Brunei becomes the first export market for the Proton X70

Proton
 has begun exporting the
updated CKD version of the Proton X70
, which was
launched here earlier this year
, to Brunei. This makes the oil-rich country the first export market for the
Proton X70 we test drove in Kuantan
.
Brunei was also the first export market for the
CBU version of the Proton X70 launched here in December 2018
. The updated X70 was launched in Brunei on the 6th of September 2020.

The locally-assembled Proton X70 will be sold in Brunei in three different variants – Standard, Executive and Premium X – with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
It’s powered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with
181 hp
 but with the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, torque figures have been bumped up an extra 15 Nm to
300 Nm
. Its 0 to 100 km/h time has also been
slashed by a full second
 to 9.5 seconds.

“PROTON is excited the Malaysian made 2020 Proton X70 has been launched in its first export market as exports will play an increasingly important role in growing our sales. With its combination of innovative features and comprehensive list of safety equipment we believe the X70 will gain support from car buyers not only in Brunei, where it has already attracted a strong following but also wherever it is sold around the world,” said CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.
The 2020 Proton X70 has been a popular choice amongst Malaysia SUV buyers since its launch in February this year, with 12,732 units delivered up to the end of August 2020.
Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Proton vehicles in Malaysia, click
 here
.


2019 Volkswagen Tiguan updated with new Active Info Display & LED taillamps

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that all Volkswagen Tiguan sold from March 2019 onwards will feature a new Active Info Display and LED taillights across the range.
The Tiguan range in Malaysia now consists of the Highline and JOIN, the
Comfortline
 has officially been dropped from the Tiguan line up. Prices remain unchanged from before with the Highline going for RM165,990 and RM175,990 for the JOIN variant. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance.
Updated kit includes
the new Active Info Display with better graphics (2D and 3D display). The new display
is also more customisable from before with a three-view customisable screen via
the infotainment system with over 30 combinations. Not to mention the navigation
screen now displays a full 3D view map.
On the outside, the Tiguan
wears an updated full LED taillamps with sharper graphics. Besides looking good,
the new taillamps also incorporates an animation when braking for better visibility
to other road users.
The updated Tiguan continues to feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine and 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission pushing out
150 hp
and
250 Nm
 of torque. The front-wheel-drive Tiguan 1.4TSI can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
 8.9 seconds
.
Other standard equipment
includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Parking Brake
with Auto Hold, tri-zone automatic climate control and 8.0-inch Discover Media touchscreen
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like every other
Volkswagen sold through authorised dealerships, the Tiguan come with 5-Years
Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside
Assistance.


Video: Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo, 5 Things

It’s finally here guys! The new Nissan Almera is now on sale in Malaysia with
three different variants available
. The base model 1.0 turbo VL starts from
RM79,906
,
RM85,715
 for the VLP variant and
RM91,310
 for the range-topping VLT variant.
All variants come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with
technologies adopted from the Nissan GT-R
, pushing out a respectable 100 hp and 152 Nm of torque. The 3-cylinder engine is paired to an Xtronic CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.
Refinement is expected to be the new Almera Turbo’s strong suit. Aside from the additional soft touch materials and more comfortable seats, Nissan has also
worked on improving the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels
 in the all-new car.

The new Almera also promises better stability and driving dynamics with several
improvements made to the car’s body and suspension components
. Having driven it briefly, one thing’s for sure; you’d most likely enjoy driving this Almera more than being driven in it. It has certainly come a long way from merely being a car Grab driver’s use.
For those who opt for the lower variants, Nissan is selling accessories through various packages to get your Almera Turbo looking that much more premium. You can check it out
here
.
Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


GST: Mitsubishi cars see reduction in price between RM200 to RM2,000

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced their revised price list upon the implementation of GST since 1 April 2015. Mitsubishi cars are now between
RM200 to RM2,000 cheaper
, and the following price list is based on the cars’ new on-the-road price including GST but without insurance.
No
Model
Pre-GST Price (RM)
Post-GST Price (RM)
Difference (RM)
1
Mirage GS
63,940
63,740
200
2
Attrage SE
75,796
75,596
200
3
Attrage GS
67,978
67,778
200
4
Lancer GTE
115,590
115,090
500
5
ASX 4WD
128,879
128,179
700
6
ASX 2WD
114,743
114,043
700
7
Pajero
291,177
289,177
2,000
8
Pajero Sport VGT
172,211
171,211
1,000
9
Triton VGT GS
107,809
107,609
200
10
Triton AT
95,247
95,047
200
11
Triton MT
90,377
90,177
200
12
Triton MT STD
82,185
81,985
200
13
Triton LITE Turbo
65,529
65,329
200

Point in case here, all of Mitsubishi’s cars see a marginal dip in OTR prices now despite having most of them fully imported from either Japan or Thailand. The only locally assembled car of the lot would be the
ASX
, whereas the Mirage,
Attrage
, Pajero Sport and Triton are fully imported from Thailand and the Lancer and Pajero are CBU units from Japan.
MMM’s
newly appointed CEO
, Mr Won-Chul Yang said, “Taking into consideration of difference in the tax rate of 4% (from 6% GST and 10% of Sales and Service tax (SST)) and weakened Ringgit against the US Dollar, we remain committed to provide all Malaysians with a pleasant ownership and value-for-money cars. Customers are encouraged to also take the opportunity of our on-going deals and promotions.”


The Side Camera Mirror System of the Honda E is just what we need

With visibility sometimes reduced to under 50 metres, driving through the torrential rain in Malaysia can be an absolute nightmare and let’s not even start with the parking that can be almost impossible with blur side mirrors.
Honda e
‘s side camera mirror system,
similar to the one Lexus introduced in the ES
, could just be the solution to that. Not only is it more aerodynamic – with reduced drag due to its design – its wide angle lens offers a much wider view of the road that’s projected onto a screen inside the cabin.

But it won’t be the only appeal inside the
rear-wheel driven, all-electric hatchback with torque vectoring
 as the tastefully minimalist and flat dashboard houses at least three additional digital displays.
Last month, the
Honda e was revealed in five different colours
 with orders now being taken in Germany, UK, France and Norway. Although pricing has yet to be announced, Honda has already received over 20,000 registration of interests for the EV with deliveries due in 2020.
IMAGE GALLERY


The 2018 US-built Volkswagen Passat GT looks rather outdated

The 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT is set to arrive later in the year as the first model developed and engineered by Volkswagen in the United States of America.
It was developed in Volkwagen’s North American Engineering Planning Centre in the state of Tennessee, nearby the factory that locally-assembles the Passat and VW Atlas.
Under the hood, the Passat GT houses a 3.6-litre VR6 engine tuned for
 280 hp
 and
 350 Nm
 of torque with power delivered through a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Paying homage to the Golf GTI, the Passat GT’s grille features a red accent line across its honeycomb pattern while the bumper sports a more aggressive appearance with louvres taken from the Mk7 Golf GTI.
At the back, the Passat GT sports a black boot lid along with redesigned rear lamps as it sits on a set of unique sports suspension with 19-inch Tornoda wheels separating the car from the tarmac.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo and Geely to merge combustion engine operations

As Volvo is moving towards full electrification of their entire model range, the Swedish marquee together with its parent-company Geely is looking to merge their combustion engine operations into a standalone business.
The new business will be focused on developing next-generation efficient combustion and hybrid powertrains that would be available to Geely’s stable of brands including Geely Auto, Lotus, LEVC, Lynk and Co, and our national carmaker Proton. It will also look to supply powertrain to third party manufacturers as a new business opportunity.
The new entity will consist of approximately 3,000 current employees from Volvo and 5,000 from Geely’s combustion engine operation, with no workforce reduction anticipated. The companies have begun separating their combustion powertrain operation ahead of the merger.
Volvo said that the move will allow it to focus on the development of their fully electric powertrains.
 As reported previously
, the Swedish carmaker is expecting 50% of its global sales to be fully electric vehicles. Volvo will be launching the
XC40 EV
, their first step to realising the new direction.
While Volvo is moving towards full electrification, the company still believes that combustion engine will play a huge role in their offerings. The company believes that the electrification of the automotive industry will be gradual, therefore ongoing demand for efficient hybrid powertrains is expected to be substantial.
Volvo Cars’ president and chief executive, Håkan Samuelsson said, “Hybrid cars need the best internal combustion engines. This new unit will have the resources, scale and expertise to develop these powertrains more cost effectively.”
Volvo and Geely has already worked together on combustion engines previously, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine used in the Geely Binyue, expected to be launched as the highly-anticipated
Proton X50
. This move could possibly spell a hybrid future for our own national carmaker – who knows.


Honda aims to electrify two-thirds of global sales volume by 2030

The only thing that VTEC may be kicking soon is the bucket,
if the latest speech on Honda Motor Co’s business direction by its Chief Executive
Officer Takahiro Hachigo is anything to go by.
With stricter emission and fuel economy regulations looming, Honda believes that compliance is only possible by adopting hybrid powertrains on an even larger scale, in the absence of charging infrastructure and how consumers use automobiles generally. Hence, the electrification of Honda vehicles in the next decade will be driven by its latest hybrid technologies.
A more compact version of the i-MMD hybrid system will feature in the all-new Fit/Jazz at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
To achieve this, Honda will expand the i-MMD (for Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) 2-Motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles. In addition to the powertrain which has already been seen in the new-generation Honda Accord – a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine mated to two electric motors – Honda is developing a smaller i-MMD system for its compact cars, starting with the all-new Honda Fit/Jazz which is expected to make its world premiere at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
To learn more about the i-MMD hybrid system, click
here
.


MCO 3.0: Nationwide MCO from 12th May till 7th of June. Here are the dos and don’ts.

We can’t say we didn’t see this coming. In fact, we were expecting it and we hope you did too but what’s done is done and here’s what you need to prepare for when the nationwide MCO kicks in from the
12th of May till the 7th of June 2021
.
Maximum of three passengers in a car including the driver (private vehicles, taxi, e-hailing)
SOP for public transportation remains unchanged
No interstate or interdistrict travels except for health-related issues, emergencies, work, vaccination appointments, or long-distance couples
All public gathering is not allowed including weddings, face-to-face seminars and conferences, government or private events
All sports and recreational activities are not allowed, except exercising in open spaces individually such as jogging and cycling, with social distancing practices
All education institutions are to be closed, except daycares and kindergartens with strict SOPs while exceptions will be given to students with international examinations
In other news, Perodua introduced the
updated Aruz
. More features for the same price!
Dine-ins strictly not allowed
Workplace attendance must not exceed 30% of workforce at all times
No visiting allowed during Hari Raya, including the cemetery
Prayers at the mosque are allowed during Hari Raya – not exceeding 50 persons for mosques with 1,000 or more capacity and not exceeding 20 persons for mosques with less than 1,000 capacity. The same rule applies to Friday prayers
SOPs in all non-muslim places of worship will also be tightened
All economic sectors are allowed to remain in operation
As of today, all inter-district and inter-state travel, as well as social, sports and education activities have been disallowed.


Be sure to catch a glimpse of this very special BMW next week!

BMW Malaysia announced that the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion, a platform used to showcase the
BMW Concept 8 Series
 earlier this year, will be back again at the end of the month to premier yet another one of BMW’s interpretation of modern luxury.
So far BMW Malaysia has only released a single image (as above) and even those who’ve been vaguely following BMW’s developments would be able to tell that it’s a cutout from the
BMW X7 Concept iPerformance
 – especially with that unique headlamp design.
From
Wednesday, 18th July 2018 to Sunday, 22nd July 2018
, BMW Malaysia will preview the brand’s new flagship SUV (sits above the X5) at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), Kuala Lumpur.
The
first pre-production model has been rolled out of the assembly line
 at BMW Group’s plant in Spartanburg, USA, with an official debut said to take place at the end of this year. The flagship SUV has also been given an official name – the
BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle
.


Throwback Thursday: EVO Enduro 2017, 2,000 km to Thailand and back

As much as car aficionados love to rave about the latest supercars and their dream garage, talking about cars is just half of the experience of being a car enthusiast. The rest, is about firing your engine, getting it in gear and going for a drive.
Last year, we joined our friends from Aurizn EVOMalaysia on an epic 2,000 km round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, Thailand. Over 45 cars participated in the inaugural EVO Enduro that celebrated the ultimate challenge in the automotive world, endurance races.
Enthusiasts from all ends of the spectrum (and era) gathered with their prized wheels and it turned out to be quite a sight. Modern classics like the Mazda MX-5 (NA), Porsche 964 cabriolet, W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class together with modern machines like the Maserati GranTurismo, Lotus Evora, Mercedes-AMG GT S in an organised convoy was just a sight to behold.

Flagging off from Kuala Lumpur at the break of dawn, our spirits were high, and our minds focused on getting to Phuket the very same day – exactly 1,000 km away. Hustling our way up north to the border was an uneventful one until Tapah where a civilian car kissed the barrier on slippery roads. That only served as a grave reminder to all of us on the Enduro to exercise extra caution on the road.
The AutoBuzz.my contingent had the privilege to pilot a Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Coupe courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Although not the most practical choice to ferry three grown adults with luggage and camera equipment, its 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 with
367 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of torque and 9-speed G-Tronic transmission combo was an absolute joy on the highway and the twisty B-roads of Thailand.
We were making good progress and arrived at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border by noon after a delicious brunch stop at Nasi Lemak Ong in Alor Setar. We also made sure to refuel on Malaysian soil (pump prices of RON95 in Thailand was RM4.40!) before queuing at the customs checkpoint, saving a pretty penny in the process.
The drive got a little more exciting as we rolled into Thai soil as the organisers (in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand) arranged a police escort to our lunch destination. The officers in their Toyota Corolla Altis who were clearly much more familiar with the routes did make it a little tricky to keep up for some – goes to show course knowledge sometimes can triumph power and driving skills.

It’s been 12 hours since we began our journey and we were finally on our final leg of the 1,000 km journey. Some decided to break away from the main convoy and go on a little excursion, by the end of the night all we had were wide smiles and fond driving memories to go to bed with.
The following day was all about soaking in the Phuket sun and getting to know the popular destination in the comfort of our own cars – no need to haggle for taxis heh. Later in the afternoon we gathered at Bang Wad Dam for a (few) pictures and took the opportunity to mingle with everyone on the drive, sharing our experience so far and immerse ourselves in all things automotive. We ended our last night in Phuket with a scrumptious dinner and an award giving ceremony for social media challenge winners.

After that, everyone was free to part their own ways, some choose to stay on for another night, others formed a group themselves for the return leg to Kuala Lumpur. We, on the other hand, broke up the return leg to two parts, putting a night in Hat Yai before cracking on to Kuala Lumpur.
It’s been a year since then and the fond memories are still etched in our minds. This year, the EVO Enduro is back with the destination set to Hua Hin, some 1,200 km away from Kuala Lumpur.
There will be three options for EVO Enduro 2018 – return to Kuala Lumpur after breakfast at Sg. Petani or option two, spend a night in Hat Yat before continuing to Hua Hin. For the truly hardcore bunch, you can opt to drive straight to Hua Hin on the same day. Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary for your reference.
To participate, follow the steps listed on the
official website
 and be sure to be very clear with the terms and conditions. Submission ends on 15 July 2018 and will be limited to 50 cars only. See you guys there at the EVO Enduro 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY
EVO Enduro 2017


TC Subaru revises its comprehensive 5-year warranty

For those who book a new Subaru vehicle, either locally-assembled or imported by TC Subaru from 25th April 2019 onwards, will be eligible for the new, more comprehensive 5-years/100,000km warranty.
Some of you might be wondering what’s new and rightfully so, as Subaru is already offering such a warranty.
Have you heard that there’s an
 updated version of the Subaru XV
?
Previously, parts like the front and rear suspension, brakes, exhaust system, steering system, engine, transmission, fuel system, electricals, air-conditioning, cooling system, air bags and other safety restraints
were only covered up to the 3rd year or 60,000km
 while the engine, transmission and drivetrain were covered up to the
 5th year or 100,000km
 but with limited coverage.
Now,
all of the above are covered up to the 5-years or 100,000 km
. This new scheme differs from the extended warranty schemes which provide reduced coverage in the subsequent years.
That said, TC Subaru will not be able to extend this programme to drivers who use non-genuine parts or carry out technical alterations not authorised or approved bynthe company.


This xDrive40i M Sport is possibly the most striking BMW X5 to date!

You’ve seen our coverage of it at the Singapore Motor Show but the all-new BMW X5 is finally here in Malaysia in the form of the fully-imported xDrive40i M Sport, priced at RM640,000.
For starters, the new X5 gets the Adaptive LED headlights complemented by 20-inch light alloy wheels and M Sport Brakes finished in dark blue while at the back, the X5’s LED wrap-around tail lights project a 3D look.

As for dimensions, the X5 has grown longer by 36mm at 4,922mm, wider by 66mm at 2,004mm and a 19mm higher roofline, standing at 1,745mm tall. With the increase in dimensions, it can gobble up anywhere between 650 litres to 1,870 litres of cargo.
As it is the xDrive40i, under the hood rests a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine making 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque – capable propelling it from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds; with fuel consumption rated at 9.2L/100km.
The potent powerplant is paired to BMW’s famed 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as it channels power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Under the shell is a double wishbone setup in the front, with a five-link rear suspension taking care of the road’s undulations. The X5’s ride quality, handling and road holding is also enhanced with the Adaptive M Suspension.
Inside, the X5 features a whole new experience with striking aesthetics like never before. Main “M features” include the M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, M stainless steel pedal, M door sills and sports seats wrapped in Vernasca leather.
Adding to the conveniences and luxurious touches are the panoramic sunroof with 30% increase in size, 4-zone air conditioning system, BMW’s Rear Seat Entertainment Professional which consists of two touchscreen displays behind the front seats and a cargo cover which can be electrically-retracted.
With the Comfort Access feature, the two-piece tailgate can be opened and closed at the touch of a button.
From the driver seat, owners would be greeted by the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional as seen in the
new G20 BMW 3-series
 launched here recently, along with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Looking ahead, drivers would also notice BMW’s new head-up display which is now 70% larger than before.
Supporting the driver on the road is BMW’s latest Personal CoPilot driver assistance system which includes the cruise control system with braking function, Lane Departure Warning with steering intervention, Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention that also now responds to cyclists on the road, rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention.
Due to the car’s sheer size, parking is made more convenient with the Park Assist feature, supported by the Reversing Assistant system which can trace the car’s route (up to the last 50 metres), take over the steering wheel and reverse itself out – a highly welcomed feature for those who’ve always struggled to maneuver such a massive vehicle.
Part of the BMW Connected Drive service also allows owners to utilise BMW’s Digital Key to lock or unlock the car via a smartphone simply by holding it close to the driver’s door handle.
Starting the engine merely requires the smartphone to be placed on the Near Field Communication (NFC) surface. The Digital Key can be shared with up to five additional smartphones.
The all-new BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport is available in Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Artic Grey and Phytonic Blue. The Vernasca Leather upholstery is available in the classic Black with Aluminium Tetragon for Mineral White and Black Sapphire.
 The all-new BMW X5 is accompanied by BMW’s 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 BMW M2 (G87) ROI open for Malaysia, launching soon – RWD, 6-speed manual

Starting of the year with a bang, BMW Malaysia has opened registration of interest for the
BMW M2 (G87)
 on its official website. The BMW M2 was revealed globally in October 2022 and is a two-door RWD coupe.
Powering the M2 is BMW’s S58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine that makes
460 hp
 (metric) and
550 Nm
. The engine is paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. All power is sent to the rear wheels, and the M2 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.1 seconds
 with the automatic gearbox and
4.3 seconds
with the manual box.
Sporting a rear-wheel-drive system, the all-new M2 is equipped with BMW’s M Traction Control and Active M Differential. The M Traction control allows the driver to carefully probe the vehicle’s performance limits by setting individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation, with a choice of ten stages.
The Active M Differential (at the rear axle) can generate a locking effect of up to 100% whenever required. This optimises traction on road surfaces, offering different levels of adhesion for the left- and the right-hand rear wheel as well as improving power transfer when accelerating hard out of corners.
RELATED:
All-new BMW M2 unveiled – 460hp, 550 Nm, 6-speed manual
Underpinning the all-new BMW M2 is a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with M-specific kinematics. Standard on the all-new M2 are:
Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers
M Servotronic steering with variable ratio
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode
M Compound brakes with six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear.
RELATED:
BMW turns the M2’s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts
The official product page of the BMW M2 for Malaysia currently highlights the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the M-specific display concept through BMW Operating System 8, the M steering wheel, and BMW curved display.
Also on the product page are 5 colour options that include ‘Alpine White Solid’, ‘M Zandavort Blue solid’, ‘Black Sapphire Metallic’, ‘M Toronto Red Metallic’, and ‘M Brooklyn Grey Metallic’. There are 2 wheel options, 3 upholstery options, and 2 interior trim options.
Malaysian customers interested in the BMW M2 (G87) may click on the ‘keep me informed’ button on BMW Malaysia’s official website.
RELATED:
As if the M2 isn’t exciting enough, BMW wants you to actually drive it in a VR world too


Perodua’s first CKD hybrid expected in 2024, first electric car in 2029

While a plethora of electric vehicles (EVs) has been launched in Malaysia in recent years,
Perodua
 has yet to launch a hybrid (HEV) or fully electric vehicle (BEV). With no fully electric car in sight currently, the company will initiate a new Perodua CKD Hybrid xEV project this year under its production division. Perodua expects to make its first HEV in 2024 and its first BEV in 2029.
Although the
Perodua Ativa Hybrid

is already present in Malaysia, it is only available on a
subscription program
 for a select few customers. The Ativa hybrid is also a rebadged hybrid
Daihatsu Rocky
, which is fully imported from Japan.
One of the key activities for Perodua in 2023 is the initiation of a new xEV project (see bottom left)
To recall on the Perodua Ativa Hybrid, it is powered by an electric motor that makes
106 hp
 (metric) and
170 Nm
 and a 1.2-litre engine that only functions as a generator, making 82 hp (metric) and 105 Nm. Limited to 300 units only, the subscription programme is handled by “EZ Mobi” which is an arm of Perodua. The subscription program costs RM500 per month, lasts for 5 years, and requires an upfront payment of RM2,150.
The main challenge for an affordable hybrid Perodua vehicle to come to fruition would be the localisation of the parts for a CKD Hybrid Perodua. Perodua cars are currently made of 95% localised parts and the company will “continue to maximise component parts localisation as part of industrial development”, and it would take a while before the Perodua xEV can become a reality. In the 2023 outlook presentation, one issue faced by Perodua is its vendors’ “lack of exposure to HEV/BEV & advance technology parts due to low adoption in Malaysia automotive industry.”
RELATED:
Perodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme – RM500/month for 5 years
Projection of cars produced by Perodua in coming years, depicting the company being fully electric by 2040
In the same slide shared by Perodua, the company also shared its production plans which shows its production plans for the upcoming years. If the graph shared is anything to go by, Perodua will begin producing its first HEV in 2024 and its first BEV in 2029. The graph also shows Perodua’s internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to be reduced in production starting 2024, the same time the company aims to begin making HEVs. It can also be seen that Perodua aims to be fully electric by 2040.
For its CKD hybrid development, Perodua will identify global companies with electrification & advance technologies with the support of Daihatsu Motor Corporation. Perodua will also explore potential for strategic partnership with local vendors for its xEV development.
RELATED:
All-new 2023 Perodua Axia open for booking – same engine, D-CVT gearbox, est. from RM39k


Porsche built a live-sized Porsche 911 Turbo with massive Legos

Porsche’s cars in Lego form are increasingly gaining notoriety and although you may have been able to purchase the 919 Le Mans race car and 911 GT3 RS in brick form, their latest creation will, now and forever, only be an item on your wishlist.
Resting in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany is a live-sized LEGO of the iconic 911 Turbo from the 1970’s. Prior to this, Porsche also built a 1:8 scale of the 911 GT3 RS; made up of more than
2,700 pieces
 of Lego bricks.
While it’ll never have the
296 hp
 and
 412 Nm
 from the revised 3.3-litre 911 Turbo from the late 70’s, notorious then for killing husbands all around the world, the live-sized model will still have the power to draw the public’s attention, if you can find a way to pry it out of the Porsche Museum’s hands.
That said, if you feel like acquiring one that would fit your living room shelves better, major toy stores in Malaysia are actually selling the exact same 911 Turbo and the 911 RSR race car (that comes in a pair) for
RM 199.90
 – one that even our fearless leader, GC Mah, couldn’t resist.
IMAGE GALLERY


New drunk driving law with harsher penalties passed in Dewan Negara

The
previously-mooted
 amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987 has been passed in the Dewan Negara (Senate) this week, with harsher penalties in place to deter drunk and reckless driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The bill, tabled by Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah, has been approved with majority support from the 16 Senate members from both the government and opposition present at the sitting, reports
Bernama
.
Hasbi said that the objective of the amendment was to make the law a deterrent measure that prevents a person from breaking the rules. “Hopefully, this amendment will have a positive impact on road safety the safety of all road users,” he said.
The
Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020
, as it is called, will contain 15 main clauses. Among them is the amendment to Section 41 of the act involving the offence of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. The maximum fine for the offence has been increased from RM5,000-RM20,000 to RM20,000-RM50,000, while the maximum jail time has also increased from 2-10 years to 5-10 years.
Section 44 of the Road Transport Act has also been modified and divided into two categories – cases causing injury and those resulting in death. Those convicted for reckless driving
under the influence of drugs and alcohol
 to the extent of causing death, will be jailed between 10 and 15 years, and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000, with the driving license being disqualified for 10 years for first time offenders.
Subsequent offences will see a jail term of 15 to 20 years, and a maximum fine of up to RM150,000, while their driving license will be revoked for a period of 20 years. Previously, the offence act not include a clause for repeat offenders, with a maximum jail time and fine of 10 years and RM20,000.
As for drunk driving offences causing injuries without death, first-time convicts will face a jail term of seven to 10 years, and slapped with a fine of RM30,000-RM50,000, while repeat offenders will see penalties increased to 10-15 years jail time, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
Additionally, the bill also reduced the permissible alcohol content limit to 22 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; 50 milligrams (mg) of alcohol in 100 ml of blood and 67 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine, in line with the World Health Organisation standards used in many countries throughout the world. These levels were previously 35 microgrammes, 80 mg, and 107 mg.
All of us at
AutoBuzz.my
 would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that it is never a good idea to drink and drive, no matter how little you think you’ve drank – not only for our own safety, but also the safety of all other road users. Call a Grab, or many of its alternatives when you consume any alcohol.
In separate news, the Royal Malaysian Police has taken to its social media channels to remind all Malaysians that cycling on highways is strictly prohibited. Those caught doing so will be in violation of the  Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and could be fined between RM300 and RM2,000.


The jokes and memes have come to life – new BMW i7 kidney grille now occupies half its face

We’ve all seen memes making fun of BMW’s increasingly large kidney grille, but it looks like the joke’s on us because the memes have become a reality.
Due to be revealed next month, the all-electric BMW i7 will be the most powerful BMW 7 Series to date. The i7 will feature oblong-shaped headlights and a grille that projects modernity and “a distinct look”. Think they’ve got the latter nailed down already.
Details are extremely limited at the moment but BMW has revealed that the headlamps are made of crystal glass while the kidney grille is now illuminated in case you don’t notice how big it is.
Inside, the i7 will feature the latest iDrive operating system, along with the BMW Curved Display, like in the BMW iX. It was also come with the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, with LED light threads that can be individually adjusted.
In the back seat, BMW says the i7 will offer a unique cinematic experience with the BMW Theatre Screen, which is tucked inside the roof liner. The ultra-wide 31-inch screen with 8K resolution aims to transform the rear seats into an exclusive, private cinema lounge, BMW said.
GALLERY


GST: All Perodua cars cost lesser by RM95 to RM650, spare parts cost the same

Another carmaker to reveal their updated price list since GST took place over SST is Perodua, whose models see a 0.1 percent to 1.6 percent reduction in their OTR selling price. That, if translated into numbers, is a cut between
RM95 to RM650
.
Below is the breakdown of Perodua’s new pricing:
Model
Variant
Price before GST
Price after GST
Difference
Axia
1.0 Standard E MT
RM 24,612,15
RM 24,437.16
RM 175
1.0 Standard G MT
RM 29,812.15
RM 29,637.16
RM 175
1.0 Standard G AT
RM 32,812.15
RM 32,637.15
RM 175
1.0 SE MT
RM 36,812.12
RM 36,637.15
RM 175
1.0 SE AT
RM 39,812.15
RM 39,637.15
RM 175
1.0 Advance AT
RM 42,142.15
RM 41,967.15
RM 175
Myvi
1.3 Standard G MT
RM 41,512.15
RM 40,862.16
RM 650
1.3 Standard G AT
RM 44,512.15
RM 43,862.15
RM 650
1.3 Premium X AT
RM 47,512.15
RM 46,862.15
RM 650
1.5 SE MT
RM 50,513.50
RM 49,968.50
RM 545
1.5 SE AT
RM 53,513.50
RM 52,968.50
RM 545
1.5 Advance AT
RM 58,513.50
RM 57,968.51
RM 545
Alza
1.5 Standard MT
RM 52,427.00
RM 52,332.00
RM 95
1.5 Standard AT
RM 55,427.00
RM 55,332.00
RM 95
1.5 SE MT
RM 56,427.00
RM 56,332.00
RM 95
1.5 SE AT
RM 59,427.00
RM 59,332.00
RM 95
1.5 Advanced Version AT
RM 65,027.00
RM 64,932.00
RM 95

The smallest reduction, ironically, goes to the
Alza
 with a
RM95 cut
 across the range. Malaysia’s most popular B-Segment car, the
Myvi
, gets the chunkiest cut at
RM650
 for the 1.3L variants and
RM545
 for the 1.5L variants, wheras buyers can look forward to buying the
Axia
 for
RM175
 cheaper.
Perodua’s President and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh also mentioned that the company will be maintaining the
current price

for spare parts
, while further stressing that they will
absorb

the impact of GST
 so customers won’t have to pay more when they get their parts replaced.


All-new Nissan NP300 Navara open for bookings, prices start from RM85k to RM125k

Back in September, we brought you
news of an upcoming Navara model
 that was overhauled inside out with the goal of being more car-like in nature. Official Malaysian distributors of the brand Edaran Tan Chong Motors will be leading the charge of exposing eager Malaysians to the all-new Nissan Np300 Navara at Nissan Roadshows that’s currently taking place nationwide.
Now get this. Even though the Navara only comes with a
single
 specifiable power option and two choices of drives, there’s a total of
six
 different flavours offered here. The Np300 comes with a choice of a
single
 or
double
 cab guises and on top of that a choice of
two
 or
four wheel drive
 options are offered alongside the 2.5-litre four pot oil-burner.
Speaking about the oil-burner, the lump here is the 3rd Generation
YD25DDTi
 engine which produces a maximum power output of
187 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of twist at 2,000 rpm thats mated with a
seven-speed automatic
 transmission with manual mode. A host of other features include a first-in-class all-new
multi-link
 rear suspension for an SUV-like ride, distinctive V-motion
strut grille
 and new
18-inch
 alloy wheels.
The NP300 Navara offers safety features for every driving situation. It’s equipped with
Active Brake Limited Slip
 to provide better grip on slippery roads and enhances the vehicle’s stability. Other key safety features include
Hill Start Assist
 and
Hill Descent Control
, child seat retainer (
ISOFIX
),
Vehicle Dynamic Control
, ABS,
Electronic Brake Force distribution
, Brake Assist, and
Traction Control System
 to help the driver stay in control and avoid danger in emergency situations.
The All New NP300 Navara comes in four colours – the all-new
 Savanna Orange
,
Tungsten Silver
,
Diamond Black
, and
Brilliant White
. Below is the estimated pricing structure. Be sure to check out the
Nissan road shows happening nearest you
.
Double Cab
Peninsular Malaysia
East Malaysia
2.5VL (AT)
RM125,000
RM126,000
2.5V (AT)
RM115,000
RM116,000
2.5SE (AT)
RM109,000
RM110,000
2.5SE (MT)
RM104,000
RM105,000
2.5E (MT)
RM95,000
RM96,000
Single Cab 2.5L (MT)
RM85,000
RM86,000
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz CLS pricing announced for the UK, 3 variants, AMG line only

Following the global unveiling of the
third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS
, Mercedes-Benz UK has just unveiled the pricing and specification for the all-new shooting brake. At launch, UK customers will have the full range of six-cylinder engines – 350 d, 400 d and 450 and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
Both the 350 d and 400 d packs a new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine producing
 286 hp
/
600 Nm
 and
340 hp
/
700 Nm
 respectively. The CLS 350 d completes the century sprint in a blistering
 5.7 seconds
 while the more powerful 400 d takes only
5 seconds flat
. Both variants have a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

On the other hand, the CLS 450 features a 3.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder petrol hybrid. The internal combustion engine which produces
367 hp
 and
500 Nm
 is further boosted by
Mercedes-Benz’s EQ boost

48-volt inline starter generator technology
, giving an additional
22 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of twisting force. Century sprint is done in
4.8 seconds
 onwards to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Regardless of engine choice, power is deployed to all four corners.
All UK-bound CLSs are available exclusively in the AMG Line with standard equipment including 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, parking package, reverse camera, leather upholstery, 12.3-inch Audio 20 infotainment system, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, 64 colour ambient lighting and Agility Control suspension.
Other optional equipment include Burmester surround sound system, 360-degree camera, powered sunroof, Airmatic air suspension, Nappa leather upholstery and Driving Assistance Plus advanced driver assist system.
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz CLS starts from £57,510 (RM314k) for the CLS 350 d to £60,410 (RM330k) for the range topping CLS 400 d. Stay tuned for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to introduce this sleek fastback to the Malaysian market sometime in 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship full in-depth review

Here it is – the one you’ve all been waiting for. We finally got our hands on Malaysia’s new darling, the
Proton X50
, and it is every bit as impressive as the hype for it suggests.
First off, it’s the price. The 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant we tested here tops the price list at
RM103,300
 (inclusive of
sales tax exemptions
), which is lower even the entry-level
Honda HR-V.
 Off to a great start then, but that’s not the even most surprising part of it.

What impressed us the most is what it offers with that price tag. Not only does it look great (subjective, we know) both inside and out, the build quality, especially on its interior furnishing, feels like it came from a car twice its price.
Not only that, it packs a good deal of kit too. The
‘Hi Proton’ voice command
 is still as impressive as ever, but the headline on the Proton X50 is of course the
level two autonomous driving features
, which to some extent, is able to drive the car by itself. On a car that costs “only” a hundred grand!
What’s underneath the hood is just as remarkable. Critics will scoff at the
three-cylinder mill
 and point out its “inherent problems”, but in actual use cases the
award-winning engine
 remains so smooth and quiet on the move – at least in the cabin – most people probably wouldn’t even notice the lack of one cylinder if it wasn’t pointed out to them.
The
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
 output from the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is also mightily impressive. We all already know about its
controversial 0-100 km/h sprint times
, but honestly, you wouldn’t care about numbers when you’re driving on the public roads, would you? All you need to know is that it’s certainly fast enough, and it wouldn’t break a sweat when trying to overtake on the highways.
There’s a whole lot more to talk about the Proton X50, but we’ll leave GC Mah to it in the video above. But if you’re strapped for time to watch the full video, here’s the TL;DR – “
Rugi kalau tak beli, bro
“.


This C5 Blast Go-Kart Ultimate does 0-100 km/h faster than an F1 car! [+Video]

Daymak, a Canadian company has just made the world’s fastest sprinting go-kart that sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.5 seconds. That’s right, not even F1 or an existing hypercar could manage the same!
It’s called the C5 Blast Go-Kart Ultimate, and according to Daymak, this go-kart could even fly. It’s powered by a
 10kW electric motor
 that’s juiced by a
2,400-Wh lithium-ion battery
. The
Electric Ducted Fans (EDF)
 motor helps by providing additional power to the kart.

There are four EDF motors located on each side of the driver, and four more right behind. If you do the math, that’s a whopping
12 EDFs
strapped to this 200kg go-kart!
The price for this pocket rocket? A cool
$59,999
 (approximately
RM257k
) a pop for what’s essentially the fastest go-kart in the world. If that’s too much to stomach, there’s a less hardcore variant on sale, managing the century sprint in 3.9 seconds and costing $9,999 (approximately RM43k). The go-karts are hand-made in Toronto and require 60 days for assembly.


Subaru teases new racer just before 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon debut

The new year 2022 kicks off with the Tokyo Auto Salon and Subaru has announced the creation of a new model intended for motorsports use only.
Called the Subaru
STI E-RA Concept
, the racing machine is a new project by STI with the aim of gaining experience and training in new technologies for the carbon-neutral era. Details will be available once the vehicle gets its full unveiling in mid-January.
The push to have the Subaru STI E-RA Concept, and its racing machine campaign as soon as next year is part of the partnership consisting of Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda to heavily use local endurance races as a testbed to develop and trial
carbon-neutral synthetic fuels
.
The added participation comes after the success of the Toyota Corolla racer that used
hydrogen as fuel
 on the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the Toyota GR Yaris. The idea is to create carbon-neutral synthetic fuels to be used on existing combustion engines as the companies see the total elimination of carbon emissions as not possible.
Subaru and STI, its performance and ‘dressed up’ business unit, will also exhibit STI Performance Concept studies of the all-new Subaru WRX, Subaru Levorg, and
Subaru BRZ
.
RELATED: Even before officially available, Japanese tuners already tuned-up the Toyota GR86
The STI Performance package enhances the exterior design of the new WRX via bodykit package in signature cherry red and performance exhaust muffler.
Launched in Malaysia: 2022 Subaru XV GT Edition now with EyeSight from RM139k!
The Tokyo Auto Salon, which focuses on aftermarket tuning and performance products, is scheduled from 14th to 16th January 2022. Toyota premiered the GR Yaris at the 2020 show and for this year, expect plenty of personalisation and power-boosting ideas on the
Toyota GR86
.


The all-new Nissan Sylphy is as aerodynamic as the Nissan GT-R!

Our Head of Editorial, Denis Wong just witnessed the unveiling of the all-new Nissan Sylphy and along with these pictures, was a text message that said he’s never been so aroused by a Nissan since the GT-R. May seem exaggerated but doesn’t it just look incredible?
As you can tell from the pictures, the new car unveiled at the
2019 Shanghai Motor Show
 is a breakaway from the old car’s subdued appearance. In fact, Nissan says, the all-new car has a lower centre of gravity and a drag coefficient of just 0.26 – the same as a Nissan GT-R!
If the hunkered down stance, accentuated by a meaner new look highlighted by the V-Motion doesn’t rile you up, nothing will.
Interestingly, Nissan said it will be powered by their all-new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder HR16DE engine with around 120 hp and 158 Nm paired to a Xtronic transmission.
 With looks as sharp as razor, Nissan claims that it will drive as well as it appears as its steering, suspension and body rigidity have been enhanced to improve handling and deliver a more solid driving feel.
Even the interior has been “tightened up” beyond recognition; as if the Sylphy had undergone a complete gender transformation procedure.
The layout of the dashboard and the central air con vents are by far the most attractive bit of the cabin – lending a much more modern and up-to-date look. If I know Malaysians better, this look will surely generate long queues at Nissan dealerships.
The other centre piece of the interior, the 3D Multi-layer ergonomic seats even comes with diamond-shaped quilting on the seat, exclusive for those who opt for the tan upholstery. The cabin can also be had in full black or light grey.
Towering over the dashboard is an 8-inch colour display while a high-definition 7-inch display is squashed between the meter clusters to display the car’s intelligent driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Cross Traffic Alert.
IMAGE GALLERY
bsh


All-new Mazda 3 revealed, it’s an object of universal desire!

No really, that’s what Mazda is calling the all-new Mazda 3 after unveiling it at the 2018 LA Auto Show, as it’s been developed and built according to that theme.
Mazda is also saying that the all-new car can be expected to offer dramatic improvements in the areas of design, driving performance, NVH, performance and quality feel.
According to Mazda 3’s Programme Manager, Kota Beppu, “The new Mazda 3 is built on the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, a new set of structural technologies that make riding in a car feel as natural and stress-free as walking on your own two feet.”
He added the all-new C-segment vehicle offers “comfortable quietness” by focusing not only on noise volumes but on the time it takes for sounds to be transmitted and the direction from which they arrive.

Also new to the car is the latest range of SkyActiv gasoline and diesel engines, including Mazda’s new SkyActiv-X engine that incorporates Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition for quick engine response along with a smooth and reassuring driving feel.
On the outside, “sleek and elegant” has been the design concept of the all-new car and the results truly speak for itself. As an extension of the Kodo design, the new head lamp design is built with “less is more” in mind (as an evolution to the original Kodo design).
With a minimalist approach to its design, Mazda’s development team felt that it would create a clean and beautiful look.
A new Polymetal Gray has been developed exclusively for the hatchback that changes the expression of the car depending on light, to bring out the beautiful form of the hatchback’s body.
Even the cabin is built with the same “less is more” approach, with every component on the cockpit laid out in perfect horizontal symmetry and is designed to face the driver directly.
A driver-centric cockpit isn’t the only focus of the cabin. By introducing creases with differing depth and shapes on its leather upholstery in different parts of the car, the new material adds a lively expression to the interior.
Even the design of the shift panel has been given unparalleled attention to detail. It incorporates a laser-engraved black layer covered by a second clear layer to present a glossy black finish with a look of deep transparency.
A new Greige colour is available for fabric interiors while a Burgundy interior will be available exclusively for the hatchback.
The new Mazda 3 is also fitted with a new sound system with 8-speakers positioned strategically to deliver sound directly to the driver’s ears and set about creating a comfortable cabin space for all vehicle occupants. There’s also an option for a 12-speaker Bose Sound System.
Going into the specifics, the new telescopic steering adds 10 mm of movement in both ways, along with a new 8.8-inch infotainment display with the new Mazda Connect that includes a Digital Owner’s Manual.
When a warning appears on the centre display, it also indicates the priority level of the warning sign, where owners can access the manual through an app to get an explanation of the warning. Thinner A-pillars offer better visibility and reduced blind spots with unobstructive views of pedestrians ahead of the car.
The all-new Mazda 3 is the first production car to offer Mazda’s new SkyActiv-X engine, assisted by Mazda’s new M Hybrid System. Engine options are 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of the latest SkyActiv-G petrol engines with optimised intake ports and fueling system.
There’ll also be a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine that utilises high flow fuel injectors for more optimised fuel delivery, which as a result offers better fuel economy, reduced noise and reduced exhaust gases.
The new i-Activ AWD system which works in tandem with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC) system to control torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. It does so by by monitoring the accelerator position, steering angle, brake fluid pressure and even the road’s condition!
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche suspends the new Cayenne Coupe nearly 400 metres in the air

It’s no publicity stunt really, but you’d capitalise on such a majestic sight with a video too, wouldn’t you? And
that’s exactly what Porsche did, as seen on Instagram.
In celebrating the launch of the new Cayenne Coupe in Brasil, the local team opted for the audacious route by air-lifting the SUV onto the deck of the Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cayenne Coupe is available with two powerful engines – a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged engine with
 340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque and another 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making
 550 hp
and
770 Nm
 of torque.
The latest expression of Porsche’s best-selling SUV features a lower roof edge (20mm), wider wheel arches and an adaptive spoiler which can extend more than 135 mm at speeds above 90 km/h for better downforce at the rear.
Inside, the Cayenne Coupe sits just four, like Panamera Sport Turismo we reviewed. These seats have been positioned lower, for better rear headroom. Conventional three-seat arrangements can be specified at no cost, according to Porsche.
IMAGE GALLERY


Audi RS 6 and RS 7 gets even more power with new Performance models

As if the 600 hp wasn’t quite enough,
Audi
has now given the
RS 6 Avant
and RS 7 Sportback models an extra dose of performance… quite literally. Yes, these two new variants for the RS 6 and RS 7 are actually called ‘performance’ (even without the capital ‘P’), and it tells you exactly what it is, making the already hot cars even hotter.
First things first, some numbers. Thanks to a larger turbocharger, Audi is able to extract even more power from the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, with a 30 hp and 50 Nm boost in outputs to now make
 630 hp
 and
850 Nm
. The extra power translates to a 0.2 seconds quicker century sprint time, which means both cars now do 0-100 km/h in just
3.4 seconds
.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox has also been re-tuned for faster shifts and a more noticeable personality change in between drive modes, while the new centre-locking differential is also both lighter and more compact. Audi says that it can now send as much as 70% of torque to the front wheels and 85% to the rear whenever needed, to help improve handling and reduce understeer.
ALSO READ:
Updated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron – tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm
Audi says it’s also shaved off some weight on the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance, with reduced insulation in the engine compartment, interior, and in the rear of the vehicle to drop about 8 kg from the scale – although you’ll probably notice the louder engine noise more.
The more noticeable weight difference comes from the optional (and exclusive) 22-inch 5-Y spoke wheels, which helps shave off an extra 20 kg over the standard car’s 22-inch options, while looking extra badass. The lightweight wheels will also be fitted with new stickier rubber in the form of Continental Sport Contact 7, with a massive 285 mm width, that helps reduce braking distances from 100-0 km/h as much as two metres shorter.
The new range-topping performance models will come as standard with the RS Dynamic Package, which includes a rear-wheel steering system with RS-specific software, a Quattro sport differential on the rear axle, and – perhaps most importantly – raises the top speed to 280 km/h.
A RS Dynamics Package plus option is also available, which further increases the top speed to 305 km/h, and swaps the steel brakes for a carbon ceramic brake system, dropping another 34 kg in unsprung mass.
RELATED:
Audi RS Q8 launched in Malaysia from RM 1.7m – in case the Urus is too flashy for you
On the appearance front, the new performance models get matte grey exterior trims as standard. Although, customers can opt for a matte carbon or black optics package if they so wish, which blacks out the roof rails and side window trims. Buyers can also choose between chrome or black for the Audi Rings and model badging.
Inside, a smattering of blue accents along with extra Dinamica microfibre tell you that they’re the special performance models. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also gets a new blinking shift indicator mode, because race car.
Quite surprisingly, there really aren’t that many performance badgings here at all throughout the entire car. The most prominent display of the new variant name actually comes in the form of a front door puddle lamps, which projects a ‘RS performance’ logo on the ground at night. Weird, but refreshing.
READ MORE:
The all-new Audi RS3 is now the quickest compact car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife


Review: Kia Rio 1.4 MPI – Just slightly overcooked

Nothing excites me more than hatchbacks – whether it’s a Fiesta ST or merely
a humble Kelisa
, I like their “flickability” (if there is such a word, if not I’m making it mine) all the same. If you knew me, you’d know that horsepower doesn’t matter all that much to me. While they may be fun to have, most times and situations, they can only be enjoyed through short bursts and frankly these aren’t my kind of cheap thrills behind the wheel.
As a fellow “industrymen” (I’m making that word mine too) wrote a couple days back, on the
Live Life Drive website
, he claims that these days, horsepower does nothing more than spoil us. While there’s no need to elaborate further, I thoroughly concur. Personally, I prefer to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

Personally, there’s nothing more thrilling than the sensations of carrying as much speed as you can, riding on a short wheelbase chassis, through a bend. Short bursts of acceleration are for the easily amused 8-year olds. There, I said it, no offence – only my personal opinion.
On that note, the
Kia Rio
 had two sides to its story and I’m going to first embark on the half that made me a little, well, sad. And less thrilled about its hatchback nature. With a mere
99 hp
 and
 133 Nm
 of torque from its 1.4-litre MPI engine, it would’ve been enough to haul its 1.1-tonne weight around with some eagerness with the throttle. Keyword: would’ve.
That said, they really complement those wheel arches.
I’m not mad nor disappointed, simply confused. What I don’t understand was why Kia saw the need to slap a set of 17-inch wheels on a 1.4-litre Rio  – whether its a mechanical-based necessity or simply a flaw in the thought process, I’m not sure, but it most certainly felt like the Rio’s performance was hindered by this surplus.
A set of 15-inch alloys will do. Its ride would’ve probably been even more comfortable with thicker profile tyres and it goes without saying that smaller tyres would be cheaper to replace. That’s all however just my opinion, wouldn’t want you to fully rely on the word of someone who only knows how to complain about cars. I just felt that the Rio lacked a little punch to go with the intimidatingly handsome front end.
The other minor setback was its 4-speed automatic transmission. Don’t get me wrong, the Rio climbed up the gears pretty smoothly but quicker downshifts to a lower gear and the kick down to first even, was most times, left for wanting. It was rather frustrating because these two minor and individual setbacks, as a whole, held back what would’ve been a rather fun and well-rounded hatchback to drive whether for leisure or the midnight spin to KK Mart for a nicotine fix.

A drive through the Karak Highway en route to Bukit Tinggi flaunted many of the Rio’s complement-worthy traits (which is the other side of the story) but it also displayed some setbacks. On the highway, at speeds of 110-120 km/h, the Rio was as sure-footed as it gets for a car in its segment. Its weight may have a part to play but underneath the new Rio, everything has been strengthened, stiffened and improved to allow it to be more compliant and planted and the results do speak for itself.
During the same drive, the Rio’s NVH was (and I dare say) simply sublime – insulation was beyond what a car in its playing field would normally be graced with. There’s a BUT though; wind noise may have been at a minimal BUT the howl from the tyres, good grief, they sure can cause headaches as it did to me. No severe harm done though, reckon a wiser choice of tyres in the next change would be an instant cure.
On that same drive, the other half who was so clingy she insisted to tag along for some picture-taking work in mosquito-infested environments, decided to crank up the audio system with tunes on her Spotify via Bluetooth through the 5-inch colour infotainment display. Surprise, surprise. She maneuvered through the system without screaming for help.
And playing her selection of atrocious music at volumes that would cause ear drums to bleed, the fittings and materials used in the Rio’s cabin really held up – no vibrations whatsoever on any of its panels, especially those by the doors. That really took me by surprise, utterly impressive. I don’t know about you guys, but my car needs to be able to endure loud music. Those vibrations are a no no for me – it signifies a lack of consideration in the construction process, all in the name of basic comfort.
What I also liked were the seats. No leather upholstery needed – just soft cushions and firm rib supports is all we (could just be me) need. Oh, this may be trivial and forgive me for sounding harsh but the centre air con vent for the driver was utterly useless. No matter how you adjust it, there’s no way for air to be properly channeled to the driver – it’s blocked by the thick and grippy steering and as a result your left hand feels like it’s on the verge of a frostbite all the time.

Atop Bukit Tinggi, mixed feelings arose from the drive up the twisties. Again, the lack of any kind of performance (presumably from those 17-inch wheels and gearbox) really overshadowed how nippy and sure-footed the Rio was. After a few pictures, as we left at nightfall, the hill’s silence made me realise one thing; for a 1.4-litre engine, the Rio sure had a pretty sweet burble on idle.
Departure was not before some shots of the rear section of the cabin, where ample leg room was evident with the notable rear USB charger which the price-equivalent Jazz doesn’t provide. That said, I felt like its competitor offered more space; the Rio by no means felt cramped but I’d still lean towards the Jazz on overall roominess. Boot space was large and unrestricted and when flattened would probably accommodate anything you see fit to be carried with a hatchback with relative ease.

What it does better than its competitor (the Jazz 1.5E @ RM 78,540) for the asking price of
RM 79,888
 though, were aplenty. For that figure, you get six airbags instead of the Jazz 1.5E’s four, rear USB port, auto wipers and headlights which by the way also swivel according to the direction of the steering, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a sunroof.
If you ask me, while they may be handy, the lack of it wouldn’t be at all life-changing. For a car that’s meant to be accessible (ownership wise) to the masses, the Rio could’ve done without them and instead be sold at an even lower price for it to be an even more attractive package. The same sentiment extends to the four unnecessarily big shoes, come on now, Kia.  Those interactive gear indicators wouldn’t go unappreciated and despite how dark my surroundings were upon arriving home after acquiring a few presentable shots in Bukit Tinggi, just check out the clarity on that reverse camera.
I can’t help but grow a certain liking for this car as what it had easily made what it lacked, rather negligible. Fuel consumption was as expected of a skinny body with heavy shoes – decent. For a full tank of fuel, the Rio only managed to nudge the 400 km mark; given, my right foot was real heavy up the hill but I still can’t help but point to those oversized (for such a car) rims as the culprit for lesser kilometres per litre.
That said, while it may have its drawbacks (hence the review title), for what you’re paying, this is as good as it can get. To say that it’s better than the Jazz would be unfair to the Japanese hatchback but for what it comes with, at that price, it offers a compelling alternative for those who want something other than what most would go for.
IMAGE GALLERY


Range Rover Sport SVR unveiled, fastest and most powerful Land Rover ever produced [+Video]

First images of the fully undisguised
Range Rover Sport SVR
 has been released. Already teased at Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, the Range Rover Sport SVR has subsequently set a
Nürburgring Nordschleife
 lap time of
8 minutes 14 seconds
, thus ranking it as one of the fastest production SUV to lap The Green Hell. Developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s
Special Vehicle Operations
 (SVO) team as the sportiest Range, this is Land Rover’s first vehicle to wear the SVR badge on its tail.
The
5.0-litre supercharged V8
 has been massaged to deliver an additional of 40 hp and 56 Nm of torque resulting a total of
542 hp
 and
680 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels with 50:50 torque split front and rear via a ZF
8-speed automatic
 transmission. Sprint from
0 to 100 km/h
 is clocked at
 4.5 seconds
, while the
top speed
 is limited to
 260 km/h
.
The exterior features unique aerodynamic front apron, bigger side vents, body-coloured side skirts, and a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad tailpies. The SVR is the first Land Rover to be fitted with a
 two-stage active exhaust
, featuring electronically controlled valves that ensure a suitable noise is provided in accordance to the engine revs.
A new set of
21-inch alloys
 with all-season rubbers are standard equipment, but buyers can opt for a set of
22-inch alloys
 wrapped in
Continental SportContact 5
 tyres. The SVR is equipped with an upgraded air suspension system that automatically changes between two ride heights, and a clever
Terrain Response® 2
 system will automatically select the most suitable terrain programme in any weather condition.
The suspension system has been tuned with the inclusion of
Adaptive Dynamics
 that constantly monitor the vehicle movements and adjusts the continuously variable magnetorheological dampers to suit the road surface. There’s also the two-channel
Active-Roll Control
 (ARC) to help keep the Range Rover Sport SVR flat when cornering, by replacing the traditional anti-roll bars with actuators powered by a hydraulic pump.
Most of the interior are carried over from the Range Rover Sport, but sportier carbon fibre trim is offered as option and there are new
 sports seats
 front and back with SVR logos stamped on the Windsor leather.

Even though the Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover ever produced, the SVR still keeps its
850mm wading ability
 from the normal Range Rover Sport, and it is also capable of
towing
 loads up to
3,000 kg
.
The fully undisguised Range Rover Sport SVR will make its global debut at 2014 Pebble Beach. In the UK the SVR is priced from
£93,450
 and customers can start booking their cars from October 2014. Deliveries will commence from Q1 2015.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 announced, 385 hp from 3.8-litre flat six

The second generation
Porsche Cayman
 receives yet another hotter variant that sits above the 340 hp Cayman GTS. It is so focused that Porsche calls it the
 GT4
, echoing the spirit of the extreme 911 GT3.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Porsche Cayman GT4
Engine
3.8-litre flat-6
Max Power
385 hp
0-100 km/h
4.4 seconds
Top Speed
295 km/h

It appears to be the wildest Cayman to date, with 385 hp from a 3.8-litre flat-six nicked from the bigger brother 911 Carrera S. Previous generation Cayman R had to make do with
only
 330 hp.
EXTERIOR
Externally the GT4 is marginally different from the other Caymans. On the GT4 there’s a
new front bumper
 with a trio of intake openings and a subtle vent just below the badge. A scoop for the side intakes of the Cayman has been added, to channel the air in a more effective way.
The
fixed rear wing
 is fitted as standard and judging by the size of it, it should keep the GT4’s tail planted on the tarmac better than the standard pop-up spoiler on the base Cayman. A
diffuser
 with
center exit twin pipes
 below the simple rear bumper completes the package of this wild Cayman.
I
INTERIOR
The cabin is pure Cayman, beautifully finished and
trimmed in leather and Alcantara
. Sports seats are standard and there’s a new
918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel
 wrapped in Alcantara. If you’re trying to find the shift paddles behind the bare buttonless steering wheel you can stop now. Simply because the Cayman GT4 only comes with a manual transmission. Excited yet? Read on.
PERFORMANCE
The
3.8-litre flat six
 may be
slightly
 detuned from the 400 hp in the 911 Carrera S, but with
385 hp
 it’s still the most powerful Cayman so far. All 385 horses are transmitted to the rear wheels via a
 6-speed manual ‘box
 with
 dynamic gearbox mounts
. Yes, the hottest Cayman is strictly a manual.
This allows for a sprint time from
0 to 100 km/h
 is
4.4 seconds
, and the Cayman GT4 tops out at
295 km/h
. It’s not all about speed either, the GT4’s chassis is said to have been “comprehensively fine-tuned with many components shared with the 911 GT3”.
WHAT ELSE?
The Cayman GT4 will make its first public appearance at the
Geneva Motor Show
 in March 2015. Buyers who want more can equip their GT4 with the optional
PCCB ceramic brakes
, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, a custom
Sport Chrono Package
 with Track Precision app, and a
Club Sport Package
.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled – 7 airbags and plenty other safety features!

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia today launched the new locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Segambut where it will be contracted to assemble. Nothing on the
new Xpander
 just yet.
The Outlander was previously launched in April 2016 as a
fully-imported CBU vehicle from Japan whereby the 2.4-litre 4WD variant
 would still be sold alongside the newly launched CKD model.

The Outlander is power by the already-proven 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine with
143 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque paired with the INVECS-III CVT transmission. Drive is sent to all four wheels with an intelligent
4WD system
 which will be standard across the range. The system’s
Multi-Select function
 comes with three different driving modes – 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.
Its distinctive design is owed to Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield facade, with LED daytime running lights and 18-inch wheels as standard. Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps and wipers, keyless entry, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors.

Inside the spacious, seven-seater, fabric-clad interior you get 7-inch HD touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity with Air Gesture Control. It also comes with a digital video recorder and security tinting while boot space is rated at
1,608-litre
s with the second and third row seats folded.
Standard safety features include
 seven airbags
, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction.
The Outlander will be available in Red Metallic, Solar White, and
Ruby Black
 – a new colour for the Outlander exclusive for the Malaysian market.
Introductory prices for the CKD Outlander will be
RM 139,988
 (OTR without insurance) until year end with Mitsubishi’s
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Perodua captures 36.1% marketshare, delivered over 20,000 Bezza

We have just three months before the year ends, yet Perodua is already on track to another great year. The company has delivered over 20,000
Perodua Bezza
 (more as we speak) to date, making it the highest recorded delivery within three months.
Launched since mid-July, Perodua’s first foray into the compact sedan segment has kept Perodua busy. Really busy. The Bezza contributed solid numbers to the
 150,900 cars
 sold in first nine months of 2016. This mean Perodua captured an estimated total industry volume (TIV) market share of
36.1%
.
However, the numbers are still trailing behind 2015’s figures; in that same period, 157,500 Peroduas were delivered. Still, the 6,600 unit deficit is amazing considering the weak Ringgit and poor economic sentiment befalling Malaysians this year.
Despite the incredible numbers, Perodua is not resting on its laurels. They are driven to push for more sales before the year ends, and will be backed by events such as the “
Test Drive and Win
” contest, where one lucky winner will walk home with a brand new
Perodua Bezza Advance
! There’s also discounts for selected Perodua models for the month of October, where the Alza and Myvi command rebates of RM2,000 and RM4,200 respectively.


BMW X2 officially teased – the sportier X1 that millennials have been waiting for

The last time we’ve heard of the BMW’s latest addition to the SUV stable was during the 2016 Paris International Motor Show, dubbed the Concept X2. Recently, BMW, together with
Highsnobiety
 has released the first official images of the BMW X2; the first model in
BMW’s elaborate plan to regain its market leader position
.
Although wrapped in bright orange cameo livery, we can still make out that the production model retains much of the concept’s athletic, coupe-like design. At the front, it appears that the
flipped kidney grille
 made it to the final design, giving it a distinct yet familiar face.

The lower apron is of a more conventional horizontal slats design as opposed to the large scoops on the concept car. Although, if BMW were to spawn a X2 M or M-Sport variant, the concept’s sharp bumper would not be out of place.
At the rear, the tapering roofline and slim tail lamp design sets itself apart from the
family-oriented X1
. The dual exhaust outlet is also nicely integrated to the rear bumper on either end. On the heavily camouflaged display vehicle, we can tell that there is a circular outline right beside the
Hofmeister kink
, perhaps the designers really went with sticking a BMW badge like on the concept?
The new X2 will most likely ride on BMW’s
UKL2 platform
 and be front-wheel driven like the X1. Expect a four-wheel drive option for certain variants as well. BMW is holding back on its powertrain options and launch date but promises that the X2 will be a “sporty vehicle with bold character”.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW X2 Teaser

BMW Concept X2


Pennzoil’s new epic film features the BMW M4 CS killing tyres

Pennzoil is at it again. The American oil company, headquartered in Houston, Texas is no stranger in the YouTube scene for producing epic car videos with the cinematography to rival blockbuster films.
There’s been a total of seven epic episodes so far including the
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
 tearing up the tarmac on the streets, another to bid farewell to the
last Dodge Viper
, an
iconic American sportscar
, and then there’s one on the
BMW M6
 running rings in the snow.
Now there’s this; featuring a
BMW M4 CS
 piloted by Rhys Millen, the 2005 Formula Drift Champion who has also made a name in the hill climb, rally and rally-cross scenes. That being said, you know you’re in for an epic drift fest – in the Nurburging and on public roads.
The BMW M4 CS is literally infused with carbon fibre with weight watch high on its agenda. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine produces
500 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque – 29 hp and 50 Nm more than the standard M4.
The BMW M4 CS comes with lightened wheels, a carbon fibre front bonnet, front lip and rear diffuser.
Together with a 7-speed M DCT gearbox, as there isn’t a manual transmission option, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds onward to a top speed of 280 km/h.
Credit:
Pennzoil


Ford EcoSport pre-launch preview in Malaysia, special early bird rewards await

To those who are interested in the new compact B-segment SUV from Ford, we have a good news for you. The soon-to-be-launched
Ford EcoSport
 is now available at Ford showrooms throughout the country for preview and you can even test drive it.
Prices are estimated to be between
RM95,888
 and
RM104,888
 for the two trims available,
Trend
 and
Titanium
. Both are powered by the same engine, but only differ in the equipments fitted to the car.
Slightly bigger than the Fiesta, the EcoSport measures
1,675 mm tall
,
1,765 mm wide
,
4,273 mm long
 with a
wheelbase
 of
2,519 mm
. Although the rugged exterior with black plastic cladding on the lower part of the body and a spare tire mounted outside the rear side-hinged door makes it look like a 4×4, the EcoSport is actually front-wheel driven. It rides on
16-inch
 alloy wheels with
205/60 R16
 tyres.
The dashboard should be familiar to Fiesta owners, as it shares most of the architecture from the funky hatchback. A total of
seven airbags
 are offered in the Titanium spec, which will also include goodies such as push start button, automatic climate control, automatic lights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, and even a powered sunroof.
The EcoSport will be offered in one engine, the
1.5-litre
 4-cylinder that produces
108 hp at 6,300 rpm
 and
142 Nm
 of torque
at 4,400 rpm
. There’s only a
6-speed PowerShift
 dual-clutch gearbox with no manual transmission option.
Other standard equipments include Traction Control, ESP, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, and Hill Launch Assist. First 500 customers who book the EcoSport during this pre-launch period will also receive a separate
GPS device
 worth
RM799
. There are no official launch date mentioned, but heard through the grapevine it’s probably before end of August.
[divider]
PHOTO GALLERY


The Mercedes-AMG A35 “Long wheelbase” 4MATIC is for China’s little Yao Mings

I just can’t get enough with how it looks; it’s as if that rear end speaks to me – “Come get me, Bite it, Follow me home” – are the quotes that are ringing in my head just looking at the rear view of the A35 Long wheelbase 4MATIC that’s exclusive for the Chinese market.
Unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show, the A35 L 4MATIC is a product of Beijing Benz Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler and BAIC Motor of China.
Aside from an
additional 60mm of extra length
 in wheelbase (at 2,789mm) like the
 regular A-Class L sedan
and some badges with Chinese writings on the car’s exterior, the A35 L 4MATIC is essentially the
same as the A35 sedan
 that the rest of the world is getting.
Why extra 60mm for the Chinese (who are generally more petite than the white folks) is still a puzzle. Maybe Daimler knows something we don’t; maybe the Chinese are genetically modifying and breeding more Yao Mings – who knows.
Under the hood, the long wheelbase A35 packs the same
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, paired to a 7G AMG Speedshift DCT transmission.
The immense power is shared by all four wheels and despite the extra weight from the additional metal, the A35 L 4MATIC is only 0.1 second slower (at 4.9 seconds) compared to the regular A35’s 4.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG A 35 L 4MATIC (2019) Mercedes-AMG A 35 L 4MATIC (2019)


Kia EV6 finally unveiled, GT variant gets 585 hp, 740 Nm and 0-100 in 3.5 seconds

After a few digital events to build up the awareness of its first dedicated fully-electric vehicle, Kia Corporation has finally unveiled the EV6 SUV.
The new Kia EV6 is almost similar in dimensions to the
IONIQ 5
 from larger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co., but a 100 mm shorter wheelbase and even lower roofline. At just 1,550 mm tall, the new Kia EV6 is similar in height to the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona which belong to a segment or two lower.
For reference, the 4.68-metre length with a width of 1.88 metres put the Kia EV6 in the group of premium SUVs such as
Volvo XC 60
,
BMW iX3
 and Audi Q5.
The EV6 was designed under the brand’s new design philosophy
‘Opposites United’
, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the front, Kia’s ‘tiger face’ has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this ‘Digital Tiger Face’, daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car. The tail lamps then cut deep into the side of the vehicle, while also integrated into the tailgate lid like a duck tail.
Thanks to the scalable platform in fully electric vehicles, numerous powertrain configurations can be arranged. Kia, together with Hyundai, will be utilising the
Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
 that allows for differing battery sizes paired with single- or dual-motor propulsion.
In its most performance-oriented configuration, the Kia EV6 GT variant will have a battery pack with an energy content of
77.4 kWh
 and the combined outputs of
585 hp
 and
740 Nm
 of torque from the dual-motor AWD layout.
Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in just
3.5 seconds
. Meanwhile, for users who purely want the furthest range, the EV6 with the same 77.4 kWh battery, but with only a rear motor with outputs of 229 hp and 350 Nm of torque, has up to
510 kilometres
 of range.
This particular configuration with 800-volt system architecture will also take just four and a half
(4.5) minutes
 of charging to extend its range by 100 kilometres and
18 minutes
 to top-up the battery’s state-of-charge (SOC) from 10% to 80% via an ultra-fast charging system.
An AWD version with a smaller 55 kWh battery pack and 605 Nm of torque will complete the benchmark century sprint in 6.2 seconds.
The new Kia EV6 can also be turned into
a power bank
! Yes, with the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, the battery in the EV6 can supply up to 3.6 kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. Kia says the V2L system is also able to charge another EV. Sounds like a great vehicle for emergency services!
Inside, the EV6 is incredibly spacious thanks to the flat-floor and the battery pack neatly packaged below. Kia says there are plenty of storage spaces while the robust fabrics in the seats are made from as many as 111 plastic water bottles.
Underneath the bonnet is a storage space of up to 52 litres for rear-motor variants. Dual-motor models such as the 585 hp EV6 GT will still have a tiny 20-litre storage space. The cargo space at the rear is abundant though, rated at 520 litres.
The high-tech infotainment system includes 12-inch dual screens. A new augmented reality (AR) head-up display system projects vital vehicle operation information in the driver’s line of sight.
Kia is increasing the level of autonomy in the EV6 through the Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) function, where the vehicle will switch lanes should the driver just give a slight click on the indicator stalk, of course after all conditions regarding safe manoeuvring are met.
Kia plans to deliver the mass-market variants from October this year, with the 585 hp GT variant only slated for October next year! Based on markets that have begun the booking process such as South Korea and Western Europe, the prices of the Kia EV6 with 510-kilometre range starts from
GBP40,895
 (similar to a
Volkswagen ID.4
) while the GT variant from
GBP58,295
 (cheaper than a BMW iX3).
All of Kia’s new dedicated EVs will start with the prefix ‘EV’ which makes it easy for consumers to understand which of Kia’s products are fully electric. This is followed by a number that corresponds to the car’s position in the line-up.
Kia aims to launch as many as seven dedicated EVs by 2026, comprising of three passenger and four recreational vehicle models with the product offence to begin from 2023.
GALLERY


Nissan’s first EV was built in 1947 with 100 km range – 2023 Leaf arriving in Malaysia soon!

In terms of electric vehicles (EVs), the Nissan Leaf is possibly one of the most well-known in the industry, and deservedly so. Officially unveiled in 2009, Nissan’s first mass-market electric vehicle went on to sell over half a million units across two generations in the span of 10 years. In 2020, the Leaf was named the best-selling electric car.
That said, most are probably unaware that Nissan’s electric innovation began as early as 1947 when the company produced the Tama electric vehicle to cope with the severe shortage of petrol. It was named Tama after the area where the company was based.
The Tama was available in passenger car and truck configurations, with 4.5 horsepower and a 34 km/h top speed. It could carry four passengers, with an electric range of 65 km and a 500 kg load capacity. The Tama was made to feature battery compartments on each side where the battery packs can be easily exchanged for fresh ones.
Fast forward to 2010, the first generation Nissan Leaf was introduced with 109 hp, 250 Nm and an electric range of 160 km/h from a 25 kWh battery. A decade later, Nissan debuted the facelift version of the second generation Leaf, and boy, has it come a long way.
Not only does it come with revised styling – on the front grille, wheels, and rear tailgate – the new Leaf will also wear Nissan’s new brand logo. New colours will be available including Universal Blue and Magnetic Blue.
The Leaf’s electric range remains unchanged; with up to 311 km of electric range (based on NEDC cycle, 270 km based on WLTP) from a 40 kWh battery. As for output, the front-mounted electric motor produces
150 hp
and
320 Nm
 of torque.
First launched in Malaysia in 2019
, the second generation Nissan Leaf was priced at
RM188,888
 where a 3-year/100,000 km warranty was included. The Leaf also came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for the battery pack.
After some price revisions, the Leaf is currently priced at
RM175,800
 in Malaysia. How much do you think the new one would cost? Can it make more petrol-powered vehicle owners turn over a new Leaf?

GALLERY
Nissan Leaf facelift in Europe
1947 TAMA EV


Thailand to receive 2017 Honda CR-V 1.6L turbodiesel with 9-speed auto!

Late last year, the
fifth-generation Honda CR-V
 was launched for the American market and soon it will be making its way here. Thailand will be the first in our region to receive the popular SUV, and among the crop is a brand new 1.6-litre turbodiesel variant, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission!
The
1.6L i-DTEC four-banger
 engine is Honda’s latest addition to their Earth Dreams Technology range. It’s
47 kg
 lighter than their 2.2-litre lump, and generates less friction as well. First introduced in the European-spec Civic hatchbacks, the engine features a two-stage turbo system which “intelligently creates high torque and acceleration to be the most efficient in all driving conditions”.
The engine will be introduced for the first time in Thailand, outputting
160 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque from 2,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3L/100km. Unlike the petrol which uses a seven-speed CVT, the diesel variant will get a nine-speed automatic just like the
Odyssey
.
As of now there’s no word about the introduction of the petrol versions in Thailand, but there’s a big probability of it coming to Malaysia, as revealed during a recent
media event
 by Honda Malaysia.


This is one McLaren P1 GTR Ayrton Senna will be proud of

30 years after the late Formula 1 legend’s first Championship win, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has revealed a unique McLaren P1 GTR with the iconic Rocket Red and Anniversary White colours of Malboro – a brand synonymous with McLaren for more than 20 years.
Commissioned by a McLaren collector, the colours donned by the one-of-a-kind P1 GTR was first seen on the MP4/4 Formula 1 race car which Senna drove to the first of his three Formula 1 titles.
More than 800 hours were spent on painting and other details such as the “No.12” on the nose of the car as a tribute to Senna’s 1988 race number and the range of McLaren’s technical partners both past and present.
Named “Beco”, in honour of Senna’s given nickname by his parents, other details include the Senna Brand Trademark on the front splitter, the front of the air intake and each door, with the ‘Senna’ script and ‘Driven to Perfection’ slogan on the doors and intake.
There’s no mention of its performance figures but McLaren highlighted that its “unique engine specification” is complemented by a 24-carat gold heatshield to repel heat and a Lexan poly-carbonate rear cover.
New front drive planes, a wider front splitter, a rear Gurney flap, new barge boards and a rear wing with bigger endplates than those on a standard McLaren P1 GTR wing collectively increases downforce by up to 800 kg.
Inside, among the custom additions are Senna’s reproduced signature on the carbon fibre chassis sills, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a Super Lightweight Racing Seats developed for the McLaren Senna.
IMAGE GALLERY


Would you dress up your Mercedes-Benz A-Class with these Sport Equipment?

Mercedes-Benz has just introduced new cosmetic options for the
W177 A-Class
 for those who wish to give their hatchback a sportier appearance. The new Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment can be ordered
À la carte
 on all variants of the A-Class.
Customers can choose to have their wing mirror caps, B-pillar cover, front apron spoiler lip, side skirts and roof spoiler finished in Carbon-style – not genuine carbon fibre mind you. The rear spoiler can also be specified in the car’s body colour if you wish.

Mercedes-Benz has also introduced four new wheel designs as part of the Sport Equipment ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch in size. The 16-inch diameter wheel gets a five-double spoke design painted in Vanadium Silver while the 17-inch gets a five-spoke design finished in the same colour. The 18-inch items are of five-double-spoke design finished in Black with high-sheen rim edge while the 19-inch five-spoke design is painted in Black high sheen.
All genuine Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment go through strict manufacturing tolerances that is applied to all parts and meets the company’s high standards of quality and safety. It won’t be long now till the
W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 hits our shores, fingers crossed Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will offer these sporty bits to our market!
IMAGE GALLERY


Next-gen Subaru WRX will look a lot like the concept car, AWD & plug-in hybrid

During the unveiling of the
Subaru Viziv Performance Concept
 at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru hinted that the next-gen Subaru WRX will feature a
“sedan body, symmetrical AWD and horizontally-opposed engine”
. It was also expressed that the new WRX will be powered by an eco-friendlier powertrain in the form of a
plug-in hybrid
.
It was recently revealed to
Autocar UK
 that feedback from the public towards the Viziv Performance Concept had been good, and as such Subaru Design Chief, Mamoru Ishii-san, is tempted to
leave much of the concept’s design unchanged
 for the production model which is due in 2020.
Ishii-san said: “We have built up this tradition with the Legacy, Impreza and WRX. We want it to look fast even when it is parked.”
“Such a car brings lots of expectation, from within the company and from our customers. What we know is that our customer’s lifestyles are changing and we have to respond to that. The question was whether we have done that in a correct way with this concept.” he added.
Ishii-san expressed that while autonomous and connective technologies are well received by many customers, there is still a handful who place driving pleasure in high regard and Subaru is not going to sideline these enthusiasts.
The next-gen WRX will undoubtedly be fitted with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive but Subaru will be exploring alternative powertrain options in addition to the horizontally-opposed boxer engine. A plug-in hybrid set-up is also in the pipeline. Ishii-san explained: “Four-wheel drive is critical to the power and performance levels our customers expect, but on the engine, we have more freedom.”
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Subaru Viziv Performance Concept


New BMW X3 facelift gains 48V mild hybrid tech across all engine options

Alongside the
updated X4
 and the
all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe
, BMW today also unveiled the X3 and X3 M facelift models. The mid-lifecycle LCI update brings upon cosmetic updates both inside and out, alongside a line-up of modernised powertrain options.
On the outside, the kidney grille on the front fascia has been ever-so-slightly enlarged, conjoined in the middle by a single-piece chrome frame. The frame also houses the front-facing cameras in a black bar right in the centre, separating the two “kidneys” visually.
Flanking the grille are the new LED headlights, which are now 10 mm slimmer than before and sports a new light signature akin to that of the new BMW 3 and 4 Series models. Adaptive matrix LED headlights are optional items on the X3, as are the Laserlight systems.
The front lower apron has also been suitably redesigned for a more modern look, featuring a triangular-shaped side air curtain inlets, alongside a reprofiled lower air intake with an integrated pseudo-skid plate at the bottom.
The most drastic changes on the exterior however are at the back, with a completely redesigned three-dimensional taillight cluster, styled in what BMW calls a “pincer” shape and covered with smoked lens for a sportier appearance. The rear bumpers have also been slightly restyled with a more stylish-looking skid plate-esque insert and larger twin exhaust exits.
Depending on variant, the new BMW X3 is also available with the M Sport package, which gets a specific front apron with larger air inlets, specific rear bumper, and larger 19-inch wheels.
For the full sporty SAV experience, though, you’ll have to step up to the M Performance and full-M variants, as they are fitted with specific kidney grille, blacked-out trim elements, exhausts (quad pipes on the X3 M), “aerodynamically optimised side mirrors, and larger wheels in 20- and 21-inch sizes.
The aggressive touches are continued onto the interior, especially on the X3 M thanks to its variant-specific M sport seats (with fancy colour combinations), M leather steering wheel with M Mode buttons, specific displays on the fully-digital instrument cluster, and a variant-specific centre console button stack.
All other variants though still get a completely reworked interior, adopting the dashboard layout and design of the
BMW 3
 and
 4 Series
. As standard, the new BMW X3 comes with the Live Cockpit Plus system which includes a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment display, and a 5.1-inch display within the analogue instrument cluster.
Upgrading to the Live Cockpit Professional set-up sees both displays upgraded with 12.3-inch units (fully-digital instrument cluster), while a head-up display is also available as option. Other new interior items include the redesigned sport seats trimmed in Sensatec (Merino leather optional), as well as extended ambient lighting configurations.
In terms of powertrain, the regular BMW X3 is available with three petrol (xDrive20i, xDrive30i, M40i), three diesel (xDrive20d, xDrive30d and M40d) engine options, plus a plug-in hybrid xDrive30e variant, while the X3 M will be only be offered in the single Competition guise at launch.
Both the

xDrive20i and 30i are powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the former making
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
, and the latter uprated to
245 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint times are
8.4 seconds
 and
6.6 seconds
 respectively, while top speeds are rated at
215 km/h
 and
235 km/h
.
The M Performance
M40i
 variant meanwhile gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, pushing out
360 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint of
4.9 seconds
, along with an electronically-limited top speed of
250 km/h
.
On the side of the oil burners, the xDrive20d is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill that makes
190 hp
 and
400 Nm
, giving it a 0-100 km/h time of
7.9 seconds
 along with a
213 km/h
 top speed.
The xDrive30d meanwhile gets a larger 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel engine making
286 hp
 and
650 Nm
 of torque, which translates to a century sprint time of
5.7 seconds
 and a
245 km/h
 top speed. Stepping up to the M40d results in a higher-output 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel mill that’s good for
340 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque, and a century sprint time of just
4.9 seconds
.
All six models come with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard, paired to a Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, although the M Performance get the latter in a special “Sport” version with specific tunings.
All six powertrain engine options above are also equipped with
48V mild hybrid technology as standard
, with a starter generator capable of outputting an additional 11 hp (8 kW) for an extra boost of power during hard acceleration.
The updated BMW X3 M Competition is now powered by the new S58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mill as found on the M3 and M4 Competition models, which features the use of a new forged lightweight crankshaft, greatly increasing the torque output. Peak power is rated at
510 hp
, while torque output has increased to
650 Nm
.
Paired to the M xDrive rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed auto gearbox, the X3 M Competition sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in just
3.8 seconds
, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
250 km/h
– the latter can be raised to
285 km/h
 with the optional M Driver’s Package specification.
As for the xDrive30e plugin hybrid, the 2.0-litre engine from the xDrive20i is heavily modified with an
109 hp/265 Nm electric motor
 integrated into the automatic transmission. Total system output is rated at
292 hp
 and
420 Nm
, which translates to a
6.1-second
 century sprint time and
210 km/h
 top speed.
In full electric mode, the xDrive30e is capped to a top speed of 135 km/h, while the
12 kWh
 lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 50 km of range. The battery pack can be charged at up to 3.7 kW via the on-board charger, taking approximately 2.5 hours for a full charge from an empty battery.
The new BMW X3 facelift also gets an updated list of advanced driver assistance features, with the Driving Assistant Professional package available for the first time on the SAV.
This consists of active cruise control with stop and go function at speeds of up to 210 km/h, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, improved autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as front cross-traffic alert.
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BMW X3 xDrive30e
BMW X3 M Competition