The Porsche Taycan just set 13 EV records in one day

The
Porsche Taycan
 is no stranger to the record books, with the title for the
world’s longest EV drift
 and
fastest EV lap around the Nordschleife
 already under its belt. But in just a single day, the EV sportscar added 13 more to that list.
Porsche couldn’t have chosen a better location than the Brands Hatch circuit to set the records either, the same place where the 917 won the rain-soaked 1,000-kilometre race by an incredible five laps in 1970, and later in 1984 claimed the top six finishes in the same event.

In an attempt to emulate their successes here in the past, Porsche brought out two versions of its EV sports car – a
Taycan Turbo S
 and a
Taycan 4S
, piloted by Le Mans legend Richard Attwood (who took a podium finish with the 917 in 1970), ex Formula One and Porsche racer Jonathan Palmer (who won the race in 1984), 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Harry King, and 2020 Cayman Islands Porsche Sprint Challenge GB champion James Dorlin.
During their 1,000 km run around the circuit, which took a whopping 13 hours to complete (from 7 am to 8 pm), the two Porsche Taycan cars – both covered in specially-designed Salzburg tribute livery – racked up a remarkable 13 separate records, each one ratified by Motorsport UK in the category of ‘electric cars over 1,000 kilograms’.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
time taken from a standing start to cover 200 km
time taken from a standing start to cover 100 miles (160.9 km)
time taken from a standing start to cover 200 miles (321.8 km)
distance covered from a standing start in three hours – 252.356 km
distance covered from a standing start in six hours – 450.065 km
distance covered from a standing start in 12 hours – 915.762 km
Porsche Taycan 4S
time taken from a standing start to cover 50 km
time taken from a standing start to cover 50 miles (80.5 km)
time taken from a standing start to cover 100 km
time taken from a standing start to cover 500 km
time taken from a standing start to cover 500 miles (804.7 km)
time taken from a standing start to cover 1000 km
distance covered from a standing start in one hour – 98.192 km
As luck would have it, the record attempt – just like the 1970 race – was also met with intermittent rain and heavy showers, meaning that the track surface was always damp at best. The long hours also meant that a huge chunk of the 13 hours were in complete darkness, but fortunately the line-up of experienced drivers, each of whom completed two or three stints of around 90 minutes, proved up to the challenge.
Equally as impressive was the Porsche Taycan’s thermal management technology, which proved to be a valuable asset during the record attempt, especially when it came to recharging. Despite an ambient temperature of just eight degrees Celsius at Brands Hatch, and the heat generated by constant high-speed driving, the battery temperature was always within the optimal range for minimal power loss and efficient charging.
With the Porsche Taycan’s 270 kW charging capacity, the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus was able to charge from 5-80% in just 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions, which helped minimise time spent in the pits. According to Porsche, the cars were each stopped in the pits for around three hours across six stops during their runs, each stop lasting around 30 minutes, with the cars charging from around 5-85% each time.
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The long wheelbase BMW 320Li is now the cheapest 3 Series in Thailand

This comes as a surprise as BMW Thailand has added another long-wheelbase variant to the popular 3 Series sedan.
The introduction of the BMW 320Li Luxury also sees the demised of the regular 320i standard wheelbase and makes this variant the entry model into the BMW 3 Series family with a starting price of
THB2,439,000
 (approx. RM306k).
For fans and driving enthusiasts who prefer a 3 Series with a standard wheelbase of 2,851 mm, they will only have the turbodiesel (BMW 320d) and plug-in hybrid (BMW 330e) options. The BMW M340i xDrive that comes with an
incredibly impressive powertrain
 is priced closer to THB4,000,000.
In terms of outlook and features, the BMW 320Li Luxury adopts the regular bumper and wheel designs (still 18-inches with single size) plus bright chrome window surrounds. The panoramic two-piece glass roof is also maintained on the new entry model.
As for propulsion, the BMW 320Li continues to be fitted with the standard tuning of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 of torque. The added weight of features, sheet metal and glass has certainly blunted its straight-line performance, where the longer BMW 320Li registered a time of
8.1 seconds
 for the benchmark century sprint, a full second slower than the standard BMW 320i.
Read our test drive review on the BMW 320i Sport! Rear-wheel drive and steering precision never felt any better!
Inside the BMW 320Li, just selected gadgets have been removed compared to the earlier-launched BMW 330Li, such as the BMW Head-up display, Driving Assistant suite and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.
Adopting the Luxury line means the long-wheelbase interior also gets fitted with the standard steering wheel, foot pedals and is decorated by open-pored oak grain trim.
Consumers would be happy to know that all other features from the 330Li have been made available in the 320Li, such as the Vernasca leather upholstery, Sensatec-lined dashboard, enhanced ambient lighting, 3-zone automatic air-conditioning, hands-free boot opening, Intelligent Emergency Call module and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with dual high-resolution displays.
To recap, the long wheelbase stretches the G20 BMW 3 Series by
110 mm
, which translates to an increase of
42 mm
 in rear passenger legroom. There is also a 6 mm gain in headroom compared to the regular models.
BMW Thailand is pricing the latest 320Li Luxury starting at
THB2,439,000
 (approx. RM306k) or 15% cheaper than the 330Li M Sport.
In Malaysia, BMW recently introduced the first-ever
BMW 330Li in M Sport
 guise priced from
RM277,164.22
 on the road, without insurance, inclusive of the SST exemptions and a standard two-year warranty.
For the full five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme and, the price increases to
RM290,284.22
 – a RM13,120 premium.
Images: Facebook/
BMWThailand
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Mazda CX-9 previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 – available in 2WD and 4WD

The Malaysian-spec Mazda CX-9 which will be launched very soon is being showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 at MAEPS, Serdang from 9th to 12th November 2017. The CBU model will be replacing the
Australian-spec CX-9
 which has been on sale.
The CX-9 will utilise a 2.5-litre Dynamic Pressure Turbo 4-cylinder engine with VVT, with an output of
228 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque, mated to a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission.

On the outside the CX-9 now comes with a host of LED lightings which extend to the headlamps, tailights, fog lamps and daytime running lights, replacing the previous halogen units – as it carries on with a set of 20-inch wheels.
What you don’t get with the Malaysian-spec CX-9 is the i-Stop system – eliminating the idle stop/start function previously found in the Australian-spec model along with the i-ELOOP system, a capacitor-based energy recovery system.
Highlights on the inside includes Bose sounds system linked to a whopping 12 speakers, the 8-inch touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System, an Active Driving display along with leather upholstery and a triple-zone auto climate control system.
Its i-ActiveSense system now comes with Lane Depature Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and also Mazda’s signature G-Vectoring Control GVC) system.
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2023 Range Rover L460 launched in Malaysia, from RM1.268m before tax

The father of all luxury SUVs has entered its fifth generation, and it is the
Range Rover
 L460
 which is now available in Malaysia with a tax-, duty-, and option-free price of
RM1,268,000
. After taxes and duties, the price hovers near the region of
RM2,480,000
. In its most basic form for Malaysia, the L460 comes in the standard wheelbase with the High Specification Equipment (HSE) trim.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.

Pioneering the luxury SUV segment, the Range Rover has been around for more than 50 years and has been continuously refined throughout those years. On the outside, the fifth generation introduces an overall smoother body styling with a dash of minimalism thrown in as well.
More aerodynamic than its predecessor, the fourth generation, the fifth-gen/L460 has a drag coefficient of 0.3 thanks to its tighter panel gaps, flusher body trims, and retractable door handles. Exterior style-wise, the fifth-gen very is a subtle evolution from the fourth-gen, with its rear end being the most dramatic part of it all.
At the rear, the Range Rover L460 gets a boat tail-like design with thin taillights that feature a “Hidden until lit” concept. More body colours covering the rear end make the L460 look even much larger than it already is. As for the tailgate, the L460 gets the signature split tailgate with an optional ‘Tailgate Event Suite’ that makes the L460 perfect for a luxurious picnic should you desire to have one.
RELATED:
Range Rover Velar facelift debuts, P400e gets boosted 64km EV range
Under the hood, the Malaysian Range Rover L460 comes with the P530 powertrain which is essentially a BM-sourced 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. The Bavarian V8 makes
530 hp
 and
750 Nm
, launching this behemoth of an off-roader from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.6 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
.
There are PHEV and MHEV powertrains for the L460, but currently, the only option for Malaysia is the V8 twin-turbocharged mill. An all-electric version is also set to make its world debut in 2024.
Inside, leather upholstery comes as standard, but customers do have the option to upgrade to an optional leather-free interior that combines Ultrafbarics and Kvadrat wool blend. The fifth-gen Land Rover comes in four, five, and a new seven-seater configuration (for the long wheelbase model), but to start, the Malaysian spec L460 is the standard wheelbase with a five-seater configuration.
With the minimalist theme flowing to the interior, there is now only one central touchscreen which is the 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable displays.
In the safety department, the Range Rover L460 comes with Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Response, Blindspot Assist, and Rear Traffic Monitoring. It also comes with a 3D surround camera and a Clearsight interior rear view mirror. °
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Proton Iriz gets updated, four variants, priced from RM44k to RM59k

The updated
Proton Iriz
 became the first model to be introduced after
appointing Geely as their foreign strategic partner
. Some of the updates were taken straight off the newer
Persona
, further refining the B-segment hatchback in many ways.
The key improvements here are
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
 levels and fuel consumption. For starters, there are now just three mounting points for the engine instead of four, which Proton says helps reduce vibration. The cabin is also better insulated from noise, whereas the exhaust system is sourced from a different supplier altogether.

The exterior and interior both get a slight update, but only the 1.6L Premium CVT gets gloss black roof, rear spoiler and side mirrors to contrast the body paint.
Inside, the 1.3L Executive gets a new push-start button, previously reserved only for the 1.6L variant. The seats are part leather (only for Premium) with red stitches on the steering wheel and seats. The Iriz also receives a newer infotainment screen that supports Smart E-Link smartphone mirroring. Finally, the
Eco-Drive Assist Indicator
 is offered for all Iriz CVT models.

There’s no changes to both powertrain and safety, but it still is a solid

5-Star achiever at the ASEAN NCAP crash safety test, just like before. As a refresher, the Iriz is offered with two engines:
1.3-litre VVT
 engine that makes
 94 hp
 and
120 Nm
 of torque and the
1.6-litre
 that develops
107 hp
 and
 150 Nm
 of torque. The
five-speed manual
 and
seven-speed CVT
 are offered. Proton claims the ECU has been reprogrammed for improved drivability.
The Iriz’s safety repertoire includes electronic stability control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX with top tether mounts for all variants. The 1.6L Premium variant get six airbags, while the others settle for two.
The 2017 Proton Iriz has been reduced to
four variants
 and is available in five hues (Graphite Grey, Atlantic Blue, Cotton White, Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown). It begins with the 1.3L Standard manual at
RM43,800
 while its CVT variant is priced at
RM46,800
. One step above is the 1.3 Executive CVT at
RM50,800
, while the sole 1.6-litre Premium CVT costs
RM58,800.
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BMW iX achieves full five-star rating in new Euro NCAP safety assessment

The iX EV SUV seems to be ticking a lot of the right boxes for BMW. Not only are they flying off the shelves – even
here in Malaysia
 – despite outcries online concerning its looks, but it has also just received a full five-star rating in the
Euro NCAP
 safety assessment that was recently “intensified” under the new 2020 test standards.
While not specifically “best in class” results (Euro NCAP stopped publishing a “best in class” list since 2019), the
BMW iX
 is still one of the highest-scoring vehicles within the “Large Off-road” category that have been tested according to the new 2020 standards, scoring five stars in all four categories in the assessment.

The BMW iX scored a total of 91% in the adult occupant protection tests, with testers noting the effectiveness of the new interactive airbag between the driver and front passenger seats, which provides additional protection against injury in the event of a side collision.
Child safety in the BMW iX was also given the highest possible score for both frontal and side collisions, although points were deducted for not providing ISOFIX mounts on the front passenger seat and the rear centre seat.
The advanced driver assistance features on board the BMW iX also helped the fully-electric SUV score five stars in both the “vulnerable road users” and “safety assist” assessments. Particularly on the former, there’s also an Active Bonnet feature that automatically sets off (by pyrotechnics, no less) to help protect road users’ heads in the event of a collision.
BMW also points out that in addition to the restraint systems and tech smarts, the iX’s construction itself already takes into account its passenger’s safety and protection, particularly with its aluminium spaceframe concept with a carbon cage for the passenger compartment, as well as the “particularly torsion-resistant” carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) components that have been installed in the roof, side, and rear sections of the SUV.
RELATED: The BMW iX is now available in Malaysia, starting from RM419k!
“The BMW iX sets new standards in sustainability, and its top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP underlines the vehicle’s comprehensive sustainability concept,” says BMW Head of Vehicle Safety, Dominik Schuster.
“The extremely stable body structure and the extended range of restraint systems ensure an outstanding level of occupant protection. In addition, the BMW iX scores highly both in the test programme and in everyday driving with innovative driver assistance systems that significantly reduce the risk of accidents in a wide array of situations.”
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All-new 2022 Perodua Alza teased on social media – launch imminent?

It’s no secret that the all-new
Perodua Alza
 is due to be unveiled sometime this year, but as far as official announcements go, it has pretty much been complete radio silence from the national carmaker thus far. But that ends today, because Perodua have just given us a first look at the upcoming D27A Alza, in a short video published on its social media channels.
The video, dubbed “Perodua Smart Build”, is just a run-off-the-mill marketing video boasting the company’s “innovative” and “smarter” products and processes. But sit through the marketing fluff, and you’ll find a short hidden segment within the video previewing the upcoming Perodua Alza.
In typical fashion, the car in the video is barely visible thanks to the shadowy video style, but it pretty much confirms that the Alza will indeed be based on the
 all-new Toyota Avanza
 that made its global debut in November last year.
ALSO READ: All-new Daihatsu Xenia unveiled in Indonesia – is this the next Perodua Alza?
As with all Perodua cars, however, the Malaysia-bound Alza will get some unique design touches to stand out from the standard Toyota model. And from what we can see, the front fascia will get a X-shaped design motif in line with the
new Myvi
and
Ativa
, and the grille will also likely get its own styling.
Flanking the grille are the LED headlights, with an eyebrow-style daytime-running light signature on top. It also looks to be slightly more angular compared to the Avanza’s headlights, but the taillights seem to be taken lock, stock, and barrel from the Toyota counterpart.
No interior shots were provided, too, but we expect it to look pretty similar to the Avanza, aside from a few trim and upholstery differences.
From the profile, we can also see a ‘Dual VVT-i’ badge on the fender, pretty much confirming that the D27A Perodua Alza will be powered by the Myvi’s 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, instead of the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-banger from the Ativa.
Power output should be around the region of
101 hp
 and
136 Nm
 of torque, which is the same as the outgoing Alza, with drive sent to the front wheels via a new D-CVT gearbox.
With the all-new Perodua Alza now officially teased, the reveal should not be too long more of a wait from now too. Rumours on the good ol’ internet suggested that a launch could happen as soon as the end of June, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info!


Customers can buy this track-only Honda Civic Type R from 70k Euros (RM344k)!

It’s no secret that the
Honda Civic Type R (FK8R)
 is one of the best road-going hatchbacks out there today, but it still hasn’t proven itself in the realm of motorsports. Making that decision didn’t take long after all, because JAS Motorsports has already started preparations for the 2018 TCR (Touring Car Racer) race series.
TCR regulations require cars to be closely based on their production models, apart from having the usual roll cage and race seats. The Italian team is relatively well acquainted with Hondas, because besides their exploits in TCR, they used to race Civics in WTCC (World Touring car Championship). The current FK2R TCR car (picture as below) has been a proven winner in TCR rounds across the globe.
The race-spec Civic will get specific aerodynamic kit to improve downforce, new multilink rear suspension and a comprehensive anti-roll bar system. The ECU will be tweaked to extract additional power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The road version of the Civic Type R FK8 deploys 315 hp and 400 Nm of torque, but it’s currently unclear what the TCR version will crank.
The first batch of 25 cars will be ready by year’s end, and it’ll be sold to interested customers competing in regional or international TCR championships. The price of a TCR-spec car begins at €70k (approximately RM344k).


BMW M3 and M4 get Competition Pack, powered up to 450 hp!

It’s a new year and a new start and BMW’s M-Division seems to think that potential owners looking to buy into the world tyre-smoking hooliganisms and shouty exhaust notes aren’t really getting their money’s worth when they cross their cheque for either an
M3 or an M4
 (convertible included) and so, the company has just announced that they will be introducing the Competition Package to the options list.
But isn’t an M3 or M4 already a hell of a thing out-of-the-box? To some that may suffice. But to others, it’s just the beginning. Different strokes. For those out there looking to have a little more ‘
track-prep
’ to their Bimmers, now is the time to rejoice. The Competition Package means that the power output takes a
19 hp
 hike to a grand total of
450
 rampaging horses.
The extra power naturally means improved performance figures. The duo is now available with an
 optional seven-speed M Double Clutch
 transmission that will sprint it from rest to 100 km/h in just
4.0 seconds
. But oddly enough, the sprint time for models with the
standard six-speed

manual
 is 0.1 seconds faster in all cases than without the package, BMW claims.
The Competition Package also includes the brand’s
Adaptive M Suspension
, which has been specifically tuned to manage the increased performance and handling upgrades. The suspension features new
springs
,
dampers
 and
anti-roll bars
. The standard
Active M Differential
 on the rear axle and
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
 have likewise been
reconfigured
 to match the uprated hot bits that’s been kitted.
Included also in the pack, are the
M-Sports exhaust system
 complete with black chrome tailpipes. Even more than its good looks, the most distinctive feature of the M sports exhaust system is its
potent
 sound, starting
rumble
 and the distinctive
burble
 on
overrun
 never fails to get under the skin of ardent Bimmer fans time and time again.
Aesthetically speaking, aside from the forged, machine-polished, weight- and rigidity-optimised
20-inch
 M alloy wheels (fronts 265/30 R20, rears 285/30 R20), not much else is included in the pack. Substance over style, we reckon.
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2016 Proton Persona previewed, 4 variants, 6 colours, launching on 23 August

Just shortly after
Proton released a teaser image of the all-new Proton Persona
, the national carmaker invited a group of journalists to an exclusive preview of the company’s next B-Segment car. In hindsight, the first-generation Persona was introduced a decade ago in 2006, but is the new Persona a little too late to the party?
Well, one thing’s for sure, the Persona certainly has big shoes to fill. And to kick things off, the Persona shares the same platform as the Proton Iriz. At first glance, the Persona bears a strikingly similar face to the Iriz. It’s a far departure from the older model, but this relatively narrow-bodied sedan will undoubtedly take some time to grow on us. First off, let’s see some of the standard features that will be fitted across the entire Persona lineup.
Reflector Headlights
Chrome Grille
Body-mounted Side Mirrors with Integrated Signal Indicators
15-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 185/55 series tyres
Rear Fog Lamps
Horizontal Chrome Bar along the tailgate
Reverse Parking Sensors
Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Vehicle Stability Control
510-litre boot space
Two-tone interior
Front Disc Brakes
Rear Drum Brakes
Single-zone Climate Controls
This time, the entire range is fitted with essential safety features such as ABS and VSC. There will be
four variants on offer
 – Standard (MT and AT), Executive (AT), Premium (AT) and Premium SE (AT). All Persona will get the sole
1.6-litre four-cylinder engine
 with Variable Valve Timing technology, one that is 10 percent more fuel efficient than the old Campro mill (13 percent better for the manual). A choice of
five-speed manual
 or
Continuously Variable Transmission
 (CVT) can be specified, although the manual can only be had with the entry-level Standard variant.
Mechanically, the Persona is almost identical to the Iriz. They share the same
107 hp
 (at 5,750 rpm),
150 Nm
 (at 4,000 rpm) engine, but it now has just three mounting points instead of four. According to Proton engineers, this improves refinement. Also updated is the clutch-type CVT – yes, it’s still the same Punch drivetrain, but thanks to recalibration of the TCU and ECU, it’s less noisy and accelerates marginally better.
Everything rearward of the B-pillars is reworked, but the extra length and boot space is achieved without as much as extending the Iriz’s 2,555mm wheelbase. Speaking of boot space, it’s merely 2 litres more in volume than the Perodua Bezza, but Proton’s execution in designing a more usable room merits some applause. We say that because unlike the Bezza’s tall and shallow boot space, the Persona’s boot goes deeper, which should be more convenient for organising goods.
In our brief test drive, cabin insulation and NVH levels scored high. Wind noise barely crept in even when driving at 140km/h, but at those speeds the engine and CVT noises became all the more apparent. Stopping power is managed by a pair of ventilated discs up front and drums for the rear wheels. This is standard across all variants. Be that as it may, Proton claims that the new Persona would come to a complete stop from 100km/h in a distance of
41.4 metres
, down from the previous Persona’s 44.6 metre mark. Conversely, the nought to 100km/h sprint is achieved in
10.9 seconds
, nearly a second quicker than the old Persona.
All four variants can be had in
six different exterior colours
 – Red, Brown, Black, White, Silver and Grey. Pricing remains a trade secret for now, but Proton has just opened the order books for early adopters. The all-new Proton Persona will be launched on
23 August 2016
, and all purchases made between the launch date till end-September will come with a
3-Year free service
, inclusive of parts and labour. Proton CEO Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali says this is initiative is to reward customers, and comes as a promotional package for purchases made within the
Merdeka
 month.
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SpyBuzz: 2015 Mazda6 2.0L SkyActiv facelift spotted in Bermaz showroom, with price list

Bermaz Motor
 in Glenmarie has something in store that is brand new and yet to launch here in Malaysia. You however would just walk pass it without noticing, which we did. Well, that’s because it looks exactly the same as before. It is the facelifted
Mazda6 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan
!
When the
updated Mazda6
 made its world debut end of last year, we spotted mild updates on both outside and in, the 2.5L variant however gets most of the exterior updates. Which is said to have arrived and clearing customs at the port as we speak. This 2.0L Sedan that we stumbled upon has little change on the exterior. The only update is the
new headlights
and
 foglamps
. You’ll see more differences on the 2.5L.

The interior however gets a full rework. It’s fitted with the latest
MZD Connect
 system, the screen is where it’s supposed to be but unlike the
Mazda3
‘s, the screen now is fitted nicely on the dash. More posh. More solid. Next to it is the
Engine Start/Stop
 button, which has been moved up.

Leather wrapped upholsteries are now in classy
dark brown
 except for the seats. The highlight accent on the dash panel now features this new leather instead of plastic.
Climate control
 dials and buttons get a new arrangement.

Moving downwards to the center console, you get 3 new gadgets: MZD Connect
 Commander control dial
 that you get in the Mazda3, the same
Sport
 rocker button from the newly launched
Mazda2
, and
electronic parking brake
button. The 2.5L variant gets
head-up display
 by the way. Just like Mazda2’s.
Powerplants under the hood remain as before:
2.0-liter
 and
2.5-liter
 SkyActiv-G producing
153hp
,
200Nm
 and
185hp
,
250Nm
 respectively. Both with the same
6-speed
 SkyActiv-Drive transmission.
We have also gotten hold of the confirmed price list for the full range of new Mazda6. The price of the new 2.0L Sedan is now RM4,000 more at
RM159,158
. While the 2.5L Sedan is priced at
RM194,647
, that’s RM10,000 more. Joining in the party soon is the Mazda6 2.5L Touring at
RM198,647
, RM10,000 more than before.

We should be expecting Bermaz Motor to announce the official arrival of the new Mazda6 line-up. No fancy launch gambit.
[divider]
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Here’s what happens when you pull the electronic handbrake lever while driving

I’m sure you’ve thought about it before; I’m also sure that you’ve stared at the switch, wondering what would happen if you pulled it while the car was on the move.
Since the introduction of electronic handbrakes, this has been one of the most asked questions and quite frankly it’s been demonstrated many times before but in case you’ve missed it, here’s your answer.
The car used in this experiment was none other than the
Volkswagen Golf R
where Volkswagen has
 delivered over 200,000 units of since 2002
; a car that
Adrian also got to review a few months back
.
Now priced at RM304,390 (after SST), the Golf R will take just 5.1 seconds to a 100 km/h from standstill, before it hits an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.


2023 Perodua Axia from RM38,600 – here are some never before offered features and items!

The
2023 Perodua Axia
 has been launched with four variants available. The G variants start from
RM38,600
, the X from
RM40,000
, the SE from
RM44,000
 and the AV from
RM49,500
. The new Axia replaces the previous generation model after nearly 600,000 units were sold in eight years between 2014 to 2023.
So far, Perodua has received over
20,000 bookings
 for the new compact hatchback, including over 13,000 bookings for the previous model converted to the new. While the new Axia retains the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from the previous generation with
67 hp
 and
91 Nm
, here are some of the latest offerings not available in the Axia before.
Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform
The new Axia is built on the DNGA platform much like the current generation Toyota vehicles are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The modular platform focuses on improved driving position, driving stability with optimised suspension tuning and offering a lighter body with higher rigidity. The new platform also promises reduced Noise, Vibrations and Harshness (NVH). The
new Alza
 and Ativa are also built on this similar platform.
Four-speed automatic to Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT)
The new 2023 Axia may have retained the proven 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from before but it’s now paired with a dual-mode CVT gearbox. The D-CVT gearbox first made its debut here in the
Perodua Ativa
.
Here, the split gear system uses a belt-driven system at low speeds and switches to a gear-driven system at higher speeds for better fuel efficiency and power delivery. Fuel economy is rated at 25.3 km/L for variants without the Eco Idle feature and
27.4 km/L
 for variants with the feature. Based on current fuel prices of RM2.05 per litre for RON95, Perodua says it will
cost less than RM28
 to travel over a distance of 365 km from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.
Safety – Advance Safety Assist 3.0
On top of the features you get in the Advance Safety Assist 3.0, which includes autonomous emergency braking and front departure warning, the new Axia is now also equipped with
lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
. Even the airbag count has been bumped up to six from a maximum of two previously. These are only available in the top-spec AV variant.
New features inside and out!
Aside from its larger dimensions and new design, the Axia is now also fitted with LED daytime running lights, automatic LED headlamps with automatic high beam function and rear LED combinations lamps. That said, the L-shaped lighting on the headlamps are actually positioned lights and the LED daytime running lights are actually on the front bumper. These are offered from the X variant onwards.
Inside, the Axia gets a seven-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time, a Power button on the steering wheel and digital air-conditioning controls (all in AV variants only) and at long last, steering tilt adjustments (in X variants onwards).
The Axia may cost more than before and is now priced much closer to the Perodua Myvi but what’s your take on the new additions? Would you consider the 2023 Perodua Axia to have levelled-up?


Batman’s new ride is powered by a V8 engine squashed in the back!

Ever since the Batmobile from the 1960’s TV series based on the Lincoln Futura, “modern” Batmobiles have taken a more superficial approach but it seems the franchise is returning to its roots.
Compared to Michael Keaton’s Batmobile from the early 1990s and Christian Bale’s “Tumbler”, the new Batmobile seems to have adopted a more realistic, car-like approach, unlike the extra-terrestrial concepts of before.
In fact, it looks more like something out of a Mad Max film set than Batman’s! Specifications of the new Batmobile have yet to be revealed but based on these images, it seems like the new Batmobile will be
powered by a V8 engine
of some sort. The architecture of the new Batmobile itself seems to suggest that it’s based off an older American muscle car – only time will tell.

Die-hard fans of the franchise might have mixed feelings about this – some might cry foul, some might embrace it as a much-needed change and it won’t be the only thing that’s new about the franchise.
The biggest change of all in the upcoming film due in 2021 is the man behind the mask; now played by
Robert Pattinson of Twilight
fame, of all people. Ugh. They should just make him drive a pink Volkswagen Beetle.
Source:
Twitter
GALLERY


The Ford Maverick is a baby Ranger with a hybrid powertrain – full debut next week

Hot off the press from the
F-150 Lightning EV pick-up truck
 launch last month, Ford has announced another new addition to its pick-up truck line-up called the Maverick, to make its global debut on the 8th of June.
The Maverick will be a compact pick-up truck that is rumoured to be positioned below the Ford Ranger. And unlike its elder siblings that are built on a body-on-frame structure, the Maverick will reportedly to have an unibody construction, putting it in line with the
Honda Ridgeline
 and the
 Hyundai Santa Cruz
.
According to numerous rumours and reports, the chassis in question is the Ford C2 platform, which also underpins the
Focus
 and
Bronco Sport
. That means it’ll also most likely share the same powertrain options as the Bronco Sport, including a
 245 hp/375 Nm
 2.0-litre turbo inline-four, and a
181 hp/258 Nm
 1.5-litre turbo inline-three.
However, Ford’s latest teaser video also briefly showed a Hybrid badge, so there’s no doubt that the Maverick will come with an electrified variant!
All rumours so far suggests that the Maverick will be an entry-level truck, with a fairly basic equipment list. Front-wheel drive will come as standard on the base variant, alongside a torsion beam rear suspension set-up. However, that also means that it’ll have a lower entry price, rumoured to be below the USD20,000 (~RM83k) mark.
Buyers will be able to opt for four-wheel drive on higher-end variants, which also replaces the torsion beam with a more sophisticated independent suspension set-up at the rear.

Americans love their pick-up trucks, and the Maverick looks like the best solution to owning a pick-up while living in congested cities like New York. More information will have to wait until the Maverick’s official launch, but for now, would you be open to a baby pick-up truck like this? Let us know in the comments section below.


Honda Malaysia recalls 55,354 vehicles for fuel pump replacement

Honda Malaysia has announced a recall exercise involving
55,354 vehicles
 to replace the fuel pump as a precautionary measure, in line with Honda’s
global fuel pump recall
.
Honda Malaysia’s recall on the fuel pump issue involves the
Accord
,
BR-V
,
City
,
Civic
,
CR-V
,
HR-V
, and
Jazz
, all
manufactured between 2018 and 2019
. The full breakdown of the models affected by this recall is available in the table below:
According to Honda, the fuel pump equipped in the vehicles listed above have a slight chance of failure, which may cause possible loss of engine power or vehicle stalling. As of today, no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue have been reported in Malaysia.
Honda Malaysia says all affected customers will be informed directly via notification letters with further details of the product recall. Customers affected by the recall are urged to make an appointment with any Honda authorised dealers upon receipt of the notification, as replacement stock will be available in stages. You can also check on
Honda Malaysia website here
. The fuel pump replacement will be free of charge.
Denso, the fuel pump manufacturer, has issued a
worldwide recall for over 2 million units
 of the potentially faulty fuel pump. The same fuel pump was also responsible for
UMW Toyota Motor’s recall of over 13,500 vehicles earlier this year.
 Globally, the fuel pump issue has affected more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles.


Volkswagen ID.R beats F1 record in Goodwood hillclimb on second try

When you don’t succeed, try again. Nick Heidfeld’s Goodwood Hillclimb record in a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car stood for 20 years, and it has finally been beaten by Romain Dumas in a fully electric Volkswagen ID.R over the weekend.
After
missing Heidfeld’s record time last year
 by a pretty significant margin of two seconds, Volkswagen got smart and tweaked the ID.R by lowering its kerb weight to sub-1,000 kg through the use of a smaller battery pack, removed the drag reduction system and got technical partner Bridgestone to supply them some super sticky rubber. And they worked a treat.

On Friday’s practice run, Dumas eased the ID.R over the 1.86 km course clocking 41.18 seconds and then drop the hammer and dipped under 40 seconds on Saturday with an astonishing run of 39.90-second. And while he didn’t quite manage to better that on the final shootout on Sunday due to slippery conditions, the deed was done.

It’s a shame that Formula 1 cars have been excluded from the hillclimb competition on the grounds of safety, you can see how lairy it got on Heidfeld’s run in the McLaren 20 years ago, so it isn’t entirely accurate to say that Formula 1 car and combustion engines (which are hybrids these days) have got beaten since they aren’t allowed to compete. One thing we do know is that for sheer drama and theatre, electrics still have a lot of ground to make up.


All-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new ‘F Sport Performance’ variant

The all-new 5th generation Lexus RX had made its global debut with a striking new look and a bounty of new features.
It features a completely new design on the infamous spindle grille. Dubbed the ‘Spindle Body’ design philosophy, the front bonnet panel now blends into the Spindle grille.
The overall design of the car now takes a mature look, toning down on the sharp edges of the previous generation RX. The headlamp units now feature daytime running lights (DRL) that are sandwiched between the slim headlights and fog lamps.
Moving on to the sides, the creases are no longer as sharp compared to the previous generation RX to improve aerodynamics. A familiar but more elegant-looking floating roofline finds its way into the 5th generation RX as well as side fenders that match the body’s colour.
On the rear, we see the biggest change made to the car. The eye-catching rear lights feature a long singular light strip similar to the tips of a plane’s wings. Gone are the shameful fake exhaust tips as they are now replaced with clean-looking bumper trims that are flanked with subtle plastic finishes.
Inside, the new interior design is aimed at offering a deeper connection between driver and car is inspired by the Tazuna concept. The new infotainment cluster and infotainment system now sit on an elegantly swooping dashboard that effortlessly flows to the door panels.
A new 9.8-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 14-inch makes its way to replace the infamous touch bar controls and is merged with a new digital instrument cluster.
The steering is integrated with the head-up display granting control to functions like navigation, audio, and more to ensure minimal distractions for the driver.
The E-Latch door opening system makes another appearance in this model, offering an effortless take on the process of opening a door. A new smartphone app is also introduced so that users can lock and unlock the door using their smartphones as keys. The engine can even be started without operating the screen. These smartphone keys can be passed along to anyone with the app like friends and family but it only works with one phone at a time.
Further enhancements include new front and rear suspension along with Lexus’ new DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system in the RX500h F Sport that uses electronics to control power distribution on all four wheels independently.
2022.03.28
Gone is the V6 in the outgoing model as Lexus has brought a wide variety of four-cylinder engines and hybrids to the table. The range kicks off with the RX 350 with a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four engine with a choice of AWD or FF paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed-auto putting out 275hp and 430Nm.
It is then followed by the RX 350h with a 2.5-litre engine supported by a hybrid electric system that’s paired with an eCVT carried over from the previous generation RX, making 246hp and 316Nm. Next in line is the RX 450h+, powered by a 2.5L plug-in hybrid electric system the same eCVT producing 304hp.
The RX 500h gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre mated to a hybrid electric system and six-speed automatic transmission along with the new DIRECT4 AWD technology that uses a high-powered ‘eAxle’ motor in the rear, producing 367hp and 550Nm.
As for the RX 500h F-Sport Performance, it’s sprinkled with F-Sport goodies including bumpers, grille, wheels and brakes to improve the car’s performance while also giving it a meaner look. Similarly on the inside, the variant gets F-Sport seats, steering wheel, pedals, and different door panels.
GALLERY


To save you time, Mercedes-Benz and Bosch debut world’s first L4 driverless valet parking

You will soon be able to drive up to a drop-off area, get out of your car, and send it to a pre-booked parking space just with a few taps on your smartphone, thanks to the latest SAE Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving technology from
Mercedes-Benz
 and
Bosch
. The driverless valet parking will first start for commercial use at the autonomous P6 parking garage at Stuttgart Airport which is run by APCOA parking.
Mercedes-Benz and Bosch believe that with the vehicle and infrastructure taking over driving and manoeuvring, drivers will be able to turn their attention to other things, instead of time spent looking for a parking space and manoeuvring in tight parking garages.
Having been developed for a while, the L4 autonomous parking system by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch
was first approved for use in 2019
, but only for use at the Mercedes-Benz Museum for daily operations. Now, the L4 autonomous technology by the two German companies has been approved by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for
commercial use with privately owned vehicles
 at the Stuttgart Airport parking.
The autonomous technology in the Mercedes-Benz vehicle will convert the information received from the Bosh infrastructure into driving manoeuvres. This way, vehicles can even drive themselves up and down ramps to move between stories in the parking garage. If the infrastructure sensors detect an obstacle, the vehicle brakes and safely comes to a complete stop. Only once the route is clear does it continue on its way.
RELATED:
Baidu’s autonomous driving tech will be one generation ahead of Tesla, says CEO
Bosch video camera
The L4 driverless valet parking works with the help of intelligent infrastructure supplied by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz automotive technology. Bosch sensors are placed in the parking garage to monitor the driving corridor and its surroundings and provide the information needed to guide the vehicle.
Cars that will be able to use the autonomous parking feature at the Stuttgart Airport P6 parking garage are the
Mercedes-Benz EQS
 and
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
 (built since July 2022) that are equipped with the brand’s INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT2 service as part of the
Mercedes me connect
. With the service activated, users can book the parking space in advance via the Mercedes me app.
RELATED:
Mercedes me Store launched in Malaysia – Navigation now requires subscription
The car is parked in the “With Reservation” drop-off area, not the final parking spot for the car. It will drive itself to the pre-booked parking spot when instructed. To the right is the “Waiting Area”.
Mercedes Benz Group Member of the Board of Management and Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer said, “The world’s first approval for customer use of our highly automated and driverless parking function, developed together with our technology partner Bosch, shows that innovation leadership and ‘Made in Germany’ go hand in hand.”
“Following the market launch of our DRIVE PILOT Level 3 system, we will soon be offering a Level 4 system for parking with our INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT – all of that this year. We really are showing our customers how technology can make life easier and give back precious time,” he adds.
RELATED:
Bosch and Daimler receive approval for automated parking system
L-R: Walter Schoefer, management spokesperson for Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH; Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector; Niels Christ, Director Urban Hubs, APCOA Group
Bosch member of the board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector, Dr. Markus Heyn said, “From the outset, Bosch has taken the approach of making the infrastructure in parking garages intelligent. Accordingly, we have set standards in this area. In the future, our aim is to equip more and more parking garages with the necessary infrastructure technology – we plan to do several hundred of them worldwide in the next few years.”
The basis for the approval is a law that came into force in Germany in July 2021, which permits driverless driving in accordance with SAE Level 4 for motor. Application of this law to the parking system was implemented in close coordination with the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the KBA. The AFGBV (autonomous driving directive), passed by the German Bundesrat on May 20, 2022, clearly specifies the criteria of the German road traffic act that Level 4 vehicles must satisfy.
RELATED:
Leaked – Next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adopts ‘EQ’ grille, landscape screen


Volvo Cars grows by 8.2% in sales in 1H 2017, first-gen Volvo XC60 most popular!

Swedish carmaker Volvo has sold 277,641 cars in the first half of 2017, marking an 8.2 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Their best performing month was in March, shifting 57,158 cars globally followed by June with 54,351 units.
Volvo attributed the positive sales growth to the growing demand for its 90 series models (
V90
,
S90
 and
XC 90
) while the
first-generation XC60
 remains to be the best-selling model overall. Asia-Pacific region reported the highest growth rate of 27.3 percent, selling 70,584 units vs 57,568 units last year. China remains as the brand’s largest market, shifting a total of 51,914 cars. This remarkable growth was supported by the locally produced XC60, S60L and S90 models.

Volvo sold a total of 164,128 units in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA Region) – a 6.6 percent increase over the previous year. Strong-performing markets include home country Sweden, UK, France and Germany.
Second-generation XC60 to debut soon
The Americas region reported a slight dip in overall sales, selling only 41,277 units collectively, as compared to 43,412 units (-4.9 percent) last year. Volvo’s SUV range (XC60 and XC90) remain as the most popular models in the said region.
Locally, Volvo Car Malaysia still sells the first-generation XC60 on sale, and will continue to go on sale until the succeeding XC60
makes its way to our shores soon
.


Only 35 units of this ultra-limited Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will be built

When the original Rolls-Royce “Silver Ghost” was first built in 1906, it went on to establish Rolls-Royce’s reputation as the “Best Car in the World”. In saluting the original car, Rolls-Royce has built 35 bespoke units of the Silver Ghost that makes up the “Silver Ghost Collection”.
Product Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for the Ghost said, “Careful consideration has been paid to the Collection’s defining features. References extoling the past are skilfully hand-crafted into Ghost’s interior and exterior, creating a contemporary homage which speaks as much of today’s great brand as the original Silver Ghost does of its day. This is a truly remarkable Collection.”
The engravings around the wheel cap represents the year the original Silver Ghost was built.
A sterling-silver Spirit of Ecstacy takes centre stage at the front along with the prominent black front grille, where the former has been a trademark of the British marque since 1911.
Along the sides, look closely and you’d notice the vehicle name and the year the original Silver Ghost was conceived engraved onto the chrome surrounds of the oversized wheels.
On the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, you’ll also notice the “AX201” engraving on the hammered copper insert – a tribute not just to the registration plate of the original Silver Ghost but also a homage to the extensive use of copper in the engine bay of the original Silver Ghost.


Have you seen a snowmobile vs Ferrari drag race?

The Internet can be a very informative yet quirky place to be – it’s vast, full of amusement and most of all, it’s a reliable source for endless entertainment. There’s just something for everyone!
Not sure if you’ve seen it but take this drag race for example, between what seems to be a Boondocker snowmobile with an output of just under 200 hp and a Ferrari F430 Spider packing around
490 hp
 and
465 Nm
 of torque – sure it’s a little dated but it isn’t any less entertaining.
If not for the Internet, the only kinda drag races we’ll get to see are between high-schoolers racing their Boon Siew EX5s on skinny tyres along Dataran Merdeka or some desolate street.
It must be ego-shattering for the owner of the F430 Spider, but it was the Prancing Horse which had the last laugh but only marginally, after a 488 Spider saved Ferrari some dignity.
Credit:
NM 2255


ContiConnect Tyre Monitoring Platform for trucks makes global debut in M’sia

Malaysia had the privilege to witness the global debut of Continental Tyres’ latest innovation, the ContiConnect digital tyre monitoring platform for commercial vehicles. The 147-year-old premium tyre manufacturer has created a full circle solution to allow fleet managers to monitor the tyre conditions of the entire fleet on a single web portal.
Based on Continental Tyre Malaysia’s internal study, the company found that
58 percent of fleet tyres are underinflated in Malaysia
 and fleet trucks face a high number of tyre related breakdown. These problems adversely affect the company’s productivity as well as create a safety hazard to all road users. With ContiConnet, Continental aims to improve the safety standards of fleet trucks as well as bring nett savings for fleet truck operators.

 Conti Tyre Sensors weighs only 30 grams
ContiConnect uses a variety of sensors and telematics to monitor each
 individual tyre’s pressure and temperature.
 The Continental tyre sensor is mounted on the tyre’s inner liner to continuously measure the tyre’s pressure and temperature just like any other tyre pressure monitoring system available on passenger cars. The sensors then relay real-time information to the in-cab display and alert the driver if there are any prevailing issues.
The information will also be transmitted onto the cloud platform to allow fleet managers to identify and resolve tyre issues immediately, helping to prolong the tyres longevity and improve the safety of not only the drivers but also other road users.
Based on their pilot test in Malaysia and Thailand, with over 3,000 tyres fitted with ContiConnect, over 90 percent of fleet tyres maintained good inflation and resulted in
50 percent reduction in roadside tyre-related breakdowns
. Companies that ran the pilot test also saw improvements in speed, accuracy and transparency of tyre maintenance activities which resulted in substantial cost savings.
Head of Sales & Marketing, Business Region APAC Truck Tyres, Philippe Barabinot: “It is such an exciting time for Continental in Asia Pacific. The pilot test we ran on ContiConnect in Malaysia and Thailand showed promising results. We are excited to share with our customers how ContiConnect can offer our brand promise of lowest overall driving cost and optimise fleet efficiency. This is an important step Continental is taking towards becoming an integrated solutions provider.”
IMAGE GALLERY

 Conti Tyre Sensors weighs only 30 grams


The new Kia Soul is a reminder that cars can be more than just transportation

It’ll either inject some youth into your soul or drain the passion for cars from your soul. Either ways, the Kia Soul is a refreshing reminder of how cars can be a representation of individualism and taste.
It may not get people tripping over it but at a time when eccentricity matters matters as much as substance and practicality, the Kia Soul strikes what seems like a perfect balance; evidently, after blowing off its competitors since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2010.
Set to hit the streets in 2020, the Soul is offered with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine paired to a 6-speed manual or Kia’s very own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), with
147 hp
 and
 179 Nm
 of torque.
If a little more punch is needed, there’s a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged model, equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with
201 hp
 and
264 Nm
 – plenty of grunt for a car weighing 1,300-1,400 kg.
True to its versatile nature, the Soul can be had in various trims – GT Line, X-Line, EX Designer Collection – to suit various demographics and the image they’re trying to project.
The GT Line model offers a sportier look with large 18-inch wheels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, larger brakes, tuned suspension, and of course a whole lot of red accents.
The X-Line would be more suited for those with a taste for the rugged outdoors. It’s got a chunkier, more robust look with flared wheel arches while the EX Designer Collection caters to the urban-trotting commuter, as the name clearly indicates.
Inside, the Soul bears the very essence of Kia’s current interior design, and then some. The cabin looks fun, quirky and doesn’t take itself too seriously but still upholds the principle of usability and practicality.
It even has different ambient lightings for different occassions and vibes! Even the name of the six different modes are as unconventional as the car’s design. There’s Romance, Midnight City, Cafe, Hey! Yo!, Travelling and Party Time.
IMAGE GALLERY

 Soul GT-Line

 Soul GT-Line

 Soul GT-Line


Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class is UK Car of the Year 2017!

The super high tech
Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class
 gets top honours in the UK by bagging the 2017 Car of the Year title, following the final vote tally casted by 27 of the country’s most influential journalists.
In the past year alone, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK sold over 12,000 W213 E-Class saloons, while the Estate variant joined the lineup later in September.
The company’s Head of Product Management said, “
The E-Class is one of our core models and it’s at the very heart of our brand. It features a host of innovative technology which makes it one of the most advanced cars in its segment. Together with its modern, comfortable cabin the E-Class presents a very desirable package – it’s great to see it getting the recognition it deserves.”
Back at home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is offering the W213 range with a base price of
RM396k for the E 200 Avantgarde
 to
RM459k for the range topping E 300 AMG Line
. It will soon be challenged by the
BMW G30 5-Series
 which will make its Malaysian debut very soon.


Proton to develop own EVs, sending 16 engineers to China for R&D training

During the MoU exchange between PRO-NET (
Proton
’s new energy vehicle subsidiary) and Gentari (
Petronas
’ clean energy subsidiary), Proton announced that it will develop its own electrified cars soon which they refer to as new energy vehicles (NEVs). The NEV term includes mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles (EV).
The local carmaker is currently working closely with Smart (via PRO-NET) to ensure their EV offerings match the usage profile of Malaysian EV buyers. Although
Proton signed a general distributorship agreement with Smart in
August
, Proton plans to have NEVs of its own brand. To obtain the necessary know-how on NEVs, Proton will send 16 of its engineers to China to be trained in all aspects of the field.
Proton Iriz
 EV prototype
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Today’s exchange of documents with Gentari addresses one piece of Proton’s move into the NEV market and opens opportunities to collaborate with the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas to contribute to the buildup of Malaysia’s charging infrastructure. However, Proton must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if we want to have a comprehensive business solution.”
“For instance, as a national automotive brand Proton should spearhead the development of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem by investing in knowledge and expertise to address potential blind spots in areas where we have little experience. So, we are sending 16 engineers to China for six months to be trained in R&D, vehicle performance, homologation, and testing with the aim of eventually developing and selling a homegrown NEV. This is an important step in supporting the government’s efforts to move Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy and to be a regional epicentre for NEVs,” he adds.
RELATED:
Proton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022
Proton Iriz
 EV prototype
In the past, Proton has showcased prototype electric vehicles with range extenders, prototype fully-electric vehicles, and prototype mild-hybrid powertrains. However, one has yet to make it to production. With its new subsidiary and collaboration with new parties, an electrified car with a Proton badge is to be expected soon.
RELATED:
PRO-NET is Proton’s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to introduce new CKD SUVs and compact models this year

Despite the tumultuous 2020 due to the still-ongoing
Covid-19 pandemic
, Mercedes-Benz has had a pretty good year all things considered, delivering over two million vehicles globally for the fifth year in a row. Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also had a pretty eventful year, with the digital launch of several new models including the
new compact AMG trio
, as well as the
 all-new GLB
 and
GLA SUVs
.
Looking forward to 2021, MBM confirmed that it will be localising more Mercedes-Benz compact cars and SUV models this year through its CKD local assembly operations Pekan, Pahang, both of which are sure to excite Malaysians with lower-priced offerings from the premium marque.
The company’s current locally-assembled range spans across five model lines – C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, and GLC coupe – with a total of 13 variants on offer, including two Mercedes-AMG models, the
C 43
 and
GLC 43 Coupe
.
The “compact cars” referred to by MBM is most likely the hugely-popular
A-Class
 sedan and hatchback variants – which, when introduced, will go head-to-head against the
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
.
Other models that fall into the same category could also include the
recently-unveiled Mercedes-Benz GLA
, as well as the
seven-seater GLB compact SUV
 – though the latter probably stand less of a chance, given its relatively higher price-point and narrower market appeal.
Given that the 35-series Mercedes-AMG models share the same M260 base engine as the 250 models for the brand’s compact vehicles, there’s a possibility that we might even see the
Mercedes-AMG A 35
 and GLA 35 (or even the
GLB 35
if the base model is being locally assembled!) making its way to the Malaysia market as CKD models. Enthusiasts rejoice!
As for the larger SUVs, we’d wager our bets on the
all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE
, which was introduced here in Malaysia back in 2019 in a sole GLE 450 flavour.
The localisation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE could lower the price-of-entry for the D-segment SUV with the introduction of new variants, and also opens the opportunity for a new hybrid variant to go up against the
BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport hybrid
, which retails for RM441k (with sales tax exemptions), which is quite a bit lower than the RM585k commanded by the GLE 450.
In its annual round-up for 2020, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced that its financing arm,
Mercedes-Benz Service Malaysia
 (MBSM), financed more than 50% of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold by authorised dealers in Malaysia. Its servicing portfolio reached a total of RM2.27 billion, while recording new contracts worth RM717 million in the last year.
The company also unveiled newly-renovated dealerships in
Alor Setar (Cycle & Carriage)
 and
Kuala Lumpur (Hap Seng Star)
, featuring the “first of its kind” Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Accessories and Collection Boutique.
Despite most Malaysians staying home for a large chunk of 2020, MBM Service Centres across Malaysia still saw a throughput of over 140,000 vehicles last year, supported by the company’s various offerings and digitalised services, including extended service and warranty grace period, Drop&Go, Door-to-Door, Star Mobile, and the implementation of Mercedes-Benz Star Shield Programme, covering comprehensive health and safety SOPs during this pandemic across dealerships nationwide.
2021 is set to be an interesting year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. What other cars would you like to see being brought into Malaysia as a locally-assembled model? Let us know in the comments section below!


The new Mitsuoka Buddy is essentially a Toyota RAV4 with classic American SUV design

Mitsuoka is no stranger to the weird and quirky. A quick look at their lineup and you’d understand what the Japanese coachbuilder with over 50 years of history is all about.
They’ve recently built cars like the
Himiko
 that looks like a cross between the classic Jaguar XK and the more modern Morgan Aero 8 and the
Rock Star
, a roadster inspired by the Corvette Stingray from the 70s. Wise as they are, they left the engineering work to Mazda as both cars are based entirely on the Mazda MX-5. They’ve just focused on their craft and what they did best; bodywork.
ROCK STAR
HIMIKO
Recently, they’ve gotten themselves drunk on retro American styling again. This time, it’s with an SUV that seems to have returned from 1980s America into Coronovirus-plagued 2020, with more “modern styling and clothings” called the
Buddy
. Unlike how Suzuki adopted the
Toyota RAV4
, Mitsuoka has taken its underpinnings and threw away the rest of it.
It will be available either with Toyota’s 2.0-litre petrol engine or 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain paired to a Direct Shift CVT gearbox, also by Toyota. It will also come with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
Judging from the dimensions of the Buddy, which defers from the RAV4 by millimetres, it’s highly likely that the Buddy also rides on
Toyota’s TNGA-K platform
, shared with the
Camry
. This could mean that the Buddy is the “first classic American SUV” that can actually drives well and wouldn’t threaten to topple over at every bend.
As for the exterior styling, while the Buddy does appear drastically different from the RAV4, its C-pillar is a dead giveaway to the keen eye. With strong doses of classic Americana – from the gapping front grille, to the retro wheel design and the black panel that stretches across the tailgate, the rear end’s disproportionate look certainly raises questions and eyebrows.
As for the inside of the car, nothing has yet to be revealed however if you are keen to follow up, the Buddy will be officially revealed come the 26th of November so stay tuned!
GALLERY


Geely’s Lynk & Co is coming to Malaysia!

The announcement of this news comes to us as a surprise. At the recent “Smart Geely 2025” strategy that outlines Geely Auto Group’s future development roadmap with electrification and sustainable mobility, the auto giant also listed a key goal of pushing out
3.65 million
 units of sales by 2025. For reference, sales are circa 1.3 million units in 2019 and 2020, with a target of 1.53 million units for this year.
Apart from increasing more brands, such as
Zeekr
, Geely is also pushing the Lynk & Co brand harder than usual, with plans to
expand
 to Russia and the Asia Pacific including
Malaysia!
 In August, Geely was reported on planning a significant entry into
South Korea
 by not only selling Lynk & Co models, but also assembling them.
Proton dealers were very impressed by the Lynk & Co atmosphere and concept back in
2018
In its home country, Lynk & Co offers five models, with the sixth
flagship 09
 SUV joining the line-up last month. Sales are seeing explosive growth, accumulating close to 150,000 units for the first nine months of 2021 which is a 40% increase compared to the year before. The
03 sedan
 seems to be the best seller, followed by the 06 compact SUV and 01 SUV.
The Lynk & Co 05 is a popular coupe-SUV in China, thanks to a powerful engine. More here!
Sales in Europe are picking up too, with close to 8,000 units delivered and almost 25% of the users selected the innovative subscription route from just four fixed retail outlets called
Clubs
. Last month, Lynk & Co added the Berlin Club, where it offers event spaces, flexible lounge areas, a coffee bar, and retail areas to showcase the local Gear Collection, a selection of brands that share Lynk & Co’s values of sustainability, creativity, and community.
Other locations where a physical store is not viable would feature short-term pop-up stores. Lynk & Co separate themselves from other auto brands via a simple product lineup featuring full specifications such as ADAS, panoramic moonroof, large wheels and connectivity as well as subscription or sharing-based usage.
Could Lynk & Co open up a ‘shop in shop’ in Volvo or Proton dealerships?
In China, the Lynk & Co 06 that closely resembles the
Proton X50 TGDI
 /
Geely Bin Yue
 has its pricing starting at where the Geely model ends, from CNY119,000 to CNY145,000 (approx. RM77.3k to RM94k).
Lynk & Co 01
Lynk & Co 06
Lynk & Co 03
The 03 sedan meanwhile has similar pricing to a Honda Accord, starting from CNY136,800 all the way to CNY256,800 (approx. RM88k to RM166k). The
European 01
 SUV slots in between the price range, hovering between CNY179,800 to CNY201,800.
While it’s still too early to speculate on the pricing, anything above RM200k will be a difficult sale as that is where the flashy
BMW 218i Gran Coupe
 and
Mercedes-Benz A200
 begin their pricing thanks to local assembly or CKD.
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Lynk & Co 01
Lynk & Co Clubs


Volkswagen Malaysia releases NFT “crypto art” based on Arteon

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and media art collective, Filamen, have announced a collection of exclusive non-fungible tokens (NFT) based on the Arteon called
Accelerated Futurescapes
.
Four one-of-a-kind crypto art inspired by the high-performance saloon will be sold on
Pentas
, a leading NFT platform in South East Asia powered by Binance Smart Chain. The NFTs will also be available on
Filamen’s virtual gallery
 and co-curated design research platform,
No-to-scale
.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets based on blockchain technology that allows for digital ownership. As each piece is uniquely certified where no two are the same. It is expected to appeal to art collectors and Arteon enthusiasts alike.
The work of Syed Mohamad.
“Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of digitalisation initiatives in Malaysia, and pushing digital boundaries is something we constantly strive to do. With this collaboration, we are once again setting new standards, and we thank Filamen in realising this dream with us,” said VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter.
“We saw the project as a digital exploration of the relationship between the car and aesthetic imagery and the artworks are distinct visions of the Arteon, exemplifying a car beyond just a vehicle,” said Filamen co-founder Abdul Shakir.
Up-and-coming Filamen artists, Syed Mohamad and Jason Choo, were commissioned to create the NFTs, and the results are four visions of the future inspired by the Volkswagen Arteon; everything from design, performance, sound, shape, and the other little details that matter.
The work of Jason Choo.
Syed’s work revolves around the themes of ‘energy’ and ‘motion’. Though digital, the work mirrors natural phenomena such as waves on the ocean surface. Jason, on the other hand, focused on fictional imagery. Using themes such as ‘life’ and ‘flight’ to represent the Arteon’s intangible dimensions, Jason’s work acts as a mediator between him and the audience.
The NFT project is the second art collaboration to feature the Arteon. In 2019,
VPCM partnered with Wei-Ling contemporary art gallery
 to feature 13 Arteon Art Cars by 13 local artists that were auctioned off for charity.
All four Arteon NFTs are available for viewing at
We Are Filamen
 or purchase from the
Pentas platform
. Each is priced at
USD 1,314 (approx. RM5,492) or 2.5 BNB.
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Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe OrangeArt Edition now in Malaysia, priced at RM719k

At the launch of the new
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has also added another 43 Series to the Mercedes-AMG family, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe, in the OrangeArt Special Edition no less.
Available for order from RM719k (OTR without insurance), the GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe gets the full AMG treatment down from the engine down to the suspension tuning. It is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 paired to a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission that outputs
385 hp
 and
520 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to all four corners as denoted by the 4MATIC badge. Key performance figures read
5.7 seconds
 century sprint time and
250 km/h
 top speed; the exact figures of the
GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe
Engine
2,996cc; twin-turbo V6
Transmission
9-G Tronic automatic
Max Power
385 hp
Max Torque
520 Nm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.7 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM718,888
On the outside, the GLE Coupe wears the AMG exterior line as expected – AMG diamond radiator grille, AMG body kit, twin exhaust outlets, AMG spoiler lip and 21-inch five twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels are fitted as standard. On top of that, the OrangeArt Edition gets additional orange accents on the lower bumper and wheels as well as the Night Package which blacks out the front grille, wing mirrors and roof. As for the paint finish, customers can choose between
six options
 – Black, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Selenite Grey and Designo Diamond White Bright.

Inside, the cabin gets the full AMG treatment too with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre upholstery, carbon fibre trim, AMG three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and AMG instrument cluster. The orange contrast stitching on the seats and floor mats are unique OrangeArt Edition touches. Other standard items on the GLE 43 Coupe includes panoramic sunroof, Command Online infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound syste, rear seat infotaintment, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, soft closing doors and many more luxurious features befitting of the E-Class equivalent SUV.
MBM has expressed that the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe OrangeArt Edition will be available in very limited units only. For RM718k, the only question you have to ask yourself is would you rather be rolling in a three-pointed AMG SUV or a
Porsche Cayenne
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe 4Matic lands in Malaysia

Alongside the launch of the
 third-generation GLS 450 4Matic
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today also launched the GLE Coupe body style here in our country. It will be offerd in the 450 4Matic AMG Line variant, as well as a full-fledged performance-oriented
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
.
Joining the existing GLE 450 that was
launched here last year
, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe 4Matic AMG Line is priced from
RM 661,009.42
 here in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 that will be in effect until the end of 2020. As standard, each GLE 450 Coupe will also come with a four-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.
EXTERIOR
The Coupe body style shortens the length of the SUV by 60 mm compared to the regular Mercedes-Benz GLE. Other than the slight dimension changes, the exterior of GLE Coupe is dressed quite similarly to its regular-shaped sibling, aside from the obvious sloping coupe roofline and a flatter-angled windshield of course.
Fitted with the AMG Line exterior package, the GLE 450 4Matic Coupe gets the following exterior highlights:
AMG Line front fascia with diamond mesh grille, and AMG-Line front bumper
AMG Line rear bumper with integrated diffuser with wide chrome trim, surrounding the twin exhaust exits
Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
LED taillights
21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (Regular GLE gets 22-inch units)
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs
PERFORMANCE
Similar to the existing GLE 450, the GLE 450 Coupe is also powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine. As such, power output figures are identical, down to the 0-100 km/h times.
Engine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology
Transmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4Matic all-wheel drive
Suspension: AirMatic air suspension
Max horsepower: 367 hp
Max torque: 500 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: electronically-limited 250 km/h
INTERIOR
The dashboard architecture on the Coupe bodystyle is unsurprisingly identical to the regular Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, the Coupe does gain an additional sporty touch befitting its exterior looks, thanks to the Nappa leather sports seats in front and sports steering wheel, the former includes as standard a four-way lumbar support adjustment.
Despite having a 60 mm shorter wheelbase, Mercedes-Benz says that the GLE Coupe is still plenty spacious, especially when compared to its predecessor. The door openings have also been enlarged by 35 mm to aid with ingress and egress.
Compared to the outgoing GLE Coupe, the new model also boasts a 40-litres larger cargo space at 655 litres, and 70-litres larger at at 1790 litres with the rear seats folded down. Thanks to the Airmatic suspension, the entire car can also be lowered by 50 mm with just a press of a button, which will be particularly useful when loading heavy items.
Other interior highlights include:
Dual 12.3-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Mercedes me telematics and connected services
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Anthracite open-pore oak wood and artico leather trims
Designo red seat belts
Wireless charging pad
SAFETY
The Malaysian-specification Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe comes as standard with the following safety equipment:
Adaptive cruise control with Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist
Active Parking Assist with Parktronic
360-degree around-view monitor
Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package
Exit warning
Tyre pressure monitoring system
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Prices of Toyota and Lexus cars to go up in January as Ringgit weakens

This piece of news has been a long time coming, and it’s just a matter of time before someone breaks the silence. In light of the weakening Ringgit, UMW Toyota has announced that car prices under the Toyota and Lexus brands will rise between 4 to 16 percent (depending on model and make), and is effective January 2016.
It was revealed in their press statement that despite the Ringgit’s continual depreciation against the Greenback, the company has implemented strategic plans to absorb additional operating costs for the past few months and will continue to do so until the year ends.
UMW Toyota President, Datuk Ismet Suki said “Since the beginning of 2015, the Ringgit’s fluctuation has impacted our business as some of our parts and components are imported, resulting in an increase in overall production cost. We have implemented cost-efficiency measures and reviewed our operations across the supply chain to mitigate the weaker Ringgit.”
Datuk Ismet also stressed that the company has done their utmost in keeping the price increase at a minimal, and added that the unfortunate move will not even recover 100 percent from the impact that they have been absorbing. He also said if the Ringgit continues to weaken, the pricing structure will eventually be revised once again.
Tough times await, and we can most certainly expect all other brands to announce similar statements in the coming weeks.


2016 Audi A4 B9 teased on Audi Malaysia website, launching soon

Some of us have waited long for the slightest piece of update on the
all-new Audi A4 B9
. Well, we needn’t wait any longer, for the bomb has begun ticking.
No official specifications have been revealed, but judging from the picture, a 2.0-litre quattro variant will be among the mix, which we assume will be of the more powerful tune (
252 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque). The current A4 B8’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 210 hp and 350 Nm. A seven-speed S Tronic transmission is standard issue here.
Those who have paid close scrutiny to the A4 B9 will know Audi is offering a smaller 1.4 TFSI engine that makes
 150 hp
 and
 250 Nm
 of torque. Should this be introduced, it will go right up against its rivals
BMW 318i
 and the Mercedes C180. The Bavarian saloon puts out
136 hp
 and
220 Nm
 of torque, whereas the Mercedes-Benz C180 belts
156 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. The only deterrent here is pricing it competitively, which is a problem for Audi Malaysia because all Audi models are fully imported.
The Audi A4 B9 will be launched very soon, but the bigger question is, will the A4 Avant and the hotter
S4
 be introduced here as well?
2016 Audi A4 B9 Avant (S-Line)


Perodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme – RM500/month for 5 years

In moving towards electrification, Perodua has just unveiled the
Perodua Ativa
 Hybrid
, the first hybrid car from a Malaysian car brand. The Perodua Ativa Hybrid is only available as a subscription and it is a part of a first-of-its-kind electric vehicle study as well as a “mobility as a service” market study by Perodua. The monthly subscription fee is limited to 300 units only and all units have been subscribed for. The subscription programme is handled by Perodua’s existing arm called “EZ Mobi”.
Perodua has divided the study into two parts, with the first part to understand group driving behaviour of a hybrid vehicle in populated locations like Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru. The other part of the study aims to understand consumers’ acceptance of a five-year “subscription” service.
Powering the car is a series hybrid system. What this means is that the wheels are solely propelled by the electric motor that produces
106 hp
 and
170 Nm
. Under the hood is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 82 hp and 105 Nm, but it only functions as a generator/range extender. Designed for urban driving, the Ativa hybrid’s battery capacity is only 4.3Ah.
A similar system is used by Nissan for the e-Power drivetrain, which allows you to experience “electric driving” while still fuelling up the car with petroleum gasoline and not having to look for charging stations. All power is sent to the front wheels and the Ativa Hybrid supposedly has a fuel consumption of
31.3 km/l
 based on the Malaysian Driving Cycle test.
Since the Ativa Hybrid drives like an electric car, it also comes with a one-pedal driving feature called the “Smart Pedal”. Changing between “normal” and eco” modes affects the throttle response.
Another change in terms of driving experience is the use of the electronic parking brake (EPB) instead of the mechanical hand brake lever. This also allows for the implementation of an “auto-hold” function.
RELATED:
New Nissan Kicks e-Power teased in ETCM’s CNY video – Malaysia launch in 2022?
Essentially a rebadged
Daihatsu Rocky
 e-Smart Hybrid
, the grille and air conditioning controls are noticeably different from the normal Perodua Ativa. With only the centre caps changed, the wheels are also shared with the Daihatsu Rocky e-smart.
To the uninitiated, it will be quite hard to tell apart the normal Ativa from the hybrid version. The bumpers are different and so is the grille, but the difference is not obvious. There are no “ e-Smart Hybrid” badges on the front fenders, although the Rocky has them. Another small difference on the additional mirror on the left wing mirror.
RELATED:
Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid delivers 28 km/L, 106 hp system, from est. RM77k
On the inside, significant differences between the Ativa hybrid and the normal Ativa include the Aircond controls, the EPB, and the upholstery. There are also cooling vents in the interior for the hybrid battery. For the Ativa Hybrid, a tyre repair kit replaces the full-sized spare in the regular Ativa.
As for safety, the Ativa Hybrid gets the same safety features as the Daihatsu Rocky e-smart which include newly EPB with auto hold cornering trace assist (CTA). CTA applies a small amount of braking force to the “inside” wheel when it detects the car to be drifting while taking a corner.
Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “The Perodua Ativa Hybrid would be the best vehicle for us to gain unique insights on Malaysian behaviour as a controlled group, as this data will be used to anticipate our customers’ needs when using an electric vehicle.”
On the subject of vehicle subscription, he adds, “While we believe that vehicle ownership will still be our bread and butter; there is the possibility that a vehicle subscription business model may be acceptable for more users in the near future.”
“This is what we mean by ‘subscription’ – a service where all other obligations of owning a vehicle – such as following a service schedule, paying vehicle insurance and paying road tax – will be managed entirely by us; all the customer has to do is pay a subscription fee to enjoy the package.”
Although the Perodua Ativa Hybrid is only a market study, it is the first hybrid car from a Malaysian car brand. The subscription costs RM500 and lasts for 5 years. An upfront payment of RM 2,150 is required. Both the hybrid powertrain and subscription programme are a first for a local car brand. At the launch event itself, Perodua handed over five keys to five of the Ativa Hybrid subscribers.
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Proton cars to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not on the next model yet

Acknowledging it as the “elephant in the room” in a recent press conference during an
 X90
 media drive event, Proton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah confirmed that the
Apple CarPlay
 and
Android Auto
 smartphone connectivity features will indeed be making their way into
Proton
 cars in the future.
However, as the feature is still currently under development, its arrival will be “not too soon”, and “not on the next model” too. Which means that, unfortunately, the upcoming Proton sedan due later this year – heavily rumoured to be called the S50 – will
not
 be getting the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features.
Proton’s infotainment system is currently developed by
ACO Tech
, a Malaysian company jointly formed between Proton, ECarX, and Altel. The latest iteration of its Atlas operating system, now being used in the X90, boasts many advanced features such as an
 in-car e-wallet payment system
 and
 direct Spotify integration
, although its smartphone connectivity is only limited to just Bluetooth or the QDLink screen mirroring system.
When questioned about the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, a representative from ACO Tech previously explained that the hold-up was mainly down to user data collection by Apple and Google. “(…) But I think the ACO Tech team understands what is the market requirements for the CarPlay and Android Auto, and they’re still working on it,” the representative added.
RELATED:
People are getting increasingly fed up with the built-in touchscreen systems in their cars
While Proton may have committed to introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in its future models, it’s unclear if these features will be retroactively added to its existing cars via software updates, as Apple requires specific hardware certifications through its MFi programme for Apple CarPlay connectivity on vehicle head units and infotainment systems.
It has certainly been done before, however. Volvo previously
rolled out an over-the-air software update
 for its Android Automotive-based operating system to enable Apple CarPlay connectivity on its cars, and the same was done for the
Perodua Al
z
a
 too, albeit with a
manual software update
done by its technicians at service centres.


The first Saga has rolled off the assembly line at Proton’s Pakistan CKD Plant

Proton has achieved a new milestone for its business, as the first locally-assembled
Saga
 has rolled off the assembly line at the Al-Haj Automotive’s Karachi plant in Pakistan.
The green field production plant,
announced in March 2019
, was built at a cost of USD20 million and has an initial annual capacity of 25,000 units. The potential sales volume of the Pakistan market makes it a critical part of Proton’s plan to grow exports in the future, and the carmaker has stationed 20 manufacturing staff at the site to assist in the operation.
Speaking during the line-off ceremony, Al-Haj Automotive CEO, Hilal Khan Alfridi said, “The successful assembly of the Proton Saga in Pakistan is the culmination of the hard-work and untiring efforts of Proton, the entire Al-Haj team, its suppliers and vendors.
“Even with Covid-19 restrictions in place, we continued to push to build our new assembly plant and as such, we are confident it will set new industry standards and enable us to introduce more products that meet the international quality levels set by Proton.”
Find out what we think of the Proton Saga 1.3 Premium in our review here!
Following the Saga, Al-Haj Automotive will also be assembling the
 Proton X70
 at the site, with a tentative roll-off scheduled to happen in December 2021. The C-segment SUV was initially launched in Pakistan as a CBU model in December 2020, with a plan to begin local assembly by the first quarter of 2021 – but Covid-19 restrictions means that the original schedule had to be delayed.
As the firm finalises its plans to begin local assembly, the final 154 units of the Proton X70 was shipped to Pakistan on Sunday, 17 October 2021, bringing the total number of CBU units exported to the country to 602.
“Despite
Covid-19
 severely affecting our project timelines in Pakistan, demand for Proton models in the country remains high for both the Proton Saga and Proton X70 attracting a strong following. Al-Haj has received 2,500 orders for the Saga and over 2,000 orders have been placed for the X70, so we wish to thank the customers for their belief in our products and especially their patience and understanding over the delays in receiving their cars,” said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
“Now that the final shipment of CBU units is on the way and local assembly has started for the Saga with the X70 to roll off the production line before the end of the year, we can finally work to catch up to market demand. This will allow Al-Haj Automotive and Proton to establish a strong market presence in the country to benefit future sales growth.”
Proton previously announced its aims to grow its presence in overseas markets, with a sales target of 400,000 units by 2027.


BMW X7 Concept iPerformance – a glimpse of what the future holds for the X-range

It may just be a sneak peek, if you will, on a future production model which is set to make its debut in 2018 but the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance previewed at the
Frankfurt Motor Show
 is already making us want to start the next year sooner.
The concept X7 will be housing the groundbreaking
BMW eDrive system
 mated to a
BMW TwinPower Turbo
 engine for an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. The front end, without a doubt, is the most eye-catching sight of the car with a large, vertical kidney grille.

The kidney grille is joined by twin elongated headlights with
 BMW laser light featuring a “blue X” symbol
 together with the Quasi-vertical aero lips that further accentuates the car’s powerfully presence on the road. For the first time in an “X” vehicle, the wheel arches feature a circular cut and emphasize the exclusivity and elegance of the flanks.
The exterior’s luxurious vibe is also highlighted with
 23-inch light alloy wheels
 with aerodynamically-optimised inlays between the spokes reduce drag which complement the aero lips at the front and rear to ensure improved airflow. At the back, the X7’s bold presence is further enhanced with
three-dimensional, L-shaped
 rear lights.

On the inside, the
large panoramic roof
 which not only provides remarkable head room but also provides the interior with a light and airy feel takes centre stage in a cabin. The luxurious sense of spaciousness enjoyed from all seats is reinforced to subtle effect by strands of laser light in the roof and the dynamic ambient and contour lighting.
At the front, the layout of the instrument panel and centre console are typical of BMW’s driver-focussed ergonomics. The sleek dashboard is occupied by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and central touchscreen information display.

Six amply proportioned seats
 are spread out across three rows where four of them are of exclusive individual designs. The rest of the interior applies an open-pore ash in dark-stained, matt and polished aluminium finishes. Second-row passengers can enjoy personalised infotainment comfort courtesy of the rear-seat’s touchscreen monitors. Here, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance indicates BMW Group’s vision of seamless integrating the customer’s digital world into their vehicles via BMW Connected.
IMAGE GALLERY


2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 launched in Malaysia, priced at RM840k [+Video]

The fastest Cayman has arrived in Malaysia as official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduces the Porsche Cayman GT4 – priced at RM840,000 (excluding road tax and insurance).
What do you get when you fit a 911 Carrera S engine and sprinkle some
911 GT3
 goodness onto a Cayman? A
385 horsepower
 mid-engine machine that goes around the Nurburgring (North Loop)
13 seconds
 faster than a standard Cayman – 7 minutes 40 seconds. And still as versatile to be an everyday sports car.

Made its world debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the mini
911 GT3
 is now available for Malaysian enthusiasts just four months after the
RM700,000 Cayman GTS
 was introduced locally. We had a taxi ride in the GT4 around a mini track at Johor Premium Outlet. The sounds really good and is surprisingly comfortable, for a GT car.
“The Cayman GT4 is the most powerful model in the Cayman model range and features motor sports-orientated technology that allows it to offer exceptionally high levels of performance potential and emotional driving pleasure,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP.
EXTERIOR
 Aerodynamics emphasis on the GT4 sets it apart from the rest of the Caymans. It’s been lowered by
18mm
 as compared to the Cayman GTS, and the longer wheelbase and front overhang with large front lip made it
34mm
 longer. The front bumper features three large air intakes supplying air into three radiators and front brakes.

The signature look is the large GT wing at the back, made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), generating downforce onto the rear axle. You can further identify the GT4 by spotting the central twin tailpipes, smoked rear lights and rear diffuser.
The wheels and brakes came straight from the
Porsche 911 GT3
 and they are larger than other Cayman models. 20-inch rims with Ultra High Performance tyres (245/35 tyres in front and 295/30 at the rear).
Porsche 911 GT3
 components can also be found in the front suspension such as larger wheel bearings and split wishbones.
INTERIOR
 The Alcantara dominated cabin is decorated with brushed aluminium trims, “GT4” badges and fabric door pulls. Not forgetting the
360mm
 diameter 918 Spyder design steering wheel, 10mm smaller than the ones in GTS model.

Lightweight two-way Sport seat Plus wrapped with Alcantara and leather are fitted as standard, the same type you see in the
911 GT3 RS
. Porsche offers 918 Spyder’s full bucket seat made of lightweight CFRP material.

The GT4 is not entirely stripped out. It is still equipped with seven-inch touchscreen colour display, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth and speech control. The Cayman GT4 with optional Club Sport Package gets a rollover protection bar at the rear, front roll cage, fire extinguisher and six- point safety harness.
PERFORMANCE
 The heart of the Cayman GT4 is a 3.8-litre straight-six engine from the 911 Carrera S. Slightly detuned to produce 385 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Transmitting power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. This 1,340kg machine gets off the line to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds all the way to 295 km/h.

WHAT ELSE?
 Sime Darby Auto Performance built a mini track at Johor Premium Outlet and you are invited to join this weekend’s (7th – 8th Nov 2015) roadshow to experience the Cayman GT4 in a taxi ride. You can also go for a test drive in the some of the selected models.
 The base price for the Porsche Cayman GT4 starts from RM 840,000 excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance. It also comes with a 4-year warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar XE SV Project 8 breaks cover, 5.0L supercharged V8 with 592 hp!

After a little
teaser
 a month ago, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has finally unleashed the most hardcore XE in all its glory. Limited to 300 left-hand drive examples worldwide, the XE SV Project 8 is reengineered from the ground up to become a four-door supercar killer.
The Project 8 packs a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 generating
592 hp
, which is 17 horses more than the highly acclaimed
F-Type SVR
! Power is applied to all four-corners via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission and Jaguar’s All-Wheel Drive system (AWD). As a result, sprinting to 96 km/h from naught takes
3.3 seconds
, almost as quick as an
Audi R8 V10 Plus
. At full whack, the speedo will read
322 km/h
 or 200 mph.
To complement the mind-boggling performance from a four-door family saloon, SVO done
significant revisions to the body work
. Among the new components include vented carbon fibre bonnet, carbon fibre bumper with larger air inlets, adjustable front splitter, flared arches, flat underbody, rear carbon fibre bumper, rear diffuser, adjustable rear wing and 20-inch forged aluminium alloys.
Besides that, the Project 8 also features stiffer springs, manually adjustable continuously variable dampers that can further lower the car by
15 mm
 for track outings, carbon ceramic brakes and rear Electronic Active Differential (EAD). The Project 8 is also the first Jaguar to feature a dedicated
track mode
 that alters powertrain, steering response and stability control for ultimate driver feedback on track.

As for the interior, SVO is offering two distinct options – the standard four-seat or the optional
two-seat track pack
. On the standard configuration, the front seats are of magnesium frames with extra bolster support while the track pack gets front carbon fibre racing seats with four-point harnesses and a retention hoop in place of the rear seats.
Keen customers can also personalise their Project 8 with SVO. It is of course done for a small fee on top of the £149,995 (RM834k) asking price.
IMAGE GALLERY


Have you ever thought of what the BMW M colours mean?

We’ve seen them everywhere – on various parts of the car, various form of merchandises while others feel so strongly for it, they’ve even had them tattooed on their bodies but what do the colours on BMW’s M logo represent?
The M logo consists of three different colours –
Red
,
Blue
 and contrary to what most believe to be a darker shade of blue, is actually
Purple
.
It’s appropriate to first be reminded that BMW stands for
Bavarian Motor Works
. As such the
light blue
 is taken off the flag that represents the region where the brand was established. The
 red
 is a tribute to Texaco, an American oil giant who had partnered with BMW since the early days of BMW’s motorsport exploits in 1970s.
Finally, the middle stripe, the
 purple
, is an elegant representation of the two company’s collaboration where red mixed with blue, turns to purple. It is said that once the BMW/Texaco partnership ended, BMW had to buyout Texaco to secure the rights to carry on with the red stripe.
The first use of the M colours were seen on the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile and has remained a permanent representation of BMW’s motorsports endeavour ever since.