Never leave home with Peugeot’s new e-Showroom and Home Test Drive programme

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the launch of the
Peugeot e
–
Showroom
 to allow customers to browse and book vehicles without having to expose themselves to the outdoors due to the current of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how businesses and customers interact. Thus, having the right digital tools in place will provide our customers with quick access to information on our products and services,” said Naza Corporation Holdings, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan.

Customers can now browse through the range of Peugeot vehicles and purchase them from the comforts of their own home by accessing the Peugeot e-Showroom. For the same social distancing reasons, Peugeot also introduced the Home Test Drive, where customers can request for a Peugeot test unit to be sent to their home address.
If you’ve decided to purchase the vehicle after the test drive, here’s how:
Step 1: Visit the Peugeot e-Showroom and choose the vehicle of choice
Step 2: Fill in your details in the booking form
Step 3: Submit your details
Step 4: A Peugeot sales advisor will contact you

For a peace of mind, all Peugeot showroom or service centres are under strict daily sanitisation. All test drive units along with sales and service consultant materials are also sanitised after every session.
With the recent
Sales Tax Exemption
 announcement by the government to help boost vehicle sales and kick start the local automotive industry after two months of zero economic due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), the updated prices for the Peugeot vehicles are as follow:
For the updated price list on other vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.


Regas Premium Sabah appointed as BMW’s newest dealer in Sabah

BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Regas Premium Sabah as its newest representative in the East Malaysian state of Sabah for the
BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brand.
Sabah currently contributes over 500 vehicles to the premium segment in the country annually and has the potential to double over the next five years. Last year, we experienced an 18% growth in our deliveries in Sabah in comparison to 2016 which really demonstrates the potential in the state,” said
Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl.
From left: David Tay, Managing Director of Regas Premium Sabah, Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah and Michael Rainer, Finance Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Regas Premium Auto is also the authorised dealer for the above mentioned brands in the state of Sarawak. Regas Premium Auto was also appointed as the authorised service dealership for BMW i in 2016 in the state and last year established the first-ever BMW i public charging facility in East Malaya at CityONE Megamall, Kuching.
Regas Premium Sabah will
commence operation on
1
st
 July
 at Mile 3, Lido, Jalan Penampang, 88300 Penampang – offering the full suite of Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) for the BMW and BMW Motorrad brands, as well as service facilities for the BMW i brands and MINI.


Porsche says the 911 Speedster will go into production next year

Remember the
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept
 we share a few months back? Well, Porsche has just revealed that exactly 1,948 units of the open-top two-seater based on the 991 series will be built – with production set to begin in 2019.
The number reminisces the Porsche 356 “Number 1” that began production in 1948 while the Guards Red paintwork is a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster.
Adding to the catchy paintwork are 21-inch centre lock wheels with a cross-spoke wheel design that’s similar to Porsche race cars such as the 911 RSR and the GT3 R.
What’s really intriguing though, is the fact that it’s been present with tinted out red headlights, like Terminator’s eyes after its face had been ripped off.
It will share certain body components from the Speedster Concept such as the carbon fibre rear bonnet with the double-bubble cover behind the seats, fenders and front bonnet that’s also made of carbon fibre. Don’t you think, especially from the side view, that it looks like a turtle though?
Powering the Speedster will be a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that’s mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, developing more than
500 hp
and is capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm.
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2016 Honda Civic Hatchback unveiled, but it won’t be coming to Malaysia

Here is it, the new
Honda Civic
 hatchback unveiled prior to its showcase at the Paris Motor Show. This
10th-generation hatchback
 marks Honda’s resurgence in the European market of small family hatches, particularly against increasingly strong Korean contenders.
Built at Honda’s Swindon plant in the UK, the Civic hatchback will be exported throughout Europe as well as North America. As it has always been, the Civic hatchback will not be officially brought into the Malaysian market.

The new Civic hatchback is 4,497mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,421mm tall. The wheelbase is identical to the sedan – 2,700mm. Essentially, it’s longer, wider, lower, and bigger than the one it replaces. The new model has 52 percent greater torsional stiffness than the old model, with weight down by 16kg.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase, interior space is now roomier despite the lower roofline. Honda’s Magic Seats have been removed to make way for the usual 60/40 rear seat split. Anyhow, that’s not a big miss considered the hatch’s impressive boot space of
478 litres
. The 7-inch head unit also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The
 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged
engine will be featured in this new Civic, but it is tuned to make 9 hp more than what we have. However, Honda predicts its
123 hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo
 will account for the bulk of sales. Regardless, both engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed CVT. The 118 hp 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel option will be available with a new nine-speed automatic transmission when it’s ready.
Catering to the demanding European drivers is an improved drive for the new Civic. The torsion beam setup at the back has been removed to make way for an independent multilink setup as part of a revised suspension package for the new Civic.
The new Civic also hosts a good range of active safety kit. All variants will receive a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and blindspot information.
The new Civic hatchback will be joined by an all-new Civic Tourer wagon and the hotter Type-R hot hatch. The latter is still in development and may arrive earliest by late 2017.
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Upcoming Bentley Batur Mulliner car will preview brand’s future design language

Bentley
 will be unveiling its latest creation from the in-house coachbuilding division
Mulliner
 at the upcoming Monterey Car Week on the 21st of August. Called the “Batur”, the new Mulliner model will not only serve as the successor to the
Bacalar
, but also act as a preview to the carmaker’s future design language.
Not much has been revealed by Bentley just yet, aside from a sole photo depicting the car’s new grille, which appears to retain the large flat-face design, although now with a V-shaped mesh pattern, replete with orange accent trims.
Bentley has already committed to an
electrification plan
, with the Crewe-based carmaker confirming that it’ll only offer EV or PHEV models from 2026, and only EVs starting from 2030. While the Batur is meant to inform how the future Bentleys will look, the powertrain underneath there isn’t quite there yet – last we checked, it’s still 2022.
Technical specifications are sparse to none at the moment, but
Autocar
 reported that it will feature an enhanced version of the Bentley turbocharged W12 engine, with outputs around the region of
660 hp
 and
900 Nm
 of torque. The power outputs should translate to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of less than four seconds, onward to a top speed of over
 320 km/h
.
RELATED:
Bentley celebrates 1,000 Mulliner projects with a bespoke purple Bentayga
We expect the Bentley Mulliner Batur to be just as limited as the Bacalar, which only 12 units were sold worldwide. And if you’re wondering, the name comes from an 88 metre-deep crater lake in Bali, Indonesia, following the naming scheme of its predecessor.


BMW updates its price list on selected CBU and CKD models

Following a series of launches recently, BMW has released an updated price list with a few additional models which were not included in the previous announcement. This follows after a series of launches including the
BMW X5 xDrive 45e
, the
BMW M8 Coupe
 and the
M8 Gran Coupe
,
the X6 xDrive 40i M Sport
, the
840i Gran Coupe M Sport
, the
X1 sDrive18i
, the
M135i xDrive
, the
X3M Competition
 and
X4M Competition
.
Prices for a few models remain unchanged. They include the M4, M5,
M850i xDrive Coupe
, both the
X2 xDrive20i M Sport
, the
X2 M35i
 along with both the i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster. Newly included into the list are the 5-series models – the
520i
, the 530i M Sport and
 530e M Sport
.
A noticeable price change can be seen with the BMW 630i GT M Sport. In the previous announcement, the 630i GT M Sport was priced at RM438,800 and with the Sales Tax Exemption, was RM430,800. It has dropped further to RM418,131.09 from RM430,800.
There are a few surprises with a few models though. The
X1 sDrive20i M Sport introduced in January this year
 sees an increase in price,
from RM225,410.37 to RM230,410.37
. Both prices are inclusive of the Sales Tax Exemption.
The same goes for the
 X3 xDrive30i M Sport
, now priced at RM324,164; up from RM319,164. The Z4 also sees an RM5,000 increase, from RM464,510 to RM469,510.
For the previous Sales Tax Exemption price list of BMW vehicles, click
here
.


From ocean to road – the Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition

“Inspired by luxury yachts, designed by the ocean” is Mulliner by Bentley Motors’ description of their latest creation, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition. Named after the Greek Goddess of calm sea, Galene, the Galene Edition marries the best elements of an oceanic lifestyle with luxury open-top motoring.
The exterior of the Galene Edition is finished in Glacier White to reflect the sparkles of crystal clear waters while the Sequin Blue touches underlines the marine life. A set of 21-inch polished Propeller wheels complete the look of the car.
Inside, the Galene Edition pays homage to the luxuriousness of yacht and Bentley cars, using only the finest hand-crafted materials to create exquisite details. A new material finish –
Pinstripe Walnut
 was commissioned exclusively for the Galene Edition, creating a natural open-pore wood design as seen on luxury yachts.
Other bespoke touches include
Linen and Portland hides with camel hand cross stitching
 for the upholstery, Brunel Alcantara headrest embroidery and Glacier White touches on certain exposed panels. For the true enthusiast, a unique super yacht illustration,
hand painted by Jaume Vilardell
 can be specified on the passenger side dashboard.

Mechanically, the Galene Edition is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with
500 hp
 and
660 Nm
 of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is tasked to transfer power to the rear wheels. Century sprint is completed in
5.0 seconds flat
 while top speed is clocked at
 301 km/h
.
Only 30 units of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition will be made. Malaysia was once a lucky recipient of a limited edition Bentley (
one of 20 at that
), but is there any chance for a well-heeled Malaysian to park this next to his or her luxury yacht?
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New patent for upcoming Honda BR-V filed in Indonesia, looks exactly like the N7X!

Despite Honda’s insistence that the
N7X concept
 has nothing to do with any of its existing products, these leaked photos certainly suggest otherwise. According to
indra_fathan
 who posted the photos on Instagram, these are the leaked patent filings of the upcoming Honda BR-V for Indonesia, and guess what – it looks pretty much identical to the aforementioned concept vehicle.
According to the source, these patents are filed by Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Honda Motor’s ASEAN headquarters based in Thailand, through an Indonesian law firm. So if you’re wondering if this is a hoax, rest assured that this is perhaps as legitimate as it comes.
Check out how the Honda N7X concept looks in the flesh here!
Additionally, Indonesia-based automotive website
Autonet Magz
 recently
uncovered a price list
 for the upcoming Honda BR-V (with the model code DG3) on an official Indonesian government website, adding credibility to the claim.
Anyway, the leaked patent filings contain four different views of the car in illustration form, giving us a pretty good idea of how the production model is going to look like. There are also close-up 3D renders of the head and tail lights, grille, and bumpers, all of which pretty much identical to what we’ve already seen on the Honda N7X concept car.
Notice the bulge on the left wing mirror? That’s similar to the Honda LaneWatch cameras we’ve seen on the marque’s existing models, which projects the image onto the infotainment screen for a clearer view when changing lanes.
The leaked price list further suggests that the range-topping BR-V variant will come with the Honda Sense advanced driver assistance suite, based on the ‘HS’ in the listed model code. If true, this will be a huge upgrade over the
current model
 that doesn’t come with any form of ADAS features!
The Honda N7X concept. See the resemblances?
Although the upcoming all-new Honda BR-V will get a completely reworked design, it seems that the powertrain will remain unchanged from the current generation. The ’15L’ from the model code suggests that we will continue to see the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder underneath the bonnet, which sends
120 hp
 and
145 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.
Check out how the Honda BR-V compares against the Mitsubishi Xpander in our seven-seater ‘SUV’ comparison!
While this will certainly be disappointing news to some, it’s a justifiable decision since the BR-V is built as a budget-friendly seven-seater people carrier, going right up against the
Mitsubishi Xpander
.
While nothing is confirmed just yet, this new leak is the closest we’ve got to hear about the all-new Honda BR-V. An official launch is likely due soon, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news.


There’s now a “more affordable” way to own a Porsche Cayenne and Panamera

At the unveiling of the new Porsche Macan S at the
Porsche Sportscar Together Day
, Sime Darby Auto Performance, distributors of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia also announced that there’s now a “more affordable” way to own a
Panamera
 and
Cayenne
; if there’s even such a thing.
The new 360 Leasing Programme, which will eventually extend to the Macan, is an alternative method to vehicle ownership and allows owners to walk away with a new Porsche every three years with only a 10% or 25% refundable security deposit (for both individual and company lease) based on the selected vehicle value.
Customers are only required to pay the monthly lease rental during the three year tenure which provides customers the financial flexibility to better utilise their funds elsewhere rather than tying it up to a car – as if Porsche’s clientele would require such assistance.
At the end of the lease term, customers will have the option to either upgrade from their current lease vehicle to a completely different model or to the latest model in the same range.
Those who somehow built up an attachment with their lease vehicles can opt to extend their lease or even take full ownership of the said vehicle. Otherwise, customers can simply opt to return the lease vehicle without a care in the world about the lease vehicle’s resale value.
Vehicles under the 360 Leasing programme are accompanied with warranty and maintenance package which includes service, parts and labour. Also included is a full comprehensive insurance package for all drivers, along with 24-hour roadside assistance, windscreen and natural disaster coverage.


2017 was the best year in history for Honda Malaysia

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. charted its highest ever sales last year,
delivering a total of 109,511 units of cars
. Not only that, the company has retained it’s Number 1 position for the Non-National segment for the third consecutive year and maintained its Number 2 position in overall TIV (Total Industry Volume) for the second year running.
Since Honda Malaysia set foot in Malaysia in 2003, the company has sold more than
730,000 cars over the span of 14 years
. Last year was also the first time Honda Malaysia has achieved sales of more than 100,000 units and the
highest
 that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia.
Despite the challenging market climate in 2017, overall sales for the Japanese carmaker has increased by
19 percent
 compared to the previous year.
December
 2017 was the best month with 11,221 units sold. As of 2017, the brand’s market share stands at
19 percent
, up 3.2 points from 2016.
The
City
 emerged as Honda’s best-selling model, contributing 27 percent to total sales, followed by the
HR-V
 at 17 percent,
BR-V
 at 16 percent and
Civic
 at 14 percent. The
Jazz and City Sport Hybrid
 duo also delivered remarkable results, with contributing two percent to the total sales despite being on sale for only four months. As it stands, all CKD models from Honda Malaysia are
Number 1
 in their respective segment.
In 2017, Honda Malaysia launched eight new models (all-new and refreshed included) – BR-V, City facelift, Jazz facelift, City Sport Hybrid, Jazz Sport Hybrid, Accord with Honda Sensing, all-new CR-V and all-new Civic Type R (FK8R). Malaysia is also the
first country outside of Japan to launch and assemble the City and Jazz Sport Hybrid
.
Moving on to market penetration, Honda Malaysia has grown its presence in East Malaysia with more than 7,500 units delivered to customers in 2017, an increase of
33 percent
 compared to 2016. The seven-seater BR-V was the best-selling model in East Malaysia.
In 2017, Honda Malaysia serviced more than
1,150,000 vehicles
,
up 13 percent
 compared the previous year. The company also introduced Honda Pride, a campaign to create awareness amongst Honda customers on the benefits of aftersales services from Honda Malaysia. Twelve specially designed benefits such as
5-Years warranty with unlimited mileage
, genuine parts and comfortable dealer showroom were structured to deliver top-notch quality after sales services to Honda customers.
Managing Director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia achieved outstanding sales achievement in 2017, and we dedicate this milestone year that we have experienced to all our customers, business partners, dealers and Honda associates. It has been an exciting year for Honda and the outstanding results we achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of all Malaysians and the Malaysian Government.”
“Reflectively, we are pleased to note that with the maturing Malaysian market, customers responded well to the various Next Generation Advanced Technologies we introduced such as
Honda SENSING
,
Turbo
 and
Sport Hybrid i-DCD
. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD made history during their introductions as Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the technology. It was also the most affordable Hybrid to be introduced in the market. Honda was also the first brand to introduce the SENSING technology into mass models such as the CR-V and New Accord. Ultimately, we strive to bring the joy of ownership to all our customers,” concluded Mr. Ishiyama.


UMW Toyota sold 90,595 cars so far in 2022 – 44% more than last year

UMW Toyota Motor
 has announced its sales report for the month of November 2022, in which it reported a total of 10,442 units sold, including both
Toyota
 and
Lexus
 models.
The figure represents a 23% increase over the same month last year (8,487 units), but more importantly, it brought the company’s year-to-date sales as of November to 90,595 units combined. The figure represents a 44% increase over the same period last year, which enabled Toyota to maintain the title of Malaysia’s best-selling non-national car brand – a title the company wishes to keep next year.
To keep up with the momentum, the company has announced plans to launch “several new models” in the new year, including

three GR models
 (GR Corolla, GR 86, and manual Supra), the
fully-electric bZ4x
, as well as a second hybrid model in its line-up, although details on the latter is still scarce.
Commenting on the company’s product approach towards electrification, UMWT President Ravindran K. said, “We believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and currently, Hybrid-Electric is the most viable way forward in achieving carbon neutrality.”
He adds that until the nation progressively move towards more accessible forms of electrification, hybrids will be the most accessible and affordable option for car owners to begin their carbon-reducing journey.

UMW Toyota also announced a new company direction in Malaysia, in line with its regional vision to “Move Your World”.
“Move Your World is our realisation of a future mobility society, within our push to transition from an automobile company to a mobility company. Car ownership will be more convenient than ever, with delivery to your doorstep, holistic car maintenance assistance services, simpler ownership cost management, and much more,” Ravindran K. explained.
READ MORE:
Anwar Ibrahim cancels Mercedes-Benz S600 order, sticks with Toyota Camry for PM duties
In line with the Move Your World branding direction, Toyota has also upgraded its website in Malaysia to strengthen its customer-centric web design concept, with a new modernised interface, as well as new user-friendly features such as the search function, branding pages, and a preferred dealer setting.
ALSO READ:
RM20k more than the Alza, what’s extra on the Toyota Veloz?


Naza Italia opens doors to the second Ferrari Showroom in Malaysia

Naza Italia, the sole authorised distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has just opened its doors to the brand’s second Ferrari showroom in Platinum Park Kuala Lumpur, making the brand even more accessible through this prime location showroom.
Located at a stone’s throw away from KLCC, the new 3,115 square feet showroom is the product of a RM2.8 million investment by Naza Italia. Esteemed customers of Ferrari can head over to the ground floor of Tower 1, Platinum Park to immerse themselves in the world of Prancing Horse.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre’s first Ferrari showroom is able to accommodate up to three display cars as well as a luxurious customer lounge and configuration room – arguably the most exciting room in the entire space.
Group Executive Chairman of Naza World Group of Companies, Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, “Substantial growth in business calls for an expansion that enables us to better serve Ferrari’s discerning clientele. To address that, we are making the brand more accessible with a showroom in this prime location. We have always been committed to developing and nurturing relationships with our customers and know that it often means going the extra mile – so that they don’t have to! The Ferrari Showroom at Platinum Park will assist us in reaching out and building upon those customer connections,”
“Now, with the additional brand presence right in the heart of the city, Kuala Lumpur citizens are invited into the world of the Ferrari in a metropolitan setting. The Ferrari Showroom @ Platinum Park is somewhat of an appetiser, presenting Ferrari enthusiasts and potential buyers a taste of the latest offerings from the Cavallino Rampante and a preview of the experience provided at the more comprehensive showroom in Petaling Jaya,” he added.
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Apple CarPlay now available on 2022 Perodua Alza – Updates provided at Perodua SC

Perodua Alza
 owners who are also Apple users can now rejoice as the Apple CarPlay has now been enabled. For Alza owners who have already received their cars, they can get the software update during their next service/inspection at
Perodua
 service centres.
It is to be noted that the Apple CarPlay and Android functions are exclusive to the AV variant of the Perodua Alza only. Other variants of Alza adopt the older system similar to the
Perodua Ativa
 that doesn’t support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Alza owners are advised to remind the service centres to make sure they get the latest software update.
As tested by our very own GC Mah!
The Apple CarPlay connection is wired, similar to the Android Auto connectivity. Previously awaiting approval for MFi (Made for iPhone) certification, the Apple CarPlay function was simply disabled on the 9-inch touchscreen unit. Fortunately for us at AutoBuzz.my, the test car that we received was already equipped with Apple CarPlay, and we have verified that it is working in full.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are some of the many Perodua-first features on the Alza, besides the Electronic Parking brake with auto hold, 360-degree surround view monitor, and rear disc brakes. If you’re an Alza AV owner who is also an Apple user, make sure to get your car’s infotainment software updated to enable Apple CarPlay.
RELATED:
All-new 2022 Perodua Alza bookings now 39k units strong, 4,000 units delivered


Video: The Lexus LM 350 3.5L, 5 Things

There is no denying it. The exterior of Lexus Global’s latest product, the LM 350, looks very similar to the Toyota Alphard. Priced from
RM1,148,000
, it is also well above the price of not one but two units of the Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge from the more mainstream Toyota dealership in Malaysia.
The latest Lexus LM 350 is the company’s flagship people mover, exemplifying the very definition of ‘
Omotenashi
‘ or the Japanese art of hospitality. Inside, however, it shares almost nothing with the Toyota model it is based on. Only
four seats
 are available in the LM 350, with two special individual VIP seats in the rear cabin.

There are just so much features in each of the VIP seats, so learn more about the latest Lexus LM 350 and the myriad of functions within the two special VIP seats in the video above.
Similar to the Toyota base vehicle, the Lexus LM is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine with outputs of
296 hp
 and
361 Nm
 of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For a more in-depth look on the Lexus LM 350, more information can be found
here
.
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Facts & Figures: All-new 5th generation Toyota RAV4 launched in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor has officially launched the all-new Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia. The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is available in two variants – a 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre variant priced at
RM196,436
 and
RM215,665
 respectively.
The all-new
Toyota
 RAV4 is built on the same
TNGA
-K platform as the
Toyota Camry
 with better visibility, a lower center of gravity, stiffer chassis, and rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability.

PERFORMANCE
2.0-litre Dynamic Force
Horsepower: 173 hp
Torque: 207 Nm
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
Transmission: CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic with Paddle Shifters
2.5 litre Dynamic Force
Horsepower: 207 hp
Torque: 243 Nm
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic with Sequential Shiftmatic with Paddle Shifters
In terms of equipment, the different engines and transmissions are the only differences between the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre variants. As for the rest of the car, both share the same features:
EXTERIOR
Automatic LED headlamps
LED daytime running lights
Rear LED combination tail lamps
Roof rails
Front and rear fog lamps
Hands-free powered tail gate
18-inch wheels
On the inside of the fully-imported SUV from Japan are soft touch materials at all the vital touch points, with design elements unique only to the all-new Toyota RAV4. As a result of the TNGA philosophy, forward and side visibility has been improved with a lower belt line, narrower A-pillars and repositioned side mirrors.
Standard on-board features includes an OEM headunit unlike the third party ones found in the Corolla, dual zone air conditioning, Optitron instrument cluster with a 7-inch multi information display, jam protection windows in the front and back, 6-speakers, 60:40 split-folding seats, rear air con vents, and rear armrest with cupholders.
The all-new Toyota RAV4 also comes with a 2 stage floorboard in the boot with best-in-class storage capacity rated at 580 litres. The
Mazda CX-5
 is rated at 442 litres while the
Honda CR-V
 is rated at 522-litres.
INTERIOR
Ventilated seats
Reclining rear seats
Five USB ports
Wireless Charging
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
3D Panoramic View Monitor
Digital Video Recorder (Front & Rear)
8-way power adjustable seats with Lumbar support and Memory Function
On the safety and security front, both models have been generously equipped to the brim with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Telematic System and rear ISOFIX seats. Other goodies include:
SAFETY
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 – Pre Collision Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Hill-start Assist Control
Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold
Seven airbags
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is available in six different colour – Dark Blue Mica, Red Mica, White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic and Attitude Black – and is accompanied with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
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This 18-year old built a homemade car with gull-wing doors for just RM800

The next time you’re struggling to complete a task or overcome a challenge, think about this 18-year Ghanaian called Kelvin and his homemade car. As dodgy and ratchet as it car looks, you can’t help but admire the dedication and ambition of the young man, in the face of overwhelming odds.
It may seem like a half-hearted science project of an 8-year old, but it took Kelvin three years to complete with some help from his friends. There were times where he even skipped school to build the car!

The homemade car comes complete with the bare necessities like headlamps, side mirrors, instrument gauges, radio, shock absorbers from a motorcycle, and even an ignition switch! That’s not all; because it was his car to build, at his complete discretion, he even fitted it with
gull-wing doors
!
If that isn’t inspiring enough for you, wait till you hear the encouraging words from the man himself.
We’ve not stopped tearing since.
Source:
Drew Binsky


Toyota GR Yaris: Do you fancy this pocket rocket and for how much?

Toyota was always going to ‘cash in’ on their involvement in the
World Rally Championship
, and today, they officially unveiled the road car that embodies the learnings and spirit that took them to success in the WRC – the
GR Yaris
.
“The GR Yaris was developed to be a car that responds to driver demand on all types of roads worldwide,” says the official press release. This isn’t a low-volume homologation special of yesteryears as the modern regulations are more accommodating to racing upgrades on WRC rally cars.
Instead, you can look at the GR Yaris as a high-performance
halo model
, like what the Civic Type R is to Honda, but in the form of a hot hatch,
developed entirely in house
, unlike the GR Supra.

Most of the GR Yaris’ technical specifications were revealed in December, but it’s well worth going through its bespoke hardware again. Underpinning that blistered and hunkered down three-door body is the
new TNGA platform for B-segment
 models, but made stiffer, lighter and with suspension geometry specified for the GR Yaris front strut and rear double-wishbone set up. The door panels, bonnet, trunk lid of the GR Yaris are made of
aluminium
, while the lowered roof is
carbon fibre
.
Power is derived from a
1,618 cc turbocharged three-cylinder
 engine; Toyota claims the G16E-GTS motor is the
world most powerful 3-pot
 with an output of
272 hp and 370 Nm
, we don’t doubt that.
All that grunt is then channelled through a
six-speed manual transmission
 and distributed to all four wheels via a
GR-Four Torsen-type all-wheel drive system
, with pre-set torque split options of 60:40 (Normal), 30:70 (Sport) and 50:50 (Track) available to the driver.
Based on reports by the European media which tested the GR Yaris prototype last month, this 1,280 kg pocket rocket is capable of a
0-100km/h time of around 5.0 seconds
 and an estimated
top speed of 225 km/h.
The price of the GR Yaris starts from
3.94 million yen
, which is just slightly more than a well-kitted Toyota 86 GR Sports variant in Japan prices, so this isn’t going to be a bargain hot hatch, so we could be looking at the price zone between
RM250k to RM300k
, after duties.
If UMW Malaysia took the trouble to bring in the GR Supra from Europe, one would imagine that sourcing some right-hand drive GR Yaris-es from Toyota’s
Motomachi plant
 would be more straightforward, so there are legitimate grounds to be optimistic. But do you want one?
Toyota GR Yaris gallery


2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift launched in Malaysia, priced from RM196k

Just when you think Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) –
after a thoroughly successful year in 2015
 – is resting on their laurels, the company decides to prove once again why there’s no place for complacency with the launch of the
facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class
.
Unveiled not too long ago in July 2015, the facelift brings about subtle change, both externally and internally. As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? So what’s new, then? Instead of the three variants formerly offered, a new entry-level
A 180
 is slotted below the A 200, A 250 Sport and A 45 AMG, expanding their A-Class range to four trim levels.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz A 180
Mercedes-Benz A 200 with AMG Line
Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport
Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC
Engine
1,595cc; turbocharged inline-4
1,991cc; turbocharged inline-4
Transmission
7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission
7-speed Sports DCT, AMG Speedshift
Max Power
122 hp @ 5,000 rpm
156 hp @ 5,300 rpm
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
381 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
200 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
250 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
475 Nm @ 2,250 – 5,000 rpm
0 to 100km/h; Top Speed
8.6 seconds; 202 km/h
7.8 seconds; 224 km/h
6.4 seconds; 240 km/h
4.2 seconds; 250 km/h
Price
RM195,888
RM205,888
RM238,888
RM348,888
EXTERIOR
Its exterior tweaks are minimal to say the least, but the most notable differences here are the revised headlights and tail lamps. Full
LED headlamps
 and
 LED daytime running lights
 are offered as standard across the range, but instead of having individual LEDs forming the ‘eyebrow’, a single LED tube is now in place. The internals for the rear lights are also redesigned, as are the front and rear bumpers, albeit very slightly.

All wheel sizes measure at 18-inches, except for the A 45’s 19-inch wheels. However, if you add just RM1,000 more for the A 180, you’ll get the multi-spoke gloss black AMG wheels – also 18-inches. Otherwise you’ll have to settle for the normal five-spoke design. That’s a steal if you ask us, but it’s only limited to the first 100 units. This time around for the A 200, the car will come with AMG styling (more aggressive front and rear bumpers) as well as the same multi-spoke AMG wheels as the A 180, but here it’s finished in chrome.
The A 250 Sport here is the most familiar of the lot, donning the same set of wheels from before. It also receives AMG body styling which includes the sportier front and rear bumper and some red stripes highlighting the lower portions of both ends. The only difference here is its sports suspension which lowers ride height by 15mm.
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin remains largely the same as before, but all variants get a sportier three-spoke 12-function steering wheel, new graphics for the dials and some redesigned buttons in the centre panel. The free-standing head unit is larger too, up from 7-inch to 8-inches when measured diagonally. Also included as standard is the seat cushion depth which is adjustable by up to 60mm.

Every trim level gets black roof liner and leather wrapped steering wheel. Seats in the A 180 are clad in a mix of synthetic leather and fabric. The same Artico leather is used for both A 200 and A 250 Sport trims, but the fabric is swapped with finer Dinamica cloth. Like before, the A 45 gets leather AMG Sport upholstery, heated front seats and red designo seat belts.
PERFORMANCE
There’s essentially two engines on offer – a
1.6-litre
 and
 2.0-litre
,
both turbocharged
. The smaller engine powers the A 180 and A 200, but outputs vary from
122 hp
 and
200 Nm
 for the former and
156 hp
 and
250 Nm
 for the latter. These numbers are good for a century sprint of
8.6 seconds
 and
 7.8 seconds
 respectively, making it slightly quicker thanks to the updated 7G-Tronic dual clutch transmission.
Powering the A 250 Sport is the same 2.0-litre block from before, which makes
211 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in
6.4 seconds
 before maxing out at
240 km/h
, and accelerates faster too thanks to the new gearbox. Last but not least is the
Mercedes-AMG A 45
, a RM349k offering that’s powered by the world’s most powerful production series 2.0-litre engine.
Boosted by a larger turbocharger (compression ratio reduced to 8.6:1), the updated engine produces
381 hp
 and
475 Nm
 of torque, about 21 hp and 25 Nm more than the previous model. It’s also just RM1,000 more than before! Power is sent to all four wheels through the
AMG Speedshift seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
, and this combination shaves off 0.4 seconds off its century sprint time – now done in just
4.2 seconds
. Top speed is electrically limited to
250km/h
.
SAFETY
For the price and what they (all A-Classes) offer, surely you’d expect MBM to opt out some of the safety kit, right? Not quite, because they all come with seven airbags as standard – eight for the A 45. To add to that, features like Attention Assist (drowsiness detection system) and Collision Prevention Assist Plus complete the list of safety equipment. None of them come with a spare tyre, but they are all fitted with run-flats and come with a tyre repair kit.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Motorsport Edition will be launched here soon
WHAT ELSE?
The entire A-Class lineup is fully imported from Germany and can be bought under the Mercedes-Benz Agility Financing Programme, except for the A 45. If you remember, these cars debuted alongside the Petronas F1 Motorsport Edition, a variant that will be making its way here at a later stage.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz A 180

Mercedes-Benz A 200 AMG Line

Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic


What’s the Buzz: Processing shock when buying used

Went shopping for a used car with the missus last weekend. Budget was capped at RM30,000 since quite a few of this particular Japanese-branded model which we fancied – a five- to seven-year old compact crossover – were advertised at a touch below the RM30K mark.
I had purchased and owned used vehicles before, but they were acquired directly from owners, so this would be the first time that I’m shopping earnestly at used car dealerships.
We viewed three different units in total, two of them were in less-than-satisfactory state after a cursory check of the exterior and interior, and then we spotted a unit that met our criteria. It had a single owner, the engine idled smoothly and the overall condition appeared untempered and clean. After indicating our interest, the conversation with the well-spoken sales person went something like this:
Me
:  Can we test drive?

Dealer
: Yes, but you have to pay a RM500 deposit
Me
: How does that work?

Dealer
: If you find anything wrong with the car, we will refund the RM500 on the spot
Me
: But it’s only a drive around the compound? (we were after all at the sprawling Sg. Besi Autoworld used car centre)

Dealer
: You still need to pay the deposit
The request for a test drive deposit was a turn off but since the missus was sufficiently keen on the car, we stepped into the office to explore further.
Me
: So, is the price fixed at RM29,800?

Dealer
: Yes (whips out an A4-sized paper and starts penning numbers). So, all in it will be around RM33K, before insurance.
Me
: Eh, what is the additional RM3,000 for?

Dealer
: It’s the processing fee; to cover Puspakom inspection, transfer, loan application…
Me
: That’s a lot, Puspakom inspection fee is only RM30, transfer and loan processing should not cost that much either. Isn’t your profit margin already factored in the price?

Dealer
: That is how it is, you can check with others. Maybe I can reduce by a bit if you’re paying cash.
At this point, the interest we had in the vehicle pretty much evaporated, we said ‘thanks’ and made our way to the door. The dealer text-ed two days later and offered the test drive without mentioning about the RM500 deposit, but he reiterated again that the ‘processing fee’ is a common practice. Since we wanted to stick to our budget, the deal wasn’t going to happen.
Maybe that’s why I’ve never purchased a vehicle from a used car dealer and probably won’t be doing so in the future.
(
What’s the Buzz
 is a collection of personal opinions and experiences from the editorial team of Autobuzz.my)


All-new Ford Ranger Raptor launching in Malaysia on October 7, and you’re invited

First teased in a cameo appearance during the

Ford Ranger’s launch here in Malaysia
, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has now confirmed that the all-new second-generation
Ford Ranger Raptor
 will be making its official debut in Malaysia on October 7th.
Instead of being a media-only event, however, the company is also inviting the public to witness the souped up pick-up truck in action on a Baja-inspired track near the Sepang International Circuit. The launch will be open to the public from 7-9 October, and you can sign up for the launch
here
.
The all-new second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor has ditched the bi-turbo diesel mill in favour of a tricked-out 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, borrowed from the Bronco Raptor. The new engine makes a whopping
397 hp
and
583 Nm
of torque, with drive sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
However, Ford has also said that existing 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel mill will also still be offered in selected markets. We’ll have to wait until the official launch to find out which of the two we’re getting here in Malaysia, but for some context, the Ford Ranger Raptor in both Thailand and Australia are powered by the petrol V6 engine.
RELATED:
All-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6
Powertrain aside, the rest of the all-new Ranger Raptor follows the same basic recipe as the outgoing model – although, with everything turned up to 11. The chassis is further strengthened to withstand additional abuse when jumping over sand dunes, while the adaptive Fox shocks have also been updated to reduce friction.
As for looks, the Baja-racer-inspired pick-up truck shows off its performance knack with its massive wheels and flared wheel arches, additional skid plates on the underbody, as well as a vented bonnet up front.


Kia K9 goes on sale in selected markets, no plans for right-hand drive

Kia Motors has announced the market availability of the
new K9
 (or K900 in certain markets) flagship luxury saloon with the brand’s domestic market, the Middle East and the United States being the early adopters of the new saloon.
Depending on the market, the K9 is available with a choice of four different petrol powertrains – 3.3-litre GDI V6, 3.8-litre GDI V6, 3.3-litre T-GDI V6 and a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8. Regardless of engine choice, the K9 comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive system.
Sitting on a new platform, the new K9 measures 5,120 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width and 1,490 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. Overall, the flagship sedan wears the brand’s new ‘Quadric Pattern’ front grille made up of 176 individual jewel-like cell which will be new design direction of future Kia models, replacing the familiar ‘Tiger Nose’ grille design.
A collaborative design effort by Kia’s global design HQ in Namyang, Korea and it’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the K9 oozes strong global appeal through a “Gravity of Prestige” design concept, giving the K9 an imposing and strong character.
The interior is also befitting of the brand’s ethos for the car – 12.3-inch HMI screen integrated to the dashboard controlled by a rotary dial placed next to the gear selector Maurice Lacroix analogue clock designed specifically for the luxury sedan, contrast stitching, Lexicon premium sound system, LCD instrument cluster and 16-colour ambient lighting co-developed with Pantone Colour Research Institute.
Standard safety equipment reads nine airbags, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).

At the moment, there are no plans to introduce right-hand drive versions of the Kia K9. The all-new K9 will be built exclusively in Kia’s Sohari premium car manufacturing facility in South Korea.
IMAGE GALLERY


Tengku Djan Ley drifts his way to a podium finish in D1 GP China Series

Tengku Djan Ley or more popularly known as Prince of Drift recently made an appearance at the D1 Grand Prix China Series 2018 with a homegrown team, MaxxOil Racing and clenched a podium finish despite being plagued with numerous technical difficulties throughout the event.
Djan’s car #12 faced persisting engine issues throughout the weekend which cost him precious seat time during free practice. Despite the adversity, the team managed to put both the driver and car onto the track where Djan battled out with first place finisher Hibino Tetsuya of Japan in a fierce tandem battle which placed the Malaysian second place, ahead of Hideyuki Fujino.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tengku Djan Ley (@tengkudjanley)
On his official social media account, Djan wrote: “We finished 2nd in D1 GP China Round 4 after blowing the motor during our OMT battle against Hibino. It was a tough bracket too last night with a line up of Japanese drifting all-stars starting with Kawabata in Top 16, Yokoi in Top 8, Suenaga in Top 4 & Finals against Hibino.”
“It was a crazy night. We were in a tough bracket with a hurt motor, but we fought till the end till our engine broke,” added Djan about their time at D1 GP China.
Another pleasant surprise for their hard work over the weekend, Djan and Team MaxxOil Racing were awarded D1 Grand Prix’s Best Team of the Year 2018 as their teamwork, dedication and skill paid off with their P2 finish.
Tengku Djan Ley was the only Malaysian participating in D1 GP China and was the second event for him and Team MaxxOil Racing in November 2018 alone. The team has previously represented Malaysia at the 2018 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup in Tokyo, Japan.


Review: Mercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive Line – the quintessential Merc

Luxurious, comfortable, classy – these are some of the words one would usually use to describe a Mercedes-Benz. As for the E-Class, arguably the defining model of the three-pointed star, there are probably no truer words to describe it.
The same recipe has been continuously refined over the last 60 years to this – the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, among the
 latest line-up of the E-Class
 introduced by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia last year, the E 300 Exclusive Line is probably the one you should be looking at. Here’s why.
Although marketed as the middle-of-the-pack E-Class, the E 300 is still as luxurious inside. Nappa leather seats? Check. Burmester 13-speaker audio system? Check. Massive panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate? Check and check. I’d even argue that the wooden trim feels more luxurious than the metal-weave trims on the AMG line.
It is just a pleasant place to be in, whether you’re in the front or at the back. Material selection in the cabin is top-notch, as one should expect from an E-Class. Really, there’s nothing much to complain, perhaps other than the fact that the large 12.3-inch infotainment display (good) isn’t a touchscreen panel (not so good).
Under the hood, the new 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill in the E 300, although same as all other E-Class variants, doles out just the right amount of power –
258 hp
,
 370 Nm
 of torque and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Do you really need anything more than that?
And then there’s the creamy-smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox. It’s unobtrusive and effortless and somehow almost telepathic. It has nine gears and it almost always seems to be in the right one. Even on the off-chance that it’s not, a slight prod on the accelerator pedal and it jumps to the right set of cogs immediately.
The ride on the E 300 is also exactly what you expect in an E Class – soft and supple, but not lacking in grip. Although, we must say that road imperfections do somewhat transmit into the cabin, perhaps due to the use of run-flat tyres.
The passive suspension setup is pretty much devoid of any hint of athleticism, even when compared to the adaptive suspension in the E 350. If you’re looking for a sporty driving experience, you’re barking up the wrong tree with the E-Class.
There’s really no denying that the E 300 is a pleasure to drive. Not in the sense that it’s a great driver’s car – far from it, but Mercedes-Benz has made everything so effortless and comfortable – from the steering weight, to suspension set-up and gearbox tuning.
As for styling, the Exclusive Line styling just doesn’t look as sharp as the AMG Line, or even the Sports Line on the entry-level E 200 if you ask me. Of course, a twenty-odd year old like myself is not the target market for this car.
However, there’s no denying that the Exclusive Line is perhaps the classiest-looking among the trio. For some people, seeing the three-pointed star standing loud and proud at the front of the bonnet is still the mark of success and pride.
When it boils down to the essentials, the Mercedes-Benz E300 Exclusive Line is all you’ll ever want and need from a E-Class. And if you really think about it, it’s all you’ll want from a Mercedes-Benz – the true distillation of those three words mentioned above.
Mercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive Line Specifications:
Engine
1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
9G-Tronic Automatic
Max Power
258 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Max Torque
370 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
0 to 100 km/h; Top speed
6.2 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR W/O Insurance)
RM379,888
IMAGE GALLERY


The 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max did 1,145 km on a single tank while carrying a 1,000 kg load

Isuzu Malaysia introduced the
 updated D-Max fitted with a 1.9-litre
 turbodiesel engine last year, promising more power at
150 hp
and
350 Nm
, more refinement, and better fuel efficiency – at a
claimed 8 l/100km
.
How well do these claims hold up? Isuzu Malaysia put it to the test with the Isuzu Dura Challenge – a
1.9-litre single cab model
 was loaded to its
maximum permissible capacity
 of
one tonne
, and driven over 1,000 challenging kilometres along the Titiwangsa mountain range.
With the Isuzu D-Max thoroughly checked by PUSPAKOM and its fuel tank, bonnet, and crates sealed, the challenge kicked-off from the Isuzu plant in Pekan, Pahang onward to its first challenge – the East-West Highway with a climb to its peak of 1,052 m, before heading to Ipoh for the night.
The route became increasingly challenging the next day, starting with a 1,112 m climb towards Tanah Rata, in Cameron Highlands, before heading on to Fraser’s hill (1,222 m) via Raub.
Lastly, the single cab D-Max took on a 1,604 m climb up to Genting Highlands, before ending its trip at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam. The D-Max clocked a total of
 1,145 km
 throughout the entire journey.
So how did the 1.9-litre D-Max perform? Based on the on-board computer, the D-Max consumed an average of
7.2 l/100km
, an even better result than the claimed fuel economy figure.
The single-cab D-Max arrived at the service centre with
two bars of fuel left
 in its 76-litre fuel tank, indicated on the instrument cluster.
Isuzu Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Koji Nakamura said, “Through advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise.
“Perhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,” he added.
IMAGE GALLERY


Land Rover Velar a reality, slots between Evoque and Range Rover Sport

As one of the early pioneers in the luxury SUV segment with the original Range Rover back in 1970, it seems that Land Rover is getting serious about expanding its SUV range. Making its world debut in less than a week’s time is the Land Rover Velar, and boy does it look promising!
According to Land Rover, the Velar will be positioned between the
Evoque
and
Range Rover Sport
. The Velar was purposely designed with a “visually reductive” approach, and by that we guess it refers to the Velar’s coupe-esque styling, similar to that of the
BMW X4
. It will also no doubt get the brand’s full breadth of off-road magic, luxury and refined that their customers demand.

To cap things off, Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern said, “We call the Velar the avant garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.” More information about the Velar will be unveiled on 1 March 2017.


Mitsubishi Triton VGT hits Malaysian showroom, debuting on 26 May [+Gallery]

We’re less than 20 days away to the official launching of the all-new
2015 Mitsubishi Triton
, and the excitement is certainly building especially after the
‘display box’ stunt
 Mitsubishi pulled since early last month. We already know that the
estimated pricing
 for the new Triton will range
between RM71k to RM114k
and that it’s available for booking and test drive.

Our
previous report
 revealed that the
Thai-produced
 Triton will be offered in
five trim levels
: base variant Quest, Manual, VGT Manual, VGT Automatic and the range topping Adventure. To recap, the oil burning motor fitted in our Tritons is the same but uprated
2.5-litre Variable Geometry Turbodiesel
. As a result, it makes
50 Nm more torque
 than before, while punching
176 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and a respectable
400 Nm
 from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
Let’s not forget some of the first-in-class features, such as keyless entry with
push-start button
, HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and the
magnesium paddle shifters
 that we all love, mounted to the steering rack, not behind the wheel.

Now, depending on the variant of your choice, you get
dual-zone air conditioning
, auto headlamps and wipers,
7-inch touchscreen
 with reverse camera, a nice 4WD Selector knob and cruise control. The given price list of RM71k to RM114k is inclusive of insurance and GST, and there’s a combined total of six colours for the pickup.
No
Variant
Estimated Pricing
Colours
1
All-New Triton VGT Adventure
RM114,000
Earth Green, Pearl White, Shadow Black, Red Solid
2
All-New Triton VGT Automatic
RM103,000
Sterling Silver, Pearl White, Shadow Black
3
All-New Triton VGT Manual
RM97,000
4
All-New Triton Manual
RM87,000
Sterling Silver,White Solid
5
All-New Triton Quest
RM71,000

While we eagerly wait for its launch later this month, enjoy the gallery we’ve put together for your viewing pleasure. Remember, the new Triton is available for viewing and test drive at most dealerships, otherwise simply register your interest
here
.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Mitsubishi Triton Adventure


The Wey VV7 GT is a sporty Chinese crossover with Brabus treatment

Brabus is usually known for their crazy modifications to Mercedes-Benz vehicles such as the
 600 hp GLC
 or the
angry little Smart ForTwo
. However, for their latest creation, the German tuning house turned to the other side of the world for a little something different – Meet the Chinese market-only Wey VV7 GT.
For those who aren’t familiar, Wey is a Chinese luxury SUV brand under the Great Wall Motors umbrella – the same parent company as
Haval
. In fact, the VV7 is actually based off the Haval H6.
The partnership between Wey and Brabus dates back to approximately one year ago, where the Chinese marque signed an
agreement
 with Brabus to develop limited-run special series and “enhanced versions” of the top-of-the-line WEY models. The VV7 GT is the first fruit of the partnership, and we must say it looks stunning!
Compared to the regular VV7 crossover, the GT model gets a Brabus-styled makeover, including widened fenders housing the new 21-inch wheels, and completely-redesigned front and rear bumpers – the latter includes an elaborate diffuser with integrated exhaust tips.
The GT model also get a redesigned rear combination light cluster, with three vertical LED clusters reminding us of the
latest Peugeot vehicles
.
Brabus also did some work to jazz-up the interior of the VV7 GT, although the Chinese carmaker did not provide any images of the interior.
Unlike regular Brabus models though, the WEY VV7 GT will unfortunately not be getting a powertrain upgrade. Under the hood sits the same engine as the regular VV7 – a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill producing
227 hp
 and
387 Nm
 of torque, paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.
The Wey VV7 GT will go on sale in China in July this year, with prices starting at CNY191,800 (approx. RM117K).
IMAGE GALLERY


The upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm is developed with the help of its F1 drivers!

Car manufacturers often use their involvement in Formula 1 as a testbed for the most advanced aerodynamics and powertrain technologies, that will one day make its way into our regular cars. With Alfa Romeo now back in the sport as a commercial partner to Sauber F1, the Italian sportscar maker now has access to some of the world’s best minds for the development of their cars – and what better minds are there other than the drivers themselves?
Alfa Romeo Orlen F1 drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi recently made their way down to the Balocco Proving Ground – where all Alfa Romeo sports cars have undergone development and testing since the 1960s – for the latest test session of the upcoming
Giulia GTA and GTAm
.

It’s not just a courtesy visit to the historic “Autodelta” workshop either; the F1 drivers both got behind the wheel of the cars and were tasked to provide professional feedback, working closely with the engineers to fine tune the aerodynamic and handling performance of the cars.
F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen focused on the aerodynamics appendages of the new high-performance models, specifically the large manually-adjustable rear wings and adjustable front splitters on the Giulia GTAm, and how they work in conjunction with the underbody fairings. After a full day of testing, Kimi concluded: “I find them a perfect mix of everyday use and track use.”
Antonio Giovinazzi meanwhile worked on the the cars’ overall setup, with extra attention to the new carbon fibre components and the new single-nut hubs on the wheels. “It is great to see the improvements we made to the cars today,” Giovinazzi said at the end of the test day.
Aside from enlisting the help of its F1 drivers in tuning the cars, Alfa Romeo also benefitted from Sauber Engineering’s expertise in carbon fibre. The Swiss company produced most of the carbon fibre components in the GTA and GTAm, especially those with an aerodynamic impact. These include the new front bumper, the side skirts, the diffuser, the GTA spoiler and the GTAm aero-wing.
As one of the few teams with their own wind tunnels, the Italian sportscar maker was also able to use it to hone in the development of the overall aerodynamic performance of the cars – not just the appendages, but also the underbody fairings and diffusers. The result? Alfa Romeo says that the Giulia GTAm has a lift coefficient that’s double that of the GTA, and three times as much as the regular
 Giulia Quadrifoglio
.
GALLERY


Fourth-gen Kia Rio gets new turbo engine and autonomous braking!

Shortly after
Kia revealed the official pics of the fourth-generation Kia Rio
, the Korean carmaker released the full specification of their global best-selling model. The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show come 29 September.
Launched back in 2011, the third-generation was years ahead of its competition. Fast forward today, the statement remains true. However, Kia is not letting the advantage get the better of them. With the new Rio, Kia has yet again set another benchmark in the B-segment hatchback category.
At the front, the Rio now wears Kia’s latest “tiger-nose” grille that is now slimmer and wider. The grille stretches all the way to the new bi-function headlights with U-shaped integrated LED daytime running lights. The bonnet and bumper are reshaped to give the Rio a much more dynamic appearance.
Moving to the rear section of the Rio, a pair of arrow shaped LED tail lamps can be found with a strong line sculpture connecting the two tail lamps. From the rear, the Rio now wears a sportier design. Three different alloy designs can be had, ranging from 15- to 17-inches in size.

Thanks to its slightly longer wheelbase and length, the new Rio is now much roomier. Leg room, shoulder room and headroom have all grown compared to the outgoing model. The boot space has also increased by 37 litres to 325 litres, making it one of the biggest in its class. The fuel tank has also increased marginally to 45 litres, up 2 litres from before.
The interior of the Rio takes styling cues from its other siblings in the Kia family. Familiar buttons and instrument displays can be found everywhere in the Rio’s premium looking cabin.  A stand out feature of the interior is a floating human-machine interface (HMI) infotainment display. Buyers can opt for either a more conventional 5.0-inch touchscreen system or a 7.0-inch system equipped with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom® as well as Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™.
Kia Connected Services is an integrated navigation package that displays live traffic updates, speed camera locations, weather forecast and local point-of-interest search, However, this service is only limited to the European market.

Kia has gone all out to keep the Rio ahead of the competition by introducing an arsenal of conveniences. Equipment such as keyless entry, push start ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps are all carried forward from the previous model. On top of that, Automatic Cruise Control with speed limiter and Rear Park Assist with rear view camera are new to the Rio.
Four different powertrains are available to power the B-segment hatch: a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline direct injection with two different states of tune, a 1.25-litre four-cylinder MPI, a 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI and a 1.4-litre turbodiesel with two different states of tune.
ENGINE
1.0-litre T-GDI petrol
1.0-litre T-GDI petrol
1.25-litre MPI gasoline
1.4-litre MPI
1.4-litre WGT diesel
1.4-litre WGT diesel
Engine
998cc, three-cylinder in-line, turbocharged
1,248cc, in-line four
1,368cc, in-line four
1,396cc, in-line four turbocharged
1,396cc, in-line four turbocharged
Transmission
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed manual
6-speed manual or 4-speed auto
6-speed manual
Max Power
98 hp @ 4,500 rpm
118 hp @ 6,000 rpm
83 hp @ 6,000 rpm
98 hp @ 6,000 rpm
70 hp @ 4,000 rpm
89 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
172 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,000 rpm
172 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,000 rpm
122 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
132 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
TBA
240 Nm @ 1,500 – 2,500 rpm
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
As expected from Kia, the Rio is class leading in the safety department. The Rio is fitted as standard with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags and ISOFIX anchor points. An optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package adds on Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Land Departure Warning System, a first in the B-segment.The engines are mated to either a manual or auto transmission to drive the front wheels. To allow the Rio for a more dynamic drive, the Rio rides on fully-independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. The front and rear axle are strengthened with subtle suspension modification to provide better high-speed stability yet maintain an overall comfortable ride.
With its extensive equipment list, Kia has once again proved that a compact car does not need to skim on equipment. We can expect Naza Kia to introduce the fourth-generation Kia Rio in our market in due course. For now, the European market gets first dibs in the first quarter of 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY


Polestar 4 debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023 – no rear windscreen, 600km range

Polestar’s
 first-ever performance SUV, the Polestar 4 has just made its world debut in China at
Auto Shanghai 2023
. Designed based on Polestar’s concept cars, this SUV coupé is according to the manufacturer, the fastest Polestar production car to date, and will be priced at USD 60,000 (approximately
RM 265,950
).
Interestingly positioned between the
Polestar 2
 and
Polestar 3
, the Polestar 4 is built on the
Geely
-Holding-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), unlike its current siblings. It measures
4,839 mm
 long,
 2,139

mm
 wide, and
1,544 mm
 tall, with a D-segment-size
2,999 mm
 wheelbase underpinning it.
Polestar describes the Polestar 4 as an SUV coupé, which is not hard for us to see why. Having taken inspiration from the Polestar concept cars, this performance SUV features a fastback roofline, as well as some other futuristic designs. This includes the elimination of the rear window and the rearview mirror which according to Polestar, enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience.
You might wonder how is one supposed to see the rear view without a rearview mirror. And of course, Polestar knows this and has designed a high-definition screen in place of the rearview mirror that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted camera. Drivers can also use the screen to see rear occupants instead if needed.
The full-length glass roof comes with electrochromic functionality as an option. This enables the roof to be set to either opaque or transparent, depending on your mood.
RELATED:
The 2024 Polestar 2 facelift’s list of upgrades is even longer than some new cars
The front fascia of the Polestar 4 looks eye-catching, thanks to the dual-blade front lights with Polestar’s unique light signature. This gives the SUV a stylish and striking design.
Improving aerodynamic efficiency was also Polestar’s focus when designing the Polestar 4. Efforts done include the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows,
Vios
-like rear aero blades as well as airflow optimisation around the rear light bar.
Performance-wise, the Polestar 4 will be powered by either single or dual motors, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. This results in
272 hp
 and
343 Nm
 of torque for the long-range single-motor version and
544 hp
 and
686 Nm
 of torque for the long-range dual-motor version. With the dual motor version, the century sprint can be achieved in
3.8 seconds
.
Range-wise, the single- and dual-motor versions are able to provide up to
600 km
 and
560 km
 of WLTP range respectively. A new drive optimisation function is available in the dual motor version as well. This enables the driver to select between two driving modes, range or performance, depending on need.
All versions of the Polestar 4 are included with up to
200 kW
 DC and
22 kW
 AC of charging rates, with a motorised charge lid.
Inside, the Swedish performance SUV looks simple yet stylish. This especially applies to the black and white dual-tone colour option. Thanks to the D-segment footprint, the Polestar 4 looks roomy on the inside. And fear not about the lack of a rear window, as the glass roof extends all the way to the rear, providing a roomy feel even when sitting at the back.
This modern SUV comes with not one, not two but three screens. The main display will be the 15.4-inch Android Auto-powered infotainment display. The second aforementioned screen will be the 10.2-inch driver display. Located in front of the steering column, it displays speed, battery and range information.
The third screen mentioned above is a head-up display (HUD) that has up to 14.7 inches of projection area. Able to display essential information like telephony, navigation and other key vehicle information, the HUD is designed to reduce driver distraction and keep them attentive and safe on the road.
Speaking of safety, it is no doubt Polestar’s key strength, thanks to its strong connection to
Volvo Cars
. Here are safety features equipped as standard:
9 airbags
SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye
Twelve cameras (including a driver monitoring camera to help avoid fatigue and incapacitation-related accidents)
Radar sensor
Twelve ultrasonic sensors
Steering wheel hands-on detection
The Polestar 4 is now launched in China first. Full-scale launch for markets like Europe, North America and Asia Pacific markets is planned for early 2024. Closer to home, the Polestar 4’s younger sibling, the
Polestar 2
 is available via grey import dealers here in Malaysia.
RELATED:
Polestar 2 EV reaches 100,000-unit milestone
GALLERY


JPJ will take action against those ignoring reminders to replace Takata airbags

Fresh off the oven from the Ministry of Transport is an announcement whereby a RM 300 summon will be issued to those who continue to
ignore reminders to replace their affected airbag inflators
.
Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, has stated that representatives from the affected car brands will meet with JPJ officers to better consolidate all the owners data, as one of the issues have been a lack of attention brought to the 2nd or even 3rd hand owners of the affected vehicles.
Those who have yet to undergo replacements of the airbag inflator will be reported to JPJ. From there, reminders will be sent to the owners  to make the replacements
within 14 days
.
For those who still persist to not undergo the replacement, a second reminder will be sent out, with the co-operation of insurance companies
to ensure that these reminders are sent to the most updated addresses
 – no excuses from now on.
This stubbornness will also be punished with owners being
 unable to renew their affected vehicle’s road tax
.
If you are still unsure whether your car(s) are involved in this Takata airbag recall campaign, log on to these online VIN checkers provided by the affected manufacturers and follow the instructions provided:
Honda –
Product Recall Honda
Toyota –
Special Service Campaign
Nissan –
Recall Campaign
Mazda –
Takata Airbag Recall
Mitsubishi –
Mitsubishi Field Fix Campaign
Subaru –
Takata Airbag Recall


Tan Chong Motor Holdings kicks off nationwide vaccination programme for employees

Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad has launched the TC COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, catering to its employees nationwide.
To date, 70% of all Tan Chong employees have had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, if not, fully vaccinated. Those who have yet to, already have their vaccination appointments scheduled.
Tan Chong’s Covid-19 Vaccination Programme also ensures that family members of the company’s staff are vaccinated as an important step towards achieving herd immunity.
Updated Nissan Leaf warns pedestrians with chimes, up to 30 km/h. Here’s how it works!

The programme is set to commence beginning this month via local clinics or at Tan Chong’s premises. The ongoing effort is to ensure that the company is in line with the government’s aim to fully vaccinating all adults by October 2021.
“In our shared fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our colleagues, customers and surrounding communities remain our top priority.  The Group has been regularly communicating the importance to maintain and observe health and safety protocols to avoid any resurgence of the virus,” said Tan Chong Motor Holdings Group CEO, Daniel Ho.
“With this vaccination programme, we hope to achieve a fully vaccinated workforce by the end of September and hence protecting them so that they can return to work safely when permitted,” he added.
Crazy or justified? Rare Nissan Skyline GT-R in Malaysia priced at RM2 million…more about it here!


Mazda 3 wins yet another Car of the Year award – this time in China

The all-new Mazda 3 has been named 2020 China Car of the Year – the first time a Mazda has won the award.
For the 2020 Car of the Year title, 194 models launched in mainland China between Oct. 1, 2018 and Sept. 30, 2019 were eligible.
Scrutinised by 38 judges including some automotive journalists, the all-new Mazda 3 (specifically the Sedan as there are no hatchbacks in China) was chosen among 10 nominees and came up tops ahead of the fully-electric
Porsche Taycan
 and even the
all-new G20 BMW 3 Series
!

Just yesterday, it was announced that the Mazda 3 took home the same title in Thailand; ahead of the
Toyota Corolla
 and Honda Accord.
Eligibility wise, it’s a little different in Thailand. For the cars to be eligible for the award, aside from the timeline, it also has to be an all-new model assembled in ASEAN.


This is how the new Subaru Solterra, the brand’s first-ever EV looks like!

Subaru of America has just released the first set of teaser images of their upcoming fully electric SUV called the Solterra. It is a big departure from the current generation of vehicles, as it will be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and
shared development
 with Toyota.
Toyota earlier previewed the
bZ4X concept
 in April at the Auto Shanghai 2021. Similar to the
Subaru BRZ
 and
Toyota GR86
 project, the Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X products seem to share the majority of the styling, both inside and outside.
Subaru Solterra
Toyota bZ4X Concept
While the front is darkened, both cars probably feature a slightly different final bumper design to keep consistent with their own brand’s design languages, much like the sportscar twins. The rear of the Subaru Solterra looks almost like the final production car, with detailed lighting and reflectors units. The ‘EV’ emblem looks oddly designed though.
Inside, a circular steering wheel can be found in the Subaru Solterra, unlike the yoke-like rectangular-shaped unit in the Toyota. Both dashboards are similar, with a large central infotainment display and wide lower console close to the driver, while an instrument cluster is placed farther away, almost next to the windscreen.
Subaru Solterra
Toyota bZ4X Concept
Unlike the current model names derived from English, the Solterra name is a combination of Latin words- ‘Sol’ for sun and ‘Terra’ for earth. According to Subaru, the name Solterra was meant to appreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it.
The Subaru Forester GT’s sporty aerokit seem to blend well with the boxy looks of the crossover. More about the Forester GT here.
No technical information has been shared, with Subaru saying it is built on the new e-Subaru Global Platform and offers plenty of back-seat and luggage room. It will be the most technologically advanced Subaru yet and includes Subaru’s
legendary
 symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
The Subaru Solterra is set to go on sale in the US in mid-2022, a similar timing with the Toyota bZ4X.
The hot-hatch scene is expecting a third product from the Subaru-Toyota JV, rumoured to be coming out next year. More details here!
GALLERY
2023 Subaru Solterra
Toyota

bZ4X Concept


Mitsubishi Triton Knight edition launched, priced at RM122k

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced a special edition variant to their pickup model called the Triton Knight. This 120-unit edition is based on the range topping RM116k VGT Adventure trim, but comes with several aesthetic upgrades to distinguish the two.
Available only in Pearl White, the Triton Knight gets dressed in matte black front grille and rear bumper, blacked 17-inch alloy wheels and black sports bars. Also packaged here are the exclusive front bumper extender and Knight body stickers. Inside is very much the same, except the seats now come with Knight embroidery.
This special edition model doesn’t come with any mechanical enhancements. As such, it soldiers on with the same
 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
 engine, packing
178 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and
 400 Nm
 of torque from 2,000 rpm. Because it’s based on the Triton VGT Adventure, the Triton Knight can only be had with the
 five-speed automatic
 (with manual shift and paddle shifters) transmission. Drive is sent to
all four wheels
 through and can be electronically changed on the fly. All VGT variants benefit from a hybrid limited slip differential.
The Triton Knight is fully imported from Thailand. It’s sold alongside five other variants, from the entry level Triton Quest 4×2 (RM71k) to Triton VGT Adventure (RM116k).
IMAGE GALLERY


The first Bugatti Chiron in Southeast Asia delivered to Singaporean collector

It’s an irony that the country with arguably the most restrictive speed limits is also the first country in Southeast Asia to receive one of the fastest cars in the world. Yes, a private collector in Singapore recently took delivery of the Bugatti Chiron, a hypercar with a top speed of over 400km/h.
One of the fastest cars in the world but you can only drive up to 90km/h in Singapore, legally.
That said, the chances of seeing this 1200hp and 1500Nm Chiron go beyond the republic’s speed limit of 90km/h is practically zero as the hypercar will be stored in a climate-controlled showcase facility at Wearnes Automotive. Sigh!
 The chances of spotting this Chiron out in the wild will be slim, sigh…
“We recognise a growing appetite for hypercars in Asia. Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors in search of the very best,” says Victor Kwan, Managing Director of the Prestige Division of Wearnes Automotive. “Apart from enjoying the exclusivity and power of the Bugatti, customers also consider its investment value. The Bugatti Chiron is one of the few cars that actually appreciates in value.”
Singaporean collector opted for Terre d’Or leather.
Finished in dual-tone paintwork of Atlantic Blue and French Racing Blue, this resplendent Chiron is also the first of 20 to be delivered to customers in Asia. With only 500 units to be manufactured by Bugatti, of which 75% have already been spoken for, you might want to give official distributor Wearnes Automotive a call before they run out of allocation. For the rest of us mere mortals, you have
Lego
.


2016 Volkswagen Vento launched, priced from RM81k

The Volkswagen Polo Sedan has been revamped, which adds a few variants, a new engine option, and a new name too. From now on, Volkswagen’s B-segment sedan will be known as the Volkswagen Vento.
The locally-assembled sedan has expanded its range with a
three-trim line up
 featuring two different engine options. The base
Vento Trendline
 can be yours from a snip over RM80k, which is some
RM5k cheaper
 than the outgoing Polo Sedan that was only available in a single trim.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI Trendline
Volkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI Comfortline
Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline
Engine
1,598 cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC
1,197 cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, SOHC
Transmission
6-speed automatic
7-speed dual-clutch
Max Power
104 hp @ 5,250 rpm
104 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Max Torque
153 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
175 Nm @ 1,550 – 4,100 rpm
Price
RM80,635.00
RM87,635.00
RM94,635.00
EXTERIOR
The exterior has been given a subtle refresh to the front and the back, and there’s a new set of
16-inch ‘Syenit’
 wheels for the top-of-the-range
Vento Highline
. The 15-inch ‘Riverside’ alloys have been carried over for the
Trendline
 and
Comfortline
.

At the front, all Vento models wear a
bigger front grille
, a pair of halogen headlamps with black surrounds and a
new front bumper
. The base Trendline however, misses out on the new pair of
redesigned front foglamps
.
The back gets
new tail lights
, a
new bumper with reflectors
, and a new chrome garnish that runs across the number plate holder.
INTERIOR
The neat interior has been retained, but Volkswagen spiced things up a bit by adding a classier
silver finish on the center stack
 and a new leather-wrapped
flat-bottom steering wheel
 from the Mk7 Golf. The seats however, are still wrapped in fabric, but they now come with a new pattern called ‘Cable’.

PERFORMANCE
The
1.6-litre MPI 4-cylinder
 that powers both the Vento
Trendline
 and
Comfortline
 are the same unit from the outgoing Polo Sedan. It delivers
104 hp
 and
153 Nm
 of torque, and it’s paired with the same
six-speed automatic
.
The Vento
Highline
 on the other hand, uses the smaller
1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder
 and seven
-speed DSG
 combo that was previously only available on the fully imported Polo 1.2 TSI hatchback. The turbocharged mill develops the same
104 hp
 as the atmospheric 1.6-litre unit, but there’s
175 Nm
 of torque. The 1.2 TSI also consume less fuel at
5.5 litres per 100 km
, while the larger engine drinks a full litre more at 6.5 litres per 100 km.
SAFETY
Standard safety equipment on the new Vento include
dual front airbags
, ISOFIX mounts,
ABS
, and
Intelligent Crash Response System
 (ICRS). Comfortline and Highline get a couple of
extra side airbags
, whereas the Highline is the only variant to come fitted with
Electronic Stability Control
 (ESC) into the list.

WHAT ELSE?
The Vento
Trendline
,
Comfortline
, and
Highline
 are priced at
RM80,635
,
RM87,635
, and
RM94,635
 respectively. Buyers can choose from five available colour options: Candy White, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel Grey, Deep Black, and Flash Red.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia opens new 3S outlet in Rawang

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)
, together with its dealer partner Lofty Ambition, have just opened the doors to its latest 3S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts) centre located in Rawang. The new outlet is Lofty Ambition’s fourth Mitsubishi 3S Centre, and MMM’s 16th location in the Klang Valley.
Located 10 minutes away from the Rawang exit along the PLUS highway, MMM says that the new 3S centre is in a prime location to serve every Mitsubishi customer around the vicinity.
The outlet is made up of three three-story shop lots with a built-up area of 4,000 square feet, and features a showroom with Mitsubishi Motor’s latest brand identity, a comfortable customer lounge with free WiFi connectivity, as well as a fully-equipped service centre.
“Mitsubishi Motors and Lofty Ambition have been business partners since 2014 and within eight years of strong business partnership, Lofty Ambition has established four Mitsubishi showrooms. This goes to show the company’s confidence in the Mitsubishi brand, and commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi’s presence in Malaysia,” said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.
ALSO READ:
Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia – RM 139,700, only 1,000 units
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors 3S Rawang – Lofty Ambition Rawang Sdn Bhd/Facebook
“This new showroom is to serve our customers better in the Klang Valley as we see a huge potential for business growth, especially for the Triton pick-up truck and Xpander seven-seater crossover,” Ikeda added.
The new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Rawang is located at 5G, 7G, 9G, Jalan Millenium, Pusat Perniagaan Rawang Millenium, 4800 Rawang, Selangor. Operation hours are 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi Xpander leads MMM to top-three non-national car brand in Malaysia; 19,217 cars sold in FY21


New BMW iX3 looks less unusual with M Sport treatment

To better communicate the new BMW iX3, the company has just unveiled the new vehicle two months after the launching of
the facelifted BMW X3 and X4 M variants
. The iX3 is the fully electric variant of the X3 SAV that was launched
just last year
.
Rather than a different product altogether as executed by Mercedes-Benz via the GLC and electric
EQC 400
 models, the BMW iX3 share the majority of the
G01 BMW X3
 to make customers feel more comfortable embracing electric power as well as a quick solution for corporations to have a fleet of practically sized fully-electric BMWs.
Plenty of new design motifs from the larger
BMW iX
 and BMW i4 electric vehicles have been added to the new BMW iX3. Facelifted items include a new front and rear design, featuring new slim adaptive LED headlamps, unique “pincer” tail lamps and sportier bumper profiles. Sporty and gloss black is the new theme for the iX3, as BMW is only offering the facelifted model with just the M Sport styling.
The slightly enlarged kidney grille now sports the same black panel and the indent “nugget” seen on the
BMW i4
. The inner edge of the kidneys is also highlighted with BMW i-style blue accent, complementing the L-shaped elements in the headlamps.
Completing the facelifted exterior look are a set of aerodynamically sculptured 20-inch dual-tone jet-black and aluminium inlay M Sport wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. While fitted with M Sport bumpers as standard, BMW says the new iX3 still has a relatively low Coefficient of drag (Cd) figure of up to 0.29.
Inside, the M Sport styling continues with a pair of sports seats up front. Other popular M Sport items found in the new facelifted BMW iX3 include the steering wheel and metallic foot pedals. Similar to the recently updated BMW X3 and X4 models, the interior features a redesigned centre console, beginning with the fitment of a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display.
Switches have been regrouped for better aesthetics and usability and the lower console features the latest BMW “control island” panel with blue accented start-stop button and new shift lever.
The interior is offered in two new equipment lines- Inspiring and Impressive. The range-topping Impressive line includes acoustic front windows, BMW head-up display, BMW Gesture control and Vernasca leather upholstery.
The Inspiring line already includes adaptive suspension, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command as well as wireless charging.
BMW is planning to significantly cut its production costs per vehicle. We sure hope it also translates to cheaper cars! Read more on the plan here!
However, occupants driving the new BMW iX3 Impressive line will be thrilled by the
BMW IconicSounds
 synthesised driving “noises” pumped out of the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. An extra layer of emotion has been crafted into this feature that was developed by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and BMW.
In terms of power outputs, the new BMW iX3 has maintained key performance indicators, such as
286 hp
 peak output,
400 Nm
peak torque as well as 0 to 100 km/h in
6.8 seconds
. The range is up to 460 km under WLTP testing methods with a battery that has a gross energy capacity of 80 kWh.
With a Wallbox charger, the battery in the iX3 will only need 7.5 hours for a full charge. Meanwhile, using a direct current (DC) 150 kW fast-charging station, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 32 minutes. A 10-minute charge supposedly offers up to 100 km in electric driving range.
Thailand becomes the first ASEAN country to sell the fully-electric BMW iX. Limited units and attractive pricing. Find out more here!
The new BMW X3 family- X3 regular, X3 M and iX3
In the most established ASEAN markets for BMW, only Thailand and
Singapore
 have introduced the pre-facelift BMW iX3.
Production of the new facelifted BMW iX3 will begin at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture’s Shenyang facility in China next month, where it will serve the local demand as well as be exported to the rest of the world.
GALLERY


The people’s electric car is here – Volkswagen ID.3 with up to 550 km of range

After amassing more than 30,000 reservations, Volkswagen has finally unveiled the ID.3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the first car under the ID. range of electrified vehicles.
Just as the brand name suggests, Volkswagen is building the ID.3 as “an electric car for the masses.” We have
previously reported
 on the unusual name choice for the ID.3, but it is worthy to reiterate the importance of the number “3” to Volkswagen.
This is the third big chapter after the Käfer (Beetle) and Golf; both becoming the class-leading vehicles suitable for the people.
Powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, the ID.3 drives
201 hp
 and
310 Nm
 of torque to the rear wheels. The ID.3 will be offered in 3 battery sizes:
45 kWh
,
58 kWh
and
77 kWh
, offering a claimed
330 km
,
420 km
 and
550 km
 of range respectively on the WLTP cycle. All battery variants can achieve a
top speed of 160 km/h
. However, the 1ST edition ID.3s will only be equipped with the mid-range 58 kWh variant.
Volkswagen is providing a
8-year or 160,000 km warranty
 for the battery pack for added peace of mind ownership. Owners of the first ID.3 1st will also enjoy one year of free charging at WeCharge charging stations of up to 2,000 kWh, including ones from Volkswagen’s joint venture Ionity, amounting to more than 100,000 charging points across Europe.
Under ideal circumstances, the ID.3 can recharge up to a range of
290 km in just 30 minutes
.
The ID.3 is the first car to utilize Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a scalable platform designed specically for the ID. models. One main benefit of the newly developed platform is the packaging of the vehicle, offering one of the largest interior space in its class.
While being only 3mm longer than the Golf, its wheelbase stretches over 145mm longer than its sibling at 2,765 mm, which is just 21mm shy of the higher segment Passat.
Weight distribution is also one of the key talking points of the new MEB platform. With the batteries arranged neatly on the floor, electrical drivetrain on the rear axle, and auxilary units (such as the air-conditioning and steering rack) at the front, the ID.3’s ideal weight distribution and low centre of gravity should make the car feel pretty nimble on the road.
Styling wise, the ID.3 remains largely unchanged from the concept show car. The short overhang allowed by the fully electric platform gives the car a strong presence with the longer wheelbase.
Volkswagen also utilised LED lighting in many of their design elements to give the ID.3 a futuristic look. Without the need of heavy cooling, the ID.3’s small front and aerodynamic rear spoiler gives it a sleek design that manages a 0.267 drag coefficient.
Volkswagen calls their new interior design language “Open Space”; providing a livable airy space thanks to the elongated wheelbase and centre tunnel delete.
Contradicting the technology-packed drivetrain, Volkswagen chose to utilise organically-shaped surfaces and soft curves to emphasise the airiness of the cabin.
The ID.3 also utilises LED lighting strips in the interior, called ID. light, to provide helpful visual cues such as braking prompts in dangerous situations during navigation.
The main focus on the dashboard will be the centrally positioned 10-inch infotainment display, which will house all the important parameters of the vehicle during operation.
All control surfaces, including those on the multifunction steering wheel, are operated by touch-sensitive buttons; only the hazard warning lights and window switches are still operated using regular tactile switches. Complementing the touch-centric controls is the natural voice control responding to “Hello ID.”.
At launch, the Volkswagen ID.3 will be available in 3 different variants. The basic
ID.3 1st
 will include navigation system, DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, a Type 2 charging port and 18-inch wheels.
The
ID.3 1st Plus
 adds rear view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry and access. On the inside, the ID.3 1st Plus comes with design seats and centre console featuring two USB-C connections and ambient lighting, while the exterior gets a Style package in silver – consisting of matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
Top-of-the-range
ID.3 1st Max
 also includes an augmented reality (AR) heads-up display, Beats sound system, wireless charging for your mobile phone, comfort seats, a large panaromic sliding roof, as well as 20-inch wheels. The Max will also include advanced driving assistance such as Lane Keeping Assist with Emergency Assist and Lane Change system.
Starting at just below €30,000, Volkswagen claims that the ID.3 is their first carbon-neutral vehicle model, with all elements of manufacture and distribution powered by renewable energy sources or compensated by certified climate projects.
The ID.3 will be produced at the Zwickwau plant in Germany, which is set to produce 330,000 electric cars annually starting from 2021.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen ID.3


Nissan to resume operations at 10 service centres during MCO

Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the franchise holder for Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, announced today that 10 of its Nissan service centres operated by Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) have received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to resume operations during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
The TCEAS service centres selected to operate during this period will adopt a ‘Drop-off and Pick-up’ system, with services rendered via an
appointment-only basis
. Customers will not be allowed to wait at the service centres.
In order to safeguard the health and safety of its customers and personnel, strict precautionary measures will be enforced at all TCEAS service centres. These include temperature screening for all individuals, regular disinfection of the premises, and use of face mask and gloves by all staff.
Face masks and hand sanitisers will also be freely available to customers, while all vehicles will undergo sanitisation before and after the service. TCEAS also encourages the use of contactless payment during this period.
Service appointments can be made via the
DriveOn mobile application
, TCEAS website, or Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at
1800-88-3838
. In order to adhere to the 10 km travel limit as imposed by the MCO, Nissan strongly advises customers to select the nearest service centre available.
Previously, ETCM announced that it will
extend the vehicle warranties
 expiring during the MCO by an additional 30 days from the last day of the MCO period. A grace period of 30 days will also be given to owners who have missed their scheduled service appointment due date due to the MCO.


Ferrari F60 America unveiled, all 10 units sold out to distinguished US collectors [+Video]

Earlier this year, Ferrari announced that their strategy to produce a limited run of cars to
increase the brand’s exclusivity
 has proven to be successful, with the brand reaping in more profits than the preceding years despite
selling lesser cars
. Now, after 60 years of the Prancing Horse’s presence in North America, Ferrari has decided to produce a strictly limited edition car known as the
F60 America
, which was revealed to private guests at Beverly Hills City Hall.
Just
10 units
 of the F60 America will be built – and customarily – sold to the few selected
loyal Ferrari enthusiasts
. The F60 America gets the best of American tastes: a huge
12-cylinder engine
 and
open-top driving
. The
6.3-litre V12 engine
 is the exact unit found in the F12 Berlinetta, of which the car is based on, and it makes
730 hp
 at 8,250 rpm and
690 Nm
 of torque at 6,000 rpm.
If no changes have been made to the powertrain and transmission, then it’s safe to assume that the F60 America will get the
seven-speed dual clutch semi-automated gearbox
 with
specified gear ratios
 to match the engine’s output.
The F60 America is built based on the
F12 Berlinetta
, but have been given an
extensive makeover inside and out
. From the front, it adorns Ferrari’s
classic single front grille
 with chrome highlights, and the bumper gets an
integrated air intakes
 to cool the brakes. As seen from the outside, the bodywork gets the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the exclusive Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheel arches.
Its interior gets a rather unconventional touch – the driver’s side is finished in
bright sporty red
, while the passenger side gets finished in
black
. The theme is said to be inspired by Ferrari’s historic competition cars.
Composite materials
 (high grade plastic or carbon fibre we assume) are extensively used in the interior, such as the dashboard, centre console and door panels of the driver side. The racing seats also feature a
stylised American flag
 on the centre of the seats.
The black-tie event also featured a display of 60 of the most iconic Ferraris ever created, such as the
 308 GTS
 (Magnum, P.I),
Testarossa
 (Miami Vice), and
Steve McQueen’s Ferrari 275 GTB/4
.
For those of you who want a shot at owning something like this or any other limited edition cars from Ferrari, you might want to start having your own collection to inch your way into the brand’s good books.
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IMAGE GALLERY