Review: Volkswagen Golf R Mk7, the Rapid Rabbit Express [+Video]

It all started with just a humble hatchback really. The
Volkswagen Golf Mk1 Typ 17
 (or Rabbit, as it was fondly known in the US of A) was an indirect replacement to the real people’s car, the Beetle. But some engineers thought it would be nice if the Golf has more power so they went on to create the
 Golf GTI
. Apparently after four generations of the GTI, it still wasn’t enough; no siree bob. The dials were then turned up to eleven to create a
hotter Golf
 that sits above the GTI.
The
R
 badge (R32 to be specific) first appeared on the
Golf Mk4
. The first
Golf R32
 packs a huge normally-aspirated
3.2-litre VR6
 engine under its bonnet, producing
237 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque driving all four wheels via the
 4MOTION all-wheel drive system
. It was also the world’s first production car equipped with a
dual-clutch gearbox
 (DSG). The identical badge reappears on the
Golf Mk5
 where the similar package is applied but the power has climbed to
240 hp
.
On the
Golf Mk6,
 the sonorous 3.2-litre VR6 gave way to a more compact
turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder
 powerplant, thus dropping the “R32” moniker in favour of just a single letter R. Even though the engine is smaller, it dishes out
266 hp
 and still driving all four wheels. The baton is then passed to
Golf Mk7
 with the same recipe but with
more power
 and around
 45 kg lighter
 than before.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volkswagen Golf R 5-door Tech Pack

Segment
C-segment performance hatchback
Engine
1,984 cc 4-Cylinder TSI
Max Power
276 hp
 @ 5,700 – 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
380 Nm
 @ 1,750 – 5,600 rpm
Price
RM 291,888.00
 (OTR without insurance)

The
 Golf R
 Mk7
landed in Malaysia
 in June 2014, costing some odd
RM50,000
 over the GTI. But then again the R does pack some serious hardware underneath, and not to mention the increased amount of horses under the bonnet.
GC
 has already
driven it in Sepang
 and his first impressions were nothing short of awe inducing. With all the goodness crammed into a compact and convenient hatchback, is the Golf R all the car you ever need?
EXTERIOR
 Volkswagen’s hottest Golf never really carried a fierce styling. The Golf R is all about subtle hints but at the same time you don’t need a keen pair of eyes to tell it apart from its lesser brethren. While it’s easy to tell that this is the most powerful Golf in the range by its exclusive
Lapiz Blue
 hue, there’s not much aesthetic addenda to indicate that it’s the crown jewel Golf.

The GTI may be boasting its hotness by the trademark red strip across the grille, but the R simply wears a single strip of chrome on the grille. The Golf R’s face is fuller though with its square-jawed front bumper and air intake vents, and they’re not merely for visual effects as it needs those vents to keep its internals cool. There are no fake blanked out vents here, all holes are literally openings large enough to swallow an Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

The gorgeous
19-inch Cadiz wheels
 add a bit of bling to the overall package, and other bling factors to be found on the R are the
LED indicators
 inside the
Bi-Xenon headlamps
 with
LED Daytime Running Lights
, and the
LED tail lights
 that most GTI owners are envious of. The letter R is peppered around the exterior too, on the front grille, on the front fenders, on the boot lid, and even on the brake calipers.
Most people will only catch the rear view of the Golf R on the highways, and the telltale sign that you’ve been overtaken by one is the
OTT

quad tailpipes
 that farts rudely as it disappears into the horizon.
INTERIOR
 It’s mainly dark and sombre in here, which is good especially if you want to focus on your driving. It’s not that the interior is boring, it does have some eye candy to remind you that you’re in a special Golf. For instance, the dials feature the same clock face with other Volkswagen vehicles and that’s fine because they’re sharp and clear, but in the R it gets
blue needles
 to sweep round the clocks.
The
flat-bottom steering wheel
 itself is shapely with the obligatory
shift paddles
 and the letter R at the 6 o’clock position. The letter R also can be found on the deeply bolstered front seats but the weird thing is that only the driver gets electronic adjustments, whilst the front passenger’s seat adjusts manually. At night, the front occupants are accompanied by the blue strip of LED that adorn the front door panels.

It’s well-equipped with creature comforts too, you get
keyless entry
 with
 push-start button
,
leather seats
,
dual-zone climate control
,
reverse camera
,
seven airbags
, and even a
sliding glass sunroof
 as standard. An
8-inch touchscreen
 takes prime estate on the glossy piano black center console, featuring
GPS navigation
 with
3D map
 and
Bluetooth connectivity
.
Since it’s a Golf, space is not an issue here, but seriously do you really care about the space in a Golf R? Well if you insist, the back seats three at a squeeze with sufficient leg room and head room. The rear passengers get a couple of aircond vents, and there are ISOFIX mounts for any yummy-mummy carrying their pride and joy (I’m referring to their kids of course, not their LV bags).

The backrest
 split 60/40
 as usual, and there’s a door behind the fold-down center armrest giving access to and from the boot. The
380 litre boot
 may not be the biggest around, but it’s practical with useful side compartments and hooks and even a
 12V power
 outlet.
PERFORMANCE
The
EA888
 unit in the GTI is already producing 217 hp and 350 Nm of torque; but with new cylinder head, new injectors, and a bigger turbo, it now serves
276 hp
 and
 380 Nm
 of torque in the R. The superfast
6-speed wet-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox
 is the only option for the Malaysian-market Golf R, and it allows the Golf R to rocket from
zero to hundred km/h
 in
less than five seconds
.
Top speed
 is capped at
250 km/h
, but who’s complaining?
The
pièce de résistance
 has to be the
 4MOTION all-wheel drive
 with
electronic differential locks
 (EDS) and the latest version of their cross differential system,
XDS+
. Under normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels but the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system uses the
fifth-generation Haldex clutch
 to distribute power to the back wheels by
up to 100 percent
 when needed.
With EDS and XDS+ working in harmony, they apply brakes or send power to any specific wheel to reduce understeer. And for the first time ever you can finally switch the
 traction control off
, should you ever feel like manhandling the R by its metaphorical horns.
Another party piece is the
 Dynamic Chassis Control
 (DCC) that alters the damper, steering, and throttle response accordingly for each driving mode. On the
Driving Mode Selection
, you can choose from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Race, or even Individual.
The Individual mode lets you get creative with the setup, so you can customise each attribute to be in the lowest or the sportiest setting. I’m in Eco mode most of the time, where it utilises the
 Stop/Start technology
 and it even decouples the gearbox from the engine when coasting, saving every drop of precious amber nectar in the fuel tank. If you must know, the
 average fuel consumption
 is rated at an astonishing
 6.9 l/100 km
, given how performance-oriented the R is.
THE DRIVE
By thumbing the starter button you will be greeted by a bassy din from the 4-cylinder. Yes, the sound from the engine may be synthesized by the
Soundaktor
 but it gives out a mean staccato that fuses a boxer four rumble with a hint of V8 grunt to be heard inside the cabin. I don’t mind that they’re (partly) fake, and personally I find the DSG farts never get old especially when you’re powering away from the toll booths. On the other hand, the constant bassyness that permeates the cabin can be rather annoying when you’re in a mood for just a relaxed cruise.
There’s no need to get to know the Golf on the normal streets. I’m not going to say its as comfortable as the 1.4 TSI, but you get the idea of how easy it is to drive as any normal hatchback in its class. Fitted with those 19-inch wheels the ride is not rock-hard and surprisingly pliable yet composed than what you would expect.
Even in Eco mode, there’s gobs of pull from the turbo four under the bonnet. With 380 Nm of torque at your disposal from just 1,750 rpm, a flex of your right ankle will treat you to a blurred scenery and you’re warped into three-digit speeds in no time.
The rapidness of the acceleration makes it second nature for the Golf R to hog the fast lane. While
AutoBuzz.my
 does not condone such acts, highway warriors will be delighted by the Golf R’s ability to obliterate (almost) anything in its sight. It gathers pace in an atrocious manner so don’t be surprised if you receive a few love letters in your mailbox.
Even though the Golf R is a useful tool to educate the poseur ricers that tries ever so hard to tailgate you, it doesn’t really make full use of the
 4MOTION all-wheel drive
 capabilities on the long highways. For this you need to find the B-roads to exploit the broad talents of the car has to offer.
On the twisties the Golf R clings to the road like a baby koala to its mother. On corners where you’d normally ease the throttle, in the Golf R you can gun it
 ASAP
 without hesitation. Initially you will encounter some understeer but the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with the
XDS+
 work their magic to shoot the Golf R out of any corners without drama.
Body roll is non-existent, and the progressive steering loads up nicely when you’re attacking the bends. It felt quite surreal but at the same time it’s confidence-inspiring that after attacking your favourite stretch of twisties, you will want to have another go at it; thinking where could you carry more speed to shave your previous timed run that you set using the on-board lap timer. It’s like playing
 Gran Turismo
 but way better.
And yet it gets even better. After you’re done playing you’d expect the fuel consumption to plummet to more than 15.0 l/100 km, but take a glance at the multi-info display and you’ll find you barely stray more than 10.0 l/km. This is a fine example of having your cake and eating it.
IS IT FOR YOU?
Are you looking for a practical continental hatch for your daily run that you can also enjoy it for your weekend blast on squiggly B roads? Already tested the Golf GTI but still left wanting more? The Golf R could be the car for you. Some might say it’s a bit too much to be used as a daily car compared to the GTI but the R makes for a better proposition because even though you might not use it to its fullest potential, there’s always time for you to explore what it has to offer.
Although at this price range there are a lot of other (more sedate) choices, there’s no other vehicle that has the beguiling mixture of talents as the Golf R. It also looks discreet enough and if you’re all about subtleties the Golf will definitely complement your style. Then again, if you find the Golf R is excessive for you, there’s always the GTI or if you’re environmentally conscious the
Golf GTE
 is coming in a few months time with 201 hp and 350 Nm while sipping just 1.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.
COMPARISONS
There’s another German hatch with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and 4WD in (official) Malaysian market; and it’s called the
Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
. Both packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant driving all four wheels and both are using dual clutch transmission.
The Merc has the upper hand with
360 hp
 versus just 280 hp from the Golf. It’s
quicker
 to get to 100 km/h
by 0.4 seconds
 but shares the same limited top speed of 250 km/h and the average fuel consumption of
6.9 l/100 km
. On paper the AMG outshines the R with its power figures (and price), and in the metal it looks flashier than the R.
Volkswagen Golf R 5-door Tech Pack

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
Displacement
cc
1,984
1,991
Max Power
hp/rpm
276/5,700 – 6,200
360/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
380/1,750 – 5,600
450/2,250 – 5,000
STEERING
Type
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6-speed Dual Clutch DSG
7-speed Dual Clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
SUSPENSION
Type (Front / Rear)
MacPherson struts / Multilink
Spring strut and control arm / Control arm and trailing arm
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
235/35 R19
235/35 R19
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,276
4,292
Overall Width
mm
1,799
1,780
Overall Height
mm
1,436
1,430
Wheelbase
mm
2,630
2,699
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,495
1,555
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
380
341
FUEL
Tank Capacity
55
56
Consumption
6.9 L/100 km
6.9 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
250
250
0 – 100km/h
sec
5.0
4.6
PRICE
RM
291,888.00
346,888.00

WILL I BUY IT?
Most people said the GTI is sufficient for a daily ride, but if you have the money why settle for just that? This is quite the most complete Golf to date and I’d get one in a heartbeat if my bank account allows me to. The Golf R is like a best friend, providing you with the comfort and assistance when you’re in need and encouraging you to push harder and do better when you’re faced with a challenge. Upon returning it I felt like I was missing my best friend. Until our paths cross another time; see you again, friend.
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VIDEO GALLERY
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IMAGE GALLERY


This Infiniti Project Black S will get F1-inspired hybrid powertrain with looks to kill

Nothing sets the heart racing more than seeing a blacked out sports car. In that, the Infiniti Project Black S seems resolute in its will to go up against the
BMW M4 CS
,
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe
 and
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
.
While built based on the existing
Q60 Coupe
, Infiniti made Renault Sport F1 their official technical partner for this project. The Project Black S will get F1-inspired hybrid powertrain that should produce well over 500 horsepower, with a dual-hybrid system featuring ‘energy recovery system’ or (ERS) that harvests energy, resulting in significant lag-free accelerations. However, full details are still kept close to their chests. For now.

What we do know is that the twin exhaust pipes are made of lightweight titanium and that it will sit on 21-inch matte-black forged alloy wheels. Carbon fibre will be extensively used for weight reduction and aerodynamic optimisation, one of which can be seen in the front splitter. The hood gets air vents and the enlarged wheel arches all contribute to aero efficiency, while the two-tiered rear spoiler helps keep the car planted.
Infiniti is also toying with the idea of introducing a “Black S” variant to their production cars, a grade which represents the maximum level of performance and dynamism by Infiniti. In the near future, cars christened with the new moniker will get uprated suspension systems, unique design elements and of course, state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton X70 Special Edition launched in Malaysia – 2,000 units only, RM123,800

The highly-rumoured Proton X70 Special Edition has now been launched in Malaysia. Just like the
Exclusive Edition (EE)
 that was unveiled in Brunei last month, the Proton X70 Special Edition (SE) will come with a number of exclusive styling touches to set it out from the rest of the line-up.
While the EE in Brunei is limited to just 37 units, Proton will be offering 2,000 units of the X70 Special Edition to customers in Malaysia – significantly more than its previous limited-run model, the
Merdeka Edition
. The Proton X70 SE is priced at
RM123,800
 on-the-road without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption that ends on December 31, 2021.
Compared to the Proton X70 Premium that it is based on, the SE commands a RM4,000 premium over the regular model. It’s also RM1,000 over the Premium X model that includes a sunroof, which the SE does not.
Learn more about the regular Proton X70 models here!
So what does the extra sum gets you? For starters, the Proton X70 Special Edition will come with a unique Ocean Blue exterior paint job, contrasted by the blacked-out roof and wing mirrors. Unlike the X70 EE in Brunei though, buyers can also opt for a Ruby Red hue as an alternative to the blue, though that’s a standard colour available on other variants too.
The Proton X70 Special Edition also comes with a new set of wheels, borrowing the design from the Geely Boyue Pro. Although the size remains at 19-inches in diameter, the new multi-spoke design does give the X70 SE an added dash of sportiness, we think. There’s also a SE emblem on the tailgate to tell people your car is a little more special than the rest.
Moving inside, you’ll find a darkened interior trim, coupled to a black Nappa leather upholstery (with white and red contrast stitching) in place of the brown that comes as standard on the Premium variant. Finishing up the visual overhaul are the new variant-specific floor mats with SE badges.
Other than these aesthetic changes, the Proton X70 SE is pretty much identical to the standard Premium variant. Standard equipment includes fully-LED headlights and daytime-running lights, powered-tailgate with foot sensor, seven-inch instrument cluster, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a nine-speaker sound system and 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as dual-zone climate control with a built-in air purifier system.
Here’s how Proton’s built-in Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) works!
Performance is also unchanged – powering the Proton X70 SE is still the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out
181 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque, and paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a century sprint time of
9.5 seconds
.
GALLERY


The new 812 GTO? We can’t wait to hear this Ferrari V12 scream to 9,500 rpm!

It has been close to three years since the last special series Ferrari, the
488 Pista
, came out of Maranello. Ferrari today released basic information and images of their latest special series that will be based on the
Ferrari 812 Superfast
 V12 berlinetta.
The official name will be announced at a later day, as such the sportscar will only be addressed as 812 Superfast special version for now.
Under the lightweight aerodynamic bonnet with a carbon fibre blade lies Ferrari’s most powerful naturally aspirated internal combustion engine. Through the adoption of new engine components, exhaust system and even changes to the valve timing mechanism, the 65-degree
V12

engine
 now produces
830 hp
 at a race-car like
9,500 rpm
. That is 30 hp more than the
Ferrari 812 GTS
.
As with all special series Ferrari such as the Ferrari 488 Pista and the previous F12tdf, plenty of aerodynamic enhancements has been incorporated into the sportscar. The aerodynamic redesign of the whole 812 Superfast was aimed at
maximising downforce
 levels- from the new front air intakes, rear diffuser and exhaust configuration to the patented design of the rear screen – which now hosts vortex generators. No need for an unsightly standing rear wing.

Watch GC’s experience with the 812 Superfast in Fiorano
Meanwhile, in the chassis and handling department, Ferrari will introduce
independent steering
 on all four wheels. Apart from fine-tuning the suspension parameters, the control system of the stability system has also been further enhanced, with the 812 Superfast special version debuting a new
version 7.0
 of the renowned Side Slip Control vehicle dynamics system.
The yet-to-be-named 812 Superfast special version will be the third edition of the limited quantity, special series V12 berlinetta from Ferrari. The legendary automaker first started with the Ferrari 599 GTO a decade ago, followed by the Ferrari F12tdf in 2016. Both special names paid homage to Ferrari’s
rich GT racing history
 of the 50s and 60s.
We will need to wait till
May 5th
 for Ferrari to release the 9,500 rpm soundtrack from the V12 engine as well as the name of this new limited edition special series is indeed the 812 GTO.
If you special enough to Ferrari, the automaker can design and build a one-off retro-inspired car just for you, such as the
Ferrari Omologata
 that is based on the 812 Superfast.
GALLERY


CKD Proton X70 rolls off new production line in Tanjung Malim

A new 7-speed dual clutch transmission could accompany the locally-assembled SUV, which will be sporting the
 new Proton emblem
.
Exactly a year and a day after the Proton X70 was launched in Malaysia, the CKD model with increased torque (with 300 Nm from 285 Nm) will roll off a new extension of Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant.

The RM1.2 billion plant extension will also serve as a right-hand drive production hub to fuel Geely’s exports to a wider ASEAN region which will include Brunei and Indonesia.
With production commencing on the locally-assembled X70, Proton has also unofficially set off new developments in Malaysia’s automotive vendor ecosystem by connecting all vendors involved with supplying components for the SUV. Seven joint ventures between local and foreign vendors were formed as a result.

“By committing to produce the X70 and future models in Tanjung Malim, Proton has developed the vendor community. This is vital as vendors are the anchor for Malaysia’s automotive industry and are major contributors to the economy.
The introduction of new technologies will help develop industry competencies and going forward, the government is hopeful this will allow Malaysia to penetrate global markets and be a leader in the supply of automotive components, said Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Datuk Darell Leiking.


Could you guess which is currently the best-selling electric car in the world?

Influencing the market to make the switch from the conventional is no easy feat but this Japanese company has made its electric vehicle as convincing as their supercar-beating GT-R.
Yes, Nissan has announced that the company has sold its
300,000th

Nissan LEAF
 globally since the model first went on sale in 2010. It was the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle and is now also crowned the world’s best-selling.
And it’s just the beginning – expect to witness a larger wave of these LEAFs as Nissan had just launched an all-new model last year that now comes with ProPILOT and ProPILOT Park, e-Pedal, increased performance and improved comfort along with
NISMO-tuned versions
.
The new Nissan LEAF is expected to arrive in US markets by January and will be sold in more than 60 markets worldwide. Europe has already seen such an overwhelming demand that Nissan has prompted for
online reservations
 to deal with the reception of the LEAF. Locally, Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia has pledged to introduce the all-new Nissan LEAF
by this year
.


Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan lands in UK, 1.5L diesel & 1.3L turbo petrol

The
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
 is now officially on sale in UK and deliveries of the new compact sedan will commence from early 2019. UK customers have two variants of the A-Class Sedan to choose from – A 180 d and A 200.
Like the A-Class hatchback, the
Sport Line
sedan comes highly equipped with LCD instrument cluster, 7.0-inch MBUX touchscreen multimedia system with “Hey Mercedes” voice activation, Artico and Fléron fabric upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, comfort suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Keyless-Go starting function.
Stepping up to the
AMG Line
 and you’ll get goodies such as 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG body kit, Artico and Dinamica microfibre upholstery and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. There are a number of options available for UK customers such as upgraded 10.25 infotainment screen, Active Parking Assist, heated front seats, dual 10.25-inch Widescreen Cockpit, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, Keyless-Go, upgraded sound system and a rear armrest.
The Premium Plus equipment line option packs all of the aforementioned kit and adds electronically powered front seats with memory function, multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam and a panoramic sunroof.
Two engine options are available for UK-bound A-Class sedan, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with
 116 hp
 and
250 Nm
 for the 180 d and a 1.3-litre turbo petrol with an output of
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
. Both engine variants are paired to a seven-speed 7G dual-clutch transmission.
In UK, the A-Class sedan is slightly pricier than its hatchback counterpart with a starting price of £27,875 to £29,295. Now, should we expect this gorgeous thing to come to our shores?
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan for Europe

 A-Class Sedan Progressive Line

 A-Class Sedan Interior


Feast on durians at Volkswagen’s Raya Open House at all authorised dealerships!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be holding its nationwide Raya Open house for all to feast on durians and other Raya delicacies for one day only!
The Raya celebrations will be held at
all Volkswagen dealerships
 this Saturday, 30th June 2018 from 11am to 5pm.
The
Golf TSI “R-Line”
 launched in April is now updated with “R-Line” leather seats.
Aside from glutting out, visitors will also be treated to rebates of up to RM15,000, low interest rates from as low as 0.88% (per annum), and a
 free petrol card worth RM1,188
, as the event falls on the final day of Volkswagen’s Raya Promotion,
Additionally, there will also be
 20% discounts offered on all official Volkswagen merchandise
 sold at the dealerships during the Open House.


Mazda reportedly working on a turbocharged CX-30

Following the hype and fanfare generated with the introduction of the
Mazda3 Turbo
 back in July this year, Mazda is now reportedly working on a turbocharged version of its latest crossover, the
2020 Mazda CX-30
.
Citing an early order guide,
CarsDirect
 reports
 that the turbocharged CX-30 will feature the same powertrain seen in the
Mazda CX-9
and
CX-5 2.5T
, both of which are readily available in Malaysia, as well as the aforementioned Mazda3 Turbo.
The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill makes
228 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque, and will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. According to
 CarsDirect
, the turbocharged CX-30 will also only be available with all-wheel drive, which is a
new addition
 to the CX-30 line-up in Malaysia.
The new forced-induction engine is a significant jump over the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated models available in Malaysia, which makes
162 hp
and
213 Nm
 of torque. Even when compared to the top-of-the-range 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine (187 hp, 252 Nm) available in other regions, the new turbocharged mill still represents a sizeable improvement.
The increase in performance will of course come with a premium in price.
CarsDirect
says that the turbocharged model will be priced near the USD31,000 (~RM129K) mark, which makes it USD6,600 (~RM28K) more expensive to the base AWD 2.0-litre variant over in the States.
Compared to the more similarly-specced CX-30 Select variant which costs USD26,400 (~RM110K), the price premium drops to an easier-to-stomach USD4,600 (~RM19K). In addition to the base trim, the source also claims that the turbocharged CX-30 will be available in Premium and Premium Plus variants, which brings the price pretty close to the top-of-the-range CX-5 Turbo models.

Check out our review of the
Mazda CX-30 2.0L High
!
In terms of equipment, blacked-out 18-inch wheels and outer mirror caps, a larger tailpipe, and an engine “harmonic enhancer” are standard-fit items on the turbocharged CX-30. Premium variant adds a head-up display, leather seats, 12-speaker Bose audio, power liftgate, while the Plus further adds additional parking sensors, surround view monitor, rear emergency braking, and several other variant-specific features.
If given the chance, will you opt for the CX-30 or the larger CX-5 Turbo? For us, the better handling on the CX-30 might be enough to sway us over to the compact crossover. The better power-to-weight ratio might also actually result in a breezier performance. Plus, have you seen the interior of the CX-30?


First ever Ford Ranger Raptor debuts, 2.0L bi-turbo diesel & 10-speed AT!

Ford Performance has just pulled the wraps off their latest creation, the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor. Not to be confused with the F-150 Raptor supertruck, this Ranger Raptor is essentially an ultra souped-upped Ranger pickup truck.
The Ranger Raptor was injected with Ford Performance DNA, spotting a new bi-turbo diesel mill, race-tuned suspension, and improved off-road capability and stability. So good, that Ford Performance deemed it worthy of the iconic Raptor nameplate.
EXTERIOR
Measuring at 5,398 mm in length, 1,873 mm in height, 2,180 mm in width and a rear track of 1,710 mm, the Ranger Raptor is considerably wider than the standard car by 320 mm, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Approach angle is now 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle at 24 degrees and departure angle at 24 degrees.

Visually, the Ranger Raptor gets its styling inspiration from the F-150 Raptor which includes a new front grille, frame mounted front bumper, LED fog lamps, functional air-curtains and composite front fenders. Other practical features include high-strength aluminium die-cast step board, integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks at the rear.
INTERIOR
The cabin was designed with performance driving in mind but still be able to withstand the everyday duties of long-distance travelling and off-road adventures. The seats not only provide ample support for high-speed off-road runs but also superior comfort on-road comfort. Elsewhere, you’ll find leather interior with blue contrast stitching, aggressive instrument cluster, multifunctional steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters and “On-Centre” market as well as Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the Ranger Raptor rests an all-new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produces
210 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a
10-speed automatic transmission
 that was developed in-house. The twin-turbo set up ensures linear torque delivery and responsiveness.
The Ranger Raptor comes with a
Terrain Management System (TMS)
 that offers six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. Baja mode, named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally, gives the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the Ranger Raptor comes with Ford’s latest advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
WHAT ELSE?
The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant and will be exported to the Asia Pacific region. Will Malaysia be one of the lucky recipient? Only time will tell.
IMAGE GALLERY


Gallery: Mecedes-AMG A 35 Edition 1 Hatchback – Little weekend warrior

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently went on a full-on onslaught with the launch of
three new compact AMG models
 on the same day. What you’re looking at here is the smallest of the trifecta – the
Mercedes-AMG A 35 Edition 1 Hatchback
.
Currently priced at RM366,785 (on the road, without insurance, and
inclusive of SST exemptions
), the hatchback model is effectively priced RM30,507 higher than its sedan equivalent. So what do you get for the money? We bring you on a closer look with this detailed gallery. Enjoy!
The A 35 hatchback is currently only available in “Edition 1” form, which includes as standard the AMG Performance package, consisting of a front splitter with flics beside the side air intakes, a more pronounced rear diffuser, as well as a large roof-mounted spoiler.
The AMG Night package is also standard here, pairing it nicely to the only colour that is available on the Edition 1 AMG A 35 hatchback – Denim Blue. To complement the colour further, the 19-inch alloy wheels, brake callipers, and body decals are all painted in a clean “Tech Gold” hue.
The rest of the exterior kit is pretty much identical to its sedan counterpart, including the twin-louvre front grille in chrome silver, AMG Line bumpers and side skirts, as well as the twin tailpipes at the rear.
Moving inside, the A 35 is fitted with the AMG Performance seats as standard, upholstered in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica fabric. Other AMG-specific touches include aluminium AMG design trim elements on the dashboard, illuminated AMG door sill plates, AMG floor mats, as well as an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Artico leather – though, without the cool little settings swivel wheel as seen on the
AMG C 63 S
.
Otherwise, the interior of the baby AMG is pretty much a bog-standard

Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 (which is a good thing in our eyes), featuring the floating twin 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, wireless charging pad, and who can forget the disco-like ambient lighting system.
The MBUX system does get a few AMG-specific touches, such as additional performance-oriented information displays, two additional instrument cluster display modes (Classic, Sport, and Supersport), as well as a configurable head-up display with AMG-specific display modes.
Underneath the hood, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback is powered by the M260
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine
, similar to its sedan counterpart. The engine outputs
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, with power transferred to all four wheels via the seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
As a result, zero-to-100 km/h is done in just
4.7 seconds
, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
250 km/h.
 To help with your driving experience, the A 35 also comes with adjustable AMG ride control suspension – though if we’re being honest, we left it in the comfort setting due to its firm ride.
For the complete specifications break-down, do check out our launch coverage of the
Mercedes-AMG A 35 Edition 1 hatchback
. As for our thoughts on the new baby AMG, the full review will be coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
For the latest revised price list for Mercedes-Benz models in Malaysia, click
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Shell V-Power LEGO is back! Now with 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO [+Video]

Shell Malaysia introduces a new set of Shell V-Power LEGO Collection, now available exclusively at Shell stations until 31 January 2016 or while stocks last!
Remember the
Ferrari
 FXX, F150, 458 Italia, 250 GT Berlinetta and others from the Shell-Ferrari LEGO collection two years ago? Well, I personally collected the entire collection. Now, it’s back with a whole new set! Shell introduces six new models created in collaboration with
Ferrari
 and
LEGO Group
, which took them more than half a year to design and develop.
The collection is made in commemoration of Shell’s
60-year Technical Partnership
 with Scuderia Ferrari. The model LEGO cars feature the
smallest pull-back motor
 ever produced by the LEGO Group, developed specially for Shell. A new model is released every Sunday from 1 November until 13 December 2015.
Four Ferrari cars in this year’s collection including the
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
. One of these rare gem (a real car) was sold at an auction for a whopping
US$34.65 million
, making it the world’s most expensive car ever auctioned. There also a Finish Line and Podium with a Scuderia Ferrari Engineer LEGO Minifigure, and a Shell Station modelled after the one at Fiorano Circuit, Scuderia Ferrari’s private racetrack in Maranello, with a Shell Scientist LEGO Minifigure.
“Many of us have played with LEGO bricks as a child, so why not relive the good old days with friends? With the school holidays fast approaching, perhaps parents can spend more time with their children by building Ferrari collectibles and LEGO playsets,” said Tuan Haji Azman Ismail, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd.
How to get it? Purchase
 RM40
 of
Shell V-Power
 (RON97) and you will be able to purchase one LEGO model at
RM9.90
. You can also spend on RM40 worth of
Shell FuelSave
 (RON95) or 4-litre purchase of
Shell Helix
 motor oil and buy the LEGO model at
RM13.90
 each.
This time, Shell offers a limited-edition
Shell Tanker
 (out on Dec 13) for RM9.90 with every RM40 pump of Shell V-Power or purchase of Shell Helix HX5 & HX7 (4-litre), and FREE with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra(4-litre).
Shell is also inviting the public to visit Shell V-Power LEGO activity centres at Sunway Pyramid (5-8 Nov) and Gurney Plaza, Penang (12-15 Nov) where they will get the chance to view LEGO model Ferrari cars up close and enjoy interactive games and activities.
Roving trucks will also bring the Shell V-Power LEGO experience to the public with a life-sized LEGO replica of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One car to Klang Valley, Ipoh, Melaka and other selected locations nationwide.
LEGO and Ferrari fans out there, start collecting them and share photos on social media using hashtag
#ReadySetBuild
!
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz is once again the most valuable luxury car brand in the world

Mercedes-Benz is once again crowned the “Most Valuable Luxury Car Brand”, after placing eighth in the “Best Global Brands 2019” ranking by US-based consultancy firm Interbrand.
The brand value of the three-pointed star increased by 5% from last year to 50.8 billion US Dollars, remaining as the only European brand in the top 10.
While its closest competitor – BMW took home 11th place in the ranking, Mercedes-Benz is not the only automotive brand ranked in the top 10; Toyota came in at 7th with a brand value of 56.2 billion US Dollars.
Other luxury car brands in the ranking include Audi at the 42nd spot with a brand value of $12.6 bn, while Porsche rounds up the top-50 Best Global Brands with $11.7 bn.
According to Interbrand, the brands are surveyed according to three aspects: “financial performance of the brand’s products or services”, “role of the brand in the buying decision process” and “strength of the brand with a view to safeguarding the future revenue of the company”. The monetary value of the brand is determined via an ISO-certified methodology.
More than just luxury cars; Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is also one of the most successful racing teams in Formula 1 with six consecutive titles.
In an interview with the American consultancy firm, Mercedes-Benz’s Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy, Bernd Stegmann highlighted the importance of creating a social purpose beyond the company’s business purpose.
Stegmann said that the alignment of the brand to the society at large can cultivate confidence in their customers, and in turn create a smooth path for the brand’s growth into the future.
Mercedes-Benz is not a stranger in the fully-electric space with their EQ brand.
The German automotive group has also been realigning their entire operation to the CASE (connectivity, autonomous driving, shared/services, electromobility) era, which the brand sees as their biggest opportunity in the near future.


Goodyear launches new Assurance DuraPlus 2, claims up to 110k km tread life!

Goodyear has just updated their Assurance line up of tyres with the new DuraPlus 2, a long-life tyre aimed at the everyday commute cars, which must be music to Grab drivers.
The new Assurance DuraPlus 2 comes with TredLife Technology, allowing it to last up to 110,000 km without compromising on safety and performance, claims Goodyear.
Goodyear’s TredLife technology touches on three key sections – tread design, cavity shape and tyre compound. The DuraPlus 2 has a new symmetrical tread pattern with wider track width, for a larger surface contact area which also gives it a higher flexibility on tire rotation for more even tread wear.
Additionally, the cavity of the new DuraPlus 2 is also designed to provide a more balanced footprint to evenly distribute contact pressure.
Through a reformulated tyre compound, the engineers managed to improve the tyre’s tensile strength and wear resistance. The new compound is also used along the sidewalls of the DuraPlus 2, together with a 2-layer high modulus, low shrinkage ply material in the sidewall to offer long-term resistance against side impact and damage from environmental factors.
Goodyear has also done some work on the tyre noise front, with the use of narrow lateral grooves along the side of the tyres to reduce air pumping, as well as rubber strips between the ply and liner to physically dampen vibrations.
The Goodyear Assurance DuraPlus 2 is now available at all Goodyear AutoCare centres across Malaysia, with prices starting from RM136 to RM293 in sizes ranging from 13- to 16-inches.
AVAILABLE SIZES:
Section
Rim Size (inch)
Load Index
Speed Rating
165/60
13
73
H
175/70
13
82
H
165/55
14
72
H
165/60
14
79
H
185/60
14
82
H
185/65
14
86
H
185/70
14
88
H
195/70
14
91
H
175/50
15
75
H
205/65
16
95
V


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers free rental child seats: 110 units up for grabs!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, as part of their quest to make road travel safer for children during the Hari Raya celebrations, have launched their free child car seat rental campaign beginning 1 July 2015.
The campaign is an extension of their MobileKids corporate social responsibility and aims to make road traveling a safer place, particularly among children and youths. As such, the company is offering
110 units of child car seats
 to members of the public for free and is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The child car seats are
fully ECE R44-compliant
 convertible car seats and are available in two options with ISOFIX-points (birth up to 18kg) and without ISOFIX-points (birth up to 25kg). These seats convert from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing car seat, and
protects children from birth up to 25 kg
. For a refundable deposit of RM150 (without ISOFIX) and RM300 (with ISOFIX), families will be able to use the car seat for a period of one month. The free child car seat rental campaign is for a
duration of six months
, from July 2015 to December 2015.
Vice President of MBM, Mark Raine said, “While we encourage motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before a long drive, we also urge those travelling with young children to take advantage of this added safety feature to safeguard the occupants in the vehicle, especially children.”
MBM will start its MobileKids 2015 showcase at The School Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Parked at Level 1 and open from 11 am to 7 pm daily, MobileKids 2015 will be remain at its location until the end of this year. For more info about the child car seat campaign, click on the following link at
Paultan.org

(special thanks for the initiative) for the comprehensive agenda, or call 603-2246 8881.


The Mercedes-AMG Project One is a road car that sounds like an F1 racer!

Mercedes-AMG has put up a short promotional video of its latest Project One hypercar driving around their Immendingen proving ground.
 https://youtu.be/nJGWz5TN6eY
While the vehicle looks extreme with all the active aerodynamics, the sound emitted is rather tame in perspective, even if the engine can spin over 10,000 rpm. The limited-edition hybrid supercar uses an actual current-regulation Formula One engine, displacing just 1.6 litres.
The turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine and its electrified accessories (800-volt system, turbocharger motor-generator and crankshaft motor-generator) are said to have originated from the 2016
Mercedes-AMG F1
 W07 challenger. The team from Mercedes-AMG reported having preserved the original acoustics as much as possible.
As such, the soundtrack from the central exhaust is rather quiet, which also draws criticism in the current Formula 1 races. The work required to have the engine road-legal also took a much longer timeline than expected, causing a delay to the overall project delivery time.
Nevertheless, Mercedes-AMG is developing the powertrain of the Project One to produce
over 1,000 hp
. Apart from the V6 F1 power unit (targeted to generate over 680 hp), propulsion is also supplied by two front-mounted motors with outputs of 326 hp, making it an electric all-wheel drive supercar.
The Project One is estimated to hit 200 km/h from standstill in
under 6 seconds
, faster than the Bugatti Chiron Sport that clocks a 6.1-second time and the hybrid
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
. Top speed is well over 350 km/h.
The camouflage livery used in this video, instead of the usual black with white, has heavy shades of red, perhaps to coincide with Mercedes-AMG’s yet-to-be-announced “E Performance” branding.
Only short scenes of the interior were inserted, but one can imagine being Lewis Hamilton or
Valterri Bottas
 with a
steering “wheel”
 that looks similar to the ones used by them in the racecars.
Mercedes-AMG will be building just
275 units
 of the Project One and all have been sold carrying a price tag starting from
2.3 million Euro
. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from this year.
  GALLERY


All-new Perodua Myvi teased, 5 variants, LED headlamps and VSC as standard!

After producing one million Perodua Myvis spanning three-generations and 12 years, Perodua has finally announced that the public can catch a glimpse of the all-new fourth-generation Myvi at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show.
The all-new Myvi is offered in five variants and will see a slight increase in price across the board. Prices start at RM44,300 for the base 1.3 Standard G (MT) while the range topping 1.5 Advance (AT) is priced at RM55,300 (OTR without insurance).
QUICK FACTS
Name
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (MT)
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)
Engine
1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
Transmission
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Max Power
94 hp
101 hp
Max Torque
121 Nm
136 Nm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM44,300
RM46,300
RM48,300
RM51,800
RM55,300
EXTERIOR
Perodua prides itself that the upper body design of the all-new Myvi is done completely in-house – by Malaysian designers and engineers. Daihatsu, Perodua’s strategic partner continues to provide technical assistance in the areas of product planning and production planning among others.

As standard, the all-new Myvi comes equipped with reflector type LED Headlamps – just like the
Honda City
 and
Civic
, keyless entry/start and 14-inch alloy wheels. The 1.5-litre variants get additional goodies such as two-tone body kit (front and side skirtings), rear spoiler and larger 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
INTERIOR
Based on the teaser video, we can tell that it gets an all-new dashboard architecture with plenty of creature comfort features. Multi-functional steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, touch-screen infotainment system and Multi-Info Display (MID) all appeared in the teaser video. However, these are most likely reserved for the top spec variant.
The all-new Myvi will also feature a built-in SmartTag reader (1.5L variants only), flexible 8+1 seating arrangement, front seats side pocket and anti-snatch hook.
PERFORMANCE
Although on paper the two variants follow the same powertrain combination, they actually carry new engine codes. The 1.3-litre is now a 1NR-VE four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i unit producing
94 hp
 and
121 Nm
 of torque –
4 hp
 and
4 Nm
 up from the previous-gen. It can be had with a five-speed manual or a four-speed E-AT (automatic) transmission.
Under the hood of the 1.5-litre variant is a 2NR-VE four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i and four-speed E-AT pushing out
 101 hp
 and
136 Nm
 of torque. Despite the same output figures as before, Perodua claims the new engine can return
20.1 km per litre
.
SAFETY
Safety is perhaps the biggest improvement the new car has over its predecessor. As standard, all variants are equipped with four-airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). Airbag count is up to six on the 1.5L variants while the 1.5L Advance gets additional
Advance Safety Assist (ASA)
 – advanced driver assistance system.
WHAT ELSE?
The all-new Myvi is available in
six exterior

shades
 – Granite Grey, Peppermint Green, Lava Red, Mystical Purple, Glittering Silver and Ivory White. Bookings will be open from 9 November 2017 onwards and interested parties can head over to the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show where Perodua will be displaying the car in full. Buyers who placed their booking at the auto show will stand a chance to win exclusive prizes and special promos.
IMAGE GALLERY


Review: Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT, the apple of one’s eye [+Video]

Promised to meet world standards,
Proton
‘s latest bundle of joy has already been burdened with a rather heavy task on its shoulder in its home soil. Having to go against the nation’s favourite that is none other than the
Perodua Myvi
, the
Iriz
 has to offer more than just good looks in order to usurp the crown from the ubiquitous Myvi.
This is not the first time Proton came up with a small hatch, but the Iriz has to be their first “most Malaysian” little hatch so far. We can recall when Proton flirted with the french in the 90’s resulting the Tiara that lasted in the market for only four years. The Savvy followed a few years after that also uses french mechanical under that tough TÜV-certified shell.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT

Segment
B-Segment hatchback
Engine
1,597cc 4-Cylinder VVT
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Max Power
107 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Max Torque
150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
RM 61,691.00

Launched in September 2014
, word on the grapevine that the Iriz will be getting a variety of powertrains such as diesel, hybrid, and even electric but currently it is offered with a pair of naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine options of either a 1.3-litre or a 1.6-litre.
Our review unit is the
1.6 CVT
 in the range-topping
Premium
 guise, which is generously equipped inside and wearing a set of aggressive bodykit on the outside. Listed at RM 61,691, the Iriz appears to provide a value-for-money motoring, so we’re here to find out what the Iriz is all about.
EXTERIOR
Despite the mish-mash of design elements and sections that look like they were designed by at least four different design teams located in four different continents, the Iriz is an attractive looking car. Maybe because it’s still relatively new on the road or maybe because our test unit comes in the shade called “Fire Red”, the Iriz got most people’s attention everywhere we drove it.

At the front you will find the chrome
Proton wings
 on the grille flanked by a pair of basic
halogen headlamps
. Below that is a gaping mouth with a single bar splitting the middle to accommodate the front number plate while a pair of
LED DRLs
 brightens up the Iriz’s face, no pun intended.
The base of the A-pillar is located quite low, and the
door-mounted side mirrors
 together with the big front quarter windows is said to aid visibility from behind the wheel. Slashes on the bottom of the doors follow the upswept shoulder line, adding some dynamism to the side of the Iriz. Having said that, against the tall body profile the
15-inch wheels
 wrapped in
195/55 R 15
 rubbers do look a bit too dinky from some angle especially the rear ones.
The rear wheel arch bulges out creating a sporty stance and the back is a busy mix of confused lines and surfaces. The tail lamps feature an LED pattern that resembles a pair of angry eyes especially when lit in total darkness.

As mentioned, this Premium variant is dressed in a full
5-piece bodykit
, which comprises of the two-tone front and side skirts, a roof spoiler with cat-like ears when viewed from the back, and a tacked-on “diffuser” on the rear bumper.
Shutlines are far from perfect and there are still inconsistency of the gaps between panels, and the pointy rear spoiler in particular seems to be shoddily fitted as it wobbles with the gentlest touch. Nevertheless the rear three quarter view is probably the Iriz’s best angle for this writer, I mean, have a look at the picture below and try to tell me it doesn’t look good.
INTERIOR
Inside, you’re surrounded by a generic but pleasant looking cabin, as long as you don’t run your fingers or tap on any of the surface. The layered dash has that faux leather stitching effect like on the Jazz/City/Vios for a tiny bit of classy touch.

This Premium variant comes with
 leather upholstery
, but the materials used still fall short of being a world standard product. For instance, the buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel could be better in terms of tactility and the indicator and wiper stalks behind it feel brittle in your hands. Furthermore, the HVAC knobs on the center console twirl with the precision of a low-rent toy.
Occupying the middle of the dashboard is the
Android-based 6.2-inch touch screen
 head unit with
GPS navigation
. It supports DVD and Bluetooth connectivity with intuitive interface but operating the laggy touch screen can be frustrating sometimes (especially when you’re on the move) and the angle of the screen is often blinded by the sun.
Finding your desired driving position is easy, except for the awkwardly-placed seat reclining lever that has to be pushed backwards instead of the normal pull-up-to-recline in most cars. Most people will likely to pull up the lever on the side expecting the seatback to recline, but only to find out that the lever is for adjusting the seat base height.

Apart from those shortcomings, useful compartments can be found around the cabin, including dual cup holders on the center tunnel, door pockets that can accommodate a bottle each, and a well-sized glovebox. Next to the glovebox is a foldable
 tarpau
 hook, perfect for hanging your
rojak
 and
cendol bungkus
. The
dual USB charger
 is another neat feature, eliminating the need to use an aftermarket USB charger that plugs into the 12V slot.

There’s sufficient cabin space, even the rear passengers have enough leg and head room.
ISOFIX mounts
 are available on the
 60/40 split folding
 rear seat backs while the rear hatch opens to a rather narrow aperture but at least the
cargo space
 is a reasonable
 215 litres
. All five occupants are furnished with a 3-point safety belts and there are a total of
six airbags
 in this Premium variant.
PERFORMANCE
Proton claims the
1,597 cc 4-cylinder
 mill with
Variable Valve Timing
 is a new unit despite churning out similar output with the 1.6-litre Campro in the Saga. With
107 hp
 and
 150 Nm
 of torque, the engine is mated to a
 CVT
. This
 front-wheel drive
 hatch will get from
0 to 100 km/h
 in a leisurely
11.1 seconds
, with a claimed
top speed
 of
170 km/h
.
THE DRIVE
The Iriz sets off very gentle from standstill, even when you floor the throttle you won’t get that immediate response apart from the 1.6-litre VVT unit emitting a soulless drone while waiting for the speed to catch up with the revs.
The CVT fitted to the Iriz has been updated from the previous installations on other Proton models, but I still find it clumsy and slow to react based on the throttle input given. For short bursts, slotting the lever from D to L do liven up things a little but exiting a junction and overtaking tasks will require you a thorough planning before committing.
However when it comes to handling, the Iriz shines. Blessed with a well-tuned chassis, the Iriz handles sweetly with taut body control. Given that our road conditions are far from perfect, the Iriz’s ride quality is impressive as its dampers soaks up road imperfections and bumps with aplomb.
Although the Iriz tend to bob around sometimes on long undulating highways, it feels stable even when traveling at beyond the national speed limit. Engine and wind noise is apparent but it’s fairly acceptable for a car in this category with such price.
When presented with corners, body roll is evident and grip level from the OEM tyres are lacking; but the electric power steering is sharp and weighs up appropriately as the speed increases, making it a hilarious fun car to be driven like an over-enthusiastic kid who just got his driving license.
We also had a go with the
1.3 Manual
 in Executive trim. While the 1.3’s power deficit over the 1.6 is quite glaring, the 5-speed manual transmission almost makes up for it. Similar to the 1.6 unit, the 1.3 needs a bootful of revs to get going and it will run out of breath quite easily.
At least with the manual box you get to be more involved in the process. The transmission itself is fine, the shift quality isn’t the best but the clutch’s biting point is easy to live with on a daily basis as it should be. The 1.3 mirrors the 1.6 in the handling department but you get less grip from the skinny 175/65 R14 tyres.
IS IT FOR YOU?
If your budget is around sub-60k the Iriz is worth considering. Nothing else rides better in this price range and build quality aside, the 1.6 CVT is easy to live with as a daily commute. Power is adequate to be driven around the city but outstation drives with full passengers on board might be a struggle.
However if you don’t mind taking the task of shifting the gears yourself, you can opt for the 1.6 Manual and we reckon that’s the better car when it comes to delivering driving enjoyment.
COMPARISONS
At this price bracket you don’t have much option therefore the
Iriz 1.6 CVT Premium
‘s natural opponent is indeed the
Perodua Myvi 1.5 Advance
. The Myvi undercuts the Iriz by around RM 4,000 but each has its own pros and cons so opting for either doesn’t really mean it’s the better car.
Being the top variant both are generously equipped inside and outside. A few things they have in common include the exterior bodykit, leather upholstery, and multimedia entertainment system with GPS navigation and reverse camera; but in terms of safety the Iriz is better equipped with six airbags compared to just two in the Myvi.
The
Myvi
 uses a smaller
1.5-litre
 engine with
102 hp
 and
136 Nm
 versus
107 hp
 and
 150 Nm
 from the
1.6-litre
 engine in the
 Iriz
. Even though the Myvi has less power it feels quicker and the
 4-speed automatic
 transmission may be antediluvian, but at least it doesn’t have the dreaded CVT rubberband effect.
The Iriz belies its cheap build quality by providing a solid ride and handling with precise steering while the Myvi is the other way round; it’s not as composed as its well-constructed cabin and exterior (compared to the Iriz).
Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT

Perodua Myvi Advance

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder VVT
4-cylinder DVVT
Displacement
cc
1,597
1,495
Max Power
hp/rpm
107/5,750
102/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
150/4,000
136/4,400
STEERING
Type
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
4-speed Automatic
SUSPENSION
Type (Front / Rear)
MacPherson struts / Torsion beam
MacPherson struts / Torsion beam
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Drum
Drum
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
195/55 R15
175/65 R14
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
3,905
3,685
Overall Width
mm
1,720
1,665
Overall Height
mm
1,550
1,570
Wheelbase
mm
2,555
2,440
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,185
980
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
215
208
FUEL
Tank Capacity
40
40
Consumption
7.4 L/100 km
6.5 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
170
165
0 – 100km/h
sec
11.1
N/A
PRICE
RM
61,691.00
57,968.51

WILL I BUY IT?
I have to admit I didn’t set any high expectation before taking the Iriz but I was left amazed by it upon returning the cheeky little hatch. In spite of that the Iriz still doesn’t cut the mustard for yours truly. There are some areas where the Iriz felt rough round the edges, and that’s quite literally as well.
Other than that, Proton has done a tremendous job in developing the Iriz to be a world class contender especially with its great handling and class-leading safety equipment, all rolled into an attractive and affordable package. There’s still a long way to go for Proton, but here’s wishing that they continue a steady momentum to churn out better cars to carry the brand that every Malaysians can be proud of.
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Lewis Hamilton shows he’s no mug on two wheels

The bosses at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team must have been wincing each time Hamilton leaned on the
2019-spec YZR-M1
 on the Valencia circuit, knowing that a tiny mistake on Valentino Rossi’s factory Yamaha, which weighs
no more than 157 kg
 but has
 ‘over 240 hp’
, could rob the team of a driver at the peak of his powers for the 2020 season.
There are 13 blue-ribbon world championship titles between Hamilton and Rossi.
Alas, it turned out well in the end, in a session where the newly-crowned six-time Formula 1 champion swapped hardware with the seven-time MotoGP legend. While no lap times were revealed, Yamaha Racing’s managing director
Lin Jarvis
 said that Hamilton ‘did himself proud’, and that few F1 drivers could have or would have undertaken the incredible challenge of riding a MotoGP bike in anger on track.

Rossi’s outing on the
2017 Mercedes-AMG W08
 wouldn’t have been his first in a Formula 1 car, the Italian having tested on numerous occasions with Scuderia Ferrari over the 2000s, even rumoured to have contemplated a race seat at some point in time. It was however Rossi’s first go on an F1 car with a
hybrid power unit
, his last run being in 2010.
Hamilton and Rossi at Valencia

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Ford Focus RS Red Edition – it just needs a pair of reindeer antlers

In lieu of this year’s Christmas celebrations, Ford UK has introduced the Focus RS Red Edition – presumably for dads who’d like to show up on Christmas as Santa in full drift mode.
On top of its Race Red exterior, the Focus features grey brake calipers behind black-cast alloy wheels and the existing
RS Edition
‘s trademark touches – black roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler.
It’s also provided with a front mechanical Quaife limited-slip differential which allows drivers to fully utilise the
345 hp
 from its 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Other driving aids included are the Dynamic Torque Vectoring that’s able to switch power between the two rear wheels within
0.06 seconds
 and Torque Vectoring Control that automatically applies brake force at the front to limit wheelspin.
“For hardcore driving enthusiasts, the additional mechanical grip offered by the Quaife LSD will make it even easier to carry speed through a corner on the track, and maximise acceleration on the way out. The new setup also delivers greater mechanical stability and control when braking hard, and will help drivers set the car up for power-slides using Drift Mode,” Ford Performance Director, Leo Roeks said. “The Focus RS Edition takes our ‘fun to drive’ philosophy to a new level for an everyday road car.”
The
Ford Performance Drift Stick
, to complement the Drift Mode
The Focus RS Red Edition is also provided with an industry-first Drift Mode as standard, for controlled oversteer drifts and Launch Control for blistering performance off the line – allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just
4.7 seconds
.
The RS Red Edition will be a limited production run of just
300 cars
 in the festive colour scheme.


All-new Kia Sportage teased, large and wide display to dominate the interior

After a successful introduction of the EV6 fully-electric crossover, Kia is starting the second half of 2021 by introducing the all-new
Kia Sportage
. For now, only teaser images are being shared.
The Kia Sportage, now in its fifth generation, is the second model to feature the brand’s latest
‘Opposites United’
 design language that utilises a combination of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
The all-new Sportage has a muscular stance and strong yet refined silhouette. Notable new details include the crisp, taught character lines that ripple across the surfaces.
Without any images, Kia says the front creates a thought-provoking statement, with a detailed-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. At the rear, muscular shoulder lines drop gently to meet the slim taillamp, which flanks the new Kia logo and Sportage emblem.
The interior design sketch reveals a driver-orientated space that plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology.  The dashboard meanwhile is highlighted by an
integrated curved display
, spanning more than half the width of the dashboard.
The dashboard has a strong resemblance to the recently launched
Kia EV6
. In the EV, the curved display is a combination of two displays, each measuring 12.3 inches.
Kia will fully reveal the all-new Sportage in
July
, beginning with South Korea.


LEGO actually built a life-sized Bugatti Chiron that you can drive!

It is the most insane build we’ve ever seen anyone undertake, both in the context automotive manufacturing and LEGO building context as together with Bugatti, they’ve built a full-sized 1:1 scale model of the Chiron.
As if previously completing a 1:8 scale model wasn’t challenging enough, LEGO wanted to build a “self-propelled” model that could be driven and accommodate another passenger.
The facts and figures are simply insane! It’s also a pioneer and the first of its kind for LEGO in so many ways.
First fully-functional self-propelled life-size LEGO Technic car
First non-glued LEGO Technic model of such complexity
First large model powered using LEGO Technic Power Functions motors
First large-scale moving model using LEGO Technic bricks & elements
First time for LEGO to create new types of transparent LEGO Technic bricks
First time for LEGO to create load-bearing parts built purely out of LEGO Technic bricks & elements using 58 types of Technic custom-made elements
It took a team of 16 specialists more than 13,438 hours to put together 339 types of LEGO Technic Elements with more than 1,000,000 pieces altogether, for a total weight of 1,500 kg.
The “car” contains 2,304 LEGO Power  Functions motors, 4,032 LEGO Technic gear wheels and 2,016 LEGO Technic cross axles. Theoretically, it makes 5.3 hp and an estimated 92 Nm of torque. Top speed is over 20 km/h.
It’s even got a functional rear spoiler, front and rear lights, a detachable steering wheel, brake pedals and a speedometer built entirely from LEGO Technic Elements.
What’s even cooler was that the LEGO model was driven for the first time on the same track where the original Bugatti Chiron was tested, with Bugatti’s official test driver and former Le Mans winner, Andy Wallace behind the wheel.
“When I first saw the LEGO Chiron, I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the model and the minute attention to detail. In fact, from about 20 metres away it’s not obvious that you are looking at a LEGO car,” said Wallace.
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TNB Electron charging station rates announced, from RM2.05 per minute for 80kW

TNB Electron has announced the charging rates for three of its charging stations – R&R Ayer Keroh (Northbound), R&R Tapah (Northbound) along the North-South Expressway and R&R Paka (Northbound) along the East Coast Expressway (LPT2).
The charging rates are as follows:
R&R Tapah (Northbound) – RM2.05 per min (80kW) / RM2.35 per min(100kW)
R&R Ayer Keroh (Northbound) – RM2.20 per minute (90kW x2)
R&R Paka (Northbound) – RM 2.20/min (90kW x2)
At the launch of the
TNB Electron charging station in Ayer Keroh
 recently, the company also announced that six more charging stations are underway and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The locations of the new stations are as follows:
R&R Machap (Southbound)
R&R Rawang (Northbound)
R&R Gunung Semanggol (Southbound)
R&R Gurun (North and Southbound)
The above are TNB Electron’s fast-charging stations which will be available along the North-South Expressway while the East Coast Expressway will see another charging station added at the
R&R Paka (Southbound)
. To access the chargers, users will need to download the Go To-U app via Google Play Store or the Apple App store.
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Perodua delivered nearly 9,000 Ativas since launch – 4,624 units in April alone

Perodua has just posted its April sales performance figures, in which the national carmaker recorded an estimated
20,399 units
 registered last month. Among these,
4,624 units (22.7%)
 was contributed by the
Perodua Ativa
.
The April sales figure lifts the total deliveries since the
 Ativa’s launch
 (two months ago) to now nearly 9,000 units. The national carmaker says that demand for the compact crossover still remains strong, with an average of 290 bookings per day.
“We thank all Malaysians for their strong support,” said Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “The waiting period for the Ativa is currently between two and four months, depending on the desired colour and variant.
“We advise our valued customers to speak to our authorised sales advisors for accurate and up-to-date delivery times of the various variant-colour combinations of the Ativa,” he added.
On a month-to-month basis, the April figures represents a 16.5% drop in Perodua’s sales from the
month before
. The national carmaker attributes this mainly to the global semiconductor shortage, which is still affecting multiple industries globally.
“The chip shortage is our top priority at present, and we are deploying all our resources to deal with it, including working closely with the government and our business partners for viable solutions.
“Perodua remains committed towards timely deliveries, aided by our economies of scale. We thank our valued customers very much for their patience. We are doing all we can to deliver as many cars as possible before the expected expiry of the government’s sales tax exemption in end-June,” Dato’ Zainal added.
Despite the chip shortage, Perodua says that it is still on track to achieve both its production (272,000 units, +23% from 2020) and
sales target
 (240,000 units, +9% from 2020) for the year. This is on top of the 2.4 million service intake target (+20% from 2020), as well as an expected purchase of locally-sourced components worth a record RM6.5 billion.
Perodua managed to produce 20,278 vehicles in April this year, pushing the year-to-date figures up to 80,661 units this year. As for sales, the year-to-date figure currently stands at
78,304 units
 – a massive 74% jump over the 45,034 units sold in the same period last year.


Pininfarina’s new electric hypercar will do 0-100km/h in under 2 seconds

Italian design house Pininfarina, famed for their work on the Ferrari Testarossa and the 456 GT among many many many other Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Fiats and Lancias, will soon be unveiling a full-scale design concept next month and they’ve brought to social media to tease us with these images.
Word is that the all-electric hypercar will be limited to just
150 units
, where it will do 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds with a top speed of over 250 mph (402 km/h).
It all remains to be seen as well, whether the first foray by the design house into the hypercar business will achieve the claimed 300 miles (482 km) of pure electric range, in a single charge.
Codenamed the
PF0
, the carbon fibre-bodied hypercar is estimated to cost somewhere between USD2-2.5 million (approx. RM8.2-10.2 million). Its global debut is set to take place at the Geneva Motor Show next year (where else) with production expected to begin by 2020.
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Toyota GR Yaris nearly sold out in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced that the
availability
of the Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch is
fading in the country
. You read that right, the RM286,896 GR Yaris is nearly sold out!
Malaysia, through UMWT, has been
allocated less than 200 units
 out of total global production of 25,000 units for the homologation special.

All
GR Yaris will be equipped with the Performance Pack
 that includes higher grip tyres with lightweight forged rims, a limited-slip differential (LSD) on both axles, as well as circuit driving-oriented suspension tuning.
Cooling ducts are also punched into the front bumper to cool the disc brakes and red calipers, a feature unique only to the Performance Pack edition.
Weighing in at just 1,280 kg, the GR Yaris offers plenty of performance via the unique full-time four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to select three pre-sets of front-to-rear torque distribution levels.
The entire roof panel is made up of lightweight carbon fibre material, a first for a Toyota model. It is manufactured through a process called carbon fibre-sheet moulding compound (C-SMC).
“Although the GR Yaris has been fast taken up, we encourage keen parties to continue to register their interest with our GR Garage Dealers nationwide,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Since it’s nearly sold out plus the MCO now enforced, it is wiser to discuss the purchase
via the online portal
.
The extraordinary demand for the GR Yaris has also been evident in some other countries. In Australia, for example,
1,000 units were snapped up within just one week
. A united chorus of experts praise for its all-round performance has helped cemented its brilliance as well.
Thank you to the enthusiast that see the true value in a bespoke, limited production vehicle like the GR Yaris. This car could very well be the final configuration (turbocharged petrol engine, manual transmission, 4WD, widebody etc.) to be offered before the fully electric revolution begins.
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Just when you thought the Nissan 370Z is dead, here’s the 50th Anniversary Edition

Like your pet who’s ailing and living out the last days of its life miserably, the 370Z isn’t any different and it’s time to just put it down.
But no. On a day when Nissan showed off its
all-new Sylphy;
 one that’s relevant for this modern day and is
 as aerodynamic as the Nissan GT-R
 at the
2019 Shanghai Motor Show
 in China, the guys in the US has this to show off.
It’s the 370Z “50th Anniversary Edition” that pays tribute to the Datsun 240Z of old that won multiple Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championships.
The car will be
available from 2020 onwards
, in Sport, Sport Touring and NISMO trims.
It may be a dated car but the livery it wears is anything but as it mimics the original BRE race car – that appeared either in a white/red or silver/black combination.
50th Anniversary tributes are also found on the front fender, rear tailgate and on the special 19-inch alloy wheels with red accents.
Like every other tribute vehicle, the 370Z also gets 50th Anniversary denotations in almost every part of the cabin – from the mats, the gear level console and speedometer – but what looks really cool are the details embossed onto the suede seats – very tasteful I must say.
As for the technical nitty-gritty, the 370Z is still powered by the 3.7-litre V6 engine, fitted with lightweight arms, hollowed stabiliser bars and lighter but stiffer rear suspension. It also gets lightweight RAYS forged alloy wheels with 4-pot brakes in the front and a twin-pot pair at the back.
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The Rolls-Royce Cullinan 1:8 scale replica even comes with headrest embroidery!

Co-founder of Rolls-Royce, Sir Henry Royce once said, “Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.”
With that, Rolls-Royce has presented the perfect scale model of the Cullinan, the company’s first ever SUV. The authentic 1:8 scale replica of a Cullinan, in which every detail is reproduced to the smallest degree, can now be specified by Rolls-Royce’s clients around the world.
Each miniature Cullinan has been individually and painstakingly crafted by hand, to the client’s specification,
from over 1,000 individual components
. The entire process can take up to 450 hours – half the time required to build an actual, full-sized Cullinan at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.
Once constructed, the models are hand-painted using Rolls-Royce’s colour-matched paint, then hand-polished to the marque’s high standards. The coachline is applied using a fine brush, just as it is on the original vehicle.
Clients may choose from over 40,000 ‘standard’ colours, or replicate the Bespoke finishes applied in their own Cullinan. The fully-functioning exterior lights are operated by a Cullinan-branded remote control while under the bonnet lies an exact replica of the company’s iconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
When the model’s doors are open, the treadplates will illuminate, revealing an interior that has been built with the same materials and attention to detail as the real car itself. From the headrest embroidery and wood trims to seat piping and stitching, these Bespoke creations allow clients to recreate their full-size vehicle with unbelievable accuracy.
Presented in a display case measuring almost a metre long, the replica is set on a gloss black base mounted on a plinth allowing it to be appreciated from all angles.
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Ford Ranger Splash makes a return to the US

Ford has brought back the classic and much-loved Splash package for the Ranger. The yellow paintwork with contrasting black decals was popular in the 90s where pick-ups were rapidly moving from being a commercial workhorse to a lifestyle and recreational vehicle portraying an active image with decent refinement.
The new Ford Ranger Splash package is however only limited to the USA for now. Coming in two styles, the Splash adds matte black finishing on the 18-inch rims, orange grille nostrils with black surround and gloss black accents on the bumpers, fender vents, side mirrors and wheel arch extensions.
The Splash Limited Edition meanwhile is a short run of a few hundred units in one-time-only colour hues while keeping the same matte black finished rims. Ford says the Splash Snow Edition kicks off the first batch of the limited-run variant which will have a colour and theme refresh cycle every few months.
Inside, contrasting stitching in orange is applied on key areas such as the dashboard, steering wheel, shift lever and hand brake lever- a theme lifted directly from the
Wildtrak
 variant here in ASEAN. The seats meanwhile get a combination of carbon grain with tuxedo stripes pattern with orange stitching.
Accessories and stickers can only do so much. Check out our review of the Ford Ranger Raptor with serious performance credentials plus refinement!
Locally, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offered a very limited edition
Ford Ranger Splash
 but in the polar opposite of colour scheme – black with decals lined with fluorescent yellow. Priced at RM 138,888, only 19 units of the Ford Ranger Splash was exclusively on offer through e-commerce giant Lazada.
With sales of the
all-new Isuzu D-Max
 and
Mitsubishi Triton
 getting stronger, it won’t be a surprise to see one final variant of the Ford Ranger T6-generation being offered before the new model (which is in partnership with Volkswagen) is introduced.
Available in
XL, XLT and Wildtrak variants
 in automatic or manual transmissions, the Ford Ranger in Malaysia is priced from RM97,388 to RM152,388. The
Ranger Raptor
 is meanwhile priced from RM210,888.
We wonder if this Ativa owner had the “Lagi Power Lagi Best” yellow Myvi 1.5 previously. Sure looks good in this colour scheme!
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2018 Ford Mustang facelift unveiled, 10-speed automatic, ditches V6

The iconic American pony car, the
Ford Mustang
, has just received its midlife update. These include a restyled front and rear bumper, new bonnet and restyled front grille. They all contribute to aerodynamic gains, so it’s not just form over function.
The hallowed headlights from the old model have been replaced by a new LED type lamps. Over at the back, the C-shaped taillights are still distinctly Mustang with the tri-bar LEDs, and completing it are the new diffuser and spoiler.
Apart from the use of better materials for the cabin, the Mustang gets subtle tweaks to the trims, and the traditional analogue gauge instrument clusters have now been replaced by a wholly digital 12-inch screen – a first for Ford. Up to three graphics can be selected – Normal, Sport and Track, all varying in design and colours.
Performance wise, the biggest news of all is the retirement of the 3.7-litre V6. The
2.3-litre EcoBoost
 four-cylinder engine, which is the smallest engine powering the Mustang, will succeed the V6. Meanwhile, the
5.0-liter V8
 now gets port and direct fuel injection, improving both power delivery and fuel economy.
The 2018 Ford Mustang is also a recipient of the Blue Oval’s best transmission to date – the
10-speed automatic
. Available in both the EcoBoost and V8 variants, the gearbox offers swift gear changes and is capable of handling more torque than the six-speed automatic it replaces. Fortunately, the six-speed manual is still available, but what’s unique to the V8 is a new twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel for better torque delivery.
In the ride department, the Mustang receives new shock absorbers and a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension, while the optional
MagneRide adaptive dampers
 should make this muscle car a little bit more agile around the corners than the outgoing model.
Last year, Malaysia was one of the selected few countries in the region to receive the
right-hand drive Mustang
. It’s available with either the 2.3-litre EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8, with prices starting from  RM488,888.00. Expect the facelifted Mustang to make its way here sometime in the near future.
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Rolls-Royce turns the Cullinan into a wardrobe/kitchen cabinet on wheels!

The level of customisation Rolls-Royce is capable of is only limited by the number of zeros in your bank account and this time, they’ve flexed their customising muscles to create two unique Bespoke features in the
Cullinan SUV
.
For starters, there’s the
Recreation Module
, where the Cullinan is fitted with a motorised drawer designed to fit securely and invisibly into the luggage compartment floor.
At the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories, and other items personally selected by the client. Each item will be allocated its own personal space.
The entire assembly can be removed and stored separately, allowing customers to create Recreation Modules for specific hobbies and interests; from fly fishing, rock climbing, snowboarding or parascending to kite-boarding or base-jumping.
The other Bespoke feature is called the
Hosting Service
, which essentially turns the boot of the Cullinan into an exquisite kitchen cabinet on wheels.
Made to host up to eight adults, the Hosting Service comes complete with glassware and utensils for creating fresh cocktails or classic gin and tonic beverages for passengers.
The Rolls-Royce Hosting Service offers elegant highball glasses adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms and wooden chopping boards made of the highest quality American walnut.
Elegant highball glasses are finished with Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden chopping boards are made of the highest quality American walnut.
If that doesn’t add more luxury to your outdoor experience with the Cullinan, customers can also specify the Viewing Suite feature, a pair of seats that can be arranged on either side of a retractable cocktail table.
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Thank you for your “service” and supercars, Datuk Lee Chong Wei

“Smashing” his way into the national badminton scene at just 17 years old, Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s career has taken him from a small town in Perak to the global stages of badminton.
Causing a “racquet” in the world of badminton ever since, Datuk LCW “netted” 69 titles throughout his career (46 of which from the defunct Super Series), three World Championship runner-up titles and three Olympic Silver medals.
With such immense success, Datuk Lee Chong Wei “shuttled” to the heights of badminton’s world rankings – holding the World No.1 ranking for a total of 349 weeks – where at one point, he was at the helm for 199 weeks in a row!
However, it wasn’t just his prowess behind the net but his interest in flamboyant supercars that “court” our attention and here’s a few notable ones Datuk Lee Chong Wei has reportedly owned.

Nissan GT-R
Probably talking about the Myvi that tailgated him.
Lamborghini Gallardo
Lee Chong Wei + Lamborghini Gallardo = Halted Economy
Ferrari F430
Nothing screams “Saya sudah berjaya” more than a Ferrari. Ask your disappointed father.
Lamborghini Aventador
Remember that legendary convoy on his wedding?
Bentley Continental GT
Usually, the number plate (from the GT-R) follows the owner, especially if they’re Chinese.
His career may have reached “match point” but he has certainly left behind more than a “single” memory for us to cherish.
Thank you, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
*
We do not claim ownership of these pictures and claims made were merely from prior reports of (literally) random blogs and sites. He may or may not have owned them; he may even have more (that we wouldn’t doubt). Any corrections and/or additions

to the list

are highly welcomed.
Images of Datuk were taken from his
official Facebook page
.


Proton launches its own website for certified pre-owned cars!

Following announcement of the
expansion of Proton’s own Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) operations
, the national carmaker today launched a new website dedicated for the programme under the Used Car Management (UCM) network.
The website allows customer to quickly browse through the current stocks available at the 36 dealers nationwide that currently supports Proton’s PCPO operations, while also allowing customers to trade in their current Proton vehicles.
All cars listed under the PCPO banner will have undergone a comprehensive 201-point inspection, and have its battery, engine oil, and oil filter replaced for brand-new ones. The cars must also be less than seven-years old with less than 130,000 km covered at the time of trade-in, and have not been in any flood or major accidents that have damaged their structural integrity.
All Proton Certified Pre-Owned vehicles bought from the website will come with an additional one-year extended warranty for the engine and transmission, as well as a one-time free service, redeemable up to six-months after the date of registration.
Aside from Proton models, the company will also be selling cars from other brands that have been traded-in via the PCPO website. In this case, the extended warranty will not be offered, but Proton promises that all vehicles will still be thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary prior to being put up for sale.
Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s PCPO is the next step for the company to build a holistic ecosystem. As we continue to offer new and improved products, we also want to attract those interested in purchasing a used car and offer a quick and easy way for customers to trade-in their current vehicles.
“Aside from helping to drive new car sales, the aim of Proton’s UCM division is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles. By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car.”
From an initial pilot project comprising of eight Proton outlets, the PCPO programme now features 36 dealerships across the country. All dealerships participating in the programme will need to meet several qualifying criteria, both financial and physical, and agree to perform the necessary steps to prepare their trade-in stock for sale.
Proton’s PCPO used-car online marketplace is available on its website,
here
.


Did you spot the new BMW M8 Competition Safety Car at last weekend’s MotoGP?

Perhaps overshadowed by the dramatic race at last weekend’s MotoGP in Austria, the BMW M8 Competition MotoGP Safety Car made its debut, replacing the
M5 equivalent that made an appearance in Malaysia last year
.
BMW has been “official suppliers” of the MotoGP Safety Car fleet for the last 20 years with the likes of the
 M2
 and
 M4
 taking their place at the front line in previous years.
This year’s model is based on the M8 Competition with a TwinPower Turbo V8 engine making
625 hp
 and
750 Nm
 – good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, aided by the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Modifications to the car included an addition of numerous BMW M Performance Parts namely a titanium exhaust system, rear diffuser, flashing corona headlight rings, battery master switch, bonnet locks, Recaro racing seats, a roll cage, custom carbon flaps, Michelin Cup tyres and a massive rear wing from the M8 GTE race car.
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Special-edition Porsche Taycan GTS revealed to celebrate the Hockenheimring circuit

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the famed Hockenheimring race track, Porsche has introduced the first special edition of their electric performance car, the
Taycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition
.
The car is painted in a unique colour called Stone Grey – the first time in a Taycan – and was developed by Porsche’s Paint To Sample colour programme along with Bronzite accents that can be seen on the side still trim, rear diffuser, and the badge at the rear.
Another one of its key features includes the 21-inch Mission E designed wheels that are also painted in Stone Grey.
Moving inside, Porsche Exclusive Manufactur has given the cabin special treatment with intricate details. It gets Island Green stitching to contrast the black leather interior and floor mats, making it the first of its kind in a Taycan.
Open-Pore Paldo Wood is used for decorative trims while the selector level, cup holders,  and air vents on the driver and passenger sides are all finished in a Bronzite colour.
To top it all off, the Hockenheimring anniversary logo is beautifully embossed onto the centre console armrest – one of the main highlights of the interior.
Owners of the Taycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition will be given exclusive access to the Hockenheimring. By simply showing the key of the car that comes with an anniversary logo printed on it, owners would be allowed to drive directly to the Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) located inside the Hockenheimring race track.
Apart from aesthetic changes, the special edition does not have any performance upgrades over the norma
l Taycan GTS
. This means that it’s powered by a 93.4 kw/h battery to drive two electric motors located at the front and rear axle producing a total of
598hp
 and
849 Nm
, for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
Porsche says that the special edition model will only be sold in Germany and some European markets but prices were not released.
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Ford to produce 13 new electrified cars, Ford Mustang hybrid among the cards!

Surprise, surprise. It seems that the
Ford Mustang won’t just succumb to the fate of downsizing
 but also hybridisation. Ford has announced at a press conference that the company will introduce 13 new global electrified vehicles in the near future, seven of which will be introduced within the next five years including the Mustang hybrid, F-150 hybrid and a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid.
In an announcement to invest $700 million (RM3.1 billion) and adding
 700 new jobs
 to the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan U.S, the company is making a major push for electric vehicles (EV). Besides the hybridisation of the three models mentioned above, Ford is also working to produce an autonomous hybrid vehicle, an all-electric compact SUV and two hybrid police vehicles.
Ford did not disclose any information of the green powertrain but hinted that the Mustang will offer power outputs that of a V8 with even more low-end torque. This suggests that the engineers may adopt the
2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
 and strap on an electric motor (or two) to further boost the
315 hp
 and
432 Nm
 figures. If the case holds true, no doubt the new hybrid mill will match or better the 5.0-litre V8’s
435 hp
 and
542 Nm
 figures.
The all-electric compact SUV is slated for the global market and the Blue Oval has suggested that this vehicle will come with an estimated range of at least
300 miles (480 km)
. Ford is also exploring wireless charging technology for convenience.

Seems that we have plenty to look forward to from the American company over the course of the next five years. Which vehicle you are looking forward to, dear readers? The all-electric compact SUV or the Mustang hybrid?


Proton Iriz launched in Malaysia, priced from RM42k to RM63k [+Video]

It is arguably the most anticipated event in the automotive industry this year, mainly because Proton, the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is launching its Global Small Car (GSC) that promises to
meet world standards
. Expectations are high especially when it comes to delivering promises, so without further ado, we present to you, the
Proton
Iriz
.

The Iriz, previously known as the
Proton Compact Car
 (PCC), is Proton’s
milestone B-Segment hatch
 that is aimed at taking on its main competitor, the Perodua Myvi. Since the booking windows opened, Proton has received more than
17,000 orders
 for the new hatchback. The Iriz is offered in three trims –
Standard
,
Executive
 and
Premium
 – and sits on a completely
new platform
 that is developed locally.
Two engines are tasked to do the tugging – the
1.3-litre
 and
1.6-litre
 four-cylinder engines, both featuring the new
Variable Valve Timing
 (VVT) technology, which makes the car perform better in terms of fuel efficiency, performance and emissions. The 1.3-litre mill is found in the Standard and Executive trim, whereas the 1.6-litre can be found in the Executive and Premium trims.

Power output for the 1.3L is
94hp
 and
120 Nm
 of torque, while the 1.6L makes
107 hp
 and
150Nm
. All three variants can be had in either a
five-speed manual
 transmission or a
Continuously Variable Transmission
 (CVT) gearbox, so that brings us up to
eight
 Iriz to choose from. Power is delivered to the front wheels only.
What makes the Iriz such an interesting proposition is the amount of tech that goes into the car, both in terms of user convenience and safety (passive and active). Standard in the Iriz are the
halogen projector headlights
 (with the Proton wording embossed, as seen here),
LED combination taillights
 and
frameless front wiper
. It’s also the first Proton car to have the side mirrors built onto the front door panels.

On the inside, the Iriz’s standard features are the seat height adjuster for the driver, semi bucket seats (fabric and leather are variant dependent), power windows and a groceries hook at the instrument panel. Standard safety features would be the
Vehicle Dynamic Control
 (VDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control,
Hill-Hold Assist
, ISOFIX mounting points and
seatbelt warning buzzer
.
That’s not all. The doors are equipped with
impact sensors
 that would
unlock the car doors
 in the event of an accident. Also, all three variants of the Iriz are given a
5-star ASEAN NCAP
 safety rating.
The Proton Iriz is now available for viewing and test drive at all proton authorised showrooms nationwide, and can be had in seven colours – Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Genetic Silver, Proton White, Tranquility Black and
two new colours
 exclusive to the Iriz –
Citrus Green
 and
Silver Moon Dust
. Pricing starts from RM42,438 for the Standard (MT) trim, up to RM62,888 for the Premium CVT trim.
We’ll go into deeper details of each models in
the coming post
. So be sure to catch the comprehensive breakdown of the Proton Iriz along with the video there.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
PROTON IRIZ

LAUNCHING

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 PREMIUM

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 STANDARD


Meet the Volvo FL Electric, the first all-electric truck with 300 km range

Volvo Trucks have just introduced its first all-electric truck for commercial use. Dubbed the Volvo FL Electric, the all-electric commercial vehicle is geared for urban distribution and refuse operations. Sales and series production of the new model will commence in Europe in 2019 and will be the leading solution provider for electrified goods transportation in cities.
The 16 tonne (gross vehicle weight) truck is powered by an electric motor that generates
130 kW
 (174 hp) with a max torque of
 425 Nm
. Volvo Trucks offer a range of battery options ranging from
two to six lithium-ion battery packs
 that offer a real-world driving range of up to 300 km. It may not sound like much, but remember, these trucks are hauling some serious cargo.
Charging time from empty for the largest battery pack (300 kWh) takes
10 hours
 via a conventional charge point while a fast charging facility can give the battery its full juice in under two hours. The first two FL Electric trucks will be operated by refuse collection and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM.
Besides zero-emission commute, the FL Electric also contributes to reducing noise pollution in cities, offering the option for truck operators to conduct operations at night with minimal disturbances. An electric truck can also be used in indoor terminals and environmental zones, creating even more business opportunities for operators.
Head of Product Strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks, Jonas Odermalm said, “In order to make the transition [to electric trucks] secure and smooth, we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer’s individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and productivity,”
According to the company, there is “considerable” market interest in Europe and Volvo Trucks is working with relevant industry players to tackle the challenges needed to support the operations of electrified trucks such as electricity generation, batteries, charging infrastructures and others.
IMAGE GALLERY


Final McLaren P1 rolls off production line, the end of an era

McLaren’s iconic and technological
P1 hypercar
 has reached its significant and final milestone. The silver and orange P1s in the pictures here are the final units of the P1 as it reaches its exclusive 375-unit run.
Here’s a quick refresher of the P1. The P1 was introduced in 2013 and inherently became a true successor of the company’s symbolic F1 supercar. The
902bhp hypercar
 is powered by a
petrol-electric drivetrain
 and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering
2.8 seconds
. With a top speed of close to
350km/h
, the P1 boasts an unofficially claimed Nurburgring lap-time in under 7 minutes.
The P1 is also the car that represented British engineering and pride against the Italians and the Germans in the battle of hybrid hypercars. Each P1 took 800 hours to assemble using a team of 105 passionate souls. Believe it or not, it took a staggering five days to paint one, with the vivid and bright Volcanic Yellow being the most popular. According to McLaren, Americans took the biggest slice of the P1’s customer pie chart at 34 percent, followed by Asia and Europe.
While there’s no doubt McLaren can make more P1s for the sake of profitability, McLaren retained its stand for the limited run in order to retain something money can’t buy –
exclusivity
. In the future, the P1 will join the ranks of F1, Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Miura and so on as ultra-rare, highly desirable cars that will surely leave you (and us, honest to God) in tears every time a unit gets totalled.
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