Ford just made its fearsome GT supercar even fiercer for 2020

Not that the Ford GT supercar was slow by any stretch of the imagination – it does a sub 3-second 0-100km/h along with a top speed of 345 km/h – but Ford has managed to find some budget to give its carbon fibre rocket a midlife upgrade of sorts, and made available some rather delectable exterior options.
Let’s go through the mechanical bits first. Ford has freed up more horses from the GT’s
3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
 through revised engine calibration, ‘gallery-cooled’ pistons and a higher energy ignition coil; items which are adapted from the track-based GT Mk II. The good stuff bumps output from
647 hp to 660 hp
.
And then there are
new buttress air ducts
 for improved engine cooling and airflow (by 50%) along with larger intercoolers to cool charged air temperatures, particularly useful for demanding track work. Additionally,
suspension damping
 has also been revised in ‘Track Mode” for tighter handling and body control on race circuits.
For the lucky few who have the means to own the GT, they’ll be happy to know that a
titanium Akrapovic exhaust system
 is now a standard fit from 2020. Aside from a more full-bodied soundtrack, there’s also a
4 kg weight
 savings, every bit counts when you’re a supercar.
But what’s really eye-catching about this 2020 model year update is the availability of two new exterior finishes –
Liquid Carbon
 and an updated
Gulf Racing heritage livery
. The former being a special clearcoat over raw carbon fibre, complemented by
carbon fibre wheels
, optional titanium lug nuts and five different brake caliper colours to choose from.
While the latter – the GT’s iconic Gulf Racing heritage livery gets a new design that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, harking back to the
1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40
.
The optional carbon fiber number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching the historic back-to-back winning car’s chassis No. 1075. And you can spec the heritage model with carbon fiber wheels as well. Wow.
The Ford GT is expected to
end production in 2022
.
Ford GT 2020 gallery


Puspakom offers free vehicle inspection till 12th of May

With the Hari Raya festivities looming, Puspakom has organised its annual free vehicle inspection from the 2nd till 12th of May 2021, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Owners can get their free inspection at any Puspakom centre nationwide EXCEPT the Shah Alam and Pasir Gudang outlets. They’re also encouraged to
make an appointment through Puspakom’s official website
.
An undisclosed fee will be collected upon confirmation of appointment date, but will be returned when inspection is completed.
“The free inspection campaign is aimed at changing the mindsets of motorists and educating owners on the safety and condition of their vehicles,” said Puspakom CEO Ismail Shukor.
Vehicles will undergo a 25-point inspection process which will include the brakes, suspension, exhausts emissions, and the undercarriage of the vehicle, to name a few.
A mobile inspection unit will also be stationed at the Stadium Cheras on the
8th of May 2021
. Operation hours are between 9 am to 4 pm.


This video of a dog driving a E30 BMW will crack you up

No, of course it’s not really a dog driving a car but the “sight of it” did generate interesting reactions from the folks in mother Russia.
As silly as it sounds, quite some work did go into the conversion; from extending the steering shaft and throttle cables with a whole lot of measuring and welding in between.

If you’re not into the mechanical nitty gritty, I’d suggest you skip to the 4:00 point of the video and crack yourselves up!
Speaking of the E30, if you’re a big fan of BMW’s 3-series, I hope you’ve checked out this
video on six different generations of the 3-series
 and the stories their owners had to tell!


ArcFox-7 super EV will be Asia GT’s official pace car on Sepang

Shortly after the announcement that
Asia GT Festival will be making its way to Sepang
 International Circuit (SIC) coming 15 to 17 March 2019, the organisers have confirmed that the official pace car for the race will be the ArcFox-7 all-electric supercar.
The ArcFox-7 first made its debut as a concept at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show build by Chinese state-owned enterprise Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) under subsidiary brand Beijing EV (BJEV). The electric supercar also gets design and technical inputs from Campos Racing who are currently active in numerous racing series including Formula E.

While information on the ArcFox-7 is scarce, it is reported that the EV packs over
600 hp
 and over
1,000 Nm
 from its electric motors, all-wheel-drive and has a century sprint time of
under 3 seconds
. Top speed is rated at
260 km/h
 and is able to cover over 300 km range on a single charge. Surely these credentials are enough for it to lead over 30 GT race cars around the 5.5 km circuit.
This will not be the first time the ArcFox-7 is employed for pace car duties as it as reliably served this role at previous rounds of the China GT Championship.


New limited-edition Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamic car by Ferrari

Ferrari has lifted the covers off the new Daytona SP3 – a new addition to the Icona series that started in 2018, after Ferrari introduced the Monza SP1 and SP2.
The 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P.
The limited-edition Daytona SP3 was built to pay tribute to Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona on the 6th of February 1967. The three cars were the Ferrari 330 P3/4 (1st), 330 P4 (2nd), and Ferrari 412 P (3rd).
Facts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M “Modificata” launched in Malaysia. Check it out here!
Sitting in the middle of the Daytona SP3 is a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a 9,500 redline,
840 hp
and
697 Nm
, the F140HC engine is the most powerful internal combustion engine ever built by Ferrari. The same engine can also be found in the
new 812 Competizione
.
0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just 2.85 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds, onwards to its top speed of 340 km/h.
Particular attention was given to the engine’s weight reduction; using titanium con rods, which are 40% lighter than steel, and the use of a different material for the pistons. The new piston pins have a Diamond-Like Carbon treatment (DLC), which reduces friction to improve performance and fuel consumption. The crankshaft is now also now 3% lighter.
The chassis of the Daytona SP3 is built entirely from composite materials using F1 technologies not seen on Ferrari’s road cars since the
LaFerrari
. The ‘Targa’ body with a removable hardtop is a homage to Ferrari’s sports prototypes of the 1960s.
Thanks to unprecedented features, such as chimneys that extract low-pressure air from the underbody, the Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamically efficient car ever built by Ferrari without resorting to active aero devices.
Inside, the SP3 features the same steering seen in the
SF90 Stradale
,
Roma
,
SF90 Spider
,
 and
296 GTB
while a 16-inch curved HD display projects driving-related information.
Specific tyres were developed with Pirelli for the Daytona SP3 – the new P Zero Corsa – with a particular focus on the car’s stability in low grip situations.
Ferrari BR20 one-off is a tribute to GT models from the 1950s and 60s. Read about it here!
GALLERY


Self-drifting Toyota Supra offers a look into safer autonomous vehicles

It’s possible that when you buy a Toyota in the future, it will come “fitted with a good driver”. Sounds exciting huh? Wait till you watch the video below!
The Toyota Research Institute has released a video that offers not just a glimpse into the future of self-driving cars but also how well they can maneuver themselves out of danger, to protect the occupants.

In a world’s first, TRI’s has programmed a vehicle to drift autonomous around obstacles – using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) – with the hopes that it can help future autonomous vehicles avoid accidents.
RELATED:
 TOM’s reveals Safari Limited GR Supra, in memory of Paul Walker
As mentioned in the video, “Our team is developing on-demand autonomy to prevent car crashes; temporary giving an ordinary driver the drifting skills of an expert”.
“When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to drift the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said TRI researcher, Jonathan Goh.
He added, “We’ve developed algorithms that can autonomously control the vehicle in critical limit handling situations. We want cars to have the skills of an expert driver and be able to correctly react to difficult situations, like spinning”.
The tests were conducted in a Toyota Supra, where its suspension, engine, transmission, including safety systems such as a roll cage and fire suppression system, has been modified to Formula Drift specification.


From today, it’ll only cost you RM 197k to own a brand new Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the reduced prices of their inventory as the 0% GST exercise kicked in today.
As such, you can now experience “the best or nothing” for just under RM 200k in the form of an A200 AMG Line which will set you back only
RM 197,089.06
.
As for the
C200 AMG Line we tested a couple months back
, prices have been reduced from
RM 254,888.00 to RM 240,501.44
. The updated price list can be viewed in the gallery below.
Currently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is running a
World Cup campaign
 from 1st May 2018 to 15th July 2018 to allow customers the opportunity to score the Mercedes-Benz of their dreams with either Hire Purchase Classic
from an interest rate of 1.98% for a tenure of three to five years
 or Agility Financing.
Both options come with either Complimentary Motor Insurance or 4 Free Service Vouchers (or 48,000km, whichever comes first).
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Bugatti Chiron Sport, Things You Need To Know

It was quite a privilege if not an honour to be in the presence of such an outrageous piece of automotive engineering.
We got to celebrate the presence of the new Bugatti Chiron Sport in Malaysia last week and here are some interesting facts of one of the fastest cars in the world, you might be interested to know.
The Chiron Sport’s numbers are simply insane;
1,500 hp
,
1600 Nm
, a 16-cylinder engine with four turbos strapped on to it. 0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk 2.5 seconds and its top speed will only arrive once (or if) you pass the 400 km/h mark (on a speedometer that reads up to 500 km/h!).


One millionth BMW 3-Series sedan rolls out of the Rosslyn plant in South Africa

BMW’s very first production plant outside of Munich is now
42-years old
, and the South African assembly plant in Rosslyn today celebrated their one millionth production count of the
BMW 3-Series sedan
.
The production plant is manned by over 2,900 workers, producing a grand total of
68,771
 BMW 3-Series sedans for the local and export market just last year alone. Export figures have also rose
over 17 percent
 compared to 2013, strengthening BMW South Africa’s position as the country’s leading exporter of premium vehicles.
“Globalisation has been an inherent part of our corporate strategy for more than four decades. Established in 1973, the Rosslyn plant was BMW Group’s first foreign plant and represents a cornerstone of our global production network with presently 30 sites in 14 countries. To this day, the South African production site remains a vivid example of a successful market entry through local production,” said Krüger during the celebration.


Malaysian pricing for the 2020 Toyota Hilux Facelift confirmed – RM93k to RM147k

UMW Toyota has announced the confirmed retail price list for the 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift, which is set to be launched here in Malaysia very soon. The updated price list contains some changes to the

estimated pricing
 announced when the company opened the order books for the refreshed pick-up truck.
Starting at the low-end of the five-variant line-up, the 2020 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4X4 is priced at
RM92,880
, which is RM1k cheaper than the estimated pricing. This is followed by the Double Cab 2.4 E AT 4X4, now priced at
RM108,880
 – also RM1k cheaper than previous estimates.
The Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4 G MT 4X4 and 2.4 V AT 4X4 are priced at
RM111,880
 and
RM133,880
, again, both approximately RM1k cheaper than estimates, while the 2.8 Rogue AT 4×4 variant is priced at
RM146,880
, RM2k cheaper than initial estimates.
The early-bird promotion pricing for the top-of-the-line Rogue variant, as announced by the company when the model first opened for bookings in August, remains unchanged at
RM144,880
 for purchases made before the year end.
All prices quoted above are prices on the road and without insurance, and includes a five-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty.
As a refresher, the Double Cab 2.4 E AT variant is the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux line-up, while the 2.8G Rouge AT 4X4 is designated to replace the current Black Edition. Meanwhile, the 2.4 V AT variant replaces the current 2.4 G AT model, while the L-Edition will no longer be available in the refreshed line-up.
Variants with the “2.4” designation will most likely retain its 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, which is good for
150 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. The 2.8 Rogue variant meanwhile will receive an engine update in the form of a new two-stage oil pump and water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler, which bumps the output up to
204 hp
 and
 500 Nm
 of twist (+27 hp and +50 Nm).
The Single Cab and Double Cab 2.4 G models will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest gets a six-speed automatic box.
Other mechanical upgrades found on the new Hilux, with the sole exception of the Single Cab variant, include a new power-assisted rack and pinion steering column with a new Variable Flow Control System, along with a new automatic limited slip differential and new traction control system.
The updated 2020 Hilux is also set to receive the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advance driver assistance systems, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist. Presumably, the TSS suite will only be available on the top-of-the-line Rogue variant.
Upgrades to the equipment list also include new Bi-LED headlights with LED foglamps, new Optitron instrument cluster design with multi-info display, ambient lighting on the interior door trim, as well as new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs for the 2.4-litre variants.


Proton sold 7,011 cars in April, surpassed Honda for number 2 spot

Proton continued its strong upward momentum in 2019, delivering 7,011 cars in April which translates to a 75% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement places Proton as the Number 2 automotive brand in Malaysia for the month of April, reclaiming this title for the first time since February 2016.
The strong sales performance was bolstered by the high demand for
Saga
 and
X70
. In fact, the Saga displaced the X70 as the best-selling Proton model in April with 3,047 units sold. Sales were also further boosted by the official launch of the facelifted
Iriz
 and
Persona
 which gathered over 4,000 bookings prior to the launch.
Chief Executive
Officer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong said: “Proton’s sales achievement in April is
testament to how the company is moving in the right direction thanks to
Malaysian car buyers regaining confidence in the brand and its products. It
also showcases the value of the Proton X70 at driving traffic to our showrooms,
resulting in other models getting more attention as customers are reminded of
the value, quality and safety of all Proton vehicles.”
To date, Proton’s
overall sales have grown by 50.2% compared to the previous year despite the
downturn in Total Industry Volume. Proton is also the only automotive brand in
the top five ranking to record a positive growth in sales in April.


Jaguar celebrates 60 years of E-Type with limited-edition F-Type

Jaguar is marking the 60th anniversary of the E-Type sports car first conceived in the 1960s, with a limited edition model
F-Type
 called the Heritage 60 Edition. Only 60 units will be available.
The special edition model will be available with a Sherwood Green exterior, an original colour for the E-Type and dual-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather upholstery. The Sherwood Green has not been offered on a new Jaguar since the 1960s while the interior colour scheme isn’t normally available for the F-Type.
The limited-edition F-Type also comes with a unique console trim inspired by the E-Type’s rearview mirror casing and a 60th anniversary logo embossed on the headrests of the lightweight performance seats.
The F-Type Heritage 60 Edition is available in both Coupé and Convertible body styles, paired with Diamond-Turned gloss black 20-inch forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers.
The F-Type Heritage 60 Edition is based on the F-Type R launched in December last year with 575 hp, 700 Nm and an all-wheel drive system. It’ll do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 299 km/h.
The Heritage 60 Edition is built at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant in the UK and finished by the SV Bespoke team at Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations in Warwickshire. Each costs £122,500 (approx. RM667k).
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2020 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, world premiere of GR-S variant

UMW Toyota Malaysia today launched the
 facelifted 2020 Toyota Vios
 here on our shores alongside the
highly-awaited GR Yaris
, and the 2020 Yaris facelift. But that’s not all – the Vios line-up also gets a new little surprise addition in the form of the Toyota Vios GR-S, making its world premiere today.
The Toyota Vios GR-S is the first locally-engineered product to feature the Gazoo Racing badge, and is the latest addition to the Vios line-up here in Malaysia – now standing at four variants, starting at
RM74,623
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales-tax exemptions. Full pricing for the entire line-up can be found below!
EXTERIOR
The most obvious changes on the 2020 Toyota Vios are seen at the front-end. The facelift model is now equipped with a brand-new grille, flanked by new fog-lamp enclosures inspired from the
all-new Toyota Corolla
.
The new triple-bezel LED headlights and daytime-running lights are standard across the range, an improvement to the outgoing model which had halogen projector units, even on the range-topping variant. As for the rear, the bumpers and tail lights are unchanged from before – halogen units on the entry-level 1.5 J variant, and LED for the rest of the line-up.
The 1.5 J variant rides on 15-inch wheels, while the 1.5 E and G variants get 16-inch items. For an additional RM2,500, customers can also opt for an Aerokit package, which includes front and rear bumper lips, side skirts and a boot lid lip spoiler.
As for the Toyota Vios GR-S, the souped-up model adds on a variant-specific GR Sport grille, GR-S Aerokit with variant-specific bumper lips, side skirts, and spoilers, as well as 17-inch blacked-out alloy wheels.
The 2020 Toyota Vios will be offered in five exterior colours: Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic, Dark Blue Mica, and Silver Metallic. The Vios GR-S, however, is only available in the first two colours in the list.
PERFORMANCE
There are no changes underneath the hood of the 2020 Toyota Vios, which continues to be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.
Engine: 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: Seven-speed CVT with Shiftmatic mode
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Bearing the GR Sport name, the GR-S variant does of course differ slightly to the regular Vios variants. The all-new Vios GR-S is still powered by the same engine, making the same exact output figures, but it is now paired to a 10-speed CVT transmission (with gearshift paddles).
The variant-specific software calibration for the GR-S also means that the engine revs are held higher in sports mode for better throttle response, while the sports-tuned suspension gives it better ride and handling characteristics in the corners. The Vios GR-S also gets Toyo Proxes TR1 tyres as standard, which are the same rubbers used on the Toyota Vios Challenge race cars!
INTERIOR
Changes on the inside are less apparent, with a virtually-unchanged dashboard design, save for the darker tint on the chrome trims. In terms of equipment, the 2020 Toyota Vios range kicks-off with the 1.5 J variant with the following as standard:
Keyless entry and engine start
fabric upholstery
fixed rear seats
Analogue instrument cluster
Urethane steering wheel and shift knob
Eco and Sport drive modes
Bluetooth-enabled CD-player head-unit, paired to four speakers
two USB charging ports
blue footwell illumination
The 1.5 E variant adds-on an Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display alongside a seven-inch Display Audio infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering-wheel controls, as well as 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
The range-topping 1.5 G variant further gains a leather steering wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters, six speakers, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror, while the all-new Toyota Vios GR-S gets all of the above from the 1.5 G variant, plus a GR push-start button, specific displays on the MID screen, as well as a variant-specific suede and leather-wrapped sports seats with the GR Sport logo embossed on the headrest.
SAFETY
On the safety front, all variants of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift come as standard with the following:
Seven airbags (front, side, curtain, driver’s knee)
Vehicle Stability Control
Traction control
ABS with EBD and brake-assist
Rear parking sensors (additional front parking sensors on the 1.5 G variant)
However, the big ticket item on the new update is the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, available on the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants, alongside the GR-S. The TSS system includes the new Pre-Collision System (PCS) autonomous emergency braking system which works from 15 km/h, alongside Lane Departure Alert (LDA) that is functional from 50 km/h and up.
The system also comes with blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert, and as standard these variants are also equipped with a front digital video recorder (dashcam).
PRICING
Pricing for the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift are as follows, all on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales-tax exemptions
 that will be applicable until the end of the year. Included in the price is also a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
1.5 J: RM74,623
1.5 E: RM82,593
1.5 G: RM87,584
Vios GR-S: RM95,284
Compared to the
outgoing models
, the 1.5 J is now RM1,478 cheaper, while the 1.5 E and 1.5 G see an increase of RM2,519 and RM1,452 respectively.
The 2020 Toyota Vios is also offered with a variety of factory-fitted options. For the 1.5 J variant, these include a DVD-AVX head-unit with reverse camera for RM2,150, the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System with one-year subscription for RM2,000, as well as the Toyota premium security and solar film for RM2,120 – the latter two items already standard on the 1.5 E, 1.5G, and GR-S variants.
A wireless charging pad integrated into the armrest can be added to all variants for RM490, while the 1.5 G and 1.5 E variants can be equipped with a rear digital video recorder for an extra RM350.
Lastly, customers can also opt for the Toyota Service Savers programme which covers all of the scheduled servicing needs of your new Vios. It is available in two versions – a five-year/100,000 km package for RM3,220, or a three-year/60,000 km package at RM2,080.
GALLERY
Toyota Vios GR-S
Toyota Vios 1.5 G


Mazda MX-5 RF debuts in Malaysia, manual gearbox, order books open

Less than a year since its world debut
, the Mazda MX-5 RF finally makes an unscheduled and surprising appearance in Malaysia. This hard-top roadster packs the same 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted engine as its rag-top counterpart, but the biggest news here is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission.
When the MX-5 was launched here in 2015
, it was only available with the six-speed auto. If the lack of a stick shift was the basis for not buying it then, perhaps the Retractable Fastback version would change your mind. The added folding mechanism doesn’t compromise boot space, so volume remains at 130 litres. Folding is automated and completes in just 12 seconds.

The example seen here is finished in the familiar but no less desirable Soul Red Metallic, though we would have loved to see the brand new Machine Grey colour. Everything else is as per the soft-top, such as the 17-inch lightweight wheels (205/45 profile rubbers) and full-LED headlights and fog lamps.
The high-revving naturally aspirated Skyactiv engine produces
158 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
200 Nm
 of torque at 4,600 rpm, all of which are sent to the rear wheels. It may not seem very powerful, but the car weighs just a tad over the magical 1,000kg mark, and a teeny bit more over the soft-top due to the folding mechanism. Mazda engineers have tweaked the suspension and power steering to ensure uncompromising balance as well.

Now, how much would it cost? Sources within Mazda Malaysia hints at a tentative pricing of about RM250,000, with the manual variant costing a fair bit less. Those interested can begin placing their bookings at any authorised Mazda dealerships nationwide.
IMAGE GALLERY


Exclusive all-expense-paid resort holiday with purchase of a Volkswagen Passat this April

Thinking of the next staycation? Pangkor Island is home to one of the best resorts in the world and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is indulging new buyers of the Passat to an all-expense paid holiday at the Pangkor Laut Resort.
This Pangkor Laut Resort experience includes a two-night accommodation for two in a Hill Villa, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and beautiful tropical gardens. Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment at the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the package offers Volkswagen customers a way to enjoy the beauty that is Malaysia. “The current travel implementations by the Government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives.
“With this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners –
the Passat
, the world’s
best-selling mid-size sedan
, and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted ‘
Number One in the World
‘ by Condé Nast Traveller,” Winter expressed.
Pangkor Laut is a privately-owned island located five kilometres (15 minutes via speedboat) off the west coast of Malaysia on the Straits of Malacca. Its unique concept of “One Island, One Resort” promises exclusivity, serenity, and harmony. The island houses a resort of 140 villas and eight Estates that blend seamlessly into the forest as if nature had been the architect.
Besides the island and relaxation getaway, VPCM is also offering
one-year free insurance
 worth RM5,500 for the purchase of the Passat Elegance, while the Passat R-Line comes with
a year’s worth of free petrol
 valued at RM2,500.
The Volkswagen Passat range in Malaysia is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine with outputs of
190 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque. With the intelligent and fast-shifting seven-speed (wet-clutch) DSG transmission, the world’s best-selling mid-size sedan completes the benchmark century sprint in 7.5 seconds.

Priced at
RM181,856
, standard features in
the Elegance
 include 18-inch wheels, full LED front lighting, 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, 3-zone automatic air-conditioning, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a massage function, 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display with smartphone connectivity and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Volkswagen
Passat R-Line
 meanwhile gets larger 19-inch wheels, more aggressively-styled front and rear bumpers with quad “tailpipes” mouldings, sporty side skirts and of course customary R-Line badges on the grille and front fender.
In-line with its objective of a sportier driving experience, included is the
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC)
 driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for different engine, throttle, and steering response, as well as
Electronic Differential Lock (XDS)
 to help control understeer.
Inside, R-Line logo is stitched on each front seat, together with fitment of aluminium sports pedals, an exclusive steering wheel and carbon fibre-like trim inserts. The Passat R-Line is at
RM203,411
 and both prices include three-years free maintenance, five-years unlimited mileage warranty and five-years roadside assistance.
On the
10th and 11th April
, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting The Passat Escape event to showcase the features of the Elegance and R-Line and highlight attractive deals and promotions. Customers are invited to tune in to the respective dealers’ social media channels or walk into any authorised showroom.


Video: 2021 Hyundai Palisade launched in Malaysia from RM328k, 5 Things

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has just introduced the
Hyundai Palisade
 in Malaysia with two engine options across four variants.
It will be powered either by a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine just like the 7-seater Santa Fe we reviewed recently. Both engines are paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission.

Prices start from
RM328,888
 for the 8-seater diesel (Exec 8),
RM338,888
 for the 8-seater V6 (Luxe 8),
RM348,888
 for the 7-seater Diesel (Exec 7), and
RM358,888
 for the 7-seater V6 (Luxe 7).
Price-wise, it’s comparable to the
updated

CX-9
, Hyundai’s very own
Staria MPV
, but cost less than a
Volvo XC90
. What are you getting for the money then?
There’s wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, dual sunroof, 7x USB ports, along with a choice of three different interior colour schemes, ventilated seats, and wireless charging on board.
As for safety, six airbags and features like the blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the variants but the Hyundai Smart Sense system is only available in the V8 models. It includes high beam assist, forward collision warning and avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert with autonomous braking, smart cruise control, lane keep, and lane following assist.
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Fuel subsidy for RON95 raises even more questions than answers

You must be wondering, how in the world does this work? Would it even work? Even the government has yet to elaborate on the mechanics of this new scheme.
Among all the automotive related announcements, we’re only going to focus on two aspects –
tolls and fuel subsidies
.
Increments on toll charges
 for inter-city highways will be put on hold in 2019, a move which will cost the government RM700 million.
As for fuel, here’s where it gets interesting. Each litre of (petrol or diesel) qualifies for a RM0.30 subsidy, limited to a maximum of 100 litres per month. The scheme is expected to be effective in Q2 of 2019.
That’s something like RM30 in “savings” from roughly three and the half tanks of fuel for a Myvi? Helpful? Sure, but it certainly isn’t life-changing though; especially when the owners of these 1.5-litre cars and below are the ones who require significant government aid.
In hindsight, the scheme kinda indicates how in-tune the government is, to the auto industry. European (luxury) car manufacturers have significantly reduced their engine capacities with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Volkswagen, MINI and even Renault offering vehicles with 1.5-litre engines (albeit turbocharged) or lower.
Do the owners of these cars really need government aid?
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia just launched the
facelifted C200 Avantgarde
 with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.
Four million car owners are expected to benefit from the scheme which will cost the government RM2 billion annually, although owners with multiple cars will not receive this benefit.
On the surface at least, it already sounds like a vague mechanism that’s waiting to be exploited by loopholes. Let’s get a little more imaginative here.
Imagine if someone (who already owns a car) were to buy a car each for his/her children, and places it under their name?
That makes him/her a financially-able person but on paper, he/she technically only owns one vehicle. Would he/she still be eligible for the scheme meant for those who are less capable financially?
We can’t wait to see how that pans out!


Rimac Nevera is now the world’s fastest EV – 412 km/h top speed

Not that anyone doubted it at all, but
Rimac
 has just proved the Nevera’s outright performance supremacy with a 412 km/h top speed run, making it the fastest electric production car to date.
The feat was achieved at the Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, an oval circuit with two straights each measuring 4 km long – or just enough space for the Nevera to reach its top speed.

With the car, Michelin Cup 2R tyres, and Racelogic V-Box timing equipment all verified to be in proper working order, the
Rimac Nevera
 set off – in top speed mode of course – with the company’s chief test and development driver, Miro Zrnčević in the hot seat. And as they say, the rest is history… with an asterisk.
While the 412 km/h top speed is indeed the fastest speed ever measured on a production electric vehicle, it was done over only one run, like the
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+’s record
, instead of the two-way average as required to be indicted into the Guinness Book of Records.
ALSO READ:
Rimac says 0-60mph in under 1 second is possible, but pointless
The two-way average speed, done in opposing directions, was meant to account for the differences in wind and environmental conditions. Still, 412 km/h is an insane number to wrap our heads around, especially on an EV – where it’s notoriously even harder to achieve.
Incidentally, the 412 km/h figure also matches the original target speed set by Rimac when the car was
first shown off
at the 2018 Geneva auto show, although the customers cars will all be limited to (just) 352 km/h – unless during special customer events, with the support from the Rimac team and under controlled conditions.
ALSO READ:
Bugatti leaves Volkswagen, forms new company with Rimac
If top speed isn’t your thing, however, the good news is that you won’t need Rimac’s approval to replicate its
8.582-second quarter-mile run in 2021
, which made the Nevera the world’s fastest accelerating production car.
The Rimac Nevera is powered by four Rimac-designed electric motors, one in each wheel, to make a mind-bending
1,914 hp
 and
2,360 Nm
 total output. Its century sprint time is officially rated in just 1.97 seconds, and 0-100 mph (161 km/h) takes just 4.3 seconds – quicker than what it takes many sportscars to even reach 100 km/h.
Production for the Rimac Nevera is already underway at its headquarters near Zagreb, Croatia, with the first unit already delivered back in August to 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg.


New Suzuki Swift facelift in Thailand is making us feel left out

In another instance of ‘cool things we can’t have in Malaysia’, Suzuki Thailand has just unveiled the 2021 Suzuki Swift facelift in the Kingdom, a couple of months after the updated model was introduced in its home country.
Just like the outgoing model, the 2021 Suzuki Swift will be locally-assembled in Thailand. However, the variant offerings for the updated
Suzuki Swift
 have now been trimmed to just two – GL and GLX, with prices starting from THB557,000 (~RM75k).
On the styling changes, the Suzuki Swift facelift can be described as a minor nip and tuck at best, with the only visible difference being the grille, now featuring a slim horizontal chrome strip in place of the larger plastic trim. The mesh pattern has also been updated with a new design, now covering the entire grille.
Even on the inside, the entire interior is also essentially carried over wholesale, with no changes to the dashboard architecture.
In terms of kit, standard equipment across the board for the new Suzuki Swift in Thailand include keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, fabric upholstery with manually-adjustable front seats, LED positioning lights and tail lights, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold control, traction control, and an idling-stop system.
The entry-level GL variant is equipped with a 15-inch steel wheels with covers, halogen headlights, drum rear brakes, two front airbags, and a basic head unit (with AUX, CD, and USB inputs) inside.
Stepping up to the GLX will net you larger 16-inch alloys, LED headlamps, front fog lamps, rear disc brakes, four additional airbags, a silver interior trim, and a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with HDMI,
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
 connectivity, alongside a rear-view camera.
No changes are made to the powertrain underneath the bonnet, too, which continues to feature the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, making
83 hp
 and
108 Nm
 of torque. The Suzuki Swift in Thailand is offered solely with a CVT gearbox with six virtual gears, with drive sent to the front wheels.
The Suzuki brand has been out of Malaysia since 2016, and while the brand does have a partnership with
Proton
, no new models under the Suzuki marque has made it into the country ever since.
There were rumours recently suggesting that several parties are interested in representing the brand in Malaysia once again, but these have sizzled out due to the ongoing
Covid-19 pandemic
. Here’s to hoping, though!
GALLERY


New Peugeot 3008 updated with smarter looks and tech, greener powertrain options

The Peugeot 3008 is
a bit of a dark horse
 in our parts of the world, but globally, it has actually been quite successful – selling over 800,000 units since its launch in 2016. Now midway through its lifecycle, the French SUV has been updated with a fresh outfit, smarter tech, and new electrified powertrain options.
Visually, the 3008 has been given a new front fascia that resembles more like its other Peugeot siblings such as the
all-new 208
 and
508
. Taking centre stage on the new face is the new frameless grille design, with horizontal fins extending all the way underneath the headlights – which are also new.
The new signature fang-like daytime-running light is now present on the 3008, capped off with chrome tips. Beside them, black-painted side scoops bookends the lower apron, paired to the painted lower lip on the bumpers.
At the rear, the iconic triple-claw taillights have now been updated with a 3D-effect, enabled by its new all-LED internals. It features sequential turn indicators, and the taillight assemblies are covered in clear, smoked glass, which runs across the entire boot lid.
Globally, the new
Peugeot 3008
 is available in three trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT, each with their own optional “Packs” (e.g. GT Pack) which includes several additional exterior and interior kits. The top-of-the-range GT Pack even comes with new 19-inch diamond-studded aluminium wheels.
To enhance the sportiness appeal of the SUV, Peugeot is also making available a “Black Pack” on the new 3008, which darkens the front grille, emblems and the 3008 monograms, front fender trims, roof bars, roof trim, spoiler trim, rear bumper sill, black door bottoms, along with a set of special 19-inch black onyx and black mist varnish wheels.
Moving on inside, the dashboard of the new 3008 has been updated to Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit design, featuring a new wider 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The digital instrument cluster remains at 12.3-inch, though it now comes with newer graphics and “Normally Black” technology for higher contrast and better readability, especially in bright daylight.
Underneath the new infotainment display is a row of seven “piano keys” toggle switches, giving direct access to the most commonly-used functions on the 3008, while the Hybrid variants – more on that later – will have a specific switch to access the car’s electric drivetrain functions. Lower down, there’s a new drive mode selector on all models located beside the automatic gear selector stalk.
New interior trim highlights include a new Dark Lime Wood veneer with chrome inserts, as well as new frameless rear-view mirror – both available on the GT and GT Pack variants. There’s also a 515W Focal sound system with belem bronze speaker grilles, as well as multi-point massaging seats and dual-pane sunroof as options.
The new Peugeot 3008 gets a huge bump in its advanced safety and convenience features. The full list is probably as long as this entire page, but key additions include Night Vision, which detects living beings at night or in reduced visibility up to 250m ahead, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function which can automatically restart the engine if stopped for less than 3 seconds, lane position assist, improved autonomous emergency braking, and extended recognition of traffic signs.
As mentioned above, the new Peugeot 3008 gains an additional hybrid powertrain – the Hybrid 225. The electrified mill is basically a scaled down version of the previously-available Hybrid4 300, which pairs a 180 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder PureTech engine with one electric motor, attached to the gearbox.
Combined system output of the Hybrid 225 is, as the name suggests,
 225 hp
and
360 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to the front wheels. As a result, the century sprint is completed in
 8.7 seconds
. Combined fuel consumption is rated at
1.3 to 1.5 l/100km.
Meanwhile, the Hybrid4 300 uprates the same engine to produce 200 hp, paired to two electric motors – one on each axle – to send a combined
300 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels, which results in a 0-100 km/h time of
5.9 seconds
 – pretty brisk for a SUV like this.
Both hybrid powertrains sip juice from a
13.2 kWh
 battery, which delivers an electric-only range of up to 59 km on the Hybrid4 300, and 56 km on the Hybrid 225. They also share the same transmission, an e-EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox.
To charge, the optional 7.4 kW wall box tops it up in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the standard 3.7 kW single-phase charger takes approximately seven hours to fully charge on a standard 8A socket.
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged PureTech 180 (
180 hp, 250 Nm
) engine is also available as a standalone internal-combustion-only option on the Peugeot 3008, alongside a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech 130 mill, producing
130 hp
 and
230 Nm
 of torque.
As for oil burners, a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine is available with
130 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque. This, along with the PureTech 130 powerplant, is available with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual, while the PureTech 180 unit is only available with the eight-speed automatic.
IMAGE GALLERY


Audi’s next-gen infotainment system will let you stream movies in the car

In-car, connectivity is all the buzz these days as we spend disproportionately long hours in our vehicle commute. Carmakers are looking to capitalise this by offering a more seamless integration between smart devices and the car’s infotainment system.
Audi has just announced that they will be showcasing the brand’s next-generation in-car entertainment concepts that will turn the cabin into “an amusement park” at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening in Las Vegas between 8 and 11 January 2019.
As future Audi models become even more connected, the four rings want to show how a car ride can be turned into a digital entertainment experience. This in-car entertainment works in the prerequisite that during automated driving, occupants will have “idle” time in the car which opens up the opportunity for the occupants to catch a movie or consume video content during the journey.
Audi calls this the “Audi Immersive In-Car Entertainment” that provides entertainment such as Hollywood blockbusters or content provided by streaming services while the car is stationary or driving autonomously. Welcome to the next-generation drive-in movie theatre.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,017 vehicles in 2022, Triton hits 100k milestone

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia announced that it sold
24,017
 vehicles locally in 2022. From the previous year, the company showed a 37.3% increase in total sales with its 2-vehicle lineup.
The company credits its 2022 sales achievement to the
Mitsubishi Xpander
.
14,136 units
 of the 7-seater crossover last year, contributing to 59.6% of the company’s total sales. Compared to its performance in 2021, the Xpander showed a 93.5% jump in total sales figure. According to the company, the Xpander continues to hold its reign as the best-selling Japanese 7-seater crossover in Malaysia.
The remaining 40.4% of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s sales were contributed by the
Mitsubishi Triton
 with
9,697 units
 sold from January to December. Not as astronomical as the Xpander’s growth, the Triton showed a 4.6% increase from the previous year. In the pick-up segment in Malaysia, the Triton retained its ranking as the second best-selling pickup truck. Having been in the Malaysian market since 2005, the Triton reached its 100,000th unit sales milestone in 2022.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda said, “Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is delighted to achieve a record-high sales performance in 2022, and we thank each and every Mitsubishi customer across the nation for their unwavering support. One of our significant achievements of the year was that we celebrated the Triton pick-up truck reaching a 100,000-unit sales milestone in Malaysia since MMM’s inception in 2005.”
RELATED:
This rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!
“On the product front, we also welcomed great news at the end of last year as Team Mitsubishi RALLIART’s Triton was the overall winner despite being a first-time entrant at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in November. The Triton Rally Car is built based on mass-production Triton, with only a few modifications on body weight and safety equipment for the competition. All the elements such as high performance, durability, comfort, and good handling have been engineered into the original products in the market. Now every Mitsubishi Motors customer can feel the motorsports DNA in their model.”
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia also reports that 91% of its dealers have upgraded their outlets to the latest visual identity (VI) for a better customer experience.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia – RM 139,700, only 1,000 units


New Nissan Navara revealed with rugged good looks!

If Nissan didn’t mention that it’s merely a facelift model, you’d think they’ve unveiled a completely new pick-up!
Starting with the exterior, the new Navara’s front hood is now higher than before, with a much larger front grille. The imposing front end is further enhanced with quad LED projectors. According to Nissan, the size and design of the grille represents a “frame that holds the engine”. Ok, Nissan.

Aside from a strengthened rear axle, the Nissan Navara now also delivers the best-in-class payload capacity of 1.1 tonnes. The rear end features new LED taillights and a new rear bumper step for easier access to the cargo bed.
Cabin insulation has also been improved with more soundproofing material along with an acoustic laminated windscreen and front windows. The new Navara will also get the same steering design seen in the
new Almera launched here recently
. It’s 8-inch touchscreen display that now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The rear seats are now even more comfortable for rear passengers, with an improved backrest design and cushions. The back seats now come with a rear armrest with built-in cup holders.
Aside from its new rugged good looks, polished ride and interior design, the Navara is now also a lot safer. It gets forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Also available is the around view monitor which uses four mounted cameras for a clearer view of the pick-up’s surroundings in tight spaces or when parking. The feature also comes with an
off-road monitor
 to allow the driver to look out for obstacles when driving off-road.
New convenience features include rain-sensing wipers with speed adjustment and speed-sensing door locks that activates when vehicle speed is in excess of 25 km/h.
When using the 4WD mode, the Navara activates its
Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system
 (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.
The Navara is now also offered with a really cool and rugged
PRO-4X variant
that enhances the new pick-up’s design even more. You get a black Nissan emblem, black front bumper and grille, black door handles and roof racks along with orange accents splattered across the car. The PRO-4X line also uses a signature orange-red color for the Nissan wordings on the black emblem.
Proudly manufactured in Thailand for the ASEAN and Australian markets, the new Nissan Navara further strengthens Thailand’s position as a strategic manufacturing and R&D hub for ASEAN.


Facts & Figures: 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift launched in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched the
7-seater Xpander
 which will begin life in Malaysia straightaway with the
facelift model which has undergone considerable changes on the exterior
. The locally-assembled Xpander will be available in a single variant, priced at
RM91,359 without SST
. Come 2021, when the Sales Tax Exemption expires, the Xpander will be priced at
RM94,800
.
“Mitsubishi Motors is very excited to deliver the Malaysian-made Xpander to some early-bird customers. The Xpander has already attracted a strong following here and wherever it is sold in the ASEAN region,” said MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

PERFORMANCE
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Horsepower: 105 hp
Torque: 141 Nm
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
He added, “Due to the overwhelming response, the total bookings which MMM received has exceeded the total production capacity until December 2020. Customers who book the new Xpander moving forward will be taking the 2021 vehicles, which will be subjected to SST.”
Starting off with the exterior, the Xpander which will
pave the way for future Mitsubishi models in Malaysia
, comes with automatic LED headlamps and halogen daytime running lights that double up as fog lights. The crystal block headlamp fixture and front grille are new designs for the facelift model.
EXTERIOR
Automatic LED headlamps
Halogen fog lights and daytime running lights
16-inch wheels
Keyless entry
Side-mirror mounted cameras
Rear LED combination tail lamps
Over to the side, you’ll notice that the Xpander comes with cameras mounted on each of the side mirrors, keyless entry and 16-inch wheels wrapped in
 Toyo Proxes CR1
 tyres. The Xpander’s ground clearance is rated at 205 mm; not bad when you consider that it’s only 15 mm lower than the Mitsubishi Triton.
With the facelift model, the previous bee-stung antenna has been replaced with a shark fin antenna for a sleeker look. Round the back, the Xpander is fitted with LED combination rear tail lamps with L-shaped graphics. It even comes with a rear fog lamp positioned at the centre of the rear bumper.
INTERIOR
4.2-inch multi-information display
Cruise control
9-inch touchscreen display with six speakers
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Front-facing dashcam
Surround View Monitor with Bird’s Eye View
2x USB ports
Boot space is rated at
495-litres
 with the 3rd-row

seats folded and
836-litres
 with the 2nd-row seats folded. If you’re mad enough to stack your cargo up to the roof, Mitsubishi says the Xpander will swallow more than 1,600 litres of cargo!
Inside, in terms of seating arrangements and space, the Xpander offers best-in-class headroom and cabin space. It is also the only vehicle in its class to offer a flat floor once the 2nd and 3rd-row seats are folded.
SAFETY
Dual airbags
Hill-start assist
Brake assist
Active stability control
Brake override system
ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The Xpander’s cabin refinement should stand out against its competitors. Its front and rear windows are said to be
thicker than

industry standards
 while the cabin has been padded with thicker headlining and floor carpets. This is expected to help reduce vibration and improve cabin insulation. The Xpander also features roof-mounted air-con vents in the second row.
Elsewhere, the cabin comes with two USB ports, and two 12V sockets but you’ll also notice the
abundance of storage spaces
. For starters, you have the centre console storage and glovebox, with additional storage above the glovebox, by the door panels, compartments behind the front seat, front passenger under-seat storage, storage for 3rd-row passengers, and under the boot floor.
Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest pricelist of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


3 new Hyundai models teased for 2023 – Ioniq 6, Santa Fe & Tucson, is that you?

It is only April, but
2023
 has been a busy year for Hyundai Malaysia. Having launched the
Palisade facelift
 earlier this year, and the
Creta
 today, it is probably time for the company to take a breather, right? Wrong, that’s because
Hyundai Malaysia
 has just teased us with three new models that are coming this year.
During the Hyundai Creta launch today, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia Managing Director Low Yuan Lung said: “Hyundai Malaysia will be launching three more very interesting models from different segments and different categories.”
Looking at
Hyundai Malaysia’s
 new Facebook cover photo, we can see a silhouette of one sedan and two SUVs placed together with the Palisade and the Creta, with the tagline “2023, we are coming” hovering above. Based on the silhouette, these three cars could be the
Ioniq 6
,
Santa Fe
 and
Tucson
.
RELATED:
2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia, RM150k – Still want that X50?
This is not the first time the company has teased the Ioniq 6 here in Malaysia, as they have done it late last year. This EV is essentially the bigger brother of the popular
Ioniq 5
. However, the two can’t look more different than each other.
Rather than the Ioniq 5’s boxy design, Hyundai has taken the curvier route for the Ioniq 6’s exterior, which explains its drag coefficient of just
0.21
. This makes the Ioniq 6 one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in production and enables the car to achieve over
610 km
 of range from its
77.4 kWh
 battery pack.
The Santa Fe on the other hand that is coming to Malaysia is expected to be the facelift of the fourth-generation model. Powering the SUV is expected to be the same powertrain as the one launched in Malaysia in
2019
, but later taken off Hyundai Malaysia’s shelf.
The said powertrains could be the 2.4-litre MPI petrol engine, as well as the 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel. However, we will need to see if that will be true, or will Hyundai Malaysia be giving us a surprise?
RELATED:
The Hyundai Tucson N Line looks fast, but isn’t actually faster
As for the Tucson, we are expecting the new fourth-generation model to be the one Hyundai Malaysia is teasing. Designed with Hyundai’s new design language, the SUV has been complimented for
looking futuristic
 and even like a car
from outer space
.
The fourth generation Tucson also features Hyundai’s latest signature Parametric Jewel grille, a design the Tucson pioneered, which is also now on the Creta as well. As for its powertrain, the SUV is expected to be powered by Hyundai’s turbocharged 1.6-litre Smartstream engine, and possibly even the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine as well.
Whether Hyundai’s 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine will be making a comeback in Malaysia, we will need to wait and see. And again, these are merely speculations, actual details of the cars might be different when launched.
RELATED:
Hyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai


Kia Rio updated with 6-speed AT, cruise control & Blind Spot Detection, RM78k

When the latest-generation Kia Rio was first introduced in Malaysia, its biggest disappointment was the
carryover four-speed slushbox
 that frankly in this day and age (especially in an all-new model) is a little disappointing.
To address this concern, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has just updated the B-segment hatchback with a six-speed automatic transmission. Paired to the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI engine producing
100 hp
 and
133 Nm
 of twist. The extra ratios are said to provide better comfort and fuel economy.
Despite carrying the same price tag of RM78,888 (OTR without insurance), NKM has introduced enhance features to the Rio such as Cruise Control with speed limiter, Blind Spot Detection System and Electrochromic Mirror with Auto Dimmer. Interestingly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were not included in the updated kit, considering that its smaller sibling, the
Picanto
 comes with them.
With the added kit and same price tag, naturally, some things had to give. Firstly, the sunroof was omitted, and the 17-inch alloys have been downsized to 16-inch multi-spoke design items wrapped in 195/55 profile tyres – the latter is certainly a
welcomed move
.
Elsewhere, standard kit remains the same with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry/start, 5.0-inch floating colour head unit, multifunctional steering wheel, black fabric upholstery, six airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and tyre pressure monitoring system.
The updated Kia Rio with six-speed auto is available in six exterior shades – Signal Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Smoke Blue, Deep Siena Brown, Clear White and Platinum Graphite. A 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty is standard with every purchase.
IMAGE GALLERY
Kia Rio 1.4 MPI Review (4-speed AT)


Last weekend’s IndyCar Challenge had one of the wildest race finishes to date

Due to the ongoing global health emergency, many motorsports events have been cancelled or postponed to a later date. As a result, most racing series pivoted to
online-based virtual races
to keep fans and drivers engaged.
One such event was the IndyCar iRacing series, with its finale held last weekend. The race featured a 33-strong driver line-up consisting of actual IndyCar drivers, as well as drivers from other racing series such as Lando Norris from Formula 1 – his second race in an IndyCar series, after winning the first.
The race was packed with action throughout, but the three largest and most controversial incidents happened in the final three laps of the race. The insanity is
better experienced in its entirety
, but if you’re strapped for time, here’s a brief overview of what went down.
The chain of events started when Lando Norris, leading the race with just three laps to the finish line, was involved in an incident with backmarker Simon Pagenaud.
Let's take another look at the finish to Saturday's
@IndyCar

@iRacing
 Challenge finale.
The leaders got wrecked twice in a 15-second span, and
@SMcLaughlin93
 got the W.
pic.twitter.com/m43RiKwXLm
— IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC)
May 3, 2020

The race spiralled further into madness when new race leader Marcus Ericsson was taken out by Pato O’Ward’s “divebomb” move at the last corner in the final lap. Less than 15 seconds later, Santino Ferrucci gave Oliver Askew a side swipe, allowing Scott McLaughlin sneak through and win the race within 30 metres of the finish line.
See, we weren’t kidding when we said it was insanity. Now, let’s take a deep breath and unpack a little shall we?
To better understand the Norris/Pagenaud incident, we need to rewind the tape by five laps to when Norris made a move for the lead by diving into the low side of the banked turn – going three abreast with Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud.
Another clearer view of another race-changing moment.
First, the three-wide incident that ended Pagenaud's day with eight to go.
Then, two onboard shots, one from Pagenaud's helmet, the other above the windscreen of Norris. This is coming to two laps to go.
#INDYCARChallenge

pic.twitter.com/YEVSueN4De
— Justin Melillo (@justinmelillo)
May 2, 2020

Norris’s overtake was clean and brilliantly executed. However, Rahal – either through overreaction or a case of spotty netcode – twitched his car to the right and unfortunately took Pagenaud out of contention to win the race.
Pagenaud later
apologised and explained
 to Norris that he was trying to slow down before entering the pits. However, things may not be so simple as it seems – on
Pagenaud’s own stream of the race
, he was caught clearly saying “Let’s take Lando out” when he exited the pits, a couple of laps before his incident with Norris.

As for the first crash on the last lap,
O’Ward explained to Ericsson
 on Twitter saying that he thought he’d be given the space for his “now or never” overtake move. Ericsson clearly thought otherwise, though, based on
his response
.
In terms of the degree of controversy though, this incident is perhaps the least controversial amongst the three – that award has to be given to the incident involving Santino Ferrucci and Oliver Askew.
After the race, Ferrucci said in an interview that he made a mistake while trying to get into the slipstream. However, when asked for an explanation by Askew himself, Ferrucci said
“Last lap, last straight, come on. It’s for the TV, it’s for the fans.”
I can't believe this is the real audio of Askew and Santucci lmfao
pic.twitter.com/pYeSvFTzLT
— David Land™❌ (@DLand91)
May 2, 2020

Ferrucci’s track record doesn’t do him any favour, either. He was previously banned from Formula 2 for deliberately crashing into his teammate, and later
fired from his team
 due to bad behaviour and payment issues. He was also fined previously for using his phone while driving a Formula 2 car between paddocks.
Ferrucci later added “Dude, it’s a video game, come on,” suggesting that Askew shouldn’t take the race too seriously. Funnily enough, a Nascar driver was
recently dropped from sponsorship
 for not taking his virtual race seriously.
[H/T:
WTF1
]


First ever Mercedes-Benz GLB to launch in Malaysia on Sept. 22!

Malaysians have an insatiable appetite for SUVs, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is not going to miss out on it. Following the triple threat SUV launch of the
Mercedes-Benz GLS
,

GLE Coupe
 and the
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
last Friday, MBM announced through its social media channels today that the first ever Mercedes-Benz GLB will be launched in Malaysia on the
22th of September 2020
.
First
unveiled globally last June
, the GLB is the latest entry in the German carmaker’s compact cars line-up, slotting in between the
GLA
 and
GLC
. Despite that though, it’s actually quite a lot closer in size to the GLC, measuring just approximately 20 mm shorter and 50 mm narrower, but
19 mm taller
 on the seven-seater variant.
That’s right – the GLB is Mercedes-Benz’s first compact SUV to be offered with
third-row seats
, which can accommodate up to adults of 168 cm in height. Cargo space is rated at 560 litres with the third row seats, and 1,755 litres with it folded down.
The third-row seats probably contributed to the boxy shape of the compact SUV, but Mercedes-Benz has decided to go with a proper rugged look on the GLB with the addition of distinct skid plates on the outside, as well as tubular trim pieces on the centre console, dashboard, as well as the door handles on the inside.
As usual, MBM will only be announcing the details of the variants offered closer or on the launch day itself, but we expect to see all three petrol variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLB available globally to be announced here in Malaysia.
On the lowest end is the GLB 200, powered by the M282 1.33-litre turbocharged four-pot engine co-developed with Renault to provide
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
9.1 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
207 km/h
.
Stepping up to the GLB 250 4Matic, and you’ll get the M260 two-litre turbocharged inline-four engine which makes
224 hp
 and
350 Nm
. With power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed DCT and 4Matic AWD system, the GLB 250 4Matic does 0-100 km/h in
6.9 seconds
, reaching a top speed of
236 km/h
.
At the top of the model range is the
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
, with a M270 turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder engine underneath the hood that delivers
306 PS
 and
 400 Nm
 of torque. Paired to an eight-speed DCT, the GLB 35 is capable of executing race starts, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just
5.2 seconds
 – thanks to its AMG-specific 4Matic AWD system – onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
250 km/h
.
With the GLB scheduled to be launched here in Malaysia through an online live event just a little more than a week from now, are there any surprises you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments section below! As always, keep your eyes peeled on this site as we bring you the latest news as soon as we get them.
In the meantime, check out our
coverage of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic
 from the IAA Frankfurt motor show last year!
GALLERY


Porsche Panamera Executive launched, longer wheelbase, new 3.0L V6!

Porsche has added a new V6 petrol engine to their
second-generation Porsche Panamera
 lineup, as well as a an extended wheelbase Executive version of the Panamera. With the new entry-level petrol option, prices of the Panamera now begin at £66,386 (RM351k) instead of £88,700 (RM469k), making the Panamera approximately £22,000 (RM116k) more affordable than before!
Unveiled ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the entry-level variant will sit below the Panamera 4S and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (with Porsche Traction Management; PTM) in the Panamera 4. However, don’t let the term
entry-level
 fool you, resting under the hood is a derivative of the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol found in the Audi S5 and S5 Cabriolet. The turbocharged V6 is mated to a eight-speed PDK double-clutch transmission producing
326 hp
, 20 hp more than the old 3.6-litre mill.
The Panamera Executive boasts 150mm longer wheelbase offering more interior space at the rear for better comfort. As with the standard wheelbase Panamera, the Panamera Executive comes in four variants – Panamera 4 Executive (3.0-litre V6 turbo,
326 hp
), Panamera 4S Executive (2.9-litre V6 turbo,
434 hp
),
Panamera E-Hybrid
 Executive (2.9-litre Bi-turbo V6 hybrid,
462 hp
) and Panamera Turbo Executive (4.0-litre V8,
542 hp
).
In the Executive versions of the Panamera, standard equipment includes a full-sized panoramic roof, heated seats with powered adjustment for all seats, adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and roll-up sunshades for the rear passengers.
On top of that, the high performance Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive will come with rear-axle steering and soft-close doors. The Tubro variant adds on four-zone climate control, Porsche Dynamic Light System (LED headlamps) and ambient lighting.
With the extra space in the back of the Panamera Executive, customers might want to consider the optional 10.1-inch Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. The detachable display can be used as a tablet and transform the rear seats of the Panamera Executive into a workspace.
In the UK, prices for the new entry variant 3.0-litre V6 Panamera begins from £66,386 (RM351k) to £69,412 (RM383k) depending on options. For the Executive Panameras, prices range from £76,034 (RM420k) to £122,480 (RM676k).
We’ve seen enough of the Panamera already, haven’t we? Fret not, these variants will certainly be introduced to Malaysia very soon.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: BMW M2 Competition, 5 Things

Last week, BMW Malaysia introduced to the local market the
new BMW M2 Competition
 with an asking price of RM626,800, at its natural habitat – the Sepang International Circuit.
And as with the previous unveiling of BMW M cars at Sepang, we were also treated to an immediate test drive of the new car through countless laps around our internationally-acclaimed circuit.

The M2 Competition has been fitted with a de-tuned S55 3.0-litre turbocharged engine from the M3 and M4, making
 410 hp
 and
 550 Nm
.
Transferring power to the rear wheels is the task of a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds onward to an electronically-limted top speed of 250 km/h.

Just for fun, BMW Malaysia brought Christmas forward by throwing in a few
M5
s and an M4 for us to sample and we’ve got a drive impression video for your viewing pleasure coming up real soon!
For now, allow Adrian to walk you through the facts and figures, ins and outs of this new playful baby M car!
IMAGE GALLERY


The GMA T.50s ‘Niki Lauda’ is a track-only special truly worthy of its name

The legendary Brabham BT46B “fan car” took its first and only Formula 1 victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, piloted by none other than Niki Lauda. While he may not be with us any more, his fighting spirit continues to live on in many facets of the motorsport arena.
The legend of the “fan car” also lived on through the
GMA T.50
, Gordon Murray’s latest magnum opus. So when it came to the time to make a track-only special of it, it’s only fitting that Murray (who also designed the Brabham BT46B) paid homage to the driver who brought them their only victory, before it was swiftly banned by the FIA
.
 Feast your eyes upon the GMA T.50s Niki Lauda.
Apart from the name, the T.50 and T.50s could not be any more different from each other, with almost every single part on the vehicle completely re-engineered. Take for example the 3.9-litre V12 engine, which is now even more powerful and faster-revving, delivering
711 hp
 and
485 Nm
of torque.
Thanks to the new roof-mounted RAM air scoop, which force-feeds the engine with fresh air, the T.50s Niki Lauda can also increase its maximum power momentarily to
735 hp
. That’s 75 whole ponies more than the road-going T.50.
And remember how the V12 on the original GMA T.50 was already the lightest road-going V12 engine ever made? Well, the Cosworth-made V12 is now
16 kg lighter
 than that. Pair that with all the other weight-saving measures across the car, the new T.50s Niki Lauda boasts an insane power-to-weight ratio of
835 hp/tonne
.
For context, that’s even higher than an actual naturally-aspirated LMP1 car racing in the Le Mans. Just let that sink in for a moment. Professor Murray himself calls the T.50s “outrageous”, and that might just be the most apt descriptor for this car.
Oh, and there’s also no catalytic converters and silencers as standard on the Inconel exhaust systems (in the name of weight saving), so you’ll be hearing the full grunt of the glorious naturally-aspirated V12 all the way up to its 12,100 rpm rev limit. We’re already shivering just thinking about it right now.
While the six-speed Haldex manual transmission might be the road-going car’s best friend, the slower row-your-own gearbox in all seriousness has no place in an all-out race-ready car like this. In its place is a bespoke Xtrac IGS (Instantaneous Gearshift) six-speed paddle-shift gearbox, built specifically to GMA’s standards of lightweighting.
For the exterior, the GMA T.50s was also given a complete makeover, with no panels shared with its road-going sibling. To balance out the ground effect fans, which now runs permanently in 7,000 rpm high downforce mode, the team had to “start again” with the aero configuration of the car.
These new bits include a new a giant splitter up front and a central air foil underneath its nose, new adjustable front diffusers, a trio of NACA air ducts to funnel air to the front brakes, a “shark fin” that runs from the cabin roof all the way to the rear, as well as a large GT-style rear wing with slotted adjustable flaps.
All in, GMA says that the T.50s Niki Lauda can generate nearly 1,500 kg of downforce at 280 km/h.
Inside, the instrument cluster is now replaced by a digital screen, while the standard steering wheel jettisoned in favour for a yoke-type handle-thing. To the right, the space where the manual shifter previously occupied is now replaced by a board of toggle switch for the true race car feel.
Just as before, the driver sits right in the centre of the cabin of the GMA T.50s. But in the name of weight savings, the third seat was removed, clearing out space for other equipment. You wouldn’t be carrying two passengers when you’re whipping this thing about on a race track, anyway.
Only 25 units of the GMA T.50s Niki Laudas will ever be produced, each featuring a plaque celebrating a victory by one of Murray’s many F1 cars, starting with the 1974 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami Circuit. The cars will also come with a specially-commissioned book about the race that it is named after, with Murray’s view and memories of the victory.
When the GMA T.50 came out last year, we said that it might be the last great analogue sports car to ever grace the earth. Well, this here is just that, with everything turned up to 11. It would have been Niki Lauda’s 72nd birthday today if he were still alive, but we know that Niki Lauda will be smiling from up there – what a way to celebrate.
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Perodua delivered 220,154 units, overachieving their revised 2020 target

Perodua recently announced their 2020 sales figures, closing the tumultuous year with
220,154 units
 which is 10,000 more than their revised target.
While total sales did not surpass 2019’s figure (reduction of 8.4% or 20,187 units) or even 2018 performance, Perodua managed to achieve something out of the ordinary during the pandemic period with two consecutive months of highest monthly sales:
September
 (25,035 units) and October (26,862 units).
“We thank all Malaysians for choosing Perodua and the government for extending the sales tax exemption under Penjana to sustain the sales momentum which the automotive industry is now enjoying,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
He added that Perodua manufactured 220,968 vehicles (reduction of 9.6%) in 2020 despite temporarily halting production between March and May 2020 due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). October 2020 was also the month with the most Perodua vehicles ever produced at 26,362 units.
“Perodua also hit the one million Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) milestone in November 2020 – exactly two years after achieving the half-million – further solidifying our position as Malaysia’s largest EEV manufacturer,” said Dato’ Zainal.
Key events last year that made an impact to the company include the introduction of the
new Perodua Bezza facelift
, the
updated Perodua Myvi with A.S.A 2.0
 and full-year sales of the crossover themed
Perodua Axia Style
.
The company also
offered resources in various forms
 to
ease the burden of organizations
 who were affected by the pandemic from the resulting MCO.


Next-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 – Possible hybrid variant

Mazda
 has indicated that the next generation
Mazda CX-5
 SUV is coming soon, but not until
2025
, as reported by
Drive Australia
. Just in case you have forgotten, the current second-generation CX-5 was originally launched back in 2017. And by the time 2025 comes, it will be eight years old. Time flies doesn’t it?
For starters, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to retain its four-cylinder engines and should be offered in front- or all-wheel drive options. Although the Mazda CX-5 is similarly sized to the Mazda
CX-60
 SUV, which is available exclusively in markets such as Japan, Europe and, Australia, the CX-5 will most likely not be using the CX-60’s platform. Just so you know, the CX-60 is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. This is done to keep the prices of the future CX-5 down.
The engine bay of the current generation Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD
As for powertrain options, it is possible that a hybrid version of the Mazda CX-5 may be introduced. And when the Drive Australia asked Mazda Australia’s marketing director, Alastair Doak whether the CX-5 will be coming in a hybrid option, he said “That would be telling, wouldn’t it? But as I said before, there’s a new-generation car eventually coming. But it’s not next year.”
Mazda has a history of using Toyota’s hybrid technology in their cars, particularly in the previous generation
Mazda 3
 hybrid, which was Japan-exclusive. As such, there is reason to believe that the next-gen CX-5 could get a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain. However, this is yet to be confirmed.
Toyota owns a 5% stake in Mazda, enabling them to have developed shared models and shared technologies like the hybrid system. Mazda and Toyota also have a manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, producing cars like the
Mazda CX-50
 and the North American version of the
Toyota Corolla Cross
.
RELATED:
2024 Mazda CX-90 revealed – up to 345 hp, 500 Nm, AWD, three-row eight seater
USA and Europe version of the Mazda CX-5 facelift
Back in 2021, Mazda announced its plans of producing three electric vehicles, five plug-in hybrids, and five conventional hybrids by 2023. However, it wasn’t stated which of these technologies will be powering which Mazda models.
In Malaysia, the Mazdas CX-5 is offered in 5 models, which consist of front-wheel drive options such as the 2.0G Mid, 2.0G High, 2.5G High, and 2.2D High, as well as the AWD 2.5G Turbo. Prices start from
RM138,000
and top out at
RM183,000
OTR without insurance.
RELATED:
Mazda 3 gets updated – new 10.25-inch screen, remote start, new colour


Jaguar XE is the most customisable Jaguar ever, over 160 separate accessories [+Video]

When it was launched last year, we know that the
Jaguar XE
 is the
most aerodynamic
 Jag ever, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. Now, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) proudly claims that the XE is the
most configurable Jaguar
 to date, offering over
160 individual accessories
.
This long list of customisation starts from the engine bay, with JLR offering up to
seven different engines
 (brand new
Ingenium engine
 included), and each of these engines come with
three suspension settings
 and up to
12 wheel design
 options.
Next, your compact executive English sedan is available in
18 colours
 with up to
24 exterior styling options
. Then there’s a good 17 different car care products and maintenance items, including over 40 utility option boxes to tick from. One interesting utility tool is the machined aluminium Rechargeable Torch and Dock, because you never know when you might need one, right?

But wait, that’s not all. For the outgoing, Jaguar offers specially designed
roof bars
 and a unique folding bicycle rack. There is also the aerodynamically optimised
430-litre Sports Roof Box
 for all your additional equipments, complemented by a chiller built into the central armrest.
On the inside, you get the optional Head-Up Display, Jaguar’s InControl infotainment system with InControl Apps and Remote, a smartphone app for you to lock and unlock your car as well as monitoring fuel levels. The InControl app also lets you pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin from your smartphone before entering the vehicle.

Customers who want more interior individuality can have it done as such, whilst still able to choose from the optional rubberised floor and Premium Seat Back Stowage for secure storage. Ambient lighting – one of everyone’s favourite – can be fitted too, this time with
10 varying colours
 to suit your mood. Other accessories to dress up the car comprise of carpets with embossed Jaguar logos, personalised illuminated scuff plates and R-type multi-function steering wheel.
Safety options wise, there’s the XE-only child safety seats, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and 360-degree parking sensors.
All said and done, the accessories have all been thoroughly tested for durability and reliability. What do you think of this move by JLR? Let us know in the comments section below.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Letty hits 323km/h in the Jaguar F-Type SVR, Toretto will be proud [+Video]

Remember earlier in the year we told you that Jaguar will be making the
fastest F-Type of all time
? Well, it’s here, but it’s not just the fastest F-Type; it’s the fastest cat in the entire product range, and Michelle “Letty” Rodriguez got behind the wheel to prove just that.
The Jaguar F-Type you see here bears the SVR moniker, which means it’s bred and honed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division. It’s powered by the same
supercharged 5.0-litre V8
 of the
F-Type R
, but here it makes
567 horsepower
 and
700 Nm
 of torque! That’s about 25 hp and 20 Nm more than the R’s output. Together with an eight-speed gearbox, the F-Type SVR sprints from 0 to 100km/h in
3.7 seconds
 before maxing out at a top speed of
320km/h
.
In proving to the world that the F-Type SVR can indeed break the 320km/h barrier, Jaguar rang Rodriguez (affectionately known to Fast and Furious fans as Letty) and got her to take the new cat on its maiden high-speed test drive. The rest, as they say, is history.
The drive took place on a closed highway in the Nevada desert, home of the world’s fastest road race, the Silver State Classic Challenge. Together with a professional driver sat next to her, Rodriguez clocked a top speed of 201 mph (323km/h) – a personal record for the actress.
After the drive, Rodriguez said, “Driving this car was insane! I’ve now broken my personal speed record in the beautiful Jaguar F-TYPE SVR. Reaching 201mph felt amazing, the car drove really smoothly, all my corrections were minimal, I was super focused, and it really reacted in all the right ways. I don’t think I’d ever go this fast without a professional driver seated next to me, but oh man, it was an incredible feeling.”

“I’ve always wondered what it was like to travel faster than my top speed of 140mph (225km/h) and, outside of the Autobahn, it’s impossible for me to do it safely anywhere else and safety is most important to me. It was refreshing to be able to take myself beyond my limitations, going that fast is a big responsibility but the experience in this car was more graceful than anything I’ve felt before,” added Rodriguez.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai resumes operations at all SDAH service centres

Hyundai Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) announced today that all of its Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) service centres have resumed operations, after obtaining approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to operate during the
Movement Control Order (MCO)
.
In accordance to the MCO directives, only a minimal amount of personnel and customers are allowed in the service centre at one time. Therefore, service will only be carried out based on appointment only; no walk-ins will be allowed.
Additionally, all service centres will also adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, which includes social distancing measures, regular disinfection, and temperature screening for its staff and customers upon entry. Hand sanitisers will also be placed around customer touch points throughout the service centre.
To book an appointment, customers will have to contact the service centres directly. SDAH service centres are located at Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya; Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh, Perak; Georgetown and Prai, Penang; and Skudai, Johor.
Operational hours during the MCO will be limited to
9 am to 4 pm
 on
weekdays
, and
9 am to 12 noon
 on
weekends
 for all SDAH service centres except for outlets located in Penang. The Georgetown and Prai service Centres will be open from
8 am to 5 pm
, and
9 am to 2 pm
 respectively.
Alongside the reopening of its service centres, HSDM has also announced its Hyundai Care warranty extension programme for those affected by the MCO, in tandem with the Hyundai Motor Company’s global efforts.

The
Hyundai i30 N
 was launched locally late last year.
Hyundai vehicles with warranty expiring between the 18 March and 28 of April will receive a
warranty extension until the 31st of May
. In the event that the Movement Control Order is extended beyond 28 April, the warranty will be
extended by 30 days
, calculated from the last day of the MCO period.
Similarly, vehicles with scheduled service due date falling during the MCO period will be given a
30-day grace period
 from the last day of MCO to carry out its service appointment to ensure validity of the warranty.
HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said in the announcement, “We understand our customers’ predicament of not having access to our service centres during this period, and they are probably worried about their warranty.
“With Hyundai Care, we wish to set their minds at ease with regards to their warranty eligibility. Not only do we care about our customers’ health and safety, we care about the ‘health’ and safety of their vehicles as well.”


Red Bull’s unauthorised drift stunt left UNESCO World Heritage Site damaged with tyre marks

Red Bull
, the company synonymous with energy drinks, is known for their audacious stunts, especially those involving fast cars and/or adrenaline-pumping action. They’re usually well-planned and professionally filmed, and the numerous videos on its YouTube channel certainly seem to support that claim. However, its latest stunt attempt at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ukraine has drew ire from the city council and officials.
Instagram Stories posted by Red Bull Ukraine’s official account, now deleted. (Source:
BYKVU
)
The stunt involved two cars drifting around a monument in front of the Saint Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv – a building listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
. Although Red Bull did ask the city for permission prior to filming, Kyiv Deputy Mayor Konstiantyn Usov said in a
Facebook post
 that city officials turned the down the request in order to preserve “one of the most sacred places of Ukraine”.
The Red Bull F1 Team’s helipad donut stunt is one of the company’s most well-known antics. Check out the video here.
Instagram post from one of the drivers, Aleksandr Grinchuk. (Screenshot:
grinchukdrift/Instagram
)
Despite the city’s refusal, Red Bull still went ahead with the plan of filming with local rap star Alyona Alyona in the passenger seat – and apparently without any safety precautions, such as cordoning off the location.
“Red Bull did it early in the morning, secretly, with no security measures to protect pedestrians, risking dozens of lives,” Usov wrote in the Facebook post. “People would go to work in the morning across the Square and had to avoid the drifting cars. The results could have been indeed tragical.”
Tyre marks left behind by the stunt. Source: (
Konstiantyn Usov/Facebook
)
In addition to endangering the public, the stunt also left tyre marks on more than 2,000 sq meters of traditional Kyiv yellow bricks at the Sofiiska Square.
Ukrainian news outlet
Bykvu

reported
 that Red Bull staff were seen at the square later that day attempting to remove the tyre marks, with a representative saying that “it will be better than it was”, but to no avail.
Speaking of drift, check out this selection of sideways action perfection at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed!
One of the drift cars used in the stunt. (Source:
conorshanahan79/Instagram
)
The outlet also reported that the police have opened a probe into the incident, despite being accused by Deputy Mayor Usov of green-lighting the stunt earlier.
City agencies are still calculating the monetary value of the damage as a result of the stunt, and will be appealing to the prosecutor’s office in an attempt to recoup the losses.


2016 Honda Civic detailed, all set to dominate the C-Segment market

After showing its skin for the first time last month, we finally know all about the
tenth-generation Honda Civic
, including details of the new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which sent everyone into a frenzy. Getting to know the entire vehicle will take a few breaths, but trust us, the new Civic will definitely be worth your next ten minutes.
For a start, the Civic model is Honda’s longest-running nameplate (since 1973) and makes for the company’s largest chunk of profits. The outgoing Civic didn’t quite enjoy the wild success of its predecessor – the FD series, but it’s for that reason alone that they’ve decided to give everything they have to orchestrate the same tune of success. Enter the 2016 Honda Civic – all new, all better and all prepared to clinch the C-Segment top spot.

It’s the most ambitious and comprehensive new-model development by Honda, one that took an unprecedented commitment of R&D resources. Honda’s North American team led the design front, but inputs from other parts of the country were also taken into account. In taking things up a notch, the benchmarking process involved comparing cars within its native segment, but this time Honda pitted the new Civic against compact luxury class vehicles from Europe for its ride, handling, steering and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) qualities. In fact, the Civic’s interior quality and refinement was also benchmarked against upmarket cars!
EXTERIOR
Everything you see (and don’t see) on the 2016 Civic is new; the chassis, styling, features and technologies as well as the all-encompassing turbocharged powertrain. Design wise, it’s the slipperiest Civic to date thanks to aerodynamic packaging which includes a full-flat underbody panel. The acoustic glass windscreen functions by isolating noise while promoting smooth airflow.

There are subtle hints of the outgoing Civic FB in terms of exterior packaging, but to one-up its looks like this will boggle the minds of even the most skilled plastic surgeons. That aside, notable exterior features comprise of
full LED headlights
 with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, LED turn signals, LED tail lights, Smart Wipers and Rain-sensing Wipers,
remote engine start
, smart entry with push-start ignition, capless fuelling system (push to release) and Honda LaneWatch.
Finishing off the exterior are two wheel sizes –
16 and 17-inch alloys
. The smaller wheel gets wrapped in 215/55 R16 profile tyres and the larger wheel is shod with 215/50 R17 rubbers. No 18-inch or bigger wheels here folks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing considering how well the wheel design complements the new Civic’s looks. You guys are already pre-ordering that set of Vossen wheels, haven’t you?
INTERIOR
Fortunately this time, the good stuff also continues inside. It’s far more spacious than before, offering better headroom, legroom, shoulder clearance and side head clearance. The A-pillars are thinner to facilitate improved visibility, and the entire instrument panel is redesigned to give the driver and front passenger an additional 27mm of legroom.

Depending on the variant of choice, the seats are either wrapped in
 fabric or leather
 and they both can be had in beige, black or grey colours. Range toppers will benefit from an 8-way power adjustable driver seat and 4-way front passenger seat. Higher trims also get a
7-inch colour TFT screen
 built into the instrument cluster, while the centre dash features another
7-inch touchscreen display audio
 with customisable feature settings. The more advanced head unit supports Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and satellite-linked navigation.
The lowest spec Civic will settle for just four speakers, while the rest either get the 180-Watt 8-speakers audio system or
450-Watt premium audio system
 with 10-speakers including a subwoofer. Next to the gear lever are controls for the ECON driving mode, brake hold assist and electronic parking brake. Other features include dual-zone climate controls, power outlets for charging mobile devices and heated seats.

PERFORMANCE
This is where things get a little bit more interesting. Gone is the 1.8-litre SOHC engine, and taking place as the base engine is a
2.0-litre naturally aspirated
 DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine paired to either a six-speed manual or CVT gearboxes. This port-injected four banger makes
158 hp
 at 6,500 rpm and
187 Nm
 of torque at 4,200 rpm and operates with a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, so no all-wheel drive option here.
In the other corner is the starlet of the show – a
1.5-litre turbocharged
 four-cylinder engine. This makes a respectable
174 hp
 at 5,500 rpm and
 220 Nm
 of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 revolutions. Sadly, this engine will only be matched to a
CVT gearbox
. No conventional automatic, no manual transmission. It’s also cleaner and fuel efficient, thanks to direct injection technology. Compared to the naturally aspirated mill, this forced inducted engine runs on a slightly lower compression ratio of 10.6:1. To leverage on the power, the CVT has a longer final gear ratio for better cruising fuel efficiency which is officially rated at
6.7 litres per 100km
.
In the handling department, Honda claims the new Civic outclasses its mainstream opponents and matches that of luxury C-Segment products. We’re not sure if this is a blatant case of air headedness, but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. To achieve this, the Civic gets a
revised multi-link rear suspension
 mounted to a more rigid frame. All suspensions bushings are hydraulic and help soak up road vibrations.
Just like before, the front axle is suspended by MacPherson struts. A pair of front and rear stabiliser bars help induce confidence when throwing the car into the bends, and stopping power is aided by four disc brakes. One important fact to take note of is that the new Civic sits lower to the ground (by 14mm), lowering its centre of gravity. Other key features in this regard include Agile Handling Assist (works via brake vectoring) and
Straight Driving Assist
; the latter automatically makes the steering wheel less twitchy while cruising. Its electric power steering is new and requires 2.2 turns from lock-to-lock compared to the previous 3.1.
SAFETY
It’s hard not to be impressed with how much the Civic has progressed by now, isn’t it? But wait, there’s more. In the safety dept, the Civic can be equipped with Honda Sensing – the company’s full range of safety and driver-assistive technologies. If this box is ticked, you’ll get Collision Mitigating Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System and Adaptive Cruis Control with Low Speed Follow.

This is on top of passive safety features such as Brake Assist, four-channel ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Honda LaneWatch. It’s also rated very highly in many crash tests, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel.
WHAT ELSE?
There’s a total of
nine exterior colours
 to choose from, with four of them being new ones – Luna Silver Metallic, Aegean Blue Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic and Burgundy Night Pearl. Again, three interior colours are available for choice, and they are beige, black and grey. Prices in the United States start from USD18,640 (that’s about RM80k at press time) for the base model to USD26,500 (equals to RM112k) for the range topping trim. Seeing how well equipped the new Civic is, one can only image its pricing position when it reaches Malaysian soil. That said, if we go by sheer estimates, it’ll come close or even eclipse the base model Honda Accord!
IMAGE GALLERY


Berjaya Sompo introduces new ‘Motorsafe’ package

It has been over 500 days since the announcement of the first movement control order (MCO) in
March 2020
. Many of us in Malaysia started working from home, no more fetching the kids from school and travelling by car has been severely restricted to just within one’s own state.
As such, our cars now spend most of the time parked rather than out on the road. Based on plenty of statistical analysis by motor insurance companies such as Berjaya Sompo, they have begun offering a mileage-based insurance coverage, and with that a lower annual premium.
As Berjaya Auto takes over the distributorship of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, they would first like to know existing owners better. More about the initiative here.
 “At Berjaya Sompo, we seek to provide the best value for our customers’ insurance coverage. With SOMPO Motorsafe, we have designed a policy that allows customers to choose coverage according to their mileage needs at the discounted premium rates while still enjoying comprehensive protection. By using telematics technology, we are able to safeguard our customers’ driving journeys without them having to face any financial difficulties.” said Berjaya Sompo, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tan Sek Kee.
The new SOMPO Motorsafe plan offers vehicle owners three different mileage plans to suit the annual needs of travelling, namely 5,000 km, 10,000 km and 15,000 km. The company will keep track of the mileage via a Bluetooth- enabled SOMPO Tag that is paired with the SOMPO Motorsafe app.
Mr Tan further added that the new SOMPO Motorsafe policy is suitable for households with more than two cars in their household, low mileage drivers as well as
“weekend cars”
.
Three key features are provided by the SOMPO Tag, such as the ‘bCall’ emergency button for breakdown or emergency road assistance, while the ‘eCall’ functions for
automatic accident alert
 and emergency response for severe crashes.
The third feature in the Berjaya SOMPO Tag assist driver to instil undistracted driving practices by sending a ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ beep if the driver is using the smartphone while driving.
As for the insurance coverage, SOMPO Motorsafe covers loss or damage to the vehicle due to accident, fire and theft, third-party injury, death or property damage within the chosen mileage plans.
Other benefits under the policy include 24-hour Rakan Auto Assist, SOMPO Repair Warranty of 12 months, all-driver coverage and special perils coverage.
Just drove 2,000 km in the last six months? It is still time to get the vehicle serviced, especially if you want to keep the warranty intact.
To learn more about the new mileage-based Berjaya SOMPO Motorsafe motor insurance plan, visit their
website here
 for more details.
Main image credit:
Facebook/Inforoadblock