Government Mulls Lower Excise Duty For Cars - How Low Will Prices Go? How Realistic Is It?

Earlier last month, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr. Ong Kian Ming said during a press conference by MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and MAA (Malaysia Automotive Association) that the government is considering a reduction excise duties for cars.
The argument is that the shortfall in tax revenue will be compensated by an increase in sales revenue of new cars and automotive parts.
Apart from the standard 10 percent Sales and Services Tax (SST), cars are also slapped with excise duty and import duty. The former ranges from 60 to 105 percent depending on vehicle type and engine capacity while the latter can reach up to 30 percent depending on the car’s country of origin.
These hefty excise duties are often blamed as the cause of high car prices in Malaysia.
Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that Dr. Ong's announcement, despite lacking in details, has triggered a lot of uncertainty among car buyers. Should they buy a car now or wait later for prices to come down?
How much does the government rely on cars for taxes?
If you are hoping to see significant reductions in prices, don’t count on it. A quick look at Malaysia’s tax revenue breakdown will tell you how much the Malaysian government relies on taxes on car. Until the government announces any concrete plans on compensating for the shortfall in tax revenue, talks of slashing excise duties are best treated as populist moves to shore up support, at the expense of businesses and their forecasts for the year.
Remember that this is the same government that repeatedly says that our Treasury is short of money because of mismanagement of the previous government, and that stabilizing the country’s finance is their highest priority. To expect the same government to cut taxes is contradictory.
Dr. Ong Kian Ming, file picture
Thirteen percent of the government’s forecasted revenue of RM314.5 billion for 2019 comes from indirect taxes, which excise and import duties are grouped under. Within this category, more than 15 percent (over RM6.3 billion) will be contributed by the automotive sector – the single biggest contributor, eclipsing tobacco and alcohol (RM 2.5 billion).
Taxes on tobacco and alcohol are already very high and a further increase will be counterproductive as the high gap in prices will simply create stronger incentives for smuggling, which would then entail higher cost by the government to police against.
How low can car prices drop?
Not by much. To know how much cheaper can prices of new cars drop to, one only needs to compare the difference in prices between duty-free Langkawi and mainland Peninsular Malaysia.
Imported cars aside, the prices of a Perodua Myvi or a Honda City – the types of cars bought by majority of working class Malaysians - differ by no more than RM 10,000. Remember that the difference is also due to the waiver of 10 percent Sales and Services Tax (SST) in Langkawi, so the differences is a lot less if we are are looking at just excise duties alone.
Currently, many locally-assembled cars are already paying little or no excise duties as the government has various funds from which manufacturers can claim rebates/discounts on excise duties based on the amount of local parts used/investments made.
The Industry Linkage Programme (ILP) is one such example.
Take the Perodua Myvi for example, where over 90 percent of the parts are local content. It sees a mere 7 percent difference in prices (RM44,590 vs RM41,598 for the cheapest automatic model) between Langkawi and Peninsular Malaysia - a big chunk of it contributed by SST. In other words, prices for a Myvi is already as low as it is realistically possible.
For a foreign make locally-assembled model like a Honda City, which still has fairly high local content, the gap will be a bigger 14 percent (base price of RM73,836 vs RM64,730).
For comparison, a premium locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz C200 will naturally have a lot less local content, so it has a much bigger 42 percent gap – RM259,888 vs RM183,176 between Peninsular Malaysia and Langkawi.
The important thing to note here is that none of the three models mentioned above are paying anywhere near the minimum 60 percent rate in excise duties, thanks to existing incentives. So how much more do you think prices can go down if excise duties are slashed? Surely the government won't be so generous as to abolish it completely.
With or without excise duties, even regular mass-market cars will still be perceived as expensive for the average person. The bigger issue here is stagnant wages, sometimes stemming from a person’s own low productivity and limited skill sets, and other times due factors like a weak Ringgit, which is beyond a common person’s control.
Everyone Wants Cheaper Prices But Nobody Wants Lower Resale Values
Consumers need to understand that any reduction in new car prices will result in a proportionate reduction in resale value of their existing cars, which could be a serious problem for those who finance their cars with the maximum 90 percent margin and 9-year tenure period.
While it’s fair to argue that overcoming short-term pain (reduced resale value) is necessary before we can all enjoy cheaper car prices in the longer term, a poorly thought through announcement that’s lacking in details will only result in all the pain but none of the gain. As explained earlier, excise duties make very little difference in entry-level cars that 50 percent of consumers are shopping for – the Axias, Myvis, Cities and Vioses.
Any move to reduce excise duties, while welcomed, will be enjoyed more by premium brands - which because of their lower local parts count - are the only ones still paying significant excise duties and thus have more room to reduce their prices. The high local content mass market locally-assembled cars that an average middle-class family is shopping for, have little room to go down any further.
It’s fair to reason that the shortfall in collection of excise duties will be compensated by an increase in sales revenue but without any estimated numbers from an exhaustive analysis, such ‘thinking aloud’ response from a government ministry will only serve to throw a spanner in the automotive industry’s fragile economic machinery as consumers withhold purchases and stall the industry.
The latest Auto sector report by RHB Research Institute expressed the same concern and noted that when the 2006 National Automotive Policy announced changes in duty structure, new car sales took a dip and didn’t recover until 12 months later. RHB also said that sudden corrections in used car prices could result in a systemic risk to the banking sector. If collateral value falls short of the outstanding loan value, banks could see an increase in non-performing loans.
In short, Malaysians will certainly support any move to reduce car prices, but please, no more thinking aloud. Anything that affects prices of big ticket consumer goods should only be announced once all the details are finalized, after consultation with stake holders.


Jualan Proton Merudum – Pengeluaran Terjejas Akibat Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP)

Bulan Januari 2021 adalah satu bulan yang agak suram bagi industri automotif Malaysia. Selepas pengumuman insentif PENJANA akan kekal hingga ke pertengahan tahun, Proton berharap untuk meneruskan momentum yang dibina pada akhir tahun lepas untuk dibawa ke tahun ini, namun pengumuman
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP)
 untuk kali kedua telah menghampakan harapan itu.

MODEL

JUMLAH UNIT YANG DIJUAL

PENCAPAIAN JUALAN PADA BULAN JANUARI 2021

Saga

2,583

Jumlah kedua tertinggi sedan segmen-A

Persona

970

Jumlah ketiga tertinggi sedan segmen-B

Exora

153

Jumlah tertinggi MPV segmen-C

Iriz

283

Jumlah ketiga tertinggi hatchback segmen-B

X70

892

Jumlah tertinggi SUV segmen-C

X50

1,082

Jumlah tertinggi SUV segmen-B (lima tempat duduk)

JUMLAH

*5,964

*angka jualan model lain yang tidak tersenarai telah ditambah ke jumlah jualan keseluruhan

Ekoran pelaksanaan PKP, Proton berada di tangga kedua setelah menjual sebanyak 5,964 unit kenderaan pada Januari 2021. Terdapat penurunan sebanyak 29.9% berbanding Januari 2020 manakala pegangan pasaran dianggarkan pada tahap 18.5%, penurunan sebanyak 1.0%. Penurunan jualan ini mencerminkan ketidakbolehan pengeluar kenderaan untuk memenuhi permintaan dan bukanlah pengurangan tempahan.

Seperti yang dijangka,
Proton Saga
 kekal sebagai model terlaris jualan Proton pada Januari 2021, sekaligus menjadikannya sedan segmen-A yang kedua paling popular. Walaupun jumlah yang didaftarkan telah berkurangan,
Proton X70
 dan
Proton X50
 masih kekal di tangga teratas SUV segmen-C dan SUV segmen-B (lima tempat duduk).

Walaupun Proton terima banyak tempahan dari tahun lepas lagi, mereka perlu bekerja keras dalam pengeluaran bagi menepati kadar permintaan kerana Proton bergantung kepada rantaian bekalan global. Pendek kata, jikalau terdapat kelewatan penghantaran bahagian daripada
Geely
 yang bertapak di China, ini akan memberi kesan buruk kepada barisan pengeluaran mereka.

Jumlah pelanggan yang datang ke bilik pameran Proton turut menurun secara mendadak ekoran pelaksanaan PKP. Walau bagaimanapun, tempahan kereta keluaran Proton masih boleh dibuat secara atas talian. Kekurangan bekalan menyukarkan mereka untuk membina kenderaan oleh kerana bekalan bahagian yang tidak konsisten. Apa yang bakal terjadi sekiranya tak boleh nak memenuhi permintaan tersebut? Kena
tunggu lama sikit
 la nampaknya.

Meskipun berdepan dengan kelewatan dalam penghantaran kenderaan, Proton tetap berhasrat untuk melancarkan produknya untuk tahun 2021 dalam usaha meningkatkan lagi jumlah jualannya di dalam dan luar negara. Adakah
Proton Iriz 2021
 bakal membuat kemunculan?

Sementara itu, Roslan Abdulah, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Proton Edar berharap ketibaan vaksin akan menstabilkan keadaan pandemik ini pada pertengahan tahun 2021. Beliau menegaskan Proton dan ahli-ahli lain industri automotif menyokong sepenuhnya langkah yang diambil oleh pihak kerajaan untuk mengawal kadar jangkitan.

Apa pula kata anda? Setelah mengetahui masalah pengeluaran yang sedang dihadapi Proton ini, sanggupkah anda menunggu untuk mendapatkan X70 ataupun X50?

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

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

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


Floyd Mayweather Set To Purchase RM18 Million Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

Recently, Forbes released its list of “The World’s Highest-Paid Superstars of 2015” and coming in at the top is none other than Floyd Mayweather with a whopping $300 million (RM1,135,140,000).
With all that money in hand, he’s looking to upgrade from his $3.8 million Ferrari Enzo to another exotic and according to
TMZ Sports
, that supercar is a ultra-rare Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.
Sources told the tabloid that his go-to car guy Obi Okeke at Fusion Luxury Motors has already imported the car to his Los Angeles showroom specifically for Mayweather.
So, how much will Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather have to fork out for this purchase? Try $4.8 million (RM18,162,240) but it should all be worth it because this isn’t just a supercar dipped in gold and bejewelled with diamonds.
Firstly, when we say it’s ultra-rare, there are only three of them in the entire world, all produced in 2009, making them very exclusive. Being a Koenigsegg, extreme levels of engineering have gone into the car beginning with the carbon fibre seen on the outside.
Traditionally, most Koenigseggs adopt a clear-carbon look but customers can opt to have a tint applied to give it a bit of colour. The CCXR Trevita’s carbon fibre skin is not painted nor does it have a tint applied. It is actually white carbon fibre which according to the Swedish car maker, “shines like millions of diamonds when the sun hits the car” as a result of a manufacturing technique developed by Koenigsegg.
The company states that it is unlikely to ever produce such a stunning visual effect again to ensure the exclusivity of the “three whites” forever. And that is what the Trevita name means in Swedish: three whites.
With that much ‘bling’, we reckon Mr. Mayweather will be very satisfied with such a purchase and if the exclusivity and unique bodywork isn’t enough, the Trevita is also a mechanical masterclass underneath with a 4.8-litre twin supercharged V8 engine producing 1,018hp and 1,080Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is accomplished in just 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 410+ km/h. The list just goes on and on.
The car was also featured on Jay Leno’s Garage with company founder Christian von Koenigsegg himself present to talk about the Trevita which you can watch here:


Isuzu’s MU-X Monster All Set For The Borneo Safari

Isuzu’s MU-X seven-seater lifestyle SUV is all set for the jungles of Sabah, as it takes on the 2016 Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge, which takes place from the October 30 till November 6 of this year.
For the first time, one unit of modified Isuzu MU-X `Monster’ will spearhead Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s four vehicle team to take on the unforgiving jungles of Sabah in the 26th edition of the largest and most established modified 4X4 event in Asia. The Isuzu MU-X "Monster' is joined by three other D-Max trucks in this year's expedition.
This year’s Borneo Safari would be one of the toughest yet. The organisers have set a route that runs along the base of Mount Kinabalu and stretches across the districts of Ranau and Kota Marudu, including nearly 40 km of hardcore trails comprising mainly abandoned logging trails and several river crossings.
The modifications to the Isuzu MU-X were limited to the exterior, and the addition of other functional equipment such as the fitment of a breather snorkel and winch system. The 2.5-litre VGS turbo Intercooler diesel engine that is matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift remains stock standard.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd Executive Director Hajime Machimura added, “Although it is a lifestyle SUV, the Isuzu MU-X shares the same tough DNA as our Isuzu D-Max pick-up, which has repeatedly proven itself in every edition of Borneo Safari since its debut in 2005.”
Isuzu returns as a Diamond Sponsor for the 2016 Borneo Safari, Faez A Nordin, President of the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association commented, “We are thankful that Isuzu has been supporting the event for the past 10 consecutive years. Their unwavering support is one of the key reasons why we have been able to grow this event from strength to strength. We have 400 participating vehicles this year, which is the highest in the history of Borneo Safari. And the number keeps going up every year!”


Leaked: 2017 Mazda CX-8 Uncovered

Late last month, Mazda released a
teaser photo
of the upcoming CX-8, stating that the model can be configured as a six-seater or seven-seater.
Thanks to
Car Drive
, a shot depicting what could be the upcoming Mazda CX-8 surfaced, giving us a clearer look at the new model from Mazda, with a side-by-side shot comparing the new CX-8 and the new CX-5.
From the sides, both models look identical at a glance, but upon closer inspection, the purported Mazda CX-8 has an A-pillar that protrudes out more than the CX-5 sibling. Apart from that, the rear side window appears to be marginally longer than the CX-5, hinting that the model has more seating capacity than the CX-5. Changes are subtle at best, though without a front or rear shot, it is hard to gauge other differences.
Considering that Mazda does not offer the CX-9 in Japan, the upcoming CX-8 will be positioned as their largest SUV there. Wheelbase is identical for the Mazda CX-8 and CX-9, coming in at 2,930 mm. Power is expected to be derived from a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine paired to a six-speed automatic.

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All-New 2017 Mazda CX-8 Considered For Malaysia, 2.5L NA Only

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Back home, Bermaz
has said
 that the new Mazda CX-5 will be introduced later this year, possibly in September or October. On top of the arrival of the new CX-5, we can also expect Bermaz to offer Soul Red on its CKD models as well.


Tokyo 2017: Toyota Will Showcase a Crown Concept

It seems that this year's Tokyo Motor Show may be a chance for manufacturers to showcase features beyond traditional automotive engineering. The theme for the 2017 show is 'Beyond the Motor', and Toyota has interpreted this as a look at the connected and integrated systems of the cars of the future. The Crown Concept that they will be putting on show looks to be stunning, but the focus is going to be more on realizing connected technology as a service.
Toyota has mentioned that the all-new Crown will be based on the TNGA platform which will be more fun to drive, and tested on the Nurburgring, and so on and so forth. But what probably matters more to a consumer in this day and age is how well a car integrates with their life. The Crown Concept will show how Toyota plans to implement Data Communication Modules for big data collection, which can be used for everything from reducing congestion in traffic to predicting maintenance issues before they happen. They also plan to showcase their ITS Connect system that will allow a car to communicate with the city around it- things like traffic signals and hazards reported by other vehicles can be made known to the car's onboard systems and allow it to function more effectively.
As for the rest of the details, they're fairly scarce. We only know that the Crown Concept will be 4,910 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,455 mm tall, and have a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. Toyota is fairly tight lipped about everything else, so we'll have to wait until the show to see- not that the model is particularly important outside the Japanese market, but it will give us a glimpse of what's to come from Toyota in their other products in the future.


2018 Audi A8 to Feature Fully Active Suspensions

All set to make its debut at the Audi Summit on 11 July, more details on the new Audi A8 have surfaced – this time being the inclusion of the fully active suspension system.
Engineered to offer the highest possible level of comfort and versatility, the fully active, electromechanical suspension system drives each wheel individually and adapts to road conditions accordingly.
The car basically detects bumps on the road via the front camera early on, and predictively adjusts the active suspension even before the car reaches the spot.
The preview function developed by Audi transmits the right amount of travel to the actuators and actively controls the suspension.
This way, the suspension reacts precisely at the right time, virtually eliminating any vibrations and jolts.
According to Audi, the complex process takes just a few milliseconds, with the camera generating information about the road surface condition 18 times a second.
Audi also claims that the active suspension minimizes body roll when cornering, and pitching movements during braking or accelerating.
Complemented by the air suspension fine-tuned for the A8, Audi said it is confident that the innovative suspension concept will deliver high level of comfort without compromising the dynamic driving experience.
The fully active suspension system also takes passive safety to another level according to Audi, as it detects risks of a collision around the car.
In the event of an imminent side impact at more than 25 km/h, the suspension actuators raise the body on the exposed side by up to 80 millimeters within half a second, directing the impact to stronger areas of the body.
Now, how cool is that? No wonder it was chosen to be the ride for Tony Stark in the upcoming Spider Man: Homecoming movie.


MINI Electric 2021 Dilancarkan – Berharga RM 217k

MINI Electric
 telahpun diperkenalkan di Malaysia pada pertengahan bulan Ogos tahun lalu. Pada tahun lalu sahaja, sebanyak 30 kenderaan elektrik MINI berjaya dijual. Ini menunjukkan para pengguna semakin cenderung ke arah mobiliti elektro di dalam negara. Kini,
MINI Malaysia
telah memperkenalkan MINI Electric 2021 generasi terkini untuk pasaran negara ini.

MINI Electric 2021 ini hadir dengan reka bentuk yang lebih segar bagi melambangkan peralihan MINI ke generasi yang seterusnya sambil mengekalkan DNA MINI yang ikonik. Model baharu ini turut hadir dengan beberapa kelengkapan baharu sebagai standard.

Model ini menampilkan bampar hadapan baharu yang telah menggantikan lampu kabus dengan tirai udara untuk menaik taraf ciri aerodinamik. Jata ‘S’ baharu yang berwarna kuning dilihat menggantikan Jata E yang pernah digunakan sebelum ini. Komponen gril radiator yang berbentuk heksagon serta palang keselamatan terletak di bampar hadapan dengan rona yang sama seperti tubuh jentera ini menyerlahkan lagi sisi garang kereta ini.

Lampu hadapan LED Adaptif (Adaptive LED) dengan Fungsi Matriks (Matrix Functionality) kini ditawarkan dengan perumah dalaman yang berwarna hitam berglos tinggi. MINI Electric 2021 baharu juga menampilkan ketutup sisi moden yang turut merangkumi indikator LED serta sisipan khas ‘Electric’.

Di bahagian belakang, pintu but yang sebelum ini berwarna Vigorous Grey telah digantikan dengan warna hitam, manakala bampar belakang masih mengekalkan reka bentuk asal. MINI Elektrik 2021 baharu masih didatangkan dengan set roda 17 inci dalam dwitona MINI Electric Power Spoke serta tayar ‘run flat’.

MINI Electric dikuasakan oleh versi motor elektrik segerak berkuasa tinggi yang dibangunkan oleh BMW Group. Enjin elektrik gandar hadapan ini mampu menjana 184 HP, termasuk unit bateri 12 modul berbentuk T dengan kapasiti bersih berjumlah 28.9 kWj. MINI Electric baharu turut membawakan puncak tork bernilai 270 Nm yang sama seperti model terdahulu, dan ia mempunyai emisi karbon sifar, selain mengguna pakai 17.6 – 15.2 kWj bagi setiap jarak perjalanan berjumlah 100 km. Model ini mampu mencapai kelajuan tertinggi mencecah 150 km/j dan mempunyai jarak operasi sejauh 232 km (WLTP). MINI Electric baharu juga mampu membuat pecutan 0-100 km/j dalam masa 7.3 saat.

Jentera ini menawarkan pelbagai alternatif pengecasan, sama ada di rumah mahupun fasiliti pengecasan awam. Ketika mengecas di stesen pengecasan DC, MINI Electric baharu hanya memerlukan kira-kira 36 minit untuk dicas dari kapasiti bateri sifar sehingga 80%. MINI Wallbox Plus menawarkan pengecasan sehingga 80% dalam tempoh dua jam setengah, sama seperti di stesen pengecasan AC awam. Progres pengecasan MINI Electric boleh dilihat dari bahagian dalam komponen penutup titik pengecasan, di Kluster Instrumen Digital (Digital Instrument Cluster) atau melalui MINI App.

Di bahagian dalam, kereta ini menerima rekaan panel hitam yang baharu untuk panel instrumen sentral yang turut dicerminkan pada MINI Navigation System 8.8 inci yang mengandungi fungsi-fungsi seperti Servis Rencam (Concierge Services), di samping Telekhidmat (Teleservices), Servis Jarak Jauh (Remote Services), Panggilan Kecemasan Pintar (Intelligent Emergency Call), MINI Dalam Talian (MINI Online) dan Apple CarPlay. Kenderaan ini juga membawakan Papar Pandu MINI (MINI Head Up Display) dan Sistem Bunyi 360 watt dengan 12 pembesar suara oleh Harman Kardon.

Seperti generasi yang terdahulu, MINI Electric 2021 baharu juga dilengkapi dengan sistem Bantuan Memandu (Driving Assistant) sebagai standard. Pakej sistem bantuan memandu berasaskan kamera ini merangkumi info Had Kelajuan, berserta dengan fungsi bantuan lampu puncak digital. Sistem tersebut juga membawakan fungsi amaran pejalan kaki dan amaran kawalan penghampiran objek (approach control warning), lengkap dengan ciri pembrekan ringan (light city braking). MINI Electric baharu turut hadir dengan Bantuan Parkir (Park Assistant), Kawalan Jarak Parkir (Park Distance Control) hadapan dan belakang, serta Kawalan Luncur (Cruise Control) dengan fungsi pembrekan.

Sebuah fungsi baharu kini didatangkan sebagai standard bagi semua model-model MINI baharu, iaitu Amaran Pengeluaran Laluan (Lane Departure Warning) yang membantu pemandu mengekalkan haluan secara selamat pada kelajuan antara 70 dan 210 km/j. Untuk mencegah pemandu keluar dari laluan secara tidak sengaja, sistem tersebut akan meletakkan tanda pada pinggiran haluan dan menggera pemandu jika wujud risiko berlakunya penyimpangan dengan menggetarkan stereng.

Tawaran warna eksklusif untuk MINI Electric meliputi White Silver dengan Bumbung Hitam dan Aksen berwarna Energetic Yellow; British Racing Green dengan Bumbung Hitam dan Pelitup Cermin Sisi Hitam; serta Midnight Black dengan Bumbung Putih dan Aksen berwarna Energetic Yellow.

MINI Electric baharu berharga RM 217,470.73 ini hadir dengan Waranti Tanpa Had Perbatuan selama 4 Tahun oleh MINI, Waranti Bateri Voltan Tinggi 8 Tahun/ 100,000 KM dengan Servis Berjadual Percuma.


Ford Confirms Ranger’s And Everest’s Compatibility With B10 Biodiesel

Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed that the Ranger and Everest - both new and existing models - are compatible with B10 biodiesel.
This applies to the Panther 2.0-litre engine (Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak) and Puma 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre engines (Ranger XL and XLT, and Everest).
Since 1-February, the Malaysian government has increased the palm oil blend in our regular Euro 2M diesel fuel from 7 percent (B7) to 10 percent (B10). The higher grade Euro 5 diesel will remain as B7.
Compatibility of existing vehicles with B10 is a concern and unless the manufacturer of your vehicle has confirmed that the engine is compatible with B10, it is recommended that drivers refuel their vehicle with Euro 5 diesel, which remains B7.


Penjual Kereta Terpakai Tipu Mileage – Bagaimana Nak Kesan?

Isu ubahsuai odometer atau jarak perbatuan (mileage) kereta bukanlah perkara baru di Malaysia memandangkan ada bengkel yang menawarkan servis ini secara terang-terangan di media sosial.

Sesetengah
penjual kereta terpakai
 mengaut keuntungan berlebihan dengan mengubah bacaan jarak perbatuan pada kereta yang mahu dijual supaya menjadi lebih rendah agar dapat dijual pada harga yang lebih tinggi.

Walau bagaimanapun, Astro Awani ada melaporkan bahawa tak mudah untuk pengedar kereta import terpakai zaman sekarang untuk memalsukan bacaan mileage kereta kerana pelanggan kini boleh mengetahui segala maklumat mengenai kenderaan berkenaan secara terus dari pembekal di luar negara melalui laman scrut.my.

Dengan bayaran RM50, anda boleh mengetahui asal-usul kereta terpakai milik anda. Pengguna yang ditipu boleh membuat aduan ke Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia (TTPM) dan pengedar yang terlibat perlu bertanggungjawab. Oleh kerana segala maklumat boleh diperolehi di hujung jari, aktiviti mengubah odometer ini dikatakan sudah jarang berlaku ditambah pula dengan Jepun dan United Kingdom yang sudah tidak lagi membekalkan kereta terpakai bergred rendah atau kereta yang telah rosak akibat
kemalangan
.

Tetapi, jarang itu tidaklah bermaksud tiada langsung. Kegiatan menipu mileage ini masih ada dan berleluasa kerana meter digital dipercayai lebih mudah untuk dimanipulasi menggunakan alat-alat tertentu yang mudah untuk didapati. Untuk menangani masalah ini, anda boleh ikuti tips dibawah supaya tidak ditipu oleh penjual kereta terpakai yang telah mengubah suai bacaan odometernya.

Rekod Penyelenggaraan Berkala

Untuk mengelakkan rasa was-was, pastikan kereta terpakai yang ingin dibeli itu mempunyai
sejarah servis yang komprehensif
. Kereta terpakai yang mempunyai sejarah servis secara berkala ini bagus. Sejarah servis tersebut merupakan bukti bahawa kereta tersebut telah dijaga dengan baik dengan memaparkan segala rekod penyelenggaraan atau servis yang telah dilakukan, termasuk mileage. Jika mileage yang tercatat pada buku itu tidak menyamai yang terdapat pada kereta, maknanya mileage kereta tersebut telah diubah suai.

Komponen Haus Sebelum Masanya

Setiap komponen kereta ada jangka hayatnya yang tersendiri dan akan haus atau lusuh apabila tiba masanya. Tetapi jika komponen tersebut haus sebelum mencapai mileage yang sepatutnya, pasti ada sesuatu yang tidak kena. Sebagai contoh, anda hanya perlu ganti spark plug selepas 100,000 km. Jika kereta anda masih berada dibawah 50,000 km tapi dah minta spark plug baru, mungkin odometernya sudah diolah.

Periksa Pedal Minyak, Brek Dan Klac

Jika pedal minyak dan breknya kelihatan lusuh seakan-akan sering digunakan, bandingkan semula dengan mileage kereta yang ditunjukkan. Jika kereta itu kelihatan agak berusia tetapi mempunyai jarak perbatuan yang rendah, mungkin berlaku kes penipuan odometer. Periksa sekali tuil gear kereta untuk membandingkan keadaannya dengan mileage yang dipaparkan.

Bawa Mekanik

Beli kereta ni bukanlah semudah membeli barang rumah kerana banyak perkara perlu dipertimbangkan sebelum membeli. Untuk lebih selamat, bawalah sekali mekanik yang anda percayai untuk memeriksa kenderaan tersebut secara menyeluruh sebelum melakukan apa-apa pembayaran. Tambahan pula, mekanik lebih tahu cara-cara untuk memastikan keadaan sebenar kereta tersebut.

Antara risiko ditipu mileage boleh menyebabkan anda membayar lebih banyak untuk nilai sebenar kenderaan tersebut kerana jarak perbatuan, usia dan keadaan kereta merupakan faktor penting dalam menentukan nilai kenderaan.

Kesimpulannya, jangan mudah terpedaya dengan kereta terpakai yang menawarkan mileage rendah yang
tidak masuk akal
. Paling utama, elakkan membeli kereta terpakai yang tidak mempunyai sejarah penyelenggaraan. Ini kerana potensi dan keadaan sebenar kenderaan tersebut masih menjadi misteri. Untuk mengelakkan sebarang risiko, utamakan kenderaan yang terbukti dijaga dengan baik sebelum membeli.

Gunakan
Carlist.my
 untuk mencari kereta terpakai yang berkualiti!


Sime Darby Auto Performance Announces Price Adjustments For Porsche Models

As many other brands have done over the course of the past week and a half, Sime Darby Auto Performance has announced that Porsche models will also be subject to a price reduction following the zero-rate GST implementation, from June 1st, 2018. Of course, it is unsure as to what the prices will be once SST is reimplemented in September, but for now it is said that up to RM 88,000 reductions will be implemented among Porsche products in Malaysia.
For example, the 718 Cayman with a new base price of RM 509,434 has a price adjustment of RM 30,566, while the flagship Panamera Turbo with a new base price of RM 1,462,264 has a price adjustment of RM 87,736. All of these prices are exclusive of options, which as we know can easily raise the price of a Porsche model once outfitted with all the bells and whistles. As for why a full model price list can't be provided, it is likely due to some models being Price On Application.
The revised prices include SDAP’s four-year warranty and free maintenance package that includes complimentary service, parts and labour. The stated prices include all applicable duties, except registration fees, road tax and insurance. Standard zero-rate GST implementation will also be applicable for parts and service at all SDAP authorised dealers.


Raya 2016: Volkswagen Offers Cash Rebates and ‘Duit Raya’

In conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya festivities,
Volkswagen
 is offering customers who book and register a new vehicle by 31 July 2016 a ‘duit raya’ packet of RM2,000. The offer is valid across the board for all Volkswagen models.
Buyers for the
Golf
,
Beetle
, and CC will be further rewarded with additional cash rebates on top of the RM2,000 ‘duit raya’. The promotion is valid only for limited units with rebates varying according to the respective models.
Lastly, the recently-launched
Vento
 B-segment sedan will enjoy a special Raya Promotion in which Volkswagen covers your monthly instalments till year-end, subject to terms and conditions.


Hyundai Reveals Facelifted 2020 Kona and N-Line variant – But Will The New Versions Come Here?

Hot off the heels of finding out that we are just months away from the official introduction of the Hyundai Kona SUV in Malaysia, Hyundai has debuted the facelifted version which among others, offers a sporty N Line version for us to further salivate over.

After what seems like an eternity of teasing and spyshots, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) recently announced that the
Kona
 will be coming in the fourth quarter of 2020 with an estimated retail price of RM115k. This puts it firmly within the crosshairs of cars such as the Honda HR-V, Proton X70, and Kia Sportage.

First launched in Korea back in 2017, the Kona has seen popularity in various markets around the world with a whopping 600,000 units sold worldwide up until the second half of 2020. The Hyundai Kona was
first teased
 at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).

The display car at KLIMS was fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) distributes power to the front wheels.

While it is understandable that we will not get the facelifted Kona and Kona N-Line just yet, it is worth looking at what the new version of this award-winning SUV offers:

The new Kona is 40mm longer than the previous version, giving it a more sleek and dynamic look.

New powertrain line-up includes seven powertrain options, three of which are turbocharged internal combustion, and another four hybrid powertrains (3 of which feature 48 Volt hybrid architecture).

New design updates. First time offered with an optional N Line trim package. The N Line Kona features an aggressive front bumper and splitter, wheel arch claddings, new rocker panels and 18-inch alloy wheels on the flanks. The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffuser in a contrast colour to the body, as well as a one-side double muffler, and bumper fins at the sides.

The regular Kona models get similar design updates at the front and rear bumper albeit with a more rugged look compared to the N Line variant. New 17- and 18-inch wheels are offered as well.

The Kona gets updated LED DRLs at the front, and taillights with horizontally-stretched graphics.

On the inside, the centre console has been revamped, and an electric parking brake is now standard.

New ambient light technology illuminates the centre cup holder as well as in the passenger and driver side foot lamps.

New interior colour options and seat cover designs and fabrics.

New infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen. Additional functions include multiple Bluetooth connections, and voice-activated functions for climate control.

New active safety features include Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane.


Video: 2017 Honda BR-V Live Walkaround at Malaysia Autoshow 2016

The
Honda BR-V
 was one of the biggest attractions at last week’s Malaysia Autoshow 2016. Based on available info, we know that the BR-V is slated for launch in our market early next year.
Despite it’s positioning as a crossover, the seven-seater BR-V will find itself in competition with B-segment MPVs such as the
Toyota Avanza
,
Nissan Grand Livina
,
Perodua Alza
,
Proton Exora
, and perhaps even the soon-to-arrive
Proton Ertiga
. It’s direct competitor would be the
Toyota Rush
, which is also a seven-seater crossover based on the Avanza's platform.
At the Autoshow last week, we managed to record a quick walkaround video at the show venue going up close with the BR-V display car. Although the car wore no camouflage, the cabin’s front section is fully covered and tinted. We don’t know what Honda is hiding behind there, but we shall find out during its launch.
A small confession – in the video, I was filmed erroneously stating that the BR-V was based on the
City
 and
Jazz
 platform. The vehicle is actually, for the record, based on the A-segment
Brio
 platform.
The BR-V does, however, share its 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine from the City and Jazz. Power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
In our walkabout video, features observed include:
Crossover body design cues – black lower body cladding, roof rails
Projector headlamps (presumably halogen) with LED daytime running lights
Dual tone alloy wheels
Side mirror-mounted indicators
Keyless entry
Reverse sensors
Reverse camera
We also tried out the second and third row seats, experimenting with a number of seating configurations. My 170cm-tall frame was provided with ample headroom in both rows and roof-mounted air-con vents are provided for the comfort of rear-seated passengers.
A year ago, we had the chance to try out the BR-V in a quick preview drive around Honda's Twin Ring Motegi test track in Japan. Follow this link for the review:
2016 Honda BR-V Quick Review
.


Reports Say Jeremy Clarkson Will Be Fired From The BBC

Jeremy Clarkson’s suspension on March 10 from the popular BBC motoring show Top Gear following an altercation between him and one of the show’s producers has come to a head: he will be sacked.
This ends Clarkson's nearly three decade tenure at the BBC and, according to The Telegraph, Director General of the BBC, Lord Tony Hall, is expected to formally announce this decision on Wednesday, 25
th
 March at their London headquarters. This follows an internal investigation by the broadcaster that concluded the host did indeed attack producer Oisin Tymon after verbally abusing him at a hotel in North Yorkshire after spending the day filming a Top Gear segment.
It’s not clear what will happen following this announcement, both to Clarkson or the popular motoring show he will soon leave behind, but the BBC isn’t keen on dropping one of its most prized assets. There are reports of the broadcaster already making inroads with potential replacements. One of which is BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host and prolific car collector Chris Evans. While he has publicly stated he has no intention of replacing Clarkson, senior executives have not given up trying to change his mind.
Clarkson’s relationship with the BBC has been on fritz for some time and this most recent clash has spurred them to take serious action. Having said that, even if the BBC does find an appropriate replacement, co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May have elected to side with their ousted colleague and have refused to carry on their roles within Top Gear without Clarkson.
It’s hard to see the show go on without the trio, and the BBC is under pressure to keep one of their most successful shows alive, leading us to wonder just how they plan to carry out this transition as smoothly as they would like it to be.
As well as delivering the Corporation's decision, Lord Hall is expected to give his thanks and express appreciation to Clarkson for being a "brilliant broadcaster" and for transforming Top Gear into the success it is today ever since its reboot in 2002.
This is disappointing news all around as Top Gear is one of the mainstays in nearly every petrol head’s entertainment schedule. And it’s mainly due to the special brand of humour and tomfoolery that only all three of the hosts provide, together.


General Motors Layoffs Doesn’t Affect Thailand

General Motors Thailand has assured that its local operations are not affected by the layoff programme in North America.
Last week, GM announced that they will be closing several production plants in North America and discontinuing several models in the process. The models that got axed include the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt, Impala, Cadillac CT6, XTS, and Buick LaCrosse. Up to 14,000 workers are also expected to lose their jobs.
Speaking to
Bangkok Post
, Sean Poppitt, Director of Communications for GM Southeast Asia said that the Rayong plant will continue to manufacture pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles. The Rayong plant will also continue to produce the Duramax range of diesel engines.
At the moment, the GM plant in Rayong produces the Colorado and Trailblazer. In addition to that, GM’s Thailand arm is currently studying the feasibility of launching a new SUV next year. Piyanuch Chaturaphat, General Director for Sales and Marketing at Chevrolet Sales Thailand said that the new model will complement GM’s line-up in Thailand.


Sampling Honda’s new VTEC Turbo Engine

Back in the early 2000s when the Japanese tuner craze was at its peak, the notion of pairing a turbocharger to one of Honda’s fast and frantic VTEC engines was considered to be the holy grail of performance. The challenge of balancing the VTEC switch and the turbocharger kick was something only the brave dare attempted, and thus considered to be sort of an achievement.
For Honda the very idea of its VTEC variable valve timing system was that it acted like a mechanically actuated turbocharger that gave the high-end rush like that of a turbocharger would. Adding a turbocharger on top of that would have been like sweetening the honey with more sugar, so Honda didn’t think it was necessary to put the two together, well back in the day.
Times however has changed, and with the trend moving towards downsized turbocharged engines to meet stricter emission regulations, Honda has joined the bandwagon and develop a new range of VTEC Turbo engine. As the name implies the VTEC Turbo engines feature intake and exhaust continuous variable valve timing control mechanisms, coupled to a small-diameter turbocharger for low-end torque delivery, and topped off with a direct-injection system.
It sounds as promising as those rosy-eyed memories of the VTEC name standing as a byword of performance. And recently Honda Malaysia gave us the opportunity to give it a try.
More Power from Less Displacement
The setting for our first encounter with Honda’s VTEC TURBO was one a flat test circuit at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Tochigi. It was fitted to Honda’s Jade RS MPV, in the 1.5-litre guise. With a power output of 150hp at 5,500rpm, the 1.5-litre engine had the power output that was nearly similar to that of a 2-litre naturally-aspirated engine. By comparison the 2-litre i-VTEC engine in the Civic produces 155hp, but only at 1,000rpm higher, at 6,500rpm.
The difference in torque however is even more significant. At 203Nm, this 1.5-litre engine out guns the Civic’s 2-litre quoted torque figure of 190Nm, and gets to the maximum mark quicker from 1,600 to 5,000rpm, rather than the Civic’s 4,300rpm. In fact at 1,600rpm this new 1.5-litre unit produces more torque than what a 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine is capable of.
According to Honda, the Jade RS, with the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, is able to achieve a JC08 mode traveling fuel consumption rate of 18km/L, which – based on our experience with the 2-litre Civic – is a massive improvement in terms of fuel consumption.
Part of a Whole Family
This 1.5-litre engine however is only part of a bigger family of VTEC Turbo engines, which comprises of a smaller fuel-efficient 1-litre engine, the Banzai 2-litre engine found in the new Civic Type-R, and 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 in the mix. These new engines are part of Honda’s Earth Dreams technology, which utilises the latest drivetrain technologies to greatly enhance the driving performance and fuel efficiency from its engines.
Putting those Claims to the Test
For our test of the VTEC Turbo engine the Jade RS was paired to the Jade RS’ CVT gearbox. But even so, with the cogless transmission smoothly delivering the power, the VTEC Turbo’s ample torque reserves are undeniable. You don’t need to stamp on the throttle to get any decent pace from it. Peak torque is almost immediately available from the moment you get moving, and the power delivery is silky smooth, which is also due in part to the CVT gearbox.
Honda maintains that the CVT has been developed to make optimise the use of the VTEC Turbo in both outright performance and fuel efficiency. It features Honda’s ‘G-Design Shift’ that is mean to keep the accelerating harder for longer, and keep the engine speed up according to the throttle input. While it does allow for a quicker build-up of speed and alleviates the dreaded ‘rubber-band’ effect, it doesn’t completely eliminate the CVT drone, which is present at higher revs.
That being said the turbocharged engine loses some of the razor sharp throttle response of the old naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engines. But as a trade-off its predecessor’s peaky engine power delivery is flattened and made far more manageable, more effortless on the move. In retrospect perhaps it is a worthwhile trade-off when used in a context of a family MPV.
Unlike naturally-aspirated VTEC engines, there is no rush to the edge of the rev counter’s redline here, in fact there is no need for that. You don’t feel the engine goad you with a rev-hungry character that makes you want to push it hard to unlock its treasures in the upper rev ranges. The power from the VTEC Turbo swells and the torque is plentiful that you don’t need to force your way up and keep the needle pointed in the high rev ranges.
In fact the VTEC Turbo feels as refined and capable as most modern downsized European engines today. It’s the sort of engine you keep it humming quietly along in the first 2000rpm over idle, and it does pretty much everything you could ever ask for. Gun the throttle, the engine willingly builds the speed smoothly and relentlessly. One thing is for certain, it is definintely not lacking in pace.
Coming to our Shores
You won’t see the Honda Jade coming to our shores any time soon, or if ever, as the 4+2 seater MPV is only built for the Japanese and Chinese market. But don’t despair, Honda’s remarkable new engine is almost certain to find its way into the upcoming tenth-generation Honda Civic in its 1.5-litre guise, and likely to be paried to a CVT gearbox.
Considering that Honda has poured plenty of effort into improving the new Civic’s refinement, the smooth running and refined VTEC Turbo will be a fine complement to the Honda’s stunning new family sedan, broadening its range of capabilities and on-road refinement.
That being said it might have to wait a while longer before we can see the next-generation Civic make its debut on our shores.
By our previous estimates
, this may take as early as the end of next year, or the beginning of next. But based on what we have tried here in Tochigi, it might be very well worth the wait.


Trailer Fast & Furious 9 Padat Dengan Aksi Tak Masuk Akal – Beberapa Kereta Cun Dikesan Dalam Fast 9

Setelah beberapa kali tayangan filem Fast & Furious 9 ditangguhkan akibat penularan wabak COVID-19, filem ini akhirnya telah mendapat tarikh tayangannya di Malaysia, iaitu pada 24 Jun 2021!

Kali ini, ‘keluarga’ yang diketuai oleh Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) bakal berdepan dengan musuh yang jauh lebih hebat berbanding sebelum ini, iaitu Jakob (John Cena) yang merupakan adik kepada Dom. Jakob turut mendapat pertolongan daripada pengganas siber, Cipher yang diperkenalkan dalam filem
The Fate Of The Furious.

Berdasarkan trailer yang dikeluarkan baru-baru ini, ada banyak perkara yang boleh diperkatakan mengenai filem yang pada mulanya bertuhankan perlumbaan kereta ini. Antaranya, para pelakon Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift yang disahkan kembali dalam Fast 9 bakal menjadi sebahagian daripada keluarga Dominic. Dalam trailer tersebut, Sean Boswell (Lucas Black) dan Earl (Jason Tobin) dilihat ada bersama Twinkie (Bow Wow) di rumah Toretto.

Tak sah lah kalau geng Tokyo Drift buat penampilan semula tanpa Han. Jangan risau, Han yang disangkakan telah mati di penghujung filem
Tokyo Drift
 akan kembali semula membawa wataknya dalam filem Fast 9. Meskipun bagaimana watak tersebut masih hidup masih belum dijelaskan, namun berdasarkan trailer terdahulu dan terbaharu, kelihatannya Han betul-betul sudah kembali beraksi bersama rakan-rakannya. Kena tonton filem ni dulu baru tahu!

Selain Han, Mia (isteri Brian) turut akan kembali dalam filem ini. Walau bagaimanapun, tiada tanda-tanda bahawa Brian (lakonan mendiang Paul Walker) akan kembali. Mungkin dalam filem ini nanti akan dijelaskan kemana hilangnya Brian, namun peminat semestinya sudah mengetahui mengapa Paul Walker tiada dalam filem tersebut. Tak masuk akal kalau mereka nak CGI kan muka Paul Walker sekali lagi dalam filem mereka.

Kalau tak penuh dengan aksi yang tidak masuk akal, bukanlah Fast and Furious namanya. Filem kesembilan francise ini akan memaparkan aksi luar biasa seperti penggunaan magnet pada kereta dan pesawat yang membenarkan mereka melangkaui hukum fizik, letupan, aksi pergaduhan, aksi kejar mengejar dan banyak lagi!

Kalau sebelum ini francais filem ni buat adegan kereta terjun daripada kapal terbang, kali ini mungkin anda bakal menyaksikan kereta terbang ke angkasa pula! Dalam trailer ini, sebuah Pontiac Fiero yang telah diubahsuai dan dipadankan dengan enjin roket bakal membawa Roman dan Tej terbang.

Meskipun filem ini bukan lagi menekankan tentang perlumbaan kereta dan lebih kepada adegan menyelamatkan dunia, filem ini masih mengetengahkan
jentera-jentera yang padu
 untuk ditayangkan kepada penonton. Berikut merupakan antara kereta yang boleh dikesan melalui trailer ini.

1968 Dodge Charger 500

2018 Acura NSX

2020 Jeep Gladiator

2018 Noble M600

1974 Chevrolet Nova SS

Ford Mustang GT350

2020 Toyota Supra

Pontiac Fiero

Kalau nak tahu lebih lanjut tentang filem ini, tonton trailer filem ini di bawah dan nantikan filem Fast and Furious 9 di pawagam seluruh Malaysia bermula 24 Jun ini!

Walau bagaimanapun, tema pada poster filem ini yang menggunakan pelbagai warna bagi setiap karakter memberi gambaran seakan-akan mereka ini sekumpulan Power Rangers ataupun superhero. Tak percaya? Lihat sahaja gambar dibawah ini?

Mungkin suatu hari nanti kita bakal melihat Dominic dan keluarganya bersatu dalam filem crossover antara Fast and Furious dengan Power Rangers memandangkan Dom dan rakan-rakannya juga boleh digelar hero setelah beberapa kali menyelamatkan negara. Dengan kekuatan yang ada pada Dom, tak mustahil beliau boleh mengalahkan Thanos dengan hanya menggunakan sebiji kereta sahaja.

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

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Cars Of Cyberpunk 2077: Future Dystopia Meets Carbon-Friendly Bio-Fuel?

Have you seen this game? I know it launched in a broken and near unplayable dog**** state, but the cars (and motorbikes) of the supposed dark future - taken from the Cyberpunk lore - look incredibly advanced but also fashionably retro.

They have fold-out doors, are capable of fully autonomous driving, some are bulletproof, have LCDs instead of windshields/windows for privacy, six wheels or more, are turbocharged and even have sonorous
V10
 and
V12
 soundtracks!

This might be a gritty dystopia, but if these are the cars we can enjoy, where do I sign up?

Sure, we have a lot of
smart people
 speculating on where the industry is ultimately heading, but the future of the car as we know remains ambiguous. So far, the two main contenders looking to take over the reins from internal combustion are batteries and hydrogen, both of which still use electric motors to make the wheels turn.

This is what makes the portrait that Cyberpunk 2077 paints so interesting. Yes, it's a video game. Not only does it paint a beautifully detailed and fleshed-out open world, but its longstanding lore was created over 30 years ago and is based on a dark Blade Runner-esque futurescape that has undergone multiple global conflicts and rampant technological growth.

In this fictional year 2077, the line between man and machine continues to be blurred, corporations have more power than multiple world superpower governments combined, and much of the earth is a barren wasteland of depleted natural resources. Trees are a luxury and even having a simple pet iguana is so rare and exotic that it’s outlawed.

Yet, given how grounded the world-building is, what’s fascinating is that there still are cars as we know them. People do still need to get around, after all, but while there are fundamental advancements such as
VTOL airborne vehicles
 (called AVs) as well as electric cars sold to the public, the majority of automobiles still utilise internal combustion.

In-game, those flying vehicles are much too expensive for the average non-billionaire NPC to afford and electric cars have generally proven to be saddled with too many practical drawbacks to be viable at a large scale. Hmm. Sounds about right.

There are gas stations here too, and like in any open world game they will still explode if you shoot at them. Only, they do not deposit petrol or diesel but instead a synthetically created substitute called CHOOH2 (pronounced "chew two”), the result of harvesting and processing a genetically engineered wheat to create an alcohol-like chemical that’s very combustible. It’s bio-fuel, which is already a reality today.

If you’ve played the game or have seen footage of it being played, you might recognise that these cars in the open world all have very familiar engine notes despite their very futuristic look. The game's sound design (and soundtrack) is also very well executed, by the way, making them a real joy to listen to.

We have heard a lot from automakers who have publicly gotten behind the biofuel initiative, essentially creating a carbon-friendly and renewable alternative to petrol and diesel that will be able to utilise the existing vehicles and oil-centric infrastructure we’ve oriented our world around.

Nissan have been trumpeting their e-Bio Fuel Cell prototype for years, which uses bio-ethanol made from corn and sugar cane to power an electric motor with any resulting carbon emissions being offset by the growth of the initial crop.

More recently, Porsche has announced a partnership to help create a synthetic hydrocarbon fuel that’s a
1-to-1 replacement for petrol
 and kerosene (jet fuel) through a climate-friendly wind power production process for use in their sports and race cars. In the game, there is even a 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) - a 100 year old car in the Cyberpunk timeline - that’s capable of running on CHOOH2, which belonged to rockerboy Johnny Silverhand, the game's secondary protagonist played by Keanu Reeves.

Wind the clock back 50 years and pretty much everyone imagined 2020 to be very different. Actually, not even our 2019 selves could have predicted how
this year would play out
. We were supposed to have colonised Mars by now and drive Back To The Future-style flying cars (DeLorean's?) everywhere, there would be no famine and everything would be automated allowing us humans to live carefree lives of leisure.

Reality, on the other hand, always has a way of being far more sobering and far less fantastical. In the end, practicality does tend to win over blind optimism, and there’s something very compelling about bio-fuel (or eFuel as Porsche calls it) insofar as how they conform to the world’s immediate needs as we grapple with the depleting reserves of crude oil.

I’m not saying that it’s a ‘better’ solution to fully electric or hydrogen fuel-cell cars, but they surely represent the path of least resistance while maintaining carbon-neutrality.


Geneva 2019: Aston Martin Teases Lagonda All-Terrain Concept Ahead Of Unveiling

After launching the new Lagonda zero emission luxury sub-brand at the same motor show 12 months ago, Aston Martin will unveil an addition to the line-up: a high-riding model called the All-Terrain Concept.
Aston Martin will put the Lagonda All-Terrain into production first, rather than the Vision Concept that took centre stage last year. The company said the All-Terrain Concept will continue to have a unique rakish design language and extraordinary style that is only offered by the Lagonda brand.
Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO said, ”The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept offers explicit clues regarding what will be the first Lagonda model to enter production, and further demonstrates how Lagonda’s zero emission powertrain enables us to create spectacular cars that will radically redefine their sectors of the market.”


Maxim calls JPJ's charges of their drivers not having EVP permits 'inaccurate'

It hasn’t been a nice week for e-hailing service operator Maxim Malaysia after the Land Transport Department (JPJ) slapped them with the violation of having the large majority of their drivers not having the required E-hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP).

Following raid on their offices, the Kuantan-based company was caught in violation of Section 12A (5) of the Land Public Transport Act of 2010, specifically within Putrajaya and Pahang, with the JPJ finding only 402 of the approximately 5,000 vehicles partnered with Maxim having valid e-hailing permits.

Individual violators can be dealt a fine between RM1,000 and RM5,000 or face imprisonment of not more than 2 years, though Maxim’s fate for its negligence remains unclear.

The company addressed the matter in a statement that confirmed they were in full cooperation with the relevant authorities to provide all documents and materials necessary to facilitate their investigation.

Maxim also added that they have always advised their Partner-Drivers to maintain their e-hailing insurance and to ensure their vehicle registration period is not over 10 years. Additionally, it also took issue with the JPJ’s assertion than only 402 of them have a valid EVP.

They claim that the actual number is far higher as they have more licensed partner-drivers in West Malaysia, though it declined to share what those numbers or percentages are.

Maxim Malaysia is the local subsidiary of Maxim. The e-hailing and delivery operator now has a presence in dozens of countries, focusing on Eastern Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and has been active in Malaysia since 2018.


VIDEO: Lorry Drops Load, Causes Massive Jam On LDP/ Kesas

If you were one of the many stuck in it yesterday, we do feel for you. In case you missed it, here’s what caused a pretty big jam on the LDP highway at the Kesas intersection, as shared on social media only just.
A trailer carrying a heavy load that appears to be a curved guard-rail or heavy construction materials spills its load on to the LDP highway, just ahead of oncoming traffic there.
Thankfully it didn’t fall on anyone’s car or injure anyone, with the black MPV also being able to stop in time to avoid it.
Was the trailer driver going too fast? We can’t quite tell from this view, but it does appear that the corner was taken fast enough to create enough lateral forces to break the fastening used to keep the load in place.

Penyebab kesesakan lalu lintas di LDP dan KESAS semalam
Penyebab kesesakan lalu lintas di LDP dan KESAS semalamMore : Sukan Star TVBy : Sukan Star .com @ sukanstar.com
Posted by
Sukan Star TV
 on Wednesday, 24 June 2015


Mazda Celebrates Producing 50 Million Vehicles In Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation just announced that its cumulative production in Japan has reached 50 million units earlier this month.
The 50 million-unit milestone was achieved 86 years and seven months after Mazda produced its first three-wheeled truck in October 1931.
“Mazda began making cars 86 years ago, and now we’ve reached 50 million units of production in Japan. Even making 1 million cars a year, it would take 50 years to reach this milestone, showing just how long Mazda’s history is,” said Mazda Motor Corporation's President Masamichi Kogai.
Mazda began its journey as an automaker in 1931, when it started producing three-wheeled trucks in Hiroshima. In 1960 it commenced production of the R360 Coupe micro-mini, marking a bold entry into the passenger car market.
Domestic production duties on the other hand, have been shared between the Hofu and Hiroshima Plants since 1982.
In 2016 and 2017, the company took steps to increase its production flexibility for crossover models and create a framework capable of responding quickly to changes in demand.
Mazda said that it aims to sell 1,660,000 cars this fiscal year, the final year of its Structural Reform Stage 2 medium-term business plan, and plans to establish a global production framework capable of manufacturing two million units annually by fiscal year ending March 2024.
Mass-production of vehicles featuring next-generation technologies and design is slated to start in 2019, and the company will continue expanding its production framework in an effort to get cars to customers as quickly as possible.


Geely Launches New Binyue In China – Future Proton Compact SUV?

Geely has just launched the new
Binyue
 (缤越) in China, the first sub-compact SUV to be built on the company’s new BMA platform.
Coming in with a length of 4,330 mm, width of 1,800 mm, and a height of 1,609 mm, the all-new Binyue will be competing against the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Haval H2, Ford EcoSport, and Hyundai Encino (Kona) in China. Wheelbase of the Binyue is 2,600 mm.
Powering the new Geely Binyue is a choice of two engines. The first engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol that delivers 177 hp and 255 Nm, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Geely is also offering a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol that outputs 134 hp and 205 Nm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. According to Geely, both powertrains send power to the front wheels.
To ensure the powertrain’s reliability globally, Geely has tested the Binyue extensively across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, clocking over 12 million km for the engine and more than 6 million km for the dual-clutch transmission.
In terms of safety, the new Binyue can be had with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Automated Parking Assist (APA), Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian detection (AEB-P), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), built-in driving recorder, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Similar to its larger sibling, the Boyue, the smaller Binyue also features a floating 10.25-inch infotainment display with Geely’s GKUI operating system.
Geely said that the new Binyue will be available across dealerships from 1
st
 November in China, while global markets will follow in the coming months.


Blind Mechanic Drives For The First Time, Thanks To Mercedes-Benz

Blind since birth, Bart Hickey's tremendous passion for cars led him to open his workshop in Alsip, Illinois, USA. His son, Brendan, has been helping him with the business that includes towing and repair work.
With three decades of experience working with cars, Bart has yet to actually drive a car due to his blindness.
When Mercedes-Benz got information of Bart’s simple dream to drive a car, they facilitated a drive session by letting Bart loose in a 585-horsepower Mercedes AMG GT R on a dried-up lake in Oregon.
After a quick briefing and training session to familiarize himself with the GT R, Bart took the controls, with Brendon sitting alongside in the flagship Mercedes-AMG Coupe.
Bart accelerated the
Mercedes-AMG GT R
 to over 200 km/h on the vast expanse of the dry desert.
Well done to Mercedes-Benz for making driving finally a dream come true for Bart Hickey!


Targeted fuel subsidy to be implemented in 2024

Talks of targeted fuel subsidy have gone quiet in recent months, but it doesn't mean it has gone away because according to Berita Harian, the government will be implementing targeted fuel subsidy in 2024.

According to their report, the government is expected to implement targeted subsidies, including
for RON95 petrol
 and diesel, starting next year.

This is based on comments made by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who said that the move would be implemented in stages and starting with diesel subsidies.

He said the decision was reached through discussions at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting recently.

However, he did not share the mechanisms that would be used to implement the targeted subsidy.

"Several ministries, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN); the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) are currently preparing an integrated database.

"This integrated database will be used to coordinate related data. All agencies and ministries already have their own databases, we just need to coordinate everything and make sure it is accurate and effective for its implementation later," he said.

Berita Harian also said that last February, Deputy Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, was reported to have said that the government could save up to RM17 billion if the T20 group did not enjoy subsidies for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Ahmad explained that the use of the three fuels in the B40 group was only around 24%, while the M40 was 41% and the T20 group was 35%.


10 Tips Memandu Ketika Hujan Lebat

Walaupun anda sudah diajar untuk berhati-hati ketika memandu tak kira dalam apa jua keadaan sekalipun, tetapi apabila hujan, anda perlu gandakan lagi sifat berhati-hati, fokus dan cakna terhadap pemanduan anda berbanding ketika cuaca biasa.

10 Tips Memandu Ketika Hujan Lebat

Selain
musim durian,
 musim pilihan raya dan musim bola, negara kita ada juga tidak terlepas dengan musim tengkujuh. Kadang-kala sampai
banjir besar
 terutama di sekitar kawasan Pantai Timur. Tetapi meskipun hujan lebat, sesetengah daripada kita tetap perlu meneruskan perjalanan di
jalan raya
 tidak kiralah untuk hal kerja atau kecemasan sekalipun.

Oleh itu, kami telah menyediakan beberapa tips penting yang boleh anda ikuti ketika
memandu dalam cuaca hujan
 agar anda kekal selamat di jalan raya.

1. Kurangkan Kelajuan

Bila hujan lebat, anda bakal menerima kombo yang paling tidak menyenangkan iaitu perlihatan yang sedikit terbatas serta permukaan jalan yang licin. Oleh itu, elakkan daripada memandu dengan laju ketika hujan melainkan anda teringin sangat untuk mendapatkan tiket sehala ke neraka abadi. Sentiasalah berpegang pada kata-kata ‘biar lambat, asal selamat’ dan bukanlah ‘biar cepat, tak kisahlah kalau cacat.’

2. Hidupkan Lampu Kereta

Lampu kereta yang ada pada kereta anda itu bukanlah sekadar aksesori semata-mata. Hidupkan lampu utama anda ketika hujan bagi memudahkan kereta lain untuk mengesan kedudukan kereta anda. Maklumlah, bukan penglihatan anda sahaja yang terjejas, pemandu lain pun turut terkesan sama. Jika anda sayang bumper belakang kereta, pasang la lampu kereta anda. Kalau tidak, jangan terkejut kalau belakang kereta kena sodok dengan kereta lain.

3. Jaga Jarak

Seperti mana anda menjaga jarak (social distancing) dengan orang disebelah anda pada pandemik ini, penting juga untuk menjaga jarak dengan kereta lain ketika hujan. Jika jarak keselamatan dengan kereta hadapan ketika memandu adalah 2 saat, tambahkan ia kepada 4 saat ketika memandu dalam hujan.

Penglihatan pemandu di hadapan itu dah la kabur, buatnya dia brek mengejut, nanti berjoget-joget pula kereta anda di belakang ikut brek sama. Motif jaga jarak ini supaya ada sedikit masa untuk anda menekan brek sekiranya kereta depan brek mengejut. Maklumlah, bila permukaan jalan licin, cengkaman tayar pun berkurangan. Kalau dah brek mengejut, boleh melilau pergi kereta itu tanpa kawalan.

4. Info Trafik

Info trafik ini penting supaya anda tahu keadaan jalan raya ketika hujan lebat. Bolehlah elak kawasan-kawasan banjir, sesak, dan sebagainya. Pastikan radio anda sentiasa dibuka bagi mendapatkan info trafik terbaru ketika memandu. Kalau anda bukanlah jenis yang suka dengar radio, gunakan aplikasi navigasi seperti Waze yang ada memaparkan keadaan trafik mengikut waktu semasa seperti kemalangan ataupun trafik sesak supaya dapat dielakkan. Baru boleh rancang perjalanan dengan mudah. Tapi bila banjir berlaku dan anda tak dapat nak elak, kenal pasti dahulu kedalaman banjir tersebut. Jika banjir itu lebih tinggi daripada pembahagi jalan, seeloknya janganlah
redah banjir
 tersebut kalau tak mahu kereta anda terkulai

5. Lopak Air

Bila nampak air bertakung di jalan, jangan sesekali tekan minyak untuk langgar lopak tersebut dengan laju. Walaupun niat anda untuk membersihkan tayar atau apa sekalipun, perbuatan tersebut boleh menyebabkan tayar hadapan anda hilang kawalan akibat tekanan yang diberikan oleh lopak tersebut, terutamanya bagi lopak yang sedikit dalam. Pastikan kedua-dua tangan anda berada di stereng kereta sepenuh masa.

Selain itu, percikan daripada lopak berkenaan mampu untuk mengganggu penglihatan kenderaan lain terutama kereta dari arah bertentangan. Meskipun hanya beberapa saat percikan itu mengaburi cermin kereta lain, tetapi beberapa saat itulah yang mampu mendatangkan musibah pada pemandu lain.

6. Brek Kereta

Pastikan brek anda sentiasa dalam
keadaan baik
. Bila cuaca hujan, tak perlulah terlalu berkeras dengan brek. Dah tahu jalan licin, takkan masih nak pijak brek macam anda Takumi Fujiwara pula. Anda bukan sahaja membahayakan diri, malah nyawa pemandu lain juga turut terancam sekiranya kereta anda hilang kawalan.

7. Tayar Kereta

Selain brek,
keadaan tayar
 pun penting. Jika dulu anda pernah membesar pakai selipar sampai haus tapaknya, mesti licin bila nak berjalan atas permukaan basah kan? Sama la juga macam tayar kereta. Meskipun brek masih cengkam, tapi kalau bunga tayar dah tiada, memang jadi sekuel Initial D lah nanti.

Tekanan angin tayar pun main peranan juga. Jika terlalu rendah atau terlalu tinggi, cengkaman tayar pada permukaan jalan juga akan berkurang. Nak selamat, periksalah tekanan angin tayar anda sekurang-kurangnya sebulan sekali. Bagi kereta yang ada sistem Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) seperti di
Proton X50
, lebih mudah untuk anda memantau keadaan tekanan angin.

8. Halangan Di Jalan Raya

Ketika hujan, angin yang kuat mampu menerbangkan pohon kayu, kon dan sebagainya ke tengah jalan. Kadang-kala, orang kemalangan pun ada di hadapan. Oleh itu, sentiasa berikan 100% fokus terhadap pemanduan untuk mengenalpasti sebarang halangan di hadapan. Jika anda nampak ada halangan di hadapan, brek perlahan-lahan dan beri signal untuk menukar lorong. Lebih baik elak daripada hentam dan tawakal sebab tayar kereta anda berpotensi untuk bocor. Tak seronoklah bila kena tukar tayar spare time hujan kat tepi jalan.

9. Pengelap Cermin (wiper)

Seeloknya, sebelum memulakan perjalanan, ada baiknya jika anda percikkan semburan air pengelap pada cermin kereta anda dan biarkan
wiper
 anda melakukan tugasnya. Perhatikan wiper anda berfungsi dan pastikan getahnya berada dalam keadaan baik. Jika tidak, sempatlah juga anda nak pergi tukar baru. Cuba bayangkan bila anda hanya perasan yang wiper anda dah tak berfungsi dengan baik ketika anda sedang memandu dalam hujan lebat. Kan dah terlambat tu?

10. Lapisan Kalis Air Pada Cermin

*Kredit foto: Ceramic Pro

Akhir sekali, pastikan cermin kereta anda sudah dilaputi oleh lapisan kalis air supaya air hujan dapat mengalir dengan lebih cepat dan tidak melekat pada cermin. Dengan ini, permandangan anda akan menjadi lebih jelas ketika hujan. Langkah untuk menyapu lapisan kalis air ini mudah sahaja, malah anda boleh buat sendiri di rumah. Pelbagai jenama produk lapisan kalis air pada cermin yang boleh anda beli di pasaran. Kalau nak tahu proses-prosesnya, boleh tonton video dibawah:

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

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Carlist.my.

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 website now.


The Isuzu Concept X Is The D-Max and MU-X Taken To The Extreme

If you take a look at the rather varied landscapes and terrains that Australia has to offer, it should be no surprise that pickup trucks - or utes, as they are known over there - are a fairly huge market. Even models like the Ford Ranger Raptor were largely developed in conjunction with Australian tastes and expectations. But one company that hasn't quite pandered to the demand for an "expensive" pickup truck is Isuzu, which has stuck to their guns in building reliable workhorses.
That is, until now. The Concept X may be a concept for now, but depending on how consumers receive it, it could very well be a Ranger Wildtrak or top-spec Hilux competitor. The vehicle itself was built by EMG Pty Ltd, a company that runs the Isuzu D-Max precision driving team, and independently of Isuzu Ute Australia. Unveiled at the National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo in Melbourne, the concept was put out to both gain interest and attention from the crowd and to gauge demand.
The concept vehicles are based on the existing D-Max and MU-X models, with 7-inch lift kits and 38x5.5R20 Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain tyres at each corner. With the wider track and higher body, a lot of the bodywork has been changed to keep the wheels and tyres within the body, including new bumpers and beefier fenders. The brakes have also been improved with 6-piston pieces up front and 4-piston pieces at the rear. The powertrain, however, has remained unchanged.
The current Australian Isuzu D-Max line-up tops out at $54,700 (RM 164,398.12) before on-roads for the 4x4 automatic LS-T Crew, which sits in between the Ranger Wildtrak and top-spec Hilux in terms of pricing. While IUA is interested in such a program, they are also wary of alienating their existing customer base who are used to regarding Isuzu as a brand for reliable workhorses. In order to make such a high-end product exist, IUA would need to include a number of premium features and change the overall characteristics of the pickup, which isn't something that they feel would appeal to their customers.


SPAD On Taxi Drivers: Stop Wasting Time Protesting Uber, GrabCar And Improve Services

The ongoing conflict involving taxi drivers has, so far, not seeing much by way of long-term resolution. And the Land Public Transport Commission is
torn between
 outright banning or regulating the ride-sharing services that are causing the cabbie’s discontent.
According to an SPAD spokesperson who was contacted by the New Straits Times: "Taxi drivers must find ways to improve their services such as providing a comfortable ride, be friendly and use a fare meter. Taxi drivers must understand that it is they who opened up the opportunity for alternative ride services to rise because of their poor services to passengers,"
Taxi drivers who took to violent actions and intimidation tactics - such as targeting ride-sharing vehicles from Uber and GrabCar
around KLCC last week
 – were only serving to further tarnish their own image.
"Not only their action is against the law, but they also have just created a negative perception to public with their gangster-like attitude. We don't encourage taxi drivers to take matters to their own hands as they don't have a legal right to do so. Each action taken must be according to the law and everyone must respect the law."
In speaking of the action taken by SPAD against Uber and GrabCar drivers, the spokesperson pointed out
that they have seized
 132 cars since October 2014 until September 2015. Within that figure, the split stood at 89 cars belonging to GrabCar drivers and the remaining 43 cars to Uber drivers.
Those caught providing illegal ride-sharing services, in addition to having their cars seized by the commission, can be handed a fine of up to RM10,000 and/or a year in prison under section 16 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.


Takeover Of Tolled Highways Estimated To Save Commuters RM 180 Million Per Annum

Following the recent statement by the Ministry of Finance on the
 proposed takeover of four tolled highways
, initial projections estimate that commuters will save up to RM 180 million per year with the switch from toll to the congestion charge.
In a statement by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, the Government will also save RM 5.3 billion in
compensation fee
 to continue freezing toll rate hikes.
YB Lim also said the acquisition should take about six months to complete.
The four arterial highways in Klang Valley, which are controlled by Gamuda Bhd are Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP, E11), Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT, E23), Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS, E5), and the SMART Tunnel, E38.
In a report by
The Star
 daily, the market share of these four highways based on the toll revenue collected is around 48 percent.
To recap, the Government plans to take over the highways and introduce three-tiered usage fee on these four highways to fulfil its 2018 election manifesto of abolishing tolled highways:
Full rate termed ‘Congestion charge’ for six “peak” hours a day
Free access for usage between 11 pm to 5 am
Other hours to only be charged 70% of the existing toll rates
The revenue collected will be channelled towards the operation and maintenance of the highways, repayment of borrowings, as well as improve the quality of public transportation.
Analysts, however, have doubts on the collected revenue to be sufficient to cover the said costs.


Pick of the Week: 2011 Volvo S60 3.0 T6 - The Ultimate Sleeper

Developed during the transition period between Volvo’s boxy, boring previous generation models and their current cars,
the S60
 is responsible for changing the way many people look at Volvo.
The S60, together with the V40 which was introduced a couple of years later, successfully managed to transform Volvos’ image of being sombre, safety focused cars into something more high-class and more exciting.
While not quite as radical of a step as the V40, the S60 proved that Volvo still had life in it, and this car you’re looking at now – the S60 3.0 T6, is among the liveliest of them all.
What makes the S60 T6 special is that it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. At a glance, the car looks like it would have between 150 and 200 horses under the hood and nothing more serious.
Look at this
unit for sale on Carlist.my
 for instance. Does it look like it means business? Obviously not, and contributing to the conservativeness is the Maroon paint job.
However, what many don’t realize is that it is a beast just waiting to be unleashed – like the Incredible Hulk in a suave suit.
Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo engine capable of kicking out 304hp and 440Nm of torque, the S60 T6 is capable of clocking a top speed of 250km/h and do the century sprint in an impressive 7.7 seconds.
As powerful as it is, the car also comes packed with a plethora of safety equipment.
That said, this car is a dream come true for those looking for a ‘sleeper’ – looking all conservative with no unnecessary emblems, noise, accessories and what not, but packed to the brim with power.
Priced at RM159,000, this car is capable of putting many cars that cost twice as much to shame on the road, and that is exactly why it is our ‘Pick of the Week’.
Interested? Check out the ad
here
.


Jaguar's The Art of Performance Coming to Malaysia, 16th-18th March

Jaguar’s The Art of Performance Tour will make its debut in Malaysia this month, as part of its tour across the Asia Pacific region.
First introduced in Europe in 2016, the multi-city tour is a unique driving experience that provides consumers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new, modern line-up of Jaguar vehicles.
Held from 16 to 18 March at the Setia City Convention Centre, The Art of Performance Tour Malaysia promises an unforgettable and thrilling driving experience. The public can look forward to putting the Jaguar XE, XF and F-PACE through their paces on a dynamic driving circuit, an on-road drive as well as Jaguar’s innovative Smart Cones course.
Interested driving enthusiasts must make their registrations
here
. Hurry, as spaces are limited.
What makes the Jaguar Smart Cones course extra unique and particularly challenging is the random course generation for every participant. Inspired by the agility training game known as ‘Batak’, the system uses wireless technology to produce both a predetermined and a random course of intelligent illuminating cones, notifying drivers of their next target with only a moment’s notice.
As the car is driven, its precise co-ordinates are measured in relation to the cones and sent to a central computer system 100 times per second to track its performance. Every driver gets a score report that takes into account the model of the car used and driving conditions.
In addition to the driving experience, participants will also be among the first in Malaysia to
preview and test drive the F-PACE 2.0L model
, which will be launched this April. The F-PACE’s new 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'Ingenium' engine produces 250 PS and 365 Nm of torque from only 1,200 rpm.
The F-PACE 3.0-litre variants starts from RM 598,800, so expect the 2.0-litre model to be priced significantly lower through the benefit of lower import duties.


Spyshot: 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom Spotted Testing On German Autobahn

Our man
Hans
 is in Europe and he has just sent us some very interesting postcards from his trip, having spotted a test mule of the next-generation 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom undergoing road trials on the German Autobahn.
The current Rolls-Royce Phantom debuted in 2003 and was the brand’s first model to be launched under the BMW Group’s ownership. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had confirmed in February that production of the Phantom will cease at the end of this year ahead of the new model’s launch in 2018.
A new high-tech all-aluminium architecture will underpin the 2018 Phantom and will subsequently form the basis of other future Rolls-Royce models.
Demand of the existing model remains strong, however, with all 50 of the final Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe Zenith Collection cars snapped up by wealthy collectors.
In addition, orders are still coming in for the regular Phantom limousine, with customers requesting for highly bespoke and personalized one-off examples. Rolls-Royce claims that this demand for individualized vehicles of the current Phantom is sufficient to satisfy demand well into 2017.
Scroll through our gallery below for more spy pictures of the new 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom.


Understanding The All-New Toyota Rush's Pre-Collision System

UMW Toyota Motor recently introduced the all-new Toyota Rush, the company’s answer to the popular Honda BR-V.
One of the biggest highlights of the all-new Toyota Rush is its Pre-Collision System, fitted to the 1.5S variant.
The Rush’s Pre-Collision System utilizes stereo cameras mounted behind the rear view mirror, similar to the Perodua Myvi’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA).
Compared to the Myvi’s system, the one found on the all-new Rush is able to alert and mitigate a possible crash, from speeds of 4 to 100 km/h, an improvement over the Myvi's 30 km/h limit. In addition to that, the all-new Rush's PCS is also able to detect pedestrians, up to speeds of 50 km/h.
The all-new Rush’s pre-collision braking is able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop if it detects a vehicle or pedestrian with speeds up to 30 km/h, and is able to reduce collision damage if the speeds are within 30 to 80 km/h. Of course, this is also subject to the tyres' and road's conditions.
Similar to the Myvi’s ASA system, the all-new Rush also features Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control, both of which will emit an audible alert to the driver.
The fitment of the Pre-Collision System also makes our Malaysian spec Rush the best-equipped model compared to the other markets the model is sold in, as no other market currently offer such a feature.
Honda also offers a similar Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) feature, part of the Honda Sensing suite found in the Accord, Odyssey, and CR-V. Compared to the Myvi and Rush's camera-only setup, the more expensive Honda Sensing adds a milimetre wave radar, thus providing better accuracy and a wider range of features, including adaptive cruise control.
That said, the Rush's Pre-Collision System works well enough for the sub-RM100k price range. Toyota's more expensive models like the Harrier feature a more advanced camera plus radar-based Toyota Safety Sense system, which is comparable to Honda's Sensing.
Elsewhere, the all-new Rush features, as standard, 6 airbags, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM).
Read more:
All-New 2018 Toyota Rush Launched, From An Est. RM 93,000
First Impressions: 2019 Toyota Rush 1.5S - Fully Loaded For The Safety-Conscious Families


2017 Kia Soul Turbo Ad - Fiercest Baby Hamster Yet

The lovable family of human-sized hamsters popularised in various advertisements for the Kia Soul crossover – might have just added its wildest member yet.
Kia's furry dancing stars exploded onto the scene in 2009 and have been a mainstay for the brand ever since, most famously collaborating with LMFAO on their electronic dance track
Party Rock Anthem
 which garnered some 18 million views on Youtube - instantly becoming one of the most watched ads on Youtube.
In conjunction with the launch of the 2017 Kia Soul Turbo, Kia’s latest advertisement now spawns a new member to its hamster family – aptly named Turbo, who visibly has no time to waste when it comes to looking for action and enjoying his family’s Kia Soul.
The advertisement starts off in the hospital’s baby nursery when Turbo manages to escape his tiny court, hoping to make a speedy getaway.
Unfortunately, he is caught by a concerned nurse who chases after him. This sets off a wild goose chase between the fiendishly cute baby hamster and frantic hospital staff – produced with staggering realism, played to the heavy-metal background of Motorhead's Ace of Spades.
The Kia Soul Turbo was first introduced at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine, producing 201 hp and 264 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
 In addition to more power, the Soul Turbo also receives some exterior highlights, larger 18-inch wheels and leather appointments on the interior.


VIDEO: 13-Year Old Drives A Rally Car Faster And Harder Than You'd Ever Dare

Meet Kalle Rovanperä, he’s from Finland and just 13 years old. Despite his young age, you wouldn’t want to challenge him on some twisty roads. You see, he’s pretty handy behind the wheel. Watch the video below of him flying through a gravel rally stage recently, you’ll understand.
Kalle has been driving rally cars for years now. His father, WRC driver Harri Rovanperä, is the secret ingredient to Kalle’s immense talent and, perhaps, fortunate circumstances. Harri has access to some of the best rally stages in the country, as well as the kind of rally cars that can make use of them. Apparently, he has no qualms about letting his young son have a go. Oh the jealousy.
Right now, to the best of our knowledge, young Kalle drives a rally-spec
Citroen

C2
. In the video above, though, he’s tearing through a forest stage in a
Skoda
. Judging by his skill, he’ll have no trouble following in his father’s footsteps onto the upper levels of professional rallying.
Some might cry out that it’s unsafe for a kid to be allowed to drive a car, much less a very fast and powerful rally car. And they’d be right. If we were in Kalle’s position, though, we’d be thinking about what an awesome parent our Dad is.
Here's another video of Kalle shot last year while he was busy scaring the bejeezus out of an 'inexperienced' co-driver.


Lexus UC Is A Luxury Hybrid Toyota GR86. Crazy But True?

Lexus might not be satisfied with their current range of coupes - current comprising of the RC and LC - and are rumoured to be looking into the second-generation Toyobaru for a potential new model - Lexus UC?

We know both cars as one and the name, first revealed late last year as the
all-new Subaru BRZ
and a couple of months ago as the Toyota GR86. The previous model(s), released in 2012, was assumed to be far removed from Lexus’ radar, but there must be something about the new model that has piqued the luxury automaker’s interest.

Purportedly dubbed the Lexus UC, the validity of this entry-level sports coupe has been lent some measure of credence by Japanese motoring outlet
Spyder 7
, who adds that Lexus isn’t looking to add their own spin on the RWD two-door.

Rather than merely slapping their logo and a few cosmetic touches on the car to differentiate it from the Subaru and Toyota versions, Lexus is apparently keen on adding a little extra something to its powertrain as well.

The naturally aspirated FA24D 2.4-litre flat-4 engine will beat as the heart of this rumoured UC, but supplemented by some form of electrification to improve both performance and fuel efficiency. The publication mention the possibility of the implementation of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which might be discreet enough to add very little weight and not impact the car’s inherent handling balance.

A few images of a vehicle resembling
a GR86
 has also been spotted around test facilities in Japan, albeit wearing a distinctly Lexus-like front end, giving a little more grounding to what was previously considered a pretty far fetched rumour.

It’s unclear how much the mild hybrid component will benefit a potential Lexus UC, especially in terms of everyday performance, though the plausible outputs of 235PS and 250Nm are being thrown around. That said, another unknown surrounds the kind of transmission such a car would be mated to.

Should the UC stick to the established formula set by Subaru and Toyota, it could be the first Lexus offered with a manual transmission in a very long time. The far more likely outcome, however, is the exclusive fitment of the 6-speed automatic currently reserved as an option for the BRZ and GR86.

The standard car’s relatively spartan interior is also sure to be due for a more luxury-minded overhaul if indeed Lexus is to be interested in offering it in showrooms. While a completely new dashboard and cabin treatment might be ruled out as unnecessary and too costly, we can expect a much more plush set of materials.

Leather, Alcantara, and exposed carbon fibre are all possible options to dress up this entry-level Lexus coupe. In addition, we can also expect a more impressive tech package to be included, meaning an upgraded infotainment system, in-car audio array, and a substantially more robust active safety suite via Lexus Safety System+.

All we can do now is wait for more information to bubble up to the surface. It’ll certainly be an unexpected move for the Japanese luxury marque, though perhaps not an entirely unwelcome one.


Toyota Teases Hybrids To Show Malaysia On September 27th

Since the opening stages of 2021, UMW Toyota have been hyping Malaysians up to
expect new hybrid models in the near future
 - locally assembled ones, at that - and it seems that the company is finally ready to let us hear more.

In a somewhat vague and confusing press release issued yesterday, UMW Toyota Motor have set a firm date when more will be revealed: September 27th, “inviting Malaysians on a journey that will give them the opportunity to experience a part of the future, today.” - or so they say.

Perhaps Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, said it most aptly: “At the risk of not revealing too much, let me just say we will be making a detailed announcement

about this very soon, and it will have a big impact on not only the brand but the industry as a

whole, and the lifestyle as well as choices that we have become so accustomed to,”

“Toyota Motor Corporation continues to be at the forefront of pioneering new frontiers and it

has gone one step further to cement this with a global commitment by 2050. We are faced with

the prospect of an exciting new era, one that will plot the course well into the future for

generations to come.”

There’s really nothing by way of a foothold to make any hard assumptions about what exactly the company has to announce next week, but despite lacking any mention of electrification and hybrid vehicles, its the most likely topic of discussion here.

Beyond the Malaysian market, the Corolla Cross Hybrid remains a popular contender on the international stage and represents a gap in the local range that’s just waiting to be patched up. To coincide a launch announcement alongside the commencement of local assembly for
the existing 1.8G
 and 1.8V variants of the compact SUV will be a slick move.

Elsewhere there are some other possible hybrid models that UMW Toyota could add to their line-up. For example, there are so many additional variants, body styles, and powertrain options for the current 12th-generation E210 Corolla that have been completely inaccessible to Malaysians so far.

Larger vehicles
such as the Camry
 (in other markets) have used electrification to enhance their performance and refinement levels
while the RAV
4
 even offers a plug-in hybrid variant with over 300hp in certain regions.

The point here is that there’s so much to choose from and, for Malaysians, having even a small selection of hybrid Toyotas at attractive prices made possible through local assembly will be a huge win for the local automotive market as well as for UMW Toyota.

Takeyama-san seems to agree that a disruptive change is inbound, ending the press release by saying: “The availability of tomorrow’s possibilities today will quickly transform Malaysia’s economic and social landscape. The way forward is to commit and push ahead, even if it means breaking boundaries and challenging conventional ways.”


Ministry Warns That Petrol Price Phone App Is Misleading

The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry has warned the public that a smartphone app that supposedly aggregates the various prices of petrol and diesel is inaccurate.
In a statement released last night, the ministry said, "The app's inaccurate listing of diesel and petrol prices has caused confusion among consumers. Petrol stations are only allowed to sell fuel at the retail prices set by the Government."
Despite that, petrol station operators are
allowed to offer
 promotion or discount, but they have to receive prior approval from the ministry beforehand.
Furthermore, the ministry indicated that they will take action if the reporting of incorrect fuel prices goes uncontrolled.
A check by
The Star
 found that the
prices
 of petrol and diesel at several stations within the Klang Valley was inaccurate.
The app has since been removed from the Google Play Store.


Miros intends to re-inspect Axia following crash test 'rigging'

Even though Perodua's president and CEO have confidently stated their cars are safe and that no recall will be issued, MIROS still wants to look at them to ensure they are not affected by Daihatsu's recent revelations.

According to Malaysiakini, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research will meet with Perodua to assess its new Axia model, said Miro's chairman Wong Shaw Voon.

This follows the
recent revelation by Toyota Motor Corp and its affiliate Daihatsu
, where they claim that there have been irregularities regarding the doors on specific models, which might affect side crash protection.

Wong told Malaysiakini that the institute wants to look into Perodua's claim that its new Axia car is safe to drive and not affected by the issue.

"Miros will meet them and judge accordingly. We will look into what they claim," Wong told Malaysiakini.

During crash testing conducted in Japan, a ‘notch’ component installed in the door frame was installed to prevent injury to occupants by avoiding sharp cuts to the inner door panel. The cars passed the trials and obtained the necessary compliance.

However, crucially, this design improvement is now revealed to have not been implemented into the production version of said cars. Basically, the cars might not be as safe in side impact crashes as previously thought.

Failure to comply with the UNECE R95 standard could have legal consequences, as obtaining a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) - the necessary paperwork for homologation - requires compliance with this standard.

Almost 12,000 units of the all-new Axia are impacted, but Perodua's CEO, Zainal Abidin Ahmad has ensured that they
are all safe
 and will continue to produce and deliver the vehicles to customers.

Perodua has termed the matter as a “procedural irregularity”, one understandably much less incendiary than those found in headlines that reported on the matter. To be quite frank, this follow up by MIROS is a good thing, as it is beneficial to those who own the Axia as well as put some weight behind Perodua's claim.


Porsche Pajun EV Concept Coming To Frankfurt Motor Show?

(Pictured here is the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept)
According to French automotive site
L’Automobile Magazine
,
Porsche
 could very well unveil a new concept that serves as a preview for the upcoming Pajun or “Panamera junior” at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The report also say the Pajun concept will measure 4,800mm in length compared against the Panamera’s 5,020mm but will share a similar shape with the
Panamera
 despite it being sized smaller.
The “Panamera junior” study project is said to be an EV powered by an all-electric powertrain which will most likely be offered when it makes way into production, rivalling the Tesla Model S. An expected driving range of 500km for the Pajun EV far exceeds that offered by the Model S’ 490km. Other powertrain options include those powered by diesel and petrol, with an e-hybrid option available is well.
As Porsche and Audi are part of the Volkswagen Group, the Pajun concept will be based on the MLB 2 modular longitudinal platform which is also used in the upcoming
Audi
 Q6 as well.
At this time, no official renders or sketches of the Pajun have been put up by Porsche so we’ll have to wait till the Frankfurt Motor Show in September for more details.