Facts & Figures: Proton Saga R3 Edition launched, RM42,300

Following the success of last year’s
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
 where they were sold out just a few days from launch, Proton has launched the new Saga R3 edition.
There will only be
2,000 units
 of the limited-edition model available, with enhancements solely in the aesthetics department. There are no power upgrades on the 1.3-litre engine paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission introduced in the
Saga Premium AT variant
, with
95 hp
 and
120 Nm
.
As for the front end, the Saga R3 looks exactly the same as the Anniversary Edition with yellow strips beneath the grille and on the front lower lip. Just to highlight the R3-ness even more, the Saga R3 also comes with a massive sticker across the front and rear windscreen.
On the side, the Saga R3 stands out with additional motorsport-inspired decals across the doors and on the C-pillar glass. The yellow side mirrors and side skirts, along with the 15-inch wheels were previously seen in the Anniversary Edition.
At the rear, the Saga badge has been replaced with an R3 badge, flanked by a “Limited Edition” badge on the left.
Inside, the yellow accents can be found on the steering, along with an “R3 Limited Edition” badge ahead of the front passenger. The yellow accents on the air con vents and meter cluster were previously available in the Anniversary Edition.
The cabin also gets R3 branded carpets, and the words “R3 Limited Edition” embroidered on the leatherette seats. Unlike the Anniversary Edition, the seats are now finished with yellow stitching.
The same yellow stitching can be found the steering of the Saga R3 – a detail previously not available in the Anniversary Edition.
So how much does the R3-sticker edition costs? For the extra effort, it’s yours for
RM42,300 with SST exemptions
 until the 30th of June 2021. Beyond that, it will cost RM42,800. Previously, the Anniversary Edition was priced at RM39,300.
GALLERY


New Supra is “the last present” for driving enthusiasts from Toyota

In a recent interview with Toyota UK, Chief Engineer of the new Supra, Tetsuya Tada, revealed a distressing reality not just of the Supra but also on the future of sportscars – one that we’ve all lamented but will have to accept as the “inevitable” future.
Speaking at the unveiling of the all-new Toyota Supra at the recently concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed, he said, “Looking at the current automotive industry, the talk is all about autonomous driving, electrification and artificial intelligence.”
“What that’s doing is giving rise to a lot of strict regulations, and that limits our capacity to make emotional sports cars; it’s getting much more difficult to do that,” he added.
As such Tetsuya Tada believes that the new fifth-generation Supra will be the last present from Toyota to those who enjoy and appreciate the audio purity of a petrol-powered engine, screaming at high revs.
If you haven’t heard, the new Z4 and the fifth-generation Supra shares similar mechanical underpinnings.
He added that in the efforts to extend and preserve the legacy of the Supra, certain design elements from the fourth-generation Supra (A80) had been carried over into the all-new model so that when people look at the new car, they can immediately identify it as a Supra.
Despite inheriting the front engine rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine attributes made famous in the Supras of old, most aren’t aware that the new Supra actually sits on an even shorter wheelbase than the GT86, with twice the body rigidity and even lower centre of gravity.


There are almost one million Perodua Myvis on our roads, and counting…

The
Perodua Myvi
, arguably the quintessential people’s car in Malaysia, is reaching the one millionth production milestone. That’s an amazing feat considering the Myvi was Perodua’s first foray into the B-segment.
It’s also not just a rebadge of the Passo – the car which it’s based on. Instead, the company sent their finest engineers to Japan to collaborate with Daihatsu and Toyota for a new B-segment hatchback. The Japs went on to launch the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon/Sirion in 2004, while Perodua released the Myvi a year later.
The Myvi moniker was derived from “
My Vehicle, My Vision
“, in which “My” stands for Malaysia (no surprises there). Launched in May 2005, the Perodua Myvi became a runaway success and was quickly named the best-selling car in Malaysia until 2014. The only other car capable of dethroning a Myvi is another
Perodua model
.
Besides doing exceedingly well in Malaysia, the Myvi also fared reasonably well in Indonesia. The Myvi was rebadged as a Daihatsu Sirion. Perodua claims that nearly 31,000 units of the Myvi found new homes in Indonesia (the world’s fourth most populous nation) since 2007. Approximately 35,000 of the Myvis were exported since 2006.
Today, the Myvi, currently in its second-generation guise, is the third best-selling Perodua model in its lineup. Perodua sold 13,900 Myvis in the first four months of 2017, and they are expecting the millionth Myvi to roll off the production line sometime this month. It is undeniably the country’s most produced vehicle, ever.
Now, with both Toyota and Daihatsu unveiling the new
Passo
 and
Boon
 in Japan last year, it’s only a matter of time before the new-generation Myvi comes along.


Mitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Edition: a special 10-unit run for East Malaysia

Triton fanatics in the East rejoice! Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced the
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition
in conjunction with the launch of the
Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge
 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition
Engine
2.5-litre turbodiesel with Variable Geometry Turbo technology
Transmission
5-speed automatic with Sports Mode
Max Power
176 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm of torque @ 1,800 – 3,500 rpm
Price
RM114,550 (Sabah), RM114,640.60 (Sarawak); OTR without insurance

There are no changes under the hood here, so customers are only paying for the limited edition aesthetics. On the outside, you get a
matte blacked 17-inch wheels
, some Ralli Art vinyls around the car including the racing number of Dakar Rally legend Hiroshi Masuoka on the bonnet. On the inside, it gets a two-toned red and black treatment on top of the leather seats.
As it’s based on the
Triton VGT
,  the Red Peak Limited Edition Triton shares the same
2.5-litre turbodiesel
 producing
176 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque at 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. Power is delivered to the wheels via a
five-speed automatic
 transmission with Sports Mode. It also comes with Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD system which allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD at speeds of up to 100km/h.
The Mitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition is currently offered with a cash rebate of RM7,000 with 2-Year Free Maintenance and or cash rebate of RM9,000. Find out more about
Mitsubishi’s Year-End Deals here
!
About the Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge
The Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge is inspired by Mitsubishi Motors’ victory in the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Challenge. This 4×4 event sees Mitsubishi 4WD models perform amazing feats on a specially tailored obstacle truck. Visitors can also experience test rides over various challenging obstacles including the “sky’ ramp that extends over 8-metres high at a 45-degree angle.
The Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge is currently touring Malaysia, scheduled as below:
Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge
No
State
Area
Venue
From
To
Days
Time
Nov- Dec 2014
1
Sarawak
Kuching
Giant Tabuan Jaya Mall Car Park
12 Dec 2014
14 Dec 2014
3
10am-8pm
2
Sarawak
Sarikei
Central Market Car Park
18 Dec 2014
20 Dec 2014
3
10am-8pm
Jan-March 2015
3
Sarawak
Sibu
Town Square Phase 2
9 Jan 2015
11 Jan 2015
3
10am-8pm
4
Sarawak
Mukah
Pasar Lama Car Park
15 Jan 2015
17 Jan 2015
3
10am-8pm
5
Sarawak
Bintulu
Old Airport
23 Jan 2015
25 Jan 2015
3
10am-8pm
6
Sarawak
Miri
Boulevard Shopping Mall Car Park
30 Jan 2015
01 Feb 2015
3
10am-8pm
7
Sabah
Tawau
Bazaar Fuji Mart Car Park
13 Feb 2015
15 Feb 2015
3
10am-8pm
8
Sabah
Lahad Datu
Bandar Sri Perdana
27 Feb 2015
01 March 2015
3
10am-8pm
9
Sabah
Sandakan
Giant Superstore Car Park
06 March 2015
08 March 2015
3
10am-8pm
10
Sabah
Labuan
Kompleks Sukan Laut Antarabangsa
13 March 2015
15 March 2015
3
10am-8pm

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IMAGE GALLERY


The Honda NSX Type S is a 608 hp swansong to the reborn cult icon

Honda has announced that it will be
 sunsetting the second-generation NSX
 at the end of 2022, just six years after the model was first unveiled. To see out the model, Honda has just unveiled the NSX Type S at the Monterey Car Week as its one last hurrah – and we’ve gotta say, what a way to send off the reborn cult icon.
The main upgrade for this run-out model is in the performance department. Specifically, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain now churns out a total of
608 hp
 and
667 Nm
 of torque, 27 hp and 22 Nm more than the regular NSX.
The power bump is largely thanks to new turbochargers that are borrowed from the
NSX GT3 Evo
race car, with a 6% increase in boost pressure. There are also new fuel injectors and improved intercoolers, and on the electric side, the batteries now have a 20% bump in capacity, and 10% increase in output.
Honda has also tweaked the NSX Type S’ nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a new gear ratio of 8.050:1 (down from 10.382:1). The gearbox can now apparently up-shift by up to 50% quicker, and also has a new Rapid Downshift Mode that allows it to skip gears when moving to a smaller cog.
Watch the old and new Honda NSX battle it out in a touge battle!
Other upgrades come in the form of retuned dampers, updated ECU software, new five-split-spoke forged alloy (in matte Shark Grey or gloss Berlina Black) for a 10- and 20-mm wider track front and back, and new bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres that offers up to 6% more lateral grip.
And on top of that, there are also new aerodynamic devices in the form of new front splitters, side sills, rear spoiler, and a new rear diffuser that’s modelled after the GT3 Evo race car. All in, Honda claims that the new Type S laps the Suzuka Circuit a whopping two seconds faster than the
outgoing NSX
– not bad at all for a final upgrade.
On the aesthetics end, the Honda NSX has been given a pretty significant makeover for the Type S, particularly on the front fascia. There’s a new hexagonal grille that’s paired to a sharper nose, while at the back, the rear bumpers have also been significantly reworked with more angular vents at the side, surrounding the aforementioned new carbon fibre diffuser.
The head- and tail-lights are both darkened, alongside the blacked-out wing mirrors, door handles, exhaust tips, and badges. The roof is now made with carbon fibre as standard, and customers can also opt for a Lightweight Package with carbon fibre engine cover, interior trims, and carbon-ceramic brake discs that supposedly drop the kerb weight by 26.2 kg.
Some good news instead: Honda is bringing back the Integra next year! Read more about it here.
Just
350 units
 of the new Honda NSX Type S will be built, and it’s the only variant that Honda is making for the rest of the model’s life, until end-2022. 300 out of the total is earmarked for the United States (wearing the Acura badge), and 70 of them in the new Gotham Gray exterior colour. So long, NSX.
GALLERY


Subaru WRX STI all prepped to set 2016 Isle of Man record

Isle of Man, a small island among the British Isles is quite the motoring destination. For the uninitiated, the island is best known for its 60km TT (Tourist Trophy) road course, also home to the world’s deadliest motorcycle race. Its also the same track where Subaru once dominated the course with the WRX STI, and this year the company is all game to shatter some records.
Certainly this means getting the best Subaru tuners in the world. Thus,
Subaru Technica International
 (STI) and British motorsport company
Prodrive
 will both be working together for this very purpose. There isn’t an STI variant for the
newly launched Impreza
, so Subaru has chosen the fourth-generation WRX STI instead.
Setting records require some serious hardware. This WRX STI will receive substantial aerodynamic upgrades, gripper tyres, sportier suspension, a stripped out interior and a roll cage. It’s unclear at this point if there’s any performance gain, though.
The regular WRX STI is powered by a
296 hp 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer
 engine paired to a
six-speed manual transmission
. Piloting the STI this year is British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, the same person who clocked 19 minutes 15 seconds back in 2014. Higgins is scheduled to tackle the Isle of Man sometime between 29 May to 10 June.
Meanwhile, do read our written review of the WRX STI
here
, or watch the video review below.


Audi models will finally get their own look, no more “Russian Doll” design

In recent years, Audi, like many other German carmakers, has been under fire for employing the “Russian Doll”  design philosophy which resulted in the range of models to look like one another. However, according to a report by
AutoCar UK
, the four-rings is ready to inject more defined looks for each individual model.
According to Audi Boss, Rupert Stadler, the reasoning behind its repetitive design was to make Audi vehicles more recognisable in newer and emerging markets. Now that the company is a known brand in major markets like China, they will begin to give each car its own look.
Audi E-Tron
Audi Design Boss Marc Lichte added: “We recognise that there is a place for more differentiation now. Since our cars are in production for a minimum of six years, in today’s world I think each model should have its own design to be attractive for this long time.”
Lichte hinted that the biggest leap (in design) for Audi will come in the new range of electric vehicles after the
E-Tron
quattro SUV which is due for next year. “Design will go in a very different way,” Lichte continued. Commenting on the design of electric vehicles, Lichte added, “[Designers] will have more material space to play with, so we’ll be able to produce [vehicles with] shorter overhangs and lower bonnets. It makes for a more attractive design overall.”


Proton X50 faster than a BMW X1? Here’s what actually happened

By now, you should have already seen the numerous videos posted by various publications, where the Proton X50 was pitted against a BMW X1 and a Honda HR-V during the media preview event at Sepang International Circuit on Wednesday.
If so, you’ve also probably seen or heard someone yapping on about how the Proton X50 beat the BMW X1 hands down in a drag race. While it’s true that the new
X50
 was indeed faster than the
BMW X1
 in this instance, we felt that some clarification is needed, as it really isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

First up, it’s the format. Unlike a drag race in the traditional sense, the three cars during the event were not exactly pitted against each other, per se. Instead, we were asked to pay attention to the 0-100 km/h times, as shown on the timing equipment placed in each of these cars. So realistically, the cars didn’t even need to be beside one another, other than for the “wow” factor.
There are several advantages in doing it this way, but it removes the human aspect in the comparison – poor reaction time to the lights (or in this case, voice) will not result in any particular car losing out in the contest, as each car is evaluated individually.
Secondly, there’s also the choice in vehicles. For one, the Proton X50 used in this comparison was the
range-topping Flagship variant
, packing the 1.5 TGDi engine which makes
 177 hp
 and
 255 Nm
 of torque. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 chosen for the test was the

sDrive18i variant
, which only packs
140 hp
 and
220 Nm
 on a very similar 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill.
But nevermind the power output – because the weight of the vehicles itself can tell you the whole story. Unladen, the BMW X1 weighs
1,505 kg
, which is actually quite significant for a compact SUV.
As for the Proton X50, while the company has not released its complete specifications yet, looking at its foreign cousins from China (Bin Yue) and Philippines (Coolray) will tell you that it should weigh around the
1,340 kg
 mark – more than 100 kg lighter than the German rival.
Looking back at our tests on the day –
which you can see in full in our video
 – the
Proton X50 Flagship
 ranked first with a 0-100 km/h time of 10.22 seconds, followed by the BMW X1 sDrive18i at 11.10 seconds, and last but not least the Honda HR-V 1.8L V at 11.88 seconds. Interestingly, even when coming in first in the shootout, the Proton X50 Flagship’s times were still miles away from the 7.9 seconds claimed on paper.
It’s no surprise that the Proton X50 Flagship would rank first in the 0 to 100 km/h test even when just based solely on its weight and engine output figures on paper – otherwise, why would Proton even arrange such a “performance” in a media preview event? The story could be very different if the
 sDrive20i
variant was chosen for this test, not to mention the
Honda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid
.
Credit where it’s due though, it is commendable that Proton is now taking the initiative to challenge these brands that were once thought to be untouchable by our measly local carmakers – even if it’s the cheapest BMW available in Malaysia. Does anyone remember the promise of “Asia’s answer to BMW”? Well, our dreams might actually come true now.


Ford Focus Special Edition: Dressed up Focus Sport + for just RM2,000 more?

Joining the
Kuga
 in a limited-time-only Special Edition trim is the
Ford Focus SE
, and its on-the-road price is
RM131,888
 with insurance but excluding the RM379.50 road tax.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford Focus Special Edition
Engine
1,999cc; direct injected with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT)
Transmission
6-Speed Powershift Automatic (dry-type dual clutch)
Max Power
170 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
202 Nm @ 4,450 rpm
Price
RM131,888 (OTR
WITH
 insurance)

The Focus SE is essentially a Focus Sport + with several enhancements, most prominently the
blacked out
 hood and side mirrors. Other additions for nearly
RM2,000
 gets you the custom made full bodykit, LED daytime running lights, the SE decals, interior sport carpet mats and leather seats. There’s also a
special body colour
 to go with this trim – Winning Blue, as seen in the pictures here. We think it’s a no-brainer deal.
No mechanical changes here, and the Focus SE soldiers on with its
2.0-litre naturally aspirated
 four-cylinder engine shared with the other Focuses. It makes
170 hp
 at 6,500 rpm and
202 Nm
 of torque at 4,450 rpm, whilst returning a combined fuel consumption of
6.6 litres per 100 km
.
Transmission choice is also the same here, with the brand’s six-speed Powershift dual clutch (dry type) automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Just to remind you, the Focus comes with
six airbags
 as standard, on top of its impressive safety kit that’s comprised of Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Electronic Passive Anti-Theft Alarm System and Fuel Cut-off Inertia Switch – just to name a few. Headlights are bi-xenon and the car comes with powered sunroof as standard.
Again, for just a little less than RM2,000 you get what’s already a bargain buy. Leather seats and all-around bodykit? That’ll easily cost you RM3,000 to RM4,000 in the aftermarket. As with other Fords, this Focus SE gets 5-years or 200,000km warranty programme (whichever comes first) including Ford’s 3-year or 60,000km Extended Service Plan that covers parts and labour for free.
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IMAGE GALLERY


Watch the McLaren 720S GT3X storm to victory at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed has just concluded after a four-day event from the 8th to thw 11th of July 2021 with the
McLaren 720S GT3X
 emerging as the fastest car in the annual
Timed Shootout Final
.
The GT3X was piloted by McLaren factory driver Rob Bell through the 1.8 km course to a time of
45.01 seconds
. Second place was clinched by Travis Pastrana who was 1.19 seconds behind at 46.2 seconds in his Subaru WRX STI while third was a Spice-Cosworth SE88 at 47.1 seconds.
Find out more about the RM1.2 million McLaren 720S in Malaysia!

The
overall hill climb record
 still belongs to the
Volkswagen ID.R
 with a time of
39.9 seconds
. The record was set in 2019 by the 680 hp electric race car, beating a 20-year record from 1999.
Watch the video and you’d realise how large the 720S GT3X and how little room there was to maneuver through the course that was first used in 1936. It would be more nail-biting to watch an on-board footage so here’s to hoping one would be released soon.
In case you haven’t heard, the 720S GT3X may not be more powerful than the
standard 720S
, with the same 720 hp and 770 Nm but it’s lighter. Compared to the standard model, it weighs about 70 kg less; mainly from the removal of the cabin trims. At the push of a button, the GT3X can deliver 30 hp extra albeit momentarily.


Quick Review: D55L/Ativa could be Perodua’s new King of the Road

So Perodua invited a few of us over to their headquarters today to test drive the
all-new Perodua Ativa
 – a name if we can now confident use for Perodua’s first ever turbocharged vehicle with a CVT gearbox.
Unfortunately, we were
not allowed to film nor shoot any of the test activities
from today so you’ll just have to make do with words.
While 98 hp and 140 Nm from a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine paired to a CVT may not sound like much in the context of an SUV, all prior concerns about it being underpowered were completely forgotten the moment we tapped on the throttle.
Two words came to mind – responsive and eager. Firstly we brought to test the Ativa on a slope, to see how it would cope on an uphill climb.
Granted there were only two passengers in the car (myself and the instructor) but even when we lifted off the throttle midway through the slope, the Ativa had no problems getting the momentum going again.
On the long straights, the Ativa yet again proved that it’s more powerful than what is suggested on the spec sheet – speaking strictly in the context of a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, of course.
Between the 70 km/h to 80 km/h, acceleration was eager and almost effortless all the way up to 130 km/h. At least that’s what we clocked; other media representatives claimed that the Ativa still had more to give beyond that speed.
When we tried to manually up and downshift through the CVT gearbox’s seven virtual gears, like the engine, the CVT gearbox was also quick to respond. Positioned on the steering is a POWER button that sharpens the engine’s response even more.
At speeds in excess of 100 km/h, the environment in the cabin was calm with minimal wind noise and even when we tested the Ativa on a stretch of uneven tarmac and a series of speed bumps, the Ativa absorbed all the shocks with the refinement of a car twice its price.
We suspect that this is due to the Ativa’s stiffer, more rigid chassis which allows the car’s suspension to be more comfort-oriented.
Given the surprise performance package from such an assuming exterior, and coupled with superb stability unmatched by any Perodua before this, it’s hard to ignore that this could be Perodua’s new King of the Road.
Can the Ativa do for Perodua what they Myvi achieved in the last decade? Only time will tell but we suspect that it will attract more suitors than haters solely from the way it drives and handles.
Unfortunately, that’s all the feedback we can share for now although there’ll be more coming your way from
3rd of March onwards
. Stay tuned!


Sixth-gen Hyundai Elantra coming this year, 1.6 turbo possible!

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just dropped word that the
sixth-generation Elantra
 will be on its way to our shores sometime this year. Apparently, two engine choices may find its way here – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder.
Spotting the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, the new Elantra will feature a complete design overhaul with a sleeker front end and a more aggressive rear end. The first of the two engines is the
2.0-litre Nu MPI
 pushing out
154 hp
 and
195 Nm
 of torque. It is paired to a
conventional six-speed automatic transmission
.
Alternatively, the Elantra can be had with a
1.6-litre Gamma GDI
 engine found in the
Veloster Turbo
. Like the Veloster Turbo, the mill is mated to a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
 transmission and delivers
201 hp
 and
265 Nm
 of torque.
To recap, the
current generation Elantra
 sold in our market comes with either a 1.6-litre Gamma MPI naturally aspirated engine or a 1.8-litre Nu MPI naturally aspirated engine putting out
128 hp
 and
148 hp
 respectively.
If you are just as excited as we are about the new Elantra, be sure to keep tabs on our website for more information!
IMAGE GALLERY


You can now personalise your leather upholstery at DK Leather

DK Leather Seats Sdn Bhd, a prominent automotive upholstery manufacturer in Malaysia is expanding their business reach by directly targeting the end user.
Founded in 1997, DK Leather Seats (DKLS) manufactures, distributes and installs automotive leather seat covers for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Replacement Equipment Manufacturer (REM) market segments with multiple international marques both locally and abroad.
With this new Business to Consumer (B2C) market approach, DKLS through their domestic retail arm brand,
DK Schweizer
, will offer bespoke services to individual vehicle owners who wish to have their very own
personalised
 and
customised
 leather seats.
“Ultimately, we want our customers to experience the feeling of luxury and comfort at a reasonable price regardless of the vehicle their own. The first of its kind product offerings in the region to meet individual expectations who desire to have an enjoyable driving experience.
“Also, customers would not need to worry about the leather fittings as we have an in-house test centre that ensures all materials and fittings are put through vigorous and meticulous Quality Control (QC) testing for durability and reliability are not being compromised,” said Director of DK Leather Seats, Lesley Koek.
Staffed with talented master craftsmen and leather from tanneries in Italy and South America, DKLS factory is also equipped with the latest technology and automation, ensuring high production and efficiency to meet the demand of customers whilst minimising wastage and carbon footprint.
The company also has its own research and development team that works tirelessly towards developing materials and customisable templates for the latest car models. There are
over 10,000
 seat patterns and car models in their database comprising of domestic and foreign brands.
Side airbags are commonly fitted in the seat
Side airbags are commonly fitted in the seat
With a growing number of vehicles fitted with
side airbags
 in the seats, DKLS has invested in the technology and know-how to ensure their products perform as expected. The finished products are tested and
certified by TUV Rheinland
Group as

compliance of airbag deployment.
DKLS hopes to be a trendsetter for car seat personalisation and customisation whilst delivering quality, durability and value for money products for customers enjoyment at a premium level of comfort.


2016 Proton Persona teased online, launching in two weeks!

We all know that 2016 will either be a make or break year for Proton. Right after the launch of the
Proton Perdana
, the next model to take the limelight would be the Proton Persona. The good news is, we are some two weeks away from the launch, as teased by the picture above on
Proton’s Facebook page
.
The second-generation Persona is essentially the
Proton Iriz
 with an extended boot. Proton’s new strategy means the new Persona is now downgraded from a C-segment car to a B-segment car. Meanwhile, the teaser confirms one thing – the Persona’s front aesthetics will be slightly different compared to its hatchback equivalent. The front headlights also wear a different design, while the circular fog lights marks a departure from the Iriz’s flat lights. Noticed the new emblem? That’s Proton’s new logo, accompanied by their new “It’s in the Drive” motto.
The Persona will be sharing the same engine as the Iriz, meaning it’ll receive the all familiar
107 hp  1.6-litre Campro VVT
 engine paired to either a Getrag-sourced five-speed manual or CVT with seven virtual ratios. Just like the video above depicts, the Persona hasn’t lost its appetite for having fun while retaining a decent list of safety features, thanks to a variety of electronic aids such as ABS, EBD and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Watch this space for more updates on the Persona!


Review: Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan, the Japanese soul stirrer [+Video]

The C-segment market is getting more and more crowded today and buyers are now spoiled for choice. With offerings from Europe, Japan, Korea, and even Malaysia, each manufacturers are using different approach to woo in buyers into their brand. Mazda is banking on their soulful approach, where terms such as Soul of Motion,
Jinba-ittai
 or ‘feeling of being completely at one with the vehicle’ (taken right out of the brochure, yes I’m not kidding), and even this special Soul Red Metallic paint featured here on our review unit of the
Mazda3
 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan was developed as part of Mazda’s
Takumi-nuri
 (master painting craftsman) technology with a layer of ‘high-chroma red pigment’ embedded under the clearcoat. Sounds like Mazda is waxing lyrical about their product, but I’m sure that means they’re passionate.
Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review
This review unit here is the first batch Completely Built-Up (CBU) model imported from Japan as the local assembly is tipped to be in the near future. Being the only sole trim offered on this initial batch, this Mazda3 is weirdly-equipped as it’s lacking some of the creature comforts offered by its rivals, but at least it comes with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and six airbags as standard. Let’s check out what this new Mazda3 has to offer to take on the packed C-segment sedan category.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan

Segment
C-Segment Sedan
Engine
1998cc 4-Cylinder
Max Power
162 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque
210 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Price
RM138,950.80
 (OTR without insurance)
Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review
EXTERIOR

By now you should be familiar with Mazda’s beautiful
KODO
 design language which is now evident throughout most of the current Mazda range on sale here in Malaysia. The front greets you with a mischievous smile and the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) looks like a menacing pair of eyebrows on top of the
Bi-Xenon
 lamps. A pair of round foglamps however look a bit out of place just below the turn indicators at the lower part of the front bumper.

From the tip of the headlamps there’s the prominent body line that arches all the way down towards the rear wheel. This particular line tricks the eyes into thinking that the car has a long nose and making it look like the cabin has been pushed backwards. There’s a crease on the lower flank that gently rises up towards the rear wheel while another shoulder line starts from the middle finishes off at the pointy edge of the rear lights.
The LED in the rear lights mirror the pattern of eyebrows from the front headlights while the stubby tail now has the numberplate mounted on the bootlid instead of the bumper on the previous Mazda3. Although it has twin tailpipes, it’s a shame that Mazda chooses to hide them underneath the rear bumper. Overall it looks like a Mazda6 that got shrunk in the dryer, which is not bad at all. It’s one of those cars that demands your second glance after you parked it and walk away from it.
INTERIOR

The driver’s seat is where this writer likes to be in, but this Mazda3 splits opinion with the design layout of the dashboard. Don’t get me wrong, the build quality is solid with soft-touch plastic is used to cover the top part of the dashboard and the rotary knobs operate with quality feel. However, the seven inch touch-sensitive screen that sits atop of the center console looks like an afterthought, and the carbonfibre trim looks like a DIY job from a local accessories shop. Other minor niggles are the location of the start-stop button which is hidden behind the wiper stalk, the cheap-looking glovebox, and the blanked-out buttons and panels scattered around due to this particular specification currently offered here.

You get a centrally-located speedometer in the instrument cluster, flanked by LCD displays on each side. The left displays a digital rev-counter which is a tad too small while the right LCD displays vital information such as fuel consumption and distance to empty. It’s all very clean and clutter-free but for me it doesn’t really invoke the
Jinba-ittai
 sense of oneness between driver and car that Mazda claimed to offer.
The driver’s seat adjusts manually and the steering adjusts for reach and rake so there shouldn’t be a problem to find your preferred driving position. The seat itself is comfy enough, especially when wrapped with the optional leather upholstery. The center console has been simplified where you can only find the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls and a CD slot at the bottom.
All the other controls are now grouped in the new
MZD Connect
 controller that controls the menu displayed on the seven inch Multi-Information Display (MID) screen. The MID displays the vehicle’s settings, fuel consumption, audio function, and even GPS navigation. You don’t necessary have to use the controller because the screen is also touch-sensitive.

The gearlever loses the gated shifter on the previous Mazda3 and gains itself a leather boot with red stitching. You still get Manual override option and the paddleshifters now adopts the common setup of left paddle to downshift, right paddle to upshift, instead of pull to upshift, push to downshift on both sides on the previous Mazda3. There are a couple of cup holders in the center console and a two-tiered cubbyhole under the armrest with a 12v DC outlet, an SD card slot, an Aux in port, and two USB ports. You also get a glass sunroof as standard which is always a nice addition to have.

Rear passenger space is decent and there’s a surprising amount of headroom available. You get the usual drop down center armrest with cupholders and there are
ISOFIX
 mounts included as well but no rear air conditioning vents. The rear seats is splitted 60/40 so you can always fold them down flat if you find the
408 litres
 of boot space is not enough.

PERFORMANCE

Mazda is boasting about their 2.0 litre
SkyActiv-G
 powerplant with its high compression ratio of
14.0:1
 which is said to have better energy extraction out of the engine. Personally I don’t find anything spectacular with that claim as it only produces
162hp @ 6000rpm
 and
210Nm
 of torque
@ 4000rpm
. However it is currently the most powerful car among its rivals but not by much.

The power delivery is linear and you will get the power gradually as you venture up the rev range. It’s a pretty buzzy engine but once you rev it up the redline it sounds pretty good. With this powerplant, the Mazda3 sprints from
0-100km/h
 in about
nine seconds
 and top speed is in excess of
200km/h
.
THE DRIVE

As mentioned earlier, the 2.0 litre SkyActiv powerplant is definitely not shy to prove its presence under the bonnet with the lack of under-bonnet insulation, it can get pretty loud at times. Together with the
i-ELOOP
 technology, it will harvest energy from deceleration and stores it into a high-capacity
Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC)
. The accumulated energy then will be used to power the electrical equipment in the car.
The
i-stop
 system works in conjunction with i-ELOOP, by shutting down the engine when stationary while the energy from EDLC continues to power the car’s equipment. Mazda doesn’t use the starter motor to restart the car but uses the combustion energy itself, claiming it provides smoother and quicker restarts but the result is still a jerky re-start. The outcome from all that techno-wizardry, you should be able to get
6.5l/100km
 but during my time with it I managed to get 8.3l/100km with mixed driving.
In town the ride is well-composed. With the
18″ rims
 and low-profiled tyres combo you expect it to be crashy on the potholed city roads, but it doesn’t. The
Electric Powered Steering
 (EPS) feels natural as it doesn’t have that artificially light feel that some EPS systems tend to have. Traveling on the highway, you will notice the wind noise from those large side mirrors. At the maximum highway legal speed (which is 110km/h, should you need to be reminded) in top gear, the engine is only revving at 2000rpm but you have to maintain the throttle yourself as the cruise control is absent in this car. Slotted in ‘D’, the gearbox is always eager to shift up to the highest gear in order to promote better fuel efficiency.
If you want to hold on to a particular gear, you can move the lever to ‘M’. Work with the shift paddles behind the wheel and the gearchanges are fast enough in response to your input. On flowing roads it’s a sweet handling car with the 215/45 R18 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx provide more than enough grip to tackle the corners. The steering is properly weighted and the brakes performed well which makes the drive really enjoyable on the winding roads. It’s good to know that the Mazda engineers still hasn’t lost their
mojo
when it comes to tuning their cars’ handling.
At the end of your drive, you will get a summary of your driving from the MID, showing how economical was your driving and how much fuel was saved with the i-stop technology.
IS IT FOR YOU?

If you already own the previous-generation Mazda3, you might want to keep your current car. The previous Mazda3 was already a neat-handling car to begin with so you’re not missing out that much enjoyment from behind the wheel of the new Mazda3. Unless you really must have the latest SkyActiv technology under the bonnet, it is advisable to double-check the equipments sheet carefully to find out what you’re getting (or what you’re not getting) from the new Mazda3. I know it’s quite tempting to trade up when the new Mazda3 looks this good.
If you never owned a Mazda before, the looks alone might have convinced you already but might be put off by the equipment list. Those who value driving enjoyment shouldn’t be bothered by that and instead they should be heading to the Mazda showroom for a test drive.
New vs Old: We compare the new 2014 Mazda3 SkyActiv with the old 2009 Mazda3
COMPARISONS

It’s pretty tough to pick the nearest rivals for Mazda3 because there are so many contenders in this tightly contested C segment. So let’s compare it with the most ‘bang-for-your-buck’
Kia Cerato
 and the infamous
Toyota Corolla Altis
. The Cerato packs the best value for money hands down with the feature list so long it makes the Mazda3 look like an entry level base-spec car. It is also a pretty close match on power as well so it’s quite hard to dismiss this Korean offering.

The Altis is another competent rival, with brand faith and expected reliability, it’s almost a default choice to most buyers. Although the 2.0 litre engine is carried over from the previous generation, the engine itself is not really an old unit. Down on power and equipped with CVT transmission, it might not sound as interesting but at least it’s been kept up-to-date with the striking new styling and generous equipment (compared to what Mazda3 has to offer). If buyers can look pass the enticing offer of goodies from Kia and the generic-ness of the Toyota, they will be rewarded with a fine handling car in the shape of Mazda3.
Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv

Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V

Kia Cerato 2.0

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder direct injection petrol
4-cylinder direct injection petrol
4-cylinder multi point injection petrol
Displacement
cc
1998
1987
1999
Max Power
hp/rpm
162/6000
145/6200
161/6500
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
210/4000
187/3600
194/4800
STEERING
Type
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
Motor driven power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6-speed SkyActiv Drive
CVT with 7-speed Sports Sequential Shift
6-speed Automatic
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson struts / Multilink
MacPherson struts / Torsion Beam
MacPherson struts / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
215/45 R18
215/45 R17
215/45 R17
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4585
4620
4560
Overall Width
mm
1795
1776
1780
Overall Height
mm
1450
1460
1445
Wheelbase
mm
2700
2700
2700
Max Kerb weight
kg
1220
1300
1339
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
408
470
482
FUEL
Tank Capacity
51
55
50
Consumption
6.5L/100km
8.0L/100km
7.0L/100km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
210
185
210
0 – 100km/h
sec
8.8
10.0
9.3
PRICE
RM
139,950.80
139,915.30
118,888.00
New vs Old: We compare the new Mazda3 SkyActiv with the old Mazda3
WILL I BUY IT?

I love the way it handles but the price is such a deterrent considering how it is specced. If you can afford it you will love it but you may want to wait a little while for the CKD units to be introduced. They are usually cheaper unless Bermaz decides to keep the same price but throw in more goodies in the car.
Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review
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VIDEO GALLERY
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IMAGE GALLERY


Check out the Peugeot e-2008 and Landtrek at 1 Utama, from May 17 to 25

Bermaz Auto Alliance
 is holding the
Peugeot
 Roadshow at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Showcasing models such as the
Peugeot e-2008
 battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV, the
2008 SE
 B-segment SUV, as well as the
Landtrek
 pick-up truck, the roadshow will be held from
May 17
 to
25
,
2023
, at the shopping centre’s LUXE Concourse from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
After being previewed at the recently held
Malaysia Autoshow 2023
, the
e-2008
 is now making an appearance once again at the Peugeot Roadshow at 1 Utama. The Peugeot e-2008 is the BEV equivalent of the petrol-powered Peugeot 2008 and is powered by a front-mounted single-motor system that is capable of making
136 hp
 and
260 Nm
 of torque.
Peugeot e-2008
Thanks to a
50 kWh
 battery, the e-2008 is capable of achieving
320 km
 of range (WLTP). The BEV SUV supports
100 kW
 DC charging and can be charged from 0 to 80% in
30 minutes
.
However, we can only expect the Peugeot e-2008 to be launched in
Q3 2023
. But for those who missed the car during the MAS 2023, Bermaz Auto Alliance is now giving you yet another chance to take a look at the car. So do grab the chance while you still can!
RELATED:
Peugeot e-2008 previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 – up to 320km range, 100kW DC charging
Peugeot 2008 SE
The Peugeot 2008 SE is the special edition variant of the brand’s 2008 B-segment SUV. It comes with the SE accessories package, which includes black front, rear and side bumper garnishes, piano black rims, vehicle decals, and SE badges. Together with the SE accessories package, the 2008 SE costs
RM141,003
 (OTR without insurance and without additional accessories).
Powering the Peugeot 2008 SE is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces
130 hp
 and
230 Nm
 of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, power is sent to the front wheels only.
RELATED:
2023 Peugeot 2008 SE launched in Malaysia – adds RM2,900 in accessories
Peugeot Landtrek
The Peugeot Landtrek is the French company’s pick-up truck offering and is priced at
RM120,072
 (OTR without insurance) in Malaysia. Based on Changan Automobile’s Kaicene F70 pick-up truck, the Landtrek is available in one variant only and is powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engine that makes
150 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Landtrek is equipped with a part-time 4WD system.
Together with these three cars, Bermaz Auto Alliance is also showcasing the regular Peugeot 2008 and the 3008. The Peugeot 2008, just like its special edition sibling, is powered by the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Costs-wise, the regular 2008 is available at the price of
RM134,103
 (OTR without insurance).
RELATED:
2023 Peugeot Landtrek launched in Malaysia, RM120k – ASEAN debut for French truck
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008, on the other hand, is the French carmaker’s C-segment SUV and is offered in a sole variant. Priced at
RM170,288
 (OTR without insurance), the 3008 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the French SUV is able to churn out
165 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to the front wheels only.
RELATED:
Peugeot 2008 facelift unveiled – up to 406 km range for e-2008


Jaguar F-Type S and R Coupès launched in Malaysia, priced from RM900k [+Video]

Jaguar’s latest sports car, the
F-Type Coupè
 was just introduced to the Malaysian market at Sisma Auto’s
new showroom
 located at the ground floor of
Menara Worldwide
 along
Jalan Bukit Bintang
. The sports coupè comes in two different flavours, the
F-Type S
 with the
3.0-litre supercharged V6
 and the range topping
F-Type R
 with the
5.0-litre supercharged V8
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Jaguar F-Type S Coupè
Jaguar F-Type R Coupè
Engine
2,995cc supercharged V6
5,000cc supercharged V8
Transmission
Eight-speed Quickshift automatic
Eight-speed Quickshift automatic
Max Power
380 PS @ 6,500 rpm
550 PS @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
460 Nm @ 3,500 – 5,000 rpm
680 Nm @ 2,500 – 5,500 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
4.9 seconds; 275 km/h
4.2 seconds; 300 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM899,888
RM1,158,888

After
40 long years
 since Jaguar’s last sports car (the E-Type) was made, the F-Type was made to take on some of Germany’s finest breed of sports cars, such as the Porsche 911. First off, the F-Type is
 fully constructed of aluminium
. Its body is moulded from a single sheet of aluminium, eliminating the need for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. This increases its
structural rigidity
 and
improves handling dynamics
 as well.
Jaguar says the F-TYPE Coupé visual message is defined by
 three key ‘heartlines’
, beginning with the twin
‘shark gill’
 openings that sit on both sides of the grille, making the first heartline. The front headlights are accentuated by the
LED ‘J-Blade’
 styled DRLs. The Coupé’s second heartline begins at the rear edge of the door where lines are muscular, creating a strong visual impression of the rear wheel drive sports car. The third heartline forms the Coupé’s sweeping roof profile that gives it that distinctive silhouette.
Jaguar F-Type R – RM1,158,888
This range topping F-Type Coupé is powered by Jaguar’s
5.0-litre supercharged V8
 petrol engine that is made entirely out of
aluminium
. It makes a whopping
 550 PS
 and
680 Nm
 of torque, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
 4.2 seconds
 and onto an
electronically limited
 top speed of
300 km/h
. The high-tech aluminium engine is also considerably efficient for its displacement, thanks in part to the
Spray-Guided Direct Injection
 (SGDI) and
Dual Independent Variable Cam Timing
 (DIVCT) technologies.

Features exclusive to the F-Type R are the
panoramic glass roof
, powered tailgate,
 quad exhaust tailpipes
, the 20-inch Gyrodyne wheels, Jaguar’s Super Performance Brakes (
380mm front
 and
376mm rear
 disc brakes) and Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by braking. The interior colour scheme can be chosen from either the dual tone red and black leather seats with red stitching or plain black leather seats with red stitching.
Jaguar F-Type S – RM899,888
There are two supercharged V6 engines found in the F-Type range, and they can be found in the F-Type and F-Type S. The former however, isn’t brought in by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, and it is unclear if they ever will. That aside, the F-Type S gets the
more powerful
 supercharged V6, making
380 PS @ 6,500 rpm
 and
460 Nm
 of torque at 3,500 to 5,000 rpm. Such numbers are good for a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in
4.9 seconds
 while managing an electronically limited top speed of
 275 km/h
. For comparison’s sake, the F-Type’s V6 makes
340 PS
 and
450 Nm
 of torque, gets to 100 km/h in
 5.3 seconds
 and onto the
260 km/h
 top speed.
Visual differences that separate the R and the S variants are the 20-inch Tornado wheels, twin exhaust pipes, slightly smaller rear brakes (380mm front discs and 325mm rear discs), a mechanical limited-slip differential and body-coloured roof.

Differences aside, both the F-Types do share quite a number of standard features to suit your likings:
– Active Sports Exhaust (driving modes dictate exhaust sound)
 – Dynamic Stability Control with Trac DSC mode
 – Bi-function HID xenon headlights
 – Deployable door handles and rear spoiler
 – Paddle shifters
 – Cruise control with speed limiter
 – Twin dial instruments with built-in 5-inch display
 – 14-way electrically powered seats with memory
 – Configurable ambient interior lighting
 – 8-inch touch screen display with GPS navigation, USB, Auxiliary and iPod connectivity
 – Single slot CD/DVD player
 – 380Watt Meridian Sound System
 – Front and rear sensors with reverse camera
 – Pedestrian contact sensing system
 – Roll over protection system
All told, the F-Type Coupes both come with a
five-year warranty programme
 with scheduled servicing and Jaguar’s premium
roadside assistance
. Both cars are available in
three different exterior colours
 – Polaris White, Salsa Red and Stratus Grey.
So what do you think? About time for the Coventry-based carmaker to build a successor to the iconic E-Type, no?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
Jaguar F-Type S
Coupè

Jaguar F-Type R
Coupè


Watch the new Audi RS6 Avant belch a sweet twin-turbo V8 noise!

And it’s almost as quick as the
new Ferrari Roma
, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds; the Roma does it in 3.4 seconds.
Baffling isn’t it? It’s simply staggering to witness how far we’ve come with automotive production. Just over 10 years ago, shock waves would’ve been sent around the globe if a sports car could do the same run in under four seconds.

These days, even the wagons are doing it and for the
latest 2020 Audi RS6 Avant
 – a Super Wagon of sorts – it’s merely a walk in the park.
Here’s a list of supercars and super saloons introduced in the past 12 months or so in Malaysia that the RS6 can antagonise, pounce on and potentially make mince meat out of:
BMW M5
 – 3.4 seconds
Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+
 – 3.4 seconds
Mercedes-AMG GT C
 – 3.7 seconds
Mercedes-AMG GT R
 – 3.6 seconds
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
 – 3.4 seconds
BMW M850i xDrive
 – 3.7 seconds
What else did we miss?
IMAGE GALLERY
Static photo
Color: daytonagray matt


The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is opulence at the highest level

The standard
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
 already screams lavishness as it is, but for those looking to always go one step further, Bentley’s coachbuilding division is taking opulence to a whole new level with the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.
Dubbed as “the pinnacle of roof-down automotive luxury”, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is set to make its global debut at Cheval Blanc in St. Tropez, as part of the brand’s European Summer Tour.
The new exterior flourishes, although minor, are immediately noticeable: 22-inch 10-spoke wheels featuring a self-levelling wheel badge, unique Double Diamond front grille, along with Mulliner-branded side vents – all of which feature a unique silver-on-black diamond theme.
Notice a pattern yet? Bentley says that the diamond theme is inspired by the brand’s Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting design concept, which can be found on all four seats, door trims, rear quarters, and also for the first time ever the tonneau cover in the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.
Each diamond in the quilting contains exactly 712 individual stitches – each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Bentley says that there are almost 400,000 stitches throughout the entire car, and the development of the embroidery process alone took 18 months.
Inside, the exquisite interior can be configured in eight three-colour combinations – all custom made by Mulliner – featuring a third accent colour to the interior in the form of a distinctive design line across the dashboard. Customers of the Mulliner convertible will even receive their keys in a handcrafted presentation box that matches the three-colour interior configuration of their own cars.
the luxurious diamond-quilted leather is paired to a Grand Black walnut veneer dashboard, but customers can choose any one of 88 different piano-finished wood veneers through Bentley Mulliner Personal Commissioning.
The walnut veneer is hand sanded and polished, then painted to match the colour of he customer’s choice. Once dry, the veneer is polished to achieve a “mirror-like” finish, with chrome details – including a Convertible silhouette and a ‘B’ motif – overlaid directly into the wood.
The centre console on the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible features a tactile three-dimensional “Diamond Milled Technical” finish, which also houses a bespoke Breitling for Mulliner clock with a brushed metallic face and bejewelled hour marks. The clock is surrounded by chrome to accompany the air vents.
As an added option, customers can also choose to equip their cars with the top-of-the-range Naim for Bentley audio system, consisting of eighteen speakers and two Active Bass transducers, driven by a 2,200-watt, 20-channel amplifier.
The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible remains unchanged under the hood; buyers can choose between a
6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12
 or a
4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine
. The former outputs
635 hp
 and
900 Nm
of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of
3.8 seconds
. Meanwhile, the
 550 hp
 V8 option does 0-100 km/h just a tad slower at
4.1 seconds.
The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is available in any of the extended Bentley Mulliner paint range of 88 colours. If you’re looking for something really, really specific tough, the company’s artisan paint specialists can even colour-match the paint job of your new car to any item or sample you bring to them – pretty much giving you infinite choice.
IMAGE GALLERY


This Toyota Hilux with an AMG V8 is something we never knew we needed

Because one of the baddest pick-ups in the world needs one of the baddest V8s out of Mercedes-Benz.
Remember the W204 version of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG? The one famously known for having an enormous M156 6.3-litre V8 engine wedged in the front, powering only the rear wheels?

Strapped with the first ever engine built by the Mercedes-Benz’s AMG subsidiary, it had the acceleration qualities of a missile and would not think twice about throwing you sideways in an instant if your talent dries up behind the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz went on with the same source for the CLS 63, the SL 63 and E63, to name a few, of that decade.
Source:
 Speed and Sound Magazine
Now someone in South Africa has decided to jam the same M156 V8 engine with anywhere between
475 hp to 518 hp
 (depending on model) and
up to 600 Nm
, into an unassuming Toyota Hilux – for a potent shot of acceleration at the slightest flex of his right toe.
The bigger surprise is that the V8 is mated to a manual, and a quick check affirmed that the W204 C63 never had a manual option. Not much is known beyond that except that this Frankenstein is also daily-driven.
With that noise, why the heck not?


Volvo’s first ever full electric car will be made… in China

Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium carmaker has just announced at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 that the company will be building its first full electric car in China! The electric vehicle will go on sale in 2019 and China will be the export hub for these zero emission vehicles.
“Volvo Cars fully supports the Chinese government’s call for cleaner air as outlined in the latest five-year plan. It is fully in-line with our own core values of environmental care, quality and safety,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “We believe that electrification is the answer to sustainable mobility.”
China is the world’s largest market for electrified cars thanks to the government’s initiative to address congestions and air-quality issues in its major cities. China’s exponential growth as an automotive manufacturing hub will play a significant role in assisting Volvo’s plans for electrified mobility.
Volvo’s first electric car will feature the company’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), designed for compact cars. They are also currently developing a fully electric car based on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform that underpins the 90 series and 60 series models.
Volvo is aiming to sell a total of one million electrified cars – full electric and hybrid included – by 2025. Coincidentally, that’s the
same figure as Volkswagen
. Currently, Volvo has three manufacturing facilities in China – Daqing that produces 90 series cars, Chengdu for its 60 series cars and Luqiao making its 40 series cars.
IMAGE GALLERY


UMW Toyota teases updated GR Supra – Malaysia launch imminent?

Through a video titled “Supra Improvement Video” uploaded onto the company’s Facebook page, UMW Toyota has now officially teased the
updated GR Supra
, hinting at the imminent debut of the highly-acclaimed sports car here in Malaysia.
The video features a stopwatch overlay which stops exactly at 4.1 seconds – suggesting at the century sprint time of the updated GR Supra, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the official figure of the
current model
.
The video ends with the slogan “every second counts”, along with an accompanying caption: “Keep your foot on the brakes Toyota fans. The Supra is warming up its engine for a huge surprise.”
Launched back in
February this year
, the new Toyota GR Supra features an uprated 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, now producing
387 hp
, up from the current 340 hp. Torque figure pretty much remains the same at
500 Nm
, but the peak twisting force is now available all the way
up to 5,000 rpm
.
Over in the United States, Toyota quotes a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds on the updated Supra, which when extrapolated to 100 km/h should be roughly
4.1 seconds.
 However,
 through our own testing
, the current Supra already produces nearer to the 370 hp mark, so expect the actual century sprint times to drop even further – we’ll definitely test it out when we get our hands on one!
Other improvements on the new Supra include new
 lightweight aluminium braces
 that for increased lateral rigidity, along with
updated front and rear bump stops
,
new damper tuning
, as well as some software tuning to improve roll resistance and cornering stability especially during quick direction changes.
The American-spec Supra also gets an upgraded infotainment display and the addition of Toyota Supra Safety System – both of which already standard on our local variant. However, the updated GR Supra will also come with
wireless Apple CarPlay
, a feature currently still limited to only a handful of cars on the road.
Let’s just hope that the updated Toyota GR Supra will be launched here in Malaysia with the gorgeous Refraction Blue exterior colour as seen on the limited-edition “A91 Edition” Supra!


Meet Geely’s B-segment contenders, Geely Bin Rui sedan & SX11 SUV

Geely Auto has just announced their forthcoming products that will make its debut towards the end of 2019, the Bin Rui compact sedan and a compact SUV code-named SX11. Both models will be based on the group’s latest global B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform.
The Bin Rui sedan appeals to the younger consumers through its sporty design, dynamic driving experience and high levels of onboard technology. No other information was revealed but the BMA platform is compatible with existing conventional internal combustion engines and electrified powertrains.
The SX11 SUV will be officially unveiled in Q4 of 2018 and will be competing against the likes of
Mazda CX-3
 and
Honda HR-V
. Geely has confirmed that their new SUV will utilise a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mill that was co-developed with Volvo Cars – the same engine that is found on the
Volvo XC40 T3
.
The 1.5TD engine will command
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
 of torque, capable of propelling the SX11 from 0 to 100 km/h in
7.9 seconds
. Geely claims this is faster than many of its rivals including those from luxury brands – in the gallery you can see Geely taking a swipe at the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
In a series of teaser images, it would appear that the SX11 will be a shrunken down version of the marques Boyue SUV albeit with a sportier image to appeal to the younger audience. The SX11 and Bin Rui will play a vital role in strengthening Geely’s market position by providing more diverse product offerings to the global market and supporting Geely in meeting their “20200” strategic goal of achieving 2 million in annual sales by 2020.
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Geely SX11 SUV

 SX11 vs GLA

 SX11 vs Q3

Geely Bin Rui Sedan


Government cancels targeted fuel subsidy programme

The government has decided to not proceed with the targeted fuel subsidy programme (PSP) that was first mooted by the previous Pakatan Harapan government
back in 2018
, reports
Malay Mail
.
Announced in the parliamentary hearing today, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid said that the decision was made together with the Ministry of Finance after considering the price difference of fuel between the peninsula and East Malaysia, among other factors.
“The decision was made on July 9 in a meeting between the ministry and the Finance Ministry due to several reasons,” Rosol told the Parliament today. The matter will now be brought forward to the Cabinet for a final decision, according to Rosol.
The PSP, first announced in
November 2018
 and then later updated for the 2020 Malaysia budget, was set to benefit nearly eight million Malaysians from the B40 and M40 group, with RM2.2 Billion allocated for the programme in the national budget.
As part of the targeted fuel subsidy programme, fuel prices will also be floated in peninsular Malaysia according to the world market crude oil prices, while Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan will see fuel prices capped at the current levels. However, the execution of the programme, originally scheduled to begin on January 1 this year, was delayed indefinitely.
Rosol added that the government would take an alternative approach to helping the people where subsidies are concerned.


Subaru aims to electrify entire vehicle line-up by mid-2030s

Subaru might be best-known for their all-wheel drive technologies and
horizontally-opposed boxer engines
, but the Japanese carmaker has announced its plans to “apply electrification technologies to all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide” by mid-2030s, in a technology briefing held in Tokyo.
The news comes as Subaru and Toyota strengthened their capital ties
back in September
 last year. The partnership will see the two brands jointly developing a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform.

The first BEV from the joint effort will arrive sometime later in the decade according to
Reuters
, who was in attendance at the meeting. However, Subaru is also planning to develop a “strong hybrid” using Toyota technology, also to be released around the same timeframe.
Subaru Chief Technical Officer, Tetsuo Onuki said at the briefing, “Although we’re using Toyota technology, we want to make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru.
“It’s not only about reducing CO2 emissions. We need to further improve vehicle safety and the performance of our all-wheel drive,” he added.
As part of the same announcement, Subaru also plans to make
at least 40% of its global sales hybrid or EVs
. The company also plans to reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions from new vehicles sold worldwide by at least 90% by 2050, compared to 2010 levels.
Subaru has already developed its own e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, pairing the iconic Boxer engine to a electric motor. The e-Boxer powertrain is currently available on the
XV
 and
Forester
.
Subaru President, Tomomi Nakamura said, “With the aim of making Subaru different from other brands, we will further hone the distinctive qualities that make a Subaru a Subaru, maintaining the unique attributes our customers have come to expect.
“At the same time, as we work to fulfill our social responsibilities, including the protection of the global environment, we will leverage Subaru’s unique character and technological innovation to contribute to the creation of a carbon-free society,” Nakamura added.


Here’s the first official image of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift!

As Indonesia is preparing for the return of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), teaser images of certain key models have surfaced.
However, Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC) in Japan thought differently and decided to release one lone image of the soon-to-be-launched Xpander facelift.
The single image of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift was shared during the automaker’s second-quarter financial results presentation (link
here
), with a simple ‘coming soon’ tag accompanying the image.
MMC is seeing great recovery in ASEAN, with Indonesia experiencing the greatest growth moving from 2020 to 2021, increasing sales and thus its market share from 8% to 12.6% based on MMC’s intelligence. The Mitsubishi Xpander certainly contributed plenty to that, as it was the
best selling car
 in May 2021.
Find out more on how the Mitsubishi Xpander compares against the Honda BR-V in our comparison here.
Teaser image and
video
 from Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia
As for the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander, the frontal design sees quite a significant update, headlined by the new LED headlamps housed in a T-shape design.
The turn signals are now housed within LED elements at the top lighting ‘brow’. A larger emphasis on the main grille is also done by moving the licence plate holder to the lower grille area.
2022 design, official release
2020 design, Malaysia
Mitsubishi in Indonesia is reported on planning to reveal the facelifted 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander on Monday, November 8th, ahead of the GAIIS that is scheduled from the 11th to 21st.


Mazda will unveil a rotary engine-powered range-extender EV in 2022

In what might be the world’s worst-kept secret, Mazda has now officially confirmed that its rotary engine-powered range-extender EV powertrain will be unveiled in 2022.
If you’ve been following the news, you’d know that this isn’t exactly new – in fact, the Japanese carmaker actually sneaked “Rotary Engine Range Extender” into the slides during the
global unveiling of the MX-30 EV
. However, Mazda has since mostly kept mum about its very existence, well, until now.
As part of its quarterly financial results briefing, Mazda included a slide on the company’s electrification plans. In which, Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto said that the company will introduce “mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids for Large products, as well as multiple electrification technology utilising rotary engine” in 2022.
The statement stopped just short of expanding on what “multiple electrification technology” means, but based on previously-available information, it’s not hard to guess that they’re referring to the rotary engine range extender.
Other interesting things of note include the introduction of a “next generation” diesel engine, also in 2022, as well as the Mazda Co-Pilot Concept autonomous technology in 2025. The company also said that it’s committed to electrifying its entire vehicle line-up by 2030.
The Mazda MX-30 is powered by a
140 hp
and
265 Nm
 electric motor driving the front wheels, with electric juice coming from a comparably tiny
35.5 kWh
lithium-ion battery pack. As a result, the rated range of the MX-30 stands at only a measly 200 km per charge.
With a range-extender engine, which – in its most traditional form – functions solely by burning fossil fuels to charge the batteries, the range of the MX-30 can realistically be more than doubled, putting it more in-line with other EVs of the same size segment.
The
Mazda MX-30
.
But why specifically a rotary engine? Well, aside from it being in Mazda’s wheelhouse, a rotary engine is also quieter and more refined than conventional engines. The rotational structure also produces more power than regular engines of comparable size, which means the range extender engine can be integrated into a small, compact unit, reducing weight and thus making the vehicle more efficient overall.
Either way, we’ll learn more about Mazda’s solution very soon, and we already can’t wait. Rotary is back!


Porsche honours its 1967 Japan Grand Prix victory with one-off 718 Cayman GT4

The
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
 was basically designed as a race car for the roads, so it’s not too surprising to see one donned in racing livery every once in a while. But this particular unit is a little more special than usual, as it’s designed specifically by Porsche to honour its victory at the fourth Japan Grand Prix back in 1967.
Dubbed the 718 Cayman GT4 “Tribute to 906”, the Porsche Exclusive Manufactur-made one-off model pays tribute to the Porsche 906 (chassis number 145) that won them the race, in the hands of legendary racing driver Tetsu Ikuzawa.
The commemorative one-off model is decked out in a unique white, silver, and yellow livery that’s inspired by that of the 1967 race car, using specially-concocted hues and numbers from Porsche’s Paint to Sample (PTS) system. Plenty of details are also applied on the outside to reference the original chassis 145 Porsche 906, including the race number 8 on the doors, as well as the special badges on the GT4’s rear quarter windows.
The special touches also continue inside, with custom door sills featuring the Fuji Speedway’s layout in 1967, along with the race-winning time printed in red next to it. Red accents seem to be the theme here, with it being littered across the entire interior, most notably on the custom embroidered headrests showcasing the track name, layout, and year of victory.
ALSO WATCH:
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a complete riot in Sepang!
No changes are made mechanically, however. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is powered by a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that makes
420 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. Being a classic race car tribute, this example here is of course equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, which helps the GT4 “Tribute to 906” accelerate from 0-100 km/h in
4.4 seconds
.
The special one-off is created specifically for Porsche Japan, and won’t be offered for sale, no matter how much money you’re willing to throw. However, for those of you who really want something similar, Porsche says all the unique specifications that make this car special can also be obtained through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur when you order your own Cayman GT4.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 “Tribute to 906” will be on special display at the Porsche Experience Centre Tokyo until August 31, 2022.
ALSO READ: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 “Sports Cup Edition” unveiled to celebrate 15 years of club sport racing
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Limited edition DS 4 Crossback Moondust revealed, only 25 units for the UK

DS Automobiles has introduced a limited-edition DS 4 Crossback Moondust, of which only 25 units will be made available in the UK.
Based on the
Crossback bodystyle of the DS 4
, the Moondust edition gets a unique Matte Platinum Grey paint that resembles the matte-finish on the DS 3 Performance Black model. It also gets a set of 18-inch gloss black ‘Brisbane’ alloy wheels. Inside, the Moondust receives a unique Basalt Black leather upholstery. Other than that, the interior dittos the ones on the regular DS 4 Crossback.
Two engine choices can be had with the DS 4: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech 130 with
130

hp
 and
230 Nm
 and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel BlueHDi 120 with
118 hp
 and
300 Nm
. The petrol engine can only be had with a six-speed manual gearbox while the turbodiesel can be specified with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Order books for the DS 4 Crossback Moondust are now open with prices beginning from £26,410 (RM145k) for the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. What do you think folks, do you think our local DS 4 could use a little… spicing up?
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2017 Honda Civic Si is another hot Civic we’re not getting [+Video]

Honda North America has debuted the 2017 Honda Civic Si via its YouTube broadcast. Available in both two- and four-door variants, the Civic Si is the third Civic model after the
hatchback
 and the
Type-R
 hot hatch that are not arriving in Malaysia.
In-line with last year’s
prototype
, Honda claims the new Civic Si is the
best handling Si
 ever created. Just like the
tenth-generation Civics
, this is the first Si to utilise forced induction powertrain. Thus, underneath the hood lies the
1.5-litre

four-cylinder turbocharged
 engine that liberates
205 hp
 and
260 Nm
 of torque. That’s the same amount of horsepower generated from the old model, but it gains 24 Nm more than before.

The Civic Si remains front-wheel driven, and the good news is that the short-throw
six-speed manual transmission
 is the sole transmission here. The new Civic Si has a few tricks under its sleeve when it comes to providing driving excitement. To begin, the power and torque are available at a lower rev range than the old model.
The body is stiffer and lighter than its predecessor and includes an arsenal of driving enhancements such as sport-tuned suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, adaptive damper system, and electric power steering system. The Civic Si also shares the
ultra-rigid front upper control arm
 with the Type R hot hatch.
Exterior wise, the Civic Si is draped with a much sleeker yet aggressive aerokit with a decked lip spoiler at the back. Inside, a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is located on the center console and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2017 Honda Civic Si will be in dealerships in North America next month.
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Soon you’ll get to use Waze and Google Maps with Apple CarPlay

With the new iOS 12 set to be introduced later this year, you no longer have to resort to Apple Maps in your Apple CarPlay interface, provided your vehicle is equipped with it of course.
The new update will allow users to turn to more familiar apps like Google Maps and Waze (also owned by Google) to be reflected onto their vehicle’s display.
While Android Auto had incorporated Google Maps into its system from the get-go, with Waze following suit last year, iOS users have been stuck with the terrible Apple Maps, since the launch of Apple CarPlay in 2014 (yes, it took them this long).


Citroen C3 Aircross unveiled, funky Honda HR-V fighter, 1.2L Turbo!

Citroen and Peugeot both seem to be ditching their MPV venture in favour of SUVs. When they unveiled the
C5 Aircross
, it’s only a matter of time before they scale it downwards to a more compact model. Enter the Citroen C3 Aircross.
Interestingly, the C3 Aircross’ exterior looks largely the same as its
concept
, minus the funky airbumps on the side. The wheels look much less radical than that on the concept, but the design is definitely not to everyone’s taste. It’s a Citroen after all.
In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,150 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, 1,640 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,600mm. Despite the small footprint, Citroen says cabin comfort and spaciousness will impress most shoppers of this segment, so much in fact that the C3 Aircross prides itself with class-leading space for five occupants.
The boot is good for
410 litres
 with rear seats up, but expands to 1,289 litres with the rear bench down. The modular cabin design allows for the rear seats to slide back and forth by up to 150 mm. Inside sits a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre dash and the cabin has up to 90 trim combinations and five interior colour schemes.
As always with Citroen, choices of
PureTech three-cylinder petrol and diesel
 engines are available. However, the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol that making 128 hp is mated to a six-speed automatic could be our best bet if it comes to Malaysia. Features like Active City Brake and Lane Departure Warning System are some of the active safety kit available for this C3 Aircross.
The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV will go on sale later this year and goes up against formidably popular rivals like the
Honda HR-V
,
Toyota C-HR
, and
Renault Captur
.
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Hyundai Kona Electric climbs 5,731 metres to break Guinness World Record

In an expedition named “Emission Impossible”, the
Hyundai Kona Electric
 SUV has broken the record for ‘Highest Altitude Achieved in an Electric Car’, marking its place in the Guinness World Records.
The feat was achieved by Hyundai Motors India, using one of their made-in-India Kona Electric. The completely-stock electric SUV reached an altitude of
5,731 metres
 at the Sawula Pass in Tibet, beating the
previous record
 of 5,715.28 metres, set by a
Nio ES8
.
During the expedition, the Kona Electric was put through harsh conditions such as low temperatures, icy tarmacs and constant snowfall. With the record now in hand, it’s safe to say that the Kona Electric performed admirably.
Hyundai Motor India, Managing Director and CEO, S S Kim commented, “Kona Electric has brought Electric Revolution by demolishing various myths about electric vehicle and is a true expression of Hyundai’s spirit of staying ahead of the curve.
“Under the Emission Impossible Mission, Kona Electric has proved its mettle in the world’s toughest terrains without compromising its performance,” he added.
Throughout the entire attempt, the Kona Electric was charged solely through the portable charger that comes as standard with the car.
As power is provided through a chemical reaction in the battery pack, the Kona Electric did not experience any performance issues, nor were any modifications necessary (as opposed to the
internal combustion record
).


Bentley unleashes the Continental GT3-R, 300 units only

Upon their return in motorsports with the
Continental GT3
 race car which is now competing in the
FIA Blancpain Series
 in Europe and the
 Pirelli World Challenge
 in North America, there were talks of a road-going version of the racer. Finally after many months, Bentley made it official with the announcement of the
Continental GT3-R
. Although not a direct translation from the race car for the road, the GT3-R is said to be the
most dynamic
 among the GT range.
The GT3-R is powered by a
 4.0-litre twin turbo V8
, tuned to deliver
572 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
 700 Nm
 of torque from 1,700 rpm. That’s
more than 50 hp increase
 from the
Continental V8 S
. Compared to the V8 S, the GT3-R is also
lighter by 100kg
, and the
 8-speed
 ZF
transmission
 has been recalibrated with shorter gearing which helps to slingshot the car from
0 to 100 km/h
 in just
 3.8 seconds
.
A lighter
titanium exhaust
 sheds 7 kg but gains ‘a unique baritone roar’ tuned by Bentley’s acoustic engineers. If you must know, the combined fuel consumption is rated at
12.7 l/100km
.
The chassis of the GT3-R is performance-oriented, but Bentley claims the GT3-R is still refined to be driven daily. The air springs and dampers setup from the V8 S have been further developed for the GT3-R, with modified ‘sport-focussed’
 Electronic Stability Control
 (ESC) and
torque vectoring
 on the rear wheels (Bentley’s first), it promises a ‘new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility’. The brakes are 420mm
Carbon Silicon Carbide
 (CSiC) discs up front and 356mm at the back with 8-piston front, single-piston rear calipers painted green.
Limited
 to just
 300
 examples, all GT3-R will be finished in
Glacier White
 with two-tone green slashes on the each side of the body. Contrasting
carbon fibre
 addenda can be found in the form of a
front splitter
 and a
fixed rear spoiler
. Everything that was chrome in the vanilla Continental GT such as the matrix grille, headlamps bezels, bumper strips, and window surrounds are now finished in gloss black.
Two vents punctured in the bonnet are not only inspired by the GT3 Race Car, but they also help to cool the engine down. The GT3-R rides on gloss black
21-inch
 lightweight machine-forged alloys wrapped in
275/35 ZR21
 sticky Pirellis.
Inside, the rear seats have been deleted, and all that’s left are the two bespoke front sports seats wrapped in
Beluga black leather

and Alcantara
 diamond-quilted with contrasting green thread. The steering wheel and gear shifter are hand-trimmed in the same leather and Alcantara with matching green stitching.
The rest of the interior are no less luxurious, retaining the
 440W 8-speaker
 sound system and navigation system with
8-inch touchscreen
, but the usual wood trim has been replaced by a more serious carbon fibre trim. No price has been announced, but booking is now open with deliveries starting in late 2014.
[divider]
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Honda Malaysia recalls 49,116 units of the Odyssey and Accord

Honda Malaysia announced today that it would be recalling the Odyssey (2014-2017) and Accord (2013-2016) to replace the battery sensor and a defective door mirror component.
As for the
Battery Sensor failure
, 20,233 units of the Accord made
between 2013 and 2016
 will be recalled.
The issue is due to inaccurate forming on the printed circuit board in the battery sensor during its production process. It may cause electrical short circuit of the sensor, causing smoke to emerge from the front hood and in worst cases, a possible fire.
As for the
Defective Door Mirror component
, 27,912 units of the Accord made
between 2013 and 2016
 along with 971 units of the Odyssey made
between 2014 and 2017
 will be recalled.
The defect is due to inconsistent surface treatment of the movable contact area inside the door mirror retracting switch, which may cause the affected door mirror to retract during driving or parking.
As to date,
availability of replacement parts is at 50%
 for both the battery sensor and defective door mirror component. Affected customers are advised to make an appointment with any of the 91 Honda authorised dealers to replace the parts.
Find out if your Accord or Odyssey is affected
here
.
So far, there is no incidence of fire, crashes or injuries related to the two issues reported in Malaysia. This is
a preemptive measure
 by Honda Malaysia to ensure their customer’s safety and all inconveniences caused are deeply regrettable.
Honda Malaysia assures that
all other current selling models are not affected
by this product recall. Affected customers will be
informed via notification letters
 which will include details of the product recall. Upon receiving the letter, customers are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest Honda authorised dealer for inspection and replacement where
all charges will be borne by Honda Malaysia
.
Honda Malaysia strongly encourages all affected customers to replace the defective battery sensor as it may become a fire hazard and the door mirror component for a safer drive. Honda customers can
check their vehicle recall status
 either by logging on to
www.honda.com.my
 or
 www.productrecall.honda.com.my
 or by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020.


Here’s how you can drive a Volkswagen Polo for RM13.90 per hour with SoCar

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just partnered with South Korean car-sharing app, SOCAR by delivering 50 units of the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 MPI to join the extensive fleet of SOCAR vehicles.
Launched in Kuala Lumpur in January 2018, SOCAR offers urbanites a flexible mobility solution, giving users access to a variety of vehicles from
fun hatchbacks like the Polo
 to 7-seater people carriers.
Chief Executive Officer of SOCAR Malaysia, Leon Foong said, “The beauty of the car-sharing model is that as a member, you have several types of cars at your fingertips serving your different needs from a leisurely cruise out of the city to a trunk heavy trip to Ikea.”
L – R: Erik Winter, MD of VPCM, Bojeng Bari, CEO of HICOM Auto Sdn Bhd and Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR Malaysia
Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said, “We are pleased to collaborate with SOCAR. Through this partnership, we are able to offer the members of the public easy access to Volkswagen cars and have them enjoy its German engineered capabilities. The Polo is perfect for city driving and though it may be small in stature, it offers a dynamic drive without compromising on safety and comfort.”
Users of the SOCAR app will now have access to a nippy hatchback powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engine offering
105 hp
 and
153 Nm
 of torque. The Polo will be available from the month of May onwards and users can drive the Polo starting from
RM13.90 per hour
.
The SOCAR app is available for download from the
App Store
 and
Google Play Store
 and details of the app can be found on SOCAR’s
official website
.


Chevrolet Opens New RM20 million 3S Centre In Inanam, Kota Kinabalu

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, sole authorised distributor of Chevrolet cars since March 2010, have just launched their new 3S Centre in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu through dealer Boston Auto Sdn Bhd.
This addition brings the total number of Chevrolet showroom to
14 centres in East Malaysia
, 6 of them in Sarawak, 7 in Sabah and 1 in Labuan. Chevrolet has a total of 28 centres nationwide. The RM20 million Inanam branch was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Vice President of Naza Quest Sdn Bhd,
 Thoo Ai Wuen
.
The facility spans
5,400 sq-ft
 which houses a showroom space for Chevrolet’s latest models. Naza Quest has also indicated that  more service outlets are going to spring up in East Malaysia between
2015 and 2016
.
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The McLaren 620R is a road-legal GT4 race car

The McLaren 600LT Spider that
we drove recently
 was given the Long Tail name to signify more power, less weight, optimised aerodynamics, and track-focused driving experience. We thought the 600 LT truly deserved the prestigious name, as the pinnacle of McLaren’s Sports Series models.
But now just a
little over a year
 since its launch, the Woking-based supercar maker has just released an even more bonkers Sports Series model, the McLaren 620R. The brand even goes as far as calling it a “road-legal version of McLaren GT4 race car”.
The McLaren 620R is “born” from the 570S GT4, and thus share many parts with the race car. Starting with the engine, the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the McLaren 620R produces (surprise, surprise)
620 hp
 and
 620 Nm
 of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG).
Naught to 100 km/h takes just
2.9 seconds
, and 0-200 km/h is done in
8.1 seconds
. Gunning it, the McLaren 620R reaches a top speed of
322 km/h
.
The 620R features
coilover motorsports dampers
, which features 32 levels of manual adjustment per corner. McLaren says that the dampers are 6 kg lighter than the ones fitted on regular Sports Series models, contributing to the dry-weight of just
1,282 kg
.
The lightweight aluminium wishbones and upright suspension are mated to stiffer anti-roll bars and springs, while the rubber top mounts are replaced with solid stainless steel ones for improved steering control and feedback.
Continuing the race-car on the road theme, the 620R features
active aerodynamic elements
 derived from the GT4 race car. Perhaps the most noticeable exterior feature – the adjustable carbon fibre rear wing from the 570S GT4 – now houses a third braking light, and is raised by 32 cm for enhanced aerodynamic.
The large rear wing is adjustable in three different angles by a McLaren retailer. Together with the dive planes at the front and twin nostrils on the carbon fibre bonnet, the 620R produces a maximum downforce of
185 kg at 250 km/h
.
As standard, the McLaren 620R comes with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres. However, a full-slick motorsport tyres, specially developed for McLaren by Pirelli’s Motorsport team, can be fitted on the 620R without any mechanical adjustments, allowing the owner to arrive at the circuit and obliterate lap times without the need of a full team of mechanics.
Behind the staggered
19-inch front and 20-inch rear
 wheels are the carbon ceramic brake discs, measuring 390 mm in front and 380 mm at the rear. Forged aluminium brake calipers are used on all four corners.
Of course, being a true “race car” means that many creature comforts are omitted. On the inside, the McLaren does not come with floor carpets or a glovebox. As standard, air-conditioning, navigation and audio systems are also not included, although they can be selected at no additional cost. A lightweight Bowers & Wilkins upgraded audio system is also available, as a cost option.
Super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats with six-point racing harness is fitted as standard. The 620R also features many race car elements such as a red 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, as well as door pull straps to aid door closure when the driver is held in place by the harnesses.
Carbon fibre elements are also found throughout the cabin, including the extended shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, as well as the centre console. A 7-inch touchscreen mounted in the centre displays the McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) system as standard.
Only
350 units
 of this street-legal race car will be made, and a dedication plaque on the centre console tells you exactly which lucky number belongs to you. The McLaren 620R can be ordered in three racing-inspired colours – McLaren Orange, Silica White, or Onyx Black – and each can be optioned with racing decals,including the McLaren Senna GTR-inspired one pictured here.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota GR’s Aero Stabilising Body Coat promises enhanced aero performance without bigger wings

We’ve all seen those cars on the road with the tacked-on massive rear wings, all in the name of downforce – though we’re unsure how many of these wings actually provide any aerodynamic advantage.
However, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is claiming that you don’t actually need the extravagant wings and fins to improve the aerodynamic performance of your car.
The Toyota GR division has developed the “
GR Aero Stabilising Body Coat
“, designed to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of the body of car, just by spraying on a layer of coating.
According to the
official website
 (and some shoddy Google translation), when the body of the car slices through the air, a positive static charge is generated on the surface, which disrupts the positively-charged airflow.
By applying the spray to the body, the static electricity charge on the surface is suppressed, and “brought closer to the ideal aerodynamic environment”. Toyota claims that the spray can enhance the handling and stability performance, by ensuring that the body panels work as they should.
Seems too good to be true? Well, Toyota Gazoo Racing even made a video to demonstrate its capabilities. But if you’re still skeptical, you can always try it out yourself, with a pretty reasonable price tag of just 3,980 Yen (approximately RM150) per bottle.


Mercedes-AMG continues 55-year celebration with more special edition models for A 45, CLA 45

In case you somehow haven’t got the memo yet, 2022 marks Mercedes-AMG’s 55 years of existence. As part of their celebrations, the German carmaker’s performance outfit has been busy unveiling special edition models one after another, starting with the
G 63
, then the
A 35 and CLA 35
, and now it’s finally the turn of the
A 45
 and
CLA 45
 models to get the “Edition 55” treatment – and it probably won’t be the last.
If you think we’re just pulling their legs for no reason, even Mercedes-AMG themselves can’t help but acknowledge that it’s getting a little out of hand too – the subheading of the press release reads: “yet more special models in the compact class”. Anyway, we digress.
Just like all the previous Edition 55 models, the pair of new special edition models follow along the same template with a larger emphasis on cosmetic changes, rather than actual mechanical upgrades – not that you’ll be complaining about the 45-series’ performance anyway.
These include two new exterior paint job options – Cosmos Black and Digital White, exclusive traditional AMG emblem decals, as well as a set of 19-inch cross-spoke forged alloy wheels. There’s also a special AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome, which the company says demonstrates the model’s “great attention to detail”, but it’s not like you’ll see it that often anyway.
RELATED: 55 years of AMG – 10 things you may not know about the brand
The Edition 55 A 45 and CLA 45 also comes bundled with the AMG Aero Package and AMG Night package as standard, which really should just come with the car at this point – both packages being standard equipment on the
 A 45 S and CLA 45 S here in Malaysia
 too.
The former adds the larger front splitter, additional flics, larger rear wing, and diffuser, while the Night Package essentially replaces all chrome surfaces with gloss black.
Inside, the Edition 55 models are treated to a coat of black-and-red paint, with the AMG Performance seats and door cards upholstered in leather. ‘Edition 55’ accents are littered throughout the cabin – with those on the floor mats embroidered in red. Dark brushed aluminium trim is also standard, as are the illuminated door sill plates, and the Alcantara steering wheel with a black 12 o’clock marking.
To top it all off, the Edition 55 A 45 and CLA 45 will also come with an AMG indoor car cover as standard for you to protect your investment. According to the press release, it’s made of a “breathable outer panelling made of tear-resistant synthetic fibre fabric and antistatic inner fabric made of flannel” to help prevent scratches and dust build-up.
ALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG partnered with Will.i.am to make a weird G-Wagen Coupe one-off
The Edition 55 kit will be available as an equipment package for the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 at a price of EUR14,280 (approx. RM65k), and EUR12,614 (approx. RM58k) for their S counterparts. You probably don’t need to rush out to buy one, though, as we’re pretty sure there will be more Edition 55 models coming soon…
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Wearnes Automotive becomes exclusive distributor of Koenigsegg, Pininfarina and Rimac

Wearnes Automotive, a distributor and retailer of premium cars across Southeast Asia, has just announced that the company have signed an exclusive deal with Koenigsegg, Pininfarina, and Rimac hypercars as their sole distributors in Singapore and Malaysia. Wearnes Automotive can also distribute these brands throughout Asia.
The new brands will be part of the Prestige Division of Wearnes Automotive, joining a stable of exotic brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, as well as the recently added Alpine and Lotus.
The
Rimac Concept_Two
 – an all-electric supercar with 2,300 Nm of torque!
Wearnes Automobile’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Andre Roy said, “There is an increase in demand and a growing appetite among Asian customers for hypercars. Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors in search of the very best.”
The upcoming lineup of the latest hypercars from the newly announce brands could include the
 Koenigsegg Jesko
,
Pininfarina Battista
, and Rimac C_Two.
To help high-end collectors preserve and protect their investments, Wearnes Automotive has also announced plans to build a
climate-controlled bonded car storage facility in Singapore
 to allow luxury cars to be stored in a secure environment.


Waze predicts a 95% increase in food-related searches over the long weekend ahead

The long weekend is just around the corner and with expectations of heavy traffic on our urban and interstate highways being more accurate than 4D predictions, Waze has shared a few traffic predictions to help users better navigate through traffic.
According to their internal data from 2018, Waze is predicting an increase of up to
39% more active users on the road against a normal week
.
In hindsight, with the public holidays, there’ll inevitably be more Grab drivers hustling some side income too so if driving can be avoided, it should. Spare yourself from time being spent behind the wheel and in the backseat instead will ya!
If you insist, you’d likely be joining the rest of the urbanites heading out of town, which equates to more congestion at petrol stations especially on the interstate highway.
Waze predicts that there’ll be an
increase in navigation to petrol stations by as much as 38%
during the Hari Raya Haji weekend compared to the same day of the week in July.
Funnily enough, knowing the typical Malaysian’s appetite for culinary adventures, Waze also predicted a
 95% increase in food related searches on the app, particularly to fast food joints
. That being the case, it’s probably wise to just stock up the kitchen cabinets and have a fun little cook out at home!
Not forgetting the Malaysian’s love for shopping malls,
navigations to Klang Valley’s hotspots are expected to increase by 25%
.


Facts & Figures: Locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC sedan now with new features!

Alongside the
GLA35 AMG 4MATIC
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced an updated version of the AMG A35 sedan with more features onboard. Like the GLA35 AMG 4MATIC, the AMG A35 sedan is also locally-assembled.

Prices for the AMG A35 sedan start from
 RM325,090
with SST exemptions, but book one after the 30th of June and the AMG A35 4MATIC sedan will cost an extra RM18k, at
RM343,888
.
Cutting straight to the chase, not much has changed on the exterior of the A35 sedan which was launched in
 September 2019
. It still gets the same grille design, 19-inch wheel design, and AMG body kit from before, along with Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus.
In fact, the bulk of the changes lies on the inside. As it is now a locally-assembled model, the A35 sedan has been fitted with more features and they include creature comforts like a head-up display, wireless charging, MBUX Interior Assistant, and switches on the AMG Performance steering wheel.
Otherwise, the bulk of the interior remains the same. You still get the same dashboard trims from before, 64-colour ambient lighting, AMG door sills and floor mats, a head-up display, dual 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester sound system.
Under the hood, the powertrain remains unchanged. The A35 sedan soldiers on with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 306 hp and 400 Nm to drive all four wheels. Unlike the GLA35 AMG that’s equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A35 AMG sedan is fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.
Between the two new AMG35 models launched today, the A35 AMG 4MATIC sedan is still the quicker model, getting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds while the heavier GLA35 AMG does it in 5.2 seconds.
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