Volvo EX30 debuts – up to 480km range, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs, brand’s smallest EV SUV

The second model in
Volvo
’s
 EX lineup – the
Volvo EX30
 has just made its global debut in Milan, Italy. The EX30 is the Swedish carmaker’s fourth electric vehicle (EV) after the
XC40
 Recharge Pure Electric
, the
C40
, and the
EX90
.
Measuring
4,233 mm
 long,
1,836 mm
 wide,
1,549 mm
 tall, with a
2,650 mm
 long wheelbase, the EX30 is just sized slightly smaller than the XC40. Volvo has tuned the EX30’s chassis to provide the best possible driving experience. This is thanks to the car’s low centre of gravity, as well as its relatively low and evenly distributed weight.
On the outside, the EX30 looks like a mini EX90, sharing many design elements from its bigger brother, but on a smaller scale. Its front end is closed off, just like many EVs, and is fitted with LED headlights. A digital rendition of the brand’s signature ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime running lights (DRL) are here as well. However, the EX30 doesn’t come with a roof lidar, unlike the EX90.
At the sides, the futuristic EV SUV sports conventional door handles instead of the flushed ones on some EVs. Unlike other futuristic EVs, the Volvo designers have also retained the EX30’s side-view mirrors, instead of replacing them with side-view cameras.
RELATED:
Volvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required
The EX30’s rear design is once again inspired by the EX90, featuring a vertical taillight element on the rear windscreen. A separate taillight cluster with a clamp-like design is also included.
Designed to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date, the EX30 is available in three powertrain options and two battery types. The variants offered with the EX30 include:
Single Motor
Single Motor Extended Range
Twin Motor Performance
The range starts with the single-motor option, which is paired with a
69 kWh
 Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) battery. With power sent to the front wheels only via the single motor, the total output is
272 hp
 and
343 Nm
, which results in
344 km
 of combined WLTP range. The century sprint can be done in under
5.7 seconds
, and top speed is capped at
180 km/h
.
For those who prefer a longer range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant is available with a
69 kWh
 Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) extended-range battery. Featuring lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt, the NMC battery produces energy in a more efficient manner than the LFP variant.
With power fed to the front wheels only, the Single Motor Extended Range variant of the EX30 has the same horsepower and torque output as the regular Single Motor variant and can carry you as far as
480 km
 (WLTP) in between charges. The century sprint is slightly faster than the Single Motor variant, at
5.3 seconds
, while top speed remains the same at
180 km/h
.
RELATED:
Volvo updates Android-based OS with better Apple CarPlay integration, but still no Android Auto
If you desire an even more powerful option, Volvo is also offering the top-of-the-range Twin Motor Performance variant. This variant is also paired with the
69 kWh
 NMC battery but features an additional second e-motor, just as its name suggests.
With power sent to all four wheels, the Twin Motor Performance variant produces
428 hp
 and
543 Nm
 of torque and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under
3.6 seconds
, making the EX30 the fastest accelerating Volvo vehicle ever. Top speed is also capped at
180 km/h
, just like the rest of the lineup.
Charging-wise, the Single Motor and Single Motor Extended Range variants support up to
134 kW
 of DC charging, while the Twin Motor Performance Variant supports up to
153 kW
. Juicing up all three variants from 10 to 80% using a DC charger takes around
26.5 minutes
.
When at home, the EX30 supports
11 kW
 AC charging, taking
8 hours
 to charge from flat to 100%. For convenience, users can also set the amperage, maximum charging level, and when they want to start charging via the car’s centre display and the car’s dedicated app.
To provide drivers with a piece of mind, a charging reminder will be automatically triggered when the car’s battery percentage reaches 20%. This reminder will offer a list of nearby public charging stations on Google Maps via the central screen, allowing the driver to easily navigate to the location to get the car charged up.
RELATED:
Volvo C40 Recharge: Possibly the most creative and practical storage space ever
Inside the EX30, customers are given a choice of four design ‘rooms’ for the interior. These ‘rooms’ are namely Breeze, Mist, Pine, and Indigo.
Volvo has fitted a squared sport steering wheel to the EX30, which delivers a sporty grip. The steering wheel is also packed with switches for driver controls, as well as a heated function.
Electrically powered and equipped with heated functions, The seats in the EX30 are designed to provide maximum support for the spine, which can help reduce pressure, hunching, and shoulder strain. Despite all these, Volvo designers have kept the seats slim and minimalistic to provide spacious legroom for the rear passengers.
At the centre of the EX30’s dashboard is the brand’s vertical 12.3-inch screen. Shaped like a tablet, the screen runs on the latest Volvo infotainment system, and has Google built-in out of the factory, giving users access to Google services like Google Play and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also supported.
Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, the EX30 is capable of receiving updates conveniently via over-the-air (OTA). This eliminates the need of visiting workshops or contacting customer helplines just to get the car’s software updated.
To make driving less distracting, which is sadly a very common scene these days, Volvo has added Calm View, which takes away everything but essential driver information. Features such as a wireless phone charger, a 12V boot power outlet, and four USB-C ports are available in the new Scandinavian electric SUV.
Audio is one of the big topics with the EX30. Featuring a soundbar for the first time in any car, the Swedish electric SUV is not only said to deliver an exceptional audio experience but also more interior space thanks to the soundbar seamlessly integrated into the cockpit. This helps free space from places like the door panels which usually house speakers in most other cars. Just in case the standard soundbar isn’t enough, a premium Harman Kardon audio experience is also available as an option.
Speaking of space, the EX30 features a multi-storage central console design which comes with a sliding system for more versatility. The top of the cupholder can be slid out to hold items such as drinks or smartphones and can be moved back to make up for more space.
The lower tunnel contains a protective storage area for small items such as sunglasses and headphones. Additionally, larger items such as bags can be stored in the large open space above.
RELATED:
Volvo EX90 production delayed till 2024 – Needs more time for development
The Scandinavian influence continues with the ambient lighting in the interior of the EX30. Inspired by Scandinavian nature, the electric SUV provides 5 different ambience themes to choose from, which caters to its diverse users’ needs.
Here comes the main highlight of this new Swedish SUV, or most Volvo cars in general, its safety features. Packed with a new suite of advanced safety features known by Volvo as Safe Space Technology, the EX30 features a door-opening alert feature, designed to prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents. This system will alert you when you are about to open your door in front of a motorcyclist, cyclist, scooter, or runner.
Being a Volvo, safety is in the EX30’s ‘blood’, which means it also comes with a series of other safety features. This includes Lane Keeping Aid, Run-off road mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS) with steer assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) with auto brake, Post impact braking, Oncoming mitigation by braking, Pedestrian, cyclist, and scooter steering avoidance, and Driver alert system.
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Park Pilot Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent Seed Assist (ISA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with auto brake, Intersection auto brake, Oncoming lane mitigation, Whiplash injury protection system, as well as Alcohol lock software are also among other safety features the EX30 has.
Prices for the Volvo EX30 start from
EUR36,000
 (approx.
RM177,401
), which is similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents, Volvo says. Customers in Europe and other selected markets can already drop an order for the Volvo EX30. Pre-orders are also open in the United States. As for the rest of the world, order books will be opened at a later stage, Volvo says.
RELATED:
Gallery: 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge PHEV Ultimate – the all-in-one SUV just got better!
GALLERY]


BMW to offer Android Auto by mid-2020

There is a catch though; the feature is still optional and is available as part of the optional Live Cockpit system.
It’s been an interesting week for BMW as they’ve gone from charging for Apple CarPlay and not offering Android Auto at all, to
offering Apple CarPlay for free
 and now this.
Why it has taken so long and why it’s still optional may leave you puzzled but according to reports, BMW says it’s because majority of its customers were iPhones users hence the focus on Apple CarPlay but it’s clear that more and more are requesting for Android Auto, hence the announcement.
The system will be available in all BMW vehicles with the BMW Operating System 7.0 such as the new
G20 BMW 3 series
,
G11 BMW 7 series
 and
G05 BMW X5
.
Have you
watched our review
 of the new
G20 BMW 330i
?
It’s reported that Android Auto will only be compatible with a limited selection of Android-based smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 to S10+, Note 8 to Note 10 and the Google Pixel range.
The feature will be demonstrated in January before being rolled out globally from July 2020.


Subaru Levorg facelift goes on sale in Japan, 1.6 & 2.0L turbo with EyeSight!

Subaru has just introduced the facelifted Subaru Levorg in its home market, Japan and it’s equipped with advanced safety systems, mechanical improvements and aesthetic revisions. The versatile wagon now offers greater levels of safety and performance.
To refresh the three-year-old design, Subaru gave the Levorg a new horizontal slat front grille, reshaped bumper, full LED headlamps and fog lamps as well as 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. The range topping
STI Sport
 variant comes with the
Aerokit
 as standard, which adds on a mesh grille, sportier front bumper skirt as well as a rear diffuser. Other variants of the Levorg can have the Aerokit as an option.
Inside, there’s a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation, 5.9-inch multifunctional Colour Liquid Display and instrument cluster decoration panel. Elsewhere, the Levorg facelift benefits from new front console, centre panel, two-tone door switch panel, door handles and one touch folding rear seats (40:20:40). Fabric seats on lower range models now come equipped with heating function.
The Levorg range remains powered by a 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing
168 hp/250 Nm
 and
296 hp/400 Nm
 respectively. The former is mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) while the latter is equipped with a Sports Lineartronic CVT. Drive is sent to all four corners via the company’s famous
Symmetrical all-wheel drive
.

Mechanically, the Levorg facelift gets revised suspension settings (except STI Sport), electric power steering settings and
ECU optimisation
 (1.6-litre only) to provide greater driving engagement as well as
enhanced comfort over long distances
. Besides that, Subaru has also fitted the Levorg with better sound deadening materials and
high performance brake pads
.
As
reported earlier
, all variants of the Levorg facelift get the updated
EyeSight driver assist system with Touring Assist function as standard
. On top of the existing Pre-collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Prevention Assist, Touring Assists adds autonomous driving operable at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
A total of six variants and eight colour options are currently on sale in Japan. Prices start from ¥2.83 million (RM107k) to ¥4.05 million (RM154k). Locally, Subaru Malaysia has the pre-facelift Levorg 1.6 GTS on sale. Knowing its fully imported from Japan, we may see the facelift arriving to our shores very soon.
IMAGE GALLERY


UMW Toyota teases Toyota Harrier, 2.0L turbo & Toyota Safety Sense possible?

While most of us are familiar with the Toyota Harrier, the Japanese luxury mid-sized SUV was never intended to leave its home country until official distributors of Toyota vehicles in Singapore – Borneo Motors started selling the third-generation facelifted Harrier earlier this year.
Now, UMW Toyota, official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia is following the footsteps of our friends across the causeway with this official teaser of the Harrier on its Facebook page. The company will be unveiling the Harrier at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show happening tomorrow, 9th November 2017.
Brochures circulating the net hints that the Malaysian market will receive the
2.0-litre turbocharged variant in its latest facelift guise
. The facelift exercise brought to the table a pair of smoked LED headlamps, a new front grille, carbon fibre interior trims, Suede and leather combination upholstery and a new leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.
Motivation comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection engine spewing out
228 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. In comparison, the
Honda CR-V 1.5-litre turbo
 makes 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. In Japan, the turbocharged Harrier is available in two or four-wheel drive layouts but it’s safe to assume that ours will be
front-wheel driven
. Transmission of choice is a conventional
six-speed automatic
 with sequential shift.

Thanks to the increased grunt, Toyota has beefed up the turbocharged Harrier with
performance dampers
 that reduced body roll and improved straight line and cornering stability. It also gets a dedicated
Sports Mode
 button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.
As standard, the facelifted Harrier range comes equipped with the
Toyota Safety Sense P
(TSS-P)
 advanced driver assistance system as standard – Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) and Automatic High Beams (AHB) are among the features bundled in TSS-P.
Performance Dampers
Prices for the Toyota Harrier turbo starts from ¥3.38 million (RM127k) in Japan. When the Harrier turbo arrives on our shores, it will most likely be a fully imported unit and will be subjected to our import taxes and duties, bringing prices to a
ballpark figure of RM200k
.
But then again, a Harrier officially brought in by UMWT with a
5-Years unlimited mileage warranty
 for circa RM200k? Sounds like a better deal than those in the grey market to me.
IMAGE GALLERY
Toyota Harrier Facelift in Japan

 Performance Dampers


The new MBUX system in the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class feels like a sci-fi spaceship

Ahead of the reveal of the upcoming S-Class scheduled in August, Mercedes-Benz has now shared further details of its new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system that will make its debut on the luxury executive sedan.
Now before we get into it, imagine yourself sitting in a sci-fi spaceship with the most advance artificial intelligence system you can think of – yup, that’s pretty much the new
S-Class
.

Just like what we saw
 in the leaks,
 the next-generation S-Class will be equipped with a 12.8-inch MBUX infotainment display, set-up in a portrait orientation. But what the leak did not show is that the car can be fitted with up to five screens – two in front, three at the back.
Screen content – such as videos, web pages, or even presentation slides – can be easily shared between the individual displays with a drag and drop. With all settings saved to the individual Mercedes me profiles and saved in the cloud, settings such as favourite radio stations and seat adjustments can also be easily transferred between seats. The new S-Class can support up to seven profiles.
To log in to your own profile as the driver, simply authenticate yourself via the fingerprint scanner at the centre console, or use the system’s face recognition system. Remember we said it’s just like a spaceship? Oh boy, we’re just getting started.
The driver’s instrument cluster uses an auto-stereoscopic display, allowing a true three-dimensional effect without wearing 3D glasses. The system uses a stereo camera system integrated in the display to track the driver’s eye position, therefore ensuring the view is always accurate.
Additionally, the new head-up display, which is now significantly larger – equivalent to a 77-inch TV screen at a 10-metre distance – can also overlay augmented reality information during navigation, showing the exact exit to take at a junction with arrows seemingly floating mid-air.
Hardware buttons inside the new S-Class have been significantly reduced – 27 lesser to be exact. Aside from key functions such as lights and windscreen wipers, everything else have been switched to touchpads, or accessed through the main infotainment system. For instance, the air-conditioning control panel has been moved into a persistent display segment at the bottom of the centre infotainment touchscreen.
So how do you control things then, you ask? Here’s the really cool part – using the roof-mounted cameras and learning algorithms, the new MBUX Interior Assist system on the upcoming S-Class can anticipate and recognise the intentions of the occupants through head and eye position, thus carrying out actions without even lifting a finger.
No need to utter any magic spells here…
For example, if the driver looks behind over his/her shoulder towards the rear window, the rear sun blinds will automatically be lowered, allowing for a clearer view behind. Looking for something in the footwell of the passenger seat? The passenger-side overhead lights will be turned on automatically, almost like telepathy.
To adjust your exterior wing mirrors, just look at the one you would like to adjust, and all input will be automatically applied to the mirror you are looking at, without having to select it manually. The system also heavily relies on gesture-based controls – to open the sunroof blinds, the occupants will just have to swipe their hands mid-air, without actually having to touch any buttons.
The MBUX Interior Assist system is extended further into the safety aspect of the S-Class, too. When it detects a passenger intending to leave the vehicle while another car is approaching from a blind spot, the ambient lighting will become the exit warning system, flashing red to warn the passenger of potential danger.
Of course, the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant system is also updated, now capable of even more natural dialogues and helpful functionalities. Several commands – such as answering calls and displaying the navigation map, can be activated without using the “Hey Mercedes” keyphrase.
The voice assistant system can also now be activated from throughout the vehicle, with multiple microphones in the cabin to determine which passenger (and seat) the command was coming from.
Daimler Group chief design officer, Gorden Wagener said that the new My MBUX system on the upcoming S-Class is designed with “the desire for beauty and the extraordinary”, as well as “the Wow of how it works”. Well, consider us wowed – we can’t wait to feel like a modern-day wizard.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW 530e iPerformance details released, 1.9L/100 km, semi-autonomous!!

BMW has just unveiled in full the technical details of its plug-in hybrid saloon, the
G30 BMW 530e iPerformance
. Introduced back in December 2016, the 530e is going to be the next big news in Malaysia, so let’s dive into the details.
Motivating this business saloon is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with
184 hp
 and
290 Nm
 paired to an electric motor with
113 hp
 and
 250 Nm
. Combined, the eDrive system has a rated output of
252 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 530e boasts a century sprint time of
6.2 seconds
 and a
235 km/h
 top speed.
A 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers
46 km of pure electric range
 with a maximum speed of
140 km/h
. In hybrid mode, BMW claims that the 530e is able to return
1.9L/100 km
 and has a real-world driving range of
650 km
. A full charge (from empty) takes just under five hours from a standard domestic power socket or under three hours when plugged to a BMW i Wallbox.
From 2018 onwards, BMW will be offering BMW Wireless Charging as an option. The wireless charging pad can be installed anywhere, outdoors included, and is capable of delivering a full charge (from empty) in 3.5 hours!

BMW also announced that the 530e can be had with
semi-autonomous driving features
 when the optional Active Cruise Control and Steering and Lane Control Assistant is specified. With these systems equipped, the vehicle is able to actively maintain a safe distance, accelerate, brake and stay in lane at speeds of up to
210 km/h
.
Locally, BMW Group Malaysia has recently launched the
G30 5 Series 530i M Sport
 as a fully imported model. Considering that the company has the locally assembled
740Le xDrive
,
X5 xDrive40e
 and
330e
 on offer, it is only a matter of time before the fully decked out, competitively priced 530e iPerformance joins the plug-in hybrid line-up. Even more so after Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced their plans to introduce the
E 350 e
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: A day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan!

It’s been nearly a year since its launch in Malaysia so there’s nothing we can tell you about the Porsche Taycan that you don’t already know. Except, how it drives.
Shocking is the word we’d use to describe the whole experience. Not only because it’s so fast it can literally reshuffle your organs but also because of how normal it felt.
Find out all you need to know about the Porsche Taycan in Malaysia here!

If you have been driving Porsche, or even just a car for the last decade, getting into the Taycan and setting off is as easy as unwrapping a gift.
In fact the only unusually bit of the whole experience is the moments before setting off, when you can’t tell if the “engine” is running because it’s totally silent! Once you get it into D, anyone with a valid license will be able to drive with ease and it won’t take more than a few kilometres before you get used to it.
What you’d take longer to get used to, or probably never, is the out-of-this-world acceleration typical of an electric – and this one’s an electric Porsche. Imagine that!
At RM584k, the new Taycan RWD is the cheapest 4-door Porsche you can buy! Read about it here!

It doesn’t accelerate, it just catapults forward. In the first few seconds, what you’d experience is a throbbing headrush – like you’d never experience in any car. Once you get past that, the car just keeps going – surging forward – until you lift off the throttle out of fear.
Put it on a track like the Sepang Circuit, and the Taycan shows off even more of its Porsche-ness – much more than it’s unrivalled ability to go really quick in a straight line.
If you’re as big as The Rock, forget about getting into the Porsche Taycan. Read about Dwayne Johnson’s dilemma here!
With all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steer, it was as quick through the corners as it is on the straights. It makes it so easy and effortless for you to go fast; sometimes too fast. The abundance of grip and traction makes cornering feel like a roller-coaster ride. The limit of this car lies within the driver itself.
Yet, this is a car with two boots and enough space for four to five occupants. It has left us completely speechless and silent, just like the car.


Malaysia-bound Ora Good Cat launched in UK with funky new name

As in, literally. The unique-looking hatchback has just made its European debut in the United Kingdom, bearing a new name called Funky Cat. But aside from the name change, the car is essentially identical to the
Good Cat
 (or Haomao in China), which is
due to be introduced in Malaysia soon
.
The Ora Funky Cat is offered exclusively in a First Edition guise at launch, powered by a front-mounted electric motor making 171 hp and 250 Nm of torque – a pretty significant jump over its Thai counterpart. Translating that into performance figures, the Funky Cat does the 0-100 km/h in
8.3 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
159 km/h
.
Electrons are supplied by a 48 kWh battery pack, which allows for an estimated range of 310 km based on the WLTP test cycle. Charging from 15-80% takes approximately three to four hours using a regular 11 kW AC charger, while an 80 kW DC charger shortens it to around 40 minutes.
RELATED: The Ora Good Cat starts purring in Thailand, up to 500 km range
The First Edition version of the Ora Funky Cat is quite generous in its equipment appointments, with standard items including the 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 360-degree surround-view monitor, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charger, as well as powered front seats.
Instrumentation is made up of two 10.25-inch displays on the dashboard, with the infotainment system also supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
As for safety equipment, the Funky Cat First Edition comes equipped with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist with lane centring functionality, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alert with emergency braking.
ALSO READ: Great Wall Motor to return to Malaysia in 2022 with Haval and Ora
The Ora Funky Cat is backed by a five-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile (160,934 km) battery warranty in the UK. Pricing wise, the funky hatchback comes in at
GBP30,495
 (approx. RM 168k), after reductions via the UK government’s Plug-In Car Grant.
Great Wall Motors say that there are already over 6,000 registrations of interest for the Funky Cat, which sounds pretty impressive for a new Chinese brand that is only just marking its entry in the country. And as a fun fact, the four exterior colour options (Nebula Green, Starry Black, Mars Red, and Aurora Green) were also selected based on a public poll!
GALLERY


Will the Sporty Package on the Nissan Livina be enough to make you forget its roots?

Remember the new Nissan Livina that is
basically a Mitsubishi Xpander underneath it
? Perhaps in a move to differentiate itself a little more from it’s almost-identical twin, Nissan has now introduced a 100 units only “Sporty Package” for the seven-seater MPV, exclusively for the Indonesian market.
The Nissan Livina with Sporty Package’s exterior features consists of a black paint job, contrasted by red accents on the front splitter, side skirts, rear bumpers, and wing mirror covers. Otherwise, the limited-edition MPV is unchanged from the regular version.
The Nissan Livina…
…with Sporty Package
Inside, the Sporty Package gets premium seat covers with sporty red stitching accents, along with a 360-degree around-view camera that can project a bird’s eye view around the car, making it easier for urban driving.
The Nissan Livina with Sporty Package also comes as standard with ‘Welcome’ and ‘Coming Home’ Lights, which illuminates the front positioning lights for 30 seconds when locking or unlocking the car – helpful for dimly-lit parking lots or driveways.
Nissan Livina
Mitsubishi Xpander
No changes are made underneath the hood; the Nissan Livina with Sporty Package still comes with the same 1.5-litre engine engine that’s shared with the
Xpander
, producing
104 hp
 and
 140 Nm
 to drive the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
According to Nissan Indonesia, the Livina has already become one of the company’s best-sellers, since it’s introduction in the country last year. The firm says that customers are particularly fond of the spacious interior with 17 storage compartments, as well as advanced technologies such as the Smart Connectivity Audio and Intelligent Hill Start Assist.
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan Livina


Pollution from tyre wear 1,000 times worse than exhaust emissions

This is the finding of Emissions Analytics; that harmful particles from tyres and even brakes are an increasing threat to the environment and it seems that the uprising of SUVs and extremely heavy electric cars.
Unlike exhaust emissions, tyre wear pollution is completely unregulated. Over the years exhaust emissions have been rapidly reduced with car makers placed under pressure by European emission standards but now, the radar is on “non-exhaust emissions”.
Non-exhaust emissions or NEE are particles released into the air from brake wear, tyre wear, road surface wear and resuspension of road dust during on-road vehicle usage. No legislation is in place to limit or reduce NEE although they cause a great deal of concern for air quality.
“What’s frightening is that while exhaust emissions have been tightly regulated for many years, tyre wear is totally unregulated – and with the increasing growth in sales of heavier SUVs and battery-powered electric cars, non-exhaust emissions (NEE) are a very serious problem,” said Emissions Analytics, Senior Researcher, Richard Lofthouse.
To understand the scale of the problem, Emissions Analytics – the leading independent global testing and data specialist for the scientific measurement of real-world emissions – performed some initial tyre wear testing.
Using a popular family hatchback running on brand new, correctly inflated tyres, they found that the car emitted 5.8 grams per kilometer of particles.
Compared with regulated exhaust emission limits of 4.5 milligrams per kilometer, the completely unregulated tyre wear emission is higher by a factor of over 1,000.
Emissions Analytics notes that this could be even higher if the vehicle had tyres which were underinflated or the road surfaces used for the test were rougher or the tyres used were from a budget range – all very recognisable scenarios in ‘real world’ motoring.
“Ultimately, though, the car industry may have to find ways to reduce vehicle weight too. Fitting higher quality tyres is also another way to reduce these NEEs and to always have tyres inflated to the correct level,” said Emissions Analytics, CEO, Nick Molden.


Enjoy up to RM7k savings on the Ford Ranger WildTrak, XL and XLT Plus

If you’ve been looking to own a Ford Ranger WildTrak, XL or XLT Plus, now is the time to act on it as Ford has announced promotions for the three variants with savings up to RM7,188.
Those who opt for the WildTrak and Ranger XL will receive
cash rebates of up to RM7,000
 while those who purchase a Ranger XLT Plus can
save up to RM7,188
.
The new 1,400 hp
Ford Mustang Mach-E
.
“The Ranger line-up continues to appeal to a wide range of customers with its reputation as a capable and versatile pickup that is suited for any purpose, be it for work, play or both. By offering these savings, we hope to lighten the financial load for customers who wish to be a proud owner of a tough and versatile Ford Ranger,” said Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.
Those keen on test driving the Ranger can opt for the
Home or Office Delivery Test Drive service
 where customers can test drive Ford vehicles without going to the showroom.
The new
Ford Ranger FX4
 priced at RM126,888.
The service is available for customers
within a 10 km radius
 of their preferred Ford dealership. To request for a test drive, customers can either contact the Ford dealership directly, submit an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website
here
, or by sending a message to the
Ford Digital Salesperson WhatsApp
 chat line.
Aside from that, Ford owners can now also
book and confirm their service appointments in real-time
 through Ford’s
official website
.
Customers can now schedule a service appointment online up to one (1) month in advance.
Once on the site, customers will need to select their vehicle model, select the state they are residing in and their preferred service centre. The available date and time slots will then be shown, and customers can schedule a service appointment up to one (1) month in advance.
For now, the service is only available at seven (7) authorised Ford Service Centres in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak with further expansion to come. The seven authorised service centres include
Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau
.


Peugeot, Citroen & DS prices down with 0% GST & Raya Cash Rebates

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobile vehicles in Malaysia has just revealed its zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) price list for the entire model range following the 0 percent GST announcement made by the newly elected Pakatan Harapan Government.
Peugeot models see a price reduction of between RM4,915.48 to RM10,419.10, like many other manufacturers, the more expensive fully imported models see the most drastic price cut. Citroen and DS, on the other hand, gets a price reduction of between RM7,084.77 to RM10,940.96.
The new price list is valid from 1 June 2018 until further notice from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to reinstate the Sales and Service Tax (SST). The lower price tag also qualifies for Nasim’s Raya Drive promotion campaign (till 30 June 2018) that offers cash rebates of RM1,000 to RM45,000 on selected models.
Nasim also expressed that they will honour all registration made from 1 June 2018 until the official SST announcement is made. If you’re still undecided whether to jump the gun on a French
model
, we have dissected in detail on
whether you should buy a new car during this “tax-free holiday”
.


Toyota S-FR concept: Are we re-entering the era of small and fun sports car from the East?

Ah, the good ol’ small lightweight sports cars. Another motoring ingenuity from the Brits since the introduction of the Bean Mobile – a prominent, small yellow supermini with Rowan Atkinson as its pilot. Today, the Japanese (with Toyota being the latest) owe its gratefulness to cars such as the Austin Healey and Jaguar E-Type with the introduction of the new and cool
 S-FR
 concept.
The new S-FR concept follows the similar playbook from the 86 – a cheap and fun coupe that carves a smile on the driver’s face. Judging by the aesthetics, the S-FR looks cheeky and playful just like a Labrador puppy. While the concept is a coupe, a roadster variant seems plausible if the roof is taken out.
Things get better in the spec sheet as the S-FR ticks all the boxes for a sports car that yields fun driving pleasure. Despite being propelled by a
1.5-litre direct-injected 2NR-FKE
 engine that produces
130hp
 with
148Nm of torque
 (which may not sound a lot), do keep in mind that this is a
rear-wheel drive
 coupe that weighs just
980 kg
.
Take into account the fact that Toyota
offers manual transmission only
, which makes the S-FR concept an all the more enticing proposition. It’s also what Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota, has always envisioned the way lightweight sports cars should be. The car will be targeted to be affordable, just like the 86, although it won’t be middle-class-affordable when it reaches our shores.

In fact, the S-FR is not only a lightweight sports car that represents fun from the Land of Rising Sun – Honda, Mazda and Daihatsu too have announced such cars, each with its own different interpretation. The next generation NSX-looking Honda S660 roadster has been a
tremendous success with 8,600 units found new homes
 in Japan this year.

 Honda S660

 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Skyactiv
From Hiroshima, there’s not much to explain on the Mazda MX-5. In fact, our man Matt can explicitly tell you how the new MX-5 drives via
his
review
. It’s offered with two engines; a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv mills, though we only
benefit from the larger engine
 and a six-speed automatic transmission. Those preferring the stick shifter will have to wait till July 2016, though.
While both the S660 and MX-5 are rear-wheel driven, the Daihatsu Copen adopts a front-wheel drive approach. Despite that, its striking looks and interchangeable body panels will strike the interest for those preferring style over substance. And because Perodua is somewhat related to Daihatsu, how do you like the idea of having a small affordable roadster bearing the Perodua logo?
We can’t help but to welcome the impending paradigm shift; the return of small and fun vehicles as only the East knows best. While cars such as the S660 and Copen are still strictly JDMs (Japanese domestic model), the new MX-5 has gained traction all over the world. In light of this, Toyota seems keen to tap into the small coupe market with the S-FR concept, and perhaps will inspire Honda and Daihatsu to follow suit by introducing such models beyond the shores of Japan. With that, we welcome with open arms a new era of small lightweight sports cars, decades after the British had long abandoned them.
Meanwhile, I can’t seem to decipher the acronym that is the S-FR. What does it stand for? Small Fun Runabout? Stylish Fancy Roaster? Simple Fun Racer? Simple Front-engine Rear-drive concept? The Japanese are pretty wacky with these acronyms, mind you, but the latter certainly seems most plausible given the circumstances. More on this to come!


2020 Hyundai Kona facelift debuts with sharper exterior and new N-Line trim

While we are
just about to receive
 the Hyundai Kona here in Malaysia, the funky crossover has just received a new facelift globally along with a new N-Line option with several aesthetic and slight performance upgrades, going alongside the recently-announced
Elantra N-Line
 as the new entry point to the company’s
N Performance
 brand.
The biggest change on the exterior of the
Hyundai Kona
 is at the front, where the face has been completely reworked for a sleeker and “sophisticated” (their words, not ours) look. The front grill is now slimmer and wider, with the Hyundai emblem moved upwards onto the bodywork, replacing the letterbox slit.
The unique eyebrow LED daytime-running lights have also been slimmed down, along with the sleeker main headlights lower down, now with three distinct beams. the slim and wide LED signature is also mirrored at the back on the new taillights, while the assembly itself remains identical to the outgoing model.
On the regular Hyundai Kona, the quirky SUV embraces a more rugged and robust look with a contrasting plastic cladding all around the bottom of the exterior, most notably the front and rear bumpers, with additional matte silver skid plates on the front and rear adds to further emphasise on the offroad-ready look.
The Kona N-Line meanwhile sheds all of the raw plastic claddings for a shiny N-Line front and rear bumpers – the front featuring the characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low corner fins and larger air intake with a mesh design, while a large aerodynamic diffuser in contrast colour takes up the bulk of the rear lower fascia, paired with visible twin mufflers at one side.
On the sides, the N-Line’s wheel arches are now finished in body colour, which makes the variant-exclusive 18-inch alloys pop even more. The regular Hyundai Kona gets new 17- and 18-inch wheels, along with the previous 16-inch design that has been carried over.
In terms of size, the Hyundai Kona facelift is 40 mm longer than the outgoing version, giving it a sleeker and more proportioned stance. For an even more striking look, buyers can even opt for a Phantom Black two-tone roof and matching mirror housings.
Inside, Hyundai says that they have gone for a more sophisticated (here it is, again!) and progressive design direction on the new Kona, which helps improve the perceived quality of the cabin. Overall architecture remains the same as before, though the centre console has now been disconnected from the dashboard, first seen on the Kona Hybrid.
New additions to the interior include an electric parking brake, new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, rear heated seats and USB ports, as well as rings around the speaker and air vents, finished in aluminium, to give it a classier look.
The interior of the new Hyundai Kona facelift also comes with new materials and colour choices, including black leather or fabric seats, or a fancier black and grey houndstooth-design upholstery. If you’re not a fan of black though, there’s also light beige trim colour option with optional Khaki leather seats and matching centre console.
The N-Line variant however only comes with the darker colourway with cloth, leather or suede seat options. To emphasise on the sportiness of the N-Line, there are red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gearknob, metal pedals, as well as the obligatory N emblems littered in the cabin.
A 10.25-inch display takes the place of the instrument cluster, first seen on the
i20
, and can be paired to matching a 10.25-inch freestanding infotainment display, running Hyundai’s latest BlueLink software which provides several connected functionalities such as the brand’s latest Connected Routing navigation system with Last Mile Navigation, as well as live parking information.
The base Display Audio infotainment system have been upsized to eight inches in diameter (from seven), which now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system has also been improved, now supporting more in-car functions such as window heating or climate control.
On the safety front, Hyundai’s SmartSense system on the new Kona has also received a sizeable upgrade. New features include an improved Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist which can now engage the rear differential brakes, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (previously only a warning), Rear Seat Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.
The camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection is now standard across the range, but an upgraded system which uses an additional sensor can now be fitted, with support for cyclist detection, which Hyundai says can work even in bad weather conditions.
As for powertrain options, the Hyundai Kona facelift range is now topped by an enhanced 1.6-litre T-GDi SmartStream engine, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) to deliver
198 hp
. The top-of-the-range engine can be optioned with either
front- or all-wheel drive
.
The regular 1.6-litre SmartStream engine is now fitted with a
48V mild-hybrid system
, bringing the power output up to
136 hp
. This can be paired to a seven-speed DCT or the brand’s
six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT)
, and can be had in both two- and four-wheel drive configuration.
At the bottom of the pack is the 1.0-litre T-GDi SmartStream mill, putting out
120 hp
 as standard. A 48V mild-hybrid system can be fitted to this engine along with the 6iMT gearbox, though only the naturally-aspirated version will have a choice of either the 7DCT or the optional 6iMT.
The new
Hyundai Kona hybrid
 powertrain, which was introduced just last year, have been retained on the facelift, featuring a 1.6-litre GDI engine paired to a 32 kW electric motor with a combined output of
141 PS
. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a six-speed DCT, with power coming from a 1.56 kWh battery.
Unsurprisingly, the N-Line will only be available with the top-of-the-range 1.6-litre T-GDi SmartStream option, paired to the all-wheel drive set-up. Though, the N-Line does get a variant exclusive steering tuning to match the sportier characteristic of the vehicle.
All other variants of the new Hyundai Kona meanwhile have their steering and dampers tuned for a better ride comfort while still maintaining the sporty driving feel thanks to better lateral movement control.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota most searched car brand in the world, Honda highest in Malaysia

A study by Quickco revealed that Toyota is the most “Googled” automotive brand on the Internet in 2016, with the Japanese brand topping charts in as many as 74 countries. Malaysians on the other hand, prefer the Honda brand – a sentiment shared among Canadians, Thais and Brazilians.
In terms of global sales volume, Toyota trails behind Volkswagen by a whopping 100,000 units, but by popular vote it came out on top in the United States, Australia, China and many parts of Africa. BMW ranked second in 51 countries (a significantly major feat) while Hyundai came in third in 17 countries.
The study also revealed that home advantage is rather irrelevant. Take for instance South Korea and Japan, where the median scale tips in favour of BMW. Only Sweden, France, Germany, and Italy had their local brands topping the charts in their country of origins – Volvo, Renault, BMW, and Fiat respectively. Interestingly in Niger, Bugatti was the most searched car brand in the country.
The fact that Honda became the most searched brand in Malaysia (after discounting homegrown brands Proton and Perodua for their lack of global presence) in 2016 comes as no surprise, really. With a broadening range of good looking products that are competitively priced and decently equipped, Honda seems to be winning big time in Malaysia. They have, for the second consecutive time, outsold Toyota in the non-national make and did so without having a commercial vehicle in its stable!


Subaru WRX STI Type RA unveiled, gets 310 hp, revised gearbox, short shifter

To celebrate Subaru America’s 50th-year anniversary is yet another special edition of the
WRX STI
 sports sedan. Unlike the
BRZ
, the WRX STI Type RA receives a slight bump in performance.
RA stands for “
record attempt
“, indicating this model with race kit will attempt a lap record at the famous Isle of Man TT. In fact, those familiar with the brand will know that it’s not the first RA model to be produced. In 1989, the Legacy model was the first bearer of the RA moniker, breaking the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 100,000km in 18 days and setting a record top speed of 222 km/h.
Being a record breaker, this WRX STI has a few tricks under its sleeve, with lightweight being one of them. It gets carbon fibre roof, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports rubber. Extra weight such as the spare tyre is removed.
The engine gets a slight power bump of
5 hp
, thanks to upgrades such as cold air intake, retuned ECU, upgraded pistons and new performance exhaust. The final output from its
2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four
 engine is
310 hp
.The revised third gear ratio and short shifter allows for quicker gearshifts.
Only 500 units of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA will be commissioned, with sales beginning in early 2018.


Experience the Mitsubishi Xpander on a unique obstacle course test drive this weekend!

If you’ve ever wondered if the front-wheel drive-only, seven-seater family MPV can handle the odd off-road trails on your camping trips, well – wonder no more.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)
 is organising the Xpander Venture event this weekend, where you’ll be able to experience the
Xpander
 on a purposefully designed obstacle course yourselves.
The event will run from
14-15 January 2023
, from
10.00 am to 6.00 pm
 at
Dataran Karnival, Stadium Shah Alam
, and admission is free for all!
Visitors to the event can test drive the Mitsubishi Xpander through a unique obstacle course, designed to highlight the MPV’s versatility and handling capabilities. Some of the highlights include the Side Traverse test, where you’ll hike up a steep incline on just one side of the car, the Roller Conveyer challenge to demonstrate the Xpander’s traction control system on slippery or rugged surfaces, and even a water-wading obstacle!
Participants of the test drive also stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including a Nintendo Switch game console, G-Shock watch, and a North Face jacket.
ALSO READ:
This rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!
Aside from the test drives, attendees will also get the chance to meet and interact with some of Malaysia’s top celebrities, including Sherry Alhadad, Sharifah Shahirah, and Bell Ngasri at specific time slots across the entire weekend.
Customers who book a Mitsubishi Xpander or
Triton
 pick-up truck at the event will also receive an 8 oz Stanley lifestyle tumbler for free.
In conjunction with the New Year festivities, MMM will be offering the Mitsubishi Xpander at either a low monthly instalment rate starting from RM798, or a low-interest rate of 2.38% (valid with Maybank or Public Bank only).
Customers can also take advantage of a special trade-in programme that offers an additional RM2,000 cash rebate when they trade in their existing car for a new Mitsubishi Xpander. These promotions will only run until the 31st of March, 2023 – so be quick.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,017 vehicles in 2022, Triton hits 100k milestone
After the weekend at Shah Alam, the Xpander Venture event will be making its way to two other states – Johor Toppen Mall Outdoor Carpark from 4-5 February 2023, and Kota Kinabalu Kompleks Sukan Likas from 4-5 March 2023.
More information on the event can be found on Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s Facebook page, linked
here
.
GALLERY


New Ford Ranger facelift makes global debut at Bangkok Motor Show [+Video]

Making its global debut at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show is Ford’s popular workhorse, the
Ranger facelift
. After over three years of dealing with overwhelming demand and shortage of supply, the Ranger undergoes a mid-life revision to keep things fresh.
The Ranger is slated to be sold in more than 180 markets worldwide, of which its sales will commence later in the year. Changes that are most prominent on the pickup is its front face, sporting a redesigned, more sculpted hood, updated headlights with
projectors
, new grille and revised fog lights which were previously rounded. The rear however, retains the current look. Suspension is now tuned for better ride comfort and handling, too.

This facelift also brings about change in the cabin. Right off the bat, the Ranger benefits from an all-new Electric Power Assisted Steering. Behind the steering wheel is also new – the instrument clusters that now comes with dual-TFT screens, displaying important information such as vehicle status, GPS navigation and air conditioning controls.
Complementing the updated cabin is the
8-inch touchscreen
 multimedia head unit with
SYNC 2
, Ford’s latest in-car connectivity system. It supports a variety of voice commands, and you can even read your playlist out loud without manually navigating the screen.

Engine choices now include the carmaker’s new
2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine
, making
163 horsepower
 and
225 Nm
 of torque if fueled with RON 95. (will not be introduced in Malaysia) Otherwise, both the
2.2L
 and
3.2L Duratorq

engines
 are retained, with the former making
158 hp
 and
385 Nm
 of torque – an increase of
10 Nm
 from before.
The 3.2-litre oil burner produces the same
197 hp
 at 3,000 rpm and
470 Nm
 of torque at 2,500 rpm, but features an updated exhaust gas recirculation system to help improve fuel efficiency which is said to be 18 percent better than before.
What’s interesting here is the engines now come with auto start/stop technology which functions by shutting off the engine at idle, thereby improving fuel economy by up to 3.5 percent. It’s definitely a first in class, but let’s see how it’s received here. Drivetrain options are the same, you either get a
six-speed automatic
 or a
six-speed manual
.
Now, the best part of the Ranger is that it comes equipped with a host of advanced
driver aid technologies
. The list includes Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Program, Driver Impairment Monitor, Hill Launch and Hill Descent Assist, Adaptive Load Control and Emergency Brake Assistance.
If you ask us, this is how you slice your way up to the top. Read the breakdown below to know how these individual systems work.
i)
Lane Keeping Alert & Lane Keeping Aid
 – Work in tandem to prevent drivers from straying out of his/her trajectory. It uses a front-facing camera to do this, and should the driver stray out of the lane, the feature warns the driver through vibration in the steering wheel. If no action is taken after the warning, the Lane Keeping Aid will automatically apply steering torque to get back in lane.
ii)
Adaptive Cruise Control
 – Not your average cruise control, because this radar-based feature will decelerate of accelerate based on forward traffic movement. A speed limiter comes as standard, and you can manually set the stopping distance from the vehicle ahead.
iii)
Forward Alert
 – Works with (ii); this feature automatically applies braking force when the Ranger detects a reduce in speed of the vehicle ahead.
iv)
Front and Rear Park Assist
 – Helps drivers manoeuvre in and out of traffic via front and rear sensors, including a rear-view camera.
v)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
 – Alerts drivers when tyre pressure is low
vi)
Driver Impairment Monitor
 – Uses the front camera and on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy. If it notices signs such as drifting off course and sudden corrective steering inputs, the system warns the driver with gradually louder signals.
vii)
Hill Launch and Hill Descent Assist
 – Uses the pickup’s Traction Control System to assist in ascent or descent.
viii)
Adaptive Load Control
 – Automatically adjusts the on-board Electronic Stability Control depending on vehicle load
ix)
Emergency Brake Assistance
 – Provides additional braking force if the Ranger detects quick brakeforce application during emergencies.
Here it is! The global reveal of the new#FordRanger! #BIMS
A video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on
Mar 22, 2015 at 7:27pm PDT

The new Ranger will be introduced in
Malaysia
 around the
third quarter of 2015
. All Malaysian Rangers will be built and assembled in Ford’s AutoAlliance plant in
Rayong, Thailand
. Let us know what you think of the Ranger facelift below!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Ford Ranger Facelift at Bangkok Motor Show

2015 Ford Ranger Facelift Product Photos


Volvo S60 T8 R-Design now assembled in Malaysia – same RM296K price tag

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today launched the locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8, which made its
local debut October last year
 as a fully-imported unit. Similar to the CBU model, the locally-assembled S60 T8 will be available solely in the R-Design trim, along with an identical price tag –
RM295,888
 (OTR w/o insurance).
The powertrain of the Volvo S60 T8 also remains unchanged, which means the Swedish sports sedan is
still the most horsepower you can buy for the money
. Under the hood sits the T8 Twin Engine powertrain – a 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, paired to an electric motor at the rear axle for a combined output of
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
 of twist.
The hybrid mill is paired to an
8-speed automatic transmission
 with Geartronic manual shift option, for a century sprint time of just
4.4 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
 – no 180 km/h electronically-limited top speed on first batch of the locally-assembled S60s, but later ones will be subjected to the new global Volvo directive.
Despite weighing over two tonnes, Volvo claims a frugal
2.0 l/100km
 fuel consumption figure for the S60 T8, thanks to the hybrid Twin Engine powertrain.
As part of the R-Design trim, the locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 comes equipped with a variant-specific black horizontal mesh design on the front grille with a Silk Metal-finished frame, along with an aggressively-styled front bumper featuring what Volvo calls a “black outer grille” for added road presence.
At the rear, the S60 T8 R-Design gets a sportier bumper design, featuring black trim accents and chrome-tipped twin exhaust outlets. As part of the R-Design package, the wing mirror housings are finished in black. The locally-assembled S60 rides on 19-inch satin-finished alloy wheels as standard – identical to that of the previous imported units.
Inside, the locally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design still gets the same understated cabin design, featuring the 9-inch tablet-style Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
R-Design touches in the interior include the R-Design three-spoke leather steering wheel, R-Design contour seats upholstered in Black Charcoal Leather with Open Grid Textile, and sports pedal.
The locally-assembled S60
loses the split-folding rear seats
, though the centre pass-through hole is still available. Other minor equipment changes include the
removal of the 12V sockets in the boot
, along with the
boot netting
.
In terms of safety, the locally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design comes equipped with the full suite of Volvo’s Intellisafe advanced driver assistance suite, including City Safety with Autobrake function, Pilot Assist radar cruise control system with Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert.
For the new CKD model, VCM has also included the
Park Assist Pilot
 function as standard, with support for both parallel and perpendicular parking. The feature was previously unavailable in the fully-imported unit.
The locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 R-Design is available in four exterior colours – Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Pebble Grey Metallic, and Onyx Black Metallic. The previously available Birch Metallic exterior hue has been removed in the locally-assembled variant.
The S60 T8 R-Design comes as standard with a five-year warranty, and is now available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealerships nationwide. Additionally, the locally S60 T8 will also be
available for booking
 on the Volvo Car Malaysia website, for those more accustomed to the new social distancing measures.
IMAGE GALLERY


2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer unveiled, only for Taiwan and China [+Video]

The current
Mitsubishi Lancer
 is reaching the end of its life and a successor is still nowhere to be seen. For our lucky friends in Taiwan and China, they will be getting the closest thing to it – the 2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer.
The Grand Lancer is largely a major revision of the decade-old Lancer model. Of course, Mitsubishi incorporated the
Dynamic Shield
 design here, giving it that whole new, sporty exterior appearance. The rear end is a little bit more controversial, but it’s also new and features LED combination tail lamps.
Inside, the dashboard gets redesigned, and the centre dash gets fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system. A smart digital instrument cluster can be had as an option.
At heart is the sole four-cylinder
1.8-litre SOHC MIVEC
 engine. The naturally-aspirated four banger produces
 138 hp
 and
 176 Nm
 of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels via the same
INVECS-III CVT
. In case you’re wondering, it’s not the same MIVEC engine powering the Proton Inspira.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=83&v=pE9-bFEBCg0
Pricing for the Grand Lancer starts from NT$679,000 (approximately RM98k) to NT$819,000 (approximately RM118k) and is available in five variants. So the Lancer gets to live a little longer, eh?
IMAGE GALLERY


New Fiat 500 launched, peppy city runabout gets 7 airbags as standard!

Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), the people who build the iconic Fiat 500, chose the fourth of July as a date earmarked for the launch of the new Fiat 500. The original compact city car was launched in 1957 and was kept in production until 1975, in which time over 3.8 million examples were produced.
Reincarnated half a century later in 2007, the not-so-compact city car was previewed to the world on the very day that Fiat chose to launch its new 500. In the eight years of production over,
 1.5 million
 specimens were built. This new model hasn’t grown in terms of size but does get new technological upgrades and more
efficient powertrains
.
Just like the previous model, there will be
 hatchback and convertible
 body shapes. Aside from that, the new 500 will be available in three trim levels namely
Pop, Pop Star
 and the range topping
Lounge.
EXTERIOR
Not much has changed in terms of looks. The basic shape and styling has not changed in this new refreshed model. The front end gets a new lower gloss
black mesh grille
 with the
fog lamps and chrome trimmings
 to go with it. The lower light cluster has been reshaped to have a more
slanted look
. The 500 now gets
LED day-time running lights.

Around the side however, there is no changes to the lines that run the length of the compact little Italian scamper. The previous version had a slab of chrome on the lower rear bumper. This new one incorporates a sleeker look with
reflectors built in
 to it. The tail lamps, which Fiat calls an
“empty light clusters”
 has a body coloured centre with the lights appearing around it to emanate from the bodywork, almost like an illuminated tattoo.
INTERIOR
The interiors have been given a work over with a new dashboard that comes equipped with the
Uconnect infotainment system
. The range topping Lounge trim gets a touch screen display head unit. To accommodate this new unit, the air-cond vents and dashboard dome had to be reworked.

Aside from that, the new 500 gets a new
multi-function steering wheel
 and instrument cluster which still retains
analog style dials
 for the rev counter and speedometer. Although on the Lounge trim, an
eight-inch
 Magneti Marelli manufactured
TFT screen
 (optional) displays the
 gauges
 just like the newly launched
Audi TT
.
PERFORMANCE
The new Fiat 500 never made to tear the streets of Rome. The newly expanded engine line-up for the British market has yet to be confirmed but
Euro6 compliant
 bunch consists of the
69 hp 1.2-litre and the 900 cc two cylinder TwinAir
 duo that puts out
 85hp and 105hp
.
The range will be expanded after the launch with the
1.2-litre 69hp
 engine in
 ‘Eco’
 configuration that will be equipped with a
smart alternator
, an
aerodynamic pack
 and a new set of 14- or 15-inch tyres with
 low rolling resistance
. The result ? The 58 hp TwinAir has an official
fuel consumption
 figure of just
3.8 litres per 100 km
 on the combined cycle. Joining it is the
1.3-litre 16v Multijet II 95hp turbo diesel unit.
SAFETY
The Fiat 500 boasts as being one of the safest cars in its segment. The 1.2-litre variant is now armed with
larger diameter brake discs
 for more effective braking. Standard across the range is
seven airbags
 (front, window and side airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag) remain as before. Active safety systems include
ABS
 with electronic brake distribution
(EBD
), advanced electronic stability control (
ESC
), anti-slip regulation (
ASR
), Hill Holder and hydraulic brake assistance (
HBA
) to aid the driver in emergency situations.

WHAT ELSE?
A full range of
Mopar
 accessories is also available from launch, including
vintage-style wheels
 and a range of
alloy wheels
 with different designs, colours and finishes. The
mirror caps
 are available either in chrome or painted in a variety of different colours. New distinctive
side badges, chrome roof mouldings
, a
rear spoiler
 and not to mention a whole range of
decals
 for the
sides and roof
. Prices start in the UK from
£10,890 or RM64,329.
IMAGE GALLERY


Check out Ford’s new “car vending machine” in China

The business of selling new cars have never been more competitive with manufacturers opting for almost any feasible option or channel for even the prospects of the slightest hike in sales.
Ford and Alibaba’s Tmall Vehicle has, unconventionally, opted for a
 “Super Test Drive”
 centre in a pilot project revolving around an over-sized vending machine for Ford’s cars. The building is equipped with an intelligent lifting system that can accommodate
up to 42 cars
 at once.
Customers will be able to select from Ford’s 10 different models to sample including the Mondeo, the Explorer or even the Mustang. They are given three days to form a bond with the selected car before having to return it for someone else to have a go in.
All the test driver needs to do is pay a small fee with Alibaba’s Tmall app. Users with specific Tmall accounts could even be offered further discounts for a Ford of their liking. The user’s face will also be scanned at the self-service centre, presumably for leverage should the car not find its way back. If a purchase is finalised, the test drive fee can be returned.
Credit:
Alibaba


All-new Mazda CX-5 scores full 5-Star Euro NCAP rating!

If you’re keen on getting yourself a
second-generation Mazda CX-5
, here’s another reason why you should. The all-new CX-5 has just been awarded the maximum 5-Stars at the Euro NCAP crash safety rating, endorsing the SUV’s comprehensive passive and active safety features.
The vehicle tested by Euro NCAP is equipped with the full suite of
i-ACTIVESENSE
 driver assistance systems on top of the standard six airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and ISOFIX mounting point. The car you see here is equipped with Advanced Smart City Brake Support – a standard feature on all variants, Adaptive LED Headlights, Lane-keep Assist System with Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Based on the video above, Mazda’s claim of “lowering the risk of pedestrian impact injury” certainly hold its merits. The bonnet features hole and cut-outs to create an easily crushable structure that helps mitigate injury when a pedestrian collides with the car. Energy-absorbing foam within the front bumper helps limit the degree of injury to a pedestrian’s legs as depicted by the dummy.
Mazda’s
Autonomous Emergency Breaking
 performed superbly in most scenarios by bringing the car to a complete stop while leaving a reasonable buffer between the subject and front bumper. Only during the final test where the pedestrian appears from a blind spot the CX-5 did not manage to come to a complete halt.
Overall, the all-new CX-5 scored 95 percent (36.5 points) in the adult occupant category, 80 percent (39.4 points) for child occupant, 78 percent (32.8 points) for pedestrian and 59 percent (7.1 points) in the Safety Assist category; earning the prestigious full 5-Stars Euro NCAP.
It won’t be long before you can sign a cheque for one as Bermaz Motors has hinted that the
second-generation Mazda CX-5 will go on sale very soon
 and will be locally assembled no less.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda CX-5 UK-Spec


2017 Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class Convertible, topless is the new sexy

Following the
teaser image
 released a few days ago, the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet has finally been unveiled in full glory. According to Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class Cabriolet is the last member of the
W213 E-Class
 family, so you can stop wondering whether there will be another variant of the E-Class.
Based on the
E-Class Coupe
, the E-Class Cabriolet dons a fabric roof which can either appear or disappear in
20 seconds
, and the
fully-automatic
 roof operation can be done at speeds
up to 50km/h
. Comes in four colour options: black, dark brown, dark blue, or dark red, the multi-layered roof is said to offer proper sound insulation for the convenience of the occupants. With the top down, you need to sacrifice 75 litres of the total
385 litres boot volume
 because the roof folds into the boot.

Those with their hundred-dollar haircut can also drop the top while driving without the risk of damaging it, thanks to the
Aircap draught-stop system
. Comprised of a retractable wind deflector at the top edge of the A pillar and a draught stop behind the rear passenger seats’ headrests, it claims to cut down interior turbulence for everyone on board. There’s also the
Airscarf neck-level heating
, but that’s reserved only for the front occupants. The rear occupants have to chill their necks out.

Powering the E-Class Cabriolet is a range of the engines already offered in the W213 family, which includes a
turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder
 in either petrol or diesel, and a
3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
. All engines are paired to a
nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
, and for the first time ever the E-Class Cabriolet is available with
4Matic all-wheel drive system
.
The new E-Class Cabriolet will be debuting at the
2017 Geneva Motor Show
, and who knows, it might just make it to the Malaysian market. The Mercedes-Benz coupe lineup here now consist of the
SLK
 (we are sorry, we mean SLC),
C-Class Coupe
, and the
C-Class Cabriolet
. Fancy yourselves one of these? Or would you prefer the
E-Class Coupe
 instead?
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Malaysia open bookings for 2020 BR-V 7-seater

First introduced in 2017, Honda Malaysia has given its Bold Runabout Vehicle (or the BR-V) some updates and it’s set to be launched by Q1 of this year.
Since its
launch two years ago
, over 36,000 units of BR-V have been sold in Malaysia as at January 2020. Its 1.5-litre engine with
120 hp
and
145 Nm
 paired to a CVT gearbox soldiers on while the exterior has been refreshed with items such as:
New front bumper
New front grille
New front lower bumper garnish
New front fog light garnish
New rear lower bumper garnish
New shark fin antenna
New 16-inch wheel design
These will be added to the existing projector headlamps, with LED daytime running lights, and LED combination tail lamps.
Keyless Entry adds to the Push Start function to complement the new leather seats with Red accents for a touch of that “Honda sportiness”. No red badges elsewhere though.
Taken from
Honda Malaysia’s Facebook page
.
These will add to the creature comforts currently offered in the BR-V, including a reverse camera, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity.
On the safety front, the BR-V comes with dual airbags although Honda has really got to up that number seeing as it is a 7-seater, used mostly for ferrying loved ones no less.
Elsewhere you get ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill-start Assist alongside its 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.


JPJ urges public to report cars with fancy number plates

The Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) has taken to social media to remind motorists that the use of custom ‘fancy’ number plates is against the law.
“It is an offense to fit on number plates that are confusing, blur or ‘fancy’, the post warned.
The Road Transport Department also urged the public to report these illegal number plates to the authorities by sharing images and other relevant details to
[email protected]
.
According to their social media post, the owners of the vehicle will then be interrogated by the JPJ. If found guilty, owners of these vehicles will be fined between RM300 to RM3,000 under Section 14(4) of APJ 1987.
Previously, JPJ issued guidelines on the appropriate placing and size. Each alphabet or number must be 40 mm wide, 70 mm tall, and spaced 10 mm apart. Between the alphabets and the numbers, there should be a 30 mm space in between.
For additional information on number plate specifications, check out
JPJ’s official site
.
Expired road tax and driving licence renewal deadline extended to 31st of December. More about it here!


Proton commits to launching at least one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) per year

With the launch of the
Proton X90
 in Malaysia,
Proton
 has started its venture into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment. NEV is just how Proton refers to its electrified vehicles. At the launch of the X90, Geely Holding Group Chairman Eric Li Shufu announced that Proton will “launch at least one NEV model every year”.
If you didn’t know yet, the Proton X90 is the company’s first hybrid car and it runs a 48V mild hybrid system. The system consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and a Belt Starter Generator (BSG). The engine itself makes 177 hp and 255 Nm while the BSG makes 13 hp and 45 Nm. Combined, the system makes
190 hp
and
300 Nm
 Being a mild hybrid car, the X90 doesn’t need to be plugged in to charge.
If we count the upcoming Smart #1 that will be distributed by PRO-NET (Proton’s subsidiary), Proton is already on track to launch 2 NEVs in 2023. In a slide titled “Geely to add momentum to NEV transition”, images of the Zeekr 001,
Lotus Eletre
, and the
Galaxy E8
 alongside the confirmed upcoming Smart #1, but let’s not read into it too much for now.
RELATED:
Geely unveils ‘Galaxy’ sub-brand, 7 PHEV and EV models planned by 2025
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Proton X90, Geely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li Shufu said, “We will spare no effort to support Proton with new technologies, new products, new business models, help Proton launch at least one new energy vehicle model every year, cultivate 5,000 talents in Proton in the field of new energy vehicles within five years, enable Proton to become a leader of new energy vehicles in ASEAN countries and build the new energy vehicle ecology in Malaysia.”
Besides announcing that Proton will launch at least one NEV model every year, Eric Li also announced that Proton cultivate 5,000 NEV talents within the next five years and that the company will build the NEV ecology in Malaysia.
RELATED:
2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia, from RM123,800


BMW to display the new M2 and M4 Coupes with M Performance parts at SEMA

Every year (for the most part) in the deserts of Nevada or better known to most of us as Las Vegas since 1963, holds a spectacular auto show that brings all the biggest names in the American automotive tuning community. It’s a platform for these guys to showcase everything that’s
 rad
 and cool in the custom car industry. And when we say big names, we mean big names such as the likes of Vic Edelbrock Jr, the late Carol Shelby, Chip Foose and Dempsey Wilson; just to name a few. But here’s the catch – it’s not open to the public.
SEMA or
Specialty Equipment Market Association
is a
 closed-door event
 that has been gaining ever more traction since the 60s and to that point, it’s no longer contained to just American brands. It now houses exhibitions from over
6,383
companies
worldwide
 with giants such as BMW taking the stands. Here, over
50,000
 buyers will get a chance to see first hand all the performance and aesthetic mods and parts available for a myriad of car types. This time around,
BMW
 decided to put the newly-launched
M2
 and
M4
 Coupé M Performance parts on display in Vegas.

The BMW M4 Coupé (not forgetting the
water injected M4 GTS
) will come fitted with carbon fibre (CFRP)
front inserts
, M Performance front
grille
 finished in gloss black,
side sill
 attachments with the “M Performance” wording
etched
 in and CFRP
wing mirror caps
. And let’s not forget about Bimmer’s “go-faster-division”
racing strip decals
.
At the rear end, a motorsport-derived BMW M Performance CFRP
diffuser
and a newly designed M Performance through-flow rear spoiler that’s – yep you guessed it – made of carbon fibre which further
accentuates
 the butch rear section of the M4 Coupé. Aside from enhancing the looks, these parts work in tandem with the car’s
airflow response
, so they ensure an
optimised
 aerodynamic performance for those with an
ambitious
 driving style.

Now what’s an M4 without some additional substance under the hood, right? Some new hardwares include a lightweight
stainless steel exhaust
 system with a rear
silencer
 made entirely of
titanium
 inscribed with the “M Performance” lettering and a CFRP tailpipe to square off the look. Sadly, BMW hasn’t brought out any performance mods for the
431 hp
 straight-sixer living under the hood.
Being an M Bimmer, the interior is nothing short of racey and that’s the case here in the M4. Having said that, there aren’t too many mods for it aside from a few trim upgrades such as the
clear-finish carbon fibre steering wheel
 with a blue centre-position
marker
 atop it. Meanwhile, below the driver’s feet, the pedals are fitted with
 stainless steel
 ‘M Performance’ pedal
covers
.

The Munich giant really pulled out all the stops for the M4 at SEMA, and at this juncture it’s only fair to move over to it’s newly-launched baby brother – the
M2
. Pretty much
all the mods
 available for the M4 is available for the M2 with subtle differences differentiating the duo. Should you be the lucky owner of either of these ultimate driving machines and are keen on getting hold of these exotic mods but aren’t anywhere close to Las Vegas, fret not for these upgrades will be made available from the BMW dealer network by
June 2016
, but if you could get a hold of it any sooner, we’d reckon that be the ultimate ‘
haul of fame
‘.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW M4

BMW M2


Here’s your first official look at the Mercedes-AMG GT 73e

We’ve heard about the electrified Mercedes-AMG GT 73e for quite some time now, be it from leaks,
rumours
, or even
 teasers
from Mercedes themselves, stopping short of confirming the existence of the model. Well, the time has now finally come, as the team at Affalterbach has just officially shown off the model in full.
In an announcement released right after the launch of the W12 Formula 1 car, Mercedes-Benz placed the new hybrid-powered AMG model next to the
Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar
, as well as the 2021 F1 season challenger, giving us a first official look at the GT 73e.
To be clear, the company did not specifically name it as the GT 73e, but that’s what everyone is calling it, and we shall follow suit too. But what Mercedes-AMG
did
 specifically do, is show off the new “V8 Bi-Turbo E Performance” badge on the fender, confirming the electrical bits underneath the bonnet.
But that is just about the extent that the German carmaker is willing to tell us now. Based on previous rumours, the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 73e will supposedly be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, paired to some sort of electrical assistance to produce a combined horsepower figure
 north of 800 hp
.
With that amount of powered, the AMG GT 73e is also rumoured to complete the century sprint in
less than three seconds
!
As for looks, the lightly-camouflaged GT 73e doesn’t look all that much different compared to the existing
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
. The only differences that we can see are the slats within the lower intakes, with mild changes probably to channel air to cool the battery pack and electric motor.
The road-going Mercedes-AMG division has strengthened their partnership with the Brackley-based F1 team, with more in-depth “mutual transfer” of technologies in the development of future electrified technologies for both racing and on the road. That is why the same E-Performance branding can also be found on the W12 F1 car.
The press release singles out an “electric turbocharger”, which the company says is “standing the test in Formula 1 under extreme conditions and will soon be used in AMG production models”.
There’s still a lot of uncertainties about this upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 73e, but one thing’s for certain: It’ll be a beast both on track and on public roads.
GALLERY


So Hyundai wants to build a roadster and it’s called the N Roadster…

Nope, we don’t believe it even the slightest; especially not on the 1st of April although what a good looker it would actually be, if they did.
Posted on the
Australian N Performance Facebook page
 are images of the supposed N Roadster that’s said to feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with power sent to the rear wheels.
They also went on to say that it’s merely a ‘concept’ and a ‘vision’ of South Korean designer, Yeongjoon Park.
Well, don’t get your hopes up, Hyundai has tinkered with the
 idea of a mid-ship sports car for the longest time
 and there’s still no word on it. They can’t even commit to
bringing the i30N into Malaysia,
 so keep those hopes and dreams buried for now.
It is after all, April Fool’s Day.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda HR-V facelift unveiled in Japan, Honda Sensing standard on all variants!

Honda has given its popular B-segment SUV, the
Honda HR-V
 a mid-life facelift after five years in service. Also known as the Vezel in its home market, the HR-V gets new LED headlamps, more kit and Honda Sensing safety suite as standard across the board.
New items on the refreshed HR-V include a redesigned front grille, new front bumper with integrated LED fog lamps and full LED headlamps (reflector type). The
range-topping RS
 model gets a sportier treatment in the shape of blacked out grille, aggressive body kit, wing mirror caps in black and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Customers can also choose two additional colour palettes –Aurora Amethyst Metallic and Silver Mist Green Metallic, bringing the total number of colour to eight.

Inside, the HR-V benefits from reshaped front seats with new stitching material to “improve hold ability and texture”. Selected models also get eight-way powered driver seat with memory function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard fitment on more expensive variants.
To improve the HR-V’s overall ride comfort, Honda has fitted additional damping material for lower NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and a restructured high-pressure fuel pump for suppressed engine noise during acceleration.

There are
two powertrain
 options available – 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol and 1.5-litre i-DCD Sport Hybrid. The petrol mill is still mated to a CVT transmission while the Sport Hybrid variants get a seven-speed dual-clutch with paddle shifters. Front- and all-wheel drive are available on all variants, but the RS models can only be had in FWD guise.
Honda has also fine-tuned the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system for
smoother acceleration
 and optimised the brake pedals for a
more natural brake feel
.
All variants of the HR-V in Japan come with
 Honda Sensing advanced driver assist system as
standard
 which bundles functions such as Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigating Braking System CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).
Prices for the facelifted Honda HR-V in Japan starts from ¥2.07 million (RM76k) to ¥2.9 million (RM106k) for the Sport Hybrid 4WD. The petrol variants of the HR-V will no doubt make its way to Malaysia very soon and noting that Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to assemble
Sport Hybrid i-DCD models
, we may finally get a hybrid-powered HR-V.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda HR-V Facelift

Honda HR-V RS Facelift


‘Kosong Spec’ Perodua Axia E Manual lives on, price and specs to be revised

With the launch of the all-new 2023
Perodua Axia

today, one thing some may notice is the lack of a manual variant among the four that debuted. However, a manual base version of the Perodua Axia will still be available, albeit on the non-DNGA body. Perodua has confirmed that the Perodua Axia E will live on to be sold to both driving schools and private owners.
Known to some as the ‘Kosong Spec’ Axia, the Perodua Axia E is famously used by driving schools. Most young drivers would have probably driven one during their learning period, and the ‘Kosong Spec’ nickname is a very apt one. Some of the features lacking in the Axia E include central locking, a head unit, a tachometer, and a rear windscreen wiper. Possibly the most distinguishing feature of the ‘Kosong Spec’ Axia are its 14-inch steel wheels.
Like other versions of the Axia, the Perodua Axia E manual is still powered by the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that makes
67 hp
 and
91 Nm
. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Upon launch, the Axia used to be available with a manual transmission even in the higher variants, but after the second facelift in 2019, the manual transmission is only available in the ‘E’ variant.
In a presentation by Perodua during the preview of the all-new Axia, Perodua stated that the Axia E will still be continued due to the diverse requirement and income levels of the brand’s customers. Perodua will continue to produce the ‘old’ Axia E to fulfill its role as the “most affordable car” in the market.
RELATED:
2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600
It was also mentioned by Perodua during this announcement that the price and specification of the Axia E Manual will be announced at a later date, hinting at further enhancements to the existing model.


Video: Volvo C40 Recharge review – The best small EV in Malaysia?

The past year has been exciting for EV enthusiasts in Malaysia as more than 10 electric cars were launched, ranging from the ‘affordable’ ones to those in the premium segment. Last of them all was the
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric

which is essentially a coupe version of the
Volvo XC40
.
Sold in one variant only in Malaysia which is the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate, the C40 fetches a price of
RM288,888
. Interestingly, the C40 can be bought through Volvo Car Malaysia’s
new e-commerce platform
 which was launched together with the car in December last year.
The C40’s coupe styling serves more than just an aesthetic function as it makes the car more aerodynamic and thus increasing the total electric driving range from the XC40’s 438 km to
451 km
. Coupe roof aside, the C40 is almost identical to the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, even bearing the same set of 19-inch five-double spoke wheels.

Powering the car is a dual-motor setup that makes
408 hp
 and
660 Nm
. It is the most powerful EV in its price range and is also the quickest, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of
4.7 seconds
. As for energy storage, the C40 gets the same
78-kWh
 battery pack as the XC40, albeit offering more range at
451 km
 (WLTP), as mentioned earlier.
Charging can be done at a maximum rate of
11 kW
 with AC charging and this charges the car from 10% to 100% in
eight hours
. With DC fast charging, the C40 can handle a maximum charging rate of
150 kW
, and this charges the car from 10% to 80% in
28 minutes
.
RELATED:
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k
More pictures of the Volvo C40 Recharge
here
Inside, the C40 boasts a 100% leather-free interior and almost everything is nature-inspired. One element that takes inspiration from nature is the topography trim that can be found on the dashboard and front door panels. These are inspired by the Swedish mountains, and they are backlit to enhance the look at night.
The EV market in Malaysia offers several other options within the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric’s price range and this includes several German and Korean options. Is the C40’s powerful drivetrain enough for it to compete with the other EVs? Watch our review to find out.
ALSO WATCH:
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, from RM289k – 5 Things


Geneva bound Honda Civic Type R concept revealed [+Videos]

Honda is set to officially reveal its most prolific and recognizable machine, the Honda Civic
Type R
 Concept at the upcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The design team calls it “
racing car for the road
“, is characterized by its large, fiery diffuser with integrated brake lights and 4-piece exhaust  system as shown from the official sketch.

There are already video footages of a prototype Civic Type R gunning around Nürburgring months earlier.
A
2-litre turbocharged
, direct-injected, 4-pot engine is set to power the new Civic Type R and power is expected at least around
280PS
. That is a lot of mad horses! This approach also mark Honda’s first attempt in turbocharging its Type R lineup, instead of the old school, high revving, VTEC-only powertrain.
The official sketch only shows a hatch form, and there is no mention whether there are any plans to spawn a sedan version of the Civic Type R just yet. Nothing much is official until Geneva, so stay tuned.
For now, check out the videos below as Honda WTCC legend Gabriele Tarquini tackles the green hell in the new Civic Type R.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY


Isuzu introduces the limited D-Max X-Series – oozes X-factor inside and out

Adding yet another edition to the multi-faceted Isuzu D-Max range is the new, limited D-Max X-Series, launched by Isuzu Malaysia today at the Setia City Convention Centre in conjunction with the Drive Autofair 2018.
The limited edition X-Series is priced at
RM 118,000.00
 for the 2.5-litre model while the 3.0-litre V-Cross model is priced at
RM 124,000.00.
Both are available only in two colours – Silky Pearl and Stallion Black Metallic.
Highlighting the new kit is a front skirting with “dual red tone” highlights and a rear skirting designed to complement the aero sports bars. Also furnishing the exterior are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, LED tail lights, an X-Series Edition front grille and front bonnet stripes.
Another new addition to the limited edition X-Series is the welcome light upon unlocking the car which is projected onto the ground for 30 seconds.

The X-Series also adds features like a 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) System, built-in electronic tag located inside the arm rest along with honeycomb-shaped stitching on the upholstery. The AVM feature utilises four exterior cameras in order to have a bird’s eye view to help the driver see around the vehicle.
Other prominent changes on the X-Series Edition are floor mats with X-Series details, the red LED interior accent lights and LED-illuminated scuff plates. Standout features in the cabin also include the X-Series Edition 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio functions.
Entertainment is provided for by an 8-inch touchscreen display with mirroring function and 8 speakers while an abundance of vehicle information can be viewed through the e-Lumax Advance Multi-information Display.
The D-Max X-Series is powered by two similar powertrains from previous models; a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with
 136 hp
 and
320 Nm
 along with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine in the “V-Cross” series producing
177 hp
 with
380 Nm
 of torque. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Shift.
Safety and wise, the D-Max X-Series is safeguarded by dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, ESC, Traction Control while added convenience is provided for by a reverse camera and sensors.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai has developed the world’s first panoramic roof airbag

Hyundai Mobis has developed the world’s first panoramic roof airbag system which aims to reduce injuries by preventing passengers from being thrown out of the car roof in the event of a rollover. It is the first time Hyundai Mobis has acquired such an airbag technology ahead of its competitors.
The airbag, developed by the automotive parts division of Hyundai, is installed inside the sunroof and is
deployed forward from the rear
 of the car – resembling the curtain airbag that deploys alongside the windows. When a rollover is detected by sensors, the inflator will deploy the airbag.
The cushion is inflated by gas and will cover the entire roof surface of the vehicle in just
0.08 seconds
 to protect the passengers from risks of being thrown out of the panoramic roof –  as had been tested during road tests using dummies.


BMW i8 Spyder confirmed for production, debuting in 2016

There’s no denying that
BMW i8 plug-in hybrid
 makes environmental friendly cars sexy and desirable. One could have imagined having an i8 with its roof cut off is the equivalent of dating a gorgeous Victoria Secret model with way lesser clothes. Well, the wait is no more, because the Bavarian giant has finally confirmed production for the BMW i8 Spyder.
As reported in German newspaper
Handelsblatt
, BMW CEO Harald Krüger commented that the i8 Spyder is set to arrive in time for BMW’s centennial celebrations next year. Apart from the
removable roof panels
, BMW retains the majority of the i8 coupe’s characteristics. That said, expect this sexy spyder to be powered by the similar
1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine
 and an
electric motor
, coupled with a
six-speed automatic transmission
.
For those who needs some refresher on the i8 Coupe, the car – with a total output of
 362 hp
 and
 570 Nm
– is capable of hitting
 0 – 100km/h in 4.4secs
. Rumours say the German automaker is working on the 2.0-liter powertrain capable of 450hp.
The all-wheel driven i8 was
launched in Malaysia
earlier in April for a cool RM1.2million. With the emergence of the
i showroom
 in Kuala Lumpur, we might see the topless i8 in our shores by 2017.

IMAGE GALLERY


You can now experience Nissan’s new retail concept in Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) together with Nikaijaya Resource has just opened a brand new showroom in the Klang Valley.
The new outlet will be the first authorised Nissan dealer to adopt the new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) in Malaysia, following Nissan’s globally consistent brand experience. NRC aims to enhance the customer experience and journey of the Nissan brand via improved customer services.
The 6,556 square feet showroom features a new exterior with its iconic red Nissan signage, providing a bold impression on arrival. On the inside, the ‘Nissan Drive’ sales and consultation area provides a warm welcome to customers, while capable of displaying up to five Nissan models.
Additional facilities such as a cafe-styled modern customer lounge, kid’s play area, customer parking, and free Wi-Fi connectivity are all available for the convenience of the customers.
ETCM Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan said, “The Nissan Retail Concept adapts to the latest ways of our business environment and represents our commitment in providing our customers with a high quality experience from the minute they arrive.
“We’ll continue to expand and enhance our customer touch points to ensure greater coverage and accessibility for our customers in order to meet the growing demand of our Nissan brand,” he added.
We tried the new Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal system, check it out
here
!
The new Nikaijaya Resource Nissan showroom is located at
923A, Jalan Melor, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara
, approximately 700m after the Damansara Toll Plaza. Operation hours for the new showroom are as follow:
Monday to Friday – 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday – 9.30 am to 6 pm
Sunday and Public Holidays – 9.30 am to 5 pm
As a part of their celebration for the new opening, the outlet will be organising a
Test Drive Carnival
 on the
19th and 20th of October
. Members of the public are invited to experience the range of Nissan vehicles, including the new fully electric
Nissan Leaf
.


RIP: Ford Fiesta to be killed in 2023 after seven generations

After eight generations and 47 years, Ford has announced that it will be axing the iconic
Fiesta
 supermini, citing waning demand as the main cause. Production of the Ford Fiesta at its factory in Cologne, Germany, will stop by the end of June 2023.
Aside from the Fiesta, the American carmaker will also be axing both the
Ford S-Max
 and Ford Galaxy by the end of April 2023. Both MPVs are currently produced at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain.
As reported by Autocar UK, Ford released a statement earlier today which read: “At Ford in Europe, we are accelerating our efforts to go all-in on electrification with our passenger vehicles being fully electric by 2030 – and all vehicles across our Ford portfolio by 2035.
“As we get ready to transition to an electric future, we will discontinue production of S-Max and Galaxy in Valencia, Spain, in April 2023 and discontinue Fiesta production in Cologne, Germany, by end of June 2023.
“We will introduce three new exciting electric passenger vehicles and four new electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024. We plan to sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles in the region by 2026, and the electric passenger vehicle production at the Cologne Electrification Centre will reach 1.2 million vehicles over a six-year timeframe.”
It’s a sorry state for the Ford Fiesta, especially considering how the model, especially in the ST form, is so adored amongst the enthusiast crowd. According to data from Jato Dynamics, sales for the Fiesta in Europe as of August were down 45% compared to the same period last year, and in August alone, it’s struggling to even break top 50 in terms of sales.
The latest-generation Ford Fiesta, despite
making its global debut back in 2016
, also isn’t even being sold here in Malaysia.
ALSO READ:
Ken Block is selling his “dream car” collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas
With the Ford Focus also confirmed to be axed in 2025, it seems like it’s the end of the road for Ford’s signature hatchbacks… at least for now. Will the new wave of EVs change that? Well, with the whole world basically only buying SUVs these days, we’re not too sure.
The company previously announced that it expects to sell 600,000 EVs annually by 2026.
RELATED:
Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first step into an electric future


Honda & Hitachi forms new joint venture to produce electric motors for EVs

Honda Motor Company, together with Hitachi Automotive System have just announced a joint venture to develop and manufacture electric motors for electric vehicles. It’s called Hitachi Automotive Electric Motor Systems Ltd. and is in response to the growing global demand for electric vehicles.
Approximately ¥5 billion (RM190.1 million) has been invested by Hitachi and Honda (51 percent and 49 percent respectively). Operations will take place at Hitachi’s premise in Ibaraki, Japan. The two companies will combine their expertise to develop “competitive motors” for future electric vehicles.
The company also intends to become a global supplier for electric motors to meet the increasing demand of electric vehicles from Honda and other vehicle manufacturers. Plans to expand its operations (manufacturing and sales) to United States and China are among those in the pipeline.
Of course, Honda will make full use of the electric motors produced by this JVC in the near future when the hybrid-car assault begins.