British firms develop electric supercharging technology for heavy vehicles and cars

It seems that the British are leading the charge once again. But instead of a battalion of Queen’s finest men dressed in their choicest freshly pressed uniforms, they are waging a war against carbon dioxide emissions.
Before that, we’ll circle around that just for a minute.
Electric-assisted forced induction
 is a great bit of kit. We’ve seen electric turbocharging in action before. Look no further than the pinnacle of motorsports –
Formula One
. But why do F1 cars need electric turbochargers? Simple. With the
downsizing
 trend that’s crippled the sport’s popularity ratings, it has also taken a toll on the engines. As compared to the previously-used
 V8
 motors that had
instant
 torque and power on demand, these cars now suffer from two dreaded and very familiar words –
 turbo lag
.
Now, to eliminate this problem and to keep the cars competitive under ridiculously stringent regulations, the solution was simple. It wasn’t perfect but it worked. But this isn’t Formula One and we ordinary folks aren’t always in a hurry, although most beg to differ on that point. Much like the
 e-turbo’s
 in F1, an electric supercharger looks and acts a lot like a turbocharger, and its job is to
compress

air
 that is then used to
spin
 up a conventional
turbo
. British firms,
Controlled Power Technologies
 (CPT) and
Eminox
 have come together in a collaborative effort to develop an electric supercharger, but it isn’t for use on cars just yet, but rather for larger
heavy duty diesel vehicles
.
The result of all those sleepless nights is the world’s first
 water-cooled electric supercharger
 unit developed for
continuous

boosting
 of commercial diesel and gasoline engines that’ll produce the
cleanest
 engines by delivering a necessary amount of air very quickly and precisely for
optimum
 combustion, particularly during
transient
 or short driving cycles.
Having said that, e-superchargers allow engineers to
downsize
 the cubic capacity of
big-bore oil burners
 currently powering a whole range of heavy vehicles. The beauty of this technology is that it can used on
existing
 engines. You don’t have
throw
 away your trucks or what have you and get new ones that come with this new tech, because it’ll work in
tandem
 with engine-driven turbocharger. Trucks don’t run on
12-volters
 we’d typically find in our cars, so this works to the
advantage
 of the e-supercharger.
The electric supercharger ensures that truck operators need not always be on the loud pedal to
extract
 power from the oil burner to get around. The supercharger will
automatically
 maintain the
ideal boost
 measure and ensure
constant

power
 delivery throughout. CPT developed
Cobra
, a tech that includes a
 sealed-for-life bearing
 system, coupled with electronics that are state-of-the-art. Combined that with a
 radial compressor
 connected to an
ultra-low inertia rotor
, the device accelerates from idle to 60,000 rpm in less than
 half a second
 to provide instantaneous boost, thereby avoiding transient torque and
smoke
 issues.
The electric supercharger technology developed by CPT is
not
 driven by conventional electric motors, but rather a powerful
 switched reluctance

motors
 controlled using advanced
electronics
 and software. Switched reluctance motor generators
eliminate
 the need for
expensive rare earth materials
 required for high speed permanent magnets. Moreover, low inertia means they can respond much faster than a conventional turbocharger.  They are also highly efficient where they are most useful, which is at
low
 engine revolutions where the
main turbo lacks boost
. This makes electric superchargers using switched reluctance machines an enabling technology to reduce engine size.
However, in tropical applications for cars, this is a different story all together. Impossible is nothing, but difficult it surely is. Forget about
retrofitting
, it much cheaper to just buy a Prius. The e-supercharger has to be hooked up to a DC electric motor. The way most normal cars are hooked up, it just won’t cut the mustard here. The answer is
high-density
 quick charge/discharge
batteries
 or better still a supercapacitor, but those are really
expensive
. Not only that, but they are live longer than
conventional
 batteries in terms of
repeated
 charge and discharge.
Ideally, having an energy recuperating system such as
KERS
(a system which draws kinetic energy via braking to charge a battery pack) can be a viable option for e-supercharging. When power is needed, the battery pack will drive juice out via an AC/DC converter for voltage correction before powering the supercharger, making it a
win-win
 situation.


Get in the Chinese New Year mood with the Imperial Red Nissan Serena

It is a well-known tradition that the colour Red is a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations, corresponding with the meaning for good fortune, joy and good luck. Hence in conjunction with the festive season, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just added a new Imperial Red colour option for the
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star
.
The Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star can now be ordered with a dual-tone theme with Imperial Red paint job for the body and Black for the roof, rear spoiler and side mirror caps. It is the first time a Nissan model is offered with Imperial Red in Malaysia. Other than the striking paintwork, equipment list remains the same with Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay.

Additionally, the Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer is now available with three colour options – Passion Red, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver. The X-Tremer edition sets itself apart with the Black painted bits on the roof, roof rails, rear spoiler, side mirror caps and five spoke 17-inch alloys. It also comes with X-Face cladding, chrome rear bumper protector and black Nappa leather seats.
In welcoming the new year ETCM has teamed up with property developer, JKG Land Berhad to give away one The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur service apartment worth RM665,000 when they purchase and register a Nissan vehicle from 1 December 2018 to 1 December 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer

The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur


Gallery: This rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!

The
Mitsubishi Xpander
 is not exactly the first car that comes to mind when you think of motorsports. As such, the bizarre-looking MPV that we have here is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. It is the Mitsubishi Xpander by Speedline Industries which has been inspired by the
Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 rally car
. Yes, the Mitsubishi Xpander has a legit rally-going version, although it is not this one.
To show how customizable the Mitsubishi Xpander is,
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
 and Speedline Industries have taken a bone-stock Xpander and created a replica of the AP4 rally-going version. No engine modifications have been done to this replica, but the AP4 rally version houses a downsized Evo X engine that makes 350 hp and 556 Nm, just FYI.
RELATED:
The Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 is the world’s first crossover rally car!
What has been done on the outside? Well, there are a few things to address here. Firstly, the body kit has been mostly 3D-printed and this includes the front lip set, front diffuser, side skirts, wheel arch attachments, rear diffuser, and rear wing. The original fenders have not been cut, but the wheel arch attachments do help to keep the wider wheels tucked in. Additionally, hood vents and a roof scoop have been added to the rally-inspired Xpander.
The underpinnings of the Xpander have been slightly tuned, with underbody chassis reinforcement bars, a customized suspension setup, and 18-inch alloy wheels by local company Raxer Wheels. The larger and wider wheels are wrapped in 225/45ZR18 tyres.
RELATED:
2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift unveiled in Indonesia with new rugged looks
Completing the “rally” look of the Xpander is a red, black, and white livery that is instantly recognizable as the brand’s official motorsport colours. An “Xpander” writing adorns the sides and “Mitsubishi Motors” letterings adorn the front windshield and the tailgate.
Hidden by the dark window tints, the cabin of the rally-inspired Xpander has been left as is. Currently, the project only shows the modification possibilities of the Mitsubishi Xpander on the outside. Looking at how extreme the exterior has been made, the interior would have been just as wild if Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia and Speedline Industries decided to work on it as well.
RELATED:
 Possibly the most “gaya” Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia
Powering the rally-inspired Xpander is still the same 1.5-litre MIVEC engine that makes
105 hp
and
141 Nm
. The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Sold in one variant only, the Mitsubishi Xpander fetches a price of
RM99,98
0 (OTR without insurance). Included in the price is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
RELATED:
 Mitsubishi Xpander leads MMM to top-three non-national car brand in Malaysia; 19,217 cars sold in FY21
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Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI looks absolutely epic with classic BBS wheels!

The
Volkswagen Golf GTI
 nameplate is steeped with heritage – it’s arguably the car that defined the “hot hatch” category, with a history spanning nearly 50 years. So for its latest Enthusiast Fleet model, Volkswagen USA went back in time, specifically to the Golf GTI Mk2 – the first and only generation to be built in the States – to look for inspiration.
Working together with Jamie Orr, a Philadelphia-based VW aficionado (and pretty much the guy to call if you’re looking for aftermarket VW modifications), Volkswagen managed to come up with this – the Golf GTI BBS Concept, based on another enthusiast-build Mk2 GTI.
Check out the Volkswagen Arteon Big Sur – another stunning entry in VW USA’s Enthusiast Fleet!
If you’re familiar with the brand
BBS
, then the name is pretty self-explanatory. On top of the retro BBS red and black livery, the car is of course fitted with a set of 19-inch BBS Super RS wheels, featuring the brand’s iconic multi-spoke (or “waffle and hex”) design in silver and gold.
And to give it the old-school racer look, the VW Golf GTI BBS Concept also gets a set of lowering H&R coilovers, of which the fronts have been redesigned to give it some additional camber adjustments. For finishing touches, the GTI BBS Concept is also fitted with a Borla exhaust system, the first made for the new GTI, which Orr describes as “just a step beyond” the stock system.
On the other end of the modification spectrum, Manhart has given the VW Golf GTI a Rolls-Royce-like interior! Check it out here.
“We wanted to maintain the soul of the Mk8, so we went with more traditional modifications. But we left the interior, body, and powertrain exactly as it came from the factory,” Orr said. “Take those wingback seats, with this striking red design – they are just phenomenal. Changing any of that would have been a shame.”
Volkswagen Enthusiast and Motorsport Marketing Specialist, Sean Maynard added: “We try to do most of the modifications to the exterior and leave the interiors stock on the enthusiast fleet vehicles. That way, someone that might not have any experience with the Brand can still get a true feel for the vehicles.”
The VW Golf GTI Mk8 promises even better handling with its new Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Learn more about it here.
The
Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI
 is powered by a reworked EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, generating
245 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque to drive the front wheels. The GTI is offered with both a manual or DSG dual-clutch transmission, though actual availability will – as usual – depend on region.
With the Mk8 VW Golf and Golf GTI already
launched in the neighbouring Singapore
, it’s only a matter of time before we’ll see them on our roads – and rumour has it that they’ll be locally-assembled right here in Malaysia. Keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest developments!
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UMW Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy involves BEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and HEVs

Toyota
 has believed in a multi-pathway strategy for a sustainable future of transportation, and naturally, that belief is echoed by
UMW Toyota Motor
, the official distributor of Toyota cars in Malaysia. Not only betting on fully electric vehicles (BEVs), UMW Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy involves hybrid vehicles (HEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).
Recently, UMW Toyota presented its multi-pathway strategy to members of the local media. Presented at the UMW Toyota headquarters, the company exhibited sample units of the
Toyota bZ4x
, a hybrid
Toyota Camry
, a
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
, and a cut-away of the
Toyota Prius
 to exhibit the Toyota Hybrid system.
Toyota’s global multi-pathway strategy comprises 6 paths. In Malaysia, the strategy comprises 4 of the 6 paths
Before we get on to the cars that were on display, let’s first address the company’s multi-pathway strategy. Essentially, Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy involves HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, FCEVs, H2, and Carbon Neutral (CN) Fuel. As for UMW Toyota, the multi-pathway comprises 4 of the 6 paths of Toyota globally. In Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor’s multi-pathway consists of HEVs, BEVs, FCEVs, and PHEVs.
For those unfamiliar with the terms, here is a list of the abbreviations:
HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle/Fully-electric vehicle
FCEV – Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
H2 – Hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines
CN Fuel – Carbon Neutral Fuel
RELATED:
All-electric Toyota bZ4x in Malaysia – 500km range, 150kW DC charging
UMW Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy in Malaysia. Toyota has not laid out any plans on phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, Toyota has set 6 milestones or “challenges” for itself. The challenges are as such:
Challenge 1 – New Vehicle Zero CO2 emissions challenge
Challenge 2 – Life Cycle Zero CO2 emissions challenge
Challenge 3 – Plant Zero CO2 Emissions challenge
Challenge 4 – Challenge of Minimizing and Optimizing Water Usage
Challenge 5 – Challenge of establishing a recycling-based society and systems
Challenge 6 – Challenge of establishing a future society in harmony with nature
RELATED:
Toyota confirms sports and luxury EVs by 2026, among 10 confirmed models
Toyota’s challenges in achieving its carbon neutrality aims by 2050
Toyota’s approach to its zero emissions is rather holistic as the company also looks into the entire life cycle of the car as opposed to just focusing on the emissions of the car as a unit itself. Besides its carbon neutrality stance, Toyota also shared its “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach”, its “Multi-pathway toward Carbon Neutrality”, “CO2 Emissions by powertrain”, and its “HEV contribution to Malaysia” which features the hybrid Corolla Cross.
RELATED:
 2023 Toyota Yaris updated in Malaysia – no more J variant, now from RM83k
UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “Toyota has a multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality and this is evident through these green powertrains, each developed to best meet the unique needs of customers in different parts of the world. For Malaysia, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians, considering the fuel source of our electricity generation and availability of charging infrastructure outside city centres in the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. We will add more HEV models in 2023.”
As for the cars on display, the 2 units of the Toyota bZ4x showed are sample units that were delivered to Malaysia for market research and technical evaluation on local road conditions. The units in Malaysia are the front-wheel drive (FWD) variant. The Toyota Camry Hybrid on display is not available for sale in Malaysia but is available in other markets like Thailand. The cut-away Prius was of the 4th generation, and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a model that is available for purchase in Malaysia.
RELATED:
Toyota promises to keep making GR sports cars under new CEO
As of now, Toyota believes that HEV is the most practical and cost-effective solution for Malaysians today, promising immediate carbon reduction without compromising on long-distance driving practicality and peace-of-mind usage – values that customers expect from every Toyota model.
At the same time, Toyota recognises that BEV technology will also become a very important next piece to complete the puzzle of carbon-neutrality. To support the creation of a BEV-friendly ecosystem, UMWT will be supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving 4,000 electric vehicle charging points by the end of this year.
RELATED:
UMW Toyota Motor sold 6,767 cars in April 2023, continues to assure Vios’ safety
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Can you tell what’s new in the facelifted Volvo XC90?

Volvo’s best-selling large SUV still looks the money but the Volvo XC90 has been around for
half a decade
 now and the Swedish marque decided that its time for a mid-life facelift.
The facelift exercise brings about a mildly restyled look, new mild hybrid powertrain options and a new
six-seater configuration
. The facelifted XC90 also offers updated technologies from its newer siblings as well as further options for personalisation.
Changes to the
exterior of the facelifted model are subtle but can be identified through a new
concaved grille design, reworked trims on the front lip and foglamp housing, new
wheel design and a silver strip that runs across the rear reflectors.
Inside, the cabin remains the same as before but updated with the latest technologies available on more Volvo models such as integrated Spotify app and Android Auto connectivity for the 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system. There is also a newly designed Orrefors crystal gear lever on the T8 plug-in hybrid variants.
Customers can now order their XC90 in the
four-seat Excellence variant
 (2+2), seven-seat family SUV variant (2+3+2) or a new six-seater variant that arranges a 2+2+2 seating layout. The six-seater option removes the second row’s centre seat completely to allow a pathway for easy access to the third-row. However, by removing the centre seat, you also lose out on a centre armrest, replaced by two cup holders by the centre console.
The popular T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain has been updated with a new battery pack and brake-by-wire advanced battery charging that ups the horsepower to
420 hp
 (from 407 hp) and increases pure electric driving range by 15% from 43 km to
48.3 km
. No word on whether the improved performance has impacted key performance figures.
7-Seater XC90
6-Seater XC90
The smaller capacity XC90
T6 plug-in hybrid also features the new battery pack and brake-by-wire technology
offering 15% increase in pure electric driving range. There will be a new “B”
badged XC90 that features mild-hybrid technology in B5 (petrol or diesel) and B6
(petrol) variants.
In terms of active safety technology, the IntelliSafe system on the XC90 now comes with
steering assist
 that works for both City Safety autonomous braking and Blind Spot Information System.
Oncoming Lane Mitigation system
 and
Autobrake
on the Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also added to the facelifted XC90.
The facelifted Volvo
XC90 will go into production in May 2020 and will be making its market debut
later in the year.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Facelift
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine R-Design Facelift


Video: 2018 Updated Ford Ranger, Things You Need To Know

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia has just
launched the updated Ford Ranger range
 to keep the tough pick-up truck ahead of the competition. With eight variants available, here are things you need to know about the updated Ranger:
There are three engine options available for the Ranger – 2.2-litre four-cylinder TDCI turbodiesel (
160 hp
/
385 Nm
), 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbo) diesel (
180 hp
/
420 Nm
) and the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel (
213 hp
/
500 Nm
). The 2.2-litre TDCI unit is paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission while the new EcoBlue engines are paired to Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission.
The range-topping 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 features not only best-in-class engine output but also first-in-class advanced driver assist systems with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).
Prices for the basic Ranger 2.2L XL starts from RM90,888 to RM103,888 while the Ranger XLT is priced from 109,888 to RM124,888. The top of the line Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 variant retails for RM144,888 while the Wildtrak 2.0L 4×2 is priced at RM134,888.
IMAGE GALLERY
Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 2.0L Launched in Malaysia

Ford Ranger XLT+ 2.0L Launched in Malaysia

Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Launched in Malaysia


Mercedes-Benz reveals “Edition 55” package for the AMG A 35 series

Following the
“Edition 55” based on the G-Class
, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the “Edition 55” versions of the A 35 AMG 4MATIC – the
hatchback
, the
sedan
, the CLA, and the
CLA Shooting Brake
 – to celebrate 55 years of AMG. Strangely, they’ve only shared images of the hatchback.
The exterior of an “Edition 55” can be instantly recognisable with the decals across the door, but the rest of the car appears similar to the standard AMG A 35.
With the AMG Night Package, the front splitter and canards, window surround, and other trims such as the bumper inserts are finished in High Gloss Black while the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are finished in Matte Titanium Grey paint. Other distinguishing features of the “Edition 55” models are the exclusive Cosmos Black metallic or Digital White metallic exterior paint colours.
Inside, the “Edition 55” stands out with a Red and Black cabin furnished with AMG Performance seats and an AMG Performance steering wheel. Further “Edition 55” specific trims include AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 models are powered by the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox with 306 hp, 400 Nm, and all-wheel drive capabilities. 0 to 100 km/h takes under five seconds.
The AMG A 35 models can be specified with the “Edition 55” package at the cost of 12,614 Euros (approx. RM58,606).
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Hyundai celebrates 30 years of the Sonata, over 7.3 million units sold globally [+Video]

The
Hyundai Sonata
 nameplate turns 30 this year, and the midsize D-Segment Korean sedan has certainly come a long, long way since its inception back in 1985. During its lifetime, over
7.3 million units
 of the Sonata has been sold worldwide.
The 7th generation Hyundai Sonata 2.0L Executive
Having been around for 30 years and seven iterations later, the Sonata is arguably at its best, donning the brand’s more matured styling, dubbed the
Fluidic Sculpture 2.0
. Unlike before, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors have opted to remove the 2.4-litre engine, favouring the more popular
2.0L
 which punches
152 hp
 at 6,200 rpm and
194

Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Read our review of the
RM158k
 D-Segment sedan
here
. It comes with a
5-year or 300,000km warranty
 programme and an additional three years for the engine and gearbox. That’s
eight years of coverage
, a country’s first.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Hyundai Sonata LF 2.0L Executive


5 things you need to know about the new Petronas Primax 95 with Pro-Drive

Petronas Dagangan has introduced the new Primax 95 with Pro-Drive which is now available in all of its stations effective immediately so here’s five things you need to know about it.
Nearly the same fuel used in Formula 1
93% of the active chemistry in the new Primax 95 with Pro-Drive is
 similar to the fuel used in Formula 1
. You can now say that you’re using (somewhat) the same fuel as Lewis Hamilton.
World’s First Dual Friction Modifier
Realistically, it’s probably not something you’d be interested to look into but essentially what it does is
 reduce friction between the metal surfaces in the engine by up to 20%
 – allowing the engine to run smoother and be more responsive.
Double Detergent
The double dose of cleaning agents helps
eliminate up to 99% of carbon deposits
and keeps the injectors clean while forming a protective barrier.
This helps the injectors to provide a better spray of the fuel for a more efficient combustion – efficient combustion equals reduced power loss.
New anti-corrosion additive
A new formulation ensures a stronger bond between the additive and metal surfaces, offering double the protection for the engine components while maintaining optimum performance.
Hybrid vehicle applications
Having tested the new fuel on hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and BMW i3, it was found that at least 2% more power was left in the battery. Throughout testing, it was found that less fuel and battery power was used for the same mileage.
IMAGE GALLERY


Daimler launched a jointly-developed electric vehicle in China

Daimler and BYD Automotive Industry Co. Ltd. has launched the new DENZA 500 battery electric vehicle, that’s made in China for China, through their joint venture Shenzhen DENZA New Energy Automotive Co. Ltd.
The new DENZA 500 offers a refreshed exterior design and extended electric range of
up to 500 km
 courtesy of a new battery and further weight reductions. The DENZA model combines Daimler’s vehicle architecture expertise and advanced safety engineering with BYD’s battery technology.
The DENZA 500’s exterior features “tiger eye” LED headlights and rippling LED taillights while inside sees a larger 9-inch touchscreen display. Upgraded connectivity services include charging solutions and the DENZA smartphone application. With the DENZA app, WeChat or the car’s navigation system, DENZA owners can quickly locate over
112,000 charging piles across the country
.
The new DENZA 500 was tested in a wide range of harsh conditions, including severe winter testing at temperatures
as low as –40 degrees Celsius
.
Last year, DENZA achieved its best sales performance, with an
85% increase in sales volume
 thanks to the strong customer reception of the DENZA 400 model. The brand also expanded its reach through selected Mercedes-Benz dealers, which now offer sales and after-sales service for DENZA vehicles.
Shenzhen DENZA New Energy Automotive Co. Ltd. (DENZA Auto) is a 50:50 joint venture of Daimler Greater China Ltd and BYD Automotive Industry Co. Ltd that was established in 2011. It was the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to battery electric vehicles. DENZA Auto was also the first electric vehicle manufacturer in China to conduct crash tests according to the C-NCAP standard, receiving a 5-star rating.


BMW Japan’s new 8 Series Frozen Black Edition is unnecessarily dark

Colours are always subjective and can alter the aesthetics of a subject, hence, in focus group studies and surveys on cars, all vehicles are presented in either white or silver. Even in black cars, certain metallic elements usually appear in bright chrome just to create a break or highlight.
For BMW Japan, they have decided to introduce the
BMW 8 Series Frozen Black Edition
. Everything single possible item on the exterior is black; starting off with the matte black paint called BMW Individual Frozen Black.
All chrome trim inserts get the black treatment too, such as the entire kidney grille, window surround, dual exhaust tips and fender vents. 20-inch M Y-spoke style 728 M in Jet Black wheels accompany the Frozen Black bodywork, together with black painted BMW M sport brake calipers.
Both the BMW 840i Coupe and Gran Coupe are available with the Frozen Black package, but the latter gets an additional panoramic moonroof.
Inside, BMW Individual headlining in Anthracite Alcantara is applied together with extended Merino leather across every surface of the dashboard and door panels. Even the BMW M emblems in the sport seats are in gloss black!
Dark as it may be in there, subtle lighting for the all-black interior comes from an unlikely source – the 16 stainless steel covered partially-lit speakers from Bowers & Wilkins.
This BMW M850i xDrive Coupe is made of materials from out of this world. Find out more here!
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is one of the highest specifications in-car entertainment system by BMW. It features a
16-channel amplifier with 1,400 watts
of power to deliver a beautifully-precise and multifaceted acoustic experience where its quality can be enjoyed from all seats in the BMW 8 Series in equal measure.
The BMW 840i is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine delivering
340 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. Drive is to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Benchmark century dash is completed in
5.2 seconds
.

Sales will be exclusive on the local BMW online store with only just five units of the BMW 840i Coupe available and 15 units of the BMW 840i Grand Coupe, each priced at
15 million yen
 (RM 585,000).
BMW Japan also introduced a rather catchy name for a limited-edition BMW X5 called the
Pleasure3 edition
. Find out what
pleasures it brings to owners here.
BMW Malaysia meanwhile offers the
840i Gran Coupe
 from
RM910,961.23
 while the coupe is only available from the
M850i xDrive
 priced from
RM1,062,350
.
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6-speed manual only, the BMW 3.0 CSL is more than just an M4 with a better grille

Just like the year 2022, the period for
BMW M GmbH
 to celebrate its
50th anniversary
 is also approaching its end. Possibly the M Division’s last hurrah for its Golden Jubilee, it has unveiled the
BMW 3.0 CSL
, which pays tribute to the division’s first production car which also bears the same moniker.
If the car looks somewhat familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen the
3.0 CSL Hommage
 that debuted in 2015 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa de’Este, or the
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R
 that debuted at Pebble Beach, also in 2015. The 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL is based on the latest-generation
BMW M4
, albeit with extensive changes.
Most of the exterior takes inspiration from the original 3.0 CSL – the bumper vents, ‘batmobile’-like front fenders, rear wing, and rear top wing are instantly recognizable 3.0 CSL features. Featuring a large grille like most modern BMWs, the 3.0 CSL’s grille is wider, shorter, smoother, and has a lattice grille design as opposed to the horizontal slates of the
M4
/
M3
.
To keep its weight down, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used extensively in the 3.0 CSL. CFRP is used for the roof, bonnet lid, boot lid, and front and rear aprons. Also keeping the weight down is minimal use of insulation materials.
RELATED:
2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia – from RM798k
Wider than the regular M4, the 3.0 CSL sits on 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels in the rear, all with a centre lock. With a Y-spoke design, the forged light alloy wheels are finished in gold-coloured paint. The golden centre lock wheels are exclusive for the 3.0 CSL and so are the Michelin tyres that wrap around them. Developed exclusively for the 3.0 CSL, the Michelin tyres have the number ’50’ embossed on the sidewalls.
There is only one colour scheme for the BMW 3.0 CSL, and it is the Alpine white base with the M stripes livery. Mostly made of carbon components, the 3.0 CSL is hand painted by specialists and the livery stripes are precisely positioned with the help of laser projection and customized contour films. Each component with a livery paint finish takes six working days to complete.
RELATED:
BMW celebrates 50th anniversary of M with limited edition ‘50 Jahre’ BMW M3 and M4
Powering the BMW 3.0 CSL is the most powerful straight-six engine to be used in a road-legal BMW M car. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine makes
560 hp
 (metric) and
550 Nm
 and revs up to 7,200 rpm. For comparison, the
M4 CSL
 makes 550 hp (metric) and 650 Nm while the standard
M4
 makes 480 hp (metric) and 550 Nm.
The only transmission option for the 3.0 CSL is a 6-speed manual box, and all power is sent to the rear wheels only. If anything, the 3.0 CSL sounds like the average car enthusiast’s wet dream.
RELATED:
New lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M
Not entirely ‘traditional’, the 6-speed manual box come with “Shift Assistant” which uses a connection speed control to ensure slip-free clutch engagement after downshifting when braking for corners. In case you’re feeling like a big boy, the “Shift Assistant” can be deactivated. The 3.0 CSL is also equipped with BMW’s Active M Differential.
As for suspension, the 3.0 CSL has a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with Adaptive M suspension. Behind the exclusive golden wheels are M carbon ceramic brakes with adjustable characteristic curves.
RELATED:
Is this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?
Inside, the rear seats have been
yeeted
 to make space for a storage compartment with two integrated helmet compartments. The seats provided in the 3.0 CSL are M Carbon full bucket seats with removable headrest inserts. As the driver and passenger, you can only adjust the seats longitudinally with no tools. Seat height and inclination adjustments require a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop.
Covered in mostly Alcantara, the interior also features a lot of carbon and lightweight materials. To go with the exterior livery, the 3.0 CSL has contrasting stitching on the Alcantara. To manhandle the 6-speed manual box, you get a white gear shift knob with the ‘50’ lettering to remind you that you’re in a very special M car.
Only 50 units of the BMW 3.0 CSL will be available in honour of its 50th anniversary. Inside the car is a number lettering to let you know which unit of the 50 it is. Priced at 750,000 Eur (approx.
RM3,481,107
), the 3.0 CSL takes 3 months to complete.
RELATED:
BMW hints at all-electric M3, says no one cares if there’s no engine


Fourth-gen Renault Megane RS to break cover at Monaco F1 Grand Prix!

When the
fourth-generation Renault Megane
 debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the full blown Megane R.S. was no where in sight. But early this year, Renault Sports achieved one million followers on Facebook and went on to
tease the fourth-gen Megane RS
.
Diehard Megane RS fans are in for a treat because Renault Sport has decided to unveil the hot hatch at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix! It’s revealed that the car will sport a yellow and black livery to mark the 40th anniversary of Renault’s involvement in F1. It will be piloted around Circuit de Monaco by none other than Nico Hülkenberg, Renault Sport F1 race driver.
We know that the Renaultsport-inspired GT variant of the regular Megane is equipped with 4Control four-wheel steering, launch control, Multi Change Down (enables rapid downshift on DCT equipped models) and an R.S. Drive mode. Rest assured that when the Megane RS debuts, we will see even more F1 derived technologies appear on the purebred RS model. After all, it has to better the outgoing
Megane RS275 Trophy-R
, no?
It will also go on display at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show happening in September. TC Euro Cars has the
outgoing Megane RS currently on sale
 and
we found it to be a mean machine
, so good that it was one of the
best cars we’ve driven in 2016
.


Round 3 of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is happening on 15th to 16th February

The show must go on, and the
penultimate round of Season 3
 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is happening over the weekend of
15
th
 to 16
th
 February 2020
 at
Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang
. The Batu Kawan race is the last of the street circuits for the Toyota Vios Challenge after the Kuala Terengganu and Bandar Malaysia legs before Sepang International Circuit hosts the finale in April.
In the Super Sporting class for professionals, Malaysia’s Drift King Tengku Djan Ley currently leads the standings with 36 points, just 8 points ahead of Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin followed by Kenny Lee a further point behind.
Meanwhile in the Sporting class where every race has been hard fought, S&D Tama Motorsports’ and motoring journalist Tom Goh leads the standings with 28 points, just two ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin. One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.
Catch the stars and the GR Supra on 15th and 16th February at Batu Kawan, Penang.
Leading the Promotional class for celebrities is television
presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a four-point lead over Season 1 champion
Shawn Lee at 28 points, with singer Khai Bahar in third. A total of 10 local
celebrities will line-up on the grid in Penang and they include Diana Danielle;
Janna Nick, Shukri Yahaya, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Ain Edruce and Syafiq
Kyle.
“The excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track, but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature the display and test drive of Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles, a drift performance, a racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the
flagship GR Supra
!”, enthused UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
Admission is free
 for the public on both days of the TGR Festival, action starts from 9am.


Review: Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback, the Japanese hatchback saviour [+Video]

Over here in Malaysia, the
C-segment hatchback
 is dominated by the continental brands and there are very few representatives from Asia. The latest entrant in this segment comes from Mazda, with their
 CKD Mazda3 hatchback
.
Since the first generation Mazda3 went on sale in Malaysia, buyers were able to choose between the sedan or the hatchback bodystyle and the trend continues to the second and the latest third generation Mazda3. Understandably the general take up of the hatchback is not as many if compared to the sedan, but we can still see them on the roads more often that we thought.
We first saw the
bobtailed Mazda3 in the land of smiles
 and we were kind of envious that we didn’t get the
sexyback
 Mazda3 here in Malaysia. Coincidentally around that time,
Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd
 announced that the hatchback is coming to Malaysia and we couldn’t be any more pleased with the news. It took the hatchback more than a year before making its debut here, and it did so in conjunction with the introduction of the
locally assembled version of the Mazda3
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback

Segment
C-Segment hatchback
Engine
1,998 cc 4-Cylinder
Transmission
6-Speed automatic
Max Power
162 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
RM 120,705.30

Introduced together with the
CKD sedan
, the hatchback shares the same powertrain with the sedan. Unlike the sedan which is offered in two different trims
GL
 and
High
, the hatchback only comes in the
Mid
 trim. It sits between the GL-spec sedan and High-spec sedan, but the hatchback shares the same price tag as the High-spec sedan at
RM 120,705.30
.
EXTERIOR
The Mazda3 hatchback is every bit as the Mazda3 sedan from the nose all the way back to the rear doors, therefore most people would ignore it at the first sight thinking it’s the Mazda3 sedan until they catch a second glance to witness the tail that has been cut short.

The
KODO
 design language is still being used here. Like the sedan, the upright grille houses the front number plate inside, and it’s underlined by a dash of chrome that extends to the
dynamic Bi-Xenon headlamps
 with
LED DRLs
. Foglamps are present here too, just below the turn indicators that have been relegated out from the main headlamp units.
My favourite bit of KODO element is how the bonnet line arches towards the doors. This is by far the most successful trick to make an FWD car mimics the stance of an RWD car, by giving it the impression of a long bonnet and cab-rearwards look like the BMW 1 Series hatchback.
Not only that, the crossing shoulder lines together with a rising swage line add some zest to the side that would otherwise be bland without them. You don’t get chrome door handles, but there is some chrome strip that runs alongside the lower edge of the side windows. Meanwhile under the wheel arches house pretty
18-inch alloys
 wrapped in 215/45 R18 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tyres.

It’s after the pair of rear doors where everything gets compressed into a mean and racy rear end. A
shark’s fin antenna
 emerges on top, while the roof ends to a sharp integrated spoiler with LED brake lights. Initially I wasn’t quite sure of the pert rump because it appears to be too cluttered especially the middle part where the number plate garnish bridges the
LED tail lights
, but the more I lay my eyes on it the more I fell in love with the backside (of the car, of course).
There’s some naughty attitude going on at the back. Unlike the sedan, the hatchback isn’t shy to let
a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes
 exposed under that two-layer rear bumper. Although I must say the
Meteor Grey Mica
 paintjob on our test unit is rather unflattering compared to the white one we
spotted in the showroom earlier
. Just don’t get me started on the gorgeous Soul Red Metallic that is now missing from the colour options for the CKD batch of Mazda3!
INTERIOR
If you’ve sat in the Mazda3 sedan before, it’s the same episode here in the hatchback. The dashboard has been simplified whereby most of the controls have been grouped into the
MZD Connect System
 displayed on the
 7-inch
 tablet-like
touchscreen monitor
. The intuitive menu is accessed either by using the
Commander Control Switch
 on the center console or by tapping your finger on the screen itself. All that’s left on the dashboard is a trio of rotary knobs for the climate control and a CD slot deep down below.

The interior is upholstered mainly in
fabric
, but some bits are wrapped in
leather
, such as the steering wheel and the handbrake lever.
Glossy black
 trim is used on the center console and on the dashboard, while
 faux carbon
 adorns the steering wheel spokes and the window switch surrounds on each door.

The steering is equipped with
 shift paddles
 and controls for the audio system on the left spoke, but as you can see from the bare right spoke, it means that the Mazda3 hatchback still doesn’t come with cruise control like on the
CBU sedan we drove last year
. Also similar to the CBU sedan, the instrument binnacle in the hatchback is adopting the “
Type-B
” style with a central analog speedo and a small digital tacho in the left panel.
The seats adjust manually, and the two outer back ones have
 ISOFIX
 anchor points with the backrests that split 60/40 and fold flat to extend the boot space from
308 litres
 to 1,263 litres. You’ll be pleased to read that the rear passenger space isn’t compromised from the sedan. Sharing the same
2,700 mm wheelbase
 as the sedan, leg room and even head room is almost indistinguishable from the sedan.

As you would expect, the cabin practicalities follow the sedan too, there’s an overhead sunglasses compartment, spacious (but flimsy) glovebox, eight cupholders, and if you peek under the front center armrest you’ll see a deep compartment with
dual USB ports
, an
SD card slot
, and a
12v power outlet
.
Six airbags
 are fitted as standard, and all five occupants get three-point safety belts.
PERFORMANCE
The
2.0-litre SkyActiv-G
 is currently the sole powerplant for the entire Mazda3 range in Malaysia, so you get
 162 hp
 and
210 Nm
 of torque spinning the front wheels via a
six-speed SkyActiv Drive
 automatic transmission. The four-cylinder mill will propel the hatchback from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
8.8 seconds
 and all the way to the
top speed
 of
210 km/h
.
It has
 i-stop
 start/stop system as standard but it loses the i-eloop regenerative braking system from the CBU Mazda3 sedan. There’s no official figure for the fuel consumption, but it shouldn’t stray too far from the CBU sedan’s figure of
6.5 l/100 km
.
THE DRIVE
Upon thumbing the starter button the SkyActiv-G can sound somewhat raspy when started in a cold morning, but it only does that for a few seconds before it settles to a calm idle. There’s bonnet insulator this time round, so the 4-cylinder din is reduced by some margin but it can still get rather vocal when pushed.
I can recall how the CBU Mazda3 sedan we drove last year handles so well and this CKD hatchback is no exception. City driving in the hatchback is pleasant and low speed ride is never harsh despite the low profile rubbers, so you can go about your normal driving as you would in any smaller-sized city runabout B-segment hatchback. If you fear the view back is restricted due to the small rear window, you’d be glad to find out that all Mazda3 including the hatchback is equipped with a
 reverse camera
 as standard to accompany the reverse sensors.
On the highways the hatchback will cruise calmly in top gear, with very little external noise seeping inside the cabin, and it’s partly thanks to the mentioned insulation under the bonnet. The only drawback is the
 lack of cruise control
, which is only available on the High-spec sedan.
It’s when you take the Mazda3 to the trunk roads that the
SkyActiv chassis
 delivers. Even without any sports mode to choose from, the hatchback is still able to entertain with its handling that is equally as sharp as the exterior styling. Body lean is present on fast sweeping bends but it feels planted and you will rarely find yourself wanting for more grip or running wide in the corners.
The six-speed auto is not the fastest shifting gearbox but it trumps the other Japanese C-segment rivals with their five-speed auto or the lamentable CVT. It downshifts ever willingly with the slightest flex of the accelerator pedal and as soon as you ease off the throttle it’ll quickly settle to the highest gear possible to reduce fuel consumption.
The lighter mass at the back would make you believe the hatchback handles better than the sedan. We also had a go in the
High-spec sedan
. Driven back to back, the hatchback highlights the sedan’s slightly nervous tail, but this is only apparent when you take on long winding curves faster than necessary.
On low speed squiggly roads you’d be hard pressed to tell the two apart, both will entertain you with their lovely steering and their sense of sure-footedness. Both the hatchback and the sedan will accelerate with vigour although the sedan felt a wee bit restrained due to the fact that it’s barely clocking 500 km on the odometer during our stint.
IS IT FOR YOU?
If you’re in the market for a C-segment hatchback, Mazda3 hatchback posed as a great value next to the continental rivals. It’s not only the cheapest among the continental contenders, the build quality is fairly reasonable and more importantly it drives well too. However, if you’re looking for something that’s well-equipped, the Mazda3 hatchback may not be able to fulfill you. At least the safety equipment isn’t shabby, you will still get the usual ABS with BA and EBD, DSC, TCS, and six airbags as standard.
COMPARISONS
We’re lining up the Mazda3 hatchback with two of Europe’s better challengers,
Peugeot’s all-new
308 Turbo
 and
Ford Focus 2.0 Sport+
.
The Focus is getting quite long in the tooth compared to the Mazda3 and the 308, and the facelift has already been revealed in Europe a few months back so you might want to wait for a little while before it reaches here. Even though the
2.0-litre 4-cylinder
 engine still produces decent figures here. It’s generously equipped too with six airbags, dual-zone climate control, Active Shutter Grille, Active City Stop, and Active Park Assist.
The 308 may only have a
1.6-litre 4-cylinder
 engine but it’s
turbocharged
 and dishes out the highest amount of torque here. It’s packed to the brim with features too. It includes the full LED headlamps, huge 9.7-inch touchscreen head unit, panoramic glass roof, as well as Dynamic Cruise Control.
Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback

Peugeot 308 THP

Ford Focus 2.0 Sport+

ENGINE
Type
Inline 4-cylinder
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement
cc
1,998
1,598
1,999
Max Power
hp
162
150
170
Max Torque
Nm
210
240
202
STEERING
Type
Electric power-steering
Electric power-steering
Electric power-steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed dual-clutch
SUSPENSION
Type
Front/Rear
MacPherson strut/Multi-link
MacPherson strut/Torsion Beam
MacPherson strut/Multi-link
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
215/45 R18
225/40 R18
215/50 R17
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,460
4,253
4,358
Overall Width
mm
1,795
1,804
1,824
Overall Height
mm
1,455
1,457
1,466
Wheelbase
mm
2,700
2,620
2,648
Kerb Weight
kg
1,292
1,345
N/A
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
308
470
316
FUEL
Tank Capacity
51 litres
53 litres
55 litres
Consumption (Combined)
 L/100km
N/A
6.5
6.6
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
210
211
N/A
0 – 100km/h
sec
8.8
9.4
N/A
PRICE

RM
120,705.30
132,888.00
129,886.89

WILL I BUY IT?
The Mazda3 hatchback is a great alternative to the continental hatchbacks, with its sweet handling and not to mention the attractive looks. Unfortunately against the competitors it falls short of being a complete product. The Mid trim is good but still not good enough to take on the rivals. Until the Mazda3 hatchback is available in High spec, it’s pretty hard to recommend when others offer more kit for just a little bit more over the Mazda3 hatchback’s asking price.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport updated with Laserlight, 21-inch wheels – price up by RM6k

Two years after its introduction here on our shores, BMW Malaysia has now updated the
locally-assembled X5 xDrive45e M Sport
for 2022 with several additional aesthetic and safety features, alongside a slight hike in pricing, now priced at
RM457,498
.
The biggest update on the exterior comes in the form of the BMW Laserlight headlights, which is said to offer a greater and wider illumination than the previous bi-LED units, enhancing visibility on the road. The matrix headlight system will also come with Selective Beam, which automatically blocks out parts of the headlights to prevent glaring other vehicles.
The plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive45e also now comes with a set of larger style 741M 21-inch alloy wheels, finished in Orbit Grey as standard. But aside from these updates, the rest of the exterior remains unchanged from before, with the “Sports Activity Vehicle” (SAV) still featuring the sportier M Sport body kit.
Other updates on the 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e come in the form of its safety kit, with two additional side airbags inside the cabin for the second-row passengers, bringing the total count up to eight airbags.
The new BMW X5 xDrive45e will also feature Active Protection, which is essentially Munich’s version of Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system that automatically arms the cabin in preparation of an unavoidable accident. The seatbelts also now come with a reversible pre-tensioning system, which automatically tightens the seatbelt to the ideal tension based on the passenger’s body.
No changes are made to the car’s active safety kit, however, with L2 autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist being the notable omissions here. The standard Driving Assistant package still comes with the same list of features as before, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitor.
Also unchanged is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine paired to an electric motor for a total system output of
394 hp
 and
 600 Nm
. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox and the xDrive all-wheel drive system.
As mentioned above, the new 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport is now priced at
RM457,498
 on the road and without insurance, making it roughly RM6k more expensive than the outgoing car. The sales tax exemption, which has now been confirmed to
not be extended past 30 June
, is also included in the price, so you’ll have about 10 days to get your orders in for the price above.
The price also includes the
 optional extended warranty package
, which increases the warranty from the standard two years to a five-year unlimited-mileage coverage, alongside the free scheduled service programme.


Expired road tax and driving licence renewal deadline extended to December 31st

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has just issued a press statement regarding the new deadline for the renewal of expired road tax (Lesen Kenderaan Motor) and Malaysian driving licences, extending from the end of September to the
end of December 2021
.
The MOT said that constant feedback from the public on the difficulty to perform such tasks before the
September 30th deadline
 was a key factor in extending the moratorium for renewals. As such, expired road tax and Malaysian driving licences will not be subjected to enforcement and compliance activities by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) up to December 31st 2021.
Source:
Twitter/Ministry of Transport
Additionally, because of the continuous increase in vaccination rates among adults in the country (65.9%), the MOT has decided to
fully reopen JPJ
 and Puspakom counters from Monday, September 6th, with the former discontinuing the much-criticised online appointment system. Customers who are planning to walk in and transact at JPJ counters from Monday must however be
fully vaccinated
 with their MySejahtera app displaying a ‘Low-Risk’ status.
The MOT continues to encourage customers with internet access and online banking service to use existing online transaction channels such as
mySikap JPJ
,
MyEG
,
Pos Malaysia
 as well as
Puspakom centres
 for the renewal process of the two key documents.

JPJ is offering 70% discounts for summonses until September 16th, 2021. Find out more here.
State JPJ offices have also started drive-through counters at their premises for the renewal of road tax, driving licence as well as payment of summons.
The department also reiterates that vehicle owners have valid insurance coverage while the vehicle is in operation on the road at all times. Place the insurance ‘e-covernote’ inside the vehicle and display it to law enforcers when requested.


Naza Group auto brands resume operations starting today

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the
Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
 which sees the resumption of business in most industries, Naza Group has announced that several of its automotive brands are also resuming operations, starting today.
The companies under the Naza Group umbrella reopening today include Naza Italia, NZ Wheels (Mercedes-Benz), Naza Kia Malaysia, Nasim (Peugeot), Naza Euro Motors (Citroen and DS), and Naza Motor Trading.
In line with the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and relevant local authorities, Naza Group says that safety and hygiene measures will be strictly enforced at all of its premises.
Mercedes-Benz dealership NZ Wheels will be reopening its Klang Autohaus, KL North-East Service Centre and Johor Bahru Autohaus
outlets, all operating strictly on an
appointment-only basis
. Customers who are looking to service their vehicles will be required to contact the respective service branches to acquire a prior booking.
Meanwhile, Naza Kia Malaysia is
resuming full operations
 at all of its authorised outlets in stages, starting today. The previously-announced
Kia Promise initiative
 is still in effect, providing a peace of mind to Kia owners during these uncertain times.
Customers who were unable to carry out their scheduled maintenance will be given a grace period of two months or 2,000 km (in moderation) beyond the standard six months or 10,000 km service interval to service their vehicle following the end of MCO. As for warranties expiring between February 1 and April 30, the Kia Promise campaign will automatically extend the warranty to the 30th of June 2020.
According to the statement, Nasim and Naza Euro Cars will only be
resuming its aftersales operations
. Peugeot, Citroen and DS owners are required to make a booking prior to their visit at the premises. The company reassures that all warranties for the three aforementioned brands will still be honoured, if their scheduled service due date falls within the MCO period.
Lastly, Naza Motor Trading will be resuming regular business hours from 9 am to 6 pm starting today at its Naza Automall PJ outlet.


Suzuki Malaysia teases the launch of Jimny via lone image

Naza Eastern Motors
 (NEM), the sole distributor of new-generation Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, has posted their intention to launch the Jimny real soon!
In a simple post of the shadow drawing of the Suzuki Jimny on
Instagram
, the distributor included a caption “The one and only….returns.” sending signals that the capable lifestyle SUV is finally making its official availability in Malaysia!
A month after the launch of the
Suzuki Swift Sport
, local media portal BHarian reported that NEM has
already started taking bookings

(close to 20 bookings) of the Jimny even though no pricing or firm delivery timing of the vehicle.
The Suzuki Jimny is offered in a compact 3-door body with a simple Suzuki K15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine powering the SUV. Outputs are modest with just
100 hp
 and
130 Nm
of torque
.
Globally, there is a choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Power is sent to the Allgrip Pro 4×4 system that features a physical shift lever to slot from 2WD to 4WD High and 4WD Low transfer gear range.
For true off-road capabilities, the Suzuki Jimny continues to be built on a rigid ladder frame chassis and suspended by 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs on both axles. The steering gear mechanism is even the old recirculating ball unit rather than a modern rack-and-pinion system.
The Suzuki Jimny can bring fresh barista coffee to almost anywhere thanks to its compact dimensions yet spacious interior. More about Jimny Beans here!
We are surely excited to see the little Jimny available in Malaysia and backed by full aftersales support! Follow us for more updates on the local launch of the Suzuki Jimny by Naza Eastern Motors.


Old-school Proton Saga Knight reimagined for the 21st century by Malaysian designer!

By now, you probably would’ve already seen the world-famous award-winning
Proton Saga Knight
 that’s been making waves around the internet. While the car still has its unique charm, its 70s design is undeniably quite dated-looking, especially when put alongside the other modern cars on our roads today.
So in an effort to keep one of Malaysia’s most iconic cars on the road, former Proton designer and MIMOS (National Applied R&D Centre) design head Saharudin Busri took matters into his own hands by redesigning the Proton Saga Knight, replete with modern design touches from the 21st century – and the results are just, wow!

All of the classic Saga most iconic features are still present in this redesign concept, including the flat nose, Aeroback C-pillars, squared-off wheel arches, and even the classic steely wheels. But with a bit of imagination, these old ideas have transformed into a completely modern look, fit for even the latest EVs.
The Proton badge has evolved a lot over the years, from what you see here, to the roundel logo we have now. Take a look at its history here!
At first glance, the front of the reimagined Proton Saga Knight seems to have taken on the looks of a
Volkswagen Golf GTI
, especially with the red strip running between the headlights. However, Saharudin has also incorporated some of Proton’s own modern touches into the concept, including the now-iconic “ethereal bow”, in the form of the daytime running lights.
The same full-width treatment has also been applied to the tail lights, terminating into a slim vertical lighting stack on both ends. Completing the exterior makeover are the Proton Knight stickers, which works surprisingly well here with just a slight tweak to its design.
Here are seven fun facts about the Proton Saga that you might not have known!
Where the concept differs slightly from the original Proton Saga though, is in the car’s roofline silhouette. While the Saga’s Aeroback styling (a Proton original design, by the way!) is unique, it doesn’t really gel too well with the other modern design touches.
For the redesign, Saharudin instead gave it a more regular coupe-like rear-end, with a more exaggerated spoiler at the boot lid to bring out a bit of the original Aeroback spirit.
More than 35 years later, the Proton Saga is still the default choice for many Malaysians. Check out our full review of the third-gen Proton Saga 1.3 Premium here!
The same concept is applied to the interior as well – taking old ideas, but rehashing it to fit in a modern context. For example, the dashboard still retains the same boxy motif, though the entire top of the dashboard is now replaced by a full-width display – much like the
Honda e
.
And if you’ve ever spent time in a classic Proton Saga before, you’ll definitely remember the weird looking twin-spoke steering wheel. The same design has been mirrored on Saharudin’s redesign concept, though lined with a red exterior around the rim – and for some reason, we think it really works here!
The concept was designed specifically for Saharudin’s upcoming Computer-Aided Industrial Design Software (CAiD) seminar, organised by the Malaysia Industrial Design Society (PEREKA).
Saharudin will be sharing about his design experience, knowledge, and techniques on creating concept car designs during the seminar, alongside the full unveiling of the completed 3D model of the ‘Proton SAGA Knight – a new generation’ concept, so be sure to check out the live broadcast of the seminar on Merdeka Day, August 31!
More information about the project and seminar can be found on PEREKA’s Facebook page, or via Saharudin’s Facebook (
saharudin.busri
) and Instagram (
saharudindesign
) pages.
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BMW spices up the all-new G20 3-series with an M Performance kit

On the side of introducing the all-new BMW G20 3-series, BMW also revealed an extensive range of M Performance Parts for the car.
At the front, there’s an M Performance front splitter while at the back, the kit includes an M Performance rear spoiler and M Performance rear diffuser – available in a choice of carbon, high-gloss black or matte black – to optimise air flow and reduce lift.
There’s also the M Performance tailpipes, made with a mix of titanium and carbon fibre. On the side, you get M Performance exterior mirror caps made of carbon fibre and illuminated M Performance side sills.
As for the footwear, there are two sizes available; 18-inch M Performance light alloy double spoke 796M, 20-inch M Performance forged cross-spoke 794 M, and 20-inch M Performance forged Y-spoke 795 M wheels. There are even M Performance tyre bags to store and transport the wheels.
Behind those wheels are M Performance 18-inch lightweight brake discs with higher thermal resistance and four pot-calipers, in red, made of aluminium.
Inside the cabin, the package offers an M Performance steering wheel, carbon-fibre shift paddles, M Performance floor mats and M Performance carbon-fibre interior trims, with an open-pore design.

As you enter the vehicle, the BMW M logo can be projected onto the tarmac with an M Performance slide set for the BMW LED door projectors. To go with it, an M Performance key wallet made of Alcantara with carbon-fibre inserts, which can be permanently fixed to the car key.
Lastly, there’s an M Performance drive analyser, to record a range of driving data – a function that is particularly useful when on the track.
Unsurprisingly, BMW also provides M Performance holders for action cameras, which can be turned 360-degrees, to enable images and videos to be taken from numerous perspectives.
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Proton Chan Sow Lin 4S centre reopens with new vibrant Corporate Image

Proton Edar’s 4S centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin has just reopened with the national carmaker’s new and vibrant Corporate Image. The upgraded 4S centre joins other newly upgraded Proton showrooms ahead of the launch of the upcoming Proton SUV.
Covering an area of 14,875 square feet, the branch gains a facelift to Proton’s new blue hue corporate image that reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton. The enhancement is also important to give customers in the region the
best sales and services experience
 as promised by the national carmaker.

The outlet now features 18 hoists, two delivery bays, 53 car park spaces, Kids’ area and free Wi-Fi for the convenience of its customers. Operating hours are still seven days and the branch is expecting an increase in sales and service intake by 30 per cent.
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Volvo to introduce Ride Pilot, an unsupervised self-driving feature in California

Volvo Cars will introduce its unsupervised autonomous driving feature, Ride Pilot, for the first time to its customers in California, USA.
The Ride Pilot feature will make its debut in the next generation of Volvo electric cars with the aim to free up more time for customers and make driving a Volvo more convenient. Well, if it really works, it’ll be the most convenient mode of transportation known to man.
Related: Volvo shows off new 2D ‘Iron Mark’ logo….read about it here!
Left: The Volvo Recharge Concept.
Volvo clarified that once it’s verified to be safe for use on highways, the Ride Pilot will be available as an “add-on subscription” in the company’s upcoming electric SUV. The new flagship SUV – which is likely based on the
Volvo Recharge Concept
 revealed last year in July, is set to be revealed later this year.
Related: Here’s how the new 2022 XC90 might look like, thanks to the Volvo Concept Recharge
The
 Volvo Recharge Concept
– a hint of what the new XC90 SUV could look like.
As part of the testing process, Volvo Cars will deploy the autonomous driving features on roads in Sweden together with autonomous driving software company Zenseact. By mid this year, testing of the Ride Pilot feature will begin on the roads of California where traffic conditions, climate and regulations offers the best platform to introduce self-driving cars.
The self-driving software by Zenseact will work hand-in-hand with more than two dozen sensors including Luminar’s LiDAR sensor. Luminar’s LiDAR sensor will complement five radars, eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors in Volvo Cars’ upcoming fully electric SUV. This set-up will provide excellent vision and perception reliability.
Following its introduction in California, the company aims to eventually roll out the Ride Pilot feature in other markets and regions around the world.
Related: Volvo to use names rather than numbers for new EV models!


Mazda Malaysia offers three striking new colours for the Mazda2! [+Videos]

It’s been slightly over seven months now since the arrival of the
Thai-built Mazda2
 sedan and hatchback. However, more surprises await those who are interested in Mazda’s peppy little looker. Just this morning, a pair of Mazda2s arrived at Bermaz Motor’s HQ in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, in two new colours – Dynamic Blue and Smoky Rose Mica.
We were also told that the
 Black Mica
 shade will join the lineup, bringing the tally up to
seven different hues
. Now, deliveries for the Blue and Rose coloured Mazda2 will only start early next year, if not much later this year at best. If you opt for the Black Mica shade, then expect an earlier arrival date in September.

If you’re wondering whether the new colours spell more cost, fret not, because Bermaz Motor has confirmed that
there will be no price increase
. As such, pricing for both the hatchback and sedan remains identical – at
RM88k
 (OTR with insurance and GST) – as is their specification.
To quickly recap, Mazda’s B-Segment pride is powered by a
1.5-litre Skyactiv-G
 engine mated to a
six-speed automatic
 gearbox. It makes
 114 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
148 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm, all of which are sent to the
front wheels
.

In our real world tests (read our
written review
 or
video review here
), we found the Mazda2 to be incredibly consistent with regards to fuel consumption, averaging around
5.9 litres per 100km
. We also managed to cover approximately
650km of tarmac
 (60 percent highway, 40 percent city with moderate to heavy traffic) with
just 35 litres of fuel
. That too, was a very consistent test result.
If this piece of news piques your interest, be sure to drop by the Glenmarie showroom in Shah Alam for an up-close and personal look at one of the best B-Segment cars money can buy!
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VIDEO GALLERY


Michelin XM2+ launched, long-life tyres for 14 to 16-inch from RM200

After serving the Malaysian market reliably for 8 years, Michelin Malaysia is finally retiring the Michelin XM2 with the arrival of the new and improved Michelin XM2+.
Available for wheels measuring 14 to 16-inches in diameter (32 sizes in total for Malaysian market), the XM2+ uses a brand new full-silica rubber compound that promises long lasting performance throughout the tyre’s lifetime.
Despite carrying over the thread pattern of the previous XM2, the XM2+ provides shorter wet braking distances when new and worn (down to the tyre wear indicator) as well as
up to 25% higher mileage
 compared to other competitors.
The “+” sign located under the model designation denotes the upgraded rubber compound that is responsible for the improved braking performance against its predecessor.
The new XM2+ also maintains the “Green X” marking which indicates its optimised fuel consumption.
Michelin Malaysia says the recommended retail price of the new Michelin XM2+, which are made in Thailand starts at RM200 for the 14-inch tyres. The XM2+ will be available at all Tyre Plus outlets and authorised Michelin dealers across the nation from July onwards.


Hyundai to launch 8-seater Palisade SUV in Malaysia next month

As Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) confirmed
in March
, it will introduce its flagship seven or 8-seater in Malaysia next month. The
Palisade
 is now open for booking and will be the first full-sized Hyundai SUV to be launched in Malaysia.
“The Hyundai Palisade will be a new contender in the E-segment SUV, boasting cutting-edge technology, a host of advanced safety features including Hyundai’s Smartsense, ample space, and an elegant design. It is Hyundai’s largest SUV with a long wheelbase. Its practical all-purpose built is great for off-roading, road trips and even for daily use,” said HSDM, Managing Director, Mr. Low Yuan Lung.
In terms of dimensions, the Palisade is longer than the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE although the German SUVs are wider. Wheel sizes range from 18-inches all the way to 20-inches while front and rear lighting are LEDs.
The Palisade will arrive as a fully-imported (CBU) unit from South Korea with either seven or eight-seater configurations.
On the inside, the Palisade is available with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 10-inch infotainment system with a 16-speaker surround-sound system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, panoramic roof, surround-view monitor, and wireless charging, although it remains to be seen which of these features will be available in our local model.
The Palisade also features an industry-first, roof vent diffuser design that can provide a focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.
In terms of powertrain options, the Palisade is available either with a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with 295 hp and 355 Nm or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine 200 hp and 440 Nm. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic.
Safety systems available include autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, lane following assist, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-go.


Here’s one of the first videos of the Lamborghini Urus in motion – your thoughts?

Having seen all its official images and promotional videos, we’ve finally came across a video of the new
Lamborghini Urus
 in motion in a real-world environment, albeit with minimal action…and noise.
Right out of the box, literally, it’s unmistakably Lamborghini. With sharp edges, bulging proportions, slits and kinks throughout its alluring yellow shell, the fastest SUV in the world where 0 to 100 km/h takes just
3.6 seconds
, it’s actually
not that much different from the concept
 car revealed almost five years ago.
As a Lamborghini on stilts, you wouldn’t be blamed to assume that it would be an impractical means of people moving but you’d be wrong. As
Top Gear UK
 revealed in a quick video, it’s actually got pretty good rear legroom along with a vast boot space at the back.
With higher allowances for utility without losing the essence of a Lamborghini, it’s hard to fault the new Urus – except maybe the front end of it, looks a little busy in the side grille area. A viewer in that video even commented that the Urus looks like a
Toyota C-HR
 with a Lamborghini engine; a little harsh don’t you think?
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Aston Martin officially names the AM-RB 003 hypercar the “Valhalla”

Aston Martin’s latest mid-engined hypercar, made in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies has been officially named the Valhalla – a warrior’s paradise in ancient Norse mythology where warriors who die in battle go to rest.
Seen as the baby
Valkyrie
, the Valhalla will be propelled by the combination of a turbocharged V6 engine and a hybrid system. Only 500 units of the all carbon fibre hypercar will be built.
Check out the
Track Pack versions of the Valkyrie
.
The name Valhalla continues the tradition of Aston Martin “V” cars dating back to 1951 with the Vantage designation was given to the high performance variants.
The first time the Vantage name appeared was on the DB5 and remained reserved for the most potent models until 2005, when the Vantage became a model line of its own.
Along with the Valkyrie and the Vanquish Vision Concept, the Valhalla continues the proud 70 year old “V” car naming strategy.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia retains top position in premium luxury segment

As the German luxury carmaker cements itself at the
top of the global premium segment
 in 2019, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has also just announced its 2019 sales performance figures.
MBM delivered
10,020 cars
 in 2019, helping the brand to retain its position as the leader in the premium luxury category. The figure also translates to a
1.8% market share
 in the country.
The last year also marks the
15th year anniversary
 for MBM’s local production efforts, which also saw the 100,000th locally assembled vehicle to roll out of the CKD plant in Pekan.
The locally-assembled line-up stands at 13 variants from five model lines –
C Class
, E Class, S Class, GLC and GLC Coupe.
The local production plant is further driven by the export initiatives to Philippines, where the left-hand drive Mercedes-Benz C 180 is currently in the first stage of export. MBM will be looking to commence further similar efforts within the SEA region.
MBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp said, “Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment.
“We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” he added.
Last year, the company also launched a whole slew of new and updated models, including the
updated E Class range
, the new
A Class hatchback
 and
sedan
,
GLC
and
GLC Coupe
,
GLE,
 as well as the S Class hybrid –
S 560 e.

The Mercedes-AMG performance division also saw a few new additions, such as the
A35 sedan
,
GT R
 and
GT C
,
GT four-door coupe
, as well as the
updated C 63 S
.
MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, “2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers.”
MBM’s financial arm, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) also saw positive developments in 2019. Throughout the year, MBSM financed
 five out of 10
 Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold.
The financial arm held a servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion in 2019, with new contracts worth over RM1 billion recorded.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’s
after-sales service
 recorded a throughput of
165,229 vehicles
 – an 11% increase over 2018. The record-breaking figure can be partially attributed to the various customer experience improvements introduced by MBM, including Express Service 2.0 and online appointment bookings.
“2020 will be a memorable, exciting year for Mercedes-Benz with refreshing innovations and new products to elevate the customer experience,” added Dr Weidner.


Hyundai turns up the fun with new Elantra N Line – 201 hp, manual gearbox!

Following the launch of the
controversial all-new Elantra
 in March this year, Hyundai has now introduced a N Line model to the compact C-segment sedan, promising to “deliver more enhanced driving fun” as the new entry point to the full-blown Hyundai N brand.
A huge part of that claim stems from the new beating heart, which is a 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged engine that’s good for
201 horses
 and
264 Nm
 of torque. The new powerplant can be paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to drive the front wheels.
For context, the 2.0-litre MPI engine in the standard Elantra produces a measly (by comparison) 147 hp and 179 Nm, while the electrified powertrain in the Elantra Hybrid does 139 hp and 264 Nm.
Hyundai also says that it has “implemented several mechanical improvements” to the suspension set-up of the Elantra N Line to “increase stiffness for a gripping performance”, though did not divulge further on the technicalities. There’s also a set of larger front brakes, though, like the suspension, no further information were given.
The
standard Elantra
 already has quite a striking appearance, thanks to the non-conformist design approach that we actually quite like; the new N Line treatment though, turns the aggression knob on the C-segment fastback sedan up to 11.
Up front, there’s the new blacked-out “cascade” grille, new front bumpers featuring arrow-shaped “air curtains” that not only looks the part, but also actually serves aerodynamic and cooling purposes.
The sporty appearance is further aided by the side mirrors and new side skirts, both finished in black, new rear bumper and diffuser, new boot lip spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels. Of course, N Line badges all round complete the new look.
Inside, the Hyundai Elantra N Line also gains variant-specific steering wheel, leather seats, gear lever, and instrument cluster – featuring analog dials for both the speedo and tachometer, paired with a small multi-info display to the right.
Unfortunately, thanks to architecture change, the top-of-the-line 10.25-inch infotainment system does not make its way onto the N Line model. Although, the system still supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Hyundai’s Digital Key feature.
Just like the standard Elantra, the N Line also comes with a host of advanced safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Alongside the launch of the Elantra N Line, Hyundai is also making available a set of N Performance Parts to bring it even closer to the full N experience. Further details of the N Performance Parts will be announced at a later date.
Following the launch of the Elantra N Line, the Korean carmaker also announced its plans to introduce a
Sonata
N Line later this year, featuring a 2.5-litre GDI engine to further expand the N Line line-up.
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Check out how Jaguar Land Rover’s new “sensory steering wheel” works!

Jaguar Land Rover is developing a steering wheel that could help keep driver’s eyes on the road using by using heat to tell them when to turn.
Partnering with Glasgow University, they’ve come up with something called the sensory steering wheel, where it heats up and cools down to inform drivers where to turn, when to change lanes or even to warn them of an approaching junction.
It’s said to be particularly useful in low visibility driving conditions. The technology has also been applied to the gear-shift paddles to indicate the switch to autonomous driving.

Driver distraction is a major contributor to road accidents around the world and accounts for 10% of all fatal crashes in the USA alone
.
The steering wheel can provide indications by rapidly warming or cooling one side by a difference of up to 60-degrees Celcius. Drivers can also adjust the range of temperature change.
Studies have shown that temperature-based instructions could be used for non-urgent notifications such as low fuel warning or upcoming points of interests, instead of audio feedback or vibrations which could be disruptive to the driver’s concentration.


Win an all-expense paid trip to Wörthersee GTI Fest 2018 in Austria!

In conjunction with the launch of the refreshed Volkswagen Golf Range (
TSI
,
GTI & R
), Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is organising a contest for Malaysian fans to win a trip to Wörthersee GTI Fest 2018, the annual gathering of GTI enthusiast.
Held along the shores of Lake Wörth, Austria, the
Wörthersee GTI Fest
 traces its roots all the way to 1982. Started out as a small gathering of GTI owners, the event is now a full-fledged festival, attracting over 100,000 fans from around the world to celebrate all things Volkswagen. Last year’s instalment saw the German carmaker brought out two concept cars, the
UP! GTI
 and
Golf GTI First Decade hybrid
. Needless to say, this year will be another spectacular show.
VPCM is giving away an all-expense paid trip for two to attend the Wörthersee GTI Fest 2018 happening from 9 to 12 May. The contest is divided into two rounds. Round One will require participants to answer 10 Golf-related multiple-choice questions in the fastest time on
VPCM’s official website
 and the top three fastest participants will advance to the Grand Finale.
The
Grand Finale
 will take place at the Volkswagen Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre on 31 March where the finalist will go head-to-head in a
live quiz round
. The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the end of the event.
Participants can familiarise themselves with the mechanics in the practice round before they begin the quiz. Participants may also submit multiple entries during the contest period. Good luck!


G-Power somehow thinks that the BMW M5 CS needs 900 hp

The
all-new M5 CS
, launched in January this year, is already the
fastest and most powerful production car BMW has ever made
 – completing the century sprint in just three seconds flat. That’s a full-sized family sedan doing supercar speeds. But somehow, somewhere out there, there’ll still be someone who is not happy with that amount of power. That someone is German tuner
G-Power
.
G-Power has just unveiled its latest range tuning kit for the BMW M5 CS, with the most extreme stage (GP-900) raising the M5’s outputs to a whopping
900 hp
 and
1,050 Nm
. Need I remind you once again that it’s for a full-sized family sedan.
Raising power outputs by 265 hp and 300 Nm over its stock configuration is no easy feat, and the German tuning company said that they had to installs parts like turbos, downpipes, and a software upgrade just to make it all work.
Alongside the engine upgrades, G-Power also fitted its GP-Deeptone stainless-steel exhaust system on the uprated BMW M5 CS, with the four tailpipe exits at the back covered in carbon fibre (or forged carbon). Aesthetic updates are kept pretty mild, however, with the only aftermarket change being the forged wheels, GP-Ventury vented carbon fibre bonnet, and the GP-Dynamic rear wing.
The company doesn’t mention the upgraded car’s century sprint time, probably to not alarm the officials. But what we do know is that the car’s top speed is increased to an electronically-limited 333 km/h, over the stock limit of 305 km/h.
Customers looking for a milder tune can also opt for the GP-700 with just a software tune, GP-740 with the GP Deeptone exhaust, GP-780 which adds on the sports downpipes, or the GP-820 (pictured) with even more hardware adjustments. And if you haven’t noticed yet, the numbers refer to their horsepower output.
G-Power hasn’t revealed pricing information for the M5 CS GP-900 yet, but the other stages can be had from as low as EUR2,495 (approx. RM12k) for the software-based GP-700 tune, up to EUR23,640 (approx. RM112k) for the GP-820. But of course, that also assumes that you already have a BMW M5 CS, which costs EUR180,400 (approx RM855k) by itself, and is being built for one year only.
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The Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept is more than just aesthetic upgrades!

Honda’s blockbuster for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon is without a doubt the
Civic Type R
, which was
put on display
 ahead of its launch in full camouflage. However, tucked in a quiet corner within Honda’s
TAS2022
 booth is yet another concept that could capture the hearts of its fans – the Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept.
The Japanese carmaker’s in-house tuning department has once again worked its magic on the
 all-new HR-V
 SUV (called Vezel in Japan). Although it’s still in concept form, the display car serves as a preview for what’s to come on the factory-tuned model that is scheduled to launch later this year.
And there is a whole lot going on here. Most visibly, the Honda HR-V Modulo X concept gains a completely reworked front fascia with a new “beak-like” grille alongside a new X-shaped bumper design with new intakes.
If you think these updates are just for looks, you’d be very wrong. According to Honda, these new parts all serve important aerodynamic functions, with the little flics and air deflectors (see below) all strategically placed to enhance the SUV’s high-speed stability.
On top of that, Honda has also enlisted the expertise of “Drift King” Keiichi Tsuchiya to help develop a set of suspension upgrades to improve the SUV’s driving dynamics – and from the video published by the company, it certainly seems like they’ve subjected the test mule to some “heavy handling”!

Other additions to the Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept include a set of exclusive 18-inch wheels, new rear bumpers (with proper diffuser elements), a new tailgate spoiler, plus new kits on the inside such as new sportier-looking seats and red contrast stitching on the upholstery.
Honda did not disclose any pricing information for the Modulo X variant just yet, but that’s to be expected since it’s still a concept model. While the Japanese wait for their kitted-up SUV, the all-new Honda HR-V is likely to be launched here in Malaysia very soon – so keep your eyes peeled!
[Images: Honda,
Honda Access/Twitter
]
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BMW Group Malaysia offers 20% discounts on parts repair for flood-hit customers

BMW Group Malaysia
 has announced that it will offer up to a
 20% discount on parts repair
 for
BMW
,
Mini
, and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the devastating floods over the weekend.
In addition to the discounts, which is valid until the
 31st of January next year
, the company will also provide a
RM300 rebate on towing costs
 for the affected owners via its authorised dealerships nationwide.
BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, “Following the flood cases that have been reported in various states in the country, we remain committed to deliver peace of mind for our customers throughout their ownership experience, even during this challenging time.
“To this end, BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles.”
Owners are encouraged to reach out to their preferred authorised dealership or contact BMW Roadside Assistance for more information. Alternatively, they may also contact the Customer Interaction Centre at
1 800 88 3000
.


Toyota Harrier previewed in Malaysia, 2.0L turbo, 2 variants, from RM238k!

Following the launch of Toyota
Vellfire
 and
Alphard
, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has introduced yet another grey market favourite, the
Toyota Harrier
. Not only that, UMWT has brought in the facelifted turbocharged variant that was just unveiled in Japan earlier in the year!
There will be two variants of the Harrier Turbo available: Premium and Luxury, both priced at RM238,000 and RM259,900, respectively (OTR without insurance). Just about the same asking price of a parallel importer. Feeling compelled yet?

QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Harrier 2.0T Premium
Toyota Harrier 2.0T Luxury
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged VVT-Iw
Transmission
6-speed automatic with Super ECT
Max Power
228 hp @ 5,200 – 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM238,000
RM259,900
EXTERIOR
Both variants of the Harrier are of the facelift model and are identically spec-ed. As standard, both the Premium and Luxury get automatic bi-LED headlamps sequential turn signal and LED daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, LED rear combination lights, fog lamps, chrome side trim and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.

The only tell-tale sign that this is the most powerful Harrier is the subtle Turbo badge at the tailgate. Thanks to the facelift exercise, the Harrier has been updated with a new front grille with the iconic Hawk emblem and new alloy wheel design.
INTERIOR
Inside, both variants are draped with luxury items as expected for a Harrier nameplate. The Harrier
Premium
 comes standard with leather upholstery, eight-way powered driver seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, smart entry and start system, electronic parking brake with auto hold and four-way powered steering column.

Stepping up to the
Luxury
-spec and you get upgraded to Nappa leather upholstery, powered moonroof, eight-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, four-way powered passenger front seat, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromic rear-view mirror, NanoE air-conditioning and illuminated scuff plates.
PERFORMANCE
Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission pushing out
228 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels. The turbocharged Harrier also gets
Performance Dampers
 that reduces body roll and improve straight line and cornering stability. It also gets a
Sports Mode
 button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.
SAFETY
As standard, both variants are equipped with seven-airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Besides that, Malaysians will also enjoy
Toyota Safety Sense System (TSSS)
 on both Harriers – Pre-crash system, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive High Beam.
WHAT ELSE?
As with all vehicles sold by UMWT, the Toyota Harrier comes with a 5-Years unlimited warranty package and guarantee of parts and aftersales service. Order books for the Harrier are now open and deliveries are scheduled for early-2018.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 facelift gets new 9-speed auto & Panamericana grille

Following the debut of the refreshed C-Class, Mercedes-AMG has unleashed the top of the line Mercedes-AMG C 63 facelift. Powered by the same M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the refreshed C 63 is available in the full range of body styles – saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet.
Let’s start with the powerplant, the M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 continues to pump out
469 hp
 and
650 Nm
 for the non-S model while the C 63 S gets
503 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of brute. A new lighter and faster nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission is employed to drive the rear wheels.
With Race Start (launch control) engaged, the century sprint in the base C 63 takes 4.0 seconds while the S model manages it at a fraction quicker at 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h and 290 km/h, respectively.
The AMG DYNAMICS drive mode selector now features up to six drive programs: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, RACE and Individual. The new “Slippery mode” keeps the rear-wheel drive monster in check when road conditions are less than ideal.
Visually, the C 63 range now gets a more expressive look thanks to the new Panamericana grille with a redesigned lower apron as well as a twin tailpipe element rear bumper with new diffuser inserts. The standard C 63 models ride on 18-inch 10-spoke alloys while the larger 19-inch five twin-spoke design (standard on the S models) can be had as an option.
Coupe body styles have the option for the AMG Aerodynamics package that adds a larger front splitter, spoiler lip with integral Gurney flap, extended side skirt inserts, flics in the rear bumper, and a more aggressive rear diffuser insert.

Inside, the C 63 spots a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather with Touch Control buttons, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with three AMG-specific display styles – Classic, Sporty and Supersport – heads-up display as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display.
New interior trim options include open-pore oak wood, open-pore walnut, longitudinal-grain aluminium for the doors and black open-pore ash wood for the centre console. For an even sportier cabin, the optional AMG trim in carbon fibre and light longitudinal-grain aluminium is what you should tick.
Colour options for the Nappa leather upholstery include Black, Black with Grey accents, Red Pepper & Black, Platinum White Pearl & Black and, as a new option, Magma Grey/Black with Yellow contrasting topstitching.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had the
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S saloon
 on sale since 2015 while the
Coupe variant
 joined the line up a year later. Needless to say, the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 will definitely storm into our shores in the not-too-distant future, the only question is, are you ready to pen that cheque to MBM?
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe


Video: Porsche Cayenne S, Things You Need To Know

The
third-generation Porsche Cayenne
 is finally on sale in Malaysia, six months after the
official preview in January
. Customers can have their Cayenne served regular or spicy, the latter adds an S after the nameplate.
The regular Cayenne sports a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that delivers
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque, good enough to propel the large SUV to 100 km/h from rest in
6.2 seconds
. The Cayenne S, on the other hand, gets a new 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that is good for
440 hp
 and
550 Nm
 of torque, cutting its century sprint time by a full second in the process.
Both Cayenne variants are equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. Options for the new Cayenne are abundant and expect to walk away with just the base price tag of RM745k or RM890k for the Cayenne S.