The all-new 11th-gen Honda Accord is shaping up to be a real looker

Honda has just unveiled the first teaser images to the upcoming 11th-generation all-new
Honda Accord
, which will make its official debut next month. The all-new model will replace the current model, just five years after the
10th-generation Honda Accord
 made its debut
back in 2017
.
It’s the usual shadowy photos, but they do at least give us a good glimpse of the all-new Honda Accord’s front and rear-end. As you’d expect from a completely new generation model, all of the sheet metal here look brand new, with design touches borrowed from the other newer models in its stable.
The front in particular takes on the new styling direction introduced on the
all-new Honda HR-V
 and
CR-V
, where the previous signature shield design replaced by a large hexagonal grille, flanked by slim three-dimensional headlights – the latter seemingly omitting the traditional lens cover, much like what Kia did with the
Carnival
.
Round the back, the tail lights are a huge departure from the current model’s design, now taking on a full-width appearance, though the profile of the side enclosures do somewhat resemble that of the
 Civic
. From the short and raked boot, it seems that the all-new 11th-generation Honda Accord will also still carry the fastback-like silhouette.
The sole interior photo of the car focuses on the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which will be the largest touchscreen in a Honda ever. The operating system here looks somewhat similar to the marque’s latest design, but it now runs on Android, as revealed by the Play Store and Google Assistant buttons on the main screen.
Aside from these, though, the only other things we can see from this photo is a small portion of the instrument cluster which appears to be fully digital, as well as – thank heavens – a physical volume knob right underneath the floating central display. We also catch a small glimpse of the air vent, which looks to be similar to the neat single-piece air vent mesh on the Civic. We like.
The display does reveal the fact that the all-new 11th-generation Accord will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain, which Honda says will be “more responsive and fun-to-drive”. But what exactly is changed? Stay tuned, as the all-new Accord’s reveal isn’t too far away at this point.


Lamborghini’s forthcoming V12 track slayer sounds glorious at full tilt

Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse motorsport division
teased their track-only hypercar in October last year
. While we still don’t have a name for the beast, Lamborghini has just released a couple of teaser videos to give us a taste of what it will be like – and boy oh boy does the V12 sing.
Just to jog your memory a little bit, the
 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12
 in the unnamed hypercar is sourced from the
Lamborghini

Aventador
, but turned all the way up to 11 to produce
830 hp.

The bodywork and chassis is also supposedly based on the Aventador, but from the limited shots provided in the video, it looks like the Squadra Corse hypercar will have a far more sophisticated bodywork – it is a race car after all.
The video gave us a brief look at the vented bonnet and wheel arches, a very elaborate rear third quarter aero fins and giant air vents, the large carbon-fibre wings, as well as an aggressive rear diffuser that looks like it was taken straight from a Formula 1 car. The square LED matrix just adds to that illusion.

Lamborghini says that their latest track bull has entered the final stages of development, and is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. We can’t wait to see (and hear) more of it!


Is the GR86 more fun to drive than the BRZ? New Toyo-baru twins pitted head-to-head!

Remember when news broke last month that the
launch of the Toyota GR 86 could be delayed
, due to it being “too similar” to the Subaru BRZ? Well, there’s nothing to worry about now – for one, the car has already been launched earlier this week, and according to a video comparison by Japan’s
LOVECARS!TV!
YouTube channel, they drive quite differently too.
Even though they are essentially the same car underneath, both cars features their own unique driving characteristics, according to the two Japanese hosts (through the shoddy Google auto-translated captions) who took turns taking both cars out on track.

The GR 86, with Toyota’s special touch, seems to be the more playful twin between the two. From a standstill, the hosts noted that the Toyota has a more enthusiastic throttle response, while the Subie is a little more linear.
In the bends, the GR 86 also seems to be a little more eager to let its rump out, while the BRZ stays a lot more composed, almost like it has taken on Subaru’s AWD philosophy even though it’s most definitely a rear-wheel driven sports car.
Interestingly, the hosts even said that the Subaru BRZ felt similar to the Impreza and Levorg, while the Toyota GR 86 features characteristics akin to that of the
GR Yaris
 and
Supra
 – and these cars from the two brands cannot be any more different from each other.
So yes, even if they share the same foundation (something we’ll see more and more often these days due to the costs required to develop these low-volume sports cars), they can still be completely different cars to drive – not just in handling, but even in the powertrain tuning as we’ve seen here on the new Toyo-baru twins.
In a roundabout way, maybe it’s also time for the GR Supra haters to give the car a chance. Yes, it’s pretty much a BMW underneath, but Toyota has done significant work to make it their own. Take it from us: you won’t be disappointed with how it drives.
If you’re interested to see the new Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ being driven on the limits of adhesion, be sure to check out the video above – just don’t forget to turn on the auto-translated captions.
[Source:
LOVECAR!TV!/YouTube
 via Motor1]


Meet the world’s first Tesla Shooting Brake, 0 – 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds

QWest, a UK-based carbon fibre coachbuilding specialist has just completed the build of the world’s first Tesla Shooting Brake. It is not a commissioned project from Elon Musk himself but it’s more of a  “
because we can”
situation. The Tesla Shooting Brake will make its public debut at the 2018 London Motor Show happening on 17th to 20th May 2018.
Based on a standard
P90D sedan
, QWest completely fabricated the rear section of the car from the rear roof section to the D pillar, all with
carbon fibre
 to ensure high structural rigidity of the Shooting Brake while reducing weight. As a result, interior space has been expanded by
209 litres
 but at the same time
12 kg lighter
 than the car it was based on.
QWest says that this is not a mere backyard conversion but a proper integrated design with engineered solutions to preserve the essence of the P90D. The car’s all-wheel drive, dual-motor setup and 90kWh battery pack have been retained, giving the Shooting Brake over
700 hp
. Key performance figures of
2.8 second
 sprint time and cruising range of over
400 km per charge
 have also been carried over to the Shooting Brake.
If you are not aware, a standard P90D in the UK costs in the region of £97,000 (RM530k) so hats off to the guys at QWest for attempting such a feat and succeeded at it. Now, we wonder what Elon thinks of this little project?
IMAGE GALLERY


Book your service appointments with the new Mitsubishi CONNECT app

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM
)
 has introduced the first ever
 Mitsubishi CONNECT
app for Mitsubishi owners in Malaysia. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free.
The Mitsubishi CONNECT app allows customers to
schedule service appointments
 and
monitor their vehicle’s maintenance history
. Owners can also receive reminders of their next service and more conveniently, register more than one vehicle under one account.
Aside from that, the Mitsubishi CONNECT app also allows owners to stay in touch with the 24Hrs Mitsubishi Assist Customer Careline. It also gives customers access to 24-hour breakdown assistance and emergency services throughout Malaysia. On the app, customers can also find out where the nearest Mitsubishi authorised dealer is located for maintenance services.
The Mitsubishi CONNECT app also come with a SOS function that when activated, the user’s location will be shown accurately through GPS. Once the user’s details are verified, help and assistance will be sent immediately.
Owners can also keep up to date with the latest news and promotions, search for product information and download e-brochures through the app.
“COVID-19 has propelled the shift towards digital transformation and now MMM is pleased to offer MITSUBISHI CONNECT app to all our owners. With the app, Mitsubishi owners can adapt to the new normal by utilising mobile technology to retrieve their vehicle and service information, as well as gain access to other functions and benefits at their fingertips no matter where they may be,” said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.
With Test Drive 2U, you’ll never have to leave home to test drive a Mitsubishi!
Watch our video about it here!
For the same reason, MMM also recently launched the
Test Drive 2U

where customers can request for a test drive without leaving their home. Once customers have
filled in their information
 and selected the closest dealership, a sales consultant will be in contact via WhatsApp or phone call.
The vehicle will be sent to the customer’s home where each test drive will be limited to one customer at a time. The sales consultant will be seated at the rear to practise social distancing.


Shell Malaysia lends helping hand in COVID-19 fight

To show its support to the front liners working tirelessly in the fight against the
 coronavirus pandemic
, Shell Malaysia has devised several outreach initiatives to reduce the burden of these national heroes.
Care packages containing hand sanitizers, mineral water, food and beverages, among other essential items were contributed to the medical frontliners at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh.
Additionally, Shell stations across the country have also been contributing to the local communities and front liners in the form of supplying electricity for lamps and fans in the temporary tents, as well as contributing foods and drinks to the local authorities stationed nearby.
Shell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzaini Husain said, “Shell is committed to the well-being of the communities where we operate, and we want to do everything we can to help our front liners in the fight against this global pandemic.
“We recognise the challenges faced by these brave Malaysians and we hope these care packages, made up of essential items will give our front liners some needed support,” he added.
Shairan also adds that Shell’s own front liners at the petrol stations are on the ground everyday to assist in their customers’ needs, and most importantly help the other front liners to get to work; petrol stations are classified as an essential service during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
“We are also ensuring care packages are provided to them as our gesture of thanks for their courage in ensuring Shell stations remain open and ready to continue serving customers. They are all our heroes.”
Aside from care packages, Shell Malaysia has also partnered with BonusLink to enable customers to contribute and show their gratitude to the front liners by donating their BonusLink points directly to the COVID-19 Fund.
For every 100 points (worth RM1) donated during the campaign period which ended yesterday, Shell Malaysia has also matched in donation to the equivalent value of RM1. The funds in the COVID-19 Fund will be used to in purchasing essential medical equipment for the hospitals.


BMW 8 Series gets a ‘glow up’ facelift for 2022… literally

“Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”. That was probably what went through the minds of BMW designers when they gave the
8 Series
 a facelift update, because you’d really have to squint to even see any differences in appearance.
Well at least, aside from the grille. Because the BMW 8 Series range has gained a new “Iconic Glow” kidney grille that lights up from the inside to apparently help create a “dramatic impression” when you view the new 8-er from the front. The vertical struts cover on the grille itself also get a new ‘U’-shaped profile to help highlight the illumination.
Otherwise, the rest of the changes on the new BMW 8 Series range is mostly just a nip and tuck with mildly revised bumpers, new alloy wheels selection, and four new metallic body colours – Skyscraper Grey, San Remo Green, M Portimao Blue, and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue.
M Sport kit is now standard across the board, while the M850i variant gets additional aerodynamic wing mirrors from the full M cars, alongside an additional front spoiler lip, rear ducktail “spoiler”, and a set of more powerful brakes – the latter three also available as option for the other variants.
RELATED: The BMW M8 is now available in Malaysia in Coupe and Gran Coupe form.
Changes on the inside are also minimal – essentially just a new larger 12.3-inch infotainment display on top of the dashboard, replacing the older 10.25-inch unit.
Powertrain options are also pretty much entirely unchanged, ranging from the 840i up to the
M850i xDrive
. As for the M8, well – it’s dead. BMW will only be offering the new M 8 Series in the M8 Competition form, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that makes
 625 hp
 and
749 Nm
, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Video: The BMW M850i xDrive is a dual-personality grand tourer!
BMW has also collaborated with US artist Jeff Koons for a special-edition model, featuring an eleven colour multi-layer exterior as well as a unique cabin with “exquisite materials” and “the very finest leather”. Based on the 850i xDrive Gran Coupe, the BMW 8 X Jeff Koons Edition will be unveiled on the 17th of February.
GALLERY


Welcome to 2022, where tuners increase EV’s range, not performance

Historically, when a tuner gets their hands on a new car, they’ll do everything they can to make the car
meaner and faster
, generally by increasing engine power outputs – sometimes to hilariously stupid levels. But with EVs these days basically all coming with more power than anyone can handle, increasing it even more sounds like a pretty pointless task.
And that’s why
Brabus
 looked the other way with the all-new
Mercedes-Benz EQS
. Instead of increasing power like what we’re used to seeing from them, the German tuning house instead introduced a set of aerodynamic parts for the electric sedan to increase its range. Yes, you read that right. Welcome to 2022.
With a new aero kit consisting of a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and a small ducktail spoiler, alongside a “plug and play” software module for the suspensions that lowers the car by 15 mm in front and 20 mm at the rear, Brabus managed to improve the EQS’ already-segment-leading
 0.209 Cd
 drag coefficient by another 7.2%.
The company doesn’t explicitly state a new coefficient number, but simple maths tell us it’s around the region of 0.194 Cd. The lower drag coefficient means that the Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS actually increases its driving range by about 7% on average when driven at speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h, or so the company claims.
RELATED:
The Brabus B45 gives the AMG A 45 S more power than you’ll ever need
That’s actually pretty significant, given that the
long-range EQS 450+, like the one sold in Malaysia,
 already boasts a driving range of over 780 km based on the WLTP cycle. A 7% increase means you can drive anywhere from 50-55 km more, which can be the difference between heading home or finding a charger en-route on a long-distance highway journey.
Aside from the aero kit, Brabus is also offering a set of custom monoblock wheels in 20- to 22-inch sizes, which surprisingly looks rather fitting on the fully-electric EQS. Of course, this being a Brabus, the massive ‘B’ emblem is also plastered on virtually every possible surface on the outside, and the interior can be pretty much customised to your heart’s content.
No pricing information has been provided, but it’s safe to assume that anything from the big B will not come cheap.
GALLERY


Toyota Harrier updated for 2022 with Special Edition, 360° cameras, TSS

Together with the announcement of the September sales report,
UMW Toyota Motor
 has announced that it has updated the
Toyota Harrier

for 2022, with a new variant included, the Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE. Prices of the 2022 Toyota Harrier are
RM 274,000
 for the Harrier 2.0 Luxury and
RM 277,000
 for the Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE.
The standard Harrier is now RM 15,000 more expensive than the pre-updated version. Now standard on the 2022 Toyota Harrier are 360° panoramic view cameras and a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced safety features. The TSS feature includes Pre-Collision Brake detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Dubbed the Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP), no changes have been made to the powertrain. The Harrier is still powered by the same 2.0-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine that makes
173 hp
 @ 6,600 rpm and
203 Nm
 @ 4,400-4,900 rpm. Paired with the four-cylinder engine is a direct-shift CVT that sends all power to the front wheels.
UMW Motor President, Ravindran K. said, “At UMW Toyota Motor, we are humbled by the positive support received from our customers and are even more committed to going the ‘Extra Mile’ to intensify production and ensure timely delivery to new car owners. We are also delighted to showcase the new improvements made to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP) and hope this update gives drivers an exceptional experience every time they get behind the wheel because we understand that it’s all about the drive.”
RELATED:
UMW Toyota sold 70,872 cars in 2022 so far, 54% up from last year
More expensive than the Harrier 2.0 Luxury by RM 3,000 is the Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE (Special Edition). The Special edition gets a special red metallic exterior colour and brown leather for the interior and that’s about what differentiates it from the standard Harrier 2.0 Luxury.
These fresh updates enhance the current strengths the Toyota Harrier is known for – luxury, exclusivity, and reliability. To add to the excitement, a new variant has been added to the Harrier’s line up – the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition that comes in a special Red Metallic color to compliment the new luxurious Brown interior.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid review – the everyday SUV
Inside, the Harrier is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen head unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. The driver gets a 12-way power adjustable seat (with two memory positions) while the front passenger gets a four-way power adjustable seat. There are four USB-C charging sockets and one USB-C connection socket.
Included in the price of the Toyota Harrier is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.


55 years of AMG: 10 things you may not know about the brand

These days, throw a coin into a crowd and it’ll land on someone who has heard about AMG – the most powerful 3-letter abbreviation in the automotive industry but aside from their brute performance and sinister appearances, how much do you really know about those three alphabets? Especially if you own an AMG?
Here are some interesting points Mercedes-AMG has shared:
Erhard Melcher
Hans-Werner Aufrecht
AMG stands for…..
Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach, the last names of its founding fathers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, along with Aufrecht’s birthplace of Großaspach. The story started in the 1960s when the two engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, were working on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE’s racing engine in the Development Department at Daimler-Benz despite the company discontinued all motorsports activities.
In 1965, Manfred Schiek, a colleague at Daimler, went to the start in the German Touring Car Championship with the 300 SE engine that Aufrecht and Melcher had built, and won ten times. The triumph propelled Aufrecht and Melcher’s reputation for extracting performance from Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
W109 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG 1971
The “first AMG
“
The first vehicle associated with AMG was a four-door sedan; the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3-litre which was also known as the “Red Pig”. After Aufrecht and Melcher modified the car, including weight reduction and increasing the engine’s displacement to 6.8-liters, the finished vehicle produced 428 hp and 608 Nm, a significant increase from the original 247 hp and 500 Nm. At its racing debut in the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, it won its race category and secured a 2nd place overall finish, despite being the heavisest car on the grid.
The first AMG co-developed with Mercedes-Benz
The first jointly developed high-performance vehicle from AMG and Mercedes-Benz was the C 36 AMG. It was also the first AMG product to be officially sold outside of Germany, in the United States in 1995. By 1998, Daimler acquired a majority stake of AMG, setting the stage for a variety of high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles.
AMG Black Series
The AMG Black Series is perhaps the most intimidating, sinister and not to mention exclusive models in the AMG range. So far, only six special models have worn the AMG Black Series badge – the CLK 63 Black Series, the C 63 Black Series, the SL 65 Black Series, the SLS Black Series, the SLK 55 Black Series, and the AMG GT Black Series.
The first-ever car built by Mercedes-AMG
The SLS AMG was the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, followed by the AMG GT in 2015, and most recently the AMG GT 4-Door in 2019. The SLS AMG featured “gullwing” doors, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “gullwing” built between 1954 and 1957.
The gullwing doors featured an unusual safety feature – two explosive capsules – capable of blowing the doors off for quick exit, in the unlikely event that the vehicle is flipped and is resting on its roof.
Collaborations
Mercedes-AMG has partnered with Cigarette Racing Team to produce 12 special edition, high-performance boats with the most recent being a 59-foot Tirranna AMG Edition 59-foot boat. The boat was also revealed with a G 63 Cigarrette Edition. Recently, an
AMG GT Black Cigarette Edition
 was revealed as well.
One Man, One Engine
All handcrafted are built according to the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, in which one master craftsman assembles each AMG engine from start to finish. Each engine honours its builder via a special plaque, signed by the individual that assembled it and placed on the cover of the engine upon completion.
Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach.
Current headquarters
Presently, the Mercedes-AMG headquarters is located in Affalterbach, Germany, a small town in Stuttgart in the state of Baden-Wüttemberg. Affalterbach is home to the management, administration, sales, development, and design teams of AMG. The hand-built engines are also made there. Mercedes-AMG now employs approximately 1,800 people; a stark contrast from its humble beginnings as a two-man operation at Hans Werner Aufrecht’s house in Großaspach!
AMG Dynamic Select
Using a toggle on the console, or switches on the AMG steering wheel, drivers can select between “Comfort” to “Sport”, “Sport +”, “RACE” and “Individual”. More recently, the new AMG Drive Unit adds a new set of controls on the lower part of the steering wheel to easily change the driving modes without removing your hands from the steering wheel. The buttons on the lower-left steering wheel offer a variety of functions to change the sensitivity of the traction control as well as the sound level of the exhaust system.
Mercedes-AMG One
The hypercar is one of the most powerful AMG vehicles ever produced with more than 1,000 hp and a top speed in excess of 349 km/h. For the first time, the two-seater hypercar brings the latest and most efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology directly from the racetrack to the road.


Future Volvo interiors to go leather-free to reduce livestock greenhouse emissions

Leather upholstery in vehicle interiors has long been established as an upgrade as it offers better comfort as well as durability versus fabric. Volvo, after receiving an overwhelming response from a study on consumption and sustainability, will progressively end the use of animal leather in their interiors and more.
2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8
By 2025, the company is aiming for 25% of the material in new Volvo cars to consist of recycled and bio-based content, as part of its ambition to be a fully circular business by 2040.
Citing surveys on consumers of luxury goods, two-thirds of the respondents consider a brand’s environmental policies as a critical factor, together with carbon labelling as a means of providing greater transparency on the environmental impacts of products and materials.
Volvo, being a luxury brand, is more convinced than ever on its approach to ending the usage of animal leather in its interiors. The company’s move was first driven by a concern about the negative environmental impacts of cattle farming, contributing to approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.
With more computing power needed to handle the integration of more systems, Volvo is developing their in-house operating system called VolvoCars.OS. More about it here.
High-quality sustainable materials made from bio-based and recycled sources will line the interior of EVs at the initial stage, as seen in the new
Volvo C40 Recharge
. Items made from recycled plastic or sustainable materials include trim panels, carpets (from recycled plastic bottles) as well as upholstery from renewable wool fibres or suede textile (from recycled plastic).
Volvo has also created a new material called Nordico, which consists of textiles made from recycled material such as plastic bottles, bio-attributed material from sustainable forests in Sweden and Finland, and corks recycled from the wine industry. This material will make its debut in the next generation of Volvo models.
Volvo will also continue to offer wool blend options from suppliers that are certified to source responsibly, as the company looks to ensure full traceability and animal welfare in its wool supply chain.
As for having a line-up of zero-emission vehicles, Volvo has scheduled 2030 as the year they phase out the
combustion engine
.
Volvo is certainly not alone in this path of using sustainable, non-animal materials for upholstery. The latest
Audi A3
 can be fitted with seat coverings made from recycled bottles, to the tune of up to 45 bottles required per car.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has been using ‘Artico man-made leather’ in the interiors for many years, even in an executive limousine like the
facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde
.
The upcoming next-generation Volvo XC90 will not be called as such, but something emotional. Find out more about the name change here.
Higher-range BMW models have man-made Sensatec material lined the dashboard, with many
CKD BMW models
 sticking to Dakota or Vernasca leathers as the preferred choice of seat upholstery.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz A 200 vs A 250 sedan – The difference is more than skin deep

For those looking to get their first taste of a
Mercedes-Benz
, something like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class could be a possible option. Now only available in a sedan body type in Malaysia, the non-AMG
A-Class sedan
’s prices are
RM235,888
 for the A 200 Progressive Line and
RM260,888
 for the A 250 AMG Line. The A-Class sedan is also locally assembled (CKD). Here we have gathered the A 200 and the A 250 for your viewing pleasure.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
A 200 Progressive Line in Cosmos Black, A 250 AMG Line in Denim Blue
In its most basic form for the Malaysian market, the A-Class sedan is sold as the A 200 Progressive Line. As its name suggests, it gets a Progressive Line treatment on the outside. It gets LED High-Performance headlamps that come with adaptive high beam assist.
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
The wheels on the A 200 are light-alloy wheels which are 18 inches in size, with a 5-twin-spoke design. Wrapping those wheels are a set of factory-fitted Continental EcoContact 6 tyres. Colour options for the base A 200 variant include Polar White, Cosmos Black, Iridium Silver, Denim Blue, and Mountain Grey. All are available without extra charges.
Powering the A 200 is a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends all power to the front wheels only.
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
Inside, the A200 is equipped with Comfort seats that are wrapped in black ARTICO man-made leather. Both the front seats are electrically adjustable and come with a memory function. Although the seats are wrapped in man-made leather, the steering wheels is wrapped in genuine leather.
Other interior features of the A 200 Progressive Line include ambient lighting with 64 colours, carbon-fibre-look trims, and velour floor mats. You also get Mercedes-Benz’s THERMATIC automatic climate control in the A 200.
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
Up a tier, the A 250 spices things up with an AMG Line exterior. The wheels are still 18 inches in size but have a sportier look to them. Wrapping the 18-inch wheels of the A 250 AMG Line are also a set of Continental EcoContact 6 tyres.
Like the A 200, the A 250 also gets LED high-performance headlamps that come with adaptive high beam assist. The main differentiating exterior feature of the A 250 from the A 200 would be the AMG Line exterior. However, that is not just all show and no-go.
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
Powering the A 250 is the M260 engine, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that makes
224 hp
 and
350 Nm
. It is much more powerful than the base A 200. Paired with the engine is the same 7-speed DCT that you find in the A 200.
Inside, the A 250 differs from the A 200 in several areas. Its upholstery, for example, is a mixture of ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre. Unlike the ‘carbon’ trims in the A 2000, the A 250 gets light linear-gran aluminium trims. You also get Sport seats in the A 250 AMG Line.
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
In the cockpit is a multifunction sports steering wheel that is wrapped in nappa leather. Matching the overall sportier cabin is a set of AMG floor mats and aluminium foot pedals.
Like the A 200, the A 250 also gets ambient lighting with 64 colours and THERMATIC automatic climate control. Both cars get a twin 10.25-inch display with one dedicated as the main head unit and the other desiccated as a digital instrument cluster.
Safety-wise, both the A 200 and A 250 are equipped similarly. They both get Parking Package with reverse camera, Active Parking Assist, Lane Tracking Package, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Brake Assist.
GALLERY
A 200 Progressive Line vs A 250 AMG Line
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line


Did you know the lightest ever Porsche weighed just 384 kg?

Unlike certain supercars, Porsche has always been known for keeping their “produce very lean” among other positive attributes.
The latest, facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 RS for example, weighs just
1,430 kg
 while the highly-coveted 911 R only carries
1,370 kg of fat
. As Porsche has revealed, its lightest ever model, not known to many, weighs merely
384 kg
 – a full tonne lighter than the already light-footed 911R.
It’s called the
Porsche 909 Bergspyder
. Powered by a 2.0-litre 8-cylinder Boxer engine, it produced
275 hp
 with 0 to 100 km/h done in just
under 2 seconds
. This was because its outer shell was
made entirely of plastic composites,
as it sits on a lightweight aluminium chassis.
It was built to challenge Ferrari in hill climb competitions in the 1960s but it wasn’t an easy car to drive. According to reports, driver Ludovico Scarfiotti was killed when his 909 went out of control and smashed into some trees. Safety clearly was not a concern then.


Second-gen Porsche Panamera launched in Malaysia, priced from RM890k before options!

Ten months after its global debut, the
second-generation Porsche Panamera
 has finally landed in Malaysia. At launch, two variants are immediately available – the Panamera and the Panamera 4S. Base price starts at RM890k for the Panamera and RM1.1 mil for the 4S, but if you so wish to have your Panamera to be the perfect one for you, you have to top up a little more for the options.
Aimed at the likes of the
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
,
BMW 7-Series
 and
Audi A8
, Porsche’s luxury sports saloon marries the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon. Unfortunately, the higher performance range of the Panamera (Turbo, Diesel,
E-Hybrid
) did not make an appearance yet.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Porsche Panamera
Porsche Panamera 4S
Engine
2,995cc; turbocharged V6
2,894cc; bi-turbo V6
Transmission
8-speed PDK dual-clutch
Max Power
330 hp @ 5,400 – 6,400 rpm
440 hp @ 5,650 – 6,600 rpm
Max Torque
450 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,900 rpm
550 Nm @ 1,750 – 5,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.7 seconds; 264 km/h
4.3 seconds; 289 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM890,000
RM1,100,000
 EXTERIOR
The new Panamera is marginally larger than the model it replaces, measuring at 5,049 mm (+35 mm) in length, 1,937 mm in width (+6 mm), 1,423 mm in height (+5 mm) and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (+30 mm). Despite the slight increase in height, the new Panamera looks much lower and longer thanks to the more pronounced slopping roof line.
Porsche has also shift the front wheels further forward, reducing the front overhang and extended its rear overhang to give the car a more powerful appearance. The bonnet, boot, roof and wings are made entirely of aluminium. No fancy active rear wing that deploys like a Sci-Fi weapon here, as that feature is reserved for the Panamera Turbo.

Lighting source is courtesy of the new LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights and three-dimensional LED taillamp with an interconnecting narrow LED strip. As standard, the Panamera comes with a body coloured extendible rear spoiler and powered boot. The Panamera gets oval shaped tailpipes while the 4S can be distinguished by its round tailpipes. Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inches.
INTERIOR
Inside, the Panamera comes luxuriously equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, touch-sensitive switch controls, electronically adjustable air vents and two 7-inch LCD instrument cluster.

Of course, you can specify various optional equipment such as four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and 3D Burmester sound system.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the standard Panamera is a newly developed 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that outputs
330 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. Power is up by 20 hp compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated mill. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox. This allows the Panamera to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just
5.7 seconds
 (5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Pack) onward to a top speed of
264 km/h
.

Under the bonnet of the Panamera 4S is a smaller 2.9-litre petrol V6. Yes, it may be smaller in displacement but it is slapped on with two turbochargers, resulting in an output of
440 hp
 and
550 Nm
 of torque. Unlike the base variant, the 4S badge denotes all-wheel drive configuration. Power is channeled to all four corners via the same eight-speed PDK double-clutch box. Century sprint time is clocked at
4.5 seconds
 and top speed is registered at
289 km/
h. With the
Sports Chrono Pack
 optioned, it gets to 100 km/h a fraction of a second quicker at
4.3 seconds
.
On top of that, the Panamera 4S gets an adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Also a first on a Panamera is the
rear axle steering
 that is taken from the
918 Spyder
 and
911 Turbo
.
WHAT ELSE?
Every purchase of the Panamera via Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) will come with a
4-Year Warranty and free service maintenance package
. As with all Porsches, the possibilities for personalisation is endless and stretches as far as your bank account goes. If you’re looking for something with a little more space for your golf bags, perhaps the
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
 wagon that is coming soon would be of your interest.
IMAGE GALLERY
Porsche Panamera 4S

Porsche Panamera


The grown-up Audi Q3 is here to take on the big boys

Following the introduction of four new SUV models earlier this year, Audi Malaysia keeps up the momentum by unveiling the
second-generation Audi Q3
 on our shores to take on the premium compact SUV market.
Built in Gyor, Hungary, the fully-imported Audi Q3 is priced at
RM269,900
.
The Audi Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions, including the wheelbase which has been stretched by 77 millimeters. As a result, the second-generation Audi Q3 boasts a cabin with more knee room, head room and elbow room.
The styling of the Audi Q3 has also grown up a fair bit, with the highlight being the large octagon Singleframe grille with eight vertical bars at the front.
Adding to the sportier appearance are the large air inlets at the lower front apron, as well as the slim full LED headlights flanking the Singleframe grille.
Drawing inspiration from the Audi Quattro DNA, the prominent shoulder line adds to the muscular appearance of the SUV. The wheel arches also feature a colour-contrasting cladding for an outdoor look.
At the rear, the Audi Q3 features a long roof-edge spoiler that extends from the steeply-raked D pillars. The LED taillights also feature dynamic indicators.
The high-tech cabin from its higher-tier siblings also makes its way into the Audi Q3. Featuring the top-of-the-line MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system, the
10.1-inch touch display
 makes up the central element of the dashboard.
The MMI infotainment system supports natural-language voice control, as well as
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
 for your mobile phone.
Coming as standard in the Audi Q3 is the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. Featuring a
12.3-inch digital display
, the digital instrument cluster offers two additional views that can be customised through the MMI infotainment system.
As a result of the elongated wheelbase, the interior space offers additional versatility through 150 millimeters of fore/aft movement for the rear seats. Boot space can also be expanded from 530 to 1525 litres via the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
The Audi Q3 in Malaysia will only be offered in a single powertrain option – a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine generating
150 hp
. The powerplant is mated to a
six-speed S-tronic automatic transmission
.
The SUV does the zero to 100 km/h sprint in
8.9 seconds
, and has a top speed of
207 km/h
. Fuel consumption is rated at
7.2 l/100km
.
As an added bonus, all Audi cars including the new Q3 purchased from the 2nd to 10th November will qualify for an exclusive lucky draw with the following prizes:
1
st
 prize – Exclusive Audi Driving Experience in Germany valued at RM 40,000
2
nd
 prize – Shopping voucher for Audi Genuine Accessories valued at RM 5,000
3
rd
 prize – Front Genuine Universal Traffic Recorder (UTR) valued at RM 2,500
IMAGE GALLERY


“MINI GP” stunt in YouTuber’s backyard takes an ugly turn

Call it a publicity stunt or Post “Lockdown” Stress Disorder but what was supposed to be a high quality production of the
MINI JCW GP
 by a French YouTuber whose channel goes by the name of
Pog
, took a turn for the ugly.
The video started with the MINI JCW GP being delivered in a crate box followed by its unboxing and what followed was completely unexpected. The MINI was then driven, Ken Block-style lap after lap around the YouTuber’s backyard which in a way, was a fantastic display of the MINI’s agility as it slithers through narrow alleys and between trees.

What followed was simply heart-wrenching but not surprising. As the MINI tipped over and landed on its belly again, the roof seems to have suffered the brunt of the damages. The JCW GP which is limited to only 3,000 units, had only done a total of 23 km. We’ll wish the MINI a speedy recovery
based on Pog’s Instagram account
.
The JCW GP is the most extreme MINI you can buy with
306 hp
 and
450 Nm
 from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Paired to an 8-speed automatic, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.
For the latest price list of MINI vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.


The world’s first Super SUV, the Lamborghini Urus is here in Malaysia

These are pretty interesting times. Not only has the reality of a Lamborghini SUV dawned on us, it has made its way to Malaysia in just over three months since its global unveiling. For those who squeal from the unmistakable sight of a typical Lamborghini, this is nothing short of a historical moment in time.
If you haven’t already heard, it’s called the Lamborghini Urus and it will set you back RM 780k before taxes. Bearing the name that’s inspired by Spanish fighting bulls, the Lamborghini Urus certainly looks the part.
This bull however, is raised to be aerodynamic. The front splitter and large Y-shaped air intakes, a feature seen on the LM002, alongside the extensively covered undercarriage helps ensure optimal air flow. Aerodynamic blades on the outer edges of the rear window, together with the floating rear wing, integrated rear spoiler and spoiler lip helps reduce wind resistance. Being aerodynamic also meant that the Urus would be quiet on the inside with increased stability from higher downforce.
The body is made up of an intelligent mix of aluminium, steel and forged aluminium. All that sits on an adaptive air suspension system where ride height is customisable through the Tamburo drive mode selector.
There are 6 driving modes available through the “Tamburo” drive mode selector – Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand) –  working in tandem with the Urus’ specially-tuned damping system that continually adjusts itself depending on driving conditions; harder when cornering and softer in a straight line.
In Strada, the ride height changes according to speed while in Sport, the Urus lowers itself to ensure stability. In Corsa, the Urus becomes more precise with minimal body roll. In three of the off-road modes, higher ground clearance allows obstacles to be safely overcome, while anti-roll bars provide independent asymmetric movement for optimal traction.

An Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilisation system is being used for the first time in a Lamborghini. The system ensures maximum reduction of roll on bumpy roads, in a straight line and corners while providing the bull with agility and a responsive steering.
At the heart of the Urus lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine developing
650 hp
 and
 850 Nm
 of torque; 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds, before hitting a spine-chilling 305 km/h – in a 2,200 kg SUV – can’t imagine what that’s like! The Spanish bull’s pace is a result of reduced turbo lag and maximum torque guaranteed by twin-scroll turbochargers while a cylinder deactivation system reduces fuel consumption.

The muscle is then transferred through an 8-speed gearbox, onward to all four wheels – that’s aided with active torque vectoring that distributes power to each individual wheel for enhanced traction and increased steering control. Torque is split 40/60 between the front and rear axles – which features rear wheel steering brought over from the Aventador S. The rear wheel steering will not only ensure smaller turning radius but also better stability at high speeds – as you’d expect of a Super SUV by Lamborghini.
Underneath the hexagonal wheel arches, a feature seen on the Countach, the Urus is leashed by Carbon Ceramic Brakes – the largest and most powerful available – with virtually no brake fade. The large brakes are tucked behind forged wheels ranging from 21 – 23 inch, wrapped in tyres specifically made for the Urus by Pirelli. The front discs, measuring 440mm, are even larger than those in Porsche 911 Turbo S (410mm) – you can lay those stopping concerns to rest.
Unlike other Lamborghinis, space will never be an issue in the Urus. Its long wheelbase of 3,003 mm is almost as long as the Kia Carnival. The 5-seater interior can be made up of leather, alcantara, aluminium, carbon fiber and wood trims with Piano Black and Brushed Aluminium dashboard trim finishing as standard. It features a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with vibration dampers, a Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS) and a fully-digital TFT display to project information in 3D form.
Front seats are fully-electric, heated and 12-way adjustable while rear seats are movable and foldable with ISOFIX mounting points. Boot space is rated at 616-litres, 1,596-litres with the second row folded. A two-seat second row can be had as an option. Voice command, heads up display and a touchpad are all standard while the Lamborghini Smartphone Interface (LSI) allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Sound is projected through 8 speakers as standard while the optional Bang & Olufsen system with 21 active speaks will offer more immersive, natural 3D sound throughout the cabin.
Safety wise, the Urus comes with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that offers up to Level 2 Driving Assistance, High Beam Assistant, parking sensors and a collision mitigation system.
IMAGE GALLERY


2015 Toyota Vios gets updated, mostly on the inside, price from RM75k

As hinted by their website
earlier
,
UMW Toyota Motor
 officially reveals the
2015 Toyota Vios
 with minor updated specifications while keeping the looks same as before.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Vios

Engine
1,497 cc; inline-4 cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT-i)
Transmission
4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Max Power
107 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
141 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Price
RM 74,700 (1.5J manual)
 RM 78,800 (1.5J automatic)
 RM 84,300 (1.5E automatic)
 RM 89,990 (1.5G automatic)
 RM 94,800 (1.5 TRD Sportivo automatic)

A total of four variants are offered on the updated 2015 Vios:
1.5J
,
1.5E
,
 1.5G
, and topped off with the
1.5 TRD Sportivo
. Mechanically they are unchanged, where you can find the same
1.5-litre four-cylinder
 and
 four-speed automatic
 or
 five speed manual
 combo under the bonnet.
EXTERIOR
The 2015 Vios still looks identical as the last year’s model, but the
chrome doorhandles
 and rear
number plate garnish
 are now standard across the range. If you look closely you will also notice that there’s a button on the doorhandle for the
keyless entry
 too.
The range-topping TRD Sportivo rocks the full
 five-piece Aerokit
 complete with
 LED Daytime Running Lights
 and unique five-spoke alloy wheels. However the Aerokit is also offered as a cost option for the rest of the variants.
INTERIOR
All variants get the
push start button
 and the
 1.5G
 variant now gets a
 black interior
 as opposed to beige, similar to the 1.5 TRD Sportivo. Both the
1.5E
 and the
1.5G
 variants get
 door sill scuff plates
, but
front foot illumination
 is reserved on the
1.5G
 and the
1.5 TRD Sportivo
 only. The 1.5 TRD Sportivo also gets
Sports seats
 with extra side support.
The optional
 DVD-AVX system
 that supports USB, SD, AUX, Bluetooth, and reverse camera has grown from 5.8-inch to
6.1-inch
 in size with higher resolution. There’s a more advanced optional
DVD-AVN system
 that comes with a bigger
7-inch capacitive touchscreen
 with navigation, internet connectivity via smartphone pairing, Bluetooth, Voice Recognition, and reverse camera as well.
PERFORMANCE
The tried and trusted
1.5-litre

four-cylinder
 engine is unchanged. It delivers
107 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
141 Nm
 of torque at 4,200 rpm. Transmission choices stays the same with either a
four-speed automatic
 transmission, or a
five-speed manual
 transmission exclusively in the 1.5J variant only.
WHAT ELSE?
The 2015 Vios is covered by a
 3-year or 100,000 km
 warranty. For extra piece of mind, every new Vios will be equipped
portable tyre pump
 as standard. Although the
Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film
 is only fitted as standard on the 1.5 TRD Sportivo and the 1.5G variants, it’s optional for the 1.5E and the 1.5J variants.
They are priced at
RM 74,700
 (1.5J Manual, previously
RM73,200
),
RM 78,800
 (1.5J Automatic),
RM 84,300
 (1.5E),
RM 89,990
 (1.5G),
RM 94,800
 (1.5 TRD Sportivo, previously
RM93,200
) and they are available in five colours: White, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, and Quartz Brown Metallic.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Ultra rare Jaguar E-TYPE found in pieces, to be given a new lease of life

One of the first few specimens of the Jaguar E-Type has been discovered to be in pieces in France and would be brought back to life by renowned restorers, Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).
Bearing the Chassis No. 875256, it is one of earlier units to come with a 3.8-litre engine, left hand drive, in open two-seater configuration as well as outside bonnet lock models with all matching numbers.
Said to have been delivered to the Belgium Motor Company dealership in Brussel back in 1961, it was sold to one ‘Societe de Civel Immeubles en Afrique’ – probably some rich aristocrat; we simply dig up anything that name or person. It subsequently reappeared in France in 2015 and records seem to indicate that it was imported from Luxembourg in 1975.
Although in parts, the car is very complete and was bought by the previous owner for restoration. French restorers were tasked to work on the car but shortly after the said owner took it away for safe-keeping in his garage said to be in Grigny, the southern suburbs of Paris.
“Chassis No. 875256 is literally in boxes in our workshops awaiting a much needed nut and bolt restoration. It will be a challenging project but all the factory parts are there and our skilled fabricators and technicians will do all they can to save as much as the original car as possible. It will roll out of our workshops just like it left Browns Lane in 1961.” said Chairman of CMC, David Barzilay.
“We are currently delving through the car’s history files to find out more about its life. These early E-Types are sought after by collectors and investors alike, and the fact that they keep on resurfacing after years in the dark is still amazing.”, he further stated.
CMC is well-known for having a hand in restoring some of the most historic E-Types, including Lofty England’s Chassis No. 4, the Lindner-Nöcker Lightweight and 1VHP, the first RHD Coupe off the production line and the first of only four outside bonnet lock cars.
Last year and after 2,956hrs, they completed the restoration of yet another 1961 E-Type also found in France in a very sorry state.
Cover Photo Credit:
http://brandonlimphotography.com/


Enjoy the new Toyota GR86 on Gran Turismo Sport from today!

In conjunction with its international public appearance at this weekend’s
Goodwood Festival of Speed
, Toyota and PlayStation are making the latest Toyota GR86 available in the video game console via the Gran Turismo Sport game.
The new coupe sees no significant change in dimensions apart from length thanks to the new styling and design of the bumpers. The wheel size is now 18 inches but the tyres maintain the 215-section width all-round.
The ‘FA24’ 2.4-litre boxer engine continues to be a high-revving unit, with a maximum output of
235 hp
 at 7,000 rpm, while maximum torque of
250 Nm
 arrives at a much earlier 3,700 rpm. The redline of the boxer engine continues to be 7,400 rpm.

The new car is an easy 1.8 seconds quicker around Tsukuba circuit than the 2016 model!
Toyota is quoting a time of
6.3 seconds
 for the new GR 86 with a six-speed manual gearbox to complete the century sprint. That is 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor whilst hauling 30 kg more at a kerb weight of
1,270 kg
. The six-speed automatic transmission is said to add 30 kg more, still a lightweight compared to many new models launched.
The new BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible soft top weighs two tonnes! Imagine if it was a hardtop.

Apart from the larger engine, additional weight in the new Toyota GR86 has also been contributed by a stronger bodyshell, with torsional rigidity increased by almost 50% against the old coupe. The use of lightweight aluminium panels has been extended to the roof as well as front fenders, while the first generation GT86 only featured an aluminium bonnet.
Japanese tuners already displaying concepts of the new GR86, over 300 hp and more!
Dynamically, the new Toyota GR86 should definitely stick to the tarmac a lot better thanks to the higher traction offered by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the coupe, famously said the 2012 Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ were shod with Michelin Primacy HP tyres from the range-topping Toyota Prius for an indescribable
fun-to-drive sensation
.
If you are a Subaru fan, the new BRZ which also shares development and production with the Toyota GR86, will only available in the Gran Turismo Sport game at a later date.
GALLERY
2021 Toyota GR86 Gran Turismo Sport
It is listed as running the old 4.1 final drive ratio
2021 Toyota GR86


Geely reveals new design language with the Vision Starburst concept – comes butterfly doors!

Without any motor shows or large-scale motoring events, this came as a complete surprise. Geely has just presented a new design language derived from their current “Expanding Cosmos” philosophy.
The
Vision Starburst
 examines the new and alternative expressions of the “Expanding Cosmos” theme which the company is using as a design board for future models.
Vice President of Geely Design Shanghai, Guy Burgoyne, said at the unveiling event, “The Expanding Cosmos philosophy serves as a constant inspiration for our designers to discover a new and holistic design language that satisfies our ever-expanding and increasingly diverse range of customers. In search for this DNA in the new digital age, we have pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation.”

The Vision Starburst takes the form of a large fastback, similar to the recently launched
Zeekr 001
. Full-width lighting signatures are on both the front and back of the concept car, with the light moving from the centre towards to sides, giving the front face a more powerful and three-dimensional aura.
Geely says the door panels intertwine and integrate, with sharp lines making bold shapes. At first glance, however,
Hyundai’s “Parametric Dynamics”
 immediately comes to mind. The wheel arches on the Vision Starburst with multiple horizontal strakes are fitted with lighting units to inform of the battery charging status.
The entrance to the interior of the Vision Starburst is unobstructed, devoid of the central pillar thanks to the fitment of
butterfly doors
 hinged at both ends of the cabin. A simple dashboard layout with a large central display and the traditional round steering wheel is the highlight of an otherwise plain interior.
Ambient lighting inside the cabin as well as on the outside will be used to communicate, giving users a sense of speed and a new driving experience. A new hollow aerodynamic geometric shaped shift lever on the floating centre console is mentioned too, perhaps an item or section most likely to be in the next generation production vehicle.
The Vision Starburst is a pure concept car, but Geely said many aspects of the new design language will be taken and applied to future Geely Auto models. Just give it a few hours and renderings of this concept car with the Proton logos will start appearing in the internet space.
GALLERY


We’ll have the Honda e in Charge Yellow, please

With the imminent market debut of the cute little
Honda e
, Honda is now accepting orders in UK, Germany, France and Norway. This is also the first time the Honda e is shown in a variety of colours.
Five colour options
will be available for the urban electric vehicle (EV), consisting of Platinum
White Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Crystal Blue Metallic, Modern Steel
Metallic and Charge Yellow – which we think is the nicest of them all.
While the company have not announced the official pricing of their latest EV, they have received over 20,000 registration of interest and now customers can place their order with an £800 (RM4,245) deposit. First deliveries are set to commence from 2020 onwards.
To recap, the new Honda e is a nod to the original Civic’s ethos with a compact yet minimalistic design for the urban setting. As such the exterior and cabin are as functional as it gets with pop-out door handles, 17-inch alloys wrapped in
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
 rubbers, two-tone exterior paint, Camera Mirror System, widescreen display for the infotainment and instrument cluster as well as wood inlay trims.
Honda claims that the EV
can return over 200 km of driving range on a single charge and the “fast charge”
compatibility can charge the battery to 80% in 30 minutes. While key performance
figures were not revealed, we know that the Honda e will be rear wheel driven.
Honda claims that this is the ideal set up for everyday urban commute and fun
driving experience.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda e in all 5 Colours


Volvo S90 T5 & T6 R-Design launched in Malaysia, CBU, from RM389k!

Following the unprecedented success of the
Volvo XC90
, Volvo Car Malaysia felt emboldened to introduce the full range of the flagship 90 series models First to join the XC90 SUV is the S90 sedan, which is available in two trims: T5 and the hotter T6 R-Design.
Here to challenge the conservative luxury E-segment, the S90 embodies the Scandinavian idea of luxury – natural materials, ergonomic, purposeful design and cutting-edge technological innovations. To take home this fully imported Swedish sedan, you will need RM389k for the T5 while the T6 R-design will set you back at RM454k.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volvo S90 T5
Volvo S90 T6 AWD R-Design
Engine
1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged
1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder supercharged & turbocharged
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
254 hp @ 5,500 rpm
320 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,800 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
6.8 seconds; 230 km/h
5.9 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM388,888
RM453,888
EXTERIOR
Underpinning the S90 is the company’s new Scalable Produce Architecture (SPA) platform, which is a modular chassis designed for all future Volvos to come. The dimensions are: 4,963 mm in length, 1,879 mm in width, 1,443 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,941 mm.

Like the XC90, the S90 wears Volvo’s new design language. Up front, you get LED headlamps with “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights and chrome front grille with the prominent Volvo Iron Mark (the Volvo logo). At the rear, Volvo explained that the twin C-shaped lights are designed to give the S90 more stance and a muscular profile. The S90 T5 rides on 10-spoke 18-inch “Turbine” alloy wheels shod with 245/45 profile tyres.
Step up to the S90
T6 R-Design
and you get some unique design cues such as gloss black accents at the lower front lip and rear bumper, R-Design horizontal mesh grille, silk metal finish side mirror caps, R-Design badge at the rear as well as full LED adaptive headlamps and five-spoke 19-inch R-Design diamond cut alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 tyres.

INTERIOR
At first glance, the S90’s interior greatly resembles the XC90, except here you don’t get the fancy crystal gear knob. There are three leather colours you can choose from – Charcoal, Amber and Blond in combination with two inlay options – Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch.
Standard equipment include 9-inch Sensus Connect Portrait touchscreen infotainment system with 10-speakers, leather upholstery, 12-way powered front seats with driver side memory function, leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control system with CleanZone Interior Air Quality system and reverse camera.

Opt for the
T6 R-Design
 and you’ll get substantially more kit such as R-Design perforated leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Charcoal perforated Nappa leather seats, R-Design sports pedal, heads up display, 360-degree camera, powered sun roof, sun shade for rear passenger windows and powered rear sun blinds. Customers can also choose between Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay to with the Nubuck interior theme.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the S90 T5 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder that packs
 254 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the century sprint in
6.8 seconds
before maxing out at
230 km/h
. The combined fuel consumption figure is rated at
 6.7 litres per 100 km
.
The S90 T6 is also motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four, pushing out
 320 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Transmission of choice is the same eight-speed automatic but here, power is channelled to all four corners. Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the T6 gets to 100 km/h almost a full second quicker compared to the T5 at
5.9 seconds
. Top speed is also slightly higher at
250 km/h
. Fuel consumption for the T6 is rated at
7.5 litres per 100 km
.
SAFETY
Safety has always been the hallmark of the Swedish marque, even more so after the company’s pledge that no one should be killed in a Volvo car by 2020. Mr Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia said that Volvo Cars Malaysia will live up to the ethos of the brand and thus equipped the S90 with the full range of safety features the company can offer.
The
 IntelliSafe package
 gives Collision Avoidance with intersection support, Pedestrian, Cyclist &Large Animal Detection, Rear Collision Warning & Mitigations Support, Run-off Road Mitigation, Pilot Assist with steering assistance (up to 130 km/h), Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert. It is safe to say that the S90 is class leading in the safety department.
WHAT ELSE?
The Volvo S90 can be had in
six
 exterior shades – Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey, Bright Silver, Mussel Blue (exclusive to T5 variants) and Bursting Blue (exclusive to T6 R-Design variants). All purchases of the S90 come with a 5-Year or 120,000km warranty as well as five years Volvo on-call package.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo S90 T6 R-Design

Volvo S90 T5


BYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore

Tesla
, the United States electric vehicle (EV) maker has been surpassed by the Chinese EV maker,
BYD
 in Singapore. With this, BYD was crowned as the EV brand with the highest volume sold in the first five months of 2023,
The Straits Times
 reported.
According to data recorded by the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA), BYD registered a total of 303 EVs from the month of January to May 2023, with 20% of its sales contributed by private-hire operators. This is 20 units or 7% more than Tesla’s sales figures in the same period, with a total of 283 units sold.
BMW
 came third place with 249 units registered during the same period as well.
Tesla was the EV market leader in Singapore last year, but its market share dropped from 53.1% in 2021 to 24.1% in 2022. BYD, on the other hand, had its greatest growth in 2022 and has ended its year with only 89 fewer units sold compared to Tesla.
LTA’s report has also recorded that half of the 10 bestsellers in the island nation have experienced a dip in market share. This includes carmakers such as
Polestar
,
Porsche
, and MG, which have sold 51, 43, and 42 units respectively.
RELATED:
BYD overtakes Volkswagen as No. 1 brand in China – 440k cars sold in Q1 2023
The carmaker that suffered the biggest dip in sales was Tesla, which experienced its biggest drop of 4.7% in Singapore. Reasons for the drop were said to be potentially caused by the waning of the brand’s novelty, as well as the rise of constant newer and stronger competition from other EV brands.
This situation of Tesla wasn’t unique to just Singapore however, as the United States EV carmaker’s share of EV sales has also taken a fall down to 59.6% during the first quarter in California, which is one of its sales strongholds. This is also despite Tesla having already cut prices for its vehicles six times throughout the year.
There were two newcomers that made it to the top 10 list for the January to May period in Singapore – Opel and
Volvo
. Opel’s positive sales results were mainly contributed by its models having replaced the Bluecar in the electric car-sharing company BlueSG, as the supply for Bluecar from Bolloré was ceased. Volvo, which was the 10th best-selling EV brand in 2022 of the island nation has now superseded Audi, taking the sixth position in the January to May period.
RELATED:
BYD Atto 3 coming with Continental tyres, replaces Atlas Batman tyres


The G20 BMW 3 Series proves its safety prowess with five stars in Euro NCAP

In the recent round of the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests, the
all-new G20 BMW 3 Series
 received glowing endorsement for its safety capabilities by scoring a
maximum five stars
 according to the latest Euro NCAP testing standards.
Aside from the star rating, the C-segment luxury sedan achieved a score of
97%
 for
 adult occupant protection
, which is the best ever result in the
“large family car” category
 since the introduction of the current updated test format.
The BMW 3 Series also performed well in the other Euro NCAP criteria, scoring 87%, 87% and 76% for child occupant, vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), and safety assist respectively.
BMW attributed the sterling safety performance of the 3 Series to the vehicle’s integrated safety concept. The weight-optimised design and high-load bearing capacity of the support structure, coupled with the engineered deformation paths maintain the rigidity of the passenger cell in various forms of impacts.

Restraint systems such as airbags and inertia-reel seatbelts, controlled via the central safety electronics, work in cohort with the improved crash structure to ensure that physical injuries are kept to a minimum for all occupants.
The Euro NCAP testing standards were updated in 2018 to include more stringent testing for advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance.
The extensive list of advanced safety features, which comes as standard on the G20 BMW 3 Series, breezed through the tests with flying colours. In fact, the collision and pedestrian warning with braking function managed to safely avert a collision in all test scenarios, earning it maximum points in the occupant safety assessment.
The G20 BMW 3 Series is now available in Malaysia as a
locally assembled unit
, with the sole 330i M Sport variant priced at
RM288,800
 on the road without insurance.
Despite the price cut, the locally assembled 3 Series does not get short changed in terms of safety equipment, with the full list of advanced safety features inherited from the imported unit.
IMAGE GALLERY


From football to automotive: David Beckham invests in electric mobility

From football to fashion and beauty, to whiskey, cannabis and everything else in between; life after football for David Beckham has arguably been as rewarding as his long and illustrious career with Manchester United.
The former Real Madrid and LA Galaxy player’s business portfolio has been as vast and colourful as the hairstyles he sported as a footballer and now, the name, the face and the glamour has arrived in our world.
Beckham has recently bought a 10% stake in Lunaz, an English-based company known for their resto-mod conversions of classic vehicles – converting them to run on electric powertrains.
“I was drawn to the company through their work restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling and electrification,” Beckham said.
Founded in 2018, the company rose to fame having converted classic Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar vehicles to run purely on electric.
Like Rimac, Lunaz plans to expand their business beyond resto-mods. The company not only plans to supply electric-vehicle technology to major automakers but also convert commercial vehicles such as garbage trucks and buses to run on electric powertrains.
According to Lunaz, rather than scrapping these old vehicles and replacing them with electric ones, converting them to run on electricity will not only reduce emissions and pollution but also extend the lifespan of these vehicles by up to 70%.


This limited-edition Aston Martin DBX comes with an incredible “after-sales service”!

Q by Aston Martin, the marque’s personalisation arm, has celebrated the company’s partnership with Bowmore, a single malt distillery, with a limited edition
DBX Bowmore Edition
.
Signature touches include a striking Bowmore Blue paint job, with a Xenon Grey option while on the inside, the cabin is occupied by an array of polished copper items – including the cupholders and door sills –
recycled from the original whiskey distiller
!
Each car comes with specially designed Q by Aston Martin accessories such as a Bowmore tweed picnic blanket and leather holdall.
Only 18 of these limited edition DBX will be produced
where they will be delivered to their owners at an exclusive Aston Martin Art of Living experience event in Scotland. The owners will get to experience their new SUVs right away; on a 270 km road trip from Edinburgh through the Scottish countryside.
Along their journey, owners of the limited edition DBX will also be treated to fine dining and a private tour of the Bowmore distillery where they will get to
hand-fill their own bottle of a 39-year old Bowmore whiskey
 directly from the wooden barrel!
They will also be given exclusive access to the No 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in the world, which has played host to a number of VIPs over the years, including members of the Royal Family.
If that isn’t good after-sales service, we don’t know what is!

The Aston Martin DBX was
 launched here in October last year
, to the tune of RM818k before you go crazy with the options list and taxes.
It’s powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, with
550 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h will take just 4.5 seconds in the all-wheel drive behemoth with a top speed of 291 km/h.
GALLERY


Updated Toyota Innova and Fortuner opened for bookings, Hilux also receives upgrades

Effective today, customers can now make bookings for the new variants of the Toyota Innova, the 2.0X and the new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4×4 and 2.4 VRZ 4×2 alongside the upgraded Toyota Hilux. The said models are all locally-assembled at UMW Toyota’s plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The new
 Innova 2.0X
 will now be the flagship model of the range with exclusive additions to identify it as the top variant. They include
LED headlamps
, premium combination leather, 6-way power adjustable seats for the driver, Captain’s seats for the second row and larger alloy rims.
The Innova 2.0X also received the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, like the rest in the Innova range with 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.
The
Fortuner
 range has
two new diesel
 variant additions – the 2.4 VRZ 4×4 and the 2.4 VRZ 4×2, placing them just below the top of the line 2.7 SRZ 4×4. The two new Fortuners now come with
Bi-LED projector headlamps
, Vehicle Stability Control, 7 airbags, leather seats, automatic air-conditioning and a powered tailgate.
Also new to the Fortuner are
LED fog lamps
 and
Cruise Control
. The 2.7 SRZ 4×4 and 2.4 VRZ 4×4 now come will Downhill Assist Control (DAC). All variants are now updated with
rear disc brakes
.
As for the
Hilux
, Malaysia’s best-selling pick-up for the last 12 years, enhancements have been focused on convenience and comfort with cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, USB ports and rear vents among the new inclusions. The 2.8G and 2.4G automatic variants get Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Active Traction Control. The same systems have also been added to the manual Hilux 2.4G while t
he automatic 2.4G now gets
 7 airbags
.
All these models will be covered by a
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage
, subject to terms and conditions. The Hilux comes with a 5-year warranty with 150,000km mileage.


Malaysia to import 100 units of Tesla Model S, but you can’t buy one

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak recently visited Tesla Motors’ headquarters in California and subsequently announced that, through a special scheme, 100 units of Tesla Model S will be imported to Malaysia. “This is to create a more sustainable environment,” he said.
The Model S is Tesla’s most popular model (last year it won the world’s best selling plug-in EV award), leading the premium luxury full-electric vehicle segment in many markets. Najib’s aim is to promote zero-emission cars in Malaysia, and all 100 units bound for Malaysia will be duty-free.
There’s a number of variations for the Model S since its inception in 2012. But currently, Tesla is offering the 70kWh and 90kWh models.
Its flagship is the
 P90D
 model; an
all-wheel driven
,
dual-motor
 setup that produce close to
700 hp
 juiced by a huge
90kWh
 battery pack. The P90D manages the century sprint in an amazing
2.8 seconds
 while boasting a cruising range of over
400km
per charge. That said, the Model S isn’t cheap at all, costing upwards of USD100,000 in the United States.
Even with the duty-free Model S, we will be forking a great deal of money to own one. But no, we can’t, because all 100 units will be restricted to Government-Linked Companies.
Boo-hoo
.
Image Source: Tesla Motors, Source: The News Straight Times


Video: Ferrari F8 Tributo, Things You Need To Know

Fresh from its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March, the all-new Ferrari F8 Tributo made an appearance in Kuala Lumpur (the
first country in South East Asia to do so
) just in time for Ferrari Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand’s 10-year anniversary celebration.

Under the hood houses a reworked 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, power is now up to
720 hp
 and
770 Nm
. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, allowing the F8 Tributo to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of
340 km/h
.
The F8 Tributo is priced at RM1,068,000 before applicable duties and options. You will also have to check all the lightweight options to bring down the car’s dry weight to 1,330 kg which is 40 kgs lighter than the model it replaces.
IMAGE GALLERY
Ferrari F8 Tributo Launched in Malaysia


Facts & Figures: Perodua Ativa SUV launched in Malaysia – RM61.5k to RM71.2k

Here it is, at long last – the heavily-rumoured, long-awaited
Perodua compact SUV
. And as the leaks suggested, it’s called the Ativa, which is the Portuguese word for “Active”.
The Perodua Ativa will be available in three variants – X, H, and AV – with prices ranging from RM61,500 to RM72,000 with all the options ticked.
EXTERIOR
While the Perodua Ativa is based on the Japanese-market
Daihatsu Rocky
 (and
Toyota Raize
), designers at Perodua have given the Ativa its own design touches to differentiate it from its cousins.

These changes include a redesigned front grille that has been stretched out towards the two LED headlights (unchanged from Rocky), a unique front bumper design with triangular-shaped fog lamp housings, and surrounded by L-shaped trims around the top, similar the updated Perodua Bezza.
Similarly, the rear bumper on the all-new Ativa also gets several Perodua-exclusive touches. The chunky black plastic “vents” on the sides are replaced by sleeker L-shaped trims to house the fog lamps, and moving further down, the number plate section is slightly reshaped (less angular compared to the Rocky), and is accented with a satin silver trim underneath.
In terms of exterior features, the all-new Perodua compact crossover is fairly well-equipped across the board, with LED headlights (with
automatic high beam
!) and rear combination lights, and even electrostatic-activated door handles (for keyless entry) coming in as standard features.
Moving up to the H variant will net you automatic head lights with
adaptive driving beam
 (automatically disabling certain beams to prevent dazzling other drivers), sequential turn indicators, as well as larger 17-inch alloys – which are Perodua-designed items as well.
Stepping up all the way to the range-topping AV, and you can stand out even more from the crowd with the optional two-tone black roof. The full exterior colour options are as below:
Pearl Delima Red (Exclusive to AV and H variants, available with black roof on AV)
Pearl Diamond White (Exclusive to AV and H variants, available with black roof on AV)
Cobalt Blue (H and X variants)
Granite Grey
Glittering Silver
PERFORMANCE
Among the many firsts on the Ativa, its powertrain is perhaps one of the most significant one, as it will be powered by Perodua’s
first ever turbocharged engine
, mated to a D-CVT gearbox – also a first for the national carmaker.
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged, petrol
Transmission: D-CVT with sequential shift
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 98 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 140 Nm @ 2,400 – 4,000 rpm
Fuel consumption: 18.9 km/l (5.3 l/100km)
While no performance figures were provided, Perodua says that the performance of this turbocharged three-banger is similar to its previous 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engines. There’s even a “Power Mode” button to perk up the engine and throttle response.
The D-CVT (Dual-mode DVT) is also unique in operation compared to regular CVT gearboxes, by using split gears in addition to regular belts on higher loads and speeds for increased efficiency and lower noise, while still maintaining the smooth CVT acceleration at low speeds.
Aside from just powertrain, the Perodua Ativa also sees significant improvements to its ride and handling capabilities. This is in large due to the new DNGA platform underneath, which significantly increases body rigidity, while at the same time improving collision safety and NVH levels.
INTERIOR
While the exterior sees significant changes in design, the cabin of the Perodua Ativa does remain quite faithful to its Japanese cousins, particularly on the dashboard design. Changes here are mostly functional, such as the climate control panel, similar to that of the Perodua Myvi.
Standard equipment on the entry-level X variant include a basic head-unit with FM/AM and an analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display. But step up to the H and AV variants though, and the cabin immediately elevates into a 21-century-ready interior, thanks to these new interior kit:
9.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system with voice-command system (No Apple CarPlay, unfortunately)
7.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster
Reversing camera
Rear USB charging ports
Leather steering wheel with control buttons
Leather seats and shift knob (AV only)
The Perodua Ativa also boasts significant cabin space on the inside, particularly with a “couple distance” (space between the centre of front and rear seats) of 900 mm, perfect for families requiring child seats. The boot space of 369 litres (with false floor at lowest setting) is also the biggest in its class according to Perodua.
SAFETY
The Ativa already sounds pretty good so far, but we have not even got to its most impressive part yet – its standard safety features. Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system, now in its third generation, is now standard across the board. The ASA 3.0 features have also been updated for better performance, now with support for motorcycle and bicycle detection, as well as night-time operation. These features include:
Pre-Collision Warning (PCW)
Pre-Collision Braking (PCB)
[New] Pedal Misoperation Control (vehicle continues to brake after engine suppression of 1.5 seconds when an obstacle is detected ahead)
Front Departure Alert
The top-of-the-line Perodua Ativa gets even more goodies on the active safety front, with the following new features being added:
Lane Keep Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitoring System
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
With the new features, the Perodua Ativa AV takes the crown for the cheapest car on sale here in Malaysia to offer level 2 autonomous driving capabilities!
DCIM100GOPROGOPR1016.JPG
PRICING
Pricing for the Perodua Ativa starts from RM61,500, topping out at RM72,000 for the AV variant, with all the options checked.
Ativa X – RM61,500
Ativa H – RM66,100
Ativa H (Special Metallic) – RM66,600
Ativa AV – RM71,200
Ativa AV (Special Metallic) – RM71,700
Ativa AV (Two-tone roof) – RM72,000
All prices listed above are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Also included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty.
The “Special Metallic” colour options exclusive to the H and AV variants – Delima Red Metallic and Pearl White Metallic – will cost an additional RM500 on top of the base price, while the two-tone roof option is another RM300 on top of that, bringing the price up to RM72,000.
 GALLERY
Perodua Ativa Brochure


Tengku Djan wins twice at Round 1 of the Toyota Vios Challenge 2021

After a year of absence, Toyota Toyota Vios Challenge returns to full racing mode. Noise and plenty of moisture filled the air over 40 units of identical race-specification Toyota Vios took to the North Track of the Sepang International Circuit measuring 2.7 km banded together by nine corners. Here are the results after two days of exciting races:
SPORTING CLASS
With 19 drivers on the grid, the Sporting Class was the most highly-anticipated race, and the return of the rain made conditions even more challenging for the drivers.
At the end of the 20-lap race, it was Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid who started second, took the chequered flag ahead of Team Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo and privateer Eric Yong, all three of whom have been podium finishers in the previous seasons.
In Race 2, Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin took the chequered flag from nearly a lights-to-flag drive on a warm Sunday afternoon. He made a terrific start from second on the grid to take the lead into Turn 1 and pulled away to take the win with over five seconds ahead of Eric Yong and Race 1’s winner Adam Khalid.
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
Two-time Toyota Vios Challenge
champion
 Tengku Djan wasted no time in putting up his title-defence plus aiming for his third after a delayed start due to a thunderstorm. A rolling start kicked things off for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge, led by Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin, followed by Hayden Haikal and Tengku Djan.
As track conditions improved,
Hayden Haikal
, last year’s Sporting Class champion now promoted to Super Sporting, seized the opportunity for a pass into the lead at Turn 2 of the third lap. He managed to hold on for the lead until a charging Syafiq Ali made a clean pass into the lead with 5 laps to go.
However, Tengku Djan, who now races with Penang’s Prima Pearl Auto, was just waiting for the right time and moment to pounce for the lead and thus made his move at Turn 1 of the final lap, while Syafiq Ali hitting the anchors a little too late and ran a wider line. He managed to keep ahead of Hayden Haikal to the chequered flag.
In Race 2, Tengku Djan who was at one time placed seventh, took full opportunity of the safety car’s presence that compacted the field and at lap 14, he made a stunning pass from fourth to first while Boy Wong, Syafiq Ali and Mark Darwin were trading places with each other.
“Racing is very much weather dependent, and there are so many variables at play such as
the tyres
. It’s a long 20-lap race and you have to be able to manage your tyres and car, knowing when to push and when to hold back. Maybe I just managed to do a better job of this,” said Tengku Djan.
You can rewatch all the excitement through Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s
Youtube channel
.
PROMOTIONAL CLASS
Another dominating performance was seen in Promotional Class, with Toyota Vios Challenge debutante Zizan Razak winning both Race 1 and Race 2.
Akio Takeyama, who is UMW Toyota Motor’s (UMWT) Chief Motorsport Officer, finished second in Race 1, ahead of the second 2021 Vios Challenge debutante Ahirine Ahirudin.
Starting the race from sixth position, TV presenter Ahirine kept her calm throughout the 18-lap race and benefitted from the misfortunes of Shukri Yahaya, Nabil Ahmad and singer-song writer Talitha Tan who started the race ahead of her.
In Race 2, a rather feisty Shukri Yahaya made contact with race leader Nabil Ahmad causing the latter to have a puncture on his front right tyre and ultimately parking his new
Vios GR Sport
 on the grass at the end of Turn 5.
With three laps to go, Zizan Razak mounted his attack on Khai Bahar after two laps of analysis. The podium of Race 2 was completed by Ahirine in third again.
ROOKIE CLASS
Four go-kart racers and two esport simulator champions make up the
new Rookie Class
 in the 2021 Toyota Vios Challenge. After months of training and preparing plus enduring the cancellation of the race scheduled in January, the rookies were finally able to show what they can do.
Naquib Azlan, his first time in sedan car racing after countless racing-terabytes in the simulation world, proved to be the most difficult racer to beat. He started first in his class and won both Race 1 and Race 2, even tagging with Super Sporting class driver Kenny Lee in the closing stages.
The racing calendar for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge will include more races this year, up to a total of six rounds and a total of 11 races. The next championship round will be in
July
, but in between, the Toyota Vios Challenge
Sprint Cup
 will also be featured in the Malaysia Super Series, enabling owners and team more exposure to racing.
It is unsure when fans will be able to physically attend the races to cheer for their favourite celebrities as well as listen to the gentler roar of the exhaust.
GALLERY


2017 Honda CR-V hybrid debuts in Shanghai, 2.0L hybrid with 212 hp!

The
fifth-generation 2017 Honda CR-V
 gets an interesting all-new variant, this time in a form of a hybrid. It’s also the first time the model gets electrified.
The hybrid powertrain comes from
Honda Sport Hybrid i-MMD
 two-motor hybrid system, which is the same system shared with the Accord hybrid. Primary propulsion comes from a
2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle petrol engine
 that’s paired with two electric motors, producing a total output of
212 hp
.
Details on the new CR-V hybrid remains scarce, but Honda has confirmed that the CR-V hybrid destined for China will be equipped with Honda Sensing active safety suite. It will go on sale in all of China by mid-2017.
The CR-V hybrid as we know it is powered by the crowd favourite
1.5-litre turbocharged engine
 shared with the
10th-generation Honda Civic
, outputting 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. Another naturally aspirated
2.4-litre i-VTEC
making
184 Nm
 and
244 Nm
 is also available. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed Earth Dreams CVT.
Just recently in Thailand, the
CR-V diesel
 with a
1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder turbodiesel
 was introduced, and it’s good for 160 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It’s the sole variant to get the new nine-speed automatic.


The new BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport is starting to grow on us…

The all-new
fourth-generation BMW X5
 made its global debut in June 2018 and now our neighbours across the causeway has gotten a first taste of the new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – BMW speak for SUV – at the
2019 Singapore Motor Show
.
On display is a xDrive40i variant wearing the M Sport kit that adds sportier M Aerodynamics bumpers, blue painted M Sport brake calipers, M Sport Suspension, blacked out window surrounds and roof rails as well as a M Sport exhaust system with dual outlets integrated into the rear diffuser. This unit here rides on the optional 22-inch M Performance alloys wrapped in ridiculously wide mixed sized Pirelli P Zero rubbers – 275/35 R22 front and 315/30 rear.

Inside the new X5, you’ll find a new generation LCD instrument cluster display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the new BMW Operating System 7.0, ambient lighting, cooled/heated cupholders, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, 10.2-inch touchscreen displays in the second row and soft close doors.
The M Sport package adds M specific three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, illuminated door skills, Sport Seats, M key design, floor mats, footrest and aluminium sports pedals to the cabin. See that chunky Swarovski crystal gear shift lever? That will definitely impress your passengers.

This xDrive40i variant is powered by a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line six pushing out
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed ZF automatic to drive all four wheels. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes
5.5 seconds
 and top speed is rated at
243 km/h
.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW X5 xDrive40i on display at 2019 Singapore Motor Show


Get your vehicles checked before Raya at Shell stations by trained Toyota personnel!

It’s that time of the year again where our major highways will be clogged with cars heading outstation and you definitely don’t want to be the one with the stalled vehicle – causing even more mind-numbing congestion.
So before you embark on your “balik kampung” drives, or even for a road trip, Shell Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor is offering, for the first time, a 36-point inspection
for vehicles of all makes
 at 20 selected stations nationwide, for
FREE
!
Date
Location
23
rd
 May – 25
th
 May 2019
Sarawak
23
rd
 May – 26
th
 May 2019
Sabah
30
th
  May – 2
nd
  June 2019
Semenanjung Malaysia
The inspection will be conducted by trained personnel from Toyota in conjuction with Toyota and Shell’s “Balik Kampung Safety Campaign”.
“This is our first partnership with Shell Malaysia in a safety campaign as our contribution towards making our roads safer. We fully support the government’s efforts to reduce accidents on the roads and through this safety campaign, we can help to ensure vehicles are in a safe condition for their long journeys,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Ravindran K.
The free vehicle inspections will start
from 10am to 5pm
on the following dates at selected Shell stations:
SHELL KOTA DAMANSARA SEK 4
SHELL JALAN BATU CAVES
SHELL PERSIARAN SULTAN IBRAHIM
SHELL DESA PETALING
SHELL JALAN GENTING KELANG 1
SHELL JALAN CHERAS BATU 4
SHELL  JALAN KUALA KANGSAR IPOH
SHELL JALAN CHAIN FERRY 1
SHELL JALAN JELUTONG
SHELL JALAN BESAR KUANTAN
SHELL JLN GAMBANG KUANTAN KM 13
SHELL JALAN HILIRAN KT
SHELL JALAN SKUDAI JB BATU 5 3/4
SHELL LEBOH AYER KEROH
SHELL TAMAN DAYA JB
SHELL JALAN PENAMPANG KM 5.5
SHELL JALAN MAT SALLEH TG ARU
SHELL JALAN SULAMAN INNOPRISE
SHELL JALAN TUN JUGAH KUCHING
SHELL JALAN KERETAPI KUCHING
 “We have carefully identified Shell stations for the free vehicle inspections. It is selected not only based on convenient locations but also the integrated offerings at the stations. Besides the free 36-point inspection, customers can have their car’s engine oil changed at Shell Helix Service Centre, or fuel up with Shell Fuels with DYNAFLEX Technology that is designed for efficiency,” said Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd., Shairan Huzani Husain.
Each inspection
should not take more than 15 minutes
. Car owners who send their vehicles for the free vehicle inspection also stand to receive a goodie bag, while stocks last.
For Toyota car owners, they will receive a
10% discount voucher
 for selected parts purchased at Toyota Service Centres. On top of that, the first 10 customers of the day will receive a RM10 Fuel voucher from Shell Malaysia.
Speaking of Toyota, have you checked out
 Adrian’s review
 on the
new Vios
 yet?
This collaboration with Shell Malaysia will also enable Toyota owners to conveniently replace their airbag inflator system (
subject to eligibility and car model
) at the selected Shell stations.
The replacement work will take around one hour depending on the car model. Owners who are uncertain if their vehicle is on the recall list for airbag replacement can check via toyota.com.my, or at the service counters of the selected Shell stations. For Toyota customers who are eligible for airbag replacement, UMWT will be giving a Service Discount Booklet as well.


The Ford Performance Drift Stick is a hydraulic e-brake with warranty

When Ford Performance first unveiled the
Focus RS
 back in 2015, the public was baffled by its Drift Mode. Co-developed with rally and stunt driver Ken Block,
Drift Mode
 essentially allows the rear of the car to kick out just enough to initiate a controlled oversteer. But what we didn’t know is that Ford Performance had something else up their sleeves.
Behold, the
Ford Performance Drift Stick –
 a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that mimics the functions of a conventional hydraulic e-brake. Understanding that a traditional hydraulic e-brake would require significant mechanical modifications that are not easily reversible, Ford Performance has come up with an electronically-controlled module that plugs into the car’s electronic systems for some rubber burning action.

The aluminium lever operates exactly like a conventional hydraulic e-brake – pull it and the rear brakes lock up the rear tyres to induce a drift manoeuvre. This allows for a clutch-free slide similar to what professionals like Ken Block experience in a rally car.
Ford claims that the use of an electronic system compared to a mechanical set up allows for
easy and precise use
 as well as easy installation and removal of the part. The Drift Stick is installed between the six-speed manual gear lever and driver seat, using the standard handbrake as a housing. Drivers will be pleased to know that their handbrakes will still operate as per usual.
The Ford Performance Drift Stick is available for US and Canada customers for US$999 (
RM4.2k
) and can be purchased at authorised Ford Performance Parts distributors from December 2017 onwards. Of course, this being a Ford official product, the Drift Stick will not affect existing warranties.
IMAGE GALLERY


Chery to make public brand debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2023 – Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro available for test drive

After a whole year of teasers,
Chery
 will finally be making its first public appearance here in Malaysia, with an official brand debut set for the upcoming
Malaysia Autoshow 2023
.
While its cars are not quite ready for primetime yet (the official model launches are only expected in June 2023), customers will be able to test drive two of its models that have already been confirmed for a “phase one” launch in Malaysia – the
Omoda 5
 and
Tiggo 8 Pro
.
The company is also expected to announce its assembly partner here in Malaysia at the motor show, ahead of the commencement of its local assembly operations around June. Based on recent reports, Chery Malaysia recently signed an agreement with
Sime Darby Motors
 to utilise the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The Omoda 5 will certainly be the spotlight at the Chery booth, thanks to its bold styling. Aimed directly at the
Honda HR-V
 and Proton
X50
, the upcoming B-segment SUV will feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath its bonnet, paired to a CVT gearbox to send
147 hp
 and
230 Nm
to the front wheels.
A fully-electric variant of the Chery Omoda 5 will also make its way into Malaysia later this year, but it’s unlikely that it’ll be displayed at the motor show, as the model only made its global debut last month. Read more about the
Chery Omoda 5 EV
 here.
Not to be outdone by its “younger” sibling, the Tiggo 8 Pro also recently received a major update, which we will be getting here in Malaysia. Again, we’re not sure if the latest model will make an appearance at Malaysia Autoshow 2023 considering its recent global debut, but we’ve already had a closer look at the “all-new” model in China last month – read the
 full story here
.
As promised during Chery’s first official appearance in Malaysia last year, the Tiggo 8 Pro will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain later in the year. For its “phase one” launch, though, the seven-seater SUV will first be offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that’s good for
250 hp
 and
390 Nm
, paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is open to the public from 4-7 May 2023, with tickets priced from RM15 per day. More information on the motor show can be found on its official website, linked
here
.