Video: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Things You Need To Know

The W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class range has just made its
grand debut here in Malaysia
 in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) Urban Hunting Festival. While the
Mercedes-AMG A 35
 did not make it to the launch, here are things you need to know about the A 200 and A 250.
The
A 200 Progressive Line
 gets the new 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – a collaborative development with Renault – pushing out
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
. The
A 250 AMG Line
, on the other hand, gets its punch from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit making
224 hp
 and
350 Nm
. Both variants are equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and front wheel drive as standard.
Besides differing in engine options and exterior kit, the A-Class range is equipped with the three-pointed star’s latest generation cockpit design and high-tech features. Standard items include the Widescreen Cockpit, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 64-colour ambient lighting and the innovative Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system that drivers can activate voice commands by saying “Hey Mercedes”.
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Mercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line


Toyota, Subaru celebrate 10 years of Hachiroku with limited-edition GR86 and BRZ models

Time flies, doesn’t it? It’s already been 10 years since the
 original 86/BRZ twins
 first went on sale, and to celebrate a decade of existence, Toyota and Subaru have now unveiled two limited-run models for the
GR86
 and
second-generation BRZ
, dubbed the “10th Anniversary Limited”.
Limited to just 200 units (at least for the BRZ; Toyota says the limited-edition GR86 will only be available for a “limited time”), the new anniversary cars are given a couple of special aesthetic touches to mark it out from the regular models.
These include the exclusive paint jobs – World Rally Blue Pearl on the BRZ, and Flame Orange on the GR86, both as a nod to the original car’s hero colours at their debuts, some 10 years ago. The 18-inch aluminium wheels on both cars are also given a matte black finish, complementing the gloss black wing mirror caps, and the blacked-out badges on the BRZ.
Tying everything up for the exterior of both cars is a commemorative “10th Anniversary since 2012” commemorative sticker on the rear windscreen, although you’ll have to be looking really closely to even see it, as it’s so tiny.
RELATED: Toyota GR86 Special Edition celebrates the pure fun of sports car driving
The highlight of the new “10th Anniversary Limited” edition cars is actually in the cabin, which gets colour coded accents and cross stitching on the upholstery and gear shifter boot. A “10th anniversary” wordmark is also embroidered on the door card trims, in the same colour as its exterior paint job.
As you can see in the pictures, the touchscreen infotainment display is optional here; those who opt to go without it will get a plastic trim piece covering the gaping hole, similar to that of the bare-bones Cup race car.
Aside from these changes, though, the rest of the car remains untouched. Power comes from a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four boxer engine, making
235 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential, and either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
Pricing wise, the anniversary-edition BRZ starts at JPY3.388 million (approx. RM110k) for the 6MT, and JPY 3.553 million (approx RM116k) for the automatic variant. The limited-edition GR86 comes in a little pricier, at JPY3.469 million (approx RM113k) for the manual, and JPY3.632 million (approx RM118k) for the automatic.
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Lynk & Co is the world’s fastest growing brand

Lynk & Co has rewrite history books as the world’s fastest selling brand in history within its first year of business. In 2018, the Geely sub-brand sold 120,414 cars in China and wraps up the year with 221 retail stores opened in China.
The quirky lifestyle-driven brand abandoned the traditional automotive business model of offering endless variants, options and entry points. Offering one single trim level (fully loaded, no less) of their models but allows buyers to buy, subscribe or share their Lynk & Co vehicles. They even provide a
lifetime warranty for their cars
!

Lynk & Co is also focused on creating an immersive and unique brand experience as you can tell by their stylish
showroom concepts
 with café-bar, cinema, children’s play area and more to capture the hearts of urbanites and complement their fast-paced lifestyle.
To date, Lynk & Co has three models under their portfolio –
01 SUV
,
02 compact SUV
 and
03 sedan
. All three models are based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform developed by Volvo and are powered by either a 1.5-litre three-cylinder or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines.

Moving forward the company is looking to expand into the European market with first stores are set to open in 2020 within the continent’s vibrant cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Stockholm, London and Barcelona.


Post SST: Locally assembled MINI Countryman now RM5,000 cheaper

Following the release of
Sales and Services Tax pricelist for BMW vehicles
 in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also unveiled the updated price list for MINI models in the country. As the trend dictates, fully imported models are now more expensive while locally assembled models are now easier on the wallet.
Starting with the recently introduced
MINI 3 Door and 5 Door facelift
 range, the two models were launched during the zero-rated GST (Goods and Services Tax) period hence there is no baseline comparison for the two models. But the two models now retail between RM245k to RM306k.
The Clubman also saw a price increase of RM4,000 to RM7,000 across all variants due to its fully imported nature. The locally assembled
Countryman Sports
 and
Plug-In Hybrid
 both receive a price reduction of RM5,000 after SST is applied but the JCW (John Cooper Works) variant is now RM7,000 more expensive.
MINI Malaysia has also taken the opportunity to add a Panoramic Roof option for the 3 Door JCW, Clubman JCW and Countryman JCW for an additional fee of RM9k. The 5 Door Cooper S meanwhile gains the Dinamica leather seat option for RM5k extra.


Proton achieves 77-month high market share with 9,974 units sold in February

Proton’s upward sales trajectory sees no sign of slowing down, as the national carmaker records another month of positive sales figures, with a total of
 9,974 units
 registered in the month of February 2020.
The results translates to
over 80% year-on-year growth
 compared to the same period last year. Compared to January, the sales figure also represents a 17.3% growth.
As a result, Proton’s market share for February is estimated to be
 23.8%
, the highest the brand recorded since August 2013, and an increase of 10.3% as compared to February 2019.
In terms of individual model sales, the February result was once again led by the brand’s best seller,
Proton Saga
, with
3,934 units
 registered in February. The
Proton Persona
 meanwhile registered
2,653 sales
, retaking the top spot in the B-segment sedan class.
The Proton X70 recorded a sales of
1,973 units
 in February, making it the nation’s most popular SUV for the second month in a row. Proton says that
more than 7,000 orders
 have been received for the recently-launched
2020 Proton X70
, with early birds already starting to receive their cars.
As for the other models, the
Proton Exora
 remains the market-leader for the C-segment MPV market, while the
Proton Iriz
 climbs to second position B-segment hatchback category.
Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, “February was a strong sales month for Proton despite the Total Industry Volume (TIV) shrinking compared to January. By being able to maintain our sales growth our market share is now at its highest point in 77 months.
“Bookings for the 2020 Proton X70 have also been strong so we feel encouraged about our plans for the rest of the year,” Dr. Li added.


Mazda unveils refreshed Mazda6, gets a mild update inside and out

Together with the CX-5 refresh, Mazda also worked on their flagship by giving it an update to the interior and exterior. The
Mazda6
 is already a handsome car to begin with, but Mazda still insists on keeping the Mazda6 fresh to take on the other D-segment contenders.
EXTERIOR
Similar to the CX-5, Mazda6 gets a new nose that consists of a
new grille
 with thicker chrome ‘wings’ that extends to the
Adaptive LED Headlights
 (ALH). The bumper has been reprofiled with a dash of chrome at the upper edge of the foglamp surround.
Other than that, there’s the new
LED lighting signature
 for the taillamps, new design for the
19-inch wheels
, and the addition of Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica paint shades.
INTERIOR
Mazda has worked on the interior to lift the comfort and usability by using higher quality materials and fitting it with additional equipment. Black or sand beige fabric upholstery is standard but leather upholstery can be specified in either black or off-white.
The dashboard has been redesigned, with a free standing
seven-inch center display
 in the middle, and a pop-up
Head Up Display
 above the instrument binnacle. There’s the
MZD Connect
 car connectivity system, and
Active Driving Display
 that shows the vehicle speed and other important driving information such as that from the advanced safety systems in real time.
Mazda6 also adopts the new
Electrical Parking Brake
 (EPB) that contributes to a cleaner center console. Rear occupants’ comfort are now boosted by the inclusion of
heated seats
 (which is a first in a Mazda), as well as a
powered rear sunshade
.
PERFORMANCE
The engines used in the facelifted Mazda6 mirrors the CX-5, which includes the
2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G
 petrol with 158 hp or 163 hp,
2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G
 petrol with 189 hp, and a
2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D
 diesel with 148 hp or 173 hp mated to either a
 six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic
 with
Drive Selection
 or a
six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual
 transmission.
There’s also Mazda’s
 i-stop
 idling stop system and
i-ELOOP
 brake energy regeneration system to help achieve a better fuel consumption. Ride and handling is said to be improved, with the updated front and rear damper structure together with the updated front lower arms bushings.
WHAT ELSE?
Mazda6 is also fitted with Mazda’s
i-ACTIVSENSE
 advanced safety technologies that uses radars and cameras around the vehicle. They provide information for the
Blind Spot Monitoring
 (BSM),
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 (RCTA),
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
 (MRCC), and the new
Lane-keep Assist System
 (LAS) to detect the surroundings.
[divider]
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Fact & Figures: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid launched in Malaysia from RM136k

Following the introduction of the
non-hybrid Corolla Cross
 in Malaysia last year, UMW Toyota has expanded the line-up to now include the Corolla Cross Hybrid, priced at
RM136,550
.
As it is a hybrid, UMW Toyota is offering an 8-year warranty on the batteries, inverter unit, and power management control ECU. As for the crossover itself, it’ll come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
PERFORMANCE
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder VVT-i
Transmission: E-CVT
Max Power: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Max Torque: 142 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Electric motor: 53 hp & 163 Nm
Combined system output: 122 hp
The electric motor is powered by a 6.5 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery, placed under the rear seats, and together with the 2ZR-XFE engine, sends power to the front wheels.
EXTERIOR
The only way to differentiate the standard non-hybrid 1.8 Corolla Cross and the hybrid variant is through the headlamps along with the front and rear badges which are finished with blue details. The rest of the exterior, is identical to the 1.8V and 1.8E variants.
18-inch wheels
Automatic LED headlamps
LED daytime running lights
LED front and rear fog lights
Roof rails
Hands-free powered tailgate with kick sensor
INTERIOR
Inside, the Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out from the standard 1.8 model with different floor mats and a larger 7-inch multi-information display compared to the 4.2-inch unit in the non-hybrid model.
Other features offered exclusively in the hybrid variant are features like the dual-zone air conditioning system, electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a drive mode selector with Sport, Eco, Normal, and EV mode.
9-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Six speakers
Dual-zone air conditioning system
Electrochromic rear-view mirror
Panoramic view monitor
8 way powered seats for the driver
It’s worth noting that bootspace in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is not affected with the additional batteries under the seat and is also rated at 440-litres, just like the non-hybrid models. It does come with a smaller fuel tank than the standard 1.8 model, at just 36-litres compared to the 47-litre tank on the former.
SAFETY
The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with seven airbags, hill-start assist, six parking sensors, a blindspot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, along with the full Toyota Safety Sense system which includes:
Pre-collision System
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Automatic High Beam
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How do you like the looks of the new Subaru Forester GT?

Motor Image Subaru, exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia, recently gave us preview on the striking new Forester GT in Singapore following the local launch of the new SUV and the introduction of the XV GT in Malaysia.
The GT Edition of the Forester was created in close collaboration with Giken Co. Ltd. and Mr. Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi, former Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation who was responsible for the design of more than 12 Subaru production models including the WRX STI.
The Forest GT focuses only on aesthetics without any mechanical upgrades where the aero kit consists of a front bumper extension, side skirts, a roof spoiler and rear bumper extension.
The GT Edition also comes exclusively with a bespoke set of 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, a new two-tone seat design is the only difference in the GT from the standard model.
The new Subaru Forester GT Edition will make its first public appearance at the Taipei International Auto Show in December 2019, followed by the Singapore Motorshow in January 2020, the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2020 and the Manila International Auto Show in April 2020. Subsequent market launches will be announced later.
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2023 Perodua Axia – bookings for previous generation will be transferred to new model

The
all-new Perodua Axia
 is now available for booking and here’s what we know at the moment. There will be four variants available, starting from
RM38,600 to RM49,000
.
Alongside the announcement, Perodua also revealed that the previous generation Axia will no longer be produced by the end of the month. Those who have placed a booking on the old model and are still waiting for it will have their orders transferred to the new model.
That said, with the new Axia being more expensive than before, those who have booked the previous generation model will be subjected to the new price as well. Those who opt to not proceed with the new Axia will have their booking fee refunded.
All variants will be powered by the existing 1KR-VE 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with
67 hp
 and
91 Nm
. New here is a Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox. Manual versions of the Axia could still be produced, although further confirmation will be given through an announcement on a later date.
Other new additions to the new model include LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, retractable side mirrors, and LED turn signals.
Inside, those who opt for the higher variants will also get a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the safety front, the new Axia will be offered with six airbags to now include front, side and curtain airbags. It will also feature ABS, traction control and vehicle stability control systems.
Like what you see in the new Axia?


Honda Thailand donates 100 negative pressure beds to local hospitals

The Honda Thailand Foundation have committed a sum of 40 million Thai Baht to support 48 hospitals around Thailand to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sum will go into the production of
100 negative pressure mobile beds
 meant to keep frontliners safe from the Covid-19 virus while treating and transporting patients. These beds will be produced by volunteer staff of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd. at the Honda production plant in Ayutthaya province which has temporarily suspended operations, under the supervision of the Vajira Hospital.
That’s not all. The foundation is also contributing 1,000 face shields, 10,000 PPE suits, 100,000 face masks purchased from the Department of Corrections, and 10 ambulances.
The foundation gave credit to Honda Thailand’s customers who have had a part to play in this effort as the
funds were generated from the sale of Honda cars, motorcycles and power tools
.
The Honda Khiang Khang Thai (HKKT) fund, as it is called, was set up by the Honda Group of Companies in Thailand in 2012. Its objective is to help Thais who are affected by natural disasters such as floods, landslides etc.
Honda contributes 1,000 Thai Baht to the fund for every Honda vehicle sold, 100 Baht for every Honda motorcycle sold, and 10 baht for every Honda power tool sold. Over the last eight years, the HKKT has contributed 335 million Baht in support of the Thai people.


Mazda is considering an electrified powertrain for the next MX-5

It seems like it’s full steam ahead for Mazda’s
Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030
 plan, where every Mazda vehicle will feature some form of electrification by 2030. The
Mazda MX-5
, arguably Mazda’s halo car, might move towards the electrification route too, according to an interview by
Autocar UK
.
Mazda Brand and Design chief, Ikuo Maeda said, “We want to look at the best powertrain to keep the vehicle lightweight, but because of the diversifying requirements and preference, we need to explore various options.
“I don’t have the answer now but we need to make a vehicle that people can own without worrying that they are not being eco-friendly,” he added.
An electric roadster sounds like a ton of fun (remember the first-generation Tesla Roadster, anyone?), but the added mass from an electric powertrain would still definitely affect the fun and nimble driving dynamics that the MX-5 is so well-known for, even if the low-mounted battery does help with the centre of gravity.
Moreover, if weight is not an issue, driving range most likely will be. We still can’t beat physics (yet), and a lightweight battery most probably means limited range.
Unsurprisingly, Mazda recognises the true essence of the MX-5, with R&D boss Ichiro Hirose saying “The lightweighting and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle.”
If we have to trust someone to make it happen though, it would be Mazda. Just look at the all-new
Mazda 3
 – Mazda managed to tune the controversial torsion beam rear suspension to handle as well, or even better, than a more sophisticated multi-link independent suspension set-up.


Mitsubishi Triton Athlete makes Stadium Shah Alam its playground with drifts and slides!

It’s without a doubt one of the most epic local promotional videos we’ve seen in a long while and it doesn’t even involve a sportscar! Instead, the star of the show is the
 newly launched Mitsubishi Triton Athlete
, driven
like a Mitsubishi rally car
 around the compounds of the Shah Alam Stadium!
In a clear move to display the
pick-up’s maneuverability
, Mitsubishi literally turned the stadium into a gymkhana playground for the Triton Athlete to slide, drift, perform J-turns with incredible FPV drone shots, fireworks, and even flame throwers!

At one point, the Triton Athlete even crashed through a “wall”! With such precision driving, we can’t help but wonder who the driver is;
Leona Chin
, is that you?
The most epic shot in the entire video has to be the moment when the Triton Athlete was under a basketball net to receive the ball. It makes you wonder, how many attempts did they need to get the perfect shot? Pun intended.
And after such exhilarating stunts, the video couldn’t have ended with more style, but it did! If you have three minutes to spare, this is the video to watch!


The BMW Alpina XB7 boosts the X7’s performance, but not so much its looks

Alpina
 has unveiled the BMW Alpina XB7, based on the facelifted
BMW X7
 that was released in April 2022. The German tuner (which is now a subsidiary of the BMW Group) has boosted the X7’s performance rather significantly, but not so much its looks.
Powered by BMW’s next-generation 4.4-litre twin-turbo engine with a mild hybrid system, the BMW Alpina XB7 produces a total of
621 hp
 @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and
800 Nm
@1,800-5,400 rpm. It adds on an additional 91 hp and 50 Nm over the BMW X7 M60i xDrive (530 hp/750 Nm).
With the hybrid V8 powertrain paired to an eight-speed transmission, the 2,730-kg Alpina XB7 launches itself from 0-100km/h in just
4.2 seconds
 and is able of reaching a top speed of
290 km/h
. Alpina has also equipped the XB7 with a unique cooling system.
Also featured on the BMW Alpina XB7 is the latest suspension technology that includes air suspension. With this, the XB7 can raise itself by 40 mm at speeds of up to 30 km/h. It can also lower itself by 20 mm when put in “Sport” mode or when it goes over 160 km/h.
In “Sport Plus” mode or when it goes over 250 km/h, the BMW Alpina XB7 drops its ride height by 40 mm. The two-axle air suspension with Alpina-specific damper and kinematic set-up are primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort.
RELATED:
2022 BMW X7’s new split headlights might be even more divisive than the kidney grille
Exterior enhancements of the Alpina XB7 include the Alpina Green paint job, redesigned bumpers, quad exhaust tips, and 21-inch Alpina Dynamic wheels. Alpina has not interfered too much with the divisive look of the 2022 BMW X7.
In the cabin, Alpina has decked out the XB7 with a glass Alpina infotainment control dial, a blue illuminated gear selector, illuminated door sills, and a unique steering wheel finished in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching. Behind the steering wheel are Tiptronic buttons instead of paddle shifters.
RELATED:
BMW M boss explains why the XM is an SUV, not a coupe
The gauge clusters are accented by Alpina blue, changing to Alpina green when in “Sport” or “Sport Plus” modes, and there are three trim options – Myrtle Luxury wood, Piano lacquer, or Natural Walnut Anthracite.
The BMW Alpina XB7 is open for booking with prices starting at USD 145,995 (approx.
RM666,729
). Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2023.
RELATED:
Alpina now under BMW Group – the beginning of Alpina electric cars?
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Here’s how Goodyear Malaysia is going “Zero Contact” at its Autocare centres

In light of businesses resuming their operations amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Goodyear Malaysia has announced its Zero Contact initiative to allow customers to avoid direct person-to-person contact when getting new tyres at any participating Goodyear Autocare centre.
“With Goodyear’s Zero Contact initiative, from the moment you drop-off your vehicle and up until you collect it, there will be zero direct physical contact between staff members and customers to minimise the risks of any potential spread. We decided to extend this programme in Malaysia, off the back of its success in the United States, Australia and other ASEAN countries,” said Goodyear Malaysia, Managing Director, Alex Ng.
We hope that through this programme, we continue to assure Goodyear’s loyal customers that we have taken all the necessary precautions for their personal safety and at the same time, remain committed to ensuring the safety of their tyres”, he added.
At the Goodyear Autocare centres, there will be specially-designated Zero Contact parking areas for customers to park their cars, as well as a drop box for them to place their car keys. The Goodyear Autocare employee will then proceed to collect the car.
Before returning the car to its owner, a 12-point vehicle safety check will be conducted on each car, followed by the disinfection of 12 major touch points. These are complimentary services to ensure that the customer’s car is safe to be driven once again, especially for those who have left their cars untouched for a long time due to the Movement Control Order.
When the customer collects his or her car at the Zero Contact parking area, they will receive a checklist placed in the car. This is proof of the thorough clean-up, as well as to notify them of any possible issue that the Goodyear Autocare staff may have found whilst conducting their checks, making it easy for customers to rectify it as quickly as possible.
Other precautionary measures will also be enforced at all Goodyear Autocare centres. For instance, staff members are required to sanitise and disinfect all public areas, facilities, as well as any tools and equipment
three times daily
.
The seats at the Goodyear Autocare centre will be marked for alternative seating, while standing markers will also be placed on the floor to ensure customers are standing one metre away from others when in a queue. Customers are advised to pay their services rendered via contactless payment options such as e-wallet, online banking or payWave.
Through the Zero Contact initiative, customers will have to first set an appointment with their preferred Goodyear Autocare centre via a phone call or WhatsApp available on Goodyear Malaysia’s website. Alternatively,

visit their site via mobile
 and use the map to select the closest desired location. Once located, simply click on the WhatsApp icon to make an appointment with the selected Goodyear Autocare centre.


Gallery: Porsche 911 Speedster – A perfect send-off to the 991 generation

Designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Porsche, as well as the
end of production of the 991-generation Porsche 911
, we knew that the new 911 Speedster is born to be flashy – but we weren’t prepared to be wowed quite like that when we saw it in the metal.
The Speedster on display for the media at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara was fitted with the Heritage Design Package, featuring a GT Metallic Silver paintjob contrasted by white “spear” graphics at the front stretching across the front fenders, 50’s-styled Porsche crest, gold Speedster badges, customisable race number, as well as a old-school Porsche script decal on the side.
We must say the retro-inspired decals work really well with the extravagant Speedster shape, featuring the carbon fibre “double-bubble streamliners” that also act as a roll-over protection for the passengers. While the 911 Speedster is based off of the GT3, several changes were made to the exterior – such as the more inclined windscreens – to make the Speedster truly special.
Also, check out how the rear cover opens up – hiding underneath the large carbon fibre piece is a lightweight (and manually-attached) tonneau cover, as well as the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the GT3, pushing 510 hp and 470 Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
The fanciness continues inside, with a lush-looking Cognac leather upholstery wrapped around the large carbon-fibre bucket seats and dashboard. However, we – being the driving enthusiasts that we are – were immediately drawn to the manual gearknob on the centre console – yes, the 911 Speedster comes with a manual gearbox(!).
This being the Heritage Design edition, the gear knob cover and the refreshingly-simple steering wheel’s centre marking were given a retro-licious off-white colour. Other Heritage Design Package touches include the gold “70 Years of Porsche” badge with the car’s serial number (X / 1,948) wedged between the two seats, as well as the gold Speedster badging on the dashboard.
Being special does come at a price, though. The 1,948-units-only Porsche 911 Speedster starts at RM2.7 million a pop, and that’s before factoring in the optional Heritage Design Package that you’d definitely want. For more detailed information on the
swansong of the 991 generation Porsche 911
, do check out our
Facts & Figures
 launch article on the Speedster, as well as our
walkaround video
!
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All-new Peugeot 508, Peugeot i-Cockpit & frameless doors! Geneva debut

Peugeot has just unveiled its all-new Peugeot 508 sedan ahead of its global debut at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The new D-segment sedan gets a radical ‘fastback’ design, latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit and a range of highly efficient PureTech & BlueHDi engines.
Although still a practical five-door sedan, the designers took a sports coupe approach when penning the new 508. It boasts slim LED headlamps with mesh front grille, 508 badge on the front hood, tapering roofline, Lion Claw LED taillamps but the main highlight would have to be the
frameless doors
. Despite the low slug package, the 508 boasts 487 litres of boot space.
Open the frameless doors and you’ll be greeted with the latest Peugeot i-Cockpit design similar to the
3008
 that includes small full grain leather wrapped steering wheel, 10.0-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system, 12.3-inch heads-up digital instrument cluster, electronic gear selector and ambient lighting.
The all-new 508 will be available with six petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from
130 hp
 to
225 hp
 paired to either an automatic or manual transmission to drive the front wheels. This new flagship model will also come with
class-leading
 advanced driver assistance systems including a unique night vision system that uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians at night.

Peugeot CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato said: “The all-new Peugeot 508 is finally here. After the success of our latest high profile launches and our SUV offensive with the multi-award-winning Peugeot
2008 SUV
,
3008 SUV
 and all-new 5008 SUV, with the all-new PEUGEOT 508 we carry the exact same ambition; to shake up the market with an outstanding new car that can compete with the best.”
More information of the all-new Peugeot 508 to be revealed during the global premiere at the 2018 GIMS.
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The Electric Brands eBussy is an EV that can be anything you want it to be

We’re big fans of quirky small EVs. Things like the
Honda e
,

Fiat 500e
, and even the
Citroen AMI
 excite us to no end, because not only are they promoting the use of a more eco-friendly (and sometimes, exciting) powertrain, these cars are also pushing the envelope on car design and functionality. For those who share the same passion as us, we’re happy to report that there’s something new to add to the list – the Electric Brands eBussy.
The eBussy, which stands for Electric Bus System, is a modular electric vehicle system where buyers can choose their own preferred body styles to fit their own needs – from two-door pick-up trucks to camper vans and everything in between. Electric Brands calls this the “Lego principle”, and even says that you can change it as often as you want – no special tools or NASA engineers required.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47gWIfC00JM
Two chassis options are on offer – one more suited for regular streets use, and another for off-road shenanigans with raised suspensions and knobby all-terrain tyres – and all of the body shells will be compatible with both platforms. Both platforms are powered by four wheel-integrated electric motors, which means that the eBussy will have all-time all-wheel drive, so going off the beaten path in one of these is a genuine possibility.
Electric Brands says that the eBussy’s four motors generate a total of over 1,000 Nm torque, but we’re pretty sure that figure is measured at the wheels (like the
Hummer EV
), which isn’t comparable to how most car manufacturers measure torque. Horsepower is rated at 15 kW (around 20 hp), and the company also quotes a top speed of 90 km/h.
Weighing in at less than 600 kg without batteries (and depending on module chosen), the eBussy is said to have a range of between 200 to 800 km. The large delta in range is once again dependent on how you configure your vehicle, which can carry between 10 to 30 kWh of battery packs.
The eBussy also comes as standard with a foldable solar charging panel on the roof, which can expand up to 8 metres square in size, giving you a charging capacity of “13 kWh per day”. Electric Brands also says that it plans to set up battery-switching stations, where you’ll be able to exchange your empty batteries for a fully charged one to extend your range.
Electric Brands is now taking orders for the eBussy, and its website reports that it has already received 4,171 bookings so far. Prices start at around EUR15,800 (approx. RM77k), and obviously rises depending on the modules selected.
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Chery Malaysia appoints Inokom as local assembly partner – CKD production for Tiggo 8 Pro, Omoda 5 to begin in June

Chery Malaysia
has officially announced its partnership with Inokom Corporation (Sime Darby Inokom) for the local assembly of its models, at the latter’s 200-acre manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah.
The Chinese carmaker’s local assembly operation in Malaysia is scheduled to begin in June this year, and will consist of the
Omoda 5
 and
Tiggo 8 Pro
 models, ahead of their launch in July. According to current plans, the assembly line can support an initial capacity of up to 20,000 units per year.
Speaking during the Chery’s brand launch event at
Malaysia Autoshow 2023
 today, Chery Malaysia Country Director, Leo Chen said, “With nearly three decades of experience in assembling vehicles of many world-renowned brands, Inokom is an ideal partner for Chery in our mission to take root in Malaysia and provide Malaysian consumers with high-technology and high-quality vehicles that are ahead of the curve in terms of design.”
“As we have done successfully in many other markets, Chery is determined to localise its operations in Malaysia as far as possible. We believe this will bring us closer to Malaysian consumers to fully understand their needs and wants, not to mention contribute economically to the nation through technology transfer as well as the creation of jobs and strategic opportunities,” Chen added.
The company also said it will be accelerating its localisation strategy in other aspects, including recruitment of Malaysian talents in various key areas, as well as the expansion of its
 dealership network
. “We target to launch with no fewer than 30 dealers covering all major cities nationwide,” Chen said.


BMW Group Malaysia sales up by 15% in Q1 2018, 3,000 vehicles delivered

BMW Group Malaysia recorded a strong 15 per cent growth in sales in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year, delivering 3,000 vehicles across BMW, MINI and Motorrad brands.
Over 2,500 new BMW vehicles were delivered to customers in Q1 of 2018 compared to 2,100 cars in 2017, charting an
18 per cent growth
. BMW X models were the strongest growth driver for the brand, enjoying a significant
39 per cent growth
 in the first quarter of the year. The X5 proved to be the most popular model, but BMW is set to bolster the healthy trend with the first-ever X2 and
all-new X3
.

The MINI brand, on the other hand, saw 220 deliveries in the first three months of 2018, 6 per cent up from the same period last year. BMW Motorrard closed Q1 2018 with 260 motorcycles delivered to customers.
Moving forward, BMW Group Malaysia is committed to grow its investments in Malaysia to continue to develop Malaysia as a hub for BMW Group in South East Asia. In 2017, the group opened its doors to the new
BMW Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Senai, Johor
 that supports after sales operations of 23 countries.


The Honda e has more torque than a turbocharged Honda CR-V!

It’s been awhile since the
Honda e
(previously called the
Urban Concept
) was unveiled and along the way, Honda has fueled our curiousity by releasing minimal information about the car from its EV range to
colour offerings
.
But they’ve always left out one very important detail which they’ve now announced –
performance figures
!
The Honda e, makes
 150 hp
and over
300 Nm
from its high-power electric motor to drive the rear wheels, with power stored in a 35.5kWh battery. The
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P
 on the other hand, only makes
243 Nm
. The batteries offer fast-charging capabilities of 80% in 30 minutes, with a
pure EV range of 200 km
.
The most-compact-in-class battery is tucked under the vehicle floor, allowing the Honda e to have perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.
Turning radius is approximately 4.3 metres, a result of the Honda e’s rear-wheel drive configuration while its
Side Camera Mirror system
 ensures that visibility will never be disrupted even when driving in extreme weather.
The Honda e is also equipped with a “Single Pedal Control” feature that enables the driver to accelerate and slow the car down using only the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator is released, automatic regenerative braking will kick in while slowing the car down.
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Tesla Model 3 unveiled, entry-level model with a minimalist touch

The new Tesla Model 3 has recently been unveiled by Tesla Motors founder and CEO, Elon Musk at the company’s factory in Fremont, California with the first 30 owners being presented with their cars.
Despite being seen as the brand’s all-electric competitor for the likes of BMW’s 3-series and Mercedes-Benz’ C-class, production of the right-hand drive Tesla Model 3’s will not commence until early 2019.
There will be two variants available in terms of range offered, either in 220 or 310 miles (354 km or 507 km). The new
Tesla Model 3
may be smaller than the Tesla Model S’s but it still takes precedence in terms of performance, with zero to 100 km/h sprint taking just
5.6 seconds
 for the standard model and
5.1 seconds
 for the long range version. Top speed for the standard model is at
209 km/h
 and
225 km/h
.
The new Tesla Model 3 measures 4,694 mm long and 1,849 mm wide with a kerb weight of 1,610 kg. Boot space is at a combined 425-litres from both its front and rear luggage components.
Inside its five-seater interior, the Model 3 comes with a single 15-inch screen at the centre of the dashboard, providing controls for every function while at the same time creating a minimalist interior with the vehicle’s parameters being displayed in the corner of the screen, nearest to the driver.
Other features include Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity, voice activated controls and remote climate control with app. Safety systems come in the form of Automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance, electronic stability and traction control alongside eight airbags.
A Premium Package upgrade will see the inclusion of heated seats and other cabin materials, 12-way power adjustable front seats, open pore wood decor and a premium audio system with subwoofers and surround speakers.
In the US, the Model 3 has a base price of $35,000 (approx RM 149,747) but the long-range model comes in at $44,000 (approx RM 188,254). All Model 3 cars come equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot technology, a series of semi-autonomous driving features, and every car will also be unlocked for ‘Ludicrous mode’ – a self-explanatory driving mode which unlocks the full potential of the batteries and motor.
Tesla currently has around 400,000 pre-order deposits for the Model 3.


Peugeot 5008 Allure THP, Things You Need To Know

Nasim Sdn. Bhd. has just launched the new, fully imported Peugeot 5008 Allure THP SUV that shares the same Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) as the
Peugeot 3008 we reviewed recently
. Here are the Things You Need To Know about Peugeot’s latest offering.
Priced at
RM 173,888
, the Peugeot 5008 is offered in
just one variant
 – the Allure THP – with a 5-year / 120,000 km warranty as well as 3-years Free 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.
It offers two extra seats and a larger boot compared to the Peugeot 3008 but
retains the same
 1.6-litre THP 4-cylinder engine with
165 hp
 and
240 Nm
from as low as 1,400 rpm; mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. As it is front-wheel driven and not all-wheel, expect the 5008 to be a little more eager off the line.
When the tarmac ends, the Peugeot 5008 offers
five different driving modes
 – Standard, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and the most unlikely in Malaysia, Snow.


Mercedes-Benz GLC Fuel-Cell to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month

As we draw closer to the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) happening in September, Mercedes-Benz is ready to bring out their big guns to stun the crowd. Up their sleeves are the GLC F-Cell EQ Power, EQ compact car concept, Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar and the public premiere of the
X-Class pick-up truck
.
Mercedes-Benz have been studying the feasibility of all-electric hydrogen-powered vehicles for some time now and as more hydrogen refuelling stations are being set up in Germany, what better time to showcase the hydrogen powered GLC F-Cell EQ Power. The GLC F-Cell combines the versatility of an SUV with the merits of a long range, emission-free driving.
Another vehicle that will make its debut is a compact full-electric concept car. Information on the concept car is scarce at the moment but the company is looking to offer make electromobility available for the compact car buyers.
The Project One hypercar that is said to feature genuine Formula One hybrid technology will also make its first public appearance at the upcoming IAA, so is the
X-Class
 that debuted recently.


BAC Mono is officially the fastest production car on Sepang!

During one of Briggs Automotive Company’s (BAC) outings with its BAC Hong Kong and UK customer at Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the single-seater, road-legal sportscar manage to set a new production car lap record beating the previous record holder, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Behind the wheel of the record-breaking Mono is Blancpain GT Series Asia driver Shaun Thong who clocked the former F1 circuit in 2:14.617, beating the previous 2:18.997 record by over four seconds. BAC also holds the best production lap times at Zolder, Hungaroring and Anglesey. The lap was officially clocked by SIC timekeepers.

The Mono is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine pushing
305 hp
 and
308 Nm
 of twist sending drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. With a dry weight of just 580 kg, the Mono boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 525 hp per tonne as well as a near perfect 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, Neill Briggs said: “BAC and all of our dealers around the world pride themselves on first-class customer engagement and service – and there aren’t many better ways to mark a unique customer event than with a new lap record! A fantastic time had by all and what a brilliant scalp to walk away from Sepang with; we can’t wait to get back on the track with our customers to push for more records!”


Tengku Sulaiman Shah takes delivery of custom golden Proton X50!

The
Proton X50
‘s owner list already has quite a few notable personalities, but it’s just added yet another very important customer – HRH Tengku Laksamana Selangor Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.
It’s not just any Proton X50 either, because Tengku Sulaiman Shah’s X50 is specially customised by Automotive Conversion Engineering (ACE), a special division within Proton that specialises in customising vehicles, just like this one.
As you can already see, the special customised Proton X50 is decked out in a bright gold paint that’s fit for a royal. The gold hue is accented with distinctive twin black stripes down the centre of the car that can be seen on the bonnet and tailgate, and is also further complemented by unique 10-spoke wheels, finished in chrome.
Other bespoke additions include a tiger ornament on the bonnet, and the Ethereal Bow grille trim is also painted in the same matching gold colour. Further down, the bumper gets additional LED lighting fixtures, while the number plate holder also bears a unique eagle ornament – the eagle is the state animal of Selangor, if you didn’t know.
ALSO READ: Proton X50 faster than a BMW X1? Here’s what actually happened
Over at the rear, there’s a new chrome bar underneath the Proton roundel logo, while the horizontal trim between the taillights is also now finished in chrome, contrasted by the golden Proton word mark.
The tailgate also gets additional badging in the form of a Selangor flag and coat of arms emblem, along with a stylised ‘S’ emblem next to the X50 badge. Further below, the exhaust tips are now finished in gold, while the bumper also see the addition of LED lighting fixtures, as seen on at the front.
We’ve only been provided with one photo of the car’s interior, but from what we can see, it’s also been modified with wooden trim on the dashboard, centre console, door cards, and steering wheel to turn up the “royal-ness” a couple of notches. The black leather upholstery also gets a yellow contrast stitching to match the exterior.
One thing that’s probably unaltered, though, is the powertrain underneath the bonnet. In the Flagship guise, which is most likely Tengku Sulaiman Shah’s choice here, the
1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged three-cylinder engine
makes
177 hp
 and
255 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
RELATED: Proton X50 launched in Malaysia – from RM79,200
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Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo confirmed for Malaysia!

We’ve
reported earlier
 that the
second-generation Porsche Panamera
 will arrive on Malaysian soil by the first half of this year. That one’s a given, but to our surprise, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP or Porsche Malaysia) has confirmed that they will also be introducing the
Panamera Sport Turismo
 – the first ever wagon-styled Porsche.
Compared to its saloon twin, the Sport Turismo gets a new rear profile with a less pronounced sloping roofline. The futuristic active rear wing on the Panamera saloon is swapped out for a high tech adaptive rear spoiler with variable degrees of angulation for all driving speeds.
Boot volume on the Sport Turismo has increased by 25 litres over the standard Panamera, giving it a grand total of 520 litres. Fold the rear seats down and the Sport Turismo can take in
 1,390 litres
 of cargo. The Sport Turismo will come as a five-seater as standard but a four-seater arrangement – just like the standard saloon – can be optioned for.
Standard items on the Sport Turismo include digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and four-wheel drive with rear axle steering. Higher range S models get adaptive air suspension as standard.
Like on the Panamera Saloon and Executive, a total of five engine options are available, including a 3.0-litre V6 turbo with
326 hp
, 2.9-litre V6 turbo with
434 hp
, 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 hybrid with
 462 hp
, 4.0-litre V8 with
542 hp
 and a 4.0-litre bi-turbodiesel V8 with
422 hp
. Most, if not all of them will be offered here.
When exactly the Panamera Sports Turismo will arrive is unknown for the time being, but for the serious ones, you can probably register your interest with Porsche Malaysia. If you’re a fan of how this looks, perhaps the added practicality would make your family vacations and golfing trips a little bit more convenient.
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Tan Chong Aftersales Division named Winner of Global Nissan Aftersales Award

Tan Chong Aftersales Division has recently emerged as the winner of the Global Nissan Aftersales Award 2020.
It’s the 3rd consecutive win for Tan Chong Aftersales Division since 2017 as the best achieving Nissan dealer for aftersales services within the Asia and Pacific region.
The Global Nissan Aftersales Award is one of the most prestigious honours conferred by Nissan Motor Corporation, with the aim to improve aftersales operations and enhance customer service.
Nissan launches yet another new GT-R only for Japan – “T-spec” limited to 100 units. Check it out here!
The award is granted to the best performing Nissan dealer according to parts and service performance, customer service and satisfaction, and quality of business management.

“We are proud to be recognised as the best amongst Nissan Aftersales dealers from across the region and to win it three times since 2017 is a testament to our focused customer approach, dedication in-service performance and teamwork. We will continue to improve and consistently provide our customers with highest service support to improve customer satisfaction,” said Tan Chong Edaran Aftersales, Head of Aftersales, Michael Yao Tsu-Wei.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor, Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan added, “The award sets a new milestone for the company. The teams, especially aftersales, have consistently challenged and go beyond their best efforts to provide excellent services to our customers. I would like to thank the teams for their continuous support and hard work.
All-new Nissan Almera finally reaches the Philippines – factory-fitted N-Sport body kit…read about it here!


The new Bugatti Divo is “made for bends” – all 40 units sold out at RM23 mil each!

Whether you can afford to buy it or not is one thing; whether Bugatti has any left to sell to you is the more important question.
That’s cause shortly after presenting it to a group of elite Chiron customers in a private preview, 40 units of the Bugatti Divo were snapped up immediately, at 5 million Euros (approx. RM23 million before tax) each.
The supercar is named after Albert Divo, a French racing driver who was a two-time winner of the famous Targa Florio race on the mountainous roads of Sicily with Bugatti in the late 1920s.
It’s powered by Bugatti’s iconic 8.0-litre W16 quad turbo engine with
1,500 hp
,
1,600 Nm
 of torque and a 100-litre fuel tank. Power is delivered through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, to all four corners, rendering the 0 to 100 km/h run as nothing more than a sneeze in just 2.4 seconds!

Top speed is “limited” to 380 km/h, a long shot from the 500 km/h mark on its speedometer. Unlike the Chiron, the Divo does not have a “Top Speed mode” – it’s all or nothing with this 2-tonne bad boy.
With the Divo, Bugatti has developed a super sportscar tuned for agility, nimbleness and optimum handling performance on winding roads. As in the words of Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann, “The Divo is made for bends.”
The Divo is 35 kg lighter and has 90 kilograms more downforce than the standard Chiron and as a result, the Divo can lap the Nardò handling circuit in southern Italy eight seconds faster than the Chiron.
Honestly, looking at the press release, a lot of it is too geeky even for my reading pleasure, so I’m just going to share the interesting bits. Lets face it, you don’t want to know “which does what to the air and where it ends up” for better air flow. The Divo is the work of aerodynamic geniuses – end of story.
Here’s what’s new though; the Divo features a new, height-adjustable rear spoiler which functions as an air brake when turned forwards and is set to different angles for the individual driving modes. It’s even wider (by 23%) than the one on the Chiron!
Another highlight of the rear end is the new, cutting-edge 3D tail lamps with special lightweight fins of various sizes. A total of 44 of these fins light up, forming the rear light of the Divo.
At the outer edge, the fins become wider, creating a more intensive light. Towards the centre of the vehicle, they are narrower, resulting in gradual fading of the light.
The 35 kg weight saving is a result of intense weight saving measure. It’s got new lightweight wheels, a carbon fibre intercooler cover, reduction in insulation material and a lighter sound system. Even stowage compartments on the central console and in the door trims have been omitted – it’s like the weight-losing obsession of a neurotic bride-to-be.

As for the “wedding gown”, the Divo wears a matte finish – with a mix of Titanium Liquid Silver and Divo Racing Blue colours – specially-developed for the Divo. Its side skirts are exposed carbon fibre tinted in a petroleum blue shade, “Divo Carbon”, developed especially for this model.
The same Divo Racing Blue is also used as an Alcantara leather tone in the interior and is used almost throughout the driver’s section with lesser areas covered in the passenger’s section.
The door trims and seat areas feature an embroidered 3D rhomboid structure with an algorithmic configuration, reinterpreting the structure of the grille and rear lights.
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First Drive: Taking the Honda City to Kuala Terengganu

Initially, it seemed like it would’ve been just another media drive out of town. If we’re completely honest, driving the new
Honda City Sport Hybrid
 out to Kuantan en route to Tanjung Jara, Terengganu isn’t exactly the stuff of grand touring dreams. But we were enlightened and had our eyes opened in more ways than one.
We first set off to Kuantan in the City Sport Hybrid and the first thing we noticed was how quiet and smooth it was rolling out entirely in EV mode. But almost instantly, upon heavier throttle input, the engine kicks in without so much of a whisper and that’s when the low-end torque contributed by the electric motor, made its presence felt. All 170 Nm of them.

The new Sport Hybrid’s Lithium-ion batteries deserves credit as it is said to deliver twice the output of the Nickel batteries previously used and is designed to last the car’s lifetime. It also comes with
20% greater capacity
 to power the fully electric air-con compressor even when the car is on idle in full EV mode when the auto stop-start kicks in but we’ll get back to that.
Combined horsepower output is rated at a nifty
137 hp
 and while it may not seem like much, the smoothness of the new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, together with the abundant
170 Nm
 of torque, not only ensured that power was delivered seamlessly but effortlessly as well. On a clear stretch along the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur we were surprised how relentless the little 1.5-litre as it grunted its way to an undisclosed high speed most 1.5-litre vehicles would struggle to reach.
And then there were the brakes. When we were met with inconsiderate road-hoggers or oblivious motorist swinging out to the “fast lane” without using their indicators, the City’s brakes performed in truly surprising fashion. The City’s new
Electric Servo Brake
, also applied in the Jazz, now allows for greater battery recharge when braking but what we experienced while on the go was its potent bite and how easy it was to modulate brake input.

As it is now controlled by the ECU which adjusts the brakes according to the vehicles speed and brake temperature, the ventilated brake discs and drums combo provided optimum braking performance and feedback at all times, without the faintest of brake fade for added assurance.
Cruising in the City we also noticed one thing – the ride comfort. Not only was it comfortable, it was rather silent in the cabin too and it’s no fluke. The City Hybrid’s Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) have also been significantly improved with a new
high density dashboard insulator
 alongside other standard insulation in various key areas of the vehicles including the
 doors, outer dashboard and the floor
. Oh you get rear air vents with plenty of head and legroom at the back of the City too!
For a car that’s carrying 69 kg’s of extra weight compared to the non-hybrid variants due to the extra components and batteries, it also did not seem to have rattled the City one bit when the roads got narrower and windier. Rectifying the excess weight, the City’s
rear damper diameter
 have been increased to improve damping and shock absorption.

As a result, spring and damping efficiency has been claimed to have improved by
12% and 24%
. Its composure and nippy driving characteristic have also been upheld by strengthened rear frames, A pillars and connecting rods.
Arriving at the hotel, we were amused by how surprised the bell boys were with the spaciousness of the City’s boot. You’d think carrying all that batteries would’ve affected its trunk space but it is as spacious as ever. In achieving this, you may lose a spare wheel in the City but it now comes with a temporary tyre repair kit consisting of an air pump and sealant.
All in all, we were thoroughly impressed by the countless improvements made on the new City Hybrid i-DCD and how it effortlessly ferried three adults and numerous baggage without a tinge of discomfort or inconvenience. There’s more to be expounded on this – stay tuned for our impending review!
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Porsche’s new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport has body parts made of Hemp fibres

The new Porsche 718 GT4 Clubsport will be available in two versions – the “Trackday” model for amateur racing drivers and “Competition” for national and international motor racing.
The focus of the new GT4 Clubsport is not only on improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials as it is the
first ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material
, sourced primary from agricultural by-products such as flax and hemp fibres.
These materials have been used to make the driver and passenger doors along with the rear wing and is said to feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.
Its 3.8-litre flat-six engine now makes
40 hp more than its predecessor a
t
425 hp
 with
425 Nm
 of torque as well, where power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed Porsche dual-clutch gearbox.
The lightweight spring and strut setup at the front is taken from the 911 GT3 Cup car, with 6-pot caliper brakes occupying the front and a 4-pot pair taking charge of the rear.
Inside the baron cockpit of the 1.3-tonne car is a roll cage, Recaro bucket seat with six-point harness, a Cosworth instrument cluster, a multi-functional steering wheel (quick release carbon fibre unit from 911 GT3 R for Competition model) with pit speed limiter and even air conditioning.
The Competition model also gets a larger 115 litre fuel tank (as opposed to 80 litres in the Trackday model), while its shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages. It’s also fitted with an air jack system for quick pit stops.
The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trackday costs 134,000 Euros (RM 628k) while the Competition goes for 157,000 Euros (RM 736k).
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Video: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-8, 7-seater AWD turbo diesel SUV review

On one hand, you have the Mazda CX-8, one of the most popular 7-seater SUVs in town and on the other, a versatile competitor with unique features and proper four-wheel drive capabilities. How do you choose?
The Mazda looks sleek with clean lines that are almost certain to look timeless in the years to come but the Hyundai has a unique design and to some extent, looks rugged too. In terms of size, the CX-8 is longer, taller than the Santa Fe although the latter is wider.
In terms of wheelbase, where it matters most as it determines how much space you get inside, the CX-8 is longer at 2930 mm compared to the 2765 mm in the Santa Fe.

Both offer similar essential features on the inside; including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and accommodates seven passengers on Nappa leather seats.
As for powertrain, both come with 2.2-litre turbo diesel engines but while the Santa Fe produces more power compared to the CX-8, at 193 hp vs 188 hp, the CX-8 produces more torque at 440 Nm compared to the Santa Fe’s 440 Nm.
So how do you choose? Watch the video to get a clearer idea which is the more practical SUV for you!


Shell Malaysia offers up to 12 years and 200,000km free engine warranty!

Shell Malaysia has launched the Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) programme, the first of its kind in South East Asia. This extended engine warranty comes for free and gives drivers peace of mind against engine failure when they service their car with Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 lubricants.
A total of 15 critical engine parts are covered. The warranty programme is open to all passenger cars, SUVs or vans less than eight years old or with less than 100,000km on the clock. Should you qualify, your engine will be covered by SHEW for up to
12 years or 200,000km
, whichever comes first. The car remains covered by SHEW, and is transferrable should car ownership change, for as long as Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 are used at every service, either every six months or at the oil change interval specified by car manufacturer.
Shell Helix Ultra has PurePlus Technology, a
revolutionary gas-to-liquid process
 that converts natural gas into a 99.5 percent pure base oil that has stronger molecular bonds and virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil, the usual source of the base oil used in engine lubricants. The crystal clear base oil is then combined with high performance additives to make an engine oil with enhanced viscosity capable of reducing friction, even under extreme temperatures, to maintain engine power and efficiency. It also has lower evaporation so less top up is needed.
Shell Helix HX7 has Flexi-Molecule Technology which adapts to increase engine protection when needed. It activates under high pressures and temperatures to protect critical engine parts during tough driving situations, reducing wear and tear.
Shell is the only lubricant manufacturer in Malaysia to offer an extended engine warranty for their motor oils. For more information on Shell Helix lubricants or the Shell Helix Engine Warranty Programme, go to
www.shell.com.my/helixwarranty
.
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Geely is now the largest stakeholder in Daimler, 9.69% worth €7.3 billion

Geely Automobile Holdings (Geely) has successfully acquired shares in Daimler AG but contrary to our
previous report
 which cited “
less than three percent stake
”, the Chinese giant has confirmed that they have acquired 9.69 percent stake of Daimler AG in the open market – valued at €7.3 billion (RM35.15 billion).
The share purchase makes Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely, the single largest shareholder of Daimler AG, surpassing Blackrock (5.95 percent), Kuwait Investment Authority (5.33 percent) and Renault-Nissan Alliance (3.1 percent). Geely nor its associates under the Geely group intends to acquire additional shares “
for the time being
”.
Mr Li said in a statement “Daimler is an outstanding company with a first-class management. I am particularly pleased to accompany Daimler on its way to becoming the world’s leading electro-mobility provider.”
Mr Li also expressed that he will fully abide by Daimler AG’s company charter and governance structure, respecting its values and culture.
Geely is China’s largest privately owned automotive manufacturing company with major assets within the group including
Volvo Cars
, Volvo Trucks,
London Taxi
,
Proton Cars
,
Lotus Motors Cars
 and China’s largest car-sharing provider, Cao Cao.
“The competitors which technologically challenge the global car industry in the 21st century are not part of the automotive industry today. But with challenges come opportunities. No current car industry player will be able to win this battle against the invaders from outside independently. In order to succeed and seize the technology highland, one has to have friends, partners, and alliances and adopt a new way of thinking in terms of sharing and united strength. And we have to act now. My investment in Daimler reflects this strategic vision.” said Mr Li.


Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo launched, priced from RM148k to RM152k [+Video]

It’s been close to a month now since Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) started
collecting orders
 for the facelifted
Veloster Turbo
. We’ve seen the Korean hot hatch live in
BIMS 2015
 and it’s finally here, making a quick arrival after having its global debut just three months ago.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Veloster 1.6 MPI Premium
Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo
Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo Sport
Engine
1,591cc; Multi Point Injection
1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection
1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection
Transmission
6-speed auto
7-speed dual clutch auto
7-speed dual clutch auto
Max Power
130 hp @ 6,300 rpm
184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm
265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM129,066.99 (with GST)
RM148,118.55 (with GST)
RM151,745.39 (with GST)

The Velosters launched at Hyundai’s latest
Global Dealership Space Identity
 boutique showrom in Bangsar (opposite McDonald’s) are essentially facelift variants, and they come in three trim levels – Premium 1.6 MPI,
Turbo
 and
Turbo Sport
. This means two engine choices; the MPI is a naturally aspirated mill paired to a
six-speed gearbox
 while the turbocharged variants get the in-house developed
seven-speed dual clutch transmission
.
EXTERIOR
Both the MPI and Turbo variants look predominantly identical from the outside, but can be visually differentiated from little details such as the alloy wheel design (both sit on 18-inchers by the way), the Turbo badge on the rump and door handles; the MPI gets chrome door handles while the Turbos get body-coloured handles.

Equipment such as projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, keyless entry with push-start ignition and body-coloured side mirrors with integrated signal indicators complete the standard kit list. What the Turbo variants have on top of the said list are HID headlamps (MPI gets halogen), a different set of 18-inch wheels and exhaust pipes. That said, we still prefer the wheel design of the
Thai-spec Veloster
 that was displayed at Bangkok.
INTERIOR
Moving inside, the Veloster Turbo greets its driver with a sporty three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function switches. You also get Hyundai’s
Supervision Gauge Cluster
 with a digital display screen in between the odometer and tachometer. Housed in the centre of the dashboard is a
7-inch TFT touch screen
 display which supports radio, CD, MP3, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity. Sound is channeled through six speakers, a central speaker and a subwoofer.

The Turbo variants get leather wrapped power adjustable seats with the ‘Turbo’ word etched onto the sides of both front seats. In the Turbo Sport variant (close to RM4,000 more), you get the black and orange dual-tone interior colour scheme. Standard interior features include panoramic sunroof, floor mounted pedals, auto air-conditioning, rear view camera and six airbags.
PERFORMANCE
Before touching on the turbocharged engine, we’ll quickly go over the base model’s naturally aspirated
1.6-litre multi-point injected
 engine. It’s a carryover unit making
130 horses
 at 6,300 rpm and
158 Nm
 of torque at 4,850 rpm. This engine is paired to the same
six-speed automatic gearbox
 driving the
front wheels
. Unlike the turbo variants, the Veloster MPI doesn’t come with paddle shifters.
Now, nestling under the hood of both the Turbo and Turbo Sport variants is the brand’s own
1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged
 engine with
direct injection
. GDi here stands for Gasoline Direct Injection, and a six-month test phase conducted by HSDM proved that the engine performed favourably when fuelled with RON 95 and 97.
This motor belts
184 horsepower
 at 5,500 rpm and
265 Nm
 of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 revolutions; numbers that yield an
8.0-second
 0 to 100 km/h sprint time and manages a top speed of
214 km/h
. Power is transferred to the
front wheels
 via an in-house sourced
seven-speed dual clutch automatic
 transmission. Paddle shifters are standard in the Turbo variants, and are mounted behind the steering wheel instead of the rack.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the Veloster protects its occupants with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, ESC, ABS and Hill-start Assist Control. Hyundai also claims that the Veloster’s B-pillars are made from reinforced steel, offering better impact management in the event of a crash.
WHAT ELSE?
There are five colours to choose from – Storm Trooper (White), Young Gun (Matte Black), Phantom Black, Sunflower (Yellow) and Veloster Red. The entry-level Veloster will still come with the existing Vitamin C and Green Apple shades. All Velosters are
fully imported
 (CBU) from South Korea and come with a
5-year or 300,000km
 extended warranty programme, whichever occurs first. A 24-hour roadside assist service also comes with every purchase of the Veloster.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Toyota Corolla GR Sport is as good looking as it is arousing

Shortly after debuting the
Toyota Auris
, for the European market at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, Toyota Motor Corporation followed up with the
Corolla Sport in Japan
 that has got us salivating over its existence.
Not long after, the
new Toyota Corolla sedan
 that’s built on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, was unveiled at the 2018 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition with the
sharpest features ever seen on a Toyota mid-size sedan.
And now there’s this – the stunning new Corolla GR Sport that’s set to go on sale in January 2020.
The Corolla GR Sport, available as a hatchback or a touring model, comes with two engine options. There’s a 1.8-litre powertrain with
122 hp
and
142 Nm
 or a 2.0-litre unit with
 180 hp
and
190 Nm
; both of which will be hybrids.
The GR Sport distinguishes itself mainly with a new front grille, bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive Dynamic Grey paint job.
On the inside, the Corolla GR Sport comes with model-specific Sport seats, with red and black stitching on the instrument panel, steering wheel and gear lever.
Known as the Corolla Trek, the touring model is a collaborative effort between Toyota and Trek Bicycle. The touring model sits 20 mm higher for better ground clearance with bespoke 17-inch wheels, and will be on sale from August 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY


Find out which is the fastest accelerating Porsche here

Porsche has been on point and on a roll with their YouTube content, notably with the recent
compilation of the lightest Porsches
. Their latest release though, has to be their best yet – a drag race set in an abandoned airfield between five of their fastest models.
The cars involved are none other than the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Carrera GT, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, the 911 GT2 RS and the perhaps the most bonkers Porsche of all, the 918 Spyder.
Here are some performance stats of all the five cars to get your hearts racing before indulging in this five-minute splendour:
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
Sport Turismo
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 +electric motor
 (680 Hp / 850 Nm)
911 GT2 RS
3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
(700 Hp / 750 Nm)
Carrera GT
5.7-litre naturally-aspirated V10 (
603 Hp / 590 Nm)
911 Turbo S
3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
(580 hp / 750 Nm)
918 Spyder
4.6-litre V8 + 2 electric motors
(887 hp / 1275 Nm)
We’re surprised the newly-revamped
911 GT3 RS
 did not even make the cut but then again, it would probably have a hard time keeping up with the twin-turbo GT2 RS, the
fastest RWD vehicle around the Nurburgring
.
Credit:
YouTube


Since 2002, Volkswagen has built and delivered 200,000 units of the Golf R

Since it was established in 2002, the Volkswagen R division has developed, built and sold precisely 200,000 cars. It was known as Volkswagen Individual back then before being re-branded in 2011 to what it is now.
“Volkswagen R is a small business that employs around 350 colleagues. To have developed and globally sold 200,000 units in 15 years is a big achievement,” said Executive Director of Volkswagen R, Jost Capito.
Keith Williamson (right) with the 200,000th unit of the Golf R.
The owner of the 200,000th milestone unit from the UK specified his Golf R with the Performance Pack and Akrapovič exhaust system. A long-time Golf enthusiast, he also has a MK5 Golf R32 and a MK6 Golf GTI as part of his collection.
“I get so much enjoyment from my Golf GTI and the Golf R just lifts that level of driver involvement even higher. I’m particularly excited about having the Performance Pack on the car”, said Keith Williamson.
Where it all started. Check out our
review of the MK 7.5 Golf R
 here!
Production of the R models started in 2002 with the Golf R32, where the ‘R’ stood for ‘Racing’. Since then, there have been three further Golf R models, plus the Passat R36, the Touareg R50, the Scirocco R, the Golf R Convertible and the Golf R Estate.
Today, the Golf R is available in hatch and estate forms; accompanied by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda WR-V crossover teased, bound for South American market

Honda has previewed yet another subcompact crossover, and this time it’s called the WR-V. Cheekily namely as “Winsome Runabout Vehicle”, the Honda WR-V will mainly be bound for the South American market.
In essence, this compact crossover is a derivative of the
Honda Jazz
 with higher ground clearance. This may seem like a similar recipe as the
Honda HR-V
, but Honda has other plans. With the
CR-V
 and HR-V both sold in Brazil, the company believes that South Americans have a good appetite for SUVs.
Developed by the company’s Brazilian R&D arm, the WR-V has a “tough and urban” design, which they think will appeal to the younger demographic of the region. There is no mention of the powertrain, but expect the same
120 hp 1.5-litre
 mill (and

front-wheel drive) as the Jazz.
The WR-V could be a direct competitor to another South American special, the
Nissan Kicks
. More details of the WR-V will be revealed in next month’s Sao Paulo International Motor Show.


There’s more than one reason why 100k units of Perodua Myvi have been sold

So Perodua has just announced that sales for the
third-generation Myvi
has exceeded the 100,000 mark. That’s
100,000 cars
 in just 14 months since it was launched.
You may consider it sacrilegious but it’s hard to not draw parallels between the Perodua Myvi and say, the original Volkswagen Beetle.
Have you read our
throwback story on the original Volkswagen Beetl
e?
With over 20 million units of the latter made and sold in a production run that lasted more than half a century, the Myvi is a long way from surpassing or even reaching that incredible mark but that’s not the point here.
Point is, the Beetle sold in droves because of how simple, practical and affordable it was – just like the Myvi – which surpassed the 1-millionth mark in June 2017, with the
first and second generation models
.
As for the third generation model which was launched in November 2017, 100,000 units have been delivered as Perodua just announced, with its momentum unlikely to slow down any time soon and there’s more than one reason to believe so.
It’s cheap to own
I wouldn’t even call it affordable, considering the abundance of features on offer. At
RM54,090 for the highest spec 1.5 AV
, it’s only around RM3,000 more than the highest spec first generation Myvi first launched in 2006, priced at around RM51,000 then.

I remember cause I owned one of those – the EXi model to be exact – which had only two airbags and ABS (would you believe it) to shout about.
Factoring inflation and the addition of countless features expected of a car, that RM5,000 extra on the asking price for the third generation Myvi is nothing in comparison.
More spacious than most lavatories
Have you been in one of those? Where they are so cramped that your shoulders would brush the walls even by turning your body?
The Myvi (whether of new or old) wasn’t anything like that; in fact, far from it. When the first generation model burst into the scene back in 2006, mention Myvi and the first thing people would talk about was how spacious it was.
It was probably the first time ever that a national car of that price range offered that much head and knee room and the tradition, fortunately, has been carried forward to the new model. Boot space in the third generation model has also increased – up 70-litres from before at 277 litres.
Proven drivetrain with plentiful features
Nothing is offers more assurance in terms of engine longevity than the words “shared with Toyota”.
While the 1.3 models share the same engine with the Toyota Avanza, the 1.5 models inherit the same unit that powers the near bulletproof Toyota Vios and it really doesn’t take an automotive enthusiast to know how reliable those engines are.
And then you have the features – which is almost endless in the 1.5AV model – with LED head and tail lamps, reverse camera, six airbags,
5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
, Hill Start Assist, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen head unit, power-retractable side mirrors and the most idolised feature – the Smart Tag reader.
The
Myvi GT Concept
 at
KLIMS 2018
.
And then there’s the whole
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) System
that offers Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC).
Are you surprised that Perodua is selling 1,560 units per week (on average) of the new Myvi? And that it overtook the Kancil’s all-time sales record of 708,000 units from 1994 – 2009?
I’m not. You may call this a stroke on Perodua’s ego, but hey, looking at what’s on offer, is this really a suck-up exercise or a mere statement of fact? The choice is still yours.
If my BMW E36 325i wasn’t so dependable, I’d most likely get one myself too.


Audi celebrates a decade of the R8 V10 with Decennium Edition

There will only be 222 units of the limited edition model, which will go on sale in conjunction with the new Audi R8.
The name
Decennium
 is taken from the Latin word “decade” to celebrate 10 years of success of the V10 on the road and in motorsports.
Available
only as a coupe
, the (approx. RM1.02 million) Decennium can be had with an exclusive Daytona Grey paint job finished with a matte effect, complimented by 20-inch wheels finished in matte bronze.
Also in matte bronze is the intake manifold of the 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine with
620 hp
 and
580 Nm
 of torque – good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of
3.1 seconds
. Top speed is rated at 331 km/h.
Inside the dark black interior, Decennium logos adorn the centre console, doors and on the carbon fibre door sills.
The “polished look” on the door sills is roughed a few thousandths of a millimeter using a special powder. When the door lights come on, not only is the Decennium logo projected on the ground, but so does the model’s series number.
IMAGE GALLERY
Detail


Nissan Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL has 10% more downforce & 18-inch alloys

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced a new dressed up version of their popular
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
 – the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL. The seven-seater MPV gains functional aero kit from Nissan specialist and tuner IMPUL as well as a more luxurious upholstery.
On the exterior the Serena J IMPUL wears a new chrome plated front lip and rear lip as well as larger 18-inch polished Millennium alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 profile tyres. The sporty exterior is then complimented with Mocha-coloured Diamond Quilted Premium Leather Seats. ETCM claims that the new exterior parts contribute to a 10 per cent increase in downforce and improves high speed stability.

Kit count remains the same with powered sliding doors, dual back door, seven USB charging ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) and 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control and 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) LCD instrument cluster.
Motivation comes from the same MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control) four-cylinder petrol hybrid system paired to an XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that produces
150 hp
 and
200 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels.
The Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL will set you back at RM149,888 (OTR without insurance) or RM6,000 more than a standard Serena. ETCM has also introduced a new single-tone Black exterior paint job for the Premium Highway Star variant that brings the retail price down by RM2,000 to RM141,800 or RM147,888 for the J IMPUL variant.
The New Nissan Serena J IMPUL comes as standard with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, while the accessories come with 3-Years or 100,000 km Warranty (whichever comes first).


Volvo V40 T5 launched in Malaysia, gets a more powerful 245hp 2.0L turbo

Volvo’s latest range of Drive-E powertrains have found its way into the marque’s entry level hatchback model, the Volvo V40. Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is now offering the V40 T5 with the award-winning 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine for RM192,888.00.
As with the newly launched
S60 T6
 (now available in just the T6 trim), the V40 model will only be offered in the single T5 trim, which means the V40 T4 and Cross Country will no longer be sold. The V40 was first launched back in 2013, and back then the T5 was powered by a
 213 hp

2.0-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine
 mated to a six-speed Geartronic torque converter.

The new T5 Drive-E engine is now a
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
 (instead of the five-potter from before) which generates
245 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. It’s paired to an Aisin-sourced
eight-speed automatic
. Unlike the S60 and XC90, there won’t be a supercharger for this variant, but the sole turbocharger is good enough to deliver usable power for everyday driving. It’s quicker in the century sprint too, taking just 6.3 seconds to get to 100km/h from standstill. Top speed is rated at 240km/h, while fuel efficiency is rated at a healthier 6.1 litres per 100km.
The V40 is assembled in Shah Alam, but it’s not the
facelifted
 model which receives the gorgeous
Thor Hammer
 LED headlights. But still, the Malaysian bound V40 T5 isn’t short of equipment: this comes with Dynamic Chassis, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Park Assist Pilot, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, and City Safety.
The V40 T5 is available in five colours – Ice White, Ember Black, Raw Copper, Bright Silver, and Osmium Grey. On-the-road price is
RM192,888.00
 without insurance. All purchases of the V40 comes with a 5-Year manufacturer’s warranty including 5-Year Volvo-on-call Roadside assist.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s the list of restricted activities under the conditional MCO

News have finally arrived that we’re now allowed to resume (somewhat) the beautiful life we once lived
beginning the 4th of May 2020
 but don’t be too quick to celebrate. The
National Security Council (NSC) has set some guidelines
as to where you can go and the types of businesses that can resume; one they say
will be updated from time to time
.
First off,
interstate travel is still not allowed
 so for those hoping to make the trip back to their hometowns for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, it would be wise to put your plans on hold indefinitely. Exceptions will be made for those who need to travel for work and those stuck in their hometowns or campuses when the Movement Control Order (MCO) first came into effect.
School, colleges and other higher learning institutions will still be closed. Outdoor activities which do not involve physical contact and group gatherings of more than 10 people such as jogging, cycling, badminton and golf are
allowed
. All religious activities, Friday prayers and gatherings at the Mosque, Surau and other places of worship are still
not allowed
.
As most would likely return to work, the Government has urged employers to coordinate their employee’s schedules to avoid large crowds. For the same reason,
nurseries will be allowed to operate under strict guidelines
. There is however still no word on whether we can travel beyond 10 pm.
As for the rest, the NSC has released a set of
guidelines of what you still can’t do
 which we have translated for you, in hopes that you’d adhere to it and continue to keep the curve flat and eventually bend it, all in the name of mankind’s survival.
Entertainment and Recreational
Cinema
Karaoke centres
Theme parks
Museums
Busking
Celebrations, Processions and Gatherings
Religious processions
Congregations at the Mosque or other places of worship
Procession of security forces
Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations except with close family members
Conferences and Exhibitions
Job fairs
Wedding expo
Travel fairs
Sales carnivals
All conferences involving large gatherings
Education
Sports during school sessions
Close contact co-curricular activities
Any form of assemblies
Any form of gatherings involving more than 10 individuals
Sports
Sporting events involving large group of spectators
All indoor sports activities including gyms
Swimming
Contact Sports
Social Activities
Parties and events
Weddings and anniversary celebrations
Transport
Cruise ships
Food stalls, grocery stores, wet markets
Ramadhan bazaars
Hari Raya bazaars
Staff quarters and hostels in Manufacturing and other sectors
Accepting visitors
Socialising and group sports activities
Congregational prayers
Assembly and maintenance of machineries
Working in groups of more than 10 individuals
Clothing and fashion accessory stores
Trying clothes in fitting rooms
Dobi and Laundrettes
Folding services
Lectures, seminars, courses, face-to-face training sessions
“Certification ceremonies” in the agriculture sector
Hair salons and beauty parlors
Banking and financial sector
Sales and marketing activities outside of the official premises or in public spaces
Forestry
Eco tourism
Training sessions
Mining and quarries
New procedures in handling explosives?
Please refer with NSC, BM to English translations can be confusing.
Farming and Agriculture
Client meetings
Farming supply sales
Fruit festivals
Courses and seminars
Convocations in agriculture institutes
Large scale poultry sales
Fishery
Recreational fishing
Activities at marine parks, exhibitions and aquariums
Creative industry
Filming activities
Concerts and events involving large gatherings in public areas
Arts and Culture
Exhibitions with interactions between artist and visitors
Travel and Lodging
Barred hotel facilities – Surau, gym, spa, sauna, lounge, meeting rooms, swimming pool, multi purpose halls, training rooms, restaurants and cafes


Sebastian Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 F1 season

After five years with the team, four-time

Formula 1
 World Champion Sebastian Vettel will be parting ways with the Scuderia Ferrari team after the conclusion of the 2020 season, after both parties were not able to reach an agreement for the contract extension.
Vettel and Ferrari has been in discussion for the extension of the contract for several months. Just last month, team principal Mattia Binotto said that Vettel was his
first choice to race alongside Charles Leclerc
for the upcoming season.
“The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season,” said Vettel. The driver was quick to clarify that financial matters played no part in the decision. “That’s not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.”
Binotto added, “This is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best. It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person.
“There was no specific reason that led to this decision, apart from the common and amicable belief that the time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives.”
Sebastian Vettel joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015, replacing Fernando Alonso after a five-year stint and a disappointing final year at Red Bull F1. During his time in Scuderia Ferrari, Vettel managed to achieve 14 Grand Prix wins – first being the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2015 – making him the third-most successful driver ever in the team’s history.
Vettel is also the individual to have scored the most points with the team. However, he was not able to achieve his ultimate goal of bringing Scuderia Ferrari back to championship glory – taking second place four years out of five.
“Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope it gets all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the whole Ferrari family and above all its “
tifosi
” all around the world, for the support they have given me over the years,” added Vettel.
Vettel has been put under constant pressure ever since the addition of F1 wonder child Charles Leclerc to the team last year, with Leclerc coming out ahead in terms of championship position, wins and poles, raising questions of Vettel’s future in the team.
Through an
Instagram post
, Leclerc said that there was always respect between the two, even though it might not be perceived as such through the media. “It’s been a huge honor [sic] for me to be your team mate. […] I’ve never learnt so much as I did with you as my teammate. Thank you for everything Seb.”


Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport lands in Malaysia, a baby 911 GT3 Cup!

When Porsche unmasked the
Cayman GT4 Clubsport
 back in 2015, it was essentially a watered down
911 GT3
 Cup race car. Porsche took the already capable Cayman GT4, put it through a strict diet and slapped on some 911 GT3 Cup parts on to produce the FIA-compliant Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Also in the same year, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) surprised Malaysians with the
manual only Cayman GT4
. Understanding very well that while the Cayman GT4 may have track-oriented components, it does not offer the full fledge race car experience. If you’ve always been keen on piloting a Porsche race car but stepping into a
GT3 Cup car
 is just a stretch too far, SDAP has the perfect solution for you – the
Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport
Engine
3.8-litre naturally aspirated straight-six
Transmission
6-speed dual clutch PDK automatic
Max Power
385 hp
Max Torque
420 Nm
First, let’s draw our attention to the gearbox. The six-speed manual transmission is replaced by a
race optimised six-speed dual clutch PDK automatic transmission
 with paddle shifters. Enthusiasts may mourn over the
lack
 of driving engagement with the PDK, but trust us, in a race prepped car you won’t miss it at all.
The PDK gearbox is mated to a
911 Carrera S
 sourced
3.8-litre naturally aspirated straight-six engine
 to send
385 hp
 and
 420 Nm
 of torque to the rear wheels. No performance figures were revealed to us but it should outperform the standard 4.4 seconds century sprint time.

To transform the regular car to a full on race car, Porsche has fitted the GT4 Clubsport with a mechanical rear-axle locking differential,
spring-strut front suspension taken from the GT3 Cup
, 380 mm steel brake disc all round, larger rear wing, welded-in safety cage and a racing bucket seats with six-point harness. The Malaysian unit gets an upgraded 100-litres safety fuel tank and 24-hours headlamp system.
As mentioned before, the GT4 Clubsport had some extensive weight savings. The interior was completely stripped, down to the head linings. Even the side doors were swapped out for carbon fibre material and the side windows are now plastic. The carbon doors are so light that even the slightest gust of wind is enough to swing it wide open.

SDAP claims that this would be the perfect bridge between road cars and the GT3 Cup cars for amateur, young and gentleman drivers. For those keen on the Porsche GT4 Clubsport, further enquiries can be made directly to SDAP at +603 5030 9911.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC, Things You Need To Know

Alongside the
 C200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line
 and the
C-Class Coupes
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took the opportunity to wow us with all the new goodies the updated C43 AMG 4MATIC has to offer and here are the things you need to know about one of the most comfortable AMGs out there.
Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine has been tweaked to produce 23 hp more, at
390 hp
 while torque figures remain the same at
520 Nm
. It’s also got a larger infotainment display to go with a new drive mode but we’ll leave you with the video to find out.
To mitigate your undying urge to own the C43 AMG 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the Flex-C financing service with monthly repayments starting from RM 2,688 (three-year tenure and 22% downpayment).


All-electric Volkswagen ID.R conquers China’s Pikes Peak

The fully electric Volkswagen ID.R is on a tear. Not content with record-setting runs at the
Nordschleife
, Pikes Peak and
Goodwood
, Volkswagen took on the challenge of navigating the 99 hairpins of the picturesque Tianmen Mountain road in China.
The result?
7:38.585
 – a new record (fastest ever of any automobile) for the serpentine
10.9 km route
 which climaxes over a finishing line featuring a 131.5-metre natural arch dubbed ‘The Heaven’s Gate’. While the narrow passages of the course meant that the
680 hp ID.R
couldn’t really stretch its top speed, factory driver
Romain Dumas
 still managed bursts of up to 230 km/h, through narrow tunnels and short ‘straights’.
“I will certainly remember this record run on Tianmen Mountain forever as my most spectacular outing. I am proud to have set a record with the electric Volkswagen ID.R in China. The little information and testing we had beforehand made it a huge challenge. The road is incredibly narrow and winding, but the drive was unbelievable fun with the electric power of the ID.R. The huge torque was a big advantage on the short straights, while the aerodynamics provided additional traction in the fast sections,” remarked Dumas.
Apart from playing to an audience which contributes
over 3 million units a year to Volkswagen’s global sales volume
 – China is VW’s largest market by a mile – the exploits of the ID.R is also a precursor to the premiere of the all-electric ID family, particularly the
ID.3 hatch
 on the 10
th
 of September at the forthcoming IAA Frankfurt motor show.


2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed launched in Malaysia – Crewe’s sportiest model in history

The pinnacle of grand touring has landed in Malaysia, in the form of the
 2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed
. Noted as the “most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history”, the tricked-out Continental GT starts from
 RM1,135,000
before taxes, duties, registration, and – of course – options.
If you’re looking to renew your motor insurance, check out
MotorTakaful.com
 by Etiqa. By renewing online, you’ll get to enjoy a 10% rebate on your Takaful, as well as cashback at the end of your certificate period.
The Speed takes the alluring shape of the Bentley Continental GT, and adds on a subtle, yet tasteful, touch of aggression. These come in the form of a dark-tinted front grille and lower bumper mesh, unique side skirts, additional Speed badging on the front fender, and exclusive 22-inch Speed wheels that can be finished in either bright silver, dark tint, or gloss black.
To further mark out the Speed’s performance credentials, there’s also the “Jewel” fuel and oil filler caps as standard. Bentley also offers a Blackline Specification package for the Continental GT Speed, which adds on even more gloss black touches to the exterior.
But as with any Bentley model, there are an abundance of options for you to customise the car to your own liking – and that’s even before we mention the Mulliner customisation programme.
The main highlight of the Continental GT Speed, however, is underneath its long bonnet – because that’s where you’ll find Bentley’s signature 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, now making
659 hp
and a whopping
900 Nm
 of torque.
With power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, century sprint is completed in just
 3.6 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
335 km/h
. And to make that sound even more special than it already is, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is also one of the last cars you can buy with that iconic engine.
Just like we’ve
experienced in Adelaide recently
, the Continental GT Speed is still incredibly fun to drive on track, despite it weighing over 2.2 tonnes. That is in part thanks to the adaptive three-chamber air suspension and 48V anti-roll system, the latter able to deliver up to 1,300 Nm of twist to the chassis in just 0.3 seconds to resist roll and balance the body through the corners.
The Continental GT Speed is also the first-ever Bentley model to feature an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle, with specific tuning for the all-wheel drive and drive dynamics systems to extract the utmost performance out of the grand tourer.
ALSO WATCH:
 Bentley Continental GT Speed, on a SOAKING wet track in Adelaide!
Aside from the powertrain, the cabin of the Continental GT Speed is perhaps what sets the Bentley out from its other competitors in the grand tourer space, thanks to its blend of craftsmanship, class, and sportiness.
The marque’s iconic diamond-in-diamond quilting stands out even further thanks to its two-tone cross-stitching, and particularly on this unit here, the additional red accents throughout the cabin just adds so much personality to the cabin.
Standard trim elements include the leather and Alcantara upholstery, fully-digital instrument cluster, two-zone climate control, a head-up display, 14-way powered front seats, and additional Speed emblems on the dashboard and headrests. Though like its exterior, Bentley will also let you customise your Continental GT Speed to your hearts content, including a choice from 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours.
But if there’s one option you shouldn’t skip, it’s the Bentley Rotating Display on the dashboard that lets you switch between a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a three-analogue-gauges display (compass, chronometer, outside temperature), and just plain veneer, depending on your mood.
READ MORE:
Bentley and Akrapovič creates new titanium exhaust for Continental GT Speed
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