Feature Friday: The Six cars we’d like to see sold in Malaysia soon!

2017 had been a fascinating year for the Malaysian automotive industry with a diverse range of new models announcing their arrivals on our shores. Among them were the curvy
Lexus LC500
, the mighty
Honda Civic Type R
, and the year’s blockbuster, the third-generation
Perodua Myvi
. With everyone back to their daily grind, let’s look at the cars we’d love to see arrive in Malaysia.
As you might’ve gathered from our site, planned car launches for 2018 include the
Toyota C-HR
,
Volvo XC60
, Proton’s upcoming
SUV
 with Geely and many more. What about the less conventional ones – those which have yet to be determined if they would make business sense but some of us as minorities would like to have?
Dacia Duster
We begin with a budget SUV from the Renault group which is sure to find its footing in our SUV-crazed market. Its introduction will be timely, given the fact that the new second-generation Duster made its international debut not too long ago. The Duster’s affordable price tag and its unsophisticated characteristics had won sales and accolades in Europe and many other developing nations.
As this Romanian brand is unheard off by most Malaysians, word has it that it could be introduced and rebranded as either a Nissan or Renault SUV. A rugged, unpretentious SUV with the price tag of a B-segment sedan, what could possibly go wrong?
Nissan Qashqai
With the huge number of HR-Vs finding their way into Malaysian homes, it is a testament that subcompact SUVs/crossovers are well received here. Toyota seems to have responded as well with the funky C-HR, due for launch locally real soon. However, both Honda and Toyota still trail in the success of a certain Nissan in the UK and Europe – the
Qashqai
.
Now in its second-generation, and with over half a million units sold in the UK, the Qashqai is Nissan’s “cash” cow and that’s not surprising. The Qashqai is practical and comfortable, traits that resonate well with small families – a sentiment we don’t doubt would be applicable here.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Over here, Mercedes-Benz had pretty much covered all the vehicle segments save for the pickup segment. A few months back, the three point star continued its bid for world domination with the unveiling of its first luxury pickup – the
X-Class
.
Riding on a platform shared with the Nissan Navara, the X-Class is offered with one petrol and three diesel engines. Our gut feeling tells us that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) would bring the X-Class’ range-topper, the Power trim, which is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. It shows that luxury has no boundaries – literally.
Renault Megane RS
The previous generation Renault Megane RS was a real front-wheel drive force to be reckoned with. On that note, it would be a shame if the new model was omitted; given the fact that the
fourth-generation Megane RS
would give the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the newly launched Honda Civic Type R a run for its money.
The new model is now powered by an all-new
 280 hp
 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and gains extra two doors. Also first for a Megane hot hatch is a six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission. So far, Renault has only previewed the Megane’s mild hot hatchback equivalent, the
GT
, to the Malaysian public. With such respectable performance figures, the Megane RS should be a worthy candidate when the Civic Type R needs a sparring partner.
Volkswagen Arteon
If a car were to be art, the
Volkswagen Arteon
 would be it. The name Arteon is the portmanteau of “art” and “eon”, indicating the upmarket intention of this Passat CC replacement.
Aesthetics wise, from every angle you look at it, the Arteon could simply do no wrong look again. Despite the Passats stranglehold on the premium sedan segment, we reckon the Arteon can still find its way into our local buyer’s interests.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
It has been four years since the Italian brand had absent in Malaysia, but word is that the Turin-based manufacturer could be making a comeback. If 2018 is the year to resurrect the Alfa Romeo brand in this country, the best car to represent them is the
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
.
Named after a remote Alpine pass in Italy, the Stelvio SUV joins the Giulia as the beacon of hope to revive the fortunes of the ailing Italian car maker. It’s one SUV that’s truly worthy of the ‘Sport’ badge, thanks to its powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine and lovely handling. Being an Alfa, its also more good looking than the likes of Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan.
So here you go, the six cars we would like to so this arrive in our peninsula this year if not soon. What other cars do you think should be introduced here? As always, tell us in the comments section.


Great Wall Motor officially returns to Malaysia, Ora Good Cat EV previewed ahead of launch

Chinese automotive giant, Great Wall Motor, has now made its return into the Malaysia market with the establishment of a new subsidiary, which made its debut today under the “GWM” branding. Wholly owned by the Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd, Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia will carry out “all-round marketing implementation” for GWM’s multiple brands here in the Malaysian market.
The GWM arsenal is made up of six car brands, namely Haval, Wey, Ora, Tank, as well as Great Wall Pickup and Saloon. Focusing primarily on “intelligent and sustainable mobility”, the company is now currently the largest SUV and pickup manufacturer in China, with over 11 million vehicles sold worldwide as of the end of 2021, and more than one million vehicles sold for six consecutive years.
While the company plans to introduce its range of vehicles including “retro fashion cars”, urban and off-road SUVs, as well as pickups in the future here in Malaysia, GWM’s return to the country will largely be
headlined by three models for now
: the Haval Jolion, H6, as well as the Ora Good Cat EV – the latter also making an appearance at the press conference today.
RELATED: Malaysia-bound Ora Good Cat launched in UK with funky new name
Exact specifications of the Ora Good Cat for our market is not available just yet, but we don’t expect it to differ too much from the
Thai model
, with a single electric motor on the front axle making
143 hp
 and
210 Nm
, powered by either a 47.8 kWh or 63.1 kWh battery pack – the latter giving the Good Cat a range of roughly 500 km based on the (slightly optimistic) NEDC/R101 test cycle.
Unique looks aside, the Ora Good Cat EV also comes with a plethora of features, including a full advanced driver assistance suite, smart voice assistant, over-the-air software updates, massage function on the front seats, and even a smartphone app connectivity that allows the driver to remotely control various vehicle functions.
In addition to the new models slated for launch here in Malaysia, GWM also revealed that they will be increasing investment in the country by carrying out localised assembly through cooperation with Go Auto Group.
The company is also currently prioritising the establishment of a “high-quality dealer network”, with after-sales services built around a “strong network layout in core areas”, a 24-hour customer service centre, and a spare parts centre that will be set-up locally to ensure its Malaysian consumers complete peace of mind.
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The new BMW 3-series looks even better as a wagon

With more than 1.7 million units of the 3-series Touring built in the last 32 years, the current 6th generation looks to be at the peak of BMW’s wagon-designing powers and is nothing less than the perfect torch bearer for BMW’s Touring models.
With more than 500,000 units of the previous generation wagon sold (out of the total 1.7 million), the appetite for wagons on the western side of the globe seems insatiable, with no sign of it building up here. I suspect it’s mentality problem.

Because of the lack of interest, I’m not going to dive too deep into the details but will instead unclog your senses (or a lack of it) with the merits of a wagon in the hopes that the Malaysian perception of it (as a hearse) would change for the more enlightening.
Cause these cars are just staggering in how usable and practical they are. Think of them as elongated hatchbacks but with better parking visibility because of their flat rear ends but unlike hatchbacks, wagons offer so much more boot space.
In the case of this 3-series Touring, it offers 500 litres of space and with the seats collapsed, up to 1,510 litres. As for the rear windscreen which opens separately, its aperture is now 20 mm wider than before, with a 112 mm wider load compartment.
Part of this is down to the fact that the wagon is now 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider and 8 mm taller than the model it replaces.
It’s also got a longer wheelbase, increased by 41 mm and wider tracks, contributing to the car’s stability and composure.
As such the benefits can be profoundly felt in the cabin as it offers more shoulder room in the front, more head room, extra leg room with much greater ease of entering and exiting the car.
If making babies is more of a hobby than a social obligation, you’d be glad to find that the rear seat bench can accommodate three child seats, two of which can be attached with ISOFIX points.
As for performance, the new wagon will be powered by six different engines and if you think emission regulations has turned it into a pushover mommy mobile, the most powerful M340i xDrive model with 374 hp should eliminate that foolish perception.
The new 3-series Touring is set to be unveiled to the public for the first time by the end of June in Munich, Germany with market launch due in September.
IMAGE GALLERY


Every square feet of this 911 Speedster Concept dribbles of Porsche’s legacy

Last weekend Porsche celebrated the 70th anniversary of its sportscars by revealing the 911 Speedster Concept. Developed at the Porsche Motorsport Centre, the birthplace of the 911 GT2 RS and GT3 RS, the drive technology under the shell was derived from current GT models.
Dictated by its history, the 911 Speedster Concept features a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top, and is attached using eight Tenax fasteners.
Paying homage to the Porsche 356 1500 Speedster, the Speedster Concept is given a wider profile with a low fly line attributed by a shorter window frame, a more inclined windscreen and shortened side windows.
The broad body of the concept was borrowed from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet but its wings, front bonnet and rear cover are made of lightweight carbon fibre material.
The new ensemble that sits on a 911 GT3 chassis, is finished with 21-inch Fuchs wheels – a signature-look on classic Porsches – held on by centre locks for the first time.
Other distinct features of the exterior includes a 50’s-inspired fuel tank cap on the front bonnet, classic Talbot shape of the exterior mirrors and headlights with a cross-like effect that pays tribute to Porsche’s early years in motorsport. At the time, the headlights on its race cars were taped before races to protect them against stone chips and prevent the glass from shattering.
The lightweight philosophy is also prevalent in an interior with no navigation, radio and even air conditioning. Their slots are instead replaced by storage compartments with full bucket seats made of carbon fibre and leather door-pull straps that adds more impact to the dramatic weight-shed.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi launches ‘Test Drive 2U’ online service as dealerships reopen

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) today announced that all of its authorised Mitsubishi showrooms and service centres have now resumed operations. The announcement follows the previous resumption of service at
selected Mitsubishi service centres
 during the fourth phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Additionally, the company also announced the launch of the “Test Drive 2U” online test drive booking service, allowing customers to test drive a Mitsubishi vehicle without having to step foot into a Mitsubishi dealership.

To request for a test drive, customers can browse and select their preferred model on the MMM website
here
. After selecting their nearest dealership and completing the personal details form, a Mitsubishi sales consultant will be in contact either through WhatsApp or phone call, according to customers’ preference.
MMM reassures that strict safety protocols are in place to safeguard the health and safety of their customers and staff. The vehicle and keys will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each test drive. Sales consultants are also mandated to use hand sanitizer and face masks; customers are strongly encouraged to do the same.
Each test drive session will be limited to one customer at a time, and the sales consultants will be seated at the rear seats to practice social distancing.
MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “The Test Drive 2U online service ensures that we are still able to provide a worry-free experience for customers who wish to test-drive a Mitsubishi model from home during this conditional movement control order.
“Customers may browse through their preferred Mitsubishi model, interact with our authorized sales consultant, and book a test-drive delivery in a manner that is responsible and safe for all.”
MMM recently announced its
Ramadhan Rewards promotional campaign
, with savings of up to RM8,000 for the Triton, RM2,000 for the Outlander, and trade-in top-up of RM8,888 when you trade in your vehicle for a Mitsubishi ASX.


2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S revealed: Complete details and photos

Less than a month after the
Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class
 was introduced here in Malaysia, the German carmaker have gone on to globally reveal their latest
 C63 AMG
 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, which they have decided to effectively call it the
Mercedes-AMG C63
. It comes in
two flavours
 this time around, a
standard

C63
 model and the punchier
C63 S
 variant. The AMG C63 stormed Paris in
sedan
 and
wagon
 forms, and both can be had in either standard or S trim.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG C63
Mercedes-AMG C63 S
Segment
C-Segment
C-Segment
Engine
3,982cc, twin-turbocharged V8
3,982cc, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission
AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission
AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission
Max Power
476 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 rpm
510 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 rpm
Max Torque
650 Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm
700 Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h
4.1 seconds
4.0 seconds

The highlight of the new AMG C63 lies underneath the hood – AMG’s all-new
twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8
 engine. In the standard tune, the engine (codenamed M177;
AMG GT
‘s engine is M178) makes
476 horsepower
 and
650 Nm of torque
, while the C63 S gets tuned to make
510 horsepower
 and
700 Nm of torque
 (the latter mill’s output figures almost mirror that of the
AMG GT
). Comparatively, its immediate rivals from Munich –
BMW M3 and M4
‘s twinturbo 3.0-litre inline-six makes 431 horses and 550 Nm of torque.
More on the engine front: Mercedes AMG claims that their V8 unit is the
 most fuel efficient eight-cylinder engine
 ever in the field of high-performance powerplant, with a fuel consumption figure of
8.2 litres
 per 100km as per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) combined. According to AMG, the new V8 engine consumes
32 percent less fuel
 than the superseded 6.3-litre naturally aspirated engine.
Despite being fuel efficient,the C63 is capable of completing the century sprint in
4.1 seconds
, whereas the C63 S gets from standstill to 100 km/h in
4.0 seconds
 (add 0.1 seconds for the wagon variant). Both engines are paired to AMG’s
seven-speed
Speedshift MCT sports transmission, which delivers the engine’s grunt to the rear wheels only. Top speed for both variants are electronically limited at
250 km/h
.
To address, or in this context, minimise noise and vibration from the engine, the engineers from Affalterbach have installed
dynamic engine mountings
 that are adaptive to the prevailing driving styles within fractions of a second. There are
four
 driving modes for the driver to choose from – Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport + as well as the C63 S-exclusive Race mode, which offer a wider range of individual customisation.
Externally, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 gets a widened aluminium front wings (14mm wider) and a lengthened front end (54mm longer). Several parts of the C63 were also reinforced to compensate for the extreme longitudinal and transverse forces generated and transmitted by the drivetrain.
At the rear, the
 three-finned diffuser
 is carried over from their motorsport division, which functions to
reduce air friction
 and improve coefficient drag figures. Complementing the rear end’s look are the
 two chrome-plated
 twin end pipes. The C63 sits on the standard 18-inch wheels, while the C63 S gets the 19-inch set. Brakes are made of steel, although there’s the
optional carbon ceramic brakes
, a first for the model line.
Over on the inside, the C63 shrieks of nothing but the finest German craftsmanship, with extensive use of high-grade leather and quality plastics parts. The dashboard is finished in black Artico man-made leather, while housing the
IWC-designed
 analogue clock. Sitting next to the touch pad in the
carbon fibre centre console
 is the AMG Dynamic Select switch.
Above all that, the C63 will also be available in the
Edition 1
 trim, which gets 19-inch cross-spoke wheels, gloss black touches on some of the exterior parts, black-chromed exhaust pipes, red accents on the radiator and wing mirrors as well as matte graphite grey sport stripes.
As far as we know now, sales of the C63 and C63 S will begin as early as February 2015 (saloon form), whereas the wagon version will be available from April 2015. The previous W204 C63 AMG sold more than
40,000 units
 worldwide, and went on the become the brand’s
most sought after AMG model
. Will the new W205 C63 AMG be the brand’s new icing-on-the-cake recipe?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Nissan Almera facelift launched in the Philippines – new face, updated safety kit

Following its
 market debut in Thailand
earlier this year, the 2023
Nissan Almera
 facelift has now also been launched in the Philippines, with a design update and refreshed equipment lists across the three variants on sale.
Looks wise, the main change on the new 2023 Nissan Almera facelift is the new V-Motion grille that has now pretty much taken over the entire front fascia with piano black trims and chrome accents. On the higher-end variants, this is complemented by a black roof and two-tone diamond-cut 16-inch alloys to further accentuate the sedan’s bold looks.
Inside, the black-and-cream two-tone upholstery has now been replaced by blue trims on the dashboard and door cards for a more youthful look, though the rest of the dashboard is largely unchanged from before.
In the Philippines, the new 2023 Nissan Almera is offered with only one powertrain option, featuring the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the Malaysian market Almera that makes
100 hp
and
152 Nm
. The 1.0-litre mill is paired to a five-speed manual on the base variant, and an Xtronic CVT for the others.
In terms of equipment, the latest addition to the Nissan Almera in the Phillipines is the Nissan Connect Services suite, which enables owners to remotely connect to their vehicles via a compatible smartphone app to receive vehicle health reports, theft alerts, maintenance reminders, remote horn and light activation, speed alerts, MyCar Finder vehicle locator, and even remote engine start functionalities.
RELATED:
Nissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV
Otherwise, the kit list remains largely unchanged from before, with the range-topping VL and mid-spec VE variants getting most of the creature comfort niceties such as the advanced driver assistance suite, tyre pressure monitoring system, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the two-tone leather upholstery.
The new 2023 Nissan Almera facelift is priced from PHP839,000 (approx. RM70k) for the 1.0 EL Turbo manual, jumping up to PHP1,059,000 (approx. RM88k) for the 1.0 VE Turbo CVT, and PHP1,149,000 (approx. RM96k) for the 1.0 VL Turbo CVT.
ALSO WATCH:
How far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?

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Pricing finally confirmed for 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line in Malaysia, from RM170k

Opened for booking since February this year, pricing for the 2022 Mk8
Volkswagen Golf R-Line
 has finally been announced for Malaysia at
RM170,560
, on-the-road, without insurance. The Golf was originally estimated to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000 when it was first previewed here on our shores.
Powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine with
150 hp
 and
250 Nm
 on tap, the Mk8 Golf R-Line has ditched the dual-clutch transmission from the previous Mk7 Golf R-Line for a torque-converter eight-speed automatic gearbox. With the new transmission, 0-100 km/h is achieved in
8.5 seconds
, 0.3 seconds slower than the Mk7 Golf R-Line.
Combining R-inspired aesthetics with non-R performance, then, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line has been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with the C-signature bumper sitting lower to the ground than the normal Golf. The sporty look of the car is completed by the 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels and a pair of chrome-effect trapezoid faux exhaust tailpipes.
Exterior features of the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include:
R-Line exterior package with body kit, quad faux exhaust outlets
LED Plus headlights
LED tail lights
17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels
Exterior colour options: Kings Red (new), matte Moonstone Grey (new), Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, Oryx White
On the inside, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line is equipped with semi-bucket sports seats, which are upholstered in Sardegna fabric. The seats also feature suede-like bolsters and have “R-Line” embossing on the headrests. Adding to the sporty feel of the interior are the carbon-look trims and a 30-colour interior lighting system.
Besides the sporty styling, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line’s interior also features enhanced digitalisation for seamless connectivity and convenience. The car is equipped with an intelligent voice control system that can be activated either by saying “Hello Volkswagen” or by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The voice control system can identify where the voice is coming from and can adjust the interior zone’s temperature accordingly.
RELATED:
Video: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI & TSI R-Line at Sepang – the best just got better!
Other interior highlights of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include:
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-inch Discover Media touchscreen infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Three-zone climate control with rear blowers and control panel
Safety equipment in the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Post-collision Braking System, and a Tyre Pressure Leak Indicator. Unfortunately, there are no advanced safety features on the new Golf R-Line.
The 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year free maintenance package, and a five-year road assistance package.
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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix: First model in Malaysia with TSS 3.0, what’s new?

The
 all-new Toyota Innova Zenix
 that was just launched here in Malaysia today brings a myriad of new things to the table, significantly upgrading the MPV experience, especially when compared to its
predecessor
 (now still on sale as the Innova CG).
There’s the
TNGA platform
 that should significantly improve the Innova’s ride and handling performance, while the new engine and fifth-gen hybrid system also brings the Innova lineage up to modern standards. But most intriguingly, the Toyota Innova Zenix is actually the first model in the
UMW Toyota Motor
 stable here in Malaysia to feature the marque’s latest
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0)
 advanced driver assistance suite.
So what exactly is new with the third-generation system? Let’s have a closer look.
The TSS 3.0 system improves upon the capabilities of the marque’s existing ADAS suite, thanks to the new camera sensor and millimetre-wave radar sensor. The former now boasts a higher resolution and covers a wider detection angle (both vertically and horizontally), while the radar can now detect obstacles both up to two times further, and also closer to the sensor.
In terms of the Pre-Collision System (PCS), TSS 3.0 can now recognise potential dangers in more circumstances, including off-axis traffic at intersections, and provide autonomous emergency braking and emergency steering assist actions if necessary. Vehicles equipped with TSS 3.0 will also now detect motorcyclists, in addition to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The upgraded camera sensors on the Toyota Innova Zenix now detect three-dimensional objects (such as guard rails and kerbs) as lane markers for its Lane Departure Assist feature, while the new Road Sign Assist (RSA) system can recognise speed limit markers on Malaysian roads, feeding the speed limit information to the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system to automatically slow down the car when entering a slow zone.
These enhanced object recognition come courtesy of TSS 3.0’s Motion3D feature that utilises artificial intelligence and Deep Neural Network to improve its detection capabilities overtime. In certain markets, the TSS 3.0 system can also be updated over-the-air to increase their detection capabilities for other road signs in the future.
ALSO WATCH:
How does TSS work? Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 explained
On the mention of DRCC, the adaptive cruise control system has also been enhanced thanks to the increased radar range. The system can now evaluate the traffic situation two vehicles ahead, significantly shortening its response time to speed changes.
When changing lanes, the TSS 3.0 system on the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix also scans for vehicles in the adjacent lane to proactively adjust the speed while DRCC is active, resulting in a much smoother and safer (semi-autonomous) drive.
Aside from the systems that are part of the TSS 3.0 suite, the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix also comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor system (with indicator lights on the wing mirrors), rear-cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam, as well as a 360-degree surround-view monitor, making the all-new MPV one of the best-equipped vehicles on the market today in terms of safety.
We’ll be testing the new TSS 3.0 system in more detail when we get our hands on the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix, to see how well it actually performs here on our Malaysian roads. But for now, be sure to check out the full details of the Toyota Innova Zenix at our detailed launch coverage post, linked
here
.


Facts & Figures: BMW X1 sDrive18i now available in Malaysia – RM208K

BMW Malaysia today unveiled the latest entry point to its X model series, the X1 sDrive18i, following the debut of the facelifted
sDrive20i M Sport variant
 earlier this year. Launched alongside the X1 today is also the M135i xDrive, which you can read more about it
here
.

PERFORMANCE
The main differentiating factor here on the new sDrive18i is the powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that was actually crowned the International Engine of the Year Award for five years in a row since 2015.
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo
Transmission: 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission
Drivetrain: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 140 hp @ 4,600 – 6,500 RPM
Max torque: 220 Nm @ 1,480 – 4,200 RPM
0-100 km/h: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 201 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.3 l/100km
As standard, the X1 sDrive18i comes with Driving Experience Control which lets the driver switch between driving modes, as well as Performance Control which controls the torque delivery to the wheels, along with brake interventions for an improved cornering capability.
EXTERIOR
The new BMW X1 sDrive18i is marketed as the new entry-point to the marque’s X model series, and thus it is equipped in the base trim package without all the M Sport trim pieces that the sDrive20i gets. Exterior equipment highlights include:
LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
LED fog lights
17-inch light alloy wheels in V-spoke style 560
Exterior trims in satinated aluminium
Anti-dazzle wing mirrors with auto-fold function
Exterior colour options: Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, and Mineral Grey
INTERIOR
The inside of the X1 is pretty standard BMW affair. Aside from the removal of several M Sport-specific parts, the interior equipment list is pretty much identical to its elder sDrive20i brother. These include:
8.8-inch infotainment display with BMW iDrive Operating System 6.0
Analogue instrument cluster with Black Panel technology, 5.7-inch multi-info display
two-zone automatic air conditioning
Sport leather steering wheel
Electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function for driver
Automatic tailgate with handsfree opening and closing
Dakota leather upholstery in black
Black high-gloss interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlight
BMW claims that the interior of the X1 is actually the most spacious in the compact SUV segment, boasting a boot capacity of 505 litres. With the seats folded down (40:20:40 split), the cargo space can be expanded to 1,550 litres.
SAFETY
The BMW X1 sDrive18i is equipped with the BMW Personal CoPilot Driving Assistant system, which includes Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, Lane Departure Warning, High-beam Assistant, and adaptive cruise control with braking function. Other notable standard safety features include:
Six airbags (front, side, and curtains)
Parking Assistant
Rear view camera
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Electronic Differential Lock System (EDLC)
Performance Control
PRICING
The BMW X1 sDrive18i is now available in Malaysia, priced at
 RM208,368.48
 on the road without insurance, and inclusive of
sales tax exemptions
, making it the most affordable BMW model available in the country. As standard, the new entry-level X1 comes with:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
BMW Service Online
With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Balloon Financing Plan, the new BMW X1 sDrive18i can be yours from RM 2,378.00 per month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.
For the latest revised price list for BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Next-gen Rolls-Royce Phantom previewed, V12 with four wheel steering

Last February we saw the
final unit
 of the seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom roll out from the factory. This means the eight-generation Phantom is underway, with the launch expected in no less than a month’s time.
Prior to launch, Rolls-Royce dropped two hints of its latest luxury barge: the iconic front grille and signature “Spirit of Ecstasy”. Another image reveals the dashboard with an analogue clock right in the middle.
The new Phantom rides on an
 all-new aluminium architecture
, which means it will be inherently lighter compared to its predecessors. It could get the same
V12 engine
 as the
Dawn
 and will feature four-wheel steering.
The new Phantom will be showcased alongside its predecessors at the “The Great Eight Phantoms” event in Mayfair on 29 July.


TC Trucks opens new showroom in Johor – to sell JMC Vigus Pro pick-up and Foton trucks

TC Trucks Sales Sdn Bhd (TCTS) has officially launched its latest showroom in Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru to expand its nationwide network in the Southern Region. The new TCTS showroom will carry Foton and JMC vehicles including the Foton Auman heavy-duty truck, Foton Aumark light-duty truck, and the
JMC Vigus Pro we recently reviewed
.

According to TCTS, sales for Foton trucks and the
JMC Vigus Pro pick-up
 have gained momentum and have been seen as a more affordable alternative for logistics, especially in these challenging times.
When it comes to aftersales service, TCTS is supported by a wide 3S service centre network consisting of two in the Klang Valley, three in the South Region, three in the Northern Region, and eight centres in East Malaysia.
TCTS’ new showroom is located at Wisma Tan Chong, No. 2, Jalan Indah 15/2, Taman Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Operation hours are as follow:
Monday – Friday: 8:15 am to 6:15pm
Saturday –Sunday and Public Holiday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
For further enquiries or to test drive, call 016-783 3344.


2023 Mazda CX-30 CKD launched in Malaysia, from RM128k – drops AWD and diesel variants

Bermaz Motor
 has just launched the (now) locally-assembled (CKD)
Mazda CX-30
, after more than two years of the car being sold as a fully imported (CBU) car. The all-wheel drive (AWD) and diesel versions are no longer available and prices for the CX-30 now start at
RM128,109
 (OTR without insurance) for the ‘Standard’ variant.

By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
The full variant list of the CKD Mazda CX-30 is as such:
CX-30 2.0 G 2WD Standard –
RM128,109
CX-30 2.0 G High –
RM136,109
CX-30 2.0G High+ –
RM146,109
CX-30 2.0G High+ Premium –
RM156,109
Exterior
On the outside, nothing has changed for the Mazda CX-30. It still sports the same signature Mazda ‘Wing’ on the front end and the same triangular motif on the radiator grille. The black claddings all around have also been maintained, continuing to provide a sleek yet rugged look for the CX-30.
Standard exterior equipment for the base CKD Mazda CX-30 includes:
LED Headlights with auto on/off function
Bulb-type Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
LED taillights
Rain-sensing windshield wipers with intermittent function
Keyless entry
Power adjustable side mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Material-coloured radiator grille
Ventilated disc front brakes
Solid disc rear brakes
16-inch wheels
RELATED:
2024 Mazda CX-90 revealed – up to 345 hp, 500 Nm, AWD, three-row eight seater
The High variant adds on:
Signature Illumination for the LED headlights
LED DRLs
Signature Illumination for LED taillights
Black radiator grille
Power tailgate
Front and Rear parking sensors
18-inch wheels
Up a tier, the High+ variant is identical to the High variant in terms of the exterior. The range-topping High+ Premium adds on the following to the exterior:
Power sunroof with sliding & tilt glass
RELATED:
New Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations
Performance
In terms of powertrain, the biggest change to the Mazda CX-30 is the omission of both the all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain (previously available in the Ignite AWD variant) and the diesel engine (previously available in the 1.8L High variant). Across the range, the CKD Mazda CX-30 gets a single powertrain option which is the – 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder option. Details of the powertrain are as such:
Engine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, DOHC, VVT, SkyActiv-G
Max. power output:
162 hp
 @ 6,000rpm
Max. torque:
213 Nm
 @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Manual Shift Mode, SkyActiv-Drive
Drivetrain: Front engine, Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity: 51 litres
Fuel efficiency: 6.4 l/100km
Interior
Like the exterior, the interior of the Mazda CX-30 remains unchanged. Standard interior equipment on the base variant includes:
Engine start/stop button
Steering wheel multi-control switches
Tilt & telescopic steering adjustment
7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster
8.8-inch infotainment display unit
Reverse camera
one-touch power window for all windows
8-way manually adjustable driver seat
6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat
Fabric seats
Manual air conditioning adjustment
The High variant adds the following interior features:
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Paddle shifters
Dual-zone auto air conditioning
Rear air vents
10-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function
Leather seats
The High+ variant is identical to the High variant in terms of interior features. Meanwhile, the range-topping High+ Premium variant adds on:
Frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function
360° camera view
RELATED:
Mazda MX-30 R-EV – The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it
Safety
In the safety department, the locally-assembled Mazda CX-30 is equipped with driver & front passenger airbags, front side airbags, front & rear curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver. Also standard are features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), and Auto Hold Function.
The base Standard variant gets no advanced safety features. The High variant adds on:
Adaptive Front lighting system
Up a tier, The High+ variant adds on:
High Beam Control (HBC)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
Front & Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function
The range-topping High+ Premium variant ups things a notch with the following add ons over the High+:
Adaptive LED Headlamps
Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring
Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS)
Pricing & Warranty
To recap, the Mazda CX-30’s prices from
RM128,109
 for the Standard variant up to
RM156,109
 for the range-topping High+ Premium variant. Premium body colours will incur an additional cost of RM2,000. Included in the price of the CKD Mazda CX-30 are a
5-year/100,000 km
 manufacturer warranty and a
5-year/100,000

km
 free maintenance package.
GALLERY


Video: BMW M5 F90, Things You Need To Know

After teasing us for months, BMW Malaysia has finally launched the
F90 BMW M5
 here on Malaysian soil and here are
 Things You Need To Know
 about the
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
 challenger.
Powered by a revised N63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the F90 M5 is the first M5 to feature the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. With
600 ponies
 and
750 Nm
 of twist from 1,800 rpm, the M5 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.4 seconds
 onwards to a limited top speed of
250 km/h
.
Before you Beemer enthusiasts bring your pitchforks to Munich, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system can be
purely rear-wheel driven
 without any driving aids at a push of a button – meaning big angle drifts and tyre smoke galore.
Priced at
RM 942,759.86
 (OTR without GST and Insurance), the BMW M5 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Schedule Service, 2-Years or 24-Months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW White Card Elite and BMW Service Online as well as a range of optional extras.
IMAGE GALLERY

 No more V8s?


BMW adds new DC fast chargers in Penang and Ipoh – 120 kW, open for public use

BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled two new DC fast chargers in Penang and Perak in partnership with its dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto. The DC fast chargers are part of the company’s charging infrastructure expansion strategy, and are located at the Tian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth and Tian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh dealerships respectively.
“Our expansion plans for our network of charging infrastructure in Malaysia has been a success thus far, having made available 8 BMW i Charging facilities at various authorised BMW dealerships in the first quarter of 2022 alone,” said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser.
“By tackling common pain points of electric vehicle (EV) ownership in tandem with our electro-offensive this year, we are hopeful that the local perspective on electromobility will shift for the better,” he said.
RELATED: Two new BMW i Charging stations unveiled at Gamuda Gardens, open to public
Tian Siang Premium Auto Dealer Principal, Tan Ka Kin added, “As an authorised BMW i dealer in the northern region of Malaysia, we are thrilled to provide even more accessibility to not only our customers but the growing community of EV owners in Penang and Perak.
“The addition of these new DC Fast Chargers at our own dealerships allows us to further deliver the Premium Ownership Experience to our customers here, on top of the many BMW i charging facilities we have previously made available, in partnership with BMW Group Malaysia, across the northern region.”
The new DC fast chargers are rated at an output of 120 kW, and features dual
CCS Type 2 outlets
, which means two electric vehicles can be charged at the same time. At full speed, it should be able to recharge the
BMW iX
 and
iX3
 (both maxes out at 150 kW) from 10-80% in under 40 minutes.
Just like the previous ones unveiled at
Ara Damansara
 and
Kuching
 recently, the new DC Fast Chargers at Butterworth and Ipoh will also be open to use for the public.


Here’s what F1 drivers wear to keep themselves safe in a race

Formula 1
 is serious business. With an average speed north of 200 km/h at some circuits, any sort of impact can have serious ramifications – and that’s why the FIA has invested significantly into the safety of the sport, not just in strengthening the car, but also what the drivers wear every race weekend.
Driver kit has come a long way since the early days, where racing helmets were actually made out of leather! So in case you were wondering what the drivers wear whenever they sit inside an F1 car, here’s
Sebastian Vettel
 from Aston Martin F1 team to walk you through his safety gear.

Each piece of clothing or gear is designed with three main factors in mind: safety, weight, and comfort. Not only do they have to withstand the impact and extreme g-forces in a crash (particularly the helmet and HANS device), they must also be fire resistant to give drivers enough time to escape their cars in the event of a fire.
That is why almost every piece of clothing the driver wears – down to the inner layers – are all made out of a fire-resistant material called Nomex. The fabric’s efficacy was put to the test last year in Romain Grosjean’s massive crash, where even though he was stuck in a burning car for over half a minute, he only suffered burns on his hands and feet – the latter only due to his boots being stuck inside the car.
Can the Bugatti Chiron outrun a 10-year-old F1 car? Check out the drag race here!
Screenshot:
Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team/YouTube
The kit goes through revisions in FIA safety regulations every couple of years, to ensure that they keep up with the improvements of the F1 car. The helmet in particular is revised every five or six years, mostly in terms of how much load they can sustain, but also little details such as better quality visors.
And with all that protection, you’d be surprised to find out that the helmet weighs just 1.8 kg! The inner paddings are sculpted to prevent pressure points on the head to enhance comfort in the long races, and the seams on the racing gloves are also on the outside for the same reason.
F1 races have become a lot shinier recently, thanks to the new Aston Martin safety car! Check it out in more detail here.
 Screenshot:
Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team
/YouTube
It’s amazing (and probably a little relieving) to see how much the sport we all love has evolved over the years in the pursuit of safety, so the drivers can give their all on track for our entertainment. It’s a pretty interesting insight, so be sure to give the video above a watch!


The stylish Lexus UX 200 is now open for booking!

Lexus Malaysia has just opened the ordering books for the all-new Lexus UX, ahead of an official launch which should take place soon. The fully-imported Lexus UX will be available in three variants – Urban (
RM243,888
), Luxury (
RM283,888
) and F Sport (
RM299,888
).
First shown-off at the
2018 KL International Motor Show
, the Lexus UX sports a bold design in the spirit of “
Engawa
” (Japanese traditional architecture seamlessly to connect inside with the outside).
The signature Spindle Grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by slim LED headlights. The bodywork features sharp creases and a large hunch underneath the C-pillar, that not only aids airflow but also gives off a sports coupe look.
At the rear, the unique taillights run across the entire width of the tailgate, with two fins at both ends to aid airflow. The taillights also act as a spoiler to provide additional downforce at cruising speeds.
The Lexus UX will be available in the
UX 200
 form at launch, which is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine. The naturally aspirated mill generates
169 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels, via a
10-speed Direct Shift CVT.
In terms of performance, the UX does 0-100 km/h in
 9.2 second
s, onward to a top speed of
190 km/h
.
The UX rides on Toyota’s
 Global Architecture-C platform
, which also underpins the
Toyota C-HR
. Lexus says that the platform gives the compact crossover the versatility of an SUV, while promising dynamic driving feel of a sports coupe.
the all-new UX will come equipped with the
Lexus Safety System + (LSS+)
 advanced driver assistance suite, which includes technologies such as Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive High-Beam, among others.
Kit-wise, the Malaysian-spec UX 200 in Urban trim comes with 17-inch alloys, seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, Nuluxe leather upholstery and black trims, and dual-zone air conditioning with rear air-con vents.
Sitting centrestage on the dashboard of the Urban variant is a seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, paired to a six-speaker Lexus Premium Audio set-up.
Moving up to the Luxury variant nets you 18-inch wheels, automatic windscreen wipers, and a powered tailgate with foot sensor. Inside, the Luxury variant also gains electronic steering wheel adjustment, and a unique Japanese paper grain and metallic trim finishing.
The infotainment display is now larger at 10.3 inches, along with two additional speakers. The front powered seats also get memory function, along with seat ventilation.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range variant gains several F-Sport exclusive goodies, including 18-inch F-Sport alloy wheels, F-Sport front grille, paddle shifters, an eight-inch instrument cluster display with a movable ring meter, head-up display, two additional driving modes (Sport+ and Custom), F-Sport leather upholstery, as well as aluminium pedals.
The Lexus UX will be available in eight different exterior shades – Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Madder Red, Blazing Carnelian, Terrane Khaki and Celestial Blue.
The F-Sport variant gets two additional options – White Nova Glass Flake and Heat Blue Contrast Layering, in place of Sonic Quartz and Platinum Silver Metallic.
As standard, the entry-level Lexus SUV will come with a comprehensive
five-year unlimited mileage warranty
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Lexus UX 200 at KLIMS 2018


Shell Helix High Mileage engine oil now in Malaysia, restores performance!

If your beloved car has over 100,000km on the odometer, you might want to pay heed to this. Shell Malaysia has just launched their new Shell Helix High Mileage 15W-50 synthetic engine oil that’s specially formulated for – you guessed it – high mileage vehicles.
Shell has incorporated the
Flexi Molecule Technology
 to offer advanced protection for high mileage vehicles. Besides that, it also contains
Active Cleansing Technology
 that is able to remove up to
 34 percent of sludge
 on average
within the first service
! The oil also features thicker formulation to help prevent oil leaks from ageing seals, gasket and worn parts.
The recommended retail price for a
four-litre pack
 of Shell Helix High Mileage 15W-50 is
RM148
 in Peninsular Malaysia while Sabah and Sarawak retails for
RM150
. A
one-litre pack
 on the other hand retails for
RM40
 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM41 in Sabah and Sarawak.
Customers who service their car with this motor oil at
participating workshops
 from 15 March to 15 May 2017 will receive RM25 off for every four-litre pack purchased.
According to the Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, Mr. Shairan Huzani Husain, the Shell Helix Mileage 15W-50 engine oil is best suited for drivers with
high mileage cars
 that are looking for an engine oil that can
restore
their beloved
 engine to its former glory
.
“Drivers should choose the engine oil that gives the best performance and compatibility for their respective vehicle. If you have been constantly servicing your high mileage car with
Shell Helix Ultra
 for example, and you feel that your engine is still in healthy condition, you should continue with Helix Ultra,” said Mr. Husain.
IMAGE GALLERY


Isuzu D-Max achieves new sales record in H1 of 2022

Isuzu Malaysia has announced that its D-Max has achieved a new sales record between the month of January to June of this year, amounting to a 143% growth from the same period of 2021.
In fact, Isuzu Malaysia has sold nearly as many D-Max pick-ups in the first half of 2022 alone (with 4,237 new registrations) compared to 2021 when they sold a total of 4,601 units in the entire 2021. This bumps the Isuzu brand up to 3rd spot in the pick-up truck segment.

From the entire D-Max range, the 1.9-litre turbo diesel variants have been the most popular model among Malaysians – making up for 80% of total sales. The
flagship 3.0-litre X-Terrain
 models on the other hand, make up for 10% of total sales.
Related: Old vs New: A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max
“Since the introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-Max, we have seen a growing interest in pick-up truck usage, particularly from first-time buyers and upgraders who have been impressed by the way the new D-Max has blurred the lines between a tough and capable pick-up truck and the comfort and sophistication of a family saloon,” said Isuzu Malaysia, CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe.
Silky Pearl White
Onyx Black
Recently, Isuzu D-Max introduced the
updated D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain
 with additional creature comforts such as around-view monitor aided by cameras on the front grille and side mirrors, puddle lamps, illuminated door sills and wireless charging. The new features are also accompanied by new colours such as Silky Pearl White and Onyx Black.
The updated Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain now starts from
RM146,938
, a marginal increase from its previous launch price of RM141,938 back in April 2021.


Porsche Taycan slides its way into the Guinness World Records for longest electric drift

The
Porsche Taycan
 has set yet another world record – this time an entry in the
Guinness Book of Records
 for the world’s longest drift with an electric vehicle, setting a total continuous drift distance of
42.171 kilometres
 over 55 minutes.
For context, that’s over 210 laps around the 200 metre-long skid pad at the Porsche Experience Centre in Hockenheimring, with driver and Porsche instructor Dennis Retera maintaining an average speed of 46 km/h in opposite lock.

There were no previous records to beat except for the one set by renowned automotive journalist and Top Gear host Chris Harris who managed 19 continuous laps right before this attempt, but Retera was still determined to set a high bar, and only stopped after the battery in the car has run out.
Drifting on a wet surface may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but it’s important to note that the use of these irrigation systems for drift records
is nothing new
. While it does make drifting slightly easier thanks to the lowered traction, Retera said that it was still “very tiring” to keep his concentration high for 210 laps, as the wet asphalt does not provide the same grip everywhere on the skid pad.
“I concentrated on controlling the drift with the steering – this is more efficient than using the accelerator pedal and reduces the risk of spinning,” Retera added.

To comply with the Guinness World Records, every single aspect of the attempt was meticulously measured documented. Before the test, a local land surveyor measured the 80-metre diameter area of the Porsche Experience Centre with millimetre precision. GPS and yaw rate sensors were fitted into the car, while a camera was also installed on the roof of the track’s control tower to film the entirety of the run.
Independent experts were also present to ensure that the record attempt was done according to spec. They include “European Drift Queen” Denise Ritzmann, who oversaw the standard and roadworthy condition of the Porsche Taycan used in the attempt on behalf of testing organisation Dekra, as well as Guinness World Records official record judge Joanne Brent who was at hand to supervise and count the laps.
It should be noted that the Porsche Taycan used in the record was a pre-production unit the
rear-wheel drive-only variant
, which is currently only available for sale in China. With one less motor on the front axle, the 2WD Taycan is still good for
408 hp
with the standard-specification 79.2kWh battery – but can be upgraded to
 476 hp
 with the 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus.
With a huge reduction in raw power output even when compared to the current “entry-level”
Porsche Taycan 4S
, the 2WD Taycan manages a 0-100 km/h time in the region of
5.4 seconds
, compared to the 4.0 seconds of the 4S. Of course, it will be quite a bit cheaper – around 20% less than the price of a 4S in China – and allows you to do silly drifts like this.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Porsche Taycan GTS launched in Malaysia – from RM708k tax-free

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is kicking off the new year with the launch of yet another variant of the
Taycan
 – the GTS.
Launched globally just two months ago
, the Porsche Taycan GTS will slot inbetween the 4S and Turbo, and is priced from RM708k before options, and excluding taxes (as part of the government’s EV initiative in Budget 2022).
EXTERIOR
The Porsche Taycan GTS in Malaysia is offered solely in the fastback sedan form; no word yet on the availability of the new Sport Turismo wagon guise. As standard, the GTS comes equipped with the Sport Design package, offering larger air intakes up front as well as more prominent side skirts and rear diffuser.
The Sport Design package elements are all finished in black, alongside the base of the wing mirrors and window trims – which Porsche says is traditional on a GTS model. As standard, the Porsche Taycan GTS is also equipped with the 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels in matte black, although you’ll be able to spec yours with the 21-inch RS Spyder Design alloys.
PERFORMANCE
Porsche calls the GTS the “sporty sweet spot of the Taycan range”, highlighting its “all-rounded” performance.
Powertrain: twin electric motor, all-wheel drive
Battery size: 93.4 kWh (83.7 kWh gross) lithium-ion Performance Battery Plus
Total system output: 380 kW (517 hp), 10 seconds “Overboost” at 440 kW (598 hp)
Max torque: 850 Nm
0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Range: 504 km (WLTP)
The Porsche Taycan GTS comes equipped with air suspensions and Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM) dampers that have been specifically tuned for the variant, as well as the Sport Chrono Package (drive mode switch, launch control) and a reworked Porsche Electric Sport Sound system.
As with other Taycan models, the GTS here supports up to 270 kW DC fast charging, which means you can add 100 km of range in less than five minutes, and charging the battery from 5% to 80% takes just 22.5 minutes. It’s also equipped with a 22 kW on-board AC charger (Premium Package, standard), and a full charge on a regular 11 kW wallbox takes approximately nine hours.
INTERIOR
Being the “sportier” model in the line-up, the Porsche Taycan GTS gets dressed in a unique black Race-Tex microfibre upholstery, paired with brushed aluminium trim in a black anodised finish. Other interior features include:
Adaptive Sports Seats Plus with 18-way power adjustment and memory function
4-Zone climate control (Premium Package, standard)
Passenger display
You’ll also be able to spec the Taycan GTS with a GTS interior package, which comes with matte carbon fibre trims and contrasting stitching in Carmine Red or Crayon. Also new on the options list is the panoramic sunroof with an electrochromic “Sunshine Control”.
Porsche says that its nine-segmented electrochromic control is a world-first feature in the automotive sector, and can be adjusted individually to four different opacity settings – clear, matte, semi, and bold.
PRICING
With the Malaysia Government’s
EV tax exemption initiative
as part of Budget 2022 that exempts electric vehicles from all duties and taxes, the Porsche Taycan GTS is priced at
RM708,000
 on-the-road and without insurance.
Included in the price is a complimentary four-year warranty with free scheduled service package, alongside an eight-year battery warranty.
Taycan owners also receive a complimentary three-year Platinum membership for the
Shell Recharge network
, offering preferential charging rates and benefits of up to 50% savings on all charging sessions. The first high-performance charging station in the network, offering up to 180 kW of fast charging, is
now operational in Tangkak, Johor.
GALLERY


Would you have the new Volkswagen Arteon R in Fastback or Shooting Brake form?

While we’re just about to get the
Arteon here in Malaysia
, Volkswagen has already given the four-door grand tourer a mid-cycle refresh, approximately three years after the global launch of the
original Passat CC successor
.
Changes are aplenty here, but the highlight of this update must be the introduction of a new
full-fledged R variant
. That’s not all, because we’re also getting two of them – Volkswagen has now introduced a
Shooting Brake
 version of the Arteon, and it’s also available on the Arteon R!
Powering the Arteon R is the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, developing
320 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, with power sent to all four wheels.
Performance on the Arteon R is helped by an all-new
R-Performance Torque Vectoring system
, which can direct
up to 100% of torque to any one wheel
 thanks to the clutches in between both wheels, as well as in between both axles.
Aside from the R, Volkswagen is also introducing a new
eHybrid plug-in hybrid version of th
e Arteon. It uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor for a combined output of
218 hp
. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The new Arteon eHybrid boasts an electric-only range of 53 km, thanks to its 13 kWh battery pack. Imagine hitting 140 km/h without having your internal combustion engine running!
Other powertrain options are region-dependent – Petrol options are a mix of 1.5- and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines with output ranging from
190 hp to 279 hp
, while on the diesel side is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill putting out
150 hp or 200 hp
.
Aside from the obvious roofline differences from the new Shooting Brake variant, styling changes on the facelift include a slightly tweaked front fascia, featuring a new light bar across the front grille, connecting the headlights via the daytime running lights. At the back, the taillights also gets a redesigned light signature.
Bumper designs are variant dependent, though it still looks pretty sporty even on the “Elegance” trim level. Alloy wheels start from 18-inches, up to 20-inch ‘Performance’ units on the Arteon R.
Inside, the dashboard architecture is largely similar to the outgoing model, though heavily restyled for a more modern appearance. Notably, the horizontal slats that runs across the entire dashboard are now replaced by individual air vents joined only by a single line – differentiating it from the
Passat
. However, even the Arteon can’t escape the fate of removed analogue clocks.
Other interior changes are the new steering wheel featuring touch controls, a reworked touch panel-based climate control panel, and an 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with new graphics.
IMAGE GALLERY


Koenigsegg just won’t sit still – beats its own 0-400 km/h-0 record!

Two years ago in 2017, Swedish hypercar makers Koenigsegg set an unprecedented record by taking their
Agera RS from 0 to 400 km/h to 0 in 36.44 seconds
 on an airstrip in Denmark and then went on to break that record on a closed highway in Nevada, USA with a time of 33.29 seconds.
En route to the latter record, the Agera RS was
covering 127 metres a seconds
, beating the Chiron’s record along the way, making it the
world’s fastest production car
.

Not one to rest on their laurels, typical of Koenigsegg’s pioneering nature, they’ve went on to break their own record; this time in a
Regera
, which was let loose at a military airfield deep in forests of Sweden.
This time they’ve managed the same 0 to 400 km/h to 0 feat 1.8 seconds quicker than before, with a time of
31.49 seconds
 and this, in Christian von Koenigsegg’s own words, was already a conservative time as
he believed the Regera could’ve performed better
under the right conditions.
Christian von Koenigsegg with factory test driver Sonny Persson and the Regera.
The statistic breakdown of this record absolutely baffles the mind. The Regera only needed 22.87 seconds and a distance of 1.6 km to hit 400 km/h and braking from 400 km/h to a complete stop required a mere 8.62 seconds over a distance of 435 metres.
Total distance used to achieve the record was just
a whisker over two kilometres
.
Check out the Regera with an
Aero Package
.
“This was a good opportunity to showcase the true capability of the Regera’s one-of-a-kind Direct Drive transmission. As the Regera only has one gear we had to make use of it from standstill to the record top speed of 403 km/h limited by rpm,” said Koenigsegg CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg.
Despite the monumental feat, it’s worthwhile to mention that the Regera was not purpose-modified for the record but is instead a fully homologated production car with its luxurious fittings and seats still intact. The only modifications were a roll cage and a four-point harness for driver safety.


All-new Nissan Fairlady Z looks amazing in its final form!

Staff members at an overseas logistic hub took the opportunity to
share photos
 of the all-new Nissan Fairlady Z. Apart from just black tape over the brand emblems, there is no attempt by the vehicle’s owner to thoroughly cover the Nissan.
On the outside, this Nissan looks more like a production car, rather than the
Z Proto
 that was shown in September. Apart from the existing red-painted brake calipers, Nissan seems to have carried over all of the Z Proto to the production all-new Fairlady Z. Brilliant!
The Nissan might look production-ready, but the flat, texture-less dashboard suggests this unit is probably pre-production or something more advanced in its prototype phase. Nonetheless, all the key features are already in place, such as the fully digital driver’s display, three-gauge meter pod, hand brake lever and shift-by-wire selector knob for the assumed automatic transmission.
The steering wheel also maintains the ‘Z’ emblem from the
Z34 model
, which is strangely in a full circular shape unlike the flat-bottom units seen in mass-market cars such as the
Nissan Almera Turbo
, Nissan Serena and Nissan Leaf. Shift paddles are also seen in this example.
The new two-seat sports car is purportedly called the 400Z, will not be seeing an engine displacing four litres. Instead, it’ll inherit a non-electrified 3.0-litre
twin-turbocharged V6
 engine as seen on Infiniti models plus the Japan-only Skyline 400R, with power outputs around the tune of
405 hp
 and
480 Nm
 of torque, where the model will get its name from.
Production is tipped to begin sometime in 2022, with deliveries starting in 2023 but with the engineering prototype already out in the wild so soon, the timelines might just be shortened considerably.
Source:
Instagram/NissanArabia
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Spied all-new Nissan Fairlady Z versus Z Prototype


New Aston Martin Vantage GTE race car is ready to take on Le Mans 24 Hours

Debut alongside the
all-new Aston Martin Vantage
 is its souped-upped twin, the Vantage GTE. The new race car will succeed the team’s most successful competition car of all-time and two-time Le Mans-winning V8 Vantage GTE.
The new FIA World Endurance Championship challenger was built to comply with FIA’s GTE class regulations, taking on extensive optimisation of powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics. Designed and engineered in-house at Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury, the development was led by Technical Director Dan Sayers, who was also involved in the development of the V8 Vantage GTE.

Built upon the Vantage road car, the new Vantage GTE’s stance is significantly wider and lower. The ridiculously lengthy front and rear splitters help the race car slice through air with maximum efficiency coupled with the fixed rear wing for maximum downforce. The windows are also replaced with lightweight polycarbonate items.
As an endurance race car, the Vantage GTE has undergone extensive reliability tests, ensuring everything from the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine to the overall drivability can withstand the demanding conditions of a Le Mans 24 Hour race. The race car has over
13,000 km of testing
 and a successful 30-hour run at the Spanish Circuit of Navarra under its belt.
President of Aston Martin Racing, David King said, “Motorsport is fundamental to the DNA of Aston Martin and our commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship is stronger than ever. This is a golden era for GT racing and today’s launch of the new Vantage GTE will ensure that Aston Martin Racing remains at the forefront of the world’s greatest endurance series.”
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2016 Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe starts production, coming to M’sia soon?

Production of the all-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe has begun at the company’s manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan, which features a brand new dedicated spray booth solely for the new Dynamic Sandstone Red paint job.
The painting process of the deep glossy red shade has to be meticulously done, and through the new sprayshop, painters would be able to better control paint thickness and quality. Out of the 4,500-strong workforce, only 216 highly-skilled Takumi (master craftsmen) were carefully selected to work on the Infiniti production line.

Just to recap, the Q60 is the successor to the old G37 Coupe, and is powered by two engines – an entry-level
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 engine making
205 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque, as well as a
3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine
 (from the Nissan VR family). There are two tunes to the V6; a
296 hp
,
400 Nm
 setup and a hotter
398 hp
,
475 Nm
 option. The old 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 has been retired. Only one choice of transmission is offered, that is the seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control.
Currently, the Q60 (with the 3.7-litre motor)
listed on Infiniti Malaysia’s website
 carries a starting price of RM411k. With production already underway, perhaps the new Q60 will find its way to Malaysian shores sooner than we think.
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Summon your inner superhero/villain with new Batman and The Riddler icons on Waze

From now till the 31st of October 2020, you can have Batman or The Riddler amuse you while you navigate your way around town with Waze!
Simply activate the Batman experience on Waze and choose the side of Batman or The Riddler to guide you on your own adventures. Available globally in English, Spanish and Portuguese, users can also change the default Waze icon into the Batmobile or The Riddler’s racer. For an even more immersive experience, there’s even a Batman playlist on Spotify while driving via the Waze Audio Player feature.
“Given the year we’ve had, we all need some superhero support to guide our way, and we can’t think of a better way to do it than with the first-ever Waze program that features two iconic characters,” said a representative of Waze.
Recently, Waze Malaysia also introduced the
Waze Beacons
 in collaboration with U-Mobile which helps ensure seamless data connectivity when navigation is in use along the SMART tunnel where GPS signal is poor. The best part is, you don’t even need to be a U-Mobile user!
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Porsche climbs world’s highest volcano with jacked-up 911 Carrera 4S

Following Robert Frost’s advice on taking the road less travelled (and cranking it up to 11),
Porsche
 has decided to climb the world’s highest volcano in a pair of jacked-up 911s. With a team led by racer and adventurer Romain Dumas, Porsche has set out to test the limits of the
911
 at over 6,000 metres of altitude up on the sheer slopes of Ojos del Salado, Chile.
For the task, Porsche has taken the 992
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
 which is powered by the factory-fitted turbocharged flat-six engine that makes
443 hp
 (metric) as a base car. While the engine has not been meddled with, Porsche has moved the car’s cooling system upward to reduce the risk of damage while tackling off-road sections.
The 911 Carrera 4S has been raised to a new ground clearance of 350 mm with the use of portal axles and has been fitted with roll cages, carbon fibre seats, and harnesses to meet the safety requirements of the project. To tackle rough terrains and steep inclines, the 911 Carrera 4S has been given new lower-gear ratios for precise, gentle throttle inputs at low speeds.
The lower gear ratios are also essential to work harmoniously with the much, much larger all-terrain tyres that the 911 now sits on. To protect the underbody, the car is fitted with light but tough Aramid fibre underbody protection.
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Porsche 911 GT3 RS’ new 6:49.328 Nürburgring lap proves that NA still matters in a turbo world
To maximise traction, Porsche has fitted the 911 with the “Porsche Warp-Connector”, which is a device that forms a mechanical link between all four wheels to allow constant wheel load even when the chassis is enduring extreme articulation. It was originally designed for motorsport applications but has found its way onto this special ‘Safari’ 911.
To get out of tough situations, the Porsche engineers also fitted the car with manual, switchable differential locks that work alongside the steer-by-wire system. And if that doesn’t work, it even has a winch up front.
RELATED:
Porsche’s all-new 911 GT3 RS even comes with an F1-inspired DRS system!
The scale the world’s highest volcano is the first test for the car and team where they had to endure temperatures near -30°C and the thin air of the mountains. At a 6,007-metre elevation, probably the only machines higher than the jacked-up 911 were ones that could fly.
The driver of the 911, Romain Dumas said, “This was a truly memorable and special moment in a place that’s both beautiful and brutal at the same time – I guess the only machines anywhere in the world higher than us today were aircraft! For the team and the car it was about learning – and right out of the box, the car was tough and nimble. We were hard on ourselves and really put it in the deep end for its first test, yet it felt at home.”
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EV Porsche Panamera to debut in 2027, petrol and PHEV versions to remain
“We have enormous respect for those who have gone higher. No one has seen so much ice and snow up towards the top of the volcano, but despite this we went over 6,000 meters up, to the point where the walls of ice and snow meant we could go no further. We’re really proud of what the car and the team are capable of first time out – hopefully we can count on many more adventures in the future.”
The Porsche 911 is an iconic car with various versions ranging from the almost-basic
911 Carrera T
 to the extreme
911 GT3 RS
. Even famous tuner Marc Philipp Gemballa has produced the special
Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien
, unleashing the 911’s capability to travel where there are no roads. Porsche, however, has taken things up a notch with its special jacked-up 911s.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed at Silverstone Circuit
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Hyundai i30 N launched in UK, 2.0L turbo with 272hp/353Nm, 6-spd manual only!

A few months ago, Hyundai presented Korea’s answer to the mighty
Volkswagen Golf GTI
, the
Hyundai i30 N
. Developed under Hyundai’s dedicated performance division – N (which stands for Namyang – Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea and Nürburgring), the sub brand’s first performance model has just gone on sale in the UK.
UK customers can choose between two variants – i30 N and i30 N Performance where the latter packs a higher engine output, dedicated aesthetic trims and an
Active Variable Exhaust System
. Under the hood, both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI engines mated to six-speed manual transmissions. As standard, the blown motor develops
 247 hp
 and
353 Nm
 of torque while the hotter i30 N Performance makes additional
25 hp
.

With
Launch Control
 activated, the i30 N will complete the century sprint in
6.4 seconds
. Opt for the Performance variant and it will get you to the 100 km/h mark in
6.1 seconds
. Top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h
 on both models.
Standard equipment on the Golf GTI rival is generous with LED head and taillamps, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres,
Electronically Controlled Suspension
, 17-inch ventilated brake discs (16-inch at the rear),
N Torque Vectoring System
, steering wheel mounted Drive Mode selector and more.

Stepping up to the
i30 N Performance
, it gets additional performance equipment such as 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in
model-specific Pirelli P-Zero tyres
, larger brake kit (18-inch front; 17-inch rear) and an
Active Variable Exhaust System
 that generates playful pop and crackles from the exhaust.
Compared to the regular i30, the i30 N gets N specific functions such as drive mode display, suspension, engine and transmission set up, lap timer, acceleration timer and performance gauges including engine torque, turbo boost and
G-force display
. The instrument cluster has also been redesigned to display drive mode, vehicle control settings,
 shift timing lights
 and a variable LED tachometer.

In the UK, the i30 N and i30 N Performance retails for £24,995 and £27,995 (approx RM 141,463.64 and RM 158,442.67) respectively. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) once introduced the
i30 hatchback to the Malaysian market
 back in 2014 but the model has since been discontinued. Perhaps HSDM should revisit the idea of introducing this high-performance i30 N and give enthusiast an alternative to the Golf GTI and Renault Megane R.S. 265.
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The new Mercedes-Benz C 300e now up to 313 hp and a proper boot

That was quick. Eight months have actually passed since the world premiere of the latest all-new
W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
. Back then, only information on the petrol engine models was shared. Mercedes-Benz has now made the C 300 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model available for immediate sales in its home country of Germany.
Unlike the predecessor model that briefly included the
EQ Power
 name and ‘350’, the PHEV variant of the new C-Class is simply known as the Mercedes-Benz C 300 e. Under the hood, the new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e employs the new M254 1,999 cc turbocharged engine from the regular C 300, now detuned from 258 hp/400 Nm to
204 hp/320 Nm
.
The electric portion of the plug-in hybrid sees a powerful electric motor with 129 hp and 440 Nm of torque, powered by a 25-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This results in a combined figure of
313 hp
 and a turbodiesel-like
550 Nm
 of torque! Compared to the outgoing W205
Mercedes-Benz EQ Power C 350 e
, the new PHEV system is 34 hp higher but 50 Nm lower.
The benchmark acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is also slightly slower at
6.1 seconds
.
However, the more powerful electric motor and much larger battery allow significantly better range in electric driving, with Mercedes-Benz quoting between
99 km to 111 km
, more than three times better than the old car. Recuperation is also much higher, to the tune of 100 kW with the driver able to select the degree of energy recuperation in three stages via rocker switches on the steering wheel. This also allows controlling the speed with just the accelerator pedal, like a “one-pedal feeling”.
Apparently ‘250’ doesn’t sound positive in China, thus the models are renamed 260. Check out what other quirks are made just for China.
The positioning of the battery in the vehicle brings advantages on a day-to-day basis compared with the previous model, increasing to 360 litres. Numerally a higher value, but practically, there is no longer a step in the boot and through-loading is now possible.
Regular C 300
As for topping up ‘juice’ for the large battery, Mercedes-Benz says 20 minutes is all it’s needed to reach 80% charge level with a high speed 110 kW DC charger.
Intelligent route guidance and selection have also been included into the navigation system of the new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e. Whenever possible, taking into account the speed limits and traffic conditions, the engine will be shut off and the electric portion taking over for high levels of zero local emission driving.
The new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e is priced from
EUR47,200
 (approx. RM227k) before adding the 19% VAT and the green car incentive of up to EUR5,625 (approx. RM27k) in Germany. The company also plans to include the plug-in hybrid hardware on diesel engines in the future.
In Europe, this jacked-up Estate is the last weapon to fight the ever-growing SUV proliferation. Find out how cool the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain here.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)


McLaren Automotive voted as Britain’s leading mid-sized company

McLaren Automotive started operations back in 2010 and sold its first supercar, the
MP4-12C
 a year later. After six years in operation, McLaren Automotive has been announced as Britain’s leading mid-size company. The Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table ranks Britain’s private mid-sized companies with the biggest sales and McLaren emerged as top spot for 2017.
In 2016 alone, the carmaker shifted
3,286 vehicles
 compared to 1,654 the year before, thanks to the increased demand from North America and Europe. McLaren also recorded its fourth consecutive profitable year in 2016 with £7.3 million (RM40.7 million) in profit after tax, almost double compared to 2015 where it recorded £2.8 million (RM15.6 million) in profit after tax.
This staggering result is largely due to the diverse product range from entry level Sports Series to the halo Ultimate Series. To keep up with the ever-increasing demand for McLaren vehicles, the company introduced a second production shift at their McLaren Production Centre (MPC), doubling production capacity to
 20 cars a day
.
Moving forward, McLaren Automotive has their eyes set on the Track22 business plan where we will see
15 new McLaren models (and derivatives) by the end of 2022
 with the recently launched
720S
 being the first model to kick things off. The company is also working towards an annual production capacity of over 4,500 units by the end of 2022 with at least
50 percent featuring hybrid powertrain technology
.


2017 Toyota C-HR launched in Japan, 1.2L Turbo & 1.8L Hybrid, from RM97k

The 2017
Toyota C-HR
 has finally gone on sale in Japan. It’s the second car to sit on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) and is the company’s answer to the growing trend of compact crossovers.
As previously reported
, the Japan-spec C-HR is offered in four trims: S-T, S, G-T and G. The letter T stands for turbocharged, and the force-fed variants share the same
1.2-litre turbocharged engine
. Others get the
Prius
‘
1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid
mill .

The downsized unit makes
112 hp
 and
 185 Nm
 of torque, and capable of achieving
15.4 km/L
 under Japan’s fuel economy cycle. The 2ZR-FXE hybrid unit meanwhile boasts an incredible fuel consumption of
30.2 km/L
. Both engines are certified with exhaust emission levels that are 75 percent lower than the 2005 Exhaust Emissions Standards. This almost guarantees EEV certification when it arrives in Malaysia.
The petrol variant is only available with a
seven-speed Super CVT-i
 transmission, and power is delivered to all
four wheels
. The hybrid is only offered as a front-wheel drive. All C-HRs will be equipped with
Toyota Safety Sense P
, electronic parking brake, and Smart Entry & Smart Start system as standard. The C-HR G trim – which is usually the premium trim – will receive 18-inch wheels, premium seats,
Blind Spot Monitor,
 and
Front & Rear Parking Assist Sonar.
Finally, the pricing. Based on today’s conversion rates, the 2017 Toyota C-HR begins at
2,516,400 yen  (RM97,300+)
 for the S-T, while the premium G-T is an RM10,000 premium at
 2,775,600 yen (RM107,300+ )
. The hybrid S can be had at
2,646,000 yen (RM102,300+)
 while the S-T is the priciest among the four at
 2,905,200 (RM112,300+)
. Toyota expects to sell 6,000 units a month in Japan, and judging by trend, the hybrid variants should be the biggest seller among the Japanese.
Next year, the C-HR will be introduced to more countries, including South East Asia, and it’s coming to Malaysia.
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Team Proton R3 clinches double victory at last weekend’s Malaysia Championship Series

After a double victory with the
2019 Proton Iriz
 driven by Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali at Round 4 of the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) last weekend, Team Proton R3 took the overall lead in the M-Production Class championship.
Race 1 saw both Proton R3’s Suprima S and Iriz starting the race at the front row, with the Iriz taking the chequered flag. The same Iriz also proved to be superior in Race 2 as the fastest car in the field; claiming yet another win in Race 2.
Meanwhile, their other entry, the
2019 Proton Saga
 which made its debut in the hands of Admi Shahrul, finished 4th in its first ever race (Race 1) before ending the weekend with a 3rd place finish in Race 2 on Sunday.
With one round left in the 2019 series, the team is confident of retaining its titles. Proton R3 will now field both the Saga and Iriz in the 2019 edition of the Sepang 1000km race.
In other news, having recently announced its
 Lady Driver Search and Mentorship Programme
, Proton R3 has launched a new contest which will allow motorsport enthusiasts to be part of the team’s racing endeavours while leaving a mark in the team’s racing legacy.
The
“Design For Speed”
 contest will be open to Malaysians aged 18 and above to submit their most creative race car livery design for a Proton Saga racing race that will be campaigned by R3 in the S1K race 22nd to 24th November.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the best three designs along with invites to attend the race as a VIP guest of the team. The grand prize winner will see their livery design applied to one of the two R3-built Proton Sagas taking part in the race – allowing their work to be seen by Malaysian racing fans.
IMAGE GALLERY


Singer’s new Porsche 911 is the answer for its ‘turbo-hungry’ customers

In light of strong demand by customers for restorations that incorporate turbocharging, world-renowned
Porsche 911
 restorer, Singer, has revealed its answer dubbed the Porsche 911 ‘Turbo Study’.
If you’re wondering how strong the demand is; according to the company, more than 70 customers have placed reservations for custom restorations that offer turbocharging. The new range of turbocharged Singer 911s will now also include the iconic wide body, a whale tail spoiler, and shark fins on the rear fender.
The car you see here has been finished with a Wolf Blue paint job to shield its carbon fibre bodywork. Under the hood is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, pushing out in excess of 450 hp.
According to Singer, the 3.8-litre air-cooled flat-six was taken out from the 964-generation Porsche 911 and now incorporates an electric wastegate and custom air-to-water intercoolers.
The rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 ‘Turbo Study’ will also get carbon ceramic brakes, and comfort-oriented suspension. All-wheel drive configuration can be specified according to the customer’s preference. The interior is defined by its Malibu Sand upholstery and Black Forest wood accents along with creature comforts like cruise control and heated seats.
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Honda brings the heat to competitors with a video of the new City – now available for booking

After throwing shade at its competitor for the past couple of weeks, Honda Malaysia has now announced that the 2020 Honda City is now available for booking. The new compact sedan will be launched in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2020, with a total of four variants on offer.
At the top of the table is a new RS variant, which means Road Sailing according to Honda. The RS variant will feature the new intelligent multi-mode drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain, which will be making its “world debut” for the first time on the City when the model is launched here in Malaysia.
The new i-MMD powertrain, known globally as the e:HEV, promises “high efficiency electrification combined with direct and smooth response”. With a claimed torque output of
253 Nm
 from the hybrid powertrain, which is a best-in-class figure, Honda Malaysia claims that the all-new City can even outrun several C- and D-segment models, such as the 2.5-litre Toyota Camry as seen in the video below.
The e:HEV hybrid powertrain, launched globally with the
all-new Honda Jazz Hybrid
, sports an output figure of
109 hp
 and
253 Nm
 of torque, with power transferred to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox featuring a single fixed-gear ratio.

If you prefer something a bit more conventional, the Malaysian-spec fifth-generation Honda City will also be available with a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine, replacing the current SOHC unit. Unfortunately, the 1.0-litre turbocharged unit that’s launched with the City’s international debut in Thailand won’t be making its way here.
As for equipment, all variants of the Honda City here in Malaysia will get LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, while the RS and V variants will be equipped with LED headlights as well. The RS and V also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, though the range-topper Road Sailing variant will have an exclusive dual-tone set, along with the blacked-out wing mirrors.
Inside, the RS and V variants once again get all the goodies, such as the Honda LaneWatch blindspot camera. Electronic parking brake though, is reserved exclusively for the RS variant.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama said, “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000, […] upholding its number one position in the B-segment.
“The launch of the All-New City RS with new powertrain in Malaysia will be the world premiere and being introduced for the first time ahead of other countries. We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time,” he added.
The 2020 Honda City is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships across Malaysia. Customers who pre-book the all-new Honda City will receive a service voucher worth RM1,000, under the
‘All-New City Special Early Booking Programme’
campaign.
For those who prefer to look at the car in person before placing an order, the 2020 Honda City will be on nationwide tour starting 24 August. The full tour schedule will be available on Honda’s website,
here
.


Perodua to launch at least one more new car in 2023 – Bezza, Aruz facelift due?

The
all-new 2023 Perodua Axia
might be our national carmaker’s biggest launch this year, but they’re certainly not going to settle for just that, as Perodua will still be unveiling at least one more new model this year.
This was confirmed by Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin during yesterday’s launch, where he ended his speech by saying, “Please enjoy the rest of the launch, and I hope to see you at our
next big event when we launch our new model
, [but] I can’t say [more] now.”
The company previously stated that it is now capable of launching one full model change and two minor change models per year, so another launch this year is well within reason – just not another all-new model.
Looking at Perodua’s current offerings, there are indeed several models that are due for a refresh, including the
Bezza
,
Myvi
, and
Aruz
.
READ MORE:
2023 Perodua Axia from RM38,600 – here are some never before offered features and items!
The Perodua Bezza is the oldest in the list, now already in its seventh year of service. It was
last updated in 2020
 with several aesthetic updates and added safety kit, but it’s arguably due for an all-new model soon – especially now with the launch of the all-new Axia, which the Bezza is based on.
However, we know that Perodua will not be unveiling another all-new model this year, so if the company is planning an update for the compact sedan, it’ll likely be just a “minor change” update to extend the Bezza’s lifecycle a little longer – possibly replacing the old four-speed automatic transmission with the new D-CVT gearbox, similar to what we’ve seen on the marque’s other models.
The third-generation Perodua Myvi meanwhile is now entering its sixth year of service, having made its
official debut back in 2017
. However, an update is less likely here in our opinion, as the popular hatchback was only just
updated in the last months of 2021
 with a major aesthetic overhaul, and a revamped powertrain featuring the new D-CVT gearbox.
As for the Perodua Aruz, the seven-seater crossover was
 last updated in 2021
with minor equipment upgrades, but no visual changes. With the
all-new Perodua Alza
 now launched, the Aruz is perhaps in dire need of an update in order to differentiate itself more from the marque’s other seven-seater model.
What do you think will be Perodua’s next launch this year? Let us know in the comments below!


McLaren BP23 to succeed the greatest supercar of all time, the McLaren F1

McLaren gave everyone a surprise when they announced plans to unveil the true successor to the greatest supercar of all time, the
F1
. Currently, it’s called the McLaren BP23, and the Woking-based company also released a mysterious teaser image, suggesting that the new “Hyper-GT” will be every bit as hardcore as the F1, and groundbreaking as the
P1
.
McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will take full charge of this new hypercar project. That “BP23” codename means “
Bespoke Project 2
” that seats 3 (hence BP23), similar to the F1. It will be a car for long journeys just like a GT but will allow the driver to experience “high levels of performance and driver engagement”.
The teaser image meanwhile gave a glimpse of the car from above. Apart from the obvious three-seater configuration, the car’s overall proportion seems akin to that of the P1. Its carbon fibre body will be purposely sculpted to slice through air, and will feature the iconic dihedral (scissor) doors. This time though, the door apertures extend into the roof for the sake of convenience.
McLaren also confirmed the use of a hybrid powertrain, but no specific details have been mentioned thus far. Though we suspect the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 to power the BP23, we’re genuinely hoping McLaren would develop a bespoke engine just for this venture. When complete, it will be McLaren’s most powerful car to be created, delivering the highest level of performance and ironically, comfort and refinement.
Now, only 106 units of the McLaren BP23 will be made, which is the same amount of McLaren F1s made. Forget about placing an order though, because each of them has already been spoken for. First delivery will take place sometime in 2019, and of course customers get the privilege to customise their hyper GT in any fashion they desire.
So there you have it, a proper heir to the legend birthed at the hands of an equally legendary designer, Gordon Murray. We just can’t wait to see what it will look like!


Even Bugatti is now offering certified pre-owned cars

It seems that even the ultra-rich can’t escape the bad economy. First it was
Ferrari
 and
Lamborghini
, but now, even
Bugatti
is also launching their own certified pre-owned programme.
Designed to take the stress out of buying used
Veyrons
 and
Chirons
, the new Bugatti Certified Programme ensures that the pre-owned cars are still up to the same “incomparable quality expected of the Bugatti ‘Macaron'”.
That means that the cars sold under the programme are all quality checked at an authorised Bugatti Service Partner outlet, and only fitted with genuine Bugatti replacement parts.
But more importantly, the cars sold under Bugatti’s Certified Programme will also come with a one-year limited warranty. The warranty for the Chiron is “just as comprehensive as the original warranty provided for new Bugatti models”, covering all parts and labour for mechanical, electrical, corrosion, and paintwork issues.
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It’s a little less generous with the Veyron, however, with Bugatti only offering warranty coverage for mechanical and electrical items; parts and labour are still included, and the parts themselves also come with a separate two-year warranty that covers replacement and labour.
The warranty on these cars can still be applied worldwide, so if for some reason you bought a car in the Middle East but eventually decide to drive it in Europe, it will still be covered by all European Bugatti Service Partners. And as an added bonus, all Certified Pre-Owned cars also come with a free annual service included for the first year of ownership.
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Bugatti Automobiles Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, Hendrik Malinowski said: “The Veyron and Chiron are true automotive icons, hyper sports cars that set breathtaking new standards. Our new Certified Pre-Owned program means that those who want to savor the incomparable excellence of the Veyron and Chiron by opting for previously enjoyed examples, can now benefit from the exemplary customer service and unique attention to detail that only authorized Bugatti Service Partners are able to offer.”
GALLERY


TC Euro Cars adds pre-owned Captur to Renault Subscription

Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), currently in its third phase, many businesses are facing unprecedented challenges as they are not able to operate at full capacity.
While the true economic repercussions in the long run are still unknown, TC Euro Cars, the Renault franchise holder in Malaysia, aims to ease the burden of car ownership by introducing the Renault pre-owned Captur Subscription plan.
The Renault pre-owned Captur Subscription is a one-year plan priced at
RM1,299 per month
, inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing, and an annual mileage cap of 20,000 km with an option to upgrade. For context, the
regular Captur Subscription
 one-year plan is priced at RM1,499.
In conjunction with the launch of the new subscription plan, TCEC is also offering a limited-time promotion which reduces the monthly rate to
RM599 for the first six months of the subscription
. The monthly rate will resume to the regular RM1,299 from months seven through 12.
The new pre-owned Captur Subscription plan is now available on the Renault E-store at
www.renault.com.my
 until 15 May 2020, where the
complete subscription process can be completed online
. Customers will need to furnish a
RM200 booking fee
, which will be deducted from the first monthly payment.
Additionally, TCEC is also collaborating with Shopee Malaysia’s during their “Shocking Sale” campaign, where customers are able to enjoy a further
25% discount (RM50) on the booking fee
. The sale will be segmented to four sessions – 12 am and 12 pm on the 23rd and 24th of April, where
10 units are allocated for each session
 with the discounted booking fee of RM150.
All redemptions of the subscription plan can be made from
15 May to 31 July 2020
. If you decide to not proceed with the subscription, the booking fee will be refunded within 60 days, subject to a RM5 administration fee.
During redemption, customers will need to pay the balance due (booking fee deducted from monthly subscription rate), as well as a
RM2,500 security deposit
. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the subscription term, subject to the condition of the vehicle upon return.
TCEC assures that all pre-owned Captur vehicles will be no more than two years old, and are subjected to thorough inspection based on Renault’s quality and safety standards. Limited units are available, on a first-come first-serve basis.
TC Euro Car CEO, Wong Hoe Mun said, “We understand that Malaysians would want flexible and practical solutions due to the economic impact of the MCO and uncertainties from the on-going
 Covid-19 threat
. Physical distancing will also continue to be important, so travelling in personal vehicles will likely be safer than public transportation.
“We hope that launching the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription now along with its relevant promotions will help provide some relief for customers post the MCO.”
If you would like to check out the
Renault Captur
 before committing to a subscription plan, test drives are available to be scheduled via the Renault E-store. The test drives will only commence after the MCO has been lifted. Alternatively, you can also opt for the three-hour pressure-free test drive without an accompanying sales advisor, through
TCEC’s partnership with GoCar
.
For a longer trial period, TCEC is also offering a
seven-day Subscription Trial package
 for customers to assess if the subscription plan will suit their lifestyle.
In recent news, TCEC has announced the
Renault Relax campaign
 to help customers take their minds off vehicle maintenance during these trying times. The campaign includes warranty and scheduled service grace periods, as well as discounts on tyres and batteries.