Smart is reinventing itself with the Concept #1 electric SUV

The small and quirky Smart cars of yore is no more. Following the 50% stake acquisition by Chinese giant Geely, the brand is now in the process of a
radical reinvention
, and they’ve now shown off the Concept #1 at the 2021 IAA Munich Motor Show to give us a taste of what’s coming next – a preview of
Smart’s first SUV model
.
Smart says that the Concept #1 is now in a near-production-ready form, which means the eventual model – whenever it’s launched – will look pretty much just like this, aside from a few tweaks mostly for regulations purposes.
The Concept #1 measures in at 4,290 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,698 mm tall, which is just a touch smaller than the
Mercedes-Benz EQA
 from Smart’s parent company. However, the two will not be sharing the same platform; as part of the agreement, Geely will be helming the engineering works for future Smart models, while Daimler will handle the design.
And in terms of styling, design chief Gorden Wagener said that the Concept #1 is represents an evolution towards a “cool, grown-up” brand image. The defining elements of the usual Smart models, such as the short overhangs and unique C-pillars are still here, though all reimagined with a modern flavour, fitting for a new “regular” SUV in this day and age.
Smart’s communication materials dedicated a huge portion to the Concept #1’s “light shows” starting from the large illuminated “grille” up front which moves and shines along with the music, moving towards the sides, and towards the rear diffuser.
The narrow headlights assembly is mirrored almost one-to-one on the rear, and their light signatures – both front and back – feature some sort of starburst effect, characterised by thousands (we’re guessing) of tiny illuminated triangles that scatter out towards the edges.
Even the door “handles” are made up of touch-sensitive light panels, which opens up the suicide doors with frameless windows (note the lack of B-pillars). Heading inside, the first thing you’ll realise is, once again, the “attention-grabbing light show” consisting of LED ambient lights on the dashboard, seats, and even on the floor.
We’ll have to wait and see how much of the “light show” actually makes it into the production model, but what’s not going to change is the amount of space offered on the interior.
Despite the relatively compact size, Smart says that the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the Concept #1, plus the 2,750 mm wheelbase, has allowed them to offer elbow room, legroom, and storage space on par with vehicles in higher segments.
The huge panoramic glass roof further adds to the spaciousness of the cabin – at least in perception – and the entire centre console (which houses the 12.8-in infotainment screen) is “floating” in mid-air, offering additional legroom for the front passenger thanks to the flat floor offered by the EV platform.
Although the concept car is a four-seater, Smart says that the eventual production car will feature five seats.
Technical details about the powertrain and other oily bits still remains under wraps, but Smart says that the upcoming SUV model promises “the highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety” afforded by the
Geely-built SEA platform
.
Other features include a smart app that can also function as a digital key, a connected infotainment system with over-the-air update capabilities, as well as advanced driver assistance systems.
GALLERY


VW Golf R Variant revealed, a 300bhp compact station wagon

Fans of station wagons, you’d be please to know that the
Volkswagen Golf R
 – for the first time since its inception – can be had in ‘
station wagon
‘ trim. It will be making its first world appearance at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show that starts from today till 30 November.
QUICK FACTS
Official Name
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
Engine
2.0-litre, inline 4-cylinders, turbocharged
Transmission
6-Speed DSG dual clutch transmission (wet type)
Max Power
296 hp @ 5,500 to 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
380 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,500 rpm
0-100km/h; Top Speed
5.1 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)

It shares basically the same mechanics as the
RM249k Golf R
 that we all love (and
drove on the Sepang F1 Circuit
), just that it’s
unconventionally longer
 due to its wagon nature. Here are the numbers: the
2.0-litre EA888
 turbocharged engine produces
296 horsepower
 at 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and
380 Nm
 of torque at 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.
Such numbers allow the car to do the century sprint in
5.1 seconds
 – that’s just 0.1 seconds slower than the Golf R. That’s impressive. Top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h
, and the Golf R Variant is
permanently driven on all wheels
 (4Motion AWD) via Volkswagen’s
six-speed dual clutch transmission
 (DSG, wet type).
The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) remains optional, a feature which grants a total of
five driving modes
 – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Race – that are selected via the touchscreen head unit placed in the centre console.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Sport system comes as standard and can be toggled by a
two-stage switch
 on the centre console. Flip the switch once and the Golf R Variant makes for controllable slip, but if you hold the switch for
three seconds
, it completely deactivates the ESC. Something the boy racer in you would appreciate on the track.
That said, the highlight of this Golf R Variant is of course its increased cargo space, now at
605 litres
. Fold the rear seats down and you get a total of
1,620 litres
 of cargo space. That’s enough space for 16 golf (no pun intended) bags. How’s that for enhanced practicality?
In case you’re wondering, the 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ wheel design offered as standard on the Mk7 Golf R model can now be had with the optional and larger 19-inch size, also ‘Cadiz’ design.
But before you get excited at the prospect of buying one, we’ll have you know that the Golf R Variant is built to meet European demands. So until we give Volkswagen Group Malaysia a solid reason to bring this in, our guess is that the Variant
will not
 see the light of Malaysian day.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Receive a RM5 voucher for every 200 BonusLink points earned at Shell stations – until 31 Dec!

Now that interstate travel restrictions are loosened, Malaysians have begun travelling for leisure again – and Shell Malaysia wants to better its customers’ journeys by rewarding them with a RM5 voucher for every 200 BonusLink points earned at Shell fuel stations nationwide once in the month of November and December, respectively, as part of their new “Every Little Point Counts” campaign.
The new campaign will run from now until the
end of December 2021
. And aside from just purchasing fuel, customers can also accelerate their BonusLink Point collection by getting everything they need for their road trips at Shell stations, be it snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or even a freshly brewed cup of Costa Coffee.
To participate, customers simply need to swipe their BonusLink card or use the BLINK app with any purchase at the Shell stations and start collecting BonusLink points. Once they’ve accumulated 200 standard points, a RM5 voucher will be automatically sent to them via the app or registered email address, and can be used immediately at Shell stations nationwide.
Customers are entitled to only one RM5 voucher in the month of November and December respectively.
The BonusLink Points can also be used to redeem special treats in-store for as low as 100 points, including popular favourites such as Deli2go Firecracker sausages, miniature Vanilla Sultana roll, and Shell Select Keropok Ikan.
RELATED: Shell reveals new FuelSave 95 for extra kilometres without extra costs. Learn more here.
Customers can sign-up for BonusLink at all Shell stations nationwide, while the BLINK app is available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. First-time users will also receive a RM4 Shell voucher and 100 BonusLink Points as a welcome offer, using the referral code B214419233.
More information on the campaign can be found on Shell Malaysia’s website, linked
here
.
Note: The article has been updated following the correction issued by Shell Malaysia on November 15th 2021.


Proton sold 48,702 cars in Q1 2023, up 39.8% from last year

As the good start to the 40th anniversary year celebration of
Proton
, the company has sold a total of
48,702 cars
 for the first quarter of 2023, which is 39.8% more than last year. As for the month of April, the local carmaker has sold
9,415 cars
 which includes the domestic sales and export. This is a growth of 6.5% compared to the same month last year.
Compared to February 2023, Proton’s sales in March was down by more than 41.4%, after the company set a new record high in March this year. This recession was caused by factors such as the holiday period throughout April, as well as the ending of deliveries for orders placed during the PENJANA tax-free incentive scheme, according to the company.
Proton also managed to capture an estimated 20.4% of the market share. This helped the carmaker maintain second place in the national automotive sales table.
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s export volume for 2023 has been slow to reach the expected volume due to several external global economic factors. However, we remain positive about our overseas sales prospects this year and are actively working with our partners to raise the profile of the brand as well as promote our intelligent products.”
“With the
Proton X90
 due to be officially launched by the Prime Minister on 7 May [this statement was made on May 5, 2023], the company will soon have a three-model SUV range to strengthen our position in the segment as well as its first model in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market. This will help form a good base for our future model offerings and give Proton’s network of outlets invaluable experience in selling and servicing these vehicles,” added Roslan Abdullah.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia, from RM123,800
There are three models that have led their respective segments in sales and have contributed to Proton’s sales in the first quarter, as well as the month of April 2023. These models include the
Proton X50
, which had
2,644 units
 delivered in April, making it remain as the overall best-selling SUV in Malaysia.
The
Proton Persona
 was also the B-segment sedan sales leader, with
1,236 units
 delivered in April as well. This allowed it to retain overall leadership in its segment throughout the first quarter of the year.
Proton sold a total of
465 units
 of its
Exora
 MPV, which is by far this year’s highest record for the model. As a result, the Proton Exora retains as the best-selling C-segment MPV, with a total of
1,559 units
 sold this year.
Proton also recorded positive numbers for its other models. The carmaker delivered a total of
3,040 units
 of the
Saga
, making it second place in the A-segment sedan sales chart, and the best-selling Proton model. The Proton
X70
 had
756 units
 sold, while the
Proton Iriz
 had
338 units
 sold.
Looking at Proton’s export sales, the company had their best month of the year in April, with a total of
187 units
 shipped to overseas markets. The Proton Saga, X50 and X70 are the most popular export models by far in Q1 2023, contributing to a total export sales of
603 units
 throughout the quarter.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X90 scores 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating – Full points for side impact test


Honda Malaysia distributes laptops to schools and essentials to flood victims

In these challenging times, with the pandemic and floods causing various disruptions to the country, Honda Malaysia has extended its support to the less fortunate communities in Pahang and Melaka.
As such the company has distributed “Flood Safety Kits” to 500 families who were affected by the floods in Pekan, Pahang, along with face masks and laptops to students this month.
Also benefitting from this are schools in Malacca, where four secondary schools received laptops from Honda Malaysia. These laptops will be handed out to low-income families who lack the means for Home-based Teaching and Learning classes.
Across the South China Sea, the company will also provide assistance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu by providing 1,000 face shields for the frontliners there.
“With the new norm, students have no choice but to opt for online schooling. Devices such as computers become a necessity for students to cope with distance learning and this has affected students who have limited access to technology devices. We hope through our contribution the students will have a better study environment and be more motivated to continue their education,” said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.
He added, “In addition to the laptops, we provided 500 boxes of facemasks to 10 primary schools and 10 secondary schools in Melaka. Each school was allocated with 1,000 pieces of facemasks for students to remain protected and to adhere to the SOPs.”


#ABC2018: Finalists of the AutoBuzz.my Best Cars of 2018 Awards

As we have previously announced, we’ve decided to hold our very own
Autobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 Awards
 based on popular demand, following last year’s
Autobuzz.my’s Best Cars of 2017 video
.
There are almost
300 cars
 in a comprehensive list, ranging from A-segment vehicles like the
Kia Picanto
 to supercars like the
Mercedes AMG GT-S
, where they will be segmented into
35 different categories
. Here are the
Top Three Cars
 that have emerged top of their categories based on our scoring system.
#ABC2018 AutoBuzz.my Best Cars of 2018 – Finalists
City Car
People Carrier
Luxury Flagship Car
Kia Picanto
Hyundai Starex
BMW 7 Series
Perodua Bezza
Peugeot Traveller
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Proton Saga
Weststar Maxus G10
Porsche Panamera
Compact Hatch
Premium MPV
Premium Compact SUV
Honda Jazz
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Audi Q3
Perodua Myvi
Toyota Alphard
BMW X1
Proton Iriz
Toyota Vellfire
MINI Countryman
Supermini
Crossover
Premium Midsize SUV
Mazda 2
Mazda CX-3
Lexus NX
Peugeot 208
Subaru XV
Toyota Harrier
Volkswagen Polo
Toyota C-HR
Volvo XC60
Compact Sedan
Midsize SUV
Premium Sports SUV
Honda City
Honda CR-V
BMW X4
Mazda 2
Mazda CX-5
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Volkswagen Vento
Volkswagen Tiguan
Porsche Macan
Mid Size Hatchback
Family SUV
Premium Large SUV
Ford Focus
Hyundai Santa Fe
BMW X5
Hyundai Ioniq
Kia Sorento
Lexus RX
Mazda3
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mid Size Sedan
Offroad SUV
Luxury Sports SUV
Honda Civic
Ford Everest
BMW X6
Mazda 3
Isuzu MU-X
Maserati Levante
Volkswagen Jetta
Toyota Fortuner
Porsche Cayenne
Family Exec Sedan
Pickup Trucks
Premium Family SUV
Honda Accord
Ford Ranger
Audi Q7
Nissan Teana
Mitsubishi Triton
Mazda CX-9
Toyota Camry
Toyota Hilux
Volvo XC90
Sports Executive
Coupes
Luxury SUV
Kia Optima GT
Kia Cerato Coup
Bentley Bentayga
Mazda 6
Subaru BRZ
Lexus LX
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Beetle
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Sportwagons
Premium Compact
Premium Coupe
Mazda6
BMW 1 Series
Audi TT
Peugeot 508 SW
MINI 3 Door
BMW 4 Series Coupe
Volvo V90
Volvo V40
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
Compact MPV
Premium Family
Driver’s Car
Honda BR-V
Audi A4
BMW M2
Perodua Alza
BMW 3 Series
Honda Civic Type R
Toyota Sienta
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mini JCW 3 Door
Midsize MPV
Premium Executive
Dream Cars
Citroen C4 Picasso
BMW 5 Series
Aston Martin DB11
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus LC
Toyota Innova
Volvo S90
Porsche 911
Large MPV
Executive Coupe
Ford S-Max
BMW 6 Series GT
Honda Odyssey
Maserati Ghibli
Kia Grand Carnival
Mercedes-Benz CLS
These cars have been judged internally based on the aspects of value for money, safety, performance, handling, ride comfort and build quality to name a few, and have been given a rating from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest score.
Following this announcement, we will also be curating related content based on these selected cars where the winner from each respective category will be announced by
mid-2018
.


All-new Nissan March debuts, 2 turbo engines, 5-speed manual only!

You may not know this, but the Nissan March (known as the Nissan Micra in Europe and the West) is one of Nissan’s most popular model. Over 7 million units of the March have been sold worldwide since 1983, half of which were sold in Europe alone.
According to Nissan, the new March is among the lowest and widest B-segment hatchbacks around, and it has a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.29! LED daytime running lights are standard across the range, but the full LED headlamps are optional. Halogen reflectors are standard here. Wheel sizes vary from 15- to 17-inches, and there’s a total of five trims: Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna.

Customers have up to 10 choices of colours, three of which – Energy Orange, Pulse Green and Passion Red – come with ‘tinted clear coat’ technology for a truly vibrant finish, a first for Nissan.
Inside, the March receives an incredibly good looking steering wheel, albeit looking a lot like Mazda’s. The cabin has a two-tone finish, with great emphasis paid to enhance improve sound deadening. In fact, Nissan claims that the March has best-in-class ‘eyes off the road’ time. Boot capacity is 300 litres, expandable to 1,004 litres with the rear bench folded down (60:40 split). Interestingly, customers can opt for the BOSE Personal audio system that comes with speakers built into the driver seat’s headrest!

As for the oily bits, three engines will be offered: a
naturally aspirated 1.0-litre
 making 71 hp and 95 Nm of torque, a
0.9-litre turbo gasoline
 engine with 90 hp and 140 Nm of torque or the
1.5-litre turbodiesel
 churning 90 hp and 220 Nm of torque. All engine variants get paired to a
five-speed manual transmission
 driving the front wheels. Additional engines and automatic transmissions will be announced at a later date.
The new Nissan March/Micra will be produced at the company’s plant in Flins, France, which is operated by their partner Renault.
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Hyundai Kona N Line, 1.6 Turbo launched in Malaysia, from RM147k

Following the launch of the
facelifted Kona
 in April this year, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has now introduced two additional variants to the model line-up here in Malaysia, in the form of the Kona 1.6 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo N Line.
The Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo is priced at
 RM146,888
, while the 1.6 Turbo N Line goes for
RM156,888
, both on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that is valid
until the end of 2021
.
EXTERIOR
The Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo’s exterior styling is pretty much identical to that of the 2.0 Active variant, which features the same chunky, rugged plastic-clad look on the outside. Standard features are from the existing range-topping variant, which includes fully-LED headlights with day-time running lights, LED tail lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
To distinguish the 1.6 Turbo from the 2.0 Active variant, look out for the roof rack and dual-tone blacked-out roof, both of which are only available on the 1.6 Turbo variant.
Check out the Hyundai Kona 2.0 variants in more detail here!
Headlining this launch, though, is of course the Kona N Line, which gets its own unique, sportier exterior touches. These include:
Body-colour claddings
N Line-specific front bumper, with “N-style” aerodynamic lip and corner fins, larger air intakes with unique mesh design
Variant-specific rear bumper with central diffuser element in black
Twin tailpipe exits
18-inch variant-specific alloy wheels
Exterior colour options: Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Pulse Red, and Misty Jungle
PERFORMANCE
The main highlight to the two new variants is, of course, the new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI turbocharged inline-four mill underneath the bonnet, which provides a significant power bump over the 2.0-litre models.
Engine: 1,598 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: Second-gen Smartstream seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower:
198 hp
 @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque:
265 Nm
 @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
Hyundai did not share the new model’s 0-100 km/h times and top speed, though with a 21 hp increase over its predecessor, do expect it to be slightly quicker than the outgoing model’s 7.7 seconds.
Own a Hyundai? HSDM is offering discounts of up to 15% off on servicing labour and parts. More details here!
Photo from the new Kona 2.0 Active
INTERIOR
The cabin of both the Kona 1.6 Turbo and Kona N Line sports the identical updated design and architecture to the existing 2.0-litre models, featuring the new centre-console area, and new circular air vents at the both ends of the dashboard. Standard features are also unchanged from the Kona 2.0 Active, which includes:
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
Electric parking brake
Ambient lighting system with centre cup holder illumination
Automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver seat
Leather upholstery in black or light beige
The Hyundai Kona N Line meanwhile comes with a dedicated N Line colour package, featuring a black leather/suede upholstery, red cross stitching, metal pedals, and N badging on the gear lever, steering wheel, and seats.
In addition, the Kona N Line also comes with a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and front passenger, a feature that is unique to the new range-topping model.
SAFETY
As standard, both new variants are fully equipped with the Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance suite, with features including:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and vehicle detection
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go function (SCC)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Six airbags is standard on the Hyundai Kona, alongside ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.
PRICING
As mentioned above, the new 1.6-litre turbocharged Hyundai Kona line-up starts at
RM146,888
 for the 1.6 Turbo variant, and
RM156,888
 for the Kona N Line here in Malaysia. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the end of 2021.
Included in the price is a five-year/300,000 km warranty, and a three-year/50,000 km free scheduled maintenance programme.
As the country is still under various stages of the Movement Control Order, interested customers can book the new Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo variants online via HSDM’s new online shopping platform,
Cl1ck to Buy
, linked
 here
.
HSDM has also recently introduced the step-up financing plan, with tenures of up to nine years. Learn more here.
GALLERY
Hyundai Kona 2.0 Active


MINI’s most powerful road car has a 2.0L turbo with 306 hp & 450 Nm

MINI has just presented
its most powerful models in the brand’s sixty-year history and as the world would
have it, they’re both SUVs – the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman and Countryman.
Both models are powered by BMW Group’s B48 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that first debut in the X2 M35i. The uprated mill now makes
306 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of twist thanks to reinforced crankshaft, new pistons, larger main bearings, lower compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a larger turbocharger.
The updated four-cylinder mill is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive is standard on both the Clubman and Countryman JCW. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes
4.9 seconds
 on the Clubman JCW while the heavier Countryman gets there in
5.1 seconds
 – 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than their respective outgoing models.
Coupled with the new
engine output are further developed Sport Chassis (adaptive chassis with adaptive
dampers available as option), larger sport brake system (360 mm front; 330 mm
rear) and a new sport exhaust system to give drivers an exhilarating driving experience
MINIs are known for.
Styling has been updated on the JCW Clubman with new LED Matrix LED headlamps, Union Jack design LED taillamps and a new electronic gear selector for the 8-speed auto. Other standard items include 18-inch JCW light alloy wheels, Sport Seats and JCW sport steering wheel.
IMAGE GALLERY
MINI JCW Clubman
MINI JCW Countryman


Wear your love for Honda with the new TEI Series official merchandise

Honda Malaysia has introduced a new line of official merchandise for the Honda aficionado. It’s called the TEI Series, which stands for ‘Trust, Equality & Individuality’, and is inspired by Honda’s brand philosophy.
The word
tei
 also stands for shape or form in the Japanese language. All items in the series are injected with a combination of Japanese elements in its design.
There are
21 items
 featured in the Honda TEI Series, divided into four self-explanatory collections – Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear, and Travel.
The Corporate Collection will feature smart casual clothings for the working adult’s wardrobe, while the younger and more stylish crowd can choose from the Lifestyle Collection, featuring items such as the Reversible Bomber Jacket and the ‘TEI’ fine print 30-inch umbrella.
Fitness enthusiasts can opt for the Activewear Collection, featuring the newly-launched Sports Hijab, and reflective Activewear Shirt. Last but not least is the Travel Collection, which includes items such as the two-in-one Detachable Travel Luggage Bag, featuring a backpack attached to a cabin-sized luggage.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “Apart from providing the Joy of Buying Honda cars to our customers, we would also like them to experience the joy of owning items from Honda’s Official Merchandise collection which can be incorporated into their daily lives.
“It is therefore our delight to share the new line of Honda Official Merchandise with them which embodies the core values of Honda’s Philosophy, he added.
The merchandise in the TEI Series are priced between
RM32 and RM320
, and can be purchased at Honda Malaysia’s 92 dealerships nationwide, as well as mobile roadshows. The full list of items and additional information can be found on
 Honda Malaysia’s website
.


Maserati introduces fully-loaded Sportivo range on Levante and Ghibli models

Maserati in the UK has introduced a new series that is decked up with features. The fully-loaded Sportivo X and Sportivo Special Edition range is tailored to the Levante V6 and Ghibli Hybrid models.
The Levante Sportivo X ticks all the boxes in the options list with key features such as the
Nerissimo (extremely black in Italian)
 highlight package where key exterior trim pieces are in black, body-colour rear spoiler, adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, 21” Anteo matte-coloured staggered wheels, soft-closing doors, premium perforated leather upholstery, ventilated seats and Driver Assistance Package Plus.
The “simpler” Sportivo, sans X, is specified without the features above and comes with 20” Efesto staggered wheels, Handling package for the suspension tuning, body-colour exterior trim pieces, and black leather upholstery.
The
Levante V6
 is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with outputs of
350 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. The Q4 variable-split all-wheel drive system with a limited-slip differential in the rear axle takes care of sending power to just the rear, or all four wheels.
In the Ghibli sedan with the
hybrid powertrain
, the fully-loaded Sportivo X follows similar suite with 21” Titano forged wheels, body-coloured bumper trim pieces, gloss black rear diffuser, adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, Driver Assistance Package Plus and power closing doors and trunk lid.
Fully-loaded Sportivo X build-list means the Ghibli also gets the Skyhook electronically controlled
adaptive suspension
 system, which is standard in the Levante SUV. The interior meanwhile is fitted with a wireless charger and premium leather upholstery highlighted by red stitching.
The dark-theme Nerissimo package is available from the Ghibli Sportivo variant. Wood trim also lined the interior, together with all-black leather upholstery. Gloss black 20” Urano staggered wheels are fitted with Brembo brake calipers now painted red beneath it.
The Ghibli Hybrid is the first generation of Maserati vehicles to feature the marque’s 48-Volt Belt Starter Generator (BSG) with an electric supercharger mounted to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The combined system output is
330 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque.
The powertrain, together with the ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, sends the Ghibli Hybrid from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.8 seconds
. Maserati said they opted for this mild-hybrid approach over a plug-in system primarily to avoid increasing the weight.
On the exterior,
dark blue
 is used as the identifying highlight and can be found the fender air vents and the thunderbolt portion of the pillar emblem.
All four fully-loaded Sportivo Special Editions are offered in the choice of three colours; Grigio Maratea (Grey), Blu Emozione (Blue) and Nero Ribelle (Black).


Asia’s First ‘Private Driving Club’ features a race track, luxury villas and spa!

With international borders reopening, those with deep pockets looking to experience driving heaven (quite literally) with all the privacy and amenities expected by a high-income earner, should take note of the new
Magarigawa Club
 – a private driving club with the facilities of a country club house.
Located an hour from the Tokyo International Airport, at the centre of the Magarigawa Driving Club is a 3.5 km circuit with 22 turns, featuring two long 800 metre straights.

That’s not all, other facilities include a spa, hot springs, gym, clubhouse, fitness center, bar and lounge, restaurants and even long term vehicle storage facilities (with vehicle maintenance) for its members. To top it all off, members will also be surrounded by spectacular views, including that of Mount Fuji.
According to sources, the luxury villas overlooking the race track have already been sold out while the first batch of membership applications have been closed. The exclusive driving club is limited to just 50 members, at the rate of 29.9 million Yen each (approx. RM1.02 million).
Construction of the Magarigawa Club begun in 2020 after a groundbreaking ceremony with the private driving club expected to open by end of 2022.
GALLERY
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0010.JPG


Kia SP Concept unveiled for India, fancy this compact SUV design?

After a little
teaser
, Kia Motors has just premiered its new concept car, the Kia SP Concept at the 2018 AutoExpo in India. The new SUV concept gives a glimpse of what Kia Motors India (KMI) has in store for the India market in the future.
Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technologies, the SP Concept was designed to cater to
young Indian customers
, combining sophisticated beauty with high functionality. Resulting in the concepts wide stance with sporty and long hood profile.
The brand’s signature design elements are present in this concept too like the Tiger Nose grille, slim headlamp graphics and bold body lines. Inside, the SP Concept boasts eye-catching and high-tech elements to depict a modern and trendy cabin design, suited for the young demographic clientele.
Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, Peter Schreyer commented, “Over the last few years, SUVs have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers.  Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring. It’s still a concept – so it’s a little bit exaggerated – but the actual production car will be very close to what you see here at AutoExpo 2018.”
The world premiere of the Kia SP Concept at the 2018 AutoExpo also marks the Korean carmaker’s official market debut in India, the fifth largest automotive market in the world. Managing Director & CEO of KMI, Kookhyun Shim said, “We at KMI are thrilled to start operations at such a favourable time, and additional forecasts predict that India will be amongst the world’s largest car markets in a few years. We are here in India to be part of that success story, which has been put into motion by progressive government policies and decision making.”
IMAGE GALLERY


Locally assembled Mazda CX-5 facelift priced from RM132k!

Mazda’s most popular crossover, also the winner of Best Compact SUV Award at last year’s inaugural
ASEAN Car of The Year Awards
, is back with a facelift and it will be locally assembled at the Kulim plant.
A total of four variants are offered, two each for both the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre lumps. The 2.0-litre gets a mid-spec GL range, which means you won’t be getting leather seats and the fancy LED daytime running lights. Only the 2.5-litre variant gets an all-wheel drive option, and they both come exclusively with the 19-inch wheels.

The output these engines make remains unchanged; the 2.0-litre makes
155 hp
 whereas the larger four-banger makes
185 horsepower
. Both engines are mated to the same
six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
. Of all four variants, only the range topper (priced at RM171k) gets all-wheel drive. The rest are 2WD.
As with all facelifts, there are subtle cosmetic changes for the CX-5. It receives a new front grille and signature wing design, new LED front headlamps and updated LED Daytime Running Lights (again, the GL trim loses out on this). The tail lights are also new and look more in line with Mazda’s latest crop of vehicles.

Inside, all variants of the CX-5 facelift will come with a
7-inch MZD CONNECT Infotainment
 system automatic air-conditioning system. At the same time, all variants will receive
six airbags
,
ABS, EBD
,
BA
,
Dynamic Stability Control
,
Traction Control System
 and
 i-stop
 as well.
It’s available in four exterior colours – Artic White, Blue Reflex, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic; every purchase of the CX-5 will come with a 3-Year warranty and 3-Year free scheduled maintenance. Do note that the
Soul Red Metallic
 paint shown here
will not be available
 as it was sold very briefly as a fully imported unit. Below is the pricing for all the variants:
PRICE LIST: MAZDA CX-5 SKYACTIV OTR
Model
Pricing (Solid)
Pricing (Metallic)
2.0G 2WD GL (Mid Range)
RM132,272.63
RM132,672.63
2.0G 2WD GLS
RM146,658.47
RM147,058.47
2.5G 2WD GLS
RM159,415.90
RM159,815.90
2.5G 4WD GLS
RM171,219.05
RM171,619.05
IMAGE GALLERY


Be wary of counterfeit auto parts, shops selling fake Hyundai-Kia parts raided

Installing counterfeit parts into your car is never a good idea, no matter how much
cheaper
 it is over original manufacturer equipment. Simply because they are inferior in quality and can jeopardise the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Recently, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has found an auto parts dealer in Gombak and Puchong have been selling fake Hyundai and Kia parts as reported by
The Malay Mail
. The raid carried out by the ministry seized items such as air filter, oil filter, timing belt and more. Some even packaged as “Kia Motors Genuine Parts”.
Intellectual property Manager of Hyundai Mobis, Jaeho Lee who was present at a press conference said: “Hyundai Mobis views this offence of selling fake parts as very serious as compromise the safety of the consumers.”. Lee added that the auto parts dealers were selling the counterfeit parts at the same price as originals.
Purchasing parts from an authorised service centre almost guarantee a 100% Genuine Part
Lee advises consumers to be wary of these counterfeit products and urged them to purchase parts from authorised resellers to ensure that they are guaranteed 100 per cent genuine parts.
We would like to also add, you can source your parts from authorised service centres as well as approved stockist from the principal. If you are unsure whether the part you are getting is genuine, you can always refer the label and cross check with information available online. Remember, if you come across a deal that is too good to be true, then it probably is.


Mazda shows us how just RM25 of fuel or less can get you from KL to JB!

Recently, Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia organised the Mazda Skyactiv Challenge, sending 30 selected motoring journalists on a mission to prove just how economical their Skyactiv technology is.
The objective is to arrive in Johor Bahru (that’s
approximately 348.3km
 from Mazda’s HQ in Glenmarie, Shah Alam to Permas Jaya, JB) in
no more than seven hours
 (lunch break included), so time and speed are definitely of the essence.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda2
Mazda3
Mazda CX-5 2.0L
Engine
1,496cc; inline-4 with VVT and DOHC
1,998cc; inline-4 with VVT and DOHC
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive auto
Max Power
114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 hp @ 6,000 rpm
155 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
10.0 seconds
–
–
Top Speed
184 km/h
–
–
Price (OTR w/o insurance)
RM85,470.00
from RM106,105.30
from RM126,165.50
The 30 journalists (yours truly included) were split into 15 pairs and each team was assigned to either a
Mazda2
,
Mazda3
 or the
CX-5
; some of Mazda’s most well received models in Malaysia. Sure they’re in different segments, but what they share in common is the revered
Skyactiv-G engine
, albeit in differing displacements.
Prior to the flag off, President of National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Mr Chin Sung Chew was on site to verify that all cars had their fuel tanks filled (Shell FuelSave RON95) to the brim and made sure
nothing could be tempered with
, including the air conditioning, side mirrors, fuel tank and bonnet. This leveled the playing field and from an objective standpoint, the only variable involved in the challenge is how light one’s right foot is throughout the journey. And also, with a bit of luck, traffic conditions.
So there we were – 15 teams piloted by drivers with dogged determination, all eager to set a personal record of their slowest drive from KL to JB, ever. The predetermined route, measuring
348.3 kilometers
, is comprised largely of highways (PLUS highway) with just eight percent of the entire stretch being in the city.
Whilst keeping our objective in check, the natural thing to do is ensuring that our speed is kept constant between 80 to 100 km/h. This required religious surveillance over the speedo and tachometer, including the ‘Current’ or instant fuel consumption gauge. Now, on a typical long-haul journey like this, it’s best to take scheduled stops and not drive over two hours at a time, so that’s the opportunity we took to swap drivers.
Seven hours and some 300 kilometers later
, we’ve almost reached our destination – a Shell station in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru. Believe it or not, it was at this very moment that we realised our fuel gauge had
finally dropped one bar
. And that’s after getting caught in a 45-minute bumper-to-bumper crawl along the way! We weren’t sure about the gauge’s accuracy, but the folks at Mazda leapt at the opportunity and said, “That’s Skyactiv for you”. We’re not kidding.
Much has been said and heard about Mazda’s Skyactiv technology. But really, what is it? The engineers over at Mazda Corporation Japan thought there’s still potential for
Internal Combustion Engines
 (ICE; petrol and diesel) to be developed further, providing more power and increased fuel efficiency at the same time, all
without going the hybrid way
. Mazda added that hybrid cars are costlier to manufacture and maintain, which is true to some extent. Replacing the costly battery pack could potentially be the start of one’s balding process.
So back on the drawing board, Mazda’s engineers upped the ICE ante and developed the Skyactiv-G engine that operates with a
compression ratio of 14:1
, an unusually high compression for a gasoline engine. As a rule, petrol powered engines generally operate between 9:1 to 11:1 compression ratio. Any higher would invite premature detonation risks, but the challenge was dealt with a unique in-house developed chamber design. The result? An engine so flexible that’s
delightfully powerful and frugal
, as and when either is needed. Just so you know, some sports cars like Porsche have a compression ratio of 12.5:1.
The same mentality applies to the development of conventional torque converting gearboxes or slush boxes, as some would call it. Mazda’s six-speed
Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission
 features a unique
lock-up mechanism
 that operates at speeds above 8 km/h. What it does is
eliminate inherent slips
 commonly found in traditional slush boxes, thereby
improving torque delivery
 and
fuel efficiency
. Another fuel saving technology to complement this regard is the
i-Stop system
 which shuts down the engine at idle, but fires it back up again by injecting fuel into the engine.
Now, back to the Skyactiv Challenge. Once we’ve covered exactly 348.3km, each of the 15 cars were refueled and facilitated by Mr Chin himself. The end result may appear to be unrealistic and ‘too good to be true’, but remember, the figures achieved were corroborated by the President of NUJM himself, as well as the journalists involved in the drive. The results, as per the table below, are in the following order: Purple – Mazda2, Red – Mazda3, Green – CX-5.
Purple – Mazda2, Red – Mazda3, Green – CX-5 (2.0L)
We’re sure by now you’re questioning, “How can a CX-5 possibly be more fuel efficient than a Mazda2 or Mazda3? Or, even if it could, how is it that a 2.0L SUV consumed a full 3 litres less of fuel compared to the Mazda2 when both are driving in the same traffic conditions from KL to JB?” Admittedly, we were equally dumbfounded as well, but the fuel tank wouldn’t take an additional drop of fuel after the pump read 6.90 litres. If we are to cast the anomaly aside and focus on the how the rest fared, the results speak for themselves and are truly impressive. To answer your question – no, nothing ‘fuel conserving’ could be tempered with, not even the air conditioning.
Most of the cars (except for the anomalistic CX-5) had their fuel gauge dropped one bar, and the multi-info display indicated that all cars, at the very least, could manage to cover an additional
520km to 620km
 of tarmac. Mazda, through 30 motoring journalists who have just recorded their longest drive to JB, proved that a small change in driving pattern can yield astonishing fuel consumption, regardless of the car’s propulsion nature. To average it out, based on the results, one can
potentially get from KL to JB with just RM25 of fuel
, or even less! This is dependent on fuel prices and type of fuel used, of course. Technically, the less fuel you burn, the longer it will take for you to arrive at your destination.
So, with the Hari Raya holidays coming up, here’s something from us –
five key ways
 you can conserve fuel for those planning their ‘Balik Kampung’ trip:
1.
Avoid hard acceleration and braking
. A smoother throttle input will go as far as to save you 20 percent of fuel.
2. Make sure your
tyres are properly inflated
. If you’re planning a journey with the entire family, refer to your car’s handbook to find out its optimal tyre pressure when the car is fully loaded. This will save you as much as 3 percent of fuel.
3.
Avoid long idling time
. If you’re taking a toilet break at an R&R stop, it’s best to shut the car off until everyone is ready for the next drive.
4.
Adhere to speed limits
. It’s much easier on the wallet when you don’t get speeding tickets and drive within the car’s comfortable pace. The faster you drive, the higher the engine revs. Also take into account the drag at higher velocities.
5. Lastly, make sure your
car is properly serviced
. Dirty oil and air filters, old spark plugs and low fluid levels spell poor fuel economy. Do yourself and your car a favour by sending it for a
multi-point check
. This eliminates unnecessary wear-and-tear risks and keeps you driving at peace, especially when Hari Raya is upon us.
If you’re keen to find out why Mazda makes some of the best all-rounder cars around, you may read up on our reviews of the
Mazda2
 and
Mazda3
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Malaysia sold 39,000 cars in H1 2022 – over 60% contributed by City duo

Honda Malaysia announced that it has sold
39,000
 cars between January and June 2022, showing a 60% increase over the same period in 2021. With a
goal of 80,000 car sales in 2022
, Honda Malaysia is well on track to achieving its target.
So far this year, Honda has managed to attain 12% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV). Of the 39,000 cars sold, 39% of sales were the
Honda City
, 23% were of the
Honda City Hatchback
, and 18% were of the
Honda Civic
. The highest number of sales was recorded in March with 10,500 cars sold.
The Honda City has contributed to 39% of sales by Honda Malaysia in the first half of 2022.
RELATED:
Honda City reclaims title as best-selling B-segment sedan in Q1 ’22 – over 30k units sold since launch
As for bookings, Honda Malaysia has received
105,000 bookings
 between January to June 2022. High demand was seen approaching the end of the Sales Tax exemption period.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, “Honda Malaysia started 2022 on a high note with the launch of the Civic in January, which left a strong impression in the market with its attractive and premium features.
“Recently in July, we kept the momentum going with the launch of our popular Compact SUV, the
All-New HR-V
. Since its launch, the all-new model, featuring exceptional styling and advanced technology, has received outstanding response from the market. The positive acceptance of the Honda models helped to boost our sales performance this year.”
RELATED:
Five things to know about
t
he all-new 2022 Honda HR-V in Malaysia!
The company also thanked the Malaysian government for the
extension of the sales tax exempted vehicle registration period
. “Honda is working hard to ensure that the new cars are delivered to the customers in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality,” added Yoshimura.


Ford celebrates the year-end with sales and services promotions

In conjunction with the year-end festivities, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, is offering sales promotions for selected models, as well as services discounts.
From now until 31st January 2020, customers who purchase the
 Ford Ranger WildTrak
 or
Ranger Raptor
 will enjoy a
two years/40,000 km free maintenance package
, in addition to a free christmas gift worth RM2,000 and a Ford Performance golf umbrella. The Ranger WildTrak also comes with a
RM3,000 cash rebate
 during this promotional period.

All existing Ford owners are eligible to a
 free 27-point vehicle inspection
 by Ford-certified technicians, perfect for ensuring your vehicles are in serviceable conditions before the holiday road trip.
Within the promotional period, selected parts and engine oils for selected Ford models are also available with up to
20% discount
. Additionally, a
10% discount
 is available on labour fees for lubricant, brakes, and timing belt service packages for selected models.
All customers who pay in cash with a spending of more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive a complimentary set of travel cutleries. As the promotional period coincides with the Chinese New Year celebrations, Ford will also be giving out free Ford ‘Ang Pao’ packets to all service customers.
The Ford Ranger was launched in 2018, and has proven its popularity with the Malaysians, with a
16.2% market share
 in the pick-up truck segment within the country as of October this year.
Two variants of the WildTrak are available – the WildTrak 4×2 is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo diesel mill that pushes out
180 hp
 and
420 Nm
, while the WildTrak 4×4 gets an additional turbocharger to bump the output figure up to
213 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque.
The 4×4 variant also comes packed with advanced driver assist features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).
The performance-oriented
 Ranger Raptor
 shares the same powerplant from the WildTrak 4×4, but gets
FOX shock absorbers
as standard for better off-road capabilities. The Ranger Raptor has also been recently added into the
UK Police vehicle fleet
 for testing, a testament of its off-road performance.
Both the Ranger WildTrak and Raptor, as with the rest of the Ford Ranger line-up, come with
three years/100,000 km
 full manufacturer’s warranty as standard.


2020 Bahrain GP to be raced behind closed doors amid coronavirus fears

The official organisers of the event has announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar will take place without spectators
through a statement issued on Sunday
, according to a report by
motorsport.com
.
The announcement comes just two days after tickets sales were halted as the organisers move to evaluate its response to the escalating situation surrounding COVID-19.
The Gulf Kingdom said in the statement, “In consultation with our international partners and the Kingdom’s national health Taskforce, Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix as a participants-only event.
“As an F1 host nation, balancing the welfare of supporters and race goers is a tremendous responsibility. Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time,” it said.
However, the race weekend will still go ahead as a
televised event
, to ensure that the sport and global supporters are not “unduly impacted” by this decision.
On the prevention of spread of the virus, Bahrain said that its early actions to identify and isolate individuals affected by COVID-19 has been very successful to date.
“Aggressive social distancing measures have further increased the effectiveness of preventing the virus’ spread, something that would clearly be near impossible to maintain were the race to have proceeded as originally planned,” the statement said.
“We know how disappointed many will be by this news, especially for those planning to travel to the event, which has become a cornerstone event of the international F1 calendar, but safety has to remain our utmost priority.”
On the same day of the announcement, Italy has also announced the lockdown of several northern regions, including Modena where Ferrari is based.
On the
Facebook post
 of the announcement, a Bahrain International Circuit spokesperson said that the sales team is currently contacting all ticket holders in regards to the refund process.
The Australian Grand Prix this weekend is still scheduled to go ahead.


Volvo S60 T6 now costs RM239k, down RM42k thanks to EEV incentives

In an unprecedented turn of events, Volvo Car Malaysia has dropped a bomb right in the
BMW 330e iPerformance
‘s spotlight. The
Volvo S60 T6
, a 306 hp 3-Series rival had an original sticker price of RM281k, but thanks to EEV incentives granted by the government, it now costs RM238,888 – a full RM42,000 cheaper than before.
This news follows the
recent price reduction of the V40 T5, XC60 T5 and XC60 T6
, all of which are incentivised by the government thanks to Volvo’s newest developments in their Drive-E powertrain. Unlike its electrified counterparts (the BMW 330e and
Mercedes-Benz C 350 e
), the S60 T6 is powered solely by an internal combustion engine but is twincharged to produce a class’ best
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque.
The Swedish sedan gets an Aisin-made
eight-speed automatic transmission
 which sends all the power to the
front wheels
, unlike both the aforementioned German plug-in hybrids. In case you’re wondering just how quick the S60 is, it is tied with the C 350 e in the century sprint at
5.9 seconds
. The 330e iPerformance manages the same a tad slower at 6.1 seconds.
Five exterior colours
 can be specified; Ice White, Seashell, Ember Black, Saville Grey and Bright Silver. The Volvo S60 T6 is locally assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies in Shah Alam and can be widely personalised with Volvo’s selection of genuine accessories.


Daihatsu safety scandal: Toyota Raize passes in-house re-test of UN-R135, authorities to confirm

Following the “wrongdoing” of Daihatsu on the UN-R135 side pole impact test for the
Toyota Raize
/
Daihatsu Rocky
 that made news on
May 19, 2023
, Toyota has announced that the car has passed an internal re-test of the UN-R135 procedure. The re-test is only an in-house test, and
Toyota
 is still awaiting confirmation on the certification status by the relevant certification authority.
For those unfamiliar with the situation regarding the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky, Daihatsu Motor Corporation committed a “wrongdoing” for the UN-R135 pole side impact test. The company submitted side impact results for the left door to replace results for the right (driver) door instead. Quoting Daihatsu’s statement, “This time, the passenger seat side (left) was tested in the presence of witnesses. For the driver’s seat side, we submitted the left-side data instead of the right-side in-house test data.”
The in-house re-test was conducted on
May 24, 2023
, at the Daihatsu Shiga Technical Centre. The purpose of the UN-R135 test is to confirm the safety of a vehicle when it collides with a utility pole from the side. In the test, the side of a vehicle was crashed into a utility-type pole at a speed of 32 km/h. Through the test, it can be confirmed:
If the occupant impact (injury value) meets legal standards
If the door does not dislodge or release
If the amount of fuel leakage is below a certain value
RELATED:
Toyota Raize sales suspended, another Daihatsu safety scandal appears
Toyota and Daihatsu have also shared the results of the test, showing that the Raize/Rocky meets regulatory safety standards concerning occupant impact injury to the head, shoulders, ribs, abdominal muscles, lower spine, and pelvis. The car also meets safety requirements concerning vehicle damage such as door dislodgement and fuel leaks.
As mentioned earlier, the re-test is an in-house test and has not been confirmed by the certification authority. The necessary procedures for shipment and sales resumption of the Toyota Raize will be implemented, such as conducting tests in the presence of certification authorities and confirming other certification items in consultation with the authorities.
Regarding the UN-R135 issue, Toyota’s official statement reads, “We view this case not as an individual or workplace issue, but rather a company-wide issue where an individual or workplace was forced to commit a wrongdoing. Together with Daihatsu, we are committed to listening to the voices of those on the front lines and carefully responding to the situation.”
As for the Raize/Rocky’s Malaysian counterpart, the
Perodua Ativa
, no official statements have been released regarding the issue.
RELATED:
Toyota Yaris Ativ sales suspended in Thailand, Vios unaffected in Malaysia – Here’s why


Hyundai announces exclusive service rebates for Ioniq owners in Malaysia

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced a range of exclusive service privileges for
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
 owners in Malaysia, including special discounts for aftersales services, plus a complimentary 20-point vehicle inspection.
Starting
 1 October until 30 November 2021
, all Hyundai Ioniq owners who send in their vehicles to any authorised Hyundai service centre will enjoy discounts of up to 25% on selected parts, and 10% on labour charges. The selected parts eligible for the 25% discount include gaskets, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and more.
In addition to the parts and labour charges discount, Hyundai Ioniq customers who are also members of the
Hyundai Loyalty Card
 programme will also be entitled to exclusive monthly promotions, including 20% discounts on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products.
The Hyundai Loyalty Card is a complimentary programme for all Hyundai owners; customers can sign up for the card at any authorised Hyundai service centres nationwide.
Although HSDM has stopped retailing the current Ioniq Hybrid model, Managing Director Low Yuan Lung said that its customers are not forgotten. “We have a big customer base for the Ioniq. and we would like to continue to show our appreciation to our customers by offering them this special service privilege.”
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was first launched in Malaysia back in 2016, at an attractive price point due to its hybrid powertrain and local assembly of the model. Unlike other Hyundai models, the Ioniq only requires service every 15,000 km, or once in every nine months.
For more information on the service promotion, customers can contact Hyundai Sime Darby Motor via the hotline at
1300-13-2000
 or log on to
www.hyundai.com.my
.


Lexus rumoured to be making a new sports car based on the Toyota GR86

Lexus could be unveiling an all-new sports car based on the
Toyota GR86
/
Subaru BRZ
 twin, and we might see it as soon as by the year-end, if rumours from Japanese automotive website
Spyder7
 is to be believed.
Marin Kawasaki/Twitter
The new entry-level sports car is reportedly called the UC for “Urban Coupe”, and will feature the same naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine as seen on the Hachiroku twins (
triplets?
). However, the report claims that the Lexus UC will set itself apart from the other two models with a new electrification system tacked onto its powertrain.
Turbo kits are already being developed for the Toyota GR 86, with power output boosted up to over 300 hp! Check them out here.
Will it be a plug-in hybrid, or a 48V mild-hybrid solution? Well, nobody knows for now, but seeing that the model is meant to be a lightweight rear-wheel drive sports car, the latter seems more likely. Either way,
Spyder7
 says that the overall length of the car will be lengthened slightly to accommodate the hybrid battery pack.
The all-new Toyo-baru twins
For context, the all-new Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ’s boxer engine makes
235 hp
 and
250 Nm
 stock, and can be paired to either a six-speed manual transmission as standard, or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. Seeing that the Lexus will probably be positioned as the luxury variant, we think that the latter will be more likely on the UC.
Marin Kawasaki/Twitter
A spyshot of the Lexus UC development mule was supposedly spotted by Japanese Twitter user marin_kawasaki. If the photo is indeed of the actual model, we can expect to see the usual Lexus design touches, such as the iconic Spindle grille, more angular lighting elements, and possibly a set of larger wheels on the final production car.
Probably not 14-inches in size, but should feature the same software!
The Lexus UC’s interior should also be a step above the GR86 and BRZ to fit its brand image. Expect to see the new Lexus Link infotainment system that was unveiled alongside the
all-new NX
being adapted for the new sports car, alongside a swath of premium leather upholstery.
The older Lexus infotainment system is, in all honesty, a complete mess. Read more about it in our Lexus UX review here.
Lexus did not respond directly when journalists pressed about the new sports car, only responding with the standard boilerplate about not commenting on future product plans and all that jazz. Although, they did tell US publications that there’s “some exciting things coming up for Lexus” – we can only hope that a new entry-level sports car is in the works!


2014 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L launched in Malaysia, price from RM143k [+Video]

It’s finally here now, after nearly nine months since its global debut in South Korea. The
seventh generation
 Hyundai Sonata is undoubtedly a handsome looking car, and
as per previously reported
, its design is based on the evolved
Fluidic Sculpture 2.0
, and looks strikingly similar like the flagship
Genesis
, also on its way here.
QUICK FACTS
Name
2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L
Engine
1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology
Transmission
6-speed automatic, conventional torque converter
Max Power
152 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
from RM143,163.30 (
OTR with insurance and road tax
)

The new Sonata is offered here in
three flavours
 – Elegance B being the base model, Elegance and Executive. All three variants will be powered by the same
2.0-litre naturally aspirated
 Nu MPI engine, so gone is the 2.4-litre mill previously offered in the superseded sixth-gen YF Sonata.
EXTERIOR
Hyundai’s designers are evidently outdoing themselves here in their pursuit for visually alluring aesthetics, and this Korean D-Segment sedan’s styling revolves around the brand’s evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and Human-Machine Interface technology. To put it simply, the whole design of the new Sonata is made to be
more driver centric
, as you’ll see in a bit.

Standard exterior feature across the range are projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, trapezoidal single exhaust pipe, electric folding side mirrors, welcoming lights on the door handle and LED rear fog lamps. Both the Elegance variants sit on
17-inch alloy wheels
 wrapped with 215/55R17 profile tyres, while riding on MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link type suspension at the rear.
Another interesting feature of the Sonata is the new
Smart Trunk System
 which automatically opens the trunk when you stand at the back of the car for
three seconds
. This only works when the car detects the smart key though, so don’t be surprised if the boot suddenly opens when you carry out casual conversations behind the car for the first time.
Features exclusive to the range-topping Executive trim are the 18-inch wheels shod with 235/45/R18 series rubbers, auto leveling
bi-xenon HID headlights
 with
Active Cornering Lamp
 and rain sensors.
INTERIOR
Inside, the Sonata’s cabin is a clear departure from the model it replaces, and this time it is designed to be more driver centric, meaning that its ergonomics are easily operable via intuition.

The change begins with what Hyundai describes as
T-shaped centre fascia
, where the dashboard and centre fascia is obviously laid out. This layout proves Hyundai’s claims of improved ergonomics, which we tested on your behalf.
Now, standard interior features in all Sonatas are: dual zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, keyless entry with push-start ignition, rear reverse sensors, leather seats, 12-way electrically powered driver’s seat, leather wrapped gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches and auto headlights.
The
Elegance
 trim gives you Hyundai’s Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with Bluetooth and Micro SD card functionalities, as well as additional front parking sensors and a reverse camera. The AVN runs on Android 4.4.2, and it supports
Waze and Youtube
, too.
In the
Executive
 trim, you get electric chromic mirror, 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-info display (also shared with the Elegance variant), 8-way electrically powered front passenger seat, retractable panoramic sunroof and rain sensors.
The top two trims also come with a built-in
Safe Drive Recorder
, one of the more popular in-car aftermarket gadgetry these days. Its placed between the windscreen and the rear view mirror, and comes with an 8GB SD card for storage purposes.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the Sonata is Hyundai’s trusty
2.0-litre
 inline-four naturally aspirated engine that now makes
152 horsepower
 at 6,200 rpm and
194 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s paired to the familiar
six-speed

automatic
 torque converting gearbox, driving the front wheels only.
Driving modes can be selected through the
Drive Mode Control System
, and there are three modes to choose from – Active Eco, Normal and Sports. It works by tweaking the
Motor-Driven Power Steering
 (MDPS), throttle response and air-conditioning to optimise vehicle performance.
SAFETY
On the safety side of things, dual front airbags, ABS, ESC, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) are standard, but the upper two variants get four additional airbags (two side and two curtain airbags), making a total of
six
. Wrapping up the new Sonata’s safety front is the extensive use of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS; 30 percent more than the previous generation Sonata) in the body structure, which is two times stronger than ordinary steel.
WHAT ELSE?
Pricing of the new Sonatas, OTR with insurance and road tax are as such –
Elegance B
 (RM143,163.30),
Elegance
 (RM149,845.30),
Executive
 (RM158,053.30). There are six colour options to choose from, namely Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Remington Red, Dark Horse and Phantom Black.
First hand owners of this Sonata will benefit from the country’s first
8-year

or 300,000km

warranty programme
offered by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors. The first five years covers manufacturing warranty, whereas the additional three years will cover the engine and gearbox. All buyers will also be entitled to a 2-year free membership of Hyundai Malaysia’s proprietary concierge service known as
The Leader
.
Members of
The Leader
 can enjoy VIP privileges such as worldwide access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at selected airports in Malaysia, and a one-time complimentary chauffeur driven ride to or from KLIA, KLIA2 or Subang Skypark. There’s also the personalised medical assistance and priority will be given to you when you service your Sonata at selected 3S Centres nationwide.
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IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia introduces the AgilityPlus plan

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia must believe that too many people want to experience the best or nothing behind the wheel, so they’ve come up with this, the new AgilityPlus plan, to make sure no man (or woman) is denied their dream Mercedes-Benz.
As an extension to the Agility Financing plan,
 as we’ve been explained to
, which offers flexible end of agreement options to settle or extend their contracts or return their Mercedes-Benz vehicles,
AgilityPlus
 offers customers the option to equip their Agility Financing plan with either one or a combination of value add-ons.
They include the Mercedes-Benz Comprehensive Motor Insurance, Tyre and Rim Insurance, Return to Invoice (RTI) Insurance as well as the Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact or Compact Plus).
The
Guaranteed Future Value
 is another key feature which protects customers against depreciation, while enjoying lower monthly instalments.
“With the inclusion of the Mercedes-Benz Service Package, customers are assured their Mercedes-Benz vehicles are cared for by trained and experienced technicians, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and guaranteed use of genuine parts. Our presence at touch-points throughout our extensive network further guarantees convenience for our customers nationwide,” explained
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Managing Director, Mike
Ponnaz.
Besides the
freedom to adjust the tenure
 of each financing and insurance solution, customers also benefit from savings as a result of being protected against the fluctuations of volatile market prices through the Guarantee Future Value and Mercedes-Benz Service Package.
The tenure options for Agility Financing, RTI and Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact) is
between one to five years
 while the tenure for Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Tyre and Rim is one year (renewal basis). The Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact Plus) is a one-off add-on.
The C350e now falls under Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s
new EQ Power sub-category
.
Customers who choose to finance their Mercedes-Benz GLC200, for instance, with the Drive360+ option for five years (20,000 km per annum), with a five year RTI, one year Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Tyre and Rim and Service Package (Compact Plus) will
only pay RM 4,715 per month
.
Through AgilityPlus, MBSM is also running the Performance Agility Care campaign
from 25 April to 30 June
. The campaign offers Agility Financing for all Mercedes-Benz AMG 43 and 45 models for an ownership tenure of one to five years, complemented by a service package and exclusive AMG merchandise.
On the side note, MBSM also recently introduced the EQ Agility Care campaign, which
runs until 30 June 2018
, to compliment the newly-launched EQ Power products. Through the campaign, customers who are also eligible to add on AgilityPlus solutions, will receive scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing, along with an EQ Power charging wallbox packaged with their new EQ Power C350 e or E350 e for an ownership tenure of one to five years.


Proton exported 669 units in May 2021, X50 best-seller in the segment

National carmaker Proton managed to close the month of May with
9,440 units
, bringing a total of
57,283 units
 for the first five months of 2021.
Its sales in May moved in tandem with the decline of the overall Total Industry Volume (TIV), which it is forecasted to have
reduced by 20%
 due to the semiconductor chip shortages as well as the reintroduction of the more stringent movement control order (MCO).
Proton last month started construction of the
Tanjung Malim plant expansion
, dedicated to stamping of large panels
The monthly market share of
20.3%
 is the second-lowest for the year with
January
 being the lowest due to shortages in parts and kits.
While it wasn’t a great month for domestic business, its
export division
 celebrated on the back of the successful delivery of
669 units
 in May, a 98-month high. With just
exports
 of Proton Saga, X50 and X70 models, total sales for 2021 are now less than 100 units behind the total for the whole of 2020.
As with the trend for the first four months, the top three Proton models in May are the Saga with 3,786 units, the X50 with 1,899 units and the X70 closed the month with 1,523 units.
While suffering a large sales fall (-1,684 units), the Proton X50 is also said to be May’s
best-seller
 in the B-segment SUV, where it was placed second in April with strong sales of over 3,500 units.
The Proton Persona saw a reduction of nearly 1,000 units versus April to register sales of 1,303 units while the Iriz and Exora ended the month of May with 526 units and 399 units respectively.
With the closure of retail car sales due to the ongoing MCO 3.0, Proton is taking the opportunity to work with their dealers on restudying the sales plan for this year, as the government on Monday announced the
extension of the SST exemption
 to the end of this year.
The extension might not have an effect on lower-priced models such as the Proton Saga and Persona, but it makes a significant impact on the Proton X70 and X50, where the former is
RM4,900 cheaper
 and sees a starting price of RM89,900.
The introduction of
upcoming new models
 will also be rescheduled, as Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar concluded, “We are also finalising our model launch plans for the rest of this year. The current MCO will push some of these dates back, but Proton remains committed to meeting our launch targets and creating some excitement for our customers in 2021.”
The models that are rumoured to be launched this year are the improved
Proton Persona
 as well as a
crossover-theme Proton Iriz
.


2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport now in Malaysia, priced at RM389k

It has been two years since the
arrival of ‘The Boss’
 to Malaysian shores, and now the F15 BMW X5 is joined by a plug-in hybrid variant, the X5 xDrive40e M Sport. Being locally assembled granted this hybrid vehicle the EEV status, which explains the attractive price tag of RM389k – a whopping RM145k cheaper than the X5 xDrive30d.
Not only is the xDrive40e the
cheapest variant
 in BMW Malaysia’s X5 lineup, the price also undercuts its closest rival to date, the recently-announced CKD version of the
Volvo XC90 T8
. After the
i8 supercar
, the X5 xDrive40e is the first
iPerformance
 model to be introduced here, and BMW Malaysia hinted that more iPerformance models will be introduced in the near future.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport
Engine
1,997 cc; 4-cylinder, turbocharged, with electric motor
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
245 hp @ 5,000 – 6,500 rpm (petrol engine)
111 hp @ 3,170 rpm (electric motor)
308 hp @ 5,000 rpm
 (combined)
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,800 rpm (petrol engine)
250 Nm @ 0 – 3,170 rpm (electric motor)
450 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,500 rpm
 (combined)
Price
RM388,800.00
EXTERIOR
What caught us by surprise is that the
most frugal X5
 in the range is also the
sportiest looking X5 variant
 in Malaysia, because the full-fat
X5 M
 is not on sale here. Dressed with the
M Sport
 kit, the X5 xDrive40e gets a unique set of bumpers, side skirts, and body-coloured wheel arch extensions.

At the front, there are
bigger air dams
 on each side of the bumper, and
Adaptive LED headlamps
 and LED foglamps are fitted as standard. Drag-reducing aero work is still present here, most notably the
Air Curtains
 at the edge of the front air dam that work together with the
Air Breathers
 on the front fenders.
The reprofiled rear bumper houses a pair of
bigger trapezoidal tailpipe finishers
, and the whole package sits on a set of
staggered 19-inch M Sport light alloy wheels
 wrapped in 255/50 tyres at the front and 285/45 tyres at the rear. More subtle signs that indicate this is the hybrid X5 are the badges on the front doors and on the rear tailgate, and a flap on the passenger-side front fender that conceals the charging port.
INTERIOR
It’s the same X5 cabin as we all know it which means it comes the
Black Panel instrument cluster
, a
Head-Up Display
,
10.25-inch screen
 on the dash, and
iDrive touch controller
 with handwriting recognition. However, being an
M Sport
 model, the cabin has been spiced up with some M Sport accessories such as the
sports steering wheel
 with shift paddles and the front
sports seats
. The seats are wrapped in either Leather Dakota Black or Leather Dakota Terra as appeared on the display car.

The ‘
eDrive
‘ wording on the center console hints at its hybrid powertrain, and there’s a dedicated ‘eDrive’ button on the center console that allows the driver to choose from
three eDrive modes
 (Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and Save Battery) that works on top of the existing three drive modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport).
Additional menu is also embedded into the ConnectedDrive menu in the iDrive system, which shows hybrid-related information such as the battery charge status and charging timer.
Rear Seat Entertainment Professional
 is also provided for the rear occupants with two 10.2-inch screens just behind the front seats’ headrests.
The boot will haul
500 litres
 worth of cargo, and it can take another 1,220 litres with the rear seats folded down. However, since the battery pack occupies the boot floor, it denies the xDrive40e of its seven-seater capacity like its xDrive35i sibling.
PERFORMANCE
Under the bonnet is a
turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder
 ‘B48’ that’s already in use in various BMW models such as the
G11 730Li
, but in the X5 xDrive40e it’s assisted by a
synchronous electric motor
. While the petrol engine develops
245 hp
 and
350 Nm
, the electric motor alone is capable to generate
83kW
 (111 hp) and
250 Nm
 from zero rpm. In
Max eDrive
 mode, the X5 xDrive40e is claimed to go
up to 120 km/h
 or travel
up to 30 km
 using just its electric motor. Providing the juice for the electric motor is the
9 kWh lithium ion battery
 under the boot floor, which can be
charged
 in just
under four hours
 using the standard 3-pin wall socket using the provided adapter.
When the petrol engine and the electric motor join forces, they produce a total of
308 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque, and as the ‘
xDrive
‘ badge suggests, the drive is sent to all four wheels, via an
8-speed automatic
 gearbox. For comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in the X5 xDrive35i produces 305 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Getting from
0 to 100 km/h
 takes
6.8 seconds
, and it will reach a
top speed
 of
210 km/h
. But the highlight has to be the fuel consumption, the X5 xDrive40e sips just
3.3 litres of petrol per 100 km
.
SAFETY
Other than the usual
front and side airbags
, there are also
head airbags
 for all except the middle rear seat passenger. While on the move, the
Driving Assistant System
 keeps the driver alert with the
Lane Departure Warning
,
City Collision Warning
, and
Pedestrian Collision Warning
. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, and on top of that there’s also the
Surround View camera
 to facilitate parking in tight spaces.
WHAT ELSE?
There are four exterior colours to choose from: Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Space Grey and Carbon Black. The X5 xDrive40e would retail for RM582,800.00, but the
government-approved hybrid incentive
 brings down the price to just
 RM388,800.00
. It comes with
BMW

5-Year unlimited mileage warranty
 with free scheduled service, and the
 24-month BMW tyre warranty
 is included too. Meanwhile, the
batteries
 are guaranteed for the first 100,000 km or the first
six years
, whichever comes first.
The
BMW i Wallbox
 is also available for an additional RM6,000, which reduces the battery charging time to less than 3 hours. Furthermore, BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with
Malaysian Green Technology Corporation
 (GreenTech Malaysia) entitles the customers access to
ChargEV charging stations
 using the
ChargeNow
 card at a fee. Currently there are 19 ChargEV stations located throughout Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Melaka, and Johor, and they are targeting to open a total of
300 charging stations
 towards year end.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lamborghini Urus makes history as the company’s best-selling model of all time

With more and more SUVs filling the roads in all shapes and sizes, we are now neck-deep into the age of SUVs and every manufacturer has been cashing in on the trend.
Lamborghini
 is no different from the Urus and it’s already paying off dividends as the 20,000th unit has just rolled off the production line; making it the best-selling Lamborghini ever after just four years of being in production.
To give you some perspective of how quickly the Urus has been flying off the shelves, the company announced last July that it has sold
15,000 units
,

and exactly a year before that, the company announced its
10,000 units
 sold milestone.
Finished in Viola Mithras with black rims and brake callipers, this 20,000th unit will be shipped off to a customer in Azerbaijan.
The next best-selling model from Lamborghini is the Huracan with 2,586 units made in 2021 alone. As for the Urus, Lamborghini has made 5,021 units in 2021 alone.
The Urus was in such high demand that Lamborghini had to double the volume and size of the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory from 861,000 sq ft to 1.7 million sq ft along with the introduction of 500 new staff members to facilitate production demands.
The Urus has come a long way as Lamborghini’s first attempt at making a super SUV didn’t go very well with the introduction of the LM002 back in 1989.
Back then, the LM002 sold poorly with only 301 units getting the opportunity to roll off the factory. It was initially designed as a military vehicle for the US but unfortunately, plans didn’t take off so Lamborghini converted it to a consumer pick-up truck.
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 641 hp and 850Nm paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Lamborghini Urus launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, earning a spot on top of the list as one of the fastest production SUVs in the market as well as being the fastest to roll off showrooms.


Facts & Figures: MINI John Cooper Works GP now here in Malaysia, RM377K

Alongside the launch of the
 fully-electric MINI Cooper SE
, MINI Malaysia today also introduced the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the most extreme MINI ever built.
Limited to only 3,000 units globally,
only 10
 will make its way onto our shores, priced at
RM 377,490,70
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the

sales tax exemptions
.

EXTERIOR
Of course, the JCW GP is still a MINI after all, so it still has the iconic silhouette, along with the elliptical headlights and Union Jack taillights – though the latter two have been darkened to suit the loud and aggressive stature of the JCW GP. Model specific exterior features include:
GP-specific front and rear fascias
JCW hood scoop and honeycomb grille design
Hexagonal radiator grille
Flared wheel arch with “spats”, hand-crafted from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and numbered 0000 to 3000 depending on serial number
Roof-mounted rear wing
double stainless steel tailpipes – largest diameter ever on a MINI
18-inch lightweight (less than 9 kg) forged wheels a JCW GP model-specific four-spoke design
Exterior in Racing Grey metallic, roof and exterior mirror caps finished in the contrasting Melting Silver metallic; Hexagonal radiator grille, lower air intake inserts, and the inside of the roof spoiler finished in high-gloss Chili Red leaves
PERFORMANCE
The MINI JCW GP is powered by the new uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged John Cooper Works engine, first seen on the
JCW Countryman and Clubman
.
Engine: 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
Drivetrain: Front engine, front wheel drive
Max horsepower: 306 hp @ 5,000 – 6,250 RPM
Max Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500 RPM
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 265 km/h
The additional 74 hp and 100 Nm of output compared to the previous JCW models comes from the upgraded engine internals, newly engineered turbocharger, larger intakes and reworked exhaust. The JCW GP is also equipped with a model-specific upgraded oil and cooling system to ensure that oil and air supply is uninterrupted during track driving.
As a result, the JCW GP gains an additional 15 km/h at the top end of the speedometer compared to the other JCW models.
Other performance improvements include an improved braking system featuring 360 mm discs and four piston front calipers, reinforced engine bay and chassis, a stiffer and more complex suspension set-up and bushings, and a mechanical differential lock for the front wheels.
The track widths of the MINI JCW GP have also been increased, while the body lowered by an additional 10 mm compared to the regular JCW models to increase agility on track.
INTERIOR
The ridiculousness of the JCW GP continues inside, with the rear seats completely stripped out, replaced by a cross brace to make the JCW GP a two-seater only. MINI says that 3D printing is extensively used on the interior, on items such as the interior trims bearing its own serial number (out of 3,000), aluminium shift pedals, and steering wheel clasp.
Other interior highlights on the MINI JCW GP include:
JCW sports seats in Dinamica leather with silver side edges, red accentuation seams, and GP badges
Red seat belts
JCW leather steering wheel with aluminium shift pedals
3D printed passenger-side interior trim featuring specific serial number
TECHNOLOGY
Although the MINI JCW GP puts significant focus on all-out performance, it is still packed with numerous technology features to make everyday driving easier and more pleasant. These include:
8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost infotainment display, with navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity
5-inch black panel digital instrument cluster with analog and digital display modes
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Wireless charging pad
MINI Connected, with functionalities such as Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI TeleServices and Remote Services
Cruise control with braking function
PRICING
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is priced at
RM 377,470.90
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Included in the price is a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, along with five-year MINI Roadside Assistance programme.
With BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s Balloon Financing programme, the MINI John Cooper Works GP can be yours starting at RM4,184 per month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Toyota RAV4 is Japan’s Car of the Year

After two consecutive years of a foreign make winning the Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) title, specifically Volvo with the XC60 and XC40, the 2019-2020 crown has reverted to a home manufacturer with Toyota clinching it with the
RAV4
.
The win by the Toyota RAV4 makes it
three in a row for SUVs
, even though there were only three SUVs in the final 10 nominees this year. The panel of judges rated the RAV4 well ahead of the
Mazda 3
 and
BMW 3 Series
. Here’s how they fared in the points tally:

Top 10 finalists of 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year
Toyota RAV4
 (436 pts)
Mazda 3
 (328 pts)
BMW 3 Series
 (290 pts)
Toyota Corolla
 (118 pts)
Jaguar I-Pace
 (109 pts)
Jeep Wrangler
 (56 pts)
Honda N-WGN
 (54 pts)
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 (53 pts)
Nissan Dayz/Mitsubishi eK
 (35 pts)
Daihatsu Tanto
 (21 pts)
The judges commended the RAV4 for its
four-wheel drive
 system, new
platform
 (for comfort and driving enjoyment), ample luggage space as well as its connected infotainment system.
When will we see you in Malaysia, RAV4?
If there’s one model to complete the Toyota line-up in Malaysia, it has to be a mid-size SUV in the shape of the RAV4. The last we heard was it is still ‘under consideration’ and that a
2020 launch is likely
, though it will be fully imported, and is expected to be priced higher than other CKD rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail.
BMW 3 Series bagged ‘Best Import’ for JCOTY.
Other notable category winners of this year’s JCOTY includes the
BMW 3- Series
 with “Import Car of the Year Award”, the
Nissan Skyline
 for “Best Innovation Award’’ (for its ProPilot 2.0 autonomous drive technology),
Jeep Wrangler
 for ‘Emotional Category Award’ and the
Nissan Dayz/Mitsubishi eK
 for “Small Mobility Award”.
(An
earlier story
 referring to the Nissan Dayz and Mitsubishi eK as winning the JCOTY crown was inaccurate; that win by Nissan and Mitsubishi carried the title of RJC COTY. Both COTY awards have judging panels comprising automotive journalists in Japan.)


“Second-gen” 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 unveiled with mild design tweaks, revised tech

The
Volkswagen ID.3
 is barely three and a half years old, but the German giant is already giving it a “second-generation” model. Before you get all excited, though, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is really more of a mid-cycle facelift update than an all-new model; the only changes here are mild design updates, alongside some (much-needed) technology revisions on the inside.
On the outside, the main updates are seen on the front, with a re-profiled front bumper featuring new vertical air curtain intakes on the corners. The bonnet has also been updated as well, with an all-new panel pressing that does away with the black panel near the cowl, giving the ID.3 a slightly more conventional look, and a slightly improved drag coefficient.
Volkswagen says the tail lights have also been updated with a new X-shaped lighting signature that illuminates across the entire housing on the boot lid (as opposed to only the main enclosure on the pre-facelift). But the update that we’re genuinely most excited about is the new exterior colour pictured here, dubbed ‘Dark Olivine Green’, which comes with a blacked out roof and matte silver accents. Tasteful.
Inside, the most notable change comes in the form of an updated software on a new larger 12-inch central infotainment display, which is now standard across the range. The revised software promises improved performance across the board and revised UI/UX design, both of which perhaps sorely needed for the model; previous software issues and development delays were so significant that they were widely rumoured as the reason for Herbert Diess to step down as Volkswagen CEO last year.
Other interior changes include improved materials and more soft-touch surfaces across the cabin. The door cards have also been remodelled with larger and softer armrests, a change stemming from user feedback.
Powering the new 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is the unchanged rear-mounted electric motor, which is rated for an output of
204 hp
 and
310 Nm
 of torque. For juice, buyers have two choices of lithium-ion batteries – a 58 kWh pack for the base Pro variant offering
426 km
 of range (WLTP), and a 77 kWh pack for the Pro S that serves up
546 km
.
The larger battery does mean a slightly slower 0-100 km/h sprint time (7.9 seconds, 0.6 seconds slower than the Pro), although top speed is limited at 160 km/h on both variants.
The main update in terms of powertrain comes in the form of an uprated DC charging rate on the Pro S, now up to 170 kW, which shortens its charging time to 30 minutes (5-80%). The Pro will have to stick with a slower 120 kW DC charging rate, taking 35 minutes to charge from 5-80%.
GALLERY


2017 Citroen C5 Aircross unveiled, gets a 300 hp plug-in hybrid variant!

Groupe PSA’s EMP2 platform makes yet another entrant here, with the
Peugeot 3008
 and the classy
DS 7
 SUVs being the latest duo. This time, the newest addition to the range is the 2017 Citroen C5 Aircross, which will be making its debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.
The C5 Aircross is offered as a
five-seater SUV
, incorporating their unique hallmark “airbumps” design on the side of the car’s body. It is 4,500 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,670 mm tall and has a
wheelbase of 2,730 mm
. The C5 Aircross has the longest wheelbase in its class, offering ‘
Best in Class legroom
’ for occupants. Boot volume meanwhile is rated at
482 litres
.

Just like the soon-to-come 3008, it is powered by a
1.6-litre turbocharged
 petrol engine producing two states of tunes:
165 hp
 and
 200 hp
. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a
six-speed automatic transmission
. Diesel variants are offered as well, but for selected markets only.
The bigger news here is the availability of a plug-in hybrid variant, making it the company’s most powerful production car ever. Just like the 3008, the C5 Aircross will get two electric motors that’s paired to the 1.6-litre engine, producing a combined output of 300 hp. It’s also the only variant to come with all-wheel drive, all while boasting a full electric range of 60 km.
Comfort is prioritised here, as it comes fitted with
Progressive Hydraulic Cushions
. This system adds two hydraulic stops to each suspension unit – one for rebound and one for compression, making this the most comfortable SUV in its class. The autonomous
Active Safety Brake
, Active Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function are all part of this SUV’s safety repertoire.
The 2017 Citroen C5 Aircross will go on sale in China later this year, followed by Europe around Q2 2018. What do you guys think of the C5 Aircross?
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW Wireless Charging debuts for BMW 530e, fully charged in 3.5 hours

Having
been presented to the world
 in late 2017, the BMW Wireless Charging is now officially available for purchase in selected markets. This makes the Munich-based carmaker to offer the world’s first factory-fitted wireless charging technology for electrified vehicles.
BMW Wireless Charging uses an Inductive Charging Station (GroundPad) installed on the ground and a secondary vehicle component (CarPad) fixed to the underside of the vehicle. The contactless charging works similarly to a wireless charging tray that is widely available for mobile phones where the GroundPad generates a magnetic field and electric current is induced in the CarPad which then charges the battery pack.
With a charging power of
3.2 kW
, the system can fully charge a 530e iPerformance in around 3
.5 hours
 from empty. At the moment, BMW is only offering this Wireless Charging function for the plug-in hybrid 5 series.
To activate the wireless charging, all the driver has to do is line up the 530e according to the parking guidance on the Control Display into the optimum position. Once the car is lined up, a simple push of the
Start/Stop button
 will initiate the charging process. The system automatically switches off once the battery is fully charged.
The GroundPad can be installed
both indoors and outdoors
, where it may be used regardless of weather conditions. Rain, snow and even driving over the GroundPad will not damage the component in any way. During charging the GroundPad is permanently monitored to only induct electricity with the CarPad, should any foreign matters be detected, the electric current will be immediately switched off.
Plug-in hybrids account for over
50 percent of BMW Group Malaysia’s vehicle deliveries
, offering the most comprehensive PHEV line up in Malaysia consisting of the
330e
,
530e
,
740Le
 and the
X5 xDrive40e
. It remains to be seen whether the company will offer this convenient feature for its Malaysian customers.
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Toyota’s Kinto One subscription service in Malaysia now offers even more flexibility

Subscription services already offer a substantial increase in flexibility over a traditional car ownership. But with its latest update, Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota’s
Kinto One subscription service
 now promises even more options for those who prefer subscriptions, thanks to the newly enhanced packages and additional plans.
Customers interested in the Kinto One service can now choose from different yearly mileage packages (between 20,000 km and 30,000 km), plus the option to choose a longer subscription of up to five years.
Of course, the existing benefits of a subscription service are still here, with everything from admin fees, annual comprehensive insurance, road tax, as well as periodic and preventive maintenance all included into one monthly fixed subscription fee.
A new locally-assembled hybrid Toyota SUV is coming soon! Learn more about it here.
For those who want to save a few pennies (and don’t mind the added hassle that comes with it), there’s also a new Lite Package, which does not include wear and tear maintenance. Customers will be responsible for repairs or replacements of wear and tear parts at their own costs when required.
The company says that the Lite Package is a natural reaction to the market demand, where customers now travel much lesser than before, but still require an easy and straightforward “car usership” programme.
“Soon after we launched Kinto One, the country was ushered into another major lock down and this has encouraged us to be more adaptive of the local happenings,” said Toyota Capital Malaysia president, Thomas Chai.
“Through our spirit of Kaizen and structured discipline in product development, we took advantage of the recent lock down to improve our Kinto One features. We listened closely to what the market needs and has come up with additional varieties of Kinto One to cater to the growing car subscription market.”
The Toyota Corolla has sold over 50 million units worldwide – 300,000 in Malaysia alone. Learn more about the landmark achievement here!
On top of adding more flexibility for the general consumers, Toyota Capital Malaysia has also introduced the new Kinto One Business service, designed as a full-service leasing option to cater for companies and corporations’ growing need of fleet vehicles.
The new business plans will offer a variety of commercial vehicle options, and just like the regular consumer-facing offerings, everything related to the vehicle throughout the subscription period is also taken care of by the subscription service, allowing the companies to focus on their own bottom lines.
Launched in January this year, the Kinto One subscription service now includes nearly all popular models under the UMW Toyota umbrella, including new additions such as the
Toyota Corolla Cross
, Hiace vans (Business), and the Hilux pick-up truck (Business), as well as Lexus models such as the
UX 200
.
The Kinto One inventory and subscription prices can be found at
www.kinto-my.com
. Learn more about the Toyota Kinto One subscription service
here
.


Volvo will not develop new diesel engines, focus on electrification

Diesel engines will soon be a thing of the past for Volvo Cars as the Swedish carmaker announced that they will not be producing new generation diesel powertrains. This highlights Volvo’s commitment to a clean and electrified future beyond the traditional combustion engine.
It is said that all new Volvo models
introduced from 2019 onwards
 will only be available in either
mild hybrid petrol
,
plug-in hybrid petrol
 or
fully electric-powered
. This product strategy will be present in the
all-new S60
 which is due this year, powered by a range of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines as well as two petrol plug-in hybrid versions. Mild-hybrid variants will join the line up in 2019.
Spyshot of the new Volvo S60
This should not come as a surprise as several European countries are already in motion to
ban petrol and diesel engines
. Volvo’s move to drop diesel engines is a step towards a cleaner future without internal combustion engines as it has been widely reported that
diesel-powered cars are not cleaner than its petrol-powered counterparts
 despite offering superior mileage.
Volvo’s commitment towards electrification was underlined last month at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show where the company said that it aims for
fully electric vehicles
 to make up
50 percent of its global sales
 by 2025. China, the world’s leading market for electrified will be the company’s stronghold, where
Volvo’s first ever fully electric car will be made
.
President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, Håkan Samuelsson commented, “We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification. The new S60 represents the next step in that commitment.”