Carlist.my's DRIVE: Roadshow Merdeka Edition From 25-28 August 2022

Carlist.my along with its partners, will open its doors to this year's
DRIVE: Roadshow Merdeka Edition 2022
 at IOI City Mall, inviting Malaysians nationwide to get closer to their favourite automakers and cars while enjoying exciting activities and promotions.

Carlist.my is pleased to bring this car exhibition to the masses as they aim to deliver a safe, secure and pleasant car buying experience for all visitors while enjoying their car shopping with family and friends.

The event, which will be welcoming guests between Thursday, 25th August, through to Sunday, 28th August will see brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Subaru, Renault, Volkswagen, Mazda, and Toyota showcasing their vehicles.

Interested buyers will be able to enjoy exclusive deals and promotion packages from car and aftermarket brands.

Apart from the cars on show, exhibitors present also includes brands that sell exciting and new car accessories, including:

Trapo

70mai

Aylezo

Vanzo

VMS

Regal Valet

Rexagon

Dateworks

Monster Energy

Treeletrik

Cuion

P'sang

Liqui Moly

Goodyear Malaysia

XPEL

HWC Coffee Malaysia, known for their high-quality specialty coffee at affordable prices, will also be there, and they have invited key opinion leader Sam Mak to make an appearance on the 25th of August (Thursday) at 3.00pm.

On the 26th of August (Friday), the roadshow welcomes renowned radio DJs Jeff Chin, Danny One, and Cassey Soo. If you want to meet them or say hi, be sure to be at the event by 11.00am.

On top of the exciting appearances, Carlist.my will also be running daily lucky draws throughout the four-day event. In addition, there will also be a grand lucky draw!

Test drives are available throughout the event, and you might just pick up a prize by testing a car as there is a
 Test Drive & Win contest
. Participants stand a chance to win a Wanbo T2 Max Portable Projector when they test drive any car of their choice at the event. Prizes will be on a first-come, first serve basis while stocks last.

For those interested in the world of car modifications, there will also be modified cars on display for public viewing, as well as other non-automotive deals up for grabs.

To ensure your spot at the event, RSVP
here
.


Toyota Is Launching The Corolla Cross In Q2, and Two More Models In Q4

In a recently released UMW Holdings Berhad corporate report to investors, the parent company of UMW Toyota Motor detailed its plans for its automotive business and shed light on its upcoming plans for 2021 – which includes at least three model introductions, starting with the Toyota Corolla Cross in Q2 of this year.

And if you already haven’t seen it, the
first spyshots
 of the fully-imported Corolla Cross on Malaysian soil shows just how intensely Toyota is working to increase sales and its market share (which stands at 11.2 percent) having delivered 59,320 units in 2020.

This in hopes of regaining the No.1 spot as the non-national carmaker, a position Honda has (with great talent and acumen) held for six-years running, they managed
60,469 in 2020
, so the two are not far off.

How does Toyota plan to overtake Honda?

At the centre of its strategy is a major deployment of new products starting with the Corolla Cross in just a few months. The Corolla Cross is a sorely needed as Toyota Malaysia has almost never had a product to take on the might of the
Honda CR-V
, this just might change in 2021.

Separately, the report sheds light on two more models – due in Q4 2021 – one sedan, and another, an exciting introduction of a Gazoo Racing (GR) model.

Given Toyota sells only three sedans; the Vios, Corolla, and Camry – the evidence would point to an updated version and/or new variants of the
Camry
 since it’s the oldest model of the three.

The GR model, of course, raises more eyebrows; and given Toyota’s overall strategy revolves around beefing up its C-Segment offerings – our money is on the introducing the Corolla GR Sport sedan. The Corolla GR Sport is a jazzed-up version of the
regular Corolla
 which adds exterior and interior equipment for a sportier look, along with snazzy looking alloys for more ‘street-cred’ and should complement the recently launched
Vios GR-S
 nicely.

Expanding the model line-up

In addition to Toyota also has plans for “introduction of more CKD Hybrid vehicles moving forward” – this is also very big news since the company has not sold any Hybrid vehicles since the previous generation
Camry 2.5L Hybrid
 was replaced by the current model. For a company that literally pioneered hybrid, this is a welcomed move.

Elsewhere, Toyota plan to make buying their cars easier – as it stands, they have spearheaded two superb ownership programs, namely
EzBeli
 and
Kinto One
 leasing, which will make their cars more accessible to the buying public. Toyota plans to have at least 20 percent of its sales to be financed through its Toyota Capital division so we can expect roughly 20,000 cars in 2021 to be registered under the EzBeli and Kinto One programs.

Other plans

In addition to that, Toyota plans to increase its efforts in the online and e-commerce sphere via a bespoke Toyota buying platform on Shopee and Lazada, something other manufacturers have used to
great effect
 in recent years.

The company’s final initiative includes expanding its reach in the government sectors through the sales of fleet vehicles, as well as through revitalising its used and pre-owned operations – something the company pioneered through its
Toyota Topmark
 operations which unfortunately has received little attention in recent years. This has left the door wide open for company’s such as
Proton
 and
Perodua
 to enter with their own Pre-Owned initiatives.

Throughout 2020, the company introduced 7 new models, and the three already planned for 2021 should round off a comprehensive product salvo for Toyota in 2021.

Do you think they’ll turn the tables on Honda to become the No. 1 Non-National brand this year? Let us know in the comments.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

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CarlistBid.my
.

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New Car
 website now.


5 Of The Best Affordable Tyres On The Market

Is there such a thing as
cheap and good tyres
? Yes, if you know what you want in a tyre.

Tyres are one of the most important aspects of a car. Without it, there's really no point in having a great engine, efficient gearbox and wheels, for that matter.

The only thing that keeps all this metal, technology, and excitement on the road is a tyre contact patch no larger than your hands. In some cases, these contact patches may even be only as big as your palm - so imagine what a tyre must go through to keep all of this sticking to the tarmac.

If you have just processed this bit of information about tyres and only have just realised that your tyre is due
for a change
, no problem, as we have you covered, because we're taking a look at some of the best budget tyres out on the market.

Why budget tyres? Well, because not everybody has a small fortune to spend on tyres. Also, a set of new tyres will always be better than a set of old ones no matter what price point you are looking at.

So if you do not have the budget for some slick Michelins or Bridgestones, a set of new budget tyres will have to do as they will still be
safer than your old ones
. But if you're the kind that likes to push your vehicles to the limits, then we suggest going for the
best tyre possible
.

The budget tyres that we will be looking at are all made for cars that need between 15" - 19" tyres, so without further ado...

Hankook K435 - Optimised for fuel efficiency - 13"-17"

Hankook's K435 or Kinergy Eco 2 is a tyre made by Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook. It has been made to have an all-around performance while optimising a vehicles' fuel efficiency.

They have been known to wear out evenly and successfully increase a car's fuel efficiency. The downside of the tyre is that it does get a bit noisy when worn, but treat it as an indicator that it's time to change them.

Price: RM150-RM300

Hankook K125 - Good balance between performance and safety - 15"-19"

Hankook's K125 or Ventus Prime 3 is an award-winning tyre ( Auto Bild 2021 Good Tyre award/ Red Dot Award 2016) also made by Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook. It is reliable in the wet and offers superior handling in the dry.

Some call it a dry specialist, as it is up there with the best when dry braking and has good levels of control and grip in the dry. The downside is, of course, its performance in the wet, which delivers stark contrast between dry and wet.

Price: RM200-RM400

Yokohama Fleva V701 - Performance on a budget - 15"-19"

The ADVAN FLEVA V701 is a tyre from Yokohama's premium Advan line, which offers an aggressive tread pattern and sporting performance. The tyre's performance has a mixed bag of reviews, with some saying that it is excellent in the wet and dry, while others have said that it only offers average performance above 120km/h.

Comfort-wise, it is a sporting tyre through and through, so Comfort is not the best. Noise is relatively low, but it is not the softest of tyres around.

Price: RM230-RM600

Continental CC6 - If max comfort is your thing  - 13"-16"

The Continental CC6 is an affordable comfort tyre made by Continental and offers, superior low noise level, a comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency.

The noise levels are so quiet; people who have moved to this tyre from other tyres have commented that they have started to hear different types of noises that were not there before, probably masked by tyre roar from the older tyres. Other impressive features of the tyre are that it seems to eat up road imperfection and bumps. The downside to all of this comfort is that grip suffers above 110km/h.

Price: RM131-RM250

Sportiva Performance - The excellent and affordable performance tyre - 15"-17"

Sportiva is a tyre brand belonging to the Continental group. Made with European technology, the tyre actually satisfies most of its owners with reviews stating that it is low on noise, good grips at high speed and in the wet. It almost seems like the tyre is too good to be true for the price, with the only downfall being that it wears out quickly.

Also, there are not many sizes, which is probably why you don't see them on many cars- but it's worth asking if they have them in your size.

Price: RM155-RM213

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

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New Car
 website now.


Fatal Takata Airbag Incident: Honda City Was Part Of Recall, But No Repairs Made

Following a fatal accident involving a 2005 Honda City on Sunday, Honda Malaysia has responded with the following:

“Honda has confirmed that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver’s airbag inflator ruptured in a crash on June 26, 2016 in Malaysia. The crash resulted in the tragic death of the driver. No official cause of death has been yet determined. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family of the driver during this difficult time.”

“Honda has confirmed during an inspection with the Royal Malaysia Police that the Takata single stage (SDI) driver’s airbag inflator ruptured in the crash of a 2005 Honda City on June 26, 2016 in Selangor state. The vehicle involved in this crash was included in a Malaysian Product Update (recall) announced on May 21, 2015, requiring replacement of the SDI inflator of the Takata driver’s front airbag."

The company also added that prior to the fatal incident, it has made three attempts to contact the owner of the vehicle regarding the recall.

“Since 2015, this vehicle involved in this crash has been included in both driver’s Takata airbag inflator and passenger’s Takata airbag inflator recalls. Three mailed recall notices related to those recalls were sent to the owner. Our records indicate that the recall repair was never completed.”

This is the third fatal incident linked to Takata airbags recorded in Malaysia.

As reported earlier, only small percentage of owners (reportedly at just 30 percent) of affected Honda vehicles have sent in their vehicles for repairs. Honda Malaysia is very concerned about the matter and urged owners to check if their vehicles are affected by visiting Honda Malaysia’s
recall notification page
.

It is also important to note that while Honda is the biggest user of Takata airbags, the recall is not limited to just Honda vehicles.
Toyota
,
Mitsubishi
 and
Nissan
 have issued similar recalls. Owners of vehicles from these makes are urged to check with their respective manufacturers to confirm if their vehicles are affected by the recall.


Honda to unveil Civic Hatchback concept in Geneva

With the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show just around the corner, many manufacturers have started teasing whatever they are planning to bring to the event.
All set to take place from 3 to 13 March 2016, the expo will play host to numerous global, as well as European debuts.
That said, one of the upcoming launches that is expected to be among the highlights of this year, is the Honda’s Civic hatchback prototype.
In an effort to give us a glimpse at the things to come, Honda released a sketch of the five-door hatchback’s rear earlier today, and issued a press statement which revealed a few interesting details about the car.
From what we can see, the 10
th
generation Civic hatchback will feature a similar taillight design with the
sedan which was revealed last September
. Besides that, the rear end also features a pair of sporty tailpipes in the middle, and large vents in the rear bumper.
Honda
 said that the car, which will be on display alongside the Clarity Fuel Cell, the new Civic sedan, the new NSX, as well as a customized Jazz concept called the Keenlight, will be exported to global markets, including the US.
The company also added that the production version of the Civic hatchback will not be launched (in Europe) until early 2017.
As of now, no official announcements have been made on whether the new Civic hatchback will be offered here in Malaysia, but the sedan is definitely on its way here and could be launched sooner than many of us would’ve expected.
Looking for a Honda Civic? Find one now at
Carlist.my


With Chip Shortages and MCO, April Vehicle Sales Down Compared to March

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the latest passenger vehicle sales in April 2021 down by 11,250 units from March 2021 but up by 52,495 units compared to April 2020 though that is not a fair reflection as a strict MCO was in force in April 2020.

Despite the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Kelantan and Sarawak, vehicle sales in April 2021 was 396% higher than the corresponding period in 2020.

Segment

April 2021

April 2020

Growth

Passenger

Vehicle

52,628

133

+52,495 year-on-year for corresponding period

The rise in year-to-date sales figures is due to a more relaxed CMCO in April 2021, compared to the MCO implementation in mid-March to April 2020. However, April 2021 had its own challenges.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the
shortage of computer chips
 impacted the sales of some makes.

Data for April also showed that the industry volume was lower from the 63,878 units sold in March or a 12.3% drop compared to March 2021, likely due to movement restrictions in several states during the period. TIV stood at 199,556 units versus 105,424 units in the same period last year.

Segment

April 2021

March 2021

Growth

Passenger

Vehicle

52,628

63,878

-11,250 month-on-month

Sales volume in May 2021 is expected to be lower than April 2021, as the implementation of the Movement Control Order 3.0 will affect businesses and traffic flowing into showrooms. A shorter working month due to the Hari Raya festive holidays and the continuing shortage of computer chips will further affect sales.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

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New Car
 website now.


Brembo Greentive: Disc Brakes That Shine Bright Like A Diamond

With the Brembo Greentive, not only will your discs always look good, but it will also last longer.

One of my pet hates is rusty or gritty looking brake discs. They occur when brake rotor surfaces are exposed to moisture which builds up a thin film of rust on the surface of the disc.

Oxidisation is annoying, and we all know what brake discs look like after a long period of rest. Aesthetically it just doesn't look nice, especially when your wheels are all blinging and your paint job is all shining.

But annoyance be gone, because thanks to Brembo, this might be a thing of the past because not only have they created a disc which has a mirror-like finish, but they have also created a disc which has increased corrosion resistance.

Called the Brembo Greentive, the rotor features a new layer of coating applied to its ring, using High-Velocity-Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) technology, which not only adds a high level of corrosion resistance but also ensures very low wear, significantly extending the disc life cycle and reduction of brake dust which helps to keep your rims clean.

We're quite particular with how our callipers look like, and with the Greentive, and in regard to style, you can now stand out thanks to a mirror effect that exudes elegance - we're not sure if it is elegant, but it'll definitely stand out.

This is further emphasised by the clear Brembo logo featured on the rotor surface, which not only enhances its Brembo identity but also signals when the disc needs to be replaced. Simple, Brembo logo there - still good, Brembo logo not there - time to replace it.

However, there is no mention of added braking power, so it's pretty much a pretty looking and long-lasting brake disc, but then again, Brembos have always had good stopping power.

Price in Malaysia?


Honda is building a CR-V hybrid track car with 800hp!

Literally, nobody in the world was thinking about it but Honda is working on a
Honda CR-V
 Hybrid Racer project with 800hp.

That wasn't a typo, folks. A joint effort between the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Auto Development Center (ADC) along with designers from the North America Auto Design Division of American Honda is currently hard at work for this particular feat.

Official unveiling 28 February 2023

Not a lot of details have been shared regarding this track-oriented Honda CR-V apart from it carrying a hybrid powertrain that punches out a whopping 800hp and its official reveal date will be on 28 February 2023.

They've also released a short teaser video showcasing some snippets of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer project car. From this, we can conclude that it's going to be designed to look like the CR-V, but everything else under the full carbon fibre exterior shell is nothing but bespoke such as its tube frame chassis and more.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of powertrain the American Honda boys and girls will be using for this particular project but for now, we'll just have to wait for its global reveal set for 28 February 2023. Will it race anywhere? Pikes Peak comes to mind.


Sprint Highway Sees 18 Hour Road Closure On Sunday, September 6

Those that will be commuting along the Spring Highway in Kuala Lumpur should take note that on Sunday, September 6
th
, there will be an 18 hour road closure from 12am to 6pm.
The closure will occur at KM3.6 which is in front o f Phileo Damansara and Eastin Hotel, as reported by
Bernama
, to facilitate construction work for the MRT station entrance link bridge, according to MMC Gamuda KVMRT deputy director Adil Putra.
“This total closure is necessary as we need a safe working space to cater our heavy machineries that are needed for the installation works,” said Adil at a press conference.
He added that during the closure, motorists that are heading
in the direction of Kuala Lumpur from Petaling Jaya, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bandar Utama, or from the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)
 would need to make a U-turn and left into Jalan Tan Sew Pow, back onto the Sprint Highway then turn into Jalan 17/21.
They would have the option of turning left into Jalan 17/21 or to join Jalan Universiti before joining Jalan Dato’ Abu Bakar in order to resume their journey along the Sprint towards KL.
Motorists driving on the Sprint
from Kuala Lumpur toward Petaling Jaya, TTDI, or the NKVE
, however, would be able to turn into Jalan Dato’ Abu Bakar, turn right into Jalan 16/16 before turning right again onto Jalan 17/1 in order to continue on their journey.
During the closure duration, the appropriate traffic signage will be erected to alert road users of the diversion. Additionally, flagmen and police traffic personnel will be posted in the surrounding areas to ensure smooth flowing.


Epic Korean Driver Rescues Lorry From Near-Certain Flipping

What do you think would have happened after the moment pictured above?
If you were expecting the tale of another flipped lorry to follow causing the inevitable kilometre-long jam, you’re in for a surprise.
A video posted on the official
Facebook
 page of
YTN News
, a South Korea-based broadcaster showed dashboard cam footage capturing how the driver of a lorry was forced into emergency brake resulting the lorry frighteningly losing control and on the verge of toppling over.
The lorry swerved from right to left on toward the fast lane where a passing vehicle narrowly managed to overtake the wobbling lorry and onto safety.
What happened next defied belief as the lorry driver miraculously brought the lorry back on four wheels, albeit with its hazard lights blinking. That's nerves of steel, plus not inconsiderable skill, plus a fair bit of good luck.
Give this driver a medal.
Follow
this link
 to view the video on
YTN News’
 official FB page
.
Special thanks to
Malaysian EVO
 for the tip.


Experience Mercedes-Benz S-Class Luxury When You Fly Emirates First Class

Mercedes-Benz and Emirates Airlines have joined forces to completely redesign the First Class suite aboard Emirates' Boeing 777 fleet, drawing inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ interior.
The cooperation between both companies first began in 2014, when design teams exchanged ideas on the latest design trends and innovations. For the first time, aircraft interior designers took inspiration from automotive design in their work.
After three years of work involving numerous drafts and tests, Emirates' new First-Class private suite will now take to the skies.
Elements inspired by the S‑Class include the choice of materials, workmanship processes, the controls and ambient light system. This and other modern technology, such as virtual windows, and a function adapted from NASA space travel is meant to produce a sense of weightlessness to occupants.
Besides the flying experience, passengers flying in the new Emirates First Class cabins can make use of an S-Class chauffeur service for door-to-door transfer to and from the Dubai airport.
Dr Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars added, “We are delighted about the partnership with Emirates, which is one of the most well-known airlines in the world. With immediate effect, travellers in the Emirates First Class are now also able to enjoy the sense of luxury of our Mercedes-Benz S‑Class above the clouds”.


Proton X70 CBU Dipanggil Semula – Tukar Ganti Kipas Radiator Secara Percuma

SUV pertama yang dikeluarkan Proton pada tahun 2018,
Proton X70 versi CBU
 atau
completely built-up
 (diimport sepenuhnya) kini telah dipanggil semula ekoran komponen kipas radiatornya yang bermasalah.

Berikutan banyak pengguna yang menghadapi masalah pada kipas radiator Proton X70 versi CBU sebelum ini, Proton telah bertindak memanggil semula unit CBU terlibat untuk digantikan kipas radiatornya secara percuma.

Tukar Kipas Radiator

Menurut Syakir Azman, seorang pemilik X70 CBU di Facebook, beliau telah menghubungi HQ Proton untuk mengesahkan perkara ini dan HQ Proton mengesahkan bahawa sebahagian unit CBU sedang dipanggil semula untuk menggantikan kipas radiator berkenaan.

Menurut Memo dalaman Proton yang tersebar, unit CBU yang dipanggil ini menggunakan kipas radiator yang dihasilkan oleh Valeo yang dipasang pada unit-unit terawal yang melibatkan sebahagian unit bernombor casis sebelum L6T7742Z8KU043589.

Unit selepas nombor casis berkenaan telah pun menggunakan kipas radiator buatan LangXin, yang dikatakan telah dinaik taraf kualitinya berbanding sebelum ini.

Memo dalaman tersebut turut memberitahu bahawa semua pusat servis wajib untuk menggantikkan kipas radiator pelanggan yang terlibat bermula:

21 Mei 2022 untuk semenanjung Malaysia

1 Jun 2022 untuk Sabah dan Sarawak

Penggantian Percuma

Penggantian kipas radiator bagi unit yang terlibat juga adalah percuma dan komponen tersebut akan ditukar sepenuhnya oleh pusat servis Proton yang sah.

Menurut resit yang dikongsikan oleh seorang pemilik X70 di Facebook, Norfizri Johardo, tiada sebarang bayaran dikenakan pada kipas tersebut. Namun pemilik mungkin perlu melakukan pembayaran tambahan sekiranya ada komponen lain yang ditukar, misalnya hos
ventilation
rosak

mahupun bendalir penyejuk kereta perlu ditambah.

Semak Melalui Aplikasi MyProton

Selain itu, anda juga boleh menyemak sama ada unit CBU X70 anda terlibat atau tidak melalui aplikasi MyProton. Klik pada Product Update untuk melihat sama ada perlu ditukar atau tidak.

Menurut beberapa pengguna X70 di Facebook, ada pusat servis yang memerlukan 2-3 jam untuk menukar kipas radiator tersebut manakala ada juga pusat servis yang mahukan kereta ditinggalkan sehingga 2-3 hari.

Jika anda masih lagi kurang pasti sama ada X70 CBU anda terlibat atau tidak, hubungi sahaja pusat servis Proton terdekat untuk mendapatkan pengesahan.
Unit CKD Proton X70
 yang dipasang di
Tanjung Malim
 dan dilancarkan pada 2020 tidak terlibat langsung dengan panggilan semula ini.


Manual Transmission Toyota Supra Now On Sale - What Does It Feel Like?

Toyota has done it and produced the new-age Supra with a manual transmission, but what does the transmission feel like to drive?

The Supra name is one of the most iconic sports car names
going back decades
. So when Toyota revived the Supra a few years ago, there was a lot of hype surrounding the car.

When the new age Supra arrived, there were many things to like about it, but it had a glaring problem, and that snag was the fact that it
didn't come with a manual transmission
.

Manual transmission only available in 3.0-litre Supra

Well, it seems like Toyota has heeded the many complaints regarding this issue and has built a Supra with a stick shift.

The 2023 Supra which is now available with three pedals, is a godsend for the purist who has been loudest about this matter and to put a sweetener on this new option for the Supra, Toyota is offering it as a no-cost option on the 3.0 and 3.0 Premium models.

The new six-speed transmission is unfortunately only mated to the Supra's 3.0-litre turbocharged 382HP inline-six engine while the 2.0-litre four-banger remains automatic only.

We all know that the Supra is
primarily based on BMW's Z4 Roadster
 and that car only comes in an automatic, so Toyota has had to create their own packaging for the manual setup, which has seen things moved around a little bit in the centre console, including pushing the infotainment control wheel out a bit further to the side. The pedals too are a snug fit, with the clutch pedal being placed close to the footrest.

According to Car and Driver, the "manual-equipped cars get a shorter final-drive ratio—3.46:1 versus the eight-speed auto's 3.15:1—but the manual's individual gear ratios are considerably taller than the automatic's and overall gearing for the manual is on average 18% taller."

Automatic rev-matching is on by default, but it can be deactivated if you configure the Individual mode, which is probably what drivers who like to get into a bit of heel-and-toe action will do.

First impression of the manual Supra?

According to Car and Driver, who's had the opportunity to test it, the clutch pedal has a long and linear travel action, making it easy for drivers to get the car to set off from a standstill. The shifter action also seems excellent as the small-diameter shift ball and narrow gates are reportedly precise. "Gears engage with satisfying resistance, like a greased ball joint popping into the socket."

The six-speed transmission is a ZF sourced unit with a large reinforced clutch assembly. Weight savings versus the automatic is minuscule, coming in at around 10 kilograms.

The only advantage,
yet an important one
 of the manual Supra is, of course, the fun factor, because everything else is better done in the automatic including the 0-100km/h time. The manual Supra is a few tenths slower than the automatic and the 8-speed auto Supra also returns better fuel economy.


Ford Reveals What Makes The New Fiesta ST So Fun To Drive

Ford has announced the addition of a few new technologies which, according to the brand, will deliver the most responsive, engaging and fun-to-drive Fiesta ST ever.
The features include an optional mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) for optimised cornering grip, better rear-end responsiveness and a more connected feel, an optional Launch Control system supported by a dedicated graphical display in the instrument cluster, and, as a segment-first, Ford-patented force vectoring springs for a sharper turn-in.
Revealed last year, the all-new Fiesta ST is powered by a new 200 PS, three-cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine which, for the first time, features selectable drive modes that enable engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings.
The hot-hatch also features Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine for further improved fuel efficiency, active exhaust valve technology to amplify the engine sound, SYNC 3 connectivity, B&O PLAY audio, and driver assistance technologies such as Lane Keeping Aid and Traffic Sign Recognition.
According to Ford, the new Fiesta ST’s sporty character is further enhanced using a bespoke steering knuckle design, unique EPAS calibration with 12:1 steering ratio – the fastest of any Ford Performance model and 14 per cent faster than the previous generation Fiesta ST200, and high performance braking system with 278 mm vented front and 253 mm solid rear discs.
Available from launch in both three-door and five-door bodystyles with sporty ST exterior styling and standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloy wheels , the all-new Fiesta ST will offer customers a greater degree of choice with ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3 equipment levels.
While exterior colours include Frozen White, Magnetic, Moondust, Performance Blue, Race Red, Shadow Black, Silver, and Silver Fox, standard interior features include Recaro seats, ST gearknob, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with stitching that is replicated on the leather handbrake lever and gear-lever.
“Hot-hatch drivers are expecting big things from this small car. We’ve applied what we’ve learned from recent Ford Performance models including the Focus RS and Ford GT to develop an all-new Fiesta ST that sets a new standard for driving fun in its segment, with a throaty three-cylinder soundtrack that will speak to petrol-heads whatever their language,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe.


The Pioneer of ESP, Mercedes Celebrates 25 Years of Stability Control

25 years ago, Mercedes Benz introduced three simple alphabets to introduce Electronic Stability Control (Electronic Stability Programme in Mercedes' language) to the world. While these three simple alphabets are not as popular as Hp and Nm, ESP remains one of the most essential parts of the car to help keep its passengers safe and sound.

ESP supports the driver in critical driving situations by applying a measured braking force to one or more wheels and – if necessary – by adjusting the engine torque. This allows the vehicle to follow the direction specified by the steering angle. In May 1995, ESP had its series production premiere in the Mercedes-Benz coupé of the 140 model series.

If you do not think much of ESP, allow us to indulge you in a story about the ESP from Mercedes Benz's own archive. During a test in 1997 called the "Moose Accident Test", the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class failed the test miserably as the compact car exceeded its dynamic driving limits and toppled over while attempting an abrupt evasive maneuver.

The delivery of the A-Class was postponed for twelve weeks and the ESP assistance was retrofitted to all the A-Classes as a standard component with resounding results: the A-Class now fared better than its competitors, even in extreme tests. In 1999, Mercedes-Benz then became the first brand to equip all of its passenger-car models with this driving safety system as a standard feature. This step sent a signal to the entire industry.

Initially, Mercedes-Benz was the world's first manufacturer to introduce ESP as a standard feature across the board for all of its model series. After this, the number of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars involved in road accidents with serious consequences fell by more than 42 percent, while the figure for models from other brands fell by only 13 percent, according to accident statistics.

Speaking of ESP, let's take a look at some local cars that come with ESP as standard equipment. All European cars since 2014 are required to be equipped with ESP, but unfortunately, local cars are not.

Perodua calls their ESP Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). These are the list of Perodua vehicles with VSC.

Bezza 1.3 AV, Bezza 1.3 X, Axia 1.0 AV Automatic, Axia 1.0 SE Automatic, Axia 1.0 Style Automatic, Axia 1.0 Gxtra, Aruz all models, Myvi All models, Bezza 1.3 AV, Bezza 1.3 X Automatic.

Proton's version of the ESP is called Electronic Stability Control (ESC). These are the list of Proton vehicles that come equipped with it.

X70 all models, Proton Saga Premium AT, Persona all models, Iriz all models, Exora Premium, Perdana 2.4L

Has ESP saved you? Tell us in the comments.


Ferrari Launches New Limited-Edition Icona Series, Debut With Monza SP1 and SP2

Ferrari’s latest limited-edition Icona series consists of two super special automobiles, the Monza SP1 and the Monza SP2.
Unveiled on occasion of the company’s Capital Market’s Day in Maranello, Italy, the limited-edition models draw inspiration from iconic Ferraris from the post-war era; the 1948 166 MM together with the 750 Monza and 860 Monza.
Both the Monza SP1 (only driver’s seat) and Monza SP2 (driver and passenger seats) are based on a windscreen-less design, with minimalist form and refined detail, all in carbon fibre construction. The company says the feeling of driving either model is the closest experience to Formula 1.
Under the front-hinged carbon fibre bonnet-wing assembly lies the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 from the
812 Superfast
coupe
. Ferrari says this is their most powerful engine ever built, with outputs of 810 hp (additional 10 hp) and 719 Nm of torque. Weighing at just 1,500 kilograms, both cars will reach 200 km/h in 7.9 seconds, with 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.
Ferrari says the top speed is in excess of 300 km/h. In order to control the airflow in absence of the traditional glass windscreen, a Virtual Wind Shield has been incorporated into the fairing ahead of the meter cluster and steering wheel.
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 are said to be made to an unconfirmed limited run of 200 units and all units already allocated.
Wall Street Journal also reports that the launch of these limited-edition models that are of ultra-exclusivity and thus with exorbitant transaction prices are part of the new CEO Louis Camilleri’s five-year plan to double its profits and increase volume by 2022.


‘Future Of Safety With Ford’ Tour Ongoing At 1 Utama From 6-7 August 2015

Ford Malaysia kicked off its ‘Future of Safety with Ford’ tour today which will be showcased at 1 Utama Shopping Centre on August 6 and 7 from 10am to 8pm to promote greater road safety awareness, with tips for drivers as well as a showcase of safety and driver assistance technologies.
The tour is open to the public with free admission and whether you’re a vehicle driver or passenger, there is a lot to learn here during the 40-minute safety briefings that incorporate a series of exhibits and interactive displays that help showcase
Ford’s
 innovative safety technologies available now, and in the future.
Among the insightful things participants will learn about during the tour include the importance of fitting a child seat in vehicles, especially for parents where they will also receive advice on choosing the right child seat, purchasing them new rather than used, and the proper method to install them correctly.
Expecting parents will also gain safe driving tips during pregnancy such as the proper positioning of the seatbelt when it is being worn. To help future fathers or regular men get a sense of what it is like to be behind the wheel of a car as a pregnant woman, they can put on the Empathy Belly seen here, helping them simulate the restricted movement experienced during pregnancy.
The Empathy Belly is just one of the many specially designed suits that Ford engineers use while developing vehicles to ensure that they address the needs of drivers with specific mobility issues. Others include the Third Age Suit that simulate the effects age can have on your senses and another that simulates being under the influence.
Participants will also be able to enjoy hands-on demonstrations of various Ford innovations including SYNC 2, the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seatbelts, and other driver assistance systems – Adaptive Cruise Control, Active City Stop, and the new MyKey which is a feature on the
all-new Ford Mondeo
.
Looking forward, Ford will be looking towards making vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication a reality. You may not know if you want the technology but as William Clay "Bill" Ford Jr., great-grandson of Henry Ford and executive chairman of Ford Motor Company says, “At Ford, we’re going to figure out what people want before they even know it and then we are going to give it to them.”


Naza Announces Raya Promo For Kia and Peugeot, Savings Up To RM 18,000

Naza Automotive Group has announced that it is offering exclusive deals for Kia and Peugeot from now until the end of June.
For Kia, Naza Kia Malaysia is treating its loyal customers to a complimentary holiday package worth up to RM10,000 this Hari Raya to a holiday destination of customers’ choice, with a purchase of selected Kia models during the Cuti-Cuti Kia Raya promotion.
Additionally, customers are also entitled to complimentary Kia merchandise by simply test-driving any Kia vehicle from now until 30
th
 May 2019.
Peugeot Malaysia on the other hand, is also rewarding customers through the Peugeot Raya Drive campaign. Available at all Peugeot showrooms nationwide, customers can save up to RM18,000 with the special Raya Bonus price tag on selected models including the Peugeot 208 PureTech, as well as the Peugeot 5008 SUV.
In addition, customers who purchase the Peugeot 3008 crossover will receive 5-year warranty, 3 years free service, and 1 year free insurance.
Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd is also offering great deals with a wide selection of vehicles all under one roof at the Naza Automall PJ for a limited duration, with weekend special prices on selected models. Promotions will last until 5
th
 June 2019.
For more deals from Kia click
here
, and for best deals from Peugeot click
here
.


Audi A6 And A7 Sportback Now Available In 2.0 TFSI quattro Trims

Audi Malaysia has announced the introduction of 2.0 TFSI quattro variants of the A6 sedan and the A7 Sportback five-door coupé.
Powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder, inline petrol engine coupled with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the 2.0 TFSI quattro versions of the A6 and A7 Sportback are priced from RM407,900 and RM484,900 respectively.
According to Audi Malaysia, the Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro slots in between the entry-point Audi A6 1.8 TFSI (RM327,900) and the range-topping Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro (RM487,900), and looks almost identical with its larger-engined variant with the only exception being its 18-inch 10-spoke V-design alloy wheels.
As for the Audi A7 2.0 TFSI quattro, Audi Malaysia says that the newly launched variant provides a more accessible option for those who have wanted to purchase the A7.
With an exterior that is identical to the 3.0 variant (RM625,900), the A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro comes with features like the Aluminium Ellipse silver inlays, electrically adjustable sport seats with  four-way lumbar support, as well as Alcantara-leather combination in the cabin.
Both the A6 2.0 TFSI quattro and the A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro come with an array of electronic features like start/stop system with energy recovery, tyre pressure loss indicator, hill descent control, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a total of eight airbags.


Volvo Begins Field Tests Of Autonomous Cars With Swedish Families

Volvo Cars will from today start developing its autonomous drive cars with help from Swedish families who will test their cars on the public roads of Gothenburg and communicate their impressions to Volvo Cars' engineers.
Dubbed the Drive Me project - the first two Swedish families, the Hains and the Simonovskis from the Gothenburg area, have now received the
Volvo XC90
 SUV fitted with Volvo’s latest driver assistance technology, and an array of cameras and sensors to monitor their behavior and provide the car with information on its surroundings.
During the initial stages, drivers will still keep their hands on the steering wheel and supervise the driving at all times when using their cars. But, over time, all participants in the Drive Me project will gradually be introduced to more advanced assisted driving cars, after receiving special training. Even then, testing these more advanced cars will initially take place in controlled environments with supervision from a Volvo Cars safety expert.
Three more families will join the Hains and the Simonovskis early next year and over the next four years, up to 100 people will be involved in the Drive Me project.


2017 BMW 5 Series (G30) Revealed; Petrol, Diesel, PHEV Variants From 190hp to 462hp

Just a day after
official images leaked onto the Internet
, BMW has promptly pulled the veils off its seventh-generation 5 Series. Set to renew its fierce rivalry with the
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 in the premium executive segment, the all-new G30 5 Series receives a whole suite of cutting edge technology from the
7 Series
 above it.
Built on a shortened version of the
7 Series’
 OKL platform, the G30 seeks to build on the
outgoing F10 model’s
 success by embracing an evolutionary styling over its predecessor. Whilst its front fascia carries the new family look that started with the
G11 7 Series
, the overall profile is a familiar one.
Design – Bigger, More Aerodynamic
Despite its apparent similarities with the predecessor’s shape, however, the new 5 Series is more slippery through the air, cutting through the wind with a low Cd of 0.22 – a new segment benchmark, claims BMW.
Dimensionally, the G30 makes incremental gains over the F10, though make no mistake, this car has grown in all directions (F10’s size in parenthesis):
Length: 4,936mm (4,907mm)
Width: 1,868mm (1,860mm)
Height: 1,479mm (1,464mm)
Wheelbase: 2,975mm (2,968mm)
Separately, a China-only long wheelbase model will be introduced at a later date.
A total of 21 colours will be offered with the G30, and rim sizes range from 17 right up to 20 inches. LED headlamps are standard across the board. Trim packages on offer are Sport Line, Luxury Line, and the full-on M Sport package with lowered suspension.
Engines – Petrol, Diesel, PHEV; 190hp – 462hp
A suite of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains will be made available, most of them built around BMW’s latest B-series modular engines. Cylinder count varies from four to eight, with Munich’s famed inline-six layout slotting in between. Displacement ranges between 2.0 and 4.4 litres, all engines being turbocharged and direct injected.
Four powertrains will hit the ground running on its global launch date of 11 February 2017. Each engine can in turn be paired with either rear- or all-wheel drivetrains, those opting for the latter configuration gaining an xDrive suffix in their model designations.
530i:
2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 252hp, 350Nm
540i:
 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrol, 340hp, 450Nm
520d:
 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel, 190hp, 400Nm
530d:
 3.0-litre 6-cyl diesel, 265hp, 620Nm
The above catalogue of engines will then be swiftly followed by a further three a month later:
530e iPerformance:
 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol PHEV, 252hp, 420Nm
520d EfficientDynamics Edition:
2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel, 190hp, 400Nm
M550i xDrive:
 4.4-litre V8 petrol, 462hp, 650Nm
Further along the way, we expect a further widening of the powertrain portfolio, particularly with regards to the petrol offerings as far as our market is concerned. There is also the matter of the M5 performance flagship that will arrive in due course to crown the range.
An increasing rarity in the segment, BMW will still be offering the 5 Series with a 6-speed manual transmission, although this option will only be available in the 520d. All other variants in the range come with an 8-speed automatic as standard. It is worth noting that, as in the outgoing F10 model, the 520d automatic is faster to 100km/h and also more frugal than its manual transmission counterpart.
The table below summarizes the performance and fuel economy stats of the new 5 Series (xDrive models indicated in parenthesis):
Chassis – 100kg Weight Reduction
An intelligent mix of materials has helped the G30 5 Series reduce up to 100kg of weight over the F10 whilst also increasing body strength and torsional stiffness. For the environmentalists, this translates to better fuel economy; for us the enthusiasts, we are anticipating even better dynamics as a result.
Whilst it does not get the Carbon Core structure of the G11 7 Series, the G30 gets a generous dosage of aluminium, high-tensile steel, and magnesium in its structure. BMW also claims to have reworked the acoustics package with better materials that are able to simultaneously reduce noise levels whilst also weighing less.
Critical load-bearing members of the G30 utilize high- and ultra-high-tensile steel for strength, whilst outer body panels, engine cross member, rear side member, and roof are made of aluminium. The passenger safety cell, meanwhile, mixes hot-stamped steels, aluminium alloys, and multi-phase steels for maximum crash protection. Finally, instrument panel mountings are made of magnesium for weight reduction.
The G30 features double wishbone front suspension coupled with a five-link rear setup. Whilst nominally similar to its predecessor, both front and rear suspensions are of completely new design. Adaptive dampers are optional. As with the F10, the G30 also offers the option of rear-wheel steering which in the BMW options list will read ‘Integral Active Steering’.
Driver Assistance – Keeps You From Being A Douchebag
A wide range of active and
autonomous driver assistance systems
 are offered in the G30 5 Series.
Car-to-Car Communication, Hazard Preview:
 Much like Waze, if another car detects a hazard, everybody in the vicinity is warned. The difference here is that the function is automated and integrated to the vehicle; subject to it being part of the inter-connected BMW fleet, of course.
Side Collision Warning:
 An extension Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning already available today, Side Collision Warning warns of vehicles encroaching from your blind spot and will autonomously apply steering inputs to steer your vehicle away. Part of the optional Driving Assist Plus package and operational from 70 to 210 km/h.
Evasion Aid:
 For situations where an obstacle (car, cow, human, whatever) suddenly appears in your path, evasion aid works in tandem with the electronic stability control system and assists your steering input to allow you to steer your vehicle around the obstacle without losing stability. Part of the optional Driving Assist Plus package, and operational at speeds up to 160 km/h.
Priority & Wrong-Way Warning:
 May be BMW is taking all those jokes about their drivers to heart. Priority warning sounds visual and audio warnings if detects that the driver is violating another vehicle’s right of way. Wrong-way warning is even better; it detects if the driver is turning the wrong-way into a one-way street. Also part of the optional Driving Assist Plus package.
Adaptive Navigation:
 The integrated GPS system has an adaptive logic that learns the driver’s pattern. If the driver consistently diverts from a suggested route, the system will in future adjust its routing to follow the driver’s preference. In certain markets, maps are automatically updated FOC for the first three years.

The above features come in addition to a number of others that were already
introduced earlier in the G11 7 Series
, such as Gesture Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Remote Controlled Parking, and Surround View parking camera.
New Convenience Features
Semi-automated driving
 - Like the 7 Series, the all-new 5 Series is capable of semi-automated driving. When the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and Lane keeping assistant is paired with the optional Intelligent Speed Assist feature, the 5 Series can drive itself at speeds of up to 210 km/h. The driver is relived of acceleration, braking and steering duties, but of course, for legal reasons, the driver is still required to keep his hands on the wheel – else the system will disengage after three repeated warnings.
Intelligent Auto Start Stop
 – The engine’s auto start-stop function is now improved further. It now adjusts its responses to the route and traffic conditions and therefore offers even greater driving comfort.
Remote parking
 - Like the 7 Series, the all-new 5 Series comes with an optional the optional Remote Parking system. It allows the BMW 5 Series Sedan to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key.
New iDrive
 - In top specification, it displays navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen. The system can be operated using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls directly.
Larger HUD
 - The latest-generation full-colour BMW Head-Up Display has a projection surface that is 70 per cent larger than before and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.
Improved comfort for rear passengers
 - The rear section of the cabin now features extended storage options, greater legroom, and comfort seats with massage function, which can be controlled using touch sensors. The four-zone climate control system comes with ionisation and discreet air fragrancing functions.
Production – Dingolfing, Magna Steyr, Shenyang
Like all its forebears since 1973, global
production of the all-new 5 Series
 will be led by BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria. The vehicle will roll off two production lines – on one line it will be built alongside the 3 Series GT and 4 Series, on the other along the 6 Series and 7 Series.
In anticipation of strong demand, BMW will also be rolling the 5 Series off the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria from Spring 2017. The China-only long-wheelbase models will be built in Shenyang.
There is no official indication of when the G30 will be launched in Malaysia, but we are speculating a similar time table to what the company practiced with the F10 – launch of CBU models within six months of its global premiere followed by local assembly shortly after. Expect the 2.0-litre turbo versions to once again form the core of our line-up.


Anwar: Traffic jams take a major toll on productivity of Malaysians

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has stated what we all have been saying for how many years -
traffic jams
 suck and affects productivity.

When productivity is affected, losses are reported and when money is involved, it must be resolved. We've all lost count of how many hours we've spent getting stuck in traffic during those awful rush hours to and from the office.

*Image credit: The Star

For this very reason, a new Cabinet committee has been formed to tackle two very important aspects - traffic congestion and public transportation matters.

According to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, "Problems of public transportation and traffic congestion will affect productivity (and) the country because of the hours wasted by employees getting to work."

This newly-formed Cabinet committee will be chaired by our Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Together with other Cabinet ministers, they will look into ways of resolving traffic congestion issues as well as other pertaining matters in relation to public transportation.


2017 All-New Thai Market Honda CR-V Gets i-DTEC Diesel Engine

Honda Automobile Thailand have confirmed the upcoming all-new Honda CR-V, will be offered for the first time, with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine, and paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.6L i-DTEC 4-cylinder turbo engine was developed by Honda’s engineering team in Japan under its “Earth Dreams” technology program.
The key system features of the 1.6L i-DTEC 4-cylinder Turbo engine are a 2-stage turbo system, which is able to create high torque at low engine speeds. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC is also very light, some 47kg lighter than the previous 2.2-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel engine, thanks to an aluminium cylinder head and open-deck aluminium engine block.
The engine produces of 160hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 350Nm at 2,000 rpm, while still managing frugal fuel economy of 5.3litres/100km. When paired to the 9-speed automatic transmission, emits 141 g/km of CO2.
The all-new Honda CR-V was
launched for the North American market
 recently, based on
recent spy shots
, hint at a Thai market launch very soon.
The Malaysian market
should also receive
 the all-new Honda CR-V in 2017, however, the diesel engine it is unlikely to be offered here. Thailand's
emissions based excise duty structure
dictates, that low-CO2 emitting diesel vehicles which enjoy greater tax breaks are needed over there.
Malaysia's insistence on
rolling out B10 biodiesel
 adds another layer of uncertainty to manufacturers, while the necessary Euro 5 diesel grade is not yet available nationwide.


The Mercedes-Benz EQS Has A Yearly Paywall, And It's Pure Bull****

The Mercedes-Benz EQS has a paywall that wants you to pay to unlock more features of the car. Imagine that!

Imagine paying top dollar (Ringgit? Euro? Dogecoin?) for a brand new
top-of-the-line fully electric flagship limousine from Mercedes-Benz
, only to find out that certain features have been locked away behind yet another paywall? That's exactly what was first uncovered by German publication
Auto Motor und Sport
.

Worse? That said feature will cost you 490 Euros (roughly RM2,450) to unlock each year. Essentially, you will be subscribing to access features already present in a car that you already paid for, allowing automakers like Mercedes-Benz to indefinitely milk you for money.

Think about that. And then think about how scummy and anti-consumer that really is, and then think about how much scope there will be for even more manipulative actions to be taken along the same lines by less scrupulous manufacturers if this becomes a common practice.

Degrees Of Denial

In the Mercedes-Benz EQS, each example comes with rear-axle steering, meaning that every unit has the same mechanical components for this function from the factory. However, this system is limited by software to only articulate by a maximum of 4.5 degrees.

Its actual limit is actually a full 10 degrees, which will give the EQS a narrower turning circle and potentially make the car more agile through the corners, but for which you’ll have the option of paying an extra RM2,450 for every year to enjoy.

Don’t want to pay every 12 months? Is that too inconvenient? In that case, Mercedes-Benz will happily let you pay for 3 years at a time for a single payment of 1,169 Euros (RM5,850) - just to unlock the full 10 degrees of steering articulation at the rear axle. What the actual ****.

You might argue that RM2.4k each year or RM5.8k every 3 years is barely a blip on the financial radar for someone who would be spending over a million Ringgit on their electric super-luxury limousine, but if we turn a blind eye to this, pretty soon we’ll be seeing automakers start to sell us our cars in pieces, and probably for even more money at the end of the day. Before you know it, even seatbelts will be behind a paywall.

You might feel disconnected from this
first world problem
 right now but make no mistake, this is the start of a dangerous trend for the automotive industry. And it’s one that’s been building momentum for some time now as cars get more and more digitised and dependent on electronics.

This Has Happened Before. Many Times

At first, buyers of performance cars would be presented with a vehicle that could easily sail past 300km/h but, unless they pay to have
the limiter
 removed, will run into a software-built wall at 250km/h. It was frustrating, but not enough to cause a massive uproar.

Then, more occurrences of this started to crop up. BMW famously made buyers in certain markets pay annually to use Apple’s CarPlay smartphone interfacing feature on their
iDrive
 infotainment systems despite Apple not charging automakers to support it.

This, at time when even
Honda Civic
s and other mass-market cars were equipping it as standard without asking another penny from you. That was a cash grab from BMW, plain and simple.

In 2016, Tesla pulled a similar but larger-scale stunt with
the Model S
 70, where the car would be fitted with a battery capable of holding 75kWh of charge but only making 70kWh available unless the owner paid an extra $250 for access to that 5kWh.

In 2017, Model S buyers who chose the cheaper 60kWh capacity found out that their cars too came with that same 75kWh battery, albeit artificially limited via software to only show 15kWh less, equivalent to about 50km in inaccessible driving range.

This Will Get Worse With Electric Vehicles

In plain facts, as we move away from internal combustion and into the EV-era, automakers will become even more inclined to resort to these kinds of underhanded and anti-consumer practices as the vehicles themselves don’t allow for revenue generation in their familiar ways.

Because electric vehicles are much less mechanically complex with only a handful of moving parts, the long-term revenue prospect from after-sales and repairs is significantly reduced - no more frequent fluid changes and
scheduled maintenance
 packages to uphold your warranty, fewer surprise parts replacements.

Consequently, they will have to find alternative ways to milk your wallet after you’ve paid for the car. This is one of them.

Deliberately cutting out features or limiting their use is a simple move on their part, putting down a few lines of code or less in the onboard system controller. You are deprived of features already put in place but are locked out behind an arbitrary paywall fuelled entirely by greed.

Because all our cars will be
connected to the internet
, this software ‘access’ won’t cost the automaker anything to enable, there are no parts to install and very little labour involved, and the vehicle did not cost any more to manufacture.

It’s the perfect scam.

For now, they're mostly harmless like in the Mercedes-Benz, but I hope you see how this can be so easily exploited in the future. Hopefully, informed car buyers will see past any PR nonsense they spew to justify denying us features in a car we already paid handsomely for.

Believe me, we’ll start seeing many more similar cases of these bait-and-switch tactics as more legacy manufacturers start morphing into EV makers. The floodgates are open and the EQS was only just the beginning.

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KLIMS 2018: Proton Previews X70 SUV, Premium 2WD Now With 19" Wheels

Waiting for Proton to launch the X70 is like waiting for a DJ in the club to drop the bass. It's one of the most hotly anticipated models of the year, as sources close to the company say it's likely to launch before we head into 2019.
We've covered the Proton X70 a lot
in previous articles
, so let this serve as a quick refresher for the debut model for the partnership between Proton and Geely. All variants of the Proton X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre TGDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There are going to be four variants at launch, one of which will be AWD and the remainder being 2WD (front wheel drive). Taking a leaf out of Honda's books, Proton is going to offer the top-of-the-range Premium model in 2WD only, as studies of the target demographic show that buyers of top-spec variants rarely take AWD into consideration with their purchase decisions.
The entry-level Standard variant is offered as 2WD only, while the two mid-range Executive variants come in 2WD or AWD flavours. The specifications list grows modestly as you work your way up through the range of variants, which can make it a little tougher to decide on which X70 best suits your needs.
There will also by five colour options available. Rather curious is the fact that not all colours are available on every variant. The Standard 2WD is only offered in Snow White or Armour Silver, while the Executive 2WD version adds Jet Grey and Cinnamon Brown onto the list of available paint colours.
Going up to the Executive AWD model drops the Armour Silver and Cinnamon Brown paint colours. The top spec Premium 2WD has all five colours, including the exclusive Flame Red. Are you confused yet?
What's worth noting is that there's been a small change to the top-spec Premium 2WD, in that it's gone from 18-inch wheels to 19-inch wheels. The reasons surrounding this are a little murky, but suffice to say it makes the exterior that little bit more premium and sets it apart from its peers.
The Premium 2WD also comes with a Brown Nappa Leather interior, while the Executive variants get Black Leatherette, and the Standard 2WD gets Black Fabric. From what we've seen of the interiors so far, this is a big step forward for Proton in the quality and fit and finish department, provided this attention to detail stays consistent over the course of its production lifespan.
The Proton X70 will be on display at KLIMS 2018 from the 23rd of November to the 2nd of December 2018, at MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre). Come by and check it out in the metal - it's definitely shaping up to be a serious rival to the established contenders in class.


All-New Toyota Corolla Altis Set For August Debut In Thailand

The all-new twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla Altis is set for an August debut in Thailand, according to
headlightmag
.
According to the site and recent spyshots, the Thai market Altis will look similar to the FAW Toyota version of the Corolla sedan. The FAW Toyota version of the Corolla sedan is one of the three global faces of the new Corolla sedan.
Similar to the all-new Camry and C-HR, the all-new Corolla Altis is built on the company’s TNGA platform. However, unlike the more sophisticated double wishbone rear suspension set-up found in the Camry and C-HR, the Corolla Altis gets a simpler multi-link set-up. Despite that, the multi-link set-up is still an improvement over the outgoing model’s rear torsion beam configuration.
Globally, the all-new Toyota Corolla sedan is available with a range of petrol engines. For the Thailand market model, headlightmag speculates that the engine choices will include a 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre petrol, while a 1.8-litre hybrid could be offered at a later date.
Looking for a new Toyota? Find for the best deals
here
.


AD: Is Motor Insurance Really Enough To Cover You?

We’re all familiar with the typical insurance spiel. Thinking about your future and planning for all eventualities – it’s a very typical conversation you might get with a nagging auntie or your parents, but deep down we know they’re not altogether wrong. Health insurance in particular is important for the unforeseen and the unpredictable, as is motor insurance (a mandatory item if you want to operate a vehicle on our roads). But what about personal injury? What happens if you get injured during an accident - what's your coverage then?
Motor vehicle insurance covers damage that occurs to your car, but rarely does it also comprehensively cover what happens to the occupants. When you’re younger and a little more frivolous, the consequences of an accident aren’t really something that crosses your mind – but things change quickly once you’ve started a family. In this day and age, with living and education costs growing ever larger, a dual income household has become the norm - and in some cases, the struggle begins long before you decide to have children.
But if something were to happen to you or your partner, your household income takes a steep nosedive. Time keeps on ticking, bills still need to be paid – on top of whatever hospital bills or damages that you need to cover personally. This is where insurance becomes an important thing to consider – and the earlier you apply for a scheme, the better. You may not worry about what happens to you, but your loved ones will have to endure the repercussions. With life already being so difficult, it's good to have a little bit of security on your side.
Takaful Malaysia aims to make the process as painless as possible. With their
my
Click PA scheme, your family is taken care of in the event of a serious accident that prevents you from working or takes you away from them. It works around the clock, covering all accidents, with double benefits for traffic accidents. There are no medical exams or complex application forms involved.
In the event of your untimely death, your family receives an up to RM 500,000 lump sun. This lump sum can also be paid directly to you in the event of a total and permanent disability due to an accident. But if it’s a traffic accident in particular, you or your family will receive up to RM 1,000,000 in compensation for death or permanent disability.
The price for all this? As low as 50 sen a day, or just over RM 180 a year, for reasonable coverage against death or disabilities. There are also optional add-ons for various other items, such as up to RM 10,000 for Accidental Major Surgery Benefit, RM 500 per day for Accidental Daily Hospital Income Benefit, RM 5,000 for Accidental Post Hospital Recovery Cash Benefit, and RM 5,000 for Accidental Medical Reimbursement Benefit.
It’s a morbid subject, and definitely not the kind of topic we like discussing openly, but that doesn’t change the reality of the situation. We live in an unpredictable world, and a safety net is something anybody can appreciate. For more information and to get a quote, click
right here
.


Man in Ipoh arrested for throwing nails on the road

A man in Ipoh was arrested by the police after he was caught throwing nails on the road while driving.

A short video clip of the man's despicable action of him scattering large nails while driving a black Nissan Almera has gone viral all over social media. His intentions for doing so are still unclear, but we can obviously see that he's up to no good. To watch the video,
CLICK HERE
.

Batu Gajah police stated that they've identified the suspect - a 45-year-old man in Changkat Larang who was arrested last weekend. Was he on drugs? Yes. Are we surprised? Nope. Were there any other reported cases of damaged tyres on the nearby roads where the suspect was caught on camera? Yes.

According to Batu Gajah police chief Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif, "The suspect has a drug-related criminal record and a urine test found him positive for methamphetamine. He has been remanded for four days to assist in investigations for committing mischief. However, his motive is still being investigated."


Mazda Mega Sales Carnival Happening This Weekend

Bermaz Motor, official distributor of
Mazda
 cars in Malaysia, will be holding their Mazda Mega Carnival this weekend – Saturday, 24
th
 October, and Sunday, 25
th
 October.
There, visitors will have a chance to walk away with their share of more than RM300,000 worth of bonanza vouchers and prizes that will be up for grabs throughout the Mazda Mega Carnival. There will also be fun games and exciting activities to keep you and yours entertained.
The all-new
Mazda2
 SKYACTIV with Sports kit will be on showcase. What’s more, for a limited time, those buying a new customers will take home a sports kit upgrade worth RM2,570 for their Mazda2 SKYACTIV for free.
There will also be Pre-Owned Mazdas at incredible prices (from RM65,000 onwards). These cars are fully inspected and certified to be in great condition and comes with a free maintenance plan and warranty.
Those interested can head down to Mazda Glenmarie this weekend located at: 7, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.


Banjir: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Tawar 30% Diskaun Untuk Semua Alat Ganti Hingga 31 Januari 2022

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 telah mengumumkan program bantuan
banjir
dalam usaha meringankan beban pelanggan mereka yang terjejas.

Kepada semua pemilik kenderaan Mercedes di seluruh Malaysia yang terkesan akibat banjir,
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia telah menawarkan:

Diskaun sebanyak 30% pada kesemua alat gantinya

Perkhidmatan tunda secara percuma oleh pengedar sah

Penilaian kerosakan secara percuma dengan pembayaran mudah tanpa faedah 0%

Kesemua tawaran yang diberikan ini
sah sehingga 31 Januari 2022.

Menurut Presiden dan CEO Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sagree Sardien, keselamatan para pelanggan mereka adalah keutamaan syarikat. Beliau serta seluruh rangkaian pengedar komited untuk memastikan pelanggan mereka serta kenderaan Mercedes-Benz mereka mendapat penjagaan yang diperlukan terutamanya ketika waktu sekarang.

Kesemua pemilik Mercedes-Benz yang terjejas boleh menghubungi pengedar sah pilihan masing-masing atau hubungi Pusat Bantuan Tepi Jalan & Khidmat Pelanggan Mercedes-Benz (24 jam) di talian 1-800-88-1133.


Review: Proton Persona - Punching Above Its Weight, Mostly...

We recently organised a B-segment shoot-out as it obviously is a very popular segment here in Malaysia, both for single young executives or even small families. The sole representative from Malaysia was of course the Proton Persona Premium CVT which I had the honour of commandeering and I'm proud to say it held its own!

Now just before you get into the meat of this review, do us both a favor and go check out our B-segment shootout
here
 and then come back to this review of the Proton Persona facelift.

Specifications:

Engine: 1.6-litre VVT four-cylinder engine

Horsepower: 107 hp at 5,750 rpm

Torque: 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: Punch CVT

Drive: Front wheels

Safety: 6-airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Stability control, Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, Reverse camera with dynamic guide lines

Price: RM53,700 (including SST, excluding road tax and insurance)

I generally almost always punch for the underdog, also there's a bit of a juara Malaysia in me, a sense of pride for almost anything Malaysian so the
Persona
 was the logical choice for me, especially in the context of the B-segment shootout.

But taken on its own merit, as a standalone review, is the
Proton Persona
 worthy of your consideration in the RM55k bracket seeing as how you've got the Bezza, Myvi, Iriz, Saga as well in the mix - ignoring segment, body style and to a certain extent price.

I'm not convinced that it is the best option given the others listed above but it does have its qualities.

Its zippy!
 I was quite taken aback by how well it handled even at speeds of between 90-110km/h. Steering was direct, torque was sufficient and it was dare I say it, FUN! It certainly took me by pleasant surprise at how well it managed to cilok, slow down and pick up speed again. It was very composed around some swervy roads or tight corners. I never had the impression that the car was going to step out of line. A very capable city run-about vehicle. I will however swap it for 16-inch wheels with some stickier tyres for better handling and less tyre roar if I ever bought one.

Now we come to the Proton Persona's
Punch CVT
. Unrefined, noisy, whiney - are only some of the adjectives that has been thrown at it and while all of that 'may' be true, for 90 percent of us 90 percent of the time it is negligible, heck I bet you won't even notice it. Yes, at times it was sluggish, at times it offered too low a ratio but that was more the exception than the norm. Put the Persona in D, point the steering wheel and it will go where you want it to.

It's comfortable enough
. The part-leather upholstery never felt squishy or too hot to sit in even after being parked for more than two hours under our scorching heat. Over long distances in excess of three hours, you might start to feel a little uncomfortable but that's more than can be said for the Proton X50, it's lack of thigh support had me bum aching within an hour. Rear occupant room is wide, airy and perfect for two. Generally in almost any sedan, regardless of price, you're most comfortable with two in the rear, sure you could fit three but you are going to feel a little squished over long drives. Its 510-litre boot space will carry your scooter, two luggage bags, tennis bag and pet dog with ease. Watch this video
here
 if you don't believe me.

The
Proton Persona
 has an ASEAN NCAP 5-star crash safety rating. For a car with its price tag, the safety features are impressive. Of course, you could argue the Bezza AV comes with ASA 2.0, is also NCAP 5-star rated, is cheaper at just under 50k but let's bear in mind, it is also smaller. If size is of lesser importance than safety, then the
Bezza
 is a very good proposition.

The 7-inch infotainment touchscreen unit was easy to maneuver and use. Connecting my phone via Bluetooth took all of 30 seconds. The sound emanating from the four speakers was clear even turned up loud, there was no 'cracking' of the speakers nor did it sound tinny. Again, more than adequate for us non-audiophiles who just like streaming their own music of choice while on the road.

All throughout my time with the Persona, my biggest gripe was the sound that permeated the cabin at highway speeds but hey turn up the volume and 'whoosh' it disappears. There really is nothing else that I found that annoyed or bugged me about this little B-segment sedan from Proton. Is it my favorite Proton sedan? No, that belongs to the
Saga
 but the Persona is a good enough sedan for someone looking to spend about RM55k for a car that can take you around the city and still manage the occasional balik kampung trips with ease. And maybe that is all it needs to be.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


Celebrate This Chinese New Year With Ang Pows From Chevrolet

The official distributor of
Chevrolet
 vehicles in Malaysia,
Naza
 Quest, is giving away some pretty awesome deals this Chinese New Year. Via its ‘Surprisingly Rewarding’ sales promotion, four models in the brand’s range will come with a variety of goodies when you purchase them anywhere between now, until the 28
th
 of February, 2015.
Here are the deals on offer
(*promotions are available while stocks last)
:
RM8,888 Ang Pow:
 Upon purchase of either a
Chevrolet Malibu
,
Orlando
 and
Colorado
Complimentary sports body kit (or Ang Pow):
 Upon purchase of a
Chevrolet Cruze
A five-year manufacturer’s warranty or 200,000km
 (whichever comes first): For
Malibu
,
Orlando
 or
Cruze
A three-year manufacturer’s warranty or 100,000km
 (whichever comes first): For the
Chevrolet Colorado
On top of being able to get up close with the models at your nearest showrooms, Chevrolet will also be hosting its Chevrolet United road show at The Curve Piazza, Mutiara Damansara. The event will take place from the 30
th
 of January (this weekend) to the 1
st
 of February, 2015.


2017 Proton Iriz Now Available From RM43,800

Proton has officially introduced the refined
2017 Proton Iriz
. The new model is now available in all Proton showrooms nationwide.
Visual changes include two new exterior colours, Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown. These two new colours will join Graphite Grey, Atlantic Blue and Cotton White as the colour choice for the new Iriz. The Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium receives a two-tone colour scheme, with the front grille, roof, spoiler and side mirrors painted in black. Both the Iriz 1.3 Standard and Executive remain visually identical to the predecessor.
Moving inside, the range-topping Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium receives red stitching to the leather wrapped steering wheel, seats and carpet. All Proton Iriz variants also receive new seat pattern with blue and red highlights, with the Premium variant featuring a leather and fabric. The dark chrome trim in the Iriz 1.6 Premium now has a glossy finish, which can be found around the gear lever, aircon vents and infotainment system surround. The meter cluster and gear shifter for CVT models are lifted from the Persona. Eco-Drive Assist Indicator is also available on the Iriz, across all variants. Keyless entry and push button engine start is now available on the Iriz 1.3 Executive, which was earlier only fitted to 1.6 variants of the Iriz.
Apart from visual updates, Proton has also improved the Iriz's refinement. As implemented in the Persona, the Iriz's engine now sits on three mounting points as opposed to four previously. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, this move is to the benefit of refinement, as it ensures that the engine sits firmly at all times as the mounts wear out. Think of those rocking tables at your neighbourhood mamak and you'll see what the point.
Safety features include ABS, Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System plus six airbags for the Iriz 1.6 Premium. Lesser models receive two airbags as standard.
Below are the prices for the updated 2017 Proton Iriz:
Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard MT - RM43,800
Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT - RM46,800
Proton Iriz 1.3 Executive CVT - RM50,800
Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT - RM58,800
All prices are OTR with insurance.


Proton To Become Global Brand For Geely’s Explosive Mass Market Push

We might not feel it now, but Proton sits on a powerful launchpad that could make it a big global brand in the coming years. We might not even recognise it later.

Right now, it’s no secret that Proton is on the up and up, with sales at a high despite the COVID-19 complications and perhaps one or more new models soon to be revealed. Adding to the national automaker’s rolling good times, it seems major stakeholder Geely has got even more ambitious plans in store, and it involves some significant tech transfer from Volvo as well as....wait for it....world domination. Exciting!

According to
Reuters
, the Chinese automotive group has accelerated its plan to become a truly global presence with Proton poised to play an integral part. In plainer English, prepare for the fast-tracked international fame of Malaysia’s first automaker. That is, if the report paints an accurate portrayal of the Group’s roadmap.

Sources within Geely’s senior officials say that the proven and technologically advanced Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) will underpin these new global cars, allowing them to streamline costs and develop multiple new models within a relatively short period of time. The platform has already seen action in cars such as the
Volvo XC40
, the
Polestar 2
 electric vehicle, and
several varieties of Lynk & Co
 cars.

Alongside CMA, Geely’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) will open up even more possibilities, not only serving as the basis for new B-segment models, as the name denotes, but also to transition Proton’s current range of smaller cars such as the Saga, Iriz, and Persona. This platform duo will also ease the task of harnessing Volvo’s technology as well as Geely’s prowess in supply chain management and local production. A high profile example of a car perched atop the BMA platform is of course the
incoming Proton X50
.

“CMA will be the core of Geely’s future architecture design ... We learn technologies and build up talents through developing it,”
 said Li Li, vice president at Geely Automobile Research Institute and former veteran Ford engineer, confirming the Proton plan during an interview in Ningbo, south of Shanghai.

The source within Geely declined to provide specifics on the ‘Proton plan’ such as a timeframe for these expansions or financial targets, but did hint at the substantial springboard effect that such a synergistic approach could produce.

At the core of Geely’s goal here is market share. Currently, its group-wide sales of over 2 million cars annually place it just outside of the world’s top 10, and there is only so little that can be done with both their in-house brands and Volvo. Respectively, they are either unknown to the rest of the world or, with regard to the Swedes, are never going to sell in the kind of volume to elevate them into those coveted ranks.

For all their merits, Geely still needs a mass-market brand with the potential to propel them into many foreign markets, which is exactly why Proton’s importance cannot be overstated. There’s little reason why the X70 would not be a rousing success if sold abroad, especially if done so at the right price while still offering the same world-class safety features and amenities that have made the SUV such a hit locally.

By all indications, the same could also be said of the soon-to-be revealed X50 as both would capitalise on the growing popularity of the soft-roading urban-centric SUV, and it’s especially critical to gain a foothold in this lucrative vehicle category in developing countries within regions such as Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, South America and the Middle East/Africa.

In addition to inheriting platforms from the Geely/Volvo co-development melting pot, Proton cars are already on their way to fully embracing their engines, which paves the way for plug-in hybrids and fully electric variants to be introduced in due time.

Reportedly, a wholly new vehicle architecture is also in the works that will focus on cost-effective electric powertrains alongside intelligent connectivity functions and autonomous driving capabilities, which future Proton models within this expansion plan are sure to be the prime beneficiary.

Before it begins in earnest, it looks like there’s a lot of reshuffling happening at the moment to align all of Geely’s leadership and resources behind this global push. While it’s very ambitious and could mean Proton’s permanent transformation, we cannot say what this will mean for it in the short term. Ready or not, Proton does seem to be strapped to a rocket ship, and though that sounds great, also get ready for it to change beyond recognition.

It also raises a very interesting question. Through Geely’s grand plan, should it come to pass that Proton is catapulted to become one of the most globally recognised vehicle brands in the world, would it also mean the abolition of the sales taxes and duties currently levied against foreign automakers within Malaysia? After all, wouldn't it be quite stupid to continue to selfishly protect/insulate our national automaker(s) when they’re already doing so well?


Stunning Toyota FT-1 Super GT Rendered

In early January last year, the
Toyota
 FT-1 Concept broke cover at the Detroit Auto Show which previewed the next-generation Supra. The previous Supra had competed in Japan’s Super GT race series, which currently includes a racing version of the all-new Honda NSX as well.
Although the finalised design of an all-new Supra has yet to be confirmed, that didn’t stop
Javier Oquendo Design
 from rendering this stunning Super GT racing version of the FT-1, complete with the aerodynamic aids as those seen on other Super GT competitors. That includes a large, raised rear wing, rear diffuser, and flared wheel arches. This is all topped off with a
TOM’s Racing-Castrol livery
 although the designer released another rendering without it as well.
With Toyota and
BMW
 currently working together in a sports car partnership, certain design cues from the FT-1 Concept is expected to make its way to the production car although no timeline or dates have been provided so far.


Jenis Penapis Kereta Dan Fungsinya – Mengapa Penapis Perlu Ditukar?

Memandangkan penapis (filter) memainkan peranan penting dalam aspek
penyelenggaraan kereta
, jadi penting untuk anda tahu segala jenis penapis yang ada pada kereta dan sebab-sebab untuk menukar penapis tersebut.

Sama seperti tuan kereta, kereta juga memerlukan udara dan cecair yang tidak tercemar untuk beroperasi dengan lancar. Bahagian enjin berfungsi dengan baik dan dijaga bersih oleh penapis-penapis yang berfungsi untuk menapis segala bahan cemar sambil membenarkan udara dan cecair bersih untuk melalui beberapa komponen pentingnya.

Jika salah satu daripada penapis ini tersumbat atau terlalu kotor, ia akan mendatangkan masalah kepada kereta dan perkara ini akan mempengaruhi prestasi keseluruhan kereta. Lagipun, penapis ini tidaklah semahal seketul enjin. Bahkan ia merupakan antara komponen kereta yang termurah. Murah bukanlah bermaksud ia tidak penting, tapi sebab ia murahlah anda kena sentiasa memberi perhatian kepada komponen ini supaya boleh ditukar apabila tiba masanya.

Terdapat 5 penapis utama pada setiap kereta. Ianya adalah:

Penapis minyak

Penapis udara

Penapis kabin

Penapis bahan api

Penapis transmisi automatik (ATF)

Untuk memastikan kereta sentiasa dalam keadaan cekap dan baik, penting untuk anda faham tentang jenis dan peranan penapis-penapis di atas supaya anda tahu bila komponen ini patut ditukar kecuali jika anda memang sukakan kereta yang bermasalah.

1. Penapis Minyak

Penapis minyak enjin berfungsi untuk membantu mengekalkan aliran minyak enjin yang berterusan ke seluruh komponen dalaman enjin yang bergerak sambil menapis segala kotoran, bendasing, minyak teroksidasi dan zarah logam yang mungkin muncul di dalam minyak enjin kerana kehausan enjin. Pendek kata, penapis ini membersihkan minyak enjin sehingga dapat melincirkan komponen enjin dengan cekap.

Penapis ini perlu ditukar setiap kali anda menukar minyak enjin kerana penapis lama yang tidak ditukar berkemungkinan besar akan tersumbat dan secara tidak langsung membenarkan segala kotoran melaluinya. Penapis tersumbat juga menjejaskan aliran minyak dan menyebabkan enjin haus pramatang, prestasi buruk, atau lebih teruk, kerosakan enjin.

2. Penapis Udara

Penapis udara
 merupakan komponen penting dalam pengambilan udara dalam membantu memastikan udara yang masuk ke enjin itu bebas daripada sebarang pencemaran. Penapis ini menghalang kotoran jalan raya, pepijat dan segala kotoran lain yang menghembus masuk ke dalam enjin melalui gril kereta. Penapis udara adalah salah satu penapis yang paling mudah diakses untuk diganti di dalam kereta dan harus ditukar setiap beberapa tahun. Sekiranya anda tinggal dan sering memandu di kawasan berdebu, anda dinasihatkan untuk menukarnya setiap tahun.

Penapis udara yang bersih membolehkan udara bersih untuk masuk ke dalam enjin dan memberikan prestasi terbaik pada kereta. Sayangnya, ramai yang sudah melupakan kewujudan penapis ini. jika anda telah
membeli kereta terpakai
, seeloknya, periksalah penapis ini kerana ia dapat memberitahu anda banyak perkara mengenai pemilik kereta sebelumnya dan sejauh mana kenderaan itu telah dijaga. Penapis udara yang teruk akan memakan lebih banyak bahan api dan menghasilkan asap hitam dari
ekzos
 kerana pembakaran bahan bakar tidak lengkap dan membawa kepada asap ekzos yang kotor.

3. Penapis Kabin

Penapis udara kabin
 memberikan udara bersih di dalam kabin anda. Ia menapis habuk dan bahan tercemar yang ada pada udara supaya anda dapat menghirup udara bersih semasa memandu. Walaupun ini tidak mempengaruhi kereta, ia mempengaruhi pemandu dan merupakan bahagian penting dalam sistem pengudaraan kabin.

Penapis kabin yang bersih akan memaksimumkan aliran udara sekaligus dapat membantu sistem pendingin hawa kereta agar sentiasa sejuk. Penapis udara kabin juga akan membantu menapis asap ekzos yang berbahaya untuk kesihatan anda. Menariknya, penapis udara kabin ini agak mudah diganti dan anda mungkin boleh melakukannya sendiri sahaja. Rujuk buku panduan kereta anda untuk info lebih lanjut mengenai kedudukan penapis ini pada kereta anda.

4. Penapis Bahan Api

Penapis bahan api pula berfungsi menghilangkan kotoran seperti habuk dan karat yang terdapat di dalam bahan bakar. Penapis bertindak untuk menapis kekotoran yang mungkin berlaku semasa pemindahan minyak dari kilang ke lori dan
stesen minyak.
 Dengan menyaring bahan cemar ini, penapis bahan api melindungi penyuntik dan pam bahan bakar anda daripada tersumbat dan memainkan peranan penting dalam mengekalkan prestasi dan ketahanan kereta anda.

Sekiranya penapis bahan bakar anda tersumbat, ia akan mengurangkan aliran bahan bakar dan menyebabkan enjin mati kerana enjin mengalami kesukaran untuk menarik bahan bakar. Selain itu, penapis yang tersumbat membuatkan pam bahan bakar tidak berfungsi dengan baik sekaligus menyebabkan kesukaran untuk menghidupkan enjin kereta serta menyebabkan daya pecutan kereta berkurang.

5. Penapis Transmisi Automatik (ATF)

Sama seperti penapis minyak enjin, penapis ATF ini menghilangkan kotoran, minyak teroksidasi dan zarah logam yang mungkin muncul dalam transmisi kerana kehausan transmisi. Walaupun ada yang menganggap penapis ATF ini sebagai komponen yang tidak penting untuk ditukar, tetapi transmisi automatik pada kereta amat bergantung pada sistem hidraulik yang memberi tekanan pada cecair dan menggunakannya untuk menggerakkan benda. Takkan anda tak mahu cecair itu bersih?

Oleh kerana penapis ini kebiasaannya terletak di bahagian transmisi itu sendiri, jadi penggantiannya agak sedikit mahal berbanding penapis lain. Jika anda merasakan transmisi anda tidak berfungsi dengan cekap, nampak gayanya minyak dan penapis transmisi kereta anda perlu diservis.

Berikut merupakan 5 penapis utama yang memainkan peranan penting pada kereta yang perlu anda tahu supaya bila anda pergi servis kereta nanti, boleh la anda suruh mekanik untuk tengokkan penapis-penapis ini. Jika anda langsung tak pernah periksa komponen tersebut sebelum ini, inilah masa yang paling sesuai!


Mercedes-Benz Starts Production Of A-Class L Sedan In China

Seven months after Mercedes-Benz started production of the new A-Class at its Rastatt plant, the company has started production of the A-Class L Sedan at the Beijing Benz Automotive Co (BBAC) plant in China.
As the assembly of the new A-Class L Sedan goes online, this marks the fifth production location of the new generation A-Class, following Rastatt in Germany, Kecskemét in Hungary, Uusikaupunki in Finland, and Auguascalientes in Mexico.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the A-Class L Sedan back in April at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, developed specifically for China. The A-Class L Sedan features a 60 mm longer wheelbase over the hatchback, coming in at 2,789 mm.
In addition to that, the Beijing Benz Automotive Co joint venture also reached the 2,000,000 unit production milestone. “Since our first locally produced Mercedes-Benz rolled off the production line over a decade ago, our business has shown rapid development here in China. In 2016, we celebrated the one-millionth vehicle locally produced at BBAC. Just two years later, we reached the milestone of two million ‘Made in China, for China’ cars that clearly shows the impressive growth of our business, thanks to the support of our local customers. This is also a mark of our long-standing, close cooperation with BAIC Group and our joint efforts in the Chinese automotive industry”, says Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China.
The models currently assembled by BBAC include the new A-Class L Sedan, C-Class L Sedan, E-Class L Sedan, GLC L, and GLA.


Free TNG e-Wallet credits when you buy Continental tyres - until 30 June 2023

Continental Tyre Malaysia
 has launched its latest and upgraded Total Confidence Plan TCP) extra warranty program in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitris as well as its 60th anniversary.

For those who are looking to buy new tyres from Continental, you can get complimentary Touch 'n Go e-Wallet credits up to RM200 depending on the number and size of the tyres. If, however, you're aware of Continental, its TCP extra warranty program should be the bigger winner.

The Continental Total Confidence Plan (TCP) offers some very unique benefits such as:

First 12-months road hazard coverage

1-to-1 tyre replacement

Easy claim process via mobile app + more

According to the Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia, Andrea Somorova, "We are pleased to launch the upgraded version of Total Confidence Plan that offers our drivers the extra warranty coverage, and what better time than Raya celebrations when drivers hit the roads to “balik kampung” to celebrate the festivities with family."

"The Continental TCP program is here to stay, and we hope that our consumers and drivers will take this opportunity to register for extra protection and peace of mind," added Ms Somorova.

Continental Tyre Malaysia's latest campaign start from now until 30 June and it is applicable at all participating dealers nationwide plus any purchase via Continental’s official Shopee store. Like most things, T&C apply.


Michelin Joins Petron On Road Safety Program At Malaysian Universities

Michelin has joined Petron in its effort to communicate and impart road safety advocacy in universities around Malaysia. Michelin, the world’s leading tyre company, said its objective of the Road Safety Program was to educate and create awareness amongst the younger generation, as tyres are the first line of defence on the road, it is very important to ensure that these tyres are in good condition for better safety on the road.
Other partners for this program include Road Transport Department (JPJ), Road Safety Department Malaysia (JKJR), and other private companies.
“Michelin has always been a strong advocate of safety – we place the utmost priority in ensuring our tyres are the safest on the road, in all conditions. The team is very pleased to be a part of this program as it is in line with our own road safety campaign,” shared Miss Nora Guitet, Public Affairs & Corporate Communication Director at Michelin for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei markets.
She further added, "Being at various universities these past three weekends gave us first-hand opportunity to raise awareness that tyres are an essential part of road safety. Our aim during this program is to educate students on tyre care and maintenance to ensure they know the steps and precautions to take to be safe on the road."
Michelin and Petron together with other partners have successfully completed the Road Safety Program in Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Terengganu (UNISZA), Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The program will continue at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) Seremban, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) Selangor, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai Johor from October through December.