Review: Volvo S90 & V90 T6 R-Design, invokers of aspirations [+Video]

Like death and taxes, Volvo’s synonymity to safe mobility is one the same, known and revered the world over. But the paradox is that it’s both Volvo’s greatest success and crippling Achilles’ heel, because no one talks about Volvo cars and their performance unless they care enough to research.
Circa the turn of the century, the prideful Swedish brand launched the 850 R, one that came with a 2.3-litre turbocharged straight-five that’s good for 250 hp and 350 Nm of torque. As its cult status grew, Volvo saw the need for making unassumingly fast cars (otherwise known as sleeper cars or sleepers), yet uncompromising in all safety aspects. This went on for at least 15 more years and, through the magical touch of Li Shufu and his bounteous resources,
gave way to the ravishing duo we have here today
.
QUICK FACTS

Name
Volvo S90 T6 R-Design (AWD)
Volvo V90 T6 R-Design (AWD)
Engine
1,969cc; twincharged (turbo and supercharged) inline-4, DOHC
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Max Power
320 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
400 Nm @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
5.9 seconds; 250 km/h
6.1 seconds; 250 km/h
Price
RM453,888
RM458,888
Volvo, now backed by billions of Chinese dollars, went back to the drawing board to strategise, and first on the agenda is the pursuit of a substantially more dominant corporate face. The resulting endeavour brought forth first the XC90 with an astonishing new fascia, which quickly permeated its way throughout the 90-Series range
and beyond
.

The T6 R-Design pair here currently sit at the top of their respective range, and they’re fully imported though in very small quantities. According to Volvo Car Malaysia, it’s business as usual until the CKD versions come around. Fans and soon-to-be-fans of the Volvo brand now have a whole lot of reasons to be excited about.
Another big change besides the new face is engine choice. Volvo’s pledge to being environmentally friendly means they won’t revisit the idea of big bore engines, settling instead with the new VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) or Drive-E family of enforced four-cylinder engines. They’ve got big dreams too, with plans of
electrifying all models by 2019 and the launch of five all-electric vehicles by 2021
.
Much like its German rivals, the T5, T6 and T8 badges denote power, yet all three share the exact same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Goodbye glorious inline-five and sixers… moving on. The twin-charged T6 nestled under the duo is supercharged for low to mid-end pull and turbocharged for mid to high-end runs. Charged air is almost readily fed into the engine at any given time, providing a fat dollop of propulsion at the disposal of your right foot.
With 320 hp and 400 Nm on tap, the transverse engine zings free of hesitance, running short on steam only at the very end of the rev range. This is characteristic of forced induction, even the
new Civic Type R
 suffers the same. Nevertheless, the engine is specifically tuned for the purposes of day-to-day commute, with peak torque fizzing from 2,200 rpm through all four wheels.
Despite weighing dangerously close to the two-tonne mark, both the S90 and V90 feel unusually light on their feet. I mean that in a good way, because it’s easy to make a heavy car go fast (like all Bentleys), but to actually make them feel fast and nimble at the same time is a different feat altogether. Comparatively, the V90 is almost a full 300kg heavier than the
Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo AWD
 and just 60kg shy of the
Mercedes-Benz S400h L
.
Drive it hard and you’ll realise you can’t outrun physics. Body roll becomes apparent, but never enough to unsettle balance. There’s ample grip from the 255/40 R19 Continental ContiSportContact 5 tyres for some extra peace of mind, though the real difference between the two is in the way they’re sprung.

If your first guess is that the sedan drives better, then you’re right. It’s more firm footed in the bends and is much less busy from having to manage weight transfer. The V90 is just 43kg heavier, but it’s considerably taller at 1,475mm (+32mm). As compensation, Volvo revised the rear suspension geometry in favour of a more comfort oriented setup. The flip side is it rolls a fair bit more, but if I were to choose between the two, I’d choose the pliancy of the V90 any day. Plus it looks better, I think.
Few car designs have wowed as much as the new crops from Volvo. Three years on and the XC90 still feels like it hasn’t aged one bit, and the same can be said about the S90 and V90, no doubt. The Bursting Blue paint colour here is exclusive to the T6 R-Design and is accented with satin aluminium side mirror caps, 19-inch lightweight R-Design alloys, dual exhausts and a suitably

sporty grille. Nothing overly elaborate, just pure, tasteful elegance. Just pray you get used to the gawking eyes.
The cabin, when compared to all other cars in its segment and price point, is hugely minimalistic and devoid of clutter. Where some get enamoured by the audaciously blinged-out
dash of the W213 E-Class
, there’s an unobtrusive charm to the way modern Volvo cabins are designed. All controls are built into a singular instrument – the 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen display.

Everything from air-con, interior and exterior lighting, multimedia, GPS navigation, 360-degree camera and even the complete owner’s manual can be accessed through the screen. The instrument binnacle is also fully digitised with three preset themes that change the look of the metres. The part perforated leather-wrapped wheel is nicely contoured to fit the hands and gets embellished with an R-Design badge at the bottom. Only the buttons on the wheel feel tacky and cheap – elsewhere it’s all top-tier stuff.
Those carbon fibre trims are actual carbon fibre – all of it, not fake textured plastic as most would expect. The R-Design sports seats are different from the standard ones altogether, from construction to purposeful padding for the thighs and mid to lower back. It’s wrapped in perforated fine Nappa and Nubuck (which is Alcantara-like hide) as opposed to the regular leather from the T5. As far as sports seats go, this is one of the more comfortable and supportive types out there.

Among the two, the V90 is the only one that gets integrated child booster seats and is much more practical with 913 litres of boot space versus the sedan’s 500 litre volume. It also gets a full-sized powered panoramic sunroof, dwarfing the S90’s regular sized sunroof. All those niceties for just RM5,000 over the sedan? Now how ‘bout that?
As for safety, Volvo made their own Vision 2020 promise that nobody, no driver nor passenger will perish in a Volvo car. That’s ambitiously bold coming from the inventors of the seat belt, but it sets a mighty precedence for others to follow. As expected, the S and V90 T6 are generously equipped with safety features, such as having sensors and cameras to detect animals, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. When detected, the car will automatically slow down or come to a complete stop.
My favourite feature has to be Pilot Assist, now operable up to 130 km/h. It’s basically a self-driving system for intercity and intracity commutes, which navigates through corners so long as road markings remain legible. It still requires driver intervention, though it helps to know that six airbags come as standard across the board. Don’t complain, I’m sure six is enough, especially in a Volvo.
As it stands, Volvo seems to have gotten all things right this time around, dealing aces in areas they’ve been so sorely handicapped in years past. It has looks that rivet the eyes with enough pace and performance to stir anyone but the most avid driving enthusiast. I can’t think of a car more beseeching in its attempt to seduce, yet unwavering in upholding the Iron Mark ethos.
Welcome to the new age of Volvo Cars. Tell me, when was the last time you so aspired to own one?
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo S90 T6 R-Design

Volvo V90 T6 R-Design


RON 97 fuel sees big jump in price, up 10 sen to RM2.87 per litre

The Ministry of Finance has just announced the pricing for petrol for the next seven days. Shockingly, the price of RON 97 petrol sees a large jump of 10 sen per litre after tiny increments since late March 2021.
For the next seven days starting tomorrow (October 14th to 20th),
RON 97
 petrol will retail at a whopping
RM2.87
 per litre.
RON 95
 petrol and
Diesel
 continue to maintain at their respective price levels of RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, a figure that has been capped since late February this year.
The last time RON 97 was priced at the RM2.80 per litre range was between late April and early May 2019. Meanwhile, the largest jump for RON 97 petrol was 19 sen, moving from RM2.47 to RM2.66 in the middle of June 2018.
In the weekly press statement by the Ministry, the government said it will continue to monitor the price of crude oil globally, capping the price of RON 95 and diesel plus taking steps to maintain the welfare and well-being of the people.
Source: Twitter/
MOFMalaysia


Someone converted the Suzuki Jimny to look like a Mercedes G-Wagen!

Most of you would not have heard of them, but DAMD – a Japanese body kit manufacturer – has been around since the 1980s with their most prominent work featured on the gold Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driven by Paul Walker in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
While they’ve even got body kits to convert a GT 86/BRZ to look like the Lexus LFA, this is by far their most audacious work – mimicking the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Land Rover Defender, through
the new Suzuki Jimny
.
With the “Defender”, noticeable changes include a new headlamp design, new front grille, new front and rear bumpers and even a “bulkier” front bonnet.
As for the “G-Wagen”, it’s almost impossible to tell the car apart from the real deal but upon closer look you’d see why – the attention to detail is second to none. Like the “Defender” it also gets a new headlamps housing, grille design similar to the
GLA 45
,
E63 S
 and the newly updated
 C43 AMG 4MATIC
.
There isn’t any priced indication on the body kit yet but it’s said to be available from 2019 onwards.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW starts production of iX1 – EQA, XC40 rival with 440 km range

Unveiled in June 2022, the
BMW iX1
 has now commenced production in Regensburg in a single flexible production line that also makes internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). With the beginning of the iX1’s production, all
BMW
German plants can now produce electric cars.
Announcing the company’s next milestone, BMW AG member of the Board of Management, Milan Nedeljković said, “We are delivering the goods. By 2024, at least one in three BMWs coming out of our Bavarian plants will be an electric car.”
Going against other small EVs like the
Mercedes-Benz EQA
 and
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
, the BMW iX1 is only available as the iX1 xDrive30. Powered by two electric motors, the iX1 has a maximum system output of
313 hp
 (metric) and
494 Nm
. Power is sent to all wheels and the iX1 does the century sprint in
5.6 seconds
.
Housing a 64.7-kWh battery pack, the BMW iX1 has a
440 km
 range (WLTP). This is more than the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric’s 418 km range (WLTP) from its 78-kWh battery and the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250’s 429 km range (WLTP) from its 66.5-kWh battery.
RELATED:
All-new 2022 BMW X1 unveiled with wildly good looks, 272 hp fully-electric iX1 variant
As for charging, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 can handle
11-kW
 AC charging which charges the car from 0 to 100% in
6.5 hours
. It is also capable of
130-kW
 DC Fast Charging (DCFC) that charges the car from 10% to 80% in
29 minutes
.
The Regensburg plant’s flexible production line (producing EV, PHEV, and ICE cars) is not its only highlight. It is also the pilot for BMW’s “iFactory”, meaning the factory has been digitally mapped and has a digital twin to enable efficient planning of future plant structures and production facilities. The plant also employs artificial intelligence in the paint shop and for quality inspection.
ALSO WATCH:
 Fully-electric BMW iX3 SUV from RM298k, 5 Things
To minimise its carbon footprint, BMW has also ensured short distances between component and vehicle production. By the end of 2022, the BMW Group will have invested a total of more than 1.6 billion euros in electric component production at its German locations in Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg. More than 3,300 employees currently work in BMW Group electric component production at those sites.
Currently in BMW’s all-electric lineup in Malaysia is the
BMW iX3
, the
BMW i4
, and the

BMW iX
. With the start of production of the BMW iX1, you can expect it to soon join the brand’s Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) lineup.


2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia – 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k

At long last, the much-awaited
2023 Toyota GR86
has now officially made its debut in Malaysia. The rear-wheel drive, back to basics sports car will be offered in one variant but with two different transmission options, priced from
RM295,000
 on-the-road, without insurance.
On the mention of insurance, if you are looking to renew your motor insurance, be sure to check out
www.motortakaful.com

by Etiqa. By renewing online, you will be able to enjoy a 10% rebate on your insurance premium.
The Toyota GR86 is the sister car to the
 Subaru BRZ
 that is
also now available in Malaysia
. However, there are several differences to set the models apart, including a unique front bumper and radiator grille design, a slightly different daytime-running light signature, and even some mechanical changes underneath the sheet metal, which affects the way the car drives – more on this later.
For equipment, the 2023 Toyota GR86 comes equipped with LED exterior lighting as standard, alongside 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, and dual exhaust tailpipes at the rear.
ALSO READ:
2022 Subaru BRZ price up by RM20k in Malaysia for both manual and automatic variants
Underneath the 2023 Toyota GR86’s long bonnet is a 2.4-litre FA24 naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, up from 2.0-litre from before, now making
237 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels only, and here in Malaysia, you’ll get to choose between either a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, or a six-speed automatic gearbox with gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel.
The performance figures translate to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
6.3 seconds
, or roughly one second faster than its predecessor. And to maximise handling capability, the GR86 also comes with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
As for the aforementioned mechanical differences, Toyota has given the GR86 some special touches (over the BRZ) on its suspension, sway bar, chassis strengthening, and steering set-ups to give the two-door coupe sharper agility. This was reportedly the cause of its delay globally, as Toyota President Akio Toyoda thought it
felt too much like the Subaru counterpart
.
According to reports, this has helped the Toyota GR86
 feel more playful than the BRZ
 – but we’ll have to try it for ourselves.
READ MORE:
 Toyota, Subaru celebrate 10 years of Hachiroku with limited-edition GR86 and BRZ models
Inside, the driver cockpit of the 2023 Toyota GR86 sticks true to its signature modus operandi, with a minimalist and driver-focused cabin design.
Highlights here include a meaty leather-wrapped steering wheel with GR branding, a seven-inch multi-info display with unique boxer-inspired animations, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, as well as leather and suede combination upholstery with red accents all around the cabin.
For weight saving, however, the seats only feature manual adjustments – six-way adjustability for the driver.
If your car doesn’t come with this weird knob, you bought the wrong car.
The 2023 Toyota GR86, specifically on the automatic variant, will come with the full range of advanced safety assistance systems as standard here in Malaysia, with features including autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, alongside seven airbags.
Pricing for the all-new 2023 Toyota GR86 in Malaysia starts from
RM295,000
 for the six-speed manual option, rising up to
 RM305,000
 for the automatic car. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty as standard. Buyers can choose from four exterior colour options: Ignition Red, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Magnetic Gray Metallic.
GALLERY


All-new Audi A3 models launched in Singapore with choice of sedan or Sportback

Audi Singapore has recently launched the all-new Audi A3 models in the island republic, making it the first market to offer in ASEAN. It’s the first time that both Sedan and Sportback bodystyles are simultaneously offered.
Styling of the compact A3 range follows suit from the new models such as
Audi A7
 and the
Audi Q3
. Up front, the all-new A3 gains a wider Singleframe grille along with large sporty air inlets on both sides. Flanking the grille is the standard LED headlights, with the option of a Matrix technology consisting of a pixel array made up of 15 individual LED to create special light signatures for the Audi A3.
Behind the large Singleframe grille lies the active shutter which controls the cooling system’s airflow requirement, ultimately benefitting in overall fuel consumption with a reduction in aerodynamic drag. A Cd value of 0.25 and 0.29, sedan and Sportback respectively, are achieved thanks to many other measures including the smooth side mirrors and an integrated boot lip spoiler.
Both the new
A3 sedan
 and Sportback feature a large shoulder line from the headlights to the rear lights, while the surface right below it is curved inward, a signature of Audi’s latest design element to put a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches. The wheel size is 8.0J x 17 inches and wrapped with tyres measuring 225/45R17.
Being 15 cm longer, the Audi A3 sedan offers boot space of 425 litres, while the
A3 Sportback
 begins at 380 litres and up to 1,200 litres with the seats folded down. The Sportback also comes equipped with a clever luggage floor that alters the depth for different storage requirements.
The cabin of the A3 is entirely focused on the driver. This begins with the interior design and ends with the display and control elements, all intuitive to operate. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the centre of the instrument panel, and also inclined slightly towards the driver.
The styling in here is certainly more modern compared to the larger
Audi A5 Sportback
, which originates from the A4 sedan launched in 2016.
As standard, it includes handwriting detection as well as natural language control that draws on the capabilities of the cloud. The new Audi A3 is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Audi Connect telematics services.
The
Audi virtual cockpit plus
 instrument cluster measures
12.3 inches
 and offers three different views, including sporty graphics with inclined digits and a particularly dynamic layout. Power adjustable seats are standard and are upholstered with a leather/leatherette combination.
However, for customers who are inclined to use more sustainable materials, Audi is offering the option of seat coverings made from
recycled plastic bottles
. All in all, up to
45
 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in 1.5-litre size are used per seating system. On top of this, an additional 62 bottles are recycled for the carpet in the new Audi A3.
Under the hood of both bodystyles is Audi’s latest petrol engine with mild-hybrid electrification. First up is the engine, a new
1.5-litre
 turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering outputs of
150 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque from a low engine revolution of 1,500 to 3,500 rpm.
Next is the electrification portion. The powertrain uses a
48-volt mild-hybrid
system with a belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system and compact lithium-ion battery. It recovers energy during deceleration, supports the engine with up to
12hp
 and
50 Nm
 of torque when driving off and accelerating from low engine speeds, similar to having a short burst of electric boost from the BAS module.
Both Audi A3 bodystyles completes the benchmark century sprint in
8.4 seconds
 when paired with the
7-speed S tronic
 dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.
This setup also allows the A3 to coast with the engine switched off (
free-wheeling
) in many feet-off-accelerator situations such as approaching a toll booth or just as the traffic lights change from yellow to red. In everyday driving, it reduces consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
With the Audi drive select, driver’s can alter the characteristics of the throttle response, S tronic transmission and the steering response. Audi pre sense, the company’s ADAS suite, is meanwhile an optional package, but lane departure warning and reversing camera are included as standard in the retail pricing.
The all-new Audi A3 Sedan is priced at
SGD166,140
 while the A3 Sportback carries a SGD1,750 premium over the Sedan model.
At this performance level, Audi is offering better value than the Mercedes-Benz A200 (163 hp) priced at SGD197k, the BMW 116i (109 hp) at SGD159k and the MINI Cooper 5-door (136 hp) at SGD165k.
Manufactured at Audi Ingolstadt, the all-new Audi A3 has made quite an impact in Germany, winning the “Autonis” design competition by Auto, Motor und Sport magazine and the Auto Trophy 2020 voting held by Auto Zeitung.
Adding to the trophy collection is the more prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel” award last year in the compact car category, its
fourth
 after winning the category in 1996, 2012 and 2013.

GALLERY
Audi A3 Sedan
Audi A3 Sportback


Subaru BRZ tS debuts as brand’s first manual model with EyeSight ADAS suite

The United States (US)
Subaru BRZ
 lineup has just welcomed a new variant. Known as the Subaru BRZ tS, it is the new top-of-the-line model of the BRZ family in the US.
Freshly debuted at Subiefest California, the Subaru BRZ tS features tS badges in its front grille, as well as its rear decklid. Its side view mirrors and roof-mounted shark fin antenna are also finished in the Crystal Black Silica colour. Fitted onto the BRZ tS are a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
Underpinning the sports car is a new suspension setup tuned by STI, alongside STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers. The Subaru BRZ tS is equipped with a Brembo braking system, which features gold-painted 4-piston callipers at the front and 2-piston rear callipers at the back, together with larger pads and rotors.
Powering the Subaru BRZ tS is the same 2.4-litre Boxer engine as other second-generation BRZs, and is paired with a good-old 6-speed manual transmission. With power sent to the rear wheels only, together with Torsen limited-slip differential, its total output is rated at
228 hp
 and
184 lb-ft
 (
249 Nm
).
RELATED:
Subaru is bringing STI back to the Impreza – but with a catch
Inside, the Subaru BRZ gets black upholstery, alongside exclusive tS contrasting blue stitchings. The blue stitchings can be found on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake boot.
The front seats are also fitted with height-adjustable head restraints that feature a blue leather accent down the middle. Just in case the stitchings aren’t sporty enough, both the red starter button and the 7-inch digital instrument cluster feature the STI logo too.
Safety-wise, the Subaru BRZ tS is the first
Subaru
 model with a manual transmission to be equipped with the brand’s EyeSight ADAS suite. This includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Subaru of America has also mentioned that all 2024 Subaru BRZ models equipped with a manual transmission will also include EyeSight as standard.
The Subaru BRZ tS will be available across US Subaru retailers starting in the first quarter of 2024. Prices will also be announced at a later date.
Closer to home, the Subaru BRZ is available from
RM229,245
 (on-the-road, without insurance) onwards for the manual variant. The automatic variant, on the other hand, is available from
RM239,245
 onwards. However, only the automatic variant gets the EyeSight ADAS suite.
RELATED:
2023 Subaru Forester facelift launched in Malaysia, 4 variants, same 2.0L Boxer – from RM174k
GALLERY


Maserati and Godfather of Japanese street culture creates special edition Ghibli

Maserati and Hiroshi Fujiawara, known as the Godfather of Japanese street culture, has come together to create a pair of special edition Maserati Ghibli called the
Operanera and Operabianca
. Only 175 units will be made.
The partnership is the result of Maserati Fuoriserie’s comprehensive customisation program, which allows customers to create a Maserati that’s tailored to their unique individual tastes.
Pioneer of the streetwear culture of Tokyo in the 1980s, Fujiwara was one of the first DJs to import hip hop into the Land of the Rising Sun, and as a producer and musician, he has worked with international recording stars. Fujiwara is also the owner of the streetwear brand, Fragment, as seen on the badges of the special edition cars.
Check out Maserati’s recent collaboration with a Chinese celebrity, with a funny name!
Hiroshi Fujiawara.
Dubbed as a song on wheels, the Operanera and Operabianca is based on the Ghibli (Granlusso variant) and are available in two distinctive looks – one in gloss/opaque black and another in gloss white and opaque black.
“The cars are more than just objects; they’re tailor-made garments, to be proudly worn on the road and along the streets of the world as an extension of oneself, and a symbol of contemporary luxury,” Maserati said.
Black is applied generously throughout the car has part of the theme of the project, while the interior gets a dose of colour through the blue seat belts. The upholstery consists of leather and Alcantara, with Maserati’s Trident logo on the head rests.
Find out more about the Maserati Ghibli range here!
Fragment’s badges can be seen on the grille and on the C-pillar while the wheel arches are occupied 20-inch items painted in Urano matte black.
Lastly, the code M157110519FRG is plastered under the air vents, by the front fenders. The first four characters in the alphanumeric combination represent the ID code of the Ghibli while the last six numbers represent the date of the first meeting (5th November 2019) between Fujiwara and Maserati. The final three letters are the acronyms of Fragment.
GALLERY


The all-new 11th-gen Honda Accord looks so dull, it might as well have been designed by AI

When Honda gave us the first teasers of the all-new 11th-generation Accord, everyone online –
including us
 – gushed about its appearance. But much like how a face mask might make someone look better, the shadowy photos too, perhaps slightly disingenuously, helped hide the car’s boring looks. We’re sorry.
That’s because the teasers already showed off the most interesting bits about the car’s design. The front fascia, with the
CR-V-inspired
 slim inset headlights flanking the hexagonal grille, is perhaps the most attractive design element on the entire exterior styling. And at the back, the full-width LED tail lights’ multi-layered design is… well, at least something that’ll catch your attention.
Everything else on the 11th-gen Accord is almost completely devoid of any defining character. The bumpers are as generic as they come, and the rest of the body panels don’t fare any better. To us, it’s probably not too far from what an AI would’ve come up with if it was asked to draw a “car”, but we’ll let you be the judge.
It’s fortunately a lot more palatable on the inside, with an overall dashboard design similar to what we’ve seen on the
 all-new Civic
. A mesh panel dominates the entire width, hiding the air vents for the climate control system, while sitting atop the dashboard is a brand-new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Google apps and services built in. The screen is the biggest ever fitted onto a Honda vehicle, by the way.
Looking closer, however, and you’d pick up on some of the similarities to the outgoing model: the climate control panel, window switches, and centre console seems to be inherited from the
10th-gen model
, save for some mild cosmetic changes.
That’s because despite it being called an “all-new” model, the 2022 11th-generation Honda Accord is actually built upon the same underpinnings as the 10th-generation model. Looks wise, they even share roughly the same silhouette and dimensions on the outside, save for its slightly longer overall length (width, height and wheelbase are unchanged).
Still, Honda says that they’ve added extra braces and supports to help improve its ride, handling, and overall refinement, while the suspension has also been retuned to make the Accord more “fun to drive”.
ALSO READ:
Honda Accord vs Volkswagen Passat – Is it time to go continental?
In terms of powertrain, the all-new Honda Accord in the US will be offered with either a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four and CVT combo with
192 hp
 and
260 Nm
, or an e:HEV hybrid 2.0-litre inline-four (Atkinson Cycle) that makes
204 hp
 and
335 Nm
. Both powertrains send drive to the front wheels.
While the all-new model is due to go on sale in North America soon, don’t expect it to make its way over to the rest of the world anytime soon, or at all. Previous reports suggest that the all-new model will remain a US exclusive for now, and even if it does make it to Asia, they’re usually staggered by about 12 to 18 months, as the 10th-gen model demonstrated.
If the 11th-generation model does indeed follow the same timeline, expect to see the all-new Honda Accord to be in our showrooms sometime in 2024.


Review: 2017 Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 165, finally getting it right

In October, Peugeot unveiled not one but two SUVs at the Paris Motor Show, the
3008
 and the seven-seater 5008. Succumbing to the demand of SUVs worldwide, both the 3008 and 5008 have transformed into a pair of much rugged looking vehicles, thus officially making their “double-zero” products an all-SUV range from now on. For the European market, the 5008 will not go on sale until spring 2017 but the 3008 goes on sale this month, and we flew to Bologna, Italy just to sample the all-new C-segment SUV.
Four turbocharged engine options are available at launch; two
four-cylinder BlueHDi diesel
 mills displacing
1.6-litre
 and
2.0-litre
, a
three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol
, and a
1.6-litre four-cylinder THP petrol
. Official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia,
Nasim Sdn Bhd
, has confirmed that the variant
debuting in Malaysia in Q2 2017
 will be the
1.6-litre THP
. So what does the new 3008 have to offer to those who are eyeing for a mid-size SUV?
QUICK FACTS
Name
Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 165
Engine
1,598cc; turbocharged inline-4
Transmission
6-speed Automatic
Max Power
165 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
TBA
EXTERIOR
Well, for one, it’s a looker. You’re not looking at a concept car here, this is how the production model looks like in all its glory. These photos taken in Bologna is exactly what the actual car will look like, and believe us it looks even better in the flesh. The new 3008 has traded its soft curves for a more angular silhouette, and it looks more like a proper SUV this time, even though Peugeot doesn’t offer any all-wheel drive option on the new 3008 (at least not yet).

When measured against the outgoing model, the new 3008 is
82mm longer
 at 4,447 mm and the
wheelbase
 has been stretched to 2,675 mm, which is
62mm more
 than before. But it’s slightly narrower at 2,098 mm, and sits
 lower by 15mm
 at 1,624 mm. Wheel size varies depending on variant, though the standard wheels measure 17 inches. Our test car however, wore a set of
18-inch alloys
 wrapped in
225/55 R18
 rubbers.
Distinct trademark features are evident at both ends of the new 3008 such as the sharp
LED headlamps
 with shark’s fin cut-out and the
lion claw LED tail lights
, and they’ve added some interesting design touches on the side as well. The horizontal cuts above each wheel arch and the chrome arches above the side windows are new, but we’ve seen the floating D-pillars before on a Japanese B-segment crossover. Nevertheless, it’s a bold design that easily stands out in the crowd of other SUVs.
INTERIOR
Besides the avant-garde exterior, the interior is another highlight for the new 3008, not only in terms of design but the build quality as well. Materials used wouldn’t look out of place in a premium German brand; it’s a tasteful mix of
fabric and leather upholstery
 adorned with
open-pored wood inlay
 and
satin metal trim
.

The latest iteration of Peugeot’s
i-Cockpit
 concept works well in the 3008, where the steering wheel no longer obstructs the view of the instrument cluster. And you wouldn’t want to miss the view because it’s a high-res
12.3-inch digital display
 with sharp graphics and slick animation. It’s configurable too so you can choose whether you want to see the normal dials or you could bring up the navigation map in it as well.
The main infotainment has also been revamped, now comprised of a free-standing
8-inch touchscreen
 with individual shortcut buttons accessed via a row of metallic
piano keys
 lined up in the centre of the dash. The system accepts both Android and Apple
smartphone connectivity
, and if your phone has
wireless charging technology
 you can just place it in the charging bay located below the piano keys.

Several storage compartments are scattered around the interior, but the cubby hole underneath the centre arm rests has to be one of the deepest we came across in any car. Ample space available for the front two occupants while the back bench could accommodate three adults, although the middle seat is best for kids. The rear passengers still get plenty of head and knee room, except that there’s not much space to shuffle their feet in the otherwise flat-footed well.

The boot now swallows
520 litres
 of cargo; not the biggest in its class but it’s bigger than its predecessor. While the new 3008 doesn’t come with a split tailgate anymore, it does gain a
powered tailgate
 that opens via a sweep under the derrière.
PERFORMANCE
For all that fresh new looks, the
1.6 THP 165
 engine is a carryover unit from the outgoing 3008. Producing
165 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque, the
turbocharged 1,598cc four-cylinder
 is mated to a
six-speed automatic
 to drive the front wheels.
Being more than
100kg lighter
 than the model it replaces, naturally, the new 3008 is quicker. Sprint from
0 to 100 km/h
 takes
8.9 seconds
, and the
top speed
 is slightly higher than before at
206 km/h
. It’s also much
more frugal
, sipping an average of
4.7 litres of petrol over 100km
.
THE DRIVE
The first thing we notice upon leaving the Bologna airport is how good the cabin refinement is. On the highway (or Autostrada, if you’re being very particular), the new 3008 stays planted despite the increased ground clearance, and it cruises with very little road and wind noise. Although Peugeot has kindly fitted on our test car the optional
bespoke

10-speaker sound system
 developed by
Focal
 in case we nod off behind the wheel.
Apart from the thumping audio system, the 3008 is fitted with
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
 (ADAS) to keep the driver to stay alert while driving, which includes
Assisted Lane Departure Warning System
, Distance Alert and
Active Safety Brake
, as well as
Dynamic Cruise Control

with Stop function
.

On the backroads heading south to
Villa le Maschere
 near Florence for a coffee break, the 3008 continues to impress. On some section the surface resembles our beloved Klang Valley tarmac, but the 3008 was able to maintain its poise with supple damping throughout. Throw it in the corners and it resists roll quite well, and I have to admit it’s quite fun working the bijou steering wheel through a series of corners.
Having said that, the
1.6 turbo
 mill is
comme ci, comme ça
. It needs the revs to get the most out of it, but thankfully the six ratios can be swapped manually via the
column mounted paddles
 behind the steering wheel as we resume our journey to our next pit stop in the small city of Castel San Pietro Terme. Left on its own, the powertrain is sufficient for city driving and more importantly, it’s smooth and hushed at the same time.

The 3008 (or any type of SUV, for that matter) is most definitely going to be driven strictly on paved tarmac, but Peugeot provides
Advanced Grip Control
 option to those who think that they might take their 3008 off road but never will. A test on a makeshift off-road path of wet grassy slope in the compounds of Palazzo di Varignana proved the system to be quite effective, and the
Hill Assist Descend Control
 (HADC) expertly distributes brake force to any individual wheel without any driver input to ensure the 3008 rolls down the hill in a controllable and safe pace.
We also sampled the
1.2-litre PureTech
 three-cylinder with stick shift and the
2.0 BlueHDi 180
 automatic during our overnight stay in Bologna. The former is a lively little engine that’s surprisingly punchy for its size, but we can’t shake off the fact that the 2.0 BlueHDi 180 suits the new 3008 better. With
180 hp
 and
400 Nm
 it’s punchy everywhere yet it’s more economical and just as quiet. The three-pot 1.2 might be deemed insufficient by most Malaysians and the 2.0-litre diesel will definitely push the price up, therefore the 1.6 THP seems like the best compromise for our Malaysian market.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
If you require your mid-size SUV with the most space for both the occupants and their luggage, the 3008 might not suit your needs. But if you’re looking for a mid-size SUV with panache, the 3008 should be on top of your list. Those who enjoy a bit of a spirited driving might want to consider the new 3008 too. Although you have to wait until Q2 2017.
Perhaps the bigger question is the price. MINI is asking RM243k for the mechanically-similar
Cooper S Countryman
, whereas fellow French rival
Renault Koleos
 can be had for RM172k. And then there’s the Japanese and Korean rivals such as the
Mazda CX-5
,
Honda CR-V
,
Kia Sportage
, and
Hyundai Tucson
, all of which fall within the RM126k to RM168k bracket.
The new 3008 is likely to cost more than the outgoing 3008 that’s currently selling at RM149k, but Nasim is looking to equip it with most of the kit featured on the cars we tested in Bologna.
WOULD I BUY IT?
The most recent Peugeot I’ve driven prior to the new 3008 was the
408 e-THP
, and that’s not saying much in terms of character and driving enjoyment. Yes, the new 3008 is in a different category but it’s much more than that. It’s a huge improvement in terms of technology, safety, quality, and handling capability, which hopefully will carry on to future Peugeot models. The new 3008 is definitely a Peugeot to look out for, and it’s not even a GTi.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-AMG C43 facelift gets more power and a swanky interior

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is not only the three-pointed star’s best-selling model but also Mercedes-AMG’s most successful model series. Available with four body variants (sedan, coupe, cabriolet & wagon), three output levels (
C 43
,
C 63 & C 63 S
) and two drive types (rear-wheel drive & 4MATIC), the C-Class has attracted a wide range of customers.
The C 43 model designation that was introduced back in 2015 added to this success story. The mid-cycle facelift now makes the C 43 even more attractive with its sharper appearance, enhanced performance and efficiency as well as a more pleasant cabin.
At the heart of the C 43 rests an uprated M276 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine that pushes out
390 hp
 (+23 hp) and
520 Nm
 of torque, the latter remains unchanged from before, kicking in from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. Despite the extra ponies, the C 43 range will still clock the century sprint at
 4.7 seconds
 for the sedan and coupe while the estate and cabriolet gets there in
4.8 seconds
. Top speed is limited to
250 km/h
.
Transmission of choice is the familiar
 9G AMG Speedshift TCT transmission
 with nine-forward ratios, transferring drive to the rear bias (31:69 front to rear split) AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The AMG Dynamic Select drive mode selector retains the usual Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – still no Race mode like its 45- and 63-series siblings. But it does get a new Slippery drive mode as identified by the snowflake symbol for best traction in slippery or snow-covered road conditions.

For the track frequenter, you now purchase the
AMG Track Pace system
 with the Command Online infotainment system that adds vehicle-specific data like track lap times, sector times, 0 to 100 km/h times, ¼ mile, 100 to 0 km/h and more.
On to the looks, the C 43 facelift spots the new headlamp and taillamp design found on the
new C-Class
, twin louvre front grilles like the pre-facelift C 63, sporty side skirts, new lightweight alloy wheel design, quad exhaust outlet trim and a new diffuser at the rear. The optional AMG styling package adds a more expressive front splitter, broader side skirt and gloss black flics in the rear bumper.
Other aesthetic enhancing bits include the
Carbon Fibre package II
 where the side mirror housings and boot spoiler lip are finished in carbon-fibre. The Night package which Malaysians are no stranger to adds a black finish on the front splitter, front louvres, black chromed exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted thermal insulation rear glass.
Inside, the refreshed model is a huge step from before, spotting the marque’s latest generation tech and design. Drivers will immediately be greeted by the new-generation AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather as standard with built-in Touch Control buttons first seen on the S-Class facelift.

Working in conjunction with the built-in Touch Control buttons are the optional fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch high-resolution media display. The instrument cluster has three AMG-specific display styles of “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport”.
Other updated features include 64-colour ambient lighting, Energizing comfort control that adjusts the air condition, massage seats and musical moods to create a specific wellness set up tailored to the occupant’s need.
Malaysia is in a very fortunate position as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) locally assembles the
Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan
 and GLC 43, that has made the 43-series to be even more accessible than before. Whether the facelift will follow the footsteps of its predecessor, the market would have to prove that the C 43 is a strong business case for the brand here in Malaysia.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC+ Sedan Facelift

Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC+ Coupe Facelift


Maintaining a new Mazda is now a lot more affordable, here’s why

Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has announced that all newly registered Mazda vehicles from 1 January 2019 onwards will enjoy a 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Maintenance, an improvement over the previous 3-Years/60,000 km offering.
The Free Maintenance package is inclusive of parts, labour and lubricants that are required according to the manufactures service schedule of every 6 months or 10,000 km. Every new Mazda vehicle is also covered with a 5-Years/100,000 km warranty.

The 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Service is applicable for all new Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pick-up truck) that are sold through authorised distributors. In addition, new and existing Mazda owners have access to value-added aftersales services such as the 24-Hour Mazda Roadside Assistance,
Mazda Mobile Service
 and the
Mazda Privilege Card
.


For Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur

After more than ten years since its introduction, the all-new 2023
Mitsubishi ASX

is finally here. Made specifically for the European market, it is obvious that the all-new ASX is just a rebadged
Renault Captur
. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, it will be assembled in Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain.
To at least look like a
Mitsubishi
, the grille element has been redesigned with elements of Mitsubishi Motor’s Dynamic Shield. The headlights, taillights, and all body panels are shared with the 2022 Renault Captur.
As for powertrain options, the all-new Mitsubishi ASX offers four choices of engines, with several transmission combinations:
1.6-litre Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with automatic multi-mode transmission
1.6-litre full hybrid (HEV) with automatic multi-mode transmission
1.3-litre mild-hybrid (MHEV) with 7-speed DCT/6-speed manual transmission
1.0-litre turbo engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
The 1.6-litre PHEV version is equipped with two electric motors, an alternator-starter and a main motor. It also gets a 10.5-kWh battery and an automatic multi-mode gearbox. Specifics on the gearbox have not been revealed.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi’s challenger in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally is a “nearly-stock” Triton!
There is also a full-hybrid (HEV) system also with the 1.6-litre engine, albeit with a much smaller 1.3-kWh battery. Like the PHEV, it is also only available with an automatic multi-mode transmission.
The third electrified option is the MHEV with a 1.3-litre engine paired with either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed manual transmission. The only purely petrol-powered system is the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Aside from the three diamonds on the steering wheel, the cabin of the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX shares everything with the 2022 Renault Captur. A Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) is located at the centre of the instrument panel, and the Multi-Sense system controlled via the SDA allows the driver to select the drive mode that best suits their preference.
In terms of safety, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA), are available to support safe driving.
Assembled in Spain, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX will be available in selected European markets starting March 2023.
RELATED:
2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift unveiled in Indonesia with new rugged looks


Peugeot 308 GTi facelift unveiled, 1.6L turbo, 270 hp & 6-speed manual only!

Not forgetting the high-performance
Peugeot 308 GTi
, Groupe PSA has also introduced a series of updates to the 308 GTi. Changes are minimal at best but they all keep the 308 GTi stylishly up to date.
Visually, it gets the same updates as the rest of the 308 facelift range including redesigned headlamps and tail lamps (full LED for both), new front bumper with larger intakes for better cooling, new fog lamps housing and a subtle rear diffuser. A set of 19-inch ‘Carbone’ alloys is the same as before but now gets wrapped in super sticky
Michelin Pilot Super Sports tyres
. A new “Coupe Franche” two-tone paint option can be specified with the Magnetic Blue and Perla Nera combination.
Inside, it gets an updated 9.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a faster 3D satellite navigation with TomTom real-time traffic monitoring service.
Motivation comes from the same 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder that churns out
270 hp
. A six-speed manual transmission is retained to send drive to the front wheels. Century sprint is reached in
 6.0 seconds
flat and sips 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Stopping power comes from a set of 380 mm disc brake with red-painted Peugeot Sport callipers on the front axle and 268 mm discs at the back. A Torsen limited-slip differential is standard fitment on the 308 GTi. Unfortunately, Peugeot Malaysia is only selling the
208 GTi
 (fully imported) for RM144k.
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin teases two new models, set to debut at upcoming Pebble Beach Concours

Aston Martin
 has announced that it will reveal two brand-new models at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, happening later this month, as part of its “strongest-ever presence” at the event. While Aston Martin is still keeping the new models under wraps as usual, they did give us a handful of light teasers to keep us excited until their debuts.
The first model of the duo is said to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Q by Aston Martin, the firm’s bespoke division, so expect something a little more extravagant and pricey. It’ll be a “very special, ultra-exclusive model” that’s said to encapsulate “the brand’s winning track bloodline with a nod to success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans”.
As for the other, Aston Martin says it’ll be a “performance focused model” offering “high-octane emotion and intense driving pleasure”, highly rumoured to be the roadster version of the recent
 V12 Vantage
. It’ll be exclusively revealed at a private VIP event on August 19, before being shown over the weekend at the Aston Martin stand – although it’s still by special invitation only, mind you.
The new cars will all be revealed in the custom-built Aston Martin Club 1913 pavilion, which will serve as an “invitation-only luxury clubhouse” that will give guests a commanding view of the world’s most prestigious car event, while also overlooking the 18th fairway of the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.
ALSO READ:
 Aston Martin KL reveals customised Vantage “Bohemian Edition”
The Club 1913 will also feature the recently-unveiled
DBX707 flagship SUV
, and more importantly, the
Valhalla supercar
, where Aston Martin will be revealing “exciting development updates” for it. According to the press release, that includes a “revised concept of its driver-focused interior; offering an interactive space for prospective owners to test the vehicle’s unique seating position and F1-inspired overall ergonomics.”
The Valhalla is limited to a 999-units production run, and is based around a bespoke twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain with two electric motors, making a total output of 950 hp. Five units have been allocated for Malaysia, and as of August last year,
two have already been sold
. We won’t be surprised if they’re all spoken for now.


Proton provides car care tips for the extended MCO period

The government has extended the Movement Control Order (MCO) until the 14th of April in an effort to curb the spread of the
COVID-19
 virus in our country. For many of us, cabin fever is starting to kick in as we approach the two-week mark since the start of the MCO.
While we’re busy finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained, many forget that our cars are also affected by the MCO. If you haven’t been out and about (which you shouldn’t unless unnecessary), your cars might be left stationary for up to 28 days.
In order to make sure that our cars remain in working condition until after the MCO period, Proton has shared a couple of tips for basic vehicle maintenance during the movement control order period.
As our cars are not running, the alternator will not be able to keep the batteries charged up. Proton recommends to
start the car up at least once a week
, and keep it running for 10 minutes without turning on the air conditioning or radio – as they draw current from the battery, reducing the efficiency of the charging process.
While you are charging up the car, it may also be a good idea to
ensure the tyres are still filled to their optimum pressure
 (usually written on the B pillar or under the fuel flap), using a temperature gauge – or if you’re driving the
Proton X70
, the built-in tyre pressure monitoring system.
Additionally, leaving your car parked at the same spot for an extended period of time may result in flat spots on the tyres, eventually causing vibrations during driving. Make sure to
move the car
 forward and backwards while you’re charging up the battery too.
While you’re at it,
wipe down contact points in the cabin
, such as the steering wheel, door handles, window switches, gear lever, and infotainment display with disinfectant wipes, especially if you’ve driven out to get daily essentials during the MCO period.
If your car is parked out in the sun, it’s also a good idea to
 lift up your wipers
. The heat build up on the glass during prolonged sun exposure can cause your wiper blades to harden, making them less effective. And a tip of our own – cover up your windows with sun shades too to prevent early degradation of materials.


Ford Mustang named best-selling sports car in the world, again

The Ford Mustang has done it again. Ever since the 6th generation model debuted in 2015, Ford has sold over 630,000 units in 146 countries around the world.
Last year alone, the Blue Oval shifted over 102,990 units according to the most recent new vehicle registration data from IHS Markit – making the Mustang the best-selling sports car in the world for the fifth straight time after earning the same titles in

2016
,

2017
 and
2018
.
In the last 12 months, the Mustang saw an exponential increase in sales in countries like Germany where new vehicle registrations rose by 33% while in Poland and France, sales nearly doubled. In total, Ford sold 9,900 units of the Mustang in Europe alone, with over 1,300 units sold in the UK in 2019.

Over the years, the Mustang has seen updates and different iterations for a wider appeal. Ford introduced the “
Good Neighbour Mode
” in the Mustang for it to be quieter, less brash and hated by the neighbours, but also unleashed the
Shelby GT500
, the most powerful street legal Ford Mustang ever, with the
 most powerful V8 engine in the world
.
IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95% of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries.


Tesla Model S catches fire in California, adding more flame to Tesla’s troubles

They may be actively launching new innovative products for
commercial
 and
 personal use
 but it seems that sustaining them, both after-sales and in production, is a much taller order for the electric car company.
A Tesla Model randomly caught fire last weekend in Santa Monica Blvd, California while it sat in traffic. The owner’s family members mentioned on social media that it
was not caused by an accident and happened out of the blue
.
@Tesla
 This is what happened to my husband and his car today. No accident,out of the blue, in traffic on Santa Monica Blvd. Thank you to the kind couple who flagged him down and told him to pull over. And thank god my three little girls weren’t in the car with him
pic.twitter.com/O4tPs5ftVo
— Mary McCormack (@marycmccormack)
June 16, 2018
The driver, who reports claimed to be oblivious to the fire, had to be flagged by on-lookers to get out of the car. In the video, flames were seen spitting from underneath the car as if it were a flame launcher, parked by the side of the road.
When contacted, Tesla said it was an
unusually extraordinary occurrence
 and will launch an investigation into the matter. Local authorities however, have alleged that initial findings indicate a
faulty battery
 as the cause.
Tesla has been under increased scrutiny recently with reports recently concluding that the Model X involved in a fatal accident during Autopilot tests, was accelerating as it hit a barrier on a California highway, killing the driver. With mounting debts and production line delays, Tesla recently had to trim its 46000-strong workforce by 9% to balance the books in a move Elon Musk said was difficult but necessary.


Lexus Malaysia teases Lexus IS Facelift on website, launching soon!

Lexus Malaysia has just teased the
2017 Lexus IS facelift
 on their website with the header
“COMING SOON”
. To tie in with the imminent launch of the flagship LC Coupe (reportedly in the
second quarter of this year
), the IS may come sooner than most of us expected.
This facelift exercise introduced minor tweaks to the compact sedan’s aesthetics, such as a more aggressive front bumper with larger side intakes, horizontal bar grille as well as redesigned LED headlamps and tail lamps. New 17- or 18-inch alloys complete the IS’s exterior packaging.
As standard, the IS facelift is fitted with a 10-speaker 283-watts Lexus Premium Sound System and a 7-inch touch MMI screen with Remote Touch Interface controller with “Enter Button”. Alternatively, a 15-speaker 835-watts Mark Levinson® sound system and a 10.3-inch MMI screen with navigation are available as
options
.
There are
three interior colour themes
 to choose from – Chateau and Nuance Black while the Black/Flaxen trim is carried over from the pre-facelift. It remains to be seen how Lexus Malaysia will spec our local IS, but we bet it’s going to have most, if not all of the optional extras checked.

Three powertrain choices – unchanged from before – are available on the Japan-spec IS: IS 200t, IS 300h and IS 350. The base
IS 200t
 is powered by a 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted four-cylinder turbo mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SDS) automatic, pushing out
241 hp
 and
350 Nm.
On the other hand, the
IS 300h
 is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive System, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out
178 hp
 and
 221 Nm
 with an electric motor generating
105kW
 (
140 hp
) and
300 Nm
 of torque. Transmission of choice for the hybrid is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).
Lastly, sitting at the top of the IS range (in Japan) is the
IS 350
 which is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 mated to the same eight-speed SDS automatic. Output figures are rated at
314 hp
 and
380 Nm
. It’s safe to assume that Lexus Malaysia will offer both the IS 200t and IS 300h from before and won’t introduce the IS 350.

As standard, all IS models get
 Lexus Safety System+
 as standard, which adds a range of active safety systems such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and Hi-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control.
Expect Lexus Malaysia to throw in an
F Sport package
 to the range. This will give it a meshed front grille with black accents on the front bumper, twin projector LED headlamps, 18-inch gunmetal grey F-Sport design, rear bumper mesh inserts, F-Sport badges, F-Sport interior trim pieces and a LFA-styled Optitron instrument display.

Currently, the
pre-facelift IS
 range retails from
RM298k
 for the IS 200t Premium, and stretches all the way to
RM452k
 for the range topping IS 300h. With the weakening of our Ringgit, how the new IS will be priced is anyone’s guess for now.
IMAGE GALLERY

Lexus IS F Sport


Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 111th anniversary this weekend!

It was 1910 when Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) produced its first car and eight years later, the company became Alfa Romeo following an acquisition by the Campanian engineer and entrepreneur Nicola Romeo.
The Italian automaker from Milan is celebrating its 111th anniversary this weekend together with its owners and fans at The Museo Alfa Romeo. Stellantis, the newly formed auto company after the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, has earmarked Alfa Romeo is its representative in the premium segment.
The highlight of the anniversary celebration is the group delivery of the first
Giulia GTA and GTAm
. Alfa Romeo has planned to further engage with its most passionate customers through networking with key executives and a parade at the museum’s indoor track.
A total of only
500 units
 have been allocated for the Giulia GTA and GTAm. The moniker Gran Turismo Allegerita, or grand touring lightened, was first used by Alfa Romeo in 1965 on the Giulia GTA which saw plenty of success in various competitions.
Two other GTA models were built in this modern era- the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and the 147 GTA with the most recent MiTo GTA being a concept of transforming the compact into a VW GTI-eclipsing hot-hatch.
The latest GTA model is based on the
Giulia Quadrifoglio
 and is fitted with a more powerful version of the 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, now developing
540 hp
. Staying true to its GTA label, extensive use of lightweight materials (carbon fibre body panels, aluminium suspension arms) have
shaved off 100 kg of mass
, giving it a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of
2.82 kg/hp
 in the circuit-ready two-seater GTAm.
Alfa Romeo Racing F1 drivers also helped developed the Giulia GTA

Thanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering, significant amounts of downforce pushes the GTA to the track via a wide front splitter and a large rear spoiler. With launch control activated, the Giulia GTAm accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just
3.6 seconds
.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, car parades for owners as well as activities for the family are planned throughout this weekend. Fans and visitors are also required to wear red and exclusive catalogues of  trophies, engines and other artifacts usually kept hidden will be brought out for special viewing.
In Malaysia, the brand has been unrepresented since 2014, when Sime Darby Auto Italia gave up its distribution rights the company held since 2005.
GALLERY


Gallery: 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport LCI – Sporty luxury SUV at RM399k

The
2022 BMW X4 LCI
 (Life Cycle Impulse, as BMW refers to its facelifts) was first launched in Malaysia in February last year. Locally assembled, the G02 BMW X4 LCI is offered in a single variant – the xDrive30i M Sport, with a price tag of
RM398,000
 (OTR, without insurance).
Looking to renew your vehicle insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa. Renewing online will not only get you a 10% instant rebate, but also cash back at the end of your coverage. Log on to
www.motortakaful.com
 to find out more.
For a facelift, the design changes BMW has done to the G02 BMW X4 LCI are rather subtle. Looking at its exterior, the 2022 BMW X4 LCI features a grille that is slightly larger than before, together with slightly slimmer adaptive LED headlights. Its light signature has also been reworked.
The rest of the exterior design changes are all thanks to the M sport exterior trims, which consist of the front and rear bumpers. The rear bumpers also feature a larger lower air intake with two vertical air intakes at the corners.
The 2022 BMW X4 LCI also comes with LED tail lights, a set of 20-inch M light alloy wheels, and free-form exhaust tips. The BMW X4 LCI is also offered in four exterior colour options, which include Alpine White, Piemont Red, Phytonic Blue, and Carbon Black.
Powering the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport LCI is essentially the same engine that was found in the pre-facelift model – the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, and the luxury SUV produces a total of
245 hp
 and
350 Nm
. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in under
6.6 seconds
 with the 2022 BMW X4 LCI and the top speed is rated at
235 km/h
.
The bigger changes done to the BMW X4 LCI are on the inside. There is a new dashboard and centre console whose designs are borrowed from the G20 BMW 3 Series.
RELATED:
All-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5
As for standard features found in the 2022 BMW X4, it includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with BMW Operating System 7.0 and over-the-air software updates, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (BMW Live Cockpit Professional), and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Sports seats with Vernasca leather upholstery are offered in Black or Tacora Red colour options, and zinc-plated air vents design elements are also fitted as standard to the 2022 BMW X4 LCI.
In the safety department, the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport LCI is packed with the full suite of BMW’s Driving Assistant package. This package consists of safety features such as lane change warning (LCW), lane departure warning (LDW), front collision warning (FCW) with brake intervention (autonomous emergency braking), parking assistant, and reversing assistant.
The 2022 BMW X4 LCI comes standard with a manufacturer’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, together with free scheduled maintenance programme, which can be opted out for a lower price. New owners also get access to the BMW Roadside Assitance and Accident Hotline, alongside the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and privileges card, as well as BMW Service Online.
RELATED:
BMW M dropping dual-clutch, manual gearboxes in favour of automatics
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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted largest AMG gathering – special appearance by AMG GT Black Series

Last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia welcomed not one but two new additions to their AMG lineup. The new arrivals from the AMG 35 series in Malaysia were the
updated AMG A35 4MATIC sedan
 which was introduced in 2019 and the new
AMG GLA35 4MATIC
.
Both produced 306 hp and 400 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and although both had all-wheel drive, the GLA35 is fitted with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission while the A35 sedan has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in the GLA35 takes 5.2 seconds, with the A35 sedan doing it 0.4 seconds quicker.
That’s not all; at the launch of the new AMG 35s, there was also a special appearance by the
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
. It’s one of 13 units allocated for the Malaysian market, with the rest all sold out. The AMG GT Black Series was once the
fastest road-legal car
 to lap the Nurburgring in 2020.
Making it three for three was a gathering by members of the AMG Owner’s Club of Malaysia. As you’d expect, in typical AMG extravagance, this was no casual gathering as more than 180 Mercedes-AMG vehicles showed up to the event – making it the largest gathering of AMG cars in Malaysia. Members were also treated to track sessions and test drives of the new AMG arrivals, of course.
“We are beyond excited to have the AMG Track Day return in 2022. It was a privilege to have our customers and prospective customers out here with us, immersing ourselves in the Ultimate Driving Performance. We are grateful to our partner the AMG Owners Club of Malaysia (AOCM) for supporting this event,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet goes on sale in the UK, M’sia debut soon?

Following the global unveiling of the
Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class Cabriolet
, the sexy convertible is now on sale in the UK. A total of four engine choices are available at launch – two diesels and two petrols with prices starting from £44,675 (RM243k).
Like the C-Class Cabriolet, the E-Class gets a multi-layered acoustic fabric roof that can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The Dark Red roof option was given a miss, therefore customers can only choose between Black, Dark Blue and Dark Brown roofs.
Standard equipment dittos the
Coupe variant
 such as LED high performance headlamps, Magic Vision Control wiper system, reversing camera, heated front seats and 64 colour ambient lighting. The topless Merc gets additional Airscarf neck-level heating system and Aircap draught-stop system that redirects air flow over the cabin for improved comfort.
For a small price, customers can equip their E-Class Cabriolet with Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System, Air Body Control air suspension, 12.3-inch COMAND Online, Memory seats, Burmester Surround Sound system as well as keyless entry and start.

The E-Class Cabriolet range is made up of the entry level E 220 d that features a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with
194 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint takes
7.7 seconds
. Further up the diesel line up is the E 350 d 4MATIC with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel making
258 hp
 and
620 Nm
 of torque. Sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill takes
6.1 seconds
.
Stepping up, the petrol range consists of the E 300 and E 400 4MATIC. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with
245 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque while the latter gets a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 lump that pushes out
333 hp
 and
480 Nm
 of torque. The E300 sprints to 100 km/h mark in
6.6 seconds
 while the E 400 with all-wheel drive takes only
5.5 seconds
.
A range of active safety systems are available when customers opt for the £1,695 (RM9k)
Driver Assistance Plus Package
 which combines Distance Pilot Distronic, Speed Limit Pilot, Active Lane-Change Assistant, Active Brake Assist cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.
Fancy a topless Masterpiece of Intelligence? There’s a chance that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) will include this sleek cabriolet as part of their
21-model launch in 2017
, so stay tuned!
IMAGE GALLERY


Kia Optima K5 Facelift is now in Korea and it looks properly expensive

Besides the Kia Rio GT-Line, Kia Motors has also unveiled the Kia Optima (also known as K5 in Korea) facelift for their home country. The refreshed D-segment sedan gets refreshed styling and improved tech inside and out.
The facelift exercise brings about a new front fascia with a new tiger nose front grille (now with vertical slats), more angular bumper design with new LED fog lamp housings and restyled projector headlamps (LED headlamps are carried over units). The rear features new LED taillamp graphics and new bumpers with integrated diffusers and dual exhaust outlets.

As for wheel options, the Optima facelift gets two new 18-inch alloy wheel designs either in multi-spoke gunmetal grey or aggressive dual-tone finish. Kia has also introduced a new
Black Package
 option for the Optima that throws in a K5 emblem puddle lamp, black rear spoiler, black wing mirror caps, high-flow air filter and 18-inch five twin-spoke OZ alloy wheels.
The cabin benefits from the new
8.0-inch Smart Navigation UVO 3.0
 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system also features an AI server-based speech recognition system powered by Kakao i for the driver’s added convenience. Other new items include the 6-colour mood lighting, brown quilted leather upholstery (black as standard), surround view camera and an 11-speaker Krell premium sound system.

A total of four engine options are available for the refreshed Optima – three petrol and one diesel. The petrol range consists of the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder LPI (
148

hp
/
194 Nm
), 2.0-litre four-cylinder CVVL (
160 hp
/
196 Nm
) and the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI (
177 hp
/
264 Nm
). The sole 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel makes
139 hp
 and
340 Nm
 of torque.
The facelifted Optima range will come equipped with
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
 technology that bundles Advance Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Keeping Assist (LCC), Lane Departure Assist (LKA), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Closer to home, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has a single variant of the
Kia Optima GT on sale;
 powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI (242 hp & 350 Nm) priced at RM180k.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Volvo S60 is ready to rumble, sportiest sedan in class?

The long-awaited all-new Volvo S60 has finally been unveiled in its full glory and like every new Volvo of recent times, the premium compact sedan is one handsome looking car.
Like its estate twin, the
V60
, the S60 sits on the firm’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, promising unrivalled safety and dynamic handling characteristics. Onto looks, despite having that Russian Doll design language, one can instinctively tell that the S60 has a decidedly sportier appearance as compared to the
S90
 thanks to a leaner profile.

At launch, the S60 is offered in four trims – Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Polestar Engineered, the latter is a new range-topper from Volvo and Polestar and will be
rolled out to other 60-series models
 down the line.
Stepping inside, you’ll find familiar items such as LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as leather upholstery. Depending on the variant and options selected, you’ll find different materials used for the inlays, upholstery colour and gear knob design – only the T8 plug-in hybrid variant gets the Orrefors crystal gear knob.

As for powertrain options, Volvo has said earlier that they will not offer the S60 with a diesel engine hence only petrol and plug-in hybrids are available. For the conventional bunch, you can have the S60 with a T5 (250 hp) or T6 (310 hp) petrol engines, but the
Twin Engine plug-in hybrid duo
 is the one to go for. In the
T6 Twin Engine
, the system generates a combined output of
340 hp
 while the T8 Twin Engine makes a staggering
 400 hp
.
For the enthusiast, it would be a no-brainer to step up to the
S60 T8 Twin Engine Polestar Engineered
 variant that bumps the power to
415 hp
 along with a sportier transmission mapping. Other race-inspired components include new wheels, gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers and strut bars, black chrome exhaust tips, gold seatbelts and the obligatory Polestar badges.

Volvo’s safety suite reads City Safety with Autobrake technology that autonomously applies the brakes when it detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals as well as to mitigate oncoming collisions. Other optional safety avoidance system includes Pilot Assist system that allows semi-autonomous driving on well-marked roads up to speeds of 130 km/h, Run-off-Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert and more.
The all-new Volvo S60 is the first Volvo car ever to be assembled in the USA at their newly opened US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s only a matter of time for the S60 to go on sale in Malaysia to rival the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Our question to you dear readers, would you stick with the safe German options or the swanky S60?
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo S60 T8 Twin Engine Polestar Engineered

Volvo S60 R-Design

Volvo S60 Inscription

Volvo S60 Momentum


DRB-Hicom & Geely invite China’s automotive suppliers to invest in AHTV, RM32b target

After the
signing of the Heads of Agreement (HOA)
 between
DRB-Hicom
 and
Geely
 on
April 1
,
2023
, to develop the
Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV)
, a project aimed to become a high-tech automotive city and a regional automotive hub,
Proton
 has organised the Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023 in Kuala Lumpur. The convention was held today and has attracted over 200 participants.
Among the participants were government agency officials, management representatives from DRB-Hicom, Geely, and Proton, as well as local and overseas vendors. The latter was represented by 42 automotive suppliers from China. The convention’s guest of honour, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz was also present at the event.
The 2023 Global Investors & Vendors Convention provided a platform for potential overseas investors to meet relevant government agencies and potential partners from the local vendor community. Not only that, it also showcased the progress made at the project site itself, the availability of government incentives and prospects for companies setting up new businesses at the AHTV.
When fully developed, the AHTV is envisioned to be a centre for globally recognised tropical-based research and development of high-technology automotive components. The AHTV will also include a research university that will be aimed at expanding the capabilities of Malaysian automotive workers, and simultaneously help Malaysia become a regional leader in education for automotive engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, and software development.
RELATED:
Thailand’s largest auto parts company Aapico invests RM140 million in Proton’s Avee Global
The presence of high-technology suppliers at the AHTV in the future is also expected to benefit the national carmaker – Proton. Proton itself is also planning to relocate its manufacturing, research and design facilities to the AHTV by 2026.
Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, “AHTV will be a regional hub, but Proton shall continue to have a large presence there as the owners of the project, DRB-Hicom and Geely, are also Proton’s shareholders. Therefore, the company will remain heavily involved in efforts to attract overseas investors to the project, performing R&D activities at AHTV as we further develop our offerings, and creating jobs as we work towards achieving our long-term goals. We also view this as part of Proton’s commitment to being a custodian of the automotive industry in Malaysia as we seek to help nurture, develop, and grow the national ecosystem.”
DRB-Hicom Group Managing Director & Proton Chairman, Syed Faisal Albar said, “The Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023 is one of DRB-Hicom and Geely’s efforts to attract overseas investment in to AHTV and the country and together, we target to attract some RM32 billion worth of investments towards the project, including what has already been earmarked by Proton. As the shift to New Energy Vehicles gathers pace AHTV will embrace the changing automotive landscape by offering an integrated ecosystem that will help Malaysia’s automotive sector in line with the direction of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, thus ensuring the country continues as vibrant as its neighbours.”
He added, “Concurrently, our combined efforts as well as the strong interest shown by vendors from China will help attract support for the project from the Chinese government, which can lead to even more investments propelled into AHTV and Malaysia. Geely’s collaboration with Proton and their support for the project has already resulted in several investors and component suppliers operating in Tanjung Malim, and their existing high technology ecosystem is sure to play a major role in bringing the project forwards.”
RELATED:
Proton DX Centre officially launched – Malaysia’s first automotive digital experience centre


All-new Nissan Frontier looks ready to trek the moon!

Nissan USA has finally launched the all-new Frontier mid-size pick-up truck. This third-generation model arrives
17 years later
 after the debut of the outgoing model in 2004.
In the US, Nissan offers two sizes of pick-up trucks. The smaller Frontier (or the Navara here in Asean), competes with models like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, while the much larger Titan belongs in the group of
Ford F-150
, Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram 1500 models.
Inspired by the off-road racer called Nissan Hardbody, the all-new rugged exterior design features a powerful front end with a massive grille and chiselled hood, framed by new precision interlocking headlights.
At the side, vertical fenders are said to create a higher visual point. Wheel sizes are modest though, just 16- or 17-inch rims wrapped with 265-section tyres. Overall, the length of the all-new Frontier is approximately three inches longer than the current Navara (D23), with the wheelbase measuring 3.2 metres that is 50 millimetres longer.
Nissan USA is also offering a
Long Wheelbase variant
, extending to 3.55 metres, a measurement similar to the larger Titan pick-up truck.
Like the recently launched
facelifted Nissan Navara
 in Thailand, the
Pro-4X
 treatment adds skid plates, fender flares, all-terrain tyres with dual-tone wheels and red highlights on the towing hooks. All Nissan emblems are gloss black with the wordings in a red hue called Lava Red.
For the powertrain, just a petrol engine with automatic transmission is available. The direct-injected 3.8-litre V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic is carried over from the outgoing model, which saw its introduction into the market just a year ago.
Performance figures are
310 hp
 and
380 Nm
of torque, which Nissan USA says it’s the best-in-class. Four-wheel drive (4WD) models feature an
electronic shift-on-the-fly
 transfer case with additional traction supported by an electronically controlled four-wheel limited slip system.
The all-new Nissan Frontier is suspended by double-wishbone setup in front and multi-leaf springs at the rear with stabiliser bars. The Pro-4X variants are fitted with off-road specification Bilstein shock absorbers and an uprated Dana rear axle with electronic locking differential.
Inside, the new dashboard houses a meter cluster with the largest-in-class seven-inch coloured multi-info display and two choices of the touchscreen infotainment systems measuring eight or nine inches. A premium audio system with nine speakers by Fender is available as an option.
Pro-4X variants get a more distinctive interior, with Lava Red highlights on the seats, dashboard and door panels.
Customer feedback has also made Nissan increase the storage capacities on the dashboard, centre console and door pockets.
Front occupants now get
Zero Gravity seats
 as standard with the interior is promised to be quieter thanks to additional insulation and fitment acoustic glass on the front doors.
Nissan has focused to provide more technology in the interior too. There are Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM), NissanConnect with WiFi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charger. Physical charging outlets are also available for the front and rear passengers, in both USB Type-A and Type-C sockets. LED lighting and a 120-volt/400-Watt power socket can also be found at the cargo deck.
The Pro-4X variant also has extended feature in the IAVM called an Off-Road mode. The cameras provide better visibility to negotiate tight trails without the need for an external spotter.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 is available on every variant of the all-new Frontier. When fully-equipped, the all-new Frontier will have the usual Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
A Trailer Sway Control system is fitted as standard for a more confident towing experience.
Nissan USA says the Rear Automatic Braking (AEB but in reverse), traffic sign recognition and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) features in the all-new Frontier are segment-first.
The all-new Nissan Frontier will go on sale from summer of this year under a 2022 model year designation.
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Gallery: Lexus NX250 Luxury – 2.5L with 204 hp and AWD – from RM370k

As you’re aware by now, Lexus Malaysia has introduced the all-new NX SUV in Malaysia in two variants. We’ve previously shared a gallery of pictures of the more powerful, more expensive NX350 F Sport, so here’s the more subtle and subdued NX250 Luxury.
For starters, the NX250 Luxury is priced at
RM370,888
 on the road without insurance and excludes Sales Tax Exemption that’s set to end by the end of June.
Unlike the more powerful NX350 F Sport, you don’t get a turbocharged engine. Instead, the NX250 Luxury is fitted with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with
 204 hp
 and
243 Nm
. Like the NX350 F Sport, it also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 200 km/h top speed, and all-wheel drive. The NX250 Luxury is slower from 0 to 100 km/h, taking 9.1 seconds compared to seven seconds in the NX350 F Sport.
The NX350 F Sport gets a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system that can distribute power between the front and rear wheels up to 75:25 for efficiency or 50:50 for better traction. The NX250 Luxury also doesn’t come with adaptive suspension, a feature reserved only for the NX350.
NX250 Luxury
NX350 F Sport
The finishing touches on the exterior of the NX250 and NX350 are also vastly different. The NX250 Luxury projects a more subtle look with less sporty front and rear bumpers, chrome trims instead of blacked-out ones in the F Sport, and a more subdued Spindle grille design. Both come with 20-inch wheels, albeit different designs. Both are fitted with a hands-free powered tailgate.
Inside, the NX250 comes with standard seats unlike the sport seats in the NX350 F Sport. The NX250 Luxury also gets open-pore ash wood door trims instead of aluminium trims in the F Sport. The NX250 Luxury stands out from the F Sport variant with power-folding rear seats, whereas the latter only comes with manual folding. The NX250 also comes with lesser front seat adjustments.
As for the rest of the cabin, both variants share identical features. They include a 14-inch widescreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, shift paddles, digital meter, 64-colour ambient lighting, 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system with subwoofer, wireless charging, a head-up display, and four USB ports. Like the NX350 F Sport, the NX250 Luxury is also equipped with the full suite of Lexus Safety System+ features.
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Mercedes-Benz celebrates 130th anniversary with the exclusive S63 Cabriolet Edition 130

Over 130 years ago, Gottlieb Daimler, the man who would one day found one of the biggest car companies in the world once said “The best or nothing at all”. Good thing he didn’t choose the latter or our world would look very differently than it already is. With Karl Benz on board the program, the duo patented their creation on 29 January, 1886. Many moons have come and gone since that time and look at just how far two men with an idea has come.
Fast forward
130 years
 and we arrive at the homage that the marque has built in honour of those visionaries, and what a thing it is. The plinth in question here is based on the uber-luxurious S-Class cabriolet. But not any coupe, it’s the
 S63 AMG 4Matic drop top
, dubbed the “
Edition 130
” and thankfully unlike the original, it has more than just two horsepower.

From the outside, one could not differentiate this Edition 130 from its regular road going stablemate. These cars come with an endless list of options that tickles the whim and fancy of its most esteemed clientele. This limited edition model has all the trappings of an AMG-Merc such as the sports
aero-kit
 for starters. One can’t talk about an AMG’s exterior without first mentioning those huge imposing
alloy wheels
 that houses the
over-sized brake rotors
. This example comes with painted callipers too.
On the inside though, it’s everything you’d expect from a luxury barge such as this.
Nappa leather
 upholstery in Bengal red/black or the optionally available crystal grey/black themes as well as the trim elements in AMG’s arsenal that feature a carbon/piano lacquer black theme. This specially-crafted cabin will only be limited to 130 examples, just as the name suggests. A badge in the middle console and an engraving plate on the steering wheel bezel highlights this fact.

Powering this lap of luxury around town is up to the job of the
 5.5-litre V8
 that’s boosted on either side by a couple of
turbochargers
. The result of such a matrimony made in petrolhead nirvana is an output just shy of
590 horsepower
. As if that wasn’t already a bonkers figure for a rag-top, it packs
900 Nm
 of twist under the hood that’s on tap from between
2,250
to
 3,750 rpm
. Because it’s an AMG-Merc, there will always be a voice inside your head that tells you to floor it. Should you do just so, you’ll see the needle go past 100 km/h from standstill in just
3.9 seconds
. Keep your foot planted and you’ll see it cap off at
250 km/h
. However, these cars will rocket past the 320km/h barrier if unleashed.
The cost of all this power and hand-stitched luxury will set you back a whopping
226,457 Euros
 or around
 RM1.07 million
 (without taxes and duties, mind you). As we mentioned previously, only 130 of these prime examples will ever be built. But here’s a top tip, just get yourself a run-of-the-mill S-Class Coupe for a whole lot less.
IMAGE GALLERY


MINI Malaysia introduces 15-unit limited edition MINI Electric First Edition

MINI Malaysia has unveiled a new limited edition version of the
MINI Cooper SE
 launched last month. Dubbed the MINI Electric First Edition, the
15-unit-only
 limited edition model is priced at
RM238,380.78
, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 effective until the end of 2020.
Priced RM20,000 above the regular MINI Cooper SE, the First Edition gets an all-new MINI Yours Enigmatic Black exterior colour (in addition to White Silver), panoramic glass sun roof, First Edition door sill and side scuttles bearing “
one in fifteen
” script, as well as anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors.
On the inside, the MINI Electric First Edition gets MINI Yours Walknappa Leather Lounge upholstery on the seats with the Union Jack motif on the headrests, along with a Walknappa Leather Lounge steering wheel.
Otherwise, the First Edition is identical to the Cooper SE, including its powertrain which is a single front-mounted electric motor paired to a single-speed transmission, sending
184 hp
 and
270 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels. 0 to 100 km/h takes
7.3 seconds
, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of
150 km/h
.
Electric juice is provided by the same 28.9 kWh battery, offering an electric driving range of 234 km on a full charge, based on the WLTP cycle. To top up the battery, the 11 kW standard three-pin cable provided with the car charges from 0-80% in 12 hours, while the MINI Wallbox Plus three-phase 22 kW charger tops it up in 3.5 hours (2.5 hours to 80%).
Interior equipment list is also identical, including the8.8-inch touchscreen MINI Visual Boost with MINI Connected and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 12-colour LED ambient lighting, 5.5-inch digital instrument display, and dual-zone climate control.
In terms of safety, the MINI Electric First Edition is also equipped similarly to the Mini Cooper SE, which includes the MINI Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant as standard. These include functions such as the autonomous emergency braking for city driving, Cruise Control with Braking Function, Park Distance Control (Front and Rear), Park Assistant, and Approach Control Warning.
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Illegal drag racing with cash prizes and more in Johor clamped down

Last weekend, police in Johor raided an illegal drag race just 50 metres off the Skudai Toll Plaza (Southbound) in Johor, after a month of monitoring.
Illegal drag races on the North-South Expressway stretch have been rampant on weekends and public holidays, taking place between 1 am to 4 am.
Just like the fictional drag racers these people are trying to emulate, cash prizes are given to the race winners but at the raid, it seems money was not the only reward.

According to police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, prizes for race winners also included women. The police chief also believes there could be a syndicate involved in organising such events.
The drag races run between 700 to 900 metres, with the illegal organisers even blocking off the highway with a “Bus Kilang” to conduct their race.
A total of 126 individuals were detained, 19 of whom were female. Among them, only six drivers aged between 22 to 25 years old were identified as the “racers” while the rest were mere spectators in a report by
Astro Awani
. Among the six racers, three tested positive for drugs. According to
TV3
, 66 cars were confiscated in the raid.
RELATED:
Civic owners club issues apology for Temiang controversy with another gathering video


Video: A day of seafood, the beach, and the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Sportback quattro!

It’s been awhile since most of us have seen anything other than our homes and office.
So when Audi gave us the Q3 Sportback quattro for a weekend, we felt compelled to break away from the usual routine, and set out for something we’ve not had in a long time – fresh seafood and a refreshing drink by the beach – while we review the car, of course.

The day started out at Cyberjaya for a quick shoot, before we took off to Teluk Gong in Port Klang for some freshly-caught, salt water delights via some highways before turning on to the smaller roads.
“More than enough” is how we’d describe its performance on the open road. Despite having just
180 hp
and
320 Nm
 to feed all four wheels, there was not a situation in the Q3 Sportback where overtaking or picking up speed felt challenging.
0 to 100 km/h is done in
7.8 seconds
 before it tops out at a respectable 220 km/h. Fuel consumption according to Audi, is rated at 8.1 L/100km. The numbers did not differ much in reality, with us clocking an
average of 10 to 11 L/100km from two separate
 full tanks.
Despite being fitted with the higher-end 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, the ride along the highways did not feel jumpy. Where composure and stability are needed, especially round the bends and at high speeds, the Q3 Sportback excels with its quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It delivers all the traction and more importantly assurance you’ll ever need!
We even brought the A5 Sportback quattro out to play! Watch the video
here
!
Inside, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and amused; including Apple CarPlay, a large fully digital instrument panel, a wraparound dashboard and a banging sound system.
Check out our gallery of Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Sportback quattro
here
!
There are some 30 different colours to choose from, for the cabin ambient lighting system. At night, the quattro emblem by the dashboard illuminates and changes colour along with the ambient lighting selected!
Frankly, the only thing that would even come close to bothering you is the tiny rear windshield that compromises slightly on rear visibility, as a result of the Q3 Sportback’s sloping roofline. Guess there’s no beauty without a little compromise! The only criticism rear passengers might have is the limited headroom, but that’s if they’re 6 ft or more than 180 cm tall.
As for the rest of the car, we’ll leave you to find out in our video!

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Grey import 2016 Toyota Vellfire arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM438k to RM568k

Malaysia’s favourite large MPV is back with the unveiling of the third generation 2016
Toyota Vellfire
 which took place at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre.
No, this family mover wasn’t officially launched by UMW Toyota, but instead brought in by parallel importer, CHY Autoworld during a public launch over the course of last weekend. As Malaysians prefer to obtain their supply of large Japanese MPVs from grey importers rather than through official channels, there’s little surprise to see a grey importer playing host to the model’s ‘official arrival’ here in Malaysia.

The Vellfire as we know is the Alphard with sporty credentials. This example of the new Vellfire in Executive Lounge trim has
Modellista body kit
 equipped to compliment the car’s bold design. While the 17-inch rims may look physically unappealing, perhaps it’s for good measure considering our road conditions. Other goodies that await passengers include
 two electronic leather captain seats, JBL Premium sound system, passenger entertainment system, ambient lighting system, sunroof
 and so on.
Also, this Vellfire is propelled by a
276 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine
 mated with a
six-speed Super ECT automatic
. The Alphard/Vellfire has two options for the 2.5-litre variant; the normal petrol
2AR-FE
engine that produces
 182 hp
 and the hybrid
2AR-FXE
 engine that produces
208 hp
given with two electric motors. The normal 2.5-litre variant uses the
seven-speed CVT transmission
 while the hybrid utilises the
eCVT
 transmission. CHY Autoworld brought two variants of the 3.5 (
Executive Lounge and VL
) and a sole petrol variant of the 2.5 (
ZG
).
The Vellfire 3.5 Executive Lounge is all yours for a cool
RM568,000,
 followed by the 3.5-litre VL variant at
RM468,000
 and 2.5 ZG variant at
RM438,000.
 If you’re wishing to drive this home for next year’s Chinese New Year, then bad news as deliveries for all variants are expected earliest by
March 2016.
 However, there’s good news for eager customers. There’s a limited time promo offering RM70,000 discount for all variants should they place their bookings now.
IMAGE GALLERY


KLIMS18: We are so amused by how “fresh” the Citroen C3 Aircross looks!

If there was ever a car manufacturer who’s capable of designing cars that look the way the C3 Aircross does, it had to be Citroen.
Previewed here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, the Citroen C3 Aircross is expected to be launched
sometime early next year
, priced in the ballpark of RM 120-130k (estimated).
The old, the young, the cool or the fashion-ignorant – you can’t believe the crowd and the kind of attention the C3 Aircross drew and looking at the pictures, would you actually be surprised?
At the front, you get a split headlamp design that’s reminiscent of the
new Triton
 while along the side, those wheels (named “4ever”) are possibly the most unique in the business. That’s even before you reach the back, where the 3D-effect tail lights take centre stage.

Inside, the most standout features have to be those seats, those air-con vents and the “drive display” – with the P, N, R and D displayed by the cupholders in front of the gear lever. No one designs cars like Citroen, no one.
Meant to go head to head with the Renault Captur and the
Peugeot 2008 that GC Mah reviewed
, the Citroen C3 Aircross is motivated by
110 hp
 and
205 Nm
 from a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, like the one you’d fine in the Peugeot 208 and 2008, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
0 to 100 km/h takes 10.4 seconds, if that ever matters to you in a car like this. What would matter though, are the six airbags it’s equipped with, along with Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, ABS and EBD, stability control, and brake assist.
IMAGE GALLERY