Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in UK in Sept

The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has consistently topped the PHEV sales chart in the UK and last month (September), Mitsubishi Motors sold 1,325 units of the electrified seven-seater SUV.
Overall, the Outlander PHEV accounts for 28 per cent of all plug-in hybrid sold for the month of September in the UK. Year-to-date, the company has delivered more than 5,731 units of the family SUV to UK customers which equates to 17 per cent of the total PHEV market.
The Outlander PHEV was recently
updated for MY2019
, featuring a more powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, larger battery pack, revised suspension set up for better comfort and stability, larger front brake discs as well as recalibrated Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive and traction control system.
Elsewhere the Outlander PHEV also gains restyled LED headlamps, bumpers, comfort seats, rear air vents and a new interior accent trim. Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Rob Lindley said: “The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV continues to perform well, and the 2019 revisions only broaden the appeal of such a versatile and capable vehicle. We were one of the first to announce WLTP figures for PHEV, and this has allowed us to be in a position to continue selling vehicles in such an important market.”
Closer to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offers two variants of the Outlander –
2.0L
 and
2.4L
 – and more recently introduced a limited
Outlander Sports Edition 2.0L 4WD
.
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Final round of MCS 2021 at Sepang Circuit to conclude with 300 km endurance

Motorsports and Malaysia’s premier touring car race continues with Round 3 and Round 4 of the Malaysia Championship Series 2021. The doubleheader format that was first seen in the opening rounds will be maintained but Round 4 sees an endurance race format at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Recap from Round 1 and 2, Alif Hamdan and Lai Wee Sing from R Engineering HMRT remains unbeaten in their FC Honda Civic Turbo as they are the only entry in the Touring Production (TP) category. In the immediate category featuring four FD2 Honda Civic Type R models, the pair of Shazull Hisham and Mohd Syahrizan from the Empire M Racing and Ken Urata from RWorks both won a race each in Round 1 and Round 2, as such, will head to the doubleheader without much points separating team.
Leona Chin, who just emerged victorious at the recently concluded
Sepang 1,000 km
 endurance race, also
won two races
 (MTC category) in the first double-header last month. Leona and her Tedco Racing team hope this race will be smoother, as the crew needed time and resources to repair the Suzuki Swift Sport after sustaining damage from contact in Race 2 and Race 3.
The pair of Muhammad Roni Risman and Shaifulnizam in their Dori’s Racing Honda Jazz will be pushing hard to win their first race of the season as well as the 2021 championship.
As for Stock Production 2 (SP2), the perfect combination of Hayden Haikal and Adam Khalid drove the BHPetrol-liveried yellow-and-white Honda Fit GK5 to win Race 3 and 4 (Round 2), whilst the pairing of Mitchell Cheah and Ady Rahimy in their 23 Motors black Honda Jazz won Race 1 and 2 (Round 1).
The SP2 category sees the most action across the category thanks to the similar performance levels of the Honda Jazz machines. With the 300 km endurance planned for Race 4 on Thursday not only tests machine durability but also driver focus and stamina plus team pit strategies.
MCS 2021 organised by Sepang International Circuit (SIC), supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), sanctioned by Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) with Yokohama as the Official Tyre Distributor and BHPetrol as the Official Fuel Partner.
Entrance to MCS 2021 is free at the SIC main grandstand for spectators 18 years old and above with fully completed vaccination.
SIC will also be broadcasting the MCS 2021 Round 3 and 4 live on their Facebook page (link
here
). Key events from the three days of racing are as follows:
14th December
4:30 P.M. to 5:20 P.M.: Qualifying, 20 minutes each for the TP/SP1 and MTC/SP2 categories
15th December
10:30 A.M. Race 1, Round 3
3:30 P.M. Race 2, Round 3
16th December
11
:
15 A.M. to 1:45 P.M. Race 4, 300 km race (54 laps)
GALLERY


Can you guess what is the Project One’s official name?

In the run-up to the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has just announced the name of their upcoming hypercar. The Project One hypercar will be officially named as Mercedes-AMG ONE.
Very uncreative you may think, but the company’s reasoning to go with ONE is it signifies the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG’s product line up and also referencing its technological transfer from Formula One (F1) vehicles.

The ONE is essentially an F1 race car made road legal, spotting a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors spewing out a combined output of over 1,000 hp. As a result, 0 to 200 km/h takes under six seconds while top speed is registered at over 350 km/h.
Customers of the ONE can obtain exclusive information on the development progress of the car in a custom mobile showroom entitled “The Future of Driving Performance”. Inside the mobile showroom, future owners have a chance to sit in the cockpit, along with a demonstration of the individual equipment options.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG ONE Mobile Showroom


Gallery: Proton X70 first official photos, Proton’s first ever SUV

This is it folks, fresh from the floors of Proton Design studio, the first-ever Proton SUV. It is officially named as the Proton X70, the first alphanumeric naming sequence for the national carmaker which will spearhead the naming logic for future Proton models.
Based on the highly successful Geely Boyue that was previewed in Malaysia last year, the X70 features design input from local Proton designers which resulted in the final product you see here. Notable changes from the Boyue are the front grille, tailgate trim with Proton badge, restyled interior covers and a Proton badge on the steering wheel.

Previewed here is the top of the line X70 Premium and the X70 Executive AWD. The top of the line model comes with all the bells and whistles such as Nappa leather upholstery, six USB charging ports, panoramic sunroof, voice command and 360-degree camera.
The X70 Executive loses out on Nappa leather upholstery and panoramic sunroof but retains the 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres, LED fog lamps as well as projector headlamps. All variants of the X70 does not come with a powered tailgate.
Bookings of the X70 opens from 8 September 2018 onwards at selected Proton dealers nationwide. This media preview marks the start of a two-month product campaign of their first ever SUV with an official launch scheduled for before the end of the year.
IMAGE GALLERY


Continental ComfortContact CC7 now in Malaysia, from 13″ to 16″ sizes

Continental Tyres Malaysia
 has just launched the seventh generation of its comfort-oriented tyre, the Continental ComfortContact CC7 in Malaysia. With improved safety and handling over its predecessor, the Comfort Contact CC7 tyres are available in sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inches.
In its seventh generation, the CC7 tyres are Continental’s answer to the increasing importance of improved cabin acoustics. The CC7 tyres have been upgraded with Comfort+ Technology that promises a smoother drive experience and a quiet ride for more moments of tranquility and peace of mind – “Driving Comfort, Redefined by Technology”.
According to Continental, a tyre’s comfort parameters are typically measured through the vehicle’s Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) characteristics. The company’s research suggests that tyres can be responsible for around 50 per cent of the noise produced when driving.
Continental head of R&D Asia Pacific, Bob Liu said, “When travelling at higher speeds especially, tyre-to-road noise and turbulence increase and become much more noticeable. Tyre noise is also becoming an increasingly important factor for electric vehicles whose drive systems are barely audible. For both conventional ICE and electric vehicles, this means selecting the right comfort tyre is a crucial decision that can greatly improve in-cabin acoustics.”
Continental tyre Malaysia Managing Director, Andrea Somorova said, “Given the distinct requirements of different customer bases as well as the demand of innovative technology, we dig deep to understand the needs of drivers in Malaysia and create products to fulfil these requirements.”
A team of over 30 engineers and experts have spent more than 7,500 hours designing, simulating, building and prototype testing. More than 500 tests under various road and laboratory conditions were carried out, with a distance enough to circle the Earth over 7 times.
Engineered for our comfort tyre segment, Comfort+ Technology is specifically for drivers who prioritise comfort for themselves and their passengers. Comfort+ Technology encompasses the ComfortContact CC7’s three key features, “Z.E.N”, – Zero Shock Pattern, Everflex Compound, and Noise Muter.


Kia Stinger bids farewell – Production ends with 1,000-unit ‘Tribute Edition’

If there’s one model from Kia that ever shook the world, it would be the
Kia Stinger
 which made its debut in 2017, showing us that the company was capable of making a sporty premium saloon. Only receiving minor updates through the years, Kia will soon stop production of the Stinger, sending it off with a 1,000-unit ‘Tribute Edition’.
The Tribute Edition is built on the 3.3-litre twin turbo V6
GT
 version of the Kia Stinger and provides several aesthetic enhancements. Special body colours on the Tribute Edition include Ascot Green and a new Moonscape matter gray colour. Adding a sinister touch to the 1,000-unit special are black side mirrors that match with the black Brembo brake callipers. The Stinger Trbute Edition sits on a set of 19-inch gloss back design wheels.
Inside, the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition gets a bespoke Teracotta brown leather interior that can be seen on the steering wheel, door side trims, and door handles. The console upper cover and the door panels get a carbon-effect finish to complement the new Teracotta leather trim.
A new wasp-shaped emblem is embedded into the headrest of the seats. It denotes the car’s name and signifies the potent 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. The application of a numbered door sill plate on the driver’s side provides authentication of exclusivity, confirming that just 1,000 units of the Tribute Edition will be built globally.
RELATED:
New Kia Stinger unveiled with 300 hp 2.5L turbo engine option
Back in 2018,
the Kia Stinger was launched in Malaysia
 in a ‘GT Line’ and ‘GT’ version. The GT Line Kia Stinger was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that made
251 hp
 and
353 Nm
. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all power was sent to the rear wheels.
Up a tier, the ‘GT’ version of the Kia Stinger was powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that made
365 hp
 and
510 Nm
. Also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, power was sent to all wheels and the Stinger launched from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.9 seconds
.
RELATED:
Kia made a special edition model we’ll never get to experience – the Stinger GTS
Kia Stinger when it was previewed in Malaysia in 2018
Kia CX Design sub-division Senior Vice President and Head of Purchase, Chang Sung Ryu said, “As we enter a new age of mobility, Kia will satisfy the needs of customers who seek to enjoy elevated levels of dynamic driving pleasure through high-performance electrified models such as the EV6 GT. And the brand’s strategy to continue accelerating the development of innovative electrification technologies will ensure that sustainability and strong performance combine effortlessly under the Kia badge.”
RELATED:
Kia Stinger lands in Malaysia, 2.0L & 3.3L V6 priced from RM239k


GoCar seeking volunteers to assist with free shuttle service for vaccination appointments

Thanks to the positive response and growing demand to the
GoVax CSR programme
 in providing free transportation to vaccination centres, GoCar is
seeking for volunteer drivers
 to increase the availability of shuttle vehicles over
Saturdays and Sundays
.
A CSR programme by car-sharing platform GoCar Malaysia, in collaboration with Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson YB Lim Yi Wei, the GoVax shuttle service currently covers:
Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
Hospital Shah Alam
Klinik Rakan Medik Petaling Jaya
University Malaysia Medical Centre (UMMC)
Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam (IDCC)
Since the programme commenced on 25th May 2021, the
GoVax Heroes
 have provided free rides to and from vaccination centres for over 300 senior citizens aged 60 years and above and persons with disabilities. The GoVax Heroes have thus far been volunteers from GoCar Malaysia’s employee pool.
“I’m very happy to see our GoVax initiative pass the
300-passenger mark
. Many have expressed that they wouldn’t be able to get to the vaccination centres otherwise. Help us help more senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) get vaccinated so that we can get closer to achieving herd immunity.
Kita Jaga Kita
!” said YB Lim Yi Wei, state assemblyperson for Kampung Tunku.
“Since we launched the GoVax programme, we have been heartened by multiple queries coming in from members of the public who wanted to volunteer. We welcome all the support we can get as the government continues to intensify vaccination efforts. I am proud that Malaysians are so giving and caring. It is only through a concerted effort that we can beat this ongoing battle with COVID-19,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO, GoCar Malaysia.
Interested individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 50 with a valid Malaysian driver’s licence. Those who wish to volunteer can drop their details and find out more information
here
.
As for those who are keen to assist qualified users to use the free GoVax shuttle that ends on 31st August 2021, contact the 24-7 hotline 1 300-30-2633 or request via the
GoCar mobile app
. Bookings must be
made at least three days in advance
. Drivers are limited and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
GoCar also remarks that passengers with mobility challenges will need to be accompanied by an experienced caregiver.


Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC and Coupé launched, 3.0L SUV from RM539k!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) added a high-performance variant to the
GLC line-up
 – the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC. Available in both SUV and Coupé styling, let’s find out whether the AMG-bred SUV can take the fight to the
Porsche Macan
.
Like the other 43 series models, Mercedes-AMG has fitted the GLC 43 with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 that produces
367 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to all four corners via a nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic. With Race Start (launch control) engaged, the GLC 43 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just
4.9 seconds
. To put things in perspective, the mighty Golf R gets there in 5.0 seconds flat. Finally, an SUV that won’t disappoint you at the traffic lights. Top speed is limited to
 250 km/h
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé 4MATIC
Engine
2,996cc; twin-turbo V6
Transmission
9-speed G-TRONIC automatic
Max Power
367 hp @ 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
520 Nm @ 2,500 – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.9 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM538,888
RM580,888
Unlike the regular GLC 250 4MATIC, the AMG models come equipped with
AMG Sports Suspension with Air Body Control
 (airmatic sports suspension) that allows the driver to select different ride heights to suit their driving needs. Mercedes-AMG also sports a more negative camber on the front and rear axle of the GLC 43 for better lateral dynamics. Task with stopping this highly capable SUV are a set of perforated discs measuring 360 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and 320 x 24 mm with single-piston fixed callipers on the rear axle.

Both GLC 43 models come fully decked out with AMG Line exterior pack, Night Pack and Exterior Chrome Pack. The front splitter is designed to ensure optimal air flow to the car’s cooling system. Naturally, the “BITURBO 4MATIC” badge is present at the front fenders. The coupé gets an additional rear lip spoiler while the non-coupé gets a set of roof racks. Both models ride on 21-inch AMG five-twin spoke lightweight alloy wheels.
Step inside, one can easily tell this AMG model apart from the regular GLC models from the multifunctional sports steering, red stitching, red design seat belts, AMG instrument cluster and a race timer. The GLC 43 comes with a panoramic sliding sun roof while the coupé is equipped with a regular sliding sunroof. Other standard features include 360-degree camera, keyless entry and start, powered front seats with memory function, powered tailgate and Burmester surround sound system.

Every purchase of the fully imported GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe is covered with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Attractive financing packages are also available via Mercedes-Benz financial with monthly repayments starting from RM5,388 for the GLC 43 and RM5,808 for the GLC 43 coupé.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé


Facts & Figures: Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus MHEV launched in Malaysia – RM387k

Volvo Car Malaysia today unveiled the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus, a new variant of the popular SUV joining the
Recharge T8 Inscription Plus
 in the XC90’s local line-up. As the ‘B5’ in the name suggests, the new variant is equipped with a new mild-hybrid powertrain, and will replace the existing T5 AWD Momentum model here in Malaysia.
The new B5 variant is priced at
RM386,842.12
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions until the 30th of June, 2022 (
100% here by the way, as the car is locally-assembled in Malaysia
), placing it just approximately RM7,000 lower than the Recharge T8.
EXTERIOR
The all-new XC90 B5 variant wears the same Inscription Plus package as the aforementioned range-topping variant, and thus looks pretty much identical to the plug-in hybrid variant from the outside. Standard equipment on the new B5 variant include:
Inscription grille and exterior trims in chrome
Full LED headlights with Active High Beam and Active Bending Lights
LED daytime-running lights
20-inch 10-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, 275/45 profile tyres
PERFORMANCE
The main highlight of the new variant is, of course, the new mild hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet. The B5 powertrain is not new to our parts of the world, having previously been introduced on the
updated XC60
.
Engine: Drive-E 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, petrol; 48V electric integrated starter-generator (ISG) motor
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Driveline: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Air suspension
Max system horsepower: 249 hp @ 5,400 – 5,700 rpm
Max system torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,800 rpm
0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8.2 l/100 km
Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus shown.
INTERIOR
The new Volvo XC90 B5 variant also mirrors the T8 on the specification list for the cabin, with standard features as follows:
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
head-up display
9-inch portrait-oriented Sensus Connect infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
Orrefors crystal gear selector
Diamond-cut knobs for volume control and engine start-stop
Powered comfort seats with four-way lumbar support adjustments and memory function
Nappa leather upholstery
Four-zone climate control with second- and third-row vents
19-speaker, 1,400W Bowers & Wilkins sound system
Wireless charging pad
Panoramic sunroof
SAFETY
Just like all other Volvo cars on sale here in Malaysia, the new XC90 B5 Inscription Plus also comes equipped with the full suite of advanced driver assistance system, with features including:
City Safety – autonomous emergency braking with steering support; detection for pedestrian, cyclists, and large animals
Lane Keeping Aid
Pilot Assist and adaptive cruise control
Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection
Oncoming Lane Mitigation
Blind spot monitor with Steer Assist
Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake
PRICING
The Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus is locally-assembled here in Malaysia, and priced at
RM386,842.12
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions that is valid until the 30th of June 2022. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.


BMW EVs will soon let you play games on the infotainment display while you charge your car

BMW
 has announced a new partnership with AirConsole, an “online video game console”, to bring “casual gaming” into new BMW vehicles equipped with the marque’s new
Curved Display infotainment system
. Presumably to make charging EVs less boring, the partnership is slated to kick off sometime next year.
According to the German carmaker, the games will run directly inside the vehicle’s entertainment system, and players will have to use their own smartphones as game controllers. Of course, like most things in new cars these days, the system will be delivered to the vehicles over-the-air.
“With AirConsole we will leverage innovative technologies combined with a broad variety of fun and multiplayer games,” said BMW Group Senior Vice President for Connected Company Development. “This will make every waiting situation inside the vehicle, such as charging, an enjoyable moment.”
AirConsole is part of the BMW Startup Garage programme, the carmaker’s incubator for new tech that can be used in its future vehicles.
RELATED:
The latest BMW iDrive 8 system could be the best-looking yet!
This isn’t the first time a carmaker has experimented with on-board gaming. Most notably,
Tesla
cars already come bundled with a handful of games on-board to let you kill time at an EV charger. Unlike BMW, however, Tesla’s games will even let you
utilise the car’s actual steering wheel
to control your in-game characters.
With EVs getting more and more prevalent these days, expect to see more of these time-killing features being added into cars. Charging, no matter how fast, will still take more time than refuelling, after all.


Honda Insight to make its global debut next week

The all-new Honda Insight will make its global debut next week at the North American International Auto Show where it will be positioned above the Civic as a premium compact.
The Insight sports a low and wide stance, highlighted by Honda’s signature “flying wing” grille, low-profile LED headlights and taillights followed by a long coupe-like roofline.
Riding on a long wheelbase, the 2019 Honda Insight will offer class-leading passenger space and premium features like perforated leather seating, an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7-inch digital LCD cluster.
Powering it will be a 1.5-litre twin-motor hybrid system where in most conditions the Insight operates on electric power only. The hybrid batteries are located under the rear seat to provide a full-size boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
The Honda Insight will be included with the Honda LaneWatch and Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving aids such as Lane Departure Warning and Low-Speed Follow to name a few, like the ones in the Honda Accord and CR-V available locally.
At the previous edition of the North American International Auto Show, Honda announced its Honda Electrification Initiative and its intention to make
 two-thirds of the brand’s global vehicle sales to be electrified vehicles by 2030
, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bentley wants to redefine luxury SUVs with the new Bentayga Extended Wheelbase

Bentley Motors has extended its model range to now include the new flagship
Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB)
 after a nine-figure investment to create a new model with the
best rear cabin experience
 since the Bentley Mulsanne. The company has high hopes for the model too; projecting the new Bentayga EWB to account for 45% of all Bentayga sales when it goes on sale later this year.

On the topic of rear cabin experience, the Bentayga EWB has extended the standard wheelbase by
an extra 180 mm
, stretching it from 2995 mm to 3175 mm, with an overall length of over 5300 mm. Despite the increased length of the rear doors, Bentley has ensured that the lines and proportions of the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase are not affected.
Inside, the new
Bentley Airline Seats
are the most advanced seats ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and the world’s first auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.
In
Relax Mode
, the rear seat can recline up to 40 degrees, whilst the front passenger seat slides forward and a footrest deploys from under the front passenger seat. In
Business Mode
, the seat moves into the most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.
The
auto climate seat technology
 senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum comfort. Meanwhile, the
postural adjustment system
automatically makes micro-adjustments to the occupant’s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface.
The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period throughout a journey. Imagine what long road trips would be like in the Bentayga EWB!
New features also include the
Bentley Diamond Illumination
where light is emitted through the leather door trims using LEDs (12 on each of the front doors, 22 on each of the rear doors). Also new is the rear-wheel steering for a 7% smaller turning radius, power closing doors that allow users to close the doors with the push of a switch, along with heated rear doors and centre armrests.
Further enhancing the rear cabin section, the longer door trims have been redesigned, with the use of Metal Overlay for the first time; a privilege previously only offered to the
Continental GT Mulliner
.
The exterior changes can be seen on the new front grille, new 22-inch 10-spoke wheels, and a sunroof that’s been pushed further back due to the extended length of the luxury SUV.
RELATED:
The Bentley Bentayga Mulliner is probably the single poshest SUV around
Under the front hood is a 4.0-litre 32-valve twin-turbo V8 engine with
550 hp
 and a whopping
770 Nm
 to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/jh in just 4.6 seconds. Keep your foot firmly planted on the floor and you’ll see the Bentayga EWB nudging 290 km/h.
GALLERY


Jenson Button’s Ford GT for sale, 1 of 5 VIP variants, from RM1.4 mil!

A high performance 2005 Ford GT, once belonged to the famed Formula One driver Jenson Button, will go under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro Classic Car Sale.
With a low mileage of 8,350 miles (about 13,400km), the mint example is just one of five VIP variants ever to be sold in Europe. Only 101 units of the Ford GT was supplied to the continent.
Silverstone Auctions’ Sales Manager, Will Smith (no, not that Will Smith) said, “
Given its inimitable heritage, prolific performance, stunning design, and thrilling driving experience, the Ford GT is a very special creation that will undoubtedly be revered for many years to come. In addition, it was once Jenson Button’s very own, adding even more exciting provenance and collectability to this particular example.”
The white with blue stripes GT carries a pre-auction estimate of
£250,000 to £300,000 (from RM1.4 million to RM1.67 million). At the heart of it is a mid-mounted, hand-built,
quad-cam 5.4-litre V8 engine
 that’s supercharged to deliver
550 hp
 and
678 Nm
 of torque.
It gets a
six-speed manual
 transmission as standard and rockets from standstill to 100km/h in a blistering
 3.5 seconds
. Its top speed is
 330km/h
, but even that requires a speed limiter. We have a strong feeling that the bidding will go well beyond the auctioneer’s estimates, though…
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Maserati commits to electrification, to cease V8 engine production by 2023

With a history that dates back all the way to the 5000GT in 1959,
Maserati
has now announced that it’ll be officially ending production of its 572 hp twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8 engine by the end of this year, as the Italian luxury carmaker takes their next step into electrification.
Maserati
previously announced
plans to electrify its entire model line-up by 2025, before becoming a fully-electric carmaker by 2030.
As the 90-degree V8 nears its end-of-life, the
Trofeo
 versions of the Maserati
Levante
,
Ghibli
, and
Quattroporte
 – all powered by the legendary engine – will also be discontinued by the end of this year. The good news is, buyers who are interested in adding one or more of these collectors’ items into their garage still have time till 2024 to do so, while stocks last.
At the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in July this year, the Italian marque will also be unveiling the latest, final editions of the Maserati Trofeo models, Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima.
As a unique send-off to the V8 engine and Trofeo models, Maserati has also created a trio of unique ‘Zéda edition’ models, one each for the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte, featuring a very unique tricolour exterior paint job. No other information was provided on these unique V8 collector’s items, but they were part of the company’s displays at the Motor Valley Fest last weekend.
Besides celebrating its past successes, Maserati also showcased its all-electric Folgore range, which includes the
Granturismo

Folgore
 One Off Luce,
Grecale
 Folgore, as well as the GEN 3 Maserati Tipo Folgore.
GALLERY


Audi showcases the TT Sportback concept, a TT Coupe with extra doors

It seems like Audi is seriously considering to expand the TT family, with the reveal of the
TT Sportback concept
 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Stretching the
TT Coupe
 by 290 mm long and 60 mm wide, the TT Sportback is
4,470 mm long
 and
1,890 mm wide
 but
30 mm lower
 than the TT Coupe at 1,380 mm. The
wheelbase
 is also extended by 120 mm to
2,630 mm
.
The classic TT Coupe silhouette has been carried over, making the TT Sportback a true
4-door coupe
 complete with
 frameless windows
 for all four doors. The front is slightly different from the production TT Coupe with the Audi four rings that sit inside the Singleframe grille, and a redesigned bumper.
The pronounced wheel arches and side sill stand out from the otherwise flat side panels, with doorhandles that sit flush with the bodywork. A character line goes from the edge of the front headlights, all the way back to the slim taillights and the pointy bootlid. The rear bumper incorporates an oval tailpipe on each side, linked together by a chrome trim.

Inside it’s pure TT, complete with the
12.3-inch full-colour display
 used for the
digital instrument cluster
, and the jet engine round air vents that incorporates the aircond controls. The only difference is that the rear occupants now have their own doors, but the TT Sportback will only accept two persons in the back due to the center console that stretches through the entire interior.
Powering the TT Sportback concept is a
2.0 TFSI
 from the
EA 888
 engine family coupled to a
7-speed S tronic
 dual clutch gearbox with
quattro
 permanent all-wheel drive. In this state of tune it produces
400 hp
 at 6,400 rpm and
 450 Nm
 of torque at 2,400 – 6,000 rpm.
With the chassis and engine readily available, let’s hope Audi gives the green light for the TT Sportback to enter the production line, as it could potentially be a proper rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2020 Toyota Vios facelift now open for booking – est. pricing starts at RM76k!

Shortly after
teasing its arrival
, UMW Toyota has now announced that the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is now open for booking. Just like the
outgoing model
 and the
Yaris
, the 2020 Toyota Vios will be offered in three variants – J, E, and G – with prices estimated to start at RM75,701.
1.5J – RM75,701
1.5E – RM85,674
1.5G – RM89,232
All prices above are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of
sales tax exemptions
 applicable until 31st of December this year. Compared to the outgoing model, the new 1.5J variant is RM400 cheaper, while the 1.5E and 1.5G are priced RM5,600 and RM3,100 higher respectively.
The estimated pricing for the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is also more expensive across the range compared to the
new Yaris
 – which starts at RM71,688 (estimated) – similar to the outgoing models.
The styling changes on the 2020 Toyota Vios is reserved to the front, where it receives a new front fascia similar to that of the new Yaris. To differentiate between the two, the Yaris is equipped with a honeycomb mesh grille, while the Vios gets an arguably more classy horizontal slats design.
The triple-bezel LED headlights and daytime-running lights are also new, and just like the Yaris, is also standard across the range. The Vios previously only had halogen projector units, even on the range-topping variant.
Aside from the front, the rest of the car looks to be unchanged from the outgoing model, including the taillights assembly which are halogen or LED units depending on the variant, as well as the 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The example seen in these photos is also fitted with an optional Aerokit, which includes additional front and rear bumper lips, side skirts, as well as a two-tone boot-lid spoiler. The Aerokit is priced at RM2,800.
The 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will be available in five different exterior colour options, including the eye-catching Orange Metallic as seen in these photos, as well as Platinum White Pearl, Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.
It’s a similar story inside the cabin of the 2020 Toyota Vios as well, with the most apparent change being the addition of a new seven-inch infotainment display, a step-up from the previous 6.8-inch display. Crucially, the infotainment display now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, finally making it into the
list of cars under RM100k
 with said function.
Other equipment available on the 2020 Toyota Vios include an electrochromic rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, Eco and Sport drive mode switch, as well as the Vehicle Telematics System which is standard on the 1.5E and 1.5G variant.
Similar to the Yaris, the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will also include the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver assistance suite. The system includes the Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) autonomous emergency braking feature, which works from 15 km/h and above, as well as Lane Departure Alert (LDA) feature which alerts the driver when it detects an unintended lane change from 50 km/h and up.
The TSS suite works in addition to the 360-degree panoramic view monitor, blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, as well as a front dashcam as standard on the E and G variants. A rear dashcam can also be optioned in on the two variants at RM350.
The 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-banger under the hood should remain unchanged, making
107 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.
The 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is now available for booking through UMW Toyota’s website, linked
here
, or at all authorised dealerships nationwide. Included in the final price – which will be announced at the imminent launch soon – is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
GALLERY


Kia prices are lower post-SST, but what about the Stinger?

Naza Kia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, have released its post-SST price list. Apart from the Picanto and Cerato, prices for other models have a reduction of up to 3%. The quantum – from GST-included to SST retail prices – ranges from RM6,000 for a Sorento SX (from RM185,888 to RM179,888) to RM1,000 for the Rio hatchback (from RM79,888 to RM78,888). Note that the prices below are on-the-road without insurance.
If you are wondering why the prices for the Kia Stinger are missing, worry not as Naza Kia has yet to obtain the government approval for the pricing of its most exciting rear-wheel drive sports sedan. We will post an update once we have them.


2016 Proton Ertiga launched, 3 rows, 3 variants, priced from RM59k to RM65k

As we approach the end of the year, we welcome Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd’s fourth and final new model launch for 2016, the Proton Ertiga. The name of Proton’s B-segment SUV is derived from the Artiga Concept but here it stands for “three rows” and coincidentally, there are three variants to choose from.
Although it’s an all-new model from Proton, the Proton Ertiga is essentially a rebadged Suzuki Ertiga. As such, underpinning the Ertiga is a stretched Suzuki platform that measures 4,265mm in length, 1,695mm in width, 1,685mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,740mm.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Proton Ertiga Executive (MT)
Proton Ertiga Executive (AT)
Proton Ertiga Executive+ (AT)
Segment
B-Segment MPV
Engine
1,373cc; DOHC with VVT, timing chain, multi-point injection (MPI)
Transmission
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Max Power
92 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
RM58,800
RM61,800
RM64,800
EXTERIOR
In the
MoU
 signed by Proton and Suzuki last year, Proton will not be making any major aesthetic or mechanical changes to the Ertiga. As such, what you see on the Suzuki model is what you get on the Proton. Fortunately, the rebadged Ertiga is the latest facelifted model from Suzuki therefore the Proton Ertiga would stay fresh and relevant in the market for years to come.
Starting from the top of the line
Executive+
, the Ertiga features halogen reflector headlamps with manual levelling, front and rear fog lamps, halogen combination tail lamps, chrome fog lamp garnish, and powered folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signal. The
reflective plates
 that extend from the tail lamps are unique to the Proton model.

Moving down, both the lower spec Ertiga models get a black fog lamp garnish and manual folding wing mirrors. Regardless of variant, the Ertiga rides on
15-inch alloys
 wrapped in
185/65 R15 GT Radial Champiro Eco tyres
.
INTERIOR
At a glance, the interior of this six-seater MPV features a
beige theme
 to portray a luxurious and spacious cabin ambience. As standard, all variants get
fabric seats
 and door trims, urethane steering wheel, 2-DIN infotainment system with four speakers, two power sockets, and
second row air conditioning
. Executive+ variant adds
steering wheel audio switches
, driver’s seat height adjuster, and extra two speakers.

With three rows of seats being the highlight, the second row splits 60:40, and they feature a one-touch tumble and slide mechanism for easy access to the third row. Meanwhile, the third row seats split and fold 50:50. With the second and third row seats folded down, the Ertiga swallows up to
735 litres
 of cargo!
PERFORMANCE
Tasked with moving the sub-1,200kg MPV is the familiar
K14B 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder
 found in the
third-generation Suzuki Swift
 that is good for
92 hp
 and
130 Nm
. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a
five-speed manual
 or a
 four-speed automatic
.
Fuel consumption on the Ertiga is rated at
5.7L/100km
 for the manual and
6.0L/100km
 for the slush box, which qualifies the mini MPV for
EEV status
. A combination of ventilated disc (front) and drum brakes (rear) are employed to stop this family mover.
SAFETY
The Ertiga boasts a
4-Star ASEAN NCAP
 crash safety rating thanks to dual airbags, ABS with BA, EBD and ISOFIX mounting points.
WHAT ELSE?
The Proton Ertiga can be had in
four colours
 – Solid White, Carnelian Brown, Fluorite Silver and Ruby Red Metallic. Interested parties can now head to the nearest Proton Edar outlet for viewing and test drive, and as with all Proton cars, the Ertiga also comes with a
5-Year warranty
 coverage.
What do you think of Proton’s rebadged people mover, dear readers? Reckon that it can take on the likes of Perodua Alza,
Toyota Sienta
 and
Honda BR-V
? In the meantime, do check out our
first impressions
 of the Proton Ertiga for more insights into your next possible purchase!
IMAGE GALLERY
Ertiga Executive+

Ertiga Executive


Throwback Thursday: Volkswagen Beetle (Part 2) – Beetlemania

Last week
, we’ve learnt that despite the original Volkswagen Beetle’s cheerful outlooks, it was spawned during a terrible point in point and did not have the easiest of beginnings. In this second and final installment of the Beetle’s two-part story, we look back on why the Beetle became an endearing automotive icon to the world’s car enthusiasts.
Back in 1955, while the Beetle was a predominant fixture on the roads of Europe, only a small number of them found its way to USA. The American’s love for domestic V8-powered cars, coupled with the Beetle’s image as the “Hilter’s car” did not help with the sales growth of the Beetle. Enter the “
Mad Men
” of Doyle, Dane, and Bernbach – seeked to boost the Beetle’s profile and credentials.
The creative trio – powered by charisma and copious amounts of cigarettes – came up with a series of revolutionary print adverts. Apparently, black and white prints were already a thing of the past then but it was the write-up that was extraordinary. It was cheeky, unpretentious, and best of all, struck buyers with relevance.
Volkswagen launched two campaigns, “
Think Small
” in 1959 and “
Lemon
” to the American public. Soon after, DDB crafted a series of witty and charming Beetle adverts that translated to millions of Beetles finding new homes in a country that was possibly still harbouring hatred to all things German.
Over the years, countless improvements were applied to the Bug. While the Beetle’s sillhoutte remained untouched, Volkswagen introduced more powerful engines, fully synchronised transmissions, windscreen wipers, automatic choke, and additional cosmetic enhancements. Later on, additional variants of the Beetle were also introduced.
Aside from the famous convertibles, innovative beach boys even turned the Beetle into a Dune Buggy to carry their surfboards to the beaches. In 1971, the Super Beetle was unveiled – the most powerful Beetle ever produced. A year later, Volkswagen celebrated a significant milestone where
15 million Bugs
 were produced, matching the production numbers of the infamous Ford Model T.
However, in 1974, Volkswagen slipped into decline with the over-reliance of a single model. This led to the production cease of the Beetle in Wolfsburg to make way for a more conventional Golf hatchback. The assembly of the Bug shifted to South America, where production soldiered on till 2003. Seven decades on with over
21 million Beetles
produced it’s one of the longest car nameplates to have ever existed.
The Beetle did not stop there, as its successor, oddly named the “New Beetle”, arrived in 1997 with the third and current incarnation of the Beetle (
the A5
) launched in 2011. Sadly, that’s the end of the Beetle as Volkswagen had recently
confirmed that there are no plans to develop the A5’s successor
.
11 years since the reintroduction of the new Beetle in 1997, followed by a new model in 2011, the Beetle will be replaced by the production model of the Volkswagen ID Buzz Concept, as the retro-styled model in Volkswagen’s line-up.
The Beetle’s successor, another Volkswagen icon,
the Microbus.
It seems that Volkswagen has decided to embark on a new journey with its MEB electric car platform, rather than having more “new versions” of the Beetle. A move we’d all applaud seeing as there’s not been an actual new Beetle but at the same time, it’s legitimately saddening to know that the adorable, now defunct Beetle, has no place in today’s society.
Image Credit:
Volkswagen


Toyota Vios Challenge 2021 to commence racing at the end of this month

Originally scheduled for the end of January but
postponed
 due to MCO 2.0, the first race of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF) Season 4 featuring the Toyota Vios Challenge will take place on the 27th and 28th of March.
Sepang International Circuit will be hosting, and it is strictly a
closed-door event
 and as such, ardent fans can only cheer their favourite celebrities from their homes.
UMW Toyota Motor will continue to stream the entire TGRF event live through all social media platforms as happened since the very first race in 2017.
For 2021, the Toyota Vios Challenge has added a new Rookie Class, making the one-make race series to feature four classes. The Rookie Class features six graduates from the
Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development
 programme who are stepping up from karting to touring car racing.
Drivers in the Rookie class with karting experience age from 14 to 18, while two racers with plenty of e-sport experience are 17 and 20 years old. Based on
promotional videos
, the Rookie Class with be racing with the older Generation 1
Toyota Vios Challenge car
 from 2017.
Meanwhile, in the Promotional Class, three newcomers, actor Zizan Razak, singer/songwriter Talitha Tan and television personality Ahirene Ahirudin will be making their motorsports debut with the Vios Challenge in the new
Vios GR Sport
 front fascia. Get to know more about the 2021 racing grid
here
.
Overall, Season 4 of the TGRF will feature three unique racing series (Vios Challenge, Sprint and Endurance) throughout the year, offering 11 spectacular races.
Six Vios Challenge races across three series planned for this year
For the first time, two rounds of Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup will race at the Malaysia Championship Series (the first was supposed to be this March date with the next in May), and closing the Gazoo Racing season with the Enduro Cup running in conjunction with the annual Sepang 1,000 km Endurance Race.


Find out what inspires the designers of the upcoming Volvo XC40!

Following the unscheduled spy short release of the new Volvo XC40, it is said that Volvo’s new offering will come with dozens of exterior and interior colour combinations, with a focus of providing customers the option to implement their own preference and individuality in Volvo Cars’ first ever entry in the small premium SUV segment.
The
2018 XC40 as previewed last year
bestows designers the freedom to inject vibrancy, individuality and playfulness – elements of which Volvo Cars’ see as lacking in the small premium SUV segment. It will offer a broader and more playful colour palette, making it the most expressive model in Volvo’s portfolio – to reflect the outgoing personalities of its drivers.
“We wanted the XC40 to be a fresh, creative and distinctive member of the Volvo line-up, allowing its drivers to put their personality in their driveway. XC40 drivers are interested in fashion, design and popular culture, and often live in large, vibrant cities. They want a car that reflects their personality. The XC40 is that car,” said Chief Designer Office at Volvo Cars, Thomas Ingenlath.
Customer research for the XC40 and its segment has shown that wider selection of colours and materials are needed from what was usually offered. As such, the design of the new XC40 would be from scratch with emphasis to project energy and playfulness.
The sources of inspiration for the XC40 is derived from
street fashion
,
city architecture
,
high-end designer goods
 and
pop culture
, a focal point of Volvo’s design team when deciding on materials, pattern and colour options.

“We took inspiration for the XC40 colour and materials from many different sources, mixing them and putting them back together into something cohesive. What we created is a car with a tough attitude that feels fresh, energetic and confident,” said Ebba Maria Thunberg, Vice President Colour & Materials at Volvo Cars.
Solid, monochromatic theme, to dual compositions in vivid complexions are among the broad selection of colours that are self-expressive while the interior colour choices of
warm Lava Orange carpets
,
Oxide Red upholstery
 and
a range of new trims and materials
 are owed to urban architecture and cartography. Sure to deliver a modern touch, the interior will also see natural, felt-based carpets, headliner and door insert applications to deliver a truly youth and premium feel.
“Our Momentum trim level is the most fashion-oriented of the line-up, with vivid exterior colour combinations, while the R-Design and Inscription trim levels reflect a more dynamic and premium feel,” added Ebba Maria Thunberg.


Ken Block’s Christmas and birthday is the Audi S1 Hoonitron!

With a world-famous drifter joining the Audi Sport family for a new phase of challenges, it didn’t take long to see a new
Hoonigan
 vehicle being developed. Fully electric, Audi has just presented Ken Block with the S1 Hoonitron.
Described as not only an incredibly talented driver, ‘Drift Artist’ Ken Block, who
joined Audi Sport
 in September, will be piloting the exclusive and unique one-of-a-kind fully electric ‘Hooning’ machine in new videos scheduled to be out within the next few months under the working title ‘Elektrikhana’. “The collaboration with Audi is a very special partnership for me. The brand and its passion for motorsport motivated me to get into rallying,” said Ken Block.
Audi’s RS e-tron GT has set its sights on the Porsche Taycan Turbo. More here!
“That Audi has now developed this car for me and my team, and has joined us in our next project, has made a dream come true for me. The Hoonitron is writing the next chapter in our history and taking our Gymkhana story into the future,” added Block, who turned 54 a few weeks ago.
Ford holds the honour of the first drifting production electric car- the Mustang Mach-E 1400!

Not much has been shared on the Hoonitron, apart from having all-wheel drive traction thanks to the fitment of a powerful electric motor in each of the axles and a chassis made from carbon fibre materials. The design team, led by Marc Lichte was thrilled, as they had an opportunity to develop a modern, all-electric interpretation of the 600-hp Audi S1 that triumphed at the 1987 Pikes Peak Hillclimb.
Audi to enter Dakar 2022 with the electric racer! Batteries still get juiced from petrol though.
As expected, more detail about the S1 Hoonitron will be made available as we enter 2022 and enthusiasts are definitely looking forward to the high quality as well as creativity of the Gymkhana series.
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz A-Class receives best-in-class safety award from Euro NCAP

The newly-launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been award a 5-star rating by Euro NCAP after undergoing new and tougher crash tests introduced this year and emerged with outstanding results.
Among the factors that led to the A-Class’ commendable scores is
passenger safety
. The design of the vehicle structures incorporates findings from research into real accidents.
The passenger compartments are designed to be highly rigid using ultra-high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel, to mitigate frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions and roll-overs.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes as standard with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s kneebag, Thorax-pelvis sidebags and windowbags. Unlike its competitors, the windowbag also covers the A-pillar for a more complete passenger protection.
Driver assistance systems have also played a role in the A-Class’ impeccable scores. For the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It keeps a very close eye on the traffic situation, with improved camera and radar systems allowing it to see far ahead.
Aside from that, the new A-Class also comes with the expanded Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.
Locally,
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers two variants for the A-Class
 – the
 A200 Progressive Line and A250 AMG Line
. The former comes with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine making
163 hp
 /
250 Nm
 while the latter is fitted with a bigger 2.0-litre engine making
224 hp
 /
350 Nm
.
IMAGE GALLERY

Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive Line


Porsche officially ends production of the 991-generation 911

A year after
its successor
 has been announced at the
2018 LA Auto Show
, Porsche has finally pulled the plug on the 991-generation of its venerable 911 sports car.
The last example of the 991-generation to roll off the production line is perhaps fittingly a
911 Speedster
, marking the end of an era that saw
233,540 units
 produced – making it the best-selling Porsche 911 ever.
Porsche Chief Research and Development Officer, Michael Steiner said, “The 991 generation in particular has set new standards in terms of performance, drivability and efficiency.
“It fills me with pride, as well as a touch of sadness, to have to send it off into retirement. For myself, I can say that the 991 has given me enormous pleasure,” he added.
The 991-generation was launched in 2011 to what Porsche calls “one of the biggest development steps in the history of the 911” – nearly 90% of all components were newly designed or had undergone substantial further development.
The lightweight aluminium-steel composite made the 991-generation lighter than its predecessor, a first for the revered 911 sports car. The 911 also introduced a new, optional roll stabilisation system – Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).
The 991-generation also saw the most special editions than ever before, such as the
911 R
 and the 911 Speedster seen here. The 991 also celebrated the 911’s 50th anniversary, as well as the one millionth Porsche 911.
What is your fondest memory of the 991-generation Porsche 911? For us, nothing beats
going full-blast on Sepang
 with the
911 GT3
.


2015 MINI One First 5 Door: Entry level MINI to get a 3-cylinder, 75 hp 1.2L turbo

The folks at MINI have announced the arrival of a new entry-level model for its 5-door variant, dubbed the MINI One First 5 door. Not much about the car is known for now, but this entry-level MINI is to be economical, hence the employment of an all-new
1.2-litre, three cylinder engine
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
MINI One First 5 Door
Engine
1.2-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology
Transmission
6-speed manual
Max Power
75 horsepower
Max Torque
150 Nm of torque @ 1,400 rpm
0-100km/h
13.4 seconds

The three cylinder engine, despite being small in displacement, benefits from the carmaker’s MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. In short, it makes
75 horsepower
 and
150 Nm
 of torque that’s readily available from as low as 1,400 rpm. It propels the MINI to the 100 km/h mark from standstill at a respectable
13.4 seconds
. A
six-speed manual
 transmission is the way to go here, and that drives the
front wheels
 whilst returning an average fuel consumption of
5.2 litres per 100 km
.
In November last year, MINI Malaysia introduced the
Cooper S 5 Door model
 to our shores. Do you think the One First 5 Door will make its way here?


This YouTube channel has the quirkiest auto experiments ever!

You can always trust the Russians to do the craziest things and when it comes to automotive experiments, they uphold that image like their reputation for consuming vodka.
Recently we stumbled across a channel called
Garage 54
 and for the curious minds, these guys have all the answers (if not, most) on all that could be if we took the effort to experiment but would never.

Whatever that you may or may not have thought of, like transforming a Lada into a Porsche, using rubber bands to form a tyre, replacing engine oil with petrol or even using ice blocks to form the body of a car, these guys have done it so that you don’t have to leave the comforts of your air-conditioned room to find out.

Their videos are dubbed in English too so you’d understand the risk and dangers of these stunts and wouldn’t try it yourself at home.
I mean it; please, don’t try this at home.


Mazda3 hatchback now comes with MS MazdaSports Model Package, all yours for under RM10k!

Hatchbacks generally carry a sporty and dynamic image as compared to sedan body style. With that philosophy in mind, Bermaz Motor took the
Mazda3 SkyActiv hatchback
 and gave it a little spicing up.
Available exclusively for the Mazda3 Hatchback, the MS MazdaSports Model Package is comprised of a set of cosmetic enhancements, both exterior and interior to invigorate the C-segment hatchback.

Outside, you get a five-piece gloss black/red accented body kit (front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and a tailgate spoiler). Elsewhere, the standard 18-inch alloys are now finished in gunmetal grey. The exterior is completed with a pair of MS Signature Red Wing Mirror, MS Tailpipe and a Red Mazda3 badge.
Inside, the fabric seats found on the standard Mazda3 HB are replaced with leather and suede combination, similar to the ones found on the
CX-3
 except the MazdaSports package comes with MS embroidery and red contrast stitching. The suede material also finds its way to the top of the steering wheel which now comes with a centre marker as well as the door panels.

Mechanics of the Mazda3 HB MazdaSports remains unchanged with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G and six-speed SkyActiv automatic developing
162 hp
 and
210 Nm
. Power is channeled to the front wheels only. Other equipment mirrors the standard
hatchback variant
.
New owners of the Mazda3 HB who would like to spice up their car will have to fork out an additional
RM9,880
 (inclusive of 6 percent GST and installation), on top of the RM121k selling price of the locally assembled hatchback. Bermaz also expressed that customers opting for this package will need to wait an extra month on top of the stipulated waiting period. Bermaz MazdaSports Division also hinted that they will be developing more models with the MS nameplate in the future.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton sales nearly doubled: 25,714 cars sold in first 2 months of 2023

Close to celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, local carmaker
Proton
 is showing steady growth in the first two months of 2023. In February 2023 alone, Proton sales hit
14,033 cars
 (domestic and export), which is 52% higher than the same month in 2022. In the first two months of 2023, Proton sold
25,714 cars
, showing an 88% growth from the same period in 2022.
February 2023 saw Proton’s sales increase by 20.1% from the previous month. The company estimates that its market share in February 2023 is 22.7% with an estimated total-industry volume (TIV) of 62,300 units. Proton’s market share in February 2023 showed a 7.3% increase from February 2022.
Of the 14,033 cars sold by Proton in February 2023, the best-selling model was the

Proton Saga
 with
6,345 units
 sold. This is followed by the
X50

with
3,247 units
, the
Persona
 with
2,313 unit
s, the
X70
 with
981 units
, the
Iriz
 with
811 units
, and the
Exora
 with
336 units
. In February 2023, the Persona, X50, and Exora lead their respective segments.
From the first two months of the year, Proton has sold a total of 25,714 cars. In terms of year-to-date numbers, Proton’s sales chart is still lead by the Proton Saga with 11,133 units sold. Following the Saga is the X50 with 6,239 units, the Persona with 4,352 units, the X70 with 1,914 units, the Iriz with 1,408 units, and the Exora with 668 units.
RELATED:
Proton’s new parts centre in Kuching set to reduce parts delivery time by 30%
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s strong start to the year reflects the popularity of our current model offerings. Just like our competitors, a lot of volume is being driven by fulfilment of tax-exempt bookings, but our new booking numbers remain healthy, so we are hopeful of continuing our sales growth trajectory for the rest of the year.”
He adds, “Over the next few months, Proton will also be making several announcements to shape the company’s direction for 2023 and beyond. This will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments, enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) market and build our EV credentials when sales of the smart #1 begin.”
RELATED:
MITI wants Proton and Perodua to speed up development of national EVs


PM announces 3-month loan moratorium extension for those who lost jobs

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the six-month bank loan moratorium, due to
end on 30 September
, will be
given a three months extension
 specifically for
individuals who have lost their jobs
 and have yet to find new employment due to the
 COVID-19 pandemic
.
The Prime Minister added that banks will also be able to offer
further extensions
 after the end of the additional three months, depending on the individual situation.
Meanwhile, individuals who has had their
income reduced
 due to the ongoing health pandemic, their
monthly repayments will be reduced in tandem of their salaries
, depending on the type of loans.
“For example, for home or personal loans, monthly repayments will be reduced at the same rate as your salary cut. This assistance is for at least six months, and extensions can be given depending on the individual’s salary situation”, said Muhyiddin Yassin. However, no specific reduction ratios were provided for other forms of loans.
The reduction will be applicable for a period of
at least six months
, and can also be extended by the banks based on the status of the individual’s salary at the end of the extension period.
Specifically for hire-purchase loans, which is applicable for our car purchases, the government said that banks have given their commitment to offer individuals the ability to
reschedule their monthly repayments
 in accordance to the Hire Purchase Act. For example, individuals will be able to lower their monthly repayment amount in exchange of a longer loan tenure period.
As for small medium enterprises (SME) and self-employed individuals facing difficulties with their finances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, banks are able to provide reliefs based on individual arrangements, including only paying the interest portion of the loan repayment for a certain time period, extending the overall loan tenure to reduce monthly repayments, and other reliefs until the borrower is financially stable to make repayments.
According to the Prime Minister, approximately three million individuals and SMEs are set to benefit from the extension of the bank loan moratoriums. Individuals eligible can contact their respective banks to apply for the extension starting 7th August 2020.


e-fuels exempted from Europe’s 2035 petrol car ban, Porsche & Ferrari rejoice

With the electrification of vehicles taking place globally, the European Commission plans to phase out new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035. The phaseout/ban was not welcome by Germany, but both sides have finally come to an agreement.
Reuters
 reports that although the 2035 ban will still take place, cars powered by e-fuels (or synthetic fuels) will be exempted.
Germany’s transport ministry has for weeks blocked the European Union’s plans to ban sales of new CO
2
-emitting cars in 2035, demanding an exemption for combustion engine cars that run on e-fuels. To circumnavigate the phaseout, the European Commission will create a new EU vehicle category that “can only run on carbon-neutral fuels”.
Following this, the European Commission will present another regulation specifying how these cars can contribute to the 2035 target. This will take the form of a delegated act. Assuring Germany that the exemption will follow through, the Commission said if this law were to be rejected, it would “follow another legislative path” to allow e-fuel car sales.
So far only e-fuels/synthetic fuels have been successful in seeking an exemption. Biofuels (which were proposed by Italy), weren’t successful. There were no reports on using hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines.
RELATED:
Porsche begins production of synthetic fuel in bid to keep ICEs alive
The news of the exemption is great for companies like
Porsche
 which has been working on synthetic fuels for its high-performance models. According to
Automotive News Europe
, Volkswagen Group said the e-fuels deal will help low-volume models such as the
Porsche 911

sports car. The automaker said, “E-fuels from renewable energies are a contribution to sustainable mobility — the agreement gives manufacturers and above all consumers a clear perspective for planning.”
Italian carmaker
Ferrari
 has also welcomed the new decision. The brand has never set a roadmap for full electrification but has produced hybrid models. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said, “The good news for us as a company is that on top of electric cars, we will also be able to go on with our internal combustion engines ones. This decision is very interesting for us because it allows ICEs to go beyond 2036.”
E-fuels, like e-kerosene, e-methane, or e-methanol, are made by synthesizing captured CO
2
 emissions and hydrogen produced using renewable or CO
2
-free electricity.
RELATED:
Porsche says its synthetic fuel could make combustion engines as clean as EVs


This one-of-a-kind BMW 745Le xDrive has “gold leaves” on its door panel

Remember the
M850i Kyoto Edition
? Well, this one’s another one of those artistic creations. Ellerman House, a luxurious resort by the Atlantic Coast in Cape Town, South Africa, has received a
BMW 745Le xDrive
 created by
BMW Individual
. The one-of-a-kind creation will be used as the resort’s official car for guest transfers.
The 745Le xDrive which pays tribute to the unique vegetation in the specific area of Cape Town where the resort is located was created in collaboration with South African artist and botanical sculptor Nic Bladen. Bladen who draws inspiration from the floras of his home country is known for his plants cast made of precious metals such as liquid gold, silver, or platinum.

In the 745Le xDrive, Bladen made 2D casts of the plants and leaves he finds in the area, which now threatened by extinction. These casts are then embedded as inlays for the door and dashboard trims of the Cognac leather interior. With his latest creation, Bladen aims to raise awareness for the plant diversity of the Cape region.
The headrests and comfort cushions in the same Cognac colour are embroidered with an exclusive floral design. The embroidery on the cushions also includes the “EH” logo while the brass-coloured door sills bear the “Ellerman House” lettering.
As for the exterior, it’s painted in exclusive Brass, topped off with a coachline across the side of the car, along with the hotel’s logo on the C-pillars. Thanks to a pure electric range of up to 54 km, the plug-in hybrid sedan can cover the 25 km drive from Cape Town airport to the hotel’s 100-year-old main building with zero emissions.
 GALLERY


Volkswagen Golf was UK’s most popular new car in 2019, based on ad views

The most popular new car in 2019 was the
Volkswagen Golf
, according to a study of based on over 38 million new car ad views online by
Auto Trader
, UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars. The study also combined a survey of 2,000 UK drivers.
After the tabulations were done, the Volkswagen Golf emerged as the UK’s most popular new car for 2019, ahead of traditional top sellers such as the
Ford Fiesta
 and
Focus
. This is the second year in a row that the Golf has taken the top spot.
As for premium makes,
Audi
turned out to be the most desirable overall new car brand, overtaking BMW and continuing the tight contest between the German brands.
The study also showed that interest in new electric cars is starting to overtake that for petrol hybrids, with the
all-electric Audi E-Tron
 being the most popular eco car with government plug-in subsidies and improving EV range driving consumer interests.
Audi was the most desirable premium brand, with the all-electric e-Tron being the most popular eco car.
Top of the shopping list for new car features are
air conditioning and climate control
 (52% said this was important when selecting a new car), electric windows (49%) and a spacious boot (41%). Amongst the least popular features are
panoramic sunroof
 (9%), heated steering wheels (8%) and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (7%).
The report also reveals that
black
is the UK’s most popular colour preference for a new car (21%), followed by Blue (19%) and Silver (16%).


Ford Mustang Mach-E sets new EV efficiency record, only 45 mins of charging in 1,352 km trip!

The
Ford Mustang Mach-E
 has just set a new Guinness World Record for the lowest energy consumption in an electric car, averaging at
10.53 km (6.54 miles) per kWh of energy
 on a 1,352 km road trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End – the longest “direct distance” journey in the UK.
The record was achieved by BBC transport correspondent Paul Clifton, Fergal McGrath, and Kevin Brooker, who already hold petrol and diesel efficiency records between them.
Driving through the night to avoid congestion, the trio completed the trip in 27 hours, with an average speed of around 50 km/h. But the most impressive part of the record attempt is that they only
stopped twice to charge
, totalling to just 45 minutes plugged in!
“This record is about demonstrating that electric cars are now viable for everyone,” said the team after setting the record. “Not just for short urban trips to work or the shops, or as a second car, but for real-world use on long cross-country journeys. We’ve proved that, with this car, the tipping-point has been reached.”
“The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s range and efficiency make it an everyday car for tackling unpredictable journey patterns. We did a full day’s testing totalling 250 miles and still had 45 per cent battery charge on our return.”
Check out this purpose-built Mustang Mach-E with 1,400 hp of raw electric awesomeness!
The Ford Mustang Mach-E used in this record attempt was the rear-wheel drive Extended Range version, packing 88 kWh of battery capacity underneath its floor.
Shell is teaming up with Porsche to build a network of 180 kW charging stations across Malaysia. More details here!
With an average energy consumption of 10.53 km/kWh, that means that the trio could’ve travelled well over 900 km in a single charge. Sure, they probably feathered the throttle to beat the world record, but adding 300 km to the official WLTP-rated range is still an impressive feat.
All that means is that while we may not achieve 900 km from a single charge, modern electric cars should be more than capable of hitting their rated driving range if you drive like a normal human being.
With sufficient fast charging infrastructure around (the Mach-E adds around 115 km of range with 10 minutes of charging on a 150 kW fast charger), there’s really no need for range anxiety any more.
GALLERY


The F1-based Mercedes-AMG One hypercar is finally here, but you can’t buy one anyway

Once upon a time about roughly five years ago, Mercedes-AMG
teased us with the idea
 of a road-going hypercar, based around the same 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid engine that propelled Lewis Hamilton to his fourth Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. Since then, the project – dubbed the
Mercedes-AMG One
 – has gone through a series of delays and setbacks, with Mercedes boss Ola Källenius even once joked about being “drunk” when he approved the project.
Well, drunk or not, the final production version of the Mercedes-AMG One has now finally emerged from the darkest dungeons of AMG’s Affalterbach office – and although it might have “pushed [them] to [their] limits” (of their sanity, we imagine), it’s nothing short of an engineering marvel.
The premise of the One hasn’t changed since its original teaser, although Mercedes-AMG had to make some alterations to the powertrain in order to make it road legal. For one, you don’t need an entire team of engineers to start the car. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine’s red line has also been lowered down to “just” 11,000 rpm – although we don’t think anyone would be too upset about that.
There’s still the MGU-H and MGU-K systems derived from the actual F1 cars, however, making up two of the four total electric motors on-board. The ‘H’ and ‘K’ in the acronyms stand for heat and kinetic energy, and the systems work to generate extra power that have been recouped from otherwise wasted energy sources, such as the heat from the exhaust gasses.
RELATED: David Coulthard sings praises for the Mercedes-AMG Project One
As for power, the tiny 1,599 cc V6 engine alone already makes 574 hp – that, if you’re counting, is an incredible 359 hp per litre. And when you pair it to the four electric motors on board, the Mercedes-AMG One boasts a total output figure of a meteoric 1063 hp, all in a road-legal car that weighs 1,695 kg.
With all that power, the Mercedes-AMG One rockets from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, 200 km/h in seven seconds flat, and 300 km/h in 15.6 seconds if you keep your foot buried flat, onward to a top speed of 352 km/h.
The Mercedes-AMG One’s battery pack also inherits the cell arrangement and direct cooling system of the W07 Hybrid F1 car, although its capacity has been expanded significantly to 8.4 kWh – even more than the new GT 63 S E Performance. Despite the bigger battery, however, its EV mode is only limited to just 18.1 km of range.
At least, you still get a rated fuel economy of 8.7 litres per 100 km (in a 1,063 hp hypercar, imagine that). And yes, the One is also a plug-in hybrid, capable of accepting up to 3.7 kW of AC charging power – no charging times were provided, however.
ALSO READ: 5 quick facts of the new Mercedes-AMG Project ONE – a Formula One car for the road
Other F1-inspired goodies include a full carbon fibre monocoque and body panels, massive air intake on the roof, a stripped out interior with F1-style steering wheel, F1-style drag reduction system (DRS) system for the rear wing, and – adorably – a ‘Strat 2’ driving mode in reference to the infamous “party mode” used by the F1 team for qualifying, which turns to everything up to 11.
But the Mercedes-AMG One is more than just an F1 car for the road, because there are many things on here that would immediately make the car illegal in the championship – aside from the obvious ones like air conditioning.
Most notably are the active aerodynamics, which uses the active flaps in the front diffuser, louvres on the front fenders, and the massive two-piece extendable rear wing to not only increase downforce, but also adjust front-to-rear aero balance on the fly, corner to corner.
Mercedes-AMG did not provide a price for the One, because if you had to ask, you probably can’t afford it anyway. Several outlets are reporting a figure of around GBP2.5 million (approx. RM13.7 mil) a pop, although it really doesn’t matter any more since they’re only building 275 units of the One, and all of them have already been spoken for.
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Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k

The Mercedes-EQ line-up here in Malaysia has just been expanded once again, thanks to the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan here on our shores. Offered in a single EQE 350+ variant, the fully electric executive sedan is priced from
RM419,888
 on-the-road, without insurance.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is only the second bespoke electric model in the Three-Pointed Star’s line-up, built on the same EVA platform as its elder brother, the
EQS
, but with several revisions to the architecture promising a “more dynamic” driving experience.
In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the EQE Sedan also shares many of the same design touches as the EQS, including the signature ‘One-Bow’ silhouette that helps the sedan to a drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd.
To differentiate between the EQE Sedan and EQS, the former has a unique front-end design sans the full-width light-bar, and there’s also a more traditional boot around the back, which opens up to 430 litres of rear cargo space.
Other exterior highlights include the Digital Light matrix LED headlights, three-dimensional helical tail lights, AMG Line body kit, the 19-inch AMG-style alloy wheels, and frameless windows on all four doors.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, capable of generating
215 kW (292 hp)
 and
 565 Nm
 of torque, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
6.4 seconds
. Top speed is electronically limited to
 210 km/h
.
The motor is paired to a sizeable 90.6 kWh battery pack, capable of supplying enough electrons for a driving range of up to 669 km based on the WLTP test cycle. Charging duty is handled by the on-board 11 kW AC charger, requiring eight hours for a full charge, or alternatively a 170 kWh DC fast charger is capable of top the car up from 10-80% in approximately half an hour.
Much like its exterior, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ also heavily mimics the EQS. However, the key differentiator here is the lack of the signature “Hyperscreen” dashboard, instead opting for a more “traditional” dual screen set-up consisting of a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen display, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The screens run on the latest-generation MBUX software, which heavily emphasises on the use of artificial intelligence to help drivers and passengers get stuff done quicker.
RELATED:
 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ launched in Malaysia from RM698,888
Mercedes-Benz highlighted the EQE’s NVH comfort in the press release, noting that the fully executive sedan has adopted several measures specifically to improve the car’s comfort performance, including the use of additional foam mats, as well as unique bearings for the motor, and even a special magnet arrangement inside the motor to optimise it for sound and vibrations.
Other interior highlights include a Burmester sound system, with two ‘soundscapes’, Silver Waves Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse, pumping artificial driving sounds into the cabin. The seats are wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre upholstery, in a black and space grey two-tone colourway.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is fully equipped with the marque’s latest advanced driver assist features, including the Driving Assistance Plus package as standard, consisting of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go assist, active lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, among others.
Mercedes-Benz says that the EQE’s fully-electric architecture also allows for an improved passive safety performance, thanks to a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones, and a crash-protected area in the underbody for the batteries.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is priced from
RM419,888
 in Malaysia, on-the-road, without insurance. Included in the price is a standard four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an additional 10-year/250,000 km battery warranty.
GALLERY


Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia – RM 139,700, only 1,000 units

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
 has just launched the 2022
Mitsubishi Triton
 Phantom Plus Edition today, adding a fourth variant to the double cab 4×4 version of the truck. Equipped with several enhancements, the limited-edition Triton Phantom Plus fetches a price of
RM139,700
, on-the-road, without insurance.
In terms of variant hierarchy, the Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition slots in between the Triton Premium (RM126,900) and Triton Athlete (RM 146,600).
EXTERIOR
The main highlight of the Phantom Plus Edition are the additional styling touches, particularly on the outside. Coming in at RM12,800 more expensive than the Triton Premium, the Phantom Plus Edition adds the following exterior enhancements:
Decorative Roof with LED Lighting
Front and rear bumper garnish with red accent
Side door moulding
‘Phantom’ tailgate moulding with rear spoiler
Sports bar with matte finishing
Rugged wheel arches
18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires
‘Phantom Plus’ body decals
Only one colour is offered the Triton Phantom Plus, which is the existing Jet Mica Black. Phantom badges and Phantom-special stickers adorn the truck’s body, so it is easy to tell it apart from other versions of the Triton.
RELATED:
Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton – Which truck is the best?
PERFORMANCE
Similar to the previous-generation 2016 Triton Phantom, the 2022 Triton Phantom retains the same powertrain as its ‘normal’ counterparts. The 2.4-litre Turbo Diesel engine produces
181 hp
 and
430 Nm
, and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Like the Premium, the Triton Phantom Plus is equipped with Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD System. Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD System still remains exclusive for the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete.
INTERIOR
Step into the cabin and Phantom embroideries on the front seats will welcome you inside. The full list of add-ons on the interior of the Phantom over the Athlete are as such:
Sporty leatherette seats
Red accent carpet mat
9-Inch Touchscreen Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Phantom embroidery
SAFETY
Safety-wise, the Triton – Phantom Plus Edition comes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control (TC), Rest Reminder, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA).
The Triton Phantom Plus Edition is also equipped with a Driving Video Recorder (DVR) offered by MMM authorized dealers as standard at all Mitsubishi Motors showrooms nationwide, but active safety features remain unavailable on this variant, just like the Premium.
ALSO WATCH:
The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete makes going off-road easy!
PRICING
The Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition is priced at RM 139,700 and comes with a five-year/200,000-km warranty. Only 1,000 units are available, so book yours now if a sinister-looking Triton is your vehicle of choice.


You can now use your Boost e-wallet app at 800 Shell stations

Shell Malaysia, in partnership with Malaysia’s largest e-wallet service provider, Boost, announced that the e-wallet payment services will be available at 800 Shell stations nationwide.
CEO of Axiata Digital Services Sdn Bhd, parent company to Boost, Mohd Khairil Abdullah highlighted, “Boost was first launched for mobile prepaid users to reload their mobile credit but since getting our e-Money license from Bank Negara Malaysia, our e-wallet features have gained a lot of traction.”
 From left: Mohd Khairil Abdullah, CEO of Axiata Digital Services with Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur
Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain, said, “Our customers are digitally savvy and technology plays an important role in their day-to-day lives. Hence, partnering with the nation’s leading e-wallet enables us to offer them the additional option to pay with their Boost e-wallet when fuelling up with Shell fuels and grabbing their favourite treats at Shell Select.”
By simply downloading the app through the App Store or Google Play Store, customers can enjoy hassle-free payments, easy money transfers, e-vouchers, e-gifting and prepaid top ups through the Boost e-wallet app that has accumulated over 4 million registered users and over 80,000 merchants.
To celebrate this partnership, Boost and Shell are rewarding users of the e-wallet service with an exclusive promotion from 14 May to 14 June 2019 where customers can enjoy a two (2) time RM5 cashback if they spend a minimum of RM40 with their Boost e-wallet at the selected Shell stations.


Four interesting facts about your favourite car brand names

Does a rose, by any other name, smell just as good? The short answer, in the context of Chinese names for cars, is no.
For the uninformed, Chinese is a phonetic based language where hundreds of words with varying meanings share the same pronunciation. Do you know that ‘a good night’s sleep’ is pronounced exactly the same as something that is quite unprintable?
Therefore, on top of staying true to the original pronunciation, words have to be chosen carefully in order to not give the brand a bad name, literally. On the flipside, if the right words are picked, carmakers are rewarded with pleasant Chinese names that connote nice meanings which are absent in the original versions.
In an effort to introduce
AutoBuzz.my’s
 Chinese sister site
,
AutoRepublic.my
, here are some interesting facts about Chinese car names to impress your better half with. For once, her nods might even be genuine…
Mazda
 – The Hiroshima-based car maker has been gaining accolades lately because of their
spectacular results in emission tests,
 thanks to their brilliant Skyactiv technology. In fact, rather than having more horses under the hood, Mazda likes their horses to be in unity with the driver, based on the Jinba Ittai (人马一体) philosophy. Little wonder then, that Mazda’s Chinese name is 马自达 (ma zi da)- loosely translated as ‘arriving with the horse’.
BMW
 – The ‘W’ in the moniker of this Munich based car maker is quite difficult to be to be phonetised into Chinese, hence the brand has no official Chinese name (the carmaker’s China official site does not translate the name). However, most call BMW by its de-facto name of 宝马 (bao ma) which means ‘
prized steed
‘. I think, it sounds rather close to the unofficial name of ‘Beemer’. Quite fitting for a brand synonymous with driving pleasure.
Peugeot
 – Ah, my favourite Chinese car name. When Armand Peugeot started Société des Automobiles Peugeot 120 years ago, little did he know that his family name is given a magnificent Chinese translation – 标致 (biao zhi), which carries the meaning of exquisite and beautiful. Very apt for a French brand known for its styling finesse that has given us the achingly beautiful 406 Coupe and RCZ.
Alfa Romeo
 – Here’s one for Alfistis – when Alfa Romeo came up with the 164, they did not know their answer to the German trio means ‘dying all the way’ in Mandarin and Cantonese. Some might be aware that 4 is a taboo, but adding 16 to the 4 just made things much worse. The model was subsequently renamed 168 in certain Asian markets, which means ‘prosper all the way’, but it remains unknown whether Alfa was laughing all the way to the bank after the name change.
The 164 was subsequently replaced by the not so well received 166. Judging by Alfa’s nomenclature of using the second number for range, and third number for generation, would we see another Italian luxury mid-sized saloon by the name of 168 in the future? The current Italian (and the only one) in this segment is the Maserati Ghibli.
So there you go, a rose by any other name does NOT smell just as sweet, or at least in the case of cars, does not sell just as well. Sorry Shakespeare.


New VW Atlas Sport GT Concept is a hot hatch/crossover mix breed

Volkswagen of America has revealed the latest in what they consider to be an enthusiast build, the
Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept
. Previously, they also revealed a
modified Arteon
.
It’s powered by the same engine found in the
Mk7 Golf R
, with a few minor modifications including a turbocharger and front-mounted intercooler from a Golf GTI. That’s enough to give the Sport GT Concept 300 hp, with all-wheel drive capabilities. The Atlas is fitted with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The Sport GT Concept comes with
only four seats
 and has been hand-painted with the unique
Eisvogelblau colour
, translating to “Kingfisher Blue”. The same colour is also offered to Volkswagen cars in Europe.
2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion launched in Malaysia, from RM248k. Find out more about it!
“The launch of the all-new Golf GTI and Golf R got us thinking about how to inject some of that VW magic into our SUVs,” said Volkswagen Group of America.
All Volkswagen Group vehicles will soon share the same EV platform and software. Read about it here!
Aside from the power upgrades, the Altas Cross Sport GT Concept is also lowered with ST Suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers. The new stance is complemented with 22-inch ABT Sport HR Aerowheels, wrapped in Yokohama tyres.
You may not be able to see them through the wheels but hidden behind are massive 8-pot caliper brakes from Tarox.
“We wanted to push the limits of the production car even further so that it lives up to its GT name,” said VW.
The Eisvogelblau colour is also adopted in the cabin, as seen on the custom Recaro Sportster bucket seats, steering wheel, and floor mats.
Topping off the custom interior seating layout is a one-of-a-kind rear center console, which follows the design of the front unit.
GALLERY


Lamborghini’s first EV, due in 2030, won’t be an SUV

Lamborghini’s electrification plan is no secret any more, with the company announced back in 2021 that it
plans to electrify its entire line-up
 by 2024, ahead of its first-ever fully-electric vehicle (EV) by 2030. While most might assume the latter would probably be some sort of crossover/SUV in order to drum up sales for an electric Lamborghini, the company instead has different ideas.
Speaking to
Motor1

at the recent launch of the
 Revuelto
, Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann told the publication that its first-ever electric model will cover a blind spot within the company’s model line-up.
The Lamborghini Estoque concept from 2008
“It’s going to be a new body style, because what is missing in the line-up today is a GT 2+2, and I think this would be a good add-on to the two super-sports cars and the SUV,” Winkelmann said.
The company further clarified in an email that the upcoming EV will also not have the same off-road capabilities of the
Urus
, further refuting rumours that it’ll be SUV-shaped.
READ MORE:
Lamborghini to electrify entire line-up by 2024 – first EV by 2030
The SUV rumour first came about when Lamborghini revealed previously that the EV would have more ground clearance for daily usability. However, it seems that “ground clearance” will be more in the sense of its ability to clear speed humps, rather than for the rally courses. Think more
Ferrari Roma
, rather than a
 SF90
 or
Purosangue
.
Of course, we’re still a long way out from any detailed specifications, but at least in terms of looks, we can expect it to borrow heavily from the Revuelto, whose new Y-motif design touches will become the Lamborghini signature from now on.
The upcoming Lamborghini EV will join an already fully-electrified line-up, a project that was kick-started with the
Sian
, but brought into full force now with the all-new Revuelto – the latter featuring a 1,015 hp hybrid V12 powertrain underneath its unique bodywork.
Following the Aventador-replacing Revuelto, Lamborghini will also be updating the Urus some time next year with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This will then be followed by the
Huracan
 replacement, which will also be a plug-in hybrid of some sorts.
ALSO READ:
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the first, but also the last of its kind – 1,499 units only


Does the new Lotus 132 SUV have pop-up headlamps?

Lotus has teased another advanced feature of the upcoming fully electric large SUV, currently affixed with the Lotus Type 132 code name.
For this second teaser, Lotus zoomed in to a section of design that looks like a rectangular pop-up device, bringing back memories of Lotus Esprit’s headlamps. The idea of a headlamp also fits well with the notion of ‘see’; one of four keywords Lotus is using for the Type 132’s key attributes.
Image credit:
Tradeclassics.com/LotusEsprit
We got our imagination running too far too soon, as Lotus says that image is a Lidar scanning device, used for highly accurate ‘vision’ of the environment ahead. Lidar or Light Detection and Ranging is a key component for increased levels of intelligent self-driving capabilities.

Usually placed on the front edge of the vehicle’s roof, the
Lidar scanner
 uses pulses of laser to accurately provide depth and position information, creating a temporary real-time 3D map that is incredibly accurate. Working together with another set of sensors, cameras and radars plus powerful image processors allows mobility closer to fully autonomous levels.
Currently, no production vehicle is equipped with a Lidar sensor, as the device is incredibly costly, bulky as well as not entirely visually appealing. This example from Lotus however looks like it is not entirely fixed to the roof, as it has large gaps and is housed in a box.
EVs are too quiet, so Lotus will pump sound authentic engine notes into the 2,000 hp Lotus Evija. Find out which engine is used, here!
Near present?
Past: Volvo and Uber autonomous driving tech, 2017
Advancement in tech has further compacted the Lidar device to a mere scoop
Lotus’ distant ‘cousin’, Volvo, also has plans to equip its next-generation EV models such as the upcoming
Volvo XC 90
 with a Lidar device, smoothly integrating with the vehicle’s design. Earlier, Lotus showed the
lower grille
 design of the Type 132 with active flaps for efficient aerodynamic qualities.
The series of teaser images are part of the communication campaign that focuses on keywords including breathe, see, awaken and stretch and the technology that is easily associated with them. The Lotus Type 132 is the first of three
new premium EVs
 from Lotus that is a major deviation from the brand, being designed, engineering and build in China. A fourth model, an
EV sports car
 designed to be the spiritual successor to the Elise and Esprit, will continue to be made in Hethel, UK.


The Citroen C3 Aircross is truly one-of-a-kind in its segment

To stand out is to be different and the Citroen C3 Aircross, a newcomer to the playground scattered with the more established Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V, is one such example.
The C3 Aircross is that new kid in class that shows up with its shirt hanging out, pencil tucked by the ear, chewing gum and is seated with legs rested on the table.

It’s a rebel with a “colourful exterior”, in a class full of well-groomed, plain clothed Japanese peers.
Although some might think the C3 Aircross is trying too hard, I’m sure there are quarters that would appreciate its vibrant looks and catchy-to-the-eye features. You may not buy one but you’d probably not shy away from checking it out either.
Unlike most stylish things which are only fun to use on occasion, as novelty, like that tight sequin dress that suffocates you, the C3 Aircross does come with a few good traits to go with its unconventional looks.
For what it lacks on the outside, like LED headlamps for one, the C3 Aircross more than makes up for it with an abundance of cabin space – the most profound observation you’ll have of the car from a segment that usually offers shoe box-like levels of roominess.
It’s hard to pick out significant shortcomings of the Aircross’ cabin, save for the lack of Android Auto connectivity and the different mechanisms to adjust the front seats; it’s a different environment to be in with more positive attributes than the negatives.
While the Japanese portray a dark, cold and subdued expression, this one just seeks attention through the air con vents and the colour scheme of the upholstery.
It’s all nice and pleasant but there were a few things that could irritate you. The gear lever movement for one could be more fluid and the same can be said about the infotainment system – it’s a little slow to react.
The most unfortunate of all though, is probably the manufacturer’s badge the C3 Aircross wears – it’s a Citroen. I’d like to believe that for what it offers, had it been a Honda, Mazda or Toyota, they would’ve had a hard time keeping up with the bookings but it’s not.
Is it compelling enough to at least pop by a dealership to have a look? On paper at least, absolutely.
IMAGE GALLERY


Regas Premium Sabah unveils relocated BMW dealership in Kota Kinabalu

After recently unveiling an
energy-efficient 4S centre
in Northern Kuala Lumpur in February, BMW authorised dealer Regas Premium Sabah in the Land Below the Wind opened its doors to a new, expanded showroom for BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles.
Hans de Visser, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia with Datuk Matthew Tan, Managing Director & Dealer Principal, Regas Premium Sabah
Regas Premium Sabah, the sole distributor of BMW vehicles in Sabah since 2018 has unveiled its new relocated 4S showroom (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and System) in Kota Kinabalu. The new dealership offers 4S services for all BMW, BMW Motorrad, BMW Premium Selection, and BMW i vehicles. It also includes other services including insurance (new and renewal), used car trade-in, and BMW Financial Services.
BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser stated, “Since our partnership began in July 2018, Regas Premium Sabah has been an invaluable partner in providing seamless touchpoint for our loyal customers in Sabah. As a BMW Authorised Dealer, Regas Premium Sabah has contributed over 300 vehicles to our total delivers every year.”
The new four-storey dealership is now 40,000 square feet larger than the previous showroom it replaces in Jalan Penampang, and is able to accommodate up to 28 vehicles.
With 54 dedicated staff members, the Regas Premium Sabah dealership is now equipped with a customer lounge, handover lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Merchandise, BMW parts, relaxation zone, reception at the car service, a Grand Klasse lounge, BMW Motorrad Community clubhouse, BMW Motorrad gear and apparels, as well as AC/DC charging at the customer parking area.
The new Regas Premium Sabah is now located at Lot 2, Jalan Iramanis, Off Jalan Ulam Bunga Raja, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For more information on Regas Premium Sabah,
click here
.
Operation hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
GALLERY


RON95 & diesel prices to remain until end 2018, RM3b subsidies allocated

Following the
fuel price announcement for Week 2 of June 2018
, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) released another statement saying the Pakatan Harapan Federal Government will fix the retail price of RON95 at RM2.20 per litre and diesel Euro 2M at RM2.18 per litre for the rest of the year.
The Federal Government will
subsidise 33 sen
 per litre for all retail purchases of RON95 petrol and diesel Euro 2M for this week.
Without the subsidy
, RON95 and diesel Euro 2M would be priced at RM2.53 and RM2.51 per litre respectively.
An allocation of
RM3 billion
 has been set aside to finance the subsidy and maintain the prices of RON95 and diesel Euro 2M till the end of 2018. To recap, global crude oil prices have reached a high of US$76 per barrel while refined petrol and diesel products are currently priced between US$87 and US$88 per barrel.
Today (7 June 2018) marks the beginning of RON97 petrol to be adjusted according to a managed float mechanism. Due to the
steady recovery of global crude oil prices
, RON97 was up 19 sen to RM2.66 per litre and will remain so until next 13 June 2018 (Wednesday).
Higher grade fuels like Petron Blaze RON100 and diesel Euro 5M remains unchanged from its previous price point of RM3.08 and RM2.28 per litre respectively.