EV Batteries With 5 Minute Charge Time – Is This The End Of The Engined Car?

A crucial downside of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is the charge time – plug-in hybrids such as the
Volvo S90 T8
 with a 3.7kW onboard charger takes about 3 hours for a fast charge, therefore even if you have a 50kW fast charger, the car can only accept 3.7kW during a charge. The fastest DC chargers in the world are rated for 350kW, but most modern EVs can only accept approximately 100kW, which still leads to long charging hours.

Manufacturers, third-party service providers, and governments have all had various methods of tackling the problem: these include improving infrastructure, improving the rate at which cars are charged, improving charging solutions at the home and office, to removable batteries. Though every case presents its own set of pros and cons. None would be able to match the rate at which it takes you to fuel up your car with petrol and diesel at the pump, and get on the road again.

But that now may be a thing of the past!

What if your EV batteries require just 5 minutes to be juiced up to full? That would literally revolutionise EV car usage and ensure that for the first time ever, range and charge anxiety need not be associated with using an electric vehicle.

The Guardian reports, that batteries with this immense charging capacity have been produced for the first time in a factory by Israeli company StoreDot. StoreDot developed these fast-charging lithium-ion batteries which are now being produced by Eve Energy on production lines. Thus far, StoreDot has shown a proof of concept of its fast-charging batteries in smartphones, drones, and E-Scooters and is now trying to showcase the battery’s viability for use in EV vehicles.

The EV FlashBattery

Dubbed the EV FlashBattery, it will enable a charging experience that is very similar to fueling a gasoline or diesel car. It enables full charge in 5 minutes, providing up to 300 miles (480 km) of driving distance, depending on the model of your EV.

EV FlashBattery’s remarkably fast charging rate is achieved due to StoreDot’s novel materials and new battery structure. The EV will be installed with a pack comprising of hundreds of EV FlashBattery cells that can store enough energy for a full EV range on a 5-minute charge. For a 300-mile (482 km) driving range EV this translates to 60 miles (approximately 100km) of travel range on a 1-minute charge.

How does it work?

According to the report, the major difference between the StoreDot battery other Lithium-ion batteries lies in the batteries electrode. Existing batteries use a graphite electrode, into which Lithium ions are pushed through and stored. But, when these electrodes are rapidly charged, the ions get congested and can turn into metal, and short circuit the battery. Heat within the battery and battery cells is another limiting factor.

StoreDot’s technology - which already has 57 grants and 45 pending patents – uses semiconductor nanoparticles that allow ions to pass through the electrode quicker and charge the battery. StoreDot currently uses a Germanium based semiconductor, but the company plans to use Silicon in the future which will dramatically cut cost, making these batteries no more expensive than current Lithium-ion batteries.

Additionally, StoreDot’s batteries also use proprietary organic compounds; additives in the electrodes that reduce mechanical strain and prevent undesired side reactions between the electrode and electrolyte.

Besides that, the battery’s architecture is built with a highly stable electrode structure and contains materials that are far less flammable and more stable at high temperatures than current Lithium-ion technology.

Finally, these batteries are also environmentally safer than a traditional Lithium-ion battery, utilizing organic compounds and a friendlier aquatic-based manufacturing process.

Who’s interested in StoreDot's EV FlashBattery?

The remarkable ability of the EV FlashBattery has already piqued the interests of companies such as British Petroleum,
Daimler
, and
Samsung
, who have all invested in StoreDot’s operations. The company has already produced 1,000 units of its battery on a production line.

Tesla
, Enevate, and Sila Technologies are some of the other companies that are also actively working on creating the superfast charging batteries, but with StoreDot having already produced these batteries, they are showing the technology is feasible, and further along than just a technology prototype.

StoreDot says that it will be able to realise its five minute charge time in 2025 but says, at that point, batteries will no longer be the limiting factor to charging times, rather the charging infrastructure and fast chargers.


Full SST Back On July 1st: Too Many Bookings, Too Little Time?

The confirmation that the SST ‘tax holiday’ on new vehicles
will end on June 30th as scheduled
 was tinged with a pretty big caveat. Does that render the 31 March 2023 deadline meaningless?

You now have - officially - until 30th June to enjoy SST exemption on your next new car. That is a 100% SST reduction if your car is locally assembled or a 50% SST discount should your car be a fully imported unit.

The Finance Ministry, ignoring cries by the public
and organisations alike
, has put its foot down to assert that there will be no further extension, capping the timespan for which this SST exclusion period was active at 2 years.

SST exemption ends June 30 but...

But….along with this deadline comes a pretty glaring condition. Where before it was assumed that you have to have taken delivery of your new vehicle within this window to enjoy these reduced prices, you now have until 31st March 2023 to get the keys (or key fob these days) to be handed over to you.

That’s a pretty big deal as it opens the door for people to
fill up order books
 en masse, as long as you have a few hundred Ringgit to spare, which of course showroom sales associates are only too happy to accept.

Good thing for them that it’s not actually ‘books’, in the physical sense, that are being filled out. They are digital records and technically unlimited. Booking fees are money into the showroom’s pocket, so it would be in their interest to accept as many of them as they can take. It’s a loophole in the car buying process that was innocuous enough before this but is poised to be heavily exploited until the 30th of June 2022.

Book the car before June 30, 2022 but can you receive it before March 31, 2023?

Since there really is nothing else involved with making a booking for a car apart from the transfer of cash (or online bank transfer), apart from maybe a receipt, you don’t get a certificate of allocation or, apart from their best guess for when the car may or may not be ready, any indication of where you stand in the queue of other buyers or any guarantee that the car will
arrive in time
 for March 2023.

The government also has no oversight on these bookings or a clear definition of what this constitutes, deferring that responsibility to the dealership itself, meaning that a booking is a booking because the dealer says so. How can any authority verify that a booking was truly made before 30th June and not ‘snuck in’ days or weeks after the fact?

This expectation of self-policing is a slippery slope, but assuming there’s no hanky panky, as long as you get your booking down before 30th June 2022, which is plenty of time, you’re in the clear - regardless if you made 1 booking or 10. It’s like buying lottery tickets, almost. Put your eggs into as many baskets as you can.
Diversify
.

As far as we know from talking to a number of showroom employees and dealer principals, there are no protections in place to stop people from making multiple bookings. Most showrooms also maintain a 100% refundable booking fee policy, so the risk is relatively minimal to the potential buyer.

It’s possible, even likely, that automakers will be bombarded with bookings until June 30th, stretching the projected delivery date well beyond where it was prior to this announcement. Should any of these bookings be cancelled and refunded at a later date due to being false positives, it will not be a fun time for the automaker or their accountants to keep track of funds lost and fluctuating projections of cars needed to be manufactured/ assembled.

Remember, there was already a new vehicle delivery issue, to begin with, due to widespread supply chain issues and a longstanding
global semiconductor shortage
.

In the end, it’s clear that the Finance Ministry wasn’t being as firm or decisive as it should have been. Though the SST holiday deadline set at 30th June (next week at the time of this writing) is technically accurate, it’s obvious the real cut-off point has been set at 31st March 2023. And who knows if this ‘shadow deadline’ will be extended should there be too many bookings to fulfill.

Like the
month of free RapidKL public transport
 rides recently announced by the Prime Minister to coincide with the start of operations for Phase 1 of the new MRT Putrajaya line, many Malaysians have attached political motives behind this move to this indirect extension of the new car SST ‘tax holiday’ - not wanting to anger the Rakyat in the approach to the 15th general election with higher car prices after July 1st by significantly softening the blow as long as you make a trivial booking before June 30th.

A cunning plan.


Geely Emgrand 2021 Dilancarkan Di China – Pengganti Proton Persona Yang Bakal Juarai Kelas Sedan Segmen-B

Nampaknya
pengganti paling sesuai Proton Persona
 dari rakan kongsi Proton di China,
Geely Emgrand 2021
 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi di pasaran China.

Pada asalnya, Emgrand marupakan sebuah jenama tunggal sejak 2009 hingga 2014 sebelum ia dijenamakan semula di bawah Geely. Jika nak dibandingkan dengan model Emgrand terdahulu, Emgrand 2021 ini jauh lebih baik dari segi rekabentuk, teknologi dan keselesaan.

Memandangkan model ini sering dikaitkan dengan pengganti
Proton Persona facelift
 yang baru sahaja dilancarkan, jom kita tengok sikit apa yang menarik sangat tentang sedan nombor satu China selama 9 tahun berturut-turut ni.

Dimensi

Geely Emgrand 2021 ternyata jaguh di dalam kelasnya sebagai
sedan segmen-B
 kerana saiznya yang agak panjang dan lebar, dengan 4,638 mm panjang, 1,820 mm lebar, 1,460 mm tinggi dan 2,650 mm jarak roda.

Walaupun dipasarkan sebagai sedan segmen-B, saiz kereta keseluruhan kereta ini amat hampir dengan saiz sebuah sedan segmen-C. Untuk perbandingan,
Honda Civic ketam
 hanya panjang 10 mm sahaja berbanding Emgrand 2021. Tetapi dari segi kelebaran, Emgrand 2021 ini 21 mm lebih lebar berbanding Civic.

Platform BMA

Model sedan generasi keempat Emgrand ini dihasilkan menggunakan platform segmen-B Modular Architecture (BMA) yang turut sama digunakan oleh SUV segmen-B paling popular Proton,
Proton X50
.  Menurut Geely, platform tersebut memberikan fleksibiliti dari segi rekaan, ruang dalaman, keselesaan dan kawalan pengendalian yang lebih baik. Platform ini membenarkan Geely untuk membina jarak roda sedan segmen-B ini lebih lebar untuk menambah kestabilan dengan lebih cengkaman pada
tayar
.

Menurut Geely, penggunaan platform ini dapat memberikan ruang belakang dan but paling luas dalam kelasnya, selain memberikan penglihatan lebih baik dan mengurangkan titik buta pada pemandu menerusi rekaan tiang-A yang dikemaskini.

Casis Bertaraf Dunia

Dibantu oleh jaringan bakat kejuruteraan global
Geely
, Emgrand generasi ke-4 ini menerima penalaan bertaraf dunia dari pakar jurutera di China dan Eropah. Penalaan casis ini tidak hanya meningkatkan pengendalian, malah ia juga memberikan prestasi NVH tahap premium. Semasa dalam keadaan idle, bunyi dalam kenderaan hanya mencapai 37dB sahaja.

Enjin dan Prestasi

Enjin: 1.5L enjin DVVT 4 silinder aluminium ultra-ringan

Output maksima: 114 PS dan 147 Nm

Transmisi ditawarkan: manual 5-kelajuan dan transmisi automatik
CVT
 generasi terbaru yang dapat mensimulasikan transmisi automatik 8-kelajuan dengan reka bentuk penukar tork hidraulik, menawarkan kecekapan transmisi tinggi dan output kuasa yang lancar.

Pacuan roda hadapan (FWD)

Exterior

Sekali pandang, Emgrand 2021 ini kelihatan seperti sebuah
Volvo
 mampu milik. Rupa hadapannya diserikan dengan pengunaan gril
Expanding Cosmos
 serta menerima rekaan
lampu LED
 depan dan belakang dan binaan spoiler belakang terbina siap. Terdapat satu garisan di sisi kereta yang menyambungkan lampu hadapan serta lampu belakang memberikan rupa yang lebih menawan.

Interior

Rekaan dalamannya pula bersifat minimalis dan lebih teratur seperti
Honda Civic 2022
. Emgrand 2021 dilengkapi dengan paparan instrument digital sepenuhnya bersaiz 12.3 inci serta paparan skrin sentuh infotainment terapung bersaiz 10.25 inci. Sistem infotainment kereta ini mendapat sokongan
GKUI Smart Ecosystem
 yang boleh dikemaskini, bantuan suara AI dan sistem penyaman udara dengan pembersih pintar CN95.

Ciri Keselamatan

Sistem kamera sekeliling 540-darjah

Kamera perakam berdefinasi tinggi

Bukaan but belakang tanpa sentuh

Dilengkapi dengan sistem kestabilan elektronik ESP 9.3 terbaru Bosch yang memberikan prestasi brek terbaik dalam kelasnya, iaitu 100km/j hingga 0km/j di bawah jarak 36 meter sahaja

Harga

Geely Emgrand 2021 dijual pada harga:

Premium: 87,000 yuan (RM56,800)

Flagship: 92,000 yuan (RM60,000).

Emgrand 2021 Ganti Proton Persona

Dengan pelancaran ini, semakin kuat ura-ura bahawa Proton akan membawakan model sedan segmen-B baharu bagi mengantikan Proton Persona yang sudah berada lebih 5 tahun dipasaran Malaysia. Mengikut garis masa yang dikongsikan oleh Proton, mereka sepatutnya melancarkan sebuah sedan baharu sebagai follow-up untuk Proton X50. Tetapi kerana pandemik, rancangan terbabit terpaksa ditangguhkan.

Dengan menggunakan platform yang sama seperti X50, antara perubahan pada Persona yang diharapkan adalah ciri keselamatan yang lebih maju seperti Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, dan Automatic High Beam Control.

Memandangkan ia bukan lagi rahsia bahawa Proton akan melancarkan sedan yang dibina berdasarkan model sedia ada Geely, kemungkinan besar ia akan dibina berdasarkan Geely Emgrand 2021 yang serba baharu. Jika Emgrand 2021 ini dibawa masuk sebagai pengganti Proton Persona, adakah anda rasa ianya satu keputusan yang bijak?


Volkswagen Tiguan And Passat Get Additional 2 Years Free Maintenance

We're all used to the concept of warranties for our cars being packaged with the purchase price, but something that has become increasingly common upmarket is the idea of a free maintenance package. While it hasn't quite spread across every market segment yet, the idea of a fuss free ownership experience when it comes to regular maintenance is very appealing as it reduces the number of incidentals you might occur - within reason, of course.
To that end, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has announced that the Volkswagen Tiguan and Volkswagen Passat will both be receiving an additional two years of free maintenance, in addition to the current three year program that's available. The promotion will be available through the second half of 2019 - from the 1st of July to the 31st of December - and will cover all variants of the Tiguan and Passat, including the Sound&Style and JOIN editions.
In total, owners who purchase either of these models will now enjoy five years of free maintenance (or 75,000 kilometres, whichever arrives first), in addition to a five year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. Interest rates are also low at just 1.88% per annum, making it an ideal time to buy a Volkswagen. This lower interest rate, in combination with the additional two years of free maintenance, translates to a savings of up to RM 13,800 with the Tiguan, and up to RM 15,100 for the Passat.
To find the best deals on a Volkswagen, click
here
.


RON 95 Price To Be Capped At RM 2.20, Even If Crude Becomes Really Expensive

This whole business of petrol prices has been mightily confusing, with the back and forth aggravating everyone from the common consumer (such as you, or I), to petrol station owners associations who are worried a declining trend in the value of crude may result in massive losses.
With a number of plans slated for the new year having been put on hold, Lim Guan Eng came forward to clarify that the price of RON 95 petrol in particular would be capped at RM 2.20 for the foreseeable future, in the sense that the price at the pump would never go over this figure regardless of the real-world value of crude oil - as
reported by The Star
.
This is a largely populist move, although one that opens up the government and our country to unnecessary exposure should the price of crude explode as it has done in the past, being strongly influenced by political ongoings around the world.
But let us not forget that this method of floating the fuel prices is meant as a stop gap measure until the petrol subsidy card can be introduced and implemented effectively among lower class citizens. It has been stated that blanket fuel subsidies will be going away this year, and it's only a matter of time before they figure out a proper process for their targeted fuel subsidy.


Peugeot Can Now Test Self-Driving Cars In China

The local authorities in Chongqing, China, has granted Groupe PSA the license to test autonomous vehicles.

Groupe PSA, owners of Peugeot, is the first French carmaker to achieve this feat in China. The company said the experiences and technologies gained in Europe will be adapted to meet the Chinese market needs.

The test vehicle is none other than the popular Peugeot 4008 SUV, a product made with Dong Feng, Peugeot’s Chinese joint-venture partner.

The five-seater Peugeot 4008 slots in between the 3008 and 5008 in dimensions, with a wheelbase stretching 2,730 millimetres.

Carla Gohin, Vice President, Innovation of Groupe PSA, commented, ”This marks an important step for our AVA (Autonomous Vehicle for All) program, which aims to provide safe and intuitive autonomous cars for all customers. From this fresh start, we’ll continuously bring our cutting edge technology to Chinese customers.”

Other European automotive brands that have received permits earlier are Audi,
BMW
, and
Mercedes-Benz
.

*Cover image courtesy of The Radio Scout


BMW Unveils Facelifted X1

With the launch of this current generation BMW X1 still fresh in our minds, it seems that it's time for a facelift. This generation marked a major shift for the X1 model line, as it went from being a longitudinal rear- or all-wheel-drive crossover (based on the E91 3 Series Wagon platform) to a transverse front- or all-wheel-drive crossover, sitting on the UKL family of platforms that underpins everything from the 2 Series Active Tourer to the MINI Cooper JCW hatchback.
This model update is minor, with an emphasis on future-proofing the powertrains to stand the test of tightening emissions standards. All petrol and diesel options have been slightly revised to meet the upcoming standards, without a compromise in performance. There are a range of petrol and diesel engines in either three or four cylinder layouts, front- or all-wheel drive, with choices of a six speed manual, seven speed dual clutch, or eight speed automatic depending on the powertrain.
Styling hasn't changed a great deal, as the exterior has managed to stay fairly up to date with the current BMW design language. A few nips and tucks here and there, a larger emphasis on the grille which is now merged in the centre, sharper headlights and tail lights, a body coloured rear apron, and projected X1 images from the wing mirrors are all that's been done. The interior is also largely the same - we'd expect the new interiors to make an appearance for the X1 line in a full model change.
In terms of trim variants, there's an M Sport package that makes the X1 a little sportier and a little more aggressive with lower suspension and high-gloss Shadow Line trim and an M Aerodynamics package. They're minor changes but they are also likely to be the more popular choice for buyers in this region, as we have an appetite for making everything sporty. Also worth noting is the xDrive25e variant that's slated for launch next year; the plug-in hybrid will have an expected all-electric range of up to 50 km, and should also be a popular model for our market.
For the best deals on BMW models, click
here
.


Honda To Build New Automobile R&D Test Course In Thailand

Honda
 R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd (HRAP) has announced that it would construct an automobile test course at the Rojana Industrial Park in the Prachinburi Province of Thailand as is due for completion in 2017. The project is attached to a 1.7 billion baht (approximately RM207 million) to reinforce Honda’s R&D capabilities to suit customer requirements in the Asia and Oceania region.
Once completed, the test course located northeast of Bangkok, will be used for evaluate vehicle quality and performance telemetry and is meant to complement HRAP’s other activities such as product planning, styling design, engineering, material research, and quality control. It is also planned to be used for Honda’s motorcycle and power products.
It will be built upon an 800,000 square metre plot of land and will contain a number of test tracks for varied uses to simulate real-world road conditions and terrains that mimic those found in different parts of the world. When completed, it will be Honda’s second automobile test course outside Japan, with the first being in the United States.
During a stone laying ceremony at the industrial park and soon-to-be Honda test course, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, said: “Research and development play an important role to the creation of high-quality automobiles with fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. The foundation stone laying ceremony for Honda’s new test course today reflects the company’s intention to help diversify the Thai automotive industry from the viewpoint of “a strong manufacturing base” to creating “a competitive development base.”
At the same ceremony, Fumihiko Ike, Chairman and Representative Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said: “Honda places the highest importance on research and development. This new test course will contribute to the ability to develop attractive and affordable vehicles for our customers in this region much faster and more effectively.”
Meanwhile, Noriaki Abe, President & CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said: “We must reinforce our product lineup and the enhancement of our R&D activities will be even more important for that.  Honda is committed to making its products more competitive for both the Thai market and for the world, with Thai local component parts and infrastructure, with Thai R&D facilities, and with Thai engineers.”


CMCO SOPs: Petrol Stations and Passengers

With so much misinformation and confusing statements from the authorities, who do you really believe when it comes to CMCO SOPs? Let's go over it.

If you've been paying attention to the news lately, especially when it comes to CMCO, you may have noticed that there has been a lot of hubbub surrounding two specific aspects of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. The first that popped up was regarding vehicular travel with multiple occupants.

The overarching requirement is that only people from the same household are allowed in the same car - but beyond this is where the details become a little tricky. What has been confirmed by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is that passengers can sit anywhere in the car - including the front seat.

If you need to travel with more than two passengers and a driver, you CAN apply with the police for a pass - especially for those that have businesses where you will have colleagues, co-workers, or employees traveling with you. Naturally, these are not for social reasons, so don't expect to get a pass if you're with your friends.

The larger issue of miscommunication came with petrol stations, where different government bodies and authorities had different messages. Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM) stated that scanning and temperature checks at
petrol stations
 were required even just for filling petrol at the islands, which sparked intense debates and uproar.

A lot of the anger surrounding this was because that would expose people to more potential contact by having them scan codes and do temperature checks (yes, you can scan a QR code at the pump, but they're unlikely to have temperature scanners at every pump). Eventually, our health ministry released a statement saying it wasn't at all required - and they supersede the police' statement.

Whatever it is you do out there, make sure to stay safe and keep your mask on, as well as sanitize your hands regularly.


Kerajaan Belum Putuskan Untuk Sambung Projek Kereta Api Berkelajuan Tinggi (HSR) KL-Singapura Atau Tidak

Memandangkan ia masih lagi dalam perbincangan peringkat awal, kerajaan masih belum memutuskan sama ada projek
Kereta Api
 Berkelajuan Tinggi (HSR) Kuala Lumpur-Singapura akan disambung atau sebaliknya.

Menurut Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Ekonomi) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad berkata, projek itu terbatal apabila perjanjian dua hala mengenai projek HSR dari Kuala Lumpur ke
Singapura
 luput pada 31 Disember tahun lalu.

Walau bagaimanapun, dalam pertemuan antara Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob dengan Perdana Menteri Singapura Lee Hsien Loong pada 29 November lalu, cadangan rundingan semula projek HSR antara Kuala Lumpur dan Singapura telah dibangkitkan semula.

Sehubungan dengan itu, Perdana Menteri Singapura memberi maklum balas positif dan bersifat terbuka untuk menerima cadangan baharu dari Malaysia untuk projek HSR ini. Akan tetapi, Mustapa menegaskan bahawa kemungkinan menghidupkan semula projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura ini masih dalam perbincangan peringkat awal.

*Kredit Infografik: Utusan Malaysia

Beliau menjawab pertanyaan Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-DAP) sama ada projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru akan dibatal dan digantikan dengan cadangan pemulihan HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura. Mustapa berkata, persoalan Lim sama ada kos projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura boleh dikurangkan kepada RM50 bilion adalah tidak berbangkit.

Mengikut anggaran yang dibuat oleh Malaysia, di bawah model yang dicadangkan iaitu HSR 2.0 (Baharu), kos projek adalah jauh lebih rendah dengan kos cadangan HSR 1.0 dan HSR 2.0. Menurut Mustapa, di antara struktur model yang terkandung dalam cadangan HSR 1.0 dan 2.0 ialah pewujudan syarikat AssetCo.

AssetCo merupakan sebuah syarikat yang dimiliki oleh pihak swasta dan dikawal selia bersama oleh kerajaan Malaysia dan Singapura. Syarikat ini berfungsi sebagai pemilik sistem dan aset kereta api yang bertanggungjawab untuk membina, membiayai, dan menyelenggara sistem dan aset kereta api serta melaksanakan perolehan dan penyelenggaraan.

"Di bawah model HSR 2.0 (Baharu) yang dikemukakan kepada pihak Singapura, Malaysia telah mencadangkan supaya AssetCo dimansuhkan. Cadangan ini tidak dipersetujui oleh pihak Singapura. Dengan itu, perjanjian dua hala yang ditandatangani pada 13 Disember 2016 telah terbatal," katanya.

Apabila HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura terbatal, kerajaan memutuskan supaya kajian daya maju projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-
Iskandar Puteri
 dilaksanakan. Kajian yang mula dilaksanakan pada Februari tahun ini itu sudah selesai dan akan dibentangkan di Kabinet dalam masa terdekat untuk menentukan hala tuju cadangan projek ini.

Beliau juga menjelaskan bahawa sejak tahun 2013, kesemua rundingan mengenai projek HSR diketuai oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Ekonomi) dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Ekonomi. Bagaimanapun, Mustapa berkata, pada pertengahan tahun lalu, jemaah menteri memutuskan agar beliau mengetuai rundingan untuk memuktamadkan projek berkenaan dengan Singapura.

Pada waktu ini, kerajaan sedang dalam proses memindahkan syarikat MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd, syarikat tujuan khas yang bertanggungjawab merundingkan hal-hal teknikal mengenai projek HSR daripada pengawasan Jabatan Perdana Menteri kepada
Kementerian Pengangkutan
. Kesemua perbincangan dan rundingan seterusnya mengenai hala tuju projek ini akan dikendalikan oleh Kementerian Pengangkutan.


Hyundai To Launch Its First Car With Solar Roof Charging

Solar charging isn't anything particularly new in the world of hybrid cars, but Hyundai is taking big steps with the launch of their first car to come with the feature. It will be packaged with their new Sonata Hybrid, and will eventually be rolled out to other models in the Hyundai range.
The system is able to charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery depending on weather conditions, even providing charge while driving. In particularly sunny parts of the world, drivers can expect 1,300 additional solar-powered kilometres on their commutes, annually.
Granted this means that owners can't have a sunroof, but it's still a pretty good tradeoff for what is effectively free energy. For the time being, solar panel technology isn't efficient enough to run a hybrid or electric car entirely off the sun, but it's certainly getting closer with each passing year. With tightening regulations for emissions and efficiency in many parts of the world, this technology certainly helps cars to meet that regulation.
“Solar roof technology is a good example of how Hyundai Motor is moving towards becoming a clean mobility provider. The technology allows our customers to actively tackle emissions issue. We are striving to further expand the application of the technology beyond eco-friendly vehicle line up to vehicles with internal combustion engine.” said Heui Won Yang, Senior Vice President and Head of Body Tech Unit of Hyundai Motor Group.
For the best deals on Hyundai models, click
here
.


Motorists Crossing Into Thailand Are Now Required To Fill Out Two Extra Security Forms

In an effort to reportedly curb human trafficking, the Thai government have taken to numerous steps recently. Of them all, the move that will have a direct effect on drivers that cross the border from Malaysia will be required to provide passenger “manifests”, writes The Star.
These involve foreigners entering and exiting the country by car (to Malaysia, for example) requiring to fill out two additional forms: the “Information of Conveyance Form” (TM.2) and the “Passenger List Form” (TM.3).
This new ruling reached Bukit Kayu Hitam and Durian Burung Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex through the Kedah Immigration Department which received the ruling from the offices of the Thailand immigration department in Songkhla. It said the policy will come into effect on Sunday, November 15th.
This extra procedures are expected to cause even more delays for Malaysian motorists driving into Thailand in their private vehicles through Bukit Kayu Hitam, one of the busiest entry points into the country. Prior to this, the majority of motorists crossing from Malaysia only needed to produce their passports and vehicle registration certificates.
Even then, the typical border crossing process there can already be a long and tedious one depending on the time of day, familiarity and, frankly, luck. No concrete reason was given by the Thai authorities regarding the new policy, and since its implementation the Malaysian Immigration Department personnel have been on double-duty informing and assisting locals at the border checkpoint.
On the flip side, it is understood that Thai-registered vehicles entering Malaysia do not require other documents presented or forms filled other than passports and vehicle registration. Kedah Immigration Department director Mohamad Yusri Hashim said:
“This is a national policy and I think it is better for the Home Ministry to comment on it. I think such a policy may be good for security in both countries. Maybe it would cause inconvenience at the early stage, but people will get used to it.”
The Malaysian-Thai border has been the thoroughfare for many crimes such as vehicle and goods smuggling, as well as human trafficking.


Hyundai Opens Concept Showroom In Penang's Gurney Paragon Mall

Hyundai opens concept showroom in Penang's Gurney Paragon Mall - to provide greater accessibility and a new lifestyle shopping experience.

Manufacturers and dealers apply various strategies to get closer to consumers. The recent opening of Hyundai's concept showroom in Penang's Gurney Paragon Mall shows that Hyundai really wants to provide buyers with an
all-new experience
.

Hyundai Concept Showroom

According to Hyundai, the showroom in a mall was created to provide greater accessibility and a new lifestyle shopping experience for its customers.

"Hyundai is revolutionising the way cars are sold by engaging customers more personally. We believe that the public will be drawn to a more relaxed and cosier environment. They can check out our latest models and shop for their favourite merchandise at ease," said Mr. Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd.

Modern design, equipped with an interactive wall

By opening the concept showroom in a mall where footfall is higher, Low said this would help to elevate brand awareness for Hyundai and ultimately drive sales.

The Hyundai Penang City Store has been done up to be inviting and is laced with modern and chic interior design. The showroom also has a digitalised interactive wall,
straight out of the future
.

In addition to displaying the latest Hyundai models, the new showroom also offers digitalised service for the public to experience the "look and feel" of their desired cars using a car configurator.

There's even an EV charger at the basement

Hyundai also took the opportunity to install an
AC charging station
 at Basement 2 of Gurney Paragon Mall for the convenience of Hyundai electric vehicle owners who frequent the mall. The charging station operates daily during the mall operation hours from 10 am to 10 pm.

The Hyundai Penang City Store is a 1S centre, and buyers who purchase their cars from the showroom will be supported by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai's full-fledged service centre,
located nearby
 at Jalan Sungai Pinang for all their service and repair needs.

Buy from the mall but service at Hyundai's 4s centre

Apart from offering the usual preventive maintenance services, other services are also offered at the full-fledged Jalan Pinang branch, including air-conditioning service, body and paint restoration, collision repair and insurance claims, and vehicle insurance renewal.

For the comfort and convenience of customers, the service centre also comes with a customer lounge that is equipped with Wi-Fi and a refreshments corner. In addition, quick service is also offered to customers who require basic servicing for their cars.


2023 BIMS: Ford introduces 2.0L turbodiesel variant of the Ranger Raptor

Are you happy with the petrol-powered Ranger Raptor, or is this new diesel variant the one you have been waiting for?

When Ford introduced the next-gen Ranger Raptor at the 2022 BIMS motor show, they
unveiled a Ranger Raptor for the ASEAN market with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
, instead of a bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel under the hood.

Although it was predicted that the next-gen Ranger for the ASEAN market would come with that lovely 3.0-litre V6 engine, it was still however like a dream because diesel power is synonymous with pickup trucks on this side of the world.

Well, it seems that Ford can't seem to help themselves because just unveiled at the Ford booth at this year's BIMS is a Ranger Raptor, and yes, you guessed it right, a Ranger Raptor that comes with a diesel engine underneath the hood.

Based on the specs shown, the new Ranger Raptor variant with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine produces 210 PS and 500 Nm of torque. As usual and similar to the petrol Raptor, power is then sent to a full-time 4WD system via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Just like its petrol counterpart, this particular diesel Raptor comes with the upgraded Fox suspension, which includes the new Fox 2.5 Live Valve dampers which helps reduce friction by around 50% thanks to Teflon-infused oil.

There's no surprises anywhere else underneath the rugged body, as it too gets robust yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms and a refined Watt's Link rear end.

If you're wondering if it has the Petrol's many selectable drive modes, it has, as the new electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case has a total of 7 selectable driving modes; Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Baja.


First Impressions: Perodua Bezza – Watch Out! New Best-Seller Coming Your Way!

Whilst the common consensus is that Malaysia is a sedan-centric market, the irony has not escaped us that
Perodua
 has been maintaining its decade-long reign as the country’s best-selling brand with only two hatchbacks and an MPV in its line-up.
The company has been hinting its interest in having a crack at the conventional three-box package for some time now, having teased the public with concepts in the last two KL International Motor Shows.
Now comes the real deal. Taking on the name bestowed on the concept first shown at the 2010 KL Motor Show, the all-new
Perodua Bezza
 becomes the Rawang-based car maker’s first ever sedan and the fourth member of its line-up.
Perodua has been relatively stealthy with their work on the car; had it not been for a set of
leaked pictures
 circulating on social media last month, very few people were aware that the company had a sedan at this advanced level of readiness.
Ahead of its launch to take place later this week,
Carlist.my
 together with other members of the Malaysian motoring press were invited to Perodua’s plant for a quick preview drive in the company’s in-house test track.
Specifications:
Bezza 1.0
Price: RM37,300 – RM39,300
Engine: 1.0-litre, Inline-3, Transverse, VVT-i
Power: 68PS @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 91Nm @ 4,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic, FWD
Safety: Dual Airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX
Bezza 1.3
Price: RM42,800 – RM50,800
Engine: 1.3-litre, Inline-4, Transverse, Dual VVT-i
Power: 91PS @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 121Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic, FWD
Safety: Dual Airbags, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX
Origin: Locally-manufactured at Rawang, Selangor.

Overview
Despite leaked images having surfaced on social media, Perodua has requested that we observe a partial picture embargo of the vehicle until the launch day. We will show you bits and pieces, but the full monty will only be revealed after the VIPs pull the sheets this Thursday.
A total of
three trim levels
 are on offer, starting with the
1.0-litre Standard G
 model, which dips under the RM40,000 mark regardless of your choice of transmission. For the money, the following items come standard:
14-inch alloy rims
60:40 folding rear seats
Reverse sensors
All-round power windows
Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX
Moving up, the mid-spec
1.3-litre Premium X
, available in both manual and automatic guises, cost RM5,500 more than its 1.0-litre siblings with corresponding transmissions. Besides offering additional power, the mid-level trim adds the following:
Front fog lamps
Front parking sensors
Audio: USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Rear USB port
Smart keyless entry.
Finally, the range-topping
1.3 Advance
 variant sits a further RM6,000 north of the Premium X automatic model and piles on the following extras:
Side skirting
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches
Semi-bucket leather seats
Multimedia unit with smartphone mirror link
Reverse camera
Auto start/stop
Electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, brake assist.
Inevitably, the Bezza finds itself in the heart of
Proton
 territory, simultaneously going against the
Saga
 and
Persona
, both models which are due for replacement within this year. Internally, Perodua expects 85% of total Bezza registration to comprise of the 1.3-litre variants, the bulk of them being autos.
Key Talking Points
1.
Safest Perodua model ever:
 The Bezza is Perodua’s first ever model to be offered with electronic stability control, albeit restricted only to the most expensive variant. This means that the Bezza’s five-star ASEAN NCAP rating applies only to the Advance model; other variants are four stars only. Still, take nothing away from the new sedan’s high adult occupant protection score of 15.38 over 16.00, indicative of a sturdy body structure.
2.
M/T - Double synchros for all ratios:
 Combined sales of 1.0- and 1.3-litre manual variants are expected to account for only five percent of Bezza sales, but that didn’t stop Perodua from addressing a long-held criticism against the rubbery and imprecise gear shift quality of its manual cars. We didn’t drive the stick-shifter test cars, but gear action felt positive with the vehicles stationary.
3.
508-litre boot:
 Malaysians place great emphasis on boot space, and Perodua engineers made sure to give them that. Being accustomed to packaging much smaller vehicles undoubtedly gave Perodua the advantage now that there’s more internal volume to work with, but matching the
Honda City
’s cargo volume whilst maintaining smaller dimensions is still no mean feat. If that’s still not enough storage, all variants get 60:40 split folding rear seats as standard.
4.
Aerodynamic:
 The Bezza has a drag coefficient of 0.286, the lowest Perodua has ever managed in any model. Besides optimizing the body shape, Perodua also utilized underbody covers as well as placed fins on the side mirror base and tail lights to smoothen the flow of air around the vehicle. These measures are demonstrative of a level of attention to detail that is uncommon in this price range.
5.
Auto start/stop:
 The Bezza is the first Malaysian-made car to incorporate auto start/stop technology, albeit reserved, once again, for the Advance model only. Claimed fuel consumption for the Advance model is 4.5 litres/100km, compared to 4.8 litres/100km for the 1.3 Premium X auto variant without this feature.
How does it Drive?
Given half an hour in the confines of Perodua’s test track, I was able to have a go in both the 1.0- and 1.3-litre variants of the Bezza, albeit restricted to the automatic variants only. Time constraints prevented me from having a go at the manual versions, but that’s something we plan to rectify once Perodua commissions a media fleet for more extensive review.
Being the performance baseline of the range, the 1.0-litre model offered respectable go, scaling the test track’s upward slope carrying three people onboard without much trouble, albeit requiring some effort on the driver’s part to pin the throttle down. We also had the benefit of having managed to build decent momentum before hitting the slope.
Suppression of noise levels was pretty good, owing perhaps to the vehicle’s slippery shape. Vibrations from the engine were noticeable, however, particularly when launching the vehicle from standstill.
The brevity of the test drive prevented proper assessment of the 1.3-litre model’s performance advantage over the 1.0-litre model, but refinement levels are notably better and vibrations more effectively contained. Impressively, the auto start/stop system operated with smoothness that is comparable with more experienced exponents of the art.
Ride quality felt decent within the limited confines of our test track, which did include stretches that simulate some of the less-maintained tarmac on our public roads. In summary, it was firm, but well-damped, and entirely satisfactory in the context of its class.
Conclusion
The Bezza is an exciting car, though perhaps less so for driving enthusiasts than it is for the value-conscious public at large. Malaysians have long wanted a sedan from Perodua, and they’ve got it.
In the Bezza, we see a product that seems to check many boxes with the average consumer. It’s as if as Perodua compiled a checklist of desired attributes that Malaysians want in car, and lumped as much as it can into one affordable package.
Perodua’s excellent track record in recent times is indicative of the company's uncanny ability to accurately read market requirements and deliver products that people want. The Bezza shows every sign of maintaining that trend.


2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3G With ASA 3.0 - Again A Game Changer

Bringing their suite of Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A) features to the base
Myvi for 2022
 means that active safety is now in the hands of nearly all future buyers of this B-segment hatch.

You would be something of a fool to walk into a Perodua showroom and book yourself an RM45,700 Myvi 1.3G ‘kosong spec’ and not opt for the
PSDA (Perodua Smart Drive Assist)
 option. The amount of additional safety and peace of mind you’ll receive for that extra RM2,000 cannot be overstated.

Because technologies like these save lives of both the vehicle occupants, occupants in other vehicles, and even pedestrians and cyclists in some cases, what value can you really assign to it?

Even the most selfish person will have to realise that this feature, which works out to less than RM50 per month in your hire purchase repayments (over a 5 year period), will potentially save your life.

The rise of
active safety features
, both in terms of their presence in more and more new cars each year as well as the importance customers now place on their inclusion, has been one of the most marked changes in the automotive landscape over the past decade, reducing hundreds of road-related damage, injuries, and fatalities every day, globally.

Where before it was only offered in the most luxurious and/or advanced (meaning expensive) vehicles on sale, it’s now on route to being as ubiquitous and expected as anti-lock brakes and airbags.

Like all things new, it has taken time for active safety tech to trickle down into the mass market, but Perodua seems to be at the forefront of bringing these features within reach to the majority of Malaysian car buyers. This year, with the 2022 Myvi facelift, they’ve done it again.

Going into the new year, Perodua still holds the crown of offering the least expensive new car on sale with active safety with their A.S.A 2.0-equipped Axia 1.0AV at RM41,427. The Myvi, which is a size bigger, was already the least expensive B-segment hatch with the most safety kit. The 2022 revision only lowers that point of entry with the PSDA-fitted Myvi 1.5G for RM47,700.

Seeing as how functions such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and others are legitimately effective at preventing accidents and saving lives, this is a very good thing indeed.

With PSDA, an umbrella acronym under which their previously standalone A.S.A 3.0 (Advanced Safety Assist) now lives under, even the Myvi 1.5G can be equipped with Pre-Collision Warning and Pre-Collision Braking (AEB, basically), as well as Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.

In the arena of active safety features, these are the biggest hitters to prevent your car from unintentionally hitting something else. Well, besides Blind Spot Monitoring, which is an unfortunate omission.

It’s only when you step up to the range-topping Myvi 1.5AV that you get convenient - but not necessarily life-saving - features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and yes, Blind Spot Monitoring.

Interestingly, despite the 1.5X and 1.5H also having a touchscreen infotainment system, only the 1.5AV is fitted with a reversing camera, which is strange because that’s a pretty widespread feature on most city cars these days, even budget ones. It’s not particularly expensive from a supply standpoint either, so expect plenty of non AV owners to plug in their own rear camera solution.

Still, being such a compact hatchback, reversing into parking spaces shouldn’t be much of an issue. Our parents and grandparents managed without them while driving bigger, clumsier cars usually with a manual gearbox. Speaking of which, all Myvis from 2022 are automatics.

By making their own active safety bundle available as standard in the Myvi 1.5X, 1.5H, and 1.5AV,  they are ensuring a wider spread of buyers are much better protected should an unfortunate situation arise on the road.

Granted, they do have their limitations but they have been proven to be extremely effective in mitigating the severity of slow-to-medium speed accidents if not preventing them altogether.

Does that mean we'll finally see a
reduction in accidents involving Myvis
? Or is that problem with Malaysian humans and therefore beyond help?


Mr Bean drove a hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris at Goodwood!

Even in 2023, Mr Bean is still a cool dude and he just got cooler with a Goodwood appearance in a hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris.

That's right, folks. Rowan Atkinson was at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed to promote alternative fuels and to do that, he came in a very unique Toyota GR Yaris H2.

According to
Motor1
, he came packing to Goodwood with a specially prepared Toyota GR Yaris with an enhanced engine management system that allows the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine to run on hydrogen.

The man who's not only famous for his legendary television antics (as well as daily driving a McLaren F1) said that he currently owns a 'normal' GR Yaris and the hydrogen-powered in his own words were "tremendous fun".

And what's not to like? The prospect of running a powerful ICE engine in the future that runs much cleaner will certainly give the EVs a run for their money. Toyota is also currently working hard on a GR H2 Le Mans prototype to race in 2026 as well as Formula 1 which is set to switch to alternative fuels in the future.

Rowan Atkinson is also known to be vocal about companies exploring the world of alternative fuels rather than jumping straight to electric in order to save the internal combustion engine. We will always support you, Mr Bean.


Top Toyota Vios Challenge Team Wins Motorsports Awards

At the recent Petronas SIC MAM Motorsports Awards 2018, Team Dream Chaser, who fields several Toyota Vios machines in the Vios Challenge, bagged multiple awards including the coveted Best SIC National Team award.

Team Dream Chaser was in the same pool of established racing teams such as Proton R3, Tedco Racing, and R-Engineering.

The awards ceremony, now in its third year, sees SIC (Sepang International Circuit) and MAM (Motorsports Association of Malaysia) honouring the hardworking motorsports athletes, team owners, individuals, and media providers from both four-wheel and two-wheel motorsport categories.

CY Ong, team founder of Dream Chaser, in his short acceptance speech, said, “Thank you to all for believing. Thank you to SIC and MAM for the high recognition. A big thank you to all the sponsors as well as ST Wangan, our workshop.”

The drivers from Team Dream Chaser also bagged awards in:

Most Improved Driver of the Year: Brendan Paul Anthony

SIC National Driver of the Year: Mark Darwin

Team Dream Chaser is the largest team to use the Toyota Vios Challenge as a platform to further develop motorsports talents, as proven by
 Season 1 champion
 Brendan Paul Anthony and Mitchell Cheah.

The team performed incredibly well in the inaugural Toyota Vios Challenge races, achieving wins at the MAEPS,
Johor
, and scoring a double-victory at the final round at TPM, Kuala Lumpur.

For Toyota Vios Challenge
Season 2
, Brendan Paul Anthony now competes with Malaysia’s top racing drivers in the Super Sporting class using number 91.

Team Dream Chaser also emerged as MTC-class champion in last year’s Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) with Brendan Paul Anthony as one of the drivers as well as finishing first runner-up in the 2018 Sepang 1,000 km race (S1K).

The third race of Toyota Vios Challenge Season 2 is scheduled for
 next weekend at Batu Kawan
, Penang and we can certainly expect Team Dream Chaser drivers Brendan Paul Anthony and Mark Darwin plus the entire service crew to give their absolute best in the highly competitive one-make race series.


Could This Be The New Kia Optima Coming To Geneva?

Kia has released a teaser image of a new concept that will make its appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor show. Very few details have been provided but the company says that this is a D-segment model, hinting at would could be the future fourth-generation
Kia Optima
.
Designed at the car maker’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, the new concept car has the trademark ‘tiger-nose’ design grille, albeit a smaller one at the front, nestled between what appears to be LED headlights.
Continuing on from the front, we see large alloys of a unique design, small side mirrors and concealed door handles. Now, granted that this is a concept, there’s no certainty any of these design parts will make it into production. Doesn’t change the fact that those wheels look like ninja throwing stars though and that we want them.
Kia
 has tagged on the theme of ‘Elegant Energy’ to go along with the concept, possibly indicating a hybrid or electric powertrain but we’ll need to wait till March to find out more.


Review: 2021 Hyundai Kona 1.6T N Line - The Best Looking B-Segment SUV In Malaysia!

It's the
most powerful B-segment SUV
 in Malaysia, it's the best-looking B-segment SUV in Malaysia, it's the most engaging B-segment SUV in Malaysia - what else is there, but is it all positive?

Now to answer the question above in short - no, the
Hyundai Kona Kona 1.6T N Line
 is not all positive but we'll get to the details in a bit.

We'll kick-off this review with the top-line specs first:

Price: RM 156,888 - OTR without insurance

Engine: Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi turbocharged engine

Power: 198 PS

Torque: 265 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm

Transmission: 7DCT

Safety: Hyundai’s Smartsense active safety and driving assistance suite featuring: Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Buckled In...

Once you're buckled in safe and secure in the Kona N Line, you'll immediately get to appreciate how comfortable, snug but not tight, and serene the cabin is. The driver and passenger leather and suede seats upfront come with ventilation - a very premium addition to have especially in Malaysian weather. The electronic lumbar adjustment also means that you are properly situated for city driving or highway cruising. Unlike the
X50
 that suffers from a very short seat overhang meaning your thighs are unsupported, the adjustability of the seats in the Kona does away with that problem.

The 10.25-inch digital cluster is crisp and clear even under the harshest sunlight providing the driver with all the required information on one screen. Coming to terms with the infotainment unit was also seamless with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay coming as standard.

Now some of you might argue an all-black interior is somber and unexciting but I beg to differ. In the Kona N Line, it is classy especially peppered with the red stitching details synonymous with Kona's N range. Most importantly, it's not fussy and doesn't feel like a spaceship when you step into the car. It's an easy car to come to grips with and that is a win for me.

Speeding off...

Here's a quick question for you to ponder, how many vehicles in Malaysia with about 200 HP can you buy for under RM200k brand new?

While you think about that, the drive is where the Hyundai Kona N Line displays to you why it is worth its asking price. The steering is direct, the car is planted and before you can count to eight, you're already past 100km/h. The Hyundai Kona N Line does the 0-100 in 7.7 seconds. For an SUV, it doesn't only feel quick, it is proper fast.

I did find the ride firm but not too firm that it became uncomfortable. With 256 Nm of torque available from 1,600 RPM there was plenty of grunt if you wanted a traffic-light drag race. Even at highway cruising speeds, overtaking was rarely a problem given its punchy mid-range.

Best of all is the NVH in the cabin. Even at 120km/h, you could have a conversation with all occupants of the car, front and rear without having to raise your voice. I'd wager it's best in class.

The 7DCT however does get a little uncertain on inclines and declines, I noticed this especially on the Karak and also just general city driving. There's a slight hesitancy on the part of the gearbox as if it's uncertain of what it should be doing. On the straights, however, it works like a charm.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the handsomest B-segment SUV of them all?

Be prepared for stares. Be prepared for people congregating around your Kona N Line. Be prepared for inquisitive questions. I had all of the above during my time with the Kona N Line.

To me, it is the best-looking Kona variant currently available in Malaysia and I'm including the
Kona Electric
 here as well.

That exclusive front-end fascia is fierce yet sultry. It does away with the black cladding, opting instead to stick with a more uniformly nicer body-colored exterior. The aerodynamic lip with corner fins and diffuser on the rear complete this very attractive packaging. Coupled with 18-inch dedicated N Line alloy rims, this is the B-segment SUV for those who want to stand out!

Pro tip: Get it in the Dive in Jeju colour.

How many
HR-Vs
,
Ativas
, or X50s do you see on the road? How many Hyundai Kona 1.6T N Line's have you seen?

Safety

You have the entire suite of Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS features to keep you safe whilst in the Kona. I did find the lane keep assist a bit too intrusive for daily city driving especially when trying to avoid potholes or our abang food delivery riders. Worth noting that all the ADAS features on the Kona N Line are active or turned on by default which means that you will need to turn them off each time you start the car. It's not overly cumbersome once you get used to it. It should take you no more than 20 seconds which is just nice for your Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to start piping out music too.

Should you forget to, however, it can be quite tiresome especially when the steering wheel starts to tug away at your 'bad driving etiquette'.

It can't be all good, now can it?

No, it isn't. If you have a young or growing family then the rear cargo space is probably of some importance. The 374 litres on the Kona N Line while not the smallest in its segment is however not the most practical in real-life applications. Due to its sloping roofline, the usable space is somewhat compromised. You'll have no issues with your weekly groceries but family holidays might require some IKEA-style packing ingenuity.

At its price point, it would be nice if the back came with rear air vents. Space for passengers at the back for four moderately-sized Malaysians should be no problem but five is cramped though that is hardly surprising. If you're 1.8 metres and above, you will find the rear legroom insufficient, especially for longer journeys.

While we have to bear in mind that the Kona is a CBU, its price point will ultimately hold it back. It is hard to justify paying even RM146,888 (Kona 1.6 Turbo) especially given its very worthy competitors like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V.

Ultimately...

If you're in the market for a B-segment SUV then the Hyundai Kona Kona 1.6T N Line is one to consider especially if you're looking for an engaged drive in a good-looking SUV. If you're graduating from a car, the Kona N Line will pose no challenge to you. It drives very much like a hatchback, albeit one with better ingress and egress points.

And then for the days when you're feeling a little spirited, put in in Sport mode (the Kona comes with three drive modes; Sport, Eco and Normal with paddle shifters), watch the digital cluster turn red, grip the steering wheel and you're off, most likely grinning from ear to ear as the turbo kicks-in!

They say "if you don't look back at your car after you park it, you bought the wrong car". With the Kona N Line, you won't have that problem!


Volvo recalls 545 cars in Malaysia due to brake control module software issues

Volvo Cars has issued a massive recall involving over 106,000 cars worldwide, and that include some units here in Malaysia.

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM)
 has stated that a total of 545 units have been affected by this potential issue that may affect the car's brake control module, specifically the software.

Only 2023 model-year units affected

All of the 545 cars affected in Malaysia are for certain model-year 2023 units of seven different Volvo car models - XC40, C40, XC60, S60, V60, XC90, and S90. According to VCM, "No other models or variants are affected".

"Some customers with affected cars may experience a stiff brake pedal and the loss of electronic braking support functions, although rest assured that braking capabilities will remain via the brake pedal. The driver will be warned of the issue occurring via the driver information module (DIM)," added VCM in its press statement.


True Or False: Common Perceptions Of Diesel Engines

A decrepit truck belching black smoke struggling to pull its load; that’s the prevalent image many of us conjure in our minds when we talk about diesel vehicles. However, powertrain technologies in the past two decades have made diesel engines sufficiently smooth and refined that they can be used in private passenger vehicles, even luxury ones.
Diesel vehicles have been making some inroads into Malaysia in recent years, but the mass market continues to view them with scepticism and pre-conceptions. In this article, we examine some common perception of diesel engines and see what’s true versus what’s not:
1.
Diesel Engines are Dirty:
 True in the old days, but not anymore. Introductions of turbocharging and direct injection technology have revolutionized what’s possible with a diesel engine. Further refinement of the computer-controlled injectors has meant more complete and efficient combustion of fuel, resulting in better and cleaner performance in modern diesel engines.
2.
Diesel Emissions – NOx, Diesel Particulates:
 Diesel engines do emit high levels of nitrogen oxides. Sophisticated emission systems and filters, however, trap these dangerous particulates and prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.
Mazda’s SkyActiv-D diesel engines
 take things further by being able to meet the latest Euro 6 emission regulations even without needing expensive NOx after-treatment. This is because the low 14.0 compression ratio of the Mazda engines allows more uniform combustion that significantly reduces the creation of NOx particles.
3.
Better Fuel Consumption:
 Manufacturers usually publish 25% better fuel economy for diesel engines than a petrol motor of equivalent performance. This is largely true in the real world, but with the caveat that you are hardly likely to ever match the claimed lab-tested figures. Of course, driving style plays a part too; the more aggressive you are with the throttle, the more fuel you burn - but you do burn less driving a diesel.
4.
Diesel Engines are Noisy:
 It can’t be helped. The moment you fire up a diesel engine, you are greeted by that familiar clattering sound. It is an inherent characteristic of a diesel engine that you simply have to live with. That being said, car makers have been working very hard to refine the behaviour of diesel engines on the move. So, whilst your diesel car does sound a little like a lorry on idling, rest assured that most of them are as quiet and as refined as you can wish for when you get going.
5.
Poor Overall Performance:
 We all know about the superior torque of diesel engines, but many enthusiasts continue to dismiss diesel engines because they don’t rev as freely nor respond as quickly as a petrol engine. Not that these concerns have no basis, but they are increasingly less valid. Innovations such as two-stage turbochargers allow diesel engines to generate all its peak torque from increasingly lower rpms and speed up response at the same time. In our recent experience driving the
Mazda 6 Diesel
, the 2.2 SkyActiv-D engine responded with a linearity that is almost reminiscent of a petrol engine.
6.
Maintenance Cost:
 You win some, you lose some. Maintenance cost of diesel engines are traditionally higher than petrol vehicles, but the gap has shrunken considerably over the years. Oil changes cost more in diesel vehicles, and there is also inevitable servicing cost of the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter which you don’t worry about in a petrol engine. That being said, you don’t have to bother yourself with having to change spark plugs in a diesel.
7.
Diesel Engines are Heavy:
 Because of their naturally high compression, diesel engines need to be made much tougher than their petrol counterparts, and are thus naturally heavier. Remember that this added weight sits up front, which in turn inadvertently blunts handling and responsiveness. Mazda’s SkyActiv-D diesel engines are not affected by this concern, however. Because its compression ratio is lower than regular diesel engines, a Mazda SkyActiv-D powerplant does not need to be as heavy.
Premium marques such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche boast strong portfolios of diesel-powered passenger cars in Malaysia. Mazda, however, is looking to become the next big thing in the diesel market with a
complete range of diesel vehicles
 that starts with the Mazda 6 and
CX-5

launched recently
 and set to be followed by the Mazda 2 and
CX-3
 in due course.


UMW Toyota Motor announces 5-year unlimited mileage warranty

All
Toyota
 and
Lexus
 models sold from 1 April 2016 by UMW Toyota Motor will enjoy warranty coverage for five years with unlimited mileage, the company announced in a statement released to the media today.
According to Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMWT, the five-year warranty is factory-backed and fully supported by Toyota Motor Corporation and all UMW Toyota Motor outlets.
“Vehicles brought in by parallel importers may or may not have warranty offered. Therefore it is always better to buy vehicles that are imported by an authorised distributor such as UMWT, where the vehicles are covered with a full 5 years warranty, giving customers peace of mind,” Mr. Akio Takeyama added.
Previously, Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold by UMWT in Malaysia were covered by 3-year/100,000km warranties. Customers who bought their vehicles earlier but with their warranty still valid can pay a one-off charge for an extension to the new 5-year warranty with the same terms. This offer for existing customers is available only until 30 September 2016, and those who sign up will receive a free MaxCheck Advance service package.
Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMWT said, “By providing a longer warranty, we aim to enhance the value of Toyota [and Lexus] vehicles as well as increase customer confidence in our products.  Additionally, resale value can also be better as the warranty is transferable if it is still in effect.”
Datuk Ismet also emphasized that even commercial vehicles such as the
Toyota Hilux
 and
Toyota Hiace
, which are regularly subject to extreme high mileage use, are covered by the same warranty terms, underlining the company's confidence in the robustness of these vehicles.
As with all manufacturer warranties, UMW Toyota’s new 5-year unlimited mileage is conditional upon the vehicles being serviced at authorized service centres using genuine Toyota and Lexus parts. Utilization of non-genuine parts and unauthorized modifications will have the effect of voiding the warranty’s coverage.
Certain models may also have warranties covering specific items which are separate from the 5-year warranty. For example, the traction battery packs of hybrid models have 8-year warranty periods, whilst items such as tyres and 12V batteries are also covered by separate warranty terms.


Returning Fans Energizes Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season 5 Round 2

Thousands of returning fans and spectators enjoyed the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival over the weekend as it opened its doors to the public for the first time in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labelled as the people's race, the
Toyota GAZOO Racing
 Festival and
Vios Challenge
 was re-energised thanks to the returning fans.

The festival featured a live concert by local rock group Bunkface on Saturday, on top of the many ground activities that included numerous sales, promotional and activity booths, and an urban street dining area serving up delicious local cuisines and delicacies.

Sunday morning began with an All-Wheel Fest where
hundreds of participants
, including families and children, were allowed access to the Sepang International Circuit for a spin on their bicycles, push scooters, roller blades and skateboards. Even runners were granted access to the track.

The official opening ceremony of the festival comprised of a grid walkabout for fans and spectators, and later a procession of all the Toyota Vios race cars taking part. The day ended on a high note with an energetic performance by popular Indonesian singer Judika as a special treat for fans.

“We would like to thank all the spectators and fans who came to the festival. The enthusiasm and the level of excitement we witnessed have certainly motivated us to now begin planning for a more exciting Round 3 and Season 5 finale for them in September,” said UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K.

Sporting Class

In the sporting class, it was M7 Japan Project Team’s Mohammed Fariqe Hairuman who made the best of his pole position to lead a fiercely-contested front pack that involved no less than six drivers. That lead, however, only lasted for two laps before Axle Motorsport’s Hayden Haikal shot past Mohammed Fariqe for the lead with Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin in tow.

Although many spectators were expecting it to end as a two-car battle for first place, Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel and his Prima Pearl TD Racing car started posting the fastest time on almost every lap, whereby he eventually made his way up from 12th position on the starting grid to win the race 1.5 seconds ahead of Darwin, with Hayden crossing the finish line in the third position.

Having missed the first two races of the season due to COVID-19, Tengku Djan will only have three more races remaining in the season to defend and capture his fourth overall Super Sporting Class title.

“I have to be optimistic. When I missed Round 1 I knew it will be difficult to contend for the championship. But I have teammate Mitchell Cheah and therefore I’m definitely going to be working with him to make sure he has a fair chance at the championship.” said Tengku Djan.

The gentlemen and amateur drivers in the Sporting Class also put up an incredible show on the track with Axle Motorsport’s Naquib Azlan concluding a perfect race weekend with two race wins.

Finishing second and perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was 23 Motors’ Abdul Miqail, followed by M7 Japan Project Team’s Ahmad Tarmimi Tahang.

Starting from sixth position on the grid following a reverse grid format after yesterday’s Race 1 victory, Naquib was on a very determined charge from the get-go, seizing control of the race lead and building a five-second gap from as early as the third lap of the 20-lap race.

Ahmad Tarmimi was also the biggest gainer, climbing from ninth to third place, but the highlight of the race was the performance of 16-year-old Abdul Miqail, who also finished on the podium twice in two races this weekend.

Rookie Class

In the Rookie Class, Muhammad Hamdany clinched his first-ever race victory to retain his sterling record of four podium finishes in four races. The 19-year-old karter from Kuching, Sarawak finished ahead of simulator racer Nabil Azlan, and the only female driver in the Vios Challenge series, Adele Lew came in third.

Promotional Class

As usual, there was a lot of drama in the promotional class, as actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya did not run away with the 18-lap race as predicted.

Instead, Nabil Ahmad took the race lead after Zizan had technical issues with his transmission, which forced him to concede five places with three laps to finish. Shukri was the first to take full advantage of Zizan's misfortune, but would later suffer a similar fate.

Singer Wany Hasrita and actress Janna Nick blazed past the pair of Zizan and Shukri to clinch second and third positions, respectively. Finishing fourth was singer Nabila Razali, while Shukri and Zizan crossed the line in fifth and sixth positions, respectively.

TV personality Ahirine Ahirudin claimed seventh place and TV host Ain Edruce finished eighth while singer Khai Bahar concluded a disappointing race weekend with a retirement.

“This is my first podium finish in two seasons. I started from pole position and sitting there waiting for the green starting lights to come on, I prayed for a good race. It was indeed a very good race and I am extremely thankful, despite facing numerous challenges on the track from going off the track, accidentally hitting, and being hit by others,” said an elated Janna.

Round 3 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival and Vios Challenge is scheduled for September. For more information, visit the UMW Toyota Motor (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd website at www.toyota.com.my.


The BMW Cockpit Is A Digitally Connected Thing Of Beauty

In the lasts few months, BMW has made news with products like the all-new X5, all-new Z4, all-new 8 Series, and most recently the all-new 3 Series. All of these models are big for the Bavarian brand, but what they all have in common is that they come with the most recent and updated variant of the BMW Cockpit.

At first glance it doesn't seem to be a radical departure from what we know, unlike Mercedes-Benz' MBUX, but the changes are significant and most aren't visible on the surface. One particularly nice touch is also the fact that your smartphone can double as a key for the vehicle, which allows you to keep your pockets a little less cluttered.
For those who remember the original iDrive, it was not the perfect method of controlling an in-car entertainment system. Over the years BMW has been revising the system in iterative stages, now reaching the sixth iteration, the iDrive system has paired with BMW Operating System 7.0 - the latest in their software development, which draws heavily on how consumers have changed the way they interact with electronic devices in order to shape the layout of the system.
The biggest change for the overall cockpit that's immediately noticeable is the instrument cluster itself, or the Info Display as BMW calls it. Gone are the circular meters we've known and loved, and they've been replaced by stylized arced design elements that are here to stay. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing design, but it does open up more space in the centre for displaying other information such as route data. This, in tandem with a larger colorized heads-up display makes driving and navigation so much easier.
There's a great degree of flexibility in content display as well, allowing users to customize up to ten different display pages with up to four tiles per page. and content being displayed in real time. Everything from communications, to media/radio, clock, navigation, sport displays, route previews, traffic, position, or driving information can be content for these pages. Personalization for individual driver profiles is also possible with individual drivers seeing their particular settings and a 3D graphic representation of their exact vehicle on startup.
BMW Operating System 7.0 allows for multimodal operatability and fast access, which is a fancy way of saying that there are many ways for you to control the entertainment system. We're already used to the torturously slow method of a circular speller, but the introduction of touch, voice, or gesture control allows for much faster operation and navigation through the various screens, as well as a flatter navigation structure.
Taking a page from a certain electric car manufacturer, updates for both operating software and vehicle software can be done over the air depending on model variant and options selected. This makes it easier to improve security and offer new features as quickly as BMW can develop them.


2017 Mazda CX-5 Begins Production Ahead Of Feb 2017 JDM Debut

The first units of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 has just rolled off from Mazda’s Ujina Plant No.2 situated near the company’s global headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. The new model will go on sale in the Japanese market from February onwards before being gradually introduced across the world.
Introduction of the second-generation CX-5 brings the successful chapter of the original model to a close. The first model of Mazda’s new SkyActiv generation, the original CX-5 was an immediate success, reaching a cumulative production total of 1 million units in April 2015. It is the second fastest Mazda to reach this milestone after the Mazda 3.
In total, Mazda produced 1.57 million units of the CX-5 in a five-year production cycle that lasted from November 2011 to October 2016. Mazda debuted the
second-generation CX-5 earlier this month at the Los Angeles Motor Show
.
The first-generation CX-5 has been well-received in Malaysia, quickly establishing itself as one of the more popular models in the mid-sized SUV segment. Demand for the vehicle is sufficiently high that Mazda is able to justify assembling the vehicle locally at the
Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah
.
Earlier this year, Mazda had even added to the CX-5 model range in Malaysia by adding the
2.2-litre diesel variant
 to join the existing 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol models.
At this stage, it is too early to predict when Mazda will introduce the all-new CX-5 in Malaysia.


Fast & Furious Malaysia – Tunggang Motor Bawah Treler Demi Konten

Seperti ala-ala filem Fast & Furious, tindakan seorang lelaki menunggang
motosikal
dengan berbahaya apabila menyelit dibawah
lori
treler yang sedang bergerak telah menerima kecaman hebat di media sosial.

Dalam era media sosial ketika ini, ramai yang bertindak untuk melakukan perkara yang tidak masuk akal demi untuk menerima
likes
 serta
views
 yang tinggi. Walau bagaimanapun, sesetengah individu melakukan aksi merbahaya di jalan raya sehingga boleh mengakibatkan
kemalangan
dan menyusahkan orang lain.

Walaupun satu faktor utama peningkatan kes kemalangan di negara kita berpunca daripada kecuaian pengguna jalan raya sendiri, namun tindakan meyelit dibawah lori ini boleh dikategorikan sebagai perkara yang amat bodoh dan dan tidak patut diulangi.

Tunggang Motosikal Bawah Lori

Baru-baru ini, tular satu video memaparkan seorang lelaki yang menunggang motosikal dengan cara berbahaya sehingga aksi tersebut menerima kecaman ramai di media sosial.

Video itu dimuat naik oleh
@bardputra
 di TikTok, menunjukkan seorang penunggang motosikal menyelit secara berbahaya melalui bahagian bawah lori yang sedang berjalan. Video berkenaan juga menunjukkan terdengar bunyi hon lori yang panjang, mungkin kerana pemandu lori itu berang dengan aksi penunggang itu yang mampu membawa padah.

Lebih membahayakan, video yang dirakam penunggang itu kelihatan seperti dirakam menggunakan telefon bimbit yang dipegang ketika aksi menyelit itu dilakukan. Ini menandakan lelaki itu menyelit di bawah lori dengan hanya satu tangan sahaja.

Kredit video: Skodeng.TV

Jangan Tiru Aksi Itu!

Walaupun penunggang motosikal itu melepasi bawah lori itu tanpa sebarang masalah, namun perkara ini boleh berubah menjadi tragedi dalam sekelip mata sahaja.  Meskipun tidak dapat dipastikan siapa pemilik asal video itu atau bila video itu diambil, namun tindakan ini tidak perlu dicontohi oleh mana-mana pihak selepas ini.

Video yang dimuat naik itu telah menerima kecaman umum yang menyifatkan tindakan itu amat berbahaya dan tidak bijak. Ada yang berpendapat jika kemalangan berlaku, semestinya pemandu lori yang akan terlebih dahulu dipersalahkan.

Kepada para penunggang motosikal, ingatlah bahawa anda bertanggungjawab untuk menjaga nyawa anda. Memang kemalangan boleh berlaku, tetapi terpulang kepada anda untuk menguruskan risiko agar tidak terdedah kepada bahaya yang dapat dielakkan. Diharapkan tindakan penunggang itu tidak akan menjadi ikutan generasi baharu di masa yang akan datang.


Urban Motorists May Enjoy Fuel Discounts

Motorists in urban areas could enjoy discounts on fuel provided by petrol station operators once the system of
weekly fuel price updates
 takes effect this Wednesday, as confirmed by the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM).
The Star reports
, that the fuel discounts are in-line with the recent announcement by the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
These discounts, according to Hamzah, would require prior approval by the ministry. This way, operators will have a choice to follow the ceiling prices or offer discounts for promotional purposes.
Under the new system, petrol prices will be announced on Wednesday, and prices take effect at 12.01AM, Thursday.
PDAM president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz comments that the rate of discounts and period of discounts are unclear at this point as operators have not been briefed on the new system.
Khairul added urban petrol station operators could offer the promotional discounts due to higher earnings but rural operators likely could not as their earnings range from RM4k to RM6k.
He comments, “An operator who is allocated 300,000 litres of petrol a month and offers a one-sen discount would see his profit go down by RM3,000. If they give a two-sen discount, they will be finished as they will have no income.”
Additionally, The Star reports that one station operator, Datuk Abu Samah Bachik, is anxious about the new system. Adding that the rate of discounts should be agreed on by the oil companies, but, worries that if similar discounts are offered by multiple companies, the discount system will be at odds with Government’s Competition act, that forbids price-fixing.


Volvo Car Malaysia Adds S90 T5 To Lineup – Momentum Trim, 2.0-litre Turbo Non-Hybrid, RM338,888

Volvo Car Malaysia has added the S90 T5 to its portfolio. With the introduction of the T5 variant, the S90 model range now comprises three versions:
S90 T5 Momentum – RM338,888
S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription – RM366,888
S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus – RM386,888
Powered by Volvo’s Drive-E 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, output figures stand at 254 PS and 350 Nm of torque.
The powertrain package enables the S90 T5 to reach 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds while consuming 7 litres of fuel for every 100 km travelled (NEDC, combined cycle).
Like the S90 T8 Twin Engine, the S90 T5 will be equipped with the full-suite of active safety and driver- assist systems which includes City Safety which comes with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Run-off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection and BLIS (Blind Sport Information System) with Steer Assist.
The S90 T5 will also get Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, and the semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist which gives steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h.
Clad in Momentum Trim, the S90 T5 retains the 19-inch tyre profile, but with a more aggressive wheel design – the 5-triple spoke Matt Tech Black diamond-cut alloys.
Besides that, the car also features new vertical front grilles to distinguish from the T8 Twin Engine, and round end-pipes with chrome sleeves.
Last but not least, The S90 T5 is available in six exterior colours - Crystal White, Mussel Blue, Luminous Sand, Onyx Black, Bright Silver, and Maple Brown.
“We are offering more variants to match the current needs of our customers, and we do this whilst retaining advanced safety systems across our model range. This is in line with our future vision that no one shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo car,” said Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.


Myvi Rempuh Palang Tol - RFID Buat Hal

Bengang dengan laluan tol RFID yang tidak berfungsi,
King Myvi
 merempuh palang tol - kalau anda berada di dalam situasi yang sama, apa pula tindakan anda?

Melalui sebuah video yang tular di media sosial, kita dapat melihat kelibat sebuah
Perodua Myvi
 yang memandu secara berhemah ketika cuba melalui palang tol RFID di lebuh raya. Cubaan sebanyak empat kali itu tidak membuahkan hasil dan akhrinya pemandu Myvi itu merempuh palang tol dan meneruskan perjalanannya.

King Myvi 1-0 RFID

*Kredit video KawKaw Channel dan Adrian Tan

Tindakan pemandu Myvi itu jelas mengejutkan pemandu di belakangnya tetapi jika anda berada di situasi pemandu Myvi itu, apa agaknya tindakan anda?

Masalah RFID di Malaysia

Aplilkasi dan transaksi tol RFID di Malaysia sejak dimulakan masih lagi
dibelenggu pelbagai masalah
 dan menjadi keluhan ramai pengguna, lagi-lagi setelah Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2022 diawalkan sehari, mesti ada banyak lagi perkara yang perlu diuruskan.

Rata-rata komen netizen di Facebook menyokong tindakan si pemandu Myvi itu. Ia seolah-olah mewakili rasa tidak puas hati dan marah pengguna jalan raya yang masih tidak senang hati dengan
sistem RFID
 di lebuh raya Malaysia.

Berikut di antara komen netizen dari Facebook:

Adakah masalah tol RFID ini hanya di tol Batu 9 atau perlukah kerajaan mengkaji semula keberkesanan sistem RFID di semua rangkaian lebuh raya di Malaysia? Adakah tindakan undang-undang bakal dikenakan terhadap pemandu Myvi tersebut?

Anda juga mungkin ini membaca kenapa Malaysia perlu beralih kepada sistem RFID di pautan
ini
.

Walaubagaimanpun kita tetap perlu bersyukur yang sempena Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2022,
tol percuma atau diskaun tol
 diberikan oleh kerajaan Malaysia untuk Keluarga Malaysia.


Car caught on fire at Penang Bridge toll plaza, no casualties reported

A family of four consisting of a couple and their two children were involved in a vehicle fire yesterday (4 May 2023) at the
Penang Bridge
 toll plaza.

Lucky to escape their burning
Perodua Alza
 without any casualties, the family was able to save themselves as soon as they detected that their vehicle was on fire.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department acted on the emergency call at 2.44 pm and dealt with the vehicle fire as soon as they arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, 95% of the car was reported to be burnt but on the good side, the family escaped relatively unharmed.

*Image credit: Facebook user

While the cause of the fire is still being investigated as we speak, comments on social media indicated that it might have been triggered when the car came into contact with a package that contained highly-flammable chemicals which allegedly dropped from another vehicle in front of the Perodua Alza.

It was also mentioned in one of the comments on social media that the vehicle owner is currently being assisted by the vehicle's brand sales representative in Juru for matters concerning the emergency situation, including insurance claims.


Geely Binyue Tentative 22 August Launch, Sportier Variant Teased

Geely has dropped teasers of a sportier-looking Binyue, the second model built on the company’s latest BMA platform.
The Hangzhou-based firm earlier renamed the Binyue, which was previously known internally as the SX11.
The sportier Geely Binyue here features a red strip in its ‘expanding cosmos’ front grille with a blacked-out Geely emblem, upright front foglight surrounds and a subtle front lower lip.
Elsewhere, Geely has given the sportier Binyue all round red brake calipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out roof, and a larger rear wing with a red S emblem (Sport, maybe?). This version of the Binyue also receives a funkier looking rear bumper with quad muffler tips and a faux rear diffuser design. The side mirrors of this Binyue variant features a carbon fibre-like finish.
Inside, the mix of red and black treatment give this Binyue variant a snazzier appeal, which can be found on the dashboard, centre arm rest, door trim, and seats. It also appears that the meter cluster is bestowed with the same red highlights as the rest of the interior.
Powertrain details of this model is unknown at this point of time, but Geely has released some preliminary powertrain details about the Binyue, mentioning that their new subcompact SUV can complete the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds, thanks to a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 177 hp and 255 Nm, hooked up to a wet-type 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
According to sources, Geely is expected to launch the Binyue in China on the 22
nd
 of August.


How The Sound Of Honda NSX Stops A Baby From Crying

Arguably the toughest part of raising an infant is understanding why they cry. There’s no shortage of methods to stop a baby from crying, handed down from generation to generation – that range from carrying or rocking them, distracting them with soft toys or downright bribing them with food or candy.
Honda may have just found another way to stop babies from crying, and it would have you think that every baby, boy or girl, is first born a petrol head because you guessed it: the soulful sound of a sports car can actually stop a baby from crying.
After exhaustive research, Honda concluded that the sound of a roaring engine isn’t much different from what a baby hears while inside the mother’s womb.
Honda then proceeded to record and test no less than 37 engine notes from various models spanning the last 50 years; models included the 1966 S600, 2001 NSX, 1989 Inspire, and even the
hydrogen-powered
 2008 FCX Clarity.
The sound note that emerged as the most effective in calming the sample group made up of 12 infants aged 6 – 18 months, belonged to the
Honda NSX
 hybrid-supercar.
The raspy roar of the Honda NSX’s hand-built 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (aided by three electric motors) proved to have a positive effect on the temperament in 11 out of the 12 children, seven of which even showed reduced heart rates.
In applying what they have learned, Honda has created a car-shaped soft toy, called the Sound Sitter which has an integrated speaker (controlled via a mobile app) that can play the NSX's engine soundtrack.
Honda currently doesn’t have plans to make the Sound Sitter, but have instead listed three engine sound recordings: the NSX, Integra, and S2000, on their
Japanese website
 for curious parents that might want to try it out.


2017 All-New Volkswagen Passat (B8) Launched In Malaysia – From RM160k

The start of a new beginning for embattled Volkswagen brand, the all-new B8 generation Volkswagen Passat has finally been launched in Malaysia with a starting price of RM159,990. There are three variants – Comfortline, Trendline and Highline - and two engine options – 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI - to choose from.
As before, the B8 Passat model is locally-assembled at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang.
Early impressions of the all-new Passat is very positive, especially the 2.0 TSI Highline model, which is literally a GTI sedan as it shares the same 220 PS, 350 Nm engine as the Golf GTI, complete with the GTI’s Dynamics Chassis Control adaptive suspension and the brake-based XDS electronic front differential, which for better or for worse, allows mediocre drivers to accelerate out of corners a lot of faster than their average driving skills would’ve allowed them to.
The interior is plush enough to rival a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or an Audi A4, nevermind the BMW 3 Series, plus the Passat offers more interior space than the trio of German premium small sedans.
In fact, the B8 Passat uses the same Virtual Cockpit as the
Audi A4
, only that Volkswagen calls it Active Info Display, and doesn’t charge you any extra for it. In the Audi, you have to pay circa RM25,000 for the Technology Package to have it, but the package also buys you Matrix LED headlamps.
How much is it?
1.8 TSI Trendline – RM159,990
1.8 TSI Comfortline – RM179,990
2.0 TSI Highline – RM198,990
Prices quoted are on-the-road without insurance.
Engine and transmission
Both four-cylinder engines are developed from the EA888 engine family. Despite using the same 1.8 TSI label as the previous generation Passat, the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine is not carried over from the previous Passat.
Instead, it’s a new engine and now features variable valve lift and dual (direct & port) fuel injection. It now pushes out 180 PS (5,100 – 6,200 rpm) and 250 Nm (1,250 – 5,000 rpm). That’s 20 PS more than the B7 Passat. Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a new DQ200 (version 5) 7-speed dry-type dual clutch automatic transmission.
The more powerful 2.0 TSI model shares the same drivetrain with the Golf GTI. Apart from some retuning to fit the Passat’s more business character, the B8 Passat pushes out the same 220 PS (5,600 – 6,500 rpm) and 350 Nm (1,700 – 5,600 rpm). Like the Golf GTI, drive is transferred to the front wheels via a DQ250 6-speed wet-type dual clutch automatic transmission, tempered by Dynamic Chassis Control and a similar XDS electronic differential lock (Golf GTI uses XDS+).
Like many cars these days, the B8 Passat has an engine idle start-stop function and regenerative braking to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
The 1.8 TSI variant will wear the 280 TSI badge on the boot lid while the 2.0 TSI variants will wear 380 TSI. The numbers represent the individual variant’s position within the Passat family’s model hierarchy, and has little relation to their actual torque output. You can understand it in the same way BMW’s 318i, 320i, and 330i badging has little relation with the car’s engine capacity, but the numbers merely shows which is the more expensive model.
All-new platform
Like the Golf Mk7, the B8 Passat is built on an all-new MQB platform. Depending on variant, the all-new Passat is up to 85 kg lighter. Despite appearing to be longer and wider than the previous Passat, the all-new Passat is actually slightly smaller on the outside, but a lot more spacious inside, thanks to the more space-efficient MQB platform.
Next year will also see the introduction of the all-new MQB platform
Volkswagen Tiguan
, also to be locally-assembled in Pekan.
Here’s what you are getting for that money
The base-model 1.8 TSI Trendline gets you the following standard features:
16-inch alloy wheels
Dual-barrel single exhaust
Halogen reflector-type headlamps with halogen Daytime Running Lights
Front and rear fog lamps
Fabric seats with manual adjusting front seats
Brushed metal interior trimmings
Three-zone automatic air-conditioning
Engine push-start button (but no keyless entry)
5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Front and rear parking sensors
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Steering-mounted infotaiment control buttons
Moving one level up, the mid-range 1.8 TSI Comfortline adds the following features:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
Leather seats with 12-way power-adjusting front seats and driver’s seat memory position
Keyless entry
Handsfree boot opening function
6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera
Paddle shifters
Park Assist 3.0 (perpendicular and parallel parking)
The most expensive 2.0 TSI Highline model adds the following:
18-inch alloy wheels
12.3-inch fully digital Active Info Display instrument panel
Wood interior trimmings
6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation and MirrorLink
Interior ambient lighting
Lane Assist
Automatic post-collision braking (prevents secondary collisions by holding the brakes after a crash)
Adaptive Chassis Control suspension
Standard safety features across the Passat range include six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist (BA), stability control (ESC), ISOFIX, hill start assist and a post-crash system that unlocks all doors and activates hazard lights (ICRS)
As with all Volkswagen models sold by the new distributor Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (now managed by the Austria-based dealer group Porsche Holding Salzburg – not to be confused with Porsche AG, which makes Porsche cars), the all-new Passat will be covered by a 5-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer-back warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.
5 Years Free Service
On top of the existing five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, the all-new Passat comes with a five years of free service.
In case you are wondering, no the free service offer will not be rolled out to other Volkswagen models.
Measuring up against competition
On paper, the Passat is a D-segment sedan and thus it should be evaluated against traditional business sedan favourites like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Mazda 6, and even the Hyundai Sonata.
Having briefly sampled the car in Langkawi earlier this month, we think that the Passat’s combination of performance, refinement and luxury makes it a worthy alternative to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Its well-appointed interior and lengthy list of equipment certainly matches what the German premium brand offers, and it’s a lot more spacious too, and comes at a cheaper price.
The only reason the Passat didn’t make it as a finalist to the
ASEAN Car of the Year
 is only because the nominations have been closed.
Reliability?
As a result of the massive snafus by Volkswagen Group Malaysia in the few years prior, no discussion on any Volkswagen product is complete without touching on Volkswagen’s questionable reliability and poor after-sales.
While the saga with the 7-speed DSG transmission and blown pistons should be consigned to history, it is understandable that lingering sentiments will continue to cast doubts among consumers but launching an all-new model is a good step forward in burying the past behind.
Volkswagen has also told us that the local team had spent 18 months testing the B8 Passat on our local roads, with some of the development cars clocking over 200,000 km already with zero breakdowns.
While we are confident the new product is more reliable than before, we are not too sure about the brand’s after-sales processes yet. Realistically, you can’t expect to have the same 10-year fuss-free ownership experience as you’ve probably had with your last Honda or Toyota or Nissan, but likewise with the driving experience, you can’t expect your Honda, Toyota or Nissan to drive as well as the Volkswagen.
Which is why we believe that the Passat is better positioned towards buyers who already have the financial capacity to maintain premium German cars like a C-Class or a 3 Series or an A4, people who are seeking for superior cabin refinement and driving performance but aren’t quite willing to compromise on cabin space or cross the RM200k mark.
As an added assurance, the new management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia have also assured customers that the days of
throwing five-figure discounts are over
. The company has no intention of setting lofty sales targets. Instead, it will focus on high specifications cars like the Passat, and expects to sell no more 10,000 cars per year.
Read also:
Review: 2016 Volkswagen Passat B8 – 1.8 TSI & 2.0 TSI