Toyota C-HR awarded with full 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating [+Video]

The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) recently put the
Toyota C-HR
 through its latest crash test and performed as you would expect from an RM145k crossover. The C-HR was awarded the full 5-Star crash safety rating with an overall score of 91.31 points (out of 100).
The variant tested was a 1.8L CVT, made in Thailand for the regional market including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. Standard equipment for all markets includes seven airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
All other markets except Brunei gets Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert while customers in Singapore and Thailand can have the
Toyota Safety Sense
 suite as an option that bundles autonomous emergency braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.
In the
Adult Occupant Protection
, the C-HR scored a remarkable 35.80 out of the maximum 36 points, another testament to the rigidity of the
Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform
. It fared equally well in the
Child Occupant Protection
 with 40.89 points (out of 49) while it did 14.92 points (out of 18) in the
 Safety Assist
 category. All these combined gives a weighted overall score of 91.31 points and a full 5-Star rating.
President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr Ravindran K. commented on the result: “We’re very pleased to receive the 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP for the All-New C-HR which recognises Toyota’s on-going commitment to improve vehicle safety. As distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, it is very important for us to ensure that our vehicles are equipped with the best safety features in order to provide protection for our customers.”
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Toyota C-HR 1.8L CVT in Malaysia


There’s a one-of-a-kind Honda CR-V “Type R” for sale in Malaysia

It was just another late night routine; going through the classifieds on Mudah.my, looking through cars and used parts that often times are beyond my financial reach, but like most of us, I do it nonetheless because it’s fun and it keeps me amused.
Mostly because every now and then, I’d stumble upon something that’s totally cool and extremely unusual – whether it’s a rare performance part for my 26 year old car or a tastefully built JDM or classic car – and last night was one of those nights.
As I refined the searched section for all Honda vehicles equipped or modified with a K20A Type R engine,
this very perculiar, completely unexpected set of wheels from Johor surfaced in search results
.
It’s was a second generation Honda CR-V from the early to mid-2000s modified to house the engine from an EP3 Honda Civic Type R, a model specifically for the Japanese and European market, that’s rarely seen in Malaysia. How cool is that??
What also caught my attention was where the manual gear lever was positioned. Just like the EP3, it’s positioned below the infotainment system in the CR-V, albeit slightly lower than the original car, which should completely change the operational dynamics of an SUV whose gear lever was originally by the steering column.
The EP3 Honda Civic Type R.
Aside from fitting in a high-revving engine and a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, upgrades include a racing clutch, open pod air filter and an aftermarket exhaust. Still, that should be plenty enough for an SUV whose original output was only around 150 hp and 190 Nm. The EP3 Civic Type R’s K20A pushes out around 200 hp and 196 Nm, with a much higher redline.
Best described by the owner, who has placed a RM32,000 price tag on the one-of-a-kind SUV; “It’s best suited for the speed demons who’ve started a family and for the “pranggg boys” who have become family men”.
Gotta love the classifieds – you just never know what you’d find.
Source:

Mudah.my


Honda e:Ny1 EV unveiled – 412km range, not just an electric HR-V

Although the car may look familiar, what you’re looking at is the
Honda e:Ny1
 which is an all-electric compact SUV which has just been revealed by
Honda
. Unveiled at Honda’s European media event in Germany, it is the brand’s second fully-electric car in Europe.
The Honda e:Ny1 is built on the all-new e:N Architecture F platform, making it a purely built electric car as opposed to just being an electric-converted
Honda HR-V
. Honda says that the e:Ny1 “follows Honda’s human-centred development philosophy, making the most of the model’s fully electric powertrain to deliver an SUV with fun-to-drive dynamics, a smooth and refined ride, and intuitive versatility”.
Perhaps the most peculiar detail on the Honda e:Ny1 is the “Honda” lettering on the tailgate with only the “H” letter in uppercase. According to the company, it gives the car a “premium look” which will feature on the brand’s future electric vehicles (EVs).
As expected of an EV, the front end gets a closed aerodynamic look. Also at the front is a panel that covers the charging port of the Honda e:Ny1. Wheels are 18 inches in size and based on the images shared by Honda, the wheels are wrapped in Continental UltraContact tyres, albeit in its sixth generation. The UltraContact tyre is now already in its 7th generation. All else, the Honda e:Ny1 looks very much like the HR-V that we are all too familiar with. It is, however, not built on the same underpinnings according to Honda.
RELATED:
Honda overwhelmed by Chinese EVs, aims to ‘fight back’ with new EV plans
As for performance, the Honda e:Ny1 is powered by a single electric motor that outputs
150 kW
 (204 hp metric) and
310 Nm
. The e:Ny1 houses a
68.8 kWh
 battery pack which provides
412 km
 of range (WLTP). To charge, the e:Ny1 takes
45 minutes
 to from 10% state of charge (SOC) to 80% SOC with DC fast charging. That is all the information that is shared for the time being.
Inside, the Honda e:Ny1 spruces things up with a vertical touchscreen head unit and a fully-digital floating instrument cluster. It also gets an electronic gear selector on the centre console, blue accents, and a large sunroof. All else, the interior mainly resembles that of the Honda HR-V.
RELATED:
Honda Civic Type R FL5 sets new Nurburgring FWD record – 7:44.881
In Malaysia, the Honda HR-V is available with three powertrain options which include one hybrid powertrain. No EVs from Honda have reached our soil yet although a few of the brand’s models have been partially electrified. Do you think the Honda e:Ny1 will be a hit if it reaches Malaysia?
RELATED:
All-new Honda WR-V to launch in Malaysia Q3 2023
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BMW XM Label Red launched in Malaysia, RM1.6m – Most powerful M model

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the
BMW XM
 Label Red is finally here in Malaysia! Offered at
RM1,615,800
 (OTR without, insurance), the most powerful M car is fully imported (CBU) from
BMW Group
’s
 Spartanburg plant in the USA to fulfil the needs of those who desire an even more aggressive BMW XM.
On the outside, customers are given a choice between the Toronto Red colour and the Shadowline (black) colour for their XM Label Red’s accent strip. This includes the Sporty Activity Vehicle’s (SAV, as BMW calls it) kidney grille, shoulder line and window trims.
Potential owners of the XM Label Red will also be spoilt for choice, as the SAV is customisable with up to a total of 50 custom paint options. Just in case you want to preview what your choice of colour combinations looks like, BMW’s got your back with its
Individual Visualiser
.
To complement the exterior colours, a total of two wheel options are offered by the German manufacturer for this SAV. This consists of either the bicolour 22-inch M light alloy wheels with red accents, matched with the Toronto Red accent strip, or the bicolour black accent 23-inch M light alloy wheels in style Star-Spoke, matched with the Shadowline accent strip.
RELATED:
BMW M3 Touring launched in Thailand, approx. RM1.4 million
The bicolour motif continues on the inside, featuring a slew of BMW M equipment with red accents. Among them are the M multifunction seats with diamond-shaped texture, knee pads, an M gear selector lever, an M-specific control panel on the centre console, as well as a BMW Curved Display, and a BMW head-up display.
The M leather steering wheel also comes standard together with trim elements in Black Chrome. The M buttons, as well as gearshift paddles with carbon inlays, with its plus and minus symbols painted in red, are also included.
Powering the most powerful BMW M vehicle is the brand’s M hybrid system, combined with a 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, making a combined output of
748 hp
 and
1000 Nm
 of torque. For the curious, the engine itself makes 585 hp at 5,600 rpm and 750 Nm of peak torque, while the electric motor outputs 197 hp and 280 Nm. For comparison, the standard XM makes a total of 653 hp and 800 Nm of torque.
Mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, the XM Red Label is capable of sprinting from stationary to 100 km/h in under
3.8 seconds
. With power sent to all four wheels via the German luxury carmaker’s M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the performance SUV’s top speed is electronically capped at
250 km/h
, with the optional M Driver’s Package adding another 40 km/h.
The BMW M Hybrid system consists of a
25.7 kWh
 battery, which can provide up to
83 km
 (WLTP) of pure electric range. When the battery runs flat, it can be charged at a maximum rate of
7.4 kW
 via an AC charger. Juicing up the battery from flat to full will take approximately
4.25 hours
.
BMW Group Malaysia
 Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, “With the New BMW XM Label Red, we are presenting to our customers here – the most powerful BMW production vehicle ever built! The new iteration of the BMW XM brings more exhilaration and customisation for customers who place luxury-oriented comfort and dynamic performance above all else.”
He added, “With a powerful V8 engine at its core, yet superbly efficient with the BMW M Hybrid system, we are confident that this new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will not only turn heads on the road but also shift perspective on electrified performance-oriented vehicles in Malaysia.”
The performance SUV is fitted with some performance parts as standard to go with its SAV status. This includes the brand’s adaptive M suspension Professional with Active Roll Comfort, Integral Active Steering, M Sport braking system, and also M Sport differential.
Owners of the BMW XM Label Red will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience. This consists of a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme from the manufacturer, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.
RELATED:
BMW brings back the clown shoe with new Concept Touring Coupe
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Ukrainian built Bugatti Chiron replica using the most unlikely car!

And it’s a late 2000s Hyundai Coupe. Bet it was the last car you’d expect but we’re sure you didn’t expect this
replica Lamborghini to made out of a Honda Accord too
!
Just goes to show that if there’s a will, there’ll always be a way! Judging from the resemblance of the replica to the
actual Chiron
, the builder had some pretty strong willpower!
Imagine how many hours the builder from Ukraine took to perfect the shape of that incredibly intricate rear-end; not to mention the fin that splits the rear windscreen and the “C-panel” on the side of the car.
To the untrained eye, it could’ve been easily passed off as an actual Bugatti Chiron!
And we’re pretty sure that if you had this “Chiron” staring down your rear view mirror, from afar, you’d think that it’s Bugatti 2.4 million euro hypercar!
Look at those headlamps…surely you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, from a distance, can you?
Source:
GTspirit


KL City GP is a go, set to boost Malaysian economy with RM1.2 bil by 2020

The
Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix
 has officially been given the green light by the
Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
(FIA) for the go ahead of the inaugural street race that will be held in the heart of KL from the 7 to 9 August 2015. The press briefing was headed by YAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Ja’afar, chairman of GT Global Race (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Three different races have been confimed for the upcoming event which includes the likes of the
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Cup
,
Formula Masters
 and the premier of the
GT City Cup
 featuring a collaboration of top marques and the
V8 Supercars
 series that hails from down under.
Two other sporting championship series are in the midst of being confirmed, including the
Porsche Carrera Cup
 and the
Audi R8 LMS Cup
, the latter piloted by our very own homegrown driver, Alex Yoong. More on that to come.
With less than 70 days on the clock, work is already underway in making this event a reality. DBKL has already started their preliminary surveying and researching helmed by technical director Simon Gardini, who is delegated with the task of ensuring traffic diversions and the safety of not just the spectators but also the drivers in their formidable machines as they whiz around the city centre at high speeds (up to 230 km/h) and in preparation for the boys over at SIC (Sepang International Circuit) to carry out their marshaling duties.
The realisation of this massive undertaking is the stimulation of the local economy, with tourists flocking here from every corner of the earth. In 2014 alone for example, over
2 million fans
 got together for the V8 Supercar series in Australia alone.
Advisory firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) estimates that over
100,000 fans
 will potentially flock to the upcoming event. PWC also indicates that, by 2020, this race series would have contributed as much
RM1.2 billion
 to the local economy, providing up to
10,000 employment opportunites
.
In preparation for this, hotels and businesses in the city and those surrounding the 3.2km raceway are gearing up for the upcoming barrage of tourist and spectators. Private tenants with offices and balconies overlooking the track are given the opportunity to host guests and/or customers to watch the races from the comfort of their units, joining the ranks of exotic locales such as Monaco, Singapore and Macau.
Deputy Director General of DBKL, Dato’ Haji Mohd Najib said road works surrounding the city are well underway to improve road conditions, citing that majority of the funds will be financed by race organiser, GT Global Race Sdn Bhd. He also added however, that a small portion of the public’s funds will be allocated to aid this development.
IMAGE GALLERY
Kuala Lumpur City Grand Press Announcement


New Honda Civic launched in Thailand, priced from RM100k [+Video]

Nothing can quite excite Malaysians more than the words ‘turbocharged Honda Civic’, unless we tell you that it’s coming here sooner than you think. Over in Thailand, the 10th-gen Civic sedan has just been launched with two engine offerings, one of which is the all-new blown powertrain.
Just like before, Thailand will get to choose between two engines for the new Civic: the base
140 hp 1.8-litre R18A
engine (which is a carryover from two generations ago) and the range topping
170 hp 1.5-litre turbocharged
 engine. All engines are mated with a ‘seven-speed’ CVT, which is also a first for the Civic.
There will be four trims on offer in Thailand, two for each engine option. The 1.8-litre gets two variants: E and EL, while the 1.5-litre turbo receives an additional RS variant to complement the standard one. Naturally, the 1.5-litre variant will be the ones to come with all the bells and whistles; there’s even a sportier RS offering for it!
Depending on variants, the Thai-spec Civics receive the following kit:
Projector Lens headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
Full LED headlights for 1.5 Turbo RS
C-shaped rear lights with LED
16-inch alloy wheels for 1.8 E & 1.8 EL, 17-inch alloy wheels for 1.5 Turbo and 1.5 Turbo RS
7-inch touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay Support
Electronic Parking Brake
Engine Remote Start
Honda LaneWatch blindspot monitoring system

It’s available in five colours: White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Cosmic Blue Metallic. Pricing for them is as follows:
1.8 E – THB 869,000 (approx RM100,976.00)
1.8 EL – THB 959,000 (approx RM111,434.00)
1.5 Turbo – THB 1,099,000 (approx RM127,700.00)
1.5 Turbo RS – THB 1,199,000 (approx RM139,321.00)
As always with Honda, the Modulo bodykit is offered as an option
Enough of Thailand, then. Honda Malaysia has confirmed that the new Civic will be making its way here this year, and it will be locally assembled at their production plant in Pagoh, Melaka. Things are certainly heating up in the C-Segment field, especially after Ford introduced their
turbocharged Focus facelift
. What will the pricing be like, then? The outgoing Civic is currently priced at RM116,400 to RM135,900.00, so the new Civic to cost somewhere around the same figures.
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Toyota Velocity Esports Championship winner walked home with RM20,000 cash!

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just brought the thrills and spirit of racing to Sunway Pyramid with the inaugural Toyota Velocity Esports Championship (TVEC). From 21 to 23 of September, over 400 participants raced against each other to claim the top spot as the nation’s fastest simulator driver.
The TVEC saw participants blast down Suzuka International Race Track in the Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept available on the Playstation Gran Turismo Sport racing simulator. Participants went through qualifying day which saw 10 finalists with the fastest qualifying time battle each other on the final round for the Championship trophy.

Muhammad Uzair S Abdul Nasir Khan went home with the championship trophy and RM20,000 cash prize while Mior Muhammad Hafiz Mior Lahmudin was awarded RM10,000 for taking P2. Aiman Haziq Aidi, the third podium finisher of the day received an RM5,000 cash prize while the rest of the finalist received consolation prizes of RM2,000 each.
The adrenaline filled weekend also saw celebrities from the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival; Diana Danielle, Janna Nick, Shawn Lee and Syukri Yahaya, Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Akim Ahmad and Nabil Ahmad raced against UMW Toyota Motor’s racers.
Fans will also be able to catch the celebrities in full action at the upcoming Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival at MAEPS Serdang happening from 19th to 21st October 2018.
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Video: Going topless in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport in Australia

If not for Toyota joining forces with BMW for a one-off
collaboration, the third generation Z4 might never have made it to production,
and an all-new Supra would’ve remained a pipe dream. Thank heavens they got
together and sorted things out.
For the third generation Z4, BMW has kept the roofing options to just one – a powered soft-top that retracts and tucks itself away in 10 seconds; the fastest in its class and you can also do it at speeds of no more than 50 km/h, which is rather cool. Without the hardtop contraption that previously ate into trunk space when folded, the new Z4’s 281-litre volume is permanent and more than adequate for a two-seater.

For Malaysia, only one variant is offered – sDrive30i in M Sport trim
. It comes with all the modern trappings expected of a roadster costing half a million ringgit and is powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an output of 258 hp and 400 Nm, mated to an 8-speed auto sending drive to the rear wheels. BMW has kept the Z4 fairly light at 1.5-tonnes, so accelerating from idle to 100 km/h only takes 5.4 seconds, with the top down, it feels even faster.
So-called purists may prefer a Porsche 718 Boxster for its more focused dynamics, but the Z4 is probably the more complete package for the same money at RM 479,800.


Video: 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5 G Review

Ever since the
new Toyota Yaris
 was previewed to the public in April,
we’ve shared countless articles about its facts and figures
; and without a shadow of a doubt, the
latest rival to the Honda Jazz
certainly shows more promise than its predecessor.
It’s about time really; for a segment that makes up the majority of Malaysian car buyers, there are surprisingly limited options for something small, practical and reliable.

You may not have favourable opinions on how the new Yaris looks, with majority pointing out the overly complicated, “extremely busy” front end design but deep down, we all know this thing will keep going for years, as history has dictated with the brand’s Vios line-up.
Prices for the new Toyota Yaris starts from RM83,888 for the high spec G variant, RM76,888 for the E variant and
RM70,888
 for the base model J variant.


New Volkswagen Tiguan R will do 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds!

Revealed in July this year
, Volkswagen has released more information on the new Tiguan R and with those figures, it completely renders the previous generation Mk7.5 Golf R inferior and won’t even need to feel inferior against something like the FK8 Civic Type R!
The
Mk7.5 Golf R
 will do the same run in
4.9 seconds
 while the
fastest FWD car on the Suzuka Circuit
 in Japan, the
FK8 Honda Civic Type R
can only muster a
5.8 second time
. As for the latest
Mk8 Golf R
, it’ll do 0 to 100 km/h in
4.7 seconds
.
The Tiguan R is powered by the latest version of the EA888 Evo4 engine, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder power plant with
 320 hp
 and
 420 Nm
. That’s almost as much torque as the bonkers
previous generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45
 and
40 Nm more
 than the Mk7.5 Golf R.
Transmission options are rather interesting; aside from the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, there’s also a 6-speed manual to drive all-four wheels. This process is aided by a 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.
This system does not just distribute the drive power between the front and rear axles, but also distributes it variably between the left and right rear wheels. For a sportier driving experience, there’s a blue R button on the new multifunction steering wheel. As for the exterior, 20-inch or 21-inch wheel options are available along with an optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and 18-inch brake discs.
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Mercedes-AMG E43 unleashed, 3.0L bi-turbo V6 with 401 hp at RM659k!

The sixth and final car to join the AMG 43-series model is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) Masterpiece of Intelligence, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC. Sitting at the top of the
E Class range
, the E 43 currently the most potent 43-series on offer not to mention the most expensive at RM658,888.
Packing the same 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 as the rest of the 43-series, the mill is massaged to make an additional 34 hp, bringing the total output to
401 hp
. Torque however remains at
520 Nm
. Power is channelled to all four-wheels via a nine-speed G-Tronic gearbox. The executive sedan will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and on full whack will hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC
Engine
3.0-litre bi-turbo V6
Transmission
9-speed G-TRONIC
Max Power
401 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Max Torque
520 Nm @ 2,500 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.6 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM658,888
Like the
GLC 43
 duo, the E 43 comes standard with AMG Sports Suspension with Air Body Control or airmatic sports suspension. Stopping power comes courtesy of a set of 360 x 36 mm four-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm one-piston fixed callipers at the rear.
Discerning this purebred AMG from a regular E Class are the AMG diamond radiator grille, large intakes to ensure optimal airflow, chrome finishes, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser, “BITURBO 4MATIC” lettering on the front fenders and 20-inch five-spoke AMG alloys.

Inside, the E 43 retains all the creature comforts as expected from an E Class – Nappa leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, powered front seats with memory function, keyless entry and start, 360-degree surround camera, panoramic sliding sun roof, Burmester surround sound system, powered rear sun blinds, powered boot and ambient lighting. Some AMG unique trims include Nappa leather wrapped multifunctional sports steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster, red seat belts, AMG door sill panels and AMG floor mats.

Just like any other cars distributed by MBM, the E 43 comes with a 4-Years unlimited mileage warranty package as standard. Through Agility Financing and Hire Purchase Classic from Mercedes-Benz Financial, monthly repayments starts from as low as RM6,588.
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UMW Toyota recalls Toyota 86 over faulty Engine Valve Spring, 120 units affected

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just issued a recall campaign for Toyota 86 manufactured 2012 to 2013 to replace a potentially faulty Engine Valve Spring. A total of 120 units of Toyota 86 sold and distributed through official UMWT distributors are involved in this Special Service Campaign (SSC).
Due to the discrepancy in design assumption and manufacturing variation, when the engine performance load exceeds the Engine Valve Spring’s fatigue strength it may potentially fracture resulting in the engine to stall and unable to restart.
UMWT will notify all affected vehicle owners and perform the repair and replacement for free. Owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-88-69682. All Toyota Owners can look up whether their vehicles are involved in any recall campaign by keying in their VIN/Chassis number
here
.


Volvo Car Malaysia makes a comeback in Sarawak with Fotroende Automobile

Volvo Car Malaysia has marked its return in East Malaysia together with appointed dealer, Fotroende Automobile with opening of Volvo Kuching – a full fledged 3S centre – located along Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching.
The name Fotroende is derived from the Swedish word “Förtroende” which means “confidence”; something the company’s Principal hopes to build in Kuching.
Don’t think it’ll be any harder to find the place than it is to pronounce that name but you won’t be hearing the last of it.
“Sarawak’s potential in the premium car market cannot be understated. It’s vital that we regain a foothold in Kuching before expanding into other cities within the state. We have worked hard to ensure that the brand is represented by competent and passionate dealer partners that will serve our customers well,” said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Mr Lennart Stegland.
Like walking into an IKEA-themed living room, Volvo Kuching will offer what Volvo calls the “Volvo Retail Experience” or VRE; a customer-centric, Scandinavian-inspired experience that is cool on the outside and warm on the inside.
“VRE is based on Volvo’s brand philosophy which revolves around people and what’s important to them. I am confident that Fotroende Automobile will deliver the expected level of service to our loyal customers in Kuching,” Stegland adds.
“Demand for the brand is strong, especially with the arrival of exciting new models from Volvo. We are proud to represent the Volvo brand here in Kuching,” said Fotroende Automobile, Managing Director, David Lai.
Fotroende opens from 8:30 am till 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and closes at 4:00 pm on Saturday. The showroom is also open on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm.
For further information about the showroom, please contact 07 4312222 or you can e-mail the Sales Manager, Brandon Linang Anak Albert Juan, at
[email protected]
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Porsche Malaysia unveils the new third generation Porsche Cayenne

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has revealed the third generation Porsche Cayenne in Malaysia where it not only continues its excellent balance of performance and practicality but now offers a wider range of standard equipment.
The new Cayenne is available in two variants – the 3.0-litre turbo Cayenne delivering
340 hp
, 40 hp more than the previous model along with the 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo in the Cayenne S delivers
440 hp
, a 20 hp increase. Power is delivered through a new 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox.
With the Sports Chrono Package, the new Cayenne S is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. The new third generation Cayenne is now up to 65 kg lighter thanks to its intelligent construction.
For the first time, the new Cayenne will feature mixed tyres and rear-axle steering. On-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche’s 4D Chassis Control and a three-chamber air suspension.
This is further supplemented with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), electronic roll stabilisation system and a newly developed Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB).
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Honda Civic updated with Honda Sensing; now available for booking

With more than 50,000 units sold and a total of
133,000 on Malaysian roads
 across all generations, the current best-selling C-segment car in Malaysia — the 10th generation Honda Civic, will be receiving a refresh and will be launched officially in quarter 4 of 2019. Bookings can now be made at all 98 Honda dealerships nationwide.
The new Honda Civic will be powered by the same
1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine
 from the existing variants, producing an output of
173 hp
 and
220 Nm
 of torque. The engine is mated to Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology continuous variable transmission (CVT), providing a balance of fuel efficiency and performance.
Most notably, the new Honda Civic will be getting the full suite of
Honda Sensing advanced safety system
 . The new system includes adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and auto high-beam.
Honda Sensing promises to assist the driver in three main categories of safety — driver’s cruising aid, frontal collision deterrence, and side collision deterrence.
Additionally, the new Civic also offers the
Honda LaneWatch
 camera system. The camera-based technology is designed as an improvement over regular blind-spot monitoring system to offer the driver an enhanced view of the left side traffic. A new front parking sensor is also added to the new Civic to make maneuvering in tight spaces more effortless.
Styling wise, the refreshed Civic receives a new front bumper, rear bumper garnish, tailgate spoiler, painted front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels to enhance the sporty look of the Civic.
Honda Malaysia has yet to disclose the full pricing and variants for the new Honda Civic. With more than 82% of the C-segment market share captured by the Civic as of July 2019, it’s no secret that Malaysians are attracted to the Honda Civic. Will the refresh of the Honda Civic with new safety features be enough to sway more over?


Budget 2023: Gov’t to bear licence test fees for B2 motorcycle, taxi, bus, and e-hailing PSV

As part of the revised Malaysia Budget 2023 that is being tabled today in the
Dewan Rakyat
, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed for the government to absorb the driving test fees for the B2 motorcycle licence category, alongside PSV licences for
e-hailing
, taxi, and bus drivers.
This is similar to what was proposed by the former finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, during the original tabling of Budget 2023 last year.
The initiative is intended to alleviate the pressure within the lower-income community caused by the rising living cost, as well as to assist in micro- and small businesses, particularly in the food delivery and transportation sectors.
The B2 licence tests currently incur a total cost of MR37 split across two parts, and includes rental of test motorcycles as well as the use of the test circuit. However, most driving schools currently charge approximately RM600-800 for the B2 motorcycle licences, as it also includes training sessions.
As for the PSV licences, there is currently a RM20 fee for registration purposes. However, e-hailing operators are still required to have a valid competent driving licence (CDL), plus an E-hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP) that costs approximately RM110, among other training and tests, to be able to ferry passengers legally.


Video: Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV review

GC Mah is back again with yet another family-friendly Volvo that’s capable of leaving behind most modern sportscars in its electric trail – the
S90 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV
.
Priced at RM 388,888, the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV, is what
most would consider a bargain for what it offers
. It’s packed with a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine along with an electric motor, producing a combined
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 of torque.
As such, its performance figures (0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds) are just as impressive as its equipment list; air suspension for the rear axle, an impeccable 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the dependable Pilot Assist system.


Review: W205 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde – The Silent Screamer

“It can’t be a hybrid, it doesn’t look like one,” mutters a friend. I don’t blame him because there used to be a time when every hybrid car looked almost the same with a peculiar silhouette but now, they look just like any other ordinary vehicle and the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is no different. Apart from the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and a few other insane hybrid hypercars, the more pedestrian C 350 e is pretty much reserved in its presentation, allowing you to blend in with the, well, dirtier non-hybrid vehicles on the road.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde
Engine
1,991 cc; 4-cylinder, turbocharged, with electric motor
Transmission
7-speed automatic
Max Power
211 hp @ 5,500 (petrol engine) 80 hp (electric motor)
279 hp
 (combined)
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,200 rpm (petrol engine) 340 Nm (electric motor)
600 Nm
 (combined)
Price
RM289,888.00
Same goes to the
Volvo XC90 T8
,
BMW 330e
, and the
BMW X5 xDrive40e
 – they are just as frugal as the earlier hybrid pioneers, if not better, yet they pack a serious punch with colossal torque figures that eclipse the supercars of yesteryear. Furthermore, locally-assembled hybrid cars are granted special tax relief from the Malaysian government, which explains why the C 350 e is cheaper than the non-hybrid C 300.
TAKING THE BATON
The C 350 e’s price advantage over the C 300 led to the exit of the latter from Mercedes Benz Malaysia’s portfolio, effectively making the C 350 e the range-topping non-AMG C-Class in Malaysia. There are three trims to choose from but even in the cheapest Avantgarde model like ours, the equipment level is impressive.

As standard, it rides on fancy
air suspension
 as it rolls on a set of flashy
19-inch wheels
. And then there’s a sunroof, tri-zone climate control, a
Burmester audio system
, powered front seats and powered steering column to name a few, so there’s no such thing as a “base” C 350 e.

Externally there’s little to set the C 350 e from a regular C-Class but upon closer inspection you’ll discover the blue mascara inside the
LED headlamps
 and the same shade of blue can be seen on the brake calipers peeking through those turbine-style alloys. And if you opt for a darker shade of paint you’ll miss to notice the additional charging flap on the rear bumper; very subtle. What’s more, if you top up a few thousand more you’ll receive AMG wheels and bumpers, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, surround view camera, a bigger Comand screen and a more extensive sunroof.
WHAT’S UNDERNEATH THAT PRETTY DRESS?
It’s a fusion of old and new. The
turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder
 petrol mill is the same unit that powers the C 250, yielding 211 hp and 350 Nm but the new bit here is the
electric motor
 that’s lodged between the engine and the
7-speed auto
 box. In isolation the electric motor generates 60 kW (80 hp) and 340 Nm but wholly the C 350 e dishes out a wholesome
279 hp
, with a torque figure that breaches into the AMG territory at
600 Nm
. Yes, that’s 80 Nm more than the
C43
AMG
 and 100 Nm shy of the
AMG C 63 S
. Yikes!
Having an electric motor on board means the car also has to accommodate an extra power source and for that reason the boot space has shrunk from 480 litres to
355 litres
 to make way for the 6.38 kWh battery pack. However, the rear seats’ backrest do split 40/20/40 and fold down to accommodate longer items.
The rest of the cabin is unchanged from the regular W205 C-Class – featuring excellent build quality, classy design and ambrosial leather but we reckon you should splurge the extra “moolah” and get the AMG Line for the extra swish carbon trim, panoramic glass roof and that classy analogue clock. It’s those little extra bits that make a huge difference to the overall cabin ambiance.
WALK THE WALK, TALK THE TORQUE
So how does 600 Nm feel like? Surprisingly sedated. Even if you do set the driving mode to its sportiest setting, the torque is very well managed almost to the point that you think Mercedes might have been over exaggerating about those figures. Nevertheless, the progress from low to mid range is pretty relentless and overtaking slower vehicles is nothing more than a flex of your right ankle. Don’t get me wrong, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of
 5.9 seconds
 the C 350e is a proper quick car – it’s just that you don’t feel the surge from behind the wheel.
With that much grunt Mercedes still haven’t forgotten about the fuel saving part. As with most hybrid cars, the aim is to use as little fuel as possible and as such, Mercedes has come up with a
haptic accelerator pedal
 to assist you to drive economically. It may sound gimmicky but it actually works. In E mode, they’ve added a midway pressure point on the accelerator pedal to refrain you from firing up the petrol mill and you will also feel a double tap from the pedal telling you to chill and ease off the throttle.
Mercedes claims that you can travel up to
31 km
 with a fully charged battery (which takes less than three hours to charge using the standard three-pin charger) but in a hot and humid Malaysian afternoon, yours truly only managed to get 20 km out of it before the engine was awoken to keep the car running. Nothing spectacular if compared to the rivals and the transition from electric to petrol is not the smoothest  but replenishing the battery using the Charge mode is quite fast, even if the trade-off meant burning more fuel.
Ride on the air suspension is supple on most occasions although don’t expect it to glide over rough surfaces like an S-Class as those devilish potholes still send jolts to the occupants’ buttocks. Throw it around fast corners and it stays level but the C 350 e doesn’t feel like it wants to play on winding roads and it doesn’t hide its weight penalty over its non-hybrid sibling as well as its
Munich counterpart
.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
If you enjoy a spirited drive once in a while the C 350 e is a punchy performer even though there’s not much fun to be had when the roads start to tangle. The steering is sharp and there’s plenty of grip but the safe and secure handling may not beguile the more avid drivers out there.
However, if you’re a more laid-back type of driver looking for a classy compact premium hybrid sedan, nothing comes close to the C 350 e. It looks great, the spec sheet is long and the abundant torque means it’s effortless across the rev range. The limited cargo space in the boot may be a deal breaker if you have a growing family but that’s just a small trade-off considering that the C 350 e Avantgarde is just RM 2,000 dearer than the less powerful C 250 AMG Line.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota Gazoo Racing to introduce the GR Super Sport Concept

Traditionally, the Tokyo Auto Salon has been used as a platform to display customised cars and at next year’s event in January, Toyota will be displaying the GR Super Sport Concept – a possible hypercar that could be to Toyota, what the
Project One
 is to Mercedes-AMG.
The concept takes inspiration from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s involvement in the World Endurance Championships and is designed to display how technological feedback acquired from motorsports can be incorporated into real-world products.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing GT86
As far as integration of motorsports know-how into product development goes, Toyota had launched the
new “GR” sports car series
 which includes the Vitz, Prius, Mark X and none other than the GT86. Even the
Toyota Harrier
 was involved in the development.
Toyota also recently introduced the
GR HV Sports concept car
 that’s powered by the Toyota Hybrid System Racing (THS-R). Essentially an automatic, drive controls can be operated with the buttons positioned at the centre console. Switching to a proper manual, the 6-speed “manual-style” driving with H-pattern shifting can be activated with a push of a button.


Bentley and Akrapovič creates new titanium exhaust for Continental GT Speed

Bentley has collaborated with Akrapovic to offer a new lightweight titanium exhaust for the Continental GT Speed and the GT Speed Convertible.
The titanium exhaust is the result of extensive development and testing as it was even fitted onto the record-breaking Pikes Peak Continental GT. The race car holds the 2019 Production Car record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
The new sports exhaust was designed to intensify the deep tones of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine, which is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world.
As it is made of titanium at Akrapovič’s in-house titanium foundry, it’s seven kilograms lighter than the standard muffler. Akrapovič says it’s stronger and lighter with even more optimised flow compared to the standard muffler.
Like most modern exhaust systems, the exhaust note can change depending on the drive mode. In Sport mode, the muffler puts out a high-frequency sound with distinctive burbles when on overrun. This is done through a valve mounted on each rear muffler, operated by a dedicated electronic control unit.
The muffler will also improve throttle response thanks to optimised back pressure, which also improves the turbocharged W12 engine’s performance.
The surface of the muffler has been sandblasted and coated for a smooth finish. The coating also allows the matte titanium muffler to be scratch-resistant.
GALLERY


Third generation Audi TT Coupe unveiled at Geneva Motor Show [+Video]

Audi has just unveiled the third generation all-new Audi TT at the Geneva Motor Show. Not only it shares the same VW Group’s MQB platform with VW Golf, both Audi TT and TTS use the same engine as the Golf. The new Audi TT is now 140kg lighter than the original Audi TT, thanks to its aluminium and ultra-high-strength steel alloy structure.
The original Audi TT did look like a stretched out VW Beetle when Audi first introduced it to the world in 1998. Then came the curvy Mk2 TT in 2006 which is well acceptable up until today. This all-new third generation TT appears to be a little boxier and is constructed mainly by straight lines. However, it is still unmistakably an Audi TT.
The new design gives the TT a more muscular and aggressive look from all angles. Even with its wider wheelbase by 37mm to 2,505mm, it is about as long its predecessor at 4,180 mm. It is 1,832 mm wide, and has the same height as the Mk2 TT at 1,353 mm.
There will be few models which includes a manual front wheel drive and a 2.0-litre TDI engine from the Golf GTD. It produces 184 hp and 380Nm of torque. It does 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. Then there’s the dual-clutch, quattro 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the Golf GTI engine with Performance Pack. 230 hp, 370 Nm of torque takes you from 0 to 100 in 6.0 seconds, or 5.3 seconds with optional Quattro and six-speed S-Tronic dual clutch automatic.

If that’s not fast enough, Audi has the TTS that is powered by a 310 hp, 380 Nm 2.0-litre TFSI. It can do 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds! By the way, at a speed of 120 km/h a spoiler extends from the trunk lid to reduce drag and increase downforce. It also works to practically tell the world ‘Here, here! I’m speeding!’
Audi had a total revamp on its interior with “less is more” philosophy in mind. It is so neat, there’s even no central display, as everything is laid out ahead of the driver on a TFT screen, or ‘Audi’s Virtual Cockpit’. The controls for the air conditioning system are located on the air vents themselves.
Passengers in the car can enjoy a slightly roomier space due to the increase in wheelbase. Luggage space in the boot is at 305 litres, which is 13 litres bigger than the previous model. The in-car audio system features Bang & Olufsen Sound System of 14-channel amplifier and 12 loudspeakers.
Audi has yet to announce the release date and price. However, it is speculated to be around £28,000, or RM185k.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton sales drop to 4,453 units in January 2022, cites flood-related production woes

While Proton
closed off 2021 on a high
, the company’s sales performance for January 2022 can only be characterised as “underwhelming”, with only 4,453 units sold (including export) in the month, representing a 25.3% year-on-year drop.
The national carmaker attributed the sales drop to the shortage of stock to fulfil orders, caused by the knock-on effect of the devastating floods across the country at the end of last year that affected many of its parts vendors’ production facilities, restricting Proton’s production capacity in January.
The effect is most noticeable on the
Proton Saga
 – usually their best-selling product, the national carmaker only managed to deliver 74 units of the A-segment sedan in January 2022.
Proton says the effect was also compounded by the minimal carry-over stock from last year, as they worked to close the gap between supply and market demand.
RELATED:Proton to import and distribute Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand
Among all models, the
Proton X50
 and
X70
 were the firsts to resume production, and this was reflected in their January 2022 sales volume – 2,601 units sold for the X50, and 799 for the X70. Despite the modest numbers compared to the previous month, the company says that the figure still helped Proton retain the title of the “number one SUV brand in Malaysia”.
“After a successful end to 2021, January was a very tough month for Proton. Our short supply situation became magnified by the lack of units being produced, creating a severe shortage for our dealers,” said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
“Thankfully, production for all our models resumed in January, though some required more time than others. We are, however, confident of meeting our targets for 2022 based on market projections as well as our sales and marketing plans for the rest of the year.”
ALSO READ: Proton R3 unveils new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise
On the mention of floods, the company says that over 1,200 flood-affected Proton vehicles have been received at its authorised service centres nationwide as of January 2022. These vehicles are then divided into four categories, depending on the severity of the damage suffered, before assessments are made and repairs get underway.
“Proton would like to remind all customers with flood damaged cars to send their vehicles to our network of authorised service centres to enjoy benefits such as free towing and car wash services, as well as
discounted parts and labour charges
. We are also thankful to the government for the
RM1,000 assistance voucher
, which has proven to be invaluable for many of our customers,” added Roslan Abdullah.


Annyeonghaseyo Hyundai Santa Fe, 4 variants from RM169k

Previewed at the
2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)
, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) has now officially launched the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe to the local market.
There are
four variants
 available for the new 7-seater SUV split between 2 powertrain options – the 2.4L MPI petrol Executive and Premium as well as the 2.2L CRDi turbodiesel Executive and Premium. Prices start from RM169,888 for the entry-level 2.4L Executive, climbing to RM211,888 for the range-topping 2.2L CRDi Premium.

QUICK FACTS
 Name
 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Executive
 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Premium

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi Executive
 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi Premium
 Engine
 2,359cc; 4-cylinder
MPI
 2,359cc; 4-cylinder
MPI
 2,199cc; 4-cylinder
CRDi turbodiesel
 2,199cc; 4-cylinder
CRDi turbodiesel
 Transmission
 6-speed automatic
 6-speed automatic
 8-speed
automatic
 8-speed
automatic
 Max Power
 172 hp @ 6,000
rpm
 172 hp @ 6,000
rpm
 193 hp @ 3,800
rpm
 193 hp @ 3,800
rpm
 Max Torque
 225 Nm @ 4,000
rpm
 225 Nm @ 4,000
rpm
 440 Nm @ 1,750
– 2,750 rpm
 440 Nm @ 1,750
– 2,750 rpm
 Price (OTR
without insurance)
 RM169,888
 RM189,888
 RM191,888
 RM211,888
The executive variants
come equipped with projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights
and dynamic bending lights function, halogen units for the front headlamps and taillamps,
18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/60 profile rubbers and roof rails.
Stepping up to the Premium
variants you’ll get upgraded to LED units for the headlamps, taillamps, front
and rear fog lamps as well as 19-inch alloys shod with 235/55 profile tyres. Distinguishing
the petrol and diesel variants are the exhaust outlet (single exit for petrol,
dual exits for diesel) and 2.2CRDi badging found on the rear.
The cabin is well furnished with the Executive variants featuring black leather upholstery, 10-way powered driver seats, smart keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake, analogue instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT LCD display, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronically folding middle row seats and 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The RM20,000
difference is spent on the additional Burgundy option for the upholstery (Black
still available), 8-way powered passenger seat, leather dashboard trim, Deluxe
cloth or Suede headliner, 7.0-inch Supervision LCD info display (analogue dials
for the rev counter, temperature and fuel gauge), Qi wireless charging tray, rain
sensor wipers and powered tailgate.
Under the hood, you’ll find either a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI petrol engine making
172 hp
 and
225 Nm
 or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDi unit developing
193 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. The MPI unit is paired to a 6-speed automatic to drive the front wheels while the CRDi gets the 8-speeder and all-wheel-drive.
As standard, all variants of the Santa Fe get six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). On the Premium variants, it adds Rear Occupant Alert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW). Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems were given a miss for the local-spec Santa Fe.
There are six
available colours for the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe – White Cream, Typhoon
Silver, Stormy Sea, Rain Forest, Earthy Bronze and Phantom Black. Every purchase
is also covered with a 5-Years or 300,00 km Warranty and a 3-Years/50,000 km
Free Scheduled Service.
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium AWD
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L MPI Premium 2WD


Check out these exclusive Raya deals by Naza Automotive Group!

From the start of the fasting month until the end of June, Naza Automotive Group is offering all sorts of deals to help you realise your dream of making your relatives jealous – with a new car!
With every purchase of selected Kia models during the Cuti-Cuti Kia Raya promotion, customers stand to walk away with a complimentary holiday destination of choice, worth up to RM10,000.
The
Kia Optima EX
 – a D-segment sedan for C-segment money.
Even if you don’t acquire a Kia vehicle, you’d receive complimentary Kia merchandise just by test driving their vehicles from now till 30th May 2019.
As with Peugeot Malaysia, customers stand to save up to RM18,000 on selected Peugeot vehicles through the Peugeot Raya Drive campaign including the
Peugeot 208 PureTech
,
5008 SUV
 or the 3008 SUV that comes with 5-years warranty, 3-years free service and 1-year free insurance.
The
Peugeot 3008 SUV
deserves more credit than it’s getting. Check out
Adrian’s review
 and find out why!
At the Naza Automall, a candy store for the grown ups, Naza Motor Trading is offering great deals until 5th June 2019 for a wide variety of vehicles for a limited time only with special “weekend prices” on selected vehicles.


BMW 530i & 530e facelift priced from RM318k – up to RM20k pricier but with more standard kit

BMW Malaysia today officially launched the BMW 5 Series LCI facelift here on our shores, following the
model reveal in March this year
. The new executive sedan will be offered in only two variants in Malaysia at launch, being the 530e and 530i variants, both equipped with the M Sport package.
Prices for the new locally-assembled BMW 5 Series starts at
RM317,534
 for the 530e M Sport, moving up to
RM368,122
 for the 530i M Sport, both on-the-road prices, without insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions, and the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
With the
optional extended warranty and service package
, which bumps the warranty period to five years, alongside free scheduled services, the prices go up to
RM334,354
 and
RM384,942
 respectively, which are both lower than previously estimated.
These prices will be valid
until the 30th of June
; with SST included, prices will be bumped up to
RM340,800
 and
RM395,800
 for the BMW 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport respectively here in Malaysia.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new models are RM2,000 and RM23,000 (based on non-SST-exempted prices) more expensive than before, but with a significant number of added extra kit coming as standard.
The BMW 5 Series facelift was
first unveiled globally last year
, featuring a refreshed exterior, most notably on the front end. The kidney grille, while still being roughly equal in size from before, now gets a slightly more angular appearance.
The grille is flanked by new reprofiled headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, while the tail lights also gain a new three-dimensional lens with new light signatures.
Both the variants of the BMW 5 Series facelift here in Malaysia are dressed with the M Sport package, which adds sportier bumpers featuring larger air intakes up front, and contrasting grey inserts at the rear – the latter featuring trapezoidal tailpipe exits and diffuser elements.
Both models also get the same staggered 19-inch Y-spoke Style 845 M wheels, wrapped in 245/40 and 275/35 profile tyres front and rear. The main differentiating factor between the two models on the outside are the headlights; the 530e is equipped with the standard Adaptive LED headlights, while the range-topping 530i gets the more advanced BMW LaserLights.
Inside, both models are also mostly identical, with standard equipment including the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a new 12.3-inch infotainment display (two inches larger than before), sport seats upholstered in Dakota leather, Smoke Grey Aluminium Rhombicle trim, and black headlining.
Being the range-topping model, the 530i does come with a few extra bits of kit, such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display for the driver, and a 16-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system (standard 12-speaker, 205-watt BMW HiFi system on the 530e).
In terms of safety and conveniences features, both cars are fitted with the BMW Driving Assistant package that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Only the 530i is equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, however.
Both the 530e and 530i are also fitted with the Parking Assistant Plus suite, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and a three-dimensional view – a notable upgrade from the previous models, which only comes with a reverse camera.
Underneath the hood, the BMW 530i M Sport is unchanged from before, with the same B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out
252 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. The turbocharged mill is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.
The 530e M Sport meanwhile, receives an updated powertrain that mirrors the all-new 330e. The 184 hp/300 Nm B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine here is paired to a 50 kW (68 hp) electric motor, for a total system output of
252 hp
 and
420 Nm
.
While output figures are the same as before, a new XtraBoost function allows the powertrain to temporarily increase its output up to 292 hp on heavier acceleration. Additionally, it also now gets a larger 12 kWh battery (up from 9.2 kWh), which increases the fully-electric range up from 48 km to 67 km. Fuel consumption for the PHEV 530e is rated at 2.3 litres per 100 km combined.
BMW 530e M Sport with optional M Performance Package
For a detailed breakdown of all the features and appointments in both the updated BMW 5 Series models here in Malaysia, be sure to check out our full write-up
here
.
GALLERY
2021 BMW 530e M Sport
2021 BMW 530i M Sport


Woman claims to be raped by Grab driver, suspect remanded for six days

According to a report by
TheStar Online
, Serdang OCPD has received a report from a 29-year old woman claiming to have been raped by a Grab driver at 4am on Sunday. The Police have since remanded the 30-year-old suspect at his house in Sungai Buloh on the same day.
The victim requested a Grab service back to her home in Sri Kembangan and the accused allegedly committed the heinous act near her residence. The suspect sent the victim home after committing the crime. According to Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Megat Mohamad Aminudin Megat Alias, the victim was unable to fight the suspect off because she was drunk.
Police has also seized his Perodua Myvi and clothes that he was wearing when he committed the crime. The suspect will be in police custody for six days according to reports. Grab Malaysia have since released a statement regarding the incident on their
Facebook page
.


2017 Nissan Micra unveiled, gets 3-cyl turbo and shares features with the X-Trail!

Currently, the smallest petrol-powered Nissan model sold in Malaysia is the
Nissan Almera
. With the unveiling of the all-new Nissan Micra supermini at the Paris Motor Show, we think Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) should contemplate expanding the product portfolio.
Known as the
Nissan March
 in some markets, this fifth-generation supermini is designed primarily for Europeans. Built in Nissan’s Sunderland Plant, this will be another attempt for Nissan to fight in the ruthless supermini market in Europe. Competition is fierce as Nissan’s alliance partner, Renault, has a popular
Clio
 already on sale. Not forgetting, its Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift will also pose a threat as well.

The Micra’s design falls in line with Nissan’s current design language with a new and distinctive V-motion grille. It also receives sharper headlights and arrow shaped tail lamps. As is the trend lately, the rear door handles are hidden within the C-pillars. It’s also relatively roomy for a B-Segment; with a 2,525mm wheelbase, Nissan claims it’s among the best in class.
Two powertrain options are being offered – a
1.5-litre Renault-sourced diesel
 and
0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine
. Both engines generate
90 hp
. Nissan will add a non-turbo three potter that outputs 73 hp as the entry-level variant.
Fitted to the Micra is the
Nissan Intelligent Driving
. The system consists of Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning. Without a doubt, this new Micra has the makings of a 5-Star Euro NCAP achiever.
This supermini will also share features from the
X-Trail
, such as the
Active Ride Control
and
 Active Trace Control
. The former is to optimise ride comfort while the latter is to ensure that the car stays glued to the roads, especially when taking a corner, thereby reducing understeer.
The Nissan Micra is scheduled to go on sale in Europe by 2017, but whether or not it will reach Malaysia is another question altogether. According to our friends at

CarList.my
, ETCM won’t be introducing new Nissan models until 2018. With the
Honda Jazz
 and
Mazda2
 flying off the shelves here, it’ll be a wasted opportunity if Nissan misses this bandwagon.
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Infiniti Q60 coupe breaks cover, powered by new 3.0-litre V6

Countering the onslaught of two-door premium coupes such as
BMW 4-Series
 and Audi A5, Infiniti unveils the new Q60 two-door coupe, a year after its concept was revealed.
Slated to replace the G37 coupe, the Q60 looks sharper and more muscular than its predecessor. The new Q60 is also larger than its predecessor, measuring at 4,683mm in length, 1,850mm wide, 1,385mm high with a 2,850mm wheelbase.

The rear-wheel driven Q60 will be powered by the company’s new
3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine
 from Nissan’s VR family. Two states of tunes are available; the entry level model gets
296 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque while the top-of-the-range variant gets a heartier
398 hp
 and
 475 Nm
 of torque. There’s an option for a smaller Mercedes-sourced
2.0-litre turbocharged
 unit that produces
205 hp
 with
350 Nm
 of torque. That said, the 3.7-litre from the preceding Q60 is nothing but history. All variants will be mated to a
seven-speed automatic transmission
 with adaptive shift control.
Infiniti has also made significant gains to improve its vehicle’s ride and handling. To begin, the
Direct Adaptive Steering
 has been retuned to improve feedback. A
Drive Mode Selector
 is also available, which alters engine and transmission behaviour through Standard, Snow, Eco, Customise, Sport, and Sport+. The V6 models on the other hand, benefits from the
Rack Electronic Power Steering
 that provides linear assistance while the 2.0-litre model gets the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup.

There are two suspension choices for the Q60 – the entry model gets a set of redesigned shock absorbers and modified shock tuning and bushings. The V6 models benefits from the
Digital Dynamic Suspension
 that receives software and hardware upgrades, including a dedicated set of dampers. A set of 19-inch rims is standard, with 20-inch rims available as option.
The Q60 will be available in showrooms by Summer 2016. In Malaysia, the outgoing Infiniti Q60 is being sold at RM411,139.
IMAGE GALLERY


This state in the US fines you for driving too slow on the highway!

It’s getting worse; spreading like wild fire – it’s fast becoming a plague. Lane hoggers are spawning faster than we can eradicate them and its not just happening here in Malaysia.
The state of Nevada in the US too has been experiencing this apparently and has put into effect a new law where drivers can get fined for driving too slow in the left lane (far right for us). Yeap, the same state that’s also home to the vice-infested Las Vegas.
Speeding issues aside, the Nevada Highway Patrol says the No.1 cause for most road rage are lane hoggers. Sound familiar?
So as of 1st July, if a car is going to be on the left lane, it has to be going at least the speed limit. Based on local news reports, this is not in any way encourage drivers to speed, but to at least keep up with the speed limit to avoid congesting the steady flow of traffic.
A driver was fined for driving at 59 mph (95 km/h) on a 65 mph stretch (105 km/h), causing unnatural flow of traffic. So far less than a handful of drivers have been fined for breaking the new law – with fines costing
50 USD (approx RM 214)
 for the first offence,
100 USD (approx RM 428)
 for the second and
 250 USD (approx RM 1070)
 for the third.
Gosh imagine having to pay that kinda amount in Malaysia for hogging the fast lane without “any leway”, the road would be a more pleasant place for sure!


ALL Volvo cars will be hybrids from 2019 onwards, 5 new EVs to come by 2021!

In a bold and surprising move, Volvo Cars has announced that every new Volvo model to be launched from 2019 onwards will feature some form of electrification, marking an end to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Volvo’s new portfolio of electrified cars will include pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids. These cars will still be primarily powered by petrol and diesel engines, but since all of them will be accompanied with electric motors, Volvo looks to be the brand with the broadest range of electrified cars in the market.

Five pure EVs have been slated for launch between 2019 and 2021, three of which are Volvos and the remaining two will be
high performance EVs from Polestar
, which will be the
first full EV to be assembled in China
. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.
The push for electrified vehicles is driven by Volvo’s commitment to minimising environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions for a cleaner future. The company also aims to achieve climate neutral (little to no impact onto the environment) operations by 2025.
Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars said, “This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car. Volvo Cars plans to sell a total of one million electrified cars by 2025, and we mean it. This is how we are going to do it.”


Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder gets quicker from 0 to 100 km/h, now with PDK transmission

When Porsche launched the top-of-the-range 718 Boxster and Cayman
GTS4.0
,
Cayman GT4
, and
Spyder
 models, they were billed as the ultimate enthusiast-focused midship machine, thus the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox was never offered on these models. Well, not until now.
As reported
earlier this year
, Porsche has now announced that all 718 models will now be available with a PDK transmission option, along with some additional minor aesthetic options and new interior upholstery as part of the 2021 model year changes.
The enthusiast-grade Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
was recently launched in Malaysia
.
With the new dual-clutch transmission fitted, the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder now does the century sprint in just
 3.9 seconds
, an impressive
half a second faster
than the row-your-own-gears counterparts. The improvement is identical on the GTS 4.0 Boxster and Cayman models, now reaching 100 km/h from standstill in
4.0 seconds
 as compared to 4.5 seconds from before.
Aside from plain faster acceleration figures, the new PDK-equipped 718 models also benefits from a new PDK Sport mode for maximum performance, a shorter ratio on the seventh gear, as well as an enhanced mechanical locking rear differential with locking values of 30% and 37%, compared to 22% and 27% on the manual siblings. Porsche says that the new differential set-up improves longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as traction.
The Sport Chrono package also comes as standard on all PDK-equipped models, which adjusts the gearshift characteristics according to the selected driving mode, alongside launch control, and a Sport Response button which activates maximum engine and transmission performance for 20 seconds irrespective of the selected drive mode.
Now, the only question is will you choose the automatic PDK gearbox over a six-speed manual?


BMW kidney grille design will differ from model to model – vary based on vehicle size

BMW’s disruptive vertical kidney grille has drawn mixed opinions ever since it debuted in the
BMW 4 Series
 and now the company has confirmed that there’ll be more kidney grille design changes.
This was noted by BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, who also confirmed to
BMW Blog
 that the kidney grille design will differ from model to model. Van Hooydonk also said the kidney grille styling will vary based on the vehicle’s size.
When queried about BMW’s new design approach, as seen with the
i Vision Dee concept
, van Hooydonk admitted that the i Vision Dee’s radical design appears as if the carmaker has skipped a generation but there’s a reason for it.
“The world is changing faster and faster. Some things that, years ago, one could dream of, or you could see it in a sci-fi movie, now become very close, become real,” said van Hooydonk.
On the topic of the i Vision Dee, Van Hooydonk is aware that not everyone will like the concept’s grille design but is adamant that design always need to progress and the design team is embracing it. The i Vision Dee revealed recently will be the design catalyst for the next generation of BMW i vehicles.


One-off Ferrari LaFerrari sold at an auction for a staggering RM31.1 million!

What is believed to be the
final unit of the Ferrari LaFerrari
 was just recently auctioned off for a whopping RM31.1 million, which equates to $7 million. This makes the LaFerrari the single most valuable automobile ever sold at an auction in the 21st century.
It’s all for good cause, though. The auction was jointly held by a 25-year old classic car auctioneer, RM Sotheby’s and the National Italian American Foundation’s Earthquake Relief Fund. All proceeds of the auction will go to the reconstruction efforts of Central Italy, one that was recently hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake which claimed 296 lives.
The LaFerrari sold will get a special commemorative plaque, and is finished in glorious red with white dream lines on the hood and windshield. There is also a small Italian flag on the hood that serves as a reminder that the car is a gift by Ferrari to its home country.


This 15-minute video of a Toyota Hilux being tortured is painful yet fun to watch!

No, they did not collapse a building with the pick-up in it like what Top Gear did many moons ago, but the “tests” these guys from
WhistlinDiesel
 put the
Toyota Hilux
 through, was equally painful, yet amusing to watch.
Within the first few seconds of the video alone, you know you’re in for something special as the presenter “made his entrance” with an epic J-turn. It’s not something you’d see often in car videos.
Every possible way you can think of to torture a vehicle was performed on the Hilux, including carrying over 1,000 kg of bricks and driving it through bumps, slamming the tailgate and doors a thousand times.

The Hilux, true to its hardy reputation, just took it and smiled right back. It was even driven into a tree and later on fired right back up almost immediately without even the slightest glitch!
They’re even opening up the comment section on other ways to destroy the Hilux in future episodes – can’t wait to see what else they think of.
So what are you waiting for?


Mazda CX-3 live pictures from Japan, Malaysian arrival due by Q4 this year!

While the
Honda HR-V
 runs practically unchallenged at this point in time, we know for sure that some of you are already counting the days till the
Mazda CX-3
‘s Malaysian debut. While Matt, our Associate Editor is on a field trip visiting Mazda’s headquarters in Japan testing out the
newly launched MX-5
, he stumbled upon what we think is the most handsome B-Segment SUV to date, with pictures to keep us sated for the time being.
This particular
CX-3
 is of the clean diesel variant, one that’s powered by Mazda’s
 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D
 engine clad in
XD Touring L Package
trimmings. It’s finished in Mazda’s revered and signature paint job – Soul Red Metallic.

We expect the Malaysian-bound CX-3 to share most of the features seen on this very model, of which includes the LED daytime running lights and swanky 18-inch rims. We’re also told that the crossover will be
very highly specced
, so we can look forward to having leather seats, HUD, MZD Connect System with reverse camera, 7-inch touchscreen display, keyless entry and push-start button.
The interior, if you’re already well acquainted with the
Mazda2
 (click
here
 to find out on all the Mazda2 Skyactiv-D’s goodness), is pretty much identical save for additional buttons on the steering wheel which controls speed limit and cruise control.

Now, at its arrival, the CX-3 may only be introduced with the
2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine
 that makes
162 hp
 and
210 Nm
 of torque, sending drive to the
 front wheels
 via a
 six-speed automatic
torque converter gearbox. There’s no word on whether or not the peppy diesel engine will make its way here, but let’s just keep our fingers crossed for now.
So what will it cost to own one? We’ve
reported earlier
 that the
fully imported
 (from Japan) model will carry a price tag
between RM120k to RM125k
, putting it well above the top-of-the-line HR-V. But take a step back and consider this; highly efficient and powerful direct injected engine, great amenity kit, unrivalled good looks and fun to drive.
If you’re not in a rush to get a brand new compact SUV, you might want to hang on to that chequebook for just a few more months. For all you know, it might just be worth the wait.
IMAGE GALLERY


First Drive: Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L, hitting all the right spots

Gone were the days where Mitsubishi Motors made rally-bred 4WD sedans for the road. Today, the company is almost entirely focused on family-friendly SUVs – just pop by their
official website
 and you’ll see what I mean.
Mitsubishi’s focus on SUVs is an inevitable one as the current market forces dictate that space and fuel efficiency is everything, hence the birth of the
e-Evolution Concept
. But before we dabble into the future, let’s focus on the present – Mitsubishi’s flagship seven-seater SUV, the
Outlander
.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)
first debuted the Outlander
 back in early 2016. Fully imported from Japan, the asking price of the Outlander 2.4L shooed away many interested parties especially when its direct competitor, the locally-assembled Nissan X-Trail had a massive price advantage.
However, that shortcoming has finally overturned with the introduction of the
locally-assembled Outlander 2.0L
. Priced just a shade under RM140k, the CKD Outlander 2.0L not only retained most of the features from its more expensive sibling’s inventory but also some value-added features too. To prove that the Outlander 2.0L is not just a budget exercise, we joined MMM to sample the new variant in a leisure drive to Janda Baik.
Is the 2.0L up to task? But there are no rear air vents? Do I really need 4WD? After spending a lengthy trip in
all
 sorts of road conditions, here’s my best take on the most affordable 4WD seven-seater in Malaysia.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L 4WD (CKD)
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L 4WD (CBU)
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC
2,360cc; 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Max Power
143 hp @ 6,000 rpm
165 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
196 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
220 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM139,988
RM171,000
The 2.0L MIVEC gets the job done
Most of you must be concerned of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated MIVEC engine’s passable
143 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque especially when having to lug seven passengers and some luggage. To be frank, you won’t be climbing the speedometer in record time but getting up to highway speeds, the 2.0-litre motor is more than up to the task.
In this day and age, calibration of powertrain plays a bigger role in real-world performance than its outright on-paper figures. The
INVECS-III CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
 has been tweaked to have
provide most of the engine’s power from down low
, which was apparent during overtaking manoeuvres in the city. On the highway, the Outlander comfortably hits the legal speed limit without stressing all 6,000 revs.

Gunning for top speed, however, the naturally-aspirated mill showed signs of lethargy, especially past
140 km/h
. You have to hustle a little more revs to get a speeding fine but then again the sensible family men will hardly touch those speeds, especially when ferrying six other. Should you require a little more grunt from the motor, you can flick the gear lever to
 Ds drive mode
 (essentially Sports mode) that holds the revs 1,000 rpm higher for some extra pulling force.
No rear air vents, no problem
One particular concern for many is the lack of rear air vents in a 4,695 mm three-row SUV. I am happy to report that while the cabin takes some time to cool down on a hot sunny day, once it forces all the hot air out, the second and third-row seats were comfortably chilled.
Despite the lack of rear air vents, the Outlander 2.0L’s
dual-zone automatic climate control
 automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure the cabin maintains at the set temperature. The front blowers are also exceptionally powerful to reach the rear passengers. Besides that, MMM has equipped the Outlander 2.0L with
security tint
 from the factory to deter heat from radiating into the cabin.
If you’re still unconvinced, ask yourself when was the last time a seven-seater SUV’s rear air vents left a lasting impression?
4WD makes all the difference
The Outlander comes equipped with an
intelligent 4WD system with Multi-Select
 function to instantly cycle between – 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock. To demonstrate the difference between 4WD Eco (predominantly front wheel drive) and 4WD Auto (fully 4WD), MMM has prepared an instrumented test consisting of a wet surface roundabout and a mini slalom course.
Going around the cones, immediately we were able to tell that the car is significantly more planted in 4WD Auto with lesser body roll and understeer. However, it’s not to say that the 4WD Eco is unsettling but merely shows that having all four wheels transferring power to the ground gives that extra assurance around the bends. Despite the heavier system in place and large 18-inch alloys, ride quality was exceptionally pleasant with decent suspension travel and minimal rebounds – perfect setup for a comfortable family SUV.

Fortunately, on our drive to Janda Baik, we were able to stretch the 4WD system even more thanks to the torrential rains on the mountainous section. Setting the car in 4WD Auto with a push of the Multi-Select button is all you need to confidently put power down in the most unpredictable conditions. Given the uncertainty of our weather, the added traction from the 4WD system certainly gives a greater peace of mind.
Well-equipped and decently priced
Creature comfort features are in abundance with keyless entry and start, automatic headlamps, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, digital video recorder (dash camera), multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control,
seven-airbags
, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Rest Reminder, Hill Start Assist as well as front and rear parking sensors.

With all these feel-good features in place, the entry-level Outlander 2.0L is by no means a budgeting exercise to penetrate the lower price brackets. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate all the bells and whistles available. If there is one thing the Outlander 2.0L needs to make it absolutely perfect, is a powered tailgate. The manual tailgate opens to a reasonably tall position and shorter individuals will have a hard time reaching for the handles.
Is this car for you?
If you’re in the market specifically for a seven-seater SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander is definitely one to look out for. Jam-packed with features, superior driving dynamics and the all-important 4WD system, its everything you could ask for in a family-oriented people carrier.
For RM140k, there is nothing else quite like the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L in the market that combines style, safety and features. For those considering the Outlander 2.4L simply because of its fully imported origins, if I may give my honest opinion, save that RM30k for that two-door coupe you’ve been eyeing for because the Outlander 2.0L hits all the right spots.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-AMG E53 unveiled with 3.0L bi-turbo in-line 6, E43 discontinued

If you are wondering why Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not include the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC+ sedan in their CKD line up of AMG models, that’s because globally, the E 43 has been phased out and replaced by a meaner and more efficient E 53 4MATIC+.
At the heart of the new E-Class variant rests a
3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six
 with
 EQ Booster
 starter-alternator that first appeared in the
CLS 53
, capable of developing a combined output of
435 hp
 and
 520 Nm
 of torque. Paired to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the E 53 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.5 seconds
 on both sedan and estate models. Top speed is limited to
250 km/h
 if you don’t have the AMG Driver’s Package equipped (raised to 270 km/h).
The onboard EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48 V onboard electrical system helps to enhance the car’s AMG performance and driving dynamics while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The electrical system gives the E 53 mild hybrid functions through energy recovery, gliding mode and restarting of the engine with start/stop function.
Otherwise, the E 53 is still a thoroughbred AMG that comes equipped with Dynamic Select drive modes, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) and larger AMG high-performance brake system.
Visually the E 53 is distinguished by its dual bulges on the bonnet, round quad tailpipe elements, sportier rear diffuser and optional 20-inch five-spoke AMG light alloy wheels. Inside you’ll find model specific items such as AMG Performance steering wheel with red central marking, leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, red seatbelts and optional Performance seats in Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre inserts.

The entire W213 E-Class range has also been updated for 2018 with the latest generation multifunctional steering wheel with touch function, optional SportStyle Package, new wheel designs, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist that allows semi-autonomous driving functions.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avantgarde with SportStyle equipment


Next-gen E-Class to be last ICE-only car by Mercedes-Benz, set for 2023

Introduced to the world in 2017, the W213
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 will be replaced with a version that will be built on an entirely new platform in 2023. That new platform will share underpinnings with the W206
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 and the W223
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
. It will also be the last model to be developed by
Mercedes-Benz
 that will be exclusive for internal combustion engines (ICE).
Although the
2020 facelift
 of the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gave it the same fascia as the W206 and W223, the chassis is still carried over from the 2017 debut-version E-Class. The facelifted W213 also does not get the same portrait screen as the W206 and W223.
W213 (facelift) Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior
W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior
In an interview with
Automobilwoche
, Mercedes-Benz development chief, Markus Schäfer said (translated), “As things stand today, the E-Class and its derivatives will be the last Mercedes-Benz model to be created on a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) platform.”
As such, future Mercedes-Benz models after the upcoming-generation E-Class would be built to handle electric, ICE, and hybrid powertrains. The German marque has not announced a date to put a full stop to petrol and diesel models entirely as
not all regions are ready for full electrification
. Mercedes-Benz has only said that by 2030, it will be “ready to go 100% electric where market conditions allow”.
RELATED:
Mercedes-AMG to continue making V8 engines beyond 2030 if demand is strong
W213 (facelift) Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line
With upcoming stricter emission standards, Mr. Schäfer also said that Mercedes-Benz will significantly reduce the number of engines on offer across its line-up this decade. He told the publication (translated), “It will be followed by a global engine that we will develop 100% ourselves and industrialise together with
Geely
. In order to play at the absolute top in future topics such as infotainment, in autonomous driving, in artificial intelligence or in the topic of chips, we have to concentrate. The future certainly doesn’t lie in ten different powertrains.”
As for electric vehicle offerings by Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz
EQA
,
EQB
, and EQC are built on the same platform as the GLA, GLB, and GLC. The
EQS
, EQE, and their SUV counterparts are built on dedicated EV platforms.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde review – All the premium sedan you’ll ever need


Facts & Figures: Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost launched in Malaysia from RM1.8mil

Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur has launched the Black Badge Ghost in Malaysia starting from RM1.8 million before options and duties. The unit you see here, fitted with specific options, starts from RM2.39 mil before options and duties. There will not be an extended wheelbase version of the Black Badge Ghost.
The
standard Rolls-Royce Ghost
 starts at RM1,450,000 while the extended-wheelbase model starts from RM1,650,000. Both prices are excluding duties and options.
For starters, being a Black Badge, most of the essential details on the outside, such as the badges and Spirit of Ecstacy are finished in black. The front grille is also given the same treatment but can now illuminate when the headlamps are turned on.
The car in the images has been finished with an Arctic White colour, along with the optional double coachline stretching across the entire side profile of the car. Rolls-Royce offers over 44,000 different colours to choose from and is also capable of making an entirely new colour to mimic whichever shade the customer wishes.
The standard Black Badge Ghost comes with a signature Black exterior and is what Rolls-Royce considers to be the industry’s darkest black. To achieve that, 45 kg of black paint is applied to the body, which has a white base. After two layers of clear coat, the surface is hand-polished by a team of four to achieve a high-gloss piano finish.
The 21-inch wheels are also another signature detail of the Black Badge Ghost. It’s made of 22 layers of carbon fibre folded onto itself, creating 44 layers of carbon fibre – allowing the wheels to be light but incredibly strong at the same time.
Inside, the “RR” logo embossed on the door panel and headrests, along with the Central Cooler Chamber (essentially a fridge behind the rear armrest) are among the options selected in this unit.
The highlight of the interior, aside from the Starlight Headliner, are the Technical Fibre trims found on the dashboard, centre console, and door panels of the car.
The patterns are aligned by hand to create a 3D effect before a protective coat is applied. Each trim is then cured for an hour at 100-degress Celcius before being sand blasted and coated with six layers of lacquer. Each of the trims are then hand-sanded and polished before being fitted.
As for the mechanical bits, the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine now makes an extra 29 hp and 50 Nm, with 600 hp and 900 Nm to drive all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Black Badge Ghost also comes with rear-wheel steer. As a result, 0 to 100 km/h is 0.1 seconds quicker at 4.7 seconds.
In an unconventional focus on driving performance, the transmission has been tweaked to offer 50% quicker gear shifts while the biting point of the brake pedal has been raised and its pedal travel reduced for more confidence-inspiring braking power. The Black Badge even gets a sports exhaust system that’s just a tad growlier than the standard car. Even the car’s air suspension has been tweaked to further reduce body roll!
GALLERY


Volkswagen says the new ID.4’s interior will be a “feel-good lounge”

As it’s approaching its global launch, with the first vehicles scheduled for delivery before the end of this year, Volkswagen has revealed further details of the fully electric compact SUV’s interior. The
ID.4
will be sold not just in Europe but also in China and later on in the USA.
Volkswagen says getting in the fully electric SUV in itself is already a pleasure as the door handles are flush with the body and they come with electric unlocking. It was also highlighted that the rear seat bench offers as much space as a conventional SUV in the next higher category. We’ll be expecting more space than a
Tiguan
 then. As for cargo space, the ID.4 offers 543-litres of space with the rear seats up.
The vastness of the interior is a result of a floating dashboard that’s disconnected from the centre console along with an optional panoramic roof. As darkness falls, there are over 30 colours to choose from to suit every mood inside the cabin.
The ID.4 features what Volkswagen calls the ID. Light – a light strip below the windscreen – which will be available in all ID. models. It supports drivers in a host of situations with intuitive lighting effects in different colours. The ID. Light perform functions like alerting the driver that the vehicle’s drive system is active or if the car has been unlocked or locked.
The ID. Light also works with the car’s navigation system to guide drivers through traffic by blinking. It can recommend lane changes and also warn the driver if the ID.4 is in the wrong lane. In the name of conservation, Volkswagen also said the seats are upholstered with animal-free cover materials.
Particularly in the ID.4 1st Max Limited Edition model, the seats with massage functions, are made of microfibre material that consists of around 20% recycled PET bottles.
As the future of mobility is electric, Volkswagen will be investing 11 billion euros into the effort by 2024 as part of its Transform 2025+ strategy. As the first fully-electric Volkswagen SUV, the ID.4 is the second model within the ID. range after the ID.3. The ID.4 will be celebrating its world premiere before the end of September 2020.
GALLERY


Toyota GR Supra gets decked out with carbon fibre on new A91-CF Limited Edition

The
Toyota GR Supra
 has sort of fell off the headlines a little bit, ever since the introduction of its younger (and arguably more attractive) brother, the
GR Yaris
 – well, on the internet at least. So to gain some brownie points, Toyota USA has unveiled a new limited-edition GR Supra, called the A91-CF. And yes, the CF means carbon fibre.
While
last year’s revision
 brought forth some mechanical updates, this year’s model is reserved only to the exterior trim package. Available only in one configuration, the Supra A91-CF is powered by the 3.0-litre inline six turbocharged engine that makes
387 hp
 and
500 Nm
, courtesy of last year’s update.
The BMW-sourced engine is paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of
 3.9 seconds
. Standard Supra kit like the reprogrammed Adaptive Variable Sport (AVS) suspension, active rear differential, and the Brembo brake kit are also all carried over from last year’s update.
As for the CF in the frankly terrible name, the Toyota Supra A91-CF gets a new front splitter with massive canard fins on the sides, side skirts, duckbill spoiler, and matching canards on the new lower bumper – all made from unpainted carbon fibre, of course.
Toyota says that these carbon fibre parts are not merely for aesthetic purposes only; they actually improve downforce and stability “during both everyday drives and hot laps around the local track”. Tying up the new exterior styling treatment is a new set of 19-inch exclusive double-spoke wheels, finished in matte black, alongside red-painted brake calipers.
Inside, the Toyota Supra A91-CF is trimmed in red-and-black Alcantara and leather upholstery, featuring red stitching details on the standard 14-way power adjustable heated sport seats and leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. Despite the new CF name, the carbon fibre trim in the cabin is actually carried over from the regular Supra, and not a new addition on this variant.
Only 600 units of the CF-dressed Toyota Supra will be made, with all of it reserved specifically for the North America market. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Toyota says that the GR Supra A91-CF Edition will go on sale this fall, and will be available in either Absolute Zero White (pictured), Nitro Yellow or Phantom Matte Grey.
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BMW M3 30 Years American Edition, only one in the world!

BMW has unveiled a one-of-a-kind BMW M3 30 Years American Edition to celebrate the 30
th
 anniversary of the
M3
 on US soil. It gets a one-off design, all the M Performance parts checked and an American flag inspired interior theme.
Put together by BMW Group Designworks and BMW Individual, the unique M3’s exterior combination was inspired by its predecessors. The
Frozen Red II Metallic
 paint job is a reminiscence of the iconic Henna Red colour scheme of the original M3 from the 1980s while the contrasting M Performance Golden light alloy wheels (19-inch front; 20-inch rear) were inspired by the M3 E30 Warsteiner DTM racing wheels. Wheels are matched with sticky
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
 tyres.

It also gets the full range of
M Performance

parts
 including M Performance Sports adjustable suspension which lowers the ride height between 5 to 20 millimetres, M Performance exhaust system with valve control, M Performance rear wing and M Performance carbon fibre body kit.
Step inside the one-of-one M3 and you’ll find an Opal White Merino leather interior with Mugello Red Merino and Fjord Blue Merino accents – the three colours that make up the American flag. A 30th Anniversary graphic embroidery can be found on the seat’s backrest, interior trims and rear sun-shade. Other M Performance items on the interior include Alcantara and carbon trims with M-coloured stitching and a M Performance shift knob.

The M3 30 Years American Edition was based on the
M3 Competition Pack
 therefore it gets the uprated 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six that pushes out
450 hp
. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Century sprint is clocked in
4.1 seconds
.
Only one lucky customer will be able to call this BMW M3 30 Years American Edition his or her own. The car will be on display at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be available for purchase after the show.
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The Toyota Raize proves that a compact SUV doesn’t have to look cute

The
unnamed compact SUV
 that was shown off by Daihatsu at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 was recently revealed to be named Rocky, but it was parent company Toyota that beat Daihatsu to market with the launch of the Toyota Raize in Japan.
Unsurprisingly, The Toyota Raize looks almost like a carbon-copy of the Daihatsu Rocky. Swapped-out badges aside, the only apparent visual changes are at the front-end.
 Does anyone else think that the front end look a lot like a baby
Toyota RAV4
?
Toyota has given the Raize a redesigned front end, with a large trapezoidal grille at the lower bumper replacing Daihatsu’s hexagonal one. The grille is flanked by angular bumper corner moudings, housing the daytime-running lights and fog lamps.
Otherwise, the Toyota Raize does nothing to differentiate itself from the Daihatsu twin – down to the dimensions. Measuring in at approximately the size of a Myvi (100 mm longer and 40 mm narrower), the Toyota Raize still retains it’s compact form factor.
The Toyota Raize seems to look bigger than the spec sheet suggests, as the large 17-inch wheels, flared-out wheel arches and the tall front facade give the compact SUV extra road presence.
On the inside, the Toyota Raize retains nearly all of the driver-oriented dashboard design from the Daihatsu Rocky. The hexagonal motif from the Daihatsu cousin is still present here, but Toyota spices up the interior with a few dashes of red accents.
Dominating the dashboard is a freestanding nine-inch infotainment touchscreen display, offering smartphone connectivity with SmartDeviceLink and Apple CarPlay. A seven-inch TFT display makes up the instrument cluster, which can display information in four display styles – Advanced, Exciting, Simple, and Analog.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Toyota Raize boasts a class-leading luggage capacity of
369 litres
. The front and rear seats are 900 mm apart, resulting in improved legroom for the rear passengers.
The improve in interior space can be partly attributed to the
Daihatsu New Global Architecture
 (DNGA) platform, which underpins the Toyota Raize. The DNGA, which is
co-developed with Toyota
, promises enhanced interior space, highly rigid underbody, and lower centre of gravity.
As part of the DNGA platform, the Toyota Raize sports a MacPherson Struts front suspension, and a torsion beam set-up at the rear.
Under the hood, motivation is provided by a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivering
98 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque. The powerplant is mated to a
D-CVT gearbox
, with power sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels.
The 4WD variants come equipped with
Dynamic Torque Control 4WD
, which can distribute the optimal torque output to the rear wheels according to the road surfaces.
Safety wise, the Toyota Raize is equipped with the
next-generation Smart Assist safety suite
. The Smart Assist system includes safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with All Speed Tracking, Smart Panorama Parking Assist, Collision Warning and Crash Avoidance Braking, and Erroneous Start Prevention.
With the Toyota/Daihatsu compact SUVs heavily linked to the upcoming Perodua SUV codenamed D55L, this could be the first look at what’s packing when the national carmaker launches their new compact SUV!
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