Touchscreen/touch-sensitive controls for air-con: Looks modern but how effective are they?

Safety is everything and everything is about safety these days when it comes to driving and vehicle manufacturing. Car manufacturers have been increasingly emphasising the safety aspect of driving, sometimes even over performance and comfort and that’s fine but safety in a vehicle isn’t just about the features and systems it offers.
It’s also not about how many airbags a car has, how strong its body is, or even how effectively it crumbles in the event of a collision. The safety aspect also revolves around things that we don’t necessarily see on the brochure or at first glance of the vehicle. Some are only noticeable when we’re actually driving the car – like avoiding distraction to the driver and keeping the driver’s eyes on the road as much as possible.
This brings us to a new and increasingly common trend in new cars recently which has become increasingly disconcerting – the removal of certain physical controls for the air-con whether it’s for temperature or fan speed – in favour of modernity and the “wow factor”. This brings us to the emergence of touchscreens or touch-sensitive controls.
On the surface it may look like progress – it looks modern and futuristic – to control things with the touch of a finger but in reality, it really doesn’t feel that way, especially at a time when driving isn’t just driving.
These days, driving involves one hand on the phone, having meals on the move, grooming on the way to work, or even raising children on the go so another distraction or even a possibly fatal hazard is just frightening – not just to the driver and the vehicle’s occupants but to other motorists as well.
Nothing wrong if it were for rear passengers.
One can say, “Just pay attention to the task of driving and not do all of the above whilst on the move”, but that’s another pandora’s box of debate on its own. Simply put, the reality is that social and economic obligations have made us do things beyond the boundaries of safe driving and we have become ‘OK’ with it.
We have now (unknowingly but) willingly accepted the new normal of risking our lives (and that of others) while on the road just so our bosses can get a PDF file on time, or even just to assure the other half that we’re really on the way to meet our friends.
It’s true that car manufacturers are making cars safer, but while we wouldn’t expect them to make cars foolproof for the ignorant drivers, we also shouldn’t need or be encouraged to lay our eyes off the road – over the simple task of adjusting the air-con’s fan speed, for example.
Tiguan Allspace
This is something we’ve observed in new cars like those from Volkswagen, specifically the
Golf
which requires you to lay your eyes off the road to adjust the fan speed, and even then not accurately sometimes cause let’s face it, you’re driving and not every one of us is good at multi-tasking or even competent drivers, to begin with.
It’s no better in cars like
Passat
 or the
facelift Tiguan Allspace
, where the air-con controls are presented on a panel that is touch-sensitive. Based on actual experience, sometimes we can’t even be sure if we’re really adjusting the air-con fan speed or temperature as we want it unless we actually look at the display – again requiring us to lay our eyes off the road.
Just to assure you that we’re not picking on a particular car brand but merely highlighting a new (dangerous) trend, it’s also the same with the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Take the
C-Class
 which was just launched here, for example; most of the centre console is now occupied by a large screen that contains the air-con controls.
Sure, it looks really impressive and cool, but how practical and safe is it really? As we have experienced countless times on our own, with cars of such offerings, not really.
What has left us bald from head-scratching is that even Volvo does it; the brand that is the very epitome of vehicle safety. This is a company that has said that no one would die in their cars after 2020, and while we are confident to put trust in their car’s safety systems and structure itself, we don’t even want to be involved in an accident (major or minor) in the first place; from laying our eyes off the road.
Honda has experienced it both ways with the previous-generation Civic. The
pre-facelift model
had no physical controls to adjust the fan speed and most found it to be an inconvenience than an ‘upgrade’ so, in the
facelift model
physical controls for the air-con made a return and based on remarks from new owners on the Internet, all was good again. This is not a paid review by Honda either.
Before (pre facelift)
After (facelift)
Retaining physical buttons or controls for certain functions is just easier, more convenient, and more importantly safer. They’ve always been ‘touch-sensitive’ in their own way and have (most times) never required us to lay our eyes off the road to use.
New isn’t necessarily good and sometimes it’s really difficult to reinvent the wheel, even if the intentions are noble. Retaining some physical controls, especially those that are used often, not only offers a more effective use of the system but more importantly, should not be seen as non-progressive, whether by car manufacturers or customers alike.
Got a different thought? Do let us know!


A new Bumblebee has arrived, appearing as the Perodua Ativa!

In good times or bad, when it comes to customising our cars, the heart wants what the heart wants. It wants it fast too; even if it’s just a week-old car, fresh out of the showroom.
The same is true with Nazreen, owner of this
1.0L Perodua Ativa AV
. Not wanting to waste any time, the car was apparently sent for a wrap at Wrap360 in Glenmarie right after the handover.
What a difference the black grille makes!
The “three spikes” on the lower bumper have also been blacked out.
We were actually surprised to hear that the car was booked in early April and promptly received in early May. The Ativa was also specified with the optional Gear Up Blaze body kit.
Honestly, it didn’t look very good when Perodua first presented it but with some tweaks by Wrap360, this thing actually looks pretty sick!
The chrome bits have also been darkened as part of the RM2.6k wrap, and the effects are dramatic, to say the least. You can’t even tell that it’s wearing the Gear Up kit!
Before
After
Can you also tell that those are actually the Ativa’s original 17-inch rims? Cause it is! At first glance, we couldn’t tell them apart either!
In the spirit of D-I-Y, the wheels were blacked out by Nazreen himself; with spray paint, finished off with a clear coat. According to him, it only costs around RM50 to do it yourself as opposed to getting it done at the shop for RM400 – RM500.
It’s a task he claims was easy and helps reduce cost. Clearly, he hasn’t seen how clumsy most of us at AutoBuzz.my can be with a spray can. Kipidap Naz!
When asked if Nazreen has owned a Perodua before, he said that the Ativa was his second. The first was a 2014 Perodua Myvi 1.3 SE, of course it would be.
Since he has started a family, the extra space offered in the Ativa for baby strollers and baby seats was much welcomed. For a car just over RM70k, he thought the
safety features offered were impressive
 too.
“To me it’s a value for money car. A really good car for a small family,” Nazreen said.
The only thing he wished was available in the Ativa, was Apple CarPlay; something we believe should by law, be made available in every car, alongside Android Auto!

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This driverless Robocar can hit up to 320km/h, and weighs less than a Myvi!

Have you ever imagined Formula One but without the drivers? That’s soon becoming a reality with the world’s first driverless electric race car, Robocar. The self-driving, all-electric machine was officially unveiled by
 Roborace
 during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
The car was penned by ‘automotive futurist’ Daniel Simon – designer of futuristic vehicles in Tron Legacy and Oblivion. It has four electric motors, each generating
400 hp
 and they are all collectively juiced by a
540kW battery
. It weighs just
975kg
, making it lighter than the
base-level Perodua Myvi
, and is capable of reaching speeds of up to
320km/h
while on Michelin road tyres!
The logic controlling this car is the
Nvidia Drive PX2
, a computer capable of reasoning up to 24 trillion artificial intelligence operations per second. Per second! Several high tech gizmos are used to aid driving, comprised of five LIDARs (Light Detection and Ranging by laser impulses), two radars, 18 ultrasonic sensors, two optical speed sensors, six AI cameras and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
The Nvidia is also capable of processing a 360-degree view that helps determine the car’s direction as well as preventing it from colliding into a wall or other Robocars.
Roborace is practically the grandest stage of motor racing for nerds. I mean, how much more appealing can computerised racing cars be to software engineers and tech freaks?
Before Roborace gets the green light to its own series, a series of extensive tests is required. However, the first Roborace will serve as a support race in the
Formula E
. On behalf of the squealing nerds out there, don’t worry, we’re squealing too.
IMAGE GALLERY


Sime Darby in talks for BYD EV distributorship in Malaysia

Sime Darby Motors
 has confirmed that it is currently in talks with Chinese EV carmaker
 BYD
 to become the brand’s official distributor here in Malaysia. The company told
The Edge Markets
 that it is currently in “initial discussions” with BYD, and will make further announcements in the future if necessary.
“Sime Darby Motors continues to grow our line-up of EVs via our partnerships with global brands. Besides
BMW
, other EVs in our portfolio include the
Hyundai Ioniq 5
, Hyundai Kona EV
, Porsche Taycan
 and
Volvo XC40
, with many other models in the pipeline. EV sales remain encouraging and we continue to see an increase, with orders outstripping allocation,” the company’s spokesperson added.
The business publication reported that Sime Darby Motors will be bringing in 2,000 units of BYD’s EVs into Malaysia by the end of 2022, followed by 10,000 units in the following year, but the conglomerate’s automotive arm did not respond to these speculations.
With Sime Darby Motor already representing BYD in Singapore through their Vantage Automotive subsidiary, it won’t be too surprising to see BYD enter the Malaysian market via the same entity, given that they already have a working relationship.
BYD has been making significant headways in its expansion plans recently, particularly within the Southeast Asian region. Last week, the carmaker announced that it has purchased a new piece of land in Thailand, where it will construct a
new EV factory acting as its production hub for the region
.
The Warren Buffet-backed EV maker has also marked its entrance into Australia with the BYD Atto 3, with four other models scheduled for launch within two years. The company aims to achieve a monthly sales target of 9,000 units within the next 12 months.
RELATED:
China’s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year
The BYD Atto 3, which will also make its official debut in Thailand next month, is powered by a single electric motor, providing 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Two battery options are available; the Standard Range variant gets 50 kWh offering 345 km of range (WLTP test cycle), while the Extended Range gets a 60 kWh battery pack that’s rated for 420 km.
With a price of just under AUD45,000 (approx. RM138k), the BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest EV currently on sale in the country. Customer response has been positive in Australia, too, with the company reportedly already received over 4,500 orders thus far.
ALSO READ:
China’s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub
If – or rather when – the BYD Atto 3 makes its way into Malaysia, it could possibly undercut the Kia Kona EV as the cheapest electric vehicle on sale here, too. The latter starts from RM156,538, with duties exempted as part of the
Malaysian government’s EV incentives
.


Sime Darby Auto Performance celebrates 10 years of Porsche, Taycan to launch in 2020!

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as the sole authorised importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia this year. Since its inception in 2010, the company saw 36 model launches in the country, along with 50 driving experiences and track days organised in the country.
In the 10 years, SDAP has also managed to expand its geographical footprint with the opening of new Porsche Centres in
Sungai Besi
, Penang, as well as the new flagship Porsche Centre in Ara Damansara – the largest in the South East Asia region.

Commenting on the momentous occasion, DAP Chief Executive Officer Christopher Hunter said, “We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we’ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade.
“From modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we’ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience.”
“Starting from our very first local launch with the second generation Cayenne to the recent
718 Cayman GT4
 and
718 Spyder
 launch, we hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sports cars.”
To commemorate the significant milestone, Sime Darby Auto Performance is giving away a 10 years SDAP special-edition Porsche Driver’s Selection polo tee to customers placing orders for any new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a service appointment from the dealer webpage from now until 17 September 2020.
For non-Porsche owners, you can also join in the fun with the creative selfie contest, held on their Facebook and Instagram pages until the 17th of September. All you need to do is to take a selfie with a Porsche vehicle at any Porsche Centres nationwide, and write the most creative congratulatory message to SDAP for its tenth anniversary to to be in the running to win a ‘911 GT edition’ 1:18 diecast model!
The Porsche Taycan “stormed” into the Asia Pacific region with a special
 Star Wars launch
.
Looking ahead, SDAP is expecting to unveil its new Porsche Centre in Johor Bahru next year. But most importantly, the company has also teased the arrival of the all-electric Porsche Taycan, to be launched in Malaysia “soon” in 2020!
No indication as to which variant will be making its way to our shores, but the Taycan is available globally in four variants: the standard Taycan,
Turbo, Turbo S
, and
4S
.
Starting with the currently China-only base Taycan model, the single electric motor on the rear axle pushes out
402 hp
, and is paired to a special two-speed transmission. If fitted with the larger 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus, power output is bumped up to
469 hp
.
As for the rest of the world, all Taycan variants currently come with an additional electric motor up front. The 4S is the “smallest” of the bunch, with an output of
530 hp
 and
 640 Nm
 on the standard battery (79.2 kWh), or
571 hp
and
650 Nm
 with the upgraded Performance Battery Plus.
The Turbo and Turbo S variants only come with the larger battery pack, and performance is once again upped to a staggering
680 hp/850 Nm
 and
761 hp/1,050 Nm
(!) respectively. In terms of range, the Taycan can be driven between 407 km (4S with standard battery) to 489 km (standard Taycan with the bigger battery pack) on a single charge.
Which variant would you like to see here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!


Facts & Figures: Fully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge launched in Malaysia

Volvo’s first-ever fully-electric model, the
XC40 Recharge
, has now made its way into Malaysia. The compact EV SUV will be launched here in
local assembly (CKD) form
, with only one single variant on offer. However, pricing information will only be furnished on 4 April 2022, alongside the commencement of online bookings. First delivery is scheduled to start by the end of April.
EXTERIOR
Although Volvo has just unveiled the
XC40 range facelift
 globally, the XC40 Recharge will arrive in Malaysia in the pre-facelift form, similar to its existing petrol-powered sibling already sold here in Malaysia.
There are however several features exclusive to the fully-electric model, including:
Blocked-out front grille
19-inch alloy wheels
Recharge badging
Reworked rear bumper with no exhaust tips
Because Volvo opted to place the charging port where the fuel flap used to be, this has also freed up additional storage space underneath the bonnet for a “frunk”, giving you an additional 31 litres of cargo room.
PERFORMANCE
The fully-electric Volvo XC40 is powered by two electric motors, with one on each axle, making it an all-wheel drive vehicle.
Powertrain: P8 twin-motor electric drivetrain
Driveline: All-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 408 hp
Max torque: 660 Nm
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Battery capacity: 78 kWh
Range: 418 km (WLTP test cycle)
Max rated charging speed, DC: 150 km
With the 150 kW DC fast charging capability, Volvo says that the XC40 Recharge will take roughly 40 minutes to reach an 80% state-of-charge.
RELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 – XC40 Recharge, C40 this year
INTERIOR
Inside, the fully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge remains pretty much identical to its existing petrol-powered siblings, with one key difference – the
Android Automotive OS
running the 9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display and digital instrument cluster.
As it is a fully-electric model, the system also features several exclusive EV-focused displays. But aside from these minor differences, the rest of the cabin is virtually unchanged. Standard features include:
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display with Android Automotive OS, Google Maps and Google Assistant integration
Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear blower
Harman Kardon sound system
Wireless charging pad
Powered tailgate
Powered front seats with driver memory side function
Leather/Nubuck upholstery
SAFETY
In terms of safety, the XC40 Recharge pure electric crossover will come equipped with Volvo’s Intellisafe advanced driver assistance suite, with features including:
City Safety suite (collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support)
Driver Alert Control
Lane Keeping Aid
Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection
Oncoming Lane Mitigation
Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist
Cross Traffic Alert with Autobrake
Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist
Park Assist (front & rear)
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Porsche dedicates this special-edition 911 GTS Cabriolet to America

At the end of the year, Porsche will begin the sale of the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet ‘America’ that carries on the tradition that began in 1952 – offering an open-top sports car exclusively for enthusiasts in North America.
The long-standing tradition began when Max Hoffman, the first importer of Porsche cars into the US began selling the 356, followed by the 356 America Roadster in 1953. The latter model had all the bare essentials removed and subsequently inspired the 356 Speedster. Only 16 units of the 356 America Roadster were ever built.
40 years later, Porsche revived the idea with the 964 generation 911. The car featured a wide body, improved brakes and suspension with 17-inch Porsche Cup wheels from the 911 Turbo.
As the name suggests, the ‘America’ edition is based on the 992-generation 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet which means there’s 480 hp and 570 Nm to play with; from a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder boxer engine. As it is for enthusiasts, it’s only available with a 7-speed manual gearbox, with power sent to the rear-wheels – music to the enthusiast’s ears.
“This is also the perfect time to add another ‘America’ model to our story as we look back on 70 years since the 356 America Roadster and 30 years since the 964 America Roadster,” says Porsche Cars North America, President and CEO, Kjell Gruner.
Among the optional packages which will be standard in the ‘America’ model is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport, Sport Exhaust, and the Sport Chrono Package.
Brakes are cast iron units with six-piston callipers in the front and four-piston units at the rear. Model-specific items also include an instrument cluster in White, seat belts in Red, and a Black leather interior.
Specially for the ‘America’ edition is the Azureblue356 paint job by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, inspired by the 1953 356 America Roadster. Complementing the exclusive paint job are RS Spyder Design wheels finished in White, Silver and Red for a striking appearance. The same White, Silver and Red treatment are applied to the door panel stitching in the cabin.
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These Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 costs RM14 mil ea. & are not road legal

The Aston Martin DB5 is easily the most iconic car of the James Bond film series. First appeared on the big screen in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, the DB5 has become a highly sought-after collectable for fans of both Aston Martin and James Bond.
Now, the Gaydon based supercar maker has announced that the iconic DB5 seen in Goldfinger will be making a comeback as part of the brand’s continuation project. Only 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions will be made complete with the gadgets that Bond himself used in his undercover operations.
Thanks to a collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces James Bond films, the Goldfinger DB5 will be built to one specification in Silver Birch paint just like the original. Working gadgets such as revolving number plates will be installed by Oscar®-winner Chris Corbould, special effects supervisor from the James Bond films.
A total of 25 customer units and three additional units – one each for EON and Aston Martin, plus another to be auctioned for charity – will be produced at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB5. Each Goldfinger DB5 will be priced at £2.75 million (RM14.3 million) and are strictly not road legal.
President and CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer said: “The connection between Aston Martin and James Bond is something of which we are very proud and it is remarkable that the DB5 remains the definitive James Bond car after so many years. To own an Aston Martin has long been an aspiration for James Bond fans, but to own a Silver Birch DB5, complete with gadgets and built to the highest standards in the very same factory as the original James Bond cars? Well, that is surely the ultimate collectors’ fantasy.”
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW Malaysia unveils new limited-edition models for 3 Series – M Sport for 320i, from RM247k

BMW Malaysia has unveiled two new limited-run special edition models for the
3 Series
, specifically the new 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport, with a host of new and added features for the sport sedan here on our shores to sweeten the deal for its customers.
BMW 330i M Sport Edition
Before we get into the details, let’s talk pricing. The new limited-edition BMW 3 Series models comes in at:
BMW 320i M Sport – RM262,800
BMW 330i M Sport – RM304,800
Both variants are locally-assembled here in Malaysia, and the quoted prices above are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year unlimited-mileage warranty programme with free scheduled services. The pricing represents a hike of roughly RM5k for both variants.
But if you want the cars at the lowest possible price available, they can be yours at RM246,680 and RM288,680 respectively with the standard two-year warranty.
BMW 320i M Sport Edition
Starting with the BMW 320i, the new limited-edition entry-level model now gets the M Sport package on the exterior, previously only available on the higher-end variants. The M Sport package for the 320i consists of sportier bumper designs, alongside a new 18-inch Style 790 M double-spoke M light alloy wheels taken from the existing BMW 330i M Sport.
Inside, the limited-edition BMW M320i M Sport also gains a variable sport steering system, alongside a M leather steering wheel and Individual Anthracite roof lining to “enhance the sporting appeal of the new variant”.
BMW 330i M Sport Edition
As for the 330i M Sport, the main additions on the new limited-edition model consists of an electrical glass roof, alongside a new Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. On the outside, the BMW 330i M Sport also gains a new larger set of Style 791 M 19-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels.
Aside from these additions, the rest of the two cars remain unchanged from before. Both models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, making
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 on the 320i, and
258 hp
 and
 400 Nm
 on the 330i.
BMW 320i M Sport Edition
Both variants have also been updated previously with the
addition of the Driving Assistance Package
 advanced driver assistance features, plus the
BMW Live Cockpit Professional screens
 on the 320i, and they’re all still present here, too.
Both variants are offered in four exterior colour options (Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, M Portimao Blue), although they’re all paired exclusively to Black Vernasca leather on the inside.
BMW 320i M Sport Edition
So then, why the sudden addition of the two new limited edition models? If we had to guess, the two new variants could well be the “run-out” model for the current 3 Series model, ahead of the introduction of the
new facelift 3 Series
here in Malaysia.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series facelift, which was introduced globally back in May this year, could be introduced here in Malaysia very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest developments.
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BMW 320i M Sport
BMW 330i M Sport


Your next car’s cabin could be powered entirely by Apple CarPlay

Apple’s 2022 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) kick-started last night, and in their keynote presentation, the tech giant showed-off its next-generation
Apple CarPlay
 system that not only runs on your infotainment display, but could power every screen in your cabin as well – yes, that includes your instrument cluster.
Climate control settings, baked into Apple CarPlay.
While the current Apple CarPlay mainly only allows you to run your iPhone apps in your car, the upcoming next-generation system is designed for “deep integration” with all the other vehicle control systems, letting you tune the radio or change your climate control settings, all without leaving the CarPlay interface.
In addition to that, the CarPlay system will also now be extended onto the digital instrument cluster screen on supported cars, where your driving information such as speed, RPMs, fuel level, and even temperatures are communicated to the iPhone in an “on-device, privacy-friendly way”.
ALSO READ: Six cars in Malaysia under RM100k with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple says that the next-generation CarPlay system will work with all sorts of display sizes and shapes, and based on the short virtual preview, it seems like the system will also allow for a large range of customisability, including multiple instrument cluster designs, as well as widgets that can be displayed on various screens to convey information such as weather to users at a glance.
It’s unclear at this point in time if the system is running natively on the vehicle, such as Google’s
Android Automotive OS
, or if it will rely exclusively on your iPhone to provide the processing power. We can’t imagine the instrument cluster switching away to the car’s own software every time your phone is disconnected, though, as that would be a huge UX nightmare.
Apple says that the first vehicles with the next-gen CarPlay system will be “announced” in late 2023, although it’s unclear if that date refers to the actual market availability, or just a global reveal. So far, a number of big car brands have already signed up to utilise the system, including
Mercedes-Benz
,
Porsche
,
Nissan
,
Jaguar Land Rover
,
Volvo
,
Polestar
,
Honda
, and
Audi
.
The availability of the system on Volvo cars is somewhat of a surprise, as they have already adopted rival Google’s aforementioned Android Automotive infotainment system. Volvo cars also currently do not support Apple CarPlay connectivity at all, although it’s said to be in the pipeline, and will be rolled out to the cars soon via an over-the-air software update.
Intrigued? Check out some of the features in action in Apple’s keynote presentation below. The CarPlay segment starts at 37:51.


BMW reveals the iX3, the first ever all-electric X model

The first ever all-electric SUV in
BMW’s X range
 has finally been revealed – the
 BMW iX3
 – as the electric powered sibling of the BMW X3 SUV. As a result, the BMW X3 will be the group’s first model to be available with petrol and diesel engines, along with plug-in hybrid systems and pure electric drive. By 2023, BMW plans to have 25 different electrified models, with 13 of them running purely on electric.
The drive components of the iX3 – the electric motor and transmission – are arranged together in a single housing on the iX3’s vehicle floor. This lowers the car’s centre of gravity by around 7.5 cm compared to the iX3’s BMW X3 siblings – noticeably enhancing cornering performance.
The electric motor, paired to a single ratio transmission,
can rev up to 17,000 rpm
 – making
286 hp
 and
400 Nm
 to power the rear wheels. It is the company’s most powerful e-drive system ever fitted into an electrified model. As for performance, we’re looking at 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, onwards to 180 km/h. Drive modes include Comfort, EcoPro and Sport.
The batteries of the iX3 are positioned flat in the vehicle floor as an integral part of the SUV’s structure. The batteries offer up to

460 km of electric driving range
 on the WLTP cycle; 520 km based on the old NEDC cycle. The new-generation battery weighs 518 kilograms and has a gross energy content of 80 kWh, of which 74 kWh is utilised.
The battery is accompanied by a tailor made liquid cooling/heating system. This is to ensure that battery temperatures are optimum at all times. A sophisticated cooling and heating system ensures the high-voltage battery is kept at optimum temperatures at all times.
The heater ensures that the battery is in optimum temperatures when the car is started,
even in temperatures below 30 degress Celciu
s. The heater is said to use 40% to 80% less energy than conventional electric heating. It extracts excess heat from the electric motor and high voltage battery as well as outside air and feeds it through the air conditioning system.
With a Wallbox charger, the battery in the all-electric iX3 will only need
7 1/2 hours for a full charge
. Meanwhile, using a direct current (DC) fast-charging station, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 34 minutes. A 10 minute charge supposedly offers up to 100 km in electric driving range.
On the outside of the, key features include ten-stage active air flaps and light-alloy 19-inch aerodynamic wheels which are 5% more slippery through the air compared to conventional light-alloy wheels. The wheels also weighs 15% less than the last aerodynamic wheels BMW made. The underbody of the iX3 has been completely covered for better airflow underneath the car.
Boot space of the iX3 is rated between 510 to 1,560 litres with collapsible seats. Here’s the interesting bit; the iX3 sits on adaptive suspension with electronically-controlled dampers but BMW said an Adaptive M Suspension system for a sportier, more responsive drive will be available through over-the-air updates!
Speakers are positioned inside and out of the car to simulate sounds for both occupants and pedestrians. The drive sound is an original development by BMW sound designers and acoustics engineers. The Start/Stop composition in the BMW iX3 for example, is the first sound work for a production car; a
collaboration between Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and BMW
.
Optional items on the iX3 includes 20-inch aerodynamic wheels, adaptive LED headlights, acoustic glazing for the front windows, head up display, Parking Assistant Plus, High Beam Assist, BMW Gesture Control and a Harman Kardon sound system.
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Honda Malaysia confirms Takata front airbag inflator rupture in recent City crash

Honda has confirmed that the Takata front airbag inflator ruptured in a fatal crash involving a 2004 Honda City on 21st May 2018 in Kuala Lumpur – the official cause of death has not been determined yet.
The confirmation was attained during an inspection with the Royal Malaysia Police. The vehicle involved has been included in a nationwide product recall announced on 21st May 2015, the
recall replacement was never completed despite several notification letters sent
 to the owner of the vehicle based on the info from Honda’s database.
So far, Honda Malaysia has sent out more than 3.2 million letters, 3.66 million SMSs and phoned more than 71,700 affected customers. Among initiatives to reach out to them included advertisement campaigns and roadshows to reach out to affected customers.
The company has also ensured
100% stock availability
 for replacements of the driver and passenger front airbag inflators and increasing service capacity via Service Central Hubs, Mobile Hubs, Hubs at selected Petronas stations, Hubs at Honda roadshow and prioritising replacement activities at dealerships.
As of 29th May 2018, Honda has
replaced more than 445,000 units
 of the Takata airbag inflators (driver and passenger), with an 75% completion ratio.
For the 2003 – 2008 year model Honda City, Honda has completed replacement of more than 47,500 units of Takata driver front airbag inflators and 47,200 units of Takata passenger front airbag inflators.
Honda Malaysia strongly and urgently urge all 2003 -2008 year model Honda City owners to get their vehicles inspected and affected airbag inflators replaced immediately at Honda authorised dealers.
The company also urges all Honda vehicle owners to register their vehicles at the nearest dealers so that any necessary information sent out can reach the owners adequately.
Vehicle owners can check their vehicle’s product recall status at
www.productrecall.honda.com.my
, call Honda toll free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any Honda authorised dealers.
Honda Malaysia affirms that the current line-up of Honda models do not have the same type of Takata airbag inflators as previous models affected in the recall.


Facts & Figures: BMW 630i GT M Sport facelift launched, from RM400k

The momentum of new model introduction continues at both BMW global as well as BMW Group Malaysia. After announcing the release of the
CKD BMW X7
 and
BMW 740Le M Sport
 just three weeks ago, BMW Malaysia announces the introduction of the new facelifted G32 BMW 6 Series GT alongside the
new BMW 5 Series
.
The locally-assembled BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT) is only offered in a sole 630i GT M Sport variant, and is priced starting at
RM400,839.05
 inclusive of SST exemption with the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
EXTERIOR
Similar to the facelift treatment on the BMW 7 Series, the BMW 630i GT M Sport sees a redesigned front bumper with better integration of the (larger) kidney grilles and slimmer headlamps, which are now
BMW Laserlight
 units.
The laser light technology follows the course of the road ahead in high-beam mode, and for the first time, adapts illumination even in low-beam mode. In laser high-beam mode, the range increases to a maximum of 650 metres – nearly twice as far as that of conventional high-beam headlights.
Key exterior highlights in the new BMW 630i GT M Sport include:
M Aerodynamics package
Active rear spoiler
20″ wheels in Star-spoke style 817M Bicolour with run-flats
M Sport brakes with blue calipers
BMW Individual Shadow Line
Hands-free powered tailgate
Welcome light carpet
The new rear bumper sees subtle profile changes on the diffuser section, while the shape of the taillamps remains untouched.
The new BMW 630i GT M Sport is offered in four exterior colours – the new
Bernina Grey
 amber effect (photographed), Mineral White, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect.
INTERIOR
Open the frameless door windows and you will be greeted with the familiar BMW dashboard that is also serving the new BMW 5 Series. The G32 BMW 630i GT M Sport shows generosity with space and excellent visibility, partly from raised seating positions (by 50 mm). At the back, headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roofline – achieved by optimising the seat system.
Specific M Sport items which are the steering wheel, foot pedals and door sills continue to decorate the interior of the new BMW 630i GT M Sport, while new items are the
BMW Live Cockpit

with a

pair of 12.3-inch screens
 as standard. The graphics in the driver’s display follow the theme of the BMW Operating System 7, where more information can be display due to the vastness of the displays.
Other key comfort and convenience features in the new BMW 630i GT M Sport are:
Sensatec lined dashboard
Head-up display
BMW Display Key
Panoramic glassroof
Sunshades for the rear side windows and windscreen
4-zone automatic air-conditioning
Harman Kardon 16-speaker system (464 Watts)
Sports seats for front occupants
As for the shade of the interior, customers have the choice of either Black or Cognac, both of which are complete with ‘Dakota’ leather featuring exclusive stitching and leather piping in contrast.
The sloping GT rear end in the BMW 630i M Sport delivers an unrivalled
600 litres
 of cargo space, with the added flexibility of the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The hallmark BMW DNA is enduring even in our niche models. It is a privilege for us to be able to meet the varied requirements of modern and discerning customers, with a BMW that combines long-distance comfort and sporting ability, with luxurious interior and intelligent functionality – for when we can enjoy travelling again.”
PERFORMANCE
No changes are found on the powertrain underneath the bonnet here, which continues to be powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine. The newly available
48-volt starter-generator mild-hybrid system
 that debuted in Europe last year is
not offered
in Malaysia yet.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic, rear-wheel drive
Max Power: 258 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,550 rpm to 4,400 rpm
0 – 100 km/h: 6.5 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Fuel consumption: 7.3 l/100 km
Curiously, the fuel consumption has increased by 0.7 l/100 km compared to the pre-facelift model and the century sprint time has also increased by a blink of an eye to register a time of
6.5 seconds
.
A self-levelling air suspension is featured on the rear axle, where it keeps the ride height constant as well as offer exceptional ride comfort as well as BMWs renowned handling and body control.
SAFETY
Parking and manoeuvring the large BMW 630i GT M Sport is now less stressful, thanks to the addition of the new
Surround View Camera
 that project’s a bird’s eye view of the vehicle.
There are six airbags fitted in the BMW 630i GT M Sport, and the
BMW Driving Assistant
 continue to be equipped in the car.
Acitve cruise control with stop-and-go function
Front Collision Warning with brake intervention
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Change Warning (blind-spot monitoring)
Rear Cross Warning and Collision Prevention
Parking Assistant Plus with surround view camera
PRICING
Adding the
extended warranty and service package
 see the new BMW 630i GT M Sport priced at
RM417,659.05
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of all EEV incentives and SST exemptions.
The price with the standard 2-year warranty and inclusive of sales and service tax exemption see the new BMW 630i GT M Sport priced at
RM400,839.05
.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new BMW 630i GT M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,778 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
BMW Malaysia also released the price of the new BMW 630i GT M Sport at
RM430,800
 (or RM413,980 with standard warranty) beginning July 1st 2021 when the government reinstates the SST.
GALLERY


A Romanian car manufacturer has just been rated the most reliable car brand

Dacia has been rated as one of the most reliable car brands out of 36 manufacturers in the 2017 Which? Car Guide – beating other more well-established and premium automotive manufacturers.
Vehicles manufactured by the Romanian car manufacturer aged between zero to three years old as well its cars aged three to eight years old have been awarded a five star brand reliability rating.
The annual “Which? Car Guide” in 2017 which takes into account reliability and customer satisfaction relies on the feedback from more than 44,000 UK car owners based on their experiences in the last 12 months. It also considers repair costs, breakdowns, faults, time spent off the road for repairs and also the most common fault types for each model.
The annual “Which? Car Guide” in 2017, measuring reliability and customer satisfaction, is based on feedback from more than 44,000 UK car owners based on their experience in the last 12 months. As well as breakdowns and faults, it considers repair costs, the time a car is off the road for repairs and the most common fault types for each model.
“We’re delighted that Dacia has been rated as one of the most reliable car brands in the Which? Car Guide 2017. The Dacia range offers great value for money and are the most affordable cars in their respective segments.” said Head of Dacia UK, Louise O’Sullivan.
Other awards Dacia have received for its cars include “What Car?’s Best Small Car under  £12,000” for five consecutive years for its Sandero. Dacia has sold over four million vehicles since Groupe Renault introduced the brand in Europe in 2004. In the UK, Dacia has sold over 100,000 cars to date since the brand was introduced in the UK in 2013.


Fernando Alonso will return to Formula 1 in 2021 with Renault

Twenty months after his last race in a Formula 1 car, it has now been confirmed that two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso will make a sensational return to the sport in 2021 with Renault DP World Formula 1 Team.
Fernando Alonso will be racing alongside Esteban Ocon with the French team, replacing star driver Daniel Ricciardo,
who will be leaving Renault at the end of this season to join McLaren
.
The announcement makes Fernando Alonso the first driver in history to have three separate stints with a single team – having raced under the Renault banner from 2003-2006 where he won two world championship titles, 2008-2009, and now from 2021 onwards.
Commenting on his return to Renault, Alonso said in a statement: “It’s a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I’m returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level.
“I have principles and ambitions in line with the team’s project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates.
“The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I,” he added.
With the signing of Fernando Alonso, Renault said in a statement that they intend to “build a team around two complementary drivers, combining experience and youth, and pooling their values and talent” in their efforts to return to the top of the sport.
“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached." – Cyril Abiteboul
pic.twitter.com/5hkhKqGd1V
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team)
July 8, 2020

Renault Sport Racing Managing Director, Cyril Abiteboul said, “The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached.
“The strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern Formula 1 demands.
“Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.”
Renault did not reveal the length of the contract, but it is believed to run for two years, with options to continue further beyond that.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in the history of the sport, Alonso will bring with him a wealth of experience from his 314 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins and 97 podiums. Beyond Formula 1, the Spaniard is also a two-time Le Mans 24 hours winner, and a World Endurance Championship winner.
Fernando Alonso has also raced in the Indy 500 in his attempt to achieve the motorsports triple crown (in addition to Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victory), as well as the Dakar rally, where he finished a respectable 13th overall.


Feature Friday: How to go around a roundabout

Roundabouts – for most Malaysians, especially in densely populated areas, it rings a bell of frustration and despise. No roundabout will be complete without drivers merging into the wrong lane, trading honks along the way. Of course, not forgetting the ones who speed up intentionally to make their exit a fraction of a second quicker.
As
profound
 as it may seem, roundabouts are actually designed to promote smoother traffic flow, lower accident opportunities and shorten the time of coming to a standstill as opposed to a traffic light junction. But no matter how you look at it, roundabouts in Malaysia always seem to be taken the complete opposite way. Why is that?
The reason is simple,
we don’t adhere to the correct methods of using a roundabout.
How many near misses have you had with the guy on the left simply because he was in the wrong lane while you were trying to make an exit? How many times have you had to come to a complete stop because the person on your right forcefully merged into your lane because he wanted to take the 9 o’ clock exit?
As depicted in JPJs Learners Handbook
There are plenty of variations as to “
the correct way
” of using a roundabout; some bizarre, others are just plain moving hazards. This, is how you should do it.
According to the instructions listed in JPJs
Kurikulum Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP)
or learner’s guide that everyone has studied (at least, we hope you did) when trying to obtain a driver’s license, you need to remember
two things
:
be in the correct lane
 before entering the roundabout and
always give way
 to the vehicle on your right.
You should be on the left lane if you are taking 9 & 12 o’ clock exits and if you are exiting at 3 & 6 o’ clock you should be on the right lane. If everyone followed this cheat sheet, we will see far less instances of cars from the left lane forcing their way through and blocking those who are making an exit resulting in a congestion.
The
key point
 here is that for a roundabout to function the way it was intended to, road users must always be on the correct lane before entering. Besides if you are not on the correct lane, you can always go around the circle and make the exit again.
Let us all be considerate drivers and make the road a safer and better environment for the benefit of our sanity. Happy driving!


Wealthy Kelantanese are opting for helicopters to “Balik Kampung” this year

It seems that
flying cars
and
not silly-looking drones
, will have a place in the wealthier circles of our society as
Sinar Harian
 reported that high-flying Kelantanese are opting for helicopters to return to their hometown this Hari Raya.
According to reports, 20 helicopters have been made available for the upcoming festivity, with each costing over RM17,000 an hour to charter.
Geely recently acquired the company that built this, the
Terrafugia TF-X
 fully electric flying car, in hopes of commercialising flying cars.
Provided by Hazmi Dimasyq Group, its owner claims it to be the first time that such a service is provided in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations.
So far, 11 bookings have been made – four of which are flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu – costing more than RM30,000 one way! Best part is, the helicopter rides to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur will take just three hours.
Not the quickest around, with flights to Bangkok taking just over two hours but it’s definitely a fraction of what most would spend on the road with stories of up to 18 hours needed just to reach the East Coast state.
What a fantastic Hari Raya these fellas would have!


Ford announces 0% GST for all models, Mustang GT 5.0 V8 now RM33k cheaper

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia has just announced new zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) prices for its full line up of Ford models in Malaysia. This comes after the announcement from the new Pakatan Harapan Government to revise GST rate from 6 percent to zero.
With the new prices, SDAC’s sales driver, the Ford Ranger now retails between RM79k to RM133k, a savings of RM4.6k to RM7.8k compared to before. Customers looking at the top of the line Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost and
5.0L GT
 will save RM27.6k and RM33.2k respectively. The new prices will remain in effect until the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reintroduces the Sales and Services Tax (SST) so
Malaysian shoppers will get to enjoy this “tax-free holiday”
 from 1 June 2018 till further notice.
In addition to that, SDAC is offering incredible deals in conjunction with the Raya festive season and its 10
th
 anniversary celebration in Malaysia. Among the promotional items include a brand-new Fiesta 1.5L Sport (worth RM83k) for customers who purchase a new Mustang, 2-Years or 40,000 km free service and maintenance package for the
Ranger Wildtrak
 and lucky draw prizes (1 x Ford Fiesta & 15 x Huawei Mate 10 Pro) for customers who purchase a Ranger during this promotional period.
Customers are encouraged to book and submit their loan documents as soon as possible to be in time to register their vehicles in early June.


If your X5 or X6 isn’t sporty enough, BMW introduces two new editions for it

BMW AG has introduced two new models to their Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) line-up with the addition of the X5 special edition and BMW X6 M Sport Edition which will be available from December.
While it may look tamer than the
Black Fire Editions
, the X5 Special Edition sports the M Sport Package equipped with Dakota leather trims and heated seats for the two front passengers. Alcantara and leather upholstery combination in Anthracite and Black will be available as an alternative at no extra cost along with M badging on the seat.
The BMW X5 Special Edition also comes with sun protection glass and a Multifunctional Instrument Display – a pair not available for the
BMW X5 xDrive40e

iPerformance
. All variants of the BMW X5 can be bought in with the Special Edition add-ons, with the exception of the M50d variant.
On the other hand, the M Sport Edition for the BMW X6 will be exclusively provided with Long Beach Blue metallic exterior alongside carbon fibre interior trims. Mineral White and Carbon Black metallic paint finishes are available as alternatives. What’s also included in the M Sport package is the set of 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design with 21-inch upgrades as an option. All variants of the BMW X6 can be spec-ed with M Sport Edition trims save for the BMW X6 M50d.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi Triton hits all-time high market share in January with 22.8%

It must have been a bustling Chinese New Year for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), as their
ongoing Chinese New Year promotions
 helped the Triton pick-up truck achieve its highest market share in the past 10 years, with
22.8%
 for the month of January.
The achievement is in spite of the
 downturn in the pick-up truck market
. In fact, the Mitsubishi Triton was the only pick-up in the segment to achieve a positive sales growth, with
 1.6% increase
 from April 2019 to January 2020, compared to the same period last year.

The Mitsubishi Triton double cab also took home number one position in the pick-up truck segment in four states for the month of January – Klang Valley, Melaka, Penang and Kedah.
MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “We are happy that we closed 2019 and begun 2020 strong with the Mitsubishi Triton that has managed to capture the hearts of Malaysians with the DNA of the
best handling pick-up truck
.
“With the achievement of ranking number one in J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI), we are committed to deliver top-notch service to all our customers,” he added.
The current Triton line-up was
last updated November
 last year, and consists of the
limited edition Triton Knight
, Triton Adventure X, Triton VGT Premium, Triton VGT, and the low-rider
Triton Quest
.


Facts & Figures: Volkswagen Arteon R-Line now available in Malaysia – RM221K

Following its
international debut
 back in 2017 and
several previews
 in our country since 2018, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has now finally launched the highly-awaited Volkswagen Arteon here in Malaysia.
The Arteon is available locally in only one single variant – the R-Line – locally assembled in Pekan. It’s priced at
RM221,065
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of the year.

EXTERIOR
Billed as the Volkswagen CC replacement, the Arteon is characterised by its ultra-stylish looks, featuring a aggressively sloping C-pillar, lower roofline, and frameless doors. Exterior styling highlights include:
All Weather Light LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
LED taillights with dynamic indicators
Aggressive front chrome grille with R-Line badging
Rear bootlip spoiler in black
Lower chrome trimmings
19-inch “Montevideo” alloy wheels
Exterior colour choices: Manganese Grey Metallic, Turmeric Yellow Metallic (shown here), Pyrite Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Oryx White Pearl.
PERFORMANCE
The powertrain in the Arteon R-Line is lifted directly from the new
Passat Elegance
, featuring the new and improved 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine.
Engine: 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine
Transmission: seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG
Drivetrain: Front engine, Front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 190 hp @ 4,180 – 6,000 RPM
Max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,180 RPM
To help with the driving experience, the Arteon R-Line is also equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard, offering up to 15 selectable increments in five different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual.
INTERIOR
Despite the sloping fastback design of the Arteon, VW says that the long wheelbase paired and interior architecture design still allows for plenty of headroom and legroom for all five passengers, along with a
563-litre cargo area
 at the back.
The rest of the interior is pretty similar to the Passat Elegance, save for the new central analogue clock and other R-Line niceties:
11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster
9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink
700W 11 speakers Dynaudio sound system with 16-channel digital amplifier
14-way ErgoComfort seats in “Carbon-Style” Nappa leather and R-Line badging
Driver seat massage function
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Three-colour ambient lighting
R-Line flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters
R-Line stainless steel pedals and scuff plates
Handsfree powered tailgate with Easy Close (20-second delayed closing)
SAFETY
Although largely based on the Passat Elegance, the new Arteon R-Line does differ slightly in the safety equipment list, namely the addition of an
Area View 360-degree camera
, and removal of the blind-spot monitoring system.
Unfortunately, advanced driver assistance features such as
autonomous emergency braking
 is still not available on the Arteon R-Line. Other standard safety features include:
Seven airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)
Hill-hold Control
Proactive Passenger Protection System with Post Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System (cutting the fuel supply, unlocking the doors, and turning on hazard lights)
Active Bonnet for pedestrian protection
Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) to reduce understeer
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Manouevre braking (automatically applies brakes to prevent collision with detected objects at speeds of up to 10 km/h)
PRICING
As mentioned above, the Volkswagen Arteon R-Line is now available in Malaysia, priced at
RM221,065
 on the road, without insurance, and sales tax. Included in the price is a
five-year unlimited mileage warranty
,
 three-year free scheduled maintenance package
, and
five-year roadside assistance
.
The new Arteon R-Line will be on display as part of the
Volkswagen Tour
, happening this entire weekend (starting today) at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz G-Glass Limited Edition, three trims, only 463 units each

Recently, Mercedes-AMG bid farewell to the
G 65 with an exclusive Final Edition
 and earlier in the year Mercedes-Benz introduced
designer editions
 for the G-Class (G-Wagon) to spice up the ageing off-roader.
The company has added three limited edition variants for the G-Class –
G 350 d Limited Edition
,
G 350 d Professional Limited Edition
 and
G 500 Limited Edition
, before officially retiring it from the production line. Only
 463 units
 will be built – in reference to the G-Class’s internal model series code – of each, limited edition variants will be made worldwide.
All three variants will receive an embossed Schöckl badge on the centre armrest with the “Schöckl proved since 1979” and “
Limited Edition 1 of 463
” lettering. “Limited Edition” emblems can also be found on the A-pillars and door sill (illuminated).
The
G 350 d Limited Edition
 is finished in Designo Mocha Black Metallic paint job with brushed aluminium inserts on the front grille and outer protective strip as well as the Exterior Stainless Steel package and Chrome Package. It rides on 19-inch 5-spoke AMG lightweight alloy wheels painted in Titanium Grey.
G 350 d Limited Edition
Inside, the car is furnished in Saddle Brown Designo Nappa leather upholstery. Other creature comfort items include AMG Performance Steering Wheel, Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, powered sunroof and a range of advanced driving technologies.
Building on the G 350 d Limited Edition, the
G 350 d Professional Limited Edition
 gets a China Blue paintwork, steel front bumper, protective grilles, front mud flaps, Professional Off-Road Package, roof rack and fabric upholstery. Positioned as a robust off-roader, this variant is for the hardcore outdoor enthusiast.
G 500 Limited Edition
Lastly, the
G 500 Limited Edition
 embodies the character of an extroverted urbanite with its Designo Platinum Magno with Mango Black trims. The interior features exquisite Black Designo Nappa leather with white contrast stitching for understated luxury.
No changes were made to the mechanics – the G 350 d gets a
241 hp
/
600 Nm
 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel while the G 500 is powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 pushing out
415 hp
 and
610 Nm
 of twisting force.
Locally, you can purchase the Mercedes-AMG G 63 from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia for a cool
RM1.18 million
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Civic Type R for PDRM: For the sake of the stick

It’s not uncommon for car companies in Malaysia to loan test units to law enforcement agencies in an effort to boost fleet sales. Just like other government agencies, police force are customers too and they do get a lot of eyeballs.
Looks like the PDRM is getting two Honda Civic variants for evaluation, we like the one with the oversized spoiler more.
So when a set of images showing the Honda Civic Type R in PDRM colours cropped up on social media, you can imagine the level of interest generated by this 310 hp hot hatch produced by Honda’s Swindon plant in the United Kingdom.
Let’s hope PDRM catch bad guys faster with the Type R.
Apparently the FK8 Civic Type R is set to undergo ‘technical evaluation’ by the PDRM on its suitability; of which we believe the Type R will pass with flying colours – it’s rapid, sticks to the road, rides comfortably and has a spacious enough interior for personnel who may have had one goreng pisang too many. Even hoodlums will find its ample rear legroom rather pleasant.

The PDRM has over years maintained quite a desirable fleet of fast patrol cars, ranging from the Alfa Romeo Alfetta in the 70s, the Volvo 850 T5 wagon in the 90s and more recently, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X – all of which we believe have three pedals, so the Type R with its slick 6-speed manual transmission may actually be carrying on a proud tradition.


Toyota 86 GR Sport gets plenty of goodies but still no power bump

After Toyota launched its
GR Sportscar Series
 in late 2017, the Japanese carmaker has unveiled in full, the Toyota 86 GR Sport. This GR Sportscar Series is Toyota’s initiative to spice up their model range in hopes of cultivating the pleasure of getting behind the wheel.
The 86 GR Sport benefits from a sharper exterior styling thanks to GR specific front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler and GR Rays forged aluminium wheel measuring 17-inch in diameter. There are two wheel options for customers to choose from – 17 × 7.5J front & rear or 17 × 7.5J front & 17 × 8.5J the latter comes with mixed tyre size setup.
Inside, the 86 GR Sport gains a new three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, GR branded start button, 7.0-inch GR T-Connect Navi with Toyota Gazoo Racing Recorder that displays various track performance data as well as a white instrument cluster centre dial.
Unfortunately, Toyota did not give the new 86 variant any power upgrades whatsoever. It still gets the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine pushing out
200 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of torque. Drive is of course sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed auto or manual transmission.

The only performance enhancing option that customers can spec are the Brembo brakes in two configurations 4 pot front & 2 pot rear or the more aggressive set up of 6 pot front and 4 pot rear, GR front steering rack brace and GR rear suspension member brace.
Existing Toyota 86 owners can also retrofit all the aforementioned GR parts onto their car beginning October 2018 onwards.
IMAGE GALLERY
Toyota 86 GR Sport (AT)


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia extends service and warranty grace period

In light of the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to the 28th of April, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced
on Facebook
 that it will extend its
service schedule and warranty grace period
 as a commitment to its customers during these uncertain times.
For vehicles where the
scheduled service period due date
 falls between the
13th of March and 28th of April
, customers will be given an extended grace period of
sixty days
 post the end of the MCO to have their cars serviced. Cars serviced within this extended grace period will not be considered as having missed a scheduled service.
As for the warranty grace period, MBM said that it will
continue to honour all vehicle warranties
 expiring between the
13th of March and 30th June 2020
. The company urges customers to carry out all warranty repairs
within sixty days
 of June 30.
 In line with the MCO guidelines, all Mercedes-Benz authorised dealerships and service outlets across the nation will remain closed. However, the Service24h Roadside Assistance service will remain operational – for emergencies and urgent queries, customers are advised to contact the emergency hotline at
1-800-88-1133
.


2023 BMW 320i M Sport facelift now available in Malaysia – RM283,800

BMW Malaysia has just unveiled the
updated 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift
 here on our shores, featuring a slightly reworked exterior design and an updated interior with the BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system.
Just like before, the 3 Series line-up in Malaysia will kick off with the 320i M Sport variant, with pricing starting from RM283,800 for the locally-assembled entry-level model. At launch, the 2023 BMW 320i M Sport will also be joined by the
330i M Sport
 and
330e M Sport
in Malaysia, which you can learn more about
here
 and
here
.

We’re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that “two new variants” will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it’s likely that they were referring to those two – keep your eyes peeled!
Facelift exterior – M Sport bodykit as standard
The main “facelift” can be found on the new 2023 BMW 3 Series’ front fascia. The kidney grille has been slightly reshaped, now finished with a new double bar pattern. Flanking the grille are the new reworked headlights that now features a more streamlined look without the notch at the bottom, alongside a new twin inverted L-shaped daytime-running lights signature.
Similar to the limited-unit 320i Runout Edition, the new 2023 BMW 320i now also comes as standard with the M Sport kit here in Malaysia. Up front, the bumper now features a hexagonal lower air intake flanked by twin L-shaped air curtain intakes, while at the back, there’s also a chunky gloss-black diffuser element that occupies most of the rear bumper.
As part of the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 320i comes equipped with the 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 848 M (staggered sizing), alongside the larger tailpipes, M Aerodynamics package, M High-gloss Shadowline, as well as additional M badges on the sides.
Refreshed interior with BMW Curved Display
The highlight of the updated 2023 BMW 320i M Sport’s interior is the new BMW Curved Display unit, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass, perched up on the dashboard.
The new displays run on the marque’s latest
 iDrive 8.0 operating system
, and boasts heavily upgraded functionalities with more modern technologies, such as wide range of connected services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5G connectivity, the “Hey BMW” intelligent voice assistant, as well as over-the-air software updates.
As part of the new displays, included in the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, the 2023 BMW 320i M Sport also now comes with a head-up display as standard.
In order to accommodate the new displays, the dashboard of the new 3 Series had to be slightly redesigned. The central air vents are now slightly slimmer than before, with the air-conditioning controls moved into the touchscreen itself, while the bank of shortcut buttons below is replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.
Further below on the centre console, the gearshift lever has also now been replaced by a toggle switch for a sleeker and more modern appearance.
As part of the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport is also peppered with a myriad of M furnishing touches to provide for a “sportier driving feel”. These include the M door sill plates with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest, M pedals, sport seats for the driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, the M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, as well as M-specific displays in the instrument cluster.
The upholstery in the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport is covered in black Vernsasca leather, and paired to the M anthracite headliner as standard.
2023 BMW 320i M Sport performance
The powertrain of the new BMW 320i M Sport remains unchanged from before, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine underneath the bonnet making 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7.4 seconds, onward to a top speed of 235 km/h.
Courtesy of the M Sport kit, the BMW 320i M Sport in Malaysia also comes with M Sport Suspension as standard.
Also unchanged here is the advanced driver assistance system, with the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport coming with the Driving Assistant package as standard. The package includes features such as lane departure warning with active steering interventions, lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, speed limit info, and manual speed limit assist.
The 2023 BMW 320i M Sport also comes with the Parking Assistant package as standard here in Malaysia, which enables features such as Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, a reverse camera, and Reversing Assistant.
2023 BMW 320i M Sport pricing in Malaysia
The BMW 320i M Sport is priced at RM283,800, inclusive of the BMW Warranty and Repair package which extends the vehicle’s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage), alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance. As an option, customers can also purchase the vehicle with a standard two-year warranty at a lower retail price.
GALLERY


Volvo V90 T5 & T6 R-Design launched in Malaysia, RM394k & RM459k!

Despite the declining popularity and demand for estate/wagon body styled cars, to everyone’s surprise, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has decided to introduce the V90 here in Malaysia. Two variants are available – T5 and T6 AWD R-Design, priced at RM394k and RM459k respectively.
Launched simultaneously as its
sedan twin
, Mr Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of VCM explained that the company’s decision to introduce the V90 estate is due of the increasingly dynamic lifestyle of Malaysians, and he believes that more people will rediscover the appeal of a premium estate.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volvo V90 T5
Volvo V90 T6 AWD R-Design
Engine
1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged
1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder supercharged & turbocharged
Transmission
8-speed automatic
 8-speed automatic
Max Power
254 hp @ 5,500 rpm
320 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,800 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
7 seconds; 230 km/h
6.1 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM393,888
RM458,888
EXTERIOR
Sharing the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) as the XC90 and S90, the V90’s dimensions are very close to the S90. Compared to the sedan, the V90 measures 4,936 mm (-27 mm) in length, 1,879 mm (-11 mm) in width 1,475 mm (+32mm) in height and a wheelbase of 2,941 mm.

At the front, the V90 looks identical to the S90. As such, it gets LED headlamps with “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights and chrome front grille with Volvo Iron Mark. The V90 gets a redesigned rear profile with a roofline that extends to the tailgate. The taillights are specifically designed to highlight the estate profile of the V90.
On T5 models, a 10-spoke 18-inch “Turbine” alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 profile tyres is specified. T6 R-Design on the other hand gets a five-spoke 19-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 profile tyres along with several unique design cues such as black accents on the front and rear bumper, gloss black grille and side metal finish side mirror caps. It also gets a more advanced full LED adaptive headlamps and R-Design badge at the rear.
INTERIOR
Like the S90, you can specify the interior leather in Charcoal, Amber or Blond in combination with two inlay options – Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch. Only difference between the V90 and S90 is the capability to swallow
 913 litres
 of cargo, which is 413 litres more than the S90! With the seats folded down, the V90 can take up to 1,526 litres of cargo.

Standard equipment dittos the V90 which include 9-inch Sensus Connect Portrait touchscreen infotainment system with 10-speakers, leather upholstery, 12-way powered front seats with driver side memory function, leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control system with CleanZone Interior Air Quality system and reverse camera. In addition, the V90 gets a powered tailgate.
T6 R-Design gets perforated leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Charcoal perforated Nappa leather seats, R-Design sports pedal, heads up display, 360-degree camera, powered sun roof, sun shade for rear passenger windows and powered rear sun blinds. Customers are also able to choose between Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay to go with the Nubuck interior theme.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the V90 T5 is the same 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder found on the S90 with the same state of tune of
254 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. Due to the heavier body, the V90 T5 goes from 0 to 100 km/h a fraction of a second slower than its sedan sibling at
7 seconds
 flat. Top speed however remains at
230 km/h
. Fuel consumption is also slightly higher at
 6.8 litres per 100 km
.
The V90 T6 also gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four, pushing out
320 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to all four corners via the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in
6.1 seconds
 before maxing out at
250 km/h
. The V90 will sip
7.7 litres of fuel per 100 km
.
SAFETY
Like the S90, the V90 also comes with IntelliSafe package that bundles Collision Avoidance with intersection support, Pedestrian, Cyclist &Large Animal Detection, Rear Collision Warning & Mitigations Support, Run-off Road Mitigation, Pilot Assist with steering assistance (up to 130 km/h), Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert.
WHAT ELSE?
The Volvo V90 can be had in six exterior shades – Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey, Bright Silver, Mussel Blue (exclusive to T5 variants) and Bursting Blue (exclusive to T6 R-Design variants). All purchases of the V90 come with a 5-Year or 120,000km warranty as well as five years Volvo on-call package.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo V90 T6 AWD R-Design

Volvo V90 T5


Polestar has tuned 100,000 Volvo cars to date, achieves record growth

Volvo’s official performance arm, Polestar has just reached a significant milestone since
Volvo took it under its wing in 2015
 by tuning 100,000 Volvo cars. In the first five months of 2017 alone, Polestar tuned 12,000 cars, the highest ever for them.
The astonishing sales growth is driven by the high demand for Polestar optimisations for the new-generation Drive-E powertrains such as the T5 and T6 variants. The most popular is the
first-generation XC60
 followed by the
XC90
 and V60. China, Sweden and United States emerged as the top three markets with the highest demand.
Volvo vehicles with Polestar optimisation boasts enhanced engine performance, throttle response, gearshifts, gear hold functionality and off-throttle response. All modifications done by Polestar does not tamper with emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and Volvo warranties. Locally, Volvo Car Malaysia offers Polestar optimisations upon request, such as the
Volvo V40 T5 Polestar
 we’ve sampled recently.


This bespoke Porsche 911 is the epitome of good taste and class

A limited-edition, bespoke Porsche 911 has been revealed by established independent Porsche specialist Paul Stephens and I think it’s as beautiful as seeing your fiancee in a wedding dress for the first time.
It’s called the Le Mans Classic Clubsport and it’s priced at around £250,000 (approx. RM1.3 million) but may rise depending on the final specification.
Based on an original 911 body tub, it was restored before its conversion into a Clubsport model. Available in the more forgiving Touring spec or a raw Lightweight edition featuring lightweight roof panels, side mirrors, bumpers and bonnet,
 just 10 of these hand-finished models will be available
 – to mark the 10th edition of the Classic Le Mans event.
The Le Mans Classic Clubsport gets
304 hp
 of thrust from the back, wherein lies a 3.4-litre air-cooled flat-six which itself has gone through some significant upgrades.
The list includes individual throttle bodies, GT3 RS plenum, RS specification camshafts, a lightened and balanced crankshaft, lightweight conrods, a lightweight flywheel mated to a 5-speed Getrag G50 gearbox with a limited slip differential.
With a kerb weight as low as 970 kg in Lightweight specification (1,075 kg in Clubsport guise), 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds before  it hits a top speed of 282 km/h.
Arguably, you can get to 100 km/h a lot quicker in cars with the same asking price but this car is not about the numbers. You’re paying for the privilege to stand out from those who are already trying to be different and the rewards are from the journey and not at the destination.
Each of the ten editions are completed with a
specially-commissioned Le Mans Classic luggage set
 and hand-painted Le Mans Classic bodywork detailing.
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche and Audi will be joining Formula 1 from 2026, says VW boss

After what seems like years of rumours and speculations,
Audi
 and
Porsche
 are now finally confirmed to be joining the
Formula 1
 circus starting 2026, with the final official word coming directly from the horse’s mouth –
Volkswagen
 CEO Herbert Diess.
According to a report by
Reuters
, Diess said at an event in Wolfsburg this past Monday that the board essentially “[ran] out of arguments” against joining F1, after the brands made a case that the move will bring in more money than it will cost.
From the report, Audi is ready to offer up to EUR500 million (approx. RM2.3 billion) to buy out McLaren (including McLaren Automotive and its racing team) as a mean to enter Formula 1, although
BBC
 reported that talks are also ongoing with Sauber (Alfa Romeo Orlen Racing), Williams, and Aston Martin.
Meanwhile, Porsche intends to establish a “long-term partnership” with Red Bull Racing, particularly the team’s new engine division, to mark its entrance into the motorsport series by supplying new engines from 2026. Diess says that as of Monday, Porsche’s preparations for entering Formula 1 were a little more concrete than Audi’s.
ALSO READ: The retro-styled Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 you can buy
Formula 1 will be introducing a new set of engine regulations in 2026, which are designed to be fully-sustainable, tying in to the sport’s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 with the
use of synthetic fuels
. Porsche, if you recall, has (
coincidentally?
) been
investing heavily into this area in recent years
.
Diess said that the new regulations will be the perfect entry point, as it helps even out the playing field for new competitors. “You can’t get into Formula 1 unless a technology window opens, you need a rule change to get in there,” he added.
Since the introduction of the Turbo Hybrid era, Formula 1 has largely been dominated by VW’s German Rival Mercedes, although they’ve not risen to the same standards this year with the newly-implemented aerodynamic regulations.


Video: 2020 Kia Grand Carnival, 5 Things

The
updated 2020 Grand Carnival
 will now only be available in a single variant, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with
200 hp
and
440 Nm
of torque.
It’s around RM5k cheaper than the high-grade SX variant that has been axed, at RM 179,888. The exterior remains largely the same save for the addition of a roof rack. Otherwise, the Grand Carnival soldiers on with the same 18-inch alloy wheel design with halogen projector headlamps and LED combination tail lamps. The biggest change however, lies within the cabin. In this model, you get fabric seats with the only visible downgrade seen on the instrument cluster.

It gets a more somber black and white display, unlike the coloured display found in the previous SX high grade model. Not only that, the Grand Carnival is now
able to accommodate up to 11 passengers
, compared to the maximum of eight from before.
Seating layout is versatile as well; the Grand Carnival
can be set up to be a six, seven or eight seater
. If you’re looking for space rather than capacity, simply flip up the middle seats on every row to create an aisle to access the third row.
As for equipment, you get four USB ports, a reverse camera, an ioniser, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 3-zone air condition and electric sliding doors on both sides.
As for safety, the Carnival gets six airbags, hill start assist and four ISOFIX points. Another thing we noted was that the middles seats from the 2nd to 4th row only come with lap belts.
GALLERY


Ferrari 296 GTS makes SEA debut in Malaysia, from RM1.5m before tax

Just a short three months since its global premiere, the
Ferrari 296 GTS
 has now made its Southeast Asian regional debut here in Malaysia last night, at the Sepang International Circuit.
The 296 GTS is described as the “latest evolution of Maranello’s mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta spider”, and will go on sale here in Malaysia starting at a price of
 RM1,448,000
 before duties, taxes, insurance, and any customisable options.
As the name suggests, the 296 GTS is nearly identical to its coupe/berlinetta counterpart, the
296 GTB
 – both sharing the same basic aluminium chassis, and most importantly, the new ‘Picollo V12’ 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine. To account for the removal of the roof, however, Ferrari did have to make several modifications to both the chassis and design (
obviously
) of the 296 GTS.
On the former, the A-pillars, B-pillars, and sills have been strengthened, improving torsional rigidity and bending stiffness by 50% and 8% respectively compared to previous spider applications.
ALSO READ: Ferrari 296 GTB lands in Malaysia – from RM1.2 million before tax
As for design, the folding hardtop unfortunately meant that the beautiful see-through engine cover had to be shrunk down to just a tiny window now, making space for the roof’s storage. But at least, the redesigned buttresses do give the 296 GTS a unique silhouette, and the virtual fairings at the back also ensures that the aerodynamic performance is unchanged from the GTB.
On the mention of the roof, Ferrari says that the unit takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy, and can be operated at speeds of up to 45 km/h.
The addition of a retractable hard-top roof does come at a weight penalty of 70 kg, pushing the total kerb weight up to 1,540 kg. But despite the added weight, Ferrari still quotes an identical 0-100 km/h sprint time of
2.9 seconds
, with only the 0-200 km/h time taking three-tenths slower at
7.6 seconds
, compared to 7.3 seconds of the GTB. Top speed is also identical to the coupe counterpart, which is rated at
over 330 km/h
.
The
830 hp
 and
740 Nm
(663 hp from engine) output figures also remain identical to the coupe, as is the 25 km of electric driving range when in EV mode, which can be engaged at speeds of up to 135 km/h.
All of the 296 GTB’s electronic smarts have also been brought over to the Spider, including eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control), electric traction control (eTC), eDiff, a new ABS evo brake-by-wire control system, and a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) – the latter is said to enhance the car’s “fun to drive factor” by sending relevant data to the various electronic systems.
Just like the Berlinetta, the Ferrari 296 GTS will also be offered with the Assetto Fiorano package, as seen here in the photos. The package swaps out several trims both inside and out with lightweight materials for an overall weight-saving of 8 kg, and also adds on additional carbon-fibre aero bits for an additional 10 kg of downforce.
There’s also a set of special “GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use”, plus if you want it, a special design livery (as seen here) inspired by the Ferrari 250 Le Mans race car, running from the front wings all the way to the rear spoiler.
GALLERY


Proton delivered 8,934 units in September, YTD surpasses overall sales for 2018

Proton has announced their sales performance figures for the month of September, which saw the national carmaker achieving a total of 8,934 units registered last month.
Proton says that this represents a growth of 97% over the same period last year, with an estimated 20.2% gain in market share this month – the highest in 66 months. The latest sales figures, which takes into account export sales, have helped Proton achieve an estimated year-to-date market share of 15.8%.
Part of Proton’s success is due to the reception of the Proton Saga, which saw 3,994 units delivered last month alone – the highest monthly deliveries of any Proton model.
With over 20,000 booked since launch, the Proton Saga has reclaimed the best-selling A-segment sedan in Malaysia title after a 3-year hiatus.
With September’s sales figure, Proton has delivered 70,330 units so far this year, overtaking their total overall sales of the previous year – which saw 64,744 units registered – in just 9 months.
Proton’s new corporate image provides a new experience in their showroom.
Proton however has said that opening of new 3S and 4S outlets as well as improving Sales Service Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) scores remain a priority for the company. As of the end of last month, Proton has 104 certified 3S and 4S outlets in Malaysia.
Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, “As we continue to evolve as a brand, it’s vital that the service delivered at our outlets and dealerships evolves in tandem as the point of contact for our customers are the frontline staff. Therefore, an improvement to our SSI and CSI scores is a priority for everyone at the company as a means to maintain and even improve our sales growth momentum in the future.”


Mercedes-Benz V-Class now available in Malaysia, luxury MPV priced from RM435k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced the arrival of their megavan, the V-Class. The Malaysian-market Mercedes-Benz V-Class is available in the form of V 220 d, and customers can choose from either the standard or Avantgarde versions followed by a long list of customisation options.
The
V 220 d
 can be had in
two different wheelbases
 and
three body lengths
, ranging from 4,895 mm to 5,370 mm. Depending on which option chosen, it can carry up to eight persons on board.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz V 220 d
Segment
Premium MPV
Engine
2.1-litre turbodiesel
Max Power
163 hp
Max Torque
380 Nm
Base Price
RM434,888.00
EXTERIOR
Even though the V 220 d came from a van background, the front is still recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz, with a huge
three-pointed star
 sitting in the middle of the grille and a pair of shapely headlamps.
LED Intelligent Light System
 and
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
 are optional items, though.
This vast vehicle has been aerodynamically optimised for the same basic reasons. The smooth styling at the front, the wing mirrors, the underbody panelling, and even the wheel arches; all play a part in contributing to a rather impressive drag coefficient of
 0.31
, making the V-Class the most aerodynamic vehicle in its segment.
The sides are sculpted with strong character lines that ties the front and the back, while the rump features a
wide and low tailgate
. If you’re worried of not having enough space to open the rear tailgate, you can specify it with the optional
separately opening rear window
. Another option to consider is the
powered tailgate
 that can be stopped in any position.
INTERIOR
Up front, the dashboard design is shared with the current crop of Benzes featuring the round air vents and the
free-standing central display
. The
Comand controller with touchpad
 sits in the middle of the dash to control the mentioned screen on top.

Audio 20 system
 is offered as standard, but you can upgrade to the latest generation
COMAND Online
 system which allows internet browsing and even a thumping
16-speaker Burmester surround sound system
. The front seats can also be specified with
4-way lumbar support
 and
active seat ventilation
 with reversing fans. Speaking of ventilation, there’s an optional
THERMOTRONIC climate control system
 that is able to automatically adjust cabin airflow based on the surrounding environment.

Behind the front seats, a multitude of seating configurations are offered. The standard setup is two rows of two individual seats, but buyers can specify two rows of three-passenger benches. Each bench consists of two-piece base and three splitting backrests, and the right-hand can be taken out separately, or removed together with the rest to create a cavernous loading bay. Whichever seat setup you choose you will still get a
three-point safety belts
 for each occupants.
PERFORMANCE
Getting the V 220 d in motion is a
 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
 that produces
163 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at
5.7 l/100 km
, and the diesel lump is mated to the
7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission
.
Four driving modes can be selected from the
 AGILITY SELECT
: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Manual, and the optional
AGILITY CONTROL suspension
 allows selective damper adjustments. Remember, we’re talking about a five-metre long people carrier here.
WHAT ELSE?
The V 220 d retails from
RM434,888
 onwards, and most of the optional goodies are equipped as standard on the Avantgarde trim, such as LED headlamps, the separately opening rear window, AGILITY CONTROL suspension and get this – a passenger side rear sliding door. The standard V 220 d has to make do with just a single rear sliding door on the right-hand side.
Other available options include
Active Parking Assist
, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist,
DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
 with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, and
360° camera
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Take a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum through this one-of-a-kind drone video

In conjunction with the reopening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the company also released an enchanting drone video with unbelievably dynamic flights like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
The video was produced using mini-drones that weighed less than 100 grams, even with high-resolution 4K cameras strapped on them. As you can see from the images, they’re only a tad larger than the palm of an adult, allowing them to fly and hover through the tiniest gaps and openings that resulted in the ultra-cool, dynamic shots.

Even Mercedes-Benz themselves admitted it was a bold idea as there were risks of damaging the exhibits, which were worth millions. However, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to showcase the museum in a way that’s never been seen before, amid the Covid-19 lockdown and the inevitable closure of the Musuem, albeit temporarily.
“Here at the Mercedes-Benz Museum we’re always trying to implement new things and take unconventional paths on our social media channels. It drew a lot of attention and the response has spoken for itself,” says Mercedes-Benz Museum, Social Media Manager, Michael Abele.
The green light for filming was given under the proviso that the vehicles would be protected from being damaged at all times. As such, the filmmakers practised intensively before executing certain shots using real obstacles and digital simulations.
The filmmakers from
minidrone.studio
 expressed relief after the 3-day shoot, but highlighted that the shoot process wasn’t as fun as the video appeared.
In order to acquire those incredible shots, they had to fly through the tightest spots at a really high speed – they were not sped up during the editing process. If anything, the speed of these footages had to be “slowed down” to allow viewers to properly appreciate the exhibits.
“In total, we used four different types of drones for filming at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Such drones are not ready-made for purchase and had to be modified using various components to suit our needs”, said Daniel Wagner of minidrone.studio.
Smaller drones were used indoors and through tight spaces but for the outside/wider shots, the team opted for a larger drone to withstand the winds. Using video eyewear, the team also managed to get long uncut shots which added more “oomph” to the final video.
“We look forward to inspire more people to visit us with this new video, either in person or from the comforts of their sofa at home,” says Head of Mercedes-Benz Museum, Monja Büdke.


Looking after an aged BMW just became easier

Attention E46, E90 3-Series and E60 5-Series owners, you can now purchase engine oil service packages on e-commerce platform Lazada for your vehicles to be serviced at participating authorised BMW dealers. Said packages starts from RM450, inclusive of original BMW engine oil, oil filter and labour.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director for BMW Group Malaysia said, “In our pursuit to increase the sheer pleasure of a BMW ownership experience, we are excited to be partnering with the leading e-commerce platforms in the country, to make Original BMW Engine Oil and Service more readily available to BMW owners. This marks the first offering by BMW Authorised Dealers after-sales on an e-commerce platform, which enables BMW owners to enjoy peace of mind ownership experience from wherever they are, be it on their computer, laptop, or smartphones.”
We wonder how much an oil change for the E60 M5 V10 would cost?
Here’s how it works; purchase the BMW Oil Change Service via any of the participating dealers on Lazada, the authorised dealer will call within one business day to schedule an appointment, and then show up with your BMW on the day of appointment for the oil change. Simple.
Participating BMW authorised dealers include Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Auto Bavaria Johor Bahru, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, Auto Bavaria Penang, Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi, Ingress Auto Damansara, Lee Motors Auto Care Alor Setar, Seong Hoe Premium Motors Melaka, Tian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth, Tian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh and Wearnes Autohaus Tebrau.
If you’re wondering why your model isn’t on the Engine Oil Service Package list, BMW Group Malaysia and its dealers will be offering oil change packages to cover more models as the BMW Service Inclusive programme runs out on newer models such as F10 5-Series and F30 3-Series.


Lamborghini Owners Malaysia sets new record for ‘Largest gathering of Lamborghinis’

Imagine the sight of over 100 different Lamborghinis gathering in one spot, wouldn’t that be unforgettable? Not only will that memory live on with the public who were there to witness the gathering, but it also made its way into the history books.
Last weekend, members of the Lamborghini Owners Malaysia (LOM) club came out in full force to set a new record for the ‘Largest Gathering of Lamborghinis at an event’ in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
A total of 112 Lamborghinis showed up that day, comprising various models such as the Murcielago, Huracan, Aventador, and the hot-selling Urus SUV.
The previous record set in 2013, in conjunction with Lamborghini’s 50th-anniversary celebration, only saw 77 participating owners from Malaysia and Singapore.
This time around those present were made up of owners from Peninsular Malaysia only. Interestingly, the previous record set nearly 10 years ago, took place in the exact same venue as the one last weekend.
Members of LOM and the public were treated to a lion dance before LOM was handed a certificate from officials of the Malaysia Book of Records to confirm the new record.
Following the record-breaking feat, member conveyed to La Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort in Bukit Tinggi for a gala dubbed the ‘Bulls Ball’ not only to celebrate the new record but also for charity as members aimed to raise some RM40,000 for four different charities. Full details on that will be announced later.
LOM was established in 2014 with only 50 members but that figure has since grown to 150 this present day.
GALLERY


BMW Malaysia presents BMW Moments – an all encompassing ownership privileges programme

BMW Moments
 will look to offer BMW owners with best-in-class services and privileges – ranging from financial solutions, care and assistance and lifestyle privileges – through three categories. They consist of BMW Support, BMW Care and BMW Privileges.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “At BMW, we have always been committed to providing our customers with first-class service that delivers the best-in-class ownership experience. We will continuously deliver the freedom to enjoy the promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure with peace of mind through innovative, industry-first products and services for our valued customers. Now, BMW Moments will allow us to better communicate and deliver the Complete BMW Premium Ownership Experience that we have to offer every customer.”
 With
BMW Support
, BMW owners are guaranteed absolute peace of mind with the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
Available to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and just a mere call away, qualified specialists from the call centre will take care of absolutely everything that needs to be done in the event of a breakdown or accident.
The program offers lifetime phone assistance as well as comprehensive mobility services in case of an emergency or break down at no cost for new owners.
As part of the complete
 BMW Care
 package, all new BMW vehicles come with the manufacturer-backed BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.
By extension, the programme also includes free scheduled service and maintenance for up to 100,000km. The scope of services with the warranty programme consists of engine oil changes to other vehicle checks.
The BMW 2-Year Tyre Warranty programme entitles owners to a comprehensive tyre protection plan that covers tyre damages caused by any sharp objects or by hitting the edge of a curb or pothole.
BMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres are the only tyres manufactured to the specifications and performance standards of a BMW vehicle.
BMW Privileges
 are offered via BMW White Card, BMW White Card Elite, or the BMW Excellence Club for the BMW 7 Series owners. Whether it’s receiving invitations to exclusive BMW events or a host of dining, shopping and lifestyle offerings, the BMW owners club is the gateway to an incomparable premium lifestyle.