UMW Toyota surpassed annual sales target with 63,105 units, Corolla Cross Hybrid launching soon

UMW Toyota Motor, the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia had another stellar month of sales, with November registering just 14 units less than October, ending the month with 8,486 units. Many of us might have also taken notice of the sudden increase of
Toyota Corolla Cross
 on the highways and even our neighbourhoods.
The Toyota Vios, Yaris and Hilux remain popular with Malaysians, with the pick-up contributing to over 1,500 units in November and continues to be the
segment leader
 in Malaysia. Thanks to the ongoing sales promotions and its brand equity,
the Vios
 contributed 33% of November’s sales.
Year to date, UMW Toyota Motor has racked up
63,105
 units of sales, surpassing their original
2021 target
 of 62,000. At this rate, the company should exceed its 2019 sales of 70,000 units.
“The continued growth of the market is a sign that we are steadily progressing towards recovery. The New Normal means that some things have to be done differently and we have to be conscious of SOPs, and at Toyota, we have adapted our processes accordingly. Customers can visit our showrooms or send their vehicles to authorised service centres with peace of mind that they are protected health-wise,” said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.
Race on Sunday, sell on Monday. UMWT hope fans of Vios and Yaris models will embrace the GR spirit further via these cool add-ons!
November has also been a very busy month for the company, hosting the season-ending Toyota Vios Challenge
race weekend
 as well as preparing for the launch of the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. “Since we opened for bookings for the new
Corolla Cross Hybrid
, response has been good and we are happy to see that many Malaysians are keen to switch to Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Technology. Toyota has been producing HEVs since the late 1990s and has constantly improved and advanced the technology so Malaysians will benefit from this long experience,” said UMW Toyota Motor, Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.
Pre-production activities have just started at the
upgraded ASSB Bukit Raja plant
, and Mr Takeyama seeks both loyal Toyota owners and prospective buyers to be patient as the company is gearing up for full-scale production and public sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8.
The new Corolla Cross Hybrid has an estimated price starting from
RM137,000
 and comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty. Customers can also extend their warranty on the hybrid electrical system for a further two years to make it a total of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.
Bookings can be made at any authorised Toyota dealer or UMW Toyota Motor branch showroom nationwide as well as online, linked
here
.


Pagani made a new Zonda, again – this time it’s called the HP Barchetta

They’ve been building this thing since 1999. In 2013, Pagani announced that they were going to retire the Zonda nameplate and four years on, here we are again, with yet another one of Pagani’s creations and a new Italian name to remember.
Revealed over the last weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the HP Barchetta forces the eyes to fixate on every inch of its body – like every other ballistic Zonda rolled out of Pagani’s iron-gated factory. With
only 3 units
 due for production in commemoration of Horacio Pagani’s 60th birthday, one is already due for the boss man’s extensive collection of cars –  and rightfully so.
Firstly, its light. Lighter than your average BMW 3-series, it weighs around 1
,250 kg only
 and there are a few noticeable reasons for this. Those with a keen eye would notice the lack of a roof and you get this thin, helmet visor-like wrap around as your windscreen. The HP Barchetta also sets itself apart from other Zondas with the addition of an arched central air-intake, covered rear wheels and a large carbon rear wing.
Not much else has been communicated regarding the specifications of the car except that its source of brute force will come from the Mercedes-AMG, traditionally, in the form of a 7.3-litre V12 naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 6-speed manual that’s good for an excess of 700 hp.
Image Source:
Autoblog
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi brings back Ralliart with new Triton and Pajero Sport special editions in Thailand

Ralliart is back! Well, sort of. As announced six months ago, Mitsubishi will be
bringing back its iconic rally racing nameplate
 for a range of special edition models alongside actual motorsports activities – and the first part of the equation has now come to fruition with a trio of Ralliart edition models for the
Mitsubishi Triton
and Pajero Sport in Thailand.
Starting with the Mitsubishi Triton, the Ralliart special edition will be offered exclusively on the 2WD low-rider variant, on both single- and double-cab body styles. That means the Ralliart Edition will be equipped with a
128 hp
 and
 240 Nm
 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill, paired to a five-speed manual gearbox.
In terms of Ralliart exclusives, the new special edition model comes as standard with 16-inch blacked-out wheels, blacked-out wing mirror covers and door handles, red mud flaps, alongside Ralliart bumper garnishes, unique decals, bed liner, and a set of Ralliart floor mats for the cabin.
RELATED: Check out the latest special-edition Mitsubishi Triton here in Malaysia – the Triton Athlete!
The range of accessories is also mirrored on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Ralliart Edition, offered solely on the more affordable 2.4 GT Plus variant. To bring home the whole sportiness theme, the Ralliart special editions also get a blacked-out Dynamic Shield grille, black roof, darkened headlight housings, as well as a gloss black roof spoiler on the Pajero Sport.
As is standard on special edition models, the Ralliart Edition will only be available in a limited range of exterior colour choices. Two here in particular – White Diamond and Jet Black Mica. Pricing information for the trio aren’t available just yet, but should be announced soon when they make their debut at the upcoming Thailand International Motor Expo.
Will you be open to a Ralliart Edition Mitsubishi Triton here in Malaysia, or is it just “yet another special edition”? Either way, it’s good to see Ralliart back in the limelight, and we can’t wait to see them fully sending it around the sand dunes very soon!
GALLERY


SST vs GST: So why are cars cheaper now?

So the tax holidays have ended and as the Sales and Services Tax (SST) came into effect on the 1st of September, most cars have experienced a reduction in price – contrary to what was previously predicted – leaving potential buyers or even mere market observers scratching their heads.
While many have yet to update their prices with the
re-inclusion of SST
, based on what’s been announced, you’d notice that those with a drop in price are mostly locally-assembled vehicles (CKD) but that isn’t entirely definitive either.
Volvo’s prices, post SST
, have remained unchanged.
So why are most car prices lower than they were before during the GST era? And why are some CKD models cheaper, while some have seen a price increase?
For starters, before the GST era, the 10% SST was applied fully to the price from the distributor to dealer and as a result of the implementation of 6% GST, there was a slight price reduction.
And now with the re-implementation of SST, the further price reductions, especially on locally-assembled (CKD) vehicles, is possibly due to the localised and non-localised content of these vehicles, with SST only applying to the latter as opposed to pre-GST days when SST was still in place. As such, CKD models with high local content stand to gain from having a lower taxable base when SST is applied, hence the lower final retail prices, at least that’s our assumption.
The
price of the BMW X5 xDrive40e has gone up
, albeit a RM 2,000 increase.
That said, not all CKD vehicles have seen a drop in prices, like the MINI Countryman JCW, BMW X5 xDrive40e or even the Toyota Hilux for instance. It does imply that these vehicles probably contain a very low percentage of localised value. Using this reasoning, it should be clear as to why the fully-imported CBU vehicles have all seen a hike in price.
Find out what will be offered in
Proton’s new SUV, the X70
,
here
!
On this note, Proton has announced that the newly-implemented SST will not affect its prices yet as they will absorb the SST charge for all Proton models in September – ensuring that buyers still benefit from the tax-free price.
On top of that, Proton will be
offering generous discounts ranging from RM 500 – RM 1,000 for the Saga, Iriz and Persona
 along with RM 2,000 discounts for the recently launched Proton Ertiga Xtra, in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations.


2016 Lexus IS facelift officially on sale in Japan, priced from RM190k!

After its
debut
 at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, the facelifted Lexus IS is now on sale in Japan. The refresher exercise further enhances the compact sedan’s sporty theme with added refinement.
The facelift is largely an aesthetics makeover, with no changes under the hood. Hence, the IS remains motivated by either a 2.0-litre turbo, 2.5-litre hybrid or a 3.5-litre V6. However, it is now equipped with preventive safety package called the
Lexus Safety System+
.
On the exterior, the front now sports a more aggressive bumper with larger side intakes and aerodynamic sculpture to house the redesigned LED projector headlamps while maintaining the familiar Lexus fascia. The front grille has bars running across instead of the pre-facelift mesh and bar combination.
At the rear, the LED combination tail lamps get a new three-stripe graphics as compared to the old dual-stripe design. Completing the rear profile is a pair of rectangular shaped dual exhaust tips. The IS rides on either new 17-inch ten-spoke aluminium alloys or 18-inch multi-spoke aluminium alloys.

Inside, Lexus has made subtle revisions for better cabin ergonomics. Firstly, the standard Lexus Premium Sound System now comes with a 293-watts, 10-speakers (up from the previous 8-speaker) setting. Opt for the Mark Levinson® and the speaker count goes up to 15 (835-watts).
The optional Navigation package upgrades the MMI screen to 10.3-inch from the standard 7.0-inch and a “Back” button on the Remote Touch Interface controller that is not present in the standard system. However, the facelifted IS does get an “Enter button” at the side of the Remote Touch Interface controller for better conveniences.
Two new interior colour profile – Chateau and Nuance Black have been added to the line-up on top of the Black and Flaxen trims. Other minor revisions include revised steering wheel switchgear, cup holder design and gear lever finish.

As mentioned earlier, no mechanical upgrades have been made under the hood. Therefore, the base IS 200t is powered by a 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted four-cylinder turbo mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SDS) automatic, pushing out
241 hp
 and
350 Nm
 to the rear wheels.
The IS 300h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive System, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out
178 hp
 and
221 Nm
 with an electric motor generating
105kW (140 hp)
 and
300 Nm
 of torque. Power is transferred to either the rear-wheels or all-four wheels (most likely we will not be getting the AWD variant) via an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission.
Lastly, Japan’s range topping IS 350, which UMW does not have on offer, gets a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 that produces
314 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque to drive the rear-wheels via the same eight-speed SDS automatic.
The only mechanical difference in the IS facelift is a retuned suspension to further sharpen dynamics and improve damping.
Also thrown in the mix this time is the
 Lexus Safety System+
 that includes a host of preventive safety systems as standard on all variants. Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and Hi-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control.
As with any Lexus models, customers have the option to spec their IS with an
F-Sport package
. The F-Sport package adds on a mesh front grille with black accents on the front bumper, twin projector LED headlamps, 18-inch gunmetal grey F-Sport design, rear bumper mesh inserts, F-Sport badges, F-Sport interior trim pieces and a LFA-styled Optitron instrument display.

WHAT ELSE?
The IS comes in nine exterior shades – Sonic Quartz, Mercury Grey Mica, Platinum silver, Sonic Titanium, Black, Graphite Black, Red Mica, Mader Red and Deep Blue Mica. White Nova and Heat Blue are exclusive colours to the F-Sport trim.
In Japan, prices for the base IS 200t start from ￥4.7 million (RM189k) all the way up to the range topping IS 350 F-Sport at ￥6,303,000 (RM254k). Locally, UMW has the current generation Lexus IS on
sale
, therefore we may very well see the IS facelift making its way to our shores in due course.
IMAGE GALLERY
LEXUS IS

LEXUS IS F-SPORT


Get your Volkswagen inspected for free with the 5 Star Service Check programme

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is inviting its customers to bring their cars in for a
FREE 5 Star Service Check
 at all service centres nationwide.
As part of the VW Cares initiative, the 5 Star Service Check is a comprehensive visual check on Volkswagen vehicles conducted by the service advisor in the presence of the customer. This is to review and highlight potential faults or wear and tear on the vehicle.
The latest
Passat and Tiguan “United”
 limited edition models launched recently.
The body and paint condition, lighting, brakes, windscreens, windows, wheels and tyres are among the areas which will be inspected. Volkswagen says the 5 Star Service Check is transparent, fast and free of charge so as to allow customers to make informed decisions on their next move.
From
now till 31st December 2020
, Volkswagen owners who send their vehicles in for the 5 Star Service Check and opt for replacement parts can enjoy additional savings on the following:
Parts
Offer
Genuine Batteries
20% off per unit
Tyres
Up to 20% off
Brakes pads
RM50 off per set
Brakes discs
RM50 off per disc
Fuel Additive
RM40 off per bottle
Windscreen cleaner fluid
RM5 off per bottle
Windscreen
5% off per unit
Wiper blades
RM20 off per set
Volkswagen owners are encouraged to
book their next service appointment online in advance
 and experience the 5 Star Service Check either at the service centre or via digital format (videos sent to customer by service advisor) for those looking for added convenience.
On the 7th of July 2020, customers can book a new Volkswagen on
the company’s official Shopee store
 for just RM199. As part of the deal, Volkswagen will also
deliver the new car to your doorstep for free
! Interested customers can visit
 Volkswagen’s eShowroom
 to browse through the different Volkswagen models.
For the latest price list on Volkswagen vehicles after the
Sales Tax Exemption
announced by the government, click
here
.


Budget 2022: EVs fully tax-free and Sales Tax Exemption extended to June 2022

Here are some of the key areas that have been allocated funds under Budget 2022. At RM332 billion, this is also the largest ever budget allocation by the Malaysian government.
The biggest announcement for us auto fans is the announcement of the extension of the
sales tax exemption
 for passenger cars to
June 30th 2022
. The criteria maintain, with completely knocked-down (CKD) models enjoying the full sales tax exemption that is 10% of the gazetted vehicle price, while models that are fully imported (CBU) continue to enjoy only half of the sales tax exemption.
Pick-up trucks, panel and window vans as well as lorries are classified as commercial vehicles, and as such, do not enjoy the sales tax exemption.
As for electric vehicles or EVs, the government has also proposed the full exemption of import duty (currently at 30%), excise duty (10%), sales tax and road tax (currently enjoying 50% discount) to promote the usage of zero-emission vehicles.
As such, expect to see some price changes to the
MINI Cooper SE
,
Nissan Leaf
,
BMW iX
 models and the range
Porsche Taycan
 models.
Under Budget 2022 that was tabled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the government is also proposing a personal income tax relief of up to RM2,500 to individuals for purchasing and assembly cost, hiring, hire purchase costs as well as subscription fees for EV charging facilities.
In Attachment 20 of the Budget 2022 proposal, the proposed tax-free timeline for CBU EVs is a 24-month period ending on December 31st 2023. There is also a proposal to spur the local assembly (CKD) EVs, via the same tax-free incentives (excise, import and sales tax) up to December 31st 2025.
Nothing was mentioned on self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the majority of the local assembly plants are churning out.
Also allocated is an RM30 million subsidy for the purchase of a Child Restraint System (CRS) or
child seats
, targeting 188,000 users to the tune of 50% or up to RM150 for families under the B40 category.
Public transportation users in Klang Valley meanwhile will continue to enjoy the ‘My50’ unlimited travel pass on bus and rail, while students up to Form 6 only need to fork out RM5 a month for a ‘MyRail5’ pass.
The government is also allocating up to RM1.5 billion will be set aside for rural road projects and inter-rural connection roads which span over 500 km and will benefit 130,000 local citizens.
Meanwhile, the government will allocate RM200 million for the subsidy of transportation and distribution costs of essential items to rural areas, especially in the deeper areas of Sabah and Sarawak.
Images are screenshots from
RTM1
live broadcast
GALLERY


Jeep is back in Malaysia under DRB-Hicom, launches four new models [+Video]

The
Jeep
 brand has finally made its comeback to Malaysia after a
15-year long absence
 from the local automotive playground, and DRB-Hicom is exclusively appointed by Chrysler to distribute the brand’s cars in Malaysia.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Jeep Compass Limited
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Engine
2,360cc; inline-four cylinder
3,604cc; V6
2,360cc; inline-four cylinder
3,604cc; V6
Transmission
Six-speed auto
Five-speed auto
Nine-speed auto
Eight-speed auto
Max Power
170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
284 hp @ 6,350 rpm
174 hp @ 6,400 rpm
284 hp @ 6,350 rpm
Max Torque
220 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
347 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
229 Nm @ 3,900 rpm
347 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Towing Capacity
1,500kg
1,000kg (2-dr), 2,000 (4-dr)
2,200kg
2,812kg
Price
RM248,889
from RM288,889
from RM348,889
from RM448,889

T
oday’s launch saw Jeep Malaysia introduce their all-new full fledged
3S Centre
 (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) in Glenmarie and the introduction of
four popular Jeep models
 – Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Eight service bays are housed within the 3S facility, as with the waiting lounge with refreshments and Wi-Fi connectivity.
CEO of Jeep Malaysia, Datuk Hisham Othman
Jeep Compass Limited – RM248,889
The Jeep Compass is the brand’s ‘cheapest’ model to make the list, and it’s powered by a
2.4-litre
, four-cylinder DOHC engine with dual variable valve timing (DVVT) technology. It makes
170 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
220 Nm
 of torque at 4,500 rpm, and is paired to a
six-speed automatic
 gearbox driving
all four wheels
.
Standard features on the Compass Limited include the 18-inch wheels wrapped with 215/55 R18 series tyres, six-way electrically powered driver’s seat, leather upholstered seats, sunroof, 6.5-inch touch screen head unit, nine-speaker Boston Acoustic sound system with subwoofer and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, volume and cruise control switches.
Its projector headlights are halogen powered, no HIDs here. Safety features are six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS with EBD and Hill Hold Assist.
Jeep Wrangler – Unlimited Sports (RM288,889)

The Wrangler line is probably the most distinguishable Jeep of the lot, and it’s offered in three trims – Unlimited Sports, Unlimited Sahara and Rubicon. All three variants share the same
3.6-litre V6
 engine with VVT technology, producing
284 hp
 at 6,350 rpm and
347 Nm
 of torque at 4,300 rpm. It’s paired to a
five-speed automatic
 gearbox interweaving the brand’s Command-Trac 4WD system for superior off-road capabilities.
Standard features on the
Unlimited Sport
 are halogen powered headlamps and fog lamps, six-speaker audio system, prominent tow brackets, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches, fabric seats, Uconnect head unit, black three-piece hard top, 16-inch steel wheels, skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case and a full centre console with lockable storage.
Jeep Wrangler – Unlimited Sahara (RM328,889)

The
Unlimited Sahara
 trim gives you larger wheels – 18-inch Sparkle Silver wheels with 255/70 R18 series tyres, body coloured fenders, side steps, 6.5-inch touchscreen display unit, premium Alpine sound system with nine speakers, full-framed removable doors and leather upholstered seats; kits that are added on top of all that’s found in the lesser Unlimited Sports variant.
Jeep Wrangler – Rubicon (RM338,889)

The
Rubicon
is the model’s top specced variant, and it only comes with three doors. It sits on the 17-inch polished aluminium grey wheels shod with 245/75 R17 series rubbers and rides on heavy-duty suspension setup and high-pressure monotube shocks with configurable valves. The front sway bar can also disconnect, and it gets rock rails and
Rubicon embroidered
 leather seats.
With the Wrangler, there are ten exterior colours to choose from – Bright White, Anvil, Black, Sunset Orange Pearl, Billet Silver Metallic, Firecracker Red, Tank, Hydro Blue Pearl, Copper Brown Pearl and Baja Yellow. You get
five-years
 or
150,000km
 warranty too, just like all other Jeeps.
Jeep Cherokee – Longtitude (RM348,889)
The Cherokee is Jeep’s modern interpretation of their SUV lineup, and it’s offered in two trims here – Longtitude and Trailhawk. Underneath the Cherokee’s hood nestles a four-cylinder 2.4-litre Tigershark engine paired to a
NINE
speed automatic gearbox that permanently drives all four wheels. It makes 174 hp at 6,400 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm.
The Longtitude trim getis 18-inch aluminium wheels, chrome roof rails, horizontal rectangular grille, dual-zone air-cond, leather wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with multi-controls, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen head unit with GPS navigation, fabric interior and front fog lamps and cornering lamps.
Jeep Cherokee – Trailhawk (RM378,889)
Shared between the Longtitude and Trailhawk variants are the self-levelling bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. However, the Trailhawk trim is raised by 51mm for better off-road performance, and it gets off-road suspension top things off. Its shoes are smaller; 17-inch wheels wrapped with Yokohama all-season tyres.
The front and rear bumpers of the Trailhawk is also different and appears to be more rugged to suit its off-roading image. Inside, drivers are greeted with a 7-inch multi-info display as opposed to the Longtitude’s 3.5-inch TFT display. Leather seats are accented in red stitching here, and it gets
ten exterior colours
 to choose from.
Jeep Grand Cherokee

– Limited (RM448,889)
The fourth generation Grand Cherokee is Jeep Malaysia’s top-of-the-line SUV, and carries a price tag no lesser than
RM449k
. It’s offered here in two trims –
Limited
 and
Overland
. Both variants are powered by a
3.6-litre Pentastar V6
 engine paired with an
eight-speed automatic
 transmission with E-shift technology. The engine makes
284 hp
 at 6,350 rpm and
347 Nm
 of torque at 4,300 rpm while it permanently drives on all four wheels.
Wheels fitted onto the Limited trim measures in at 18-inches and gets keyless entry, push-start ignition, power tailgate, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and tinted glass.
Inside, the Limited benefits from the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen head unit, lighted front footwell and centre console, heated steering wheel and leather seats, nine-speaker Alpine audio system, rear-view camera with grid lines as well as front and rear sensors.
Jeep Grand Cherokee

– Overland (RM478,889)
Costing a good
RM30k
 more, the Overland option gives you 20-inch wheels, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, air suspension with vehicle management system, ventilated leather front seats, Uconnect voice command, wood-accented leather steering wheel, dual exhaust pipes,
Quadra-trac II active full-time 4WD
 system and auto high-beam headlights control. That’s quite a kit for RM30k to be frank. Mechanical, in fact.
The Grand Cherokee can be had in nine different colours, from Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl to Granite Crystal Metallic and
WHAT ELSE?
All the Jeeps are fully imported from the United States and come with an impressive
5-year
 or
150,000km warranty
 programme, whichever comes first. Jeep Malaysia is offering 2 years
free road tax
, 2 years
free insurance
 and
2% financing
, which can be converted to
cash
; for bookings made within this year.
The Jeep 3S Centre can be found along Jalan Pelukis U1/46, next to the Mazda and Mercedes-Benz showrooms, and is opened seven days a week. Fancy yourself a Jeep, guys?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Malaysia extends airbag replacement service until 31 December 2016

Honda Malaysia has just announced that they are extending operations of their Service Central Hubs till
31 December 2016
 to facilitate the replacement of faulty Takata airbag modules. Also, additional Mobile Hubs will be dispatched to
selected shopping centres
 around the Peninsular.
The three Service Central Hubs
open everyday
 (except public holidays), from 8am to 5.50pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends. They will be operational from now to 31 December 2016. Customers will be able to carry out their Takata driver and front passenger (subject to availability) airbag inflators replacement.
SERVICE CENTRAL HUBS
Location
Address
Northern Hub (Next to S.M.J.K. Convent Dato’ Keramat School)
No.401, Jalan Dato’ Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.
Central Hub – Soo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd. (Next to Columbia Asia
Hospital)
Lot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Southern Hub – Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd.
99 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
From
8 to 30 October 2016
, Honda Malaysia will be setting up mobile hubs alongside their Honda Family Road Trip at eight different locations during the weekends, also serving the same cause.
MOBILE HUBS LOCATIONS FOR OCTOBER
8 – 9 Oct (Sat & Sun)
14 – 15 Oct (Fri & Sat)
15 – 16 Oct (Sat & Sun)
22 – 23 Oct (Sat & Sun)
29 – 30 Oct (Sat & Sun)
Location
Tesco Extra Mutiara Damansara
AEON Alpha Angle
AEON Bukit Tinggi
Mydin USJ
Operating hours
10am – 7pm
10am – 7pm
10am – 7pm
10am – 7pm
Location
Honda Family Road Trip
Melaka AEON Shopping Mall
Honda Family Road Trip
Tapak Muzium Dungun
Honda Family Road Trip
Giant Kangar
Honda Family Road Trip
Temerloh Town
Operating hours
8am – 7pm
8am – 7pm
8am – 7pm
8am – 7pm
According to Honda Malaysia’s records, about
23 percent
 of affected Honda vehicles
have yet to
 replace their front airbag inflators while the Northern and Southern regions are estimated to be around
9 and 8 percent
 respectively. Honda Malaysia urges its customers to identify whether their vehicles are affected
here
. Should the vehicle be part of this recall exercise, please make an appointment for the replacement as soon as possible. For more information on the Mobile Hubs, click
here
.
Message from Honda
:
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. continues alerting and informing customers of the importance of replacing the affected vehicle’s airbag inflators, via increased frequency of postings on social media and SMS blast. Owners of Honda vehicles affected by the airbag inflator product recall are advised to get their vehicles checked and parts replaced at any authorised Honda dealers, Central Hubs or Mobile Hubs as soon as possible.


BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe arrives in Singapore – from 420i to M440i xDrive

BMW in Singapore has launched the new G24 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe with prices starting from SGD273,888 (RM843,989) for the 420i M Sport, SGD 330,888 (RM1.02 million) for the 430i M Sport Pro, and SGD409,888 (RM1.263 million) for the M440i xDrive.
Starting with the 420i, underneath the front hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with
184 hp
and
300 Nm
. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.9 seconds with top speed rated at 235 km/h.
The 430i is a little quicker, taking just 6.2 seconds to complete the same run with its
245 hp
 and
400 Nm
 from the similar 2.0-litre engine but tuned for more power.
Facts & Figures: G22 BMW 430i Coupe M Sport launched, priced at RM454,800. Find out more here!
As for the most powerful variant of the three – the M440i xDrive – there’s
369 hp
 and
500 Nm
 to play with from a larger 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. As a result, the M440i xDrive takes a brisk 4.7 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is rated at 250 km/h. All variants come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A notable difference on the exterior between the 420i and the 430i/M440i xDrive is that the latter two are fitted with adaptive M Sport Suspension. The wheels on the 430i and M440i xDrive are also larger; measuring 19-inches instead of the 18’s on the 420i.
Between the two higher-end models, only the M440i xDrive comes with an M Differential. Inside, the M Sport models come with M sport steering and seats, along with a Harman Kardon sound system.
GALLERY
BMW

430i M Sport
BMW M440i xDrive M Sport


Weekly Round-up: Stories you may have missed this week! (20 – 24 Sept.)

Welcome to the inaugural
weekly round-up
 post, where we take a look at some of the biggest news and stories this past week. We’ll be doing this every Friday from now on to help recap on things that you might have missed, from new car launches globally to oddball stories – so be sure to leave a comment below to tell us what you’d like to see!
It’s been a busy week with quite a few big breaking news happening across the last five days. So without further ado, it’s time to grab yourselves a nice beverage and get stuck in.
Facts & Figures: Facelift Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM1.1 million
Following the launch of the facelifted E-Class line-up here in Malaysia (which we took a brief look here!), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now also brought out the biggest and baddest of them all – the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ – here onto our shores.
The 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine makes a whopping
612 hp
 and
 850 Nm
, which translates to a century sprint time of just 3.4 seconds – and in case you forget, it’s based on a luxobarge executive sedan for businessmen. Pricing starts at RM1.12 million.
All-new Honda BR-V launched in Indonesia, Honda Sensing available!
The second-generation budget-oriented seven-seater SUV has just been unveiled in Indonesia, and as much as Honda tried to convince us that the smart-looking N7X Concept isn’t the next-gen BR-V, it turns out that our guesses were right after all – and with that, they’ve also
fixed one of the biggest design “flaw”
 in its predecessor!
The Honda BR-V is offered with just one engine option in Indonesia – a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine making
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
, and is paired to either a manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
Interstate travelling to open soon – tourism sector to reopen from 1st Oct
Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that interstate travelling restrictions will soon be eased-up, alongside the reopening of tourist attractions and vacation islands nationwide, as soon as the Malaysian adult population achieves a fully vaccinated rate of 90%.
Alongside the easing of travel restrictions, several more economic sectors have also been given the green light to operate again at full capacity, provided all patrons and staff are fully vaccinated. Petrol stations, convenience stores, and eateries can also now operate from 6 am to 12 midnight daily, regardless of NRP phase.
UMW Toyota shares cryptic invite – CKD hybrid models coming on 27th September?
UMW Toyota Motor shared a cryptic invite for an online event the 27th of September, with a copy that’s filled to the brim with marketing buzzwords. Nothing specific was mentioned, but the emphasis on “silence”, “energy”, and “power” does suggest that it’ll be something to do with its recent announcement of their CKD hybrid plans.
Are they launching an all-new CKD hybrid-powered model? And if so, which? Well, we narrowed it down to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid based on an educated guess, but UMWT does have a knack for surprises…
Aston Martin KL presents bespoke DBX SUV in Arden Green, from RM1 million
Hot right off the press, this one. Aston Martin KL has just (
quite literally
) unveiled a new bespoke DBX SUV in their showroom, featuring a gorgeous Arden Green pain job on the outside.
The colour is said to be inspired by Aston Martin’s racing heritage, and although the signature Aston Martin race car colour is green, this one here instead adopts a lighter green hue, mixed with a little bit of grey in between. The unique colour is paired to a tan leather upholstery on the inside. Be sure to check out the pictures in the post, because this one’s a beauty!
Toyota Yaris gets SUV-inspired styling with new X-Urban trim in Thailand – 30 mm lift!
It seems like people just can’t get enough of the jacked-up hatchback faux-SUV look, because Toyota Thailand has just unveiled exactly that, based on the Yaris facelift that was unveiled last year.
Aside from the SUV-inspired body appendages including the plastic wheel arch protectors and bashplate-like bumpers, the Yaris X-Urban also gets a 30 mm lift for extra road clearance (
and SUV-like looks…
), thanks to a variant-specific suspension set-up.
Video: Perodua Ativa vs Nissan Almera Turbo vs Proton Iriz on KLIA runway!
Of course, we have to end this week’s round-up with our own drag race video, don’t we. In the fourth instalment of our 2021 runway drag series, it’s all about the “people’s car” – the Nissan Almera Turbo, Perodua Ativa, and Proton Iriz.
And just for old time’s sake, we also brought along our friend from
WapCar
, Mr. All-about-the-details Adrian Chia to join in on the fun (or show him who’s the boss, you decide). Watch on and find out who is the
 Jaguh Kampung
3.0!


Kia Picanto GT-Line previewed in Malaysia, launching soon?

The
third-generation Kia Picanto
 was first presented to the world at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show early this year and now it has made a public appearance on our local shores at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow.
Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) chose to display the much more aggressive
Picanto GT-Line
 to the Malaysian public. The GT-Line adds on a unique body kit, rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and larger 16-inch dual-tone alloys. It also gets the new headlamp design with U-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Picanto has grown 15 mm in wheelbase to 2,400 mm and sit 5 mm lower at 1,485 mm while the length and width remain at 3,595 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. Kia claims that the new hatchback offers better headroom, shoulder room and legroom. Boot space has swelled to
255 litres
, 55 litres more than before.
Like the
Stinger GT AWD on display
, the interior of the Picanto GT-Line is completely sealed from prying eyes, presumably due to finalisation of specification. If international models are of any indication, the Picanto can be equipped with a plethora of luxury features such as centre floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, reverse camera, leather upholstery and even a sunroof! We will have to wait for the official launch to confirm the specification.
In other markets, the Picanto is offered with an all-new 1.0-litre Kappa Eco-prime three-cylinder petrol engine which produces
75 hp
 and
95 Nm
 of torque as well as a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI engine that outputs
99 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque (on
X-Line only
).
Safety is the new-generation Picanto’s strongest suit – seven airbags, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, Vehicle Stability Management with Torque Vectoring Brake Based (TVBB), Straight Line Stability (SLS) (helps the car stay in a straight line under heavy braking), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and
Emergency Brake Assist System
 (AEB). NKM, if you are reading this, please let us have them all!
Previously, the second-generation Picanto sold through NKM carried a
price tag of below RM60k
, however with all these features in place, expect the new car to carry a hefty premium. Stay tuned for more updates on the all-new Picanto!
IMAGE GALLERY


The Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered Concept will change your mind about the electric future

The joy of driving is not only derived from speed but the senses from the steering wheel, changing gears (ideally on your own) and even the sound and smell from the engine bay.
If you enjoy all things driving, then perhaps you’d see hybrid/electric cars as the anti-Christ of pure driving pleasure. Peugeot, however, is about to change just that.

Check out the
all-new Peugeot 508 that’s coming to Malaysia
 this year!
What they’re set to unveil at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show is the
Peugeot 508
 Sport Engineered Concept – the first step towards a range of high performance electric Peugeot vehicles.
Based on the
new 508 Hybrid
, Peugeot Sport engineers had fettered with its powertrain to now feature the PureTech 200 engine and a
111 hp
 electric motor powering the front wheels, while another
 200 hp
electric motor is solely in charge of the rear wheels.
The result is an all-wheel drive configuration capable of a 0 to 100 km/h time of
4.3 seconds
and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Home to a 11.8kWh battery, the 508 Sport Engineered Concept can go up to
50 km in full electric mode
. Inside the 508, the i-Cockpit design concept has been further dramatise by a mix of alcantara and carbon fibre trims.
The 508 Sport Engineered Concept marks an important step for the brand towards an electrified future; pledging to provide an electrified version across its entire range by 2023.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: All-new Toyota Camry, Things You Need To Know

UMW Toyota Motor took the opportunity to launch the
all-new 8th generation Toyota Camry,
codenamed XV70, in the eyes of the public at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, to mixed reviews, especially on how it looks.
Some thought it was a bit overdone; diminishing the signature elegant exterior of the Camry we’ve all grown accustomed to, with an unnecessarily radical design. What’s also intriguing is the fact that UMW Toyota will only be offering a single variant for the new Camry –
2.5V
 – priced at RM 189,900 without insurance.
Unfortunately though, it doesn’t get the new Dynamic Force engine as made available in Thailand. What we get here is a carried-over 2AR-FE 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine that’s good for
184 hp
 and
235 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission with optimised gear ratios for smoother acceleration.
The new Camry also gets a double wishbone suspension setup that replaces the old multi-link system, along with inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system.  Find out what else is new in the Toyota Camry in video above!
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW 3 Series Electric will be fully electric, goes against the Tesla Model 3

BMW is reportedly set to introduce the all-electric 3 Series sedan at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The BMW 3 Series Electric will be Munich’s second full electric vehicle (EV) model after the i3.
It’s likely to based on the outgoing
F30 3 Series
 and will complement the existing
330e
 plug-in electric hybrid variant on sale now. The 3 Series Electric will be a counterattack to Tesla’s mainstream model, the
Model 3
. Apparently, the latter’s attractive pricing has stolen many of the BMW 3 Series’ customer base.
BMW is taking EV very seriously, with massive investment made in R&D. Earlier, they joined forces with
Andretti Autosports
 in the Formula E series as BMW looks into the possibility of participating in the up and coming racing series.
BMW is also looking to streamline its model lineup, and there are chances of the oil burner models will be slowly phased out. Meanwhile, the replacement of F30 3 Series, the G20, is expected to arrive in 2019.
Sources:
Handeslsbatt
 & AutoCar


Renault Megane RS265 Cup launched in Malaysia, priced from RM235k

TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd has officially launched the Renault Megane RS265 Cup. It may look similar to the existing Megane RS265 Sport, but underneath they’re ever so slightly different.
The
Megane RS265 Cup
 is a step up from the Megane RS265 Sport, and for RM37k more you’ll get the
Cup chassis
 with stiffer suspension and a mechanical slippy diff too.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Renault Megane RS265 Cup

Engine
1,998 cc 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
6-speed manual
Max Power
265 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
360 Nm @ 3,000 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
6.0 seconds
Top Speed
255 km/h
Price
from RM234,888.00
EXTERIOR
The RS265 Cup is virtually identical to the RS265 Sport. It has that new Renault face with the oversized Renault badge over a glossy black grille that extends to the headlamps, and the
F1-inspired wing
 in the lower intake that incorporates
LED DRLs
.

The
flared wheel arches
 accommodate a set of
18-inch Tibor wheels
 hiding
red brembo calipers
 behind, while the back didn’t change much from the pre-facelifted Megane, featuring a rear bumper with diffuser and a
center-exit tailpipe
, and also a
reverse camera
.
INTERIOR
The interior is also not much different from the pre-facelifted Megane, and we guess Renault is planning to keep things simple in here. However, the RS265 Cup gets the latest
2.0 version
 of the
RS Monitor
, which records your driving statistics for future reference or for comparing with your other Megane friends.
In terms of creature comforts, there’s
keyless entry and push-start
, a
7-inch touch screen
 multimedia system,
Recaro RS
 sports seats with
red seat belts
,
six airbags
, and an upgraded sound system over the RS265 Sport.
PERFORMANCE
A
century sprint
 time is clocked in
six seconds flat
, with the help from the
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
 mated to a
 six-speed manual
 ‘box. The engine produces
265 hp
 and
360 Nm
 of torque, but that’s only part of the fun.
The
independent front double-axis strut
 system is said to minimise torque steer, and for maximum fun, the Cup chassis provides
stiffer and sportier suspension setup
 and a mechanical
 limited slip differential
. Drivers can play around with the three different driving modes on offer: Normal, Sport, or Race. The last one completely disables the ESC.
WHAT ELSE?
The Megane RS265 Cup comes with a
 three-year or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty
. There are four colours to choose from: Pearl White, Oyster Grey, Diamond Black, and the trademark Sirius Yellow; but you have to fork up another RM7,000 for that signature colour.
IMAGE GALLERY


VW Group upgrades existing EV platform with more range and faster charging, now called MEB+

The Volkswagen Group’s electrification efforts thus far were all hinged on its modular electric platform, called the MEB, which allowed it to make cars ranging from the small Cupra Born hatchback, all the way up to the
ID. Buzz Kombi van
. But in the coming years, the platform will be called the MEB+, thanks to a range of upgrades that’ll enable more range and faster charging speeds.
The existing MEB platform has already seen applications in more than 670,000 vehicles on the roads, produced by a variety of brands across the group, but the company will continue “investing substantially in its further development in order to leverage the full potential of this successful platform and ensure that it remains competitive”, it said in a statement.
A key factor in the MEB+ is the new generation of what the company calls “unit cell” batteries, which will be manufactured at VW Group’s own cell factory in Salzgitter. The new battery technology will supposedly enable ranges of up to 700 km, while also significantly improve charging times, with charging speeds of 175-200 kW “possible in the future”.
Volkswagen also says that the MEB+ will improve upon its predecessor’s digital infrastructure, bringing “significant leaps” in automated driving functions.
The MEB+ platform will also help realise a significant expansion in the company’s EV range, with the Volkswagen brand itself getting 10 new models to be unveiled by 2026, including an entry-level model that will be priced at around EUR25,000 (approx. RM116k). This will also include a fully-electric SUV model, codenamed the e-SUV for now, as well as other models within the performance and premium segments.
Speaking on the updated platform, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said, “The MEB still has significant potential. Our ambition is to take this platform to the next level. To that end, we are making substantial investments in advancing this technology. The MEB+ puts us in an excellent position for the coming years.”
READ MORE:
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 – 520km range EV SUV
Aside from MEB+, Volkswagen has also previously announced the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) back in 2021, which was designed as a successor to the MEB. The SSP platform will underscore Volkswagen’s upcoming
Trinity EV project
, and was supposedly planned for a 2026 debut. However, the company’s language from the press release, alongside a separate report from last month, suggests that the project has been delayed.
ALSO READ:
Goodbye DSG, Volkswagen R to go fully electric by 2030


All-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 200 tiny stars on its grille

Following months of teasing and leaks, Mercedes-Benz has now officially unveiled the all-new C-Class, making its world debut in both sedan and estate forms.
Following in the “junior S-Class” footsteps as seen on its predecessor, the all-new C-Class was also heavily inspired by the
W223 S-Class
, looking like a scaled-down version of the luxury sedan

both outside and inside.
In terms of dimensions, the new W206-generation C-Class has increased substantially in length – 65 mm longer to be exact, along with a 25 mm
longer wheelbase
 at 2,865 mm. Width however is just 10 mm wider, coupled with the 9 mm lower ride height to give the all-new C-Class a sportier profile.
Compared to the
BMW 3 Series
, the new C-Class is larger in every dimension, measuring in at 4,751 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,438 mm tall.
While the silhouette of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class does look quite similar to the outgoing model, the designers actually worked to reduce its lines to a minimum, while emphasising the shoulder line even more in the new C-Class.
For the new C-Class, all variants will feature a large central star on the grille – no option for a standing bonnet ornament emblem in this generation. Depending on the variant, the design and character of the radiator grille will differ in its details. In this AMG Line for example, each of the mini stars (a total of 240 individual stars!) on the grille are finished in the chrome ‘pins’ design.
The highly advanced
Digital Light
 headlamp system, which debuted with the all-new S-Class, can be had as an option in this all-new C-Class. This revolutionary lighting system, which relies on three extremely powerful LEDs refracted by millions of micro-mirrors, is able to achieve a lighting resolution of over
2.6 million
 pixels, offering excellent visibility with minimum dazzle to other drivers.
Additionally, the lights are also capable of projecting warning signs directly onto the road ahead, warning the driver of any impending dangers while keeping their eyes on the road.
Like its predecessor, the tail lamps design on the all-new C-Class is also heavily influenced by the design of the all-new S-Class, now employing a slim two-piece design in the horizontal orientation.
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (
MBUX
) from the S-Class is also found here and the portrait-oriented screen is the main highlight. Two configurations of screen sizes are available, with the basic driver’s display measuring 10.25 inches and the central display in 9.5 inches.
The example we see in these press images are the larger
12.3-inch
 and
11.9-inch
 for the driver and central display respectively. The dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by
six degrees
, a first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car.
A fingerprint scanner is located below the central display. This allows drivers to log into MBUX quickly, conveniently, and securely. Different settings of favourites, navigation points-of-interest, calendar entries and even emails are protected.
The fingerprint scanner also allows secured payment via Mercedes me.
Mercedes-Benz also wants its drivers to be fit and healthy, and as such, a feature called Energizing Coach is built into the MBUX system. It suggests appropriate fitness and wellness programme based on vehicle and trip data plus the driver’s sleep quality and stress level from data obtained in their wearable smart device.
Behind the new grille with 240 tiny stars and one big central star is a variety of diesel and petrol-power four-cylinder engines with 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Both the C180 and
C200
 share the same
1.5-litre
 engine, with the former churning out
170 hp / 250 Nm
 and the latter with outputs of
204 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque.
The two-litre engine meanwhile is used in the C300, with outputs of
258 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be completed in
six seconds
 flat with the C300, while the C200 takes 7.3 seconds and the C180 stops the stopwatch at 8.6 seconds.
All engines have an additional boost of
20 hp
 and
200 Nm
 from the new second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) installation.
For the new-generation plug-in hybrid variant, Mercedes-Benz estimates an electric range of around
100 kilometres
 is possible from the
25.4 kWh
 (four-times larger) battery. Thanks to a 55 kW DC fast charger, it can be fully charged in
30 minutes
. The MBUX can also offer a ‘power nap’ programme for the interior to refresh the occupants whilst charging.
No mention of the combined system output when paired to the two-litre engine, but the electric motor has outputs of
 129 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque, an increase of 49 hp and 100 Nm versus the old C350e.
Another key piece of technology from the new S-Class that has trickled down to the new W206-generation C-Class is the rear-axle steering. It allows the rear wheels to turn in either direction by as much as 2.5 degrees.
At parking speeds, it turns in the opposite direction of the front wheels for easier entry and reduced effort into the parking spot. At speeds above 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer up to 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels, improving handling stability.
Ride comfort and agility have been further improved courtesy of a new four-link axle at the front and a subframe-mounted multi-link axle at the rear. Air suspension will be fitted to the rear axle of the plug-in hybrid models due to the placement of the battery pack in the boot.
Advancements have also been made in the aspect of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The Active Distance Assist Distronic can detect stationary vehicles on the road at speeds up to 100 km/h, where the previous version could only be available up to 60 km/h.
The new Active Steering Assist helps the driver to stay in lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. The technology now uses the 360-degree surround view camera to better place the vehicle within its lane.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will commence deliveries in Europe from summer this year.
GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate


Video: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion now in Malaysia, 5 Things

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon facelift was launched here in Malaysia back in July this year – and now that the travelling restrictions have eased, we can now finally bring you along for a closer look at the sleek fastback.

The exterior updates on the new Arteon R-Line is tame by modern “facelift” standards, with the main changes being the new light bar across the front grille, and a new three-dimensional tail light signature at the back.
Just as before, the Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is dressed in the R-Line package, which includes sportier trims such as the front and rear bumper, along with a bootlid spoiler, plus the 19-inch “Montevideo” alloy wheels.
But why change what’s not broken, right? The main updates here are in its performance capabilities anyway – and they’re huge. The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is now powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making
280 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque – a whole 90 hp more than the previous “handicapped” version.
That’s not all – the new Volkswagen Arteon also now gains the 4Motion all-wheel drive system to better translate all that powere into the tarmac, and there’s also the XDS electronic differential lock and adaptive dampers with Dynamic Chassis Control to help with traction and athletism in the corners.
For a closer look at the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, check out our in-depth gallery here!
In terms of figures, the engine – paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission – sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just
 5.6 seconds
. While top speed numbers weren’t provided, videos online shows that the powertrain combo on the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is capable of hitting speeds of up to
250 km/h.
On the interior, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has received a slight nip and tuck, with a reworked dashboard featuring a sportier carbon fibre-like trim element replacing the one in the old model that was lifted pretty-much wholesale from the Passat.
In terms of equipment, the only new addition are the new R-Line flat-bottom steering wheel with haptic touch controls, plus the sportier ErgoComfort front seats with integrated headrests, wrapped in a “Carbon-style” Nappa leather upholstery.
Otherwise, the rest of the equipment is basically unchanged from last year’s model, with standard equipments such as an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12-speaker, 700W Harman Kardon sound system.
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is priced
RM247,671
on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, three-year free scheduled service package, and five years of free roadside assistance.
For the full run-down of the specs and features of the 2021 Volkswagen Ateon R-Line in Malaysia, check out our launch coverage here.


Video: Volkswagen Golf TSI Mk7.5, Things You Need To Know

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just welcomed the updated Golf family in the form of
TSI
,
GTI and R
. We have seen the popular GTI in detail, now is the turn of the entry-level Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline. Here are Things You Need to Know about the Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline:
Under the hood rests the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine carried over from the pre-facelift model. The TSI mill is good for
147 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque, paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch to drive the front wheels. Century sprint is clocked in
8.2 seconds
 while top speed is capped at
216 km/h
.
VPCM offers the Golf 1.4 TSI in
two variants
–

Sportline
 and
R-Line –
 the latter wears a more aggressive exterior kit and gets more tech for the interior. The Sportline is yours for RM155,990 while the R-Line is priced at RM169,990, both on-the-road without insurance. Every purchase of the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI comes with
3-Years/45,000 km free service package
, 5-Years Manufacturers Warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline


Video: 2022 Facelift Toyota Camry has grown up, but certainly not grown old!

We went on a drive recently to Mangala Resort in Gambang, Pahang with the
new 2022 facelift Toyota Camry
and were pleasantly surprised at what we discovered inside the new car.
The rear seats have been fitted with an armrest with controls for the rear air-con but that’s not all. The facelift Camry even comes with reclinable rear seats! That pretty much puts the Toyota Camry, somewhat in the
same league as the more expensive Lexus ES
!

But it won’t cost you Lexus money. While the
ES 250 Luxury we reviewed

is priced at RM327k, the 2022 Camry is more than RM100k cheaper, at
RM199,109
. That’s not all, it also comes with a new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The new pairing now offers 25 hp and 18 Nm more than before, with
209 hp
and
253 Nm
 to drive the front wheels.
The new engine and transmission are complemented with a more subtle exterior, compared to the pre-facelift model, from the redesigned front bumper.
Couple that with the new cabin creature comforts and the TNGA platform the car is built on, the new 2022 Camry is not only still very much a Camry – in that it’s spacious and comfortable – but also feels youthful. That’s not something you can say about the previous generations!
GALLERY


Video: Why the Toyota Fortuner is THE SUV for off- and on-road

Almost every SUV today comes with all-wheel drive but they’re mostly for urban use extra traction when driving in slippery and wet conditions but what if you need something that can be a proper off-roader but can apply itself when it’s back on the tarmac? Here’s where the
Toyota Fortuner
 comes in.
The
Fortuner
 is equipped with all the necessary convenience features expected of a modern urban SUV including wireless charging, glovebox with cooler, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, surround-view monitor, powered tailgate, and LED lighting all-round.

When the going gets tough, there are features such as the Auto LSD, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), seven airbags, and in the case of the 2.8 VRZ Fortuner we had, it was even fitted Lane Departure Alert, Pre-collision system, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
These features are part of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system which also includes a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Under the hood is a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 6-speed automatic, like in the Hilux 2.8 Rogue, with 204 hp and 500 Nm.


Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Night Edition revealed, launch in Detroit 2017

If you feel like the standard
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
 is too commonplace and predictable, then perhaps you’d like to take a look at the
two-doored
 variant. In fact, in January at Detroit, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the S-Class Coupe Night Edition, a special run for the select few.
The “Night Edition” pretty much sums up its exclusivity. Packaged as standard are the new distinctive radiator grille, 20-inch AMG wheels, mirror housings and dark side sills. The exterior is finished with exclusive “
Selenite Gray Magno
” with matte finishing. Finally, the “Night Edition” badge appears on each side of the front fender.
Inside, customers can choose the upholstery material, ranging from Nappa leather, AMG Nappa leather or a combination of suede and leather. The hides can be had in black, Crystal Grey, Saddle Brown or Bengal Red. Regardless of your choice, each choice will come with black accents.
The Night Edition is offered in three forms:
S400 4MATIC, S500
, and
 S500 4MATIC
. The S400 is powered by a
3.0-litre V6
 unit that produces
367 hp
 and
 500 Nm
 of torque. The S500 gets the
4.6-litre V8
 lump that makes
455 hp a
nd 7
00 Nm
 of torque. The V6 can perform a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds, while the V8 does that in 4.6 seconds.
This exquisite Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Night Edition will be displayed at the Detroit Motor Show next month. Back at home, the S-Class Coupe is only available in the sole S63 guise and retails from RM1.5 million.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Proton X70 1.8 Turbo Premium 2WD review

The first offspring from the Proton and Geely marriage has finally made its way to Malaysia and within just a month from its introduction, Proton’s first ever SUV has garnered overwhelming response, with more than 15,000 bookings made and 2,000 units delivered so far.
In the video, Adrian would be walking you through all the thoughtful features in tech-laden SUV, some of which you may not have even heard of and would be pleasantly surprised to know – like the “window ventilation mode” for instance.
What you’d also find to be really cool, in case you’ve not noticed, is that all the “bells and whistles” as Adrian puts it – such as the 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air purifier, electronic parking brake and an 8-inch GKUI infortainment system – are standard across the range. How generous!
The Proton X70 is available in four variants and is priced from
RM99,800
 to
RM123,800
. As if that hasn’t whet your appetites, Proton Cars is offering the X70 with an Xtra Package that bundles 5-years Unlimited Mileage warranty, 5-year complimentary 1GB monthly data connectivity powered by Celcom, five Free Labour Service and a low finance rate of 2.34 per cent per annum.
IMAGE GALLERY


2022 BMW Z4 updated in Malaysia with mild facelift, Adaptive M suspension – RM508,800

BMW Malaysia
 has just launched a new update to the
BMW Z4
, bringing along a mild facelift, alongside new standard equipment to the roadster. The new 2022 BMW Z4 will be available in a single variant here in Malaysia, the sDrive30i M Sport, priced at
RM508,800
 on-the-road, without insurance.
When we say “mild”, we really do mean it, as most people would probably miss it unless you know where to look. New on the 2022 BMW Z4 is a hexagonal mesh insert for the front grille, alongside the slightly reworked side air intakes on the M Sport bumper, Shadowline chrome delete on the exterior, and… that’s really about it.
You do at least get a few new exterior colour choices – Skyscraper Grey, Portimao Blue, and the unique Thundernight Metallic (pictured) from the
 2 Series Coupe
, alongside a new set of 19-inch double-spoke style M light alloy wheels which are standard for the BMW Z4 here in Malaysia.
It’s a similar story inside, with the only change being the new Aluminium Mesheffect trims. Everything else, including the M Sport steering wheel and seats, are all still inherited from the pre-facelift model. The displays are also unchanged from before, and still runs on the existing Live Cockpit Professional system instead of the Curved Display’s iDrive 8.0.
RELATED:
The latest BMW iDrive 8 system could be the best-looking yet!
The new BMW Z4 will only be offered in the sDrive30i guise here in Malaysia, powered by an unchanged B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes
258 hp
 and
400 Nm of torque
. The four-banger is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, supplying power to the rear wheels for a 0-100 km/h sprint of
 5.4 seconds
, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
 250 km/h
.
Adaptive M suspensions are also now fitted as standard on the BMW Z4, allowing the driver to further fine tune the roadster’s driving dynamics to their preferences.
As mentioned above, the new 2022 BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport in Malaysia is priced at RM508,800 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme.
The company is also offering the Z4 via the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM6,023 based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure.
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Video: 2018 Toyota Rush, Things You Need To Know

The all-new
second-generation Toyota Rush is now officially launched
 in Malaysia, taking over the baton from the first-generation Rush that had its spare wheel on the rear doors for over a decade. Decked out with new styling and more importantly a vastly improved list of safety features, let Eu Jin take you on a closer look at the new Rush.
Powered by a modest 2NR-VE 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated DVVT-i petrol engine (shared with the
Avanza
 and
new Myvi
) and four-speed automatic, the Rush commands
105 hp
 and
136 Nm
 of torque that drives the rear wheels exclusively.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has blown the Rush’s competitors out of the water when it comes to safety features with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control,
Panoramic View Monitor
, digital video recorder (dash cam),
Blind Spot Monitor
, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and a
Pre-Collision System
 – the last item is exclusive to the top of the line 1.5S variant.
Prices for the locally assembled Toyota Rush is estimated to be RM93,000 for the 1.5 G and RM98,000 for the 1.5 S. All purchases of the new Rush comes with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Toyota Rush 1.5 S Launched in Malaysia


VW Malaysia offering sweet deals for the Polo, Vento and Golf

For those celebrating Chinese New Year, nothing else matches up to the auspicious occasion than turning up in a new car; Volkswagen agrees.
Those looking to own the Tiguan, whether it’s the Highline, JOIN or Sound & Style variants, there’s more motivation as it’s now accompanied with an additional 1-year free insurance and 1-year free petrol rebate.

Model
Savings up to
Monthly
Polo
RM4,000
RM725
Vento Comfortline
RM8,000
RM783
Vento Highline
RM4,000
RM894
Golf R-Line
RM2,000
RM1,750
Tiguan Highline
RM2,000
RM1,675
Beetle Sport
RM5,000
RM1,505
The figures above are calculations based on a 9-year loan tenure with 10% downpayment and based on 2.5% interest rates.
Existing owners are not forgotten. Volkswagen is offering free 20-point inspection, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, as well as complimentary Volkswagen angpow packets.
Additionally, VW owners with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 will receive a free “fluid top-up” consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil. Those without only need to spend a minimum spend of RM488. This offer is subject to terms and conditions and is valid till the 29th of February 2020.


Mercedes-Benz stops development of PHEVs, to focus investment in pure EVs

Despite having just unveiled the AMG-specific
high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrains
, Mercedes-Benz will stop investing in new plug-in hybrid technology, instead shifting their focus towards the simpler and more cost-effective battery EVs.
Speaking to Germany’s
Handelsblatt
 at the 2021 IAA Munich,

Mercedes-Benz chief operating officer, Markus Schäfer said that the plug-in hybrid’s days at Mercedes are numbered, with no further new developments planned.
The main reason, as usual, boils down to money. Having both an engine and electric components in a single vehicle is inherently more complex, and that added complexity always translates to “a cost burden for the vehicle” that customers will have to bear.
Pure battery electric vehicles, or BEVs on the other hand, are significantly easier to make, which means carmakers can already work on driving the price down, despite EV technology still very much in its “infancy” stage. That doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing another new PHEV Mercedes-Benz, however.
“The investments have been made, so we are using them,” said Schäfer. And indeed, the recently-unveiled
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Hybrid E Performance
 and the
AMG Project One
 does seem to suggest that there’s at least some life left for the brand’s PHEV powertrain.
The former features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that’s paired to an electric motor for a total system output of
843 hp
 and up to
1,470 Nm
 of torque. Nought to 100 km/h takes
2.9 seconds
, onward to a top speed of 316 km/h.
Many carmakers consider PHEVs as a stepping stone towards full EVs anyway, and with the rapid tightening of emissions regulations worldwide, it makes sense to instead funnel more money towards the BEVs.
However, automotive parts supplier ZF doesn’t have the same view. According to CEO Wolf-Henning Schneider, he believes that PHEVs will “play an important role” in the electrification of personal vehicles, and will still remain relevant in many parts of the world “well beyond 2030” – and their order backlogs seem to support his claim.


Renault Zoe E-Sport gets 460 hp & 640 Nm, 0 to 100 as quick as a GT-R!

Just when you thought the
Renault Zoe
 was a cute, docile urban commuter, Renault went on to unveil this at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Renault Zoe E-Sport Concept. It’s the Zoe’s evil twin, and it packs some serious hardware underneath the carbon fibre skin.
A
40 kWh battery
 powers not one, but
two electric motors
 that generate a combined output of
340 kW (456 hp)
 and
640 Nm
 of torque. Getting from
0 to 100 km/h
 is Nissan GTR-like quick at
3.2 seconds
, and the Zoe E-Sport Concept takes
 less than 10 seconds
 to reach its
limited top speed of 210 km/h
.

All that jazz sits in a tubular steel chassis crafted by
TORK Engineering
, the same company who builds Renault Sport cars competing in hill climbs and ice races. Not only that, the Zoe E-Sport Concept can actually be used on a race track, as it’s also fitted with a
roll cage with Kevlar panels
 that complies with FIA safety standards.
The interior is very minimalistic like that of a proper race car, featuring a couple of
full-bucket Recaro seats with racing harnesses
, and the driver gets a
rectangular steering wheel
 and a compact digital instrument cluster.
Compared to the normal Zoe, the Zoe E-Sport Concept sits lower to the ground, has a much wider track and rides on a set of
20-inch wheels
. The double wishbone front and rear suspension also features
Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers
, like the ones used in the
Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R
.
And by the way, the colour is not called
Sacre Bleu
. It’s Satin Blue with yellow highlights, a nod to the
 reigning Formula E champion Renault e.dams team
, which has inspired the guys at Renault to come up with another wacky idea for the Zoe. It’s a shame that it’s just a concept.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda strikes it big at Bangkok with new Civic, Accord facelift and BR-V [+Gallery]

If you guys are planning to visit Bangkok this weekend when the doors to the 37th Bangkok Motor Show open for public, the one exhibition you mustn’t miss is Honda’s. The Japanese car manufacturer is displaying most of their current models, but the one car we looked forward to seeing most, the
Civic Type R
, was nowhere to be seen.
That doesn’t make things any less interesting though, because the three hottest and most anticipated models pulled such a massive crowd, it dwarfed those at neighbouring exhibitors Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai. Introducing the trio; the Honda BR-V,
Accord facelift
 and star of the show, the
10th generation Honda Civic
.
Honda Civic Sedan
The new Civic is perhaps one of the most prolific launches to take place at this year in Bangkok, if not the world. Right off the bat, the Thai market will get
four trims to choose
 from – 1.8 E, 1.8 EL, 1.5 Turbo and 1.5 Turbo RS. None of the Thai-bound Civics will be powered by the 2.0-litre engine of old, instead the range toppers are now powered by a
turbocharged engine
 – a decision which sent all Civic loyalists into a frenzy.
Now, the numbers. The 1.8-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine makes
141 hp
 and
174 Nm
 of torque, while the smaller VTEC engine is boosted to make
174 hp
 and
220 Nm
 of torque. It’s a little less powerful than the
facelifted Ford Focus’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine
 (that engine makes 177 hp and 240 Nm), but that’s not what you can consider a deal breaker. Both engines are
mated to a CVT
 – there’s no five-speed automatic or manual transmission, not even in other markets.

When the Civic was
officially launched in Thailand a little over a week ago
, it was priced from RM101k to RM139k and carried a considerably healthy list of features. Some of them, depending on the variant of choice, include full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (exclusive for the Turbo and Turbo RS only), C-shaped LED tail lamps,
Electronic Parking Brake
, 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels,
7-inch touchscreen
 head unit, cruise control, leather seats and automatic air conditioning.
We sat very briefly in the back seat and are happy to report that many (ourselves included) will find the headroom and legroom sufficient, if not a tad more spacious than we initially thought. What’s more impressive was the low seating position for the driver – something the Ford Focus lacks and certainly adds to the Civic’s well established sporty appeal.

At this point, the only thing you need to be concerned of is the pricing for this Civic. It sits on the higher side of the price range in Thailand, but whether or not the Malaysian pricing will mirror this remains to be seen. Let’s just hope there exists a concrete plan for its local assembly for now. And yes, the turbocharged powertrain will definitely be offered in Malaysia.
If you want to know all about how much the Civic improved from the previous generation, we’ve got a
comprehensive report
 readied just for your reading pleasure.
Honda Accord
Facelift
Next up we have the
most technologically advanced Accord
 ever made. Just like the Honda Civic, the full LED headlamps you see featured here belongs to the more expensive trims. Needless to say, it will be made available in Malaysia, and locally assembled too!

Differentiating between the outgoing Accord and the facelifted model is relatively easy, really. If the headlights aren’t obvious enough, the front bumper styling, rear bumper and tail lamps are all given a fresh makeover. In Thailand, the Accord is sold in three trim levels – 2.0 E, 2.0 EL and 2.4 EL. Pricing starts
from RM163k to RM192k
.
The party piece of this Accord is the updated 7-inch touchscreen head unit which now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can gain access to Siri (for iOS) voice command, access messaging apps and a range of other compatible applications.

The Accord will also come with Honda Sensing – the company’s most comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems and driver-assistive technologies. Some of which include Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, multi-angle rear view camera, Expanded View Driver’s Mirror and
Remote Engine Start
.
Honda BR-V
Any Honda model whose name ends with the initial V is bound to find some form of success. The Honda BR-V was introduced shortly after the
HR-V
 took Malaysia by storm, so it’s only natural for everyone to invest some form of interest in the BR-V.
For those who are still not acquainted with the BR-V, it’s a direct competitor to the Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Avanza. In Thailand, it can be had in either a five or seven-seat configuration. Prices start from RM86,600 to RM94,600.

At its heart is a naturally aspirated
1.5-litre four-cylinder
 engine, and just like the Honda City, it makes
117 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
146 Nm
 of torque at 4,700 rpm. Power is sent to the
front wheels
 through the Earth Dreams
 CVT
. Some high-spec features include projector-type LED headlights, LED positioning lights, LED tail lamps, 6.1-inch touchscreen head unit and a reverse camera.
Presently, Honda Malaysia has not revealed plans of introducing the BR-V just yet. They’re in the midst of introducing two very important models (both locally assembled) for the Malaysian market, and there’s a good chance of them being the new Civic and Accord. Now, dear readers, would you pick the new Civic, or the Ford Focus facelift?
IMAGE GALLERY
2016 Honda Civic

 O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8

Honda Accord Facelift

Honda BR-V


Volkswagen Malaysia offers special promos on aftersales and new cars!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is welcoming owners to get their vehicles maintained and enjoy special promotions during this MCO 3.0 phase as service centres remain operational.
Owners who send in their vehicles for service will be able to enjoy
20%

off Volkswagen genuine engine oil
(terms and conditions apply), and those who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a
complimentary car care kit
 that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions in 50 ml bottles, while stocks last.
Under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative,
Volkswagen service centres
 nationwide follow strict guidelines which include contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, and cashless payments with e-invoicing.
Payment for service or repair work is now even more flexible with the availability of the
0% interest-free
 instalment plan. Customers can choose a six- or 12-month instalment plan with further details such as participating banks and terms and conditions available at selected authorised Volkswagen service centres.
VPCM has also prepared a special enhancement package for existing Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace owners. The Tiguan Allspace Highline accessories package is now priced at
RM6,134
, a savings of RM1,082. The package consists of scuff plates, aluminium pedal caps, load edge protector, rear mud slaps, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner plus installation charges.
All-new Volkswagen Golf launched in Singapore- 1.5l eTSI mild-hybrid and Golf GTI
Alternatively, the Tiguan Allspace R-Line accessories package sees a reduction of RM787 and is now priced at
RM4,464
. The package consists of a load edge protector, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner. Bookings to purchase the kit and future installation appointments can be arranged by calling a Volkswagen service centre.
It is also the best time to own the Volkswagen
Tiguan Allspace Highline
, as VPCM is now offering
eShowroom
 savings of RM4,500 on top of the ongoing promotion. The Allspace Highline is priced from RM164,431 and it comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a 3-year free maintenance package.
For those who prefer the Volkswagen Passat sedan, both the
Passat Elegance
 and Passat R-Line comes with the increased eShowroom savings of
RM5,000
 on top of ongoing promotions. The Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,857 while the Passat R-Line will set you back RM203,411.
The promotions above run for the entire month of June.


BMW on vertical kidney grille: We have to be different, to stand out

As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”. In the case of the highly-debated vertical kidney grille, that’s seems to be BMW’s stand.
When the company first premiered the ground-breaking (or to some, glass-shattering) vertical grille design in the
all-new BMW 4 series
 and subsequently the
new M3 and M4
, the Internet reigned down upon them with lets say, less than encouraging remarks.
The 4 Series Convertible
.
BMW’s design boss, Domagoj Dukec, the man behind the new look has revealed BMW’s side of the story in a recent interview with
 Top Gear UK.
He claims to be acutely aware of what’s going on in social media but also believes that
everyone is entitled to their opinion
. Dukec also highlighted that in order to stand out, one must be different.
A reference was to Chris Bangle’s era when the former BMW design chief completely redefined what a BMW ought to look like especially the E60 5 Series; much to the disagreement of BMW enthusiasts then. In reality though, it did appear that there were more suitors than haters.
Unclear if it’s the direction of the 4 Series or BMW in general but it seems, to us at least, that BMW is trying to tap into a
more niche group of customers
 they refer to as “expressive performers” – those want something that much more different; and not just everyday products.
The new BMW M4.
Dukec made it clear that
it is not BMW’s goal to please everyone
 – something you and I can surely agree on. He did also say it was to please BMW’s customers.
But who are these people? Who, including BMW enthusiasts, would look at that kidney grille and clap with approval? Not many as we have observed online.
Yes, even on the M3.
As it turns out, those are the exact people BMW wants to cater to, as Dukec highlighted; the remaining few who’ve not been driven away (pun intended) by those gapping nostrils.
Dukec also pointed out that not every BMW customer is a 4 Series customer, but is confident that those who are will see the beauty of the vertical grille and of course, the said car as a whole.
Well said, but we’ll leave it to time, to tell.


Volvo Batik reusable face masks also benefits those who make them – RM99 for 3pcs!

Single-use surgical face masks have caused a pandemic within a pandemic, as most end up as litter, or worse, as nano plastics in oceans.
Volvo Car Malaysia
, Three Little Ahmads, and NanoTextile have launched a collection of batik reusable face masks. They’re not only sustainable but also keep local communities at work in these difficult times.
Tastefully designed by Three Little Ahmads, a Malaysian children’s clothing brand and social enterprise, the masks are
produced by single mothers, women in rural neighbourshoods
 and GIATMara vocational alumnus, who lost jobs due to retail factory closures during last year’s MCO.
Remember the face masks Lamborghini made last year? Check it out again
here
!
These
100% cotton face masks are handmade
, using the traditional “Batik Tekap” method. They come in a set of three, in different colours and designs – Dark Blue (Sunflower), Navy Blue (Stargazer Lily), and Sky Blue (Jasmine). Sizes range from medium to large. Priced at
RM99 per set
, they’re available at Volvo dealerships nationwide.
They’re anti-bacterial and water repellent with viral protection
up to 100 gentle washes
. The materials are provided by NanoTextile, which utilises nanotechnology to reduce the penetration of contaminated droplets and prevent fabric infection.
You can now leave your old electronics for recycling at any Volvo dealership nationwide! Click
here
 to find out more!
These masks provide PM2.5 filtration and is tested to effectively filter out 90% of viral particles.
For every mask sold, an individual from the communities mentioned above will be compensated. So far, it’s said that the income generated from the production of these face masks have provided these women with a stable income.
All Volvo employees to get 24 weeks paid parental leave! Read about it
here
!
Volvo Car Malaysia, Marketing and PR Director, Akhtar Sulaiman said, “This collaboration truly falls in line with Volvo’s core philosophy of ‘Omtanke’, which is a Swedish word and Volvo’s brand ethos that means ‘to care’ and ‘to be considerate’. We are honoured to lend a helping hand to our local communities and sustain their livelihoods, especially during these economically challenging and vulnerable times.”
For more information about the Volvo Batik Reusable face masks, click
here
.
GALLERY


This is one very disturbing video advertisement for a car

We’ve all seen our fair share of car advertisement videos. They’re always upbeat, exciting and explosive (sometimes literally) but whatever it is, they’ve always made us anticipate the sight of the car in the flesh.
This one though, is a special case; and not necessarily in a good way. There’s no other way to say it – we’ve never seen anything like this before. It revolves around the exciting
Hyundai i30 N
 – a 2.0-litre turbocharged fire-breather with an output of
272 hp
 with
353 Nm
 of torque.
We’re well aware by now what an exhilarating package the i30 N is through foreign media and this over-done video, suffice to say, sings all the wrong tunes of a thrilling hot hatch.
It just looks like an awful introduction to a black and white bondage film that will make you cringe from start to finish. Watch it and you’ll know what we’re on about.


Here’s five car chase scenes from the 90s to revisit

I’m going to be real with you guys. The rate of human idiocy is spiking at unprecedented levels in every part of town and country – with those refusing to come forward for testing and some still loitering like it’s just another day.
As such Covid-19 has shown what it can do to the stubborn and the less intelligent but guess what, there is a silver lining (somewhat; just bad timing).
There’s no better time to tell the boss to get off your back, stay put at home, and binge on movies like there is no tomorrow (cause there might not be). So here’s five chase scenes from the movies of yesteryear worth revisiting.
Speed

Right, there weren’t any car chase scenes in this save for the one where Keanu Reeves tried to get on the bomb-strapped bus but there were some memorable scenes – like the one where the same bus jumped a gap on an uncompleted highway as if it had wings.
Who’d also forget how nerve-wrecking it was watching the bus passengers being transferred to safety, leaving only Bullock and Reeves behind? If this timeless classic has slipped your memory, it’s time to make use of the coming weekend.
The Rock

This Michael Bay film has left a longer lasting impression that I thought. Not only do I remember the Hummer H1 vs Ferrari F355 chase scene like it was just yesterday, as an eight year old, it sparked my adoration for the car – something that has lasted till this day.
It’s still the only Ferrari worth losing your reproductive organ for and I’m sure most would agree. The Ferrari also gets crushed by a tram in the end and rumour was that it was a replica made out of a Pontiac.
Ronin

The plot of the movie might come off as confusing to most, but there is no confusing the car chase scene involving a E34 BMW M5, a Peugeot 406 and the tight alleyways of Paris.
Touted as one of the best car chase scenes since Steve McQueen’s “Bullit”, it remains the most talked about till this day but only for those precious few minutes as the movie, with an reported budget of only USD55 million, tanked after raking in just USD70 million.
Transporter
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xewS5I4Eho
Not only did it put Jason Statham on the map, the E38 BMW 7 Series surely sparked a deeper love among us for the brand. The car used was supposedly a 750iL with a V12 engine and a manual gearbox (for a more dramatic effect) but was identified as a 735i in the movie.
BMW never made another V12 with a manual transmission, although they really should have.
Terminator 2
: Judgment Day

“Hasta la vista baby”, “I’ll be back”, “Come with me if you want to live” – these were only just some of the iconic quotes (and moments) in the movie.
The rest, for some reason, involved trucks and at this point, Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the peak of his powers, apparently commanding USD15 million to reprise his role in the James Cameron franchise – no wonder he kept coming back *wink*


Bentley Continental GT Convertible Mulliner Riviera Collection is the perfect match for your yacht

If you were to draw a Venn diagram of
 Bentley
 owners and yacht owners, we’d wager that the overlap between the two is probably pretty significant. So it comes as no surprise that Bentley has now unveiled a new special Mulliner Riviera Collection for the
Continental GT Convertible
, which is designed to “celebrate the elegant world of the yachting industry”.
Production is limited to only three units, and because ‘yacht’, it’s also only available exclusively via Bentley Monaco, the “elite hub of luxurious Mediterranean sailing”.
Each of the three cars are painted in either an Aegean Blue, Aquamarine, or Caribbean Blue exterior, all of which supposedly draws inspiration from the colours of the Mediterranean Sea along the French Riviera. The same hue is also applied onto the carbon fibre bodykit, as well as the boot lid spoiler.
The highlight of the special-edition model, however, is on the inside. Aside from the usual splash of colour and extra thematic trims like the door sill plates and marine knot embroideries, the entire centre console is also topped with a unique patterned wooden veneer mimicking the wooden deck of yachts.
Linen hide and Alcantara trims tie up the nautical theme of the interior, while buyers will also receive special Reviera leather key cases to remind you of your car when you’re sailing away on your actual yacht.
“Bentley Monaco’s understanding of the yachting world, a key focus of the principality, together with the know-how of our Mulliner designers, have created truly exceptional and unique cars,” commented Bentley Europe Regional Director, Balazs Rooz. “This will complement the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and surroundings where this one-off Continental GT Convertible will likely be driven and enjoyed.”
The British luxury carmaker did not divulge on the car’s specifications, but we don’t expect it to be any different to the regular GT Convertible. That means a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet and an eight-speed gearbox, sending
550 hp
 and
769 hp
 to all four wheels, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of
4.1 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
319 km/h
.
RELATED:
The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is opulence at the highest levela=
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Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7.5 at the Singapore Motor Show

We were at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show for the
regional launch of the Subaru EyeSight system
 but we can’t help but to pop by the Volkswagen booth to check out the
Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift (MK7.5)
 in the metal.
Earlier, Volkswagen introduced the updated Golf MK7.5 which brought about some styling enhancements, new tech and new engine choices. The GTI, in particular, gets a new headlamp design with restyled LED Daytime running light graphics, honeycomb grille and aggressive front bumper design with aerodynamic elements on the fog lamp housing. Over at the rear, the refreshed GTI gets new taillamp graphics, more pronounced bumper and in typical GTI fashion, dual exhaust outlets.

The cabin architecture remains true to the new-generation Volkswagen family, but with added gizmos and higher-quality materials. The model on display comes with a 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 9.2-inch “Discover Pro” infotainment with gesture control, revised steering wheel design with more straightforward controls, powered sunroof and leather upholstery with red top stitching.
Under the hood of the GTI is an updated 2.0-litre TSI engine packing
227 hp
, 9 more horses than before and
350 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a
seven-speed DSG
 that is more efficient than the current six-speeder.

The display unit here is equipped with the
Performance Pack
 option as denoted by the red brake callipers and larger front brake discs. Output is bumped to
241 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of twisting force, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of
6.2 seconds
 and a top speed of
248 km/h
.
The Volkswagen
Golf MK7.5 range is long overdue in Malaysia
 and the pre-facelift GTI has long sold out. However, we can trust that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will reintroduce the GTI and R in due course.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mini Malaysia introduces the Limited 55 Edition MINI Cooper Countryman, priced at RM189k

In celebration of
MINI’s 55th Anniversary
 as well as
Merdeka day
 and
Malaysia day
,
Mini Malaysia
 is introducing the
Limited 55 Edition MINI Cooper Countryman
 exclusively for the Malaysian market.
Mr. Alan Harris, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Malaysia has been our home for more than 10 years now and with the loyal support of our MINI customers here, we are proud to have established ourselves as the number one premium automotive company here. The new 55 Edition MINI Countryman is our way of thanking our Malaysian MINIacs and paying tribute to Malaysia for all that she has been to us”.
Based on the MINI Cooper Countryman, Limited 55 Edition gets a bespoke trim but the powertrain remains the same as the standard Cooper Countryman. This means under the bonnet there’s a
1.6-litre 4-cylinder
 engine with
120 hp
 powering the front wheels via the
6-speed auto
 box.

Externally, Limited 55 Edition is equipped with
16-inch 5-Star Single Spoke wheels
,
55 Edition Badge
 on the grille, and
55 Edition Sports Stripe
 that runs across the bonnet, side skirting, and tailgate.
There are five main paint colours to choose from; Blazing Red, True Blue, Royal Grey, Light White and Brilliant Copper with contrasting mirror cap and roof in black. However, Blazing Red, True Blue, Royal Grey can also be had with white mirror cap and roof.
The cabin is fitted with
Cloth Cosmos Carbon Black
 upholstery and
Piano Black
 trim with
Polar Beige inlay
. Safety-wise there are 6 airbags, ABS, DSC, and Autimatic Stability Control_Traction (ASC+T).

Production of the 55 Edition MINI Countryman will be
limited to only 55 units
, so if you’re interested you better be quick because the on the road price without insurance, with 3 years MINI Service Inclusive is
RM 188,888.00
.
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PROTON We-Care Prihatin Banjir programme: Free labour cost, 30% discounts on parts

As a part of their corporate social responsibility initiative,
Proton
 is proud to announce their
PROTON We-Care Prihatin Banjir programme
 now offers
 30% discount on parts
 for Proton owners affected by the flood. On top of that, there will be
 no charges (FOC) on labour cost for car repairs
.
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON said “As a national car manufacturer, we are responsible to help flood victims as the cost of vehicle repairs from flooding requires a huge amount of money. Through this programme, we hope to ease their burden especially to those whose cars are not covered by insurance for natural disasters”.
Furthermore,
 free inspection service
 will be provided, along with
valuation of damages
 and
 towing assistance
 from the affected location to the selected PROTON service centres.
Proton also shared some
 tips on how to manage a flood-affected vehicle
:
 1.       Do not turn on your car engine.
 2.       Do not use a remote control to open the car door. Instead, do this manually.
 3.       Make sure to remove the negative terminal of the car battery to stop the flow of electricity in the car.
 4.       All three measures above are intended to minimize damage to equipment, in particular to electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle.
 5.       If these steps are taken, some equipment can still be saved.
 6.       After turning off the car electricity, remove valuables from the car, lock the door manually and get the car towed to an authorized PROTON Service Center.
The programme will run until
15th of March 2015
, and
PROTON Customer Care
 can be reached at
 1800-888-398
 for enquiries, assistance and towing service.
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