Nasim Launches Peugeot Kajang To Serve Southern Klang Valley

Nasim Sdn Bhd, official distributor of
Peugeot
 vehicles in Malaysia, has just opened its newest outlet, the 4S centre Peugeot Kajang.
It is owned and operated by MN Otomobil Sdn Bhd and marks the fourth new outlet launched by Nasim this year as well as the eighteenth Peugeot outlet in the Klang Valley, with a total of 43 currently spread throughout the country.
 It will serve the the areas surrounding Petaling Jaya – namely Kajang, Bandar Baru Bangi, Baru 9 Cheras, Beranang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Seri Kembangan, UKM Bangi, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
The RM2.5 million Peugeot Kajang facility measures 12,000 square feet and features facilities for body and paint work, a 13-bay service centre and the capacity to accommodate 30 units per day. It also has a customer lounge and free Wi-Fi
“From the regional sales analysis, it was reported that there is a good market acceptance for Peugeot vehicles in Klang Valley. Sales in the state accounted for 47% of Peugeot’s national sales in 2014. The number of Peugeot cars registered in Kajang and its nearby vicinity recorded a total of 2,192 vehicles and the numbers will continue to grow,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer of Nasim Sdn Bhd.
“The setting up of more Peugeot centres will ensure sustainable sales growth with the support of innovative services and availability of parts at competitive pricing. Our network expansion will integrate sales, service and spare parts centre under one roof, making it extremely convenient for Peugeot owners,” he said.
This new outlet adds to Nasim’s expansion, following the recent launch of a 3S centre in Taiping, a showroom
in Petaling Jaya
, and a
2S service centre in Klang
. Another outlet in East Malaysia is due open shortly after this too, aiding the company in achieving their 2015 sales target of 4,200 units.


Honda Malaysia: HR-V Remains Country’s Top Compact SUV

Honda
 Malaysia has announced that over 14,800 units of the facelifted HR-V have been sold between January and November of 2019, with the company declaring that the popular model has been holding steady in its No.1 position in the compact SUV market.

Additionally, the automaker’s local arm states that over the four years since the HR-V’s 2015 Malaysian introduction, it has boasted an average market share of 76 percent and a total sales figure of over 87,000 units as of November 2019.

Commenting on the matter, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The latest HR-V was introduced in Malaysia early this year. It was also the first time that Honda Malaysia is introducing the RS variant to excite the market further with our best-selling Compact SUV. We have also introduced the Hybrid variant which is the first hybrid Compact SUV in its segment.”

“Both Petrol and Hybrid variant sales performance shows that the HR-V continues to be well-received in the Malaysian market and maintains a strong position in its segment. On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to convey my gratitude to all our customers for the support and for choosing the HR-V as their preferred choice of daily vehicle,” he continued.

For the best deals on Honda cars,
click here
.


AD: Top 8 Reasons Why The Mazda CX-8 Is A Next-Level SUV

The Mazda CX-8 isn’t your typical SUV. The super spacious SUV is both fun to drive and feels like a car more premium than its price tag suggests. Offered in both 6- or 7-seat configurations, it delivers impressive versatility to suit numerous types of needs for both driver and occupants while bringing together unique features unmatched by the competition.

Those Good Looks

Mazda is known for putting in extra effort with its design, and their Kodo Soul of Motion philosophy carries over into their CX-8. The CX-8 is one of the most striking SUVs on the road today, especially in Soul Red Metallic, and its increased wheelbase and overall length have been cleverly masked by the flowing design.

Many cues have been borrowed from the CX-9, including the front end grille and deep-set headlight cluster, both making the CX-8 a stand-out in both the suburbs and high streets thanks to the presence it exudes: that of a flagship SUV.

Premium Interior Quality

In the High variant, the Nappa leather seats feel extremely plush and lend an air of very high luxury to the CX-8, cementing the impression that this is a class above its competitors.

In Mazda’s typical fashion, the build quality and material choices are exceptional too, feeling solid and are pleasing to the eye. The control weights are nicely tuned for ease of operation and the ergonomics themselves are the result of equally careful thought and consideration while everything seems to be layered with a sense of Japanese attention to detail.

Like all their cars spawned from the SkyActiv generation, the CX-8 pushes the envelope and makes us rethink what we continue to define as ‘premium’, blurring those lines in the process.

Captains Chair 2nd-Row Seats

Most configurations of the CX-8 have the 2nd row seats as as two full size ‘Captain’s Chairs’, separated by a chunky central armrest, giving the impression of being seated in a luxury airliner rather than an SUV.

These are even wider and more padded than the front seats (especially with the Nappa leather) and will definitely give whoever is sat in them the proper VIP treatment. This is a feature that no other class competitor can offer.

This plush experience is reinforced by the refined ride quality and well insulated cabin, allowing occupants to truly relax and unwind, even if you happen to be in the driver’s seat.

G-Vectoring Control Plus

Adding even more to the calmness within the cabin are the sensations while on the move, rather the CX-8’s lack of it. The minute adjustments made to the suspension, power delivery, and brakes by the advanced G-Vectoring Control Plus system all work in concert to minimise lateral forces acting upon the occupants. This reduces fatigue, improves vehicle controllability, and even potentially eliminates motion sickness.

The additional weight of a larger vehicle as well as the third row seats does often make itself known while cornering. However, with G-Vectoring Control Plus, the CX-8 feels more nimble and light on its feet than you would otherwise expect while, as mentioned previously, also ensuring less fatigue and lateral stress on occupants for a more comfortable experience.

Extra Space For Improved Versatility

The CX-8 offers extra capacity for cargo and passengers. With all seats upright, there is a respectable 210-litres of boot space and an additional 33-litres in a hidden floor compartment. With the third row folded, however, a massive 742-litres of room becomes available. Even the standalone 2nd row seats are able to fold flat for even more roominess, where handy loading and unloading of long items are easily tackled.

No matter what life throws at you, be it cargo or passengers, the CX-8 ensures that you’ll have the space and versatility to cope and adapt seamlessly.

Sharp Handling

No, there isn’t any getting around the fact that this is an SUV, and a rather large one. However, the CX-8 is quite talented in the handling department, with a surprisingly pointy front end and plenty of grip at the nose, instilling tonnes of confidence - be it a 2WD or AWD variant.

Naturally, more grip and all-weather ability is a given with all wheels being able to receive drive, but Mazda’s blend of priorities ensures that driver involvement and manoeuvrability are always in the forefront with both their smaller and larger vehicles.

The sporty steering wheel and cocooned driving position are reinforced by a surprisingly eager chassis that responds quickly and predictably to steering inputs. That said, it’s no surprise that Mazda is a leader in this aspect.

Ride and Refinement Of A Flagship

In combination with GVC Plus, the CX-8’s suspension absorbs road imperfections with aplomb while still feeling more connected to the road than a typical SUV. The cabin is also well insulated from outside noises and free from distracting creaks and taps, a testament to the CX-8’s structural integrity, construction methods, and premium materials.

It’s definitely a step above the CX-5 and feels like a flagship SUV, very comparable indeed to the CX-9 that sits directly above it. We dare say that, to find a rival that can offer the same sense of luxury, solidity, and refinement, you would quickly find yourself in the company of cars from a much higher price bracket.

Advanced Infotainment System

Very few cars in the class can boast of an infotainment system as versatile as in the CX-8. It’s interface is quick and intuitive and features support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Best of all, everything can be operated from the central rotary knob (a staple of the MZD Connect system), a control input method that is much more conducive to easy operation while driving, requiring much less movement and/or attention from the driver, greatly improving safety.

In anecdotal testing, Mazda’s infotainment system is one of the best OEM solutions available today, and has remained so for some time. The screens used are clear and sufficiently high resolution, the interface itself is responsive and easily navigated, Bluetooth connections are strong and easily established, and most importantly, it can be learned to the point of such familiarity that a driver might not need to divert his or her attention from the road at all to perform many tasks.


Cycle & Carriage Launches Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned Centre

Buying a used car tends to be a tricky proposition. After all, you don't know the exact history of the car, nor do you know if the previous owner or dealer has tampered with the odometer, or whether the car's just a lemon in general. But it's great that a lot of brands have launched pre-owned vehicle programs, and Cycle & Carriage together with Mercedes-Benz has just launched their very own Certified Pre-Owned Centre out in PJ Autohaus.
The PJ Autohaus outlet is landmark 3S centre in Petaling Jaya, and the introduction of this Certified Pre-Owned centre broadens its capabilities by a large margin. Pre-owned vehicles come under the Mercedes-Benz Certified brand, which means that they are subject to a 215-point inspection by certified technicians, have guaranteed mileage of under 125,000 km, receive a 12-month warranty extension, flexible service and maintenance packages, as well as 24-hour roadside assistance. In short, it offers the same perks of ownership as a brand-new Mercedes-Benz.
One of the other advantages of coupling this Certified Pre-Owned centre with PJ Autohaus is that those who buy pre-owned cars can also enjoy the same level of service and maintenance offered to new cars, at the same 40-bay service centre, while waiting in the same customer lounge. They are also offered the same value-added services such as Premier Express Service, Door-to-Door Service, and 24-Hour Motor Vehicle Breakdown Service. The range of models on offer is vast, with nearly everything between an A-Class and an S-Class, but no matter what you pick you will be guaranteed peace of mind of ownership.


All-New Lexus LS500 from RM799,000, Order Taking Starts Today

Lexus Malaysia has just announced that it has begun order-taking for their new flagship luxury sedan, the 2018 Lexus LS. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018.
Debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last year, the new 2018 Lexus LS boasts a finesse design language that manifest the Lexus’ ‘yet’ philosophy, radical new design with coupe-like silhouette, yet spaciousness of a prestige sedan.
Built on an all-new Lexus global architecture for luxury vehicles called GA-L, the fifth generation Lexus LS has grown in size, but downsized in engine capacities. The LS model was known to be the limousine with V8 firepower, but with emission standards ever stricter, the big V8 has been replaced by newer and cleaner V6 engines, both in the petrol and hybrid models.
Lexus Malaysia is offering customers the three models of the all-new Lexus LS, on-the-road prices excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.
Lexus LS500 Luxury       : RM 799,000
Lexus LS500 Executive  : RM 999,000
Lexus LS500h Executive : RM 1,459,000
The LS500 will feature the company’s latest powertrain package: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS500 is already more powerful than its predecessor, pumping out 415 hp and 600 Nm, versus the V8’s 380 hp and 493 Nm. Fuel economy is expected to be lower with this new powertrain.
The LS500h meanwhile uses a newly developed Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The petrol engine is a smaller 3.5-litre V6 compared to the 5.0-litre V8 in the predecessor, while the power split device is mated to a new, unique multi stage shift device system generating a combined system output of 354 hp.
The 2018 Lexus LS will also, for the first time, offer the Lexus Safety System advanced driving assistance safety suite. Standard fitment of features include Adaptive cruise control, Pre Collision System (autonomous emergency braking) and Lane Departure Warning.
Proudly designed and manufactured at Lexus’s Tahara plant, the 2018 Lexus LS is already a big hit in Japan, with pre-orders reaching 9,500 units. That’s equivalent to 1600% higher than the sales target of 600 units a month!
The 2018 Lexus LS comes with a comprehensive warranty of five years with unlimited mileage. Bookings for the new 2018 Lexus LS can be placed at all authorised Lexus centres across Malaysia.
Photos from
our Thailand Motor Expo coverage
 and Lexus Global


Jaguar Releases the I-Pace Out on the Streets for the First Time

Jaguar has unleashed its first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-Pace, which made its global premiere in Geneva last week, onto the streets for the first time.
Driving on the streets of London’s famous Olympic Park, the electric SUV, which is still in concept stages, is expected to enter production in the last quarter of 2017 and will hit the roads in the second half of 2018.
“The feedback on the I-PACE Concept has been fantastic. Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-PACE’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on the road, against other cars. The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived,” said an excited Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design.
After the testing, Jaguar revealed that the SUV was capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in around 4 seconds with a range of more than 500km (NEDC cycle) from the 90kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged quite quickly up to 80 per cent in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging.
Featuring compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles, the i-Pace’s powertrain is able to generate a combined output of 400PS and 700Nm of torque, with the all-weather benefits of all-wheel drive.
The I-Pace also promises to offer the agility, ride comfort and refinement of its sedans in the stable.


Permintaan Tinggi, Stok Tiada – Harga Motosikal Naik RM300-RM500

Rakyat Malaysia perlu bersedia untuk menghadapi kenaikan
harga motosikal
 dalam tempoh tiga ke enam bulan akan datang susulan keadaan ekonomi dunia serta keadaan pasaran semasa.

Bagi mengelak daripada tersangkut dalam
kesesakan lalu lintas
 di Lembah Klang, permintaan terhadap motosikal semakin meningkat sejak dua bulan lalu untuk digunakan sebagai kenderaan untuk ke tempat kerja.

Harga Motosikal Naik RM300-RM500

Beberapa penjual motosikal mendakwa, harga jualan dijangka mengalami kenaikan antara RM300 sehingga RM500.

Menurut penjual motosikal, William Ho, premisnya sudah kehabisan stok motosikal jenis
kapcai
 dan pembeli terpaksa menunggu sehingga tiga bulan lamanya bagi mendapatkan kenderaan itu.

Tambahnya, tiada ada yang boleh dilakukan pihaknya kerana permintaan yang tinggi tidak dapat menampung jumlah stok yang terhad.

“Harga motosikal pula dijangka naik kira-kira RM300 ke RM500 bergantung kepada jenis, namun masih belum dapat dipastikan tarikh sebenar kenaikan itu,” katanya.

Punca Harga Meningkat

William memberitahu, terdapat beberapa faktor yang menyebabkan kenaikan tersebut seperti harga alat ganti yang semakin mahal selain harga jualan motosikal yang diimport turut meningkat.

Seorang lagi penjual, Lily Lau memberitahu, permintaan terhadap motosikal terutama kapcai didapati telah meningkat lebih 50% sejak April lalu menyebabkan motosikal berkapasiti enjin 150cc ke bawah yang dijual di kedainya laris terjual ibarat pisang goreng panas.

Naib Presiden Persatuan Pengedar Motosikal dan Skuter Malaysia, Datuk Tan Tien Chye pula berkata, harga pasaran motosikal dijangka meningkat dalam tempoh tiga ke enam bulan akan datang susulan nilai Ringgit yang rendah dan peningkatan harga import di seluruh dunia.

Menurutnya, kebanyakan motosikal di sini diimport dari Thailand dan Indonesia. Apabila harga motosikal import semakin mahal, takkan nak jual semula pada harga yang sama? Tambahnya, isu ini berlaku di seluruh dunia.

Permintaan Tinggi

Selain itu, Tan juga berkata permintaan yang tinggi sehingga kilang kehabisan stok juga menjadi punca kepada peningkatan harga jualan motosikal.  Faktor lain pula disebabkan pandemik COVID-19 sebelum ini telah merencatkan had pengeluaran motosikal di kilang.

Jelasnya, dalam ekonomi, apabila permintaan meningkat, tetapi bekalan pula kurang, sudah tentu harganya akan meningkat. K
etika ini, terdapat lebih 40,000 permintaan di seluruh negara, namun pembekal hanya mampu membekalkan kira-kira 20,000 unit sebulan.

Tambahnya, waktu menunggu ketika ini mencecah tiga hingga ke enam bulan bagi mendapatkan motosikal yang ditempah kerana syarikat pengeluar juga menghadapi masalah seperti kekurangan pekerja ekoran pandemik yang telah merencatkan pengeluaran motosikal di seluruh dunia.

Menurutnya, pada tahun ini sehingga April sahaja, sebanyak 217,287 unit motosikal baharu telah didaftarkan di Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) dan bilangannya dijangka terus meningkat atas beberapa faktor seperti pengeluaran khas duit Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP).

Berdasarkan kenyataan beliau seperti yang dilaporkan Kosmo, masalah kekurangan bekalan motosikal dijangka selesai pada Ogos nanti, sekali gus mampu menampung permintaan tinggi daripada orang ramai.


Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition Launched - From RM158k

If you've been eyeing a Ford pickup truck for the longest of time, now is probably the best time to get one, as Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has unveiled the New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport, a Special Edition variant with limited units available for sale throughout the country.

Launched at Ford's 'new normal' roadshow at the Ground Floor of 1Utama's Shopping Centre, the limited-run special edition
WildTrak
 features a new front grille design, new illuminated front scuff plates, black door handles, 18-inch black alloy wheels, and ebony black wing mirrors as well as a black lift handle at the tailgate.

On the inside, the Special Edition WildTrak also gets some new bits of kit, including new illuminated front scuff plates with logo, leather embossed seats, and a steering wheel with orange stitching.

According to Ford Malaysia, the WildTrak Special Edition is designed to take on
life's adventures
, made possible through the truck's 2.0L Bi-Turbo engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque, offering incredible performance for both on- and off-road driving.

The New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition also comes with highly
advanced technologies
 and innovative driver assistance features, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, as well as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Assist.

Taking it one step further than what is usually conducted via just roadshows, anyone can enjoy the offers at the roadshow by visiting any of Ford's authorised dealerships nationwide.

Customers who book the Special Edition Ranger WildTrak Sport within the 5-day roadshow window, however, will stand a chance to walk away with prizes, including a local getaway, regardless if they book it at the roadshow or at the nearest Ford Authorised dealership.

Those who cannot make it will also be able to join in the roadshow activities via Facebook Live across several sessions and stand a chance to win exclusive Ford merchandise.

Winners will be couriered their gifts to their desired addresses within Malaysia if picked as the winner.

"As the country transitions to normalcy, we see the introduction of our New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition timely, being a perfect addition to our already renowned Ranger portfolio where customers use it for work, family or play," said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Ford's first-ever 'new normal' roadshow commences today until 12 December 2021, at the Ground Floor, Luxe Wing, 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya.

The New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport is available in two colours – Saber and Absolute Black. It is priced from RM158,388 and is backed by Ford's new five-year manufacturer's warranty or 160,000km (whichever comes first). Customers will also get an 18-month free service package for added peace of mind if they make a purchase before 31 December 2021.


Why Carlist Rocks! - Congratulations To Winners Of Our Cash Back RM1,000 Campaign!

There's a reason to Carlist.my's meteoric rise to be the nation's most trusted car buying and selling marketplace. Not only do we provide car buyers with a peace of mind in vetting and background checking every single private or enterprise car sellers, we also have an active customer service team that helps car buyers whichever way we can, while also fielding a team of experts in assisting car sellers too. In fact each month, we help connect more than 200,000 car buyers and car sellers across Malaysia.
Not only just, we constantly find ways to reward car buyers who found their dream cars with us, and here are the winners of our latest RM1,000 cash back program and a little testimonial from them. Congratulations and thank you so much for trusting us!
*Testimonials are sub-edited for major grammatical or spelling errors only as we would like to retain the original context of the message that was sent in, images are not altered in anyway except number plates are hidden.
Mohd Daneal Bin Mohd Zaki upon finding his limited edition Ford Focus 2.0 -
"I got the best deal for the best car! Easy navigation through the site and a very good experience in buying my 1st car. Thank you Carlist.my!"

Corwin on buying his mum a Proton Iriz -
"I regularly browse Carlist.my as it has the most comprehensive car listings and I was able to find the ideal new car for my mum (Ng Ah Mooi) by comparing against other make and models with just a click of a button."
Goh Hoang Yuh on getting his Kia Sportage - "Carlist.my has been my favourite place to survey for used cars. With the user friendly interface, Carlist helps me shortlist my favourite car easily. With the wide selection of photos on Carlist.my, it helps me to find my ideal car with the color I like."
Muhammad Hilmi Bin Ismail on getting his Toyota Estima -
"Seaching my dream car is made easy by Carlist.my. With variety of trusted and verified seller, I can make a better deal with just a click away to find the most ideal car in the market. I have found mine. Thanks to Carlist.my."
Chook Yet Hong on finding his lovely Ford Fiesta and getting a bit too intimate with us. (which we don't mind at all) -
"I am glad Carlist.my assist for getting me the best dealership among all the Ford shops. Thank Carlist.my for the RM1,000 Cash back reward and I love my Ford Fiesta and Carlist. Muacks"
Tan Tzin Yau with his brand spanking new and red hot sexy Mazda 2 -
"Aside from the availability of Recon and Used Car model on Carlist.my, they even have the new car section cater for people who are looking for a new cars. And last month, I purchased my Mazda 2 Sedan via Carlist.my portal. Thanks Carlist.my!
Kong Kim Peng's excitement on bringing hom his beautiful Nissan Murano -
"It was a great moment and excitement when I finally found my ideal car in Carlist.my. And it's just a click away..... Thank you Carlist!"
Wong Yan Hui on receiving his brand new Honda City -
"A truly convenient and trusted site where I can compare with different dealer's offer. It's very easy for me to book a new car by just calling the seller to confirm the stock"
Ahmad Faiszal Bin Ismail on his beautiful and amazing BMW 530i -
"Carlist.my offers plenty of choice with the most accurate info for easy evaluation. All photos posted are clear and helped in choosing which car to view. I'm satisfied with my car purchased after finding it on Carlist.my"
Once again we'd like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you who logon to Carlist.my each month to find your perfect car that fits your budget. Despite the fact that many car buyers would stop searching for cars after you've made your purchase from us, we're still thrilled that many of you actually recommend your friends or help your friends and family members finding their car of choice from Carlist and then sharing it on social media! Which we greatly appreciate!
Quick facts on the staggering interaction we have with fellow Malaysian car buyers and sellers. Each month, more than 2 million car buyers browse through our listings, clicking through more than 24 million pages, and made 200,000 phone calls and enquiries. And despite cars moving in and out of our website, we have a constant listing of around 160,000 and more.
These numbers are just mind blowing for us, and again, thank you so much for trusting us.


10 Perubahan Reka Bentuk Gril ‘Kidney’ BMW – Dari Generasi Ke Generasi

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)
memang terkenal dengan komponen
gril ‘kidney’
 pada setiap modelnya sejak hampir 90 tahun lalu sehingga kini.

Malah ada yang beranggapan bahawa gril ‘kidney’ tersebut merupakan identiti kepada BMW sendiri. Oleh itu, gril ‘kidney’ tersebut dianggap sebagai sebuah mercu yang penuh dengan sejarahnya tersendiri. Walau bagaimanapun, reka bentuk gril ‘kidney’ yang digunakan BMW berubah secara dinamik mengikut arus peredaran zaman yang berlandaskan inovasi.

Berikut merupakan 10 pencapaian melibatkan reka bentuk gril ‘kidney’ ini dan bagaimana ia telah diadaptasi dari generasi ke generasi:

1. BMW 303 (1933)

Wajah unik yang menghiasi setiap kenderaan BMW sejak hampir 90 tahun yang lalu dimulakan dengan BMW 303. Rupa bentuk hadapan bagi model pertama keluaran BMW ini dipersembahkan dalam bentuk salur masuk udara melalui gril ‘kidney’ berkembar. Walaupun gubahan radiator yang dibahagikan dengan penggalang melintang bukan sesuatu yang baru atau luar biasa dalam dunia permotoran ketika itu, model ini berjaya mencuri perhatian dengan reka bentuk grilnya yang unik. Reka bentuk gril ‘kidney’ tersebut membulat di bahagian atas dan di bawah, serta menunjukkan jata BMW yang tersela antara arkus bentuk gril di atas

2. BMW 507 (1956)

Model kereta roadster ini merupakan model pertama membawakan dua komponen salur masuk udara bersaiz besar yang dipasang secara mendatar. Meskipun reka bentuk gril ‘kidney’ seperti ini tidak digunapakai lagi oleh para pereka bentuk BMW yang lain sehingga tahun 1990-an, penciptanya, Albrecht Graf von Goertz menghasilkan salur masuk udara berformat besar sebagai keperluan kerana ia mustahak untuk membekalkan udara segar kepada radiator enjin V8 yang terletak di bawah bonetnya.

3. BMW 1500 (1961)

Berbanding model-model BMW terdahulu, gril ‘kidney’ pada BMW 1500 ini lebih kecil dan langsing. Selain itu, gril ‘kidney’ tersebut terletak di antara dua gril mendatar yang menjangkaui seluruh kenderaan tersebut. Berbekalkan gril udara utama dan sekunder, BMW 1500 telah menjadi ilham kepada rekaan sudut hadapan bagi model-model BMW teras yang meliputi jentera-jentera ikonik seperti BMW 3.0 CS,
BMW CSi
 dan
BMW CSL
.

4. BMW M1 (1978)

Sebagai model pertama BMW yang berlencanakan M secara rasmi,
BMW M1
 tahun 1978 ini memanfaatkan komponen rongga udara yang berbentuk amat rata, namun masih membawakan ‘kidney’ sebagai unsur tema utama wajah hadapan jenama ini. Reka bentuk ‘kidney’ berkembar ini merupakan gril ‘kidney’ paling kecil yang pernah hadir di model BMW. BMW. Gril ‘kidney’ pada BMW M1 ini telah dirujuk semula bagi rekaan wajah model-model khusus BMW yang lain seperti BMW Z1 (1988) dan BMW 8 Series (1989).

5. BMW 3 Series (1990)

Evolusi gril ‘kidney’ BMW diteruskan pada generasi ketiga BMW 3 series pada tahun 1990. Berbeza dengan dua generasi sebelumnya, reka bentuk ‘kidney’ berkembar pada model ini digubah secara mendatar dan komponen radiator tersebut diasingkan oleh dua bahagian. ‘Kidney’ tersebut bukannya dipisahkan oleh gril, tetapi permukaan badan kenderaan itu sendiri. Berbentuk segi empat dengan penjuru yang membulat, Reka bentuk ini boleh dilihat pada banyak model-model BMW tahun 1990-an seperti BMW 7 Series (1994), BMW 5 Series (1995), BMW Z3 (1995), BMW 3 Series (1998), dua generasi BMW X5 (1999) yang pertama.

6. BMW i3 (2013)

Reka bentuk menarik gril ‘kidney’ pada wajah jentera elektrik
BMW i3
 ini menekankan nilai estetika komponen tersebut sebagai tumpuan utama. Kali ini, ‘kidney’ berkembar yang digunakan lebih rata dan lebar secara relatif, dengan permukaan bertutup dan ditambah dengan sentuhan warna biru yang melambangkan identiti i3 sebagai jentera elektrik BMW yang inovatif. Selain itu, ciri aerodinamik model ini turut ditambahbaik dengan gril ‘kidney’ bertutup sama seperti BMW i8.

7. BMW 8 Series, BMW Z4 (2018).

Menerusi dua kenderaan berprestasi tinggi yang terkini oleh BMW, ‘kidney’ berkembar tahun 2018 memperoleh bentuk bingkai yang bersudut baharu. Komponen gril bersambung digunakan pada BMW 8 Series, manakala gril yang tidak bersambung digunakan pada
BMW Z4
. Bentuk ‘kidney’ tersebut kini hadir dalam bentuk pentagon lebar yang mendatar. Seperti setiap coupé BMW yang baharu, rekaan ‘kidney’ yang “membuka ke arah bawah” menyelahkan ketangkasan jentera, justeru menawarkan pusat graviti yang rendah secara visual. Gril ‘kidney’ tersebut berfungsi sebagai salur masuk udara dengan sistem kawalan kelepak udara yang ditutup bila perlu bagi mengurangkan rintangan udara. Dalam rekaan ‘kidney’ bersambung, terdapat sebuah kamera sistem bantuan pemandu terletak di tengah-tengah pendakap yang menyambungkan kedua-dua bahagian ‘kidney’ tersebut.

8. BMW 3 Series Sedan (2018)

Reka bentuk serba moden ‘kidney’ berkembar pada BMW 3 Series yang terkini menggabungkan sebilangan ciri-ciri terdahulu seperti ‘kidney’ bersambung, permukaan lampu hadapan bersambung, bingkai berbentuk pentagon dan diolah dengan karakteristik baharu. Hasilnya, ‘kidney’ tersebut terletak lebih tinggi sedikit berbanding lingkungan lampu hadapan di atas dan mengunjur ke arah bonet. Yang paling ketara ialah penggantian palang ‘kidney’ tegak yang klasik oleh bentuk tirus kecil yang bersambung dengan struktur jejaring tersebut.
BMW X7
 dan BMW 7 Series yang terkini memiliki ‘kidney’ berkembar dengan gubahan yang sama seperti BMW 3 Series.

9. BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020) – Titian ke Alaf Baharu

Berdasarkan rekaan gril ‘kidney’ model ini, . Fokus diberikan ke atas ciri-ciri reka bentuk setiap elemen seperti ‘kidney’ BMW yang lebih besar, menegak dan miring ke hadapan wajah kenderaan tersebut. Pereka bentuk, Seungmo Lim yang bertanggungjawab ke atas bahasa rekaan
BMW 4 Series Coupé
berkata gubahan ‘kidney’ berkembar secara vertikal merupakan titian ke masa hadapan. Menurutnya, idea rekaan BMW perlu ditafsir semula dan diterjemahkan ke masa hadapan melalui proses yang berulang. Harald Hoelzl, Pengarah Urusan
BMW Group Malaysia
 turut menyatakan bahawa BMW 4 Series Coupé merupakan personafikasi DNA jenama BMW yang terkini.

10. BMW Vision iNEXT (2018), BMW Vision M NEXT (2019)

Kedua-dua kereta visi ini memberi gambaran bagaimana model-model masa hadapan akan kelihatan dengan ciri jenama ini. Dalam jentera elektrik tulen
BMW Vision iNEXT
, komponen ‘kidney’ berkembar terus menjurusi pembangunan dari iterasi BMW i3. Permukaan bertutup ‘kidney’ ini menempatkan kamera bersofistikasi tinggi, sensor, serta teknologi lain bagi menawarkan bantuan kepada pemandu serta memudahkan automasi. Solusi ini dinamakan “shy-tech” yang memberi makna sebagai teknologi tinggi yang berfungsi secara tersembunyi.

Dalam kereta sport hibrid
BMW Vision M NEXT
, ‘kidney’ berkembar yang berstruktur teguh dilitupi dalam unsur kaca dan permukaannya menampilkan ukiran jata BMW. Hasil daripada gabungan gradient warna yang memukau, pencahayaan kedua-dua bahagian ‘kidney’ tersebut juga memancarkan efek tiga dimensi.

Agak-agaknya, bagaimana pula rupa reka bentuk gril ‘kidney’ BMW ini dalam masa 10 tahun akan datang?


Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe launched. RM308,888 to RM388,888

Mercedes-Benz
 Malaysia today announced the introduction of the C-Class Coupe, which is also the latest and most affordable model in the brand’s
Dream Cars Collection
.
Imported fully from Germany, the C-Class Coupe will be available in three versions:
C 200 Coupe (184hp/300Nm) – RM308,888
C 250 Coupe (211hp/350Nm) – RM338,888
C 300 Coupe (245hp/370Nm) – RM388,888
All three variants are powered by the same M 274 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but with different tuning configuration, which explains why the C 250 Coupe and the C 300 Coupe produce more power. Although all three variants share the same 7G-Tronic Plus 7-Speed automatic gearbox, the ratios vary from one variant to another.
Measuring at 4,686mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,405 tall, the C-Class coupe is 15mm lower than the
C-Class sedan
. According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the Coupe’s suspensions have been lowered to offer a sportier stance than the sedan.
While all three variants come with AMG Line exterior and interior, the C 200 Coupe gets 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, whereas the C 250 and C 300 are fitted with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels.
C 200 Coupe features:
    Eco Start/Stop
    Mirror Package
    Parking Package
    Dynamic Select (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual driving modes),
    Run-flat tyres
    Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
    Collision Prevention Assist Plus
    Attention Assist
    Pre-Safe system
 Thermatic automatic climate control
 Audio 20 with Garmin Map Pilot
 High performance LED lights
 Reverse camera
 Illuminated door sills
 Ambient lighting
 Keyless-Go Starting function
 Electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats
On top of these features, the C 250 Coupe gets additional equipment such as:
Sports Suspension
Full leather upholstery
High Performance LED headlights with Intelligent Light System
19-inch multi-spoke wheels
The C 300 Coupe on the other hand, gets even more, like:
Sports Exhaust Sytem
Comand Online infotainment system
Burmester audio
Electric panoramic sliding glass roof
In line with the launch, the brand also introduced the Agility Financing program for the C-Class Coupe, which allows owners to settle or extend a financing agreement, or even return their vehicles and upgrade to newer models at the end of the agreement.
With an example of a three year financing tenure, 20,000km per annum mileage with 15 percent down payment, C 200 Coupé customers can enjoy monthly instalment of RM3,277. Customers who opt to add on first year comprehensive motor insurance need to add on RM262 per month only.
The C-Class Coupé is the newest class to be offered with Agility Financing, joining other Mercedes-Benz models including the Mercedes-Benz A-, B-, C-, E-, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLC and GLE.
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2022 Peugeot 2008 Launched In Malaysia, First All-New Model Under Bermaz - RM127k

It’s finally here. The first all-new Peugeot model under new
local distributors Bermaz (or BAASB, to be more accurate)
 is an entrant into the highly competitive B-segment SUV space,
but the 2008 swings in
 with a few tricks up its sleeve to win over new customers.

Locally assembled in Gurun in a facility that was taken over by Peugeot parent company Stellantis in 2021, the 2008 arrives in a single Allure variant for
RM126,753
 (inclusive of the 100% SST exemption) on-the-road without insurance. Exterior highlights include 17-inch wheels, bi-LED headlamps, LED vertical ‘fangs’ fog lamps, LED taillights, and a body colour palette of four: Amazonite Grey, Nera Black, Pearl White, and the eye-catching Fusion Orange (pictured here).

You’ll notice this 2nd-generation 2008 wears a much more contemporary design as well that’s more athletic thanks to its use of angular lines and a front end that much more closely resembles the 3008 and 5008 facelifts.

Powering the 2008 is a revised version of the 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech 3-cylinder petrol engine that saw action, albeit briefly, in the previous-generation 2008 and 208. However, power has been bumped to 130hp and 230Nm with drive going to the front wheels via a proven 6-speed automatic sourced from Aisin.

It should be a pretty well-rounded powertrain for city and highway use that combines ample torque with fuel economy. Peugeot claims average fuel consumption of up to 4.5-litres/100km (NEDC), giving it pretty good theoretical range from its 44-litre tank.

Peugeot is steadily pushing the brand upmarket and the 2008, despite it being the smaller of their vehicles, is no exception. Much like the exterior, the interior seeks to impress with a premium look and feel. There are leather seats as standard alongside soft-touch plastic, piano black inserts, as well as faux carbon fibre trim on the various interior panels. There's even ambient lighting for front passengers but unfortunately there's no rear air conditioning vents.

The i-Cockpit dashboard layout takes centre stage here, combining an elevated instrument binnacle and a smaller steering wheel for uninterrupted visibility of the '3D' 10-inch digital cluster. Meanwhile, perched above the centre stack is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, piping audio through a 6-speaker system.

The 2008 also comes with a rather comprehensive offering of active safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking (called Active Safety Brake), High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and even Driver Attention Warning.

All that’s missing here is a 360-degree camera system, dynamic radar cruise control, and maybe even a sunroof that’s available in some markets. However, these additions would increase the price significantly that it might no longer remain competitive among its segment rivals.

The all-new 2008 comes with a 5-year or 100,000km manufacturer's warranty and 3 years or 60,000km free maintenance, whichever comes first.

Still, there is a possibility that additional variants such as the sportier GT-Line or GT will be introduced down the road for a little more visual appeal and variety in the range.

From what we can discern about Peugeot’s growing line-up under Bermaz, the 2008 is just the tip of the iceberg. We already
know that the e-2008
, a fully electric version of this model, should be coming in the later stages of this year, and we have yet to see the
much-rumoured 508
 and
Landtrek
 in any official capacity.

There’s more to come from Peugeot in 2022, that’s for sure.


Kia Set To Introduce First-Ever Pick-up In 2021

Kia is looking to introduce an all-new pick-up truck in 2021, finally filling the gap in the company's global model line-up.
Details remain scarce at the moment, but Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) CEO Damien Meredith mentioned that the new pick-up truck has been confirmed and will go head-to-head against the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
“From what we know thus far it’s going to be pretty suitable for the Australian market. It’ll probably be a dual-cab, I would suggest,” he told
GoAuto
. The upcoming pick-up truck is a model which the company hopes will help bump sales figures towards the 100,000 annual sales mark in Australia. After all, Australia is a key market for pick-up trucks.
Mr Meredith also added that development work for the Kia pick-up truck would be independently by Kia, as sister company Hyundai has not confirmed its own version of a pick-up truck. This also means that the purported Kia pick-up truck won’t be sharing a platform with well-known trucks, like the Nissan Navara and Mercedes-Benz X-Class cousins.
Additionally, Mr Meredith said that commercial vehicles sold by KMAu will benefit from their seven-year warranty, similar to their passenger cars.
A couple of years ago Kia toyed with the idea of a pick-up truck for the North American market. The Mohave concept you see above was Kia's idea of a pick-up truck, but the project was canned soon after.


Celebrate good deals with Volkswagen’s Nationwide “Raya Open House”

In conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya festivities, Volkswagen Malaysia will be holding a “Raya Open House” on 16 and 17 July 2016 at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide.
Up for grabs are deals on the new VW Vento 1.2 TSI, which is offered with free instalments till the end of the year. Volkswagen will also offer RM2,000 “Duit Raya” pocket money on all Volkswagen models (valid till 31st July 2016), and additional cash rebates on selected models such as the Golf, Cross Touran, Beetle, and CC.
Visitors will also be treated to food and other fun filled activities during their visit.


All-New Toyota Rush To Be Launched In Malaysia Soon

It seems that the all-new Toyota Rush is heading for launch in Malaysia within a month or two. We have seen postings (by Toyota dealers) of sales booking materials in the social media space for the all-new Toyota Rush, only to be removed the following day or two.
A quick glance at the specifications and features reveal the all-new Toyota Rush bound for Malaysia will share many of the features seen in the Indonesian, the Philippine, and South African markets.
However, a few items caught our eyes. On top of the six airbags, ISOFIX anchor points, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), additional safety features listed by local dealers include:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (
Similar to new Myvi?
)
Panoramic view camera (360-degree)
Blind spot monitor (BSM) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
ASEAN NCAP has also awarded the all-new Toyota Rush with a
5-star rating
, thanks to the fitment of ESC and rear seatbelt reminders (second and third rows), on top of a good performance in the usual crash testing.
Other key features listed by the dealers include:
LED head lamps and tail lamps
17-inch wheels and tyres (215/60 R17)
Automatic air-conditioning with rear air-conditioning
7-inch infotainment with MirrorLink
Smart Entry with Push start button
To recap, the all-new Toyota Rush is powered by a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine (105 PS, 136 Nm) that is paired to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The all-new Toyota Rush continues to drive the rear wheels, suspended by a 5-link design and now fitted with a stabilizer bar.
In Indonesia, the largest market for the Toyota Rush, the vehicle is made by Astra Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd (ADM), which also makes Daihatsu Terios. A similar arrangement with Perodua can be expected, as back in 2005, Perodua did assemble the Toyota Avanza (Daihatsu Xenia) for UMW Toyota.
Note the only different items on the Daihatsu Terios is the grille and alloy wheel design
Does this mean Perodua will get to locally assemble a
Daihatsu-based SUV for themselves
, while at the same time providing UMW Toyota with a fully built-up Toyota Rush? The Malaysian automotive space in this last quarter of 2018 is certainly going to be filled with plenty of news on SUV models (Proton X70, Toyota Rush, Perodua SUV).


2014 Volkswagen Polo Sedan Full Review: A Worthy Competitor?

It’s been some time now since
Volkswagen Group Malaysia

launched
 its locally-assembled 2014
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
, so we thought we ring up the company to book its test car just to see how it’s all holds up after its been shown some miles. The unit we had was just about to reach its 10,000km mark, and with it, a few bruises potentially brought on by one-too-many overzealous test drivers. With that in mind, this was still a German, albeit now assembled in Malaysia. Here’s how it went down…
Buyer’s Guide:
 At the time of writing,
Volkswagen
 Group Malaysia is making it very easy for everyone to own one of its compact vehicles, Polo Sedan included. Deals of monthly instalments at just RM199 a month are being thrown about, and at the Japanese B-segment prices being asked for this German sedan, it’s all very appealing. However, bear in mind that the monthly instalment of RM199 will end after your first year of ownership, and more importantly, can the German Polo Sedan, now assembled in Malaysia, make up for the difference afterwards?
Driving a
2014 Volkswagen Polo Sedan
: As German as you’d expect
 Initial driving impressions with this car are that you get what you asked for, in a compact and easy to drive B-segment sedan. On one hand, it’s a German-designed car, so you’re bound to have some impressive handling. But on the other, it is one of Volkswagen’s bargain models: a stretched out version of its supermini sibling, originally designed for use in India and Russia. So any overly high expectations of the ‘booted’ tyke may be a little misguided.
PERFORMANCE:
 Just because the CKD Polo doesn’t get TSI turbocharging, it doesn’t mean their 1.6-litre MPI mills aren’t capable. Off the line, the sharp throttle response of the Toyota Vios may suggest that it’s quicker. While in the Polo, its poise masks the lively abilities of this car. That said, you may be left wanting a little bit more from its 105PS, 153Nm of torque engine, in which case, we recommend using the six-speed auto’s Tiptronic function to manually shift your way pass slower traffic by keeping the revs where you want it. When you’re not in a hurry, the automatic torque converter transmission does get along nicely without too much notice.
ECONOMY:
As with its CBU predecessor, the Polo Sedan’s 1.6-litre engine and six-speed auto box pairing has great fuel efficiency about it. 6.5-litres/100km figures aren’t far off in the city, and if you mix in highway driving, those numbers keep improving.
HANDLING:
 It’s a given that this car handles like a proper German. At the wheel, you can thrash it about left and right, and the Polo Sedan will hold its own very nicely – even though the speed-sensitive steering is always a bit too light, and there’s no ESP (electronic stability control) on board. Too much pace around a corner, and even the least experienced drivers will quickly notice the rear begin to slide slightly, giving you ample time to correct any exuberant driving (which we don’t ever recommend on public roads).
RIDE COMFORT:
 Conversely, while it may succeed at speed, the Polo Sedan is left behind a little bit when it comes to the bumps: there is a degree of appreciable comfort, but it just isn’t as cushy as its rivals in urban environments. On smoother highways, the car’s firm-biased balance is more tolerable, but only if you’re willing to bear knowing that Japan’s front-liners do offer far better levels of refinement.
Living with a
2014 Volkswagen Polo Sedan
: Here’s where it gets a bit hard. Literally…
INTERIOR:
 Starting out with what would’ve been there already with or without the 10,000km clocked, the interior of the Polo Sedan feels undoubtedly dated against what’s available in the market today for the similar prices. It all just looks a bit uninspired, and in a way, ‘there’ with only the purpose of being there, rather than to bring any sort of advantage to you. The seats aren’t very comfortable to sit in for long, and the fabrics are a little abrasive to nestle in to. The plastic materials used inside were hard, and the panels you’d normally rest your arms on felt unrefined and coarse against what we know is available from the likes of the Honda City and Toyota Vios.
CONVENIENCE & SPACIOUSNESS:
 Clearly, ‘
function
’ was the more favoured outcome for the Polo Sedan, with there being a healthy list of features fitted to the car, albeit in a slightly under-refined manner. Rear air-conditioning is always a welcome sight, and the RCD 320 audio system had a multitude of pleasing functions like Bluetooth streaming abilities – in short, there’s  enough to appreciate about this car’s creature comforts. However, the monochrome pixelated graphics on the RCD 320 player weren’t the best to look at, and the rear seats were of the same brash fabrics as the front. Also, front and rear spaciousness proved a bit too cramped for someone of my six-foot stature. In the boot, you’ll get 454 litres of space, which is trumped by the Honda City’s 536 litres, but is a handy amount when you need it, and has a wide opening for easy access.
NOISE, VIBRATIONS, HARSHNESS:
 Likely a problem area limited to just this one test vehicle, the Polo Sedan had quite a lot of unnecessary vibrations coming through the cabin. Yes, outside noises are cancelled out to a satisfying extent, but the engine’s roar was quite intrusive, with the 1.6-litre engine making every its efforts known as you drive along. The car we were driving also had some issues with severe vibrations – we suspect shot engine mounts.
HONK-HONK:
However, there is one unforgiveable sin the Polo Sedan commits, and that’s to do with a blaring horn that goes off at maximum volume every time you unlock the car, twice when you lock it. Rather than any conventional and reasonable ‘beep’ or ‘click’ tones, the CKD Polo Sedan whole-heartedly blows its trumpets as mentioned, and apart from waking the neighbours everywhere you go, it startled us repeatedly to the point of not wanting to unlock or lock the car ever. This feature has to go.

C
ompeting with a 2014 Volkswagen Polo Sedan: Meet the titans
 Seeing as how the Polo Sedan is price at RM89,888 (without insurance), the B-segment sedan falls right into contention with two of Japan’s hottest sellers in Malaysia.
2014 TOYOTA VIOS 1.5 G
: You may get a powertrain that’s been used throughout the generations, with fewer horses coming from it than the Polo, but everything else about the all-new Vios is pretty darn impressive. From the Japanese fit-and-finish, the clever ergonomics and spaciousness, the good looks, nippy drive, and the hardened reliability factor, you cannot deny this car’s appeal. Is it a bit too common? Yes, but there’s a good reason for this.
2014 HONDA CITY V
: In its highest spec, the all-new City is fitted with everything a B-segment sedan needs: good infotainment, looks, performance-economy balance, and safety features beyond the Polo Sedan’s arsenal. While slightly shorter on torque, the City does have more horsepowers, and a new CVT transmission to boast. Not to mention some pretty impressive rear spaciousness you must see to believe.
Verdict: Here’s what we think…
 All in, the 2014 locally-assembled Volkswagen Polo Sedan left us with a very good first impression when it was first launched here. Four airbags, decent infotainment, and the promise of German quality throughout is very appealing, especially at its asking price. Even without an ESP system on board. But since then, Toyota and Honda have released their entries into the segment, which have seriously upped the stakes beyond what the current competition has to offer. Does the Polo Sedan still make a solid case for itself? Unfortunately, the writings on the wall point to no. It’s a good car behind its time.


Frankfurt 2015: Another Look At The 2016 Toyota Prius

When the all-new, fourth generation 2016 Toyota Prius was unveiled in Los Angeles last week, Toyota didn’t provide many details of the car, which will only go on sale in the US next year. At the Frankfurt Motor Show – the first public showing of the all-new Prius, we managed to get a closer look at the all-new Prius.
Toyota is still not saying much about the car, other than the petrol engine will deliver more than 40 percent thermal efficiency – a world’s best for a petrol engine. Details on the new engine, new traction battery and hybrid system are still unknown.
As reported earlier, the all-new Prius is the first Toyota to be built on the company’s latest Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which Toyota says will deliver a better driving experience, as well as improving production efficiency at its plants.
There’s also a new double wishbone rear suspension system that’s been intelligently designed to not intrude into the rear boot.
The styling theme for the exterior body is clearly intended to form a link with Toyota’s flagship alternative energy car – the hydrogen fuel-cell electric powered Mirai. Just like previous Prius models, the styling of the all-new Prius is going to polarise the public.
More on the all-new 2016 Toyota Prius
here
.
Here’s what else we’ve learned after seeing the all-new Prius up close.
Higher range models of the Prius come fitted with a radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a pedestrian detection function for the Pre-Crash Safety system. Seen here neatly integrated into the grille are the transponder units for the ACC and Pre-Crash Safety system. There’s also four parking sensor cells on the front bumper.
The rear boot is still as user-friendly as the previous Prius, with a low loading height, wide cargo opening and an elevated top thanks to a tapering roofline. The rear seats still spilt and fold flat 60:40.
The rear seats offer just as much legroom as before, if not more, with the same flat-floor construction.
In front, it appears that the previous Prius’s signature ‘Touch Tracer’ feature for the steering wheel-mounted control buttons – which projects a mirror image of the steering wheel buttons on the instrument panel when touched, have been removed from the all-new Prius.
There are now additional buttons on the steering wheel for speed limit warning, Lane Departure Alert, and a button that appears to activate a safety warning sound for pedestrians when the vehicle is operating quietly in EV mode (ACC or distance control-like functions usually have a slightly different symbol).
The controls for the electrically operated side mirrors have also been moved from the lower dashboard to the driver’s side arm rest on the door. The move was required to make way for the buttons to control the Heads-Up Display (previously mounted on the upper dashboard), Park Assist, Automatic High Beam, instrument panel brightness, and traction control.
The previous car’s three individual Drive Mode buttons for Eco, Power, and EV driving mode have now reduced to two - one Drive Mode button, presumably for Eco and Power mode, and another button for EV mode.
The centre console panel is decorated with white painted plastics, and features a wireless Qi charger for mobile devices.
The third generation Prius had a signature two-tier ‘bridge-like’ centre console that was cantered towards the driver, but that many buyers didn't like that feature and it has been removed in the fourth generation model. As a result, the previous car’s signature gear knob is now replaced with one that’s mounted on the centre stack, like the second generation Prius.
Also gone are two-tier opening glovebox, as well as the thin centre air-conditioning vents which gave the previous model (below) a very clean, uncluttered look.
More details on the all-new 2016 Toyota Prius will be announced when we get closer to the car’s commercial launch date next year.


Proton X50 Merdeka Edition - The 2021 Merdeka Inspired X50

Since there will not be a 64th Merdeka Special Edition Proton, we have imagined and are proud to present to you the Proton X50 Merdeka Special Edition.

The 2021 Proton X50 Merdeka Edition Inspired

The last time Proton released a
special edition
 Merdeka vehicle was back in 2019.

It was basically an
X70
 Premium variant with a few add ons such as exclusive floor mats, trunk mat, paint job as well as a unique numbered Merdeka Edition emblems.

While it did have its own unique attributes, the difference between it and the standard Premium variant X70 was negligible, unlike some of the other Proton Merdeka Special Edition vehicles, such as the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Waja, developed by Proton Motorsports division R3 (Race, Rally and Research) back in 2006.

Okay, the Waja is not directly a special edition Merdeka vehicle as it was created to celebrate the Proton R3 Amprex team's victory as overall champions and class O champions in the Merdeka Millenium Endurance race - but there was a Merdeka tribute to it and it showed that Proton was capable of building something different while basing it on a standard car.

The Proton Waja MME Edition received a few particular special edition body parts making it curvier than the standard box-shaped Waja. This was enough to visually make it seem like a unique special edition vehicle over the regular ones. It was just a bit more sleeker, aggressive and most importantly, had that feel of a special edition car.

What would a
Special Edition
 Merdeka Edition X50 look like though we found ourselves asking...

If you're going to do it right, you have to do it big! So we went and built an imaginary
Proton X50
 Merdeka Edition to commemorate and honour the 2021 Hari Merdeka.

Exterior - 2021 Proton X50 Merdeka Edition

As you can see from the rendering, we have given the exterior a bit of a lift, more accurately, the blacked-out treatment. The Proton's Infinite Weave front grille with the red "Ethereal Bow" trim that runs across the front fascia is now black, giving the X50 a more menacing look. The two-tone wheels have also been replaced with black polished wheels, complimenting the front end's aggressive look. Finally, we've also given the callipers a lick of red paint, which gives the car's side profile a bit more 'ooomph'.

There are six different colour options for the X50, but this Renault Trophy-esque colour we have coloured the car in is not one of them. Yes, the citrus orange is close to this colour, but we feel like the Renault Trophy colour would look boss on the X50. We're still in two minds about the tiger stripes at the side, but we'll leave that to your discretion. Yay or nay?

Interior - 2021 Proton X50 Merdeka Edition

While the interior's two-tone colour choice of red and black is snazzy, perhaps the Merdeka Edition could get an upgrade by having Alcantara across all soft touch surfaces including the seats and steering wheel. Wouldn't that be something?

We like the satin metallic finish of the dashboard fascia and centre console as it honestly does give the SUV that sublime premium feel, so we will leave that untouched.

Powertrain - 2021 Proton X50 Merdeka Edition

Now to 'do big part'. The Binyue, which is the car that the
X50 is based on
, has a brother called the Geely XingYue. It can be had in a few different engine configurations, including a powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, the same engine that powers the Volvo XC40. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Since the X50 uses the same 1.5-litre TGDi engine from the XC40 Recharge, we're pretty sure it can accept that 2.0-litre mill from the XingYue. All Proton needs to do is borrow it from Geely. Voila, we have another GTi.

Suspension - 2021 Proton X50 Merdeka Edition

Speaking of GTi, why not give the X50 the lowered treatment? We're pretty sure some have already done this, so why not just make it official? Proton engineers have actually
tweaked the suspension
 of the Proton X50 to give it the brand's signature ride and handling that makes it not only more comfortable than the vehicle it was based on but also a better handling vehicle.

We're pretty sure they can take it up a notch, as R3 could easily make some good shorter springs and dampers for the X50, making it even more of a road-hugging machine with some stance to boot!

So what do you think of our interpretation of a Merdeka Edition Proton X50? What would you have done and wanted out of a Merdeka Special Edition Proton X50? Let us know in the comments.

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Kereta Elektrik – Chery Rancang Lancarkan EQ1 Micro BEV Secara CKD Di Malaysia Pada 2022

Pengeluar automotif China,
Chery
 mempunyai rancangan untuk melancarkan
kereta elektrik
 cilik miliknya di Malaysia pada tahun 2022.

Jurucakap antarabangsa syarikat yang berpengkalan di Wuhu, Wilayah Anhui itu memberitahu media bahawa mereka amat berminat untuk merebut manfaat daripada
insentif cukai untuk kenderaan elektrik di bawah Bajet 2022.

Di China, meskipun Chery EQ1 ini dikenali sebagai ‘semut kecil’, namun ia merupakan juara dari segi jualan dalam segmen mikro BEV di sana. Menurut jurucakap itu, EQ1 dijual pada harga 60,000 hingga 70,000 yuan (RM39,839 hingga RM46,479) di China.

Model mikro
BEV
 terlaris di China ini terkenal sebagai kenderaan elektrik tulen beraluminium penuh yang menggabungkan reka bentuk yang menarik, keselamatan, kepintaran serta menetapkan penanda aras baharu dalam pasaran kenderaan elektrik di China. Disebabkan itu, Chery akan mencuba sebaik mungkin untuk membawa model ini ke Malaysia pada tahun hadapan, jelas jurucakapnya.

Menariknya, Chery tidak merancang untuk membawa kenderaan itu masuk ke Malaysia sebagai kenderaan import atau CBU, tetapi mereka kini sedang giat mengadakan perbincangan dengan beberapa pihak yang berpotensi untuk dijadikan rakan kongsi bagi melakukan pemasangan secara
CKD
 di Malaysia.

“Kami pastinya mahukan operasi CKD di Malaysia yang akan menjadi hub untuk eksport ke pasaran Asean dan pasaran lain yang menggunakan pemanduan di sebelah kanan," kata jurucakap itu.

Kereta cilik 2 pintu ini menawarkan 4 tempat duduk dengan badan aluminium penuh, motor elektrik 55kw yang boleh memecut ke 50km/j dalam 5 saat, dan mencapai kelajuan tertinggi 120 km/j.

EQ1 ditawarkan dalam 2 pilihan jarak perjalanan iaitu 301km dan 408km, berdasarkan New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Chery mendapatkan sumber bateri daripada pembekal bateri seperti CATL serta pek bateri yang dibangunkan sendiri yang dikatakan paling cekap dalam penggunaan tenaga. Chery juga telah membangunkan teknologi seperti keseimbangan inisiatif bateri dan pengecasan voltan untuk sistem bateri mereka.

Sementara itu, motor elektriknya pula diperoleh daripada kerjasama bersama Chery Yaskawa Electric Drive System Co Ltd, di mana produknya dikatakan lebih cekap dan 22% lebih ringan daripada pesaingnya.

Dari segi kawalan elektronik, Chery telah membangunkan unit kawalan kenderaan (VCU) yang bertindak untuk memantau keadaan bateri dan motor kenderaan dengan lebih tepat bagi memastikan prestasi kenderaan yang lebih baik dari segi kuasa, keselamatan dan tenaga kitaran semula.

Sejak dilancarkan pada 2017, EQ1 telah melalui 4 edisi dan telah memenangi beberapa pengiktirafan kelas pertama di China seperti:

model elektrik tulen yang dibangunkan secara sendiri pertama,

model elektrik tulen pertama yang dibina dengan badan aluminium ringan,

model elektrik tulen 2 pintu-4 tempat duduk dengan jarak pemanduan melebihi 300km pertama,

model elektrik tulen pertama dengan fungsi tempat letak kenderaan automatik

Di bahagian dalam, kereta elektrik ini menerima paparan LCD bersaiz 10-inci dengan teknologi interaksi suara AI.

Di bawah Bajet 2022 Malaysia, insentif pelepasan cukai yang diberikan termasuklah pelepasan cukai individu sehingga RM2,500 untuk pembelian, pemasangan, sewa dan yuran langganan untuk kemudahan pengecasan EV selama dua tahun (2022 dan 2023).

Malah kenderaan elektrik juga akan mendapat pengecualian cukai jalan sehingga 100%. Bagi kenderaan elektrik yang diimport atau dibina sepenuhnya (CBU), ia akan mendapat pengecualian duti import dan eksais penuh selama 2 tahun (2022 dan 2023).

Manakala bagi kenderaan elektrik yang dipasang secara tempatan (CKD) pula akan mendapat pengecualian duti import dan eksais penuh serta pengecualian cukai jualan selama 4 tahun (2022 hingga akhir 2025).

Syarikat China ini turut mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa mereka mempunyai 5 pusat penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) di dunia, dengan lebih 5,000 kakitangan. Di bawah strategi "Chery Lion", syarikat itu merancang untuk mengoptimumkan susun atur kitaran hayat penuh pintar bagi R&D, pembuatan, pemasaran dan perkhidmatan serta pengeluaran besar-besaran dan pelancaran teknologi pemanduan autonomi Tahap 2.5.

Setakat ini, produk syarikat ini sudah tersedia di lebih 80 negara dan wilayah. Chery juga telah mempunyai 10 kilang di luar negara dan lebih daripada 1,500 pengedar dan cawangan perkhidmatan di luar negara, dengan jumlah pengguna di seluruh dunia sebanyak 9.8 juta. 1.9 juta daripada pengguna tersebut merupakan pengguna di luar China.

Ia membuatkan Chery diiktiraf sebagai pengeksport kereta penumpang terkemuka di China selama 18 tahun berturut-turut. Jurucakap Chery itu turut menambah bahawa Chery juga sedang meninjau untuk melancarkan kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Tiggo 4 Pro di Malaysia, dan mungkin Tiggo 7 dan 8 Pro.

Jika kereta elektrik ini dilancarkan di Malaysia dan dijual pada sekitar RM40k-RM50k, mungkin ia bakal menjadi permulaan yang baik sebagai kereta elektrik mampu milik bagi rakyat Malaysia yang mahu perlahan-lahan melangkah ke arah penggunaan kereta elektrik di masa hadapan.


DBKL Wants People To Walk More In KL - Jalan TAR Closed To Traffic

In a bid to encourage more people to walk in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,
DBKL
 is planning to
close off Jalan TAR from traffic
 every Sunday starting 28 September 2022.

The proposed idea for
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
 will be an extension to the currently running KL Car-Free Morning which runs every Sunday from 7am to 9am. That, however, is only two hours. For Jalan TAR, DBKL is looking at 18 hours from 6am to midnight.

*Image credit: Harian Metro

Car-free Sunday from Jalan Esfahan to Jalan Tun Perak

As part of their efforts to encourage the culture of walking amongst the public, DBKL will also implement other programs to encourage people to walk in the said areas by including buskers, art performances, and traditional sports.

They're also planning to do the same for the stretch between Jalan Pudu and Jalan Bukit Bintang. As for the pedestrian infrastructure upgrading project, Deputy Federal Territories Minister, Datuk Seri Jalaludding Alias, stated that they've identified 23 areas for the move.

*Image credit: NST

Pedestrian safety to be upgraded

DBKL is also looking at the idea to install around 5,000 CCTV cameras with around 2,000 of them focused on monitoring these pedestrian walkways. To further encourage the walking culture without any worries, around 250 enforcement officers will be scheduled to ensure everyone's safety from time to time.


All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5 To Be Exported From Malaysia

The newly-launched second-generation Mazda CX-5 (story to come later) is being assembled at the Inokom Kulim plant not just for the Malaysian domestic consumption, but also to be exported to neighbouring ASEAN markets from October onwards.
"We see Malaysia as an important production base in the ASEAN region and, with the aim of establishing a sturdy production system, we've worked closely with our business partners to develop manufacturing of Mazda cars here," said Masatoshi Maruyama, Mazda's Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Production and Business Logistics.
Mazda Malaysia was already exporting the
outgoing CX-5
 to Thailand, but is set to expand its reach to the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar as well.
Plans to export the CX-5 were initially revealed by an
RHB Research investor newsletter
. Over 40,000 units of the previous-generation CX-5 have been built at the Kulim plant for Malaysia and Thailand.
In its current configuration, the Inokom plant has a combined annual production capacity of 40,000 - 50,000 units assembling cars for multiple brands. Mazda, on its own, accounts for 20,000 units of the plant's net capacity.
Production of the new CX-5 at Kulim began in August, together with the start of operation of a new state-of-the-art paint shop at the plant dedicated for Mazda’s use. The new paint facility is claimed to match production standards of Mazda's Japan plants in Ujina and Hofu. Mazda had just spent RM 87 million to upgrade its production facilities in Kulim, the bulk of it accounted by the new paint shop.
Besides providing Mazda cars with a higher quality finish, the new paint shop also enables Mazda to offer a range of premium metallic colours in locally-assembled models to Malaysian consumers for the first time.
For a premium of RM2,000, the all-new CX-5 can be had with a choice between three new premium metallic colours – Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, and Snowflake White Pearl.


Jakarta 2017: Daihatsu DN Multisix Concept - Possible New Perodua SUV?

Daihatsu is on a roll with the introduction of not one, but two concept vehicles at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. The first is the concept sedan called the
DN F-Sedan
, while the second is an SUV called DN Multisix.
The company has yet to reveal any specifics regarding the new concept SUV, though it was positioned beside the F-Sedan, hinting that it could very well be a B-segment SUV. If so, it is possible that the DN Multisix concept could underpin Perodua's new generation seven-seater SUV, or a crossover-style MPV like the Honda BR-V.
Up front, the Daihatsu DN Multisix features a front fascia with what appears to be LED headlights and a light bar style turn signal. The aggressive front end also features a large lower air intake with LED daytime running lights positioned at each end. Gold trim pieces are found at the lower half of the DN Multisix concept, giving the SUV some nice design touches.
The funky design continues to the rear end, with sharp looking LED tail lights positioned at each end of the concept SUV. Towards the bottom, muffler tips are nicely integrated into the bumper.
Looking inside, the Daihatsu DN Multisix concept sits six. The dashboard is populated by a large display. Below the large display is a smaller display with controls for the infotainment system and the SUV's gear selector.
The current generation Daihatsu Terios, is also sold as a seven-seater in Indonesia. It's also known in Malaysia as the Toyota Rush. The model is at the end of its lifecycle and a replacement is imminent.
Closer to home, Perodua could be developing its own version of the Daihatsu SUV for the Malaysian market, as the company currently lacks an SUV in its lineup.


UMW’s Proposed Takeover Of Perodua Stalled As MBMR Rejects Deal Offer

As predicted by several analysts including RHB Research, the shareholders of MBM Resources (MBMR) have voted to reject the much publicized takeover offer by UMW Holdings.
Both Med-Bumikar Mara Sdn Bhd and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Central Shore Sdn Bhd (CSSB), the two biggest shareholders of MBMR, have turned down the conditional offer made by UMW Holdings. The offer is worth about RM 501 million, in return for a 50.07 percent stake in MBMR.
At the same time, UMW Holdings has made a separate announcement to Bursa Malaysia that it will be extending its offer to MBMR from the previous deadline of 28-April 2018 to 30-April 2018.
To recap, UMW Holdings, whose subsidiary UMW Toyota Motor holds distributorship for Toyota (including local assembly) and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, had on 9-March 2018 initiate a
move to take control of Perodua
 by increasing its stake from the current 38 percent to 70.58 percent.
The conglomerate made an offer to purchase Med-Bumikar Mara Sdn Bhd and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Central Shore Sdn Bhd (CSSB)’s 50.07 percent stake in MBMR, which in turn holds 22.58 percent stake in Perodua. UMW Holdings had also made a separate offer to purchase the government-owned PNB Equity Resource Corporation Sdn. Bhd.’s 10 percent stake in Perodua for RM117.5 million.
Apart from Perodua, MBMR also holds the distributorship rights to Daihatsu and Hino, both Toyota-affiliated brands. MBMR owns 51.5 percent of commercial vehicles distributor Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) and 42 percent of Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM), plus 42 percent of lorry assembler Hino Motors Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMMM).


All-New 2015 Audi Q7 Coming To Malaysia In November, ROI Site Now Online

The all-new Audi Q7 looks set to make its debut in Malaysia this November 2015 with the advent of a “registration of interest” site that interested parties can now
visit here
. Exact details pertaining to the specifications of the second-generation Audi Q7 we will receive,
which made its global debut earlier in December
 2014, weren't revealed on the website however.
Riding on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, the Q7 features extensive application of aluminium and high-strength steel in its construction, including parts of the bodywork like the doors, hood, fenders, and rear hatch. The new platform sees the Q7 shrink by 38mm in length and 15mm in width but in return, promises more leg room and head room as well.
By employing lightweight materials in its construction, the Q7 undergoes a significant weight loss compared to its predecessor – 325kg lighter to say the least, in its 3.0 TDI variant, tipping the scales at 1,995kg.
As for powertrains, there are four engine options available to the
Audi Q7
 during its global debut that includes two 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel engine in two states of tune (272hp/600Nm and 218hp/500Nm), a sole 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine with 333hp and 440Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine with 252hp and 370Nm of torque. An eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system is standard for all the engine listed above.
During this year’s Shanghai Motor Show,
Audi
 introduced a petrol hybrid version of the all-new Audi Q7 known as the e-tron quattro aimed at Asian markets, which adopts a the same 2.0-litre TFSI engine mentioned above but with the addition of electric motors to bring power outputs up to 367hp and 700Nm, while bringing fuel consumption down to 2.5-litres per 100km.
It remains to be seen if we’ll receive the diesel powertrain or even the hybrid powertrain for our Q7 when the SUV is launched in Malaysia. The current Audi Q7 you can buy now is only available with a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, priced at RM538,900 (OTR without insurance).
The cabin features Audi’s new virtual cockpit instrument display that made its debut on the
third generation TT
 coupe and a revamped
MMI infotainment system
 with support for Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. There are also two 10.1-inch tablets for the rear seat entertainment system along with a Bose 3D sound system. Again, whether we receive these features is up to Audi Malaysia’s specification of the car.


Tony Fernandes: “Can AirAsia Become The Biggest Food Delivery And Ride Hailing Company?”

Competition is tough, especially
in the ride-hailing
 and/or mobile food delivery industry, but Tony Fernandes thinks AirAsia has a shot at becoming the top dog in both.

In a recent press conference over the past weekend, the AirAsia Group CEO expressed his typical bullish attitude toward the prospects of his company, which in 2021 had entered new territory with AirAsia Ride to compete directly with
local-spawned behemoth Grab
.

Going forward, with AirAsia’s acquisition of food delivery platform Delivereat, previously another homegrown effort, Fernandes reckons the expansion into two new industries is a complement to both each other and the Group’s core business with green pastures all around.

Ambitious expansion plans are also on the horizon barring some unforeseen hiccup, with the full suite of the brand’s food, delivery, and ride-hailing network entering other ASEAN markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. However, a firm timeline on this has not been detailed.

There is still much to be tackled on the home front, obviously, before such plans can be executed. Fernandes earlier announced the appointment of Delivereat’s founder Tan Suan Sear as Group Head of AirAsia Food and Leong Shir Mein as Head of On-Demand for Teleport, their delivery arm.

"When (I started) AirAsia, I always wondered if we can become the biggest airline, and we did,” the CEO told The Edge Markets, citing the airline’s growth to become the 4th largest in Asia with 90 million passengers from 200,000 passengers and 2 planes when he first took over the ailing business.

"So I sit back and think can we become the biggest food delivery company and ride-hailing company? Today, I officially say, I think we can... I think we’d go out there and (outgrow) existing competitors the same way we outgrew other airlines.”

This positive attitude has not seemed to trickle into the sentiments of AirAsia’s investors, however, as its share price continues to record a downward trend after the group was classified as Practice Note 17 (PN17) status some 18 months ago following a failure to seek an extension from its release period from Bursa Malaysia.

CGS-CIMB expects
challenging times
 ahead for AirAsia, approximating it will require an RM7.39 billion stimulus to its shareholders' funds (on a proforma basis) by Sept 31, 2021 to be removed from PN17 classification.


VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton Approves Of The Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLE Coupe

On the back of one of his poorest performances in this year’s Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton has been a busy boy filming for the passenger vehicle side of his team.
Here he is, sharing a few positive thoughts about the
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
, as he drives it through the popular roads of Sa Calobra, in Mallorca – totally unlike his recent
honing of an E 63 AMG around a circuit
.
“
Handles really well
,” “
lighter,”
and “
looks younger
,” is what the British World Champion had to say about it – as short a review as we’d all like to maintain doing, but seeing as how none of us here are Formula 1 World Champions, we’ll leave it to Lewis to do.
Next year,
Mercedes-Benz
 Malaysia will be
unleashing its tidal wave of new SUVs
 here, so take this as a bit of a preview, even, of things to come.
In any case, here’s the double World Champ at his best, approving his team's GLE Coupe. Although, we equally wonder what Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso might have to say about it.


The Meteorite Is Audi’s Cool Little Playground For EVs

Audi has prepared a very special showcase for the new e-tron model prior to its local introduction in Germany.
The multi-storey Audi Meteorite, covering a 6,781-square feet footprint allows visitors to familiarize themselves with Audi’s first fully-electric SUV, its ecosystem, as well as other exciting future projects.
Part of the experience also involves having the Audi e-tron going around and into the Meteorite.
The Audi Meteorite will also function as one of the company’s training activities for its global sales force on all topics regarding the all-electric Audi e-tron.
“We are starting a new chapter for our brand with the Audi e-tron. The focus, aside from the new car, will for the first time be on new digital services and on charging,” said Horst Hanschur, Head of Sales Strategy and Business Development at Audi.
“Our Meteorite therefore also offers a completely new approach to experiencing the ecosystem and technologies surrounding our first all-electric, high-volume model. But our approach goes even further: This year we will be working together with Munich Airport to develop a complete infrastructure for electric charging,” adds Mr Hanschur.
The innovative technology multi-sensory display is located between Munich Airport’s Terminal 1 and 2 and will continue to engage with visitors until the middle of March. Audi has also previously demonstrated many of its product attributes at this very location, including the installation of a 45-feet high ramp to the celebrate 30 years of Quattro technology.
The Audi e-tron is a large SUV, fitted with
front and rear motor-generator units
 developing a maximum combined system output of 408 hp and 664 Nm of torque. Thanks to the large dimension of the SUV, an equally large battery pack can be fitted under the floor of the vehicle.
The 95 kWh battery with its dedicated cooling system is expected to provide a range of over 400 kilometres from a full charge.


2015 Mercedes-Benz C 250 (W205) Exclusive Full Review: The Bells & Whistles Are Standard

We don’t have to tell you that this one’s a bit special, do we? While the
S-Class
 stands as Stuttgart’s flagship, it’s always been the entry-level to the brand, the
C-Class
, which balanced the bank books for
Mercedes-Benz
. The case is no different in Malaysia, nor is it any different for the company’s arch nemesis,
BMW
, and its
3 Series
.

But the term “entry” has somewhat fallen off the list of typical C-Class definitions recently, given the latest horde of new compact cars that offer even lower entry price points to calling a three-pointed star your own. The
A-
,
GLA-
 and
CLA-Class
 have all the right boxes checked for you to more easily boast the privilege – perceived or not – of owning a “Benz”.

 Where purpose is concerned, the previous generation
C-Class (W204)
 almost had itself cornered by the new trio of compact models, forcing designers and engineers to
break the mould for the W205
 in an attempt to elevate the model further upwards. And in doing so, you have what we have here today: a vehicle that by presence alone has set itself miles ahead of its A-Class-based juniors, and in the process, appears to have even stepped way ahead of what its immediate rivals have to offer.

KEY SPECS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250 Exclusive (W205) (CBU)

Price: RM314,888 (without insurance)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (M274)

Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed torque converter automatic

Power: 211hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 1,200 to 4,000rpm

0-100km/h: 6.6 seconds

Top Speed: 250km/h (electronically limited)

Observed fuel consumption: 7.5 to 10.5-litres/100km (claimed: 5.6-litres/100km)

Buyer’s Guide:

Amongst the popular trio of German sedans in the segment (3 Series, A4, C-Class), it’s undeniable that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has in its hands on the winning formula at the moment, largely a courtesy of being the latest and the greatest. That said, you’ve also got to appreciate how much the company has put into making this car look beautiful. Apart from all its technological and mechanical assessments, that interior alone would be enough to escalate the C-Class to a whole other level.

To drive, it’s a clear case of refinement above athleticism. You’d still be better off setting a lap time to the office and back in BMW’s F30, but sitting back and lounging to your tunes day-to-day over a supple ride is done far better in the new C-Class than in any other of its competitors. Mind you, that doesn’t imply for one second that this car isn’t quick, nor that it lacks anything in the ‘dynamic handling’ department.

In short, there’s no real argument against buying a C-Class – apart from what your finances and personal preference permits. However, only fully-imported (CBU from South Africa) units are available, and it makes sense that prices will tumble when locally-assembled models (CKD) start to roll out of MBM’s production facility in Pekan, Pahang. So if RM314,888 is too much for you now, you may want to hang around until official prices of CKD units are announced – we expect them to come before Q2.

Driving a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 250 Exclusive:

What we appreciated most about driving the new C-Class is how the experience so seamlessly fits like a glove. It isn’t primed for turning heads with performance, nor does it try too hard to do so. The all-new C-Class feels perfectly comfortable about where it stands in the market, and yes, it is an envied distinction that ought to reflect its owner.

PERFORMANCE:
 Against the benchmark 3 Series, the C-Class does feel a lot gentler off the line, with very domesticated throttle response. Planting the throttle to the floor, and there isn’t so much of a surge of power as you would get from a BMW, rather an S-Class’ swell to speed.

That said, you do have an ‘Agility’ control switch, which lets you scroll between various driving modes (Comfort, ECO, Normal, Sport, Sport+) according to how you want to utilise the 211hp and 350Nm of torque on tap. In full-on Sport+, a 6.6-second century sprint is promised, and while matching sensations aren’t evident (largely because how comfortable the ride is), the figures are live-up to in the real world.

ECONOMY:
 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia lists a combined 5.6-litres/100km, but as it goes with any manufacturer’s claims, you’re to expect much higher real-world consumption. Keep the car in full ECO mode (reduces A/C output, tames throttle, shifts etc.), and you can expect efficiency figure readouts within the 7.5 to 9.5-litres/100km range. Abuse the throttle with some frisky driving, and you’ll easily break the 11.0-litres/100km mark.

Not to forget, but the C-Class is also a very slippery cutting the wind with its body boasting a Cd value of 0.24: these figures are in conjunction with the active radiator grille shutter which can close itself up when that much cooling isn’t necessary.

RIDE COMFORT:
 No surprises here, because all that you’d come to expect of a baby S-Class is duly delivered. Taking anything our poorly-built Malaysian roads can throw at it and then some, the only one complaint of the car’s ride we received was from this writer’s mom who didn’t quite appreciate how firm the seats were at the back, and the resulting road feedback – she stands firm on the latest-gen Honda Accord being the class above the rest, and while we agree, we don’t think the Accord and the C-Class were designed for the same job. Mind you, the C 250 Elegance here wears a more comfort-minded suspension system, while the C 200 features a sportier kit.

HANDLING:
 Undoubtedly, the BMW equivalent, the F30 3 Series’ position as the industry’s benchmark hasn’t wavered (in the handling department) with the arrival of the new C. Don’t get us wrong: the W 205 is sporty and drives well enough to appease any of your sudden urges to drive quickly. It just doesn’t feel as poised as the BMW doing it – and to be fair, Stuttgart does offer you a balance equally favourable of comfort. It’s just the expected trade off.

Steering is again very precise and refined for weight and response, courtesy of the company’s Direct Steer system which is also applied in its other prime models: E- and S-Class, most notably.

OVERALL:
 The W 205 can ‘feel’ very aggressive, and behaves the same when you want it to. Flick the Agility Select switch to Sports mode, and bang, you’re off. Likewise, in Comfort mode, it scores equally well, relieving us of all notice from our – let’s be honest – horrendous Malaysian road quality. It doesn’t handle as well as the BMW equivalent can, but in all fairness, it wasn’t made purely to do that.

Living with a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 250 Exclusive:

And here, is where we believed the competition loses ground. But let’s get some of the setbacks out of the way first. Being a C-Class, interior spaciousness was always going to be a bit of an issue if your standards are based on what Japanese carmakers offer at the moment. And if you plan on using this as a means of transporting your IKEA furniture, you will be outdone, for speed and capacity, by a Honda Accord. Moving along…

EXTERIOR:
 Admittedly, this writer’s a huge fan of the previous C-Class W204’s looks, and thinks that it’s still a very relevant and timely design – despite the fact that it’s effectively been in service for more than seven years now (2007). The W205 has had its criticisms, and is styled very differently to what was before. Does it look bad? We don’t think so at all. Photos really don’t do this car justice, and yes, you’ll have to let it grow on you for a day or two.

ACTIVE SHUTTER GRILLE:
 The ‘regal’ design here in the C 250 Exclusive is adorned with a unique active front grille. From our gallery, you’ll be able to see what it looks like closed and opened. The shutter slides open only when cooling is necessary, but shuts close otherwise to aid aerodynamics, improving fuel efficiency on highways while coasting and such.

INTERIOR:
 On the bright side, it does have one of the prettiest interiors you can find in the segment today. The glossed wood-grain centre console is surreal to the touch, and matched by more of the material on the door cards. The brushed aluminium is perfect accompaniment, and sets off the overall lavishness here. Finishing really is in a class of its own.

ERGONOMICS:
 Functionally, it all works to seamlessly integrate itself to accommodating your natural driving motions. Everything from the seat’s design to where the arm rests are placed, to the positioning of the air-conditioning controls and entertainment have been calculated well.

TOUCHPAD:
 If we had one bone to pick, it’s with the touchpad on the center console. While pretty in design and functionally spectacular (you’ve really got to see this thing in action), we did find it located a bit too close to our body (waist) than we liked. Ideally, you’d like it to be a bit further away so you can stretch your arms out a bit more into a natural position to rest on it, but being where it is – dead middle of the center console – makes it quite an unnatural place to leave your wrist while leisure driving.

Otherwise, the touchpad itself is a classy development by Mercedes-Benz, seen first on the flagship S-Class, of course. The sculpted surface above is as much of a touch-sensitive surface as your average modern mobile phone (swipe, pinch, etc.). Beneath, a rotary dial that you can even push down, left and right. On either side of the dial and even on the touchpad, there are more controls, including toggling the front parking sensors on/off, the Agility Select control switch, and another for the volume which on top of rolling up/down for volume, can even be pushed down to mute. You really can’t ask for more control of your car’s infotainment and performance settings.

SPACE:
 The C-Class doesn’t have the most spaciousness a cabin a vehicle this size can be known for. Its purpose is at most designed to fit four, relatively comfortably – which it does, even for this six-foot writer sat at the back. Rear passengers may also appreciate the added headroom and legroom over the previous-gen model, but have to inevitably deal with a high transmission tunnel running through the floor which makes this car most appropriate as a four-seater.

The boot opening has been widened against what was available on the previous model, and is more capable of swallowing your cargo, where a good 480 litres of space is available immediately (5 litres more than before), with the option of more cargo area courtesy of the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

Competing against the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

Standing against the C-Class, you primarily have Munich’s mighty F30 3 Series, where in Malaysia, you’d comparatively look at the BMW 328i, which retails from RM293,800. Rather than argue which is actually better, we’ll leave it to say that both serve slightly different purposes. The BMW is the superior sports vehicle, while the Benz is far ahead in terms of luxury.

Value for money? Well, RM293,800 (328i Luxury Line) isn’t very far away from the RM315,888 asked of the C 250 Exclusive, and on paper at least, it’s the Mercedes-Benz that appears to offer more bang for your buck: more equipment, more spec, newer car overall.

But where we think the Merc will nail it further, is with its coming price update. While the 328i is already a locally-assembled unit (CKD), the C 250 you see here is a fully-imported model. In a matter of months, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will officially launch its CKD run of cars, which we imagine will bring the C 250 and C 200’s price tag lower.

Verdict: Here’s what we think…

The all-new C-Class is a great car, does a lot of fantastic things, and promises a lot of value for money. While its exterior design may not appeal to most at first, it does grow on you, and we feel will stand the test of time – much like how the W 204 has managed to remain contemporary to this day.

The BMW 328i 3 Series and the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro are worthy competitors for your hard-earned dollars, both offering varying levels of specifications, performance etc. But this writer would personally rather spend that dough on a C 250 Exclusive (or AMG Line), for its unmatched value for money, all-round capabilities and that surreal interior design.


UMW Toyota Announces Recall

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, today announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump on particular units of Toyota and Lexus models.

These vehicles have a fuel pump which may stop operating. If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power hesitation may happen. This may result in the vehicle stalling and unable to start. This scenario could increase the risk of a crash while driving at higher speed.

Based on information received from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), there are around 12,000 units of Toyota (Alphard, Camry, Corolla, Innova and Fortuner) and 1,500 units of Lexus models (GS300, GS350, IS300, LC500/500H, LS460, LS500/500H, LS600H, NX200T/300H, RC350/300H, RX350/450H and RX350/450) manufactured from 2013 to 2019 and distributed by UMWT involved in this campaign.  Model not listed here are not affected by this campaign.

UMWT will officially notify all its affected vehicle owners to update the fuel pump unit at no charge.

According to UMW Toyota they have ready stock of the fuel pumps and if owners need more information they can contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


All-New G20 BMW 3 Series Undergoes Final Round Of Testing, Paris Debut Possible

The all-new G20 BMW 3 Series is undergoing its final round of testing as part of the new model’s extensive pre-production development.
BMW recently released photos and videos of its new compact executive sedan undergoing various testing around the globe, including hot weather testing in Death Valley and winter testing in Arjeplog.
In the US, the development team took the all-new 3 Series to the Death Valley, where the automatic climate control system of the new model was tested to its limits, undergoing multi-day heat tests that see the cars left in the sun for several hours, then cooled, and thoroughly checked. The dry desert roads of the Death Valley also help to test how effective the car's flaps, doors, doors, bonnets and lids are at keeping out dust.
Also in the US, the all-new 3 Series was subject to electromagnetic rays emitted by the hydroelectric plant at the Hoover Dam to test the electronic system’s reliability. Concurrently, another development team tests the all-new 3 Series’ engine, transmission, and brakes up and down the 4,000-meter high Mount Whitey. To prevent unwanted attention, police officers help to secure the test route at the top and bottom of the hill.
The development team also brought the new model to BMW Group’s winter testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden. The frozen Lake Kakel and Mellanström-Runde are excellent test grounds for fine-tuning the dynamic stability control (DSC), M Sport differential, and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
But before the all-new G20 3 Series underwent real-world tests, BMW engineers used computer simulations to set important aspects of the new car. By utilizing the simulation programme, engineers are able to put the new model through more than 12,000 driving maneuvers with the aims of optimizing the driving dynamics.
BMW’s development team has also optimized the aerodynamics of the new model, with the all-new G20 3 Series boating a low drag coefficient of 0.23, thanks to clever air channeling around the underbody and design of the spoiler lip on the rear of the car.
With the 2018 Paris Motor Show set to happen in early October, it is possible that the Munich-based firm will debut its most important model there.


The Volvo V60 D5 Twin Engine Is Now Available In Special Edition Guise

Volvo
 has revealed a special edition of the
V60
 D5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, its diesel-based plug-in hybrid powertrain station wagon. The changes on it are mostly cosmetic in nature with only 500 examples to be built and will make its debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
The
Volvo V60
 D5 Twin Engine Special Edition features white exterior paint, 19-inch wheels and various glossy black exterior details. The cabin is also equipped with a black headliner and piano black trim. Other bits include new Blond sport seat upholstery with decorative white stitching, inspired by the company’s Ocean Race editions.
The D5 Twin Engine powertrain provides 161 hp from the diesel engine and 67 hp from the electric motor, powered by a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 228 hp. The configuration is similar to that of the V60 D6 Twin Engine and has three different driving modes ranging from running on pure electricity, saving the battery power for later, hybrid mode, and full power mode.
Charging the batteries can also be done via a power outlet as well, taking about 3.5 to 7.5 hours depending on the amperage (6A to 16A).
Volvo was the first car maker to develop and produce a diesel-based plug-in hybrid powertrain by launching the V60 D6 in 2012.


SPIED: First Pictures Of Facelifted 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Emerge

The facelifted version of the
Mercedes-Benz

CLA
 has been spotted testing, wearing the requisite detail-obscuring garb. The car is due to make its way to showrooms towards the middle of 2016.
These pictures won’t make anyone aghast over dramatic styling changes because, honestly, there are none visible here. Minor alterations are on the books this time around to bring the CLA into better resemblance to the facelifted
A-Class
.
From what we can gather via these photos from
DPC Cars
 are that the new bits are focused on the front - there is a reprofiled front bumper and a new headlamp cluster. The rest of the car has come through seemingly without modification, at least on the exterior.
Reports from European publications have said that the new CLA will be the recipient of a revised suspension set up along with updated engines that improve upon fuel economy and carbon emission figures. A newer 376hp version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine will be fitted to the new CLA45 AMG, matching the A45 AMG.
Also, a change in naming designations are purported to be coming up as well. Petrol versions will be identified by just a number while diesel models will be denoted with a ‘d’ at the end of their names as opposed to the current ‘CDI’ and ‘Bluetec’.