2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC launched in Malaysia, priced at RM329k

Together with the
launch of the new GLE and GLE Coupe
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also introduced the SUV variant to the C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s available in one trim only, and is priced at RM328,888 on-the-road without insurance.
The GLK successor shares the same platform as the current W205 C-Class, which gives way for growth in dimensions. Compared to the GLK, the GLC is
bigger in every way
, measuring at 4,656mm long, 1,890mm wide, 1,639mm tall and has a longer wheelbase at 2,873mm – up from 2,755mm previously.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC
Engine
1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic
Max Power
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed
7.3 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM328,888
EXTERIOR
The GLC 250 4MATIC is rather generously kitted, beginning with the AMG body styling and familiar C-Class front fascia that also features Mercedes-Benz’s LED Intelligent Light System. It sits on 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels 255/45 series tyres.

This trim also comes with aluminium side steps as standard, and towards the back you’ll find a pair of sleek LED tail lamps and at the bottom, dual exhaust pipes.
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin of this X205 GLC is very much like its sedan sibling, featuring the same dashboard, centre console and flat-bottomed steering wheel with a multitude of controls. In the centre rests a 7-inch infotainment display that also provides a 360-degree proximity view via cameras positioned externally.

The party piece of this SUV’s interior is none other than the high end
590-Watt
,
13-speaker Burmester surround sound system
 that apparently produces three-dimensional sound. MBM has also fitted Keyless Go and
full panoramic sliding sunroof
 as standard, and for further convenience the tailgate can be opened as simply as swiping your foot under the rear bumper. Once opened, you’ll find a healthy amount of loading space – 580 litres to be exact, which can be expanded up to 1,600 litres (an increase of 50 litres from the GLK) with the rear bench folded flat.
PERFORMANCE
At the heart of this SUV is the familiar 16-valve,
 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger
 making
211 horsepower
 at 5,500 and
 350 Nm
 of torque that peaks from a low 1,200 rpm all the way to 4,000 revolutions. The engine is paired to a smooth-shifting
nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
that sends drive to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology.
Performance wise, the engine is good for a century sprint time of
7.3 seconds
, and maxes out at
250 km/h
; all while returning a fuel efficiency figure of between
6.5 to 7.1 litres per 100km
 travelled. It’s unclear at press time whether the GLC 220d or 250d (both with 4MATIC drive) will make its way here in the near future, but MBM has confirmed that
plans for localising production
 for the GLC is underway. Suffice to say, more variants will reach our shores soon.
SAFETY
As expected of a car this calibre, the GLC 250 4MATIC comes with a good list of safety systems, of which includes Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assistant and Crosswind Assist. It was also recently awarded
5-stars for excelling in Euro NCAP’s crash tests
, a feat greatly contributed by its high-strength passenger cell and optimised crumple zone.
WHAT ELSE?
MBM is confident that their premium SUV range will be well received by Malaysians, and this optimism drove the company into planning its local assembly at their Pekan Production Plant. For now, the well-specced GLC 250 4MATIC is priced at
 RM328,888
 without insurance and comes with
4-years unlimited mileage
 warranty package.
Based on MBM’s ‘Agility Financing’ programme, a five-year (60 months) tenure of the GLC 250 with 10 percent downpayment will cost you RM3,648 a month. However, through the company’s Hire Purchase Classic financing scheme, the car will cost RM5,587 per month – that’s with the 2.65 percent interest rate incurred, of course.
The GLC 250 4MATIC is available for viewing at your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships today. Also, if you’re in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to drop by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) in Sentul for a fun-filled weekend with the brand’s complete range of Premium SUVs!
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW electrifies Kuching with arrival of first BMW iX, new 180 kW DC fast charger

The
fully-electric BMW iX
 has just landed in East Malaysia today, with a brand-new BMW i Charging DC fast charger at the Regas Premium Auto Kuching showroom to welcome its arrival.
The new charging facility, launched and officiated today by the Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Dato Sim Kui Hian, will be able to charge electric vehicles at speeds of up to
180 kW
, and is one of only two DC fast chargers available in the state.
BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, “2022 will be a momentous year for us at BMW Group Malaysia as we gear towards an electrified offensive that will transform the local automotive landscape to one that is electrifying and sustainable. As such, it is important that we continue working closely with all our stakeholders, especially our dealers, to ensure that essential charging infrastructures are in place to accelerate this shift across the country.
“The arrival of the First-Ever BMW iX, as well as the installation of a new BMW i DC Fast Charging facility at Regas Premium Auto Kuching are testament to this approach, and we are thrilled for our customers in Sarawak to experience Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure at its finest,” de Visser added.
“This development of better infrastructure to accelerate the uptake of electromobility amongst motorists in Sarawak is a move that we warmly welcome from all stakeholders in the industry. The confidence shown by BMW Group Malaysia and Regas Group on the viability of electrifying the automotive industry here aligns with our goals for sustainable mobility as well, and we hope to see more automakers taking inspiration from this to also work collaboratively in bringing up the ecosystem for electromobility here in Sarawak,” said Dato Sim.
Regas Premium Auto Marketing Manager, Jolene Tay added, “As the only authorised BMW dealer in Sarawak, we are honoured to be able to represent the Future of Electrified Mobility here, on behalf of BMW Group Malaysia – with the installation of the new BMW i DC Fast Charger, one of only two DC fast charging facilities currently available in the state.”
The all-new BMW iX will be on display at the Regas Premium Auto Kuching showroom from today until the 2nd March of 2022. More information can be found on the company’s website, linked
here
.
GALLERY


2018 Honda Clarity unveiled, Plug-in Hybrid & EV

The “Clarity” nameplate used to reflect the fuel cell vehicles from Honda. However, with hydrogen hasn’t gained popularity as much as hybrid and electric vehicle (EV), the Clarity needed a makeover in order to stay competitive. Thus, the 2018 Honda Clarity is now available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV.
The Clarity took some design cues from the current
Honda Civic
, after all, Honda’s darling C-segment model does attract the crowd. The rear wheels get partially covered, just like its fuel cell equivalent. Honda claims the new Clarity seats five comfortably and features Honda Sensing active safety suite and Display Audio that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Clarity EV will be powered by an electric motor that makes
 161 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque, drawing power from its
25.5-kWh battery pack.
 Its range, however, falls rather short as it can only travel up to
129 km
, where the
Nissan Leaf
 can go up to 171 km per charge. The Clarity EV can be fully charged in just over three hours with 240v charger, or 30 minutes using DC fast charging.

Meanwhile, the Clarity PHEV has an advantage of having an internal combustion engine,
1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder
 mill. The engine, making
 181 hp
 and
315 Nm
 of torque, is mainly tasked to generate electrical power but it can also drive the wheels when required. Electrical juice is stored in a
17-kWh battery pack
 with a charge time of 2.5 hours using the 240v charger. Its mileage via the pure electric mode is just 67 km, but with the assistance of the engine, it can go up to
530 km
.
For now, the 2018 Honda Clarity is strictly made for the American consumers, with prices begin from  US$35,000 (approximately RM155k). The Clarity PHEV is expected to become Honda’s volume seller, while the Clarity EV is available for leasing in California and Oregon states.
IMAGE GALLERY
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV

2018 Honda Clarity EV


Report a pothole on Waze and the Selangor Government will fix it in 5 days!

Waze and the Selangor State Government are collaborating in an initiative where “Wazers” can now report potholes they see on the road through the app and local authorities will attend to it within 5 days.

 Step 1

 Step 2

 Step 3
The steps are as above and is really
simple
:
Hold on the “Reports” icon and three different types of reports will show up
Move your finger towards the “Hazard” icon
On the Hazard Menu, select “On Road” and subsequently select “Pothole”
Press “Send” to share the report and the Selangor State Local Authority will attend to the pothole within
5 days

 Step 4

 Step 5
“With this initiative, drivers in Selangor have a simple and effective way to report potholes directly to the authorities so they can get patched quickly,” said Country Manager for Waze Malaysia, Edward Ling.
The project covers the areas of
Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Klang, Selayang, Sepang and Subang Jaya
. Do take note that some roads in Selangor are privately owned or separately managed by Jabatan Kerja Raya, Pejabat Daerah/Tanah or Malaysia Highway Authority and Concessionaires.
The Selangor State Government has received more than 19,000 reports from “Wazers” and have patched almost all of those on local authority roads.
“This citizen collaboration has shown tangible impacts and we hope that Selangor residents will continue to assist the state in pothole detection via the Waze app.”


No need to use MySejahtera app if paying at the pump, clarifies Ismail Sabri

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has clarified in his press briefing today that there is no compulsory usage of the MySejahtera contract-tracing application when filling up at the pumps,
contrary to the statement we received earlier today
 by the Ministry of Health’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre.
The senior minister clarifies that this will only apply to customers who are paying through electronic payment methods directly at the pumps.
“We have further defined the SOP [standard operating procedure] at petrol stations,” said Ismail Sabri. “For those who are fuelling up at the pumps and are paying using credit, debit cards, or online applications, who do not need to enter the store to pay, you don’t need to register using the MySejahtera app.”
Customers entering the convenience stores,
surau
, or any other facilities including service centres and car wash outlets at the petrol stations would still have to scan the MySejahtera app or register their details at the supplied log book. However, customers making payments at the ‘pigeon hole’ counter, as well as using the air pumps for tyres, are exempted from this rule.
Confusion arose yesterday night on social media after conflicting statements were provided by the authorities. Bukit Aman CID deputy director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid was quoted yesterday saying that the use of the contact-tracing application is mandatory even if the customer does not enter the indoor premise.
The statement was made in response to a viral clip shared online of a man allegedly being fined RM1,000 due to not having “checked-in” with the MySejahtera application while refuelling his vehicle.


Mazda set to expand SUV line up (again) this 8th of March, with all-new CX-60

If you remember our post from last October, Mazda announced that it will soon launch
five new SUVs
 – the CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 – with production set to begin as early as 2022.
Shortly after officially revealing one of the six – the
 2023 Mazda CX-50
 – for the American market, another video surfaced online; revealing quite a lot of the
new CX-60
.

RELATED:
Mazda to introduce a wave
of SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodie
s
Now, Mazda has taken to YouTube to announce the imminent arrival of the new CX-60, due to be launched globally one month from now, on the
8th of March 2022
.
As you can tell from the cameo appearance of the CX-60, much of the exterior remains largely similar to the CX-5 and CX-9 we have locally except for minor differences to the headlamp design, slightly different front bumper, and additional details on the side fenders.
Like the
 facelift Mazda CX-5 revealed in September
 last year, the CX-60 also features body-coloured fenders and skirting.
The new range of SUVs will feature a rear-wheel drive powertrain layout, with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines available.


The largest BMW M Gathering in the country is back this year for Malaysia Day

After a successful showing in 2020, BMW Malaysia will once again be celebrating Malaysia Day this year with another BMW M Gathering. It’s organised together with the M Owners Malaysia community once again, but this year, it won’t be
just
 another gathering, as the German marque is also celebrating the
50th anniversary of its performance division
.
The ///Malaysia Day 2022 celebration will take place at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre on September 16, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Billed as the “largest gathering of BMW M performance vehicles in the country”, the event is set to feature over 150 BMW M performance vehicles, alongside a special display of some of the
oldest BMW M models in the country
.
The event will be open to the public, and attendees will also stand a chance to win exclusive BMW M merchandises. Participants of the event, however, will also take part in a special convoy making their into the city centre, celebrating Malaysia Day and 50 years of BMW M in the best way possible.
More information and further updates on the Malaysia Day BMW M Gathering can be found on M Owners Malaysia community’s official Instagram page, linked
here
.
ALSO WATCH:
Celebrating Malaysia Day as a BMW M car owner!


Video: Full throttle in the F97 BMW X3 M Competition around the Kyalami Circuit, South Africa

I was in Johannesburg, South Africa at the tail end of last year for the
BMW M Festival 2019
, held in the venerable Kyalami Circuit where BMW hosted the M Festival to pay tribute to the single most powerful letter in the world – what a treat it was!
Among the host of activities lined up was the BMW xDrive Driving Experience at the purpose-built xDrive Park where I took a
G01 BMW X3
 xDrive30d through a challenging off-road excursion.
At first glance, the course seemed quite intimidating but when behind the wheel of the X3, it was actually a stroll in the (xDrive) park – a testament to the all-wheel drive system’s capability when the tarmac ends.

But the best part has to be the M Track experience where I get to pick three cars to drive around Kyalami and one of them was the first ever X3 M Competition. This car previews the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six that will be under the bonnet of the upcoming
G80 M3
 (and the
G82 M4,
 of course).
According to one of BMW’s driving instructors, the
F97 X3 M Competition is actually quicker around Kyalami than the outgoing F80 M3
; bear in mind, the F97 X3 M Competition weighs almost two tonnes. With
 510 hp
 and
600 Nm
, it has 100 Nm less than the
AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC
 from an engine that’s around 1,000cc smaller, with two less cylinders – a little food for thought.
The itinerary in South Africa also involved sampling the all-new BMW F40 M135i xDrive which was great in some areas, but not so in others. Check out
what the M135i xDrive was like
,
 here
.
The F97 X3 M Competition is not yet available for the Malaysian market, but when it arrives here it’ll be interesting to find out how the X3 M Competition fare against the GLC 63 S 4MATIC, don’t you think?
GALLERY


This is Tunku Temenggong Johor’s McLaren 675LTTJ in Gulf Racing exterior

The McLaren 675LT is no doubt one of McLaren’s most exclusive cars, limited to only 1,000 units worldwide (500
coupes
, 500
spiders
) but if a customer desires to make their British supercar truly one-of-one, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will deliver just that.
Feast your eyes on this 675LT Coupe that was made to pay homage to the legendary McLaren F1 GTR Gulf Racing livery and if you are aware of the supercar scene in Malaysia, you would know that this bespoke car belongs to none other than His Royal Highness Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong Johor (TTJ).

It took MSO over 1,000 hours to complete this bespoke project and the Gulf Racing paintwork itself accounted for 800 hours of that total. This is a truly special project because the 675LT is a spiritual successor of the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ which bears the Gulf Racing livery.
Every single detail on the modern-day supercar was done to match the legendary race car from the Gulf Blue paintwork with trademark orange centre stripe to the Dayglo Orange 20-spoke alloy wheels. The car is also fitted with MSO range of options include louvred front wings, roof scoop upgrade and carbon fibre airbrake.
Inside, the cabin features some personalised touches as requested from the Johor price – MSO racing seats with “TTJ” embroidery, orange and blue contrast stitching to match the exterior paintwork, orange seat belts, Gulf Blue painted handling and powertrain bezels on the Active Dynamics Panel and the vent and stop/start button bezel in Gulf Orange.
IMAGE GALLERY


Angry but cute, the Peugeot 208’s petulant looks will make you feel fuzzy inside

Peugeot has just revealed the all-new 208 and safe to say, it has put us on the edge of our seats, tails wagging and aching to have one.
It’s hard to find a reason to dislike, internally at AutoBuzz.my, we’re all a fan of how it looks – all angry yet cute at the same time – it’s like your adorable girlfriend throwing an mini tantrum.
But take a step back and observe; perhaps even squint your eyes a little. Does it not like the a “buldgier”, more well-built Mazda 2 hatchback? There may not be a stark resemblance but it’s hard to unsee, now that we’ve mentioned.
The new 208, which is now 30 kg lighter, is only available with a 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder engine with three different outputs –
75 hp
,
100 hp
 and
130 hp
. Transmission wise, there’s the five and 6-speed manual along with a 6-speed auto.
There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel engine but that’s irrelevant to us but perhaps the most interesting has to be the all-electric model called the e-208.
It makes
136 hp
 and
260 Nm
 from an electric motor and that alone is enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds – a performance that rivals our local Volkswagen Golf TSI R-Line.
Inside the new 208 inherits Peugeot’s i-Cockpit interior concept, with the instrument cluster mounted higher than the steering wheel as one of its signature. The dazzling holographic 3D digital display is an optional extra.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bugatti’s next model could come as soon as 2024 – built completely from the ground up!

Mate Rimac, the founder and namesake of
Rimac Automobili
, is not one to play it safe. It’s only been a couple of months since they signed the deal to
acquire a majority stake in Bugatti
, but the soon-to-be CEO has already told the press that he already has big plans to do “something crazy” with the French brand.
And now, we finally have some more information on Bugatti’s future plans, coming right from the main man Rimac himself.

Speaking to
Manny Khoshbin
 at the Monterey Car Week, Rimac told the YouTube personality and real estate mogul that the company has already started working on a new model “from the ground up” since about a year ago, with a launch scheduled in about three years time.
For loyal Bugatti customers such as Khoshbin himself, the company will start sharing more in under a year’s time – so we’ll likely hear about these developments not long after that. But the fact that Rimac emphasised on “from the ground up” seems to suggest that it won’t be a traditional Bugatti, i.e. not a
Chiron
 successor.
Bugatti has just opened its first SEA showroom in Singapore, with a Chiron Pur Sport as its centrepiece! Check it out here.
As for the “something crazy”? In a recent interview with
MotorTrend
, Mate Rimac told the publication that there’s so much he can do with the brand. “Maybe an SUV or long hood coupe or something absolutely insane that no one thinks about,” he added.
MotorTrend
reports that both Bugatti and Rimac hypercars will utilise Rimac’s high-performance electric powertrains in the future, with two new Bugatti models already planned for launch before 2030: the first a petrol-electric hybrid, followed by an EV afterwards.
The last Bugatti Divo still looks just as stunning as the first. Check out the final production model here.
While it won’t be easy to see Bugatti parting ways with the iconic W16 engine, it’s high time for Bugatti to actually keep up with technological advancements. If anything, at least it’ll be an exciting next few years for the French brand – and we can’t wait to see it unfold.


Kia, Mazda and Porsche emerged the biggest winners at the 2020 World Car Awards

Out of the five titles up for grabs – including the World Car of the Year award – Kia and Porsche picked up two awards each, with Mazda taking home one.
The
Porsche Taycan made headlines last month after it was nominated for three different awards
 and after the final round of voting, the company emerged the winner in two categories. The
Taycan which we saw in Germany
 nearly took a clean sweep of all the awards it was nominated for – losing to the
Mazda3
 by just two points
 for the World Car Design of the Year award.
Watch our
review of the Mazda3 here
!
Porsche has had a field day in the nomination rounds; taking a clean sweep of the Performance Car category with the
new 911
,
718 models
 and the all-electric Taycan. Double happiness struck at the Peugeot camp after their
new 208 was also named the 2020 European Car of the Year
.
The following are the five different categories and who the winners had to fend off for their respective titles:
World Car of the Year:
Kia Telluride
 – 758
Mazda3 – 745
Mazda CX-30
 – 738
World Luxury Car of the Year:
Porsche Taycan – 846
Porsche 911 – 786
Mercedes-Benz EQC
 – 778
World Performance Car of the Year:
Porsche Taycan – 867
Porsche 911 – 809
Porsche 718 – 776
World Car Design of the Year
Mazda3

– 179
Porsche Taycan – 177
Peugeot 208
 – 144
World Urban Car of the Year:
Kia Soul EV
 – 751
Volkswagen T-Cross
 – 702
MINI Cooper SE Electric
 – 574
The road to finalising these winners have taken six months since the candidates were announced in September 2019 at the Frankfurt motor show. These winners have gone through the scrutiny of jurors from all over the world including those from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Greece, Russia and USA to name a few.


‘EV Godzilla’ – Nissan begins R32 Skyline GT-R EV conversion project

While the R35
GT-R

is still soldiering on the same chassis for over 10 years now,
Nissan
 has made a very interesting announcement, featuring the earlier version of ‘Godzilla’. Through its
official Twitter account
, Nissan has announced that it is embarking on an electric vehicle (EV) conversion of the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R.
The project was inspired by a Nissan engineer who said, “By combining the car that I love the most with the technology that I think is the best, we can create a car that people around the world will be more excited about.” Nissan says that it will incorporate the company’s latest electrification technology into this EV conversion project.

The R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R is the model’s generation that earned the ‘Godzilla’ nickname. It is powered by the RB26DETT 2.6-litre twin turbocharged engine which makes
276 hp
 and
353 Nm
 of torque. Power was sent to all wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Despite its simplicity, the R32 GT-R’s design is iconic and has been an inspiration for many cars following its era.
Nissan has yet to unveil further technical details of the EV conversion project. All that has been said is that it will employ its latest electrification technology. Current fully electric cars in the brand’s lineup include the
Nissan Ariya
 and
Nissan Leaf
, with the former being its current flagship EV model.
In its range-topping dual-motor version, the Nissan Ariya makes
394 hp
and
600 Nm
, which is more than what the R32 GT-R used to make. 0-100km/h is done in
5.1 seconds
. Power comes from an
87-kWh
battery pack and the Ariya is capable of an all-electric range of just under
600 km
. With a fast charger, the Ariya can regain 400 km of electric range in just 30 minutes.
If you’d like to follow Nissan’s progress on its EV conversion, do check out their
official page
 for this project. They will also be posting updates on their
official Twitter account
.


Vin Diesel never signed any endorsement deals with Dodge, until now [+Video]

While Paul Walker was largely associated with Japanese performance cars, it’s no secret that Vin Diesel loves his muscle cars, particularly Dodge. But did you know that all this while, Vin Diesel had never sign a single endorsement deal with Dodge? Yup, but all that’s changed now.
Dodge released three videos as part of the campaign “The Brotherhood of Muscle”, titled
Rally Cry
,
Monsters
, and
Shepherds
. The videos showcased the company’s performance models, ranging from the Durango, Charger SRT and the Challenger SRT Hellcat muscle car. Strangely, Dodge’s most recent brute, the
Demon
, was absent. Perhaps that could be saved for the next instalment of the Fast and the Furious?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB6k7Q_uXks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=5tdOE-MCEIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOx4CCbVQjE
The latest instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise, the Fate of the Furious (or Fast and Furious 8 in some markets) is still playing on the big screens, and it’s reportedly one of the biggest box office earners this year.


Porsche spent three years updating its crest… if you can even spot the differences

Yup – you’re looking at the new
Porsche
 crest that’ll be making its way onto its cars starting this year, in conjunction with the marque’s 75-year anniversary. Need some help? Here’s everything that’s new – brushed precious metal texture, three-dimensional honeycomb structure, refreshed crest animal, and a more subtle gold colour.
Porsche says the update process took its designers from Style Porsche three whole years to complete, thanks to the team’s “loving attention to detail” in reinterpreting the emblem’s historical characteristics. “The result is an aesthetically ambitious arc that bridges the history and the future of the brand,” says Style Porsche vice president, Michael Mauer.
Despite the changes, though, the new Porsche crest remains largely… identical to its predecessors. Porsche says that’s by design, as the crest is already “one of the most famous trademarks in the world”. So what took them three years to do?
“The time factor is very important in a maturing process such as this,” said Style Porsche colour and trim specialist, Joachim Paetzel. “The trademark is not designed ‘off the cuff’ within a few days. You have to go back to it again and again, sometimes at longer intervals. The second or third look can reveal to you things that you want to optimise, until it finally achieves a harmonious, natural effect. Only then can you say with satisfaction: ‘This is exactly how it has to be!’”
RELATED:
Malaysia-assembled CKD Porsche Cayenne reaches 1,000-unit milestone
Porsche designers also paid extra attention to match the 2D and 3D versions of the crest, as it will also need to stand out in the brand’s communications on other avenues. The new crest will help kick-start a refreshed brand identity for the marque, where the ‘Porsche’ wordmark will also take on a more important role in its brand image.
If you do actually prefer the older crests, though, all of the historical crests will still be available worldwide from Porsche Classic, which you’ll be able to buy for both vintage and new cars. With a history dating back to 1952, some of the older ones were also redeveloped with new elaborate processes and new tooling based on their original drawings, in order to pass extensive quality testing.
GALLERY


2016 Jaguar XJ facelift launched in Malaysia, priced from RM645k

The Jaguar XJ lineup has just been refreshed for the Malaysian market. The six-year-old aluminium-intensive limo was
given an update last year
, and finally it’s now available here with a starting price of RM645,000.00.
Externally, the
new headlamps
 with ‘Double-J’
 LED DRLs
 mark out the facelifted XJ from the front, while the back is harder to tell even with the
new tail lights
 with the ‘
J-Blade
‘ motif incorporated inside. Both front and rear bumpers are new, while there’s a choice of 19- and 20-inch rims available on top of the standard-fit
19-inch
 items.

Highlighting the interior is the mix of sumptuous leather-lined cabin and a high-tech infotainment system. The
8-inch touchscreen
 is powered by a quad-core processor for a quick and smooth response of the
InControl Touch Pro
 infotainment system, and it’s hooked up to the
20-speaker 825W Meridian Digital Surround Sound System
. On top of that, the
12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instrument Display
 is now utilised to display a
full-screen 3D map
 from the Satellite Navigation System.
As standard, the new XJ is fitted with the
All Surface Progress Control
 (ASPC) which assists the driver to pull away from standstill in slippery condition as well as
hill descent control
,
360° Park Distance Control
 with
Surround Camera System
, and
Pedestrian Contact Sensing
 that raises the bonnet slightly when it senses an imminent collision with a pedestrian.

All XJ models here will come in a single
long-wheelbase
 bodystyle, but there are three engine choices to choose from. The smallest of the range is a
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
 generating
237 hp
 and
340 Nm
 of torque, followed by a couple of
3.0-litre V6
 mills. The first V6 is a
supercharged petrol
 unit with
335 hp
 and
450 Nm
, while the other one is a
turbocharged diesel
 unit with
296 hp
 and a whopping
700 Nm
 of torque. All three send their power to the rear wheels via an
eight-speed automatic
 transmission.
The prices without insurance for the new XJ range from
RM645,000.00
 for the
2.0 i4
,
RM830,000.00
 for the
V6 petrol
 and
RM800,000.00
 for the
V6 diesel
. Every model comes with
Jaguar Care 5-Year warranty
 (or 150,000 km, whichever comes first),
5-Year servicing
 (or 80,000 km for 2.0, 65,000 km for 3.0, whichever comes first), and
3-Year Jaguar Roadside Assistance
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost in Malaysia from RM1.8 mil, 5 Things

Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur has launched the
Black Badge Ghost
 in Malaysia starting from RM1.8 million before options and duties. The Arctic White unit you see here with the optional double coachlines, starts from RM2.39 mil before options and duties. There will not be an extended wheelbase version of the Black Badge Ghost.
For starters, there’s more power. Its 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine now makes an extra 29 hp and 50 Nm, with 600 hp and 900 Nm to drive all four wheels (with rear-wheel steer) via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a 0.1 second quicker time from 0 to 100 km/h at 4.7 seconds.

The Black Badge Ghost comes with a tweaked air suspension system for reduced body roll, new brake caliper paint for better heat resistance, quicker gear changes, and more responsive brakes. It even comes with a sports exhaust system!
The centre piece of the cabin, aside from the Starlight headliner, are the Technical Fibre trims that are more complicated to make, than performing surgery. You have to check out the video to see just how intricate those details are!
The
standard Rolls-Royce Ghost
 starts at RM1,450,000 while the extended-wheelbase model starts from RM1,650,000. Both prices are excluding duties and options.
More images from our coverage of the Black Badge Ghost
here
!


Gallery: All-new 2023 Toyota Vios, from RM89,600

After almost ten years of the third-generation
Toyota Vios
 (with two facelifts), the fourth-generation, or the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios is now finally available in Malaysia. With the new launch, the Toyota Vios is only available in two variants now, namely the E which costs
RM89,600
, and the G which costs
RM95,500
.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
On the outside, the Vios is now bigger, measuring 5mm longer, 10 mm wider, and 5mm taller than it used to be. The wheelbase is also now longer by 70 mm than its predecessor. Despite its size increase though, the Vios now weighs 110 kg lighter. The G variant weighs 1,035 kg while the E variant weighs 1,015 kg.
Standard features on the outside include a standard aero kit which includes a front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Also standard is a set of LED headlights with LED DRLs and a follow-me-home function. Differentiating the Vios E and G are the wheels, tyres, window belt trim, and the finishing of the grille. Graciously, Toyota has equipped the Vios with an RFID tag as standard. All that’s left to do by the customer is to activate the tag.
RELATED:
2023 Toyota Vios – Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month
The G variant sits on 17-inch wheels and these are wrapped in Continental Premium Contact C tyres. The G variant, on the other hand, sits on a set of 16-inch wheels. Those wheels are wrapped in a set of Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres. Having tested the G variant, we can vouch that they are decently grippy.
Powering the 2023 Toyota Vios is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine that makes
106 hp
and
138 Nm
. It is 1 hp and 2 Nm down from the previous generation, as the engine has been tuned for better fuel efficiency. In its range-topping G variant with 17-inch wheels, the Vios records
5.2 l/100km
 in terms of fuel consumption. Paired with the engine is a CVT with 7 virtual gears. you get paddle shifters in the G variant, but not for the E variant.
RELATED:
2023 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, from RM90k – EPB, wireless CarPlay, Android Auto
In the handling department, the Vios sits on a MacPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a torsion beam setup at the back. As for brakes, the G variant gets ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes at the back. The E variant gets ventilated disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the back.
Inside, the Vios comes with a 9-inch head unit that supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The unit also comes with a 360° view which makes parking a breeze. The G variant gets a full 7-inch digital instrument cluster while the E variant gets a 4.2-inch version. A standard item in the cabin is a front Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
The cabin of the 2023 Toyota Vios gets a 64-colour ambient lighting system for the G variant. However, this is only on the storage compartment in the centre console and the small pocket for the front passenger, also on the centre console. You get tilt & telescopic steering adjustment for the G variant but tilt adjustment only for the E variant.
In the second row, the Vios now no longer comes with folding rear seats. According to the engineers, this has shaved 10 kg from the overall weight of the car. There is also no centre armrest and the headroom is a little tight. Making a return in the Vios is the centre tunnel in the second row. Second-row passengers get a Type A and Type C USB socket to charge their mobile devices.
As for safety, the Toyota Vios now comes with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense. Standard safety features include
Pre-collision System (PCS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Front Departure Alert (FDA)
Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC)
3D panoramic view monitor
Blind spot monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Front Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone connectivity
Brake Assist (BA)
Hill Start Assist (HAS)
2 front and 4 rear parking sensors
Exclusive to the range-topping G variant are safety features like:
Lane Keeping Control (LKC)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
GALLERY


LG’s latest infotainment system powers the Renault Megane E-Tech

The recently unveiled new
Renault Megane E-Tech EV
 features not only stunning great looks but also a highly advanced and digital environment via large L-shaped in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system. LG has partnered with Renault to create and holistically blend the system into the Renault Megane E-Tech.
The software powering the new Renault OpenR infotainment system measuring 12 inches in portrait format (1,250 x 1,562 pixels) and the 12.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster is Google Android Automotive. It is the first software developed by LG utilising Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that uses a set of principles and processes to assist large organisations to adopt agile methodologies to develop and deliver high-quality products and services faster.
Google Automotive Services (GAS) has also certified LG’s Android-based IVI system as the
first system
 based on Android 10. Users in the Renault Megane E-Tech will be treated with intelligent services and easy access to various Google apps including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play via the large 12-inch central display.
“Our new IVI system not only meets but exceeds the growing demand for stable, advanced and user-friendly automotive software platforms. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with expert partners such as Renault, LG is committed to delivering differentiated in-vehicle experiences and further strengthening our position as a solutions provider for the global auto industry,” said LG Vehicle Component Solutions, President, Dr Kim Jin-yong.
As an innovative partner for future mobility, LG’s Vehicle Component Solutions has earned a reputation as a global top-tier supplier of IVI systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that reflect the very latest developments and trends in mobility. The company has also ventured into advanced lighting technology with the acquisition of ZKW Group as well as a joint venture with Magna International to create the LG Magna e-Powertrain.
Closer to ASEAN, LG and Hyundai are building a 10 GWh battery plant in Indonesia!
Apart from the in-vehicle infotainment system, LG also partnered together with Renault in using a new lithium-ion NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) battery chemistry technology to achieve the compact dimension that is 40% smaller than the battery in the
Renault Zoe
. The efficient battery pack also benefit from a new liquid cooling system that includes die-casted aluminium tubes.
Buyers next year will have the option to choose the battery capacity with the larger 60 kWh offering a driving range of 470 km, while the smaller 40 kWh model offers up to 300 km. Via a high-capacity 130-kW DC fast charging station, a WLTP-rated range of up to 300 km can be seen after 30 minutes of charging that is available with the large 60 kWh variant.
The Renault Megane E-Tech electric will be delivered to new owners in Europe from the second quarter of 2022.
GALLERY


Car doors kill 60 cyclists on average per year, the Volvo EX30 wants to stop this

Accidents caused by car doors happen more often than you think. Just like what you’ve read in the title, around 60 cyclists are killed by car doors every year, and this only includes cases reported in the UK.
Volvo
, the Swedish carmaker that is big on safety, is attempting to stop, or at least reduce these accidents with its upcoming

Volvo EX30
 fully-electric SUV.
Volvo says the EX30 will be coming with a suite of new advanced safety features packaged as the Safe Space Technology. This includes a series of safety features, such as the door-opening alert.
Volvo’s door-opening alert safety feature
The door-opening alert feature essentially warns drivers via visual and audio cues whenever they are about to open the door in front of a passing cyclist, motorcyclist or other traffic user. This can come useful when the driver is distracted or not alert and can help prevent unwanted accidents from happening.
Volvo Head of Safety Centre, Asa Haglund said, “We have long had a focus on safety in city environments where cars share space with pedestrians and cyclists. With the Volvo EX30, we are taking city safety to the next level, creating a small SUV that is your perfect companion for a comfortable driving experience, while it looks after you and other people on the busy streets of modern cities.”
RELATED:
Leaked: Volvo EX30 EV SUV patent images surface ahead of June 7 world premiere
Interior of the Volvo XC90
The Volvo EX30 also comes standard with a new advanced driver alert system. Claimed to look out for drivers when they are not at their best, the car comes with a special sensor behind the steering wheel that comes with powerful algorithms and is able to detect the driver’s eye and face movement around 13 times per second. With the sensor, the Volvo EX30 can then attempt to understand if the driver is distracted, drowsy or inattentive.
Another new active safety feature the Volvo EX30 will be coming with is the brand’s new intersection auto brake feature. This feature is designed to help drivers avoid accidents at intersections, by pulling the car to a stop in the event of another car crossing the driver’s path in front unexpectedly, in order to help mitigate or avoid a collision.
Besides active safety features, Volvo will also be equipping the EX30 with a series of passive safety features. This includes strengthening the car’s safety cage, the A, B, and C pillars, as well as the roof, to give the EX30 a robust structural design and customers peace of mind.
The EX30 is included with a far-side airbag on the inside of the driver’s seat as well. The far-side airbag is designed to help reduce head and thorax injuries in the event of a side impact.
Because the EX30 is an electric car, Volvo has also put a lot of focus on the car’s battery integrity. As a result, the electric SUV’s chassis and safety cage is built with various forms of high-strength steel, which can help offset the impact of a possible crash in an efficient way.
As for the car’s other active safety and driver support systems, Volvo will share more details when the EX30 is revealed, during its global debut on
June 7
,
2023
. Customers in selected markets will also be able to order or pre-order the new fully-electric SUV on the same day.
RELATED:
Volvo EX30 EV SUV teased, June 7 world premiere – Something small is coming
GALLERY


All-new Isuzu D-Max in M’sia will get one of the most advanced ADAS suites on a pick-up

Following up with the
announcement last week
on the arrival of the
all-new third-generation D-Max
 this month, Isuzu Malaysia has now published a new page on its website, detailing some of the preliminary specifications that we’ll be getting on our local model here. Among which, Isuzu has now provided a full list of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that will make its way onto our Malaysian-specification D-Max on “selected variants”.
Here’s the full list of advanced driver assistance features that will be available on the all-new Isuzu D-Max:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist
Pedal Misapplication Mitigation (AT variant only)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The ADAS suite on the upcoming all-new D-Max is pretty much as good as it comes for pick-up trucks in our region, surpassing that of the
new Toyota Hilux Rogue
,
Ford Ranger
,
Mitsubishi Triton
, and even the all-new D-Max in Thailand – the latter only comes with the blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert systems.
Rounding off the list of safety features on the upcoming all-new Isuzu D-max include seven airbags, manual speed limiter, multi collision brake, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESC, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensor, reverse camera, and emergency stop signal.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max will be offered here in Malaysia in a variety of configurations including single- and double-cab variants, powered either by a
1.9-litre turbodiesel mill
 (first introduced here in the
facelifted second-generation model
), or a revised 3.0-litre engine.
Pricing is estimated to be between RM89,000 and RM145,000 depending on variant, and subject to government approvals. Excited yet? Not too long to go until we get to see it in the metal – but for now, you can register your interest on the ROI page
here
.


Construction of Polestar HQ in Sweden begins, September 2018 completion

Polestar, after
breaking away from Volvo
, has begun construction of its new headquarters in Torslanda, Sweden, the same compound as Volvo Cars head office and factory.
The new Polestar head office building spans 3,800 square meters and consists of three levels. The new site can accommodate up to 200 employees, up from the current 110 Polestar employees. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2018.
CEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath said: “The new Polestar headquarters will be the heart and home of our growing team. It is an architectural translation of what our brand stands for – it is pure and uncompromised.”
“Moving to the Volvo Cars’ campus in Torslanda, in close proximity to our parent company, is also a key part of our close cooperation with them.” he added.
Earlier on, Polestar has confirmed that its
production facility will be located in Chengdu, China
, next to the same facility where Volvo manufactures their 60-series modes.
Volvo Cars and its owner, Geely Holdings will jointly invest RMB 5 billion (RM3.2 billion) into Polestar
 to support its product, brand and industrial development.
The recently unveiled
Polestar 1
 will go into production once the Chengdu facility is in place. The Polestar 1 is a
600 hp
 and
 1,000 Nm
 hybrid coupe that boasts the longest electric range of any hybrid car of
150 km
. It shares only
50 percent
 of its platform with the
S90
, the car it was based on.
A mid-sized pure electric vehicle called Polestar 2 is said to be ready in 2019 as well as a
pure electric SUV dubbed Polestar 3
 further down the line.
IMAGE GALLERY
Polestar HQ in Sweden

Polestar Manufacturing Plant in China

Polestar 1


Tesla announces Roadster 3.0 upgrade package, may do over 640km [+Videos]

Tesla Motors has announced an upgrade package for their outgoing Roadster 2.5 – the all-electric
Lotus-based
 performance car, and the upgrades go beyond just the regular battery swap.
Despite being just a prototype, the engineers at Tesla are confident that it will do
over 640 km
 on a single charge. The current Roadster 2.5 manages about 400 km, and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.7 seconds
.
So what’s new in the Roadster 3.0? For owners of the electric sports car, the upgrade package gives you a
new battery pack
, but it won’t be your typical lithium ion pack. Tesla hasn’t yet revealed the new cell, but they claimed that it packs 31 percent more energy than its lithium ion cell, and will deliver about
70 kWh
.

That’s not all. The upgrade also gives you a
retrofitted aero kit
, effectively reducing the drag coefficient down to 0.31 Cd, from 0.36. Its tyres are new and deliver lower rolling resistance (about 20 percent less), whereas its wheel bearings and residual brake drag will contribute to reduce the overall rolling resistance of the car.
There’s no price tag on the retrofitting upgrade as of yet, but the Californian company did reveal that they will put the Roadster 3.0 package to a
real-world test
 early next year with a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Tesla also said that they are
confident
 that this will not be the last upgrade for the Roadster.
What’s most exciting about this breakthrough in cell technology is that if it’s equally as safe as the lithium ion pack, then we could potentially expect all Tesla cars to have a similar upgrade. All told, we wonder, could this be the fruit of
Tesla and BMW’s collaboration
 in the field of battery technology?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Ford teases the all-new Ranger, to be revealed this year

Ford Australia has just released a teaser video of the all-new Ranger pick-up truck. While it will be officially launched later this year, deliveries to customers will only begin in
2022
.
Much of the video depicts the performance testing of the all-new Ford Ranger in harsh conditions such as thick mud, sand dunes, rocky path and even snow. Similar to the current generation Ford Ranger Raptor, the next-generation Ranger has been designed and engineered in Australia.
It will be the most capable, most connected, the smartest and most versatile Ranger yet developed by Ford. From the lighting signature, it seems that the new Ford Ranger will adopt a large frontal area with a squarish headlamp layout and C-shaped DRLs like the North American
Ford Maverick
.
At the rear wheel, Ford seems to have fitted disc brakes as opposed to traditional drum brakes, perhaps a feature trickled down for the Ranger Raptor.

With the promotional video placing so much emphasis on the next-generation Ranger’s capabilities over mud, rock and sand conditions, perhaps an updated Terrain Management System (TMS) could make it to the all-new Ford Ranger.
The
Ford Ranger Raptor
 plus the North American Ranger already have the TMS function that alters powertrain and 4WD performance for driving on grass, gravel, snow, mud and sandy surfaces.
Ford Ranger Raptor X launched in Malaysia. Find out what the X gets you, here!
The Ford Ranger in the ASEAN region is currently powered by two turbodiesel engines- the 2.2-litre with outputs of
160 hp
 and
385 Nm
, and the latest 2.0-litre unit with higher outputs of
180 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque available in the
XLT Plus
 and Wildtrak variants.
The Ford Ranger Raptor meanwhile gets the bi-turbodiesel 2.0-litre unit with
213 hp
 and
500 Nm
 mounted to a souped-up ladder frame chassis with a performance suspension system, wider tracks and all-terrain BF Goodrich tyres.
The next-generation Ford Ranger is also an important product for Volkswagen, as the German automaker has inked a deal with Ford to jointly develop the next-generation Amarok pick-up. Volkswagen’s model is only due a year later, after the Ranger’s official launch.
Note: Images are screen captures from the promotional video
GALLERY


2022 Proton Saga facelift to launch on 12 May – New two-tone alloy wheels, body kit

First announced through a
press release earlier this month
, Proton has now just confirmed that the 2022 Saga facelift will be launched at
9.45 am on 12 May
, via a livestream on its Facebook page. The 2022 facelift, dubbed by many as the Saga MC2 (Major Change 2), is rumoured to feature a mild exterior redesign, alongside updates to its interior styling and features.
The announcement on its social media channels came with an accompanying teaser image, showing off a new design for the 2022 Proton Saga’s alloy wheels. The new rollers sport a two-tone design, with the four main spokes featuring a slightly throwing-star-like design and finished in silver.
Based on the tyre profile, we’re guessing that these are a set of 15-inch wheels, reserved for the range-topping models. The new wheels are also accompanied by new side skirts, which will be a part of the range-topping variant’s new bodykit.
ALSO READ: Proton R3 unveils new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise
A separate image, seen on the 2022 Proton Saga’s
registration of interest page
, shows off the front fascia of the new facelift update – although “new” is somewhat exaggerating, since there are pretty much zero design changes here aside from the new roundel Proton emblem, and a red accent on the “Ethereal Bow” trim, just like the
X50
.
The image also suggests that the Proton Saga MC2 will retain the halogen lightbulbs up front, instead of going full LED for its headlights.
No changes here (probably).
Updates to the entry-level sedan’s interior have not been announced yet, but recent spyshots have revealed that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift will feature a slightly reworked dashboard, with red-trimmed air vents, new digital air-conditioning control panel, as well as new graphics on the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
The 2022 Proton Saga is also expected to gain new features such as keyless-entry and push-start, as well as auto-folding side mirrors.
As for the mechanicals, no changes are expected here. Power is still derived from the same naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, sending
95 hp
 and
120 Nm
 to the front wheels via a four-speed Hyundai-sourced automatic gearbox – a change first introduced on the
previous facelift update
.


You can now buy a Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition for RM152k, 300 units only

Remember the
Honda CR-V Mugen Concept
 that first made an appearance at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)? Honda Malaysia has turned it into a production model and like the
Jazz Mugen
, only 300 units of the special edition CR-V will be made.
Based on the Honda
CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD (not the Premium variant), the CR-V Mugen Limited Edition is offered
in two exclusive colours – Passion Red Pearl and White Orchid Pearl. The bold exterior
is made up of Mugen specific Front Under Spoiler, Front Grille Garnish, Side
Garnish, Rear Under Spoiler, Rear Upper Wing and Mugen Emblems.
There are no Mugen applications to the mechanicals as such it soldiers on with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder V-TEC Turbo petrol and CVT sending
193 hp
 and
243 Nm
 to the front wheels. Century sprint time maintains at
8.8 seconds
 as is the
200 km/h
 top speed.
Because this is based on the 1.5 TC 2WD variant, the CR-V Mugen Limited Edition does
not
come equipped with the Honda Sensing Advanced Driving Assistance System. It retains Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Walk Away Auto Lock and Driver Attention Monitor 6 Airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), ABS and EBD.
No Honda Sensing on the Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition
Pricing wise, the CR-V
Mugen Limited Edition is priced at RM152,530 (OTR without insurance), customers
will have to fork out additional RM400 for the White Orchid Pearl option.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition at 2018 KLIMS


Chery aims 20% EV marketshare by 2024 – Omoda 5 EV & Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV coming end of 2023

Chery
 has just officiated its return to the Malaysian market with the launch of its new SUVs – the
Chery Omoda 5
 and the
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
. The Chinese carmaker has also chosen Malaysia as its
right-hand drive (RHD) conversion hub
, as well as an export hub, further solidifying its investment in Malaysia. However, Chery is obviously not settling just yet, and is targeting 20% of the Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market share by 2024, and will be doing so by bringing its Omoda 5 EV and Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV models to our market next.
Earlier this year, Chery
previewed the Chery Omoda 5 EV
 at Auto Shanghai 2023 and has also released the EV SUV’s specs. Meant to rival the likes of the
BYD Atto 3
 and
Hyundai Kona EV
 when officially launched in Malaysia, the Omoda 5 EV has been said to be launching in Malaysia as soon as the end of this year, 2023.
Regarding its specs,
we laid them out
 when the car was previewed at Auto Shanghai 2023. But just in case you missed it, here are some of the Omoda 5 EV’s features.
On the outside, the Omoda 5 EV’s design is largely similar to the petrol-powered Omoda 5 that was just launched in Malaysia yesterday, albeit with some tweaks to fit its EV identity. This includes a closed-off grille, smoothen-out front bumper, more aerodynamic-looking rims, and a slightly tweaked rear bumper design.
Powering the fully electric Omoda 5 EV is a single motor setup that pushes out
221 hp
, 18 hp more than the BYD Atto 3. Paired with a
61 kWh
 battery, the Chery Omoda 5 EV can carry you as far as an approximated
450 km
 (WLTP) on a single charge.
RELATED:
2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k
Inside, the Chery Omoda 5 EV sports a floating twin-screen display, just like the ones found in its petrol-powered sibling, Sony-branded speakers, as well as a lighter colour scheme. Interestingly, the EV SUV also comes with a steering column-mounted gear selector. However, the specifications that will come with the Malaysian-spec Omoda 5 EV in the future might differ, as the above were features available during the preview.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the freshly-launched Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has also been confirmed to be arriving at Malaysian shores at the end of this year and will be competing against the likes of the
Proton X90
,
Mazda CX-8
, and
Kia Sorento
. The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV won’t be the only PHEV Chery model that will be coming to Malaysia either, as Chery has also mentioned that it is working on bringing the
Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV
 to our market as well.
Based on the model that was
showcased in China earlier this year
, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV pretty much sports an exterior design that is largely similar to its petrol-powered counterpart and features seven seats on the inside. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s PHEV powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with two electric motors. Mated to what Chery calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, the PHEV SUV’s combined output is rated at
241 hp
 and
510 Nm
.
Just like the Omoda 5 EV, none of the specifications of the Malaysian-spec Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV has been finalised just yet. We will have to wait till its officially launched in our market in the next couple of months.
RELATED:
2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro launched in Malaysia, RM160k – Still want the X90?


Multi-lane free flow tolls to be implemented in Malaysia by 2025, says Works Ministry

The Works Ministry (KKR) has announced that the non-stop toll collection system, known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), will be introduced here in Malaysia by 2025 in an effort to reduce congestion at toll plazas.
As reported by Bernama, Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the proposal has already been approved by the Cabinet.
“The next step is to negotiate with all the toll concession companies on how it will be implemented so as to provide convenience to highway users. After that, we will look into how to integrate the MLFF system where we will establish a command centre managed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) that needs to be integrated with all municipalities or cities,” he said.
RELATED:
Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag to be phased out by 2025
The MLFF system is one of the initiatives under KKR’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Master Plan 2019-2023, which was developed to improve the safety of road users, while also driving the development of these systems in the country.
The barrier-free tolling system will utilise a gantry system without dedicated booths or lanes, with payments collected via a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag alongside an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system. With the new MLFF systems, vehicles would no longer need to queue or stop to pay for toll.
ALSO READ:
You can now use Touch ‘n Go RFID to refuel at 88 Shell stations in Malaysia – No phones required!
Most highways in the nation have
already begun accepting the RFID payment system
, albeit at a limited capacity, usually with only one dedicated lane. Currently, RFID users are also still required to come to a near-complete stop for payment, as the boom gates are also still in operation.
Alongside the implementation of the MLFF system, Fadillah also previously said that the works ministry is
currently proposing a new, harsher criminal law against toll evaders
as part of the measures for the implementation.


Mercedes-Benz begins testing of the EQC electric SUV in Spain

Following the positive results from its winter testing, the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV will now go through the paces in Spain where its blistering summer heat can see temperatures hitting 50-degrees Celcius.
The main challenge would be the
dry heat
. Exposure to immense heat can risk battery damage hence the main focus will be on the battery’s cooling circuits. In a country like Malaysia, where the EQC could arrive in, it’s a vital area to look into.
Another area of focus would be the air conditioning of the interior. Here the vehicle will be examined on whether its estimated driving range is correct in relation to the air temperature set for the interior, whether the suggested time for pre-climatisation is sufficient and so on.
Even the noise levels of the air con compressor in the heat, will be examined. Unlike an internal combustion-engined vehicle, there is hardly a sound from the powertrain of the EQC. Hence, the rolling of the tyres or wind noise is more prominent and as such these aspects of the ride quality will be scrutinised.
Almost
200 prototypes
 have been built for the test programme, with several hundred experts from different fields attending to the examination and approval of these vehicles and its components.
Mercedes-Benz has taken
four years
 to develop the EQC, enduring three winters and three summers in temperatures from minus 35-degrees to 50-degrees Celsius in countries like Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the USA and China.
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Video: 2021 Subaru XV with EyeSight from RM139k, 5 Things

Motor Image Subaru, distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has launched the
updated 2021 Subaru XV
 with the company’s EyeSight driver assistance system.
The EyeSight system, just like the one we test in the Subaru Forester, comes with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, autonomous braking, along with Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start. Complementing the EyeSight system are seven airbags, consisting of front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbag.
Aesthetically, the new Subaru XV GT comes with a new front grille and 17-inch wheel designs. If you’re after a sportier exterior, there is a GT Edition with an additional front lip, side skirts, and rear spoiler. The GT Edition also comes with a different 17-inch wheel design.

Inside, new to the XV are features like the Subaru Intelligent Drive switches on the steering, a Dual X Mode switch on the centre console, 8-way powered seats for the driver. Standard features include paddle shifters, an improved 8-inch infotainment display with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard XV 2.0 i-P comes with fabric upholstery and orange stitching while the XV GT Edition gets leather upholstery.
Under the hood, nothing has changed. The Subaru XV soldiers on with a 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine with 156 hp and 196 Nm to power all four wheels via a CVT gearbox and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.
 Prices start from
 RM139,788
 for the 2.0i-P EyeSight and
 RM146,788
 for the 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition.
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XV GT Edition
XV 2.0i-P EyeSight


The Genesis X Speedium concept is the car every other EV aspires to be

Genesis
 has just unveiled a new concept car at the New York International Auto Show, called the X Speedium coupe, which will preview the company’s styling direction for its future electric vehicles (EVs).
If you think that you’ve already seen this car before, well, that’s because the X Speedium is actually based on the previous
 Genesis X concept
, but redesigned via a “freestyle design exercise” for the electric era, with Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke leading the initiative.
In terms of styling, Genesis says that the Speedium embodies the brand’s own design philosophy, Athletic Elegance, but in an “even more progressive way”. The front grille is now covered up, with the Genesis shield now formed by two strips of LED lights.
The surround extends outwards to form Genesis’ quad headlights assembly, and continues past the front fenders to form a virtual beltline connecting with the quad headlights at the back.
RELATED:The Genesis GV60 is a premium EV SUV with 435 hp… and a drift mode for some reason
The rest of the Genesis X Speedium concept is pretty evolutionary over the original X concept, including a new set of multi-spoke wheels with yellow-green brake calipers lurking behind, as well as a slightly reworked roofline, with a double-bubble roof plus a more aggressive ducktail spoiler at the back.
Genesis didn’t go too much into the specifics of its design, but Donkerwolke said, “This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This isn’t a show car — it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA.”
ALSO READ: The stunning Genesis X concept blends classic sports car design with modern tech
If you’re wondering why the X Speedium name, Genesis says that the name was inspired by a Korean racetrack in the city of Inje, representing their belief that the “emotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification”. And the green colour? That’s called ‘Inje Green’, and supposedly “encompasses the mountainous landscape where the track is located”. So there’s that.
The company also did not say that it’ll be made into an actual production model, but with the reception it’s been getting online, we won’t be surprised if it actually does.
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All-new Kia Rio video teased on Facebook, coming to Malaysia real soon!

It’s no surprise that the
fourth-generation Kia Rio
 will make its way to Malaysia eventually, but it may come sooner than expected. Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has just released a teaser video of the all-new Rio on their
official Facebook page
 with an accompanying hashtag, “ComingSoon”.
Premiered at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Rio is marginally larger and roomier than its predecessor. The Rio’s design is a collaborative effort from Kia’s Germany, California and Korean design team, resulting in an edgier and sportier design language.
Inside, the cabin’s perceived quality is decidedly more premium than the model it replaces and looks more up to date like its larger siblings. Among the standout feature is the floating human-machine interface (HMI) infotainment display that can be had in either 5.0-inch or 7.0-inch in size.
Features such as keyless entry, push start ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and reverse camera are all expected from a Kia model. However, it remains to be seen whether all these will make it to the final spec sheet.
Globally, the Rio is available with four engine choices – three petrol and one diesel, although it is safe to assume that only the petrol variants will find its way here. The trio is comprised of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo T-GDI with two states of tune
98 hp/172 Nm
 and
118 hp/172 Nm
, a 1.25-litre four-cylinder MPI with
 83 hp/122 Nm
 and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI with
98 hp/132 Nm
. Transmission of choice include a five-speed and six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, sending drive to the front wheels.
Our local-spec Rio will most likely soldier on with the 1.4-litre MPI and four-speed auto combo, although NKM is open to the idea of introducing more turbocharged vehicles depending on the market’s response and acceptance towards forced induction cars.
The all-new Rio is also the first in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning System as part of the optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This is on top of the usual six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX.
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All-new McLaren hypercar to be revealed next month, Project One rival?

McLaren Automotive has confirmed the official unveiling date of their next Ultimate Series hypercar at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show. The set date for the unveiling of the McLaren P1 replacement will be on 10 December 2017, earlier than the initially
expected timeline of 2018
.
So, what do we know about McLaren’s all-new hypercar? For starters it will be the most extreme and track-oriented road car to ever roll out of their production line, going as far as sacrificing “some degree” of daily drivability for the “
most intensive driver experience around a circuit
”.
The new hypercar’s design was described as
brutal
 and will be the most extreme representation of the company’s “form follows function” philosophy.
AutoCar UK
 reported earlier
 that McLaren might go as far as installing a fixed rear wing – the first for a road legal McLaren (P1 GTR is not street legal). It was also rumoured to feature an uprated M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 capable of
789 hp
 paired to an ultra-lightweight body of less than
1,300 kg
.
Will McLaren’s new hypercar have the firepower to go against the recently unveiled
Mercedes-AMG Project One
 and
Aston Martin Valkyrie
? We’ll have to wait for December 10 for that. But if you’re planning to wait till the unveiling to decide whether to put your money down for one, tough luck because all examples of the soon to be released Ultimate Series have been
spoken for
.
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Proton unveils three exciting new concept cars, but will they work?

The recently concluded annual
Alami Proton
 event, which literally means “experience Proton”, teased the upcoming
Proton Perdana
 and some exciting new concepts. Let’s take a look into the concept cars and see if they will work.
Alami Proton has been a salient occasion for Proton, allowing the national car maker to engage with the public through myriad of activities (ranging from car manufacturing, test drives and carnival sales). It also opens its door to prototypes and concepts that could well be their future models.
Proton unveiled the
 Iriz Activ
 concept at the same event last year. This year, apart from the sneak preview of the
new
Perdana
, Proton showcased not one, but two new concepts – the
Pickup concept
 and the
Iriz EV
.
In this article, we dissect all three concepts (including the Iriz Activ concept) to determine whether or not they should be made into production. Will they be a darling on Malaysian streets (like the
Myvi
) or just another prop doomed to be fated in Proton’s warehouse for many years to come?
1. Proton Pickup concept
The long abandoned
 Proton Arena
 should make its return via the
Exora’s platform
. Well that can happen with this pickup concept displayed during the event. First impression indicates this bespoke pick-up concept is clearly inspired from the Ford F-150 Raptor. The tough and macho aesthetic will definitely attract buyers as far as first impression goes.
You won’t be hard pressed to tell that this concept is based on the Exora platform, judging from the front and rear doors, including the A-pillar. A rear floor bed was incorporated at the back for extra cargo load.
Why it may work:
While the Proton Arena did not make much of an impact in Malaysia, it was a runaway hit in Australia. There, it was known as the
Proton Jumpbuck
, and its affordable pricing and low running costs made the Jumpbuck a shining success story for Proton beyond Malaysian shores.
Also to note, Proton’s export markets now need a massive boost. A Ute-type vehicle is perhaps what they need for markets like as Australia and Thailand. Surely, the cow herders from Anna Creek Station in South Australia would sign up for this jaunty looking Jumpbuck.
Why it may not work:
Just like the
Exora
, this pickup is likely to be
front-wheel driven
. To have a macho-looking pickup with front-wheel drive setting is like having Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson walking in a pair of Jimmy Choo.
The recipe for proper and desirable pickup is to have all-wheel drive and diesel powertrain. Up to this point, Proton has none of these. Developing these technologies is expensive and not feasible for a small-scale manufacturer like Proton.
Maybe, just maybe, Proton should make that call to its latest strategic partner,
Suzuki
, for assistance. But from what we know, Suzuki has yet to create a pickup a size of a Ford Ranger…
2. Proton Iriz Activ Mk2
The
Iriz Activ
 is essentially the crossover version of the Iriz. Simply put, it’s a jacked up version of the Iriz which sits taller for better ground clearance. However, this incarnation is just a minor facelift when compared to the one displayed last year.
Why it may work:
With the success of the
Honda HR-V
 and the hype surrounding the upcoming Mazda
 CX-3
, B-segment crossovers are the way to go in Malaysia. Its tall ground clearance makes it ideal for traversing Malaysia’s diverse roads, be it potholes or flash floods. Most importantly, it’s a decent yet practical runabout for a small family.
Crossovers don’t necessarily need all-wheel drive or diesel engines, hence why it’s something Proton can realistically achieve with minimal effort given its current resources and parts bin. It’s a no-brainer for Proton to turn this into a revenue-generating product!
Why it may not work:
Not all crossovers are enjoying the success the HR-V has achieved. Case in point, the
Ford Ecosport
, Peugeot 2008 and Great Wall M4; these cars are hardly seen on the roads. In a price sensitive country like Malaysia, the Iriz Activ’s success will highly depend on the pricing of this car.
3. Proton Iriz EV
This is not something new but remains an interesting proposition should Proton be looking to introduce a product far different (and advanced) from its current breed of competitors – an affordable and practical Electric Vehicle (
EV
).
Why it may work:
The world of diesels has been on a setback recently, no thanks to Volkswagen’s recent “
dieselgate
” controversy which saw cities like London and Paris
planning to ban diesel cars
. This is where EV technology is at its advantage and Proton should capitalize on this by rubbing salt into diesel’s wounds!
A report from
The Star
 mentioned that Tun Dr. Mahathir, former Prime Minister and current Chairman of Proton, is looking to export the Iriz EV to the European continent in the foreseeable future. We guess they should consider shipping the Iriz EV there as quickly as possible.
The Iriz EV’s range of 300km per charge is better than many electric cars, and is clearly something to shout about. That range is more than sufficient for a typical city-based Malaysian’s driving needs for a week! Also, if Proton were to successfully pull off a zero-emission vehicle, imagine the good it will bring to the country (read: more foreign investors) and our environment. Besides, EV owners will have the last laugh when
petrol price increases
 from time to time.
Why it may not work:
EV’s Achilles heel has always been about the price, so the likeliest scenario – should the Iriz EV materialise – is that most Malaysians will consider an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) alternative. Case in point, Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers the
Nissan Leaf
 at a throat-cutting RM180,566.18! There’s no price indication for the Iriz EV, but we reckon an asking price around the
RM100,000 ballpark
 ensues.
Unless the Malaysian government provides incentives for EV cars just like in the UK, perhaps that will drive encouragement among price-conscious Malaysians. Even with the incentives granted, the Iriz EV could, at best, be carrying a price tag just a tap below RM100,000. Forking out that sum for a Malaysian supermini is nearly as comical as
paying RM55 for a roti canai
.
The success of EV is also dependent on its charging infrastructure, and this is currently concentrated in the Klang Valley, or more specifically in selected shopping malls/outlets. As more Electric Vehicles or Plug-in Hybrids like the
BMW i8
 and
Renault Twizy
 make their way into Malaysia, there is a palpable need for this infrastructure to be made more accessible in the near future.
CONCLUSION
Concept cars don’t usually make it to production, especially when we’re in an era where accountants overrule ambitious designers and engineers when it comes to crafting a car. As for Proton, the company is still trailing behind Perodua and lacks the luxury to make costly mistakes. While the pickup truck idea is undoubtedly noble, it’s just not worth the effort as far as R&D money is concerned.
Meanwhile, seeing how well received the Iriz is at press time, maybe Proton should put more emphasis on capitalizing its popularity by introducing additional variants like the Iriz Activ crossover and Iriz EV. However, the wait may be much longer (or otherwise) than any of us can anticipate at this point in time, and it won’t be till 2017 where we can finally see such models running down Malaysian streets.
Next year will definitely be a busy year for Proton with the scheduled launches of
three new important models
 – Perdana, Persona and Saga. Surely, things will get very interesting for Proton in the coming months.
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New Hyundai Kona N DCT has an automatic mode for the track but where’s the fun in that?

Hyundai continues to showcase their commitment to the N performance range of vehicles by introducing the newly-developed high-performance dual-clutch automatic transmission simply known as ‘
N DCT
’ into the upcoming
Hyundai Kona N
.
Key data for the N DCT include
eight forward
 ratios,
wet-type
 clutch and various control mapping for transferring maximum performance as well as fun-to-drive attributes. The wet-type DCT uses two electrical oil pumps to reduce the amount of friction between the moving parts and for
better cooling
 of the clutch, thus allowing a higher amount of torque to transfer through the gearbox.
The N DCT enables exclusive high-performance functions that are sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. These features are enhancing the car capabilities by using a dedicated shift logic management.
First, the
N Power Shift (NPS)
 engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances fun to drive by giving a “push feel” when upshifting. The accompanying ‘bang’ sound coming from the partial cylinder cut of the exhaust underlines the sporty performance.
N Grin Shift (NGS)
, activated by a push of a button, maximises all
280 hp
 from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and DCT performance for
20 seconds
, useful at the circuit when chasing for the best lap time. A step further in exploiting full performance at the circuit is the
N Track Sense Shift
 (NTS).
This clever
artificial intelligence
 mode goes to
automatic shifting
 programme to enable the driver to focus on steering and braking the vehicle at the racing circuit. It recognises when the conditions are optimal for dynamic driving on a racetrack and activates automatically. Based on motorsport data combined with the driver’s behaviour, the car selects the right gear and shift timing.
N DCT also rearranges the manual-mode shifting pattern on the gear lever- push forward to downshift, and pull back to upshift
Takes away the fun of driving don’t you think? Could be a great tool for training and coaching nonetheless.
Manual control will return to the driver under manual mode, with gear ratios are held at the redline, no upshifting just like operating a
manual transmission
.
Hyundai has also performed durability test and development work at the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleife for approximately 1,350 laps (
over 28,000 km
). The wet-type DCT was optimised for endurance in order to handle the specific demands of the targeted owners and drivers of the N line of vehicles.
Hyundai first mated their in-housed developed N DCT to their turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the
Veloster N
 variant, followed by the recently updated
i30 N
. All upcoming Hyundai Kona N models
will only be offered in the N DCT
 automatic transmission, which is set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
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Subaru Forester facelift now assembled in M’sia, priced from RM144k

Greetings from the Land of Smiles! We’re reporting live from the grounds of the 37th Bangkok Motor Show, and first to officiate a new car arrival is Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru cars in the Southeast Asian region.
Making its debut here in Thailand is the facelifted Subaru Forester, but what makes it different from the preceding model is that it’s now locally assembled at Tan Chong’s plant in Segambut. There are
three trims on offer
 – base 2.0i, 2.0i-P and 2.0XT. The former two are the only ones produced locally, whereas the range topping 2.0XT – the only one with the turbocharged engine – remains a fully imported unit.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Subaru Forester 2.0i
Subaru Forester 2.0i-P
Subaru Forester 2.0XT
Engine
1,995cc; horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, DOHC
1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Max Power
148 hp @ 6,200 rpm
238 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
198 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
350 Nm @ 2,400 – 3,600 rpm
Price
RM144,000
RM154,000
RM205,000
Just like its
smaller sibling (the Subaru XV)
, the facelift here brings about minor but noticeable enhancements in the way it looks, feels and performs. On the outside, the Forester gets its headlights, tail lights, front grille and bumper, rear bumper and alloy wheels all refreshed. Each trim comes with different levels of equipment, so we’ll break it down for you in a more concise, less cluttered fashion.
Forester 2.0i
This trim is the most affordable option of the lot, and at RM144k, it comes with reflector-type halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, roof rails, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and power folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators. Wheel size is 17-inch, shod with 225/60 series tyres.

Compared to the 2.0i-P, this trim offers far lesser toys, but you do get Auto Vehicle Stop, Hill Descent Control, basic multi-function display, automatic air-conditioning, retractable cargo cover, rear view camera and Subaru’s latest feature – the
X-Mode
. With the push of a button, this system automatically adjusts all mechanical components (including engine and transmission characteristics) to safely navigate through treacherous roads with ease.
All variants get leather seats as standard, but the 2.0XT is the only one to benefit from leather and Alcantara seats.
Forester 2.0i-P
Move one tier up and you’ll meet with what could be the best selling offering of the bunch. Besides sharing the same 17-inch wheels, this trim gives you range-topping equipments such as auto-levelling and
adaptive LED headlamps
 with C-shaped DRLs, front fog lamps, rear fog lamps and LED wing mirrors.
Inside though, the 2.0i-P is better complemented with features like SI Drive, keyless entry and push-start button, dual zone air conditioning, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, powered leather seats (driver gets memory function), PIN code access as well as aluminium foot pedals. The multi-function display is also of a higher grade than the 2.0i, but here it’s topped off with the powered tailgate.

As mentioned earlier, both the 2.0i and 2.0i-P will be locally assembled and powered by the same
2.0-litre naturally aspirated ‘Boxer’ engine
 which makes
148 hp
 at 6,200 rpm and
198 Nm
 of torque at 4,200 rpm. Power is sent to
all four wheels
 through Subaru’s chain-driven
 Lineartronic CVT
 (conventional CVTs are belt-driven).
Forester 2.0XT
If you insist on having a turbocharged engine for a car this size, the 2.0XT is the only one money can buy. The blown horizontally opposed 2.0-litre engine makes a healthy
238 hp
 at 5,600 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm, and shares the same drivetrain as the rest in the lineup.

The Thai-spec Forester you see here is exactly what we will be getting back at home, and it comes inclusive (on top of everything offered with the 2.0i-P) of the power sliding sunroof, shark fin antenna, twin tailpipes, Premium Audio System with Harman Kardon speakers and Siri Eyes Free (supports iOS only). It sits on a larger set of
18-inch wheels
, wrapped with 225/55 rubbers.
On the safety side of things, they all come fitted with ABS with EBD, seven airbags, reinforced shell, Isofix child anchors and Vehicle Dynamics Control System. The Forester’s relatively low stance masks its 220mm ground clearance rather well, whereas damping is managed by a set of McPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.
That’s not all. According to Subaru, their updated SUV are now quieter thanks to improved sound proofing and the use of thicker windows.
It’s estimated that the Segambut plant will produce about 10,000 units of the Forester annually, with some destined for neighbouring markets like Thailand and Indonesia. The Forester is the second Subaru model to be assembled within the confines of Tan Chong’s plant, the first being the XV. All three Foresters will be available for booking at all authorised Subaru showrooms across Malaysia beginning 22 March 2016. Deliveries will commence after its Malaysian debut sometime between April to June.
IMAGE GALLERY
Subaru Forester 2.0XT

Subaru Forester 2.0i-P

Subaru Forester 2.0i


New BMW M3 shows power is not everything in a drag race!

When BMW introduced the
all-new M3
 / M4 earlier, many fans of the brand raised eyebrows on two technical information about the car- the huge weight gain and the use of the traditional automatic transmission.
The new generation of BMW M cars are
no longer lightweight
, with the new generation G80 BMW M3 gaining more than
160 kg
 over the outgoing model. The conventional automatic transmission, while it is one of the best in the business, sounded like a step-backwards when a dual-clutch transmission offered faster and more aggressive gear shifts.
Time to put these claims to the test then, as
Carwow
 not only compared the new G80 BMW M3 with
510 hp / 650 Nm
 against an old BMW M3, but one that is heavily modified to the tune of
700 hp / 950 Nm
!
The previous-generation bright green BMW M3 is also lighter, reported to be under 1,600 kg. Let’s take a look at the battle of stock versus fully done-up!

The driver of the more powerful BMW M3 actually admitted the new BMW M3 with 8-speed conventional automatic transmission is much better off-the-line from stationary, unlike his car which
struggled
 to put down 700 hp and 950 Nm from the heavily modified engine onto the tarmac.
This reminds us of the slogan from an Italian tyre company- power is nothing without control.
On the topic of BMW M Car, the company today introduced the
BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible
, with quite a shocking value registered at the weighing scales, even more than a BMW 8 Series.
Credit:
Carwow


2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine CKD launched, priced at RM404k!

The first day of June 2016 marks yet another milestone for Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM), with the launch of the CKD version of the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine. VCM was also proud to announce that Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia (formerly known as Swedish Motor Assemblies) is the first plant outside Sweden to produce the XC90 T8.
The Volvo XC90 T8 is the first
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
 to be assembled in Malaysia and it also benefits from its
EEV status
 granted by the Malaysian government, therefore bringing down the price by RM50k from the
CBU equivalent
. The locally-assembled XC90 T8 can now be had from just
RM403,888.00
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
2015 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine

Engine
1,969cc; twin-charged 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
407 hp
Max Torque
640 Nm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.6 seconds; 230 km/h
Price
RM4o3,888.00
EXTERIOR

Nothing has been compromised in terms of equipment from the CBU counterpart, the CKD XC90 T8 is
fully-loaded
 with goodies in this
 Inscription
 trim. It still rides on the same 10-spoke
20-inch wheels
, and the
Full-LED Active High Beam headlamps
 that incorporates the signature
Thor’s Hammer DRL
 is also present here.
INTERIOR
It’s the same story on the inside. The instrument cluster is a huge 12.3-inch screen, the
Sensus infotainment system
 lets the driver control almost everything via the vertically-oriented
9-inch touch screen
 in the middle of the dash, and the gear knob is a
hand-crafted

crystal by Orrefors
 that also lights up at night.

The
four-zone automatic climate control
 is standard, while Volvo’s
CleanZone
 purifies the air inside the XC90. It also has a
powered glass sunroof
 as well as a hands-free
powered tailgate
 that opens by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
PERFORMANCE
To recap, the
T8 Twin Engine
 is a combination of Volvo’s
2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E petrol
 engine that has been
turbocharged and supercharged
, and an
electric motor
 on the rear axle. In total they produce
407 hp
 and a whopping
 640 Nm
 of torque, which is sent to
all four wheels
 via an
eight-speed automatic
 gearbox.
Zero to 100 km/h
 takes
5.6 seconds
, with a
 top speed
 of
230 km/h
, and yet its
 fuel consumption
 is rated at just
2.1 litre per 100km
.
SAFETY
Apart from the normal airbags, the XC90 is stuffed with safety features which includes
Blind Spot Information
 (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, and
Distance Alert
, to name a few. There’s also a 360 Camera and
City Safety
, which detects the surrounding for vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist.
WHAT ELSE?
While the equipment is unchanged from the CBU model, the colour option is limited on the CKD model. There are now just
five colours
 to choose from (Ice White, Onyx Black, Saville Grey, Twilight Bronze, and Bright Silver), and they are all paired with charcoal interior.
The selling price for the locally-assembled XC90 T8 Twin Engine without insurance is
RM403,888.00
, and it includes Volvo’s 5-Year warranty and Volvo On Call services.
IMAGE GALLERY


The 10 best engines this year are downsized turbos and hybrids, no V8s!

WardsAuto has announced the top 10 best engines of 2017, and it sees a few glaring trend changes along the way. First, three electrified powertrains joined the list and downsized-boosted engines dominated the list. For the first time in 23 years, there’s no V8 mill in the top 10 list.
The judging criteria for the powertrain is not quite based on power. Instead, focus was put into a few areas such as comparative specs, noise attenuation, fuel economy and the application of new technologies. Below are the 10 best engines of the year:
3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW M240i)
1.5L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor EREV (Chevrolet Volt)
3.6L DOHC V-6/Dual Motor PHEV (
Chrysler
 Pacifica Hybrid)
2.3L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (
Ford

Focus RS
)
2.0L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor HEV (
Honda
 Accord Hybrid)
1.4L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Hyundai Elantra Eco)
3.0L Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (
Infiniti Q50
)
2.5L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (
Mazda CX-9
)
2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (
Mercedes-Benz C300
)
2.0L Turbo/Supercharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Volvo V60 Polestar)
Out of the 10, two are returnees and seven of them are turbocharged. The latter is a sign that manufacturers are embracing forced induction and direct fuel injection over outright displacement.
Closer to home, Malaysians get to enjoy two engines from the top ten list. First, we have
Mazda’s 2.5-litre SkyActiv turbocharged
 engine which made its debut in the CX-9 SUV. The engine is the first turbocharged unit of the excellent SkyActiv family, which develops a healthy
227 hp
 at 5,000 rpm and
420 Nm
 of torque. The mill replaces the 3.7-litre naturally aspirated Cyclone V6 from the previous model.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’s 2.0-litre banger from the list also powers the C-Class’s
coupe
 and
cabriolet
variants introduced this year. The mill makes
245 hp
 at 5,500 rpm and
370 Nm
 of torque. The same M274 engine also powers the remaining variants of the current C-Class sold in Malaysia, albeit with detuned configurations.
It seems the good old adage of “there’s no replacement for displacement” may be irrelevant in the coming years.


ETCM recalls CBU fourth-gen Nissan Serena S-Hybrid to reprogramme CVT control unit

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) together with its aftersales service arm Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre (TCEAS) has announced a product recall campaign for the fourth-generation
 fully-imported (CBU) Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (C26)
 to reprogramme the vehicle’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) control unit.
The recall exercise will affect
4,001 units
 of the fully-imported MPV on Malaysian roads, manufactured between
September 2012 to November 2013
. The locally-assembled (CKD) fourth-generation Serena S-Hybrid (C26), launched November 2014, as well as the
CKD fifth-generation Serena S-Hybrid (C27)
launched in May 2018 are
not affected
 by this recall campaign.
All labour and parts replacement – if any – will be carried out free of charge for the vehicles involved by this recall campaign. The CVT CU reprogramming process will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Customers affected by the recall will be
notified directly
 through TCEAS by letter, SMS, or WhatsApp, and are advised to call their nearest TCEAS outlet to make an appointment. Customers can also call the Nissan Customer Care Centre toll-free line at
1800-88-3838
 to check if their vehicles are affected by this recall.
ETCM regrets any inconvenience caused by the recall exercise. All TCEAS outlets will have extended operation hours and are open on weekends and public holidays to ensure minimal disruption.


Aston Martin releases details of AM-RB 001, 6.5L V12, limited to 150 units!

By now you must’ve heard of
Aston Martin’s recent partnership with Red Bull Racing to build a hypercar codenamed AM-RB 001
. Today, the alliance has just released some key technical details of the project. And from the looks of it, we can see why it has garnered over 300 interested parties. By that we mean buyers.
Contrary to our
initial report
, the AM-RB 001 is set to be powered by a bespoke, custom-made
6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12
 commissioned by Cosworth, a UK-based expert in Formula One and high performance production engines. This high-revving engine will be mated to a
seven-speed paddle-shift transmission
 produced by Ricardo.
Aston Martin has also revealed that the hypercar will feature “a lightweight hybrid battery system” supplied by non-other than Rimac, the Croatian company behind the Concept_One –
the all-electric supercar that dusted the Porsche 918 in a drag race
.
The company stands firmly behind the claim that the AM-RB 001 will have a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, hence the partnership with world-leading composite experts, Multimatic to produce a
carbon fibre MonoCell
. No surprises there as Aston Martin has had history with Multimatic in the development of the
One-77
 and
Vulcan
.

Tasked with stopping this outrageous car are Alcon and Surface Transforms, both supplying
high-performance brake callipers
 and
carbon discs
. On the other hand, Bosch will be responsible for the custom ECU, TCU and ESP systems for the AM-RB 001. Lastly, UK-based lighting manufacturer, Wipac will be developing the hypercar’s
full LED headlamps and tail lamps
.
Only
 150 examples
 (prototypes included) and
25 track-only versions
 of the beast will be produced. First deliveries of the hypercar is expected to begin sometime in 2019. From the information above, we can safely say that Aston Martin-Red Bull Racing’s hypercar will be nothing short of a monster. Knowing Aston Martin, the car will also no doubt have gorgeous looks to match the cars monumental performance.
IMAGE GALLERY


Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine named 2015 International Engine of the Year

Hollywood has the Academy Awards, music has the Grammy Awards. And then there’s the International Engine of the Year award. And Ford has won not once, but eight times now, three of them were consecutive wins. Ford’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was awarded this honour by a panel of 87 motoring journalists hailing from 35 nations.
This tiny
three cylinder engine
, one that’s small enough to fit the block on an
A4 piece of paper
 has been touted for its good
 fuel economy and notable performance
 has won its
eighth award
 in four years at the
2015 International Engine of the Year Awards.
 The award was won by virtue of attributes such as
drivability, performance, fuel economy, levels of refinement
 and technological advancements.
Ford has succeeded in changing the ballgame when it comes to powering city runabout hatchbacks and tiny crossovers such as the
Ford
EcoSport
,
Fiesta
 and Focus
 in regards to the 1.0-litre engine variant of the EcoBoost family. Fords is also reportedly looking into
cylinder deactivation technology
 in pursuit of
reducing fuel consumption.
They are currently collaborating with the Schaeffler Group to research
dual mass flywheel technology
 that enables
cylinder deactivation
 to take place at a wider range of
engine loads and speeds
. Besides that, Ford is also pursuing
acoustic, harshness and vibration reduction
 in the upcoming powertrain units, which have showed promising results of up to
six percent in better fuel consumption
.
Progress isn’t necessarily boring and derivative. On the other end of the spectrum, Ford is also developing a
V6 EcoBoost mill
 that is capable of making an
excess of 600 hp
. This heyday is found on the new
Ford GT
 that will be competing in the legendary
Le Mans race series
, commemorating Ford’s
50th anniversary
 of their momentous win in
1966.
Locally however, Ford, via official distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion is offering various models that are powered by the brand’s EcoBoost engines, such as the
Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost
, the
Fiesta ST
 and
Kuga
 with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost. The D-segment
Mondeo
 and
S-Max
 people carrier variety is powered with a
237 hp 2.0-litre
 EcoBoost block, which is also used in the Focus ST.