Tun M gives the Proton SUV a thumbs up after test drive

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had the opportunity to sample Proton’s first ever SUV in right-hand drive guise earlier as shared on his official Facebook page. After the test drive, the premier said he was pleasantly surprised by the new SUV as reported by The Malaysian Insight.
Tun Mahathir said in a press conference: “I was testing the car. It was very good. The quality is very high and I think it is a good car for the market.”. The yet-to-be-named Proton SUV will be based on the
Geely Boyue
 that have received positive response in its home market, China.
The seventh Prime Minister also met with several Geely representatives including its Chairman, Li Shufu to discuss the future of the national carmaker.
Tun Mahathir said: “Proton may be managed by Geely, but we want Malaysians to participate in the supply. Malaysian manufacturers should participate in the process.”. Initial batches of the Proton SUV will be fully imported from China while local assembly operations will only commence in 2019 at Proton’s Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant.
Proton is expected to
launch the SUV in September or October
 while the public will be able to get a first taste of the SUV as soon as July.
Key features
 on the new SUV include five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, camera/radar for the autonomous emergency braking and a panoramic sunroof.
IMAGE GALLERY
Tun Dr Mahathir Test Drives the RHD Proton SUV

Geely Boyue Preview in Malaysia


The new Subaru XV GT Edition is a good mix of maturity and sportiness

I’ve always thought the Subaru XV’s cabin was a bit too shouty for the general population. The younger car buying crowd might be drawn to it like flies on a steak but I can’t imagine the over-40-year-old age group to be as enthusiastic.
But with Subaru’s new GT Edition XV, they’ve somehow managed to make it look uncompromisingly sportier, with a hint of maturity in its interior design.
That’s cause it now comes with a two-tone leather upholstery, inspired by high performance grand tourers from Germany and Great Britain, as opposed to the black, grey and orange combo in the standard models.
It’s got it’s own disctinctive floor mats too, along with a
dual side view monitor system
 that distinguishes itself from the standard model.
The special edition model also takes the Subaru XV’s already sporty exterior to another level with a front bumper with lip extensions and integrated canards, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear bumper extension. Blending in with the new kit is a set of 17-inch bespoke alloy wheels.
The special edition model is a collaboration between Giken Co. Ltd., renowned engineering company known for their supply of aero parts among others, and Mr. Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi, an independent designer who formerly held the role of Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation and was responsible for penning the WRX STI models of old.
“The Subaru XV GT Edition is exclusively designed for Asia. Giken and Kobayashi-san share our enthusiasm for design and creating fun and exciting products. The response in Thailand and the Philippines was very encouraging, having injected excitement in those markets, I hope our Malaysian customers will be delighted by the new Subaru XV GT Edition.” said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Ltd.
Power remains unchanged with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder boxer engine with
156 hp
 and
196 Nm
 powering all four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT gearbox and the impeccable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
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Mazda to go touring car racing with the 350 hp Mazda 3 TCR

Mazda will return to touring car racing next year in the shape of the
Mazda 3 TCR
, and the
350 hp bewinged challenger
 promises to be the one of most fearsome-looking entrants ever, if not the prettiest, given that the
base car is such a looker
.
Wow, that wing, that stance!
The Mazda 3 TCR is powered by a
turbocharged, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 350 hp
, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with shift paddles. Developed and supported by Long Road Racing, the manufacturer of the Mazda MX-5 Cup car, the Mazda3 TCR is homologated to
compete in any of the 36 TCR-sanctioned championships
 around the world.
Engineers and designers spent hours in the wind tunnel to hone the aerodynamics of the Mazda 3 TCR to ensure that the clean lines of the Mazda 3 are retained and that it also complies with existing touring car regulations. We think they’ve done a great job; Mazda fans can now hope and pray that a road-legal version will somehow make it to production.
The Mazda 3 TCR will make its track debut in the four-hour endurance challenge under the
Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend
 in January, 2020.
Mazda 3 TCR image gallery


Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan launching soon, pricier than the hatch?

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) will be expanding its compact car range very soon with the scheduled launch of the
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
.
MBM is not being discreet about it, posting a teaser video titled “A-Class Limousine” – yes, Mercedes calls their sedans, limousine. Expect the A-Class Sedan to be offered in the same flavours as the
Hatchback
, i.e. A 200 and A 250 petrol.
The A 200 is powered by a Renault-sourced 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
 while the A 250 packs
224 hp
and
350 Nm
 from the M260 2.0-litre engine. Both engines are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.
It is also likely that
MBM will offer two trim lines for the A-Class Sedan namely the unassuming Progressive
Line and the sporty AMG Line. But what is almost certain is that both variants
will get the Widescreen cockpit with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
multimedia system, multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with
memory function, 64-colour ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
as well as a rear-view camera like the hatchback.
A-Class Sedan Progressive Line
A-Class Sedan AMG Line
Globally, the A-Class Sedan is priced around 10% more than the Hatchback spec-for-spec so we can assume that the new model will follow a similar positioning here in Malaysia. To recap, the A 200 hatch is priced at RM227k while the A 250 carries a price tag of RM263k. You can do the math…
Our question to you dear readers, the
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan or wait for the CLA 4-door Coupe
?
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan AMG Line
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Progressive Line
A-Class Sedan Interior


The Sky View option adds headroom & sunlight to the Bugatti Chiron’s cabin

Just as we thought the option lists for the Bugatti Chiron couldn’t get any longer, the carmaker has added a glass roof option for customers who like additional sunlight and headroom in their ultra-luxury GT car.
Dubbed as the Sky View, it replaces the standard roof with two separate fixed glass panels measuring at 65 cm long and 44 cm wide each. The two glass panels are positioned above the driver’s and passenger’s seat for sunlight to seep in.
Made from four layers of laminated thin glass, the Sky View glass panels were developed to filter out harmful UV rays and dazzle effects to keep the cabin comfortable and cool. One interesting side effect of this Sky View option is that it frees up 27 mm headroom while maintaining the structural rigidity and crash safety rating of the Chiron.
The Bugatti Chiron Sky View is expected to make an appearance at the Monterey Car Week in California at the end of August 2018. Earlier, Malaysia had the utmost privilege to host the
Chiron Sport
 right here on our local soil with a base price of RM12.5 million without taxes and options. We wonder how much this Sky View would add to the eight-figure price tag…
IMAGE GALLERY


Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II officially launched in Malaysia, estimated price RM2.5 mil [+Video]

Time really flies by when you’re a Ghost. No, really. Rolls-Royce first introduced the Ghost five years back at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, and it’s one of those rare cars to have aged really well. Unnoticed, in fact, and that’s a good thing.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
Engine
6,593cc; twin-turbo V12
Transmission
8-speed automatic with Satellite Aide
Max Power
563 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Max Torque
780 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Price
from RM2.65 mil (estimated, excluding road tax and insurance)

Five years into the Ghost nameplate, Rolls-Royce commissioned the Series II, or a
facelift
, if you will. The powertrain remains the same – as we’ll get on to in a minute, but the Series II’s fascia have been refreshed and it gets an interesting tech, a
Satellite Aided
 eight-speed automatic transmission.
EXTERIOR
On the outside of this
5.4 meter long
 limo, the most notable change is the design of the headlights which are now encased with LED daytime running lights – a design feature taken from the Wraith. The LED powered headlights are brighter and whiter than the Series I’s, and defaults on high-beam when lit, dimming only when it detects oncoming traffic.

Its front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned and stands visually wider. Also, the ‘waft lines’ on each side of the car now end softer, while chrome inserts now grace the front air intakes which apparently feed more air as well.
The bonnet now features a tapered line, or as Rolls-Royce puts it, a ‘wake channel’ sitting prominently behind the
Spirit of Ecstasy
. For those who are not in the know, the Spirit of Ecstasy is the ornament on the bonnet, in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her hands stretched outwards and behind her.
INTERIOR
Inside, the front seats are new and now include electronically adjustable thigh support, while the rear seats have been re-angled for better comfort and augments better communication with other passengers. The instrument dials get matte chrome finishing and the clock’s fascia gets a 3D chrome surround that are polished with metal chaplets resembling some premium watch design.
Full grain leather
 is now standard with the Ghost, the same grade of leather used in the
RM5 mil Phantom
 model, but is processed for four additional hours to accentuate the natural grain structure of the leather. This, you need to see for yourself because any pictures will not do the justice.
There’s also the
18-speaker
 Bespoke Audio System to satisfy your inner audiophile. Nestling behind the rear armrest are your entertainment controls used to independently operate the 9.2-inch high-resolution screen. Rear seats are also adjustable via the buttons on the side of the console.

Need we remind you that there’s a cooling compartment within the rear centre armrest for your champagnes, as well as an integrated pop-up cup holders? Oh, there’s also built-in umbrellas which are part of the car’s structural rigidity. Yes, all those come standard with the Ghost.
PERFORMANCE
Let it be known that Rolls-Royce is under the stewardship of BMW, and as such, the Ghost shares the underpinnings with
 BMW’s 7-Series
, and the massive
6.6-litre twin-turbo V12
 engine is based on the 760Li’s 6.0-litre V12 unit. Output figures however, remain the same as the previous Ghost –
563 horsepower
 at 5,250 rpm and
780 Nm
 of torque from as low as 1,500 revolutions.
Those chunky numbers results in a century sprint time of
4.9 seconds
, while managing an electronically limited top speed of
250 km/h
. It gets the same buttery smooth
eight-speed ZF automatic
 transmission driving the
rear wheels
, but this one is wired with
satellite guidance
, like the Wraith. It uses
GPS and mapping data
 to ensure that the car is always engaging the right gear when negotiating corners.
Lugging around this 2,470kg limo results in a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 litres per 100km highway; 21.2 litres per 100km city. When driving cars like this, you don’t really care.
For the
 first time
 on a Ghost, the Series II rides on a new set of 21-inch wheels, and customers can choose from five different designs, each with its unique character and features a self-righting wheel centre which ensures that the monogram is always correctly displayed.
Suspension is also revised here, with the front and rear struts stiffened up for a more dynamic driving experience. If you choose to go with the Dynamic Driving Package, the Ghost gets adjustable dampers that improve the car’s cornering ability. Rear axle bearings are new and hydraulic (previously air sprung), reducing vibrations and cabin intrusion while enhancing ride quality and rear stability.
SAFETY
Safety wise, the Ghost Series II features a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects essential driving information onto the windscreen, such as directions and speed limit. There’s also a new
Night Vision mode
 that picks up images via an infrared camera in the front grille capable of detecting animals and pedestrians up to 300 meters away.
Standard safety features to make the list comprise of all-wheel ABS with EBD, Stability Control, engine immobiliser, brake-disc drying, emergency braking assist, emergency braking preparation, post-collision safety system, emergency interior boot release, front and rear head airbags; just to name a few. In short, you’ll probably never die in a Rolls, not when its monocoque is made out
solid steel
.
WHAT ELSE?
If the rear space isn’t enough for you, then there’s the Ghost Extended Wheelbase which gives you an additional 170mm rear legroom. In a typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the degree of customisation is bound by its customer’s imagination. Want your family crest rendered in carbon fibre with gold-plated inlays on the dashboard? No problem. All-pink Ghost, why not?
As we’ve said, customisation options are limitless, and customers can begin by choosing any colour from their range of 44,000 different hues. For unrivalled paint quality, the folks at Goodwood
 hand-spray
 the five layers of primer, paint and super high-gloss clear coat, followed by tens of hours of hand polishing.
If the Ghost isn’t your cup of tea, then give the Wraith a look, the English carmaker’s quickest Rolls yet. It’s priced from RM2.8 mil upwards, and as far as any Rolls go, have it pimped out your style.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2022 Honda Odyssey now in Malaysia – RM275k

Honda Malaysia today launched the new 2022
Odyssey
, in its second facelift form, here on our shores. The seven-seater MPV will be fully imported from Japan (CBU), priced at
RM275,311
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions (5%) until the 30th of June 2022.
EXTERIOR
The second facelift exercise gave the fifth-generation Honda Odyssey a significant redesign on its exterior styling, headlined by the new Honda Wing front grille, new headlights and taillights design, as well as reworked bumpers to give it a wider and dominant stance on the road.
In terms of standard equipment, the new 2022 Honda Odyssey in Malaysia comes with:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Sequential turn indicators
Hands-free powered tailgate
Exterior colour choices: Platinum White Pearl, Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic
Japan model shown
PERFORMANCE
Underneath the bonnet is the same 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, as introduced here in Malaysia when the current-gen Odyssey
first made its debut (in the first facelift form) back in 2018
.
Engine: 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC inline-four, petrol
Transmission: CVT automatic
Driveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 175 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max torque: 225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
INTERIOR
The second-facelift model brings along a newly-redesigned dashboard, which includes a new storage compartment to provide even more convenience for customers. Other standard interior features include:
7-inch digital instrument cluster
8-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Combination leather upholstery
Second-row Captain Cradle Seat with Ottoman
Forward/backward folding seats for multiple seating configurations (2-2-3 layout)
Three-zone climate control with rear ceiling vents
Japan model shown
SAFETY
The new 2022 Honda Odyssey in Malaysia comes equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which includes:
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking
Lane Keep Assist System
Road Departure Mitigation
Lane Departure Warning
Auto High-Beam
Smart Parking Assist
Blind Spot Information
Cross Traffic Monitor
360-degree surround-view Multi View Camera System
PRICING
The fully-imported 2022 Honda Odyssey is priced at
RM275,311
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (5% for CBU models) that is valid until the 30th of June 2022. Included in the price is also a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and five times free labour service within 100,000 km or five years.


New Toyota 86 confirmed as Toyota and Subaru strengthen partnership

Toyota and Subaru have further strengthened their long-term partnership with the announcement of a new business and capital alliance between the two companies.
The renewed partnership comes at a time of a major industry transformation which is pushing forward in the domain of connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE). Toyota and Subaru has already begun working jointly on a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform since June of this year, and will develop a new BEV model, employing Subaru’s all-wheel drive and Toyota’s electrification technologies.
Yes! A new generation 86/BRZ is on the cards.
Through the new capital alliance, the brands have confirmed the joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The current-generation rear-wheel drive coupe has been in production since 2012. Although receiving
multiple

aesthetic updates
 with the underpinnings of the car remained largely the same throughout its 7 years of production. We hope the next-generation 86/BRZ will receive a power boost, as well as some inspiration from its bigger brother, the
A90 Toyota Supra
!
Besides a new sports car, Toyota and Subaru will also be developing new all-wheel drive models, which Toyota believes will offer the “ultimate sensation.”
All-wheel drive is Subaru’s bread and butter and this won’t change going forward.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda said, “During this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation, even if CASE changes how cars will be, driving enjoyment will remain an inherent part of automobiles and is something that I think we must continue to strongly preserve. I, myself, am a rallyist, and through my experience of training hard in an Impreza, I have felt in my veins the wonders of Subaru’s AWD technologies.”
The partnership between Toyota and Subaru goes back to 2005, and has seen contract production by Subaru of Toyota vehicles and supply by Toyota of vehicles to Subaru, as well as joint development of the rear-wheel-drive Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car models.
Seven years on, the 86/BRZ is still recognised as one of the best handling two-door coupe.
The new capital alliance will see Toyota increasing its capital share in Subaru from 16.83% to a minimum of 20%, while Subaru will be acquiring a total of shares equivalent to a monetary value of 80 billion Yen. Subaru is also foreseen to become an affiliated company of Toyota.


Who else is excited to see the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan?

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new A-Class sedan and I’m just going to put it out there – it looks great. It looks like everything the targeted demographic will be appealed to and it’s a time bomb waiting to explode, should it arrive in Malaysia.
The A200 will be fitted with a petrol-powered engine making
 163 hp
 and
 250 Nm
 while its diesel counterpart is set to dish out
116 hp
 with
260 Nm
. Both powerplants are mated to a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. 4MATIC and adaptive damping will be available for more powerful models.
Built with a Sensual Purity design theme, the new A-Class Sedan features a highly-aerodynamic shell, clear formal shapes emphasising surface areas with reduced lines, short front and rear overhangs.
It creates a design I feel will plug the gap left behind by those who aren’t keen on the A-Class hatchback but aren’t willing to stretch as far as the C-Class. Matching this dynamic new look are a selection of 16- to 19-inch wheels (which have been optimised for better aerodynamics) to complement the pronounced wheel arches of the A-Class sedan.
Speaking of pronounced, the prominent single-louvre diamond radiator grille with chrome pins at the front, is unfortunately an optional extra. Aerodynamic improvements have been extensive on the A-Class sedan with most of its underbody completely covered, along with front and rear wheel spoilers designed to channel air around the wheels.
Unlike the old A-Class, the new sedan and hatchback’s side mirrors sit on the belt-line instead of the edge of the window frame. Depending on how you specify the car, the rear bumper can be available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipes.
As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with halogen headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, while the MULTIBEAM LED units are sadly an optional feature.
Inside, the new A-Class sedan is revolutionised with a new feeling of spaciousness – a remark that sadly couldn’t be passed in the previous generation A-Class hatchback – with near claustrophobia-inducing rear headroom.
A free-standing cockpit is available in three different layouts – two 7-inch displays, a 7-inch display with another 10.25-inch display or two 10.25-inch displays. They’re all equipped with the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, featured for the first time in the new A-Class.
Safety systems in the new A-Class Sedan have been brought over from the S-Class, with semi-autonomous driving function available in certain situations. Improved camera and radar systems allow the car “to see” up to 500 metres ahead. Also on board are the Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist.
IMAGE GALLERY

 A-Class Sedan Progressive Line

 A-Class Sedan Interior


F1: Romain Grosjean to drive for America’s newest team in 2016

Twenty-nine year old Frenchman, Romain Grosjean who is currently racing under the Lotus F1 team colours has secured his drive for the upcoming season with America’s newest F1 team. The team is piloted by 62-year old Gene Haas of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The team’s patriarch started out by inventing a mechanical indexer for his start-up machine shop that went on to give birth to Haas Automation Inc. in 1983.
Fast forward
31 years
 to January of 2014, Haas himself confirmed the reports of an FIA submission of his interest in entering the Formula One championship in 2015 under the name
Haas Formula
. On 11 April 2014, Haas announced that he was
granted
 a license from the FIA. On May 28, however, it was revealed that the team would delay its debut until the
2016
 season. In September the same year, they took up current their current name –
Haas F1 Team
. In December 2014, it was further reported that Haas
 purchased major assets
 from the bankrupted
Marussia F1
 team.
Pic credit: Fox Sports
During
Marussia’s nightmare second-half
 season last year, the team had
failed
 to show up during the last four races, which were then disbanded and auctioned off. Haas acquired the team’s base in the
UK
 as well as
 data
 and
designs
 for the
 2015
 car, which was already well developed with a
scale wind-tunnel
 model. Interestingly, teams aren’t restricted to regulations before the season starts and Haas plans to test the cars vigorously before the 2016 pre-season testing begins.
Having never met Gene Haas in the flesh, one would be mistaken for thinking he is an extraordinarily convincing individual when you consider that team principal is former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing technical director
Günther Steiner
. Not to mention also that chief aerodynamicist is
 Ben Agathangelou
 who started out in the McLaren Honda garage in 1994.
Artist’s rendition
Fast forward today, the North Carolina-based team announced rather unwittingly that its
primary

driver
 for next year’s season will be none other than
Romain Grosjean
. Powering the Frenchman is a powertain purportedly sourced from
Ferrari
 and tasked with designing and building the chassis is a job for Italian manufacturer
Dallara
.
Much has been happening around the sphere that is Formula One. From the rumoured tyre supplier change. to Bernie Ecclestone’s dwindling popularity rating amongst fans and for those in the sport. But with all that, we remain rather chuffed about F1’s latest anglo-american team.


The new G20 BMW 3-Series looked even better in the flesh

It may have had mixed reviews in terms of how it looks but having seen the
 all-new BMW 3-Series
 in the flesh, at the
2019 Singapore Motor Show
, I dare say that the G20 could win back some “stolen hearts” while keeping the die hard fans firmly in BMW’s grasps.
BMWs have never lost their sense of style – only that its rivals discovered a more appealing recipe. Over the years, they may have lost out (arguably) in terms of raising your eyebrows and making your crotch area feel tighter than usual at first sight, but BMW buyers and loyalist aren’t the type that would necessary appeal to that.
Instead, they prefer to have their senses aroused from behind the wheel.
Granted, this particular 330i may be dressed in M Sport trim but the core design of the car – such as the headlamps, tail lights, swoops, edges and all-round “brawniness” – is something to behold, especially in person.
And if you’re going take a swing at it, go the extra mile and cough out an additional fee (if so required) and go for the blue paint work for reasons better explained through the pictures.
Inside, it all looks very positive too, at first impression at least. While it may still retain the understated-ness of a BMW, it does project more flair in a very BMW sort of way. I suspect it’s down to the generous use of aluminium trims.
What was also quite noticeable was the lack of plastic trims that plagued the previous generation F30, which in the long run became sticky and peeled off. Gross.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lexus LFA-inspired sports car planned, EV capable of low 2-sec 0-100 time!

Lexus is keen to showcase its technological advancement, as well as its new driving signature attributes inspired by the
LFA
 supercar. With a limited production of just 500 units between December 2010 and 2012 (and priced from a whopping USD400,000 back then), the halo supercar was said to be a loss-maker for the Japanese auto giant.
In a recently concluded digital broadcast of Toyota Motor Corp’s (TMC) battery electric vehicle (BEV) plans that included Lexus, President Akio Toyoda said Lexus will develop a next-generation BEV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or ‘the secret sauce’ of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA.
During the brief of the concept, Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato said the development of a new Sports BEV will showcase the unique driving performance of a Lexus and become a model that symbolises the future of the brand.
Acceleration will be close to the
fastest recorded
, be in the low two-second range for 0 to 100 km/h whilst cruising range is expected to be over 700 km all thanks to the use of solid-state batteries.
Placed in between two rows of Toyota BEVs, the proposed sports car will be joined by the new Lexus RZ (the electric
Lexus RX
?), a larger SUV as well as a mid-sized sedan the size of
Le
xus IS
 to rival the Tesla Model 3. A short test drive impression of the RZ, as well as animation of the Sports EV, can be found
here
.
In terms of timelines and volumes, Lexus aims to have a full line-up of EVs in all segments by 2030 with key markets of Europe, North America and China going fully electric and contributing to 1 million units of sales. By 2035, the company will only offer BEVs in its showrooms globally.
As for Toyota, the company previewed an even more extensive line-up of concept cars, under the new bZ series of BEVs, spearheaded by the
bZ4X
 mid-sized SUV. Apart from three distinctively sized SUVS (small crossover, compact and large), a bZ sedan will also join the ‘beyond zero’ family of vehicles. Toyota markets the bZ series as carbon-neutral vehicles that run on clean energy and achieve zero CO2 emissions in the whole process of their use.
Akio Toyoda, who is also the brand’s motorsport division’s Team Founder at Toyota Gazoo Racing as well as ‘Master Driver’, perhaps convinced his fellow colleagues to add another sports car for the masses.
In the background, directly behind the Lexus Sports EV concept, lies a bronze coloured low-height two-seater sports car that resembles the first-generation Mk.1 Lotus Elise and could it be even a successor to the little
Copen GR
. The concept car is even fitted with the ‘GR’ emblem, similar to the
Toyota GR Yaris

and

Toyota GR86
.
Although presenting such a diverse line-up of battery EVs, Toyota says this range is not the single direction the company is heading, as it is difficult to meet very varying market demands. The company intends to
continue to offer hybrids
 and even keep the
combustion engine prolonged
 via research and development of synthetic fuels.
GALLERY
Lexus Sports EV Concept
Lexus EV Concept range
Toyota bZ Series
Toyota Lifestyle EV Concept


Here are some accessories to spice up your future Almera Turbo!

Even before its official launch, Nissan has revealed a series of Almera accessories to spice up that hot turbo ride which was
previewed last month
, if you intend to see one on your porch.
There are four different accessory packages available starting with
Interior Styling Package
 priced at RM400. The package includes LED room lamps and a trunk tray with an anti-slip surface that keeps your items in place and helps keep the trunk clean from dirt or spills. It also includes stainless steel kick plates with the Almera logo etched on the front and rear side sills to protect against scuffs and scratches.
As for the handsome new exterior, the Almera can be further spiced up with the
Exterior Styling Package
 priced at RM950. The package tailored for the VL and VLP variants comes with door visors, door handle protectors with a carbon fibre pattern finish, and a trunk lid spoiler in gloss black.
Customers who opt for the high spec VLT variant will only be charged RM350 for this package as the variant is already fitted with the trunk lid spoiler as standard.
For those with a little more emphasis on safety and security, there’s the
Protection Package
 at RM1,950. It includes a Dual Channel Camera (front and rear dashcam) and Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting films. Alternatively, there’s the
 Protection Plus Package
 at RM2,750.00 to upgrade to V-Kool Elite tinting films for solar heat rejection of up to 94%.
All Almera accessories are accompanied with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and can be financed when ordered at time of purchase. Also, stand a chance to win an iPhone SE worth RM2,199 when you test drive the all-new Nissan Almera at selected Nissan showrooms!
The
all-new Almera Turbo
 is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with
technologies adopted from the Nissan GT-R
. Paired with an Xtronic CVT gearbox, it produces
100 hp
 and
152 Nm
. Aside from a
strengthened body
 for better stability and handling, the Almera has also been
improved with better refinement
 through various methods. Check out our review of it
here
!
GALLERY


Nissan Serena: the ‘dual back door’ feature should be an industry standard for all MPVs!

The MPV is perhaps the most versatile body style for a vehicle, especially with adjustable (or sometimes even removable) seats, giving you the flexibility between ferrying passengers, or moving cargo. But with the vast amount of volume, the MPV body style does come with an inherent problem: the rear hatch can become quickly become unwieldy big.
Parked a little too close to the wall behind? Sorry, you won’t be able to access your bags at the back. Different carmakers utilise different tricks to side step this problem, such as doors that split in half down the middle. But the
Nissan Serena
‘s “dual back door” tailgate might be the most ingenious solution to this problem.
In addition to the regular full-height hatch-door, the Nissan Serena also has an additional smaller hatch that opens up via the rear windscreen. Opening up the secondary hatch requires less space, which means you’ll still have access to your cargo space, even when you’re parked in a tighter space.
On a more obscure note, the split tailgate design also allows you to stuff more items into the cargo area. This might sound weird, but thanks to the additional side support, you’ll be able to stack your bags higher – bags that would otherwise have fallen onto the ground.
Combined with the flexible seating arrangements with up to 13 different configurations, and you’ll be genuinely surprised how much cargo (or people) the Nissan Serena can carry.
The Nissan Serena has been an invaluable tool for my family of five during our recent
balik kampung
 trip for the Chinese New Year festivities. If you frequently travel long distances with your family too, the Japanese seven-seater MPV is definitely an effortless and inexpensive way to ferry around your passengers,
and
 your cargo in style and comfort!
Recently updated last year, the Nissan Serena is available in Malaysia in two variants: the 2.0L Highway Star at RM149,888, and the 2.0L Premium Highway Star at RM162,888. Do check out our
detailed launch coverage here
 for more details!


BMW i3s EV now available in dealerships, RM278,800

After making its
public debut at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow
, the BMW i3s is now officially available at Auto Bavaria KL, the only authorised BMW i Dealership in the country. However, customers can approach any BMW dealership for enquiries on the i3s.
The all-electric hatchback, which retails for RM278,800 (OTR without insurance), commands an output of
184 hp
and
270 Nm
of torque. It allows the i3s to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
6.9 seconds
 with a system limited top speed of
160 km/h
.

With the 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the i3s offers up to
345 km
of driving range (WLTP test cycle) on a full charge. A full charge from empty takes a little over 3 hours when plugged into a Charing through an 11 kW BMW i Wallbox Plus (RM8,897 plus installation).
As standard, the i3s
comes equipped with 20-inch Style 431 BMW i light alloy five-double-spoke
wrapped in bespoke 175/55 profile tyres at the front and 195/50 rear, suicide
doors, Sports Suspension (-10 mm ride height), Dark Truffle Vernasca leather
upholstery, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW Navigation
System Professional and a 5.7-inch coloured TFT LCD display for the instrument cluster.
Every purchase of the BMW
i3s comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years Free Scheduled
Service, 2-Years/24-months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App
and BMW White Card.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW i3s at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow


Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure launched in Malaysia, RM1.1m before taxes

Bentley Kuala Lumpur
 has launched the
Bentley Bentayga
 Azure EWB
 (Extended Wheelbase) in Malaysia, with prices starting at
RM1,091,000
 before taxes, registration, duties, and options. Essentially a longer version of the Bentley Bentayga, the brand also introduces the Azure trim to the luxury SUV for the Malaysian market.

By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
With the increase in length, the Bentayga Azure EWB now measures 5,322 mm long in total with a wheelbase of 3,175 mm. Both the wheelbase and cabin space have been extended by 180 mm. The increased length can mainly be seen in the rear doors, which creates a larger second-row area for the passengers.
The best thing about the cabin of the Bentayga is the airline seat specification, which equips the SUV with the most advanced seats ever fitted to a car. It comes with a 22-way power adjustment and a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.
In Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat is motored forwards to provide more space. In Business Mode, the seats move into the most upright position to make working more comfortable.
RELATED:
Bentley Batur sends off brand’s W12 engine – over 105k units built in 20 years
The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously. The postural adjustment system automatically makes micro-adjustments to the occupant’s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period.
Powering the Bentayga Azure EWB is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes
550 hp
 (metric) and
770 Nm
. The engine is paired wit an eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF, launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
RELATED:
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid launched in Malaysia, from RM 945k before tax
The extended wheelbase Bentayga is also equipped with all wheel steering (a first for the Bentayga) to provide ease of manouvering at low speeds and confidence at high speeds. The Bentayga Aure EWB is also equipped with Bentley’s Touring specification of advanced driver assistance technologies which includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and night vision. It also comes with Bentley Safeguard Plus which equips the Bentayga with every safety feature the brand has to offer.
Along with the new EWB Azure variant, the BEntayga is still available in its standard wheelbase version in Malaysia. To recap, the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure in Malaysia fetches a price of
RM1,091,000
 before taxes, duties, registration, and options. Upon launch, all units of the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure have been spoken for.
RELATED:
Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is a luxury SUV that wants to save the planet
GALLERY


Mazda2 Red Edition introduced in the UK, when is our turn?

Mazda UK is relatively active in introducing limited edition models, having previously launched the
Mazda3 Sport Black
 that was limited to just 800 units. This time it’s the littler model’s turn to shine with the Mazda2 Red Edition.
Available in either Snowflake White Pearlescent (one of our favourite white finishes) or Black Mica hues, both will get Soul Red Metallic touches on certain trims like side mirrors, rear spoiler and lower rear bumper. There’s only one cost option for the Red Edition, that is to have the £300 (RM1,576 based on current forex rates) Dark Gunmetal finish on the standard 15-inch rims. To avoid confusion, the Mazda2 sold by Bermaz Motor here in Malaysia sits on 16-inch wheels as standard.

Inside is where things get a bit more saucy. The fabric seats, door trims, knee pad inserts and dashboard are all finished in red, but this loud combination has yet to grow on us. If that’s not Red Edition enough for you, there’s the optional red floor mats that you can opt for.
Just 400 units of this special example will be made available, and it’s based on the 1.3-litre SE-L variant. It costs £14,995, or close to RM79,000.
IMAGE GALLERY


STARTECH shows off original accessories for Range Rover Evoque

STARTECH, a subsidiary under BRABUS Group has showcased its STARTECH REFINEMENT program for the
Range Rover Evoque
 today at the 2016 NAZA Merdeka Auto Fair. The STARTECH package doesn’t come cheap, but what it gives is a newfound level of sportiness for your prized Evoque.
With STARTECH, customers are able to customise the exterior look, the interior trim, wheel design as well as performance parts of their cars. The Evoque you see here is equipped with their full product line-up.

This five-door Range Rover Evoque STARTECH wears a bespoke in-house designed front bumper, which costs (RM12,395.82), bespoke rear bumper (RM15,534), rear spoiler (RM346), 20-inch Monostar R forged wheels (RM14,463.12), Continental Cross 245/45/R20 tyres (RM5,936), exhaust repair (RM130), Land Rover logo (RM236.70) and a custom paint job worth (RM1,950). Together with a labour fee of RM2,100, the total price of accessorising this Evoque is RM56,591.64!
STARTECH also offers a ride-height kit that lowers the Evoque by 35mm, which improves handling dynamics. Customers can also spec a sport exhaust system for better aural experience. The bodykit is said to reduce lift and provide better high speed stability. Performance upgrades to the engine is limited to the diesel variant for the time being, but developments for the petrol engine is in its final stages.

STARTECH is ready to assist any existing or aspiring Range Rover Evoque owners in personalising the SUV to each individual tastes. Interested customers can head down to the BRABUS section at NAZA Auto Mall or the BRABUS showroom in Glenmarie and seek professional consultation from STARTECH. All parts are warranted by the German accessory manufacturer, but this coverage only applies to manufacturing defects.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bugatti Chiron becomes first hypercar to exceed 300mph (482km/h)!

Forget everything you’ve ever heard or known as Bugatti has just made us rethink the impossible after breaking the 300mph (482.8km/h) mark with a top speed of 490.4km/h in the 1,500 hp Chiron.
The record breaking feat was achieved just yesterday at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Lower Saxony with Le Mans winner and Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel who worked his way up to the top speed from 300 km/h in 50 km/h increments.

It was
not the first record-breaking run for the Chiron
 nor Wallace. In 1998, the Brit reached a speed of 391 km/h (243 mph) in at McLaren F1 on the same track, likewise setting a record.
Wallace only had a 8.8 kilometer straight to hit the 300mph (482.8km/h) mark, after exiting a bend at the test track at 200km/h.
At top speed, Wallace and the Chiron was covering 136 metres per second; the
Agera RS only covered 127 metres per second
 when it
set a 445.7km/h top speed to be the world’s fastest production car
 two years ago.
And the mind-blowing facts doesn’t stop there. At top speed, the Chiron’s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres were rotating at 4,100 times per minute and have been reinforced to withstand 5300 G. Prior to the record run, the tyres were subjected to speeds of up to 511 km/h.
Tyres were not their only concern. As the high-speed track was only 50 metres above sea level, the higher air density meant the vehicle had to apply more force and at high speeds of over 400 km/h, it is as if the Chiron was driving against a wall.
“Air pressure, air density and temperature are very important for high-speed driving and can make a difference of up to 25 km/h, depending on the altitude,” said Bugatti Head of Development, Stefan Ellrott.
Bugatti may be no stranger to new thresholds of speed, with the Veyron 16.4 setting speed records in 2005 and 2010 and the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse setting the record for the fastest roadster in 2013 but don’t count on them to be making headlines anytime soon.
Bugatti President, Stephen Winkelmann, has said that with the new world record, Bugatti will withdraw from the competition to produce the fastest serial production car.
“We have shown several times that we build the fastest cars in the world. In future we will focus on other areas,” says Winkelmann.
IMAGE GALLERY


On financing your next Mercedes-Benz, conversation with Mike Ponnaz

First introduced to the Malaysian market in 2012, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) in a short span of five years have grown their portfolio to over RM2.2 billion, with four out of 10 Mercedes-Benz cars financed by MBSM.
MBSM has definitely played an important role in supporting Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) position as the leading premium brand in Malaysia. From regular saloons to tyre-shredding AMGs, MBSM is ready to help you finance your Mercedes-Benz through Classic Financing (standard hire purchase), Agility Financing (Agility) or Lease2Go.
Throughout the years, the standard route of car ownership has always been through a hire purchase loan – place a down payment, pay the monthly instalments for a set tenure and own the car at the end of the period. Alternative financing solutions may never come to mind when buying your new car.
We sat down with MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz to learn more about the nature of financial products offered and whether you should finance your next Mercedes-Benz with MBSM.
Left, MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz
Between Classic Financing (hire purchase), Agility Financing and Lease2Go, which is the more popular choice?
The popular choice is still the Classic Financing because that is what people are familiar with but the Agility and Lease2Go options are growing within our portfolio. Between three to four out of 10 cars we finance are under Agility or Lease2Go.
What is the main difference between Agility Financing and Lease2Go?
Both products are similar in that they offer lower monthly repayments, but the mechanics are slightly different. For SMEs, in their accounts, Agility is parked under Assets while Lease2Go is viewed as an Expense.
With Agility, you pay to own the car at the end of the term while Lease2Go, you rent the car for a certain period to use.
MBSM have been in operation for some time, is there a reason why you only offer two products besides Classic Financing?
You see, we can bring in many exotic products but at the end of the day, are the customers confident of what is being offered? Can the sales team explain the product to customers? It takes a bit more time because the product(s) are new to the market. So, our task is to build that awareness, build that consideration to customers and offer them a choice with our range of products.
Having these kinds of financial products have really changed the way consumers make car decisions, but will it attract bad paymasters who are unable to afford the monthly payments?
Because of the nature of the Mercedes-Benz brand, its potential clientele will naturally have a strong credit rating. Therefore, the credit strength of new clients has been pre-screened through the product because customers will think twice before taking on a contract with MBSM.
Through these financial products, say Agility Financing, you have made a Mercedes-Benz more attainable to a wider income group. What happens, when a customer stretches their budget just to go into the premium brand?
That is the intention, it’s part of an example where we can help sell more cars, by making the monthly repayments more affordable. For example, with Agility that lowers the monthly repayments, it allows the customers to do a variety of things (with their cash flow) and here is where the lifestyle part of it comes in.
We also think of ourselves as a kind of lifestyle financier, because we are financing a lifestyle. Whether it’s a
two-door coupe
, a
four-door sedan
,
plug-in hybrid
 or even an
AMG
, we want to have something to cater to your lifestyle.
Maybe a
4 door AMG
?
Coming back to the question, I noticed a trend that more and more customers from Japanese makes are moving into the Mercedes-Benz brand because we can help lower the monthly instalment say from RM7,000 to RM4,000 through Agility. It allows for these group of customers to manage their cash flow better while driving a Mercedes-Benz.
What other customer groups will benefit from Agility Financing?
Another group would be existing customers. For example, you are an existing C-Class owner but with an expanding family and you are looking to upgrade to an E-Class but because of additional commitments, you want to be more cautious with your money. Over the years, you have set aside a certain budget to pay for your hire purchase of the C-Class but now, Agility can help get into the E-Class threshold at a similar monthly instalment for a C-Class.
Another thing Agility can do for you is to allow you to make a lifestyle change. For example, you have a C-Class sedan but because of your lifestyle needs, you’re looking to get into a Coupe. Agility allows you to make the choice to go for a Coupe at a reasonable monthly instalment and because of the option to return, you can easily return the Coupe and go back to a sedan at the end of the contract.
Why I say we are a lifestyle financier is because we are able to match the needs and aspirations of customers while providing flexibility for the customer to settle, refinance or return the vehicle at the end of the contract. We do not determine the choice of the customer, we give them that option at the end of the period.
What is the breakdown of customers choosing to settle, refinance or return the vehicle?
Agility started in 2013, so we are only seeing the returns last year. The sample size is still relatively small compared to what is coming this year and next year but just to give you an idea, 1/3 settled the balloon, 1/3 refinanced the car and 1/3 returned the car. This is just an estimation based on the actuals we’ve seen and going forward, this might change and evolve further.
This confirms that each customer has their own preferences according to their aspirations and this is where the product is good because it gives the customers the option to choose.
Do you take financial products from abroad and bring them over?
Yes, but we adjust it to the local market. Just because it works in Germany, doesn’t mean it will work in Malaysia. That said, we see the (Malaysian) market evolving and maturing with individuals having more control and flexibility over their finances and sometimes even not owning a car.
Hopefully, we are there to support this trend and I think Agility does address this new consumer trend of financing their vehicles. At the end of the day, consumers want to have control over their finances and making their own choices which is why we are offering a wide range of products and services for the customers.
Moving forward, what are your plans for MBSM?
I can’t speak too much of the specifics but what I can say is that we are getting traction on the non-classical financing, i.e. Agility and Lease2Go, so this is definitely an area we will continue to develop further – to enhance our products and creating variations to the products.
There are a few products planned for this year; so for the short-term future, it’s really just to establish a strong foothold with these non-classical financing products, widen the awareness of it and refresh them with enhancements like bundling – of motor insurance, tyre and rim insurances into the monthly instalments.
Further down the road, it’s more speculative than anything but we would be looking at mobility services offered globally while identifying which services are suitable for the Malaysian market. It’s mainly about product innovation and being different from the rest of the market.
We would like to thank Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Mike Ponnaz for the interview opportunity.


Mercedes-Benz S400h now available in AMG line

As if the current S400h wasn’t imposing enough in its presence, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced that it will now be available with the AMG Line styling package. Good riddance!
So what do you get? Well apart from the signature brute appearance that comes with the AMG Line, the
S400h
 also comes with disctinctive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels tucked under its flared wheel arches. Perforated brakes disc are applied in all four corners underneath those enormous wheels for improved braking performance.
Car
Mercedes-Benz S 400 h
Engine
3.5-litre V6
Transmission
7G-Tronic
Max Power
306 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
370Nm @ 3,500 – 5,250 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top Speed
6.8 seconds; 250 km/h
Price
RM598,888 (OTR excluding Insurance)
Additional changes that come with the AMG Line can be spotted below the front bumper, on the skirtings of the car and between the chrome tailpipes at the rear bumper. The interior adopts the finest leather materials with exclusive D
esigno Brown high-gloss sunburst Myrtle
wood trims and sportier highlights such as the AMG multifunction sports steering wheel with AMG sports pedals. Also present in the plush interior is the
Burmester surround sound system.

Sitting on the AIRMATIC suspension system, the S400h comes with a host of driver assist features such as the
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop and Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE SAFE PLUS.
“As a forerunner of the hybrid technology in Malaysia, the success of the S-Class has been astounding. The new S-Class with AMG Line is the perfect combination of pinnacle of luxury in conjunction with the sporty character. This new variant of the S-Class embodies our leadership aspirations like no other model. It is the best-selling limousine in the world as well as in Malaysia and the vehicle of choice in the premium luxury segment,” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
The S400h AMG line is priced at
RM 598,888
 inclusive of GST without Insurance.


This is how it looks like on the inside of your tyre when you drive

Tyres are one of the most important bit of safety kit on our cars. But aside from providing grip, we often forget how much the tyres actually help with the overall ride quality, since we don’t usually get to see them deforming under load… until we see them from the inside.
Thanks to the aptly-named YouTube channel
Warped Perception
, we now get to see the rubbers working from a perspective that was almost never seen – or even thought of – thanks to a Go-Pro camera mounted inside the low-profile tyres of a W211
Mercedes-Benz
 E63 AMG.

It’s surprising to see how much the rubbers flex when it comes in contact with the road, even when it is filled to a proper tyre pressure of 35 PSI. And for the most part of the video, the car was just rolling down the street gingerly. Can you imagine how much stress your tyres are withstanding when you’re driving on the highway at the national speed limit?
It’s also interesting to note how the tyres deform differently when driving in reverse – an effect that can probably be attributed to the toe set-up of the car. For the brief few seconds before the camera inside gets knocked away by the warped tyres (around the
6:30 mark
), we also get to see how much the tyre walls really flex when we turn the car into a corner.
The amount of engineering work put into the development of tyres is mind boggling, and these are not even the things that the marketing department can put on the advertisement copy. So the next time you hear someone complaining about how expensive tyres are, show them this video and see if they change their minds!


MCO for Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bharu beginning May 7th

Kuala Lumpur will be under MCO from the 7th of May till 20th of May 2021, following an announcement by the government earlier.
The lockdown follows after yesterdays announcement where six districts in Selangor including Klang, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, and Sepang, will be placed under MCO from the 6th till 17th of May.
No dine-ins will be allowed, with take away or delivery orders the only options. Restaurants and food outlets will be able to operate between 6 am till midnight only.
Time to reprint those travel documents again folks!
As for supermarkets, grocery stores and fuel stations, operation hours are limited from 6 am to 10 pm. Only fuel stations by the highway may operate 24 hours daily. Inter-district travels will only be permitted for emergency and work purposes.
Shortly before the MCO announcement for Kuala Lumpur, the newly appointed Police Chief Commander of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said the police will deploy some 400 officers to ensure SOP compliance.
In the state of Johor, places like Kota Tinggi, Kulai and Johor Bahru will also be placed under MCO. The same applies to areas in Perak such as Taiping, Larut, Matang and Selama. In Terengganu, 14 subdistricts in Besut will be placed under MCO.
As of today, 3,744 new cases were reported in Malaysia, with Selangor registering over 1,548 new cases.
For further enquiries on SOP, the public may contact the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-21159999, or visit the nearest police station.


Top Gear test track to be demolished, for new housing development

The old Top Gear as we know it, might have bled its last drop of blood. Not only have our three “best friends” on TV departed, they’re now taking away the infamous Top Gear test track as well.
The “Hammerhead” and “Chicago” turns as we all have so often hear Jeremy Clarkson narrate about, built around an old military air base, will make way for
 new homes, health facilities commercial centres
.
According to
Jalopnik
, so far, nothing has been said about where the new track will be and how it’ll be like. There’s also no word how on much longer Top Gear will have on the track to film their shows.
The “new Top Gear”, with Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid and Chris Harris, just concluded the lucrative TV franchise’s 25th season. With the new trio finally hitting their stride, a new (26th) season is sure to be on the way. Question is, will it feature a new track by then? Maybe even a new Stig?
R.I.P, old Top Gear.


Honda Malaysia to CKD new Civic and Accord, plans to sell 90,000 cars in 2016

Honda Malaysia made headlines earlier this year when they
outsold Toyota to be the best performing non-national carmaker
 in terms of car sales. The company sold three times more cars than they did five years ago, but as much as they’d like to celebrate, there’s simply no time for them to rest on their laurels.
This year, during the parting of Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Yoichiro Ueno, the company gave us a glimpse into what we can expect from them this year. Joining the already solid and seemingly complete product lineup are the new
Honda Civic and facelifted Honda Accord
. The good news here is – although not confirmed word-for-word – both models will most likely be
locally assembled
.
Despite the duo’s highly anticipated arrival, Honda Malaysia targets to sell 90,000 cars this year, compared to the 94,902 units (14.2 percent market share) they shifted last year. The first two months of 2016 saw a dip in car sales mainly due to current economic pressures, but Honda seems unfazed in their quest to emulate last year’s exceedingly positive performance.
Honda Malaysia currently has 87 dealerships and 14 body paint centres, but they plan to bring the tally up to 95 and 20 respectively.


Renault Fluence Formula Edition launched in Malaysia, 2.0L, RM126k

The year 2016 is a special one for Renault as they are returning to Formula One. To mark this symbolic return, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the official distributor of Renault in Malaysia has just introduced the Renault Fluence Formula Edition.
Based on the
facelifted Fluence
, the Formula Edition gets a five-piece body kit with blue and red decals around the car. At the rear, a muffler cutter completes the look for the Formula One livery car. A new two-toned black alloy wheels is featured over the standard silver alloys.
On the inside, gloss black trims can be found around the cabin to give it a more exclusive look. However, the standout feature on the interior would be the Rich Maroon leather seats.
No changes are found in the mechanics. The familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that is also found in the previous-gen Nissan Sylphy is employed. Power is rated at
143 hp
 and
195 Nm
 of torque, and the engine is paired to the same Nissan-sourced X-Tronic CVT to drive the front wheels. Fuel economy is claimed to be at 7.7 litres per 100km.
The Renault Fluence Formula Edition is priced at some RM3,000 higher than the 2.0L Dynamique variant at RM126,688 (OTR without insurance). Buyers can opt for a Black Metallic or White Pearl paint scheme. It also comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage and a
5inFLuence
package which includes a 5-Year free maintenance or 100,000km, whichever comes first, one-year genuine parts warranty, complimentary pick-up service and 48-hour Mobility Solution.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV with 100km EV range debuts in Thailand

A plug-in hybrid version of the
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 is now available in Thailand in the guise of the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e AMG Dynamic. Fetching a price of 3,350,000-baht (approx.
RM 425,439
), the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) C350e is now sold alongside the diesel-powered C 220 d Avantgarde.
In Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in two versions, namely the C 200 Avantgarde and the
C 300 AMG Line
. With the PHEV C-Class now available in Thailand and Singapore, it might just make its way to Malaysia soon.
European-spec C

300 e shown
Powering the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 204 hp (metric) and 320 Nm. Working together with the turbocharged engine is an electric motor that makes 129 hp (metric) and 440 Nm. Combined, the hybrid system makes
313 hp
 (metric) and
500 Nm
. All power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and the car does the 0-100km/h acceleration in
6.1 seconds.
Storing power for the electric drive system is a
25.4-kWh
 battery that gives the car an all-electric driving range of 100 km (WLTP). A plus point of the C 350 e PHEV is that it can handle DC fast charging at a rate of 50 kW, allowing you to charge the car in
30 minutes
. With 11-kW AC charging, you can ‘refill’ the battery in
2 hours
.
RELATED:
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class now locally-assembled in Malaysia, from RM288k
European-spec C 300 e shown
Compared to the Thai-spec C 220 d Avantgarde, the C 350 e AMG Dynamic adds the following features:
AMG Line exterior
Digital Light
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Active Light System
Cornering Light
Radiator Grille with Mercedes-Benz Pattern
Comfort suspension with air level control on rear axle
18-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels
Larger front disc brakes
TIREFIT
RELATED:
CKD Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line, from RM 332k
European-spec C 300 e shown
Lifting the C 350 e AMG Dynamic’s interior a tier above its diesel counterpart are the following interior features:
AMG Line interior
Panoramic sunroof
Sports Seats
Multifunction AMG sports steering wheel in Nappa leather
Electrical sunblind for rear window
Heated front seats
Brushed sports pedals with black rubber studs
Instrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO man-made leather in Nappa look
Burmester 3D Surround Sound System
AMG floor mats
RELATED:
The new Mercedes-Benz C 300e now up to 313 hp and a proper boot
European-spec C 300 e shown
Standard interior features in the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class include 11.9-inch touchscreen centre display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ambient lighting, MBUX, and LTE communication for the use of Mercedes Me connected services.
Standard safety equipment for the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes Adaptive Brake with Hold function and Hill-Start Assist, Active Brake Assist, Cruise Control and Speedtronic, Attention Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic. The range-topping C350e AMG Dynamic adds on Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
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CBU Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line in Malaysia from RM288k, 5 Things


The “Cars of Malaysia 2018” will be touring Peninsula Malaysia this Friday!

There are dull days at work and then there’s this – the
Cars of Malaysia 2018
 Tour of Peninsula Malaysia – which we’ll be embarking on with Evo Malaysia and Roda Pusing this Friday (13th July) till next Monday (16th July).
Having recognised and acknowledged
all the winners from 35 categories of the Cars of Malaysia 2018 awards
, the convoy will bring us to all four corners of Peninsula Malaysia with stops in Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Bharu and Malacca before concluding in Putrajaya.

The drive will see us travel
almost 2,000 km
, with 10 different cars of various makes and models and stops at all the significant places of interests around Peninsula Malaysia, for all our viewers and readers to be up close with the award-winning vehicles. Among them includes the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 and AMG C43 Sedan, Mitsubishi Outlander and Triton, the Volvo V40 and the new XC60 and not to forget the Proton Iriz.
DAY 1
We’ll be gathering at and setting off from
Batu Caves
, before making our next stop only at the
Menara Condong
,
Teluk Intan
. From there, we’ll head to
Kellie’s Castle
, onward to the
Ipoh Railway Station
 before calling it a day at the
Kek Lok Si Temple
 in Penang.
DAY 2
From Penang, we’ll be heading across Peninsula Malaysia to Kuala Terengganu, not before stopping at the
Belum Rainforest
 en route to
Kota Bharu
,
Gerbang Kota Sultan Ismail Petra
 and the
 Crystal Mosque
in Kuala Terengganu.
DAY 3
On the third day of the tour, be sure to catch us and the cars at
Teluk Cempedak
,
Sultan Abu Bakar Monument
, subsequently at
Istana Bukit Serene
 and finally at
Puteri Harbour
 in Johor Bharu.
DAY 4
On the fourth and final day, we’ll be making our way from Johor Bharu to
Kota A’Famosa
,
Klebang Cococut Shake
,
Port Dickson
 and lastly at
Putrajaya
 where the Cars of Malaysia 2018 entourage will be paraded before the end of our grand tour around Peninsula Malaysia.
Those interested are more than welcomed to join us on our convoy on any of the legs, if you own any of the cars that were elected as the “Best 3” in the Cars of Malaysia 2018 awards.
There will be no participation charges but all costs involved will be at your own expense. Stay tuned to our social media feeds (
Facebook
 &
Instagram
) for the latest updates of our location! See you there!


Volvo will give you a RM10 GrabFood voucher if you pledge to stay at home

In a bid to encourage social distancing measures during this holy month of Ramadan, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is launching its Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign to further reinforce the government-mandated Movement Control Order (MCO), despite the
recent announcement by the Prime Minister
 for the relaxation of the MCO rules.
The campaign will run from the
4th to 23rd May 2020
, where VCM is inviting the general public to pledge their commitment to the social distancing rules. As an incentive, VCM will be giving out
GrabFood vouchers worth RM10
 for the
 first 500 successful pledges daily
. Over the 20-day campaign period, VCM will be giving out 10,000 vouchers for a total value of RM100,000.
To take part in the pledge, participants will have to register their pledge at the campaign microsite
here
. After the pledge, participants will then have to repost one of the five Volvo pledge images on their Instagram accounts anytime between
10 am to 3pm
, tagging Volvo Car Malaysia (
@VolvoCarMalaysia
) and the hashtag
#MYVolvoSafePledge
 in their post.
If your submission is eligible, the voucher will be sent directly to the email address used to sign up for the pledge. Each voucher has a validity of six months. VCM will be selecting successful participants daily, on a “first-pledge-first-repost” basis. Every Instagram account will be limited to one entry only.
VCM Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, “It is undeniable that all of us are affected by
COVID-19
 and the implementation of the MCO means we have adopted a new norm in our daily lives. Onward from this, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden of
Malaysians.
“[…] We hope that through this campaign, we can help alleviate some of the challenges that may be experienced during this time because we are all in this together and a little help goes a long way. We also would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan,” added Jain.
Volvo S60 T8 R-Design – Is it the
most value-for-money sports sedan in Malaysia
?
In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, VCM will also be rolling out an array of special offers from 1 May to 30 June 2020. These will include complimentary five-year maintenance service package (VSA5+) for new owners of all Volvo models, Recharge package worth RM30,888 for selected models, and Hager Wallbox worth up to RM8,000 for selected PHEV variants.
In addition, all
online bookings
 will also receive a complimentary Polestar Optimisation package worth RM5,250. For more information on these offers, VCM advises customers to contact their preferred Volvo dealers.


More hardcore Honda Civic Type R in the works, Grand Tourer variant planned

Yes, the new
Honda Civic Type R
 is finally available in the US, making it the first full-blown high performance Civic to be officially sold in the West. But as it turns out, it appears that there would be a hotter Type R (FK8R) in the works!
Chief Engineer for the Civic, Hideki Matsumoto said to
Automotive News
 that by adding more variants to the Civic line, it would certainly create a more stable sales volume. Among them is a more
hardcore version
 of the Type R hatchback. Just like the
Golf GTI Clubsport S
, this could mean that there will be a Civic pushing above the 315 hp mark, and would potentially lap the
Nurburgring
 quicker than
7 minutes 43.8 seconds
.
On the flip side, there could also be a milder version of the FK8R. It will be focused more on the
grand touring
 aspect, aimed at those seeking performance but not ready for the all-out Type R.
Also hinted is an
all-wheel drive
 Type R, which will go against the formidable mega hatches such as the
Ford Focus RS
,
Volkswagen Golf R
, and
Mercedes-AMG A 45
.
On a brighter note, rumour has it that Honda Malaysia is actually considering bringing this in. If that day indeed comes, then better get your chequebooks ready.


These Malaysians drove 20,000km in their classic Volkswagens to Germany!

There isn’t a better once-in-a-lifetime road trip scenario than what was achieved with these five Malaysians over the course of three odd months. The convoy is comprised of five Malaysians in three Volkswagen Microbus (Bulli) and a classic Beetle, all of which braved through a gruelling distance of 20,000km to Germany.
Cliften Nathaniel, Terence Moses, Stephen Pang, Monica Xavier and Udhaya Kumar, left Malaysia in March and travelled across Thailand, Laos, China, Russia and Europe before reaching the country where their cars were made. Naturally, they were prepared, bringing with them spare tyres, replacement parts and tools. Just in case, you know.
By June, the contingent arrived in Germany and visited Volkswagen’s plant in Hannover. At the same place, they witnessed the production of the latest T-Series model. They also attended the Volkswagen vintage meet in Hessisch-Oldendorf, witnessing some of the biggest classic Volkswagen gatherings ever existed.
They then continued driving to other European countries to participate in various charities as part of the
#Live2drive
 campaign. The return leg will take place later this year. Imagine the stories that will come out of this epic journey!
We at
AutoBuzz.my
, on behalf of all Malaysians, wish the five of you ambitious souls the very best of luck!


Would you pay more than RM1 million for this modern retro Toyota Century?

Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the
 redesigned Century
 – a modern retro rendition of the model that made its debut in 1967 – to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the group.
Priced at 19,600,000 yen (
approx. RM712 k
) – possibly over a million if you factor in our local taxes – Toyota expects to sell 50 units of the 5.0-litre hybrid V8 every month.
The V8 engine on its own makes
381 hp
 and
510 Nm
 of torque while the electric motors generate
224 hp
 and
300 Nm
. Impressive, sure, but that’s not why the Century costs so much.
The justification lies in its meticulously-crafted details. Take the exterior for example; the Century features a newly-developed, seven layer eternal black paint coat, dubbed
Kamui
, along with the historical phoenix emblem that
took six weeks for craftsmen to engrave
.

A wet sanding technique is carried out
 three times to smooth out the slightest unevenness
. The body then receives a mirror finish to ensure that there isn’t a hint of cloudiness or dullness in its color.
Inside, wood trims occupy most parts of the cabin along with a 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment system linked to 20 speakers and a 7-inch touch panel in the center armrest to control the audio, air-conditioning, massage functions and even the curtains.
The interior is also draped with noise-proofing material, enhanced by an active noise control system that additionally reduces engine noise and vibration when it starts and accelerates.
Driving stability and ride comfort have been fine-tuned using newly developed tires, suspension arms, bushes, mounts and other rubber parts specific for the purpose of increasing ride comfort and reducing road vibration.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota GR Supra updated with Apple CarPlay – price unchanged at RM590k

UMW Toyota has just announced a new updated for the
Toyota GR Supra
 here in Malaysia, with the sole upgrade being the addition of Apple CarPlay on the infotainment system.
The update is the second the GR Supra’s received since its launch here back in 2019; the first being a
performance upgrade
 last year, which saw the power output from the 3.0-litre turbocharge inline-six engine bumped up to
 388 hp
 and
500 Nm
.
The addition of Apple CarPlay, albeit a basic wired one, is a welcome move on the Toyota GR Supra – especially since BMW (who makes the Supra) still charges a RM1,299 one-time fee to activate the feature on their cars here in Malaysia.
Android users are out of luck this time round, however, as Android Auto is still not available on the Toyota GR Supra – a feature that’s also unavailable globally.
Watch our full review of the Toyota GR Supra here!
Otherwise, the Toyota GR Supra remains identical to the existing model in Malaysia, including all the standard equipment from before such as the 8.8-inch touchscreen display with touchpad remote, built-in navigation, and a 12-speaker JBL HiFi Surround Sound System.
The Toyota GR Supra’s advanced safety kit is also unchanged. Features include Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (All-Speed); Adaptive High Beam System; and Road Sign Assist.
Legoland Japan built a full-sized Toyota Supra replica that can even be driven at up to 28 km/h! Check it out here.
The updated Toyota GR Supra is priced at
RM589,987
 on the road and without insurance, which is unchanged from before. The price also includes the
50% sales tax exemptions
 for fully-imported models, valid until the end of 2021.
Interested customers can place a booking for the new GR Supra at selected authorized Toyota GR Garage showrooms nationwide. The full list of GR Garage showrooms is available
here
.


Shell Lubricants Malaysia launches latest range of Driveline Protection products [+Video]

Shell Lubricants Malaysia have just officially launched their new range of
Driveline Protection
 products at the ongoing 2015 Malaysia International Trucks, Bus and Components Expo (MITBC) held at the MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The Driveline range is comprised of
Shell Rimula
 heavy duty diesel engine oils,
Shell Spirax
 oils for axles, transmissions and gears as well as
Shell Gadus
 multipurpose greases. The multinational oil and gas company claims that these lubricants, when used in conjunction with each other, delivers greater long term value by
reducing operating costs
 and
extending service intervals
. To quote Shell, using the Driveline products means
less downtime, more done time
.
In one given case study, a Sibu-based company – NB Heavy Industries Sdn Bhd reportedly saved
nearly RM2.5 million
 in operating and maintenance costs annually after making the switch to using Shell Rimula engine oils. The company has a fleet of trucks that operate in various industries such as long-haul, construction, mining, agriculture and timber.
When using the Shell Spirax oil, another Sabah-based company in the plantation industry, Kokorotus Estate Sdn Bhd claims that oil drain interval for their fleet of tractors increased from
500 hours to 1,300 hours
, an up-time of nearly three folds the duration! Total annual savings in this regard amounted to slightly below RM100,000.
Shell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Mr Leslie Ng, said the company is constantly leveraging on their latest lubricating technology to help heavy equipment owners and operations to attain optimum levels of operational efficiency. Should you be interested to find out all bout these products, you may click on the video above or pay their booth a visit at the ongoing MITBC 2015.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Bermaz Motor opens 85th Mazda outlet in Jelutong, Penang

Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just opened its doors to it latest Mazda 3S Centre in Jelutong, Penang. Strategically located on one of the major roads of Penang, the new 3S Centre aims to strengthen Mazda’s presence and support to its growing pool of customer in Penang.
With a built-up area of 24,138 sq. ft, Mazda Jelutong 3S Centre is the 85
th
 Mazda outlet in Malaysia and the 43
rd
 Mazda 3S Centre for Bermaz Motor. Furnished with Mazda’s latest global visual identity, the two-floor facility can display up to 14 Mazda vehicles and is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month thanks to its seven work bays.
Bermaz technicians at the outlet are also trained and certified to provide professional services from standard maintenance to major repair jobs. Manned by 28-member team, Mazda Jelutong is a one-stop solution for sales, vehicle trade-in, financing and after-sales services, dedicated to delivering the Mazda Peaceful Ownership experience to customers.
Mazda Jelutong is located at 180 Jalan Jelutong, 11600, Georgetown, Penang and is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends.


Proton Iriz launched: The all-new B-segment Myvi contender, with 8 variants [+Video]

After many months of
teasing
 and
speculations
, the Proton Iriz has finally blown its cover to the public, this time with looks to kill. As reported
earlier
, the B-Segment contender is designed to meet world standards. So, can the Iriz grab hold of such ambition, or will this be the case of ‘getting the ball rolling’? Either way, the Iriz is indeed impressive for what it’s worth. And we can certainly expect to see more quality in the next car to roll out of Proton’s production plant.

QUICK FACTS
Name
Proton Iriz 1.3L Standard
Proton Iriz 1.3L Executive
Segment
B-Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1,332cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT
1,332cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT
Transmission
5-speed Manual / CVT
5-speed manual / CVT
Max Power
94hp @ 5,750 rpm
94hp @ 5,750 rpm
Max Torque
120Nm @ 4,000 rpm
120Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
from RM42,438 / RM45,438
from RM46,438 / RM49,438

Name
Proton Iriz 1.6L Executive
Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium
Segment
B-Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1,597cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT
1,597cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT
Transmission
5-speed Manual / CVT
5-speed manual / CVT
Max Power
107hp @ 5,750 rpm
107hp @ 5,750 rpm
Max Torque
150Nm @ 4,000 rpm
150Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
from RM53,438 / RM56,438
from RM59,438 / RM62,438

The story behind the ‘Iriz’ nameplate derives from the word ‘Iris’, which is responsible for controlling the diameter of the pupil in an eye. According to Proton, the name signifies forward thinking and setting safety standards for its customers. In the case of the Iriz, it’s conceivably true that Proton is setting the benchmark when it comes to safety.
Standard features of the Proton Iriz

This hot new hatchback does have a number of features that are standard across the range, but we’ll elaborate more on the safety front. In case you missed the flurry of teasers on Proton’s
microsite
 –
betulbetulonz.com.my
, the Iriz is given a
5-star ASEAN NCAP
 crash safety rating, thanks in part to the
extensive use
 of
reinforced steel structures
 to protect its occupants. Also, the doors of the Iriz are fitted with sensors that would
automatically unlock the doors
 in case you get involved in an accident. ISOFIX top tether mounting points are standard across the range too.
Other standard safety features include
Vehicle Dynamic Control
 (VDC),
ABS
 with
EBD
, Brake Assist, ESC, Traction Control,
Hill-Hold Assist
 and
seat belt warning indicator
 with buzzer. Reverse sensors come in a pair, but we wouldn’t mind having two more, just to be on par with the rest, if you know what I mean.
Exterior wise, the Iriz gets halogen projector headlamps as standard, along with the LED combination rear lamps. Signal indicators are integrated into the side mirrors, which are attached onto the front door panels, a first for a Proton car. All Iriz trims get
frameless front wipers
 too. Another interesting feature of the hatch is its
speed sensitive
 Electronic Power Steering, also a standard feature.
Proton IRIZ 1.3L Standard

The Iriz comes with two engines to boot; a
1.3-litre inline-four
 and a bigger
1.6-litre
 engine. Both engines now feature
Variable Valve Timing
 (VVT) as reported
earlier
. Just to recap, the 1.3-litre engine makes
94 horsepower
 at 5,750 rpm and
120 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm.

In this base trim, you get: manual folding side mirrors, urethane steering wheel with no audio controls,
fabric semi bucket seats
, 2-DIN radio and CD player with USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers, power windows,
dual front airbags
 and remote control key (the rest gets a boot release, not this though).

Price:

Standard MT – RM42,438

Standard CVT – RM45,438
Proton IRIZ 1.3 Executive

Similar to the Standard trim, the Executive 1.3L gets a few additional features for a mere
RM4,000

extra.
 Such features are:
follow me home lamp
, body-coloured body kit, standard design rear spoiler, rear wiper (the standard doesn’t come with this), fabric trim door inserts, four speakers,
two rear USB charging ports
 rated at 1.5A and 2.1A and driver’s side vanity mirror.

Both the 1.3L variants sit on 14-inch wheels shod with 175/65 R14 series tyres. Price increment justified, don’t you think?

Price:

Executive MT – RM46,438

Executive CVT – RM49,438
Proton IRIZ 1.6L Executive

The Executive trim is the only variant to receive two engine options, and costs about
RM7,000

more
 than the 1.3L variant. The 1.6-litre mill produces
107 hp
 at 5,750 rpm and
150 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm. The upper two trims get a larger
15-inch wheels
 to complement its sporty stance, wrapped with 195/55 R15 series rubbers.

This model gets
two-toned full bodykit
,
sporty rear spoiler
,
front fog lamps
, urethane steering wheel with audio controls, a
6.2″ LCD screen
 with DVD player, USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity. The head unit also has the
integrated rear-view camera
 display,
GPS navigation
 and
in-car 4G Wi-Fi function
.

Price:

Executive MT – RM53,438

Executive CVT – RM56,438
Proton IRIZ 1.6L Premium

The Premium variant boasts a number of exclusive features (on top of the Executive 1.6L), such as the
LED Daytime Running Lights
 (DRL), auto-fold side mirrors, sunvisor extension,
six airbags
 (front, side and curtain), anti-trap power window (driver side only),
electronic gear shift lock
,
leather steering wheel
 with audio controls,
leather semi bucket seats
, automated headlamps,
keyless entry
 and
push-start ignition
.

Identifying one is relatively easy, because it’s the only trim with the DRLs.

Price:

Premium MT – RM59,438

Premium CVT – RM62,438
The Proton Iriz is now available for viewing and test drive at all proton authorised showrooms nationwide, and can be had in seven colours – Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Genetic Silver, Proton White, Tranquility Black and
two new colours
 exclusive to the Iriz –
Citrus Green
 and
Silver Moon Dust.
It comes with a five-year warranty programme with three-years of free service.
What do you think? Is the Iriz a step closer to being world standard, or is it already one?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
LAUNCHING

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 PREMIUM

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 STANDARD


Volvo XC90 Excellence is downright luxurious, only 1,927 units made

Debuted almost a year ago at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, the Volvo XC90 Excellence is now making its maiden European appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. In layman terms, the XC90 Excellence is an XC90 T8 with three of the rear seats removed, replaced by a couple of recliners. And it goes beyond that.
Volvo claims that the XC90 Excellence is the most luxurious car in their 89 year history, and it’s clear to see why. Crystal clear, actually. While the driver in front gets a
crystal gear shifter by Orrefors
, the rear passengers are served with a couple of
hand-crafted crystal glasses
 by the same Swedish glass design company, complete with their proprietary holder in the rear center console. There’s also a
fridge
 to keep the bubbly chilled.

The rear occupants can chill as well, in the
 individual seats
 with acres of space to lounge. Apart from being able to
recline
, the seats themselves are
ventilated
 and equipped with a
massage function
, while entertainment is provided by an
individual screen
 mounted at the back of the front seats’ headrests.
To ensure maximum comfort,
Pirelli Noise Cancelling System
 tyres (PNCS) are fitted for a quieter cabin, but if it’s too quiet for you there’s a “specially-augmented”
Bowers & Wilkins audio system
.

Externally there’s nothing much you can tell apart from the
chromed door pillars
 and a subtle badge. Mechanically underneath it’s still an
XC90 T8
, so there’s
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 from the
2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
 powertrain. Like the XC90 First Edition, the XC90 Excellence is limited to just
1,927 units
 and they are available for online purchase. Malaysian sale however, is highly unlikely.
IMAGE GALLERY


Naza Italia launches refurbished showroom for Ferrari and Maserati

Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Ferrari and Maserati in Malaysia have launched their newly refurbished flagship showroom along Federal Highway.
The RM5 milion renovation job is one; in line with the Italian marques’ global corporate identity and two, Naza’s commemoration of its 40th anniversary this year. CEO and Group CEO of Naza World Group of Companies, Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, “With growth comes change. In celebration of such growth and to share our gratitude with our customers, we are reinvesting in the Group and rewarding our customers -starting with the refurbishing of the Naza Italia showroom. It now echoes all that the exclusive Ferrari and Maserati brand stand for.”

The refurbished 4’S’ (sales, service, systems and spare parts) centre boasts a spacious showroom with dedicated sales area, a luxurious lounge area, a merchandise area, configuration area and delivery bays for both brands. It also houses a fully-equipped business centre and boardroom facility for owners to meet and mingle.
Following the refurbished showroom launch, Naza Italia will be upgrading its Aftersales Workshop. At present time, the workshop features state-of-the-art service bays, advanced tooling and complete diagnostic systems for troubleshooting including tuning with the latest engine management software updates.
IMAGE GALLERY


All 19 units of Ford Ranger Splash pre-booked before Lazada’s 11.11 shopping festival

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) today announced that all 19 units of the limited edition
Ford Ranger Splash
 had been pre-booked ahead of Lazada’s 11.11 shopping festival.
SDAC says that the success of this collaboration with Lazada demonstrates that the Malaysian consumers have fully embraced eCommerce. SDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said “We believe that customers are looking for unique experiences and exclusivity in their
 vehicles.”
The online sales event also marked two milestones in the local automotive industry, claims SDAC. The Ford Ranger Splash is the first pick-up truck to be sold through eCommerce, as well as the first vehicle to be sold via “Chup Dulu” – a promotional mechanism allowing buyers to reserve their product ahead of the shopping festival.
Based on the
Ranger XLT Plus
, the Ford Ranger Splash is only available exclusively at the Ford Official Store on LazMall. The limited edition pick-up truck features an all-black exterior, contrasted by fluorescent “Ranger Splash” decals on each side.
Ford also equipped the Ranger Splash with several exclusive goodies, including matte black front kangaroo bar, sports bar, built-in toll reader and a 360-degree Around View Monitor Camera.
Under the hood, the Ranger Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, generating
180 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. The powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Priced at
RM138,888
, customers only had to pay a deposit of RM139 to secure the booking. Once the booking is secured, customers will then have to pay the remainder of the booking fee (RM1,250) during the 11.11 shopping festival.
After the payment of booking fee, buyers will then be contacted by a SDAC representative to complete the purchase. Although sold through an online platform, the Ford Ranger Splash will still come with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package.
Ford is not the first brand to experiment with online sales. Previously, Volkswagen has also utilised Lazada’s online marketplace for the limited edition
Volkswagen Beetle
 and
Polo Black and White Edition.

So far, all of the online-only specials have been met with
reassuring

success
. With the Ford Ranger Splash adding to the list, are we going to start seeing cars being sold through online avenues, rather than just one-off specials?


Next-gen Audi A8 to get new Audi Space Frame body, stronger by 25%

Driving dynamics has always been a strong suit of Audi vehicles and this is largely due to the innovative and high tech chassis design that underpins their cars’ body. Engineers at Ingolstadt have always find ways to reimagine the body structure to be more rigid, lighter and safer, resulting in a vehicle that offers exceptional performance.
Audi has just unveiled that the next-generation Audi A8 will feature an all-new chassis –
Audi Space Frame (ASF)
 that is made from a mix of
four materials
 – aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The next-generation ASF will not only be lighter than before, but offers
25 percent better torsional rigidity
 compared to its predecessor.
The
aluminium
 components make up 58 percent of the new A8 body but has been significantly improved via new heat-treated, ultra-high-strength cast alloys to attain a tensile strength of over 230 megapascals.
Steel
 components make up the interior shell of the car due to its lightweight and strong properties, crucial in ensuring the material can provide optimum safety during a crash.

Magnesium
 components is used at the strut brace and bolts to benefit 28 percent weight savings yet guarantees the body’s high torsional rigidity.
CFRP
 on the other hand contributes to 33 percent of the vehicles overall torsional rigidity thanks to its unique layering of six to 19 fibre sheets placed on top of one another. This ensures that the body is able to optimally absorb impact force, keeping the occupants safe. All these materials are joint together through Audi’s remote laser welding technology to form the body of the new A8.
Besides that, based on the design concept, the new A8 appears to have 28 mm more passenger rear knee room and the larger rear door apertures. We also know that the
next-gen A8 may feature a three-screen Audi Virtual Dashboard
. With Audi dropping all these hints, could it be that the launch of the new A8 is imminent?
IMAGE GALLERY

 Body of the next Audi A8 (Background: Framing line)

 Magnesium strut brace of the next Audi A8


It’s the end for the Elise, Exige, and Evora – final units roll off production line

It’s officially the end of the line for the
Lotus Elise
,
Exige
, and
Evora
, as the last examples of each model have just rolled off the production line at Hethel, UK.
Between the three model lines and over the course of 26 years, a total of 51,738 cars will have come off the production line – representing nearly half of Lotus’ total production in its 73-year history. In addition to that, a further 9,715 cars were built for Lotus’ third-party clients, such as GM and Tesla.
The last examples of the Elise (a yellow Sport 240 Final Edition, #35,124), Exige (Heritage Racing Green Cup 430 Final Edition, #10,497), and Evora (Dark Metallic Grey GT430 Sport, #6,117) will be reserved for safekeeping in Lotus’ growing heritage collection.
Lotus Cars Malaysia announces pricing of Emira V6….read about it here!
As production of these cars draw to an end, the current assembly lines – which were installed in 2,000 to ramp up production – will be dismantled and replaced with new “state-of-the-art” semi-automated facilities for the production of the all-new
Lotus Emira
, which will jump into full-scale production in spring after the prototype and test phases currently underway are completed.
Lotus Cars Managing Director, Matt Windle said: “First of all, I would like to thank the Lotus team who have worked on the Elise, Exige, and Evora over the years and who are now transferring to Emira and Evija manufacturing. I would also like to convey enormous gratitude to all the customers of the Elise, Exige, and Evora over the last 26 years for their passion, enthusiasm and support.
“These customers have given our ‘three Es’ true cult status – usually reserved for long-out-of-production classics. As we say farewell to the last few cars, we look forward to the Emira and
 Evija
 in the all-new factories at Hethel and sub-assembly facilities in Norwich, which introduce greater efficiencies and automation, higher quality and flexibility and the hugely exciting next chapter in our
Vision80 strategy
.”
Design Director, Russell Carr added, “These iconic cars have not only played a huge role in Lotus’ 73-year history but have also been ever-present in my daily life. Together with the Lotus design team, I have lived and breathed these cars for over 26 years.
Lotus reminds us why the Emira is for the purists in a shakedown video…watch it here!
“We will miss them, but a bit like Christmas, once it’s over, the excitement for the next one starts to build – and that’s what’s happening now at Lotus with the Evija, Emira, and forthcoming
Type 132
. 2022 is going to be a great year as a new Lotus generation swings into action.”
Lotus Head of Vehicle Concepts, Richard Rackham, who was also the vehicle architect on the Lotus Elise and part of the team that pioneered extruded and bonded aluminium technology in the automotive industry said, “The impact of these three cars has been spectacular over the years, technically, structurally and dynamically.
“But all technologies and innovations move on and, if you had asked me of my proudest moment four years ago, I would have, without hesitation, said the Elise chassis. However, this has been usurped by our new
Project LEVA architecture
 for our new range of electric sports cars, starting with the Type 135 in a few years’ time. This is now the zenith of Lotus architectures, as it has moved the technology game so much further. There is a lot to look forward to.”
These cars have not only played a huge part in Lotus’ history, but also the lives of many owners and fans. Enjoy your retirement, you absolute legends – cheers.


Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance debuts, 245hp & 370 Nm, 6-speed manual!

Late last year, Volkswagen unveiled the
Golf MK7 facelift
 but what the company did not do was to release full details of the Golf range in one go. Early this month, Volkswagen released key performance figures for the
Golf BlueMotion 1.5
, one that sips 4.6L/100 km. Now, we have the full details of the updated Golf GTI Performance, the hotter version in the GTI lineup.
Underneath the hood of the Golf GTI Performance is the same 2.0-litre TSI engine now massaged to push out
245 hp
 (+18 hp) and
370 Nm
 (+20 Nm) – the latter is available from 1,600 rpm to 4,300 rpm. Tasked to transfer power to the front wheels is either a
newly developed seven-speed DSG
 automatic or a six-speed manual.
The refreshed Golf GTI now hits the 100 km/h mark quicker at
6.2 seconds
 compared to 6.5 seconds previously. Top speed is rated at
248 km/h
 on the DSG-equipped Golf and 249 km/h on the manual. Along with the increased performance, the Golf GTI Performance also benefits from larger brake discs, red front callipers and electronic front differential.
Pricing for the Golf GTI Performance starts from £29,280 (RM164k) in the UK and it’s available in a three or five-door configuration. We know that the Golf MK7 facelift range
will be making its way to Malaysia soon
, but truth be told, we might not get the Golf GTI at all, let alone this. Let’s all start praying…
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar I-Pace rapid charging, 80% charge in 45 minutes, Geneva debut

Jaguar’s
all-electric I-Pace SUV
 is set to make its public debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show on 6 March 2018. Prior to its official debut, the British carmaker has unveiled some key performance figures that we could all get excited about.
Range anxiety is the biggest concern for any electric car ownership and to give owners assurance that they will be able to use the I-Pace as an everyday car, Jaguar has fitted the SUV with rapid charging that is capable of giving the battery
 80 percent juice
 in just 45 minutes from empty when plugged into a DC 100kW charging port.
Jaguar Vehicle Line Director, Ian Hoban said: “Not only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climatic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other.”
Recently, the company has subjected the dual-motor, all-wheel drive SUV to sub-zero conditions in Arjeplog, Sweden. Despite at temperatures as low as -40 degrees, the I-Pace performed without a hitch. Thanks to the AWD capabilities, the I-Pace was able to confidently deploy all its
 395 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque onto the icy terrain.
IMAGE GALLERY
Jaguar I-Pace Winter Testing in Sweden

Jaguar I-Pace in London