Nissan Skyline GT-T R34 Kemalangan – Siapa Yang Perlu Bayar Ganti Rugi?

Baru-baru ini, media sosial telah digemparkan dengan sebuah kereta
Nissan GT-T R34
 yang terlibat dalam kemalangan hanya selepas 1 jam kereta tersebut dijual dan bertukar hak milik. Tetapi, kereta tersebut dipandu oleh runner yang dipercayai oleh pemilik baharu. Persoalannya, siapa yang tanggung ganti rugi?

Persoalan tersebut banyak bermain di fikiran orang ramai apabila melihat isu ini. Bagi memperjelaskan isu ini dengan lebih lanjut, kami telah menghubungi Encik Niranjan Visuvalingam yang merupakan seorang expert yang telah berkecimpung dalam bidang insurans automotif selama 14 tahun untuk mendapatkan penjelasan lanjut mengenai perkara ini.

Berbalik pada isu ini, memandangkan segala urusan penukaran hak milik kereta dan transaksi pembayaran telah pun selesai, pemilik asal kereta tersebut boleh menarik nafas lega kerana beliau tidak lagi terlibat dalam masalah ini. Tetapi bagaimana pula nasib pemilik baharu dan runner yang bertanggungjawab membawa kereta terbabit sehingga
kemalangan
?

Berdasarkan pemeriksaan orang ramai terhadap
insurans kereta
 tersebut, kereta itu hanya menerima insurans kebakaran dan kecurian pihak ketiga sahaja. Jadi adakah kereta ini masih boleh menuntut ganti rugi berdasarkan kemalangan tersebut? Sebenarnya, insurans kebakaran dan kecurian pihak ketiga meliputi kerosakan pada kereta atau harta benda pihak ketiga apabila berlaku kemalangan. Insurans ini turut melindungi anda apabila anda bertanggungjawab atas kecederaan atau kematian pihak ketiga. Meskipun ia diberi nama pihak ketiga, ia turut melindungi kereta pemilik insurans daripada kerosakan akibat kebakaran atau
kecurian
.

Berdasarkan gambar kereta GT-T R34 yang tular sebelum ini, terdapat kesan serbuk putih seakan bekas semburan pemadam api pada kereta terbabit. Jika kereta tersebut telah terlibat dalam
kebakaran
 ketika kemalangan tersebut berlaku, maka pemilik baharu kereta tersebut masih mempunyai peluang untuk menuntut ganti rugi daripada syarikat insurans atas kerosakan yang dialami. Tetapi, urusan ini agak sedikit rumit.

Pihak insurans akan menghantar adjuster untuk mengenal pasti segala kerosakan pada kereta. Walau bagaimanapun, anda perlu tahu bahawa insurans ini hanya akan memberi ganti rugi keatas bahagian yang rosak akibat kebakaran sahaja seperti bahagian kereta yang cair atau hangus akibat kebakaran. Jadi segala kerosakan yang disebabkan oleh pelanggaran atau kemalangan yang bukan berpunca daripada api seperti kemik pada kereta memang tidak boleh dituntut menggunakan insurans ini.

Katakanlah kereta tersebut melepasi pemeriksaan dan pihak insurans dah bersetuju untuk membayar pampasan kepada pemandu, bayaran pampasan tersebut hanya akan dibayar mengikut amaun yang di persetujui. Sekiranya beliau hanya mengambil insurans ‘asal boleh’ untuk menghidupkan
cukai jalan kereta
, nilai pampasan yang bakal diterima semestinya tidak setanding dengan nilai kerugian sebenar. Katakanlah insurans telah diletakkan pada kereta terbabit sebanyak RM6,000 sahaja, berapa banyak sangat RM6,000 itu jika nak dibandingkan dengan harga kereta yang bernilai RM165,000?

Walau bagaimanapun, jika aksesori dan enjin kereta telah
diubah suai
 tanpa mendapat kelulusan
JPJ
, barang-barang yang rosak itu akan diganti dengan barang keluaran kilang, bukanlah diganti dengan barang yang sama yang telah ditukar itu. Melainkan sekiranya pemilik ada mengambil perlindungan tambahan seperti perlindungan aksesori. Walau bagaimanapun, perlindungan ini hanya ditawarkan bagi insurans komprehensif sahaja. Dalam kes ini, kereta itu hanya menerima perlindungan pihak ketiga jadi ianya tidak terpakai pada kereta ini.

Tetapi dalam kes ini, kereta tersebut telah terlibat dalam kemalangan ketika dipandu oleh orang tengah. Jika runner yang dilantik oleh pemilik baharu itu datang daripada sebuah syarikat yang berdaftar di mana segala dokumen hitam putih telah tersedia, pemilik baharu tersebut boleh menuntut ganti rugi daripada syarikat tersebut terhadap kerugian yang dialami. Tetapi jika runner tersebut merupakan kawan pemilik yang tidak mewakili mana-mana syarikat tanpa sebarang dokumen hitam putih, yang ini masak sikitlah. Silap-silap boleh muflis kawan tu.

Memandangkan model kereta ini merupakan model klasik yang semakin tinggi harganya biarpun ditelan zaman, sesetengah syarikat insurans ada menawarkan insurans komprehensif bagi kenderaan seperti ini. Tetapi insurans ini hanya terpakai bagi kereta mewah ataupun berprestasi tinggi. Ianya tidak boleh digunakan pada kereta seperti Proton Iswara ataupun
Perodua Kancil.

Kebanyakan syarikat insurans tidak mengeluarkan insurans komprehensif bagi kereta yang berusia 25-30 tahun kerana tahap prestasi dan keadaan kereta tersebut semakin menurun mengikut masa. Kecuali jika kereta tersebut merupakan kereta niche seperti
kereta mewah
 atau kereta keluaran Eropah yang tidak banyak berada di jalan raya di negara ini.

Tetapi sekiranya syarikat insurans tidak menawarkan insurans komprehensif untuk kenderaan ini, insurans kebakaran dan kecurian pihak ketiga merupakan pilihan paling terbaik dan dekat dengan insurans komprehensif yang boleh anda dapati. Tetapi, pastikan nilai yang diinsuranskan pada kereta tersebut sama nilai dengan harga kereta. Barulah sedap nak tuntut insurans nanti.

Ranjan menegaskan bahawa jangan sesekali mengambil insurans hanya semata-mata untuk
menghidupkan cukai jalan
 kenderaan. Sebaiknya, lindungi kereta anda dengan membeli insurans dengan harga yang telah dipersetujui (agreed value) berbanding dengan harga pasaran semasa kereta kerana nilai pasaran kereta akan menurun. Jika anda membeli insurans berdasarkan agreed value, anda tidak perlu risau jika nilai pasaran kereta itu menurun kerana syarikat insurans akan memberikan pampasan mengikut harga yang dipersetujui, bukanlah mengikut harga pasaran semasa kereta tersebut.

Bagi pihak runner kereta pula, jika anda tidak yakin dengan kebolehan pemanduan anda, seelok-eloknya gunakan sahaja khidmat trak tunda untuk menghantar kereta berprestasi tinggi kepada pemilik baharu. Bukan apa, perkara ini bukan kali pertama terjadi di negara ini. Ketahuilah sesungguhnya kereta tersebut bukan milik anda untuk dilenjan.

Akhir kata, pilihlah insurans yang betul untuk kereta anda supaya anda tidak terduduk di kemudian hari. Hati-hati di jalan raya!


Honda to offer Free 32-point inspection this CNY

In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festive season, Honda Malaysia has announced that it will be offering a free 32-point safety inspection for vehicle owners of all brands via its Honda Road Safety Campaign.
Set to take place at numerous locations nationwide from 29 to 31
st
 of January, the free 32-point check has been upgraded from the previous 22-point check which Honda Malaysia organised last year.
The Honda Road Safety Campaign will be taking place at locations listed below:
From the 29
th
 to 31st of January, between 8 am to 6 pm:
Penang, Petron Jalan Tengah
Perak, Petron Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi
Pahang, Petron Jalan Beserah
Selangor, Petron Sungai Besi (Southbound)
Johor, Petron Jalan Danga
Sabah, Petron KM25 Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu
Sarawak, Emart Matang, Kuching
Expected to take only between 10 to 15 minutes, the 32-point inspection will see Honda technicians having a look at almost all vital elements of the car, from the lights to the air-conditioning system (full list in image attached below).
Besides that, Honda Malaysia also announced that it will be giving away free goodies, including exclusive ‘Ang Pow’ packets for every inspection (while stocks last).
In addition to the free inspection, those who attend the Honda Road Safety Campaign event locations can also participate in a ‘Spin the wheel’ contest and stand a chance to win free goodies by Petron.
For more information, log on to
www.honda.com.my
 or visit the company’s official Facebook or Instagram page.
Looking for a Honda? Search at
carlist.my


BMW Group Malaysia introduces Millennium Welt dealership in Kuantan

Millennium Welt is no stranger to the BMW brand. Their commitment to upholding BMW quality and standards have netted them BMW Excellence Club Awards during the BMW Awards for the past 2 years, as a result of their hard work in their Seremban and Batu Pahat dealerships. With their knowledge of handling dealerships out of more major cities, they became the perfect candidate to handle BMW’s latest dealership in Kuantan.
Occupying over 28,000 square feet, the new BMW 4S centre can display up to 6 BMW vehicles in their showroom space, with 20 dedicated staff members. It represents BMW’s most current brand identity and corporate image, sporting an Isetta Café and Customer lounge, along with a handover lounge and a discussion area.
The dealership is located along Jalan Teluk Sisik, Kuantan. With the area contributing 150 vehicles to the premium segment annually and a potential 20% growth in the next few years, there is no reason luxury manufacturers should not be investing in developing their dealership network in this region.


Extended bidding period for 'FF' series number plates until Friday May 19th

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has decided to extend the bidding period for the "FF" series of number plates through the JPJeBid system. The extension adds one additional day, allowing bidders to submit their bids until 10 pm on Friday (May 19).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke acknowledged the public's concerns regarding the unstable JPJeBid system, which was experiencing a high volume of traffic. In response to these complaints, the decision was made to extend the bidding period.

Loke addressed the matter in a Facebook post, stating that the extension was implemented to ensure fairness for all participants. He also mentioned that he had convened a meeting with the ministry's digital advisory committee (JPD) to seek their advice on enhancing the system.

He also emphasised the ministry's commitment to improving the digital infrastructure not only for JPJ but also for other agencies under its jurisdiction.

Last week, the Road Transport Department had introduced a special "FF" vehicle registration series in honour of its 77th anniversary with the Transport Minister announcing that the public can participate in an online bidding process for these unique registration plates through JPJ's e-Bid portal, starting from Sunday, May 14.

Originally, the bidding period was planned to last for five days until 10 pm on May 18.

Loke expressed confidence that the "FF" series
will generate significant revenue
 for the government, citing a previous series that earned over RM10 million for the department. The exact income from the bidding will be disclosed after the bidding period concludes.


2014 Porsche Macan Quick Review: Redefining The Compact SUV

It’s been some time now that Sime Darby Auto Performance has had its all-new
Porsche Macan
 on Malaysian roads, and if you’ve not had the privilege of seeing one for yourselves, you’ve been missing out – this thing is a beauty.
The latest model in the range to come from
Porsche
, and the third to have four doors since the
Cayenne
 SUV and the
Panamera
 sports sedan, had undoubtedly a lot riding on its shoulders. Not only was this another Porsche to break away from the iconic
911
 mould, it also springs the sportscar maker into yet another segment that’s fiercely contested by industry giants with a lot more experience at playing the game - doing so with even a four-cylinder engine in tow for the first time ever.
Fortunate for us then, is that we’ve been allowed a bit of a test drive with the
Porsche Macan
 recently, specifically the base Macan 2.0-litre turbo, Macan S 3.0-litre V6 turbo (petrol) and the Macan S 3.0-liltre V6 turbo diesel - pity the range-topping Macan Turbo and it’s 3.6-litre bi-turbo V6 couldn’t join the drive.
Set loose on a ‘
cari Macan
’ (yeah, we just had to go there) adventure to Ipoh and back to KL, we got a very good glimpse of how the baby Porsche SUV goes. Here are our thoughts based on the quick drive:
KEY SPECS: 2014 Porsche Macan/ Macan S (petrol)
Price: RM420,000/ RM560,000
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged/ 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged
Transmission: Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 237hp @ 5,000 to 6,800rpm/ 340hp @ 5,500 to 6,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500 to 4,500rpm/ 460Nm @ 1,450 to 5,000rpm
0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds/ 5.4 seconds
Top Speed: 223kmph/ 254kmph
KEY SPECS: 2014 Porsche Macan S Diesel
Price: RM545,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel
Transmission: Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 245hp @ 4,000rpm to 4,500rpm
Torque: 580Nm
0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top Speed: 230km/h
Driving a 2014 Porsche Macan:
Admittedly, we weren’t able to stretch the Macan’s ‘dynamic’ legs as much as we wanted to. The route selected consisted largely of highways, and some narrower than usual B-roads. So, while the stretches of highways gave us a good indication of its straight-line ride qualities at speed, the full handling prowess of the SUV and its dynamic driving systems like the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) couldn’t be fully explored, given the very tight and twisty public roads we were on.
That said, the Macan appeared flawless to drive. On long highways typically driven slightly over the legal speed limit, there’s a lot of confidence about maintaining your haste – it’s a very poised SUV at speed, and isn’t thrown off easily by road undulations or bumpiness. The only difference here is that the Macan has to settle for steel springs which really don’t detract the dynamic abilities of the car. Advantage then to the Macan S models, which benefit from an air suspension and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) that lets you flip through different ride settings as and when you see fit.
Manoeuvring the Porsche around tighter bends isn’t at all troublesome either: there’s excellent surrounding visibility and good awareness of where all four corners of the car are at all times. When we did have the chance to gun it hard around a quick hairpin, the car felt planted and reassuring  - and even when you do manage to unsettle it, there’s the active all-wheel drive PTM feature to save you from under- and oversteer by sending corrective torque to either the rear or front wheels. But with a chassis this responsive and a steering as communicative as you have in the Macan, you’ve got a lot to do to actually cause any under- or oversteer.
With three variants to test (Macan, Macan S and Macan S diesel), it’s needless to say that both petrol and diesel versions of the 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo deliver impressive displays of power. But what really surprised us was the base Macan’s 2.0-litre four-pot turbo and just how it exceeded every bit of our expectations for it. Sure, 3.0-litre V6 engines in Porsches were always going to knock your head off, but you’d be quite amazed with what the 2.0-litre was capable of – 237hp and 350Nm of torque and all, nearly straight out of a Mk7 Golf GTI.
The performance figures don’t reflect just how lively the Macan is to drive in reality – this is also of course supported by a very linear and eager throttle response and seven-speed PDK (dual-clutch automatic) transmission. You physically get is a 1.8-tonne vehicle that sprints to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds – and we don’t have to tell you how quick that is.
Living with a 2014 Porsche Macan:
Where exterior looks are concerned, it’s a bit unfortunate how the Macan leaves the Cayenne looking in dire need of a makeover here. The handsome Porsche shows no fault in its curves, making it a very worthy competitor against the pretty Range Rover Evoque, even.
Inside, there’s a wide array of upholstery colours to choose from, but it’s the switchgear, upholstery and build quality that really gets us. Distinctly Porsche, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a 991, with even the Macan’s sports seats placed sportily low to the cabin floor – make no mistake, this isn’t an SUV for jungle crawling, street cred is the name of its game.
Spaciousness is by no means a compromise in the Macan either. Front passengers have lots of room to breathe, and the boot is by far capable of a golf bag or two – folding the 40:20:40 split rear seat reveals more space than you’d ever really need. Taller passengers may find rear seating a little bit of a hassle where legroom is concerned, but surprisingly, headroom was of no issue to this six-foot driver.
For equipment, the base Macan is properly equipped with everything you need and beyond – needless to say, this is a Porsche. For more info on additional options,
check out our full launch coverage
.
Verdict:
The Porsche Macan in all its variants face off against the all-new BMW X4/ X3, Range Rover Evoque and to some extent, the Audi Q5. But with the base Macan starting from just RM420,000, it’s hard for us to come to terms with buying anything other than this beauty – which is also the most affordable Porsche in Malaysia. Plainly, it looks good, drives unbelievably well, is equipped very generously and is, after all, a Porsche: very quick off the line, light on its feet, superb to look at, and now, relatively affordable. To call this a baby Cayenne is an understatement to the Macan. We prefer to think of it as an XXL-size Cayman.


2017 Mitsubishi Outlander CKD – 2.0L 4WD, RM140k

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has introduced the locally-assembled version of its Outlander SUV. Powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with four-wheel drive as standard, the new Outlander CKD will be sold alongside the
existing 2.4-litre CBU model
.
A line-off ceremony was held earlier today at the Tan Chong Motors Assembly (TCMA) Segambut plant to mark the new variant’s introduction. The Outlander becomes the second model by MMM to be contract-assembled at the TCMA Segambut plant following the
ASX CKD
’s introduction in 2014 – an arrangement that interestingly foreshadowed the
Renault-Nissan Alliance’s acquisition of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation last year
.
Until the end of this year, the Outlander 2.0 CKD is offered at an introductory price of RM139,988 on-the-road without insurance. The
existing 2.4 CBU model
, meanwhile, is currently priced at RM171,000 under the same terms.
Powering the new Outlander 2.0 CKD is Mitsubishi’s seasoned 2.0-litre 4B11 inline-4 naturally aspirated powertrain that we are familiar with from the Lancer and ASX. Outputs are rated at 145 PS and 196 Nm. The
2.4-litre model
, to recap, offers 167 PS and 222 Nm.
Drivetrain layout is identical to the 2.4-litre model with the INVECS-III CVT hooking the engine up to a
three-mode intelligent four-wheel drive system
 as standard.
As standard, the new Outlander 2.0 CKD comes with the following equipment:
7 airbags
Electronic stability control
Hill start assist
225/55 R18 tyres with 18-inch alloy wheels
Halogen projector headlamps with LED DRL and position lamp
LED tail lights
Auto headlights
Auto wipers
Dual-zone air-con
Keyless entry
Reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors
7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay
The existing 2.4 CBU model adds the following:
Electric parking brake
Brake auto-hold
Large floor console
Auto-leveling LED headlamps
Paddle shifters
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Leather seats, power adjustment
Seat heater
Powered tailgate
Sunroof
No significant changes are made to the locally-assembled Outlander’s appearance, but it does get an exclusive Malaysia-only Ruby Black paint job to choose from a three-colour palette that also offers Red Metallic and Solar White.


BMW Malaysia Expands Its 360° Premium Ownership Experience for Corporate Customers

BMW Group Malaysia has enhanced its BMW Group Corporate Programme with a new Corporate Mobility Solutions (CMS) programme.

Under the new enhancement, BMW and MINI corporate customers can now enjoy the same benefits of its 360° Premium Ownership Experience package, previously allocated only for private customers.

Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said, “BMW Group Malaysia has long been recognised for our excellence in providing premium ownership experience to all our customers, be it for individuals or corporate customers. We are the leaders that drive innovation in the industry, as the BMW Group Corporate Programme has been furnishing our corporate customers for many years now with premium financing solutions. With the addition of the CMS programme, we have once again changed the game, elevating our offering to our premium corporate partners.”

Under the new programme, BMW Malaysia will extend exclusive incentives and mobility solutions for eligible corporations to meet all business and private needs, as well as comprehensive aftersales coverage for peace of mind ownership.

The programme also features BMW ConnectedDrive services such as BMW Concierge Services, Connected Navigation, Remote Software Upgrade, and Apple CarPlay, along with exclusive BMW Moments privileges.

BMW Group Corporate Programme with the enhanced Corporate Mobility Solutions (CMS) – is a joint initiative between BMW Group Malaysia and BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia to further elevate the benefits offered to corporate customers. CMS features fleet management for businesses along with risk and cost reduction, as well as tailor-made mobility solutions to accommodate all business and private needs.

The CMS is developed to equip BMW Group Dealers with a wide range of support to provide quality financing tools and fleet management services for corporate customers. To find out more, visit the BMW Corporate Sales
website
.


Bittersweet Goodbye As Audi Leaves DTM Racing - To Focus On Formula E

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Audi to rethink its strategic direction. Recently, the company announced that it is realigning the motorsport program, and will not extend their commitment in the DTM touring car racing series beyond the 2020 season.

While worldwide fans of the Deutschland Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) will undoubtedly mourn the loss of the factory-sponsored team and cars – Audi is refocussing the money they spend to go racing, on development on future all-electric and hybrid cars. This is in line with Audi’s overarching plans to generate about 40 percent of its sales with electric cars and plug-in-hybrids by 2025.

Audi will undoubtedly leave with an extremely successful past in DTM. Having scored 23 championship titles, including eleven driver titles, plus 114 victories, 345 podium finishes, 106 pole positions and 112 fastest laps, Audi shaped the DTM from 1990 to 1992 and from 2000 onwards. With three of three possible championship titles, numerous podiums and many other records, 2019 has so far been the most successful DTM season in the company’s history.

While the farewell is bittersweet, Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG said, “Audi has shaped the DTM and the DTM has shaped Audi. This demonstrates what power lies in motorsport – technologically and emotionally. With this energy, we’re going to drive our transformation into a provider of sporty, sustainable electric mobility forward. That’s why we’re also focusing our efforts on the race track and systematically competing for tomorrow’s ‘Vorsprung’ (Innovation), Formula E offers a very attractive platform for this. To complement it, we’re investigating other progressive motorsport formats for the future.”

Audi’s exodus in the next season leaves BMW as the only factory-backed team on the 2021 DTM championship grid. Just two years ago, the DTM featured factory-backed entrants from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz – needless to say, the racing was intense. Mercedes-Benz left in 2018, with their spot replaced by Aston Martin, who ran a single season without much success, leaving just Audi and BMW to lock horns in 2020.

However, Member of the Board for Development Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler said, “Audi would like to continue these successes in the 2020 season and bid farewell to the DTM fans with a successful title defense in all three championships. The fans would deserve this, and so would the ITR, our drivers as well as our teams and partner,”

While the allure of future technology, race strategy, and close racing is at the centre of manufacturers joining Formula E – of which (with 41 victories) Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler has been the most successful team since the championship’s inception – Formula E doesn’t offer something the DTM does, which is the likeliness of the racecars themselves. And with it, the soft influence it has on the company’s road-going performance models.

Cars like the BMW (E30) M3, Mercedes-Benz (W201) 190E Cosworth, and Audi V8 quattros (of the late-80s and early-90s) were all great cars to drive on the road, but it was in the crucible of DTM racing that these cars became legends lauded the world over. The DTM inadvertently also help build the image for manufacturer performance and racing divisions – such as Audi’s quattro GmbH (now known as Audi Sport GmbH), and BMW’s M division.

Manufacturers later applied their learnings from going racing, onto their road cars, which made them faster and infinitely better, not to mention, far more desirable.

Whether the Formula E will do the same for future performance EV vehicles remains to be seen, and if so, how will manufacturers successfully transfer those learnings to road-going vehicles.

Audi’s departure also leaves in question the extent of involvement and support for customer racing teams – who can purchase fully-developed cars such as the Audi RS5 DTM, slap on some sponsorship stickers on and go racing.

However, it might just be goodbye for now – because even BMW had a 20-year hiatus from DTM racing before returning full-force in 2012. They have been a mainstay in the championship ever since.

Perhaps Audi will make a return when the time is right, what is a comeback without leaving in style after all, and till then, Audi, we will miss you!


Malaysia, Thailand Bincang HSR Bangkok-KL

Malaysia dan
Thailand
 bersetuju untuk menubuhkan jawatankuasa khas bersama bagi berbincang lebih lanjut mengenai projek cadangan Kereta Api Berkelajuan Tinggi (HSR) Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur.

Jawatankuasa tersebut bertanggungjawab untuk membincangkan perancangan, jajaran dan aspek teknikal berkaitan projek berkenaan.

Tubuh Jawatankuasa Khas Bincang Projek HSR

Menurut Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, jawatankuasa itu akan diketuai oleh:

Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pengangkutan Malaysia

Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pengangkutan Thailand

Susulan daripada lawatan rasmi Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob ke Thailand pada Februari lalu, Wee Ka Siong berkata pihaknya telah memulakan perbincangan buat kali pertama bersama Thailand mengenai cadangan projek HSR.

Selain kereta api, Malaysia dan Thailand juga akan terus bekerjasama untuk memulihkan
sektor penerbangan.

Wee juga berterima kasih kepada Menteri Pengangkutan Thailand, Saksayam
Chidchob
 atas kerjasama Thailand dalam melaksanakan Laluan Perjalanan Lengkap Vaksin (VTL) antara kedua-dua negara pada pertengahan Mac 2022 walaupun untuk tempoh singkat sebelum sempadan Malaysia dibuka semula pada 1 April lalu.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Malaysia, Thailand Setuju Jalankan Kajian HSR

Pada Februari lalu, Thailand dan Malaysia dilaporkan telah bersetuju untuk menjalankan kajian kebolehlaksanaan jajaran HSR di antara KL dengan Bangkok.

PM juga berkata persetujuan tersebut merupakan hasil perjumpaan beliau dengan Perdana Menteri Thailand, Prayuth Chan-o-cha di Rumah Kerajaan di Bangkok ketika lawatan rasmi pertama beliau ke negara tersebut.

*Kredit infografik: Utusan Malaysia

HSR KL-Singapura?

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

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

Walau bagaimanapun, dalam pertemuan antara PM dengan PM Singapura Lee Hsien Loong pada 29 November lalu, cadangan rundingan semula projek HSR antara Kuala Lumpur dan Singapura telah dibangkitkan semula.

Perdana Menteri Singapura memberi maklum balas positif dan bersifat terbuka untuk menerima cadangan baharu dari Malaysia untuk projek HSR ini.

Akan tetapi, Mustapa menegaskan bahawa kemungkinan menghidupkan semula projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura ini masih dalam perbincangan peringkat awal.


Now You Can Purchase And Install Your Own Touch ‘n Go RFID Tag

It's now even easier to purchase and install RFID tags for your vehicle. As of 16th May 2020 – customers can order their TNG (Touch ‘n Go) RFID Self-Fitment Kit on
Lazada
 and
Shopee
 for RM35, and follow the easy tutorial for installation and activation.

The TNG RFID Self-Fitment Kit was designed to be a DIY kit from the start and will come with a fitment guide for users to fit and activate the product at their own convenience.

Once you have received the RFID kit, follow these simple steps:

Scan the QR code on the Self-Fitment Kit for a virtual fitment video or follow the step-by-step fitment illustrated on the package itself.

Clean the surface of the windscreen or headlamp

Peel off the TNG RFID Tag from the Self-fitment Kit

Fit the TNG RFID Tag either on the exterior of the upper left windscreen or left headlamp of the vehicle

Once the TNG RFID Tag has been fitted to the vehicle securely, users are to self-activate the TNG RFID Tag on the Mobility eXperience platform, a dashboard to manage all their on-the-road needs. To activate:

Register an account on mx.touchngo.com.my

Insert the TNG RFID Tag number & add your vehicle details

Ensure to link your TNG RFID Tag to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet

An activation SMS will be sent to notify you within 24 hours

The TNG RFID Tag officially went on sale on 15 February 2020 following a successful public pilot programme that ran for a duration of 18 months with 1.2 million users. During this pilot phase, the installation of the RFID tags could only be performed at authorised fitment facilities. TNG RFID is an electronic payment system that uses a TNG RFID Tag to pass through tolls. TNG RFID Tag has an embedded radio-frequency chip and is fitted to either the windscreen or the headlamp of the vehicle.

As the vehicle passes through the RFID toll lane, an overhead scanner reads the radio-frequency from the TNG RFID Tag and deducts the toll fare. The TNG RFID Tag is linked to the user's Touch 'n Go eWallet account. TNG RFID provides a seamless experience to users, with no additional devices or batteries needed and online reloads via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

In the future, TNG RFID’s functions will be expanded into other business use cases such as fuelling, parking, drive-thrus, and residential access in gated communities.

Find more best deals in
Carlist.my
.


VIDEO: BMW's Upcoming M2 Seen Testing At The Nurburgring

BMW’s upcoming M2, or the baby M car that is slotted beneath the M3 was seen in its camo testing suit going around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The video shows multiple test mules slicing up corners with ease, hinting that this is no skimp job from Munich.
The Nurburgring is where much of the automotive world tests their newest or upcoming cars, especially those from Germany. Which is great, because we won’t have to look far for previews into cars not yet on the market.
Even with the disguise, the
BMW
 M2 is clearly recognizable as being a cut above the sportier cuts
2-Series
 coupes. And judging from the engine note, the 3.0-litre N55 straight-six engine is rather sonorous. We suspect that while it wasn’t going slowly, the car seen in the video wasn’t being pushed to the limit. At least not yet.
As reported by BMW Blog, the M2 will produce 365hp and 465Nm of torque and is an uprated version of the power plant fitted to the M235i, along with additional components taken from the newer S55 engine. An overboost facility is also on offer, letting the engine send an extra 34Nm of torque to the wheels a short period.
As well as the power hike, sources indicate at a reduction in weight as well over the M235i, which coupled with reworked suspension, chassis components, and a locking differential, bodes well for the M2 being quite a capable machine.
The report also says that the M2 will begin production in November 2015 with deliveries starting in the first few months of 2016.
Video courtesy of cvdzijden


You Can Now Buy A Nissan On Lazada!

According to Statista, eCommerce revenue for Malaysia is expected to reach approximately RM23 Million in 2021. User penetration will sit at 44% for this year, expected to hit 53.1% by 2025. It is not altogether surprising then to see Nissan take a step into selling their cars on an e-commerce platform. It is where the eyeballs are after all!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor launched its Nissan Flagship Store on Lazada and in conjunction with the launch, you can book the
Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo
,
Navara
,
X-Trail
 or
Serena
 S-Hybrid (MPV) for as low as RM 250 with the first 55 customers receiving a free Nescafe Coffee Machine worth RM 598.

“We are excited to expand our Nissan models on Lazada, making it readily available to everyone who prefers the convenience of shopping at their fingertips. In this challenging time of COVID-19 pandemic, digitalisation has been fast-tracked and we are confident that this move is another way for the brand to enhance its services and at the same time offer great deals when purchasing a new Nissan on a digital application,” said Mr. Christopher Tan, ETCM Sales and Marketing Director.

Click into the Nissan Flagship Store on Lazada and shop away! I wonder how they'll deliver your new Nissan to you?


2022 Geely Binyue Pro Gets Sporty Facelift - Proton X50 MC1?

Over in China, the slightly more upmarket variant of the Geely Binyue, called the Binyue Pro, has been given a design refresh for the 2022 model year, could we see this trickle down to the
Proton X50
? The Proton X50 MC1 perhaps? The Geely Binyue Pro version represents the highest tier of trim and cosmetic package available for the B-segment SUV.

The recent ‘facelift’, though quite mild, does add some new touches to what is still a very recent design, even to those observing from the Chinese market. However, some of these cosmetic and equipment updates will likely be trickled down into the standard Binyue variants, and perhaps eventually into the X50.

Up front, replacing the typical Geely-style grille and logo surround, the Binyue Pro opts for a sportier black honeycomb mesh and within that, two contrastingly coloured hexagons.

In the fascia’s midsection, there’s a pronounced ‘X’ shaped matte black cladding material to contrast against the rest of the bumper which, in addition to the wider side intakes, gives it a more aggressive look. Despite this, the redesigned single piece front lip does give the new Binyue Pro a cleaner, more cohesive look compared to the older design’s two-tier approach.

Ignoring the (presumably optional) bodykit with its side skirts, rear ‘diffuser’, and roof spoiler on this bright yellow showcase model, the rest of the vehicle doesn’t seem to have undergone any alteration at all, remaining identical to the original Binyue of 2018 and, consequently, the Proton X50. There’s a couple of new machine-finished wheel designs too, both in 18-inches, with one finished in a more plain silver with 10 spokes and the other in gloss black with 15 spokes.

Stepping inside, there’s yet more familiarity to be enjoyed as the basic layout of the Binyue has been left fully intact. It’s only when inspecting the details that you’ll notice the larger 12.3-inch
infotainment panel
(up from 10.25-inches) and stubbier gear shift knob with a larger palm rest, both of which stand a decent chance of appearing in future Protons.

Elsewhere, the Binyue Pro facelift has been given two-tone highlights throughout its interior trim, evidenced by the contrasting yellow on the steering wheel, door trim, dashboard, leather seats, and centre arm rest. Curiously, the word ‘Battle’ has been embossed into the upholstery for some reason.

Supposedly the new new accents added to the trim panels are semi-translucent in order to project a selection of 72 colours for the new ambient interior lightning, so you can have your new Geely go full RGB like the inside of a gaming PC. The illuminators can also be set up to match the driving mode, vehicle speed, and most outrageously, to the music currently being played.

There’s isn’t any accompanying specifications relating to its powertrain, but also no reason to suspect any divergences from the standard 2021 Binyue either, which is currently powered by either a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (JLB-4G14T) with 141PS and 235Nm or a (JLH-3G15TD) 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with 180PS and 255Nm, just like
the range-topping X50
.

Speaking of which, if you’re a fan of the visual updates and extra personalisation given to the Binyue Pro, the only way that you’ll see them come to Malaysia is if Proton goes down the route of expanding the X50 Flagship to include optional cosmetic packages; ones that give the small SUV some unique design flourishes inside and out. Make some noise and they might hear you out.


BMW Malaysia introduces the more powerful and longer-lasting iX xDrive50 Sport

BMW Malaysia has introduced the iX xDrive50 Sport, an iX with a bigger battery, more power and driving range.

Judging by the number of BMW iXs sighted around the Klang Valley, it's safe to say that BMW's all-electric SUV (BMW calls SAV, short for Sports Activity Vehicle) has been well received in Malaysia.

To entice more buyers to purchase the high-tech SUV, BMW has introduced the iX xDrive50 Sport variant, in what BMW Malaysia calls its commitment towards "raising the benchmark in Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure".

For an extra RM143k on top of the
xDrive40's
 price, the iX xDrive50 Sport gives you a bigger battery, more performance, a longer driving range, as well as a couple of exterior upgrades.

Performance and charging

The xDrive50 has an output of 523hp and 765Nm of torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.6 seconds. BMW has electronically limited its top speed of 200 km/h, which is fast enough for any occasion.

The all-electric SUV is powered by a larger 111.5kWh battery pack(xDriv40's 76.6 kWh), allowing for a range of up to 630 kilometres (xDriv40's 425kilometres) per charge(WLTP).

Arriving with the new EV are Flexible Charger Cable Mode 2 and Fast Charging Cable Mode 3, which allows the SUV be charged from 0 to 80% in 35 minutes with the use of a DC Fast Charger, and 0 to 100% in 10 hours and 45 minutes with an 11kW AC Wallbox Charger.

Exterior

The New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport will be equipped with 22-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels 1021 multi-colour with a 3D polished buff and 17-inch brake callipers in Blue. The rest is
business as usual
.

Interior

Interior wise, the xDrive50 Sport has not changed much as the car is equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a curved 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch central infotainment display. Comfort and convenience come in the form of multifunctional seats for the driver, and it is further elevated with storage for wireless charging and automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control.

Onboard entertainment is also provided via the 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system for the New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport.

As standard in the New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport, the SUV comes with BMW's already iconic electric sounds, which creates a premium immersive atmosphere, demonstrating the immediate connection between sound and vehicle.

Exterior and interior colours

According to the press release, standard exterior colour options for the New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport include Mineral White, Alpine White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic.

Two new colours are also available with an additional charge of RM6,200, namely the Individual Storm Bay Metallic and Aventurine Red Metallic.

Inside, owners may choose between Interior Design Atelier in Mocha or Black, or opt for the Interior Design Suite in Amido or Castanea for an additional RM17,300.


Honda Jazz Awarded Best In Class Supermini By Euro NCAP

The Honda Jazz has been awarded the ‘Best In Class Supermini’ for 2015 by Euro NCAP, beating nine of other B-segment hatchbacks, or as the Europeans like to call it – Superminis, to the title.
The other nine contending models classified as Superminis by Euro NCAP are Lancia Ypsilon, MINI Clubman, Opel Karl, Mazda CX-3, Fiat Panda Cross, Hyundai i20, Mazda 2, Suzuki Vitara.
Each year, Euro NCAP publishes a list of cars that have performed the best in their respective categories. To achieve a ‘Best in Class’ award from Euro NCAP, cars from each category are assessed against a weighted sum of the scores in each of the four key areas of assessment: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety assist. This sum is used as the basis for comparison of the vehicles.
Secretary General, Dr. Michiel van Ratingen of Euro NCAP commented, “Euro NCAP congratulates Honda for the Jazz, which received the Best in Class of 2015 in the supermini category. The award recognizes the Jazz’s five star performance and Honda’s safety equipment strategy which make it the top performer in this segment.”
The European market Honda Jazz are made in Swindon, United Kingdom. The cars come with City-Brake Active System (CTBA) as standard. The mid and upper grades of the European-market Jazz range adds several ‘Advanced Driver Assist System’ (ADAS) including Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and High-beam Support System.
Of course, CTBA and ADAS are not available on the Jazz models sold here.
In any case, it well known that all recent Honda models, irrespective of where are made or sold, are engineered to meet Honda’s own internal passive safety standards, whose tests are more demanding than those conducted by NCAP organisations, goes well above the requirements of government regulations from around the world.

Honda is also the only non-luxury carmaker that designs all its cars to pass a more realistic multi-vehicle collision scenario – a scenario which is not tested by Euro NCAP or any NCAP organisations around the world. Last year, Carlist.my had the privilege of witnessing a live multi-car crash test at Honda’s R&D Centre in Tochigi. Read more about it
here
.
Find more
Honda Jazz
 cars at Carlist.my.


BHPetrol Stations To Launch Euro 4M Infiniti RON97 Petrol In September 2015

Come 1 September, 2015, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) will launch the Infiniti RON97 Euro 4M petrol.
The new fuel will be fully imported with double dosage of German additives at 800 parts per million (PPM) and will be available at all BHPetrol stations from the date mentioned.
BHPetrol say with the new Infiniti RON97 petrol which meets the Euro 4M standard will ensure cleaner engines, better performance and longer engine life as the fuel only contains 50 PPM of sulphur content. Not only does it benefit motorists, it does good for the environment with the lower sulphur content as well.


Higher RON Fuel Helps No Matter What

Many people have reported that putting higher RON fuel than what your car is rated for makes no difference. We’d like to disagree, and here’s why.

We’re sure you’ve heard it before, whether it’s something you read online on an automotive website or heated discussions among your friends. There is a lot of debate surrounding the effectiveness of using a higher RON rating fuel in your car, even if it is only rated to a maximum of say RON 95 or RON 97. In certain respects, this is a pretty accurate line of thinking – and to understand why we disagree with it, let’s examine the logic.

RON stands for Research Octane Number, and it is essentially a standard which fuel is measured by in terms of its stability or volatility, depending on how you look at it. It has nothing to do with the additive packages that some fuel companies will put in, and a higher number usually indicates a more stable form of fuel. The actual chemistry behind it is to do with the length of the chains of fuel molecules but we won’t dive into that – all you need to know is higher RON = more stable fuel.

You might wonder what fuel stability has to do with your engine. Avoiding the nuances and complexities of engine operation, one important thing to know is that when your engine fires its spark plugs it is known as ignition timing advance, or retard. This refers to the number of degrees before or after a piston hits absolute top dead centre, and generally it is known that advancing ignition timing (firing the spark plug earlier) leads to producing more power and torque.

The downside is that advancing the ignition can result in detonation, or uncontrolled combustion – colloquially known as knocking or pinging. It’s a rattle-like noise you sometimes hear with older taxis that run on LPG or NGV, and in essence it’s very bad for the engine. Mild knocking at lower engine speeds is common, but knocking at higher engine speeds and hard throttle can be fatal for the engine.

Because of the ever changing conditions that the car is in as well as different fuel qualities and blends, most modern cars run something known as a knock sensor that monitors the frequency and severity of knock events. If the engine control unit (ECU) detects a fair amount of knock, it will automatically retard the ignition timing in order to protect the engine from harm. The amount of timing which an ECU can advance or retard is still a fairly limited range, and sometimes due to the mechanical design of an engine there is still a minimum RON rating required.

With all of this in mind, you can start to understand why there is a belief that higher RON rating fuel doesn’t do anything for an engine that generally can’t take advantage of it – because of the limited range of spark advance, and mechanical limitations. You will see dyno charts and testing data that supports this hypothesis, but these are all lab controlled tests that don’t necessarily reflect what happens in the real world.

Perhaps the simplest situation you may see this theory fall apart is after sitting in a long traffic jam. When a lot of hot air stays stagnant in the engine bay, such as at a standstill, there’s a phenomenon known as heatsoak where various components in the engine bay get hot and stay hot. This in turn heats up any air at that the engine receives, and hot air increases the risk of knocking. To avoid damage, once again the ECU will start retarding ignition timing and this is why you sometimes feel as though your car feels a little weak after sitting in a traffic jam.

If you run a higher RON rating fuel, the ECU does not have to start retarding timing as soon and in turn can maintain the level of power and torque that you expect with your car. Of course eventually that higher RON fuel isn’t going to help, but if it can retain even a few degrees of ignition timing the effects of heatsoak from sitting in traffic aren’t quite as noticeable.

So perhaps what people need to understand is that running a higher RON doesn’t necessarily give you MORE power, but it lets you run at the maximum possible power under a wider variety of conditions. For other reasons, higher RON fuel also lets the engine run a little leaner on fuel which in turn helps to make your car more fuel efficient – and depending on your usage, it may even make more financial sense to run a higher RON fuel.


In A Bright EV-Centric Future, Will Perodua Be Left In The Dark?

Firmly set in the number one spot when it comes to
sheer vehicle volume
 in Malaysia, Perodua has helped mobilise the population like no other automaker. Proton, for their efforts, played an undeniably pivotal role in transforming the country into one that placed the car at the centre of our lives.

The dynamics have definitely shifted just in the past few years. In 2021, Proton is no longer the independent firm it once was with Chinese automaker Geely having a sizeable say in their future plans. Though they have veered away from
in-house efforts
 and cars that are ‘
totally
’ Malaysian, this tie-up means their future looks brighter than ever.

Two of the newest Proton models, the X70 and X50 have singlehandedly transformed their standing in sales, even if does mean a return to badge-engineering like
those early days
 with Mitsubishi, making their operation - as it stands now - quite similar to that
other
 national automaker.

Meanwhile, Perodua is pretty much playing the same game they always have been, leveraging the local supply chain and workforce in tandem with the relationship they have with Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu to consistently roll out practical, highly functional cars that are high in value at a great affordable price.

They’ve also always managed to stay out of each other’s way in terms of vehicle sizes and price points, but not by much. Certain B-segment models now have overlapping customer bases such as the Proton Saga and Perodua Myvi or Bezza while a small but noticeable price gulf separates
the Ativa and X50
.

This is a longstanding coexistence strategy, helping the two brands thrive in different spaces and, for better or worse, dominate the automotive landscape in Malaysia to the detriment of foreign brands. However, this relatively equal standing could be set to change with the advent of electrification.

Put simply, Perodua doesn’t have much up their sleeves when it comes to hybrids and EVs. And that’s because Daihatsu doesn’t have much up their sleeves. And that’s because Toyota doesn’t….oh wait, actually they do have quite a long history of (parallel) hybrids. They're one of the pioneers in the category, in fact, and
are doubling-down on it
 each year.

However, they have always been hesitant to commit to fully electric or even plug-in hybrid vehicles. Try naming me a current production Toyota or Lexus PHEV or full EV - you’ll fit the count onto one hand.

As unenthusiastic as they might be about full-on electrification, they certainly are preparing for it. Toyota has baked in support for electric powertrains when
designing their TNGA platform
 that currently underpins everything from the GR Yaris to the RAV4, and this just-in-case approach has trickled into Daihatsu’s DNGA as well.

That said, neither Perodua nor Daihatsu have any real reason to aggressively pursue electrified vehicles at the moment. Given the current cost of the technology, its implementation, and mass-producing a fully or partially electric powertrain would likely spike the prices of their cars well beyond what either brand’s customers are comfortable with paying.

Furthermore, the more medium-to-long term benefits such as running costs do not seem justifiable as their cars are already very economical on fuel and are easy to maintain. No matter where you look, the number of publicly available charging stations are still
much too few and scattered
, adding to the complexity of ownership while limiting a driver's freedom of movement.

The reality is that we’re at least a good decade away from EV technology and infrastructure getting to a point where mass adoption becomes likely, and that’s a very optimistic prediction centred on wealthier first world countries.

The phasing out of combustion-powered cars will take a much longer time in developing nations, Malaysia included, and even that isn’t a guarantee as progress continues on the development of
synthetic fuels
 that are much cleaner for the environment and fully backwards compatible with cars that need petrol or diesel to run. While fossil fuel is dwindling, ICE cars have legitimate staying power.

Until the majority of the world moves on from internal combustion, there won’t be any pressing motivation for Daihatsu or Perodua to start doing things differently. That’s not to say that their newer cars will be totally void of electrified elements, though. Quite the contrary.

In the coming years, we will likely see a large portion of their cars start to include mild-hybrid features such as a higher capacity electrical architecture and an electric generator in place of a conventional starter motor. In addition to supporting idle stop-start, the system will be able to harvest energy from heat and braking to feed back into the driveline, improving fuel economy.

Proton, on the other hand, could need a more robust electrification plan to remain competitive within the decade, especially as we now know their aspirations include a larger focus on export markets and
becoming a global brand
.

Fortunately, with
Geely on their side
, they are more than capable of delivering plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars to market (not necessarily in Malaysia). At this point, it's just low-hanging fruit and just a matter of how and when not if.

Among other avenues, all they would need to do is tap into the vast reservoir of EV tech already being deployed in Volvos, an automaker that is not only selling their own fully electric vehicles (with more on the way) in the form of the
XC40 Recharge
,
C40 Recharge
, and by extension, the
Polestar 2
, but has committed to becoming a "fully electric car company" by 2030. The Swedes also seem very eager to share.

For now, the fight for domination in a future of electric-powered mobility seems to be relegated to the upper tiers of the automotive industry - a brawl that Daihatsu and Perodua are only too happy to stay clear of. Luckily for them, the world is still very far away from being EV-centric, so they can literally let everyone else trade blows. Only when the dust does settle might we start to see them doing things differently.

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

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

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

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


Ferrari Premium Adds 13 New Models To Its Maintenance Program

If you've ever tried to take care of a classic car, you may be familiar with the difficulty that comes with sourcing parts and getting the right kind of mechanic to take care of your vehicle. The problem is compounded when you take care of a classic luxury or sports car, which is why Ferrari offers the Ferrari Premium programme to extend its class leading surfaces for older models as well.
The latest addition to their list of supported models is extensive at 13 different historic Ferrari models. The idea is that if you keep your Ferrari in good condition and follow all scheduled and preventative maintenance requirements, the scheme will give you a certificate that states as much and that the car has followed all recall and service campaigns. Ferrari Premium also sees to it that old wear and tear parts are substituted along the way.
Clients with eligible cars that receive the Ferrari Premium Certificate will, on the 20th anniversary of the first registration of the car, also have privileged access to Ferrari Classiche certification, the programme that testifies to the authenticity of those models. Every new Ferrari comes with a standard three-year warranty and seven years of free maintenance. The full factory warranty can be extended for a further 24 months and, for vehicles aged from six to 15, owners can stipulate the New Power warranties which provide cover on main mechanical components.
Owners who benefitted from the seven-year Genuine Maintenance programme can now extend the cover with Main Power, which also includes the New Power warranty, up to the car’s 15th year from first registration. The newest additions to the Ferrari Premium programme are as follows:
456 GT / GTA
456 M GT / GTA
550 Maranello
550 Barchetta
360 Modena (all versions)
575 Maranello
575 Superamerica
612 Scaglietti (all versions)
F430 (all versions)
599 GTB Fiorano
599 SA Aperta
599 GTO
Ferrari Enzo


Review: 2021 Honda HR-V RS - Still A Good Buy in 2021?

The Honda HR-V RS has been around since 2018, but is it still a
good buy
 in 2021/2022?

The Honda HR-V was first introduced to the Malaysian market back in early-2015 and went on to be a
sales success
 for Honda Malaysia. In 2018,
Honda introduced the HR-V RS
, a beefed-up version of the HR-V, which from an exterior point of view, came with larger 18-inch wheels, RS-specific front grille, bumpers and blacked-out wing mirrors.

Although It might seem like the RS is just a beautified variant of the regular HR-V, there's something in the top-spec
HR-V
 that its brothers do not have. That is one of the key reasons why the 2021 HR-V RS is a top dog urban vehicle and one of the best crossovers in the market that can pretty much do it all.

But first, let's get reacquainted with the 2021 HR-V RS.

Exterior

As we said before, the 2021 HR-V RS comes with 18-inch wheels, RS-specific front grille and bumpers and blacked-out wing mirrors. Truthfully, if it weren't for the RS badge at the rear, you would be none the wiser that the RS is different from the V variant.

The RS, however, is all about subtle styling, and understated looks that ooze class. It's not about being shouty because the RS-specific body parts definitely give it a more aggressive yet polished look. A closer inspection will probably be the only way you would recognise this, but we like its subtle approach to sporty styling.

Interior

As with all HR-Vs, the RS' interior is all about mixing practicality with style. When it first debuted, the interior was definitely refreshing but compared to newer crossovers which just debuted around a year ago, it has to be said that the HR-V's interior does feel a bit dated. With that said, there's still nothing wrong with the interior design, it's just a bit of a plain jane - but it does give off the impression that it is well put together and will probably withstand the test of time.

The bottom part of the rear seats can be folded up to provide more space for carrying tall cargo

Being a car that was built to be versatile, the HR-V comes with Honda's famed ULTRA Seats, which really does give the HR-V capabilities to carry tall items. This really does give it an edge over its competitors, which mostly have typical folding seats. Initially, the RS variant came with an ivory coloured interior, but Honda changed this to
black in 2019
, which was definitely a welcoming move.

Despite giving you all that is needed from an entertainment point of view, we have our reservations with the infotainment head unit itself as it has complicated menu sets, a low-resolution screen, and excessive screen glare. But like we said before, it does what it says on the tin, so not a big deal really.

The seats are nicely padded and supportive and are a nice place to be in, even for extended periods of driving. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels are also good; there's little road noise or tyre roar heard inside the cabin on a decent road. Hitting bigger bumps or potholes can sometimes introduce a 'thud' inside the cabin, but most of the cars in this segment do that.

Driving experience...

Having spent some considerable time with the crossover – nicely split between highway and inner-city driving – we can vouch for the comfort levels of the HR-V RS despite it having larger wheels. The suspension is soft, pretty much like all other Honda's that are made to mainly tackle urban environments, but it still has decent dynamics in the corners.

Speaking of urban environments, remember we said earlier that the RS has something that its brothers do not have? Well, that thing is called a
Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system
, an advanced steering system that automatically customises the amount of steering angle and gear ratio based on speed. At low speeds, the system is engineered to provide tighter steering angles for better car control.

The VGR steering system can increase its steering angle at higher speeds, making it less sensitive to minor steering corrections, thus making it easier and more relaxing to drive for longer distances. This is one of the key reasons why the RS Variant is a good all-rounder.

In slow city traffic, the steering is fast, while on high-speed drives like on the highway, the steering is slow. Yes, to some it might not seem like a big deal, but it really does turn the HR-V into a better car. No wonder when we took it on a short slalom course it excelled over its
competitors
.

Performance-wise, the HR-V RS carries over the pre-facelift's 1.8-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, churning out 142 PS and 172 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a CVT-type automatic. It might not feel torquey, but a simple pedal to the metal in S mode will get it going, the performance being more than adequate for daily driving.

Safety

Another thing that is adequate is the RS's
safety equipment
. The RS variant does not get Honda's suite of advanced safety systems, Honda Sensing, but it does come with the ever-useful LaneWatch and regular active safety systems such as anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control and electronic brake distribution.

The LaneWatch might sound like a gimmick, but trust us when we say it has been more than helpful on many different occasions.

Conclusion

With all that being said, is the Honda HR-V RS still relevant in 2021 and possibly in 2022? Well, if you want a fuss-free vehicle that can do it all and you don't mind it comes with a classy looking but plain-ish interior, then the Honda HR-V RS will perfectly serve you and satisfy most of your needs.

The ride is pliant, the handling changes according to speed, the comfort is top-notch and the styling is on point. What is there really not to like about the HR-V RS?

2021 Honda HR-V RS Specifications:

Price: RM 118,581

Engine: 1.8-litre, SOHC i-VTEC, inline four-cylinder

Power: 142 PS @ 6,500 rpm

Torque: 172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm

Transmission: CVT-type automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, LaneWatch


ORA Good Cat is an EV that ticks all the boxes - chic, fun, hi-tech! Get to know it at the RHB Drive Premium & EV Roadshow at Bukit Jalil this weekend!

Among the prominent EVs contributing to an embrace of EV ownership in Malaysia is the ORA Good Cat, not least due to its style and combination of exciting features, and there’s no perfect opportunity to explore the ORA Good Cat than at the
RHB DRIVE Premium & EV Roadshow
 happening this weekend!

Introduced in November 2022, the ORA Good Cat stands out as a relatively affordable option, with prices starting at RM140,000.

Beyond its relatively accessible price, the car offers exceptional value for money. However, its significance extends beyond being merely a budget-friendly zero emissions hatchback, and offers buyers an interesting proposition.

Looks Like Nothing Else On The Road

Upon initial observation, the ORA Good Cat appears reminiscent of a MINI car, featuring charming soft curves, prominent round LED headlights, and a vibrant color palette. Notably, it incorporates certain design elements inspired by Porsche, particularly evident in the front fascia and the wheels, which bear a resemblance to Porsche's distinctive five-spoke Fuchs wheels but with a unique touch. The rear of the Good Cat showcases a futuristic and sleek appearance, achieved by integrating the brake light bar and turn signal lights seamlessly into the rear windshield.

Eclectic Electric Interior

Upon entering the Good Cat, one immediately recognises its distinctive nature. Firstly, it offers a choice between two-tone interior colours: Green-Grey and Beige-Brown, as well as an all-black interior option. The cabin exudes a sense of sophistication, as the high-touch areas feature premium soft-touch materials.

The car showcases a unified design for both the multi-information display (MID) and infotainment touchscreen, resulting in a combined size of 17.25 inches. This design approach, also employed by luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. Despite adopting a more minimalist layout, the ORA Good Cat includes physical switches for the air conditioning controls, ensuring practicality is not compromised.

For those who appreciate sunroofs, the ORA Good Cat boasts a generously-sized one, allowing ample natural light to permeate the cabin and create an even more spacious and airy atmosphere. Despite being only slightly larger than a Perodua Myvi, the Good Cat surprises with its roomy and inviting interior, giving the impression of a larger vehicle.

An EV That’s Easy To Live With

The ORA Good Cat may not be the most high-performance or luxurious EV available in Malaysia, but it offers a well-rounded package that hits the sweet spot. It combines affordability, comfort, spaciousness, style, and an impressive driving range of 400km on the lower-spec 400 PRO model or 500km on the 500 ULTRA variant.

With its 143PS power and 210Nm torque, the Good Cat provides ample performance for both city and highway driving. Furthermore, its 250L boot capacity can be expanded to 858L by folding the rear seats, enhancing its practicality. Overall, these features make the ORA Good Cat a user-friendly EV that easily caters to the needs of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car owners. In fact, it offers comparable practicality and ease of use to popular models like the Myvi, but with superior overall quality.

What Happened To Range Anxiety?

The extensive driving range of the ORA Good Cat ensures that most individuals won't experience range anxiety. With its long-lasting battery that’s rated for up to 500km per full charge (500 ULTRA), you have the option to charge the car once a week, similar to refuelling a traditional vehicle. However, the convenience of charging it overnight at home is a preferable choice.

Even when embarking on a road trip across various regions of the country, the battery is likely to sustain you for the entire journey to your destination. Nevertheless, the availability of more public charging stations along highways makes recharging while en route increasingly convenient.

A Balanced Feline

While the ORA Good Cat is not the initial EV in Malaysia's compact car segment, it encompasses all the essential qualities that appeal to Malaysian drivers. It offers exceptional value, enjoyable city driving experiences, quick adaptability, and an impressive range, setting it apart from other entry-level EVs. In essence, it stands out as the most accessible EV, providing a user experience comparable to that of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car.

In contrast to luxury electric vehicles from renowned brands like BMW, Porsche, or Tesla, the ORA Good Cat is within reach for many Malaysians. This accessibility factor is expected to accelerate the adoption of EVs and the advancement of charging infrastructure across the country.

Experience the ORA Good Cat up close and personal at the upcoming RHB DRIVE Premium & EV Roadshow this weekend. Discover how you can drive one home with the assistance of RHB Green Financing.

Designed specifically for electric vehicle ownership, RHB Green Financing offers a customized financial solution that sets it apart from traditional fixed rate financing options offered by other banks.

With a unique daily rest variable rate hire purchase, you can enjoy competitive interest rates. Moreover, by paying your monthly instalments earlier, you can unlock even greater savings.

But the benefits of RHB Green Financing don't end with financing alone.

As an added perk, you will also receive a complimentary one-year membership of ChargEV worth RM 240. With careful planning, this membership allows you to potentially enjoy free 'refuelling' for an entire year.

Make sure to visit the RHB DRIVE Premium & EV Roadshow from June 2nd to June 4th, 2023, at the Piazza, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, to see the ORA Good Cat up close. If you want more details,
click here
, or if you'd like to register for a test drive,
click here
.


Toyota Vios Dugong + Klang = Fast & Stupid

In Bolehland, semua pun boleh. In a scene more appropriate for the Fast & Furious franchise, this time we see the stupid driving of what appears to be a Toyota Vios XP90 going against traffic on Jambatan Kota in Klang.

Now we're all aware of the reputation of Klang for the best bah kut teh in the country as well as being somewhat of the 'Wild Wild West' of the Klang Valley.

Stunts like these don't help allay those fears but hey for those of us who know Klang, we still love it, for those of you who don't, 'tak kenal maka tak cinta'.

Still, stunts like these are both dangerous, and putting other road users' lives in danger is inexcusable.

*Video credit to INFO KINI Facebook page.

Police are in search of the driver of the car and the case is being investigated under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.


Mazda Atenza Renamed To Mazda 6 In Japan

In an effort to streamline model names across markets, Mazda Japan has renamed the Atenza to Mazda 6. This is in-line with the introduction of the all-new 3 in Japan, whereby the model line-up dropped its Axela name and adopted the global naming convention – 3.
Apart from getting a new name, the Mazda 6 in Japan also gets the option of a 2.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-G powerplant, similar to other markets such as in North America and Australia. The turbocharged SkyActiv-G puts out 228 hp and 420 Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic.
The turbocharged SkyActiv-G powerplant is only available on the range-topping 25T S Package variant of the 6. Other goodies on this variant include larger brakes (16 inches vs 17 inches) and a lower final gear ratio.
Priced at 4,239,000 Yen, the turbocharged Mazda 6 is the most expensive variant in Mazda’s line-up in Japan.
Find the best Mazda deals
here
.


2023 Lexus RX 350 now in Malaysia from RM469k - Japan's best looking SUV?

After its global debut in June last year, the fifth-generation Lexus RX will be available for booking in Malaysia starting today, May 17, 2023 with an official launch to follow soon after. The SUV is offered in a single variant, the RX 350 Luxury, priced at RM468,888 on-the-road without insurance.

The all-new RX showcases Lexus' newest design approach, incorporating a fresh spindle body design that seamlessly integrates a sleek grille with the elevated bonnet. At the front, notable elements include slender tri-beam projector headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights positioned above the corner air curtains.

On the sides of the RX, you'll notice prominent creases and a gradually sloping roofline, which leads to an angled window and a pointed tailgate. Two distinct design features that have been retained from the previous RX are the tapered C-pillars and the floating roof appearance.

The Lexus SUV is now based on the GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), resulting in a weight reduction of 90 kg compared to its predecessor. It also features a longer wheelbase of 2,850 mm (+60 mm) while maintaining the same approximate length of 4,890 mm, but is wider at 1,920 mm (+25 mm) and taller at 1,695 mm (+10 mm).

In terms of powertrain, the RX 350 is equipped with a T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 279 PS at 6,000 rpm and produces 430 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 3,600 rpm. It features both direct and port injection (D-4ST) and is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission (Direct Shift) and an electronically-controlled full-time all-wheel drive system. With these specifications, the RX 350 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a pretty respectable 7.6 seconds.

With regard to the interior, the RX embraces the 'Tazuna' concept that represents the ideal relationship between a rider and a horse in Japanese culture (haven’t we heard something similar from Mazda?). This design philosophy prioritises the driver's needs by placing all controls conveniently within reach, including a slightly angled 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The touch-centric system replaces the previous Remote Touch interface and integrates climate controls and various vehicle functions. It also supports voice recognition commands, wired Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Additional display features within the cabin consist of a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

For its Malaysian spec, the RX 350 will come standard with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), complementing the MacPherson front struts and five-arm multi-link rear suspension setup. The AVS offers two damping force modes (Normal and Sport) for the driver to select, along with three drive modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport).

Other equipment highlights includes 21-inch light-alloy wheels with a Hyper Chrome Metallic finish, an e-Latch electronic door release, 64-color ambient lighting, three-zone climate control with rear vents, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, powered 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, ventilated and heated seats for all occupants, a Qi wireless charger, a 12-speaker sound system, Active Noise Control (ANC), and a powered tailgate with hands-free access.

Being a range-topping SUV from Lexus, the RX is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) suite, which encompasses various advanced safety features including Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go capability and Curve Speed Reduction, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) with BladeScan technology, and Road Sign Assist (RSA). Additionally, it features a Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist, Rear Traffic Cross Alert (RTCA), and a panoramic view monitor with 3D visualisation.

The RX is imported (CBU) from Japan and is available in five colours: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Sonic Copper.


Ang Pow, Rebates and Free Accessories For 2018 Toyota Vios

In conjunction with Chinese New Year festive period, UMW Toyota Motor is having a special offer on the 2018 Toyota Vios.
From now until 28
th
 February 2018, customers are treated with a
Prosperity ‘ang-pow’ worth RM988
. This is followed by a
cash rebate of up to RM2,512
 (differs by variant).
To further sweeten the deal on the 2018 Vios,
accessories worth up to RM4,100
 (differs by variant) will be included for free!
We note the Value Package, worth RM3,180 include niceties such as a panoramic view monitor, digital video recorder (DVR) dashcam and USB charging ports.
The Toyota Vios is the only vehicle in the B-segment that offers a panoramic view monitor. The system combines images from four cameras, and display a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the surrounding on the 6.2-inch screen to aid in parking and driving through narrow paths.
To recap, the
2018 Toyota Vios has been enhanced with more features
, including a shark fin antenna and front parking sensors. Door sill scuff plates are standard fitment, and E variants and upwards have the illumination feature.
The TRD Sportivo variant receives a sharper look through gloss black treatment on the side mirrors, rear spoiler and shark fin antenna plus red highlights on the bodykit and alloy wheel centre cap.
The GX variant meanwhile gets an updated bodykit and a darker shade of two-tone perforated leather upholstery.
The 2018 Toyota Vios starts from RM74,980 (without insurance) for the J grade manual transmission, and RM77,980 for the automatic transmission, all prices before the CNY special offer.
All new Toyota Vios models come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and is transferrable to the next owner.


The Volkswagen Beetle: An Icon On The Road And The Silver Screen

On the silver screens, the actor or actress takes most of the spotlight, guiding the audience through the story being told. Often times, the characters played have a vehicle that accompanies them on their adventures. Often speechless (literally), the cars that appear in films are just as significant as the protagonist themselves.
In 1968, the hit-movie ‘Bullitt’ starring Steve McQueen, featured one of the first iconic car chase scenes on the big screen. To match the occasion, McQueen was filmed driving a Ford Mustang with much gusto through the streets of San Francisco. The following year, Michael Caine and a team of notorious drivers tore up the streets of Turin in three Mini Coopers, faming the cult hit, The Italian Job.
And now we’ve come to one of the most recognisable cars in film history, the Volkswagen Beetle.
Brought to life by none other than Ferdinand
Porsche
 himself, the
Volkswagen
 Beetle proved to be no stranger to the limelight. Gaining attention as the true “people’s car” in Germany, movie directors were quick to realise the growing ‘iconic’ status of the car, and acted on the chance to have the Beetle star alongside some of the world’s most renowned actors and actresses in front of the cameras.
In the very same year ‘Bullitt’ became a hit, so did one of the most iconic film—car pairings take shape, in the form of The Love Bug – a show that brought about the rise of the lovable Herbie. And two years after that, it’s a Beetle that outfoxes a Ford Mustang in a silver screen hit. You can read on to find out which movie this was from.
Undeniably, the humble Volkswagen Beetle was quick to its stardom, and here are six examples that prove just that; six examples of our favourite movies starring the icon, the Volkswagen Beetle.
1986 – The Transformers
Wait a minute, isn’t Bumblebee a Chevrolet Camaro? To our younger audience, you are certainly not wrong there. However, before Michael Bay’s live-action film came around in 2007, Bumblebee was indeed a
Volkswagen Beetle
 in the animated movie and series. Being the “little brother” of the Autobot faction, Bumblebee was constantly trying to prove himself worthy in the eyes of his leader, Optimus Prime. Capable, reliable, and a little bit of a smarty-pants, the Saturn yellow Volkswagen Beetle known as Bumblebee will always be well loved as the symbol of the Autobot’s determination.
In the 2007 version, the scene where Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) checks out a classic Camaro at the second hand car lot, guess which car was beside it? You guessed it, the Volkswagen Beetle. A fitting homage to what the original Bumblebee was.
1984 – Footloose
Next on the list is an unlikely movie to have the Beetle share the stage with. In Footloose, Kevin Bacon’s character, Ren McCormack tries to his best to convince the Bomont city council to overturn a ruling which has led to dancing and rock music to be banned by doing a lot of dancing of his own. If that wasn’t hard enough, he falls in love with Ariel and has to try his very best to win her heart over. And guess which car stood by him through this difficult journey? His trusty yellow Beetle.
In the 2011 remake of Footloose, the Beetle made a return as well to support the updated Ren’s journey to attain dance and rock music for the town (this time played by Kenny Wormald). His car also had his back as he kissed Ariel (Julianne Hough) for the first time in the movie.
1972 – What’s Up, Doc?
This movie focuses on five people, with four identical plaid overnight bags amongst them whereby two had valuable contents, who check into the same hotel. At the hotel, a series of attempts at stealing the two valuable bags leads to the main characters, Howard Bannister (Ryan O’Neal) and Judy Maxwell (Barbra Streisand) coming into possession of the two of the bags containing valuable items. From there, a car chase takes place across San Francisco where the Volkswagen Beetle was the car the main characters found themselves in.
Escaping from the people chasing after them, the nimble Beetle is seen driving past a lorry dumping sand on it, hiding on a trailer with other new Beetles on it, and driving down a flight of stairs. In the end, the Beetle ends up diving off a pier into the sea. The scene cuts off there but it is said the Beetle was the only car to float to the top, a nod to Volkswagen’s claim that the Beetle is so well made, it floats on water.
1970 – The Delta Factor
In this 1970 film, Christopher George stars as a convict, asked to assist the government, pairs up with a glamorous CIA agent to rescue a scientist from a Caribbean fortress prison. The climax of the film begins when the main character, Morgan, initiates a prison riot to escape with the scientist. From there, a cool car chase takes place along the jungle-lined roads where the Volkswagen Beetle easily outfoxes a Ford Mustang chasing after it. In the scene, the Beetle is seen zipping through the twisty roads with tight turning whilst the Mustang is left in the dust slipping and sliding all over the place.
1967 – Double Trouble
Although the musical film Double Trouble, which Elvis Presley starred in, wasn’t one of the actor’s most popular films, the movie’s car chase scene was the first to have one Beetle chasing after another Beetle around the streets of Belgium. Wrongly accused of being a jewel thief, Elvis’ character escapes from prison and proceeds to drive off in a police Volkswagen Beetle. The police are on to him at this point and commandeer another Beetle as well to give chase. If there was anything that could make the Beetle a cooler car than it already was, it would be having the King behind the wheel.
1968 – Herbie And The Love Bug Movies
No mention of the Volkswagen Beetle is complete without the mention of this movie which rocketed the car to become a cultural icon. Just think of the number 53 car with racing stripes and immediately, the Love Bug springs into mind. In the film, Jim Douglas (played by Dean Jones) defends the honour of the Beetle after being passed off as an inferior car.
From there, the adorable little Beetle is christened the name Herbie and goes on to win many races with its new owner. Even when beaten and battered, Herbie still manages to push on and in the end, helps Jim to win the prestigious El Dorado road race. The Love Bug was a huge commercial success and won the hearts of many, spawning several sequels including a 2005 version starring Lindsay Lohan titled Herbie: Fully Loaded. It also marked the first time a car was portrayed as being able to show emotions. Who could forget little Herbie ‘leaking’ oil on people it disliked.
In fact, a majority of top movie cars will always feature Herbie in it as well. So famous is the Love Bug that even today, Volkswagen offers The Beetle with an optional Herbie-themed package known as the Beetle 53 Edition – sadly, it’s not something we get here in Malaysia. Fret not however, because
Volkswagen Malaysia does offer us a Bug Edition for the Beetle
.
So, what movies that featured a Volkswagen Beetle did you remember most fondly? Do let us know in the comments section below.


First Look: 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo - A Very Promising B-Segment Contender

The 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo has finally landed and here is what we think of it.

The Nissan Almera Turbo has been the talk of the town for quite some time now, and today, we finally got to sample what must be one of Edaran Tan Chong Motor's (ETCM) most important debuts.

The Nissan Almera Turbo made its ASEAN debut late last year, and to date, it has received rave reviews around our region. From its great-looking front end spearheaded by that handsome Nissan V-Motion grille to the rear C-pillar, where it has a floating roofline the Nissan Almera just looks fresh and current. Nissan got the Almera design on point.

Whether you choose the entry-level (VL), mid-level (VLP) or high spec car (VLT), we think they all still look quite handsome. From the exterior, the only thing that distinguishes the VLT from the other two is the LED headlights and foglights, as well as a rear spoiler. The VLT and VLP get 16-inch two-tone wheels while the VL gets standard 15-inch wheels.

Under the body is where the differences are apparent with the VLT and VLP getting a bit more safety tech. Apart from that, they all come with the same 1.0-litre turbo engine as well as CVT transmission - but we will get to that later.

Nissan says that they have managed to build the most spacious Nissan Almera yet and they weren't lying because the new Nissan Almera does feel very spacious inside. The Nissan Almera has this very sleek slanting rear roofline and generally, the problem with slanting rear rooflines is that it creates less headroom for rear passengers - does this affect the Almera too?

Despite that design quirk, we're glad to report that it isn't as bad as expected, Nissan overcame this by slanting the rear seats too. This not only gave the car more headroom, but it also created more space in the legroom department - oh, and it's a pretty relaxed seating position too.

The interior design of the car no longer follows that bland Nissan design of previous years, it feels quite chic, which is either you 'love it or hate it' kind of thing. With a modern-looking cockpit accentuated by this cream looking dash trim (only available in the VLP and VLT), it is quite fashionable. The seats are two-tone leather, but only in the mid and high spec cars (VLP and VLT). The entry-level car (VL) gets a fabric two-tone seats as well as a unicolour dash.

One of the main highlights of the Nissan Almera Turbo when it first made its debut was how its standard equipment list was off the charts, and we're glad to say that ETCM has kept all of them. In fact, the Malaysian Nissan Almera Turbo is the highest specced car in this segment in the region according to ETCM. With a great 8" infotainment system that as well as 7" semi-digital meter, the Nissan Almera Turbo does feel like it belongs in a class above.

Of course, the main highlight apart from the fresh new exterior and interior design is the Almera's Turbo engine. The Nissan Almera Turbo is equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder DOHC turbo engine with 100 hp and 152 Nm of torque with power available from as low as 2,400rpm. Nissan has also included an electronic wastegate which is said to give it an instant response - does it?

Many Malaysians are skeptics of small turbocharged engines, but we're happy to say that the Nissan Almera Turbo is not slow. It picks up speed well and only really runs out of puff at much higher speeds - speeds you're not supposed to be driving at anyways. Because of its available torque at low RPMs, it's quite nippy and never felt overwhelmed. Did it have instant acceleration because of that electro wastegate? It did feel like it but because our test drive was only 10 mins long, we can't be completely sure about it. The CVT gearbox that is paired with the engine is quite un-CVT like. It felt more like a normal automatic gearbox.

The suspension setup of this car makes it a great urban vehicle, as it seemed to absorb most of the imperfections like lumps and bumps on the road. The comfort setup of the car is apparent with it being compliant in most situations. It's not as fantastic to drive as the Mazda 2, but it has some sort of driver enjoyment going for it. We believe the focus is truly on effortless city driving but it did feel like it could take on B-roads.

Ultimately, and as usual, the price will determine the popularity of the Nissan Almera Turbo and ETCM said that the prices will be
tentatively
 as below:

Nissan Almera Turbo VLT: RM9x,xxx

Nissan Almera Turbo VLP: RM8x,xxx

Nissan Almera Turbo VL: RM8x,xxx

The Nissan Almera Turbo from the first impression does seem like a good car. It feels well built and posh and includes amazing safety features even in the lowest specification. Will it command and conquer? That will definitely be confirmed when the final price is out.

Interested buyers can start having a look at the car starting from tomorrow and bring some cash because they will also be accepting bookings from tomorrow.

Nissan Almera Turbo VLT Specification

Engine:
 999cc, inline 3 turbocharged

Transmission:
 CVT

Power:
100hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque:
152Nm @ 2,400-4,000rpm

0-100kph:
11 secs

Top Speed:
180 kph

Safety:
 Blind Spot Monitoring Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 6 airbags, VDC, Traction control, ABS, Brake Assist, EBD


Shell Introduces First Ever Engine Warranty Program in Malaysia

Shell Helix, today unveiled Malaysia’s a first of its kind engine warranty programme, the Shell Helix Engine Warranty (S.H.E.W). This extended warranty programme covers 15 major engine parts against lubricant caused failure for up to 12 years or 200,000km mileage – whichever comes first.
The warranty is offered to customers who purchase a 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra with Pureplus Technology or Shell Helix HX7. The warranty is applicable for cars under 8 years old with mileage less than 100,000km at first registration and is transferrable to the new vehicle owner in the case the car is sold.
The SHEW program covers up to a maximum or RM15,000 for Shell Helix Ultra users per claim and RM8000 per claim for Shell Helix HX7 customers (inclusive of GST).
The 15 major engine components covered under the program are:
Piston and piston rings
Crankshaft and bearings
Connecting rods
Connecting rod bearings
Gudgeon pin
Valves
Engine block
Cylinder head
Timing gear and chains
Camshaft and bearings
Cylinder liner / bore
Turbocharger
Cam followers
Rocker arm and pivot
Push rods and balance shaft
Customers can either purchase their engine oil at any of the growing database (1000 partners and counting) of SHEW authorised workshops nationwide, where the mechanic will require a few details to sign the customer up, or, purchase the car at any Shell station, conduct a service at their preferred mechanic, then perform a self-registration.
Self-registration can be conducted by contacting then SHEW hotline at 1800-18-1855 or visit
www.shell.com.my/helixwarranty.
 Customers who meet the eligibility will receive an SMS confirmation. The warranty starts 30 days or 1,000 km after enrolment, whichever is later.
The warranty remains in effect if the customers perform lubricant changes on a timely basis as per Shell or the car manufacturer’s recommendation. Customers will also receive service reminders 1 month before the service is due from Shell.
If a customer wishes to make a claim, they’d have to call the SHEW hotline, a customer representative will arrange for the vehicle to be assessed at the nearest panel workshop, to ascertain if the issue is linked to the engine oil. If the issue or engine failure is deemed to be caused by engine wear due to improper lubrication – the repair costs will be borne by Shell.
The program is totally free and a maximum of one claim can be approved every 12 months. If the vehicle is actively covered by a manufacturer warranty – customers will not be allowed to claim from the SHEW warranty. This makes the SHEW an ideal option for users with cars that have surpassed the manufacturer warranty period.


Highways need to upgrade motorcycle lanes for big bikes

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has stated that all
motorcycle lanes
 on all highways here in Malaysia need to be upgraded, particularly to suit big bikes.

LLM Chairman, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, stated that the upgrades are necessary because they also need to be suitable for high-powered motorcycles in order to reduce the risk of accidents,
The Vibes
 reported.

According to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin, "Highway concessionaires are urged to upgrade the (motorcycle) lanes or provide appropriate facilities for these types of motorcycles to ensure the riders’ safety."

He also added that a number of bike lane entrances in places like Penang and Ipoh are deemed unsafe for big bikes with the possibility to cause more harm than good. LLM reported that more than 10,000 road accidents reported this year involved 200 fatal cases that were motorcycle-related.

LLM also urged all highway concessionaires to consider other aspects in upgrading their respective motorcycle lanes from usage safety during bad weather as well as a more safe place for all riders to shelter away from the rain and the highway overpasses which have resulted in several crashes and fatalities.


'180kmh' Is Volvo's Magic Number. But Why Bother?

Like it or not, your new Volvo will soon have a speed cap installed. In fact, it applies to all cars made by the Swedish automaker from now on, across all their global markets. You may have heard about this.

At the recent launch of the locally assembled S60 T8 Twin Engine, Volvo Car Malaysia also revealed that this 180km/h speed limit would take effect on their cars some time closer to the end of the year, even putting a leash on cars with their most powerful powertrain package, the T8 Twin Engine PHEV with 407hp.

This is a contentious move and Volvo knows it, even expecting to lose some customers over the matter. On the surface, the speed cap sounds entirely reasonable as 180km/h is already way beyond what’s legally allowed on public roads save for the de-restricted Autobahns. It’s also much faster than anyone ‘needs’ to be going, let’s be honest.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse

Volvo also has a very strong brand, one that’s strongly tied to safety innovations. It’s also a brand that projects modesty, elegance, and common sense. It’s not a boy racer’s car, basically. You would need to already be attracted to the Volvo ethos before owning one.

Common sense also suggests that Volvo buyers are a little more safety-oriented to begin with.  Common sense also suggests that there’s nothing special about 180km/h. Someone isn’t going die in a road accident at 181km/h while miraculously escaping serious injury if they were traveling at 179km/h.

Speeding is still a persistent problem, and Volvo intends to “send a strong signal about the dangers of speeding, underlining Volvo Cars position as a worldwide leader in safety.” It’s part of a larger promise the company made to eventually reduce fatalities to zero across all Volvo vehicles. Unfortunately, that means taking away some driver freedom.

Again, nobody (I’m guessing) buys a Volvo with the explicit purpose of driving way too fast and very dangerously anyway. It could almost be seen as a little disrespectful that they, of all drivers, need to be ‘saved from themselves’ - that ‘they couldn’t possibly handle anything beyond 180km/h without ruining everything’.

If anything, it’s the ones driving those ‘less safe’ non-Volvo cars that should be speed-capped.

Famously, German automakers have collectively made a gentleman’s agreement to limit their cars to 250km/h, offsetting the non-existent speed limit on the country’s highways. Still, an owner could opt to have that electronic limiter removed even before collecting the vehicle.

Volvo’s new policy doesn’t have room for customer/owner/buyer/driver choice. Top speed is an arbitrary 180km/h, deal with it - in the name of safety, the greater good.

Letting The Tech Catch Up

Their practical rationale, apart from preventing death and all serious injury in any of their cars, is the idea that various autonomous vehicle and active safety systems will soon progress to the point of being able to prevent accidents at those speeds - i.e above the legal speed limit but still within comfortable tolerances for the car.

Features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, which uses a combination of camera and RADAR (sometimes LIDAR) sensors to detect an imminent collision, can already operate at highway speeds and react quicker than a human can to either avoid the accident altogether or reduce the impact force.

Setting the threshold at 180km/h means that, soon, driver error can be compensated for at any speed the car (Volvo) is able to travel. A similar solution for speeds higher than that could eventually be reached, but would take much longer to perfect.

The JDM Way

This speed limit issue may be jarring to us, especially because it’s coming from a European manufacturer, but the Japanese might find this whole issue unoriginal and boring. Since the 1980s, all cars for the Japanese Domestic Market have all had speed limiters at 180kmh.

The advancement of safety technology and vehicle construction has also played a significant role in bringing down the total number of vehicle injuries and deaths since the agreement was reached, but it can’t be argued that Japan has one of the lowest vehicle mortality rates in Asia, next to Singapore. Coincidence?

We'd love to show you a graph of steadily declining numbers here but vehicle mortality and serious injury numbers from Japan circa 30 years ago are a little hard to come by. However, during that same timeframe, it should be noted that the increasing prevalence of standard-fit airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) had a huge impact on road safety in general, as did the mandatory wearing of seatbelts in many countries. Japan's seatbelt legislation was enacted in 1985, though penalties were only introduced a year later.

While that effort was earlier done in tandem with another gentleman’s agreement that all JDM cars were to not produce more than 280hp (which was officially lifted in 2004), only the 'speed governor' has stood the test of time. Even today, Japanese cars sold there still have (analog) speedometers that do not go past that 180kmh mark despite boasting a high output engine, capped by that in-built limiter.

It’s like they’re all driving Volvos.