Kia’s new logo is apparently so confusing, over 30k people are Googling ‘KN car’ every month

In line with the industry-wide shift towards electrification, many carmakers have recently taken the opportunity to unveil their updated logos. While most of them were merely rehashes of their existing logos with a more modern and minimalist appearance,
Kia
has instead opted to introduce a brand-new design, which has now been revealed to cause some confusion amongst car buyers… and well, we can see why.
According to Twitter user
 Ashwinn
, search engine data have shown that over 30,000 users have been searching for ‘KN car’ every month, ever since it was unveiled in much fanfare with a
 record-breaking pyrotechnics display
 back in January 2021, with interest for the ‘KN’ search term significantly increasing when the logo began appearing on cars like the
Kia Carnival
 and
 EV6
.
Screenshot:
Ashwinn/Twitter
On the surface, this certainly looks like bad news. However, Google Trends data shows that the search interest for ‘Kia’ hasn’t tapered down one bit since the new logo was introduced, which means you could argue that the models with Kia’s new logo have brought
more
 eyeballs and interest to the brand.
‘KN’ searches have also been trending downwards in recent months. And on top of that,
Tire Meets Road
 also noted that ‘Kia’ gets approximately 1.83 million searches on average every month. In this context, 30,000 ‘KN Car’ searches – while not ideal – is just a miniscule figure that Kia probably won’t mind too much.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 CKD Kia Carnival now in Malaysia, from RM231k
Now, for a personal take: A logo is really just a representation of a brand, and does not necessarily need to spell out the brand itself – just look at
Mercedes-Benz
,
BMW
,
Mazda
, and even
Toyota
. I’m willing to place a wager that two years down the road, this wouldn’t even be an issue when ever Kia model has this logo on their bonnet.
In other words, we’ll just have to get used to it.
[
H/T: Carscoops
]


Proton, DRB-Hicom signs MoU and Licensing Agreement with Suzuki

PROTON Holdings Berhad, DRB-HICOM Berhad and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and License Agreement in a bid to develop a long-term strategic collaboration between the three companies.
Signing on behalf of
Proton
 was the CEO himself,
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah
; on behalf of Suzuki is Chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation,
Mr Osamu Suzuki
 and CEO of Automotive Distribution and Manufacturing DRB-HICOM,
Dato’ Radzaif Mohd
. Also present at the signing ceremony was former Prime Minister and Chairman of Proton,
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohd
, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia,
His Excellency Makio Miyagawa
 and Minister of International Trade and Industry,
Dato’ Sri Mustapha Mohd
.
This collaboration will facilitate four strategic areas that are products, technology, people and market. It will also allow Proton to have access to Suzuki’s models, platforms, powertrain and the Japanese brand’s automotive technology. Suzuki, famous for producing reliable compact cars, have agreed to provide the necessary technical assistance for the products and scope selected by Proton.
Tun Dr Mahathir, when asked if the partnership will come to fruition come 2016, said he will
make sure
 this collaboration materialises, citing previous MoU signing with Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda etc. However, all cards are being kept close to the chest with no specific details made mention, although the idea of Proton utilising their
Tanjung Malim plant
 is on the table.

Proton, inline with the current National Automotive Policy (NAP), expressed their interest on venturing into the sub-litre displacement category, hinting at Suzuki’s
360 to 1,000cc engines
 as possible means of powering future compact cars. This effectively means that Proton will develop an A-Segment contender with Suzuki to battle against the giant that is Perodua. It’s unclear if this collaboration will result in a model rebadge or a newly developed one, but Tun Dr Mahathir did not deny both possibilities.
IMAGE GALLERY


Watch the world’s first Bugatti Chiron dyno run

Sure, electric cars may have won the power race in recent years with their insane horsepower figures and instant torque delivery, but nothing beats the outright fury of a big displacement engine. And when you speak about large displacement engine, there’s no way you don’t mention Bugatti’s massive 8.0-litre W16 monsters.
Which is why it surprised us that no one actually took a
Bugatti Chiron
 onto the Dyno… or at least, none outside Bugatti’s own walled garden. Well, that is, until now – courtesy of a certain
Cannonball Garage
 in Illinois.

And, uh, yeah now we understand why there hasn’t been a dyno’d Bugatti Chiron out there (or one that has been published, at least). First, there’s the whole thing about getting your hands on an ultra-limited hypercar. But even if you do have one, it’s not as simple as just strapping it on and mashing the go pedal.
Speaking to
The Drive
, Cannonball record holder and Cannonball Garage owner Arne Toman explained: “We had to line it up so perfectly because the rollers on the dyno are 81 inches wide – the [Chiron] is 80 inches wide… It was a careful operation to make sure we could dyno this thing safely. Everything was taken very slowly and cautiously, more than usual.”
RELATED: Can a Bugatti Chiron beat at 2011 F1 car in a drag race?
On top of that, Toman also said that the Chiron also has perhaps one of the world’s largest underbody cover (spanning over two-thirds of the car’s length), which they had to meticulously remove to be able to strap the car down properly.
But with all that being said and done, what figures did the Chiron manage on the dyno? According to Cannonball Garage’s runs, the 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine in the Bugatti Chiron managed to lay down a whopping
1,369 hp
 and
1,577 Nm
 of torque, with peak figures coming in at 6,620 rpm and 5,060 rpm respectively.
Dynos are weird, and some over-correct for drivetrain losses. But even with a rough 15% estimate, we’d say that Bugatti’s own official figures (1,200 hp, 1,500 Nm) are actually pretty accurate, or even a little underrated!
Take that, electricity. You might have crazier numbers, but you’ll never beat the sound and fury of actual exploding fuel particles. And heck, this isn’t even the most powerful Chiron yet, and it’s already right about what the best EV hypercars out there are making now.
Long live the ICE.


DBKL implementing new “Scramble Pedestrian” crossing in Bukit Bintang, similar to Shibuya crossing

With the end of Covid-19 nowhere in sight, this is probably the closest we’ll get to experiencing Japan’s famous Shibuya crossing as DBKL has announced plans on their Facebook page to execute the same, in Bukit Bintang.
A location all Malaysians have seen, been to, or know of.
From this Saturday onwards
, DBKL will implement a Scramble Pedestrian at the Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection.
In case you’re wondering, it’s the cross junction where the most recognisable McDonald’s outlet in Malaysia is located. Surrounding landmarks include Sg. Wang, WOLO Hotel and Lot 10.
The new Scramble Pedestrian.
The Scramble Pedestrian crossing will
allow pedestrians from all directions to cross, at the same time
.
According to DBKL, it will allow pedestrians to cross the intersection a lot quicker and more effortlessly. It’ll also make it a lot safer for these pedestrians.
When this comes into effect, it should resemble the world-famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo that dates back over 100 years ago. According to what we found online, there’s an average of 2,500 pedestrians per crossing – resulting in one of the most unique tourist attractions in Japan.
In fact, it’s so iconic in Japan that the crossing was also featured in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Netizens have praised the move on
DBKL’s
 Facebook page

with some relieved that it’s finally happening. Most are already drawing comparisons with Tokyo’s busiest crossing too!
The Scramble Pedestrian will come into effect at
12 am midnight, on the 19th of June 2021
.


The Ford Ranger Wildtrak in the Philippines now comes with this amazing standard accessory

There are many reasons why a pick-up truck isn’t the most logical choice for a vehicle if you’re a city dweller – they’re large, noisy, but most importantly, there’s basically zero privacy or safety for the items that you’re keeping in your truck bed.
Of course, you can always buy purpose-made accessories to keep your cargo safe from prying eyes, but here’s the problem: one, they’re not exactly cheap, and two, fitting after market parts is still a hassle.

Luckily for those living in the Philippines, Ford’s local arm in the country is now offering a new Power Roller Shutter accessory for the
Ranger Wildtrak 4X4
 that comes as standard from the factory!
As the name suggests, the roller shutter is fully motorised, and can be opened or closed either via the key fob, a switch in the truck bed, or from the cabin itself via a button on the dashboard. As it’s an OEM part fully integrated into the truck itself, you can only open the shutter if the doors are unlocked.
The Power Roller Shutter comes with an anti-pinch function, which automatically stops and moves in the opposite direction when it detects any resistance when closing. It also comes with recessed channels along the side rails, so you can make further customisation with after market parts… if you really want to.
The best part of it all is that it’s basically free. The Power Roller Shutter is now offered as standard equipment on the new 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4 in the Philippines at zero additional cost. Carmakers in Malaysia, can we see more of these things, rather than just new decorative trims and decals?
[source: autoindustriya.com]


Goodyear introduces the Worry Free Assurance Programme – promoting road safety with JKJR

Goodyear Malaysia has partnered with the Road Safety Department of Malaysia (JKJR) to organise a road safety workshop for a safer driving environment for Malaysian drivers as their numbers have continued to increase by the year.
The workshop aims to educate road users on the many potential risks that may occur while driving and to stay composed should one encounter unsavoury road hazards and conditions.
“This joint initiative together with JKJR is part of our continuous efforts to create a platform in increasing awareness on road safety. It is our commitment to offer quality products and services to ensure drivers are more prepared and equipped when they are on the road to face various road and weather conditions. A program such as the Worry Free Assurance that we’ve introduce together with this workshop is designed for drivers to have a better, safer, and quality driving experience,” said
Goodyear Malaysia, Managing Director, Ben Hoge.
The workshop included tips on how to tackle unforeseen road hazards, maintenance of vehicle and tyres and pointers on choosing the right tyres for purposes of safety, efficiency and durability.
According to the Road Safety Plan of Malaysia (2014 – 2020)
, road defects and tyre defects were some of the major contributing factors of accidents in 2013.

In line with promoting a peace-of-mind driving experience, Goodyear also introduced the
Worry Free Assurance
 programme which covers irreparable damages caused by road hazards. This program is available across a wide range of products and customers can enjoy the benefit of road hazard assurance for
6 months
 with eligible claims of
one-to-one tyre replacements
at any authorised Goodyear Autocare or Servitekar. Customers are also given a worry-free payment option, which is a 0% interest installment plan for tyres that are under the Worry Free Assurance Program.


2023 Toyota Vios: Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month

Upon launch of the all-new
Toyota Vios
, UMW Toyota Motor announced that it has received over 5,000 orders for the all-new Toyota Vios since
bookings were made open on February 24, 2023
. Available in two variants, the all-new Vios’ prices start at
RM89,600
.

By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
To recap, all versions of the all-new Toyota Vios is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes
106 hp
 and
138 Nm
. Paired with the engine is a new CVT from Toyota which drives the wheels via gears at high speeds and a belt at low speeds. It provides 7 virtual gears that drivers can select from with the paddle shifters (G variant only).
UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “The response for the All-New Toyota Vios has been phenomenal, with more than 5,000 orders to date made since we announced our order-taking on 24 February 2023. This is a testament to the popularity of the All-New Toyota Vios in the Malaysian market”.
“We are excited to kick off the year with the launch of the All-New Toyota Vios, which represents our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality vehicles and services. We look forward to a promising year ahead, full of opportunities to drive Malaysia’s economic growth and development.” he added.
RELATED:
2023 Toyota Vios – No folding rear seats, no spare wheel – Here’s why
The all-new Toyota Vios now fetches a higher starting price but has also introduced new features and improvements to the car. For one, the car is now more fuel efficient, recording
5.2 l/100km
 of fuel consumption. It also introduces telescopic steering adjustment, a more sophisticated exterior design, a more sophisticated interior design, and a lighter overall weight for the Vios.
To commemorate the all-new Toyota Vios, UMW Toyota Motor will be organizing the ‘Showroom Weekender’ event from March 24 to March 26, 2023. The event will allow you to test drive the Toyota Vios and experience “the joy and freedom of seamless” car ownership. UMW Toyota Motor will be offering exclusive test drive gifts at all showrooms nationwide from 24 till 26 March 2023. With over 5,000 orders so far, reception of the all-new Toyota Vios has been good.


Cycle & Carriage PJ launches Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre

Cycle & Carriage PJ Autohaus has just officiated their new Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre here in Petaling Jaya, offering customers a holistic and premium end-to-end experience when shopping for a pre-owned three-pointed star.
Complementing the newly launched
Mercedes-Benz Certified Programme
 for pre-owned cars, customers of the CPO centre can expect to enjoy the same brand experience and service as buying a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Customers can also view a variety of models, ranging from the A- to S-Class, at attractive prices.

All vehicles sold through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Programme comes with a Mercedes-Benz Certified stamp of approval, ensuring every vehicle meets the
nine promises by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)
. This includes a 215-point inspection, guaranteed mileage of less than 125,000 km, 12-month extended warranty, regular servicing and maintenance packages, 24-hour roadside assistance and more.
Cycle & Carriage PJ Autohaus offers world-class 3S (sales, service and spare parts) capabilities, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, 40 work bay capacity as well as added value services such as Premier Express Service, Door-to-Door Service and 24-Hour Motor Vehicle Breakdown Service to ensure both new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz owners will have high levels of customer satisfaction throughout their time with the brand.


Facts&Figures: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC in Malaysia, est RM330,000

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced three EQ models to the local market today with the launch of the
EQS450+
,
EQC400 4MATIC
and last but not least, this, the
EQB350 4MATIC
, starting from an estimated
RM330,000
.
PERFORMANCE
Max Power: 292 hp
Max Torque: 520 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 160 km/h
Consumption: 18.1 – 19.7 kWh/100 km
After the EQA, the EQB350 4MATIC is the second all-electric compact car from the Mercedes-EQ range. It supports up to 11kW AC charging and up to 100kW DC charging. With 11kW AC charging, it takes up to 6.5 hours to fully charge the EQB, but with the faster 100kW DC charger, it takes just 32 minutes to get the EQB charged up to 80%.
With a 66.5 kWh battery pack, the EQB350 4MATIC can return up to 423 km of electric driving range.
EXTERIOR
19-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels
LED High Performance headlamps
Comfort suspension
INTERIOR
After the EQA, the EQB 350 4MATIC is already the second all-electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ. At the same time, it will be introduced with the Alternating current charging system (AC charging) up to 11 kW and a Direct current charging system (DC charging) up to 100 kW. The EQB 350 4MATIC will also include a charging cable for wallbox and public charging station at 5 m, and will also have Acoustic ambient protection. The vehicle is further complemented with Comfort suspension and DYNAMIC SELECT.
Nappa leather multifunction sports steering with shift paddles
Head-up display
Wireless charging
MBUX Interior Assistant
SAFETY
Driving Assistance Package
Active Blindspot Assist
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Steering Assist
Parking Package with 360-degree camera
Exit Warning function
GALLERY


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC, RM649k – Proudly assembled in Malaysia

Back in February this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the
Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC
, the first locally assembled (CKD) fully-electric Mercedes-Benz. It replaces the previous fully imported (CBU) EQS 450+, and fetches a price of
RM648,888
. The CKD EQS is RM50,00 cheaper than the CBU version (RM698,888).
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
While it may look very similar to the
450+
, the EQS 500 4MATIC is not equipped with an AMG Line exterior kit. You can see that the 500 has a less sporty front and rear bumper design and a less sporty set of wheels. However, it does actually pack more power than the AMG Line-kitted 450+ and we’ll get into that in a little bit.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC launched in Malaysia – Locally-assembled EV, RM649k
As standard, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with an Electric Art exterior, a radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern, and a panoramic sliding sunroof. Besides the continuous reflector light strip at the front, the EQS 500 4MATIC also boasts a set of Mercedes-Benz Digital Light system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. Completing the look of the EQS 500 4MATIC is a set of 20-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.
As for colour options, you can choose between four colours – Obsidian Black, High-tech Silver, Nautic Blue, and Graphite Grey. The EQS pictured in this gallery is finished in High-Tech Silver. All 4 colour options do not add any extra costs.
RELATED:
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC launched in Malaysia, RM430k – single variant, MHEV
As mentioned earlier, the EQS 500 4MATIC packs much more power than the 450+ for the simple reason that it has a dual-motor setup. While the single-motor CBU 450 + churned out 333 hp and 565 Nm, the dual-motor EQS 500 4MATIC outputs
449 hp
 and
828 Nm
. With the dual-motor setup, the EQS 500 MATIC does the 0-100 km/h acceleration in
4.8 seconds
 onward to a limited top speed of
210 km/h
.
Nothing to see here
The motors are paired to the same battery pack as the 450+, but software tweaks have raised its usable energy content from 107.9 kWh up to now
108.4 kWh
. However, with a dual-motor setup, range is a little less now –
696 km
 (WLTP), which is still plenty compared to the average EV.
Charging can be done at a maximum rate of
11 kW
 with AC charging (3 phase) and this brings the state of charge (SOC) from 0 to 100% in roughly
10 hours
. As for DC charging, the EQS 500 4MATIC can handle a maximum rate of
200 kW
. This charges the EQS from 20% to 80% in approximately
31 minutes
.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz credit card launched in Malaysia, in partnership with Maybank
Inside, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with the brand’s signature Hyperscreen with the latest MBUX. In total, the EQS has 6 screens with 3 in first row and another 3 in the second row. The front Comfort Seats are equipped with a massage function (with a variety of massage programs), seat heating, seat ventilation, and power adjustment with 3 memory settings. The steering wheel also gets electric tilt & telescopic steering adjustment.
At the back, the seats do not get a massage function but still come with heat seating, seat ventilation, and power adjustments. The screens at the back can be connected wirelessly to Mercedes-Benz headphones that come with the car.
Creating a luxury ambience in the EQS 500 4MATIC is the car’s active ambient lighting system, panoramic sliding sunroof, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The interior materials include Nappa Leather upholstery, Anthracite linestructure lime wood and Anthracite open-pored linestructure lime wood.
As for safety, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus Package coming as standard. The suite of advanced driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control with automatic stop-go functionality, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking, and evasive manouevre support.
RELATED:
Taking the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC up Genting Highlands
GALLERY


First batch of 500 Ford GTs receives over 6,500 orders, costs over RM1.74m each!

The
Ford GT
 is a RM1.74 million supercar (price excludes taxes, mind you), and as Ford recently disclosed, the first batch of 500 units have already received a staggering 6,500 orders!
What’s more mind boggling is that the 6,500 bookings are actually filtered figures from the initial 10,000 applicants worldwide. Hundreds of these applicants went as far as creating videos featuring children, lighting effects, racing footage, revving engines, garage tours and life stories to show why they should own the all-new American supercar.
In the end, the determining factors will include questionnaires prepared by the Blue Oval, as well as as preferring customers who will actually drive the car more than having collectors displaying it in their garages. Applicants will be notified in the coming months and the first delivery of a brand new Ford GT will commence in late 2016.
The Ford GT blew minds when it debuted at the 2015 Detriot Motor Show. Inspired by the classic GT40 car, this supercar is powered by a
 600 hp 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
 mated to a
seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
. Exclusivity is the main theme of this new GT, because Ford plans to build less than 4,000 units of it (about 4,000 units of the GT40 was made).
That said, the 500 lucky buyers could be the happiest people on this planet, and for the 6,000 heartbroken prospects, there’s always supercar solutions from Italy, UK and Germany, if you get our drift.
Also, if you spot a Ford GT here on Malaysian roads, consider yourself a very lucky person.


Introducing Zarooq Motors’ Sandracer GT500 – a supercar for the road & desert

The Sandracer 500GT offers a duality in its purpose whereby offering the luxury of a supercar while possessing the off-road capabilities of a hardened dune racer.
Designed by Zarooq Motors, whose name is inspired by the Arabic name for the fastest snake in the desert, it claims to also be the first car manufacturer from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its founder, Mohammed Al Qadi, has been said to be involved with motor racing for over a decade.
The Sandracer 500GT’s specifications also seem to reflect the definition of which Zarooq Motors’ name was founded on. 0 to 100 km/h arrives in just
under four seconds
 with a top speed of
220 km/h
 courtesy of its 6.2-litre V8 engine producing
 532 hp
 and
660 Nm
 of torque. It also comes with a 5-speed Weddle sequential gearbox and a 6-piston caliper brake system.

Part of what makes this possible is that the 500GT is super light despite the monstrosity it appears to be; weighing in at only
1,300 kg
 (kerb weight) thanks to its carbon fibre body mated to a handmade racing tubular chassis.
It also comes with a built-in roll cage, a 450 mm travel Intrax Racing Suspension and a hefty
130-litre fuel tank
 – necessary ingredients for a vehicle that could possibly be on its roof very often or lost for hours it tackles the treacherous desert dunes.
The Sandracer 500GT is Zarooq Motors’ first production car with a run of 35 vehicles so far. It’s manufactured in collaboration with Mansory, a German car tuning specialist, who’s in charge with the carbon fibre body and leather interior alongside Spanish Grand Prix engineers Campos Racing. It even comes with air-conditioning and an infotainment system too!
In an
interview with CNN
, Zarooq Motors co-founder, Iannis Mardell said, “In my street, I think there are three Ferraris so you can’t really stand out with one of those. You need something a little more eccentric, yet also positive.”
In the same CNN report, Mardel was quoted saying that Zarooq Motors’ clientele consists mostly of royalty from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They also had interest shown from European counterparts along with presumably ultra-wealthy individuals from Russia, Japan and even Kenya.
The asking price for the Sandracer 500GT starts from
USD 450,000 (approx RM 1,929,825)
. To put things in perspective, for that kind of money, you can get two top of the line, limited edition Range Rovers and still have money left to spare.
IMAGE GALLERY


Subaru XV e-Boxer unveiled for Japan, 2.0L hybrid for better refinement

Subaru has just added a hybrid variant to its popular Subaru XV crossover. The electrified XV variant comes equipped with the e-Boxer hybrid powertrain that pairs the original 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine to an electric motor to give it a smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.
The e-Boxer powertrain features a reworked 2.0-litre boxer engine with a higher compression ratio of 13.5:1 as opposed to 13:1 on the standard XV. Curiously this has resulted in a lower engine output of
145 hp
 and
188 Nm
(154 hp/196 Nm on standard XV). However the power deficit is made up by the electric motor gives the XV e-Boxer additional
13.6 hp
 and
65 Nm
 of boost, allowing the crossover to return
19.2 km/L
 on the Japanese JC08 test cycle, 3.2 km more than an equivalent petrol only 2.0-litre XV.
Subaru has maintained the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the XV e-Boxer, however, the additional components from the hybrid system add 110 kg to the car’s weight which now sits at 1,825 kg. The fuel tank has also shrunk from 63 litres to 48 litres to accommodate the hybrid system.
There are some unique touches specific to the hybrid-powered XV such as the Lagoon Blue Pearl paint job, blue interior theme (with blue stitching), hybrid multi-info displays as well as full leather seats. Other than that, you will find the same exact kit as you would on a high-specification petrol-powered XV.
The main selling point for the Subaru XV e-Boxer is to offer drivers a more comfortable driving experience through its linear acceleration, improved performance and refinement on everyday driving.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mazda doesn’t cheat emissions tests, their Skyactiv diesel engines are proof

Ever since
news of car manufacturers cheating emissions tests broke out
 (dieselgate scandal) last year, many governing bodies and transport ministries around the world are prompted to carry out their own emissions tests. Japan is one of the latest.
Japan’s transport ministry MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) sampled six domestic car brands, specifically their diesel powered models, on highways and on regular roads. They found that the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota HiAce, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Delica D5 emitted
two to five times more
 nitrogen oxide than the standard level. However, emissions rose by as much as 10 times in some of the driving test!
However, neither of these vehicles are fitted with defeat devices or illegal softwares. The only cars to pass this test are the
Mazda CX-5
 and
Mazda Demio
 (better known as Mazda2). This speaks volume of Mazda’s pursuit in perfecting the internal combustion engine, and one of the key factors in being able to meet such stringent emission standard is by lowering compression ratio; the Mazda2’s 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D engine operates at a relatively low ratio of
14.8:1
, though some diesel engines go as high as 22.0:1. Find out what we think about the
Mazda2 diesel
, and why Bermaz Motor should have it introduced here.
The current laws only require in-lab tests, of which the standards are set on that basis alone. However, the Japanese government is considering new regulations which will take into account the cars’ real-world on-road performance, and hopes that car manufacturers will respond accordingly.
Emissions of nitrogen oxide are reportedly dependent on weather and style of driving. The tests however, have been extensively conducted, and all discrepancies between laboratory and road tests have been noted repeatedly.
[Source:
Nikkei
]


Enjoy interest rates as low as 0% with MINI’s Add Independence campaign

In conjunction with the nation’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations, MINI Malaysia today introduced the “Add Independence” promotional campaign, featuring attractive offers for the entire MINI model line-up.
Designed to help “MINIacs” get back on the road and seek out new adventures with their cars in the new normal, the MINI Add Independence campaign offers interest rates from 0%, with monthly instalments starting from RM2,315 (based on a five-year tenure period of 80% financing with MINI Balloon Financing).
Additionally, MINI Malaysia is also offering instalment support of up to RM5,000, as well as cash rebates of up to RM22,000 on selected models.
The
MINI Countryman Plug In Hybrid
.
BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Harald Hoelzl said, “MINI Malaysia is excited to welcome MINIacs back on the road with the ‘Add Independence’ campaign as we enter a new normal and celebrate our newfound Independence in conjunction with the month of Merdeka.
“The exciting programmes available are also specially curated for our MINIacs who are looking to seek out new adventures and what better car to do so than our most adventurous MINI Countryman. Regardless of where the adventure leads us, there are different MINI Countryman variants to suit every need.”
The
MINI Countryman Sports
 comes kitted-out with JCW parts as standard.
The Add Independence campaign offers are available from now until the 30th September 2020, while stock lasts. For more information about the campaign and to register your interest, visit MINI Malaysia’s website
here
.
For the latest revised price list for MINI models in Malaysia in reflection of the
sales tax exemptions
 until the end of the year, check out our coverage
here
.


Subaru issues worldwide recall for their vehicles over two possible defects

Subaru Corporation has announced a worldwide recall for their vehicles over possible valve springs and multi-information display defects.
Those with possible valve springs issues involve vehicles manufactured from 16 January 2012 – 14 May 2013. These vehicles include
 2013 model year BRZ, 2013-2014 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2014 Forester and 2012-2014 Impreza and XV
, which are equipped with FA20 or FB20 engines.
The move is merely a precautionary one against the possibility of the valve springs fracturing under stress. This could result in an unusual noise coming from the engine, the engine stalling and not being able to restart.
As for the
affected multi-information displays
, Subaru is reaching out to customers of the
2018 Legacy and Outback
, manufactured before 1st of August 2018.
A programming issue may lead to inaccuracies between what is shown on the multi-information display, in relation to the amount of fuel left, and the actual drivable distance.
Subaru is taking a precautionary measure to ensure that information on the fuel gauge and the amount of drivable distance left is accurate.
Customers across the region – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam – will be notified about this recall. Replacement of the valve springs and related parts are free of charge.


Volvo Cars opens its first manufacturing plant in US, assembles new S60

Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker has just opened its doors to its first manufacturing plant in the USA. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the new plant was established in line with the car maker’s global manufacturing strategy of “Build where you sell”.
The Charleston facility spans 1,600 acres of land while the building space covers 2.3 million square feet. At maximum capacity, the plant is able to produce 150,000 cars per annum. Volvo Cars is investing around US$1.1 billion for this plant and are expected to create around 4,000 new jobs in the coming years. The plant estimates to employ 1,500 staff by the end of 2018.
President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, Anders Gustafsson said: “The opening of our first American factory is a very big deal, Our US business is developing well, our cars have won prestigious awards, and the new South Carolina facility will be a big asset to both Volvo Cars and the community.”
The plant will start production of the
new Volvo S60
 destined for the domestic US market and international export. The factory will also build the
next-generation Volvo XC90 SUV
 when the new SUV is due in 2021.
In a separate note, Volvo Car Malaysia’s assembly plant in Shah Alam rolled out its first car, the Volvo 144  back in 1966. Currently, the Shah Alam plant is capable of assembling Volvo’s latest Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid models for domestic consumption as well as
export markets
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo Cars Manufacturing Plant in South Carolina, USA

Volvo S60 R-Desgin


UMW Toyota teases 2021 Fortuner – Malaysia launch imminent!

UMW Toyota is starting off the new year with a bang by teasing the updated 2021 Fortuner on its social media platforms and website, pointing at an imminent launch here in Malaysia. Interested customers can now register their interest on
UMW Toyota’s website
.
The Toyota Fortuner facelift was first introduced in Thailand back in June last year alongside the Hilux, which was also
recently launched here in Malaysia
. The updated 2021 model will feature several aesthetic changes, including a reworked front bumper and grille, the latter flanked by reshaped LED headlights. Around the back, the LED tail lights also gain a new light signature.
Teaser image provided by UMW Toyota.
Based on the teaser image shared by UMW Toyota on their website, it seems that we will also be getting the 2021 Toyota Fortuner in the range-topping ‘Legender’ variant (as it is known in Thailand), which sports a sportier front-end resembling that of the
all-new Toyota Harrier
.
Variant-exclusive touches for the range-topping model include a split grille design with a large gaping lower intake, sharper fog lamp housings, sharper headlights with a segmented daytime-running light signature, as well as larger wheels.
The Standard Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner ‘Legender’
Just like the updated Hilux, the changes on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is also mostly reserved for the exterior, aside from a few equipment updates on the inside. On the Thailand model, these include an updated Optitron analogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch multi-info display, alongside an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Legender variant also gains the
Toyota Safety Sense
 suite advanced driver assistance systems, which includes functions such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. When the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is launched in Malaysia, do expect the system to also be equipped on our local model.
The updated Toyota Fortuner in Thailand is available with two turbodiesel engines – the smaller 2.4 litre unit making
150 hp
 and
400 Nm
, while the larger 2.8 litre unit pushing out
204 hp
 and
 500 Nm.
As you might have expected, these are the same powertrains used in the updated Toyota Hilux, which included several improvements for better power output (on the 2.8-litre engine), improved NVH performance, fuel efficiency, as well as a new longer service interval.
Both powertrains are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox over in Thailand, and depending on variant, with two- or four-wheel drive. Here in Malaysia, the
current Toyota Fortuner
 is offered in with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit, alongside a 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol version which makes 164 hp and 245 Nm of torque, with only four-wheel drive available on both variants.
GALLERY


Windfall for Grab drivers in the Proton Wealth on Wheels Challenge

In a bid to prove just how rewarding it is for Grab drivers to use Proton cars as their revenue-generating ‘partners’, Proton Edar organised the Proton Wealth on Wheels Challenge 2018 where participants were tasked to get the most out of one tank of fuel over a day to win lucrative prizes.
A total of 2,181 drivers were recruited for the challenge in July, with the first 1,000 receiving a service voucher worth RM30 from Proton. The qualification contest was then carried out from 1
st
 to 5
th
 August in the Klang Valley with the best performers selected from each model category (Iriz, Persona and Saga) to compete in the final. These finalists were rewarded with RM500 sales vouchers redeemable for new car purchases.
On the challenge day, the finalists had their fuel tank topped up and sealed before setting off at 9am with a mission to earn as much as possible using the least amount of fuel before returning at 5pm to tally up the fuel consumption achievements.
Auspicious-sounding prize plus zero-GST equals a lot of savings for a new Proton.
“The PROTON 1 Tank Adventure reminded car buyers that Proton cars can take them on some wonderful journeys around Malaysia using just one tank of fuel. With Grab, we wanted to show their driver-partners that a Proton car helps them get around quickly, safely and economically, leaving more money in their pockets at the end of the day,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
When the results were tabulated, Lim Poh Aik emerged victorious in the Saga category with RM168 earned using 16 litres of petrol; Tun Kamalul Zaman bin Abdul Jamal took top honours in the Persona category with an impressive RM353 over 25 litres while Long Mun Fai won the Iriz category by garnering RM158 with 16 litres of fuel used. For their efforts, each took home a grand prize worth RM6,888 comprising Proton sales vouchers and special incentives from Grab Malaysia.


Bugatti Chiron Super Sport now in production – 8 of 30 already off the assembly line!

Two years after the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport made its debut with the
“record-breaking” high-speed run
, the “fastest Bugatti ever made” has now finally entered production, with the first eight units having just rolled off the factory floor in Molsheim, France.
The superfast “longtail” model is limited to just 30 units, each reportedly priced upwards of RM16 million – not that it matters much, though, as you’ll have to already be on Bugatti’s speed dial to even be considered for purchase anyway.
What makes the Super Sport stands out from the other Bugatti Chiron model is its single-minded focus on top speed. Don’t just take it from us; here’s what Bugatti themselves said: “From the front splitter to the rear diffuser, every centimetre of its skin is designed for top speed.”
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is the first hypercar to breach the 300 mph mark – but it’s not an officially-recognised record… Learn more here.
First of all, the iconic Bugatti W16 engine has been tweaked to squeeze out more oomph, with the 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged mill now making
1,600 hp
and
1,600 Nm
 of torque – a 100 hp bump over the
regular Chiron
.
Power is translated into the tarmac via all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and with the extra grunt, the Chiron Super Sport reaches 200 km/h from a standstill in just
 5.8 seconds
.
Of course, as we’ve alluded to before, acceleration isn’t the main attraction here. For the Super Sport, Bugatti only cares about its top speed, and the magic number they’ve managed to achieve is a massive
 440 km/h
.
Several design modifications had to be made in order to hit the VMax speed, including a new rear section that stretches (lengthwise) an additional 250 mm over the regular Chiron, supposedly helping to reduce drag by up to 40%.
Can the Bugatti Chiron beat a 2011 F1 car? Watch the full drag race here!
There are even holes at the top of the front fenders to release the air pressure generated from the spinning wheels, thereby generating streamlined downforce at the front, and at the rear there’s also now a bigger diffuser for improved aerodynamics.
Heck, even the wheels and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are specially designed and x-rayed to ensure they’ll stay as a single piece when it’s spinning at those super speeds – The company says that they’re the first wheel combo rated to safely and consistency drive up to 500 km/h.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is designed to go faster around the bends, but slower in a straight line. Learn more here!
The first eight cars to roll out of the Molsheim factory floor are all dressed in a black exterior paint job, contrasted by bright orange stripes running along the entire length of the car from the bonnet to the wings – taking on the looks of the original record-breaking Super Sport.


马来西亚10个Tesla超级充电站位置-仅限西海岸，附带“闲置费用”

伴随着Tesla Model Y在马来西亚的价格公布，Tesla还列出了马来西亚即将开设的超级充电网络充电站的位置。毕竟，如果你不能从其超级充电网络中获益，购买全新的Tesla又有什么意义呢。
目前这些位置仍标为“即将开放”，列出的位置及其开放时间可能会变化，新的位置将每季度更新。目前在官方Tesla网站上列出的位置有：
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Dengkil, Selangor
Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (第1个额外地点)
Kuala Lumpur (第2个额外地点)
Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Ipoh, Perak
Negeri Sembilan
Perai, Pulau Pinang
与马来西亚的大部分充电点运营商一样，Tesla的超级充电网络主要服务于西海岸，重点在巴生谷。目前列出的州包括森美兰州，槟城，霹雳和柔佛。
在Tesla的网站上，声明“超级充电的付款将自动从Tesla应用中的付款方式处理”。尚待观察是否会与本地充电点运营商进行任何合作。有趣的是，Tesla可能实施“闲置费用”以防止充满电的汽车占用。
Tesla的网站还提到了其家庭充电解决方案，Tesla表示这是其客户最方便的充电方法。Tesla建议在家中或任何物业安装其充电装置，这些将很快在马来西亚推出。
Tesla已经公布了马来西亚的Tesla Model Y的价格，选装之前，价格起价为RM199,000。车辆的几项选项包括涂装和全自动驾驶（FSD）。您现在可以预定Model Y，预定费为RM1,000，不可退款。
【英文版】


MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition unveiled – 6-speed manual only, limited 999 units

Set to make its world premiere at the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring on May 20 is the
MINI John Cooper Works
 1to6 Edition
. It is a special edition of the MINI JCW, which, starting from September, will be available in Europe, America, Canada, and Mexico.
The MINI JCW 1to6 celebrates the entry of the MINI John Cooper Works GP into the 24-hour race at Nurburgring with Bulldog Racing. As a special edition of the MINI JCW, the 1to6 Edition can be distinguished by some of its exterior features.
Perhaps the most obvious exterior feature of the 1to6 edition is its Edition-specific centre-running bonnet stripe. That stripe is matches with a Midnight Black body colour, and the car is adorned with its edition logo in red, white and silver. The 1to6 also gets badges on its C pillars, and side cuttles and a waistline finisher in Piano Black. Completing the exterior look of the JCW 1to6 Edition is a set of 18-inch Circuit Spoke rims in jet black.
Powering the Mini John Copper Works 1to6 is still the same 2.0-littre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that outputs
231 hp
 (metric) and
320 Nm
. As for transmission choices, the JCW 1to6 can only be specced with a 6-speed manual transmission only. The 6-speed manual transmission is also the reason behind the “1to6” moniker of the special edition, which MINI says provides an “unfiltered and authentic driving experience”.
RELATED:
MINI teases new steering wheel, OLED screen for upcoming models
Distinguishing features of the 1to6 also continue into the cabin of the car as it gets door sills with an edition-specific 1to6 logo, a 3D-embossed decorative surface on the passenger side, and a “one of 999” black lettering on the left side of the steering wheel. It also gets a gear shifter with red stitching and the lower steering wheel spoke and floormats are adorned with a MINI John Copper Works 1to6 Edition emblem.
MINI Head, Stefanie Wurst said, “The MINI John Cooper Works models have their roots in motorsport. With the MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, we are celebrating MINI’s legendary motorsport history and maximizing the brand-typical driving experience.”
RELATED:
MINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k
GALLERY


The jaw-dropping Ferrari 296 GTB is here to kickstart Maranello’s V6 hybrid era

Welcome, everybody, to Ferrari’s future, filled with electrified powertrains and downsized engines – and if “downsizing” can still look (and sound) this amazing, we’re all in. This is the Ferrari 296 GTB, and it’s a two-door, two-seater addition to the
458
,
488
, and
F8
 line-up that started what seems like aeons ago now. But aside from that, the 296 GTB is truly unlike any other car Ferrari has ever put on the roads.
And the reason for that is none other than the powertrain behind the 296 GTB’s passenger compartment – Ferrari’s first-ever V6 engine in a production model… well, technically. No, we’re not forgetting the Dino, but the historic model was never actually branded as a Ferrari, so this statement
is
 technically correct, even though it sounds more like a marketing statement than anything else.
That’s also ignoring the many V6 Ferrari engines that has won a myriad of races in the company’s motorsports history. But aside from the cylinder count and layout, it’s actually a very different beast from what’s come before.
The 2,992 cc displacement and six cylinders gives the car its name (which should technically be called 306 if we’re being pedantic, but we don’t have to explain why it isn’t named that). But crucially, the engine is set-up in a 120-degree hot vee layout, making enough space to fit both its turbochargers in between the cylinders, while allowing it to be placed lower in the body and thus, lowering the centre of gravity.
The twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine by itself makes 663 hp, which Ferrari claims is a new record for “specific power output”, at 221 hp/l. But that’s not all you’re getting on the Ferrari 296 GTB, because there’s also an electric motor on the rear axle, sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which raises the total system output to
 830 hp
 and
740 Nm
.
With that amount of power (110 hp more than the F8 Tributo’s 3.9-litre V8), the 296 GTB rockets to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
, and 200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (135 km/h on pure electric mode).
The performance is complemented by an all-new chassis that’s 50 mm shorter in wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, lowering the inertia of the car which promises better handling. In the live online launch event, Ferrari’s Chief Technical Officer Michael Hugo Leiters even said the new GTB provides a “fun to drive, go-kart feeling”.
That’s especially impressive considering that it weighs approximately 140 kg more than the F8, thanks to its electric components and battery pack (though the V6 engine is 30 kg lighter than the V8). To keep the weight as low as possible, the battery pack at a capacity of only 7.45 kWh is minute by today’s PHEV standards, and only provides a 25 km range on pure electricity.
Sound’s good, doesn’t it? But performance is not what keeps these cars on bedroom walls. For a sports car to be good, it must first look good – and boy oh boy is this a stunner.
Compared to most modern Ferraris that seem to carry an “in your face” design language, the 296 GTB is relatively pared down, with sleek and measured curves, not unlike the new
 Roma
 (which I think is beautiful, and there’s nothing you can do to change my mind).
But don’t mistake the purity of its design for simplicity, because in addition to its elegant looks, the curves also function as aerodynamic devices to either channel air into the cooling vents, or generate downforce.
Even without any aero appendages aside from the deployable rear wing (like the
SF90 Stradale
), the new 296 GTB makes upwards of 360 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The see-through flat engine cover and vertical rear screens between the flying buttresses are just icing on the cake.
The clean and matured styling effort also continue onto the interior, where you’ll find exclusive Italian leather trim on the dashboard and seats, alongside the wraparound digital instrument cluster, steering wheel, and gear selector panel borrowed from the SF90 Stradale.
Customers who want a racier-looking car can opt for the Assetto Fiorano package, which in addition to the subtly more aggressive exterior design and unique livery, also slashes the car’s weight by more than 12 kg thanks to the use of carbon fibre components, and comes with a sportier-tuned suspension.
The new Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from EUR269,000 (~RM1.3 million) with the Italian tax and duties included; the Assetto Fiorano package raises the price up to EUR302,000 (~RM1.5 million). Deliveries will start at left-hand drive European countries first in Q1 2022, with other nations to follow shortly.
GALLERY


Nissan Note Aura gets Nismo treatment in Japan, but no gain in power

Nissan recently introduced the Note Aura in Japan, a compact series-hybrid based on the third-generation Note that first made its debut last November. So far, so good – but for some reason unbeknownst to us, Nissan decided that the Note Aura – a city car, let us remind you – needed a
Nismo
 treatment.
Dubbed a “swift electrified city racer” by Nissan, the Note Aura Nismo gains several new sporty design elements, inspired by the marque’s
Formula E
 race car. These touches include new bumpers with bright red splitters, wide-rim 17-inch aluminium wheels, and a new roof spoiler that supposedly offers “optimised aerodynamic downforce” honed through motor racing, improving stability at high speeds.
Tying it all up on the exterior are the red-painted wing mirror covers, alongside a black racing stripe on the bonnet. Buyers can choose from a selection of five different exterior colour variations, four of them two-tone combinations.
Nismo once built an actual electric race car, based on the Nissan Leaf! Check it out here.
Inside, the Nissan Note Aura Nismo gets a mixture of dark colours and red accents that supposedly “evoke focus and excitement for driving”. The sportier city hybrid also gets a set of sport seats for the front passengers, with a fabric/synthetic leather combination upholstery, embroidered with the Nismo logo on the seat backs.
Nismo managed to squeeze another 120 hp out of the Nissan GT-R’s engine. Here’s how they did it!
As for mechanical upgrades, Nissan says that the Note Aura Nismo gets an upgraded “specialised suspension” and “optimised body rigidity distribution”, but stopped short on what those words actually mean on the technical front.
And as we’ve alluded to in the title, the Nismo city car doesn’t actually gain any improvements in terms of the power. Underneath the bonnet is still Nissan’s e-Power series hybrid powertrain, featuring a small 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine to charge the batteries, while an electric motor pushes
100 kW (134 hp)
 and
300 Nm
 to the front wheels.
The all-new Nissan Kicks also features an e-Power series hybrid powertrain! Check out the Thailand-spec car here.
The Nissan Note Aura Nismo does however get a new Nismo drive mode, which promises a more powerful response and increased acceleration, which Nissan says will “live up to the expectations of Nismo fans and genuine lovers of driving”.
As you might have gathered, the Nissan Note Aura Nismo will only be available for the Japanese market. Priced at JPY2,869,900 (~RM111k), the spruced-up Note Aura is set to go on sale in the Autumn, though the regular variants (including an all-wheel drive model) is available now.
GALLERY


BMW promises playtime soon, all-new 2022 M2 coming later this year

BMW
announced back in November
last year that the all-new M2 will be unveiled sometime in 2022, but ever since then, it’s almost complete radio silence from the German carmaker. Well, that is, until now, as BMW has just published the first official teaser to the upcoming compact high-performance coupe, giving us a first taste of what to expect.

The short 35-second video, titled “The M2 is on its way, get ready for playtime”, features plenty of bright lights and action movie-esque shaky-cam driving shots, but not so much of the actual M2 itself.
The only few scenes with cars are dark and heavily obscured, too, but it seems that BMW didn’t even bother including the new car in the teaser at all. Squinting our eyes and looking closely, it seems that the car at around the 0:05 mark is the
 current, outgoing BMW M2
, while for some reason BMW seems to also have included a
Tesla Model S
 at 0:20 and 0:25. What?
Pretty sure that’s a Tesla Model S’ headlights…
At least, we won’t have to work
too
 hard to guess how it’ll look, since it’ll be based heavily on the
G42 BMW 2 Series Coupe
 that was unveiled last year. Expect widened and more muscular fenders here, and more aero surfaces, larger wheels and brakes, quad exhaust tips, and perhaps, even the massive nostril kidney grille as seen on the
M3
 and
M4
.
As for performance, we’re also expecting a similar recipe to that of the current M2/M2 Competition, which means a detuned version of the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, making around 450 hp with power sent to the rear wheels (probably).
The upcoming all-new 2022 M2 is also rumoured to be one of the last-ever “traditional” BMW with an inline-six, non-electrified engine, and a manual transmission. So the so-called “enthusiasts”, you know what to do.
That’s about all we know for now on the upcoming 2022 BMW M2, except that it’ll be built exclusively at the San Luis Potosí Plant in Mexico. What else is on your BMW M2 wishlist? Drop a comment below to let us know.
GALLERY


G30 BMW 530e Sport PHEV launched in Malaysia, priced at RM343,800!

BMW Group Malaysia has officially launched the plug-in hybrid variant of the world’s most successful business sedan, the G30 BMW 530e Sport. It is the fifth model BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country following the F30 330e.
Thanks to the Government’s Approve Hybrid Incentive, the locally assembled 530e Sport is priced at RM343,800, netting RM45k savings over the BMW 530i M Sport. Curiously the 530e is also priced considerably lower than its German rival, the
Mercedes-Benz E 350 e
 which retails from RM393k. The Bavarian sedan also undercuts the
Volvo S90 T8
 by some RM26k.
QUICK FACTS
Name
G30 BMW 530e Sport
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Torque
181 hp @ 5,000 – 6,500 rpm
Max Power
290 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,250 rpm
Electric Motor
111 hp & 250 Nm
Combined Output
248 hp & 420 Nm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.2 seconds; 235 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM343,800
Like the
330e
 range, BMW Malaysia first rolled out the 530e dressed in the Sport line trim. The Sport line bags a more elegant body kit, dual exhaust outlets in black chrome, front ornamental grille with Active Air Stream. It rides on 19-inch 635 V-spoke style alloys wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 sticky rubbers – 245/40 profile front and 275/35 profile at the rear. BMW Malaysia has omitted the adaptive LED headlamps in favour of simpler high-performance LED units.

BMW Malaysia has expressed that the 530i M Sport will be positioned as the flagship model in the G30 line up and therefore will not offer the 530e in the M Sport trim for the time being. However, customers can still spice up their PHEV with the M Performance kit.
Inside, the 530e gets the same kit as the petrol only variant – Dakota leather upholstery, Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered front seats with memory function, 10.25-inch touchscreen iDrive system, 11-colour ambient lighting, powered boot, quad-zone climate control and powered rear sun blinds.

Unique to the 530e are the iPerformance-specific 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, 205W 12-speaker HiFi system and eDrive designation trims. Items such as Harman Kardon sound surround sound system, gesture control, BMW Display Key and powered sunroof have been
omitted
.
Motivation comes from BMW’s famed eDrive system that marries a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with
181 hp
 and
290 Nm
 of torque paired to an electric motor that serves up
113 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. All the combined output of
248 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of twisting force gets sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Adaptive dampers are also thrown into the mix.
The 530e boats a century sprint time of 6.2 seconds onwards to a top speed of 235 km/h. BMW claims that the car will only sip 2 litres of fuel for every 100 km travelled. Under the rear bench, you’ll find a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that takes just under 5 hours from a standard domestic power socket or under three hours when plugged into a BMW i Wallbox. The 530e can travel 46 km on pure electric at a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
Safety kit reads six airbags, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), ISOFIX mounting points and flat tyre indicator. Other Driving Assistants include Lane Departure Warning, lane Change Warning, Cross Traffic Warning and Parking Assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking.
The BMW 530e comes in four exterior shades – Bluestone Metallic, Mediterranean Blue, Alpine White and Black Sapphire. Like all models sold through BMW Malaysia, the 530e comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with free-scheduled service and BMW tyre warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY


Petronas’ new Café Mesra now offers barista-quality coffee at selected stations

Stuck on the roads, but desperately need a cup of good Joe? Good news – you now have at least one more option to choose from, as Petronas has just unveiled the new Café Mesra coffee shop, with outlets to be strategically located at selected
Petronas
 stations for greater convenience.
The café will offer a range of foods and beverages, including “barista-quality” handcrafted coffee featuring its signature Mesra Latte, alongside two “new food concepts” dubbed Fusian and SayHeart. The former, as the name suggests, offers a selection of blended cuisine such as Nasi Goreng Mesra and Nasi Goreng Salsa.
SayHeart, meanwhile, features “healthy yet tasty food for the health-conscious”, including a plant-based Ayam Masak Merah with cauliflower rice, gluten-free plant-based burger, and an all-natural decadent Kuih Bar. The company adds that the SayHeart food items are also locally sourced, in support of Malaysia’s local farmers and vendors.
Speaking at the launch, Mesra Retail & Café CEO, Ian Malcolm Cruddas said that the company expect to open and operate 50 Café Mesra outlets throughout the country by the end of the year, including standalone cafés and kiosks. It’s now available at 11 Petronas stations around Klang Valley, including a maiden drive-through Café Mesra at Petronas USJ20, plus one more at Bandar Baru Nilai.
Petronas Dagangan Berhad Vice President and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani said, “Café Mesra is part of PDB’s continuous pursuit to make our customers’ everyday lives simpler and better. This is yet another initiative where we leverage our existing network and infrastructure to widen our reach, improve our retail offering, and future-proof our business.”
More information on Café Mesra can be found on the company’s website, linked
here
.


Updated 2021 Mazda CX-3 now with Apple CarPlay, Smart City Braking, from RM130,729

One of the poster child of compact SUVs is the Mazda CX-3 and Bermaz Motor has just released information on the updated model.
No cosmetic changes in this round of updates, so we can jump straight into the interior where tangible upgrades are added which the driver can appreciate. The seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
The improved infotainment is also fitted with the new 360-degree View Monitor that provides a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surrounding at parking speeds. Parking assistance is further improved by the placement of four parking sensor cells on the front bumper.
Occupants also sit on new leatherette-fabric seat upholstery, as opposed to full leather material in the
facelift model
.
The price increase also sees the return of the tilt-and-slide moonroof (priced at RM2,000), an item that was curiously omitted in the facelift model. In terms of driver assistance systems, the updated Mazda CX-3 receives the Smart City Braking Support (or autonomous emergency braking) that can also function while in reverse.
Other additional features in the i-Activesense suite are the High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning System and Driver Attention Alert.
Five exterior colours are available, with the addition of the Polymetal Grey that debuted in the all-new
Mazda 3
 hatchback.
The Mazda CX-3 continues to be offered in only one variant and a single powertrain installation. A 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine packing
154 hp
 and
204 Nm
 of torque drive the front wheels via a six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission.
The SkyActiv powertrain works in tandem with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) that helps reduce body roll and improve ride comfort by altering the engine torque and subtle braking inputs when necessary.
Pricing for the updated Mazda CX-3 2.0 starts from
RM130,729
 (with 50% sales tax exemption) and the price is inclusive of five-year / 100,000 km free maintenance package and manufacturer warranty coverage plus Mazda’s Skytint window security and tint fitment.
The Mazda CX-3 remains to be fully imported from Japan and customers can only expect their vehicles to be delivered from
July 2021
.
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Video: 2021 All-new 4th generation Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury launched, 5 Things

Two months after its
Singaporean launch
, UMW Toyota has launched the
all-new 4th generation Toyota Harrier
 in Malaysia. It will only be
available in a single variant
, the 2.0-litre Luxury, priced at RM249,706.50 on-the-road without insurance. The new Harrier comes fully imported from Japan.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine with
173 hp
 and
 203 Nm
, paired to Toyota’s Direct Shift CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.

On the outside, the Harrier comes with LED everything and this extends to the daytime running lights, front fog lamps, projector headlamps, and rear lighting fixtures. Under the wheel arches are 18-inch wheels and topping the exterior off is the hands-free tailgate feature.
Inside, the Harrier comes with a myriad of new additions. For starters, it comes with a head up display, ventilated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic moon roof with manual dimming functions and a wireless charger.
As for safety, the Harrier is safeguarded by seven airbags, and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense which includes:
Pre Collision Braking
Lane Departure Alert
Lane Tracing Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (all speeds)
Adaptive High Beam
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Volkswagen Polo Black & White Edition, 11 units only on Lazada, RM68,488

Following the overwhelming success of their online sales with the
special edition Beetle
 and
JOIN models
, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced yet another special edition model to be sold exclusively on
Lazada.com.my
 in conjunction with Lazada’s annual 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration.
The Volkswagen Polo Black & While is limited to
11 units only
 and will be available for purchase from 11 November 2018 onwards. Based on the standard Polo 1.6 MPI, the Polo B&W gains RM7,500 worth of accessories. It’s finished in Candy While and comes fitted with VW tint, rear spoiler, body side mouldings, side mirror covers, 15-inch alloy wheels all finished in black.

The black theme continues inside with its black leather seats, RCD 340G head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and multifunctional steering wheel. It soldiers on with the same 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI petrol and six-speed automatic combo delivering
105 hp
 and
153 Nm
 to the front wheels.
In the spirit of the 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration, the Polo Black & White carries a special price tag of
RM68,488
 (on-the-road without insurance), RM6,502 cheaper than what you would
normally pay
 at the showroom floors. As part of the deal, their official bank partner Hong Leong Bank will also be offering a special low-interest rate of 1.11 per cent per annum for a 5-Year Loan.
To place a booking, customers will only have to place a booking fee of RM799 on Lazada and can be paid via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking. After which customers will be contacted by a Volkswagen representative to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.
The Volkswagen Polo Black & White comes with a 5-Years Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Polo Black & White Edition


Updated Proton Iriz leaked by Tun Dr. M?

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is proving to be quite the leaker of Proton models, and this time it’s purportedly the facelifted Iriz hatchback.
In this video posted by KiniTV, the Prime Minister and former Proton chairman is seen driving himself in a Proton Iriz to attend an official function at Putrajaya. The near two-minute long video also shows both the front and back of the Iriz, and we do see quite a fair bit of work done on the external styling.
It would appear that the facelifted Iriz is getting a new face.
For starters the front end looks to be entirely new; the bonnet is now a clamshell design (a la Persona) and the headlamp slimmer and reconstituted with stronger visual cues. Of course, no one can miss the prominent chrome trim that runs from the outer edges of the headlamps and meets just under the Proton emblem that sits on a larger, redesigned front grille. The front bumper is new too, looks cleaner and sports a pair of new day-time running lights.
Iriz rear end gets a makeover that significantly alters its aesthetics.
Not much is changed on the sides and doors though it’s obvious the multi-spoke alloy wheels are new, but like the front, the rear styling of the Iriz also receives a significant makeover; the most obvious being the large trim valance under the rear windscreen which has the ‘PROTON’ alphabets laid out on it, similar to modern Volvos. The rear spoiler appears unchanged, as are the LED taillamps but the bumper is all new with an angular cut-out, along with a lower trim featuring a chrome accent.
We expect to see the forthcoming facelifted Iriz to also incorporate a raft of interior updates, including a version of the GKUI that’s proven to be such a
hit in the X70
. Like what you see?
(Images in this story are screen grabs from the
video posted by KiniTV
)


Trapo unveils updated range of anti-bacterial car mats with up to 10x more durability

Trapo
, the home-grown customisable car mat brand, today unveiled its newest line-up of car mats featuring various new improvements to their existing products, in response to customer demand and latest technologies.
First of three new products is the Trapo Classic Mark III, an upgrade from the best-selling Trapo Classic Mark II with two times the durability of its predecessor. New on the Mark III is a new deodorising mechanism, which helps neutralise any odours in the mat and your car for a scentless experience from day one.
The Trapo Classic Mark III also comes in two new colour options – brown and grey – in addition to black to suit more vehicles’ interiors better. The Classic Mark III starts at
RM199.90
.
The same brown colour option and new deodorising technology is also available for the range-topping Trapo Hex II mats, but the Hex II stands out with its increased strength of up to 10 times the durability of its predecessor.
There’s also a reengineered padding tracking design which helps optimise grip between the mat and the vehicle’s flooring, while the metal plate at the bottom has now been replaced with a more sustainable rice husk plate, in line with the company’s eco-friendly values.
Both the Trapo Hex II and Trapo Classic Mark III features the brand’s patented technology that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. The Trapo Hex II starts at
RM339.90
.
Last but not least is the Trapo Eco Duo, featuring a new dual-layer design to help trap more dust in the mat, and allows for easier cleaning. The Eco Duo features an eco-friendly design utilising up to 68% of recycled materials, and also allows for more customisation options, including an exclusive army green lining. The Eco Duo starts at
RM169.90
.
All three new mats also features a new Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) lining material, using up to 12 recycled 500 ml bottles per mat!
More information on the new Trapo mats can be found on its website, linked
here
.


Aston Martin DB10: James Bond gets an all-new ride for his next film Spectre

James Bond, the famous fictional British Secret Service agent more fondly known by his code number 007, is set to drive the all-new Aston Martin DB10 that was
specifically developed
 for the film franchise’s next series –
Spectre.
The DB10 is the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin’s designing team and the Bond film’s director, Sam Mendes, with the objective to create the ultimate sports car for the spy. It was exclusively unveiled at the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios.
During the unveiling, the British luxury sports carmaker revealed that the DB10 is an indication of the brand’s
future design direction
 for their next generation Astons. As of yet, there’s no word on what will reside under the hood of this DB10.
Production for the film-specific DB10 will be strictly limited to
10 units
.
Spectre
is set to hit the big screen on 6 November 2015.


Hyundai breaks all design norms with the all-new Elantra

The
all-new Hyundai Elantra
 makes its world debut today through a live broadcast at its special event in West Hollywood. Hyundai says that the latest generation of its popular compact sedan is designed for “the next generation” who are “sensible yet disruptive and always questioning traditions”.

This non-conformist mindset is clearly seen on the styling of the all-new Elantra, where the designers adopted a “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity for the sedan using parametric and geometric shapes and sharp lines.
The Elantra now takes on a four-door coupe look, fit with a wider stance, lower roofline, and a more rearward cowl (the part between the windscreen and front bonnet), thanks to the new platform it is built on. The platform results in a growth in almost all dimensions of the vehicle including a longer wheel base, except for height – the all-new Elantra is 20 mm shorter
than before
.
The front fascia of the all-new Elantra is dominated by a parametric-jewel pattern grille. The turn signals are integrated into the grille, along with the headlights to form a singular wing-shaped architecture.
On the side, Hyundai designers took “unconventional lines” to another level, featuring geometric-like creases to form the character lines, almost like cut gem. The all-new Elantra is available on wheel sizes ranging from 15- to 17-inches.
Moving to the rear, a horizontal line extends across the entire boot, emphasising the width of the compact sedan. The illuminated line joins the two taillights to form the “H-Tail Lamp”, creating a Hyundai flying H logo-like graphic.
Despite the dramatic changes done to the proportions to the car, Hyundai says that the cabin space were barely impacted, with most key interior dimensions actually increased.
The cabin layout adopts a “immersive cocoon” design, with all key touchpoints enveloping the driver, like an airplane cockpit. To emphasize the width of the car, Hyundai utilised a low, wide structure that runs from door to door, with the air-conditioning vents integrated neatly into a single line.
On the higher-spec models, a large interface sits atop the sloping dashboard, consisting of two 10.25-inch displays – one each for the instrument cluster and infotainment display – joined by one single piece of glass. The touchscreen is also angled towards the driver to make usage slightly easier.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes as standard on all variants, even on the smaller eight-inch infotainment display. The all-new Elantra also comes packed with enhanced natural-language voice recognition for feature controls all around the car.
The all-new Elantra can also be fitted with an optional Digital Key, allowing the car to be unlocked and driven just by using your smartphone, or the back-up NFC card – perfect for the younger generation who can’t seem to be seperated from their phones.
The latest-generation Hyundai Elantra comes as standard with a 2.0-litre MPI engine, generating
147 hp
 and
179 Nm
. Hyundai says that the engine is projected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy rating, partly thanks to the
Intelligent Variable Transmission
 (IVT), which utilises a chain-design belt in places of the more common push belt.
However, if fuel economy is something you care deeply about, the all-new Hyundai Elantra will also be available for the first time ever with a hybrid powertrain. The
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
 is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to a permanent-magnet electric motor which sips power from a 1.32 kWh battery.
The hybrid powertrain generates a combined system output of
139 hp
 and
264 Nm
 of torque, with power transferred to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai says that the combined fuel economy is estimated to
 exceed 4.7 l/100km
.
Hyundai is heavily marketing the all-new Elantra as a sports sedan, with a focus on driving dynamics. The Korean carmaker says that the majority of the effects come from the all-new platform, which results in a lower centre of gravity, improved steering response due to the new gearbox position, as well as a lower seating position.
Suspension mounting structures have also been revised for a more responsive handling, along with the suspensions tuning itself which Hyundai says is “taut yet comfortable”, minimising unwanted body roll while maximising wheel impact absorption.
As standard, the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be equipped with several SmartSense advance safety and convenience technologies, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian detection), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
The SmartSense can be further upgraded with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Radar Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.
The Hyundai Elantra is expected to begin production in Autumn 2020, at the Ulsan, Korea factory. Right before the end of the broadcast, Hyundai executives revealed that there will be a
N-line version
 of the Elantra, but they remained tight-lipped on any information.
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin DBX prototype shown, first SUV to debut in end-2019

Aston Martin has officially announced that their first ever SUV will be named as the Aston Martin DBX, taking over the name of the concept car it is based on. With the announcement, the British marque released a short teaser of their prototype model.
The first prototype drive in Wales signifies the start of the brand’s “real-world” testing which the company have scheduled to put the DBX through some of the world’s harshest environments from the frozen Arctic and scorching deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes and the high-speed demands of the German autobahn and Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Despite being covered up in the bright yellow camouflage, it is obvious that the DBX follows the design concept quite closely from the slim headlamps, gaping front grille and coupe-like silhouette. The rounded taillamp design on the prototype, however, is a far departure from the concept’s single strip blade that reminiscence other Aston Martin models.
In our recent interview with Aston Martin Creative Director of Exterior, Miles Nurnberger, the DBX was built with the philosophy of “
sportscar first, SUV second
”. The new SUV will maintain the verve and poise of an Aston Martin sports car with the added benefit of multi-terrain drivability as well as towing capabilities.

Nurnberger has also said that the DBX will feature a turbocharged powerplant due to the high low-end torque characteristics of turbo engines. Currently, Aston Martin employs an AMG sourced M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and a 5.3-litre bi-turbo V12 in its other models.
The Aston Martin DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 with customer deliveries commencing shortly after.
IMAGE GALLERY


Caterham introduces new Seven 170, just 86 hp but 0-100 in 6.9 seconds!

Even as an entry model into the Caterham experience, demand for more power has led the company to push the performance envelope of the
Seven 160
, especially when the vehicle is all about driving purity.
Caterham has just introduced the Seven 170 with an increase in engine output and more kit for track day junkies in the R pack. The turbocharged 660 cc three-cylinder powertrain from Suzuki that also serves the
Jimny
 at its home market of Japan has now been massaged to deliver
86 hp / 116 Nm
, up from the 80 hp / 107 Nm in the 160.
The ultra-lightweight Caterham Seven continues to weigh approximately 500 kg thanks to body panels made of composite over a tubular steel frame chassis, pushing the power-to-weight ratio per tonne to
170 hp/tonne
, thus the name ‘170’. Built with specific optional equipment and components from Caterham, the Seven 170 can weigh as little as 440 kg, equating to a power-to-weight ratio of over 190 hp/tonne.
The benchmark sprint time from standstill to 100 km/h continues to be
6.9 seconds
, but expect better in-gear acceleration thanks to the higher torque. Standard equipment in the regular Seven 170 S include 14-inch wheels with specific Avon ZT7 tyres, comfort-oriented suspension, LED tail lamps and indicators, bright chrome finishing, leather seats and a Momo steering wheel plus an open rear differential.
Karrus Automotive officially imports Caterham Sevens into Malaysia. Find out more about them here!
The track-engineered R Pack that cost just GBP1,000 (approx. RM5.7k) extra meanwhile ditches the glass windscreen and replaces it with two carbon fibre wind deflectors, black highlights, composite race seats with 4-point harnesses, sports suspension pack with a limited-slip rear differential and a lightweight flywheel.
The Caterham Seven 170 starts from
GBP22,990
 (approx. RM132k) as a kit car, with the vehicle unassembled, for perhaps a winter project based in your own garage. A fully built-up Seven 170 adds GBP2,395 to the price and includes all the necessary documentation.
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New Nissan X-Trail trim packages add visual flair to the seven-seater SUV

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has introduced two new trim packages – the X-Tremer and Aero Edition for the new Nissan X-Trail line up. The new visual packages will be available on
all variants
 of the seven-seater SUV.
The X-Tremer is the more extravagant of the two, offered in three two-tone exterior colour options – Imperial Red, Brilliant White or Tungsten Silver, all paired to a black roof, roof racks, and rear spoiler.
The all-black colour scheme extends to the V-motion grille cladding, TOMEI front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wing mirrors and the 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Aero Edition also gets the TOMEI aerokit, but finished in a silver paint job for a “sporty and elegant” appearance. The gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels from the X-Tremer is also available on the Aero Edition.
The Aero Edition Nissan X-Trail will be available in Diamond Black, Imperial Umber, and Titanium Olive – all in single-tone only.
On the inside, both packages will come with brown Nappa leather seats, along with leatherette dashboard, knee pads, and arm rests.
The Nissan X-Trail is currently available in four variants; The 2.0L 2WD and 2.0L 2WD MID is powered by a two-litre four-cylinder engine generating
144 hp
 and
 200 Nm
 of torque. A higher-powered 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is available with the 2.5L 4WD variant, producing
171 hp
 and
233 Nm
 of torque to all four wheels.
A hybrid variant of the X-Trail is also available, powered by the same two-litre engine and paired to an electronic motor. Combined output of the hybrid powertrain is rated at
185 hp
 and
360 Nm
 of torque. All variants feature a
X-Tronic CVT gearbox
 with 7-Speed Manual Mode.
The Nissan X-Trail comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes the HEV components and HEV lithium-ion battery. The new factory-fitted package accessories come with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.
As for pricing, the X-Tremer package costs an additional
RM7,000
, while the Nissan X-Trail with the Aero Edition package comes in at
RM5,000
 on top of the retail price. The full pricing details can be found in the table below:
Interested customers can check out the new Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer and Aero Edition at Nissan showrooms starting from 2nd November 2019.
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Check out this new Guinness World Record for the fastest wheel change on a spinning car!

There is a reason why we put up this story at this hour; because if posted it after lunch, offices or living rooms (if you’re working from home) would likely be redecorated with whatever you had for lunch. The Guinness World Records archive is made up of the strangest things. Just look at their
list of records
 and you’d understand how interesting human beings are.
It’ll also make you realise that it doesn’t take a superhero to break or set a new Guinness World Record – it just requires some creativity and tenacity. Creativity to find a niche record and the tenacity to see it through – that’s all there is.

This Guinness World Record set by British stunt driver, Terry Grant, was one of them. Come on, who would’ve thought of setting a new record for the
fastest wheel change on a spinning car
??
Information has been scarce but we do know that it was set 10 years ago in Rome, Italy on an Italian TV show. The time required? A mere 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
Frankly, it sounds impossible to perform a tyre change in such a short time even if the car wasn’t moving!


Petrol stations see 70% drop in sales after after MCO

A large portion of the 3,800 fuel stations nationwide may have to temporarily seize operations after a drop in fuel prices for three consecutive weeks couple with the Movement Control Order.
This was the concern raised by the Petrol Dealers Association Malaysia, President, Khairul Annuar Abdual Aziz as reported by
Free Malaysia Today
.
It’s said that a petrol station needs between RM150,000 to RM200,000 a month to purchase fuel and up to RM70,000 depending on the size of the facility, to run their daily operations, pay wages and utilities.
Quite an interesting time for this
new petrol station to open in Selangor
 eh?
With fuel prices have been dropping every week, petrol station owners are selling their fuel at a lower price than they bought it for and are essentially subsidising fuel for customers at the peril of their business.
In the same report, Khairul also suggested for the government to limit a petrol station’s operating hours – from 7 am to 7 pm during the Movement Control Order period. This would help petrol station owners reduce their operating cost as electricity bills alone can run up to RM15,000 a month.
He also stressed that pump attendants should not be made to work and that the government should make it a rule to protect them.


All-new Mazda CX-8 pricing announced – from RM180k to RM218k

First unveiled at a media preview a little over a month ago, Bermaz Motor, Mazda’s sole distributor in Malaysia, has now released the full pricing information for the
Mazda CX-8
, hinting at an imminent launch.
The Mazda CX-8 line-up will consist of four variants – 2.5G 2WD MID (
RM180k
), 2.5G 2WD MID PLUS (
RM186k
), 2.5G 2WD HIGH (
RM201k
) and 2.2D 4WD HIGH (
RM218k
). All variants of the CX-8 will be
assembled locally
at the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah.
As a recap, The six/seven-seater SUV will be available with two engine choices. The 2.5L models are powered by the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine producing
192 hp
 and
258 Nm
 of torque.
The range-topping 2.2D variant sports a 2.2-litre four-pot turbodiesel engine, producing
188 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. Four-wheel drive will only be available with the oil-burner engine. A six-speed automatic SkyActiv-Drive transmission is standard across the model range.

All models are equipped with LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry, and powered tailgate. Other than the 2.5L 2WD MID variant, which comes with bulb-type daytime-running lights (DRL), all models are equipped with LED DRLs.
Inside, all variants feature a
7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system
 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, three-zone climate control system, reverse camera and 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Only the base 2.5L 2WD MID model comes with seven seats
 with bench-type seats on the second row; the 2.5L 2WD MID PLUS variant comes with individual captain seats on the second row, while the 2.5L HIGH and 2.2D AWD gets a centre console between the second-row seats.
The 2.5L 2WD MID and MID PLUS variants come with fabric seats, while the 2.5L HIGH and 2.2D AWD gets Nappa leather upholstery. Customers can upgrade from the fabric seats to leather at
RM4,500
. Skytint safety tint film and illuminated sill plates are included for all variants.
Mazda’s i-Stop Idling Technology and G Vectoring Control Plus are also present on all models. In terms of safety, all models are equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill Launch Assist.
The i-ActivSense advanced safety systems are available too – Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard starting from the 2.5L MID PLUS variant, but only the top two variants get Adaptive LED headlights, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, and Smart City Brake Support.
The all-new CX-8 comes in
six colour options
 – Deep Blue Crystal, Sonic Silver and Jet Black, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl. The latter three exterior colours are
cost options at RM3,000
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda begins testing its new “Road Condition Monitoring System”

Honda Research Institute USA is developing a road condition monitoring system to evaluate road condition in an effort to detect possible hazards ahead.
With the system, Honda hopes to help road operators monitor lane markings and road surface conditions more frequently, in a cost-effective and efficient way.

Still in its testing phase, the system uses GPS coordinates and sensors such as cameras to collect real-time road condition information that can be shared with road operators.
As such, Honda is working with local transportation departments and plans to start providing road condition data in early 2022, to help improve road conditions and maintenance in the area.
The lane lines are classified using four colour codes: green, yellow, grey, and red. Green and yellow indicates good lane marking conditions while grey means there are no lane lines. Red indicates the lane markings need repair.
The data, including the coordinates and visuals recorded by Honda’s system will then be uploaded onto a secure platform where road operators can access for analysis.


This is what Lexus deems as “art” – any thoughts?

Lexus is no stranger to flamboyance and flair; and most times their “produce”, whether as a whole or a distinct item, are the most desirable items in the industry.
As subjective as the topic of art can be, I honestly think the LFA would’ve been art on its own without some random lines smearing its exquisite body.
They recently unveiled a uniquely-painted LFA to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lexus “F” performance brand and the debut of its RC F GT3 race car in the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race.
The custom livery of this one-off vehicle was designed by Portuguese artist Pedro Henriques who transformed the supercar’s exterior with a striking black-and-white theme.
The design of the LFA “Art Car” unites the lines of the iconic Lexus LFA V10 supercar with a flowing, organic pattern that embodies the feeling of movement and constant evolution.
Henriques said his inspiration “was the idea of fluidity present in the contemporary life, where things are in constant movement and it’s hard to freeze anything.


BMW spices up the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe with ‘Edition ColourVision’ models

BMW has introduced two special edition models for the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe called the Edition ColourVision which essentially comes with metallic paint finishing and a dual-tone leather interior. These special edition models are based on the M Sport variants and will be available from the second half of 2022 onwards.
The front end features front bumper trims, front grille and rear diffuser in high gloss black as part of the M Shadowline package while the 18-inch M light-alloy Y-spoke wheels are finished in Black and Silver.
As part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of BMW M, ’50 Jahre’ emblems can be ordered for the bonnet, boot lid and wheel hubs at no additional cost.
As for exterior colours, the Edition ColourVision models can be had in 50 different colours including iconic colours from the past which have been revived such as Dakar Yellow, Daytona Violet, and Macao Blue. Colours from the BMW Individual paint catalogue can also be specified such as the Frozen Pure Grey Metallic.
Inside, the seats are wrapped in dual-tone Dakota leather as standard and can be specified in the Black/Magma Red or Black/White combinations. As the Edition ColourVision models are based on the M Sport variant, the cabin also features M pedals, an M footrest, and an M steering wheel. M floor mats with custom piping and door sills with a mesh look are also part of the Edition Colour Vision package.
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2020 facelift Volkswagen Passat Elegance launched with lots of new goodies

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched the facelifted eight-generation Volkswagen Passat in our market. At launch, only one variant is available – the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, priced at RM189,012 on-the-road without insurance.
The Passat Elegance comes just four months after its market launch in September 2019 – a testament of VPCM’s localisation efforts. The mid-life update features a redesign on both its exterior and interior, a new drivetrain combo, as well as improved connectivity.
First, the juicy bits – The facelifted Passat 2.0TSI Elegance is powered by a
new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine
, providing an output of
190 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of twist – slightly reduced from the
pre-facelift 2.0TSI Highline
.
The engine is paired to a new
 seven-speed wet clutch DSG transmission
 – VPCM says that the updated Passat is the first front-wheel drive Volkswagen model in Malaysia to receive this gearbox.
No performance figures were provided by VPCM, although the company says that fuel consumption for the Passat Elegance is rated at
6.5 l/100km
according to the WLTP test cycle.
Styling wise, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance receives redesigned bumpers on both ends for a sharper appearance. However, the most notable change on the exterior is the new lighting system.
At the front, the fully-LED headlights have been redesigned, and now features a
sequential turn signal indicator
. Unfortunately, we do not get the IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, which is a premium option in other markets.
Rear combination light clusters have also been restyled with a new internal graphic, featuring the “three-wing” design, as well as sequential turn signal indicators.
Other distinguishing exterior features include the Passat lettering at the rear, as well as the new
 18-inch
 “Liverpool” alloy wheels, wrapped in 235/45 rubbers.
Inside, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance gets a new
9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display
 with voice control, gesture control and a customizable three-view split screen.
The new infotainment system also adds support for Wireless AppConnect with Apple CarPlay – a first for Volkswagen. Other connectivity features include three illuminated USB-C ports (no more USB-A), and Bluetooth connectivity.
The redesigned interior also include newly-designed door trims,
30-colour ambient lighting
,
11.7-inch Digital Cockpit
 instrument cluster, as well as a new leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.
Comfort amenities are aplenty in the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, including 12-way power adjustable leather seats, three-zone climate control, and a power-operated roll up rear sunshade.
In terms of safety, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI Elegance now comes equipped with Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres), Blind Spot Monitoring System (70-metre detection range), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Other safety features include EBS with ABS, Brake Assist (automatically increases brake pressure by up to 40%), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), hill-hold control, Automatic Post-collision Braking System, and Proactive Passenger Protection System.
The facelifted Passat Elegance is available in six colours and two finishes – Metallic colours include Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver and Tamarind Brown, while pearl-effect shades are Deep Black and a new Ornyx White.
As with all new Volkswagen cars, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance comes with a
five-year unlimited mileage warranty
, five-year roadside assistance, as well as a
three-year free maintenance package
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo strengthens foothold with new 3S centre in Mutiara Damansara

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today opened the doors to the new Volvo 3S centre in Mutiara Damansara in partnership with dealer-partner Ingress Swede Automobile Sdn. Bhd. (Ingress Swede).
The opening of the new 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre aims to strengthen the foothold of Volvo in the Damansara suburbs.
Officiated by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, the Volvo 3S Mutiara Damansara is designed according to Volvo’s new retail standards — the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).
Inside the Scandinavian-inspired building is a spacious showroom showcasing Volvo’s latest cars including the XC40 and S90, as well as
6 servicing bays
 to cater to general servicing needs of Volvo owners around the region.
In line with their new transformation strategy, Volvo Car Malaysia has been focusing on expanding it’s retail presence, and have reached
12 locations
across the nation with the opening of the new Volvo 3S Centre in Mutiara Damansara. VCM is looking to unveil a further
three more locations within this year
.
Volvo Car Malaysia’s Managing Director Mr. Nalin Jain, said, “In the premium segment, the product is not the sole factor in the consumer’s purchase decision. What’s equally important is the value, quality and accessibility of services that they can enjoy throughout their journey with the brand.”
The transformation strategy carried out by VCM has seen significant results, as they has just reported a
60% year-on-year growth in the first half of 2019
. Volvo is expected to continue the positive cadence into the last quarter of the year, supplemented by
new products in the pipelines
.
The new Volvo 3S Centre in Mutiara Damansara is located at
10 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
.
The Showroom will be open from
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday
, and
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays
; vehicle servicing services will be available from
 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday
, and
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays
.