This AC Schnitzer BMW M850i is every policeman’s dream car!

If you’ve seen
our VLOG of the RM1 million BMW M850i Coupe xDrive
, you’d know that it can be tame and gentle, but also ferociously quick on-demand. Tuning it up for more “oomph” should be the last thing on your mind.
Read about the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe in Malaysia
here
!
However, if you insist to squeeze more juice out of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, AC Schnitzer with the support of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in Germany wants to show that you can safely extract more power from a car.
This initiative is in conjunction with the annual “TUNE IT! SAFE!” campaign by the Association of German Automobile Tuners (VDAT).
Even the engine bay looks incredible!
For starters, the V8 engine has been massaged to now produce
620 hp
and a disturbing
840 Nm
! Frightening figures as the standard output of 530 hp and 750 Nm was already plenty enough to wet your pants!
The BMW M850i xDrive “Kyoto Edition” comes with the most unique dashboard you’ll ever see! Check it out
here
!
To heighten the exhilaration, AC Schnitzer also fitted an exhaust system with dual flaps and carbon tailpipes. These comply with local regulations on noise emissions.
The ride of the M850i has been lowered by 30 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear using AC Schnitzer springs. The springs were tested on the Nurburgring before being fitted into the car.
Filling the wheel arches are AC Schnitzer AC3 Flow Forming rims with a matte anthracite finish. All four corners are 21-inch in size, wrapped in Hankook S1 Evo 3 tyres – 255 mm for the front pair and 295 mm for the rear.
Click
here
 and join us as we explore San Francisco with the convertible BMW M850i!
In terms of body kit, AC Schnitzer’s influence can be seen on the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler; all made of carbon fibre. AC Schnitzer said aside from increasing the aesthetic appeal of the car, it also improves downforce.
Inside, AC Schnitzer added aluminium gear shift paddles set, aluminium pedals and a footrest. The key holder and cover for the Drive controller is also made of aluminium.
While it may not necessarily be a real cop car, sure makes for a striking one, don’t you think?
GALLERY


Entry-level GT racing looks the part with the Mercedes-AMG GT4

The different classes of GT sports car racing can be puzzling to the occasional race fan. Essentially, low value numerals such as
GT1
and
GT2
typically denote professional outfits with highly modified machines backed by manufacturers;
GT3 class
 is a notch below showcasing a mix of professional and amateur teams, while
GT4
is the
‘entry-level’
 class helmed by
amateur racers
 using
road cars
 that are
track optimised
.
While the GT4 class receives little media coverage, it has been growing in popularity in Europe and North America with numerous manufacturers offering GT4-spec race cars under their
customer racing programmes
, Since its market launch in 2018, the
Mercedes-AMG GT4
 had competed in 363 races, managing 137 podiums, 151 class wins and 53 overall wins, and now the new
2020-spec GT4
 has been unveiled.
Apart from looking meaner with its
facelifted exterior styling
, the performance of 2020 GT4 has been optimised with
better brake and engine cooling
, improved illumination with
new LED headlamps
,
toughened track rods
 at the rear axle for better race endurance and upgraded overall safety for the driver with the roll cage bolted to the aluminium space frame and a
recovery hatch
 integrated into the roof of the car.
The Mercedes-AMG GT4 is powered by a
4.0-litre bi-turbo V8
 rated at
476 hp and 630 Nm
 (subject to classifications) which is mated to a
 6-speed sequential gearbox
 with adjustable differentials. The
1,390 kg race car
 also comes with competition-spec traction control, multi-adjustable ABS and electronic torque control, and rides on all-round double wishbones and fully adjustable shock absorbers.
Mercedes-AMG quotes a
0-100km/h time of ‘under 4 seconds’
, top speed of
‘over 250 km/h’
 and a price tag of
209,000.00 Euros
 (before VAT) for the 2020 GT4. Well, we just ogle at how lovely it looks.
Mercedes-AMG GT4 gallery


Facts & Figures: 2022 Nissan Serena facelift launched in Malaysia – from RM150k

Edaran Tan Chong Motor
 has just unveiled the new
2022 Nissan Serena facelift
 here in Malaysia, which will be offered in two variants – 2.0L Highway Star and 2.0L Premium Highway Star – with pricing starting from
RM149,888
 on-the-road, and without-insurance.
EXTERIOR
In terms of appearance changes, the main update on the new 2022 Nissan Serena is up front, with a new larger and taller ‘V Motion’ grille, flanked by redesigned headlights. Round the back, the taillights have also been slightly reworked and now extends further downwards for a taller appearance.
The bumpers have also been given a slight refresh, with additional gloss black finishing all round, and full LED front fog lights and daytime-running lights. To differentiate between the two variants, the Premium Highway Star variant gets a two-tone paint job with blacked-out roof and pillars, alongside larger alloy wheels (black 16- vs silver 15-inch on the Highway Star), and additional door visors.
As for exterior equipment, the following items are standard on both variants:
Automatic LED headlights
“Dual back door” split tailgate
hands-free sliding rear doors
Roof spoiler
PERFORMANCE
Both variants of the new 2022 Nissan Serena are powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four hybrid engine, which was retained from the
pre-facelift model
.
The engine is further aided by a mild-hybrid motor that adds roughly 3 hp and 50 Nm during hard acceleration, and also functions as the starter and alternator to control the idle-stop system, as well as energy recuperation into the secondary battery.
Engine: 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated direct-injection inline-four, petrol, with
Transmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Driveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 150 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
INTERIOR
The interior layout of the new 2022 Nissan Serena remains largely identical to the pre-facelift model, with the only changes coming in the form of additional equipment on the inside:
Three-row seats with 13 configurable seating layouts
Fabric upholstery
Zero-gravity seats for driver, front passenger, and second-row
6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
7.0-inch central Advanced Driver Assist Display, instrument cluster
dual-zone automatic climate control for front passengers, ceiling-mounted controls for second-row air vents
Premium Highway Star exclusives:
Front and rear dashcam (optional front DVR for standard Highway Star variant)
V-Kool window tint
New larger 9.0-inch infotainment display
Black/brown quilted premium Nappa leather upholstery
11.6-inch roof-mounted entertainment monitor
“Tech On” mats for second-row folding tray table
LED interior lighting
SAFETY
The main contributor to the price hike in the new 2022 Nissan Serena is the addition of an advanced driver assistance suite, with the following features standard on both variants:
Autonomous emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear-cross traffic alert
Driver attention warning
Other standard safety kit include six airbags, stability control, as well as second-row ISOFIX child seat anchors.
PRICING
The new 2022 Nissan Serena is priced as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:
Highway Star –
RM149,888
Premium Highway Star –
RM162,888
Included in the price is also a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, alongside five times free maintenance service, with parts and labour included.
GALLERY


Is the new Renault Clio sporty enough to win the hearts of Malaysians?

The all-new fifth-generation Renault Clio has just made its global debut, shortly after the French carmaker
teased its minimalistic cabin
. The new Clio gains a more mature styling, revamped interior and a new CMF-B platform.
Immediately you can
tell that the new Clio features the same design language as the larger Megane,
most notably its C-shaped LED daytime running lights profile. It now sits 30 mm
lower than the outgoing model giving it a more athletic stance and promotes aerodynamics.
LED headlamps are fitted as standard across the range while the 17-inch alloys,
hidden rear door handles, chrome-plated side-window trim, shark fin antenna and
flushed tailgate gives the car a more upmarket look.
The new design is
reasonably attractive for a city car especially from the front and side
profile, but Renault could’ve done a bit more on the rear bumpers to give it a
bit more sculpture for a more “complete” look. Fortunately, there will be an
R.S. Line which promises a sportier touch to the little hatchback.
As detailed before,
the new Clio spots the Smart Cockpit cabin architecture that draws on a more
compact design to free up more space to integrate more in-car technologies.
You’ll find items such as 10-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (7.0-inch on lower
grade models), 9.3-inch multimedia screen, eight-colour ambient lighting, BOSE
premium audio sound system and more.
Despite measuring 14
mm than the previous model, the new Clio is said to be more spacious inside and
boot space has also increased to 391 litres (+91 litres), the largest in the
compact hatchback segment.
Renault has not
revealed details of the powertrains available on the new Clio, but the CMF-B
platform was designed to integrate electrification architectures. At launch,
the Clio will be available with its E-Tech hybrid engine technology developed
by Renault.
IMAGE GALLERY
All-new fifth-gen Renault Clio


Ghosn sacked as Nissan director, promises explosive ‘tell-all’

Maybe the life of an expat isn’t all it’s cracked up to be as Nissan held an
extraordinary shareholders meeting
 to strip its former chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, of the remaining position as director of the board – the same person credited for turning around an ailing Nissan at the turn of the century.
 Ghosn announcing the Alliance 2022 mid-term plan in 2017; he alleges those who opposed the plan plotted his fall.
But things are going to get a lot more absorbing in the coming days as Ghosn, incarcerated at a detention cell after being re-arrested four days ago by authorities on the suspicion of further financial misconduct, plans to release a ‘tell all’ video through his lawyers and to publicly name those ‘responsible for his downfall’.

Just in
: Watch Ghosn’s video ‘tell all!
This comes after Japanese prosecutors requested for the co-operation of Ghosn’s wife, Carole, on fresh investigations into alleged misuse of company funds. Mrs. Ghosn was
reported to have fled Tokyo
 over the weekend with the help of the French ambassador. As they say, stay tuned for more.


Make buttons great again – Volkswagen ditches capacitive steering controls for ‘real’ buttons

In pursuit of a ‘cleaner’ and more futuristic feel, a few car makers have opted for capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. However, it seems that some customers aren’t a big fan of this as seen in the case of
Volkswagen
, and the brand has decided to listen to its customers. The company’s CEO has hinted at the return of ‘push-button’ steering wheel controls in a recent post on LinkedIn.
In the
LinkedIn post
, Volkswagen CEO, Thomas Schäfer said, “We are sharpening our portfolio and our design, plus creating a new simplicity in operating our vehicles. For example, we are bringing back the
push-button steering wheel
! That’s what customers want from VW.”
Push-button controls are more intuitive and allow you to keep your eyes on the road.
Capacitive buttons, like touchscreen controls, may offer a clean aesthetic but aren’t as intuitive as the more tactile traditional push-button controls. It is often that one must glance at the controls and it becomes a distraction. Previously, a
study has even reported that buttons are much better than touchscreen controls in cars
.
Volkswagen is not the first to backtrack from the use of capacitive touch buttons. Previously
Honda
 has reverted to physical buttons for the latest-generation
Honda Civic
’s volume control. The German carmaker has not made any comments about capacitive controls in other areas apart from the steering wheel.
RELATED:
Study confirms that buttons are indeed better than touchscreens in cars
Cockpit of the Volkswagen GTI
Aside from the return of push-buttons on the steering wheel, the Volkswagen CEO also announced two other things in the same LinkedIn post. The first one is that by 2026, the brand will have launched ten EV models worldwide in every relevant segment. So far, Volkswagen already has the
ID.3
,
ID.4
, ID.5, ID.6, and ID.Buzz in its electric offence.
Secondly, Volkswagen is pushing for digitalisation in the entire customer journey. The company boss said, “We are pushing digitalization not just in our vehicles but in the entire customer journey. Customers in Germany, France, and Italy can now complete the entire process of buying a car online – and more markets will follow. However, our dealers are and will remain our foundation and the face of the brand to our customers.”
Volkswagen fans who are not fans of the capacitive buttons can now rejoice. Listening to their customers is the top priority for Volkswagen as the CEO assures, “One thing is clear: We are continually working on offering our customers what they really want.”
RELATED:
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 – 520km range EV SUV


Lexus to launch a new range of F Sport vehicles, citing a new era

Lexus will soon release a new range of
F Sport
 vehicles, with its largest sales region, the US, releasing a couple of teaser images.
Automotive news portals suggest that with the photo of the new
2020 IS sedan
, Lexus is planning to offer the
IS 500 F Sport
. The company has also filed a trademark of ‘IS 500’ in the US a few months back.
Currently, the F Sport variant is offered on all Lexus sedans and SUV models except the LX 570.
The 2020 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
The latest 2020 IS sedan has a IS 350 F Sport variant that is installed with a 311 horsepower naturally aspirated V6 engine. The ‘500’ engine nomenclature is currently used in the
LS limousine
 and
LC coupe
 and both are incredibly different in power delivery.
The LS 500

is fitted with a 3.5-litre
twin-turbocharged
 V6 engine delivering
415 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque. The performance and emotionally charged LC 500 sports car meanwhile has a
naturally aspirated
 5.0-litre V8 engine with
470 hp
 and
540 Nm
 of torque.
We will just need to wait for a
few more hours
 for Lexus to reveal the new range of F Sport vehicles.
In the Lexus brand, the F Sport variant is the sportier flavour, akin to BMW’s M Sport, Mercedes-Benz’ AMG Line and Audi’s S-Line. F Sport variants feature more aggressive front and rear bumpers, rim design, and added black highlights on the exterior.
The interior meanwhile has a unique steering wheel, increased content in the driver’s multi-information display as well as specific seat and trim finishes.  The suspension tuning for F Sport variants is also be tweaked for a reduced body roll and better overall body control.
Vehicles with the full-fledged performance F build are the IS F,
GS F
 and the
RC F
. All are equipped with a melodic 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, multi-piston high-performance brakes, aggressive suspension and drivetrain calibration as well as the use of carbon fibre for weight reduction.
As such, they are competing directly with the BMW M, Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS models from Germany.
Lexus even raced the IS F in Europe, Japan, the US and has passed the baton to the Lexus RC F GT3 to continue with global motorsport duties.
The F in name and the logo design is taken from Japan’s
Fuji Speedway
 – one of the earlier key vehicle performance development venues for Lexus.
The “F” symbol is more than just the first letter of its namesake – it also depicts the first corner of Fuji Speedway known as 27R.
In Malaysia, Lexus currently offers F Sport variants on the
UX
, the
NX
 and the
RX
 models. The IS sedan had an F Sport variant too in the outgoing model but news of the beautiful heavily revised 2020 IS model coming to Malaysia is inconclusive.
   GALLERY of F Sport variants


2016 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta loses its top but retains its figures, all sold out

If you haven’t put your name down on one then you’re a little too late to get the LaFerrari Aperta. This open-topp limited-run of an already limited-run hybrid hypercar was
sold out
 a couple months before it made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, which is not really a surprise since Ferrari is only making
209 examples
 of the LaFerrari Aperta.
Some would say the “spyder” usually carries a performance deficit over the standard coupe but the
Aperta
 is far from any of those compromise. Despite carrying extra weight, the Aperta matches the performance figures of the coupe, so Aperta owners can still crack
100 km/h
 in just
three seconds
 and they should see
350 km/h
 on the speedo if they have an empty stretch of road long enough.
The hybrid powertrain is left untouched, which by the way consists of a
6.3-litre naturally-aspirated V12
 that works together with a
120 kW (161 hp) electric motor
. Connected to a
seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box
, it gets a total of
950 hp
 and
900 Nm
 sent to the rear wheels.
But to match the coupe’s figures, Ferrari has done a couple of changes on the Aperta. The chassis has been strengthened to deliver the same torsional rigidity as the coupe, and the aerodynamics have been recalibrated to match the coupe’s drag coefficient even when driving topless (the car, not the driver).
From the pictures alone, it may look like a simple job of removing the roof from the coupe, but they actually had to redo the butterfly doors on the Aperta. The carbon-fibre insert just aft the front wheels are not merely to differentiate the Aperta from the coupe, but they are actually needed so that the doors could rotate.
Apart from that and the absence of a roof, other changes are not exactly visible from the outside. There’s a redesigned vortex generator underneath the front dam, and they’ve added two small flaps at the upper edge of the windscreen and a fixed angle wind-stop on the parcel shelf to maintain the same drag even when the top is removed.
With those modifications done, Ferrari claims that the occupants can “easily carry on a conversation even at high speeds”. We’d love to put that claim to test, unfortunately all of the LaFerrari Aperta have been spoken for. Oh well.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai Sonata facelift unveiled – Staria lights, BMW-like curved display

No longer available on Hyundai Malaysia’s official website, the
Hyundai Sonata
 has been given a facelift to fit in with the brand’s new model lineup. Featuring a “seamless horizon lamp” in front and “H-Lights” at the back, the Hyundai Sonata facelift is set to make its global debut at the Seoul Mobility Show happening from March 30 to April 9, 2023.
Hyundai has announced that the Sonata will be available in Standard and N Line Variants upon its launch at the end of the month. The exterior has been designed “with an N Line base”, featuring a long hood, low front-end, and a fastback roofline.
Just like the
Staria
,
Stargazer
, Grandeur, and upcoming all-new
Hyundai Kona
, the Hyundai Sonata facelift features a Seamless Horizon Lamp upfront, together with hidden headlamps, a wide grille, and air intake for a more dynamic and aggressive appearance. Already low-slung, the continuous light strip makes the Sonata look even wider than it already is.
The rear end of the Hyundai Sonata has also been refreshed, now with “H-Lights” that give the saloon a more futuristic look. As standard, the rear end of the Sonata features a swooping spoiler-shaped trunk lid and muffler-shaped rear garnish. The Sporty N Line version of the Sonata adds a rear spoiler, dual-twin tip mufflers, and exclusive 19-inch wheels.
RELATED:
Hyundai Sonata facelift spotted with Staria LEDs – Last hurrah before discontinuation?
Hyundai has also shared several images of the Hyundai Sonata facelift’s interior. For the first time, a Hyundai model features a twin 12.3-inch display in its cabin, almost mimicking a BMW. One of the displays functions as the central head unit while the other functions as a driver information cluster. The Sonata also features a touch-type climate control unit.
Generally, the interior employs a “floating theme to create a futuristic mood. Like the all-new Hyundai Kona, the facelifted Hyundai Sonata also features a column-type shift-by-wire controller behind the steering wheel creating more space in the center console area. The center console is further enhanced by the palm rest which provides more comfort for the driver by extending the armrest to lean up to the palm of the hand. The large size cup holder and tray provide additional convenience.
Powertrain details of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata will be revealed during its global debut. Hyundai’s D-segment saloon will make its world premiere at the Seoul Mobility Show happening from
March 30
 to
April 9, 2023
.
RELATED:
This all-black Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition looks lit!
GALLERY


Italy seeks exemption from EU for ICE to exist beyond 2035

The majority of the automotive brands in Europe is beginning the full phasing in of electric vehicles (EV) by the start of the next decade, in preparation for full discontinuation of the internal combustion engine by 2035.
While it is relatively easy for mass-market automakers such as BMW (
electric M brand
), Mercedes-Benz (
first electric Mercedes-AMG
), Renault, Peugeot and
Volkswagen
 to adhere to the policy as they have the demand volumes, smaller but ultra-niche supercar manufacturers still have emotional baggage attached to them.
We all love the noise and turn our heads to the melodic symphony of a Lamborghini or Ferrari engine being
revved to the red line
, or a short bark when the big engine fires up. It is a natural phenomenon of the internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and the switch to clean electric drive will end it.
As such, the Italian government, realising the huge value these brands have, is in talks with the European Union to provide an exemption for supercar manufacturers to continue sales of internal combustion engines post 2035.
In a report by
Drive.com.au
 that originally appeared in the Italian Bloomberg TV, Italy’s Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingoloni said low volumes of niche, supercar-level vehicles produced in his country would have minimal impact on overall emissions when compared to the regular high volume automakers.
Listen to this nat-atmo V12 engine of the Pagani Huayra R being tested to 9,000 rpm! It certainly sounds like a national treasure!
For a quick comparison, Porsche alone made close to 100,000 units of the compact Macan model last year, compared to a total of 9,100 units coming out of Ferrari and 7,400 units out of Lamborghini.
Ferrari has launched two electrified high-performance models (plug-in hybrid technology) to slowly transition the brand to fully electric. The most powerful hybrid Ferrari is the
SF90
 models with a total system output of
1,000 hp
, while the recently-launched
Ferrari 296 GTB
 has
830 hp
.
During the company’s annual general meeting, the chairman of the company targets 2025 as the year the prancing horse will have its first fully electric car.
No need to wait till 2025, this scaled-down Ferrari Testa Rossa is fully electric and even comes with a manettino! More about the junior Ferrari here!
Lamborghini, under the ownership of Volkswagen Group, is only launching its first fully electric “bull” in
2030
. The company’s only electrified powertrain is the V12 unit found in the limited-edition Sián (and recently revived
Countach
) that pairs a compact 34 hp motor to the venerable 6.5-litre V12 engine for a combined system output of
819 hp
.
There is no comment yet from the European Union regarding Italy’s request. Looking at the implementation timeline that spans over a decade, there sure is plenty of time for all parties to deliberate on the matter.


All-new 2015 Audi Q7: Full details and official pics of the second generation SUV revealed

After nearly a decade since the original gargantuan of an Audi Q7 was revealed to the world (in 2005), it’s only a matter of time before it gets a successor. Due for production as early as next year, the second generation
all-new Audi Q7
 is slimmer – both by dimensions and weight, and it has gone through one heck of a weight loss.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TFSI
Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI
Drive Type
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive
Engine
3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6
3.0-litre turbodiesel V6
2.0-litre inline-4 cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission
8-speed automatic with Tiptronic
8-speed automatic with Tiptronic
8-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Max Power
333 hp
272 hp
252 hp
Max Torque
440 Nm
600 Nm
370 Nm
This new Q7 weighs approximately
325kg less
, and is about 37mm shorter and 15mm narrower. Despite the smaller footprint, Audi is claiming that the new SUV has more interior space – about 21mm more between the first and second row seats.
EXTERIOR
Truth be told, the new Q7’s silhouette looks strikingly similar on the outside when compared to the first-gen Q7, save for its aggressively
redesigned front face
. It also benefits from Audi’s current design theme, with profound use of sharp horizontal lines stretching from the hood all the way to the rear. Side mirrors (with integrated signal indicators) are now mounted on the doors.
At the front, the four-ringed large SUV gets the signature ‘Singleframe’ grille with thick horizontal crossbars all coated in chrome. The headlights can either be powered by xenon, LED or Matrix LED technology, depending on the customer’s choice. It also comes with integrated LED daytime running lights shaped like a double arrow.
Standard on the Q7 are the 18-inch wheels wrapped with 235/65R18 profile tyres, with additional wheel sizes up to 21 inches. In base trim, the lower side of the bumpers are plastic and finished in anthracite, while having it painted in body colour is an additional cost. If you go with the S-Line trim, you get bolder bumpers, spoiler, diffuser, air inlets, side sills and of course, the S-Line badge.
INTERIOR
Inside, the new Q7 tells us a different story altogether and is a clear departure from how things were laid out in the first-gen Q7. For a start, there’s a 7-inch non-touch colour display unit that pops out when the car is started, and can be upgraded to the optional 8.3-inch MMI navigation plus package.
Seats here can be wrapped either in fabric, Alcantara, Cricket leather or fine Valcona leather, and are electrically powered with 18-way adjustments with the optional massage function. There’s also the optional third row child seats which transforms the five-seater SUV into a seven-seater. Without the third row seats, you get
890 litres
 of boot capacity, which can be expanded up to a
cavernous 2,075 litres
 with the second row seats folded down.
Also present in the new Q7 is the ambient lighting seen shared with some of Audi’s higher-end cars. It uses ultra-narrow light that follows the contours of the instrument panel and onto the doors, which can be further upgraded to light up the centre tunnel console. This ambient lighting can now be controlled via the MMI unit for the first time, with various colours to choose from.
Another interesting feature in the cabin is the
rear seat entertainment
 that grants you a single 10.1-inch screen placed behind the front seats’ headrests. In standard trim you get one screen, but with a little extra dough you get two screens. These tablets are connected to the MMI navigation, allowing WiFi usage as well as access to the car’s main functions.
While we’re on that front, the Q7 comes standard with a 10-speaker configuration. If that’s not enough for you, there’s the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound package, granting you a mind boggling
23-speakers
 with subwoofers and 1,920 watts of amplification.
PERFORMANCE
Two high-performance V6 engines will be making its way to the European market – the 3.0-litre TDI and TFSI mills. Both engines are Euro6 emission compliant. The TDI engine makes
272 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
6.3 seconds
 before topping out at
234 km/h
. This oil burning mill returns
5.7 litres per 100 km traveled
.
The petrol V6 makes
333 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque, and is good for a century sprint time of
6.1 seconds
, while managing a top speed of
250 km/h
. Fuel consumption is rated at
7.7 litres per 100 km
. There will also be another V6 TDI engine offered at a later date, and this cleaner engine makes
218 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque.
For the US and Asian markets, Audi is offering the 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder engine producing
252 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque. In late 2015, Audi plans to introduce the Q7 e-tron plug in hybrid variant, which uses the same V6 TDI engine paired to an electric motor, putting out
373 hp
 and a whopping
700 Nm
 of torque.
It can do up to 56 km in pure electric mode, while in optimum hybrid mode it consumes just
1.7 litres of oil per 100 km
. Top speed for the e-tron is 225 km/h. All engines are paired to an
eight-speed Tiptronic
 automatic gearbox which offers a free-wheeling function when the driver steps off the throttle. The new vaporisation system allows the engine to run at speeds below 1,000 rpm, further contributing to its fuel efficiency.
SAFETY
The new Q7 comes equipped with rear parking aid, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, rest recommendation and Audi pre-sense city safety system with braking intervention as standard. As with many other features on the car, there’s also the optional Safety pack: Parking, City and Tour.
The Parking package gives you an all-around view of the car with automated parking. For the City pack, you get cross-traffic assist and carpark exit warning system. The Tour pack comes with adaptive cruise control including stop and go traffic assist.
WHAT ELSE?
There are as many as
seven driving modes
 here via Audi’s Drive Select: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, Allroad and Lift/Offroad. First batch of delivery for the Q7 will begin as early as June or July next year in Germany, with a starting price of 61,000 Euros (RM265k). What do you guys think about the new Audi Q7? Yay, or nay?
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s how much it costs to service the Proton Persona facelift

Besides previewing the
2019 Proton Persona facelift in full, the national carmaker also released its 5-Years’
Service Cost for the reference for future owners and potential customers. Proton
claims that the service cost of the Persona is 32% lesser (on average) than its
competitors.
This is just an
estimate based on Proton’s service intervals of every 10,000 km or 6 months,
inclusive of recommended parts change – Engine Oil Change, Service Labour and related
consumables. This estimate does not take into account perishable consumables
such as brake pads, bulbs and others.
The chart shows that the
first year of service (1,000 km, 10,000 km & 20,000 km) would cost RM381.04
compared to the competitors total of over RM400. There is a hike in the third
year of service, amounting to RM934.46 and that is largely due to the Persona
requiring a major service at 60,000 km/36 months interval.
Over 5-Years (60 months)/100,000 km, expect to fork out a total of RM3,051.91 for service costs. This guide is particularly useful for buyers to get a clearer picture with the cost of ownership of a Persona beyond the monthly instalments, insurance and road tax.
What do you think, reasonable or too expensive?
IMAGE GALLERY
2019 Proton Persona 1.6L CVT Facelift


Mercedes-Benz announces new and simpler names for SUVs and Coupés

When a carmaker plans to introduce
more than 30 models
 (with no less than 11 all-new models) to the global market by the year 2020, it’s hard not to imagine that confusion will arise in the process of naming them – a problem for people like us, that is.
Take this; we all know by now that the
GLA
 shares the same underpinnings as the A-Class hatchback, as is the
four-door coupe CLA
. Clear as day, isn’t it? Well, according to Mercedes-Benz, now is the ideal time to introduce a
more transparent
 and
simpler vehicle naming system
, just so we won’t be having a hard time differentiating the models apart.
This new system revolves around the
five core model
 series – A, B,
C
, E and
S-Class
; which will aid our orientation when it comes to telling models apart. As of now, all SUV models will have the
GL suffix
, save for the original G-Class. All roadsters will include the “SL” suffix in their names beginning 2016, with the third letter (i.e SL
S
) linking back to one of the five core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC.
Here’s a quick guide for the
new SUV names
:
New Name
Specific Name
GLA
GL A-Class
GLC
GL C-Class; previously known as
GLK
GLE
GL E-Class; previously known as
M-Class
 or
ML
GLE Coupé
GL E-Class Coupé
GLS
GL S-Class; previously known as
GL

Besides renaming the models, each variant – across the board – will receive a more transparent suffix as seen in the diagram above. There will be no suffix for the
petrol models
, though.
It’s a move we applaud. After all, it does make our lives easier, don’t you think? The only way your Mercedes-Benz will not be recognised from this juncture onward is if you peel the badges off the rear.


Chery Malaysia sold over 3,000 cars in 10 days since launch

In just a short 10 days since its official return to the country,
 Chery Malaysia
 has already recorded more than 3,000 orders placed for its two SUVs, the
Tiggo 8 Pro
 and
Omoda 5
, which the company says is a record for the marque globally.
While the company did not provide a sales figure breakdown for its models, the press release does highlight its 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty extension offered as complimentary to the first 3,000 customers, which is likely a main driving force behind its impressive sales performance thus far.
The warranty extension is otherwise a RM2,000 option, offering customers three extra years of warranty coverage for the powertrain components on top of the standard seven-year/150,000 km warranty. According to Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang, the extended warranty is also transferable to the next owner in the event that the car is sold.
Chery Malaysia currently has 23 “ready to serve” showroom outlets operational, with eight more to open by the end of August 2023. As for aftersales services, Chery Malaysia currently has a network of 22 service centres with “spare parts readiness” operational in the country across Peninsular and East Malaysia.
RELATED:
Chery promises “user-centric” aftersales services in Malaysia with nationwide dealership network
“As an automotive manufacturer with extensive manufacturing experience and innovative capabilities, Chery is dedicated to delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of Malaysian consumers,” said Chery Malaysia Executive Vice President, Leo Chen.
“We place utmost emphasis on product quality, safety, and performance, continuously innovating and improving our technologies to stay ahead of market demands,” Chen added.
ALSO WATCH:
2023 Chery Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro FIRST DRIVE
Chery Malaysia marked its return into the nation earlier this month with the launch of its two highly awaited SUVs, the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro. The former is a B-segment crossover competing against the likes of the
 Honda HR-V
 and
Proton X50
, while the latter is its flagship seven-seater model, sizing up against the
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
 and other C-segment SUVs.
Aside from an impressive warranty coverage, both models also stand out in the market with their attractive pricing – the Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia starts from
RM108,800
, while the Tiggo 8 Pro retails at
RM159,800
. Both models are
 locally assembled at the Inokom plant
 in Kulim, Kedah.


Polestar breaks away from Volvo, to develop high-performance EVs as new sub-brand

Volvo Cars has just announced that its high-performance arm, Polestar, will become a new separate brand to develop high-performance electric vehicles for the Swedish brand. The new cars will wear the Polestar logo and will ship globally.
As a subsidiary of Volvo Cars, Polestar will have access to existing technologies and engineering database of Volvo, resulting in significant economies of scale. And in return, Polestar will
continue to offer Polestar Optimisation
 for Volvo vehicles. The new high-performance EVs will be designed and developed in-house from the ground up by Polestar. Further details about its products, industrialisation and commercial plans will be revealed in the coming months.
To support this drastic transformation, Volvo Cars has appointed Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at Polestar. Jonathan Goodman, Senior Vice President Corporate Communication at Volvo Cars will take over the role as Chief Operating Officer at Polestar.
Just recently, Polestar has just achieved a significant milestone of
tuning 100,000 Volvo cars
. Also, check out
Polestar’s potential flagship, the C90
 and let us know what you think!


Green is the best car colour as proven by the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV

Following the mid-cycle update to the
standard-spec Giulia and Stelvio
, Alfa Romeo has now given the top-of-the-line performance
Quadrifoglio
 editions a refresh. But before we go into the details, can we just take a moment to appreciate how utterly beautiful this shade of green looks?
Called the ‘Montreal Green’, Alfa Romeo says that this new hue is designed as a homage to the iconic Alfa Romeo Montreal, launched 50 years ago. Forget the reds, this is the colour you should get for your Italian
BMW M3
 rival.
In terms of styling updates, the 2020 Quadrifoglio duos lean on the conservative side, with changes reserved to just a smoke-tinted LED taillights assembly, blacked-out “Trilobe” grille, and some new gloss-black badges at the rear.
Customers do get some new accessory options courtesy of FCA’s Mopar, including a carbon fibre front grille with “V” insert, mirror caps, and rear spoiler. The Stelvio QV also gets an optional 21-inch alloy wheels – a first on a Quadrifoglio.
Inside, the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio gets a new leather trimmed steering wheel and gear stick, along with a perforated leather and Alcantara sports seats as standard. Customers can also opt for the carbon shell Sparco seats, along with red or green seat belts.
The refreshed Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV also adopts the updated dashboard and centre console stack, featuring a new and improved 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with added connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and always-on internet connection.
The infotainment system also comes with Quadrifoglio-exclusive Performance Pages menus, allowing the driver to monitor the temperature of components, turbo pressure, power output, and other performance-focused displays.
The biggest update on the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV comes in the form of technology. The new Quadrifoglio duos now come equipped with a Bosch-developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that supports L2 autonomous driving, along with Lane Keep Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Control, Traffic Jam Asist and Highway Assist, and Driver Attention Assist.
Under the hood, the engine remains identical from before. Powering the new Giulia and Stelvio QV is the all-aluminium 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6, generating
510 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of twist. Power is sent through the eight-speeder auto to the rear wheels on the Giulia QV via the Alfa Active Torque Vectoring differential, while the Stelvio gets the Q4 all-wheel-drive system.
The new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio does come with a new optional titanium Akrapovič exhaust system with carbon fibre tips, so it should sound better even if it basically looks and performs the same.
Recently, Alfa Romeo also introduced the limited-edition stripped-down
Giulia GTA and GTAm
, featuring a more powerful 540 hp engine and 100 kg of weight loss, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.82 kg/hp. Century sprint takes 3.6 seconds, down from 3.9 seconds of the regular Giulia QV.
IMAGE GALLERY


This all-black Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition looks lit!

Having blacked-out emblems seem to be a trend in the USA now that dealers are also trying to profit from. Earlier this year, the humble Toyota Prius was also treated to the
black-emblem
 treatment.
Hyundai USA has just started offering the Sonata N Line decked with the Night Edition kit. In this Phantom Black paintwork, the large sedan actually looks amazing with the Night Edition treatment! Key to the balanced transformation is perhaps the application of dark chrome tint on the Hyundai emblems, rather than full gloss black, bringing out some depth and contrast.
First appeared as one of the hero’s vehicles in the action movie “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins”, the Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition features a set of dark chrome coated ‘Hyundai’ and ‘Sonata’ emblems, matte black 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and rim centre caps made from carbon-fibre material (CFRP) and finished with bright red brake calipers. The package is a USD1,300 upgrade over the regular Sonata N Line.
No changes are made to the powertrain, with the Hyundai Sonata N Line fitted with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine pushing out a healthy
290 hp
 and
422 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via an 8-speed
N Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
.
Instead of dark chrome, the new Hyundai Staria in Indonesia has bronze highlights! Check it out here!

Inside, the Hyundai Sonata N Line features unique N sport front seats with Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre combination material, N sport steering wheel, sports pedals, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers.
Hyundai USA will only be limiting the production of the Sonata N Line Night Edition to just 1,000 units, with prices starting from US$34,750 (approx. RM145k). White paintwork is also available for the Sonata N Line Night Edition, where the door handles and side mirror caps are replaced from matte black to white.

Closer to home, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) recently debuted the
first N Line model in Malaysia
 with the launch of the facelifted
Hyundai Kona N Line
 1.6 Turbo. Last year, HSDM launched the
all-new 8th generation Sonata
 sedan in just a single variant, the G2.5, priced from
RM189,888
.
BMW has also joined in the ‘black and red’ highlights editions. Take a look at the Black Vermilion package on the large SAVs here.
GALLERY


Gran Turismo Sport announced for PlayStation 4, your best chance to live that motorsport dream [+ Video]

Racing drivers such as
Lucas Ordóñez
,
Jann Mardenborough
, and Wolfgang Reip shared the same similarity – video gamers who cut their teeth in the world of motor racing via the Gran Turismo video game.  Now, you too can become just like them with the announcement of the next installment of the Grand Turismo series – Gran Turismo Sport.
This will be the seventh Gran Turismo series and the
first for the PlayStation 4
 console. Polyphony, the developers of the Gran Turismo series, is working closely with FIA – Mother Earth’s motorsport governing body – with the advent of “
Gran Turismo Online Championship
”. This effectively means that FIA sanctioned events such as World Rally Championship, World Touring Car Championship, World Endurance Championship and Formula 1 could be featured in this game.

There are plans to promote Grand Turismo as part of the ever growing “e-sport”, just like how DOTA 2, CounterStrike and StarCraft 2 stormed the competitive video gaming world with pool prizes amounting to the millions! With FIA’s help, two championships will be announced: “
Nations Cup
” and “
Manufacturers Cup
”. The winners will be awarded and be given the opportunity to stand alongside world champions from other motorsports disciplines during year-end FIA annual awards ceremony.

For those who aren’t into competitive gaming or motorsports, don’t worry, because this driving simulation promises to be family friendly, from children to seniors and even to those who have never had a go in racing video games. It’s a fairly realistic driving simulation (our personal favourite actually) which gives players the ability to go against other players from different countries when connected to the Internet. But seeing how it’s all but a video game, the reset button sure comes in handy when things go out of hand (i.e. crashing into the wall)!

Apart from improved graphics, sound and physics thanks to the PS4’s extra
oomph
 in computation thresholds, Gran Turismo Sport will feature a technology of the future, that is the PlayStation VR (Virtual Reality) headset for the first time. The game is set to be launched in 2016, with public beta testing schedule for launch in Spring.

Motor racing has always been an affair not only for the bold and the brave but the rich and famous. Thankfully, the Gran Turismo series has narrowed that gap; giving a chance for regular joes like us to become professional racing drivers. We will never know if, in the near future, a potential F1 or GT racing driver will be discovered not from someone who started go-karting since at young age, but from someone who actually spent all his/her time burning virtual rubbers from the comfort of their own homes.
[Source: Gran Turismo & GT Planet]


Dubai Police joins 1,000 mile Mille Miglia race in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mille Miglia race in Italy in the modern era traditionally involve vintage cars and sightseeing. It is one of the rare motorsport events that still follows its original route of 1,600 km (or 1,000 miles) from Brescia to Rome, Itlay and back.
This year, the Dubai Police Force has sent a rather fitting representative – a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Over the past, the original Mercedes 300SL has had success in the 1955 edition of the Mille Miglia.
The Dubai Police Force patrol car fleet, back in 2016
The participation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will share the United Arab Emirate’s social values of safety, security and happiness to its community of over 190 nationalities. It is also part of the communication and marketing build-up to the Mille Miglia Experience 2021 that will tour the UAE in December over five days.
Emirates Airline flew the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG from Dubai to Italy
According to the article by
Gulfnews
, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jalaf, at Dubai Police said, “Our participation in the race symbolises the UAE’s efforts to bring safety and security at home and to promote mutual dialogue and respect with other cultures globally.”
“The UAE is established on the values of tolerance and openness, evident in its rich diverse society of over 190 nationalities who live and work together in harmony. We look forward to sharing these values with millions of race spectators across the world in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year.”
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine developing
571 hp
 and
650 Nm
 of torque. Plenty of styling elements such as the long bonnet, front grille, short tail and gullwing doors are inspired by the original 300SL.
An Alfa Romeo GTAm ahead of a Mercedes 300SL in the Mille Miglia 2021
The Dubai Police force is also one of the most famous thanks to its fleet of high-performance sportcars and supercars. Apart from adding a Genesis GV80 luxury SUV for patrol and public service duties, the force also added the region’s most popular vehicle into its fleet.
Image credit:
Gaadiwaadi
Just days after its
international launch
, a Land Cruiser 300 has been spotted with the Dubai Police force’s livery and registration plates. Retaining its core body-on-frame construction on a new TNGA GA-F platform, the new Land Cruiser 300 has two new twin-turbocharged V6 engines are on offer, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing
415 hp
 and
650 Nm
 of torque.
The diesel mill meanwhile generates 309 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.


What are these coloured dots on your brand new tyres?

To people like us, visiting a tyre shop is almost like being a kid in a candy store. There are just so many things to see and so many things going on that we can’t help but get excited. If you’re like us and have been paying close attention when your tyres are being fitted, you might have noticed that some of these new tyres have a few coloured dots on the side wall. Most of us just chalk it off as a leftover mark from the manufacturing process, but they actually serve a pretty important function!
So what exactly are they? Usually found on the side wall in yellow and red, these dots are commonly known as balancing dots in the tyre industry. As the name implies, they help the technicians to ensure that the wheels are as balanced as possible, while using the minimum required balancing weights.
The Yellow Dot – Weight
Most manufacturers use a yellow dot to mark out the “light static balance point” of the tyre, although there’s no standardised colour for this purpose. In simpler terms, these dots represent the
lightest point
 in terms of weight of the tyre, as they are never manufactured to pin-point accuracy.
By lining up the yellow coloured dot with the valve stem on the wheel, the weight distribution across the entire fitted wheel will be more balanced, thus requiring less lead weights to properly balance the wheel, and therefore resulting in a smoother and quieter ride, while also extending the life of your tyres.
However, thanks to the improvement in manufacturing of newer alloy wheels, the valve stem placement has evolved to being more of an aesthetic consideration over weight distribution, so yellow dots might not necessarily be the most accurate way of “harmonising” the new tyres to your wheels.
The Red Dot – Uniformity
Just like how the tyres are never perfectly balanced, they are also never uniform in shape (roundness), with peaks and depressed spots at the joints of the multiple layers of belts within the tyres. If left unaddressed, the high points will result in vibrations in the cabin.
The red coloured dot marks out the
 highest point in the tyre
, or the “radial force variation first harmonic maximum” – where the centrifugal forces are at maximum on a rotating tyre. In most cases, your wheels will also have a dot – either drilled or marked out by sticker – to signify its lowest point. The red dot on your tyres should then match up with this marking on your wheel.
This is the most accurate method to optimise your tyres for your wheels, and that’s why they have a standardised red dot marking across the industry! If your wheels have its low points marked out, definitely follow the red dot instead of relying on the yellow dot.
Red over Yellow
In the event that you have both yellow and red dots on the tyre, but no marking on your wheels, the red dots should take precedence over the yellow in lining up with the valve stem, due to the reasons mentioned above; weight balance can always be rectified with balancing weights.
So that’s it! The next time you fit new tyres at the shop, you’ll know what the technicians are doing with these dots, or even show them a thing or two if they’re not in the know! Ensuring that your tyres are properly balanced means that they are running better, and remain running for longer, saving you money in the long run.
While you’re here, also check out
how your tyres look from the inside
 while you’re driving down the streets!
[Images:
Tyrepower Blackwood
]


Jaguar reveals F-Type Reims Edition – limited to just 150 units

After introducing the
limited-run Heritage 60 Edition Jaguar F-Type in December last yea
r, Jaguar has followed up with yet another limited edition model called the
F-Type Reims Edition
.
Only 150 units will be built, with the F-Type Reims Edition only available in the French Racing Blue colour. The bespoke colour is only reserved for the Reims Edition models and the F-Type is only the second Jaguar model to feature it after the Jaguar XE Reims Edition released in 2019.
The Reims Edition name was inspired by Jaguar’s sporting heritage, specifically the D-Type’s maiden victory at the 12 Hours of Reims in 1954. It also marked the start of a truly golden era in Jaguar’s racing history as it went on to influence all future Jaguar sports cars, from E-Type to F-Type.
The Heritage 60 Edition in Coupe…
…and convertible form.
Exterior enhancements include the 20-inch five-spoke wheels and an Exterior Black Pack which comes with black fender vents, black Jaguar wordings and grille surround.
The Black Pack influence continues inside on the door handles and the instrument cluster surface. Optional items such as the Fixed Panoramic Roof, heated seats, and Climate Pack (heated steering wheels and windscreen) are now standard.
The Reims Edition F-Type is available in two different variants – the
P300 RWD
 with 300 hp and 400 Nm or
 P450 RWD
 with 450 hp and 580 Nm.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia adds more “Style” to the GLA 200

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the arrival of the GLA 200 “Style” priced at RM223,888 on-the-road without insurance. With Agility Financing, the “Style” edition can be had from RM3,288.
A quick check on
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s official site
 shows that the GLA 200 “Style” is
 now the cheapest GLA, in fact, the most affordable Mercedes-Benz
 in the local range of three-pointed star vehicles.
Further up the food chain is the GLA “Night Edition” priced at
RM244,888
, the GLA 250 4MATIC AMG LINE at
RM274,888
 and the borderline lunatic GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC at
 RM413,888
.
As the name prescribes, the latest GLA 200 sports a set of 18-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and high gloss chrome inserts on the beltine strip which runs around the windows on the side of the car and the load sill guard while the radiator is finished in matt iridium silver.
Inside, the new “Style” edition projects a subdued interior with a Artico man-made leather and Macapa fabric upholstery with a catchy pattern on the back rests of the “Comfort package” seats inspired by tyre tracks for a more rugged look.
As is mandatory these days, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is present on the 8-inch infotainment display. Should you feel the need to fuel you inner speed demon desires, it’s also equipped with the Dynamic Select switch to jump alter the car’s behaviour through different drive modes.
More importantly, albeit being an entry level model, the “Style” edition is equipped with Active Brake PRE-SAFE, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and Attention Assist.
Under the hood, the GLA 200 “Style” is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making
156 hp
 and
250 Nm
, paired to a 7G DCT transmission – enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recalls W212 E-Class and W218 CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz owners, specifically for those with
W212 E-Class
 (both pre-facelift and facelift models) and
W218 CLS-Class
, there may be a need to get a
rubber seal
 in the engine compartment replaced. The recall is part of the German carmaker’s global product monitoring, and this comes after the
last recall
 which involved its new
W205 C-Class
 model.
Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class (pre-facelift)
The rubber seal issue as per discovered by Daimler AG, is only affecting
selected batches
 of the E- and CLS-Class. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has already started informing all affected customers and rectification works will take place at its authorised dealers.
Mercedes-Benz W218 CLS-Class
President and CEO of MBM, Mr Roland Folger highlighted, “Mercedes-Benz Malaysia adheres to the highest safety standards and will attend to all affected vehicles promptly. We are committed to ensuring that customers have the best ownership experience.”
The rectification process will take no more than an hour to complete and is expected to commence in mid-March. For further information on the recall, you can contact MBM’s
Customer Care Centre at
1-800-88-1133
 from Monday to Friday at 9am to 5pm.


Subaru WRX STI S208 unveiled, more power & better handling, 450 units only!

The 2017 Tokyo Motor Show will go into full swing in about a months’ time but that is not stopping carmakers to give us a little taste of what is to come at the largest auto show in Japan. Subaru is kicking things off with the WRX STI S208, a limited-edition literation of its high-performance sedan that succeeds the S207 that was introduced back in 2015.
Aesthetically, the S208 gets an extensive body rework to include a carbon roof as well as exclusive front and rear bumpers to aid aerodynamics. The new rear wing should also contribute to the cars overall performance. It also gets a unique Cool Grey paintjob to highlight its exclusivity. Inside, the S208 also gets some exclusive trims.
Besides the additional go-fast bits, engineers at Subaru and STI have given the S208 a slight performance boost over the
standard WRX STI
. Subaru has hinted at “
improved engine output and acceleration and a lower centre of gravity
” although exact upgrades will only be announced during the launch.
Subaru will only be producing 450 units of the Subaru WRX STI S208 and will sell them through official channels in Japan. Acquiring one of these super saloon is not as straightforward as walking to a dealership and putting a deposit down. In anticipation of its wide market acceptance, Subaru will only sell it to lucky individuals who were picked from the lottery, further adding to its exclusivity. More details of Subaru’s limited edition WRX STI will be announced at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.


G30 BMW 530i M Sport CKD launched in Malaysia, priced at RM388,800!

At the launch of the
all-new G30 BMW 5 Series
, BMW Malaysia has expressed that a cheaper locally assembled variant is underway. Six months later, they delivered. Introducing the locally assembled 530i M Sport, yours for RM388,800 a full RM10k cheaper than before.
Like before, BMW Malaysia continues to offer the business athlete in a sole 530i M Sport variant. Compared to the CBU units the CKD 5 Series
only loses out on Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
. Other than that, the specification list is dittos the fully imported units.
QUICK FACTS
Name
G30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)
Engine
1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Transmission
8-speed auto
Max Power
252 hp @ 5,200 – 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.2 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM388,800.00
To recap, the 530i CKD gets the M Sport which adds M Sport aerodynamic body kit, M Sport brake and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels to the exterior. Hop inside, one will find the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen display,
600W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system
, GPS navigation, powered sunroof, ambient lighting and four-zone climate control intact. Oh, the the CKD model also comes with the futuristic BMW Display Key.

The 530i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo with
252 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint is completed in 6.2 seconds while top speed is electronically cut at
250 km/h
. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear-wheels via an eight-speed automatic. The Adaptive mode that automatically adjust damping levels according to your driving style and the route ahead is also present in the locally assembled 5 Series.
On the safety front, other than the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the 530i CKD still comes with Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Approach Control Warning & Person Warning with City Brake function, front and rear parking sensors as well as reverse camera. Pretty impressive to say the least.
Available colours include Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Sophisto Grey
two additional colours
, Carbon Black Metallic and Bluestone Metallic. Every purchase of the BMW 530i M Sport CKD is covered with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, 2 Years BMW Tyre Warranty Programme and BMW Malaysia’s 5-Years New Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline Program.
IMAGE GALLERY


New 2022 Mazda CX-5 unveiled, facelifted with new lights and coloured claddings

The facelifted Mazda CX-5 has just been unveiled and changes have been limited to the model that was first introduced as an all-new model in
late 2017
. The second-generation Mazda CX-5 introduced a more sophisticated level of Mazda’s Kodo design, featuring a “less is more” approach to beautiful styling.
The new facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 continues the SUV’s evolution with a redesigned front and rear end, with the front fascia adopting a new three-dimensional grille and signature wing design. Similar to the
Mazda 3 hatchback
, the lower corners of the front bumper ditches any plastic trim or housing for LED fog lamps. The facelifted design was first
leaked
 by Chinese websites.
Both the front and rear lights have been restyled with a new rectangular shape, portraying a double ‘L’ signature. The newly styled wheel design completes the facelift look of the 2022 Mazda CX-5.
In the US and Europe, different trim levels offer a different finishing to the lower body cladding. Mid-range variants have the claddings in gloss black finish and are accompanied by similar black finishing on the signature wing, side mirrors and 19-inch wheels.
This mid-range variant will also sport the new grille design in gloss black as well as incorporating red accents in the three-dimensional texture.
The flagship or range-topping 2022 Mazda CX-5 meanwhile will have colour-coded or unified body claddings and paired with 19-inch wheels finished in bright gloss silver, as seen in the white example. The interior will also be appointed with higher quality Nappa leather and decorated with genuine woodgrain.
Mazda will be using their legendary rotary engine again, but in a more efficient installation. Learn about the new approach here!
Under the bodyshell, Mazda has been said to have fine-tuned and improved the driving dynamics and ride quality of the CX-5. The bodyshell, suspension and even seats have been evolved to enhance ride comfort and reduce fatigue. Occupants are also treated to lower levels of road noise, especially over rough surfaces such as gravel.
The facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 will also introduce Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode via the toggle switch. The six-speed automatic transmission has also been updated to deliver smoother accelerations and more responsive action.
Based on the limited photographs of the interior as well as (lack of) mention in the press release, it looks like the interior design has largely been maintained since the introduction of the
2019 model
 year improvement, which adds the 10.25-inch Mazda Connect central infotainment display and an enlarged driver’s multi-information colour display (MID) measuring seven inches.
The new facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 will only go on sale in Europe from early 2022 thus expect the new model to arrive in Malaysia perhaps in the second half of next year.
The locally-assembled 2021 Mazda CX-5 in Malaysia is currently priced from
RM132,404
 for the 2.0 Mid, approx. RM16k more for the 2.0 High, RM161,104 for the 2.5 2WD High and
RM174,852
 for the CX-5 2.5 Turbo 4WD which
we reviewed
.
The torque-rich Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-Diesel that sends
450 Nm
 to just the front wheels meanwhile is priced at RM167,275.
The next-gen Mazda CX-5 is rumoured to be a big step-up to compete with the Germans: six-cylinder paired with rear-wheel drive sounds tasty! Read more about it here!
GALLERY


Malaysian ministers to switch to EVs for their official cars starting from 2023

The Malaysian government will soon make the switch over to fully-electric vehicles (EVs) for ministers’ official vehicles, according to Minister of Environment and Water, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Speaking in a press conference after officiating a Khidmat Malaysia office in Batu Caves yesterday, he said, “Starting next year (2023), all government procurements will move toward electric cars,” as reported by
Malaysia Gazette
.
The Hyundai Kona electric is the cheapest EV in Malaysia currently, from RM149,888
Despite the verbal confirmation, details on EV usage by the Malaysian government have yet to be disclosed. According to Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the cost of EVs is expensive as their numbers are low. He believes that the cost will go down as the number of EVs in Malaysia increases.
The minister adds that the issue with EVs right now is (or lack thereof) the charging facility. He says that the government must first prepare charging stations where needed to allow usage of EVs by the government ministers.
RELATED:
TNB, PLUS Malaysia to set up EV charging network along North-South Expresswa
y
The Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ retails at RM698,888
Currently, the EVs that have been launched in Malaysia include the likes of the
Hyundai Kona Electric
,
Hyundai Ioniq 5
,
Kia EV6
,
BMW iX
,
BMW i4
,
Mercedes-Benz EQA
,
Mercedes-Benz EQS
,
Porsche Taycan
, and the
MINI Cooper SE
.
Most of them, however, don’t really fit the ‘usual’ look of the official minister’s cars in Malaysia – sub-compact SUVs and low-slung sedans aren’t exactly the kind of cars used by government officials, and the most “proper” sedan in the list costs nearly RM700,000.
So far, official cars for government ministers have included the cars like the Proton Perdana and Toyota Vellfire. Will our ministers be chauffeured around in the luxurious
Mercedes-Benz EQS
? Or could it be another more affordable, properly-sized EV that is making its way to our shores? With the elections expected to take place later this year, let’s not get too excited about what the ministers say they plan for 2023 just yet.
RELATED:
You can now pay for EV charging via Setel from RM1.20 per minute


Toyota’s Kinto One subscription service now available in Malaysia!

Toyota’s own subscription service, Kinto One, has now made its way onto the shores of Malaysia. Although already having an established presence worldwide, the Kinto One service in Malaysia backed by Toyota Capital Malaysia is actually the first-in-the-world to introduce an Islamic based car subscription programme!
Kinto One is marketed as an “all-inclusive”, fixed monthly payment car subscription plan, offering a new medium to own and drive a car, without the hassles associated with the traditionally popular hire-purchase facility.
While the subscription prices are higher than what you would normally pay for in a traditional hire-purchase arrangement, the fixed monthly subscription fee is also inclusive of the registration of the vehicle, annual comprehensive insurance and road tax, as well as periodic and preventive maintenances.
The included periodic and preventive maintenance works will be carried out by authorised Toyota dealerships with genuine parts, and even includes replacement of tyres and batteries, as well as all associated labour costs. All Kinto One customers are also covered under a comprehensive takaful insurance coverage with 24-hour emergency assistance.

Customers subscribing to Kinto One can choose between a two-year or three-year plan. Once the subscription period is completed, the customer just has to simply return the car to Toyota Malaysia, and everything else will be taken care of – no need to worry about residual value nor the process of selling of the car after years of use.
Toyota Capital Malaysia President, Thomas Chai said, “Kinto One is the direct translation of a strategic partnership between Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor and is a distinctly curated respond to the new generation lifestyle seeking for mobility. It is about the shift of consumer behaviour from car ownership to car usership [sic].”
Kinto One is now available in Malaysia through the new website at
www.kinto-my.com
, where customers can view the available car models, decide on a suitable subscription plan, and apply directly online. The Kinto One subscription plan does not require any down payment, but customers will have to pay a refundable one-month deposit at the time of application.
Models currently available in the service include the recently-updated
Toyota Vios
,
Yaris
,
Corolla
,
Innova
,
Fortuner
, as well as Lexus models such as the all-new
Lexus UX200
. Subscription plans start at RM1,678 per month.


Bentley’s new feature plays different music to match your driving style!

Many of us drivers have our own favourite audio tracks for certain driving moods. Slow jazz to end the night or perhaps some EDM to keep the spirits up.
Currently, music selection is still done manually according to the drive but Bentley has developed a technology to adapt to both vehicle and driver input automatically.
Bentley, together with Lifescore who are experts in the field of ‘adaptive music’, are working together in creating algorithms that allow vehicle inputs such as
engine revs and acceleration to influence the composition of music
 in real-time.
This industry-first feature will create unique audio soundscapes that respond to how and where the vehicle is being driven and under what conditions. This means the sound system will compose a soundtrack to engage with the journey, all unique and in real-time.
The library of sound provided by LifeScore utilises world-class musicians, contemporary and classical instruments recorded with state-of-the-art equipment at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. All of the audio elements are recorded in full-sphere surround sound (ambisonic) using more than 50 microphones to provide for all possible future formats.
The Bentley Flying Spur now available in Malaysia from RM839k
As such, in the cabin of the future, sound can be designed to come from any direction at the highest possible resolution. In an hour’s drive, the system can
compose more than 100 billion unique music tracks
 – an astounding figure.
The algorithms are designed to produce compositions that flow through themes and variations achieved by maximising coherence, minimising the repetition of cells and other AI-techniques.
For example, in Cocoon mode, as the Bentley is winding through town, the music builds and evolves slowly and when cruising speed is achieved, the music is sustained and deeply calming.
This Lexus is waxed with a record player snuggedly placed in the glovebox!
The Enhanced driving mode meanwhile composes music that is exciting and highly reactive, in tune with the vehicle’s high engine RPM and faster cornering speeds.
Bentley developed and is demonstrating such a system for widespread use in their EV models as soon as 2025 and by
2030
, all Bentley cars will be battery EVs only.
The development stories of bringing sound and acoustics into vehicles have been heightened recently courtesy of the eerily quiet electric vehicles. BMW has teamed up with Academy Award winner
Hans Zimmer
 to produce sound clips for their upcoming BMW i models, while Audi and Porsche have their own unique ‘futuristic’ soundtrack accompanying the
e-tron GT
 and Taycan models.


ABB introduces the world’s fastest EV charger with 360 kW power

ABB of Switzerland, the world leader in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, offers the full range of charging and electrification solutions for not just cars but buses, vans, commercial vehicles and even trains and ships.
The company today unveils its latest Terra 360 EV charger for mainstream vehicles. With a maximum
360 kW
 of charging power, it is dubbed the world’s fastest EV charger, as the new machine is capable of
fully charging any EV in 15 minutes
 or less or 100 km of range in under three minutes.
This Shell station is the greenest in the country, and not due to just have EV chargers! More about their initiative here!
Majority of the high-capacity DC fast chargers are delivering between 150 kW to 180 kW. In Malaysia, Porsche and Shell has embarked to
“electrify” Malaysia and Singapore
 with strategically placed DC fast chargers along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) to make travelling time from Penang to Singapore comparable to conventional cars.
In an example given by Porsche, using a 180-kW charger at their showroom for just 30 minutes can deliver up to 390 km of range to a
Porsche Taycan
.
BMW Malaysia is offering the i3s EV at RM279k, 0 to 100 km/h under 7 seconds. More info here!
Thanks to its modular design and small footprint, the new Terra 360 can simultaneously charge up to four vehicles with dynamic power distribution. ABB sees the potential of this big rig being installed at high volume locations such as refuelling stations, urban charging stations and especially fleet applications.
Much closer to home, ABB has installed their Terra 53 multi-connector charging system at their head office in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Three connectors are available, including an AC connector rated up to 43 kW plus a CCS Type 2 Connector that is the default “socket” used by European automakers.
The CCS connector, the default for European EVs
The CHAdeMO connector (left) in the Japanese Nissan Leaf
Owners of
Nissan Leaf
 are also welcomed to use the ABB Terra 53 charging bay, as it is one of the very few locations in Malaysia to have the 50 kW CHAdeMO connector, topping up to 80% of electrons in 50 minutes.
GALLERY


2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro launched in Malaysia, RM160k – Still want the X90?

The long-awaited and highly anticipated 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has finally made its launch in Malaysia. Offered in a single variant only, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia is priced at
RM159,800
 (OTR, without insurance).
Looking to renew your car insurance? Check out
MotorTakaful.com
 by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.

Based on the Tiggo 8 Pro Max in China, the 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro measures 4,722 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall, with a 2,710 mm long wheelbase underpinning it, and is meant to compete against the likes of the
Proton X90
,
Kia Sorento
, and
Hyundai Santa Fe
 in Malaysia. Compared to the three competitors, the Tiggo 8 Pro is both shorter in length and narrower as well. In terms of height, it is taller than the two Korean competitors but is slightly shorter than the Proton X90.
On the outside, the 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro wears a “galaxy”-inspired front grille, with prism-inspired inserts on the mesh. The Chery logo at the front will also illuminate together with the headlights and tail lights to form the welcome light upon unlocking the car.
RELATED:
2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k
At the back, the Tiggo 8 Pro features tail lights that extend horizontally across the width of the car. The interesting-looking T-shaped third brake light is also integrated into the roof-mounted spoiler. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is also fitted with a set of 19-inch alloys.
Exterior features that come standard with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia include:
LED headlights
LED tail lights
LED daytime running lights (DRL)
Illuminated front logo with welcome sequence
19-inch dual-tone alloys
Powered tailgate
Quad tailpipes
Roof rails
Powering the Malaysian-spec Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Tiggo 8 Pro sends a total of
256 hp
 and
390 Nm
 to the front wheels only.
There are also three drive modes for the drivers to choose from – Eco, Normal, and Sport. The powertrain and further technical details of the all-new Tiggo 8 Pro are as such:
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Max. Power:
256 hp
Max. Torque:
390 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed DCT
Front brakes: Ventilated disc brakes
Rear brakes: Solid disc brakes
Front suspension: MacPherson independent suspension
Rear suspension: Longitudinal towing-arm independent suspension
Moving inside, the Malaysian-spec 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro gets a rather premium-looking interior with a total of seven seats. Besides looking premium, the interior is also properly modern, featuring a floating dual-screen setup that consists of an instrument display cluster and an infotainment display. Combined, the two screens measure 24.6 inches in total.
Carrying on with the modern theme, the climate control is operated via touch-sensitive buttons and is positioned just right below the aircon vents. The steering wheel is leather wrapped and has a flat bottom too. To add to the premium look and feel, the steering wheel even houses switches that come with detailed knurling.
There is a reason why people have been describing the Tiggo 8 Pro’s interior design as being inspired by
Mercedes-Benz
. Take a look at the designs of the push-start button, door cards, and the Burmester-style speaker grilles, and you might just realise why.
RELATED:
Chery Omoda 5 EV specs revealed, 450km range – BYD Atto 3 rival?
Interior features that come with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro as standard in Malaysia include:
Seven leather-wrapped seats
Memory function for the driver seat
Heating and ventilation function for the front seats
24.6-inch (combined) instrument cluster and infotainment displays
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Touch-sensitive climate control
Flat-bottomed steering wheel
eight-speaker Sony sound system
Mobile phone wireless charger
Multi-colour ambient lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Independent third-row aircon
Electric panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
Remote engine start
Safety-wise, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is packed with a full ADAS suite and even comes with a 540-degree camera. And no, the 540-degree camera isn’t a typo. It’s just Chery’s way of advertising its 360-degree camera system that consists of an underfloor camera.
Here is a list of safety features that come equipped with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro as standard:
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) & integrated cruise assist (ICA)
Front collision warning (FCW)
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Lane departure warning (LDP)
Lane departure keeping (LDK)
Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
Traffic jam assist (TJA)
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Blind spot detection
Door open warning
540-degree camera system
To recap, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has just been launched in Malaysia and is offered in a sole variant only. Priced at
RM159,800
 (OTR, w/o insurance), the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a 7-year/150,000 km standard manufacturer’s warranty and five years of free service.
The first 3,000 customers also get a special 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s powertrain components. The 1,000,000 km engine warranty program would normally cost an additional RM2,000.
RELATED:
Chery Omoda 3 revealed in China – stylish compact SUV to rival the Perodua Ativa?
GALLERY


All-new Audi TT launched in Malaysia, priced at RM285k with tons of options [+Video]

The all-new
third generation Audi TT
 has officially been launched here under the stewardship of
Audi Malaysia
, effectively taking over operational duties from Euromobil, a DRB-Hicom subsidiary. Only one variant will be offered for now, and that’s the
2.0-litre TFSI
 unit bearing the
RM284,900
 asking price (with GST but excludes insurance).
The TT brand is considerably popular in Malaysia, thanks to grey importers. The Mk3 coupe has an overall length of 4,177 mm, is 1,832 mm wide, 1,353 mm tall and the axles sit 2,505 mm apart. Also, the TT sits on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, just like the Audi A3.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi TT 2.0L TFSI
Engine
1,984cc; direct injection, turbocharged
Transmission
6-speed dual clutch S-tronic auto
Max Power
230 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Max Torque
370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,300 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
5.9 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR
without
 insurance)
RM284,900
 (with GST)
EXTERIOR
On the outside, this car cannot be mistaken for anything else but Audi’s famed four-seater coupe. Now in its
third life cycle
, the TT is much, much more chiseled than both the Mk1 and Mk2 TT, conceived in 1998 and 2006 respectively. From the front, you still get the brand’s signature hexagonal grille, but here it is wider and sharper than before.

Standard features here include
bi-xenon projector headlamps
 with integrated LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, electronically foldable side mirrors with signal indicators and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with 245/40 R18
Continental ContiSportContact 5
 tyres. Both the front and the rear tyres are of the same size. Move towards the back and you’ll notice the
dual exhaust pipes
 and a
rear spoiler
 that flips open to improve downforce at speeds over 120 km/h.
INTERIOR
The cabin, as one would expect out of Audi, continues to impress with its exceptional build quality, but this time the four-ringed marque is taking things one step ahead by incorporating a
12.3-inch TFT LCD display panel
 into the instrument cluster that supports
GPS navigation
 and
3D mapping
 as standard. Not optional, but standard!

Having
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit
 built into the instrument cluster means forgoing the central MMI screen that Audi owners have become accustomed to. However, the MMI system itself is retained, and the TT comes with
MMI Touch
 and
MMI Radio
 as standard. Also standard here are the 9-speaker (155W) configuration and leather upholstery; the seats get a dash of Alcantara, and buyers can opt for the RM4,000 S Sport Seats with powered adjusters.
Should you feel the need to upgrade the already impressive interior, there’s the RM3,000 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, RM1,200 Quartz lacquer silver interior trims, and the RM12,500 S-Line package which gives you external cosmetic upgrades as well.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this
1,335 kg
 bad boy is the familiar
2.0-litre TFSI
 motor, and in this state of tune it makes
230 hp
 at 4,500 rpm and a healthy
370 Nm
 of torque from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. Only one transmission choice here, that is the
six-speed dual clutch automatic
 gearbox, channeling drive to the
front wheels
. No Quattro here, fellas. As such, the car will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.9 seconds
 before reaching a top speed of
250 km/h
. Fuel consumption is rated at
6.3 litres per 100 km
.
SAFETY
A total of
six airbags
 are fitted as standard to the TT. Along with it are the usual three-lettered acronyms; ABS with EBD, ESC, Isofix mounts and a 4-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. For drivers, there’s the passive cruise control that you can make use of, while the front and rear of the car comes with four parking sensors each.
WHAT ELSE?
To recap, the Audi TT carries the RM285k asking price, but with that many option boxes to tick, only you can determine how high the ceiling is. The option kit includes: a RM5,000 LED headlights or the
RM9,000 Matrix LED headlights
 packages, three sets of 19-inch wheels of varying designs (RM6,000 each), RM12,500 S-Line package and RM4,000 S sport seats as well as the RM9,500 MMI Navigation and MMI Touch pack. Quite a kit there, don’t you think?
Topping it off is the
10-colour option
 – Tango Red, Scuba Blue, three shades of grey, two blacks, two whites and a silver colour. The TT comes with a
 4-year or 120,000 km
 warranty programme, whichever occurs first. The arrival of this TT signals at a very exciting year at Audi Malaysia, with the new
TT S
 and
Q7
 rumoured to hit local shores later this year. So stay tuned for the latest news on Audi!
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Nissan Navara facelift launched in Malaysia – six variants from RM92k

After a preview for the
Navara PRO-4X
 flagship variant last month, Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has now officially launched the new Nissan Navara pick-up truck here in Malaysia.
Six variants are available for the new Nissan Navara, starting with the sole single-cab workhorse variant at RM92k, and topping out with the aforementioned PRO-4X, priced at RM142,200.
EXTERIOR
The styling of the new Nissan Navara is heavily influenced by the US-market-only
Titan pick-up truck
, especially on the new front fascia, which now gets a large ‘Interlock’ grille, surrounded by a chunky piece of chrome trim.
Automatic halogen headlights are standard items, but the three higher-end variants get a quad-LED projector set-up with a new C-shaped signature daytime-running lights. It’s also the same at the rear, with only the top three variants getting the LED tail lights with C-shaped lighting signature.
At the rear, the new Navara gets a new “integrated spoiler” look on the tailgate. Further down, the bumper has also been redesigned, now with an integrated step to make getting in and out of the truck a lot easier.
Standard on the Nissan Navara is also a new Tailgate Assist torsion beam system in the tailgate, making it significantly easier to access the truck bed.
PERFORMANCE
All six variants of the Nissan Navara are powered by the same YD25 2.5-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine, but their outputs vary based on the transmission choices – with the six-speed manual option (available on the single-cab and SE variants) getting the lower output.
High Output configuration (PRO-4X, VL, V, SE Auto)
Engine: YD25 2.5-litre inline-four DOHC Intercooler turbodiesel
Transmission: 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode
Driveline: Front engine, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 190 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Medium Output configuration (SE Manual, workhorse single-cab)
Engine: YD25 2.5-litre inline-four DOHC Intercooler turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Driveline: Front engine, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 163 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
INTERIOR
As this new Nissan Navara is a facelift model, there are virtually no changes to its interior architecture and design from the outgoing model.
However, Nissan said that significant work has been put in to improve the quietness and comfort in the cabin, and can be seen from the new noise-isolation acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front windows, as well as the new rear seats with improved thigh support, curved backrest, and a new centre armrest with integrated cup holders.
Being the only pick-up truck in the market with a multi-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs, the new Nissan Navara also adopts a new dual-rate coil spring that is said to reduce “body toss” by up to 33%, while improving vehicle stability, ride comfort, and handling to be “on par with SUVs”.
SAFETY
As standard, the new Nissan Navara line-up is equipped with two airbags, and two rear reversing sensors as standard. Moving up to the “value for money” V variant ups the airbag count to six, alongside the addition a rearview camera and autonomous emergency braking features.
Stepping up to the two premium variants – the VL and PRO-4X – will net you the full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance features, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and two additional rear parking sensors.
PRICING
The new Nissan Navara line-up in Malaysia is priced as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:
2.5L Single-Cab MT – RM91,900
2.5L SE MT – RM110,900
2.5L SE AT – RM116,900
2.5L V AT – RM125,500
2.5L VL AT – RM137,900
PRO-4X AT – RM142,200
Included as standard in the price of the new Nissan Navara is a five-year, 150,000 km warranty. As pick-up trucks are classified as commercials, they are not eligible for the SST exemptions, currently still valid until the 30th of June.
At launch, ETCM is also offering four exclusive factory-fitted accessories packages for the new Nissan Navara, with different contents depending on the variant:
GALLERY


Old vs New: What’s changed on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA was named the
“Most Beautiful Car” of 2021
, and it’s not hard to see why. Taking on a completely new styling direction, the
 all-new GLA
 has now ditched away its “taller A-Class” look for a more proper SUV-like stature; almost like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.
But are good looks the only thing that the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has going for it? The
outgoing GLA
 was a massively successful product – especially in its
AMG form
, so does the all-new model have what it takes to uphold the reputation and keep the fans happy? Let’s find out.
POWERTRAIN
Barring the AMG model, which – in this latest generation – has not been launched here just yet, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA line-up in Malaysia is unchanged from before. Two variants are on offer here, the GLA 200 and GLA 250, but while the
old GLA 250
had the 4Matic all-wheel-drive drivetrain, the new line-up is strictly front-wheel driven only.
In terms of what’s underneath the sheet metal, both new variants have received brand-new powertrains, with gains in their power outputs. The GLA 200 is now powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, with its horsepower up marginally by 7 hp to
163 hp
.
The M260 engine in the current GLA 250 is the successor to the M270 unit found in the outgoing GLA 250.
Meanwhile, the GLA 250 with the new M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill sees its horsepower rise by a more substantial 13 hp to
224 hp
. Torque figures for both variants remain the same as before, at 250 Nm and 350 Nm for the GLA 200 and 250 respectively.
The GLA 200 retains the 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox to go along with the new powertrain, while the GLA 250 sees an extra set of sprockets in its transmission, moving up to a 8G-DCT gearbox.
The 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo in the GLA 200 is a really tiny unit!
Interestingly though, while the all-new GLA variants now have a higher power output than their predecessors, they actually both
perform worse than the outgoing models in the 0-100 km/h sprint
, taking 0.6 seconds (8.7 s) longer on the GLA 200, and 0.3 seconds (6.9 s) longer on the more powerful GLA 250.
As for fuel consumption, the downsized engine in the GLA 200 sees a reduction of 0.2 l/100 km to 5.6 l/100km, while the GLA 250 drops marginally from 6.6 to 6.5 l/100 km – not a night and day difference, but still a welcome change.
EXTERIOR
We concede that looks are a subjective matter, but to us, the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA just never looked quite “right”. A large part of the reason is due to its A-Class roots, resulting in a “jacked-up hatchback” look. The end result never felt proportionate to us, and is somehow stuck in no man’s land between sleek and rugged.
This all-new model meanwhile, takes on a completely different approach in the styling department. While it still shares a lot of the same motifs as the other compact Mercedes models, Mercedes-Benz has given the all-new GLA a unique feel of its own, with an overall taller height (+117 mm on the GLA 200, 250 is 10 mm lower thanks to its lowered comfort springs) more befitting of its “lifestyle-oriented SUV” label.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA now measures 1,611 mm in height, 1,834 mm in width (+30 mm), while its length is reduced by 7 mm to 4,410 mm. However, the wheelbase has actually increased by 30 mm to 2,729 mm, resulting in a shorter overhang both front and rear to give it a more rugged persona.
In addition, the all-new GLA’s tracks (distance between left and right wheels) have also increased by 46 mm, which means the wheels now fill the wheel wells a lot better for a more aggressive stance.
As we’ve mentioned above, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is offered in two variants here; the GLA 200 is dressed in a Progressive exterior styling pack, while the GLA 250 gets equipped with an AMG Line bodykit.
The differences between the two, as evident from the photos above, are largely restricted to the front and rear bumpers, with the AMG Line sporting the more aggressive-looking trims including a larger diamond pin front grille, a larger bone-shaped trim on the front bumper with horizontal trim elements, integrated rear diffuser on the rear bumper.
The AMG Line-equipped GLA 250 also gets a larger set of wheels – 19-inch compared to the 18-inch items on the GLA 200.
Fake “exhaust tips”, just… why?
As good as those sound though, Mercedes-Benz just couldn’t help themselves and tacked on some non-functional air-vents and “exhaust tips” at the rear, the latter a particular pain point for us as the outgoing model had some actual functional exhaust surround trims.
Anyway, we digress. In terms of exterior equipment, both variants are fairly evenly equipped, and basically unchanged from their predecessors. Standard-fit items across both variants include automatic High Performance LED headlights, LED tail lights, automatic windscreen wipers, and auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror.
A whole new world.
INTERIOR
Just like the current-generation
A-Class
, the cabin of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is also a huge leap up over its predecessor, both in terms of look and feel, as well as equipment.
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the all-new GLA gets a more modern design overall, in line with all the latest Mercedes-Benz models. There’s also a significant reduction in physical buttons, specifically on the centre console (
the old one even had a number pad! How many owners actually used that?
) – though fortunately all the important controls, such as those for the air conditioning, are still physical switches.
The most apparent upgrade inside is undoubtedly the new dual 10.25-inch screen set-up – one each for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display – running Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX system. The outgoing model only had one single eight-inch non-touchscreen display, running the outdated Audio 20 software – though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were already present on the outgoing models.
The new MBUX systems also come as standard with the Mercedes me connectivity features, allowing for remote features including remote engine start and checking of remaining fuel levels through the accompanying mobile application, among other things.
114 mm more rear legroom than before.
Thanks to the increase in dimensions, interior space has also been increased, specifically in the front headroom and rear legroom department, according to Mercedes-Benz – the latter by a whopping 114 mm. Boot capacity has also been increased by 14 litres, to now 435 litres of cargo space – which can always be extended by folding down the 60:40 split folding rear seats.
SAFETY
While it seems like everything else on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has been upgraded or renewed, the onboard advanced driver assistance features does remain essentially unchanged from its predecessor.
Standard safety kit on both variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA include the Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking system, active parking assist (with parking package and reversing camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as an interior monitoring system.
The range-topping GLA 250 does gain an additional blind-spot monitoring system, which also functions as a visual warning for the passenger exiting the car when another vehicle is approaching.
PRICING
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced at
RM 244,199.82
 for the GLA 200, and
RM285,336.66
 for the range-topping GLA 250 here in Malaysia – both on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
Compared to the latest pricing details for the outgoing model (which ranged from RM216k to RM266k) the new models are roughly 7-13% more expensive than their predecessors.
However, with the recent Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announcement heavily suggesting that the
 GLA might be locally-assembled here this year
, prices for the compact crossover will most likely fall following the launch of the CKD model. Of course, none of this is confirmed just yet, so we’ll have to wait and see!
So there you have it – a quick rundown on what’s new on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA. Do you think it has what it takes to win over the hearts of existing fans and doubters alike? Let us know in the comments below!


Perodua gives away 100 GearUp child seats for a safer journey this Raya

Perodua today gifted 100 GearUp child seats to lucky Perodua owners travelling with children aged between two to six at selected Petronas stations along the Peninsular ahead of the Raya festive season.
As part of the national carmaker’s on-going five-year Road Safety Campaign, Perodua partnered with Petronas to distribute the Toddler seats at Petronas stations at Rawang PLUS highway, Bentong Karak Highway and Seremban KL-Seremban Highway rest areas. The
Toddler seat
 is designed for children weighing
 9 to 36 kg
.
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari giving the thumbs up to a safer journey for children
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari said: “Over two million vehicles are expected to hit the roads this Raya. That’s a lot of vehicles, and naturally, there is a higher risk of collisions and accidents”
“We took this special initiative because we care for the well-being of our customers and their families. We hope Malaysians will come to realise how important it is to keep children properly secured in child seats while on the move,” he added.
Introduced during their Road Safety Campaign in October 2017, Perodua’s GearUp child seats are available in two models – Infant seat and Toddler seat, the former is suitable for infants weighing up to
13 kg
. Both models are also
ISOFIX compatible
 and comply with
 ECE R44 safety standards
.
Interested parties can purchase these GearUp child seats for an introductory price of
RM622.50
 for the
Infant seat
 (RM640 in East Malaysia) while the
Toddler seat
 is priced at
 RM736
 (RM754.50 in EM). The introductory price, without GST, is valid until 30 June 2018.
“Seat belts are designed to restrain adults and not children. Please secure your young ones in child seats, ideally in the back seat, and do not place them on your laps when the vehicle is in motion. Always buckle up in the front and in the back, use your turn signals and do not operate your mobile devices on the move. Above all, drive carefully and have a safe journey back to your hometowns,” concluded Dato’ Dr Zahari.