RM5.5k/year, Mercedes-Benz ‘Acceleration Increase’ makes EQ EVs 1 second faster

As car companies become more software-centric, it is no surprise that upcoming cars will be upgradable via software by the manufacturers themselves. As such,
Mercedes-Benz
 has just launched a new “Acceleration Increase” page on its USA customer website. Claiming to make your car accelerate for up to 1 second quicker (0-60mph), the subscription package is listed at a yearly price of $1,200.00 (approx.
RM5,494.20
).
Previously, companies like Hyundai and Renault have announced their plan for software-centric vehicles.
Hyundai’s Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)
 gives customers the freedom to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time. Renault has joined forces with Google to also develop future SDVs.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ launched in Malaysia
According to the Mercedes-Benz USA customer website, the “Acceleration Increase subscription” would “unleash enhanced performance for your car” and provide “noticeable improvement in acceleration of 0.8 to 1.0 seconds (0-60mph times)”. The package essentially boosts the car’s output by 20-24%, depending on the original output from the factory.
The torque is also increased, and Mercedes-Benz EQ customers can select the additional output in the ‘Dynamic Select’ drive programs. The increased acceleration is “available irrespective of the ‘Dynamic Select’ drive program”. The performance boost and the corresponding quicker acceleration times for the selected Mercedes-Benz EQ models are as such:
Vehicle
Standard Performance
‘Boosted’ Performance
Standard 0-60mph
‘Boosted’ 0-60mph
Mercedes-EQ EQE 350 4MATIC
215 kW
260 kW
6.0 s
5.1 s
Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV 350 4MATIC
215 kW
260 kW
6.2 s
5.2 s
Mercedes-EQ EQS 450 4MATIC
265 kW
330 kW
5.3 s
4.5 s
Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV 450 4MATIC
265 kW
330 kW
5.8 s
4.9 s
RELATED:
Mercedes me Store launched in Malaysia – Navigation now requires subscription
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Besides the performance increase, the “Acceleration Increase” package also allows you to make “adjustments of the motor characteristic curve, torque, and maximum output”. Currently only available for the EQE,
EQE SUV
,
EQS
, and
EQS SUV
, the EQE SUV shows the greatest improvement in 0-60mph acceleration time by a full second.
As all features and technology go, the software-centric performance boost will eventually find its way into more entry-level models. The electric and software-centric future of cars is creating new business opportunities and customer experiences. The ‘Acceleration Increase’ subscription package is not available in Malaysia at the time of writing, although the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is already available in Malaysia.
ALSO WATCH:
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, from RM329k – 5 Things


Paris Motor Show partially scrapped due to COVID-19

The 2020 Paris Motor Show, originally scheduled to start on the 29th of September, has been cancelled “in its current format”, with organisers citing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent economic shockwave.
According to a statement released by the organisers, the main event at the Porte de Versailles will not continue as planned. However, other side events such as the Movin’On summit and Smart City exhibition from the larger Paris Motion Festival will not be affected as of now.
The statement adds, “The deep reinvention of the event that we had already initiated, particularly with the Festival dimension around sustainable mobility as well as an important B2B section, could offer this opportunity.
“Nothing will ever be the same, but from this crisis we must learn to become agile, creative and more innovative than ever.”
The Paris Motor Show is yet another addition to the growing list of cancelled or postponed automotive events around the world, including the
abruptly cancelled
 Geneva Motor Show,
New York auto show
, and recently the
Detroit motor show
.
The Paris Motor Show, which alternates annually with the Frankfurt motor show, has seen dwindling attendance figures in recent years. It remains unclear if the “traditional” motor show will make its return as a full show in 2022, based on the “deep reinvention” mentioned in the statement.
The Frankfurt motor show has been
 relocated to Munich
 starting from 2021.


Lamborghini Aventador S gets more power and four-wheel steering

Lambroghini has just announced a new variant to the Aventador lineup, the new Lamborghini Aventador S. Bridging the gap between the base Aventador and the track-focused Aventador SV, the new S offers dramatically improved performance over the standard model.
At a glance, the Aventador S gets revised aerodynamic design, increased power, redeveloped suspension and new driver setting. In case you’re concerned, this beast of a car is still naturally aspirated with 12 cylinders.
With the intention to dramatically enhance the Aventador’s handling performance, it now wears a new front bumper and rear diffuser. Both were design to maximise aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag and generating downforce. As a result, the new Aventador S boasts
 130 percent improved front downforce
, over
50 percent

improved overall efficiency
 at high downforce and over
400 percent
 in low drag situations over the
Aventador coupé
.
The massive 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 mounted at the rear has been optimised to push out 40 more horses at
740 hp
 and
690 Nm
 of torque. Thanks to a better torque curve, maximum
engine revs have increased
 from 8,350 rpm to
 8,500 rpm
. Power is sent to all-four wheels via a single-clutch seven-speed ISR gearbox. Century sprint is done in
2.9 seconds
 while top speed is rated at
350 km/h
.
Not to forget to give the Aventador S some extra Lamborghini flair, a
newly developed exhaust system
 that is 20 percent lighter than the standard model provides an even more exciting soundtrack. In case you didn’t know, the Aventador S is also equipped with
engine start-stop system
 and
cylinder deactivation technology
 to bring down fuel economy to
16.9 litres per 100 km
.
Unlike the
Aventador SV
 that uses a massive rear wing and stiffer suspension setup to tame the extra horses, the Aventador S keeps all the power in check with
four-wheel steering
 (a Lambo first) where the rear wheels turns in the opposite direction of the front at low speeds for sharper turn in. At high speeds, all wheels turn in the same direction to provide maximum stability. The Aventador S also gets updated pushrod and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) as well as improved Electronic Stability Control programming. Specially developed Pirelli P Zero sticky tyres and carbon ceramic brakes are standard.
In addition to the usual three selectable driving modes – Strada, Sport and Corsa, Lamborghini has included a new
customisable EGO mode
. As the name suggests, it allows the drivers to select their desired traction, steering and suspension settings. The EGO mode also enables the driver to configure the new TFT digital instrument cluster to display their preferred digital screens.
Through
Lamborghini’s Ad Personam
programme, customers are able to customise every detail of the interior from an optional Lamborghini Telemetry System that records track performance to the stitching colour. At the very least we know that Apple CarPlay is a standard feature.
Base price of the Lamborghini Aventador S starts at €281,555 (RM1.3 mil) excluding taxes and options. Customer deliveries of the new Aventador S begins in Spring 2017. So dear readers, which Italian supercar would be your pick? This or Maranello’s twin-turbocharged
488 GTB
?
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The Kia Picanto GT Line is the cheapest way to enjoy a sunroof

Yeap, you heard that right – the Kia Picanto GT Line comes with a sunroof! Now which fresh graduate or college kid would not want that? Probably none.
For
 RM57,888, RM8,000 more
than the
 standard Picanto we reviewed
 which goes for RM49,888, the sunroof isn’t the only addition to the standard Picanto.
The other significant feature added to the Picanto GT Line, which would probably come in handy for those who are constantly on the phone behind the wheel (mostly youngsters) is the Autonomous Emergency Braking function.
Other attractive goodies that will surely resonate with the younger buying crowd are features such as the automatic air conditioning, cruise control, illuminated vanity mirror and two-tone leather seats which, unlike most cars in this segment, actually looks quite classy and tastefully put together.
If there are any young boys and girls who are attentive to their car’s condition, they’d appreciate the Type Pressure Monitoring System feature.
But by far the biggest attraction to the car, is how it looks on the outside. If the standard Picanto looked harmless and adorable, the GT Line looks like it’s dress in tactical gear.
Bigger 16-inch rims (standard 14-inch), along with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and dual exit exhaust pipes makes this Picanto GT Line the most “gaya” car under RM60,000.
And it shows too! At the
2019 Malaysia Autoshow
 where the GT Line is displayed, the younger visitors can’t resist stopping by for a look.
Don’t believe me? Come see it for yourself.
IMAGE GALLERY


We were utterly impressed with the new Hyundai Elantra, and so will you!

I don’t always have the privilege of being at every media drive; not because of the publication I’m at or previously from but probably due to a lack of exposure, I suppose, in this field. But when I do, it almost always never disappoint.
And I’m happy to say, yesterday was one of those days.
Fresh of the boat from the MINI Track Days 2017 just a few days ago, we got to experience two different cars today at the Hyundai Elantra Media Drive. They were the newly launched naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre Elantra and the 1.6-litre turbocharged Elantra Sport.

First impressions were great. It was instantly noticeable how much better looking they were from its predecessor – with leaner proportions and sharper features. Within the 2.0-liter model itself, comes two different variants, the Executive and the Dynamic where the latter essentially comes with a sporty body kit to differentiate itself from the Executive. Personally, I preferred the clean and simple lines of the Executive but as the saying goes, to each his own.
2.0-litre Elantra Executive
Moving on to the drive, the 2.0-liter Elantra was my designated vehicle. Setting aside the interior for now, I find myself checking a lot of boxes pertaining to the Elantra and one of them is throttle response. Equipped with a 6-speed Automatic gearbox, the Elantra’s acceleration and gear changes reacted swiftly to every input of the accelerator – very connected, very pleasing.

That said, while initial throttle response is superb, and even more so in Sports Mode, the 2.0-liter MPI engine that produces around 150 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque just seemed to lack the extra grunt to pull itself to the end of the rev range.
Another thing I’d like to highlight is the ride comfort. There were 3 of us motoring media sharing the same Elantra and we all unanimously agreed on how comfortable the ride was. Whether it was on the PLUS highway or the trunk roads, the Elantra absorbed the humps and bumps on the road so well that its undulations could simply go unnoticed.
1.6-litre Elantra Sport
While the interior’s design remained largely unchanged, there are a few standout features in this turbocharged sports variant. Distinguishing itself from the sombre surroundings of the 2.0-litre’s cabin, the Elantra Sports features additional trims with a carbon fibre appearance, vibrant Red and Black leather combination upholstery with sufficiently supportive Sport Seats.
.

And you’d need those seats to keep you in place cause this Elantra loves and relishes being thrown around. That’s because the Elantra Sport comes with a multi-link rear axle as compared to the 2.0-litre Elantra’s Torsion Beam setup and the vast difference could instantly be noticed at the first bend. It felt sure-footed and poised even at high speeds and although it has made the ride a tad stiffer, comfort was not at all compromised.
Its got a different steering too; one that resembles the same unit from the Hyundai IONIQ together with pedal shifters that allows you to seamlessly go through the gears of the 7-speed DCT transmission. It’s performance is something to be reckoned with. With a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing just over 200 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque, the Elantra Sport’s performance was simply unbelievable.
If anything, power delivery was so smooth that it did not feel like a turbocharged engine but it instead provided the performance of a strong Naturally-aspirated engine. That said, I stand corrected.
The edgy exterior of the turbocharged Elantra certainly reflected the sporty nature of its drive. It’s even got some aerodynamic bits to further enhance it’s stability – which provided impeccable stability as we stretched its legs on the open road. Not only comes with wheel air curtains, it’s undercarriage is also largely covered up, giving the Elantra a class leading drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd.
Given my limited time behind the wheel, I’m afraid there’s only so much that can be shared from my experience with both variants of the Elantra. I’d say this though; as thrilling as it was to drive, it’s still far from being the yardstick of it’s segment but seeing the improvements the Elantra has undergone over the years, this is Hyundai’s most exciting offering to date. To drive, at least.
IMAGE GALLERY
2.0-litre Elantra Executive & Dynamic

1.6 Turbo Elantra Sport


2017 G31 BMW 5-Series Touring unveiled, lighter, more spacious than ever

While we’re still waiting for the arrival of the new
G30 5 Series
 on Malaysian shores, BMW has gone ahead to unveil the G31 5 Series Touring. Sharing the latest tech and the charming good looks of the G30 5 Series Sedan, the G31 5 Series Touring adds more practicality into the mix, particularly at the tail end of the vehicle.
The added bulk round the back means it can carry at least
 40 additional litres
of cargo in the boot compared to the Sedan (the Sedan’s boot holds 530 litres), and can be expanded
up to 1,700 litres
 by folding the rear seats down. You could fold them down manually, but it can also be done by pressing a button in the boot. The tailgate itself is available with hands-free opening and closing, and the rear window opens separately for a quick access.
From the rear seats forwards it’s the same cabin found in the G30 5 Series Sedan. This means that the top spec car is fitted with
10.25-inch touchscreen
 display for the iDrive infotainment system that supports
voice command and gesture control
.
Sharing the same tech as the Sedan, the 5 Series Touring can be specced with the semi-autonomous
 Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
 and
Lane Keeping Assistant
 which keeps the car in its lane for speeds
up to 210 km/h
.
Parking Assistant
 lends a helping hand in steering the car into a parking spot, or you can do it from outside the car by simply using the remote.
At launch, there are two petrol and two diesel variants. The
530i
 uses a
2.0-litre four-cylinder
 with
252 hp
 and
350 Nm
, while a
 3.0-litre inline-six
 in the
540i
 develops
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
. The
2.0-litre four-pot diesel
 in the
520d
 generates
190 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, while the
530d
 gets a
 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel
 that’s good for
 265 hp
 and
620 Nm
.
Only the 520d can be had with a
six-speed manual
. Otherwise, an
eight-speed ZF automatic
 is tasked to deliver power to the rear wheels. The
xDrive all-wheel drive
 system is standard on the 540i, but it’s available as an option on the 530d.
Want one? Don’t keep your hopes high. We doubt that the G31 5 Series Touring will ever make it here in Malaysia, but we’re hearing good news about the G30 5 Series Sedan, so watch this space for future updates!
IMAGE GALLERY


Taipei AMPA aftermarket and automotive electronics expo returns for 2022!

Following its success last year, where visitors from over 65 countries were attracted to one of the biggest automotive trade shows in Asia, the Taipei AMPA has announced its return for 2022.
In 2021, the 2nd largest automotive trade show in Asia attracted the likes of Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mahle, Valeo, Denso, Foxtron, and PTT Oil as a platform to meet and mingle with other aftermarket and automotive electronics manufacturers.
If you’re unaware, Malaysia and Thailand have been big consumers of automotive products from Taiwan; importing parts totaling USD237 million in 2019. The same year also saw other ASEAN countries acquire over USD480 million worth of automotive parts and electronics.
This year’s edition has seen all major manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories including lighting and EV components have signed up to show off their latest developments.
Each year, AMPA attracts only the best in OEM automotive parts manufacturing including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Fisker, and Gogoro here. In focusing on C.A.S.E (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric), Taipei AMPA promises to display only the best in IoV, EV, 5G, and C-V2X technology while visitors (both online and on-site) can expect a display of the future to the automotive industry.
Since an online version of AMPA was launched in 2021, it has become the first international automotive trade show to be held physically and virtually. For the 2022 edition, the AMPA Digital Go platform has been introduced to not only connect exhibitors and buyers, but will also provide various digital tools for vendors to showcase their products more effectively.
The
online version
of the 2022 Taipei AMPA Hybrid Show takes place between the 11th – 24th of April, while the physical expo takes place between the 20th – 23rd April, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall 1.
The Taipei AMPA is Asia’s 2nd largest automotive trade show since its inception in 1984 and is also the only show in Asia that offers two and four-wheeled innovations and solutions under one roof.
For more information on the TAIPEI AMPA tradeshow and its vendors, click
here
 or click
here
 to register. Keep in touch with the latest developments of Taipei AMPA through their
Facebook
 and
 Twitter
acoount!


Subaru’s all-new BRZ Super GT300 challenger looks properly pissed-off

The
all-new Subaru BRZ
, unveiled just last month, has a sort of silly-grin look to it – to us at least – probably due to its large mouth-like grille. While it’s inoffensive, the gleeful look probably won’t fly in a more serious setting, like the
Super GT
 races that Subaru races in. It’s a good thing then that the changes Subaru made on the BRZ Super GT300 challenger makes it look properly angry.
The new race car was revealed during a Subaru Motorsport fan appreciation live stream over the weekend. For those who just want to see and hear it in action, check it out in the video below at 1:54:52.

While it’s based on the road-going Subaru BRZ, not much is shared between that and this race car version aside from the general silhouette and the headlights and taillights. Set to compete in the Super GT300 class (the lower-rung class in the series), the race car version of the Subaru BRZ is given a much more aggressive exterior with widened fenders, a huge front splitter, massive two-tiered rear diffusers, and of course, a humongous towering rear wing, because race car.
There’s also the obligatory race car ducts and vents, a ventilated front bonnet, race fuelling mechanisms, simplified side mirrors, polycarbonate windows (for weight savings), lightweight BBS wheels, and what appears to be an escape hatch on the roof. Subaru basically did not share any other details regarding the race car specification BRZ, though do expect most of the exterior bodywork to be made out of carbon fibre.
What’s also still a mystery is its beating heart underneath the front bonnet. Based on Subaru’s previous entries into the Super GT300 class, we figure that it will still be a four-cylinder boxer engine underneath the hood, but of course, a lot higher in output than the 228 hp and 249 Nm of torque of the road-going version.
We’ll know more about it soon enough, but for those that want to see it in person, the Subaru BRZ race car will be competing in the Super GT 300 series next year, where Sepang has been confirmed to return in the 2021 calendar for a night race – pending confirmation of dates!
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First ever Audi Q8 to debut in China, sexy enough to take on the BMW X6?

We last heard of the Audi Q8 name
a little over a year ago
 and now the four-rings have kick-started the launch campaign of its upcoming SUV coupe. Slated for global unveiling at the 2018 Audi China Brand Summit in Shenzhen, the Q8 is teased in a series of short films.
Positioned as the
BMW X6
 and
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
 rival, the Q8 is essentially a spin-off of the Q7 that sits at the top of Audi’s SUV range. In concept form, the SUV coupe retains much of its family design cues like the hexagonal Singleframe grille, slim headlamps and single stripe trim that connects the taillamps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfmI_H0mH34&list=PLjUGX1CoBABkBAxF2eC73FQL9jqGsZBKN&index=1
What is noticeably unique to the Q8 is the decidedly angular C-pillar that meets the extended tailgate design, giving the SUV its coupe silhouette. As for cabin design, expect the Q8 to feature items on the
new-generation A8
 such as triple-screen Audi Virtual Dashboard and an array of luxury items. It remains to be seen whether the Q8 will be offered as a four- or five-seater.
Technical information on the new SUV coupe is scarce but Audi has given the public a glimpse when it displayed the Q8 Concept with a plug-in hybrid powertrain generating
328 hp
. The company previously has shown the
Q8 Sport Concept
 with a 3.0-litre petrol V6 mild-hybrid to deliver
476 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of twist.

The 2018 Audi China Brand Summit will take place on 5 June 2018 where the first-ever Audi Q8 will be revealed in full. In the meantime, tune in to the
mini-series
 leading up to the official launch of the Q8.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi Q8 Sport Concept


Mugen’s new kit for the Honda Civic has some really weird tailpipes

For those who want their Hondas to look a little edgier, Mugen’s body kits are a great place to start. We’ve all seen the Mugen treatment on the
Honda Civic Type R
, and now the Japanese aftermarket company has brought a lot of the same design over to the regular Civic, though unfortunately (for us Malaysians) most of the parts currently available are for the Hatchback version only.
On the outside, the cosmetic upgrades include a carbon fibre front grille, front bumper garnishes, front lip extension, side skirts, rear lip with integrated diffuser, a two-tiered roof spoiler, and two 19-inch wheel designs to choose from.
Additional accessories include ventilated door visors, redesigned replacement LED taillights, carbon-fibre wing mirror covers, hydrophobic wing mirror inserts with integrated LED indicators, carbon-fibre number-plate holder, and even door handle protectors. Of course, Mugen badges and emblems are available to purchase as well.
The highlight of the new Mugen kit for us though, is the unusually-shaped tailpipes, which can be purchased as part of the sports exhaust system. Mugen says that the “dual hexagonal” taipipe exits are inspired by the nozzles on the jet fighters, though to us they just look like deformed square steel tubings that don’t really seem right from any angle you look at it…
Either way, Mugen says that the sport exhaust system is made from lightweight stainless steel, and is certified for use as a replacement exhaust system by the Japanese government. Other performance-enhancing parts include high-performance brake pads, larger brake rotors, micromesh brake lines, high-performance brake fluid, low-temperature thermostat, engine oil treatment, high-performance engine oils developed with Motul, as well as a high-performance oil filter.
Inside, the Honda Civic can be fitted with a flat-bottomed leather/carbon fibre steering wheel, Alcantara FIA-certified full bucket driver seat, quick shifter kit, Mugen push-start button, red or black floor mats, carbon-fibre-like inner door protector sticker, as well as Mugen scuff plates.
While we don’t get have the hatchback version here in Malaysia, the
2020 Honda Civic sedan
, launched late February this year, is now available starting at RM109,326 thanks to the
sales tax exemptions
 in place until the end of the year – you can see the full updated price list for Honda models
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Proton Persona and Exora Black Edition for the family-oriented

At the same digital launch event that revealed the motorsport-inspired variants of the
Proton Iriz R3
 and
Proton Saga R3
, the national automaker also introduced
Black Edition
 models of the Persona and Exora.
As the name implies, Quartz black was chosen at the company felt the colour suggested a sense of elegance and premium-ness. Black also create a favourable impression.
The
Persona
 and
Exora
 Black Edition models are based on the highest Premium grade of both models. Black highlights are found on the upper grille with gold accents applied to the front and rear lower bumper garnish. Black garnish on the headlamps completes the updates upfront.
The rims continue with the dual-tone finish but now highlighted in gold, with a matching gold sticker running at the lower edge of both vehicles.
Inside, the Proton Persona Black Edition sees the biggest change compared to the Premium variant it is based on. The two-tone black with light grey interior has been switched to an
all-black
 affair, from ceiling to the floor.
Both vehicles have its centre console surrounding the touch screen finished in gold, with the Persona having additional gold highlights on the control dials of the air-conditioner. All Proton cars are now fitted with an
N95 cabin filter
.
Black leatherette material with contrast stitching wraps the seats of both family-oriented vehicles. The Proton Exora Bold Edition comes with an added
overhead monitor
.
Both the Proton Persona and Exora Bold Edition models are limited to just
500 units
 each.
“The Persona and Exora Black Edition models certainly add a premium feel and implied luxury to our two family-oriented offerings,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar at the digital launch earlier today.
A quick recap of the features of the Proton Persona Black Edition. The engine has outputs of
109 hp
 and
150 Nm
 of torque from the 1.6-litre engine paired with a CVT. Features include automatic headlamps, the seven-inch infotainment system with GKUI voice command, push start button, six airbags and a reverse camera.
The Proton Persona Black Edition is priced at
RM54,700
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the 30th of June 2021.
In the seven-seat Proton Exora Black Edition, the turbocharged engine delivers
140 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of torque. Comfort and convenience features include cruise control, touch screen infotainment system, armrest on the front seats, ceiling-mounted rear air-conditioning, reverse camera, two airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).
The Proton Exora Black Edition meanwhile is priced at
RM67,800
 under similar sales conditions.
GALLERY
Proton Persona Black Edition
Proton Exora Black Edition


Ravensburger’s new 3D puzzle lets you build your own Lamborghini Huracan Evo

Is the regular
Huracan Evo
 just a bit too big (and too expensive) for you? Thanks to a new collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Ravensburger, you can now buy a Lamborghini Huracan Evo in the form of a 3D jigsaw puzzle instead!
The collaboration has faithfully recreated the Huracan EVO V10 sports car into a 1:18 scale replica 3D puzzle, and amazingly enough, it managed to capture and replicate the dynamic lines and sophisticated aerodynamic styling of the Huracan EVO through the 108 numbered plastic pieces plus accessories.
The 3D puzzle is almost a one-to-one copy of the actual car, from the Y-style front bumper and Y-shape in the headlights, hexagonal details that can be found throughout the car, and even the original
 Arancio Xanto
 orange paint job – with everything sized down, of course.
Lamborghini’s DNA, such as the iconic low-slung profile, was not discounted eventhough the Huracan Evo has been downsized 18 times. Fully built, the 3D puzzle measures 26 cm in length.
However, to recreate the car in the most true-to-life form, not every part of the Lamborghini Huracan was built in puzzle form. The kit includes 32 high quality plastic feature accessories, such as the axles, the four rotating wheels that faithfully replicate the Aesir rims found on the real car, along with a front splitter and rear diffuser.
If you are a Lamborghini enthusiast or simply just enjoy scale model cars, then the Ravensburger 3D Puzzle Lamborghini Huracán Evo could be right up your alley. Should you be interested in the puzzle, it is available on
Ravensburger’s website
 for EUR34.99 (approx. RM170.62).
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PLUS contributes 10 Honda CR-V 2.0L to JPJ for highway enforcement duties

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) today handed over 10 units of the
Honda CR-V 2.0L
 to the Road Transport Department (RTD) or more fondly known as JPJ. These vehicles will be deployed for enforcement duties on various highways by JPJ.
The vehicles, totalling RM1.3 million, were presented to Deputy Director General of JPJ, Tuan Zamakhshari Hanipah by PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail at Persada PLUS. The handover ceremony was also witnessed by Deputy Minister of Transport, Dato’ Haji Kamarudin Jaffar and PLUS Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim.
“The presentation of these vehicles will enable PLUS to improve safety on our highways through regular enforcement by the RTD. The handing over of the vehicles to the RTD is an initiative to assist the authority in carrying out its monitoring and enforcement duties on the highways,” Datuk Azman explained.
The PLUS-JPJ collaboration as well as other enforcement agencies implemented by PLUS saw a significant drop in the number of accidents on the North-South Expressway (NSE)
from 14,532 incidents in 2016 to 13,269 incidents in 2018
.
Datuk Azman also announced that PLUS will be funding the installation of 11 additional AWAS speed cameras at accident-prone areas along the NSE in the coming months.


The extensively updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class is so easy on the eyes

Mercedes-Benz describes the mid-life facelift of the current generation E-Class as an
‘extensive update’
, and we have no reason to doubt that. If anything, the styling makeover looks more like a
full model change
 as Mercedes designers wielded their modelling tools over the safe-looking but still
strong-selling W213 E-Class
, which chalked up sales of
1.2 million units
 globally since its debut in 2016.
Somehow, the Mercedes designers managed to unlock the latent beauty of the E-Class and given it its just rewards. It’s particularly obvious from the rear where vertically stacked tail-lamps make way for a
split, two-piece LED item
 joined by a tasteful
chrome strip
 on the
new boot lid
. The bumper is new as well, and the end-product looks
far more elegant
 than before.

The change at the front is perhaps less outstanding compared to the refresh at the back of the E-Class, what Mercedes-Benz has gone for is a more
dynamic look
 with the sporty
Avantgarde Line
 being the
base trim
 with redesigned headlamps, grille and front bumper. It’s a cleaner, more cohesive-looking face that’s in line with the
new design language
 which debuted in the
CLS
.
Mercedes didn’t stop at the exterior as the cabin and the rest of the mid-size executive saloon have also been updated with a raft of new technology, particularly in the area of
electrification
. The E-Class range will get
seven plug-in variants
 (over saloon and estate body styles, petrol and diesel), with the new
2.0-litre M254 four-cylinder engine
 to come with an
Integrated Starter-Generator
 (ISG) and
48-volt on-board electrical system
 with a
rated output of 268hp
 plus
20hp of electrical boost
 when available.
The high rate of advancement in the area of
driver assistance
 sees the E-Class gaining a new steering wheel with capacitive hands-off detection, Active Distance Assist (as part of Distronic), Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Brake Assist with cornering function, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and an cleverer Park Assist functions.
Like other newer Mercedes models, the facelifted E-Class is similarly equipped with the latest execution of the
MBUX interface
 featuring voice command, interior assistant, remote access and augmented reality.
2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class gallery


Mitsubishi XFC Concept gives us a taste of how the next-gen ASX will look like!

Mitsubishi Motors
 has unveiled the new XFC Concept ahead of the Vietnam Motor Show 2022, which the company says will preview a new compact SUV that is set to go on sale in several ASEAN markets starting next year.
Based on previous reports, this “compact SUV” is most likely referring to the next-gen
Mitsubishi ASX
, which is set to go up against the likes of the
Honda HR-V
,
Mazda CX-3
,
 Kia Seltos
,
Hyundai Creta
, and if it makes it over to Malaysia, the
 Proton X50
.

Unlike the
 European-market ASX
 that was merely a rebadged
Renault Captur
, the XFC Concept here is very much a Mitsubishi design, which the company says is themed around it being the “best-suited buddy for an exciting life”… whatever that means.
Key design elements here include the reimagined Dynamic Shield front fascia, joined by a unique T-shaped headlights assembly that somewhat resembles Volvo’s Thor’s hammer look. The T-shaped is also mirrored onto the rear of the car, where the three-dimensional taillights accentuate a unique design “bulge” on the tailgate.
The unique flared wheel arches, sculpted bonnet, offroad-inspired bumpers, and swollen rear haunches all help give the compact SUV more visual muscle, although we expect these, alongside the camera-based wing “mirrors” system, to be significantly reworked and/or toned down when it becomes a production model.
The interior of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept exudes a sense of premium-ness, with a focus on good forward visibility thanks to a three-tier dashboard design wrapped in a variety of textiles and materials. However, we expect most of these, including the unique seat design and plethora of touch sensitive buttons, to be significantly scaled back in order to fit in the price bracket of a compact SUV.
With that being said, the general design of the cabin does look fairly production ready, with the twin floating-style displays most likely being retained in the eventual production vehicle. Mitsubishi also says that the XFC Concept was designed to maximise interior and cargo space despite its small footprint, with a particular focus on rear legroom, offering “top-level comfort in its class”.
RELATED:
For Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur
Technical details for the XFC Concept (or next-gen ASX for the matter) have yet to be disclosed, but Mitsubishi says that the concept vehicle comes equipped with four driving modes – normal, wet, gravel, and mud – where the Wet mode in particular is designed with usage in ASEAN countries in mind. We all know how frequently our roads get flooded when it rains.
Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato also revealed that a hybrid variant for the model is also on the cards. “In the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to also roll it out in regions outside ASEAN,” he said.
“We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle, making it a core model like the sales-leading
Xpander crossover MPV
.”
GALLERY


New Year, New Prices: RON95 RM1.91, RON97 RM2.11, diesel RM1.93

Looks like we will all be having a good start to the new year, because the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, has announced the
new pricing for RON95, RON97 and diesel
.
Effective at the stroke of midnight of 1 January 2015, RON95 will be priced at
RM1.91
 per litre, diesel at
RM1.93
 per litre and RON97 at
RM2.11
 per litre. That’s a good
35 sen
 reduction for RON95,
29 sen
 for diesel and
35 sen
 for RON97 from December’s pricing since the adoption of the managed float system.
In a press statement, Malek said, “All oil companies and petrol station operators must abide by the new pricing, otherwise stern action will be taken against those who violate the new rules.”
And oh, remember
Shell’s Win Free Fuel campaign
? Now’s your chance to pump more fuel! By the way, Happy New Year, guys!


Say goodbye to KL-Seremban Expressway and Salak Expressway tolls

Effective today 1st June 2018, there will be no more toll collections at the Sungai Besi toll for the Kuala Lumpur – Seremban Expressway and Salak Expressway (E37), according to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
As such there will be no toll payments needed when going through the Sungai Besi toll, depending on the vehicle class in the table below. That said, you’d still need to pay the normal rates when exiting at other tolls along the above mentioned highways.
Class 1
RM 0.80
Class 2
RM 1.20
Class 3
RM 1.70
Class 4
RM 0.40
Class 5
RM 0.60
However, because the E37 is not under PLUS, what you pay at the Sungai Besi toll covers the rates for using the Kuala Lumpur – Seremban Expressway and the PLUS highway.
Users at the Sungai Besi toll will only need to pay the toll charges within the confinements of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) they’re driving through. According to the LLM, this move is set to benefit 130,000 daily users passing through the toll.


New KIA centre in Seoul is the “first showroom” for the brand’s vision

The new Kia 360 in Seoul is the company’s first public space dedicated to showcasing its offerings including future mobility lifestyles, electrified mobility solutions, and design innovations. The centre first opened in 2017 under a previous name, BEAT360.
The exterior of the 20,000 sq ft building is remodeled with the brand’s signature colours – Midnight Black and Polar White. Inside, the building is divided into three sections – Brand & Design Zone, EV Life Zone, and Kia User Zone.
The
Brand & Design Zone
 showcases Kia’s new DNA and brand strategy after its recent logo change. It’s also used to display Kia’s new design philosophy through ‘thought-provoking’ art.
In the EV Life Zone, visitors can experience what Electric Vehicles (EV) are like and learn other aspects of living with an EV. There’s also a ‘Connected House’, an experiential cabin where visitors can visualise the future of connected driving.
At the Kia User Zone, customers are able to configure and customise vehicles using a 3D configurator. An Artificial Intelligence space also enables visitors to virtually experience Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) via artificial-intelligence technology.
“Kia360 illuminates the purpose of our new branding; that is to create a space and time thats inspire our customers to bring their ideas to real life,” said Kia.
GALLERY


Video: Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic review

When a person spends RM475k on a little crossover such as the
Range Rover Evoque
, when they can get a much larger, more powerful vehicle such as the
BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched recently
 for less, it speaks volumes of their preference and taste.
It’s hard to imagine anyone buying an Evoque if “value for money” is top on their priority list. Just like how those who’d spend thousands on Prada slippers wouldn’t think about that RM19.90 pair from Fippers, which will do the same job.

The new
Range Rover Evoque
may not have Victoria Beckham’s name associated to it, nor would David Beckham’s be needed. Adopting a somewhat similar design both on the inside and out, as the
much larger Range Rover Velar we reviewed last year
, there’s enough in the Evoque to draw attention without being too loud or brash.
There’s plenty of muscle to go with those good looks too. Its 2.0-litre engine gets you
 249 hp
 and
365 Nm
 and although it may not sound like much for a 1.8-tonne vehicle, there’s plenty of performance for your A to Bs and the occasional interstate travelling. Just don’t try to outrun the
equivalent-priced Porsche Macan
; to “save face”.
Overall, despite a few shortcomings, there’s still more to like than loathe about the Evoque but we’ll leave it to you to find out in the video.


2022 Mazda CX-8 now available with 2.5L Turbo in Malaysia, more kit across all variants

Alongside the launch of the MX-30, Bermaz Motor today also unveiled the updated 2022
Mazda CX-8
three-row SUV here in Malaysia, with the addition of a new SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo variant, alongside more standard kit across the board.
The new 2.5L Turbo variant will now be the range-topping offering in the Mazda CX-8 line-up here in Malaysia, coming exclusively in the six-seater High Plus trim (previously known as High). The existing
2.2D High Plus variant
 still remains available, although it makes the switch from AWD to 2WD; all-wheel drive is now available only on the new 2.5L Turbo variant.
Similar to the
CX-9
and
CX-5 Turbo
, the SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo mill underneath the hood of the new CX-8 also makes a maximum output of
228 hp
 and
420 Nm
, with power sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
No performance figures were provided, but Mazda says the new turbocharged CX-8 variant will have a slightly higher top speed of
200 km/h
 (196 km/h on others), alongside a marginally bigger fuel tank (74 litres, 72 litres on other variants).
Beyond the new variant, the equipment list for the 2022 Mazda CX-8 has also been updated across the board, with new standard additions including the GVC Plus brake torque vectoring system, a larger eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (wireless CarPlay on High and above), six-way power seat for the front passenger, additional USB ports for the 3rd-row seats, hands-free powered tailgate, and auto-folding mirrors.
The 2.5L Mid and High (previously Mid Plus) variants also gets updated with a new black leather upholstery, replacing the fabric seats, while the High Plus variants retain their Deep Red Nappa leather upholstery.
On the aesthetic end, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 receives a new front grille design with vertical strips on the High and High Plus variants, the latter getting an exclusive gunmetal finish. The range-topping models also get chrome strips around the lower edges of the car, along with new 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; the lower variants retain the same previous 19-inch wheels, and are painted black on the High variant.
The 2022 Mazda CX-8 also gets two new exterior colour options: Platinum Quartz and the Polymetal Grey – the latter first introduced on the
Mazda 3
.
Aside from these changes, the rest of the kit list remains the same from before across all variants, barring the name change (Mid Plus to High, High to High Plus). Standard equipment across the board includes automatic LED lighting fixtures, LED fog lights, three-zone climate control, seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, as well as a reverse camera.
Moving up to the 2.5 High variant will net you adaptive LED headlights with Mazda’s “Signature illumination”, LED daytime-running lights, as well as frameless and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while the High Plus adds on a head-up display, rear-door sunshades, 360-degree camera system, as well as seat ventilation and heating for the front seats. Roof rails are only available on the 2.5T and 2.2D variants.
As for safety kit, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia comes as standard with six airbags and stability control and traction control systems, and your standard suite of ABS with EBD and BA. The 2.5 High variant adds on autonomous emergency braking (front), blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-cross traffic alert.
The High Plus variants meanwhile get the full suite of Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which has been updated for 2022 with the addition of the adaptive radar cruise controll system with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist, and a new rearward autonomous emergency braking system.
Despite the addition of standard equipment across the board, pricing for the locally-assembled 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia has actually dropped slightly, now starting at RM178k for the entry-level Mid variant.
Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD MID – RM177,674.40
Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD HIGH – RM183.452.40
Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD High Plus – RM197,553.40
Mazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo AWD High Plus – RM212,225.40
Mazda CX-8 2.2L Diesel 2WD High Plus – RM204,758.80
All prices listed above are on-the-road, without insurance, and also does
not
 include the sales tax exemptions, which will expire this Friday. As usual, also included in the price is a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and free maintenance programme, the latter inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
GALLERY


Two 19-year olds pulled over in Canada after clocking 308 km/h in daddy’s car

The two have since been released but the driver’s license has been revoked and his daddy’s car impounded – both for 7 days – as part of an automatic “punishment” to prevent a repetition of the irresponsible act.
Two 19-years olds were pulled over on a highway in Toronto, Canada yesterday after their W204 6.3-litre V8 Mercedes-AMG C63 zoomed past highway patrol officers at 308 km/h. The W204 model was the
last of the C63 AMGs to receive a naturally-aspirated V8 engine
before Mercedes-AMG switched to the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engines
like in the current
 coup
e
 model we reviewed recently
.
“It’s the fastest speed I’ve ever seen in my time with the force. That’s over 85 metres per second! Not to mention three times the legal speed limit of that particular section,” said Sergeant Kerry Schmidt who thought it was a joke when his colleague sent a picture of the 308 km/h speed recorded on the radar speed gun.
“The officer in charge has been patrolling the highway that’s close to the airport runway so we thought he recorded the speed of a plane taking off or landing but this was just shocking. At that speed, if a car decided to merge into their lane and pull out in front of them, they would have no way of slowing down in time,” he added.
Sergeant Kerry Schmidt even said in his Twitter video that after the Mercedes-AMG was pulled over, other motorists even honked as they drove past – apparently in resentment – assuming they all saw how the AMG zoomed past them and just about everything in their way at such an unthinkable speed.
308 km/h on the
#QEW
. Two 19 year kids going for a “drive” with dads car. Driver charged with
#StreetRacing

https://t.co/iDw5r7nEB9
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD)
May 10, 2020

We strongly recommend that you watch this short “lecture”.
The driver now facing several charges, including one for street racing/stunt driving and a criminal charge for dangerous driving. The Sergeant also released
a very insightful lecture on Twitter shortly after
 – we strongly recommend that you
take just 12 minutes to watch it
.
It seems the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has given birth to increased hooliganism at just about anywhere with roads. The authorities in Toronto said that they’ve charged over 150 people and
impounded 15 cars per day
 since the 1st of May.
Source:
Twitter


The Nissan X-Trail could see a new turbocharged 1.5-litre engine option

The Nissan Rogue, or better known as the
 X-Trail
 around our parts of the world, could be getting a brand-new engine option soon – if the US’s Environmental Protection Agency’s official 2021 Fuel Economy Guide listings is anything to go by.
Spotted by automotive portal
Car and Driver
, the government website includes a listing for an unannounced variant of the Nissan X-Trail, featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
No other information on the new powertrain were found on the website; it is a fuel economy guide after all. When compared to the current naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine, the new three-cylinder unit is rated for a fuel consumption figure of
14 km/l
 in the combined EPA cycle, which translates to approximately 10% in improvements.
Compared to other turbocharged 1.5-litre engines, Nissan’s offering, rumoured to also employ the complex
variable compression ratio
 (VCR) technology, supposedly delivers better consumption than the small displacement engines offered by Honda in the
CR-V
 and Ford in the Escape.
It does obviously lose out to the hybrid powertrains from its competitors though, with most of them hovering around the 16 km/l range thanks to electric propulsion.
As expected, Nissan USA essentially denied rumours regarding the availability of this new 1.5-litre engine in the Rogue line-up. In its clarification to
Car and Driver
, a Nissan USA spokesperson said, “Nissan regularly evaluates potential future technologies on existing models. We are planning a
small pilot program
 with a potential new powertrain, utilizing the 2021 Nissan Rogue. We have nothing further to announce at this time.”
To further add fuel to the rumour, automotive websites from China have also recently spotted new units of the latest generation Nissan X-Trail, fitted with a ‘300 VC-Turbo’ badging at the rear – pointing towards a turbocharged VCR engine underneath the bonnet. The ‘300’ in the emblem denotes torque outputs of approximately
300 Nm
.
If the rumours turn out to be true, we could see the Nissan X-Trail with the new engine as soon as in a month’s time, to be launched at the 2021
Shanghai Motor Show
.
This 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is certainly not a new powertrain; the mill will also be featured in the recently-unveiled
Nissan Qashqai
, acting as an energy generator for their latest-generation
e-Power series-hybrid
 system.


TC Euro Cars updates Renault Subscription with new three-year plans, add-on options

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault in Malaysia, has updated its Renault Subscription and E-Store offerings today through a virtual media session.
TCEC says that the new updated plans are designed to help ease car ownership through flexibility and affordability, especially in these uncertain times, where the economic impact of the
COVID-19
 pandemic is not fully seen yet.
Starting with the Fixed Plan, the Renault Captur and
Koleos
 are now being offered with a
three-year tenure period
, previously reserved for the
 Megane R.S Fixed Plan subscription
.
Pricing for the existing Captur, Koleos, and Koleos Signature in the Fixed Plan have all increased by RM200 across the board, with the previous lowest price on the two-year plan moved to the new three-year plan.
Customers now also have two additional options in the fixed plans –
Captur Plus
 and the
Captur Trophy
, both of which now have their own subscription plans starting from
RM1,399
 and
RM1,499
 respectively for a three-year subscription tenure. This is in addition to the recently-announced
Pre-Owned Captur Subscription Plan
.
Along with the introduction of the new three-year plans, TCEC has also introduced
expanded add-on options
, including
increased mileage cap
 of up to 40,000 km; wear-and-tear parts;
accessories pack
 including security and solar tint, Digital Video Recorder (dashcams), child seats; as well as
Singapore access
 and
custom car registration number
.
Aside from the Fixed Plans, TCEC has also updated the Renault Subscription Switch Plans. The Switch Base plan is now offered with the
Captur Trophy at RM1,999 per month
, while the Switch Prime plan now offers the
Koleos at RM3,199 per month
.
The Switch Plans are based on a one-year tenure period, and are both eligible to two months of Renault family access, which includes the Megane R.S (limited to two weeks of usage), Captur and the Koleos.
Just as before, the Switch Plans subscription fees are inclusive of wear and tear coverage, road tax, insurance, and regular scheduled servicing, and does not come with any mileage restrictions or cancellation penalties. The aforementioned accessories pack and Singapore access add-ons are also available for the Switch Plans.
After a successful pilot phase of the
Renault Subscription Trial Plan
 at the Renault PJ showroom, TCEC is now expanding the Trial Plan to
all Renault showrooms nationwide
.
The Renault Subscription Trial Plan offers the flexibility to access the Captur for a week, priced at
RM399
. Alongside the nationwide roll-out, TCEC has also announced that customers are now
able to sign up for the Trial Plan unlimited times
, as opposed to the previous one-time only offer.
The company says that the move aims to help customers who may have had their budgets impacted by the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO), or who are not keen on long term commitments in this time of uncertainty.
All of the new subscription plans are now available on the
Renault E-Store
, where the entire customise, purchase, and subscription process can be completed online. Customers can also utilise the Renault E-Store to arrange for the free concierge service, as announced in the
Renault Relax campaign
.
To sweeten the deal, TCEC is offering rebates equivalent to
six months of instalment payments
 for any vehicle purchase on the E-Store from
20 April to 31 May 2020
. Other online-exclusive deals for new customers include a
five-year/100,000 km free service
 package, along with
 trade-in rewards worth up to RM8,000
.
Customers who prefer the Renault Subscription plans are entitled to a
one-month free subscription
, while those who opt for the
Pre-Owned Captur Subscription
 will continue to enjoy
50% off the first six months
 of their subscription fee.
As a teaser of what’s coming next in the brand’s charge into digitalisation, TCEC has announced that it will be launching a
new mobile application
 as an all-in one portal to manage their Subscription vehicle. Key functions in the application includes vehicle locking and unlocking, location tracking, trip history, car sharing, service reminders, emergency calls, and a vehicle vital data dashboard.
The application is expected to launch in June, and the full functionalities will be shared at a closer date.


Sketches of next-gen Kia Rio leaked online

The
current generation Kia Rio
 is indeed a looker (except maybe
the sedan
), thanks to the bold design language employed by Kia Motors. However, the third-generation Korean supermini is due for a replacement, and now we get a glimpse of what’s to come.
These sketches suggest the new Rio will retain its sporty outlook, appealing to the younger demographic of buyers. The new Rio’s extended wheelbase, sculpted doors, and higher shoulder line point towards a roomier cabin, and remains as a hatchback body for now.
Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille design is noticeable at the front, and the slimmer grille design is in line with Kia’s latest products. At the back, a new set of taillight design is used together with a small roof spoiler, so the changes aren’t as drastic compared to the model it replaces. Those large wheels you see here won’t make it to production, so don’t hold your breath too long.
Inside, the dashboard looks pretty much straightforward, with a larger central touchscreen for multimedia consumption. The new Rio is expected to be equipped with the latest connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
No announcements are made on the powertrain, but judging from the current UK spec, the 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as the 1.1-litre diesel lump will be carried over. Forced induction variants of the 1.4-litre and the all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre engines are also planned for the new Rio.
The new Ford Fiesta rival will make its full debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in late September. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of the year. Presently, Kia Malaysia is offering both the third-generation
Rio hatchback
 and
saloon
 models, starting from RM72,888.00.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Bentley Continental Flying Spur to have the coolest hood ornament ever?

When the Volkswagen group acquired Bentley Motors in 1998, the company founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919 only sold 414 cars that year, most of them handmade. In 2006, sales breached the 10,000 mark, 90% of which was contributed by the Continental range, with the Flying Spur 4-door limousine leading the charge.
With the
Bentayga SUV
 firmly established as the best-selling modern Bentley ever, the impending introduction of the Continental Flying Spur, rumoured to have a new name, should see Bentley sales breach new heights. You won’t need to be Einstein to figure out how the Flying Spur is going to look like; just imagine the
Continental GT Coupe
 with four doors and a boot.
The new Flying Spur is expected to be powered by either the amazing 608hp and 900Nm 6.0-litre W12 or a 550hp and 770Nm 4.0-litre V8, with a plug-in hybrid V6 variant to be available later on. But more than that, it looks like Bentley has upped the ante in the hood ornament stakes with a super slick iteration of the ‘Flying B’ that’s retractable and illuminated. How cool is that?


Final units of BMW i3s delivered – i3 name to live on in electric 3 Series

In a special event at
BMW

Welt, 18 final units of the
BMW i3s

have been delivered, marking the epilogue of one of the trailblazers for vehicle electrification. With a little over 250,000 units assembled over nine years, the i3 and i3s have been sold in more than 74 countries around the world.
Photo:
BMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook
All of the 18 units were sold to Munich-based car rental company CarVia, and were painted in Galvanic Gold Metallic combined with Glossy Black for some of the panels. The Golden i3s will be offered for rent at a rate of EUR44.10 per day.
The BMW i3s is powered by a
33.2-kWh
 battery that provides up to
245 km
 of range (WLTP). A single electric motor capable of
184 hp
 and
270 Nm
 drives the rear wheels, giving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of
6.9 seconds
. Closer to home, the BMW i3s was
officially sold in Malaysia
 at a price of RM278,800 between 2019 to 2020.
Photo:
BMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook
Although the i3/i3s was sold worldwide in over 74 countries, it never actually made it to China. However, the “i3” name was bestowed upon a China-exclusive electric version of the G20
BMW 3 Series
 in the People’s Republic.
RELATED:
BMW i3 returns as China-only fully-electric 3 Series, previews upcoming facelift
Photo:
BMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook
The delivery of the final units of the BMW i3s makes way for the “i3” name to be transferred onto the global electric BMW 3 Series that is set to debut in 2025. Tasked with spearheading BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, the upcoming electric BMW 3 Series will launch together with a “Sporty” EV SUV, rumoured to be the next-generation
BMW iX3
.
RELATED:
Not ready to go full electric, next-gen BMW 3 Series could use different platforms for EV and petrol variants


The ESP feature in this girl’s Volkswagen Golf may have saved her life

While most developed countries have made it mandatory for cars to come with essential safety systems, some unfortunately still lag behind when it comes to implementing such regulations. The days of shouting about merely having ABS or even pompously making it and optional extra, should be over.
Today’s consumers have become more aware of, prioritise and demand for safety over everything else (and rightfully so), prompting automakers to feature safety systems such as ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control among other as standard equipment to ensure that if the driver runs out of talent behind the wheel, the vehicle can step in and competently recover the situation.
A Reddit user recently posted this incident
 that happened while she was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf with her boyfriend and two other friends. They were driving along a stretch that had one of those “
little crests
” that when you went over it at speed, makes your stomach feel funny. Usually she’d just go pass it within the speed limit (100 km/h) and they’d all have a laugh in amusement.
That particular day, she decided to go faster having been influenced by her (what seemed like an mindless) boyfriend to push the boundaries a little and scare the rear passengers but what happened went beyond their expectations. As she sped up to around 140 km/h, the car caught some air and when it landed, she lost control of it and it began swaying hard, from side to side.
Upon regaining control of the vehicle, she realised had it not been for the
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
 feature in her car, things could’ve ended up worse than it did. She claimed that the wheels had lost traction and it felt as if the car took over, correcting itself back on course.
Having took the same way back, she spotted the trail of skid marks her car’s tyres left behind, presumably as it try to regain control on its own – realising how the little things we usually neglect to know about a car, had saved her.
The
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
 essentially helps provide the vehicle with optimum traction at all times and should not to be confused as a performance-enhancing system. In the event the vehicle starts skidding, it automatically applies the brakes on each wheel individually to help the vehicle regain composure and “steer” it back on course. Variations of this system also help reduce engine speed to mitigate the loss of control. All Volkswagens in Malaysia, the
Golf
,
Polo
,
 Beetle
,
Passat
,
Jetta
,
Vento
 and
Tiguan
 come with such a feature.
Video Credit:
Salihin Rahim
 /
Sri Narra
 /
GommeBlog.it


Video: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI & TSI R-Line at Sepang – the best just got better!

A few weeks back, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched the all-new Mk8 Golf, with three variants available – the TSI R-Line, the GTI and the surprise of the night, the Golf R.
As it locally assembled, couple with SST exemptions, prices for the Golf GTI and TSI have been slashed beyond recognition. The GTI, assembled outside of Germany and China for the first time ever, starts from RM211k while the TSI R-Line is estimated to be priced between RM155k to RM165k.

Shortly after the launch, we were treated to a brief night track session with the TSI R-Line and Golf GTI, in the South section of the Sepang International Circuit. That said, it was enough to tell us what the new Golfs were all about.
The biggest takeaway from the new Golf GTI was that it now corners even harder, flatter, and more composed than ever before, and with far less effort and drama. The seats are even more well-padded than before, especially in the lower back section while the exhaust was noticeably louder with more bass.
In the TSI, the biggest change has to be the 8-speed automatic gearbox in replacement of the dual-clutch unit in the previous generation model. To sum up the TSI, if you just need a Golf, the R-Line will be more than sufficient. It may not have the quick shifting abilities from before, but it’s equally as quick without any compromise on the characteristics of a Volkswagen Golf. It even comes with the sports seats in the Golf GTI and Golf R!
More detailed information on the
Golf TSI R-Line
,

Golf GTI
, and
Golf R
 here!


Petronas named Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brand again

Brand Finance
, leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy, has published their annual Malaysia 100 2021 report listing the Top 100 most valuable and strongest Malaysian brands.
Petronas, Maybank, and Genting continue to dominate the Top 3 positions for the most valuable brands in 2021, with a combined brand value of USD 19 billion.
Petronas has held the top spot for the 11th consecutive year, with a brand value of USD 12 billion, and is still the only Malaysian brand to surpass USD 10 billion in brand value.
According to Brand Finance, the gap in brand value between first and second just shows how dominant the oil and gas company is despite seeing a 21% drop in brand value this year.
Brand Finance also measures the strength of a brand by evaluating its marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance.
According to the criteria above, Digi reclaimed the title of Malaysia’s strongest brand from Petronas, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.3 out of 100 and a corresponding “AAA” brand strength rating. Petronas’ BSI score is 87.0.
As for other local automotive names in the Top 100 list, Proton came in 41st (up from 44th), while Tan Chong Motor retains its 91st position from the previous year.
Toyota Corolla sales surpass 50 million worldwide – 300,000 in Malaysia alone….read about it here!
Globally, Toyota overtook Mercedes-Benz

in becoming the world’s most valuable automobile brand for the first time since 2017, with a brand value of US$59.5 billion.
Ferrari retained its position as the world’s strongest automotive brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 93.9 out of 100. It is also the only brand in the Top 100 to achieve the elite AAA+ rating.
Ferrari reacted proactively to the pandemic, shutting down production promptly and reopening to a safer working environment. According to Brand Finance, this helped minimise disruption and reinforced the brand’s reputation as a high-quality and responsible firm.


Selected Mazda service centres resume operations with new contactless options

Following the commencement of the
Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
, Bermaz Motor, the franchise owner of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, have announced the resumption of operation at selected service centres throughout the country starting from 12 May.
In an effort to encourage social distancing measures, Bermaz Motor is also introducing the Mazda Contactless Service to minimise human contact.
Customers within 10 km radius of a Mazda service centre can opt for the
Collect and Deliver Service
, where a Mazda service consultant will pick-up your vehicle to be brought in for service. Once completed, the vehicles will be disinfected and delivered back to your home or designated location.
Otherwise, the
Mazda Mobile Service Unit
 is also available to perform regular maintenance work right at your doorstep. The mobile service unit is available in Klang Valley and Penang.
Both services offered through Mazda Contactless Service, as well as regular maintenance work at Mazda service centres are currently only available via appointment only. Customers can book an appointment using the Mazda Connect Customer Portal, available
here
. The list of selected service centres currently in operation can also be found on Mazda’s website
here
.
Bermaz Motor assures that all operations will be strictly adhering to the new Standard Operating Procedures as set out by the Ministry of Health.
As announced earlier, Bermaz Motor will be
extending the validity
 of warranties and free service package for customers affected by the MCO. Customers can check the eligibility and warranty status of their vehicles by visiting the Mazda Connect Customer Portal.


Special Protonic Red BMW i8 to debut in Geneva

BMW is set to unveil a new special edition of the
BMW i8
 with shades of red at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. This i8, dubbed as the i8 Protonic Red Edition, is probably launched just in time in conjunction with the the ongoing Lunar New Year celebrations.
Not to be confused with Proton’s “ProTronic” transmission found in the Preve and Suprima S models, the i8 Protonic Red Edition is equipped with the same 20-inch W-spoke wheels that compliment its new red bodywork that’s finished off with some Frozen Grey metallic trim. The cabin gets red double-stitching and additional carbon fibre and ceramic trim.

The i8 is pretty much a masterpiece by BMW’s finest engineers, hence nothing is changed on the mechanical side of things. But just for a refresher, it’s powered by a
1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine
and an
electric motor
that produces a healthy of
 362 hp and
570 Nm of torque
.

Together with the
 six-speed automatic transmission,
 it sprints from 0-100 km/h in
 4.4 seconds
!
The i8 Protonic Red Edition, priced at around £112,535 (approx.  RM678,00+), will begin production in July, with deliveries commencing in September.
IMAGE GALLERY


This guy can build almost any scale model out of wood blocks!

Look up this channel called
Woodworking Art
on YouTube and you’d be shocked at what you’d find. It’s just filled with no-nonsense, no-frills videos of scale models like the
 Bugatti Chiron
 and the
Toyota Hilux
being handbuilt,
out of wood blocks
!
Among the other creations also include a
Lexus LX570
, a Ford F-150 Raptor, a Formula 1 race car, an Audi Q7 and a Ford Mustang “Eleanor” and the level detail in these builds is just insane! Everything from the wheels, the undercarriage, the interior are all manually or mechanically carved out, either from a block of wood or multiple pieces of wood glued together.

The builds start from mere outlines drawn on the wood surface and here’s where things get a little mind-blowing. The details are so intricate that these wooden scale models are finished with the finest details – and we’re talking really fine. So fine that even the window switches on the door panel, the seat levers, and even tyre groove!
Not much more was revealed about the various builds but in the case of the “Eleanor” Ford Mustang, the builder highlighted that it took three weeks to build.
Think you got mad skills with wood? These videos might make you reevaluate that thought!


BMW’s 31-inch Theatre Screen is everything you’ve ever dreamt of in a car

Forget the 100 different colour ambient lighting systems, quad -one air conditioning systems, or 20 USB port allocations, this is what everything you never knew you wanted in a car – BMW’s latest Theatre Screen.
The Theatre Screen is one of four new “My Modes” introduced by BMW at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2022. According to BMW, it makes individual mobility in a BMW an “intense and immersive experience”.
RELATED: BMW’s new colour-changing paint is as cool as it is weird!

When activated, the rear of the cabin is transformed into a private lounge with surround sound and 5G connectivity, from the BMW Theatre Screen with 32:9 panoramic display. The ultra-wide screen measures 31-inches with 8K resolution.
The large screen extends out from inside the headliner on-demand using rotary dial. The BMW Theatre Screen can be controlled by touch operation or using touch pads integrated into the rear door panels.
In achieving this, BMW Group selected Amazon Fire TV to offer TV, movie, and music streaming services, while on the move. This is the first time Amazon Fire TV is integrated into a car.
That’s not all; when the Theatre Screen moves out of the headliner, it is accompanied by sounds created by Academy Award-winning music composer, Hans Zimmer. The music, from a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, is programmed to end at the precise moment when the screen reaches its final position.
While all that is happening, the sunblinds for the side windows and the rear window are closed and the ambient lighting in the rear of the vehicle is dimmed.
RELATED: The iX M60 is BMW’s most powerful electric car yet
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Bentley celebrates 75 years of production in Crewe, over 197,000 cars built

At the end of last week, Bentley Motors marked 75 years of car production from its iconic factory in Crewe, England. To mark the occasion, the Mark V stands proudly on display at the famous Pyms Lane factory.
The Crewe factory started operations in 1946, moving car production from Derby where the company focused on its aircraft jet engine operations. The Bentley
Mark VI
 became the first car to be built entirely at Bentley’s Crewe works and the first to be offered with a pressed-steel bodyshell as standard.
Before being fully administered by the Volkswagen Group from 2003, Bentley built a total of 38,933 units in Crewe. Among that were many iconic models of their time, including the Bentley Blower, the R-Type Continental, Mulsanne, Arnage and Azure. Incredibly, records show that
84%
 of all cars built in Crewe for the UK market are still on the road today.
Over the course of the 75 years,
206 unique
 models have been handcrafted in Crewe and production accumulated to
197,086

vehicles
.
Today, the Crewe facility, UK’s first
carbon-neutral car factory
, manufactures just
three models
– the
Continental GT
, the Flying Spur and the
Bentayga
. The three models are now built at a record rate of
85 units a da
y; a month’s output two decades ago before the modernisation and transformation investment made by Volkswagen Group.
Peter Bosch, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said, “For 75 years Crewe has been synonymous with luxury car manufacturing – a global showcase of craftsmanship and quality.  In that time, our colleagues have produced some of the world’s most iconic and desirable products, including cars for global royalty and unique personal commissions.”
The highest volume Bentley model is the Continental GT, representing
80,000
 sales and the latest Bentayga SUV has reached the production of
25,000
 units. The company says the overwhelming demand of the Bentayga could surpass total sales of the Continental GT within a decade and become the biggest selling Bentley model in history.
Total production of the
Flying Spur
 luxury sports saloon meanwhile stands at 40,000 units since its introduction in 2005. Bentley ended production of the larger
Mulsanne
 flagship limousine after over a decade and 7,300 examples made.
Under the Beyond100 strategy, Bentley aims to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, with the Crewe factory climate positive thereafter.
“With our most recent investment we have transformed our historic factory into a collaborative modern campus; a carbon-neutral, innovative, low environmental impact site that retains the best of our heritage while looking strongly to the future.  In many factory areas, modern, digitised production systems complement traditional craftsmanship skills employed on our cars since 1946,” added Bosch.
2030
 also marks the introduction of the range of
fully electric
 Bentley vehicles, with the transitional phase beginning from 2026 by offering plug-in hybrids. Background activities have already started, with the planned opening of an Engineering Test Centre and R&D building in the coming weeks.
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BYD Dolphin teased for Malaysia – compact EV hatchback to launch this month?

BYD Cars Malaysia, represented by
Sime Darby Beyond Auto
, has published a
new cryptic teaser
 on its social media channels, simply mentioning “the new electric wave, coming soon” in a short video depicting waves hitting a beach. If you’ve been keeping up with the news, though, you’ll know that the teaser is hinting at the launch of the
BYD Dolphin
, which is part of the Ocean Series of vehicles – hence the waves.
The BYD Dolphin has
already been previewed here in Malaysia
, back when the
Atto 3
 first made its debut here, alongside the Seal sedan that is also part of the Ocean Series. The Dolphin will be the first of the series to make its formal introduction here on our shores, following its launch recently in
Singapore, Thailand
, and
Australia
.
Over in Thailand, the fully-electric hatchback is offered in two configurations, Standard Range and Extended Range, with prices starting from THB699,999 (approx. RM92,689).
The former features a single motor set-up on the front axle, making
70 kW (95 hp)
 and
180 Nm
 of torque, and is paired to a 44.9 kWh battery. The Extended Range variant meanwhile gets a more powerful motor on the front axle making
 150 kW (204 hp)
 and
310 Nm
, paired to a 60.5 kWh battery.
READ MORE:
BYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia – 2 new EVs to launch soon?
In terms of performance numbers, the BYD Dolphin in the Standard Range configuration is rated for a 0-100 km/h time of
12.3 seconds
, while the Extended Range does it in just
seven seconds
 dead. The entry-level variant also boasts a driving range of
340 km (WLTP)
, while the larger battery pack on the Extended Range allows it to be driven further at up to
 427 km (WLTP)
.
Both variants get a 7 kW on-board AC charger, though the Extended Range variant does support a faster DC fast charging speeds at up to 80 kW (the Standard Range only supports up to 60 kW).
Coming in at about the same size as the
Honda City Hatchback
, the BYD Dolphin in Thailand comes equipped with quite a number of creature comfort niceties including full LED lighting on the outside, a 12.8-inch rotating central infotainment display, and even the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to supply power to your other electronic devices.
Notably, the BYD Dolphin is also billed as the cheapest EV in pretty much all of the markets it’s now available in – and we could see it being repeated here in Malaysia as well, bringing the fight right up to the
Neta V
. Don’t expect it to fall under the RM100,000 mark, however, as the current Franchise AP regulations in Malaysia does dictate that all imported EVs must (
should?
) carry an on-the-road price tag of over 100 grand.
All that’s left is the launch date. While BYD Cars Malaysia has yet to provide any official information on that, we’ve heard from the grapevine that the BYD Dolphin will be making its official Malaysian debut on
July 27
 – or exactly two weeks from today.
We’ll of course be bringing you the latest coverage whenever it’s available, so do keep your eyes peeled on
AutoBuzz.my
. While we wait, though, why not drop us your price predictions in the comments section below?
ALSO READ:
Sime Darby Motors appoints 14 new BYD dealers across Malaysia


BMW unveils new X5 M and X6 M, now with Competition variants

It seems like we all just can’t get enough of performance SUVs (or SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle, in BMW speak), as BMW has just unveiled the X5 M and X6 M, now available in Competition guises.
Powering these chunky SUVs to track-worthy speeds require huge muscles, and BMW delivers it with their
4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine
. The power output raised by 25 hp (and 50 hp on the Competition models) over their predecessors, pushing out a total of
600 hp
and
750 Nm
 of torque, while the Competition gets
625 hp
. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through an
eight-speed M Steptronic ‘box
 with Drivelogic.
The specially tuned
M xDrive all-wheel-drive system
 is able to direct a greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, making it possible to execute controlled drifts. Curiously, the SAVs do not get the same rear-only power lock option from the M5 and M8.
The M xDrive also pairs up with the
Active M Differential
 to optimise traction while exiting a corner. All in all, the grunty V8 will take the X5 M and X6 M from
0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
, while the Competition models shaves off 0.1 second. Crazy town stuff this.
Stopping these big chunks of metal will require some elbow grease. Fortunately, BMW fitted the X5 M and X6 M with
six-piston fixed calipers
 at the front with 395 mm drilled inner-vented brake disc, while the rear gets single-piston floating calipers and 380 mm discs.
BMW also
stiffened the body structure
 and
suspension mountings
, and added model-specific chassis technologies such as the M
-specific adaptive suspensions with electronically controlled dampers
,
active roll stabilisation
and
M Servotronic steering
 and dynamic stability control including
M Dynamic mode
.
All these jargon means that the X5 M and X6 M should feel pretty nimble around the track, even if they weigh in at well over 2 tonnes.
The X5 M and X6 M come standard with
21-inch M light-alloy wheels
, while a larger size 22-inch rear wheels can be fitted as an option (standard equipment on the Competition models). Due to tyre sizing, the resulting wheel size is still the same on both axles. The different rim diameters also combine with the mixed-size tyres to optimise transmission of lateral control forces during cornering.
BMW dressed up the X5 M and X6 M with an aggressive front bumper, sporting larger air intakes and
M-specific BMW kidney grille
 with black double bars, while the rear apron with large diffuser gets accompanied by two pairs of exhaust tailpipes.
The additional M-specific side gills, rear spoilers (both finished in black), as well as flared wheel arches also give the X5 M and X6 M more road presence.
Competition models gain blacked-out kidney grille surrounds
,
rear diffuser garnish
 and
exhaust tips
, in addition to the all-important Competition badging.
For the first time ever, BMW is bringing BMW Individual special paint finish to the X line, with a new Urban Green metallic exterior paintwork.
Seated on the driver’s seat, the M-specific equipment such as red M mode buttons, red push-start button, and M-specific read-outs on the instrument cluster and Head-Up display (now fitted as standard) constantly remind you that you are indeed in an M car.
The sport seats are wrapped in fine-grain
Merino leather
 with M-specific hexagonal quilting, available in 5 different bi-colour schemes – Midrand Beige/Black interior linings are only available on the Competition models.
Safety wise, the new M cars are fitted with
Active Guard Plus
, featuring front collision warning with brake intervention and Lane Departure Warning. Buyers can choose to kit up their cars with a whole range of other driver assistance systems, such as active cruise control, night vision system as well as the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Professional package.
The Parking Assistant with active park distance control, as well as Reversing Assistant comes as standard on all four models, with the optional upgrade to Parking Assistance Plus, featuring additional camera views.
IMAGE GALLERY


2022 Mazda MX-5 RF updated in Malaysia with Kinetic Posture Control, from RM264k

Following a
 flurry of updates to the local Mazda model line-up
 earlier this year, Bermaz Motor has now also unveiled the updated 2022
Mazda MX-5 RF
 for Malaysia, with the sole addition being a new Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system.
The update nudges the pricing of the Retractable Fastback roadster up a step (+RM5.4k), with the manual variant now priced at
RM264,029
, and the automatic now at
RM265,964
. Both prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions applicable until the 30th of June 2022 – in this case, a 50% reduction in sales tax due to the car being fully-imported from Japan.
First added to the Mazda MX-5 globally last year, the KPC system applies a light braking force on the inner rear wheel during hard cornering to suppress body roll, which results in a sharper steering and better lateral dynamics – essentially the marque’s version of brake torque vectoring.
The system is especially neat on an ultra-light roadster like the MX-5, as it does all of that without the need for stiffer springs and heavier anti-roll bars. As an extension, ride comfort can also be maintained during normal cruising – win-win.
Aside from the addition of KPC, the rest of the MX-5 RF’s kit list is completely unchanged from before. Underneath the bonnet is still the same SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, with an unchanged output of
 181 hp
 and
 205 Nm
 of torque that’s sent exclusively to the rear wheels. As before, you also get a choice of either the six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
Standard equipment are identical across both variants, too, which includes 17-inch alloys, adaptive automatic LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, nine-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery, and a single-zone climate control system.
RELATED: Next-gen Mazda MX-5 will continue to feature petrol engines with mild hybrid
As for safety, the Mazda MX-5 RF comes as standard with a host of i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF is available in Malaysia in six different colour options, including Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, and Soul Red Crystal – the same options as before. Similarly, every MX-5 will also come with a five-year, 100,000-km warranty and free maintenance package.


Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a limited edition stealth machine

Are you among the many who missed out on the limited run of the new
Ford GT
? Well, you’re in luck because Ford has just unveiled a limited edition model of the GT, called the ’66 Heritage Edition.
Apart from Porsche and Ferrari, Ford also has a rich history in the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ’66 Heritage is the Blue Oval’s tribute to its first 1966 Le Mans race winning car, the GT40 Mk 2. In that race some five decades ago, Ford defeated arch rivals Ferrari to clinch all top three positions. Judging by its Shadow Black exterior paint with silver stripe livery and that no. 2 decal, the car pays tribute to the GT40 no. 2 car that won the 1966 race. Along with its dark aesthetics, this Ford GT receives gorgeous 20-inch forged aluminium wheels with touches of satin gold clearcoat.

It’s special on the inside as well, which adds allure to the already sultry sports car. The list of interior goodies include carbon fibre seats wrapped in fine black leather which feature pillowed inserts and unique stitching. The instrument panel, pillars and headliner receive touches of black leather trim, with gold accents to give contrast on the instrument panel, seat X-brace and on the shift paddles.
These limited-edition GTs also receive a serial identification plate, the no.2 interior graphic outside the doors, and exposed carbon fibre for the door sills, air pods and centre console.
No mechanical changes were made to this limited edition GT. But in case a reminder is needed, the standard GT is powered by a
600 hp 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
mated to a
 seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
No price tag has been mentioned at this point of time.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton on track to exceed 100,000 units sold this year

Proton has maintained its upward momentum in sales as it records a total of 9,503 cars registered in October.
The cumulative total sales for the national carmaker in the first 10 months of the year now stands at 79,833 units, inclusive of both domestic and export sales. The data translates to a 46% growth rate, with market share for the year at an estimated 16% – a 5.2% increase over the previous year.
The facelifted
Proton Saga
, introduced in August, is proving to be popular with over 28,000 bookings received. The B-segment model posted its highest sales figure in over four years, with 4,273 units sold in October.
In the first 10 months of the year, Proton recorded a total cumulative sales of 30,331 units for the Proton Saga, which is a 26% increase over the previous year.

The
Exora
,
Iriz
 and
Persona
 also shown an increase in sales as a whole; sales for the trio along with the Saga have increased 21% thus far over the last year. The four models account for 68% of Proton’s total sales year-to-date.
The
Proton X70
 also contributed to the brand’s upward trend in sales. With over 24,000 units delivered thus far, the X70 retains the title of the fastest-selling C-segment SUV in Malaysia.
Proton’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Li Chunrong said “In the space of just eight months we launched our first SUV and updated all our other models, giving Proton the youngest model range for any car brand in Malaysia.
“We are now confident of being able to sell 100,000 units this year, providing us with a solid base to move forward in 2020 and beyond,” he added.
Proton now has 108 3S and 4S outlets nationwide, making them the brand with the
most number of outlets
 offering sales and services under one roof.
As the local carmaker continues to build upon their brand image, Proton said that they are committed to improving customer service levels and building long-term customer loyalty.


Video: 2021 Locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz A250 & A200 launched in Malaysia, 5 Things

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new
locally assembled A200 and A250
 in Malaysia with prices starting from RM210,902. The company also launched the
locally assembled version of the GLA
.
The A200 Progressive Line gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with 163 hp and 250 Nm. The more powerful GLA250 AMG Line gets the bigger 2.0-litre engine paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox with 224 hp and 350 Nm.

Not much has changed with the exterior safe for the brake discs. Previously the fully-imported (CBU) models of the A250 had cross-drilled brake discs but the locally-assembled model comes with conventional brake discs.
Inside, standard equipment includes dual 10.25-inch displays with MBUX, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The A250 AMG Line gets sports seats with leather and suede combination, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and floor mats with AMG lettering.
For more, check out the video!
GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line
Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive Line


UK to ban petrol and diesel powered cars by 2040; but are car makers ready for the ban?

The UK government has just made a bold announcement to ban all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040. This court-mandated move follows the French government’s recent commitment to ban all cars with internal combustion engines (ICE).
This announcement follows after the pressure imposed on the government to introduce new strategies to tackle high levels of pollutants produced on the road after High Court judges said that the government is failing to meet the European Union (EU) pollution limits.
More EVs and PHEVs on the road soon?
UK ministers have also announced a
£255 million (RM1.2 billion) fund
 to assist local city councils in the effort to cut emissions. The funds can be used to implement measures such as changing road layouts, restructuring of traffic light timings for smoother traffic flow, awareness campaigns and etc.
While an outright ban on cars with ICE may seem like a drastic measure to curb pollution and can be viewed as
punishing car makers
 whom offer ICE, many manufacturers have already been making a gradual shift to cleaner means of powering their vehicles.
London EV Company (formerly known as The London Taxi Company) has also taken measures to revolutionise the transportation sector with its new
electric-powered taxi
 while premium car makers such as
Volvo
 and
BMW Group
 have confirmed that their entire model line-up will offer some form of electrification option. All of which will be production-ready when the bans take effect.


DRB-HICOM Autofest 2015 promises great deals and fun for all this weekend!

As many of you out there are aware, DRB-HICOM is a conglomerate company that houses many brands and marques under their umbrella. The company decided that it was due time to let them out for the weekend on the occasion of Autofest which will showcase all 11 brands in a three-day that is currently ongoing, held from 6 to 8 November. Did we mention there’s a whole load of food trucks too?
Autofest 2015
 promises great
deals
 and
discounts
 across the board. As mentioned, all
11 brands
 will be on show, and they include Proton, Lotus, Can-Am, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Tata and local motorcycle manufacturer Modenas. The best part of this event is you get to test drive selected models, including hefty discounts as much as
RM75,000
for a brand new
 Jeep
! Substantial maybe understating it slightly, we reckon. DRB also launched a multi-merchant point-based
loyalty card
 – the DRB-HICOM
 Elite Program
.

While that maybe a titillating offer for some, it just isn’t up most people’s alley, but fret not; Proton will be holding an
auction event
 which will see over
200 cars
 of various models including the
Exora Bold
,
Suprima S,

Preve, Inspira
 and
Persona
 going under the hammer for what is promised to be an
affordable
 affair.
For the sports car enthusiast out there,
Lotus
 is offering a
3-year unlimited mileage factory warranty
 with
two years free service
. But what if a Lotus is too much performance for you to handle? As if it were a stroke of luck, the Norfolk-based company is throwing in a
driver training
 course for one at the prestigious
Lotus Driving Academy
 that’s coupled with a
complimentary
 one-year
membership
 to join the
Lotus Official Club Malaysia
.

But hey, if you
ain’t lookin’
 to buy a new ride and just want to enjoy the
festivities
, Autofest 2015 has you covered with a whole host of fun-filled activities for the whole family including a
 Wheelie Demonstration
 by the boys from Modenas, a sing-a-long
karaoke
 battle and
live performances
 by local talents. In addition to that, there’ll be a
LEGO
 competition,
magic shows
 and a barrage of games and quizzes culminating in a
 lucky draw
 that’ll see a few lucky visitors walking away with a brand-new
Proton Iriz
, Modenas bikes and other goodies. So hurry down to the
 EON Complex
 in
Glenmarie
,
Shah Alam
 from 9am to 6pm.
Parking
 is a breeze and
shuttle
 services are provided.
IMAGE GALLERY


Automakers urged to make Autonomous Emergency Braking mandatory on all new cars

The European Commission has urged the UK government and automakers as part of its reform proposal for new road safety measures to not delay on making the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) a mandatory feature on all new cars.
With a growing number of cyclists and pedestrian fatalities, the system that’s now capable of identifying them is expected to be applied in phases for new models
 from 2020 onwards
.
78% of the first 5,000 bookings were made up of the 1.5-litre AV variant.
Thatcham Research, a motor insurer automotive research centre in the UK, who has campaigned for AEB to be standard for the past five years found that cars with the system
can reduce rear-end accidents by 38%
.
It also believes that AEB has the
 potential to save 1,100 lives
 and more than 120,000 casualties over the next decade.
AEB has been part of the Euro NCAP safety tests since 2014, compelling automakers to adopt the system. By 2017,
54% of all cars tested by Euro NCAP has AEB as standard
. That said, in the UK only 30% of cars on sale have AEB as standard, as it is mostly offered as an optional extra.
Locally, the most affordable vehicle (under RM 100k) to be equipped with the system is the
Perodua Myvi
, more
specifically the 1.5 AV
 variant (that took up 78% of the initial 5,000 bookings); offering Pre-Collision Braking Assist as part of its
Advance Safety Assist (ASA) package
.


Production of the BMW i5 and all-new 5 Series begin, bound for Malaysia

Production of the all-new
BMW 5 series
 and the fully-electric
BMW i5
 has begun at the company’s Dingolfing plant on July 21, 2023. Unveiled to the world back in May this year, the all-new BMW 5 series and BMW i5 are set to make their debut in Malaysia soon, with the registration of interest (ROI) already open
since March this year
.
The BMW i5 is the third fully-electric model by the company to be assembled at the Dingolfing plant, following the
BMW iX

and the
BMW i7
. BMW expects fully electric vehicles to account for over 40% of the production volume in Dingolfing by 2024.
BMW AG member of the Board of Management, Milan Nedeljković said, “The BMW i5 and our plant in Dingolfing are perfect examples of how the BMW Group is transforming itself for e-mobility and developing our plants on the road to the BMW iFACTORY. E-mobility is the new normal at our plants worldwide. Between 2021 and 2024, we will have integrated a total of 15 fully-electric vehicles into our production network.”’
Upon its world premiere, the all-new BMW 5 Series is made available with mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pure internal combustion engine (ICE), and fully electric powertrains. Variants of the all-new BMW 5 Series include the 520i, 530i, 540i, 520d, i5 M60 xDrive, and more. The market launch will take place in October 2023.
RELATED:
All-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5
The BMW 5 Series has always been the core model for the Dingolfing plant. With the upcoming production of the all-new M5 and
5 Series Touring
, a boost in production numbers at the Dingolfing plant is expected. Plant Director, Christoph Schröder said, “The BMW 5 Series has traditionally been Dingolfing’s core model and will provide valuable impetus for volumes again this time.”
In Malaysia, the fully electric models by BMW currently available include the iX1, iX3, iX, and i7. The last two are assembled in the Dingolfing plant together with the i5 and all-new 5 Series. We can expect to see them in Malaysia soon.
RELATED:
All-new 2023 BMW i5 – fully-electric 5 Series to launch this year, ROI now open in Malaysia