Geneva 2018: All-New Lexus UX Debuts, Slots Below NX

First shown as the Lexus UX Concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, subsequently teased earlier this year, the company has finally introduced the all-new Lexus UX at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.
When the model goes on sale, it will be competing against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Mini Countryman.
Designed to be even more chic than the compact Lexus NX, the all-new Lexus UX is the first model to be based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, specifically the GA-C variant. The GA-C variant of the TNGA platform is also utilized by the Toyota Prius, Toyota C-HR, and Toyota Auris.
Up front, the all-new Lexus UX receives the company’s signal spindle front grille, flanked by a pair of headlights with integrated arrowhead motif DRLs. Towards the rear end, 120 LEDs are utilized in each and every UX models to create the continuous tail light design, giving the UX a very distinctive appearance.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Lexus UX comes in at 4,495 mm long, 1,520 mm tall, and 1,840 mm wide. The wheelbase comes in at 2,640 mm, longer than the Audi Q3 (2,603 mm), though falls behind the BMW X1 (2,670 mm), Volvo XC40 (2,702 mm), and Mercedes-Benz GLA (2,699 mm).
Moving inside, the UX features a driver-centric cockpit with the infotainment display and various controls angled towards the driver. The interior is also home to several Japanese influences, as seen in the leather upholstery that’s inspired by sashiko, a traditional Japanese quilting technique and a new trim that is inspired by washi, a Japanese paper grain.
Also new are the powertrains, borrowed from Toyota’s lineup of Dynamic Force engines. The first is a 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid mated to a CVT, sending drive to the front wheels or all four wheels via Lexus’ E-Four AWD system. The engine works in conjunction with an electric motor, allowing for a combined system output of 178 hp.
The E-Four system in the Lexus UX 250h utilizes an additional electric motor that’s placed on the rear axle. As much as 80 percent of power can be sent to the rear wheels when loss of rear-wheel grip is detected, at speeds of up to 70 km/h.
The second powertrain is a new 2.0-litre petrol engine paired to a new Direct Shift-CVT. According to Lexus, this new engine features a maximum thermal efficiency of roughly 40%, a class-leading figure for a passenger vehicle engine.
Safety wise, the all-new Lexus UX is available with the updated Lexus Safety System +. The updated system features an improved Pre-Collision System (PCS) that is now able to detect cyclists during daytime. Lexus Safety System + also encompasses Lexus Co DRIVE with Lane Tracing Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam, and Road Sign Assist.
For those seeking a sportier UX variant, Lexus also offers an F Sport version, differentiated by an exclusive front grille with chrome fog light bezels up front, a unique rear bumper with chrome highlights plus exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. F Sport models also benefit from unique suspension tuning.
Inside, the Lexus UX F Sport features sports seats, an 8-inch colour display and an instrument cluster with a moving chrome ring, inspired by the Lexus LC. An F Sport steering wheel with dimpled leather covering and sports aluminium pedals complete the interior.


2017 Perodua Axia Facelift Now Open for Booking

After much anticipation,
Perodua
 has announced the introduction of the facelifted
Axia
, which now comes fitted with a 1.0-litre engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-I) technology.

According to Perodua, the new engine has further improved the Axia’s fuel efficiency readings from 21.6Km/L to 22.5Km/L.

Other improvements include a new front grille, bumper; backdoor handle; a new seat fabric design; redesigned projector headlamps, as well as an updated entertainment system which comes standard with USB connectivity.

As for the Axia SE and Advance variants; improvements include a push start button; smart entry with smart key; multimedia system with ‘Smart Link’ (for android only); new design projector headlamps; new chrome door outer handles; spiral design alloy wheels; backdoor handle; new seat fabric design (for SE); as well as meter-combi with new white illumination.

Having sold 214,700 Axias since it was launched in September 2014, Perodua said that aims to sell 6,000 units a month.

While the standard Axia is offered in five colours, the SE and Advance Version variants have two additional colours - Solid Sunflower Yellow and Metallic Lava Red.

That said, price for the new Perodua Axia variant begins from RM 24,900 for the Standard-E (manual) and goes up to RM42, 900 for the Advance (auto).

Below is how the price of the facelift model compares to the outgoing version:

Variant

 Current Axia 1.0

Axia Facelift 1.0 VVT-I

1.0 Standard E Manual

RM24,600

RM24,900

1.0 Standard G Manual

RM30,200

RM34,900

1.0 Standard G Automatic

RM33,200

RM36,900

1.0 SE Manual

RM37,200

RM37,900

1.0 SE Automatic

RM39,800

RM39,900

1.0 Advance

RM42,530

RM42,900

On another note, Perodua is also inviting customers to come to the biggest Perodua carnival event called ‘MYPerodua Nation’, which will be held from 20 to 22nd January 2017 at AEON Mall Shah Alam (outdoor car park).


The Nissan Ariya 2020 Is Nissan’s Next Big Step For Their EVs

There’s nothing that represents the waning of the traditional sedan like electric SUVs becoming the next step forward for EVs.

After pretty much a decade of building the Nissan LEAF – a car synonymous with electric vehicles – Nissan has decided to take the next step forward with an electric SUV in the form of the Nissan Ariya. It was first previewed as a concept at last year’s
Tokyo Motor Show
. For a brand that has remained relatively stagnant in the last few years, this is a pretty big change and one that we welcome along with their revised range of models.

Now that it’s heading for production, we finally have some more solid facts and figures regarding this family-friendly EV. There are two different batteries offered with the Nissan Ariya 2020, as well as either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The rear-wheel drive model puts out 215 hp, 300 Nm of torque, and up to 450 km with the 63 kWh battery, while these figures are pumped up to 239 hp and range is boosted to 610 km on the 87 kWh battery.

If you choose to go for the higher-end dual motor all-wheel drive setup, you’re in for a treat. With the smaller 63 kWh battery you get 335 hp and 560 Nm, with a slight reduction in range to 430 km. Opt for the larger battery and you see the figure jumping to 335 hp and 560 Nm of torque, with a range of up to 580 km on a single charge.

These are all impressive numbers, when you consider that the main argument against electric vehicles before this was the issue of range. With more and more high speed chargers popping up around the country, you can be certain that the infrastructure is progressing and will probably be ready to handle a much higher volume of electric vehicles. With a 130 kW CHAdeMO and the right infrastructure, you can put 375 km of range in just 30 minutes of charging.

But we digress. The
Nissan Ariya 2020
 looks to be more than just an electric vehicle – it is shaping up to be something that can really integrate well with a wide range of lifestyles. The platform is all-new, as is the design of both the outside and inside. Two massive 12.3 inch displays are sprawled across the majority of the dashboard, being a combination of instrumentation and infotainment like a certain German brand likes to do. There’s even control by natural language voice commands!

ProPilot 2.0, Nissan’s advanced active-safety suite makes an appearance here, providing autonomous single-lane highway driving and lane change assistance, as well as your usual warnings that you get with active safety systems. The next few model releases we see will all feature heavy active safety systems, which is something that will hopefully bring down the accident and death rates on our roads.

Last but not least are a number of electric-only special features that really help to push the Nissan Ariya 2020 to new heights. The one-pedal control system makes a return, allowing drivers to control the speed perfectly through regenerative braking and throttle mapping to control the motor output. There is also the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive sytem that – you guessed it- was designed to work with electric vehicles. Brake based torque vectoring and quick shuffling of power allows the Ariya to rocket through corners with like a train.


Road Tax Kereta Cepat Rosak, Tidak Berkualiti? – Cara-Cara Menampal Dan Menanggalkan Pelekat Road Tax Kereta

Nampaknya, ramai yang sudah letih dengan keadaan serta kualiti
road tax
 kereta yang diguna pakai ketika ini. Mana taknya, nak ceraikan
road tax
 dari kertas untuk ditampal pada cermin pun dah susah. Silap haribulan, boleh koyak
road tax!

Itu masalah sebelum tampal. Kalau semasa tampal pula, anda perlu lekatkan
road tax
 kat
cermin kereta
 secara hati-hati takut senget. Kalau tersilap cara, tak tahan lama pula
road tax
 tu.

Tak cukup dengan itu, selepas setahun atau tamat tempoh sah
road tax
 berkenaan, nak tanggalkan pelekat tersebut tanpa meninggalkan sebarang kesan pada cermin juga merupakan salah satu jenis sukan yang amat tidak digemari oleh rata-rata pemandu di Malaysia.

Bukan itu sahaja, cuaca panas terik di negara ini juga menyebabkan pelekat
road tax
 sesetengah kereta untuk merekah dan koyak, terutama apabila anda tidak menampal pelekat tersebut dengan betul. Ini merupakan antara masalah yang sering dihadapi pemandu berkenaan dengan isu pelekat road tax ini.

Masalahnya, perkara ini sudah berlaku sejak dulu lagi. Ada juga berpendapat bahawa dokumen penting seperti cukai jalan kereta ini perlu ditawarkan dalam kualiti yang lebih baik dan tahan lama. Mana tidaknya, jika tidak koyak atau rosak, sinaran matahari yang terik pada cermin kereta anda juga berpotensi untuk membuatkan segala info pada
road tax
 kereta anda menjadi kabur dan kurang jelas.

Apa pula yang jadi bila pelekat tersebut rosak seperti kabur dan koyak? Adakah pemandu akan dikenakan tindakan? Wajib tukar pelekat baharu atau tidak? Untuk pengetahuan anda,
road tax
 koyak atau rosak yang dibolehkan untuk ditukar bergantung pada kadar kerosakan juga.

Jika segala informasi pada pelekat itu masih lagi kelihatan dengan jelas, tak perlu tukar kerana ia masih lagi boleh digunakan. Tetapi jika ia sudah terkoyak sehingga langsung tiada rupa, ia sama saja seperti anda tidak mempamerkan road tax tersebut pada kenderaan. Ini merupakan satu kesalahan yang boleh menyebabkan anda disaman. Namun ia bergantung juga pada budi bicara polis.

Jika
road tax
 anda sudah rosak teruk, seeloknya rujuk saja dengan pejabat
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalanraya (JPJ)
. Penukaran
road tax
 yang rosak atau kabur tidak dikenakan sebarang bayaran asalkan anda membawa road tax yang rosak tersebut untuk diganti. Nak lebih selamat, bawa sekali
polisi insurans
 anda untuk dirujuk pihak JPJ.

Yang paling penting, pastikan pelekat
road tax
 yang ingin ditukar itu betul-betul rosak sehingga tidak dapat dibaca. Jika hanya kabur dan calar sedikit sahaja, permohonan anda tidak akan dilayan oleh JPJ.

Sejujurnya, diharapkan kualiti
road tax
di Malaysia ini dapat dipertingkatkan kerana ada pemandu yang sudah letih untuk menjawab soalan pihak berkuasa apabila kereta mereka ditahan kerana keadaan road taxnya yang tidak jelas kelihatan mahupun rosak.

Memandangkan zaman sudah maju, ada yang mencadangkan JPJ supaya menggunakan sistem baharu seperti menyemak menggunakan nombor plat kereta sahaja ataupun menyimpan segala data menggunakan aplikasi di telefon pintar. Bila ditahan, tunjuk saja aplikasi tersebut seakan-akan aplikasi MySejahtera.

Seperti yang dilihat di media sosial, ada banyak cadangan yang diberikan berkenaan cara untuk menanggalkan road tax dari cermin tanpa meninggalkan kesan. Ada juga yang beri cadangan mengenai cara-cara yang sesuai untuk menampal road tax supaya mudah ditanggalkan kelak. Cadangan yang diberikan juga bagus-bagus, tapi melibatkan kos tambahan.

Melalui pandangan penulis, sebab utama pada masalah ini datang dari pelekat
road tax
. Jadi lebih berkesan sekiranya kerajaan memutuskan untuk menukar sistem pelekat ini kepada sistem yang lebih canggih dan memudahkan pengguna. Paling mudah, buat saja sistem
road tax
secara digital. Yang pastinya, jika JPJ ingin berpindah dari satu sistem ke satu sistem yang lain seperti membangunkan aplikasi khas untuk
road tax,
 ia pasti melibatkan kos tambahan.

Sebagai pengguna jalan raya, terpaksalah kita mencari jalan lain serta cara yang berkesan untuk mengelakkan diri daripada terjebak dengan masalah kerosakan
road tax.
 Jika cara pasang dah betul, nak tanggalkan road tax itu juga menjadi mudah.

Cara Menampal Road Tax Dengan Betul

Untuk permulaan, pastikan anda ada 3 benda ini:

Cukai jalan (road tax)

Pelekat
road tax
 di cermin

Plastik jernih (lutsinar) seperti pembalut buku

Potong plastik jernih mengikut saiz
road tax
 dan lapik plastik tersebut pada bahagian atas
road tax
 berkenaan

Letakkan
road tax
 yang sudah siap dilapik di atas pelekat cermin.

Lekatkan pelekat cermin bersama
road tax
di cermin hadapan kereta.

Dengan cara ini,
road tax
 anda lebih mudah untuk ditanggalkan tanpa sebarang kesan gam berbanding menampal terus
road tax
bersama pelekat cermin tanpa membalut bahagian hadapan road tax dengan plastik lutsinar.

Untuk cara menampal road tax yang lebih mudah, anda disarankan untuk menggunakan
road tax holder
 yang boleh didapati secara online.

Bagaimana pula dengan anda? Pernahkan anda mengalami apa-apa masalah atau kesulitan setiap kali ingin menampal dan menanggalkan
road tax
 kereta anda?

*Kredit foto: Twitter


Honda City RS e:HEV VS Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship – Which Is The Biggest Bang For Your Buck?

Perhaps, you’re thinking, not another article regarding the Proton X50, and you’d be half right, with all the hype surrounding its design, new powertrain, to its active safety ADAS functions – there’s much to talk about. However, while we do know that the X50 is a powerhouse of technology – and at what could be a very attractive pricetag - the recent launch of the
all-new Honda City
, left us with a burning question – which of these two cars gives you the best bang for your buck?

But one’s an SUV and the other a sedan

Yes, we know this, but, for an apple-to-apple comparison, we’d have to negate the fact that one is an SUV and the other a sedan. While the ultimate purchase decision will come down to whether you want a high-riding SUV or a sleek sedan, it’s worthy to note which of the two is actually giving you the most “
mamak bragging
” rights – well, once the CMCO is over and we’re allowed to sit with friends at a
mamak
 anyway.

On the one hand, the X50 is the new hotshot on the block – a B-Segment SUV with
luxury trappings
 of some cars costing twice as much – on the other hand, the all-new Honda City is the fifth iteration in a long lineage of Hondas known for their reliability and practicality. In addition, for the first time, the City will offer a world-first application of a new hybrid powertrain, which a big deal to say the least.

How much would they cost anyway?

In short, we don’t know the exact prices of any of these two models.

Honda, having priced their City Grade S, E, and V variants between RM74k and RM87k respectively (with the SST reductions) have said they’re currently working with relevant government agencies to offer a price tag of under RM100k for the City RS e:HEV, and we’re optimistic they will do it given the levels of localised production of the City RS. Our educated
guess
: RM98,800.

The X50, on the other hand, is anyone’s guess. While its well-publicised that entry levels of the X50 will be priced around the RM80k mark, Proton has been careful to tell us that the 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant, with its full suite of ADAS functions, may just cross the RM100k mark, and we think it will too. For this discussion, our best guess is the Flagship variant will tuck in
around
 RM105k.

Therefore, it is entirely possible for a prospective buyer to cross-shop between these two models since they’re just a few thousands apart.

What are the highlights of these two models?

Conclusion

With their respective spec sheets next to each other, one realises how close they are in terms of equipment and features - heck, they even have the exact same wheelbase length.

Drivetrain and performance

There's little doubt that both the X50 and City's powertrain are cutting edge in their own respect. The X50 downsized turbo unit is
small in size but big on power
, whereas the City is tuned for fuel efficiency, with just the
right amount of 'go'
 when you need it.

The X50 has the higher top-speed but we think a drag race between the two might be closer than what the figures tell us because of the electrified torque in the City.

In terms of fuel economy, the City will take it by a large margin in our opinion. Given the superb
efficiency of its older i-DCD Hybrid
 system (in the previous City Hybrid), we have little doubt the i-MMD system will be even more efficient.

Space and practicality

This is a closer toss-up than you think. Yes, we all would like to think SUVs are the final word in practicality because of their high-ceiling, but the City is the absolute benchmark in practicality and packaging for a sedan - rivalling that of D-Segment sedans such as the Accord. The City RS has the bigger boot space of the two (the non-RS City variants are even bigger at 519 litres), and will probably take longer items more easily than the X50. The X50 however, will accept relatively taller items in the boot as you might surmise.

As for occupant space, they're pretty much squared up at the front, however, despite an exactly similar wheelbase, the City takes it for rear legroom, based on our experience of being in both cars.

Note, however, entry and egress (especially for older occupants) is made easier in an SUV.

Equipment and Infotainment

Both these vehicles offer equipment and features that are traditionally not found in their respective segments. There was a time when paddle shifters and rear A/C vents were considered optional equipment. Now the City RS offers all these as standard.

Overall, we think the X50 just pips the City RS for its inclusion of a 360-degree camera and sunroof, also it has the
larger infotainment touchscreen
 of the two at 10.25-inches (versus 8.0-inches in the City RS).

However, a point of contention is the X50's Operating Software (OS) which uses Geely's proprietary GKUI 19 - it's excellently designed from a hardware and UI/UX standpoint, but lacks Android Auto and Apple Carplay, which is the common connectivity platform most users want, and the City RS offers. In the X50, owners will have to make do with Smartphone Mirroring.

Active Safety and Driving Convenience

Honda has brought the City RS bang up to date with the inclusion of the Sensing suite of active safety functions. We have said this before,
Honda Sensing
 is better than a lot of other active safety systems because of its intuitiveness and understanding of Malaysian driving conditions - it is something that needs to be experienced to be understood.

The X50, on the other hand, offers all the functions of the City but tops it slightly because of its Blindspot monitoring system, which covers both sides of the car (Honda LaneWatch covers just the passenger side), and the inclusion of the auto parking feature, which as
we recently experienced
, works as advertised.

Looks and charm

Well, this is a question only customers can answer.

Yes, we love how the X50 looks but we're also smitten by the sleek lines of the new City RS. Not to mention, the City's Passion Red Pearl colour looks drop-dead gorgeous. P.S. The Ocean Blue colour for the X50 is my personal favourite.

This report hopes to inform prospective customers that both these cars are charming in their own respect - despite the common SUV/Sedan argument - one should properly experience both cars before choosing which suits their lifestyle and travel needs better.


SDAC Announces Year-End Sales Promotion. Up To RM23,000 Cash Rebate

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the authorised distributor of Ford vehicle in Malaysia has announced its year-end sales promotion.
While those who purchase a Ranger WildTrak will receive up to RM5,000 cash rebates, the Ranger XLT offers zero maintenance cost for five years or 100,000km plus attractive cash rebates.
Customers who opt for the Focus or Fiesta on the other hand, will get cash rebates up to RM23,000, three years free maintenance and five years warranty.
In case you’re wondering what is in store for existing customers, they can bring their vehicles in for a complimentary 27-point vehicle health inspection by a Ford-certified technician at authorised serice centres.
According to SDAC, there are discounts up to 20 percent on selected parts, including lubricant, brake, timing belt and other packages, and 10 percent labour discounts on lubricant, brake and timing belt packages on selected Ford models.
Customers spending more than RM350 on a single valid tax invoice will also receive Ford merchandises only available at authorised Ford dealers nationwide while stocks last.
The promotion is available nationwide from December 18, 2017 until February 17, 2018.
And since Christmas season is approaching, SDAC will be giving away blue nose and reindeer antlers for your cars when you test drive a Ford vehicle at any authorised Ford dealers nationwide.
“We are glad to extend these attractive service and maintenance packages to ensure that our customers’ vehicles are in their best condition for a safe travel. Let’s make this holiday season a memorable one with our loved ones,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, SDAC.


Malaysians Still Ignore Buckling Up In The Rear, With Life On The Line

According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), it has been revealed that Malaysians are simply not buckling up in the rear and aren’t afraid of the repercussions, be it with the law or their own safety.
A study by MIROS discovered that the compliance rate for the rear seat belt rule was 47% when it was introduced in February 2009 (enforcement began on January 1, 2009). However, this quickly deteriorated down to 13% by the end of 2009.
The subsequent years also demonstrated a lacklustre desire for rear passengers to use their seat belts, with just a 9.7% compliance rate in 2010, 9.2% in 2011, 13.5% in 2012, 12.5% in 2013, and only 7.7% for the first four months of 2014.
Considering that 90% of vehicles currently on Malaysian roads are fitted with rear seat belts, these figures are certainly alarming. The dangers of not buckling up is apparent when in a crash involving a vehicle travelling at just 50km/h, the weight of unbuckled rear passengers can be as much as 30-60 times of their original weight.
The Motor Vehicles Rules (Seatbelt) (2008 Amendment) states that passenger(s) who are not buckled in will receive a fine of RM300. However, the fine can only be issued if the rear passenger is aged 17 years old and above.
MIROS’ study also revealed that since ‘Ops Selamat’ kicked off on July 10 this year, 20,257 accidents that resulted in 155 deaths were recorded throughout the country during its first seven days. That amounted to 22 deaths per day, nine more compared to the same period last year. It added that more than 80% of traffic accidents are caused by human error.


Mazda Thailand Expects All-New 2017 Honda CR-V Diesel To Hit CX-5 Diesel

Previously the dominant diesel-powered passenger car-based SUV in Thailand, the Mazda CX-5 will have to face stiffer competition with the upcoming launch of the
all-new turbodiesel 2017 Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC
, reports Thailand’s Bangkok Post.
Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, President of Mazda Sales Thailand told the Thai daily: “Mazda has been dominant in the diesel SUV segment in the Thai market for the past four years, with few rivals. I think the arrival of the diesel-powered Honda CR-V will affect market competition."
The all-new diesel-powered CR-V will be launched in Thailand on March 24. Current information suggests that this will remain a Thailand-only model. The remaining countries in ASEAN’s Big 3 – Malaysia and Indonesia, are likely to continue with a petrol engine only line-up.
While the all-new Mazda CX-5 has already gone on sale in Japan, Mazda Sales Thailand will have to hold its fort with the existing, outgoing generation CX-5 for the time being.
The current 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D Mazda CX-5 sold in Thailand is imported from Malaysia. The same model is sold in Malaysia at RM169,293.

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 There is still no official confirmation on when will the all-new model make its regional debut, but analysts at Malaysia’s RHB Research have indicated that the all-new CX-5 will be launched in Malaysia in as early as July 2017, with exports expected to begin in August 2017.
Despite the tougher competition, Mazda Sales Thailand has reiterated that it will not be lowering its sales targets for 2017. In fact, the company is aiming to an 18 percent increase in sales over 2016.
Supporting this push is a massive expansion of sales and service network, from the current 147 to 167 by the end of this year.
At the same time, all existing 147 outlets will be renovated within the next two years.
"We expects a market share of 8% in Thailand by 2020," said Mr Chanchai.


5 Kelebihan Perodua Ativa (D55L) – Bakal Rampas Tahkta King of The Road?

Adakah gelaran King of The Road akan bertukar tangan daripada
Myvi
 ke
Ativa
?

Ramai dah tak sabar nak tunggu
pelancaran
 Perodua Ativa pada 3 Mac ini. Sementara menunggu tarikh keramat tersebut tiba bagi menjawab segala persoalan di minda, jom kita lihat semula apa yang best sangat tentang Perodua Ativa ni?

1. Harga

Dalam ekonomi sekarang ni, tanda harga itu sangat penting. Harga yang ditawarkan untuk model ini merupakan kelebihan pertama kereta ini. Ativa bakal muncul sebagai
SUV
 mampu milik terbaru Perodua dengan harga serendah RM62,500 sehingga RM73,400. Kebiasaannya, untuk mendapatkan ciri-ciri keselamatan serta lain-lain pada Ativa ini, anda perlu membelanjakan sekurang-kurangnya RM103,300. Harga Myvi bermula daripada RM41,292 sehingga RM52,697 manakala Aruz berharga RM68,526 hingga RM73,226. Jika nak dibandingkan antara harga Myvi dan Aruz, Ativa berharga lebih mahal daripada Myvi, namun bertindih harga dengan Aruz.

Bukan itu sahaja, harga yang ditawarkan untuk Perodua Ativa ini juga jauh lebih murah daripada harga
Daihatsu Rocky
 dan Toyota Raize yang dijual di Jepun. Di sana, varian paling busuk Daihatsu Rocky pun dijual pada harga 1,705,000 yen (RM65,300). Untuk varian tersebut, radio pun tiada! Kalau nak banding dengan Ativa X, harga Ativa X baru RM62,500. Kalau varian tertinggi, Daihatsu Rocky berharga 2,145,000 yen (RM82,200), manakala Perodua Ativa AV dijual pada harga RM73,400 di sini. Kedua-dua model premium ini hadir dengan spesifikasi sama! Meskipun lebih mahal daripada Myvi, namun harga yang ditawarkan Perodua ni memang buat orang rambang mata.

2. Platform DNGA

Tahukah anda, Perodua Ativa dibina berasakan daripada platform
Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
? Pendek kata, dalam masa kini, ia merupakan teknologi terbaru dan termaju oleh Daihatsu. DNGA dihasilkan berasakan platform Toyota New Global Architecture. Seperti
Toyota
, Daihatsu turut akan menjadikan platform mereka sebagai asas bagi pembinaan model-model terbaru mereka. Apa yang menariknya dengan DNGA ni?

Pertama, platform DNGA ini dihasilkan dengan padanan teknologi autonomi (self-driving), sistem terhubung serta teknologi pacuan elektrifikasi. Dengan DNGA, dimensi seperti jarak roda, panjang dan lebar boleh diubah dengan mudah mengikut segmen kenderaan. Menurut Daihatsu, platform DNGA ini boleh mengurangkan tempoh penghasilan sesebuah model sehingga 50%. Jadi apa kelebihannya kepada pengguna? Kalau satu platform boleh diubahsuai mengikut pelbagai model kereta, penghasilan pun cepat, tak perlu tunggu lama dan komponen berkualiti pun boleh didapati dengan harga lebih rendah kerana kos operasi dah berkurangan. Siapa yang suka tunggu lama-lama untuk kereta kan? Cuba tanya kawan-kawan, dah dapat
Proton X50
 ke belum?

Selain itu, melalui DNGA, titik aplikasi kekuatan hadapan dan belakang disambungkan bagi memberikan agihan kekuatan yang lebih lancar pada kerangka. Selain daripada memberi kekuatan pada bahagian bawah badan kenderaan, casis ini juga lebih ringan daripada sebelumnya. Untuk bahagian atas DNGA, plat logam yang lebih tebal digunakan bagi memberikan ketahanan yang lebih baik. Zon remuk model ini turut direka dan dibina semula untuk menambah baik tahap keberkesanannya. Persoalannya, adakah Perodua juga bakal menggunakan platform DNGA untuk semua modelnya akan datang?

3. Ciri-Ciri Keselamatan

Ciri-ciri keselamatan yang dilengkapi pada Ativa membuatkan kereta ini menjadi buruan. Selain hadir dengan
ASA
 bagi semua varian, ketiga-tiga varian turut bakal menerima sistem Perodua Smart-Drive Assist seperti Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention. Bagi varian AV, ia hadir dengan Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor serta Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Ianya merupakan sistem keselamatan termaju yang ada pada Perodua buat masa ini! Dengan sistem seperti ini, kereta anda ibarat boleh dipandu dengan sendirinya. Mana nak dapat kereta baharu dengan ciri kawalan pelayaran adaptif dengan harga seperti Ativa? Memang tiada!

Jika nak dibandingkan dengan model Perodua sebelumnya, ciri-ciri keselamatan pada Ativa ini jauh lebih baik. Varian asas Myvi tidak dilengkapi dengan ASA seperti Ativa. Sebaliknya anda perlu membeli Myvi varian 1.3L X yang berharga RM46,959 untuk mendapatkan teknologi ini. Namun anda kena ingat, teknologi ASA pada Ativa merupakan
ASA 3.0
. Ia lebih baik daripada Myvi yang menggunakan ASA 2.0. Menariknya, dengan ASA 3.0, Front Collision Warning mampu berfungsi pada kelajuan 120 km/h berbanding 100 km/h pada Myvi.

Tapi harap-harap tiada si bodoh yang bakal bergantung harap pada ciri-ciri tersebut 100%. Kehadiran ciri-ciri keselamatan seperti ini hanya berfungsi sebagai bantuan kepada pemanduan anda. Apa-apa pun, sistem ADAS bergantung rapat dengan kamera dan radar yang dipasang pada kereta. Jadi ianya tidaklah 100% tepat kerana keadaan cuaca juga berupaya untuk membuatkan kemampuan teknologi ini menjadi terhad.

4. Enjin

Ini merupakan kali pertama Perodua memperkenalkan enjin dengan pengecas turbo pada model keluarannya. Enjin
1.0 liter 1KR-VET turbo
 dengan
D-CVT
 yag digunakan pada Perodua Ativa menjadikannya kenderaan berenjin turbo paling murah di negara ini! Enjin ini merupakan salah satu daripada keluarga enjin KR keluaran Toyota, sama seperti yang digunakan pada
Axia
 dan
Bezza
. Bezanya, Ativa ada turbo lah.

Pengecas turbo single-scroll dan intercooler depan pada Ativa turut disertakan dengan penyuntik multi-point biasa berbanding suntikan terus yang lebih mahal bagi mengurangkan kos. Walaupun berkapasiti kecil, enjin ini mampu menghasilkan kuasa sebanyak 98 PS pada 6,000 rpm dan 140 Nm tork dari 2,400 hingga 4,000 rpm. Nak bayar road tax pun murah!

Selain daripada memberi lebih kuasa, enjin turbo ini juga dicanang mampu memberikan kadar penggunaan bahan api yang menjimatkan dengan 18.9 km/l. Toyota Raize dan Daihatsu Rocky pun mampu beri 18.6 km/l je. Tapi penggunaan minyak ni bergantung pada cara pemanduan anda juga. Penjimatan bahan api pada Ativa ini turut dibantu oleh kapasiti enjin yang kecil serta penggunaan transmisi D-CVT.

Kalau nak banding dengan Myvi 1.5L AV (varian premium), enjin Myvi memberikan lebih kuasa kuda berbanding Ativa, dengan 102 PS pada 6000 rpm dan 136 Nm Tork pada 4,000 rpm ekoran kapasiti enjin Myvi lebih besar. Meskipun tidak dilengkapi dengan turbo, Myvi menggunakan enjin 4 silinder berbanding 3 silinder yang digunakan Ativa. Oleh sebab itu, Perodua Myvi lebih menjanjikan penjimatan minyak dengan 20.1 km/l.

5. SUV

Sejak kebelakangan ini, terdapat perubahan ketara dalam pembelian kereta di Malaysia. Semakin ramai rakyat Malaysia yang mula meminati kereta SUV ini berbanding
sedan
. Berbanding dengan jenis kereta lain, SUV lebih menyerlah dengan bumbung yang tinggi sekaligus memberi ruang kepala, kaki serta ruang but yang lebih besar serta lantai yang lebih rendah. Bumbung pada bahagian belakang SUV yang tidak mengecil atau menurun memberi lebih ruang kepala pada penumpang belakang. Pendek kata, SUV menjanjikan ruang dalaman yang lebih besar. Meskipun Ativa ini dikira sebagai SUV bersaiz kecil dan tidak mempunyai banyak beza dari segi saiz dengan Myvi, ianya tetap SUV.

Selain itu, SUV juga terkenal dengan sifat pemanduannya yang lebih tahan lasak. Keadaan jalan yang teruk di sekitar Lembah Klang sudah pasti memberi kelebihan pada kenderaan jenis SUV seperti Ativa. Tempat duduk yang lebih tinggi berbanding sedan turut memberikan pandangan hadapan yang lebih jelas kepada pemandu. Selain itu, reka bentuk SUV yang sporty dan semakin maju mengikut peredaran zaman membuatkan SUV lebih popular. Patutlah ramai dah mula ambil SUV sebagai kereta keluarga.

Kesimpulan

Perbandingan antara Myvi dengan Ativa memanglah tidak adil. Lihat saja pada harganya. Berdasarkan pada ciri-ciri Ativa serta harga yang ditawarkan, Ativa berpotensi untuk menjadi kereta paling popular keluaran Perodua. Kalau dah popular, gelaran King of The Road mungkin boleh bertukar tangan. Mana taknya, sebelum ini orang gelar Myvi sebagai King kerana sentiasa ada pemandu Myvi yang buat hal. Tak percaya? Lihatlah group
Myvi Buat Hal Apa Harini?
 di Facebook.  Tetapi, apabila bilangan pemandu Ativa semakin ramai, tidak mustahil kita boleh tengok perangai pelik pemandu Ativa pula.

Tempahan untuk
Perodua Ativa
 kini dibuka kepada orang ramai. Sudahkah anda membuat tempahan atau adakah anda masih menanti tarikh pelancarannya pada 3 Mac sebelum menempah? Mampukah SUV ini menggugat kedudukan Perodua Myvi sebagai King of The Road di Malaysia? Sama-sama kita nantikan!

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Red Light Running Toyota Hilux Crashes And Flips, Highlights Importance Of Dash Cams

You are driving along your usual route back home, the traffic light is green, you cruise ahead at the same speed, and then suddenly another car comes into view, you both crash.
Unless there is a traffic monitoring camera installed at the intersection, such accidents are difficult to solve. Often times, the police investigation will go nowhere as it will be a case of ‘he said she said.’
The incident captured in the video below happened in Australia. As you can see, the driver was driving normally, on a quiet road at night with no other drivers around him.
The traffic light was green, he maintained his pace and cruised towards the intersection but a Toyota Hilux ran a red light, got T-boned and flipped. According to the uploader, nobody was hurt and occupants in the Hilux only suffered minor scratches.
Had it not for the dash cam installed, the driver would have had a lot of difficulty explaining his innocence to the police. Imagine if the Hilux owner was distracted, didn’t realize that the lights have turned red. In his mind, it is possible that he genuinely believed that he didn’t run a red light, leading to messy ‘he said she said’ situation.
Dash cams only cost a few hundred Ringgit but it’s prudent to pay a bit more for a higher quality unit that shoots in 1080p with good low light performance. A dash cam is useless if it can’t capture the number plate of the vehicle ahead at night.


2023 Honda WR-V launched in Thailand - From RM103k, Malaysia next?

The latest
2023 Honda WR-V
 has been launched in Thailand with two different variants to choose from - SV and RS.

This very same model has been spied here in Malaysia but we're going to look at the specs and prices for the Thai market for this second-generation WR-V which is constantly compared with the likes of the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky (or
Perodua Ativa
 in our case).

Listen up! CARSOME Autofair is back this month for 2023, from March 17th to 19th! And if you
pre-register with this link
 to let them know Carlist.my sent you, you’ll be able to claim some Carlist.my branded goodies!

For 2023, the Honda WR-V is offered in either the base SV variant or the range-topping RS model with prices starting from 799,000 baht to RM869,000 baht (around RM103k-RM112k). There are some differences in terms of exterior finishes and equipment, but all 2023 WR-V units are fitted with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT gearbox that produces 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

The Honda WR-V SV variant comes with a front chrome grille with horizontal cascading lines, full LED lighting system for the auto headlamps, DRLs, turn signals as well as taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, and more.

As for the range-topping WR-V RS variant, you can tell them apart thanks to its sportier front grille with RS chrome pins, LED front fog lights, and a bigger set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior for the SV model is mostly black to maintain that sporty RS look and feel while the SV gets some silver highlights.

Other specs include:

4.2-inch TFT multi-info display

Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto)

Auto air-conditioning system

Honda Smart Key Card (with keyless entry & engine start)

Four airbags (six for RS variant)

Honda Sensing safety suite (extra Honda LaneWatch for RS)

It's quite a package for this compact SUV in Thailand and with a few sightings reported here in Malaysia, we're still waiting on any confirmation from Honda Malaysia pertaining to its arrival here in the local market. Stay tuned for more information, mkay?


Geneva 2017: Renault Trezor Voted Most Beautiful Concept Car Design of 2016

The Renault Trezor has been awarded 2016’s Concept Car Design of the Year at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, based exclusively on the votes of a 20-strong judging panel featuring some of the world’s top car designers.
The Car Design of the Year awards – organised by the team behind Car Design News is unique because the judging panel is exclusively made up of a cross-section of some of the world’s top car designers.
This year’s panel includes design bosses from established marques like Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Hyundai Motor Group; Mamoru Aoki, executive design director, Nissan, Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler and Ralph Gilles, head of design, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
In order to select the 2016 Concept Car Design of the Year, judges name their top three concepts from a list of 12 vehicles, compiled by Car Design News staff. The votes are then verified and counted and the winner revealed.
Laurens van den Acker, senior vice-president of Renault Group corporate design commented: “It’s an honour to receive this award, because it’s voted by our peers, and that’s the hardest audience to satisfy. It’s great for our design team and their creativity, and I think it only makes us hungry for more, it stimulates us to continue.”


Toyota Yaris Cross Imagined As Perodua Ativa's Big Bro

This is not a Perodua, at least not yet. For now, it's a digital render done by 3D artist Idiyaz Baharuddin that was posted online. But in a more interesting universe, this could be a new addition to the line-up.

Though some details on the 3D model have been altered, mostly up front, the car is clearly based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, a B-segment SUV based upon the Euro-spec Yaris hatchback (you know, the one
the GR Yaris is built on
).

While the Ativa
 uses the DNGA platform, the Yaris Cross uses the unified Toyota New Global Architecture that underpins everything from the Corolla to the hardy Land Cruiser and pretty much everything in between.

Naturally, there are no plans, at least none that are officially underway, to bring the model to Malaysia even through local distributors UMW Toyota, so the chances that it could find its way here under the Perodua banner are almost absurdly slim.

However, there are rumours that Malaysia’s second local automaker is interested in a larger SUV with ‘Nexis’ being a potential name with it already trademarked by P2 years ago in the lead-up to the Ativa’s launch.

As the second-generation Alza
 (based on the Daihatsu Xenia) has joined Perodua’s list of cars built on the DNGA platform after the Ativa (based on the Daihatsu Rocky), there aren’t any other models for them to use as a basis to develop a new model from.

It would need to be designed and developed from the ground up, which is obviously much costlier and more time-consuming.

Still, it’s fun to imagine if they were allowed to offer a second crossover, one that was more stylish, TNGA-based, better equipped, and more upmarket to give cars such as the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 something to really worry about.

In markets where the Yaris Cross is sold, it’s powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder with 120PS paired to a CVT gearbox or a series hybrid that mates a slightly altered and de-tuned version of that same combustion unit with a rear-mounted electric motor that also endows it with AWD.

System output is a little lower at 114PS but compensated for with slow-speed instant response and improved fuel economy thanks to that hybrid element.

Meanwhile, back home, Malaysians have only very recently been offered a chance
to drive (but not own) an Ativa Hybrid
 through a leasing program that Perodua is using to ascertain our appetite for new technologies.


Richard Branson Hints At Tesla Rivalry, Admits Virgin Has Teams Working On Electric Cars

It seems Richard Branson, the billionaire extraordinaire CEO behind the Virgin Group, has set his sights on electric cars. Having dabbled in too many different ventures and industries for even himself to count, this newest fixation seems to have the makings of something big.
Virgin Racing has had a good amount of relevant experience in this arena. While it was operating its Formula One racing team, the KERS energy recovery systems that boosted power through an on-board electric motor were an important component in gaining a performance advantage. Most recently, Virgin Racing has been competing in the all-electric Formula E series and is likely looking to use expertise gained there to further its EV agenda.
"We have teams of people working on electric cars, so you never know—you may find Virgin competing with Tesla in the car business as we do in the space business. We will see what happens,” said Branson during an interview with Bloomberg at a Formula E Grand Prix in Miami recently.
The future of the automotive industry is still up in the air, but the smart money is banking heavily on electricity playing an integral role with regards to propulsion – just how that electricity is generated, however, is the subject of an entirely different discussion.
Developing a car, let alone a car company, is no easy undertaking even for the Virgin Group and the considerable resources at its disposal, but the EV industry has been getting a lot of traction lately with new players emerging left, right and centre - both big and small. It’s no surprise, then, that a company like Virgin has explored its options within it. After all, pursuing bold ventures are exactly what the company and its founder are famous for.
Richard Branson and Elon Musk clearly have their overlaps, and while Branson admits that “Tesla is as sexy as any other car on the road today”, he certainly isn’t sheepish about being eager to compete in that arena just as Virgin Galactic is doing with Space X.


Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet Revealed – Next-Level Luxury, Full-EV

A celebration of magnificent beauty and next-generation technology – the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance played host to the unveiling of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, which takes after the
Vision 6 Coupe
 concept from 2016 and stretches the boundaries of four-wheeled beauty and technology even further.
The strict two-seater Vision 6 Cabriolet marries the classical aesthetic beauty of a cabriolet with the next generation of vehicle drivetrain technology. Like the Coupe, the Cabriolet’s full-electric drivetrain delivers an output of 750 hp. Power is sent to all four wheels through four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one at each wheel.
The shallow underfloor battery allows a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC cycle. Performance is rated at 4.0 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.
The quick-charge function allows DC charging based on the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, the system allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. The Vision 6 Cabriolet can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100 kilometres in just five minutes.
The Vision 6 Cabrio measures 5700 mm in length, 2100 mm in width and 1340 mm in height – identical to the Coupe’s length and width, but the Cabrio is 12 mm taller than the Coupe’s 1328 mm.
The sleek, curved body, finished in Nautical Blue Metallic paintwork, boasts a sporty, stretched design which is characterised by powerful structural elements such as the bold feature line and flowing front wings. The extended, round "boat tail" format of the Vision is inspired by luxury yachts, and narrow tail lights are claimed to further emphasise the width of the vehicle.
The custom-made fabric top with interwoven rose gold threads, is hewn from high-quality Nappa leather and deliberately contrasts the dark finish of the car’s body.
Bold chrome trim elements further highlight the Cabrio’s uber-luxury styling and complement the new 24-inch light-alloy wheels which feature a centre lock. This central hub is painted in rose gold, reflecting the colour shade used on all electric vehicle studies from Mercedes-Benz.
On the inside – the yacht-like interior architecture combines classical elements like the Chesterfield style seats, with individual buttons of the quilting featuring the Mercedes star, backlit in blue. A floating, transparent centre tunnel, which shows the drive system's electrical energy flow for the passengers by means of blue fibre optics.
The main driving functions, as well as navigation information, are shown on the windscreen via two head-up displays. Another display strip links which starts at the door panel, flows along the dashboard and the rear area, integrating some functional display and control elements into this continuous glass trim.
Like the Coupe, the Vision 6 Cabrio will also communicate using the latest in biometric sensors to record the state of mind and health status of the passengers. A voice-activated ‘Concierge’ function allows control of the car’s infotainment functions using predefined voice commands.


Proton's Mission Accomplished - The X70 Is Now Made In Malaysia

When the Proton X70 was first launched on 12 December 2018, Proton made a promise that by the end of 2019 they would build the X70 at their swanky RM1.2 billion Tanjung Malim extension plant.

By rolling off the X70 off the assembly line on 13 December 2019, they achieved what they set out to do a year ago.

"Today marks a historic milestone for PROTON as we take another step towards being a global automotive brand. By producing the Proton X70 in Tanjung Malim, we have taken a quantum leap in our abilities as this is by far our most ambitious undertaking to date. This new plant will not only produce future products jointly developed with Geely, but it will also be a centre for right-hand-drive production as we begin exports to countries all over the world," said Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar.

Speaking during the event, Mr An Conghui commented about PROTON's position within the Geely Auto Group as a valuable partner to grow sales in ASEAN markets. "PROTON has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past two years. This experience has worked out very well for us at Geely Auto as we are happy to help PROTON realize its global aspirations. We will continue to support PROTON as it grows in the Malaysian market and the wider ASEAN region and beyond," he added.

More of Malaysia's best selling C-segment SUV will now roll off state of the art Tanjung Malim extension plant. Through the hard work and cooperation of local and overseas vendors, the SUV has ensured a supply chain of parts so that it can be built efficiently and on time.

The Tanjung Malim plant has not only managed to be a hub for building cars but has also unofficially set new developments in Malaysia's automotive vendor ecosystem. In their pursuit of making the X70 at the plant, Proton worked closely with local vendors and matched them with other companies who already supplied components for the SUV. This cooperation resulted in seven new joint-ventures and created a partnership between domestic and international companies. A total investment of RM263 million from technical agreements and foreign investment and the creation of 1,084 jobs were also some of the other outcomes of the ecosystem.

"For PROTON, a local supplier base will help them develop future models better suited to the wants and needs of Malaysian car buyers. With their aggressive future business expansion plans and their commitment to developing local vendors, more Malaysian companies and consumers will soon be able to benefit as a whole," said Datuk Darell Leiking


All-New 2015 Audi TT Launched In Malaysia, 2.0 TFSI From RM285k

At long last,
Audi
 Malaysia has finally launched its all-new 2015
Audi TT
 in conjunction with the principal’s first official event and introduction to the country.
The third-generation TT Coupe was first unveiled to the world in at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, alongside a new and more powerful TTS version – unfortunately, Audi Malaysia will only have the one variant available here, continuing its form with the 2.0-litre TFSI, but without the quattro option.
The third-gen TT may not look all that dissimilar to the out-going model, but if you haven’t heard of or seen it before, you may want to stick around to find out about its revolutionary cabin. There are also massive performance and handling improvements made to the new car that shoves it leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor.
Buyer’s Guide:
With a price that starts from
RM284,900
, Malaysians will essentially have the TT in just one state of tune of the four globally available. The base 230hp 2.0-litre TFSI model in its FWD form will represent the line here. Audi Malaysia tells us that a quattro is being studied for local introduction, but that’s only to come further down the line. Event still, RM70k cheaper than before? Fantastic.
For an additional RM30k, Audi Malaysia will do your TT Coupe with a full-on S Line upgrade, which includes a various sporty exterior and interior kit: front bumper, interior trim upgrade and more.
Performance:
As mentioned, of the four globally-available engine variations, only the base 2.0-litre TFSI has made its way here, paired with a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The resulting power outputs are 230hp @ 4,500 to 6,200rpm, while torque is rated at 370Nm between 1,600 to 4,300rpm.
0-100km/h is listed for a healthy 5.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250km/h.
Exterior Styling & Dimensions:
As you’ll notice, the all-new TT is largely made up of its predecessor’s silhouette: that unmistakeable design has gone nowhere, despite the overhaul. The front-end of the vehicle is where most of the redesigning business has taken shape, with Audi’s new and massive Singleframe hexagonal grille design being a key visual to setting apart the new car.
The trapezoidal headlights have been fully redesigned, with Xenon Plus projectors with LED daytime running lights equipped as standard – a full-LED Matrix headlight arrangement is available as an optional extra (RM9k). The all-new fittings continue around the rear as well, with Audi reworking everything from the LED taillight designs, rear bumper and more – still looks remarkably familiar, doesn’t it? There’s also a deployable rear wing that pops up at speeds in excess of 120km/h, automatically.
The third-gen Audi TT also is now also amongst the new range of Volkswagen Group vehicles to ride on the company’s popular MQB platform, which allows this TT to benefit from a longer wheelbase than before, yet feature shorter overhangs – the wheelbase is 37mm longer now.
Full measurements of the vehicle are: 4,180mm long, 1,832mm wide, 1,353mm tall, 2,505mm wheelbase length, 1,230kg weight.
Together with the Audi Space Frame body (AFS) that’s made of aluminium and steel, the new TT is some 50kg lighter than the out-going model.
Interior Design & Technology:
If not for its exterior design, the all-new Audi TT is best known for its stunning interior design, which of course, isn’t without the Audi Virtual Cockpit: at the centre of which features a 12.3-inch LCD screen that acts as the sole display screen in the car – combining the functions of the instrument cluster and the MMI infotainment screen. Positioned where the instrument panel typically is, right in the line of sight for drivers, the new TT’s screen is highly customisable, and offers drivers various infotainment, instruments and car setting displays.
With the screen positioned where it is, the TT3’s dashboard has been made more minimalistic than before, with the the AC vents and a only a few buttons on it for the parking sensors and traction controls – do take note of the rotary and digital climate controls set on each of the air vents (superb!).
Further below an on to the centre console, and again, Audi is maximising its minimalist approach with beautifully crafted switchgear and design: even the steering wheel’s flat-bottom design. The rotary dial of the MMI system is positioned just behind the gear lever so you’ll never really have to go off searching for where any of the controls are.
The standard sports seats in the new Audi TT have integrated head restraints and are positioned lower than in the predecessor model. Compared with the seats in the predecessor model, they are more than five kgs lighter.
Other information:
The all-new Audi TT will available for booking at all Audi showrooms across the nation, right now. 10 different colour options are available in total.
Optional equipment like the Matrix LED headlamps (RM9k), 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system (RM3k) and Active Ride Control suspension (RM?) are available, not forgetting the S Line exterior and interior kit, which retails for a cool RM30k, depending on how much of it you want.


Father's Day Accessories For Our Car-Crazed Dads

Gift giving can be a very tricky subject, but experience has taught us that there are certain people that are easy to pick something out for while it’s a much tougher experience for others. This Father’s Day, here are some quick ideas to save you some of the hassles of deciding.

Of course, this is assuming that your own
father is something of a car enthusiast
 or spends a good amount of time with or around his car as this list was drawn up with that in mind. Some fathers have notoriously specific tastes, so we’ll keep this as general and broad spectrum as possible.

Along the way, we’ll also try to explain why the items below make for rather ideal Father’s Day gifts and how they’ll make an
impact on their lives
 so that they’ll have you to thank for it - assuming, again, that they’ll make use of it. Then again, if they hate it, that’s also on you.

New Head Unit (Plus Speakers?)

Most people use their car as the primary venue to listen to music, at least according to hours spent in one sitting, so it’s only natural to want to make sure that the experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Use your own judgement to figure out if this will make a difference and if such an upgrade will be appropriate. I know some of us still have older relatives that listen to music in cars with blown out speakers and need to carry around a huge photo album sized CD wallet to listen to their tunes of choice.

Upgrading the head unit itself can be a breeze if the car uses either a standard sized single or double DIN slot, or a total nightmare if the automaker was thoughtless enough to make it totally integrated into the dashboard.

If it's the former, just a few hand tools are all that’s really necessary and could be a fun project over a Sunday afternoon. Many brands (Sony, Alpine, Kenwood) make quality aftermarket head units equipped with a laundry list of features and connectivity options, but look for a high resolution touchscreen display, support for a reversing camera (great opportunity to add one), and support for
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
.

Speakers can, and probably also should, be considered as part of this upgrade, but do consult with a car audio expert to get a handle of what options are available for the car in question, based on your budget. Installation can be DIY, but as it’s more time-consuming, should be handled by an experienced 3rd party.

Also, ignore this idea if your father drives a decently expensive car with an appropriately high-end audio system already installed. A
Volvo in Inscription Plus
 trim with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is probably a good example.

Premium Car Wax

Since we’re in lockdown, and apart from the occasional grocery run, all we can really do with our cars is admire them as they remain stationary, so there’s no better time than to
get them looking spectacular.

There are all forms of paint protection products out there - synthetic sealants, ceramic coatings, graphene coatings, kevlar coatings - but none of them are as therapeutic to use as an old-school tin of high quality, hand-poured wax.

Car detailing, in and of itself, can be an all-consuming hobby that’s rife with technical jargon, but waxing a car is elemental. It’s your hands on your car. A good wax goes on like butter and wipes off even more smoothly that it becomes something of a meditation. Knowing the gleam and lustre is the result of your care and attention is pretty damn satisfying.

I won’t get into which wax you should choose as that could take a few more thousand words, but if you’re shooting for one that deserves to be gifted, try looking up something from Swissvax or Zymol.

A…Bike Rack Suction Thing

More and more people are taking to enjoying the great outdoors on
two-wheels and pedal power
, so transporting these mountain bikes safely and easily will suddenly become a big consideration.

Some just squeeze them into the cabin with the seats folded, but that significantly intrudes on space behind the front seats.

There are many options for this and plenty of people have gone down the route of installing bike racks directly to their car’s chassis via the tow bar. Others have outfitted their cars with a permanent roof-mounted solution.

An easier way out of this dilemma is
a bicyle
 rack (or holder) that’s removable so that it’s only there when you need it. The premier manufacturer of these is a company called SeaSucker, which offers a huge selection of racks and mounts to fit every possible need and vehicle type, including coupes and sports cars not known for practicality. They are all mounted onto the roof with strong vacuum holders that are very sturdy.

Other than transporting bikes, they have variants that can serve as general purpose roof racks and ones that are made to fit skis, surfboards, kayaks, and other cargo. Your Dad will really appreciate how much easier this makes his next road trip or outdoor excursion.

Dashcam

This one is a
must-have for any driver,
 to be honest, and will grant you peace of mind if your parents are spending a lot of time behind the wheel. It might not protect them from an actual collision, but at least we’ll have the evidence on our side when something unfortunate does happen.

This is a particularly good gift if your Dad has an older car as a lot of reputable dashcam manufacturers offer a dual-camera system that can also double up as a reversing camera, giving your Father’s car two new features in one shot.

Many dashcams these days are squeezing in an impressive feature set to gain an edge over the competition, so things like 4K/60FPS video recording, voice commands, parking surveillance modes, Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone integration, and even rudimentary lane departure warning are becoming the norm.

Like the stereo head unit suggestion above, this is also a pretty easy installation process. However, you might want to spend a bit more time properly routing the wires so that it’s out of sight within the cabin, especially if you’ve chosen one with a secondary rear-facing camera.

Still Undecided?

We get it. Fathers can be a very difficult bunch to shop for much less choose the perfect gift. Nonetheless, these ideas listed above will hopefully put you on the right path and, if nothing else, will make a big impact on how your dear Dad enjoys/uses his car and motoring.


2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Arrives In Malaysia - 650PS, 0-100km/h In 2.7s

Porsche’s Malaysian range has expanded for the second time in 2021 with the new 911 Turbo S. Local distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has announced the arrival of the most powerful and fastest-accelerating version yet of the 992-gen machine.

The new Turbo S, as it has before, sits at the very top of the 911 range, mixing eye-popping levels of performance with a relatively high degree of refinement and luxury relative to Porsche’s more track-oriented road cars
such as the GT3
, GT3 RS, or
Cayman GT4
.

Prices will start from RM2,235,463, though that figure is only applicable until the expiry of the 50% SST rebate on June 30th. Naturally, specifying additional equipment or personalisation options will bump that up as well, but that might not be necessary seeing as how the ’S’ is already pretty well stocked
over the 911 Turbo
.

“The Porsche Turbo designation is synonymous with outstanding performance, even when it was first introduced. The forefather of all Turbos (the 930 generation) was indeed a technical revolution in car production and has been improved time and time again. This is even more so with the new 911 Turbo S,”
 says Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP.

While it performs at the level of a supercar, the daily driveability remains outstanding. It is this flexibility to react to different situations that makes the 911 Turbo S a personal favourite of mine. Combining unprecedented power, driving dynamics and comfort with efficiency builds a bridge from tradition to innovation with this new generation.”
 he added.

Now sitting on the wider body of the 992, the Turbo S is a lot more laterally imposing than before with its 45mm increase in overall width. This helps the car accommodate the wider front and rear track as well as the fat 21-inch rear wheels wearing 315/30-section tyres to maximise traction off the line.

Quite literally, the engine is the elephant in the room here, delivering a mammoth 650PS and 800Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 330km/h. Its roll-on performance is even more potent, shaving a full second off the older model’s 0-200km/h dash at 8.9 seconds.

Over the 991.2-gen predecessor, this newest Turbo S delivers a full 68hp and 50Nm advantage thanks to a new 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. The rear-mounted motor features a whole host of enhancements in order to deliver this, including the addition of larger variable-geometry turbochargers and a totally revised intake system.

That surge of power also comes down to the transmission system and driveline, wherein Porsche’s 8-speed PDK dual-clutch sends power to all four wheels. Just as well, with the newly updated Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system, up to 500Nm of torque can be channelled to the front wheels, helping it claw itself out of corners more ferociously.

Meanwhile, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is claimed to respond quicker to driver input and surface conditions to optimise the Turbo S’ behaviour, even altering ride height by 10mm to suit its needs. Conversely, its braking performance is aided by the standard carbon-ceramic brakes, seen here with their characteristic yellow callipers.

Inside, each 911 Turbo S is outfitted with a full leather cabin with carbon fibre trim in combination with Light Silver accents. There’s also 18-way adjustable sports seats and a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the  Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system that’s paired to a premium BOSE sound system.


2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Launched - RM699k  - EQS 450+, 785km Range, 333PS/568Nm

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the German brand’s flagship electric vehicle, EQS, today in Bukit Bintang. Analogous to the S-Class limousine, it’s offered with a price starting at
RM698,888
.

The automaker also took the opportunity to preview the
EQB (based on the GLB-Class)
 and
EQC (based on the GLC-Class)
, both similarly fully electric models slated to be launched locally later this year in September and October, respectively.

Prior to this public unveiling where the EQB and EQC were previewed for a launch later this year,
MBM had teased its imminent arrival
 by leaving a very colourfully (think Paddlepop Rainbow ice cream) wrapped unit at a Petronas station in Gambang along the East Coast Expressway, a location where 180kW DC fast charging is available thanks to a partnership between Energise and Mercedes-Benz.

It was actually part of a much longer road trip between KL to Johor Bahru and back up north to Penang before heading back down south to MBM headquarters in Puchong. This was equally meant to get the word out about the car's launch but also to put to rest any doubts about the discrepancy between claimed and real-world range.

Along its side, the date July 22nd was very obviously being advertised. And today, here we are looking at a now expanded lineup of Stuttgart’s finest, albeit ones with zero tailpipe emissions.

With the EQS now present, the automaker now has their entry-model EV
covered with the EQA
 as well as their most luxurious and technologically advanced one offered to Malaysian buyers. Outside, it's all about Sensual Purity as Mercedes-Benz calls it - smooth curves and undulating metalwork for as little aerodynamic disturbace as possible, wearing 21-inch wheels supported by the company's advanced air suspension tech.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Specifications

The EQS rides on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated EVA electric vehicle platform and, at least for now, is sold here in its highest range variant: the EQS 450+. In this configuration, the car uses a 120kWh
(107.8kWh usable)
 lithium-ion battery built into the vehicle’s floor for an optimally low centre of gravity and weight distribution.

It feeds single electric motor at the rear axle (that's also steerable) to deliver an output of
333PS
 and a range
up to 782km
 on the WLTP test cycle. Peak torque of
565Nm
 is, of course, delivered near-instantaneously making for a quoted 0-100km/h sprint of just 6.2 seconds despite its 2,480kg kerb weight. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically capped at 210km/h.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Charging

In terms of refilling the car’s electron reserves, the EQS 450+  supports up to 200kW from a DC rapid charger that should be able to restore 300km of range after just 15 minutes spent plugged in. A charge to 80%, though, would take close to 35 minutes.

AC charging is also supported, naturally, via is onboard 11kW AC-to-DC converter to match the majority of home wallbox solutions and publicly available charging stations, claiming a charge to 100% taking up to 10 hours.

Inside, the EQS has its dashboard dominated by the new MBUX Hyperscreen that features 3 integrated high resolution displays for a seamless and expansive infotainment and multimedia experience. Materials and finishing is as superbly high quality as you might expect, so much to that it's clear that Mercedes-Benz is using the EQS as a statement piece in addition to its status as a flagship vehicle - perhaps more so than the S-Class.

Fellow German premium carmaker rival BMW has are also keen to introduce their equivalent top-end super-luxury electric saloon, the G70 7 Series-based i7, into the Malaysian market.

As previously reported, this might even precede the availability of the petrol, diesel, or PHEV variants’ market entry as a black i7 xDrive60 unit
was already spotted arriving at BMW Malaysia
 headquarters for a private/closed-door preview event.

At the pricier end of the automotive spectrum, the selection of EVs available to buyers is growing quickly. BMW Malaysia is already fielding 3 models soon to be joined by a fourth. Meanwhike, Mercedes-Benz, a company that has committed to being fully electrified on all fronts by 2039, has 2 such cars in their local portfolio (EQA, now EQS) and soon to be joined by the GLB-based EQB and GLC-based EQC.

Going forward, and in relatively short order, the EQS 450+ should be joined by some other variants in the range such as the lesser EQ5 350, the EQS 580 4Matic, or maybe even the sportier AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ with
761PS
 and
949Nm
 on tap.

Since Malaysia is also soon to be home to the EQB and EQC, as previewed alongside the EQS at its launch event, it's also not a stretch to imagine the EQE will be waiting far behind for its local introduction as well.


CKD Car Prices Set To Go Up By 20% In 2023

The price of locally-assembled (CKD) cars is expected to increase by 8% to 20% in 2023 based on the new open market value (OMV) calculation of excise duty.

This is because the waiver of
excise duty
 which was deferred from
2020
 until the end of 2022, will be resuming in 2023.

Why CKD price increase?

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) President Datuk Aishah Ahmad said, however, MAA and its members are asking the government to revert to the old calculation to curb the increase of
CKD car
 prices in 2023.

"We (MAA) have sent a proposal to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to return to the old policy where only the cost of non-manufacturing items is included in the OMV calculation, which will reduce the price of the vehicle," said Aishah at the MAA AGM.

She continued by saying that the association has yet to receive any reply from the ministry.

Higher Margins Or?

She also reminded the public that if the prices do go up, it's not because automotive companies have increased their margins but because of the increase in taxes.

"Buyers will be the ones affected by this move, which will cause
car sales to drop
," said the MAA President.

OMV is the final market value set for completed CKD vehicles from the factory before the government imposes any excise duty on them.

The MOF prepared the new Malaysian excise duty arrangement during the Pakatan Harapan administration which was gazetted on Dec 31, 2019.


Tan Chong Settling Its Overdue Customs Bill In RM 2.7 Million/Month x 36 Payments

One of Malaysia's oldest car distributors is bouncing back.

We earlier reported that Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) was hit with an extremely large and very overdue bill from the Royal Malaysians Customs Department (RMCD) to the tune of
RM 180 million
.

It turns out that the amount was settled out of court and reduced to RM 109 million, with RM 10.81 million paid upfront and the rest to be paid over the next 36 months. That works out to around RM 8.1 million a quarter, or RM 2.7 million a month.

This excise duty bill was accumulated from November 2016 to October 2019, and with this arrangement RMCD has agreed that the bill has been settled accordingly. The specific subsidiary of ETCM that had been hit with this bill was Tan Chong Motor Assembly (TCMA) which has manufacturing facilities in both Malaysia, as well as Vietnam and Myanmar.

TCMA is responsible for producing both passenger and commercial vehicles for Nissan and Renault, the two core brands of ETCM, as well as doing contract assembly for Subaru, Mitsubishi, UD Trucks, Foto, and Bison trucks.

The news has definitely impacted the share price, which fell to RM 1.18 as of writing. It has been on a steady decline over the last five years, with losses last year and this year being attributed to repayment of the overdue taxes - and of course, COVID-19.

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Net household disposable income to be used as measure for targeted subsidies, says Rafizi

Household net disposable income metrics will be used for a more focused distribution of
targeted subsidies
.

This new approach was announced by Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli, which will begin in January 2024. The current approach, which focuses on the three general income brackets fails to provide an accurate representation of household disposable income when considering factors such as the number of dependents as well as locations,
Bernama
 reported.

*Image credit: Jupiter

This new approach will be integrated with the recently announced socioeconomic database, Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU), which aims to consolidate socioeconomic information for every household in the country.

It's also considered a more clearer method of understanding household income comparability than just the general groups of B40, M40, and T20. This way, the government be able to refine a host of programs including the targeted subsidies.

The initial implementation will focus on subsidies for electricity and diesel, but if the program proves to be effective, there's a chance that the RON95 fuel subsidy will be thrown into the mix as well.

This, however, will require a lot more consideration as the RON95 fuel subsidy has a much bigger effect on a much larger group here in the country. The effectiveness of PADU, when it's deployed in 2024, will determine whether the RON95 fuel subsidy can or should be included.


2017 Volvo V90 Estate makes global debut

After much anticipation, Volvo finally revealed the V90 yesterday in Stockholm, Sweden. The wagon, which is the latest model in the brand’s flagship 90 series, sits alongside the
XC90 SUV
 and also the
S90 luxury sedan
 which made its global debut recently.
Powered by Volvo’s T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor, the V90 kicks out 400hp and a pure electric range of 50km, according to the manufacturer.
Paired to the mill is an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Volvo claims that the V90 T8 will go from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, while emitting just 47g/km of CO2, with a fuel economy of an impressive 2.1 litres per 100km.
Besides the powertrain package, the V90 also shares Volvo’s specially-designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the S90 and the XC90.
One of the main highlights of the V90 is that it delivers Volvo’s latest safety features, which includes the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, which is one of the most advanced standard safety package on the market.
This technology even comes with large animal detection and run-off road mitigation, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other features include LED lights, leather seats, sat-nav and a 9-inch touchscreen display.  The total luggage capacity on the other hand, stands at 1,526 litres.
While standard safety kit in the V90 includes city safety tech, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, a speed limiter, and  run-off road mitigation,  optional safety equipment includes a blind spot monitor, rear collision warning, cross traffic alert, a 360-degree parking camera and Volvo's Park Assist Pilot software.
Measuring 4,953mm long with a wheelbase of 2,921mm, the V90 falls somewhere between a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and an S-Class in terms of size, in case you’re wondering just how big this car is.
Available in two-trims (‘Momentum’ and ‘Inscription’) in markets like the UK, the V90 is expected to cost more than the S90, and will most likely head to dealerships next year. However, there has not been any official indication by Volvo Cars Malaysia on whether the V90 will be heading our way, as there is very low demand for wagons in our market.
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Takata Airbag Recall: MAA Issues Consolidated List For 6 Brands – Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has reiterated the call for consumers of affected vehicles to replace their defective Takata airbag inflators without delay.

The association, an industry body representing the manufacturers and distributors of new vehicles in Malaysia has released a consolidated list of affected vehicles from six of its member brands. The relevant toll free numbers and URLs for consumers to obtain more information directly from the respective manufacturers are also provided.

Vehicle distributors have undertaken additional efforts to reach out to vehicles that are involved as the safety of the car owners are highly important. The faulty airbag inflators are high potential safety threats as they can cause injury to users and in worst case, death,” said Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA.

The list of vehicles affected by the recalls as well as the relevant contact details are reproduced below:

Mazda

BT-50 (UN), 2004-2011

Mazda6 (GG), 2003-2007

CX-7 (ER) 2006

Mazda6 (GH), 2007-2009

CX-9 (TB), 2007-2012

RX-8 (FE), 2008-2011

Mazda2 (DE), 2010-2014

Toll Free:
 1800-22-8080

Website:

www.mazdarecallinfo.com/

Nissan

Sentra N16, June 2000-Dec 2012

X-Trail T30, May 2002-Dec 2012

Liberty M12, 2003

Teana J31, Aug-Sept 2004

Frontier D22, July 2004 - Dec 2012

Grand Livina L10, July 2007 - Oct 2013

Navara D40, 2007-2014

Latio C11, June 2007-Oct 2014

X-Gear L10, Nov 2010-Oct 2013

*All current selling models are not affected

Toll Free:
 1800-88-3838

Website:

http://servicecampaign.nissan.com.my/

Honda

Civic, 2001–2011

CR-V, 2002–2011 & 2013

Civic Hybrid, 2003 & 2007–2012

Accord, 2003–2012

City, 2003–2013

Jazz, 2003-2007 & 2009-2013

Stream, 2003-2005 & 2007-2013

Odyssey, 2004-2008

Civic Type R, 2007-2008 & 2010

Freed, 2009–2012

Insight, 2011–2013

Jazz Hybrid, 2012-2013

*All current selling models are not affected

Toll Free:
 1-800-88-2020

Website:

www.honda.com.my
,
www.productrecall.honda.com.my

Mitsubishi

Lancer, 2004 – 2006

Triton, 2006 – 2014

Toll Free:
 1800-18-6611

Website:

http://mitsubishi-motors.com.my/field-fix-campaign

Subaru

Impreza / WRX, 2004-2011

Forester, 2009-2012

Legacy / Outback, 2010-2014

Toll Free:
 03-79526116

Toyota

Corolla Altis, 2001 – 2012

Camry, 2002 – 2005

RAV4, 2003 – 2005

Vios, 2003 - 2012

Yaris, 2005 – 2012

Alphard, 2008 – 2012

Toll Free:
 1-800-TOYOTA (1-800-86-9682)

Website:
https://toyota.com.my/aftersales-services/special-service-campaigns

Whilst not mentioned in the list provided by MAA, the recall is also known to affect 20,330 units of the
Proton Inspira
 manufactured from 2010 to 2014.

Follow this link for all our past coverage of the
Takata airbag recall here
.


Why Fly When You Can Lexus LM350?

Is the Lexus LM350 the answer to our current inability to fly?

While some markets outside of Asia aren't too familiar with the Toyota Alphard or Velfire, they are considered the pinnacle of the
ultimate multi-purpose vehicle
 (MPV) in this region.

Ever since it made its debut in 2002, it has been the go-to choice for many executives who wanted a vehicle that could ferry them around town on weekdays for business purposes and serve as a comfortable family mover on weekends.

Initially only made for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), its demand surprised many, including Toyota's
official distributor
 here in Malaysia, who were late to the game and only started selling them after seeing many grey importers successfully doing so.

Many other manufacturers have tried to emulate the
Alphard and Vellfire
 but failed to do so.
Until now that is
, but who would have guessed that it's within Toyota's own ranks that an Alphard and Vellfire beater would be introduced to the world, especially when they are not particularly known for making MPVs.

Of course, said vehicle is the
Lexus LM350
, a luxury MPV that can only be described as a vehicle that provides a first-class experience on the ground. So who needs to fly when you can ride first class in an LM350? This car is probably the best remedy for those who are now scared to fly around the country due to the pandemic, and here's why.

The L and M in the LM350 name stand for Luxury Mover, and for once, the vehicle name really does genuinely reflect what the car is offering. If you think this is just another simple re-badge of the Alphard, you couldn't be further away from the truth, but we won't blame you for thinking that way.

We guess the big question is, how the heck do you improve a vehicle that is already luxurious and
pretty much perfect
 in the first place? Well, if it's anybody that can take a vehicle to another level, it'll probably be Lexus, and here's what they have done to up the ante on the third generation Alphard and turn it into a first-class vehicle, made for those who prefer to now just ride first class instead of fly first class.

We'll start from the outside, and yes, while the implementation of the Lexus Spindle grille, connected set of taillight at the rear and its extensive use of chrome (including the wheels) has given the MPV an imposing and upscale presence, it's the small details like its paint job that takes it up another notch.

While ordinary cars are usually made up of three layers of paint (a base to prevent rust, a colour coat and a clear coat for protection against wear), a Lexus is made of five thanks to their development of sonic technology.

What this translates into is typical of what you will find when you look at any Lexus paintwork, a flawless lustre that can be used as a mirror. The only downer is that the LM350 only comes in either a black or white paint job, but they are the perfect shades of black and white, just like them private jets you see on an airport runway.

Other notable additions to the LM350's exterior that gives it an upgrade over the Alphard are those upmarket Lexus headlamps, featuring Lexus' Triple Beam Led headlights with a three-projector design and the striking Lexus LED arrow daytime running lights (DRL).

Then of course there is the famous Lexus treatment of providing the best reduction in noise vibration and harshness (NVH), but once again, it's the more minor details that make the Lexus a Lexus. The dashboard and interior are essentially Alphard, but Lexus has given it their touch by equipping the MPV with better materials and their nice three-spoke steering wheel.

But the most significant difference we suppose will be how the car feels when you step inside, and it starts with how the doors open and close, which we expect you will find to have a pleasantly soft and solid thud. Yes, this might seem like a bit of an over-exaggeration, but these are the things that Lexus implement in a car that makes it feel that bit more special.

Also, since the LM350 is most probably be a car that your ride in instead of drive, it's good to know that the MPV has one of the best sound systems in a car. Many Lexus' have that trademark Mark Levinson sound system in the car, but it's been reported that the one in the LM350 is unbelievably good. Since we haven't had the chance to experience it ourselves, we shall give it the benefit of the doubt.

One thing is for sure though, you'll probably have a better experience when it comes to picking your tunes, as Lexus has put in a much wider infotainment screen at the front in the LM350 instead of the more basic 2-DIN unit in the Alphard.

But you'll most probably be seated at the back anyways, just like a first-class passenger, and this is where things get interesting. Where most of you will expect the LM350 to be a
seven-seater
, the opening of the motorised sliding door will greet you with only two seats. That's right, the LM350 sold in Malaysia at the moment is a four-seater.

The cavernous rear space is equipped with two first-class seats and a lot of legroom, just like the ones in an Emirates Boeing 777 first-class suite. However, the seats are not just first-class in name as they feature large headrest surrounds, Adaptipedic foam, massage functions and heat ventilation just like what you may find in first-class flying. Oh by the way, the seats also feature powered ottomans so that your legs are well rested and suspended.

Ahead of the two VIP seats is what will most probably give you that first-class suite vibe as there is a large partition (partly glass which is a powered window with an electrochromic dimming function) to separate the front row occupant and driver, like pilot and passengers on an aircraft.

It's here that you'll find a 26-inch high-definition screen to satisfy your every entertainment need. This setup includes a built-in Blu-Ray disc player and multiple connectivity options, hooked up to a very impressively integrated 19-speaker Mark Levinson QLI Reference Surround Sound System for an immersive theatre-like experience. A pleasant little surprise here is the 14-litre refrigerator found below - perfect for that celebratory bottle of champagne.

Does any of this remind you of
flying first-class
 yet? Perhaps the soft and premium feeling carpet down below and airline-style mood lighting up top will.

The arrival of the LM350 is timely as more and more people prefer to be enclosed in their private vehicles instead of sharing a cabin with strangers.

Since it'll be some time before we feel entirely safe
flying
, why not just ride first class instead of flying first class? At least you know you'll be in complete comfort in a virus-free vehicle when you go to your local holiday destinations when interstate travel reopens.


New Lexus ES To Debut In Auto Shanghai 2015

A new Lexus ES will be making its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2015 motor show on April 20.
Lexus did not share any further information on the new ES. The sole teaser image released by Lexus suggests that the facelift ES will have a significantly sportier character. Lexus' signature spindle grille has been revised to look sharper, highlighted by bolder lines around edges, while the signature daytime running light pattern has also been made sharper.
The Lexus ES is a unique model in the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It is priced closer to a BMW 3-series/Mercedes-Benz C-Class but its compact front wheel drive mechanicals and Toyota Avalon underpinnings (current generation ES no longer uses the Camry's platform) means that its interior space is actually closer to a BMW 7-series/Mercedes-Benz S-Class.


Hyundai’s Facelifted 2021 Kona Is Coming April 16th - Will It Put Up A Fight?

Mark your calendars for April 16th, next Friday, as Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now confirmed the virtual launch for their refreshed B-segment crossover competitor, the Kona.

If these phrases sound oddly familiar, that’s because we’re just about 6 months since the Kona made its
first ever Malaysian debut
. Even back then, the introduction of the pre-facelift version seemed strangely timed given that the updated version had only
just been revealed in Europe a month prior
.

As usual, though, the Malaysian market has needed its own lag time to account for this delay, so prepare yourselves for the arrival of the Hyundai Kona we should have gotten
from the start
. Better late than never, we suppose.

With its sleeker front end design and retained name taken from a Hawaiian locale, the Kona aims squarely at those seeking the illusive ‘active lifestyle’, hoping a front-drive high-riding small SUV can help them project such an air.

Inside, this upcoming Kona notable receives a pretty slick looking 10.25-inch digital instrument display to match its equally sized touchscreen infotainment panel.

The ‘new’ Kona does also offer an appreciable 40mm increase in overall length, though this change is mostly done to accommodate the design refresh and doesn’t improve interior space. Aside from this, Hyundai has equipped it with a broader array of powertrains over the pre-facelift, most of which include a 48-volt mild hybrid architecture. However, we’re skeptical of those being offered locally.

Instead, expect the 1.6-litre turbocharged T-GDI four-cylinder petrol engine to be retained and paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, alongside the 2.0-litre normally aspirated unit on lower-rung variants mated to 6-speed torque converter automatic.

A possible wild card here would be the surprise debut of Hyundai’s 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder unit (1.0 T-GDI Smartstream), as that format of ICE seems to be all the rage these days. It’s offers impressive fuel efficiency over Hyundai’s
legacy atmospheric engines
 and its 120PS power figure makes it about as potent with even more torque to boot.

Late last year, the big hoopla about the Kona surrounded the inclusion of a more sporty N-Line variant with all the usual cosmetic/aero upgrades to give it a slightly meaner presence on the road, but it remains a mystery if HDSM elects to introduce this into the local range this time around.

If they do, the range-topping 1.6-litre turbo would at least have a more fittingly aggressive shell to present its 177PS and 265Nm output. Even better, certain European markets have the same engine tuned to a meatier 198PS.

There’s still plenty to play for in the local compact SUV arms race. Proton struck a devastating blow to the competition
with the X50
, but Perodua threw a nasty undercut with the
recently launched Ativa
. Outside of the Malaysian marques, Toyota is attempting to sideswipe the Honda HR-V’s dominance with the
Corolla Cross
.

While they’re all busy fighting each other, Hyundai could swoop in and land some key jabs with this refreshed Kona - but only if it’s priced just right. The outgoing model had the handicap of being fully imported, but could HDSM have pulled off the impossible? Might the new Kona be rolling off the assembly line in Kulim?


Tokyo Auto Salon Goes Digital For 2021

For the first time ever - and perhaps something we may see permanently in the future?

Following in the footsteps of this year's SEMA show in the USA,
Tokyo Auto Salon
 2021 is migrating entirely to the digital space. The reasoning is simple - these shows draw massive crowds of people and contact tracing and social distancing just won't be reasonably possible. Manufacturers and equipment suppliers still need a space to show their products and creations, which is why the show must go on - even if it is digitally.

But this isn't necessarily a bad thing. For both SEMA and
TAS
, the physical turnout is undeniably high - which also translates to ticket sales. But the number of viewers one gets from the online space, both domestic and overseas, easily dwarfs the number of physical visitors they get. Costs can be saved in other areas and put into developing an efficient virtual experience - maybe even with live interviews over systems like Twitch and so on.

There are plenty of different avenues for revenue recuperation despite not having a physical show this coming year. There still isn't that much news on what will be on display for 2021, but we can immediately guess that the
Toyota GR Yaris
 will be one of the centrepieces given how Toyota has been handing out their hot hatchback to every tuner for a proper expression session.

We may also see the Lexus LC500 Convertible coming in with outfits like Artisan Spirits decking it out with a very slick looking widebody of some sort - after all, their regular LC 500 coupe looks like an absolute dream, a Super GT machine on the road. We could probably even see the Honda E getting some attention, as the compact electric hatchback is something that would appeal to tuners and the like.

Last year we saw the A90 Supra being the most common modified vehicle - but these aren't the only things worth checking out. Nihon Automotive College - better known as NATS - does some pretty incredible stuff with their projects. 2020 saw them bringing a pair of convertibles - one being a Nissan GT-R R35 lookalike, and the other a Toyota A90 Supra.

These two vehicles had to be road legal and built with a budget of just over RM 40,000 - including the price of the base cars. They started out life fairly cheap - the former being a Nissan Fairlady Z convertible and the latter being a Lexus SC430. As you can see, the students did an amazing job in showing their take on a convertible variant of these high-end Japanese sports cars.

The year before that, NATS brought a pair of Suzuki Jimnys - taken in radically different directions. The two off-road vehicles were modified in ways that could appeal to either the off-road enthusiast, or the Japanese shakotan afficionados.

We can't wait to see what NATS will put on display for 2021, as well as what other tuners and bodykit makers will be bringing to the party.


Hyundai May Be Testing a New Veloster

With the new i30 launched ahead of the Paris Motorshow, we're already expecting a few variants of Hyundai's mid-sized hatchback to be popping up in the coming months. One such model may very well be the new Veloster, as evidenced by these spy photos posted up by Hyundai-Blog.com.

The photos were taken in South Korea, and the blog reports that the model looks similar to three other models that were teased during the i30's launch. Speculation is that the Veloster may be the new i30 Sportback, and may take the odd assymetrical design out of production.

In any case, we're not likely to see this model here- although perhaps with some restructuring and repositioning, Hyundai may be open to reintroducing this model as the market picks back up again.