Michelin Pilot Sport 4 launched in Malaysia, 23 sizes, priced from RM481

After teasing on their website for the past week, Michelin Malaysia has just introduced the replacement to their high performance Pilot Sport 3 (PS3) tyre, the Pilot Sport 4 (PS4). For those who have tried and tested the PS3, you will know that the PS4 has big shoes to fill.
Let’s dive straight into the technical aspects of the brand new PS4. The PS4 is engineered and developed with the aim to satisfy consumers who have a burning
passion
 towards driving and a strong concern towards
safety
 in both dry and wet surfaces. To further improve the already excellent PS3, Michelin engineers compiled the knowledge and experience they have in motorsports and ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres and applied them on the road-biased PS4.
Firstly, the new thread pattern on the PS4 is inspired by
Michelin’s Formula E tyres
. When placed side by side, one can hardly tell the difference between the two, claims Michelin. This gives the PS4 a very similar thread pattern to racing tyres that provide superb handling in the dry and wet.
Unlike in Formula One where the teams utilise unique sets of tyres specifically for either wet or dry conditions, Formula E employs one specific pattern for both conditions. Therefore, Michelin as Formula E’s official tyre supplier developed a unique pattern that is able to handle the immense instant torque from Formula E’s racing cars yet provide superb performance in the dry and wet.

As a result, the PS4, which closely resembles the Formula E racing tyres boasts 10 percent greater positive profile that gives more contact between the rubbers and the road surface as well as a more rigid thread that maintains a more consistent contact patch during high speed manoeuvres as compared to the outgoing PS3.
The trickled down technology does not stop there. The new PS4 is now made with an additional tyre carcass layer dubbed the Hybrid Aramid-nylon belt. First used in Michelin Pilot Super Sport and Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres, the hybrid compound combines the two materials to produce a robust yet lightweight belt to withstand centrifugal force and maintain contact patch at extreme speeds. This in return ensures a high level of traction and precise handling on the road.
To further enhance the tyres’ performance in the wet, Michelin has added a new-generation functional elastomers and silica hydrophobic into the tyre compound. These compounds work on a molecular level that repels water upon contact, allowing for the drainage system to begin even before the tyre grooves do their work.
Lastly, as seen in
Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S
 and other high performance tyres from the company, the PS4 gets
Michelin Premium Touch Technology®
 treatment at the sidewalls. This technology gives a velvet-like finish to the tyre writing and acts as a cushion for the rim when it comes into contact with a kerb.
Unlike the PS3 which starts from 15-inch, the PS4 range starts from 16-inch all the way up to 19-inch in diameter. In total, Michelin Malaysia has 23 different sizes made available for the PS4, with retail prices starting from RM481. The tyres are produced in Thailand while some specific sizes are imported from Europe.
AVAILABLE SIZES
Section
Rim Size (inch)
Load Index
Speed Rating
205/50
16
91
W
205/55
16
94
W
215/55
17
98
W
205/50
17
93
W
245/45
17
99
Y
245/40
17
95
Y
225/45
17
94
Y
215/45
17
91
Y
205/45
17
88
W
225/50
17
98
Y
215/50
17
95
W
235/45
17
97
Y
235/45
18
98
Y
235/40
18
95
Y
275/35
18
99
Y
225/40
18
92
Y
245/40
18
97
Y
265/35
18
97
Y
245/45
18
100
Y
255/40
18
99
Y
255/35
18
94
Y
225/45
18
95
W
245/40
19
98
Y
For Thailand made tyres, Michelin explained that the compound is slightly harder than its European twin. This is due to the difference in manufacturing process but assures that both are identical in quality and performance. Besides that, Thai imported products have a “ST” marking to indicate that it is manufactured for the South East Asian market.
Still not convinced that this is the tyre for you? Stay tuned for our full review of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4!
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Perodua launches the all-new Perodua Aruz and here’s the breakdown

According to reports by other media outlets, the name represents an
“act of continuous dynamic motion that signifies progress”
. The arrival of Perodua’s first ever 7-seater SUV should give the likes of
Honda’s BR-V
 (up to RM 10k extra) and
Toyota’s new Rush
 (up to RM 20k extra) a run for their money.
The Aruz will be available in two variants –
1.5 X at RM 72,900
 and the
1.5 AV at RM 77,900
 – attached with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).

 Perodua Aruz AV

 Perodua Aruz X
“The Perodua Aruz is expected to complement our existing product line-up and based on our value proposition, we expect sales to average 2,500 units monthly or 31,200 units by end of 2019,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
At the heart of the Aruz is a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine, the same unit you’d find in the new
Perodua Myvi
 and the Aruz’s stepbrother, the
Toyota Rush
, but makes slightly less power with
102 hp
 and
 133 Nm
 of torque. The Dual VVT-i unit is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
With 95 per cent of its components locally-sourced, the Perodua Aruz is the national carmaker’s fourth Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV), with a class-leading fuel economy of 15.6 km/L (6.4L/100km).
On the outside, both cars come as standard with LED headlights with follow-me-home function, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reverse camera, keyless entry and power folding door mirrors.

In the more expensive
1.5 AV
, the Aruz is added with the automatic headlamp feature, front fog lamps, roof rails and skid plates at the front and back.
Inside, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit, a multi-function steering wheel with only tilt adjustment, single zone air condition with memory function, like the one you find in the Myvi, integrated Smart Tag, USB ports in the front and second row and second-row air-con blowers.

For an extra RM 5k, the 1.5 AV gets treated to leather upholstery instead of fabric, applied similarly to the steering wheel and gear knob, along with smartphone mirroring functions via a HDMI port and a dash cam.
Safety wise,
all variants of the Aruz
 comes with six airbags,
ABS
 with
EBD
, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX while the 1.5 AV gets the extra
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0
system which includes Pre-Collision Warning (between 4 km/h to 100 km/h) and Pre-Collision Braking (4 km/h to 80 km/h) with
pedestrian detection (4 km/h to 50 km/h)
, front departure alert and pedal misoperation control. It’s an upgraded version from the ASA 1.0 system you get in the new Toyota Rush, as
shown in our video
.
The Perodua Aruz has also been awarded a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).
From 9th of January onwards, customers who purchase the Perodua Total Protect Plus motor insurance will not only enjoy free Perodua Auto Assist benefits but also free unlimited unnamed drivers, flood allowance of up to RM1,000 and Personal Accident coverage of up to RM10,000.
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Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV

 Perodua Aruz AV

Perodua Aruz 1.5 X

 Perodua Aruz X

Perodua Aruz GearUp Accesories


Huawei forms alliance with 18 carmakers to develop 5G automotive ecosystem

In a move to spur the application of 5G technologies in the automotive industry, information and communications technology (ICT) provider Huawei has formed an alliance with 18 carmakers to develop what the company calls a “5G-enabled automotive ecosphere”.
The first batch of 18 carmakers, all based in China, include the state-owned “big-four” – First Automobile Group, Chang’an Automobile, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, and SAIC Motor Corporation; Guangzhou Automobile Group,
BYD Auto
,
Great Wall Motors
,
Chery Holdings
, and JAC Motors.
The advancement of 5G technology can be hugely beneficial to the automotive industry, especially in the application of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) and self-driving technologies, due to its advantages in transmission speed, reliability, and low latency.
The new alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of 5G in the Asia Pacific region, which is set to become the leading region for 5G technology adoption, accounting for than 65% of global subscriptions by 2024 according to GlobalData.
The Baojun RC-6, built with Huawei’s 5G communication module.
This announcement comes approximately one year after the launch of the company’s first 5G communications hardware in April last year. Since then, Huawei has been providing products and technologies to their “ecosystem partners” to support the development of 5G technology in vehicles.
As reported by
South China Morning Post
, a car built with Huawei’s 5G communications module, the Baojun RC-6, has already been in sale in China since December last year.
Globally, Huawei has also been actively advocating for the adoption of 5G technology in vehicles. The Chinese ICT provider is one of the eight founding members of the 5G Automotive Association – alongside Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ericsson, Intel, Nokia, and Qualcomm.
In recent years, automotive industry players have been utilising 5G technologies in various innovative ways, including tyre manufacturer Pirelli in their
5G-connected Cyber Tyre
.


Tesla and BMW may collaborate, sharing batteries and carbon fibre parts

Tesla Motors’ billionaire founder Elon Musk revealed, in a recent interview, that the American electric carmaker is in talks with BMW over the possibility of a major collaboration.
Tesla Model S P85D
If successful, this collaboration will align Tesla and BMW’s interests in producing
high performance
 plug-in hybrid cars, with both manufacturing giants sharing next-gen technologies. During the interview, Musk said, “We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations.”
Although the discussions with BMW were informal, Musk described BMW’s production of carbon fibre reinforced parts for the i3 and i8 were relatively
cost efficient
 and an
interesting prospect
.
As of yet, it’s still too early to say whether the two will arrive at the conclusion of a formal partnership, but it points the way forward in the field of electrically powered vehicles. Musk also hopes to materialise his plans of having a battery production plant in Germany within the coming five to six years.
In the ‘future-centric’ interview, Musk expressed confusions over Toyota’s pursuit in fuel cell technology, stating that a fuel cell powered car consumes at least
 three times as much energy
 when compared to the equivalent battery powered car.
Toyota Mirai
, Fuel Cell Vehicle
Reuters reported
 that BMW and Tesla executives have already met in June to discuss the creation of charging stations that can be used by different types of electric cars.
The duo have yet to enter formal discussions on the matter, though. Interesting times ahead, eh?


McLaren Speedtail uses 1,050 hp & aerodynamics to hit a top speed of 403 km/h

The McLaren F1 is one of the
greatest and most iconic supercars in the world
 with the sole purpose of giving the driver maximum driving engagement behind the wheel. Naturally, its “successor” will have big shoes to fill. But the thing is, the McLaren Speedtail shares none of the ethos of the F1.
CEO of McLaren Automotive, Mike Flewitt said: “McLaren has
never
 built a vehicle like the Speedtail before. As our first ‘Hyper-GT’, the Speedtail is the ultimate McLaren road car; a fusion of art and science that combines an astonishing maximum speed with an iconic central-driving position and a truly pioneering approach to bespoke personalisation.”
The Speedtail I the most powerful and most aerodynamically drag efficient McLaren ever produced, capable of achieving speeds of up to
403 km/h
 courtesy of a
1,050 hp
 petrol hybrid powertrain. The Woking-based carmaker did not reveal details of the powertrain but expect it to adopt an uprated version of its M840T twin-turbo V8 engine with 4.0-litres in displacement boosted by an electrical system.
With over 1,000 hp at its disposal, talking about 0 to 100 km/h times would be underplaying the performance of the rear-wheel drive Hyper-GT. Instead, McLaren would like to talk about
0 to 300 km/h
 sprint time which is claimed to be
12.8 seconds
 – 3.4 seconds quicker than the
P1
, bonkers.

To achieve this ludicrous top speed, engineers had to harness the power of aerodynamics. It’s 5,137 mm carbon fibre body was modelled after a teardrop – the fastest shape in nature – which creates the smoothest initial contact at the front splitter while the elongated tail bleeds off the flow to reduce turbulence.
McLaren has even fitted static wheel covers on the front wheels (don’t worry its removable) to ensure air flows through the body seamlessly. Notice that there are no physical exterior side mirrors to disturb airflow? That’s because the Speedtail uses a retractable camera – for minimum drag – that feeds a live feed onto the screens. When
Velocity mode
 is engaged – essentially VMAX mode – the cameras are retracted into the doors to further reduce drag.
Open the dihedral doors and you’ll find a cabin with a central driving position flanked by two passenger seats. McLaren understands that it may be difficult to operate the doors when the driver is seated, hence they have installed powered doors that opens and closes with a touch of a button.
Like the Senna, the main control dials for the McLaren Active Dynamics Panel, gear selector and engine start/stop buttons are mounted on the roof, freeing up additional space in the cabin. The driver is then greeted by five display screens for the instrument cluster, infotainment system and rear-view display.

Tipping the scale at 1,430 kg (dry), McLaren had to innovate to shave every gram from the Speedtail without sacrificing the luxuriousness and customisation of the material used. From the 1K Titanium Deposition Carbon Fibre front splitter, diffuser and side skirts, Thin-Ply Technology Carbon Fibre (TPT) trimmings and full aniline leather material that is lighter by conventional material by 30 per cent. These innovations allow all 106 customers to tailor their Speedtail with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to their individual tastes. It is
virtually
 certain that no two examples will be identical.
“A ground-breaking hybrid powertrain sits within a lightweight carbon fibre body reminiscent of sleek ‘streamliners’ that once set world speed records, while the luxurious three-seat cockpit offers a sublime combination of an incredible driving experience, unmatched individualism and innovative materials never seen before in a road-going vehicle,” said Flewitt.
Only 106 units of the Speedtail will be created and all units have been spoken for, even before the project was announced by McLaren. Each example carries a base price of £1.75million plus taxes before adding on the personalisation options.
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All-new Toyota Alphard & Vellfire open for booking in Malaysia – RM538k & RM438k

Good news to all bosses in Malaysia, as
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)
 has just opened bookings for the all-new
Toyota Alphard
 and
Vellfire
. The Alphard is offered in the form of the 2.4T Executive Lounge variant and will feature the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the sportier Vellfire is offered with the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) engine. Prices for the two luxury MPVs are
RM538,000
 and
RM438,000
 (OTR, without insurance) respectively.
Paired with Toyota’s Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the Toyota Alphard’s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces a total of
279 hp
 (metric) and
430 Nm
. The Vellfire, on the other hand, is powered by the brand’s 2.5-litre NA petrol engine and is paired with a Super CVT-i gearbox, resulting in
182 hp
 (metric) and
235 Nm
.
UMWT says that the luxury MPV twins are now more luxurious than ever. Besides featuring premium materials such as leather and woodgrain, their interiors also come with a fixed panoramic glass roof, together with a 64-colour illumination.
The new Alphard and Vellfire are built with the Anti-Vibration Structure which helps reduce impacts caused by bumpy and uneven roads so that bosses like you can conduct meetings or even relax with comfort and luxury. Speaking of comfort, the front and rear first-row seats of the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are also equipped with heating and ventilation functions. The Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge rear first-row seats also come with massage functions.
RELATED:
All-new Toyota Alphard & Vellfire debut – more luxury & space, 2.5-litre NA, 2.4-litre turbo, hybrid
The all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are also the world’s firsts to come with the Hybrid Long Slide function. The first row rear seats can slide up to a range of 480 mm and can be adjusted using both electric power and manual control in the Alphard, and manual only in the Vellfire. The two new luxury MPVs are fitted with 12.3-inch full-colour TFT digital instrument panels, together with head-up displays.
Safety-wise, the Malaysian-spec Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are packed with the Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes safety features such as dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane departure alert (LDA), road sign assist (RSA), and adaptive high-beam assist (AHS).
In Malaysia, the two new luxury MPVs are available in four colours – Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Black, as well as the Alphard-exclusive Precious Leo-Blond. Customers in Malaysia can now book the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide.
RELATED:
UMW Toyota Motor records 6% sales jump in 1H 2023 – 8,669 Toyota, Lexus vehicles sold in June


Sales Tax Exemption: Renault releases updated price list, Megane R.S. at RM288k

TC Euro Cars, official distributors of Renault vehicles in Malaysia has released an updated price list in light of the
government’s recent initiative to kick start the automotive industry
 again.
Aside from the Captur which is locally assembled, the rest of the Renault line up is subject to a 50% sales tax reduction. On top of the sales tax savings, TCEC will continue to offer
exclusive online deals through the Renault E-Store
 in the form of six-month instalment waivers with savings ranging from RM6,600 for the Captur to RM17,000 for the Megane R.S.
Customers who trade-in their vehicles will enjoy further rewards of up to RM8,400. Additionally, Captur and Koleos customers also get a free five-year/100,000km service package worth RM6,278 and RM7,837 respectively.
For the updated price list from other car brands in Malaysia, click
here
.


The 2021 Formula 1 cars look like they came straight out of a video game

For more than two years, the FIA and the Formula 1 governing body have been working on new regulations for the sport, to be used starting from the 2021 season.
Presented at the Circuit of the Americas before the 2019 United States Grand Prix, The new regulations aim to create better looking cars, closer racing on track, fairer finances and a better experience for the fans. And boy, do they deliver on the looks.
The 2021 F1 cars will be based on a new design philosophy and sport some pretty radical changes – sweeping bodywork, simplified front wings and suspension, bigger rear wings, increased underbody aerodynamics, wheel wake control devices, and low-profile tyres with 18-inch wheels.
Although visual appeal is one of the big considerations here, Formula 1 says that the cars are carefully designed to promote closer racing on track. In the current season, trailing in the “dirty” air of the car in front means a downforce reduction of up to 50%; The new design aims to drop the downforce lost to about 10%.
For the first time ever, Formula 1 is also introducing a spending restriction for the development of the cars. Each team is allowed a maximum of USD175 million per year to cover all on-track performance-related expenses.
The cost cap will exclude marketing costs, salaries of the drivers, and of the top-three personnel of the team. It will be interesting to see how Formula 1 enforces the new spending restriction, knowing that teams will try to find loopholes in the written rules to squeeze out every ounce of performance possible.
The McLaren F1 Team had some fun with the new design renders
Over the season, the number of performance and aerodynamic upgrades on the cars will also be restricted. Certain parts such as fuel pumps will also be standardised, or have a prescribed design for the teams to adhere by.
The same 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engines will remain on the 2021 cars, but now with the exhaust system added to the list of components that are limited in number per season.
Race weekends will be condensed starting from 2021, with the press conference moved from Thursday to Friday before the free practice sessions. Teams are also required to run two practice sessions during the year using drivers who have completed two Grand Prix races or fewer, giving more opportunities for fresh talents to emerge!
The new regulations, which Formula 1 claims is one of the biggest set of rule changes in the sport’s history, intends to level the playing field across the grid. Hopefully these changes can result in more battles on track, and less runaway champions!

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The Wey Cybertank 300 is a G-Wagen/Jimny/Bronco mash-up from 2077

What happens when you drop a
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen
,
Ford Bronco
, and a
Suzuki Jimny
 into a blender? Well – with a bit of
Cyberpunk
 seasoning, what you end up with will probably look a little something like this. What you’re looking at is the Cybertank 300 concept, unveiled by Chinese carmaker Wey at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show.
Wey probably took the saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” a little too seriously here, because in terms of styling, the Cybertank 300 is pretty much a blend of every boxy SUV in one. Just from first glance, we’re already seeing the Ford Bronco in the front fascia, the flat overfenders from the G-Wagen, and also even the side profile of a Defender 110.
While the Cybertank is still a one-off concept, it’s actually based off an actual production car called the Tank 300, and yes – it still has most of the imitation styling touches. The “cyber” part of the Cybertank basically adds on several LED lighting accents (nothing shouts “futuristic” more than LED lights,
 right?
), a hood scoop, a large roof spoiler, chunkier bumpers, and an honestly pretty-good-looking square-shaped spare tire cover.
Stepping foot inside the Wey Cybertank 300, and… no wait, isn’t this a Mercedes-Benz? Well obviously no it isn’t, but you’d be forgiven if you thought so. It’s got the same flat dashboard architecture as the G-Wagen, and the round vents just adds more to the effect. And the dual-screen set-up? That just shouts MBUX.
Particularly on the Cybertank, Wey has also stepped up the interior with a more lavish equipment appointment, including a white leather upholstery with yellow accents, aluminium trims, and piano black plastic, bringing it even closer to the “luxury-oriented” G-Class.
Now, since this is a concept and (still) not a production model, Wey did not reveal what’s lurking underneath the bonnet. But if we had to guess, it’s probably the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill as the standard Tank, which is good for
227 hp
 and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox – that is, if there’s an actual powertrain in there.
Truth be told, the Cybertank does have pretty much everything needed to be a good Suzuki Jimny rival. The ladder frame construction also probably means it’ll be able to handle some tough terrains – though it’s not like Cybertank buyers would actually bring them off-road.
It’s just, we still can’t take the mix-and-match styling effort seriously, at all. But seeing how many of these
 Suzuki Jimny conversion kits
do actually exist, we’re sure there’ll be an actual queue to buy the Cybertank, if it actually makes it into production.
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Mercedes-Benz S 450 L AMG Line now in Malaysia, 3.0L V6 from RM700k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has finally introduced the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class to our local market after the refreshed limousine made its global premiere in July 2017. The W222 generation S-Class that represents the pinnacle of luxury in the three-pointed star line up gains revised styling, new technologies as well as more new powertrain options.
Unlike the pre-facelift model, MBM has trimmed the variant line up to a sole S 450 L AMG Line, dropping the popular and attractively priced (CKD hybrid tax incentives) S 400h from the facelift line up. Despite the RM100k premium over the old S 400h, rest assured you’re getting nothing but the best on the S 450 L AMG Line.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz S 450 L AMG Line
Engine
2,996cc; twin-turbo V6
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Max Power
367 hp @ 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
500 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.4 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM699,888

The most obvious visual differences on the refreshed S-Class are the headlamp design that now houses triple LED daytime running as opposed to a single bar from before. The taillamps have also been updated with a stardust effect to complement the more angular and sharper AMG body kit.
As standard the S 450 L comes equipped with Multibeam LED headlamps, 20-inch 10-spoke AMG lightweight alloys, head- and noise-insulating glass as well as twin exhaust outlets. Customers have the option to have their S-Class painted in a Designo Paint finish for an additional RM6,000.

Inside, the locally assembled S-Class features leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, multifunctional sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, Widescreen Cockpit, high-gloss brown eucalyptus wood trim and AMG floor mats.
Feel good items include 64-colour ambient lighting, Air-Balance package, executive seats, powered rear seats with memory function, Burmester surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging tray for front and rear passengers as well as rear seat entertainment.

The S 450 L is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that develops
367 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission to allow the limousine to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.4 seconds
 with an electronically governed top speed of
250 km/h
. Airmatic suspension is a standard fitment on the S 450 L.
Safety wise, the S-Class comes with the latest array of driver assistance systems including Distronic Plus, Active Distance Control Distronic and Active Steering Assist that allows the S-Class to have semi-autonomous driving capabilities at speeds of up to 210 km/h.
All purchase of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 L comes with a 4-Years warranty and is eligible for Agility Financing from Mercedes-Benz Financial Service which brings down the monthly instalment (with service package) to RM8,888.
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Volvo XC90 T5 & T8 refreshed with subtle “anti-aging” upgrades

Hard to believe but Volvo’s best-selling large SUV is already five years old, and the variants which are locally assembled in Malaysia have just received a string of updates.
Exterior
Most prominent in this model year update is a redesigned grille (any and all updates must have a new grille it seems), along with some silver trim on the fog lamp housing and across the rear reflectors. Completing the exterior updates are new alloy rims and two new colour choices (total is five) for all three variants.
Slightly higher battery capacity, longer electric range
For the T8 plug-in hybrid, the battery capacity has been increased from 10.4 kWh to 11.6 kWh.
Maximum pure electric range is now 50 km, a slight improvement from the previous 45 km. This range however differs in different markets around the globe, in accordance to local PHEV engine settings. It’s due to different emission standards from country to country.
Same classy interior
The highlight of the interior is the redesigned Orrefors crystal gear selector for the T8 variants. The T5 is not forgotten either, it receives third-row air conditioning (via vents on the C-pillars), 4-zone electronic climate control and a cooled glove compartment.
Updated active safety
City Safety and Blind Spot Information System both receives steering assist now, while Oncoming Lane Mitigation (first introduced in the XC60) also makes its appearance. Finally, the Cross Traffic Alert system is now capable of auto braking.
The refreshed XC90 is available in showrooms, and prices (without insurance, personal registration) remained unchanged:
Volvo XC90 T5
RM373,888
Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription
RM399,888
Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus
RM409,888
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This lightly modded Hyundai Santa Fe is the first passenger car to cross Antarctica!

Meet Patrick Bergel. He may sound like a regular joe, but he has achieved something extraordinary. Just like his great-grandfather, famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, he made his feat by becoming the first person to drive across the Antarctic – in a Hyundai Santa Fe.
The expedition, held in December last year, offers close to
 5,800 km
 of challenging icy terrain, not forgetting the brutally frigid weather. It’s also in line to commemorate the centenary of Shackleton’s heroic Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-16.
What’s more amazing is that the Santa Fe used in this journey is largely the same as the one sold in showrooms. Still, few modifications are required, like using
A-1 jet fuel
 for the standard
2.2-litre diesel engine
 because it’s the only fuel sold in that continent. The tyres have been swapped for snow-terrain tyres, and special suspension have been fitted.
Patrick spent 30 days persevering, driving at an average speed of
 27 km/h
. All that effort paid off substantially in his favour after etching his name (and the Santa Fe) in the book of records.
Back at home, the Hyundai Santa Fe is sold by Hyundai Malaysia from
RM168k
 for the base 2.4-litre petrol variant to
RM201k
 for the range topper 2.2-litre diesel.
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Review: 2016 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, there but not quite there yet [+Video]

Cars such as 4×4 SUVs have always been a left-field choice. A ladder frame chassis that fits seven is usually based on a pickup truck, and this formula appeals to a very niche crowd. For some reason, I can’t wrap my head around the rationale behind the purchases of these 4×4 SUVs, that is until I was given the keys to one.
Toyota was the first to introduce vehicles of this class to Malaysia with the first generation Toyota Fortuner. The rugged SUV was well received by Malaysians and Toyota went on to sell them for years, and later introduced limited-run TRD trims. Naturally, the
second generation Toyota Fortuner
 made its way to our shores.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4X4
Engine
2,694cc; DOHC, inline-4 petrol
Transmission
6-speed Electronically-controlled automatic transmission (ECT) with paddle shifters.
Max Power
164 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Max Torque
245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM199,900
Buyers have two variants to choose from, either the 2.4 VRZ turbodiesel or the 2.7 SRZ petrol. Besides the different mills, the biggest difference between the two are the safety features. Other than that, you can spec the diesel to closely match the equipment levels of the SRZ. The test unit in discussion is the top of the line 2.7 SRZ petrol with all the optional checkboxes ticked. Now, let’s see what this 4×4 SUV is all about.
EXTERIOR
If you are wondering that those sleek curves and elegant design can’t possibly be on a Toyota Fortuner, I kid you not. This is the real deal. Toyota has taken a design leap to offer more sophistication in their recent designs, as you can tell from their latest line-up from
the Camry
 to the
Hilux
.

Although there are some similarities in the design cues with the Hilux (which it is based on), the Fortuner gets a massive dose of elegance injected into the mix. Previously, the Fortuner was basically a Hilux with a tailgate, but the new generation model is distinctly different from its workhorse sibling.
I akin the exterior of the Fortuner to a gentle giant. Why? Despite its large dimensions, the aura, if you will, is not menacing. Should this Fortuner pop up in your rear view mirror during the day, you’ll feel as though it’s greeting you
Konichiwa
. That is, until the sun goes down and the headlamps come on.

While some may comment that Toyota is a poor man’s Lexus, I beg to differ. When parked next to a Lexus, the avantgarde Bronze Metallic paint, full LED Headlamps with LED daytime running lights, chrome plated door handles with keyless entry, LED combination tail lamps, rear spoiler with integrated third brake light and shuriken-style 18-inch alloys make it hard to tell apart which is the more expensive of the lot.
INTERIOR
Step inside the new Fortuner and you will marvel at the exclusivity of the cabin. Lex- I mean Toyota certainly did not slack off after penning its impressive exterior. At first glance, the cabin is reminiscent of the more luxurious
Toyota Vellfire
 and
Alphard
.
The dark brown leather is exquisite. Smooth to the touch and soft to the butt. Finding a comfortable driving position is a fuss-free affair thanks to the eight-way powered seats with lumbar support. The four spoke steering wheel is finished in leather and wood. However, I am not too sure of the leather’s quality on the steering wheel. It feels more urethane than leather to my hands, but it’s adequately thick and comfortable.

This is forgiven with the gorgeous 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-info display and
Optitron meter
. Originally developed for Lexus models, the system displays a multitude of driving information such as fuel consumption, text messages (if your phone has Bluetooth linked) and an Eco indicator. This blue illuminated instrument cluster is a must-have for those who went for the lower spec variant.
The overall ergonomics of the cabin is typical of Toyota – simple and functional. From the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system to the
electronic 4WD transfer dial
, everything is well laid out and familiar. One little detail that needs a little getting used to is the raised dashboard that is present in all new model Toyotas. It is not obstructive in any way except it takes a day or two for the awkwardness to go away.
Passengers at the back will be more than comfortable in the middle row as overhead air vents keep them cool and the optional Roof Mounted Monitor is there to keep them entertained. Legroom and headroom is ample to fit three adults in the second row. The same can’t be said for the third row, though. While accessing the third row is a graceful affair, thanks to the one-touch fold rear seats that stows the middle row seats all the way. However, anyone above the average height of a 12-year-old will not be happy stuck back there for a
balik kampung
 trip.

No thanks to the third row seats, boot space is rated at a mere 200 litres. The third row seats can be folded up for extra cargo space. Yes, folded up not down. Thankfully, the seats were on the lighter end of the scale, which made it easier to tuck them away. With the seats out of the way, you get a flat loading area which makes it really easy to slide things in and out from the boot. Plus, the powered tailgate on this test unit allows for easy access to the boot.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the two tonne machine is an updated version of the previous generation
2.7-litre
 mill. The
naturally aspirated
 engine now features
Dual VVT-i
 (previously VVT-i) which adds an additional variable valve on the exhaust for better efficiency.
The tried and tested mill now produces
164 hp
 and
245 Nm
 of torque, paired to an all-new six speed slushbox with paddle shifters. By default, the car remains in front wheel drive with the 4WD transfer dial set to H2. Toggle the dials to H4 or L4 will put the car into four-wheel drive.
THE DRIVE – ROAD TEST
The 2.7-litre’s 164 hp and 245 Nm may seem insufficient to power the ladder frame SUV but for everyday use, it is more than capable. The gearbox can be had in three different settings: Power, Normal and Eco. After spending four days with the Fortuner, I’d say best avoid the Eco button.
While the Eco mode supposedly optimises gearshifts for maximum efficiency, it robs almost all of the power. The Fortuner instantly feels sluggish and is slow to react to your right foot’s input by a dangerous amount of time. The delay in power makes exiting junctions and lane switching manoeuvres a scary ordeal. The only time when I have the green Eco light on is during bumper to bumper traffic.
Normal or Power are the modes you want to have the car in for a more reasonable drive. With Power mode engaged the power delivery is more willing and the revs climb faster. Going back to Normal after spending some time in Power gives the impression of a sluggish car.
With the six-speed automatic transmission, gearshifts are smooth. This gets the Fortuner up to highway speeds at a reasonable and drama-free pace. You can manually override the gears with a pull on the paddle shifters – a nifty feature especially since the gearbox has an eco-friendly mind set.
Getting around in the Fortuner was surprisingly easy. Visibility out the Fortuner is simply amazing. As I was seated high up in traffic, I have a good view of what is around me. Even in tight spots, the front and rear parking sensors make it easy to gauge the surroundings. Parking is made even easier with a
reverse camera
 that displays everything that’s going on at the rear on the large 8-inch screen.
Commuting in the Fortuner is extremely comfortable. Going through uneven surfaces does not send a jolt up your spine regardless of which row you are seated at, thanks to its new coil spring setup at the rear suspension.
Overall, as a daily commuter, the Fortuner scores well in my books. Comfortable, convenient and has a host of goodies to play with. As a family car, there really is nothing much to complain about.
THE DRIVE – OFF ROAD
Albert Einstein once said “Judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”. Hence, it will be unfair to the Fortuner if it was not put to its paces in the great outdoors.
Driving onto gravel with H2 engaged, the Fortuner maintains its composure well. However, put it into H4 as it should be, the Fortuner cuts through gravel without so much as breaking a sweat. Grip levels are high even when you’re traversing rocky terrains at unreasonable speeds.
Even on uneven pathways, the car absorbs surface imperfections so well, my passengers were not thrown off even once. I can prod the throttle with confidence on such roads. Ascending on dirt road was also effortless, thanks to the intelligent Active Traction Control (A-TRC) which ensures all four corners of the car sticks onto the ground. With H4, the Fortuner is able to venture into most territory, with the only limitation being your guts.
However, should you find yourself stuck in a ditch, turn the dial to L4 and it should do the trick. Not something I find myself having to do, even in the rain up a rocky patch. I didn’t have the chance to put the Fortuner through extreme stages. However, our very own GC Mah did. Watch how GC puts the Fortuner through its paces
here
.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
As a casual road car with seven seats, the Fortuner fares well. It has seven seats, handsome good looks and decent bells and whistles to play with. However, at that price point, there are many other better and more sensible options to choose from, such as the
Hyundai Santa Fe
,
Nissan X-Trail
 or the
Kia Sorento
. Then again, these alternatives are nowhere near what the Fortuner is capable of off-road.
The Fortuner is better suited for the adventure seekers. Those whom are willing to walk down the road less travelled, who find joy in exploring the mysteries mother nature has to offer yet appreciate the taste of prestige and elegance in their vehicles; this is the car for you.
I say that because in the ladder cab SUV segment, the Fortuner’s aesthetics is simply a cut above the rest. It even has the performance to boot. Except, maybe the king himself, the
Ford Everest
…
Matthew’s take: In all honesty, the Fortuner’s only appeal to me is the way it looks. It’s hard to stomach the RM200k asking price, especially if it doesn’t come with a turbodiesel engine. UMW Toyota explicitly said the main reason behind this is taxation (bigger engines such as the 2.8L diesel will push the price further upwards). Despite being CKD, the Fortuner is still having a hard time convincing buyers to put their money down on this. Just how many Fortuners have you seen on the roads today?
IMAGE GALLERY


#bottlecapchallenge: Which car did it best?

Apparently it all started when a Taekwondo practitioner posted a video of the cool trick and it just
blew up on Instagram
; everyone from Jason Statham, Mariah Carey to Justin Bieber got in on the action but the best has to go
Donnie Yen (Ip Man) effortless blindfolded kick
.
While most opted for the flying kick, or at least what they thought was a flying kick, some used their hands, tongue and even voice (Mariah Carey) but it hasn’t stopped a few motorheads and
even BMW
to get creative on four wheels.
MINI DIGGER

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A post shared by @dozers_excavators
ATV BIKE

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A post shared by VELOCIDAD • STUNT • MOTOS 🔥✊🏽 (@locombia_stunt)
DODGE CHARGER

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A post shared by العراقي عاشق ال SRT (@srt_lq)
E36 BMW 3-series

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A post shared by Elvin Xudaverdiyev (@elvin023official)
McLAREN P1 (Our Pick)
 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzqdwu-olQ7/
So, who do you think did it best?


2016 Lotus Evora 400 launched in Malaysia, priced from RM598k

Lotus Cars Malaysia has just launched their latest and fastest road-going sports car in the form of the Evora 400 here in Malaysia.
The Evora 400 is Lotus’ newest 2+2 sports car to hit the niche market that combines performance with legendary handling – something we are all too familiar with the Lotus brand.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Lotus Evora 400 (Manual)
Lotus Evora 400 (Auto)
Engine
3,456cc; Supercharged V6
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed auto
Max Power
400 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max Torque
410 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
400 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.2 seconds; 300 km/h
4.2 seconds; 280 km/h
Price
from RM597,999
from RM610,999
EXTERIOR
The new Evora 400 brings forth more than just new
fenders
 and trimmings. Instead, it’s Lotus’ way of saying they’re serious about building cars that looks just as fast as they go. So, what makes the Evora a worthy alternative to the crowd favourite
Cayman GT4
? Well, you make body panels even more lightweight than before. The front fender and the redesigned rear spoiler are both new, while the latter is capable of producing
32kg of downforce at 250 km/h
.

Lotus claims that as much as
two thirds
 of the Evora’s components are new or altered. However, it takes a very fine eye to comb over the changes. Lotus commissioned a team of engineers to put those bits on a strict diet and the net result of all is a significant reduction in weight amounting to
42kg
, which means that the kerb weight is down to a mind boggling
1,395kg
. Now that makes for an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
INTERIOR
The brand has been hard at work refining the driving experience of the Evora. To get in or out of a regular run-of-the-mill Evora, one would need to either be a contortionist or an Olympic-grade figure skater. That problem is solved by
dropping
 the door sills just low enough, making ingress and egress that much easier than before.

Apart from that, Lotus also draped the interior in a tastefully chosen shade of
red leather hide
. Speaking of the seats, due to the now lowered door sill, Lotus thought it to be a good idea to swap out the old ones for a new pair that comes with intricate
stitching
 to match the leather.
The steering wheel feels a lot sportier and driver focussed now than ever. The paddle shifters have a better ‘click’ to it while the old gauges make way for solid looking new ones that’s backlit in red. Even the door cards have been replaced with
thinner
 ones in the quest for lightness.
PERFORMANCE
We’re pretty sure you’re aware that the 400 tag on the Evora refers to the pony-count that’s pumped out from the
Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6
 motor. Performance is the singular most aspect that has seen the biggest change in this 400 hp/410 Nm flagship. The brakes have been uprated to a set of AP Racing cross-drilled rotors that measure
370mm
 upfront with
350mm
 discs at the rear, which translates to a whole heap of stopping power.
But what’s a Lotus without firmer springs and dampers to help out with the job of handling? Speaking of which, the company has fitted the 400 with an
LSD
 that’s sourced over from British drivetrain gurus
Quaife
. Couple that to the newly reconfigured traction control system and you have, at your disposal, all the grip and traction the road could possibly offer. The combination of these make the Evora one of the biggest challengers in the world of track weapons.
It’s worthy to note that the Evora 400 wears
Michelin Pilot Super Sports
 for shoes that measure
235/35 R19
 for the front, while the rears are shod with fatter
285/30 R20
rubbers. If you aren’t already convinced of the potential under the hood, then you’ll need to listen to the exhaust notes. Here, the Rice Crispies tagline comes to mind –
Snap, Crackle & Pop
.

To achieve this, the exhaust system is fitted with a butterfly bypass valve that makes this V6 come to life.
Unleash those ponies and you’ll see the century sprint mark tick past in a mere
4.2 seconds
 and if you keep the right pedal flat to the floor, you’ll see the speedo nudge the 300 km/h per hour barrier – with the manual transmission. The automatic variant (with 10 Nm less) maxes out at 280 km/h. For that matter, the new Evora 400 is a full seven seconds quicker around the Norfolk test track compared to its predecessor.
WHAT ELSE?
Lotus Cars Malaysia will be offering a promotional package which includes a
3-
Y
ear warranty
and
2-year Free Service
 that also comes bundled with a one-time driving experience at the Lotus Driving Academy. What’s more, you too will automatically be given a membership to the distinguished Lotus Official Club Malaysia (LOCM). Furthermore, the first
30 buyers
 will also enjoy a sizeable discount. For further enquiries and a chance to this view this junior supercar in the flesh, visit the Lotus showroom located along Jalan Damansara.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Audi A8 gets dressed in sports attire and sports seats

Although just introduced recently, the
Audi A8
‘s facade has been given a Sports Exterior package for a little sharpening up. It also marks the introduction of the exterior color Daytona gray for the luxury sedan.
The package consists mainly of an aluminium clip below the Singleframe grille, clear contours around the air inlets along with honeycomb grilles. The side sills have also been stretched wider towards the wheels. The rear bumper has been redesigned to accommodate a rhombus-grille insert and a contrasting diffuser.
Inside the A8
, new sports seats feature optically-integrated head restraints, a first for the Audi A8, as it previously comes with electric height adjustment only. The seats are also added with backrest side bolster adjustment, along with climate control and massage function.
For upholstery, customers can choose from the top leather grades – Volcona and unicum – where the latter appears in nutmeg brown with tourmaline blue stitching. The Valcona leather is available in sard brown with steel grey stitching.
The sports seats which cost EUR 4,520 (RM 20,403) is available for all engine and body versions. So far, the exterior package is only reserved for German and European markets, available from next year onwards, at the price of EUR 1,950 (RM 9,361).
IMAGE GALLERY

 Audi A8 sport seat


Trouble at Ulu Yam again – this time a classic E36 BMW 3 Series falls victim

It’s never easy to witness accidents but even more so when the car concerned is one that is dear to us. As you know we’ve aired several episodes from the
Project EJ36 video series on YouTube
 and with every upgrade, the attachment with the car has gotten stronger.
The incident took place in Ulu Yam according to the
Instagram post
and based on the front dashcam footage, it looked like nothing more than a slow and peaceful morning session between man and his machine.
That’s until a Proton Preve showed up and ruined the morning, the day, and perhaps the car; forever. The caption in the post read, “Closing another chapter.”
Along with the footage of the accident, the owner of the black BMW E36 also posted several images of the damaged car. One of them, with the owner by the side of the wreck, really hits the feels. You can just feel his pain and despair from the picture.
The innocent classic and its owner – we feel your pain.
Just like the
Toyota Yaris vs Proton Wira
accident that took place a few months back, it looks like another severe case of understeer caused by the vehicle carrying excessive speeds through the bend. In fact, it could be the exact location in Ulu Yam where the Yaris collided into the Wira.
Unlike the Yaris incident, this time it has wiped out a great classic. It’s hard to see where the finish line is for this madness; it may be someone’s prized possession now, the next could be a life.


Toyota Thailand unveils Fortuner with new Modellista kit

At yesterday’s
Toyota Fortuner GR Sport
 launch, Toyota Thailand also debuted the Modellista styling kit for the Fortuner. Unlike GR Sport or the old TRD Sportivo designs, the Modellista design is more expressive, with the company’s direction to “make vehicle design even more prominent”.
The Fortuner Modellista kit consists of a front bumper spoiler, front grille decoration, rear bumper spoiler and lower door decals. The standard Toyota-designed rims will also be changed to exclusive dual-tone Modellista units, maintaining 18 inches in size.
Chrome highlights are signature with Modellista design and there are subtle touches of chrome at the corners of the front bumper spoiler and contrasted with gloss black finish.
Was this Toyota Alphard Modellista 4-seat conversion the prototype/precursor to the Lexus LM? Take a look at the similarities here!
Priced at
THB57,620
 (approx RM7,400), the Modellista kit (compatible only with the
SRZ bumpers
) is now offered as a zero-cost option for selected new Toyota Fortuner purchases in Thailand. Sold and installed by TCD Asia Sales Co. Ltd, the Modellista kit also gets a warranty coverage of 36 months or 100,000 km.
Could we be seeing the Modellista kit being offered in Malaysia? The brand has been unheard of except for the group of Toyota Alphard and Vellfire owners, where a large number of used and new units come fitted with Modellista kits.
For the keen observers who noticed, the
2021 Toyota Vios Challenge
 also see sponsorship by Modellista (replacing TRD). Wing Hin Motorsports is currently the authorised distributor of Modellista kits in Malaysia and they also offer the kit for the new Toyota Camry, RAV4 as well as the Sienta.
Images from
Modellista Malaysia
 Facebook page
Thus, the Fortuner Modellista kit being previewed in Thailand could soon be here in Malaysia, brought in by Wing Hing Motorsports.
Check out Toyota Motor Indonesia’s GR Sport range, now up to six models! But do they communicate fun-to-drive? More about the line-up here.
GALLERY


All-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app

After exhausting the W213
E-Class
, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The E-Class now bridges the gap between the brand’s ‘normal’ cars and its models from the EQ series.
For now,
Mercedes-Benz

has officially listed 6 variants of the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 3 of them being plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and the other 3 being mild hybrid (MHEV) models. With no AMG versions announced yet, the lineup of the W214 E-Class is as such:
E 220 d (MHEV)
E 220 d 4MATIC (MHEV)
E 200 (MHEV)
E 300 e (PHEV)
E 300 e 4MATIC (PHEV)
E 400 e 4MATIC (PHEV)
In terms of dimensions, the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,468 mm tall. Its wheelbase is now 22mm longer than it used to be, now measuring 2,961 mm. As for luggage capacity, the new E-Class’s boot provides 540 litres of storage capacity.
At the front, you now see a design that bridges the internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and the fully electric EQ cars. The front end features a black panel-like surface that surrounds the grille. The black panel surface connects the grille with the headlamps of the car. The grille is a 3D-designed radiator grille that can be had with either a progressive or classic look, depending on the equipment line. Customers can also opt for an illuminated radiator grille.
Now with a larger front surface area, the new E-Class is still very aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.23. With the wheelbase now 22 mm longer, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the W214 E-Class with optional rear wheel steering. This comes together in optional Technology Package which also includes an all-round AIRMATIC suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping.
The rear wheel steering system reduces the turning radius by up to 900 mm. For AWD variants, the turning circle is reduced to 11.1 m (from 12.0 m) while for RWD variants, the turning circle is reduced to 10.8 m (from 11.6 m).
Another new feature of the W214 E-Class is the Digital Vehicle Key which is now available for iPhone and Apple Watch. They digital key can be shared with 16 people at one time.
As for powertrain options, a summary of the offerings are as such:
MHEV options
:
E 220 d
E 220 d 4MATIC
E 200
Engine
inline-4 turbodiesel
inline-4 turbodiesel
inline-4 turbo
Displacement (cc)
1,993
1,993
1,999
Max. Power (hp)
197
197
204
Max. torque (Nm)
440
440
320
ISG Additional Power (hp)
23
23
23
ISG Additional Torque (Nm)
205
205
205
Transmission
9G-Tronic auto
9G-Tronic auto
9G-Tronic auto
0-100 km/h (s)
7.6
7.8
7.5
Top speed (km/h)
238
234
240
PHEV Options
:
E 300 e
E 300 e 4MATIC
E 400 e 4MATIC
Engine
inline-4 turbo
inline-4 turbo
inline-4 turbo
Displacement (cc)
1,999
1,999
1,999
Engine Max. Power (hp)
204
204
252
Engine Max. torque (Nm)
320
320
400
Electric Motor Power (hp)
95
95
95
Electric Motor Torque (Nm)
440
440
440
System Power (hp)
230
230
280
System Torque (Nm)
550
550
650
Transmission
9G-Tronic auto
9G-Tronic auto
9G-Tronic auto
0-100 km/h (s)
6.4
6.5
5.3
Top speed (km/h)
236
234
250
Inside, the main highlight of the W214 E-Class would be the new Superscreen. Mercedes-Benz has revealed this previously and it is an evolution from the Hyperscreen. For the first time in an E-Class, the front passenger comes with an optional screen. Interestingly, the front passenger’s screen comes with Intelligent blocking which means it can’t be viewed from the driver’s seat, in order to reduce driving distractions.
As mentioned before, the latest MBUX system now supports apps like Tiktok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, and Vivaldi. At the centre of the dashboard is a conference camera to be used with the relevant apps. Another new thing for the MBUX system is newly designed icons that Mercedes-Benz claims to be more intuitive.
RELATED:
Next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 interior revealed – Superscreen debuts with in-car TikTok app
As expected of a Mercedes-Benz, you do get optional ambient lighting in the W214 E-Class. It is a new Active Ambient lighting system that comes with Sound Visualisation. This essentially synchronises the ambient light animation/effects with the beat of the music that is playing. Speaking of music, the E-Class can be had with an optional Burmester 4D surround sound system.
As for the interior colours, the W214 E-Class’s cabin can be had in several options. This ranges from light beige combined with space grey, including a classy pearl effect, to the sophisticated tonka brown and the cool and technical-looking grey.
Exclusive to the E-Class is interior trim of open-pore wood in dark ash which is backlit by the Mercedes-Benz pattern. “MANUFAKTUR piano lacquer black flowing lines” variant familiar from the S-Class is also now available in the W214. Another highlight is the interior trim in a silver-coloured metal-mix material.
In the safety department, the W214 E-Class is equipped with Active Steering Assist, Automatic start off after coming to a standstill, Active Distance DISTRONIC, junction start-off, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. The E—Class is also equipped with the brand’s PRE-SAFE PLUS.


Geely sold 23,000 units of the Bin Yue Crossover in 2 months

Since the
Geely Bin Yue
 made its market debut in October 2018 and by the end of 2018, the Chinese carmaker has delivered 23,361 units of their first compact SUV.
The Bin Yue is the first Geely model to sit on the new
B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform
 which was developed with passenger and pedestrian safety as its highest priority. On the outside, the Bin Yue appeals to the younger audience with its sporty appearance thanks to the angular front splitters, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser inserts, dual-tone paint scheme, red painted brake calipers and sporty rear spoiler.
Inside, the Bin Yue
boasts a decidedly more attractive cabin with its dual tone leather upholstery
with brushed aluminium inlays, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, 10.25-inch
floating touchscreen display, panoramic
sunroof and others.
Only two powertrain options are available with the Bin Yue – an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo with
136 hp
/
205 Nm
 and a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder turbo
co-developed with Volvo
 packing
177 hp
/
255 Nm
. The latter is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that sends the Bin Yue sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in
7.9 seconds
.
The Bin Yue is not
short on safety equipment too, packing Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with
Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Blind Spot Detection, Electronic
Stability Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian
recognition, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with temperature readouts and HD
driving recorder.
Jammed packed with features and safety technologies in a stylish compact SUV package really makes for a recipe of success. The Bin Yue received a positive market introduction, but the
Bo Yue
’s (
Proton X70
) remains Geely’s bestselling SUV with an average monthly sale of 20,000 units.
IMAGE GALLERY
Geely Bin Yue in China


Suzuki admits rigging fuel economy tests in Japan, shares down 9.4 percent

It looks like
 Mitsubishi
 is not alone when it comes to falsifying fuel economy test. Now, Suzuki is the latest car manufacturer to come forth admitting to this dishonesty, a move which saw their shares tumble by 9.4 percent in the Tokyo Stoke Exchange.
Suzuki’s CEO, Osamu Suzuki said, “The company apologises for the fact that we did not follow rules set by the country.” He also said that his workers did not intentionally provide improper data. That said, a total of
2.1 million cars
 involving 16 different models are affected. However, this does not impact Suzuki cars sold overseas.
Strangely, Suzuki pointed fingers towards its test facility in Sagara, Japan, as the root cause for the test discrepancies. The coastal location of the said facility means that it’s exposed to different weather conditions such as the influence of wind, thus making tests difficult to conduct.
“As the result of verification of all certified fuel efficiency value with these actual data through the coasting test, all certified values remained within the range of measurement deviation. Therefore, we consider it not necessary to amend the driving resistance value applied, nor the fuel efficiency value measured using the driving resistance value,” said Suzuki.
Last month, Mitsubishi admitted to rigging fuel economy tests in four of their models by over-inflating their tyre pressure. Just recently, the struggling Mitsubishi was
rescued by Nissan
 and the company’s president, Tetsuro Aikawa, has announced his resignation.
Suzuki is Japan’s fourth largest auto manufacturer and specialise in making small and compact vehicles. Earlier this year, Suzuki inked a
strategic partnership
 deal with Proton to develop cars in Malaysia.
[Source: Reuters]


BMW Malaysia donates RM100 to food relief efforts for every electrified model funded via BMW Engage

In support of the local food relief efforts for the underprivileged and marginalised communities in Malaysia during the
Covid-19
 pandemic,
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia
 has announced their commitment to contribute
RM100
 towards two local organisations – Refuge for the Refugees, and Empire Project – for every electrified model funded via their BMW Engage platform.
The initiative will run from
1st September to 31st December 2021
, and will include the following models:
BMW 330e
,
BMW 530e
,
BMW 740Le xDrive
,
BMW X5 xDrive45e
,
MINI Cooper SE
,
Mi
ni Cooper SE Countryman.
These contributions will support the Refuge for the Refugees food aid programme that serves upwards of 700 families in the B40, migrant, and refugee communities on a weekly basis, as well as the various food and essential relief efforts conducted by Empire Project throughout the pandemic that serves marginalised Malaysians across the country.
BMW Group Malaysia meanwhile, will support the effort by providing help with logistics and delivery needs.
BMW Group Malaysia and NGOs offer support to B40 families during the pandemic. Learn more here.
Photo: Refuge for the Refugees
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Chief of Sales & Marketing, Danielle Maassen said: “In these challenging times, it is imperative that we come together to lend a helping hand wherever we can. Although we are looking at a gradual shift into the next phase of the National Recovery Plan, we want to continue providing support to these exceptional non-profit organisations who work hard to ensure that underprivileged families and individuals in the country do not go hungry.
“We have had the privilege of volunteering our time as an organisation with both Refuge for the Refugees and Empire Project for the
last 18 months
, and we are humbled to be able to contribute further to their relief efforts,” Maassen added.
Photo: Refuge for the Refugees
Learn more about Refuge for the Refugees at their website (
https://rftr.super.site
) and Instagram Page (linked
here
), and Empire Project on their Facebook page
here
. For more information on the
BMW Engage platform
, visit their website linked
here
.


Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE, the next generation Touareg [+ Video]

Just last week, Volkswagen previewed the
Tron-inspired crossover
 on the Internet, and now it’s just been fully revealed as the T-Prime Concept GTE at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show. This plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) crossover is our first glimpse at how the next generation Touareg could look like.
The first observation we make of this crossover is that it’s considerably larger and wider than the current Touareg. The concept is built upon Audi’s MLB platform, meaning it would share similar underpinnings and technology from the VW group such as the
Bentley Bentayga
,
Audi Q7
, and the Lamborghini Urus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg5EgHftPk0
Despite being the biggest crossover in Volkswagen’s stable, the T-Prime seats only four, for now, because let’s not forget that it’s just a concept. But what’s more important is the new dashboard design that integrates Active Info Display with a new 15-inch display screen called
Curved Interaction Area
. The screen will run apps as well as support gesture and touch control.
As this is a plug-in hybrid, it’s powered by a
 2.0-litre turbocharged  four-cylinder petrol engine
 coupled with an electric motor, producing a healthy
375 hp
 with
750 Nm
 of torque. Like before, it remains an all-wheel drive, and power is sent to the four corners through an
eight-speed automatic gearbox
.
Performance wise, Volkswagen claims that the 0 – 100km/h is achieved in
 6.0 seconds
 with a top speed of
222 km/h
. Fuel consumption is impressive, consuming just
3.2 litres per 100km
 and can travel up to 50km on full electric mode, thanks to the
14.1 kWh
 battery pack.
The current Touareg debuted in Malaysia back in 2012 with a price of RM443,888.00 for the V6 FSI variant.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota continues partnership with Subaru for next-gen GT86, soft-top possible

The critically acclaimed Toyota GT86 sports car will very likely be given a second lease of life following a statement from the Executive Vice President of Toyota Europe,
Karl Schlicht.
Schlicht said, “The GT86 is at the stage where it’s being decided on the next one. After that, a chief engineer will be assigned and away we go.” The partnership between them and Subaru remains unconfirmed for the time being, but Toyota has plenty of good reasons to continue working with them, especially for the low-mounted flat-four engine.
Rumours abound the availability of a soft-top GT86, however Schlicht was quick to respond by saying “Dealers would like one, but we won’t do it on the current model.”
The next-generation GT86 will slot below the all-new Supra. Just as how the GT86 is co-developed with Subaru, the reborn Supra is currently in development with BMW. The Bavarian giant’s version will succeed the Z4.
IMAGE GALLERY


Next-gen Jaguar F-Type to go fully electric?

The Jaguar F-Type first broke cover at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which served as the British marque’s halo model. Available as a soft-top convertible or a coupe, the F-Type can be had in a variety of engine choices ranging from a
300 hp 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo petrol
 to a
575 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8
.
However, Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum hinted that the next-generation F-Type replacement could go fully electric as reported by
AutoCar UK
. The development cycle for its successor is expected to begin soon and Jaguar is mulling the idea of whether to have it as a final hurrah for the old-school sports cars or switch to their first all-electric sports car.
Commenting on the challenges
of a battery powered sports car Callum said: “Then there’s range, but that is
becoming less of an issue, and there are advances coming that should help move
that on again in the next few years. So the main challenge remaining is the
inherent raising up of a car required by the packaging of the batteries. But I
see that as an interesting challenge, not an insurmountable one.”
“The performance
capabilities of an electric car are not an issue. The kick from an electric car
is quite beguiling, and if you adapt your mindset to enjoying that – driving slower
into corners but getting the thump when you hit the throttle earlier – it’s
every bit as enjoyable as a V8-engined car in many respects,” added Callum.


Head-to-head: Honda City hatchback vs Toyota Yaris

Not too long ago, Honda introduced us to the City Hatchback to replace the Honda Jazz and along with that, we made a comparison article between the two that you can check out
here
.
Before the Honda City Hatchback, the only viable competitor for the Honda Jazz was the Toyota Yaris.
Performance
The Honda City Hatchback and Toyota Yaris both offer 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines with DOHC and variable valve timing technology.
The City Hatchback pumps out 127hp and 145Nm while the hybrid variant pumps out 98hp and 127Nm via the internal combustion engine with a separate 108hp and 253Nm from the electric motors of Honda’s complex
 i-MMD system
, both of which significantly outperform the Yaris which only puts out 107hp and 140Nm across the range.
Exterior
It cannot be said enough that looks are highly subjective but in this case, many of us agree that the City Hatchback is a more handsome and mature-looking hatchback compared to the Yaris.
At the front, the City Hatchback starts with Halogen projectors and only features LEDs as you progress to the V-spec and onwards while the Yaris is equipped with LED headlamps with the ‘Follow Me Home’ function available in all variants.
At the rear, the tables are turned with the City Hatchback coming with full LED rear lights across the range while the Yaris is equipped with bulbed rear lights for the lowest spec and LEDs for the higher specs.
Interior
Similar to the exterior, the design and layout of the interior boils down to your personal preference. However, with the Yaris being two years older than the City Hatchback, things are starting to look a little outdated when put side to side with the City Hatchback.
Starting with the infotainment system, the City Hatchback is fitted with an eight-inch display while the Yaris loses out with a seven-inch display but take note that the entry-level specs for both cars will not be fitted with said screens.
8-inch display in the City Hatchback
7-inch display in the Yaris
Another thing that the City Hatchback wins over the Yaris is the instrument cluster. The Yaris includes a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display with the lowest spec getting a fully analogue cluster, a sad offering compared to the City Hatchback’s seven-inch infotainment cluster in the V-Sensing and RS specs when lower specs get a partially digital cluster.
7-inch infotainment cluster in the City Hatchback
4.2-inch Multi-Information Display in the Yaris
Climate controls are also made simpler and straightforward for the City Hatchback with rotating dials fitted to the centre console to adjust temperatures swiftly. On the other hand, the Yaris is fitted with buttons pointing up and down to adjust the temperature which seems like an inferior system to us.
Safety
The City Hatchback takes the cake once again when it comes to safety. With all of its Honda Sensing features on the
V-Sensing
 and
RS
 specs like Lane Departure Warning and Mitigation (stops the car from weaving out roads), Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning as well as Collision Mitigation Braking (autonomously stops the car from crashing onto the car in front) it proves that safety is no weak point of the car.
The City also comes with nice features like the Honda Lane Watch feature that shows the left blindspot of the car, ISOFIX I-Size type for your child, and one of the most important features as a Malaysian; Auto Brake Hold which allows you to let your foot off the brake during a traffic jam without putting it in park.
safety bag layout of the Yaris
The Yaris scores some points back with its abundance of safety bags numbering at seven safety bags across all specs compared to the City Hatchback’s six on higher specs and four on lower specs (yikes), the Yaris also comes with a 3D Panoramic View Monitor and a front Digital Video Recorder across the range so you don’t have to install one in the aftermarket yourself anymore.
Price
Prices for the City Hatchback start from RM 75,669 to a whopping RM 107,783 while the Yaris starts from RM 73,800 to RM 87,600. It wouldn’t be comparing apples-to-apples if we were to compare the range-topping variants from both cars as the City Hatchback is much more expensive than the range-topping Yaris and of course, it would be the better car by a long shot.
So out of the two Japanese hatchbacks, which would you choose? In this scenario, it all boils down to how much you are willing to spend on the City Hatchback as it is no doubt the superior car when fully specced out.
Suppose you think RM 107,783 is too much for a City Hatchback. In that case, both cars are similarly matched when comparing variants with a similar price tag with the City Hatchback packing more modern features and the Yaris with better safety.
For more details, check out the
Honda City Hatchback
 and
Toyota Yaris
 here!


Volvo prices reduced by up to RM23k with 0% GST, effective 1 June 2018

Following the announcement made by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) under the new Pakatan Harapan Government that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be zero-rated from 1 June 2018, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has released a revised price list for its model range to reflect this fiscal change.
The entire model line up will see a price reduction of between RM9.2k to RM23.3k with the most expensive Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus getting the biggest price cut. The zero-rated GST will also be applicable for parts and servicing prices at all VCM authorised dealers nationwide. The new pricing will take effect from 1 June 2018 onwards until further notice from the MoF.
In addition to that, the zero-rated GST is also applicable to the purchase of all
Volvo Service Agreement (VSA)
 scheduled maintenance package that covers
three
 (VSA 3+) or
five
 (VSA 5+) scheduled services, carried out every 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever comes first) as well as wear & tear parts including wiper blades, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid and starter battery.
VSA Package
Price with 6% GST
Price with 0% GST
Difference
VSA 3+
RM6,254
RM5,900
-RM354
VSA 5+
RM9,752
RM9,200
-RM552
*Scheduled Maintenance and Wear & Tear Parts
With the lowered price thanks to zero-rated GST, should you sign your name on the dotted line for a brand-new ride? Read
here
 to help you decide.


Proton to set up public EV charging network – collaboration with multiple local partners

During the press conference at today’s
General Distributorship Agreement signing ceremony with Smart
, Proton announced that the company will be investing in both public and private EV charging networks here in Malaysia, ahead of its official entry into the new energy vehicle market.
The local carmaker is keeping mum on the details for now, but revealed that they will be collaborating with local charging providers to set up the network. The company says they are currently speaking to “seven to eight” partners.
The network will cover the “most popular routes” around the nation, including East Malaysia, with the company adding that they intend to serve the rural areas as quickly as urban areas.
Aside from the EV charging network, Proton will also be offering domestic units for customers who intend to charge their vehicles at home, along with installation services. The local carmaker will also lean heavily into integrated digital services, offering a “connected digital solution” that will include journey planning, charging availability, and even “purchase considerations” in the near future.
RELATED:
TNB, PLUS Malaysia to set up EV charging network along North-South Expressway
Currently in Malaysia, many carmakers have already signed partnership deals with either JomCharge (EV Conection) and
ChargEV (Green EV Charge)
, the two largest EV charging network in Malaysia, to further expand their AC and DC fast charging network around the country. The two government linked energy company, Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), have also embarked on setting up their own respective charging networks.
TNB forecasts the number of EVs on the road to reach half a million by 2030 here in Malaysia, raising the electricity consumption requirements up to 2.3 TWh just for EV charging alone. The company expects roughly 3,300 charging points around Malaysia by 2025, rising up to 18,000 chargers by 2030.


Review: Nissan Teana 2.0 XL, the calm and contented cruiser

There seems to be this trend where car manufacturers are jazzing up their un-sporty vehicles to attract buyers while at the same time aiming to instil a more exciting persona to the brand. This affects everything from the tiny city runabouts all the way up to the large trucks with their less than necessary bodykits and exposed exhaust tips.
Even the D-segment sedans are not spared. Usually associated as the choice of boring uncles, most of the D-segment sedans have been given a shot of
 joie de vivre
 thus making them flashier than before.
Nissan
‘s latest foray in the D-segment is slightly different in this case, going for a more restrained and not-as-sporty approach on the
Teana
. This second-generation
L33
 Teana is not trying to be sporty but there’s a subtle amount of dynamism in the design if compared to its predecessor.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Nissan Teana 2.0 XL
Segment
D-Segment sedan
Engine
1,997cc 4-Cylinder, Normally-Aspirated
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Max Power
134 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
190 Nm @ 4,450 rpm
Price
RM 149,800.00

Launched here in June 2014, the
L33 Teana
 range consists of two 4-cylinder engines, displacing either
2.0-litre
 or
2.5-litre
 in capacity. The 2.5-litre engine is reserved for the top-spec XV, while the 2.0-litre can be had in two trim levels, XE and XL with RM 10,000 worth of equipment separating them.
Even in the base XE form the Teana is fitted with numerous safety features that include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, VDC with TCS, and Active Understeer Control, enabling it to bag
5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP crash test
. We’re testing the higher-specced 2.0-litre variant, the
 2.0 XL
 to find out what Nissan’s large sedan costing just below
RM 150k
 mark has to offer.
EXTERIOR
Unlike the previous generation J32 Teana, the L33 Teana has curves incorporated into the design, resulting an appearance akin to a floating cloud. The flowing curve that starts from the nose melds in smoothly with the crisp shoulder line before rising and falling gently towards the back.

Chrome is used moderately on the large front grille, side window frames, door handles, and on the rear number plate garnish; where it also hides the reverse camera. Amusingly there’s a couple of exposed tailpipes peeking out from the rear bumper, but at least you have to give credits to the designer for trying.

LED
 is used in the pointy taillights and for the turn indicators on the side mirrors but you won’t find any LED daytime running lights at the front. What you get is a pair of
halogen headlamps
, a pair of foglamps and the position lamps that’s located down below with the turn indicators.

With such graceful appearance, dare I say that the Teana could even pass as Nissan’s posher cousin, the Infiniti. In spite of that, the only fly in the ointment is that the Teana looks disappointingly under-wheeled on those
16-inch alloys
. Oh well, nothing more than a quick trip to the tyre shop for an inch up or two to the wheels to fix that, no?
INTERIOR
The seats in the Teana are supremely comfortable because apparently; I kid you not, Nissan calls them the “
zero-gravity inspired seats
” derived from NASA technology that reduces fatigue over longer drives. The driver’s seat doesn’t contain memory function, but it still adjusts electrically and the seat base rises absurdly high enough for the vertically-challenged to feel like they’re on cloud nine.

Along with the powered front seats, the 2.0 XL also receives supple
 leather upholstery
, auto lamps, a
5-inch full-colour display
 head unit with
Bluetooth connectivity
, and not forgetting the ever-useful
reverse camera
.

The interior is well put together except for some materials that feel cheap, particularly the hard plastic covering the top of the dash. The shiny plastic trim with a pattern that resembles fish scales tries to lift the cabin’s atmosphere but there’s nothing much to distract you from your driving. The controls for the
dual-zone climate control
 and the infotainment system are simple to use, and it even has full
keyless push start button
.
The steering steers away (no pun intended) from the trend of excessively thick rim that you may find in some rival D-segmenters. It’s also free from shift paddles, although S mode can be selected from the gear selector. The instrument binnacle houses a pair of sharp and clear dials flanking a
4-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display
 that shows various vehicle information including the ECO indicator.
Rear passengers get aircond vents and generous legroom but not so much headroom. Under the fold-down center armrest is a couple of cupholders and nothing else, however the backrests do
split and fold 60/40
. Storage space is fine in the cabin which includes the lockable glovebox and the two-tiered compartment under the front armrest, although the door pockets are on the small side, especially at the back.

The boot is huge at
516 litres
 but the finishing is patchy with some exposed metalwork and the use of fabric straps to fold down the rear seats’ backrests. Furthermore, it’s lacking useful compartments or dividers for smaller items, and a grab handle on the inside to prevent your hands from getting dirty upon closing the boot.
PERFORMANCE
I’m a fan of Nissan’s creamy 6-cylinder engines (okay, not only Nissan’s, but any other 6-cylinders), but I didn’t expect their 4-cylinder to be this smooth and quiet. It’s surprisingly refined and barely audible at idle. Paired to a
Continuously Variable Transmission
 (CVT), the power delivery is gradual without any sudden burst of power usually associated with force-inducted engines.
With
 134 hp
 and
190 Nm
 of torque produced by the normally-aspirated
 1,997 cc
 engine, Nissan didn’t release any official 0 to 100 km/h or top speed figures but it’s safe to say they’re sufficient for the daily routine. The Teana is not equipped with stop/start technology, but there is an
 ECO mode
 to help conserve the fuel usage.
THE DRIVE
The Teana feels very easy to thread along around town thanks to the electric-hydraulic steering that requires minimal effort from the driver. Even if the fact the Teana feels large from behind the wheel, the light steering with small turning circle makes it easy to position the car where you want it to be. The inclusion of the front and rear sensors help with the parking duties, and the reverse camera further alleviates the fear of crunching the rear bumper.
Despite looking under-wheeled, the combination of the tall
60-profile tyres
 with the well-tuned suspension soak up the road’s crookedness like a sponge. The Teana comes with
 multi-link rear suspension
, but it is not a car that you would want to carve the mountain roads. When thrown into the bends the Teana handles them adequately with minimal body roll, but realistically the Teana is more at home on the highways where the car’s relaxed and demure nature is ideally suited to.
Long highway journey is a soothing experience for both the driver and passengers. Apart from the cosseting “zero-gravity inspired seats”, it’s also pleasantly serene inside the Teana’s cabin and there’s hardly any wind noise while cruising at 110 km/h. The
 XTRONIC CVT
 goes well with the comfort-oriented package, and it’s best for you to let the transmission do its own work rather than disturbing it by slotting the lever in S, where it only makes the engine scream louder.
To fully appreciate the Teana’s laid-back attribute you should drive it in
ECO mode
, where the muffled throttle response transports the car in dignified manner. In return you should achieve around
7.4 l/100 km
 figure, or even better than that if you’re a frequent highway user.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
To those of you who are looking for a nice comfortable car to get from point A to point B, the Teana might suit your requirements especially if you regularly spend most of the time traveling on the highway. In terms of excitement there’s really nothing to be said about the Teana and on the technology front it doesn’t offer much either, but the Teana should make a strong case as a company car or for those who seek for an uncomplicated car draped in an elegant styling. If you can live without powered leather seats, Bluetooth connection, and reverse camera, you can save yourself ten grand by opting for the XE variant too.
COMPARISONS
Apart from Nissan, fellow Japanese manufacturers are also pitting in their D-segment sedans with a similar format. What we have here are all powered by a
 normally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder
 engine driving the front wheels. Their physical size and price doesn’t stray far apart from each other too.
The
 Teana
 produces the least amount of horses at just
136 hp
, followed by the
Camry
 with
 10 more

horses
, while both the
Accord
 and
Mazad6
 produces
 153 hp
. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder in the Mazda is also the torquiest with 200 Nm which is up to 10 Nm more than the other three contenders. Only Nissan pairs its engine with a
 CVT
 while the others choose the automatic way,
6-speed
 in the
Mazda
,
5-speed
 in the
Honda
, and an archaic
4-speed
 in the
Toyota
.
Equipment wise, all four sedans offer
leather upholstery
,
powered front seats
,
reverse camera
,
cruise control
,
push start button
,
 dual-zone climate control
 as standard. In terms of safety, each car is equipped with
ABS
,
EBD
, and traction control; and the
Nissan
 and
Mazda
 leads the way with a total of
six airbags
 while
Honda
 and
Toyota
 are still lagging behind with just
two front airbags
.
Nissan Teana 2.0 XL
Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L
Toyota Camry 2.0G X
Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
Displacement
cc
1,997
1,997
1,998
1,998
Max Power
hp/rpm
134/5,600
153/6,500
146/6,000
153/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
190/4,450
193/4,300
190/4,000
200/4,000
STEERING
Type
Electrical-hydraulic power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
CVT
5-speed Automatic
4-speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson strut / Multi-link
MacPherson strut / Multi-link
MacPherson strut / Dual-link
MacPherson strut / Multi-link
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
215/60 R16
225/50 R17
215/55 R17
225/55 R17
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,885
4,870
4,825
4,865
Overall Width
mm
1,830
1,850
1,825
1,840
Overall Height
mm
1,485
1,465
1,470
1,450
Wheelbase
mm
2,775
2,775
2,775
2,830
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,456
1,530
1,445
1,393
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
516
461
515
438
FUEL
Tank Capacity
65
65
70
62
Consumption
7.4 L/100 km
N/A
8.3 L/100 km
5.7 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0 – 100km/h
sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
PRICE (with insurance)
RM
149,800.00
149,815.30
159,900.00
159,455.50

WILL I BUY IT?
The Teana is one of those cars with that calming effect where you can leave your worries behind and revel in the sheer tranquility it has to offer. Although I do enjoy a nice long cruise once in awhile I still prefer a car that is also able to deliver something more than just that. The Teana is a pleasant car to drive but maybe a better car to be driven in.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Petrol and diesel prices all up by 20 sen for January 2017

Looks like us motorists aren’t off to a good start after all. At the stroke of midnight, prices for all fuels – petrol and diesel alike – will go up by 20 sen.
Below are the new fuel prices for January 2017:
RON 95 – RM2.10 per litre (up by 20 sen)
 RON 97 – RM2.40 per litre (up by 15 sen)
 Diesel – RM2.05 per litre (up by 20 sen)
 Euro 5 Diesel – RM2.15 per litre (up by 20 sen)


Porsche Centres in Malaysia upgraded with 350 kW DC fast chargers, solar car port in Penang

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)
 has upgraded the DC High Performance Chargers (HPC) at Porsche Centres across Malaysia, enabling up to a maximum 350 kW of output from the enhanced twin-outlet chargers, up from the 175 kW from before.
As is usual with all twin-outlet charger units, the maximum 350 kW output is available when only one of the two outlets are being used. Otherwise, the outputs will be split in half, to 175 kW each. With the new higher outputs, however, the
Porsche Taycan
 (which accepts DC power up to 270 kW) can recharge its battery from 5-80% in less than 23 minutes.
The high performance 350 kW DC fast charging facility is now available at
Porsche Centre Ara Damansara
 and Porsche Centre Penang, and will be made available at Porsche Centre Sungai Besi and
Porsche Centre Johor Bahru
 in June 2023. The upgraded chargers are also exclusive to Porsche Taycan owners only.
Porsche EV owners will also have access to the
Shell Recharge charging network
, with preferential rates for the usage of the 180 kW high performance chargers along the North South Expressway. These chargers, meanwhile, are open to the public.
As part of its parent Sime Darby’s commitment to a 30% reduction of emissions by 2030, the company has also installed a new “solar panel carport” at Porsche Centre Penang, covering the open-air car park facility with a sunlight-capturing photovoltaic canopy. With 151 panels generating up to 81.51 kWp, the new solar carport could reduce the outlet’s electricity consumption by up to 30% on average.
“We are committed to making our business more environmentally conscious. With innovative and forward-looking initiatives like our new solar carport concept at Porsche Centre Penang, we are finding better ways to source renewable energy, and preparing our business better for increased energy demands we will face in the years to come,” said SDAP Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter.
GALLERY


Volkswagen updates interior & exterior of 2022 Passat Elegance

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has updated the 2022 Passat Elegance with several new additions on the inside and out.
On the exterior, the 2022 Passat Elegance gets a new pair of kicks – with the
new 18-inch “Bonneville” wheels
replacing the “Liverpool” multi-spoke wheel from before. The previous “Liverpool” wheels are also 18-inch in size.
Before
After
In the cabin, the 2022 Passat Elegance joins the
facelift Arteon
 and the recently
 updated Passat R-Line
 to feature a touch-sensitive control panel for its 3-zone air conditioning system.
Button-free: The new touch-sensitive air-con control panel.
These three are the only models to feature the new air-con panel; even the
new Tiguan Allspace
 does not come with the touch-sensitive panel. The feature will also be present in the
soon-to-be-launched Volkswagen Golf Mk.8 this week
.
Aside from the new air-con control panel, the 2022 Passat Elegance will also feature
wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
, through its 9.2-inch infotainment system.
Mechanically, nothing has changed with no increase in power. The Passat Elegance still makes 190 hp and 320 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The more powerful Passat R-Line model, with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, produces 220 hp and 350 Nm.
Like the facelift Arteon and the new Golf which will be launched in Malaysia this week, the Passat Elegance is finished with the
new Volkswagen badges
 and is priced higher than before at
 RM183,680
 – an RM801 increase from before. The recently updated Passat R-Line, on the hand, goes for RM212,939 – an RM8,506 increase.


2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift unveiled, minor updates all around

After dropping a
small little teaser
 just last week, Mercedes-Benz has just pulled the covers off the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. This facelift exercise sees an introduction of new technologies and conveniences, bringing the smallest SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s seven model SUV range closer to its larger siblings.
A new engine has been added to the range, bringing the total number of engine choices to seven: four petrol mills and three diesel mills. The high performance
GLA 45
 also receives an update which now comes with more power and a new name.
From the outside, the GLA gets LED High Performance headlights with LED DRLs that replace the current bi-xenon units. Like the A-Class, the LED daytime running lights are now a single bar design instead of individual LED modules. The LED tail lamps now feature new graphics with sparkly accents like on the
E-Class
. The intensity of the headlamps, tail lamps and turn signals vary according to the light conditions. This reduces the chances of dazzling other road users.
A number of aerodynamics optimisation measures were taken to further reduce the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.28. These include a lower A-pillar step, redesigned exterior mirror housings, optimised rear silencer, roof spoiler and rear diffuser. This altogether contributes to a lower fuel consumption and NVH levels.

Inside, the GLA benefits from new seat covers, chrome trims and an 8-inch free-standing infotainment display. A 360-degree camera and powered tailgate with hands-free access (can be opened and closed with a swiping action of the foot) can be optioned for better convenience.
The GLA now comes with Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist as standard. The former autonomously applies braking when an oncoming collision is detected to reduce the impact or even prevent the collision while the latter signals the driver when signs of drowsiness are detected through steering behaviour.

Petrol variants of the GLA start with a
1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 with two states of tune,
 120 hp
 and
 200 Nm
 for the GLA 180 and
154 hp
 and
200 Nm
 for the GLA 200. The GLA 220 is equipped with a
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 with
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 while the GLA 250 gets its power bumped to
208 hp
 and
350 Nm
.
Diesel engines include a
1.6-litre turbodiesel
 with
108 hp
 and
260 Nm
 for the GLA 180d and a
2.2-litre turbodiesel
 with
134 hp
 and
300 Nm
 on the GLA 200d, while the GLA 220d gets a higher output of
168 hp
 and
350 Nm
.
Regardless of engine choice, all GLAs can be equipped with comfort suspension, lowered comfort suspension or off-road comfort suspension which raises ride height by 30 mm. The GLA 250, GLA 200d and GLA 220d can be specified with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system whereas the GLA 220 can only be had with 4MATIC.
Deliveries are expected to begin from April this year with prices starting from as low as €29k (RM137k) for the GLA 180. If you’re wondering when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will introduce this, we have reasons to believe it will be within this year. It will also be joined with the hot GLA 45 variant, no less.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Perodua Axia – now with more space and why it should be better to drive

As you all know by now, the all-new Perodua Axia has been launched with four variants available. The G variants start from
RM38,600
, the X from
RM40,000
, the SE from
RM44,000
 and the AV from
RM49,500
.
Compared to before, the Axia does come with a higher asking price whichever variant you look. The previous generation AV variant was priced from around RM41,000 (post SST exemption) while the new AV variant is at RM49,500.
For that, you do get new toys like a digital air-con panel, larger displays and improved safety features, depending on which variant you go for but there’s more. Beneath the surface and beyond the naked eye, the new Axia does come with several tweaks and additions.
Our videographer, who is nearly 180 cm tall.
More boot space
Aside from being 15 mm lower than before at 1,495 mm, with 20 mm less ground clearance, it is 115 mm longer and 45 mm wider than before. Perodua says the interior is 40 mm wider but with the extra length and wheelbase you don’t actually get more rear legroom.
What you do get is a slightly larger boot. It’s now
47 mm longer
, with
boot space increased by five litres to 265 litres
.
Better driving position
Tilt steering adjustments are now (finally) available in the Perodua Axia but rather than just giving a simple feature that should’ve been standard from a decade ago, the company has gone a step further in offering the most optimal driving position possible.
Perodua says it has changed the angle of the Axia’s steering column to allow the upper rim of the steering wheel to be closer to the driver. From the diagram, it appears that the driver is seated lower too. That’s not all, Perodua also moved the accelerator pedal to a position that allows the right leg to be extended in a natural position while driving.
Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
The new Axia is built on the latest DNGA platform; the same platform the
new Alza
 and Ativa is built on. The platform focuses on optimum driving position, vehicle stability and a lighter body with higher rigidity. Complementing this, Perodua also fitted softer front and rear springs and bushes to the new Axia to better absorb impacts from uneven road surfaces.


Ferrari’s line up of cars are in such high demand, they’re sold out till 2019

There’s no other way to say this; Ferraris are so sought after that the Italian supercar manufacturer has sold out most of its inventory for 2018 and for most part of 2019 as well.
According to a report by Bloomberg, CEO Sergio Marchionne claims that
production is at maximum capacity
 for this year; stretching into the early part of 2019. Availability so far is only limited to the GTC Lussos – the V8 and V12.
“Everything else is pretty well gone,” Marchionne told Bloomberg.
Elsewhere, Ferrari has not hidden the fact that they’re currently working on tapping into new segments, including the production of SUVs and electric hybrid cars.
Recently, Ferrari was seen testing a
heavily-camouflaged prototype
 that
 pulled away in complete silence
 on their proving grounds in Fiorano. Ferrari claims that there would not be a fully-electric vehicle before 2022 but it is within their intention to demonstrate the full potential of electrification.
Find out
what’s new in the Portofino
 here.
Locally, Ferrari Malaysia recently launched the
 new Portofino
, a
600 hp
 convertible that takes the baton from the retired California T.
Source:
Bloomberg