All-new Honda Civic to launch soon in Singapore – Malaysia too?

Just weeks after the official global debut of the
all-new Honda Civic
, Kah Motors, the marque’s local distributor in Singapore has now started accepting
registrations of interest
 for the new model, signalling at an imminent launch.
Banner on Kah Motor’s website
Aside from the single image on the company’s website though, no other information about the all-new Civic was made available just yet. We do know that the current
10th-generation Honda Civic
 in Singapore is being imported from Thailand, and we do not expect that to change for the all-new model.
The all-new Honda Civic sports a divisive new look, significantly toning down the boy racer styling for a more mature, Accord-like silhouette. We called it the “most European-looking Civic” ever when the
design was first unveiled
, and we still stand by our remark!
Compared to the outgoing model, the 11th-generation Civic is now 33 mm longer than before, stretching out the sloping roofline to give it a more fastback-esque look. Its width and height remain the same as before, but visually looks a little wider thanks to the low and flat bonnet, and a new horizontal tail light design.
Just like the exterior, the cabin of the all-new Honda Civic also gets a complete makeover with a more mature design called
“Simplicity and Something”
. A metal honeycomb mesh accent stretches across the entire dashboard from door to door, accentuating the width of the car, while at the same time concealing the air vents to give the entire dashboard a cleaner look.
On top of the low and wide dashboard sits a free-standing touchscreen infotainment display, while further down on the centre stack is a set of physical climate control dials – a welcome change replacing the touchscreen-operated ones on the current Civic.
While Singapore may be the first to receive the all-new Honda Civic, our country should not be far behind too. Last month in an interview for the company’s WithDreams online magazine, Honda Malaysia president and COO Sarly Adle Sarkum hinted at the arrival of the model this year, saying “You didn’t see the Civic 2022 world premiere on the internet? Where have you been all this time? Hints for 2021…
tunggu
…”
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Harsher laws against toll evaders proposed ahead of RFID multi-lane free flow in 2025

As the Malaysian government highway operators work towards
implementing a multi-lane free flow (MLFF)
 toll collection mechanism by 2025, lawmakers are now mulling a new penal code that includes harsher penalties for toll fee dodgers.
Works minister Fadillah Yusof has confirmed that his ministry is currently proposing a new criminal law against toll evaders as part of the measures for the implementation of MLFF within the next 24 months, reports
FMT
.
“This is to avoid leakages as we are looking into the provision of the law that includes a penal code and whether toll evasion can be considered a criminal offence since there is no lane barrier under MLFF,” he told the publication.
The new proposed penal code will include amendments to relevant laws, including the Road Transport Act 1987. However, the minister did not disclose if a jail sentence would be included.
“To have an effective vehicle tracking and driver’s record system, you have to connect with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) database. The relevant law needs to be looked at. There may be a need for a (new) special law, or maybe, the current law needs to be amended,” said Fadillah Yusof.
“This is the biggest challenge. We need to resolve this, including getting the highway concessionaires and other stakeholders to agree in terms of the [new] law.”
RELATED: New drunk driving law with harsher penalties passed in Dewan Negara
It is understood that the call for new criminal laws against toll evaders was largely due to highway concessionaires’ heightened concern on the probability of higher unpaid tolls under the MLFF toll collection mechanism.
At the moment, even with a barrier toll both mechanism, toll concessionaires are still racking up on unpaid toll fees. Just last year, a company was found to have evaded toll fees worth RM518,369 by its drivers involving 19 vehicles over several years.
Concessionaires can currently only resort to civil suit action against repeat offenders. Toll evaders are charged under Section 8 of the Federal Roads (Private Management) Act 1984, with a fine of between RM2,000 and RM5,000 upon conviction.
The MLFF system will introduce a barrier-free system without toll booths for toll collection, thus harsher laws and more advanced technologies will be needed to dissuade road users from evading tolls, and penalise those who do.
According to Fadillah, the gantry structures will be equipped with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) at specific locations to better identify vehicles and enhance law enforcement.
ALSO READ: Users should be given payment options at toll booths, says PM
Proper enforcement of standardised number plates will be needed to facilitate the functionality of ANPR systems.
High definition cameras will also be installed for the purpose of capturing the faces of the drivers at the gantry. “What if users don’t pay when passing through the MLFF lanes?” he asked. “So, there must be good sensors at the gantry locations and the camera image quality has to be very fine to capture the details of vehicles and also the driver.”
“This will also depend a lot on the ANPR and the link to the JPJ system”, he added, referring to the accuracy of vehicle owner registrations stored in the RFID stickers database, and the system integration among the franchise holders.


The Toyota Corolla is the last car we’d expect to get a “Nürburgring Package”

Speak of the
Nürburgring
, and you’d usually think of some superfast performance car that can lap the ‘Ring in about seven and a half minutes. Point is, a boring ol’ sedan like the Corolla will probably never cross your mind, but believe it or not – Toyota Thailand has just unveiled a special Nürburgring package for the
Corolla Altis
 in the Land of Smiles.
Confused? We should explain. You see, since 2017, Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand has entered the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the SP3 class with a souped up Corolla race car. And for the last two years, they’ve actually found massive success with back to back class victories, including a 1-2 finish last year!
So as a celebration of their wins, the marque’s local Thailand arm decided to sport up the Corolla with a new set of accessories called the Nürburgring Package that consists of a body kit plus some “performance upgrades”.
The body kit, as expected, is inspired by the team’s actual 24H Nürburgring race car. The resemblance is most noticeable at the front, especially with the twin nostrils beside the Toyota logo, and the split lower intake.
The all-new Toyota Corolla is now available in Malaysia, offered in two variants. Check it out here!
Also included in the body kit are the more aggressive-looking side skirts, plus a new bumper at the back featuring a diffuser-like element at the bottom, bookended by two faux air vents. More importantly, though, are the exclusive Nürburgring badges that sit proudly behind the front fenders, which is sure to shave a couple of seconds off your lap time just by itself.
You see how we put “performance upgrades” in quotation marks? Well, that’s because there isn’t any “real” boost in performance, at least in terms of powertrain. The package is offered on both the 1.8 Sport and 1.8 Hybrid variants, and for either of them, you’ll still get the same powertrain found in their base cars.
That means for the 1.8 Sport, you get a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FBE petrol engine making
140 hp
 and
177 Nm
 that’s paired to a CVT gearbox, and for the 1.8 Hybrid variants, an Atkinson Cycle 1.8-litre engine that’s mated to an electric motor for a combined output of
122 hp
.
Not a fan of the over-the-top body kit? There’s also a more laid-back GR Sport edition for the Toyota Corolla, but also with no performance upgrades…
What you
do
 get, however, is a set of lowering springs, alongside a new throttle control box that promises better throttle response. So even though there’s no boost in power output, the Toyota Corolla with Nürburgring Package should still feel a little snappier to drive – no matter how miniscule the difference actually is.
The whole Nürburgring Package for the Toyota Corolla is supposedly worth somewhere around THB42,000 (approx. RM5.1k), but Toyota Thailand will be offering it for free to buyers of the few variants listed above, alongside a “first-class” motor insurance worth THB31,000 (approx. RM3.8k).
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Porsche to set up assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah – Cheaper CKD Porsches incoming?

According to a news report by
The Edge
‘s business weekly, Porsche is in the process of setting up a local assembly plant for its vehicles here in Malaysia. If the report turns out to be true, the new plant will be the
first in the world outside of Germany
 to assemble Porsche vehicles.
Per the unnamed source, the local facility will be located in Kulim, Kedah, where it will be partnering with Inokom, a subsidiary of Sime Darby. Sime Darby, under the
Sime Darby Auto Performance
 brand, has been Porsche’s sole distributor in Malaysia since 2010.
SDAP’s new flagship Porsche outlet at the Sime Darby Motors City, Ara Damansara
“There have been quite a number of big investments coming into Malaysia in the automotive sector, but the government has yet to declare them. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO), many of the principals could not come to Malaysia,” the source told the business publication.
“The announcement has to be made jointly. They are big names; the government cannot just hold a press conference and announce the investments,” the source added.
Another source familiar with the matter said that the new Kulim assembly plant, which will be constructed specifically to assemble Porsche vehicles, will serve as the ASEAN hub for the marque. The Inokom facility in Kedah currently also produces CKD vehicles for BMW, MINI, and Mazda, among other brands.
The source added that the incentives for the investment has already been approved by the Ministry of Finance.
When asked to comment on the matter, Porsche’s deputy director of corporate communications and spokesperson for production and logistics, Christian Weiss told
The Edge
, “ASEAN is a promising region with great potential, and we continuously examine options for further growth in this market.”
A Sime Darby representative meanwhile, said that the company regularly engages existing and potential partners to explore opportunities to expand their business, and welcomes any partnership that will add value to its strategic business plans.
The
fully-electric Porsche Taycan
 is the brand’s latest addition to its Malaysian model line-up.
If the rumours turn out to be true, the investment would be a much-needed boost to the automotive production sector in Malaysia, at a time when major carmakers are opting for Thailand and Indonesia to set up shop, thanks to their more lucrative and transparent incentive packages.
The introduction of locally-assembled Porsches could also mean a reduction in price, due to the 20% lower import duties on locally-assembled cars. Of course, “cheaper” doesn’t exactly mean cheap, as Porsche is still a premium marque after all.
Still, Malaysian car enthusiasts already can’t stop salivating over the prospect of more affordable Porsches, and we don’t blame them. A man can dream, right?


R.S. Performance parts for the Renault Clio R.S. adds more carbon fibre

Renault Sport has just introduced a range of genuine R.S. Performance accessories for their little hot hatch, the
Renault Clio R.S
. The new range of accessories aims to elevate the on-track experience of passionate Renault owners.
For starters, the R.S. Performance bodywork kit inspired by the
Clio R.S. 16 concept car
 will be available in just 250 sets. The kit adds a carbon hood, restyled lower intakes, carbon wing as well as Turini alloy wheels. Each part is individually stamped, allowing enthusiasts to create their very own R.S. car.

Performance enhancing items on the list include a carbon fibre bucket seat with harness, exhaust system, high-performance brakes and suspension, anti-strut bar and much more to enhance the on-track performance of the Clio R.S.
Besides the bolt on accessories, Renault Sport also offers a full range of workshop products for customers which comes with R.S. branded tool trolley, toolset, limited-edition spray gun, garage jack, tilting lift, and a torque wrench.
R.S. Performance Project Manager at Renault Sport Cars, Guillaume Calvar said: “R.S. Performance is a product offering that bridges the gap between sports and racing cars. It is our way of giving track enthusiasts everything they need to customise their Renault Sport vehicle and make it a beautiful, high-performance Track Day car.”
IMAGE GALLERY
R.S. Performance Accessories on Renault Clio R.S.


Here are the winners of the Cars of Malaysia 2018!

After meticulously scrutinising every vehicle available in Malaysia, the vehicles nominated for the
Cars of Malaysia award
 were recognised and celebrated last Friday for their merits, in the presence of other motoring media and representatives from their respective brands.
The biggest winner of the night was none other than Mercedes-Benz; walking home with no less than 15 awards with their vast inventory scattered across various vehicle categories. The rest of the esteemed award winners
can be viewed here
.
The Kia Picanto launched earlier this year was the surprised winner in its “City Cars of Malaysia” category – beating the likes of Proton Saga and even the Perodua Bezza to the top of the podium.
The Cars of Malaysia awards is a collaborative effort between Evo Malaysia, Roda Pusing and yours truly, AutoBuzz.my – where each of us have adopted a common scoring mechanism and aggregated our scores – to rank the top three cars from each of the 35 categories, used to segmentise all the cars on sale in Malaysia.
From left: Bobby Ang of Evo Malaysia, Hisham Jahudi of Roda Pusing and GC Mah of AutoBuzz.my
The main objective of the Cars of Malaysia awards is to provide an all-inclusive buying guide through an equally comprehensive scoring system that covers four keys factors –
pricing, performance, quality and safety
 – consumers would consider before they purchase a new vehicle.
Narrowing down the spectrum, various attributes are also considered under each of the key factors mentioned above. For example, under the Performance factor, we judged on the power delivery, ride comfort and also handling of a particular vehicle.
To ensure the credibility of the judging and scoring process, the
scores from each individual publication is available online
 and is open to public viewing and analysis, in the hopes of offering different perspectives for buyers to better evaluate their options.
Last and most exciting of all, to top off the Cars of Malaysia initiative,
 all three publications will be touring the entire Peninsula Malaysia
 with stops in every major city along with the convoy of nominated vehicles.
Not only would this “grand tour” present the opportunity to all of our followers and audiences to get up close with the acclaimed vehicles but also with the opportunity to engage, interact and exchange opinions with us and the team from Evo Malaysia and Roda Pusing, to further aid the new car buying process.
IMAGE GALLERY

 Top 3 recipients of the City Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Compact Hatchback of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Superminis of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Compact Sedans of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized Hatchbacks of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized Sedans of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Family Exec Sedans of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Sports Exec Sedans of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Sportswagons of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Compact MPVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized MPVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Large MPVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the People Carriers of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium MPVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Crossovers of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Family SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Offroad SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Pickup Trucks of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Coupes of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Compact Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Family Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Executive Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Executive Coupes of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Luxury Flagship Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Compact SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Mid Sized SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Sports SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Large SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Luxury Sports SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Family SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Luxury SUVs of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Premium Coupes of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Driver’s Cars of Malaysia award

 Top 3 recipients of the Dream Cars of Malaysia award


Volkswagen Malaysia to help curb child fatalities on the road with new campaign

Volkswagen Malaysia and Persatuan Pengasuh Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM) took the first step in organising and carrying out a child passenger safety campaign for VW’s staff and media in a bid to roll out the training module throughout the nation. It will take place across 280 childcare centres nationwide with the foremost goal of helping to reduce child related road fatalities.
Now, we have all been inundated with public service announcements and directives to make sure that occupants at the
back
 are
buckled up
. This affect truly does go out to the younger audiences that are not even old enough to drive and worse,
badly injured or killed
 in the over
400,000
 recorded accidents back in
2012
 alone.
However, it is estimated in
2011
 that children make up the first and the second leading groups of casualties recorded with those aged from
 1–4 years
 old at
43.8 percent
 and
5–9 years
 old at
30.2 percent
 respectively – the total statistic as gathered by
MIROS
. VW has launched this campaign in the effort of educating, training and inspiring the various communities as an agent of change.
Through this exerted effort, the personnel from PPBM’s network will be conducting training in the hopes of reaching as many as
28,000
 parents. Aside from that, VW Malaysia will also be donating
200 Volkswagen child safety seats
 and
10,000 copies
 of the A to Z of
road safety flash cards
 to PPBM in the cause of helping educate parents.
With that in mind, always wear your seatbelts, guys.


The new Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4MATIC+ is both beauty and the beast

Mercedes-Benz says it’s the S-Class of all SUVs and is the pinnacle of serenity – we have no reason to doubt it cause it even comes with a Discreet drive mode. Other drive modes include Modern Classic, Sport, Supersport, Trail and Sand.
These modes regulate how the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine behind the largest front grille in any AMG model behaves. It’s got over
612 hp
 and
850 Nm
 which can be sent fully to the rear, or distributed equally (50:50) between the front and rear wheels.
With an additional 22 hp from the EQ Boost starter-alternator, the GLS can take on most sportscars with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of just
4.2 seconds
.
Top speed may be unlocked from 250 km/h to 280 km/h through the optional AMG Driver’s Package. All that fury is tamed by 6-pot caliper brakes in the front, clamping on to massive 400 mm discs.
The 7-seater GLS has a significantly longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which as a result benefits the second row passengers in particular with an additional 87 mm of legroom.
The usual fixtures in an AMG cabin are all present with lettering on the floor mats, door sills, instrument cluster and such. Driver and front passenger seats gets climate control while heated second row seats are standard.
But that’s not what makes it the “S-Class” of SUVs. Instead, it’s all in the suspension. It’s standard fitted with an air suspension system with an Adaptive Damping System so you can still read your papers or reply emails while your driver is going through a roundabout completely sideways.
Neither ends of the GLS would dip either regardless of vehicle load with its self-levelling system. Ride height can be lowered by 10 mm either manually or automatically according to speeds.
For better the unsavoury driving surfaces, a push of a button will get you additional 55 mm of ground clearance – not that the GLS would ever be driven beyond the tarmac.
IMAGE GALLERY


14-year-old develops system to “see-through” A-pillars

In the pursuit of safety, car manufacturers have been building bigger and thicker pillars onto their cars. Other than providing increased rigidity during a collision or rollover, the pillars also house safety equipment such as airbags for better protection during a car crash.
However, in keeping occupants safe during an accident, the chunky pillars might have inadvertently made avoiding crashes itself harder due to the additional blind spots.
Chunky A-pillars in the latest car blocks out a significant portion of the driver’s sight.
From seeing her mother’s struggle with these pesky blind spots in the family Jeep Grand Cherokee, 14-year-old Alaina Gassler was inspired to create her own solution that can help drivers “see through” the A-pillar.
Using a webcam, roof-mounted projector, projector screen materials, and some clever programming on a tiny Raspberry Pi computer, Gassler’s system captures the blocked view from the exterior of the vehicle, then projects the realigned visual in real time onto the A-pillar. Here’s a video showing it in action:

In order to project at such a close range, Gassler had to 3D print a custom part to properly focus the image onto the A-pillar. Pretty snazzy for a 14-year-old!
Gassler’s effort deservedly won
The Samueli Foundation Prize
 in the Broadcom MASTERS science and engineering competition, earning her a cool US$25,000.

The 14-year-old inventor said that her first projector-based prototype resulted in bright images that are sometimes hard to see, and would like to work on a LCD based display in the future.
Gassler’s solution is a simple yet effective solution to a genuine problem. With car manufacturers already toying with the idea of using cameras as wing mirrors, we can definitely see this technology being implemented into vehicles in the future!


Volkswagen predicts that half of its new cars sold by 2025 will be an SUV

The Volkswagen brand is upping its SUV offensive, recently venturing into the
compact SUV segment
 and even expecting to launch a
convertible SUV
 in 2020. Not surprising given one in every five cars sold by the brand is an SUV.
Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann said: “SUVs are becoming increasingly popular with our customers throughout the world. This is why we are consistently pursuing our current SUV offensive. It will be a key contribution to strengthening our core business so that we can invest the necessary billions of euros in mobility and autonomous driving.”

Volkswagen expects that by 2025, every second Volkswagen passenger cars sold throughout the world will probably be an SUV with strong demand in China, North and South America. By 2025, the company will be offering more than 30 SUV models in its portfolio ranging from the most compact segment to the
large premium segment
.
The SUV offensive announced by Volkswagen in 2015 has resulted in positive returns as the
Tiguan
 is now among the top 10 best-selling cars in the world with more than five million units sold. The newly introduced T-Roc also received an overwhelming response with almost 130,000 cars sold since its market debut in 2017.


2020 Toyota Vios facelift to debut on 25 July

After several leaked images of what is purportedly the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift found its way onto the internet, Toyota Motor Philippines have now officially confirmed that the updated B-segment sedan will be making its international debut this Saturday, the 25th of July at 6 pm via a live stream on its
Facebook page
.
In terms of updates, we can expect a few nip and tuck to the exterior styling of the
Vios
, with most of the efforts seemingly focused on the front end. From what we can see based on the teasers, the front fascia of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift now sports a redesigned lower grille that is now narrower, with its overall shape flipped vertically to look more in line with the other Toyota models.
The lower grille now also joins directly to the upper grille, forming a single blacked-out design element. Flanking the lower grille are the new angular air “inlets” cum fog lights enclosure, one on each side, that looks like it’s plucked straight from the
Toyota Corolla
.
The facelift will also see the introduction of LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, presumably reserved for the
range-topping variant
, replacing the halogen projectors on the current model. As usual on a facelift, expect a reworked rear bumper too, and possibly a redesigned alloy wheel.
Toyota Motor Philippines did not share any details on the interior of the 2020 Vios update, but rumours suggest minor changes to the fabric upholstery, along with a new infotainment display that now supports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
.
As for powertrain, expect to see the same units from the current model carried over, which means the Malaysian-market model will still be getting the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder DVVT-i engine, with output rated at
107 hp
 and
140 Nm
. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.


‘Hi Proton’, Proton X70’s GKUI infotainment system is really impressive

At the second media preview of the
Proton X70
 held today at Sheraton Hotel PJ, the national carmaker has just revealed more information about their first ever SUV. This time delving into the infotainment system with voice command function and like all the
previews they have hosted so far
, there are no official pricing details on the X70.
Back to the topic of discussion today, the X70 will feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard across all four variants. The Android-based head unit features Voice Command that is activated with the prompt “Hi Proton”, Remote Control, Smartphone MirrorLink Connectivity, Online infotainment Apps and Over-the-Air connectivity (OTA). The infotainment is also connected to a nine-speaker setup but the company did not confirm whether it is exclusive for the range-topping Premium 2WD variant.
The infotainment system will operate on Geely Smart Ecosystem user interface or GKUI for short, comes with AI engine, Cloud-based storage, Online Apps and ID recognition functionality. It allows the user to login using their personal ID and access to multiple functions such as Baidu Maps, Music and online Radio.
For a seamless user experience, Proton is looking to partner with local telecommunications provider, specifically Celcom, to offer all X70 owners monthly mobile data access embedded to the vehicle’s e-SIM card which enables owners to access all online applications. Proton stressed that the monthly mobile data will come at no extra cost to owners, but the company will also reveal additional subscription plans in the future for those who require more quota.
The Voice Command function is activated by simply saying the prompt “Hi Proton” followed by the desired command. Functionalities that can be controlled by Voice Command include Dialling Phone, Radio, Music, Navigation, Windows, Sunroof and Air-Conditioning.
The system also has been calibrated to recognise “indirect voice commands”. For example, by saying “Hi Proton, I’m hungry”, the system will then pull up a list of nearby restaurants on the navigation or saying, “Hi Proton, it’s too cold” and the system will automatically increase the temperature of the climate control.
However, the (only) flipside of the GKUI infotainment system is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The only way to link your Apple device to the infotainment screen is through Bluetooth while Android phones have the added luxury for MirrorLink.


Audi Malaysia launches the facelifted A6 1.8L & 3.0L, priced from RM325k

Audi brought out the precursor to the A6 exactly 47 years ago in 1968. Since then, seven generations of the model has been made since the original Audi 100. The sheets came flying off as Audi Malaysia launched the facelifted A6 here in two different trims; the 1.8-litre TFSI and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI.
Managing Director of Audi Malaysia, Immo Buschman remarked that the A6 represents one of the company’s most successful range and the lynchpin of their product range. The A6 is also
Deutchland’s best-selling
 business model and fight stiff competition from rivals
BMW
 and
Mercedes-Benz
.

QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi A6 1.8 TFSI
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI
Engine
1798cc inline four turbo
2995cc V6 supercharged
Transmission
7 speed S Tronic
Max Power
190hp @ 4200 rpm
333hp @ 5300 rpm
Max Torque
320Nm @ 1400 rpm
440 Nm @ 2900 rpm
0-100 km/h
7.9 seconds
5.1 seconds
Top Speed
233 km/h
250 km/h
Price
RM324,900
RM500,000 (est)
EXTERIOR
On the surface of it, not much has been changed in this C7 facelift. The look has been streamlined to suit and reflect the design direction of the company. It gets a new pair of headlights with
 new DRLs
, while the Matrix LED unit remains a cost option on both trims. Audi’s signature
Singleframe
 grille now appears to have
widened
, lending its hand to the new refreshed look.

Elsewhere Audi says that the
 bumpers
,
 side sills
 and
 air inlets
 have been redesigned and fettled with. Around the back, the tail lamps are new, featuring pulsating LED signal indicators. Its
exhaust pipes
 have been also been restyled for a sportier look. The changes on the A6 goes more than just skin deep, we say that because the A6 utilises building technology such as blending various metals like
aluminium
and
 steel
 in a bid to keep weight at bay. That said, the A6 tips the scale at
 1,535kg
.
INTERIOR
The interior has yet to receive a drastic change. However, both variants get
 Milano leather
 upholstery as standard, with the driver’s seat on both variants being
electrically operated
. The base model receives a
four-spoke
 steering wheel while the 3.0-litre variant gets a rather funky
 three-spoke
 design with
 paddle shifters
. Audi Drive Select (operated via a knob) on the other hand, is standard on both models. The drive system allows for driving optimisation with modes such as
 Auto
,
 Comfort
,
 Dynamic
,
 Individual
 and
 Efficiency
.

The A6 1.8-litre TFSI model comes kitted with a retractable
6.5-inch
 screen for the
 infotainment
 system. Note also that the base model now gets
MMI Radio Plus
. Aside from that, it comes with an
Audi six-channel amplifier
with
 10-speakers
. That being said, the stereo system that comes together with the 3.0-litre model has the
MMI Navigation Plus
 displayed out of an
 eight-inch screen
 that’s powered by an all-new graphics processor courtesy of
NVIDIA
. Charged with getting the beat down is a
12-channel amp
 hooked up to
 14-speakers
manufactured by
 Bose
.
Additionally, the updated system on the flagship A6 gets not only a powerful processor but also a
touch pad
 which controls the
media
,
 GPS navigation
, and
 telephone
. The new
Audi Connect
system allows support for
Google Earth
 and
 Wi-Fi hotspots
 for the occupants, which wouldn’t be possible unless an
LTE
-enabled
SIM
 card is used in tandem.
PERFORMANCE
The new A6 comes with a choice of either a frugal
1.8-litre TFSI
 mill that delivers
190 hp
 and
 320 Nm
 of torque from as low as
 1,400 rpm
. Despite its size, it manages the century sprint in just
 7.9 seconds
 and tops out at
 233 km/h
. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km. Even this entry-level model now gets Audi’s own
seven-speed S Tronic
 gearbox.
Should you find yourself wanting a variant with more power, look no further than the
supercharged 3.0-litre

TFSI
 model that comes kitted out with Audi’s time tested and proven,
Quattro all-wheel-drive
 system to keep all
333 hp
grounded to the tarmac.

The engine makes
 440 Nm
 of twist that is available at
2,900 rpm
 onwards. This flagship takes only
5.1 seconds
 to get up from standstill to 100 km/h and will roar onto its electronically-limited top speed of
 250 km/h
. Notwithstanding its blistering performance figures, it sips fuel at a rate of just
 7.4 litres per 100km
. It is once again paired up with the
seven-speed S Tronic
 transmission to lay all that power down on the black top.
SAFETY
Like all current Audi models, the new A6 also comes equipped with a smorgasboard of electronic safety aids and features including the
Start/Stop
 system with
 energy recuperation system
 for better fuel economy. Stability control (
ESC
), traction control (
ASR
), ABS with brake force distribution (
EBD
) and even an electronic differential lock (
EDL
)

comes as standard throughout the range.
Parking Aid Plus
 with selective display and a grand total of
 eight airbags
 for the flagship variety (
six
 airbags for the 1.8 model) ensures that the driver and his/her occupants are always kept safe and sound.
WHAT ELSE ?
Potential customers are spoilt for choice with a range of
thirteen
 different shades of
colours
ranging from Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Glacier White, Oolong Grey, Mythos Black, Dakota Grey, Floret Silver, Diamond Beige, Aviator Blue, Tornado Grey, Havan Black and Garnet Red. The A6 is available for bookings at
all authorised Audi dealerships
 with the entry-level model retailing for
RM324,900
 while the flagship model’s price has yet to be announced. It’s price however, is estimated to hover around the
half-million mark
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan Qashqai facelift goes on sale in the UK, still unavailable in Malaysia

Across the continent, Nissan has a compact crossover model that’s relatively successful. It’s called the Nissan Qashqai, and it has finally been facelifted.
Named after the mountainous tribe from Iran, the Qashqai one of the best-selling compact crossovers in both Europe and the UK. Currently in its second generation guise (first introduced in 2013), this update brings a fresh new look to the SUV.

As seen with the facelifted
X-Trail
, the Qashqai gets the new V-motion front grille. Other visual updates include ‘boomerang’ LED tail lights, new front bumper, shark fin antenna and alloy rim designs. The adaptive front headlights are offered for the higher variants.
Inside, updates from the X-trail such as the steering and
NissanConnect
 Infotainment system are offered for the Qashqai. Boot space is rated at
430 litres
, but expands to 1,585 litres when the rear seats are down. Nissan’s
Flexible Luggage Board
 System is available, providing modular storage at up to 18 configurations.
Powertrains are all carried over from its before. UK-bound Qashqais can be had with a choice of
 two petrols
 and
 two diesel
 engines, beginning with the 112 hp 1.2-litre petrol, followed by a 163 hp 1.6-litre petrol mill. The diesels include a 108 hp 1.5-litre and a 128 hp 1.6-litre diesel. Customers get to choose between a
six-speed manual
 or a
seven-speed CVT
, but all-wheel drive is strictly for the most powerful diesel while the rest settle for front-wheel drive.
The facelifted Qashqai is the latest Nissan model to be equipped with Nissan’s
Propilot
 active safety package. It’ll compliment the existing
Intelligent Emergency Braking
 feature which is standard since launch. Nissan claims the refreshed Qashqai is quieter as well.
Deliveries will begin by July 2017. So, would you pick the Nissan Qashqai over the spacious
Honda HR-V
, sporty
Mazda CX-3
, or the upcoming
Hyundai Kona
?
IMAGE GALLERY


Ford begins production of 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines in the US for the first time

Ford’s range of EcoBoost engines can be traced as far back as 2009 when it was first introduced to the world, but little is known and heard about the turbocharged motor in this region up until the
Fiesta EcoBoost’s arrival
. Six years and more than four million EcoBoost engines later, Ford Motor Company has announced that their Cleveland Engine Plant in Ohio will start producing the
2.0L
 and
2.3L twin scroll turbo engines
 to support global operations.
The Focus RS shares the same 2.3L EcoBoost engine as the Mustang
More than 1,300 people have been employed at the Ohio facility to produce the EcoBoost engines that will power the all-new Ford Edge (world premiere due this coming months), the Explorer,
Focus RS
 and
Mustang
. The plant also builds Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine and 3.7-litre V6 rear-wheel drive system. Just last year alone, Ford has, globally, produced over
2.3 million units
 of EcoBoost engines. That’s slightly over
190,000 engines
 a month!
The engines produced at the Ohio plant will be used to support the brand’s operations in several key regions – North America, Europe, Mexico and Asia Pacific. It’s unclear if the facility will be producing the
GT’s

600 hp 3.5-litre twin turbo engine
, but let’s assume otherwise for now.
Back here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be putting the 5.0L Mustang V8 on
public display at Publika
, Solaris Dutamas for the first time from today till Sunday (11 to 15 March). It’s scheduled to hit selected Ford showrooms in December this year in two trims – fastback and convertible, both with either the
2.3-litre EcoBoost
 or
5.0-litre Coyote V8
 engine.


Mercedes-Benz sales up by 13.7 percent to 1,144,274 units in 1H 2017!

Mercedes-Benz has just made history by selling a grand total of 1,144,274 cars throughout the first six months of 2017. That’s a 13.7 percent jump compared to the same period last year, with the biggest contributors coming from China (+34.5 percent) and South Korea (+47.3 percent).
In June alone, the Tristar was the strongest performing premium brand in no less than 14 countries – Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, the USA, Canada, Brazil and of course
in Malaysia as well
.
The most popular model in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio is still the
W205 C-Class
, with over 210,000 units sold globally. Of that, the biggest market for the C-Class is China with an outrageous demand for the long wheelbase version. Sales of the
W213 E-Class
 on the other hand surged to 181,940 units, up 68.4 percent from last year.
Also well sought after are the SUVs: the company sold 385,044 units from January to March, with the
GLC
 and
GLA
 being the two best sellers.


The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has a new board, what does it mean?

After the overseer was ousted from the alliance (aka Carlos Ghosn, though he remains a director), Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi have now come together to form a decision-making committee in place of the power that was held and wielded by Ghosn only.
 Ghosn used to call the shots, now there’s a committee of four, will it be better?
(From left: Bollore, Senard, Saikawa and Masuko)
The new board comprises Jean-Dominique Senard (as chairman and Senard is also the chairman of Renault), Thierry Bollore (CEO of Renault), Hiroto Saikawa (CEO of Nissan), Osamu Masuko (CEO of Mitsubishi Motors) and will oversee ‘the operations and governance of the alliance’. It is supposed to signify a new start, with decisions made by the board to be ‘consensus-based’, in furtherance of a ‘win-win’ approach.
While the formation of the board may give rise to a more equitable decision-making process for the alliance partners (at least on paper), the shareholding structure remains unchanged – Renault owns 43.4% of Nissan, Nissan owns 15% of Renault and 34% of Mitsubishi, with Nissan being the biggest contributor to Renault’s profits. Many at Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama will want to address that imbalance.
Saikawa (left) and Ghosn in happier days; seen here unveiling a sculpture in 2017 which has since become a symbol of the latter’s power at Nissan HQ.
More crucially for shareholders and customers of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi is whether this new board will bring about the synergies that large auto alliances leverage on. Compared to the slick cross-sharing of resources and platforms shown by the Volkswagen group, Nissan and Renault has done precious little together in the last 20 years. How about a Nissan and Mitsubishi equivalent of the Megane RS (in different body-styles of course), or a range of EVs based on shared hardware and a common charging standard? Let’s hope the decision-making on product matters won’t be bogged down by committees.


“Rough” engine? Check engine light on? Bosch recommends checking the oxygen sensors

As combustion of fuel and air exits the engine’s exhaust system, the quality of the gas is immediately analyzed and relayed to the engine control unit (ECU) via a Lambda sensor, commonly known as the
O2 sensor
.
The signal from the O2 sensor is key to ensure that the engine is consuming the right amount of oxygen to burn fuel efficiently, drive smoother and prevent high fuel consumption.
A
faulty O2 sensor
 can lead to a drop in performance, along with higher fuel consumption and increased emissions.
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) shared that since O2 sensors are an unseen part of the car, most drivers are not aware of its existence. Hence, there is a lack of awareness of its importance in engine wear, maintenance and the harm it can cause towards the environment.
Potential signs of a faulty O2 sensor include reduced engine responsiveness, high fuel consumption,
 and lack of power to sustain a constant speed. Furthermore, the check-engine lamp (CEL) will illuminate when a fault code has been detected in the ECU.
A lit ‘Check Engine Lamp’ in yellow means an error code is detected
It is best to bring the vehicle to an experienced service centre to troubleshoot the fault code, as it could be more than just the issue with the O2 sensors. As a rule of thumb, Bosch highly recommends
a check on the O2 sensor done every 30,000 km
. It is best to have a mechanic perform the maintenance check on the O2 sensor as it may need replacing.
O2 sensor, Toyota Vios CVT
O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8
If left unsolved, unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter costing more funds for repair works.
For more information about Bosch’s range of O2 sensor, drivers can approach its friendly Bosch Car Service or Bosch Preferred Workshops
here
.
While the engine breath well, you and your occupants can also breathe better quality air through the
Bosch Aeristo Premium cabin filter
. Check out Bosch AA’s own official Shopee (
here
) or Lazada (
here
) stores to have them delivered right to your doorsteps, while we all continue to stay home and stay safe.


2023 Honda Civic e:HEV RS hybrid review – Japan’s answer to the sports sedan question

It’s no secret that we like the
all-new 11th-gen Honda Civic
. Some of us liked it so much that they even dubbed it “the best C-segment sedan you can buy right now” (
spoiler: that person is me
). A mature but still handsome design, roomy interior, and an actually fun driving experience – clearly, the all-new Civic already ticks many of the boxes car buyers are looking for, judging by the sheer number of them roaming the streets today. So what happens when you put a more powerful engine in it?
Okay, labelling it just “a more powerful engine” is perhaps underselling it a little, because underneath the bonnet is one of the most complex hybrid systems currently on the market, which Honda calls “e:HEV”. On this particular instance, it’s made up of a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill, two electric motors, and a tiny 1.05 kWh battery.
There’s no need to understand the intricacies behind Honda’s e:HEV system. In fact, the car doesn’t even want you to know, as it does without any charging ports, nor hybrid drive mode selectors. All you need to do is step into the car, press the glowing start button, shift it into drive, and off you go. In a world where cars are increasingly turning into computers-on-wheels, there’s actually a certain kind of comfort in simplicity – at least on the surface.
But more than just simplicity, the hybrid powertrain also gives the all-new 11th-generation Honda Civic an appreciable performance boost, offering some 2 hp and 75 Nm more than the regular 1.5-litre turbo. That might not sound like much on paper, but the extra torque is immediately noticeable, especially with a near-instant power delivery thanks to the e:HEV’s unique drivetrain set-up.
The numbers back this up, with the hybrid variant accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, compared to the turbo RS’s 8.5 seconds. But more importantly, just like driving an EV, the responsive throttle response makes it so much more exhilarating to shoot out of corners, with none of the usual CVT pitfalls.
At full pelt, the electric drive system even simulates gear shifts, even though the power that drives the wheels doesn’t actually go through a gearbox. Paired to the adjustable regenerative braking selector via the paddles behind the steering wheel, the e:HEV hybrid actually feels more engaging to drive when compared to its turbo counterpart – if you can get past the fake engine sound that’s piped in through the speakers in sports mode, that is.
Thanks to the additional electric components, and a larger engine no less, the Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid does weigh in a little more than the non-electrified variants. But the little extra weight (83 kg on paper) isn’t a bad thing, as it actually gives the sedan some tasteful body roll in the corners, making it feel more natural and playful – especially in transitioning corners.
All that, without ever feeling unwieldy, as the reworked dampers and spring rates essentially negate most of the extra fat. Turn in the nicely weighted steering, and the car tracks as well – if not even better – than the non-electrified brethren.
The 10 mm lower centre of gravity and factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres probably helped in no small part here, but the natural (albeit a little long) brake feel is all down to software smarts – initial decelerating is done via regenerative braking no matter what driving mode you’re in, and the switchover from regenerative to actual braking is pretty much imperceptible.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Honda Civic 1.5 RS review – Felt good driving it like an Ah Beng
The Civic’s sporting credentials doesn’t detract from its comfort, too, with a somewhat continental quality to its damping character. Its relatively firm set-up does mean that the pockmarked roads are a little more apparent inside the cabin (especially with the 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres), but larger undulations are all pleasantly soaked up as the dampers masterfully resisting rebounds, resulting in a supremely comfortable – yet engaging – ride.
With a minimalist yet premium-feeling interior appointment, and the supportive microfibre-upholstered seats (which I understand is divisive), the Honda Civic e:HEV RS proves itself to be a competent highway tourer, too… except for the fact that the tyre noise does become quite intrusive especially at higher speeds. Granted, it’s already quite a bit better than its predecessor, but when everything else has improved leaps and bounds, the NVH performance – despite being improved – does unfortunately feel as though it’s been left behind.
At the end of the day, though, what’s probably most important to a hybrid buyer is its fuel consumption – and the Honda Civic e:HEV RS continues to impress here. Over a weekend of mostly enthusiastic driving (
with how nice the car feels like to drive, we really just had to…
), we managed to clock in a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100 km – nearly twice as fuel efficient as its petrol counterpart in our tests.
Thanks to how the e:HEV system works, though, driving around city streets is actually where the hybrid Civic is most efficient. Considering what a Honda Civic will be doing most of the time, i.e. crawling in traffic jams day-in day-out, Honda’s own claimed 4 l/100 km fuel consumption figure really doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
Obviously, your mileage will vary based on your driving style. But if you’re looking for a C-segment sedan that sips as little fuel as possible, there really isn’t anything else that does it as well as the Honda Civic e:HEV RS.
Evidently, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS is not
just
 a Civic with a more powerful engine. Sure, it is notably faster than its turbo counterpart, but much more than just performance, it’s also taken what’s already great on the “regular” Civic, and made it even better with best-in-class fuel efficiency, more equipment, and an enhanced driving experience.
While we wouldn’t go as far as comparing it to the
BMW 3 Series
, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS does at least present itself as a decent alternative for those shopping for a sports sedan, all at a much cheaper price. There’s a reason why it was awarded
Best Performance Car in the 2022/2023 Japan COTY
, after all.
2023 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid
, as reviewed:
Engine
1,993 cc; naturally-aspirated inline four, e:HEV hybrid system
Transmission
e-CVT
Max horsepower
184 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max torque
315 Nm @ 0-2,000 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
7.9 seconds; 180 km/h
Price
RM 166,500
GALLERY


BMW 8 Series to be revived, Bavarian flagship will rival the S-Class Coupe

BMW is set to bring back their magic number 8 to the table as the company’s flagship that will go against the very popular Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
Last year, the W222 S-Class outsold the
7 Series
 by a ratio of almost one to four, becoming the default choice for “
taukehs
” with over 125,000 units sold worldwide as compared to the 36,364 units shifted by BMW. Seeing this, the Bavarian company needs to do something, and they’re going to give everything they’ve got with the next-generation 8 Series.z
As expected of a flagship model, BMW says the new 8 series will be equipped with state-of-the-art driveline components, multi-material architecture, electrical system and connectivity solutions derived from the newly launched G11 7 Series. A four-door or two-door coupe layout are among the options planned for the new 8 Series.
Think of the 8 Series as a coupe version of the G11 7 Series
The four-door coupe will be more or less the same, conceptually, with the
 6 Series Gran Coupe
, while the coupe may be available in cabriolet form too. For sure, the 8 Series will be based on an existing G11 7 Series and will not compete against the Rolls Royce Ghost.
However, we might need to see the 8 Series concept earliest by 2018 before a possible production by 2020. The original
8 Series
 was launched in 1989 as a Gran Tourer and went on sale for a decade.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia goes online – virtual showroom for new and pre-owned vehicles

Following a tough 2020, where almost all semblances of physical interactions have been wiped off the face of the earth,
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 is committed to strengthen its online presence, starting with a brand new virtual showroom.
The new virtual showroom is available for both new and
certified pre-owned vehicles
. Customers can search for stock availability based on the distance to their location, calculate financing options and directly request a quote from their preferred dealer.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, “2020 placed great demands on us as a society. Despite the challenges, the situation also presented us with an opportunity to be more resilient and agile in this new technology-led environment.
“While the safety and of our customers is our top priority, we explore innovative ways to optimize our offerings. The virtual showroom is an example of our pursuit in continuous digitalisation effort to bring the best experiences for our customers.”
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp added, “We want to assure our new and existing customers that we are with them throughout their ownership. We have accelerated most of our efforts to combine physical and digital touchpoints for a seamless customer journey.
“From dealerships with luxurious brand presence to digital launches and virtual showroom – it is all now easily accessible from anywhere. This new and improved presence is meant to simplify processes and enhance our brand experience by leveraging data and technology in this era.”
The
all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA
is the latest addition to the company’s model line-up in Malaysia.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia dealership Cycle & Carriage last year also introduced their
own virtual showroom
, which brought the new
Mercedes-Benz brand presence online
 through a 360-degree virtual reality imaging of their
flagship showroom at Mutiara Damansara
. However, its availability is obviously limited to where Cycle & Carriage has a physical presence.
Customers interested in checking out the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia virtual showroom can do so by visiting the website
here
.
“We are cautiously optimistic about the auto industry’s recovery in 2021. Geared with our comprehensive customer-centric strategy, we are confident it will be an interesting journey as we innovate new ways we communicate and conduct businesses in the future together with our partners,” commented Dr Weidner.


Next-gen Volkswagen Passat will be a wagon-only model, shows 15-inch tablet head unit

Volkswagen

has released official images teasing the next-gen
Volkswagen Passat
. Wrapped in a “QR” camouflage just like other upcoming Volkswagen models, what we can confirm is that the next-generation Volkswagen Passat will be available as a wagon only.
Its underpinnings are all-new as the next-generation Volkswagen Passat is built on the MQB Evo platform. The platform allows for several powertrain options for the upcoming Passat which include pure diesel, pure petrol, mild hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains – the TDI, TSI, eTSI, and eHybrid as the brand refers to them.
The outgoing Volkswagen Passat already features a PHEV powertrain, but the upcoming one boosts the PHEV’s pure electric range up to 100 km, depending on the specs. More good news for the PHEV Passar includes faster AC charging, and the new ability to do DC charging.
Other information on the next-gen Volkswagen Passat that has been officially revealed includes:
A new interior architecture redesigned based on a new concept
A new display and operating concept
More space in the rear
New Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) pro and integration of Vehicle Dynamics manager
A new generation of IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights
RELATED:
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace now with IQ.Drive, from RM175k with VAP
With the interior not sporting any form of camouflage, we can already see the cabin design direction for future Volkswagen models. The digital instrument cluster is well integrated into the dashboard but it isn’t paired with a twin screen like most new cars these days. Instead, it is paired with a large horizontal tablet head unit which measures 12.9 inches as standard, but customers will also have the option of a 15-inch screen.
The steering retains the capacitive controls although the company has announced that it will be
shifting back to physical buttons in the future
. Below the large head unit are backlit touch sliders to adjust things like volume and climate control. It seems like the shift to physical buttons isn’t happening just yet.
RELATED:
Next-gen 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan teased in camouflage – PHEV to get over 100 km of electric range
Volkswagen Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, Kai Grünitz said, With the all-new Passat, we have placed great importance on high ride and travel comfort that customers will feel immediately. Among other things, this is ensured by the longer wheelbase and the new adaptive chassis control with two-valve shock absorbers. At the same time, our new display and operating concept is very intuitive. Climate-controlled massage seats illustrate our premium standard in the interior.”
RELATED:
Volkswagen Golf to axe manual gearbox due to emissions rules


BMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use – 180 kW, first location now open

In reaffirming its commitment to electrification, BMW Malaysia today unveiled the newly-installed DC Fast Chargers at Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara, the first of many that will be installed at BMW i dealers across the country.
The new DC Fast Chargers, alongside other BMW Rapid-Charging DC Chargers at selected dealerships nationwide, will be open for use to the public.
The DC Fast Chargers’ outputs are rated at 180 kW and features twin Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, which means two cars can be charged at the same time from a single charger.
The 180 kW output is higher than the 150 kW supported by both the
BMW iX
and
iX3
 that have been launched in Malaysia, which means they’ll both be able to charge at full speed, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach an 80% SOC on both cars.
ALSO READ: ABB introduces the world’s fastest EV charger with 360 kW power
Yes, your
Hyundai Kona Electric
 will be allowed to use the new chargers too.
Commenting on the launch, BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Hans de Visser said, “We have been driving the change towards electrification not only with our growing portfolio of electrified vehicles, but also by expanding the local charging infrastructure network across the country.
“We partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the get-go to ensure a functioning ecosystem for electromobility to thrive in, and are continuing to deliver on that commitment alongside our network of dedicated dealers – not just for BMW and MINI owners, but for [all] electric vehicle owners in Malaysia,” he added.
“We are confident that this move will be mutually beneficial in ensuring charging infrastructures are more accessible across the country, and help alleviate the concerns of potential EV owners in Malaysia such as range anxiety.”
RELATED: Petronas to deploy EV fast chargers in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and JomCharge
Auto Bavaria Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan added, “Much like the BMW Group, we have long shared the belief that the future is electric, and we are honoured to be amongst the first dealerships to bring this vision into reality by installing the DC Fast Chargers on our premises for public use.”
“Our loyal customers will now also be able to visit our dealerships and receive the full Electric Ownership Experience, as we work in tandem with BMW Group Malaysia to accelerate the shift to electromobility in Malaysia.”


The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign looks lethal in production renders

It’s rare for a production car to end up looking better than its concept, but in the case of the
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign
 – a collaboration between Nissan and Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign – it would appear that the transition to final production has made it easier for the GT-R Nismo-based supercar to justify its
million-dollar price tag
, more precisely
€990,000
.
While still recognisably a GT-R, particularly in profile and silhouette, key visual details such as its sword-like rear wing, distinctive oval tail lamps set against a recessed surface and low-slung, tapered front end now stand out more prominently. Nissan’s design chief
Alfonso Albaisa
 calls it ‘the best of Japan and Italy combined’, and truth be told, the GT-R50 does exude Italian supercar vibes from certain angles.
Originally unveiled in
June 2018
 to commemorate the
50-year existence
 of the GT-R and
Italdesign
, Nissan says that the demand for the GT-R50 has been strong, with only a ‘limited number of reservations’ left. Since only
50
will be produced, it goes without saying that there are limited slots left, bottom line is that you can still book one if you fancy the ultimate GT-R.
Even if you lay down the deposit for the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6-powered GT-R50 today, the
720 hp
 and
780 Nm
supercar would only begin deliveries starting late 2020, extending into 2021. By which time, the GT-R would have already turned 14!
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign image gallery


Audi A6 Avant unveiled, better looking than its predecessor?

Audi has just unveiled the estate version of their all-new Audi A6, offering a more practical alternative to its customers. The new Audi A6 Avant retains the striking design of its
sedan twin
 as well as an array of tech and driver assistance systems.
Compared to its predecessor the new A6 Avant is now larger, standing at 4.94 meters long, 1.89 meters wide and 1.47 meters tall. It boasts the best in class front and rear elbow room as well as rear knee room. The styling cues are largely carried over from the A6 sedan save for the tapering roofline that flows into the D-pillars.

Boot space, although only 30 litres more than the sedan at
565 litres
 (1,680 litres with rear seats folded), the Avant’s loading width of 1,050 mm makes for a more graceful affair. The luggage compartment comes with a rail system as standard to allow drivers to conveniently secure objects from sliding about.
LED headlamps are standard fitment, but customers can opt for the HD Matrix LED headlights with high-resolution high beam. The Matrix LED is a prerequisite to have the five strip LED daytime running lights. Three exterior equipment lines are available for the A6 Avant – Sport, Design and S-Line to go with the 12 exterior paint colours.
Inside, the A6 Avant also gets the
triple screen cockpit
 that combines a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, 10.1-inch upper MMI display and 8.6-inch lower display to create a minimalistic cabin. Four equipment lines are available – Sport, Design, Design Selection and the S Line that furnishes the cabin with different upholstery materials, colours and seats.
Other feel-good options include customized contour front seats with massage and ventilation function, air quality package that sprays the cabin with two different fragrances, 19-speakers Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System panoramic sunroof and contour ambient lighting that sets off the cabin with 30 different colours.
Audi did not disclose the exact engine options available, but all engine options will be fitted with a
48-volt primary mild hybrid system
 that improves fuel economy by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km. Transmission choices include a seven-speed S Tronic or an eight-speed Tiptronic while drive is deployed on all corners courtesy of the Quattro all-wheel drive.
Suspension options on the A6 Avant include standard steel-spring suspension, sport suspension, suspension with shock absorber control and adaptive air suspension.
 Audi’s Dynamic All-Wheel Steering
 that reduces the cars turning circle and improve agility and stability at high speeds is available as an option.
While Audi’s extensive range of driver assistance systems such as emergency braking assist, Audi pre sense front, adaptive cruise assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning and lane change warning and more are available as standard or as an option, there is no mention that the estate will get the Audi AI system that allows the A6 sedan to park itself into designated carpark without a driver.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi A6 Avant S-Line in Sepang Blue

Audi A6 Sedan


BMW presents its first fully-electric safety car, the i4 M50

BMW has revealed the new BMW i4 M50 which will serve as the safety car in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, which happens this 15th of August at the Red Bull Ring. The i4 M50 replaces the BMW i8 used previously.
The new safety car will be launched in November 2021. Armed with an electric motor each to drive the front and rear wheels, there’s over 500 hp of electric power to stay ahead of the electric motorcycles.
To avoid things getting too sterile while the i4 M5 is on the move, BMW said its driving experience is heightened by a drive sound developed specifically for electric BMW M cars.
“With the BMW i4 M50, we are entering a new era and presenting our first M with a fully-electric drive train,” says BMW M CEO, Markus Flasch.
“With the first M BEV, we are showing that everything people have come to know about the M brand is also possible in a fully-electric vehicle. While the production version of the four-door Gran Coupé will arrive later, here’s an early preview.”
The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup has been part of the MotoGP World Championship since 2019.
GALLERY


This Volkswagen Polo advert caused a little stir in the UK, find out why

Aside from their binge drinking and kebab-loving culture, the UK is also notoriously well known for their political correctness and that has caused this video advertisement of the new Volkswagen Polo to be banned.
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) in the UK has banned it for “encouraging irresponsible driving”. Complaints were also made to the regulatory board over the “exaggerated benefits of the new Polo’s safety systems”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMRnVqQVDwo
I on the other hand feel that this whole fiasco in itself has been exaggerated  – bringing back the issue of UK’s political correctness that can sometimes blow things out of proportion. Why?
The ASA claims that the loud indie rock sountrack leaves an impression that the driver was being irresponsible, according to a report by Autocar UK.
Volkswagen has since claimed that the car was not driven dangerously and that they do not condone the same. The video was simply meant to illustrate an inexperienced driver which led to his father’s nervous reaction.
Credit:
 Autocar UK


Ford Ranger Raptor will go on sale in Europe mid-2019, what about Malaysia?

Ford has just unveiled the toughest, highest performing version of Europe’s best-selling pick up, the
Ford Ranger Raptor
, for the European market. The ultimate Ranger pick up truck will go on sale in Europe in mid-2019.
Powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel, the Ranger Raptor packs 213 hp and 500 Nm of twist sending power to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger Raptor also comes with a new Terrain Management System (TMS) that offers six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja – the latter named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally gives the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.
Compared to a standard Ranger, the Ranger Raptor is wider by 320 mm and has an approach angle of 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle of 24 degrees and departure angle of 24 degrees to give it maximum off-road drivability.
The cabin of the ranger Raptor gets a sportier touch with magnesium paddle shifters, aggressive instrument cluster, red centre market and body-hugging seats. No much was revealed about European-bound Ranger Raptor, but the pick up truck made its global debut with Ford’s latest advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
Ford Performance Director, Europe, Leo Roeks said: “Forget everything you think you know about pick-ups. Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions.”
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Men vs MINI in Putrajaya: New MINI official video launched [+Video]

‘Men vs MINI in Putrajaya’, is the official video for the new
MINI
 Cooper F56 in Malaysia, which has been launched concurrently with its microsite ‘
newminipower.my
‘ today. The all-new MINI Cooper is now bigger, faster and cleverer than before.
Go behind the scenes with the all-new MINI Cooper S F56
Filmed around iconic landmarks of administrative capital Putrajaya, 4 stuntmen and 1 MINI ‘terrorize’ the city, provoking and imitating each other’s moves. The stuntmen consist of BMX Freestyler, Fizzy; Extreme Pro Flyboarder, Shuk; Paramotor Pilot, Rizlan; and Base Jumper, Nasa.
The new MINI Cooper S going against the stuntmen was driven by stunt driver and Malaysian Gymkhana Champion, Ivan Khong. Not forgetting, the chase car driver was, AutoBuzz.my chief editor, GC Mah. That’s me!
While you are watching the video below, pay attention to how many times the ‘Cooper S’ badge appears throughout the video and join
MINI’s contest
 to win a weekend Power Trip!
Go behind the scenes with the all-new MINI Cooper S F56
The third generation MINI Cooper codenamed F56 is now available in all MINI showrooms in Malaysia. Available in 4 options, the original Cooper, Cooper Chilli, Cooper S and the Cooper S Wired. Prices from RM 178,888 to RM 248,888.


Honda modified 10 Odyssey MPVs to transport healthcare workers and patients

Honda has delivered 10 Odyssey MPVs to the City of Detroit, Michigan, USA which have been modified to transport healthcare workers, those infected by the Covid-19 virus and also to protect the drivers of these vehicles.
Following the initiatives started out by Honda in Japan who’ve similarly built specially-equipped vehicles based on the Odyssey for the same purpose, the state officials in Michigan requested for the same – prompting Honda’s engineers and fabricators to conceive their own version.
As a result, the Odysseys have been retrofitted with a
sealed, clear polycarbonate plastic barrier
 isolating the driver from the occupants at the back. Modifications have also been made to the Odyssey’s ventilation system to maintain different air pressure between the front and rear sections.
To achieve this, Honda engineers
designed a software to control the ventilation system
 – ensuring that air pressure difference is in compliance with the guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for negative pressure rooms.
The software sets the blower motors in the front to run faster than those at the rear seating area. The difference in air pressure creates a
more negative pressure chamber at the back
. The air in the rear section then exits through the vents by the tailgate. From the design stages to fabrication and assembly, it took Honda’s engineers from Ohio, USA just two weeks to complete the build.
The modified Odysseys in Japan are smaller in size compared to the 8-seater version in the US market that was designed, developed and engineered in the US and is made exclusively at a Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
Locally,
Honda Malaysia recently announced
 that
after sales services at selected service centres will resume operations
in stages however its sales office, dealer showrooms and manufacturing facilities will remain closed.
Services carried out during this period will be on appointment basis only; walk-ins will not be allowed. Operating service outlets will also be implementing “contactless car-drop service” to maintain social distancing practises.


Hyundai Grand Starex facelift makes official debut in Korea, coming to M’sia?

Since the debut of the Hyundai Grand Starex back in 2007, the MPV has not seen any major updates or changes in its decade-long run but that is set to change as Hyundai Motor Group has just released the official facelifted Hyundai Grand Starex – and no they did not just
add some LED daytime running lights and call it a day
.
Available exclusively in a nine-seater configuration (for now), the Grand Starex gets a redesigned front end, improved NVH and a refreshed interior design in this facelift exercise. The hood is now taller than before to
reduce the impact
 in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Coupled that with new headlamps, 17-inch alloys and grille design, the Grand Starex now radiates a more upmarket vibe.
Inside, the cabin now resembles the Kia Grand Carnival with new brown leather upholstery, 8.0-inch floating infotainment display, infotainment display and interior trimmings. The nine-seater Grand Starex gets a 2-2-2-3 seating layout.
Besides that, Hyundai has also added new sound insulation material as well as tweaked suspension for
lower NVH
 and greater overall comfort. Hill Start Assist and Locking Differential have also been thrown into the mix. From 2018 onwards, the Grand Starex will be equipped with
Euro 6 compliant engines
 to reduce carbon emissions although Hyundai did not specify the powertrain options available.
Locally, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has the
Hyundai Grand Starex Royale Deluxe
 which comes with a new face and subtle tweaks on sale for RM168,888. We can expect the facelifted a Hyundai Grand Starex which goes on sale in Korea next month to make its way to Malaysia in the near future.
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All-electric Porsche Taycan officially revealed; 0-100 km/h in 2.8s, 450 km range

Four years after Porsche first showed off the
Mission E
 concept
 — an all-electric 4-door coupe at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, CEO Oliver Blume has finally unveiled the production-ready Taycan to the world in an elaborate world premiere spanning three continents.
Two variants of the Taycan were announced (with more to come later); namely the
Turbo
and
Turbo S.
 Both are powered by two permanent synchronous motors (PSM) pushing
625 hp and up to 1050 Nm
 to all four wheels. The Taycan Turbo S does the century run in
just 2.8 seconds
 (3.2s for the Turbo), with 0-200 km/h in a searing 9.8 seconds.
What’s more impressive is the launch control system which provides an
overboost peak output of 761 hp
, which can be called up repeatedly at no loss in power. The measured top speed on track is
260 km/h
.
The Taycan also has a
two-speed transmission on its rear axle
 to maximise launches, and has the ability to switch between
front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
, subject to the drive mode selected.
The
93 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
 can power the Taycan over a distance of
450 km
 (measured on the WLTP testing cycle). As the batteries are mounted on the floor, the Taycan possesses a centre of gravity that’s actually
lower than the 911
‘s.

The Taycan can rapid charged at up to
270 kW
, which means a range of
100 km in just 5 minutes
, this is made possible as it utilises a
 800V system voltage
 — a first among production EVs which typically run on 400V, otherwise a 11 kW wallbox will take around 8 hours to top up.
Like any model that wears the Porsche emblem, the Taycan bears motorsport DNA, taking innovations from both the
919 Hybrid, a 3-time World Endurance Championship (WEC) Champion, as well as the road-going Porsche 918
. The jaw-dropping design of the Taycan is unmistakably Porsche and slices through the air with a
drag coefficient of just 0.22
.
The Taycan is already listed on
Porsche USA’s website
 starting at
US$150,900 for the Turbo
 and US
$185,000 for the Turbo S
, which are slightly below that of the
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid at US$191,700
. Meanwhile in Malaysia, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo starts life at
RM1.13 million
, so you can roughly work out the math.
Porsche also revealed they had already received more than
30,000 bookings
 for the Taycan and that production will start before the end of the year. Porsche Malaysia has confirmed that the Taycan will be coming, when and how much, only time will tell.
Porsche Taycan Image Gallery


Who else thinks the Hyundai i30N looks freaking awesome with the “N Option” kit?

You’ve seen what Hyundai can offer with the
i30N
, the
Veloster N
 and more recently the
i30N Fastback
; now catch a glimpse of what the “N Option” package, due to be launched soon, could offer.
The “N option” package comes with
25 different high-quality exterior and interior
 individualisation options. Exterior bits include a carbon rear wing, a carbon hood with integrated air vents, quad muffler tips along with an N grille surrounded by red accents.
Finishing touches to the aggressive new look include 20-inch lightweight wheels with Pirelli Trofeo R semi-slick tyres and a unique matte paint, specifically created for the “N Option” package.
Inside, taking centre stage is a pair of lightweight bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara, with carbon accents spread across the dashboard as well as the air vents, door handles and on the bottom end of the steering wheel which has been covered with Alcantara.
Hyundai says the company aims to provide a large amount of customisation features for driving enthusiasts who want to make their car more unique. We say start offering it locally for the
Hyundai Elantra Sport
!
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BMW M Performance Parts for new 5 Series available, special RM5,000 package

BMW Malaysia is offering the BMW M Performance Parts for the
new 5 Series
 available from launch.
Two packages are available, as well as individual items. For now, the items are strictly cosmetic and focused on the exterior. The first package is priced from
RM15,711.60
 after a
10% discount
, valid until the end of the year, and it consists of:
Kidney grille in High Gloss Black
Pair of side mirror covers in carbon fibre
Pair of M Performance accentuation strip (stickers)
Pair of M Performance side sill wrapping
M Performance rear bumper trim in gloss black plus matte black diffuser
Rear boot spoiler in Matte Black
Individually, the side mirror covers in carbon fibre are one of the most expensive items, costing RM4,551.82 before discount. If you just like the body stickers, they retail at RM916.15 after the 10% discount.
The second package is the popular
Shadow Line package
 where all exterior trim pieces in bright chrome will be changed to high gloss black. For this package, the kidney grille, window surround and air duct trim at the fender will be changed at a special retail price of
RM5,000
 for the new 530i variant.
All prices exclude labour and installation charges, and applicable at all BMW authorised dealerships in Malaysia.
The locally-assembled new BMW 5 Series starts at
RM317,534
 for the 530e M Sport, with the new 530i M Sport priced from
RM368,122
. Both are on-the-road prices, without insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions, and the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
From July 1st 2021 onwards, the prices will be bumped up to
RM340,800
 and
RM395,800
 for the BMW 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport respectively here in Malaysia, inclusive of an extended warranty and service package.
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BMW 530e M Sport

with M Performance package
Available BMW M Performance Parts


Toyota launches GR Heritage Parts project to reproduce legacy Supra parts

Toyota has announced that it will reproduce spare parts for its classic models, as part of the GR Heritage Parts project. The project will initially produce period-correct parts for the third-generation A70 Toyota Supra (1986-1993) and its successor, the A80 Supra (1993-2002).
The components will be sold in both Japan and overseas locations including North America and Europe, and can be ordered through the
Toyota Gazoo Racing website
. Additionally, the company also said that the reproduced parts can also be acquired through Toyota dealers, as with any genuine Toyota parts.
The parts are scheduled to begin production from 2020. The initial components to be reproduced for the third-generation Toyota Supra include propeller shaft, door handles, fuel sender gauge, weatherstrips, and front emblems; A80 Supra gets original headlamps, door handles, and brake booster.
According to the new website, you will also be able to request for parts to be reproduced. All requests will be tallied, which will be used to influence the company’s decision on parts to be reproduced.
The GR Heritage Parts will be on display at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon starting today, until the 12th January 2020.


This all-new Toyota C-HR will end the Honda HR-V’s reign

With this news, Toyota’s chances of recapturing its
best selling non-national manufacturer
 title seems significantly more possible. In Malaysia, one of the biggest blows Toyota received was not having a product to compete against the ever-popular
Honda HR-V
, but all that should change now with the new Toyota C-HR.
Based on
Toyota’s

New Global Architecture (TNGA)
, the C-HR shares similar underpinnings as the Prius. In the aesthetic department, the C-HR remains consistent with Toyota’s recent design language, with sharp edges and strong lines that run the side of its body. If you cant find the rear door latch, that’s because it’s integrated within the C-pillar; a coupe-esque design cue that reminds us a whole lot of the HR-V.

Powertrain choices for the C-HR include a
 1.2-litre turbo engine
 (currently powering the European Auris models), a
2.0-litre petrol unit
 and a
1.8-litre hybrid
 engine from the fourth-generation Prius. It can be had with a six-speed manual or a CVT, whereas drive is either to the front wheels or all wheels.
The C-HR is claimed to match the driving dynamics of a modern C-segment hatchback, made possible thanks to the refined TNGA platform and its low centre of gravity. Toyota vouches for the C-HR’s fun-to-drive element, a notion its CEO Akio Toyoda expressively envisioned when he assumed the role in Toyota Motor Corporation.
So, the bigger question is, will the Toyota C-HR be offered here in Malaysia? That’s a given, really. Specs wise, we can expect to get the front-wheel drive variant, although the likelihood of it being powered by the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is as good as none. That leaves us with either the 1.8-litre hybrid or the 2.0-litre lump – the latter seems most promising at this juncture, due to high costs involved in offering the hybrid.
Although details of the 2.0-litre variant remain sketchy at this point of time, we can refer to the two current 2.0-litre engines powering the
Corolla Altis
 (3ZR-FE, 143 horsepower) and
Camry
 (6AR-FSE, 165 horsepower). It would be lovely if we could have the modern 6AR lump, but if the gearbox is going to be a CVT, then our best chance would be the Altis’ 2.0-litre 3ZR engine.
Toyota’s modern 2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine powering the new Camry
The real secret behind the success of the HR-V is not only its great looks, but Honda Malaysia did an incredible job at its pricing and the equipment it offers. Should UMW Toyota play their cards right by providing a decent kit with an equally competitive price to match, expect not only a really close battle between the HR-V and the C-HR, but also a major sales boost that could rocket UMW Toyota right up to its top spot once again.
After all, wouldn’t you love a high-riding car that looks like this?
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The all-new FK8 Honda Civic Type R launched – 60 units booked!

At the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 in MAEPS, Serdang taking place from 9th to 12th November 2017, Honda Malaysia has officially launched the all-new Honda Civic Type R – the most powerful Honda ever introduced in Malaysia.
The all-new FK8 Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine with an output of
305 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, mated to a 6-speed close ratio transmission with Rev Match System. 0 to 100 km/h is done in
5.8 seconds
, with non-stop exhilaration all the way to a
272 km/h
 top speed.

Stopping power is provided by Brembo ventilated discs in the front with a solid pair at the back – tucked beneath a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with Continental tyres. Underneath is an Adaptive Damper system that compliments a dual-axis strut system in the front and a multilink setup at the rear. The all-new Civic Type R weighs just under 1.4 tonnes at 1,391 kg.

On the outside, you get auto LED headlights, LED foglights, LED daytime running lights, a Type R rear wing, and a Type R-specific exhaust system with triple tips.

Inside the Civic, you’re greeted with a full-colour LCD meter, along with Drive Switch Mode (Comfort, Sport, +R), a push start button, an alloy shift know, Type R leather sports steering wheel and a pair of unmistakable Type R seats with integrated headrests in Red Suede fabric.
Creature comforts include a 7-inch touchscreen display, with MP3 and iPod compatibility, linked to 8 speakers. Safety is provided by dual front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also provided as standard are the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.
The CBU Civic Type R is imported from the UK, at the price of
 RM 320k
 without insurance. Honda Malaysia has also revealed that there have been 60 bookings for the Civic Type R so far, with deliveries to take place by early next year and targets to sell 100 units per year.
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So, what do you think of this newly-launched BMW 630i GT?

So, the first ever BMW 6-series Gran Turismo, the one that GC Mah drove in Portugal last year, is now in Malaysia as the 630i GT . As with Mercedes-Benz, I have now lost count on how many models BMW Malaysia have in their stable.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers a maximum output of 258 hp with 400 Nm. The TwinPower Turbo engine is teamed up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Top speed arrives at 250 km/h, after 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.3 seconds.
Name
BMW 630i GT
Engine
2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
8-speed Steptronic
Max Power
258 hp
Max Torque
400 Nm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
6.3 seconds ; 250km/h
Price (Estimated)
RM450,000
Keep all that heft firmly on the ground is an Adaptive air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control. The electronically-controlled dampers increase ride comfort and enhance the vehicle’s handling, along with wheel-specific control that counterbalances uneven loads.

Ground clearance can be increased by 20 millimetres at the touch of a button to negotiate dirt tracks or steep ramps. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10 millimetres – either manually or automatically when SPORT mode is engaged via the Driving Experience Control switch, or when the car exceeds 120 km/h, in order to reduce drag.
The design of the body (which will no doubt be an endless subject of debate) is such that it allows a wipe opening of the boot, along with maximum view through the rear window.
The single-section tailgate of the BMW 6 Series GT is opened and closed electrically, with a Comfort Access function that even enables hands-free operation through foot movement.
Luggage compartment has increased by 100 litres to 610 litres compared to its predecessor, which can be expanded to 1,800 litres by folding down the seats.
At the front, the 630i GT gets Adaptive LED headlights extending all the way to the large BMW kidney grille, much like how the 530i and 530e looks; with frameless windows, an elongated window outline that stretches deep into the rear end before ending with the trademark Hofmeister kink.
Beneath the arches of the 630i’s broad shoulders are 20-inch M light-alloy double-spoke 648 M wheels in Bicolour – even colours are not discriminated these days. At the back is an automatically extending rear spoiler (deployed when the vehicle reaches 110 km/h) to reduce drag.
Inside, the 630i GT shows generosity with space and excellent visibility, partly from raised seating positions. At the back, headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roof line – achieved by optimising the seat system.
In the driver seat, “operational tools” like the Touch Controller on the centre console for the Drive system, the 10.2-inch infotainment display and M Sport Steering wheel have all been ergonomically-positioned for a driver-focused cockpit.

The ensemble is furnished with a leather dash, gloss chrome and fine wood trims. The actual “wow factors” though, is the panoramic roof spanning over one metre long, to flood the interior with light and a sweet Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Among the driver assistance systems in the 630i GT are
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function,
Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Crossing Traffic Warning, and Speed Limit Info.
The all-new BMW 6-series GT comes in Alpine White, Bluestone, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey matched with the interior colour offering of Leather Dakota Black.
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Lamborghini Huracan EVO gets the Performante’s 640 hp & 600 Nm engine

Presenting the Lamborghini Huracan EVO, the updated super sportscar from Sant’Agata Bolognese that spots the same drivetrain and technologies as the
Huracan Performante
.
As a result, the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine is now pushing
640 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque, paired to a recalibrated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a dry weight of 1,422 kg, the Huracan EVO can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
 and 0 to 200 km/h in
9.0 seconds
. It also boasts a top speed in excess of
325 km/h
.
That’s not all, new software and hardware components have been added to improve the mid-engine sports car’s responsiveness, agility and easiness to drive. For starters, the Huracan EVO now features rear-wheel steering and new torque vectoring system that works together with the
Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata
 (LDVI) that anticipates the driver’s next move and sets up the car’s dynamic systems for maximum stability in high-speed cornering and under braking in the most severe conditions.
The magneto rheological suspension is now version 2.0 that can adjust the damping quicker and more accurately for better road holding capabilities around the bends. All these innovations under the LDVI creates a super-agile and responsive car with superior levels of control.
Lamborghini did not spend too much time on the design side of things (why would they, the Huracan already looks uber cool), new bits include a restyled front bumper with enlarged air intakes, new side air intakes and new rear bumper to house the twin outlet sports exhaust system. There is also a raised ducktail rear spoiler that works together with the new body trims for better aerodynamics.
Inside, the biggest change you’ll find is a new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned just above the start button. The new multimedia system now incorporates all the cars main functions including seats, climate and the status of the LDVI system in real-time. There is also now Apple Carplay connectivity and an optional dual-camera track telemetry system to record and analyse on-track performance.
IMAGE GALLERY
Lamborghini Huracan EVO Debuts


Video: Nissan Almera 1.0 Turbo VLT review

If we had to pick a non-national car from last year that sprung the biggest surprise, it had to be the
Nissan Almera Turbo
. The model it replaces may have been practical, spacious and economical, but it had an unfortunate image. It’s less than attractive exterior did not help matters either.
All that has changed. For starters, all three variants are now powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder with
100 hp
 and
152 Nm
, paired to a CVT transmission. That’s not all, to complement the new powertrain, the suspension and handling of the Almera have been significantly improved for better agility in urban areas and stability on the highway.
Aside from completely altering the way the Almera drives, Nissan also refined the cabin experience with thicker front windows together with additional cabin insulation. Notable on-board equipment now includes a semi-digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, supportive bucket seats, and cruise control.

By far the biggest selling point of the Almera is what it offers on the safety front. Even the
base model comes with forward collision warning and autonomous braking
. In this highest specification VLT variant, safety is further enhanced with six airbags, a surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.
All that however, has come at a price. The new Almera Turbo now starts from
RM79,906
 for the VL variant,
RM85,715
 for the VLP and
RM91,310
 for the range-topping VLT variant. The car comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, free five times alternating maintenance service within 5 years, with parts and labour included.
Can the all new Almera Turbo justify its asking price? Watch and find out!


BMW 1 Series LCI gets minor sporty updates, last ever RWD 1 Series

The
BMW 1 Series
 is currently the only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class, but the next-generation model will be a front wheel drive, just like MINI. Before that day comes, BMW has gone on to unveil the updated F20 1 Series LCI.
Three new exterior trims now join the lineup – Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and BMW M140i Edition Shadow. Each “Shadow” edition includes a black kidney grille, black inserts in the LED headlights and darkened LED rear lights. Two new exterior colours – Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue – are also offered, but both are optional.

Inside, all 1 Series models gain an updated instrument binnacle to complement the updated dashboard with new trimming inserts. It receives BMW’s latest iDrive system which has touchpad integrated into the controller and an updated user interface. The 8.8-inch touchscreen that supports navigation with voice control is available with an added cost.
Nothing under the bonnet has been changed, so you get the same choice of engines depending on which part of the world you live in. The top of the line M140i gets a 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to produce
340 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. A six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic can be had.
You can have this 1 Series in either three- or five-door configuration by July 2017. Back at home, BMW Malaysia is only selling the
118i petrol
 (1.5-litre turbo) and it’s available in two different trims:
118i M Sport (RM188,800.00)
 and
118i Sport (RM176,800.00)
.
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Mazda 3 updated in Malaysia for 2022 – new range-topping Ignite Edition variant

Bermaz Motor has just announced a flury of new updates to its model line-up here in Malaysia, including the
Mazda 3
. For 2022, the C-segment
hatchback
 (or
sedan
) in Malaysia now gains a new flagship variant called the Mazda 3 Ignite Edition, priced at
RM164,679
.
The new Ignite Edition is based on the previous range-topping 2.0L Hatchback High Plus variant (now RM155,679), which makes it RM9,000 pricier than the model it’s based on. Just as before, it’s also only available as a fully-imported (CBU) model.
So what do you get for that extra dough? For the most part, changes are mostly aesthetic. The Ignite Edition Mazda 3 gains exclusive blacked-out wing mirror caps and 18-inch black metallic alloy wheels, while the seats inside the cabin gets a new luscious Burgundy-coloured leather upholstery.
There are, however, a couple of new goodies on the range-topping model – particularly in its safety equipment. The new 2022 Mazda 3 Ignite Edition in Malaysia now comes with an additional 360-degree surround view monitor (other variants only get reverse camera), alongside an updated ADAS suite with Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), as well as Driver Attention Alert (DAA) as new additions.
RELATED: 2021 Mazda CX-9 “Ignite Edition”, from RM319,847
The infotainment display now supports Android Auto connectivity, in addition to just Apple CarPlay previously. The upgrade is also applied to the rest of the variant line-up, as does the updated colour palette: Platinum Quartz now replaces Sonic Silver, alongside six other exterior hues including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Grey, and Deep Crystal Blue (Hatchback only).
Aside from those, the rest of the spec sheet remains unchanged across the board for 2022; the Mazda 3 Ignite Edition here is powered by the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine making
162 hp
 and
213 Nm
, with drive sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The entry-level variant for both the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback models meanwhile retain their 1.5-litre NA inline-four engine, making
 120 hp
 and
153 Nm
of torque, paired to the same six-speed auto transmission.
Pricing has gone up across the board for the 2022 Mazda 3 here in Malaysia, however they’re still backed by the same five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, and a five-year/100,000 km free scheduled service programme.
1.5L Sedan and Hatchback – RM138,660
2.0L High Sedan – RM146,119
2.0L High Plus Sedan and Hatchback – RM155,679
2.0L Ignite Edition – RM164,679
All prices listed above are inclusive of the 50% SST exemption for CBU models, valid until 30 June 2022.
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