Not ready to go full electric, next-gen BMW 3 Series could use different platforms for EV and petrol variants

In a statement during the company’s mid-year report,
BMW
 Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, mentioned plans for two electric cars that will debut in 2025 – a
BMW 3 Series
-sized EV and a sporty EV SUV. Both cars will spearhead the launch of BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which will account for more than half of the brand’s sales by 2030.
The G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China
Quoting the BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management’s statement, “Our Neue Klasse will be coming in 2025 – at exactly the right time, when the e‑mobility ramp-up will be reaching new levels. The Neue Klasse will speed up market penetration of electric vehicles even further.
“For the launch of the Neue Klasse, we are planning
a compact sedan in the 3 Series segment
 and
a sporty SUV
. By the end of the decade, the Neue Klasse should already account for more than half our global sales. We could also imagine a hydrogen drivetrain for this new vehicle generation.”
RELATED:
BMW i3 returns as China-only fully-electric 3 Series, previews upcoming facelift
The G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China
Previously, it has been reported that the next-generation
BMW 3 Series will go fully electric
. However, recent reports suggest that switching to an all-electric BMW 3 Series in the near future would be challenging, since most countries are still not ready to embrace full electrification.
Citing sources close to the matter,
BMWBLOG
 reports that the current G20/G21 platform might actually be extended until 2027. As such, with the introduction of the Neue Klasse, it is possible for the ICE BMW 3 Series and its electric counterpart to exist simultaneously on two different platforms.
The G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China
If you have been following the development of the electric 3-er, you would know that an electric version of the BMW 3 Series already exists exclusively for the Chinese market. The China-only BMW i3 is based on the G20 BMW 3 Series, albeit with an 11-cm longer wheelbase.
To date, EV BMWs in the “3 Series segment”, namely the
BMW i4
 and China-only BMW i3, have been built on ICE platforms – the G22 and G20 respectively. Sharing the same platform with their ICE counterparts, the development of these non-dedicated EVs will be somewhat limited compared to a car like the
BMW iX
, as the body still needs to accommodate a transmission tunnel and the EV battery pack usually reduces the ground clearance.
We will have to make do with the BMW i4 for now
Meanwhile in Malaysia, the closest thing to a compact EV sedan by BMW is the BMW i4, which is available as the i4 eDrive40 M Sport and
i4 M50
 variants. Also available in Malaysia are the
 BMW iX3
 and
BMW iX
.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 BMW i4 in Malaysia, from RM389k – 5 Things


These are Lexus’ ideas of what a car could be like in the post-autonomous world

If you’ve been following car news at all these past five years, you’ll know that “autonomous driving” is the hottest new buzz word around town – it almost seems like every other carmaker is doing some form of it. Don’t see it? Even the recently-launched Proton X50 boasts a “Level 2” autonomous driving capability.
While we might still be quite some time away with complete self driving cars (sorry
Tesla
, your Full Self Driving autonomous system is misleading), a common theme in these research test mules is that they all look and function pretty much like any other car on the road. Heck, even the Roborace autonomous racing series ditched its
super cool driver cell-less prototype
 for a car that looks like a normal LMP1 race car.
In an attempt to rethink what an autonomous car of the future may look like,
Lexus
 teamed up with TED Fellows program, a “global multidisciplinary group of thought leaders”, to dream up a couple of possibilities. The two fellows that Lexus paired up with were Greg Gage, a neuroscientist, engineer, and roboticist, as well as Sarah Sandman, who works as an artist and designer. Their brief? Prioritize people over technology.

Gage’s idea resembles something that came out from a dystopian sci-fi future, where everything is connected directly to our brains. By using a “brain-car” interface that detects a range of human signals, from our heartbeats to face microgestures, Gage envisions the car to react and change its ambience, based on our emotions.
For example, the car could automatically recline the seats when it detects that the occupant is feeling sleepy, or shut off the radio and turn on the interior lighting when the occupant is feeling stressed out.

Sandman’s idea is slightly less left field, but still equally abstract. She envisions the car of the future to be a glasshouse of sorts, filled with swivelling chairs and happy people – think your favourite coffee shop.
Sandman says that in a world where we are increasingly being sucked into our mobile devices, the natural communication devices such as a simple waving gesture to the pedestrians have already been lost. The design aims to increase interaction with people both inside and outside of the “car”, the latter by using a speaker system and even a chalk-writing system to leave custom art or messages in the street.
Aside from the moving coffee shop, Sandman also proposes a cooperative ownership model that not only increases affordability, but also inclusivity while promoting communication.
What do you think of Lexus’ autonomous “car” of the future? Sure, they might be a bit far-fetched, but out-of-the-box thinkers have always pushed us forward in almost every industry. We can’t wait to see what the future holds, but a small part of us does feel quite disappointed that the pure driving experience is getting pushed away – hey, we’re driving enthusiasts after all.


BMW M Performance Parts for BMW X models, 21-inch wheels on an SUV…?

BMW has extended its range of M Performance Parts to the new X model family, the
BMW X2
,
BMW X3
 and BMW X4. The new SUVs gets a sportier attire inside and out, carbon fibre bits and ridiculously large alloy wheels.
Inspired by motorsports, the M Performance Parts were designed to complement sporty driving but mainly to create a visual impact on BMW vehicles. For the X family, options are not as extensive as the
sedan models
 – M Performance front radiator grills, carbon fibre M Performance exterior mirror caps and M Performance side stickers in Frozen Black. Customers can also further option the BMW LED door projectors that replace the standard entry light.

Not too shouty there but adding the M Performance wheels and it’s a whole different story. The X2 is available with a 20-inch 717 M Style light-weight multi-spoke alloy wheels finished in matt black while the X3 and X4 have the option for a 19-inch Double Spoke 698 M Style M in Orbit Grey. But if you’re feeling a little over the top, BMW has a
21-inch Y Spoke 701 M Bicolor
 ready to be fitted onto your family SUV. The largest wheel in the programme saves
 two kilograms
 on each wheel, effectively reducing unsprung weight by eight kilograms.
Inside, all three cars can be fitted with the M Performance Alcantara steering wheel with a red motorsport marking in the 12 o’clock position. The sporty steering wheel can be paired with carbon fibre paddle shifters with the plus and minus symbols in anodised red (X3 and X4 only). A set of M Performance branded floor mats completes the interior package.
BMW Malaysia has confirmed that the BMW
X3
 and
X2
 will be making its way to our local shores in the first half of 2018. Maybe these M Performance Parts will play a role when selecting the specification for your new ride. Here is a
G30 BMW 530i kitted out with the full range of M Performance Parts
 to give you an idea.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW X2 with M Performance Parts

BMW X3 with M Performance Parts

BMW X4 with M Performance Parts


Suzuki pulls out from Malaysia, consolidates with Proton

Following Proton’s
announcement
 of a strategic partnership with Suzuki, the Japanese manufacturer has finally announced its consolidation with Proton. With that, all sales of Suzuki cars have been ceased, with all 29 Suzuki dealerships in Malaysia converted into Proton Edar outlets. The announcement was made during the signing ceremony to appoint former Suzuki dealers as new Proton dealers earlier today.
The rationalisation of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) is expected to be completed within a year. Also to note, all existing Suzuki owners are able to service their cars and obtain their warranties with Suzuki genuine parts at these outlets. At the same time, the former Suzuki dealers will be selling Proton cars as well.
Click at the images below to know who are the 29 dealers:

On the other hand, Proton and Suzuki have confirmed that a jointly-developed new model will be made into production before 2017. Proton’s Chairman Tun Dr.Mahathir revealed that the new Proton car will not be based on any existing Suzuki models sold in Malaysia.
Since Proton has yet to come up with an A-Segment model, there’s a likelihood the next Proton model, together with Suzuki’s technology and expertise in making small cars, will be a city compact car smaller than the
Iriz
. The car is also expected to be assembled in Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant, as Suzuki’s assembly plant in Pekan has already been shut down.
Proton’s new city compact car could be smaller than the Iriz
Should the new Proton-Suzuki model arrives before 2017, it seems 2016 will be a quite a hectic year for Proton. With the imminent launch of the new Perdana and replacements for both Saga and Persona models slated for release sometime this year, it seems that the tide could turn for the better for Proton in the coming few years.


Review: G30 BMW 530i M Sport, here to appeal only to your emotions

Between the
F10 BMW 5-Series
 and
W212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
, I’ve always fancied the Bimmer a little more than the three-pointed star. Some called it fat, but I prefer to think of it as big and beautiful. You see, the F10 had the presence the W212 simply lacked; almost like a mini 7-Series if you will, without being over the top with it. It struck the perfect balance between class and presence; just about everything you’d want in a premium executive sedan.
When the long-awaited
G30 was unveiled
, I was left… hanging. It’s a little leaner and more athletic than before, with the M Performance kit being the icing on the cake yet I simply can’t help but think that the G30 5-Series looks just like a
bigger
3-Series
.
See what I mean?
It has lost that sense of elegance and sophistication befitting of someone who has worked hard climbing through the ranks. Just park one next to a smooth-looking
W213 E-Class
 (or even an
Audi A6
) and you’ll catch my drift. But for someone looking for a
bigger 3-Series
, does this Business Athlete live up to its name? We took the
G30 BMW 530i M Sport
 out for a spin to find out.
Before we dissect the car in detail, here’s a disclaimer: our test unit is the fully-imported model that came fitted with a range of
M Performance parts
 including the
20-inch Double Spoke 669M Bi Colour alloys
 wrapped in low profile Pirelli P Zero run flat tyres (245/35 front; 275/30 rear) and a host of other carbon fibre bits. The M Performance parts add up to a total bill of
RM72,717
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
G30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)
Engine
1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
8-speed auto
Max Power
252 hp @ 5,200 – 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.2 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without Insurance)
RM388,800
The B48 2.0-litre Engine Hits All the Sweet Spots
Motivation comes from a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that dishes out
252 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic is tasked to send drive exclusively to the rear wheels so if you swear by an FR with inherently good balance, the 530i will live up to that.
From standstill, the 530i gains momentum in a drama-free fashion partly due to its smooth shifting slushbox. That is not to say the Bimmer is lethargic because its century sprint takes only
6.2 seconds
, onwards to a limited top speed of
250 km/h
. Pedal to the floor and the 2.0-litre engine is eager to scream all the way to its 6,500 rpm redline and by fourth gear, you’d already be pulling illegal speeds.
Around the bends, the little four-potter is punchy enough to pull you out from a bend without the slightest struggle. Turbo lag is noticeable if you’re insensitive with your right foot, but nothing to upset your upbeat rhythm up the twisty roads of Genting Highlands. On the other hand, if you’re the type to be chauffeured in, the ZF-sourced automatic shifts through all its eight cogs like a hot knife through butter, providing the smoothest power delivery in its segment.
It’s a Proper Ultimate Driving Machine
BMW had managed to shave
100 kg
 off the G30 from the F10 while maintaining a
near perfect

51.5:48.5
 front to rear weight distribution, translating to a truly dynamic driving machine. The benefits of BMW’s diet plan were evident from its eagerness to switch directions and turn-in precision. Its newfound lightness combined with one of the most communicative steering wheels (but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing) in the market, make for an extremely positive experience behind the wheel.

Body roll was minimal, way better than the E250 and mechanical grip was abundant; although I suspect the ridiculously-wide and sticky Pirelli rubbers played a big part. If you so dare thread the limits of this
executive sedan
, its traction control kicks in right before you overcook it – saving your pride and ego from sliding into the ravine.
The Blue-painted brake callipers complete the whole package by offering decent stopping performance. The pedal does have longer pedal travel than I would’ve liked but then again this is no M5 so I can settle for this. You can opt for the BMW M Performance Sports Brake that comes with ventilated and perforated lightweight brake discs with better thermal capacity and greater braking performance under extreme conditions. However, that will set you back a pretty penny at
RM23,557.70
. Surely that is a little overkill for a car with just
252 hp
.
They Threw Ride Comfort Out of the Window
What was BMW thinking when they shod the standard 19-inch M lightweight alloys with 245/40 R19 (fronts) and 275/35 R19 (rear) profile run flat tyres? I mean, the
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso V12
 we tested before had taller profile tyres at 245/35 R20 (front) and 295/35 R20 (rear)!
Over lesser bumps and humps, the suspension does its best to absorb all the undulations but because there is so little rubber on the rims, the car will send a jolt through your spine if you’re not delicate with your way around our roads. Our test unit with its 20-inch alloys just made matters more apparent but you know what they say, “
Janji Gaya”.
It is a shame really, because the M Sport suspension with Dynamic Damper Control displayed superior damping capabilities even in its sportiest setting; almost air suspension like but the oversized wheels and thin rubbers just brought down the overall ride quality. Perhaps thicker rubbers would do the trick.
Not Quite the Interior You’d Expect
A glance on the spec sheet will tell you that the 530i M Sport is as well-equipped as it gets – 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch iDrive system, GPS Navigation Professional, four-zone climate control, 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, panoramic sunroof and 11-colour ambient lighting.

However, upon closer inspection, the cabin does not give you that feel good/wow factor as some of its main rivals would. The leather seats for example, are not of the highest quality compared to Mercedes-Benz’s. Don’t get me started on the
Volvo S90
 that comes with Nappa leather as standard. Its 11-colour ambient lighting pales in comparison to the 64-colour choice on the E-Klasse. That said, if putting on a show is your main concern, just whip out the BMW Display Key and I guarantee it’ll make your friends go green-eyed.
Don’t go too Crazy with the BMW M Performance Parts
Our test unit gets a little more aggression thanks to the BMW M Performance Parts that can be optioned ala carte. The front splitter, wing mirror caps, rear spoiler and diffuser are all genuine carbon fibre items which will set you back a pretty hefty sum.
If you tick all the options to have your car look as mean as this, prepare to fork out an additional 20 percent of the car’s selling price – such is the price of beauty. You can read our in-depth breakdown of the M Performance Parts
here
.
Is This Car for You?
If you’re the type who prefers to be behind the wheel than in the back seat, the 530i would put a smile on your face more so than its other German rivals. For those who are stepping up from a 3-Series, you won’t face too much disparity in terms of driving dynamics. It will take twisty B-roads like a champ and will ferry your friends and family in comfort – provided you go easy on the rough patches.
For those who are looking for a comfortable cruiser to ferry you and your passengers in supreme comfort, you should probably look elsewhere. Also, if you can’t justify its RM388,800 asking price when you can have the much more luxurious (and powerful)
Volvo S90 T8
, perhaps you should wait for the soon-to-come
530e plug-in hybrid
 which will be supplemented with locally-assembled hybrid tax incentives that should knock down a couple of grand.
Will I Buy it?
If I am at a stage in life to be able to afford a sub-RM400k car, it would be highly dependent on which end of the spectrum I stand – to impress others or to be happy. If I were to impress everyone and anyone who steps into the car, the Mercedes-Benz E Class with its 64-colour ambient lighting and the widescreen cockpit would be my prime choice.
But today, I’m feeling a little selfish. I would have the 530i in Alpine White, the full range of M Performance Parts sans the tacky door stickers and harass E-Classes wherever I go.
IMAGE GALLERY


Getting down and dirty: Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain named official media car in upcoming Borneo Safari

After dazzling city dwellers with its urban style at this year’s
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week
, the
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain
 is now doing a complete 180 as it preps itself to take on this year’s
Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge
 as the official media vehicle.
Isuzu Malaysia has provided three units of the pick-up truck to the Sabah Four-Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) for the purpose.
The Borneo Safari is set to return for the first time since the pandemic broke, with the event’s 30th running kicking off in the final weekend of October, and will run across the entire week.
This year’s event is expected to traverse some of the most difficult terrains in the lower plateaus of Mount Kinabalu. While magnificent views of the mountain and crystal-clear river flowing waters are on offer, the rocky and rugged terrain poses a significant challenge to both man and machine.
RELATED:
New 2022 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0 updated with new features, from RM146k
“An event of this magnitude requires tremendous support both in monetary terms as well as with the use of highly-capable vehicles. We are very grateful to Isuzu Malaysia for providing us with both once again as the event’s Platinum Sponsor and supplier of the official media cars,” said SFWDA President Hj Faez Nordin.
Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo added, “The X-Terrain was selected as the flag bearer as it is endowed with a significant array of electronic driving aids. Coupled with its highly-engineered mechanical components, we believe the D-Max X-Terrain combines the brains and brawn required to become one of the most capable modern off-road vehicles in the event.”
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offering
190 hp
 and
450 Nm
, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox to send power to all four wheels.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain will now follow in the long tradition of service as the official media cars in the Borneo Safari, with both the first and second generation versions of Isuzu D-Max successfully pressed into service in the past.
To keep up with the happenings during the Borneo Safari, follow Isuzu D-Max Malaysia’s official Facebook page or their other social media platforms. There will also be a Watch and Win web series that will follow, with exciting prizes on offer.
ALSO READ:
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain styles up for 2022 KL Fashion Week
GALLERY


With every BR-V sold, Honda Malaysia will donate a portion of proceeds to Covid-19 relief programmes

Aside from
launching the 2020 facelift Honda BR-V
, Honda Malaysia also kick started two community relief campaigns to provide aid and assistance to those who have been affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
For starters, there’s the
“Be Kind with BR-V”
 campaign where beginning from 2nd of June till 31st of August 2020, with every unit of the Honda BR-V sold, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds to Covid-19 relief programmes.
Honda Malaysia has also gathered its dealers for a joint effort to support affected communities in their surrounding neighbourhood.
As part of the
“Honda Dealer Donation Drive”
, which runs from 1st of June until 31st of August, Honda customers can visit their nearest Honda dealership to donate basic necessities such as non perishable food items, protective equipment such as face masks and other essential household items. The donations will be compiled and delivered to affected communities by the respective dealers.
Honda would like to note that monetary donations will not be accepted. For those keen to show their support can
head over to Honda Malaysia’s official site for more information
 or call 1800-88-2020.


Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX Hyperscreen turns your entire dashboard into a display

What’s that, you have a twin 10.25-inch display on your dashboard? That’s so 2020, my man, because Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled a massive 56-inch display – dubbed Hyperscreen – for the
upcoming EQS
 that is so big, it
is
 the entire dashboard. Yes, it’s all-screen. The future is now.
Well, okay technically it’s three individual screens – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger – but Mercedes-Benz has blended the screens almost seamlessly together into a single panel that spans 141 cm wide.
The Hyperscreen is the centrepiece of Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation MBUX infotainment, which ditches physical buttons completely for a fully-touchscreen and voice-command interface. We’re not sure who told Mercedes that a pure touchscreen interface in a moving vehicle
was ever a good idea
, but we digress.
The second-gen MBUX system relies heavily on artificial intelligence to adapt its display to the user’s needs and habits. A key feature in the system is the “zero-layer interface”, which Mercedes-Benz says puts important apps and settings right on the screen within the driver’s field of vision, negating the need to scroll through multiple pages of menus or use voice commands.
For example, if a driver regularly calls someone at a particular time of day, the MBUX system will automatically prompt them to make a call to that person at that given time.
The AI feature is not just for infotainment purposes only, too – say a driver raises the car using the air suspension every time they pass through a location, the system will automatically learn that behaviour and do it for the driver the next time they pass through the same area.
The central and passenger screens feature OLED technology, which blends right into the black curved “screen band” when not in use – as if nothing was there in the first place. When no passenger is detected on the front passenger seat, the screen turns into an animated starry decorative screen – or as the carmaker calls it, the Mercedes-Benz Pattern.
To help with navigating the touchscreen interface while driving, the Hyperscreen will include 12 actuators beneath the touch-sensitive surface for haptic feedback. Two coatings of the cover plate are said to reduce reflections and make cleaning easier, and the curved glass itself also consists of particularly scratch-resistant aluminium silicate.
It still remains to be seen how well a fully touch-operated interface will work in a moving car, as multiple studies have suggested that these digital infotainment systems may be
distracting enough to increase the risk of accidents
, especially for older drivers. And in the case of the Hyperscreen, we won’t know for sure until the fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is launched later this year.
“The goal was a concept without distraction of the driver or complicated operation”, said Mercedes-Benz’s CTO on the new MBUX generation, Sajjad Khan. “We didn’t want to build the biggest screen ever in a car. Instead, we have developed special screens with a perfect ratio of size and functionality for maximum user-friendliness.”
GALLERY


Honda HR-V facelift officially launched from RM108k, HR-V Hybrid included!

After multiple previews and teasers since its
first public debut in July 2018
, Honda Malaysia has finally launched the facelifted Honda HR-V along with its confirmed specifications and pricing. It is also the first time the HR-V is available with a hybrid powertrain.
There will be four variants of the refreshed HR-V available starting with the entry-level 1.8L E at RM108,800, 1.8L V at RM118,800, 1.8L RS at RM124,800 and 1.5L Hybrid at RM120,800. Like the product positioning of the
Jazz and City Hybrid
, the HR-V Hybrid is more expensive than the mid-spec V-spec but gets equipment levels of the base E-spec.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda HR-V 1.8L E
Honda HR-V 1.8L V
Honda HR-V 1.8L RS
Honda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid
Engine
1,799cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC
Transmission
CVT
Max Power
142 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM108,800
RM118,800
RM124,800
RM120,800
As previewed before, the
HR-V E
 comes with a pair of halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, platinum design Honda Wing grille, new fog lamp housings and an additional chrome trim across the tailgate. Items like the 17-inch dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheel design (now wrapped in 215/55 profile Continental UltraContact UC6 rubbers) and dotted LED taillamps are carried over from before.
On the outside, the
HR-V Hybrid
 will look exactly like the HR-V E save for some Hybrid badging to identify the model variant. The sad news is that the more expensive hybrid variant will not feature goodies of the V grade HR-V such as full LED reflector headlamps, LED fog lamps dual bar type LED taillamps and chrome door handles.

The HR-V RS (short for Road Sailing) on the other hand gets a sportier appearance from the Sport Design body kit in gloss black as well upsized 18-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 225/50 Continental UC6 tyres. It is also the only variant in Honda Malaysia’s line up to feature the new Passion Red Pearl paint job.
As standard, all variants of the facelifted HR-V come with a multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, half leather upholstery, 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI connectivity, four-speakers, cruise control and reverse camera.
Stepping up to the HR-V V adds black leather upholstery, eight-way powered driver’s seat and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Only in the HR-V RS you’ll find an Ivory White upholstery and sports pedals. Unfortunately, even the top-spec V grade and RS also gets four-speakers, down from the six-speaker set up on the pre-facelift top-grade model.
Petrol powered-only variants of the HR-V soldiers on with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and CVT combo pushing out
142 hp
 and
172 Nm
 to drive the front wheels. The HR-V RS is the only variant to feature
Variable Gear Ratio (VGR)
 steering rack for a more accurate handling response.
The HR-V Hybrid uses a Sport Hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 1.5-litre naturally four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine (132 hp/156 Nm) and an electric motor (29.5 hp/160 Nm) to give a combined output of
152 hp
 and
190 Nm
 of twist. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
As standard all variants of the HR-V facelift come with six airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal while the Honda Lane Watch Camera that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror is exclusive to the top of the range HR-V RS.
The facelifted HR-V is available in five colour options – Passion Red Pearl (HR-V RS only), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl (RM300 option). Offered together with the New HR-V are three accessories packages namely Modulo Package at RM5,737, Urban Package at RM1,716 and Utility Package at RM902.
Every purchase of the facelifted Honda HR-V comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty while the hybrid battery pack comes with an 8-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda HR-V RS Facelift First Drive

Honda HR-V E Preview

Honda HR-V Hybrid


McLaren 720S in Fux Fuchsia debuts, owner has exclusive rights to the colour!

As the illustrious 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance went into full swing last weekend, McLaren was proud to take centre stage with a bespoke McLaren 720S for a US-based customer. The one-off example is not only unlike any other McLaren, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will not be replicating this colour for any other customers no matter the price.
Commissioned by Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Michael Fux, the “
Fux Fuchsia
” paint job was originally created by
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
 and subsequently redeveloped by MSO for Mr Fux. Additionally, Mr Fux retains
exclusive rights
 to this Fux Fuchsia colour. Talk about bespoke! Other MSO-specified items include carbon fibre exterior pack and stealth wheels with Fux Fuchsia pinstripe.

Inside, Mr Fux’s 720S is furnished in
white leather with white stitching
 . Even the Alcantara floor mats are white in colour. The cabin is accented with Fux Fuchsia elements around the steering wheel, rear view mirror housing and door cards.
McLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, Jolyon Nash commented, “MSO provides McLaren owners with virtually limitless possibilities to tailor a car exactly to their needs and tastes; unique paint colours and finishes, custom leather and stitching and exotic materials are all available within a bespoke commission, while beyond this there are opportunities all the way up to complete vehicles designed to individual specification.”
Michael Fux has previously commissioned a
McLaren MP4-12C
 in McLaren Orange, a MP4-12C Spider in bespoke purple and a
McLaren P1
 in bespoke green.
IMAGE GALLERY


Tesla delivers first Chinese-built Tesla Model 3

Just approximately one year after construction of the Gigafactory Three began in Shanghai, China, Tesla has delivered the first batch of Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 – a record for global automakers in China.
In a delivery ceremony held at the latest Gigafactory, 15 units of the locally-assembled Tesla Model 3s were delivered to Tesla employees who have placed their orders. One employee even took the opportunity to propose marriage to his girlfriend at the auspicious event.
According to a report by
Global Times
, the Tesla Gigafactory Three has begun production in October. In the same report, Tesla Gigafactory Three production director Song Gang said that the factory currently produces more than 28 units of the Tesla 3 an hour, achieving
 1,000 units per week
.
He added that production is expected to ramp up to
more than 3,000 units per week
 “in the near future.” Tesla vice president, Tao Lin said, “Compared with traditional car manufacturers, Gigafactory Three’s production capacity will ramp up at a speed that exceeds your imagination.”
According to Lin, the Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 currently utilises 30% China-sourced parts. Tesla expects to increase localisation efforts to 80% by mid-2020, with full localisation of parts expected by the end of next year.
The China-made Tesla Model 3 is priced from RMB355,800 (RM209,981) before subsidies, with deliveries to customers planned from late-January. Imported versions of the electric family sedan were previously priced from RMB439,000 (RM259,082).
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All-new 2019 Subaru Forester unveiled at Regional Launch in Taiwan

Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia has unveiled the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester in Taichung, Taiwan where it will be available in four variants:
2.0 i-S EyeSight
2.0 i-S
2.0 i-L EyeSight
2.0 i-L
The 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engines with
 156 hp
 and
 196 Nm
 are mated to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT with Active Torque Vectoring and an X-MODE function for optimised all-wheel drive functions.
The all-new Subaru Forester is built on the new Subaru Global Platform with more responsive steering, 40% improved crash absorption, 50% less body roll with a quieter and more stable ride.
As for the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the “package” includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
In the 2.0 i-L EyeSight and 2.0-iS EyeSight models, LED fog lamps and daytime running lights are standard, with headlamp washers, Auto LED headlamps with Auto Leveling Function and High Beam Assist, rear fog lamps and roof rails are standard across the board.
While it may not appear entirely different to the untrained eye, the devil is in the details with this all-new Forester. It’s got redesigned headlamps, a new bumper design with more pronounced fog lamp housings.
The new Forester’s front end also features an Active Grille Shutter, for better aerodynamics. A power-sliding glass sunroof is exclusive only to the 2.0 i-S EyeSight model.
Filling up the wheel arches are either 17- or 18-inch wheels, wrapped in 225 width tyres. Inside the newly-designed interior with an emphasis on improved leg room and a larger boot supplemented by a powered rear tailgate.
Other conveniences include power adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, an Auto Vehicle Hold function, Electronic Parking Brake, Paddle Shifters, Rain Sensing Wipers, reclining rear seats, side view monitor and headlamps that swivel according to the steering’s movement.
On the safety front, the Forester comes with seven airbags (front, side, curtain and knee), reinforced side door beams, Rear Cross Traffic Alert that’s supported by the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD). SRVD also supports the Blind Spot Detection functions and Lane Change Assist functions.
Specifications may vary when the all-new Subaru Forester finally arrives in Malaysia in CKD form the second quarter of 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight

Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight


2014 Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 media track day at Sepang F1 Circuit [+Video]

The latest and most powerful Volkswagen Golf R, 290 horsepower, 380Nm of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds, 250 km/h top speed, on a F1 track. Now, let your imagination take over, go wild.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) launched the latest R edition of the Mk7 Golf subtly without any fancy launch gambit. Why? That’s because it’s not a car for the mass and most importantly not many would think “Damn, I wish the new Golf GTI has more power”.
Well, the third and latest addition to the Mk7 Golf line up is here in Malaysia for that sole purpose, to deliver more power. We had the chance to experience the R factor on the Sepang F1 (half) Circuit.
A fleet of gorgeous Lapiz Blue 5-door hot hatch cured our Monday blues, with a set of voluptuous 19-inch 5-spoke Cadiz alloy wheels. Underneath the hood is a newly designed 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, that is itching to unleash all
 290 horsepower
 and
380Nm
 of torque.
So, we did. Engine start and idling sound has not much to shout about. Same goes to the slow pit lane drive, in fact, it sounded very decent. Very civilized, up until I floored it as I entered the track. It was spine tingling. The famous ‘DSG farts’ from every gear change reaches a whole new level. Even with the helmet and balaclava on, it was was loud. In a yummy way.
The 5-door variant comes with
 Tech Pack
 as standard which includes a long list of things. Here are some that’re worth mentioning;
19-inch Cadiz
 wheels, Dynamic Chassis Control (
DCC
) with driving profile selection, Vienna leather seats with ‘R’ logo on back rest, and an
additional 10 horsepower
 under your right foot.
Performance figures are impressive, century sprint in 5 seconds and it goes up to 250km/h. However, with such amount of power packed in to a little hatchback, is it still drivable? Yes, very much drivable even on a track; but VW had a lot to do to avoid ending up in a ditch all the time.
Firstly, its latest version of
4MOTION
 system with a fifth-gen
Haldex
 coupling distributing power to the front or rear wheels when required, makes sure you get the grip you need at all times. Then there’s the improved
XDS+
, which minimizes understeer tremendously by slowing down the inside wheels slightly and giving more torque to the outer wheels when taking corners. Together with the
progressive steering
, they make a perfect combination for a precise and agile drive.
This new Golf R feels so much
lighter
 than the Mk6 variant, thanks for the Modular Transverse Matrix (
MQB
) platform that sheds
46kg
 of weight. All 380Nm of torque catapults its light weight body from 0 to 100 in
5 seconds
 flat. Brakes are good allowing late braking and turning into corners at high speed feels so easy. Every input from the progressive steering translated accurately onto both front wheels, darting into and out of chicanes with ease.
Its Electronic Differential Lock or
XDS+
 did its magic. Simply pulling in the car inwards at every fast cornering, resulting minimal understeer. In loose terms, you can throw the car in and out of corners like a moron and can still make out of it alive, in style. It is that good.
VGM describes it as a ‘sports car’. Well, yes and no. Sports cars are uncomfortable. The Golf R is surprisingly comfortable. I would call it a sporty car, that you can own, drive to work, take your kids to school, do grocery shopping and go bonkers on track days.
We will carry out a full review on the 2014 VW Golf R soon and even better, video review as well! So, stick around for more of the new R. For now, get more info
here
.
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VIDEO GALLERY
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IMAGE GALLERY


Ford to challenge Tesla in China with the Mustang Mach-E!

Ford is set to push its electric vehicle (EV) presence in China by building the
Mustang Mach-E
 there. The electrified crossover will be built by Changan Ford and only for domestic consumption.
The company fondly known as the Blue Oval is also proud to announce that the GT Performance Edition will be
manufactured locally in China
. This top-of-the-range variant is targeting a century sprint time of 3.5 seconds, all courtesy of a targeted output of
487 hp
 and
855 Nm
 of torque through a dual-motor set up.
Ride comfort and cornering abilities will be shouldered by the Magnaride Damping suspension system that uses
magnetic forces
 to change the characteristics of the oil in the shock absorbers.
In the US, the Mustang Mach-E is offered in configurations mixing single or dual motors with two battery capacities. The line-up of the Mustang Mach-E begins with the Select variant with a 266 hp single motor paired with a 68-kWh battery pack, delivering a driving range of 370 kilometres.
For an extended driving range, the Premium variant with an
88-kWh battery
 offers 483 kilometres of travel under the strict American EPA testing methodology. Ford is expecting to achieve
over 600 kilometres
 of range under the Chinese driving cycle.
The newest generation of Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies will offer Level 2+ autonomous driving assistance functions, enabling Mach-E drivers to operate their vehicles hands-free on prequalified sections of divided highways.
In addition, the software in the vehicle can be updated regularly like our smartphones through the
firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
, including for vehicle controls, to freshen the driving experience with improvements and new features.
Ford also say with the Mustang Mach-E, it is the first automaker in China to offer cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology in mass production vehicles and the feature can help drivers in China anticipate potential driving hazards and improve traffic safety and efficiency.
At the very tail-end of 2019, Tesla announced the deliveries of the first
Chinese-built Model 3
 sedan. It is priced at a competitive
250,000

Yuan
 after local subsidies. Volkswagen China meanwhile just announced prices of its new locally-built ID.4 Crozz that undercuts the Tesla Model 3 sedan.
The larger, fully-imported
Tesla Model Y
 meanwhile is priced from
 339,900 Yuan
 and its size and performance are more comparable to the Mustang Mach-E.
According to news reports, sales of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles in China are forecast to rise to
20% of new car

sales
 by 2025 from just 5% last year.
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Watch Tomb Raider save the world in the new Volvo XC40

Currently showing in selected local cinemas, the latest installment of the Tomb Raider not only features a new, up and coming star (although we’d much prefer to see Angelina Jolie reprise her role) but also showcases the
new Volvo XC40
.
Newly crowned the
2018 European Car of the Year
, the XC40 will be Lara Croft’s wheels of choice as she looks to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s20rM_zSwbk&feature=youtu.be
As the first ever premium compact SUV by Volvo Cars, the XC40 is also the first model to be built on the company’s all-new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that’s been jointly developed by Volvo and its new owners, Geely – promising improved safety and engineering flexibility.
There will be
three different trims
 available for the XC40 – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Petrol and diesel-powered variants are accompanied by front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.

Already proving to be a success in this ever increasing, SUV-crazed market, the XC40 had
received bookings of more than 20,000 units globally
 since it was introduced in Europe and America last year.
In recent developments, the Volvo XC40 R-Design announced its arrival in Singapore where the T5 AWD variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 247 hp and 350 Nm – with power sent to all four wheels via an eight speed transmission.

For the first time in Volvo Cars’ 91-year history, a new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine was recently introduced where it will first make its way to the XC40 before other models. The turbocharged engine is capable of 154 hp and 265 Nm of torque.
IMAGE GALLERY


New RM8mil BRABUS centres open; RM1.3mil CLS Rocket 730 teased [+Video]

BRABUS, the well known independent automobile performance manufacturer from Germany has opened its doors to their
new centres
 in
Glenmarie, Shah Alam
. Two centres –
1S
 (Showroom) and
2S
 (Performance Centre) – costing approximately
RM8 million
to erect were launched this morning through
Naza-Brabus Motors Sdn Bhd
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BRABUS CLS Rocket 730
Engine
5.5-litre bi-turbo
Max Power
730 horsepower
Max Torque
1,065 Newton metres
0-100km/h; Top speed
3.8 seconds; 350 km/h
Price
Estimated RM1.3mil

It wouldn’t be a complete event without the presence of a comprehensively tuned BRABUS car, hence the introduction of the
BRABUS CLS Rocket 730
– a car that’s all about the numbers, and more. Based on the
CLS63 AMG
, the
RM1.3 million
 Rocket 730 shares the same
5.5-litre bi-turbo
 engine but has been extensively tuned to produce – you guessed it – a whopping
730 horsepower
 and
1,065 Nm
 of torque.

As a result, it does the century sprint in just
3.8 seconds
 and manages a top speed of
350 km/h
. Just so you know, the CLS Rocket 730 was built in the very buildings that were launched today, so that’s the icing to your cake.

The RM6 million BRABUS showroom (opposite of the Lamborghini showroom) spans an area of
5,000 square feet
 and displays several Brabus models such as the BRABUS ML WideStar, BRABUS iBusiness S class and BRABUS SLK. Here, customers can perform their
individualised customisation
 for cars of their choice.
Located some 500 metres away from the showroom is the
25,000 square feet
 Brabus’ Performance Centre that features
eight service bays
 operated by
ten staff
, of which five of them are
trained and certified BRABUS technicians
. This centre provides BRABUS body conversions, engine tuning, performance upgrades, scheduled maintenance, repairs as well as tyre replacement and alignment services all under one roof.
Naza-Brabus Motors Sdn Bhd has a customer base of over 800 since their establishment in 2001. The new Brabus Showroom is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The Performance Centre operates from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays, and from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
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IMAGE GALLERY
BRABUS CLS Rocket 730

BRABUS Showroom and Performance Centre


The Peugeot e-Legend Concept’s badge looks very familiar to Malaysians…

Peugeot will be presenting their fully autonomous electric concept car at the 2018 Paris Motor Show happening in early October, joining a growing list of automakers who are coming out with their own vision for connected mobility of the future.
Dubbed as the Peugeot e-Legend Concept, the compact sedan styled car can operate as a fully autonomous car or with a driver behind the wheel depending on your choice. Each of the operations has two further driving modes:
Soft – fully autonomous drive that focuses on maximum comfort by minimising information displayed on the digital screens
Sharp – fully autonomous drive with maximum onboard connectivity displayed on the screens
Legend – manual driving that recreates the brand’s iconic 504 coupe’s cabin
Boost – manual driving that draws the full dynamic potential of the car

Head of Peugeot Strategy, Aude Brille said: “With PEUGEOT e-LEGEND CONCEPT, for us it’s about intensifying and refining the experience of 100% autonomy, electric and connectivity.  The Responsive i- Cockpit® is enhanced to offer its guests immersive driving specifically customised for each of the four driving modes available.”
The e-Legend concept is powered by a full electric powertrain juiced by 100 kWh battery pack, giving the car
340 kW
 (462 hp) and
800 Nm
 of torque. Power is transferred to all four-wheels and century sprint is completed in under 4 seconds while top speed is rated at
220 km/h
.
Peugeot claims that the e-Legend will have a real-world driving range of 600 km and thanks to its fast charging capability, the battery pack can give 500 km of driving range within 25 minutes of charging.
IMAGE GALLERY


Order books are now open for the new facelifted Hyundai Tucson

Having teased us just a few days ago with
 a silhouette of the new car
, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has announced that their order books are now open for the
new facelifted Tucson
, expected to be launced by the end of this month.
Cosmetic changes include a redesigned front grille, with the DRLs attached to the fog lamps instead of being separately positioned as before. You can also expect a new 17-inch wheel design with updated rear lamp and bumper design.
Among the features we hope to see equipped in the new Tucson are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and rear USB charging ports among many. Seeing as its competition (Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5) has introduced a myriad of driving assistance systems, we hope to see the new Tucson equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance system with the likes of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) among others.
“The Tucson is more appealing than before with the new makeover and it remains one of the popular Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Malaysia. We expect good response for this version as it fulfills every aspect of customers’ expectations of an SUV,” said Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan), Mr Dennis Ho.
There will be two variants available – the 1.6-litre Turbo and 2.0-litre Elegance – where the former is
 no different from the current turbocharged unit we have currently
, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with
177 hp
 and
265 Nm
.
Prices are expected to begin from RM123,888 on-the-road excluding insurance with a 5-year or 300,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) and 3-year/50,000 km free service.
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The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover for the practical-minded

The heavily-rumoured Toyota Corolla Cross has finally made its global debut today in Thailand. Built on the brand’s TNGA-C platform, the all-new compact crossover will coexist alongside the
Toyota C-HR
, serving the crowd looking for a more “conventional” design to take on other popular crossovers in the region such as the
Honda HR-V
,
Subaru XV
, and the
Mazda CX-30
.
Despite sharing the
Corolla
 name, the exterior of the all-new Corolla Cross resembles more of a downsized
RAV4
. Many of the familiar design cues, such as the large angular grille, squarish wheel arches, and taillights signature have been borrowed over from its larger sibling.
The Toyota Corolla Cross does take the edge off a little on the whole ‘blockiness’ theme of the RAV4, with softer edges and rounded corners on most design elements. The character lines above the front and rear wheel arches even features a boomerang-like curved design.
On the inside, the general architecture of the cabin seems to have been lifted directly from the
Toyota Corolla
, as the entire dashboard, centre console, instrument cluster, and the steering wheel looks pretty much identical to its sedan counterpart.
Feature wise, the Corolla Cross gets a multi-info digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reclining rear seats (up to six degrees) and a powered tailgate with hands-free access.
As mentioned above, the Toyota Corolla Cross is built on the TNGA-C platform, which can also be found underneath the C-HR and Corolla. Unlike the two models though, the all-new SUV trades in the double wishbone rear suspension for a simpler and space efficient
 torsion beam
set-up.
As a result, the all-new Corolla Cross boasts a
 class-leading luggage space of 487 litres
 with a tyre repair kit, and 440 litres with a temporary spare tyre. For comparison’s sake, the boot space of the similarly-sized Honda HR-V and Subaru XV are rated at 437 litre and 385 litre respectively.
The Toyota Corolla will be offered with two powertrain options: The base variant will be powered by the same 2ZR-FBE 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder engine shared with the Corolla and C-HR, producing
140 hp
 and
177 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to Super CVT-i transmission.
The rest of the model range will be powered by a hybridised 2ZR-FXE mill as seen on the
Prius
 and C-HR Hybrid, which pairs the 1.8-litre engine (98 hp, 142 Nm) to an electric motor (72 hp, 163 Nm) for a
combined system output of 122 hp
. The hybrid mill is paired to an e-CVT transmission.
Safety wise, the all-new Corolla Cross gets seven airbags as standard. Higher-end variants inherit the
Toyota Safety Sense
 advanced driver assistance suite from the Corolla sedan, which includes features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam.
Over in Thailand, the all-new Toyota Cross will be priced from THB989,000 to THB1,199,000, which is slightly higher across the range compared to the more exotically-styled C-HR (THB979,000 – THB1,159,000).
Given that the global launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross was held at the neighbouring Thailand, it is pretty safe to say that the all-new crossover will be making its way over to our shores – only question left to wonder is if UMW Toyota will choose to assemble it locally at its Bukit Raja plant, as the government’s CKD hybrid incentive could allow the all-new Corolla Cross to be priced even lower than the fully-imported C-HR.
IMAGE GALLERY


Gallery: 2020 Mazda2 Sedan – enough to justify its new price?

When the
2020 Mazda2
 was launched here in Malaysia, its asking price –
RM103,670
 – was met with lots of flak from our internet population. So what exactly changed, and what are you getting for the money? Here’s a closer look at the new Mazda2 now that the showrooms are reopening up.
Styling changes on the new Mazda2 are mostly done on the front. There’s now a new mesh front grille with chrome surrounds that’s more akin to other “seventh-generation” Mazda models, flanked by reshaped headlights with a new light signature. As standard, the headlights are LED illuminated.
The air inlet on the front bumper has been slimmed down, capped off by chrome inserts on both ends for a classier and more minimalist look. The cleaner design language is also mirrored on the rear bumper, where a plastic mesh-like trim piece takes up almost the entire width of the bumper, flanked by the rear reflectors.
On the sedan variant, the rear fog lights and reverse lights are bulb illuminated, instead of LED on the hatchback variant. Other standard exterior equipment include the newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels, shod in 185/60 profile tyres.
Inside, the dashboard looks almost identical to its
predecessor
, save for the updated steering wheel. The infotainment display, still seven-inches in size, is now equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A new Blue-Grey leather and suede upholstery goes onto the dashboard, door card, and seats – the latter resculptured to provide more resistance to head movements, improving the driver’s sense of balance and overall comfort to go along the softer suspension set-up.
Otherwise, the interior equipment kit is unchanged from before. Goodies include keyless entry and start, coloured head-up display, paddle shifters, and single-zone climate control system.
The drivetrain is also unchanged – under the hood of the 2020 Mazda2 is the same SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine rated at
114 hp
 and
149 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that has been retuned for a smoother acceleration.
The updated Mazda2 now comes equipped with the G Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) torque vectoring system, which uses brakes individually on each wheels in response to throttle and steering input (in addition to varying the engine torque output) to enhance handling performance of the car.
Standard safety equipment on the new Mazda2 include two front airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, emergency brake assist, and emergency stop signal. The Mazda2 does not come with any advance driver assist features.
The 2020 Mazda2 sedan is available in eight exterior hues – Ceramic Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, and Titanium Flash. The popular Soul Red Crystal colour will cost you an additional RM500, though.
As with all other Mazda vehicles, the Mazda2 comes with a
five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty
and
five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance
, inclusive of parts, lubricants, and labour.
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Lotus Elise Great Britain and Exige S arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM255k

Lotus Cars Malaysia has introduced the limited edition Elise Great Britain and the Exige S automatic, both of which will be displayed at the North Atrium at the Gardens Mall from 5 to 9 August.
The Exige S gets the brand’s automatic gearbox – Intelligent Power Shift (IPS) that’s paired to the existing
3.5-litre supercharged V6
 engine. Lotus claims that the automatic will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in
3.8 seconds
(top speed 261 km/h), which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the manual. Its engine makes
345 hp
 at 7,000 rpm and
 400 Nm
 of torque at 4,500 rpm. Weighing in at just
1,182 kg
, this sports car has a power to weight ratio of
293 hp per tonne
, a number that’s better than the Audi R8 V10’s!
2015 Lotus Exige S Automatic
On the other hand, the limited edition
924 kg Elise Great Britain
 is built atop the recently introduced 20th Anniversary Elise which comes with Sport Pack as standard. The pack gives you Union Jack decals on the side intakes, lightweight forged wheels, lightweight centre console, lightweight black cloth trimmed sports seats and Bilstein Sport Dampers. There’s also a Sport Mode that increases throttle response and alters traction slip thresholds for enhanced driver control.
Available in three colours, the Elise Great Britain can be yours in Metallic White, Metallic Yellow or Metallic Silver, all of which will come with soft top and Black Style Pack, giving you matte black wheels and rear diffuser.
The Elise is fitted with a
supercharged 1.8-litre
four-cylinder engine, belting
217 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. It sends drive to the
rear wheels
 via a
 six-speed close ratio manual
 transmission, and propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.6 seconds
 before reaching a top speed of
234 km/h
.
First three owners of the Elise Great Britain will enjoy a
complimentary Touring Pack
 on top of the Sport Pack. This replaces the fabric sports seats to Ebony Black leather sports seats. Lotus Cars Malaysia is taking orders for both cars, with the Elise priced at
RM254,888
. Both cars are joined by two other models; Evora S Sport Racer and Elise 220 Cup.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand – fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?

Lexus’ first-ever dedicated electric vehicle, the
 Lexus RZ
, has now been launched in Thailand, at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. Offered in a sole RZ 450e variant with two trim levels, the fully-electric SUV is priced from
THB3,870,000
 (approx. RM502k).
Interestingly, the RZ – alongside an enquiry form for the model – can already be found on Lexus Malaysia’s website since May last year. Can we expect it to be launched here in Malaysia this year?
The RZ 450e is powered by a dual motor set-up, consisting of a more powerful unit in front (204 hp/150 kW, 265 Nm) and a smaller 109 hp (80 kW) motor on the rear axle for a combined total output of
312 hp (230 kW)
 and
435 Nm
. With the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive set-up, the Lexus RZ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in
5.3 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
160 km/h
.
Power is supplied via a
71.4 kWh
 lithium-ion battery pack, offering up to a range of
470 km
 based on the NEDC standard. To charge, an on-board AC charger supports up to a maximum charging rate of 11 kW, taking 6.5 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging at 150 kW tops up the battery from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes.
As for equipment, the Lexus RZ in Thailand comes as standard with LED headlamps with automatic high beam, 18-inch wheels, acoustic windshield glass, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, as well as a 10-speaker sound system with Active Sound Control.
Step up to the range-topping Premium trim, and the Lexus RZ 450e gains additional creature comfort goodies, including acoustic glass for the side windows, a panoramic glass roof with electro-chromic dimming, adaptive high beam system for the headlamps, a larger eight-inch instrument cluster plus a head-up display, ambient lighting, Ultrasuede upholstery, as well as a set of upgraded 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.
RELATED:
Lexus confirms development of fake manual for EVs that stalls when you mess up
Advanced driver assist features are standard across the board, including the all-speed adaptive cruise control system, Lexus Teammate Advanced Park parking assistance, autonomous emergency braking, lane following assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, plus a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
As mentioned above, the Lexus RZ in Thailand starts from THB3,870,000 (approx RM502k) for the 450e Luxury variant, jumping up to THB4,190,000 (approx RM543k) for the range-topping Premium variant.
Electric vehicles are heavily subsidised in the Land of Smiles, although we Malaysians get complete excise duty and import tax exemptions for fully-imported EVs until at least 2023 (with an
extension proposed until the 2025
), so we could expect prices to go even lower than that of our neighbours up North if the model makes its debut here.
READ MORE:
Here’s what the letters in each Lexus model mean
[Images: Lexus Thailand]
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See the Volkswagen Golf 8 in all its glory before the official launch tonight

In the age of social media and Internet connectivity, it seems like
nobody
 is save from secrets. With all the hype surrounding the upcoming Golf 8 (not called the Mk. 8 anymore), it’s no surprise that Volkswagen couldn’t run from the savvy netizens either.
Originally scheduled to be launched
tonight
, it seems that a Spanish online publication by the name
Motor El Pais
 has gotten their hands on the official press photos a day early (the page has gone down at the time of writing).
So what’s new? Let’s get straight to it. From the outside, changes made on the VW Golf 8 are pretty mild. That’s not surprising though, as the Golf lineage has always kept a fairly similar appearance since the Mk. 4 era.
At the front, the Golf 8 gains a new headlight design, with the enclosure sculpted to the ‘U’-shaped daytime running lights. Above the projectors, there seems to also be an eyebrow-styled DRL strip that doubles as turn indicators.
The two headlights are joined at the eyebrows by a chrome strip running across the grille. The new grille also features the new Volkswagen emblem. Further down the front apron, the Golf 8 gets a revamped bumper design.
At the rear, the Volkswagen Golf 8 is equipped with new angular IQ.Light taillights, along with the new Volkswagen emblem and a centrally-positioned Golf badging. The rear bumper has also been redesigned to include integrated exhaust housing.
If you think that the exterior of the new Golf is a little too evolutionary, the cabin of the new hatchback might pique your fancy. As shown in the previous
spy pictures
, the Golf 8 gets a new dual screen instrument cluster and infotainment display, laid-out in a wraparound enclosure around the steering wheel.
Buttons and switches in the cabin are also kept to a minimum. Other than the steering wheel controls, the mechanical bits left in the cabin are the window switches, push-start button, hazard light switch, and the electronic parking brake; all other controls have been made into touch-activated panels or relegated into the infotainment display.
The air-conditioning vents are tucked neatly into a decorative strip that runs across the entire dashboard. Underneath the central air vents, Volkswagen seems to have included two USB-C ports for charging and connectivity with your mobile phone. Certain variants also seem to include a heads-up display.
There is currently no confirmation on the powertrain for the new Golf 8, but by looking through the leaked pictures, there seems to be a high-performance plug-in hybrid version with the GTE moniker.
According to a report by
Autocar
, Volkswagen’s technical chief, Dr. Frank Welsch said that the GTE high-performance hybrid will offer up to
245 hp
, while the other powertrains will also be available with a
48V mild hybrid system
.
Despite the leaks, there are still many things to be excited about for the official launch tonight! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest updates.


Volkswagen Polo 1.6 now priced at RM69,888, limited time only!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 can be had for just RM69,888, with month repayments of RM737! That translates to RM7,000 in savings compared to the original retail price.
Locally assembled in Pekan, the Polo 1.6 hatchback was
launched back in 2014
 and have since underwent a
minor facelift in 2015
. The Polo 1.6 hatchback is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder mated to a conventional
six-speed torque converter automatic
 transmission. The engine makes
104 hp
 and
153 Nm
 of torque, all of which are delivered to the front wheels. Official fuel consumption figures are rated at
 6.3 litres per 100 km
.
The Polo is equipped with halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, electronically adjustable side mirrors, 15-inch “Riverside” alloy wheels, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, auto up and down for all four windows, a RCD 330G head unit with USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, fabric upholstery and speed sensitive electronic powered steering.
On the safety front, the Polo 1.6 gets dual front airbags, ABS with brake assist, anti-pinch for all four window, ISOFIX mounting points and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).
For more information, be sure to visit your nearest Volkswagen showroom or log on to
Volkswagen Malaysia’s website
. The promotional price is for a very limited time only, and is inclusive of GST but excludes registration and insurance.


Review: 2022 Porsche Macan – a realist’s ode to sports cars

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of SUVs. They’re big and cumbersome, and usually don’t offer anything substantially more than what’s already available on the usual body styles. But when
Porsche
rings you up to offer you a day with the
Macan
(or any of their cars, actually), you never say no.
Still, I went in thinking that I wasn’t going to like it. It was just another job that needed to be done, and I even thought I’d be returning the car early – but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
You see, the Macan is a car born out of necessity. In a world where everyone is buying SUVs, the
 Cayenne
itself wasn’t going to cater to the wide range of buyers. The Macan simply had to exist, because there are people that want to buy it – it’d make no sense for Porsche to miss out on such a lucrative market segment. The fact that the Macan is now one of their top sellers tell you as much.
But despite being yet another SUV, the Macan still very much understands what it means to be a Porsche; it’s not a
911
, but it still very much has the true Porsche essence. And thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight, it’s even more distilled than the Cayenne.
RELATED:
 2022 Porsche Macan facelift launched in Malaysia – 3 variants from RM433k
You feel it from the moment you step inside the cabin. Everything in the Porsche Macan feels tactile and physical, from the steering feel, analogue rev counter, to even the turn indicator stalks, reminding you that even though it’s gained a few pounds, it’s still a proper driver’s car.
And it really is. Despite its taller ride height, The Macan will still crush the twisty backroads with more poise and confidence than some “sports” sedans.
The Macan doesn’t have any of the fancy 48V active body roll control systems on newer SUVs, but the ageing chassis along with the PASM suspensions still does wonders to contain its lean while tackling corners.
There’s a sense of agility to the steering, with the front end obediently tracking your every input on the steering wheel. Don’t expect coupe levels of sharpness, obviously, but Porsche clearly knows what they’re doing, and it shows.
But if you’re actually planning to take the SUV for weekend drives, though, maybe opt for one of the more powerful variants, instead of the base Macan that Porsche loaned us.
The
265 hp
 and
400 Nm
 outputs from the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four underneath the bonnet is… fine, and the exhaust note sounds raspy enough to give you an extra dose of adrenaline, especially when it crackles and pops on gearshifts.
But when it comes to carving the Genting hills on the weekends, the tiny (by their standards) engine does lack the spice and sizzle you’d expect from a Porsche. You’d definitely be better off with the 2.9-litre V6 on the Macan S, or even better yet, the
 GTS
.
With all that being said, though, the four-banger is still more than sufficient when all you’re doing is moving the family around different shopping malls, and the occasional highway road trips on the weekends. And really, if it’s good enough for a
Volkswagen Golf R
, it’s probably also good enough for a compact family SUV – even if its a performance-focused one.
Paired to the seven-speed PDK gearbox, the powertrain is punchy and nimble enough to make quick overtakes a breeze, while also remaining smooth and strain-free when cruising down the highways at high speeds – especially when you have everything set to the comfort mode. Just don’t expect the best fuel consumption figures, especially if you have a lead foot.
ALSO READ:
First made-in-Malaysia Porsche Cayenne rolls out of new Kulim CKD assembly plant
On the highways is also where you’ll truly have the time to indulge in the Porsche Macan’s luxurious interior, which gets a big upgrade as part of the latest 2022 facelift. The bank of buttons on the centre console has been swapped out with touch-sensitive ones, which helps make the cabin feel and look a lot more modern than before – that is, until the gloss black surface is caked in fingerprints and scratches.
I’m usually not the biggest fan of touch sensitive buttons, but Porsche at least had the foresight to keep the physical switchgears for the temperature and entertainment controls, so they’ll get a pass here. The touch-sensitive buttons also require a solid press to activate, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally activating the heated seats on a hot day.
And when it comes to the things you’d expect from an SUV, the Macan also excels, too. There’s enough space in the rear seats for three adults despite the slightly sloping roofline, and the boot space – while not segment leading – should also be more than enough for your weekend grocery runs. You can always fold the rear seats down for larger items, anyway.
It may be an SUV, and it might only have four cylinders, but the Macan doesn’t feel any less of a Porsche. I guess all that’s left now is for me to finally warm up to the idea of SUVs…
Porsche Macan, as tested:
Engine
1,984 cc; turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission
Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic
Max horsepower
265 hp
Max torque
400 Nm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
6.2 seconds; 232 km/h
Price (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)
from RM433,154
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz E 350 Coupe & Carbrio – 2.0L mild hybrid, 299 hp & 400 Nm

Mercedes-Benz will soon debut a newly-developed four-cylinder petrol engine in its upcoming premiere of the
E-Class Coupe
and Cabriolet with performance comparable to that of a high performance six-cylinder engine yet with reduced fuel consumption – rated at 6.7L/100 km for the Coupe and 6.8L/100km for the Cabriolet.
The models to receive this new engine, codenamed M264, together with a 48-volt on-board electrical system are the E350 Coupe and Cabriolet. The engine’s special features include twin-scroll turbochargers, a belt-driven starter-alternator (EQ Boost) and an electric water pump which will be powered by the 48V on-board electrical system.
Performance figures stand at
299 hp
 with
400 Nm
 of torque; with the additional 48V starter-alternator supplementing a further 15 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Drive will be delivered through an innovative 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in the Coupe will take
5.9 seconds
 while the Cabriolet achieves the same in
6.1 seconds
.
If there is any doubt as to the performance claim by Mercedes-Benz, that the four cylinder engine will rival that of larger 6-cylinder powerplants, the E400 Coupe with a 3.0-litre V6 pushes out
 333 hp
 with
480 Nm
 of torque.
Aside from the E350, both the Coupes and Cabriolets also come in E200 4MATIC with 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque while the E22oD 4MATIC gets 194 hp with 400 Nm of torque.
New to the E350 Coupe includes Rubellite Red and Diamond Silver finishes as well as light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim elements. As for the Cabriolet can be given a sporty touch with the Night Package which includes an AMG front apron with high-gloss black trim elements, a diamond radiator grille with integral Mercedes star, exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black and chrome trim elements on the high-gloss black bumper.
The
E-Class Coupe
 premiered in Malaysia just a few months ago.
Both models come with the Energizing Comfort Control as an option where it includes climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrancing functions according to the programmes selected according to the driver’s mood. The “programmes” include Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training. All programmes run for ten minutes as they’re visualised on the media display with colour graphics, and backed by suitable music.
What’s cool is that aside from triggering the alarm in the event of a break-in into the vehicle, the Anti-Theft Protection package has also been extended to detect contact with another vehicle, i.e. an accident. In such cases, the vehicle will send the owner an SMS to notify of possible damages.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda City Hatchback: More than double of Yaris sales in Thailand in January 2023

Over in Thailand,
2,217 units
 of the
Honda City Hatchback
 were sold in January 2023 alone, topping the B-segment hatchback market. In a report by
Headlightmag
, the Honda City Hatchback captured
52.2%
 market share in Thailand so far this year.
Following behind the Honda City Hatchback is the
Toyota Yaris
 (Yaris Hatchback in Thailand) with 996 cars sold, the
Suzuki Swift
 with 367 cars sold, the Mitsubishi Mirage with 301 cars sold, the Suzuki Celerio with 247 cars sold, the
Mazda 2
 Hatchback with 117 cars sold, and the MG 3 with 1 car sold. Sales of the Honda City Hatchback were more than double compared to the Toyota Yaris in Thailand.
In Thailand, the City Hatchback is available in three internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, namely the S+, SV, and RS. It is also available as the hybrid City e:HEV RS. The purely internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the car are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that makes
122 hp
 (metric) and
173 Nm
. As for the hybrid, the 1.5-litre engine makes
109 hp
 (metric) and
253 Nm
 while the electric motor makes
98 hp
 (metric) and
127 Nm
.
The City Hatchback made its world debut in Thailand back in November 2020, and made its way to Malaysia in
December 2021
. The hybrid City Hatchback e:HEV RS was launched several months later in
February 2022
.
ALSO WATCH:
Tackling the foreign Langkawi roads in a Honda City Hatchback!
Yaris vs City Hatchback
 – which is your choice?
In Malaysia, the Honda City Hatchback in four ICE variants and one hybrid variant. The ICE variants include the ‘S’, ‘E’, ‘V’, and ‘V Sensing’. The sole hybrid variant is the e:HEV RS. Unlike Thailand, the ICE versions of the City Hatchback in Malaysia are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-4 engine that makes
121 hp
 (metric) and
145 Nm
. The hybrid is identical to the one in Thailand with a 1.5-litre engine that makes
109 hp
 (metric) and
253 Nm
 and an electric motor that makes
98 hp
 (metric) and
127 Nm
.
With Thailand seeing massive success with the Honda City Hatchback in January 2023, Malaysia saw similar success with the City Hatchback contributing to
20% of sales for Honda Malaysia in 2022
.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Honda Civic 1.5 RS review – Felt good driving it like an Ah Beng


Geely goes big with all-new seven-seater Hao Yue SUV

Geely has just introduced the seven-seater Hao Yue SUV over in China. The launch marks the brand’s first entry into the large SUV market segment, which according to Geely, is highly competitive in the region, dominated mostly by foreign brands.
In terms of styling, the Hao Yue is designed to portray a rugged muscular look, featuring multiple “tensile lines” such as the squared-off wheel arches, probably inspired by the

Geely Icon
. Although, compared to the Icon which we dubbed as a “design study made into reality”, the new Hao Yue trends towards “unprovocative and utilitarian”.
Up front, the familiar “Expanding Cosmos” grille has been rehashed, flanked by two slim headlights; the entire assembly fits into a large D-shaped “cut-out” that takes up the entire top half of the front fascia. At the back, the slim taillights are joined together by a chrome strip – the shape of the taillights mirrored lower down on the bumper cut outs.
Inside, a large freestanding 12.3-inch infotainment display steals the thunder away from a very pretty dashboard design, featuring the same infinity motif on the air vents like we saw on the Icon. A 12.1-inch LCD display functions as the instrument cluster, while above you also get a coloured heads-up navigation display.
The whole digital system is powered by Geely’s own high-performance E01 microprocessor chip, which enables features such as AI-powered voice assistant, and even control your smart home appliances at home remotely directly from the car.
The Geely Hao Yue can be optioned as a five- or seven-seater SUV. With all seats fully folded down, the rear interior can reach up to 2.2 square metres in size – the same as a king-sized bed. In terms of volume, the Hao Yue can swallow up to
2,360 litres
 of cargo.
Crucially, all seats in the Hao Yue are adjustable – even the third row seats on the seven-seater model has eight-way adjustable backrests. You can even step it up with a ‘VIP’ seat configuration, which comes with seven independently-adjustable seats!
Other occupant-friendly interior equipment include the three-zone climate control, as well as an air quality system featuring a CN95 grade high-efficiency air purification system that is also
now present on the Proton X70
.
Under the hood of the Geely Hao Yue is the brand’s latest flagship 1.8TD engine paired to the their own seven-speed DCT gearbox – similar to that found in the
CKD Proton X70
. The Chinese carmaker did not reveal any performance numbers on the Hao Yue, though from previous applications on other cars such as the aforementioned X70, the engine is capable of outputting
181 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque.
As for safety technologies, the Geely Hao Yue comes equipped with a Level 2 assisted driving safety suite. Using 24 individual sensors, the suite offers 17 drive assistance features, including an adaptive cruise control which can automatically follow, stop, and even corner at speeds of up to 150 km/h.
On the convenience front, the Hao Yue is equipped with a one-button automatic parking function. But if you prefer to do the parking yourself, a 360-degree panoramic camera system is there to help you look around the large SUV.
IMAGE GALLERY


2021 Subaru XV 2.0i-P gets additional creature comforts

Subaru Motor Image has announced some additional updates to the 2021 model year Subaru XV 2.0i-P. Check out our review of what it was like
here
!
On the inside, the XV’s cabin now looks more mature with leather and suede-like upholstery. The design of the seats is different compared to the ones in the XV GT Edition and replaces the fabric seats in the previous 2.0i-P variant.
The new seat design is exclusive to the Malaysian and Thai market. Also new is the 8-inch head unit, with a similar interface as the one in the XV GT edition.
Check out our gallery of the Subaru XV 2.0i-P GT Edition
here
!
It’s paired to 6 speakers, with wired Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Compared to the previous unit, the new one looks more modern, is easier to use, with sharper and clearer displays.
With the updates, the XV 2.0i-P now costs RM131,788,
RM3,000 more than before
. The 2.0i base variant is no longer for sale, leaving behind the 2.0i-P and GT Edition as the only XV variants.
In the engine department,
the underrated XV
 soldiers on with a 2.0-litre boxer engine, with 156 hp and 196 Nm – channeled to all four wheels for full-time all-wheel drive traction via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.

GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift debuts – fully electrified line-up, latest MBUX

Mercedes-Benz
 has now unveiled the updated version of the
Mercedes-Benz GLS
, not long after introducing the updated GLE and GLE Coupe. Set to arrive in European dealerships by the end of October 2023, the GLS is available in 6 versions including an AMG and a Maybach version.
On the outside, updates to the Mercedes-Benz GLS include a more striking radiator grille, a more visually prominent bumper with integrated air inlets and rear lights with a new triple horizontal block design. There are also 2 new body colours for the GLS, namely ‘sodalite blue metallic’ and ‘MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic’.
Mercedes-Benz says that “most drivers of a GLS only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain”. Hence, the company has recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering Package. Components include an underride guard and 30 millimetres more ground clearance.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has been revised with the latest steering wheel generation, louvres galvanized in Silver Shadow, and glossy brown line wood trim which is now standard. Customers of all GLS versions can also opt for the MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing line piano lacquer trim which was previously only available for the GLS 600 4MATIC.
Also new to the cabin of the GLS are two new interior colours for the leather upholstery – Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown. Naturally with the update, the Mercedes-Benz Gls now comes with the latest version of MBUX. Customers can also opt for the ‘Optional MBUX Multi-seat entertainment’ which provides all passengers with a fully decked infotainment unit.
There are 6 versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, all of them with electrified powertrains, and with a 7-seater configuration:
GLS 450 4MATIC
GLS 580 4MATIC
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
GLS 450 d 4MATIC
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG 63 4MATIC +
Brief details of the GLS variants (except AMG and Maybach versions) are listed below:
GLS 450 4MATIC
GLS 580 4MATIC
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
GLS 450 d 4MATIC
Displacement (cc)
2,999
3,982
2,989
2,989
Output (hp)
381
517
269
367
Peak Torque (Nm)
500
730
650
750
Add. boost output (hp)
20
22
20
20
Add. boost torque (Nm)
200
250
200
200
0-100 km/h (s)
6.1
4.9
6.7
6.1
Top speed (km/h)
250
250
238
250
The AMG GLS can be distinguished by the AMG grille, an AMG emblem replacing the Mercedes-Benz star, red brake callipers, and wheels that go up to 23 inches in size. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-scroll biturbo engine that makes
612 hp
 (metric) and
850 Nm
. The integrated starter alternator (ISG) provides an additional
16 hp
 (metric) and
250 Nm
. The AMG GLS does 0-100km/h in
4.2 seconds
 onward to a top speed of
280 km/h
.
The Maybach GLS gets vertical chrome bars, Maybach letterings, and a 23-inch Maybach design wheels with bolt covers. The Maybach GLS is also equipped with ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes‑Maybach pattern and a new seat cover design that features high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations. The Maybach GLS makes
557 hp
 and
730 Nm
 from a 3.9-litre engine. It also gets additional boost from the ISG that makes
16 hp
 and
250 Nm
. 0-100 km/h in
4.2 seconds
 onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
.
In Malaysia, the pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz GLS is currently available either as the GLS 450 4MATIC or the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, both fully imported (CBU). The GLS 450 costs
RM899,888
 (with SST) while the Maybach GLS costs
RM1,789,453
 (without SST).


Mazda CX-5 sales figure surpasses one-millionth mark!

First introduced in November 2011, Mazda’s CX-5 mid-size crossover SUV featured something by the name of KODO or Soul of Motion which is a design philosophy the folks at Mazda have employed in the styling department. By the end of April 2015 they had sold over 1,000,000 units!
Closer to home though, the
Mazda CX-5 Facelift
 is set to launch soon in CBU guise and carries an estimated price tag of
RM168k
 for the two-wheel drive version whilst the all-wheel model checked the book at
RM178k OTR
inclusive of GST. Out-of-the box it included
Adaptive LED Headlights
 (ALH) alongside a pair of Day-time Running Lights first seen on the
Mazda 2
.
The interior is a very pleasant place to be surrounded by if stuck in KL’s ever rampant and unavoidable traffic congestion. Optional white or black leather upholstery wraparound that snugly cradles you in place so you can take advantage of the excellent ride quality.
The CX-5 now incorporates an
Electrical Parking Brake
 (EPB) system. The dashboard’s design remains unchanged from the pre-face lift.As a safety feature the CX-5 comes with
Head Up Display
 and
MZD Connect
 car connectivity system displayed on a touch screen display unit.
On the subject of performance, the CX-5 isn’t a slouch with the SKYACTIV engine powering it along. Available in three configurations; the
2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G
 petrol with two states of tune (158 hp or 163 hp),
2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G
 petrol with 189 hp, and a
2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D
 diesel with 148 hp or 173 hp mated to either a
 six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic
 with
Drive Selection
 or a
six-speed SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual
transmission.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Alibaba Group invests in an electric vehicle start up

Electric vehicle startup from Guangzhou, Xiaopeng Motors Technology has reportedly received investments from e-commerce giants Alibaba Group.
According to
Automotive News China
, the company, also known as
XPENG Motors
, is on the path of delivering its first 1,000 vehicles. XPENG’s first production model, the Identity X, is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just
5.8 seconds
 in the AWD model and
7.9 seconds
 in the 2WD model with a range of
300 km
.
It’s also equipped with autonomous features, adaptive cruise control and voice command. Inside features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster along with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
The Identity X’s parking assist system comes with four ultra-wide angle cameras that generates and records a 360-degree panoramic top view of the car. The car’s roof-mounted HD cameras can also be used for photography and videography on the go.
Source:
Automotive News China


Video: Unboxing a massive surprise from Shell Malaysia! – AutoVlog

It’s back! So Shell Malaysia dropped off a massive surprise at our office yesterday and as it turns out the Ferrari die cast collection is back!
There will be
eight different models
 available throughout the campaign, with two models revealed every two weeks.

The entire collection will be displayed at the Orange Concourse Area in Sunway Pyramid throughout the next weekend. You can get your hands on the die cast models there by first purchasing petrol vouchers in order to be eligible.
Otherwise, like before, you can buy them at Shell petrol stations for RM15.90 each, with a minimum of RM30 spent on petrol in a single receipt.


BYD Dolphin EV launched in Thailand, cheaper than Honda City e:HEV RS!

The BYD Dolphin,
previewed last year
 during the launch of the
Atto 3
 here in Malaysia, is poised to become the cheapest EV on the market when it makes its debut here on our shores. But just how cheap can it be? Well, its price tag in Thailand might give us a clue.
Unveiled at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, the BYD Dolphin will go on sale at an estimated price point of THB799,999 (approx. RM104k). That estimated price point means it’ll be even more affordable than the
Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS hybrid
in Thailand (THB849,000)!
In Thailand, the BYD Dolphin will be offered in a single variant, powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, paired to a 44.9 kWh Blade battery pack for a total system output of
 95 hp
 and
180 Nm
, and an electric range of
410 km
based on the NEDC test cycle.
Charging is done via the 7 kW on-board AC charger, or a DC fast charger at 60 kW that can top up the battery from 30-80% in around 30 minutes.
RELATED:
BYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia – 2 new EVs to launch soon?
The BYD Dolphin is the first model to be built on the brand’s e-platform 3.0, and in terms of size, it should also fit within the same segment as the Honda City Hatchback. While it’s significantly shorter (lengthwise) than the City Hatchback on paper, the longer wheelbase thanks to the fully-electric platform does mean that its interior space could still compete with the Honda.
Expected to be launched here in Malaysia in around the fourth quarter of 2023, could the BYD Dolphin sneak in underneath the RM100k mark in line with the
government’s plans for cheaper EVs
? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!


New Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations

While
Europe gets the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid
, Japan and the rest of the world have been gifted with a 2023 facelift of the third-generation
Mazda 2
 that made its world debut in 2014. Sporting a new EV-like front end on some variants, the 2023 Mazda 2 is available with both gasoline and diesel powertrains.
The most striking difference on the outside would be the new EV-like grille on the lower ’15 BD’, ‘XD BD’ variants. Matching the EV-like appearance are dual-tone wheel caps that match the body colour of the car.
‘BD’ trim of the new Mazda 2
The ’15 Sport’ and ‘XD Sport+’ feature a sportier grille design with a gloss black mesh, 16-inch exclusive aluminium wheels, a black roof, and black side mirrors. The is also a ’15 Sunlit Citrus’ variant that utilises the same ‘EV’ grille as the ‘BD’ variants but adds on 15-inch aluminium wheels and a dual-tone colour scheme on the outside.
A recurring visual addition to the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift would be the asymmetrical colour accent on the front grille and the rear bumper. Two new colours available on the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift are Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic. With various roof and wheel cap colours to match the body colour, Mazda says there are 198 colour coordination options available.
RELATED:
Updated 2022 Mazda 2 available in Thailand, gets powered seat with memory!
‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ trim of the new Mazda 2
Customers have the choice of three engine options for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift which include the old 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine that makes
116 hp
 (metric) and
149 Nm
 (currently used in Malaysia) and the new 1.5-litre SkyActiv G that makes less power at
110 hp
 (metric) and
142 Nm
 but offers better fuel efficiency. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-D engine that makes
105 hp
 (metric) and
250 Nm
 (220 Nm for the manual version).
RELATED:
The 2022 Mazda 2 Hybrid for Europe is a rebadged TNGA Toyota Yaris!
‘Sunlit Citrus’ trim of the new Mazda 2
Transmission choices include the 6EC-AT 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission. In Japan, the 2023 Mazda 2 Facelift is available in 15 versions with various drivetrain, engine, transmission, and trim combinations:
Mazda 2 15C FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15C AWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15 Sport FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15 Sport FWD (MT)
Mazda 2 15 Sport AWD (AT)
Mazda 2 15 MB FWD (MT)
Mazda 2 XD FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 XD AWD (AT)
Mazda 2 XD BD FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 XD BD AWD (AT)
Mazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (AT)
Mazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (MT)
Mazda 2 XD Sport+ AWD (AT)
RELATED:
Mazda MX-30 R-EV – The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it
The cabin remains largely unchanged with exception of a larger infotainment unit that now measures 8 inches in size. Matching the EV-like grille, the interior of the new Mazda 2 sports an instrument panel that is made from plant-derived materials.
Prices for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift in Japan range from 1,529,000 Yen (approx. RM49,997) to 2,541,000 Yen (approx. RM83,088).
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Jaguar’s “race taxi” ride around the Nurburgring costs RM1,000 per lap!

Remember Sabine Schmidt’s taxi driving days on the Nurburgring in the BMW M5? Well Jaguar has decided to offer the same action with the
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
, having made its mark as the fastest saloon car to lap the legendary circuit.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 “taxis” will be driven by Jaguar’s professional drivers in excess of 250 km/h. Passengers will get to experience G-forces of more than 1.3 G around the circuit that spans across 73 turns.
https://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/24153132/1b641ad9-da80-44a5-9ddc-0e68457696f3.mp4
The two-seater Project 8 Race Taxi is also joined by the
XJR 575 Race Taxi
 – the fastest and most powerful XJ in the model’s 50-year history.
Jaguar Race Taxi experiences are available until the circuit closes in mid-November and will be offered throughout the open season in 2019, at the price of €199 (approx RM 946) per lap where
bookings can be done online
.
To recap, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is equipped with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 generating
 592 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque, with power channeled to all four wheels through an eight-speed Quickshift transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes merely 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 322 km/h.