Review: Hyundai i40 Tourer 2.0 GDI, a soccer mom’s car

Making a Tourer  look distinctive is not an easy job for a car designer but Hyundai reckons they have done it. The i40 is Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors competitive introduction car into the family orientated D-segment here in Malaysia. Sales has been rather promising since its launch together with the i40 Sedan at the 2013 KL International Motor Show, according to Hyundai.
The heart of the car is a Nu 2.0L GDI engine which generates 176hp maximum power and 214Nm maximum torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission gearbox, NCAP 5 star rating, 9 air-bags, ISOFIX anchor, ESP, parking assist, power tailgate system, Hill – start Assist control, auto cruise, keyless entry and the list goes on and on.
Read our review on the other variant of i40, the
Hyundai i40 2.0 GDI sedan
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai i40 Tourer
Segment
D-SEGMENT Large Family orientated
Price
RM178,888
 EXTERIOR
The i40’s design, represents water flow while the headlights are inspired by “the falcon’s eye”. It has it’s own original visual identity, which is a good thing.  I prefer the design of the Tourer compared to the sedan, simply because the design flows better. Unfortunately, the flow is ruined by the not so fancy 10-spoke and lock nut designed rims, which is rather unpleasing to the eye, in my opinion. Overall, I find the Hyundai i40 Tourer  as a “polite and well mannered” car. Simple and under-stated.

INTERIOR
The i40 Tourer has a good driving position, the steering controls and the Audio Visual Navigator (AVN) are all within reach. There is however a design flaw, of the AVN. During the afternoon, when the sun is right on top of you, there will be a glare on the head unit, it makes looking at the AVN unclear. That was the first thing I noticed when I picked up the car on a hot afternoon day.

The driver seat is a 10-direction electrical controlled seat with power lumbar support, good for those long distance “Balik Kampung trips”. Unfortunately, I find the steering has too many buttons on it, it would be better to have the functions built into the meter dash in pages.
For the “Balik Kampung trips”, the kids would love the rear seats because they will be screaming for their favorite cartoon series or educational videos. Don’t worry, you are able to select the rear two screens to play the movie, while the front screen showing the GPS navigation on the AVN. The GPS system in the i40 Tourer is simple to use, unlike some in the market which are pretty confusing. The 6-speakers sound system is slightly above average, you’ll get a decent sounding bandwidth across the frequency range.
The center console has a rather big compartment, I call it the phone charging station. There’s a USB, cigarette lighter and an auxiliary input for music pods. There are 2 particular buttons next to this compartment which I find rather out of place, the sports mode button and the traction control off button. They are way too big too.
A very nice feature for those who are always on the phone and don’t want to get a “saman” is the Bluetooth hands-free call. The AVN is able to store your phone book into the system and your hands do not have to leave the steering wheel to answer calls or to switch calls. It also has a voice recognition system built in. The Bluetooth hands-free is clear, thanks to the microphone placement located at the drivers sun shade. The middle console has 2 cup holders and has a large compartment under the arm rest, to store various DVDs and stuff.
The entire cabin is quiet and you don’t really hear the road noise thanks to it’s all-aluminum ladder frame construction for improved durability, reduced noise and vibration. There are some rather interesting sounds from the Hyundai i40 Tourer, this is also part of the reason I find the i40 is a polite & well mannered car, here’s a clip.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors added a rather interesting add on for the car’s security. A Safe Drive Recorder. This device will auto record after 30 seconds after you have shut the engine and will record while you’re on the move. Good to keep it always running, you’ll never know when you might need evidence of an accident. It will record motion and audio together but the storage will be based on the size of the sd card.

If you’re moving big bulky long stuffs, the rear seat backrests feature a 60:40 split. If that’s not enough, the i40 offers a maximum 1,719ℓ of trunk capacity. You’ll be able to carry your bicycles or do some major household shopping with that amount of trunk space.
A friend of mine, asked me for a favor. Could you help me move a single bed mattress to somewhere nearby ? I asked him: Single or twin bed mattress ? Single Bed. Drove over to my buddies place, move the bed into the car with ease. Here’s a picture of an actual single size mattress fitted in the i40 Tourer, a perfect fit.

There’s even a floor rail system which helps keep your luggage or items safely secured. Under the truck space are some hidden trays which allows you to store some magazine’s or some old newspapers.
As standard the i40 Tourer  comes with a useful cargo net that fits together with the tonneau cover and would prevent high-up items from sliding forwards towards the heads of rear passengers under hard braking. Be warned, you are not allowed to transport items which are above the window frame, the authorities just might issue you a “saman”.  For dog lovers, this would be great feature. You can now drive your dog to your favorite park for walks with ease.
The i40 tourer, surprisingly comes with a full size 17 inch spare tire. Most automakers has resolved the unnecessary weight with a space saver tire or run flat tires, makes me wonder why the i40 has a full size spare.
The Panoramic Sunroof is a nice feature for the Tourer, but how many times does an average Malaysian driver use the sunroof ? I have a sunroof in my current car, I have only open it about four times in the last 2 years. The Hyundai Panoramic sunroof comes with a wind deflector, once you switch open the sunroof. A nice add on feature, which deflects wind noise while driving up Cameron Highlands or Bukit Tinggi. That would be the only time I guess, I would use the sun-roof.
PERFORMANCE

In the heart of the i40 is the new and highly fuel efficient Nu 2.0 with Multi-Point Fuel Injection with the output of 177ps/6,500rpm and peak torque measures 214 nm/4,700rpm. The i40 would feel great with 185ps and 250nw of torque, but yet again. Some of us writers and car enthusiasts are always looking for the perfect car. In reality it doesn’t exist, not for this price bracket that is. The i40 Tourer feels sluggish for small little hill climbs, example Bukit Damansara and Bangsar. It could seriously do with some fine ECU reconfiguration.
Hyundai did not give the i40 a sports suspension, which has enough compliance to deal quietly and comfortably with speed bumps and potholes at everyday city driving. The sports mode button doesn’t adjust the suspension to sports mode, it just allows you to have a higher rpm gear change. On a good note,the i40 Tourer has an impressive braking system. The type which gives you the confidence on the road.
THE DRIVE
.
The i40 Tourer is
missing
 the
driver involvement
 and
dynamic composure
if compared to the other mass automaker market.
Driving the i40 is a perfectly acceptable experience for your city round and about.The controls are light enough and easy to get on with, and its handling is precise and predictable. Three point turn, easy-peasy even for a car of this length. It has a minimum turning radius of 5.47 meters.
It’s only when you begin to ask more of the car, you’ll discover the dynamic shortfalls. For example, the Motor-Driven Power Steering system is light and responsive enough in town, takes away the unwanted weight but on the highways, the system doesn’t adapt to the speed that you are traveling on. The car’s body also feels a little too easily disturbed by small movement of the steering while on the highways.
The 6 speed automatic transmission, for your daily drive around the city, D mode is smooth and efficient enough. Just bare in mind, going upto Genting Highlands on a full load will take a slightly longer time then expected. If you’re on the highways and in need for some speed, you are able to use the paddle shift to shift down the gears but you have to use plenty of revs to really get it moving.There will be a slight jerk on the down shifts and I noticed the i40’s rpm tends to lag at the same gear before it actually shifts down. Changing gears on the paddle shift  feels “clunky”, a very plasticky feel.
IS IT FOR YOU?
I can conclude that the i40 Tourer is a car for “the soccer mum” or the above average family car. Fetching the kids for their various classes, while keeping them entertained in the car and providing ample space. The i40 Tourer excels in that manner. If you’re not really into the driver involvement, speed and power, the i40 Tourer would be a rather adequate family car.
COMPARISONS
In Malaysia, there aren’t many tourers or station wagons which matches the price range of the Hyundai i40 Tourer. The closest would be the Mazda 6 Tourer but at RM 193,832.40. The Mazda 6 Tourer has a much aggressive look and  stance, kinda reminds me of the awesome powerful wagon, the Audi RS6 Avant.
Then there’s the AWD 2.0 turbocharge Subaru Legacy, which comes at a hefty RM 242,819.40. If there was a drag race between this 3 cars, the Subaru Legacy would win hands down, followed by the Mazda 6 Tourer and finally the Hyundai i40 Tourer. But then again, it’s a family car. The Hyundai i40 Tourer would win in pricing, accessories and built in gadgets.

Hyundai i40 Tourer
Mazda 6 Grand Touring
Subaru Legacy Station Wagon
ENGINE
Type
Nu 2.0 GDI, In-line 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-Valve
  SKYACTIV-G 2.5, In-line 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-Valve
2.5 Boxer engine, Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve,Turbocharged petrol engine
Displacement
cc
 1999
2196
2,457
Bore x Stroke
mm
 77.2 X 90
              89.0 x 100.0
              99.5 x 79.0
Compression Ratio
Max Power
ps/rpm
177 / 6,500
 185/5,700
210 / 6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
214
250
 350
Carburetion System
Fuel Tank Capacity
L
70
 62
 65
STEERING
Type
Motor-Driven Power Steering
 Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
 Hydraulic power steering system
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6 speed Automatic
 SKYACTIV-Drive 6-Speed AT
Variable Torque Distribution AWD system
Gear Ratio?
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson / Multi-link
 MacPherson / Multi-link
4-wheel independent, Coil suspension, MacPherson strut type front4-wheel independent, Coil suspension, Double wishbone type rear
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
 Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc brakes
Rear
 Solid Disc
Solid Disc
 Ventilated disc brakes
Diameter – Front
mm
 320
Diameter – Rear
mm
 300
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
215/50R17
225/45 R19
 225/45R18
Wheels
 7.5JX17
 19 x 7.5J
 18×7″ 1/2J
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
 4770
4800
4,775
Overall Width
mm
 1815
1840
1,780
Overall Height
mm
 1470
 1480
1,535
Wheelbase
mm
 2770
 2750
2,750
Ground Clearance
mm
150
Max Kerb weight
kg
 1,470–1,659
 1,506
1,560
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
 553 / 1719
522 / 1,632
1,690
FUEL
Grade
min. 95 RON
min. 95 RON
min. 95 RON
Consumption
 L/100 km
 L/100 km
 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
 200
210
250
0 – 100km/h
sec
 9.7
9.3
PRICE
RM

178,888.00
193,832.40
242,819.40

WILL I BUY IT?

No. To sum it all, the Hyundai i40 Tourer is a rather polite and well mannered styled Tourer car with a very practical cabin of decent quality, attractive design in some parts,  and an impressive accessories, but it is a less rewarding to drive than I’d hoped.
Read our review on the other variant of i40, the
Hyundai i40 2.0 GDI sedan
.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW M once again outsold Mercedes-AMG in 2020

In a year when the Covid-19 pandemic essentially stopped the world from spinning for a good few months, it’s not surprising to see sales figures fall, especially those in the premium segment such as
BMW
and
Mercedes-Benz
 – and they did, with a decrease of 7.5% for Mercedes-Benz (2.2 million units) and 7.2% for BMW (2.0 million units), with the former holding on to the lead in the segment.
But when it comes to performance vehicles, the story is quite the opposite. In fact, BMW M actually
increased their sales by 6%
, moving a total of 144,218 units in 2020. The figure further improved
BMW M’s lead over Mercedes-AMG in this segment
, who didn’t enjoy the same fate, dropping 5.3% in sales last year with a total of 125,129 units sold globally.
USA was once again the single most important market for BMW M cars alongside China – both region achieving new sales records in 2020. Russia and Korea both saw more than 60% growth in demand, while Italy sales performance increased by 47% last year.
On the AMG side of things, the States also took the largest chunk of the pie, and actually saw a 1.5% growth in the country. However, the Most Improved Award for Mercedes-AMG was actually in China, which saw a 32.3% improvement in sales in 2020, setting a new sales record in the region.
BMW attributed the increase in sales to the
X5 M and X6 M
, both of which unveiled globally towards the tail-end of 2019. Credits were also given to the new
 M2 CS
, but it was actually the range-topping M Performance variant of the BMW 3 and 4 Series – such as the
M340i xDrive
 – that helped boost sales last year.
Mercedes-AMG did not provide specifics to its sales figures, but it wouldn’t be amiss to guess that their hardest hitters are its newest models, such as
A 45
 and
A 35
 hot hatchbacks (and sedans), as well as the
GLA
 and
GLB
 models.
BMW M chairman and CEO, Markus Flasch said, “The fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy. We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.”
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series recently took the crown as the
 fastest car to ever (officially) lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife
!
2021 looks to be an even stronger year for both brands, with BMW confirming the debut of the M5 CS later in January, followed by the market launch of the all-new BMW M3 and M4 in March – both of which are
now open for bookings in Malaysia
.
The BMW performance division also teased the arrival of the first-ever electrified M model in 2021 – could it be the one we saw in the
recent M Town video
? Well, at least we don’t have to wait too long to find out!
As for Mercedes-AMG, new models in the pipeline for 2021 could include a new
C 63 S
 model – which has been rumoured to come with a hybrid powertrain – as well as the production version of the F1-inspired
Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar
.


Audi A1 facelift unmasked, gets super efficient three-pot turbo engines

Roughly four years ago,
Audi
 introduced the
A1
 supermini to the global market. To date, they have sold over
500,000 units
, but the time has come for a facelift, and this is it in all its glory.
We’ve seen the field of hot hatchery expand rapidly (in sheer competitors) – they’re now
faster
, more fuel efficient and to some extent
more practical
. Take the
MINI Cooper S 5-Door
 that was launched last week, for example.
EXTERIOR
The facelifted A1 is now offered in both
three-door
 and
five-door trims
– the latter called the
A1 Sportback
, and its exterior has been subtly reworked to keep things up to date. Among the changes on the outside are the
hexagonal front grille
, more angular front bumper and the beautifully designed
LED powered headlights
 that only Audi knows how.

The LED daytime running lights are now placed on the upper side of the headlights as compared to the pre-facelift model which had them housed below the headlights.
Its side profile now looks different thanks to the
revised door sills
. The rear now sports new tail lights and a redesigned rear bumper to match the front. All these changes contribute to the its increased overall dimension of
20mm
. As before, the roof can be ordered in
contrasting colour
.
INTERIOR
Inside, the layout of the A1’s controls is neat and typically Audi, with fine chrome strips to accentuate the premium feel. Two new trims have been added –
Design
 and
Sport
 – which include a variety of customisation options.

For starters, the infotainment system (which folds out like the Audi A6) now features a Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS navigation system, speech recognition, Bose Surround Sound system and
Audi Connect
 – Audi’s extensive range of internet services. Other options include the S-line sport package, coloured air-conditioning vents and decals for the exterior body.
PERFORMANCE
This has got to be the highlight of this facelift. Two new turbocharged three-cylinder engines have debuted in the A1 line-up; the
1.0-litre petrol
 engine that makes
95 hp
 and the
1.4-litre turbodiesel
 mill that makes
90 hp
. The last time an Audi car was fitted with a three-cylinder engine was the
Audi A2 1.4 TDI
, so this may very well be the first
three-cylinder petrol engine
 to be used in their entire line-up.
The 1.0-litre petrol engine achieves an impressive
4.3-litres per 100km
, whereas the diesel engine manages
3.4-litres per 100km
. Both the engines are paired to the
seven-speed
 S-Tronic
dual clutch transmission
.
In the driving department, Audi’s engineers have spent time fine tuning the chassis to make the A1 more fun to drive, as it now comes with
adaptive damping
 and a new
electromechanical power steering
 system.
WHAT ELSE?
We should expect the arrival of this A1 and the A1 Sport back sometime next year. In European markets, this facelift variant costs between
 £200
 to
£400
 more than the pre-facelift model. The question now is, how much more do we have to pay over its current RM180k price tag?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi A1

Audi A1 Sportback


Proton introduces new Insurance Programme with six panel insurers

Proton has introduced the Proton Insurance Programme (PIP) for new and existing Proton owners where they’ll be able to insure their cars with six of the company’s panel insurers; at all authorised Proton dealerships nationwide.
The panel of insurers include Allianz General Insurance, Zurich General Insurance, Liberty General Insurance, AmGeneral Insurance, Etiqa General Takaful and Zurich General Takaful.
The
facelift Proton Iriz
launched in April.
Proton owners who opt for or renew their insurance with PIP would be eligible for a free key replacement up to RM1,000 in the event of theft, RM1,000 flood relief allowance, coverage for all permanent driving license holders above 21 years old and personal coverage of up to RM15,000 for private car owners.
PIP also offers a waiver of betterment costs for up to 10 years with the requirement that the car is repaired at authorised Proton centres and an agreed value coverage that guarantees a full reimbursement of the sum amount insured for the first 12 years, in the case of theft or total loss.
Have you checked out what’s new in the
Proton Persona facelift
?
“Proton is constantly looking for ways to deliver more value and with the Proton Insurance Programme, we can ensure that old, current and new customers alike are eligible to receive the same benefits just by renewing their insurance policy with us,” said Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong.
He added, “The programme is backed by six of the strongest names in the insurance industry so our customers can have a peace of mind that promises will be delivered.”


Done & dusted. Malaysia to China and back in the Proton X70

About a month ago, 9 Proton X70 owners Led by Borneo Automobile Leisure Touring Team and the Kunming Scenery-Customer International Travel Co. China, embarked on a
13,000 km trip
 taking them from Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, Malaysia to Geely’s HQ in Hangzhou, China.
 Throughout the 33-day journey, the entourage crossed
four countries and 13 cities through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China. It took
them five days to get to the border of China where the participants were required
to apply for a temporary road tax and driving license to allow them to legally
drive in China.

We joined the convoy on the first leg from
KL to Hatyai
The cars were subjected
to an inspection by the traffic police in Mengla but with over 600,000 of the
Boyue sold in China (the X70’s donor car), it didn’t take long for the authorities
to welcome the convoy of X70s into the country.
Participants were also treated to a tour of the Geely Experience Centre where the participants were shown the rapid developments Geely underwent since the company obtained its manufacturing license from the Chinese Government in 2001. Guests were also shown a range of new Geely
products that may bear the Proton badge in the near future
 such as the Geely
Bin Yue compact crossover
 and
Jia Ji MPV
.
The group then took a
leisure drive back to Malaysia, stopping by and visiting the ancient cities of
China along the way. On average, the convoy covered roughly 400 km daily in
their X70s and their longest route throughout the trip took them from Lampang
to Cha’am on the return leg covering 775 km in a single day.
This Proton X70 Malaysia-China
Amazing Trip 2019 is not a challenge to subject cars to gruesome long-haul tests
but a journey of exploration to understand their vehicles in different driving conditions
and promote overland tourism from and to Malaysia.
The owners were pleased to report that their
X70 performed exceptionally
 in a variety of conditions – steep hills, wet weather and rough terrains. The 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGD-i engine with
183 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of torque also performed reliably despite the varying fuel quality and extensive driving.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Malaysia-China Amazing Trip 2019


New Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition – same sporty look, lower RM164k price

Following the
introduction of the Forester GT Edition
 last year, TC Subaru has now unveiled the Forester GT Lite Edition, bringing the GT Line treatment down to a lower price point of
 RM163,788
 – on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
Much like the original GT Edition, the new Forester GT Lite is also based on an existing variant, specifically the
2.0i-L variant
 here in Malaysia.

The new GT Lite Edition gets the full GT body kit designed in collaboration with Giken and Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi, consisting of new front and back bumpers with large black plastic panels and lip extensions, along with flashier side skirts, a new roof spoiler, and a larger exhaust finisher.
Aside from these changes though, the GT Lite Edition is essentially identical to the entry-level Subaru Forester available here in Malaysia. Other standard exterior equipment on the new GT Lite include LED headlights, daytime-running lights, and combination taillights, halogen fog lamps, as well as 17-inch alloys.
The interior is also unchanged from the 2.0i-L variant, which includes leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, cruise control, paddle shifters, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with 360-degree surround view monitor as standard.
Powering the Subaru Forester GT Lite is the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four boxer engine, which sends
156 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels via Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT gearbox and
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
.
The interior of the Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition is essentially identical to that of the range-topping variant (pictured here), save for the aluminium pedals.
The Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition is offered in seven colours – Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica – and is now available for viewing at all Subaru showrooms nationwide.
GALLERY


The new Panamera Sport Turismo is here – Porsche’s first “Shooting Brake”

Welcome the new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo range – including the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo – the first Panamera to sport the “shooting brake” layout.
The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo comes with a V6 petrol engine with
330 hp
and
 450 Nm
 while the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo with a V6 biturbo petrol engine and an electric motor produces
 462 hp
and
 700 Nm
. The most powerful model in the range is the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo with a V8 biturbo engine producing
 550 hp
and
 770 Nm
.

Performance wise, the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo takes just 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h from standstill (5.3 with the Sport Chrono Package), the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo just 4.6 seconds and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo just 3.8 seconds (3.6 with the Sport Chrono Package). Top speed is 259 km/h for the Panamera 4, 275 km/h for the E-Hybrid and 304 km/h for the Turbo model.
Power is channeled to all four wheels with an 8-speed PDK gearbox with rear-wheel steering, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and adaptive air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

On the outside, the Sport Turismo has been redesigned from the B-pillar onwards to the rear. At the tailgate is a active rear spoiler as part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) which can be raised to three different positions.
At speed over 170 km/h, the spoiler goes into “Performance” position and if the optional panoramic roof is opened, the roof spoiler changes its angle to minimise wind noise. The roof spoiler can be controlled via the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.

Measuring at over five metres long, the Sport Turismo does not lack any presence. As standard, 19-inch wheels are fitted onto the base model Panamera 4 and the E-Hybrid, while the Turbo variant gets a 20-inch set. Optional 21-inch wheels can be specified. The main headlights are LED units with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), with an LED pair at the rear as well.
Inside the Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature three rear seats, with an optional four seat configuration. Other standard equipment include the Porsche Advanced Cockpit and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that recognises hand writings and is operated with touch gesture controls while the rear gets two 10-inch screens for air conditioning controls.
Driver assistance systems available include Night View Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is priced at RM990,000, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo at RM 1,125,000 and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo at RM 1,940,000 on-the-road before insurance and options.
As with all Porsches sold through Sime Darby Auto Performance, the Panamera Sport Turismo will be safeguarded by a four-year warranty and a free maintenance package with complimentary service, parts and labour.
IMAGE GALLERY


Watch this heavily-camouflaged Ferrari pull away in complete silence

Blistering speeds, unapologetic styling and sheer noise – these are some of the famous traits of a Ferrari, a trademark of Maranello’s produce for as long as history has dictated.
What you’re about to see in this video however, is rather eerie. It shows a heavily-camouflaged Ferrari at the Fiorano Circuit, Ferrari’s very own test track but here’s the creepy part; it accelerated from standstill in complete silence.
The 488 in the video is likely a mule for Ferrari’s new hybrid powertrain and the video suggests that it can run purely on electric. It’s said that Ferrari would have to meet stricter emission regulations once its annual production volume
exceeds 10,000 units
 – a mark Ferrari will surely exceed
once its long-awaited SUV arrives
.
The
LaFerrari
 launched in 2013 was Ferrari’s first production hybrid but its charge is more supplementary than primary. Based on the video, it seems like the new hybrid powertrain will feature higher capacity batteries for a decent electric range.


The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is a smartphone on wheels

With more than 35 million units sold in the last four decades, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most successful cars in the world. In a new chapter of the family hatchback’s history, Volkswagen has unveiled the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf, claiming it to be the biggest technological leap in the history of the model.
Underneath the hood, the new Golf will be available in a whole raft of powertrain options. At the low end, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will be offered with
90 hp
 and
110 hp
, while a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine will come in
115 hp
 and
150 hp
 versions. Volkswagen says that the new petrol engines have particularly low consumption values and emissions in part due to a new combustion process.
On the diesel side, two four-cylinder oil-burners are available in
115 hp
 and
150 hp
 guises. Using a twin-dosing technology featuring two catalytic converters, Volkswagen says that the new TDI engines significantly reduces nitrous oxide emissions by up to 80%, while lowering consumption by approximately 17% compared to its predecessor.
For the first time in the segment, Volkswagen is offering three
48V mild hybrid powertrains
 with the new Golf, carrying the eTSI badge. Available in
110 hp
,
130 hp
 and
150 hp
 versions, Volkswagen claims that the 48V lithium-ion battery reduces fuel consumption by around 10%, while offering better acceleration off the line.
Two plug-in hybrids are also available on the new Golf, starting with the performance-oriented GTE variant. Combining a 1.4-litre TSI engine with an electric motor, the GTE plug-in hybrid pushes out
245 hp
, making it the most powerful Golf at launch.
A slightly milder eHybrid variant is also available, generating a combined
204 hp
. Both plug-in hybrids utilise a
13 kWh battery pack
 – which is 50% more capacity than the outgoing GTE – increasing the battery-only range to approximately 60 km.
In certain Europe markets, a natural gas TGI engine is also available, with power output rated at
130 hp
.
Sitting on the latest MQB platform, the dimensions of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf remain largely unchanged. The new Golf retains the MacPherson Strut front and multi-link rear suspensions from the
Mk. 7.5
.
Exterior proportions changes are also minimal compared to the Mk 7.5. The C-pillar on the new Golf has been reshaped to provide more presence at the rear.
At the front, the revamped headlights come with LED illumination as standard. As a cost option, the headlights can be upgraded to Volkswagen’s IQ.Light matrix LED system, which can be dipped for oncoming traffic.
Over at the rear, the taillight enclosures are reshaped to a more angular design with a cutout at the bottom, along with a new Golf inscription badging positioned centrally underneath the new Volkswagen emblem.
Although the exterior changes are
mostly evolutionary
, Volkswagen has completely revamped the entire interior of the eighth-generation Golf. As standard, the new Golf will feature a digital instrument cluster and an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen display.
The infotainment display – upgradeable to a 10-inch model – features We Connect always-on connectivity for music streaming and other onboard online features, as well as Alexa voice control assistant.
The new Volkswagen Golf is also the first car from the German carmaker to come equipped with the Car2X system, which uses swarm information from surrounding vehicles and infrastructure in a 800-meter radius to create real-time data for the driver.
As for safety, the new Golf features the IQ.Drive Travel Assist system, which uses adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to aid driving at up to speeds of
210 km/h
.
Volkswagen claims that the technologies on the new Golf can also be upgraded. Features such as adaptive cruise control, navigation, Light Assist main-beam control as well as Wi-Fi hotspot can be enabled retrospectively.
 IMAGE GALLERY


The Volkswagen Golf R Wagon is all the car you need, just too bad you can’t buy one

There are many reasons why you might not want an SUV – among them, the common ones we usually hear are that they’re big, heavy, and usually thirsty vehicles for day-to-day commute. But the strongest opponent to the SUV takeover has always been the brilliant Volkswagen Golf R Wagon (or Estate, depending on where you’re from), and good news – there’s a brand-new one for us to be jealous about. Okay, maybe ‘bad news’ is more appropriate.
There are no changes to the tried and true recipe here; It’s still a
Volkswagen Golf R
, just with a stretched roof. But just like a Margherita pizza, simple and traditional – if done right – is still very, very good.
The wagon variant basically takes everything you love from the hot hatch, and adds on a large serving of practicality thanks to the bigger cargo area at the back. Specifically, the estate Golf R can now swallow 611 litres of luggage, expandable to 1,642 litres with the rear bench folded down.
Read all about the regular VW Golf R hot hatch here.
There’s also a slightly elongated wheelbase which results in more rear legroom, roof rails as standard, and even an optional electronically-controlled ball coupling hook at the rear to tow trailers up to 1.9 tonnes.
Aside from these additions, everything else on the new Volkswagen Golf R wagon is pretty much carried over from the regular hot hatch, including the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine which makes a maximum of
320 hp
 and
420 Nm
.
4Motion all-wheel drive with R Performance Torque Vectoring is standard, as is the R-specific DSG dual-clutch gearbox. But with the extra heft, 0-100 km/h on the stretchback Golf R is a touch slower at
4.9 seconds
, although top speed is still the same at 250 km/h standard, or 270 km/h with the optional R Performance package.
Watch the VW Golf R challenge the AMG A 45 S to a drift battle!
The package also includes a set of 19-inch wheels, along with two new driving modes – Special (or Nurburgring mode) and Drift – for when you want to do sports car stuff.
Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? But as usual, the VW Golf R wagon will mostly be a European-only affair. Pricing information is not available yet, but we expect it to be priced slightly higher than the regular hatchback model, which costs EUR49,400 (~RM242k) in Germany.
In related news, the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf – including the Golf R – is slated to be launched here in Malaysia very soon. Would you like to see the wagon variant being sold here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments section below!
GALLERY


Fully-electric Lucid Air prototype drove over 643 km on a single charge

Building an electric car is hard. Not just the technical aspects of it, but also because people expect so much from an EV to believe that it is really the future.
I mean, just check out the numbers Lucid Motors had to put out for their upcoming Lucid Air – 0-100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds, top speed of over 200 mph (that’s 322 km/h for us), and a range of over 400 miles (643 km). How many “regular” cars can achieve all of that?
That’s probably why the Air took so many years to develop. But no matter, because Lucid Motors is set out to prove all the EV doubters wrong. A little more than two years ago, the Lucid Air showed us that it can
hit a top speed of 378 km/h
, and now it’s out to defend its 400 miles of range claim.

Back in February, before the entire state of California was placed on lockdown, the Lucid Motors team took beta prototype number nine (VIN 9) on a road trip from their headquarters in Silicon Valley in San Francisco to Los Angeles and back – a distance of
more than 400 miles each way
.
The first leg was relatively easier, with the R&D team driving the prototype along the coastal Highway 1, before an overnight stop in Santa Monica to charge up the car. The next day, the team took a more hilly route with Interstate 5, where the Lucid Air reached an elevation of 1,263 m at the Tejon Pass – all while sticking as close as possible to the
70 mph (112 km/h) speed limit
.
Obviously, without a third-party adjuticator, we’ll have to take Lucid’s claim with a pinch of salt. Looking at the video, it’s also clear that the prototype still lacks quite a lot of finishing touches in the interior – possibly reducing the weight and therefore giving an advantage to the range of the prototype.
However, the magical 400 mile figure is still an impressive feat – and even more so in an EV. Lucid’s “smart range” philosophy (efficiency over large batteries) seem to be working. There’s a lot to look forward to, but we’ll just have to wait and see at the official launch, which was scheduled for the
 now-cancelled New York motor show
.


Genesis G90 flagship renderings revealed, to debut in Korea by December 2015

Just as we brought you news of Hyundai’s
new global premium sub-brand Genesis
, they rolled out a duo of renderings of their new range-topping G90 luxury sedan – named EQ900 in Korea. The ‘elegantly designed’ Genesis G90 will effectively be the brand’s blueprint for future models to come.
The luxury limo embodies Genesis’ design language called Athletic Elegance (interpreted by the new Prestige Design Division), and flanking the front end is a huge trapezoidal grille crowned by the Genesis winged emblem. There’s also a strong shoulder line flowing along its body into the tail lamp clusters – some key design cues that its luxury stablemates will surely adopt.
Hyundai Motor’s Head of R&D and Vice Chairman Woong-Chul Yang said, “The new Genesis G90 sedan will deliver a concept of ‘New Luxury’ to our customers. The G90
sits at the pinnacle
 of the Genesis brand and demonstrates how we apply our human-centred values to give our customers true satisfaction in every aspect of the vehicle ownership experience.”
Full details of the G90 will be revealed soon. As far as the sketches go, the Genesis G90 certainly looks on point and with great stature to match. It will come with Hyundai’s full suite of safety features, including some technological innovations that Hyundai claims will hold its own in the luxury car segment. We can’t wait.


Perodua Axia: First Official Photos and Sales Target

Perodua has released some official photos of their latest baby, the
 Axia
. Finally we’re able to see the engine bay where the
1.0-liter
 12-valve DOHC engine that produces
66 horsepower
 and
87 Nm
 of torque resides.
With the official launch date getting closer and closer, the order books have been piling up for the highly anticipated 10th Perodua model, the Axia. Perodua has been accepting orders since 15th of August and on the fifth day,
3,500 bookings
 have been made, and the number will keep on increasing by the looks of it.
Perodua is targeting to sell around
30,000 units
 of the Axia by emphasising on the 4 key highlights mentioned previously by Perodua President and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, which are environmentally friendly, very spacious for a compact vehicle, easy driving and economical in terms of the overall cost of ownership.
To recap, the Axia will come in
 4 variants
; Standard E, Standard G, SE, and Advance while the indicative price is from
RM24,900
 for the Standard E and all the way up to
RM44,900
 for the range-topping Advance complete with leather seats and navigation system.
All Axia will be covered by factory-backed
 5-year Warranty
, and it is also Malaysia’s first
Energy Efficient Vehicle
 (EEV) that can travel up to
21.6km/l
 in all Manual variants, while 4-speed Automatic variants achieves 20.1km/l.
Stay tuned with Autobuzz.my as we bring you more info on the latest Perodua Axia!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2022 All-new Lexus NX open for booking, NX 250 and NX 350 from RM370k

Lexus Malaysia has announced that the all-new second-generation NX SUV is now available for booking. Prices start from
 RM370,888
 for the NX 250 Luxury while the NX 350 F Sport starts from
RM389,888
on-the-road without insurance, and includes SST exemptions.
The NX 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 204 hp and 243 Nm, while the more powerful NX 350 F Sport gets a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 275 hp and 430 Nm.
Both are fitted with 8-speed automatic transmissions, that feature Artificial Intelligence shift control. The system uses a camera to scan the road ahead, ensuring that the car is always in the right gear depending on the driving condition.
While it may be front-wheel drive most of the time, the Lexus NX can switch to all-wheel drive using the electronically-controlled AWD system to split power between the front and rear wheels. Lexus says the system reduces understeer and oversteer.
The Lexus NX rides on the new Lexus Global Architecture (GA-K) platform that offers 30% more rigidity over the previous generation, for better handling and stability through the corners. Over 95% of the Lexus NX consists of completely new components.
Inside, the Lexus NX come with far lesser physical controls, reserved only for frequently-used features. Specifications are yet to be revealed except for the 14-inch infotainment display, a head-up display, Apple Car and Android Auto features.
Safety features are provided by the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+), that comes with autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and bicyclists, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, adaptive high beam, a panoramic view monitor and more.
Among the highlights of the new Lexus NX is the e-latch door opener, that replaces the traditional two-step motion to open the doors from the inside – pulling the handle and pushing the door outwards. With the e-latch feature, passengers simply need to push a button to open doors from the inside in a single action.


Sales Tax Exemption: Hyundai releases revised price list for Malaysia

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced the latest revised price list for its models in Malaysia, following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement for the
exemptions on sales tax on private vehicles
 as part of the government’s short-term economy recovery plan.
The exemption period, which went into effect on Monday 15th June, will be applicable until the 31st of December 2020, during which the sales tax on locally-assembled models will be dropped to 0%, while imported models will have their sales tax halved to 5%.
The revised Hyundai price list for Malaysia only includes price reductions on the
Santa Fe
 and
i30 N Performance
. This is in part due to the government’s directive that only models manufactured in 2020 will be eligible for the sales tax exemption – the
Ioniq Hybrid
,
Tucson
, and
Elantra
 were listed without 2020 models.
The Hyundai Santa Fe gets a reduction of approximately 2.9% across the board. As a result, the seven-seater SUV is now priced from RM166,974.01 to RM207,638.46 depending on the variant chosen.
As for the Hyundai i30 N which only comes in the Performance variant locally, the “everyday sportscar” sees a reduction in price of 1.7% (RM5,090.40).
For more information on the revised price lists from other car brands in Malaysia during the sales tax exemption period, do check out our round-up
here
!


Subaru’s upcoming EV SUV is called “Solterra” – 2022 launch!

Subaru is finally getting into the EV game after years of rumours and teasers, and their first fully-electric vehicle will be an SUV named “Solterra”. The SUV EV is scheduled to go on sale in 2022 in selected markets, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.
The Solterra will be Subaru’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), occupying the C-segment SUV space. Codeveloped with Toyota, the Solterra will be built on a new dedicated electric platform, which it calls the e-Subaru Global Platform (e-SGP). In Toyota’s case, the platform (called e-TNGA) is used underneath the
bZ4X
 – essentially the same car with a name that’s significantly harder to pronounce.
The name comes from ‘Sol’ and ‘Terra’, which are Latin for sun and earth respectively. According to Subaru, the new EV was given the name as it’s meant to “appreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it”, and of course, highlight the traditional Subaru go-anywhere capabilities – the latter playing a large role in the partnership between the two companies.
Leveraging on Toyota’s electrification technology and Subaru’s all-wheel drive know-how, the platform will support “various types of EVs” thanks to its modular components. For now though, the platform’s are only found on the SUV twins.
Subaru isn’t sharing further details on the powertrain just yet, but the press release does come with a teaser image of the car. While most details have been blackened out (
trust us, we looked!
), the car does strongly resemble the
Evoltis clay model
 that the company showed off last year, just a lot more conventional – which is probably a good thing.
From what we can see, the upcoming Subaru Solterra gets a different headlight design to the bZ4X, featuring a more angular design. The overall silhouette though, including its tall stature, does remain quite faithful to its Toyota counterpart.


Volvo Car Malaysia announced finalists for VolvoAurizn Design Challenge

A total of eight interior design firms has been nominated as finalists in the VolvoAurizn Design Challenge. The finalists are in the running to win an all-expense-paid trip to Volvo Car’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden as well as being listed as BÖN Estates’ panel of interior designers.
The eight finalists are listed as below (linked to their social media site):
Chi Design Sdn Bhd
Fid Atelier Sdn Bhd
Green Apple Design Sdn Bhd
Grov Design Studio Sdn Bhd
KS Galaxy Kitchen Renovation
Home Project by TMG
Oriwise Sdn Bhd
Zeitlus Design
Volvo Retail Environment
In the final round, the finalists will showcase their designs to an esteemed group of audience and judging panel at a private event held at BÖN Estates’ show house in Bangsar. Five out of these eight finalists stand a chance to be listed as BÖN Estates’ panel of interior designers for their upcoming project, The Estate at Bangsar South while only one lucky winner will be flying to Gothenburg, Sweden.
IMAGE GALLERY


Crazy or justified? Rare Nissan Skyline GT-R in Malaysia priced at RM2 million

If you’ve been observing the used car market for 90s to early 2000s Japanese tuner/sports car, you’d be aware that prices for them these days, regardless of make and model, are sky-high.
This Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur is one such example and that RM2,000,0300 asking price isn’t purely based on the importer’s greed, but it seems to be the market value (somewhat) for one of these things.
After a little digging on the Internet through several international classifieds, it seems the V-Spec II Nur has been valued at RM1.6 million in Australia as early as 2015. A more
recent post for the same car on JDM Expo
 also valued the car at over RM2 million. The “Nur” in the name was inspired by the Nurburgring circuit, in case you were wondering.
But why is it so expensive? For starters, it was among the final production Skyline GT-Rs by Nissan and as for the V-Spec II Nur,
only 718 were ever built
.
Performance-wise, the V-Spec II Nur made 334 hp, far more than the 280 hp in “normal GT-Rs”, as a result of bigger turbos and higher boost. Significant work was also done to the chassis and suspension of the Nurburgring edition along with distinctive features like a gold valve cover and a 300 km/h speedometer.
Also adding to the rarity is the Millenium Jade exterior colour, where
only 156 units
 of the V-Spec II Nur were produced in that colour.
Source:
Mutiara Motors Facebook
GALLERY


Video: Mazda CX-3 2.0L facelift GVC Review

He was so enthusiastic about reviewing the Mazda CX-3, Adrian even bought matching coloured shoes to wear for the shoot.
I’m just kidding but his enthusiasm for the car did spur me to try it and after a couple spins around our office, I get why people have gone so crazy over this car – shelling out unreasonable amounts of money for a car that barely fits five – it drives so well!

You’ve seen AutoBuzz.my co-founder
Dominic present on the car’s new features
 and you’ve seen our
comprehensive gallery of the car’s pictures
, now allow to Adrian to share his thoughts on a car I feel is as stylish as it is substantial.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Nissan Leaf facelift previewed, est. RM169k – Type 2 AC charging, CarPlay/Android Auto

While many electric vehicles (EVs) have made their way to Malaysia, one of the early EVs to enter Malaysia was the
Nissan Leaf
 back in 2013 (ZE0 first generation). The ZE1 was launched in Malaysia in 2019, and now Nissan Malaysia has previewed the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift ahead of its launch on March 10, 2023.
A quick look on the outside will let you know that the Leaf has been given several new enhancements. The front end now gets a full black aero front grille, a newly redesigned lower bumper and new black inner-finished headlights that now come with high beam assist.
Other exterior enhancements on the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift include a new redesigned aero spoiler, new grey-accent diffuser, new 17-inch 5-spoke wheels, and most importantly, the new Nissan Logo at the front and the rear. All together, the minor changes to the Nissan Leaf result in a refreshed sleek exterior that challenges some of the newer EVs of today.
Exterior enhancements aside, the 2023 Nissan Leaf remains the same under the skin. The electric motor and the high-voltage battery setup have been carried over from the outgoing version. As such, the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift produces a total output of 110 kW (
150 hp
 metric) and
320 Nm
 from a front-mounted single electric motor. The same 40kWh high voltage battery still provides up to
311 km
 of range (NEDC), which is a bit of a shortfall compared to the new EV competitors in Malaysia.
Maximum charging rates also remain the same at
6.6 kW
 with AC charging and
50 kW
 with DC fast charging. What’s new in terms of charging for the Nissan Leaf is that the AC charging socket is now the Type 2 socket. The DC charging socket is still the CHAdeMO type.
Inside, the 8-inch touchscreen head unit now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There is also a new smart rearview mirror that is connected to a camera located under the third brake light. Interior upholstery options include Graphite Black and Stone Grey colour options.
A few updates are also given in terms of safety. The 2023 Nissan Leaf features a new intelligent lane intervention & intelligent lane departure warning system, a new intelligent rearview mirror, and a new high beam assist system.
Like the outgoing model, the 2023 Nissan Leaf can also be “owned” via a subscription program estimated at a monthly price of RM1,800. More details on the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift will be available upon its launch in a few days from now.
Following its upcoming launch, the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift will be on display at the “Nissan Electrifying Drive” event at selected Nissan Showrooms nationwide. The dates and locations of the events are as such:
11-12 March – ETCM Glenmarie, ETCM Jalan Raja Laut
18-19 March – ETCM Klang, ETCM Kuantan
25-26 March – ETCM Butterworth, ETCM Johor Jaya
8-9 April – ETCM Ipoh, ETCM Batu Pahat


Video: How to Change Car Horn – AutoDIY

Sometimes it can be very provoking but sometimes it can also be very helpful as a precautionary measure; either way, the horn is the most important weapons we have at our disposal, from behind the wheel.
It’s also actually one of the easiest things to swap out on your own in the event that it fails. If you haven’t heard, a used horn can be recycled for other applications too!
A new episode of
 AutoDIY
 will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come.


Save the Malayan tapirs with ‘Modern Nostalgia’ Volkswagen apparel

The Malayan tapir is the the largest of the four widely-recognised species of the tapir, and is the only species native to Asia, on the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Southern Thailand.
The endangered species has an expected lifespan of up to 30 years, but agriculture developments and deforestation, illegal hunting, and animal trafficking has resulted in an alarming decrease in their numbers. It is estimated that there are only
 less than 3,000 of the Malayan tapir left.
As a bid to raise awareness and raise funds for the preservation of the Malayan Tapir, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has teamed up with local denim streetwear brand,
 Tarik Jeans
, with the launch of an exclusively designed capsule collection, “Modern Nostalgia”.
The limited edition collection comprises of a variety of items including T-shirts, caps, bandanas, tote bags, key chains, and clothing patches.
“Modern Nostalgia” features key design elements from both brands, such as modern and iconic Volkswagen models, married with local classic and vintage design elements.
VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, “A key pillar for Volkswagen is sustainability, and the group is investing heavily in this cause with over 500 sustainability projects worldwide.
“We are pleased to play our part in this meaningful project, and we will certainly not stop here as we will continue to explore ways to contribute to making a difference,” he added.
As for Tarik Jeans, Founder and CEO Afiq Iskandar said that the Malayan Tapir “has always been a part of the Tarik design aesthetics”, so much so that the it was also added to the brand’s logo, in addition to the main ‘teh tarik’ design.
The ‘Modern Nostalgia’b merchandise can be purchased on both Volkswagen’s and
Tarik Jeans’
 website, Shopee, Zalora, and at all Volkswagen authorised dealers nationwide.
A total of
50% of all proceeds
 from the sales of the collection will be donated to the
Kenaboi Forest Reserve
 in Negeri Sembilan on
World Tapir Day
, this 27th April.


Video: 2020 Bentley Flying Spur now in Malaysia, 5 Things

Whether it’s to the touch or sight, there are certain (high) expectations placed on a car that surpasses the million Ringgit mark. With the new Flying Spur, Bentley has not only met those expectations but surpassed them.
Our hopelessly high import taxes aside, you really do see why these marques costs an arm a leg and a few “sell-able” organs. Every section, every corner, every component and fine detail appears to have been given hours of deliberation before it’s put into production.

The completely restyled body, possibly one of the most elegant Bentley has ever sculpted, is accompanied with a somewhat new name. The new 3rd generation model which coincides with the company’s 100th year anniversary, bears the Flying Spur name plate. The Continental moniker from before, is no more.
What a way to usher in a new century and to extend the brand’s legacy as the purveyors of some of the most luxurious cars man has ever seen.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s some interesting facts on the history of the Toyota Supra

They say “you don’t know where you’re headed until you know where you’ve been”; and in the context of the all-new Toyota Supra, what better way to appreciate it than to treasure its history.
Said to be the
last gift from Toyota to driving enthusiasts
, the new Supra which was
revealed and driven on the hillclimb at the recently concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed
, is set for debut in the earlier part of 2019.
Enthusiasts may also be angered by the fact that the new Supra, built in partnership with BMW, will not come with a manual transmission but instead be fitted with an 8-speed automatic, one that’s shared with the
new BMW Z4
, along with a
3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine
.
Credit:
Cars Evolution


Continental CC6 & UC6 was the tyre of choice for the #Live2Drive convoy

Remember the group of Malaysians who
drove from Malaysia to Europe and back
 in their Volkswagen Kombi and classic Beetle? They are back on Malaysian soil and have a very interesting story to share about the tyres they used.
The #Live2Drive team saw three Kombi’s and one Beetle which covered 30 countries over eight months, clocking over 52,000 km and 607 hours of driving in the process. Throughout their journey, the team used only
Continental ComfortContact 6 (CC6) and UltraContact 6 (UC6)
 for their air-cooled Volkswagens.

At a press conference today at Continental Tyre Malaysia (CTM)’s premise in Petaling Jaya, #Life2Drive team member, Cliften Nathaniel commented on the Continental tyres: “Driving through what was a ‘cold summer’ in summer tyres was beyond my expectations. Cold summer is like driving up really high altitudes with cold temperatures, rough hard-off roads, as well as through snow and on some parts of icy roads.”
“Despite all that, the tyres performed fantastically and made us wanting to keep driving. I used two different sets of Continental tyres: 185/65/15 (CC6 on the Beetle) and 215/55/17 (UC6) for my Kombi – apart from the comfort, they also handled well in wet conditions and allowed me more confidence when driving through the continents in a classic car.” Nathaniel added.
CTM Managing Director and Head of Continental’s ASEAN Region for BU PLT Replacement APAC, Cameron Wilson said: “CTM is also pleased that the robustness and durability of Continental tyres have successfully taken the #Live2Drive team safely across various terrains and roads which can get rough at places. Along the way, fans who recognised the Continental brand, as well as those who are keen on classic cars, came along to meet and cheer the team along. This reaffirms the premise that Continental tyres are trusted the world over for quality, performance and its German Technology.”


All-electric BYD Atto 3 receives over 1,000 orders in just 10 days

Launched in Malaysia on December 8, 2022, the
BYD Atto 3
 managed to garner over 1,000 bookings in just 10 days since it landed in Malaysia. The all-electric BYD Atto 3 is the pilot model for the brand in Malaysia, which is officially distributed by
Sime Darby Beyond Auto
.
In a Facebook Update, the company posted images celebrating the 1,000th order of the BYD Atto 3 in the brand’s showroom in TREC Kuala Lumpur. BYD Malaysia will open showrooms in Ara Damansara, Penang, and Johor by the first half of 2023. By the end of 2024, BYD targets to have 40 showrooms nationwide.
The BYD Atto 3 is offered in two variants in Malaysia, namely the Atto3 Standard Range and the Atto 3 Extended Range. The Standard Range offers
345 km
 of range (WLTP) from a
49.92-kWh
battery while the Extended Range offers
420 km
of range (WLTP) from a
60.48-kWh
 battery.
Both cars can be charged at a maximum rate of
6.6 kW
 for AC charging and
70 kW
 for DC fast charging. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the BYD Atto 3 is capable of vehicle-to-load function (V2L) at a rate of
2.2 kW
.
Powering the BYD Atto 3 is a single electric motor that makes
203 hp
 and
310 Nm
. All power is sent to the front wheels and the Atto 3 does the century sprint in
7.3 seconds
.
RELATED:
BYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022
Looking sleek and rather unassuming on the outside, the BYD Atto 3 has a bizarre interior that is sure to divide opinions. With a ‘fitness’ theme, the Atto 3’s interior has a ‘Muscle Streamline Design’ for its trims, dumbbell-inspired air conditioning vents, and a treadmill-inspired front armrest.
Customers can look forward to receiving their cars in the first quarter of 2023. With an attractive price starting at
RM149,800
for the Standard Range variant, the BYD Atto 3 might be the EV to create critical mass in terms of EV adoption in Malaysia.
RELATED:
2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k


Bugatti Bolide voted as this year’s “most beautiful hypercar”

The
Bugatti Bolide
 has been voted as this year’s most beautiful hypercar by a jury of design professionals during the 36
th
 Festival Automobile International in Paris. The limited run “experimental” track-focused model won in the hypercar category “by a substantial margin” according to Bugatti, among a total of four finalists.
The category’s rules state that the cars must be “produced in series but sold for more than 60,000 euros, which display a sporty design and outstanding performance”. The four finalists for the category also included the BAC Mono 2,
Gordon Murray’s T.50
, and the
 Mercedes-AMG Project One
.
Among the four, the Bugatti Bolide is probably the most expensive one of the bunch, with a price of four million Euros each. Although, we’re pretty sure that the price isn’t taken into consideration for the actual award, because the Bolide does look properly mad.
Check out the Bugatti Bolide in more detail here!
Designed specifically for the track, every surface of the Bolide was designed firstly with function (such as aerodynamics) in mind, then only followed by style. That’s why there’s all the crazy elements such as the numerous air ducts all around the exterior, and the X-shaped taillight-diffuser combo, but it also speaks volumes of how good Bugatti’s designers are.
“The Bolide was an entirely different challenge for our design team, and a kind of mental experiment where we stripped the car back to its W16 quad-turbocharged heart and rebuild it with the bare minimum to create the most extreme Bugatti yet,” said Bugatti Design Director, Achim Anscheidt. “The key for us was to respect the technical requirements of Bolide, focusing first on the function and only then developing the form.”
“It’s an honour for us that the resulting design has won such a highly coveted award, voted for by experts in our field. Praise must go to the entire design team, each dedicated to their craft in harmonizing and perfecting all aspects of the Bolide’s design during an innovative four-months, purely digital process,” Anscheidt added.
The Bugatti Bolide was first unveiled in October last year, in the form of a
one-off concept car
. However, due to the overwhelming response from its customers, Bugatti finally decided in August 2021 that it’ll be making a limited 40-unit run of the model as a track-only hypercar.
Aside from a unique exterior design, the Bolide also packs a massive punch in performance. The concept car featured a unique tune on Bugatti’s iconic quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, which makes a mind-bending
1,850 hp
 using RON110 race fuel.
For the production version, however, Bugatti (sensibly) tuned it down to a “mere”
1,600 hp
 and
 1,600 Nm
 of torque – but you’ll be able to fuel the car with the more widely-available RON98 petrol.
GALLERY


To build or not to build an SUV – Ferrari boss finally confirms

After endless rumours and speculations squashed by firm, dead serious answers from Prancing Horse representatives around the region that there wouldn’t be an SUV with the Ferrari badge on it, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ferrari boss, Sergio Marchionne has delivered the final verdict –
Ferrari will be building an SUV after all
.
But expect a long, long wait to even catch a glimpse or teaser of it though. This is as reports claim that Ferrari will be taking at least
30 months
 just to “decide on production” and when that eventually happens, it will be produced in limited numbers to preserve the marque’s exclusivity.
Referred to as the “FUV” – short for
Ferrari Utility Vehicle
, it will be Ferrari’s first and only SUV in it’s entire 78-year history since Enzo Ferrari founded this legacy in 1939.
Expect it to not shy too far from the overall configuration of the outgoing GTC4 Lusso, one that’s already built around a four-seater, all-wheel drive arrangement.
Despite lamenting this new decision to jump on the SUV bandwagon over years of stubborn resistance, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise. With the likes of Porsche leading the charge, with their overly-successful
Cayenne
, together with Bentley’s
Bentayga,
the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the
Lamborghini Urus
 tapping into the lucrative luxury SUV segment, it’s hard to not think that such an inevitable move is needed to ensure continued development and production of cars like the
newly-launched 812 Superfast
and recently unveiled
Portofino
.


Jaguar Land Rover opens new lab to test for ‘electromagnetic compatibility’ in future EVs

To ensure future vehicles meet future connectivity and electronics standards,
Jaguar Land Rover
 has opened a new laboratory in Gaydon, UK to test for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). EMC is simply the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function correctly in their electromagnetic environment.
EMC works by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy to reduce the risk of unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference.
Electrical and radio interferences may have not been an issue in the past (e.g. speakers buzzing when you’re getting an SMS). However, with industry advances set to increase the number of electric powertrains and the range of digital and cloud-based services on vehicles (from Software-Over-The-Air updates to autonomous technology), testing for EMC is crucial to delivering quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.
RELATED:
RM1mil Land Rover Defender 110 P400 MHEV full review
Jaguar Land Rover’s new vehicle laboratory features two anechoic chambers: an electrically ‘quiet’ rolling road that enables engineers to test vehicles at speed, as well as equipment to assess the performance of individual components, such as batteries or electric motors.
Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 4G, 5G, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and blind spot monitoring are all examples of vehicle services and features that the facility will test for EMC. The new
Range Rover Sport
, which launched in May, was the first vehicle to undergo a bespoke testing program at the in-house facility.
RELATED:
Jaguar Land Rover combats driver fatigue with new noise cancellation tech
Jaguar Land Rover Electromagnetics and Compliance Senior Manager Peter Phillips said, “The importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated. Opening this new testing facility is an important step forward for the business and it will play a crucial role in helping us deliver quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.”
This new facility demonstrates Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to giving customers the most advanced in-vehicle connectivity as the business accelerates electrification through its Reimagine strategy.
RELATED:
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia ’employs’ two robots for customer services!


Toyota Camry facelift now in Indonesia, new 2.5L engine joins hybrid line-up

After Singapore, Indonesia is the next country to introduce the
facelifted
 Toyota Camry, even ahead of the region’s biggest producer of Toyota vehicles, Thailand. The line-up continues to be limited to just the 2.5-litre petrol and the 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid variants.
Exterior changes in the scope of the design refresh only see minor styling tweaks to the front bumper, radiator grille and rim design, with the rear-end of the new Toyota Camry untouched.
Positioned as the flagship variant, the new Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid in Indonesia also features a tilt-and-slide moonroof, 360-degree surround camera system and Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite.
Inside, the dashboard sees a reconfigured centre console with a new floating 9-inch infotainment display and air-conditioning switch panel. Standard features in the Toyota Camry Hybrid include Nanoe air purifier, JBL Sound system and an executive rear seat package that includes a digital controller for the seatback adjustment and the front infotainment system.
Newly added in the facelifted Toyota Camry Hybrid is the Toyota T Intouch smart telematics connection.
In Indonesia, they have a Toyota GR Sport variant of almost every variant! Take a look at their line-up here!
The fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system for mid-sized vehicles sees the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre engine with Dynamic Force design paired with Toyota’s dual-motor-generator layout to deliver a total of
211 hp
 whilst returning a fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 litres per 100 km. 0 to 100 km/h is reported to be dispatched in
8.3 seconds
.
Unlike the
2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid
 with the hybrid battery being placed behind the rear seats making the boot impractically shaped and sized, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid built on the TNGA platform has its Ni-Mh battery pack placed under the rear seats, resulting in a large boot space of 524 litres.
The Mitsubishi Xpander was Indonesia’s best-selling car! Find out more about the achievement here!
Toyota Motor Indonesia has also updated the Camry 2.5V petrol variant, ditching the older 2AR-FE engine that also continues to be available in
Malaysia
, with the latest A25A-FKS Dynamic Force engine and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power outputs sees a huge jump, from 184 hp/235 Nm to
 204hp/243 Nm
.
Continue to be fully imported from Thailand, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid is retailing from
IDR767 million
 (approx. RM223k) which is an increase of over IDR45 million. The regular petrol variant meanwhile gets a price tag starting from IDR637 million (approx. RM185k), an increase of IDR 30 million, with both prices inclusive of a new CO2 emission-based taxation scheme.
GALLERY


The Proton 1 Tank Adventure is back for 2019!

Following the successful campaign last year, the Proton 1 Tank Adventure is back again this year for its second installment and will be welcoming owners of the 2019 Proton Iriz, Persona and Saga, as well as
members of the media
.
Designed to showcase the latest range of Proton cars and their efficiency, the Proton 1 Tank Adventure brings participants on a nationwide journey to witness the beautiful sights and cuisines of Malaysia. The event this year consists of three preliminary rounds, including two rounds in East Malaysia — one round each for Sabah and Sarawak, as well as a grand final.
One of the main aims of the 1 Tank Adventure is to demonstrate the real world fuel consumption of the latest Proton cars.
Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chun Rong, said “Proton would like to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars by embarking on some epic journeys around the country. These figures won’t be obtained in a controlled environment but in driving conditions owners experience every day. Ultimately, we will prove the current range of Proton cars can deliver fuel economy figures that will help keep running costs low.”
With the updated 2019 Proton
 Iriz
,
Persona
 and
Saga
, the engineers paid particular attention to the ride and handling balance of the cars, reinforcing the dynamic and fun handling of every Proton car.
Participants of the 1 Tank Adventure will be able to put the handling capabilities of the cars during sessions held at every round, showing what their own cars are capable of.
The Proton 1 Tank Adventure kicks off tomorrow (14th September 2019), with prizes worth over RM100,000 to be won!


Even Bentley now has their own limited edition sneakers collection

The assimilation between car brands and lifestyle and popular culture is becoming ever more common. Now, even
Bentley
 is releasing their own line of limited edition sneakers, thanks to a new partnership with Dominic Ciambrone, the man behind the sneaker customizing brand The Surgeon.
Together, they’ve created a collection of three sets of shoes; all of them based on the Adidas Forum Low sneaker, but modified to feature Bentley-specific design language such as the diamond quilting and cross stitching, and even use the same leather hides as the carmaker themselves. But if you think you can just buy one for collection, tough luck – they’ll only be sold exclusively to
Bentley Mulliner
 customers.
The collaboration began early this year, when Ciambrone visited Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, to “immerse himself in the luxury British brand” while exploring the materials and elements used in Bentleys. The partnership also tapped into Bentley Mulliner’s expertise to best replicate the additional Bentley design details on the sneakers themselves.
Each of these pairs of shoes are said to be inspired by a specific model within the Bentley model range. The first set of two, featuring a Titan Grey and Cricket Ball deep red colour palette, are designed to mimic the athletic stance of the
Bentley Continental GT Speed
. Meanwhile, the Portofino blue pair with Saddle coloured details is made to evoke the “wellbeing focus” and “relaxing” vibe of the Azure range of models, more specifically, the
Bentayga Extended Wheelbase
 Azure.
ALSO READ:
This Puma x Porsche collection was the world’s fastest sneaker pre-release!
The final and most special one, is a unique one-of-one pair made specifically to complement an upcoming bespoke Mulliner collaboration car, which will be unveiled in December at Art Basel Miami. Sold together with the shoe, the car will feature a Beluga Black and Anthracite Dark Gray exterior, paired to a Linen and Beluga interior.
“Creativity and bespoke design is consistently woven into our DNA and has been since 1919, especially as it relates to our private coachbuilding division of Mulliner,” said Bentley Americas President and CEO, Christophe Georges. “Connecting and producing with a like-minded creative like The Surgeon is not only rewarding but also exciting to watch as we support the next generation of diverse craftspeople who share similar brand values.”
GALLERY


This man just drove over 16,000km from Poland to Japan in a Nissan Leaf

After an epic 16,000-kilometer drive, polar explorer Marek Kaminski has arrived in Japan, having started his expedition from Poland three months earlier in
 Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle
, the new
Nissan LEAF
, which will be
 coming to Malaysia soon
.
Kaminski’s “eco-friendly trip” took him from Zakopane, Poland through eight countries over two continents and challenging road conditions, passing through Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China and South Korea on his way to the finishing point in Tokyo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApGU-taJ0Y0
The #NoTraceExpedition demonstrates the feasibility of travelling in a zero-emissions vehicle, and sets the example for explorers wanting to visit the world’s furthest corners without damaging the environment.
Unfazed by the first 16,000 kilometers, Kaminski will now get back behind the wheel and complete the return journey from Tokyo to Poland in the same car.
“For me, this journey is not just about reaching my destination – it is also about making a simple, brilliant change to be more sustainable,” said Kaminski. “Whether in the wilds of Russia, on remote Mongolian dirt tracks or in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the LEAF has been a reliable partner throughout.
IMAGE GALLERY


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S 400 L Hybrid with Executive Seats – RM599k!

If there’s one car most connoisseurs look to by default when shopping for a new ride, it has to be the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Since starting out life in 1972 (W116), it is now in its sixth lease of life and ever more alluring, like aged wine.
The very car you see here is four years old and goes head to head against Munich’s finest, the
G11 740Le xDrive
. Both limousines are locally assembled, with
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia now offering the AMG Line variant for the same amount of money
. It’s only a matter of time before the S-Class facelift arrives on our shores, presumably by the first half of 2018.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz S 400 L Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz S 400 L Hybrid (AMG Line)
Engine
3,498cc; DOHC, naturally aspirated V6 with 250 Nm electric motor
Transmission
7G-Tronic automatic
Max Power
306 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
370 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
6.8 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Price
RM598,888
RM598,888
In Malaysia, the S-Class can only be had as a hybrid, one without the incurrence of excise duty for meeting EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) standards set by the government. The 7 Series plug-in hybrid also qualifies for the same tax break, putting the duo neck and neck at RM599k.
In terms of technology, performance and after sales coverage, the 7 Series seems like the more sensible buy. It gets a more potent yet frugal powertrain, all-wheel drive, lightweight carbon fibre core, laser headlamps (yeah, no joke) and 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. On paper, there really is no contest, but those in the upper echelons of society who can afford cars like this don’t necessarily shop by the same logic now, do they?

I’ll be honest with you, though. If I had to choose between the two, I’d put my money on the tri-Star. There’s just something implicitly inviting about it, something I for some reason am unable to put a finger on. Maybe that indistinguishable nuance is the very edge it has against the competition, perhaps until new crops like the
Lexus LS
 and
Audi A8
 find their way here. Until then, the S-Class reigns supreme.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid launched in Malaysia – 2.0L mild-hybrid, from RM738k

Naza Italia has officially unveiled the
2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid
 here in Malaysia. The new hybrid SUV will join the
 Ghibli Hybrid
 as the two electrified Maserati offerings here on our shores, and is priced from
 RM738,000
 on-the-road, without insurance, and before options.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
The highlight of the new 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is, of course, the electrified powertrain underneath its bonnet. Although, unlike what its name suggests, the mill is more appropriately categorised as a mild-hybrid mill, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet paired to 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG), as well as an e-Booster electric supercharger.
Together, the powertrain makes a combined
 330 hp
 and
450 Nm
, which is enough for a century sprint in
 6.0 seconds
, and a top speed of
245 km/h
. Power is sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel drive system, with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
The 48 volt system and e-Booster works together as a torque-infill device, providing an extra boost of power before the turbocharger spools up to effective speeds. Overall, Maserati says that the new hybrid powertrain “combines the smoothness of a six-cylinder engine with the low rev count of a diesel engine”.
The output figures of the hybrid powertrain are also fairly similar to the 350 hp 3.0 V6 biturbo engine, but it weighs some 20 kg lighter. With a small battery fitted at the rear, Maserati says that the new hybrid powertrain improves on the Levante’s 50:50 weight distribution, making the GT Hybrid “even more manageable and fun to drive” – not to mention its 20% better fuel efficiency.
RELATED:
Maserati announces full electrified model lineup
In terms of looks, the new 2023 Levante GT Hybrid arrives in its latest revised form, featuring an updated Maserati logo on the bonnet, the new Trident on the C-pillars, alongside the Maserati lettering on the tailgate. A pair of GT badges above the marque’s signature side air intakes on the front fender marks out the variant.
In terms of equipment, the 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid comes equipped with LED adaptive matrix headlights, alongside chrome plated accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels on all four corners as standard. Behind the wheels are a set of adjustable air suspensions with Skyhook dampers.
Safety wise, the new 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid comes equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, highway assist, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, and traffic sign recognition, among others.
The 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is priced at
RM738,000
 inclusive of local duties and taxes, but before customization options and insurance. Included in the price is a three-year unlimited-mileage standard warranty coverage.
GALLERY


2019 Mazda CX-5 pricing announced – five variants, starting from RM137k

After
releasing the specifications
 of the updated 2019 Mazda CX-5 recently, Bermaz Motor, Mazda’s sole distributor in Malaysia, has finally provided the official pricing for the much-awaited SUV update.
The 2019 lineup of the Mazda CX-5 will be available in 5 variants, starting with the entry-level 2.0 2WD Mid (
RM137k
), 2.0 2WD High (
RM154k
), 2.5 2WD High (
RM168k
), 2.2 Diesel 2WD (
RM173k
) and 2.5 Turbocharged 4WD High (
RM182k
). All variants will be equipped with Mazda’s new
GVC Plus
 torque vectoring system, and will be assembled locally in Kulim, Kedah.
QUICK FACTS
ENGINE
The CX-5 lineup now sports a new addition – the SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The forced-induction mill produces a peak power of
228 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque – 40 hp more than the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, although torque is 30 Nm lower.
In terms of fuel economy, the new turbocharged engine is rated at
8.2 l/100km
, while the naturally-aspirated variant of the same engine is slightly more frugal at 7.3 l/100km. The i-Activ all-wheel drive system is now reserved only for the 2.5-litre turbo variant, the 2.2D GLS AWD variant has been dropped from the line-up.
EXTERIOR
Visually, not much has changed from the existing facelifted Mazda CX-5. LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard across the board, along with LED rear combination lights, LED fog lamps, dual exhaust tips and piano black door garnish.
However, the entry-level 2.0 2WD Mid variant does omit a few luxuries, favouring for bulb-type daytime running lights, regular black door garnish, and loses features such as keyless-entry, power tailgate, and front parking sensors. The 2.0-litre variants ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, while all 2.5-litre grades sport 19-inch alloys.
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin, the entry level 2.0G variant nets you fabric seats with manual adjustments, regular reverse-camera with guide lines, and a 4.6-inch TFT LCD multi-info display in the instrument cluster.
Moving up the line, the seats are upgraded to full leather upholstery with 10-way power adjustment (6-way adjustment for the front passenger), GPS navigation and 360-degree reversing cameras.
Otherwise, the 7.0-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate controls, and electronic parking brake with brake-hold assist are standard across all variants.
The 2.0-litre variants will have a standard 4.6-inch TFT display on their instrument clusters, while the higher-end variants gets 7-inch display in the centre – not unlike the one in the
new Mazda 3
. Unique to the 2.5-litre 4WD variant is a new multicolour windshield-projection heads-up display.
SAFETY
All variants get a standard safety equipment suite including 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC), electric brake-force distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), traction control system (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), auto hold function, and speed sensing auto lock.
The 2.0-litre High variant and onwards gets additional
adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and front Smart City Brake Support (SCBC) with pedestrian detection
 while the 2.5-litre 2WD High variant and onwards gets an
additional Driver Attention Alert system (DAA)
.
The 2.5-litre turbocharged 4WD and 2.2-litre turbodiesel 2WD are also equipped wth additional Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and lane-keep assist, but the radar cruise-control system is not present in Malaysian CKD line-up.
The Mazda CX-5 will be available in 8 body colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Grey, Jet Black, and Arctic White. However, buyers who opt for the first three will have to pay an additional RM3,000 for the premium metallic colours.
All variants will have safety tint film (worth RM1,900) and illuminated sill plate (worth RM310) pre-installed on their cars. Buyers of the entry-level 2.0-litre 2WD Mid variant can opt to upgrade their fabric upholstery to leather seats for RM2,900, as well as the GPS navigation system for RM1,270.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton’s new parts centre in Kuching set to reduce parts delivery time by 30%

Proton has launched its new regional parts centre in Kuching, Sarawak, in an effort to enhance its aftersales service in East Malaysia. It’s said that the new facility can reduce the lead time for parts delivery by at least 30%.
Located at the Bintawa Industrial centre, the 28,000 sq ft facility can receive up to six containers of parts on site simultaneously. It is currently processing an average of 17 containers per month and is fully utilising its capacity to store up to three months of stock.
The new regional parts centre in Kuching is three times larger than Proton’s previous warehouse which was running inefficiently due to excess parts and space limitations. The new centre will also function as a parts distribution centre for aftersales parts and components in the state and for Sabah as well.
The extra space in the new centre is set to
increase delivery by 50%
, from 3,000 orders to 4,500 orders per month, with a maximum capacity of 6,000 orders per month if needed. In 2022, the sale of Proton vehicles in East Malaysia accounted for 15% of the company’s total sales volume while its market share in East Malaysia has grown from 10% in 2018 to 20% in 2022.
The Proton Saga remains the most popular model in the region as the company sold 10,242 units of it, 4,181 units of the X50 and 2,605 units of the Persona. Last year, Proton sold 19,844 vehicles in East Malaysia –  a huge jump compared to 7,697 units in 2018.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: All-new Honda City hatchback launched in Malaysia, from RM75,670

Honda Malaysia has launched the new City hatchback that’s
based on the sedan
 launched last year with four variants available – RS e:HEV, V, E and S – starting from RM75,670.

As per the Honda City sedan, the City hatchback is available with two powertrains; a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC engine and the new Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).
Find out what we think about the City hatchback around the Sepang Circuit!
PERFORMANCE
Variants
S, E, V
RS e:HEV
Power Unit
1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder DOHC
i-MMD hybrid system, 1.5-litre NA engine
Transmission
Constantly-variable transmission (CVT)
Lock-up clutch, single-speed transmission, e-CVT
Max horsepower
121 hp @ 6,600 rpm
109 hp @ 3,500 – 8,000 rpm
Max torque
145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
253 Nm @ 0 – 3 ,000 rpm
Unlike most hybrid vehicles where the engine assists the electric motor in providing more acceleration, the i-MMD does it mainly uses the electric motor to power the car while the only kicks in when more power is needed.
EXTERIOR
In terms of dimensions, the City hatchback measures exactly the same as the sedan except that it’s slightly shorter in length but with a higher roofline. In terms of space, the City hatchback offers even more legroom than the sedan due to the structure of its Ultra seats.
The new City hatchback also debuts two new colours – Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Ignite Red Metallic. Four optional exterior packages are available to complement the City hatchback’s youthful exterior including the Modulo Package, Urban Package, Utility Package, and Protection Package.
LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard across all four variants. The S and E variants come with halogen projectors while the top two variants, the V and RS, gets automatic LED headlamps. LED fog lights are only reserved for the V and RS variants. As for wheel size, you’re looking at 15-inches for the S and E, and 16-inches for the V and RS variants.
INTERIOR
Inside, the E, V and RS variants comes with an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S variant gets a standard audio unit. As for the instrument panel, only the RS variant gets a semi-digital meter panel while the other variants come with analogue dials. Automatic air conditioning is only available in the E, V and RS variants.
Other items reserved only for the RS variant are the sport pedals, “Ultrasuede” leather and suede combination upholstery, as well as an electronic parking brake. The RS comes with rear air con vents while the V variant comes with a storage bin.
V variant
RS variant
As for trims and upholstery, the V variant comes with Piano Black trims and leather seats while the S and E variants come with Silver trims and fabric seats.
SAFETY
Only the City hatchback RS will be available with a host of Honda SENSING features, using a front wide-view camera. They include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation. Only the top two variants – the V and RS – come with six airbags and Honda LaneWatch.
PRICE
The 2020 Honda City in Malaysia starts at
RM75,670
 for the entry-level S variant,
RM83,080
 for the E variant, and
RM87,860
 for the V variant. As for the RS, prices will only be announced in early 2022. The City hatchback comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

GALLERY
Honda City RS e:HEV
Honda City V


Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta auctioned for RM41.8 million, donates all to charity

Late last year, we saw the
final-unit of Ferrari LaFerrari Coupe, traded hands for €5.8 million (RM31 million) at an auction
 to raise funds to aid victims affected by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck central Italy. The €5.8 million sale made the LaFerrari Coupe the single most valuable automobile ever sold at an auction in the 21st century.
That insane record was broken just nine months later at
Ferrari’s 70
th
 anniversary celebration
 held at Fiorano where the company sold its 210
th

LaFerrari Aperta
 for
8.3 million Euros
, which roughly equates to
RM41.8 million
. Smashing the previous record by €2.5 million, that is another supercar mind you!
However, like the Coupe auctioned off last year, all proceeds from the sale will be donated away for a good cause. The beneficiary is none other than
Save the Children
, an international organisation that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in over 120 countries worldwide and in this case, the funds raised will be channelled to educational projects in Asia and Africa.
This extra special car is finished in Rosso Fuoco flanked with double metallic Biano Italia racing stripe on its bonnet and tail. Inside its carbon fibre tub, is a set of bucket racing seats with red contrast elements. Mechanically, it remains motivated by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 paired to an electric motor to dish out
950 hp
 and over
 900 Nm
 of torque.

Several other extremely valuable Ferraris also sold at the auction include a California 250 GT SWB for €7.9 million (RM39.8 mill), a 1958 250 GT Cabriolet Series I for €4.7 million (RM23.7 mill) and the aluminium-bodied 365 GTB/4 rediscovered in a Japanese hayloft, which changed hands for €1.8 million (RM9 mill).


All-new Nissan Navara expected to arrive by 2025

Most of you may not have realised but the current, 3rd generation Nissan Navara has been in the market for nearly a decade since it was first introduced in 2014.
Since then, the Navara even went on to provide the platform for pick-ups by other car manufacturers such as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and the Renault Alaskan. With rivals going all-in with the latest tech, introduced in all-new (more refined) models like the highly impressive all-new Isuzu D-Max for example, the Navara appears to be at a disadvantage.
Here’s what’s new in the latest facelift Navara launched in Malaysia. Read about it here!

If you’re holding back for the latest Nissan pick-up, best be ready to wait as an
automotive portal in the Philippines
 has reported that the all-new model would only go into production in Thailand in 2025.
The information was revealed to the publication from a source in the region that’s “familiar with the manufacturing plans of major automakers”. Our best guess is that it won’t get here in Malaysia until the start of 2026 from the looks of it.
That means the current Navara will have to hold the fort for at least another 4 years, before it can happily retire.

Locally, there are six different variants of the facelift Navara to choose from; prices start from RM 91,900 for the single cab all the way to RM 142,200 for the Navara PRO-4X model.
All variants are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmissions. The top four variants come with 190 hp and 450 Nm while the lower two is rated at 163 hp and 403 Nm.
This Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept is used to look deep into outer space! Read about it here!


Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC on sale now, priced at RM409k!

Sitting at the top of the
facelifted GLA range
 is the fire breathing
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC
. Like the regular GLA 200 and 250, the GLA 45 features refreshed looks inside and out. The world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine also gets a slight power bump. Prices are also up slightly at RM408,888.
Under the hood, the M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has been massaged to produce
375 hp
 and
475 Nm
 of torque, up 21 hp and 25 Nm from before. Power is transferred to all four corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission. Century sprint is managed in just
4.4 seconds
 while top speed is limited to
250 km/h
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC
Engine
1,991cc; in-line four turbocharged
Transmission
7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
Max Power
375 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
475 Nm @ 2,250 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.4 seconds, 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM408,888
As standard, the GLA 45 is equipped with AMG performance exhaust system with electronically controlled flap that changes the exhaust note at the press of a button. A performance oriented AMG Ride Control sports suspension is also standard fitment.
From the outside, the GLA 45 sets itself apart from regular GLA models through the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille, sharper front apron, revised air intake and front splitter. These help guide air into the radiators more efficiently. At the rear, it features a more aerodynamic roof spoiler and new diffuser insert. These exterior revisions altogether give the GLA 45 improved driving dynamics, lower wind resistance and better stability. It rides on 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, the AMG Exclusive interior package features black leather upholstery with red contrast stitching. Other AMG-specific parts include AMG performance steering wheel with paddle shifters, AMG carbon fibre trim, AMG floor mats, new instrument cluster with 30 km/h blocks (previously 20 km/h blocks) and red seat belts.
Other creature comfort amenities include keyless entry and start, panoramic sliding sunroof, powered tailgate, 8-inch Media Display Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, Harman Kardon surround sound system and powered front seats with memory function.

Like the GLA 200 and 250 4MATIC, it comes equipped with PRE-SAFE system, Active Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights, tyre pressure monitoring system, Attention Assist and active parking assist.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC comes with a 4-year unlimited warranty package as standard and can be financed through Mercedes-Benz Financial with interest rates ranging from 1.88 percent to 2.88 percent.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Mazda Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre engine to offer 181 hp and 222 Nm?

If
this spec sheet from Mazda Slovakia
 is to be believed, the much anticipated Skyactiv-X engine, expected to debut on the
all-new Mazda 3
 will have an output of 181 hp and 222 Nm – highly respectable numbers considering that it’s only a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and will easily top its class for fuel efficiency.
The Skyactive-X petrol engine utilises a new combustion technology dubbed the Spark Controlled Compression Ignition or SPCCI – think of it as a marriage between petrol and diesel combustion processes which Mazda has invested and refined over the years.
Skyactiv-X marries petrol engine emissions with diesel-like performance and efficiency.
The technology capitalises on a high compression ratio (16:1) along with a lean fuel-air mixture to harness a ‘rapid and simultaneous’ combustion that begins via a small initial spark (yes, there will still be spark plugs). The resulting micro ignition first raises the temperature and pressure within the combustion chamber which then facilitates a compression ignition akin to a diesel engine, which pushes the pistons down stronger and longer to generate more torque.

We tested a Mazda 3 prototype powered by a Skyactiv-X engine last year at Mazda’s Mine proving ground and came away
mightily impressed with Mazda’s resolve
 to extract the most out of the internal combustion engine with Skyactiv-X.
Even though the engine then was still a work-in-progress (you can hear the ‘knocks’ at part throttle), it was already smoother, torquier and more refined compared to the existing 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine, based on A-B observations.
Revolutionary engine technology meets courageous re-design.
The new generation Mazda 3 is expected to arrive in Malaysia within 2019 (possibly in CBU form), let’s hope Skyactiv-X will be making its debut then. Talk about sexy technology in an equally sexy-looking car.