Review: Mazda2 1.5L SkyActiv, the effervescent Japanese marvel [+Video]

Seven delicate years have passed since the third generation
Mazda2
 was first brought to our shores. Since then, the Malaysian
B-segment
 playing field has seen a significant growth both in terms of competition and standards.
Compact cars of late have evolved from the safe idea of prioritising affordability, reliability and ease of maintenance to offering cars that look as good as it is purposeful, value for money and laden with various in and out of car technology.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-G Hatchback / Sedan
Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1,496cc; inline-4 cyl SkyActiv-G, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic
Max Power
114 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR
with
insurance)
RM87,956.00
Carmakers who were once dominant have had their complacency challenged with such great intensity that they are forced to comply with the rising demands from their customers. Be that as it may, the competition turned out healthy and we, the people, get to reap the benefits. Despite the list of tech and toys we get with our cars, there’s just some things we find off putting, things that you could do without but just happen to want.
The Mazda2 was one promising car, the car many revered for its exceptional value for money, more so with the brand’s full suite of
SkyActiv technology
. We’ve sampled the car and made a video out of it to find out if it will live up to the average Malaysian’s expectations. So let’s get on with it, shall we?
EXTERIOR
Little can go wrong with the looks of this Mazda2. Being the fourth model to feature the brand’s
KODO Soul of Motion
 design language, the 2 is a pretty handsome car that comes in two body types – hatchback and sedan. Our test unit was the former, but I personally gravitate towards the latter because of its similarity to the
Mazda3
. According to our friends at Mazda, the sedan is also the more popular variant, and the waiting list is weeks, if not a month longer than the hatch’s.

The Mazda2 adorns subtle curves around the body, giving it a sleek appeal from just about any angles you can find. At the front, the 2 is instantly recognisable as a Mazda, and the same can be said when seen from the back. Many find the omission of the LED daytime running lights and projector headlights to be the deal breaker, but jumping the gun in that demeanor means losing out on what is essentially the best car money can buy.
During the launch, there were several Mazda2s dressed up in
 full bodykit
 with its rims, roof and side mirrors blackened. It also had a black rear spoiler, so if Mazda ever decides to introduce that as an option in the future, take it. We insist.
The dressed up Mazda2 displayed during the
launch
Offered as standard on the outside are
keyless entry
,
rear view camera
, electronically foldable side mirrors with integrated signal indicators as well as
halogen daytime running lights.
 On the sedan you lose the single rear wiper found on the hatchback, but that’s just standard omission.
INTERIOR
I’ve
said it once
, but I’ll say it again. The interior of this car is simply a cut above the rest, because upon entry you will be greeted with an air of luxury so immersive, it’s impressive. The last time I was reminded of such exemplary cabin build quality (for the price) was of the
Volkswagen Polo CKD’s
, but even on that scale the Mazda2 deservingly holds the upper hand.

The textured plastics used here are hard to the touch, but knock it a few times and you’ll find that they are made of good quality composites. One thing that needs pointing out is the unusually large diameter of the steering wheel. It even comes with fake carbon fibre printing and the multi-function switches are positioned a tad too far for convenient thumb operation.
Dashboard layout is clean with lines that blend well into the doors, while the
7-inch LCD
 head unit, Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display,
HUD
) and tweeters are neatly positioned atop the dashboard. The instrument meters are pretty fancy too, but the
Honda City’s
 meter cluster takes the cake in terms of design.
Down the centre you’ll find Mazda’s rotary knob, which helps you navigate the standard
MZD Connect
 system. The LCD screen is touch sensitive, but is disabled when the car isn’t stationary.
GPS
 navigation system is an additional RM1,200 and it comes preloaded in the form of an SD card. Getting that would give you navigational arrows shot onto the HUD, but our test unit did not come with that option. We’ll stick to
Waze
 for the time being.

The feel good factor doesn’t just cater to what you see and touch in the Mazda2. This extends to the seats which are wrapped in a mixture of
leather and fabric
, and you also get red stitching complemented by a singular red strip running across the middle. The front seats are comfortable by any standards and provide adequate lumbar support for all your long distance driving needs. At the back however, I found the seats a touch too upright, so it may not be the ideal place to be in for long.
Rear legroom space doesn’t score high here, not least when you compare it to the
Almera
,
City
/
Jazz
 and
Vios
. The same can be said for the sedan variant because their measurements are exactly the same, although it does fare better than our
dethroned segment leader
 Ford Fiesta. Yes, dethroned, because the Mazda2 is our new favourite by far and large.

That said, the rear seats will still accommodate three average sized adults, but like what Jenn has said in the video, you may feel crammed, but the roomy head and shoulder space make up for what it lacks. It’s a B-segment daily driver after all, and in that respect it ticks every box of what is expected from a car its class.
If
boot space
 is something your nitpicking self will have issues dealing with, then I’ll have you know that the hatchback’s measure at
220 litres
, the smallest in its class. The more sensible buy of the lot would be the sedan variant with
410 litres of boot space
, with that you also get the added bonus of it looking like a shrunken
Mazda3
.
PERFORMANCE
Okay, let’s get straight to the point here. The petrol engine nestling under this bonnet is the starlet of the show, one that performs beyond any initial expectations the crew at
Autobuzz.my
 had. This
SkyActiv-G
 (G for gasoline) four cylinder direct injected engine displaces
1,496cc
 and makes a rather conservative
114 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
148 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm.
What makes the powertrain all the more remarkable is the drivetrain – Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive,
six-speed automatic transmission
. There’s just something about in-house developed engines and transmissions. They complement each other so well, much like your proverbial case of
match made in heaven
.
Trust us, because we remember
driving the Polo CKD
, one that had a bigger 1.6-litre multi-port injected engine also paired to a six-speeder ‘box, a combo that led to Volkswagen’s claim of “best in class torque delivery”. They were right, for a good while, then came the Mazda2 SkyActiv. Enough said.
THE DRIVE
Mazda built the 2 with the objective of shattering all conventional notions of a small, city car. That goal drove them to produce what’s evidently a fun to drive daily runabout vehicle, and it’s not just another run off the mill, point A to B purpose driven car.
The perfect couple that is the engine and the transmission delivers ample low end torque, and provides sufficient pull even while ascending steep slopes. Getting the car up to highway cruising speeds proves to be an effortless task, and a fun one at that too. There’s one drawback though, the SkyActiv engine tends to be coarse and noisy upon ignition, and this noise can also be heard when the tacho needle climbs upwards of 4,500 revolutions.
The
i-Stop function
 does kick in when extra brake force is applied at idle or when shifted into neutral, but it could use some refining to make the re-ignition more seamless. But as far as its technology is concerned, it does help conserve a bit more fuel when your happy foot isn’t so busy chasing the 10-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint. Just as a quick comparo, the Polo 1.6 sprints to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds.
Handling wise, as we’ve enjoyed in our
brief stint with the Mazda3 SkyActiv-G sedan
, is unsurprisingly agile and the wheels quickly respond to your steering input. Its SkyActiv chassis and suspension excel at resisting body rolls, making high speed turns and quick cornering a safe undertaking. When you have a car this fun, try flicking the
Sport Mode
 switch. It’s built into the shifter gate, and upon activation will automatically alter transmission behaviour, giving you the freedom that comes with the
paddle shifters
.
Where the Mazda2 lacks in the driving department is its
poor road insulation
, a shortcoming shared between many of their models for the past few years. Despite sitting on
16-inch wheels
 shod with
185/60
 series high profile tyres, road noise seeps into the cabin at 80 km/h and becomes increasingly unpleasant as you cruise over the three-figure mark. This could be the
Dunlop Enasave EC300 tyres
 at play, though it wouldn’t surprise us if the wheel wells aren’t given enough insulation to negate Malaysian roads.
Another positive upshot of the 2’s SkyActiv chassis is how spongy it becomes when driving over poorly maintained roads. This writer was thoroughly impressed with the car’s confidence in soaking up road undulations, effectively subduing the nightmarish reality of driving in and around Port Klang, a place I very closely associate myself to being at home. What better way to put the SkyActiv’s claim to the test, right?
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
There’s plenty of reasons for us to convince you that this is
the
 B-segment car you’ve been waiting for, but it’s easier said than done because there’s just so many cars out there to choose from. But if we boil things down to just the popular few, you would be looking at the
City
,
Jazz
,
Polo CKD
, Fiesta EcoBoost,
Vios
 and the ageing
Peugeot 208 VTi
. Then there’s of course the handsome Kia Rio,
Nissan Almera facelift
, Suzuki Swift,
Mitsubishi Attrage
; you get the head scratching point. There’s no few when it’s this competitive.
It’s undoubtedly a heavily competed segment, and the Mazda2 is edged by the segment leading City and Jazz in terms of its warranty programmes by a good two years. Having said that, the Mazda2 is a package many will find irresistible, and this is greatly attributed to the outstanding build quality inside and out.
For just a tinge
below RM88,000
 with insurance, you’re looking at an absolute bargain for all that it’s worth. If the hatchback is too impractical for your wandering needs, the sedan can be yours for exactly the same price, right down to the cent. Like I said earlier, Mazda has gotten many things right with the car, and its attractive price tag just does it for me.
COMPARISONS
At this level of ballgame, we put the Mazda2 head to head against some of the crowd favourite.
Mazda2 1.5L SkyActiv
Honda Jazz 1.5L Grade V
Volkswagen Polo 1.6L MPI
Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost
ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
3-cylinder petrol turbo
Displacement
cc
1,496cc
1,497cc
1,598cc
998cc
Max Power
hp/rpm
114/6,000
118/6,600
103/5,250
123/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
148/4,000
145/4,600
153/3,800
170/1,400
STEERING
Type
Electric power-assisted
Electric power-assisted
Electric power-assisted
Hydraulic power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6-speed automatic
CVT automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed dual clutch
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson strut / Torsion beam
MacPherson strut / Torsion beam
MacPherson strut / Torsion beam
MacPherson strut / Torsion beam
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Drum
Drum
Drum
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
185/60 R16
185/55/ R16
185/60 R15
195/50 R16
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,060
3,955
3,970
3,982
Overall Width
mm
1,695
1,694
1,682
1,722
Overall Height
mm
1,470
 1,524
1,453
1,489
Wheelbase
mm
2,570
 2,530
2,470
2,489
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,056
 1,081
1,020
N/A
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
220
363
280
276
FUEL
Tank Capacity
44 litres
40 litres
45 litres
43 litres
Consumption
5.1 l/100 km
5.6 l/100 km
6.3 l/100 km
5.3 l/ 100km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
184
N/A
184
N/A
0 – 100km/h
sec
10 seconds
N/A
11.1 seconds
N/A
PRICE (with insurance)
RM
87,956.00
87,800.00
89,888.00

96,551.65
WILL I BUY IT?
A resounding yes, but not in a heartbeat. Why, you ask? Many factors come into play when choosing the right car for yourself, and the Mazda2 SkyActiv-G pulls my heartstrings in all the right direction. The pros far outweigh the cons even after having the car for a week, but the only factor worthy of my reconsideration is the
turbodiesel 2
, which we were told would
make its way here
 sometime between Q2 and Q3 this year.
It’s also a
1.5-litre SkyActiv
 four pot, but makes
103 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and a whopping
250 Nm
 of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. Now, combine that and its naturally frugal nature, if you ask me, that’s a surefire way to be the cream of all crops.
IMAGE GALLERY


Michelin launches new Pilot Sport 5 (PS5) – 17 to 19 inches, from RM700

After its
global reveal
 last month, Michelin Malaysia has launched the new Pilot Sport 5 (PS5) with longer-lasting grip, maximum control, and grip on wet and dry surfaces.
Michelin Malaysia, Managing Director, Oliver Biggart said, “With the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, it further strengthens our complete and best overall high-performance Pilot Sport range, with ‘Performance Made to Last’ being our key differentiator. The new Michelin PS5 is perfect for drivers who demand sporty driving performance and expect nothing but the best.”
“The PS5 goes one step further in aesthetics as acknowledged by the 2021 Contemporary Good Design Award it won; one of the world’s most prestigious international design awards,” he added.
Key benefits include:
Dual Sport Tread Design Technology
 – a dual side functionalised tread design, featuring the inner side with large grooves and high void ratio for enhanced wet road traction, and the external side with rigid blocks for better grip on dry roads
Groove Clear
 – large longitudinal grooves that dump water into wide transversal channels designed to efficiently divert water out of the way
Dynamic Response Technology
 – features a hybrid aramid and nylon belt for optimum transmission of steering instructions onto the road for precise and responsive driving feel
MaxTouch Construction
 – maximises the tyre’s contact with the road and evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering to deliver longer tread life without sacrificing performance
Premium Touch Sidewall Design
 – creates a sleek, matte-black aesthetic with a velvet-like micro texture
Wear2Check
 – an easy-to-find and easy-to-read tread wear indicator, designed to facilitate monitoring and to help drivers to optimise the longevity potential of the tyre
The new Michelin PS5 is now available in 26 dimensions from 17 to 19-inches at Michelin’s authorised tyre dealers across the nation, with 21 more sizes from 17 to 21 inches to be made available by end of 2022. The recommended retail price of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 starts from
RM700 to RM1,900
.
GALLERY


Honda HR-V facelift previewed in Malaysia, sporty RS Variant confirmed

Honda Malaysia has just previewed the
facelifted Honda HR-V
 here on local soil and interested parties can now place their bookings for the refreshed compact SUV. Scheduled to make its official debut in Q3 of 2018, the company will introduce a sporty RS variant to the facelifted HR-V line up.
The facelift exercise is a nip and tuck situation with minor revisions to the full LED headlamps (like the Honda Civic), front bumper with LED fog lamps and LED combination taillamps. The RS variant gets a sportier appearance with Sport Design front grille, more angular front and rear bumper, black chrome license garnish, sport black side sill and 18-inch dual tone alloy wheels. The HR-V RS also gets an exclusive Passion Red Pearl paint job.

Like all previous previews, the facelifted HR-V’s interior is sealed off from prying eye. Internationally, the HR-V benefits from reshaped front seats, eight-way powered driver seats with memory function, additional damping material and a restructured high-pressure fuel pump for suppressed engine noise during acceleration. It remains to be seen whether Malaysian-bound units will feature some or all the items above.
Safety specification is somewhat of a let-down because Honda Sensing is a standard fitment on all HR-V variants in Japan. Malaysian-spec HR-V has been confirmed to come with six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal and Honda LaneWatch as standard on all variants.
The facelifted Honda HR-V will soldier on with the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT combination which is good for
140 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque, driving the front wheels. Pricing details and full specification will be unveiled in full closer to the official launch.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda HR-V RS Facelift in Passion Red Pearl


Volkswagen Amarok is the Best Pick-Up Truck at the Tow Car Awards 2017!

Volkswagen’s only pick-up truck, the
Amarok
has just been awarded the Best Pick-Up award at the Tow Car Awards 2017. Now in its 11th year, this award ceremony sees esteemed caravan specialist and influential journalist to vote on the best pick-up based on towing capability, practical features and day-to-day usability.
The Amarok stood out among competitors with its towing prowess and braking performance. With the
Amarok facelift
 introduced late last year, the refreshed aesthetics and new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with
221 hp
 and
 550 Nm
 further elevates its competitiveness. It was awarded four out of five stars in the Best Pick-Up category.
Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Carl zu Dohna, said: “I’d like to thank the team behind the Tow Car Awards for this accolade. We know our Amarok customers appreciate its unique ability to combine rugged off-road capability with on-road comfort and high levels of technology. To add a towing award string to its bow gives customers another reason to choose the Amarok.”
The Volkswagen Amarok was actually spotted on Malaysian soil during the
2012 Volkswagen Das Auto KL
. Do you think Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) should reconsider introducing this award-winning pick-up truck here in Malaysia?
IMAGE GALLERY


Throwback Thursday: 40 years since the introduction of ABS in the W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The history of the anti-lock braking system dates back to the turn of the 20th century when early concepts were developed for use on trains as a sort of “slip prevention measure”.
In the 1950s, its use was widespread in the UK aviation industry (known as anti-skid) as it significantly reduced stopping distance upon landing on icy or wet runways while reducing tyre wear.
British motorcycle maker, Royal Enfield, subsequently tested the similar Dunlop Maxaret anti-lock braking system used in the aviation industry on its motorcycles the next decade and the same results prevailed – braking distances were significantly.
Unfortunately it was deemed not feasible for motorcycle applications and the idea was scrapped.
Ford and British car maker, Jensen, also tried applying a fully-mechanical system in their cars but it was then deemed too expensive and unreliable for large scale production. Moving on, it was the aviation industry again that introduced the first fully electronic anti-lock system; this time on the iconic Concorde airplane.
The black steel wheels were painted as such to allow closer observation of how the anti-lock braking system worked.
Fast forward to 22-25 August 1978, together with Bosch, Mercedes-Benz presented the W116 S-Class which became the first production car to adopt an electronic four-wheel, multi-channel anti-lock braking system with one speed sensor and control valve for each wheel. The system was offered as an option then, costing more than RM 10,000 in the 70s.
Previous systems such as the three-channel, four sensor system consisted of two control valves for each of the two front wheels with the third valve controlling the two rear wheels.
In the words of Mercedes-Benz in a brochure about the anti-lock braking system, they explained, “The anti-lock braking system uses a computer to monitor the change in rotational speed of each wheel during braking. If the speed slows too quickly (such as when braking on a slippery surface) and the wheel risks locking, the computer automatically reduces the brake pressure.”
“The wheel accelerates again and the brake pressure is increased again, thereby braking the wheel. This process is repeated several times in a matter of seconds,” they added.
Whether it was in the wet, on snow or on most slippery conditions, ABS allowed the car to deliver the maximum possible brake force and braking efficiency, without the wheels locking up, while allowing the vehicle to be steered under emergency braking.
Two years later, Mercedes-Benz offered it as an option in every passenger car they produced while in 1981, the system was introduced in their fleet of commercial vehicles.
(1) Speed sensors for each of the front wheels (2) electronic control unit (3) hydraulic control unit (4) rear sensor
The use of a digital controllers instead of analogue electronics allowed the ABS system to be adopted on a mass-scale production with less complexity, better cost effectiveness and more importantly, improved reliability.
From October 1992 onwards, ABS became a standard feature in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, paving the way for future introductions of other digital assistance systems such as Acceleration Skid Control (1985), Electronic Stability Program (1995), Brake Assist System (1996) and adaptive cruise control DISTRONIC (1998).


All-new Isuzu D-Max to launch in M’sia by end of April – est. RM89k to RM145k

Here it is – Isuzu Malaysia has just confirmed that the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be making its debut here in Malaysia by the end of April this year. Order books are now open for the all-new pick-up truck at all Isuzu dealerships nationwide.
The third-generation Isuzu D-Max was
launched globally in October 2019
, just one month after the
facelift model
 (of the outgoing generation) was launched here in Malaysia – leading many to speculate that the all-new model will only arrive here earliest in 2022.
According to Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Division COO, Masayuki Suzuki, the fast-tracked launch was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors, that views Malaysia as a strategic market.
“As the fifth country in the world to launch this model after its global introduction in Thailand, it stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,” he said.
The third-generation Isuzu D-Max is estimated to be priced
between RM89,000 and RM145,000
, depending on model subject to government approvals.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max features a striking exterior design, with aggressive design cues that sets it worlds apart from its predecessor. Inside, Isuzu has also ditched the plasticky utilitarian look for a classy, leather-wrapped interior (for the range-topping model) to entice the lifestyle pick-up truck users.
As always, the new truck will come in a variety of configurations including single- and double-cab guises, powered either by the award-winning
RZ-4E 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill
 (first introduced here in the
facelifted second-generation model
) or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3.0-litre engine.
The third-generation is the first pick-up truck to score a maximum
five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests
, and has also obtained a five-star rating in the 2020 ASEAN NCAP. In the press release, Isuzu Malaysia also says that a host of advanced driver assistance systems will be available in “selected variants”.
“The all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in, and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia.
“This new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck hence we have initiated this pre-launch booking programme to ensure those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new model will be among the very first to take delivery once it has been officially launched,” added Suzuki.


Check out Honda Thailand’s new video of the Accord – can it challenge the Toyota Camry?

It won’t be long guys – we’re expected to see the new Honda Accord in Malaysia very soon and this new video by
 Honda Thailand
 is making the wait even more unbearable.
Ever since the release of our
new review of the 3/4 new Toyota Camry 2.5V
, netizens have been quick to respond with discontent; of the car’s pricing, lacklustre looks and its carried-over engine and transmission.

According to the comments in the same video, most are now more inclined to wait for the new Honda Accord to see how well it’s packaged before pulling the trigger.
While that may be a fair assessment, I don’t buy into those who said “Top up and buy a C-Class” though. I mean come on, if you were looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or even the
new G20 BMW 3-series
, you wouldn’t bat an eye at the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord – they’re just totally different cars.
Recently in Thailand, the new Honda Accord was launched with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine making
 190 hp
and
 243 Nm
 along with 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine aided by two electric motors. At its international launch, the
new Accord was also introduced with a 10-speed gearbox
, although don’t expect it to be fitted in our local models just yet.


2014 BMW M3 Sedan & M4 Coupe now in Malaysia, price from RM739k

The eagerly-awaited BMW M brothers have now arrived on our shores.
BMW Group Malaysia
 officialy announced the introduction of the F80
M3 Sedan
 an F82
M4 Coupe
 to the local lineup simultaneously, retailing at RM738,800 and RM748,800 respectively. With the new naming convention the M3 Coupe becomes the M4, so the M3 badge will only grace the sedan bootlid from now on.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW M3 Sedan / M4 Coupe

Segment
C-segment 4 Door Sedan / 2 Door Coupe
Engine
2,979cc In-line 6, M TwinPower Turbo
Max Power
431hp @ 5,500-7,300 rpm
Max Torque
550Nm @ 1,850–5,500 rpm
Price
RM 738,800 / RM 748,800

With the long motorsports history attached to the brand and the car itself, the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe should again represent the sportiest model from the 3-Series and 4-Series range without sacrificing the comfort and practicality.
EXTERIOR
 The wide and lowered stance of both cars show their sporting intention even when standing still. The powerdome on the lightweight
aluminium bonnet
 not only adds to the effect but also hint about the serious powerplant that resides under it. Both the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe were designed with special M details such as the double-bar inserts in the kidney grille and unique
19-inch
 M double-spoke wheels.

The M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe share similar front-end designed for optimum airflow with the inclusion of Air Breathers and Air Curtains. The M gills on the front fenders are actually a functional design element to improve the airflow around the front wheel arches. Even the wing mirrors have been aerodynamically redesigned for better airflow.
The Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof sheds 5kg on the M3 Sedan and more than 6kg on the M4 Coupe. CFRP is also used for the boot but only on the M4 Coupe while the M3 Sedan gets a subtle lip spoiler. Down below, four polished tailpipes poke out underneath the integrated diffuser on the rear bumper. Flaps in the exhaust system can also alter the sound from the pipe, based on which mode is selected from the Driving Experience Control.
INTERIOR
 The
M sports steering
 wheel with shift paddles comes as standard with additional M design touches to distinguish them against the non-M cars. This include the
M-design instrument panel
, M door sills, M driver’s footrest,
M gearshift lever
, and sculpted front
 bucket seats
. The bucket seats also have M emblems that that light up upon entering the car.
M display
 has been added to the full-colour Head-Up Display that projects vital information including rev counter and gear display on the windscreen. M3 and M4 are equipped with the latest
 iDrive Touch Controller
 along with
 Navigation System Professional
 which features a 3D map display.
There’s also a newly developed
BMW M Laptimer
 app that records the car’s acceleration, braking points, and G-forces along with lap times for drivers to analyse their drive. The app, installed on a smartphone can be controlled using the iDrive Controller once connected via USB cable or the car’s snap-in adapter.
PERFORMANCE
 The
twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six
 that powers the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe may be smaller in size than the previous 4.0-litre V8 that powers the previous E90/92/93 M3, but it generates more power than the previous V8 unit.
431 hp
 is delivered between 5,300 rpm and 7,300 rpm and
550 Nm
 of torque is spread evenly from 1,850 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Amazingly with all the power it generates, the fuel consumption is rated at
8.3l / 100 km
.
Using a
seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission
 gearbox, the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe accelerate from
0 – 100 km/h
 in
4.1 seconds
 and will max out at
250 km/h
. The gearbox features
Launch Control
, and drift-friendly
 Stability Clutch Control
 function that stabilise the car by opening the clutch when it detects oversteer, and the
 Smokey Burnout
 function that allows the rear wheel to slip just enough while the vehicle is moving. The shift characteristics can also be specified from the
Drivelogic modes
 ranging from comfort to sporty.

In the handling department is taken care by the
M Servotronic
 electromechanical steering system,
Adaptive M
 suspension with adjustable damper settings, and
Active M Differential
 that works together with the
Dynamic Stability Control
 (DSC) system with
 M Dynamic Mode
.
WHAT ELSE?
 Both cars can be had in Alpine White or Sakhir Orange with Leather Merino Black interior but Yas Marina Blue is M3 Sedan-only exclusive with optional Leather Merino Silverstone interior. Additional two colours available on the M4 Coupe, Mineral Grey or Austin Yellow with Leather Merino Sakhir Orange interior. Like any other BMW models, the on-the-road price of RM738,800 for the M3 Sedan and RM748,800 for the M4 Coupe comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS +RI).
BMW Group Malaysia also announced the availability of
BMW M Performance accessories
 for the current line up of BMW models. They are
developed by BMW M GmbH
 and consist of the BMW M Aerodynamics Kits, BMW M Performance Interior Trim and Selector Lever in Carbon Fibre as well as a selection BMW M Performance Alloy Wheel options, Sports Brakes and Suspension.

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2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM799k – 761hp, 1020Nm

Following the introduction of the all-electric EQ models by
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
, the company has now introduced the AMG version of the
Mercedes-Benz EQS
. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC + is now available in Malaysia at a price of RM798,888. It is launched together with the AMG version of the EQE sedan.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
When first introduced in Malaysia, the EQS came in the guise of the EQS 450+ which was a single-motor RWD version of the car. It was fully imported (CBU) from Germany. The EQS 450+ was later replaced by the locally assembled EQS 500 4MATIC, which is a dual-motor version of the car. Now Malaysia welcomes the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+.
On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG EQS distinguishes itself from its non-AMG counterpart with the typical AMG styling cues. Proudly placed upfront is the AMG-specific black panel “grille” with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome. Of course, you also get the usual AMG letterings on the “grille” and on the tailgate.
The EQS 53 4MATIC+ boasts a drag coefficient of 0.23 and this is thanks to several design features. The AMG aero-specialists have carried a large number of wind tunnel and flow testing and have added the following features for the best aerodynamics:
Front splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim
Air Curtains on the left and right in high gloss black with chrome trims
AMG side sill panels in high-gloss black
Rear apron in body colour with aerodynamically optimized diffuser (with 6 longitudinal fins)
Larger rear spoiler (compared to AMG line version)
21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC, RM649k – Proudly assembled in Malaysia
Performance-wise, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. The system outputs 484 kW (
658 hp
 metric) and
950 Nm
 by default. This launches the large EV sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.8 seconds
.
With the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, the AMG EQS 53 outputs a staggering 560 kW (
761 hp
 metric) and
1,020 Nm
, The century sprint time is a tad faster at
3.4 seconds
. The EQS 53 has a top speed of
220 km/h
 by default and
250 km/h
 with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
An overview of the technical details of the EQS 53 4MATIC+ are as such:
Drive: Dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD)
Maximum power output: 484 kW (658 hp metric)
Maximum torque: 950 Nm
0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 220 km/h
Maximum power output (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 560 kW (761 hp metric)
Maximum torque (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 1,020 Nm
0-100 km/h (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 3.4 seconds
Top Speed (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 250 km/h
RELATED:
I drove 1,142km in an EV for Hari Raya and didn’t need a DC fast charger at all
As for the typical EV numbers, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ houses a
108.4-kWh
 battery pack which provides up to
586 km
 of range (WLTP). As for charging, the fastest charging method is with
200-kW
 DC fast charging.
With 200-kW DC charging, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ can 300 km of range in just 19 minutes. As for AC charging, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ comes with
11-kW
 AC charging as standard, but customers can also upgrade to a
22-kW
 AC charging system.
RELATED:
All-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app
Inside, the AMG EQS spruces things up with several AMG touches. Part of the highlights of the AMG EQS’s interior include:
Instrument panel and beltlines in space grey ARTICO man-made leather with NEOTEX grain and red topstitching
Door centre panels and also transition from centre console to dashboard in black MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching
AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with flattened lower section, perforated in the grip area with silver-coloured aluminium paddles for setting various recuperation levels, in addition to standard AMG steering wheel buttons
AMG sports pedals
AMG floor mats and door sill trims with “AMG” lettering (illuminated with interchangeable cover)
Like the ‘standard’ EQS, the AMG EQS 53 also boasts an MBUX-powered hyperscreen, albeit with some AMG-specific functions. The display on the instrument cluster is distinctive and you get quick access to the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes through the specific button on the centre console.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz credit card launched in Malaysia, in partnership with Maybank
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The all-new Mazda CX-30 is a crossover fit for the trendsetters

After months of teasing, Bermaz Auto has finally launched the all-new Mazda CX-30 on our shores. The Mazda CX-30 is a brand-new product from the Japanese brand, sitting between the
CX-3
 and
CX-5
 in the sizing chart.
 At launch, the Mazda CX-30 will be available in three variants – 2.0G, 2.0G HIGH, as well as a diesel-powered 1.8D HIGH, with prices starting from RM143,059.

EXTERIOR
 The Mazda CX-30 is the second model in the brand’s new-generation product line-up to feature the latest evolution of the Kodo design concept, after the
Mazda 3
.
Based on the concept of “Sleek and Bold”, the CX-30 is designed to combine the toughness of an SUV, with supple and flowing body lines.
Just like the Mazda 3, the CX-30 also utilises the curved body panels for the “interplay between light and shadow”, although there is a more apparent character line along the side on the CX-30.
For a more detailed look around the all-new Mazda CX-30, be sure to check out our
in-depth gallery
 of the CX-30 in 2.0G HIGH guise!
 Exterior features of the all-new Mazda CX-30 include:
 – Full LED headlights and taillights
 – slim integrated LED daytime running lights design (entry-level variant gets bulb DRLs)
 – all-round black plastic cladding
 – 18-inch alloy wheels (entry-level variant gets 16-inch items)
 – Dual exhaust tailpipes
The High and diesel variants get some additional goodies, including keyless entry, powered sunroof with sliding and tilt glass, front and rear Signature Illumination lighting graphics, as well as a powered tailgate.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the Mazda CX-30 is seemingly lifted from the Mazda 3. As standard, all variants get a
8.8-inch infotainment display
 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera with guide lines, as well as voice command, paired to eight speakers.
Also standard is the new instrument cluster design, featuring a
seven-inch TFT LCD display
 in the centre, flanked by analog dials at the side. All variants also get a
coloured heads-up display.

Sitting in between the CX-3 and CX-5, the all-new Mazda CX-30 also comes with a slightly roomier interior space, as well as a larger boot, coming in at
430 litres
 – 80 litres more than the CX-3.
In terms of kit, the entry-level 2.0G variant is equipped with fabric seats with manual adjustments, and manual air-conditioning. The two higher-specification models come included with:
 – Black leather upholstery
 – 10-way power adjustable driver seats with memory function
 – Paddle shifters
 – Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
 – Rear air-conditioning vents
 – Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors
POWERTRAIN
The CX-30 is available with two powertrain options. The 2.0G and 2.0G High variants get a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, generating
162 hp
 and
213 Nm
 of torque.
As for the diesel variant, a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine pushes out
114 hp
 and
270 Nm
 of torque.
Both engines are paired to a
six-speed automatic transmission
 with manual-shift mode, with power sent to the
front wheels
.
SAFETY
Mazda has equipped the CX-30 with a generous amount of safety features. As standard, all variants get:
 – seven airbags
 – ABS with EBD
 – Emergency Brake Assist
 – Traction Control System
 – Emergency stop signal
 – Hill launch assist
 – Automatic brake-hold function
The 2.0G High and 1.8D Diesel variants comes with additional advanced safety features, which includes:
 – Adaptive front headlights with automatic high-beam function
 – Blind Spot Monitoring
 – Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 – Lane Departure Warning System
 – Lane-Keep Assist System
 – Driver Attention Assist
 – Smart Brake Support
 – Mazda Radar Cruise Control
PRICING
Since the order books opened in
November last year
, Bermaz Auto has updated the pricing for the CX-30. As before, only three variants are available (prices quoted below are on the road without insurance):
 –
2.0G
 – RM143,059
 –
2.0G HIGH
 – RM164,059
 –
1.8D HIGH
 – RM172,944
IMAGE GALLERY


Bridgestone Malaysia sponsors local team in upcoming World Solar Challenge

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is making a return this year, and our Malaysian team will be competing for a top-5 finish!
The sole Malaysian participant, Eco Photon Solar Racing Team from University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) will be representing the nation for the third time. To further encourage their commitment to excel, Bridgestone Tyres Malaysia will be sponsoring “Ecopia with Ologic” tyres for the team’s vehicles from testing to the race.
Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia, Managing Director, Michael Chung said, “We are proud and honoured to support UiTM’s Eco Photon Solar Racing Team to the leading event. The “Ecopia with Ologic” tyre is engineered with Bridgestone fuel saving technology which is designed specifically for solar cars. The tyre comes with a wider diameter which limits changes in the shape of the contact patch to yield lower rolling resistance, thus improves fuel efficiency.”
The Eco Photon Solar Racing Team will be driving the Tigris on a 3000 km journey from Darwin to Adelaide from the 13th to 20th of October 2019. Competing in the Challenger class, the optimized carbon fibre solar car – which comprises of an upgraded self-built monitoring system with high accuracy measurements and robust safety system – will be fighting among other competitors to be the first car to the finish line.
Team president, Syazwan said that “with all the improvements from previous car and the new technology implemented, we aim to be on the top 5 in the Challenger class. We are also eyeing for the ‘Best Creative and Multimedia’ award as well as ‘Best Safety Prioritized’ award.”
By supporting the World Solar Challenge, Bridgestone is standing by its core values of their global social responsibility commitment of ‘mobility, people and environment’, by supporting the further development of solar cars, young engineers and the use of renewable power source.
Traversing 3,000 kilometers in a single trip is a challenge for any car, and even more so for a built-from-scratch solar-powered car. We wish Tigris and the Eco Photon Solar Racing Team the best of luck in the upcoming race!


2021 Geely Bin Yue facelift launched in China – sports car looks with upgraded tech!

After
unveiling the car
 to much fanfare last month, Geely has now officially launched the 2021 Bin Yue facelift in China. The mid-cycle update has brought along several changes, particularly in the compact crossover’s safety and tech appointments.
But first, the looks. As we’ve seen previously, the 2021

Geely Bin Yue
 facelift, simply called “New Bin Yue” in China, now features a new aggressive front fascia, characterised by the blacked-out ‘X’-shaped trim piece that extends from just below the headlights down to the fog lamp enclosures on the front bumper.
The grille also received a splash of athleticism, thanks to the new honeycomb mesh cover with yellow (or red) accents and the “ethereal bow” trim. The front splitter and side skirts also get the same accent colour treatment, complemented by the decorative vinyl strip on the bonnet for the added “because race car” look.
Not just a rebadge – Proton’s R&D efforts actually help make other Geely models safer! Learn more about it here.
The LED headlights have been updated with a new “light show” mode (think Audi) upon unlocking, while over at the rear, the New Bin Yue – at least on this range-topping Battle variant – gets a slightly reworked roof spoiler with a carbon fibre-look finish to match the blacked-out roof and 18-inch alloys.
Inside, the new 2021 Geely Bin Yue features a sports car-inspired two-toned design across the dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery – the latter is a combination of leather and suede on the sports seats, which look particularly supportive!
The new Geely Bin Yue also gets a new 72-colour ambient lighting system in the cabin, with light shining through perforations on the brushed aluminium trim pieces on the door and dashboard.
Video: Watch our full review of the Geely Bin Yue’s Malaysian cousin, the Proton X50!
There’s also a new T-shaped gear selector lever on the centre console, plus a new AI interior camera system that can help monitor the driver while operating the vehicle, and also be used for in-car teleconference calls. But the main upgrade for the interior is the new 12.3-inch infotainment system, running Geely’s latest GalaxyOS software stack.
The infotainment system features ECarx’s new E02 SoC silicon, which promises up to 3.3-times faster processing speed, ultimately resulting in faster operation for the driver. As with most modern on-board software suite these days, updates are delivered over-the-air thanks to the built-in 4G connectivity.
In terms of safety, the New Bin Yue’s advanced driver assistance suite is updated with the addition of Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), which feeds information into the navigation system using its on-board camera, remote parking assist and vehicle operation via the mobile app, as well as an enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking system.
Additionally, the 2021 Bin Yue also comes equipped with a new 360-degree camera system that also acts as a digital video recorder (DVR/dashcam), recording videos from all directions via four individual cameras.
Powertrain wise, the new Geely Bin Yue is offered with the same two engines as before – a 1.4-litre mill that makes
141 hp
 and
235 Nm
, paired to a six speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and a familiar (for Malaysians) 1.5-litre

turbocharged three-cylinder engine that’s good for
177 hp
 and
 255 Nm
, mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch.
Despite the powertrain being unchanged on the update, Geely did give the Bin Yue a slight update via software, with a new launch control system, an additional Track driving mode for snappier response, and an electronically-adjustable exhaust system.
Here’s everything you should know about the 7DCT gearbox used in the Geely Bin Yue, Proton X50, and Proton X70!
Pricing for the 2021 Geely Bin Yue starts at CNY75,800 (~RM50k) for the entry-level 1.4-litre manual variant, and tops out at CNY119,800 (~RM78k) for the 1.5TD Battle variant you see here.
Would you like to see these changes being brought over onto its Malaysian cousin, the much-beloved Proton X50? Let us know in the comments below!
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New personalised colours aside, new Porsche Taycan will get better range

Although interest in the Porsche Taycan has been phenomenal, the company is updating the vehicle come
September 2021
. Approximately 20,000 Taycans have been delivered in the first half of this year, the same quantity the company sold the entire year of
2020
!
For this update, prospective customers would be glad to know that the company has extended the Taycan’s real-world driving range plus a much larger selection of colours, including shades that were popular back in the 90s.
Thanks to extensive technological developments, real-world gains in driving range will be greater in day-to-day use. Porsche is not planning to re-homologate the Taycan so, on paper, the values will be the same.
Currently, the farthest travelling distance a Taycan model can achieve under the WLTP combined cycle is
484 km
 through the
Taycan RWD
 model with optimised tyre and wheel sizes. It has up to
476 hp
 and can be specified with the large 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus while the standard battery delivers up to 431 km of range.
The range-topping
Taycan Turbo S

unleashes up to
761 hp
 and
1,050 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels, launching from standstill to 100 km/h in just
2.8 seconds
. With such performance, the range is also understandably compromised to just 415 km.
For a further range of up to 452 km, the Taycan Turbo trades a lower peak output to 680 hp and a higher century sprint time of 3.2 seconds. The Taycan 4S meanwhile has a maximum output of 571 hp and up to 464 km of range with a larger Performance Battery Plus fitted.

A day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan!
Porsche said in Normal and Range driving modes, the front electric motor is almost 100% decoupled and de-energised in the partial load range. Furthermore, no drive is transmitted to either axle when the car is coasting (freewheeling) or at a standstill, reducing drag losses.
The thermal management and charging functions have also been improved, increasing the battery temperature earlier for a faster and higher charging level. A new remote parking assist has also been made available in this updated Taycan. The driver can get out of the Taycan and command the car to park in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces from the smartphone app.
13 EV records in a day, on a racing circuit. How did the Porsche Taycan do it? More about the records including covering 1,000 km here!
As part of the continually developing personalisation strategy of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the updated Taycan is also available with ‘Paint to Sample’ and ‘Paint to Sample Plus’. The first option allows painting with 65 additional colours, at present.
This includes the
Rubystar Red
 (as photographed), Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic colours that are so characteristic of the brand in the 90s and especially popular today on classics like the 964-generation cars.
‘Paint to Sample Plus’ meanwhile gives customers almost complete freedom in their choice of colour, even permitting them to match their new Taycan to their favourite accessory.
Not only it has a respectable driving range, the Taycan is also a record holder for the longest continuous drift distance. How far? Find out here!
For the interior, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system now also includes Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Improvements have also been done to Voice Pilot voice assistant in understanding everyday language even better.
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Ken Block’s new Gymkhana Ten is the most epic drift video you’ll ever see!

He’s back! And this time bigger than ever, if not the biggest. With Ken Block, the next video was always going to be bigger than the last but this, this was totally unexpected.
Instead of the usual one car/one location format, this non stop action-infused video takes us on a worldwide tour through five unique locations in five very different cars.
You got a
1,400 hp
 /
1694 Nm
 1965 Ford Mustang, a
380 hp
 /
450 Nm
 WRC Ford Fiesta, a Ford Escort RS Cosworth with
645 hp
 /
715 Nm
 and a Ford Focus RS with
650 hp
 /
800 Nm
.
Completing the line-up of “Hoonicorns” is the world debut of Block’s latest creation, a 1977 Ford F-150 pick-up, dubbed the
Hoonitruck
, with
914 hp
 and
952 Nm
 of torque.
This “trip” will take you from Luleå, Sweden to Detroit, Michigan before proceeding to Guanajuato, Mexico followed by Los Angeles, California. The icing on the cake is then sprinkled all over the iconic Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas by Block in his all-new drift monster.
Good luck snapping out of this.
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5 quick facts of the new Mercedes-AMG Project ONE – a Formula One car for the road

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE celebrated its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show recently with dropped-jaws from every quarter of the industry and it’s no surprise why. The two-seater hypercar is pretty much, for the lack of better description, a Formula One car for the road with full-fledged Formula One hybrid technology and design adopted, not to mention output figures comparable to the pinnacle of motor racing.
It is a world first – extreme lengths have been pushed in terms of design and powertrain. Despite that, the Project ONE is the first “Formula One car” with a MOT approval – essentially a test by a governing body in the UK on emission levels and the road-worthiness of a car. It’s got an output of over
1,000 hp
 – all derived from a petite
1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine
 mated to an 8-speed AMG transmission. Petrol engine aside, its got four other electric motors and as a result, 0 to 200 km/h takes just
under six seconds
 with a top speed exceeding
350 km/h
.
But that’s not all, here’s five other interesting quirks of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE car that might amuse you:
1. Formula One-styled seats and steering
From its rectangular,
Formula One-like steering wheel
 to the sculptured nappa leather racing seats which are integrated into the monocoque much like a Formula One car, every major detail in the Project ONE takes inspiration from the pinnacle of motorsports. Unlike a Formula One car though, the Project One comes with two high-resolution 10-inch displays, storage compartments, power windows, air-conditioning and even a COMAND infotainment system.
What’s also really cool is that the rear-view mirror has been replaced by a screen showing real-time images of the rear from a mirror cam.
2. It shares the same engine as an actual Formula One car!
The 1.6-litre V6 hybrid, direct injection petrol engine with an electrically-assisted single turbocharging system
comes directly from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car
. It’s got one hybrid, turbocharged engine with four other electric motors. One motor is integrated into the turbocharger, one is installed directly to the engine by the crank and the remaining two drives the front wheels.
The quad cam engine with pneumatic valve springs can easily reach speeds of
11,000 rpm
. However, for higher longevity and the use of conventional petrol instead of racing fuel, it remains significantly below the F1 engine speed limit. On the other hand, the two electric motors for the front wheels can up to
50,000 rpm
!
3. Turbo lag eliminated
With a large turbocharger, turbo lag, a dreaded delay in performance every time you floor the accelerator is
completely eliminated
 in the Project ONE. Throttle response is said to be even shorter than that of naturally-aspirated V8 engines. Its electric turbocharger uses surplus energy from the exhaust system to generate electricity either for storage or to provide more power by feeding it to the electric motors in the front.
4. It can go full EV mode
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE allows you to opt for a fully electric operation or an intense-mad-rage mode. The car can set off entirely in electric mode with the two motors driving the front wheels. When more power is needed, the V6 engine comes to life and in
Race Start
 mode,
0 to 200 km/h
 takes just under six seconds.
When the driver lifts off the accelerator, the system switches to full electric again with braking forces under normal driving conditions capable of recuperating up to 80 percent of the energy, which is then re-fed into the battery.
5. Formula One exhaust…..tips.
The of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE’s construction is provided by the lightweight, high-strength carbon-fibre monocoque body, a technology owing to Formula One. The religious following of Formula One teachings are such that even the design of the exhaust tailpipes with a large, round outlet and two smaller exits were adopted directly from the Formula One cars.
Even the battery cells, their arrangement and the cell cooling system are the same as the ones used in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. However, the quantity of lithium-ion batteries battery cells tucked away in the vehicle floor behind the front axle of the AMG Project ONE will make it significantly more practical for everyday use.
IMAGE GALLERY


PLUS highway offers up to 30 percent rebate for long distance driving this CNY

In an effort to ease traffic flow during the Chinese New Year holidays, PLUS is offering a
30 percent toll rebate
 for those driving more than 100 km and paying toll electronically via Touch n’ Go or SmartTAG. This rebate however, only applies to those travelling on
off-peak days
 (16 and 23 February, both Mondays).
TTA from Klang Valley to major towns
For those who are travelling in between the off-peak days (17, 18, 21 and 22 February), PLUS is giving a
20 percent rebate
 to Class 1 vehicles who follow the Travel Time Advisory (TTA), pictured above. To qualify for the rebate, you will have to pay toll electronically and travel over
100 km
 in a single journey between
12am to 6am
 only.
TTA between major towns in the North Zone
PLUS has also urged travelers to do their best in following the TTA, adding that the public’s compliance will significantly reduce traffic congestion. PLUS estimates that about
1.5 million vehicles
 will be using the North-South Expressway on peak days.
TTA between major towns in the South Zone
Other measures of easing traffic flow include
stopping all construction works
 between 13 and 22 February along the mainline, and heavy vehicles will be barred from entering the highways on 17, 18, 22 and 23 February.
For those of you who will be departing for the long drive home, we at
AutoBuzz.my
 wish you a very happy Chinese New Year and please, never fiddle with your smartphones while driving. Safe journey everyone!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Mazda CX-3 to arrive in Malaysia by Nov 2015, will cost more than the HR-V

We all know that this is just a matter of time, and sources from Bermaz Motor have revealed that their highly anticipated crossover, the
CX-3
 will be making its way here come November this year.
The Peugeot 2008,
Ford EcoSport
 and
Honda HR-V
 rival was revealed to the world in November 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show with two engine choices – a
2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
 (Skyactiv-G; 155hp and 200 Nm) or the
 1.5-litre turbodiesel
 (Skyactiv-D; 104 hp and 270 Nm) engines.
Like the US market, Malaysian-bound CX-3s will be fitted with the 2.0-litre lump paired to a
six-speed
 Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission, earning itself the top spot in terms of outright performance in the growing B-Segment crossover segment. Whether or not it will come with an All-Wheel Drive system remains a mystery, but it’s likelier for our CX-3 to be
front-wheel driven
.
Now, pricing is said to hover around the
RM130,000
 mark, which also means that it will be the most expensive B-Segment crossover to be sold in Malaysia. Comparatively, the insanely popular HR-V is priced from RM100k to RM119k, with the range topping Grade V trim already offering an irresistibly generous kit, such as
full LED headlights
 with LED DRLs, touch sensitive air conditioning controls and
six airbags
.
That said, we can expect Bermaz Motor to give the HR-V a good run for its money, offering projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps and a class-leading interior build. This includes leather-upholstered seats, heads-up display, MZD Connect System with GPS navigation, a
7-inch touchscreen head unit
, six standard stereo speakers and
six airbags
.
We’re unsure if the
18-inch wheels
 will make its way here as standard, but a move in making it a cost option will certainly add to the appeal. Those fancying themselves a dynamic SUV will be pleased to know that the CX-3 comes with Mazda’s
full suite of Skyactiv Technology
, which without question should make the crossover a more enjoyable car to drive compared to the
Ford EcoSport
.
So, dear readers, what do you think of the CX-3? Has it got what it takes to butt heads with the Honda HR-V, or is the indicative RM130k price tag a case of ‘asking too much’?
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Toyota Malaysia recalls 42,000 cars over potentially faulty Takata airbag

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia is expanding its recall exercise, or in UMW’s terms – Special Service Campaign (SSC) for the replacement of front passenger side airbag inflator modules.
A total of 42,000 vehicles manufactured between May 2010 to December 2012 are involved in this SSC. Cars involved include:
Model
Year Model
Corolla Altis
2010 – 2012
Vios
Yaris
Alphard
All models affected are distributed by UMW Toyota. The company is working closely with Toyota Motor Corporation to obtain the replacement parts as soon as possible. In time, UMW Toyota will inform owners directly to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota Service Centre to make the necessary replacement.
All costs involved will be borne by UMW Toyota
.

In case you are not aware of the ongoing Takata crisis, we have detailed in full on
why you should get your faulty airbags replaced as soon as possible
. In short, the faulty airbag module, when deployed, will send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more harm, In some cases, even
death
!
Toyota owners of any model can also head over to
Toyota’s dedicated SSC webpage
 to key in your respective VIN number(s) to determine if your car is affected. The replacement only takes one to three hours and is
free of charge
, so hurry and get those faulty airbags replaced.


Proton does not accept Bitcoin, dealer who offer Bitcoin transaction suspended

Recently, a Proton dealership in Seri Kembangan made waves on social media for accepting cryptocurrency as a legal means of transaction to purchase a Proton vehicle. However, Proton Holdings (the company) has just released a statement that the company does not accept any form of cryptocurrency as legal payment methods.
The dealership posted a banner with the heading “We are now accepting payment in Bitcoin/Ethereum” which prompted netizens to question the legitimacy of the information. Proton has since
suspended
 operations by said dealer, pending further investigation and highlighted that such transaction was independently initiated by the dealer.
One Bitcoin is equivalent to a Preve 1.6 Executive
Proton also said “PROTON is open to innovative ways of car sales to keep customer’s interest in our cars. However, we would also like to caution our sales network to exercise consideration and due care in carrying out promotion activities which are not endorsed by the Company.”
Bitcoin is the world’s largest traded cryptocurrency where one Bitcoin is traded at RM65,800 – almost the price of a brand new Preve. Ethereum is the third largest cryptocurrency, listed at RM4,800 per unit. If you come across any dealerships who accept cryptocurrency, keep in mind that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has reiterated that
the central bank does not accept Bitcoin or any form of cryptocurrency as legal payment methods in Malaysia
.


Geely’s Zeekr 001 rolls out of Intelligent Factory at Ningbo

Geely’s first premium electric vehicle has just started full-scale production yesterday, with the Zeekr 001 rolling off the production line at a special ceremony.
The Zeekr 001 is also the first vehicle to be manufactured at the new Zeekr Intelligent Factory in Ningbo, China. This new vehicle manufacturing facility is one of the most advanced to date thanks to a 5G+ system that allows for agile and transparent production management.  Key areas such as the welding section are fully automated with over 300 robots performing the task with limited human intervention.
Geely reveals new Vision Starburst Concept, previews design language for future models. More here
In addition, the Zeekr production process allows for continuous self-optimisation, ensuring the quality of each Zeekr vehicle. Take the welding line as an example, monitoring systems such as glue application visual guidance, online measurement and ultrasonic self-inspection uses intelligent self-adaptation to continually improve the welding process.
Since the initial launch in
April 2021
, the development team at Geely and Zeekr have also improved the vehicle, now upgraded with better Over The Air (OTA) communications to better improve the Zeekr Assisted Drive system, where the car will keep updating to adapt to the latest software technologies for the best mobility experience.
To recap, the Zeekr 001 is underpinned by Geely’s latest Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform that promises to be cost-efficient, high performance as well as modular. The Zeekr 001 is not a medium-sized car, in which Geely places it in the larger Sport E-segment, with dimensions similar to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Geely’s new SEA platform will also be used by other carmakers. Find out more here!
The range-topping Zeekr 001 ‘YOU’ variant features all the technical highlights on the SEA platform such as a dual-motor setup and a large 100 kWh battery pack. Total system output is 400 kW or
544 hp
 and
768 Nm
 of torque, capable of sending the sporty fastback from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The driving range is circa 600 km under the older NEDC test cycle.
In China, the pricing of the Zeekr 001 starts from around
CNY299,000
 (approx. RM194k) which is slightly more than a Tesla Model 3 base with has been strategically priced at CNY251,800 (approx. RM163k).
Successful customers who have placed their fees for the Zeekr 001 when the order books first opened at the end of July 2021 will be able to take their new car from this weekend, but Zeekr and Geely have a very long list of orders to fulfil due to strong demand as well as being affected by the semiconductor chip shortage.
Retail expansion is also set to coincide with the deliveries, with Hangzhou and Tianjin Zeekr Space’s opened last month and 10 more to come online within weeks.
GALLERY
Zeekr 001 at Ningbo Intelligent Factory
Zeekr 001


New Mercedes-Benz brand presence is all about the experience

If the latest ‘brand presence’ makeover at Cycle & Carriage Bintang’s impressively remodelled Mutiara Damansara Autohaus facility is anything to go; it’s clear that Mercedes-Benz isn’t just satisfied with leading the premium segment in sales, it wants its customers to remain where they are while attracting more to the fold.
Can you identify the remnants of the original Mutiara Damansara Autohaus that was launched back in 2006?
President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dr. Claus Weidner had this to say at the launch, “The new brand presence redefines the future of retail. At Mercedes-Benz, we take great pride in making the customer journey just as fulfilling as the ride ahead. We strongly believe that the introduction of this new brand presence will enable us to better cater to customers together with our trusted partner (Cycle & Carriage Bintang).”
The human touch is complemented by digital touch points in Mercedes-Benz’s new ‘brand presence’.
President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dr. Claus Weidner (above, right) had this to say at the launch, “The new brand presence redefines the future of retail. At Mercedes-Benz, we take great pride in making the customer journey just as fulfilling as the ride ahead. We strongly believe that the introduction of this new brand presence will enable us to better cater to customers together with our trusted partner (Cycle & Carriage Bintang).”
Redefinition is an appropriate description given that the original Mutiara Damansara centre, opened back in 2006, bears little resemblance to the newly reconstituted Autohaus facility shown to the members of the media. It is also the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia to adopt the new brand presence at a cost of RM18 million, with three other Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz dealerships to be upgraded before the year is out.
The makeover entails new processes from the moment the customer makes an appointment or when he/she steps into the showroom, where a ‘Star Assistant’ will be assigned specifically to attend to the needs of the guest. Not surprisingly, the show floor and lounges will now feature numerous touch points driven by the latest in multimedia, with walls made out of LED displays and digital specs stands next to each vehicle, equipped with a help button in case the customer requires attention.
Apart from a cosy and airy ambience that takes after the design elements and latest features of the products (e.g. the showroom lighting is akin to the ambient lighting of a modern Mercedes-Benz model), the after-sales experience is also being elevated with the incorporation of a drive-in reception where the vehicle is received by service advisors indoors.
Taking delivery of a new car is always a special moment.
In essence, the redefinition of customer service in an Autohaus is all-encompassing, whether it’s the F&B area (look like a business class lounge and generously stocked) or the vehicle delivery room (personal, private and comfortable), it is a massive show of commitment by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage Bintang to their customers. The best or nothing, you better believe it.


This 700 hp Porsche 935 is the best way to spend RM3.3 million

Lo and behold, the Porsche 935 – reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 935/78 LeMans racecar from the 1970s – with only 77 units available for the public to buy at a handsome 701,948 Euros (approx RM3.3 million).
While it may be based on the
 current 911 GT2 RS
, the
fastest 911 to date
, it’s nearly a full 100 kg lighter with heavy use of carbon fibre kevlar body panels. This is despite the addition of a roll cage and an air jack system!
Unlike the GT2 RS, it’s almost unrecognisable as a 911 with a flat nose and an extremely long tail that completely drowns the typical 911 silhouette. As a result, the car now measures almost five metres long.
The homage to the legendary LeMans race car of the 70s also extend to the aerodynamically-enhanced, 18-inch one-piece light alloy forged wheel.
Tributes to other Porsche race cars include the use of side mirrors from the current LeMans-winning 911 RSR, exposed titanium tailpipes that replicate the Porsche 908 from 1968 and LED rear lights on the rear wing endplates from the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car.
It’s essentially a decorated military man’s uniform, with different badges of distinction for every contribution.
Inside the single-seater cockpit is a Recaro bucket seat, 6-point harness, removable escape hatch on the roof, a laminated wood gear lever inspired by the 909 Bergspyder and Carrera GT supercar, and a carbon steering wheel from the 2019 911 GT3 R.
Underneath the hood, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine taken from the 911 GT2 RS remains largely unchanged along with the 7-speed PDK transmission.
“This spectacular car is a birthday present from Porsche Motorsport to fans all over the world,” says Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser. “Because the car isn’t homologated, engineers and designers didn’t have to follow the usual rules and thus had freedom in the development.”
Porsche said the car will be used for clubsport events and private training sessions on racetracks and looking at the spec sheet, it will no doubt realise every man-child’s race car driver fantasy.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s how the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen looks like in the upcoming EQS EV

As we move ever closer to the debut of the EQS, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its slow-leak of information by now giving us a first look at the interior of its S-Class-equivalent fully-electric sedan, featuring the marque’s latest Hyperscreen infotainment dashboard-thing.
The Hyperscreen dashboard was
 first unveiled earlier this year
, but this is the first time we’re seeing it “in action”, attached to the cabin of a car – and yes, it turns the entire dashboard into a screen. Well, three screens, under one single unbroken pane of glass, but you get the idea.
The curved glass panel spans across the entire dashboard from end to end, measuring 141 cm in length. Underneath it, there’s a 12.3-inch screen for the digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch screen as the main central infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger.
The Hyperscreen sure does look impressive, but Mercedes-Benz says that the cabin of the EQS is not just for looks. In fact, the exact wording that the German carmaker used was “designed for all senses”, including visual, haptic, auditory, and olfactory. Yes, olfactory, as in smell.
Timely in a pandemic-struck era, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will come equipped as standard with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that cleans and filters outside air entering the cabin, capable of trapping 99.65% of small particles from PM 2.5 to PM 0.3.
The electric sedan also comes with active fragrance as part of the Air-Balance Package, with a new fragrance specifically designed for the EQS dubbed “No.6 Mood Linen”. Mercedes-Benz describes the smell as “the green note of a fig lying on a piece of linen”.
On the haptic front, the Hyperscreen on the Mercedes-Benz EQS uses 12 actuators under the touchscreen surfaces to trigger localised vibration feedback anywhere the user touches the screen, giving the feeling of actually pressing a physical button. The screens are also pressure-sensitive, changing the response on screen based on the level of pressure on the glass.
As for sound, Mercedes-Benz has designed three different “soundscapes” for its electric powertrain: Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse – the latter supposedly coming in an over-the-air update. Silver Waves is meant to be a soothing, subtle sound in the background, while the Vivid Flux is a high-tech wooshing sound, designed for the EV enthusiasts. Roaring Pulse meanwhile, is supposedly “reminiscent of powerful machines”.
Perhaps more importantly on the EQS are the three soothing Energizing Nature sounds called Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea, and Summer Rain, designed to be used when you’re charging the car to, well, recharge the driver. When used in conjunction with the Power Nap feature, the driver’s seat will move into a rest position, while the blinds for the windows and panoramic sunroof will automatically roll-up to promote sleep.
All of these sounds are played through a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
As impressive as the Hyperscreen sounds, the massive screen-dash is actually an optional item on the EQS. On the standard car, the Mercedes-Benz EQS comes equipped with the
12.8-inch portrait-style infotainment display
, first seen on the
all-new S-Class
, alongside a floating 12.3-inch standalone digital instrument cluster.
The standard variant also gets a different centre console, with all of the “physical” controls relocated onto the dashboard underneath the screen to make space for a storage cubby.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is
 currently being built
 at “Factory 56” at the Sindelfingen plant, supposedly the marque’s most modern automotive production facility. The global debut is scheduled on April 15, with deliveries in Europe to begin in August.
GALLERY


Lotus Exige Cup 380 unleashed, supercar killer, only 60 units in the world!

Just when we thought that the
Lotus Exige Sport 380
 was the most hardcore road going Exige
ever
, Lotus Cars has just unveiled a faster, lighter and more track focused Lotus Exige Cup 380. Limited to only 60 units worldwide, the Exige Cup 380 will establish itself as one of Lotus’ most collectable road car.
What Lotus has done with the Cup 380 is taking a Sport 380 and dial things up a few notches. First off, the Cup 380 shaves off
9 kg over
 the Sport 380, courtesy of a new one-piece carbon rear tailgate (-6.5 kg), gas strut delete (-1 kg), carbon side pods (-0.5 kg) and optional interior carbon fibre components (-1 kg). For even more weight savings, customer can opt for the full titanium exhaust system that reduces 10 kg.
Besides that, the body panels are extensively revised to provide even more downforce that further refines the Cup 380’s high speed handling capabilities. New components include front splitter, front access panel, bargeboards, roof, diffuser surround, larger side air-intake pods, one piece tailgate and motorsport derived rear wing that collectively generates
200 kg of downforce
 at a top speed of
282 km/h
.
In the pursuit of optimum downforce, Lotus has gone the extra mile to ensure that the 380 Cup is the best handling Exige ever produced. The front louvres are designed to
equalise pressure differential
 within the wheel arches, thus increasing downforce during high speeds and hard braking whereas the cut-out sections behind the rear wheel helps channel air to the rear diffuser. Even the windscreen wiper has moved to a centre mounted position to avoid disrupting air flow.

To cope with the increased downforce, Lotus has fitted the Cup 380 with fatter rear tyres measuring 285/35 ZR18 (215/45 ZR17 at the front) in size for better mechanical grip.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
 tyres are fitted as standard. Stopping power comes from AP Racing forged, four-piston brake callipers and grooved performance two-piece brake discs.
Powering the Cup 380 is the same supercharged 3.5-litre V6 that is tweaked to produce
375 hp
 and
410 Nm
 of torque. Thanks to a power to weight ratio of
355 hp
 per tonne, the Cup 380 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.6 seconds
 with a top speed of
282 km/h
.
Of course, Lotus understands that not all owners of the Cup 380 are keen on taking their beloved ride to the track, so customers can choose to add or delete stuff such as FIA compliant roll cage, full race harness, electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls as well as airbag deletion and a non-airbag steering wheel.
Prices for the Lotus Exige Cup 380 start at £83,000 (RM465k) in the UK and €109,900 (RM523k) in Germany. Owners can also personalise their Exige to their heart’s desire via the Lotus Exclusive programme.
IMAGE GALLERY


Tengku Zafrul receives Ora Good Cat for long term test drive – MITI to study EV usage pattern

The Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, was presented with a unit of the
Ora Good Cat
 yesterday by Great Wall Motor Malaysia (GWM Malaysia), as part of the ministry’s research into EV policies for the country.
The Hazel Wood Beige-coloured Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra will serve as a long-term test drive unit for the ministry, where relevant departments will study the electric vehicle’s daily usage pattern.
In his recent plans to accelerate EV growth in the Malaysia market, Tengku Zafrul said that the government aims to attract RM20 billion in EV investments by 2025. The delivery of the long-term test drive unit is a mark of support by GWM Malaysia in the government’s efforts to become a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions country.
“The EV industry must be viewed holistically, including factors such as software, technical, equipment, engineering and others, as it plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050,” said Tengku Zafrul.
RELATED:
Government working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat – Tengku Zafrul
In support of the statement, Great Wall Motor ASEAN Region President, Elliot Zhang said, “I fully endorse Minister Tengku Zafrul’s statement on the potential of building a strong EV foundation in ASEAN countries and specifically in Malaysia to strengthen the EV network.”
Zhang added that a strategic collaboration with the Malaysian government would help accelerate the growth and adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in the region. The company reiterated its commitment to promote sustainability mobility solutions in Malaysia, and is prepared to work with the government to introduce more environmentally friendly vehicles to the market in the nation’s effort to achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target.
Aside from the long-term loaner unit, GWM Malaysia also recently presented an Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra to the Secretary General of MITI for a series of test drives.
READ MORE:
Ora Good Cat launched as the cheapest EV in Malaysia currently – from RM140k


JPJ: “Hellaflush” vehicles can be fined up to RM2,000

The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) has
posted a reminder of tyres
 linking to “hellaflush” vehicles can be fined up to RM2,000 or be sentenced to a six-month jail term.
Notice:
JPJ Malaysia
Hellaflush? What the flush? Yours truly is also unsure of the term but looking at the graphics accompany the posting, it looks like it refers to the modification that creates an extremely low vehicle stance – or slammed as they call it – where the wheels and tyres are nearly parallel to the road.
Yes, we’re pretty sure you’ve encountered such cars on the road – sometimes even a whole group of these “hellaflush” vehicles crawling on the highways.

‘Hellaflush’, according to CarThrottle, is the modification of
deliberately pushing the top section of the wheels inwards
 to create an even more aggressive stance.
Image : Twitter/
StanceloversKK
The JPJ reminds owners that
this modification is against the law
 and usage/construction of the motor vehicle
. Tyres that are suspended in such an extreme geometry reduces the dynamic stability of the vehicle and reduces the braking performance, increasing the risk of an accident.
If caught driving on the road, the owners of “hellaflush” vehicles can be prosecuted under Section 6(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 and can be
 fined up to RM2,000 or a six-month jail term
.
While we are at the subject of tyres, here is a friendly reminder of the steps required to
safely perform a tyre change
.


All-new 2018 Toyota Camry teased, debuting next month in Detriot

It appears that the 2018 Toyota Camry will make its debut soon, as seen with the sole image teased by the Japanese carmaker. The Camry is Toyota’s most important model in America, and you can trust that they won’t mess this up.
The image shows the tail section of the Camry, which sees a new slim LED cluster setup. There’s a faux vertical vent which closely resembles that of the
facelifted Corolla
‘s front bumper. The rear boot is complete with a sporty ducktail spoiler, and the XSE trim is the sportier variant among the North American Camry lineup.
Overall, the next generation Camry will carry a sportier outlook, and there’s a good chance of some Lexus styling trickling down to the brand’s volume chaser. The North American Toyota Camry will be fully uncovered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January 2017. In our region meanwhile, we will be getting an updated version of the
facelifted Camry
. Judging from market trend, the current
Camry
 could soldier on in Malaysia for at least one more year before we get the next-gen model.


2022 Honda HR-V to get three powertrain options in Malaysia – 1.5L NA, Turbo, and Hybrid

The
all-new 2022 Honda HR-V
 is set to make its debut here in Malaysia very soon, with the car already being displayed at various showrooms over the weekend in an attempt to drum up hype. But if you unfortunately missed out on the preview, don’t worry – we’ve got our hands on the full list of specifications for all four variants of the all-new HR-V, and surprisingly, we might be the first country in the world to offer the compact crossover in all three different engine options!
According to a document sighted by
AutoBuzz.my
, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V will be offered in three different powertrain options across four variants. They’re all based on a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, but will be offered in three different configurations for a wide range of power output.
The entry-level S variant will be the only one without any form of augmentation, with the 1.5-litre engine coming in a naturally-aspirated form to make
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
. If you’re keeping track, the engine – which is the same unit found in the
City
 – makes 21 hp and 27 Nm less than the 1.8-litre mill on the
outgoing model
, so it remains to be seen how effective it is at motivating the compact crossover.
The standard bar-type grille design, available on the entry-level S variant.
Moving up to the E and V variant will net you a vastly more powerful turbocharged engine with
177 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque – similar to that of the
HR-V Turbo in Indonesia
. While it’s roughly 5 hp lower than the
Civic
, it should still be plenty for the HR-V, and will be the default recommendation for the model.
All three variants above will be paired to a CVT gearbox, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels.
RELATED: Honda HR-V open for booking – to be launched in Q3 of 2022
Just like the City, Honda Malaysia is also capping off the HR-V range with an RS variant, powered by an
e:HEV hybrid powertrain
. It gets a slight boost in horsepower output here at
131 hp
 (+22 hp), but the torque figure remains unchanged at
253 Nm
. Power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.
The e:HEV’s powertrain configuration means that most of the propulsion is provided by the traction motor; the atkinson-cycle engine functions as a generator during most driving situations, but a lock-up clutch links the engine to the drivetrain at higher speeds for higher efficiency.
In terms of appearance, all variants bar the entry-level S will come equipped with the RS bodykit, which includes the “chequered flag” grille mesh (S gets a horizontal bar-type design), and sportier front and rear bumper designs – the former also includes an adorable “heartbeat” signature graphic, painted in red on the RS and silver on the other variants.
All variants of the 2022 Honda HR-V will also come with LED reflector headlights, but the V and RS variants stand out with sequential LED turn indicators. As for the wheels, they range from 17-inches on the S and E variants, moving up to 18-inches in diameter on the V and RS variants.
Thailand-spec Honda HR-V RS shown.
Moving inside, standard features across the board include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 60:40 split-folding Ultra seats, and keyless entry with walk away auto lock, four reverse sensors, and a reverse camera.
The E variant adds on a semi-digital instrument cluster, drive-mode selector, gearshift paddles, and a rear centre armrest, while the V and RS also throws in an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Variable Gear Ratio steering, and Honda Connect smartphone connectivity.
Exclusive to the range-topping RS variant are the automatic wipers, hands-free powered tailgate, and a dual-zone climate control system, one-upping even the Civic. However, due to the batteries sitting underneath the boot floor at the back, the full-sized spare tyre here is replaced with a tyre repair kit.
The Honda Sensing advanced driver assist suite will come as standard across all variants, with features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-go support, lane keeping and lane centring assist, and automatic high-beam.
As with other Honda models in our region, the all-new 2022 HR-V still does not come with blind-spot monitors on all variants; the V and RS variants do however get the LaneWatch blind-spot camera, with the video feed displayed on the central infotainment screen when the left turn indicator is activated.
All that’s left now is the pricing, which will not be confirmed until the official launch, which is scheduled to happen in the next couple of months. Keep your eyes peeled on our site as we bring you our usual timely coverage!


The new Porsche 911 Cabriolet looks kinda weird…

Shortly after unveiling the
992-generation Porsche 911 coupe
, the fine people at Stuttgart has released the convertible version of the all-new 911 just in time for the open top season. The new model features an improved roof mechanism, a new generation interior and for the first time in a 911 Cabriolet, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport chassis.
On the exterior, the 911 Cabriolet echoes the new design of the 911 coupe. Rear-wheel drive 911 Cabriolets now feature a wider body just like all its existing all-wheel drive models. The rear axle is 44 mm longer while the front end is 45 mm wider.
All variants of the 911 Cabriolet feature horizontal profile intakes, new LED headlamps, pop-out door handles, variable-position spoiler, rear lightbar taillamps and integrated tailpipes in the rear bumper trim which Porsche says gives the car a stronger and lower stance.
The only discerning design cue is the retractable fabric roof that now opens or closes quicker than ever –
12 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h
, thanks to new hydraulic components. The 911 Cabriolet also features an electronically-extendable wind deflector that shields the cabin from wind impact for better refinement when driving with the roof down.

Inside, the new minimalistic cabin is identical to the coupe with a 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen infotainment system, five-dial design instrument cluster with an analogue central rev counter, tiny electronic gear selector and new-generation steering wheel with a drive mode selector dial on the steering wheel for cars equipped with Sports Chrono Package equipped.
The 911 Cabriolet is available immediately in two variants – Carrera S and Carrera 4S. Both variants are equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission pushing out
450 hp
 and
530 Nm
 of torque.
The rear-wheel drive Carrera S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.9 seconds
 (3.7 seconds with Sport Chrono Package) while the Carrera 4S will get there in
3.8 seconds
 (3.6 seconds with Sport Chrono Package). Top speed is rated at
306 km/h
 for the Carrera S and
304 km/h
 on the Carrera 4S. Both Cabriolets are 0.2 seconds slower and have a 2 km/h lower top speed than their coupe equivalent.
The PASM sport chassis that is made available for the 911 Cabriolet for the first time lowers the car by 10 mm, adds stiffer springs and more rigid front and rear roll bars gives the car a more neutral feel on the road with better weight distribution.
The camera-based warning and brake assist system, park assistant system and reverse cameras are fitted as standard while optional items include Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.
IMAGE GALLERY
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet


4 things that make the Subaru XV stand out against the rest in Malaysia’s hottest segment

The crossover segment in Malaysia is nothing short of a buffet at the moment. With newcomers such as the
Proton X50
 and the
Hyundai Kona
, disrupting the dominance of the Honda
 HR-V
, Mazda
CX-3
 and to some extent, the Toyota
C-HR
 (when it was new).
It’s easy to see the charm in these things. The HR-V has red badge most covet, the C-HR looks like a funky sports shoe, and the X50 has so much value for money, it gives an average joe the first taste of the “good life” for the price of a Proton. Appealing as these things are, none can hold the candle to the (often overlooked)
Subaru XV
 when it comes to these few aspects.
For starters, there’s the
cabin insulation
. It’s most apparent every time you wind up the windows; it feels like you just got zip-locked into an airtight bag. In fact, it’s so well insulated it’s annoying because the Continental tyres fitted were so noisy it ruined the peace in the cabin.
Cabin space
 is another strong suit of the XV. Whether it’s head, knee, or legroom, there’s no question the XV leads the way. You may able to fit or rather squeeze three adults in the backseat of the Honda, Toyota, and Mazda but in the XV, it actually ferries them comfortably.
The C-HR, with all its good looks on the outside, has the least substance and fares the worst in this aspect. With its tiny rear windows, it even feels claustrophobic. It’s a good thing it looks good and that as we know, is all that matters these days.
As for the XV, while it may be longer, wider, taller with a longer wheelbase than the C-HR, CX-3 and HR-V, it’s still isn’t as big as the larger SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. If there are any concerns in terms of maneuverability, you can put them to rest.
Then there’s the
comfort and refinement
 aspect of the XV. Subaru’s billion-dollar investment into a new platform has resulted in the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) on which the Forester is built as well.
Not only does is the chassis stiffer and safer, but it also allows the suspension to be tuned for comfort and the results speak for itself. You might label these comments as nothing more than paid cock and bull and rightfully so but after a consecutive test drive of all the crossovers, you’d be eating your words.

Lastly, there’s the
Symmetrical All-wheel Drive System
 that’s the pride and joy, the golden egg of Subaru and the very thing makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
Most all-wheel drive (AWD) SUVs aren’t really all-wheel drive, all the time. Majority of the time they’re front-wheel drive and only when the car detects that more traction is needed, will it send power to the rear-wheels effectively making it all-wheel drive.
With Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system, power is sent equally to all four wheels, all the time. So what you have is unparalleled amounts of traction on the road at all times and the difference can’t be more apparent. Just ask your friend who owns an XV for a test drive and you’d understand.
The most powerful examples…
…in Malaysia’s crossover segment.
This might sound like a paid advertorial but the opposite is true. We just figured that with all the hype surrounding the new Kona and X50, blanketed by the ever-present C-HR, HR-V and CX-3, it’s only fair to shed some light on the underdog.
Despite all the positive qualities of the XV,
it is not without flaws
 – no car is ever perfect. Firstly, it’s the entire dashboard architecture. It’s neither ugly nor is it the most attractive and over the years, it hasn’t aged as well as fine wine. The X50’s arrival hasn’t done it any favours either.
Subaru may have upgraded to a new infotainment system from the one you see here, but there’s still some catching up to do.
Then there’s the infotainment system and its interface that looks like a typewriter in the age of smartphones. It may be practical and easy to use, but that kind of appearance has no place in a world where the X50 exists. People who chase the latest iPhones and gadgets certainly wouldn’t find the displays very appealing. Unfortunately, that very demographic is one that the Subaru XV is targeted at.
All in all, it wouldn’t be at all bias to say that it’s a great crossover but there’s plenty to iron out if Subaru is serious about staying relevant in the crossover game. We wouldn’t wanna see roads filled with nothing but X50s, do we?
***Again, this isn’t a paid article. It’s is merely the opinion of someone who has spent considerable time in all of the abovementioned crossovers. Also, because even underdogs deserve some stage time in the spotlight. Although if Subaru feels the need to reward us for this shout out, we’d be happy to have the XV for a few days ; )


Well done, everyone: manual transmission sales already up 41.7% this year

Those still tirelessly championing the
#SaveTheManuals
 movement, congratulations on a job well done. According to JD Power statistics for the US shared by the
Wall Street Journal
, sales of vehicles with manual transmission has already gone up by 41.7% in 2023, compared to last year.
Now, okay, that’s maybe somewhat of a disingenuous way to represent the data, when it’s only 1.7% of all cars sold. But look – the figure was only at 0.9% just some three years ago in 2019, so we consider that a massive win already.
The boost in sales wasn’t just limited to new cars, either. In the US, Autotrader marketplace reported a 13% rise in page views for manual cars in 2023 compared to the same time last year. Similarly, if you’ve ever trawled through the classifieds here in Malaysia, you’ll know that manual cars somehow command a higher price over their automatic counterparts – I’d know that, as I myself have been looking for a used
Toyota 86
.
“What on earth is happening?” you may ask. Well, according to the
Wall Street Journal
, it’s because of the Gen Zs. No, seriously – statistics apparently back this claim up: Acura reported that over half of those buying the manual
Integra
 are aged between 18 and 46 years old, while Mazda says about a quarter of those who bought manual
MX-5
s in the States last year were aged between 18 and 35.
We unfortunately don’t have the same kind of detailed data for our Malaysian car market, but through anecdotal data, I can already think of two fellows around my age (late-millenial) who just bought themselves a fancy manual car.
I’d argue, however, that it’s much more than just the Gen Zs. The new manual cars offered here in Malaysia are nearly all enthusiast grade, with prices north of RM300k – not many Gen Zs can afford a car that expensive. Yet, carmakers like Toyota are still bringing in new models like the
 GR86
 and
GR Supra
, because there
are
 people buying them.
RELATED:
 2023 Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia, RM355k 6-speed manual hot hatch
Much like the resurgence of vinyl records, or the rise of mechanical keyboards, people these days increasingly crave for physical things that can give them an anologue feel. The manual gearbox in the automotive world is like what the mechanical watches are to timepieces; it might be less accurate than a smartwatch, but it’s the theatrics, the involvement, that make them such prized possessions within the community.
No matter the reason, though, we’re just really happy to see people finally buying manuals again. With electrification coming thick and fast these days, who knows if this might actually be your last chance to buy a brand-new car with a manual gearbox.
Now, as for that Toyota 86…


All-electric Audi e-Tron SUV goes into production, world premiere in Sept

Yesterday we witness Mercedes-Benz’s first ever fully-electric SUV, the
Mercedes-Benz EQC 400
 and the four-rings did not want to be left behind in this technological race by announcing the start of production of the new Audi e-Tron SUV.
The first all-electric SUV from Audi are assembled at the brand’s Brussels plant and Audi will present the production-ready car to the world for the first time in San Francisco on 17 September 2018. The Brussels facility has been comprehensively upgraded to cater to the production of electric vehicles and it is also the world’s first certified CO2-neutral mass production plant in the premium segment.
The Audi e-tron Prototype in Berlin
The e-Tron SUV features a triple motor set up that is juiced by a 95-kWh battery pack, giving the e-Quattro all-wheel-drive EV over
400 hp
 and a century sprint time of
4.5 seconds
. The e-Tron is capable to be plugged into a 150 kW high-speed charger allowing it to gain more than
400 km of driving range in 30 minutes
.
Audi UK has already begun
accepting orders
 for the Audi e-Tron and the all-electric SUV will compete against the likes of Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQ 400 in the premium EV segment.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi e-Tron Prototype

 The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage

 The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage

 The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage