Feature: Five reasons why the 2015 Ford Everest is the car for you

During a recent trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand, we got to go behind the wheels of Ford’s latest iteration of the longstanding
Everest model
, one that impressed us ever since its
launch in Bangkok
. Although by sheer looks it has nothing against the
new Fortuner
, but the Everest has many, many convincing tricks up its sleeves that will surely bag a number of customers, and quite possibly some awards along the way as well.
Before we get down to business, we’d like to help the Blue Oval company address a few misdirected facts, if you will, with regards to the Everest’s relationship with its pickup sibling – the
Ranger
. Firstly, yes, it is based on Ford’s
 modular T6 platform
 underpinning the outgoing Ranger, however the Everest’s ladder frame architecture is almost entirely new and unique only to the SUV. The only component shared with the Ranger is the front portion where the engine sits – its
mountings
. Everything rearward of the T6 platform is new.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford Everest 2.2L (4×2)
Ford Everest 3.2L (4×4)
Engine
2,179cc; 4-cylinder TDCi with VGT
3,198cc; 5-cylinder TDCi with VGT
Transmission
6-speed 6R80 automatic
6-speed 6R80 automatic
Max Power
158 hp
197 hp
Max Torque
385 Nm
470 Nm
Est. Price upon arrival
circa RM160k
circa RM200k
The guys at Ford weren’t joking when they said “
We make no compromises with the Everest”
. It took them
a

full 48 months
 (that’s four years for those counting their fingers) develop the SUV from scratch, basing the build of the entire vehicle on extensive market research. What you’re about to read is Ford’s best attempt in capitalising on the increasingly competitive SUV market, and we can tell you that it
promises much, much more
 than what you see on the outside. So, without further ado, here’s five reasons why we think the Ford Everest is the car for you.
i. Reliable and powerful diesel engines
When the Ford Everest arrives here in Malaysia, it will most likely be available with two engine options. Just like the
Ford Ranger T6
, a 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Duratorq oil burners will power the SUV, which means you’ll get plenty of power for all kinds of utilitarian endeavours. While many of you will prefer the larger five-cylinder engine (one that makes close to
200 hp
 and
470 Nm
 of torque), it’s worth keeping in mind that the extra grunt will come at an extra cost. It
won’t
be cheap.
That said, the smaller 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel also makes for a pretty punchy drive, just not as seat-strapping brisk as you would expect from the bigger powertrain. This engine makes
158 hp
 and a healthy
385 Nm
 of torque, and shares the same six-speed automatic gearbox as the 3.2-litre variant. But what’s more impressive to us than the engines here is its commendable,
premium levels
 of cabin insulation, which brings us to our next point.
ii. Quite possibly a best-in-class cabin

If you own, or at least sat in the existing Ranger T6, chances are Ford’s cabin quality is something you’ll be very acquainted with. The Ford Everest continues to excel on that front,
effortlessly suppressing road noise
, vibration and all that diesel clank up front. We could barely tell if the engine was running upon entering the cabin, and that alone speaks volume. Of course, none of this can be achieved without
generous use of insulating materials
(all doors are stiffer and get double sealing system for better sound proofing) which adds weight, but does that really concern you? We guessed as much.
Both the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre units come with leather upholstery, but through these pictures you’ll notice that one comes in beige. We’re happy to report that the beige trim will most likely be omitted from the Malaysian market, so that leaves us with the sole black finish.
Some of the toys here include an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, dual-zone automatic climate control, air conditioning vents in the second and third rows, best-in-class driver multi-info display,
10-speaker sound system
 with
 integrated subwoofer
, dual-panel powered moonroof and many 12-volt outlets to charge your entire collection of handphones. There’s also
more than 30 stowage compartments
 within the car! That sounds substantially more impressive than the already eye-opening 12 cubbies featured in the
Isuzu MU-X
.
Icing this really chunky cake is the Everest’s cargo capacity. The second row seat gets a 60:40 split configuration, while the third row has a 50:50 split. When both are folded flat, it frees up to 2,010 litres of space. That’s enough to fit
20 full-sized golf bags
!
iii. Drives almost too well, both on and off-road

Don’t let its big and bulky outlook fool you; this thing drives impeccably for a body-on-frame SUV. The smallest wheel size you get with the Everest is an 18-inch alloy which the 2.2-litre 4×2 variant sits on, but the range topper gets a set of huge 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels. As counterintuitive as this following sentence will sound, the larger wheels had very little impact on ride comfort, yet made driving a tad more confidence inspiring because you actually get to feel the surface you’re driving on.
We put both 4×2 and 4×4 through their paces in suburban tarmac, and like most places, these roads are poorly maintained. But the good news is both variants of the Everest feel right at home. Granted, the smaller wheels do reward passengers with better comfort than what you would get with the larger set of wheels, however the only setback here is that you’ll have to fork out a few hundred Ringgit more to replace the 20-inch rubbers.
See the solid rear axle (in yellow)? The steel rods are part of the Watt’s linkage system
One of the main reasons why the Everest is such an exceptional all-terrain performer is because of its chassis. Ford has always had the knack for producing cars that handle well, and you’d be surprised to find how much that rings true even with this SUV. It’s all thanks to clever mechanics; the front suspension features independent coilovers, although each variant has its own unique tuning which alters damping and spring rates (weight plays an important part here).
The Everest’s rear suspension is managed by a traditional solid rear axle with a
Watt’s linkage setup
, primarily for off-road and towing purposes. Now, you may wonder, what in the world is Watt’s linkage? Allow us to explain.
Watt’s linkage is basically a simple but brilliant network of steel bars, connecting the car’s body to the axle – in this case, a solid axle. Its function is to mitigate body roll – which is normally present in a car of this size and stature – by maintaining the car’s lateral position during cornering. This essentially means that when you take a left turn, the right side of the rear suspension will provide opposing forces that reduce body roll. The end product, needless to say, is an SUV with best-in-class handling and agility.
iv. Kitted with an array of active and passive safety technologies
Like many of the Blue Oval’s modern offerings, the Everest doesn’t compromise in the safety department. It comes with
seven airbags
 (not confirmed for Malaysian-spec as yet),
Roll Stability Control
, Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Hill Launch Assist and
 Curve Control
. Both Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, through various gyroscopic sensors, help reduce the likelihood of a rollover and oversteer.
Other active safety features include Active Park Assist, Terrain Management System, Hill Descent Control and our favourite –
Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), which by the way, is smoother and operates more seamlessly than some of Volvo’s finest offerings. Usually, when ACC is operative, the computers unsystematically apply braking force when the car ahead slows down or comes to a stop. The Everest’s system manages this so well without the slightest hint of intrusion.
v.
3-Year or 100,000km warranty coverage
All purchases of the Everest comes packaged with the standard 3-Year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
Now, onto the bigger question.
How much will it cost
, and when will it arrive? Unfortunately, pricing for the base Everest 2.2L Trend variant is at RM199k, whereas the more premium 3.2L Titanium is close to ticking the RM260k scale.
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Ford Everest 2.2L

2015 Ford Everest 3.2L

Ford Everest Cutout


Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out for MY2022 in Malaysia – over 400 orders, 120 delivered

It’s been less than three months since the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric was
launched here in Malaysia
, but the marque’s first fully-electric model has already been sold out for the 2022 model year.
Volvo Car Malaysia said that response for the EV crossover has been “overwhelming”, with over 400 orders received to-date, and over 120 units already delivered to their new owners. As a result, the company will be closing online order requests for the 2022 model year; order books will only resume with the introduction of the
2023 model year facelift
 – with information to follow soon.
“The encouraging sales numbers is a stepping-stone to our all-electric journey,” said VCM Managing Director, Charles Frump. “Just a couple of months ago we launched our first fully electric car and announced the local assembly of EV cars. We have started delivery of the cars to our customers since April, providing them with a vehicle that allows them the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.”
A large part of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric’s success, we think, is down to its value. Prior to this announcement, the locally-assembled compact EV crossover
retailed in Malaysia for RM262,460
, thanks to the government’s EV initiatives that made the car exempt from duties and taxes.

The fully-electric XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – to provide a total system output of
408 hp
 and
660 Nm
. On a small crossover like this (despite its weight gains), that translates to a century sprint time of just
 4.9 seconds
, making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo SUV.
Electricity is provided by a 78 kWh battery pack, giving the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric an electric range of roughly
418 km
. Charging takes 7.5 hours via the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or 33 minutes (from 0-80%) using a 150 kW DC fast charger.


The updated Kia Rio features the brand’s first mild-hybrid powertrain

Kia Motors has just given the
fourth-generation Rio hatchback
 a mid-cycle update. Aside from some minor styling changes, the attractive B-segment hatchback will be offered with the
brand’s first 48V mild-hybrid powertrain
.
Dubbed “EcoDynamics+”, the new mild-hybrid powertrain pairs Kia’s new Smartstream 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with a 48V Mild-Hybrid Starter Generator (MHSG) unit to provide both improved performance – up to
16% higher peak torque
 – and fuel efficiency.
Horsepower figures, though, are unchanged from the Kappa engines it replaces – the Smartstream engines will be available in either
100 hp
 or
120 hp
 guises. Kia says more detailed information and performance figures will be published at a later date.
The new EcoDynamics+ powertrain will be paired to the brand’s Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) featuring a “clutch-by-wire” technology, meaning there are no mechanical linkages between the gearbox, clutch pedal, and gear shifter. Kia says that this allows for the engine to be automatically shut off during coasting, resulting in overall better fuel economy, while not discounting on driver engagement.
The aforementioned 100 hp Smartstream engine is also available in a non-mild-hybrid set-up, along with an updated 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine, good for 84 hp. The former will now be offered with a new six-speed manual transmission (previously five), as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
On the styling changes, subtlety is the word here – with most changes reserved to the front. The brand’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille has been narrowed for a “more focused appearance”, while the reshaped lower bumper pushes the fog lamp housings more towards the side, giving off a wider look, thus improving stance on the road.
All variants now get LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard. There’s also a newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels to go with the new exterior hues –  Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue. Meanwhile, the GT Line for the updated Kia Rio looks pretty-much identical to the one launched
back in 2018
.
The cabin of the updated Kia Rio is also virtually identical to its predecessor, save for the new eight-inch floating infotainment display. Depending on trim level, the infotainment system can be specified in either a Display Audio or Satellite Navigation form, the latter carrying the brand’s new UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ telematics system.
The new system offers various on-board connected services including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, parking availability and information, as well as online voice recognition for better voice command functions.
The ‘Phase II’ UVO mobile application also allows owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely (depending on region), including sending navigation routes to the car before journey, and accessing vehicle location and other telematics and diagnostic information.
Lastly, Kia also included an updated suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the new Rio, which now includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind Collision Warning (BCW) as standard.
Depending on variant, the ADAS suite can also be specified with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
,
Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).
Locally, the Kia Rio was
last updated in late 2018
, featuring a new six-speed automatic gearbox (up from the outdated four-speed slushbox), smaller wheels at 16-inches, and some added safety and convenience features.
IMAGE GALLERY


Chery Omoda 5 to launch in Malaysia soon, EV version previewed at Auto Shanghai 2023

It is no secret that the
Chery Omoda 5
 will soon be launched in Malaysia, set to rival the typical B-segment SUVs. As we await the launch of the petrol-powered Omoda 5, an electric vehicle (EV) version of the car has taken centre stage at
Auto Shanghai 2023
.
There is very little information on the EV version of the Chery Omoda 5 version for now, but its presence at Auto Shanghai allows us to see the ‘electrifying’ differences that it has. With the petrol version of the Chery Omoda 5 already looking quite futuristic, the Chery Omoda 5 EV takes things a step further in terms of design.
Up front, gone is the jewel-like grille of the petrol Omoda 5 in favour of a smoother front bumper. The Chery Omoda 5 EV sports Omoda letterings between the headlights, a new lower grille design, and what appears to be a charging port cover smack in the centre of the front end. With the Omoda 5 lettering emblazoned between the headlights, the Omoda 5 EV doesn’t have the Chery emblem on the front.
On the sides, it appears that the Chery Omoda 5 EV now sits on a new set of wheels with a more aerodynamic design. The all-around claddings remain largely the same with an exception for the sides that now appear to have a decorative trim to enhance the EV version’s looks. The side mirrors are in body colour and the car sports a set of roof rails, unlike the version that was
previewed in Malaysia late last year
.
RELATED:
Chery meets with Malaysia Government to discuss local investment plans, brand launch in Q2 2023
As the Chery emblem has been removed at the front, the back of the car has also removed the Chery lettering that was seen in between the taillights on the Malaysia-previewed version. The taillight design and tailgate apron design remain the same, although the rear bumper has been slightly tweaked. Unfortunately, there are no additional badges at the back to let us guess the specifications of the Chery Omoda 5 EV.
Inside, the twin-screen display now sits on a floating screen setup. In the Malaysia-preview version, it had a more continuous flow with the dashboard. Other differences compared to the Malaysia-preview version include the lighter colour scheme, ‘Omoda’ lettering instead of ‘Chery’ lettering on the steering wheel, and a repositioned gear selector. While the petrol version’s gear selector is positioned on the centre console, the EV version gets a clear clutter-free console. The gear selector has been moved closer to the steering wheel.
RELATED:
Chery Malaysia to begin CKD production in June, Tiggo 8 Pro launch expected in July
As mentioned, no official technical details have been shared on the electric car. With its petrol version coming soon to Malaysia an all-electric Chery Omoda 5 EV sounds like a worthy contender for the
BYD Atto 3
.


Volvo XC60 launched in the UK, 16 variants priced from RM205k, coming to M’sia soon

Shortly after its
global unveiling
 last month, the UK market will be having first dibs on the Swedish marque’s new mid-sized SUV – the second-generation Volvo XC60.  At launch, three engine options are available for order along with three trim levels – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Each trim levels can also be further specified with the Pro package, bringing the total number of available variants to 16.
Based on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 is the first of Volvo’s 60 series model to adopt this new generation platform. At launch, UK market gets two diesel engines – D4 and D5 PowerPulse, and one petrol engine – T5. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid petrol engine will join the line up later in the year.
Both diesel versions of the XC60 get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbodiesel albeit in different states of tune –
190 hp
/
400 Nm
 on the D4 and
 235 hp
/
480 Nm
 on the D5. Official fuel consumption figures are rated between
5.1L/100 km
 and 5.5L/100 km depending on which variant. Meanwhile the T5 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit offering
254 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Volvo claims the T5 consumes
7.3L/100 km,
 and all variants of the XC60 will feature the
eight-speed automatic transmission
 and
all-wheel drive as standard
.
All variants of the XC60 are highly equipped as even the entry-level
Momentum
 variant comes equipped with
LED headlamps
 with active high beam, powered tailgate, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control system with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, 9-inch Volvo Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats and 18-inch alloys.

R-Design
 variants get further equipped with 19-inch R-Design alloy wheels, high gloss black front grille, silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing, sports suspension and sports seats. The
Inscription
 variant, which is the most luxurious of the lot brings to the table Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, chrome exterior details, side step illumination and a different style of 19-inch alloys.
Available on all trim levels, the
Pro package
 on the Momentum trim adds heated steering wheel and windscreen, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and Volvo On Call – a smartphone app which allows you to control various car functions remotely. R-Design Pro gets 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and adaptive dampers. Inscription Pro adds 20-inch alloys, upgraded suspension, and massage function for the front seats.
Other
options
 include
Xenium package
 which adds panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and Park Assist Pilot, Smartphone Integration which adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the 15-speakers (1,100W) Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system.
Prices for the diesel-powered XC60 starts from £37,205 (RM205k) to £48,405 (RM267k) while the T5 petrol model – which we will most probably be getting – starts from £37,900 (RM209k) for the T5 AWD Momentum to £45,600 (RM251k) for the T5 AWD Inscription Pro. According to Volvo Car Malaysia, the XC60 will be
arriving to our shores in late 2017 or early 2018
 with the intial batch to be fully imported before assembling it at their plant in Shah Alam.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lexus says Sayonara to the GS with special edition model

This has been coming for awhile as the last time Lexus introduced a new GS model was back in 2011/12, almost 10 years ago now. Word is that Lexus will be replacing the GS with a Toyota-based luxury sedan, the new RWD Toyota Mirai, but not before a swansong model to sign off Akio Toyoda’s idea of a driver’s Lexus.
Now that it’s confirmed that production will end in August 2020 once the final GS is out in June, Lexus Japan is sending off the fourth generation GS with a special edition model aptly named the
Eternal Touring
. The Eternal Touring can be had as a GS450h, GS350, GS300h and GS300 F SPORT in the country.
Changes on the Eternal Touring models are only limited to aesthetics with items from Lexus’ F Sport inventory. These include the spindle grille, side mirror covers, spoiler, 19-inch wheels and orange brake calipers while on the inside, the Eternal Touring models will come with an F Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and gear knob, F Sport seats, a carbon trim that stretches across the dashboard and Alcantara upholstery on the door trims, arm rest, centre console and instrument cluster panel.
The GS “Black Line” Edition – the “Eternal Touring” equivalent for the US market.
According to reports, the end of the GS is largely attributed to the drop in sales and the uprising of SUVs especially in the US, where sales were down by almost 50% in 2018. Last year, they reportedly sold just over 6,000 units in the US; compared to over 30,000 units more than 15 years ago.
Unlike in Japan, the final GS will be sold as a
Black Line Edition
 based on the all-wheel or rear-wheel drive GS350 F Sport in the US. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, it will be
limited to only 200 units
. In terms of specifications, it’s identical with its Japanese counterpart save for the exterior colours. The US models will come in either Caviar or Ultra White.
Also unlike its Japanese equivalent, each unit from the Black Line Edition will come with a two-piece luggage from the Zero Halliburton “Edge Lightweight Collection”.
In
 Malaysia, Lexus only sells the ES and LS
. It’s worth nothing however that the
ES is front-wheel driv
e
n
. RIP, yet another rear-wheel driven vehicle.
GALLERY


EFKON Asia launches new E-TAG, SmartTAG compatible device, RM143

Following the discontinuation of SmartTag sales by Touch ‘n Go, EFKON Asia Sdn. Bhd., the Austrian technology provider of the Infra-Red Toll Collection System on Malaysian highways, has just launched its own branded E-TAG electronic device that is compatible with SmartTAG lanes on Malaysian highways.
EFKON’s E-TAG features a
new-generation microprocessor
 and
enhanced display
 for better performance and reliability. The new SmartTAG-compatible device offers superior functionality, portability, reliably and cost-efficiency.
The E-TAG by EFKON will be available at offline channels such as accessories shop while another similar product, branded under MaxTAG distributed by Sigma Technology will be available exclusively online on
Lazada
 and
11Street.my
.
EFKON Asia Director Helmuth Blasch said: “Both E-TAG and MaxTAG feature new microprocessors and enhanced display for even better performance and reliability. These proven Infra-Red TAG devices provide peace of mind to users by providing secure transactions with the exact toll amount paid immediately visible.”

“Infra-Red TAG devices are cost-effective solutions for frequent highway users. Each device is robustly-built with a high-impact resistant casing. As it can be kept inside a vehicle and not subject to external environment conditions and vandalism, one can easily last 15 years or more,” he added.
Each E-TAG is priced at RM143 and is available at selected Shell stations and other offline kiosks from early November 2018 onwards. Alternatively, you can purchase a MaxTAG for RM138 (+RM5 shipping) on
Lazada.com.my
 or
11Street.my
. Each purchase of an E-TAG or MaxTAG comes with a 1-Year manufacturer warranty.


Land Rover celebrates 45 years of innovation by driving over a paper bridge! [+Video]

Land Rover is the kind of company that would take on the challenge, whatever it maybe. From the Mark I Defender forging impassable gulleys deep in the Borneo rainforest by day to the chic and ultra modern L405 Range Rover that cruises the urban jungle by night; the company is always out to show the world just what it can do.
This time however, Land Rover is out to showcase
45 years
 of engineering innovation with a feat that most would consider as outrageous. But with an idea and a
can-do-attitude
, they will attempt to do just that. The mule drafted for this experiment is none other than the company’s flagship SUV – the Range Rover Vogue.
The one-of-a-kind experiment was held in
China
 or ancient water city of
Suzhou
to be specific. The city is synonymous with
bridges
, and couple that with the fact that the Chinese were
credited
 with the invention of
paper
 and suddenly this venue makes perfect sense. The paper on the other hand, was supplied by specialist British manufacturer
James Cropper PLC
.
Construction of the bridge began with the assembly of a pair of specially designed wooden
support structures
. Paper was then stacked on these supports using a temporary frame to hold them in place. Once completed, the supporting structure was then removed, leaving a freestanding
3.4-metre
 high paper arch spanning
five metres
 long.
Obviously, the Range Rover wouldn’t even break a sweat in the attempt to cross the paper bridge but that said, this experiment shows the engineering prowess of Land Rover’s clever lads. Be esure to watch the video and enjoy the gallery below. Meanwhile, here’s a list of accomplishments that’s made the Range Rover the icon it is today.
1970
 The original two-door Range Rover – known as the Classic – goes on sale
1972
 The Range Rover is the
first
 vehicle to drive the full length of the Americas                    from Alaska to Cape Horn including the near-impassable Darien Gap
1979
 A specially modified Range Rover wins the
first
 Paris-Dakar rally (a Range                    Rover wins again in 1981)
1981
 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the
first
 factory                 produced limited-edition Range Rover – the ‘In Vogue’
1985
    The diesel-powered Range Rover ‘Bullet’ breaks
27 speed records
, including              a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours
1989
 Range Rover is the world’s
first
 4×4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes
1992
 Range Rover Classic is the world’s
first
 4×4 to be fitted with Electronic                            Traction Control
1992
 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world
first
 for a 4×4
1994
 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover launched
2001
 Third-generation (L322) Range Rover launched
2002
 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant
2010
 Range Rover celebrates its 40
th
 anniversary,
2012
 Fourth-generation (L405) Range Rover launched – the world’s
first
 all-                          aluminium SUV
2015
 6,000,000
th
 Land Rover produced is a Range Rover LWB SE Vogue destined                for China
IMAGE GALLERY


Kia Motors revealed what the new Cerato would look like

Kia Motors has revealed design renderings of the all-new 2019 Kia Forte sedan (Cerato for us) and boy does it look downright handsome. Kia claims that its more sophisticated appearance is credit to the sleek styling design of the Stinger.
The new Kia Forte will sport Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and a more aggressive lower valance to enhance its presence on the road. The front clip is flanked by a more dynamic headlamp design and layout.
The rear bumper comes with separate reverse turn signal indicators located beneath the taillights. Like the Kia Sportage, the rear lights on both side are connected with a horizontal strip, giving the rear-end a wider appearance.
On the inside, a dash design gives a sense of openness with clean lines and minimal buttons placed intuitively below a large display.
Inside, a horizontal theme creates a sense of openness, avoiding clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below a large screen. Another standout feature of the dash are the aeronautical-inspired spoked circular vents similar to those found in the Stinger.


Facts & Figures: Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe now available in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s AMG performance division today gained a new addition to its model line-up, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe, as part of the company’s premium SUV triple threat today alongside the
GLS 450
 and
GLE 450 Coupe
.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe is priced starting at
RM 787,357.88
in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 that are in place until the end of 2020.
EXTERIOR
Based on the GLE Coupe that was launched alongside it today, the performance-variant SUV-Coupe gains some additional AMG-exclusive parts befitting to its performance potential. These include:
Panamericana front grille
AMG front bumper with signature A-wing design
AMG rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad tailpipe exits
AMG Night Package – blacked-out rear trims including rear diffuser, window surrounds
bootlid spoiler
22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloy wheels
Otherwise, the aluminium-look illuminated running boards, panoramic sliding sunroof, and Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus are shared between the two.
PERFORMANCE
The 53-badged AMG model here is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine as the regular GLE 450 (not a full-blown one man one engine unit), though tuned to a higher output. It also gains a higher-performance nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission for a sportier driving experience.
Engine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology
Transmission: nine-speed AMG Speedshift Torque-Clutch (TCT) 9G automatic
Drivetrain: 4Matic+ all-wheel drive
Suspension: AirMatic air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus
Max horsepower: 435 hp
Max torque: 520 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds
Top speed: electronically-limited 250 km/h
As a full-fledged AMG model, the GLE 53 Coupe is equipped with several performance-enhancing features, including the 4Matic+ fully-variable all-wheel drive system for optimum traction, AMG Dynamic Select with seven-different drive modes to fine tune the engine and transmission response, AMG Active Ride Control+ body roll stabilisation, as well as an AMG performance exhaust system.
INTERIOR
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is spruced up with the typical AMG touches, including carbon-fibre trim pieces, AMG multi-contour sports seats, illuminated AMG door sill plates, and an AMG Performance steering wheel fitted with the AMG steering wheel buttons and swivel wheel.
The dual 12.3-inch displays remain the same, though enhanced with AMG specific functions and display modes. Other interior highlights include:
AMG-specific instrument cluster display modes
AMG Track Pace
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Mercedes me telematics and connected services
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Wireless charging pad
Burmester sound system
SAFETY
Safety equipment wise, the GLE 53 Coupe is unchanged from the GLE 450 Coupe. As such, the following safety features can be found on the AMG-tuned variant as well.
Adaptive cruise control with Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist
Active Parking Assist with Parktronic
360-degree around-view monitor
Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package
Exit warning
Tyre pressure monitoring system
GALLERY


All-new Perodua Myvi awarded full 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating! [+Video]

Fresh from the testing facility of the ASEAN NCAP is the crash safety rating of the all-new
third-generation Perodua Myvi
 and it’s nothing short of outstanding. All variants of the Myvi (from 1.3 Standard G) were awarded the full 5-Star safety rating at the ASEAN NCAP Crash Test.
The new Myvi was tested with the new ASEAN NCAP protocol which requires active safety systems such as ESC to qualify for the 5-Star rating and Perodua has included this feature as
standard on all variants
 of the Myvi. Before we move on, watch the Myvi in action:
The variant tested by the authorities is the
1.3 Standard G
. After the front collision test, the A-pillars and cabin structure were uncompromised, suggesting high levels of rigidity. Onto the side impact test, the cabin the B-pillars and doors held its shape remarkably well without falling apart, again reflecting the structural rigidity of the new Myvi.
The breakdown of the 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Crash Safety Rating are as below:
Adult Occupant Protection: 45.43 points (of 50 points)
Child Occupant Protection: 22.01 points (of 25 points)
Safety Assist: 20.83 points (of 25 points)
Quoting a statement released by the organisation: “The new Perodua Myvi now has additional safety features with four airbags as standard and curtain airbag as an option. In addition to the improved passive safety, it is also fitted with active safety features by extending the Seatbelt Reminder System to rear passenger seats and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard
. It also introduced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in its higher variant. The All-New Perodua Myvi is eligible for 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating and is now the
most affordable car with the AEB feature in Malaysia
.”
For spec-by-spec comparison of the all-new Perodua Myvi in Malaysia, you can read our full report
here
. Pictorial gallery of the Myvi can be found
here
 and you can read our first impressions of the all-new Myvi
here
.


The all-new 2020 Kia Carnival could be the ultimate people carrier for larger families

Kia has finally unveiled the fourth-generation Carnival flagship MPV after showing off its exterior and interior in full in the past two months. Dubbed a “Grand Utility Vehicle”, Kia says that the reimagined people carrier isdesigned to appeal to “progressive young families” through a combination of innovation, space, flexibility and style.
We’ve already seen the exterior of the all-new Carnival
in detail
 before, but key highlights on the SUV-inspired design include sculpted front and rear lower bumpers with metallic trims, “island roof” design with blacked-out A- and B- pillars, a stylised chrome fin C-pillar with diamond-like pattern, bold wheel arches, and a sharper new “tiger nose” face.
As standard, the all-new Kia Carnival comes with LED headlights with a daytime-running light signature that’s integrated into the front grille, along with a light bar. Wheel options vary from 17- to 19-inches in diameter, depending on variant.
A key design decision on the fourth-generation MPV is the shorter front overhang, longer hood, and increased wheelbase (by 30 mm), which resulted in a greater space throughout the cabin. The rear overhang has also been extended by 30 mm, creating more space for third-row passengers and a “best-in-class” 627 litres of luggage space behind the third row.
Interior space is really the name of the game here for the all-new MPV, which is offered in three- or four-row seating configurations depending on market, with space for seven, eight, or 11 occupants in total. With all rear seats folded down, the all-new Carnival boasts a humongous cargo space of up to 2,905 litres.
Kia also says that the interior packaging is more flexible and versatile than before; customers can even opt for a “Premium Relaxation Seat” in the seven-seater configuration, where rear passengers can enjoy ‘business-class’-like seating with one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode that automatically adjusts the seats for maximum comfort on longer journeys.
The Korean carmaker has also made significant improvements in the convenience aspect of the MPV. The lift-over height of the rear trunk is now 26 mm lower than its predecessor at 640 mm, making it easier to load, while the powered tailgate and one-touch smart power-sliding doors help passengers hop in and out of the car.
The sliding doors and powered tailgate can even be opened and closed by just holding the key fob nearby for three seconds, perfect for parents loading their toddlers into the baby car seats at the back.
For parents with slightly elder children, there’s a new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature which allows the front passengers to check on the rear-seat occupants using a camera linked to the infotainment system, while their voices amplified through the rear-seat speakers – useful when the kids are misbehaving.
As for the adults at the back, the all-new MPV now comes with a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ system, which when activated, allows second-row occupants to issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.
Speaking of infotainment, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival features twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, as detailed
here
. Depending on the region, the system will be offered with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the Kia Live telematics service which includes live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential nearby parking – including price, location, and availability.
With the always-on connectivity built in to the car, drivers will be able to send route directions to their car before their journey, and check the location of their vehicle at any time via an accompanying smartphone application.
Kia says that significant changes have been made to the suspension set-up of the Kia Carnival to enhance the comfortable ride while on the move, including new front suspension geometry, use of hydro bushes, as well as the tweaked absorber angles at the rear to better soak up road imperfections.
Significant amount of sound-deadening and insulating material have also been used in all four wheel arches, along with a full underbody cover and a reshaped air intake to reduce the rolling, wind and engine noise while travelling at speed.
As for safety, the fourth-generation MPV is offered with an extensive list of active safety features, depending on market availability and variant specifications. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, blind-spot monitor with Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control (with optional Navigation-based system), and a Level 2 autonomous driving Highway Driving Assist.
The all-new Kia Carnival also comes with the Safe Exit Assist feature, which prevents the rear doors from opening – and young passengers exiting the car – if the system detects a car approaching from behind on either side of the vehicle.
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival will be offered with a choice of up to three new engines, once again dependant on market availability. At the top of the table is the 3.5-litre GDi V6 petrol engine, pushing out
294 hp
 and
355 Nm
 of torque, followed by a 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol engine, good for
272 hp
 and
332 Nm
 of torque.
For oil burners, a new 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel mill is available with
202 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. The new diesel mill replaces its predecessor’s cast iron block for a lighter aluminium block that’s 20 kg lighter, and is also claimed to be one of the cleanest diesel units the company has ever made. All engines options are paired as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
IMAGE GALLERY


BYD opens new showrooms in Penang Gurney Plaza & Mid Valley Southkey Johor Bahru

Sime Darby Beyond Auto
 continues to expand the BYD brand in Malaysia by opening two new outlets in the states of Penang and Johor Bahru. Modelling after many EV carmakers’
modus operandi
in other countries, the two new BYD locations are integrated directly into shopping malls – Gurney Plaza in Penang, and Mid Valley Southkey in Johor – instead of the traditional standalone outlets usually seen here in Malaysia.
The new outlets are “1S centres”, which means they are merely a showroom floor for display and sales. Customers in the Northern and Southern region can access aftersales services at Jalan Sungai Pinang in Penang and Jalan Skudai Kiri in Johor Bahru respectively.
Sime Darby Beyond Auto says that its service centres are all equipped to provide diagnostic support for accurate car maintenance and service needs. Its integrated management of parts distribution throughout the nation also ensures sufficient supply of spare parts for its vehicles, the company adds.
The BYD Atto 3
Sime Darby Motors Retail and Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, “The response to BYD in the Malaysian market has been overwhelmingly positive, clearly demonstrating growing adoption of EVs in the country. We are pleased to build up our momentum with this expansion drive to continue serving increasing EV demand amongst consumers across Malaysia with BYD’s innovative vehicles.”
BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and PT. BYD Motor Indonesia Managing Director, Eagle Zhao said, “The aggressive expansion of BYD’s network in Malaysia shows positive growth for EV prospects in the country, as more Malaysians recognise BYD’s brand presence and the benefits of EV. This further demonstrates the confidence in BYD’s branding and the strong partnership with Sime Darby Motors and we look forward to continue [sic] growing this.”
The two new showrooms join a rapidly expanding list of BYD outlets in Malaysia, including a city centre showroom at TREC KL,
3S centre in Glenmarie in partnership with Sisma Auto
, as well as its flagship 3S centre in Sime Darby Motor City, Ara Damansara.
RELATED:
BYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore


The Maserati Grecale is here to steal a slice of the Macan pie

After
numerous delays
, Maserati has now finally unveiled the
long-awaited Grecale
, its second-ever SUV in its line-up, and perhaps its most important model in recent times sales-wise as it
transitions towards electrification
.
The all-new Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, will slot in Maserati’s model line-up beneath the Levante, setting its sights straight at the
Porsche Macan
.
Size-wise, the Grecale measures in at 4,846 mm long, 1,670 mm tall, and 1,948 mm wide (in base GT trim), with a wheelbase of 2,901 mm, which makes it similar to that of the
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
 – not surprisingly since they essentially share the same platform. In comparison to the Porsche Macan, however, the Grecale is bigger by quite a huge margin in every dimension.
While the overall silhouette does look very similar to a shrunken down
 Levante
, the Grecale does feature several design elements that are influenced by Maserati’s latest styling direction.
Up front, there’s the
MC20
-inspired LED headlights, protuding nose, and the “low and imposing grille” with concave bars, while over at the rear, the taillights are claimed to be inspired by the 1998 3200 GT sports coupe.
The two higher-end variants, Modena and Trofeo, gets a wider rear track (+34 mm) alongside bespoke bumpers and chrome detailing on the front grille. The Trofeo also gets a variant-exclusive split exhaust to mark it out as the range-topping performance variant.
On the inside, the Maserati Grecale gets a completely new dashboard architecture, with a huge emphasis on screens – with four displays as standard.
There’s the 12.3-inch touchscreen Android Automotive OS infotainment display, the largest ever included in a Maserati; a digital instrument cluster, as well as an 8.8-inch touchscreen positioned underneath the infotainment display for your three-zone climate control.
If you’re wondering where’s the fourth screen, the Maserati Grecale’s clock, sitting atop the dashboard, is also now digital for the first time in its brand’s history. In addition to the time, the “clock” can also show a compass, G-force meter, or a visual response whenever the driver activates the Maserati Intelligent Assistant voice command system.
As with all other Maserati models, the Grecale is also smothered in huge swathes of leather and premium materials. They differ according to trims levels; the GT gets a more minimalist look paired with warmer colours, the Modena features bespoke embroidery and trim elements, while the Trofeo being the “sporty” variant comes with exposed carbon fibre trims, perforated leather seats, and contrasting cross stitches.
At launch, the Maserati Grecale will be offered with two powertrain options, in three different configurations. The line-up kicks off with the 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, similar to that of the
Ghibli
and
 Levante Hybrid
.
In the entry-level GT trim, the MHEV powertrain is detuned slightly to make
300 hp
 and
450 Nm
, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
5.6 seconds
 and a top speed of
240 km/h
.
For the same power output as the two Hybrid models above, you’ll have to step up to the Modena variant, where the same powertrain now makes
330 hp
 and a similar
450 Nm
 of torque, for a slightly quicker century sprint time of
5.3 seconds
.
The Maserati Grecale GT
If you still need something a little more powerful, the Trofeo variant comes equipped with a detuned version of Maserati’s Nettuno 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine (introduced in the MC20), making a total of
530 hp
 and
620 Nm
 for a
3.8 seconds
century sprint time, and a top speed of
285 km/h
.
All three powertrain options are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, alongside an all-wheel drive system. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on the Modena and Trofeo, but can also be optioned on the GT.
The Maserati Grecale Modena
Aside from the ICE-powered variants, Maserati will also be unveiling the fully-electric Grecale Folgore next year, alongside the
GranTurismo Folgore EV
. No details have been provided yet, but the Italian luxury carmaker says that it’ll come equipped with a 105 kWh battery, and offer as much as 800 Nm of torque.
The Grecale comes as standard with passive suspensions by default, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link system at the rear. Moving up to the Modena nets you the adaptive Skyhook system (can also be optioned on the GT), while the Trofeo comes as standard with air suspensions.
Offered as optional items items on the lesser variants, the air suspensions offer six levels of adjustments over a 65 mm height range, with the lowest being -35 mm in Park mode, and full height in Off-Road mode at +30 mm.
On the mention of drive modes, which there are five in total (on the Trofeo), they all tie into the new Vehicle Dyanmic Control Module (VDCM), which uses predictive intervention in the suspension movements to control all vehicle dynamics, be it vertical, longitudinal or lateral, promising “levels of performance and integration that could not have been achieved in the older architecture”.
The Maserati Grecale is priced from EUR70,000 (approx. RM325k) in Italy, placing it right within the range of the Porsche Macan.
GALLERY


Geely launches end-to-end online car shopping website amid coronavirus outbreak

Geely has launched its proprietary online car buying service, making it one of the first brands in China to offer a full ‘contactless’ vehicle purchasing experience.
Customers are able to
customise, pay and take delivery
 of their new Geely vehicle without taking a step out from their own homes. The service also offers
 test drives from their homes
, in coordination with their local dealerships.
The online “dealership” will also provide additional services such as
licensing and insurance
 in the purchasing process, offering customers a multitude of different financing and insurance options through the online platform.
Although Geely has previously explored online sales via partnership with third party online platforms, Geely says that its proprietary online sales portal, soft-launched on the 10th of February 2020, has already
increased its online sales by fivefold
 in its first week of operation, compared to the same period last year. In the same timeframe,
sales leads
 generated from the website has also increased
more than 75 times
.
Geely aims to expand the service to include
 home servicing
– where Geely will collect your vehicles for servicing and return them to your home in the near future, and even home or office location maintenance in the future.
Geely Auto Group Vice President of Public Relations, Victor Yang said, “The addition of our online sales platform has proven to be a value addition to our sales network in terms of adding new sales and new sales leads to our national wide dealership network. We have always aimed to bring greater levels of convenience to our consumers and our initial results prove that.”
As pointed out by
Automotive News
, one reason that Geely have expedited the launch of the online portal could be due to the
outbreak of the novel coronavirus
, COVID-19. In the first 16 days of February, car sales in China plunged by 92%; Geely’s car production output also dropped to approximately one-third of its usual capacity.
Locally, Proton, a joint venture between DRB-HICOM and Geely, has also
experimented
 with
online-based
 car sales, though the local effort stops at just the order booking procedure.


“Hey BMW”, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant debuts

BMW will celebrate the premiere of its new-generation BMW Cockpit design concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show happening in October. The fully digital BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control can already be found in new-generation BMW models like the G05 X5, 8 Series, G29 Z4 and G20 3 Series.
The new generation BMW Live Cockpit is made up of three components, instrument cluster, navigation and entertainment system. The instrument cluster display no longer replicates analogue circular gauges instead it now displays arched design elements that open towards the centre which means the rev counter now moves anti-clockwise.

The new arched design also opens up more space in the centre to accommodate a bigger display of the navigation data. Advanced driver assistance system is displayed within the left speedometer while additional entertainment info can be shown within the right-hand arc. The theme of the instrument cluster will also change from blue to red accents according to the drive mode selected – Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport.
The high-resolution LCD instrument cluster is complemented by the infotainment screen that is equipped with BMW Operating System 7.0. The new operating system allows users to personalise the content shown on the top main menu – communications, media/radio, clock, navigation, sports displays, route preview, traffic, position or driving information.

Drivers will also be glad to hear that the iDrive Controller, touch control, voice and gesture control has been further optimised to make operations more intuitive on the new operating system. There is also a new onboard BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that uses AI recognition to learn your driving habits and preferred settings and integrate them to the voice command.
It also recognises humanised commands, for example, saying “Hey BMW, I’m cold” will prompt the Personal Assistant to adjust the climate control accordingly. Other commands available include controlling seat heating, navigating to favourite destinations but the most unique feature is that you can give your digital assistant a name. Now you can finally have your own
Jarvis
.
BMW Operating System 7.0 also supports Remote Software Upgrade that downloads the latest software updates to the BMW Connected app. The installation will take place when the smartphone is connected to the vehicle. Only downside, you will not be able to drive your car until the installation is completed which BMW says takes
only 20 minutes
.
Locally, the BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control is not yet available on BMW Malaysia’s model line up. Expect the new generation of BMW connectivity services to debut on the new X5 and 8 Series when they land to our shores. For the time being, which infotainment system takes your fancy – Hey Mercedes or Hey BMW?
IMAGE GALLERY


Picture of facelifted Mazda3 leaks online, looks like a shrunken Mazda6

The third-generation
Mazda3
 was first introduced back in 2013, and continues to be one of the best passenger cars in the market. That is, though, until the
tenth-generation Honda Civic
 arrives. Three years into its life, it’s rather timely that we see a midlife refresh.
Judging from the leaked image here, the obvious difference would be the new front grille, which resembles that of the Mazda6,
CX-3
 and
CX-9
 SUVs. Also seen here are the redesigned lower air intake, fog lights, and side indicators on the wing mirrors.
The Mazda6 facelift shares similar front grille design as the upcoming Mazda3 facelift
While the changes are mainly cosmetic, no mechanical updates are expected here. As such, expect the Mazda3 to be powered by the same SkyActiv powertrains. In Malaysia, it is offered in the sole
162 hp

2.0-litre SkyActiv engine
 with six-speed automatic gearbox, but the 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine have yet to be introduced by Bermaz.
The new facelifted 3 should be bound for Malaysia sometime next year. Presently, Mazda Malaysia is offering the sedan and hatchback variants of the Mazda3, both powered by the same 2.0-litre lump. Find out what we think of them in
our review
!
[Source:
Car Scoops
]
VIDEO GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 gains AMG Line and full Keyless-Go, price bumped to RM294k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has quietly updated the specifications to the
entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC 200
, which saw the addition of the AMG Line exterior kit (previously the Off-Road package), a full keyless entry and start system (previously only the latter), Agility Control suspension, and other minor change in equipment.
With the update, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line sees a price bump of RM7,721 up to
RM294,100
 – on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are applicable
until the 30th of June 2021
.
With the new exterior kit, the GLC 200 now looks a lot more like the range-topping GLC 300 model – both sharing the AMG Line exterior package. The changes on the outside include the diamond pin single-louvre grille, a new front bumper design with large faux side intakes, and the rear bumper with diffuser elements between the split exhaust exits.
There are, however, some key differences to differentiate the two models. The updated Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 does not come with the Night Package, which means the grille louvre, side mirror caps, roof rails, and bumper garnishes are finished in chrome/silver instead of black.
The GLC 200’s 20-inch alloy wheels are also in the AMG multi-spoke design, instead of the AMG five-twin-spoke design on the GLC 300. Additionally, the headlights on the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 also remain as LED High Performance headlamps, while the GLC 300 gets the more high-end Multibeam LED units.
On the inside, the AMG Line package includes the new AMG floor mat and multi-function sport steering (with gear shift paddles) wheel in Nappa leather. Upholstery and trim finishes are unchanged from before, with black Artico man-made leather on the seats and Anthracite open-pore oak wood on the centre console and door panels.
The rest of the cabin of the updated Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line is identical to the outgoing model, with features such as an MBUX-powered 10.25-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and powered front seats with memory function.
Also unchanged is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, which continues to feature the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, good for
197 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels for a 0-100 km/h time of
7.8 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
217 km/h
.
The AMG Line package does however come with a revised suspension set up, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 now featuring the Agility Control suspension with selective damping system, replacing the Comfort suspension set-up from the outgoing model.
On the safety front, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line continues to be equipped with the same set of advanced safety features as before, which are standard across the range. These include autonomous emergency braking, Blind Sport Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Pre-Safe, cruise control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
GALLERY


Review: Porsche Macan, the Tiger of Stuttgart a practical sports car on stilts?

Proven track record shown from the hugely successful
Porsche Cayenne
 has led to the birth of a smaller and compact SUV, the
Macan
. Porsche calls it ‘the
sports car
 of the compact SUV segment’, which is by far the most powerful in its class. Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is eager to show us what it can do.
Before we begin, do go through the Macan line-up via our Quick Facts table below to avoid confusion. We managed to test all models during the
Porsche
 Macan Road Tour except for the Macan Turbo, for some reasons.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan
 S Diesel

Segment
Compact SUV
Compact SUV
Engine
1,984cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged
2,967cc V6 turbocharged diesel
Transmission
7-speed PDK
7-speed PDK
Max Power
237hp @ 5,000 – 6,800 rpm
258hp @ 4,000 – 4,250 rpm
Max Torque
350Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
580Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM 420,000.00
RM 545,000.00

Name
Porsche Macan
 S

Porsche Macan
 Turbo

Segment
Compact SUV
Compact SUV
Engine
2,997cc V6 twin-turbo
3,604cc V6 twin-turbo
Transmission
7-speed PDK
7-speed PDK
Max Power
340hp @ 5,500 – 6,500 rpm
400hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
460Nm @ 1,450 – 5,000 rpm
550Nm @ 1,350 – 4,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM 560,000.00
RM 785,000.00

The word ‘Macan’ means
tiger
 in Indonesian and with its introduction in Malaysia, it also means the Porsche badge is now more ‘accessible’. Entry level Macan starts from only
RM420,000
 (the most affordable in Porsche’s stable now) all the way to
RM785,000
.
Just like how its big brother shares its platform with the VW Touareg, the Macan is loosely based on the Audi Q5. However we do notice that Porsche does not want us to think the Macan as a shrunk Cayenne. Instead, they sell it as a practical 911 – on stilts that is.
EXTERIOR
Nicknamed the ‘baby Cayenne’, it is
smaller
 than its big brother: 174mm shorter, 81mm lower, but almost as wide only 16mm narrower. It does get quite a long wheelbase at 2,807mm which is only 88mm shorter than the Cayenne’s 2,895mm wheelbase.
The Cayenne immediately looks intimidating when compared side by side, which makes the Macan a more ideal urban SUV in terms of size thus manoeuvrability as well.
Untrained eyes may need to stare at it for a bit to tell if its the Macan or Cayenne. A new feature on the Macan is the
aluminium clamshell bonnet
 design with a raw air duct integrated on the underside to ventilate the engine. The long hood together with the large front air intakes simply screams “Get out of my way!”. A sight to behold in the rear view mirror.

The Macan inherits design cues from its cousins that reflects Porsche’s sports car heritage. Starting from its side profile; the sloping roofline and body curves to the rear that amplifies the broad sculpted wings, and D-pillar are from the
911
.
Then there’s the ‘dark patch’ at the bottom of both front and passenger doors, which I thought it must have a certain special ability to improve the car’s performance, the German kind of way
ja
. Indeed there is, well sort of. The ‘
sideblades
’ from the
918 Spyder
 are to create an illusion of lower and narrower doors, for a compact and sportier look (meh). They are available in the form of different materials as options.
The headlights design gets the 918 Spyder look. All models are fitted with
projector-type halogen lights
 while Macan Turbo receives
bi-xenon headlights
, which is available as options for all. Day Time Running Lights (
DRL
) on the bi-xenon unit are four-dots fancy LED spotlights, which are very unique. Halogen ones get the DRL in the inner headlight
Moving on to the rear are the
3D design LED
 rear lights, reminiscent of the ones from 918 Spyder. Not only it’s mesmerizingly good looking, its brake lights also
pulsates
 when driver applies panic braking to alert following traffic more quickly. Avoid getting hypnotized and remember to brake when you happen to see one pulsating.
Just like their sports cars, the rear wheels are wider, improving stability and traction. All Macan are fitted with
 18-inch
 wheels (Front: 235/60 R18, Rear: 255/55 R18) as standard, except for the Macan Turbo has
19-inch
 (Front: 235/55 R19, Rear: 255/50 R19). Should you feel like pimping the kitty up, it can go all the way up to 21-inch as options.
INTERIOR
The interior is unmistakably Porsche with its sports car like cockpit and luxurious ambience. This sports car on stilts is fitted with sporty seat position and steeply inclined 918 Spyder-based multi-function sports steering wheel.
Everything in the cabin feels
top notch
, the leather, buttons and the
magnesium alloy
 paddle shifts are of premium materials. Except the indicator lever feels like it belongs in a VW Polo; the harsh ‘unoiled’ clicking when engaged.

Instrument cluster is a set of three round dials with the speedo on the left, rev-counter in the center and an optional
4.8-inch VGA multifunction display
 on the right. A clever display that also incorporates a 3D navigation map. It also shows the driver in real time how much power is currently distributed among all four wheel. Comes as standard in the Macan Turbo.
Center console display is a
 7-inch touch screen
 panel that houses all the relevant settings and information.
Bose
 and
Burmeister
 surround sound system are made available as options for top class audio quality.
Porsche says buttons are grouped and placed ergonomically for easy access. Well yes and no. It’s more like a jam-packed ‘
buttonvaganza
’ party going on in the lower centre console.
Sport, Sport Plus, air suspension setting buttons and all other modes are left on the passenger side due to the how it was designed for left hand drive market. Just move them over
laaah
.
No complaints but praises for the excellent sport seats that holds you tightly. One really frustrating problem is the
narrow driver’s side footwell
 with minimal space for left knee and foot to rest. Feels like driving in a mini skirt. It’s uncomfortable. Yea, I like to drive ‘
kangkang
’.
Space in the back seats isn’t impressive. Partly because of the 911 sloping roofline that has taken up some head room. Same goes to the boot space. That can be fixed instantly by folding down the rear seats for more room. Your kids can stay home then.
PERFORMANCE
SDAP offers four variants of Macan imported straight from the 500 million euro Leipzig plant in Germany. All four come with
active all-wheel-drive
 and a
7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
 gearbox as standard. Porsche’s dual clutch transmission; whenever a particular gear is engaged, the next gear is already preselected. As a result, gear changes take place within milliseconds, with no interruption in the flow of power.
The standard
Porsche Macan
 is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, generating 237hp and 350Nm of torque. With performance figures like 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and top speed of 223 km/h, its fuel consumption figure is impressive: 7.2 litres per 100 km, making it among the most efficient compact SUV in its class.
Torque addicts like myself will like the
Porsche Macan S Diesel
: 258 horsepower and a whopping 580Nm of torque from its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine. It launches itself from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted) and goes all the way up to 230 km/h. Fuel consumption at 6.3 to 6.1 litres per 100 km.
The
Porsche Macan S
 gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, churns out 340hp and 450Nm of torque. Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted) with a top speed of 254 km/h. It consumes between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km of fuel.
Top of the range
Porsche Macan Turbo
, currently the most powerful in the compact SUV segment is powered by a new 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, spitting out a respectable 400hp and 550Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted!) This pussycat is able to achieve a top speed of 266 km/h. Fuel consumption is kept between 9.2 and 8.9 litres/100 km. Sadly we didn’t get to test this out.
THE DRIVE
The media drive organised by SDAP was a day trip from Porsche Damansara showroom to
Ipoh
 and back. Through highways and some real exciting narrow country roads. My partner for the day Jehan and I started off in the Porsche Macan S, and immediately I can report that the
Porsche Macan S
 is an all-rounder urban SUV.
Well then of course, a compact SUV that goes around town with a
340hp
 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo power plant, power delivery is impressive. Isn’t exactly instantaneous but there’s virtually no turbo lag. Put my foot down after Smart Tag exit, without even realizing it took me to
200kph
 90kph in no time. Added on another 30kph,
sap sap suey
 (easy peasy).
With
 Sport Plus
 mode activated, the Macan S turns into an entirely different redline rev-happy animal. Exhaust and engine sound tasty too, but sadly you can hardly hear it while driving. Speaking of which NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) quality is kept at optimum level which makes the drive even better.
We then hopped into the
258hp standard Macan
 which obviously isn’t as powerful as the bi-turbo V6 Macan S. Its 350Nm of torque however does feel sufficient for a fun drive. Definitely more than enough to be a city run-about soccer-mom-mobile.
After lunch in Ipoh, we got into the red upholstery
258hp Macan S Diesel
, which is the gem. It drives much like the Macan S only with much more torque; 580Nm of them! What’s more amazing is that it doesn’t sound like a diesel. In fact, it sounds really good. *goosebumps*
The
7-speed PDK gearbox
 works perfectly in all variants, quick and responsive gear changes, be it automatic or manual paddle-shifting. Taking the Macans through winding trunk roads with surprisingly minimal body roll, responsive steering wheel and quick gear changes turned out to be real fun. No off roading sessions though.
IS IT FOR YOU?
So, is this car for you? Well, if you are looking for a compact SUV and expect it to perform like a 911, then no. However, if you’ve been itching to own a Porsche and have been waiting to start somewhere, then YES. For a Porsche, it’s quite a bargain. After all, it’s easier to convince your wife that you are buying a SUV.
COMPARISON
The closest competitor is this league would be Victoria Beckham’s
Range Rover Evoque
 and let’s throw in the weirdly good-looking Infiniti
QX70
 for comparison sake.
Porsche Macan/ S / S Diesel
Range Rover Evoque 2.0 5 door Dynamic
Infiniti QX50 3.7L
ENGINE
Type
turbocharged: 4-cylinder petrol / V6 petrol / V6 diesel
4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
V6 petrol
Displacement
cc
1,984 / 2,997 / 2,967
1,999
3,696
Max Power
hp
237 / 340 / 258
240
320
Max Torque
Nm
350 / 460 / 580
340
360
STEERING
Type
Electromechanical
Electrical power-assisted
Electromechanical
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
7-speed Automatic PDK
9-speed Automatic
7-speed Automatic
SUSPENSION
Type
Steel spring suspension
MacPherson strut / Multi-arm
Double-wishbone / Multi-link
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
 F : R
235/60 R18 : 255/55 R18
245/45 R20
245/45 R19
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,681
4,355
4,635
Overall Width
mm
1,923
1,965
2,043
Overall Height
mm
1,624
1,635
1,600
Wheelbase
mm
2,807
2,660
2,800
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,770 / 1,865 / 1,880
1,670
1,885
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
500
545
340
FUEL
Tank Capacity
65 / 65 / 60
70
80
Consumption (Combined)
 L/100km
7.5 / 9.0 / 6.3
8.7
10.6
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
223 / 254 / 230
217
240
0 – 100km/h
sec
6.9 / 5.4 / 6.3
7.6
6.4
PRICE

RM
420k / 560k /545k
399,888
380,000

WILL I BUY IT?
If I were to buy one, I’ll go for the
Porsche Macan Turbo
. But then if I were to really pay (RM785,000.00) for that, I would rather get a
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus
 (RM190,000) then go for the
Porsche Cayman
 (RM510,000) instead. You wouldn’t want to enjoy your
nasi lemak rendang ayam
 soaked in your
cendol
 dessert right? #eww!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2014 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, all-wheel drive Golf on stilts

Volkswagen released the details of the new
Golf Alltrack
, set to make its public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October. Based on the Golf Wagon, Golf Alltrack receives a more rugged look and a raised ground clearance by
20 mm
.

 Further differentiation from the Golf Wagon is the addition of
matt black mouldings
 on the wheel arches, side sills, and bumpers; complete with
underbody protection
 at the edge of the side sills and bumpers painted in matt Reflex Silver. The
17-inch “Valley” alloy wheels
 are exclusive to the Golf Alltrack only.
 All those rugged looks are not just for show. Like the
Golf R Mk7
, the Golf Alltrack is equipped with the
4MOTION

all-wheel drive system
 with latest generation
 Haldex-5 coupling
. Drive is sent to the front axle in normal loads, but the system is able to send the power to the rear axle for up to 100 percent.
 Meanwhile,
EDS
 and
XDS
 work in conjunction with the
ESC
 by distributing power and applying the brakes to each wheel when necessary for optimum traction and steering response. In addition to that, Golf Alltrack gets a new
Offroad driving profile
 that modifies the throttle response and the ABS, and activates the hill descent function.
 A 4-cylinder petrol
1.8-litre TSI
 engine paired with a 6-speed DSG is offered for the first time in a Golf, producing
178 hp
 from 4,500 rpm and
280 Nm
 at 1,350 – 4,500 rpm with a fuel consumption figure of
6.8 l/100 km
. It’s capable to get from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
7.8 seconds
, and a
top speed
 of
217 km/h
.
 A trio of 4-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engines are also available for the Golf Alltrack. The
1.6-litre TDI
 produces
108 hp
 at 3,200 – 4,000 rpm and
250 Nm
 and will only sip
4.7 l/100 km
. The 1.6 TDI will accelerate from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
12.1 seconds
, with a
top speed
 of
187 km/h
. Next is a
2.0-litre TDI
 producing
148 hp
 at 3,500 – 4,000 rpm and
340 Nm
 at 1,750 – 3,000 rpm. The sprint time from
0 to 100 km/h
 is
8.9 seconds
, and the top speed is
207 km/h
.
 The
 top-of-the-range Golf Alltrack
 also uses a
2.0-litre TDI
, but only available with the 6-speed DSG transmission. It produces
 181 hp
 at 3,500 – 4,000 rpm and
380 Nm
 of torque from 1,750 – 3,250 rpm. The range-topping Alltrack gets from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
7.8 seconds
 with a top speed of
219 km/h
. [divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s what the Toyota Supra sounds like with a V8 engine

Ever since the new Toyota Supra was launch, enthusiasts and industry observers alike have bemoaned the use of BMW’s B58 turbocharged straight-six engine instead of a newly developed engine by Toyota – a worthy successor to the legendary 2JZ engine.
Word has it that it was down to cost. If Toyota had to develop a completely new Supra from scratch, with a new engine, it would’ve been an expensive endeavour and its retail price would’ve been even higher. Essentially, if this collaboration did not happen, there would be no new Supra to begin with.
Watch
GC Mah’s review of the new Toyota Supra
 here!
That being said, although it’s tried and true that the
Supra is no slouch and can still carry the legendary’s nameplate
 as we briefly discovered on an air strip in Sg. Besi, we can completely understand the charm of a Supra, with a “3JZ”, so to speak.
Now a video has surfaced on YouTube of what seems (or rather sounds like) a V8-powered Toyota Supra undergoing testing, supposedly for Japan’s GT300 series. It sure doesn’t sound like a straight-six nor an inline-four cylinder engine.
Watch the video here
!
At the moment it’s anyone’s guess where the engine is from and it’s unlikely that we’ll see it on the road-going Supra so don’t be so quick to withhold your booking just yet.


Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 launched, lower viscosity for better fuel economy

Shell Malaysia has just introduced a new variant of its high-performance Shell Helix Ultra engine oil range, the Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30. With a thinner viscosity, the new formula aims to give enhanced fuel economy with lower emissions and at the same time gives you outstanding engine protection and performance under the toughest driving conditions.
Made from
fully synthetic motor oil
, the
 Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30
 meets the needs of most modern passenger and high-performance vehicles. It contains Shell’s
PurePlus Technology
 and
Active Cleansing technology
 that cleans engine sludge and prevents piston deposits by up
65 percent
 better than industry standards.
Left: Shopee Marketing Lead, Rachel Tan and Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo
The new engine oil also boasts exceptional low-temperature performance, allowing for quicker engine warm-up. Having a lower viscosity reduces friction between moving parts which in turn improves fuel economy and lowers emissions.
Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager, May Tan said: “In the new Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 with SN specification, we have a product that offers a balance of fuel economy, engine protection and reliability that are synonymous with the Shell Helix brand.  It is suitable for most modern cars ranging from the small compacts right up to large D-segment sedans and even performance cars.”
Left: Shopee Marketing Lead, Rachel Tan and Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo
The Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 is available at all Shell Authorised distributors and Shell Retail stations priced at RM277.60 (including GST) for a 4-litre pack. Customers who purchase the product from
Shell Official Online Store @ Shopee
, Shell Malaysia’s latest e-commerce partner, can enjoy exclusive special low price for limited period.


All-new Mercedes-Benz CLE to replace C-Class and E-Class Coupes – official launch July 5

Mercedes-Benz
has published a new teaser photo on its social media channels for an all-new model dubbed the ‘CLE’, with an official world premiere scheduled for
July 5, 2023
.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE will be making its debut as a coupe model, designed to replace both the
C-Class
and
E-Class coupe
 models in a bid to simplify its increasingly-bloated model line-up. However, spy photographers have also in recent months spotted a convertible version of the CLE, which will take the place of the C- and
E-Class Cabriolets
 when it’s launched at a later date.
The outgoing
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
The German carmaker is keeping its cards close to its chest for the all-new CLE-Class, but spyshots suggest that it’ll feature a fairly sleek bodywork, with design elements inspired by the
all-new C-Class
, as well as the Mercedes-AMG SL that only
recently made its debut here in Malaysia
.
Underneath the sheet metal is likely the marque’s MRA-2 platform, and just like the all-new C-Class that’s also built on the same architecture, the all-new CLE should also be powered by the marque’s electrified two-litre four-cylinder engine options.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz is replacing the C- and E-Class coupes, cabrios with a new CLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe
Variant line-up could include anything ranging from the CLE 200 to even AMG variants like the CLE 63 and CLE 43, mirroring the powertrain offerings of the C-Class. An earlier scoop from Mercedes-Benz dealers in the USA last year even suggested a six-cylinder powertrain option for the CLE 450 variant.
We’ll know more about the new two-door Mercedes-Benz CLE after its official launch on June 5, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on
AutoBuzz.my
.


Video: Aston Martin’s “sportscar” SUV, the DBX, now in Malaysia!

Just like Bentley and its
Bentayga
, Rolls-Royce with its
 Cullinan
 and Lamborghini with their
Urus
, Aston Martin has finally introduced its own version of an SUV, in the form of the
DBX
 in Malaysia.
Underneath its clamshell-like front hood is a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine with 550 hp and 750 Nm. The Mercedes-AMG engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic to drive all four wheels. The DBX’s clever torque distribution system not only allows for power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels, but also from side to side within front or rear axle.

Here comes the more exciting bit – not only is it immensely quick with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, it will carry on charging forward until its 291 km/h top speed. Aston Martin said that the DBX is first a sports car and then an SUV. While the numbers certainly back those claims, we can’t wait to find out what it’ll be like to drive.
With the sportscar aspect of the DBX taken care off, Aston Martin’s focus on it as an SUV is also very apparently. Roomy and spacious is how you can surely describe the interior while cabin noise is said to be significantly reduced using computational aeroacoustics technology. Aston Martin says they’re one of very few companies to adopt such technology for cabin refinement.
Like all the other SUVs the big marques have made, this isn’t just another Frankenstein project put together in haste. In fact, Aston Martin’s Female Advisory Board was heavily involved with the design process of the DBX, in addition to feedback from the company’s top management and private focus groups to enhance the overall ergonomics of the SUV.
That makes the wait to drive this even more unbearable!
GALLERY


This is how you open the doors on the Ford Mustang Mach-E

The keen-eyed among you might have noticed something peculiar about the new
Mustang Mach-E
‘s styling – yes, it does not have a door handle. In the pursuit of utmost efficiency, car manufacturers – especially in the EV world – have devised several ingenious solutions to reduce drag while on the move.
While most EV carmakers such as
Tesla
 and
Jaguar
 utilise pop-out door handles that sits flush with the door panel when closed, Ford has taken it to the next level by removing the door handle completely.
How do you get in to the car then, you might ask? Aside from a regular key fob, the Mach-E is equipped with the Phone As A Key Technology. Once your smartphone is paired up through the application, the car is able to detect your approach using Bluetooth, and automatically unlock the doors.
With a press of a small round button on the pillars, the door unlatches and opens by approximately four inches. If you’re opening the front doors, the next step is to pull on the tiny grab handle right on the belt-line and pull the door open.
As for the rear doors, the process is roughly similar to opening the front doors, except there are no handles here. Once the door unlatches, you’ll have to reach into the slit, where a grip pad allows you to pull the door open.
You might think that putting your hand in between an ajar door might sound dangerous, but according to
TechCrunch
, Ford has thought it through and designed an immediate safety system to prevent any nasty accidents.
If your key or smartphone’s batteries do run out, you’ll still be able to get into the car, too. On the B-pillars, a keypad shines through the black trim, allowing you to key-in a back-up four-digit code to unlock the car. Once inside, another four-digit code is required before you can drive it off.
Ford has also built in a supercapacitor in each door as a backup power source, in case your car’s battery is completely depleted (or damaged). And if all else fails, the front doors do have an emergency mechanical latch on the inside to allow yourself out of the car.
However, we’re unsure how a set-up like this would work in an event of an accident, and in particular with emergency responders from the outside. Our semi-educated guess based on past examples points to a hidden keyhole somewhere on the door, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation from Ford.


The new Porsche Taycan’s cabin is an absolute screen fest!

Porsche seems determined to tickle our heartstrings with a rather “comprehensive teaser” on what we can expect from the fully electric supercar ahead of its global unveiling next month.
First of all, it’s really cool that the entire interior is now almost void of buttons, knobs and levers as they’re replaced entirely by touch sensitive controls – leaving only very few for the window controls and on the steering wheel.
While the new 16.8-inch instrument cluster may still appear to feature five separate dials, the classic Porsche DNA ends there. The customary rev meter displayed on the centre dial is now replaced with a power meter (for obvious reasons).
Different displays are projected when either one of the four driving modes –
Classic
,
Map
,
Full Map
,
Pure
 – are engaged. If you observe closer, the new digital instrument cluster also houses the lighting controls and access to the car’s drive controls and suspension setup on each side of the screen.
The conventional gear lever position has been relocated to where the ignition would normally be, to accommodate a new 8.4-inch touchscreen display for access to the air conditioning and multimedia functions. That should leave Porsche with a few questions to answer.
What’s quite amusing to me at least is that the engine start button has been redesigned to look like an on/off switch for appliances – something the Taycan isn’t too different from.
The only familiar sight in this rather futuristic but typically subdued Porsche interior is the 10.9-inch display in the middle, with an optional unit for the passenger – a
big swipe at Ferrari’s much smaller passenger display
.
Staying true to its environmental-friendly nature, the Taycan can be optioned with a leather-free interior; replaced instead by a microfibre material made of recycled polyster fibres called “Race Tex”.
As for the floor carpets, they’re made of recycled fibre sourced from used fishing nets, among other things.


Porsche says electric Porsche 911 will be easier to develop

Porsche has cleverly expanded its line-up since the birth of the
Cayenne
 20 years ago, now offering various configurations of four-door sedans (
Taycan
 and
Panamera
) as well as the Macan. The emblematic Porsche 911 will remain special to the company (and to its fans) and as seen in the latest
911 GT3
, electrification of the automotive icon is still absent.
The German company famous for its sports cars, motorsports and heritage said that although there are no plans to offer a fully electric Porsche 911, the progress of technology and maintaining the teardrop shape of the Porsche 911 actually isn’t as difficult as thought.

Until the RS models arrive, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is the flagship for Porsche Malaysia. Check out what you get for RM2.2 million here.
In a conversation with
Autocar UK
, Porsche’s design chief Michael Mauer said that from purely a
design
 standpoint, an electric Porsche 911 is even easier in the future. Mauer believes that while a 911 as a whole is 100% emotion, the glorious soundtrack from the six-cylinder boxer engine is not 100% of the emotion.
“It’s the styling, the handling, how it goes around the corner. Electric engines regarding torque and performance offer that: yes, it is missing the sound, but if you look at young kids today, do they need it? I don’t know,” express Mauer to Autocar UK.
Packaging the current hardware consisting of engine, turbochargers, intercoolers, radiators and cleaning of the exhaust gases leave designers and engineers with many compromises. Mauer said he and his team were concerned about this topic but with electricity and other new technologies, there is more freedom.
Porsche 911 and off-road racing go back a long way. So does Gemballa and tuning of Porsches, hence the creation of the Gemballa Marsien.
Porsche however is also quick to reply that a fully electric 911 will only see light as late as 2030, with the company focusing on volume products such as the upcoming
second-generation Porsche Macan
 as well as the Mission R concept for motorsports. Rumours surrounding a ‘hybridized’ Porsche 911 coming soon also intensified after spy photographers spotted a lightly-camouflaged development car doing some laps at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
While it is too early to share technical pieces of the Porsche Mission R concept, the
development mule
 or “rolling chassis” that looks to be based from a Porsche 718 Boxster seems to have all the right ingredients to keep Porsche fans and enthusiast satisfied.
Lotus recently unveiled their
technological concept
 for the next generation of fully electric two-seat mid-engined sports cars, with a modular ‘chest’ battery between the cabin and the electric motor. Such a layout provides both low centre of gravity plus low overall vehicle height, key elements of a two-seat sports car.


New Peugeot 308 has 225 hp of hybrid power with semi-automatic lane change manoeuvring!

Peugeot sets the new brand identity and communication in motion with the launch of the new 308, one of their staple products for dealers and the brand.
The front design continues the styling that was first seen on the
new 508
 sedan with the hook-shaped DRLs form as an extension to the slim Matrix LED headlamps.
The main focus is however the central portion of the front, where the
new Peugeot brand
 coat of arms emblem reside. The company even said the design of the grille was entirely dedicated to the new emblem.  Different radar transmitters, placed behind the grille, were selected to ensure the grille looks flush while the registration plate has been move downwards.
The coat of arms emblem is also repeated on the front fenders. Directly above the wheel arches are deep horizontal chisels into the body giving the new Peugeot 308 a more powerful character.
The three claws in taillamp, meanwhile, look less stylish though, as if just red diagonal lines were unevenly drawn in three boxes. The chrome trim pieces at the lower corners of the bumper also look unnecessary, a styling element usually for exhaust outlets but in the new Peugeot 308, it is just elaborate styling.
Dimensionally, length and width have increased but not the height, which has been lowered. Peugeot says the increase of 55 mm in the wheelbase specifically target better rear passenger comfort. Numerically, the new Peugeot 308 is 4,367 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,444 mm tall plus a wheelbase of 2,675 mm- figures that all larger and lower in height than the
best-seller
, the
Volkswagen Golf
.
One aspect that could be better elaborated by Peugeot is the technique used to increase body rigidity. The company said, ”Rigidity of the body has been optimized by
glueing
 the structural elements.” That is some super strong glue there! The new 308 is built from an evolution of the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) with new structural elements.
Inside, the new Peugeot 308 continues to evolve the i-Cockpit dashboard design. A standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included, with higher-placed variants getting an equally sized driver’s information display.  Users can speak “OK Peugeot” naturally and the voice command will perform the defined task as requested.
Below the infotainment screen is an array of
virtual i-toggle
 switches. Each i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut key to the settings for the air-conditioner, telephone, audio source or an application launch, set up individually according to the user’s choice.
The new i-Cockpit also includes the participation of the front passenger, where the centre console is deliberately open towards his or her direction. There is no shift lever for vehicles with automatic transmission, instead, a new compact rocker-control is used for the selection of Reverse and Drive direction, with a button for Park.
There are a total of seven powertrain choices in the new Peugeot 308, covering all customer requirements provided it is not fully electric. Headlining the new model is the availability of not one but two output levels of the petrol
plug-in hybrid
 system. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with either 150 or 180 horsepower, with a single torque value of 250 Nm.
When paired with a 110 hp/320 Nm electric motor, the combined system output is
180 hp
 or
225 hp
, with a total torque output of
360 Nm
. The hybrid system channels drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the plug-in hybrid Peugeot 308 can travel up to
60 km
 in full electric mode. Apart from a ‘HYBRID’ emblem on the tailgate, there is no special identification for the plug-in hybrid models which are known as HYBRID 180 and HYBRID 225.

Three petrol engines and two diesel engines with outputs of up to 130 hp are paired with a six-speed manual or the aforementioned eight-speed automatic transmission. No acceleration times have been shared yet.
Newly developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) such as
semi-automatic lane change
 and curve speed adaptation are available in the new Peugeot 308. With the semi-automatic lane change feature, the driver is suggested by the system to overtake the vehicle in front and then return to the original lane, usable at speeds from 70 km/h to 180 km/h.
The curve speed adaptation feature meanwhile optimizes speed according to the curve of the bend, up to 180 km/h.
Connectivity between owner and vehicle is enhanced using the smartphone application, allowing remote start of the air-conditioning as well as charging times for the hybrid.
The new Peugeot 308 will be produced in France at the Mulhouse plant and deliveries for Europe is scheduled for the second half of this year.
GALLERY


5 key insights into Geely’s new SEA electric car platform

Many automakers are introducing new dedicated platforms when switching to fully electric propulsion. Since there are no combustion engine and all its related hardware (exhaust pipe, fuel tank and transmission), the chassis will need to be modified to accommodate the heavy battery pack and motors.
Geely introduced the
Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)
 in September 2020 to be the basis of all new electric vehicles, with the sporty
Zeekr 001
 being the first product. Geely Holding, via Kent Bovellan, head of advanced vehicle architectures, recently held a group interview with Malaysian motoring media to share more details about this fascinating platform.
Fully scalable
This is the core technology and basis of the SEA platform. Out of three main constructions of the front and rear structures, the chassis can have
variable dimensions
 in length, width and height to offer up to 10 different products, including vans and pick-up trucks.
SEA’s flexible modular design allows Geely Auto to offer products ranging from B-segment sedans, hatchbacks, C-segment MPVs and SUVs, as well as sporty cars such as the Zeekr 001. Such a multi-usage platform is not new though, as Renault-Nissan Alliance introduced their Common Module Family (CMF) architecture in 2013 with an update to
CMF-EV
 in 2020 and Volkswagen introduced the SEA-equivalent
MEB (modular electric-drive toolkit)
 in 2019.
Renault-Nissan Common Module Family (CMF). A range of vehicles can be build with just a few key chassis modules
Different segments reach out to different customer groups and thus the ability of SEA to offer different battery capacity and motor outputs.
While illustrations of the SEA make it look like a “skateboard”, the SEA is a unibody-constructed vehicle, where the bodyshell is welded to the chassis to form a single structural element.
2. Open-sourced
Automobile making requires tremendous amounts of resources and a rapid transition from combustion engine to fully electric further illustrates this. As such, in order to recoup investment as well as accelerate development time, Geely Holding has made the SEA platform open-sourced, a world’s first.
This allows other automakers or
prospective new automakers
, such as Baidu, to have a range of fully-homologated electric vehicles in the shortest time. Mr Bovellan said making SEA open-sourced was a decision made very much at the start of the program, as it is too expensive to do it on your own.
Automakers
will have access to 3D data
 and Geely Holding can also provide the full range of services from exterior design to manufacturing.
Smart will be the first internationally-known automaker to develop their range of new electric vehicles using the SEA platform, starting with an SUV to be unveiled in
September this year.
3. Global standards
Geely Holding’s SEA platform has been developed over the past three years at R&D centres in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany. When one mentions electric vehicle, the first car that comes to mind is a Tesla.
The chief engineer of the SEA platform, Mr Bovellan, said that Tesla shows few signs of weaknesses compared to SEA, which offers better interior space, refinement, build quality and cost of production.
Geely Holding’s SEA is of global standards thanks to meticulous engineering and design work. Construction of the vehicle is optimized, taking moving placement of the batteries for better legroom and shape of the roof for better headroom.
4. High performance
The Zeekr 001 is the first product to utilize the SEA platform, categorised under SEA1 and SEA-Sport that covers E- and F-segment vehicles such as the Tesla Model S and Audi E-Tron. Ride and handling performance are greater importance in this segment, where price is also higher.
Dynamism is a key attribute in the Zeekr 001
The Zeekr 001 at its range-topping variant comes with front and rear motors set-up, as well as a large 100 kWh battery pack and suspended by fully variable air suspension. The two equally-sized motors deliver total outputs of
544 hp
 and
768 Nm
 registering a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just
3.8 seconds
with a high speed of over 80 km/h registered for lane-change manoeuvre or the ‘elk test’.
High torsional rigidity is also seen on the Zeekr’s bodyshell, registering a figure of
30,000 Nm/degree
. Such a figure is similar to the previous generation Porsche 911. Battery swapping which is gaining popularity in China is however not included in the development objectives. Mr Bovellan said integrated battery structure is key to achieve high torsional rigidity and battery swapping also limits the dimension of the vehicle.
5. Connectivity to allow fully autonomous driving
Thanks to the modular architecture of SEA, high levels of connectivity can be made into every new vehicle. The placement of all the environmental scanning and measuring devices already accounted for before production making planning and costing a lot more efficient.
Vehicles underpinned by SEA will have full autonomous driving capability by 2025, thanks to high levels of software and hardware integration. Over-the-air updates allow the vehicle equipped with the latest technology for efficient and smart driving.
Mass market vehicles entering the market quicker will also contribute to the reduction of transportation-based CO2 a lot quicker, thus, the Geely SEA platform could help many automakers expand faster and a lot cheaper.
GALLERY
2013 Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF


Subaru Forester & Levorg STI gets more STI bits for Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru is gearing up for the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), hinting that there will be two concept models on display, the Forester STI and Impreza STI Concept Model. Developed in collaboration with Subaru Technica International (STI), the two concept models wear exclusive STI parts for enhanced aesthetic appeal and performance.
The Forester STI Concept Model is based on the top of the range e-BOXER Advance hybrid variant and gets spiced up with a Fighter Grey paint job, 19-inch multi-spoke aluminium wheels, Brembo front monoblock six-pot calipers and a more aggressive body kit. Subaru also hinted that the concept also gets a “Bordeaux” interior with additional trims.
The Levorg takes a more motorsport-inspired approach with the introduction of performance enhancing STI parts including flexible tower bar, aerodynamic body kit and flexible draw stiffener. All these combined gives the car sharper handling and better stability at high speeds. It also wears a dual tone paint job, 19-inch BBS alloy wheels and a set of Recaro seats.


Forget the new bodykit for Raya – get a child seat from Perodua at a discounted price instead!

Soon, the days of watching a kid in the car next to you jumping up and down, back and forth from the front seat to the back will be over after mandatory usage of child seats come into effect in 2020.
Perodua is taking the lead in this initiative by offering GearUp ISOFIX child seats at promotional prices of RM660 (reduced from RM785) for the
Infant Seat
 and RM780 (reduced from RM975) for the
Toddler Seat
. The promo runs from 13th May to 30th of June 2019.
The Infant seat is designed for infants weighing up to
13kg
and is available in red or grey colours while the Toddler seat can accommodate children weighing from
9kg to 36kg
 and is available in red or black.
“The general lack of compliance by Malaysian motorists with regard to child car seat usage is frightening to say the least, as children are the most vulnerable occupants in a moving vehicle,” said Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd Vice-President Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim, who is also Chairman of the Perodua Safety Committee.
Aside from the promotion, Perodua will also be conducting targeted educational and awareness campaigns throughout the month of Ramadan on the importance of safely strapping your kids into an appropriate seat.
Speaking of safety, have you checked out our
review video of the Perodua Aruz?
“As a Malaysian carmaker, we feel it is our responsibility to educate our customers and the public on road safety. We understand that education is a long-term process, and we are committed to it,” added Datuk Suhaimi.
Aside from the well-being of your children, Perodua is also encouraging owners to look into the health of their Perodua vehicles with a 50% off promo on labour charges with a minimum of RM170 spent before taxes, in a single receipt.
The offer is available at all authorised Perodua service centres nationwide on the 14th, 16th, 21st and 23rd of May (1-5pm), 27th till 31st May (8am-5pm) and 3rd June (8am-5pm).