Review: Hyundai Elantra Premium – the overlooked gem

Class-leading interior design and comfort
Sedate but competent, matured drive
Unique design that’ll definitely stand out from the crowd
As tested: RM158,888
Driving is fun, and for some people, it might just be the best dang thing to ever exist in their lives. Car enthusiasts like you and me can spend an entire night blabbing on and on about how a particular car feels through the bends or under acceleration, but the (somewhat saddening) reality is that – most people just don’t care.
The majority of car buyers in Malaysia aren’t looking for “fun” cars, otherwise hot hatches and sports cars will be selling by the truck loads. For most, a car just needs to be safe and comfortable enough to get them from point A to point B without fuss; the “fun” factor is just a nice-to-have – if they can even feel it.
And that’s where cars like the
all-new Hyundai Elantra
 come in. Because for everything that matters to regular car buyers, the Elantra just pretty much nails it.
The first time we ever saw the Elantra in person, we were stunned. And the same thing happened again and again pretty much every time we looked at it from the outside throughout our weekend with it.
Luc Donckerwolke’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language that debuted with the Hyundai Elantra was – to say the least – divisive at launch. But we genuinely believe that it’s a design that works better in person, and anecdotal evidences among our peers seem to agree with that.
Sharp edges, geometric shapes, and massive grilles – these aren’t groundbreaking new design paradigms in the automotive scene. But it’s just the way that they’re all put together on the Elantra that makes it really stand out, without being overtly jarring (like the
Tesla Cybertruck
, which just looks like a low-poly game object).
Hyundai took a lot of flak for the angular, jewel-like lines on the Elantra’s sides – at least when photos of the car were first unveiled online. But in person, it’s a rather subtle effect that brings out an intricate light play on the side, further adding to the car’s sophisticated character.
The best angle of the car, however, is definitely its rump. The sharp edges motif is once again seen here on the boot lid, but taken to the extreme to form an integrated spoiler. The effect is further accentuated with the full-width “H-tail Lamp”, and the dark chrome elements on the bumper is just the cherry on top.
It’s brash, yes, or even a little “otherworldly”. But give it time, and we’re sure you’ll grow to like it, too – I mean, there’s a reason it
won the Good Design award
earlier this year. At the very least, it’ll definitely stand out from the growing crowd of boring silver SUVs.
No matter how you feel about the Hyundai Elantra’s exterior, though, all is forgotten as soon as you open the driver’s door and step inside the cabin. In fact, the Elantra’s cabin might have one of the best interior designs of any C-segment sedans out there, period.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, you’ll immediately notice how you’re separated from your front passenger, with clever use of colours and design elements to make the driver feel just that little bit more special.
It’s not just the design, either – the overall quality feels great, with no rattles or loose panels anywhere to be seen or felt. And the white leather intertwined with grey woven fabric? Well, that’s just proper premium-grade stuff, elevating the classiness of the entire interior to a whole other level. Nice.
If there’s one thing here to pick on, though, it’s the massive bezels that surround the displays on the dashboard. The glossy black plastic picks up fingerprints way too easily, and just doesn’t gel well with the rest of the classy white interior. The displays themselves also come with a matte finish, which further accentuates the (small) size of the screens.
And while we’re on the topic of displays, the graphics for the central infotainment display looks like it was designed a decade ago – a jarring contrast from the otherwise modern interior. At least, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to hide it for the most part, but it’s still a rough oversight in our books.
The Hyundai Elantra in other countries does come with an option for a dual 10.25-inch display unit that’s covered by a single pane of glass (and feature newer software). HSDM should have definitely optioned that onto our local model, as it looks miles better than what we have here. Shame.
Are we a little harsh on something that’s probably inconsequential to most people? Perhaps, but these tiny pain points just stick out like a sore thumb when the rest of the car is so capable of delivering one of the most zen-like experiences you can get from a car.
That includes its drive, too. The SmartStream 1.6-litre inline-four engine’s
123 hp
 and
154 Nm
 may not sound at all impressive on paper (or when compared to its nearest rivals), but it’s the way it delivers power in such a smooth and calm demeanour that truly makes it a perfect match for the car.
It’s not a car that constantly asks you to drive it hard; rather, the Elantra wants you to gently prod on the accelerator, and it’ll reward you with waves of serenity throughout your journey, even if you’re stuck in the notorious traffic jam of Kuala Lumpur roads. The ventilated seats certainly help with that.
Highways are where the Hyundai Elantra shines. The engine has no problem keeping up with the national speed limit, or even occasionally exceeding it if you need to overtake. Pair the quiet cabin with a supple suspension set-up, and every long-distance journey will breeze by in an instant – especially when the smart cruise control system takes over most of the driving.
So with all these praise, you should just rush out and buy one, then? Well, that’s if you can look past its asking price of RM158,888. At that figure, there are quite a few other options that buyers can explore, and the Elantra’s spec sheet certainly doesn’t make it any easier (on a first impression, at least) – not to mention the brand snobbery that’s so prevalent in the Malaysian car buying crowd.
After spending a weekend with the Hyundai Elantra, we have no qualms with forking out that dough for a car that’s so well-rounded for our everyday commuting needs – but then again, we’re no regular car buyers. The good news, then, is that there’s a
cheaper Executive variant
 that omits several creature comforts, but still retains the same good looks.
Hyundai Elantra G1.6 Premium specifications:
Engine
1,598 cc; naturally-aspirated inline-four, petrol
Transmission
Hyundai Smartstream IVT
Max horsepower
123 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Max torque
154 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
10.4 seconds; 196 km/h
Price (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)
RM158,888
GALLERY


First Impressions: Volkswagen Golf TSI R-Line – Punches way above its weight

You’re right, I may have exaggerated it; partly to rope you into this article (my bad) but mostly cause the
Golf TSI R-Line
 does tend to make you forget you’re in the lesser of the Golf range; especially with the highly impressionable GTI and Golf R placed above it.
You’ve probably came across
 our Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf R review
 published a few weeks back and since I’ve got the Golf GTI review pending, I’ll focus my attention on the Golf TSI R-Line which during my brief encounter with it, en route to Johor Bharu with Volkswagen Malaysia recently, constantly made me question if it’s worth all that headache, spending more on a GTI if not the Golf R.
Before the highway blast down south, I got to experience how the R-Line would perform through the twisty ends of Bukit Putus along with a convoy of GTIs and Golf Rs and was pleasantly surprised how resilient the Golf TSI was (aided by some extra courage) in keeping up with its more capable brothers especially in the corners without threatening you with the imminent danger of being sent off the road.
What definitely enhanced the experience through the bends was the quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox that just never seems to disappoint with its telepathic-like quick reactions along with the extended XDS differential lock that kept the car firm on its tracks.
In the straights, well that’s another story. With a modest
150 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, it gets minusculed by the more potent GTI and muscular Golf R but I’d bet my money in saying that if the brief mountain run was against other cars of the same price tag (regardless of segment), they would’ve been hard done by the Golf TSI R-Line.
In the hands of a more capable driver of course – definitely not by me. I can’t even turn the steering wheel without tangling my arms sometimes.
On the open road, despite the noticeable lack of grunt, I’d still refuse to consider the TSI’s performance as lacklustre. While it may not pull like a train, a trait both its elder brothers proudly possess, given a clear stretch, the puny 1.4-litre TSI engine will still keep you on the edge of your seat.
It will also keep most cars (with larger displacement) at the edge of your rear-view mirror without too much of a struggle and I’m speaking from first-hand experience here. *wink*
Having now driven the GTI (again, review to be published soon), the difference in stability especially at (very) high speeds is negligible but what wouldn’t go unnoticed is the wind noise but really, it’s only profound once you’ve pass the threshold of unspeakable speeds.
What you would also notice sitting in the cabin is how “insignificantly indifferent” the TSI is, to its GTI brother. Aside from the fabric trims, the lack of visually-enticing badges like those in the GTI, the TSI R-Line’s interior is just more sedated, more subdued but isn’t a lacking one.
You still get the updated, more interactive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers, rear view camera, seven airbags and the new, all-important 12.3-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster which by the way is non-existent in the regular TSI Sportline.
Now,
Volkswagen Malaysia is even offering R-Line leather upholstery as standard
, in replacement of the fabric seats.
That said, what could’ve come in handy especially when hard braking was needed to avoid rear-ending the fools who switched lanes suddenly without indicating, was a pair of paddle shifters but it wasn’t exactly life-changing having to resort to the good ol’ gear lever for a few quick downshifts.
Destined as the “efficient one” rather then one for all-out performance, mileage returns were quite impressive too. Having covered over 320km from both urban areas and on the highway, the
TSI still had just under half a tank of fuel left
.
On the Autocross was where the limits of the TSI R-Line was put to the absolute test and I must say, it wasn’t at all a disappointment. In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that it was lively in its own way, very maneuverable and quite eager to power out between the cones – all in all, a real fun car considering what the TSI R-Line was built for – with more focus on efficiency and comfort than outright performance.
Yes, the suspension may have been on the softer side and the steering did not have the dart-like precision of the GTI or even the poise of the AWD Golf R. However, factoring in the sufficiently capable powertrain, aided by all the essence and goodness of a Volkswagen Golf, it was very easy to get on the TSI’s limit without fear of overwhelming the car despite my limited talent behind the (flat-bottom) wheel.
Given the limited time with the Golf TSI R-Line, my first ever encounter with any Golf TSI for that matter, I must say that it was simply impressive. It did everything it was built and intended for, and excelled at it. I suppose if you had a go in it, you wouldn’t disagree with me.
What you’d most likely also agree with me is that despite all its abilities, it’s rather steep paying the approx. RM160k asking price when you can get so much more for the money (actually mostly just in size).
That’s because if you’re looking for a car in that price bracket, often times you’re in it for the value and as much as I believe that the Golf TSI R-Line offers more value than meets the eye, the sad reality is that most would agree with me but end up buying a Camry or Accord.
Shame.
IMAGE GALLERY


Review: BMW F22 220i Sport, when lesser doors equals more fun

How times have changed. Remember when the BMW 3 Series was strictly a two door coupe? Yes it’s hard to believe that the first ever E21 3 Series was equipped with just two doors.
It was only on the second generation E30 that BMW offered a four door option along with the two door 3 Series Coupe. Eventually the 3 Series Coupe grew bigger and bigger, and if you walk into a BMW showroom today you can’t even buy a new 3 Series Coupe because it has grown to become the 4 Series.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW 220i Sport

Segment
C-Segment coupe
Engine
1,997 cc 4-Cylinder Turbo
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
184 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Max Torque
270 Nm @ 1,250 rpm
Price
RM 279,800.00
If you want a proper small BMW Coupe, the F32 4 Series is not what you can call “small”, and that’s where the 2 Series comes into picture. Now, before you call us insane for suggesting a mini-MPV to satisfy your coupe cravings, the 2 Series we’re talking about is not the
F45 Active Tourer
 (or even the
F46 Gran Tourer
) but the
F22 Coupe
. Confused yet? BMW reckons you shouldn’t be.
The F22 2 Series Coupe has nothing to do with the F45/F46 2 Series Tourers, instead it’s related to the
F20 1 Series hatchback
. The F22 2 Series Coupe is actually the successor to the
E82 1 Series Coupe
 (based off the E88/E87 1 Series hatch), but because of BMW recently just had to “realign” their products names, the 1 Series Coupe is now known as the 2 Series Coupe.
In Malaysia, the F22 2 Series Coupe is only available in a single engine choice, the
220i
.
Launched
 together with the
F33 4 Series Convertible
 during the BMW Malaysian Open in 2014, it’s available in two trims, the base 220i and the
220i Sport
 with added, um, sportiness. We’re testing the latter variant, and it looks like a fun little coupe. But is it really? Let’s find out.
EXTERIOR
There’s little for BMW to mess with the 2-Series Coupe’s design. The classic front-engined rear-wheel drive layout already set the blueprint for a
faultless coupe proportion
: long bonnet, cab-rearwards, and a stubby tail. Although from some angle it can look quite dumpy, rather like the “starter pack” among the sleeker BMW coupes higher up in the range. Still, it has the allure of a coupe written all over it.

Compared to the E82 1 Series Coupe it replaced, the
Bi-Xenon headlamps
 with
LED
 corona rings
DRL
 are squintier, making the front look wider and more matured, while the front bumper is aerodynamically shaped with a two-tier bridge in the middle and a couple of
air curtain slots
 next to the fog lamps.
The striking contours on the flanks and the glitzy alloy wheels provide the 220i Coupe some flair, and BMW is also kind enough to give the 2 Series a pair of doors with
frameless windows
 to enhance the coupe sensation.
As we move along round the back, the compressed tail features a couple of compact version of the BMW L-shaped taillights, and a straightforward single tailpipe exit on the left side of the bumper. On the whole, the 220i is not a shouty car, unless if you specify it in Valencia Orange, you can drive past a crowd almost unnoticed.

Aside from the visible badge on the front fenders, the 220i Sport is differentiated from the base 220i via the
17-inch star-spoke alloys
 and some high-gloss black finish on the grille inserts,  mirror caps, and tailpipe. If you’re still not convinced, swing open the door for a further proof that it’s the Sport variant by looking at the sill which clearly writes “BMW Sport”.
INTERIOR
F20 1 Series owners will feel at home because it’s essentially the same interior but feels much cosier here. The
powered sports seats
 feel great, the generous side bolsters can be set to hug you like a long lost relative that haven’t seen you in ages, making sure that you don’t budge during spirited driving. Once you’re buckled up in the driver’s seat, the snug cabin cocoons you in place like it was designed specifically around you.

The dash is angled towards the driver just like it should, and there’s no need to stretch because everything falls within your arm’s reach. Controls are clear and uncomplicated, and even the
 iDrive controller
 fitted in this car is the basic version that only toggles left and right, and the top part of the controller makes do without the fancy touch surface. Permanently lodged on top of the center panel is a
6.5-inch screen
 that displays the iDrive menu
.
The multifunction
sports steering
 doesn’t look as good as the M-Sport wheel but it does have a luscious chunky rim and
shift paddles
. Peeping through it you will see couple of retro analogue dials, but the small LCD display underneath might get obscured by the steering wheel boss depending on your seating position.

You’re forbidden to take more than two persons at the back, because the middle seat base is occupied by a plastic tray. Space is tight back there but at least the access is not limited to just contortionists, and a couple of aircond vents at the end of the transmission tunnel prevent the cabin from getting stuffy.
Despite the lack of space, the solid interior is still filled with practical amenities. You will find ISOFIX child seat anchors, a small drop down compartment on the driver’s side of the dashboard, front and rear 12v sockets, some useful netting near the front passenger foot well and behind the front seat backs, and the lined glovebox will accept more than a pair of gloves. Although it might appear that the
tapau
 hooks are located quite high on each side of the B-pillars, we’re pretty sure they’re not intended for hanging your
Teh-O ais limau
.

Meanwhile, you can throw in
390 litres
 worth of cargo in the boot, and the boot too is furnished with a 12v outlet, as well as hooks and netting to keep smaller items from being thrown about during your
 touge
 session.
PERFORMANCE
Continuing to mess with your head, this 220i is not powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder lump like the one in the
F20 120i
. Instead, this 220i relies on a bigger
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
, dishing out
184 hp
 and
270 Nm
 of torque. On duty to deliver all the power to the rear wheels is the sublime ZF-sourced
eight-speed automatic
 gearbox with
Launch Control
.
Although we found that the Launch Control is somewhat gimmicky. It sends off the 220i with a mini burnout but it doesn’t feel any quicker than a normal standing start acceleration apart from the added drama. Supposedly it should help to transport the 220i from
 0 to 100 km/h
 in
7.0 seconds
, and if you keep your right foot planted on the fun pedal it will max out at
230 km/h
.
Depending on your mood, you can select from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes through the
Driving Experience Control
 switch next to the gearvlever and it will alter the car’s behaviour which involves different engine mapping as well as the sensitivity of the stability control system.
THE DRIVE
We started off in
Eco Pro
 mode therefore you don’t have to, because who in the right mind would buy a 220i and drive it in Eco Pro? Though if you must know, in Eco Pro mode the 220i will play a humdrum everyday car with its gentle throttle response, and it will gladly assist you to achieve the lowest fuel consumption possible as the excellent eight-speed transmission slurs through each gear with nary a jerk.
However, you will feel the occasional jerk when the engine is fired up after being cut off when you stop at the traffic lights. There’s no escaping the
start/stop system
 if you’re chasing the best fuel economy, you know. After a while I felt like it’s almost unlawful to strangle a good engine in the name of saving petrol, so I prodded the Driving Experience Control switch to
Comfort
 to free it from the eco-choke.
The 220i is well-behaved in general with its pliable ride and the steering is light enough for the daily routine. I even took my parents and my sister out for a dinner and not once the ride felt uncomfortably harsh or jarring.
Because of its compact dimensions, pootling around town is easy, and the unobtrusive pillars make it easy to see out of. You can calmly cruise on the highways too. At the highway speed limit, the engine is barely audible, and the rubber seals around the frameless windows work better than expected to block out wind noise from entering the cabin.
If you want to de-stress you should select the
Sport
 mode and hit the back roads. Instantly you will notice that the steering gets heavier and the throttle becomes livelier while the gear changes are delayed until higher at the rev range. The soundtrack generated is sporty enough even if it doesn’t burp on the upshifts like a Golf GTI, and despite being pushed, the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo mill is relatively lag-free and revs cleanly to the red line like a normally aspirated engine.
The steering is exactly like how you would imagine it to be, sharp and feelsome. With no obvious bodyroll and plenty of poise, it’s a joy chucking the 220i in tight corners and the chassis feels right at home on the winding roads. The brakes also work fine with positive pedal feel and they resist fade relatively well.
Another jab at the Driving Experience Control switch will bring the car into
 Sport+
 mode, which grants you more fun under the vigilant eyes of the
German nanny
. With 270 Nm of torque it’s rather easy to break the traction from the rear wheels, but in Sport+ the German nanny named DSC will give you the liberty for a little slip before she steps in to thwart you from dispatching the diminutive coupe into the ditch.
However if you’re confident that you have the drifting skills of Tengku Djan, you can give the nanny a break by switching off the DSC completely and only then you can indulge in some tomfoolery with the 220i. Like a jubilant puppy wagging its tail, the 220i is happy to swing its rear end when you introduce it to some twisty blacktop.
Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, the Sport+ gives the best compromise and it should be enough to grant most people plenty of amusement behind the wheel. Definitely the tradeoff is you won’t be able to match the claimed
 6.0 litres per 100 km fuel consumption
 when in Sport+ (yours truly scored 11.9 l/ 100km), but I personally believe that it’s justifiable by the amount of grin-inducing moments you get from it.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
Currently, the 220i Coupe is the only rear-wheel drive compact continental coupe on sale here, so it’s your only choice if you must have a continental badge on your compact rear-wheel drive coupe. As a weekend plaything the 220i Coupe is certainly worth a look especially if carving up and down the mountain roads is one of your favourite pastimes.
Undoubtedly, the 220i Coupe works best as a second car but it can also serve as your main and only car as long as you don’t ferry more than one passenger on a daily basis. For that you’re better off with a 320i and that will also save you some cash for a lovely holiday.
COMPARISONS
There’s not many compact coupe on sale in Malaysia, the Merc CLA doesn’t come in 2-door guise and Toyota has pulled the 86 out of their Malaysian lineup. Thankfully,
Audi
 has the
Mk3 TT
.
Although the
TT
 is a front-wheel drive coupe, it’s much more powerful and much more compact. The
2.0 TFSI
 produces
46 hp
 and
100 Nm more
 than the 2.0 turbo in the 220i, enabling the TT to accelerate quicker off the line. The TT also has a higher top speed than the 220i.
Tech geeks will love the TT’s stylish interior that features
Audi virtual cockpit
 but it won’t be able to provide as much room like in the 220i, particularly at the back and the boot space is also down by 85 litres.
BMW 220i Sport

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Displacement
cc
1,997
1,984
Max Power
hp/rpm
184/5,000
230/4,500
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
270/1,250
370/1,600
STEERING
Type
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
8-Speed automatic
6-Speed dual-clutch automatic
SUSPENSION
Type (Front / Rear)
MacPherson struts / Multi link
MacPherson struts / Multi link
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Ventilated disc
Disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
225/45 R17
245/40 R18
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,432
4,177
Overall Width
mm
1,774
1,832
Overall Height
mm
1,418
1,353
Wheelbase
mm
2,690
2,505
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,440
1,335
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
390
305
FUEL
Tank Capacity
52 litres
50 litres
Consumption
6.0 L/100 km
6.3 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
230
250
0 – 100km/h
sec
7.0
5.9
PRICE
RM
279,800.00
284,900.00
WILL I BUY IT?
When the symbol of a performance BMW is marked by the letter M, the 220i Coupe here is the underdog in the BMW’s product range in Malaysia. For all that I found, the 220i Coupe is one of those “just right” cars because the size and the amount of power it offers is just about right, yet effortlessly entertaining.
On top of that, the 220i Coupe is not too flashy and doesn’t scream for attention. Only the owner knows that it’s actually pretty darn enjoyable to be behind the wheel. I didn’t expect to be so smitten by the 220i and couldn’t for a second ask for more. In fact I’d swing by the showroom right now to place an order if not for the glaring fact that the numbers on my current paycheque won’t allow me to do that.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton aims to become RHD EV manufacturing Hub, to start with MHEVs

Following
Proton
’s success in increasing its yearly sales and yearly exports, the local carmaker has now laid out its plans for the electric future that lies ahead. Proton’s key strategies include becoming an electric vehicle (EV) right-hand drive (RHD) hub, and the first step towards reaching this goal would be to introduce Proton mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) first.
Nicely coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Proton this year, the company will soon introduce an MHEV Proton X90. Its mild hybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and an electric motor, and the drive system makes a combined output of
190 hp
 and
300 Nm
. You can read more on the upcoming Proton SUV
here
.
Without a specific time frame, Proton’s EV roadmap is split into three phases
Not presented with a specific timeline, Proton has split its new energy vehicle (NEV) plan into three phases. The first phase is “EV Pioneering”, the second phase is “EV growth”, and the third phase is “EV RHD Hub”. For the Proton brand itself, the NEV roadmap starts with MHEVs in phase 1, followed by BEVs and MHEVs in phases 2 and 3.
While phase 1 serves to penetrate the EV market and strengthen market awareness, phase 2 interestingly lists “Local EV Production” besides “Ecosystem development” and “Accelerate EV adoption”. To reach local EV production, Proton will have to first build its talent pool and charging infrastructure. For both purposes, Proton has begun
sending its staff for NEV training

and
working with Gentari
 to build the necessary infrastructure.
RELATED:
Proton X90 to debut in Q2 2023 with 1.5 TGDi mild-hybrid engine!
The figures are not representative of the number of cars. They “may be more” according to Proton
In a different slide, Proton shared a glimpse of its upcoming models, depicting several covered cars for its “mid-term growth plan” and “EV strategic execution”. What can be seen are two cars under the mid-term growth plan.
One of them represents the upcoming Proton X90 while the other is possibly hinting at a new sedan. It was however mentioned by the Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, that the images are not representative of the actual number of cars they will be releasing and that there “may be more” than shown. “Home-Grown NEVs” are also shown in the slide, hinting at a fully electric model with the local emblem.
As for its EV program implementation, Proton is currently on-track, having inked a distributorship deal with Smart for the
Smart #1
, establishing its new subsidiary PRO-NET, and sending its staff to China for NEV training. Looking forward, Proton aims to spearhead the NEV ecosystem development in Malaysia. The company will help to make the Ministry of Environments’ “Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint” a reality, which includes making EVs contribute to 9% of cars by 2025 and 15% of cars by 2030.
RELATED:
Smart #1 – Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far


Facelifted Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD comes with ACC & AEB in Malaysia!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced that the Nissan X-Trail facelift is now open for booking to Malaysian buyers. There will be 4 variants available including a new 2.0-litre Hybrid option and the availability of the complete Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance system.
The X-Trail facelift
is offered in the following variants – 2.0L 2WD, 2.0L 2WD MID, 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L
Hybrid. Due to the additional battery pack for the hybrid system, the Hybrid variant
is only available in a 5-seater configuration.
Unlike the product positioning of the
Proton X70
 and
Honda CR-V
, ETCM is offering the full suite of advanced driver assistance system for their range-topping
2.5L 4WD
 and
 2.0L Hybrid
. The system bundles Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Moving Object Detection (I-MOD).
The
2.0L 2WD MID
 spec is still decently equipped with LDW, BSW, RCTA and motion activated powered tailgate. The entry-level
2.0L 2WD
 only gets the I-AVM with I-MOD 360-degree camera from the list. It is also the only variant to come with four airbags while the rest of the range gets six as standard.
ETCM has not disclosed
the full specification of the X-Trail facelift but features we can expect from
the new SUV include new signature ‘V-Motion’ front grille design, revised
signature LED Boomerang Daytime Running Lights and Headlights, Smoked LED
Boomerang Tail Lamps, 7.0-inch Navi Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto ready, 5.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, flat bottom multifunctional
steering wheel, powered front seats as well as leatherette dashboard and knee pads.
The 2.0L 2WD variants of the X-Trail gets a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers
144 hp
 and
200 Nm
 to drive the front wheels. The 2.5L 4WD gets a larger 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine packing
171 hp
 and
233 Nm
.
The 2.0L Hybrid features an MR20DD 2.0-litre petrol engine (
144 hp
/
200 Nm
) supported by an electric motor that generates
41 hp
and
160 Nm
 from 0 rpm.
ETCM has annoucned that
there will be five exterior colours available for the facelifted X-Trail – Brilliant
White, Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black and Imperial Umber. Every
purchase is also covered by a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty (includes Hybrid
parts and Lithium Ion battery pack).
As for price, the
facelifted X-Trail is estimated to cost RM139,900 for the 2.0L 2WD, RM149,900
for the 2.0L 2WD MID, RM159,900 for the 2.5L 4WD and RM169,900 for the 2.0L Hybrid.
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan X-Trail Facelift in Malaysia


Can mobile phones really cause an explosion in petrol station? [+Video]

A woman suffered severe burns recently when she refuelled her car while using her cellphone. Fire and Rescue Department points to the phone as the cause of fire. However, is it true that we should not use our mobile phones while refuelling?
According to the
The Star
, the woman was believed to have placed the nozzle into the filler neck before moving into the backseat to take the call (with the door closed).
Moments later, a worker discovered smoke emerging from that vehicle. When the door was opened, thick smoke was spewing out of the car with the woman slumped in the backseat. The victim was sent to the hospital for treatment.
According to a report by
Federal Communications Commission
 (FCC) in the US, “
The wireless industry has done studies on the potential for wireless phones to create sparks that could possibly ignite flammable materials. The studies generally conclude that while it may be
 theoretically possible
 for a spark from a cell phone battery to ignite gas vapour under very precise conditions, there is no documented incident where the use of a wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion at a gas station.”
To prove the point, let’s watch this Mythbusters video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw6-PhvcS3M&feature=youtu.be
It turns out mobile phones are not the cause of fiery explosions in petrol stations. In fact, a test from Mythbusters revealed that mobile phones do not ignite fuel vapour at a filling station. The risk actually comes from the
electrostatic discharge
 between a driver and the car.
Therefore, the fire was unlikely to be caused by the victim’s mobile phone but improper electrostatic discharge. A touch on the car’s body by the victim to discharge could have prevented that horrible accident from happening.
Fire happens when
fuel vapour
,
air
, and
spark
come together. The latter happens through electrostatic discharge, running car engine, or according to some unconfirmed reports, waves emitted from mobile phones. That said, let’s wait for the full investigation results.
Meanwhile, Petronas has released a public service announcement to remind everyone of the of the safety guidelines in the vicinity of the petrol station. We might have rebuked the point on the usage of mobile phones, but let’s not take the risk.
Also, it is
very important
to a
lways
discharge your body of electrostatic charge by touching a metal part on your vehicle
 before refuelling. Last, but not least, avoid generating electrostatic charge through movements such as getting in and out from your vehicle while refuelling.
Stay safe everyone!


Honda opens new world-class wind tunnel facility to further EV development

In case you’re wondering, an automotive wind tunnel is a high-tech facility that mimics the airflow in the real world when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds and for that reason, Honda has recently opened up a new wind tunnel facility in Ohio that took five years to building, costing over USD124 million.
The Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) marks the fourth full-scale wind tunnel and the first and only one in North America owned by Honda. According to
 MotorTrend
, the decision was made to reduce the testing time as previously Honda had to ship test vehicles abroad or rent wind tunnels for testing.
The HALO was built to developing fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles. The wind tunnel is capable of generating wind speeds of more than 310 km/h to provide testing functions of aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing, all in one location. As such it can offer aerodynamic testing for both production and race cars.
The HALO facility features a five-belt rolling road system to develop mass production cars while a single wide-belt system is for testing both high performance cars and purpose-built race cars.
The facility is also home to an acoustic test system that utilises microphones and cameras to assist Honda with vehicle designs especially for the development of electric cars.
With electric cars, noise reduction is an important element in vehicle design as wind noise becomes more obvious in the absence of engine and exhaust sounds. With the acoustic test system, engineers will be able to locate areas where noise is being generated more effectively; both from the outside and within the cabin.
Additionally, the wind tunnel’s aerodynamic test capabilities will help contribute to the increase in electric driving range and performance of Honda’s future EV models.


You can now buy a new Renault without stepping into a dealership

If you are a person who despise interpersonal communication in any form, remember to always pay your internet bills because the future clearly hinges on internet connectivity.
Claiming to be “a first for the [local] automotive industry”, TC Euro Car (TCEC) has launched the
Renault E-Store
, introducing options to both purchase and subscribe to Renault vehicles on the
Renault Malaysia website
.
TCEC promises to digitalise the entire car buying process from end-to-end. That includes test drive arrangements, as well as taking delivery of the car.
The ‘Buy a Renault’ feature on the Renault Malaysia website allows customers to select the Renault model and colour of choice, make booking fee payment, submit necessary documents and trade-in valuation details, bank loan preferences, as well as viewing the status of their new vehicle.
If you have
dealershiphobia
, you can even arrange for the delivery of your vehicle at a location of your choice through the website, at an additional fee.
To ensure that customers don’t hit a snag during the process, TCEC says that dedicated Renault agents will be on hand to guide the customer through every step.
As for Renault Subscription, customers will be able to select the vehicle and subscription plan, upload supporting documents, view application status, submit security deposit and manage their monthly subscription payments.
Upon confirmation, TCEC says that customers will be able to drive away in their brand-new Renault cars within
14 days
 from the date of payment, depending on model.

Additionally, customers who opted for the
Switch plan
 will be able to request and manage their Switch vehicles (Megane RS or Koleos) online through the portal.
If you would like to try out the cars before putting down an order, you will now be able to request for a test drive at your preferred Renault showroom through the website.
Specific to the
Renault Captur
, TCEC has also partnered with
GoCar
 to offer a three-hour pressure-free test drive, without an accompanying salesperson. Just request for a code through the website, and you’ll be able to unlock and drive the Captur at more than 250 locations nationwide.
To celebrate the launch of the Renault E-Store, TCEC is offering a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ promotion to the first 50 customers who purchase online. Purchasing any Renault cars through the E-Store will land you a
free six-month subscription for the Renault Captur
, and the subscription will be available for transfer within family members.


Lexus LC Convertible is becoming a reality, to debut at Goodwood

Remember the jaw-dropping
Lexus LC Convertible Concept awhile ago? That roofless LC that just oozes desirability?
It seems that Lexus is looking to present a production version at the upcoming
Goodwood Festival of Speed happening in July.
According to
Roadshow
, the production version of the LC Convertible was hinted when the concept first debuted at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. The overwhelming interest from the public gave the company the confidence it needed to give the final green light for the project.
Naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack amplified
To date, we have not
seen the LC Convertible with the roof up. It is yet to be seen whether the production
version will be covered with a hard top or a fabric soft top – although the
latter is more likely given the limited space of the LC’s architecture.
Expect the LC Convertible to be powered by the glorious 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 with
 470 hp
 and
540 Nm
 of torque as on the
LC 500
. A hybrid option with the
Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System
 should also be offered. That uses a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 and an electric motor to deliver a combined output of
354 hp
.

IMAGE GALLERY
Lexus LC Convertible Concept


BMW X4 M Competition facelift gets more torque, 0-100 in 3.8 seconds!

Following the debut of the
refreshed BMW X3
, BMW M has unleashed the top-of-the-line BMW X4 M Competition facelift with higher engine output and faster acceleration.
BMW has redesigned the front of the new BMW X4 M Competition with an enlarged kidney grille into a single-piece frame, pairing it with slimmer headlights, now available with optional BMW Laserlights. The lower section of the new front bumper is now flatter and wider, with vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes.
At the side, the new BMW M 892M Star Spoke forged wheels in jet black burnished saves 2 kg of weight per wheel, while the rear features a new bumper design with gloss black highlights with an upsweep ‘Anvil’ pattern that mimics the front bumper. No changes to the slim L-shaped taillights on the BMW X4, unlike the new “pincher” items on the BMW X3 facelift.
Meanwhile, a new mesh pattern in the grille will be featured in the regular new BMW X4, while the X4 M40i can be easily mistaken as the new X4 M Competition due to the very similar-looking front and rear bumpers.
2021 BMW X4 M Competition
2021 BMW X4 M40i
The new M Sao Paulo yellow paintwork, which first appeared on the
G82 BMW M4 Competition coupe
, is one of five new colours available for the facelift BMW X4 M Competition. Other new colours are M Carbon Black, M Brooklyn Grey and M Marina Bay blue that is available in metallic or matt Frozen finish.
Behind the new front fascia of the facelifted BMW X4 M Competition is the new S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine from the BMW M3 and M4 Competition models that features the forged lightweight crankshaft. Engine output is now increased by 50 Nm to a total of
650 Nm
 and is available between 2,750 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Peak horsepower of
510 hp
 is reached at 6,250 rpm and is maintained up to the maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.
The additional 50 Nm of torque decreased the benchmark century dash by 0.3 seconds to register
3.8 seconds
 on the stopwatch, an amazing achievement considering the X4 M Competition is 285 kg heavier than the M4 Competition that completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint 0.1 second slower!
Similar to the
pre-facelift BMW X4 M Competition
 model, power is sent to the M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential. The M adaptive suspension is also carried over, with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.
2021 BMW X4 M Competition
2021 BMW X4 M40i
For the regular BMW X4 variants, mild-hybrid technology featuring a 11-horsepower 48-volt starter-generator system will be fitted to all petrol and diesel engines promising reduced fuel consumption.
The interior of the new BMW X4 sees noticeable upgrades. The driver’s instrument cluster that projected traditional circular dials has been replaced with the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional. In the BMW X4 M Competition, M-Specific graphics that first originated from the BMW M8 Competition are used.
With the inclusion of the updated BMW Operating System 7, the larger 12.3-inch central display presents more information as well as increased smartphone integration, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Remote Software Update.
The central array of switches for the air-conditioning and eight-button shortcut keys have also been upgraded to the current switchboards used in the
 G22 BMW 4 Series
. Rather than just upgrading the gear selector lever to the current BMW M design, BMW has lifted the entire lever plus console panel from the new BMW M3 and M4, which the company calls the control island.
This BMW M-specific control island comes with the beautiful leather-wrapped M gear selector with Drivelogic rocker switch, red engine start-stop button and buttons for M Mode and M Setup mode. Specific individually configured M set-up can still be stored and retrieved at any time using the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
The BMW 4 Series control island will be used on the new BMW X4 variants.
As for the advanced driver assistance systems, the new BMW X4 series can now be equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function with improved functionality. The Reverse Assistant that recalls the steering movement of the last 50-metres forward is also made available.
Both the regular BMW X4 and BMW X4 M Competition will continue to be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. This manufacturing facility in the USA is also home to all BMW X models, except the BMW X1 and X2.
GALLERY
BMW X4 M Competition
BMW X4 M40i


Honda Accord stays on top of the D-segment chart with over 920 units booked since launch

Honda Malaysia announced today that it has received over 920 bookings for the all-new 2020 Honda Accord since the model’s

local launch in February this year
, retaining its number one position in the D-segment in the first half of 2020 with a market share of 40%. Among the units booked, close to 500 units of the Honda Accord have already been delivered to customers nationwide.
The
top-of-the-range Honda Accord TC Premium (TC-P)
 variant is the most popular among the two, accounting for 78% of the total bookings to-date. Among the units booked, 33% of new Accord owners opted for the Platinum White Pearl colour, which costs a premium over other standard colours.

The central region sees the highest demand for the D-segment executive sedan, contributing 42% of the total bookings, followed by the Southern and Northern region with 23% and 19% respectively.
Honda Malaysia chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama cited the
sales tax exemptions
 as part of the government’s
short term economic recovery plan (PENJANA)
 as a major contributor to the Accord’s success.
“Since its launch, the bookings and sales performance for this flagship model have gradually increased, where the major contribution was during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period that helped to continue its momentum. The national recovery economic plan especially the sales tax exemption introduced by the Malaysian Government has also supported the car sales substantially,” said Ishiyama.
The 10th-generation
Honda Accord
was introduced in February this year with two variants on offer – TC and TC-P. Both variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a CVT gearbox to deliver
201 hp
 and
260 Nm
 of torque – higher than the previous-generation 2.4-litre engine.
Aside from the modernised engine, the Accord also comes with a fresh new exterior design, featuring a sloping roofline in a fastback-like design. Despite its low and wide design, overall length has been shortened by 34 mm, while the wheelbase is elongated by 55 mm, resulting in a more spacious cabin.
The popular TC-P variant is also equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which now includes features such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and auto high beam, in addition to the existing forward collision warning with auto braking assist, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.
The range-topping variant also gets a 360-degree camera, rear cross traffic monitor, tyre deflation warning, and the smart parking assist system with steering assist and brake assist for both parallel and reverse parking. Honda Lanewatch camera, eight parking sensors, six airbags, and driver attention monitor is standard across both variants.
With the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020, the Honda Accord starts at
RM178,203.00
 for the TC variant, and
RM187,390.73
 for the TC-P variant. For the latest revised price list for Honda models in Malaysia, click
here
.
If you’re wondering how the all-new Honda Accord stacks up against its European competitors such as the
Volkswagen Passat Elegance
, do check out our in-depth review
here
!


Facts & Figures: 2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia – from RM359k

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially unveiled the
all-new 2021 Hyundai Staria
 here in Malaysia, which will serve as the replacement to the aging Grand Starex model it was carrying previously.

The Hyundai Staria will only be offered in one single seven-seater Premium variant at launch, priced from RM358,888 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.
EXTERIOR
The Hyundai Staria is characterised by its futuristic, spaceship-like design, accented by its “One Curve silhouette” – a feature best experienced from the car’s side. Hyundai says that it’s inspired by the halo that illuminates Earth’s horizon during sunrise when viewed from space.
In terms of equipment, the Staria gets these as standard:
LED headlights with integrated LED turn signals
LED “Paramatric Pixels” tail lights
full-width LED daytime-running lights with positioning lights strip
18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with accent colour
Two accent colour choices: Dark Grey (standard), Tinted Brass Chrome (Creamy White, Abyss Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic)
Seven exterior colour choices: Creamy White, Graphite Grey Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Olivine Grey Metallic, Gaia Brown Pearl
PERFORMANCE
The Hyundai Staria will only be offered with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill at launch, taken from the
Santa Fe SUV
, but detuned for enhanced comfort.
Engine: 2,199 cc, turbocharged inline-four, diesel
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max hp: 177 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Max torque: 431 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 12.4 seconds
Top speed: 185 km/h
With the driveline now moved to the front, Hyundai has equipped the all-new Staria with an independent multi-link rear suspension to provide additional comfort to the occupants as well as better cornering stability.
INTERIOR
The Hyundai Staria will only be offered in seven-seater form here in Malaysia, chocked full with standard equipment appointments including a set of very plushy second-row seats.
10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
12-speaker Bose premium sound system
Two-zone air conditioning – front and back
Qi wireless charging pad
10-colour mood lighting system
Smart (contactless) sliding rear doors, powered tailgate
Nappa Leather and suede (door cards) upholstery
Powered second-row seats with 2-way power recline (up to 30 degrees), 4-way power leg rest, one-touch relaxation mode button (automatically adjust the seats to 120 degrees)
Seat ventilation and heating for front and second-row passengers
Bench-style third-row seats with 300 mm fore-and-aft adjustability
Dual panoramic sunroof
Four interior upholstery colour choices: Black, Black + Blue, Grey + Brown (pictured), Grey + Light Grey
SAFETY
Safety wise, the all-new Hyundai Staria in Malaysia gets six airbags as standard, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and tyre-pressure monitoring system.
The full-suite of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system is also standard here, which includes the following features:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with junction support
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist
Smart Cruise Control
Blind-spot Collision Avoidance System
Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
High-Beam assist
Driver Attention Warning
Safe Exit Warning
PRICING
The all-new 2021 Hyundai Staria Premium is priced from
 RM358,888
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year. However, the price only includes a standard two-year/50,000 km warranty.
If you want the extended five-year/300,000 km warranty, alongside a three-year/50,000 km free scheduled maintenance package, the price goes up by RM10,000 to
RM368,888
.
GALLERY


Ferrari GTC4 Lusso loses AWD, gets new bi-turbo V8 with 602 hp and 760 Nm!

Shortly after
Ferrari introduced the GTC4 Lusso
, the guys at Maranello have went on to unveil the entry level variant for the four-seater Ferrari, dubbed the
GTC4 Lusso T
. It will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.
Ferrari has made a number of significant changes to the mechanics of the GTC4 Lusso T by optimising power and daily drivability. The biggest changes take place in the engine bay and the drivetrain. Fret not because this entry-level Prancing Horse is no less exciting than the standard variant.
As the T badge denotes, the GTC4 Lusso T will be turbocharged, powered by Ferrari’s award winning
3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
 that produces
602 hp
 and a maximum torque of
760 Nm
 which peaks at 3,000 rpm. These figures are good for a
3.5 seconds
 0-100km/h time and will take it all the way to a top speed of over
320km/h
. There’s no word on the type of gearbox used, but expect the same
seven-speed F1 dual clutch
automatic to be carried over.
In the standard
GTC4 Lusso
, the 6.2-litre V12 churns out
680 hp
 and
697 Nm
 of torque. Although the output is much larger, the naturally aspirated V12’s max torque only kicks in at a high 5,750 rpm. Therefore, the turbocharged GTC4 Lusso is able to closely match the
 3.4 seconds
century sprint time of the V12.
Suppose the biggest merits in downsizing and turbocharging are better fuel consumption and emissions. In the 6.2-litre V12, the Lusso consumes
15 litres of fuel per 100km
 and emits
350g of C02 per km
. With the turbocharged mill, the Lusso T is expected to consume
11.6 litres per 100km
 and emits just
265g CO2 per km
.
Besides a new engine, the number ‘4’ on the badge no longer signifies four-wheel drive as the new GTC4 Lusso T is now a
rear-wheel drive
 grand tourer. By omitting the four-wheel drive system, it shaves off
50kg
compared to the four-wheel drive twin (1740 kg vs 1790kg). Thanks to the rear-drive configuration, weight distribution is slightly rear biased – 46:54 front to rear, compared to the 47:53 of the AWD V12 variant.
Ferrari’s innovative 4WS or rear-wheel steering and Side Slip Control (SSC3) will also be present in this four-seater turbocharged prancing horse. The systems provide better control of the car around corners as the rear-wheels steers in the same direction as the front-wheels to provide extra grip.
Over in Malaysia, the GTC4 Lusso T makes for a very interesting proposition, especially benefitting from the road tax structure. However, the biggest trade-off would be the unmistakable naturally aspirated V12 roar. Maybe GC can demonstrate just how good a turbocharged Ferrari can sound in his
review of the California T
.
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Honda Accord facelift debuts, dubbed the most high-tech Accord ever

Just as the
refreshed Camry
 was introduced to our shores, Honda went on to reveal the rivalling Accord facelift, said to be the company’s most high-tech D-Segment player to date. The Accord is also set to be among the first high-volume cars to come fitted with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sales will commence in August, but only for the US market, for now.
What does this facelift entail, you ask? If it isn’t obvious already, the Accord gets a much sportier styling on the outside. The headlights are full LEDs and are reminiscent of Audi’s Matrix LED headlights. Also new are the sculpted aluminium hood, sportier front grille, front bumper which houses the LED fog lamps.
Also new to the Accord facelift is the
19-inch five twin-spoke
 wheels, while the rear end gets a mildly revised bumper with
LED tail lamps
 and a boot lid. In terms of safety, new Accords can be fitted with
Honda Sensing
 – the company’s most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.
This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. There’s also a multi-angle rear view camera, Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, auto high-beam headlights,
remote engine start
 and 7-inch head unit added to the kit.
The aforementioned head unit now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both offering multiple new functions and features. With Apple CarPlay, driver and passengers can pair their iPhones (iPhone 5 and later, iOS 8.4 minimum) to the screen and access nearly every supported application, including voice command Siri.
The same applies for Android users, however the device has to run Android 5.0 Lollipop or later to get it to work. Upon pairing, one can gain access to Google Maps, Google Now, messaging and call apps – you name it.

In the US, the Accord is offered in Sedan and Coupe bodies, both powered by either a
2.4-litre inline-four i-VTEC
 engine or the
 3.5-litre V6 VTEC
. The smaller engine gets paired to a CVT gearbox whereas the range topper benefits from a six-speed automatic. Both engines however, can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The outgoing Honda Accord is currently sold in Malaysia from RM137k to RM173k with two four-cylinder engine options – 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC and 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC.
IMAGE GALLERY


New VW Golf R could be making more power than first announced

Following the unveiling of the
new Golf GTI
, the
 more powerful Golf R
 was revealed in November last year, with 320 hp and 420 Nm. The previous generation
Mk7.5 Golf R we reviewed
 in early 2019 only made 290 hp and 380 Nm.
However, according to a report by
CarAdvice
, the publication speculated that there could be a more powerful variant above the Golf R, dubbed the
 Golf R “Plus”
. The rumour sparked from a section of the Golf’s Owners Manual in the UK.
The Technical Data section in the Owner’s Manual pointed out
two different output figures
 for the Golf R – 235 kW (320 hp) and 245 kW (333 hp). The former figure was officially announced during the global unveiling.
The idea of a more powerful Golf R “Plus” may sound appealing and also relevant to the times (seeing as car companies are selling thousands of variants of one model just to “plug the gaps” in the market) but we wouldn’t jump the gun so soon.
Our guess
 is that it could be one of those “Toyota Supra situations” – where one country publishes a certain horsepower figure, but another country discovers a different (likely higher) figure.
In case you’ve not watched, even we went to the extent of putting the Supra on the dyno and it did return higher figures than what was published. In case you haven’t learnt, the phenomenon of different performance figures is largely due to emission regulations.
Some countries stricter regulations, limiting output to just 320 hp for example, but some countries like Malaysia are less strict, allowing for an engine tune that produces more power. Hence the 333 hp but at this extremely early stage, it’s anyone’s guess.

Should the figures be true though, the Golf R would be making more power than the Civic Type R (310 hp / 400 Nm), the Megane R.S. (280 hp / 390 Nm), the i30N (279 hp / 353 Nm) and is inferior only to the
new A45 S 4MATIC+
 in Malaysia, with 427 hp and 500 Nm.
Let’s hope it wouldn’t be priced as high as Mercedes-AMG’s hot hatch! Or even in the same ballpark.


World’s most expensive car, the Rolls-Royce ‘Sweptail’ costs RM55 million

When you’re a connoisseur raking it in, spending millions of dollars collecting tailor-made yachts and airplanes, you can most certainly tell Rolls-Royce to build a one-off car just for you.
It all happened in 2013 when an unnamed man (also one of Rolls-Royce’s most valued customer) wanted his dreams of having a one-and-only luxury car realised. He wanted a coachbuilt two-seater coupe with a large panoramic glass roof. Some of his biggest inspirations came from many of his favourite Rolls-Royces in the 1920s.
Over four years, Rolls-Royce handcrafted this truly bespoke model and christened it ‘Sweptail’. Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of Haute Couture. It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer. This customer came to the House of Rolls-Royce with an idea, shared in the creative process where we advised him on his cloth, and then we tailored that cloth to him. You might say we cut the cloth for the suit of clothes that he will be judged by.”
Like a true bespoke car, some things have got to be ridiculously out of this world. Take for instance the Sweptail’s front grille: it is milled from solid aluminium and painstakingly polished by hand to achieve a mirror finish. The registration number ’08’ is also milled from solid aluminium ingots and hand polished as well.

The rear end is really not quite to my taste, but who am I to comment on a RM55 million car? Either way, it’s designed akin to the hull of a yacht, with no visible boundaries in sight. The engine? A 6.75-litre V12.
Inside is a majestic interplay of modern luxury and old school design. The centre console is home to the owner’s favourite vintage champagne dated to his year of birth and with two crystal champagne flutes as accompaniments. There’s also two concealed panniers (made of carbon fibre, wrapped with leather) for the owner to stow away his laptops.
Interestingly, as much as Rolls-Royce prides itself with a growing ‘bespoke’ arm, they admit to being taken aback by the ambitions of this particular customer. But once again, Rolls-Royce delivers.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz has released more images of the new GLA to whet your appetite

Officially revealed at the tail end of last year, Mercedes-Benz has released even
more images of the all-new GLA
 on top of the official images which all but serves one purpose – to entice us – and you know what, it’s working, on us at least.
Personally, I’ve not been a fan of how the GLA looked from the very beginning. It was a blessing that the
GLA 45 we reviewed was
real
 quick
, so no one could see me in it. It looked like it had a body builder’s physique, paired to my scrawny legs so you can understand if I wasn’t too ecstatic when news came that an all-new model had arrived.
You know what though, it seems the GLA required a little more time before it starts growing on you. Looking at it four months on, almost every inch of its exterior seems to please the eye. It’s just more proportionate when you compare the old and new side by side.
The new GLA is now significantly taller than its predecessor but is shorter and narrower. That said, it’s wheelbase has been extended slightly and couple that with the height increase, Mercedes-Benz says there’s now more head and legroom than before. Boot space however has grown a negligible 14 litres, to 435 litres.
Inside, the new GLA adopts the company’s new design approach with a free standing screen made up of two 7-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The latter now features the MBUX operating system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Globally, there are a few variants available for the new GLA – the 200, 220d, 250 and
GLA 35
 with
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. 0 to 100 km/h will only require 5.1 seconds. The all-mighty
GLA 45 S however
, makes
421 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque – good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.
GALLERY


2020 Honda Civic facelift to be launched in Malaysia this Wednesday

According to a Facebook post by Honda Malaysia, the brand has revealed that the 2020 Honda Civic facelift will be launched in Malaysia this Wednesday.
The updated Honda Civic has been open for booking since
September last year
, and the updated car was also on display for preview
during an event
 in the same month.
If you’re looking for differences between the facelift and pre-facelift models, the most notable change will be up front – the Honda Civic now features a
 black “wing” grille
, along with an
updated bumper design
.
At the back, the 2020 Honda Civic receives an
updated bumper garnish
, along with a new
trunk spoiler
, exclusive to the 1.5TC Premium variant. The 16-inch wheels on the entry-level 1.8S variant has been redesigned, while the 1.5TC Premium variant gets new
18-inch alloy wheels
.
Under the hood, powertrain options are unchanged from before. The 1.8S is powered by a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine, producing
141 hp
 and
174 Nm
, while the 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder mill, pushing out
173 hp
 and
220 Nm
 of torque.
Both engines are paired to Honda’s Earth Dreams technology CVT gearbox. Performance figures are also unchanged, with the 1.8S variant taking 1
0.4 seconds
 to complete the century sprint; the 1.5TC variants does it in
8.2 seconds.
New to the Honda Civic is the
Honda LaneWatch
 camera. The camera-based system is said to be an improvement over regular blind-spot monitoring systems, and is available from the 1.5TC variant and higher. All variants of the updated Honda Civic also now get
front parking sensors
 as standard.
The highlight of the 2020 Honda Civic facelift is definitely the
Honda Sensing
 advanced driver assistance suite, available on the 1.5TC-P variant.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1WP5mq58k
The system includes features such as Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow function, as well as Auto High Beam.
As of the time of writing, Honda Malaysia has not provided the pricing information of the 2020 Honda Civic. Do keep your eyes peeled for the the launch on Wednesday!
In other news, Honda Malaysia has recently
updated pricing
 for the Honda Jazz, City, and CR-V, with increments ranging from 5% to 9%.


Covid-19 vaccination for taxi, e-hailing drivers and riders has already begun, MOT reassures

The Covid-19 vaccination for taxi and e-hailing drivers are already underway, according to Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
The announcement was made on
Wee’s Facebook page
, following a post on Segambut MP’s,
Hannah Yeoh’s Facebook page
. The post claimed that Yeoh was contacted by a Grab driver on concerns about being constantly exposed and the lack of progress with Covid-19 vaccination.
Yeoh also pointed out that there’s no way for drivers to know the rider’s health condition when until the rider gets on board and scans the QR code. That’s even if the rider’s MySejahtera status is updated.
“The potential exposure and chain of infection is simply unimaginable yet can be avoided and must be avoided,” said Yeoh.
In response, Wee said the vaccination process for taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers and riders has already begun after the Ministry of Transport received the list of names from the respective operators in mid-June.
Grab is offering discounted rides to seniors heading for vaccination!
Wee added that the eligible vaccine recipients will be notified by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) for their vaccination schedules.
The first batch would see over 41,488 taxi and e-hailing drivers and 11,527 p-hailing riders get vaccinated while an additional list of around 57,931 p-hailing riders has also been submitted for CITF’s consideration.
There are approximately 40,000 taxi driver, 110,000 e-hailing drivers and 154,000 p-hailing riders nationwide. Wee reiterated that 80% of taxi and e-hailing drivers can be vaccinated by National Day (31st of August).


First 11 units of Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivered to Malaysian customers – nearly 300 booked since launch!

Delivery of the all-new
Hyundai Ioniq 5
 has now begun here in Malaysia, with the keys for the first 11 units now handed over to their new owners in a special ceremony held at
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM)
 showroom in Ara Damansara.
In addition to receiving their new vehicles, the first 11 Ioniq 5 owners were also surprised with a complimentary one-year membership to the ChargEV network, courtesy of Yinson GreenTech. The ChargEV network consists of over 400 EV charging stations across Malaysia.
“This marks the second all-electric vehicle introduced by HSDM to the Malaysian market,” commented Sime Darby Motors Managing Director for Retail and Distribution, Jeffrey Gan. “As the mobility landscape continues to see greater adoption of EV vehicles in Malaysia, we are pleased to expand our EV line-up with world-class high-quality affordable offerings, supporting the nation’s transition towards a low carbon mobility future.”
HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung added: “Redefining the electric mobility lifestyle, the Ioniq 5 sets a new benchmark with its global acclaim for combining sustainability with a powerful performance. Testament to this, since the launch in Malaysia in March 2022, we have recorded close to 300 bookings. This indeed reflects the highly positive reception for this innovative sustainable vehicle, and we will continue to strive to meet customer demand.”
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, which was just
recently crowned 2022 World Car of the Year
 among its many other awards, was
launched here in Malaysia last month
. It’s offered three variants, starting with the base Lite which priced from RM199,888, moving up to the mid-spec Plus at RM229,888, and finally the range-topping Max, priced atfrom RM259,888.
Both the Lite and Plus variants are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor making
 170 hp
 (125 kW) and
 350 Nm
 of torque, and are juiced from a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a 0-100 km/h time of
 8.5 seconds
, and a maximum driving range of
384 km
 based on the WLTP test cycle.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Max, meanwhile, gets a larger 72.6 kWh battery pack, and an additional motor on the front axle for an all-wheel drive set-up. Power output is raised to
305 hp
(225 kW) and
605 Nm
, which translates to a century sprint time of
5.2 seconds
. The electric driving range meanwhile is raised up to
430 km
 thanks to its larger battery.
For charging, all thre variants support AC charging of up to 11 kW. The Lite and Plus with their smaller battery takes five hours to fully charge at that speed, while the Max with its 72.6 kWh battery takes a little over six hours to top up.
The Ioniq 5 can technically handle a DC fast charger of up to 350 kW, which takes just under 20 minutes to charge all three variants from 10-80%. However, the 350 kW charger still doesn’t exist in practice just yet, so based on a 50 kW DC fast charger as guideline, 10-80% takes roughly 56 minutes for the Max, and 47 minutes for the other two variants.
For the full facts and figures breakdown of the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5, check out our launch coverage here.


Hyundai-Sime Darby extends service promos till 31st August

Hyundai has extended the
 previously announced
 mid-year service campaign/promo till the
31st August 2021
, for those who have missed out on it due to the ongoing lockdown.
“Some of our customers have missed out on the campaign privileges due to the lockdown as they could not travel beyond 10km from where they live to the service centre. Therefore, we are extending the campaign period so that more can benefit from it,” said Hyundai-Sime Darby, Managing Director, Mr. Low.
Hyundai introduces the Extended Warranty Programme for older models at RM1,280 per year. Find out more!

With this campaign, customers who send their vehicles to any Hyundai authorised service centre will enjoy discounts of
15% on selected parts
and
10% on labour charges
.
Hyundai Loyalty Card holders can enjoy even more benefits like bigger discounts of 25% on selected parts and 15% on labour charges. Selected parts entitled for discounts include gaskets, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, to name a few.

HSDM unveils a new Hyundai Elantra Executive variant that’s RM19k cheaper! More info about it here!
Every owner of a new Hyundai vehicle will
 automatically be entitled to the Hyundai Loyalty Card
 with benefits such as access to monthly promotions, higher trade-in value when purchasing a new Hyundai vehicle and birthday month discounts on after-sales service.
For more info on the service campaign/promo or the Hyundai Loyalty Card, check out
Hyundai-Sime Darby’s official site
.


Proton has made its 10,000th 1.5L TGDi engine, 7 months after production began

Just seven months since
operations begun
at its new Tanjung Malim engine line in April this year, national carmaker Proton has now announced that the 10,000th unit of the
1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged three-cylinder engine
 has now rolled off the assembly line.
Speaking at the milestone event on 1 December, Proton CEO Li Chunrong said, “Proton’s new engine line is testimony to the grit and determination of our workers to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.”
“It is one of the most advanced engine assembly lines in Malaysia with a high level of automation, a climate-controlled environment and multiple testing gateways to ensure the high quality of its output. In 2023, we are targeting an output of 60,000 engines, which will be used across several Proton models,” he added.
The engines built at the Tanjung Malim assembly line are currently only being used in the
2022 Proton X70 (MC2)
, although it seems like that might soon change, according to Li’s comments.
RELATED:
Renault and Geely form new engine company – to supply Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi
In the TGDi form, the turbocharged three-pot engine is rated for an output of
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
of torque. The same configuration is also used in the
Proton X50 Flagship
, although the engine for the model is still currently being imported from China.
Li Chunrong’s comment is a strong sign that the Proton X50 will soon be sourcing its engine from the local assembly line, but there could well be more to his comments than just the compact crossover, given the 60,000-unit production target next year.
Note that thus far in 2022, Proton has only sold 16,746 units of the X70 and 36,917 units of the X50 including exports, the latter also includes other variants that do not utilise the range-topping direct-injection engine. A surplus of engine is likely based on this year’s sales data, which means we could see it also being utilised on other, unannounced models too – potentially the highly-rumoured Proton X90 SUV.
The rumoured Proton X90 will be based on the
Geely Haoyue
, according to spy shots of the vehicle being spotted around Malaysia. Over at the Philippines, the D-segment SUV – called the Okavango – is powered by the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder mill, albeit with an additional 48-volt mild hybrid system on top for a total system output of
190 hp
and
300 Nm
.
Curiously, the mild hybrid 1.5L engine can already be found on display at the national carmaker’s new
Gallery of Inspiration showroom
at its flagship COE outlet in Shah Alam.
Proton says the new locally-produced 1.5-litre TGDi engine is a part of the company’s commitment to invest RM1.8 billion to upgrade its facility in Tanjung Malim, and the culmination of a journey that began in 2019 that was taken under challenging conditions.
“The operational expansion plan is in line with the first strategic thrust of the DRB-HICOM Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) programme that aims to maximise manufacturing activities in the region,” the company said in a statement.
READ MORE:
Proton sold 126,682 cars so far in 2022, 10.4% growth from 2021


New Mitsubishi Lancer could be rebranded as a crossover

Remember the
e-Evolution concept
 Mitsubishi previewed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show? Well, it could evolve into the new Lancer which will now likely be a crossover and not a sedan, as we’ve been familiar with before.
Speaking to
 Auto Express
, Mitsubishi said that the e-Evolution Concept is an
 ideal platform for a smaller vehicle
 and just because it’s a C-segment vehicle doesn’t mean it has to take the shape of a typical hatchback.
Mitsubishi will be adopting a radical approach in a bid to strive for originality, with
a new form of hatchback vehicles
. The “new Lancer” will likely be
built on the
Alliance’s
 CMF C/D platform
; one that has spawned the likes of Nissan’s X-Trail and Renault’s Koleos.
The main reason behind this move is, unsurprising, linked to China and its exponential demand for SUVs.
4WD application is almost certain in the new Lancer, courtesy of the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system along with hybrid and
electric powertrains where the latter will embrace a three-motor system
 – one at the front and two at the back.
It’s safe to expect the
use of Artificial Intelligence in the new Lancer
, as previewed in the e-Evolution Concept, with an array of sensors to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions as well as the driver’s intent to coordinate the vehicle’s dynamics accordingly.
The AI system also comes with a “Coaching Function”, as Mitsubishi calls it, which recognises the driver’s skill level and subsequently
formulates a training program that provides advice
 through voice commands and the large dashboard display, to help its driver to enjoy the vehicle to an even greater degree.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s how you can identify official genuine Shell Helix engine oil

Shell Malaysia has just officially introduced their new “Made for Malaysia” genuine Shell Helix engine oil, blended and packed locally at Shell’s Lubricant Oil Blending Plant in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
The specially packed Shell Helix engine oils come with a new “Untuk Pasaran Malaysia” front label that can be peeled to reveal a unique QR code that allows consumers to cross-check whether the engine oil they purchased is an official genuine product.

The QR code links to a landing page where consumers can submit details regarding the product and receive an authentication result whether the goods are officially authorised products from Shell Malaysia. The new “Made for Malaysia” label will be featured on five products:
Helix Ultra 5W-40
 (4L), Helix HX7 10W-40 (4L), Helix HX7 5W-30 (4L), Helix HX7 10W-30 (3L) and Helix HX7 15W-40 (4L)
According to Shell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, the range of “Made for Malaysia” products is a strategic move by the company to give consumers a peace of mind and clearly identify official genuine products.
“The presence of counterfeit and unauthorised products in the market is affecting customer confidence and negatively impacting our trade partners’ businesses. The decision to commence local production of official genuine Shell Helix products meant exclusively for the Malaysian market and clearly identify them with the new ‘Made for Malaysia’ labels, is a key step to address this issue,” Shairan said.
Official genuine Shell Helix engine oils with “Made for Malaysia” label can be purchased from Shell Helix-banded workshops, authorised Shell distributors and Shell petrol stations or through Shell official online store on
Lazada Malaysia
,
Shopee
 and
11street
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Ford unveils Pony Pack for Ford Mustang EcoBoost, a nod to its past glory

Ford has just introduced a Pony Package for the
world’s best selling sports car, the Ford Mustang
. Available as an option on all EcoBoost-equipped cars, the Pony Package features aesthetic upgrades inspired by Mustangs of the late-1960s.
The most noticeable change here is the front grille where the
iconic Pony badge
 is encased in a chrome corral and a horizontal trim running across the grille. This badge design first appeared back in the 60s when the Mustang was still a concept car.
Other unique design features include 19-inch polished aluminium wheels, bright belt line and window trim, Mustang side stripes and rear tri-bar Pony badge. Pricing for the Pony Package remains unknown for now but Ford has said the 2018 Ford Mustang will hit showroom floors come October this year.
Locally, Sime Darby Auto Connexion have both the
2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 Ford Mustang officially on sale
.


The Honda NSX will return for a third generation, likely as an EV

Honda is sunsetting the second-generation NSX after this year, with the last 350 or so units of the hybrid supercar being the
recently-unveiled Type S
. Although it’s farewell for now, it seems like the
Honda NSX
 might not be as dead as we thought.
As reported by
The Drive
, Acura Vice President and Brand Officer Jon Ikeda said in a recent interview: “If you notice, we make an NSX when there’s something we want to say. The first-gen was gas. Second-gen was a hybrid. There’s gonna be another one.”
When prodded further if it means that the next NSX will be an EV, though, Ikeda refused to comment further, but apparently replied with a smile.
The second-generation NSX was pretty much a financial disaster for Honda. Although highly praised by reviewers for its performance, it just never sold very well throughout its short five-year life, selling only 128 units in the U.S. last year.
The accounting book looks even worse when you take into account how much it costs Honda to make one, due to the car’s complex powertrain system consisting of not just two turbochargers, but also three electric motors.
The Honda NSX Type S is a 608 hp swansong to the reborn cult icon. Read more about it here!
Honda, of course, knew all about this. Speaking to
MotorTrend
 on the same topic, Ikeda said: “We didn’t go into it to make a lot of money.” Instead, the NSX – like all flagship halo models – is also Honda’s marketing tool designed to bring people into showrooms, all while acting as an engineering exercise to help the Japanese carmaker build better electrified cars in the future.
“We learned a lot about electrification and fun to drive, which is a staple,” Ikeda added. And of course, aside from these perfectly logical explanation, Honda’s making a new NSX just because they want to make one – and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“We didn’t want to let the NSX die on the vine either. To go quietly into the night is not what it deserves.”
Mugen’s body kit for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback is what you’d call “tastefully done”. Check it out here!
So how long do we have to wait to see the new NSX? It took Honda 10 years to revive the NSX after phasing out the first-generation supercar in 2005, so we’d say don’t hold your breath.
Although, with the rate that the entire automotive industry is accelerating towards EVs, the next Honda NSX might still come sooner than we thought. I mean, nobody expected Honda to make a new Integra, but that’s
exactly what they’re doing
.


Here’s how the new Toyota Camry looked like after being rear-ended

A Toyota dealership in Arizona, USA, recently made the “remains” of the new Toyota Camry its prime showpiece after it was squashed between two semi-trailers – a breed of enormous long haulers which are indigenous to the land.
Fortunately, the occupants, an employee of the dealership and a customer he was chauffeuring, escaped from the wreckage unscathed. It was even stated on the dealership’s
Facebook page
 that the “Camry’s cabin was still intact and that all four doors still worked properly.”
The wreckage has since gained viral attention on social media with the General Manager of the dealership claiming that it’s the first thing they show customers who walk into the showroom.
The bizarre move, although speaks volumes of Toyota’s impeccable engineering and safety standards with the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, was apparently red flagged by Toyota Japan’s officials who happened to be visiting that day, according to a report by
The Drive
.
But it was thought to be the most sound piece of advertisement hence the orders to remove the wreckage from the showroom floor fell on deaf ears. How cool is that?
That being said, it’s wise to note that the Camry, as structurally sound as it is, shouldn’t be seen as completely invincible because the dealership did point out that the accident occurred during morning rush hour which meant that the vehicles involved were probably crawling at low speeds.
Had the semi-trailer smashed into the Camry at a much higher speed, it’s likely that only Superman could’ve saved the occupants.
Credit:
Toyota of Suprise


Updated Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, 8 variants from RM90,888

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has just officially unveiled the updated Ford Ranger here at Setia City Convention Centre. Changes to the new pick-up truck run skin deep, with minimal cosmetic enhancements but gains many first-in-class technology and features.
There are three trim levels available on the updated Ranger – XL, XLT and Wildtrak – which spans across eight variants in total. For the pick-up enthusiast, yes, SDAC will also be bringing in the first ever Ranger Raptor from Ford Performance which is set to debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ranger 2.2L XL Single Cab (MT)
Ranger 2.2L XL (MT)
Ranger 2.2L XL (AT)
Ranger 2.2L XLT (MT)
Ranger 2.2L XLT (AT)
Ranger 2.0L XLT+ (AT)
Engine
2,198cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel
1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
Max Power
160 hp @ 3,200 rpm
180 hp @ 3,500 rpm
Max Torque
385 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm
420 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM90,888
RM95,888
RM103,888
RM109,888
RM116,888
RM124,888

Name
Ford Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4×2 (AT)
Ford Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 (AT)
Engine
1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel
1,996cc; 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Max Power
180 hp @ 3,500 rpm
213 hp @ 3,750 rpm
Max Torque
420 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm
500 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM134,888
RM144,888
EXTERIOR
Starting with the basic XL trim, you’ll find halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights (halogen), front and rear fog lamps, black finished front grille, body coloured bumpers, side steps as well as 16-inch alloys wrapped in 255/70 profile tyres.
Stepping up to the XLT and you’ll get automatic function for the headlamps (still halogen reflector units), chrome finished front grille, rain-sensing automatic wipers, turn indicators on the side mirrors and larger 17-inch alloy wheels (265/65 profile tyres).

The XLT+ is where it gets a big jump in equipment levels, featuring automatic HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 265/60 profile rubbers as well as an Easy Lift Tailgate system that incorporates a torsion bar to make lifting and lowering the tailgate an effortless affair. Trust me, one finger is all you need to close the tailgate with this installed.
For those looking for a more rugged pick-up truck, the Wildtrak variant should fit the bill nicely with the additional Wildtrak scheme front grille, front bumper, Wildtrak branding around the truck, dark finish 18-inch alloys as well as a “Bi-Turbo” lettering on the side scuttles.

INTERIOR
The cabin of the Ranger XL is best described as utilitarian, with items such as urethane multifunctional steering wheel, a standard audio head unit with four speakers (two speakers on Single Cab), central locking, fabric seats and manually adjustable front seats.
XLT variants add leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 4.2-inch SYNC 1 audio head unit with six speakers, auto dimming rear view mirror, rear view camera as well as premium fabric seats. The XLT+ is where you can get very comfortable in with features such as keyless entry and start, 8.0-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, cruise control, dual 4.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, leather seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Lastly, on the Ranger Wildtrak, it builds upon the XLT+ features with GPS navigation, eight-way powered adjustable driver’s seat, cooled centre console storage, 230V three-pin plug for the rear passengers and Active Noise Cancellation – the last item available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the Ranger XL and XLT variants is a 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel carried over from the previous Ranger, paired to six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 2.2-litre oil burner is good for
160 hp
 and
385 Nm
 of torque.
Under the hood of the XLT+ and Wildtrak 4×2, you’ll find a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbo) diesel unit that pushes out healthy outputs of
180 hp
 and
420 Nm
. The new turbodiesel engine is paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission for swifter acceleration, superior fuel economy and vastly improved refinement. Fun fact, the same 10-speed auto unit is applied on the F-150 Raptor and Mustang, albeit with different gearing ratios.
The top of the line Wildtrak 4×4 shares the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine with the Ranger Raptor that pumps out best-in-class outputs of
213 hp
 and
500 Nm
. The Bi-Turbo diesel mill is also paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
As standard, all variants of the updated Ranger come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC) (except Wildtrak 4×2), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Rollover Mitigation (ROM), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Adaptive Load Control (ALC) and ISOFIX mounting points.
Wildtrak variants ups the airbag count to six, while the Wildtrak 4×4 gets
first-in-class advanced driver assist systems
 in the form of Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).
WHAT ELSE?
The updated Ford Ranger is available in eight colours, subject to each individual variant. SDAC will be offering a 2-Years Free Maintenence (or 40,000 km whichever comes first) to customers who successfully register their new Ranger before 31 January 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 2.0L Launched in Malaysia

Ford Ranger XLT+ 2.0L Launched in Malaysia

Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Launched in Malaysia


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hits 100,000-unit milestone, to export to LHD market

Ever since Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) set up its production base at Pekan, Pahang in 2004, the brand with the three-pointed star has been driven by a growing range of locally assembled models which had cemented its position as the best-selling premium brand in Malaysia. Fifteen years on, MBM is celebrating the production milestone of 100,000 units.
MBM’s Pekan plant employs 1,300 associates, assembling 5 models and 13 different variants.
Beyond celebrating the landmark, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took the opportunity to announce the
commencement of exports
 (within August) to the
Philippines
in the shape of the
C-Class C180
 saloon; making MBM the
first right-hand drive country
 in the region to be
assembling a left-hand drive (LHD) model for a left-hand drive market
.
The first units of the C180 earmarked for export.
On top of that, MBM has also been busy updating and prepping its production facility not just for the LHD assembly but also to shift to an adjacent building which will now house three lines (previously two and a half), upgraded body shop and paint shop with higher complexity to handle the assembly of the
C-Class
 (including the 43 AMG variant),
E-Class
,
GLC-Class
 (SUV and coupe) and
the flagship S-Class plug-in hybrid
 – models which contribute more than
80% of all units sold in Malaysia
. For the record,
MBM sold over 13,000 cars in 2018
.
Pekan assembles a tasty selection; C43 AMG is fittingly the 100,000th unit!
President and CEO of MBM, Dr. Claus Weidner
 was coy as to the number of cars to be exported (to the Philippines) or whether there are additional export models planned, but he did reveal that while MBM isn’t bound by a particular volume (for export), the organisation is
flexible enough
 to be able to increase production if and when required. Dr. Weidner also points to the ‘
positive effects
’ of exporting in that it creates
more jobs with new skill sets involved
, apart from just additional investments on the hardware.


Hitachi automotive batteries arrive on Malaysian shores, prices start from RM250 onwards

Hitachi, through their official battery distributor
Borneo Technical Co (M) Sdn Bhd
, have launched two series of maintenance-free automotive batteries – the
ES
 and
MFX series
. They are priced upwards of
RM250
 and
RM350
respectively.
These
wet-cell Hitachi batteries
 are
 fully imported from Thailand
 and the technologies that go into making them are
100 percent Japanese
. At the launch, Hitachi Chemical Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd’s (HCAP) Managing Director, Mr Shigeru Fujita highlighted that there is a huge potential for the Hitachi batteries to succeed in the Malaysian market. Hitachi is also
one

of the largest OEM battery suppliers
 in Japan, dealing with Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, FUSO, Daihatsu and more.
This confidence stems from the products themselves, with HCAP’s General Manager Mr Jackie Chuah explaining some of the batteries’ key advantages, which incorporates
double-sealed lids
 to prevent water/electrolyte leakage,
expanded grids
 to increase lifespan by disrupting acid corrosion,
cut corner plates
 that prevent short circuits and the use of
Lead/Calcium alloy
 that’s exclusively designed for hot tropical countries.

Another appealing factor is that these
wet-cell batteries
 are practically maintenance free and comes with an
illuminating indicator
 for quick and convenient checkups. Green light indicates that the battery is at a healthy charge, Red requires charging and if it remains unlit, then it’s time for a new one. But fret not, these batteries are designed to last.
You will be able to purchase these batteries at any one of their
8,000 dealers
 nationwide, and every purchase (of the MFX series only) comes with a
2-year or 40,000km warranty
 period. Borneo Technical is on the offensive and targets to sell about
30,000 units a month
 and hopes to achieve a
20 percent market share
 by next year.
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IMAGE GALLERY


Lexus teases concept SUV as build-up to new brand vision and more

After a quiet 2020 and their last new model being the
UX compact SUV
 which debuted in 2018, Lexus will announce details of their brand transformation next week, with at least one new product planned this year.
“This Spring, we will unveil our new brand vision, along with a new concept, which illustrates our intentions for the future and marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. Furthermore, we will launch the first model under our new vision within this year, and we will continue to introduce new models next year and beyond,” said Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer, Koji Sato.
The automotive landscape definitely expects Lexus to equip the concept vehicle with production-ready electric propulsion hardware, as its key rivals from Germany all already have a product with zero local emissions. The full details of the new Lexus will be announced next week,
March 30th
.
The Concept Car does have a similar silhouette with the
LF-30 concept
 from 2019, perhaps now with more conventional door hinges. But, what is the fin-like protrusion at the centre of the rear windshield?


SpyBuzz: Facelifted Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G now in Bermaz Glenmarie showroom

During our last visit to Mazda’s HQ in Glenmarie, we spotted the
2.0-litre variant
 of the Mazda6 sedan clad in its popular shade – Soul Red. This time around, we paid them yet another visit and found the sleeker, facelifted
Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G sedan
. There is also a
hatch touring variant
 (RM4,000 more) to complete the D-Segment lineup, but that’s nowhere to be seen as of yet.

Let’s shift our focus to this one, then. On the outside, the most significant change would be its front face, with updates to the chrome grille that’s thicker than the 2.0L’s. The headlights are restyled as well, featuring
Adaptive LED Headlights
and
redesigned LED daytime running lights
 – their current signature look. The fog lamps are also LED powered, but lighting comes through two rather small-sized projector lamps. The 2.5L Mazda6 still sits on the same set of 19-inch wheels, but they’re finished in a darker, sportier shade of grey.
Inside, this variant gets fully updated as well, just like the 2.0L. They both share Mazda’s latest MZD Connect System, restyled air-conditioning vents (dual-zone),
electronic parking brake
 and cup holders in the centre. As you would expect, the following features are exclusive to this trim, and some of the equipment that are omitted in the lower 2.0L variant are as such; GPS navigation, keyless entry, paddle shifters, head-up display,
11-speaker Bose sound system
 and sunroof.

The only things that are not changed here is its powertrain and drivetrain, as it comes fitted with the carryover
2.5-litre naturally aspirated
 Skyactiv-G unit. This
four-banger petrol
 engine makes the identical
185 hp
 at 5,700 rpm and
250 Nm
 of torque at 3,250 rpm. Transmission choice is the same
six-speed Skyactiv-Drive
 automatic, channeling drive to the
front wheels
. Like the Mazda2, this 6 comes with a sports switch as well, built next to the shifter gate.
Now, onto the golden question, it’s pricing. We’ve previously reported that the confirmed price for the 2.0L variant is
RM159,158
 – that’s a good
RM4,000 more
 than the outgoing model. As for the 2.5L variant, the facelift costs
RM10,000 more
 than before at
RM194,647
 for the sedan and
RM198,647
 (also RM10k more) for the hatch touring variant. All prices listed here discounts insurance, so expect to
pay a touch over RM200k
 for the range toppers, all inclusive.
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IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G

2015 Mazda6 2.0L Skyactiv-G