PHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM

After years of confusion and – to be honest – neglect, the
Audi
 brand in Malaysia will finally be getting a much-needed rejuvenation thanks to the announcement of a new official distributor, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM).
PHS stands for Porsche Holding Salzburg, a Volkswagen Group subsidiary who is one of the largest and most successful automotive distributors in Europe, now operating in 29 markets worldwide. And if that name sounds familiar to you, that’s because they are also the same company behind
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
.
Wholly owned by PHS, PHSAM will be representing the wholesale, marketing and aftersales for the Audi brand in the country, and is led by two Managing Directors, Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner, who also hold the same positions at VPCM.
“The premium automotive landscape is extremely competitive, and we have plenty to do and multiple challenges to overcome, but we are fully committed to the growth of the Audi brand. Audi is one of the world’s leading premium brands and has a loyal local following that spans generations, so there is untapped potential in the Malaysian market,” said Winter.
“Our focus will be on strengthening the SUV, S line and quattro range, with electrification playing a major role in the Company’s future planned roadmap. With the strength of our team’s experience and backed by PHS’ global expertise, we are confident of sustainable growth for the Audi brand,” he added.
The press release also specifically mentioned that Erik and Kurt together played key roles in successfully helped VPCM expand its CKD product line-up here in Malaysia. Could this be pointing at CKD operations for Audi here in Malaysia? Only time will tell.
Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback quattro – Making heads turn everywhere it goes
Management processes for the handover are already in place, with PHSAM’s other priorities being expanding aftersales services and strengthening the existing dealer network to achieve profitable growth. “Customer satisfaction is top of the list for us, and we recognise the importance of a strong working relationship with our dealer partners to grow and reach our targets and enhance the ownership experience for our customers,” added Leitner.
As part of the new distributor’s offering, All Audi cars purchased from July 1 will be offered with a three-year free maintenance programme, alongside a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of free roadside assistance.
The brand’s dealership network currently consists of three outlets nationwide including two Audi Centres in Juru and Glenmarie, alongside an authorised Service Centre in Ipoh. The Audi Centre in Setia Alam will resume operations on August 1, 2022.


Hong Kong firms offer Tesla, iPhones, and even gold bars, as incentive to get vaccinated

In a bid to encourage the public of Hong Kong to get the Covid-19 vaccine, several major firms have initiated campaigns with extremely enticing prizes including cash, iPhones, a Tesla Model 3 electric car, and even gold bars!
Goodman Group, an industrial development company organised a raffle where those vaccinated by the 31st of August can stand a chance to win up to HK$1 million in prizes, including a Tesla Model 3 worth HK$500,000.
CK Group, a company owned by the richest man in Hong Kong, Li Ka-shing, announced that they’re giving away HK$20 million worth of cash vouchers via a lottery to those who have received two doses of the vaccine.
Tesla Model 3.
This month alone, Henderson Land Development Company announced that those who have been vaccinated will stand a chance to win gold bars while Sun Hang Kai Properties Ltd is offering iPhones.
Sino Group, a local property and real estate developer said it would
offer a HK$1.4 million apartment
in the Kwung Tong area as a grand prize for those who have been fully vaccinated, to win.
The total value of prizes from these different campaigns is said to be
valued at over HK$120 million
 according to controversial Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam.
The move has proven to be effective almost immediately, with a sharp increase in vaccine bookings last month. So far, only 15% of the country’s 7.5 million citizens have been vaccinated.


Honda Malaysia delivered over 1,300 units of the all-new HR-V in one month since launch

Despite the ongoing chip shortage issues, which had prompted Honda Malaysia to warn about a 12-month-long lead time for the
all-new Honda HR-V
, it seems that delivery for the highly-awaited model is still going strong. At a special delivery ceremony for the “first customer in Malaysia to own the All-New HR-V RS e:HEV”, the company announced that it has now delivered over 1,300 units of the B-segment SUV in the one month since its
official launch back in July
.
Honda Malaysia
 Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hironobu Yoshimura said, “The response we have received for the All-New HR-V has been overwhelming, and we believe this new model will be sensational once again as it did in the past. Today, we are excited to deliver the All-New HR-V to the first owner, Ms. Nurul Hafida.”
As the first customer, Nurul Hafida Binti Mhd Jais also received a special gift pack worth RM5,700, consisting of Honda authorized accessories, ultra glass body coating, Honda official merchandise, as well as a token of appreciation from Honda Malaysia to celebrate the milestone.
ALSO WATCH:
All-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things
“I did my research even before the official launch of the All-New HR-V in Malaysia. The exterior styling and looks caught my attention and that’s when I decided to book the model the moment it was opened for booking,” said Nurul Hafida, who was present at the event together with her family to receive the car.
“I have been anticipating the delivery of my new car. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that I was the first customer to receive the car. And what’s even more exciting is the additional surprise of receiving gifts from Honda! I am looking forward to taking my family out and about on my new ride,” she added.
Launched here in July, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is available in four variants, with prices starting at RM114,800 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the entry-level S variant, and topping off at RM140,800 for the range-topping RS variant that was delivered to Nurul Hafida in the ceremony.
Uniquely in Malaysia, the B-segment SUV is offered in three different powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill with
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
, a turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC engine with
181 hp
 and
240 Nm
, as well as the headlining 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain that delivers
131 hp
 and
253 Nm
 of torque, available solely on the range-topping RS variant.
For the full specifications breakdown of the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V, check out our detailed launch coverage here.


All-new 2022 Perodua Alza GearUp accessories – RM2.5k body kit for all variants

Alongside the launch of the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza (which you can
 check out in more details here
), the local carmaker has also unveiled a full range of GearUp accessories, ranging from exterior aesthetic upgrades to actual practical items, and even extra safety gear to go along with the brand-new seven-seater MPV.
The GearUp accessories can be specified when you place your order for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza, which allows for the cost of these items to be financed through your vehicle loan as well. All accessories have undergone strict quality testing, and will also come with a one-year warranty to ensure additional peace of mind for customers.
Starting with the looks, we have the new Prime bodykit at RM2,500, consisting of front and rear bumper lip extensions, alongside a more prominent roof spoiler at the back. The installation of the kit will require the drilling of a permanent hole, as well as an additional wire harness, the latter sold separately at RM75.
Moving inside, Perodua is also offering a set of Prime seat covers for all three rows of seats. Priced at RM1,000, the seat covers are made of easy-to-clean PVC material in a red and black two-tone colourway, and offers additional storage space thanks to the additional seat pockets behind the front seats.
The rest of the GearUp accessories for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza are not branded under the “Prime” name, but still includes a variety of aesthetic upgrade parts including door visors (RM160), illuminated door sill plates (RM300), interior floor lighting (RM250), and coil mats (RM200).
For the utility accessories, there’s the luggage tray (RM80), luggage mat (RM75), as well as a luggage organiser (RM37). Perodua is also offering a RM390 bundle of accessories as part of the Utility Package, consisting of the luggage tray, door visors, and coil mats.
For customers who are looking for a quieter ride, the local carmaker also offers under-bonnet insulation at RM80, and vibratile insulation at RM285 – the latter fitted behind the door trim for improved insulation.
As for the safety accessories, Perodua is offering a digital video recorder (or more commonly known as dashcam) at RM500, alongside wheel lock nuts (RM200), tyre pressure monitor (RM430), as well as a ISOFIX child seat at RM680, designed for children aged 0-12 years old (up to 36 kg).
But that’s not all, as Perodua’s comprehensive list of accessories also include items such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, 300-amp booster cable, magnetic phone houlder, smart tracker, and even a magnetic trap for the engine oil filter. The full list is available in the catalogue brochure below.
GALLERY


Meet the Audi e-Tron, all-electric SUV that can go from 0-100km/h in under 6s

Shortly after announcing that the all-electric
Audi e-Tron SUV goes into production
, the four-rings has presented its first battery-powered series production model here in San Francisco, USA. Sporty, practical and suitable for everyday use is the name of the game with the new Audi e-Tron.
Visually the e-Tron did not differ too far from a regular Audi SUV. Styling cues like the Singleframe grille (with active shutter grille), slim LED headlamps, bold hood lines and familiar silhouette shows that Audi wants the e-Tron to be seen as a mainstream model. The e-Tron also features a rear taillamp that extends the length of the tailgate similar to the ones on the
Q8
.

Sitting on the Group’s MLB modular electric platform for premium electric vehicles, the e-Tron measures 4,901 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width, 1,616 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,928 mm. Put the e-Tron on a weighing scale and you’ll read 2.49 tonnes –
700 kg
 comes from the 95 kWh battery pack alone. Despite its weight, engineers have harnessed the dark arts of aerodynamics to achieve extended driving range.
For starters, the standard specification e-Tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28 thanks to its active shutter grille, flat underbody and aerodynamically optimised 19-inch wheels. With the optional
virtual exterior mirror
 that uses a camera mounted on the slim housings that feeds a clear image of the side view to the high-contrast OLED displays by the door cards, brings the drag coefficient down to 0.27. The best result in the SUV segment.

 Audi integrates the screen into the door panels
Inside, the e-Tron gets the latest-generation Audi cabin styling with dual display screens that make up the centre console as well as an LCD instrument display. The gear selector is surprisingly conventionally shaped with your usual P, R, N, D/S layout. Only when you look closely you’ll find an e-Tron designation on the upper dashboard as well as the virtual exterior mirror displays on either side of the doors you’ll find that this is no ordinary Audi SUV.
Audi says the e-Tron can swallow up to
660 litres
 of cargo in the boot and with the rear seats folded down, that space extends to 1,725 litres. There is also a neat little 60-litre
frunk
to store away the vehicle tool kit and mobile charger cable. Other equipment on the e-Tron includes a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control with ionizer and aromatization as well as ventilated seats with massage function.

Driving the e-Tron SUV is a dual-electric motor set up, one on each axle to give a combined output of
265 kW
 (360 hp) and
561 Nm
 of torque. This allows the electric SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just
 6.6 seconds
 and the electric motors can deliver peak power consistently for 60 seconds or until the e-Tron hits its governed top speed of
200 km/h
.
Shifting the gear selector into S, the driver can active
Boost Mode
 which momentarily (8 seconds) raises the output of the electric motors to 300 kW (408 hp) and 664 Nm of torque. In this maximum output configuration, the e-Tron will complete the century sprint in
 5.7 seconds
.
As standard, the e-Tron SUV rides on air suspension that varies the ride height according to road conditions and speed to allow the SUV to trek rough terrains while maintaining the low centre of gravity for better stability and aerodynamics.
The e-Tron comes with 11 kW AC chargers as standard that can fully charge its 95-kWh battery in eight and a half hours when plugged into a 230-volt household outlet. From 2019 onwards, the e-Tron can be ordered with the connect charging system that doubles the charger power to 22 kW. On full charge, the e-Tron is estimated to cover up to
400 km
 of driving range based on the WLTP test cycle.
Prices for the Audi e-Tron starts from US$74,800 stretching up to US$86,700 for the limited Edition One model that adds an Antigua Blue exterior colour, virtual exterior mirrors, 21-inch forged wheels, Audi e-Tron Edition One puddle lights, orange brake callipers, sport seats and other goodies.
The global premiere of the all-electric e-Tron is a timely one as their arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz has also recently presented to the world their version of electric mobility in the form of the
EQC 400 SUV
. The future is slowly but surely moving towards a quieter albeit environmentally friendly one, but which side of the camp you sit? The four rings, three-pointed star or Tesla?
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi e-Tron Global Premiere in San Francisco

 Audi integrates the screen into the door panels

Audi e-Tron Edition One


Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Things You Need To Know

No, unlike the
F90 BMW M5 launched recently at the Sepang International Circuit
, we didn’t get to fire the GT2 RS’s cannons around our former F1 Grand Prix circuit with unlimited discretion.
That said, there’s still loads of cool stuff we’d like to share with you on the
fastest Porsche 911 ever built
 (probably the 10th time we’ve emphasised this) so here are things you need to know about the latest fire-breather to be unleashed from Zuffenhausen.
In summary, it’s a beast of a car. With
700 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six delivered exclusively to the
rear wheels
, it’ll take someone with courage, skill and more importantly wealth, to tame.
Why? Because you’d arrive at the 100 km/h mark in just 2.8 seconds from standstill and if you’re resilient with the upshifts on its PDK transmission, the GT2 RS will only tire out once it nudges 340 km/h.


GALLERY: BMW iX eDrive40 in Malaysia – now from RM361k without tax!

The
BMW iX was launched here in Malaysia
quite some time ago now – August 26th of last year, to be exact. However, since the car is fully imported from Germany in low quantities, there hasn’t really been a chance to check it out in person yet, until today.
BMW Malaysia, at their
NEXTGen Malaysia event
 today, brought out the trio of their latest electrified models for the media to put their grubby hands all over, so we took the opportunity to bring you a set of photos to show you what’s so special about their new electric flagship!
Right off the bat, we have to address the elephant in the room – the huge kidney grille in front. Accept it, we’re not moving away from this new shouty design, or at least not in the near future. So our only choice is to just accept it and move on – not that
I
 really had too much of a problem with it in the first place.
At least, BMW tries to make it a little bit more stylish here, with the gloss black acrylic cover taking on a triangular mesh design. It’s functional too – the advanced driver assistance features’ cameras and sensors are all hidden neatly behind the cover – something they like to call “shy tech”.
ALSO READ: BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV shown-off for the first time in Malaysia!
In terms of size, BMW says that it’s roughly similar to the X5 SUV, although with a height of the X6, and a larger wheelhouse size of the X7. Proportion wise, the A-pillars here have also been pushed slightly forward to give it a shorter bonnet and a larger passenger compartment, and as a result it does look a little more MPV than SUV in our opinion.
The unit that was shown off today was the xDrive40 Sport variant, which comes with the Sport Line bodykit, fancier-looking BMW LaserLight headlights, and larger 22-inch wheels.
Still not a fan of the exterior? Take a look inside, and I guarantee it’ll change your mind. The cabin is designed to look and feel like a lounge, and the dashboard architecture plus the new
 iDrive 8 infotainment curved display panel
 just makes the whole look work.
But the main highlight for us in the BMW iX’s cabin is without a doubt the crystal knob for the iDrive controller that comes together with the Sport package. The way it’s designed makes it look and function like a crystal puck just floating above real wood panel underneath it – flashy, clean, and futuristic all at the same time!
RELATED: Check out the iDrive 8 system in action here!
Other interior niceties include the electrochromic panoramic sunroof that turns opaque at a touch (literally) of a button, two USB-C ports behind every seat, and most importantly, the absolute tonne of space that’s exaggerated by the flat cabin floor – even in the front seats.
The BMW iX xDrive40 is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – alongside a 76.6 kWh battery. Total power output is rated at 326 hp and 630 Nm, and it’s able to drive up to 425 km (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge.
A higher-end xDrive50 model will also be offered in Malaysia, which will pack more performance and a larger battery – however it’s still currently not available on our shores just yet.
With the recently-announced tax exemption for EVs starting from this year as part of Budget 2022, the BMW iX xDrive40 now starts at
RM361,430
, on-the-road without insurance, which is RM58,200 lesser than when it was first announced here in Malaysia back in August last year.
And when you tick the Sport package box at checkout, the price goes up to just
RM407,430
 (+RM46k), or a whopping RM65,200 cheaper than before! A bargain, if you ask us, especially after seeing it in person today. All you have to do is get over its looks…
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Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan to be launched in September!

Mercedes-Benz will be launching its next full-sized electric vehicle (EV) at this year’s IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the brand’s answer to a sporty and comfortable electric executive sedan.
Similar to the larger
EQS
, the EQE will be based on the new dedicated Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture (MB.EA) platform.
Mercedes EQS
In the lone teaser image of the exterior, the general shape of the EQE shares many similarities with the large EQS, such as the ellipse-shaped window line and short boot lid, all for the purpose of slicing through the air as smoothly as possible for the best driving range.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to introduce new CKD models this year. Find out what we think they have planned here
.
The image of the interior meanwhile shows a dashboard that is also similar to the EQS with the Hyperscreen fully-digital setup. Apart from the Mercedes-Benz EQE debut, the company will also be unveiling the
first battery-electric luxury sedan from

Mercedes-AMG
 as well as a concept vehicle from Mercedes-Maybach.
There will also be
SUV variants
 of both the EQS and EQE models which will be unveiled at a later date. The IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich will open its doors to the public
from September 7th to 12th
 and is perhaps the largest global motor show to be held following last year’s postponement.
Remember the cute and tiny Smart cars from Mercedes? They are making a comeback…click here to find out more!
The traditional motor show format will also change with this edition of the IAA, with a stronger focus on mobility and interactions not just confined in a large exhibition hall but is extended to parks and squares, where the general public gather.


All street lights to use LED by September this year

The nationwide move, which will see a switch from the traditional light bulbs to LED units, is said to be able to save as much as 50% of energy.
The pilot project will go on for three months after the tender process for contractors is completed some time in June. The pilot project will take place in Ampang, the constituency of Housing and Local Government Minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin.
The
G63 AMG
 under the Putrajaya night lights.
Nationwide implementation of LED street lights is expected to take place, in stages, by September.
As of now,
The Star
 reported that 80% of streetlamps in Malaysia are using non-LED lighting but is said to still be more energy efficient than the traditional bulbs.
The ministry is also looking to have illuminated signage on shops and buildings changed to LED lighting as well.


BMW offers M Performance Parts for the new F90 BMW M5

As you may have already digested, the new
F90 BMW M5
 is a real hectic piece of machinery. With over 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque on the taps from its 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine, it takes a mere 3.4 seconds to propel to 100 km/h from standstill.
Now BMW has offered a range of M Performance aerodynamic components made from elaborately-handcrafted, lightweight carbon fibre. They include newly-designed front air scoops, side sill attachments, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre rear spoiler Pro and a rear diffuser.
Enhancements aren’t just limited to the visuals but also goes beyond skin deep. A new BMW M Performance coilover suspension has been developed with an even sportier setup with adjustable spring plates and red coil springs for visual enticement.
If those standard M compound brakes on the standard M5 aren’t enough for you, although unlikely, BMW now offers carbon ceramic brakes with sport disc pads for additional stopping power, improved brake response as well as higher thermal resistance.
Part of the offerings also include a new M Performance sports exhaust system, where the muffler is made from titanium with carbon fibre tailpipes. Unfortunately, they’re exclusive only to the USA and Canada.
Equipment wise, the M Performance Drive Analyser offered is derived from motorsports – an innovative tool for recording and evaluating all important vehicle dynamics data. All the driving data acquired, including use of accelerator and brakes, engine speed etc can be transferred to your smartphone via the M Performance Drive Analyser App – free to BMW customers.
If that’s not enough for you to bask on your exciting drive, the M Performance range also offers the Trackfix action camera holder which can be mounted in the towing lug either at the front or rear of the car. At the engine bay, the M Performance carbon fibre engine cover extension kit adds more visual zing to the physical forces of the V8 powerplant.
At the cockpit, the M Performance range offers a grippy steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, attached with a carbon fibre steering wheel cover. Shift paddles are also made of carbon fibre along with the gear lever cover. M Performance floor mats and M Performance LED logo projectors are other additions to the interior that exemplifies BMW’s motorsport design and functionality.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new McLaren 720S Spider lighter than the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider!

One year after the
McLaren 720S Coupe
 made its global debut, McLaren Automotive has pulled off the wraps to its convertible twin, the McLaren 720S Spider. Like its class-leading Coupe twin, the Spider version boasts some of the best in class numbers and innovations ensuring a convertible without compromise on dynamic agility and performance.
Let’s get the numbers out of the way, adopting a bespoke carbon fibre MonoCage II-S (S for Spider) monocoque and a new carbon fibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the 720S Spider tips the scale at
1,332 kg dry
, only a scant 49 kg more than the Coupe variant. This makes the McLaren the
lightest in class
, being 88 kg lesser than the 1,420 kg dry weight of its closest competitor, the
Ferrari 488 Spider
. On that note, the 720S Spider is also 48 kg lighter than the stripped out, track focused
488 Pista Spider
. Amazing.
The new MonoCage II-S monocoque and RHT have been designed to provide enhanced rollover protection and maintains high levels of chassis rigidity without the need for additional strengthening. Attention has been given to the glazed flying buttress to give a smoother airflow through the cabin, 12 per cent better over-the-shoulder visibility compared to the
650S Spider
 and maximum luggage space.
The Retractable Hard Top is a completely new design and comes with a one-piece, carbon fibre roof panel as standard. The folding mechanism is the fastest-operating convertible roof of any supercar – able to be lowered or raised in just
11 seconds
 – six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider– at rolling speeds of up to
50 km/h
. It also boasts improved refinement compared to its predecessors.

Should the passengers want some natural light into the cabin without being exposed to the elements, the optional carbon fibre-framed, glazed RHT features electrochromic function that can change its opacity from transparent or tinted at the touch of a button.
All these innovations come together to ensure that the 720S Spider will share the same key performance figures as the Coupe – 0 to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
, 0 to 200 km/h in
7.9 seconds
 (0.1 seconds slower) and a top speed of
341 km/h
 with the roof raised. With the roof lowered, top speed is also lowered to
325 km/h
.
The M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant continues to serve
720 hp
 and
770 Nm
 of torque that is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The active rear spoiler has also been tweaked to automatically adapt to closed- or open-roof driving for maximum aerodynamic performance.
As with the Coupe, the Spider variant also features familiar items such as rotating LCD instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen Central Infotainment Screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport seats and the option to customise every stitching and material with McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Options unique to the Spider variant include two new exterior colours – Belize Blue and Aztec Gold, as well as new 10 spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubbers.
Prices for the McLaren 720S Spider starts from £237,000 (RM1.25 mill) with customer deliveries to commence in March 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
McLaren 720S Spider


Volkswagen, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz named Top 3 best-selling brands in Europe 2022

Volkswagen, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz have emerged as the top 3 best-selling brands in Europe in the year 2022, according to JATO Dynamics. Volkswagen sold a total of 1,198,926 units, while Toyota and Mercedes-Benz shipped 766,227 and 647,880 units respectively.
Among the 50 brands survey in 30 markets, the top 11 brands sold more than 500,000 units last year. That said, the total sales volume in Europe last year, which amounted to 11,309,310 units, is 4.1% lower compared to 2021 and is the lowest figure recorded since 1985. The figure also represents a 29% drop compared to pre-pandemic 2019.
“The fallout of the pandemic, followed by the semi-conductor shortage throughout 2021 and 2022, was only compounded by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent energy price increases, impacting consumer confidence and spending,” said Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics.
As for the best-selling car in Europe last year, the
Peugeot 208
 has dethroned the
Volkswagen Golf
, the most popular vehicle in Europe since 2007. Second place went to the Dacia Sandero (200,550 units) while the
Volkswagen T-Roc
 (181,153 units) was the third best-selling car in Europe.
As for electric vehicles (EVs), the best-selling EV was the
Tesla Model Y
, which came in 13th on the overall chart with 138,128 units sold. Other notable performers include the
Hyundai Tucson
, which came in 8th as the best-selling C-segment SUV with 150,803 units sold. Chinese automakers that made the list include the likes of BYD, Hongqi, DR Automobiles and Geely-owned Lynk & Co.
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The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe can now seat five people for the first time ever

The
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door
 always had a polarising look, especially with those
retro-inspired launch-spec wheels
 – you either love them or hate them, no in-between. And that’s before factoring in the practical drawbacks due to its coupe-like silhouette and limited seating arrangement.
So for 2021, Mercedes-AMG set out to make the GT 4-Door a little more universally approachable, with more exterior styling options across the range, plus a new rear-bench seat for the first time ever on the model, bringing the total seating capacity up to five.
In terms of updates, this year’s “facelift” for the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is perhaps as mild as it gets. There are barely any changes to the exterior – in fact, Mercedes said it themselves in the press release that “the design of the six-cylinder versions remains unchanged”.
What you do get in this update, is a range of new extra-cost options that have now been moved down the line from previously being exclusive to the GT 63 model. These include a slightly spruced-up front bumper with additional gloss black and chrome trims, as well as the AMG Night Package II (dark chrome Panamericana grille and badgings) and Carbon Fibre Package.
There’s also a range of new colour options for this year’s GT 4-Door, including Starling Blue Metallic, Manufaktur Starling Blue Magno and Manufaktur Cashmere White Magno, plus a new Manufaktur Exclusive Edition for the GT 53 which wears a handsome shade of Rubellite Red metallic, equipped with the silver chrome exterior package, and trim-specific 21-inch AMG wheels.
On the inside, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door receives the latest AMG double-spoke steering wheel that we first saw on the
E 63
, which comes as standard with the AMG steering wheel dials.
The steering wheel can be optioned in either Nappa leather or Nappa with Dinamica suede, while the rest of the cabin’s upholstery options have also been expanded with a variety of new interior leather colour options like Sienna Brown, Classic Red, Yacht Blue, Deep White, and Neva Grey.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe was launched in Malaysia back in 2019. Here’s everything you need to know!
For an even more upmarket look, buyers can also splurge on the Exclusive Nappa Leather in Titanium Grey Pearl with yellow contrast stitching, or Exclusive Auburn Brown Nappa leather with black diamond stitching. And as we’ve mentioned above, buyers can now opt for a five-seater configuration with an optional rear bench.
As for the mechanical bits, the 43 and 53 variants of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is essentially unchanged on the performance front. Both models are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine; the GT 43 makes
367 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque, while the GT 53 gets
435 hp
and
520 Nm
 of torque.
Both mills are paired to an additional 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid system that provides an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm of boost during hard acceleration, and are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution as standard.
The updated V8 variants will only be unveiled at a later date, but the big news will be the introduction of the
 all-new GT 73e plug-in hybrid variant
 which supposedly packs a total system output of over 800 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
Powertrain aside, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door gains a revised AMG Ride Control+ suspension set up, featuring new adaptive dampers with dual pressure-limiting valves – one each for rebound and compression damping – which allows the damping force to be “adjusted even more precisely to different driving conditions and drive programs”.
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Lexus LM350 luxury MPV arrives in Malaysia – now open for booking, from RM1.15m

Ever looked at the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire twins and thought: “Hmm, perhaps I can use with a little bit more
suave
“? If you’re one of those people, well – today’s your day, because the
Lexus LM350 luxury MPV
 is now officially making its way into Malaysia, and it’s now open for booking.
The Lexus MPV will be available in our country in the LM350 form and a four-seater configuration, with prices starting at RM1.15 million a pop.
The LM is essentially a rebadged
Toyota Alphard
 of sorts, but given the customary Lexus premium touches. On the outside, the most visible change is obviously the large spindle grille on the front, flanked by 3-beam LED projector headlights featuring the iconic Lexus daytime-running lights design.
The Lexus LM also gets a whole swath of chrome trims to differentiate itself to the “lowly” Toyota Alphard, including a Z-shaped swoosh on the side windows, alongside 18-inch noise-reducing alloy rims finished in “hyper chrome metallic”.
But of course, the highlight of the Lexus LM350 is on the inside, particularly at the rear passenger compartment. With only four seats in total, the abundance of space is able to accommodate a pair of “VIP lounge seats” with generous legroom to spare, even when the seats are fully reclined.
The seats are filled with Adaptipedic cushioning for extra comfort, and even comes with an Ottoman massage function, alongside individual seat cooling and heating functions.
While you lie down, why not catch-up on your favourite movies and shows with the 26-inch full HD display, paired to a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system that is supposedly “opera-house clarity” grade.
Or perhaps, you might want to flip through your magazines stored on the fold-out magazine rack while you enjoy a perfectly-chilled flute of champagne thanks to the mini fridge. There’s also an electronically-operated glass partition between the front and rear passengers to ensure maximum privacy.
Up front for the driver, the dashboard has been revamped with Lexus’ own 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside the system’s own touchpad controller, but that’s pretty much it. For seats, the front driver and passenger gets a set of plush semi-aniline leather seats.
The driver will appreciate the inclusion of Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+), which includes features such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Under the hood of the Lexus LM 50 is a 3.5-litre quad cam V6, capable of generating
296 hp
 and
361 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. Most of the time though, you wouldn’t even notice, or require that power, as the LM is designed to cruise along sedately for the most opulent travelling experience.
As mentioned above, the luxury MPV is now available for booking at all six authorised Lexus Centres nationwide. The Lexus LM350 is available here in Malaysia in two different exterior colours: Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine, and is priced at
RM1,148,000
 on the road, without insurance.
Included in the price is a comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. The official Malaysian launch of the Lexus LM350 is scheduled for May next year, with first deliveries beginning a month later.


This is getting out of control – delivery rider going against traffic at peak hour

This is getting out of control. Yesterday evening when the AutoBuzz team was on the way to dinner at 1 Utama in a Nissan Serena test unit, we saw something that was just beyond our belief; beyond all realms of sensibility.
A delivery rider was seen riding across traffic on the inner lane leading up to the 1 Utama cross junction, during peak hour traffic. The incident happened at around 6:45 pm, as indicated on our dashcam recording.
As you’d expect, there were cars everywhere you looked at that hour and most were being driven by smartphones, and not with both hands on the steering wheel. Needless to say, not only does the mind-boggling act put the rider at risk of possible injuries or worse in the event of an accident, but it also puts other innocent motorists in harm’s way. It could’ve very easily turned very ugly.
While we’ve seen countless reports of vehicles going against traffic, this was a motorcycle with the rider completely exposed to all types of calamities. Whatever reason the rider had to resort to such a mindless act is beyond us, but it wouldn’t have been valid.
If we’re pointing fingers, it would be on those who are in the position of power. Mindlessness aside, the extent of such errant behaviour is a testament to the zero enforcement by authorities and more importantly, by the relevant companies these riders are attached to. It’s not even a lack of it, it’s zero.
Let’s hope this will be addressed under the new ‘Malaysia Madani’ (Civilised Malaysia) initiative announced by our new Prime Minister recently. This shouldn’t happen in a civilised world.


RON95 and diesel up by RM0.20 effective by midnight Oct 2nd, 2014

We’ve all seen this coming, as announced by the government earlier this year regarding a possible price hike for petrol.
Fuel prices for
RON95
 and
diesel
 will both be increased by
20 cents
 tonight at 12.01am, according to a report by
The Star
. New pricing for the RON95 is
RM2.30
 per litre, whereas the diesel will be priced at
RM2.20
 per litre.
The move was in line with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s subsidy rationalisation plan to ensure that the country’s finance remain strong. It’s also a move to curb fuel smuggling by irresponsible parties.
“Despite the increase, the Government will still need to spend more than
RM21bil
 on fuel RON95, diesel and LPG subsidies for this year. The Government will continue to implement the subsidy rationalisation in stages so as to not burden the lower income group.”
“We understand that fuel price increase will affect the economy and the people. Therefore, we will continue to provide incentives to the lower income group to alleviate their burden,” said the Ministry.
The current market price for RON95 is
RM2.58
 per litre while diesel is
RM2.52
 per litre.


Mercedes-Benz GLB 35: Empowering the Badminton Moms and Pops

You open your eyes instinctively and the clock is showing 7.05am. Mental alarm bells go off because the real alarm clock had failed to ring, and the kids need to be at school by 7.25pm – one of many nightmare scenarios parents who handle the chore of sending kids to school face each day.
Oval exhaust outlets flank the rear diffuser, nice touch.
No, you don’t really need an SUV with over 300 hp to get to school on time (a more reliable alarm clock would do), but you’ll want one anyway, because Moms and Pops need to catch some breaks too. The new GLB 35, when it does arrive here, will no doubt be a standout amongst the sea of MPVs hogging the school grounds with its angry
Panamericana grille
.
The first implementation of the Panamericana grille on a compact class model.
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 can execute
race starts
 and get from
idle to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds
 (top speed limited to 250 km/h), while
seating up to seven with its three-row configuration
. AMG cranked up the
M270 turbocharged four-cylinder engine
 to produce
306 hp and 400 Nm
, and mated it to an
8-speed dual-clutch transmission
 which sends drive to all four wheels via an
AMG-specified 4MATIC

all-wheel drive
 system; of which up to
50% of the torque
 can be sent to the rear wheels when required.
Depending on how late the parent may be running, he or she will have
five different drive modes
 and
two chassis settings
 to cater to the conditions, this is on top of a reworked chassis by the AMG division that sees
larger brakes, upgraded steering knuckles, control arms and suspension subframes
. We know, it’s overkill for school-related chores but one can’t never be too careful, just in case you run into a pesky
BMW X2 M35i
 or the odd Volkswagen Golf R.


TNB to help DHL install more charging stations for electric vehicles

Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) said it is ready to further support the country’s drive towards carbon neutrality. According to them, the transportation industry accounted for 21% of the country’s total CO2 emissions in 2016.
“We are very serious on the EV front,” said Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin, TNB’s chief strategy and ventures officer during an Energy Sector Roundtable Engagement meeting. TNB has already installed
73 charging stations
 at 31 locations last year in partnership with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre and ChargEV.
TNB Energy Services
ChargEV
TNB also iterated it is ready to work with any private-sector party that wants to transition to electric mobility, in line with the government’s low-carbon agenda. The company revealed it has signed an agreement with international logistics company
DHL Express
 recently to install charging stations along the latter’s key service route.
Shell and Porsche ensure your Porsche Taycan can be driven from Penang to Singapore without delays! More on their plans here!
The move is the first step in preparation for our local DHL to switch to electric vehicles in the near future.
Example of a Nissan Electric NV200 being used by DHL in Europe
The government is expected to announce a
national policy on electric vehicles this month
 with key highlights being tax reductions that could translate to 50% reduction in prices of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen made a mobile powerbank for EVs! The cute robots “crawls” to your car to charge up!
Apart from the vehicle itself, the new EV-focused policy will also make it more attractive to switch to EV via lower annual road tax, green parking scheme, installation of charging facility as well as toll rebates.

Currently, ChargEV is Malaysia’s largest public charging network with over 300 public charging facilities across the country. Interested owners are charged a subscription fee of RM240/year to have access to the charging points, with the electricity itself free.
Source:
FreeMalaysiaToday.com


New 911 GT3 RS laps Nurburgring 24 seconds faster than the previous model

Porsche has yet again taken to Nurburgring to stretch the legs of its new car, the
991.2 GT3 RS
, against its older sibling’s lap time – setting a significantly faster lap, with visuals to immortalise the feat.
And this video of the new GT3 RS lapping the 20.6 km track, with Porsche works driver Kevin Estre and Lars Kern, is just the cup of extra strength coffee you need for this gloomy Monday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65jW-FVAd2o&t=3s
The fastest time set in the GT3 RS was 6:56.4 – a
full 24 seconds faster
 than the best time achieved in the previous GT3 RS. This feat also made the 991.2 GT3 RS the third production Porsche sportscar with an official lap time
of less than seven minutes
 around the Nurburgring.
“The 911 GT3 RS is as close to racing as Porsche can get with a production sportscar; with countless innovative ideas transferred from the 911 GT3 R for example,” said Frank Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars.
He added, “
All four lap times of both drivers were below seven minutes
 and only tenths of a second apart. This proves not only the outstanding power of the GT3 RS but also its extraordinary driveability at the limit.”


Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe launched in Malaysia, priced from RM309k

In keeping up with the high, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) introduced yet another model to Malaysia, the
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
. This fully imported “Baby S-Class” is priced from RM308,888 and can be had in three trims – C 200 Coupe, C 250 Coupe and C300 Coupe.
Output and equipment levels are very much similar to that of the
locally assembled W205 C-Class
, and all three variants are powered by the same
 2.0-litre four-cylinder
 engine, albeit in differing states of tune.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe
Mercedes-Benz C 250 Coupe
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe
Engine
1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC
Transmission
7-speed automatic, 7G-Tronic Plus
Max Power
184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
245 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
300 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
370 Nm @ 1,300 – 4,000 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
7.3 seconds; 235 km/h
6.8 seconds; 250 km/h
6.0 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM308,888.00
RM333,888.00
RM388,888.00
EXTERIOR
On the outside, all the C-Class Coupes are given the AMG Line treatment, which means you get a sports grille, AMG front and rear bumpers (the latter with integrated body-coloured diffusers), welcoming lights, full LED headlamps and AMG wheels. The wheels on the C 200 are of the five-spoke design and measure at 18-inch, wrapped with 225/45 series tyres up front and 245/40 profiled rubbers at the back. Move one trim up and you’ll get 19-inch hoops (also a five-spoke design), but are shod with lower profile 225/40 and 255/35 tyres for the front and rear respectively.

Standard on both C 200 and C 250 are the twin exhaust system. For RM389k, the C 300 comes with extra toys such as Adaptive Highbeam Assist, powered panoramic sunroof, a more sonorous sports exhaust system and a multi-spoke 19-inch AMG wheels.
INTERIOR
The cabin is standard W205 issue, with the C 200 and C 250 both settling for the Audio 20 head unit with CD player. This supports Garmin GPS navigation, AM/FM radio and Bluetooth handsfree connectivity. All four seats (yes, this car accommodates just four) across the board are wrapped in leather and come with interior lighting package as standard. Other factory fitted items include push-start button, illuminated door sill panels, cruise control with speed limiter, electric parking brake, reverse camera (this pops out through the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the tailgate) and powered seats.

The range topper comes with Burmester surround sound system, COMAND online head unit that supports DVD playback, ARTICO leather dashboard, carbon fibre centre console, open pore ashwood trim (the cheaper duo get aluminium trimmings) and a
 fancy analogue clock
 just below the air conditioning vents.
PERFORMANCE
Underneath the hood of all three cars lies the same
M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
 that is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
All three are turbocharged
, but outputs range from 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque for the C 200; 211 hp and 350 Nm for the C 250 and 245 hp and 370 Nm of torque for the C 300. Drive is sent to the rear wheels only.
At the flick of a switch, drivers can change engine, throttle and transmission behaviour through Dynamic Select – a feature standard on all variants. There are five drive modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual.
WHAT ELSE?
With Mercedes-Benz’s Agility Financing package, the entry-level Mercedes-Benz Dream Car can be yours from just RM3,277 a month, assuming you paid a downpayment of 15 percent. Again, pricing starts from RM308,888 for the C 200, RM338,888 for the C 250 and RM388,888 for the C 300 Coupe. If this isn’t the car for you, let us tell you that the C 63 Coupe will be making its way here in the not-too-distant future.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz C 250 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe


Honda Malaysia to absorb 6% GST on selected models from 18-31 May 2018

Following the announcement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be zero-rated from 1 June 2018 by the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government, Honda Malaysia is taking the initiative to support its customers by absorbing the 6% GST for customers who purchased selected Honda models from 18 to 31 May 2018; before the zero-rated GST comes into effect.
Models that qualify for the
GST Bonus scheme
 include City (non-hybrid), Civic, HR-V and CR-V. Under this GST Bonus scheme, customers are also entitled to the on-going “Welcome Ramadhan Rewards” (cash bonus of RM 500 – RM 3,000 depending on model and variant).
Honda Malaysia will announce its new vehicle pricing like
Volkswagen
,
BMW and MINI
 in due course. We expect fully-imported models (
Civic Type R
 and
Odyssey
) to command the most drastic price change.
However, Tun Daim Zainuddin, head of the Malaysian Government’s Council of Eminent Persons have expressed that Sales and Services Tax (SST) will be reintroduced in place of the 0% GST in “two to three months’ time”.


Mitsubishi just previewed a roof-less PHEV concept car

The 2019 Tokyo motor show is just around the corner, and preparations by car makers are well underway. Ahead of the motor show, Mitsubishi has just announced the Mi-Tech Concept.
The Mi-Tech Concept is designed as a compact electrified SUV, featuring a new downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain. Instead of a traditional petrol-powered engine, Mitsubishi has introduced a smaller gas turbine engine-generator to fit in its petite body size.
Mitsubishi claims that the new PHEV drivetrain will allow both pure-electric and series hybrid driving modes, providing smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electric vehicles.
The Mi-Tech Concept will also feature a brand-new 4WD system, powered by quad electric motors. The new system utilises two motors each for both front and rear axles – rarely seen in electric cars these days, with dual-motor active yaw control. Mitsubishi promises optimum torque delivery to all four wheels with this new 4WD set up, delivering precise handling for both urban and off-road driving.
Mitsubishi’s latest advanced driver assistance and active safety systems will also make its appearance on the Mi-Tech Concept. Utilising augmented reality (AR) technology, the Mi-Tech Concept’s human machine interface (HMI) projects a variety of information detected via its optical sensors onto the windshield.
Based on the images provided by Mitsubishi, the Mi-Tech Concept appears to be without roof nor doors, therefore will probably not be anywhere near production ready. However, we are excited to see the new technologies make their way onto regular road-going cars soon!
Other than the compact SUV concept, Mitsubishi will also be showing off the Super Height K-Wagon Concept, as well as the new Engelberg Tourer electric SUV – which was hinted as a replacement for the Outlander PHEV – at the 2019 Motor Show.


Honda City reclaims title as best-selling B-segment sedan in Q1 ’22 – over 30k units sold since launch

Honda Malaysia has announced through its Facebook page that the
all-new City
 was the best-selling B-segment sedan in the country in the first quarter of 2022, besting the likes of the
Toyota Vios
,
Nissan Almera
, and even the
Persona
 from national carmaker Proton.
The company’s claim was based on its own internal data report, and although it did not provide any sales figures, Honda Malaysia said in a recent press event that the City has already sold
over 30,000 units
 since its launch in 2020  – averaging at more than 1,500 units per month, which also includes the period when production was stopped due to the
Covid-19 pandemic
.
For context, the Proton Persona moved 1,675 and 1,411 units in the months of February and March, placing them in second and third place respectively.
The Honda City has always been a favourite amongst Malaysians as it offers ample space and flexibility for daily usage, at the same time while packaging advanced technologies into a compact city car body style.
The latest-generation Honda City, launched here in Malaysia back in October 2022, is now offered in five variants in total thanks to the addition of a new
V Sensing variant
 late last year.
RELATED: 5 new features that sets the new Honda City apart from the old
Four of those (S, E, V, and V Sensing) are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine paired to a CVT transmission that pushes out
121 hp
 and
145 nm
. The range-topping RS variant meanwhile houses Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle naturally-aspirated engine paired to an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox for a total power output of
108 hp
 and
253 nm
.
Equipment list varies according to variants, but the main highlights include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, remote engine start, reverse camera, and cruise control – all of which are available from the S variant and up.
Safety-wise, the V Sensing and RS e:HEV variants come equipped with the full suite of the Honda Sensing advance driver assistance features. These include:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Keep Assist System
Road Departure System
Lane Departure Warning
Not a fan of sedans? Honda also now offers the City in a
hatchback
 form, with similar specifications and equipment in tandem with its sedan counterpart, but promises additional legroom and flexibility thanks to its signature Ultra seats.
RELATED: All-new Honda City hatchback vs Honda Jazz
 – What are you getting more (or less)?
Pricing for the Honda City sedan starts from
RM74,191
for the entry-level S variant, topping out at
RM90,212
(V Sensing) for the petrol-powered variants. The RS:eHEV variant, meanwhile, is priced at
RM105,950
.
The hatchback is priced slightly higher in comparison, starting at
RM75,670
for the S variant and tops out at
RM87,856
 for the petrol variants, while the RS e:HEV is priced at
RM107,783.
All prices stated are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of SST exemptions until the end of June 2022.


Throwback Thursday: Perodua Nautica – the unfortunate son [+ Video]

Demand for the SUV has gained unprecedented traction with manufacturers responding by churning out SUVs of various shapes and sizes to meet the immense demand. Our local players have jumped on this bandwagon as well; Proton is set to unveil its first SUV based on the
Geely Boyue
 with Perodua also looking to launch a new SUV.
While it seems that Perodua could be creating yet another winner, history will unfold a particular model that was best forgotten. That unfortunate son is the Perodua Nautica. Years before, Perodua had a successful compact SUV with the Kembara. Launched in 1998 and based on the Daihatsu Terios, the Kembara had a fantastic run in this country.
The Kembara’s affordability made it one of Malaysia’s top-selling SUVs for many years. A successor was needed and Perodua adopted a different strategy for its compact SUV.
For starters, Perodua dropped the Kembara nameplate in favour of the
Nautica
. Seen as a creative spin from the word “Nautical”, most believed that Perodua was charting into unfamiliar waters with this new SUV. Riding on the Myvi and Viva’s wave of success, Perodua was willing to take the gamble.
Instead of the usual local assembly approach, Perodua instead went ahead with
fully imported units from Japan
 (based on the second-generation short wheelbase Terios), a first for Perodua.
Only a handful of (mostly aesthetic) adjustments were made in what was essentially a rebadging exercise; with redesigned bumpers, steering wheel, and tweaks to the Perodua logo.
Powering this compact SUV was a
1.5-litre SZ-VE
 engine, which was good for
109 hp
 and
141 Nm
 of torque. Offered with a sole four-speed automatic transmission, it also came with permanent
all-wheel drive
.
The Perodua Nautica was launched in mid-2008 and Malaysians were taken aback, unfortunately for the wrong reason. Priced at
RM89,900
, it made the Nautica the most expensive car to wear the Perodua badge. To put things into perspective, the most expensive Perodua vehicle then did not breach the RM 60k mark, and for the same money, one could’ve purchased the less costly but larger, 7-seater  Toyota Rush. The Nautica’s “value for money proposition” was out the window.
Despite Perodua’s modest target sales of 200 units per month, it was widely regarded as a sales flop. If Wikipedia figures are anything to go by,
less than 500 units
 found new homes, making it one of Malaysia’s rarest cars on the road. Perodua gracefully swallowed that humble pie and (discreetly) discontinued the Nautica in 2009.
One could only wonder what could’ve been if the Nautica was launched a decade later at a time when buyers are flocking towards compact SUVs. That said, RM 90k still sounds like a lot of money for a Perodua but come think of it, this is also a time where the Honda City and BR-V (both priced rather similarly to the Nautica then) are sold by truckloads.
Regardless of how Perodua’s third attempt on its SUV will shape up, it would be hard to dismiss the painful lessons learnt from the Nautica.
[Image Source: Perodua]
IMAGE GALLERY


J.D. Power CSI 2018: Mitsubishi tops after-sales customer satisfaction

According to research and consulting provider J.D. Power, Mitsubishi vehicle owners in Malaysia are the most satisfied when it comes to after-sales customer service, based on the latest Customer Service Index (CSI) study which measures customer satisfaction with the servicing and vehicle-return process.
Among the eight automotive brands ranked in this year’s study, Mitsubishi led the field with an overall score of 814, with Mazda coming in second with 786, followed by Volkswagen and Nissan tied in third with scores of 776. Mitsubishi was ranked second (with Toyota first and Mazda third) in the 2017 and third in 2016 (Toyota first, Mazda second) – testament to the brand’s steadfast efforts to improve after-sales service.
“MMM is happy to be ranked highest for the CSI Mass Market Study conducted by J.D. Power 2018. This reflects MMM‘s commitment in providing a rewarding and positive customer’s experience from the first initiation of purchase to a satisfying after-sales service. This is an encouragement for us to aim to do better and to strive to maintain number one every year!” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
The results of the J.D. Power 2018 CSI study were based on responses obtained from 2,957 owners who took delivery of their new cars between March 2015 and July 2017 and serviced their vehicles at an authorised dealer or service centre between March 2017 and July 2018. The study was fielded from March through July 2018.
Source: J.D. Power
The study, now in its 16
th
 edition, measured overall satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited an authorised service centre for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership and is based on five factors (in order of importance): service quality (25%); vehicle pick-up (21%); service initiation (20%); service facility (17%); and service advisor (16%). Overall satisfaction for the industry averages 754 points.


Phase one of ‘total lockdown’ for 14 days, from June 1st 2021

The Malaysian government has just announced the nationwide implementation of Phase One- Full closure of the social and economic sectors or
‘full lockdown’
 for 14 days beginning
June 1st 2021
.
In a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, all sectors are not allowed to operate except
essential economic and service
 sectors that have been listed by the Majlis Keselamatan Negara (National Security Council).
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, “The decision was reached after taking into account the latest Covid-19 situation in Malaysia, with daily cases exceeding 8,000 and over 70,000 active cases.” Today marked a new high of 8,290 new cases, the fourth day in a row that Malaysia registered new daily records.
The government hopes this move will see the daily Covid-19 cases reduce significantly during the 14-day period, which then the government will progress to Phase Two and Phase Three. Additional information about Phase Two and Three is as follows:
Phase Two
– Reopening of certain economic sectors that do not involve large gatherings and able to adhere to social distancing. The duration planned is four weeks
Phase Three
– Similar to current MCO where social activities and gatherings are disallowed, limited attendance at workplaces and opening of almost all economic sectors with strict adherence to SOPs and physical distancing
The forward transition between phases is dependent on the risk assessment by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that takes the development of daily cases and hospital capacity into account.
The government is also pushing for the increase of vaccination in the coming weeks to achieve herd immunity in the country.


New Peugeot cars now come with free 5-year warranty and maintenance

Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB),
new distributors of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia
 from a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, has taken yet another step in improving the ownership experience of new Peugeot owners.
Starting from the 1st of June, all-new Peugeot vehicles sold in Malaysia will come with a 5-year warranty and free maintenance. This covers models such as the Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008.
The latest Peugeot 2008 now in Malaysia. For more pictures, check out our gallery
here
!
Labour, parts, and lubricants will all be covered in the free maintenance package provided to new Peugeot vehicle owners. The free maintenance package follows the newly approved maintenance schedule from the manufacturer.

For more information, you can email
Peugeot Customer Support
 or contact 03-7627 8818.
As of now, you can only get your hands on three models from Peugeot Malaysia. At the bottom of the list, we have the 2008 starting from RM 127k, followed by the 3008 from RM 162k, and finally, the 5008 from RM 177k.


These are 5 prototypes Porsche never got to put into production

Quirky or ugly, however you see it, these Porsche prototypes paved the way for those that made it to production and saw the light of day.
With most of us being unaware of their vague existence, Porsche’s new
Top 5 series
 sheds light on what could’ve been.
Judging from their designs and proportions, we’re really glad they weren’t put into production but were instead used to spawn much better looking machines.
Whether it’s the Porsche Boxster, the Cayenne or even the hybrid powerhouse, the 918 Spyder, check out the “initial designs” Porsche had in mind for them here. We’re just very grateful that Porsche decided against the idea of a convertible Cayenne.


As China’s leading car manufacturer and exporter, Chery now aims to conquer Europe

Chery has revealed design sketches of the first model from its all-new model line for global markets which although still bears the Chery nameplate, incorporates a new “Life in Motion”design philosophy. It will be due for its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
“The world premiere of our new compact SUV marks the start of our approach to European sales with a new model line. Launching within a few years, all models in the line-up will feature characteristic styling, user-focused technology, electrified powertrains and advanced safety features,” said Chery R&D Centre Shanghai, Executive Vice President, Ray Bierzynski.
The man behind Chery’s new “Life in Motion” design direction is Chief Designer, James Hope whose aim is to attract the young, urban and forward-thinking demographic with a preference for sophisticated, high quality products.
The new design direction is
inspired by nature
 with the incorporation of “hydrodynamic surfacing features” to convey the seamless flow of running water. It’s muscular proportions project confidence, bolstered by a sense of stability with its wide track and large wheels.
The brand’s unique face features full LED headlamps, a sharp chrome horizontal bar, complemented further by chrome trims on the front bumper, side skirts, window surrounds topped off with a neat rear light cluster design at the back.
Chery plans to start selling passenger cars in Europe
with a focus on SUV and crossovers
 after dominating the Chinese export market with over
1.2 million units sold
 overseas since it was founded in 1997.  As it cements its status as China’s leading vehicle exporter for 14 consecutive years, domestically, it is also the
first Chinese car manufacturer
 to surpass the six million mark in vehicle sales.
In 2016 alone, Chery sold over
 700,000 vehicles
, with a year-on-year rise of 28%. Of those figures, approximately 100,000 vehicles were exported, representing almost 30% of all Chinese vehicle exports.


Michelin is coming out with a tyre that can handle 300 mph (483 km/h)

The hypercar scene is all about bragging rights of who has the – fastest sprint time, loudest exhaust or highest top speed. Because why else would you spend millions on a car with two seats. Hypercars like the
Hennessey Venom F5
 was built for one absolute purpose, to be the first production car to hit over 483 km/h (300 mph).
The 1,600 hp hypercar wants to
humiliate
 other big players like the
Bugatti Chiron
 and
Koenigsegg Agera RS
 to claim the title of fastest car in the world. But there is one problem, the stickiest tyres out there are not ready to handle 300 mph.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Michelin said the real limiter to over 483 km/h is not engine horsepower because sticking
over 1,000 hp
 in a car can be done, often it boils down to downforce (wind resistance) and friction – the contact between the wheels and the road. If anything goes wrong with the tyre while attempting the high-speed run, the situation can turn fatal.
The challenge here is to mitigate heat, pressure and wear as the tyre will have to repeatedly withstand high speeds for up to minutes at a time because official record is awarded after taking the average speed of multiple runs. The current record holder, Koenigsegg Agera RS comes fitted with
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres
, the
same tyres it used to achieve 447 km/h or 278 mph
.
Michelin’s product manager for original equipment, Eric Schmedding said: “We are knocking on the door of 300 mph”. “It’s a big game, with fierce competition, and it’s very fast-moving,” he added.


Chery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70

With only a Facebook page being the official channel for the brand in Malaysia,
Chery
 has announced that it is currently working closely with local partners towards establishing a CKD plant here.
Example of a Chery Assembly plant (not in Malaysia)
As part of the brand’s revamp here in Malaysia, Chery is working on introducing the
Omoda 5
 and key models under the Tiggo Pro series in the short term. Besides that, Chery is also developing a new nationwide sales and after-sales network to serve Malaysian customers, with more details set to be announced in the near future.
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Chery has previously brought in vehicles like the Tiggo SUV, as well as the Eaststar Maxime MPVs.
RELATED:
Honda HR-V, Proton X50 rival Chery Omoda 5 SUV goes on sale in China – Malaysia next!
Chery Omoda 5
In the Tiggo Pro series are several models that could provide serious competition to existing Proton cars if priced correctly. The Tiggo 4 Pro and
Tiggo 7 Pro
 could directly compete with the
Proton X50
 and
Proton X70
 respectively. Also in the Tiggo Pro series is the Tiggo 8 Pro which could compete with the upcoming rumoured Proton X90.
RELATED:
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch – Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
While Chery makes its CKD plans for Malaysia, the brand is also making moves in our neighbouring country, Indonesia. Already invited to discuss on EV investment plans in Indonesia, Chery and Indonesia are in talks to build a production and manufacturing base in Indonesia for new energy vehicles, which will integrate research and development, manufacturing, and sales.
In a statement released by the Chinese carmaker, Chery International Executive Vice President Zhang Shengshan Mr Zhang reiterated the importance of the Southeast Asian market in the firm’s further globalisation plans, with Indonesia and Malaysia being the key regions – the former for having the largest economy and population in ASEAN.
RELATED:
Chery exported 35,818 cars in June 2022, the highest monthly exports in 21 years


The McLaren Speedtail looks out of this world in its final development outing

With the first customers expected to receive their hypercars as soon as February 2020 – the cars are being built now at Woking, this high-speed validation programme of the McLaren Speedtail at the proving grounds of
Kennedy Space Centre
 is as much a PR exercise as it is for the purpose of ‘testing’.
Nevertheless, the Speedtail’s appearance in Florida does offer another tasty preview of the
1,070hp hybrid hypercar
 out doing its thing, and by golly, the spiritual successor of the McLaren F1 looks simply spectacular and out of this world, as if it was conceived by alien technology.
The driver putting the Speedtail through its paces is human however, with chief tester Kenny Brack completing over 30 runs that hit
403 km/h
 (the McLaren’s maximum speed) in a prototype dubbed the
XP2
. The test also concludes the Speedtail’s dynamic development process held at different test venues around the globe, according to McLaren.
The 3-
seater Speedtail
 is catogorised as a
hyper-GT
 by McLaren and sits at the pinnacle of the Ultimate Series (for now), and is limited to a production run of 106 units. Power output is rated at
1,070 hp and 1,150Nm
, generated by a
4.0-litre twin turbo V8 with a parallel hybrid system
. McLaren has not revealed the 0-100 km/h time but expect it to be in the low 2.0-second region.
McLaren also claims that the Speedtail has the best power-to-weight ratio among automotive high voltage battery systems, and that the battery pack is either self-charged when driving, or
trickle charged
 when stationary via a
wireless charging pad
 which comes with the car. It has no physical charging port.


Mazda takes Jinba Ittai to a new level with these Mizuno shoes

Mazda has for years pride itself on building cars that encourages man and machine to act as one, based on the Jinba Ittai philosophy. It means a sense of
oneness between horse and rider
 and now, they’ve taken it to another level.
Together, Mazda and Mizuno have come together to deliver what they believe is the purest driving shoe out there. It’s made of a rubber sole with a mix of authentic and synthetic leather and priced at approx.
RM1,349
. Designed by Mazda’s designers, it will be available from March 2022 onwards.
When pressing a pedal…
When lifting off…
In the words of Mazda, the shoes were created
based on the concept of communication with the car
. For instance, the area around above the ankle is made of Mizuno’s “posture control technology” initially used for making swimsuits. The material helps support the leg’s movements between accelerating and braking maneuvers, with less strain on the muscles.
New Mazda 2 “Sunlit Citrus” in Japan injects C-segment luxury into a hatchback. Read about it here!
As with most driving shoes, their thin and hard soles may offer plenty of pedal feel but they only serve one purpose and can’t be used to walk 10,000 steps in.
Watch the new Honda Civic sedan vs the Mazda 3 & Toyota Corolla in a drag race!
To achieve the duality of a driving and walking shoe, Mizuno’s COB technology helps enhance pedal feel without compromising on cushioning. The surface of the inner sole is made of a
special uneven structure
 that can give more accurate feedback from the outer sole. This, Mazda says offers more feedback from the pedals.
Lastly, with round soles, the shoe supports smoother and more controlled pedal depression, while stabilising the heels when the feet is moving between the throttle and brake pedals.
Mazda even claimed to have learnt a thing or two from Mizuno on how to use leather and elastic materials from this collaboration with Mizuno.
Mazda still believes in combustion engines, unveils three electrified RWD platforms! Find out more here!
GALLERY


Audi confirms R8 successor will be fully electric, could come with a new name

The
Audi R8
 is perhaps one of the most recognisable sports cars in the world, perhaps thanks to its insistence of sticking to its own signature formula (even though there’s now a
RWD variant
). But as with most things in life, you can only hold on to your beliefs for so long before reality catches up to you – and for the R8, the reality is that the industry is moving towards electric power, and there’s no running from it any more.
In a recent interview, Audi Sport’s head of product marketing, Linda Kurz confirmed to
CNET
 that the ‘R’ brand will also be transitioning to all electric power, in line with the company’s overarching strategy moving forward.
Kurz said that Audi Sport’s “next challenge” will be to “transform the R segment” into a fully electric brand. “This is our job the next decade” she added. Although, to be clear, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be a next-generation R8.
Basically, whatever that’s in the pipeline to replace Audi Sport’s halo car (which is the R8 for now) is going to be a fully-electric model, whether it’s called an R8 or not.
RELATED: Ken Block joins Audi to work on new EVs
The electrification works will start happening pretty quickly, according to Kurz. Aside from the ‘R’-badged cars, models under the RS segment will also be leaning heavily into electrification, too. By 2026, 80% of the RS line-up will feature some sort of electrification, which also includes fully-electric RS models.
A recent report from
Auto Bild
 in Germany claims that the R8 will survive into a third-generation, and will ditch the current model’s naturally-aspirated V10 engine for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, similar to what’s currently used in the Lamborghini Urus and other VW Group models.
The report also claims that the third-generation Audi R8 could feature some form of hybridisation, and will deliver around the region of 700 hp. Even an electric version of the Audi R8 isn’t out of the question, apparently, which lines up with Kurz’ statement.
For now, the second-generation Audi R8 will soldier on with the sole “
V10 Performance
” variant on both rear-wheel drive and Quattro models, which stretches the output of both models up to
570 hp
 and
550 Nm
.


Research says Android Auto and Apple CarPlay more dangerous than alcohol

Our cars these days are filled to the brim with technology. Some of them, such as the active driver’s assistance systems, are designed to keep us safer on the roads. However, some of these technology features might actually make us worse drivers.
A new research by
 IAM Roadsmart
, a UK-based independent road-safety charity formed in 1956, shows that the use of in-car infotainment systems – specifically Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can impair driving to potentially dangerous levels.
The research – undertaken by
TRL
,
the FIA
 and
the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund
 – shows that the use of these infotainment systems can
increase reaction times by up to 57%
 during music selection via touch, and up to 30% during navigation when controlled via voice command.
For comparison, a person driving at the drink-driving limit will have their reaction times increased by approximately 12%. Texting while driving saw an increase of 35%, while hand-held phone calls increases reaction time by up to 46%.
The study also found that participants
looked away from the road for 11-13 seconds on average
to perform a task on these systems. Participants in the study also significantly underestimated their time looking away from the road by as much as five seconds.
With more and more cars being equipped with these modern infotainment features, it is a legitimate cause for concern on the topic of road safety. While it may provide convenience to the drivers, it might be a better idea to set up your navigation and music before getting onto the open roads.


Malaysia-bound Chery Omoda 5 scores full five stars in Euro NCAP safety rating

Europe’s vehicle safety assessment entity,
European New Car Accessment Programme (Euro NCAP)
, has just released its final list of cars it has tested for 2022. Among the list of 14 was the Malaysia-bound
Chery Omoda 5
, which scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP rating.
The Chery Omoda tested in the Euro NCAP results listed a left-hand drive Lux variant with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and 4X2 drivetrain, although the rating will be valid for both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive versions.
In terms of scores breakdown, the Chinese compact crossover scored 87% in adult occupant protection, 87% in child occupant protection, 68% in vulnerable road users’ protection, and 88% in terms of safety assist systems.

According to the report, the Chery Omoda 5 performed competently for occupant protection in most of the crash tests, with the best result coming from child occupant crash tests, scoring 23.7 points out of a total possible 24.
The lower vulnerable road users score, meanwhile, was primarily caused by some poor results for pedestrian protection recorded on the stiff windscreen pillars, and at the base of the windscreen. The test comments also noted that the bumper offered good protection to pedestrians’ legs, but protection of the pelvis was mostly poor.
READ MORE:
Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023
READ MORE:
All-new Honda HR-V Hybrid scores four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests
The test notes does mention that the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system on the Chery Omoda 5 does respond well in response to pedestrians and cyclists, with collisions avoided in most cases, which also helped bring the score of the safety assist systems tests to a fairly high 88%.
The lane support system has been noted to “gently correct” the vehicle’s path if it’s drifting out of lane, and also intervenes in some more critical situations. Meanwhile, the camera and digital mapping-based speed limit warning, as well as the in-car driver fatigue detection system, has gained the Omoda 5 some extra points.
Chery has recently previewed the Omoda 5 here in Malaysia, alongside a range of other SUVs from its Tiggo Pro line-up that are earmarked for launch in Malaysia. Here on our shores, the Omoda 5 will also be offered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making
154 hp
and
230 Nm
, alongside the 1.6-litre variant used in the Euro NCAP tests.
The Chery Omoda 5 will be part of Chery Malaysia’s “Phase One” product plan, alongside the
Tiggo 8 Pro
, however a concrete timeline has yet to be provided.
For more information on the Chery models that were previewed in Malaysia, check out our previous coverage here.
GALLERY


Gallery: BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia – first electric M-badged model, RM446k

The
BMW i4 M50
 has finally made its debut in Malaysia, a year after being
announced for our local market
. Displayed to the public for the first time at the
Malaysia Autoshow 2023
, BMW’s first electric M-badged model will join the line-up here in Malaysia alongside the
regular i4 eDrive40 variant
.
Pricing for the BMW i4 M50 starts at RM430,210 here in Malaysia, although that’ll only come with the standard two-year warranty. With the extended five-year warranty and service package, pricing goes up to
RM445,800
. Either way, the high voltage batteries are covered by an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
Despite wearing the revered M emblem, the BMW i4 M50 doesn’t look too different from its regular counterpart, with only a couple of extra touches setting it apart. These include the BMW M 50-year anniversary emblem (not pictured), the M badge on the front grille in place of the i logo, the BMW M wing mirrors, and extra blacked out touches all around, most notably on the rear diffusers with grey highlights.
The BMW i4 M50 also gets a set of 20-inch BMW Individual Style 862 aero alloy wheels, while an extra black strip on the rear spoiler ties up the exterior makeover.
ALSO READ:
2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 launched in Malaysia, RM286k – 440km range
Moving inside, the M treatment on the BMW i4 M50 adds carbon fibre trims on the dashboard and centre console, alongside the M Sport front seats, M tricolour seat belts, and M Anthracite headliners. The seats are wrapped in Vernasca leather, and there’s also an additional sliding glass roof, both of which are not available on the regular i4 eDrive30 variant.
Aside from these, though, the rest of the interior equipment is identical to the standard i4. Perched atop the dashboard is the BMW Curved Display panel consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running on the BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system.
Other interior equipment highlights also include the three-zone climate control system with rear blowers and controls, Qi wireless charger, hands-free powered tailgate, a 17-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, as well as the BMW IconicSounds Electric system that “recreates the sporty M engine sound”.
The BMW i4 M50 is powered by a twin-motor all-wheel-drive eDrive set-up, for a maximum total system output of
400 kW (544 hp)
 and
795 Nm
 of torque. Those figures are only available for 10 seconds at a time in Sports Boost mode, but it enables the M-badged variant to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just
3.9 seconds
 – nearly two seconds quicker than the regular eDrive40 variant. Top speed has also been increased from 190 km/h to
225 km/h
 on the i4 M50.
Powering the motors is the
83.9 kWh
 battery pack, giving the electric M model a driving range of
510 km
 in a single charge (WLTP). Charging takes eight hours and 15 minutes using the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or around 31 minutes from 10-80% using a 200 kW DC fast charger.
RELATED:
BMW iX xDrive50 Sport now available in Malaysia – more power at RM546,800
As for safety equipment, the BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia comes with the full Driving Assistant Professional package, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, lane centring and lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring and collision prevention.
The 360-degree surround view monitor is also standard equipment here, as part of the Parking Assistant Plus package, as is the adaptive high-beam and acoustic pedestrian warning features.
GALLERY


Porsche updates the 911 Carrera: Goodbye NA, hello turbocharging

This is one topic that will make Porsche purists sweat with derision. Porsche is generally regarded amongst loyalists as a marque that doesn’t just keep up with the times, but also one that doesn’t forget its origins. The look has yet to change since the mid 60s, yet despite the gradually progressive styling, it hasn’t hampered its recognition as the world’s best selling sports car.
In over half a century of the 911 moniker, the brand has insisted beyond all else that the layout be left untouched by time and design. Until now, the engine still hangs
over
 the
rear axle
. Porsche purists scoffed in contempt when, at the turn of the millennium, the German company decided that the traditionally
 air-cooled
 powerhouse would give way to
liquid cooling
. The
996
 thus represented one of the biggest changes to the denomination.
Turbocharging was first introduced in
1975
 with the
930
 model. Porsche had been developing this technology since the
early sixties
 and, in a bid to bow to
 FIA
 rulings in order to go
racing
, Porsche introduced the 930 model. Many moons have passed since that momentous decision, and the
Turbo
 badge was reserved for the higher performing models of the 911 range.
However, with changing winds of
 stringent environmental regulations
 blustering stronger by the day, Porsche had to comply. Engines are now
cleaner
, more
efficient
 and
frugal
 as a result. Displacement has taken a dive without sacrificing power. While some may say that Porsche hadn’t bothered with styling, they’ve spent their time
honing
 and
perfecting
 the
911
-trademarked
recipe
. Sounds all good and swell – on paper atleast.
With this ‘new’ 991 model, nothing much has changed in terms of looks, with the exception of a
couple
 of
new vents
 at both extremities in the
lower rear quadrant
 of the
bumper
 to channel hot air from the
intercoolers
. Other than that, all the changes are under the skin. Starting with the business end of a Porsche.
Traditionally, to extract more power from the engine, you need
 bigger displacement
, as is the case of the recently launched
GT3 RS
 with its
 4.0-litre
 flat-six engine.
Turbocharging
 effectively
reduces
 the displacement area needed for more power. The mill that sits in the new 911 is
3.0-litres
 in displacement. That being said, kerb weight of the all-aluminium block is also
lower
 than before.
In base
Carrera
 guise it churns out
370 hp
 while the
Carrera S
 flavour makes
420 hp
. In both cases, this represents a power boost of
20 hp
 over their predecessors, thanks in part to
modified turbine compressors
, a
trick exhaust
 system and
 tuned engine management
. Torque figures on both models have surged upwards with this new shift, with a maximum of
450 Nm
 and
500 Nm
 respectively, delivered constantly from
1,700 rpm
 up to
5,000 rpm
.
The 911 Carrera, together with the brand’s
PDK
 and
Sport Chrono Package
, sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in
4.2 seconds
. The hotter S variant breaks the magic three-second mark at
3.9 seconds
. Top speeds of both models have also increased further; the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of
295 km/h
 – an increase of 7 km/h, while the 911 Carrera S now reaches
307 km/h
, up by 5 km/h.
The new Carrera comes with a rotary “mode switch” selector (borrowed from the
918 Spyder
) that allows drivers to change driving modes on the fly, choosing between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. The
PASM
 (Porsche Active Suspension Management) chassis lowers the ride height by
10 mm
, is now a
standard feature
 of every Carrera model. It improves stability during
fast cornering
. At the same time, new dampers enhance
comfort
 thanks to the precise response characteristic as well as improving body control during spirited drives.
On the inside, nothing much has changed besides the new
Porsche Communication Management
 (PCM) system. The 7-inch display works just like a smartphone and supports Apple CarPlay as well. All the bells and whistles that you’d come to expect from Porsche is present here too.
As it stands, the new 911 is now on sale in the UK with deliveries slated for December. Prices start from
£76,412
 (RM505,578) for the base Carrera model and
£85,857
 (RM568,071) for the Carrera S guise.
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Brabus Rocket 900 is a Mercedes-AMG GT63S on steroids!

What do you do when the 639 hp, Nurburgring record-breaking
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+
 isn’t powerful enough for you? You build a rocket!
And that’s what Brabus has done. They’ve used larger turbos, a new stainless steel exhaust system and a carbon fibre air intake system among many, increased boost and the end result? You’re looking at
900 hp
 (where the car got its name) and over
1,250 Nm
 of torque…on a 4-door “coupe”!
Translate that into the real world and its performance is befitting of the “Rocket” name. 0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just
2.8 seconds
, before 200 km/h is reached in just 9.7 seconds. Leave your foot on the accelerator long enough and you’ll eventually see the needle pointing at 330 km/h.
The Rocket-ship look is credit to Brabus’ very own air suspension and wide body extensions made of carbon fibre and kevlar that widens the body of the GT 63 S by almost 8 cm! Completing the look are mixed size wheels – 21-inches in the front and a 22-inch pair at the back wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres all round. If you’re into exposed carbon fibre, those wheels will leave you gawking!
The most impressive aspect of all on the Rocket’s exterior is perhaps the air intakes by the front grille that lights up! If that doesn’t scream menacing to you, especially in the dark, nothing will.
The Rocket’s out-of-this-world theme is also continued inside; with all sorts of stitches, quilting, colours and trims to temporarily distract you of the performance its 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 is capable of.
Only 10 units
 of this ultra bonkers machine will ever be made and they’re priced at 435,000 Euros (approx. RM2.1 million) a pop. Well, no one ever said it’d be cheap to go to outer space!
GALLERY


Daihatsu Boon unveiled in Japan, Toyota Passo’s identical twin

Just after Toyota launched the
Passo
 model, Daihatsu joined the fray by debuting the Boon supermini model for the Japanese domestic market. Surely, the next generation
Perodua Myvi
 could take hints from this new Daihatsu Boon.

 Daihatsu Boon X variant

 Daihatsu Boon Cliq variant
Also known as the
Sirion
 in some markets in the world, the
Boon
 shares many similarities with the Passo. Offered in two variants, the entry level
X
 and the modern looking
Cliq
 which looks identical to the
Moda
 variant offered by Toyota.
It also shares the similar powertrain, lies underneath is a
1.0-litre 1KR-FE
 engine mated with a
continuously variable transmission (CVT)
. Needless to say, the Passo’s stunning fuel consumption of
28.0 km/L
 is also achievable in the Boon.

Daihatsu’s
Smart Assist II driver assistance system
is also included, meaning modern safety capabilities such as collision warning system for vehicles and pedestrians, brake assist function, and lane departure warning are available.
Pricing wise is more or less the same with the Passo, with the Boon starting at
1,150,200 yen
 (approx
RM41,350.00
 in today’s rates) to
1,853,280 yen
 (approx
RM65,800.00
).
Based on the previous two generations, Perodua’s interpretation of the Passo and Boon models will take off a year after its Japanese counterparts launched their models. Hence, a new Myvi should certainly coming to Malaysia in 2017.

IMAGE GALLERY

 Daihatsu Boon X variant

 Daihatsu Boon Cliq variant


Sime Darby Auto Selection unveils new multi-brand service centre in Glenmarie

Sime Darby Auto
S
election
 (SDAS), the conglomerate’s pre-owned and used car dealership arm, has opened the doors to its first multi-brand service centre in Glenmarie, Selangor.
Available as an alternative option to all owners of vehicles past their warranty period, SDAS says that the new multi-brand service centre will offer the same quality of service provided by brand-specific authorised service centres, at a price point competitive with independent workshops.
The new purpose-built
4,117 square feet
 facility houses a total of
six service bays
, filled with state-of-the-art equipment to support every car brand’s servicing needs. Each service bay is also manned by highly-trained and skilled technicians, providing consistent and high standards of service.
Aside from basic services such as engine oil replacement, tyre alignment and balancing, and air-conditioning and car disinfection service, the Sime Darby Auto Selection Service Centre also offers repairs, car washes, and vehicle inspections for vehicle of all marques.
The facility also houses a cosy customer lounge equipped with free WiFi, coffee and tea-making facilities, as well as complimentary snacks to ensure customers are comfortable while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced. For added convenience, the new SDAS Service Centre is also offering a pick-up and delivery service, which should come in handy during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as we should all be practising social-distancing measures.
“The opening of this new after-service facility is very timely to meet the changing demands of car owners, who are always on the lookout for alternatives after their car warranty expires,” said Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail & Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan.
“With this one-stop service centre, car owners and especially those with multiple car brands will enjoy the convenience of a one-stop service centre that offers high quality service, at an unrivalled price,” he added.
The Sime Darby Auto Selection Service Centre is located at
Lot 33, Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie, Shah Alam
. Operating hours are
9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday
, and
9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday
; the service centre is closed on Sunday.
To book a service, customers can fill up their details on the Sime Darby Auto Selection website
here
, and a service adviser will be in touch with them. For more information on the new service centre or to book a service, customers can also call
03-4065 2502
.


Proton recalls Exora, Preve and Suprima S due to faulty oil cooler hose

Proton has announced a nationwide recall of close to 100,000 units of CFE-powered models such as Exora, Preve and Suprima S mainly due to a faulty oil cooler hose. Apparently, the national carmaker is adamant on completing all repair works within a six-month period.
It’s understood that the oil cooler hose is prone to breakage after clocking 40,000km, and the main cause of this is the degradation of another hose within in, caused by poor heat tolerance. To put it simply, the hoses weren’t able to withstand the high heat generated by the engine.
In an effort to raise customer ownership experience, Proton will bear the repair costs in full (subjected to warranty, as we were told), and affected owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles to the nearest authorised service centres to get it rectified. For those not covered by the factory warranty, you will still be entitled for replacement, but this is subjected to your service interval.
The breakdown of the recall is as follow:
Proton Exora – 59,663 units
Proton Preve – 28,642 units
Proton Suprima S – 6,290 units


Xiaomi gets set to enter electric car business

Tech giants Xiaomi has acquired autonomous driving startup Deepmotion for USD70 million, with a bold plan to invest a further USD10 billion in the electric car industry over the next decade.
With the acquisition of Deepmotion, the company hopes to speed up
development for Level 4 autonomous driving technology
 quicker, allowing them to market their new product sooner. Xiaomi has since strengthened its team as well, hiring over 500 new engineers to kick start their project.
The company
announced earlier this year
 that it will be entering the electric car business through a wholly-owned subsidiary. It is one of the latest big Chinese tech companies to join the business following the likes of Baidu, Alibaba, and Didi.
The Sony Vision-S
More about it
here
.
The expansion beyond smartphones and gadgets into the automotive industry will be personally led by Xiaomi’s co-founder and CEO, Lei Jun, according to Chinese media reports.
Internal sentiments are extremely positive with Lei Jun claiming that the company is in the right financial position to endure the long and costly journey into vehicle manufacturing.
Xiaomi has also said that it’s been talking to several automakers but has
yet to name a partner
. Without one, it would be even more challenging when faced with specialised Chinese electric car companies like
Nio
,
Xpeng
and not to mention Tesla.
Xiaomi’s market share grew by over 80% between June 2020 and June 2021, after it shipped 52.8 million phones last year. It is currently the world’s second top-selling smartphone brand, behind Samsung but ahead of Apple.
Hyundai and Kia deny talks about developing the Apple car…read about it here!


Audi’s idea of an EV charging station is, of course, a first-class luxury lounge

As the entire automotive industry shift towards electrification, the need for proper charging infrastructures is also rapidly increasing. As a result, many carmakers themselves have jumped in to provide their own service, in order to sway customers into their camp.
Tesla has their Supercharger network, Volkswagen has the
ID charger
; heck, even traditional combustion fuel companies like Shell also
want a piece of the pie
. Audi, not wanting to be left behind, is also coming up with their own stations – and with them being a luxury carmaker, their charging station concept is quite predictably, a luxury affair.
The photos you’re looking at here depict Audi’s concept of a high-class charging hub, replete with a lounge not unlike those that you’ll see at airports for first-class passengers. While you wait for your EV to charge, the lounge lets you pass time while enjoying a range of snacks, drinks and other “non-food items”.
The six chargers at the hub – which you can reserve before arriving – will be capable of delivering
up to 300 kW
, which means it’ll be able to charge the
Audi e-tron GT
 (which maxes out at 270 kW) from 5-80% in roughly 23 minutes – perfect time for a coffee and some snacks.
Audi intends to power these station with what it calls “cubes”, which are basically
old batteries disassembled from used EVs
. Not only does it make the whole EV life cycle more sustainable, but also makes it significantly easier – both logistically and monetarily – to deploy these stations at more places, as there’s no need for complex infrastructures such as high-voltage lines and expensive transformers.
In total, a single charging station will be capable of storing
2.45 MWh of energy
, and only requires a standard 400V power source. The cubes can be charged overnight, while solar panels on the roof supplement it with additional green energy during the day.
Audi says that a pilot project will commence in the second half of the year somewhere in Germany, with talks with potential partners currently underway. The findings about day-to-day operations and customer acceptance from this pilot project will then decide if the company will further implement the concept.
While the building is clearly Audi branded, the carmaker says that owners of other EVs can also use the pilot station to charge up their cars – although, you won’t be able to make prior reservations, so it’s up to luck if any of the six bays are taken when you arrive. Also, you’d only have access to “parts of the lounge”, so you want the full first-class experience, perhaps it’s time to splash some cash on those four rings.