Proton unveils new ‘Gallery of Inspiration’ brand gallery at COE

Proton
 has lifted off the veils to its new brand gallery at its flagship Centre of Excellence (COE) outlet in Shah Alam. Called the “Gallery of Inspiration”, the new brand gallery marks the next phase in the national carmaker’s rebranding exercise that began back in 2019 with the
launch of its new logo
.
The new brand gallery comprises several zones, including a display area exhibiting its current and future technologies using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
Proton says the new Gallery of Inspiration also showcases the brand’s history (including the
first Saga
, in red!), as well as inclusiveness with stakeholders in Malaysia’s automotive industry, domestic, and global network. There’s even a new Proton Café if you need a cuppa, serving fresh brews from Starbucks!
VIDEO: Watch our full review of Malaysia’s latest darling, the Proton X50 Flagship!
Obviously, serving as Proton’s HQ and flagship showroom, there’s also a revamped Crystal Showroom where customers can view, test drive, and place their orders for the national carmaker’s latest offerings. The Centre of Service Excellence service centre, meanwhile, is unchanged from before.
“As the country’s first carmaker, the history of Proton and Malaysia’s automotive industry are intrinsically linked,” said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah. “We have achieved many firsts and introduced various innovations through the years, and that journey is proudly shared in the Gallery of Inspiration.”
“At the same time, our products have developed rapidly the last few years, so we are also taking this opportunity to show car buyers what the future holds and what they can expect from Proton.”
“We invested substantial resources on the Gallery of Inspiration and will update the information as Proton adds more milestones and models to its portfolio. As for the name, it is our hope that visitors will be inspired by our story, and it ignites a spark that sets them off on their own journey regardless of their field of interest. Of course, it also ties in with our slogan of Inspiring Connections and helps to strengthen the brand story and messaging with our customers,” added Roslan Abdullah.
If you’ve never been to Proton’s COE, now’s as best of a time for you to pay them a visit. It’s located along the Kesas highway just outside Subang, and the new Gallery of Inspiration will be open to the public every Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm.
GALLERY


EV Perodua eM-O concept car at MAS2023 – 350km range, 800V, Myvi-sized

If you’ve been following
Perodua
‘s social media pages, you would have seen the brand teasing the Perodua eM-O concept car with the abbreviation standing for “Electric Motion Online”. Well, you can now actually check out Perodua’s concept car at
Malaysia Auto Show 2023
, albeit being only a scale clay model for the time being.
Despite being only a small clay model for now, the Perodua eM-O concept car previews a rather interesting design direction for Perodua with its angular front end, and continuous taillight design. If any of this were to become a reality in upcoming Perodua production cars, it will make for a rather handsome compact vehicle.
Perodua has also listed some specifications of the eM-O. Firstly, it is a B-segment hatchback like the
Perodua Myvi
. The official specifications shared by Perodua depict the car to measure 3,895 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,500 mm long. As for wheels and tyres, the eM-O supposedly sits on a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45R18 tyres.
As for the drivetrain, the number of electric motors is not listed, and neither is the drive configuration. However, Perodua has shared that the eM-O is capable of a maximum power output of
95 hp
 and a maximum torque of
121 Nm
. If anything, the eM-O is no high-performance electric car. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is reportedly done in
10 seconds
.
More importantly, the Perodua eM-O concept houses a
50-kWh
 battery pack that provides an electric range of between 300 km to
350 km
. The test cycle used for the range calculation has not been specified. Interestingly, the Perodua eM-O concept is said to be built on an
800 V
 architecture. This allows for DC charging speeds of up to
300 kW
. With 300-kW DC fast charging, it takes approximately
20 minutes
 for the eM-O concept to charge to 80%. With AC charging (specs not listed), the eM-O takes approximately
7 hours and 30 minutes
to fully charge.
For those of you who wish to check out Perodua’s e-MO concept car, you can head to the Malaysia Auto Show 2023 that is happening at MAEPS Serdang. The show will take place from
May 4
 to
7
,
2023
.
GALLERY


All fuel prices for December down by 5 sen

As global crude oil prices fluctuate, naturally, we would be affected, what more the weakening Ringgit. For the month of December however, things swing in our favour, because all fuels – petrol and diesel – are down by 5 sen per litre.
This means by the stroke of midnight tonight, RON95 will cost RM1.90 per litre, RON97 at RM2.25 per litre, Euro 2M diesel at RM1.85 and Euro 5 diesel at RM1.95 per litre.
The previous month saw an increase of 15 sen per litre for both petrol and diesel.


Lexus LM MPV makes global debut, just a rebadged Alphard?

Toyota Alphard/Vellfire
 owners finally have a viable option if they ever decide to upgrade from their luxury MPV. Unveiled at the Lexus stand right here at the
2019 Shanghai Auto Show
is the Lexus LM, a re-skinned and more refined version of the Alphard.
The silhouette is unmistakably an Alphard but there are some bold cues that scream Lexus over Toyota. For starters, the front spots a massive Spindle grille, reserved for the Japanese luxury brand, slim LED tail lamps with signature “tick” LED daytime running lights while the rear spots extended tail lamps inspired from new-generation Lexus SUVs.
Other not so obvious signs include the chrome trims around the window pillars and lower side skirts, polished alloy wheels and swing valve shock absorbers first seen on the
Lexus ES
.
Inside, the Lexus LM is available in two configurations – the opulent 4-seater or the 7-seater people carrier. The 4-seater version has only two seats for rear passengers surrounded by creature comforts such as a 26-inch colour display, refrigerator, umbrella storage, touch control panel and a premium audio sound system.
Naturally, Lexus has graced
the 4-seater LM with the poshest materials from the low-density urethane foam
that offers ideal support with couch-like comfort for the seats to the
Gin-Sui-Boku
(Silver Ink) ornamentation
inspired by the art of ink wash painting.
The Lexus LM is available
with two powertrain options a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid for the LM 300h
and a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 for the LM 350. Front-wheel drive is
standard here while all-wheel drive can be had as an option.
Should the Lexus LM ever make its way to Malaysia, expect the MPV to be offered exclusively as a 7-seater but then again, would you pay close to a million Ringgit for the Lexus badge. Or stick to an Alphard Executive Lounge?
IMAGE GALLERY
Lexus LM Global Debut at 2019 Shanghai Auto Show


Mazda’s tuning specialist BBR introduces dual-stage tuning for Mazda3 2.0L Skyactiv

Mazda’s UK-based performance specialist
BBR
, famous for introducing
turbocharged MX-5
s has just released two stages of engine performance upgrades for the Mazda3
2.0L Skyactiv-G
 variant.
It took BBR just over 11 months of intensive development to
remove key electronic and mechanical restrictions
 of the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3 and CX-5 models, unleashing the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine’s full potential.
As mentioned above, two stages of tuning are available – the
BBR Super 170
 and
BBR Super 185
. The numbers denote its final power output, achieved via BBR’s Starchip ECU software package that is programmed to revise fuel and ignition calibration. This
optimises engine performance
 from 2,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm limiter, and it also removes electronic throttle restrictions for a more spirited driving experience.
Final output figures for the BBR Super 170 package is
169.7 horsepower
 at 6,300 rpm and
221 Nm
 of torque at 4,250 rpm. Not too far off from the Malaysian-spec 162hp and 210 Nm, and you most certainly won’t pay £499 (RM3,324 excluding taxes) for the small performance bump. However, the BBR Super 185 package might be worth considering.
This upgrade package builds on top of the Starchip ECU, but the engine will need to breathe better to gain an additional 15 hp. For £1,795 (roughly RM12k), you get a
stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
 and a
cold air induction system
 featuring K&N high-flow filter. This results in an output of
185 hp
 at 6,300 rpm and
 235 Nm
 of torque at just 4,000 revolutions.
To complete the package, BBR is also offering a 2.5-inch diameter centre section with
high-flow sports catalyst
 (EU emissions compliant; £495 or RM3.3k) as well as a stainless steel BBR-branded rear silencer (£395 or RM2.6k) that produces a sportier exhaust note. Other upgrades include BBR Sport Springs with Koni adjustable dampers for £195 (RM1.3k) and £605 (RM4,000) respectively.


More CKD Hyundai models expected thanks to new Asean plant, all-new SUV in 2022

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched new generations of the Elantra and Sonata models late last year and switched to sourcing that is not locally assembled.
For many years, these two models were staple to the brand and distributors, and priced strategically thanks to local assembly (CKD) at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The new generation
Elantra
 and
Sonata
 models are now fully imported (CBU) from South Korea and thus the higher price levels. However, a recent news report from
The Edge Malaysia
 informed that HSDM is set to increase in output of locally assembled models.

Currently, only the
Santa Fe
 model is locally assembled and SD Motors, the parent company of HSDM, confirms that
more CKD
 Hyundai projects are being proposed as the product line-up expands in the future.

This development can be attributed to a new mega-production facility currently in its final phase of construction in Kota Deltamas, east of Jakarta,
Indonesia
. Hyundai Motor Company has invested a total of US$ 1.55 billion and part of it is the development of its
first Asean manufacturing hub
 with an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Finished vehicles are set to roll out by the end of 2021. In the future, the manufacturing hub is capable of an output of 250,000 vehicles a year.
A spokesperson from SD Motors said, ”In fact, with Hyundai’s new plant in Indonesia expected to produce right-hand drive assembly kits, which brings added value through
tax savings
 for sales of vehicles, we look forward to increasing our assembly volume for Hyundai vehicles at Inokom [sic].”
The new CKD Hyundai model planned for Malaysia is scheduled for production
in 2022
, and according to the spokesperson, is
an SUV model
. We highly suspect the said SUV model is the fourth-generation
Tucson

model, as it was only unveiled last quarter.
Hyundai is also set to globally unveil its new electric vehicle (EV) called the
Ioniq 5
 next week (2nd February). The automaker also said it’s exploring the possibility of manufacturing Asean-specific EVs at the new Indonesian production facility.
Source:
The Edge


Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift gets new inline six-cylinder and bi-turbo V12

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship limousine, the S-Class, just recently received a
midlife update
, and now the burly saloon will get two new engines – a 3.0-litre inline-six and a twin-turbo V12.
Known as the M256, the straight-sixer is a systematically electrified petrol engine that powers the
S450
 and
S500
 variants. The S450 is an all-new variant for the petrol W222, deploying
367 hp
 and
 500 Nm
 of torque. Meanwhile, the S500 now has
435 hp
 and
520 Nm
 at its disposal, replacing the V8 from its predecessor.
The top-of-the-range W222 S-Classes will get the V12; the
S600
 is now powered by the new
6.0-litre bi-turbo V12
 packing
530 hp
 and
830 Nm
. The Mercedes-Maybach
 S650
 gets the same V12, but is tuned to make
630 hp
 and
1,000 Nm
.
There is now a total of
24 variants
 for the W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and can be had with either rear-wheel or all-wheel (4MATIC) drive. Presently in Malaysia, three variants are offered: S400 Hybrid, S500, and S63 AMG. The
S400 Hybrid
‘s attractive pricing of
RM588k
 makes it a popular choice for corporate captains here. It’s only a matter of time now before the facelift reaches our shores.


Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe confirmed for Malaysian introduction – 1H 2017

Just a few months ago, production of the
all-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe
 began at the company’s
manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan
. It dons a sportier, more emotive styling complemented by the brand new and highly vibrant Dynamic Sandstone Red paint.
Infiniti Malaysia is in the midst of finalising the Q60’s specifications, and its estimated date of arrival will be between March and April 2017. The Q60 Sports Coupe will go head to head with the
Audi A5
,
BMW 4-Series
,
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
 and
Lexus RC
.
This front-engined, rear wheel drive coupe is powered by two engines, either a
2.0-litre four-cylinder
 or
3.0-litre V6
 engines. They’re both
turbocharged
, with the four potter making
205 hp
 and
350 Nm
while the V6 makes either
296 hp
 and
400 Nm
 or
398 hp
 and
475 Nm
. All variants will make do with a
 seven-speed automatic
 with Adaptive Shift Control.
Is there actual substance to go with the agent provocateur? You bet. There’s a new variable, speed-sensitive steering wheel (they call it Direct Adaptive Steering) and six driving modes – Standard, Snow, Eco, Customise, Sport and Sport+. All 3.0-litre variants get a Rack Electronic Power Steering which provides linear assistance.
In standard guise, the Q60 sits on 19-inch alloys, but there is also a 20-inch option. The 2.0-litre variant comes with all-new shock absorbers with improved shock tuning and bushings. The V6 on the other hand, gets Digital Dynamic Suspension and its dedicated set of dampers.
Currently, Infiniti Malaysia is selling the Q60 (otherwise known as G37 Coupe) for RM411k.
IMAGE GALLERY


Peugeot opens RM2.5 mil 4S Centre in Kajang

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have launched their latest showroom in Kajang, also their fourth this year and 18th outlet in the Klang Valley.
It is wholly owned and operated by MN Otomobil Sdn Bhd, which invested approximately
RM2.5 million
 to erect the
12,000 square feet
 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and Spray Paint) facility. The service centre is home to 13 service bays with the capacity of servicing up to 30 vehicles a day.
Peugeot Kajang will serve customers living in the following areas – Bangi, Baru 9 Cheras, Beranang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Seri Kembangan, UKM Bangi, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. While waiting for the vehicles to be serviced, customers and visitors can make use of the facility’s free Wi-Fi at the waiting lounge.
Nasim currently has a total of 43 outlets nationwide in operation since embarking on a rapid network expansion four years ago. The company will launch yet another showroom in East Malaysia towards the year end.


New BMW F82 M4 wrecked by probationary driver in a Toyota Avanza who ran a red light [+Video]

A brand new BMW F82 M4 Coupe became the latest victim of reckless driving earlier today at a relatively quite junction believed to have taken place in the city of Melaka. The
RM750k high performance sports car
 saw both its front and curtain airbags deployed, and other damages sustained point towards a completely wrecked front-left arm, among others.
The accident occurred when a first-generation Toyota Avanza (Melaka-registered) beat the lights and ran straight into the M4. Fortunately, the bicyclist next to the BMW M4
escaped unharmed
 in what could otherwise be a fatal hit.
It’s unclear at this point why the driver of the Toyota Avanza ran the red light, but let this be a stern reminder to probationary drivers (commonly known as P-drivers) out there to always abide traffic rules and regulations. Beating the red lights puts you at risk of being slapped with a RM300 fine and may also cause undue harm. While you’re at it, be sure to double check exactly which corner of the rear windscreen you’re supposed to put up your P stickers.
Image and video courtesy of
YouTube channel Lux Lum


Hyundai i30 N vs the rest of Malaysia’s hot hatchbacks

Word is that the new Hyundai i30 N is coming to Malaysia to spice up the hot hatch scene and it got us thinking; on paper at least, does it have what it takes to wrestle some attention from the likes of Volkswagen, Honda and Renault?
Unless it can be priced to temptation, it’s going to be a rather tall order for the new kid on the block to fit in with the more established cool kids like the Golf and the Megane R.S.
The i30 N makes a maximum of
279 hp
 with the Performance Package (250 hp as standard) and
353 Nm
 of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.
0 to 100 km/h is over in
 6.1 seconds
 with the Performance Package (6.3 seconds without) and top speed, like everyone else, is limited to 250 km/h. Respectable figures but here’s how it’ll stack up against its rivals when they appear in its rear view mirror.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Output: 227 hp & 350 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
Possibly my most favourite among all the other hatchbacks in Malaysia, the
Mk 7.5 Golf GTI we reviewed
offers a duality – both as a practical hatchback and a weekend B-road carver – that not many can match.
It’s also a closer rival to the i30 N than the monstrous
Golf R
 which would annihilate the i30N with
290
 and
380 Nm
 and a 0 to 100 km/h time of
5.1 seconds
.
FK8 Honda Civic Type R
Output: 310 hp & 400 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds

GC Mah had all the spoils with this so there’s really no saying how the Civic expresses itself as a proper Type R.
It may
proven itself to be a very very quick FWD car
, but I believe most would be inclined to agree that the new FK8 generation model, with its turbocharged engine and lack of “pranggg”, is just a very accomplished and very powerful Civic; not a Type R.
Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup
Output: 280 hp & 390 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds

Launched just recently, the Megane R.S. 280 Cup on paper at least, is neck and neck with the Civic Type R in terms of acceleration and is marginally quicker (5.8 seconds vs 6.1 seconds) than the i30 N even though their output aren’t significantly different.
Like the rest of its rivals, the new Megane is now just as practical with four-doors and plenty more leg room, available
from RM3,999 through Renault’s Subscription Plan.
Peugeot 308 GTi
Output: 270 hp & 330 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 6 seconds
Unlike the rest which are powered by either 1.8- or 2.0-litre engines, the 308 GTi still packs a heroic punch from a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder. It won’t run rings around the Megane R.S nor the Civic Type R but is probably the closest rival to the i30 N in terms of acceleration.
Mercedes-AMG A45
Output: 381 hp & 475 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 4.2 seconds
No contest.


New patent hints at Mazda 3-size EV – FWD, possible solid-state battery

Mazda

isn’t exactly the first brand that comes to mind when you talk about electric vehicles (EVs). Its first EV is the Mazda MX-30 which offers city-level driving range and is rather experimental in its design. A new patent published by the European Patent Office, however, reveals that the brand is working on a
Mazda 3
-size EV.
Depicting a sedan, the patent also shows the location of the electric motor and the location of the battery. The front-mounted motor hints at a front-wheel drive (FWD) system, while the battery shown in the patent images shows a very thin battery pack, that is very well tucked in the underfloor of the car. We also get to see a MacPherson strut front suspension setup and a double wishbone rear suspension setup, although the patent states that various suspensions can be used on the platform.
Figure 1 of of the patent document
Although the images from the patent show a front-mounted electric motor, the patent describes that the motor could also be placed near the rear wheels, providing a rear-wheel drive electric drive system. As written in the patent document, “[Figures 1 and 2] show a case where the powertrain (PT) is provided only in the power room R3, but the powertrain PT may be provided in a lower space R4 of the baggage room R2 (not illustrated).”
The Mazda patent also states, “In the case where the powertrain PT is provided only in the power room R3, only front wheels F are driven. In the case where the powertrain PT is provided in the lower space R4, only rear wheels R are driven. In this case, the power room R3 is usable as a baggage-room space or the like. Further, in a case where the powertrain PT is provided both in the power room R3 and the lower space R4, this vehicle is a four-wheel drive car.”
RELATED:
Mazda 3 updated in Malaysia for 2022 – new range-topping Ignite Edition variant
Figure 2 of the patent document
As for the battery pack, the patent states that it could be either a lithium-ion battery or an all-solid (solid state) battery. The patent shows a platform that could accommodate several battery sizes.
Filed in May 2022 and published in December 2022 by the European Patent Office, the Mazda Motor Corporation’s “Vehicle-Body Structure of Electric Automotive Vehicle” patent isn’t a statement of production intent as it may just be used to protect the company’s ideas. Mazda’s next EV may not be a Mazda 3-size EV, but the idea of one is certainly exciting.
RELATED:
Is this our first look at the next-gen Mazda MX-5?
Figure 3 of the patent showing the motor and battery location.


UMW Toyota sees over 200% increase in sales for September

After a full month of operations in September, after the auto industry was allowed to resume at the end of August, UMW Toyota Motor has announced a jump in total sales volume.
The
new Corolla Cross

in Japan.
The company reported a total sales volume of 8,033 vehicles, an increase of 5,509 units compared to August. The figure is also over 40% higher than the same in 2020. Of the 8,033 units, 7,931 were Toyota vehicles while 102 consisted of Lexus vehicles.
Compared to the same January to September period of 2020, UMW Toyota also recorded higher figures. Sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles were 43,594 units in 2021, compared to 25,978

“We are certainly pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months have been challenging for us. Our showrooms have been open and receiving many customers daily. Bookings for the latest models have also been increasing. As a result, our total sales in September for Toyota and Lexus vehicles was a phenomenal 223% greater than the August volume,” said UMW Toyota Motor, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.
Toyota’s Kinto One subscription service in Malaysia now offers even more flexibility. Read about it here!
“I would like to assure our customers that they will be safe and protected when they visit our showrooms or service centres but at the same time, we remind them that they need to comply with the SOPs. This means having temperature scans and registering their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as using hand sanitisers and wearing face masks at all times,” he added.
In conjunction with its showrooms reopening, UMWT launched the “Visit & Win” promotion with a total grand prize of RM30,000. Simply upload an image of yourself at the showroom, on Facebook, or Instagram with a caption. Once uploaded, simply share the URL link to UMW Toyota representatives.
Prizes include an iPhone 12, Samsung 55-inch 4K LED TV, Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Iron, Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Wireless headphones and more!
The Toyota Corolla is the last car we’d expect to get a “Nürburgring Package”. Read about it here!


Volvo’s 360c Concept is here to challenge the airline industry

Volvo has just unveiled its new fully autonomous concept car, the Volvo 360c Concept. But get this, the 360c’s main rival is not cars, its aeroplanes.
The 360c is a fully autonomous and fully electric vehicle that requires zeros human intervention to go from point A to point B. With the absence of a steering wheel and combustion engine, designers were able to reimagine the cabin space to created different spaces for different purposes.
Think mobile office, sleeping environment, meeting space and even a party table, the 360c is able to cater to all the above and more. Volvo imagines the 360c to be an alternative to domestic short-haul flights, whereby consumers can hop into the car and do whatever they want throughout the journey, saving time and costs needed to go through airport security and lead times.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Volvo Cars, Mårten Levenstam said: “Domestic air travel sounds great when you buy your ticket, but it really isn’t. The 360c represents what could be a whole new take on the industry. The sleeping cabin allows you to enjoy premium comfort and peaceful travel through the night and wake up refreshed at your destination. It could enable us to compete with the world’s leading aircraft makers.”
Beyond autonomous travel, Volvo also hopes that the 360c can pave the way for a global standard in how autonomous vehicles can safely communicate with all other road users. This innovative concept also opens up the discussion for the future of travel, city planning and modern society’s environmental footprint.
IMAGE GALLERY


New entry level Mitsubishi Triton VGT GL launched in Malaysia, priced at RM103k

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia has just added another entry level variant to the
Triton line up
, the Mitsubishi Triton VGT GL. The VGT GL is based on the existing Triton VGT auto without some of the feel-good bits and is targeted at individuals who are in the market for a straightforward pick up at an affordable price point.
At RM103,800, on-the-road without insurance, the VGT GL is cheaper than even the VGT MT and
RM10,600 cheaper
 than the VGT AT it is based on. So, what does the cheapest Triton VGT has to offer?
For starters, it loses the fancy Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with LED daytime running lights for simpler halogen projector units, front fog lamps removed, a dark chrome radiator grille and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL (4×4)
Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT (4×4)
Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT (4×4)
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure AT (4×4)
Mitsubishis Triton VGT Adventure X AT (4×4)
Engine
2,442cc; MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler
Transmission
5-speed automatic with Sport Mode
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic with Sport Mode
Max Power
179 hp @ 3,500 rpm
Max Torque
430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM103,800
RM107,600
RM114,400
RM123,130
RM130,900
Inside, the VGT GL loses out on the touchscreen infotainment system for a 2-DIN audio system but retains the 4WD selector and automatic climate control system. Also omitted from the spec list are keyless entry and start, six-speakers (now four-speakers), leather wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery.
Mechanically, the VGT GL remains powered by the new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel that pushes out
179 hp
 and
430 Nm
 of torque mated to a
five-speed automatic transmission
. The new engine, despite being
30 kg
 lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the old 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill, it remains a robust workhorse as demonstrated by local motorsport talent
Leona Chin where she pulled a 31-tonne mega truck with the new Triton
.
Fortunately, MMM did not skim on the base model’s safety equipment. Safety equipment still reads dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist,
Traction Control
,
Active Stability Control
, Hill-start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and ISOFIX mounting points.
Like the rest of the Triton range, the new variant is covered with a 5-Year or 200,00 km warranty and will be a fully-imported from Thailand. Interest parties can check out the Mitsubishi Triton VGT GL at Aeon Tebrau City from 19 to 24 September 2017 and Mid Valley Megamall from 27 September to 1 October 2017.


Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition is the most powerful WRX STI ever made

To celebrate Subaru Technica International’s (STI) 30
th
 anniversary, Subaru South Africa has revealed the limited Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition. Only 30 units of these will be made and it will go down in history books as the most powerful WRI STI Ever.
The 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine has been boosted to
 353 hp
 and
464 Nm
, a 53 hp and 57 Nm bump compared to a standard WRX STI. To achieve this, engineers have given the Diamond Edition an ECU remap and a full free flow exhaust system to unlock the extra grunt from the powertrain.
As a result, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h now takes
5.03 seconds
, down 0.73 seconds from a standard vehicle. Acceleration from 0 to 160 km/h is a full second quicker at
13.7 seconds
 compared to the regular model’s time of 14.76 seconds.
Subaru South Africa did not fiddle with the six-speed manual transmission and Symmetrical All-wheel Drive System, adamant of the standard car’s robustness to handle the extra power. The WRX STI Diamond Edition has undergone 18 months of development and over 50,000 km of testing to ensure the longevity and reliability of the car is not compromised in any way.

On the exterior, the Diamond Edition sgets an STI Sports body kit painted in Hi Viz Yellow, Brembo brake callipers painted in the same Yellow and silver trim around the quad exhaust outlets. It rides on 18-inch Dark Gunmetallic alloy wheel wrapped in 245/40 profile tyres.
IMAGE GALLERY
Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition


All-Malaysian Legacy Racing Team to compete in Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia

Legacy Racing Team, an all-Malaysian racing team has officially launched today at a signing ceremony between the team and main sponsor, IBH Investment Bank and Throne Legacy Capital.
The team will be competing in the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia – GT3 AM Class, making them the first all-Malaysian team to take part in the racing series.
Headed by team principal Kelvin Liang, the Legacy Racing Team will be racing in
car 76
, a
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3
 piloted by local motorsports veterans
Leona Chin
 and
Tengku Djan Ley
.
The car will be donned in a special livery, which was also launched today, finished in red, black and chrome, along with a Malaysian flag design on the roof.
The 2020 season of the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia will begin on the
28th March 2020
 at the
Sepang International Circuit
. The series will race in various circuits in the region, including Chang International Circuit, Fuji Speedway and Suzuka International Circuit, before concluding the season in Shanghai.
IMAGE GALLERY


Perodua lends a helping hand to Hospital Sg. Buloh with medical supplies

After a series of
financial aids
 and contributions including face shields to schools in areas like
Hulu Selangor
,
Putrajaya
, and
Selayang
, Perodua has stepped up its efforts once again in the battle against Covid-19.
The company has now
contributed another RM80,000 worth of medical supplies
 to the Sg. Buloh Hospital including 5,000 face shields, wheelchairs, commode chairs, transfer boards, bed railings, walking frames, rehabilitation chairs, and a therapy tilt table.
In total, the company has
contributed 35,000 face shields
 to various organisations since the start of the Covid-19 fiasco.

Have you seen what the new Perodua Ativa is like?
“The supplies provided are based on feedback given by the hospital’s administrative team to help keep their staff safe and patients comfortable,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
In the early days of the first Movement Control Order (MCO) last year, Perodua contributed 150 mattresses, 200 pillows, 105 boxes of mineral water, 15 industrial fans and 300 pairs of rubber boots to Hospital Sungai Buloh.
“We will continue to communicate with key public institutions to see where Perodua may contribute strategically in supporting the nation. We thank and salute our brave men and women who work tirelessly to serve us all,” Dato’ Zainal said.


Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept coupe, the real world Iron Man car?

Not long after its mysterious
teaser surfaced on the internet
, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach have unveiled quite possibly their craziest concept to date – the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Concept Coupe. Currently displayed at the Pebble Beach car show, this six meter sheet of metal is a preview of what’s to come from Stuttgart’s mega luxury arm.
A mix between AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept and
Mercedes-AMG GT
, the front end of this car bears the three-pointed star. The slim gullwing doors are not the only items that add flamboyance to this coupe, but also the wheel arches are slapped with a humongous set of 24-inch wheels! The best part is, it comes with transparent panels to add even more absurdity.
The concept coupe is strictly
electrically powered
. Its four electric motors produce a total output of
738 hp
, allowing a century sprint of less than
4.0 seconds
. It can cover up to
320km of tarmac
 with an 80 kWh battery pack, whereas a five-minute quick charge boosts travel distance by an additional 100km. The battery can be charged either by plug or wirelessly through an inductive charging system.
Despite being just a concept, the cabin of this 6-metre limo is way ahead of its time. There’s an Iron-Man kind of heads-up display which stretches across the entire windshield, and these projections will purportedly replace traditional buttons, knobs and dials. The display also functions as a massive screen that relays all kinds of information back to the driver and passengers.
The four minimalistic seats come with integrated sensors, designed to analyse the occupants’ condition and even their outfits to customise the lighting and massage setup.
As exciting as it sounds, the 2+2 coupe remains just a concept. But those whose appetites have been stirred at the very sight of this car will probably want it bad enough to force Mercedes-Maybach to put this in production. We don’t think the world has seen anything like this before, not with the level of tech, ambition and drama the 6 Concept Coupe exudes.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Kia EV6 GT Line AWD launched in Malaysia, 5 Things

The
2022 European Car of the Year
 – the
Kia EV6
 – has been launched in Malaysia. Available in the highest-spec GT Line AWD variant, with prices starting from RM300,668 excluding SST exemptions.
The EV6 was designed based on the company’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language, with futuristic and high-tech details coming together with sharp lines and sculptural proportions. That’s not all, wait till you see what the EV6’s head and taillights look like when they’re switched on!

As a result of the Kia EV6’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP), the crossover can offer ‘mid-size SUV-like’ cabin space even if it doesn’t look as big on the outside. The dashboard and centre console is home to dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The latter offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and is paired with a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
In case you’re wondering, the fully-electric Kia EV6 GT Line comes with 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, along with a 7-year/150,000 km warranty for its lithium-ion battery.
Find out more about its powertrain in the video!


Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance debuts – V8 PHEV, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs

Proving again that a luxury saloon could be transformed into a very sporty vehicle,
Mercedes-AMG

has debuted the latest AMG S-Class, the
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance
. Currently the most powerful
S-Class
 of all time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a V8 engine.
Like the latest
AMG C 63
, the S 63 houses a similar F1-tech hybrid system, albeit with a much larger engine with twice the number of cylinders. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine powers all wheels and gets assistance from a rear-mounted electric drive system.
The engine itself makes 612 hp (metric) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 900 Nm @ 2,500-4,500 rpm. The rear-mounted electric motor makes 190 hp (metric) and 320 Nm. Combined, the system makes
802 hp
 (metric) and
1,430 Nm
.
With that amount of power and torque, the 2,595-kg luxury saloon launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h (250 km/h with electronic speed limiter). Power is sent to all wheels via an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Responsible for transmitting all power is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (automatic transmission with wet multi-disc start-off clutch).
Not tuned for ‘economic driving’, the
13.1-kWh
 battery pack of the S 63 E’s hybrid system only provides an all-electric range of
33 km
. The battery can be charge via
3.7-kW
 AC charging.
RELATED:
All-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched in Malaysia – S 580 from RM1.92m
In the handling department, the bodyshell of the S 63 E Performance has been reinforced with an aluminium stabiliser under the V8 engine. At the rear, there are diagonal aluminium struts in the underbody to increase driving precision. Standard equipment on the S63 E Performance include AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive damping and Active roll stabilisation.
Equipped on the S 63 E Performance are 7 AMG driving modes, namely Electric”, “Comfort”, “Battery Hold”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Slippery” and “Individual”. The suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes which are “Basic”, “Advanced”, and “Pro”.
An interesting feature of the S 63 E Performance is the active engine mounts that adjust their stiffness to the current driving condition. The engine mount stiffness communicates with a set of sensors that detect the road condition ahead. This allows for a further increased spread between performance and comfort.
ALSO WATCH:
Mercedes-Benz S580e PHEV launched in Malaysia, 5 Things
On the outside, the AMG S-Class gets an AMG-specific ’Panamericana’ grille for the first time, joining the look of smaller AMG models. The S63 E Performance sits on 20-inch wheels all around with a staggered setup measuring 9.5 inches wide in front and 10.5 inches at the rear. The debut unit shows the wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Inside, the S 63 E Performance gets seats with special AMG upholstery. Various exclusive upholstery colours are offered, and ‘AMG’ emblems are embossed in the front head restraints. Also featured in the interior are the ‘First-Class’ rear compartment, AMG-specific trim elements, and an AMG Performance Steering Wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is available to order with Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system that allows for conditionally automated driving (SAE level 3). This enables customers to hand over the driving task to the system under certain conditions in heavy traffic or congestion situations on suitable motorway sections (in Germany) up to a speed of 60 km/h.
RELATED:
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS now with Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving in Germany
GALLERY


Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition introduced, limited to just 150 units

The year 1964 marked a time in history when girls had beehive-hair; television aired The Beetles live on monochromatic CRT TVs, Vietnam was under fire from Huey helicopters and Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston to win the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship. The mid 60s was a time where anything and everything happened. That very year itself, Aston Martin sealed a partnership with the world’s most popular secret agent – James Bond.
But little did cinema goers knew that the most famous car in the world was so nearly a
Jaguar E-Type
.
Dr.No
 and
From Russia With Love
had set the tempo for the franchise. Prior to writing the
Goldfinger
novel in
1957
, Ian Fleming received a timely letter from a car enthusiast by the name Dr. G. Gibson which questioned the director’s choice of cars. The letter read, “Fix Bond up with a proper bit of machinery”, to which the sender suggested an
Aston Martin
.
Harry Saltzman, one of
Goldfinger
‘s producers,

wrote
 to Aston with hopes of securing Bond a drive. Aston
flatly refused Saltzman
. But as a measure of compromise, Aston would
sell
 them a
 DB5
 – at the full retail price of
£4,500
(RM30k). At this point, Bond’s mode of transport was on the verge of being the Jaguar E-Type.
Saltzman persevered and kept nudging at Aston who
begrudgingly lent
 them, without any idea what they were getting themselves into, a
second hand development car
. The special effects guys went about kitting the DB5 out with over
£25,000
(RM160k) worth of goodies. Mind you – that’s
three times
 of the car’s retail price! When the curtains drew in
September 1964
, the DB5 was a star in its own right, so much so that it went on its own
world tour
.
Fifty years
 on and movie goers still see Agent 007 at the wheel of an Aston Martin. In the upcoming movie Spectre, the franchise’s
24th
 instalment, Bond will exclusively pilot a bespoke

Aston Martin DB10
 while being chased by the baddies in another local star –
Jaguar C-X75
. The Jag was a scrapped electric vehicle (
EV
) project from 2012 that uses a couple of
diesel-fed micro gas turbines
 in place of an engine to
 charge
 the
four electric motors
 that make out an estimated
778 hp
 and an unbelievable
1,600 Nm
 of twist!
Sadly though, Daniel Craig will not be piloting Aston’s

DB9-GT Bond Edition
 in the upcoming film. It was instead commissioned to
commemorate
 the historic partnership between
Aston Martin
and
 James Bond
. Only
150

units
 will see the light of day, and so happens that the model is also the
most powerful
 iteration of the
DB9
 Grand Tourer range.

Powering the DB9 “007 special” is the very familiar

6.0-litre V12
 engine from the hardcore DBS model. But in this state of tune, it makes
539 hp
 at
6,750 rpm
 and
620 Nm
 of torque at
5,500 rpm
. The all-alloy,
quad-overhead-cam
,
48-valve
, front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted
Touchtronic II six-speed automatic
 transmission with an electronic shift-by-wire control system. It catapults the Brit from rest to 100 km/h in
4.5 seconds
 and onto a top speed of
293 km/h
.
On the inside, expect no gadgetry lent over from
Q-Branch
, but one can expect fine Gaydon craftsmanship. Lashings of soft
quilted-leather
 envelop the trim and seats (no ejector seats here) and buyers get a number of ‘007’ plaques around and within the car. It’s not quite the typical Aston, which is why the going price for it starts from
 £165,000
 (ext RM1,066,624).

With that price, it comes with a unique ‘
Spectre
‘
Silver paintjob
,
sterling silver
 Aston
badges
 front and back with a
ten-spoke
 gloss black diamond turned
20-inch
 wheels. Additionally, it also comes with a finely-crafted 21-inch Globe-Trotter
luggage bag
 and limited edition Bond timepiece –
Omega Seamaster

Aqua Terra
 150m – complete with a unique Aston Martin strap to match.
IMAGE GALLERY


全新Mitsubishi Triton发布，马来西亚将在2024年前推出-最高204匹马力，470牛米，更长轴距

Mitsubishi今天刚刚亮相了全新的Triton，并在泰国首次公开亮相。这款新型卡车基于一个新开发的梯形框架底盘，Triton在几乎所有维度上都有所增长。它的全球首次亮相后，预计将在2024年底之前在马来西亚发布。
首先，我们来看看Mitsubishi Triton的尺寸增加。现在的双排座版车型长度为5360毫米，宽度为1930毫米，高度为1815毫米。与其前身相比，它在每个维度上都有所增长。
至于其轴距，现在为3130毫米，比其前身的3000毫米轴距长130毫米，你可以立刻看出Triton牺牲了一些敏捷性，以提升稳固性。现在的转弯半径为6.2米，比老款车型的5.9米多了0.3米。这只是Triton众多改变中的一项，因为它已经演变为一个更稳健的工作马。入口角、出口角和超越角现在稍微降低为29°、22.8°和23.4°，至少对于双排座版车型来说是这样。
全新Mitsubishi Triton（双排座版）
前一代Mitsubishi Triton（双排座版）
车长（毫米）
5,360（增加55）
5,305
车宽（毫米）
1,930（增加115）
1,815
车高（毫米）
1,815（增加20）
1,795
轴距（毫米）
3,130（增加130）
3,000
前轮距（毫米）
1,570（增加50）
1,520
后轮距（毫米）
1,565（增加50）
1,515
货箱长度（毫米）
1,555（增加35）
1,520
转弯半径（米）
6.2（增加0.3）
5.9
接近角（度）
29（减少2）
31
离去角（度）
22.8（减少0.2）
23
跨越角（度）
23.4（减少1.6）
25
全新的Triton现在更加坚固，其新开发的梯形框架底盘拥有更大的截面面积。由于这个原因，弯曲刚度和扭转刚度现在都更高。所以新的Triton应该能够承受更多的滥用和更重的负载。说到负载，床铺现在也更长，为1555毫米，比老款Triton的1520毫米长。尽管Triton似乎总体上变大了，但Mitsubishi表示，新款Triton的车身比前任车型的更轻。
对于外部的改进，Triton boasts更耐用的门把手（更大，更容易握住），宽大的侧步，改进的水排放，更低的货车床高度，以及更大的后保险杠上表面面积。全新的Triton还推出了新的外观颜色，如Yamabuki Orange Metallic和Blade Silver Metallic。
在性能方面，全新的Mitsubishi Triton配备了新开发的4N16发动机。4N16发动机是一款2.4升涡轮柴油发动机，压缩比为1:15.2。这款发动机为全新的Mitsubishi Triton调整了三种不同的功率输出，最强大的版本在3500转时输出150kW（
204马力
），在1500-2750转时输出
470牛米
。4N16的另外两种调整设置分别为
184马力/430牛米
和
150马力/330牛米
。
高输出型
标准型1
标准型2
发动机
2,442 cc 涡轮增压柴油 DOHC 四缸
2,442 cc 涡轮增压柴油 DOHC 四缸
2,442 cc 涡轮增压柴油 DOHC 四缸
最大功率 (马力/转速)
204/3,500
184/3,500
150/3,500
最大扭矩 (牛米 @转速)
470/1,500-2,750
430/2,250-2,500
330/1,500-3,000
对于全新的Mitsubishi Triton的变速器选项，包括一款6速自动变速器，这款变速器已经从老款的Triton中继承过来，还有一款6速手动变速器。有趣的是，这款6速手动变速器是通过电线进行换挡的，这可以减少驾驶室的振动。
当然，Super Select AWD系统和Easy Select AWD系统被保留在全新的Mitsubishi Triton中。在悬挂方面，Triton在前部采用了双横臂设置，在后部采用了板簧设置。
Mitsusbishi Motors还改进了Triton的维护方面，其中一个是6速手动变速器不需要维护。为了让维护技术人员（或那些更喜欢DIY维护的人）的工作更加简便，油漏螺栓的位置已经被重新定位，这样就可以在不需要移除下部发动机罩的情况下访问到它。Triton的维护孔也变大了，所以标准的车库千斤顶不需要额外的配件。
总的来说，看起来Mitsubishi Triton已经看了全新的Ford Ranger，并将Triton的”功能性工作马”方面提高到了11。这种处理在驾驶室内也得到了体现。例如，Mitsubishi通过巧妙的对比使用提高了显示器、仪表和开关的可见性。这些开关也被赋予了最优的灵敏度，使得它们即使在佩戴手套的情况下也易于操作。
Mitsubishi已经为方向盘握把和门把手实施了”Mitsubishi Touch”，并在主要区域添加了保护驾驶员和乘客的软垫。对于储物空间，全新的Triton的中央控制台可以放入两个大杯子，在自动版本中，除此之外，它甚至可以放入平板电脑和文件。中央控制台的手套箱本身可以装入四个600毫升的水瓶。
其他驾驶室的改进包括更高的髋部点（增加20毫米），USB-C接口，以及更直的A柱，以便于进出。Mitsubishi还表示，驾驶室也被设计成可以让驾驶员轻松看到车辆姿态的变化。
在安全性方面，全新的Mitsubishi Triton的安全特性包括自适应巡航控制（ACC）、前碰撞缓解系统（FCM）、盲点警告（BSW）、变道辅助（LCA）和后方交叉交通警告（RCTA）。
全新的Mitsubishi Triton还配备了Mitsubishi Connect，这使您的汽车可以连接到您的手机。通过Mitsubishi Connect，您可以使用您的手机找到您的车（位置访问）、查看剩余燃油量、检查油的状况、查看驾驶历史、远程启动空调、远程操作头灯，以及远程操作喇叭。
随着全新的Mitsubishi Triton在泰国的全球首发，它很快就会到达马来西亚。在马来西亚，Mitsubishi Triton可用于双排座4×4配置（VGT Standard，VGT Premium，VGT Athlete）以及4×2低底盘”Quest”版本。
【英文版】
【图集】


2017 Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, a promisingly quick Panamera alternative

This year, Mercedes-AMG are celebrating their 50th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, the company has showcased the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. This four-door coupe is an addition to the
AMG GT
 family and will feature a high-performance hybrid powertrain and cutting edge Formula One technology.
Like the AMG GT, the Concept features a pronounced bonnet with muscular proportions to highlight the high-performance nature of AMG. The menacing front end features a horizontal grille with red painted inserts flanked with extremely slim LED headlamps while the lower bumper gets large side air intakes.
The rear profile is a hallmark of AMG GT design, except for the ultra slim tail lamps and a wicked carbon fibre diffuser. For the DRLs and tail lamps, it will get Mercedes-AMG’s high tech “nano active fibre technology” which gives the lighting source a three-dimensional illumination effect.
According to the company, the grand tourer’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will get an electric motor to produce outlandish numbers, rocketing the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds. The new “EQ Power+” logo (named after their Formula 1 race car) will denote its hybrid powertrain.

Drivers are able to select from three driving modes – pure electric, pure combustion engine or hybrid. The company also revealed that the Concept will come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. With the AMG GT Concept, the company is looking to attract customers who are looking for a high-performance sports car without having to compromise practicality. The car will be presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show later in September.
Question is, would you be willing to wait for this, or would you rather put your money on the
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
?
IMAGE GALLERY


Lexus RX L debuts in LA, three-rows, 6 or 7-seater configuration available

As promised
, Lexus has unveiled a three-row Lexus RX L at the 2017 LA Auto Show. Based on the
fourth-generation Lexus RX
, the RX L gets its dimensions stretched with new styling at the back end to accommodate six or seven passengers comfortably. Lexus claims the new SUV promises ample space for all passengers and class-leading boot space with all three rows up.
To accommodate the extra row, Lexus has extended the car’s overall length by
110 mm
 coupled with a longer C-pillar section to ensure good headroom for third-row passengers. The C-pillars are blacked out to create a floating-roof effect. Other than that, the rest of the design language remains.

Lexus offers the RX L in two seating configurations –
six or seven
. The former adopts captain seats for the middle row, leaving a centre walkway for better ingress and egress. The middle row has been positioned slightly higher to create more foot room for the third-row passengers.
At launch, the RX L is available with two engine choices – a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with
290 hp
 and
357 Nm
 of torque as well as a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid with
308 hp
. The hybrid model is available exclusively with an AWD layout while the RX 350 L can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The RX L will go on sale alongside the standard five-seater RX versions and will hit the market in 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


2014 Toyota Innova facelift now in Malaysia, price from RM98k

After the recent introduction of the
Camry 2.0G X
, UMW Toyota Motor launched the improved version of its Toyota Innova. Available in the same three variants as before, prices are from RM97,749.90 to RM110,990.00. The improvements however are mainly made on the hi-spec Innova 2.0G.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Innova

Segment
MPV
Engine
1,998cc 4-Cylinder In-line, 16-valve, DOHC with VVT-i
Max Power
134 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
182 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (metallic
2.0G(AT)   RM 110,990.00
colour)
2.0E(AT)   RM 103,545.90
2.0E(MT)   RM 98,545.90

The
Innova 2.0G
 gets a new look in front with larger
radiator grille
 and a new
front bumper
 design to complement the new grille. The three horizontal slats on the grille have been enlarged to create a stronger presence while the headlamp design remains as before. The rear of the car now gets a thick
chrome accent
 across the tailgate with integrated reflectors. The
15-inch
 rims gets a fresh new 10-spoke design. The 2.0E models however do not get these upgrades and maintain the current look.

For better comfort to rear passengers, it now comes with
dual air conditioner
 to ensure all occupants get the cool air. Front and rear passengers can now have a separate controls for better air conditioning throughout the car.
As the image from the Innova brochure below suggests, the car is so spacious, you can even hold a birthday party in it!
To give the Innova a sportier and aggressive look, buyers can  opt for the new optional
Aerokit Package
 and includes front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, roof spoiler and side skirts.

Should better in-car entertainment is required, they can go for the
DVD-AVX
 and
AVN
 packages and rear seat entertainment.
Since only cosmetic changes are applied to the new Innova, powering it is the same 1 TR-FE engine. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder in-line, 16-Valve DOHC with VVT-i engine, coupled with a 4-speed Automatic with ECT or a 5-Speed Manual gearbox. Producing
134 horsepower
 and
182 Nm
 of torque.
Visit
Toyota’s website
 for more information.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Your new Mercedes-Benz can warn of potholes and crosswinds

In the future, Mercedez-Benz vehicles will be able to help you avoid potholes and ultimately expensive repairs with new Car-to-X functions. The feature is already available in the new
 S-Class
,
C-Class
,
 and
fully electric EQS
.
The function works by monitoring the sudden movement of the car’s suspension (compression and rebound). The feature can also detect speed bumps.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 200 tiny stars on its grille. Find out more about it in detail here!
The in-house developed system comes with 36 different languages and can issue specific warnings such as “Lookout, pothole” or “Attention, speed bump”.
Once detected, the Car-to-X system will also inform other Mercedes-Benz vehicles nearby in real-time via cloud and GPS of the pothole or speed bump, with their drivers notified via icons on the map display. 10 seconds before reaching the pothole or speed bump, the driver will receive an audible warning as well.
Another Car-to-X function is the
Crosswind Assist. If the system detects a strong crosswind, it will support the driver with assisted braking and steering interventions. When this happens, Car-to-X will also inform other Mercedes-Benz drivers who are traveling
 on the same route.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
This basically means all Mercedes-Benz with such functions can act as one big radar, alerting each other of obstacles and potential hazards. In Mercedes-Benz’ own words, it allows Mercedes-Benz driver “a look around the corner” before they approach the location.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles made from 2016 onwards will come with such functions but to use the Car-to-X system with all its features, owners will need to have a Mercedes me account to activate Car-to-X.
The new pothole detection system was tested at Daimler’s Immendingen Test and Technology Centre (PTZ) just south of Stuttgart, Germany. The test facility offers 30 different test and trial courses over an area of 520 hectares, including bumps and potholes of all kinds.
The fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is the world’s most aerodynamic production car, with 770 km range! Find out more!


Perodua’s next new model will ride on the DNGA platform

Perodua today organised its 2019 full year review, where the local carmaker revealed some
performance figures for the previous year
, as well as outline several key targets for 2020.
In his speech, Perodua’s President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad shared his aspiration for the company to become a global player, as the ASEAN development hub for partner Daihatsu.
The accompanying slide also included “DNGA Global models”, preceded by previous Perodua cars. When asked, Dato’ Zainal Abidin said, “Our next model will use DNGA platform.”
In the following slides, Dato’ Zainal Abidin shared Perodua’s outlook on future market trends, which includes the industry’s alignment towards CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services, Electric) mobility, as well as engine downsizing.
Perodua claims that smaller engine capacity could bring several advantages, including lower road tax fee, improved efficiency and emissions due to lower weight, while maintaining a comparable power output to larger engines with the use of turbochargers.
In the slides, Perodua notes that it “will keep up with global trends as much as possible”, while maintaining its core principle of affordability.
Interestingly, the
Daihatsu Rocky
 – which is heavily rumoured to be Perodua’s upcoming D55L SUV – fits the bill, almost to the letter.
The Daihatsu Rocky is built on the DNGA platform, which is an iteration of the Toyota New Global Architecture. Powering the Rocky is a 996 cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, generating
98 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque.
The instrument cluster of the
Toyota Raize/
Daihatsu Rocky
The Daihatsu Rocky is also equipped with the
latest-generation advanced driver’s assistance systems
, which includes adaptive cruise control with all-speed tracking – a form of
Level 2 autonomous driving
.
Unsurprisingly, Perodua did not comment specifically on the D55L or Daihatsu Rocky. However, the evidences are strongly pointing towards this possibility.
If anything, we probably won’t have to wait long to see the new Perodua SUV. Dato’ Zainal Abidin said that the national carmaker has the capacity for a minor refresh and a new model launch each year.
With the
updated Bezza
 already introduced this year, we wouldn’t be surprised that Perodua’s next launch event will be for the heavily rumoured D55L SUV.


This Lexus LX 570 “S” is the perfect alternative to flaunt your riches

Having been introduced globally in September this year, Lexus Australia is now offering a flamboyant extension of the LX 570 – the LX 570 S – equipped with oversized alloy wheels, a real aggressive body kit and even performance dampers.
Available in Sonic Quartz and Starlight Black, the fit-for-a-rapper exterior is the result of redesigned front and rear bumpers, 21-inch “dubs” as wheels over 20-inch were referred to back in the early 2000s and an exclusive sports mesh pattern for the signature spindle grille.
Typical of such a flashy vehicle, there’s also the letters “LX S” projected onto the ground when the doors are opened.
Inside, the new variant’s luxury semi-aniline perforated leather trim is available in Black or a rich burgundy colour named Garnet – exclusively for the 570 S. The Shimamoku Grey ornamentation is also unique to the LX 570 S.
Like the LX 570, the S variant also comes with a 5.7-litre V8 engine mated to an 8-speed gearbox with
367 hp
 and
530Nm
 of torque. It is said to be capable of towing up to 3,500 kg of cargo.
The LX 570 S is priced at $168,089 Australian dollars (RM494k) – an additional $6,500 dollars (RM19k) over the LX 570.
IMAGE GALLERY


GST: MINI Malaysia reveals updated price list, cars cheaper by up to RM5,000

MINI Malaysia has revealed their updated price list and all models will be between
RM1,000 to RM5,000 cheaper
 post GST. Most of the cars however, get
RM2,000 slashed
 and applies to variants from the
MINI 3 Door,

5 Door
 and
Coupe
 lineups. This price cut is also extended to the
3 Door JCW variant
.
Model
Variant
Price before GST
Price after GST
Difference
MINI 3 Door
Cooper
RM 178,888
RM 176,888
RM 2,000
Cooper Chili
RM 198,888
RM 196,888
RM 2,000
Cooper S
RM 228,888
RM 226,888
RM 2,000
Cooper S Wired
RM 248,888
RM 246,888
RM 2,000
JCW
 –
RM 288,888
 –
MINI 5 Door
Cooper
 –
RM 188,888
 –
Cooper S
RM 238,888
RM 236,888
RM 2,000
MINI Coupe
Cooper S Coupe
RM 249,888
RM 247,888
RM 2,000
JCW Coupe
RM 288,888
RM 286,888
RM 2,000
MINI Countryman
Cooper Countryman
 –
RM 198,888
 –
Cooper S Countryman
RM 243,888
RM 242,888
RM 1,000
Cooper Countryman
RM 218,888
RM 217,888
RM 1,000
Cooper S Countryman ALL4
RM 258,888
RM 257,888
RM 1,000
JCW Countryman
RM 318,888
RM 313,888
RM 5,000
MINI Paceman
Cooper S Paceman
RM 288,888
RM 286,888
RM 2,000
JCW Paceman
RM 338,888
RM 333,888
RM 5,000

As per the table above, the three MINIs without the ‘before GST’ price are the ones introduced after GST has been implemented, hence their sole pricing. Our Countryman range is now
RM1,000 cheaper
 across the board, except for the fully imported JCW Countryman, which gets RM5,000 off.
Only two MINIs get the RM5,000 cut, with the second model being the
JCW Paceman
. It was priced at RM339k before, but now costs
RM334k
. Do note that all prices listed here are their
OTR selling price
 which
includes GST
, but doesn’t come with
insurance premium
.


New Tesla Model S is even faster than a Bugatti Chiron! – 0-100 km/h in under 1.99 seconds!

Tesla has given its debut product, the Model S, a facelift that focuses on an interior makeover and a new variant called Plaid+ that has
over 1,100 hp
 power output.
Tesla first teased the
performance capabilities
 of the Plaid during the Battery Day event.
The newly introduced Plaid+ variant features a motor on the front axle and two motors at the rear to make it a
three-motor setup
. Tesla says the combined output is well over 1,100 hp!
With such an excessive output figure, Tesla quotes the Model S Plaid+ is the fastest accelerating production car for ‘0-60 mph’ and ‘1/4 mile’ sprint times. The figures are
under 1.99
 seconds and
under 9.0
 seconds respectively, even
faster than the
Bugatti Chiron
 with 1,500 hp.
A marginally “slower” Plaid variant is also on offer, if one prefers so. It still has the same three-motor setup, but power output is slightly reduced to 1,020 hp. Acceleration times for the said benchmark sprints are 1.99 seconds for the 0-60 mph and 9.23 seconds for the quarter-mile (400 metres) drag.
Both variants can reach a top speed of 200 mph or 322 km/h. Driven like a regular commuter car, the Plaid+ has a range of over
830 kilometres
 while the Plaid is about 200 kilometres lower.
Pricing of the two Plaid variants in the US is in between the Porsche Taycan 4S and the
Taycan Turbo
, with the Plaid starting from
US$112,990
 and the Plaid+ from
US$132,990
.
A more regular and accessible Model S Long Range is available at US$72,990, with a driving range of 660 kilometres and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds.
The introduction of the Plaid variants also coincides with the
makeover of the interior
. The old dashboard with the portrait-oriented 17-inch touch screen has now been revamped, together with restyled door panels to match.
A new display with 2200 x 1300 resolution is now mounted in a more natural
landscape orientation
. It still measures the same 17 inches. The biggest talking point in this new interior is the steering wheel which Tesla calls
the Yoke Steering
.
The compact, rectangular-shaped steering wheel looks as if it was taken out of a GT3 racing car. All the Mercedes-Benz sourced controls and stalks have been discarded and their functions fully integrated on the new Yoke Steering.
While the
Ferrari Roma
 has the same design approach with buttons and switches for the indicators, lights and wipers, the Yoke Steering in the new Model S only has
two scroll buttons
 alongside touch-sensitive buttons. The new interior with the Yoke Steering will also be fitted in the
Model X crossover
.
Rear passengers now have their own entertainment screen fitted at the centre console and access downloadable games through
Tesla Arcade
. Other interior features include a 22-speaker premium sound system, UV- and Infrared-cut glass panels and wireless smartphone chargers.
On the exterior, the styling exercise is limited to the front and rear bumpers, rim designs and the chrome trim pieces now in gloss black.
The new Model S and its yoke steering will reach dealerships and new buyers as soon as next month, but those who ordered the Plaid+ will need to wait until the end of the year to experience that 1,100 hp output.
GALLERY


No extension on SST exemption for vehicles – ends 30th June 2022

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced that the car Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemptions will not be extended beyond its 30th June 2022 dateline.
The SST exemptions were first announced in June 2020. So far, 868,422 vehicles were sold during this period, with a total of RM4.7 billion in tax exemptions.
Also in the press release by the MOF, it was noted that there are over 264,000 vehicles booked but still not delivered during the exemption period.
“With the reopening of the economy, the automotive industry has returned to its usual operations however there are subtantial new vehicle bookings that have yet to be fulfilled due to the global supply chain disruptions and semi-conductor chip shortages,” MOF stated.
Therefore, it was also announced that those who book a new vehicle vehicle during the SST exemption period and register their new vehicles with the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Raya (JPJ) by the
31st of March 2023
, can still benefit from SST exemptions.


Lexus teases new spindle grille design, could this be new Lexus ES sedan?

Looks like Lexus is geared for another world debut after releasing a single teaser image of its upcoming model launch happening on 25 April 2018 in Beijing, China. The Japanese luxury carmaker also boldly claims that the new model aims to “radically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world”.
In the official teaser, the new model a new spindle grille design that features single vertical slats as opposed to the recently launched LS’ elaborate grille. Looking to the sides, the headlamps appear to take after the LS’ sharp design. The blue hue on the emblem suggests that this new model will be offered with a hybrid system.
Recently, a leaked image was found circulating the internet and according to the sources, the model in question is the all-new Lexus ES. Compared side by side, the leaked image shares the same spindle grille design as well as the headlamp edges with what Lexus has released.
Only here, we can see a lot more of the headlamps and lower bumper trims with a chrome trim. The headlamps appear to be of projector items which suggest the car to be of a lower-spec variant. Guess we’ll have to wait until April for the full reveal.


This Ferrari 250 GTO has set a new world record as the most expensive car sold

With just 33 Series 1 GTOs ever built, followed by countless participation and victories in some of the world’s most well-known races, it wouldn’t be an understatement at all to call the 250 GTO, the holy grail of Ferraris.
Claimed to have never been crashed in its 55-year lifespan, this particular 250 GTO (chassis 4153 GT) which was part of the 1963 Le Mans 24 hours race was
sold at USD 70,000,000
 which loosely converts to around RM 277,956,000.00 – eclipsing the previous record thought to be in the region of USD 52 million. It cost just USD 18,500 when it was new.
The buyer is believed to be an American businessman by the name of David MacNeil who’s a known Ferrari collector and CEO of  WeatherTech, a company that makes floor mats for cars and such.
Marcel Massini, a world-renowned Ferrari historian, had described the car as
one of the top three GTOs in the world
. He had also expressed, in confidence, that a 250 GTO could surpass the USD 100 million mark within the next five years.


Subaru Core Technologies: More than meets the eye

In an age where benchmarking the technologies of competitors has become a norm in the automotive industry, it is refreshing to know that there is a carmaker which has stayed true to its unique and innovative path.
While attractive aesthetics are sought after in new cars, every Subaru model, whether it’s the versatile XV crossover or the rally-bred WRX STI, goes beyond the looks and is engineered with technologies that are core to the brand, setting them apart from other mass manufacturers.
Boxer engine
At the heart of every car is the engine, and under every bonnet of a Subaru is a Boxer engine. Unlike most mass manufacturers that go with the popular inline cylinder configuration, Subaru believes that the Boxer engine – where the pistons are horizontally-opposed in a 180-degree layout – offers the optimal driving enjoyment.
This unique ‘flat’ configuration also counterbalances the vibration from each bank of cylinders, ensuring a smooth and refined response across the rev range.
The compact and short dimensions of the Boxer engine allow it to be mounted lower compared to conventional inline four-cylinders, thus contributing to a low centre of gravity inherent in all Subaru models.
As a result, body roll is better suppressed, along with a positive impact on overall handling as well.
Symmetrical AWD
The Subaru four-wheel drive system differs from most others in that its powertrain; comprising the Boxer engine and all-wheel drive transmission, is symmetrically aligned in a straight line with the transmission located near the centre of the vehicle.
This arrangement spreads the weight of the powertrain evenly and helps all four wheels optimise their already impressive full-time all-wheel drive traction.
Additionally, the full-time all-wheel drive system present in Subaru vehicles is not only smarter than part-time AWD-based systems found in many other brands, but its active torque-split AWD system reacts far quicker to changes in road conditions, speed and driver inputs, and is able to vary the torque distribution to each individual wheel in real time.
This is especially useful in dynamic situations when the wheels encounter varying levels of grip, such as inconsistent surfaces and wet roads.
For an even higher level of four-wheel drive performance and control, all the driver needs to do is to engage X-Mode before taking on challenging conditions such as slippery undulations or terrain, be it uphill or downhill (by way of Hill Descend Control).
By directly manipulating the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD and brakes at the same time, X-Mode is able to further maximise Subaru’s AWD capabilities.
EyeSight
Sometimes a pair of eyes simply isn’t enough, which is why Subaru developed EyeSight – a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies designed to avert an accident from happening, or to mitigate its effects. EyeSight utilises two cameras and intelligent algorithms to identify and recognise surroundings, including traffic and pedestrians, and to react to situations which are deemed dangerous.
These preventive features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Lane Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
When Adaptive Cruise Control is activated, the system alerts the driver first and then slows (or accelerates) the vehicle to help maintain a safe, pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead when cruising. Pre-collision Braking functions in similar fashion; it scans for obstacles up front, warns the driver and then brakes the vehicle if needed.
In the unlikely event of a misapplication of throttle from idle, a Subaru vehicle equipped with Eyesight is able to stop the vehicle from lurching forward if the system senses an obstacle ahead.
Apart from detecting moving objects, the EyeSight cameras is also able to identify lane markings and alerts the driver when he/she sways from the intended path. Lastly, EyeSight is also capable of notifying the driver that a stationary vehicle up front had already pulled ahead.
EyeSight works in tandem with Auto Vehicle Hold and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) to further expand the scope of active safety to include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. At present, EyeSight is offered in the Outback and will be available in the forthcoming all-new Forester.
Global Platform
All the innovative technologies would not be able to shine if they are not anchored on a solid foundation, which is why Subaru channeled all its expertise and experience to develop the ‘next-generation’ Global Platform to underpin every new Subaru model.
Not only is this the safest platform Subaru ever developed – incorporating high rigidity with superior energy absorption in the event of a crash – it is also the basis of driving enjoyment and comfort.
With the Subaru Global Platform, it is no longer the case of gaining some benefits but compromising on others. New models hailing from the Subaru Global Platform (such as the new XV) are fun to drive while being comfortable and refined to ride in at the same time – virtues that used to be mutually exclusive but are now in perfect harmony.


Volkswagen Malaysia sends ultimate GTI fan to the Wörthersee GTI in Austria

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be sending one lucky grand prize winner of an all-expense paid trip to the Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria. The contest took place from 20th to 27th March, gathering over 1,500 submissions.
Mohamad Syazwan bin Mohamad Naim
 won the bragging rights as the Golf GTI’s No.1 fan after battling it out at the Grand Finale in front of a live audience at the recent Volkswagen Tour roadshow at the One Utama Shopping Centre.
Find out
what’s new in the Golf GTI
 in our brief introduction here.
26-year old Mohamad Syazwan is a self-confessed GTI fan and had spent an entire week polishing his GTI knowledge to prepare for the contest. “It’s been a nerve-wrecking week and I had even stayed up all night before the Grand Finale to make sure I covered everything on the GTI. To win this trip is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Syazwan, who will be bringing his younger brother with him to Austria.
During the Grand Finale, Syazwan displayed his high level of proficiency by correctly answering challenging questions concerning historical and technical aspects of the Golf and the Wörthersee GTI Festival.
Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, said that the Wörthersee GTI Contest was a way of celebrating the enthusiasm and devotion displayed by GTI fans in Malaysia. “We are delighted to be able to present this once-in-a lifetime chance to our winner – congratulations on a well-deserved win to Syazwan,” he added.
The GTI Festival is held every May by Lake Wörth or Wörthersee, as it is known in German. It all started as a small gathering of Volkswagen GTI owners but has evolved into a full-fledged event of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars, attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37th year of the festival.


Toyota, Subaru rumoured to jointly build an AWD hot hatch, to be unveiled 2022!

Despite the dreadful atmosphere surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we still have to say – what a time it is to be alive. And a big reason that led to our exclamation comes from a rumour that Toyota and Subaru are jointly developing an AWD hot hatch, and will be unveiled as soon as next year!
Details are scarce at the moment, but according to a report by Japanese automotive news site
Best Car Web
, the new “WRC machine” will be roughly the same size as the existing
Impreza hatchback
, and will feature a horizontally-opposed boxer engine,
and
 a symmetrical all-wheel drive drivetrain.
If the all-new AWD hot hatch looks anything like the Subaru Viviz Concept, we’re in for a treat.
The publication goes on to say that the symmetrical all-wheel drive system, being Subaru’s wheelhouse, will be a “completely different system” to the one currently offered on the
Toyota GR Yaris
. But aside from that, we have no clue as to what other components will – or will not – be shared between the two. Let’s just hope that the manual gearbox makes the cut.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing brand has had two very strong showings thus far.
When Toyota and Subaru announced their
renewed capital alliance in 2019
, the companies confirmed – among other things – the joint development of the new Toyobaru twins, as well as “new all-wheel drive models”. The former is already well underway, with the all-new Subaru BRZ already unveiled in
November last year
, and now it seems like we’re about to see what the latter is all about!
In any case, we’re still glad to see that companies like Toyota and Subaru are still working on these traditionally low-volume products, mainly to appeal to the limited enthusiast fan base. And if the new Toyota/Subaru hot hatch is anything like the GR Yaris, we’re set to have a brilliant 2022 on our cards.


2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage teased, open for booking

Aston Martin has now put a face to the melodic V12 soundtrack it sent out
last week
, albeit just a teaser.
In the lone image of the V12 Vantage, the beautiful sports car seems to have subtle updates to differentiate itself as the range-topping variant. The front has an even larger opening than the Vaned front grille shown
here
 in this red example. A deeper aerodynamic splitter is also paired with the exclusive V12 variant.
No mention of the details of the V12 power plant, but some news portals suspect Aston Martin will continue to offer the engine from the
V12 Speedster
 with just mild tweaks to the outputs of
700 hp
and
753 Nm
 of torque. The twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre twelve-cylinder engine first-served duties in the
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
.
Paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and has its exhaust outlets centrally aligned, the windscreen-less Aston Martin V12 Speedster sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, just a tenth faster than the series-production
Vantage V8
 with 510 hp and 685 Nm of torque.

However, the big V12 engine is not only the highlight, as Aston Martin is reportedly placing lightweight carbon-fibre body panels on the V12 Vantage model. A thoroughly reworked chassis is also part of the appeal of the new flagship model.
Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur already sold two units of the Valhalla! More on the new hybrid supercar here.
The accompanying
image
 also leads interested parties to drop their contact information for the local distributors, such as
Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur
 to get to know each other better. This is the final Vantage with an engine, plus a melodic one too, as the boss of the company has stated the next-generation models are going
full electric
.
GALLERY
Aston Martin Vantage V8


Video: BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport in Malaysia, 5 Things

BMW Malaysia has officially replaced the long selling F15 BMW X5 with the all-new G05 generation. Priced at RM640,000, the
BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport
 is aimed squarely at the
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Line
 in Malaysia.

Unlike the
outgoing model
, there is no hybrid wizardry in the new car with only a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine packing
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. With a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X5 xDrive40i can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.5 seconds
.
As the flagship X model (before the arrival of the
X7
), the X5 gets all the latest bells and whistles from BMW including a really cool powered tonneau cover!


Lamborghini teases the Safari-style Huracan Sterrato by drifting it in sand

Despite previously stating that the
Sterrato concept is merely a one-off
, it seems that the off-road-focused Huracan is very much in Lamborghini’s plans this year. The Italian supercar-maker has now teased the unannounced model once again, this time in a video dubbed “Beyond The Concrete – Part 2” that shows the Sterrato playing in the sand.
It probably warrants a disclaimer that we still don’t know if it’s actually called the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. We’re basing it off the concept they unveiled back in 2019, and seeing that it’s pretty much the same car, we think it’s fair for them to keep the name. Just be forewarned, you know, if you’re reading this from the future.

Compared to the regular
Lamborghini Huracan
, the new safari-style Sterrato here gets a significantly taller ride height, and is complemented by a whole array of unique off-road-focused exterior modifications, including black plastic wheelarch claddings, additional LED rally lights on the front, roof rack, and a roof-mounted air intake scoop that routes air into the engine.
The video only gave a short glimpse of the interior, but from what we can see, there doesn’t seem to be any modifications done to the inside aside from some different material choices.
ALSO WATCH:
The Lamborghini Huracan STO is maddest road car we’ve driven yet!
In terms of powertrain, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is expected to retain the mid-mounted 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, likely in the latest 640 hp configuration as seen in the
Tecnica
,
STO
, and
Evo
 variants.
Like the Evo, the Sterrato here will also come with an all-wheel drive system. However, the rear-biased system should still make drifting quite effortless – at least on sand – as seen in the video above.
RELATED:
Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica launched in Malaysia from RM1.05 million
Lamborghini
 didn’t announce a specific launch date for the Huracan Sterrato just yet, but rumours are suggesting a reveal at the upcoming 2022 Paris Motor Show. The Safari-style supercar will most likely be the last hurrah for the Huracan, which will be replaced by an electrified successor next year, as teased via the marque’s
Direzione Cor Tauri electrification plan
.
GALLERY


Proton announces new engine line up, slated for production as early as 2018!

Though we have yet to see Proton produce something with their recent joint venture with Suzuki and the three remaining models due for debut this year, this latest development sparks an ever bigger interest – for now.
Proton held a media preview of their new future drivetrain line-up, which saw Chairman Tun Dr. Mahathir and some members of the media sitting in to witness the first firing of the new engine – over Skype that is.
The
first firing
 signals the beginning of the
thousands
 of gruelling
hours
 and
millions
 of ‘
lab kilometres
’ that these engines will be put through in order to prove their worth when it comes time to power the myriad of cars that we Malaysians are eagerly waiting to drive.
The engines in question here aren’t your ordinary engines that you’d normally find in a present-day Proton, but rather the company is developing a range of
GDi
 (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines that comes in
various
 displacements with or without the addition of a
turbocharger
. They range from
1.0-litre
 to
 1.5-litre
 engines and either in three or four cylinder guises. The goal is to build an engine that’s proudly Malaysian yet crucially
Euro 6C
 compliant.
The marque is spending over
 RM600 million
 in this pursuit. That figure will cover the cost of
R&D
 and extensive testing of
six
 engine variants over the course of
40 months
. Proton has stationed over 20 of their brightest engineers in the UK alongside engineers from
Lotus
 and
Ricardo
 who’ll be working shoulder-to-shoulder to develop the new powertrain range. Proton expects a single variant of the six to be launched in just
 30 months’ time
. Better get cracking.
Strict competition from global manufacturers based in Malaysia and the current market situation has seen a
major shrinkage
 in Proton’s market share. If you can’t beat them, join them. And that’s exactly what they’re doing. Developing new and up-to-date technology that will enable Proton to
compete
 better amidst an ever-challenging and evolving market, be it at
home or abroad
.
The program sprang into life sometime in
March
 2015 and Proton’s engineers have done well in keeping up with progress of the project. The national carmaker sought the expertise of British engineering firm,
Ricardo
 whom happen to have all the facilities that one would need to
build
,
test
 and
run
 an
experimental
 engine. After all, Ricardo does it for a living (amongst others). And once the preliminaries are done with, Proton will transfer the project over to its British sports car arm,
Lotus
 for further testing. If all goes well, by September this year, the contingent moves back home for the final leg of testing.
Not much is known of these engines as yet, but Proton is looking to slot these engines into cars as soon as 2018, if not earlier by end-2017. What we know thus far is that these engines will feature a Dual VVT system, and will replace rubber timing belt for the likes of a chain in order to bring down maintenance cost and increase durability. Furthermore, service intervals can be stretched out longer, giving more value back to the buyer. The six variants that are slated for development are as follows:-
1.0-litre 3-cylinder VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
1.2-litre 3-cylinder VVT
1.3-litre 4-cylinder GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection)
1.5-litre 4-cylinder GDi
1.3-litre 4-cylinder T-GDi (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection)
1.5-litre 4-cylinder T-GDi
Apart from the Euro 6C compliancy that the brand’s engineers are gunning for, a reduction in fuel consumption of
25 percent
 and a hike in power of around
 20 percent
 are on the table. No point in spending hundreds of millions of Ringgit in developing new powertrains when the gearbox does no justice, which is a point that many Proton owners are wailing over. Fret not however, for there is a new
torque-converter CVT transmission
 in the works, developed by Japanese manufacturer Jatco.
While we anxiously wait for more updates on the engine development, be sure to read our take on
which Proton-Suzuki model that we will most likely see
 introduced soon!


Proton delivered 60,000 face shields, aims to produce another 60,000 in just 5 days

The local car manufacturer has delivered its first batch of face shields way ahead of schedule, but says there’s more to come within an even shorter span of time.
On the 16th of April,
Proton announced that it was delivering face shields to medical frontliners
 with production and deliveries of Personal Protection Equipment set to take 20 days. The company has since been ahead of schedule and said it would be delivering the last of the first batch of protective equipment by today.
In acknowledging this effort, Proton Deputy CEO, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed said, “Proton would like to thank the volunteer staff who have worked tirelessly to complete the production of face shields ahead of schedule. We would also like to credit Pos Logistics Berhad for doing an excellent job in delivering them and HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing for donating the materials needed to produce the face shield frames.”
As of 28th of April,
deliveries have been made to 46 hospitals around Malaysia
 including those in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
But that’s not all. Proton said it would be
producing a second batch of face shields
in a joint effort with parent company DRB-Hicom. As the first batch went to the medical frontliners, they will now switch their attention to support the armed forces, the police and other service industries.
Another 60,000 face shields will be produced for the said parties beginning on the 4th of May, and is
expected to be completed in just five days
. Incredible.
GALLERY


Review: Kia Picanto 1.2 AT, mini in size, colossal in many ways [+Video]

The A-segment is a hotly contested segment not because the cars presented in this segment is cheap, but it is small, light, easy to manoeuvre, and it is a good run about vehicle suitable for city drive. We have today our very first A-segment test car, the smart-looking Kia Picanto.
QUICK FACTS
Name
 Kia Picanto 1.2 AT
Segment
 A-Segment Hatchback
Engine
 1,248cc 4-cylinder DOHC CVVT
Transmission
 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual
Price
 RM 59,888.00
 (Automatic) / RM
54,888 (Manual)

The Kia Picanto shares the same underpinning as the Hyundai i10. Without any questions, the aggressive styling and specification of the Kia Picanto triumphs over the Hyundai i10 easily.
While there is shortage of manual cars in our market, Kia Malaysia has been generous to introduce 2 variants of the Kia Picanto, a manual and an automatic version. Both the automatic and manual variant doesn’t differ much in terms of specification, and both is
very
 well specced. The automatic variant will cost you
RM 59,888
, meanwhile the manual variant will set you aside
RM 54,888.
EXTERIOR

I am totally mesmerized by the looks of the new Kia Picanto. At first glance, I thought I am getting the Kia Rio for the weekend, because both the Rio and Picanto looks amazingly good and its look very similar (maybe that is just me). It may share the same DNA as the Hyundai i10, but there is totally no contest in the looks department. The Kia Picanto comes standard with
LED rear lights
 and
halogen projector headlamps
 with manual
height adjustment
. And I really like the LED strip of the rear stop lamps. Oh, if that isn’t cool enough, this A-segmenter comes with LED daytime running lights.
There is a few things that really I like about the Kia Picanto. The fluid parabolic swipe movement of the rear wiper really caught my attention here. I could glance at the wipe movement the whole day. The efficient parabolic movement of the wiper could make nasty water droplets a thing of the past. Also, all four doors close with a super reassuring thud. The doors do feel heavy and does make you feel that this little ‘Pikachu’ could serve its master for a thousand more years to come.
The large front bumper design suits the Kia Picanto very well and gives it a masculine character. However I notice that there is only one reverse lamp, located at the bumper. I am bemused by this arrangement, as the only reason I can conclude is Kia cutting cost on another reverse lamp? Perhaps some readers could come forward and enlighten yours truly on this one reverse light arrangement.

The red little hatch comes wrapped in
175/50 15-inch
 tyres. Yeah, the large diameter tyres suits the look of the Kia Picanto, but only if the rims could be a little sportier. Going around the front and rear wheels, eagle eye car followers should notice that there is also
rear disc brakes
, uncommon in A-segments. Thumbs up Kia!
INTERIOR

Shove your hand on the
chrome handle
 and open the door, you will be greeted with the usual suspects: plastic interior. The plastic interior does not feel cheap at all. Everything is very well screw and built. No squeaks, no loose bolts, and gaps. I am overwhelmingly impressed! You will notice the steering that resembles a smiling clown with big white(chromed) lips. Not the best looking steering, and to be honest I don’t like the looks of it. However, it is very functional as you can rest your hands at the bottom of the steering while cruising slowly. The automatic variant comes with engine push start button and keyless entry.
The new Kia Picanto is built to cater for the European market, hence you will find the turn signal lever on the right, while the headlamp lever on the left. With a built-in
automatic headlamp
, you don’t have to worry about not turning on your headlights during the night, a common sight among Malaysian drivers. There is also
one touch turn signal
 to ease  lane switching.

I must say, lots of of heart and thoughts had been put together to design the interior. Say for instance the centre
cupholders
 can be recessed with a flick of switch to make a large stowaway. You could literally put a mini flower pot on it! Driver and passenger side door bin is of commendable size and able to fit a bottle. There is also some little surprise especially for lady owners. The driver
vanity mirror
 lights up one-by-one in a sequence, ala Hollywood vanity mirrors. Hmmmm, so the Kia Picanto practice favouritism?
There are a few things that is clearly missing in the Kia Picanto. Sadly, there is no centre armrest despite all the efforts to load the little car with all imaginable creature comforts. Also, there is no leather seats as an option, fabric seats is the only way to go. The only leather you get to feel is located on the steering and the gear lever itself, nothing more.
Moving over the rear seats, there is
3-point seatbelts
 with rear headrest. Rear legroom and headroom is good, so anyone not taller than 6-foot should be able to fit in just nice. The rear seats is
 60:40
 split and foldable. Rear boot space isn’t class leading, 200 litres to be exact. Lift the rear boot floor and there are built in compartments to store your safety kit and tyre repair kit.
PERFORMANCE

At
100km/h
 tachometer stays around
3,200rpm
, which is high in my opinion. On highway drive, you might need to push the engine a little for a more spirited drive. This is a compact car, so I can’t complain about it’s performance figures: 87hp, 120Nm of torque.
I took the Kia Picanto from
KL
to
 Teluk Intan
 and vice versa and manage to clocked around
340km
 in a single tank before the fuel gauge blinks madly at me. My fuel consumption reading is at
7.7l/100km
, which is not that bad. With a small fuel tank (
35 litres
), you wouldn’t expect it to go pass the 400km mark.
THE DRIVE

The ride is pretty comfortable although the suspension is slightly on the hard side. Glancing around the Kia Picanto is an easy affair. Small things like glancing at the rear or to the C-pillar from within the driver’s seat while executing a side parking

poses no difficulty as the windows is pretty large, something many European hatch fails miserably.
I am delighted that there is
little to no wind noise
 when you are cruising. Road noise do creep in, but in a non-intrusive manner. Steering feels weighty which I like, but the opposite sex probably wouldn’t appreciate the heavier feel. It delivers driving confidence especially driving around corners and high speed manoeuvrability. But it is still no where as engaging as the old school hydraulic power steering.
IS IT FOR YOU?

If you are a first time car owner looking for a small runabout car, loaded with all aspects of safety feature, the Kia Picanto is the one to get. With
hill start assist
,
electronic stability assist
,
traction control
,
6 airbags
, the Kia Picanto is rated with a
4-star
 Euro NCAP. The only gripe yours truly had is the steep asking price for this A-segmenter. Other than the price, the Kia Picanto truly stands out in terms of built quality, safety and equipment.
COMPARISONS

Needless to say, the Kia Picanto is undisputedly the ‘King’ of A-segment, judging by the amount of equipment and safety features it has. Here, we will compare the
Suzuki Alto
,
Perodua Viva Elite
 and of course the
recently launched
Perodua Axia
.
 Kia Picanto
 Perodua Viva ELITE
 Perodua Axia Advance
 Suzuki Alto
ENGINE
Type
DOHC 16V CVVT, 4-cylinder
 (Kappa II)
DOHC 12V DVVT, 4-cylinder
 (EJ-VE)
DOHC 12V, 3-cylinder
 (1KR-DE2)
DOHC 12V VVT, 3-cylinder (K10B)
Displacement
cc
1,248
989
998
996
Compression Ratio
10 : 1
 10 : 1
Max Power
hp/rpm
91 / 6,000
60 / 6,000
66 / 6,000
67 / 6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
119.6 / 4,000
90 / 3600
90 / 3600
 87 / 4,500
Carburetion System
Multipoint Injection
Electronic Fuel Injection
Electronic Fuel Injection
 Multipoint Injection
Fuel Tank Capacity
L
35
36
33
 35
STEERING
Type
 Motor Driven
 Power Steering (MDPS)
Rack and pinion
Electric power steering (EPS)
Electric power steering (EPS)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
4-speed A/T
4-speed A/T
4-speed A/T
4-speed A/T
SUSPENSION
Type
McPherson Struts (F) / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (R)
McPherson Struts (F) / Torsion Beam (R)
McPherson Struts (F) / 3-Link rigid axle (R)
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear
Solid Disc
Drum
Disc
Drum
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
175 / 50 R15
165 / 55 R14
175 / 65 R14
155 / 65 R14
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
3,595
3,575
3,640
3,500
Overall Width
mm
1,424
1,475
1,620
1,600
Overall Height
mm
1,490
1,530
1,510
1,470
Wheelbase
mm
2,385
2,390
2,455
2,360
Max Kerb weight
kg
950
805
850
905 / 920 (+ full options)
SAFETY
Airbags
6
2
2
2
Others
brake assist,
 electronic brake force distribution,
 traction control,
 stability control (ESP),
 hill start assist,
 front & rear parking sensors,
 auto door lock,
 impact sensing auto door unlock,
 ISOFIX
rear parking sensors, immobiliser
brake assist,
 electronic brake force, front & reverse sensor
brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX
FUEL
Grade
RON 95
RON 95
RON 95
RON 95
PRICE
RM
59,888.00
36,786.45
42,130.00
49,888.00

WILL I BUY IT?

Definitely,
only

if
 it is slightly cheaper. For a small hatch that come close to this price range, I could get a proper sedan minus the safety features. What set this Kia Picanto ahead of the the other similar A-segment hatch is its
superior built quality
 and the amount of
safety kit
.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


The Mercedes-Benz EQB lets you bring along six friends on your EV journey

Mercedes-Benz is having a jam-packed 2021 IAA Motor Show at Munich this year. Alongside the launch of the
electric G-Wagen concept
 with the EQG, the first
fully-electric AMG model
 in the EQS, the EQE, as well as the Maybach EQS, Mercedes-Benz has also brought out the fully-electric EQB seven-seater compact SUV to further expand its electric vehicles line-up.
The fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQB is based on its fossil fuel-burning counterpart, the
GLB
, which is also related to the GLA that forms the basis of the
EQA
. As such, the two electric compact crossovers essentially share the same powertrain offerings, and many of the key components.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is a compact EV crossover based on the GLA. Check it out here!
At launch, the EQB is available in two all-wheel drive configurations – the EQB 300 4Matic with an output of
168 kW (225 hp)
 and
390 Nm
, alongside the EQB 350 4Matic which bumps the power output up to
215 kW (288 hp)
 and
520 Nm
 of torque.
The more powerful EQB 350 takes
6.2 seconds
 to go from 0-100 km/h (8 seconds on the EQB 300), though both variants are pegged at a top speed of
160 km/h
.
Both models are also equipped with the same 66.5 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery pack located underneath the rear seats, offering a driving range of up to 419 km based on the WLTP test cycle.
Charging up the battery with the on-board 11 kW charger takes roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, though a 100 kW DC fast charger can top it up in roughly 32 minutes.
At the launch event, Mercedes-Benz said that a “particular long-range” EQB will be coming in the future, though gave no indication of the battery capacity and its rated driving range.
An entry-level front-wheel driven EQB 250 model featuring the EQA 250’s 188 hp/375 Nm single motor set-up will also be added into the model-line-up sometime soon, which should offer a significant cost savings over the two launch models.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB was launched in Malaysia last year, with three variants on offer – GLB 200, GLB 250, and the AMG GLB 35. Check them out in more detail here!
In terms of design, Mercedes-Benz gave the EQB a similar styling treatment as they did for the EQA when they adapted the petrol model to electric power. These include a black-panel grille up front featuring a new light bar, new model-specific head and tail lights, new bumpers, and unique EQ-specific bi- or tri-colour design alloys ranging from 18- to 20-inches.
As an option, customers can also opt for the AMG Line package, which offers AMG bodystyling with the new front and rear bumpers, alongside 20-inch wheels painted in matte copper for a unique sporty undertone.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is equipped with a EV-specific navigational system within its MBUX infotainment software that is able to plan its routes according to its battery charging needs. However, the rest of the cabin is pretty much lifted wholesale from the regular GLB.
Customers can opt for an “Electric Art” package for the interior, which adds unique rose gold and blue accents onto several trim elements such as the air vents and seats – the same colour scheme is also mirrored onto the MBUX system, which gets four EQ-specific themes – Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive and Discreet mode.
The G-Wagen is finally going electric! Read more about it here.
Due to the modifications made to the platform to accommodate the electric components, the boot capacity did suffer slightly, dropping to 495 litres (from 560 litres in the GLB) in the five-seater version. With the rear seats folded away, the five-seater EQB’s luggage capacity is rated at 1710 litres.
In terms of safety, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is equipped with a massive suite of advanced driver assistance features, including level two autonomous driving capabilities. Other standard features include Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist.
GALLERY