The all-new Ford Focus ST is probably the best looking hot-hatch unveiled this year

It may just be February but it isn’t necessarily too soon to decide. Ford has just revealed the all-new Focus ST and my oh my does it look a far cry better than the old one!
The new fourth-generation model has been enhanced mainly with a new unique suspension system, improved braking ability and two engine options.
First, there’s the petrol-powered 2.3-litre turbocharged engine – the most powerful ever offered to a Focus ST – with
280 hp
 and
420 Nm
 that replaces the previous 2.0-litre engine with 252 hp and 366 Nm of torque.
There’s also a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo diesel engine making
190 hp
 and
400 Nm
. 0 to 100 km/h in the former is said to take
less than six seconds
.
Performance enhancements include a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, a bespoke air intake system and an optimised intercooler.
Anti-lag technology used in the Ford GT and F-150 Raptor has been applied to the Focus ST, for almost immediate power delivery in Sport and Track modes.
The new Focus ST can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission. As for the manual unit, “shift-throws” between gears have been reduced by 7%.
For the 2.3-litre models, there’s also an
optional Performance Pack
that offers Ford’s new rev-matching technology with shift indicator – like the one on the new Mustang. The package also comes with red calipers and launch control.
As for the ride, the new Focus ST retains the springs from a standard Focus but with damping stiffened by up to 20% in the front and 13% at the rear. Height has also been reduced by 10mm.
Steering response too, was not neglected with Ford claiming that the electric power-assisted steering is now 15% faster than the standard Focus, and dethrones the Fiesta ST for the “
fastest steering response
” crown.
Bigger brakes in both the front (twin pot calipers) and rear has been said to achieve almost four times the fade resistance performance of the previous Focus ST.
The brakes sit behind either 18 or 19-inch wheel options wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
On the inside, it’s quite a familiar setting to Ford’s observers. You’re first greeted by a pair of massive Recaro seats that can be had in full leather, fabric or a mixed of both, followed by a host of items embossed with ST lettering.
On the flat-bottomed steering, you get a Sport and a separate Mode button to scroll through the different driving modes.
Further ahead, you’d find a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display that’s capable of displaying boost pressure, oil pressure and oil temperature. Towards the side is an  8-inch colour touchscreen with Ford SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 smart electric drive charges in 45 minutes, 160km range

The fourth generation smart fortwo electric drive has been announced, now with more power, torque, and an extended drive range compared to its predecessor. And this time the electric powertrain is also offered in the fortwo cabrio and the forfour as well, making smart as the only car manufacturer in the world to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive.
These rear-wheel drive trio share the same electric powertrain, which is a
60 kW
 (80 hp)
electric motor
 with a
fixed gear ratio
. While the peak torque of
160 Nm
 is readily available from standstill, the smart electric drive is no pocket-rocket. Getting from
0 to 100 km/h
 takes
11.5 seconds
 in the fortwo, and the
top speed
 has been capped at
130 km/h
 on all three variants to maximise the travel range.

A fully charged fortwo will travel
up to 160km
 before it needs to find a power source to recharge its
17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery
. Normal charge takes about
2.5 hours
, but an optional
22 kW fast charger
 will be made available from next year and it will cut the charging time down to just
45 minutes
. While the car is charging, owners can set a
pre-entry climate control
 remotely using the
smart control app
 too.

Looks-wise the smart electric drive is no different from the non-electric variants, although the rev counter and clock pod on the driver side of the dashboard have both been replaced with a power meter and battery gauge. Externally, the optional
electric drive design package
 will highlight the car’s green credentials with a splash of
electric green
 paint.
The entire smart electric drive range will debut at the
2016 Paris Motor Show
, before going on sale in the USA by the end of this year. European sales start in early 2017, while the Malaysian sale is most unlikely to happen. Meanwhile you can get your EV fix here from
Nissan Leaf
 or the Renaults
Twizy
 and
Zoe
.
IMAGE GALLERY

smart fortwo electric drive

smart fortwo cabrio electric drive

smart forfour electric drive


Kia teases fourth-gen Carnival MPV, to debut within next 3 months

Kia has released a sketch of the upcoming fourth-generation Carnival, teasing the exterior design changes on the MPV. The all-new Kia Carnival – also known as the Sedona in some markets – is set to debut sometime in the
third quarter of 2020
.
From the single sketch image provided, the fourth-generation Kia MPV looks to feature a significantly more modern design when compared to the current Carnival – which was updated recently on our shores with the
introduction of a 11-seater variant
.
Up front, the slimmer headlights integrate neatly into brand’s iconic ‘Tiger Nose’ grille. The heartbeat-styled light signature also extends into the grille to form part of the frame – Kia designers call this ‘symphonic architecture’, blending design with technical features to “create a sense of harmony and structural energy.”
The line dividing the hood and the front grille wraps around the side, forming a single character line across the sides of the MPV connecting the headlights to the taillights. The fourth-gen Kia Carnival also seems to feature prominent front wheel arches for an aggressive stance.
The recently-updated
Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D LX (11-seater)
.
Above the beltline, the upcoming Kia Carnival uses blacked-out pillars to create a wraparound greenhouse look, highlighting the floating roof. The stronger and more stylish appearance is designed to appeal to progressive young families, according to Kia.
Kia says that the design of the fourth-gen Carnival is heavily influenced SUVs – we can definitely see some resemblance to the all-new Sorento, and perhaps even a little bit of the
Range Rover Evoque
 too. Acknowledging the inspiration, The Korean carmaker even gave it a new segment name for the model, dubbed ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’.
Currently, the third-generation of the MPV – sold as Kia Grand Carnival here – is available in a single 11-seater LX variant, priced at RM179,888. However, the older eight-seater KX and SX variants (depending on remaining stock availability) are
available at up to 3.2% off
, thanks to the
sales tax exemption period
.


Facts & Figures: Jaguar F-Pace with 300 hp, only 20 units available in Malaysia!

More than two years after the
local introduction of the F-Pace
, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Malaysia is now upping the ante for the luxury performance SUV with the launch of an updated “limited-edition” Jaguar F-Pace here in Malaysia, with only 20 units available nationwide.
PERFORMANCE
The main highlight of the new variant is its beating heart underneath the sheet metal, an updated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with its output
uprated to 300 hp
.
Engine: 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic
Powertrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Max Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 RPM
0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds
Top Speed: 233 km/h (with 22-inch wheels fitted)
The updated mill represents quite a sizeable jump compared to the standard F-Pace, which produces 246 hp and 365 Nm of torque. As a result of the higher power output, century sprint times is dropped by 0.7 seconds from the previous 6.8 seconds.
Just like the standard variant, the “limited-edition” F-Pace also comes equipped with the Configurable Dynamics and Adaptive Dynamics system; the former, available in the R-Sport variants, allows the driver to switch between Normal or Sports modes for the throttle, gearbox, and steering response, while the latter (only available on the highest-spec variant) adjusts the dampers based on road conditions and driving styles.
The Hi-Spec R-Sport variant also gains the Adaptive Surface Response (AdsR) system, which recognises the traction difference between surfaces to exploit available grip by adjusting engine and brake settings.
VARIANT BREAKDOWN
Not much changes have been made to the styling and equipment list of the new 300 hp F-Pace. Just as before, the Jaguar F-Pace is offered in three different variants here in Malaysia – Prestige, R-Sport (Mid-Spec), and R-Sport (Hi-Spec).
Notable standard equipment on the entry-level
Prestige
 model include:
20-inch 5 split-spoke ‘Style 5031’ alloy wheels, Grey Diamond Turned finish
Full LED headlights, taillights
10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto support
Dual-zone climate control
Leather upholstery
Power-reclining rear seats
Powered tailgate with hands-free function
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Lane Keep Assist
Driver Condition Monitor
Stepping up to the
R-Sport (Mid-Spec)
 adds on the following:
Adaptive LED headlamps with automatic high beam assist
LED Signature daytime-running lights
gloss black roof rails
Interior ambient lighting system
Meanwhile, the
R-Sport (Hi-Spec)
 variant gets equipped with 22-inch wheels as standard.
PRICING
The “limited-edition” 300 hp Jaguar F-Pace is now available at Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia showrooms, with prices listed as follows (including
50% sales tax exemptions
, excluding road tax and insurance):
Prestige: RM436,420.82
R-Sport (Mid-Spec): RM470,212.97
R-Sport (Hi-Spec) RM485,433.81
As standard, the new F-Pace will come with the “Jaguar Care” programme, which includes a
five-year warranty
,
five years free service
 package, and
three years roadside assistance
.
Interested customers can now arrange for a test drive via JLR Malaysia’s website,
here
. Be quick, as only 20 units will be available for sale.


Facts & Figures: Fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 launched in Malaysia, from RM278k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the
 fully-electric EQA
– available in a single variant, the EQA 250 – starting from
RM 278,201
. The EQA is fully imported from Germany. Compared to the CKD Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line, the EQA 250 costs just
RM7k
 more.
The EQA 250 comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty while the batteries comes with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.
The first 1,000 owners of the EQA will receive a 1-year subscription with JomCharge, for unlimited charging at 50% discount at all JomCharge stations. JomCharge will also have 13 new DC fast chargers installed in strategic dealer locations this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.
PERFORMANCE
The front-wheel drive EQA 250 is driven by a single electric motor, using a single-speed gearbox.
Max Power: 190 hp
Max Torque: 375 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 8.9 seconds
Top Speed: 160 km/h
The 2-tonne EQA’s electric motor is powered by a 420-volt lithium-ion battery with 66.5 kWh capacity. Using the car’s 11kW on board Type 2 AC charger, the EQA can be fully charged in just 5 hours 45 minutes.
DC charging, meanwhile, is supported up to speeds of 100 kW, can get the EQA from 10 to 80% in just 32 minutes. Electric driving range is rated at 429 km. The batteries are located underneath the cabin floor, and as a result, boot space is rated at 340-litres, 100-litres smaller than the GLA.
While the EQA does share the second iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s Modular Front Architecture (MFA2) with the GLA, the platform has been re-engineered to accommodate the electric powertrain. For starters, the battery is comprised of five modules located beneath the passenger compartment in the centre of the vehicle.
EXTERIOR
As the fully electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the EQA gets distinctive features such as a covered radiator grille, and light strip across the front and rear. The headlamps also come with blue highlights to announce its EQA identity.
With the AMG Line bodykit, the EQA 250 gets a sportier front splitter and rear diffuser.
Full LED lighting
AMG Line body kit
19-inch 5 twin-spoke light alloy wheels
Hands-free powered boot
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin of the EQA isn’t any different from the GLA 250 AMG Line with dual 10.25-inch displays. Unlike the single-zone system in the CKD GLA 250 AMG Line, the EQA 250 comes with dual zone air conditioning, including rear air vents. The rest of the interior is upholstered in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre.
Open pore Linden wood trims
Head up display
Sports seats with ventilation
Nappa leather steering
Wireless charging
SAFETY
The EQA 250 is aided by a host of driver aids and safety systems including:
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Steering Assist
Active Blind Spot Assist,
Parking Assit
Adaptive cruise control
Autonomous emergency braking
The EQA 250 is equipped with a Acoustic Ambient Protection feature that generates sounds up to speeds of 20 km/h to alert cyclists and other pedestrians.
GALLERY


Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles could soon be powered by the sun

Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor Company will soon introduce “solar roof” charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles, where implementation will begin as soon as the year 2020.
These electric solar panels will be placed on the roof of the vehicles to support the vehicle’s main power source, charge the batteries in hybrid, electric and even internal combustion vehicles.
The Group is currently developing three types of solar roof charging systems – for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles will feature first generation systems with silicon solar panels integrated into a standard car roof and is capable of charging 30-60% of the car’s battery depending on conditions.
Vehicles with internal combustion engines will feature a world-first, semi-transparent solar roof, which can be integrated with a panoramic sunroof – to let light into the cabin while charging the vehicle’s battery at the same time.
Hyundai believes this will help vehicles with internal combustion engines to be more efficient and more compliant to global environmental regulations.

Still under testing are the systems for pure electric vehicles, where lightweight solar panels will be applied to the hood and roof of these vehicles, to maximise efficiency and increase their driving range.
The solar roof is the first of these technologies, and will mean that automobiles no longer passively consume energy but will begin to produce it actively,” said the developer of the technology, Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Design Division of Hyundai Motor Group, Jeong-Gil Park.


Locally-assembled BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport updated with advanced safety kit, RM11k price increase

Alongside the
3 Series
, BMW Malaysia has also updated the equipment list of the locally-assembled (CKD) G02 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport, introduced in
June last year
.
Similar to the 3-er, the updated BMW X4 now comes equipped with the brand’s
Driver Assistant Package
, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention (Autonomous Emergency Braking), crossing traffic warning rear and rear collision prevention.

Compared to its direct competitor – the
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC
, the X4 does pull out slightly ahead now with the addition of the rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision prevention assist.
Aside from safety, the updated CKD BMW X4 also includes the new 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster – the one without the “analogue-look” dials, as seen on the all-new
BMW 3 Series
 and
X5
.
The new kit does come at a price though, as the CKD BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is now priced from
RM375,800
, a whole RM11,000 up from before. However, it does still have the upper hand in pricing against the GLC Coupe, which is priced at RM419,888.
As a recap, the X4 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing
252 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels.
The new RRP is inclusive of a
five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free service package
, as well as a
24-month BMW Tyre Warranty
 from the date of purchase.


Nismo-Nissan promises rapid product expansion, but just what will we get?

Nismo, otherwise known as Nissan Motorsports, is the BMW M equivalent for Nissan. It has recently been rebranded to
Nismo Cars Business Department
 and will be a subset of Nissan Autech division.
What does this mean? More Nismo cars globally, basically. Currently, Nismo sells over 15,000 specially commissioned cars a year, ranging from the
GT-R
,
Fairlady Z
,
Juke
,
Note
, Sentra (Sylphy in Malaysia) and the Patrol. Usually, Nismo takes regular road-going cars and slaps on sportier bodykits and slight performance upgrades.
Interestingly, such efforts have already begun back home with Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) now offering Nismo kits to the
Almera
 and
Teana
 models. The kit, which are all optional, come with red-accented bodykits, Nismo rims, stiffer coils and sportier exhaust system. But is this all the Nismo we will be getting? Only time will tell.


Mitsubishi Xpander Facelift vs Pre-Facelift – What’s the difference?

It’s no secret that the highly-anticipated Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater crossover will be launching soon on our shores. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has even (literally)
teased us,
 with a set-up that revealed the front and rear of the car at Mid Valley Megamall in early September.
From the teaser, it’s clear that we’d be getting the latest facelifted version of the Mitsubishi Xpander which means Malaysians will get to enjoy a slew of nice upgrades that can be found on the facelifted Xpander and then some.
Facelift
Pre-facelift
Let’s begin with the exterior. The facelift Xpander will come with a revised Dynamic Shield front grille design. The 3-slate grille found in the pre-facelift has been replaced with a
2-slate grille
 instead. Less noticeable is the slightly larger Mitsubishi emblem that sits proudly on the shield.
Staying on the front still, the facelifted Xpander will be equipped with Bi-LED Headlights, replacing the halogen ones found in the pre-facelift. Also new to the facelift is a pair of halogen fog lights which also doubles up as daytime running lights.
Facelift
Pre-facelift
Also, if you pay close attention to the lower air intake section at the front, you will find a camera hidden neatly tucked inside. This is part of the
360-degree camera
 that was previously not available on the pre-facelift model.
From the side, the obvious change on the facelift Xpander is the wheel design. Though they remain the same at 16-inches, the facelift Xpander will get
5-spoke Dual Tone Alloy wheels
 replacing the 10-spoke Single Tone Alloy Wheels seen on the pre-facelift model.
Moving to the rear of the car, three things do stand out. The first being the
Shark Fin antenna
, which replaces the Bee Sting style antenna in the pre-facelift version. The second and third item to stand out is the
rear fog lamps
 and
 reverse sensors
 which were absent in the pre-facelift.
Facelift
Pre-facelift
For the interior, we can only speculate since the interior of the teaser unit was concealed. Based on the teaser video
here
, it shows that the facelift Xpander’s interior would be of
 black leather upholstery
.
Compared to the Indonesian pre-facelift Xpander, they have an option of either a black or beige interior depending on the variant, but no leather option.
From the teaser video, we can also tell that our facelift Xpander will not come with wood trims which were seen in the range-topping pre-facelift Ultimate variant Xpander. Instead, the local model appears to be finished with a carbon fibre look to go with the black leather upholstery.
The teaser video from Mitsubishi Malaysia, we can see the trim beside the HU unit is a Carbon Fiber-eques trim.
The last feature that we hope will make its way into our facelift Xpander, is cruise control. This feature is not available in the pre-facelift Xpander, but it’s
available on the facelift model in Indonesia
 as seen in our
full review
 of the seven-seater crossover, featuring our friend Fitra Eri from Oto Driver of Indonesia!
There you have it; the niceties you can expect to find in the upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander. Unfortunately, MMM has not divulged any information regarding the Xpander’s price or how many variants it would come in.


Volkswagen Golf R facelift gets more power, coming to Malaysia in 2017

We’ve gone to too many extra miles with the
Volkswagen Golf R
 in our short stint with the super hatch, simply because we loved how it sounds, looks and most importantly, drives. Since we won’t be getting the
GTI Clubsport S variant
 anytime soon, if not ever, let’s shift our focus to the facelifted Golf R.
Like the rest of the range
, the styling tweaks are minimal but obvious. The new Golf R gets new front and tail lamps, bumpers and alloy wheels. Inside, the changes are even more insignificant, bar the new but optional 12.3-inch Active Info Display that’s identical to the ones fitted in the
Passat B8
.
Under the hood, the EA888 engine, a
2.0-litre turbocharged
 four-potter is boosted to produce 10 hp and 27 Nm more than before. It now makes a whopping
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, which shaves off a good 0.3 seconds in the century sprint (
4.6 seconds
 vs the old 4.9-second time) when equipped with a
seven-speed DSG
. There is also a market-specific six-speed manual, though we can expect Volkswagen Malaysia to introduce just the twin-clutch version.
The facelifted Golf lineup will be launched sometime next year. Here’s a little thought: if Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia is locally assembling the Passat B8, which sits atop the group’s modular platform, perhaps the Golf too could be CKD. Keep those fingers crossed!


2017 Subaru XV teased, gets all-new platform, to CKD in Malaysia

The 2017 Subaru XV is set to make its worldwide debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Just like the newly unveiled
Impreza
, the XV will also sit on the new Subaru Global Platform while receiving the DYNAMIC x SOLID design.
Being a crossover, the XV has a much higher clearance than its saloon equivalent. The picture above flaunts the new model’s character line, and its silhouette much resemble the outgoing model. According to Subaru, the XV will share the same 2.0-litre flat-four and
Lineartronic CVT
 as the new Impreza. That direct-injected, naturally aspirated engine generates
154 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque.
The
first-generation XV
 arrived in Malaysia in CKD guise, built in Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in 2012. The new model will be locally assembled, and will go on sale here in Malaysia by Q4 2017.


Honda Civic sedan going to UK, 1.0 VTEC turbo & 1.6 i-DTEC turbodiesel

Malaysians are no stranger to the
Honda Civic (FC) sedan
. Introduced to the local market in 2016, the Civic went on to become the
most popular model in its segment
 and revitalised the slow-moving C-segment sedan segment.
Our friends in the UK, however, have always had their Civic as a
hatchback
 but Honda UK has revealed that they will be bringing the Civic sedan to the UK market. This comes as a surprise as uptake of family sedans have been on a decline in the UK due to shoppers shifting to more versatile SUVs.

 Civic Sedan

 Civic Hatch
Two powertrain options are available at launch – 1.0-litre i-VTEC turbo petrol paired to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual and a
1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel
 mated to either a six-speed manual or a new nine-speed automatic. The 1.0-litre petrol mill makes a respectable
129 hp
 while the i-DTEC turbodiesel makes
120 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque.
More than just a pretty face
Specification of UK-bound Civic sedan has not been revealed but expect to be quite similarly equipped with our local spec, after all the Civic FC is a global product. Of course, UK shoppers will have the luxury to have added premium features such as Honda SENSING, sunroof and more.
While the Civic hatchback is assembled locally in Swindon, England, the Civic sedan will be imported from Turkey to the UK market.
Honda Civic Sedan in Malaysia

 Before (pre facelift)


BMW 6 Series GT confirmed for Malaysia, to replace the 5 Series GT

Following the confirmation of the
G01 BMW X3 that is slated for Malaysian shores
 in the first half of 2018, BMW Malaysia has also hinted to
AutoBuzz.my
that the
G32 BMW 6 Series GT
 will be here to replace the outgoing 5 Series GT.
Sources familiar with the matter has expressed that the 6 Series GT is scheduled to make its local debut sometime in the
first half of 2018
 but not simultaneously with the all-new X3. Globally, the 6 Series GT is available in
three flavours
: 630i, 640i and 630d. If we were to take a guess the 630i is the most plausible variant, considering the G30 5 Series is offered in a sole
530i M Sport variant here in Malaysia
, but don’t count on BMW Malaysia to locally assemble the 6 Series GT.

Thanks to its swelled dimensions (81 mm longer), new technologies and better sound proofing, the new 6 Series GT is lighter by some 150 kg (variant dependant), more spacious and more refined compared to its predecessor, the 5 Series GT. The cabin looks eerily similar to the G30 5 Series but BMW promises more generous of premium materials.
As standard, every 6 Series GT will be equipped with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, whereas Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function can be specified as an option. The latter works at speeds up to 210 km/h, and there’s also Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems, as well as Remote Control Parking feature.

BMW created its GT model line up to fill in a very niche market gap of individuals who are looking for a spacious SUV-like vehicle with driving dynamics of a sedan but, thinks the design of an estate is way too unpolished for their taste. We still have mixed feelings about BMWs GT line up but hey, to each his own eh?
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: G20 BMW 330i M Sport CBU, Things You Need To Know

Like the incoming
G29 BMW Z4
, I’d probably stay away from choosing Black if I were to buy a
G20 BMW 330i M Sport
 – it just doesn’t allow the car’s lines and bulges to shine.
Granted
RM328,800
 (OTR without insurance) may be a little high for a 3-series but it is a fully-imported unit. Although, I’m not so sure if the 330i is as well spec-ced, safety wise at least as autonomous emergency braking is still absent here.

The G20 330i M Sport is home to a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox, making
258 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes
5.8 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
.
BMW Group Malaysia also showed off what the
 G20 3-series would look like dressed in the M Performance kit
 – something you’d want to check out!
IMAGE GALLERY


Maxxis Tyres opens first ever MaxxPit concept store in Malaysia

Kian Hon Tyres Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of Maxxis Tyres in Malaysia, together with TAL Tyres Supply Sdn. Bhd. has just launched Malaysia’s first Maxxis Concept Store in Petaling Jaya. MaxxPit is a one of a kind car service centre that aims to provide consistent and superior service to Maxxis customers.
MaxxPit was built upon the vision of forging strong trust with Maxxis customers through high-quality and consistent service. MaxxPit offers a range of car care services for 4×4 vehicles, trucks, lorries and passenger cars. “With MaxxPit, we can ensure our message – providing 100 percent in quality, service and trust, is concisely tailored and delivered during each customer’s Maxxis journey,” said Dato’ Sydney Tan, Managing Director of Kian Hon Tyres.
The company plans to open 15 MaxxPits across Peninsular Malaysia in the next three years. MaxxPit PJ is located at the premise of TAL Tyres Supply (PJ) Sdn. Bhd., 6, Jalan 51/225A, Zon Perindustrian PJCT.
IMAGE GALLERY

 How a properly inflated tyre would normally look like.


All-new Audi A7 3.0L V6 TFSI Quattro lands in Malaysia, RM609,900

While Audi Malaysia only had one public launch earlier in the year for the
Audi Q2
 and
Q8
, the company has been quietly rolling out new models to the local market. Their latest addition is the
second-generation Audi A7 Sportback
 in 3.0-litre V6 TFSI guise.
Our local spec A7 Sportback rolls off the Neckarsulm assembly facility in Germany and is priced at RM609,900 OTR without insurance in Malaysia. That is an extremely attractive pricing considering its closest – and only – competitor is the
Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC
 which also uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder is priced at RM650k.
Although the four rings is not as sprightly as the three-pointed star, commanding
 340 hp
 and
500 N
m of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI mill, 27 hp down from the CLS. With the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the A7 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.3 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h. Again, 0.5 seconds slower than the Merc if that matters to you.
The A7 is also fitted with a 48-volt primary electrical system that helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km. But that doesn’t mean the A7 is an eco-warrior because it comes fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering technology (rear-wheel steering) for better low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability as well as front brake discs measuring 400 mm in diameter.
As standard, our local
spec A7 comes dressed in the S-Line exterior pack, donning a sportier front and
rear bumpers, 20-inch alloys as well as HD Matrix LED headlamps as standard. There
is also an integrated active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 120 km/h.
Customers can also choose from a range of 15 colour options.
The A7 also comes with a highly appointed cabin with the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, dual-screen set up for the Audi MMI – 10.1-inch upper screen for the infotainment and 8.6-inch lower display for climate control, Heads up display, soft close doors, Valcona leather upholstery, surround-view camera, panoramic sunroof, contour ambient lighting package as well as Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System.
Every purchase of the all-new
Audi A7 3.0-litre V6 TFSI comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi A7 3.0L V6 TFSI Quattro


Is it the end of the road for the Honda CR-Z?

The Honda CR-Z is a small hybrid sports hatchback that Honda hope would emulate the CR-X’s success. Unfortunately, it looks like the CR-Z will be canned for good following a confirmation of its discontinuity by Honda North American. In its place are two new hybrid models.
This news follows the recent unveiling of the Japan-only CR-Z Final Label edition that could very well be the final production batch before nailing the coffin. The CR-Z Final Edition (finished in shades of blue) gets subtle cosmetic updates, a new set of rims and the obvious “Final Label” embroidery on both front seats.
It retains the same naturally aspirated
1.5-litre four-cylinder engine
 and electric motor combo that outputs
 130 hp
 and
190 Nm
 of torque. It’s either paired to a s
ix-speed manual transmission
or a
 seven-speed c
ontinuously variable transmission (CVT)
.
Unveiled in 2010, the CR-Z somehow made its way to Malaysia in 2011; thanks to the country’s hybrid incentives back then. It had an initial sticker price of
RM111,878
. When the incentives were revised a few years after, the priced skyrocketed to
RM183,000
, which is the CR-Z’s current price as indicated on Honda Malaysia’s website.
While Honda Japan has yet to officially announce the CR-Z’s fate, the telltale signs are there. It’s sporty appeal somehow doesn’t jive with buyers, on top of that its modest performance wasn’t exhilarating enough to please enthusiasts, plus the fact that its fuel economy trails behind some of its rivals.
The CR-Z has now gone relatively quiet in Europe, Australia, and even in Malaysia. There are no signs of a successor of yet, which isn’t a bad thing, for now.


Volkswagen offers new vehicle promotions and CNY deals

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is ushering in Chinese New Year (CNY) 2022 by offering attractive festive deals for everyone.
Fans of Volkswagen can look forward to auspicious deals of
RM1,000
 ‘ang pao’ rebate and
RM3,500

eShowroom

savings for the impressive
Arteon R-Line 4Motion
 and the
Tiguan Allspace Highline
 and R-Line.
The
Passat Elegance
 gets a sweeter deal that includes the
RM2,500
 rebate, the aforementioned RM1,000 rebate, RM3,500 eShowroom savings plus one-year free petrol. All models come with three years of free maintenance and five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
To ensure road safety during the upcoming festivity, VPCM is providing free vehicle checks at all its authorised service centres. Owners can now conveniently schedule an appointment through the newly revamped Volkswagen Cares
app
.
RELATED: 8th-gen Volkswagen Golf previewed, to be launched soon!
There is a complimentary car disinfectant kit for owners who spend a minimum of RM800 for any service from 13th January 2022 onwards. The gift is also available with ozone or mist treatment, as well as for those who replace HEPA or charcoal air-conditioning filters.
With the option to spread the bill over six or 12 months at a 0% interest rate (terms and conditions applies), VPCM’s easy payment plan makes it more affordable for owners to service and repair their vehicle during the festive season too.
All Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be organising a showroom event from
15th to 16th

January
 with test drives available with the CNY deals only scheduled to end on 28th February 2022.


New Acura Integra looks like a 5-door fastback!

Acura has just released another sketch of the highly anticipated
Integra
 sports model, this time with a piece of all-important information – its body type!
Fans and enthusiasts can rejoice as the Integra is a five-door sedan and not another crossover or SUV. During the initial model mention to selected guests and media personnel, Acura did present the silhouette which resembled a 3-door design, but in a light show by a team of drones.
Today’s second official teaser sketch confirms the new Acura Integra will be a five-door design.
“Just like the original Integra, which helped launch the Acura brand in 1986, the fifth-generation Integra will be a premium sport compact with striking five-door design,” said the statement accompanying the teaser sketch.

Such a bodytype today is extremely rare, in which is dominated by Audi and its Sportback designs. Audi Malaysia provided us with the
A5 Sportback TFSI Quattro
 and combined with the mellow-yet-striking District Green paintwork, was given plenty of second and even third glances on the road.
BMW meanwhile has the
4 Series Gran Coupe
 which is now in its second generation. Strangely, BMW M’s first fully electric car called the
i4 M50
 is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe thanks to the additional height available to tuck in the battery pack underneath.
The Integra nameplate was used from the first to the third-generation model and then moving to the RSX nameplate for the fourth and final generation from 2002 to 2006. The third generation also introduced the
Type R
 name into the US, with the model featuring a hand-built 1.8-litre engine delivering
195 hp
 and high-revving excitement.
Honda is teaming up with America’s GM to produce their first electric SUV. Find out what it’s called here!
In 2019, a one-owner 1997 Acura Integra Type-R (White) sold for a record
USD82,000
 (approx. RM340k) at an auction, almost four times the original price when new.
As always, Acura said to provide more details as we approach closer to the 2022 introduction.


Grab drivers, change your engine oil with Maxx N’ Go for just RM 99!

Mobile car service app Maxx ‘N Go has just partnered with Grab Malaysia to provide on-the-go vehicle maintenance services for Grab drivers.
As most Grab drivers are constantly on the move, time is a privilege most do not have, especially when it comes to maintaining their cars that would usually rack up a higher than usual mileage.
With the partnership, Grab drivers can enjoy a semi-synthetic engine oil change with Maxx ‘N Go for just
RM 99 nett
 while a
fully synthetic service will cost
RM179 nett
. The quoted prices includes the engine oil, oil filter and labour charges,” said Maxx ‘N Go, Technical Director, Tengku Djan Ley.
Grab drivers using the Maxx ‘N Go app
will only be charged RM 50 for the first service
. The app also provides on-site support, tyre and battery changes.
Head of Business Development for Grab Malaysia, Tan Jiong Jian said, “It’s a great idea that really benefits Grab drivers who are looking for added convenience when it comes to general vehicle maintenance. The service not only takes good care of our drivers but ensures the safety of the riders, which is definitely a priority for us. Our drivers really appreciate the benefits of a service like this.”


All-new Subaru XV launched in Taiwan, coming to M’sia as CKD by 2018!

After its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru Vehicles across nine countries in Asia, has just launched the
second-generation Subaru XV
 in Taiwan.
With the all-new XV, changes happen mostly underneath the skin. Subaru has taken an evolutionary step with the design instead of a revolutionary one to maintain its bold and active image. Looks aside, let’s find out what the second-gen XV is all about.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Subaru XV 2.0i
Subaru XV 2.0i-S
Engine
1,995cc; 4-cylinder Direct Injection Boxer
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Max Power
154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
TBA
EXTERIOR
Underpinning the new XV is the company’s brand-new Subaru Global Platform that first debuted on the
fifth-generation Subaru Impreza
. Exterior dimensions now measure at 4,465 mm (+15 mm) in length, 1,800 mm (+20 mm) in width, 1,615 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,665 mm (+30 mm). Subaru claims that the crossover is
over 70 percent more rigid
 and has
50 percent lesser body roll
 than the model it replaces.

Thanks to the redesigned front and rear bumper and the new front grille, the new XV has a wider and lower stance while maintaining the 220 mm ground clearance. The base 2.0i comes equipped with halogen headlamps, front fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, blacked out spoiler, roof rails, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres.
Stepping up to the 2.0i-S, it adds LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, power folding door mirrors with LED turn signals and larger 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin layout is similar to the one on the Impreza and comes with a number of goodies to play with. The base
2.0i
 variant features fabric upholstery with orange stitching, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, single zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, keyless start, reverse camera and a retractable cargo cover.
Upgrade to the
 2.0i-S
 and you’ll be greeted with leather upholstery with orange stitching, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, powered sun roof, auto dimming rear view mirror and aluminium sport pedals. While the features are abundant, Motor Image has hinted that some of the features may be omitted when the car arrives to our shores to maintain a competitive pricing.

Thanks to the larger dimensions of the car, Subaru has freed up
27 mm more leg room
 for rear passengers and created a larger trunk aperture (+100 mm) for added comfort and convenience. Boot space is rated at 385 litres.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the all-new XV is an updated 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine that produces
154 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque. The Lineartronic CVT has also been revised with a new final drive ratio to offer better performance. Both the revised engine and transmission are lighter than the outgoing model and Subaru claims that the new powertrain offers six to 10 percent better fuel economy.
Power is channelled to all four-wheels via the famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Like the
facelifted Forester
, it now comes with
 X-Mode
which offers greater traction for challenging terrains as well as Hill Descent Control.
With the all new chassis design, Subaru has also revised the steering ratio to give the driver a more responsive steering feel and straight-line stability. Fuel tank has also been expanded to
63 litres
 (+13 litres).
SAFETY
As standard, the new XV gets seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDCS), ISOFIX mounting points, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser and side door reinforcement beams. This helps the XV achieve 199.7 points in the Japan NCAP crash safety assessment, the
highest score ever awarded to a passenger car
.
WHAT ELSE?
The second-gen Subaru XV can be had in nine exterior colours – Pure Red, Quartz Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Cool Grey Khaki and Sunshine Orange. Subaru Malaysia said the CKD operations for the XV will begin sometime in December this year, with initial deliveries beginning in early 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY
Subaru XV 2.0i-S

Subaru XV 2.0i


Prices for Mercedes-AMG E63 & E63S Estate revealed, from RM453k!

Unveiled to the world earlier this year, deliveries of the
Mercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S Estate
 will finally commence come September, but only for the UK market.
Cost for the V8 powered wagons starts from RM453k (£81,130) for the E 63 Estate, whereas the hotter E 63 S Estate has an asking price of RM505k (£90,490). Both share the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, with the former cranking
571 hp
 and
750 Nm
 and the latter tuned to belt
 612 hp
 and
 850 Nm
 of torque. That’s good for a century sprint of
3.6 seconds
 and
3.5 seconds
 respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h
.

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Estate 4MATIC+ is currently the quickest production wagon in the world, and it’s also massively practical with a boot space of 630 litres. Fold the rear seats down and this goes up to 1,820 litres! Will it ever come to Malaysia, though?
IMAGE GALLERY


MCS 2016: Mixed fortunes for Dream Chaser Malaysia in Round 1

Honda isn’t the brand it is today if its founder, Soichiro Honda, did not turn his dreams into reality. Here, we have a group of Malaysian racing enthusiasts who have gone the distance by allowing some young Malaysians to pursue their racing dreams. This is “Dream Chaser Malaysia”, and this is how they fared at their first race in 2016 at the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).
There are two categories in the MCS;
Touring Production
 (TP, for cars above 1,900cc) and
 Malaysian Touring Car
 (MTC, for cars below 1,600). A total of four rounds will be contested this season, all taking place at the newly resurfaced Sepang International Circuit and will consist of sprint and endurance races. The first round was two sprint races of 10 laps each.
Dream Chaser Malaysia
 is an independent team founded by
CY Ong
 who aims to provide a platform for young talents to unleash their potential in motor racing. This year, the team welcomed a young and interesting talent,
Geraldine Read
. She is one of just two female competitors in the MCS, with the other being a seasoned racer, Claire Jedrek, who hails from Singapore.
The young lass from Sarawak and former Red Bull Rookies driver will be part of this year’s
Dream Chaser Racing Development Programme
. She pilots car no. 12 in the MTC Independent Class, while car no. 100, which will be in MTC Open Class, will be shared by both team principal, CY, and the man behind the
ZerotoHundred
 portal,
Tom Goh
. The team fielded two Satria Neos in this year’s MTC.
So how did the team fare last weekend? Despite the reduced number of racers (Proton R3 team was absent), competition in the MTC was tough. Geraldine who never raced in sprint races, qualified ninth out of 10 entries. The other car meanwhile, qualified for sixth place on the starting grid.
Geraldine had a rough start in Race 1 and trailed behind the pack. The more experienced Tom Goh in the other Satria Neo fought closely with a field consisting Suzuki Swifts, Proton Satria Neos and a Proton Preve. Geraldine was later forced to pit when she lost her gears, but fortunately managed to get back onto the track.
She eventually finished in eighth, while Tom settled for fourth place. The race was won by Mark Darwin in his Proton Preve from Team Sakura-Tedco Racing, which is actually a partner of the Dream Chaser team.
In race two, Geraldine started at the back while car no.100 was passed over to CY and started in fourth. When the lights turned green, Geraldine took no chances and began chasing the pack. She quickly overtook a Swift and things fell into place, to her favour. Unfortunately, the troublesome gearbox gave way, forcing car 12 into retirement by the fifth lap. It was indeed a crushing disappointment to a great start. That’s the reality of motor racing, though. You win some, you lose some. For the latter, it builds character. Just ask Lewis Hamilton on that…
Meanwhile, CY (piloting car no.100) gave everything he’s got but later rewarded with third place. Race 2 was yet again won by Mark Darwin.
On the other hand, it was basically a Honda affair in the TP category, where a field of Civics and Integras duked out for glory. Both races were won by
Team Tedco’s

Fitra Efi
 in a Honda Civic FD2R. In a nutshell, it was a weekend to remember for the dominating Team Tedco, who quickly positioned themselves as the team to beat.
CY Ong added, “Despite the setbacks, Geraldine has shown the right attitude. She’s a quick learner and has a strong fighting spirit. On race two, she displayed tremendous improvement on her lap times and gave a good fight to her nearest competitor.”
“We will need to help her to improve further on some of the fundamental skills (gear upshifting and downshifting, heel & toe), racing line, braking skill, feel the feedback from tyres and car balance. She’ll learn about mechanical knowledge about cars, tyre difference in terms of compound and branding.”
For sure, they’ll be back stronger later in round two in August. Regardless of the outcome, racers will always adhere to this adage “onwards and upwards”, and this applies to both Geraldine and the Dream Chaser team. Soichiro Honda’s dream for personal mobility didn’t just end with his first motorcycle; the D-Type (D stands for Dream) motorcycle then evolved to become the Cup. Needless to say, the rest is history.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo S90 T8 PHEV CKD open for booking, introductory price RM348,888

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has announced that the locally assembled S90 T8 plug-in hybrid is now open for booking, joining the fully imported
S90
 and
V90 T6 R-Design
 line up. Customers who place their orders now will enjoy a special introductory price of RM348,888, on-the-road without insurance, RM40k cheaper than the
entry level
 S90 T5.
Like the locally assembled
XC90 T8 PHEV
, the S90 T8 PHEV will be furnished in Inscription trim level, the highest and most luxurious trim available in the Volvo family. Complete specification of the vehicle will be released during the official launch however, the highly equipped XC90 T8 should give you an idea what the S90 T8 will feel like.

Motivation is courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an electric motor to push out a combined output of
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 of twisting force. Drive is channelled to all four-corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in
4.8 seconds
, 1.1 seconds quicker than the
S90 T6 R-Design
.
VCM has not confirmed a launch date for the S90 T8 Inscription but if you’re intrigued by a more powerful and luxurious Volvo S90 at under RM350k, better hurry on to your nearest Volvo showroom now.
IMAGE GALLERY


This”Icon03″ is a tribute to BMW M cars

British design firm Mulgari has revealed the Icon03, based on the
BMW M240i
, built with a focus on chassis and drivetrain enhancements along with weight-saving measures.
Various elements of the Icon03’s design were inspired by the iconic M cars of the past and present. The dimpled carbon roof takes after the E46 M3 CSL while the extended wings pay tribute to the E30 M3.
The B58 3.0-litre turbocharged engine in the Icon03 has been tweaked to make just under
500 hp
 with
 589 Nm
 but performance wasn’t the focus.
Believing that performance is nothing without sound, they’ve fitted in an Akrapovic exhaust system. With chassis and suspension being the main focus, they’ve been able to create a balanced car that’s both usable and engaging.
Inside, the Icon03 is fitted with Recaro seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon shift paddles and a series of gauges in the centre console.
Only
25 units
 of the Icon03 will be built with Mulgari expecting the car to be half a minute quicker than the
BMW M2
around the Nurburgring.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton X90 now open for bookings at 3S & 4S outlets only, specs revealed

Perhaps the most anticipated new car to launch in Malaysia this year would be the
Proton X90
. Those who have been eyeing the large SUV by
Proton
 can now make their bookings for the car, albeit at Proton 3S and 4S centres only.
According to an
Instagram post
 by protoncars, the official Instagram account for Proton, bookings forth Proton X90 were already opened during the recent weekend, more precisely on
April 8, 2023
. Not shown on Proton’s official website yet, the bookings can only be made at the brand’s 3S and 4S centres only.
Source:
protoncars
Before opening the bookings, Proton has already previewed the Proton X90 to the members of the media, and it is already known that the X90 will be available in four variants. All variants are powered by a mil-hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine (
190 hp
/
300 Nm
) and an electric drive system. All variants get a 7-seater configuration except for the Flagship which comes with a 6-seater configuration.
The four Proton X90 variants available for bookings are Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Over the recent weekend, specifications of the four variants of the X90 also surfaced on the internet. As standard, the X90 comes with full LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, a 12.3-inch head unit, and a reverse camera.
RELATED –
The 2023 Proton X90 debuts several ‘Proton-first’ features – What are they?
The Executive variant adds on a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a power tailgate, leatherette seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, and a 360° camera with 3D display.
Up a tier, the Premium variant adds on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), 19-inch wheels, nappa leather seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a wireless charger, and auto park assist. The Flagship variant adds a panoramic sunroof, a front passenger ‘boss’ switch, and second-row captain seats.
The Proton X90 is currently on a preview session across six cities in Malaysia. Although bookings for the Proton X90 have been opened, Proton has yet to announce the official launch date of the Proton X90.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X90 unveiled ahead of launch – 4 variants, hybrid powertrain only


The last of an era – Aston Martin Valour unveiled with V12 twin turbo, 6-speed manual

To celebrate its 110th anniversary this year, British carmaker
Aston Martin
 has unveiled the Aston Martin Valour – an ode to its tradition of superlative special edition front-engine sportscars. Referred to by the brand as “the last of an era”, the Aston Martin Valour is a twin-turbo V12 supercar with a 6-speed manual transmission – quite the car to delight the purists.
If you feel that it draws an uncanny resemblance to a muscle car, that is pretty much what is intended with the Aston Martin Valour. As Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton said, it is “inspired by the iconic, muscle cars from our [Aston Martin’s] past”. Recall the V8 Vantage from the 70s.
The Valour has a broad stance and a muscular physique and is built entirely out of carbon fibre. At the front end is a clamshell bonnet that features a large ‘horse shoe’ vent and twin NACA ducts to feed air into the V12 twin-turbocharged engine, which we shall address in just a bit.
Its low-sitting headlights are integrated into the grille which is adorned with aluminium strakes. The grille also houses large carbon fibre intakes on both sides that feed both the engine and the brakes. Aero bits include vortex-generating aero blades, an upswept Kamm tail, and a prominent diffuser to achieve aerodynamic balance.
RELATED:
Aston Martin is going electric – EV motors and batteries to be supplied by Lucid Motors
The wheels measure 21 inches in diameter and are lightweight forged alloy ‘Honeycomb’ wheels. Wrapping the wheels are a set of AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres – 275/35 R21 front tyres and 325/30 R21 on the rear.
At the back, the Valour is an ode to the
Valkyrie
 with its dramatic taillight graphic with clusters of LED light blades on each side. Completing the dramatic rear end is a triple tailpipe exhaust system which has been fabricated from lightweight stainless steel. The exhaust has a wall thickness of less than 1 mm.
RELATED:
2023 Aston Martin DBX707 review – physics-defying masterpiece
As mentioned earlier, the Aston Martin Valour is powered by a V12 twin-turbo engine. With a 5.2-litre capacity, the 12-banger churns out
715 hp
 (metric) and
753 Nm
. Most importantly, the engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox which should provide the claimed “visceral driving experience”. With such technical specifications, Aston Martin says that the Valour’s purist approach is unique in 2023 and that it is a “thrilling tribute to the golden era of driving”.
Inside, the Aston Martin Valour is a two-seater with “uncommon simplicity” and “seductive tactility”. With the manual shifter being the highlight, customers can opt for it to be machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, or walnut. The cabin is highly customizable and can even be specced with traditional woollen tweed inspired by the seat coverings of Aston Martin’s 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1.
RELATED:
The Aston Martin DB12 marks 110 years of the brand – 680hp, RWD, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs
Further personalisation comes in the form of a flexible method of livery customisation. Separating the Valour’s body into four areas – front, bonnet, sides and rear – clients may choose from an extensive array of hand-painted stripes and graphics designs, which can be applied in any one of 21 paint colours.
Should a customer wish to go beyond the standard palette of Valour options then they may engage the services of Q by Aston Martin to create a truly bespoke specification.
Production of the Aston Martin Valour is scheduled to begin in Q3 2023 at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2023. Only 110 units of the Aston Martin Valour will be made.
RELATED:
Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica
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Mazda CX-5 now on sale in UK, gets GVC & AEB as standard, from RM128k!

The
second-generation Mazda CX-5
 has officially gone on sale in the UK, and customers can choose between the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol or the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel with two states of tunes. Curiously, the 2.5-litre petrol mill is not offered.
With the all-new CX-5, Mazda has further heightened the
Jinba-Ittai
 philosophy to deliver greater driver engagement and comfort. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has greatly improved through use of additional sound deadening materials. The new model also boasts
15 percent stiffer torsional body rigidity
 compared to the
first-gen CX-5
.
First introduced in the
Mazda3 facelift
, Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) is now standard across the CX-5 range. Revisions have also been made to the steering, suspension and brakes, making the all-new SUV even more comfortable, refined and responsive than before.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine has been revised to deliver
163 hp
 (up 8 hp). This petrol mill is mated exclusively to a six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual transmission and can only be had in front wheel drive layout.
The 2.2-litre diesel on the other hand, belts either
148 hp
 or
173 hp
. The oil burners now feature
 Natural Sound Smoother
 technology that helps reduce start-up and idle vibration as well as
Transient Control
 that sharpens throttle response. Both diesel engines can be had with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The lesser version (148 hp) can be had in 2WD or 4WD, while the hotter one comes exclusively in AWD.
Mazda has taken an evolutionary step in design, incorporating design cues from the flagship
CX-9
. As standard, all variants of the CX-5 get full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, Adaptive Front Lighting System and auto power folding wing mirrors. Entry level variants ride on 17-inch alloys while higher trims ride on 19-inch alloys finished in Gunmetal.

Also making its debut are two new optional paint colours –
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
 and Machine Grey Metallic. Both colours use Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology (an advanced three-coat spraying technique that’s said to be as good as hand-painted finish). As compared to the Soul Red Metallic, the new Soul Red Crystal metallic has 20 percent greater saturation and 50 percent more depth.
As standard, the CX-5 comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, fabric upholstery, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 7-inch MZD connect infotainment system with navigation, electronic parking brake, rear air vents and cruise control. Higher trim levels add reverse camera, powered tailgate, powered sun roof, leather upholstery, powered front seats with memory function, smart keyless entry, full coloured Active Driving Display (HUD) and 10-speaker BOSE surround-sound system.

All variants get six airbags,
Advanced Smart City Brake Support
 (AEB), Hill-Hold Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX mounting points. For just
 £800 (RM4,300) extra
, UK customers can spec their CX-5 with the optional Safety Pack that adds the full suite of
 i-ActivSense safety technology
 including Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-keep Assist System and Rear Smart City Brake Support.
Prices for the second-generation Mazda CX-5 in the UK start from £23,695 (RM128k) to £26,695 (RM144k) for the petrol variants while the diesel variants range from £25,695 (RM138k) and £33,195 (RM179k).
Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed that our local market will be getting the all-new CX-5 in
Q4 of 2017 as a CKD model
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda CX-5 2.2L SkyActiv-D AWD

Mazda CX-5 2.0L SkyActiv-G 2WD


Inject a little Italian into your everyday life with these Toyota RAV4 and Prius bodykits

We don’t always get to buy the car of our dreams, be it due to financial reasons, or because your significant other was shouting at you to buy something practical and economic. Sometimes, you end up with a
Toyota Prius
 or a
RAV4
. They’re perfectly fine cars, and in the case of the RAV4, actually pretty good looking – though not exactly dream car levels.
It’s understandable if you’d want to add some spice to your everyday econo-box, I mean hey, we’ve got to live our dreams somehow, right? Fortunately, if your dreams are something a little Italian, this little Japanese outfit called Albermo might actually have something up your alley.
 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nvoaGg4Lr/
The RAV4 kit is called the XR51, and consists of a front bumper, rear “half-spoiler”, and a four-piece side skirts. The entire
Lamborghini Urus
 knock-off kit will set you back around JPY232,000 (RM9,375), but if you so wish to, you can purchase the parts individually too.
The front bumper actually looks quite convincing in its minute details, and it’s clear that Albermo has put in the effort to make it look as similar to the Italian super-SUV as possible. However, when fitted onto the RAV4, it somehow makes the
Japan Car of the Year
 look odd and disproportionate, with a droopy nose up front.
If you’re an owner of the latest Toyota Prius, you can also transform your fuel-efficient Japanese hybrid into something that sort of resembles the very Italian Ferrari FF for just JPY186,000 (RM7,518). And to be honest, we think it actually makes the Prius look a little better.
The kit, called SP42, consists of a new front bumper, as well as a rear half-spoiler. Just like the RAV4 kit, you can also order the parts individually, though be aware that paintwork is not included in the list price.
If our Google Translate is serving us right, it seems that the company will also be
selling the kit on complete cars
 that you can purchase in its entirety. For the complete Italian premium sportscar experience, you can even contact Albermo to build a new car entirely up to your specifications.
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Toyota RAV4 XR51
Toyota Prius SP42


2023 BMW 330Li M Sport launched in Malaysia from RM325,800 – RM20k price increase

Following the launch of the updated 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift line-up earlier this year, BMW Malaysia has now added the new 330Li M Sport into the local line-up, alongside the M340i xDrive – details for the latter can be found in a separate post
here
.
The new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport is priced at
RM325,800
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the extended five-year warranty and service package, representing a RM20,000 hike over the
 outgoing pre-facelift model
.
In terms of updates, changes on the new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport mirrors those on the other
3 Series
 variants, including a reworked front fascia characterised by the sleeker headlights design and wider lower air intakes on the bumpers. Dimensions are unchanged from before, where the long-wheelbase 330Li variant measures some 110 mm longer than the regular 3 Series.
Equipment wise, the BMW 330Li M Sport comes as standard with regular LED headlights up front with High-Beam Assistant, alongside 18-inch Style 848 M Bicolour alloy wheels, M aerodynamics Package, and the M High-Gloss Shadowline package that blacks out the window trims surrounding the glasshouse.
Interior photo from the
BMW 330e M Sport
Inside, the new 2023 BMW 330Li is also equipped with the new BMW Curved Display atop the dashboard, consisting of two 12.3-inch displays running the BMW Operating System 8 software with Connected Package Professional as standard. The package enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside a range of digital services such as Remote Services, as well as remote software update capability.
Other interior appointments include a head-up display for the driver, powered adjustments for the driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof, M leather steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, standard BMW HiFi sound system, and a black high-gloss and aluminium combination interior trim finishers.
READ MORE:
2023 BMW 320i, 330i, 330e facelift in Malaysia – What’s new on the facelift?
The new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport continues to be powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making
 258 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
6.2 seconds
, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h. The new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport also rides on the Comfort Suspension as before.
Safety kit is also unchanged for the 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport here in Malaysia, with features including lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warning and brake intervention, and the standard Parking Assistant package consisting of a reverse camera, active park distance control, and a Reversing Assistant feature.
With the addition of the BMW 330Li M Sport and the M340i xDrive, the 2023 3 Series facelift line-up in Malaysia is now complete, and is priced as follows (inclusive of the extended five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and service package):
BMW 320i M Sport (CKD)
 – RM283,800
BMW 330e M Sport (CKD)
 – RM298,800
BMW 330i M Sport (CKD)
 – RM317,800
BMW 330Li M Sport (CKD) – RM325,800
BMW M340i xDrive (CKD)
 – RM391,800
BMW M340 xDrive M Sport Pro (CKD) – RM386,800
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MINI just got even more chic with MINI Yours Customised bespoke programme

MINI, the British premium carmaker has just introduced its MINI Yours Customised personalization programme to allow customers to create bespoke personalised trims for their beloved MINI. Customisable items include side scuttles, interior trims, illuminated door sills and LED puddle lamps.
Through innovative use of 3D printing technology, customers have free reign over the font, colour, design layout and even surface finishes. The whole customisation process is done through the global online store and customers will be guided step by step through the process.

For the side scuttles, customers can build upon one of four basic design, select their desired colour, surface finish, text and pattern. You can even have different designs for the left and right scuttles and are interchangeable with a new pair of design in a few simple steps.
On the side, the illuminated door sills and LED puddle lamps can also be customised with bespoke writing and design. How cool is it to be greeted by your signature the moment you open door? The same configuration can be applied to the dashboard trim as well.
All MINI Yours Customised products will be produced at production facilities in Germany and will be available from 2018 onwards. The bespoke items can be applied to most MINI models.
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Nissan Teana discontinued, ETCM to focus on SUVs

At a question and answer session with the media at the facelifted Nissan X-Trail Media drive, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), Christopher Tan revealed that the
Nissan Teana
 has been officially discontinued in Japan and Malaysia.
Nissan is officially exiting the D-segment market and the brand will be focusing on SUVs instead. This global direction is also reflected in ETCMs product strategy where the
facelifted X-Trail
 is now positioned as the brand’s top model.
According to Tan, customers want a high riding vehicle in Malaysia for that extra sense of security when going through flash floods and poor road conditions. Besides that, global demand for sedans has been dropping steadily, in favour of SUVs.
 Currently, ETCM’s line up of models include
the Nissan X-Trail, Serena, Almera, Navara and Urvan.


This is the craziest (and quietest) Porsche “911” ever!

In case you’ve not heard or come to know this name,
Bisimoto Engineering
 is synonymous with bizarre and madness. In fact the company founded by
Bisi Ezerioha
, was built on unusual, bizarre projects that rewrites the rule book.
The company rose to prominence and fame with a few notoriously powerful projects in the past – a
1,000 Honda Odyssey
, an
850 hp Porsche 911 Turbo
 and now their latest projects, according to Bisi, is the middle ground between the old and new world.
It’s called the Porsche 935 K3V – in essence a standard 1984 Porsche 911 SC that’s been unconventionally modified both aesthetically and mechanically.
On the outside, it has received a complete makeover with a fibre glass body kit and extensions inspired by
the Porsche 935
 and has been (literally) amped-up with Tesla’s electric motors. Without an internal combustion engine, the massive air ducts at the rear fenders are used to cool the batteries instead.
It makes
636 hp
 and upwards of
800 Nm
 and get this, it only weighs 1,216 kg as a result of its stripped out interior. Redline is at 18,000 rpm and top speed is well in excess of 260 km/h. On a full charge, the rear-wheel driven 935 K3V is said to be able to achieve
290 km of electric driving range
.
There are only two running gears in the 935 K3V – one to move forward and the other to reverse. Unlike most electric cars, the original gear lever was retained for this operation.
The 17-inch front/19-inch rear wheels are a tribute to the Porsche 935/78 Le Mans race car from the 1970s while the 3D-printed wheel caps are a nod to the Formula race cars from Formula E. These decadent items are wrapped in
Toyo Proxes RR competition tyres
. Behind them are Stoptech brakes with what seems like a 6-pot pair in the front.
According to Bisi, there’s hardly any opportunities to use the brakes when travelling at low speeds as the regenerative braking system is capable of slowing the car down significantly, much like the system in the new Nissan Leaf available in Malaysia.
With the spike in interest from the younger generation on vintage cars, if this is the way forward. There’s no doubt most would be inclined to jump on the electric bandwagon. Heck, it might even persuade the old thick skulls to make this transition.
With that level of performance and efficiency, would the lack of noise and drama still deter you from electric cars? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

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Aston Martin Project 003, hybrid powered hypercar confirmed

Aston Martin has just confirmed their next project that will join the
Aston Martin Valkyrie
 and
Valkyrie AMR Pro
 in the brand’s cutting-edge hypercar line up. Befittingly its bears the internal codename Project “003”.
Gaydon’s third hypercar will feature a mid-engine configuration as well as a turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain, taking the fight to the likes of the
McLaren P1
,
Ferrari LaFerrari
 and
Porsche 918 Spyder
. No output figures were quoted in the release, but Project 003 would have to hover around the sub
 1,000 hp
 figures if it wants to compete against the Holy Trinity of hybrid hypercars.

The car will also feature innovations from the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro in the form of active aerodynamics, downforce and active suspension systems to give it class-leading dynamics both on the road and track. Aston Martin also promises next-level precision, control and driver connection in the Project 003.
Only 500 coupe examples will be made, and deliveries are expected to commence in late 2021. Despite its exclusivity and exceptional performance, Aston Martin claims that the Project 003 is being designed and engineered to be used comfortably on the road with practical concessions and space for luggage.


The Touareg R is Volkswagen’s first R model with a PHEV powertrain

It’s no secret that Volkswagen is going all-in on electrification – just look at the
ID.R
. But we’re pretty sure no one was expecting this (at least not right now) – a top-of-the-line performance SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Introducing the
Volkswagen Touareg
 R.
Volkswagen says that the Touareg R represents a “paradigm shift” for the brand, and we think it’s pretty self explanatory. Not only is it the first R model to feature a hybrid drive, but it is also the first time the most powerful vehicle in the entire Volkswagen line-up is powered by an electrified powertrain.
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine, paired to an electric drive motor for a combined output of
476 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent through an
eight-speed automatic gearbox
 and a transfer box to drive
all four wheels
.
The hybrid powertrain is not just about performance here. Volkswagen says that the the Touareg R can cover most commuter distances in pure electric power,
up to a top speed of 140 km/h
.
The high torque output also means that the Touareg R can haul some pretty serious load. According to Volkswagen,
3.5 tonnes
 is the official maximum trailer weight. And yes, you can do it with pure electric power, too.
Styling wise, the Touareg R does not shy from showing its performance nature. On the outside, the large SUV gets a Black Style design package, which includes a reworked bumper design, blacked-out chrome trims, as well as 20-inch Braga alloy wheels.
Moving inside, the large performance SUV gets an R-Line interior trim, which includes Vienna leather upholstery with Crsytal Grey stitching, along with with specific Hybrid menu in the infotainment system.
Volkswagen says that the battery manager in the Touareg R also utilises the navigation system in the car, predictively taking into account the route and topography data to better adapt battery usage, and thus optimise the electric range.
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Alcohol-based disinfectants might be bad for your car’s interior. Here’s what to use instead

We should now all be familiar with the whole wash, dry, and sanitise routine that has been hammered into our heads ever since the
COVID-19 pandemic
 broke out. But aside from our personal hygiene, we are also advised to sanitise our surrounding areas such as the working table and our cars as much as we can, and that’s for good reason.
Recent studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can persist on glass, metal, and plastic surfaces for up to nine days, all of which make up a majority of the cabin in most cars. With our cars being the first contact point from the “outside world”, they can become a virus hotbed if not cleaned and disinfected regularly.
So should we all be rushing out to buy those popular alcohol-based disinfectant sprays that are making rounds on the internet? Not quite yet.
Leather upholstery, such as these in the
BMW 330i M Sport
, is especially prone to damage when exposed to alcohol.
While alcohol is an effective disinfectant against coronavirus and can work wonders on our hands, alcohol-based products such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) might not be the best solution for our cars – especially if it’s upholstered with leather, as it can easily dry out the leather, causing it to crack prematurely.
On plastic surfaces, high concentrations of alcohol can cause what is known as “chemical etching”, essentially melting the plastic surfaces, turning it opaque and creating a hazy effect. Additionally, alcohol-based disinfectants can also sometimes cause discolouration on certain materials in our cars.
So what should we use to remove potential virus particles from our cars then? According to Katzkin Automotive Leather senior marketing director Dara Ward, nothing beats good ol’
soap and water
. The advice is also echoed by Larry Kosilla, founder of Ammo NYC vehicle detailing products and host of popular
YouTube channel
 of the same name.
Soap works effectively against viruses because of its fatty-like substances called amphiphiles, which can essentially destroy the lipid layer that encloses the virus particles. Even if the virus is not “killed”, scrubbing a surface with soap and then wiping it off can also physically remove the virus from the surface itself.
It is important to
agitate the soap
 on the surface, either by using a microfibre cloth or a small brush in hard to reach areas. Once a lather is formed, immediately wipe up the soapy liquid with a clean and dry microfibre cloth. The small hook-like fibre strands in a microfibre cloth is great at scooping up loose dirt, bacteria, and virus particles.
Make sure to cover all high-contact areas such as the steering wheel, door handles, gear knob, indicator stalks, seat belts, air conditioning controls, air vents, infotainment display and buttons, and the often-forgotten car keys. Be wary not to spray soapy liquid directly onto electrical parts – always use a microfibre cloth.
Test the product at an out-of-sight area of the same material to ensure that no discolouration occurs, before using it on the main bulk of the surface.
To be clear, using disinfectant wipes in our cars – alcohol-based or not – should still be fine if only used once in a while. Ensure that you follow the instructions for the “
wet contact time
” written on the packaging to properly sanitise or disinfect the surface – different types of product will require a different contact time to effectively remove or destroy the virus particles.
Additionally, when using a new product,
test it on a non-visible area
 first – such as the back of the steering wheel, or lower parts of the seat – to ensure no discolouration occurs. If you are using an alcohol-based disinfectant on a leather surface, be sure to treat it with a car leather conditioner afterwards as soon as possible, ensuring that the moisture content in leather is sufficiently replenished.
As most of our car interior surfaces are either dyed or painted, using bleach-based products can cause irreversible damage!
However, it is important to
stay clear of any products containing bleach
. While it is an effective disinfectant, bleach can cause severe irreversible discolouration on most materials! Save the bleach for your toilet floors.
Lastly,
open the windows
 when possible to air the cabin, and as always, wash your hands whenever possible. No matter how much we clean our cars, we’ll still be bringing in dirt, germs, and viruses if our hands are dirty. Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser with you at all-times in case you can’t wash your hands.


Khan Design’s bespoke “Flying Huntsman 6×6” Land Rover Defender on sale for RM1.25 million

In early 2013 Mercedes-Benz stunned the world when it showcased the G63 AMG 6×6 behemoth of a truck. People gasped at the thought of a six-wheeled 540hp G-wagon running around and crushing cars. But therein lies also the factor of rarity, for which only a handful of the bespoke wagon will be built.
Having said that, there is a firm that goes by the name of
Khan Design
 and is notable for customising and selling anything from a million Pound
Bugatti Veyron
 to a tricked out
Jeep Wrangler Sahara
. In keeping with the times, their latest creation is based on rather a humble
Land Rover Defender
. The end result is the
Flying Huntsman 6×6
, dubbed “Prototype Mission I”.

What Khan has done is strip and gut the aforementioned Defender and elongated the chassis by
400mm
 to support the additional
axle
. A bespoke built rear cab is then bolted in place. In place of what used to be an oil-burning lump is hence replaced with GM-sourced
 LS3, 6.2-litre V8
 engine from a Chevrolet
Corvette
 that kicks out the better part of
500
 stallions,

but there was no mention of its transmission.
Khan has indicated that the Flying Huntsman will be
“all-wheel-drive”
, making this a
true 6×6
 brute. Just as you would expect from its
deutch
 competitor, the Flying Huntsman has a custom built interior that would make any Italian seamstress hot under the collar.

The front seats are a pair of
sports GTB seats
 that are upholstered in quilted and perforated leather finished in a hue termed as
Volcanic Rock Satin
 – not forgetting also the tweed fabric inserts. Further back, the passenger
seats
,
dashboard top
,
grab handles
, door card inserts, trimings, glovebox and even the headlining is wrapped in the same fashion as those GTB sports seats upfront.
The attention to detail is uncanny no doubt, however there are a couple of problems.
Firstly
, The Flying Huntsman is strictly
 made to order
 and the example we see here already put on sale. Which leads us onto the
second
 hitch. It costs
 £200,000
 (or RM 1,255,736). But if you’re Dan Bilzerian and already purchased a
£370,000
 (RM 2,323,111) G63 AMG 6×6 while wanting something smaller that’s also a 6×6 runabout option, then this car is just for you.
Pic credits thanks to
khandesign.com
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If you are looking for a Subaru Forester, now is the best time!

TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, is offering an incredible promotion on the fully-imported Subaru Forester line-up. Customers who purchase a new Subaru Forester will receive rebates worth up to
RM30,000
.

Watch our review of the Subaru Forester
here
With six variants of the Subaru Forester that is priced from
RM159,788
 at the retail level, the promotion is only available for selected model year (2019 and 2020) units with a limited selection of colours. Every new Forester sold is entitled to a five-year comprehensive warranty.
Powering the range of the Subaru Forester in Malayisa is the 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
.

Here are the
five things
 about the
Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition
TC Subaru will also continue the
‘Test drive at home’
 initiative for customers who do not wish to travel to the showrooms. Customers can contact their nearest Subaru showroom and
schedule an appointment
 for a sales consultant to drive their Subaru of choice to their residences, or preferred locations for a test drive.
All Subaru test drive vehicles are thoroughly sanitised before and after, including all touchpoints, including centre armrests, door handles and gear knob.


INFINITI will soon reveal a ferocious beast called the Project Black S

In line with their electrification plans from 2021 onwards, INFINITI will be showcasing how the world’s first dual-hybrid electric powertrain from Formula 1 can be applied on a road car with the Project Black S prototype due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next week.
With a VR30 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 as the beating heart, supplemented by an Energy Recovery System (ERS), the Project Black S is expected to make
 571 hp
, achieving a 0 to 100 km/h time in under four seconds. The standard VR30 engine only makes around
405 hp
.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoJ64uuARnN/?taken-by=infiniti
The prototype’s unique powertrain employs three motor generator units (MGU). A single MGU-K (‘K’ stands for ‘kinetic’) unit harvests kinetic energy from braking.
Uniquely, the engine’s twin electric turbochargers are fitted with two MGU-H (‘H’ for ‘heat’) units, to harvest heat energy from exhaust gases. This enables the powertrain to generate electrical power under both braking and acceleration.
Based on the Q60 Red Sports coupe, the Black S is built in partnership with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team will represent the highest level of performance, dynamic capability, effective aerodynamics and intelligent energy management of the INFINITI brand.
The partnership will give INFINITI the access to more specialist development technologies, including advanced digital validation tools for optimising the car’s aerodynamics.
The latter is evident in the high-tech design of the rear wing finished in carbon fibre, validated by Renault Sport Formula 1 Team’s aerodynamic experts.
The wing has similar aerodynamic characteristics to the Renault Sport Formula 1 team’s ‘Monza’ wing, which provides maximum straight-line stability and high-traction under cornering.
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Facts & Figures: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric launched in Malaysia – full EV from RM150k!

Remember the unicorn Hyundai Kona Electric that was shown off during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show? That car was never available here in Malaysia, but there’s good news for EV enthusiasts – Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has just officially launched the new facelifted Kona Electric here on our shores.

The new Hyundai Kona Electric will be offered in three variants (e-Lite, e-Plus, and e-Max) with prices starting from
RM149,888
 – for a fully electric vehicle with up to 305 km driving range!
EXTERIOR
The new Hyundai Kona Electric is based on the
Kona facelift
 that was unveiled in Malaysia just earlier this year, which means it gets all of the latest design touches, including new bumpers and lighting fixtures.
In terms of exterior equipment, the new Kona Electric comes as standard with the following items for all three variants:
LED headlights, daytime-runing lights
LED tail lights cluster
Body-coloured wheel arch claddings
Blacked-out roof with roof rails
17-inch alloy wheels
Exterior colour options: Ignite Red, Dark Knight, Atlas White, Dive in Jeju, Cyber Gray Metallic, Pulse Red Pearl, Galastic Gray, Surfy Blue Metallic, Jungle Green
PERFORMANCE
The new 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will be offered in three variants here in Malaysia, segregated by their battery size, charging speed, and performance.
Hyundai Kona Electric e-Lite
Battery pack: 39.2 kWh
On-board charger: 7.2 kW (6.5 hours charging time)
Max output: 100 kW (136 hp)
Max torque: 395 Nm
0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 155 km/h
Driving range: 305 km (WLTP)
Hyundai Kona Electric e-Plus
Battery pack: 39.2 kWh
On-board charger: 11 kW (4.5 hours charging time)
Max output: 100 kW (136 hp)
Max torque: 395 Nm
0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 155 km/h
Driving range: 305 km (WLTP)
Hyundai Kona Electric e-Max
Battery pack: 64 kWh
On-board charger: 11 kW (7.5 hours charging time)
Max output: 150 kW (204 hp)
Max torque: 395 Nm
0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 167 km/h
Driving range: 484 km (WLTP)
All three variants support DC fast charging of up to 100 kW. Based on a benchmark of 50 kW DC fast charging, the Lite and Plus variants take approximately 60 minutes to charge up to 80%, while the Max takes 90 minutes to reach the same charge level.
The fully-electric Hyundai Kona also comes with a multi-link rear suspension set-up, instead of the torsion beam suspension on the regular ICE Kona here in Malaysia.
INTERIOR
Just like the exterior, most of the cabin equipment appointments on the new Hyundai Kona Electric here in Malaysia is also largely shared across all three variants. These include:
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Six speakers
Single zone automatic climate control
Shift-by-wire button-styled gear selectors
leather upholstery (white or grey)
60:40 split folding rear seats
Smart key fob with remote start
Shift paddles on steering wheel to adjust regenerative braking levels
The two higher end variants step it up one step further with the addition of powered front seats (10-way for Driver, eight-way for passenger, heating and ventilation on the Max), head-up display, and a wireless qi charging pad.
SAFETY
As standard, all variants of the new Hyundai Kona Electric is equipped with the following advanced driver assistance features:
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
High Beam Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Rear Occupant Alert
The two higher-end variants meanwhile adds Smart Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear-cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Alert.
PRICING
The pricing for the new Hyundai Kona Electric is as follows, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of tax exemptions:
Kona Electric Lite – RM149,888
Kona Electric Plus – RM169,888
Kona Electric Max – RM199,888
All prices also come with a two-year/50,000 km standard warranty, plus an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty. A Hyundai spokesperson told
AutoBuzz.my
 that an extended warranty programme will also be offered, however details for that will only come at a later date, closer to the delivery dates of the new Hyundai Kona Electric next year.
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Gallery: Mazda MX-30 High, RM199k Japanese EV with freestyle doors

Launched back in
June 2022
, the
Mazda MX-30
 is now available in Malaysia. Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the fully-electric Mazda MX-30 crossover was introduced in two variants in Malaysia – Mid and High, although prices for the Mid variant have not been confirmed, the High variant of the Mazda MX-30 is priced at
RM198,780
.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your car 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
.
From the outside, the Mazda MX-30 comes standard with equipment such as LED headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors, along with 10 parking sensors – four in front and six at the rear. The High variant we have here is also packed with a powered sunroof and LED Signature headlights.
Built on the same platform as its sibling, the CX-30, the fully electric Mazda MX-30 packs a
35.5 kWh
 battery. This battery helps power an electric motor which drives the front wheels, resulting in a total of
143 hp
 and
271 Nm
. Range-wise, the MX-30 is able to carry you as far as
199 km
 (WLTP).
RELATED:
Mazda MX-30 R-EV: The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it
Charging up the Mazda MX-30 takes around
5 hours
 using a
6.6 kW
 Type 2 AC charger. The
40 kW
 DC charger can help charge faster, taking
36 minutes
 to juice up the MX-30 to 80%.
Inside, equipment that is fitted to the Malaysian-spec Mazda MX-30 High as standard include a 7-inch LCD multi-info display, an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a head-up display, dual-zone airconditioning, an electronic parking brake, gear shift paddles, two USB ports, and a reverse camera display. In addition, a Bose sound system with 12 speakers, a frameless rear-view mirror, 360-degree view display, seats wrapped with a mix of leatherette and fabric material, as well as 8-way powered seats with memory, lumbar, and heated function are also available with the MX-30 High.
In the safety department, Mazda has equipped the MX-30 with seven airbags, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop-Go function, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for both front and rear, lane keep assist (LKA) and lane departure warning (LDW). Front cross-traffic alert (FCTA), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and blindspot monitor (BSM) are also available.
The Mazda MX-30 in Malaysia comes with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first. An 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty is also provided, whichever comes first.
RELATED:
Next-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 – Possible hybrid variant
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Volkswagen Malaysia kicks off ‘We Drive Football’ promo – up to 20% off on wear-and-tear parts

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
 has announced the launch of its We Drive Football campaign, which the company says is “in line with the brand’s commitment to embrace the passion, unity, and diversity that comes with the footballing way of life”.
Running throughout the final quarter of 2022 in conjunction with the upcoming World Cup, the campaign offers several aftersales deals that promise savings on elected wear and tear parts for their vehicles, including a 10% discount when replacing windscreen cleaners, wiper blades, as well as brake discs and pads.
Additionally, battery and tyres replacement at authorised Volkswagen service centres nationwide will also be offered with a 20% discount. The promotion will be open to all Volkswagen owners.
Owners who take advantage of the deals through the
Volkswagen Cares mobile app
 will also stand a chance to win exclusive Volkswagen football merchandise.
Aside from the aftersales promotion, VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter added that there is “a lot more in store” as part of the campaign, which will come at a later date.
ALSO READ:
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace adds new entry-level ‘Life’ variant in Malaysia, from RM173k
“The Volkswagen brand has been supporting the sport all over the world under its #WeDriveFootball tag line, and we are delighted to be able to join in the celebration that follows football everywhere it goes.
“This aftersales initiative is only the beginning of our We Drive Football campaign on a brand level, and in the next few weeks, we also will be launching other initiatives on social media, at our on-ground events, and announcing a partnership that would greatly support Malaysia’s budding grassroot football scene,” he said.


Global car sales expected to drop this year – the biggest since 2008

According to Fitch Rating, car sales around the world are expected to see the steepest drop year-over-year in 2019, the biggest decline since the Great Recession of 2008, as consumer demand from the USA to China weakens.
Passenger car sales fell from 81 million new cars sold in 2017 to 80 million in 2018 – the first annual drop since 2009 – and this year, it’s expected to fall by about 3.1 million.
With changes in the way we see cars, this is
Toyota’s vision of future mobility
.
Falling demand in China, the world’s largest auto market is a major factor in this worldwide decline with a rise in used car sales and new emission standards as the driving factor.
The increasing number of ride-hailing and car-sharing services are also contributing to this. Other countries experiencing a slump in vehicle sales include Russia, India and Brazil.
In Malaysia, 2018 actually saw a jump in car sales from 2017 which in part was due to the “tax holiday” by the government. More than 50% of the automotive brands in Malaysia reported an increase in sales.


The fully-electric Volvo EX90 flagship SUV is a “computer on wheels”

Volvo aims to become a fully-electric carmaker by 2030, and today, the Swedish carmaker unveiled its next big step in making its ambition come true. This is the
Volvo EX90
, the fully-electric counterpart to the massively-successful
XC90 flagship SUV
, and it’s got big shoes to fill.
And it’s doing so with a very familiar look, with a design that can be described as more of an evolution than a revolution. It still largely retains the same proportions that emanates presence on the road, as well as the same Volvo design elements, including the lighting signatures both front and rear.
With that being said, they’ve all been reworked with a futuristic touch that looks right at home in a modern, fully-electric SUV. The Thor’s Hammer daytime-running light signature physically opens up to reveal the “1.3 megapixel” headlights behind it, while the vertical tail lights have now been broken up to include the separate lighting elements into the rear windscreen itself.
The front fascia also gets a new unique appearance without an upper grille, but most importantly, the Volvo EX90’s silhouette is also a lot more rounded around the edges, to help bring the drag coefficient down to just 0.29 Cd – pretty impressive for a large seven-seater SUV.
Hiding under the familiar appearance, however, is a brand-new architecture that allowed Volvo to stuff
111 kWh
 of batteries underneath the floor. The electrons drive – at least at launch – a duo of electric motors, delivering
380 kW (517 hp)
 and
910 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels.
Volvo says the batteries in the EX90 also offers up to
600 km of range
 on a single charge, and can be refilled with DC power at up to 250 kWh, giving you 180 km of range in 10 minutes, or charging from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes. The batteries can also be used for “bi-directional charging”, or in simpler terms, a powerbank for your other electric devices, your home, and even another electric Volvo car.
ALSO READ:
Volvo aims to become an all-electric carmaker within 20 years
It’s also a similar story on the inside, where the design is still unmistakeably Scandinavian, just with a much more modern twist to it. The dashboard, which was
already unveiled earlier
, is mostly distilled into two screens, measuring 14.5-inch on the central vertically-oriented display, and a slim horizontal bar for the instrument cluster.
Aside from the screens, Volvo also highlighted the new illuminated wooden veneer on the dashboard, which acts as ambient lighting at night for a sci-fi-esque look, alongside the glass-topped volume knob, and a “reference-quality” Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos sound system that even includes additional tweeters in the front seats’ headrests.
Volvo says the EX90 is its most technologically-advanced vehicle ever made, with a digital platform that “grows” with the user. The screens inside runs on Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms using Unreal Engine’s 3D tech for graphics, with Google apps and services built-in as before.
But more importantly, the entire car is powered by a pair of Nvidia Drive AI platforms and a Snapdragon 8155 processor, which ensures the car has “exactly the amount of computing power [it] needs for the future”, allowing the EX90 to get better over time via regular over-the-air software updates, not just in terms of software features, but also in its safety capabilities too.
RELATED:
Next-gen Volvo digital interiors to be powered by Snapdragon
That’s because the digital stack also powers the Volvo EX90’s safety sensing technologies, including a myriad of exterior sensors and radars, cameras, a
new lidar sensor
 on the roof, and even new interior sensors, looking directly at the drivers.
Volvo says the system will get smarter and safer over time as the AI learns from new data gathered from the aforementioned sensors, and will respond to small objects “hundreds of metres ahead”, or when it detects that the driver has become inattentive, taking necessary actions be it during active or autonomous driving.
All in all, Volvo says the new safety systems on the EX90 can reduce serious accidents by up to 20%. Meanwhile, the lidar sensor is also “hardware-ready” for unsupervised driving in the future, which will be enabled via software updates when the software and legislations catch up.
Although the Volvo EX90 follows in the footsteps of the
 XC40 Recharge
and
 C40
, it truly feels like a brand-new start for the Swedish carmaker in its pursuit to becoming fully climate-neutral by 2040. Expect to see many – or most – of these new features and car-making ethos being passed down onto future models, which they’ll be unveiling one new electric model per year. Sit tight – it’s going to be a wild ride.
GALLERY


LEGO celebrates another motoring icon with the introduction of the Ford Mustang

LEGO Creator is back at it again; in collaboration with the Ford, they’ve introduced the Ford Mustang based on the 1967 Fastback.
Consisting of 1,470 pieces, the American icon comes with a working steering, bonnet scoop, GT emblems and five-spoke wheels.
Measuring over 10 cm, over 34 cm long and 14 cm wide, the new addition to the LEGO Creator line-up also comes with customisation options to include a supercharger, rear duck tail spoiler, beefy exhaust pipes, front chin spoiler and a nitrous oxide tank.
The replica model also allows owners to store items in the trunk and access the 6.4-litre “big block” V8 engine, complete with battery, hoses and air filter details.
Removing the roof panel opens up to a more detailed look of the interior with retro seats, radio, working steering and a mid-console gearshift.
“There are few cars on the road that are as instantly recognisable as the Ford Mustang, and it’s exciting to see the iconic car’s combination of design and heritage come through in this LEGO set,” said Ford Europe, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service, Roelant de Waard.
When LEGO did the unthinkable.
In the past, LEGO had presented a
life-sized Bugatti Chiron that you can actually drive
, a
life-sized Porsche 911
 and
Toyota Camry
.