Honda Civic gets mid-life update, Honda Sensing standard across all variants

Its been three years since the tenth-generation Honda Civic FC graced the world and now the US market has just given the Civic sedan and coupe a mid-life refresher. It gains slightly refreshed styling and Honda Sensing as standard across the board.
Up front, the refreshed Civic spots a new piano black finish on the Honda wing, restyled lower bumper, lower grille and headlamps (halogen projector or full LED), full-width front splitter as well as chrome touches on the side and lower rear bumper. All these combined gives the Civic a wider and lower stance.
No changes were made to the still decent interior. However, safety kit has been enhanced with Honda Sensing as standard across all vehicles as part of the brand’s global move to include advanced driver assist systems standard on all vehicles by MY2022. In the US, the entire Civic line up gets Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as standard.
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Volkswagen launches Shopee official store, exclusive 7.7 Mid Year Sale deals on offer

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) continues their digital onslaught with the launch of the the
VPCM official store on Shopee
. In conjunction with the online shopping platform’s upcoming 7.7 Mid Year Sale event, VPCM will also be offering exclusive deals for cars booked via Shopee starting now
until the 7th of July
.
During the promotional period, customers can book a Volkswagen model on the official Shopee store at
 just RM199
, and enjoy
rewards ranging from RM4,279 to RM14,819
 depending on the model selected. These rewards include exclusive online deals and rebates,
free home delivery
 (within 20 km radius from dealership), free deep sanitisation package worth RM150.
The first 10 customers will receive a free Volkswagen Lego Campervan worth RM499. Additionally, seven lucky customers who purchase a Volkswagen vehicle through the official store on Shopee during the promotional period will also stand a chance to take home a RM700 Shopee voucher.
VPCM says that the launch of the Shopee official store is in line with the
brand’s new ‘digital-first’ principle
. The new Shopee store will offer the brand’s full line-up of models in Malaysia, and together with VPCM’s own
eShowroom
, act as a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar showrooms as Malaysians embrace the new normal post COVID-19.
The
recently-launched limited-edition United Series
 is also available on VPCM’s Shopee official store.
VPCM was the first car brand in Malaysia to retail their vehicles on e-commerce platforms. Back in 2017, the firm
partnered with Lazada
 to offer 12 units of the Volkswagen Beetle exclusively on the online shopping marketplace. The Lazada store still remains operational today, though obviously this promotion will be exclusive to the new Shopee official store.
VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, “We have achieved great success with our digital and e-commerce initiatives and being present on Shopee was the next natural step for us. This partnership with Shopee leverages on their digital expertise and platform to connect with our customers whilst offering them irresistible deals in conjunction with Shopee’s 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.”
Shopee Regional Managing Director, Ian Ho added, “[The partnership] comes just at the right time following the recent announcement by the Government on the
sales tax exemption on imported and locally assembled cars
.” The revised Volkswagen price list following the government’s announcement sees the car prices
reduced by up to RM9,485.
“We look forward to strategic partnerships such as this one with Volkswagen which provides an avenue for brands to go online for the benefit of Malaysians as we begin on this journey to recovery.”


This has to be the ultimate collection of Porsche die cast models ever!

It all started in the early 1970s when Porsche’s successful exploits in rally sparked the interest of Stuttgart-based “Alberto”, whose real name has been preserved for privacy sake, in the Stuttgart-based company.
Over the years, Alberto’s wholehearted devotion to the brand has turned his house into a Porsche Museum of sorts, with over 1,000 pieces of Porsche die cast models of 1:43 scale. Such is his love for the brand that Alberto even has specific plans when he meets his maker.
“When I die, I want my ashes to be scattered here – by the chapel in the town of Zell am See in Austria where Ferry Porsche was buried,” said Alberto.
At the centre of Alberto’s play room is a space perfectly laid out to simulate a Porsche showroom, right down to the last detail. The ensemble includes a reception, exhibition, and even the company’s corporate identity.
“Every time I get my hands on a new miniature, I place it on the dealership floor and do the official presentation”, said Alberto’s wife who also indulges in her husband’s hobby.
The collectibles are displayed on tailor-made pieces of display furniture and enclosed in glass. To pick them up, Alberto uses suction cups that only he controls – no one is strictly allowed to touch any of his prized possessions.
Alberto’s collection of all things Porsche isn’t just limited to die cast models but everything else with the brand’s emblem on it. There are paintings, backpacks, commemorative coins, banners, notebooks, wastepaper bins, pens, a Porsche office chair and even a menu from the restaurant at Porsche’s factory.
A lot of these have been the culmination of Alberto’s annual visits to the Porsche Museum for the last few decades. By driving there instead of flying, it has allowed him to bring back books and memorabilia without the hassle of dealing with airline regulations.
“When I was a young boy, I used to come home from college and most days I’d go past the Porsche dealership and spend ages peering through the window but never mustered the courage to venture inside”, said Alberto.
But look where he is now; not only is he a proud owner of a 911 Turbo but also is now also a “real estate tycoon” of his personal miniature development museum.
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Bentley will launch five EVs in five years starting from 2025

Luxury carmaker Bentley will be adding five new fully-electric models to its line-up by 2030, with the first to arrive in 2025 and one per year after, as the Crewe firm seeks to accelerate its
Beyond100 plan
 that was laid out back in 2020, further cementing its commitment to become a carbon-neutral fully-electric brand in 2030.
Speaking to UK’s
Autocar
, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark confirmed that the first of the five models will “be an incremental product to the ones we have today” in a new market segment, and won’t compete with anything they currently offer.
He added that it’ll be built on a shared Volkswagen Group platform, although all five cars won’t be based on the same architecture. “Some will be higher, some will be lower,” said Hallmark.
RELATED: The new Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner is for when “luxury” just isn’t enough
Development work of the first Bentley EV model due in 2025 is already well underway. “We know the battery, the performance of the battery. The final design is weeks to a couple of months away,” said Hallmark, confirming that the first model will have more than 480 km of range.
In addition to the EV assault from 2025, Bentley will also be unveiling five new hybrid derivatives of the
Bentayga
and
Flying Spur
 “to meet the diverse needs of Bentley’s discerning customers”. The company estimates that 20% of this year’s sales will be hybrid cars.
Bentley also confirmed in its announcement that the new EVs will all be built at the firm’s Crewe headquarters, as it commits GBP2.5 billion into the development of the plant with a focus on sustainability.
Called ‘Dream Factory’, Bentley says that its Crewe site will become a “digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility” that will help develop its next-generation products.
ALSO READ: Bentley’s second electrified model is the 544 hp Flying Spur Hybrid
Among the latest initiatives to revamp the plant include increasing the number of solar panels from 30,000 to 40,000 within the next two years, as well as researching the use of sustainable biofuel in its fleet cars, including its iconic Heritage Collection vehicles.
“Simultaneously accelerating our Beyond100 strategy and securing BEV production at Crewe, alongside a £2.5 billion investment, makes this a major landmark in Bentley’s 102-year history. It is a shining light for the Bentley family, our suppliers and partners, as well as the automotive industry and UK manufacturing as a whole,” said Hallmark.
“This latest announcement regarding Bentley’s Beyond100 plan confirms the initiation of a major transformative phase in the company’s long and illustrious history. The world is changing and we need to play our part in neutralising our environmental impact. That means delivering on our aim to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, and reaffirming our role as the leader in sustainable luxury mobility.”


Video: BMW M850i xDrive Coupe, Things You Need To Know

At long last, after a 30-year absence, the BMW 8-series is back and for the Malaysian market, we’ll only get it in a single variant – the 850i xDrive.
Yours for
RM1,008,800
 (OTR without insurance), it’s hard not to imagine the 850i xDrive looking as beautiful on the move as it is graceful being stationary.

While it may not posses the drama of the
First Edition 850i xDrive
, or the other 850i xDrive that’s
made of materials from out of this world
, its hunkered down stance should stop pedestrians in their tracks and sprain necks along the way.
Under the hood of the new BMW 850i xDrive is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 shared with the
current BMW M5
 with
530 hp
and
750 Nm
 of torque.
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2023 Aston Martin DBX707 review – physics-defying masterpiece

If you’ve ever read anything on the
Aston Martin DBX707
, then you’ll understand why they invited us to a racetrack – more specifically, the Fuji Speedway Circuit in Japan – to test out an SUV. After all, what’s better to utilise one of the longest straights on a circuit, than one of the most powerful SUVs in production?
But as luck would have it, the sky had other plans that day. The Shizuoka area experienced some of the heaviest snowfall it’s seen the entire winter… on a random Friday in February, mind you. The suits at Aston Martin judged that the six-inch snow is too dangerous for us motoring hacks to drive around in a multi-million dollar car, and to be fair, we wouldn’t have experienced much anyway – the cars were all kitted with sticky street-going tyres.
We really weren’t kidding.
In an attempt to salvage a little something out of the trip, we were treated to some ice donuts in a taxi ride alongside AM’s winter driving expert. But as much fun as that was, we can’t help but feel a little (read: incredibly) disappointed for not having the chance to experience the DBX707 by ourselves, on one of Japan’s most storied racetracks.
So when Aston Martin rang us up for another chance to drive the Aston Martin DBX707, this time in sunny Kuala Lumpur, there’s no way I’m letting this opportunity pass me by again.
While we didn’t have the long straight of the Fuji Speedway to unleash all of the 707 ponies from its uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill, the DBX707 still wasted no time in getting up to the national speed limit here on the Malaysian highways, even in GT mode (Aston Martin’s version of “Normal”).
Flick it into Sports mode via the new mode dial on the centre console, and the entire powertrain instantly comes alive. Squeeze down on the throttle, and as soon as the snails spool up, you’ll watch the speeds multiply on the speedo. Aston Martin says that 0-100 km/h on this thing is done in just 3.3 seconds. I believe it.
While you’re busy flicking through the gears on the new wet clutch nine-speed transmission (which Aston Martin says is 30% quicker than the DBX’s auto), the magnificent V8 noise pierces through the cabin, assaulting your every sense with aural ecstasy.
READ MORE:
New Aston Martin DBX 707 is now the most powerful luxury SUV
You’d be surprised, then, to hear that the best way to experience the 707 isn’t on the straights, but rather in the corners. It’s hard to explain what Aston Martin engineers did here aside from pure black magic, because the DBX707 truly has no business being as agile as it is.
Despite weighing over 2.2 tonnes, the front end of the Aston Martin DBX707 still grips on to the tarmac and turns in with razor-sharp precision. Its body stays virtually flat through quick direction changes, while on longer sweeping corners, the torque vectoring system and suspension wizardries translates to a mind-boggling amount of mechanical grip – although as we saw with the ice donuts, the DBX707 can still hang its tail out when you want it to.
Aston Martin credits most of the DBX707’s athleticism to the reworked 48-volt active anti-roll system, which helps maintain its body roll to within 0.7 of a degree. That is then coupled to the retuned damper and spring rates, alongside a rebalanced 52/48 weight distribution, to give the big SUV truly sportscar-rivalling handling chops.
Yet, even with its newfound aggression, the Aston Martin DBX707 can still behave itself on public roads. Aston Martin says that as a result of the suspension changes, comfort and ride quality in the DBX707 has also improved over the regular DBX. Key of which, the rear springs have actually been softened to let the rear axle work harder during corners, while still ensuring your kids stay asleep during your
balik kampung
 journeys.
You’d want to keep the car in GT mode when you’re doing SUV things, where the air suspension softens and powertrain relaxed; the nine-speed transmission smoothly meshing the gears from ratio to ratio unperturbed. But even in the roided-out Sport+ mode, the DBX707 never actually feels uncomfortable, so you could be
that guy
 if you really want to.
And you’d be doing it in a cabin filled with the usual Aston Martin luxuries. Satin chrome jewellery and leather cover almost every surface of the interior, while the hinged swan doors and “handshake” handles make entering the cabin a fanfare, every single time.
RELATED:
Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica
With a name like the DBX707, where its horsepower figure is now firmly part of its identity, you’d be tempted to chalk this off as just a brute in a suit. Heck, even Aston Martin themselves are guilty of this, too: take a quick glance at the DBX707’s webpage, and you’ll quickly find copy like “Power Redefined”, or “Exhilarating Power”.
But the 707 is more than just a numbers job, because behind that big grille and incredible numbers is an engineering feat that makes it a far better car than its lesser counterpart – more athletic, more exciting, and in some cases, more normal… in a good way. Most importantly, it’s made me realise one thing – I don’t hate SUVs, just boring ones.
2023 Aston Martin DBX707 specifications, as tested:
Engine
3,982 cc; “hot-V” twin-turbocharged V8, petrol
Transmission
9-speed wet-clutch automatic
Max horsepower
707 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque
900 Nm @ 2,750 – 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
3.3 seconds; 310 km/h
Price
from
RM1,098,000
 before taxes, duties, and options
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Research suggests that EVs might become cheaper than ICE cars by 2027

While electric vehicles have seen a significant uptick in adoption recently, the majority of road users are still hesitant on buying one, partly due to its higher price; you’re effectively paying for an early adopter tax, so to speak, as it’s a new and upcoming technology still very much in development.
Well, that could all be changing sooner than we thought. A recent study by BloombergNEF – and reported by
The Guardian
 – suggested that, in Europe at least, electric vehicles will reach price parity with ICE cars by 2027.
In fact, the research says that larger electric sedans and SUVs are poised to achieve that in 2026. By 2030, the study anticipates that all EVs will cost significant lesser than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts to produce.
Mercedes-Benz is going all-in on EV, with
eight EQ
 and
EV AMG models
 already in the works
The main contributing factor to the changeover is due to economies of scale, the study argues, as manufacturers continue to invest heavily in EV technologies, while more and more dedicated EV production lines are being created within their respective factories.
Additionally, batteries are also becoming less expensive to manufacture, which means the reduced costs will be eventually passed on to end buyers. A study commissioned by Transport & Environment, a non-profit organization campaigning for cleaner transport in Europe, predicts that battery prices will fall by 58% (to USD58 per kWh) within the next decade.
Keep in mind that USD100/kWh is considered by many to
the
 another major milestone in EV adoption.
BloombergNEF anticipates that by 2026, the average price of a mid-sized vehicle will be around EUR19,000 (~RM95k), regardless of its propulsion method. By 2030, it predicts that the average price of an EV will further drop to EUR16,300 (~RM82k), while the average ICE’s price will have risen slightly to EUR19,900 (~RM100k).
That’s a significant difference from today’s figures, with EVs being priced at around EUR33,300 (~RM167k) on average, and EUR18,600 (~RM93k) for an ICE-powered car.
Almost every carmaker is now coming up with their own dedicated EV line-up.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? You’d be even more surprised that BloombergNEF’s forecast is actually one of the more conservative ones. Investment bank UBS
previously predicted
 that cost parity between EVs and ICE cars can be achieved as soon as 2024!
All signs right now are pointing towards an EV takeover sooner than later, especially with governments across the globe imposing even
stricter emissions regulations
in the coming years. Let’s just hope that the lower pricing trend will be carried over to our side of the world, and we’ll have the
electric charging infrastructure
 to back it up!


Perodua to reimburse 6% GST for transactions between 18-31 May

Perodua has just announced that the company will fully reimburse the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to all its customers who purchased a new vehicle, parts and even serviced their cars between 18 and 31 May 2018. This comes after the new Pakatan Harapan Government announced that the current 6% GST will be zero-rated come 1 June 2018.
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, YBhg Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said, “Perodua will fully reimburse our valued customers the GST amount in cash upon registration or servicing of their vehicles as well as parts purchased.”
Perodua GST Bonus
For customers who have made transactions at the service centres, Perodua will be providing reimbursement in the form of e-vouchers, which is valid from 1st June 2018 onwards. Starting from
19th May 2018
, customers will receive an instant 6% cash rebate for vehicle serviced.


Volkswagen to use new 3D printing process in car production

For the first time ever, Volkswagen will be using a new 3D printing process called
binder jetting
 to manufacture components at the company’s plant in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Unlike conventional 3D printing which uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The finished component is then heated and shaped. Watch the video below to better understand the process.

This will not only
reduce costs but increase productivity
 by cutting production time by months. The components will also be lighter,
weighing only half as much as those made from sheet steel
.
Volkswagen is currently the only car manufacturer using this 3D printing technology in the production process. In achieving this, Volkswagen has invested around 50 million euros over the past five years. The company also announced its collaboration with Siemens and HP in this effort.
Check out the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI inside and out here!
The interior of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI.
HP will provide the high-tech printers needed while Siemens will assist with special software for additive manufacturing. Together Volkswagen and Siemens also optimises the positioning of these components in the build chamber.
The process is called
“nesting”
, a technique that Volkswagen says allows them to
produce twice as many parts per print session
, compared to conventional 3D printing methods.
The T-Roc cabriolet.
Remember the drop-top Evoque? The T-Roc cabriolet is Volkswagen’s answer to it! More info here!
The first components made using the binder jetting process includes components for the
A-pillar of the T-Roc cabriolet
. These weigh almost 50% less than conventional components made from sheet steel.
By 2025, Volkswagen aims to produce up to 100,000 components by 3D printing in Wolfsburg each year. In the last 25 years, Volkswagen has produced over one million components via 3D printing. Typical components for prototype vehicles include center consoles, door cladding, instrument panels and bumpers.


New Nissan 3S centre with new Retail Concept opens in Kota Bharu

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)
 has launched a new 3S centre with the company’s new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan through its newly appointed dealer, Edaran Nuri Sdn Bhd.
The new Nissan Retail Concept features Nissan’s new corporate identity, with a red Nissan signage on the outside of the building. Aside from the “Nissan Drive” sales and consultation area, there’s also an exclusive delivery bay to enhance the customer’s new car delivery experience.
The new 3S centre has a built-up area of over 12,000 sq ft and is capable of displaying five Nissan vehicles with three service bays for after-sales services that can accommodate up to 15 vehicles per day. Other facilities on the premises include a cafe-style customer lounge, free WiFi, and a kid’s area.
“Customer satisfaction is our main priority, and it is important that we work closely with our dealer to serve our customers better. The Nissan Retail Concept is our commitment in providing customers with high-quality services and after-sales offerings from the minute they arrive,” said ETCM, Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan.
To alleviate customer concerns on the issue of hygiene, frequent disinfecting will be carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day on all touchpoints including display and test drive vehicles, as well as all customer vehicles before and after service. During this period, ETCM encourages contactless payments.
The new 3S centre is located at Lot 6621, KM10, Jalan Pasir Puteh Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Operating hours are between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm from Saturday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Friday.
For the latest price list of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
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The new Lynk & Co 02 compact SUV actually looks pretty stylish…

Lynk & Co, the new Chinese carmaker backed by Geely Auto Group, has just announced its latest model, the Lynk & Co 02 compact SUV, positioned as a more stylish alternative to the
01 SUV
 that was introduced in 2016.
Unlike the 01 that was aimed at the Chinese market, the 02 will focus on urbanites residing in key European cities. Head of Design Lynk & Co, Andreas Nilsson, said: “Sporty, adventurous, dynamic, daring, confident and fun, the 02 sits at the absolute centre of our brand. A shorter wheelbase, lower ride height and centre of gravity – combined with two-tone colour-schemes and softer, voluptuous surfaces, muscular haunches and wheel-arches – give 02 a solid and confident stance while being agile and sporty in character.”

On the outside, we can see that the 02 spots a leaner profile with a more angular C-pillar design compared to its larger sibling. The Lynk & Co family face is also present as are the quirky taillamp graphics. All 02 will come with a two-tone paint scheme. The new car shares the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform as the
award-winning Volvo XC40
.
Peeking inside, you’ll find a modern cabin identical to other models in the Lynk & Co range – LCD instrument cluster, central touchscreen display with control knobs tucked under it, multifunctional steering wheel design and more. Some of its design was also lifted off from Volvo models.

Alain Visser added: “Sales started in China late last year, and we quickly established Lynk & Co as a very hot property in cities from Beijing to Shanghai. We intend to make a similar impact in our home European cities with Lynk & Co’s innovative approach to buying, using and owning personal mobility.”
The first European Lynk & Co showroom will open in Amsterdam followed by Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and London. These brick and mortar facility will be located in central fashion districts, in line with the brand’s fun and youthful corporate image. If Geely’s promise is unchanged, the 02 will also come with a
Lifetime Product Warranty and free data traffic access
 as standard.
Also revealed at the launch is that Volvo Cars will be manufacturing Lynk & Co vehicles at their plant in Ghent, Belgium from late 2019 onwards. By providing Lynk & Co with production capacity at its Ghent plant, Volvo Cars is backing the expansion of the new car brand in Europe and further diversifying its business.
Lynk & Co vehicles share the same CMA platform as Volvo Cars hence the joint production will have a positive effect on economies of scale. At present, the Ghent plant produces the
XC40
,
V40
, V40 Cross Country,
S60
 and will start producing the
all-new V60
 in time.
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Review: BMW 520i Luxury Line and why it’s one of the best of 2019

It’s been a really long time since I had the time or quite frankly the initiative to update this space and when the slightest urge to do so arises, something pops up and I’m back to my procrastinating ways.
The lifestyle of someone who reports on automotive news can be quite an illusion to another. We’re understood as people of privilege; seen as “living the life” most could only dream of from behind their depressing little cubicles and for the most part, it’s rather accurate.
We get to try out brand spanking new cars all the time, sent overseas to pass judgment on new cars, put up at fancy hotels where standard rooms costs as much as we earn in a month and the pseudo-royal treatment just goes on.
What most don’t see behind this curtain of glitter is the controlled chaos. The hours can be long and uncertain, there’s a constant and desperate need to be creative, albeit mostly unsuccessful, with rewards limited to career fulfillment most of the time.
As dynamic as the job scope is, every once in a while it all becomes a cycle – opinions on different cars somehow appear the same and as a result, it all just lacks the verbal impact we seek.
But every now and then, something new comes along, hits all the right notes and jolts us out of our rut. I recently found my spark; in the form of the very unassuming, severely underrated
BMW 520i Luxury Line
.
When BMW first introduced the
new G30 BMW 5 series
 in the form of the
530i M Sport
 more than two years ago, I remember vividly probing BMW Malaysia’s executives on the subsequent arrival of a lower, bread and butter variant such as the 520i; instead of asking when I could get test drive the 530i.
Aesthetically pleasing as it may be, the 530i with its ultra low profile tyres and M Sport suspension just doesn’t indicate supreme comfort. And true enough, it didn’t – something I realised after a quick spin in the rear seat.
Throughout the 5-minute drive back from lunch, I couldn’t help but think to myself repeatedly what the overall ride experience would be like in a “less sportier” version with fatter tyres and true enough, when the 520i arrived, it met and exceeded all the expectations I had of it.
If BMW produced cream (any sort for that matter), it should be called the 520i and for good reason. Living up, above and beyond, to its Luxury Line designation, it’s so unbelievably refined that you couldn’t have possibly felt a ride more plush, an operation so smooth even if you were sliding on oil-soaked, silk sheets.
The bumps and humps were heavily diluted before it reaches your bum and with immaculate sound-proofing, the sheer silence within the cabin is just deafening. I swear, it’s like sitting inside an air-tight tupperware.
And this being the supposed entry-level 5 series, it isn’t sparse on equipment. In fact this tupperware is filled to the brim; or at least more than what is usually expected of a 520i.
Electric rear sunblinds, rear air con vents by the B-pillar and centre console with control, active cornering lights and even Apple CarPlay. It’s got more than sufficient head and leg room for five and is as well put together as you’d expect a 5 series to be. The cabin was a real pleasant place to be.
The only glaring omission for a car of this segment and price point, is the lack of any form of Autonomous Emergency Braking and paddle shifters. Personally the lack of AEB wasn’t that big a deal for me although the merits of it is unquestionable at a time when driving means juggling two things at a time – operating a vehicle while texting.
The lack of paddle shifters mattered more to me. The ability to downshift manually in the event of heavy braking is crucial not just for safety reasons but is also a crucial part of the “sheer driving pleasure” experience because not only was the 520i essentially a cushion on wheels, it was also quite capable when the need for speed is streaming down your veins.
With only
184 hp
 and
290 Nm
 of torque, it’s got
even less power than a Golf GTI
 (220 hp & 350 Nm) but here’s the thing, being a 520i, it’s not burdened by the need to be powerful – BMW’s got the 530i and
530e M Sport
 for that.
But was it underpowered? Not by any means. Would you consider 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds slow? I wouldn’t. On paper it may seem inferior, but in reality, for everyday situations and driving conditions, it was plenty enough.
It was smooth and linear in urban environments and even upon hitting the wider interstate highways, it performed with a flourish – truly bewildering on one hand as to why anyone would need anymore power than this but yet, hardly surprising.
Have you, in recent history, driven an underpowered BMW? Is there even such a thing?
High speeds were so easily attainable, it makes you forget that you’re merely in a 520i and the sheer calmness from within the cabin, even when the car was “cruising” at unspeakable speeds was second to none.
Not being a 530e, it’s also not bogged down by additional weight from the batteries and not having these batteries at the back also meant a larger boot.
It also doesn’t look as sinister as the 530e that’s dressed in M Sport attire. If you think about it, why the environmentally-friendly 5 series is made to look so aggressive with large 19-inch wheels (which isn’t known to offer good fuel economy) is beyond me.
Would having the 520i’s visual appeal be heightened with an M Sport body kit? Most probably so. But is the 520i desperately in need of “louder exterior”? The answer is a resounding no.
Fortunately it’s tastefully dressed in moderate amounts of chrome and those 18-inch wheels, which looked fantastic in my eyes, made all the difference between a firm ride and one of the most comfortable I’ve experienced in a RM300k car.
If you ask me, the “real 520i customer” wouldn’t be bothered either. Those who buy the 520i do so not for the power, not for the aggression but the absolute all-roundedness of a 5 series.
It’s discreet and understated yet is everything you’d expect (and more) in a 5-series. Can you imagine a 40, 50 or even 60 year old man in a blacked out 530e on low profile tyres? Probably not.
Would a 30-odd year old look old in the 520i? You’d be crazy to think so. If you disagree though, the 520i is not for you to begin with because it’s far from inappropriate for the image of a young over-achiever.
If you’re moving up from a 3-series, this is definitely a big upgrade – there’s no need for the heavier 530e where the effectiveness of its PHEV system (like all else in the market) is heavily reliant on the frequency the car is charged.
For these very reasons, if you’re looking to elevate your lifestyle with something more expensive (and German) but the 520i isn’t under radar, you’re doing it wrong because it’s everything you’d ever want and need in a luxury sedan and is, in my books, one of the most (if not the most) impressive set of wheels introduced in Malaysia this year.
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The Bugatti Chiron Sport “Les Légendes du Ciel” is a fighter-jet tribute for the road

Bugatti has had close associations with aviation ever since the company was first established more than 110 years ago. Many successful Bugatti racing drivers, including Albert Divo, Robert Benoist, and Bartolomeo Constantini, all flew for the French Air Force; and French aviator legend and sportsman Roland Garros also owned one of the seven Bugatti Type 18 ever made – the model was later affectionally given the name “Garros”.
In fact, founder Ettore Bugatti himself was also involved in the design of aircraft engines, and from 1937, also developed an entire aircraft just to break speed records. The project unfortunately had to be stopped due to World War II, but Bugatti kept in close personal contact with the pilots throughout his life.
As a tribute to these “daredevils”, Bugatti has unveiled the Chiron Sport “Les Légendes du Ciel” edition in honour of the brand’s heritage. Based on the
Chiron Sport
, the Legends of the Sky edition is limited to just 20 units, and will cost EUR2.88 million net each.
The main standout feature on the “Les Légendes du Ciel” is its matte-grey paint job, dubbed “Gris Serpent”, which Bugatti says is a modern interpretation of the exterior colour found on aircrafts from the 1920s. A white gloss centre stripe splits the car into two halves right down the middle, all the way from the top of the horseshoe grille to the edge of the rear wing.
Speaking of the horseshoe grille, Bugatti has also given the Chiron Sport “Les Légendes du Ciel” a unique mesh pattern, made of laser-cut and deep-drawn aluminium, to represent planes flying in formation in an air parade. The same pattern is also found on the stitched seams on the leather seats inside.
Other exterior features include the “Les Légendes du Ciel” logo on the front fender, while the exposed black carbon fibre side sills are decorated with the French “Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge” tricolour. Further back, black exposed carbon fibre along with white contrast lettering is again used on the engine cover, while the exhaust trim cover is 3D-printed out of a high-temperature-resistant Inconel material.
Moving inside, you’ll immediately be greeted by the special-edition Logo puddle light projected on the ground once you open the doors. The door sills also feature the “Les Légendes du Ciel” logo, and are made out of brushed aluminium – the only material on the trims you’ll find inside the cabin, contrasting the “Gaucho” bright tan leather which the company says is reminiscent of the leather used in aircrafts from the olden days.
The “Les Légendes du Ciel” logo can be found again on the headrests along with the special-edition numbering “1 of 20”, as well as the centre console insert which is made out of polished aluminium in perlée-finish, a nod to Bugatti’s historic race cars. As an option, the Legends of the Sky special edition can also be fitted with a “Sky View” glass roof to simulate the feel of an open-top aircraft.
Other details that can be found on the interior include a hand-sketched racing scene on the door panels, featuring the Nieuport 17 aircraft and Bugatti Type 13 – the two “souls” honoured by this special edition.
The Nieuport 17 is a French biplane aircraft built from 1916 that was very popular among pilots due to its reliability, speed, agility and manoeuvrability, while the Bugatti Type 13 was the first model to bear the Bugatti nameplate, and formed the foundations for the brand’s racing success.
The W16 engine found behind the passenger compartment is unchanged, with a capacity of 8.0-litres delivering 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes just 2.5 seconds, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of 420 km/h – certainly fast enough to run alongside a fighter jet, as
Top Gear demonstrated 12 years ago
 with the Bugatti Veyron.
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Apollo tyres offers 1-Year Unconditional Warranty for its passenger tyres

Apollo Tyres now offers five additional tyre sizes of the dual-branded Apollo-Manchester United range, in reinforcing the brand’s commitment to offer a broader range of the high quality tyres to football fans (presumably only to MUFC loyalists) in Malaysia.
(From left) Denis Irwin, former Manchester United defender, Lau Den Nee, Group Manager of Apollo Tyres Malaysia, Victor Siew, Divisional Head Malaysia of Apollo Tyres Malaysia, David May, former  Manchester United defender, and Dwight Yorke, former Manchester United striker.
To meet the consumer’s demands, the Apollo-Manchester United range is now made available in these sizes:
195 55 R15
205 55 R16
215 55 R17
245 45 R18
265 65 R17
“These five new sizes were developed based on the success of our debut 15-inch variant which was introduced almost three years ago. With this tyre range, drivers will not only experience a quieter drive, superior handling in the dry and wet but will also get to
show off the Manchester United logo on their tyre’s sidewall
,” said Shubhro Ghosh, Group Head, ASEAN & Middle East region, Apollo Tyres Ltd.
In addition, the company continues to provide a 1-Year Unconditional Warranty (UCW) for the entire passenger car tyre range – covering all kinds of tyre damages
such as accidental tyre damage or impact breaks
 for a peace of mind. This complements the existing 5-year basic manufacturer’s warranty.
Commenting on the UCW offer, Ghosh added, “Our Malaysian consumers are very important to us. Since starting operations in Malaysia, back in 2016, we have established our distribution channel throughout Malaysia that would allow our business partners to deliver our tyres right to the customer’s door step.
The extended range of Apollo-Manchester United tyres are now available at all authorised Apollo dealers nationwide.


This mint Porsche 911 C2 will make you wanna work harder in life

Like the majority of us, I spend considerable time in my day window shopping through our local classified websites including Mudah, Lelong, MotorTrader and Carlist to name a few; looking at cars and even spare parts I’m most certainly not able to afford.
As unproductive as it sounds, the thrill however, of going through these sites is that, no matter what you’re browsing through whether its for limited edition apparels, gadgets, household goods or even car parts, you’ll never know what you’d stumble upon with sheer blind luck.
Last week was one of those moments. Having had the privilege of growing up with a “squashed Beetle” as some would like to refer; I’ve always had a soft spot for air-cooled Porsche 911’s – especially for a certain 1982 Porsche 911 SC. You can imagine then the excitement I felt upon discovering this ultra-mint
1995 3.6-litre Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2
.

These things don’t come by often nowadays, you’ll hardly see one posted online and even more so in the flesh. This is because values for these “toys” have skyrocketed over the last five years and those with deep pockets are already latching on to it as a form of investment. Based on a what I’ve heard, a 1996 3.6-litre Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2 was bought for RM 140,000 and flipped for RM 250,000 just 14 months later.
Whether its actually worth such monumental amounts of cash (yea cash, you can’t buy these things on loan anymore) is not a concern for us civilians. What I care about, is sharing the sight or rather the beacon of a well-cared classic.
This model was apparently a unit that was imported new by Porsche 911. When new, these things were pushing out around 250 hp with around 310 Nm of torque – good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds (for Tiptronic as is with this model) and a top speed of more than 250 km/h.
The owner quoted that “its been maintained fastidiously as a reliable daily car” – we think its understatement. Looking at the pictures you know you’re dealing with a car that has been meticulously cared for with no expense spared.
It’s been so reliable that the owner even drove it up to Phuket,
a drive that our friends at Evo Malaysia will soon be embarking on
, adding that it handled the long drive wonderfully and reliably. We wouldn’t question that all. While it still has some grunt, buying an exquisite piece of machinery such as this, with a Tiptronic gearbox to beat modern day performance cars is like buying contraband cigarettes hoping that it would offer the same kick as a pack of Dunhill’s. No, these cars, in its current form, are meant for long, relaxing, dignified drives on a grand tour.
“I am fussy with small things and the car reflects this”, said the owner. Judging from the pictures, would you doubt it?
*Pictures are provided by the owner
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW raise SUV prices in China as trade war expands

BMW has had to raise prices of some SUV models in China due to higher duties being imposed on imports from the U.S. The move by China to raise import duties from 15% to 40% was in response to tariffs (worth US$34 billion) imposed by the Trump administration against China-made goods.
The X5 and X6 SUV prices are now between 4% to 7% higher, with the impending launch of
the new X4
 to be similarly affected as BMW makes most of its SUVs in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Rival Mercedes-Benz has also been reported to have raised prices of its American-made GLS and GLE models while Tesla likewise with its Model X and S.
Majority of BMW SUVs are made in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including the new X4 you see here.
The irony is that China has just recently introduced wide-ranging tariff cuts in July covering an array of consumer goods including automobiles; a move to open its market further to imported goods. In fact, China will remove the cap on foreign ownership of car makers by 2022; the limit stands at 50% currently.
As the trade war escalates, it remains to be seen which superpower will blink first. But as the world’s largest consumer of automobiles – over 28 million new vehicles were registered last year – the implications could be severe for both sides if the situation persists. Closer to home, the Malaysian government is said to be considering imposing restrictions on foreign car brands even though Perodua and Proton command 50% of the market share, with the remainder constituted mainly by brands that produces and assembles cars locally.


Toyota Malaysia recalls 29,985 units of Vios, Yaris and Altis over airbag issue

UMW Toyota Motor is extending its Special Service Campaign after receiving confirmation from principal, Toyota Motor Corporation, that close to 30,000 cars are affected by the airbag inflation issue.
Models involved in the campaign are the
Vios, Yaris
 and
 Altis
 manufactured
between April 2007 to December 2008
. UMW Toyota Motor will be in direct contact with those affected and will carry out the necessary corrective measures should the inflators prove to be faulty. If so, the faulty part will be replaced with a brand new unit at no cost to the owner.
AnnouncementDate
Model Name
Year Manufactured
Front Passenger Side Airbag Inflator
Driver’s side Airbag Inflator
7 July 2015 (29,985 units)
Vios
April 2007 –December 2008
√
–
Corolla Altis
√
–
Yaris
√
–
The company also said cars manufactured after December 2008 are not affected by the campaign. Customers may call Toyota’s Toll Free Line at 1800-8-869682 for further information.


Sales Tax Exemption: Updated BMW and MINI Malaysia prices announced

Next up in the ranks of car brands releasing revised price lists after Sales Tax Exemption today is
BMW Group Malaysia
 with the updated prices for BMW and MINI models. The new price list will be in effect starting Monday the 15th of June to the 31st of December 2020, thanks to the government’s
short-term economy recovery plan
which sees a 100% sales tax exemption on locally-assembled cars and 50% on imported units.
BMW Malaysia Price List after Sales Tax Exemption:
BMW Malaysia’s latest releases, the
840i Gran Coupe M Sport
 and
X6 xDrive40i M Sport
 – both CBU models – received sizeable reductions in price at 3.2% (RM31,388.77) and 3.5% (RM25,852.61) respectively. Meanwhile, the
CKD 320i Sport and 330i M Sport
 models are now priced 2.8% (RM7,005.60) and 2.6% (RM7612.52) lower respectively.
MINI Malaysia Price List after Sales Tax Exemption:
As for MINI, the limited-run
Countryman Blackheath Edition
 gets a RM9,607.62 reduction in price, the same as the
Countryman Sports
 which it is based on. The new
JCW Clubman and Countryman
 are now 3.7% cheaper, which accounts for RM13,390.18 and RM13,997.27 respectively.
We are covering the updated price lists
here
 as they come in, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!


Online reservation service for all-new Nissan Leaf due to overwhelming response

Orders for the
all-new Nissan Leaf
 has surpassed the 10,000 mark in just two months and as such Nissan UK has launched an online reservation tool to make ordering the all-electric vehicle a simpler process.
The new digital ordering system will allow customers to place orders for the all-new Leaf – currently limited to just 2.ZERO special editions – in just a matter of minutes.
The
Nismo edition
 of the all-new Nissan Leaf
Limited to
1,500 units
, the Leaf 2.ZERO edition will sit between the upper N-Connecta variant and the high-spec Tekna model. It will be available in two colours – Spring Cloud and Pearl Black.
Locally, the all-new Nissan Leaf is expected to make its appearance by 2018
as mentioned by Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia previously
. The electric vehicle now packs
147 hp
 and
 320 Nm
 with a theoretical driving range of
378 km.


Facts & Figures: BMW X7 xDrive40i CKD launched from RM649k

When it was first
previewed
, the CKD BMW X7 was given an estimated price of RM708,000. BMW Malaysia today has released the final price of their latest locally-assembled product from Kulim, Kedah.
The locally-assembled BMW X7 xDrive40i, in Pure Excellence trim, is priced from
RM648,934
 and inclusive of the soon-to-expire sales and service tax exemption. Comparing the price when it was
first introduced
 at RM888,800, this final CKD price is a full
RM239,866 cheaper
, out of which, RM83,734 is listed as government-approved EEV incentives with another RM25,000 thanks to the sales and service tax exemption.
As for the main specifications and features, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i does not differ from the CBU variant launched in 2019. The colour palette sees a reduction from seven to five- Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Mineral White and the new Manhattan Metallic.
EXTERIOR
The Pure Excellence line continues in the CKD model, the only model in BMW Malaysia without a M Sport line. The window surrounds, air breather and ‘hockey stick’ door mouldings are in bright chrome, with front and rear bumper underbody protection in stainless steel styling. Key features in the BMW X7 xDrive40i includes:
BMW Laserlight headlamps
Aluminium roof rails
Aluminium running boards
21″ wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flats
Soft-close doors
Powered split tailgate
Welcome light carpet
INTERIOR
Inside, the features continue to remain as similarly nicely equipped as the fully imported model. There are three interior schemes with Vernasca leather paired with their respective exterior colours.
All three rows get to control their own air-conditioning preference with the
automatic five-zone
 control system. High-gloss brown wood trim continues to decorate the interior with other key features below:
“CraftedClarity” glass application on the gear selector, iDrive controller, volume knob and start/stop button
BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and similarly-sized infotainment system
Front active seat ventilation
Power-adjusting second-row seats in 40:20:40 split, with one-touch easy-access
Power-folding third-row seats in 50:50 split
Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge
Harman Kardon surround sound with 16 speakers
Rear seat entertainment with two 10.2-inch touch screen monitors

PERFORMANCE
The X7 in the xDrive40i guise is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine pushing out
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint takes
6.1

seconds
 while the top speed is capped at 245 km/h.
A new addition into the CKD model is the fitment of the
Integral Active Steering
 that marginally turns the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels for either better low-speed agility or high-speed comfort and stability.
An 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive and air suspension with active roll stabilisation are standard items. Like the imported variant, ride comfort is further enhanced by the
Dynamic Damper Control
 system, which can process data from the navigation system and front camera.
Also carried over are the Driving Assistance Professional features like the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, steering and lane control assistant, a head-up display, and Reversing Assist.
PRICING
As mentioned earlier, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i is priced from
RM648,934
 but this is only with the
standard two-year warranty
. A price of
RM673,324
 is quoted for the five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme. With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s Balloon Financing Plan, the X7 xDrive40i can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from
RM7,468
 (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).
From
July 1st 2021
 onwards, prices are
RM674,410
 for the standard warranty and
RM698,800
 with the extended warranty and service-inclusive package. BMW Malaysia also includes BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW Privileges Card and Service Online in the pricing.
The BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting tomorrow (May 8th 2021). Customers can also book the new luxury SAV for
RM 5,000
 via the
BMW Shop Online
 platform from May 11th 2021 onwards.
GALLERY
GALLERY AT PREVIEW


Toyota receives awards for most cars with 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating

Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing (TDEM), Toyota’s regional office in Asia for engineering, manufacturing, and other functions today announced that Toyota has received multiple “Decade of Safer Vehicle Awards” in conjunction with the ASEAN NCAP’s 10
th
 anniversary celebration.
As of the 8th of December 2021, the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) turned 10 years old.
Toyota received four awards including:
Best Adult Occupant Protection 2017 – 2020
 – Toyota C-HR
Best Safety Assist 2019
 – Toyota Majesty & Granvia
The Most 5-Star Car 2017 – 2020
The Most 5-Star Car 2012 – 2020
“Toyota has had a long history in Asia, where we have been recognised by our customers as the foremost brand for QDR – Quality,  Reliability and Durability – and safety. We started production activities in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia as early as the 1960s, and over the last six decades, we have strived to develop the best products not only to suit our ASEAN customers’ needs but also to improve and adopt safety technologies as part of our responsibility as a mobility company; prioritising the improvement of road and traffic safety in this region,” said TDEM.

As for the company’s vision towards zero traffic fatalities, Toyota said it is committed to improving its vehicle safety technologies and performance continuously with a focus on three essential elements; advancing safety technology, educating drivers, passengers and pedestrians toward traffic safety, and supporting safer traffic infrastructure.


Dodge to debut electric muscle car in 2024, 0-100 km/h in 2 seconds!

Dodge has announced its electric vehicle (EV) plan and products for the decade and the brand famous for big V8 engines and high horsepower values will debut an electric muscle car in 2024.
The Stellantis automotive group of companies that includes Peugeot, Opel, Jeep and Alfa Romeo, showcased their plans and strategies to roll out EVs with their new
scalable EV platform called STLA (Stella)
. Three STLA unibody platforms will cover small, premium and large vehicles, while a dedicated STLA Frame construction will be used for large pick-ups and SUVs.
In the presentation, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said, ”Our engineers are reaching a practical limit of what we can squeeze from internal combustion innovation. They know, we know, electric motors can give us more. And if we know a technology that can give our customers an advantage, we have an obligation to embrace it,”
The  Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a road-legal ‘10-second’ drag machine! 0 to 60 in 2.3s
 https://youtu.be/l7Bp730y53o
The proposed muscle car is expected to have close to
900 hp
 from its dual-motor layout (450 hp per axle-motor) with the highest variant pushing the ‘zero to sixty’ time (96 km/h) in
just two seconds
. That time places it neck-and-neck with the range-topping
Tesla Model S Plaid
, while the
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
 does it in 2.6 seconds.
Barely anything on the design was teased, apart from a triangle emblem on the front and rear of the concept vehicle. The said emblem is what Dodge calls the ‘Fratzog’ that was used on certain models in the ‘60s and the ‘70s that had futuristic-looking themes.
Opel brings back the classic Manta coupe, demonstrates EV platforms can accommodate any styling
Apart from the new muscle car, the STLA Large platform will be the basis for seven other new vehicles that will be introduced in three to five year’s time.


Updated Mazda2 now in UK, adds GVC, new wheel, priced from RM71k!

Mazda UK has just announced a small update for the
Mazda2
 that brings to the table the new G-Vectoring Control technology (GVC), revised suspension, enhanced sound insulation and additional equipment.
First introduced in the Mazda3 facelift, Mazda’s
GVC
 is a breakthrough software that improves ride quality and reduces body roll by modulating engine load. This system is simply known as motion control technology.
To further enhance the Mazda2’s steering feel and response, Mazda revised the damper settings, gives it new anti-roll bar bushings, new front lower suspension arm structure and re-calibrated electric power steering. These mechanical revisions, coupled with GVC results in better ride and handling.
Cabin noise has always been the Achilles heel of the Mazda2. To address this, Mazda has fitted the Mazda2 with
noise-insulating windscreen
, reshaped wing mirrors and additional sound deadening materials at the bonnet, tailgate, parcel shelf and spare wheel well.
Powerplant options for the UK-spec Mazda2 is courtesy of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with three different state of tunes –
74 hp
,
89 hp
 and
113 hp
. The
113 hp
 engine is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox while others can be had with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda UK will have eight variants of the Mazda2 on offer starting from the base SE to the range topping GT Sport. All variants get a new three-spoke design steering wheel and new seat fabrics. The SE-L and SE-L Nav variants now come equipped with LED front fog lamps, auto power-folding wing mirrors, passenger seat height adjustment while Sport Nav models gets shark fin antenna and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the GT and GT Sport trims, it features LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black rear spoiler and 16-inch silver alloys. Other features such as 7-inch MZD-Connect infotainment system, satellite navigation, coloured heads up display, cruise control, privacy glass, smart keyless entry and leather upholstery are available depending on variants selected.

All 89 hp and 113 hp powered cars will be equipped as standard with
Smart City Brake Support
 and
Lane Departure Warning System
, making it the second B-Segment hatchback to come equipped with these safety features after the
fourth-generation Kia Rio
.
Prices for the Mazda2 facelift in the UK starts from £12,695 (RM71k) and stretches all the way to £16,395 (RM92k). Deliveries is scheduled to begin in June 2017. Locally, our highly specced
Mazda2
 starts from RM87k. It is only a matter of time before Bermaz Motor brings in the updated Mazda2, but the only question is, will it still cost the same?
IMAGE GALLERY


Ferrari 488 Spider unveiled ahead of 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

The makers of the unmistakable ‘Prancing Horse’ has just taken the wraps of their newest creation, the 488 Spider ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Ferrari
 took a can opener to the recently launched
488 GTB
, and the company is also the first manufacturer to feature an RHT or retractable hard top technology onto this caliber of cars. It is the most powerful mid-engined convertible in the company’s history.
It’s said that the RHT architecture on the Spider is almost
25 kg lighter
 as compared to the
conventional fabric folding setup
, and only takes
14 seconds
 to erect from close. But like all previous drop top Ferraris in the past, it’s made squarely for those who want unlimited headroom and a better ear on that
3,902cc twin-turbo V8
 power house. Ferrari has mentioned that the handling is unchanged from the GTB but suffers a
50 kg
penalty.

Shimmering underneath that gleaming paint-job is the heart of this immense beast – a
 3.9-litre
 twin turbo V8 mill that makes
660 hp
 with a maximum torque figure of
760 Nm
 at
3,000 rpm
.

This sends the Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.0 seconds flat
, with a 0 to 200 km/h time of just
8.7 seconds
. Top speed is
325 km/h
. Mated to the engine is a seven-speed F1 dual clutch transmission by racing gearbox aficionado,
Getrag.
Ferrari has quite boldly said that the Spider is the
 most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider
 ever built, thanks to a series of complex aero solutions designed to guarantee
 optimal downforce
 whilst
reducing drag
. Maranello’s finest engineers have bolted on a
blown spoiler
 and an aerodynamic underbody
vortex generators
.
The Ferrari 488 Spider will debut at the upcoming 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is expected to retail on our shores for an estimated excess of
RM 2 million
with prices estimated at £205,000 (approx. RM 1,222,827) in the UK. Watch this space for more timely updates.
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Mercedes-AMG C63S Coupe launched in Malaysia, priced at RM774k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has added yet another model to their Dream Car lineup, this time a two-doored tyre-shredding beast from Affalterbach. The
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe
 is now officially available in Malaysia, and in typical MBM fashion, early adopters stand a chance to purchase the exclusive Edition 1 variant.
The C 63 S Coupe is priced at RM773,888, whereas the Edition 1 will set you back for RM795,888. As a reminder, it’s about RM75,000 dearer than the
four-door C 63 S launched back in October 2015
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe Edition 1
Engine
3,982cc; twin-turbo V8, direct injection
Transmission
AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission
Max Power
510 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 rpm
Max Torque
700 Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm
0-100km/h; Top Speed
3.9 seconds; 290km/h
Price
RM773,888
RM795,888
The twin-turbo V8 engine in question here is the same kind found on most modern AMG-badged cars, except the
AMG GT
 gets dry sump lubrication. The turbochargers on the other hand, are all similarly fitted; they are built between ‘V’, which helps make the overall packaging more compact and provides better response time. At full whack, the car sprints from 0 to 100km/h in
3.9 seconds
 before maxing out at an electronically limited
 290km/h
. All this is achieved thanks to the 4.0-litre’s output of
510 hp
 and
700 Nm
.

There are no performance gains should you choose to go with the Edition 1. Instead, it benefits from exclusive yellow decals and 19-inch front wheels (forged; 255/35 R19 tyres) and 20-inch AMG cross-spoke rear wheels (285/30 R20). Standard exterior features are panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG spoiler lip, full active LED headlamps, AMG carbon fibre pack and AMG Night package.
Tasked with stopping the C 63 S are a set of AMG high-performance composite discs (upgradable to ceramic composites), and the rear wheel drive coupe gets electronic limited slip differential as standard. Other equipment thrown into the mix are DVD player, Touchpad with Controller, 360-degree camera and Burmester surround sound system. The AMG sports seats are draped in dark Nappa leather, while the dashboard, centre console and door trims are embellished in either carbon fibre or brushed aluminium, but the Edition 1 gets matte carbon fibre trims.

Bonus luxuries include an analogue clock, ambient lighting, AMG door sill panels with white LED illumination and AMG floor mats.
IMAGE GALLERY


Malaysia driving license now renewable up to 10 years, 10% discount

The Malaysia driving license will now last up to 10 years upon renewal, starting
May 8
,
2023
. This announcement was made by Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke on May 3, 2023.
Malaysian citizens are now able to renew their driving licenses for up to a maximum period of 10 years. This is much longer compared to the current maximum renewable period of 5 years only.
Also, the MOT is giving a 10% discount for those who choose to renew their driving license for 10 years. This means if you are to go for the 10-year renewal, you will only be charged 9 years’ worth of payment and will get one year’s worth free (this will only cost you
RM270
 in total, compared to RM300).
The transport minister has reminded the public that they can only renew their licenses if their license’s remaining validity is less than a year. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the renewal fee discount, you will have to wait till your driving license will expire in less than a year before you can renew your license for up to 10 years.
RELATED:
Still confused about the road tax situation? Anthony Loke answers your questions
For Malaysian citizens who were overseas during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, and thus faced issues with renewing their driving licenses, the MOT has your back. The ministry will be giving permission to those whose driving licenses expired to renew their licenses without needing to retake the driving test. The initiative aims to assist those who were overseas during MCO but is also applicable to everybody else.
Take note that this special permission is only for those whose driving licenses expired from
January 1
,
2018
 onwards. The special permission will only take effect till
December 31
,
2023
.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X50 R3 Concept previews production model – 200 units only, booking only at MAS2023


Falken FK510 UHP tyres launched in Malaysia, 17 to 22-inch, from RM480

Stamford Tyres, the official distributor of Falken tyres in Malaysia has just officially launched their latest flagship Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres, the Falken Azenis FK510 here in Malaysia. The new UHP tyres boast superior wet weather performance without sacrificing refinement.
Succeeding the outgoing FK453 in the Azenis line up, the FK510 is catered for the regular drivers and enthusiast alike who seek a UHP tyre with high levels of comfort and refinement. Available for wheels measuring 17 to 22-inch in diameter, Stamford Tyres says the FK510 is suitable for most luxury vehicles and sports cars in Malaysia.
Using
4D Nano Design
 technology, engineers were able to develop the FK510 with enhanced compounds at the molecular level, giving the tyres improved dry and wet grip, braking performance, comfort and longevity.
Falken has paid great attention to the FK510’s wet weather performance to ensure that drivers will experience the high-levels of safety when driving in the wet. To achieve this,
Blade Sipes
 – small ‘cuts’ – was incorporated to the tyre design which allows the tyres to cut through surface water more efficiently as well as optimise the contact patch for greater stability.
The new tyre pattern was also developed with a new innovation called
Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP)
 which essentially means the tyre groove ensures a consistent pressure distribution throughout the contact patch. As a result, the FK510 boasts sharper steering response, greater directional stability and improved braking performance.
A total of 86 sizes of the Falken Azenis FK510, covering 17 to 22-inch wheels will be available for purchase at all authorised Falken dealers and distributors nationwide. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the FK510 starts from RM480 to RM2,500.
The FK510 SUV (replaces the
FK453 CC
) for crossovers and SUVs as well as a run-flat version will go on sale in Malaysia as soon as 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lotus wishes you a very Merry Driftmas & Hethel New Year! [+Video]

It’s Christmas weekend and the guys at Hethel, home of Lotus Cars extends their season greetings by doing something pretty bonkers – strapping a Christmas tree on a
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport
. And in true Lotus fashion, the Evora GT410 Sport went about the Hethel facility sideways.
The Evora GT410 Sport is the most extreme, non-limited edition, Evora money can buy. Powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine pushing out
410 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque, the Evora GT410 Sport can obliterate the century sprint in 3.9 seconds with the automatic-equipped or 4.0 seconds if you went for the six-speed manual.
Tipping the scale at 1,297 kgs, the Evora GT410 is 28 kgs lighter than the Evora 410 which was one of the
Best Cars we’ve driven in 2017
. A lightweight titanium exhaust system gives the Evora GT410 its glorious soundtrack.
IMAGE GALLERY
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Christmas Drift


Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet unveiled, just 300 units, RM1.4mil a pop!

After being
teased
 last week, here we have it, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet with its wraps taken off at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Limited to just 300 examples worldwide, the ultra-luxury carmaker has injected a heavy dose of bling into the
Mercedes-Benz S65 Cabriolet
. Not that the S65 is in need of it anyway.
Asking price? Oh just 300,000 Euros (that’s about RM1.4 mil) nett, regardless of specification. Compared to the S-class, the S650 features a new front bumper with extensive chrome highlights, discreet Maybach emblem, puddle lights that projects the Maybach logo and 20-inch Maybach forged wheels. However, rest assured that Maybach did not ask its customers to fork out €300k for a pimped out S65 as the interior gets a massive touch of fine craftsmanship on top of all the optional extras you get in a regular S65.

Based on the interior theme “Everything flows”, the S650’s features a fully hand-crafted leather-trimmed upholstery. The seats upholstery now feature a waterfall-like look, achieved by using progressive perforations and diamond quilting on the side bolsters.
Unique interior trim pieces can be altered for each vehicle based on the colour and grain choice. Inside the S650, there are numerous Maybach logos, from the embroidery in the headrest to the steering wheel and a chromed plated numbered lettering to remind you that this is no regular S-Class Coupe.
As an option, the interior can be further enhanced with “flowing lines” design that creates a yacht-like ambience inspired by the Mercedes-Benz Style “Arrow 460-Granturismo” yacht. There are nine additional colour concepts customers can spec their Maybach’s interior in and among the colours are a bold pastel yellow/black, talk about making a statement.
Under the hood of the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is the same 6.0-litre biturbo V12 that produces
630 hp
 and
1,000 Nm
 found in the regular S65 S-Class Cabriolet. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels via a
seven-speed G-Tronic automatic
 transmission. AIRMATIC suspension is also a standard issue here. Interestingly, performance figures are also identical to the car it is based on; 0 – 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with an electronically limited 250km/h top speed.
So, any takers for the
Rolls-Royce Dawn
’s competitor? Don’t forget that it’s a limited production unit and even comes with a car cover matching the soft top’s colour, travel bags made from the same cut of leather as the upholstery, Nappa-wrapped leather key ring which matches the interior colour and also a certificate of ownership. All for just RM1.4 million, nett!
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche celebrates 10 years of Panamera with a special edition model

Porsche is celebrating 10 years of Panamera with a special edition, featuring exclusive cosmetic upgrades as well as additional comfort and safety equipment.
The 10 Years Edition package will be available on the Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
The gold trimmings, particularly the 21-inch Sport Design alloy wheels finished in satin-gloss white gold Metallic are the first things that would elude you to the Panamera 10 Years Edition, likewise the “Panamera10” emblems on the front doors.
Moving inside, the 10 Years Edition Panamera is decked out in black partial-leather with white gold decorative stitching. The same anniversary logo is also found on the front passenger trim panel and door sills.
Porsche has also given the Panamera 10 Years Edition a special treatment by including a whole suite of luxury equipment as standard. Every 10 Years edition will include ParkAssist with 360-degree camera, LED matrix headlights with PDLS Plus, lane change and lane-keeping assist, panoramic sun roof, privacy glass, 14-way power adjustable seats, soft-close doors, digital radio and a Bose surround sound system.
Adding to the standard equipment list are air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and Power Steering Plus. Buyers opting for the E-Hybrid variants also benefit from a faster 7.2 kW on-board charger.
Under the hood, there are no mechanical changes. The Panamera 4 variants carry a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine, capable of producing
330 hp
 to all four wheels. The E-Hybrid models tack on a 100 kW electric motor, making a combined output of 462 hp.
Once seen as the black sheep of the Porsche line up, the Panamera underwent a
major refresh in 2016
. In our review of the second generation model, we even called the Sport Turismo
Stuttgart’s new eye candy
! With over 250,000 units delivered over its model cycle, we think it’s only fitting that Porsche celebrates this milestone. Happy 10th birthday, Panamera!


Updated Jaguar F-Type brings a fresh new face to the iconic British sports car

The F-Type, as the British brand calls it, is the definitive Jaguar sports car. Although we think that the design of the (now predecessor) F-Type still remains timeless, Jaguar has given their quintessential sports car an overhaul to keep up with the competitors, as well as their own newer models.
Visual changes for the refreshed F-Type are mostly found ahead of the windscreen. The front-end is completely redesigned, featuring a super-slim pixel LED headlights with ‘Caligraphy J’ daytime running lights and sweeping indicators.
The front grille of the F-Type has been enlarged with a new mesh finish, flanked by sculpted air inlets with variant-specific discreet signature graphics.
The lower apron receives trim-specific design choices – Entry-level core F-Type models get a clean and sculptural look, while the sportier R-Dynamic trim gains functional layered J aero-blades. The R models meanwhile gets additional black bezels around the air inlets.
The Jaguar F-Type also features a new clamshell bonnet design, with softer curves and surfaces, which Jaguar calls “liquid metal”. Jaguar says that the new front redesign gives the F-type a more sculpted and assertive look, exaggerating the car’s stance, and visual width and length while being no bigger in terms of dimensions than its predecessor.
The timeless F-type haunch shape is still here, along with sloping roofline (on the coupe). The changes made to the rear are more subtle, including new taillights featuring the ‘chicane’ design introduced in the all-electric
Jaguar I-Pace
. The rear diffusers also received minute tweaks, which surrounds the powertrain-specific exhaust tailpipes.
Along with the refreshed looks, the engine line-up of the F-Type has also been given a revamp. A total of four engine choices are now available globally, where a new
450 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8
 engine joins the line-up.
Jaguar says that the new engine is designed to deliver instantly exploitable and rewarding performance, with peak torque of
580 Nm
 is available at just 2,500 rpm. The result? 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in
 4.4 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
285 km/h.

The entry-level
2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium 4-cylinder engine
 remains the same with a
300 hp
 power output, as with the
380 hp 3.0-litre V6
; The top-of-the-range
5.0-litre V8
 has its output bumped to
575 hp
 and
700 Nm
 (from 550 hp and 680 Nm respectively).
The 575 hp V8 is only available in the sportiest R specification, which gets new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, among other mechanical parts to handle the added power. Zero to 100 km/h is now done in just
3.5 seconds
, reaching an electronically-limited
299 km/h
 flat out.
All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission, but Jaguar says the F-Type R and the 450 hp models receive a retuned box for faster shifts, based on the learnings from Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
The two middle engine choices (380 hp V6 and 450 hp V8) have the option of either an AWD or RWD set up, but the 575 hp F-Type R is strictly limited to all-wheel drive. Conversely, the entry-level four-cylinder mill will only be available with rear-wheel drive.
On the inside, the Jaguar F-Type receives a new 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster – configurable in multiple display styles including a large central tachometer and full map view.
The TouchPro infotainment system has also been updated with Smartphone Pack with Apple CarPlay as standard. Depending on the market, the Smartphone Pack also comes with Android Auto or Baidu CarLife.
Two “lightweight slimline” seats are available – Sport and Performance. The Sport comes standard on the base and R-Dynamic trims, while the Performance featuring enhanced shoulder support is standard for the R edition.
In terms of materials, the interior of the F-Type features Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome trims. Intricate details are found throughout the cabin, such as the monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, along with Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.
For the first year on sale, the F-Type will also be offered in a First Edition guise. Based on the R-Dynamic trim, the First Edition gains the Exterior Design Pack in special colours, black contrast roof, unique 20-inch wheels, special trim details, Performance seats, as well as First Edition brandings.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric updated for 2023, now from RM 279k

Receiving over 400 orders since its Malaysian launch in March this year, the
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
 has been updated today for 2023. An array of changes have been made to the all-electric XC40, and it now fetches a price of
RM 278,888
. Together with the update of the all-electric version, the B5 and T5 versions of the
XC40
 also receive the facelift.
Refreshed on the exterior of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric are a new front bumper and a new front panel (or grille). The new bumper sports a more aggressive fog light cluster while the new panel is much more rounded and simplified on the updated version.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric in Fjord Blue
Also new on the outside are a new set of 19-inch 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut wheels. In addition to that, a new ‘Fjord Blue’ exterior colour is now offered. The other four colours offered are “Black Stone”, “Thunder Grey”, “Crystal White”, and “Sage Green”.
On the inside, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric gets a new Charcoal Connect Suede upholstery, replacing the previous Charcoal leather/Nubuck textile upholstery. There is also a new gear lever that has been made with leather-free materials, a PM2.5 remote air purifier, and an updated Foot Movement Detection Module (FMDM).
ALSO WATCH:
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 review – 408hp for only RM262k
Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, “The astounding success of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric tells me we are moving in the right direction with our all-electric journey. Since the introduction of our electrification agenda, we are constantly seeking ways to improve customers’ driving experiences. With the new upgrades of the model year 2023 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, we believe customers can expect an enhanced driving experience that provides them the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.”
Powering the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is still the same dual-motor setup that gives the car an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Making
408 hp
 (metric) and
660 Nm
, the electric drive system launches the car from 0 to 100 km/h in
 4.9 seconds
. Power is stored in a
78-kWh
 battery pack that provides
438 km
 of range (WLTP).
ALSO WATCH:
Can the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV be the only car you own? – AutoVlogs
As for charging, the Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 is capable of
150-kW
 DC fast charging and
11-kW
 AC charging. With 150-kW DC fast charging, the XC40 Recharge P8 can charge from 0 to 80% in just
40 minutes
. With 11-kW AC charging, it takes
8 hours and 15 minutes
 to charge from 0 to 100%.
The model year 2023 updates are also available to the XC40 Recharge T5 Ultimate (Plug-in Hybrid) and XC40 B5 Ultimate (Mild Hybrid) with both priced at RM268,888. They will also receive a facelift to their design which includes a Dynamic Chassis change.
RELATED:
2023 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate replaces T8 Inscription in Malaysia – what’s new?


If you’re thinking of buying a BMW or MINI, this could help you decide sooner

That’s cause BMW Malaysia and MINI Malaysia announced an added 1-year extension to Service and Repair Inclusive Programs for new BMW and MINI vehicles purchased with JPJ registration dated from now till 30th June 2019.
This provides new owners of BMW vehicles with a 6-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programs and for new MINI owners, 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Service Inclusive and 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Repair Inclusive.
The scope of services made available with the extended warranty programs is in accordance to the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) status and includes service vehicle check, engine oil change, along with servicing for air filter, fuel filter, micro filter, spark plug and brake fluid.
The MINI 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Service Inclusive and 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Repair Inclusive Programs will also be applicable for fleet packages, duty-exempted vehicles, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and the Returning Expert Program (REP) customers.
The
BMW M Performance Edition X5 xDrive40e
Running simultaneously with campaign is the BMW ChargeNow Promo, where new owners of any BMW iPerformance vehicles will receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable and BMW ChargeNow card, for access to 270 charging stations by ChargEV, an initiative by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.
Additionally, new BMW 740Le and BMW X5 xDrive40e owners will also enjoy a complimentary BMW i Wallbox Plus and BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable with the BMW i Wallbox Promo.


BMW introduces new entry-level powertrain option for the 3 Series

BMW has just introduced a new entry-level variant to the G20 generation 3 Series, the 318i. The new variant ditches the three-cylinder engine from the previous-generation
318i
, for a 2.0-litre four cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine.
The new engine option is good for
156 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque – a 20 hp and 30 Nm increase from the previous-generation. The engine continues to be paired to a ZF sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox.
BMW claims that the 318i can complete the century sprint in
8.4 seconds
 – 1.3 seconds slower than the
320i
, which utilises a higher-tuned version of the same engine. Top speed for the new 318i is
223 km/h
.
Despite running a touch slower, the lower power output on the BMW 318i does return a better fuel consumption figure between
5.3 and 5.7 l/100 km
.
Besides the 3 Series, BMW is also expanding its powertrain options for the 1-Series, with a new 120d variant introduced featuring a two-litre turbodiesel engine to drive the front wheels.
BMW is also adding its
48-volt mild hybrid technology
 to more models, including the 320d, 320d xDrive, X3 xDrive20d, and X4 xDrive20d. First introduced in the 520d last year, the mild hybrid system recuperates kinetic energy during braking to deliver an additional power output of up to
11 hp
.
Additionally, the energy recuperated is also used to power the electrical vehicle functions, as well as enhancing the Auto Start Stop function of the vehicle. The engine can now completely disconnect under 15 km/h when coming to a stop, as well as coasting at speeds up to 160 km/h.


This Renault Trezor may just be the sexiest concept car ever [+Videos]

Concept cars rarely set the motoring scene abuzz with hype, but what Renault did this time around is simply irresistible. It’s no wonder why the Renault Trevor was voted as the most beautiful concept car in 2016 at the 32nd Festival Automobile International. Just look at it!
This 2-seater electric GT concept car points towards Renault’s future design direction, and it’s already sending ripples of frenzied fanfare across the industry. The bonnet features an out-of-this-world honeycomb-shaped air inlet that opens and shuts. When it does, it just oozes sophistication.

At its heart is an electric motor capable of producing
350 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque, sending it from 0 to 100km/h in less than
 4.0 seconds
. Similar to their Formula E, the Trezor comes with RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) which recovers energy from braking. Two batteries are strategically positioned atop the chassis, creating an ideal weight balance. The tub is made entirely out of carbon and reinforced with tubular steel. All exterior panels, including the windows, are made 100 percent out of carbon.
Stepping inside the cabin takes you two decades into the future as well. It has a large L-shaped OLED multimedia display with a customisable user interface, just like a modern smartphone. Want an app behind the steering wheel? Just swipe and drag!
There are three driving modes to choose from: Neutral, Sport and Self-Drive. When autopilot is engaged, the car’s exterior lighting system (from the side to rear logo) changes colour to inform other drivers. You can also watch a movie, play games or browse through photo galleries, all while being “chauffeured” to your destination.
Now that sounds more like a proper vision for future mobility. Please make it happen, Renault!
VIDEO GALLERY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8L38t3Ch44
IMAGE GALLERY


Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi full spec now on sale in Malaysia, costs RM192k!

The
Kia Sorento
 was introduced to our local market back in 2016 and was initially offered in three variants – two petrol and one diesel. Due to the high demand for a high spec diesel, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has finally introduced the Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS. Priced at RM191k, the Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS is the most expensive variant of the lot and gets all the bells and whistles checked.
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings said, “We are confident that we have done everything possible to make the wait a worthwhile one and it will be another success story since there is a big demand of diesel variant in the market”.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Kia Sorento 2.4L MS
Kia Sorento 2.4L HS
Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi LS
Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS
Engine
2,359cc; 4-cylinder MPI
2,199cc; CRDi turbodiesel
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
168 hp @ 6,000 rpm
197 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Max Torque
224 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
440 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM168,888
RM178,888
RM158,888
RM191,888
Powering the Sorento CRDi HS is a 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel that develops
197 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. Transmission of choice is a six-speed slush box, sending drive permanently to all four corners.
Drive Mode Select (DMS)
 allows the driver to put the transmission into three different driving modes – Eco, Normal or Sport. Just like the
Sportage diesel
, this Sorento is able to cover close to 1,000 km on a single tank of diesel.

From the outside, the only way to tell the Sorento CRDi HS apart from the petrol HS is the tiny Eco Dynamics badge at the rear tailgate. Otherwise, it gets the same kit such as HID projector headlamps with adaptive front lighting system, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, keyless entry, LED combination tail lamps, roof rack, shark fin antenna, powered tailgate and 19-inch chrome alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.
Inside, the seven seater gets leather upholstery, powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, rear air vents, keyless start and manual rear passenger sun blinds.

As standard, all variants of the Sorento come with six airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and hill-start assist. The Sorento is awarded with a full 5 Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.
Customers can have their Sorento in
four
 colours – Imperial Bronze, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black and Silky Silver. All purchases come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty package.
IMAGE GALLERY


Thai brings new meaning to cashless payment – buys a Lambo, with crypto

A Thai national has set a new benchmark in cashless payment with the purchase of an all-new Lamborghini via
cryptocurrency
.
According to a release by Zipmex, Jo Chirawat used Zipmex’s mobile app to put a downpayment with
Bitcoin
 on a 2021
Huracán EVO
 RWD
 at Renazzo Motor Co. Ltd. in Bangkok, Thailand.
Management of Zipmex and Renazzo Motor with the Lamborghini Huracan
The balance of the THB20 million car is expected to be paid in Bitcoin as well. As of trading today, one Bitcoin is valued at
THB1.7 million
. The transaction with Zipmex is said to be
the first recorded in Asia
.
Zipmex is one of the leading digital assets exchange platforms in South East Asia and the fastest growing with a focus on providing retail and institutional investors with the tools and convenience to trade digital assets securely. It currently has operations in Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Indonesia.
The partnership between Zipmex and Renazzo Motor
 allows the usage of Bitcoin (BTC), Tether USD (USDT), and Zipmex Token (ZMT)
. The ability to accept cryptocurrencies also expands potential in untapped customer segments for the supercar distributor.
As for the Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD, the 5.2-litre V10 engine delivers
610 hp
 at 8,000 rpm and
560 Nm
of torque. Drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sends the Huracan EVO from standstill to 100 km/h in
3.3 seconds
, taking just another six seconds to reach 200 km/h.
Renazzo Motor has been the official sole importer, dealer and after-sales service provider for Lamborghini automobiles in Thailand since 2018. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, recently-appointed
SunAgata Supercars
 is handling all sales and after-sales aspects of the brand.
GALLERY


Kia to debut new C-Segment hatchback Concept at Frankfurt, next-gen Cee’d?

European makes are not the only ones gearing up for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Kia Motors too will be unveiling a new concept model right here in Frankfurt. The yet to be named concept car was conceived at Kia’s European design centre located in, you guess it, Frankfurt.
Despite the sportswagon like design, but Kia has expressed that this is actually a hot hatch styling and will set the tone for the next generation Pro_cee’d hatchback’s design. Kia has retained the athleticism of the current generation Pro_cee’d and given it “a dash of real-world versatility”. We can imagine the next-gen hatchback to offer greater interior space and practicality.
Currently, the Pro_cee’d is an exclusive model for the European market, but seeing that the trend is moving towards introducing global products to streamline the model line up, Kia might just surprise the world with this sleek looking hatchback.


All Honda cars sold in Japan will get Honda Sensing as standard!

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takahiro Hachigo has announced at the Honda Meeting 2017 that all Honda vehicles introduced in Japan from this year onwards will receive Honda SENSING as standard, including the small cars.
There are plans to do the same for other markets, beginning with North America, China and Europe. Takahiro-san aims to achieve “collision-free mobility worldwide” and breaks down the plan to two main ideas – to give drivers confidence and trust in automated driving and to feature smooth and natural automated driving characteristics.
Honda’s current
Honda Sensing
 system bundles Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Honda LaneWatch, Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM).
Moving forward, Honda is on track to introduce autonomous driving technologies for highway use by 2020, including lane changing without needing drivers’ input. The company will strive to achieve technological maturity for
“Level 4” autonomous driving
, which completely takes over driving duties from the driver by 2025.
It seems that Honda is firm on achieving these goals with the introduction of Honda Sensing on the
US market Honda Jazz facelift
. Locally, the first model to receive Honda Sensing is the
fifth-generation Honda CR-V
, and it will make its debut real soon.


Mitsubishi’s new e-Evolution Concept will teach you to be a better driver

Having provided us with a
teaser just last month
, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that it would debut the new Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept which will showcase the brand’s EV strengths and renowned all-wheel drive SUV expertise with the addition of
 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
.
Utilising high-performance electric motors with high torque output, powered by high-capacity batteries, the e-Evolution Concept promises smooth and responsive power delivery that will distinguish itself from conventional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Its
triple motor 4WD system
 employs a single motor to drive the front wheels and a new
Dual Motor AYC (Active Yaw Control)
 system to couple the two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring Active Yaw Control unit.
The brain of the e-Evolution is an AI system that uses sensors to instantly read changes in road traffic conditions as well as the driver’s behaviour behind the wheel. With this, it seamlessly coordinates the vehicle’s performance with the driver’s intent – making the vehicle easier and safer to control.
This is the coolest bit – the AI system also comes with a “
coaching function
” to help improve and enhance the driver’s expertise without being obtrusive. After understanding the driver’s skill level, the system comes up with a “training program” that will coach the driver through voice dialogues and a large dashboard display.


Toyota Mirai FCEV now in Malaysia – 5 units delivered to SEDC Energy and Sarawak Premier

Sarawak is now home to the first
Toyota Mirai
 in Malaysia, as UMW Toyota Motor hands over four units of the second-generation hydrogen fuel cell EV (FCEV) to SEDC Energy, and one to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The move was in line with Sarawak’s Green Mobility and Green Energy Initiative, as well as Toyota’s own commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. With the delivery of these five units of the Toyota Mirai to Sarawak, the companies aim to create awareness to the public on the many solutions that are available in mobility.
Toyota globally is committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050 through a practical and sustainable manner, with more carbon-neutral or carbon reducing options – instead of a
head-on charge towards battery EVs
 – to meet the diverse economic realities of customers, the available energy sources, charging infrastructure readiness, industrial policies, and the customers’ mobility needs in every country.
This approach, according to the company, will help achieve accessible electrification at scale and speed, supporting each country’s prorities and national objectives, including carbon neutrality, air quality improvement, oil import reduction, industrial development, and sustainable employment, while still providing realistic mobility solutions to their citizens.
“The immediate way forward to address CO2 emissions is via Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) like the
Corolla Cross Hybrid
, which is at its most advanced technologically and economical, making it accessible to the masses. Meanwhile, a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is underway globally, and we are exploring the possibility of the introduction of a
Toyota beyond Zero (bZ) model
for the Malaysian market,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
RELATED:
 UMW Toyota announces RM270 million investment into locally-assembled hybrid vehicles
“To continue the acceleration of electrified vehicles, Toyota has invested in research and development for the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With the delivery of the Mirai to SDEC Energy … both UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy are set to capitalise on the
opportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritise compact size, efficiency and productivity to support the mobility needs of society,” he added.
The second-generation Toyota Mirai was unveiled in Japan back at the
 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
, ditching its predecessor’s clumsy styling to emerge as a sleek and slender fastback – with some of the world’s most advanced consumer-ready hydrogen FCEV tech underneath it.
With the new longer silhouette and a rear-wheel drive-only drivetrain, the second-generation Toyota Mirai (which means Future in Japanese) is able to accommodate a larger fuel cell, translating to a 35% improvement in driving range over its predecessor with a rated range of 645 km from a single tank.
Sarawak has been one of the largest proponents to new energy vehicles (NEV) not just in Malaysia, but throughout the entire region too. The state – through Sarawak Energy –
 previously purchased two units of the Hyundai Nexo
 as a test bed for its pilot hydrogen production plant and refueling station project in Kuching.
Last year, Sarawak also saw the opening of the nation’s first-ever multi-fuel station in Kuching, which houses petrol, diesel, hydrogen, as well as EV charging stations under one roof. The multi-fuel station is developed and wholly owned by SEDC Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, and is operated by the state-owned Petroleum Sarawak (Petros).
READ MORE:
Toyota Hilux swaps diesel for hydrogen, development of FCEV pickup begins


Aston Martin Valkyrie’s 6.5L V12 revs up to 11,100 rpm! [+Video]

If the
McLaren Senna
 is called the ultimate race car for the road, the
Aston Martin Valkyrie
 should then be known as the ultimate Formula One (F1) car for the road since it will adopt an ultra-high-revving F1-derived naturally aspirated V12 engine that spins up to 11,100 revolutions per minute.
Aston Martin has just released more information about the Valkyrie’s powertrain, confirming that the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 Cosworth petrol engine will be boosted by a battery hybrid system for increased performance and meeting strict emission standards. However, the internal combustion engine (ICE) on its own is a force to be reckoned with.
Aston Martin’s brief to Cosworth is “to create the ultimate expression of the internal combustion engine” and the result is a 6.5-litre V12 that develops 1,000 bhp (1,014 hp) at 10,500 rpm. Peak torque of 740 Nm arrives at 7,000 rpm and the engine will continue to build revs to 11,100 rpm, unheard of in a homologated road car. While the production version of the Valkyrie is still some time away, Aston Martin has graced us with a sound clip of the 6.5-litre V12:
To answer the question why Aston Martin has opted for a naturally aspirated V12 engine while its direct rival, the
Mercedes-AMG Project One
 employs a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid that makes over a thousand horsepower, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer said: “To anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a high-revving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle. Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely. Despite the apparently insurmountable challenges it presented, there was never any question that the Aston Martin Valkyrie would make do with anything less.”
Thank you, Dr. Palmer and Cosworth, for keeping the symphony of a naturally aspirated V12 going for many more years to come.
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Aston Martin Valkyrie 6.5L V12

Aston Martin Valkyrie