Six cars in Malaysia under RM100k with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

As we become ever more reliant on mobile phones in our everyday lives, connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become almost a necessity in our cars. Not only is it safer than fumbling with our phones while driving, it also looks and feels better than a lot of the stock infotainment systems in cars these days.
Although these systems have been on the market for nearly seven years now, and while carmakers have been slowly adding these features into their newer models, the number of cars on sale in Malaysia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is still frankly quite embarrassing; BMW Malaysia still charges a subscription fee to enable the feature (although it’s now
offered free-of-charge globally
), while some lower-end models just straight up do not offer these features, presumably due to the added cost and complexity.
So for the benefit of the young’uns who just can’t seem take their eyes off their phones and are also (usually) more limited in their car-buying budget, we’ve compiled a list of brand-new cars in Malaysia under RM100k that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity right out of the gate.
Before we get started though, do note that all prices quoted below are inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which will be eligible until the end of 2020. For the updated price lists for all brands in Malaysia, do check out our round-up
here
.
1.
Kia Picanto EX
 – RM47,950.36
The cheapest entry on our list is the small and cheerful
Kia Picanto EX
, coming in at just under the RM50k mark. Launched more than two years ago, the Picanto is still the cheapest car in Malaysia to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Picanto has always been one of the top recommendations in the “my first car” categories, thanks to its incredible value for money proposition. While the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine – with
84 hp
 and
121 Nm
 at its disposal – and a four-speed automatic gearbox doesn’t sound at all appetising, the Kia Picanto actually feels quite nippy on the move, and its decent handling is just the cherry on top.
Aside from the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on its seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the tiny Kia Picanto also packs quite a lot of standard equipment for its price, such as the automatic headlights and six airbags. If you’re feeling fancy, step up to the
GT Line variant
 (RM57,531.80) and you’ll get larger 16-inch wheels, autonomous emergency braking, and even a panoramic sunroof!
2.
Honda City 1.5L E
 – RM81,664.82
The
all-new fifth-generation Honda City
, just recently launched in Malaysia, will finally come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The best part of it though, is that you don’t have to shell out for the range-topping variant if you want these features, as it will be made available starting from the 1.5L E variant – the second lowest in the four variant line-up.
Priced slightly above RM80k, the Honda City 1.5L E comes with a fairly comprehensive list of creature comforts for everyday driving. These include the eight-inch infotainment display with reverse camera, remote engine start, automatic climate control, paddle shifters, and cruise control. Unfortunately though, the E variant only has 4 airbags as standard.
Underneath the hood of the Honda City 1.5L E is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC four-cylinder mill, capable of generating
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
 of torque. The powerplant is paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels. Want something a little different? The top-of-the-range Honda City RS e:HEV comes with an Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain which drives predominantly with electric power!
3.
Volkswagen Vento Comfortline
 – RM 84,690
Although the Volkswagen Vento has been around for a while now, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has been constantly giving the compact sedan small quality of life upgrades to keep it somewhat up to date. In the latest iteration, the base Volkswagen Vento Comfortline is now equipped with the RCD340g 6.5-inch infotainment system, which includes as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other than that though, the Vento is clearly starting to show its age, especially with the introduction of newer cars in its segment, such as the Honda City and Nissan Almera Turbo. The Comfortline variant even lacks a rear view camera, and two airbags on a car this price is borderline unacceptable in this day and age.
If you do insist on the German experience though, the 1.2TSI Highline (RM89,077) should be a better choice in our opinion. Not only does it come with two more airbags and a rear view camera, the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with
105 hp
 and
175 Nm
 of torque, paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, should also give you a better driving experience.
4.
Nissan Almera Turbo VLP
 – ~RM8X,XXX
We can’t mention the Honda City without naming its latest competitor in the country, the
Nissan Almera Turbo
. While it is not on sale just yet, Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia has stated that the all-new Almera will be priced between from “RM8X,XXX to RM9X,XXX”. With the VLP variant being in the middle of a three variant line-up, we’re assuming that it’ll be priced in the RM85k-RM90k ball park.
So for that price, what do you get aside from Apple CarPlay? Well, quite a lot actually. Just like the Honda City E, the Nissan Almera VLP also gets automatic climate control, and reverse camera as standard, but the (presumed) price premium nets you additional leather seats, a soft-padded dual-tone dashboard, semi-digital seven-inch instrument cluster, and two additional airbags.
Crucially, the all-new Almera Turbo also gets autonomous emergency braking across all variants – a feature only available on the top-of-the-range City RS. Also standard across the range is the new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which makes
100 hp
 and
152 Nm
 of torque, and is paired to an Xtronic CVT gearbox with D-Step logic.
Moving back to our main topic though, Android Auto connectivity is oddly omitted on the Almera Turbo currently – it’s unclear if the feature will be added in the future.
5.
Toyota Avanza 1.5S+
 – RM84,849
The Toyota Avanza almost feels like an unicorn now in this part of the world. When was the last time you actually saw one running around on the road? So when the second facelift of the compact MPV rolled around last year, most people probably missed the fact that it actually comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!
The feature is only reserved exclusively for the top of the range 1.5S+ variant, which swaps out the basic head unit with a 6.75-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system – the same unit as seen on the
all-new Corolla
 and
Hilux
 – along with a reverse rear-view camera.
Of course, there’s a reason these cars are sidelined by the buying crowd. Firstly, aside from the new infotainment system and the Alphard-esque headlights, the rest of the car just feels like a last-generation product – the second generation Avanza, despite its two facelift exercises, is now nearly 10 years old, afterall.
But more importantly, its half-ladder frame chassis is just not conducive for long-distance journeys. Unless you really need a seven seater human transporter, there’s a lot more value to be found on other products at this price point – and that’s why many of its prospective buyers have moved on to more attractive SUV models.
6.
Mitsubishi Xpander
 – below RM100,000
Last but definitely not the least, is the Mitsubishi Xpander, which has just
 opened its order books today
. The Mitsubishi Xpander is only available in one variant at launch, and while it’s still not on sale yet, word around the block is that it will be priced below the RM100k mark, which just about squeezes itself into this list.
Apart from its attractive exterior design, the highlight of the Mitsubishi Xpander is definitely its interior packaging. Not only does it come with an abundance of storage space, which should prove useful in a family vehicle like this, our Malaysia-spec Mitsubishi Xpander even comes with black leather upholstery, which definitely moves the Xpander one rung up in interior quality.
The nine-inch infotainment display – which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – is also one of the largest we’ve seen in its price segment, and it also comes with a surround-view camera to help manoeuvre it around tight spaces. A front-view dashcam is also offered as standard.
So that’s it – Six cars in Malaysia under the RM100k mark that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, perfect for the technology-savvy young crowd looking for their first cars. Did we miss out anything? Do let us know in the comments section below!


Hyundai Tucson 1.6L T-GDI now in M’sia ,175 hp & 265 Nm for RM146k!

Late last year, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) announced that the company will be
introducing a turbocharged Tucson
 to the line-up. Six months down the road, the third-generation Tucson T-GDI is finally available for purchase.
Motivation comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Gamma Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine that pushes out
175 hp
 and
265 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to the front-wheel via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is developed in-house.
If this setup sounds familiar, that’s because the
Veloster turbo
 and
Elantra Turbo Sport
 adopts the same formula. Drivers can further spice up the driving experience via the Drive Mode selector, cycling between Eco, Normal and Sport.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Premium
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI
Engine
1,999cc; 4-cylinder Nu MPI
1,591cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection
Transmission
6-speed automatic
7-speed dual-clutch
Max Power
153 hp @ 6,200 rpm
175 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM129,990.87
RM142,632.60
RM145,588
Visually, the Tucson T-GDI gets all the kit available on the Tucson Premium. Standard features include LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps and power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signals. Only way to tell the turbo variant apart are the turbo badge at the rear and newly designed 17-inch alloys. HSDM is offering
optional body kit
 and
19-inch alloys
 for those who want a sportier look for their Tucson.
Inside, it gets the same equipment as the Premium variant – leather upholstery, powered driver’s seat, multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 8.0-inch Android based touchscreen infotainment system and 4.2-inch TFT LCD display. The T-GDI gets additional front camera and
smart powered tailgate
. Like the rest of the range, customers can spice up their interior with red or white theme.
Safety equipment reads six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Down-hill brake control (DBC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HSAC).
All purchase of the Hyundai Tucson come with a
5-Years or 300,000 km
 warranty package and a
3-Years or 50,000 km free service
. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. The Tucson Premium (previously known as Executive) was our
SUV top pick
 and with the introduction of the T-GDI engine, it perhaps solve its only shortcoming. Now, has anyone seen the turbodiesel?
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Executive


Toyota thinks that only 25% of buyers will opt for the manual Supra

The internet spoke, and Toyota listened. The
Toyota Supra
is now
finally being offered with a manual transmission
 after years of crying and begging by the enthusiast community, but it seems that not many of the so-called “enthusiasts” are willing to put their money where their mouth is. For shame.
Despite the clamour during the manual A90 Supra’s launch, Toyota USA still thinks that only one in four buyers will opt for the red-badged, manual transmission-equipped coupe, as revealed in an email to
The Drive
 from Toyota North America spokesperson, Paul Hogard.
It’s certainly a sad sight, especially considering the number of purported #SaveTheManuals “enthusiasts” pleading for its existence online. But at the end of the day, we really should not be too surprised; the entire industry has already been moving towards the eradication of the MT, with many major carmakers including
 Mercedes-Benz
 and
Volkswagen
already committed to phasing out the stick shift.
The fact that Toyota isn’t charging any extra for the manual (in the US) just makes it all that much painful. There’s literally no downside or penalties to opt for the MT, yet you people – who are always banging on your keyboards whenever a new sports car is launched without a manual option – still aren’t buying it.
RELATED:
Four-cylinder Toyota GR Supra may have the sweeter handling
Granted, the manual transmission will not be offered on the
entry-level four-cylinder Supra
, but I’m sure the “enthusiasts” are already going to be looking at the 3.0-litre six-cylinder model, right?
Toyota didn’t pull these numbers out of thin air, either. In Hogard’s email, he also mentioned that the
GR86
 only has a manual transmission take-up rate of about 35% – far lower than what we would’ve imagined, given that almost everyone and their aunts online have been raving about it as one of the best manual sports cars you can buy right now.
We don’t have either of those cars (with a Manual transmission) here in Malaysia currently, so the blame’s not on us… yet. The
GR86 is heavily rumoured to be making its way here soon
, however, so for those who’ve been bemoaning online – here’s your chance to prove Toyota wrong.


BMW 740Le xDrive PHEV LCI launched in Malaysia, under RM600k

BMW Malaysia has just
launched their latest flagship limousine to the Malaysian market and will be
offered as a locally assembled BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid model from the
onset.
Thanks to Government Approved CKD EEV Incentive and Excise Duty Reduction, the refreshed 7 Series is priced at RM594,800, significantly more competitive than its
three-pointed star rival
. Without the incentives and exemptions, the 7er would be RM907,144.87, yikes.
QUICK FACTS
 Name

BMW 740Le xDrive
 Engine
 2,998cc; turbocharged in-line 6
 Transmission
 8-speed automatic
 Max Power
 286 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
 Max Torque
 450 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm
 Electric Motor
 113 hp & 265 Nm
 Combined System Output
 394 hp & 600 Nm
 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
 5.1 seconds; 250 km/h
 Price (OTR without insurance)
 RM594,800
The 7 Series LCI or
facelift in BMW speak, wears a significantly more prominent face courtesy of
the larger kidney grille with active shutters and slimmer headlamps. As a
result, the entire hood now sits 50 mm higher than the outgoing model. BMW says
this new face is a result from customers feedback wanting more road presence
from their limousine.
At the rear, the new LED taillamps measure 35 mm slimmer and are joined by a light strip to further give the 7 Series a distinct look. With the LCI model, BMW has removed the front foglamps replaced by new air curtains for better aerodynamics. The exterior changes combined, increased the overall length by 23 mm while the wheelbase is unchanged at 3,210 mm.
Our local spec 740Le
xDrive is dressed in the Design Pure Excellence exterior line identified by its
high-gloss chrome elements and sleek body kit. BMW Laserlight headlamps and
19-inch double-spoke style 630 Bicolour alloy wheels wrapped in mixed tyre
sizes of 245/45 front and 275/40 rear.
The interior is also
equipped with the Design Pure Excellence Line, furnished with Nappa Leather
upholstery with fine-wood Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood trim. Other luxurious
touches on the 740Le xDrive include Sport leather steering wheel, Panoramic glass
roof with Sky Lounge, Heads-up Display, powered tailgate, 460W 16-speaker
Harman Kardon surround sound system, soft-close doors and powered roller
sunblind.
The updated 7 Series
now comes with the latest-generation BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch
instrument cluster with BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Navigation System
Professional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports BMW
Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command system.
Rear passengers will
be entertained by the rear-seat entertainment with two 10.0-inch touch screen
monitors and massaging seats, all operated by the 7.0-inch Touch Command
tablet.
BMW purist will be happy to know that the refreshed 740Le xDrive is now equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 2.0-litre four-cylinder of the
outgoing model
. The in-line six combustion engine developing 286 hp and 450 Nm of twist is supported by an eDrive electric motor with 113 hp and 265 Nm.
The combustion engine and electric motor give the car a combined output of
394 hp
 and
 600 Nm
 of torque driving all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
To achieve the claimed century sprint time of
5.1 seconds
, drivers will have to engage Sport mode where the system’s
electric boost function
 is primed for maximum acceleration performance. Top speed on the luxury limousine is
250 km/h
.
Under the rear seats is an improved lithium-ion battery pack that allows the 740Le xDrive to cover up to
46 km
 on pure electric power with an electric top speed of
140 km/h
.
The 740Le xDrive also comes with the
BMW Driving Assistant Professional
 that bundles Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Collision Braking as well as steering and lane control assistant.
BMW Malaysia offers
four colour options – Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Bernina Grey and Imperial
Blue along with two interior themes – Black or Cognac. Every purchase of the
BMW 740Le xDrive comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free
Scheduled Service, 2-Years Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and
BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW 7 Series LCI Design Pure Excellence


Facts & Figures: Volkswagen introduces Passat and Tiguan ‘United’ limited-edition models

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today introduced the new ‘United’ series of limited-edition variants for the Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan. No, it has nothing to do with the prominent football club from Manchester; the ‘United’ series “celebrates the strength of unity, a trait deeply embedded in the Volkswagen brand”, according to VW.
The limited-edition model equips the existing models with
additional exclusive accessories
 worth
RM12,000 on the Passat
, and
RM4,000 on the Tiguan
.
On the Passat, these include:
New 19-inch Verona alloy wheels
Aluminium sports pedals
Aluminium scuff plates
LED projection door lights (Volkswagen Logo)
VW Tint
‘UNITED’ emblem
Meanwhile, the Tiguan gains the following additional kit:
Front sports bumper
Rear spoiler
Chrome trunk garnish
Load lip protector
Chrome exhaust tip
VW tint
‘UNITED’ emblem
Additionally, both models in the ‘United’ series also get
dynamic wheel hub caps
 with a self-levelling logo – à la Rolls Royce style – that stays upright while the car is on the move.
The Passat United is priced at
RM193,856
, while the Tiguan United is priced at
RM166,108
. The prices listed are
sales tax exempted
, which will be effective until the 31st of December 2020.
VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, “While there is a connection between our United range and Volkswagen’s involvement in football, the significance of the name and what it represents could not be more relevant today, with the challenges we are facing. Additionally, a core principle of the Volkswagen brand is #wenotme, which emphasises on unity and togetherness.”
Customers interested in the new limited-edition United series can take advantage of the upcoming Volkswagen Virtual Raya Open House, taking place this weekend on the 13th and 14th June 2020. Dealerships nationwide will be hosting the event on their respective social media channels, with an
additional RM1,000 rebate
 up for grabs on any Volkswagen models booked over the two days.
Both the Passat and Tiguan United are also eligible in Volkswagen’s ongoing promotions –
six months free instalment
 for all purchases of the Tiguan before 30th June, as well as one-year free insurance for the Passat. Customers located within 20 km of their preferred VW dealership can also benefit from
free delivery of their new cars
, right to their doorstep.


Volvo Car Malaysia extends PHEV battery warranty to 8 years

All
Volvo plug-in hybrid models
 purchased from
1
st
 January 2020
 onwards in Malaysia will now come with an
8-year PHEV battery warranty
; this constitutes an extension of three years from what was previously only five.
Peace of mind, as far as high voltage battery is concerned, for up to 8 years.
Volvo Car Malaysia’s 8-year high voltage battery warranty on its
T8 Twin Engine variants
 found on the S60, XC60, S90 and XC90 models trumps the 6-year warranties offered by premium rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.
How the S60 T8 looks without its body.
Volvo Car Malaysia is silent as to whether
existing PHEV owners
 who purchased their vehicles prior to 1
st
 January 2020 are able to extend their battery warranties to 8 years, though we understand that this is be
ing looked into
 at the moment.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with Chinese New Year, Volvo is offering special deals for selected models, e.g. complimentary 5-year maintenance service package on the XC40 T5 R-Design, ‘Ang Pow’ rebates worth RM23,888 and VSA 5+ package for the XC90 T5 Momentum and S90 T5 Momentum while certain PHEV models will come with complimentary Recharge Package worth RM10,000 as well as the VSA 5+ package; all the offers are valid until 29 February 2020.


2017 Honda Civic Type R Prototype unveiled, launching as soon as mid-2017

With the launch of the
10th-generation Honda Civic
 out of the way, what’s left is of course the most brutal variant – the Type R. It didn’t take long for Honda to fire some early shots with the unveiling of the Honda Civic Type R Prototype at the Paris Motor Show.
Based on the newly launched
Civic hatchback
, this Type R will become Honda’s global model. This means this hot hatch with the iconic red Honda badge will be sold in the many countries, including North America for the first time. The car is a joint effort between Honda  R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be built in Swindon, UK.

The Civic Type R prototype sports Herculean muscle styling, with sharp body lines to aid aerodynamic performance. Apart from the unique aluminium-effect finishing, the exterior receives an aggressive bodykit, smoked LED front headlights, winged carbon fibre splitter, oversized wheel arches with 20-inch wheels underneath and an oversized fixed rear wing.
There’s no mention of its powertrain as yet, but it could be slapped with a revised version of the
300hp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit
that currently powers the
Type R
. It’ll also retain its front-wheel drive configuration and will likely be equipped with the good’ old
six-speed manual gearbox
.
The new Honda hot hatch will be launched by mid-2017, and a visit to Nürburgring is certainly one of its top priorities, we reckon. At launch, this hot Japanese hatch will go directly against the next Renault Mégane RS and the current “creme de la creme” of hot hatches, the Ford Focus RS.
IMAGE GALLERY


Listen to the magnificent soundtrack of the V12 in the GMA T.50!

The GMA T.50 supercar might not have been ready for July’s
Goodwood Festival of Speed
, but its world premiere yesterday at the 2021 Goodwood Members’ Meeting meant all attention was focused exclusively on it. Back in 2019, Gordon Murray Automotive targeted the summer of 2020 as its launch date.
The organisers and circuit owners have made full use of the dynamic launch by presenting the GMA T.50 driving in full tilt (nearly, as the conditions weren’t ideal), amassing just three laps at the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Engineered by the famed automotive designer, Professor Gordon Murray CBE, to be the “purest, lightest, and most driver-centric supercar ever”, GMA says that the T.50 improves on the McLaren F1 – which he also designed – in “every conceivable way”.
Murray said earlier before the event took place, “There’s no better place to show and demonstrate the T.50 than the Goodwood Members Meeting. It’s been frustrating not to be able to show our supercar before, but for everyone intending to visit Goodwood, it will certainly be worth the wait. I’m looking forward to it – it’s going to sound superb.”
It surely does sound melodic, especially when being driven by professional driver Dario Franchitti, who looks like a giant in the compact central seating cabin for three. The reason for the glorious soundtrack at each full load of the engine is having 12 cylinders breathing and expelling air uninterrupted to the atmosphere at speeds only seen on racing machines.
The naturally aspirated V12 engine displaces just 4.0 litres, but just like a motorsport engine, the bespoke engine from Cosworth has a maximum engine rpm of 12,100 rpm, with peak power registering
650 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque.
Another unique feature on the GMA T.50 is the usage of a large 400 mm ground effect fan as part of a complex aero management system, where it sucks the air under the rear axle to boost downforce as well as engine cooling. The aerodynamics were fine-tuned together with Aston Martin F1 Team’s aerodynamicists and wind tunnel facility (then called Racing Point F1 Team).
Ride onboard another British marque’s interpretation of the V12 engine with active aero and four tyres!
More details about the GMA T.50 have been covered
here
. The T.50 debuted yesterday was the road version, and GMA has also released a track version called
GMA T.50s Niki Lauda
, paying homage to the great racing legend.
The GMA T.50 is limited to just 100 units with a starting price of GBP2.36 million (approx. RM13.5 million).
GALLERY


Perodua sold 145k cars in H1 2023, Bezza exceeds Myvi by 8k units

With the first half of the year completed, local carmaker
Perodua
 has successfully sold
144,690

cars
 in total. Showing a 13.6% growth from last year, Perodua says that it is on track to meet its target of
314,000 cars
 sold by the end of 2023.
In terms of model distribution, the best-selling Perodua for the first half of the year was the Perodua Bezza with 40,555 units sold. The Bezza is followed by the Myvi with 32,319 units and the Axia with 28,199 units. As for the “new”
2023 Axia E manual
, Perodua reports that 2,500 units of the base model car were sold in just 48 hours.
Together with the growth in sales, production is also up for this year. In the last six months, Perodua produced 153,813 cars which is a 17% growth from the previous year. The production target for this year is 330,000 units.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “The higher production and sales performances for the first half of 2023 were due to better supply of parts as well as improved production efficiency at our manufacturing plant.”
“Among the notable improvements we have made include the faster tact time (the time it takes to produce a vehicle) from 1.35 minutes to 1.25 minutes at our Perodua Global Manufacturing plant (PGMSB).”
RELATED:
Perodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction, still no ABS, EBD, ESC – RM22,000
Dato’ Sri Zainal said the bulk of the production performance of this year so far was achieved in the first quarter of 2023 as Perodua went all out to meet its PENJANA obligations.
Dato’ Sri Zainal said, “Looking ahead, we expect both production and sales to continue their uptrend as demand for our vehicles remain healthy. For example, our recently launched Axia E was well received and our ready stock of 2,500 vehicles were completely distributed within 48 hours.”
The Perodua President said that while existing bookings were encouraging, there are potential challenges ahead, ranging from potential higher financing costs and intermittent supply shortages.
RELATED:
2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600


Meet the hardcore Jaguar XE SV Project 8, only 300 units worldwide!

Following the launch of the highly successful Jaguar
F-Type Project 7
, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has announced their next high-performance project car –  the Jaguar XE SV Project 8. Limited to just 300 units worldwide, the Project 8 will offer supercar performance and dynamics in a family sedan.
Designed, engineered and assembled by SVO at their Technical Centre in Coventry, England, the XE SV Project 8 will get a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, and in this application, producing
591 hp
. Jaguar paced the car around the gruelling Nürburgring Nordschleife, no less, wrapped in a unique camouflage created by SVO Design.
From the photos and video snippets, we can tell that the Project 8 features a subtle hood scoop, revised front bumper, flared wheel arches, aggressive side skirts and rear bumper, quad exhaust outlets and a not-so-subtle rear wing.
“Our clients worldwide were thrilled by the F-TYPE Project 7. The new XE SV Project 8 takes aerodynamics and performance engineering to another level – it is conceived for enthusiasts and the most discerning collectors. The price for such an extreme performance sports car available in strictly limited numbers will reflect that,” Said John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 will debut at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed happening which is taking place on 30 June. Closer to home, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has three variants of the
Jaguar XE on offer
 and, knowing that they’ve previously managed to
secure allocations of the F-Type Project 7
, perhaps the idea of it coming here isn’t too far fetched at all.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda HR-V Mugen introduced in Malaysia, 1,020 units only, RM118k

Before the new
facelift Honda HR-V
 hits our local shores, Honda Malaysia has decided to give the ageing
HR-V
 a final hurrah in the form of the limited-edition Honda HR-V Mugen. Only 1,020 units of these sporty HR-V will be made.
Sitting above the range-topping V-spec HR-V, the HR-V Mugen comes with the full Mugen body kit consisting of a front bumper, front grille, rear bumper, rear spoiler, Mugen exterior emblem and Mugen decal. Inside, the changes are less apparent, you’ll only find a Mugen emblem at the gear lever, red stitching carpet mats and aluminium sport pedals.

The HR-V Mugen was based on customers’ feedback requesting for a sportier and stylish exterior to complement the crossover’s practicality. As part of Honda’s continuous effort to achieve No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction, the company is committed to continue offer products based on their requirements.
Mechanically, the HR-V Mugen retains a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC paired to a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) to drive the front wheels. Output is rated at
140 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque.
Only two colours are available for the Honda HR-V Mugen – Dark Ruby Red Pearl and White Orchid Pearl (RM300 option). The limited-run HR-V Mugen is priced at RM118,800 on-the-road without insurance. Honda Malaysia are now accepting bookings for the car but deliveries will only commence from 5 March 2018 onwards.
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DBKL announces new traffic flow for Jalan Ampang and Jalan Dang Wangi

For commuters going to work via Jalan Ampang or Jalan Dang Wangi, DBKL has announced some changes in traffic flow in the area.
Commuters going to work via Jalan Ampang or Jalan Dang Wangi can look forward to the change in traffic flow starting tomorrow
17th of March
. The one-way street between Menara AIA and Bukit Nanas Waterfall on Jalan Ampang will be converted to a two-way street instead.
With this change, traffic from Jalan Ampang can head directly to Jalan Sultan Ismail without going through Jalan Dang Wangi. Traffic from Jalan Sultan Ismail can also head directly to Jalan Dang Wangi instead of going through Jalan Munshi Abdulah.
According to DBKL’s research, this change has been made to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.


AM-RB 001 gets official name – Aston Martin Valkyrie, 6.5L V12! [+Video]

The
 AM-RB 001
 hypercar jointly developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing has finally received a new name called the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Has a nice ring too, doesn’t it?
According to
Norse mythology
, a valkyrie is a female spirit who is also the “chooser of the fallen”. It also starts with the letter V, which you should know by now is typical of Aston Martin – the Vantage, Vanquish, Virage, Volante, Vulcan… catching my drift yet?
Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said, “Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve.
The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience,” he added.
Just a few weeks ago, Aston Martin confirmed that the Valkyrie will get a
6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12
 specially commissioned by Cosworth. It will be paired to a devastatingly quick seven-speed paddle shift transmission and will get state-of-the-art hybrid technology derived straight from Formula One. It will be out by 2019, so be prepared, Holy Trinity. This British brute is gonna slay.


McLaren 600LT is now in Malaysia to challenge the Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The McLaren brand is now represented by a new distributor in Malaysia, Mc Farren Supercars Sdn. Bhd. and the franchise holder is kicking off the year with the premiere of the
McLaren 600LT Coupe
 here in Kuala Lumpur.
Only a handful of the 600LT will be made available to local buyers and initial deliveries are expected to commence end-2019. The LT designation denotes that this is a lightened, track-oriented version of McLaren’s
570S
 but the 600LT is more than the sum of its parts.
For starters, the M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 features an uprated cooling system, a lighter exhaust system with top mounted exhaust outlet and some tuning to boost output to
 600 hp
 and
 620 Nm
. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is tasked to send all that grunt to the rear wheels allowing the 600LT to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
 – as quick as the
675LT
 and 0 to 200 km/h in
8.2 seconds
. Top speed is capped at
328 km/h
.
In terms of visual bits, the 600LT features a longer front splitter, extended side skirts, aggressive rear diffuser and a fixed rear wing to extend the car’s overall length by
 74 mm
 and sits
8 mm
 closer to the ground. At 250 km/h, the new bodywork generates
100 kg
 worth of downforce to keep the car planted to the tarmac.

Lightweight exercise comes in the form of adopting lighter and stiffer suspension components from the
720S
 (-10.2 kg), lightweight aluminium calipers and stiffer carbon ceramic discs (-4 kg), removal of interior carpet (-5.7 kg) and optional carbon fibre racing seats (-21 kg).
If your wallet permits, you can always hand your car over to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to add a ridiculous amount of carbon fibre bits, roof scoop and even carbon louvres just like this
600LT “Stealth”
. Custom exterior paintwork, wheels, liveries done to your imagination are also available with MSO.

A basic McLaren 600LT is priced at RM998,000
before
 applicable duties and options and if you want one, it might already be too late. Or maybe you can try your luck with a
600LT Spider
.
IMAGE GALLERY
McLaren 600LT Coupe in Malaysia


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches a new brand for Electric Mobility

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the new EQ brand for the local market – a designation which will be catered to models like the
C350e
 and
E350e
 – known as EQ Power products.
EQ Power will pave the way for EQ,
a title reserved solely for the pure electric vehicle range
 which had been previewed extensively by the
Generation EQ concept car
 introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2016.
The name EQ is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand of values of emotion and intelligence. The all-new brand under the Mercedes-Benz portfolio will also includes the likes of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.
“By launching the EQ brand led by our technology leaders and range-topping EQ Power C350e and E350e plug-in hybrid automobiles, we are able to create something highly emotional. The thrill of immediate acceleration with the sustainability of efficient energy consumption”, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.
He added, “To us, electric mobility is more than an alternative drivetrain. The EQ brand is our technology calling card for customer-focused electric mobility. It extends beyond the vehicle itself to an ecosystem designed to deliver the best value, convenience and luxury to our customers and fans.”
Following the launch of the first Mercedes-Benz charging station in Bangsar Shopping Centre, MBM had introduced new charging stations in Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Desa Park City. Similar to the renaming strategy for the C350e and E350e plug-in hybrids, all current and future charging stations will be
rebranded as EQ facilities
.
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia introduces the EQ Agility Care package to enhance the ownership experience of the EQ Power C350e or EQ Power E350e. For an ownership tenure of over three to five years, customers will enjoy scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing along with an EQ Power charging wallbox packaged with their new EQ Power C 350 e and EQ Power E 350 e over the same period.


Volkswagen has a new robot that charges your EV

The lack of charging stations is the biggest shortcoming in the electric vehicle game at the moment and Volkswagen seems to have a solution for that.
The company has developed an autonomous mobile charging robot that’s operated via app where upon activation, the entire charging process will not require any human intervention.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMC1H__xL3Y&feature=youtu.be
“The mobile charging robot will spark a revolution when it comes to charging in different parking facilities, such as multistorey car parks, parking spaces and underground car parks because we bring the charging infrastructure to the car and not the other way around,” said Volkswagen Group Components, Head of Development, Mark Moller.
The robots are equipped with an array of cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors to support its autonomous function. When initiated, the robot will connect a mobile energy storage device called the “battery wagon” to the vehicle and automatically connects them.
The mobile energy storage device stays with the car during the charging process. The robot uses this time to charge other electric vehicles.
The battery wagon stays with the vehicle during the charging process while the robot attends to the other vehicles that require charging. Each battery wagon contains 25kWh of charge, and is capable of fast charging up to 50kW.
“This approach has an enormous economic potential. The constructional work as well as the costs for the assembly of the charging infrastructure can be reduced considerably through the use of the robots,” said Möller.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai Tucson facelift is here, now CKD in Kulim and priced from RM116k

The Hyundai Tucson has just received another facelift, quite possibly the final update before Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) introduces the
all-new Tucson
. This model made its global debut two years ago, and is now locally assembled at Inokom’s plant in Kulim, Kedah. Prices have also gone down by as much as 10 percent compared to the CBU variants sold prior to this, which carried a base price tag of RM131,888 for the 2.0L Elegance.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Sport
Engine
1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC
1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Max Power
158 hp @ 6,200 rpm
158 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR
without
insurace
)
RM115,888.00
RM132,888.00

Changes to the SUV are minimal, as they (both CKD Tucsons) only benefit from
LED positioning lights
 (not DRL) and
leather seats
. Both still sit on 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 series tyres, while the Sport variant comes with panoramic sunroof, all-round body kit, chrome door handles, push-start button, front and rear parking sensors as well as front and rear view cameras.
Two airbags will be fitted to the Elegance variant, whereas the Sport will get
six
 including side and curtain airbags. Other safety features exclusive to the Sport variant are Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management.
The Elegance and Sport variants are priced at
RM115,888
 and
RM132,888
 respectively, and offered along with it is the five-year or 300,000 km extended warranty programme (whichever occurs first) and Hyundai’s 24-hour roadside assist service. You can have the Tucson in four colours – Pure White, Titanium Grey, Hyper Metallic, Pepper Grey, while the Sport gets four additional exclusive colours – Remington Red, Phantom Black Sleek Silver and Platinum Silver.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
CKD Hyundai Tucson 2.0L facelift

All-new Hyundai Tucson at Geneva


Gallery: Taking the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC up Genting Highlands

With
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 finally ready to locally assemble electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, it is a good time to look back at the brand’s pilot EV – the
Mercedes-Benz EQC
. Available in Malaysia only in the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 guise that was launched in September 2022, this electric SUV costs
RM388,888
. Lucky enough to take this car for a spin, we took it up Genting Highlands, for some sightseeing and a quick photoshoot.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
Being an electric car, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty EV details first. The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 provides
437 km
 of range (WLTP) from an
80-kWh
battery. The battery can be charged at a maximum rate of
11 kW
 with AC charging and
110 kW
 with DC fast charging. With 11-kW AC charging, the EQC 400 takes
7.5 hours
 to charge from 0 to 100%. With 110-kW DC charging, charging from 10% to 80% takes
40 minutes
. Driving down Genting Highlands, we did manage to regain 4% of charge for the EQC through regenerative braking.
As for performance, this large (by Malaysian standards) electric SUV is capable of a
5.1-second
 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a regulated top speed of 180 km/h. This is thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) 4MATIC powertrain that makes
408 hp
 and
760 Nm
. The AWD system is front-biased.
The EQC 400 4MATIC in Malaysia gets the AMG Line package which includes AMG Line exterior kits and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the front of the EQC 400 are multibeam LED headlights. Unlike newer EQ models though, the EQC still has a ‘grille’ that feeds to air the area under the hood. The EQC possibly strikes the best balance between an upright imposing stance and the curvy flowing lines of the EQ series.
The EQ gene is evident in the EQC as it sports continuous lights at the front and rear, blue ‘EQC’ letterings on the front fenders, blue accents in the headlights, and a recognisable EQ front end.
On the inside, the EQC 400 4MATIC gets a twin 10.25-inch display with one dedicated as the digital instrument cluster and the other dedicated as the head unit. The EQC’s head unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit only via a wired connection.
Built on an older ICE platform, the EQC doesn’t get the latest MBUX as you would find in the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Mercedes-Benz EQS. Sound is emitted via a Burmester sound system and the EQC comes with thermotronic automatic climate control.
GALLERY


BMW 120i M-Sport LCI launched in Malaysia, priced from RM220k

BMW’s smallest member of the family has gotten a bit of a facelift. The hatchback was launched here sporting a newer, more refreshed look. Alot like the
BMW X1
 that was recently launched, this facelifted 120i M-Sport has indeed matured itself with the family range.
Known internally as the F20, this
second generation
 has been around for a couple of years now and as is the way with BMW and their quick model-rollout progression, the
BMW 120i
 is now the only
CKD variant
 (for the time being) on sale right now.
Name
BMW 120i M-Sport
Engine
1,598cc twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4
Transmission
8-speed StepTronic Automatic
Max Power
177 hp @ 6,450 rpm
Max Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Top Speed
222 km/h
Price (OTR without Insurance)
RM219,800 with GST
EXTERIOR
The front fascia has been given a sleeker makeover with revised front
 headlights
with
 LED’s
 as
standard
 equipment. The signature kidney grille’s are chrome ornamented, the lower intakes are sleeker as well for the sake of
aerodynamics
 and
fuel efficiency
 all of which housed in a newly molded M-sport styled bumper.
Around the side you would find the 120i sitting pretty on
225/40 R18
 on the front and
245/35 R18
 at the rear with
Potenza
 rubber on all fours with the
twin-spoke M-Sport alloys
.

The back end has gotten the most distinctive of the changes that’s been done on the car, with the makeover starting with the new
L-shaped tail lamps
 being designed to be more angular. Accompany that to the
 chromed
 up
exhaust tips
 and the M-sport 120i BMW finished in Estoril Blue makes its a pretty good looker indeed.
INTERIOR
The interior has been given a rather spritely upgrade in terms of the toys. The 120i comes with
dual-zone
 climate controlled A/C with rear centre vents. As far as entertainment is concerned, theres a
205-watt, seven-speaker
 HiFi surround system with the
 sat-nav
 and infotainment displayed out of an
 8.8-inch LCD display
 which as is the trademark of Bimmers, is angled more toward a driver-centric feel.

The electric sports seats have been given the BMW Individual
Anthracite fabric
 and
Alcantra
 hybrid transformation that does lend its hand to the sport luxury feel that this 1 Series vibes. The door sills have been given the M-Sport treatment with an
aluminium finish
. More of that treatment is found in the interior, such as the M-Sport
leather steering wheel
.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this pocket rocket is a
1.6-litre
,
four-cylinder twin scroll turbocharged
 engine that makes
177 hp
 from 4,800 to 6,450 rpm and produces
250 Nm
 of torque from as low as
1,500 rpm
. Putting the power down on the road is up to the job of an
eight-speeder StepTronic
 transmission box.
This powertrain combination does the century sprint in
7.2 seconds
 and onto a
top speed of 222 km/h
. Having performance as such doesn’t necessarily mean your fuel bills are going to be a mile long as the 120i M-Sport does an average fuel consumption figure of
 5.9 litre per 100km.
The 120i also employs the
ValveTronic
 and
Double Vanos
 technology in this effort. The hydraulic steering system has been chucked out in favour of an
electric steering system.
SAFETY
As for this entry level Bimmer, safety has not taken a back seat with the implementation of features such as
dual-front airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
 and a host of other safety features. PDC or
Park Distance Control
 does the job of assisting the driver with parking. Whilst on the move however, the 120i is equipped with a
dynamic cruise control
 that senses the traffic infront of you and
applies the brakes
 if necessary.
The
BMW ConnectedDrive App
s interface enables the drivers (and passengers) to access apps such as
Spotify
 which helps the driver keep their
 focus on the road
 rather than their smartphones, a handy safety feature indeed.
WHAT ELSE?
Colours available for the all-new locally assembled BMW 120i M-Sport include
Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue
. BMW retails for
RM219,800.00
 (on the road, without insurance) which is inclusive of BMW Malaysia’s latest
five-years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service program
.
Besides that, the BMW 120i M-Sport also comes with a plethora of
additional extras
 that maybe specified to the tastes of potential customers.

IMAGE GALLERY


Budget 2023: EV tax exemption extended to 2024, no AP fees for grey import EVs

The Malaysian Finance Ministry has confirmed during the tabling of Budget 2023 that the current EV tax exemption (import and excise duty) for fully imported (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) will be extended until
December 31, 2024
. Previously set to expire on December 31, 2023, the exemption has been extended by one year.
The import and excise duty exemption for CBU EVs was proposed in
Budget 2022
 and only applies to fully-electric vehicles and excludes hybrid vehicles. Locally assembled (CKD) EVs like the
Volvo XC40 Reharge P8
 enjoy even more tax incentives. However, even with the tax exemptions granted by the government, EVs still remain relatively expensive with the cheapest option currently available being the
electric Hyundai Kona
 e-Lite
 that retails at RM 156,538, inclusive of SST.
BMW iX
Along with the extension of the tax exemption the government has also announced that the Approved Permit (AP) fee for EVs will be waived until December 31, 2023. This will only affect grey importers (Open APs) who must pay a RM 10,000 AP fee, and does not affect authorized distributors who use a different Franchise AP. Several grey import EVs that can already be seen in Malaysia include the
Polestar 2
,
Tesla Model 3
,
Tesla Model Y
,
Honda E
, and Mercedes-Benz EQV.
To further encourage EV adoption, the government is also waiving the tax on statutory earnings for EV charging equipment manufacturers by 100% from 2023 to 2032. There is also an investment tax allowance of 100%.
RELATED:
Planning to own an EV in Malaysia? Make sure to install these apps first
Ora Good Cat
As for road tax, EVs are currently enjoying a road tax waiver that will supposedly end in December 31, 2025. Had the waiver not been proposed, the road tax for EVs is calculated based on the maximum power output of the powertrain. For example, the
MINI Cooper SE

has a supposed road tax of RM 724 due to its 135 kW (183 hp) power output.
Besides the extended EV tax exemption and the other intitaives mentioned abovem the Malaysian government has also announced a RM 3 billion fund for green technology (including EVs) and RM 330 million to develop EV infrastructure.
RELATED:
This New York-style cab is Malaysia’s first EV taxi


Facts & Figures: 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift unveiled – from RM45,700

Four years after the
third-generation Perodua Myvi
was first unveiled, our very own Malaysian “supercar” has now received its first major facelift for 2021, featuring a brand new front fascia and even more tech.

The 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift will be offered in four variants – G, X, H, and AV – with prices ranging
from RM45,700 up to RM58,800
 for the range-topper.
EXTERIOR
The main highlight of the 2021 Perodua Myvi’s facelift can be found on its front end, featuring a completely redesigned face from top to bottom. The grille is now enlarged, with a slim chrome strip running across connecting the two headlights, which has also been redesigned for a slimmer and more angular styling.
Further below, the new Myvi facelift also gets a new front bumper characterised by its multi-faceted angular look, while the new vertical daytime-running lights (H and AV) bookends the bumper. On higher-end variants (H and AV), there’s also an aggressive splitter at the bottom featuring a chrome strip to complement the lower grille opening.
Moving over to the rear, the new bumpers mirror the front-end’s design with the use of angular slats around the number plate cut-out. A vertical trim lines the edges of the bumper to mimic the new DRLs up front, although the trims here are purely for aesthetic purposes only.
There’s also a new wing mirror cover, now in gloss black, but everything else on the outside is unchanged from the pre-facelift model, including the wheels – 14-inch items on the 1.3 G variant, and 15-inch wheels for the rest.
PERFORMANCE
While the engine underneath the bonnet – both the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre units – are unchanged from before, the big upgrade here is the new D-CVT (Dual-mode Constantly Variable Transmission) that replaces the ageing four-speed automatic box from the pre-facelift model.
The new gearbox promises a 20% faster 0-100 km/h sprint time, and a 5% reduction in fuel consumption on both models.
Perodua Myvi 1.3 G
Engine: 1,329 cc, 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i, Petrol
Transmission: D-CVT
Driveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive
Max horsepower: 94 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 11.5 seconds
Fuel consumption: 22.2 km/l (4.5 l/100km)
Perodua Myvi 1.5 X, 1.5 H, 1.5 AV
Engine: 1,496 cc, 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i, Petrol
Transmission: D-CVT
Driveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive
Max horsepower: 101 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds
Fuel Consumption: 21.1 km/h (4.7 l/100km)
INTERIOR
While the dashboard architecture of the new 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift remains unchanged from before, it does get quite a significant update in terms of equipment, with of course, the range-topping AV getting all of the goodies.
Most noticeably, the steering wheel has been switched out with a new unit that’s taken from the Perodua Ativa. The instrument cluster on the AV variant also gets a new TFT coloured multi-info display in the centre replacing the older LCD monotone unit.
Specific to the two higher-end variants (H and AV) is also the larger 6.9-inch centre infotainment display sourced from the Ativa; the G and X variants retain the same digital head-unit from the pre-facelift model.
Other additions to the range-topping AV variant on the new 2021 Perodua Ativa include the leather-wrapped seats with red accents – the same red touches can also be found on the dashboard surrounding the air-con vents.
SAFETY
The hero feature of the new 2021 Perodua Myvi is undoubtedly its new set of advanced driver assistance features. Available across the board (optional on 1.3 G) is the updated Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0 system, which includes:
Pre-collision Warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Pre-collision Braking (unlimited times)
Pedal Misoperation Control
Front Departure Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Prevention
Auto High Beam
The range-topping AV variant takes it up a notch further with the addition of level 2 autonomous driving features and more, such as:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Control (lane centring)
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Reverse Camera
Other safety features include four (G, X) and six (H, AV) airbags, solar and security window film (H, AV), front-facing dashcam (AV), auto door locking and unlocking, rear parking sensor, and front parking sensors (H, AV).
RELATED: Learn more about Perodua’s Smart Drive Assist system here!
PRICING
The new 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift is priced as follows, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, as well as a five-year/150,000 km warranty:
Myvi 1.3 G (without PSDA) – RM45,700
Myvi 1.3 G (with PSDA) – RM47,700
Myvi 1.5 X – RM49,900
Myvi 1.5 H – RM53,900
Myvi 1.5 AV – RM58,800
Since Perodua opened its order books for the 2021 Myvi facelift last week, the company has already received 4,303 bookings in just nine days. The company says that first deliveries will begin immediately after the launch.
GALLERY
Perodua Myvi 1.3 G
 Perodua Myvi 1.5 X
 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H
 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV


Lotus wants you to believe their cars can be daily driven with this GT410

Lotus is throwing a few decadent slices of crisply-fried bacon into a lean salad meal. Care for a bite?
The company founded on the basis of building lightweight, compact, no-nonsense driving machines is now trying to attract a new type of customer – presumably those who’re too big for a go-kart and too fragile for a roller coaster ride.
And they’re trying to achieve this with the GT410 – a more comfortable version of the
GT410 Sport
 – with items on the options list including air-conditioning and a reverse camera offered as standard; in case the new glass tailgate doesn’t reveal enough of the outside.
 (Left) The GT410 Sport
from our AutoBuzz.my Best Car’s of 2017 video
!
For those who’ve spent even the briefest of moments in any Lotus would know how useful reverse cameras are as these pure driving machines do not seem to focus much on what’s happening at the back (visibility wise).
If you can tolerate the less than convenient ingress and slightly unglamorous egress, Lotus says the Evora GT410’s dampers have been revised and together with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, it’s more usable in the real world.
They’ve even thrown in an arm rest, Apple CarPlay and just so you could enjoy some tunes, they’ve even sacrilegiously added more weight by increasing cabin insulation for reduced road noise.
In the eyes of Lotus, the GT410 is a “more for less proposition” with a price tag of approximately RM448k before taxes (RM16k less than GT410 Sport) as it also shares the same 3.5-litre supercharged V6 as its more performance-oriented sibling with
 410 hp
 and
410 Nm
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Rolls-Royce achieves historic-high sales figure in 2019

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that global sales in 2019 reached a historic high in the company’s 116-year history. A total of
5,152
 cars were delivered to customers in over 50 countries, an increase of
25%
 on the previous high set in 2018.
The luxury carmaker reported significant sales growth across all of its key global markets during the year. North America, representing a third of all Rolls-Royce sales, retained top status, followed by China and Europe.
Individual countries that achieved record sales figure includes Russia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Qatar, and Korea.
Driving the brand’s historic performance is the new
Cullinan
, which became the fastest-selling new Rolls-Royce model in history. Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “Worldwide demand last year for
 our Cullinan SUV has driven this success and is expected to stabilise in 2020.”
Besides the Cullinan, all other Rolls-Royce models –
Phantom
, Wraith,
Dawn
 and Ghost (in its final year of production) – too experienced strong demand throughout the year in their respective segments.
The
Black Badge variants
 in particular have found affinity with the younger clients, while the demand for Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions have also reached new peaks in 2019. Highlights for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collection include the
Wraith Eagle VIII
, as well as accessories such as the
Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest
.
In order to cope with the increased demand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has invested heavily in its manufacturing plant at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, with a new two-storey development due for completion in the first quarter of 2020.
The luxury carmaker is also creating
50 new jobs
 for 2020 in order to meet the expanding global demand. This is in addition to Rolls-Royce’s Apprenticeship Programme, which saw the largest intake of
26 new entrants in 2019
.
Since the launch of the programme in 2006, almost 200 participants have completed their hands-on and vocational training – some of whom have gone on to hold important technical and supervisory roles within the company.


Mitsubishi ASX Adventure launched in Malaysia, 2.0L CVT 2WD, 60 units only

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has unveiled a limited edition ASX Adventure to spice up the ageing compact crossover. Only 60 units of the ASX Adventure will be made and comes in a single 2.0-litre two-wheel drive variant. For a RM5,000 premium over the
standard ASX 2WD
, the ASX Adventure gets aesthetic enhancements inside and out.
Finished in Sporty Blue, the ASX Adventure gets a new front grille design as well as additional mouldings around the wheel arches and side sills. It rides on upsized 18-inch multi-spoke alloys wrapped in
225/65 profile tyres
. Other parts of the exterior remain unchanged.

Inside, new items include blue upholstery stitching with ASX embroidery, blue trim accents on the door panels, silver air-con housings and aluminium sports pedals. Standard equipment dittos the standard 2WD variant – keyless entry, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera and Multi-Information Display (MID).
Under the bonnet, you will find the same 2.0-litre MIVEC four-cylinder petrol engine producing
 148 hp
 and
198 Nm
 of torque, paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) driving the front wheels. Safety wise, it retains the three airbags, ABS with BA, EBD and front parking sensors combination. Traction Control and Active Stability Control remains missing from the equipment list.
The ASX Adventure is priced at RM123,998 on-the-road without insurance and can be ordered from MMM dealerships nationwide.
IMAGE GALLERY

 First facelift


The Honda CR-V Hybrid’s official fuel consumption figure is 5.3 L/100 km

Shortly after the European debut of the
Honda CR-V Hybrid
, the Japanese carmaker has announced the official fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the hybrid-powered SUV.
Based on the revised NEDC test, the 2.0-litre i-MMD powerplant will return a combined fuel economy of
5.3 L/100 km
 on front-wheel drive equipped models while the all-wheel-drive model will consume
5.5 L/100 km
. To put things into perspective, the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo CR-V will return 7.0 L/100 km.
Honda’s i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) technology combines a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a direct drive transmission to give the CR-V Hybrid a combined output of
184 hp
 and
315 Nm
 of twist.
The i-MMD system features three driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive which allow the drivers to drive the car on pure electric power, combustion engine or both.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid will make its first-ever European public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show joined by other petrol variants of the car including a seven-seater option. Malaysian consumers, on the other hand, have the option for either a
1.5-litre i-VTEC Turbo
 or a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol option for their five-seater SUV.


Eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers want more EVs on the road, says BMW survey

Malaysia is one of, if not the most car-dependent nation within the ASEAN region, and our car ownership figures back that up, despite a relatively low total industry volume (TIV) within the Malaysian automotive sector.
In fact, a recent survey by BMW Group in Southeast Asia, which polled 4,000 drivers from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, revealed that 85% of Malaysian respondents said that they drive every one to three days, either to and from the office (74%), to run daily errands (65%), or to travel on the weekends (36%).
Being such an important market, it stands to reason why carmakers are somewhat concerned about the acceptance of
electric vehicles
 (EVs) in Malaysia, now that the entire industry is quickly shifting towards electrification. Encouragingly, BMW’s survey shows that eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers are open to seeing more EVs on the road.
The respondents quoted several reasons, including to reduce carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of burning petrol (49%), as well as to experience a more premium driving experience (40%).
Despite that, nearly 60% of Malaysian drivers still say that they would likely choose a petrol-powered vehicle for their next purchase, mostly citing concerns such as range anxiety, maintenance costs, and difficulties in keeping their EVs charged.
BMW, however, says that these are “the concerns of yesterday”, as the technology surrounding EV and its ecosystems, including the charging networks, have already made significant progress over the past few years that it’s reached a point of maturity where those concerns do not hold much weight any more.
GALLERY: BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV previewed in Malaysia!
Click to enlarge.
Expanding on range anxiety concerns, the company says that its latest fleet of BMW i vehicles already possesses “excellent electric range” of up to 425 km, as seen on the
 iX xDrive40
. Based on the premise that most Malaysians only travel up to 20 km daily, BMW says that recharging is only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks.
On top of reduced charging frequency, which will reduce disruptions to their daily car usage, the BMW i Wallbox is also capable of providing a full charge overnight. For the frequent long-distance travellers, BMW Group Malaysia has also begun deploying DC fast chargers across its dealership network, public spaces, and along the highways.
RELATED: Facts & Figures: BMW iX xDrive40 electric SUV launched in Malaysia, from RM361k!
As for the higher maintenance costs for EVs, which BMW says 41% of respondents believed, the company assures that an EV actually costs less to maintain, due to having fewer components in the vehicles that require servicing – the common wear-and-tear parts such as engine oil, spark plugs, and air filters are absent in EVs.
The company further adds that its electric vehicles are equipped with modular battery packs, so the cost of battery replacement is greatly reduced, as owners will only need to replace the faulty module instead of the entire battery.
ALSO READ: BMW adds new DC fast chargers in Penang and Ipoh – 120 kW, open for public use
To further enhance the peace of mind of their owners, BMW also offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, as well as a separate eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty for its EVs. The survey revealed that battery warranty (39%) and good aftersales support (35%) are some of the main motivators for drivers to adopt EVs.
The government’s support for EV adoption, particularly with the recent
EV tax cut as outlined in Budget 2022
, is also a key motivating factor for buyers here in Malaysia, with 45% of respondents citing cost as a concern.
BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Viser said, “It is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience.
“Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it – all of which we have been actively working to alleviate.”
He added, “In addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles.
“With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think.”


This is the Proton Iriz facelift and it looks really promising

Proton has just released
the first official photos of the facelifted Proton Iriz ahead of its launch scheduled
for later in the year. The Iriz is the first model in the brand’s current range
to be given a facelift since they have Geely as their strategic partner on board.
At the front, the refreshed Iriz gains a new face with a chrome grille garnish that extends the full length into the new slim headlamps. Within the new grille, you’ll find the “Ethereal Bow” cue that made its debut on the
X70
. The front bumpers feature a cleaner look with the LED daytime running lights integrated on either side.
The facelifted Iriz now sits on new 10-spoke design alloy wheels and spots a black roof and spoiler. Round the back, the little hatchback now wears Proton’s new corporate identity feature where PROTON is being spelt out on the tailgate, replacing the logo that was there before.
The rear profile gains a newfound stance and sportiness with the blacked out upper tailgate and new bumpers. The Iriz badge also gets a new typeface with a capital R in red.
Proton did not give
away the mechanical specification and interior details but from the official image,
the Iriz benefits from a new GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command
feature, frameless rear-view mirror, a cleaner and upmarket instrument cluster
with coloured LCD display as well as a new gear lever design similar to the one
present on the X70.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton Iriz Facelift First Image


Jaguar unleashes the F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 to celebrate its Le Mans-winning race car

Inspired by the success of the Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 LM in 1988, Jaguar has unveiled the new F-Pace SVR Edition 1988. Only
 394 units
 will be available to commemorate the number of laps completed by the Le Mans-winning race car.
The main highlight of the
F-Pace SVR
lies in its exterior colo; featuring a specially-formulated Midnight Amethyst Gloss and Sunset Gold paint job, complemented with 22-inch Champagne Gold forged alloy wheels.
Black Pack goodies are standard in the F-Pace SVR, where the side mirror covers, brake calipers, and wheel center caps are all finished in Gloss Black.
The cabin is festooned with open-pore carbon fibre trims, paired with semi-aniline Ebony leather upholstery. The Sunset Gold theme continues inside the cabin, as seen on the steering wheel spokes, gear shift paddles, and sports seats. Completing the interior package are SV Bespoke and Edition 1988 branding on the illuminated door sills and dashboard.
The F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 produces the same performance as the F-Pace SVR with 550 hp and 700 Nm from a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. 0 to 100 km/h takes four seconds before the Jaguar runs out of breath at 286 km/h! Prices start from £101,550 pounds (approx. RM560,795).
GALLERY


Can the G20 BMW 3 Series & Volvo S60 take on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently upped the ante in the compact premium executive segment with the
facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 from the highly efficient
1.5-litre EQ Boost C 200
 to the 3.0-litre twin-turbo powered
C 43
.
With revised specifications (64-colour ambient lighting, digital screens, blind spot monitor, air suspension) and styling, the refreshed C-Class gains a competitive edge over the ageing
F30 BMW 3 Series
 and
second-gen Volvo S60
. We did not forget about the
Audi A4
 but unfortunately, it loses out on price compared to its locally assembled rivals.
But the C-Class reign is set to take a back seat with the imminent arrival of the
G20 3 Series
 and
all-new S60
. We’ve seen both of these cars at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show and they both look stunning in the metal (at least, according to our editor, Eu Jin). Should you then, go with the C-Class or wait for the new competitors to hit local showrooms? Here’s the breakdown:
QUICK FACTS
 Name

Mercedes-Benz C 200

G20 BMW 320i

Volvo S60 T5
 Engine
 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo with
EQ Boost
 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
 Transmission
 9-speed automatic
 8-speed automatic
 8-speed automatic
 Max Power
 184 hp + 13 hp (EQ Boost)
 184 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
 Max Torque
 280 Nm + 160 Nm (w/ EQ Boost)
 300 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,000 rpm
 350 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,800 rpm
 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
 7.7 seconds; 239 km/h
 7.2 seconds; 238 km/h
 6.5 seconds; 240 km/h
 Kerb Weight
 1,505 kg
 1,525 kg
 1,677 kg
 Boot Space
 435 litres
 480 litres
 442 litres
 Fuel Economy Rating
 6.3L/100 km
 6.0L/100 km
 7.1L/100 km
Compared here are the base petrol variants from all 3 makes
On paper, the S60 T5 blows the competition out of the water with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E powerplant packing
250 hp
and
350 Nm
 of twist. It is the quickest among the trio despite weighing over 1.6 tonnes, completing the century sprint in
6.5 seconds
. The weight comes with a small price to pay with a rated fuel economy of 7.1L/100 km.
But if you swear by “rear wheel drive is the right wheel drive”, the 320i and C 200 would be your prime choice. The 320i gets a more conventional setup with a 2.0-litre turbo and 8-speed automatic packing
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 while the C 200 has a more sophisticated 1.5-litre turbo with EQ Boost Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The latter also comes with an extra gear.
Technology only tells
half the story because the 320i is half a second quicker than the C 200 – 7.2
seconds vs 7.7 seconds – and it has a slightly lower rated fuel consumption of
6.0L/100 km. However, the C 200 emits the least C02 among the lot if that’s
your concern.
Styling is subjective and
the W205 C-Class has been around since 2014 so it’s not quite a fair comparison
against the brand spanking new BMW and Volvo. However, the facelift exercise brought
about a bit more sophistication to the headlamps and taillamps that helps the
C-Class stay fresh. The three-pointed star is also arguably the most elegant
looking one here.
Both the 3 Series and
S60 spots a sportier design language hoping to draw in the young and young at
heart. Some may find the styling G20 3 Series to be too busy around the front and
reminds them of a certain Japanese brand around the rear, but as Eu Jin said, you
have to see it in person to appreciate the design.
The Volvo on the other
hand while athletic in proportions, gives off a corporate image (even in the
R-Design trim) which some may appreciate when rolling up to business meetings.
A sportier S90 if you will.
Both the cabin of the G30
3 Series and S60 is not a novelty because the architecture and design are taken
straight from the respective brand’s larger models. The Volvo plays on its
minimalistic design while the BMW’s more driver focused layout should appeal to
the enthusiast. But if you’re a fan of party pieces, nothing comes close to the
Merc’s 64-colour ambient lighting.
While specification of
Malaysia-bound G20 320i and S60 are yet to be confirmed, we can trust that
Volvo Car Malaysia will feature the full suite of IntelliSafe Advanced Driver
Assistance System and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature when the car
is launched here. The C 200 which is currently on sale, only comes with one
active safety system – Blind Spot Assist. Your move, BMW.
In summary, all three
cars have their unique selling point but in this highly competitive and
demanding segment, manufacturers have to capture the heart of the masses not
only with brand sentiment but also pricing and product positioning.
The C-Class is a good
example with a well-packaged entry-level C 200 for no frills premium motoring
experience and a feature packed C 300 for the discerning buyers. Backed with the
support of a strong after sales network, it will be quite a challenge for BMW
and Volvo to beat the Merc at its game.


Volkswagen Malaysia establishes 10,000 sq ft Parts Hub in Shah Alam

In an effort to increase their after sales service, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has established a Parts Hub in Shah Alam, one that spans 10,000 sq ft and will store market-specific inventory to reduce vehicular downtime and waiting period.
It’s relatively common these days for Volkswagen owners to be subjected to long waiting periods when sending their cars in for major repair works. The Parts Hub will seek to dramatically reduce this inconvenience by processing order submissions
twice a day
.
In speeding up this process, VGM will also
dispatch orders twice a day
 to dealerships nationwide, either from the new Parts Hub in Shah Alam or their Parts Centre in Singapore – one that began its operations since July 2014. The facility will receive parts from both the Singapore Centre and Volkswagen’s Kassel plant in Germany.


MAA raises TIV forecast for Malaysia to 725,000 units in 2023 – 652,500 passengers cars

The
Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)
 today published its latest forecasted total industry volume (TIV) figures for 2023, which has now risen to 652,500 passenger cars and 72,500 commercial vehicles, for a total of
725,000
units this year.
The new figure represents a significant increase of 11.5% over its original forecast of 650,000 total vehicles, which it published in January this year, and also represents a slight jump of 4,342 units over last year’s actual TIV.
In a press conference today, MAA said that the revised forecast was made on the basis of a stabilised economic outlook for the nation, improved automotive supply chain, as well as healthy sales figures for many new models – particularly “very affordable models” by national makes, among other factors.
The latter has already resulted in a 10.3% year-on-year increase in TIV for the first half of 2023, which saw a total of 366,037 units sold (326,661 passenger vehicles, up 11.2%; 39,376 commercial vehicles, up 3.6%). Among those, the national carmakers’ sales totalled 220,702 units, representing a 19% year-on-year increase in sales, while non-national makes dropped 3% to 105,959 units.
As a result, the national brands now constitute approximately 68% of the total passenger vehicles market share in the first half of 2023.
RELATED:
MAA: Perodua sold the most cars (145k units) in H1 2023, followed by Proton, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi
MAA added that sales of new vehicles has not only returned to, but also surpassed the pre-pandemic levels. For the first half of 2023, this was primarily driven by the fulfilment of bookings received during the PENJANA sales tax exemption period last year, where “a majority” of which were registered before 31 March 2023.
This is evidenced in the monthly sales figures, which saw a peak in March. At 78,894 units delivered, the March 2023 sales figures also marked a new all-time high record for monthly TIV in the history of the local automotive industry.
In tandem with the increased sales, the Total Industry Production (TIP) of new locally assembled vehicles in 1H2023 has also increased by 44,602 units (14%) to 362,535 units, compared to 317,933 units in the same period last year.
The strong sales in the first half of 2023 rides off the back of the nation’s all-time-high record for annual TIV 2022, which saw a monumental 41.6% increase in sales to 720,658 units sold throughout the nation last year.
Moving forward, however, MAA is expecting a slight shrinkage in TIV for 2024 at 700,000 units, before rising gradually to 736,300 in 2027.


Review: 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid, it’s back and it’s GOOD [+Video]

When the Camry XV50 was first introduced here back in 2012, it barely missed on the tsunami of a hype that its older XV40 sibling had so effortlessly generated. Criticisms were hurled towards Toyota for producing a successor no more interesting than the Kardashian’s comical family drama, and over time, the Camry’s charm rapidly wilted and subsequently lost its coveted D-Segment top spot.
Competition grew stiffer in the following years with arrivals of the new Honda Accord,
Mazda 6
 and
Nissan Teana
. At one point, the Accord was outselling the Camry at a 4:1 rate – that’s
one Camry for every four Accords sold
! But if there’s anyone you can count on to come back stronger and harder after taking a serious beating, it’s Toyota. This time, with the
refreshed Camry
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Camry 2.0E
Toyota Camry 2.0G
Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid
Engine
1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW
1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW
2,494cc; DOHC with VVT-i & ACIS
Transmission
6-speed auto Super ECT
6-speed auto Super ECT
E-CVT
Max Power
165 hp @ 6,500 rpm
165 hp @ 6,500 rpm
158 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
213 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Hybrid Motor Output; Battery type
–
–
141 hp & 270 Nm; NiMH
Combined Max Power / Torque
–
–
205 hp / 213 Nm
Fuel Consumption
7.3 litres per 100km
7.3 litres per 100km
5.2 litres per 100km
Price (OTR with insurance & GST)
RM149,900
RM159,900
RM174,900
EXTERIOR
Let its new looks not fool you into thinking that this is an entirely new model, no. Despite UMW Toyota Motor’s best efforts in marketing it as such (new engine, new transmission etc), truth is, it really is just a heavy rework of what’s essentially a popular, yet lagging D-Segment competitor.
Though the new Camry retains its familiar profile and silhouette, the new front face gets cut deepest under the knife, veering its styling in the course of sportiness. Or as Toyota puts it, “The Camry is inspired by our
Keen Look Identity and Under Priority
 design philosophy.” We’re sure they could have picked a better way of saying it (read: Fluidic Sculpture 2.0), but ‘Keen Look’ fits the bill just nice.
Toyota’s three pronged offensive is comprised of the 2.0E, 2.0G and range topper 2.5 Hybrid. Differentiating the Hybrid from the rest is fairly simple; it gets
twin projector LED headlights
, a mesh-type grille, a larger set of two-toned 17-inch wheels (poor design choice though) and a blue-tinted pair of tail lamps.

The non-hybrid variants make do with HID bi-xenon headlights as standard, a lateral fin-type grille and sits on 16-inch wheels. Where the Hybrid gets a single exhaust pipe, the 2.0-litre ones get dual pipes. It’s not all for show, though, as
bits of aero stabilising fins
 have been incorporated to the side mirrors and tail lamps, creating air vortices which
improves driving stability
.
INTERIOR
Inside, the changes are minute, but largely noticeable. Gone are the two-toned beige on black interior scheme of old, duly replaced by an all-black upholstery married to two kinds of wood – Zebra Wood on the Hybrid and Crotch Wood (yes Crotch, it’s not a typo) for the 2.0-litre variants. The ‘Optitron’ instrument cluster is also new here, having serve its informing duties in the brand’s more up-class Lexus models.

Smacked in the middle of the Camry Hybrid’s dashboard is a factory-fitted
7-inch touchscreen
 with reverse camera and GPS navigation. The Android-based hardware supports smartphone mirroring and is paired to a
10-speaker JBL Green Edge with 5.1 surround sound system
capable of producing rich levels of audio quality. In furthering cabin comfort, the Camry comes equipped with
acoustic-reducing windshield glass
, achieved by inserting a polyvinyl layer between two sheets of glass that is tuned to
absorb chassis vibrations
 and
specific sound waves
 for – you guessed it – a quieter cabin.
Similarly, the rear and side windows have
high-frequency wind noise reduction
 properties, courtesy of Toyota’s High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass. If the boss in you isn’t impressed yet, the Camry Hybrid gets an exclusive
 Qi wireless phone charging dock
, nanoe air ioniser (said to moisturise your hair and skin, no joke) and electrochromic rear view mirror.
If you’re in the back seat being chauffeured to board meetings, the familiar
four-way electric front passenger seat adjuster
 is kept in check, conveniently positioned towards the upper right side of the seat to increase rear legroom. The head restraint on the same seat can be folded down, granting you full view of the way forward, from the back seat of course.
PERFORMANCE
Although this review is centred around the Hybrid, we feel that the new
2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine
 very much deserves to share this newfound limelight. This brand new four-banger VVT-iW engine is nearly identical to the unit powering the
Lexus NX200t
, except in the Camry’s case it forgoes the in-house developed twin-scroll turbocharger.

VVT-iW, short for
Variable Valve Timing – intelligent Wide
, refers to the engine’s advanced valve train and dual injection system (direct and port injection), enabling it to operate between Otto and Atkinson cycles. Generally, most internal combustion engines adopt Otto’s, but Toyota’s new engine is capable of switching between the two, depending on engine speed (rpm). It makes
165 hp
 at 6,500 rpm and
199 Nm
 at 4,600 rpm thanks to the
 12.7:1 compression

ratio
. Together with the new
six-speed automatic
 torque converter, it yields a quoted fuel efficiency of
7.3 litres per 100km
.

On the flip side, the Hybrid draws propulsion from Toyota’s patented
Hybrid Synergy Drive
 system first developed for the Prius nearly 20 years ago. This
series-parallel hybrid system
 means that the Camry can be driven in pure electric mode and via the Atkinson cycle engine, or both when required.
Unlike the new 6AR-FSE engine, this older
2.5-litre
 (2AR-FXE) four-cylinder port injection engine sees the VVT-i’s duties resumed, and on its own makes
158 hp
 and
213 Nm
 of torque. It’s paired to a high-torque electric motor producing
141 hp
 and
270 Nm
 of torque, and together they make for some formidable numbers –
202 hp
 (combined torque figure unavailable, sadly), an output bettered only by the
Peugeot 508 GT
 and
Ford Mondeo EcoBoost
. Both
turbocharged
 and
exceed the RM200,000 mark
, by the way, making the Camry – priced at
 RM174,900
 – a much more enticing proposition.
Tasked with supplying power to the electric motor is a
1.6 kWh nickel-metal hydride
 battery pack, and the reason for skipping out on a lithium-ion pack is that Ni-MH batteries are better suited for hybrid cars demanding quick recharge and discharge rates. It’s also
more efficient in storing energy
 when receiving sporadic surges of electricity produced via regenerative braking.
The downside of using the Ni-MH pack is having to deal with its incommodious bulk, and the only way around it is to store the battery in the boot, reducing storage space to just
421 litres
. In a practical sense, this compromise translates to a nicely packaged D-Segment sedan with a boot space smaller than that of a Vios!
But what you do get out of that trade is a quoted fuel consumption of
5.2 litres per 100km
, and because it carries the Hybrid Synergy Drive badge, power delivery is managed by Toyota’s
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission
.
THE DRIVE
The Camry, after nearly two decades of pitting itself against the more dynamically superior Accord, has always been the go-to car for those preferring comfort and long term reliability. The duo’s rivalry can be traced back to the mid 90s (in the 80s was the Accord vs the Corona), yet the Honda has proved time and again that it has the slight edge round the bends. Today, that deeply imbedded notion is about to take a dramatic turn.

In our brief stint with the 2.0G, we found the new engine’s performance to be remarkably smooth, and it’s hard to tell when the cycles
alternate between Otto and Atkinson
. Preliminary impressions had us believing that the latter kicks in at engine speeds no more than 3,500 rpm, and going above that mark means transitioning into the more performance-oriented Otto cycle. Otherwise, the transition is nearly indistinguishable.
The new six-speed gearbox must also be commended for its competence in extracting the engine’s full grunt. Power delivery is
 hardly erring
, with all 165 hp and 199 Nm evenly spread across the rev band. It’s right up there in the top three best 2.0-litre engines, and we loved it even more in the NX200t. In the handling department, the Camry’s chassis retuning proves to be a delightful leap forwards, granting new levels of agility that far exceeds our expectations. And when we say far, we mean
really
 far.
The Camry 2.0G is noticeably smoother, more refined and more poised on the highways compared to the preceding model. It’s sprung harder on the front axles, giving way to increased confidence while tackling the corners up Genting Highlands, thanks in part to a
new preload differential
 fitted on the front axle. A differential is basically a housing comprised of meshing gears that distributes power to both the driving wheels (in this case the front wheels, because the Camry is FWD), allowing them to
individually rotate at different speeds
 for better traction as you go around the corners.
Jumping into the Hybrid thereafter tells a slightly different tale. The air of luxury feels pleasantly denser, although that deduction may have originated from a completely subjective standpoint. Nevertheless, the key characteristic separating the Hybrid from the 2.0-litre variants lies in the way it drives, and we could instantly tell that it rides suppler. The marginally softer suspension setup will surely please loyal Camry followers, but as far as comfort goes, the
Nissan Teana
 is still king.
That said, the Camry strikes a profound balance in the way it’s suspended; it’s equally up for a leg-stretching sporty drive as much as it is your personal, day-to-day limousine. Acceleration isn’t all that thrilling partly due to its weight, but when flooring the throttle from rest, both propulsion sources kick in and soon the Camry Hybrid began chasing horizons – that or the Honda Accord. Don’t we just love rivalry?
It has pace, don’t get us wrong, but it doesn’t reward you with the kind of kick you get in a turbocharged car. In casting our nitpicking nets aside, the dual propulsion technology deserves a warm welcome in any household. In fact, we dare say that it’s
100 percent

the most exciting Camry
 to be introduced in Malaysia to date.
IS IT FOR YOU?
To call this Camry a refreshed model can be quite an understatement, because if you factor in its
value proposition
 and
exceptional mid-life enhancement
 on top of a list of amenities that’s far more generous than before, the Camry Hybrid in particular, is charging a whole different ballgame altogether. It’s sedately good looking and is comparatively easier on the wallet in the long run (refer to comparison table below) as well. For your peace of mind, Toyota is offering an
8-year warranty coverage
 on the battery pack alone.
So, again. Is the Camry Hybrid for you? If you’re creeping up the D-Segment market for the first time, much won’t go wrong with the Camry Hybrid. It may fall somewhat short in terms of driver’s involvement compared to, say, the
Mazda 6
 and Honda Accord; but if you’re new to the segment, chances are you’ve already outgrown your petrolhead alter ego. Trust us, if you look to Toyota’s way, you will be hard pressed to not look elsewhere.
But like our editor GC said in his video review, if you’re not a fan of hybrid and CVT gearboxes, then it’s better to call a pass on this one. Oh, did we tell you that, without the EEV incentive, the Camry Hybrid will cost around RM250k? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
COMPARISONS
Let’s put it this way. The D-Segment market today is nothing like it’s been in a while. We’ve narrowed down three of the Camry’s closest rivals – the
Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L
,
 Mazda 6 2.5L
 and
Nissan Teana 2.5 XV
. There are of course more, like the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost, Hyundai Sonata, Peugeot 508 GT and Volkswagen Passat CKD, but we feel the greater need to pit the Camry Hybrid against its Japanese rivals to see how far they’ve come over the years.
Toyota Camry 2.5L Hybrid
Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L
Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G
Nissan Teana 2.5 XV
ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder petrol hybrid
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
4-cylinder petrol
Displacement
cc
2,494
2,356
2,488
2,488
Max Power
hp/rpm
205/5,700
173/6,200
185/5,700
171/6,000
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
213/4,500
225/4,000
250/3,250
234/4,000
STEERING
Type
Electric Power-Steering
Electric Power-Steering
Electric Power-Steering
Electro-Hydraulic Power-Steering
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
E-CVT
5-spd auto
6-spd auto
CVT
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link
MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link
MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link
MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
215/55 R17
235/45 R18
225/45 R19
215/55 R17
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall Length
mm
4,850
4,870
4,865
4,885
Overall Width
mm
1,825
1,850
1,840
1,830
Overall Height
mm
1,470
1,465
1,450
1,485
Wheelbase
mm
2,775
2,775
2,830
2,774
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,600
1,585
1,444
1,517
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
421
461
489
516
FUEL
Tank Capacity
65
65
62
65
Consumption
5.2 l/100 km
 N/A
6.4l/100 km
7.4l/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
N/A
N/A
221
N/A
0 – 100km/h
sec
N/A
N/A
8.1 seconds
N/A
PRICE
 (with insurance and GST)
RM
174,900.00
173,386.00
194,647.00 (without insurance)
169,900.00
WILL I BUY IT?
We’re not going to waste your time here. All things considered,
I just might
. Why? Because UMW Toyota Motor is only projecting to produce about 7,000 units by end-2015, and if the Camry Hybrid loses its EEV incentive by the time the revised National Automotive Policy is announced for 2016, it could get slapped with a new RM250k asking price. The clock is ticking, and we’re pretty sure the Camry Hybrid is flying off the shelves as we speak. With the gap now closer than ever, who will make the next big move?
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2015 Toyota Camry 2.0G


Next-gen Mazda CX-5 to get straight-six engines, new RWD platform

Most carmakers these days are either moving towards electrification, downsizing their engines, or a combination of both. That includes Mazda, too, targetting for a
completely-electrified line-up by 2030
, with 25% of those being full EVs. Yet, the Japanese carmaker still can’t stop flirting with the good ol’ big boy inline-sixes; the next-generation
Mazda CX-5
SUV has now been confirmed to feature a six-cylinder engine, up from four in the current model.
Or at least, that’s what Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said during a presentation to journalists in the Land Down Under.
“Mazda continues to invest in high-efficiency combustion engines, with SkyActiv-X, and the new generation straight-six engine family that will power our new-generation large-platform products, which is CX-5 and above,” Bhindi told journalists, as reported by
carsales
.
If that is indeed true, the next-generation Mazda CX-5 will actually be
up
-sizing its engine line-up from four to six-cylinders, instead of downsizing like everyone else!
Mazda’s latest SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture
Bhindi’s statement is in line with Mazda’s recent announcement of its
rear-wheel drive platform for large vehicles
 project, where a six-cylinder petrol or diesel engine will be paired to a
48-volt mild-hybrid setup
, with drive sent to the rear wheels.
Mazda’s new platform is also RWD-focused! Check it out in more detail here.
The statement also pretty much confirms that the next-gen CX-5 will be built on Mazda’s new SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, which will be shared with other larger Mazda models including the
Mazda6
,
CX-8
, and
CX-9
.
With the bigger engine plus electrical assistance, the upcoming Mazda CX-5 will most likely see a significant increase in power output, while producing lesser emissions and drinking less fuel thanks to more modern engine technologies.
Earlier leaks suggest that the next-gen Mazda CX-5 range will be available with a
281 hp/340 Nm
 3.0-litre petrol mill, as well as a
281 hp/600 Nm
 3.3-litre turbodiesel, both with the aforementioned 48V mild-hybrid tech.
The six-cylinder powertrains is expected to be reserved for the pricier variants, however; lower-end models should still come with a four-banger under its bonnet – the same engine that Mazda is looking to use for its plug-in hybrid variants, as announced by the company in June.
The current Mazda CX-5 range-topper gets a 2.5-litre turbo inline-four engine with 226 hp. Check out our full review here!
But of course, none of these speculations have been confirmed just yet, so we’ll just have to wait and see. It does make sense though that Mazda is focusing on the CX-5, seeing that it is the carmaker’s best-seller by far, moving 361,051 units in 2020 despite the pandemic-riddled year. The only question then is, when?


China-only 3 Series 340 hp electric sedan is coming and it’s called the BMW i3 35L

China is now the largest market for electric vehicles and automakers are updating their product line-up as quickly as they can, even as far as fitting an EV powertrain into an existing engine-only model such as the
Mazda CX-30 EV
.
BMW in China is using all the resources it can to compete with the
locally-made Tesla Model 3
. However, the BMW i4 isn’t coming any sooner, so the Munich-based company has “re-created” the BMW i3, based on the current G20 BMW 3 Series sedan.
While many of us are familiar with the
BMW i3
 compact hatchback being the company’s first mass-produced EV, consumers in China do not have that issue as the model is not offered there. Thus, the BMW i3 sedan based on the current
G20 3 Series
 is born.
In the posting by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, People’s Republic of China, the BMW i3 sedan will have up to
340 hp
 (250 kW) and be designated with the ‘35L’ variant badging, with the L denoting long wheelbase, as seen on the
BMW 330 Li
 that was introduced in Malaysia in April this year.
The first BMW i3
This eDrive powertrain looks to be the same as the one found on the upcoming
BMW i4 eDrive40
, with the rear-mounted motor delivering 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. An 80.7 kWh (nett) battery pack allows a driving range of up to 590 km.
The Ministry also listed the BMW i3 35L to be marginally lighter than the i4 at 2,029 kg, which could translate to a slightly better range and 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of
5.7 seconds
. Top speed is also listed at 180 km/h for the upcoming BMW i3 35L made exclusively for China.
As for the exterior differences, the front and rear bumpers of the BMW i3 35L seen in this example follows the design from the i4 while keeping its regular-sized kidney grilles. A possibility of only two variants is on offer, as the grille, rim design and blue highlights are used as identifiers.
Globally, BMW Group (includes MINI and Rolls-Royce) plans to release a total of about ten million fully electric vehicles onto the roads over the next ten years or so, with at least one in two vehicles sold to be fully electric. Next year, the EV versions of the
BMW 7 Series
 and BMW X1 will be made available, while the high-volume BMW 5 Series will be added to the electric portfolio in 2023.
In Malaysia, the new EV offense has begun via the soft-introduction of the
BMW iX
 and the
BMW iX3
 EV models. The brand is also a leader of PHEV models in Malaysia, offering plug-in hybrid models for the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X5 SAV plus the fully electric i3s.
Source:
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, People’s Republic of China