Service your BMW, MINI in record time at the new Auto Bavaria Service Fast Lane Centre

Need your BMW or MINI serviced, but just don’t have the time for it? Good news – introducing the new Service Fast Lane Centre, a new dedicated service centre by
Auto Bavaria
 Penang with the sole purpose of getting customers back on the road in the shortest time possible.
Located along Jalan Sungai Pinang in Georgetown Penang, the new stand-alone facility boasts a built-up area of 30,000 square feet, consisting of a premium customer lounge, six service bays, and two RATC (Reception at the Car) bays.
The new Service Fast Lane Centre specialises solely on
quick service and repairs
, all tailored for better efficiency and time optimisation. These include regular vehicle maintenance, wear and tear repairs, tyre replacement, and cosmetic repairs.
“Our Service Fast Lane Centre is designed to fit customers’ routine with minimal interruption. Service appointment scheduling is also flexible, allowing customers to bring in their cars at a time most convenient to them. With Service Fast Lane, service and repairs are done in a fraction of the time while customers sip their coffee and relax at our lounge,” said Auto Bavaria Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan.
The estimated cost of service – both parts and labour charges – will be provided to the customer during the booking process, alongside the duration needed to complete the service. This is to ensure complete transparency, allowing customers to make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles.
To celebrate the new opening, customers who send their cars in for service at the new BMW and MINI Service Fast Lane Centre within the month of May 2021 will be offered a complimentary 72-point check inspection.
The new Service Fast Lane centre is located at
No. 3, Jalan Sungai Pinang, 10150 Georgetown Penang
. Operation hours are 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday; the new Auto Bavaria outlet is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
For more information, or to book a service at the Service Fast Lane centre, customers can call
04-2932888
.
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The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan speaks Mandarin & Cantonese

What better way to demonstrate a brand’s commitment towards a specific market than launching a model developed solely for its consumers. The three-pointed star brand has just done that with the unveiling of the all-new first-ever Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan, dedicated to the Chinese market ahead of the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (China Auto).
Based on the
W177 A-Class hatchback
, the A-Class L Sedan boasts a
 60 mm longer wheelbase
 at 2,789 mm to cater to the Chinese consumer’s preference of generous room for the rear passengers. Key dimensions measures at 4,609 mm in length, 1,796 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the A-Class L Sedan can swallow up to 420 litres of cargo, 50 litres up from the hatchback model.

As for exterior design, the front-end of the sedan is identical to the hatchback up till the C pillar. The rear profile reminiscent of the
CLA
 with a dynamic sloping roof effect and raised boot lid. The A-Class L Sedan also gets a unique two-piece taillamp design as well as an exclusive Rose Gold paint job.
The cabin is largely similar to the hatchback version with equipment such as
MBUX multimedia system
, Widescreen Cockpit display, 64-colour ambient lighting, turbine air vents and the new multifunctional steering wheel.

Unique to the Chinese market is WeChatMyCar app integration with MBUX which allow drivers to connect the popular messenger app seamlessly with the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz also took the effort to teach their intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition system (LINGUATRONIC) to be proficient in various
Chinese dialects including Sichuanese and Cantonese
.
Mercedes-Benz has also fitted the A-Class L Sedan with the latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support taken straight from the
S-Class
, giving the compact sedan best-in-class active safety systems.
At market launch, the A-Class L Sedan is available with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine putting out
134
 or
161 hp
 depending on variant. There is also a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with
188 hp
 available at a later date. All engine options are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Moving forward, the company will be introducing a similar sedan model tailored to the needs of customers outside of China in the second half of 2018. It remains to be seen whether the new sedan model for the rest of the world will follow the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan nameplate or be a replacement of the CLA Class.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Rose Gold

Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Red


Facelifted Mazda3 GVC launched in M’sia, priced from RM110k to RM128k!

Bermaz Motors, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced the Mazda3 with G-Vectoring control. Like before, the Mazda3 is available in three variants – Mazda3 Sedan GL, Mazda3 Sedan high spec and Mazda3 hatchback high spec.
Locally assembled here in Malaysia, the refreshed Mazda3 gets significantly more equipment compared to the
model it replaces
. Notably, the Mazda3 hatchback is now equally specced as the high-spec sedan, and
not settling for second best like before
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv GL
Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Hatchback High Spec
Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv High Spec
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder DOHC
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
162 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM110,225.30
RM125,225.30
RM128,225.30
Visually, the refreshed Mazda3 gets a new multi bar front grille that resembles the
Mazda6 facelift
. The front bumper is also reshaped to accommodate the new grille, new headlamp design and fog lamp housing. The entry level GL gets halogen projector headlamps, LED front fog lamps, bulb type tail lamps, rear fog lamps and 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/60 profile tyres. Stepping up to the high spec variants, both body styles get adaptive LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillamps and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/45 profile tyres.

Like before, the GL gets fabric upholstery, 7-inch touchscreen MZD connect infotainment system with six-speakers, manual air conditioning, electronic parking brake and new three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel design. Stepping up to the high spec variants, it adds leather upholstery, six-way powered driver’s seats, single-zone automatic climate control, sportier instrument cluster design, paddle shifters, cruise control and full coloured heads-up display.
Motivating the Mazda3 is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G petrol engine that develops
162 hp
 and
210 Nm
 of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. With the update, the transmission now comes with Sports mode that can be activated via a rocker switch near the gear leaver.
G-Vectoring Control (GVC) is Mazda’s way of elevating the
Jinba-Ittai
philosophy. During a corner, the system works by adjusting power delivery and shifting vehicle weight according to the driver’s steering input. This improves handling and ride comfort around the corners and in a straight line.
As standard, all three variants come with six-airbags, ABS with BA, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Emergency Stop Signal and ISOFIX mounting points. The high spec variants come with additional Lane Departure Warning System, Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Bermaz Motors is offering the Mazda3 in
four
 colours – Artic White, Blue Reflex, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. Every purchase of a new Mazda vehicle registered from 1 February 2017 will get a
5-Years or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty
 and a 3-Years or 60,000 km free maintenance package.
IMAGE GALLERY


2014 Honda Jazz now in Malaysia with 3 variants, from RM73k [+Video]

The talk of the town has finally been officially unveiled today, as Honda Malaysia introduced the highly anticipated 2014 all-new Honda Jazz. This seasoned B-segment hatchback contender now has a new look and comes with better versatility, functionality and affordability. Available in three variants; Jazz S, E & V.
QUICK FACTS
Name
 Honda Jazz 1.5L
Segment
 B-Segment Hatchback

Engine
 1,497cc 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC (120hp, 145Nm)
Transmission
 Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
Price
 Jazz S RM 72,800

(OTR with
 Jazz E RM 79,800

insurance)
 Jazz V RM
87,800

Since the introduction of the Honda Jazz (better known as Honda Fit in other countries) in 2001, a total of 5.2 million units have been sold worldwide making it Honda’s bestseller. As of today, Honda Malaysia sold more than 30,000 units of the first and second generation Jazz.
Honda Malaysia set up an assembly line for the Jazz offering competitive hatchbacks in the local market for about two years now, with almost 13,000 CKD units of Jazz Hybrid and Petrol variants sold. This
third generation
 with its good looking “H” design and packed with more goodies starts from an affordable
RM72,800
.
“The All-New Jazz is set to capture the hearts of customers who demand for a car that is fun yet versatile and functional to meet the needs of their multi-faceted lifestyles.” said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno.
“The All-New Jazz comes in an appealing package that is ideal for many Malaysians, from college students and young executives to married couples and families. The All-New Jazz is perfectly suited for any life scenario: work, leisure, sports, shopping and travelling. This Jazz is truly Honda’s most stunning Jazz to date”.
“The All-New Jazz will provide the best overall value package in its segment with the 3 variants (S, E and V) that we are introducing. This broad range is in line with our commitment to provide affordable products with excellent value for money for everyone. This would be a great opportunity for all Malaysians to own a Honda!” added Mr. Ueno.
The next question would be, what is Perodua going to do about this.
EXTERIOR

The Jazz now has an all-new look, which is still recognizable from a quick glance. Honda’s new design identity, the “Exciting H Design!!!” (High Tech, High Tension, High Touch) gives it a bolder and sportier look, mainly dominated by the front grille or “Solid Wing Face”.

The entry-level S variant gets a
black front grille
 while the E and V variant have the
high glossed black
 with chrome plating grille. All three variants are equipped with
halogen
 headlights and
LED tailights
. The V variant however gets a pair of front fog lights and turning lights on its door mirrors. As for wheels, the V is fitted with
16-inch
 rims but
15-inch
 for the other variants.
INTERIOR

Honda applies its “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy in the interior of the new Jazz for one main objective, to achieve roomier cabin. With its longer wheelbase and its Versatile Magic Seats, it offers more space for both passengers and cargo.

The interior is where you get a clear differentiation between the variants. The top range V spec is fitted with advanced
7-inch Display Touch Audio
 with MirrorLink function and touch sensitive aircond control panel. The mid range E gets the standard touch screen audio control and manual aircond controls.

While the entry level S gets single DIN audio control and manual aircond controls. Both E and V have the Smart Entry with Push Start Button. All three variants get the same black fabric seats and NINE cup holders.
The
Versatile Magic Seats
 that are available for all can be configured in four modes for different purposes, making it the car for everyone – Utility Mode, Tall Mode, Long Mode, Refresh Mode.
PERFORMANCE
 The third generation Honda Jazz is powered by the improved 1.5-liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, coupled with the newly designed Earth Dreams Technology CVT gearbox. It produces
120 horsepower
 and
145Nm
 of torque. Fuel consumption figure is at
17.81km
 per liter. Stopping power relies on front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums brakes for all variants.
SAFETY

As for safety, all variants are equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), 4 corner reverse sensor, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) Body and rear seat ISO Fix. The E and V are a little safer with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) too.
Dual Front SRS airbags for both S and E specs, while the highest range V spec are fitted with 2 front airbags, 2 side airbags and 2 curtain airbags. That’s
6 airbags
 in total.
What else…

Honda Malaysia is optimistic that sales figures can hit 1,200 units per month for this new product. As of today, there are 500 bookings already and waiting period is at a bearable 1 month from order date. All 2014 Honda Jazz are locally assembled at the Pegoh plant in Melaka, with 70% local parts. A
hybrid
 variant is still in the pipeline but no words on when that will be introduced.
The all new Honda Jazz comes in five colours – New Tinted Silver, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

You may have seen and thought the new Jazz looks really cool in
Mystic Yellow Pearl
. It is sadly not included in Honda Malaysia’s colour palette. However, HMSB will be happy to offer the mystic yellow if there’s high demand for it. So start leaving your requests in the comment box below!
Optional bodykit packages are also available from Modulo and Mugen at RM2,650 and RM4,900 respectively.
Mugen Package (RM4,900)

Modulo Package (RM2,650)

Now here’s one for the album. One big happy Honda Malaysia family :)
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


First-ever Toyota GR EV sports car could get ‘manual gearbox’, promises to be “fun to drive”

There’s no turning back from electrification, but that doesn’t mean all cars in the future have to be boring. Or at least, that’s what Toyota thinks.
Autocar
 reports that Toyota’s Gazoo Racing department has already begun testing its first fully electric sports car, and based on what its Chairman Akio Toyoda said, it sounds like it’s going to be a right blast.
Speaking to the publication at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Akio Toyoda – who is
still taking an active role in the development of the EV sports car
 – said that their first priority is to make these kinds of cars “fun to drive, no matter what powertrain they use”.
According to Toyoda, “fun to drive” consists of fake engine sounds piped into the cabin, as well as three pedals and a “manual transmission” specifically designed for EVs. “If you put someone in the car and asked them to drive it and guess the powertrain, they probably wouldn’t be able to tell you,” Toyoda said of the prototype BEV GR model.
Of course, none of this is actually new. Toyota’s patent for an EV “manual”
first surfaced in February last year
, while its luxury subsidiary, Lexus, also
shown off a manual EV concept in December
– but Toyoda’s comments essentially confirms that the system is still in active development, and it’s not just a silly project dreamt up by a
post-retirement ‘Master Driver’
.
RELATED:
Akio Toyoda steps down as Toyota CEO – Here are some of his ‘greatest hits’
As explained by Lexus’ electrified chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, the gear lever and clutch aren’t directly connected to the drivetrain. Instead, they simulate the sensations of a manual gearbox by adjusting the torque settings of the electric motor via software. The EV simulated manual gearbox is apparently so realistic that it’ll roll back on a hill, or even emulate a stall.
“Whether it makes it to the market or not, what the company is trying to do is explore the idea of what it is that we shouldn’t lose in a car even if it becomes BEV,” Toyoda added. “I can proudly say that this is an example of how Toyota has changed into a company where members can look into an idea that sounds interesting, create a car from their ideas, and then show it for test drives.”
ALSO READ:
Toyota lays out new EV plans – 1,000km range, manual EV, new modular platform


New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX looks set to be ‘new Golf GTI’ of electric hatchbacks

At the ongoing
2021 IAA Mobility Motor Show
, Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstatter, has confirmed that the
ID.X Concept
 he posed with in May 2021, will go into production.
In a report by
Auto Express
, the CEO said the ID.X Concept was to show what is possible with an all-wheel drive hardware from the larger
ID.4 GTX
.
“The decision is made. We have the ID.4 GTX and the ID.3 GTX will come. We will add a performance engine on the rear axle to give the car more acceleration, more speed,” Brandstatter briefly explained.
A compilation of photos of the ID.X Concept car
The driving enthusiasts plays an important ‘family’ in the Volkswagen and with the immediate response from electric motors, Brandstatter wants customers to further experience that. The company will also develop autonomous vehicles for those who commute long distances and have no interest in driving.
Volkswagen showcased the ID. Life Concept, a smaller entry-level hatchback-crossover that targets the young demographics into the ID. electric family. Find out how here!
Brandstatter also hinted that Volkswagen’s performance-focused GTX nameplate for the ID. line-up could even include the venerable ‘R’ treatment in the future.
The
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX
 currently has a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive traction and a combined system output of
299 hp
 and a large 77 kWh battery pack. Expect the smaller ID.3 GTX to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h faster than the 6.2-second time set by the larger sibling.
The highest performing rear-wheel drive
Volkswagen ID.3
 is the Pro S with a
204 hp
/
310 Nm
 motor output and 77 kWh battery pack. Equipped with a smaller 58 kWh battery pack sees the driving range decrease by 123 km to 425 km but the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration sprint is completed 0.6 seconds faster at
7.3 seconds
.
As for the ID.X Concept car, it was also given a weight reduction program via a lighter battery pack and reported to complete the century dash in just
5.3 seconds
– which the Volkswagen chief did not share if it’s going into the production ID.3 GTX. The latest Volkswagen Golf R completes the benchmark sprint in just 4.7 seconds thanks to a 320 hp/420 Nm powertrain.
Volkswagen also recently teased the larger
ID.5 GTX
 coupe-SUV that also sees the 299-hp powertrain being used. The dual-motor arrangement is also a rear-biased setup, with the rear motor generating 310 Nm of torque, with the front unit delivering just over half the value at 162 Nm.
While not specifically mentioned, it is only logical to see the ID.3 GTX in 2022, as Volkswagen would want to monetise and fulfil demands on the ID.5 GTX and ID.4 GTX first.
Volkswagen first said to support the manual transmission, but reported to start automatic-only on new generations from 2023. More about the transition here.


This Porsche 911 exhaust makes more than just flat-six noise

Want the
Porsche 911 GT3
, but can’t afford the RM1.8 million asking price tag? Well, the new 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro will let you own a piece of it… at a price of a new
Perodua Myvi
– USD12,000 (approx. RM57k).
Created by the German carmaker’s lifestyle merchandise arm, Porsche Design, the Soundbar 2.0 Pro turns the exhaust of the current-generation Porsche 911 GT3, into a bespoke – and somewhat superfluous – piece of home hi-fi audio equipment.
Only 500 units of these will ever be made, probably because the exhausts are taken from used 911 GT3s. We’re kidding, of course, but really – why are they so rusty? Heck, the sound doesn’t even come from the exhausts, but from the meshed portion behind it.
Questionable design choices aside, though, it’s probably quite a competent piece of audio equipment. The Porsche 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro is a 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos surround sound speaker, with a total power of up to 300 watt.
RELATED:
This Bugatti pool table costs a cool RM1 million each!
Because it’s a soundbar, it features a 4K passthrough HDMI port, but can also double as a wireless speaker set thanks to the myriad of connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0, Apple Airplay 2, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.
With all that being said, let’s be honest – the people buying this won’t care an ounce about its sound. It’s there as a statement piece, or as a conversation starter for the ultimate Porsche fan. Just make sure you have a sturdy surface or wall to mount it to, because the whole thing weighs nearly 65 kg.
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New Subaru WRX gets launched in Japan, STI Sport R has new chassis tech

Even though sales of sedans is not exactly rosy in Japan, Subaru continues to offer the all-new WRX in its home country, after the model was first premiered in
the US
.
While the pink STI emblems are seen on the front grille and boot lid of the Japan-spec Subaru WRX, they are far from being the hot-blooded full-performance STI model. Subaru Japan is using the STI Sport R moniker as a very effective grade differentiator.
At launch, there are only two Subaru WRX variants on offer- the entry-level WRX GT starting at
JPY4,004,000
 (approx. RM149k) and the higher range WRX STI Sport R at
JPY4,389,000
 (approx. RM163k). For an additional JPY385,000, both variants can then be equipped with the extended advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) called Eyesight X Technology.
Powering both variants of Subaru WRX is a newly developed 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine with outputs of
275 hp
 at 5,600 rpm and
375 Nm
 of torque, higher values than the US model. Only the CVT automatic is available for the Japanese market, called Subaru Performance Transmission that offers eight virtual ratios and clever, intuitive stepped shift logic.
Drive is sent to all four corners equally via the brand’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Apart from the pink STI emblems, the WRX STI Sport R also gets two-tone wheels and a more electronically-controlled chassis via four drive modes plus individual mode profiles with ZF electronic adaptive dampers.
Inside, STI emblems can be found on the front headrest, the steering wheel and also the instrument panel. Similar to the
Toyota GR86
 and Subaru BRZ, the new Subaru WRX comes standard with six speakers but without an audio head unit system, as consumers have their own preference for units with navigation system.
The large 11.6-inch touchscreen central infotainment display paired with other convenience features is a JPY275,000 option. The gorgeous Black-and-Bordeaux Recaro seats meanwhile are only available as an option in the STI Sport R variant.
For the ADAS, all variants are fitted with EyeSight Core Technology, which includes Pre-Crash Brake, adaptive cruise control, preceding vehicle start notification and the usual lane and blind spot assist assistance.
The EyeSight X Technology adds features such as Hands-off and Start Assist during traffic jams, Active lane change assist, Speed control at the tollbooth as well as curves plus Driver Error Response System and Driver Monitoring System.
The instrument cluster also gets upgraded to a full-sized 12.3-inch high-resolution unit to display more content related to the higher levels of advanced driver assistance.
It is indeed a good sign that the new WRX is also available in right-hand drive orientation, a possibility the vehicle could be offered by Motor Image Malaysia. However, with an engine now displacing over two litres that draw 10% higher excise duties (90%), expect the automatic-only WRX to be priced much higher than the
outgoing model
’s price of RM240k.
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2022 Subaru WRX STI Sport R

EX
2022 Subaru WRX GT

EX
2022 Subaru WRX- Others


Perodua says Proton Persona’s service cost table “inaccurate & misleading”

At the preview of the
2019 Proton Persona
, the national carmaker released a
service cost breakdown
 of their sedan against its unnamed competitors which many portals reported it to be the
Perodua Bezza
 (Competitor B) and
Honda City
 (Competitor C).
The breakdown suggests that the Persona is up to 32% cheaper to maintain over a 5-Year period compared to the two competitors and Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin has came out to clarify that the service details of the Bezza is “
inaccurate and misleading
”.
According to Dato’ Dr.
Zahari, the inaccuracy in cost difference was due to the Persona’s service costs
were calculated as scheduled in its service booklet while the calculation on
the Bezza was based on the
optional
 Preventive Maintenance costs
(Pro-Care package) which includes tyre alignment and balancing, air
conditioning maintenance and replacement of components.
The basic service cost
of the Bezza 1.3-litre as recommended in the service booklet are as below:
 Years of Service
 Basic Service
 Pro-Care Service
 Proton Persona 1.6L
 1
st
 year
 RM391.02
 RM611.68
 RM381.04
 2
nd
 year
 RM796.57
 RM848.51
 RM586.83
 3
rd
 year
 RM464.19
 RM1,084.60
 RM934.46
 4
th
 year
 RM759.02
 RM810.96
 RM458.57
 5
th
 year
 RM684.59
 RM931.96
 RM691.01
 5-Years’ service cost
 RM3,095.38
 RM4,287.71
 RM3,051.91
At the end of 5-Years,
the difference in basic service costs between the Bezza and Persona is only RM43.47
or 1.4%. Perodua attributed the higher service cost to the premium 0W-20 grade engine
oil used in the Bezza instead of the 10W-30 used in the Persona as well as the
use of iridium spark plugs.
Over the course of
5-Years, the difference in Basic Service and Pro-Care Service is RM1,192.33
hence Perodua is right that Proton did not made an apple-to-apple comparison
when producing the chart. Opting for the Basic Service package brings the
service costs significantly closer to the Persona.
However, it is also worthy to note that the Bezza, an
A-Segment sedan
, is a direct competitor to the Proton Saga and not the Proton Persona which is a B-Segment sedan. Let that sink in for a moment…


BMW Black Vermilion Edition for the X5, X6 and X7 revealed!

BMW celebrates the success of the larger X5, X6 and X7 models with the Black Vermilion edition for the five-seaters while the seven-seater gets a simpler Frozen Black metallic edition.
Close to 250,000 units of the trio were sold last year, which translates to
every eighth newly delivered BMW model was a BMW X5, X6 or X7
.
The paintwork for all three edition models features the Frozen Black metallic. As for the Vermilion portion of the name, red is used on the vertical bars of the kidney grille as well as the M Sport brake calipers on the BMW X5 and X6. The Iconic Glow illuminated grille continues to be fitted on the BMW X6 Black Vermilion edition too.
Check out how Frozen Dark Red paintwork looks here on the BMW M5 First Edition!
BMW Laserlights with M headlights Shadow Line (darkened bezel) are also specified under the Black Vermilion edition. As for the wheels, the 22-inch double spoke 742M design units are finished in Orbit Grey. There are no other red highlights on the sides and rear of the BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion editions.
Meanwhile, the BMW X7 Frozen Black edition skips the red highlights and maintain high gloss black on the grille bars and M Sport brake calipers.
Inside, the BMW X5 and X6 Vermilion edition gets special Merino full leather in black with special red stitching on the seats and Fineline Black wood trim with aluminium inlays, both from the BMW Individual personalisation catalogue.
BMW Japan’s new 8 Series Frozen Black Edition is unnecessarily dark but brightened by its speakers. Read about it here!
Crafted Clarity that applies glass finishing on the iDrive controller, Start-Stop button and gear selector lever are also specified for the limited editions. Finally, an exquisitely crafted Edition logo is fitted on to the cupholder cover in BMW Individual black piano finish.
BMW mentioned that all three editions go on sale with all engines available for each of their original models.
Here in Malaysia, the locally-assembled
BMW X5
 is only available in the xDrive 45e plug-in hybrid variant priced up to
RM439,444
 with the extended five-year warranty and service maintenance package.
Meanwhile, the fully-imported
BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport
 is priced at
RM703,947
 with the same warranty coverage as the earlier mentioned X5. The large
BMW X7
 that saw a significant reduction it retail pricing thanks to local assembly in Malaysia is now priced from
RM648,934
.
GALLERY
2021 BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion Edition
2021 BMW X7 Frozen Black Edition


BMW 118i M Sport launched, priced at RM188,800!

Debuting alongside the
330e M Sport
 is the BMW 118i M Sport, the only rear-wheel drive model in its class. At RM189k, it costs RM15,000 more than the 118i Sport, which is
exactly the deducted amount when the 1 Series received EEV incentives
.
For the money, you get M Suspension package, 18-inch lightweight M alloy wheels, M-specific front and rear bumpers, chromed kidney grille with gloss black slats, BMW Individual Shadow Line and M badges. The 118i M Sport now gets LED fog lamps and Comfort Access system (keyless entry) as standard.
The changes inside the car mirrors what the 330e M Sport gets: M leather steering wheel, black headliner and some blue trims surrounding the cabin.
Under the hood is a
turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder
 engine, capable of pushing
136 hp
 at 4,400 rpm and
 220 Nm
 of torque from 1,250 rpm, paired to a sole
eight-speed ZF automatic
. It’s adequately quick too, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds before topping out at 222 km/h!
Like any other BMW purchases, the 118i M Sport comes with 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme. Four exterior colours can be optioned for, beginning with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue.
Should this pique your interest,
find out what our contributing writer thinks of the 118i Sport
!
IMAGE GALLERY


Goodyear Malaysia introduces Eagle F1 SuperSport range of UUHP tyres

Goodyear has introduced the new Eagle F1 SuperSport range of tyres here in Malaysia, their latest addition to the Eagle F1 line-up.
The SuperSport range consists of three tiers – SuperSport, SuperSport R and SuperSport RS. Categorised as UUHP (for ultra ultra-high-performance) tyres, Goodyear says that the tyres utlises development experience from racing to be used on the road.
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
Design features of the Eagle F1 SuperSport include a
U-shaped compound
 for enhanced wet and dry handling, along with
tread deformation protector
 and
stiffer sidewall design
 to improve high-speed stability and handling. Cornering grip is also improved thanks to a
closed outside tread pattern
.
The lowest of the three tier range – the SuperSport, will sit above the existing Eagle F1 Assymmetric 5. Rivaling the likes of max performance tyres such as the
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport will be available in sizes ranging from
18 to 21 inches
 in diameters.
Taking things up a notch is the SuperSport R, featuring larger tread blocks with shallower tread depth on the shoulders for enhanced cornering grip. The SuperSport R will be available in sizes ranging from
18 to 21 inches
.
The SuperSport RS veers into track-performance territory with the use of motorsports-inspired compound to deliver “hyper grip” in dry conditions. The SuperSport RS has been
homologated for the Porsche GT2 RS and GT3 RS
, and therefore carries a Porsche-approved N0 marking on the tyres. Only two fitment sizes have been announced for the specialised tyres –
265/35 R21 and 325/30 R21
.
The Goodyear SuperSport range will only be available in local retailers sometime
next year
. Pricing has also yet to be announced, but Goodyear Malaysia says that the SuperSport will be priced very close to that of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Goodyear Malaysia has also taken the opportunity to announce that a brand-new tyre will be introduced in 2020. Designed for high performance at competitive prices, the new tyre will replace the existing Eagle F1 Directional 5 in the line-up.


Electric car chargers could soon become compulsory in all new homes in England

Car chargers for
electric vehicles
 could become compulsory for new home and office constructions in the England, if a new legislation by Transport Minister Rachel Maclean passes later this year.
The law aims to increase the rate of electric car chargers installation in the country, from 500 plug-in points every month, up to at least 700, as the country accelerates adoption of EVs to meet their target of a 2030 ban on new ICE vehicles.
The UK currently has around 25,600 public car charging points around the nation, but to reach their 2030 target, that figure will need to increase almost twenty-fold to 480,000 by the end of the decade in order to support the projected uptake in EVs, according to
a report from UK Government’s

Competition and Markets Authority
.
Even the UK Police is going electric, with the new Ford Mustang Mach-E! Read more about it here.
Maclean’s plan, billed as the first of its kind in the world, will also require all the chargers to be capable of “smart charging”. This means that they will have data connectivity to determine the best times to charge your cars while plugged in, to prevent overloading the national electricity grid.
The Vinfast VF e34 is Vietnam’s first electric vehicle. Check it out here!
Speaking to
Drive
, the MP’s spokesperson told the Australian publication, “We plan to support people to charge their cars at home by ensuring new homes are electric vehicle ready. We have consulted on plans to introduce a requirement for every new home to have a charge point, where there is an associated car parking space.
“We aim to lay regulation in Parliament in 2021. This would make England the first country to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes, cementing its position as a global leader in the race to net-zero emissions.”
UMW Toyota has announced a RM270m investment to locally-assemble electrified models here in Malaysia. Read more about it here.
The plan has already been set in motion since 2019, where the UK government published a public consultation request for charging infrastructure building regulations in England. The consultation results will be published later this year, and will be used to facilitate discussions on the two government houses in order to pass the legislation.
Last year, the UK Government also announced that it would inject GBP1.3 billion into scaling-up the rollout of charge points for electric vehicles in homes, streets, and motorways, expected to result in 200,000 new charging points in the country.
Included in the initiative is a GBP350 incentive for individual households to install their own charging devices.
[Source:
Dailymail.co.uk
,
Drive.co.au
]


Perodua donates RM87k worth of supplies to Shah Alam General Hospital

In continuing to support and improve the local healthcare service and quality, Perodua has contributed RM87,967 worth of medical equipment and other supplies to the Shah Alam General Hospital. In May last year, the company donated RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to the
Sg. Buloh Hospital
.
Among the items contributed includes seven stethoscopes, a high-tech jelly pad, three photo lights, a free-standing warmer, a LSCS set for cesarean procedures, and 10 surgical scissors. The contributions are dedicated to the pediatric ward. Along with the contributions, front liners and patients were also presented with hampers.
The gifts and contributions were handed out by Perodua, President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin to Shah Alam General Hospital, Director, Dr. Ruzita Othman.
“We will continue to communicate with key public institutions and the Ministry of Health to ensure consistent and continuous access to medical supplies for hospitals and add value to our country’s healthcare system.
Since the country was hit with Covid-19, Perodua has been actively despatching aid and assistance to various institutions; including supplying
primary schools
and
 secondary schools
 with face shields while a further 10,000 units were donated to

the
Hulu Selangor and Selangor municipals
.


Kia Sportage 2.0L turbodiesel AWD introduced in M’sia, priced at RM160k

After
expressing their intentions
 to introduce a new top spec variant of the
fourth-generation Kia Sportage
 early this year, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has officially added the Sportage 2.0 CRDi GT AWD, which joins the KX 2WD and GT 2WD variants in the lineup.
Motivating the Sportage is a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel that churns out
182 hp
 and a whopping
400 Nm
 of torque. To put things in perspective, the 2.0-litre petrol engine on lower models only develops
less than 200 Nm
 of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic. All Sportage equipped with an automatic transmission comes equipped with
Drive Mode Select (DMS)
 which allows the driver to put the transmission into three different driving modes – Eco, Normal or Sport. Fuel economy is rated at
6.5 litres of diesel per 100 km
 and NKM claims that the oil burning Sportage can cover
close to 1,000 km
 in a single tank of diesel.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Kia Sportage 2.0L KX 2WD
Kia Sportage 2.0L GT 2WD
Kia Sportage 2.0L CRDi GT AWD
Engine
1,999cc; four-cylinder Nu MPI
1,995cc; CRDi turbodiesel
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
152 hp @ 5,250 rpm
182 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
400 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM124,888
RM144,888
RM159,888
Finished in
 GT-trim
, the diesel Sportage gets all the bells and whistles like its petrol twin. Items such as bi-projector HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights, quad LED fog lamps, tiger nose grille, LED combination tail lamps, shark fin antenna and 19-inch alloys wrapped in 245/45 profile tyres are standard on the Sportage CRDi.

Inside, you get leather upholstery, powered front seats, flat-bottomed three spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers, reverse camera, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and smart keyless entry with push start button.
Standard safety features in the Sportage CRDi include six airbags, ABS with BA, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX mounting points, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System as well as front and rear parking sensor. The Sportage qualifies for a
5 Star EURO NCAP
 crash safety rating.
The Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi GT AWD can be had in
 five
 exterior shades – Cherry Black, Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver. All variants of the Sportage come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty package.
IMAGE GALLERY


GWM Malaysia opens first flagship 4S Centre in USJ

Great Wall Motors (GWM)
 has just opened its first flagship 4S centre in USJ Subang together with Superhub Auto Services Sdn Bhd. This occasion marks an important milestone for the company as it expands its dealer network to cater to its customers’ needs.
Described by the company as an all-in-one sales and service centre, the 3-acre 4S centre encompasses sales, service, spare parts, and body and paint facilities. The brand’s
Haval H6
 and
GWM Cannon
 which are slated for a launch in 2023 were also seen at the dealership during the opening ceremony as well. Precisely, the 4S centre is located at Lot 61711, Plot A, Persiaran Subang Indah Kawasan Perindustrian Subang USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.
GWM Malaysia
 Managing Director, Mike Cui said, “We are delighted to introduce our flagship 4S centre with an All-in-One Experience Hall at USJ, a testament to our commitment to delivering excellent service and customer satisfaction.”
“With our expanding network and aspirations to launch the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon this year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer more quality products in Malaysia,” added Cui.
RELATED:
Haval H6 HEV previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 – Hybrid X70 rival?
As part of its ongoing network expansion plan, GWM is actively selecting high-quality dealers to strengthen its network coverage. This strategic initiative is driven by the brand’s dedication to ensuring peace of mind ownership for its customers. By expanding its dealer network, GWM aims to provide widespread access to a variety of its products and after-sales support.
The Chinese carmaker reaffirms its brand confidence and commitment to customers in Malaysia through its proactive approach to product development and network expansion. The company is also dedicated to rolling out more high-quality products and network coverage, ensuring that customers can enjoy the latest advancements in automotive technology. Additionally, the expansion of the company’s dealer network demonstrates its commitment to providing sustainable aftersales support for existing
Haval
car owners.
RELATED:
GWM Cannon previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2023, Hilux alternative


Rolls-Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition, ultra rare, only one unit in the world!

The Rolls-Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition is a one-of-a-kind, special commission variant to commemorate H.R Owen’s 85 years of expertise in creating exclusive high-end cars.
H.R Owen is Britain’s leading luxury car dealer group and their association with Rolls-Royce goes back to 1932. Now, the Dawn Mayfair Edition features a number of one-off touches, beginning with the copper dashboard and embroidered treadplates reading “Special Commission – Mayfair Edition One of One”.

The cabin is clothed in luxurious Arctic White seats and the audio speakers are made of copper. Completing the theme is the Berwick Bronze exterior paint. As of right now, the droptop limo is still unspoken for.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Isuzu 3S centre opens in Taiping, Perak

Isuzu Malaysia has officiated the opening of a new 3S centre in Taiping, serving the growing customer base in the Matang region. The outlet is operated by GB Motors, and is designed to offer a full range of sales and after-sales services for all Isuzu models, ranging from the
D-Max
 to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Occupying a 5,300 square metres land and a built-up area of approximately
1,400 square metres
, the new showroom boasts a spacious display section, customer waiting area, and service bays manned by trained technicians.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia CEO Koji Nakamura said, “As one of the largest independent automotive retailers in Malaysia with over 25 years of delivering positive experiences here in the northern region, I believe that this new Goh Brothers outlet will offer excellent professional service and play a key role in developing the Isuzu business here and serving the growing population and businesses around the Taiping area.”
Also at the launch was GB Motors Dealer Principal Goh Chern Earn, who commented: “I thank the management of Isuzu Malaysia for choosing the Goh Brothers Group as your business partner. As a member of the Isuzu family, we are committed to enhancing the Isuzu Customer Experience in this region through timely and professional service to customers.”
To celebrate the launch of the new 3S centre, GB Motors will be holding a
month-long test drive campaign between October 24 and November 23
, where the first 100 visitors to test drive any Isuzu vehicle at the showroom will receive a special
goody bag
 filled with mystery gifts.
The new Isuzu 3S centre is located at
Lot 148, No 25A, Jalan Simpang, 34700 Taiping, Perak
. Operation hours are 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The 3S centre can be contacted via phone at
+605-847 2188
, or through their Facebook page
here
.
GALLERY


Proton exceeds 2021 sales with 2 months to spare – 115,336 cars sold in 2022

Proton
 has sold
115,336 cars
 from January to October 2022, already exceeding the total sales for 2021 (114,708 units) with two months left to end the year. In October alone, Proton sold
13,013 cars
 including both exports and domestic sales.
Proton estimates a market share of 21.1% for October, while the year-to-date (YTD) market share has dropped to 19.9% from the
previous month’s 20.1%
. The local carmaker estimates a Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 60,000 units for October 2022.
Leading the sales chart for October 2022 is the
Proton Saga
 with 5,262 units sold. Following behind is the
Proton X50
 with 3,602 units, the
Proton Persona

with 1,697 units, the
Proton X70
 with 1,391 units, the
Proton Iriz
 with 661 units, and the
Proton Exora
 with 400 units.
As for the YTD sales figures, the Saga still leads the Proton lineup 45,865 units sold. This is followed by 33,193 units of the Proton X50, 15,536 units of the Proton X70, 12,484 units of the Proton Persona, 4,780 units of the Proton Iriz, and 3,508 units of the Proton Exora. Proton reportedly saw four consecutive years of growth in terms of yearly sales and will have special offers for its first SUV.
RELATED:
Proton offers 1-year warranty for certified pre-owned cars, now underwritten by Allianz
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s fourth consecutive year of volume growth coincides with the brand’s entry into the SUV market with the Proton X70. It’s an achievement the company is proud of and despite the launch of newer rivals, it remains a class leader and was even named Best Large SUV at the 2022 Carsifu Editors’ Choice Awards.”
“Therefore, to celebrate its upcoming fourth birthday, we are offering customers gifts comprising accessories worth
RM 1,499
, interest rates as low as
2.52%
, and many other surprises from our dealerships if they purchase a Proton X70 in November.”
Not only reporting success domestically, Proton also exported another 416 cars in October 2022, contributing to a total of 4,741 cars exported so far in 2022. Contributing to the increased exports is
Proton’s reentry into the South African market
.
The Proton Deputy CEO adds, “The growth in Proton’s export division in 2022 is in line with our intention to penetrate more overseas markets. While Malaysia will be the company’s main market for some time to come, export sales has more untapped growth potential that fits in with our long-term growth targets to be a major regional automotive brand.”
RELATED:
Proton’s PRO-NET and Petronas’ Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023


Beat excessive engine heat with Petronas Syntium with CoolTech!

Aside from petrol, your car’s engine oil is one of the most important yet overlooked fluid when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Just as our bodies require enough blood to flow through its veins, our engines too require lubricants and quality ones to prolong its lifespan.
Living in the tropics,
 excessive engine heat
 is a common problem for our cars. It takes its toll on the engine without discrimination and can affect all types of vehicles. Excessive engine heat can be aggravated by day-to-day commuting – from traffic congestion, driving up steep inclinations and continuous hard acceleration. As such, critical components of the engine can be damaged over time leading to compromised  performance.
But then there’s the
Petronas Syntium with CoolTech
. Two decades of involvement in Formula One has certainly paid dividends for Petronas, as seen with their current range of
Petronas Syntium with CoolTech
 engine lubricants.  It helps absorb and transfer excessive heat out of the engine efficiently, delivering exceptional heat dissipation to prevent internal engine failure, delays oil thickening and maintaining engine performance.
On a side note, during the recent meet and greet session with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, the Malaysian oil giant had pledge its commitment in the pinnacle of motorsports despite the Sepang’s F1nale. From next year onwards, the only Malaysian influence in Formula One will be lead by Petronas.


Honda Jazz facelift launched in M’sia, 1.5L Sport Hybrid, priced from RM75k!

After a
public preview
 of the Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid in May, Honda Malaysia (HMSB) has officially launched the facelifted Honda Jazz. The Jazz Hybrid nameplate has been revived once again thanks to CKD and EEV incentives, complementing the petrol variants of the Jazz.
Malaysia is also the only country outside of Japan to receive and assemble the Sport Hybrid variant. It is priced at RM87,500 while the three petrol variants – 1.5L S, 1.5L E and 1.5L V – are priced from RM74,800 to RM88,400.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda Jazz 1.5L S
Honda Jazz 1.5L E
Honda Jazz 1.5L V
Honda Jazz 1.5L Sport Hybrid
Engine
1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC
1,496cc; 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
7-speed DCT
Max Power
118 hp @ 6,600 rpm
109 hp @6,000 rpm
Max Torque
145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
134 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Electric Motor Max Power
–
30 hp @ 1,313 – 2,000 rpm
Electric Motor Max Torque
–
160 Nm @ 0 – 1,313 rpm
Combined Output
–
135 hp; 170 Nm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM74,800
RM81,000
RM88,400
RM87,500
EXTERIOR
This facelift exercise, much like the
City’s
, is subtle yet impactful. Aesthetic revisions include a revised front bumper, rear bumper and front grille. Standard fitment across the range include halogen headlamps, keyless start and smart entry. All variants get LED daytime running lights, except the entry-level S.

The base S, E and Sport Hybrid variants ride on 15-inch alloys wrapped in 175/65 profile tyres while the V variant rides on 16-inch two-tone alloys wrapped in 185/55 profile tyres. Due to the additional battery pack that takes up extra space, the Sport Hybrid does not come with a spare wheel, but gets a temporary repair kit instead.
INTERIOR
Inside, you get more features for even greater value. The S variant gets furnished with fabric seats, ECON button, manual air-conditioning, urethane steering wheel, one touch turn signal and standard audio system with four-speakers.
Stepping up to the E and Sport Hybrid will bring touch panel air conditioning and 6.8-inch touchscreen Display Audio with reverse camera. Only the most expensive V variant gets power retractable wing mirrors, leather upholstery, semi-leather seats and six-speaker setup.

Inside the Sport Hybrid, it gets a Hybrid Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire gear lever and an additional Sport button.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the petrol variants of the Jazz is a carryover 1.5-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC that produces
118 hp
 and
145 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Unlike the previous generation Jazz Hybrid launched in 2012, the Sport Hybrid has a more advanced Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) hybrid system. A 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with
109 hp
 and
134 Nm
 of torque is mated to high power electric motor with
30 hp
 and
160 Nm
 of torque to generate a combined output of
135 hp
 and
 170 Nm
. A lighter (42.5 kg) and higher capacity (0.86 kWh) lithium-ion battery sends juice to the electric motor.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is tasked to send power exclusively to the front wheels. The Sport Hybrid is capable of commuting in pure electric mode. Besides that, Honda has revised the damping settings as well as steering ratio (16.7 petrol vs 14.7 hybrid) to give the Sport Hybrid a more agile and sporty handling. Official fuel consumption is rated at
4.0 litres per 100 km
.
SAFETY
The entry level S variant comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA) and ISOFIX mounting points. Stepping up to the rest of the range, airbag count ups to four (six on the V variant), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the all-important Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
WHAT ELSE?
For petrol variants of the Jazz, customers can choose between five exterior shades – Lunar Silver Metallic, Taffeta White, Carnival Red, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. The Jazz Sport Hybrid can be had with three colours – White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic.
All variants of the Jazz come with 5-Years unlimited warranty package while the Hybrid battery pack comes with 8-Years unlimited warranty package. A range of Honda genuine accessories and Window tint film are also available.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen celebrates 12.12 one day earlier with celebrity live walkaround

The 12.12 online shopping holiday is one of the largest online shopping event in our country, which means you’ll probably be drowned by exclusive online deals on the day itself. To stand out from the crowd,
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia
 (VPCM) is celebrating their 12.12 one day earlier on the 11th of December, headlined by a celebrity-hosted “Live With” walkaround on its Instagram page.
The live walkaround event is a “historical first” in the industry, brought to life as a collaboration between Facebook Malaysia and Volkswagen. The celebrities hosting the “Live With” event will carry out a virtual walkthrough of three Volkswagen models, while highlighting key features and answering viewers questions live. By tuning in to watch, you will also stand a chance to win a brand-new iPhone 12!
The event will kick off at
12.30 pm
 on the
11th of December
 with the new
Passat R-Line
, hosted by influencer Clarence Wong. It will be followed shortly at
3.30 pm
 with actor Pekin Ibrahim, who will be bringing the audience along to discover the
all-new Arteon R-Line
. Lastly, radio DJ and personality Fara Fauzana will go live at
4.30 pm
 with the
all-new Tiguan Allspace Highline
.
“In efforts to adapt to the new normal, Volkswagen has evolved and increased our digital presence. This is evident in our new sales and aftersales offerings,” said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter. “With new formats such as Instagram Live With, this will allow us to connect and reach a wider audience regardless of location.”
Aside from the Instagram Live With programme, VPCM is also offering exclusive 12.12 deals for existing Volkswagen owners, similarly one day earlier. Customers who book their service appointment (applicable between 15th to 31st of December) online on the 11th of December will receive exclusive merchandise worth RM170, along with exclusive discounts under the 5 Star Service Campaign.
As for the actual day of the shopping holiday, Volkswagen dealerships will be holding their own celebrations with a nationwide online showroom event from 11 am to 5 pm, where Volkswagen sales consultants will conduct detailed walkthroughs of various VW models.


Audi begins using AI to design wheels – Will robots replace designers?

Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a canvas into a beautiful masterpiece? Well, apparently, they can now design car wheels, as
Audi
 has just showcased with FelGAN, which is the brand’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based software.
“FelGAN” is essentially a combination of “Felge”, which is the German word for “rim”, and “GAN”, which is an acronym for Generative Adversarial Networks. FelGAN was ‘taught’ to design car wheels by having its “generator” produce images that are supposedly car wheels and having a “discriminator” (a person) deciding whether the design is generated or an actual real-life image. After enough runs, the generator’s creations are so deceptively real that even the human eye cannot, or can only barely, distinguish them from real photos.
A designer looking at the AI-generated designs of FelGAN
AI has been used in various mobile apps to generate various images as you’ve probably seen in your social media feed – from avatars to keyword-generated images and even automotive renders. FelGAN works similarly but is currently entirely focused on designing car wheels.
From the pictures shared by Audi, it can be seen that FelGAN generates a set of images of car wheels for the designer to take inspiration from. Audi designers can also feed the program with their own designs and photos, adding them to the virtual experimental surface.
Audi says that often, designers only go on to use individual elements from FelGAN’s creations, refining them into a harmonious overall design. In addition to mastery of the tools of the trade, a creative eye, and professional experience play a decisive role here. Finally, the experts at Audi make the virtual design a reality by producing a prototype of the wheel, either in plastic or aluminium, using a high-tech milling machine.
RELATED:
The all-new 11th-gen Honda Accord looks so dull, it might as well have been designed by AI
The use of AI for design does provide a new pool of inspiration for automotive designers. But with it picking up the ability to generate photo-realistic images so easily, one might wonder how soon it will take until AI can oversee an entire design process. And when it does, will the designs have a touch of humanness?
Audi has also said that in the future, the technology behind FelGAN could be expanded into a comprehensive AI design platform that could also serve as a source of inspiration for designers from other Audi departments. Furthermore, an AI rating system is currently being developed in which each rim generated by FelGAN will be assessed with regard to its carbon balance.
What are your thoughts on Audi using AI to design car wheels? Share your thought with us in the comments below.
RELATED:
Audi RS 6 and RS 7 gets even more power with new Performance models


Bespoke Ferrari J50 unveiled, Japan only, limited to just 10 units!

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari brand in the Land of the Rising Sun, Ferrari has unveiled a bespoke celebratory vehicle – the Ferrari J50. Based on the
488 Spyder
, only 10 examples of the J50 will come out of Maranello. However, there’s no confirmation on whether the J50 is exclusive to Japan, but it’s safe to assume so.
Put together by Ferrari’s Special Projects department and Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello, the J50 wears a distinct bodywork. At first glance, the windscreen and side windows were inspired by Ferrari’s open competition barchettas (Italian 2-seater race cars) – think GTO,
F40
 and F50 – to recreate an aerodynamic “helmet visor” effect. Interestingly, Ferrari has ditched the roof folding mechanism of the 488 Spyder and instead adopted a two-piece carbon fibre hard targa top that can be stowed behind the seats.
The front end of the J50 features a unique design, highlighting Ferrari’s ethos of nimbleness and agility. Compared to the standard 488 Spyder, the J50 gets a redesigned front bumper, new LED headlamps and a reworked bonnet. These design cues are not just for show as they all contribute to improved aerodynamics.
For starters, Ferrari has positioned the radiators closer together thanks to the new bumper. The windscreen header rails are also lowered allowing more airflow to the rear spoiler. Lastly, the bonnet features two carbon-fibre air channels to channel more air through the body.

At the rear, the J50 gets quad taillights and dual tailpipes positioned under the high downforce wing, effectively giving the car a noticeably wider profile. The rear diffusers were inspired by
jet engine afterburners
 to provide a powerful stance. The J50 rides on specially crafted
20-inch

forged rims
.
Powering this mid-engined Ferrari is the same
3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8
found in the 488 Spyder. The forced induction mill was given a little rub to push out
680 hp
 and
760 Nm
, up
20 hp
 from the regular 488 Spyder. No word of the J50’s performance figures but expect it to best the
 3.0 seconds century
 sprint time and
325km/h top speed
.
According to Ferrari, each and every one of the J50’s will be tailored specifically to the customer’s requirement. Talk about exclusivity upon exclusivity. Maybe when Ferrari celebrates its 50th year in Malaysia, could we see a Ferrari M50 perhaps? Guess we’ll have to wait another 43 years to find out.
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Maserati Levante previewed in Malaysia, price begins from under RM800k

Naza Italia, the sole distributor of the iconic Italian brand Maserati, has previewed the
all-new Levante
. Debuted at the Geneva Motor, the
Porsche Cayenne
-rivalling SUV is Maserati’s weapon of choice in the booming SUV market.
The name Levante is inspired by a Mediterranean wind that is able to change from a mild wind to a powerful force in an instant. With unmistakeable Maserati styling (nothing short of artistic), low drag coefficient of 0.31, potent turbocharged V6s, best in class road handling in “sport” mode, leading off-road comfort and competitive off-road capabilities, the Levante is worthy of the Trident badge, on paper at least.
QUICK FACTS
Name
2016 Maserati Levante
Engine
2,987cc V6, turbodiesel
Transmission
8-speed ZF automatic
Max Power
275 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
600 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,600 rpm
Price
From below RM800,000
The car on display is a left-hand drive variant brought in by Naza Italia for previewing purposes. Therefore, the specs seen here may not reflect the exact specification that we will be receiving. Prices for the Italian SUV, as hinted by the folks at Naza Italia, starts under RM800,000.
The Levante is unmistakably Maserati. The front is bold and menacing with large intake vents and sleek bi-xenon headlamps. Coupled with weaving lines across the hood, the Levante is here to make a statement. The design is based on the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, hence the coupé-like silhouette from the side.

The side profile brims with elegance and the only telltale signs that this is vehicle is anywhere able to go off-road are the thick tyres. At the rear, the Levante looks extremely tamed yet elegant, save for those quad-tailpipes. The 19-inch wheels seen here fits the arches nicely and complements the elegance of the car. However, if the styling doesn’t suit your liking, be rest assured that any styling preference can be optioned for, at a price.
The same elegance continues into the cabin. The interior is designed to maximise practicality as this is an SUV after all. The interior is laid out nicely with quality touches to be found virtually every inch of the cabin. As expected from Maserati, an arsenal of equipment can be specified to personalise the SUV to your own liking.
Starting from just below RM800,000, you have the choice of personalising the interior finish, wheels, exhaust and everything as far as your pocket can stretch.

The Maserati Levante’s official pricing will only be announced closer to the date of its launch, which will take place later this year in December. As confirmed by Naza Italia, only the 3.0-litre turbodiesel will be introduced, because that’s the only variant to come with a right-hand drive configuration. As for the turbocharged petrol mills, only time can tell if they will make it here.
The order books for the Levante have already been opened, so if you’re interested, feel free to visit the Naza Italia showroom in Petaling Jaya for an up-close and personal look at Maserati’s newest model.
IMAGE GALLERY


Infiniti Q30 Active Compact to debut at Frankfurt in September 2015

Two years after its concept was previewed to the world, the Infiniti Q30 premium compact SUV will again make its way to the 2015 International Frankfurt Motor Show, but this time in its full production guise.
Infiniti claims that the Q30 will be a category-breaking model, offering a car that’s developed for customers seeking “urban individuality”. The Q30 Active Compact is essentially a re-skinned
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
, with both sharing the same
2.0-litre turbocharged engine
 and
front-wheel drive
 architecture, of course. This move is part of Daimler and Nissan-Renault’s technology sharing agreement, so that should come as no surprise.
Despite sharing the same platforms, the Q30 is said to embody the company’s dynamic driving prowess without sacrificing ride and handling. We can also expect Infiniti to roll out the QX30 crossover – one that will take on the likes of
BMW X1
,
Audi Q3
 and
Mercedes-Benz GLA
. The Q30 will make its global debut on 15 September 2015 at Frankfurt.


Caltex Havoline launches its most advanced engine oil to date

Chevron
 Malaysia Limited, in conjunction with Havoline’s 111th anniversary, has launched their latest
Havoline
 engine oil – the Havoline ProDS™ Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 5W-30.
The fifth generation lubricant comes with the company’s ProDS (Highest Protection Deposit Shield) technology, which gives a protective coating to the moving metal parts of the engine. The oil is also formulated with
friction modified technology
 to reduce frictional losses in engine parts and meets the latest ILSAC GF-5 performance standards for stringent fuel economy tests. The result – as you would expect, is that it yields better fuel economy and is said to be ideal for city driving.
It comes in a
4-litre pack
 and will be readily available at
selected Caltex service stations
, authorised Havoline car workshops and spare part shops. The Havoline range extends to
other ancillary products
 such as coolants, transmission and brake fluids.
Caltex
 Havoline aims to be the top-of-mind choices for consumers because it is said to provide better fuel efficiency that is not just better for the environment, but is also more practical for city driving and yields a much improved fuel economy.
Chevron Malaysia, while acknowledging the challenges they are facing in the country’s tough marketplace, is offering a
special bundle pack promotion
 for their customers. For every purchase of a Fully Synthetic Eco 5 SAE 5W-30 or LE SAE 5W-40 (4-litre pack), you get a 355ml bottle of Techron Concentrate Plus for free. Promotion starts from 15 June to 15 July 2015 and retails for
RM242.00 each
.
In celebrating their 111th anniversary and after over ten years of bearing the same look, Havoline has rebranded its Fully Synthetic range to Havoline ProDS™ Fully Synthetic and refreshed its entire suite of passenger car engine oils, motorcycle oils and ancillary products that resonates with the company’s belief in its oil and gas heritage.
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Fancy a new truck? Check out the all-new Ford Ranger as it tours Malaysia!

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for
Ford

in Malaysia, will be previewing the
recently-unveiled next-generation Ford Ranger
 as it goes on tour around Malaysia.
Starting with Penang, the all-new Ford Ranger will be displayed at Centre Court of Queensbay Mall from today until August 8, between 10:30 am to 10:30 pm daily.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Following Penang, the Ford Ranger will also be making its way to Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak. The schedule for the Ford Ranger tour in Malaysia is:
3-7 August – Queensbay Mall, Penang
10-14 August – Toppen Shopping Mall, Johor Bahru
7-11 September – Vivacity Megamall, Kuching
5-9 October – Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu
Additionally, those who have received exclusive invitations will also get to attend the official unveiling ceremony on 3 August from 10.30-11.30 am. They will also be taken through an in-depth presentation on the next-generation Ranger.
RELATED:
All-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K
The Ford Ranger Raptor will be launched in Malaysia in Q4 2022.
Now built on the third generation of the T6 platform, the
all-new Ford Ranger
 will be offered here in Malaysia in 7 variants including the XL, XLT, XLT Plus, and Wildtrak. SDAC has only teased the Ranger Raptor for now and will be officially launching the Baja racing-inspired truck in Malaysia in Q4 2022.
The new Ranger was launched last week, and you can check out the full details of it
here
. Besides checking out the new Ford Ranger, there is also exclusive Ford merchandise to be won during the tour.
RELATED:
All the facts and figures you need to know about the new Ford Ranger


Son rolls BMW birthday gift into a river, because he wanted a Jaguar

The children of today must be a hard bunch to please – I wouldn’t know. Back then, for me at least, it was a “take it or leave it deal” and further demands or even a slight display of tantrum would land me into a night of playing catch with the cane.
Guess that wasn’t the kind of upbringing 22-year old Akash from Haryana, India had. It was reported that Akash, who demanded for a Jaguar as his birthday gift, was dissatisfied with the F30 BMW 3-series his parents bought him; deeming it to be too small.

His parents had reportedly sold their family’s Toyota Innova to buy him the BMW.
Although the media has reported various reasons by Akash’s parents to their son’s defense, including mental issues and that he didn’t push the car into the river but instead swerved to avoid an animal, some quarters have claimed that the brat of the year had recorded a video of him pushing the BMW into the river and sent it to his parents in retaliation.
I wonder what my dad would’ve done to me if my BMW birthday present ended up in a river, regardless if it was an accident or not; I might’ve required foreign citizenship.


Isuzu D-Max updated in Malaysia, new kit from RM106k to RM130k

Isuzu Malaysia has just enhanced the Isuzu D-Max range with upgraded equipment and a new Cavalry Purple Mica colour option. The enhanced variants will see a slight increase in price between RM3,000 to RM6,000.
The D-Max Premium variants (2.5L and 3.0L included) and Z-Prestige now come with a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in GPS Navigation and Smartphone Mirroring. The user friendlier system provides added convenience to the users. Besides that, the D-Max Premium 3.0L AT and Z-Prestige will benefit from a new leather seat design.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Isuzu D-Max Premium 2.5L 4×4 MT
Isuzu D-Max Premium 3.0L 4×4 MT
Isuzu D-Max Premium 3.0L 4×4 AT
Isuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 2.5L 4×4 AT
Isuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 3.0L 4×4 AT
Engine
2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel
2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel
2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel
2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel
Transmission
5-speed manual
5-speed auto with sequential shift
5-speed manual
5-speed auto with sequential shift
Max Power
134 hp @ 3,600 rpm
174 hp @ 3,600 rpm
134 hp @ 3,600 rpm
174 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Max Torque
320 Nm @1,800 – 2,800 rpm
380 Nm @ 1,800 – 2,800 rpm
320 Nm @1,800 – 2,800 rpm
380 Nm @ 1,800 – 2,800 rpm
Price (OTR without Insurance)
RM105,811.20
RM115,249.40
RM123,517.40
RM122,559.20
RM130,354.40
Standard on the Z-Prestige is a new cargo tray for better convenience when loading/unloading items to the rear cargo bay. Other variants of the D-Max can have this as an option. The new colour Cavalry Purple Mica will replace the existing Nautilus Blue Mica.  Standard safety features on all variants include dual front airbags, ABS, EBD with BA, hill start assist, ESC with traction control, ISOFIX mounting points for the rear seat, reverse camera with parking guide and reverse sensors.
Isuzu Malaysia COO, Masayuki Suzuki said: “The enhanced D-Max retains our core values (fuel efficiency, durability and reliability) and the exterior and interior improvements are made in accordance to the user needs s that it will be favourably acknowledged by the users in Malaysia.”. Every purchase of the Isuzu D-Max will come with a 5-Years or 150,000 km Warranty Package.
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Meet the Mercedes-AMG A 35, the baby AMG you’ve all been waiting for

We first caught wind that Mercedes-AMG is looking into introducing an entry-level variant for its compact A-Class AMG which was subsequently
confirmed by the boss man
 himself in early 2018. Now, it’s finally here, the most affordable AMG money can buy, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC.
The A 35 is a result of the big appetite for Mercedes-AMG compact model whereby the A 45 spawned a cult-like following since its introduction in 2012. CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Tobias Moers said the roaring success has encouraged the brand to create a new variant to bridge the gap between the A 250 and full-blown A 45.
The idea of the A 35 was integrated into the development process of the W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class right from the beginning, making it possible for AMG to inject some of its DNA into the little detail. The result not only benefitted the
W177 A-Class portfolio
 as a whole but it also gives AMG a stellar hot hatch platform, to begin with.
Compared to a regular A-Class, the A 35 gets a reinforced chassis with a new bolted aluminium plate under the engine and two diagonal braces at the front underbody to increase torsional stiffness and turn-in ability.

Under the hood no longer rests the M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder instead you get a tuned-up version of the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo mill found in the new A 250. Power is now up to
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, channelled to all four corners via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic.
Century sprint time is rated at
4.7 seconds
 with Race Start (launch control) engaged and keep your foot planted to the accelerator, the A 35 will hit a restricted top speed of 250 km/h. If you’re wondering what do all these numbers stands for, it means that the new A 35 is only
0.5 seconds slower
 than the
outgoing A 45
 and will eat the
slow
Volkswagen Golf R Mk7.5
 in a sprint to the one hundred mark.
Other AMG amenities include AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, five AMG Dynamic Select Drive programmes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping, AMG high-performance brake system as well as the all-important AMG exhaust system with an electronically controlled flap.
Visually, the A 35 is differentiated from the AMG elements such as twin louvres radiator grille, AMG Line front apron, 18-inch light alloy wheels, sporty rear diffuser inserts, dual exhaust tailpipe and a rear spoiler.
Inside the baby AMG, you’ll find AMG specific widescreen cockpit with three AMG display styles, new-generation AMG performance steering wheel, additional buttons to alter the ESP programme, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping system as well as the AMG Track Pace data logger that records track times, acceleration and deceleration values.
The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC will celebrate its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and will hit Europe showroom floors in January 2019. So what do you think folks, is the A 35 hot enough for you or you’d rather top up for the rumoured to be
400 hp A 45
?
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC


The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have fake engine sounds with pops and bangs

Ahead of its world debut in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
has been teased once again, this time on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The first N electric car is currently undergoing its final testing phase and Hyundai has revealed more details about the performance electric car.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will expand the three pillars of N Performance, namely “Corner Rascal”, “Racetrack Capability”, and “Everyday Sportscar”. Basically an N version of the
Ioniq 5
, it shouldn’t deviate too far in terms of exterior design, albeit with sporty tweaks.
In the latest announcement by Hyundai, the company has revealed that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will get bigger brakes with 400 mm discs. The bulk of the braking will be done by the electric regenerative system and the hydraulic brakes provide additional braking force if necessary. The regenerative braking alone is able to offer 0.6 G of decelerative force, which is an industry-leading figure.
When it comes to electric vehicle braking, some do feel that the transition between regenerative braking and hydraulic braking to be too abrupt. With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai promises seamless blending between the two. With regenerative braking doing most of the work, the brake pads will last longer on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
RELATED:
The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ‘hot’ EV will help you drift better
An interesting thing revealed about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N would be its fake sound system which is referred to as “N Active Sound +”. With this artificial sound system, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have three distinct sound choices to choose from – “Ignition”, “Evolution”, and “Supersonic”.
“Ignition” is perhaps the most entertaining one as it will simulate the sound of Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbo engine complete with pops and bangs. You can already listen to this artificial sound in the latest teaser video for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. “Evolution” is inspired by the N signature electronic sound from the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and the RN22e. Lastly, “Supersonic” is the sound of a fighter jet. All three fake sounds can be customized to further suit the user’s preference.
RELATED:
Hyundai Ioniq 5 becomes first ‘made in Singapore’ EV – ‘First 100’ units for charity auction only

Working together with the “N Active Sound +” system is the “N e-shift” system that simulates the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of petrol-powered N cars. The system simulates gear shifts by controlling motor torque and output and even provides the usual jolts that you feel from shifting gears. All of this is done with the aim of allowing drivers to seamlessly utilize driving techniques honed with ICE cars for a more immersive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than EVs.
Hyundai Motor Company head of N Brand & Motorsport, Till Wartenberg said, “The Nürburgring is where every N model is honed to the Nth degree, so our first high-performance, all-electric N model must also prove itself here. Ioniq 5 N just completed its 10,000 km durability test on the Nordschleife, which is an important milestone that proves the vehicle’s high endurance and racetrack capability. And yet, we just began our second 10,000 km test to push Ioniq 5 N’s limits.”
It won’t be long until the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is revealed but it already sounds like the most interesting electric car out there.
RELATED:
Hyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech


Audi Malaysia launches #ReadyToDrive initiative – 20% off parts & labour

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)
, the official distributor of
Audi
 in Malaysia, has launched its new #ReadyToDrive customer care initiative. It is the first aftersales initiative by PHSAM since representing the Audi brand in Malaysia.
The #ReadyToDrive initiative by Audi Malaysia focuses on safety, reliability, and peace of mind for Audi owners, and will run from
October 1
to
December 31, 2022
. The initiative will offer Audi owners a comprehensive package which includes:
Complimentary 30-point vehicle condition check for owners who have not visited an Audi Centre in the past 12 months
Complimentary pickup and delivery service
20% savings on Audi Service and selected wear and tear parts
20% savings on Audi Batteries
On the #ReadyToDrive initiative, PHSAM Aftersales Director, Deenan Nadar said, “Customer satisfaction is very important to us. As such, we are levelling up our efforts across the board. We want to ensure Audi cars are running at their best, always. Audi owners can leverage our latest customer care package which has been designed to offer reliability and safety. In view of the upcoming school holidays and festive breaks, and with the monsoon season around the corner, we want our customers to have a safe and reliable journey.”
“This will be a period of peak drives with more cars on the road, road trips and possibly hazard drives with unexpected heavy rains, floods or thunderstorms – and we want to enable Audi owners to have pleasant journeys with peace of mind,” said Deenan.
Besides launching the new #ReadyToDrive initiative, Audi Malaysia is also strengthening the quality of its aftersales service. Audi Centre technicians in Malaysia have been undergoing regular upskilling and assessments to improve their service level performance.
RELATED:
PHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM


Perodua Tweckbot back in action with new SOPs for staff and customers

Following months of inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO),
Perodua Tweckbot
 is resuming operations with health and safety measures now in place to protect the company’s staff and customers.
The
complimentary vehicle inspection service
 will be stationed at Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang this Saturday and Sunday (12th and 13th of September), from 9 am to 5 pm on both days.
Tweckbot offers 50 point inspections on
Perodua vehicles
 and these include the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and the vehicles’ electronics.
All Tweckbot customers will be required to undergo temperature checks and will need to comply with contact tracing protocols as mandated by the government. Due to social distancing SOPs, Tweckbot stations will now feature a more spaced-out layout with marked areas for waiting, consultation, and vehicle inspection to minimise movement and contact. The entire station in itself will be evacuated and sanitised twice a day.
“Our technicians will wear face shields at all times and every vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised before and after inspection. Physical distancing and the wearing of face masks apply at all times. For the protection of the public, the number of vehicles to be inspected has to be limited to a first-come, first-served basis,” Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.
The following is where you can catch the Perodua Tweckbot station in other locations, also from 9 am to 5 pm:
Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang – 12th to 3th September
Tesco Puncak Alam – 19th to 20th September
Tesco Extra Ampang – 26th to 27th September
Customers who inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot will get a 20% discount voucher, redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre. Terms and conditions apply.
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There’s never been a better time to buy a Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, has just made its ASX models in particular, that much more tempting to own with cash bonuses up to RM 17,000!
The ASX 4WD is priced at
RM 134,300.00
 while the ASX 2WD is priced at
RM 119,100.00
. For the 4WD model, Mitsubishi will be offering cash bonuses up to RM 17,000 while the 2WD variant gets up to RM 15,000. Monthly repayments should set you back around RM 2,000 on a 5-year loan and around RM 1,700 on a 7-year loan.

If this isn’t the time to own the Mitsubishi ASX, it’s hard to imagine when. You’re right, while the ASX may have come of age, having been introduced almost 7 years ago to the local market with the arrival of new competitors along the way, its specifications hardly reflect the reality.
The 4WD ASX specifications in particular as still on par with those offered in newer cars today – a panoramic roof, automatic headlamps (although just halogen units) and wipers, keyless entry and push start button, leather seats as standard, paddle shifters, cruise control, an electronically-controlled AWD system, six parking sensors and more importantly seven airbags.
From now until the
 end of March
, customers will also receive cash bonuses up to RM 8,000 for the Triton variants.
No
Model/Variant
OTR Price without insurance GST inclusive (RM) in Peninsular Malaysia
Cash Bonus (RM)
Warranty
1
Triton Athlete
126,990.00
2,000
All Triton variants except Triton Quest: Five years warranty or 200,000km
Triton Quest: Five years warranty or 100,000km
2
Triton VGT Adventure X
126,990.00
8,000
3
Triton VGT AT Premium
116,300.00
8,000
4
Triton VGT AT GL
103,800.00
8,000
5
Triton VGT MT
107,600.00
4,000
6
Triton MT
93,920.00
8,000
7
Triton Quest
77,390.00
8,000
Those who opt for the Outlander SUV will receive cash bonuses up to RM4,000. The Outlander 2.0-litre is priced at
RM
139,988.00
 while the Outlander 2.4-litre is priced at
RM155,000.00
. All Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX models come with five years warranty/unlimited mileage.


Petronas Lubricants launches Lube Care Programme with personal insurance

Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd, previously known as Lub Dagangan Sdn Bhd, have launched their Lube Care Programme that sees to reward their trade customers and consumers.
The programme comes in the form of a Personal Protection Plan exclusive to Petronas Syntium customers only, and provides an insurance coverage of
RM22,500
. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Accidental Death – RM10,000
 2. Total Permanent Disablement – RM10,000
 3. Ambulance Fees – RM500
 4. Funeral Expenses – RM2,000
The Plan also comes with emergency breakdown assistant, giving you 24-hours roadside repairs and towing service, free battery delivery services, emergency medical assistance, emergency information transmission services, car rental service and legal advisory services.
To qualify for the Protection Plan is fairly easy. Simply purchase any one bottle of
Petronas Syntium
 4-litre range (7,000, 3,000 or 800) at
one of 800 selected Petronas workshops
 and you will be entitled to a
six-month personal accident
 and
emergency car breakdown service
. Returning customers who purchase the same 4-litre lubricant from the same workshop will be granted an
additional six-months coverage
 of the said plan. After purchasing the lube, simply register via SMS (process flow will be explained by your mechanic). As for claims, customers can call their 24-hour help line at 1800-88-3800.
Petronas Syntium customers could enjoy up to a year of insurance coverage by participating in the Lube Care Programme. However, the policy is limited to 8,000 customers only, and is on a first-come-first-serve basis.


Type R Challenge Round 3 of 5: Civic Type R breaks Silverstone FWD lap record

In the third installment of the 2018 Type R Challenge, the
new FK8 Civic Type R
 has set a new lap record at the Silverstone circuit in England at the hands of British Touring Car Champion, Matt Neal.
The Civic Type R set a time of
2 mins 31.32 secs
, a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production vehicle around the 5.8 km Grand Prix circuit. Previous record-breaking feats so far have taken place at the
legendary Nurburgring race track
,
Magny-Cours circuit in France
 and more recently at the
Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium
.
“Where I found the real advantage of the Type R was really in the high-speed corners – the stability which is a combination of the aero and the new advanced suspension system. Into corners like Copse and Stowe at the end of the Hangar straight, you can carry big entry speed with supreme confidence,” said driver Matt Neal.
“There isn’t just one point that makes this Type R the best in its class – it’s across the board. It’s a completely new platform from the ground up compared to its predecessors and Honda have scrutinised and improved every area from the stability of the handling with the multi-link suspension, the aero, the centre of gravity which is lower, it’s wider, it’s longer, the feedback the driver gets through the steering, the power delivery of the engine – it’s a step forward in every direction”, he added.
The driver line-up for the remaining 2018 Type R Challenge circuit record attempts includes former Formula 1 World Champion and current NSX Super GT driver Jenson Button (UK) and WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro (Portugal).
Stay tuned!
IMAGE GALLERY


Sime Darby Auto Selection launches new Extended Warranty Programme for used cars

Sime Darby Motors’ used car dealership arm,
Sime Darby Auto Selection
 (SDAS), today introduced a new Extended Warranty Programme, offering comprehensive warranty coverage as well as repair and service for its pre-owned cars.
The new programme was made in collaboration with Guard My Ride (GMR) and RHB Insurance, with a wide range of items under its coverage, including:
Engine system
Rare/Front Axle
Electronic system
Transmission oil leaks
Steering system
Turbo system
Braking system
Air conditioning system
Cooling system
Ignition system
Fuel system
Transmission system
Customers enrolled under the new Extended Warranty Programme are also entitled to complimentary towing service to nationwide panel workshops for repair and servicing, insurance coverage, as well as insurance underwriting.
To be eligible for the new Sime Darby Auto Selection Extended Warranty Programme, the pre-owned vehicles must have a total mileage of under 140,000 km, and are less than eight years old.
Sime Darby Auto Selection’s new
multi-brand service centre
in Glenmarie
The new programme will be priced between RM2,200 and RM6,900 per year, depending on vehicle age and type, and can be purchased at the
SDAS Glenmarie showroom
 (for existing customers) or new customers who are purchasing new pre-owned vehicles.
SDAS Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan said the company aims to be a “one-stop centre” for customers in the pre-owned vehicle market. “SDAS strives to keep innovating our offerings in anticipation of customers’ needs, and hopefully exceed the demand of our customers.
“We aim to set ourselves apart from the competition, and we are determined to only offer quality products and services that are akin to the 3S centres,” Vi added.
On the collaboration with its partners GMR and RHB insurance, GMR will be the service provider for all the extended warranty claims, towing service, and repair work, while RHB insurance is the motor insurance and insurance underwriter provider.


Honda to supply engines to Aston Martin F1 team from 2026

Honda Motor Co., Ltd
 has announced that it will be participating in the FIA
Formula One
 World Championship (F1) from the
2026
 season. The Japanese carmaker will be playing the role of the Power Unit Supplier for the
Aston Martin
 Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team.
The works partnership Honda has agreed to enter into with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team will see the carmaker supplying power units while being compliant with the new F1 power unit regulations which will take effect in the 2026 season. Through the new F1 challenges, Honda will be honing its e-motor and battery technologies, which will later be fed back to mass production.
Honda’s participation in F1 with Red Bull in 2019
According to Honda, the new F1 power unit regulations are consistent with the direction it is taking, which is heading towards the realisation of carbon neutrality. Having made the decision to take on a new challenge in F1 racing, Honda has also mentioned that working to the regulations will also have profound significance on itself as the experience will provide the carmaker with important opportunities to pursue the development of future technologies.
In the journey of reaching its carbon neutrality goal by 2030, F1 will be implementing new regulations with a maximum power output of 50/50 between the engine and the electric motor. These new regulations will be in effect starting from the 2026 season, with participants required to use 100% sustainable fuel as well.
Specifically, the 2026 regulations essentially require a reduction of engine output while tripling the output of the energy recovery system (ERS). This can help recover kinetic energy under situations such as braking, converting it into electrical energy. As a result, the race car can have the maximum output that is roughly even between the engine and motor.
RELATED:
Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes
Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition
The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has become responsible for both the carmaker’s auto and motorcycle motorsports activities since 2022. With that, it will be assuming responsibility for the development of power units, race participation and the management of F1 racing as well.
Honda Racing Corporation President, Koji Watanabe said, “In the midst of major changes in our business and the motorsports environment leading toward the transition to a carbon-neutral society, we have re-established HRC as an optimal platform to sustain and further evolve motorsport activities as a Honda strength. We will establish sustainable operational structures for our racing activities and continue to deliver more dreams and excitement for motorsports fans all around the world.”
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll has also welcomed HRC with open arms, saying, “I would like to welcome Honda and HRC to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team. We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track. Honda is a global titan and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive. I would like to thank Mr Mibe and Mr Watanabe, and the whole team at HRC as we embark on this exciting future together from 2026.”
RELATED:
Next-gen Aston Martin DB grand tourer to debut on May 24 – “Grand is not enough”


Covering 700 km in a Proton Iriz on 1 tank of fuel, realistic or not?

After completing the
Proton 1 Tank Adventure East Malaysia leg
, we joined Proton yet again in the final round of its nationwide fuel efficiency challenge. This time, the organisers challenged Proton owners, celebrities and members of the media to cover a total distance of 700 km on one single tank of fuel.
Yes, you read that right, all 31 cars travelled from Kulai, Johor all the way to Juru, Penang without stopping to refuel. As with most fuel efficiency challenge, there wasn’t any problem completing the distance as long as we were sensible with our right foot, but the question is, how realistic is it in the real world? We find out.
The Proton 1 Tank Adventure aims to demonstrate the Proton’s fleet of Saga, Iriz and Persona fuel consumption. All three models were equipped with
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
,
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
 and
Eco Drive Assist Indicator
. The three technologies work harmoniously to help the drivers to exploit additional kilometres from every drop of gasoline.
I was handed to the keys to an Iriz for the final round and paired up with
Amirul
 from
DSF.my
 – quite different from the Saga I had in Kota Kinabalu as the Iriz has 100 kgs additional body weight to lug around. But having experienced the fuel efficiency of the Proton models at our respective regional rounds, Amirul and I are very much confident that we can complete the
700 km
 journey on the same tank of fuel.
We flagged off from Proton’s showroom in Kulai, making our way to Melaka for a lunch stop before ending the day at Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Subang Jaya. Taking our learnings from previous rounds, we took our time to clear any excess trash from the boot, shaving off precious milligrams and inflated the tyres to the recommended pressure – 220 kPa front; 200 kPa rear.
Amirul and I were a little overly enthusiastic on our way to the durian buffet lunch at Melaka, keeping our foot on the throttle longer than necessary, performing overtaking maneuverers more often than we should and having the air conditioning on full blast (blame the Malaysian sun).
By the time we arrived at Melaka, our trip computer was showing
5.8 L/100 km
 which was respectable but other contestants were posting high 4s and low 5s. We knew if we were to stand a chance to take home the grand prize, we will have to make it up for it in the upcoming legs.
Back on the highway heading towards Subang Jaya, we capped our top speed to 80 km/h, rpm needle resting under 2,000 rpm and air conditioning on 1. After a long and uneventful drive, we finally arrived at COE with the fuel consumption dropped to 5.0 L/100 km, not too shabby but others were comfortably in the low 4s.
Nothing has prepared us for the final day leaving from Subang Jaya towards Juru, Penang and stopping by Ipoh as a midpoint for lunch. We maintained our strategy from the previous day, 80 km/h speed cut with extremely modest air conditioning. After what seems to be forever (total journey of 6 hours+), we have finally arrived at Petronas station in Juru, covering a total distance of
699.7 km
. Total RON95 consumed amounted to 36.657 litres which works out to
 5.2 L/100 km
. Not even close to what the winners have posted:
Proton Saga 1.3 CVT: 3.72 L/100 km
Proton Iriz 1.3 CVT: 3.5 L/100 km
Proton Persona 1.6 CVT: 3.92 L/100 km
The Proton 1 Tank Adventure once again proves that all three Proton models were able to complete the 700 km journey from Johor to Penang on one single tank of fuel. But if I were you, I would not take these fuel consumption figures of 3.X L/100 km as the gospel. Driving 80 km/h consistently for long hours can be mentally and physically challenging as there is a 30 km/h difference in speed between you and the legal speed limit.
There are also instances where you
need
to speed up, be it overtaking a slower vehicle or avoiding an obstacle on the road, hence don’t be afraid to give the car a little more gas. While you consume a little more precious oils, you will be in a safer situation overall. Lastly, leaving the air conditioning fan speed on low can be taxing on the body when it is not enough to cool the cabin comfortably on a hot day. Heat stroke is a very real thing.
All in all, the results from this Proton 1 Tank Adventure should be treated as a reference. If you want to achieve good fuel consumption, just follow some of the tips and tricks such as being gentle on the throttle, properly inflate your tyres and maintain a good service record is more than enough to help you and your car achieve more kilometres per litre.
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