JPJ, PDRM offering up to 80% discounts on summonses, Dec 9-12

In conjunction with the government’s “
100-Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia
” (AKM) programme, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have announced that they will be offering discounts of up to 80% off on unpaid traffic summonses from
9-12 December 2021
.
For police summonses, those that have been issued within the Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya) will be discounted by 80%, while those from all other states get a 70% discount (minimum RM30 payment).
However, the discount will not be offered to summonses that involve accidents, dangerous driving, misuse of emergency lanes, disobeying traffic lights, non-compoundable offences, exhaust modifications, as well as those involving heavy commercial vehicles.
ALSO READ: Check out the PDRM’s coolest cars in history!
Payments can be made at PDRM’s kiosk during the event at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which will be operating daily throughout the four-day programme from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Alternatively, you can also make your payments via the counters at the police headquarters of your respective districts, or through the MyBayar Saman mobile app and website.
As for JPJ, the department will be offering an 80% discount for all outstanding summonses for compoundable offences during the same period. These of course exclude cases that have already been referred to the courts (including those already with arrest warrants, or are currently undergoing trial).
Just like the PDRM, the JPJ-issued summonses can be paid at the JPJ mobile unit and kiosks during the AKM event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, via JPJ payment counters at their district branches, or online through the mySikap JPJ website.
RELATED: JPJ urges public to report cars with fancy number plates
However, those that have already been blacklisted will be required to be physically present at a JPJ counter for documentation purposes, before any payments can be made. The public is advised to check the status of their summonses (if any), especially those related to AES offences via the mySikap JPJ portal to ensure that they are eligible for the discounts.
[Source:
PDRM/Facebook
,
JPJ Malaysia/Facebook
]


Facts & Figures: Ferrari SF90 Stradale launched in Malaysia

In conjunction with the opening of the Revamped Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom, Naza Italia has officially launched the Ferrari SF90 Stradale here in Malaysia today. Pricing starts at RM1,908,000 before tax, duties, and options.
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the Prancing Horse’s
first series-production plug-in hybrid vehicle
 (PHEV), and will lead the charge towards a new chapter in the Italian supercar maker’s history.

PERFORMANCE
Powering one of Ferrari’s most important car in recent times is a 4.0-litre turbocharged 90-degree V8 engine, paired to three electric motors – one at the rear axle located between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and two on the front axle forming the RAC-e torque vectoring system, or “electronic cornering set-up regulator”.
As a whole, the system produces a whopping
1,000 hp
 but the internal-combustion engine is also as impressive by itself, producing 780 hp and 800 Nm of torque – making it
Ferrari’s most powerful V8 engine ever made
, and the first time in the Italian supercar maker’s history that a
V8 engine is used on a top-of-the-range model
.
Thanks to an obsessive weight management during the car’s designing process, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale achieves a weight-to-power ratio of
1.57 kg/hp
. Pair that to the all-wheel driven nature of the drivetrain, and the SF90 propels to 100 km/h from a standstill in just
2.5 seconds
, and 200 km/h in just
6.7 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
340 km/h
.
EXTERIOR
With a powertrain that is capable of generating temperatures of nearly 900-degree Celcius during hard driving situations, a significant portion of the exterior design has been focused on managing aerodynamic flows, especially on the radiating masses within the car.
Particularly, the stream of hot air coming out of the radiators in front are channelled along the sides of the underbody instead of the flanks, therefore ensuring that the air entering the side air intakes ahead of the rear wheel arch is as cool as possible, boosting the efficiency of the intercooler radiators.
The brake callipers, developed in close collaboration with Brembo, also feature aerodynamic appendages to distribute airflow from the special air intake under the headlights to more officially cool the brake pads and discs. Meanwhile, rear brakes are cooled by air flowing in from two air intakes underneath the body.
One key innovation in this area is the new
shut-off Gurney
, a patented active system located within the rear wing which regulates the airflow over the upper body, reducing drag at high speeds with low lateral dynamics, while increasing downforce during corners, under braking, and change of directions.
The 20-inch forged wheels are also designed specifically to act as wing profiles, with a geometry that manages the flows inside the wheel arch, generating extra downforce at the front axle. Ferrari claims that overall, the SF90 Stradale is capable of generating up to
390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h
.
From a stylistic point of view, the design of the SF90 Stradale is also a significant departure from the classic mid-rear-engined sports berlinetta proportions that was introduced on the 360 Modena some twenty years ago. Instead, it takes inspiration from the brand’s recent supercars, such as a smaller front section and more forward position of the cockpit to reduce drag without impacting on-board comfort.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is also a huge paradigm shift compared to the brand’s previous models, with a significant focus placed on the brand’s new track-derived “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy.
Just like the
Ferrari Roma
 (introduced globally later than the SF90, but launched earlier in Malaysia), there’s a new steering wheel packed with haptic touch buttons, allowing the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just their thumbs.
Right behind it is the new 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster which, as expected, can be fully controlled via the touchpads and haptic buttons on the steering wheel. There’s no central infotainment display here, except for a small screen for you to scare the passenger with the speedometer display.
The automatic gear selector on the centre console is also inspired by a manual gearbox lever gate, which Ferrari justifies as the “past and present skilfully merging to point the new Ferrari towards the future”.
PRICING
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Malaysia is priced starting from
RM1,908,000 before taxes, duties, insurance, and customisation options
. For the first time on a Ferrari, buyers can also choose between the standard car and a more sports-oriented specification – the Assetto Fiorano.
The latter features significant upgrades to its performance, including special GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, extra lightweight features made from carbon fibre (door panels, underbody) and titanium (springs, exhaustline), which results in additional 30 kg of weight savings.
The Assetto Fiorano also includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires as standard for extreme on-track performance, thanks to a softer compound and fewer grooves than the tyres fitted on the standard variant.
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Win a trip to Zhuhai to watch ATC Race with Shell Advance

Stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Zhuhai, China this September to watch the
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup
 (SAATC) when you buy any
Shell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil
. As a platform to nurture the young talents from the world of motorcycle racing since 2014, SAATC is led under the watchful eyes of
Alberto Puig
, who is also the leader of the successful
MotoGP™ Academy
.
The
2015 season
 of SAATC will continue as a feeder race at these locations: Thailand (March 22), Qatar (March 29), Malaysia (August 2), China (September 20), Japan (October 11) and Malaysia (October 25). Each of the
22 riders
 as young as 14 years old (five of them are from Malaysia) will compete among themselves using a standardised
Honda NSF250R Moto3 bike
, which is powered by
Shell V-Power racing fuel
 and lubricated with the new
 Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil
.
As the
leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia
, Shell Advance sees this opportunity to increase public awareness of the SAATC series while at the same time to reward their passionate Malaysian bikers who have been using their products.
Shell Lubricants General Manager Leslie Ng
 said “Shell Advance is the title sponsor of this world-class competition, which unearths young talents and provides them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and race at a very competitive level. This year, we have five very talented young Malaysians competing and we hope to rally the public behind them as they take on their peers from other Asian countries.”.
The
SMS-based contest
 opens to customers who purchase any Shell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil, and it runs
from 1st May 2015 to 30th July 2015
. To enter, participants need to SMS a unique 5-digit code found on a scratch card along with the “Kedai Kod” and answer to a simple question.
Five Grand Prize winners
 will be treated to an all-expense paid trip to Zhuhai to witness the boys battle it out in the fourth round of this season’s SAATC, while
300 Consolation Prize winners
 will also win an exciting day out on the tracks in October in conjunction with the 2015 Malaysian MotoGP. For more information on how to participate in the contest you may click
here
, and if you want to know more about the SAATC, check out their website
here
.


Zeekr X EV revealed – third model after Zeekr 001 & 009 based on Geely platform

Zeekr, the purely electric subsidiary of Geely, has revealed the first images of the new Zeekr X electric vehicle with a starting price of an estimated 200,000 yuan (RM126,560) and is set to go on sale by this year. The Zeekr X is the third EV model by Geely’s electric vehicle subsidiary after the Zeekr
001
and 009.
The Zeekr X is built on Geely’s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA) and measurs 4,450 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width and 1,572 mm in height while the wheelbase measures 2,750 mm. The latter is similar to the wheelbase of the Malaysia-bound
smart #1
.
So far only the dimensions of the car were revealed although if you look closely, the Zeekr X seems to be fitted with rather large brake calipers (either 4- or 6-pot calipers). That should come in handy as the Chinese media reported that the Zeekr X will be able to break the three-second mark from 0-100 km/h.
Powertrain options are similar to the #1; either rear-wheel drive (single motor) or all-wheel drive (dual-motor). The #1 with a single electric motor produces 272 hp and 343 Nm while the dual-motor model is expected to produce in excess of 400 hp! Power comes from a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery that can return up to 535 km of electric range.
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Jaguar XE SV Project 8 crushes the Nurburgring record…again!

In the hands of racing driver Vincent Radermecker, the
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
 is again at the top of the chart for the quickest four-door production car to lap ‘The Green Hell’.
The XE SV Project 8’s new record for its
20.6km Nurburgring Nordschleife lap
 now stands at
7min 18.361sec
, beating the previous record by
2.9 seconds
 set by the
same driver and car back in November 2017
.

As you already know the SV Project 8 is the maddest form of the Jaguar XE with
592 hp
 from a
supercharged 5.0 litre V8
. Hand-assembled by Jaguar’s
SVO
 arm in Warwickshire UK, it’s capable of sprinting from
zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
 and reach a top speed of
322 km/h
.
Apart from setting the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record, the XE SV Project 8 also holds the record for the
fastest production sedan at the Laguna Seca
.
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BMW reveals the gloriously beautiful 3.0 CSL Hommage R

It seems that BMW has yet to give up on stunning the world with its gloriously beautiful creations, and we sincerely hope that they never stop. This time around it’s the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. Stunning really is an understatement.
Bimmer rolled the CSL Hommage out in
May
 at the
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa de’Este
 held on the gleaming shores of Lake Como in Italy. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, this concept CSL is back with a breath of life and to complement this revival, an equally stunning paint scheme is put atop the car that would render purist in tears.

The Hommage R was brought out in tandem with the win at
Sebring
 and
Laguna Seca
 in
1975
 (that’s like a stone’s throw away from
Pebble Beach)
 and it’s also the same year BMW made its way to the States. Forty years later, the beautiful Hommage we see here is the brand’s 40th anniversary present to itself, so to speak.
Bimmer has a mantra that goes with the car which sounds something like this,
“Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel”
. That’s the name of the game and BMW has done much to heed just such. The driver is equipped with an FA-22 Raptor style
helmet
 that features a
HUD
 or heads up display, which ensures the driver is focused at the job at hand and needs not deviate his glance anywhere else but forward.
Puma
 jumped on the bandwagon too with their
racing suit
 that features
illuminated piping
 integrated into the
sleeves
 of the suit which feed info back to the driver. Even the
wood-esque dashboard
 conveys and displays relevant
 info
 to the driver.
The CSL moniker here suggests an extensive use of light-weight materials and you wouldn’t be wrong to assume just such. BMW has piled on lashings of
 CFRP
 (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) in a war against
unsprung weight
 and a
 lower centre of gravity
. With this in mind, the Hommage R is poised to live up to its reputation. Even the seats are made from carbon composites with the
six-point harness
 finished in the M Division colours.
Speaking of colours, it is an unabated joy to see the
racing colours
 splashed onto cars these days. The Hommage R is finished in a brilliant shade of white with Bimmer’s “Go Faster’ Division colours adorning that beautifully glorious, mesmerising and shapely body. A true expression of the Hommage R’s athleticism and power. The 25 on the doors and the BMW name spelled out on the windscreen takes you back in time to that momentous victory back in 1975.
The Hommage R means business. With an imposing front end that breathes through those huge signature pair of
kidney grilles
, it looks right at you with those blue lit
X-shaped LED headlights
 and that immense carbon spliter finished in black with the iconic BMW
tricaloré.

The huge matte-gold
21-inch light-alloy wheels
 with black inlays and the side mounted exhaust pipes add a special flourish as you walk around the back to discover the vast rear wing or spoiler which has LED lights running from end to end. Glare too at the gargantuan diffuser that keeps this chap planted to ground at full whack.
BMW has been criticised for losing its touch of building drivers cars recently, but that’s simply moving with the times and with the Hommage R, they prove that they still have the ability to make purist or anyone for that matter, hot under their collar with
evocative
 designs and concepts. We can’t lie and say that we’d loathe to see these magnificent creations make to the production line because truth be told, it’s just breathtaking to look at.
IMAGE GALLERY


Unsubsidised RON 97 fuel down 20 cents, now at RM2.55 per litre

This news comes as no surprise, considering the fact that the price for our unsubsidised RON 97 fuel fluctuates depending on global crude oil prices, by the barrel that is. It’s now priced at
USD74.61
 per barrel, sold by West Texas Intermediate (WTI).
As at 12:00am of 19 November 2014, the RON 97 fuel is priced at its
lowest
 since mid 2012 – now at
RM2.55 per litre
. It was priced at RM2.60 in July 2012.
According to a report by
The Malaysian Insider
, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan confirmed the price reduction on his Twitter account by attaching a photo of a letter sent to Petronas Dagangan with details pertaining to the change of price.
The price for subsidised fuels – RON 95 and diesel – however, remains unchanged and are priced at RM2.30 and RM2.20 per litre respectively. Both prices were upped
20 cents on 2 October 2014
.


BMW introduces the new M3 CS – can it get more hardcore than this?

With BMW introducing the
BMW M3 30 Years American Edition
 and a new look to the
F90 M5 with M Performance Parts
, its M Division has presented yet another exclusive, limited-run special-edition model in the form of the new BMW M3 CS.
The 3.0-litre powerplant from the M3 now sees an upgrade with the Competition Package, increasing output by 10 hp, raising it to
 460 hp
 – making it capable of a
3.9 second
 0 to 100 km/h time. Top speed is now electronically-limited to 280 km/h, with the standard M Driver’s Package.
The M3 gets a new, red start-stop button, which awakes the engine to a distinctive exhaust note from a specifically-tuned sports exhaust system – with a quartet of tailpipes.
The new M3 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic and a separate oil cooler. The suspension on the M3 CS is largely similar to that of the M3 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made of forged aluminium which are extremely light.
The M3 CS is fitted with Adaptive M suspension along with M Dynamic Mode and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M3 CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering.
On the outside, the M3 CS comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the front and a 20-inch pair at the rear fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. At the front features a front apron with large, three-section air intakes while at the back, a Gurney spoiler on the boot lid has been designed specifically for the M3 CS which teams up with the front splitter and the rear diffuser to help minimise lift.
These items, along with the roof and bonnet, are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) which are extremely lightweight and rigid. Inside, the M3 CS features a generous use of two-tone full leather in Silverstone/Black and Alcantara.
The special-edition model which will be limited to a run of approximately
1,200 units
 due to production factors – will be built from March 2018.
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The new baby Volvo XC40 unveiled – comes in Momentum, R-Design & Inscription versions

The highly-anticipated, overly-teased Volvo XC40, the Swedish car maker’s first premium compact SUV has finally been unveiled. It is the first model to be built on the company’s all-new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.
They will be powered by Volvo’s efficient
Drive-E engines
 and will be driven by either the front two wheels or all four together. There will be
5 different variants available
for now; the 156 hp T3, 190 hp T4 and 247 hp T5 petrols, and 150 hp D3 and 190 hp D4 diesels – all from 2.0-litre four cylinder engines. The T3 comes in front wheel, D3 front or all wheel while the T4, T5 and D4 comes with all-wheel drive.

The XC40 will come in
three different trims
; the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum comes with textile and vinyl interior upholstery alongside the option of contrast-coloured roof and door mirrors and alloy wheels. The
 Momentum
 XC40’s come with Sensus 9″ touch screen with 3 USB ports, working in tandem with the sophisticated voice-activated control system.
R-Design
 gets a sportier exterior with dual integrated exhaust pipes. Upgraded sports suspension and 18-inch diamond cut matt black alloy wheels will also be standard. Inside, the R-design gets a leather and nubuck upholstery combination, a perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob, and aluminium dashboard inlays.

Inscription
 versions offer a touch more luxury with leather-faced upholstery, powered tailgate and driver’s seat, driftwood interior inlays. Automatic variants will come with a crystal gear lever from Swedish crystal maker
Orrefors
.
Every XC40 comes with the
 Volvo On Call
 smartphone app and emergency assistance package. It allows owners to control various functions of the car from a smartphone or smartwatch such as locking and unlocking the doors, starting the engine and even alert emergency services  if the car is involved in an accident using in-built GPS to locate the car.

Also standard are 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with Volvo’s CleanZone, a 12.3-inch active TFT configurable driver’s information display and rear parking sensors. The XC40’s safety features include City Safety, Volvo’s automatic emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, Oncoming Lane Mitigation that alerts the driver and provide steering assistance if the car is moving in the direction of oncoming traffic.
Each of the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription variants come in
Pro form
. Momentum Pro gets powered driver’s seat, heated front seats and windscreen, active bending lights with adaptive shadow technology that block out part of the headlights’ beam to avoid dazzling vehicles in front. R-Design Pro benefits from all this, along with 20″ alloy wheels, while Inscription Pro has 19″ wheels and a powered passenger seat.
The optional Xenium package is available across the XC40 range – providing them with powered tilt and slide panoramic glass sunroof, a 360-degree surround view parking camera system, and Park Assist Pilot which includes automatic parallel and 90-degree parking. Pilot Assist is another optional extra, Volvo’s innovative semi-autonomous drive system which assists with steering, acceleration and braking.
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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia marks yet another record-breaking year – 12,045 units sold in 2017

Last year was Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) fourth consecutive record year – achieving an all-time high sales record of 12,045 vehicles sold in 2017 – translating to an overall 2.3 per cent growth compared to 2016. It also meant that the three-pointed star is well ahead of the pack in the premium segment.
“To deliver the Best Products, we launched 17 new models. To offer the Best Customer Experience, we launched nine new and upgraded dealerships, including a brand new dealer group, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd. As a result, we successfully achieved a record-breaking year, our best ever performance in the history of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia”, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
“We are delighted to have delivered a record-breaking 12,045 Mercedes-Benz Cars to customers in Malaysia and by this confirming our position as the leading premium brand. Our locally-produced vehicles, especially the new E-Class and the GLC have been our growth drivers”, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.
He added, “We are thankful that our customers have put their confidence in our premium products. With our innovative mobility solutions, digitalisation initiatives as well as upcoming product highlights, we are confident of continuing on this success path”.
MBM’s sales last year were driven by the locally-produced limousines which recorded
7,041 units
 sold. Mercedes-Benz also sold
2,599 units
 of SUVs – contributed by the CKD
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200
 and
GLC 250
.
Mercedes-Benz’ compact cars recorded a total of
2,031 units
 sold while from the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars line-up, a total of
374 units
 were sold.
A staggering 17 product launches took place throughout 2017 where one of the key highlights included the celebration of 50 years with AMG. MBM marked the occasion by launching six new 43 series models – the
Mercedes-Benz E 43 4MATIC
,
 SLC 43
,
C 43 4MATIC
, C 43 4MATIC Coupe,
GLC 43 4MATIC
, GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe and later, the
AMG GT R
.
Complementing its line-up of Best Products, MBM invested in initiatives that demonstrated its signature Best Customer Experience by organising various customer engagement activities focusing on the different interests of its target audience. These included the Ultra Singapore 2017, Urban Hunting movement, and Hungry for Adventure in East Malaysia. In addition, MBM also launched a Mercedes-Benz branded charging station in Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC).


Cars with keyless entry, gone in 10 seconds

In Malaysia, we often
hear stories and news about carjacking where the assailant robs you of your vehicle
at (usually) knifepoint. The pros would discreetly work their way into the car
and drive away.
For UK car thieves, however, they are a little more tech-savvy. By using a relay device and special transmitters, they are able to relay the keyfob’s signal to unlock and start the car in vehicles with keyless entry/start feature.

What Car? UK
 has tested that an experienced thief using specialised tools can unlock, start and drive away a vehicle in 10 seconds. Even premium models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport could also be stolen in 30 seconds.
However, that is not
to say every keyless entry equipped vehicle can be easily stolen. Manufacturers
have installed preventive measures on their keyless systems. For example, Audi,
BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, have introduced motion detection technology inside
their car keys – if the key is left untouched, it stops emitting a signal.
Other makers like Jaguar Land Rover has taken a different approach, introducing ultra-wide-band radio technology which transmits a wide range of signals from the key, meaning thieves can’t lock onto the signal and fool the vehicle.
Keyless entry and start has become an expected feature on all new cars and you can’t deny that it’s more of a convenience than an accessory. Carmakers are also aware of the security risks involved and are working towards making keyless entries as secure as a traditional key.


Hyundai develops robotics exoskeleton to aid factory workers

As part of a plan to develop a diverse range of robotics technologies, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has developed the new Vest Exoskeleton (VEX), a wearable robot for industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead situations.
Many production-line workers in the automotive industry have tasks primarily done overhead, such as bolting the underside of a vehicle, fitting brake tubes and attaching the exhaust systems. Therefore, the VEX aims to alleviate fatigue and reduce occupational injuries by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility.
Designed to be worn like a backpack, the back section of the vest can be adjusted by up to 18cm to fit a variety of body sizes. The force assistance provided by the VEX can also be adjusted up to 5.5 kgf. Without the need for a battery pack, the VEX weighs only 2.5 kg, which is 22% to 42% lighter than competing products!
As part of the research and development, HMG conducted a successful pilot trial for the VEX in two of their US factories, boosting productivity of the workers. Both plants have now integrated the VEX into their production line, and Hyundai is looking to implementing the VEX in all of their remaining manufacturing plants.
Separately, the HMG also announced that their Chairless EXoskeleton (CEX) is soon to be commercialised. The CEX allows users to “sit” at three different angles, reducing the users’ back and lower body muscle stress by up to 40%.
Other than production line focused robotics, Hyundai is also looking to develop other robotic technologies in the future, including electric vehicle charging manipulators and hotel service robots.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, the wearable robotics industry is growing at 14% annually and accelerating. By 2021 approximately 630,000 commercial robots will be sold worldwide, with the greatest demand coming from the automotive sector.


Jaguar China to introduce the XE long wheelbase “Love Edition”

Honestly, we’re not sure what to think of this except chuckle our guts out. While Jaguar was busy
setting a lap record for the fastest saloon  around the Nurburgring
 in the
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
, on this side of the world, specifically in China, things took a turn for the unconventional.
Jaguar China is set to introduce the Jaguar XEL “Love Edition” to celebrate the launch of the Jaguar XEL, the long wheelbase version of the Jaguar XE sedan. It will be made in China by the Chery – JLR joint venture.
The Jaguar XEL Love Edition even comes with a tagline – Love is XEL. If you have any clue what that means, feel free to voice out in our comment section.
All that we’ve understood from the
Jaguar China’s website
 is that the Love Edition is due for launch in 13 days and will come with 17-inch 15-spoke diamond cut wheels, keyless entry and what seems like a two-tone exterior – which doesn’t seem like much love.
Only a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine will be available, with
197 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h will take
8.3 seconds
 with a top speed of
230 km/h
. The “Love Edition” is a limited-run model where only
 100 units
 will be made.
In Malaysia, Jaguar has the XE on sale in
three different variants
 – the XE Prestige 200, the XE R-Sport 240 and the XE S ranging from RM 340k to RM 580k.
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Toyota Rush in Malaysia not affected by airbag sensor issues

With the on-going recalls for the Toyota Rush in Philippines, UMW Toyota Motor has issued a statement to address the matter.
It has been found that the sensor for the airbags in the Philippines’ market Toyota Rush can easily be triggered by vibrations, causing the curtain airbag to deploy when going over road bumps at over 60 km/h.
Have you checked out
 Adrian’s review of the Perodua Aruz
 yet?
Perodua recently announced that 3,000 units of the
Aruz
 have been recalled for inspection and replacement of the potentially faulty part as a mere precaution. As of March 2018,
over 4,000 units of the Perodua 7-seater have been delivered
after 14,000 bookings were recorded since since January.
Although both the Rush and Aruz are essentially the same, UMW Toyota assures that the
locally-sold Toyota Rush
 is not affected by this problem.
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Aston Martin Zagato DBZ Centenary Collection is a ridiculous way to spend £6 mill

This year, Aston Martin
is celebrating 60 years of creative partnership with world-renowned Italian design
house, Zagato. To commemorate the six decades of history, the two company will
join hands again to build a highly limited, DBZ Centenary Collection consisting
of a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and one DBS GT Zagato.
Only 19 examples will be
made, and you have to purchase them in pairs – thus the DBZ Centenary
Collection. Each pair will cost you £6 million (inclusive of taxes) but what
you’ll get is one of the rarest and most coveted modern-era Aston Martin Zagatos.
Aston Martin Zagatos are all about pushing the boundaries of design, creating show stopping and mouth-watering machines. Taking the
standard

DBS Superleggera
, the DBS GT Zagato embodies the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language. The iconic double-bubble roof, flowing curves, wrap-around windscreen, muscular rear haunches, new grille and unique headlamps were hinted by Gaydon.
First customers of the
DB4 GT Zagato Continuations will receive their cars in Q4 of 2019 while their DBS
GT Zagato will be delivered in Q4 of 2020.


The new Audi RS3 gets 400 hp/500Nm and new “RS Torque Rear” mode for drifting

After a half-hearted
teaser
 ten days ago, Audi Sport has released technical information before the official launch of their new Audi RS3. The model competes with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S,
BMW M135i xDrive
 and MINI Clubman JCW.
Starting with the heart of the new Audi RS3 is the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Performance has been further tweaked with an increased in torque figures to deliver
500 Nm
 of torque, 20 Nm more than the previous model. The peak horsepower of
400 hp
 is unchanged with availability all the way to 7,000 rpm.
Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the heavily revised Quattro all-wheel drive system, the new Audi RS3 does 0 to 100 km/h in just
3.8 seconds
, 0.3 seconds faster than before. Standard top speed is limited to 250 km/h, with 280 km/h available as an option. When fitted with the RS Dynamic package, the top speed is lifted to
290 km/h
, the fastest in the segment!
Headlining the new Audi RS3’s dynamism is the
new

RS Torque Splitter
 in the Quattro driveline. The RS Torque Splitter is a rear differential unit with two self-controlled multi-disc clutch packs, one each for the left and right driveshafts. The fully variable system tightens or reduce torque to the inside rear wheel during a curve or bend to promote torque vectoring and higher levels of agility and stability.
Check out
Audi’s video
 of the new RS3 doing some powerslides, uploaded by
CarScoops
For example, when entering and accelerating out of a right bend, the RS Torque Splitter transmits torque to the left rear wheel, and once the steering wheel straightens, both clutches direct equal torque to the rear wheels.
When the Audi Drive Select mode is switched to
RS Torque Rear mode
, the new highly-networked chassis control system can direct up to 100% of the drive torque to the outer rear wheel for controlled drifts, similar in principle to the
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+
.
The RS Torque Splitter continuously alters the left and right wheel torque levels depending on many factors such as steering angle, throttle position, gear position and yaw angle. All inputs are quickly processed rapidly and precisely through the new modular Vehicle Dynamics Controller (mVDC).
The mVDC then synchronises the control units in the RS Torque Splitter, ESC, damping stiffness in the adaptive dampers and the wheel-selective torque control for high-precision steering and handling. At the race tracks, the chassis control system is then set up for a full workout through the
RS Performance Mode
. Audi Sport has also tuned the drive mode to operate with
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres
 for those seeking the best lap times. The front tyres are seen to measure 265/30R19 in size!
Audi is reported to be delivering the new RS3 sedan and sportback models to customers in Europe as early as September.
GALLERY


Mazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-D: Five solid reasons why it has to be brought into Malaysia

The general sentiment associated to the word diesel has been a long but ineradicable stigma in Malaysia, to say the least. Let’s face it. How many of you are put off by the idea of driving a car that clatters louder and smells no better than your granduncle’s good ol’ Isuzu Trooper? Fortunately, times (and people) are changing, but many still chafe at the thought of a diesel powered daily runabout, pickup trucks not withstanding.
Now, just days after BHPetrol
introduced their Infiniti Euro5 diesel fuel
 to the Klang Valley, we leapt at the opportunity to sample one of Mazda’s finest, the
Mazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-D
. Our last stint with the very same car had a full tank of Euro2m diesel, but that did more than a good enough job in convincing us that it’s the Mazda2 to have. With Euro5 now in place, let’s help Bermaz Motor shed some ‘green’ light on the matter at hand.
i. All about that torque
A diesel engine is best known for its
fuel efficiency
 (more on this below), but the main reason behind its suitability in powering heavy duty industrial vehicles, busses and utility trucks is because the diesel fuel is
much denser or richer in energy
, therefore providing
greater pulling power
 (torque) that’s accessible at low engine speeds. Just how quick is a diesel powered car, you ask? Well, click
here
 to watch a video of an Isuzu D-Max blaze across a quarter mile strip in
8.2 seconds
. Yep, an Isuzu D-Max with a four cylinder diesel engine that’s capable of humbling Dominic Toretto and co.
So, imagine having
270 Nm of torque
 in a Mazda2, all harnessed from the
turbocharged

1,499cc Skyactiv-D
 engine. In comparison, the 1.5-litre petrol (Skyactiv-G) engine delivers 114 hp and 148 Nm of torque – a
full 102 Nm lesser
 than its equal sized diesel counterpart! On the subject of compression ratio, Mazda engineers ambitiously took both these Skyactiv engines a few steps beyond the conventional.
The gasoline engine operates at a ratio of 14.0:1 (that’s really, really high for petrol powered vehicles), whereas the oil burner cranks at a relatively low
14.8:1
 when some diesels go as high as 22.0:1. In justifying this, Mazda cited that their pursuit of an ideal combustion resulted in the creation of an all-aluminium, low compression turbodiesel engine. In short, it’s not just more powerful, it burns leaner than the petrol as well.
 ii. It’s still that much fun to drive
Despite being
nearly 80kg heavier
 on the front end, the Mazda2 Skyactiv-D’s fun-to-drive character remains surprisingly intact, if not made better by the low-rev torque surge. Trust us, there’s not a single time where we weren’t caught smiling sheepishly when flooring the throttle upon exiting a corner. Granted, there is a discernible dive during hard braking, but that came to light only after spending weeks driving the petrol variant. Imagine had we not!
The fact that the brakes weren’t as grippy as we’d like had very little to do with its poor stopping performance, but rather because the discs were of the exact size as the petrol. With all that additional power – and more importantly weight up front, the only thing that’s missing from what is otherwise a complete package is better brakes.
iii. Sure, it rattles, but does it really matter?
Diesel engines, for as long as they’ve been around, rattles. The reason behind this lies in its
combustion process
. During an intake stroke of a gasoline engine, both air and fuel is injected into the cylinder before being compressed and subsequently ignited by a spark plug. This tiny explosion drives the piston downwards, creating what is known as the power stroke, a motion which sends torque to the crankshaft.
In a diesel engine however, there are
no spark plugs at all
, and ignition occurs simply by compressing air, and just air alone. The higher the compression ratio, the more heat (up to 260°C) is created during the compression stroke. What happens when you inject fuel into this extremely hot pocket of air? Ignition. And it’s this very process that gives a diesel engine its characteristic knock or clatter. Who’s to say that they don’t rattle now? They still do, in fact very distinctively as well, much like a sewing machine on loudspeaker, but hardly discernible from inside the cabin thanks to progressive insulating technology.
iv. Diesel engines are generally tougher, more robust and longer lasting
Contrary to popular belief, the clanky nature of oil burning engines does not mean that they wear out much faster, but instead have extremely long lifespan, in most cases even longer than gasoline engines if given appropriate care. Website
popular
mechanics.com
 pieced together nine cars whose owners drove past the million-mile mark (that’s 1.6 million kilometres, all with the original engine!), a feat only so few can achieve in a lifetime.
So what makes a diesel engine robust? Well, this goes back to its nature of combustion. Because they operate at such extreme ratios, the mechanical components of the engine have to be made of denser steel. This in turn require the use of heavier pistons, crankshaft, bearings, rings and what have you.
Again, Mazda’s 1.5-litre diesel engine has a low compression ratio of 14.8:1, which is one of the reasons why the entire engine can be made out of aluminium. This not only reduces weight by a significant margin, Mazda also claims that it makes the engine
more dynamic
, allowing for a greater rev range because the moving components are so much lighter. We can attest to that.

v. Exceptional fuel efficiency
As mentioned earlier, the diesel fuel contains more usable energy than gasoline, sometimes up to 50 percent in a single drop of diesel. In a real-world scenario, that translates to
superior fuel economy
, covering between
30 to 40 percent more tarmac
 than comparable gasoline engines. There’s nothing quite like a diesel engine’s fuel economy when cruising on freeways, as they rack up more kilometers per litre as opposed to gasoline, hybrids or even electric vehicles. To prove this, Mazda specifically flew us to Bangkok, dumped us in the Mazda2 diesel and had us
drive over 1,000 km in a single tank of fuel
 because you know, they were certain we’d make it. What if we didn’t, guys?!
A key contributor in the Skyactiv-D’s remarkable fuel efficiency is the use of
Piezo injectors
 (connected to the fuel rail, typically a common rail setup in diesel engines) which are far more precise than traditional fuel injectors. They for one, act really quickly and can inject fuel as many as seven times during a single combustion cycle, but only when needed. Such level of precision yields better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Win, win, win.
With the cleaner Euro5 diesel making its slow entry across the country, we’ve reached a point where we could finally see a new wave of vehicles making its way here. Sources from Bermaz Motor have not completely dismissed their plans to introduce the diesel-powered CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda2, but whether or not they make it here remains to be seen. If anything, chances are they might already be well in the planning stages of introducing the highly anticipated CX-5 Skyactiv-D. Until then, let’s keep our fingers crossed in hoping that these cars will find their way here.
IMAGE GALLERY


Moving Malaysia since 1985 – Proton celebrates 38 years of the Saga

We might not have realised this, but it has been 38 years since the birth of Malaysia’s first national car, the
Proton Saga
, which was originally launched on July 9, 1985. To celebrate the occasion, Proton held a mini carnival at its headquarters, the Proton Centre of Excellence (CoE) on
July 9
,
2023
, to celebrate the national car’s 38th anniversary.
Held from 9 AM to 7 PM, there were many activities at the carnival, with one of the main highlights being the gathering of Proton Saga owners organised by various car clubs. The gathering saw the national car from different generations – the first-generation Proton Saga, to the Saga BLM, as well as the third-generation Saga VVT.
Proton’s official race cars were at the event too, with one of them being the Proton R3 team’s official Proton Saga race car, which took part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race. A couple of the first-generation Sagas owned by private racing teams which took part in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Saga Cup were present as well.
Besides the official race cars, restored, modified, and even some special variant Sagas were also present at the event. This includes a replica of the Proton Saga Iswara Group S rally car which was once driven by the legendary rally race driver – Karamjit Singh, alongside the Proton Saga Knight and Saga Limousines.
RELATED:
The original 1985 Proton Saga will be coming back as a Hot Wheels model!
At the Proton-MSF Merdeka Race Carnival held at the Sepang International Circuit last year, professional race car and stunt driver Faidzal Alang set a record doing the “Ski Driving Stunt” for a distance of 2.9 km on the race track using a third-generation Proton Saga and was recorded in the Malaysia book of record. The certificate was then handed over to Faidzal and Proton at the mini carnival.
Visitors of the carnival were also given an opportunity to experience “Taxi Rides” using third-generation Proton Saga cars on Proton’s makeshift “gymkhana” track. The cars were driven by professional drivers James Veerapan and Farique Hairuman.
In addition to the cars, there were stalls that sold all kinds of souvenirs, toys, and clothing at the carnival too. Proton themselves held stalls selling its official merchandise, as well as genuine parts such as Proton R3-branded engine oils, body kits, door visors, and NVH guards. Family-friendly games were also held for visitors to participate in and win prizes.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium S review – redefining the National car
GALLERY


Set a speed limit on your Volvo with the new Care Key, standard on all Volvo cars from 2021

Imagine handing over the keys of your Volvo to your spouse, teenage children or even a friend for the weekend and having to worry about them hitting illegal speeds – which is quite easily achieved on modern Volvos – endangering their lives and the well-being of your car!
Which is why Volvo will be launching the Care Key which allows the owners to set a speed limit when the key is in use. This comes after the announcement that the Swedish marque is looking to
limit the top speed on all its cars to 180 km/h from 2020
 to send a strong message about the dangers of speeding.
Volvo Cars’ President
and Chief Executive, Hakan Samuelsson said: “We believe that a car maker has a
responsibility to help improve traffic safety. Our recently announced speed
limit fits that thinking, and the Care Key is another example. Many want to be
able to share their car with friends and family but are unsure about how to
make sure they are safe on the road. The Care Key provides one good solution
and extra peace of mind.”
The Volvo Care Key
will be a standard feature on all Volvo cars from model year 2021.


Volkswagen is developing a “powerbank” for electric cars

We have powerbanks for our smart devices and soon we will have “powerbanks” for our electric cars, according to Volkswagen.
The German automaker has just revealed the company’s future mobile quick charging station that has the flexibility to be installed and provide power supply wherever it is needed. The portable charging station functions according to the principle of a power bank – but for cars.
Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, Thomas Schmall said: “This flexibility enables a completely new approach for the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. Cities can, for example, find out the most suitable places for a permanent charging point before making major investments in developing the network. In addition, it will be possible to set up a large number of charging stations temporarily – exactly when and where they are needed.”
Imagine having a large-scale function at an open location, the mobile charging station can provide temporary charging solution for attendees to charge their electric vehicles on location. These charging stations have a total battery storage capacity of up to 360 kWh which can fully charge approximately 15 electric vehicles. Each charging station also features DC quick charging compatibility and can charge up to four vehicles simultaneously.
The first mobile quick charging stations will be set up as early as the first half of 2019 in Volkswagen’s hometown as part of a pilot project and will support the expansion of charging infrastructure in the urban area.


Honda Malaysia’s Flood Relief Programme: 50% off on all genuine parts affected

In light of the massive flood issue plaguing the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has taken the plunge to help its affected customers through their
Flood Relief Programme
.
Effective immediately, Honda customers whose
genuine parts
 that has been damaged or affected by the flood will be given a
50 percent discount
. Customers are advised to bring their
police report
 on the damaged car and
insurance cover note
 to any Honda dealers in the affected areas.
Here’s how:
Each car will then be assessed and repaired once the waters have receded. Honda Malaysia extends their thoughts and prayers to the affected people and hopes to reduce their burden by assisting their customers through this programme.
The programme begins immediately and runs until 31 March 2015.
Here are some suggestions from Honda Malaysia on how to handle your car in flood situation.


BYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia – 2 new EVs to launch soon?

At the launch of the BYD Atto 3 today, BYD Malaysia (
Sime Darby Beyond Auto
) took the opportunity to tease the BYD Dolphin and the BYD Seal. The BYD Dolphin is an EV hatchback while the BYD is an EV fastback sedan.
Hinting at possible debuts in the future, let’s take a closer look at both EVs by the Chinese Brand. Possibly its sleekest model to date, the BYD Seal measures 4,800 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall. With a wheelbase of 2,920 mm, the BYD Seal is about the size of a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In China, the BYD Seal is offered in four versions:
Standard Range RWD Elite
Standard Range RWD Premium
Long Range RWD
Long Range AWD Performance
The range-topping Long Range AWD Performance has a system output of 390 kW (
530 hp
) and supposedly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.8 seconds
. With an
82.5 kWh
 battery capacity, the range-topping Seal has an electric driving range of
650 km
 (CLTC). The ‘Long Range RWD’ has the best range of them all with
700 km
 of pure electric range (CLTC).
RELATED:
2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k
The BYD Dolphin, on the other hand, is a hatchback EV that has been in the market since 2021. In China, the BYD Dolphin is available with three versions – one with a
30.7 kWh
 battery, and two with
44.9 kWh
 battery packs (albeit with different system output figures).
In its range-topping form, the BYD Dolphin has a
401 km
 range (NEDC) from its 44.9-kWh battery pack. The single electric motor makes 130 kW (
176 hp
) and
290 Nm
 and powers the front wheels only. AC charging can be done at a maximum rate of
7 kW
 and DC fast charging can be done at a maximum rate of
60 kW.
 The Dolphin is BYD’s first car to be built on the brand’s e-platform 3.0.
RELATED:
BYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022
Only shown for a brief moment at the event, the BYD Seal and the BYD Dolphin are interesting choices for EVs should they be officially launched in Malaysia. For now, BYD’s only model for the Malaysian market is the newly-launched
BYD Atto 3
.


These M Performance Parts makes the BMW M2 Competition look like a race car

Just when we thought that the
BMW M2 Competition
 is as mean as a 2 series can get, BMW has introduced a series of BMW M Performance Parts to spice up the baby M car even further with more carbon fibre, new wheels and even a rear wing!
The new list of accessories does not include any tuning for the S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six engine, pushing out
 410 hp
 and
550 Nm
 of torque paired to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M DCT. Century sprint is one in
4.4 seconds
 (4.2 seconds with DCT) while top speed is registered at
280 km/h
 if you have the M Driver Package installed (250 km/h without).
BMW had one purpose in mind when developing the M Performance Parts for the M2 Competition: to
save weight
. Carbon fibre has been applied to the engine hood (-9 kg), roof (-5 kg), tailgate (-6 kg) and front fenders, all contributing to making the M2 Competition a lighter and meaner machine. Other visually enhancing options include carbon fibre front splitter, kidney grille, air breather sidebars, exterior mirror caps, door sill, side skirt extensions, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.
Rounding off the exterior look are a set of M Performance 19-inch Y-spoke style 763 M forged wheel wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres saves 3.2 kgs of unsprung mass on each corner compared to the standard wheels. The exclusive forged wheels are available in the colours Jet Black matt and Frozen Gold with machined M Performance lettering in the rim flange.

As for performance enhancing options, BMW offers an M Performance adjustable coil-spring suspension that drops the car ride height by up to
20 mm
 and comes with adjustable damping technology where drivers can set up their preferred compression (12 setting options) and rebound stage (16 setting options). A set of
BMW M Compound Brake Discs
 with 6-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and 4-piston fixed calipers on the rear axle gives drivers consistent and greater stopping power under prolonged extreme conditions.
BMW has also developed a new
M Performance stainless steel exhaust system
 with carbon fibre tailpipes to unlock the racing soundtrack of the M2 Competition’s six-cylinder engine. The electronic flap alters the sound pitch depending on the drive mode selected ranging from sporty in Efficient Mode and uncompromised acoustics in Sport+ Mode. Of course, this new exhaust system is also
8 kgs
 lighter than the standard system.

Interior options are limited to stainless steel sport pedals, M Performance branded floor mats and a carbon fibre/Alcantara finish on the gearshift lever knob/gear selector switch, double-clutch transmission and handbrake handle.
While BMW has not announced the market availability of the BMW M2 Competition, here is hoping that Malaysia will be one of the lucky recipients of this bad boy. As for the M Performance Parts,
based on experience,
 you might want to go easy on them; unless money is no issue to you…
IMAGE GALLERY


Smart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment – hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp

Shortly after the
#1
 went on sale in China,
Smart
 has now unveiled a new performance-oriented version of the model, courtesy of upgrades from in-house tuner Brabus. Dubbed the Smart #1
 Brabus
, the souped-up fully-electric compact SUV will make its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show, later this month.
The Smart #1 Brabus gets a number of variant-specific design touches to distinguish it from the standard models, including a sportier front bumper, unique front grille, larger rear spoiler, as well as the aggressively-styled 19-inch alloy wheels.
New additional “nostril” vents below the bonnet edge seem to suggest the performant nature of the #1 Brabus despite it not having an engine, while the entire car is also finished in the “traditional” sporty colour combination of red, black, and matte grey – the latter also applied to the emblems and badges all around the exterior.
RELATED:
Smart’s adorable-looking #1 SUV shows that it’s serious about EVs
The interior is also suitably spiced up, with new black microfibre suede upholstery on the seats, red cross stitching and accent trims, red seatbelts, additional Brabus badging on the Alcantara and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and new “metal pedals” coming as standard.
Most importantly, however, is that the spicier Smart #1 here will actually come with performance upgrades, unlike the
Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS
. Details are still scarce at the moment, but the company says the Smart #1 Brabus will boast “class-beating performance”, with output figures over the 400 hp (approx. 300 kW) mark according to recent rumours from China, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of roughly 3.7 seconds.
RELATED:
Welcome to 2022, where tuners increase EV’s range, not performance
The performance gain comes courtesy of an additional electric motor on the front axle, giving the Smart #1 Brabus an all-wheel drive driveline. In contrast, the standard Smart #1 comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor offering 272 hp (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds.
Alongside the amped-up performance, the Brabus-tuned Smart #1 is also rumoured to get a larger battery than the standard #1. For context, the standard model features 66 kWh of capacity offering a range of up to 440 km (WLTP cycle).
GALLERY


Sales rebound for Proton in September with over 10,000 units sold

National carmaker Proton has just provided the breakdown of their September sales performance and the recovery after months of restrictions is looking great. With a total of
10,380
 units sold, the company is proud to announce that it captured a 23.9% market share for September.
Recently launched facelifted models of the
Proton Persona
 and
Proton Iriz
 posted a strong first month of sales. While production still not at the full output due to a shortage of components, Proton managed to deliver 1,440 units of the Persona and 749 units of the Iriz.
As for the ever-popular SUV models from
Zhejiang Geely
 Holding Group, the Proton X50 managed to set the highest sales after the Proton Saga, at 2,431 units. Year-to-date, Proton has managed to deliver over 16,600 units of the X50 model.
Original Proton Saga in the UK wins The Festival of Unexceptional. Find out more about the “motor show” here!
Both the Proton X50 and Proton X70, with 1,577 units, continue to be sales leaders in their respective segments. In total, 27,312 units of SUVs have now been sold by Proton this year, which accounts for 37.4% of the overall year-to-date sales of
73,017
 units.
Compared to the same period last year, the total sales figure is nearly the same with 2020 reaching 73,607 units, whilst with a lower overall market share of under 22%.

The
Proton Saga
, as always, continues to be the company’s number one seller and by quite a margin. In September, dealers managed to deliver 3,907 units which, under the company’s market intelligence, it is also the segment leader in the A-segment sedan.
The Proton Knight, reimagined! Check out how a Malaysian designer envisions the sporty model for today.
Roslan Abdullah, Proton Edar CEO said the company will continue to work hard to fulfil and deliver as many cars as possible, clearing the backlog. Customers who are fully vaccinated are also welcomed to visit the showroom to test drive as well as service their Proton vehicles.


#Rewind: Esna Venere, the 350hp Malaysian sports car that died

Welcome to another installment of our #REWIND series, where a few months ago, we learned that the
Honda Civic Type R
 commands one of the best aspects of vehicle ownership: resale value. This time, we look into a car that could potentially springboard Malaysia to be on par with Germany, Italy and Japan as nations that are capable of producing a sports car. Introducing, the Esna Venere.
It’s unknown to this day what the real meaning of the word “Venere”, but what’s important to know is that the brainchild of this car is one idealistic Malaysian named
Esmail Naziadin
. In 2005, Malaysians were surprised with the unveiling of a Malaysian made sports car. Back in the day, nobody would have imagined seeing a Malaysian made sports car in the flesh, much less command a price between RM500k to RM800k.
The design of the car was purely done locally, and the project took just five months to progress from mere sketches to the very concept you see here. The powertrain (more on this below) was supposed to be sourced externally, though.
Pic Source: Dk Composites
The Venere is a two-door coupe made of carbon fibre composite and lightweight components including chromoly alloys, aluminium honeycomb and super strong carbon fibre. As a result, the car weighs an impressive
1,080kgs
.
Under the hood lies a
supercharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder
 engine capable of producing 350 hp at best, and gearbox options include a six-speed manual transmission and automatic. It’s unsure if the wheels are driven from the back or all four wheels, but the handling capabilities is promising thanks to its
double wishbone suspension
 on all four corners. Top speed is reported to be
300km/h
.
Pic Source: Autoworld.com.my

 Pic Source: Autoworld.com.my

 Pic Source: Autoworld.com.my

After its local unveiling in 2005, manufacturer Esnasports Sdn Bhd was rather ambitious and spoke of plans to display the car at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. There was even a talk of participating in the 2006 Le Mans 24 hours Endurance race! Surely, a 150-unit only lightweight sports car like the Venere has good potential, because at the time, 20 orders have already been secured. Tragically, the founder Esmail Naziadin passed away before all these plans were put in place. Along with his passing is Malaysia’s most promising car project to date.
So, how should the Esna Venere be remembered? We think it’s best we remember Esmail’s efforts because it’s a clear depiction of the
Malaysia Boleh
 spirit. We wouldn’t know what would happen should the Venere materialise into a thing of being, so there goes all hopes of seeing the car parked by the French Riviera beachside. Maybe it could also change Jeremy Clarkson’s perception of Malaysia’s ability to make cars, or inability since the humiliating smackdown on our poor Kelisa. But sadly, the Venere didn’t even take off, so let’s hope someone picks up the baton sometime soon.
NEXT TIME
: My personal favourite cheap and cheerful car that surely will put a smile on your face!
[Image Source: Autoworld.com.my]


Facts & Figures: Updated Lexus ES 250 – Premium, Luxury & F Sport launched in Malaysia!

Lexus Malaysia has introduced an updated 2022 version of the Lexus ES 250 which was
launch here in 2019
. It’s available in three variants, from
RM295,663.50
 for the Premium variant,
RM329,910.50
 for the Luxury variant.

As for the sportier, more aggressive-looking F Sport variant, that’s priced at
 RM345,134.00
. All ES 250 variants come with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood is a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated VVT-iE Dynamic Force engine paired to an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. The engine puts out
204 hp
and
247 Nm
, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 9.1 seconds.
The transmission’s Direct Connected Downshift system allows it to skip gears when large throttle openings are detected such as when overtaking on the highway.
ES 250 Luxury
ES 250 F Sport
EXTERIOR
Outside, the biggest change lies in the Spindle grille of the Lexus ES (Luxury and Premium variants) where it now features fewer vertical bars. The F Sport variant comes with a completely different grille design while the cutouts on each corner of the front bumper are wider than the lower two variants.
New DRL design on the F Sport
As for headlamps, the Bi-projector LED headlamps in the Premium variant comes with a new inner bezel design while the higher Luxury and F Sport variants come with a new daytime running light design.
The Lexus ES, built on the same TNGA-K platform as the Camry comes with two new colours for the Luxury and Premium variants – Sonic Chrome and Sonic Iridium. As for the F Sport, two exclusive colours are available, Heat Blue Contrast Layering and White Nova Glass Flake.
Both the Premium and Luxury variants come with 18-inch wheels, with a new design for the former. With the F Sport variant, the ES 250 comes with 19-inch wheels. The F Sport is the only variant that comes with a spoiler.
INTERIOR
Inside, the ES 250 comes with black leather upholstery with black Walnut trims however the Luxury variants can be specified with Hazel or Mauve (dark brown) leather upholstery. The F Sport comes with aluminium trims to complement the red or black leather upholstery.
Luxury
F Sport
The dashboard also sees some significant changes. The Premium variant gets an 8-inch infotainment display while the top two – Luxury and F Sport – variants come with a larger 12.3-inch display. The larger touchscreen also comes with navigation services.
The display itself has been repositioned 112 mm closer to the front passenger and tilted five degrees towards the driver. All models of the Lexus ES now comes with USB Type-C connectors.
In the F Sport models, the cabin comes with aluminium pedals and footrest along with a 3-spoke F Sport steering wheel.
The coolest part about the F Sport model is the instrument cluster with an RPM meter that moves when the engine is fired up – just like the Lexus LFA supercar!
The new models also now come with a Nanoe-X negative ion generator that improves cabin air quality. The ES the first Lexus model to introduce this feature as standard.
SAFETY
Safety and driver assistance features of the Lexus ES have also improved. All three variants come with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) as standard.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been updated to detect daytime cyclist detection and pedestrian detection in low light conditions. The system uses a millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera sensor with improved sensitivity and range detection.
Other features in the LSS+ system include Dynamic radar cruise control with Stop&Go function, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-beam System with BladeScan technology. Coupled with the Adaptive High-beam System is also the Adaptive Front-lighting System.
Making up the rest of the Lexus ES’ driver assistance features is the rear cross-traffic alert and parking support brake. The Parking support brake feature helps prevent frontal collisions in the event of pedal misoperation.
Review: Lexus ES 250 Luxury – Effortless opulence. Read about what we think of the car here!
GALLERY
Lexus ES 250 F Sport
Lexus ES 250 Luxury


The Nissan Almera Turbo’s new engine features technology inherited from the GT-R!

The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo,
due for official launch very soon
, will feature the HR10DET 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine across all three variants which we’ve already sampled briefly during a recent media event (
watch our video here!
) and were pleasantly surprised by it.
While common sense tells you that the engine was designed solely for efficiency (it is made to suit
Thailand’s Eco Car programme
, afterall), Nissan says that the turbocharged engine in the all-new Almera delivers “confidence-inspiring performance”, and even go so far to say that it is the “perfect modern sedan”. That’s a daring claim to say the least, so what have they done with it?
On paper, the powertrain output figures of
100 hp
 and
152 Nm
 is nothing to shout home about – especially with the Honda City bragging about its 253 Nm of torque in a
controversial video
. However, peak torque on the 1.0-litre turbocharged mill kicks in at a low 2,400 – 4,000 rpm, which means it should still feel punchy when driving around the city (no pun intended) – where most people spend their time in a car like this.
The engine also features an
electronic wastegate
 on the turbocharger, which uses an electric DC motor to better regulate turbo boost power,
reducing turbo lag
 and providing a
more instantaneous acceleration
.
The HR10DET engine also features
Mirror Bore Coating Technology
, adapted straight from the
Nissan GT-R
‘s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6. Molten iron is sprayed onto the surface of the cylinder bore, forming a mirror-like iron coating layer on the walls inside which reduces friction within the engine, thus
increases efficiency
.
Compared to a regular engine liner coating which is typically around 2 mm in thickness, the Almera Turbo’s iron coating measures just 0.2 mm, which helps reduce engine knocking and weight, while improving heat conductivity –
increasing cooling headroom
. As a result, Nissan is able to channel the extra cooling capacity to let the engine run harder, thus
increasing performance
.
As a result of the more efficient engine, Nissan boasts a fuel consumption figure of just
5.4 l/100km
 (based on the NEDC R101 tests) on the all-new Almera Turbo. Despite now having a smaller fuel tank of only 35 litres, the Almera Turbo should still be able to drive approximately
650 km in a single tank of fuel
. With today’s fuel prices, a full tank of RON95 petrol also only costs around RM65!
The fuel efficiency of the Almera Turbo is also helped by its new Xtronic CVT gearbox, which comes with the
D-Step Logic System
 for improved shift feel and responsiveness. Using a multitude of readings from vehicle speed to accelerator pedal position, the shift logic software can determine the ideal gear ratios needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration.
Although being a CVT gearbox, it still predominantly shifts according to its virtual gears, thus drivers can still feel the sensation of a traditional gear shift, while benefitting from the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT gearbox. The Almera Turbo even comes with
Sports Mode
, which allows the gearbox to hold a gear for longer, resulting in better acceleration performance and a sportier driving experience.
Significant headway has also been made to improve the noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) felt within the cabin, with the use of a “unique”
 soft engine mount to dampen and reduce engine vibrations
 – a common complaint on three-cylinder engines.
That’s quite a long list of enhancements stuffed into a tiny 1.0-litre engine, for a B-segment car that costs below RM100k. Though, we’ll only know how well they perform when we really put them to the test. So do keep an eye out on
AutoBuzz.my
 for the full report once we get our hands on it!
At the mean time, do check out our

brief drive report
 if you haven’t already, and also check out our
deep dive
 on why we think the all-new Almera Turbo could be one of the most comfortable cars for day-to-day commutes!


Shell Helix HX8: Premium engine protection you can afford

There are times when compromises have to be made when faced with budget constraints, and this may include having to resort to cheaper engine oil alternatives procured from non-authorised channels. While it may be easier on your wallet, the authenticity of the product can never be guaranteed, and may even prove to the harmful to your car’s engine.
Which is why Shell has just introduced a new range of fully synthetic engine oils that’s not only wallet-friendly but offers premium protection at previously unattainable prices. With the new Shell Helix HX8, you don’t have to compromise on price or quality because a premium fully synthetic engine oil from a trusted brand has never been so affordable.
Unlike most affordably priced lubricants which may come with compromises in performance and durability, the Shell Helix HX8 is formulated specially to protect engines in punishing stop-start driving conditions, just like the traffic grind you and your car endure daily on the way to the office.
When temperatures soar in engines stop-start city driving, ‘
flexi-molecules
’ present in the Shell Helix HX are activated to form a protective layer on components most susceptible to wear;
resulting in up to a 40% increase in protection
1
, 58% superior oxidisation and deposit control
2
,

 and 78% improvement in corrosion resistance
3
 , along with longer oil drain intervals with lower maintenance costs.
Shell is sensitive towards the market’s evolving needs as more manufacturers
shift towards low viscosity oils
 for their passenger cars. The new
Shell Helix HX8 0W-20
 is
specially formulated
 to meet manufacturers’ latest requirements and offers a
premium, fully synthetic engine oil performance at an affordable price
, with no compromise in engine protection.
What this translates into is an engine oil that can withstand stresses beyond the performance threshold of similarly priced semi-synthetic options. With prices starting from just
RM 165 for a 4-litre pack of the HX8 5W-40 in Peninsula Malaysia (RM 166 for Sabah & Sarawak)
 and
RM 199 for the HX8 0W-20 in Peninsula Malaysia (RM 200 for Sabah & Sarawak)
, fully synthetic premium protection for your car’s engine is within reach, finally.

To further verify the
authenticity of the new Shell Helix HX8, each pack comes with a
“Made for Malaysia /
Untuk Pasaran Malaysia”
 label which contains a
unique QR and product code as proof of authenticity, and for a further peace of
mind.
Not only that, every purchase of Shell Helix HX8, customers also qualify for the Shell Advantage and Rewards (
SHARE
). In conjunction with the launch, Shell Malaysia is offering RM25 off for any of the three Shell Helix HX8 variants upon the customer registering for SHARE online. The promotion is valid from 1st October till 30th November 2019.
So, register as a SHARE member and enjoy the promotion! To find out how it works, visit:
www.shell.com.my/helix25off
.
1
Comparing Shell Helix HX8 with ACEA A3/B4 specifications based on engine wear test
2
Comparing Shell Helix HX8 with API SN specifications based on engine oil oxidation and deposit control test
3
Comparing Shell Helix HX8 with API SN specifications based on engine corrosion test
(For more technical information on the Shell Helix HX8, click
here
)
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You can now pick up a Certified Used Volkswagen with 1-year extended warranty!

Over the weekend at the
third annual Volkswagen Festival
, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) officially launched Das WeltAuto, a global used car programme that offers used and pre-registered cars, certified by Volkswagen.
Backed by Das WeltAuto’s global know-how, standards, processes and solutions, all Das WeltAuto certified vehicles undergo a strict 133-point check and are verified by Volkswagen Master Technicians.
Volkswagen are so confident that your new vehicle will be worry-free that they are also providing a 1-year extended warranty added onto any existing warranty, and 1-year roadside assistance for your new purchase. Additionally, Das WeltAuto customers can also enjoy the
Volkswagen Care Plus
 benefits for Volkswagen cars above five years.
You can also trade-in your existing vehicle, which will be sold on the Das WeltAuto platform as well. However, only Volkswagen vehicles will be put through the Das WeltAuto certification, granting them the additional warranty privileges.
Bidding farewell to the Volkswagen Beetle, the
Collector’s Edition is available for RM164,390
.
VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said that Das WeltAuto is a hassle-free solution to those interested in trading in and purchasing used cars. “What makes Das WeltAuto different from other used car channels is that you can expect the same exceptional level of service as a new car purchase experience from a dealer you can trust, with experienced sales staff who will provide the best advice and maximum transparency. All this from a brand you can rely on – and most importantly, a product you can trust.”
Das WeltAuto promises that only genuine parts are used on the certified vehicles, and the vehicles are verified to be accident-free with complete proof of service at authorized Volkswagen service centres.
You can view available vehicles on the Das WeltAuto
website
, which will be regularly updated with details and options to inquire or book a test drive.


32-year-old Proton Saga wins 2021 ‘Festival of the Unexceptional’ in UK!

Old, unassuming cars are experiencing some sort of renaissance over in the UK – so much so that there’s even an event called the ‘Festival of the Unexeceptional’, designed specifically to celebrate these cars. The 2021 instalment happened over the weekend, and the Concours de l’Ordinaire this year was won by the exceptionally unexceptional classic Proton Saga!
If you think you’d seen this car somewhere before, you’d probably be right – it’s the same Proton Saga that was featured in the
idriveaclassic video we came across last year
! That’s not really all too surprising, though, since Proton only made 201 units of the Black Knight Edition Saga, and this here is supposedly the last surviving example.
 https://twitter.com/HagertyUK/status/1421462471186034697
Speaking to the organisers Hagerty, the owner of the winning car, Jon Coupland, said that the original owner shelved the car back in 1993 with less than 6,000 km on the clock due to personal health issues.
It remained in the garage until 2017, when it was sold to its second owner before being driven for nearly a further 16,000 km. Coupland then acquired the car in 2019, and now uses it sparingly to drive to events like these.
Check out how the Proton logo evolved from what you see here to the roundel badge they have on their new cars now!
Photo:
Hagerty UK/Twitter
“I was over the moon to be accepted for the concours, so to have impressed the judges enough to have won the overall prize is beyond my wildest dreams!” Coupland added. And just because it’s all for a bit of fun, the winning trophy that Coupland brought home was shaped like a mug of tea – the ultimate symbol of British normalcy.
Photo:
Jon Coupland/Twitter
The Festival of Unexceptional was created in 2014 by classic cars insurance specialist Hagerty, as a celebration of the “long-forgotten everyday family cars from 1968 to 1989, which have played as significant a role in our culture as any Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Mercedes”.
To win, all you need is bring the most mundane car you can find from the correct time period, and make sure it’s as close to stock as possible. Supposedly, judges love that some of these cars don’t even come with a radio (
as per the official “how to win guide”
), so make sure your entry doesn’t have any of these unnecessary modifications.
Here are seven fun facts you may not know about the original Proton Saga!
The 2021 selection was for cars between 1966 and 1996, and the event brought over 3,000 fans and a wide array of rare models from across the nation down to the lawns of the Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, where 50 cars were selected into “one of the best concours lawns in seven years of the festival”.
As you’d imagine, it’s beige, mustard, brown, and steelies as far as the eyes can see…
GALLERY


New BMW 7 series is for those who want something irrational – BMW design boss

The world was once again divided yesterday, not by war or religious conflicts, but by BMW’s bold new 7 Series that seems to have left most scratching their heads than their crotch.
THE NEW BMW i7.
A breakthrough for those seeking luxury, comfort and innovation. All-electric for the first time, this is a car that illuminates the road ahead. This is Forwardism.
Discover more,
https://t.co/Nb0Gm0y4bB
#THENEWi7

#Forwardism

#bornelectric

pic.twitter.com/Irzr88dWb9
— BMW UK (@BMW_UK)
April 20, 2022

It’s just as we’ve all been joking about; the front grilles did get bigger but as we’re still digesting that look, BMW also introduced split headlamps (also seen in the new X7) to make the digestion process a little longer.
We’re still on the fence about this, with the office divided between those who are making jokes and those who believe BMW is making a statement, BMW’s design boss Domagoj Dukec has been quick to standby by the company’s latest creation.
Speaking to Car Magazine, Dukec believes the new look is for those who want a more irrational car; for those who are willing to pay extra to be more expressive and to make a louder statement.
Dukec also highlighted 2/3 of BMW customers prefer a more elegant and harmonious look, and for those customers, there is the 3 Series and 5 Series. For those who want a little more than that, Dukec pointed to the 4 Series and 7 Series which were created just for them.
5 Series
3 Series
He also pointed out that such polarising designs, like on the 7 Series, is not feasible on the 3 Series and 5 Series as they are high-volume models.


The Zenvo TSR-S’ active rear wing looks extremely abnormal

Just like smartphone companies, over the years, car makers have been out-innovating each other in various aspects of engineering just to go 0.1 second faster than their rivals.
We’ve seen active air flaps integrated into a car’s design, active suspension, increased use of carbon fibre to name a few, and it all makes sense but every now and then, some ideas are so extreme that they take a real quirky turn – like this Zenvo TSR-S for example.

Made in Denmark and debuted at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, the Zenvo TSR-S does not only stand out from its wild exterior design but also through out-of-the-box-thinking automotive solutions. What you saw in the video is the TSR-S’ active multi-axis Zentripetal Wing doing its work.
The name ‘Zentripetal’ refers to the
centripetal force
 also known as ‘centre-seeking’ force. The ground-breaking rear wing functions both as an air brake and a cornering stabiliser. When the TSR-S goes through a bend, the wing rotates relative to the car’s longitudinal axis.
This generates an inward force together with the conventional downforce, boosting inner tyre grip and cornering stability.
In addition, the Zenvo TSR-S also features an in-house developed twin supercharged 5.8-litre V8 high-revving racing engine, producing
 1193 hp
 with more than
1100 Nm
to show for.
Weighing just under 1,500 kg despite an all carbon fibre body, the TSR-S can get to
 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds
while 0 to 200 km/h will be done in 6.8 seconds. Its top speed is electronically-limited to 325 km/h.
The TSR-S is also fitted with a 7-speed paddle shift gearbox with helical-cut dog gears which can be switched between two setups for road or track use.
In Road setting, the gear change is electronic, with sensors adjusting the gear change to remove the harshness so often experienced by a dog box. This ensures a more relaxing drive in everyday use.
In Race setting, the brutal direct mechanical power-shift gear change is
one of the fastest-shifting powertrains in existence
.
For those of you who missed the YouTube live stream of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, do check out the short clips on their official channel.
It’s a yearly gathering of rare cars with an even rarer treat of seeing them in action – like this Zenvo TSR-S for example, where production is
limited to just five cars a year
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Subaru named the fastest-growing SUV brand in the UK

Subaru has been named the fastest-growing SUV brand in the UK according to a recent report.
It was issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and showed that Subaru’s sales in the UK so far this year have been
up by 165%
. On average, other car manufacturers recorded a brand growth of just 39.26% in the same period.
One of our most favourite crossovers in Malaysia, the Subaru XV.
Subaru also recorded a
388% increase
 in car registrations in June 2021 compared to the same period last year.
Subaru UK, Managing Director, Pat Ryan, said, “The figures are staggering and reflect the strength of the product. New models are also being launched by Subaru which is creating huge interest in both our existing customer database and also from many other brands.
Locally, Subaru has introduced the
updated XV 2.0 i-P
 with leather and suede-like upholstery. The mature look replaces the fabric seats in the previous 2.0i-P variant.
In Japan, Subaru recently revealed the facelift Forester with drastically redesigned front grille and headlamps. It’s also available with three new colours including a very striking Cascade Green.


All-new Hyundai Elantra to arrive in Malaysia by end of 2020, now open for booking

Following the
powertrain confirmation earlier today
, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now announced that the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be launched in Malaysia by the end of 2020, which is just a couple of weeks away! The all-new C-segment sedan is estimated to be priced at
“RM1XX,888”
.
The
seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra
 will arrive in Malaysia in only a
single variant
 at launch, powered by the 1.6-litre SmartStream MPI engine. Paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox, the naturally-aspirated mill sends
123 hp
 and
154 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels.
Equipment wise, the local-spec Hyundai Elantra is fitted as standard with LED projector headlights, LED tail lights as part of its H tail lights design, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Elantra is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone.
A key selling point on the Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia is the addition of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems. The suite includes autonomous emergency braking for forward collisions and rear-cross traffic, Blind-spot Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Forwarding Assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, driver attention warning, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
More features will be revealed at launch, but for now, interested customers can place a booking via HSDM’s website
here
, or at any Hyundai authorised dealerships nationwide with a
booking fee of RM777
.
GALLERY


Shootout: G30 BMW 530i v BMW 530e PHEV at Litar Dato’ Sagor, Perak

It’s probably not the make or even model you expected us to put out on track. You probably didn’t expect us to pit two different variants of the same model together either but we were sure that it made perfect sense the moment the cameras rolled on these two – the
G20 BMW
 530i M Sport and
530e M Sport PHEV
.
The BMW 5 Series of today is nothing like the ones we saw just 20 years ago. They’re still big, comfortable cruisers with a healthy arsenal of horsepower but now, they’re also agile, nimble and all the adjectives you can think of to describe something big that moves like a ballerina.

So we took them to the Dato’ Sagor Circuit, Perak recently, about 200km away from Kuala Lumpur to see which among the two – the 530i and the 530e PHEV – is the better dancer.
There were five challenges for the two 5s
. Each was designed to test the G20 5 Series’ agility, performance, latest features, and even its aesthetics! Yes, we even had a photo challenge on
Instagram
 between
 GC Mah
 and
Eu Jin
 to see which angle looked best on the
facelift 5 Series launched here in May
 last year.
Both are dressed with the M Sport body kit but while the
 530i
produces
 252 hp
and
350 Nm
, the
530e PHEV
 with electric assistance delivers
252 hp
 and
420 Nm
. The 530e PHEV may be more powerful but it’s also significantly heavier than the purely petrol-powered 530i.
Would the 530e PHEV’s weight be a disadvantage? Can the lighter 530i make up for its lower output? This is one feature video you do not want to miss!
RELATED:
(Gallery) BMW 530i M Sport & 530e PHEV M Sport – What’s the difference?


Suzuki’s Mega Roadshow gets extended, driven by popular demand

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of
Suzuki
 vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the extension of their Suzuki Mega Roadshow which started last November, a move that’s apparently backed by strong public demand.
As such, four new locations have been added to the roadshow, and they will take place at:
IOI City Mall, Putrajaya (4-8 March 2015)
Gurney Plaza, Penang (13-15 March 2015)
The Mines, Seri Kembangan (20-22 March 2015)
Plaza Low Yat, Kuala Lumpur (23-29 March 2015)
Some of the models on display are the popular Swift, Swift Sport, Jimny, Grand Vitara, Alto and the new
S-Cross
 which replaced the outgoing SX4. For the month of March, customers are entitled to a cash rebate of up to
RM8,500
 and those who test drive any one of the Suzuki vehicles will stand a chance to win
 RM10,000
 in cash.
Also, those who purchase the Swift GL and GLX before 31 March 2015 will be given a complimentary Blaupunkt Digital Video Recorder (terms and conditions apply).
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Formula 1 teams unveil new 2020 liveries in stand against racism and discrimination

Ahead of the start of the new
2020 Formula 1 Season in Austria this weekend
, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team and McLaren Racing have both unveiled their new updated liveries as a statement against racism and all forms of discrimination.
The new liveries came following the wake of the global anti-racism movement, Black Lives Matter in recent weeks. Both teams will race with their new livery for the entirety of the 2020 season.
Mercedes-AMG F1 was first to announce its support for the anti-racism campaign with the launch of its new all-black race livery. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff said, “Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team: this is a core belief at Mercedes. But having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn’t enough if we remain silent.
“We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality, and the Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.”
Additionally, the team also said that the new black livery will be its public pledge to improve the diversity in the team. Mercedes-AMG F1 said in a statement that only 3% of its workforce identify as belonging to minority ethnic groups, and only 12% of our employees are women.
The Mercedes-AMG F1 Team said that it will announce a diversity and inclusion programme before the year end to listen and raise awareness among its team members, and improve accessibility to the sport with targeted education initiatives to encourage and support talented people from under-represented backgrounds, among others.
The team’s lead driver and
six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton
, who has been a vocal supporter of the movement, also recently launched the Hamilton Commission, a research partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering dedicated to exploring how motorsport can be used to engage more young people from Black backgrounds with STEM subjects.
Mercedes-AMG’s new black livery will feature the call to ‘End Racism’ on the halo, as well as #WeRaceAsOne wordings on the wing mirrors in support of the larger overall Formula 1 anti-racism initiative. Both drivers will also race in black overalls.
Meanwhile, McLaren Racing’s new livery will feature the ‘End Racism” message, as well as rainbows on the halo, side pods and driver’s overalls as “a universal symbol of unity, solidarity and hope, while recognising those key workers putting their lives at risk to save others” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
McLaren Racing will also be launching a new line of special merchandise, where all proceeds will be given to the #WeRaceAsOne campaign, as well as charities across the world helping those most affected by the
COVID-19 crisis
.
McLaren Racing CEO said, “Formula 1 and McLaren have a truly worldwide audience, and we recognise that our return to the track is a huge opportunity for our sport to make an impact at a global level, helping those most affected by the covid-19 crisis and standing together against the blight of racism, as we work steadfastly to build an even stronger culture of diversity, inclusion and equality in our team and our sport.”


Goodyear Aero concept: Not soon enough for Malaysia’s flying prototype

It’s too bad that the Goodyear Aero two-in-one concept tyre shown
at the 2019 Geneva motor show isn’t quite ready yet. Otherwise, it would have been
perfect for Malaysia’s flying car prototype due sometime this year.
Dubbed as the ‘tyre designed for the autonomous, flying cars of the future’, the Aero concept is a multimodal tilt-rotor in that it can function both as a traditional tyre on the road as well as part of a propulsion system to provide lift when it is re-orientated; which means the wheel spokes would then become fan blades and rotate in high speeds to generate lift, thus propelling the flying car into the air.

The structure of the Aero concept is non-pneumatic, unlike the tyres which you probably rode on this morning, but it is flexible enough to cushion bumps on the road and robust enough to rotate as fast as an aircraft engine’s rotor, utilising magnetic force for frictionless propulsion, like the Maglev train.
 The Aero concept also uses Artificial Intelligence embedded within the tyre.
Goodyear didn’t give a timeframe as to when the Aero concept would be made available, though its product video does hint at a future not unlike what was seen in the movie
I, Robot
, so we’re guessing 2030…which isn’t all-that impressive when Malaysia is capable of producing a
functioning flying car prototype in 2019
!


Bugatti Divo set for August debut, a €5 million cornering machine?

Bugatti has dropped more hints of their latest project, the
Bugatti Divo
 on social media. The video is as obscure as can be but the accompanying caption “#BuiltforConers, highlights what the carmaker intendeds to achieve with the Divo.
The Divo takes inspiration from the late Albert Divo, a French racing driver who won the famous Targa Florio in Sicily twice with Bugatti in the late 1920s. “Happiness is not around the corner. It is the corner. The Divo is made for corners,” says President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Stephan Winkelmann when he first spoke about the Divo project.

From the video, we can tell that the Divo will differ in terms of design from the Chiron. Expect Bugatti to introduce a new chassis enhancing components such as extensive use of lightweight materials, reworked suspension, more aerodynamic exterior package and more. The 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 should be carried over, producing
1,500 hp
 and
1600 Nm
 of twist.
Only 40 units of the Bugatti Divo will be built and will fetch a price tag of €5 million Euros (RM23 million) before options, almost twice the price of the hardcore Chiron Sport which we had the joy and privilege to
welcome it in Malaysia
.


Mazda 6 Wagon facelift unveiled ahead of Geneva, sleeker and better tech

image
Mazda has just unveiled the first images of the refreshed Mazda 6 Wagon, following the footsteps of its
updated sedan
 twin that was unveiled at the 2017 LA Auto Show. The facelifted Mazda 6 Wagon will make its world debut at the 88
th
 Geneva International Motor Show happening next month.
Like the sedan, the wagon benefits from a more elegant exterior design, new seating design, enhanced driving dynamics and an even broader range of i-ActiveSense safety features. On the outside, the wagon benefits from a new mesh grille and LED headlamp design that was first featured on the
all-new CX-5
. The lower bumper section is more curvaceous than before with new chrome strips. If the design follows the sedan twin, we can expect a new alloy wheel design and lightly restyle taillamps to complete the new look.
Mazda has not revealed the changes they have done to the interior except for new seat design. However, we can except new Japanese Sen Wood trims, more premium materials and lower overall NVH like the 6 Sedan.
As for engine options, the 6 Wagon will most likely receive the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G turbo engine, packing
250 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. Mazda also promised enhanced driving dynamics and greater aerodynamic efficiency for the new car.
Mazda 6 Sedan facelift cabin
The refreshed Mazda 6 Wagon will also benefit from a 360-degree view monitor and an intelligent speed assist system as part of the extended i-ActiveSense features. More details of the 6 Wagon, as well as Mazda’s next-generation
SkyActiv-X engine
, will be released at Geneva.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda 6 Wagon Facelift

Mazda 6 Sedan Facelift


Toyota Malaysia starts deliveries of the Toyota Harrier 2.0L turbo, from RM238k

Shortly after the
official preview of the all-new Toyota Harrier
 on Malaysian soil, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has begun deliveries of the grey market favourite premium SUV. As promised, there will be two variants of the Harrier available: Premium and Luxury, price remains as teased, RM238,000 and RM259,900, respectively (OTR without insurance).
“We are encouraged by the response to the introduction of the all-new Toyota Harrier in Malaysia. As the earlier generations were intended only for the Japanese domestic market, we were unable to sell them officially. However, Toyota Motor Corporation has now decided to offer it outside Japan and we are among the first countries to sell it officially,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr Ravindran K.

QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Harrier 2.0T Premium
Toyota Harrier 2.0T Luxury
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged VVT-Iw
Transmission
6-speed automatic with Super ECT
Max Power
228 hp @ 5,200 – 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM238,000
RM259,900
Fully imported from Japan, the Harrier officially distributed by UMWT will come in the latest facelifted guise which means you get an updated front grille with the iconic Hawk emblem. As standard, all Harrier comes with automatic bi-LED headlamps with sequential turn signals, LED daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, LED rear combination lights, fog lamps, chrome side trim and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.

To recap, the entry level Harrier Premium comes furnished in leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, eight-way powered driver seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is adapted to the Malaysian market, Optitron instrument dials with Multi-Information Display, smart entry and start, electronic parking brake with auto hold and four-way powered steering column.

The more expensive Luxury-spec adds on Nappa leather upholstery, powered moonroof, memory function for driver seats, four-way powered passenger seat, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, powered tailgate, electrochromic rear-view mirror, NanoE air-conditioning and illuminated scuff plates.
Under the hood you’ll find an 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – a first for the premium SUV – paired to a six-speed automatic that serves up
 228 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque, the latter peaking from 1,650 rpm. The Harrier is strictly front-wheel driven. The turbocharged Harrier also gets Performance Dampers that reduces body roll and improve straight line and cornering stability as well a Sports Mode button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.
On the safety side, both variants are equipped with seven-airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Besides that, the Harrier range is also the first Toyota model in Malaysia to be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense System (TSSS) that bundles Pre-crash system, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive High Beam.
All models officially sold through UMWT’s authorised channels comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty and guarantee of genuine parts and aftersales service. Customer can choose from four exterior colours – White Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Blue Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic and Silver Black Pearl Crystal Shine.
IMAGE GALLERY