Toyota GR Festival Season 5 Finale next weekend – win tickets to party on Sepang rooftop!

Season five of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival
 is setting up for an epic Finale showdown next weekend, with a night race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, happening on September 24-25, 2022. And for 2,000 lucky fans, you’ll also be able to witness the spectacle live from the Sepang Circuit itself at an exclusive rooftop party.
The entire rooftop length of the Sepang International Circuit’s main paddock building will be transformed into a festival ground during the weekend, with a myriad of activities lined up including the opportunity to mingle with their favourite celebrities during walkabouts, as well as meet-and-greet and autograph sessions.
The main event of the festival, however, are the two headlining back-to-back concerts over the weekend. Saturday’s stage performances
will be led by TGR racing celebrities Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and will conclude with a special 40-minute ‘Rappers & Racers’ concert anchored by K-Clique.
Singer and fellow TGR racing celebrity Khai Bahar will spearhead Sunday night’s entertainment ahead of an exciting ‘Rockers & Racers’ concert, feature Malaysian rock queen Ella and girl group Dolla. Selected Toyota car clubs will also be invited for a track-day event to experience the blood-pumping adrenaline themselves.
There will also be a lucky draw exclusive to the attendees of the festival, with prizes including four units of iPhone 13 Mini, two iPads, and two Apple Watch Series 7. Interested? Look out for the special contest on TGR Malaysia’s Facebook and Instagram pages to win yourself five passes. Attendance is limited to 1,000 fans each day, so good luck! More information on the contest can be found
here
.
RELATED: Muhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!
As for the actual racing itself, each of the four classes will all see the championships come down to the wire in the Finale event. The battle in the Promotional Class for celebrities will again be down to actors Zizan Razak and defending champion Shukri Yahaya, with the former having a slight advantage.
In the Rookie Class, the fight for the championship will be between simulator-turned-racers Nabil Azlan and Muhammad Hamdany Abdul Hamid. The Sporting Class meanwhile will see young driver Naquib Azlan from Axle Motorsports fight it out in hopes for his second straight overall title after winning last year’s Rookie Class championship.
The battle of the professionals in the Super Sporting Class meanwhile will be nothing short of nail-biting, with at least four drivers still in contention for the overall crown. They are Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Tengku Djan Ley, Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin and Eddie Liew, and Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang – all of whom have been trading places on the winners’ podium throughout the season.
In total, the GR Festival’s Vios Challenge is offering up more than half a million Ringgit in prize monies, which includes RM70,000 and RM50,000 to the overall champion of the Super Sporting and Sporting Class champions respectively, making it the most lucrative motorsports event in the country over the last five years.


Lexus UX breaks cover ahead of Geneva, stylish entry-level compact SUV

Remember the
Lexus UX concept
 that surfaced back in 2016? Well, the Japanese premium carmaker has confirmed that the new crossover will make its way to the production floor with official images and video to show.
Slated for a global premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), the UX is a compact crossover that sits below the
NX
 in the Lexus SUV line up. It is said to ride on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that underpins the new
Toyota Camry
 and
C-HR
. Lexus promises the new car boasts exceptional body rigidity and low centre of gravity for exceptional handling.
As expected, the production car is a mellowed down version of the concept car. Familiar Lexus design cues include large spindle grille, sculptured wing mirrors, pronounced wheel arches and tapering roofline. It also appears that the UX will get some of its own unique design quirks like the “tick” LED daytime running light positioned above the main headlamps and an uninterrupted taillamp strip that runs across the tailgate.
Inside, Lexus promotes a driver-focused cockpit as well as an inviting passenger space to cater to a wider and younger group of audience. In the teaser video, we can spot a digital instrument cluster, new panel layout, large central display screen and top mounted drive mode selector – similar to newer generations of Lexus cars like the
LC Coupe
 and
LS Sedan
.
The Lexus UX will make its dynamic debut at the upcoming 2018 GIMS and consider that Lexus Malaysia very quickly introduced the
seven-seater Lexus RX L
 one month after its
global debut
, we may see the UX rolling on Malaysian streets very, very soon.
IMAGE GALLERY
Lexus UX Teaser Image

Lexus UX Concept Car


US-only Toyota GR Corolla revealed in the nerdiest of teasers

The highly successful
Toyota GR Yaris
 is available in almost every market the Toyota operates in, except its biggest- the United States. Why? Well, the whisper surrounding the industry that Toyota will instead create a bespoke GR vehicle using the Corolla hatchback to better suit the local requirements and branding there.
A GR Sport treatment for the Toyota Corolla Hatchback in Europe
Although the US is an SUV and large pick-up truck dominated market, the Corolla still brings in sales of an average of 130,000 units annually for the past two years, lagging behind the
Honda Civic
 by quite a steep margin. Thus, a
hot Toyota Corolla
 with all the performance and technology can better create image and association with consumers rather than the now-discontinued Yaris, which is actually a rebadged Mazda 2 from Mexico.
Can you find the Toyota GR-inspired ‘easter eggs’?
In this single
Instagram
 posting by Toyota USA, nobody in the motoring content industry picked it up as it looks like a regular interior of the Toyota Corolla. However, the nerds in the
GR Corolla forum
 noticed a few things abnormal in this particularly old image (they have seen it before).
The first item that caught the eye of the forumers was the digital clock in the instrument panel, showing ‘G:16’, indicating the engine code of G16E-GTS for the turbocharged three-cylinder engine displacing 1.6-litres.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition was the ‘States sportiest variant
The nerds then associated temperature settings on the air-conditioning switch panel that readout ‘72 68’ with the engine output of 268 bhp (272 hp) found in the Japanese-market Toyota GR Yaris. The next easter egg seems farfetched, especially in the low-resolution image, but the eagle-eyed readers managed to decipher the pixelated text in the navigation screen as ‘GR Four’, the high-performance 4WD system in the GR Yaris.
The Toyota GR Yaris is truly a hot hatchback very worthy of its glory and status. Find out what Eujin has to say while enjoying it at Sepang Circuit!
Finally, the one easter egg that verified that the forumers are indeed leading to something substantial, is the little car in the background. It is certainly not a random vehicle in the background, as the colour, or rather, the camouflage wrapping the vehicle is the same pattern used on the teaser images of the
Toyota GR Yaris
 and
GR Supra
.
There we have it, thanks to dedicated customers of Toyota models in the USA, we finally have confirmation that the Toyota GR Corolla is happening for the folks in the US. It’s something to finally give the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus RS,
Volkswagen Golf GTI
, Hyundai Veloster N and other hot C-segment models a good battle.
Credit:
Motor1.com/news


Full liberalisation of motor premiums? Not yet, prices still fixed by BNM according to PIAM

We all looked forward to the news of the liberalisation of the motor insurance premium over three years ago. It was led to believe that ultimately, our insurance premiums would be lower after taking into account more parameters and building an individual risk profile.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) began the move to liberalise the motor insurance premium in July 2017 with the idea of inculcating good driving behaviour plus rewarding lower-risk users. Fast forward to 2021, the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (or PIAM in the national language) in a statement clarified that while the gradual removal of requirements under motor tariff has begun, the pricing continues to be
regulated
 by the industry regulator.
“It is important to note that PIAM is not involved in the pricing decisions of its members. Going forward, the industry eagerly anticipates further liberalisation and looks forward to working with BNM on the eventual opening up of the motor market,” PIAM said.
PIAM, which represent 26 members companies, said its members were allowed to introduce new products, but the pricing is still
capped to a 10% variation
 (cheaper or pricier) compared to the tariffs set in 2016.
This was done to soften the impact of any sudden or significant changes in premium on consumers.
While it is true that different insurance and takaful providers offer different rates and coverage, yours truly didn’t find any significant savings changing from his current motor insurance provider, hence decided to continue for the third successive year.
PIAM also said the full liberalisation will lead to fairer pricing that will benefit safe drivers and lead to more product innovation, technologically-driven consumer solutions and a better overall consumer experience.
On the subject of motor insurance, remember to carry along your renewed e-cover note in your vehicle, as road tax (or LKM in JPJ lingo) renewals are not encouraged to reduce crowding and congestions at JPJ branches.
Poslaju
 has temporarily halted road tax renewals at their physical outlets until March 31st.
Do not peel off or remove the expired road tax too, as driving without a road tax is a punishable offence, as reported by
Harian Metro
.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) yesterday announced
an extension
 to the exemption period for road tax renewals until May 31st  2021.


Aston Martin reveals 535 hp Vantage F1 Edition based on the Safety Car

Aston Martin’s return to Formula One has been well-orchestrated, especially considering the first race of 2021 has not even started. Apart from operating with a proven race team and got hold of four-time world champion
Sebastian Vettel
 on board, the luxury British carmaker has also made agreements to feature the Vantage as the championship’s Safety Car together with the Mercedes-AMG GT R.
Now, Aston Martin is offering the
Vantage Safety Car
 for sales under the simple name of
Vantage F1 Edition
. The car will feature the exact same performance updates as the Safety Car, except for the interior with is still targeted for road-going comfort.
The engineers increased the performance in areas of engine, chassis and aerodynamics performance to meet the tough objectives set by Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers. The Vantage F1 Edition is Moers’ first model to have direct input by him after leaving Mercedes-AMG (the car company) for Aston Martin in August 2020.
“I set the engineering team a tough target, as I was insistent that gains in performance came via genuine improvements in the car’s dynamics, and
not by fitting track-optimised tyres
.  The results speak for themselves.  A Vantage to appeal to the most discerning drivers and a new model that marks an exciting moment in Aston Martin’s history”, said Moers.
Similar to the Vantage Safety Car, the peak output of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine has been raised by 25 hp to
535 hp
 with a peak torque of
685 Nm
 sustained longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency. The melodic exhaust notes from the V8 engine are further amplified by a
quad-exhaust
 system which is also carried over from the Safety Car.
The control unit in the eight-speed rear-mounted automatic transmission has been tuned to optimise torque during upshifts for a reduction in shift times and increased feeling of directness and precision plus stability during braking and downshifts.
Moving to the chassis, the team’s focus centered on the suspension and steering, with further detailed underbody modifications to increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response.
Reworked damper internals have increased the dampers’ effective force range.  This increase in bandwidth brings a noticeable improvement in vertical body control – both through high speed compressions and over crests – without any deterioration in low-speed compliance.
Tyres and rims meanwhile have been upsized to
21 inches
, a first time for a Vantage, and fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres specifically designed for the Vantage F1 Edition. Aston Martin calls these 21-inch rims the Satin Black Diamond Turned alloy wheels.
Completing the Vantage F1 Edition’s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit as featured on the Vantage Safety Car, bringing improvements that can be felt from the driver’s seat and measured against the clock. Together with a full-width front splitter under the special vaned grille, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, a rear wing and the existing rear diffuser, the aerodynamics kit produce
200 kg
 more of downforce than the standard Vantage.
Aston Martin did not share what were the improvements on the lap times with all these upgrades and enhancements.
Three colours are available in either satin or gloss finish- Aston Martin Racing Green, Luna White and Jet Black but without the Vantage Safety Car graphics. Inside the Vantage F1 Edition features new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.
The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is priced from
GBP142,000
 (a cool GBP20,000 extra over the standard Vantage) and is also available in the roadster model.
Aston Martin will also provide a fleet of
DBX
 luxury SUV for use as Medical Car. It is not unwise to assume there will be another edition-variant coming, as the DBX SUV contribute more sales to the company too.
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Mercedes-Benz turns recycled airbags into one-off clothing line

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new collection in collaboration with American designer Heron Preston made of recycled airbags and other discarded materials from their vehicles.
The clothing line pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the airbag patent and the 40th anniversary of the first airbags in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, in the S-Class back in 1981.
This also made Mercedes-Benz the first car manufacturer to integrate the airbag in passenger cars more than 40 years ago.
A very interesting statement in the press release also caught our attention. It said ‘The functionality of the airbag is mirrored through the collection’s ability to inflate and deflate’, suggesting that the 6-piece one-off clothing line could inflate and deflate but they did not elaborate further.
The upcycled airbags will be available via a giveaway on the global lifestyle platform
GOAT
 from September 10th.
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Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line previewed, to cost below RM400k!

Previewed alongside the
locally assembled W213 E-Classes
 was the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line, a plug-in hybrid version of the sedan that will replace former range topper
E 300 AMG Line
.
The E 300 was previously sold at RM458,888, but the electrified variant will be considerably cheaper, dipping just below the RM400,000 mark. Comparatively, the
impressively-specced G30 BMW 530i
 is priced dangerously close at RM398,800, but remains as a CBU unit for the time being.

The hybrid system in the E 350 e is broadly similar to that of the
C 350 e
. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing
211 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque (exactly as the E 250), but gets boosted by an electric motor that belts
87 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. Together, the hybrid powertrain gives
286 hp
 and
550 Nm
 of torque, enabling a century sprint time of
6.2 seconds
.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, whereas top speed in full electric mode is capped at 130 km/h. On a full charge, it will give you a pure electric range of 33 km. The claimed fuel consumption figure is between 2.1 to 2.5 litres per 100km. Like the C 350 e, it will be fully kitted to the brim, dressed in the suitably sporty AMG Line package. The E 350 e will come with:
Multibeam LED Headlamps
Panoramic sliding glass roof
Active Brake Assist
Airmatic suspension
19-inch AMG light alloy wheels
AMG Line exterior
Night Package
60 litres of fuel tank
AMG Line interior
Burmester premium surround sound system
AMG sports steering wheel
Nappa leather upholstery
Pre-entry air conditioning
Fully digital instrument cluster
Blue-coloured brake callipers
The approximate launch date is unknown at press time, but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said it will officially be introduced in Q3 2017. Only a few more months to go, guys!
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-AMG’s new hybrids can recharge their batteries by drifting

Mercedes-AMG recently confirmed that they are moving to electric power – in both
hybrid
 and
fully-electric guises
. But aside from some of the key facts, the company has kept most of its operational features under wraps.
As is usual these days, Mercedes-AMG will be revealing these in a slow-drip manner to build up hype for its new car – and we’ve already just got a taste of what’s to come in the near future, thanks to a new “Inside AMG” video on the company’s own YouTube channel.

We’ve all heard of regenerative braking, which recharges the batteries every time you brake on an electrified vehicle. But AMG being AMG, they’ve of course gone one up from the conventional and built a new charging solution that refills the batteries while drifting. As Felix, the video host rightly says, “that’s the most AMG thing I’ve ever heard”.
“One Easter egg out of the software development: when drifting, you can also recuperate,” said Mercedes-AMG hybrid strategy developer, Jochen Schmitz. “We use the electric system to slow down or take the load out of the ICE, putting it into the battery. And then, when the slippery condition is over, the ICE is already at full load, and you can accelerate much faster.”
Now, the company didn’t go into too much detail on how this whole drifting-charging system works, but if we had to guess, it’ll be tied into the slip-limiting traction control system, like the central yellow dial seen on the
Mercedes-AMG GT R
.
Essentially, instead of cutting engine power to maintain the ideal slip angle, the traction control system now leaves the ICE at full bore, while regulating the power at the wheel via the electric motors, which recharges the batteries à la regenerative. Or at least that’s how we think it works.
Aside from this little tidbit, the video is also jam-packed full of interesting information about the hybrid technologies on the upcoming Mercedes-AMG cars, such as the different driving modes and how the P3 hybrid system can alter the strength of the regenerative braking.
If you’re like us and would nerd out over the smallest details, be sure to check out the video in full above. The drifting bit is at 12:17.


Let 2-time Dakar Rally Champion & Leona Chin excite you with the Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Motors
Malaysia (MMM) is giving you an opportunity to experience first hand the thrill
of high-speed rides with 2-time Dakar Rally Champion, Hiroshi Masuoka and Malaysian
Motorsports Athlete, Leona Chin behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Triton.
Attendees can
experience the capabilities of the facelifted Triton as Masuoka and Leona tackle
a makeshift course with speed and precision. With the four USP pillars under 4Sure
Handling USPs – 4Sure Power, 4Sure Control, 4Sure Agility and 4Sure Safety, customers
will be able to feel the Triton’s toughness and performance – especially with professionals
behind the wheels.
This money-can’t-buy
experience is happening this weekend (9 to 10 March 2019) at Setia City
Convention Centre, Outdoor carpark from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is completely free
of charge and there are plenty of activities for the family too.
Visitors can also test
drive the facelifted Triton on an off-road track with a descending slope to
test the Hill Descent Control feature. That’s not all, if you’re among the
first 100 participants to complete all three courses (high-speed ride, off-road
obstacle and on-road test drive) you’ll receive a complimentary Starbucks
coffee.
While you’re there, be
sure to join the 4Sure Thrill photo/vide contest and be in the running to win RM800
petrol card voucher, RM500 Touch & Go card and RM300 Tesco vouchers for the
first, second and third prize respectively.


Michael Schumacher’s head injury might have been caused by a GoPro camera

If reports are to be proven true, then
GoPro
 – manufacturer of one of the world’s most famous versatile cameras, will face some
serious PR nightmare
 or worse, a
lawsuit
.
Michael Schumacher
 fell victim to an
ill-fated accident
 after Christmas last year
while skiing
 in the
French Alps
 with his family. The 45-year old former
Ferrari driver from Formula One
, while skiing, struck a rock partially covered by snow and catapulted head-first into another. He sustained severe brain injuries and was put into an
induced coma
 to facilitate his recovery.
French Formula One commentator Jean-Louis Moncet said in a radio interview, “Michael’s son told me that his father is

waking up very, very slowly
.”
He also revealed that the brain injury was
caused by the GoPro mounting
 on his helmet, instead of the impact of the fall. Experts from the world-renowned skiing and climbing academy
conducted extensive tests
 to the exact helmet Schumi wore and found that the helmet
would not have caused the brain injuries
 he had sustained.
What the experts did find was that the GoPro mounting
significantly weakened the helmet’s structure
, which quite possibly caused the helmet to
shatter into pieces
 and caused Schumi’s injuries. As you would expect, the
GoPro wasn’t damaged
 at all, and the video footage provided investigators crucial information regarding the fall.
After nearly a year since the accident, Schumi remains
immobile
 and
unable to speak
. He was moved from a rehabilitation centre in Switzerland and is currently being taken care by a team of 15 experts in a specially designed facility at his
RM145 million home
 by Lake Geneva.


This Bugatti pool table costs a cool RM1 million each!

What do you do when you’ve owned a Bugatti? You buy a pool table from the same company and park it right next to the car. It’d be weird to own a Bugatti pool table but not have the car first, right?
Either ways, if you’re reading this, these exquisite images are the closest you’ll ever get to one. That’s because like all Bugatti hypercars, this thing isn’t just top shelf but costs many many many piles of cash.
A whopping €250,000 euros to be exact! That’s

approximately
 RM1.26 million
 after you’ve converted it to our shambolic currency.
What does that get you then? The perfect man cave accessory made out of machined aluminium and titanium, with a carbon fiber finish.
Have you seen a Bugatti surround sound system?

Check it out
here
!
The ball pockets made from stainless steel are lined with leather and are attached with titanium screws and nuts to prevent corrosion but that’s not all!
The cue holder is finished in carbon fiber, and comes with a 13-inch, high-resolution touch screen to keep track of scores. The carbon fiber pool cues come with CNC-machined aluminum tip that is a
1:1 copy of the buttons
 in a Bugatti hypercar!
This is the timepiece to go with the Bugatti pool table! Check it out
here
!
And the accessories are equally impressive; there’s dimmable ceiling light made of carbon fiber to complement the table and a suitcase made with Bugatti leather to store and transport the balls!
The most impressive part of all has to be the
auto-levelling feature
 of the table.
If you decide to have this table in your yacht,
each of the four legs can adjust itself to stay level
, when the yacht is on water. The system, using

gyroscopic sensors, can adjust in five milliseconds and move vibration-free, in total silence.
The pool table made by IXO to tournament standards is only
limited to 30 units
, with five to be completed this year. Every owner will be presented with a USB pendrive, in an aluminium case wrapped in leather. The USB drive contains images and videos of the table being made.
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Volvo was right: Renault to become second carmaker with 180 km/h speed limit

Remember Volvo’s decision last year to impose a
180 km/h electronic speed limiter
 on all of its new cars?
 Of course you do
. Despite the controversies, it seems like Volvo isn’t the only carmaker to think that 180 km/h is as fast as you should go.
According to a report by
Spiegel.de
, Renault is also planning to impose a 180 km/h speed limit on its new cars, following in the footsteps of Volvo. The announcement was made by Renault CEO Luca de Meo at the company’s shareholder general meeting in Paris last Friday, citing excessive speed as the reason for a third of all fatal car accidents.
De Meo said that Renault is also currently working on a new automated speed regulation system called Safety Coach, which will further adjust the vehicle’s speed limits automatically according to local laws, while taking into account tricky conditions such as sharp corners, hazardous weather, and the driver’s attention levels.
The system will also be integrated into the onboard navigation system, where accident-prone areas will be flagged on the map to serve as a warning for the driver.
The system will also include a new “safety score” feature, which uses the vehicle’s sensor array to judge how careful you are as a driver – similar to those eco indicators in many modern cars. Renault says that the system will be done in partnership with insurers, so you might be able to save on insurance premiums in the future if you drive more carefully!
Alpine cars are supposedly excluded from the new 180 km/h speed limit.
The new 180 km/h speed limit will supposedly be applied across all Dacia and Renault models – including Renault Sport models such as the
Megane RS
 and Clio RS. However, a report by French publication
Caradisiac
 says that the models under the French carmaker’s sportscar division, Alpine, will be excluded from the new blanket limiter.
So what do you think – should more carmakers follow suit, or should the decision fall in the hands of the driver? Sound off in the comments below.
As for us, we at
AutoBuzz.my
 have always believed that 180 km/h is more than plenty for the public roads – lest we forget that the national speed limit is 110 km/h! Keep your spirited driving to the racetrack, where you can safely explore the limits of your cars (and yourselves), and everyone will be better off for it.


Hyundai will soon be revealing its new hydrogen-powered electric vehicle

Hyundai will be revealing the newest addition to its eco-vehicle line up next week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show next week.
The new fuel cell EV’s name will be revealed and will be equipped with new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies. Also set to be revealed is Hyundai’s new idea for its future vehicle’s interior with the Intelligent Personal Cockpit, featuring artificial-intelligence-enhanced voice recognition and vital sign-based wellness care, all from the comfort of the driver’s seat.
Hyundai will also be demonstrating how its progress and breakthrough in hydrogen-powered mobility can be transferred to hydrogen-powered applications at home under the Hydrogen Life Vision.
Based on what we’ve known to be possible, this could mean that home appliances and other electrical needs could be powered by fuel cell electric vehicles in the future.
IMAGE GALLERY


Puspakom centres in Peninsular Malaysia now open for private cars road tax renewal

Following the government’s decision to
halt the grace period
 for expired road taxes, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that all 39 Puspakom locations in Peninsular Malaysia will be made available in stages for private vehicle road tax renewal beginning September 1, 2021.
The new road tax renewal service at Puspakom outlets is currently offered only to passenger cars, for both private and company registrations. However, JPJ says that they are working to expand the service to both motorcycles and e-hailing vehicles, and is expected to be available by November 2021.
Image:
JPJ Malaysia/Twitter
Prior to today, road-tax renewals at Puspakom centres were only offered to decontrolled vehicles (i.e. goods vehicles weighing 7,500 kg and below). The service has been in operation since 2020.
In an effort to prevent overcrowding in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, customers are required to make an appointment online (via the web portal linked
here
) prior to visiting the outlet; walk-ins will not be entertained. Do note that only cash payments will be accepted at Puspakom counters for the time being.
JPJ is offering 70% discounts for summonses until September 16, 2021. Find out more here.
As a reminder, expired road tax and driving licences will only be valid for use
until the 30th of September 2021
. JPJ advises road users to renew their documents as soon as possible, and reassures that sufficient stocks of road tax and driving licence cards are available at all premises.
Aside from Puspakom outlets, road users can also renew their documents through the
JPJ drive-through counters
, online via
MySikap
 JPJ and MyEG, as well as
Pos Malaysia outlets (by appointment only)
.


This is one of the most tastefully modified NSX we’ve seen in a while

At this year’s SEMA show, which happens to begin today, Acura has teamed up with a tuning firm called Science of Speed to create and display what they call the “Dream Project” Acura NSX.
It’s been given a GT3-inspired looks without looking over the top and we absolutely love it!
The hybrid supercar’s output has been massaged to
610 hp
 with
 687 Nm
 of torque, an increase of around 30 hp and 40 Nm from the standard version – contributed by liquid injection for the intercoolers and freer-flowing high-performance downpipes and exhaust.
On the outside, its been given a more aggresive GT3-like exterior with aero ducts on its new front splitter, a massive rear wing and a new rear diffuser.
The Dream Project sits on a lowering kit and an iLIFT system which uses sensors to automatically
 increase the front of the car by two inches
 to avoid obstacles like speed bumps.
The exterior is otherwise finished with a set of 20/21-inch forged Advan GT wheels wrapped in Pirelli Trofeo R tyres and a striking Nouvelle Blue paint.
On the inside, the Recaro Pole Position full bucket wrapped in black leather and blue accents steal the show – as is the theme for the most part of the interior including the dashboard and door panels.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Perodua Axia scores 4 stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test, to launch soon

Set to launch soon, the ASEAN NCAP crash test result for the
Perodua Axia
 has been released. On the all-new platform, the Perodua Axia managed to score a 4-star rating with a 73.55% overall weighted score.
New safety enhancements for the Perodua Axia include the introduction of 4 more airbags in the highest-tier variant, resulting in a total of 6 airbags overall. Lower-tier variants are still equipped with 2 airbags only for the time being.
Also new on the Axia is the availability of Perodua’s A.S.A 3.0 advanced safety system on the higher-tier variants. The third generation of Perodua’s safety system includes auto high beam (AHB), lane departure warning & prevention, blind spot monitoring (BSM), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA). However, the Axia doesn’t get the full suite of A.S.A. 3.0 as Lane Keep Control (LKC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are not available.
Standard safety equipment on the all-new Perodua Axia includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Pedestrian Protection technology, and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both frontal and rear seat occupants.
RELATED:
2023 Perodua Axia revealed in camouflage – 3,591 bookings made, from RM38k to RM49k
The crash test report shows the all-new Axia scoring 25.65/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 43.43/51 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 16.5/21 in Safety Assist (SA), and 7/16 in Motorcyclist Safety (MS). Combined, this results in a total weighted score of 73.55% and a 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.
Currently, the all-new Perodua Axia is estimated to fetch a price of between
RM38,600
 to
RM49,500
. Prices have increased for all variants, but Perodua ensures that the improvements made to the car outweigh the much higher price tag. To date,
3,591 bookings
 have been made for the all-new Axia with most of them being for the SE and AV variants.
RELATED:
Perodua January 2023 sales and production sees 43.5% jump from 2022


Smaller Toyotas to be built on TNGA platform

Toyota has announced that the new GA-B version of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform will soon find its way into its smaller vehicles – a move that would totally transform the way Toyotas drive as we’ve experienced locally with the C-HR and the new Camry.
Existingly, the C-HR and the new Corolla that’s set to be launched locally, sits on the
GA-C version
 of the platform while models like the Camry we reviewed a few months ago and the all-new RAV4 is built on the
 GA-K version
.
Check out our
 review of the C-HR
here.
The GA-B is a modular platform that allows for a
variety of wheelbase lengths, vehicle heights and track widths
 – allowing Toyota designers to design visually-appealing vehicles, with low and wide stances, of different sizes and body types.
The platform also
maximises interior space
, offers a
highly rigid underbody
,
lower centre of gravity
 with the driver’s seating position set lower and further back towards the centre of the car. With the GA-B platform, Toyota can also opt for either a torsion beam or multilink setup at the rear.

Here’s how the TNGA platform has completely transformed the way the Camry rides and drives!
So the foreseeable outcome from all this seems really promising. It simply indicates that future compact Toyotas would not only be practical with abundance of space, good-looking but also a joy to drive.
That’s a lot of promise to deliver, Toyota.
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BMW M cars will be electrified in the future, says CEO

Electrification is the future for most, if not all, car makers. BMW has committed to this trend as outlined in their
NUMBER ONE > NEXT group corporate strategy
 which details their next generation platforms will be designed from the start to cater to electrified powertrain(s). But what will happen to BMW M?
It would seem that BMW M is already preparing for this change. In an interview with BMW M CEO, Frank Van Meel, he said “For sure, all M vehicles will be electrified by the end of the next decade,”
“That’s going to happen step-by-step. The important question is the timing question – what’s the right time for that? If you’re too late then you’re too late, but if you’re too early then you don’t have the ‘straight to the point’ technology.” Van Meel told by CarAdvice AU.
He added: “Look at today’s electrification components, they are quite heavy and, for us as a motorsports company, overall vehicle weight and power-to-weight ratio is key.”
No more V8s?
However, with the group’s advancements in electrification technologies, the weight issue is slowly being overcome but M division is in no hurry to implement electrified technologies to their vehicles without getting the perfect balance of driving performance and electrification.
“But the real question from our customers was whether the M3 was driving like an M3. I don’t really care if we use a HEAT or another configuration, it should drive like an M3… The basic target is not so much the components of the technology itself. It’s more the philosophy,” concluded Van Meel.


Proton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022

First
announced earlier this year
 through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA),
Proton
and
Smart Automotive
 have now officially finalised their partnership between the two companies, at a signing ceremony held today.
The agreement formalises Proton as the official distributor for Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, and also makes way for the national carmaker to introduce their own new energy vehicles in the future. The first Smart model to make its way into Malaysia under the new partnership will be the
#1
, and is scheduled to be launched in
early Q4 2023
 – making us the first right-hand drive market for the model.
Despite this collaboration being primarily a retail operation, Proton says that there are also big picture developments beyond the scope of the agreement to pave way for its entry into the new energy vehicle market. A New Energy Vehicle arm has already been established within the company.
Through providing aftersales service for Smart, the company can upskill its workforce for high voltage works in preparation for its own EVs in the future. The entry into a new exciting market segment will also attract new young talents within the industry.
Proton also announced that it is investing in a public charging network by collaborating with local charging providers, and will also be providing home charger installation services in the future.
“Today marks a big step for Proton’s entry into the new energy vehicle market. The first phase of business with Smart is focused on retailing but it provides us with valuable knowledge and experience on not only how to service and charge EVs but also how to transform the way we interact with our customers,” said Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.
“The move into this market segment will also help drive Proton’s move towards being more environmentally friendly in all facets of our operations as we work to help Malaysia achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050,” he added.
RELATED:
Proton to launch three all-new models in the next two years – what might they be?
With the Smart #1 EV only arriving at our shores towards the end of next year, Proton is also imploring the government to extend the tax exemptions for fully-imported electric vehicles to a later date, in order to help spur the transition to new energy vehicles here in Malaysians.
The company plans to sell 800-1,000 units of the Smart #1 per year here in Malaysia, ramping up in the future to achieve a total of 10,000 units sold by the end of 2027.
ALSO READ:
Smart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment – hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp


2023 BMW 330i M Sport facelift debuts in Malaysia – RM317,800

In addition to the new
BMW
320i
 and
33
0
e
, BMW Malaysia today also unveiled the updated 2023 330i M Sport facelift, as part of the
refreshed 3 Series
 line-up here on our shores. The BMW 330i M Sport is priced at RM317,800, and will be locally assembled here at the company’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
We’re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that “two new variants” will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it’s likely that they were referring to those two – keep your eyes peeled!

Facelifted exterior
The 2023 BMW 3 Series features a reworked exterior, particularly on the front fascia. The kidney grille bears a slightly reworked outline, now finished with a new double bar pattern, and flanking it are the newly redesigned headlights that now feature a more streamlined look, without the notch at the bottom, which supposedly helps emphasise the width of the car.
Just like before, the new 2023 BMW 330i also comes as standard with the M Sport kit here in Malaysia. Up front, the bumper now features a hexagonal lower air intake bookended by twin L-shaped air curtain intakes, while at the back, there’s also a chunky gloss-black diffuser element that occupies most of the rear bumper.
Other M Sport highlights include the 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 848 M (staggered sizing), the larger tailpipes, M Aerodynamics package, M High-gloss Shadowline, as well as additional M badges on the sides.
Refreshed interior – BMW Curved Display
The highlight of the updated 2023 BMW 330i M Sport’s interior is the new BMW Curved Display unit, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass, perched up on the dashboard.
The new displays run on BMW’s latest
 iDrive 8.0 operating system
, and boasts heavily upgraded functionalities taking advantage of more modern technologies, such as a wide range of connected services, 5G connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the “Hey BMW” intelligent voice assistant, as well as over-the-air software updates.
As part of the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, the 2023 BMW 330i M Sport also comes as standard with a head-up display.
In order to accommodate the new displays, the dashboard of the new BMW 330i M Sport had to be slightly redesigned. The central air vents are now slightly slimmer than before, with the air-conditioning controls moved into the touchscreen itself, while the bank of shortcut buttons below is replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.
The traditional gearshift lever on the centre console has also now been replaced by a toggle switch for a sleeker and more modern appearance.
Thanks to the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 330i M Sport is also peppered with a myriad of M furnishing touches on the interior to provide for a “sportier driving feel”. These include the M door sill plates with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest, M pedals, sport seats for the driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, the M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, as well as M-specific displays in the instrument cluster.
Customers can opt between black or Mocha brown for the Vernsasca leather upholstery, but the headliner is wrapped in M anthracite as standard.
2023 BMW 330i M Sport performance
The powertrain of the new BMW 330i M Sport remains unchanged from before, with the turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine underneath the bonnet making 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, the 330i M Sport sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Top speed meanwhile is electronically capped at 250 km/h.
Courtesy of the M Sport kit, the new BMW 330i in Malaysia also comes equipped with M Sport suspensions as standard.
Also unchanged here are the advanced driver assistance features, with the new 2023 BMW 330i M Sport coming as standard with features such as lane departure warning with active steering interventions, lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, speed limit info, and manual speed limit assist.
The 2023 BMW 330i M Sport also comes with the Parking Assistant package here in Malaysia, consisting of Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, a reverse camera, and Reversing Assistant.
2023 BMW 330i M Sport pricing in Malaysia
The BMW 330i M Sport is priced at RM317,800, inclusive of the BMW Warranty and Repair package which extends the vehicle’s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage), alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance. As an option, customers can also purchase the vehicle with a standard two-year warranty at a lower retail price.
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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI updated in Malaysia with IQ. Drive ADAS system – from RM246k

At long last, the Volkswagen IQ. Drive advanced driver assistance suite is now available in Malaysia. The feature will be introduced first on the updated 2023 model-year
Volkswagen Golf GTI
, now priced at
RM246,012
 on-the-road, without insurance.
Included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, three-year free maintenance programme, as well as five years of free roadside assistance.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
The Volkswagen IQ. Drive ADAS suite consists of several features, including:
Adaptive Cruise Control (Travel assist)
Lane departure prevention with Adaptive Lane Guidance (Lane assist)
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist support(Front assist)
blind-spot monitor (Side assist)
Rear cross-traffic alert
The most interesting feature on the list is the Adaptive Lane Guidance function, which keeps the car within its own lane “on an ideal line learned from the driver’s driving characteristics” – perhaps in terms of how closely the car sticks to the lane markers, or even providing a smoother cornering line at the bends.
Aside from the new ADAS kit, the new 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI has also been given a slight update to its equipment list both inside and out. On the former, there’s now a new wireless charging pad on the centre console, new ‘GTI’ embroidery on the front seats, as well as an additional centre airbag, bringing the total number up to seven.
As for the exterior, the new 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI now comes equipped with new fog lights on the front bumper’s honeycomb mesh inserts, alongside new heating and (finally) folding functionality for the wing mirrors.
Otherwise, the signature hot hatch remains unchanged from the model that was
launched here in Malaysia back in February last year
. Underneath the bonnet is still the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making
245 hp
and
370 Nm
. Here in Malaysia, the Golf GTI can only be had with a seven-speed DSG (wet) dual-clutch transmission, with power sent to the front wheels as usual.
The new price does represent roughly a RM20k increase over the outgoing model, although we think that the price increase is at least justified with an updated equipment list.
In related news, the good ol’ regular
 Volkswagen Golf R-Line
 has now been discontinued here in Malaysia. So if you want a VW Golf here in Malaysia, you’ll now have to spring at least RM246k for the Golf GTI.


First-ever Mercedes-AMG Experience Centre in the world opens in China!

Mercedes-AMG has set a new benchmark for product and brand experience with its first AMG Experience Centre in the world. The new AMG Experience Centre is situated two hours outside of Shanghai, China and is a stone’s throw from the Zhejian International Circuit.
The AMG Experience Centre is home to four display areas over two floors with the showroom on the ground floor providing an insight into the history of Mercedes-AMG. The vehicles and technologies on display can be experienced either physically or using VR technology.
There’s also a cafe; aptly named “Cafe63” after the
63 series AMGs
, a lounge and an exclusion selection of AMG accesories from the AMG store. AMG enthusiasts in China can even rent the place for special occasions and gatherings as the premise also doubles as an event location.
On the first floor, motorsport enthusiasts can experience racing simulators and Augment Reality but the highlight has to be the slot car race track controlled via brainwaves, for the most raw AMG experience.
Visitors will also get to experience a wide range of AMG vehicles including GT3 and GT4 race cars on the Zhejian circuit, under the guidance of instructors from the AMG Driving Academy. There are monthly track days where customers/visitors can either choose to take part in their own vehicles or in AMG vehicles booked from the Experience Centre.
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SpyBuzz: Limited Edition Isuzu D-Max leaked, launching soon?

Just days after the
new Toyota Hilux was launched
, pictures of what appears to be a limited edition Isuzu D-Max at an official photoshoot have been leaked online.
The pictures don’t tell much of a story here, but some of the obvious styling tweaks point towards another special edition variant of sorts, just before the facelift model arrives later in the year. Unlike the D-Max Diablo which was available in Black, this Limited Edition D-Max can be had in either Silver Metallic or Solid White. Naturally, decals will surround the car, as seen on its sides and the tailgate.

The side mirrors, headlamps, tail lamps, front bumper guard, wheel arches and alloy wheels all appear to be black in colour, except for the dark grey front grille and engine hood garnish. From afar, the roof rails also appear to be finished in black. We’re not sure if this D-Max will get LED daytime running lights, but judging from the special edition variants introduced prior to this, we can expect them to come as standard.
Apparently, the Limited Edition D-Max will also come with premium dual-tone Italian leather seats, dark grey interior trims and a touchscreen multimedia head unit with reverse camera and integrated parking guide. Liking what you see so far, guys?
IMAGE GALLERY


Kia to showcase next generation Sportage in September at Frankfurt

It’s official. The outgoing Kia Sportage will soon meet its successor, albeit in its early stages of designing. The fourth-generation crossover SUV will make its global debut as a concept car at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show that’s set to take place on 15 September 2015.
The all-new Sportage is said to feature a bold, progressive design that supposedly ‘exudes power and agility from every angle’. If there’s anything history has proven is that we shouldn’t take Kia’s word with a pinch of salt, because when the current-generation Sportage made it off the production line, most of the design cues from its concept stages were carried over.
There’s no word in the mechanical department, but at the going rate, we Malaysians will most likely be getting the
naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four
 GDI engine (not to be confused with the current NU 2.0L MPI engine) with possibly a six-speed automatic gearbox. As it stands, there is a total of six engines (four petrol and one diesel) powering the Sportage.
On the inside, the new Sportage embodies simplicity, married to modern contemporary style with rich material quality; a combination that Kia proudly claim will be their most refined, highest quality cabin to date.
The design is led by an European team based in Frankfurt, and the outcome of this vehicle will spearhead the future direction and face of Kia Motors. Interesting times loom ahead, we reckon.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton’s PRO-NET and Petronas’ Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023

PRO-NET (
Proton
’s new energy vehicle subsidiary) and Gentari (
Petronas
’ clean energy subsidiary) exchanged MoU documents at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM). Together, PRO-NET and Gentari will build
20 DC fast chargers
 in Malaysia in 2023.
Through the collaboration, PRO-NET will be responsible for providing charging locations and power facilities. Gentari, on the other hand, will be responsible in providing the charging infrastructure and operatorship solutions. Proton says that this signing with Gentari is the next step taken by Proton to establish its presence and add to the ecosystem in the national EV and NEV space after signing a
general distributorship agreement with Smart
 in August.
Proton has signed a general distributorship agreement with Smart in August 2022
The document exchange was performed between Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET, and Shah Yang Razalli, Head of Clean Energy Solutions Transition at Petronas on behalf of Gentari. Witnessing the event were Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment and Water, Dato’ Iskandar Bin Abdul Samad, Chairman, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), along with YM Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Petronas, and Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Addressing the needs of EV and NEV customers in Malaysia will require the participation of many parties and collaboration between automotive industry players. This is especially true with regards to a charging infrastructure that addresses the needs of users throughout the country and PRO-NET will offer customers a comprehensive charging solution.”
RELATED:
Proton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022
A new 180-kW DC fast charger in Petronas Pedas Linggi (Northbound) by Gentari. Photo:
Petronas Brands
“We also foresee NEV customers having a different set of motivating factors compared to traditional car buyers and as such, we want to create a new experience that caters to their needs. Therefore, PRO-NET will actively recruit new dealers and welcome proposals for an innovative brand and transactional experience,” added Roslan Abdullah.
At the MoU exchange ceremony, Proton also announced that
it will develop its brand-own EV
 and will be sending 16 of its engineers to China to be trained in all aspects of the field. Proton says that besides providing a charging network, it must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if it wants to have a comprehensive business solution.
RELATED:
Proton to develop own EVs, sending 16 engineers to China for R&D training


Jopp succeeds Raine as Head of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has appointed Michael Jopp to head sales and marketing for Malaysia and selected South East Asian countries following the reassignment of Mark Raine, who has since assumed the role of Vice President of Product and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea (catch his ‘exit interview’ below).
Prior to joining Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Jopp served as the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing in India for close to three years. During his time there, Mercedes Benz India topped JD Power’s Sales Satisfaction ranking and saw various new digital initiatives introduced.

Jopp was an instrumental in maintaining Mercedes Benz India’s lead in the luxury vehicle segment for four consecutive years. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, the majority of which with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in Germany.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 is coming to Malaysia in 2019. Can’t come soon enough!
Now, we wonder which model will be Jopp’s first launch? The
421 hp, 500 Nm Mercedes-AMG A45 S would kick things off rather nicely.


Toyota Prius C gets minor makeover, adds Crossover variant, JDM only

Right after the launch of the facelifted
Lexus CT200h
, another Toyota hybrid gets updated, though strictly only for the Japanese market. The Toyota Prius C gains minor nip and tuck as well as an interesting new Crossover variant.
New to the Prius C are the front and rear bumper design and reworked headlamps and taillights. The standard Prius C also rides on 185/60 tyres for improved ride comfort, while retaining its 15-inch wheel size.
The TFT multi-information display is the biggest change on the inside, and it’s offered as standard. The new soft synthetic leather is applied on the seats and trims.
Now, onto the
Crossover
. It’s basically a Prius C with “active lifestyle” trimmings which add wheel arch mouldings, roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels. Toyota claims to have tuned the ride and handling characteristic to make it more “crossover-esque”.

Mechanically, it soldiers on with the same
 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine
 paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of
99 hp
. The updated Toyota Prius C, available in 14 different hues, is priced from
1,785,240 yen (approximately RM69k)
 onwards, with the Crossover commanding a price tag of
2,062,800 yen (approximately RM80k)
.

It wasn’t clear if the “C” is this Prius means “Compact” or “City”, but in Japan it’s commonly known as the
 Aqua
. Its closest competitor now would be the
Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid
.
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2015 Volkswagen Touran revealed, bigger and lighter than before [+Video]

Unlike the recently-announced 2015 Sharan, the 2015 Touran is not just an update of the existing model. It’s a new model based on the
MQB platform
 and it’s
130 mm longer
 than its predecessor while at the same time
lighter by
 up to
62 kg
.
The growth translated to an increased interior space with a choice of
five or seven seat configurations
.
Cargo space
 is a humongous
1,040 litres
, and all the seats can be folded flat to free up even more space.
The dash features a sharper driver-angled center console, and the infotainment system on the top models has the
MirrorLink function
 that supports
Android Auto
 and
Car Play
. A
Pure Air 3-zone
 automatic air conditioner with anti-allergen filter is offered as an option.
On the outside, the new Touran looks almost exactly like the outgoing model. Upon closer inspection, the new Touran is more angular, and the side features a deep crease that runs from the front fenders to the taillights. A more aggressive styling can be had by opting for the
R line package
.
The new Touran is fitted with the
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
 as standard, but a host of driving assistance are also available such as the
Adaptive Cruise Control
 system and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking,
Traffic Jam Assist
, Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, and Trailer Assist.
A variety of
turbocharged
 engines can be specified with the new Touran, and they are equipped with
Stop/Start
 and
brake energy recuperation
 systems as standard making them up to
19 percent more economical
 than before. The engines include a
110 hp 1.2 TSI
,
150 hp 1.4 TSI
,
180 hp 1.8 TSI
,
110 HP 1.6 TDI
,
150 HP 2.0 TDI
, and a
190 hp 2.0 TDI
.
The 2015 Touran will join the 2015 Passat Alltrack and 2015 Sharan at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY


Review: Mitsubishi Triton 2.4L MIVEC, the benchmark for refinement

I remember walking a female friend to her car after a long day in university. As we walk further across the deserted carpark, I asked “Where’s your car?”. Curious I was, not seeing any small-sized cars in the vicinity that suit her 5-foot petite frame. “Right here” as she unlocks the doors to a pick-up truck.
You can imagine my blank expression as I watched her climb into the driver’s seat and cranking up the diesel engine to life as she waved me goodbye. That was when I realised that pick-up trucks are no longer just workhorses to carry cargos across a beat-up trail. It’s a sound alternative to the modern urbanites too.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was keen to let the members of the media to sample what their updated,
MIVEC turbodiesel equipped Mitsubishi Triton VGT
 has to offer in the urban and countryside landscape of Kota Kinabalu. We are completely blown away by the new engine and are convinced that this MIVEC-equipped Triton, sets the new
 benchmark for refinement in the pick-up truck segment
 and here’s why.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT (4×4)
Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT (4×4)
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure AT (4×4)
Mitsubishis Triton VGT Adventure X AT (4×4)
Engine
2,442cc; MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler
Transmission
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic with Sport Mode
Max Power
179 hp @ 3,500 rpm
Max Torque
430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM107,600
RM114,400
RM123,130
RM130,900
The 2.4L MIVEC Turbodiesel is by far the most Refined Engine in its class
Back in
2016, MMM has retired the old clunky 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill
 for an all-new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel that weighs 30 kgs less and returns 15 percent better fuel economy. The new MIVEC engine serves up
179 HP
 and
430 Nm
 of twisting force, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Sport Mode.
On start-up, the engine fires up characteristically like any other diesel, but the moment we set off, we were pleasantly surprised by how
smoothly
 the engine climbs up the revs almost like a petrol mill if you will. The diesel clutter and roar is
noticeably lower
 compared to the old engine and miles better than its main rivals like the
Toyota Hilux
, Mazda BT-50 and
Isuzu D-Max
.
As the five-speeder shifts through the cogs getting up to highway speeds, the power delivery was
impressionably linear
 with minimal drop in torque, contributing immensely to the passenger ride comfort on long journeys.
Mellow but No Less Competent
As smooth operator as the MIVEC engine was, it would be pointless if it couldn’t handle the offbeat trails. To prove the Triton is as equally as capable and robust on and off-road, MMM took us on a
hike
 up a jungle trail. We’ve managed to sample the Triton through rough gravel, muddy trails, crossed a river, climbed steep elevation, basically every possible scenario you can think off that will immobilise a two-wheel drive car. Except snow, of course.
The first half of the trail through gravel and loose sand proved to be child’s play for the Triton as we ride along in
2WD-Hi
. Coming up to a muddy area, our instructor advised us to dial our
Easy Select 4WD system
 to
4WD-Lo
, just for precautionary measure. Once engaged, there’s no stopping the Triton with constant throttle input and quick steering action, we slip past the muddy trail and crossed a relatively shallow river without breaking a sweat.

Going at an incline, the smooth engine proved to be of great help with consistent power delivery all the way to the top. The
paddle shifters
 with manual override was exceptionally convenient in going through the gears without having to leave my hands away from the steering wheel. Once we’re at the top, the rain Gods decided to give the fleet of Tritons some challenge by pouring down on us.
On the way down, the brakes were much more effective compared to the pre-update Triton despite no modifications were done to them, thanks to the significantly
lighter engine
 (-30 kg) resulting in lesser weight on the front axle. Even on slippery trails, the Triton delivered magnificently without any purposeful off-road modifications.
Premium Cabin for Everyday Commute
The Triton VGT range are all decently equipped, with the base VGT spotting keyless entry and start, touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers and leather wrapped steering wheel. Credit must be given to the seat designers because the seats on a pick-up truck bests even some of the more expensive passenger cars out there. The sculpture is very snug and accommodating and finding a
comfortable seating position
 is done in no time at all.
MMM prepared a chauffeured journey to our dinner stop as we wind back for the day and the same statement applies to the
rear bench
. I had plenty of legroom and kneeroom while the seats are tilted ever so slightly that made the 20-minute journey extremely pleasant.

Hopping into the more expensive variants and you get much more bells and whistles to play with such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control system, reverse camera and cruise control as standard. With features that rival most C-segment vehicles, who says that pick-up trucks are bare boned.
What Is Not to Like?
To be honest I am struggling to find faults with the Triton because for all its intended purpose, the MIVEC powered Triton performs extremely well while delivering high-levels of comfort and refinement. It even comes with
Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system
 as standard on all VGT models. It truly is the benchmark for overall package in the pick-up segment.
Although, if there’s one thing I must nit-pick about is that the Triton looks
 too luxurious and tame
. It’s like a fine piece of art especially the Adventure-X variant finished in Impulse Blue. I was biting my nails as we drove past tight bushes, fearing the branches will damage the stunning paintjob. It was quite an ordeal for someone like me who appreciates the fine art of keeping cars in pristine condition at all times. But then again, there are those who appreciate the fine aesthetics of the Triton over its rugged rivals.
Is This Car for You?
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast that wants a competent off-road companion that you can live with day-in and out, the Triton VGT range will fit all your daily needs and more. Even if you only require a punching bag to carry out all your heavy duty works, the recently introduced
Triton VGT GL at Rm103k
 should interest you as well.
As for the first-time pick-up truck owners, you will certainly appreciate the nifty features and refinement of the Triton VGT to ease your transition from a passenger vehicle to a pick-up truck. Not to forget, looking stylish at that.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Media Drive

Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure-X


F1: Malaysia to host final Formula One race in 2018

After much speculation about the
fate
 of the Formula One (F1) race in Malaysia, now it’s been confirmed that 2018 will be the final year for the country to host an F1 race. This follows confirmation from Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, citing that it’s less attractive to the crowd and more importantly, costs too much to host.
Nazri said that the government spends about
RM300mil
 a year to host the F1 race in Sepang but with little returns. Factoring the declining spectatorship and the lack of local motorsport talent, it’s time for the country to hit the brakes on F1, therefore the current F1 contract which ends in 2018 will not be renewed.
On the contrary, the government remains supportive with two wheels racing, particularly
MotoGP
. This year, the MotoGP round in Sepang was the best-attended race event with a sellout crowd of over 100k fans. Meanwhile in F1, this year it recorded its lowest attendance and television ratings in the event’s history.
The future of F1 in this region is looking bleak following F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, who hinted that Singapore could host its final race by 2017. Sepang circuit first hosted its F1 race in 1999, and by 2018 it will be two decades for the circuit to host the pinnacle of motorsports in our country.


Lynk & Co reveals new Zero Concept SUV with sub 4-second 0 to 100 km/h time

Lynk & Co, the subsidiary of Geely Auto Group has unveiled the Zero Concept electric SUV, designed by Lynk & Co’s Gothenburg design studio. The studio is responsible for the Lynk & Co range of vehicles where over 300,000 units have been sold in China since the
01 SUV
 in 2018.
With the Zero Concept, it’s the first look into the future of Lynk & Co as the leader in pure electric vehicles on the global stage. It’s marketed as a luxury pure electric vehicle based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) – the basis of future electric vehicles by Geely.
What’s even cooler is that the SEA architecture will be the
 world’s first open-source architecture
 that will be shared with other 3rd party vehicle manufacturers for their own electric vehicle development. The move is similar to what Volvo did for the auto industry with its safety systems back in the 1960s.
It’s a complete shift in the world’s superpowers too. Before it was the Chinese imitating the world, now it’s China’s turn to open itself up to the world, to be copied. What a time to be alive.
With the SEA architecture, Lynk & Co has been able to design a vehicle with perfect proportions with low front and rear overhangs. Also, the result is a sportier profile that suits the Concept Zero’s image as a tech-oriented, performance touring coupe with a wheelbase of
just under 3,000 mm
.
To give you a perspective of how spacious the car would be, the
first-ever Mercedes-Benz GLB seven-seater
launched in Malaysia just a few days ago measures
 2,873 mm
. If the GLB is capable of offering seven seats within the platform given, imagine what the Zero Concept can offer as it is void of running gears, a fuel tank and such.
The Zero Concept is expected to offer
upwards of 700 km of electric driving range
 and is capable of doing the 0 to 100 km/h run in under four seconds. Production will begin in 2021 at Geely’s new facility in Eastern China.
GALLERY


Throwback Thursday: The Epic Split by Van Damme with Volvo

What you’re about to see, or rather be reminded of, is undoubtedly the most epic split ever performed by any human being. The stunt was performed back in 2013 and 5 years on, it still send chills down our spine.
The star in question is none other than the King of Splits, Jean Claude Van Damme – whose claim to fame included films like the Kickboxer and Universal Soldier. If you’re that old, you’d probably remember Van Damme’s unmistakable ability to defy gravity with his kicks and undeniable flexibility to perform splits no man would even dare to attempt.
And no man would certainly dare attempt what the great Belgian did, in collaboration with Volvo Trucks to demonstrate the precision of Volvo’s Dynamic Steering. It’s simply goosebumps-inducing; so many questions surfaced in our minds but ultimately, how?
How is he that brave? How is he that calm and how are the drivers that smooth? What kind of injuries would he sustain if he fell?  Perhaps it was Volvo’s Dynamic Steering working its magic but you really have to give as much credit to the truck drivers, as you would to the “splitter” himself.
Coupled with Enya’s evergreen “Only Time” as the soundtrack along with the receding sunlight, it’s possibly the most epic stunt performed between man and machine to date. Certainly worth the throwback!
Credit:
YouTube


Review: F39 BMW X2 sDrive20i – A different kind of joy

Believe it or not, BMW made a front-wheel drive coupe and it has been on sale since 2018. Yes, it’s the BMW X2 sDrive20i; it is front-wheel drive, and according to BMW, it’s also a coupe. More specifically, a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). It’s a term they coined back in 2007 when they introduced the game-changing E71 X6.
As heart-breaking as it sounds, we have arrived at an age where sDrive BMWs doesn’t necessarily spell RWD excitement anymore and a coupe may not translate into a sleek two-door car anymore.
This makes the X2 evil, but a necessary evil because of the obvious gap between the X1 and the X3 that has been vacant for quite some time.
QUICK FACTS
Name
F39 BMW X2 sDrive20i
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
7-speed dual clutch
Max Power
192 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Max Torque
280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM328,800
The creation of the
E71 X6
 was arguably an ingenious one by BMW because it’s a car that no one needs yet desired by most. It went to show that consumers were willing to pay for style even if it lacked practicality.
How the X6 and the X4 complement the mainstream X5 and X3, the X2 is the ‘coupe’ version of the X1.
A new beginning
As repeatedly mentioned at launch, this is the ‘first-ever X2’, and BMW took a slightly different approach for their smallest SAC not only in terms of design but also powertrain. We’ll get to the powertrain in a moment; in the meantime let’s talk about the looks.
Instead of grafting a new backside to the
F48 X1
 and calling it a day, the design team had gone to great lengths to hatch an entirely new shell. You’ll either love or loathe it and at AutoBuzz at least, most of us grew to like the X2’s design, emphasised further by the
Galvanic Gold
 paint job.
The front three-quarter is probably the X2’s best angle; with its mean mug and stocky stance that just screams a serious intent. From another standpoint, personally I think it looks like a certain Korean compact SUV, which probably explains the need to include the Bavarian roundels on the C-pillars to remind the onlookers that it’s a BMW.
An intimate moment
Despite the shouty exterior, the interior is a carryover from the F48 X1. There’s nothing wrong with it though; the dashboard and center console are logically laid out but after sitting in the G20 3 Series, you can’t help but to notice that the X2 is still using the switchgear from one generation before.
By now you should have recognised that chunky
M Sport steering wheel
 and the iDrive controller and speaking of which, you can’t talk to the X2 the same way you could in the G20 3 Series.
Suffice to say that the X2 makes you feel more cocooned than the F48 X1. The low roofline and the rising window sill gives the impression of a more focused driver’s car that complements the SAC label to a tee.
As expected, your three friends seated in the back will be more “physically intimate” than they would be in the X1 with over-the shoulder visibility is compromised, the X2’s reverse camera counters that adequately.
Having said that, the X2 has lost none of the X1’s practical features. It still comes with 40:20:40 folding rear seats while the powered tailgate opens and closes with just a swipe of your feet under the X2’s tush.
It may not look like it but the
470 litre boot space
 is actually bigger than the
Countryman
‘s, with enough space to squeeze in a couple of laptop bags underneath the boot floor.
Pull, not push
Still shaking fists at front wheel drive BMWs? Don’t; because BMW has been churning out front-wheel drive MINIs for yonks and MINIs are known to be fun little machines.
The X2 is no different. It loves to be chucked around narrow winding roads like a hot hatch, which is rather weird because it’s far from hot and you sit higher in it.
The steering may not be the sharpest in its segment but the X2 is blessed with the same poise of a MINI hatchback. Throw it in the corners and there’s barely any body roll, although you’d wish it had more grunt when you’re in the mood for some spirited driving.
The
turbocharged

2.0 litre 4-cylinder
 ‘B48’ mill under the bonnet is a sweet revver and in this
20i
 state of tune, with
192 hp
 and
280 Nm
, it has proved to be a cracking engine in the
Cooper S hatch
.
However, the X2’s extra flab blunts the performance by quite a bit and for something that’s labelled as an SAC, it feels rather underwhelming.
Although the
7-speed dual clutch transmission
 reacts rather quickly, I still prefer a torque converter automatic in crawling traffic. Driving in everyday traffic, the X2 is on the firm side of the ride quality scale and apart from the roar of those low-profile
19 inch
 rubbers, the cabin is pretty quiet even in Sport mode. Likewise on the outside, there’s none of the flatulent symphony you get from a Cooper S. This is one polite rebel.
Will I buy it?
The X2 in this sDrive20i variant is far from perfect but as a lifestyle accessory, the X2 should appeal to those who are seeking something different from BMW.
It’s a competent little mini SUV but at the same time, you get the sense that BMW is holding back in the fun department. They may have done it on purpose and that’s only because they have reserved the extra poke for the
M35i
 variant.
And then there’s the price. Not only do rivals in the same segment offer more for less, BMW themselves have three other sedans pegged at the exact figure.
Of course it’s unfair to judge a vehicle by its price alone but when you’re shopping for a Bimmer, why settle for the X2 sDrive20i when you can have the
G20 330i M Sport
?
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 BMW XM V8 hybrid price revealed for Malaysia – from RM 1.3m

BMW Malaysia
 has revealed the official price of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
BMW XM
, starting at
RM1,316,450
 (without extended warranty & service package). Available in two variants, the XM costs RM1,398,800 with the extended warranty & service package included.
The two variants are virtually identical, namely the XM Shadowline and the XM Night Gold Line. On the outside, both variants get the M aerodynamics package and the BMW kidney ‘Iconic Glow’ grille. They even sit on the same set of 23-inch style 923 M wheels, albeit in different colour schemes that can also be seen on the trims around the car’s body. Both variants cost the same at RM 1.3 million.
BMW XM Night Gold Line
BMW XM Shadowline
BMW XM Night Gold Line
BMW XM Shadowline
Powering the XM is a PHEV powertrain that consists of a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine and a 145-kW electric motor. Combined, the PHEV powerplant makes 653 hp (metric) and 800 Nm. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the powertrain launches the XM from 0 to 100 km/h in just
4.3 seconds
 and provides a top speed of
270 km/h.
Just in case you were wondering, the V8 engine itself makes 489 hp (metric) and 650 Nm, while the electric motor makes 197 hp (metric) and 280 Nm. Supplying power to the electric motor is a high-voltage
29.5-kWh
 lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged at a rate of
7.4 kW
 and takes
4 hours and 15 minutes
 to charge from 0 to 100%. The BMW XM can be driven in a fully electric mode at speeds of up to
140 km/h
. In ideal conditions, the pure electric range can go up to
88 km
.
RELATED:
BMW XM V8 hybrid standalone M Car, open for booking in Malaysia – est. RM1.4m
If the XM’s performance numbers aren’t exciting enough for you, BMW previewed the
BMW XM Label Red
 back in October 2022. Although still in development, BMW has stated that the XM Label Red is capable of producing 750 hp and 1,000 Nm. For now, only the ‘regular’ XM is available.
Standard features on the BMW XM that we get in Malaysia include:
Adaptive M Suspension Professional
M Sport brakes
Driving Assistant Professional
Parking Assistant Plus
M Sport differential
Flexible Charger (Mode 2)
Public Charging Cable (Mode 3)
BMW IconicSounds Electric
M Driver’s Package
RELATED:
BMW previews the XM Label Red, in case the XM wasn’t bold enough – 750 hp, 1,000 Nm
As for the interior, the BMW XM is equipped with BMW Individual leather ‘Merino’ with exclusive contents, M interior ‘Carbon Fibre’ finishers, an M Leather Steering wheel, M multifunctional seats, M seat belts, and BMW Individual instruments finished in leather.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch touch-sensitive display. Other luxuries include BMW Gesture Control, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a wireless charging tray.
RELATED:
BMW XM bookings open for Malaysia starting 20 Oct, RM1.4 million estimated price


2017 Suzuki Swift unveiled, gets 1.0L turbo and 1.2L hybrid! [+Video]

The all-new Suzuki Swift hatchback has finally been unveiled, with sales slated to begin by January 2017. This Swift is now powered by an all-new hybrid and turbocharged powertrains.
This JDM Swift is built atop a new lightweight yet rigid platform. Wheelbase is up by 20mm (now 2,450mm), though its overall length is now trimmed by 10mm. Its width and height remain the same as before. Cargo space measures at
265 litres
, but with the seats down, this expands to
579 litres
.
There are two engine options offered in Japan. One is the
1.0-litre Boosterjet
 turbo petrol powering the RS variant (same engine in the Suzuki Baleno), while the
 1.2-litre Dualjet mild hybrid
 petrol engine is strictly reserved for the RL. The hybrid benefits from the company’s
SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki)
 mild hybrid system.
The new Swift comes with
Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS)
 autonomous braking system and
adaptive cruise control (ACC)
. Just like most cars sold in the land of the rising sun, it can be had in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive!
Suzuki confirmed that its global compact car will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. Back at home, the Swift was quite a popular choice before the Japanese carmaker
pulled the plug on its operations
. The question now is, will this Swift be rebadged as a Proton, or will it just not come to Malaysia?
IMAGE GALLERY


British snowboarder records fastest speed on a snowboard, towed by a Maserati

Britain’s fastest snowboarder Jamie Barrow broke his previous Guinness World Record, clocking a new fastest speed on a snowboard while being towed on a frozen lake.
Previously, Barrow set a record of
99.87 km/h
 in 2016 but this time, he returned to the same lake in St. Moritz, Switzerland with a more powerful vehicle. He was towed by a
Maserati Levante
 with Pirelli Scorpion winter tyres – with
474 studs per tyre
 where each were 4mm long.
Credit to Maserati’s active Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and its newly-developed Electronic Power Steering System, the advanced technology allowed the Levante to perform on the frozen lake surface, without losing the razor-sharp steering feel expected of any Maserati.
As a result, after two 100m runs in separate directions as required to meet Guinness World Record guidelines, the average speed recorded was
149.65 km/h
 – a new Guinness World Record for the fastest speed recorded on a snowboard.


The third-generation Isuzu D-Max is one angry-looking pick-up!

After eight long years, Isuzu has finally given the D-Max a full-model change with newly improved mechanical innards to go with its refreshed exterior styling! And boy, does it look fresh!
The third-generation Isuzu D-Max gets a brand new outfit that is much more aggressive compared to its predecessor. The new large grille takes over the the entire height of the front facade, with the signature dual chrome bars neatly integrated at the top.
Flanking the massive front grille is the new slimmer bi-LED projectors headlights, accompanied by ‘U’ shaped LED daytime running lights. The top-of-the-line variants get an indicator and fog lamp stack that is moulded directly into the bumper, while other variants get a smaller grille and a more reserved bumper design.
Over at the rear, Isuzu gave the D-Max new ring-style LED combination taillights, paired with clear lenses that we think makes the D-Max look sleeker and sharper than before.
Isuzu has also neatly integrated the stepping shelf into the bumper for a more streamlined look. Overall, the new wedge-shaped silhouette is a result of testing done in the wind tunnels of the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute for improved aerodynamics.
Isuzu said the new D-Max is designed to reflect their three keywords: bold, emotional, and smart and we can’t help but think that they’ve nailed it!
Changes to the inside of the D-Max is also immediately apparent. Right in the centre of the dashboard is a new 9-inch infotainment display – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – accompanied by two air-con vents at the side in a hexagonal housing. Underneath, the old odd-looking (in our opinion) circular climate controls are replaced with a toggle-switch design for the dual-zone automatic air conditioning that gives a more modern and upmarket look.
The entire dashboard of the new D-Max is also taller and wider, with contrasting materials and textured surfaces to achieve a high-end and sporty look. For workhorse applications though, you can still opt for a simple and practical instrument panel and door trim.
Isuzu said that the electrical components in the new D-Max has been completely revamped to make way for the Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified (CASE) era. Although advanced driver assistance systems aren’t present yet, the D-Max is now offered with a Blind-spot Monitoring System and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert for the first time ever!

Other improvements focused on optimising convenience and comfort include keyless entry with walk-away lock, remote engine start, 8-way parking sonar, automatic headlights and wipers, as well as the new voice-controlled infotainment system.
Further work has also been done on the inside to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the D-Max, such as the tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering wheel, additional seatbelt reminders, as well as a new polyurethane cushion material for the front seats to reduce fatigue on long journeys – available on an optional 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Isuzu has incorporated more high-tensile steel plates to the structure of the new D-Max, improving body rigidity by up to 20%. Although still riding on the ladder frame platform, a new shear mount is used in place of the body mount for better driving dynamics and improved NVH levels. The improved structure rigidity and packaging allowed Isuzu to extend the loading bed on all cab types.
To further improve driving dynamics, Isuzu has also completely revamped the suspension setup of the D-Max. At the front, the third-generation D-Max gets a double-wishbone suspension with higher upper-link mounts, while the rear leaf suspension has been manufactured with a process called “warm stress shot peening” to make it more durable, yet more flexible for a more comfortable ride. The rear track of the truck has also been widened, together with a reduced mounting angle to aid stability.
Elsewhere, the steering rack has been tuned for a tighter turning radius and improved handling, while requiring less effort to turn the wheel. Brakes have also been upgraded, now featuring a larger 320 mm discs at the front, paired with two-pot calipers.
The 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine on the current D-Max will be used in the third-generation as well.
As we expected, Isuzu is using the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine that was
recently introduced in Malaysia
, alongside a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel mill on the all-new D-Max. The former produces an unchanged
150 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque (albeit paired with a new gear ratio and control system), while the bigger 3.0-litre engine has been revamped with a new turbocharger, higher injection pressure, new combustion chamber design, and double-scissor timing gears among other changes to push output up to
190 hp
 and
450 Nm
 – 13 hp and 70 Nm increase over its predecessor!
Both engines are available with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The smaller 1.9-litre mill gets a downsized torque-converter with a lockup clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper to improve fuel efficiency and response.
The four wheel drive system has also been updated, now with a single aluminium propeller shaft to achieve significant weight savings. The new D-Max also gets an electromagnetic differential lock at the rear to enhance drive transfer between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, as well as between high and low ratios.
Having just received the facelifted Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia a while ago, we are probably not going to see Isuzu’s new baby on our roads anytime soon. Over in Thailand, the all-new Isuzu D-Max will go on sale on 19th October, and as usual offered in both commercial and consumer variants, with single cab, extended cab and double cab body styles.
IMAGE GALLERY


Remember the Bugatti Chiron timepiece? It’s back with more bling!

Earlier this year, Bugatti and Jacob & Co released the new line of Bugatti Chiron timepieces. What separated these Tourbillon timepieces from others was the
movement of a tiny crankshaft in a W16
 engine layout-replicating the actual Chiron.
These new versions of the Bugatti Chiron timepieces are reimagined with new material choices for the ultimate pairing with one’s attire and accessories. And of course, when you’re driving in
the actual car.
A total of five designs are curated for this series. The first two were built upon a theme of sapphire crystal in natural or blue. The next two designs ups the ante with the liberal use of white diamonds.
The case is made with either
18-karat Rose Gold
or
 White Gold
 material. Jacob & Co have placed sparkling white diamonds on the casing with the rose gold material while the white gold edition is encrusted with
391 black and white diamonds
 (approximately 20 carats).
Both diamond-encrusted Bugatti Chiron timepieces are embellished with baguette-cut white diamonds on the crowns and pushers. A total of only
 52 pieces
 will be crafted by Jacob & Co.
For those who prefer the Bugatti Chiron timepiece without the sapphire crystals or 20-carat white diamonds lining the entire casing, the final design features a more “minimalist” look.
In this design, an 18-karat Rose Gold case is paired with a special anti-reflective sapphire crystal finished with black DLC titanium crowns and pushers. The relatively low-profile appearance is only limited to
 72 pieces
.
As mentioned earlier, the flying Tourbillon movement maintains, together with the 60 hours of power reserve. Although no prices were accompanied in the release, this new “extra bling” Bugatti Chiron timepieces will be
well above the US$ 280,000
 asking price of the previous titanium-made series.


Toyota celebrates Land Cruiser’s 70th Anniversary… with a special edition Prado

Toyota is celebrating 70 years of Land Cruisers with a new special edition model… with a twist. Instead of a Ninja King Land Cruiser, Toyota is actually making a 70th Anniversary Edition Land Cruiser Prado – a model that was only introduced in 1984.
Anyway, to celebrate 70 years of land cruising, the Japan-exclusive model is fitted with blacked-out details all around the exterior, including the front grille, wing mirror, roof rails, and the 18-inch alloys. The black accents are complemented by a choice of five exterior paint colours, including an exclusive dark green hue (seen above) that’s only available on the 70th anniversary Toyota Prado.
Inside, the special edition model comes upholstered with a coat of luxurious Saddle Tongue brown leather, alongside a new silver-painted dashboard trim on the passenger side. The 70th Anniversary embossed floor mats, however, are optional extra cost items. Customers will also be able to opt for either the five- or seven-seater configuration.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 70th Anniversary Edition will be offered with two powertrain options: a 2.8-litre turbodiesel (similar to that of the new
 Hilux Rogue
), which produces
 204 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque, or a 2.7 litre petrol that makes
161 hp
 and
246 Nm
 of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels.
With Toyota set to introduce a brand-new replacement model for the Land Cruiser Prado, the 70th Anniversary Edition might also be the SUV’s last hurrah after 12 years of service. Rumours have been swirling around a new model to be launched as soon as this year, built on a new TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that will also underline the next-generation Toyota Hilux.
The biggest news in the next-generation Land Cruiser line-up however, is of course, electrification. Previous leaks have suggested that the big-boy Land Cruiser will ditch the large V8 engine for its next generation model, in favour for a smaller, twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 engine, and it’s likely that the Prado will also follow suit.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 70th Anniversary edition will be available exclusively in Japan, starting at JPY4,290,000 (~RM160k) before optional extras.
GALLERY


Mazda CX-3 officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show, gets full SkyActiv Technology [+Video]

The wraps on the all-new
Mazda
 CX-3 have just been removed at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, revealing what appears to be one of the best looking compact crossover SUVs at present time.
We must say that it looks nothing compared to the speculated (maybe rendered, even) picture
we previously posted
, not even by a slight margin. To best serve your memory, the CX-3 is Mazda’s
fifth vehicle
 to adopt the new
KODO design language
, with KODO meaning
the expression of life within a vehicle
.
EXTERIOR
The aggressive looking front view of the CX-3 is mainly contributed by the front grille with
seven horizontal chrome lines
.
The grille is joined to the headlights with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, where to its side you’ll find the signal indicators.
Its front fenders are pushed rearwards, underneath the A-pillars.
Dimensions wise, the CX-3 measures at 4,275 mm in overall length, 1,765 mm width and 1,550 mm height, while the wheelbase spans 2,570 mm long. It sits on
18-inch
 wheels wrapped with
215/50 R18
 series tyres, although it’s quite unlikely that we’ll be getting such large wheels.

This compact SUV gets Mazda’s full suit of
SkyActiv
 Technology, including the SkyActiv-Chassis. It rides on MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam axle on the rear.
INTERIOR
Inside, it looks largely like the
Mazda2
with minor changes done to distinguish between the models. Mazda has added fine piping seen in the pure white leather seats, whereas the door trims and get accented in
dark red trims
. Essential information is displayed onto the multi-info display built into the instrument clusters, and the familiar
7-inch LCD screen
 with
Commander Control Switch
 is carried over from the Mazda2.

Mazda Connect
 or
MZD Connect
 – Mazda’s in-car connectivity system – also comes standard here. It boasts internet connectivity and communications that function even when driving. This Bluetooth operated system can even
display text messages
 and perform hands-free phone operation, and in some regions – internet radio.
PERFORMANCE
There are two engines being offered in the CX-3; a 1.5-litre clean diesel Skyactiv-D engine and the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine. In Japan, the CX-3 gets the 1.5-litre diesel and
six-speed Skyactiv-MT
 manual transmission configuration, whereas the US gets the 2.0-litre petrol with
six-speed Skyactiv-Drive
 automatic transmission.
We are certain that we’ll be getting the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G variant (if there are no changes to the engine offering), but remain in the dark in terms of specific output. In its default state of tune, the 2.0-litre engine (shared by the
Mazda3
and Mazda6) makes
155 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
200 Nm
 at 4,000 rpm. The Mazda3 sold by Bermaz Motor here is tuned to produce 162 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque.
The CX-3 is front-wheel driven, although it can be had with the company’s next-generation
All-Wheel Drive
 system with
active torque control coupling
, similar to the one in the CX-5. It also employs the world’s first
front wheel slip detection warning system
. Also carried over from the Mazda2 is the power take-off and rear differential unit.
WHAT ELSE?
With the Mazda2 now slated for arrival in the first quarter of 2015, it’s only a matter of time before the CX-3 gets introduced here as well. The CX-3 goes against the likes of the Peugeot 2008 (RM120k) and
Ford EcoSport
 (from RM93k), both rocking engines smaller than 2.0-litre.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen Malaysia is giving the Volkswagen Beetle a big send-off in July

Volkswagen will be axing
the production of the much-loved Volkswagen Beetle this year, 80-years after
the original Beetle, designed by Ferdinand Porsche, made its debut in 1938.
Of the 21.5 million units sold globally, many have found its home in Malaysia and to give the automotive icon a proper send-off, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be organising the Beetle, An Iconic Gathering, the biggest Beetle gathering in Malaysia.
The celebration will kick-off on 13 July 2019 with a 150 Beetle Sunshine Tour convoy, flagging off from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, making its way through the streets of Golden Triangle before proceeding to the gathering at the open-air carpark Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
VPCM will be attempting to break the current Malaysian record of the largest Beetle gathered at one location during the event and is calling out to all classic and current Beetle owners to join in the gathering. Beetle owners in Malaysia and interested participants can register their cars on VPCM’s
website
.
Participation is free
and event details will be provided during the online registration. Participants
will also receive a certificate of participation from Volkswagen.
Managing Director of
VPCM, Erik Winter said, “Volkswagen ends production of the much-loved Beetle
this year, and we want to give this global bestseller the send-off it deserves
by celebrating its legacy. We would like to invite owners and Beetle
enthusiasts to the gathering to help us break the record and celebrate the
world’s favourite Bug.”


The new Ford Focus ST is as tech-laden as it is fast

The
 all-new Ford Focus ST
was just revealed a few days ago and while its might has been established with
280 hp
 and
420 Nm
, it’s also supremely intelligent.

You get an Borg Warner electric LSD that sends up to 100% of torque to the wheel that’s slipping, with greater precision than a traditional mechanical LSD.
As for the EcoBlue engines, they come with Torque Vectoring Control for better road holding and reduced understeer by automatically applying the brakes.
Speaking of brakes, the Focus’ Electric Brake Booster (EBB) helps build brake pressure faster than a hydraulic system for more progressive pedal feel and braking performance.
The system can also automatically adjust the brake’s performance according to different Drive Modes.
Also incorporated is Ford’s Continuous Controlled Damping (CCD) that monitors the suspension, body, steering and brake inputs
every two milliseconds
 to adjust damping response.
In each of the five different drive modes – Slippery, Wet, Normal, Sport and Track – the car can automatically adjust the eLSD, CCD, throttle, electronic stability control, the Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) and even the climate settings to suit the driving conditions.
ESE serves to amplify the genuine engine and exhaust notes in Sport and Track drive modes – unlike the 3-door Volkswagen Golf R we tested recently.
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