Toyota Vios Challenge postponed due to MCO extension

Following the announcement on the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) until the 4th of February 2021,
UMW Toyota Motor
 has decided to postpone Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge.
Round 1 of the Toyota Vios Challenge 2021 was scheduled to take place from the 28th till 30th of January 2021, at the Sepang International Circuit. As of now, UMW Toyota is unable to confirm a new date.

“As we continue to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, we acknowledge the unprecedented toll that it has inflicted on the nation. The race will and must go on but not until we successfully mitigate the threat of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all racers, participating teams, officials, spectators, and stakeholders,” said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.
After three successful seasons, Season 4 will bring a new dimension to the race series with the introduction of three individual racing series – Toyota Vios Challenge, Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup and Gazoo Racing Enduro Cup – for a total of 11 races.
The growing participation of young racers in the series over the past three seasons have also led the company to establish a Gazoo Racing School. Also new is the
Rookie Class
 in the Toyota Vios Challenge for drivers between the ages of 14 and 20.


Proton urging 2012-2018 Perdana owners to replace Takata airbag inflator

Proton is urging owners of the Proton Perdana built from 2012 to the end of August 2018 to bring their vehicles to authorised Proton service centres to get their Takata passenger airbag inflator replaced.
The affected models include the current
second-generation Perdana
 and the
Honda Accord-based model, more widely known as the “Hondana”
. Proton reassures that the recalls do not affect any other Proton models as they’re fitted with airbags from a different supplier.
6,342 units of the Perdana are affected and as of 18th of August 2020, Proton’s service centres have replaced 5,625 units – an 87.5% completion rate. Proton has been replacing the potentially faulty inflators since January 2019, in accordance to the standards of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration of America (NHTSA).
“The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. However, we have not been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information. Therefore, we would like to urge all Proton Perdana owners who have not had their passenger airbag inflators replaced to call our service centres to book an appointment as soon as possible,” said Proton Edar, CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
Replacement of the airbag inflator will take approximately one hour, completely free of charge. Those built after 31st August 2018 are not affected.


Volvo V40 gets a facelift, receives Thor’s Hammer makeover!

Volvo’s current best-selling model in Europe, the V40 hatchback, receives a new look and some interior tweaks. Volvo’s current second biggest seller is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The facelifted V40 is in line with the design language from Volvo’s latest foray of products such as the
XC90
,
S90
, and
V90
. The V40 receives a new grille with a larger Volvo “
Iron Mark”
 badge and the signature
“Thor Hammer”
 LED headlights as part of its aesthetic improvements. The Cross Country model retains the black plastic cladding along the bottom edges and a taller vehicle height.

Inside, the new V40 gets updated Volvo’s
OnCall
 technology, this time the system adds Microsoft Band 2 connectivity, allowing Windows 10 phones to be integrated with the car. Also notable is a new “
City Weave
” upholstery with new additional panel trims for the dashboard and door trims. The V40 also receives five new colours with four shades of blue: Mussel Blue, Bursting Blue, Amazon Blue, Denim Blue, and the Luminous Sand.
The powertrains for the V40 remained status quo, with a choice of diesel and petrol engines available. Also included is a new improved radar sensor that’s utilised by Volvo’s automatic braking system and adaptive cruise control.

The updated V40, available in the standard
V40
,
R-Design
 and
Cross Country
, will be in the market in Europe in June 2016. Currently in Malaysia,
Volvo Cars Malaysia
 offers two models of
V40 hatchback
 and a Cross Country model, starting from RM178,888 to RM200,888.
IMAGE GALLERY
Standard V40

R-Resign

Cross Country

 Volvo V40 T5 AWD Cross Country Studio Bird’s Eye view

 Volvo V40 T5 AWD Cross Country Location 7/8 Rear

 Volvo V40 Cross Country


This special edition BMW X5 xDrive35d in Japan is called Pleasure3

It’s called the X5 xDrive35d
Pleasure
3
 Edition
. Assuming that’s Pleasure x Pleasure x Pleasure?
A pleasure to look at? A pleasure to ride in? A pleasure to drive? Is it 3x the
sheer driving pleasure
?
Whatever it is, it doesn’t look very pleasureable and from the equipment list plucked from BMW Japan’s site, it seems that the only standout item in the pleasure-soaked SUV
are the wheels
.
Labelled as “
dedicated equipment
” on the official site, those are
21-inch Y-spoke style 744 wheels
with a two-tone finish. As for tyres, the pleasurable X5 sits on 275/45 tyres in the front and 315/35 tyres at the rear. The wheels on the X5 xDrive45e in Malaysia are only 20-inch in size.
Find out more about the BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport in Malaysia, from RM434k here!
The X5 xDrive35d doesn’t even come with an M Sport body kit, which the xDrive45e PHEV in Malaysia gets as standard. The local model is also fitted with BMW M bits like the M aerodynamic package and M Sport calipers. You Malaysian X5 owners are so fortunate!
The Pleasure Edition comes with colours like the Phytonic Blue and Black Sapphire but they’re optional extras unlike in Malaysia. Also optional is the panoramic glass sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system; items we get as standard over here with the xDrive45e. There’s still no pleasure in sight.
You don’t have to pay to experience the BMW X5 in Malaysia. Check it out via augment reality here!
You do get the air suspension system, the glossy brown wood trims, BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, Vernasca leather seats and a head up display.
Did you know there was an X5 xDrive40i M Sport in Malaysia? It was super expensive! Check it out here!
The biggest difference though, between the Pleasure and plug-in hybrid we get in Malaysia is that the former
comes with 3rd row seats
; with air con vents in the centre console, to comfortably accommodate two more passengers. The variant in Malaysia is only a 5-seater. In Malaysia,
only the BMW X7
 comes with seven seats.
Maybe that’s what they were trying to imply with the
Pleasure
3
 name – pleasure in all three rows. hat a way to put it though. Perhaps it sounded better in Japanese.
The xDrive35d is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic with 286 hp and 650 Nm of brute force.


Porsche teases Le Mans LMDh racer with extensive testing planned

First announced
a year ago
, Porsche will begin testing their latest endurance racer from next year in preparation for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year.
Beginning in 2023, the LMDh racer will be entered by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the first time in some 30 years, it will then be possible to compete for overall victories in the endurance classics at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona with cars of identical construction.
Porsche Penske Motorsport has also partnered with Multimatic for the development of the chassis. The Canadian motorsports specialist won the LMGTE Pro category of the 2016 Le Mans with their
Ford GT
. During its previous campaign with the hybrid 919, Porsche took the win in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans, with 19 overall victories with seven in a row from 1981 to 1987.
So far, the new LMDh technical regulations and convergence with America’s IMSA has proven to be quite a success with big-name automakers, with Audi, BMW, Acura and Cadillac all preparing for the start of the 2023 season.
The technical requirements have made the LMDh similar to an ‘off-the-shelf’ spec-series, rather than the Hypercar/prototype category, in which, the exterior bodywork package, the batteries and the motor-generator unit are supplied by FIA-nominated specialists such as Xtrac and Williams Advance Engineering.
Weighting over just 1,000 kg, the LMDh vehicles are only allowed to have up to
680 hp
 of combined system output, which the internal combustion engine is generating the bulk of the power.
The Le Mans Hypercar category meanwhile sees reigning champion
Toyota
 joint by the return of Peugeot and Ferrari. There has been no update on the participation of
Aston Martin
, which the company claimed to have withheld their top-tier Le Mans participation due to the abovementioned technical convergence.
Porsche will also continue with their participation with Formula E as well as the GTE Pro category of the WEC to wrestle the GT manufacturer’s championship title off Ferrari for the 2022 season.
GALLERY


How much savings can be seen on a 4×2 vs 4×4 drivetrain?

Earlier in October, Isuzu Malaysia introduced a new addition to their successful Isuzu D-Max (RG) pick-up truck called the
1.9L 4×2 AT Plus
. This means the drivetrain has been reduced to just rear-wheel drive, but feature the high-riding height of a pick-up truck.
It was mentioned that only 28% of nationwide pick-up truck owners surveyed said they frequently used the 4×4 system on their pick-up trucks, making a large percentage of owners never actually engage 4H or 4L modes which is just a flick of the switch.
Making the pick-up truck a 4×2 drivetrain means the central transfer case (where the 4H and 4L come to action), the front differential and all its connections are absent. Of course, in the interior, the switch-on-the fly 2WD to 4WD switch is not available too.
Manufacturers usually quote the usage for 4H and 4L modes “when roads or surfaces become icy, steep slopes, rough, sand, mud and where require significant traction.” Thus, 2WD is purely fine for normal driving on ordinary roads and highways.
So, does this mean a lower overall cost of ownership when selecting a pick-up or large SUV with a 4×2 drivetrain? We went to take a look at the numbers and it’s rather disappointing.
The ladder frame and chassis of the all-new Isuzu D-Max (RG)
Savings in scheduled maintenance
For the latest
Isuzu D-Max (RG)
 1.9 AT, servicing and maintenance costs for the first 100,000 km involve the usual lube changes, air filters, power steering and brake fluid replacements. There are two intervals- every 40,000th-kilometre or 48 months, as well as the first 10,000 km where the drivetrain differential fluids are replaced.
It is only at these 40,000th-kilometre/48-month servicing intervals that see savings in maintenance, where the 4×2 requires just the rear differential fluid change costing RM23 less. Throughout 100,000 km of ownership, the three differential fluid changes (10k, 40k and 80k km) on the 4×2 only see a total savings of
RM69
 compared to the 4×4 variant.
Front differential of 4×4
Transfer case of 4×4
We are not comparing the
Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 AT
 and the

Mitsubishi Triton Quest 4×2 MT
 low-rider as the drivetrain technologies are of different eras and thus not a proper representation of savings.
UMW Toyota meanwhile sold the second-generation
Toyota Fortuner 2.4VRZ
 (GUN155) in both 4×2 (October 2017) and
4×4
variants. They also perform differential (front and rear plus the transfer case) fluid changes at the 40,000th-kilometre/24th-month interval and the 4×2 sees a larger saving of RM120 per visit or a total of
RM240
 over the course of 100,000 km of ownership.
Front drive shaft of 4×4
Having a 4×2 drivetrain, however, saves the maintenance cost of replacing the front driveshaft dust covers and other associated wear and tear items.
Savings in fuel consumption
Since there are less hardware, with the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 4×2 AT Plus claiming a weight reduction of 85 kg from the simpler drivetrain, one would wonder if there is a change in fuel consumption. Unfortunately, there is no data available for the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 4×4 AT, while the 1.9 4×2 AT returns a commendable diesel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100 km.
Data is however available in Australia for both the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, with the 4×4 consuming 3.9% or 0.3 litres more diesel per 100 km travelled.
For the interest of today’s comparison, we will use a figure of 6.5 litres / 100 km or 0.3 litres more for the 4×4 drivetrain in the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 AT 4×4. Throughout the same 100,000 km example above, the 1.9 AT 4×2 Auto Plus sees a
savings of

approx. RM615
 in diesel fuel bills at the current
B10
 pump prices (RM2.05).
There you have it, the potential savings from using a 4×2 versus a 4×4 pick-up truck (or used Toyota Fortuner 2.4VRZ) during the vehicle ownership of the first 100,000 km is rather minimal. Nonetheless, savings to a business or trades’ person impacts the bottom line and thus it is always good to know.
The Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4×2 AT priced at RM100,999 is
RM6,000 cheaper
 than the 4×4 variant. It is also the most accessible Japanese high-riding pick-up truck with automatic transmission and larger 17-inch wheels.


New GR aftermarket parts make the Toyota Yaris Cross look rally-ready!

Along with the debut of the
Yaris Cross
 in Japan, Toyota’s in-house customisation departments –
TRD

and
Modellista
 – have released a couple of different aftermarket kits to dress up the compact crossover to better suit your style.
The TRD parts, branded as Gazoo Racing parts here, skew more towards a rally-inspired look. Exterior cosmetic upgrades include front bumper garnishes, side door garnish, stainless steel sport muffler tips, as well as mud flaps (!) in red or black to complete the rugged look.
Additional GR parts include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black, door handle protectors, sun shade, luggage mat, carbon fibre reinforced plastic license plate holder, and something called a “Door Stabiliser” which apparently can help provide a quicker steering response. Anyone remember the
GR spray
 that can apparently increase downforce? We probably shouldn’t be surprised anymore…
As for Modellista body kits, the two aftermarket kit styles – Advanced Robust and Elegant Ice – are designed to bring out the urban, sporty appeal of the Yaris Cross. Both of the kits include new front spoilers, side skirts, rear skirts and garnishes, body-coloured wheel arch claddings, as well as new 19-inch alloys in two different styles.
The Advanced Robust Style, as the name suggests, is the more rugged-looking one of the two. Aside from a more elaborate front and rear skirting design, the Advanced Robust kit can also be fitted with a roof-mounted spoiler. Meanwhile, the Elegant Ice Style gets additional chrome garnishing options on the front grille, wing mirror, door handles, as well as across the rear bumper.
On the inside, buyers can opt for additional wood or black woodgrain panels to overlay on the plain plastic bits across the dashboard and the door panels, along with air-con vent finishers in either chrome-like or bordeux red colours.
Other interior Modellista parts include scuff plates in two different colourways, additional illumination on the centre console, LED lamps kit for the interior and cargo lighting, as well as a wooden luggage deck for the extra premium feel. Which of these will be your pick?
 IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: BMW M135i xDrive launched in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has just launched the new BMW M135i xDrive alongside the
X1 sDrive18i
 with a price tag of
RM355,646.25
 on-the-road without insurance. It’s accompanied by a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Scheduled Service. The M135i xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide by 28th July 2020.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new M135i xDrive can be owned with a monthly installment of
RM4,058.00
 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure). Customers can also book the new M135i Drive
online
 at RM1,000 and be in the running to win a new BMW i8 Coupé.

PERFORMANCE
Primarily front-wheel driven, BMW says
 the M135i xDrive which we drove in South Africa
 can deliver up to 50:50 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It also features an
Active Sound Design
 system that amplifies the actual sound from the engine based on various speeds and throttle input – a feature also seen in the
current generation BMW M5
.
Fitted with BMW’s most powerful 4-cylinder engine, the new M135i xDrive is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a Launch Control feature that fully utilises the engine’s torque in the 1st and 2nd gear.
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged
Transmission: 8 speed Steptronic automatic
Horsepower: 306 hp
Torque: 450 Nm
0 to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
The exterior of the M135i xDrive is a reflection of its exciting performance figures. It features a completely new front grille with Cerium Grey surrounds but it’s the M135i’s rear end that steals the show.
It looks almost like the previous generation F31 BMW 3-series wagon but a whole lot angrier and meaner. The tailpipes and side mirror caps are also finished in Cerium Grey. Other exterior colours available are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey and Melbourne Red.
EXTERIOR
19-inch light-alloy style 557 wheels
100 mm tailpipes
M Sport suspension
M Sport brakes
M Sport spoiler
Adaptive LED headlamps with High Beam Assist
Inside, there’s no ignoring the Dakota leather upholstery in Magma Red along with the massive sports seats. Alternatively, BMW is also offering the Dakota leather upholstery in Black. BMW says the M135i xDrive has grown wider and taller than its predecessor, offering additional knee and elbow room.
INTERIOR
M Sport steering
M Sport seats
M Sport seat belts
M135i xDrive lettering on door sills
Driver seat with Memory Function
16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
10.25-inch touchscreen display
Boot space in the M135i xDrive is rated at 380-litres although with the second row seats flattened, the M135i xDrive can offer up to 1,200-litre of cargo space.
The
BMW Personal CoPilot
 system includes features like:
Lane Change Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Front Collision Warning with Braking Function
Rear Collision Warning
Active Park Distance Control
Reversing Assistant
The Reverse Assistant can help the driver reverse out of a tight space or alley by recalling the last 50 metres covered. It is able to reverse the vehicle the same way it got in by taking control of the steering, braking and throttle.
For the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


Video: F40 BMW M135i xDrive tested in South Africa

BMW Malaysia flew a few of us motoring media representatives across the globe not too long ago to be part of the
BMW M Festival 2019
 in South Africa and part of the itinerary involved sampling the new
F40 BMW M135i xDrive
.
The test route planned for us was a 50 km round trip from the Kyalami Circuit to the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site in the northwestern region of Johannesburg – with plenty of straight roads to unleash all the performance from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder under its bonnet.

The B48 mill in the M135i xDrive (and the
M235i xDrive Gran Coupe
) matches the M260 engine in the
Mercedes-AMG A 35
 in terms of power –
306 hp
, but with
450 Nm
 of torque, the Bimmer edges the Mercedes-Benz by 50 Nm.
There’s no denying the potency of the M135i’s acceleration, credit to the traction from its all-wheel drive system. Its 8-speed automatic transmission was quick to shift and smooth between the gears – sending power (mostly) to the front wheels. First impressions of the M135i xDrive were positive and I reckon it’ll give the
AMG A35 we tested in Melaka in December last year
 a run for its money.
GALLERY


Ferrari halts Purosangue orders due to high demand, two years wait time

Despite the internet’s dislike for SUVs, the
Ferrari Purosangue
 has received too high of a demand that has forced
Ferrari
 to stop taking orders for it. The high demand has also caused the waiting time for the Purosangue to last for up to two years for some customers.
During its
world debut
, Ferrari had already announced that production of the Purosangue will be capped at 20% of overall output, which means only one in five Ferraris made is the Purosangue.
This serves to retain a certain level of exclusivity for its “first-ever four-door four-seater” that happens to be high riding. It seems that the high demand has not changed Ferrari’s mind about its production cap.
Speaking to
drive.com.au
, Ferrari Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galleria said, “It’s no secret that we stopped taking orders. We had such an interest without delivering one single car. We made a decision that we thought was consistent with the positioning of Ferrari and the model.”
Recently, the Ferrari Purosangue debuted in Australia together with the
Ferrari Daytona SP3
 at
Universo Ferrari in Sydney
. The Ferrari Purosangue made its world debut in September and is the first of its kind from Maranello.
ALSO WATCH:
Ferrari 812 Competizione 6.5L V12, from RM2.2m
Powering the Ferrari Purosangue is a front-mid mounted 6.5-litre V12 engine that pushes
725 hp
 (metric) and
716 Nm
. The engine is mated to an eight-speed oil-bath F1 DCT dual-clutch transmission and power is sent to all four wheels. Weighing 2,033 kg, the Purosangue launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just
3.3 seconds
 and has a top speed of over
310 km/h
.
Although you may have missed your chance to order the “first-ever four-door four-seater” from Maranello, you can check out the full details on the Ferrari Purosangue
here
.
RELATED:
Ferrari Purosangue – Maranello’s first-ever SUV is finally here


2015 Peugeot 308 GTi breaks cover, gets either 250 or 270 hp [+Video]

Since marking a return to its form with the 208 GTi,
Peugeot Sport
 has sprinkled their magic on the latest 308 to create not one but two variants of the
308 GTi
. Less than a year after revealing the “warm” 308 GT, the 308 GTi now takes the crown as the sportiest 308 yet.
We could agree if you can’t tell the GTi apart from the normal 308. It’s even harder to distinguish between the GT and the GTi, because they both share almost the same kit. Almost.
EXTERIOR
Like the 308 GT, the 308 GTi gets a discreet upgrade that consists of a new nose, bumpers, skirts, and wheels. The front is similar to the 308 GT where the lion is caged in the grille instead of sitting on top of it, but the grille inserts feature the trademark
chequered pattern
 as seen on the 208 GTi.
Nothing much can be said on the side, apart from the additional side skirts, discreet
GTi badge
 on the front fenders,
red brake calipers
, and a new set of wheels that comes in either 18-inch or 19-inch sizes. You might or might not notice that the GTi sits
11 mm lower
 to the ground too.

Updates to the back is limited to the lower diffuser with
dual circular tailpipes
 and the obligatory GTi badge on the boot lid.
INTERIOR
Like the exterior, the GTi treatment is quite subtle but still noticeable. The flat-bottom steering wheel is not only marked with a red center marker on top, it’s also stamped with a GTi badge at the bottom, with
contrasting red stitching
 extends to the seats, door panels, and the dashboard. Other than that, the instrument panel receives a new chequered graphics and
Redline theme
.

There’s also the
Driver Sport Pack
, which turns the display colour from white to red whenever the
Sport button
 is pressed. It shows additional information such as power, torque, and boost in the central screen as well.
PERFORMANCE
There’s only one engine for this front-wheel drive GTi which is the
1.6-litre THP
, however you can have it in either
250 hp
 or
270 hp
 tunes. A
six-speed manual
 transmission is the only choice whether you like it or not, and Peugeot claims that they’ve strengthened the ‘box to cope with the
330 Nm
 of twisting force generated by the THP mill.
The
GTi 270
 is capable to
reach 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds
, while the
GTi 250
 is takes additional 0.2 seconds and yet, it only sips
6.0 litres per 100 km
.
Complementing the power hike are the chassis tweaks for that promised “ultimate driving experience”. The front and rear tracks are wider, and the suspension has been reworked with
 stiffer springs
 and
recalibrated shocks
. The
brakes
 have also been improved; the
front
 ventilated discs measure
380 mm
 while the
rear
 discs measure
268 mm
.
Torsen® limited-slip differential
 is specifically fitted to the
GTi 270 only
, and it should make the car even quicker when the roads turn twisty. Plus, the GTi 270 gets a set of
19-inch “Carbone” alloys
 wrapped in
235/35 R19 Michelin Super Sport
 tyres replacing a set of
18-inch “Diamant” alloys
 wrapped in
225/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 3
 tyres on the GTi 250.

WHAT ELSE?
The two-tone Ultimate Red and Perla Nera Black paintjob is called the
“Coupe Franche”
 and it’s only available on the GTi 270, so if you’re the showy kind then this is definitely the paint scheme to have.
The 308 GTi will make its debut at the upcoming
2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed
. No word on the Malaysian launch date just yet, but we’ll be sure to report to you when the time comes.
IMAGE GALLERY


SpyBuzz: Next-gen Volkswagen Polo spotted, looking like a mini Golf

We are just months away from the global unveiling of the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo. Now, it appears that the new Polo, believed to be a pre-production unit, was photographed completely bare in South Africa, where it is being produced.
The new Polo greatly resembles the
facelifted Golf
, with design bits such as the sculpted bonnet and side flanks. The redesigned headlights and straight-cut tailgate really elevate the look of this hatch as well. It also sits atop the MQB platform, and represents the smallest model to ever receive the modular chassis. With that, dimensions have grown exponentially, most notably its cabin.
Exclusive info from
AutoCar UK
 revealed some interesting bits about the sixth-generation Polo. Two petrol engines will be offered – a
 1.0-litre three-cylinder
 and a
1.5-litre four-cylinder
. The dieselgate scandal has caused Volkswagen to scale down on their diesel offerings, which is why only the revamped 1.6-litre four-cylinder oil burner is offered. Of course, the hot Polo GTI is among the cards, but there are no plans for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant as yet.
Cabin design will receive quite the overhaul as well, featuring what’s believed to be a digital instrument cluster – perhaps the first in its class as well. It can be had in a three or five-door hatch configuration, with the sedan variant set for this part of the world in the coming years.
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo will be unveiled during the Frankfurt motor show later in September. It will most likely come to Malaysia next year and be assembled in Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia’s production facility in Pekan, Pahang.
Source:
Cars.co.za
 &
AutoCar UK


Review: 2016 Mazda CX-3 2.0 SkyActiv 2WD, little in size, huge in appeal [+Video]

In the early 2000s, the only crossover you can buy from Mazda was the Tribute. A few years back, you get to choose from either the full-size CX-9, CX-7 or the mid-sized CX-5. Today, you can get your Mazda crossover fix through this “fun sized” Mazda
CX-3
. In the near future, there will be a coupe crossover and possibly the return of the CX-7, as Mazda expands their crossover lineup with more CX-prefixed vehicles to cater to every buyer’s specific needs.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What we have here is Mazda’s first baby crossover, the CX-3. Locking horns against the other petite B-segment crossovers in a category which is currently dominated by none other than
Honda’s famed HR-V
, the CX-3 is built upon the Mazda2 platform. Yet, it’s slightly bigger in every dimension except the wheelbase, and it’s only about 150kg heavier. It’s not powered by the same 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine from the Mazda2 though, instead it’s powered by a 2.0-litre engine from the bigger Mazdas.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv

Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
Max Power
154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM131,218.50
The first batch of Malaysian-bound CX-3s only comes in a single variant, the 2.0-litre front-wheel drive, and all 2,000 units of them hail from Hiroshima, Japan. Retailing at RM131k, it sits at the wrong side of the price range for a crossover this size. Even so, at this time of writing at least, almost all of the allocated units have been spoken for. Some concluded that the CX-3’s good looks is enough of a reason for buying one, but surely there’s more to it than just looks, right? We examine it further.
EXTERIOR
Things are looking sharp for Mazda, not only for the CX-3 but the entire range of Mazda vehicles. Well, on second thought, maybe the oddball Biante excluded. Still utilising the
Kodo
 design template, the CX-3 is perhaps the best looking B-segment crossover around. The
Soul Red
 paintjob certainly helps, but even if you don’t opt for this crimson hue you will still get a swish looking compact crossover. Check out this one in
Deep Crystal Blue
 for example, it’s no less stunning at all.

Like a vicious little bob-tailed kitten, the CX-3 is cute but with a dose of aggression. The muscular flanks and stocky yet athletic legs are primed and ready, the alert ears are represented by the pointy side mirrors with
LED turn indicators
, while the mean gaze comes from the
full-LED headlamps
 that follow its prey even in the corners, waiting to pounce when the moment is right. Without any doubt the “soul of motion” is present on the CX-3.
From the pictures alone, the CX-3 looks big but it’s actually pretty compact, and quite literally so too. Measuring 4,275 mm long, 1,765 mm wide, it slots nicely in between the
Mazda2 hatch
 and the
Mazda3 hatch
, but at 1,535 mm high it’s taller than both hatchbacks.
With the long bonnet, rising belt-line and tapering roof, it has coupe-like proportions. It’s no Range Rover Evoque but the CX-3 gets close to evoking that sense of sportiness for the price, especially with the shallow glass area that wraps around the back. Those overlapping lines between the rear quarter windows and the blacked out D-pillars are a nice touch too, and you won’t find these on any other Mazda vehicles. It’s the CX-3’s own distinctive feature.

There are no roof rails on this small crossover, but the CX-3 does have the obligatory all-round unpainted plastic cladding down below, complete with a couple of semi-circle cutaways at the back for the
dual chrome tailpipes
 to peek out of. Boosting that sporting credentials are the integrated roof spoiler and a shark’s fin antenna, and a set of ravishing
18-inch alloys
 fitted with 215/50 R18 Toyo Proxes tyres. Tempted by the CX-3 already? Don’t go the the Mazda showroom just yet. There’s plenty more to talk about here.
INTERIOR
As you climb into the driver’s seat, you could swear you’ve seen the interior somewhere before. And indeed, you’re right. It’s lifted straight off the Mazda2. Good news if you like the Mazda2’s interior, bad news if you don’t. But we struggled to find anyone who doesn’t like the interior. It looks premium and nicely put together even though some materials feel cheap to the touch, like the hard plastic used for the dashboard.

The smart
leather
 on the dash offsets the iffy faux carbon-fibre pieces, while the
suede
 bits on the seats and door panels bring the sportiness into the cabin. The designers also put effort in their attention to detail, evident through the contrasting stitching, the red piping on the seats and on the gear lever boot, as well as the brushed metal inlays featured around the door handles and surrounding the gear lever base.
As with other Mazda vehicles, a number of interior components are shared throughout the range. The heating and ventilation knobs, the semi-digital instrument cluster and the head-up display, the leather-wrapped steering wheel with
shift paddles
, the
7-inch touchscreen monitor
 on the dash and the rotary knob for the
MZD Connect
 system are some of the many items inherited from the other Mazdas. But as always, everything melds together in a very cohesive manner.
When it comes to interior room, front occupants get enough space with good support from the manually adjusted seats but the rear passengers are not so lucky. They will be squabbling for their share of real estate in the back especially when a couple of vertically blessed persons are occupying the front seats. There’s reasonable headroom at the back, but three adults wouldn’t want to sit abreast for long periods of time, and legroom is not what you can call generous at all. As with the boot too, offering just
350 litres
 of space, it’s far from class-leading.

On the other hand, Mazda is quite generous with the equipment. On the safety front, the CX-3 is equipped with
six airbags
 as well as
Dynamic Stability Control
 (DSC) and
Traction Control System
 (TCS). Comfort-wise, there are stuff like the
keyless entry
, push start button,
cruise control
, automatic climate control, lights, and wipers, a
glass sunroof
, and not forgetting that sexy combination of leather and suede upholstery.
While there’s nowhere else to hide your loose items from sight other than the glovebox, the CX-3 is still a practical car. There’s an overhead sunglasses compartment, six cup holders, ISOFIX anchor mounts, and the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat when you need to haul more stuff.
PERFORMANCE
The familiar
2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G
 unit has found its way under the CX-3’s bonnet, but in order to make it fit the compact engine bay Mazda had to redesign the intake manifold which brings down the peak output figures slightly. Despite that, the CX-3 is still the
most powerful compact crossover
 among its rivals with
154 hp
 and
204 Nm
 of torque, while the engine is mated to a
six-speed automatic
 transmission, driving the front wheels.
No official performance figures were provided, but some sources report that in this specification the CX-3 takes about
10 seconds
 to get
from 0 to 100 km/h
, and it will top out at
200 km/h
. There’s no official fuel economy claim either, but the almost similar powertrain is rated at
6.5 l/100 km
 in the Mazda3 hatchback.
THE DRIVE
In the face of changing their motto from “zoom-zoom” to “be a driver”, Mazda hasn’t strayed one bit from their mission in creating an enjoyable driver’s car. Initially, we didn’t expect much from a high-riding crossover but we were impressed by the CX-3’s fluent handling. Very little was compromised from the elevated ride height, you can still hustle it into corners and the CX-3 will take it with minimal body roll. Being just a front-wheel drive car isn’t a problem too, there’s plenty of grip but you do get some understeer when pushed too hard.
In general, the steering is light and feels more at home in the city, which is where the CX-3 will spend most of its time in. The suspension is comfortable and copes well with the patchy roads of Klang Valley, while the 50-profiled Toyos provide some pliancy to the already composed ride.
But probably the best bit about driving a small crossover is the raised driving position. Combined with the diminutive footprint of the CX-3, those graduating from an A-segment hatch shouldn’t have any problem acclimatising to the CX-3. The view out of the driver’s seat is good except around the back but the availability of a
rear view camera
 means you can still reverse park like a champion. The high ground clearance should lessen the worry of kerbing the bumpers too.
Out of town and into the highway, the 2.0-litre engine delivers enough grunt to get you well ahead of the national speed limit but cruising refinements is not its best trait. The ride itself is fine, it’s just that the cabin’s sound insulation could have been better. Wind and engine noise can be an issue, especially when you need to work the engine out to overtake the slower vehicles on the highway.
Thankfully, the engine and gearbox is responsive to your commands. We’ve sampled the 2.0-litre and six-speed auto combo in other Mazdas before, while it’s been slightly detuned here in the CX-3, the characteristics are still the same. It’s a sweet (and vocal) revver and the ‘box will react to even the slightest change from your input to the throttle pedal. The shifts are smooth and you can always override it by nudging the lever to “M” or via the steering-mounted paddles. Meanwhile, flicking up the switch near the gear lever gives you the Sport mode where it will let you stay in the powerband by delaying the upshifts.
If there’s anything that spoils the fun in the CX-3, it’s the
i-Stop system
. Although to be fair, as with other cars we’ve tested, we are simply not a fan of stop start systems, unless if it doesn’t judder the entire vehicle whenever the internal combustion engine springs back to life. However, Mazda’s i-Stop system is one of the easiest to live with; just by modulating the pressure applied on the brake pedal you can keep the engine running while stationary. We do believe that it helps with reducing fuel consumption, because the car registered below
8.0 l litres per 100 km
 during mixed driving, which is not bad at all.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
If you’re a hip and trendy individual who loves driving and your main priority for a compact crossover is style, then you’re looking at a fine specimen right here. The peppy nature of the CX-3 means there’s that driving satisfaction to be had even though you’re running some chores around town in the CX-3, as long as you don’t carry much stuff in it.
However, the limited cargo space also means that some will find it hard to justify the CX-3’s purchase, particularly married couples with kids. If you need space, a rival with the “Power of Dreams” would fare much better, or if you must have a Mazda badge on your crossover, the entry-level version of the locally-assembled CX-5 makes much more sense and not to mention, its almost identical price tag.
COMPARISONS
In this category there’s actually a number of contenders to choose upon, but we’ve chosen the Honda HR-V and the
Renault Captur
 because of the former’s undeniable presence on Malaysian roads and the latter’s launch date for being the nearest to the CX-3’s Malaysian debut. All three models here drive the front wheels with no option for all-wheel drive. And immediately you can see that the CX-3 is the most expensive car in this trio, but it does have the most powerful engine and it’s fun to drive too.
Honda’s more affordable price tag is not the only reason why it has won the hearts of the majority of compact crossover buyers in Malaysia. It’s the biggest on the outside and on the inside, and the 1.8-litre engine delivers adequate power for most people. If you’re keen on the HR-V, do read our full review of the HR-V to find out whether it’s the car for you.
What about the Captur, then? The asking price for the Captur is slightly less than the top spec HR-V, and it has the
cheapest roadtax
 thanks to its 1.2-litre turbo mill. It’s also the
most economical
, averaging just
5.4 litres per 100 km
. Unlike the CX-3 and the HR-V, the Captur is only fitted with four airbags, two less than the Japanese duo. However, most of the equipment list are on par with the CX-3 and the HR-V, such as keyless entry and push-start button, a 7.0-inch screen, ISOFIX mounts, LED DRLs and cruise control. Check out our
first drive impression
 to find out more about the Renault Captur.
Mazda CX-3 2.0L SkyActiv-G 2WD
Honda HR-V 1.8 CVT Grade V
Renault Captur TCe 120 EDC
ENGINE
Type
inline-4, DOHC
inline-4, SOHC
inline-4, DOHC turbocharged
Displacement
cc
1,998cc
1,799cc
1,197cc
Max Power
hp/rpm
154/6,000
140/6,500
118/4,900
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
204/2,800
172/4,300
190/2,000
STEERING
Type
Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6-speed automatic
CVT
6-speed dual-clutch
SUSPENSION
Front
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
McPherson Strut
Rear
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear
Solid Disc
Solid Disc
Drum
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyre
215/50 R18
215/60 R16
205/55 R17
Wheels
18-inch Alloy
16-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Length
mm
4,275mm
4,294mm
4,122mm
Overall Width
mm
1,765mm
1,772mm
1,778mm
Overall Height
mm
1,535mm
1,605mm
1,567mm
Wheelbase
mm
2,570mm
2,610mm
2,606mm
Max Kerb Weight
kg
1,211 kg
1,249 kg
1,180 kg
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
Litres
350 litres
437 litres
377 litres
FUEL
Tank Capacity
Litres
50 litres
48 litres
45 litres
Consumption
litres per 100km
N/A
6.6 litres
5.4 litres
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
N/A
N/A
192 km/h
0 to 100 km/h
sec
N/A
N/A
10.9
Price
RM
RM131,218.50
RM117,933.59
RM117,200.00
WILL I BUY IT?
It’s easy to fall in love with the CX-3 by the sheer looks alone, but it’s also good to know when beauty is not only skin deep. It’s beautifully built on the inside but more importantly, enjoyable to drive. And with that in mind, it’s pretty easy to conclude that if I were to buy a compact crossover, the CX-3 will definitely be my choice.
VIDEO GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin Vantage S V12 gets a 7-speed manual transmission!

Would you have yourself a manual gearbox in a 563 hp, 620 Nm 12-cylinder guzzler? Apparently, some enthusiasts do. Aston Martin is now offering the Vantage S with a seven-speed manual transmission that aids in throttle blipping, so you won’t have to get all caught up heel-and-toeing through the corners.
Offered as a no-cost option in Europe, the manual Vantage S features the good old dog-leg configuration. This means the shifter gate’s layout is optimised to ensure that the most frequently used gears are located in a double ‘H’ pattern, making it appear much that of a conventional six-speeder.

The magic takes place through an intelligent software mapping called AMSHIFT. Through clever computing, the system mimics the technique of heel-and-toe downshift. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how or if you’ve never heard of the term, but if you drive this car, everyone will think you’re a seasoned racer. AMSHIFT is most efficient when Sports mode is activated, and it’s also when you realise the true lyrics of a national anthem.
Underneath the hood is the same 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Aston Martin claims that the manual transmission performs just as quickly as the automatic transmission; it sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and maxes out at 330km/h. It’s mechanically identical as well, which means you get the same brakes, chassis tuning and suspension as the automatic variant.
First deliveries of the Vantage S manual will begin in the third quarter of 2016 for both European and US markets, but the latter will only be getting it as a special edition model with a limited run of 100 units.
IMAGE GALLERY


Upcoming 2022 BMW M2 will get the M3’s engine and braking system

BMW has officially started the countdown clock for the
upcoming 2022 BMW M2
, as the German carmaker has now confirmed that the car will make its official debut in October this year.
Ahead of its launch, the company brought several international media outlets over to Salzburgring to sample a pre-production prototype unit. And while we were unfortunately not invited (
ahem, BMW
), we do at least get some juicy information blurbs to tide us over until its world premiere.
Most importantly, we now know for a fact that the upcoming 2022 BMW M2 will be powered by the same S58 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that also powers the
M3
 and
M4
, and will be paired to a
six-speed manual
 as standard, or an
eight-speed auto
 at no extra cost.
BMW has not disclosed the engine’s performance figures yet, but media in attendance of the test drive reported that company officials have said that it’ll be detuned slightly to somewhere around the region of
450 hp
(473 hp on the standard M3/M4), or a “similar performance level” to the existing
M2 CS
.
Power from the engine will be delivered exclusively to the rear wheels no matter which transmission option, with power further distributed between the wheels via an active M locking differential.
The upcoming 2022 BMW M2 will also be available with adaptive dampers for even better handling and “playful” characteristics, and to stop all of that down are the brakes that have been inherited directly from the M3 and M4.
To differentiate it even more from the
standard 2 Series Coupe
 (in addition to the significantly wider bodywork), BMW will also be offering the M2 with a carbon-fibre roof and carbon-fibre bucket seats to give it an even more sporty appearance, and shave off extra weight.
The cabin architecture will look quite similar to the existing 2 Series, although the M-badged model stands out with its M-specific steering wheel with M buttons, as well as M-specific displays on the
BMW Curved Display iDrive 8 infotainment system
.
October is still a long way to go, so we expect to see a lot more teasers of the upcoming 2022 BMW M2 before its world debut – especially since it might well be the last-ever pure ICE M-car.
GALLERY


Mazda’s rotary engine could soon return, but not how we remember it

News have been going around on the resurrection of Mazda’s bygone rotary engine but it may not be how remember it to be. Word is that rather than being the sole power supplier of the car, like in the RX-7 and RX-8, it will instead be used as a support system, for an electric vehicle.
With other exciting prospects to look forward to with
Mazda’s new directions
, reports have claimed that it will most likely perform as a range extender to produce electricity for a battery-powered car. Sounds like an ideal approach moving forward and a proper optimisation of the Rotary technology but not necessarily a jump-for-joy piece of news for Rotary loyalist.
The only indication of Mazda’s new direction so far.
Such an approach is not only due to the compact construction yet high performance capabilities of the engine but is also a means to keep the legendary system alive – how reliable it will be (as those with prior experience can attest), remains to be seen.
With a
new factory with Toyota in the US
 and
joint developments with Denso
, a pure EV is on the cards for Mazda, possibly
as soon as 2019
 along with a hybrid vehicle to go with it. Revival of a Mazda sportscar powered outright by a rotary engine on the other hand may not take place so soon with reports that it would
have to make business sense to sell multiple sports car models
.
Not sure what to think of that but with the brand’s sportscars selling by the truckloads from the RX-7 FC/FD onwards to the RX-8 and more recently the
MX-5
, it’s hard to see a properly-sorted Mazda weekender flop in the market – it’s just hard to imagine.


Electric Volvo XC90 patent images leaked – borrows styling from Polestar 2

Photos of alleged patent images for the upcoming all-electric
Volvo XC90
 have surfaced on the European car enthusiast forum,

Worldscoop
. The patent images were leaked not long after Volvo’s trademark filing of the name EXC90, and although the final name for the EV successor of the XC90 has yet to be confirmed, we’ll stick to calling it the Volvo EXC90 for now.
As seen in the leaked patent images, styling cues at the front of the Volvo EXC90 have been taken from the XC40-based Polestar 2. Some have pointed out the possibility of the leaked image being of a hybrid XC90, but the closed grille suggests an all-electric powertrain. Look at it from the rear, and an uncanny resemblance to the
Polestar 2
 can be seen as well.
RELATED:
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out for MY2022 in Malaysia – over 400 orders, 120 delivered
Set to be the first of its kind, the Volvo EXC90 will pioneer a new model name for the Swedish brand.
InsideEVs
 reports that the EXC90 will initially be sold alongside the petrol-powered XC90, which is also expected to receive a facelift. However, in the long run, the EXC90 will likely cannibalize its combustion engine equivalent.
RELATED:
Polestar 2 debuts in ASEAN with Singapore launch, cheaper than XC40
Volvo unveiled the
Volvo Concept Recharge
 in June 2021, which was essentially a full-sized electric SUV. The concept revealed Volvo’s new design language that incorporates EV-specific features, and also featured a LiDAR placed on top of the windshield to collect data on the environment around the car.
The Recharge Concept also featured a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, increased interior space, repositioned seats for better seating position, optimised roof profile, and lower bonnet which improves aerodynamic efficiency.
RELATED:
Here’s how the new 2022 XC90 might look like, thanks to the Volvo Concept Recharge
As such, certain features from the Volvo Recharge Concept are expected to make their way to the upcoming all-electric version of the Volvo XC90. Volvo has committed to making 50% of Volvo Cars’ sales volume to be fully electric and
 putting one million electrified cars on the road by 2025
.


Volkswagen Golf MK7.5 officially teased, GTI & R included, launching soon

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has released initial details of their upcoming model launch, the Volkswagen Golf facelift or MK7.5. We can confirm three variants of the Golf will be making its debut here –
1.4 TSI, GTI
 and
R
.
Starting from the entry-level Golf TSI, it will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder developing
148 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels. Transmission of choice is a
seven-speed DSG dual clutch
.
The teaser image hints at Adaptive LED headlamps, LED taillamps, keyless entry and start, Air Care dual-zone climate control, Driving Profile Selection, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rearview camera, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, seven airbags and electronic stability control. It remains to be seen whether VPCM will continue a two variant (Comfortline and
Highline
) line up.
Onto the popular hot hatch, the
Golf GTI
 is powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI unit that now pushes out
227 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. We will have to wait and see whether VPCM offers the Performance Pack upgrade that gives the GTI additional 14 horsepower. A six-speed DSG dual clutch is tasked to drive the front wheels.

Spec sheet for the Golf GTI reads Adaptive LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, chrome exhaust outlets, Vienna leather interior, Keyless Access Start and Lock, stainless steel pedals, a 12.3-inch Active Info Display, powered driver seats and Adaptive Chassis Control, on top of what the standard Golf TSI is getting.
Lastly, the mighty R variant. Powered by an EA888 2.0-litre TSI matched with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, it now delivers
286 hp
, up 10 hp from
before
. Century sprint is clocked in
5.1 seconds
 thanks to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Like the pre-facelift model, the new R has been detuned for our local market while other markets see the R packing additional 20 hp to achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of
4.6 seconds
.
Standard equipment includes Advanced Adaptive LED Headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with eight-speakers, Park Distance Control and Vienna Leather interior.
We’ve seen the
Golf GTI MK7.5 in the metal
 and it looks gorgeous thanks to the subtle but very effective styling enhancements.
Registration of interest
 for the refreshed Volkswagen Golf is now open. Better be quick to avoid the long wait!
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Golf TSI MK7.5

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7.5 in Singapore

Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5


Facts & Figures: BMW M8 Coupe launched in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has launched the new M8 Coupe, priced at
RM 1,452,960.88
. Alongside the M8 Coupe, BMW also launched the
M8 Gran Coupe
, priced at
RM1,455,145.25
.
Under the hood is the most powerful variant of BMW’s V8 engine with a redline of 7,200 rpm. The engine comes with special engine mounting for a more rigid connection with the vehicle structure. This results in even crisper engine and steering response.

The new M8 Coupe comes with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system with a rear-bias setup. Drivers can select either the default 4WD setting or 4WD Sport mode, which channels more power to the rear wheels. Deactivating the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) switches the M8 Coupe into 2WD mode. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the M8 Coupe is capable of hitting a 305 km/h top speed.
PERFORMANCE
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Max Power: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 750 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,600 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically-limited)
EXTERIOR
The new BMW M8 Coupe comes with M Adaptive suspension and M Compound six-pot caliper brakes as standard. As an alternative, the new BMW M8 is also available with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the M8 Coupe’s exterior is the double-bubble contour of its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.
M front apron
M rear spoiler
M rear diffuser
M exhaust system
M Laser light
M kidney grille
20-inch style 810 M light-alloy wheels
Soft close doors
The M8 Coupe also comes with an M Sport exhaust with a Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever to allow drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preference. The first ever M8 Coupé is available in Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue.
INTERIOR
Inside the M8 is adorn with M sport seats, M-specific gear knob and M seat belts. The M Sport seats come with electric adjustments with memory function. The seats are upholstered with Marino leather while carbon fibre trims are standard.
10.25-inch Control Display
M Head-up display
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
16-speaker Harman Kardon
Gesture Control
Apple CarPlay only
In the centre console, the M8 Coupe also features an M Mode button which allows drivers to activate “ROAD” and SPORT” settings to alter the driver assistance systems and the information shown in the instrument cluster and Head-up display.
SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assistant
Lane Change Assistant
Reversing Assistant
Evasion Assistant
Wrong-way driving warning
Front crossing traffic warning
Panoramic View, Top View, 3D Top View
For those who want something a little more exclusive, BMW Malaysia says there is one and only one unit of the BMW M8 Coupe in BMW Individual’s Frozen Bluestone exterior colour available for an additional RM30,000.
For a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15th August to 30th September 2020. The limited-time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coupé an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.
For latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


Porsche Malaysia offers flood relief to customers, just in case

In light of the
various flood assistance
 offered by various car companies, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has weighed in for their customers as well, just in case Porsche owners need financial aids or assistance of any kind.
Regardless, the sole distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia is offering its affected customers
complimentary towing service
 to the nearest Porsche Centre. On top of that, there’ll also be a
30% discount
 on parts and labour charges when they schedule an appointment for service from now until
31
st
 January 2022
.
Watch the Taycan in action in our
annual Car of the Year video
…this time at the Sepang International Circuit!
“We are committed to our customers by offering a thorough and detailed check of their vehicle as well as discounts on parts and labour costs to ensure all Porsche cars run at optimal performance. With this gesture, we hope to provide some consolation during these trying times,” said Sime Darby Auto Performance, CEO, Christopher Hunter.
Video: A day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan….watch it here!
Besides that, customers affected by the flood will also be entitled to a thorough and detailed inspection along with consultation with certified specialists to evaluate the damages and repairs on the affected vehicles.
The new 911 GT3 is now in Malaysia. Read about it here!
Only Porsche Genuine Parts are used in all repairs and they come with a 2-year warranty. Porsche Roadside Assistance is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide towing and roadside assistance.
Contact any of the Porsche Centres including the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, Sungai Besi, Penang and Johor Bahru, for more info.
Related: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launched in Malaysia, from RM645k!


2022 Mazda CX-3 updated in Malaysia with new 1.5L and 2.0L Core variants – from RM108k

The
Mazda CX-3
compact SUV line-up has been updated here in Malaysia, with the addition of two new base-spec ‘Core’ variants. And while
Bermaz Motor
 has yet to official launch the new variants, complete details are already now available on the company’s website, with several dealerships now already taking orders.
Joining the existing Mazda CX-3 2.0L 2WD High here in Malaysia are the new 1.5L and 2.0L 2WD Core variants, with prices starting from
RM107,870
 for the 1.5-litre model, moving up to
RM118,159
 for the 2.0L 2WD Core, and
RM131,359
 for the range-topping 2.0L 2WD High variant. Starting with the 2022 model, the Mazda CX-3 is also now fully imported (CBU) from Thailand instead of Japan.
The new Mazda CX-3 1.5L 2WD Core is powered by the same Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as seen on the
Mazda 2
, which offers
114 hp
 and
149 Nm
. The 2.0L Core meanwhile shares the same powertrain as the existing High variant, with a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G mill underneath the bonnet serving up
154 hp
 and
206 Nm
 of torque.
Both engine options are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox to send power to the front wheels. As for equipment, both Core variants are identically specified; the only difference to justify the RM10k jump in price is the larger engine capacity.
As the name suggests, the Core variants are the new entry-level base-spec models, with standard equipment to match. The 18-inch wheels from the High are swapped out for smaller 16-inch items, while all exterior lighting are also now halogen-illuminated instead of LED – the headlights also come without automatic on/off and levelling functions.
On the inside, the Core variants also omits the head-up display, paddle shifters, Qi wireless charger, powered sunroof, and the powered driver’s seat from the High. Automatic air-conditioning is swapped out for a manual unit, while the seats are also covered in fabric instead of leatherette.
RELATED: 2022 Mazda CX-3 update in Malaysia brings new wireless charger, 8.0in touchscreen, RM132k
The Core variants do get the new eight-inch infotainment display that was introduced on the High variant
earlier this year
, but the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features are limited to wired connectivity only. Keyless entry with push-start button, electronic parking brake, G-Vectoring Control (GVC), as well as the selectable driving modes are also inherited from the range-topping 2.0L 2WD High.
As for safety, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L and 2.0L 2WD Core variants misses out on the advanced safety features that were
 introduced on the model here in Malaysia back in 2021
. The airbag count has also dropped from six to two, while the 360-degree surround view monitor is swapped out for a basic reverse camera.
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New joint Peugeot and Citroen 3S outlet opens in Alor Setar

Nasim Sdn Bhd together with Naza Euro Motors, the official Malaysian distributors of Peugeot and Citroen respectively, extended their network reach to the northern region with the unveiling of a new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroen 3S dealership in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Being a bi-marque outlet, the new 3S centre features a unique showroom with full implementation of the new Peugeot and Citroen showroom concept – Peugeot Bluebox and Citroen La Maison.
The Peugeot Bluebox concept aims to introduce customers to a modern and upmarket immersive experience, while the Citroen La Maison is highlighted by its warm and contemporary living space.
Measuring
15,000 square feet
, the new 3S outlet also houses a service centre capable of servicing up to 250 cars per month with its
five hoist bays
.
Other amenities of the RM2 million outlet include a family and customer lounge with Smart TVs, private lounge, and cafe corner.
Naza Corporation Holding, Automotive Group Deputy CEO, Dato’ Nik Hamdam said “The launch of this new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroën Alor Setar outlet is the continuation of our expansion plan to increase our network and reach in Malaysia.
“This also ensures that we are able to cater to the needs and demands of our customers at an accessible location,” he added.
The bi-marque outlet is located at
97 M&N, Batu 1 1/4 Mergong, Seberang Jalan Putera 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah
. The showroom will be open from
9 am to 6 pm
 on Mondays to Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.


This Range Rover Sport “self-drove” through the most challenging road in UK

A Range Rover Sport has completed the first ever self-driving lap one of the most challenging roads in the UK – the Coventry Ring Road – changing lanes, merging with traffic and exiting junctions at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
The Range Rover Sport has been modified to include additional navigation sensors such as RADAR and LIDAR. As such, the vehicle can now autonomously maneuver through roundabouts, traffic lights, pedestrians, detect cyclists and other vehicles on complicated roads and also park itself.
https://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/15115916/selfdrivingringroadjlrtext.mp4
“
The Coventry Ring Road is known for its complicated slip roads and exits. It makes for very challenging conditions especially when under pressure in the rush hour,” said
Jaguar Land Rover Autonomous Vehicle Research Manager, Mark Cund.
“Our self-driving car is not impacted by the same pressure, frustrations or fatigue that a driver may experience and so it’s capable of turning a potentially very stressful situation into a completely stress-free one,” he added.
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan cars in Malaysia may cost more next year if Ringgit continues to weaken

Next to announce the dreaded inflationary news (after
UMW Toyota
) is Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM), who issued a statement highlighting that pricing for all Nissan models will be raised next year.
The dwindling value of the Ringgit gave ETCM no room for alternative countermeasures but to pass on some costs to their customers. This is despite the company’s many efforts in implementing numerous cost rationalisation and efficiency optimisation exercises to mitigate this outcome. Details of the price increase have not been revealed, though UMW Toyota has come forward with an indicative hike of between 4 to 16 percent, depending on model.
ETCM’s Executive Director, Datuk Ang Bon Beng said, “Despite all adversities, ETCM remains committed in providing our customers with quality, value-added products and the highest level of customer services. The Company will continue to seek and review opportunities for more strategic operational effectiveness and efficiencies within the business and with our partners in order to ensure that the current prices of Nissan vehicles remain unchanged this year.”


Subaru Viziv Tourer concept previews next-gen Levorg design

Here is something from Geneva that has slipped our radar, the Subaru Viziv Tourer Concept, the latest concept car to bear the
Viziv
 nameplate since the debut of the Viziv Concept in 2013. Penned with an estate body style, the Viziv Tourer points towards the future replacement of the
Levorg
, if Subaru decides to build one.
The front end draws inspiration from the
Viziv Performance Concept
 with its hexagonal front grille, angular headlamps and sharp body lines with the hood scoop now sitting flush with the bonnet presumably for aerodynamic purposes. The tailgate is much sleeker than the Levorg’s with visually shorter overhangs.

Key measurements of the concept car reads 4,775 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, 1,435 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. As a comparison, the Viziv Tourer is longer (+85 mm), wider (+150 mm) and leaner (-55 mm) than the Levorg.
No information was revealed about the interior, but Subaru promises practical luggage space with a spacious cabin for passengers. The Viziv Tourer combines different practical design solutions to cater to the active lifestyles of Subaru’s customers.
Onto Advanced Driver-Assist technologies, Subaru is currently working on the
next-generation EyeSight
 technology with further enhancements to the radar system, GPS and navigation systems. The enhanced EyeSight is expected to be launched in 2020 to work in harmony with the boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD, giving Enjoyment and Peace of Mind expected of Subaru vehicles.
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MARii partners with local tech firm to produce PPE

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) today announced its collaboration with local tech firm to produce Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the front liners in the fight against the
COVID-19 pandemic
.
The partnership will manufacture
face shields
 and
intubation boxes
 using the laser cutting process, which uses a precise laser beam to cut, weld, mark and heat plastic into the desired shape.
The laser cutting process results in
faster and more efficient production
, without the need of additional tooling. The flexibility of the process also makes redesigns and modifications of products easy and instant.
The laser cutter can also use
easily-sourced materials
 such as Perspex and acrylic in production, which makes it especially helpful given the restrictions placed on the logistics sector.
Usage of laser cutting machines can also
reduce the need of manpower
, as the machines require minimal operational supervision. As a side benefit, the risk of virus transmission during production is also lowered due to a simpler process workflow and minimised human contact.
MARii CEO, Dato’ Madani Sahari explained, “These benefits make laser cutting a highly viable process in situations such as COVID-19, where single use products face a huge spike in demand.
“MARii’s technology network has opened up opportunities for quick action to be taken for the PPE supply issue, and we hope more solutions can be developed to address other issues surrounding the pandemic,” he added.
According to Dato’ Madani, the partnership expects
1,000 face shields and 50 intubation boxes to be made in a day.
Aside from MARii, many companies capable of manufacturing, as well as the local 3D-printing DIY scene
lead by KakiDIY
, has also taken the initiative to produce single-use PPE for our front liners.


Toyota and Lexus resume sales, service, and manufacturing operations

As of the 16th of August 2021, the government has allowed some sectors of the economy to resume operations. In case you’re unaware, car dealerships, car washes, and car accessory shops are now allowed to operate, on condition.
With that, UMW Toyota and Lexus have also resumed business and this includes their manufacturing and sales, and service operations.
Toyota Corolla sales surpass 50 million worldwide – 300,000 in Malaysia alone! Read about it here!
“We welcome the easing of the restrictions which have posed a challenge to our business over the past two months. Resuming our business activities, especially at Toyota and  Lexus retail outlets, will enable a return to some form of normalcy so we can do our part to help in the economic recovery of the country,” said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.
Ravindran added that the company understands the seriousness of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will follow all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conditions and guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council. The SOPs will also be implemented throughout the company and be strictly followed to ensure the safety of the public as well as its employees.
“In fact, after the MCO last year, we already implemented many of the SOPs at our showrooms and service centres, and these have been maintained even until now. They include temperature scanning, registration with MySejahtera, use of hand sanitisers and facemasks, and regular sanitisation of premises,” he said.
The
Lego Toyota Supra
 that you can drive!
“We assure our customers that we have made sure that our premises have a safe environment for them to visit,” Ravindran added.
For now, customers are encouraged to make service appointments in advance. Contactless payments are preferred and social distancing is to be observed at all times.
As for the manufacturing part of the business, Ravindran said that resuming operations will allow the company to start fulfilling the backlog of orders that have built up.
Ravindran is also expecting quick bounce-back as the order books have been encouraging, despite less than encouraging sales figures in June and July.
“Now that the restrictions are lifted, we have more certainty as there are many important plans  in the pipeline. For example, we have been preparing for the local assembly of Toyota Hybrid  Electric Vehicles and while the past two months have disrupted planning, we will now proceed as  quickly as possible to make up for the time lost,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW  Toyota Motor.
Toyota allows farmers in Brazil to buy the Hilux with corn and soybeans…find out how and why!


Agent 007 can now quietly stalk bad guys in the Aston Martin Rapide E

Aston Martin’s
first-ever electric vehicle (EV)
 was recently unleashed onto the streets of Monaco in conjunction with the Formula E Monaco ePrix. The Aston Martin Rapide E was put to the test by Aston Martin works driver and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Darren Turner at the street circuit.
Turner said: “I’ve had
the privilege to join the Aston Martin engineering team at various stages of
the car’s development and the performance that’s on offer in Rapide E really is
incredible. The car has the kind of torque and punch that you’d expect from an
EV, but they’ve really worked hard to retain the dynamic characteristics of
what makes an Aston Martin special.”
The Rapide E is powered by two electric motors driving the rear wheels generating
612 hp
 and
950 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint takes
4.2 seconds
 while top speed is limited to
250 km/h
. The 800V battery pack sits where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located which allows the engineers to give the car a similar balance as the original petrol-powered car.
Only 155 units of the four-seater
Rapide E will be made, and allocations are still available at press time.
Production will commence in Q4 2019 and will be assembled at Aston Martin Lagonda’s
new production facility in St Athan, Wales.
President and Group CEO Aston Martin Lagonda, Dr Andy Palmer added: “Rapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda’s history. We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market.”
IMAGE GALLERY
Aston Martin Rapide E at Monaco ePrix


Audi sponsored Real Madrid players with new cars – guess which model Ronaldo picked

Audi have been sponsors of the Spanish La Liga giants, Real Madrid since 2003 and apparently, the whole squad is usually treated to a fresh set of wheels to be seen with and get this, it happens annually!
As if these cash-rich footballers needed any help in getting a car with salaries swelling well beyond the millions of Euros per year – you’d be surprised what the majority actually went for – rather practical options.
Cristiano Ronaldo though, being the flamboyant character that he is, both on and off field, picked the flashiest wheels of the lot – a Panther Black Audi
RS7 Sportback performance
.
Coach Zinedine Zidane went for an
Audi RS 6 Avant
 while Captian Sergio Ramos’ pick was reported to be the most expensive – an
Audi R8 Spyder
.
Pictured from left: Sergio Ramos, Daniel Carvajal, Marco Asensio
By far the most popular pick amongst the Madrid players were, surprisingly, the
Audi Q7
 – with
14 players
 including the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric opting for the luxury SUV. Of the 14, three opted for the
 Audi Q7 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid
.
Before the handover of “company cars”, the “Galaticos” were put through a virtual test drive in the Audi e-tron FE04 where Dani Carvajal emerged the fastest driver.
Glad to know Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the best at everything in Real Madrid and is human after all.
IMAGE GALLERY


Ford Ranger Splash adds style to substance, sold exclusively on Lazada

In conjunction with the upcoming Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has unveiled a Lazada exclusive Limited Edition Ford Ranger Splash, priced at
RM138,888
 on-the-road without insurance.
Based on the
XLT+ Automatic variant
, the Ranger Splash is powered by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel engine, serving up
180 hp
 and
420 Nm
of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
The Ford Ranger Splash is styled as a lifestyle-oriented pickup truck, with an all-black exterior colour, matte black kangaroo bar, sports bar, and side mirror housing, unique front grille and rear bumper, and additional wheel arch cladding.
Reinforcing the trendy appearance is the matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, along with fluorescent Ranger Splash decals.
Changes are not just visual either, SDAC fitted the Ford Ranger Splash with an all-new 360-degree Around View Camera, as well as a SmartTAG toll-booth reader for extra safety and convenience.
Only 19 units of the Ford Ranger Splash will be made available, and interested customers can
pre-order
 the limited edition pick-up truck via Lazada’s
Chup Dulu
 function. Booking fee for the Ford Ranger is RM1,389, but you can pay a non-refundable 10% deposit (RM139) via the Lazada app from 28 October to 10 November to
Chup
 your booking.
On the 11th of November, simply check-out and pay the remainder of the booking fee (RM1,250) to secure your booking. Once the final booking fee payment is completed, the full booking fee amount is refundable.
Upon payment of the booking fee, buyers will be contacted by a Ford representative to complete the purchase at their preferred showroom. The first 11 buyers who complete their booking process during
Chup Dulu
 will also receive a RM500 Petronas gift card upon delivery of their vehicle.
Interested customers can view the truck at Ford Petaling Jaya 2 Showroom. The Ford Ranger Splash comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package.
IMAGE GALLERY


Grab is offering discounted rides to seniors heading for vaccination

Grab is offering senior citizens discounts on their Grabcar e-hailing rides to any of the authorised vaccination centres nationwide starting from June 12th.
Grab said the programme came after
lack of transportation
was quoted as the top reasons why senior citizens are missing their vaccination appointments.
The promotion offers citizens
 aged 60 and above
 up to
RM 8 off per trip
 and is valid for
four rides
 to and from the vaccination centre, covering both doses of vaccination shots. The promotion is said to be applicable for
all payment
 methods.
Here are the steps to obtain and use the promo code:
Register for a Grab account and verify your age on GrabPay
 by 7 June 2021
 (users will need to complete their
‘Know-your-customer’ registration
)
On the appointment day, book a Grab ride (open to all ride types) by entering the vaccination centre’s location
Copy and paste the promo code from your inbox (sent on 12 June) into the “offer” tab
Promo will also be applicable for all payment methods
Upon completing their vaccination, users can then book a Grab ride from the vaccination centre to their homes.
“At Grab, we have always believed in addressing Malaysians’ most critical needs through our services, especially during difficult times. The quicker we can achieve herd immunity, the sooner our communities will be able to recover while also helping our economy to rebuild itself. Hence, we hope that through lending our technology, network and reach, we can contribute to the government’s national vaccination efforts,” said Sean Goh, Managing Director, Grab Malaysia.
The technology company is also working with the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI) and Covid-19 Immunisation Special Task Force (CITF) to ensure that all points of interest at vaccination centres are available on the Grab app.
While on the subject of obtaining transportation for senior citizens to vaccination centres,
GoCar
 is offering a
free shuttle service
 to selected vaccination centres. More details on the service can be
found here
.
The latest SOPs from the National Security Council and Ministry of Transport states that there is no restriction on travelling to the vaccination centres on the date of appointment as shown in the MySejahtera app with the vehicle allowed to ferry a maximum of two passengers for this purpose.


New red pearl colour option for Honda CR-V, City and Jazz

In a bid to spruce up the appeal of its core models – the CR-V
(15%), City (34%) and Jazz (12%) which collectively accounts for 62% of Honda
Malaysia’s total sales volume, these three popular models now come with the ‘Passion
Red Pearl’ colour option, first seen on the facelifted HR-V.
While it’s a bit late for Chinese New Year, Honda Malaysia says that Passion Red Pearl is the preferred exterior colour with 30% of all HR-V customers picking this hue. With an all-new Jazz expected at the Tokyo motor show later this year, Honda Malaysia is probably hoping that the colour’s popularity would rub off on its aging but still excellent B-hatch, as well as on the CR-V and City, all of which are battling against newer competitor models.
Expect to see more red CR-Vs on the road soon?
Honda Malaysia also took the opportunity in the press release to restate its market share position behind Perodua in terms of sales volume over the period of January to April this year, this follows Proton’s steady revival as second best-selling brand for the month of April. Not sure whether chest-thumping actually helps sell more cars, but the battle for the number #2 spot is one to look out for in 2019.


Bentley Continental GT Speed – Black Speed in Malaysia, 1 of 20 in the world

To commemorate the grand opening of Bentley Kuala Lumpur’s
new flagship showroom
 at Etiqa Twins, Wearnes Quest Sdn Bhd has introduced the highly bespoke Bentley Continental GT Speed – Black Speed by Mulliner.
Based on the
Continental GT Speed
, the Black Speed edition is exclusively available for the South East Asia and Australasia market and this example pictured here is one of only 20 units available, ever. If you’re in the market for a unique Continental GT, rest assured you’ll be the only one in Malaysia to own a Black Speed edition.

To tell the Black Speed apart from the regular GT Speed are the gloss red body kit, matrix surround as well as dark tints on the headlamps and tail lamps. The biggest giveaway would be the “BLACK SPEED” badges on the front wheel arches.
The interior gets much more attention from the Mulliner designers. Apart from the contrasting red and black interior theme, the upholstery is finished in the highest quality leather and aluminium (with carbon fibre-esque weave). Other unique attributes include the Continental GT3-R inspired 12 o’ clock red stitching at the steering wheel and “BLACK SPEED” embroidery for the head restraints.

Mechanically, the 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine remains untouched. It’s still a beastly lump, churning
633 hp
 and
840 Nm
 of torque to move this 2,500 kg mammoth. Despite its weight, it will go from 0 to 100 km/h in
 3.9 seconds
 before hitting a top speed of
330 km/h
.
Bentley Kuala Lumpur has indicated that this limited edition Continental GT Speed – Black Speed by Mulliner starts from RM1,930,000, but we think those who are really interested won’t be deterred by its price. It’s the competition they’ve got to worry about. Who will Bentley KL sell it to?
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s one last sneak peek before the new Touareg is unveiled

Guess it’s only right for Volkswagen to shake things up a bit just before the world premier of the all-new Touareg tomorrow – six years (more or less) since the last model was introduced.
If it’s lack of presence on our roads has led the Touareg to slip out of your automotive memory, think of it as the larger, slightly more well-built version of the
Tiguan
 that’s been raking up all the positive reviews from the local automotive media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92IJ3S5089w
Sharing the same platform as the likes of
Lamborghini’s Urus
, the Audi Q7 and the
Bentley Bentayga
, it’s said to be equipped with modern day quirks such as
rear-wheel steering and air suspension
.
The new Touareg will obviously be petrol and diesel-powered, with a high probability of plug-in hybrid option, exemplified by the
Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE
. Inside, a new Innovision Cockpit is set to take the helm on the infotainment front as Volkswagen’s latest digital instrument cluster combines two 12.0-inch and 15.0-inch displays to create a seamless surface.


This Toyota Hilux has an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine inside!

In case you forgot, Mercedes-Benz once made a pick-up truck called the
X-Class
. It’s based on the Nissan Navara, and most reviewers gave it a solid “meh” – mostly due to its outdated interior and high price. The reception to the X-Class was so underwhelming that Mercedes-Benz actually
cancelled the model
after just two years in the market.
But that’s not what Quentin Boylan, a South African pick-up truck enthusiast thought when he saw the X-Class. He couldn’t care less about the subpar luxuries, but when Mercedes-Benz didn’t care to fit an AMG engine into the X-Class (despite cars such as the G-Wagen having one) he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
Thus, armed with pick-up truck modification knowledge, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and spawned this – the AMG Hilux.

The AMG Hilux started life off as a standard (accident-damaged) Toyota Hilux single-cab, equipped with a facelift kit that was actually imported from Malaysia, way before the facelift model was sold in South Africa!
The stock 2.4-litre turbodiesel was replaced by a 6.3-litre V8 that’s sourced from an old Mercedes-AMG C63, and to make it easier for day-to-day driving (that’s right, the AMG Hilux is Boylan’s daily-driver!), he also opted to use the stock automatic transmission that came with the truck, which in itself was a huge challenge to make it fit the AMG engine, according to Boylan.
To make the franken-car work properly, Boylan also installed a MoTeC M150 engine management system with a custom-made wiring harness, allowing him to fine tune the engine’s parameters in order to gel all the mechanical bits together.
The 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift was launched here in Malaysia late last year. Check it out in detail here!
 Screenshot:
Cars.co.za/Youtube
As for looks, Boylan pretty much kept the stock Hilux look, but injected some “AMG love” into it. There’s a set of AMG brakes on the front axle, a set of AMG look-alike wheels, and a lowered-suspension, but that’s pretty much it for the exterior to set it apart from the other Hiluxes on the road – well, aside from some additional AMG 63 badging, plus the “AMG HLUX” number plate.
Moving inside, Boylan and his team reupholstered the entire interior with leather and alcantara, alongside some red cross stitching and accent trims to give it the classic “AMG look”. The seats have also been custom-made with diamond quilting to make it look as close as possible to the AMGs.
This was actually Boylan’s second AMG Hilux build – Check out his first franken-AMG based on the last-gen Hilux here!
Screenshot:
Cars.co.za/Youtube
And with all that hard work put into it, the AMG Hilux is frankly one of the cleanest conversion builds we’ve ever seen – and the V8s just sound so good, even when it’s stuffed into a pick-up truck. Check it out for yourself in the video above!
GALLERY


Leona Chin wins again at Sepang, clinches MCS 2021 championship!

2021 is proving to be quite a successful year in motorsports for Leona Chin as she wraps up her touring car campaign in Malaysia as the champion in the MTC category of the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS 2021). Just three weeks earlier, Leona and her Beautyful-Excel Group Suzuki Swift Sport
won the Sepang 1,000 km
 endurance race.
Round 3 and Round 4 of MCS 2021 was again a doubleheader, but with a change in race format with Round 4 being a 300 km endurance race. The team needed to win the 54-lap endurance race as well as races in Round 3 to secure the championship, as the
wins in Round 1 and 2
 were not included in the final points tally.
Race 1 of Round 3 did not go as smoothly as the team hoped, managing to salvage seventh and four important points after nursing a misfiring engine for the full one hour of racing. A dominant win in Race 2 set the tone for the 300 km endurance race scheduled for Thursday.
Pairing with Akina Teo in the 300 km finale, the team performed flawlessly to finish ahead of the leading pair of Mark Darwin and Foo Yung Cheh in their Honda Jazz. Thanks to double points awarded for the endurance race, Leona Chin and Akina Teo bagged 30 points, and tallying to a total of 49 points, six points clear of the Honda Jazz pairing that only managed to finish the race fourth in the category.
Leona commented, “Thank you to our sponsors and team members for making this happen. We managed to nurse the car with some issues at the end of the race but we are very lucky to get this result.”
This final doubleheader also saw a new entrant in the
Touring Production (TP) class
, with Niza Racing entering a BHPetrol-liveried FK8 Honda Civic Type R driven by touring car legend Keifli Othman and Hanafi Husain. The pair managed to win the 300 km endurance of TP class, as troubles hit the championship-leading FC Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo.
Nonetheless, Alif Hamdan and Lai Wee Sing managed to secure the championship for TP category after scoring a total of 54 points over the three races, compared to 42 points by the pairing of Keifli Othman-Hanafi Husain.
Alif commented, “We’re really happy. R Engineering and HMRT did a good job this week. Honda did fantastic work supporting us with all the parts, game plan and tactics. Happy to report that the research and development program for the team is very successful and we are ready to fight hard for next year.”
Moving to the highly competitive SP1 category consisting of four similarly performing FD2 Honda Civic Type R cars, three drivers started the 300 km endurance with just one point splitting them. After 54 laps, it was Chiow Teck Song who crossed the finish first amongst the 23 cars and thus sealing the SP1-category championship. It was also Chiow’s first win of the MCS 2021!
“Honestly, I never thought of getting the first overall champion. Today is my big bonus day. Once again thanks to the R Engineering HMRT especially Lai Wee Sing who taught me a lot”, said Chiow.
Ken Urata from R Works is the first runner-up, ahead of the pairing of Shazull Hisyam Harun and Mohd Syahrizal Jamaludin from Empire M Racing.
In the SP2 category, the scoring system took Round 1 and Round 2 into the equation, making the pairing of William Ho and Eddie Lew in their Speed X Racing Team Honda Jazz the clear favourites to seal the championship.
Although winning the 300 km race in the SP2 category, Ady Rahimy and Mitchell Cheah had many retirements after Race 1, netting them just fourth overall placing in the championship. Topping the SP2 standings after seven races is category favourites William Ho and Eddie Lew, scoring 86 points. They also finished second in category in the 300 km finale race.
Putera Adam in his R Engineering Honda Jazz is perhaps the most consistent finisher in the SP2 category was first runner-up with 76 points, just five points ahead of the pairing of Imran Wafi Adnan and Najiy Ayyad from DNT Tune.
Image credits: Facebook/
owenleejunhui
 –
Photo specialist at Sepang Circuit

and Facebook/
S
epangCircuit
GALLERY
Sepang MCS 2021-

MTC
Sepang MCS 2021- TP and SP1
Sepang MCS 2021- SP2


Taxi drivers stage protest outside Parliament, unhappy with Grab & Uber

Despite the government’s measures to
legalise and regulate ride-hailing services in Malaysia
, a group of Malaysian taxi drivers was seen protesting outside of the Parliament yesterday, as reported by
The Star
.
Klang Valley Taxi Drivers Action Group Chairman, Zailani Sausudin expressed that the group is here to convince members of the parliament to hear their plead and hardships that they are going through.
He added, ever since ride-hailing services such as Grab and Uber came into the market, taxi drivers across the country had a tough time making an earning and in some cases, could not afford rent which resulted in their taxis being repossessed.

The group also expressed that they are only willing to accept ride-hailing services if they are subjected to the same regulations as taxi drivers. Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar added that the problem with ride-hailing services is that the government does not have a clear legislative procedure for them, unlike taxi drivers.


Frankfurt 2015: Ferrari 488 Spider makes world debut, most powerful V8 drop top ever

Close your eyes for a minute and try imagining a world without Enzo Ferrari and his legendary knack for making beautiful and evocative sports cars. Not to mention clinching world championships with the prancing horse’s formidable Formula 1 machines. Unthinkable to imagine just such, no? What a bland and bleak world that would be. Thankfully though, Ferrari has just debuted the topless version of the
488 GTB
.
As is the norm for Ferrari to
 chop
 the
 top
 off its cars, the 488 is also not spared from that tradition. But never has taking an axe to a Ferrari been a mistake. So is the case with the 488 GTB. The Spider uses a
 RHT
 (Retractable Hard Top) which debuted on the
458 Spider
 as
world-first
 for such a solution on a
mid-rear engined
 car. The RHT has rendered traditional soft-tops
obsolete
 as it is not only lighter (by
 25kg
, no less) but also provides better protection from external noise.
Apart from that, not much separates the Spider from its hard top sibling. Powering the 488 Spyder is up to the job of a
660 hp

3.9-litre V8
 with
Variable Torque Management
 system guaranteeing
smooth
 and
progressive torque delivery
 in the higher gears up to a maximum of
760 Nm
 at
3,000 rpm
. These huge numbers result in a blistering acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just
 3 seconds
 and 0 to 200 km/h in
8.7 seconds
. Keep your foot planted to the floor and you’ll see the speedo tick past
330 km/h
.
The famed
Scaglietti Centre of Excellence
 has been hard at work to produce a lightweight
spaceframe
 chassis made of
11
 different
6000 Series aluminium alloys
 containing varying percentages of
magnesium
 and with specific characteristics to meet the demands of different areas of application on the Spider’s spaceframe.
The materials used yields the same
torsional rigidity
 and
beam stiffness
 figures as the coupé, in which the
roof
 acts as a
structural
 element, improving the chassis’ performance by
23 percent
 over that of the
458 Spider
. Equally significant is the fact that the RHT can be raised or lowered in
14 seconds
, even when the car is
moving
!
Frankfurt also caters the locale for yet another announcement from the brand –
Apple CarPlay
 system is available to the entire Ferrari lineup. Interestingly the
FF
 was the
 first car in the world
 to adopt Apple’s system that offers intuitive
 voice
 and
touch
 functions. Everything from
phone calls
 to
sat-nav
,
messaging
 and
music
 is available with Apple CarPlay, which was later introduced to the

California T
. The system will soon be available for the sportier, more aggressive Prancing Horse models – the

488 GTB
, the

488 Spider
 and the daddy of them all – the
F12Berlinetta
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Thailand’s roads are about to get a lot classier with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift

The new
 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift
 has now made its way into Thailand. Three variants are on offer for the executive sedan over in the Kingdom – E 300e Avantgarde, E 220d AMG Sport, and E 300e AMG Dynamic – with prices starting at THB 3.19 million (~RM429k).
Introduced globally in March last year, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class bears an extensively updated exterior design, along with updated powertrains and additional features on board.
In terms of styling, the E 220d will be offered solely with an AMG Sport exterior package, while buyers of the E 300e will have a choice between AMG or Avantgarde styling cues. As usual, the AMG bodykit will include more aggressive-looking bumpers, alongside a diamond pin grille.
Both AMG models get 19-inch alloys to match their sportier exterior – a 10-spoke design on the E 300e AMG Dynamic, and a five twin-spoke for the E 220d AMG Sport. The Avantgarde meanwhile, is shod in 18-inch wheels at the corners. Capping off the looks for the range-topping E 300e AMG Dynamic is the MultiBeam LED headlights.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as their model names suggest, is offered in two distinct powertrain options over in Thailand. The E 220d features a two-litre Euro-6 certified four-cylinder turbodiesel, which makes
194 hp
 and
400 Nm
, while the E 300e is equipped with an electrified 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol hybrid, pushing
320 hp
 and
700 Nm
 to the wheels.
Both powerplants are mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with gearshift pedals. Performance wise, the plug-in hybrid E 300e does the century sprint in
5.7 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
, while the turbodiesel completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in
7.3 seconds
, reaching a top speed of
240 km/h
.
Moving inside, the AMG models once again get all the goodies, including the all-new three twin-spoke sport steering wheels, replete with touch-activated buttons, alongside a Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers.
The twin 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display combo however, now running the latest MBUX system, is standard across the board. Also included on the Thai-specification Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift is the
Mercedes me connected services
, similar to what we have here in Malaysia.
The Mercedes-Benz E 220d AMG Sport in Thailand.
As for safety, Mercedes-Benz’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems is standard across all three variants, with features including the Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Active Parking Assist. The 360-degree surround-view monitor feature, however, is exclusive to the range-topping E 300e AMG Dynamic variant.
GALLERY


Infiniti to launch its first all-electric vehicle by 2021, new hybrids to come

Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Hiroto Saikawa has said at the Automotive News World Congress,  Infiniti will be introducing its first pure electric vehicle (EV) in 2021 as part of the brand’s push for electrified vehicles.
The luxury carmaker expressed its push for electrified vehicles through a range of pure EVs and
e-Power vehicles
 – Nissan’s innovative hybrid system that uses electric motors, juiced by a small combustion engine to drive the car. This brings ultra-low emission vehicle technology to Infiniti as the premium brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Currently, Infiniti’s only electrified technology are mild petrol hybrids.
Infiniti also expects that its range of ultra-low emission EVs to make up more than 50 percent of its global sales by 2025. Recently the company unveiled its latest concept car, the
Q Inspiration Concept
; a design study of what Infiniti will have in store for its future models.