysia
boleh
!
Image source: Reuters


Check out this new and innovative tyre design by Kumho

South Korean tyre manufacturer, Kumho is no stranger to winning international design awards. For the second year running, they’re guaranteed a prize in the automotive and transport category of America’s International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
This time around, the product that drew the judges attention is the “BON tyre” which stands for “Birth On Nature”; interesting name indeed. The quirk with this new design is that instead of relying on air to hold itself much like conventional tyres, the BON’s design was inspired by nature’s bone structure.
Mimicking a kind of “voronoi architecture” (essentially a mesh-like design) such as the shape of leaf cells or the honeycomb, it achieves the required level of structural stability and efficiency without the need for any form of inflation.
Senior managing director of Kumho’s R&D headquarters, Jeong Taek-Gyun said: “It is very rewarding that Kumho’s latest example of futuristic design and technology has been recognised by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), and means Kumho becomes the first passenger tyre manufacturer to win all three of the world’s top design accolades – Germany’s Red Dot and iF Design and America’s IDEA awards – two years in a row.”


2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launched in Malaysia – petrol and hybrid variants, from RM165k

UMW Toyota Motor has officially launched the
Innova Zenix
 here in Malaysia, with two variants on offer. Pricing for the fully-imported 2023 Innova Zenix starts at
RM165,000
 for the petrol V variant, rising up to
 RM202,000
for the HEV hybrid variant.
The Zenix suffix on the all-new MPV is to distinguish it as the “flagship” model in the Innova line-up here in Malaysia, as the
existing model
 (now reffered to as Innova CG) will still remain on sale, with no change in pricing (now only available in 2.0G and 2.0X variants).
Looking to renew your car insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa to enjoy a 10% rebate, cashback, and many more. Learn more at
MotorTakaful.com
.
Toyota Innova Zenix exterior
Toyota says that the Innova Zenix is designed for the millenials who have now grown up and started their own families. As such, they’ve put a significant effort on the exterior design of the new MPV, now characterised by its SUV-like proportions, and a more premium and classy appearance as opposed to its predecessor’s utilitarian look.
The Innova Zenix now occupies a larger footprint too, now measuring 20 mm longer (with a 100 mm longer wheelbase), and 15 mm wider than before. In terms of exterior equipment, the all-new 2023 Innova Zenix in Malaysia comes as standard with:
LED headlights with automatic high beam, manual headlamp levelling
LED daytime-running lights, front fog lights
Combination tail lights
18-inch alloy wheels (225/50 R18)
Chrome moulding
Automatic folding wing mirrors with welcome lamp
Toyota Innova Zenix performance
The most significant change for the all-new Innova Zenix is actually found underneath its sheet metal, as it’s now built on the
Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
 with a monocoque structure, instead of the ladder frame chassis as before. This should translate to better ride quality, comfort, and handling capabilities.
Thanks to the switch to TNGA, the engine is also now mounted transversely, sending drive to the front wheels, rather than rear-wheel drive. Compared to the older Innova CG, the new Innova Zenix is also lighter by up to 170 kg, depending on variant.
The 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is offered in Malaysia with two powertrain variants. Both of them are based on a new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, but the HEV hybrid variant further pairs it with an electric motor to offer improved fuel efficiency and performance.
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV
2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine
Engine
2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with electric motor (fifth-gen Hybrid Electric)
10-Speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic
Transmission
E-CVT
174 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Total hp
186 hp
205 Nm @ 4,500 – 4,900 rpm
Total torque
206 Nm (electric motor), 188 Nm (engine)
N/A
Battery
6.5 Amp-hour, self charging
Toyota Innova Zenix interior
Sitting inside, the Zenix’s premium aspirations are immediately obvious, especially with the new overall dashboard design, and the use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin. Both variants share much of their equipment list, but the range-topping HEV variant swaps the bench seats in the second row for a pair of “captain seats” with manual adjustments and a folding centre table.
Otherwise, their equipment lists include:
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Analogue instrument cluster with seven-inch colour TFT multi-info display
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity
Automatic climate control with rear control panel (blower adjustment)
Electric parking brake
Black leatherette upholstery
Tilt and telescopic adjustable leather steering wheel
Powered driver seat
Powered tailgate
USB-A and USB-C charging ports
Panoramic sunroof with powered sun shades (2.0 HEV only)
Toyota Innova Zenix safety – Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is the first model in UMW Toyota Motors’ stable here in Malaysia to come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) advanced driver assistance suite, featuring upgraded sensors and cameras for improved detection.
Feature wise, the new TSS 3.0 system includes:
Autonomous emergency braking with intersection support
Emergency steering assist
Low-speed acceleration suppression
Adaptive cruise control, full speed range
Lane tracing assist and lane departure alert
Road sign assist
Rear cross-traffic alert
Blind-spot monitor, 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are also included as standard, alongside Toyota’s vehicle telematics system (annual subscription required, free for first three years), and a front dashcam.
2023 Toyota Innova Zenix pricing in Malaysia
The 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is now available in Malaysia in two variants, and is priced as such (on-the-road, without insurance):
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V – RM165,000
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV – RM202,000
Also included in the price is a standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus a separate eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the 2.0 HEV’s battery pack, inverter, and power management control ECU.
GALLERY
2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV


Open payment system for tolls on five highways this September – NPE, AKLEH and more!

The Works Ministry has announced that five highways will soon adopt an open payment system for toll collection by September this year. The five highways are as follows:
New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
Ampang – Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya)
Penang Bridge
Guthrie Corridor Expressway
With the open payment system, road users will be able to pay toll charges with their debit or credit cards. It is also the first step in transitioning to the multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) system which will feature open payment systems.
The move also aims to promote competition between industry players and provide road users with alternative modes of payment. This comes after Transport Minister, Anthony Loke’s announcement that an open payment for toll payments will be implemented soon.
The open payment aims to reduce dependency on Touch ‘n Go (TnG) as a single mode of payment. Use of debit or credit cards will be allowed not just for toll payments but also for bus and rail services under Prasarana.


Video: Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design, Things You Need To Know

Volvo Cars Malaysia has unveiled the all-new XC40, the 2018 European Car of the Year, which will be available in CKD form and in a single variant – the T5 AWD R-Design.
Despite being the youngest member of the Volvo SUV family, it’s by no means under-equipped. Under the hood rests a 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E that makes
 252 hp
 and
350 Nm
. Despite weighing a hefty 1.7-tonnes, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.
Priced at RM 255,888 (OTR without insurance) the all-new Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design will no doubt give the likes of BMW’s X1 and X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLC a good run for its money.
Heck, if I were you, with RM300k or so to blow on an SUV, I’d be crying from the overwhelming sense of fickle-mindedness.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora enters final year of production

After new reports that Lotus will be revealing
a new model as early as June this year
, the company has announced that the Elise, Exige and Evora, are now in their final year of production.
By the time the
Elise
, Exige and Evora leaves the assembly line for the last time this year, the company will have sold a combined 55,000 units (approx).
The Lotus Type 131 prototype (right) with three new models.
The Elise, Exige and Evora have been around for more than a decade, with the Elise being the oldest after it was first revealed in 1995. It was named after the
granddaughter (Elisa Artioli)
 of then Lotus Chairman, Romano Artioli.
Following the announcement, the company also said that
a new series of sportscars have been confirmed
 and production of the new
Lotus Type 131 prototype
 will begin this year. To fuel the fire even more, Lotus also released an image of three covered cars with individually distinct headlamps, next to the
new electric Evija
.

When it was first revealed, the Elise not only revolutionised the low volume sports car industry but also introduced the method of extruded and bonded aluminium, high-tech composites and lightweight knowhow.
The
Exige
 followed in the year 2000 and together with a supercharger to go with the lightweight sportscar, it was widely seen as a race car for the road. As for the
Evora
, it returned Lotus to the masses with more refinement without losing any of the signature Lotus driver-focus.
Locally, the Lotus brand is also making a comeback (of sorts), through
 Toycarz Garage
, who will now take on the sales and after-sales roles for the Lotus brand in Malaysia.
They’re located at 43, Jalan Astaka U8/84A, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, call 012-317 6606.


Inaugural ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2015 finalists revealed!

ASEAN, for the first time in the region’s 48-year history, will see Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia joining hands to introduce and launch the first ever ASEAN Car of the Year 2015 (ACOTY 2015). The award programme is exclusively put together by our peers from iCar Asia, with no less than 15 automotive journalists forming the judging panel.
Of the 15 judges, 12 of the journalists are not affiliated with the organisers, and the scoring process will include evaluation from third party service providers such as
 Opal Auto Mart Sdn Bhd
 (Malaysia’s leading aftermarket warranty service provider),
Liberty Insurance Berhad
 (formerly known as Uni.Asia General Insurance) and
Shell Helix
. They will score each finalist based on their Reliability and Dependability, Depreciation and Running Costs as well as After Sales and Service Satisfaction.
As for the motoring journalists, the scoring mechanics will take into account each car’s pricing and value, safety, build quality, driving performance and overall exterior and interior design. The move to introduce ASEAN’s very own COTY Awards is rather timely, considering that the said market has collectively
sold 3.19 million vehicles
 in 2014 (excluding motorcycles) while exporting a good 800,000 more. At its current rate of growth, Hans Cheong
in his report
 suggested that the ASEAN market is expected to become the fifth largest automotive market by 2019.
Nominations are broken down into 22 different categories, from Budget Car of the Year, Premium MPV of the Year to Flagship of the Year and Driver’s car of the Year (see full list below). All vehicles currently on sale have been considered for nomination, but the finalists have been selected by the panel of judges from various motoring media publications across the three countries.
Allow us to introduce to you the 12 automotive journalists: Chips Yap of
Motor Trader Malaysia
, Kon from
Autoworld.com.my
, Yap Kam Foo of
Top Gear Malaysia
, Tom Goh of
Zerotohundred
, Vishal from NST’s Car Bikes and Trucks, Denis Wong from
Countersteer.my
, Kenneth Sow from
Kensomuse.com
, Gan Yong Li from
Pandulaju.com
, Johan Izham and Qhalis Najmi of
Traffic Magazine Online
 and yours truly, GC Mah and Matthew H. Tong of
AutoBuzz.my
. Judges from the iCar Asia team are Chris Aaron from
Carlist.my
, Daniel Wong from Malaysian Evo magazine and Hans Cheong of LiveLifeDrive (soon to be relaunched).
Without further ado, here are the 22 categories and its finalists:
Budget Car of the Year
Perodua Axia

Proton Iriz

Kia Picanto
Compact Car of the Year
Honda Jazz

Mazda 2

Ford Fiesta
Family Car of the Year
Mazda 3

Toyota Corolla Altis

Honda Civic
Executive Car of the Year
Mazda 6

Toyota Camry

Ford Mondeo
 Honda Accord
Family MPV of the Year
Mazda Biante
 Proton Exora
 Volkswagen Cross Touran
Premium MPV of the Year
Honda Odyssey

Volkswagen Sharan
 Ford S-Max
Crossover of the Year
Honda HR-V

Peugeot 2008

Ford EcoSport

Mitsubishi ASX

Subaru XV
Compact SUV of the Year
Mazda CX-5

Ford Kuga

Honda CR-V
Family SUV of the Year
Isuzu MU-X

Hyundai Santa Fe

Nissan X-Trail
Pickup Truck of the Year
Ford Ranger

Isuzu D-Max

Mitsubishi Triton
Coupe of the Year
BMW 2-Series
 Peugeot RCZ

Hyundai Veloster

Subaru BRZ
 Toyota 86
 Volkswagen Scirocco
Premium Compact Car of the Year
Audi A3
 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Volvo V40
Premium Family Car of the Year
BMW 3-Series

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Lexus IS
 Volvo V60
Premium Executive Car of the Year
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Audi A6

BMW 5-Series
Premium Flagship of the Year
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
 BMW 7-Series
 Audi A8
 Lexus LS
Premium Compact SUV of the Year
Audi Q3
 BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Premium Mid-Size SUV of the Year
Volvo XC60

Lexus NX

BMW X3

Porsche Macan
Premium SUV of the Year
BMW X5

Porsche Cayenne

Volvo XC90
Premium Coupe of the Year
BMW 4-Series

Lexus RC

Audi TT

Jaguar F-Type
Performance Car of the Year
BMW M4

Porsche 911

BMW i8

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
 McLaren 650s
Grand Tourer of the Year
BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
 Porsche Panamera
 Bentley Continental GT
Driver’s Car of the Year
Volkswagen Golf R
 Renault Megane RS

Ford Fiesta ST


2014 Peugeot 308 GT revealed, petrol GT 205 and diesel GT 180 in two bodystyles [+Video]

Peugeot has announced the arrival of the sportiest 308 to date, the
308 GT
. The 308 GT is available in both 5-door
hatchback
 and
wagon
 bodystyles and a choice of
petrol
 or
diesel
 engines.
The 308 GT is offered with two engine options, a
1.6-litre THP petrol
 in the GT 205, and a
2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel
 in the GT 180. The 1,598 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder in the
GT 205
 generates
205 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of torque, while the 1,997 cc 4-cylinder turbodiesel in the
GT 180
 generates
180 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Fuel consumption for the GT 205 and the GT 180 is rated at
5.6 l/100 km
 and
4.0 l/100 km
 respectively. The gearbox used in the GT 205 is a
6-speed manual
 while a
 6-speed auto
 is only available with the GT 180.
The 308 GT has been mildly tuned to deliver a greater driving experience with a tweaked suspension that’s stiffer by up to 20%. Stopping power is provided by the 330 mm front brakes and at the back the discs are 265 mm in the 308 GT and 290 mm in the 308 GT SW.
To set the 308 GT apart from the lesser variants, it gets its own distinctive styling tweaks outside and a smattering of GT badges here and there. At the front, the GT gets its own front bumper with lower side intakes and the lion on the bonnet has migrated into the 3-bar grille.
 LED headlamps
 are standard, and the GT gains a new
dynamic sequential indicators
 that sit on top of the mentioned lower side intakes on the bumper.

The side mirror housings are finished in lacquered black, and lower down there’s a very subtle side skirt. At the back, the bumper gains a
diffuser
 finished in lacquered black and a pair of
chrome tailpipes
. The 308 GT sits 7mm lower at the front and 10 mm lower at the back compared to the standard 308, and rides on
18-inch Diamant wheels
 wrapped in
Michelin Pilot Sport 3
 rubbers.
TEP / Alcantara
 upholstery is standard for the 308 GT’s interior, but buyers can choose the optional
Club Nappa leather
 as well. The roof lining and pillars are finished in
anthracite
, while
red stitching
 can be found everywhere from the dashboard to the floor mats.
 Stainless steel door sills
 and
aluminium pedals
 are included in the 308 GT too.

To add to the 308 GT’s sporting intents, there’s the
Driver Sport Pack
 that includes a red illuminated instruments, a sportier engine sound, more responsive throttle, steering, and gearbox, and the instrument panel that displays the power and torque, turbo pressure, and longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The main touchscreen display also gets a new red and black theme dubbed
Redline
.
The 308 GT is also fitted with a host of driving assistance such as the
Blind Spot Monitoring System
 and
Park Assist
, in addition to the
Driver Assistance Pack
 that includes the Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert System, and Emergency Collision Braking System.
The 308 GT might not be setting its sights on the Golf GTi due to its marginally lower power output but it should serve to those who want more from the standard 308. We’re still waiting for the 308 to be launched here in Malaysia so don’t keep your hopes too high for the 308 GT to arrive in our shores anytime soon, but you can expect the 308 GT to debut at the upcoming Paris motorshow in October.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


448 AMG cars gathered at Sepang International Circuit for Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day

After
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 held the
Mercedes-Benz
 Driving Experience event, the
Malaysia launch of the A-Class facelift line-up
, and the
preview of the Mercedes-AMG SL43 roadster
 all in the same week, you might have expected the company to call it a week right? But instead, the firm collaborated with Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia and together held the Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit over the weekend, and has managed to gather a total of 448 Mercedes-AMG vehicles to take part in it.
This year’s record has surpassed the record of 180 cars set by the brand itself during its track day held last year. And like last year’s record, this year’s tally consisted of the combined group in the parade and on the full layout of the Sepang International Circuit itself.
This year’s Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day saw almost the full line-up of the brand’s latest models, as well as models released in the past few years. Among the AMG vehicles that were at the event include the popular
AMG A45
 hot hatch, and the limited edition Black Series models like the SL65, C63 Coupe, and the AMG GT.
Besides the cars mentioned above, other models from the German performance brand were also at Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day. This includes the
AMG G63
 performance SUV, as well as the W205 AMG C63 and W213 AMG E63 4MATIC+ sedans.
RELATED:
Mercedes-AMG SL 43 previewed in Malaysia – Estimated RM1 million, 2.0-litre turbo, 381hp, 275km/h top speed
The Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day 2023 marked the end of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s series of events held last week. This includes, as mentioned above, the Malaysia launch of the A-Class facelift and the preview of the Mercedes-AMG SL43, among other events. It was certainly a fulfilling week for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to say the least!
RELATED:
2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, from RM239k – 5 Things
GALLERY


This touching video featuring the Mercedes-AMG GT R will hit all the feels

Valentine’s Day may have passed but real love is perpetual – just like the one between man and machine, and his son.
In realising the lifelong dream of a visually-impaired man, Mercedes-Benz allowed the petrolhead to let it rip in their
Beast from Green Hell
 – the
Mercedes-AMG GT R
.

Bart Hickey has been blind from birth but his love for the greasy bits never stopped him from being a mechanic.
It was also his dream to get behind the wheel, which in most circumstances would be impossible due to the obvious.
With a generous sprinkle of empathy from the three-pointed star, both father and son, Brendan Hickey took to Alvord Lake where the Mercedes-AMG GT R was driven up to 200 km/h – not only fulfilling a near impossible dream but a lifelong deprivation from the sensation of speed we all have certainly taken for granted.


Hennessey Exorcist is a demon-chasing 1,000hp Chevrolet Camaro

How do you create fear from a car? Is a 1,000 hp muscle car sounds scary, or does naming a car after a cult horror movie sends shivers down the spine? How about combining both? Here’s one example, the 1,000 hp Hennessey Exorcist.
Based on the
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
, this super muscle car is tuned by performance specialist,
Hennessey Performance
. The Camaro’s V8 mill has undergone heavy upgrades which includes fitting a larger, higher flowing supercharger and intercooler system, improved induction system, and engine management remapping.

This pushes the V8 to crank out
1,000 hp
 and
 1,310 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a choice of either a
 six-speed manual
 or a
ten-speed automatic
.
A century sprint is done and dusted in less than
 three seconds
, and a quarter-mile drag race is completed in under 10 seconds. Top speed is not mentioned, but with such ludicrous performance, this Exorcist can easily hit more than 320 km/h.
In the US, the Exorcist can be purchased via Hennessey or directly from Chevrolet dealers. Existing ZL1 owners can convert their cars to become a Hennessey Exorcist for a fee of $55,000 (approximate RM244k), with the standard ZL1 begins at $61,140 (approximate RM271k).
IMAGE GALLERY


The spirit of Isetta lives on in the Microlino 2.0 Concept

The transformation to sustainable mobility is giving more nimble start ups the opportunity to showcase solutions for the future, and one such outfit is Swiss-based
Micro Mobility Company
, who recently debuted the ultra-adorable
Microlino 2.0 Concept
.
While one could say the concept of the Microlino 2.0 isn’t exactly new – it’s clearly inspired by the
Iso Isetta
; the original bubble city car
made famous by BMW
, there’s nothing wrong either in adopting a clever idea from the past and making it work in the modern context.
Like the original Isetta, the Microlino 2.0 seats
two adults
 and has a storage space (220 litres) behind the occupants. But unlike the Isetta, the Microlino has
four wheels
 (independent suspension at both ends) instead of three and is powered by a
15 hp and 100 Nm electric motor
 driving the
rear wheels
. Tipping the scales at only
513 kg
, the Microlino 2.0 is thus capable of accelerating from
idle to 50 km/h in 5 seconds
, with
top speed of 90 km/h.
When equipped with the
14.4 kWh battery option
 (the standard capacity is 8kWh), the Microlino 2.0 can travel up to a
range of 200 km
, after which its lithium-ion battery pack can be topped up within four hours using a house plug. Micro Mobility Company says that they have already accumulated
17,000 pre-orders
 for the Microlino 2.0 which retails from
12,000 Euros
. Production is expected to start in 2021.
The Microlino 2.0 was unveiled alongside a 3-wheel electric scooter called the Microletta Concept, but the latter isn’t confirmed for production.


Couple begins EV expedition with Nissan Ariya from North Pole to South Pole

Possibly the most interesting EV expedition ever, a jacked-up
Nissan Ariya
 has begun its over
27,000 km
 journey from the North Pole all the way down to the South Pole. The “Pole to Pole” Nissan Ariya is driven by Chris and Julie Ramsey, a husband-and-wife team of EV adventurers.
The 27,000 km journey has never been attempted by any car even a fully internal combustion engine (ICE) one. The expedition that the Ramseys are embarking on aims to showcase just how capable and exciting electric vehicles (EVs) are, with the hope to accelerate their adoption as a positive action against the climate crisis.
One look at the images will suggest that the Nissan Area driven by the husband-and-wife team is not a factory standard version. It has received minor modifications to enable the car to traverse through the tough terrains. Most notably, the suspension has been lifted and wheel arches extended to accommodate huge 39-inch tires that will help the car ‘float’ on deep snow and sea ice.
All else, no modifications were made to the Nissan Ariya’s battery and powertrain, which remain standard. The e-4ORCE system, which is Nissan’s advanced electric all-wheel-control technology, has also not been meddled with.
In its all-wheel drive large battery configuration, the Nissan Ariya houses an
87-kWh
 battery pack that provides just under
600 km
of range (WLTP). The dual-motor setup provides
394 hp
 and
600 Nm
. With fast charging, the Nissan Ariya takes 30 minutes to regain 400 km of range.
RELATED:
The Nissan Ariya could change the way you see electric SUVs
The Ariya shown towing a trailer carrying an extendable wind turbine and foldable solar panels
The “Pole to Pole” Nissan Ariya will tow an innovative renewable energy unit, which includes an extendable wind turbine and foldable solar panels. The prototype will take advantage of the expected high winds and long daylight hours, harnessing the natural energy to charge the Ariya’s battery. A coffee machine has also been integrated into this adventure-ready Nissan Ariya to maintain driver focus and awareness.
Chris Ramsey said, “After four years of planning and hard work, we’re so excited to officially get Pole to Pole underway. Julie and I have done several EV adventures over the past 10 years but Pole to Pole is definitely our biggest and most exciting challenge.”
RELATED:
‘EV Godzilla’ – Nissan begins R32 Skyline GT-R EV conversion project
“We’ve had to think differently, be innovative, and collaborate with like-minded partners to make this expedition a reality. Our expedition Ariya is fun to drive and performed well over the 5,000 km journey to get to this starting point. It gives us the confidence we can tackle every driving scenario we’ll face in the coming months.”
Juley Ramsey adds, “We’re excited to share our adventure with you and shine a light on the amazing people, communities and projects along the way that is making a positive difference to the climate crisis. We’d love for everyone to be part of Pole to Pole, so please follow and get involved in the adventure on our social channels.”
RELATED:
2023 Nissan Leaf launched in Malaysia – RM169k, RM1.8k per month subscription plan
GALLERY


Gallery: G30 BMW 530i with M Performance kit, worth the extra money?

Premium executive sedan segment buyers are a tough crowd to please. Positioned between a premium compact executive sedan and a full-sized luxury sedan, you need to have all the comfort of a limousine for the rear passengers and reasonable driving pleasure behind the wheel.
Munich’s latest contender, the G30 BMW 5-Series 530i M Sport, was
introduced early March this year in CBU
 form and a locally-assembled version was rolled out later in the year. Priced at RM388,800 (CKD), the 530i competes squarely against the
Mercedes-Benz E250
 and the
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI Quattro
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
G30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)
Engine
1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
8-speed auto
Max Power
252 hp @ 5,200 – 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.2 seconds; 250 km/h
Price
RM388,800.00
In Malaysia, the 530i M Sport can be further spiced up with official
M Performance parts
 which include carbon fibre bits, larger alloy wheels and beefier brakes. The list is extensive (and pricey) and if you opt for the full range of accessories, you are looking at a RM70k bill. Yikes!
The only performance enhancing option you can have on the 530i is the
 BMW M Performance Sports Brake
 which will set you back RM23,557.70. The ventilated and perforated lightweight brake discs have better thermal capacity and greater braking performance under extreme conditions. But then again, you won’t be going at light speeds with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo that puts out
252 hp
 and
 350 Nm
 of torque, so perhaps you can save that pretty penny.
If you wonder what a 530i M Sport looks like after an M Performance makeover, we have a full gallery for your viewing pleasure. Options fitted on our test unit are as listed below:
Item
Retail Price
20-inch Double Spoke 669M Bi Colour alloys with Pirelli P Zero run flats
RM33,103
Side Skirt
RM2,549.80
Side Skirt Film
RM1,014.80
Front Splitter in carbon
RM7,176
Front Attachment in carbon
RM5,066.70
Front Ornamental Grille in gloss black
RM1,087.20
Exterior Mirror Covers in carbon
RM3,952.60
Rear Bumper Trim
RM3,448.20
Rear Diffuser in carbon
RM10,147.95
Rear Spoiler in carbon
RM4,282.80
Stainless Steel Pedals
RM888.10
Total
RM72,717
Is the M Performance parts worth 20 percent of the car’s price? For all the good looks alone, hell yes.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Audi A8 to debut on 11 July, A7 Sportback to join later in the year

Audi has confirmed that the replacement models for the A7 and A8 will be unveiled this year, beginning with the A8 which will break cover at the Audi Summit happening on 11 July in Barcelona. The company has not revealed further details about the A7 Sportback.
Based on existing information at hand, we know that the A8 will feature the company’s
next-generation Audi Space Frame
 chassis that is lighter and 25 percent more rigid than before. It is also said that the new chassis design will offer
28 mm
 more passenger rear knee room and larger rear door apertures for easier ingress and egress.
Audi’s next-gen Virtual Cockpit will also make a debut on the A8 D5 featuring three high definition screens for the central dash, lower dash and instrument cluster. In the concept presentation, the screens are illuminated using
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)
, a first interior application, although whether the production model will feature this technology remains to be seen.
The
first-generation A7
, although based on the
A6 C7
, actually came before the A6 (A7 launched in 2010, A6 in 2011). If we were to go by the same logic, expect the A7 to be lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient than before. It will also most likely wear the hexagonal “Singleframe” family face like the
A4
 and
Q5
.
More recently, it has been reported that all A8 D5 models will get
some form of electrification
. Interesting times ahead for Audi, it seems.
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche Carrera Cup Asia: Nico Menzel and Chris Van Der Drift sprays champagne in Sepang

The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) makes a return to the hallowed Sepang F1 Circuit for Rounds 9 and 10 of the calendar, coinciding with the Asian Festival of Speed’s GT Asia race which saw GT3 class cars from every top marque present. The weather, rather surprisingly, proved to be the wildcard of the race.
But before the armada of thundering
460 hp

991 GT3
 cars hit the 5.5km F1 track, the fleet was at the
Chang International Circuit
 in
Thailand
 in July where teams fought to gain mid-season points. Sepang proved to be a hair-raising, close quarters race that saw
Martin Ragginger
 chasing
Nico Menzel’s
 tail with a mere
1.455 seconds
 to spare in Race 1 (Race 9 of the season).

Race 1 podium finishers were happy with the close and competitive outcome, with Nico Menzel and Martin Ragginger placing
 first
 and
second
 respectively while Clearwater Racing’s
Craig Baird came in third
. The Kiwi driver started the race in sixth place after qualifying and was pleased to share the podium with Menzel and Ragginger. Our very own homegrown driver
Alif Hamdan
 came in at
11th
place in
Race 1
.
The engineers worked tirelessly to fine tune and tweak the cars before the flag dropped for Race 2 (Race 10) later that afternoon. As the lights lined up overhead and went out, the race saw
Menzel
,
Ragginger
 and
Baird
 battle it out for the next 10 laps. As mentioned earlier, the
weather played havoc
 with the engineers’ setup. The shifting climate saw
 track temperatures
 and
grip
 perpetually fluctuation with every passing cloud, making the already arduous track a more challenging experience.

At the end of Race 2,
Chris Van Der Drift
, who was fourth in Race 1, came out on top with Ragginger and Menzel clinching second and third place respectively. Van Der Drift pulled a 3.065-second lead ahead of Ragginger, whereas Menzel trailed behind the leader by 4.799 seconds.
PCCA will make its way to Singapore next to supplement the Formula 1 race at the
Marina Bay
 street circuit from
18 to 20

September
. After the stint in Singapore, they will be off to
Shanghai
for the
 final round
 of the season in the
World Endurance Championship
 at the end of October.
IMAGE GALLERY
Picture credits to Travis Chang. Thanks buddy!


Special edition Ferrari LaFerrari “Spyder” unveiled for the first time!

What you see before your eyes are the official pictures for the open-top Ferrari LaFerrari, or the Spyder variant of Maranello’s hottest road-legal hypercar to date. If you’re eyeing for one, we’re sorry to report that all examples have already been snapped up at a private client preview.
No price nor specifications have been revealed at this point, but all will be disclosed when it debuts under the Paris Motor Show spotlight. This limited edition open-top can be had with a removable carbon-fibre hard top and a removable soft top. As with all convertibles, significant modifications have been done to the chassis in order to maintain torsional rigidity. Some aerodynamic design tweaks were also needed to achieve the same drag coefficient when driving with the top down.
As for its powertrain, the LaFerrari “Spyder” is powered by the same naturally aspirated
6.3-litre V12
 (high 13.5:1 compression ratio) motor as the LaFerrari, which produces
789 horsepower
. The engine is paired to a
161 hp electric motor
 which together bring the total output to
950 hp
 and over
900 Nm
 of torque. In terms of performance, this drop-top LaFerrari should be on par, with a century sprint time of less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 350km/h.
More details on the special edition LaFerrari will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show (sometime in October), so stay tuned!
IMAGE GALLERY


Alfa Romeo introduces the “NRING” edition for the Stelvio and Giulia

Having set the record as the fastest in its segment around the Nurburgring with a time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo’s first SUV in its history, they’ve gone on to introduce new editions of the Stelvio and Giulia “NRING”.
The Nürburgring Limited Editions were created to celebrate the historic bond between the brand and the circuit, recently given new life by the new Quadrifoglio model’s thrilling performances on the Nurburgring.
Available specifically in European, Middle Eastern and African regions, only
108 units of each model
 will be available and they’re intended for collectors and the most loyal Alfa Romeo customers.
On the outside, the “NRING” models are finished in Circuito Grey Livery, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fibre front badge and side skirt inserts. The Giulia in particular, premiers a new bare carbon roof.
Inside, they’re treated with Sparco racing seats, a Mopar gear knob and mats, carbon fibre dashboard inserts, carbon fibre rear view mirror caps and a leather/Alcantara steering with carbon inserts.
Each model is accompanied by a
1:18 scale model upon collection
. When the vehicle is being presented to its new owners, a
Welcome Kit
 will be given. It includes Sparco racing gloves, a customised soft shell jacket, sports bag in the Alfa Romeo pattern and “Quadrifoglio” cuff-links.
There will also be original footwear inspired by race boot designs created by Car Shoe, an Alfa Romeo licensee for the “Quadrifoglio” capsule collection.
The “NRING” versions will have specific “Authenticity Certification” issued by FCA Heritage. They’re normally only issued for historic cars, immediately giving them genuine “Instant Classic” status, placing them amongst the vehicles ranked as collector’s items.
IMAGE GALLERY


JPJ initiates support efforts due to worsening floods

The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) has initiated various forms of assistance and relief to vehicle owners that have been affected by the current flooding disaster.
Image: Facebook/
Community Road Johor
Vehicle owners who have their
documents lost or destroyed
 by the flooding can get it
replaced for free
. The JPJ has listed three important documents which qualify for this initiative:
Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC)
,
driving licence
 and the
road tax slip
 or Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM).
Affected owners must first lodge a police report on the lost or damaged documents, before proceeding to JPJ to receive a replacement and the initiative takes effect
from today until 15 April 2021
.
JPJ will also be placing their ‘JPJ Mobile Unit’ at key temporary relief centres. Suitable vehicles owned by the department will also be mobilized to aid victims.
Image: Weststar Malaysia
Meanwhile, vehicle owners who are aiding victims in various humanitarian efforts will be
given greater liberty in terms of enforcement
.
Image: Facebook/
Pusat Khidmat Dun Pengkalan Kubor
Major news dailies have reported that the flood situation continues to worsen, with close to 50,000 people having been evacuated to temporary relief centres. Locations that are badly hit include the east coast of the peninsular, as well as Perak and various cities in Johor.
The section between Lanchang and Temerloh on the East Coast Expressway (LPT1) remain impassable to vehicles due to flood waters.


10 Tesla Supercharger locations listed for Malaysia – West Coast only, with “idle fees”

Together with the price reveal of the Tesla Model Y for Malaysia,
Tesla
 has also listed the locations of its upcoming chargers for its supercharger network in the country. After all, what is the point of getting a brand-new Tesla if you don’t benefit from its supercharger network.
Still listed as ‘coming soon’ for the time being, the locations listed and their time of opening are subject to change and new locations are added with their timings updated quarterly. The locations listed on the official Tesla website for now are:
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Dengkil, Selangor
Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (1st additional location)
Kuala Lumpur (2nd additional location)
Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Ipoh, Perak
Negeri Sembilan
Perai, Pulau Pinang
Like the bulk of the charge point operators in Malaysia, the Tesla supercharger network mostly caters to the west coast with emphasis in Klang Valley. States which are currently listed include Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Perak, and Johor.
On Tesla’s website, it is stated that “Supercharging payments are automatically processed from the payment method in the Tesla app”. It remain to be seen if any collaboration with local charge point operators will take place. Interestingly, Tesla may implement “idle fees” to prevent hogging by fully charged cars.
RELATED:
Tesla Model Y open for bookings in Malaysia – from RM199k, extra RM32k for FSD
Also mentioned on Tesla’s website is its home charging solution which Tesla says is the most convenient method of charging for its customers. Tesla recommends installing its Wall Connector at home or any property and these will be available soon in Malaysia.
Tesla has announced the prices of the Tesla Model y for Malaysia, and before options, prices start at RM199,000. Quite a few things are listed as options for the car including paint jobs and full-self driving (FSD). You can book your model Y now for a non-refundable RM1,000 fee.
RELATED:
Tesla Malaysia official launch confirmed – July 20


Volvo launches its first dedicated battery assembly line in Belgium

Volvo Cars has inaugurated a brand new battery assembly line in its Ghent plant, a first for the Swedish carmaker.
The new battery assembly line is in line with Volvo’s commitment for its electrification ambitions and climate action plan, including the target of
50% of car sales to be electrified vehicles by 2025
.
Volvo’s head of global production operations, Geert Bruyneel said, “As the first of our plants to get a battery assembly line, Ghent plays a pioneering role as we continue to prepare our manufacturing network for electrification.”
Apart from the Ghent plant in Belgium, Volvo has also announced its planned construction of a battery assembly line at its US plant in South Carolina. Construction of the assembly line is expected to start this autumn.
The Ghent plant will act as a testbed for the battery production operations, where important learnings in efficiency and process optimisation can be brought over to future manufacturing sites.
Volvo’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the
XC40 Recharge
, will also be built in the Ghent plant later this year, alongside the battery assembly line.
Volvo will also build BEVs based on the brand’s CMA platform in the Luqiao manufacturing plant in China, alongside sister brands
Polestar
 and
Lynk & Co
.
Last year, Volvo signed a long-term agreement with CATL of China and LG Chem of South Korea for the supply of batteries over the coming decade. The agreement will cover next generation Volvo and Polestar vehicles, including the XC40 Recharge P8.


Maxus G10 SE launched, 2.0L turbo, 225 hp & 345 Nm, costs just RM158k!

Westar Maxus Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia has just launched the Maxus G10 Special Edition (SE), joining the existing G10 line-up. Priced at RM157,888, this luxury 10-seater MPV goes up against the likes of Hyundai Grand Starex and Kia Grand Carnival.
Standing at 5,168 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width and 1,928 mm in height, the G10 is larger than even the 12-seater Grand Starex. It’s 3,198 mm wheelbase is only 2 mm short of the Hyundai’s.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Maxus G10 Special Edition
Engine
2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged GDI
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
225 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
345 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
10.2 seconds; 190 km/h
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM157,888
EXTERIOR
Don’t be fooled by its unassuming badge because the G10 SE is packed with luxurious features. On the outside, it comes with HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting system, LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, LED high-mounted Stop Laps, chrome door handles, full body kit with roof spoiler and keyless entry. It rides on 18-inch aluminium alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.

INTERIOR
The cabin of the G10 SE continues to impress as it comes with features that rival even the Toyota Vellfire. Standard features include leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, anti-glare rear view mirror, 10.1-inch roof mounted rear LCD screen, 6-speakers, multi-functional display instrument cluster, reverse camera and cruise control.
Among the class leading features include powered sliding doors with anti-squeeze on both sides, front powered sunroof, twin panoramic rear glass roof, 360-degree surround view camera, 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and even a 220V three-pin power socket. Yes, now you finally have a plug point for your laptop charger.

PERFORMANCE
Powering this two tonne MPV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that pushes out
225 hp
 and
345 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes
10.2 seconds
 while top speed is registered at 190 km/h. Official fuel consumption is rated at
10.3 litres per 100 km
.
SAFETY
As standard the G10 SE comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme, HBA, RMI, High Strength Frameless Body, High Rigidity Front Door Impact Beam and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. It also gets front and rear parking sensors as standard.
WHAT ELSE?
The G10 SE comes in three different exterior shades – Obsidian Black, Blanc White and Aurora Silver. All purchases of a new G10 SE come with a 3-Years Warranty package.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz X-Class launching soon, but would Malaysians accept it? [+Video]

Mercedes-Benz is currently breaking all preceding conventions of the brand, this time taking things up a notch with the all-new
X-Class
 pick up truck. It will share the same platform as the outgoing
Nissan Navara
 and Renault Alaska.
The video below briefly shows the X-Class’ LED headlights and front grille, and it sure looks like a carbon copy of the
GLC
. The tail lights now don’t look as outlandish as the ones we saw on the
concept truck
. Mercedes-Benz says the truck will strictly be made as a double-cab pickup, for now.

However, the powertrain and drivetrain will be from Mercedes-Benz, whereas the rear suspension may get a five-link setup for greater comfort. Expect a more luxurious cabin with leather-wrapped seats as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ww8khzqBT4
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class will make its world debut on
18 July 2017
, and could possibly make its way to Malaysia in the future. And when it does, will you buy one?
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan is sending the fastest Gran Turismo gamer to the Nismo Festival in Japan

If you’re legitimately quick on Gran Turismo, Nissan has a new program that’ll give you the chance to compete in an official FIA championship – the Gran Turismo Manufacturers Series Championship.
For starters, obviously, you’ll need a PlayStation and the Gran Turismo Sport. Enter the FIA Manufacturer Series and
select Nissan as your manufacturer of choice
. Upon that, you’ll automatically be entered into the
Nissan GT Sport Cup
.
https://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21012253/NissanGTSportCuptrailervideo-en-US_h264_aac_1280x720.mp4

The fastest Nissan racer from one of the three regions – Americas, Asia/Ocenia and Europe/Middle East will get to represent Nissan at the GT Sport World Finals.
Winners from each of the three regions will also be sent on a
trip of a lifetime to Japan for the 2018 NISMO Festival
 at the Fuji Speedway and a visit to the Polyphony Digital (creators of Gran Turismo) headquarters in Tokyo.
Created by Sony PlayStation in partnership with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the GT Sport championships are the first online Esports racing championships sanctioned by motorsport’s governing body.
“We’ve proved with the Nissan GT Academy that some of the fastest drivers in the world might never have had the opportunity to compete on a race track if it weren’t for gaming,” said Nissan’s global motorsport director, Michael Carcamo. “These guys have gone from the couch to the cockpit and broken the traditional model of how to become a successful racing driver.”
He added, “We’re now seeing that online racing is not only an alternative to the real thing. To be recognised as an official FIA Manufacturers Series Champion through GT Sport is an incredible opportunity and we’re looking forward to having some of the best gamers in the world represent Nissan.”


Porsche is reportedly building an even larger SUV

No matter how much you don’t like to hear it, Porsche is undeniably an SUV brand now. They already have the
Macan

and
Cayenne
, which are both bestsellers, but according to a new report by
Automotive News
, they aren’t stopping there quite yet.
Citing an unnamed Porsche dealer in the US as source, the publication reported that the German carmaker is in the process of developing a new three-row SUV that’s even bigger than the Cayenne. The story adds that it’s currently still in the concept phase, but is expected to reach showrooms some time after 2025.
The dealer said that “it’s a new style of vehicle that is part sedan, part crossover,” and will feature a “rakish” design, with another dealer supposedly familiar with the car adding: “It’s very un-Porsche-like. It has a flat rear design; it’s not anything like the Macan and Cayenne.”
If the rumours turn out to be true, then it’ll be the first Porsche to (legally) seat more than five occupants.
ALSO READ: Malaysia-assembled Porsche Cayenne now open for bookings – from RM550k
Obviously, there won’t be any information on the mechanical bits of the rumoured three-row Porsche SUV at this time. However, dealers are expecting it to be a plug-in hybrid at launch, with a battery-powered EV to follow after that.
The new SUV could also be related to a flagship electric model that Volkswagen Group is said to be developing for Audi, Porsche, and Bentley, codenamed Landjet.
When asked for comments, a Porsche spokesperson told
Automotive News
that they won’t comment or speculate on specific future models.
“We’re grateful for such creativity within our business, as we’re continually exploring new opportunities and where we might compete in the future,” the spokesperson said. “Whether these go any further than renderings and ideas to make it to the production stage — let alone how they will be powered or configured — is undecided.”
RELATED: Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT gets 640 hp and 850 Nm, SUV lap record in Nurburgring!


Swipe your BonusLink card at Shell petrol stations and win RM 5,000!

Shell Malaysia has recently kicked-off the Menang RM5,000 Hari-Hari contest – one that is aimed at rewarding customers’ loyalty and support for Shell fuels and use of the BonusLink card.
From
8th October 2017
 to
7th January 2018
, the joint promotion between Shell and BonusLink will see one customer receive a cash prize of
RM 5,000 each day
 for swiping their BonusLink card while refueling at Shell retail stations nationwide.
Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, said, “Customers are at the heart of everything we do, and our mission is to make life journeys better. The Menang RM 5,000 Hari-Hari contest is one way to reward our customers, and help them to end the year on a high note.”
BonusLink General Manager, Victor Goon said, “This is another exciting campaign with Shell, aimed squarely at our members to give them a chance to win cash prizes and BonusLink Points. It ties in very well with our slogan ‘Everyday’s a Bonus’ because there are daily prizes up for grabs throughout the campaign.”
To participate, customers only need to swipe their registered BonusLink Card and pump a
minimum of RM 30 of petrol or diesel
 at Shell retail stations nationwide to be eligible for one entry. BonusLink will select one winner a day to receive the RM 5,000 cash prize. Additionally, winners of the contest will also be awarded an
extra 50,000
 BonusLink Points if they swipe at another BonusLink Partner within the same calendar month.


Could this be the McLaren P1 replacement? Autocar UK thinks so

The last of the 375-unit limited run
McLaren P1 hypercar
 rolled off the production line back in
2015
. Since then, the world has been curious when, or rather, will McLaren make a replacement for the P1. After all, the P1 came 14 years after the
legendary F1
.
However, according to Autocar UK, its replacement may come sooner than you think. Codenamed “P15”, Autocar said that McLaren’s next Ultimate Series is set to make its debut later this year. The P15 is said to feature an uprated
 M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
 packing
789 hp
 instead of the newer
M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
 powerplant as seen on the
720S
.
Unlike the P1 which came combined with cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, the P15 is rumoured to be
petrol powered only
 – keeping the overall weight down to
less than 1,300 kg
. If the statement holds any truth, that would mean the P15 will boast better power-to-weight ratio than the P1 and naturally, performance besting the P1’s
 2.8 seconds
 century sprint time and
0 to 200 km/h
 sprint time of
6.8 seconds
.
On how it looks, McLaren is said to take the phrase “function over form” to its absolute limits where its sculpture will only be for outright performance rather than aesthetic appeal. Even going as far as installing a
huge diffuser
. However, rest assured that McLaren will not stray too far from its current design language.
The P15 is expected to make its first public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, carrying an estimated price tag of around £840,000 (approx RM 4.7 million before taxes). Like the
675LT
 and
675LT Spider
, McLaren’s Ultimate Series replacement will be capped at
500 cars
 worldwide, significantly more than the P1.
Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said, “These are certainly exciting times for the Woking-based firm as the P15 will also joined by a three-seat, F1-inspired hyper-GT – another story broken exclusively by Autocar. Codenamed
BP23
, the car will be revealed next year and arrive in 2019.”


Tengku Djan Ley, the Prince of Drift returns to competitive drifting – and wins!

The Malaysian drifting scene has been relatively quiet as of late. Apart from the lack of a proper drifting venue and the dwindling interest among Malaysians, the country’s best drifting talent, Tengku Djan Ley, took a short sabbatical from the sport.
Widely known as the Prince of Drift, Djan is now back with full force, fully backed by
MaxxOil Malaysia
. Djan took part in his first competitive drifting event in four years at the Drift Competition 2017 at Songkhla Speedway, Thailand. If you’re a drifting buff, you would know the vibrant drifting scene in the Land of Smiles and their breadth of local talents.
Tengku Djan’s weapon of choice is his trusty
Nissan 180SX
 that won him innumerable drift standoffs. According to
Mcclubz
, it’s now known as the
700SX
, because well, underneath the hood is a
7.0 LS7 V8
engine deploying
600 hp
 to the rear wheels!
During the weekend, Tengku Djan proved his worth by winning the
Class A
 category and did so after defeating Thailand’s top dog, Davide Dorigo. It was certainly hard fought, with both finalists required to go an extra round to determine the winner. A day before, Djan qualified in second place with 94.4 points.
“I truly appreciate MaxxOil for the support. I am overwhelmed. I want to thank my team and everyone who had a hand in the competition and believing in me,” said Tengku Djan.
On a similar note, Malaysia’s drifting scene looks to be revived as we play host to the
2017 King of Nations Asia ProSeries
 that will be held from 8 to 9 July at the
Elite Speedway Circuit
. No prizes for guessing right the Malaysian representative!


G20 BMW 3 Series among the hot sellers of 2020 in Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia has annouced that they’ve delivered
11,016 vehicles
across the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands last year where 87% of which were locally-assembled. This has cumulated to a 52% market share in the premium automotive segment.
In 2020, BMW Group Malaysia
introduced 25 new models
 across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands; four of which were electrified.
530e M Sport
740LE
In that respect, the company
delivered over 2,200 units of electrified vehicles
 last year; largely contributed by the
 530e M Sport
 and
740Le
. The BMW 5 Series comes in a close second with over 1,600 units delivered; of which over 900 units comprised of the electrified BMW 530e M Sport.
Other key contributors include the
BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV
, the locally-assembled
 BMW 330e M Sport
, as well as the
all-electric MINI
.

BMW Group Malaysia also recorded its highest
Net Promoter Scoring
 index for customer satisfaction. The company achieved over 90% positive response from customers.
Specifically for the BMW brand in Malaysia, it recorded
8,903 new owners in 2020
 – largely contributed by the sales of the G20 BMW 3 Series where over 2,500 units were delivered. Of the 2,500 units, over 1,400 units consisted of the
320i Sport we reviewed
.

The X vehicle range on the other hand, contributed 39% of BMW’s new car deliveries last year, with over 3,200 units. Most of which were BMW X1 models, where over 1,000 units were sold last year alone. Last year saw the launch of the entry-level
X1 sDrive18i
.
Six new M models were introduced in Malaysia last year, including the
M8 Gran Coupe
,
M8 Coupe
,
X4M Competition
, and
 X3M Competition
. 80 of them found new homes.

As for MINI Malaysia, the company recorded 987 deliveries last year, led by the MINI Countryman which contributed over 47% of total deliveries.
“For the first time ever, we are humbled to announce that our total deliveries were strongly led by our line-up of locally-assembled vehicles from the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia – which accounted for over 87% of our total deliveries. Having surpassed the challenges presented in 2020, these figures inspire us to remain steadfast in our commitment towards furthering investments in the Malaysian automotive industry,” said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl.

BMW Group Malaysia’s local success reflects the brand’s global performance, with the Group recording over 2,300,000 units delivered worldwide; of which over 190,000 were electrified vehicles (EV) from the BMW and MINI brands. That represents an increase of over 30% in EV deliveries from the year before.
Last year also saw BMW Group Financial Services financing over 42% of BMW vehicles and 45% of MINI vehicles. With
BMW Engage
, one out of three applications were done online.
With
BMW i-Renewal
, in partnership with Allianz, 5% of owners purchased their vehicle insurance online, surpassing the current industry benchmark of 2%. With the restricted movement last year, BMW was also quick to activate its online initiatives with
BMW Shop Online
 and the
MINI eShop
.


Honda City maintains strong sales figures by topping sales chart, again

Honda Malaysia has announced that it has recorded total sales of more than 44,200 registered units for the 1st half of 2019, with may charting the highest sales of more than 10,500 units.
As a result, Honda Malaysia maintains its leadership as No.1 in the Non-National segment and No.2 (with 15.3%) in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the first half of 2019.
The
Honda City and Jazz in Passion Red Pearl
.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all Malaysians for their continuous support and trust in the Honda brand. The Civic reached a milestone of 130,000th units sold while the Jazz delivered the 100,000th unit to its owner,” said Honda Malaysia, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.
“It is truly inspiring for us to see how these two models have become a favorite among Malaysians and we are hoping to achieve more milestones this year,” he added.
The hot shot for the first half of this year is the Honda City, pulling its weight by contributing 34% to the overall sales. This is followed by the Honda HR-V, achieving 20% of total sales and the CR-V, which made up 14% of total sales. The
Honda City also topped Honda’s sales chart for the whole of 2018
.
Honda also announced that the Passion Red Pearl colour introduced for the HR-V, Jazz, City, CR-V and BR-V has been extremely popular among its customers.


We still can’t understand why Ford fitted a manual gearbox into this EV Mustang

While the “
Mustang-inspired
” electric SUV is scheduled to be released next month, Ford surprised everyone at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas with an actual electric Mustang.
The Ford Mustang Lithium, which is an one-off prototype from the American carmaker, is the fruit of a partnership between the Blue Oval and Webasto.
Featuring Webasto’s 800-volt battery technology, the electric pony outputs “
more than 900 hp
” and
1,335 Nm of torque
. Ford did not disclose any performance figures, but based on the power output we’re pretty sure the Mustang Lithium will decimate the current EV drag-strip king – the Tesla Model S P100D.
Despite what muscle car purists might tell you, the electric drivetrain is not even the most surprising aspect of the Mustang Lithium. What baffled us in this electric-powered Mustang is the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission from Getrag.
A transmission’s main purpose is to keep the engine rotation at its most efficient and powerful output band. And for those less familiar with EVs, an electric motor does not have an “optimum power band” – peak torque is always available. So what is a six-speed manual transmission doing here? Honestly, we’re still unsure ourselves.
Other than the new drivetrain, Ford also gave the Mustang Lithium some additional performance parts to go along with the raw power, including a Super 8.8 Torsen differential, Ford Performance Track Handling Pack and strut tower brace, improved brakes from Brembo, and some carbon fibre parts for weight reduction.
To handle different driving and road conditions, Ford has also included different drive modes – Valet, Sport, Track, and Beast, where the driver selects through the 10.4-inch touchscreen display. We can only assume the last mode is Ford’s answer to Tesla’s Ludicrous mode.
IMAGE GALLERY


Citroen DS4 1.6 Turbo, a dashing French crossover with a Different Spirit [+Video]

This is the first time I had such a close encounter with such a dashing car, the Citroen DS4. I must admit I have a hard time pronouncing the name Citroen, as many of you do, so I took the trouble by attending some online tutorials and learnt up the proper pronounciation. And guess what, Citroen is pronounce (
sit-toh-en
).
The Citroen DS4 is based upon the Citroen C4. Yup, as far as I know, there is no official Citroen C4 being sold in Malaysia, and it’s distributor, Naza Euro Motor, is only keen to bring in DS series into our market as a premium offering at the moment.
QUICK FACTS
Name
 Citroen DS4
Segment
 C Segment
Engine
 1.6L THP 160 (Turbo High Pressure)
Price
 RM
149,888.00
Watch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here
The Citroen DS4 is currently assembled by Naza , and the premium DS (
Different Spirit
) badge will set you
RM149,888.00
, should you choose to get one. It comes in 4 colours, namely
Blanc Nacré
,
Brun Hickory
,
Rouge Babylone
 and
Noir Perla Nera
. I am simply going to call it glittering silver, chocolate brown, delicious red and pepper black instead of those fancy names!
EXTERIOR

When I get the car, I do not know what to make of the Citroen DS4, whether it is a crossover or a hatchback. The raised suspension gives the Citroen DS4 a very macho-ish, crossover profile. The front grill houses a double elongated chevron, distinctively Citroen emblem. Then it is complemented by very aggressive looking
Xenon
 headlamps. The L-shaped
DRL
 (daytime running lights) sits above the small rounded fog lights.
The side profile of the Citroen DS4 is gives a very muscular stance, thanks to the crease or character lines above the front and rear fender. If you are standing feets away from the Citroen DS4, you would probably mistaken the Citroen DS4 for a 2-door coupe. The rear handle is cleverly tucked away, hidden from clear sight. It is located near the C-pillar window. Nicely done, but it doesn’t goes well with a lot of people.
I, together with several writers and friends do find the hidden rear door handle poses a bit of problem. It creates a triangular, protruding edge that could hurt anyone who opens the rear door. Perhaps the French designers is more interested in good looks over safety of passengers!
The rear profile doesn’t look as exciting  as the front fascia, but still draw just enough attention and make you stare. A shiny piece of chrome garnish the rear bumper and with a little twisty design, it manage to look like it houses a two-piece tailpipe. And to finish it off, there is also an extraordinary small rear wiper, the length of marker pen. Why bother putting one small wiper is really beyond me as it wouldn’t be able to cover much surface area after all.
INTERIOR

Step into the front cabin and this is where hell breaks loose. Front seats are wrapped in fine brown leather (
Habana Club Leather
) and contoured to provides good lateral support. It does not however stop there. There is a huge array of adjustments that you could fiddle with, seats alone! There is electric lumbar control and
massage

function
.
I wouldn’t have noticed
it if not for the small buzzing sound emanating from the seats itself and a few circular-moving knuckles caressing your back. Oh yes, the massaging function is only available for front passengers, not the rear. So if you are ferrying more than 2, I dare to put a wager that the other 3 passengers would fight to be seated in the front seats.

There is a huge amount of soft touch materials all over the cockpit too and that is to be expected, coming from the DS range. From armrest, to the centre console and steering wheels. Talk about being pampered! The goodies never stop there. You can even customise the tone of your turn signal to 4 different tones. Even the colour of the instrument gauge is customisable. The steering wheel itself is humongous!
Speaking of the instrument gauges, I would like to stress that the MID is a bit of confusing. Rather than having all information displayed at the dashboard gauge, some are displayed at the central MID. For instance you may find trip meter, distance-to-empty information right in front of your dashboard gauge. However if you want to check how heavy footed you are or your average fuel consumption, you will have to stray away from your dash momentarily and set you eyes upon the central MID, located right above the head unit.
Though this is a 4-door car, it is weird to find that there is only 2 power windows, and your guess is right, it is only available to front passengers. There is no power windows for rear passengers. I do not understand what is the design principles involved here, as there is also no physical lock for the rear passengers to unlock themselves from.
No power window, no lock/unlock lever, hmmmm. This would make a perfect choice for parents with hyperactive kids. Or perhaps Jason Statham from the
Transporter
 movie series would consider the Citroen DS4 as his next go-to-car, perfect for chauffeuring “
packages”
.
If you are being chauffeured, and seated at the rear, fret not. The rear seats are able to accommodate 3 person, with slight shoulder rubbing in the process. As with any smart and practical European hatchbacks, the rear seats do fold
60:40
.
In car entertainment is featured-pack though it comes without any fancy LCD display. Choose from a variety of source and methods to play your favourite music, via USB, AUX input, or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connectivity doubles up as hands free kit. Oh, before I forget, there is something I really like about Citroen is the
panoramic Zenith windscreen
, in place of a more conventional sunroof. It rewards the front passengers with superb viewing angle of the skyline.

PERFORMANCE

Drive the Citroen DS4 hard enough, and the 4 pot turbo Prince engine is going to reward you pretty heftily. The sound of faint blow off valve is unmistakably apparent, and it begs to be driven hard. Power delivery is buttery smooth when paired to Citroen’s
6-speed electronic gearbox
.
Watch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here
With peak torque (
240 Nm
) that comes as early as
1400 rpm,
you will never have to really step hard on the pedals in day to day city drive. Floor it, and the THP engine will bring you up to speed, from
0-100 km/h
 in around
9.3 seconds
. And if that doesn’t amuse you, keep you foot well planted on the accelerator and you will reach
212 km/h
in no time.
THE DRIVE
The Citroen DS4 on 4 low profile
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 225/45
 rubbers, wrapped in 18 inch alloy wheels gives very good grip, but I am not satisfied with the ride quality. The ride can be very hard and bumpy on speed breakers (speed bumps) and uneven roads. That is the only dissatisfaction I could find thus far.
Tyres and ride quality aside, the Citroen DS4 is laden with features to help make the drive as safe as possible. There is
Electronic Stability Program
 (
ESP
) and the much sought after
blind spot monitoring.
Unlike Volvo’s blind spot warning, the DS4’s warning lights is located at the side mirrors, blinking at you if there is an object or car within your blind spot. This earns the Citroen DS4 a
5-star
 rating in
Euro NCAP
. Adult and child occupant protection is rated a high
90%
 and
80%
 respectively.
There is some problem regarding rear visibility of the Citroen DS4, as with many hatchbacks. The problem is made slightly worse where there is no reverse camera for such a luxurious car to help mitigate the rear visibility issue.
IS IT FOR YOU?
I would very much like to own a Continental hot hatch, and this seems to fit that requirement. However, maintenance and parts availability remains a big concern to many of us. Even the ever popular people’s car, Volkswagen, is not spared from troubles that brewed recently. Many owners of the big brand are left disappointed with the quality and attitude of VW’s after sales service in Malaysia. That being said, I believe Naza Euro Motors would not follow in VGM’s footstep and remain committed to bolster their after sales services.
Watch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here
COMPARISONS

Citroen DS4
 Golf Mk7 1.4 TSI

ENGINE
Type
THP (Turbo High Pressure) 4-cylinder engine
TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Displacement
cc
 1,598
1,395
Compression Ratio
 –
 –
Max Power
hp/rpm
161 / 6000
138 / 4500-6000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
240 / 1400
250 /1500-3500
Carburetion System
 Direct Injection
Fuel Tank Capacity
L
 60
50
STEERING
Type
Electro Hydraulic
Electromechanical Power Steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
 6-speed A/T
7-speed DSG
SUSPENSION
Type
 McPherson Strut (F) / Drawn Arms (R)
McPherson Strut (F) / Multi-Link (R)
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear
Disc
Disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
225 / 45 R18
205 / 55 R16
Wheels
 Alloy
 Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,275
4,255
Overall Width
mm
1,810
1,799
Overall Height
mm
1,533
1,452
Wheelbase
mm
2,612
2,637
Max Kerb weight
kg
 1,360
1,720
SAFETY
Airbags
 6
6
Others
blind spot monitoring, vehicle stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brake system, emergency brake assist, parking space gap measurement
vehicle stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brake system, traction control (XDS)
FUEL
Grade
95
95
PRICE
RM
149,888.00

159,888.00

WILL I BUY IT?

I like the Citroen DS4’s styling and with so few of these cars on the road, it does certainly makes me stand out. The practicality of a Continental hatchback is not to be undermined. It carries 5 comfortably, and if you ever need to carry long or large items, you can always fold away the rear seats. The same cannot be said with a sedan, no matter how large it is.
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VIDEO GALLERY
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IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo Car Malaysia expands EV exports to Vietnam and the Philippines

Being the first company to locally assemble electric cars in Malaysia,
Volvo Car Malaysia
 is now set on expanding its electric vehicle (EV) exports into Vietnam and the Philippines. The company already exports EVs to Thailand and Indonesia and aims to transform Malaysia into an electric vehicle hub in the ASEAN region.
In a statement by Volvo Car Malaysia on its electrification and sustainability ambition for 2023, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, “Volvo Car Malaysia’s ambition towards an all-electric Malaysia is steadily becoming a reality. Our assembly plant here in Malaysia plays an important role in our electrification ambition as we bring our electric vehicles to two more ASEAN countries –
Vietnam
 and the
Philippines
. The exportation of our locally assembled electric vehicles is one of our many steps to propel Malaysia into becoming a hub for electric vehicles in the ASEAN region.”
The facelifted Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
Currently, both Vietnam and Philippine markets do not have any electric Volvos on sale. Volvo Car Malaysia currently exports its EVs to Thailand and Indonesia. Like Malaysia, cars in both countries are right-hand drive (RHD). Cars in Vietnam and the Philippines are left-hand drive (LHD). Besides Malaysia, Volvo’s electric vehicles are also assembled in China.
In Malaysia, Volvo’s EV offerings include the
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
 and the
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric
. The former was launched in March 2022 receiving 400 orders within the first month of its launch. The C40 was launched in December of the same year. Both cars are assembled in the company’s plant in Shah Alam and are offered in single variants only.
Having sold 3,194 cars in 2022 (43% increase from 2021), Volvo Car Malaysia aims to increase the number of its electric vehicles to 75% of its sales by 2025. By 2030, it aims to become a fully electric car company.
RELATED:
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k


Honda Malaysia delivers 425 Civic 1.8S to PDRM

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have received 425 units of the new
Honda Civic 1.8S
 as new additions to their fleet. The delivery ceremony took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Putrajaya earlier today. The new vehicles will be used for mobile patrolling and enforcement duties.
The Honda Civic was last seen in police colours
early last year
, where it underwent evaluation by the police force alongside its bigger brother, the
Civic Type R
. Delivery of the new Honda Civic patrol cars was originally scheduled for March this year, but had to be postponed due to the movement control order (MCO).
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said in a statement: “We are delighted that we are now able to resume the plan to deliver these new mobile patrol and enforcement vehicles which are expected to assist in the tasks and responsibilities of the police force in effectively responding to emergencies, maintaining law and order.”
The 1.8S variant is the base specification available for the Honda Civic locally. Under the hood is naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four cylinder engine, producing
141 hp
and
 174 Nm
 of torque. The petrol mill is paired to Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT gearbox.

Earlier this year, Go Auto, a fleet management company, also
delivered a police-spec all-new Toyota Corolla prototype
 to the Ministry. The company said that it had received a letter of intent from the ministry to supply 425 units of the
Corolla
 to be used as PDRM patrol vehicles, replacing the aging fleet of Proton Wiras and Wajas.
According to
Bernama
, the police are set to receive an additional 850 patrol vehicles, comprising of 197 Proton X70 and 653 Honda Civic 1.8 models, to replace their existing vehicles from July until September.


Range Rover Velar launched in Malaysia, 3 variants from RM529k

As
promised
, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has officially unveiled the Land Rover Range Rover Velar here in Malaysia. Aimed at the likes of Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace and Maserati Levante, the Velar is offered in three flavours – the standard P250, P250 R-Dynamic and P380 R-Dynamic.
Sharing the same aluminium platform as the F-Pace, the Velar measures at 4,803 mm in length, 1,665 mm in height, 2,145 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,874 mm. The British carmaker penned and engineered the Velar with “reductionism” philosophy in mind which resulted in a car that was crowned as the winner of the Car Design of the Year at the 2018 World Car Awards.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Range Rover Velar P250
Range Rover Velar P250 R-Dynamic
Range Rover Velar P380 R-Dynamic
Engine
1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder Ingenium
2,995cc; supercharged V6
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
247 hp @ 5,500 rpm
375 hp @6,500 rpm
Max Torque
365 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
450 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.7 seconds; 217 km/h
5.7 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM529,800
RM588,800
TBA
Exterior
Malaysian bound Velars are all highly equipped, items such as Matrix LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, retractable door handles and slim LED taillamps are standard across the range.

The entry-level Velar P250 wears the standard body kit and rides on 20-inch 7-spoke “Style 7014” alloy wheels wrapped profile rubbers. Stepping up to the R-Dynamic variants and it sports a sportier appearance and gets upsized alloys to 22-inch 10-spoke “Style 1033” items. JLR offers a range of optional 22-inch alloys if the customers are compelled to do so.
Interior
As impressive the Velar is on the outside, the interior is equally exquisite. Regardless of variant, the Velar comes equipped with the inControl Touch Pro Duo system that combines two 10.0-inch touchscreen display to form the centre console, 825W 17-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display LCD instrument cluster, Navigation Pro System, 10-way powered front seats with memory function for driver’s seat, ambient lighting, powered gesture tailgate, Morzine headlining and lockable glovebox.

Variant-specific options for the Velar P250 include black gearshift paddles, Acron perforated grained leather upholstery and a standard rear-view camera.
The R-Dynamic variants add three interior themes – Ebony perforated grained leather with suedecloth, Vintage Tan/Ebony perforated Windsor leather, Eclipse/Ebony perforated grained leather with suedecloth and Light Oyster/Ebody perforated grained leather with suedecloth.
Kit wise, the more expensive models add Satin Chrome gear shift pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with chrome bezel, Heads-Up Display (optional for standard P250), panoramic sunroof and 360-degree surround view camera.
Performance
The P250 variants are motivated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic, delivering
247 hp
 and
365 Nm
 of torque. The four-cylinder blown mill is capable of propelling the Velar P250 from 0 to 100 km/h in
6.7 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of
217 km/h
.
The P380 is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol that pushes out
375 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque paired to the same eight-speed auto. Century sprint is clocked in
5.7 seconds
 while top speed is raised to
250 km/h
.
Land Rover’s famed all-wheel-drive system and
Terrain Response 2
 off-road system is equipped on all variants of the Velar. Terrain Response 2 sets up the vehicle to match the demands of the driving condition by adapting the engine, transmission, differentials and chassis settings to six Terrain Response – Comfort, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, Eco and Dynamic Mode.
All P250 Velars comes with a standard passive suspension while the P380 rides on
Electronic Air Suspension
 that lowers the ride height by 40 mm upon unlocking the vehicle to ease ingress and egress.
Safety
All Velars are equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX mounting points.
What Else?
A total of eight exterior colours are available – Fuji White, Yulong White, Corris Grey, Santorini Black, Kaikoura Stone, Firenze Red, Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey. All vehicles distributed by JLR comes with Land Rover Care Programme which includes a 5-Years Warranty, 5-Years Free Service and 3-Years roadside assistance.
In addition to that, all vehicles officially brought in by JLR are compatible with Malaysian climate, driving conditions, fuel quality and emission standards. According to the company, initial deliveries of the all-new Range Rover Velar will commence from July onwards.
IMAGE GALLERY
Land Rover Range Rover Velar P250 R-Dynamic


NSC: Car towing and repair services to remain operational during movement control order

According to a
report
 by
Malay Mail
, the National Security Council (NSC) has clarified that vehicle emergency services including car towing will be allowed during the 14-day movement restriction period.
Although the movement restriction order only allows for essential services to be carried out, NSC today released an eight-item list of non-essential services that will and will not be allowed to remain operational during this period.
The list specifically notes that car towing will be allowed during this period. Additionally, car repair works can be carried out at a minimal rate.
However, the list also clarifies that any sort of social gathering, including for religious purposes, will be banned during this period. The NSC actively urges all Malaysians to stay home during this two-week period, in order to effectively “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
The announcement also states that travel within the country is prohibited, unless for the purpose of acquiring basic needs and medical help. This is in line with the announcement by IGP that all
interstate travel will require a “travel document
“. However, this requirement has since been rescinded due to overwhelming response.


The all-new Carnival set to reignite Kia brand in Thailand, from RM254k

The Kia brand in
Thailand
 currently only offers the K2500 light commercial vehicle. From this week onwards, the brand is set for a restart in the Kingdom, via the introduction of the all-new
Kia Carnival
 MPV.
Fully-imported from South Korea, the all-new Kia Carnival being offered by Yontrakit Kia Motor is available in three variants starting from
THB2.045 million
 (approx. RM254k) for the Limited all the way to THB2.495 million (approx. RM310k) to the range-topping Carnival SXL.
Only one powertrain will be on offer for all three variants- the Smartstream 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power outputs are
202 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque, with the engine compatible with Euro 5 emission standards.
Yontrakit Motor will only offer the mid-range EX and SXL variants on a regular basis. Standard features include four rows of seating to make it a total of
11 seats
, powered sliding doors, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory and ventilation feature, a dial-type shift-by-wire system, manual sunshades for the rear side windows, 3-zone automatic air conditioning with ioniser, wireless smartphone charger, six USB charging ports including two for the third-row passengers, surround-view parking camera system and seven airbags.
Kia has just made an ultra-luxurious Kia Carnival that just seats 4! Check out the Hi-Limousine here!
Setting up or collapsing the fourth row of seats is incredibly convenient, where the entire seatback and bench folds downwards and sinks flat into the floor. However, usage of the fourth row takes up all the available luggage space thus it is only useful for ferrying occupants as a shuttle and not for holiday trips.

The range-toppings Carnival SXL adds all the gadgets such as a 12.3-inch digital cluster gauge and infotainment display for a dual-screen setup, rain-sensing wipers and the Kia Highway Driving Assist (HDA) advanced driver assistance suite such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, Lane Following Assist and the Safe Exit Assist that warns rear passengers of the presence of vehicles behind.
As for the newly introduced Kia Carnival 2.2 Limited variant, it features less powered conveniences, such as the lack of remote opening of the tailgate and sliding doors, fitment of a smaller 8-inch infotainment system and a reverse camera.
Kia vehicles in Malaysia is now distributed by a newly form company called Dinamikjaya Motors. Learn more about the new setup here.
The all-new Kia Carnival is set to be a more premium offering in the MPV segment compared to larger affiliate Hyundai, which launched the futuristic-looking
Staria
 in July. Both models are however still out of sight of
Toyota Alphard
 and Vellfire buyers, as the premium Japanese MPVs only starts their pricing from THB3.889 million (approx. RM483k).
GALLERY


BMW Malaysia presents Full Circle Programme on X1 sDrive20i & 530i M Sport for corporate customers

BMW Malaysia has announced that their Full Circle Programme is now available on the X1 sDrive20i and the 530i M Sport. The programme from BMW Credit allows you to drive home a brand new BMW X1 sDrive20i for RM 2,258 per month or a BMW 530i M Sport for RM 3,588 a month.
Offered exclusively to all
BMW Corporate Programme customers
 including their company directors, spouses of the directors, and employees of the company, the
BMW Full Circle Programme
 lets customers select their margin of financing between
70 to 90 per cent
 with a determined mileage of
20,000 km or 25,000 km per annum
.
At the end of the contract period, owners can return the keys with no further obligations or trade it in for a new BMW via any authorised BMW dealership. Those who would like to keep their cars can also do that, by either making a full settlement or simply by extending their contract. Interested parties can speak to a BMW Credit Relationship Manager at any preferred BMW Authorized Dealership, or by calling 1800-88-3000.


Review: Mazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv, is this the Roadster for you? [+Video]

It’s been some time now since the
fourth-generation Mazda MX-5
 arrived on our shores, and you’ve probably seen the same RM 8000-registered model
driven around by Santa GC last Christmas
, randomly throwing gifts to just about anyone brave enough to reciprocate his excessively generous gesture.
Today, we have for you guys our review of the quickest, nimblest and most focused MX-5 to date.
We flew to Hiroshima, Japan to sample the 1.5-litre variant last September
 and found that the high-revving lump (revs to 7,500 rpm!) coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox was just about enough – if not more – for all the fun you’d need. However, we will only be getting the 2.0-litre automatic variant, that is of course until the manual variant gets introduced to the lineup later this year.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv
Engine
1,998cc; DOHC inline-4 cylinder, Skyactiv-G
Transmission
6-speed automatic (torque converter)
Max Power
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
200 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Price (OTR with GST and insurance)
RM226,376.32
Just as a quick recap, the
2015 Japan Car of the Year
 is
nearly 100kg lighter
 (now at 1,080kg) than the previous NC model, bringing it that much closer to the first generation’s kerb weight of 940kg. Do bear in mind that shedding 100kg isn’t as easy as one would think, but how Mazda did it is all explained in the video.
It’s an even more impressive feat considering how well equipped this roadster really is. It gets
full LED headlights
 with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels with 205/45 series tyres, a premium interior with
9-speaker Bose sound system
, leather seats (manually adjustable), sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the Mazda MZD Connect System. Also if you’re wondering, the MX-5 doesn’t come with a rear view camera, and understandably so.

It’s priced at
RM226,376.32
 with GST and insurance, packaged together with a
3-Year warranty
 and 3-Year or 60,000km free maintenance package – parts and labour (and a complimentary car wash, no less) included. If you’re keen to catch the MX-5 in person, do drop by the Glenmarie showroom to get an up-close and personal look at Mazda’s finest interpretation of their
Jinba Ittai
 philosophy.
Meanwhile, enjoy the video!
VIDEO GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY


A McLaren GT golf bag for the price of a base-spec Perodua Axia!

You know the world has gone mad when a McLaren-commissioned golf bag that fits in the spacious rear load space of the McLaren GT grand tourer costs £5,000. Based on our current forex rates, that’s almost RM26,000, enough to buy a Perodua Axia 1.0 Standard E with a 5-speed manual transmission, with change left to go for a lavish local holiday with the family.
The same leather is used for both the luggage and interior.
You can read all about the 620 hp and 630 Nm
McLaren GT in a story we ran in May
, but the luggage madness doesn’t end there. The collection also entails a garment case (£1,700), weekend bag (£1,850) and a cabin bag (£2,800), all for a grand total of £11,350, or close to RM59,000 – more than enough for two Axias!
This looks tasty, only £2,800 or around RM15,000.
Of course, McLaren will tell you that the leather on the luggage are the same semi-aniline cowhide lining the interior of the GT, painstakingly put together and stitched by Italian artisans, and conforms to the standards set by McLaren. And of course, the pieces are made not only to fit the interior of the GT, but to also complement its interior aesthetics.
The first units of the McLaren GT are expected to reach customers by the end of 2019 (at £163,000 each, subject to taxes), however the McLaren GT bespoke luggage collection will be available from McLaren retailers from September onwards.