Ford Focus EcoBoost, deservingly praiseworthy, horribly underrated [+Video]

Among the many C-Segment cars sold in Malaysia, only a handful few – usually reasonably safe models – will make it to the top of the sales chart.
The Ford Focus
, for what it’s worth, should be moving in great numbers. But it’s not, and it’s the least qualified to face such a harrowing predicament.
For the past 12 months, over 65,000 units of the Ford Focus were sold in Britain alone. That makes it the third best selling car in the country, more than 1,500 units ahead of the Volkswagen Golf. Okay, market differences aside, there really is no reason why the Ford Focus isn’t worth your consideration. What could it be? Resale value? Poor/incompetent after sales? Costly spare parts?
Alright, in fairness, I will gladly concede those points. I’m not here to disprove nor invalidate your opinions, be it from hearsay or personal experience. This article is simply to pay tribute to a car so deserving of praise, and hopefully by the end of which, you’ll find a reason or two to at least give the idea of purchasing some thought.
It’s the most powerful car in its class
With an engine displacing 1.5-litres, the Focus EcoBoost flexes a maximum
177 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
240 Nm
 of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, thanks to a sole turbocharger. In comparison,
the Honda Civic
‘s – currently the hottest selling C-Segment car – turbocharged 1.5-litre engine makes 171 hp at 5,500 rpm and 220 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm.
The Focus is more powerful, albeit by a small margin. Its biggest selling point however, is the
six-speed SelectShift automatic
 transmission.
Conventional automatic > CVT
Previously, the Focus came with a six-speed dual clutch auto (PowerShift). It wasn’t the smoothest of operators, and is far inferior than Volkswagen’s DSG, both in terms of shift speed and reliability. Ford completely overhauled the power- and drivetrain setup, which should brave the test of time much better, in theory at least.
If given the choice, between the Civic and the Focus, I’d go with the latter simply because it has a better gearbox. This is the part where it becomes subjective. For drivers out there like myself who enjoy the occasional Sunday drives up the mountains, a cogged transmission is the way to go.
CVTs lack the ability to hold revs, meaning you get little to no engine braking – something gravely important for the descent. However CVTs are programmed, it’ll never be as satisfying or engaging as conventional autos or twin clutch setups.
Again, this isn’t a common indulgence, so to each their own.
Premium, quiet cabin
I cannot for the life of me, by way of sensory, distinguish whether the Focus or Civic has better cabin insulation. They’re both dead equal in this regard, but in terms of comfort, the Civic takes the cake. It’s a small compromise to make because the Focus is a remarkably comfortable car to be in for driver and passengers alike.

The suspension setup is delectably balanced, never too soft for spirited driving and never too hard for the notoriously long
balik kampung
 journeys. Couple that to a well insulated cabin smothered with high quality materials and you have yourself a standout performer.
We’re not paid a cent to say any of this, by the way. It’s just an honest commentary to what we think is one of the best value for money, non-Japanese offering in the market. The entire Focus range is turbocharged, with the entry-level variant priced at RM119k (before insurance). This option won’t give you techs like auto parking or ambient lighting, though. If you can live without those, it really is a no-brainer purchase.
Is now a good time to buy the Ford Focus? In fact, it is. Shrewd enthusiasts can take advantage of the
ongoing promotion
 which lets you drive home a brand new Focus from just RM668 a month. It’s subjected to terms and conditions of course, and it’s probably not as attractive as Kia’s Future Value Guarantee programme. But if you can see yourself past the crippling social stigma and give the Focus a shot, what we can guarantee you is the door to many, many good times behind the wheel.
IMAGE GALLERY


Top 6 cars you must not miss at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017!

The 2017 Malaysia Autoshow, powered by Malaysia Automotive Institute, is ongoing right now at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS), Serdang. Officiated just yesterday, Malaysia’s most hyped auto show goes into full swing from 9th to 12th November 2017.
Manufacturers of different makes have jumped on the opportunity to unveil their latest and greatest vehicles that (hopefully) will go on sale domestically in the near future. If you were planning to sit out one of the biggest auto exhibitions of the year, here are five cars that will warrant a change of mind.

1)
Honda Civic Type R (FK8)
Honda Malaysia (HMSB) unveiled its latest high-performance vehicle, the fifth-generation Civic Type R (CTR) to fill in the void left by the third-gen FD2R. Resting under its hood is a K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine pushing out
305 hp
 and
400 Nm
. Drive is deployed to the front wheels via a
six-speed close ratio manual transmission
. Sorry boys, there will not be an automatic option.

It is also the title holder of the
Fastest FWD Production Vehicle around the Nürburgring
 with a blistering lap time of
7 minutes 43.8 seconds
. Priced at
RM320,000
, the Type R FK8 is available in only one colour – Championship White. With
60 units ordered
, it seems like buyers are not bothered by its hefty price tag nor sharing the same exclusivity as the other 59 owners. Be sure to check out its extravagant design and aero bits in person! More info on the Civic Type R
here
.
2)
Toyota Harrier 2.0 Turbo
Grey importers have been enjoying “exclusive distribution rights” for the Harrier for the longest time ever and UMW Toyota (UMWT) has finally decided to throw a curveball into the game. With
two variants
 on offer – 2.0T Premium and 2.0T Luxury, the Harrier is armed to the teeth with luxury features and with Toyota’s latest technology.

The one we will be getting is the facelifted model equipped with a
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 – the first-time force induction is deployed on this luxury SUV. It also comes with the full suite of
 Toyota Safety Sense System
 (TSSS) as
standard on both variants
! Of course, every purchase of the Harrier from UMWT will enjoy a manufacturer backed
5-Years unlimited mileage warranty
, something grey importers can never hope to match. Head over to MAEPS to place your booking for one now! More info on the Harrier
here
.
3)
Toyota CH-R
If you recall the Silver CH-R that was first shown to the public and at various showrooms, that unit is actually an Australian-spec brought in for previewing purposes. Now, UMWT has finally displayed the
 confirmed specification of the Malaysia-bound SUV
, with its interior out in the open. Finished in Blue Metallic with Black roof, the C-HR will be fully imported from Thailand when it goes on sale here.

Here is a quick rundown of the specs –
1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with CVT
, 17-inch alloys, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring and Electronic Stability Control. It comes in six different colours (some with black roof). If you have been waiting to put your money down for one of these, be sure to head to the Toyota Booth and get a feel of the CH-R. More info on the local-spec CH-R
here
.
4)
Kia Stinger GT V6 AWD
Arguably the meanest looking car at the motor show, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) previewed the Stinger GT in its highest-specification – the
3.3-litre V6 turbo

all-wheel drive
. It gets all the extravagant bits like 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and quad exhaust pipes.

NKM did not reveal its expected launch date nor its price tag but regardless, you have to view the most powerful Kia ever in the metal to truly appreciate its beauty. As cliché as it sounds, pictures just don’t do it justice. Be sure to swing by Kia’s booth when you’re there! More info on the Singer GT
here
.
5)
Kia Picanto GT-Line
When first images of the third-generation Kia Picanto surfaced online, we were praying hard that Naza Kia Malaysia would bring in the stunning looking GT-Line. Lo and behold, the all-new Picanto
GT-Line
 in its full glory (except the interior). It gets dressed in some go-fast-looking bits and massive (for its class) 16-inch dual tone alloys.

The new compact hatch is now bigger and safer than before but it remains to be seen whether NKM will check all the bells and whistles when its officially launched here. Nevertheless, don’t miss out on this quirky little thing after you’re done gawking over the Stinger GT! More info on the Picanto GT-Line
here
.
6)
All-new Perodua Myvi
Everybody’s favourite hatchback is getting an all-new successor –
new design, new engine and new features
! With prices starting from RM44,300, all variants will get reflector LED headlamps, four-airbags and
 VSC as standard
! The top spec even gets Advance Safety System – a driver assistance system for even greater safety!

Although boxed up, you can still catch a glimpse of what is to come with the all-new Myvi at Perodua’s special preview booth. If you are set on getting yourself a generously equipped hatchback, order books for the Myvi are open at dealerships nationwide. But if you place your booking at the Malaysia Autoshow, Perodua has exclusive deals and merchandises waiting for you at their booth! More info on the all-new Myvi
here
.
There you have it folks, the top six cars that you don’t want to miss at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 . Entry fee costs
RM10 per person
 but it’s a drop in the ocean to be in the presence of the latest and hottest vehicles in the country right now! The  Malaysia Autoshow 2017 takes place on 9th to 12th November from 10 am to 9 pm.


Throwback Thursday: The Perodua Kelisa, the whimsical hatchback

Welcome to another edition of our Throwback Thursday series, where previously we looked at
Perodua’s game changer, the evergreen Myvi.
Today’s feature is another one of Perodua’s most successful model that knows a thing or two about giving its driver, his/her senses and wallet a good time – the Perodua Kelisa.
Just like most Peroduas, it was based on the local manufacturer’s Japanese counterpart’s offering – the
Daihatsu Mira L700
 to be precise. The fifth-generation Mira debuted in the Land of the Rising Sun in 1998 before it was introduced as the Kelisa in our homeland three years later. Changes were relatively trivial with the headlights and front grille being the most notable.
Pic Credit: Wikipedia
Named after a fish that’s native to this country, three variants were made available at launch. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder DOHC petrol engine was the sole powerplant available; mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Three years later, a smaller 850 c.c. three-potter was introduced as the model’s base variant. The 1.0-litre made
60 hp
 and
90 Nm
 of torque while the smaller engine had a meagre
50 hp
 and
75 Nm
 to make do with.
It was in essence a Perodua Kancil, with a tad plushness and a dash of creature comforts. It was the most basic motoring means for the masses – it was easy to park, frugal in its fuel consumption and relatively accommodating to a group of five.
Light-footed with a lively engine were the traits most commonly associated with the Kelisa by its owners. Its peppy character was best enjoyed with a manual transmission and for a car of such basic and minimal provisions, it handled surprisingly well too. Most wouldn’t argue on the fact that it was reminiscent of the
original Mini
 from the 1960’s. As the years went, Perodua came up with numerous special editions for the Kelisa – of which was an indirect a tribute to the evolution of Sir Alec Issigonis’ creation – the modern Mini Cooper.
Pic Credit: Wikipedia
How should we remember the Kelisa then? Definitely not by the infamous antics of
Jeremy Clarkson
 more than a decade ago. We tend to agree more with his
shorter colleague,
who had a more positive view on the nippy little Kelisa and for good reason. It’s still one of Perodua’s “fun to drive” cars, the epitome of a cheap and cheerful mode of personal transportation. The bar was raised as such that not even its two replacements, the Viva and the Axia, could offer the same
smiles per kilometer
 as the Kelisa did.
Years on, a mechanically-sound unit in the used market is still able to fetch upwards of RM10k and for the nearest thing to the original Mini experience, go for a 1.0-litre manual unit.


Jaguar Land Rover previews its sexy cars from the upcoming Bond flick

With the 24th Bond flick premiering just around the corner, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has leapt at the opportunity to show off some of the brilliant machines that will have popcorn munchers in awe before it hits the silver screen at the star-studded reveal which took place at Frankfurt.
Among the celebrities present at the reveal are
 Naomie Harris
 and
 Dave Bautista
, both whom are starring in the movie, should you be wondering. Invited guests were serenaded by British singer and musician
 John Newman
. As you can tell, with the exception of Dave Bautista, it’s an
 all-British affair
. If one had to guess, even the food would have been of the same affair – one can only hope.

Onto the cars, then. JLR’s Skunkworks spec ops division christened
Special Vehicle Operations
 (SVO) has been busy at work with the chaps from Q Branch with the cars in the film, starting with the protagonist’s ride – Jag’s concept
C-X75
. SVO has been rather
mum
 on the details of the concept car that came to life for
Spectre
.
JLR also previewed the red-hot, fire breathing
Range Rover Sport SVR
 that’s powered by the AJ-V8 Gen III
5.0-litre supercharged V8
 similar to one found in the
Jaguar F-Type R
. The mill produces
542 hp
 and
680 Nm
and is mated to a
ZF eight-speed automatic
 transmission driving all four wheels.

How could one possibly brag about JLR’s cars in Spectre without mentioning the iconic
 Land Rover Defender
, which is coincidentally the fastest, most powerful Land Rover yet? The highly capable Defenders were constructed by JLR’s Spec Ops division with huge
 37-inch
 diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads used for filming.
The 24th installment of the uber-popular franchise will debut globally next month and a quick check with local cinema listings reveals that it will hit the silver-screen on
 6 October
. Can you tell that we’re excited?
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda dealer begins taking orders for all-new Civic Type R in Malaysia – real or scam?

Despite only
 making its global debut two weeks ago
, a Honda sales advisor here in Malaysia has apparently already begun taking orders for the all-new 2022 Civic Type R.
Facebook user Redza Honda, purportedly an authorised sales advisor from Honda Weststar Auto in Kuala Lumpur,
published a post
 in the ‘Civic FK8 Type R Malaysia Owner’ group today advertising that the hot hatch is now open for booking.
Screenshot: Redza Honda/ Facebook
The sales advisor says that the Honda Civic Type R will be priced at an estimated RM350,000 to RM380,000, and will be a fully-imported model offered with an official factory warranty from Honda Malaysia, as it will be brought in via official channels.
But what makes the post a little hard to believe, is that Honda hasn’t even published the official specifications of the all-new Civic Type R just yet. Still, Redza claims that the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine makes 310 hp and 400 Nm, and will be paired to a manual six-speed transmission to drive the front wheels.
RELATED: All-new Honda Civic Type R gets toned-down looks, but spiced-up performance
From time to time, sales advisors and dealerships will start taking orders for highly-awaited models such as these, promising their customers that they’ll be among the first to receive their cars here in Malaysia (while they benefit from active cash flow in their accounts).
The tactic
can
 work if it’s being offered by a reputable dealership, but often times, bogus salesmen will use this opportunity to scam unsuspecting buyers, taking your hard-earned money and disappearing into thin air. The issue was so severe that Perodua even had to publish an official memo
warning their customers
 to only place their bookings through official channels.
We can’t say for sure if this advertisement is legit or not, but if you’re willing to try your luck, you’ll be able to place your booking with a fee of RM3,000. Although, the post states that you’ll need a minimum nett salary of RM10,000 to be qualified. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.


Facts & Figures: Ferrari 296 GTB lands in Malaysia – from RM1.2 million before tax

Whether you like it or not, Ferrari’s future will be full of flowing electrons and downsized engines. And the first entry into the new era, the
Ferrari 296 GTB
, has now made its way into Malaysia.
The 296 GTB is a two-door, two-seater addition to the
458
,
488
, and
F8
 line-up that started what seems like aeons ago now. But aside from those similarities, the 296 is truly unlike any other car Ferrari has ever put on the roads.
PERFORMANCE
The reason for that is none other than the beating heart underneath the sheet metal. The 296 GTB is powered by Ferrari’s first-ever V6 engine in a production model (technically), and comes right out of the gate with electrified bits too.
Powerplant: 2,992 cc, twin-turbocharged V6, 663 hp, plus single electric motor, 167 hp
Transmission: eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with e-Diff
Driveline: rear-mid engine, rear-wheel drive
Max total horsepower: 830 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Max total torque: 740 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
Top speed: Above 330 km/h
Battery: 7.45 kWh
Electric range: 25 km
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance is helped by a whole swath of new electronic devices, including the brake-by-wire system that integrates with the car’s new ABS control module and the six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor to push the grip limits of the rear tyres for faster acceleration out of corners, as well as an updated side slip control system to further enhance the car’s cornering capabilities.
EXTERIOR
Compared to most other recent Ferraris like the F8 and
SF90
 that has a more “in your face” look, the all-new 296 GTB here carries a more pared-down, almost sensuous design language, with sleek curves and clean lines not unlike that of the Roma.
Despite the more “sophisticated” appearance, its short wheelbase and muscular wings still gives it a sporty silhouette (without being aggressive), and is complemented by new design ideas such as the “visor-style” windscreen, the Kamm tail on the rear end, vertical rear screen, the single central exhaust tailpipe exhaust, and an integrated retracting spoiler.
Its smooth curves do more than just look good, however – each and every body panel has been deliberately designed to function as aerodynamic devices, to either channel air into the cooling vents, or generate downforce.
Even without any eye-searing aero appendages – aside from the deployable rear wing – the new 296 GTB still makes upwards of 360 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.
ASSETTO FIORANO
For buyers who want to take their 296 GTB to the next level, Ferrari is also offering a Assetto Fiorano package for the sportscar which adds additional carbon-fibre aero bits for an extra 10 kg of downforce, a set of special GT “racing-derived” adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers that is optimised for track use”, as well as extensive use of carbon fibre and other light-weight materials both inside and out, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 15 kg.
The Assetto Fiorano package also includes, optionally, a special design livery inspired by the Ferrari 250 Le Mans race car, which runs from the front wings and extends all the way to the rear spoiler.
INTERIOR
If you’ve been in any recent Ferrari models like the SF90 Stradale, the cabin of the 296 GTB will look very similar, carrying a very modern, minimalist, and digital-focused appearance.
Among the key highlights in the Ferrari 296 GTB’s cockpit are the fully-digital instrument cluster, the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons including the capacitive ‘Start Engine’ button, two side satellite panels beside the instrument cluster each with their own capacitive touch area for lighting and climate control settings, the new eManettino switch, a head-up display that is “integrated into the leather trim”, as well as the electronic “gated” gearshift levers.
As is standard in a Ferrari, you’ll also find a whole ocean of premium Italian leather, which the buyers can customise to their own liking, alongside a unique storage compartment in the centre console to “display” your key fob’s Prancing Horse badge.
PRICING
The Ferrari 296 GTB is now available for order in Malaysia, starting from a base price of
RM1,228,000
 before customisation options, duties, taxes, and insurance. In practice, we’re expecting an on-the-road price north of RM3 million.
Included in the price is a standard Ferrari extended seven-year maintenance programme, which covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life.
GALLERY


Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of the 86 in Australia

Toyota in Australia has unveiled the
GR86 10th Anniversary Edition
 to commemorate a decade since the first-generation GT86 was launched Down Under. Only 86 units of the limited-run GR86 will be available, starting from AUD$46,700 (RM139k).
There are no performance upgrades on the GR86 10th Anniversary Edition, with 237 hp (174 kW) and 250 Nm of torque from a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-four Boxer engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
RELATED:
This Toyota GR86 ditches its boxer engine for an electric motor! – 333hp, 468Nm
“The 10th Anniversary Edition reflected the popularity of the driver-focused sports car in Australia. When it launched in 2012, the first-generation GT86 struck a chord with those looking for an affordable sports car with Toyota reliability,” the company said.
The 86 units of the GR86 10th Anniversary are finished with Solar Orange paintwork, a tribute to the first-generation GT86 first revealed in 2011. The orange theme is also adopted inside, with contrast stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake lever, seats and door trims.
The 10th Anniversary is also marked with embroidery on the door trims while the seats feature orange accents. Lastly, the silver moulding on the instrument panel moulding has been changed to black for a more sinister look.
The GR86 is now available in Malaysia for
RM295,000
 for the six-speed manual variant, while the automatic variant starts from
RM305,000
. With that, the GR86 comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Standard equipment includes a seven-inch multi-info display, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and manual seats for weight saving and a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
RELATED:
2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia – 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k
GALLERY


Gallery: Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, from RM 141k – a better choice over the turbo?

Launched in July, the 2022
Honda HR-V
 is a capable B-segment SUV that you can get from RM 114,800. There are four variants to choose from with three powertrain options, and topping the range is the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, which we have here, that fetches a price of
RM 140,800
.
Making up the rest of the variant list is the “S”, “E”, and “V”, with S powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (121 hp/145 Nm) and the “E” and “V’ powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (181 hp/240 Nm). The “S”, “E”, and “V” send all power to the front wheels via CVT.
Interestingly, the range-topping “RS e:HEV” variant is not the most powerful variant, producing
107 hp
 and
131 Nm
 from the engine and
131 hp
 and
253 Nm
 from the electric motor. The transmission in use is an e-CVT.
RELATED:
2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points
At low speeds, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is moved by the electric motor and only at higher speeds does the engine take over the job of turning the front wheels. This means that at higher speeds, you are limited by the performance of the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine.
The hybrid Honda HR-V is also slower than its turbocharged counterpart, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in
10.7 seconds
 compared to the turbo’s 8.7 seconds. Where the RS e:HEV wins is the fuel consumption where it records
4.1 l/100km
 over the turbo’s 6.5 l/100km.
RELATED:
Honda Malaysia delivered over 1,300 units of the all-new HR-V in one month since launch
On the outside, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV gets the RS body kit that includes the “chequered flag” front grille, sporty bumper, and a “heart beat” graphic (in red for the RS) on the lower grille. There is also an easter egg silhouette of the Honda HR-V on the rear windscreen which is standard across all the variants.
The RS e:HEV gets automatic LED reflector headlights, LED fog lights, LED combination taillights, front sequential LED indicators, automatic wipers, 18-inch allow wheels, and smoked taillamps. Size-wise, the Honda HR-V measures 4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. For reference, the
Proton X50
 measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,609 mm in height, and has a 2,600-mm wheelbase.
ALSO WATCH:
All-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things
Inside, the Honda HR-V’s most practical featur is the signature rear ULTRA seat that offers several configurations. Special to the RS e:HEV is a dark headliner that provides a sportier ambience, albeit compromising a spacious feel.
Highlights on the interior of the Honda HR-V include an 8-inch touchscreen head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, rear air-con vents, and an air diffusion system for the front air con vents. Exclusive to the RS e:HEV is a hands-free access tailgate with a walk-away auto close function, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.
RELATED:
All-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 4 variants from RM115k
Standard on all variants of the Honda HR-V is the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance which includes Autonomous emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, Lane keeping assist, Lane centring assist, Automatic high beam, Lead vehicle departure warning, LaneWatch blind-spot camera (V and RS variants only). The only lacking feature is blind-spot monitoring.
Included in the RM 140,800 price tag of the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty alongside an eight-year unlimited mileage lithium-ion battery warranty. Also included is a five-times free labour scheduled service, applicable to the first 100,000 km.
GALLERY


Proton aims to improve their after sales services with these 8 promises

With the increasing number of Proton 3S and 4S centres in Malaysia, the Proton brand experience is gradually moving towards global standards. To match the positive experience when shopping for a Proton car, the company is also gearing up to strengthen their aftersales services for maximum customer satisfaction.
In order to meet global standards in after-sales services, Proton has embarked on these
eight changes
 in their service process:
Appointment
: Implement pro-active service appointment with the appointment rates at 80 per cent and balance 20 per cent for walk-in customer
Service Standard Practices (SSP) & Customer Service Index (CSI) improvement activities
: Improve customer communication and handling of complaints with a standardised practice.
Service Advisor
: Setting a performance benchmark for service advisors to ensure customer obtains the required attention and service
Technician
: Maximise technician productivity to ensure all concerns by the customer has been repaired.
Skill Composition
: Have sufficient manpower with the necessary qualification
4M (Man, Machine, Method and Material) & 5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke)
: Comply all items as per stated in 4M and 5S checklist to ensure vehicles are returned in good condition.
Parts availability
: Ensure parts fill rate is 90% and above by referring parts monthly average demand quantity and monitoring back order parts from Proton Parts.
Vehicle off Road (VOR)
: Inform customers on the status of VOR cases on daily basis. Any cases which require head office assistance, the Market Investigation Report (MIR) will need to be raised.
All these initiatives are implemented to increase customer satisfaction and encourage Proton owners to return to authorised dealers for car maintenance. Ultimately, the company vouches to be consistent with their promises to customers in hopes to build a strong, long-term relationship with their customers.


BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 12,680 new vehicles in 2017

Achieving its finest performance in the country, BMW Group Malaysia delivered more than 12,000 units under the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brand in 2017 – the automaker’s seventh consecutive all-time high performance – up from 10,906 units in 2016.
Globally, the automaker achieved a new all-time sales high with a total delivery of
 2,463,526 vehicles
, also the seventh consecutive year of record sales. The numbers were primarily dominated by sales of BMW and MINI vehicles, with a total delivery of
2,088,283 units
 and
371,881 units
 respectively.
Of the 12,680 units delivered by BMW Group Malaysia,
10,618 units
 were BMW vehicles – up from 9,000 in 2016. This was driven primarily by the BMW 3 Series specifically the
330e
 and
330e M Sport
models.
The
BMW X5 xDrive40e
 was also the key contributor with
3,000 units sold
 while
400 units
 of the
BMW 740Le xDrive
 were taken ownership of. The all-new BMW 5 Series launched just last year, proved to be well-received too – finding its way to 1,600 new owners.
Check out our review of the
BMW 530i M Sport
 here!
The MINI brand also charted its best record performance in 2017 with 1,010 vehicles delivered – a 12% increase from 2016. Last year, MINI added the
new Countryman
,
JCW Clubman
 and
 JCW Countryman
 to its portfolio.
For this year, BMW Group Malaysia will begin delivery of the first BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series to Vietnam and Philippines. In support of that, the BMW Assembly Plant in Kulim will increase its local assembly capabilities to over 10,000 vehicles in 2017 with an investment of over RM 10 million.


Here’s some new tech you can expect from the all-new BMW 3-Series

It’s close but don’t light that cigar just yet. The all-new BMW 3-Series is undergoing the final and crucial stages of testing before serial production gets underway.
With the likelihood of a global unveiling sometime next year, as multiple foreign reports have suggested, here’s a few new tech to tickle your heartstrings in anticipation of its arrival locally.
The new sports sedan is some 50 kg lighter, sits lower than its predecessor and strikes the ideal 50:50 weight distribution. The car’s agility and steering precision benefits from the extended track widths, while increased wheel camber promises to offer improved cornering dynamics.
It will also play host to the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever to be fitted into a BMW series production model mated to a further developed 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
On the damping side of things, the new BMW 3-series features the first ever “lift-related dampers” to be fitted in a BMW model that functions continuously and progressively in relation to the respective spring travel.
As such, vibrations that occur over bumps on the road and during hard cornering can be neutralised with precision and finesse. The dampers will be a standard feature for the new car, and with some tweaks (10mm lower) forms part of the M sports suspension package along with 18-inch light alloy wheels and mixed tyres.
There’s 20% increased damping forces from the M sports suspension compared to the standard suspension. The M sports suspension also includes more rigid bearings and stabilisers, harder springs and additional body struts.
Linked to the vehicle’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is an active locking differential that distributes torque selectively between the rear wheels to prevent slip on a wheel from reduced grip while ensuring that the engine power can be used unrestrictedly for sheer driving pleasure.
“Unlike conventional mechanical locks, the regulated M sports differential can optimise so much more than just traction. In addition to cornering dynamics, there is a particularly tangible increase in drive stability in the event of load changes, for example. This allows the new BMW 3 Series Sedan to be driven remarkably confidently and effortlessly even when travelling in dynamic style,” said Head of Driving Dynamics, Peter Langen.
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Restored Jaguar E-Type given 6.1L V12 engine with 400 hp!

E-Type UK, a renowned restorer of Jaguar E-Type vehicles has introduced their latest work dubbed the ‘Unleashed’, based on the E-Type Series 3.
Under the hood is a 6.1-litre naturally-aspirated V12, paired to a 5-speed manual, producing 405 hp to drive the rear wheels. Tasked with slowing it down is a pair of 4-piston brake calipers in the front, with slotted brake discs.
Other areas of the engine bay have also been upgraded to cope with newly ‘unleashed’ performance; such as the E-Type’s radiator which has been upgraded to a larger, high-flow aluminium unit along with the addition of oil coolers.
As power is nothing without control, the E-Type ‘Unleashed’ now sits on fully adjustable shock absorbers behind 16-inch, with additional anti-roll bars and PU bushings for better even better stability and reduced body roll.
Each unit of the Unleashed requires 4,000 hours to restore to perfection, with prices starting from £325,000 (approx. RM1.86 million) plus the cost of a Series 3 E-Type donor car.
GALLERY


Can you guess what’s the most searched car brand in Malaysia?

A recent research by
Select Car Leasing
 recently revealed what the most searched car brands were around the world, segmented by different continents and you’d never guess which brand Malaysians were most curious about.
While
Mercedes-Benz may be enjoying total dominance in the local luxury vehicle scene
, it’s
Lamborghini
 that has enjoyed better exposure through the Google search engine.
In fact, based on the infographic above, most of Southeast Asia seem to have a keen interest on the Italian supercar brand – as it is most searched for in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and “
Negaraku
“.
This monthly search data is based on 12 months of data (Sept 2017-Sept 2018) via the Google keyword planner application and is solely based on Google searches only, and not other search engines.
Source:
Select Car Leasing
IMAGE GALLERY


This is the new Subaru Impreza? Why does it look so tame?

The Frankfurt Motor Show has so far unveiled loads of exciting new cars and many have caught our attention, tickled our heartstrings and riled up our anticipation for their arrival on our shores. This new Subaru Impreza though, well, we’ve got mixed feelings about it.
Following the
overwhelming response
 from the
newly launched XV in Taiwan
 together with the
local introduction of the new BRZ
, we expected more from the rally-bred brand. Granted this may just be the entry-level model and not the WRX STI variant but if the base model already looks like this, traditionally, it’s quite safe to say that the STI’s wouldn’t be too different although we stand corrected –  and we hope to be!

The all-new Impreza has been built from the ground up under the DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy that features a lower roofline with focus on safety enhancements under Subaru’s new Global Platform (SGP). Its EyeSight, a driver assistance system which will be standard for UK models.
The fifth generation still utilises the winning formula from the pairing of a Boxer engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It comes with a 1.6-litre engine with a 2.0 variant following suit later on. Both engines are
lighter by more than 10kgs
 as
70-80%
 of it has been redesigned. The 1.6-litre will produce
112 hp
 with
150 Nm
 of torque while the 2.0-litre will make
154 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque. Both will use the Lineartronic transmission, the first CVT gearbox adopted in an AWD vehicle.
The new Impreza owes a lot to its SGP platform with enhancements on driving feel and dynamics, reduced floor, seats and steering vibrations from an intelligent chassis design and most importantly, significant improvements in safety. The
EyeSight
 is also part of the new SGP platform whereby a camera is mounted on each side of the rear view mirror to monitor traffic and potential hazards up to 110 metres ahead.
The new Impreza also comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is only the second model to be launched on the new SGP platform, following XV’s debut at Geneva earlier in the year.
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2019 Lexus NX 300 now comes with Lexus Safety System+, from RM313k

Lexus Malaysia has just announced the revised Lexus NX 300 SUV line up for 2019 with enhanced advanced driver assistance system and a lower price point for all three variants.
Like before, the NX 300 is offered in three trims –
Urban
,
Premium
and
F Sport
. All featuring the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The powertrain is good for
235 hp
 and
350 Nm
, allowing the NX 300 to complete the century dash in
 7.1 seconds
 with a top speed of
200 km/h.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Lexus NX 300 Urban
Lexus NX 300 Premium
Lexus NX 300 F-Sport
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
235 hp @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
7.1 seconds; 200 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM313,888
RM333,888
RM349,888
The biggest change in specification list is that all variants of the MY2019 Lexus NX 300 now comes with the
Lexus Safety System+
 Advanced Driver Assistance System that adds Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Pre-collision Brake Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Parking Support Alert and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
While the mechanical bits of the NX were mostly retained, engineers have revised the chassis on the new
performance dampers
 on the F-Sport model and
front performance rods
 on all variants. The new parts are developed together with Yamaha to help reduce vibrations and better damping when going over undulations.
However, with the revised kit list, some features have to be dropped to keep the price competitive. The Panoramic sunroof (moonroof for the Premium variant) have been omitted on all variants while the Smart Card Key system is no longer available for the Urban and F-Sport, only the Premium has it now. Qi wireless charging tray is now available on the Urban variant only.
 Smart Card Key only for NX 300 Premium
8.0-inch display
The biggest let down is the F-Sport
no longer
 comes with the 10.3-inch display and 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium surround sound system, replaced instead with an 8.0-inch display and eight-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system just like the rest of the model line up.
On the flip side, the
NX 300 F-Sport is now priced RM55,000 lower than before, now retailing for RM349,888.
The NX 300 Urban and Premium are now RM12k and RM11k more affordable than
before priced at RM313,888 and RM333,888, respectively.
There are seven exterior shades to choose from – Blazing Carnelian, Amber CS, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, Graphite Black GF, Red MC CS and Sparkling Meteor M while the NX 300 F-Sport is added with the Heat Blue CL or Lava Orange CS colours. Every purchase of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
2019 Lexus NX 300 Now Open for Booking
Only for NX 300 Premium


2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia – from RM798k

First introduced here at the
 tail end of 2020
, BMW Malaysia today updated its M3 and M4 Competition offerings with the availability of the optional M xDrive all-wheel drive variants, following its
global launch last year
.
The BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive starts at
RM797,860
 (or
RM827,800
 with five-year extended warranty and service package), while the M4 Competition with M xDrive starts at
RM818,860
 (or
RM848,800
 with five-year extended warranty and service package), making them both over RM100k dearer than the standard rear-wheel drive counterparts.
Both figures are on the road and without insurance, although they do include the sales and service tax (SST) as deliveries are only expected to begin after the current exemptions period ends on the 30th of June this year.
The models mark the first time that a BMW M3 and M4 are offered with all-wheel drive propulsion, and features a system derived from the
M5
 and
M8
 consisting of an electronic multi-plate clutch for variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
This is further complemented by na Active M Differential on the rear axle that further splits the engine’s power between the two rear wheels to provide even better traction, agility, and directional stability on roads with differing levels of grip.
RELATED: New lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M
Drivers can choose from three different modes – 4WD for maximum traction, 4WD Sport which provides a greater rear torque bias, and 2WD for, well, hooning. However, it’s important to note that even in the most-extreme 4WD mode, the system is still deliberately rear-wheel biased.
To fit the M xDrive all-wheel drive system into the M3 and M4 Competition, BMW also had to design a bespoke transfer case control unit and wheel slip control system, plus a rework to the car’s suspension geometry and steering ratio.
Despite the new driveline, the heart of the two new variants remain unchanged, with power coming from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine making
510 hp
 and
650 Nm
 of torque. Paired to the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new models sprint from 0-100 km/h in just
3.5 seconds
 – 0.4 seconds quicker than the standard RWD cars.
Top speed is limited at 250 km/h, but can be raised to 290 km/h if you tick the box for the M Drivers Package during your order.
BMW Malaysia did not release any detail on the new variants’ equipment list, although we are not expecting anything too drastically different from thei regular RWD counterparts. As before, both the exterior and interior equipment can be customised to your liking with items such as the M Performance Parts package.


Selangor residents urged to bring a utility bill along when going out during MCO

Selangor residents who need to go out during the Movement Control Order need to bring along a utility bill which states their current address. The Movement Control Order ends on the 14th of April 2020, pending an announcement on the 10th of April, on whether it would be extended.
This is to show the authorities at roadblocks that they are within the boundaries of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measure within Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020.
Rule 4 of the regulation came into effect on the 1st of April 2020 and will be enforced until the end of the MCO period. It states that any travel for reasons allowed is
restricted to a 10-km radius
from the person’s address.
“During the MCO period, keep a utility bill with your current address in the car. If authorities asks, use that to justify your reason for being out of the house,” said Selangor Integrity and Standards Compliance Department Chief ACP Mohd Ismail Muslim.
He also said there will be more road blocks and closures, especially at highway entry and exit points, as authorities aim to further reduce interstate travel.
Recently, the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Subang Jaya District Headquarters announced that it would be
conducting 24-hour road blocks and road closures in 15 different locations
after Phase 2 of the Movement Control Order came into effect on the 1st of April 2020.


Pileups and intense action – Round 3 of Toyota GR Festival ends in dramatic fashion

When you combine a tight circuit with high-stakes racing, chances are you’ll see some nail-biting action. And that was exactly what ensued at the
third round
 of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season three.
The event at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang, saw over 15,000 spectators over the two days at the edge of their seats, with plenty of drama, celebrations and heartbreaks to entertain the crowd.
PROMOTIONAL CLASS
Shukri Yahaya had a brilliant start in Race Two, passing singers Nabila Razali and Wany Hasrita in the first lap. Pole sitter Janna Nick made the most out of her position to lead the race for two laps, but had to yield to Shukri who was clearly setting the faster pace.
Later in the race, Janna made slight contact with Shawn Lee while fending off the latter’s charge, which unfortunately spun her around into oncoming traffic, undoing one of her best drives this season. The mishap was made even worse when actor Syafiq Kyle was unable to avoid contact, crashing straight into Janna’s car.
On his win, Shukri said “I wasn’t expecting to win but I pounced on the opportunity when Wany and Nabila made a slow start. It was my first win this season and I’m really pleased with that.”
Promotional Class Results:
Shukri Yahaya
Nabil Ahmad
Shawn Lee
Diana Danielle
Nabila Razali
SPORTING CLASS
S&D Tama Motorsports’ and motoring journalist Tom Goh led the pack at the start of Race 2, but the race was stopped prematurely on lap two after a six-car pile-up which unfortunately marked the end of the race for four drivers.
After the restart, Tom Goh continued his dominant drive, building up a two-second gap while Haji Sutan of SMS Motorsports and Dream Chaser’s Bradley Benedict Anthony were occupied in the battle for second position. Bradley Benedict eventually passed Haji Sutan on lap nine, and began hunting down Goh.
At the final stages of the race, Shanmuganathan Arumugam spun his vehicle on the track which brought out the safety car for a second time, erasing the gap created by Tom Goh.
After the safety car returned to pit, Bradley Benedict mounted a last minute challenge, which put him into the lead two corners before the chequered flag to claim his first victory of the season.
Sporting Class Results:
Bradley Benedict Anthony, Dream Chaser
Tom Goh, S&D Tama Motorsports
Haji Sutan Mustaffa, SMS Motorsports
Adam Khalid, Crestmax Motorsports
Kenneth Koh, Panglima City Racing Team
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
Compared to the other classes, the Super Sporting class was relatively “calm”. However, that does not mean there were any discount on the high octane racing.
Freddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota led the race from the start to the cequered flag, with William Ho from Toyotsu in close pursuit throughout the race, unfortunately unable to find the space to overtake in the tight circuit.
“I had a good start and just tried to pull away. William was close behind but I managed to maintain a
 good pace to the finish,” said Ang who is currently placed third in the overall point standings and still in the fight for the overall championship.
For William Ho, finishing second was also a strategic decision to take his fight for the championship to the two final races. “There are still two races to go and I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risk that would have jeopardized my chances in the championship,” said Ho.
The race did not go as smoothly for Malaysian Drift King Tengku Djan Ley, as his mistake in the first lap resulted in a brush with the concrete barrier. The damage sustained from the incident forced him to enter the pit, only rejoining the race two laps down and essentially concluding his challenge this race.
Super Sporting Class Results:
Freddie Ang, Telagamas Toyota
William Ho, Toyotsu
Boy Wong
Syafiq Ali, M7 Japan Project Team
Mark Darwin, Laser Motor Racing
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will continue in a double header at the Sepang International Circuit, with round four scheduled on the
17th to 19th of April 2020.


Facts&Figures: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC400 AMG Line 4MATIC now in Malaysia, est RM390,000

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced yet another first of its kind today, the first-ever, fully-electric EQC now available in our country as the EQC400 AMG Line, starting from an
estimated RM390,000
. The Mercedes-Benz
EQS450+
 was also launched today, from
RM698,888
, alongside the
EQB350 4MATIC
 from an estimated RM330,000.
The EQS450+ may be the grandest EQ model introduced today, but the EQC is actually the first fully electric production vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
The EQC400 indicates its electric nature upon arrival with blue lighting on its headlights equipped with Multibeam LED technology. At the rear, the tailgate is struck through with a taillight strip that stretches from one side to the other. Like the EQS, the EQC400 weighs close to 2.5-tonnes as well – probably heavier if it weren’t for the modular-designed battery pack weighing 655 kg.
EXTERIOR
20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel
AMG Line bodykit
Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
The EQC400 gets its power from two electric motors, one in the front and rear, to drive all four wheels. The electric motors get their power from an 80 kWh battery, capable of returning up to 437 km of electric driving range.
With 11kW AC charging, it takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charge the EQC although with 110 kW DC fast charging, it’ll take just 40 minutes to get the EQC up to 80% charged.
PERFORMANCE
Max Power: 408 hp
Max Torque: 760 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Consumption: 21.3 – 25 kWh/100km
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin is furnished by items that may seem familiar to you; such as the steering wheel design, centre console and air-con panel seen in current Mercedes-Benz vehicles but it stops there.
You get a horseshoe-like dashboard that extends into the textured door panels. Take a closer look and you’d also notice that the air vent design is different from current Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Nappa leather sport steering with shift paddles
Dual 10.25-inch displays, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Man-made Nappa leather dashboard
Head up display
Burmester Surround Sound System
Wireless charging
2x USB-C
Electronically adjustable front seats
SAFETY
Driving Assistance Package
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
Parking Package with 360-degree view
Active Parking Assist
GALLERY


World’s first Toyota Raize GR Sport introduced in Indonesia

The small crossover twins from Daihatsu and Toyota has been officially launched in Indonesia. Both models retain their original names of
Rocky
 and
Raize
 which are originally used in Japan.
While there is a TRD body kit and accessories package in Japan for the Toyota Raize, PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), the distributor of the Toyota brand in Indonesia, has unveiled the world’s first Toyota
Raize

GR Sport
.
The
GR Sport
 package consists of all-round bodykit, DRLs, one tailgate-mounted GR Sport badge, gloss black 17-inch wheels,
shift paddles
 on the steering wheel and the seat covers in a fabric-leather combination.  It is a simpler accessories package than the
Vios GR Sport
 offered in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor.
The compact SUVs core powertrain consisting of the
turbocharged 1.0-litre
 three-cylinder engine (
98 hp/140 Nm
) paired with the new Dual-mode CVT is available in both makes. However, in order to lower the price position as well as cater to customer demands, a five-speed manual transmission is also available on both makes.
TAM is also offering the option of a three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine displacing
1.2 litres
 with outputs of
88 hp
 and
113 Nm
 of torque. This variant is also used as an entry into the Toyota Raize line-up.
One key difference in the specifications of the
Daihatsu Rocky
 and Malaysia’s Perodua Ativa is the infotainment system, where the former has
Apple CarPlay
 connectivity that the latter omits. Daihatsu is also offering better audio quality through the ADS package that includes an eight-inch subwoofer.
The
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA)
 driving assist suite that is a standard feature of the
Perodua Ativa
, consisting of the pre-collision warning and braking, front departure alert, pedal misoperation control and lane departure warning with prevention is only available in the top-of-the-range Daihatsu Rocky ASA.
In order to have more separation (and brand hierarchy) between the Rocky and Raize in Indonesia, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) feature found in the
Perodua Ativa AV
 variant are only in the Toyota Raize GR Sport under the
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
 banner. Lane Keeping Control (LKC) is
not available
 in Indonesia, thus no Level 2 autonomous driving feature.
A fully-loaded Toyota Raize GR Sport with dual-tone paintwork and TSS is priced at
IDR265.9 million
 (RM75,500) while the cheapest Raize 1.0G M/T is priced at
IDR219.9 million
 (RM62,500).
The Daihatsu Rocky meanwhile is priced from
IDR214 million
 (RM60,800) for the entry-level 1.0 MT and
IDR 236.1 million
 (RM67,100) for the 1.0 CVT with ASA.
Both models are built at
Daihatsu Motor’s Karawang
 plant and future plans include
exporting
 the products to approximately 50 countries.
GALLERY


Hyundai introduces centre side airbag to reduce head collision injuries

Located at the side of the driver’s seat, Hyundai’s new centre side airbag is designed to
separate the space between the driver and front passenger
.
The centre side airbag expects to reduce head collision between the driver and front passenger by
up to 80%
, particularly upon collision on the side of the vehicle.
According to statistics by the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association, the rate of secondary damage caused by these kinds of collisions or from hitting interior materials is about 45%.
In designing the new airbag, Hyundai Motor Group made use of a
recently patented technology
 to simplify the structure of the tether where an internal component maintains the form and integrity of the airbag. This resulted in a new airbag that is
500g lighter
 than competing products.
With side impact being one of the key considerations of the Euro NCAP starting from 2020, we can expect that the new centre side airbag by Hyundai to work favourably in these evaluations.
Hyundai is looking to roll out the new technology in upcoming vehicles. Meanwhile, Honda have also recently introduced a
new front airbag
 that “cups your face” reducing side and rotational injury of the neck and head, and is expected to be implemented in Honda vehicles in the United States by 2020.


New Hyundai Kona facelift to arrive in Malaysia this year!

Alongside the
Palisade
, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) today also announced that the
new Kona facelift
 will be introduced here on our shores this year, less than a year after the model’s
original local debut
.
According to HSDM Managing Director Low Yuan Lung, the Kona “captured the attention of many who yearn for a distinctively designed compact SUV”, and hopes that the new facelift model will be able to “capture more hearts this time around”.
On the outside, the Hyundai Kona facelift introduced globally last year features a restyled front fascia with a sportier edge, as well as a slightly tweaked rear end. HSDM also says that it will get new 17- and 18-inch alloys, hinting at two different variants to be offered here at launch.
New…
vs Old
Moving inside, the dashboard architecture gets an ever-so-slightly tweak to its design, with a more horizontal centre console, alongside new air vents and speaker grille designs. There is also a new updated infotainment system measuring eight-inches in size (up from seven), though other markets also get a larger 10.25-inch option, running Hyundai’s latest BlueLink software.
Other changes on the interior include a new electronic parking brake, new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, as well as additional USB ports.
Fancy this Hyundai Kona with the aggressive N Line treatment?
HSDM says that the new Hyundai Kona facelift will be powered by a Smartstream G2.0 engine, paired to carmaker’s own intelligent variable transmission to send
149 hp
 and
180 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels.
Interestingly, the press release has no mention of the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that is currently available on the range-topping Kona here in Malaysia, which makes 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque, translating to a century sprint time of 7.7 seconds – that’s even faster than the
Proton X50 Flagship
! Fingers crossed that it’s not being cancelled.
On the safety front, The SmartSense advanced driver assistance system on the updated Hyundai Kona has also received a sizeable upgrade. New features include an improved Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist which can now engage the rear differential brakes, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (previously only a warning), Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.
The camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection is now standard across the range in global markets, but an upgraded system which uses an additional sensor can now be fitted, with support for cyclist detection and better reliability in bad weather conditions.
On our current Malaysian-specification Hyundai Kona, only the range-topping 1.6 Turbo variant gets access to these ADAS features. It’ll be interesting to see how HSDM will spec the cars here this time around, as competitors such as Perodua have already brought more value down to even their entry-level variants (on the
Ativa
).
As a recap, the Hyundai Kona is offered here in Malaysia in three variants; the two lower variants get a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with
149 hp
and
180 Nm
, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the range-topper is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill with
177 hp
and
265 Nm
, paired to a seven-speed DCT.
Prices for the Hyundai Kona starts at RM124k, going up to RM152k for the range-topping 1.6 Turbo variant. It remains to be seen if HSDM will be hiking up the prices for the Hyundai Kona facelift here in Malaysia, but at least we don’t have to wait too long to find out – spy shots have already caught the facelift model arriving at Malaysian ports!
GALLERY
New…


The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition 550 is the epitome of “sheep in wolf’s clothing”

Mercedes-Benz has revealed images of a new special-edition
G-Class
 model, dubbed “Edition 550”. While that’s not all that surprising, given the incredible demand for the luxury off-roader from the footballers and movie stars around the world, this one here has got us scratching our heads a little bit.
You see, on the outside, the Edition 550
 Gelandewagen
 has been given a slight makeover to toughen it up particularly with the addition of a gloss black bull bar in front. The blacked-out treatment also extends to the bumpers, wheels, and trims all around the exterior to give it some extra
oomph
, and contrasts nicely with the three high-end Manufaktur paint jobs offered here: Jupiter Red, Arabian Grey, and Moonlight White.
And as if that’s not enough, the special edition badging for the Edition 550 even features the silhouette of a G-Class climbing a mountain, telling the world that: “Yes, this is a proper off-roading beast. Watch out.”
Nothing out of the ordinary so far, but it’s when you open the doors and step into the cabin that you’ll realise just how different it is compared to the outside.
In stark contrast to the “tough and rough” exterior, Mercedes-Benz has given the G-Class Edition 550 an extra luxurious interior, decked out in two-tone Nappa leather with diamond stitching, plus new Active Multicontour Seats and carbon fibre trims on the inside.
RELATED: Mercedes-Benz G 350 d now available in Malaysia, new entry-point to the G-Wagen
The only photo of the interior here shows off a two-tone white and black upholstery colour combo which, as we all know, will never be chosen by an actual offroad driver – so we can only assume that the reason for the colour choice is to scream “I’m rich”, which makes sense because the passenger grab handle on the dashboard even says “1 of 200” to let them know you’re driving a special car.
Mercedes-Benz did not reveal much about the car’s specifications aside from these photos, but we do know that the ‘550’ in its name is from the car’s G 550 underpinnings, which means there’s a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet making
415 hp
 and
610 Nm
 of torque.
Images:
Mercedes-Benz USA/Facebook
GALLERY


Video: 2022 facelift Toyota Camry 2.5V Dynamic Force from RM199k, 5 Things

Toyota has launched the
new facelift Toyota Camry

starting from
RM199,109
, with significant additions and changes to the car.
For starters, it comes with a new Dynamic Force engine and a new 8-speed transmission, away from the previous 6-speed unit. The 2.5-litre engine now puts out 209 hp and 253 Nm to drive the front wheels.
Outside, changes include revisions to the front grille and bumper, a different 18-inch wheel design, and a darker shade of red for the taillights. The revisions are subtle but when compared to the pre-facelift Camry, the new look is less aggressive, more elegant.

Inside, the Camry comes with a larger 9-inch infotainment display, new centre console and door trims, and 3-zone air conditioning, 10-way powered driver seat in replacement of the previous 8-way unit. Standard features include a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a head-up display, and wireless charging.
The
most incredible upgrade
 in the facelift Camry where the rear armrest now comes with controls for the air-con, radio, and seat-reclining feature. Sadly, the control panel on the rear armrest does not offer air-con fan speed controls. The rear seats are also reclinable!
Find out more in the video!


Audi Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron open for booking in Malaysia, est. RM369k – RM476k

Together with the
Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT
, Audi Malaysia has also opened bookings for the fully-electric Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron. Both cars will each be offered in the “advanced 50” and “S Line 55” trims, with estimated prices between
RM369,000
 to
RM476,000
.
Prior to being called the Q8 e-tron, the flagship EV SUV by Audi was simply called the e-tron. However, with the brand’s expanding all-electric range,
it was renamed the Q8 e-tron in November 2022
.
In terms of propulsion, both the “advance 50” variants of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron get the same all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that makes
340 hp
 (metric) and
 664 Nm
. The “advance 50” variants also get a
95-kWh
 battery pack that provides about
410 km
 of pure electric range.
Up a notch, the “S Line 55” trims of both cars get a more powerful AWD dual-motor setup that makes
408 hp
 (metric) and
664 Nm
. The battery is also larger at
114-kWh
 capacity, providing 481 km of electric range.
RELATED:
Audi e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT open for booking in Malaysia, from est. RM559,000
As for charging, the “advanced 50” variants can be charged at a maximum rate of
11 kW
 with AC charging and
150 kW
 with DC fast charging (DCFC). 11-kW AC charging charges the car from 0 to 100% in
9 hours and 15 minutes
, while 150-kW DCFC charges the car from 10% to 80% in
31 minutes
.
The “S Line 55” variants can handle a maximum charging rate of
22 kW
 with AC charging and
170 kW
 with DC fast charging. 22-kW AC charging brings the State of Charge (SoC) from 0 to 100% in
4 hours and 45 minutes
 while 170-kW DCFC charges the car from 10% to 80% in
31 minutes
.
RELATED:
Updated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron – tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm
In the range-topping S-Line variants, the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron feature digital matrix LED headlamps, virtual exterior mirrors (instead of side view mirrors), a panoramic glass sunroof, digital matrix LED headlamps, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. With PHS automotive as the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia, the brand is going on an electric offense this year, starting with the
e-tron GT
 and
Q8 e-tron
.
RELATED:
The Audi A6 e-tron concept uses its headlamps to project video games!


2019 Perodua Axia officially launched – ASA 2.0, pricing starts at RM24k

Perodua has officially unveiled the 2019 Perodua Axia. The market leading A-segment hatchback is now Malaysia’s most affordable car with advanced safety features.
The 2019 Perodua Axia will be offered in
six variants
 — E, G, GXtra, SE, AV and an exciting STYLE variant, sporting a crossover-inspired look. The new Perodua Axia variants are priced
 between RM24,090 and RM43,190
on the road before insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.
Perodua’s
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0
 has made it’s way down the family, and is now available in the AV variant of the 2019 Perodua Axia. The ASA 2.0 includes safety features such as pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h), pre-collision warning (up to 100 km/h), pre-collision braking (up to 80 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control.
Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “the 2019 Perodua Axia carries on the spirit while offering Malaysians much more in an entry-level vehicle than ever thought possible. It offers major advances in safety and style never seen before in this segment and yet retains its affordability.”
All variants will be offered with the same
1.0-litre VVT-i engine
 producing
68 hp
 and
91 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels in all variants. The entry-level E variant will be offered with a
5-speed manual
 transmission; all other variants only get a
 4-speed automatic
.
Being a facelift, the 2019 Perodua Axia generally looks pretty similar to the outgoing model. The 2019 Axia sports an updated standard bumpers and garnishing design, while the STYLE variant gets its own unique look. We cover the Axia STYLE in depth in our separate story
here.
The SE and AV variants form the “premium” range, with added extra skirtings on all four sides of the vehicle and a spoiler at the back. In addition, the SE and AV get a “high type” headlamps and added front fog lamps. The “premium” variants also get turning indicators on the retractable electronic side mirrors.
The Axia E will be equipped with 14-inch steel rims, while the other variants get 14-inch alloy wheels. The Axia STYLE is the only variant to be offered with a 15-inch alloy rims.
On the inside, the top two variants come with semi-bucket style seats, donned in SE styling fabric seats. The Axia SE will have an audio system with USB and Bluetooth, while the Axia AV gets a
touch-screen infotainment system
 with navigation, Smart Link, USB, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity. All other variants get a regular audio system without Bluetooth, while the E variant does not come with an audio system.
Safety wise, the 2019 Perodua Axia comes equipped with dual ABS airbags on all variants, anti brake-lock system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) on the G and above, while the GXtra, SE, AV and STYLE gets an additional vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TC) features. As stated earlier, the AV variant also gets the additional ASA 2.0 system.
With more than 5,000 bookings made even before its public reveal, the Perodua Axia will be looking to maintain its status as the best-selling A-segment hatchback in Malaysia.
2019 Perodua Axia Pricing:
Variant
P M’sia prices
E M’sia prices
E
RM24,090
RM26,090
G
RM33,490
RM35,490
GXtra
RM34,990
RM36,990
STYLE
RM38,890
RM40,890
SE
RM38,890
RM40,890
AV
RM43,190
RM45,190
IMAGE GALLERY


Did Carlos Ghosn hide in a drum to evade authorities?

While the news of
Carlos Ghosn
 fleeing house arrest in Japan in a made-for-Hollywood plot dominated headlines over Christmas last year, the former Nissan boss has so far been tight-lipped about the finer details of how he evaded so many layers of scrutiny in what has become one of the world’s
most audacious escapes
 by a high profile corporate icon.

Some media outlets had initially speculated on how Ghosn may have eluded detection by hiding in a
cello box
 belonging to a band that had performed at his
Roppongi
residence. But news reports later told a different story in that Ghosn had travelled on his own on a bullet train to Osaka and met with his handlers at a hotel near
Kansai
airport.
From Davos to a drum? Ghosn is now a fugitive hoping to clear his name.
What transpired at the hotel till Ghosn got on the plane is speculation, but
news animators Bisbo
 expounded their own theory on how a sedated Ghosn may have given authorities the slip by hiding in drum placed in an
oversized musical instrument case
. Well, until Ghosn lets us in on what really transpired, Bisbo’s guess is as good as any. Besides, animated comic is a fun way to tell a story.


All-new Volkswagen Polo unveiled, vastly improved and very high tech!

With 14 million cars sold to date, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of the Polo with the sixth-generation Polo. Volkswagen has thoroughly reimagined the Polo from the ground up, featuring an all-new platform, new engines, high-tech features and semi-autonomous driving systems.
Underpinning the Polo is the famed MQB platform, albeit scaled down (
MQB A0
) for compact cars application. Dimension wise, it has grown significantly compared to the
fifth-generation Polo
, now measuring at 4,053 mm in length (+81 mm), 1,751 mm in width (+69 mm) and 2,564 mm in wheelbase (+94 mm). Overall, height has decreased by 7 mm to 1,446 mm. Thanks to the swelled dimensions, interior room for occupants has increased significantly and boot space has also increased by 21 litres to
351 litres
.
EXTERIOR
According to VW’s Head of Design, Klaus Bischoff, the designers took an expressive design approach to give the Polo an outlook that fits the current buyers’ lifestyle. As a result, the four-door only Polo is more masculine, sporty and confident than before. One key design called ‘Arrow-shaped tornado double line’ that runs from the window shoulder all the way into the headlamps housing help make the Polo appear longer and better stance.
At launch, three familiar trim lines will be offered – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as well as a ‘Beats’ special edition make up the Polo range. In its highest specification (including options), the Polo comes with full-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, keyless entry and start and remote start function. Alloy wheel options range from 14- to 16-inches in diameter.

For an even more aggressive appearance, customers can opt for the
R-Line package
 (available with any trim lines) which adds a larger and sportier front bumper, rear diffuser with chrome trim, roof spoiler, black sill trim strips and 16-inch ‘Sebring’ alloy wheels.
INTERIOR
Inside, gone is the old minimalistic look. It now mimics those of the
Golf MK7
 and
Passat B8
,  and some features include 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 6.0- to 8.0-inch infotainment systems, ‘Air Care Climatronic’ system with air quality sensor and allergen filter, panoramic roof and Wireless Charging Tray.

The ‘Beats’ special edition Polo gets a specially developed 300-watt sound system by US headphone producer Beats (Dr. Dre). Elsewhere it gets special ‘Beats’ logo around the interior.
PERFORMANCE
The Polo can be had with up to eight engines: one Natural Gas, five petrol and two diesels. The entry level petrol engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder MPI with two tunes:
64 hp
 and
74 hp
. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Onto the turbo petrol range, it kicks off with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo TSI engine:
 94 hp
 and
 114 hp
; both engines can be had with a seven-speed DSG or manual transmissions.
The Polo is also available with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI EVO producing
148 hp
 like on the
Golf facelift
. The 1.5-litre TSI EVO features
Active Cylinder Management (ACM) technology
 which shuts down the middle two cylinders during light throttle load. Volkswagen has yet to reveal official fuel consumption figures but with the Polo being a smaller car, it should better the Golf’s
4.9 litres per 100 km
. A seven-speed DSG or six-speed manual can be had with this engine.
On the oil burner front, two 1.6-litre TDI with
79 hp
 and
94 hp
, respectively. The lower output gets a five-speed manual as standard while the more powerful TDI has the option for a seven-speed DSG. For added handling performance, the Polo can be optioned with
Adaptive Dampers
 which allows the driver to select their desired handling characteristics for superior control.
SAFETY
Volkswagen has equipped the Polo with driver assistance safety systems found on their higher range models but the most impressive move is that all variants come with
City Emergency Braking
 (AEB), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Pedestrian Monitoring
as standard
! Other options that greatly improve safety are Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, semi-automated Park Assist and
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
 that operates up to speeds of
210 km/h
.
On paper, the Volkswagen Polo certainly seems to have evolved leaps and bounds compared to the outgoing model. The new Polo will be available in European markets in late 2017 with prices in Germany starting from €12,975 (RM62k).
We know for sure that it’s only a matter of time before the all-new Polo arrives here in Malaysia. And hopefully when it does, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will offer the full suite of high-tech features and drivers assistance systems at an attractive price. Otherwise, at least the sexy R-Line to replace the
ALLSTAR
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Polo R-Line

Volkswagen Polo ‘Beats’ Edition


This video will make you appreciate the beauty of Mazda’s cars even more

Ever since Mazda returned to the automotive front pages, their signature KODO design language has been at the forefront of solidifying a place among the heavyweights of car manufacturers.
The KODO design philosophy breathed life into their cars while reflecting the spirit of the vehicle’s designers and its builders. The process required Mazda’s engineers to be meticulous – to prevent mass-production from diluting high levels of craftsmanship.
Take the “grinding stone” for example, a material used to shape, form and refine the lines of a car;
more than 12,000 grinding stones
 were tested and rejected before Mazda developed its own unique “KODO stone”.
The “KODO stone” allowed Mazda’s master craftsmen (or Takumi) to precisely sculpt the metal moulds to reflect their passion, to bring a piece of drawing to life, to project soul of motion.


2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM4 mil

Few would consider a Rolls-Royce sexy, for it is an extravagant, ultra luxurious four-wheeled private jet. It turns out that all you need to do to make a Rolls-Royce ‘sexy’ is to decapitate the top, and that dear readers, is how the
Rolls-Royce Dawn
 was born.
The Dawn is essentially a convertible version of the Wraith, and it succeeds the Phantom Drophead Coupe. It’s built based on the previous generation (F02) BMW 7-Series and shares quite a number of mechanical components as Munich’s flagship limo, the V12 engine included. Not surprising there, because BMW owns Rolls-Royce.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Engine
6,592cc; twin-turbo V12, DOHC
Transmission
8-speed ZF auto
Max Power
563 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Max Torque
780 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
5.0 seconds, 250km/h (electronically limited)
Price
from RM4,000,000.00
EXTERIOR
Despite being closely related to the Wraith, Rolls-Royce insists that close to 80 percent of the Dawn is new and exclusive to the model. Several design tweaks have been made to give the Dawn a sleeker silhouette, beginning with the recessed front grille and the raked windscreen. The Flying Lady ornament, or more fondly known as the
Spirit of Ecstasy
, can be deployed or hidden away through the push of a button that’s housed within the centre console.

Its fabric-top is made of
 six interwoven layers
, which gives it the characteristic pin-drop silence of a typical Rolls-Royce. This is of course when the roof is up, and getting that done takes about
 22 seconds
 (operable at speeds no more than 50km/h). Standard features on the outside include full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, 21-inch wheels shod with run-flat tyres and quad exhaust pipes masked by the two trapezoidal tips.
INTERIOR
The cabin is upholstered in appropriately exquisite leather; the one you see here is finished in a tangy brown tone which Rolls-Royce calls Mandarin. Legend has it that all wooden parts of the cabin are carved from the same tree trunk, and that gives unparalleled grain symmetry, texture and colour. None of the wooden panels are fake, and they have all been treated to withstand the abuse of weather and time.

The Dawn is strictly a four-seater limousine, and the lower recesses of the car gets draped in ultra plush fabric. Each occupant will get his/her own climate control and heated seats.
PERFORMANCE
The Dawn is only available with one engine, that is the BMW-sourced
 6.6-litre V12
 motor. It is
 twin-turbocharged
 to make
563 horsepower
 and
780 Nm
 of torque, slightly less than the F02 7-Series’ 624-pony count. Drive is sent to the
rear wheels
 through an
eight-speed automatic
 gearbox manufactured by ZF.
It may weight in excess of 2,600kg, but it’s powerful enough to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of
250km/h
. The combined fuel consumption is rated at
14.3 litres per 100km
, but this obviously won’t concern buyers.
WHAT ELSE?
As with any Rolls-Royce, the Dawn is entirely built by hand at the company’s manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England. The team is 1,400 large, and can produce up to 20 Rollers a day.You can personalise the Dawn to the very limits of your taste, so let your journey begin at the Ground Floor of Quill 9, Petaling Jaya, with a personal tour of the RM4 million handmade convertible.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Audi SQ5 TDI is packed with supercar-rivaling 700 Nm!

German carmaker Audi has just introduced the new Audi SQ5 TDI, a diesel variant of the SQ5 range and while it may have the same 3.0-litre V6 setup, it now makes 700 Nm – 200 Nm more than its petrol-powered TFSI sibling.
Together with
347 hp
and a permanent all-wheel drive system
,
 it will take the SQ5 TDI just five seconds to hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill – that’s Volkswagen Golf R territory!
In normal driving conditions, torque between the front and rear is distributed at a 40:60 ratio. Up to 70% of the power can be sent to the front or 85% to the back, depending on the situation.
At full boost, the large Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers can generate up to 2.4 bar of pressure, while a sound actuator in the exhaust system helps produce a full-bodied exhaust note.
The SQ5 TDI’s performance is aided by a 48-volt main electrical system consisting of an Electric-Powered Compressor (EPC) that supports the turbocharger – helping it to spool faster – along with a mild hybrid system.
The mild hybrid system on the other hand helps recuperate energy under braking, and stores them in a compact lithium-ion battery that placed under the boot floor, with an electrical capacity of 10 Ah.
The Audi SQ5 TDI’s suspension comes as standard with damper control unlike the standard Q5. It also lowers the car significantly without sacrificing comfort and practicality. As an option, there’s also the S-specific adaptive air suspension.
Braking performance has also been upgraded with 6-pot calipers in the front, beneath a set of 20-inch cast aluminium wheels.
The cabin is unmistakably Audi, with Alcantara, leather and brushed aluminium occupying all the touch points. While the exterior does not differ from the petrol-powered model, there is a Panther Black paint job that’s exclusively for the SQ5 TDI.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Audi A7 Sportback officially teased, to get latest design language

Audi has officially teased its upcoming all-new Audi A7 Sportback in a single image. The second-generation luxury four-door coupe will make its official debut very very soon on October 19, 6pm BST (1am Malaysian time). Audi claims that the new A7 embodies the brands latest design language previously seen on the Prologue concept car.
Like the
A8
 that made its global debut recently, the A7 will also carry over much of the design elements from the Prologue show car. Design cues such as sleeker headlamps and prominent Singleframe grille like the
A4
 and
Q5
 are a given.
Expect the A7 to be lighter, more aerodynamic and luxurious than the out-going model it replaces. As some of you are aware, the
first-gen A7
 was based on the
A6 C7
 but was actually launched a year before the A6 came about (A7 in 2010, A6 in 2011). If Audi were to keep the same development timeline, we can expect what the next-generation A6 entails judging from the all-new A7.
Audi will stream the unveiling live on
www.audimedia.tv
 so you can catch it later at 1am local time. Stay tuned for the launch report from us soon after!
IMAGE GALLERY


Chery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant, model launch next year

At the launch of the
Tiggo 7 Pro
 and
Tiggo 8 Pro
 in Indonesia yesterday, Chery has reaffirmed its
 plans for a local assembly (CKD) plant
 for its models here in Malaysia, as part of its push into the right-hand-drive (RHD) markets globally.
Speaking at the launch, Chery Motor Indonesia executive vice president, Zhang Wei said that the carmaker will be establishing its “own subsidiary” in Malaysia next month. The CKD project will see an annual capacity of 30,000 units, and is hinted to begin operations in July 2023.
“We will meet our customers [in Malaysia] in July next year,” Zhang said.
Indonesia, however, will still remain the production hub for Chery’s RHD markets in the region, and will be further bolstered with the addition of a R&D centre in the country.
The vehicles made in Indonesia and Malaysia will be exported to Australia, Singapore, and Brunei, among others. In Australia, the
Omoda 5
 will lead Chery’s introduction into the country, beginning February 2023.
RELATED:
Chery makes first official appearance in Malaysia – Tiggo Pro Series, Omoda 5 previewed

Here in Malaysia, Chery recently
previewed
 the five models that it has earmarked for launch in Malaysia, including the Tiggo Pro Series, as well as the highly-anticipated Omoda 5. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models, and has also previewed the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV here in Malaysia, making its first appearance in the ASEAN region.
The Malaysian launch will kick off with the Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro as part of its “Phase One” plans.
ALSO READ:
Chery promises “user-centric” aftersales services in Malaysia with nationwide dealership network


What is: Directional tyres

These days we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to tyre selection from a range of different brands and prices, performance levels and applications. But do we (or rather you) know what you’re buying? Are those set of tyres suited to your daily needs?
Here’s a video we made on tyre care tips and things to look out for before going on a long drive.
If you’ve popped by a tyre shop and gone through the ordeal of picking out a tyre for your car, you’d agree that there are easily more than 10 different brands to choose from, with varying costs and applications. You would’ve most certainly also heard of
asymmetric and directional tyres
 – in reference to their tread patterns.
What are they then? What do they mean? How do they differ in application?
Narrowing down the focus, we’ll start off by briefly looking into
what directional tyres are
; looking through its fundamentals so that you can sound knowledgeable enough to impress your better half and avoid looking like a complete imbecile at the tyre shop.
Directional tyres have been around since the beginning of motoring and were used as a means of improving traction on muddy and loose surfaces. It’s not until modern times that they were appreciated for their advantages and less importantly, aesthetic appeal.
These tyres can be easily identified simply by the tread patterns on its surface. They usually have an arrow-like, forward-facing, V-shaped pattern (that’s hard to miss) and is designed solely to rotate in one direction.
These tyres usually have markings on the sidewall to determine its direction. The markings may vary but typically you’ll find the word “rotation” clearly stated if not some form of symbol or representation like an arrow, to ensure that you wouldn’t position them wrongly when you’re fitting on or rotating those tyres.
While it wouldn’t send your car into the ditch if mounted on the wrong side, let’s just say, these tyres wouldn’t be optimised – they wouldn’t be as effective in delivering grip and dispersing water, as it should.
Aside from helping to disperse water more efficiently, to avoid aquaplanning, directional tyres are also said to offer better directional stability.
Speaking of rotating your tyres, directional tyres can only be rotated
from side to side or from front to back
, vice versa. If done wrongly, it could reduce traction, increase tyre noise and decrease the lifespan of the tyres.


Mercedes-Benz teases new AMG GT-R ahead of Goodwood debut [+ Video]

It appears that a certain Nissan supercar will no longer hold the exclusive “GT-R” moniker, following an announcement by Mercedes-Benz with their soon-to-be-unveiled AMG GT-R supercar.
Judging from the 22-second teaser, it’s certain that the new AMG GT-R supercar is one lean, mean machine. Also noticeable here is a fixed rear wing and revised rear bumper for added downforce, as well as the GT-R emblem at the back.
It’s set to retain its
 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine
and the
 seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle gearbox
. To recap, the standard GT (
launched here in S guise with a price tag of RM1.15 million
) generates 470 hp and 600 Nm of torque while the GT S liberates 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque. While no official figures have been revealed at this point of time, the new AMG GT-R will very likely pack in excess of
 570
 hp.
Additional raw power is not the thing the new AMG GT-R can shout about, because it’s also poised to receive active aerodynamics and rear wheel steering. On the latter, it seems that Mercedes is following Porsche’s playbook, because rear-steering is used in the
991 GT3
 and turbo.
The AMG GT-R is set to make its debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed that’s scheduled to take place on 24 June 2016.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Lexus LC 500 Convertible, 5 Things

Three years after the arrival of the
LC 500 Coupe
, which was subsequently featured in our
annual AutoBuzz Best Cars of 2017 video
, Lexus Malaysia has followed up with this, the
LC 500 Convertible
 priced from RM1.35 million.
Powering the
convertible art sculpture
 is the same 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine and 10-speed automatic combo that’s in the LC 500 Coupe. The LC 500 Convertible makes the same
 470 hp
 and
 540 Nm
 however, it’s 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.9 seconds; half a second slower than the LC 500 Coupe’s 4.4 seconds.
That’s because the LC 500 Convertible is carrying nearly 100 kg of excess fat despite having a fabric roof over the carbon fibre roof in the LC 500 Coupe.

Exterior wise, while it may look as simple as an LC 500 Coupe without a roof, there are considerable changes in the rear quarter section. The section behind the doors now sport a “kick up” design as Lexus calls it, joining the slightly raised trunk surface. The integrated rear ducktail spoiler is also broader, lending the LC 500 Convertible a wider stance.
As with most convertibles, boot space is often times sacrificed to accommodate the collapsed roof but the LC500 convertible is an exception.
It offers just
as much luggage room as the LC 500 Coupe
at 172 litres. It’s a result of folding the fabric roof and tucking it between the rear suspension towers. Meanwhile, the hydraulic motors that operate the roof have been fitted in the empty space behind the rear seats.
Wanna know more about the latest drop-top in Malaysia? Check out the video!
GALLERY


The new Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien is a Porsche 911 for off-road use

They say the fruit does not fall too far from the tree and this could not be more true with the Gemballa family.
The late Uwe Gemballa rose to fame extracting huge horsepower from all sorts of standard Porsches including Cayenne SUVs and turning them into bonkers road trains. Now his son, Marc Phillip Gemballa, looks to extend the family legacy with his very own company and direction, named after himself. Note that Marc Philipp Gemballa is not associated with Gemballa GmbH.
Breaking away from the family business and supercar traditions, the new Marsien is Marc Philipp Gemballa’s first creation based on the latest
992 Porsche 911 Turbo S
. It’s a new vehicle concept that’s inspired by the Paris-Dakar rally era.
As for the name Marsien, it’s
French for “Martian”
. The inspiration for it came from the beautiful

Al Faya desert

where the car was developed; with stunning red desert sand, sharp fossil rocks, and mountainous backdrops.
“We felt as if we were in an entirely different universe. Since it looked and felt like we were on Mars, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project,” said Marc Philipp Gemballa.
To conquer the desert dunes, or any terrain it comes across, the engine from the 911 Turbo S was developed and tuned with RUF Automobile to now produce
750 hp
 and
 930 Nm
, a 100 hp and 130 Nm increase. This means 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 2.6 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than the 911 Turbo S.
Customers craving more power can even opt for a 2nd stage power upgrade, taking output
up to 830 hp
 with upgraded turbochargers and revised ECU tuning for the engine and transmission.
Just so it can handle all that torque, they’ve used extended driveshafts developed with reinforced parts from the Cayenne. Allowing the boxer engine to sing at the highest notes is an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system with a bespoke sound.
The body of the Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien is made entirely of carbon fibre and can be finished with exposed carbon fibre upon request. The unique colour is the result of three layers of Pearl White paint with special metallic flakes.
Under the highly aerodynamic body is a set of bespoke KW suspension specially created for the Marsien for off-road use. The suspension system also includes active dampers and adjustable ride height features. At the touch of a button, the ride height can be raised up to 250 mm while the active dampers are able to adjust themselves within 20 milliseconds for optimum road holding.
Inside, the Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien looks less Martian and more Parisian with plush leather and Alcantara upholstery, carbon fibre and other exquisite materials which can all be made to order.
Manufactured in Germany, only a few of the 40 allocated units remain according to the company. Each comes with a hefty price tag of EUR 495,000 (approx. RM2.4 million), on top of whatever it costs to buy the Porsche 911 Turbo S!
GALLERY


This video of two supercars battling on the Nurburgring proves power isn’t everything

There’s nothing more exciting than watching two of the most powerful cars
money can buy – a
 Mercedes-AMG GT R
 and a
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
 – dishing it out at the Nurburgring.
I’ve always believed that too much of anything isn’t a good thing and that’s relative to power as well. In that sense, I prefer a balance – not too much power that it overwhelms the car and ultimately the driver, but enough to go real fast.

In the video, it’s obvious which car is more superior on the straights and the high speed sections but the GT3 RS more than makes up for it under heavy braking and in the tighter sections – as all 911s in general are known for.
The Mercedes-AMG GT R makes
585 hp
 with
700 Nm
 of torque from its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 while the Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes
513 hp
 and
470 Nm
 of torque from its 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six.


Audi R8 LMS Cup: Alex Yoong and Edoardo Mortara dominates Sepang [+Video]

Last weekend saw round 5 and 6 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup take place, a one-make race series featuring our homegrown racer Alex Yoong. Alex and fellow racer, a young Belgian Alessio Picariello, are currently tied at the top of the championship table.
For the uninitiated, the Audi R8 LMS Cup is a single-make race series where drivers, either professional racers or gentlemen drivers, race across tracks in Asia with the identically-specced Audi R8 LMS race car. This season, the second-generation 570hp
Audi R8
 was the car of choice for all, and is based on GT3 specifications. The race is organised by Audi China and is part of the Audi Sport customer racing Asia programme.

In the first race, Alex Yoong started fourth on the grid, and made a splendid start thanks to fresher tyres. The Malaysian overtook all three drivers ahead before reaching turn one and led comfortably throughout the race. His only competition came from current DTM driver, Edoardo Mortara, but the best Mortara could do was settle for second place. Rahel Frey, a Swiss lass and the only female driver of the series, finished third in her green R8 with Castrol liveries.
As the R8 LMS rules go, Alex’s victory in the first leg “earned” him a 50kg weight penalty. Subsequent podium finishers will also receive a 35kg and 20kg ballast for second and third place, respectively.
The battle turned intense when Picariello, who had his 35kg ballast removed from the first leg, made contact with Mortara’s left door in turn 2 but the experienced Italian retained his composure to lead the race. It was Mortara’s racing experience that gave him the win, followed by the charging Picariello in a close second place. Frey was the most consistent driver of the weekend by taking the final podium of the race. Yoong meanwhile crossed the finish line in sixth.
On another note, current GP3 driver and fellow Malaysian, Akash Nandy, took this off-season break from single-seater racing by driving one of the KCMG’s R8. He finished both races in ninth place.
As for the points standing, both Yoong and Picariello are tied at the top of the championship standings with 95 points, and Frey’s double podium earned her the third spot in the overall standings. In the Amateur cup, Jeffrey Lee of Team Audi Volkswagen Taiwan scored double wins and leads the Amateur cup standings.
The next race will move to Korea and will take place on 24 and 25 September 2016, before the finale in Shanghai in November. Alex, who is also Malaysia’s first Formula One driver, took two consecutive Audi R8 LMS titles in 2014 and 2015. With his vast experience in many forms of motorsports, the 2016 title is just within an arm’s reach for him, as long he keeps the talented young Belgium at bay.
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Lexus NX all set to arrive on 29 January, priced from RM300k onwards [+Video]

Late last year, Lexus Malaysia opened the order books for the
NX200t
 – Lexus’ first ever turbocharged model in its history of car-making. And it’s really handsome too! Yesterday, they revealed
on their Facebook page
 that the NX200t will be officially introduced here on
29 January
 at the
Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club
 at approximately 6pm to 11pm.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Lexus NX200t
Lexus NX200t Premium
Lexus NX200t Luxury
Segment
Premium Compact SUV
Engine
1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo
1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo
1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Max Power
235 hp @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm
235 hp @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm
235 hp @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
Price
Estimated RM300,000
Estimated RM330,000
Estimated RM350,000

The NX will be introduced here in three different trims – the
NX 200t
,
NX 200t Premium
 and
NX 200t Luxury
, costing from an estimated
RM300,000
,
RM330,000
 and
RM350,000
 respectively. All three will be powered by the same
2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged engine
 that produces
235 hp
 at 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in 7.1 seconds, for those who must know.
Since we’re getting only the NX200t range (basically the ones sporting the 2.0-litre turbo mill; the NX300h gets the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine), it will be paired to the
six-speed automatic gearbox
 as opposed to the NX300h’s CVT ‘box. All three variants will be
all-wheel driven
 (AWD) as well.

There’s plenty of kit coming with the car too, as per seen on
Lexus Malaysia’s website
. The base NX200t for a start, won’t be getting the triple L-shaped LED headlights, but the two higher trims will. They all come with the 7-inch display screen with remote touch controller, rear view camera, eight airbags and Hill Start Assist to boot. There’s also a
wireless charging port
 for compatible smartphones in the Premium and Luxury trims.
Lexus Malaysia also revealed that you and two guests of your choice can be part of the Lexus NX Amazing Night event if you
RSVP here
. It’s on a first-come-first-serve basis though, so hurry while you still can. Keep watching this space for the latest updates (with a video as well, no less) on the brand’s first ever turbocharged premium compact SUV.
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