Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Soaks Up The Glam At 2022 KL Fashion Week

The KL Fashion week is being graced by an unlikely catwalk superstar in the form of
the newest Isuzu D-Max
, arguably the most gracefully styled version of the Japanese pickup truck.

Bestowed with the honour of being the event’s Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle, the D-Max will be prominently featured at this year’s KLFW which runs from August 15th to 21st at Pavilion Bukit Bintang at the heart of Kuala Lumpur and themed: ‘The Bigger, The Better’

Sounds pretty apt for the Isuzu, but not necessarily the typical runway model.

That said there will be three (3) D-Max X-Terrains on display there, each to showcase its many moods and personas. a Valencia Orange unit that depicts the truck’s fun and adventure nature, an Onyx Black that highlights its stylish and premium side while a Silky Pearl White unit will illustrate its sophisticated and intelligent nature.

“With its cutting-edge design, superlative features and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-Max is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Kenkichi Sogo.

As we’ve previously covered on Carlist.my, the D-Max is an impressively capable machine that blends
genuine rough-and-tumble off-road ability
 with stylish design and, in X-Terrain trim, a splash of luxury and tech as well.

Among other creature comforts geared to position it as an all-encompassing lifestyle vehicle, the D-Max offers a 360-degree surround-view monitor, in-car wireless mobile phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a variety of
active safety and driver assist systems
.

All three units will be on showcase in the vicinity of KL’s main walking street, one at the main front entrance fountain, one at the connection to Quivio, and one across the street in front of Fahrenheit.


What happens if you hit a road bully's rear end?

If someone brake checks you and you hit them, will it automatically be their fault?

Just before the Chinese New Year festival began, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter Nurul Ilham was at the receiving end of a road bullying incident where a woman driving a Proton Iriz was constantly braking in front of her in an attempt to annoy her.

This road misdemeanour is commonly known as 'brake check', where the driver behind is forced to brake suddenly, causing distress or even worse, forcing them to swerve, causing an accident.

This act is so hazardous it's illegal in most countries with decent road laws and considered an assault in some parts of the United States, with severe penalties, including jail time.

This got us thinking, will you instantly be at fault if you hit the car in front, even if they slam their brakes suddenly?

While it may instantly seem like the fault lies with the brake-checking driver, in nearly all cases, the rear driver is determined to be the guilty party.

Technically, this is because every driver on the road is responsible for maintaining a safe distance between themselves and the car in front of them.

This is especially true if you have no proof or witnesses of the accident and the driver in front doesn't fess up to their actions.

This is why many car owners install dashcams these days, as it can save you many heartaches caused by road bullies and careless drivers. In fact, dashcams are not only there for yourself, as they can also help your fellow road users.

There was even an incident where the police urged owners of dashcams to help with an investigation of an accident and apparent road bullying, which proves it can come in handy.

So if you plan to brake check anyone, please don't, even if the person behind is doing the aggressive driving. You never know who is recording your actions.

Worse yet, just like the incident with the Prime Minister's daughter, you never know who you might be brake checking, which might just land you in scalding hot water, like the driver of the green Iriz.


2017 Ford F-150 gets new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine and 10-speed Transmission

Ford
 has announced that the 2017 F-150 pickup truck, which is aimed for the North American market, will get an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
The new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will provide 70Nm more peak torque than the outgoing 3.5-liter engine, to a segment-best 637Nm, beating all diesel competitors, including V8 engines with nearly twice the displacement of the EcoBoost V6. Horsepower on the other hand, jumps 10 from the previous version, to 375 hp.
The engine aside, Ford America also claims that this is the first time a 10-speed automatic transmission is being offered for consumers in a mass-produced vehicle.
Thanks to the new powertrain package, Ford says that the truck provides better performance both during low and high rpm, making it ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.
All set to go on sale in North America later this year, the Ford F-150 remains the first and only truck in its segment to offer a twin-turbo petrol engine.


All-New Proton Putra - Would Proton Kindly Make This Tasty Coupe?

How far-fetched would it be to imagine a near future where Proton, who
could have made an Iriz GTI
, makes a bold move and gifts us Malaysians an All-New Proton Putra?

The original Putra lived a brief life between 1996 and 2001 before being resurrected for a limited run in 2004. It might not have ever enjoyed the same volume sales as its stablemates and genetic siblings
the Wira
 and Satria, but has always been held in high regard by the local community of enthusiasts. For a time in the UK, it was even known as the Persona Coupe. Weird.

Depending on how you look at it, the Putra was either a Satria with a proper boot or a two-door Wira, but was essentially a design lifted from the Mitsubishi Mirage Coupe. Despite not being offered with a go-fast variant, the standard car really did set the stage
for the GTI
that would emerge a couple of years after the Putra made its market debut.

Though lacking Lotus’ magic touch, the two cars were very comparable from both a mechanical perspective and from behind the wheel, boasting the same 4G93P 1.8-litre four-cylinder Mitsubishi petrol engine, but none of the racer-boy looks. The Putra was too ‘grown up’ for that.

Perhaps it was for this reason that it always seemed to live
in the Satria GTI’s shadow
. At the time, nobody was expecting a fun FWD coupe with sorted dynamics from Proton, and the GTI had to shout much more (visually) loudly to get the attention it was due.

Given a difference in timing or an altered set of circumstances, the Putra could have been a more successful model for the national automaker, but as it stands the car is a failed experiment financially. That said, appreciation for the car has only been building since, both in terms of emotional fondness and, perhaps consequently, resale value.

Maybe now, flush with Geely moolah, is the perfect time to reintroduce a sleek and sophisticated all-new Putra into the line-up. But, even with all the outcry Malaysians can muster, will Proton be willing to make the same bold move they did in the 1990s, or have they descended too deeply into risk-averse, trend-chasing, people-pleasing crossover territory?

In 2021, sad as it is, the stars are lining up to manifest the demise of the
current-generation Proton Persona
 - and its hatchback siamese twin, the Iriz. In its place, and like the X50 and X70, we’re quite likely to get a
badge-engineered version of the Emgrand
, Geely’s newest B-segment entrant.

The good news is that it seems the Emgrand wouldn’t look so bad as a two-door coupe either. If the Wira could pull off the look more than 20 years ago, why can’t this new Geely?

Design & Exterior

First things first, the Emgrand would need to shed the grille and adopt the Infinite Weave nose found on the current crop of Proton cars, complete with a sporty red flourish to frame the centred badge.

Below that, the fascia would be left mostly unchanged save for some minor alterations to the bumper to give it a wider, more aggressive look, but also maintaining a certain sophistication and restraint.

The wheels are next in line for a revamp. In place of the conservative set of alloys are larger 18-inch rollers that follow the same 10-spoke turbine design seen on the X50, finished in satin black and wearing Malaysian-made
Continental MaxContact MC6 UHP tyres
. Behind them are uprated disc brakes and callipers done up in Chili Red.

Luckily, this Emgrand-based Putra has some good genetics - just imagine what an abomination a current-gen Persona-based coupe would look like?

Instead, character lines running along the side profile for a look that’s both pleasingly simple and athletic. However, we’ll add just a bit of sporty flair here with side mirrors finished in carbon fibre and satin silver to match the window sill trim.

At the rear, we have headlights very similar to its Geely donor car, but the illuminator pattern itself has been given a redesign for a more distinctive rearward presentation. And if that wasn’t enough to set the Putra apart from the next-gen Persona, there’s a fixed rear boot lid spoiler to cap it all off with a salute to the 90s original.

Engine And Drivetrain

Much of the first Proton Putra’s character was derived from its engine that punched well above its weight for the time and given price. In the same spirit, this modern interpretation needs a little ‘extra sambal' with its powerplant as well.

Out goes the Emgrand’s default fuel-sipping naturally aspirated 114PS 1.5-litre four-cylinder and CVT gearbox, and in comes the
1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol
 from the X50 Flagship. However, while this TGDI unit’s 177PS output is perfectly adequate, a little encouragement from some persuasive engineers should yield closer to 200PS while retaining long-term reliability and refinement.

Of course, this engine will be driving the front wheels, and though we wouldn’t necessarily hold our breaths for Proton to include a manual option, at least we can safely say that the
7-speed dual-clutch
 is a worthy alternative that, depending on the situation, can easily alternate between smooth shifts for stress-free commuting to more immediate, visceral cog swaps via the wheel-mounted paddles.

Optional Extras

Proton would ideally also offer a number of different add-on packages to suit the different types of buyers. Those keen on exploring the Putra’s handling limits, for example, might want to opt for the R3-developed suspension kit for a sportier drive and a lower ride height by 15mm.

In contrast, buyers that are more interested in the Putra as a fast cruiser might be interested in the Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats,
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
, wireless Qi smartphone charging, and premium Alpine 10-speaker audio system.

Lastly, the R3 division will also be offering a special bodykit that’s specific to the Putra as a nod to their OEM efforts for Protons of the past. This will include a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, lightweight aluminium spoiler, and R3-specific wheels made by Enkei.

Buyers, naturally, can choose to enjoy the all-new Putra as is, or with any (and all) the upgrade packages described here already applied pre-delivery.


Toyota Corolla Cross 2021 Tampak Lebih Agresif Dengan Bodykit Tithum

Baru-baru ini, Toyota Malaysia telah melancarkan SUV baharu iaitu
Toyota Corolla Cross 2021
 bagi menggantikan
Toyota C-HR
. Walau bagaimanapun, rupa bentuk model tersebut mungkin sedikit hambar jika nak dibandingkan dengan SUV lain seperti
HR-V dan X50
 yang mempunyai reka bentuk yang jauh lebih sporty.

Walau bagaimanapun, Siam Bodykit yang bertapak di Thailand telah melancarkan bodykit Tithum yang jelas mencantikkan lagi rupa luaran SUV ini. Skirting pada bahagian hadapan serta belakang bodykit ini menerima kemasan krom.

Di bahagian hadapan, anda boleh ucapkan selamat tinggal pada rupa asal Corolla Cross yang agak biasa kepada rupa yang lebih garang. Lihat saja perbezaannya. Bodykit Tithum membuatkan rupa hadapan Corolla Cross menjadi lebih maskulin dan tegap.

Di bahagian belakang pula, bodykit Tithum menambah kemantapan SUV ini dari segi rupa bentuk apabila hadir dengan faux diffuser serta kemasan hitam pada penutup belakang di bahagian tengah. Baru lah boleh bersaing dengan HR-V atau X50 dari segi rupa!

Selain skirting pada bahagian hadapan dan belakang, skirting pada bodykit ini turut merangkumi bahagian sisi kereta dimana Corolla Cross turut akan dibekalkan dengan skirting sisi yang lebih lasak dan ganas.

Jika model Corolla Cross yang dipasang dengan Tithum bodykit ini masih belum memuaskan hati anda, apa kata kita tukar pula rim standardnya ke jenama lain yang boleh didapati di pasaran aftermarket. Tak cukup lagi? Lowered kan sedikit kereta tersebut. Confirm cun habis!

Rupa bentuk asal Corolla Cross kelihatan seperti reka bentuk asal yang sangat simple. Kelihatannya, mana-mana bodykit yang dipasangkan pada Corolla Cross akan kelihatan cantik berbanding rupa asalnya.

Sekiranya anda berminat dengan bodykit Tithum yang ditawarkan oleh Siam Bodykit ini, anda boleh dapatkan terus bodykit ini di laman web rasmi Siam Bodykit. Siap boleh post ke Malaysia lagi. Tunggu apa lagi? Order sekarang kalau berminat!

Toyota Corolla Cross dilancarkan di Malaysia baru-baru ini dengan menawarkan
2 varian
 yang  bermula daripada RM124,000.

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Review: New Honda Civic With Honda Sensing Tested In Thailand

All set to make its debut in Malaysia within the next couple of months, the updated 10th generation Honda Civic has been available for booking for about a month now, but details are still somewhat limited as the company has not revealed details like the number of variants and the list of variant-specific features.

But don’t worry, because we managed to sample the car recently in Thailand where it was launched in November 2018 itself, just to get a clearer picture of what is coming our way.

Although the Thai-spec cars which we tested are slightly different from what is coming here, most of the new key features will be the same.

What is new?

The big news with the new Civic is the addition of the Honda Sensing, which is basically a suite of safety and driver assistance features such as:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Auto High-Beam (AHB)

Besides these features, the new Civic also receives the Honda LaneWatch camera like the Accord and the Odyssey.

Other standard features in the new Civic are Remote Engine Start, Electric Parking Brake, and a Front Sensor.

The car also comes with standard safety features including 6 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Multi-Angle Rear-view Camera, and ISOFIX.

On the exterior, the range-topping variant will come with new 18-inch wheels as opposed the current 17-inch rims.

Besides that, there is the new front bumper design that also features a new fog lamp surround. The finishing on the plastic panel is now smooth, as opposed to the old design which had honeycomb inserts.

At the rear, the design of the tail lamps and rear bumper are maintained, but a new horizontal chrome strip has been added in the rear bumper diffuser area.

Inside, there are no noticeable changes. The only difference is on the steering wheel which now comes with the buttons to access the Adaptive Cruise Control feature.

In Thailand, a new colour called Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic was also introduced, which is what you’re looking at right now. Whether the new colour will come to Malaysia remains unknown.

Any changes to the engine?

Unfortunately, there will not be any changes to the powertrain package of the Honda Civic.

Engine choices and outputs remain the same, with a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 141 PS and 174 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 173 PS and 220 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission.

How does it feel to drive?

The variant which we sampled in Thailand was the Civic 1.5 Turbo RS which came with the full set of equipment offered.

Our drive comprised a combination of highways, coastal roads, as well as a fair share of the infamous Bangkok traffic jam.

Essentially, the Honda Civic is still the same car. So, there was no noticeable difference in terms of performance and handling.

However, there were three big differences. Firstly, we felt safer thanks to the Honda Sensing features. With the LaneWatch camera constantly showing us the left blind spot every time we changed lanes or turned, driving in a place as busy as Bangkok was not stressful as we expected it to be.

In addition, features like the Collision Mitigation Braking System were also there to prevent the car from rear ending another vehicle in front, further adding to our peace of mind.

Secondly, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow made things so much more relaxing and convenient as we didn’t have to use our feet to accelerate or brake half the time.

Since the car was adapting according to the speed of the vehicle in front right down to crawling speed, all we had to do was just steer the car.

Last but not least, the addition of the Honda Sensing package with all the features mentioned above also made the car feel more premium, as these features were only available in more expensive models like the Accord, CR-V, and Odyssey before this. Now that the Civic has the same features, it felt as if we were in a car that costs much more.

Conclusion

With models like the new Mazda 3 and the new Toyota Corolla Altis making their way into the market, it was about time Honda updated the Civic.

On the plus side, the new features in the Civic like the Honda Sensing package make it a much better car to drive and to live with.

Aesthetically, features like the new black grille and 18-inch wheels on the range-topping variant make the Civic look even sportier than what it is now.

However, these changes cannot be noticed at a glance and only those with an eye for details will be able to tell if they’re looking at the new Civic or a pre-facelift model.

So, if you don't mind the fact that the Civic looks almost identical to the outgoing model, it is actually a much better product than what it was, and definitely has what it takes to give the new Altis a run for its money.

That being said, watch this space for more details on the new Honda Civic as more will be revealed when the car is launched.

Looking for a brand new Honda? Find the best deals
here
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AirAsia X Only Wants To Pay 0.5% Of Its RM33.65 Billion Debt

According to documents sighted by Reuters, AirAsia X (AAX) intends to pay only 0.5% to each creditor and terminate all existing contracts to enable it to restructure its liabilities of RM33.65 billion.

This is further supported by their filing to Bursa Malaysia on 18 October,  where the low-cost long-haul carrier of AirAsia Group will be holding a meeting with creditors on 12 November to vote on its proposed debt restructuring plan.

"To avoid liquidity and allow the airlines
to fly
 again, the only option for AirAsia X is to implement a debt restructuring proposal," AirAsia said in a 127-page document seen by Reuters, as reported by The Star.

The document sent to its creditors showed half of the total liabilities were the cost of canceling aircraft bookings from its largest creditor, Airbus SE, involving 78 A330neo large aircraft and 30 small-sized A321neo aircraft.

AirAsia
 X also suggested that if it earns more than RM300 million in annual income before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization, lease rentals and restructuring cost for the financial years between 2023 to 2026, all creditors except Airbus will be entitled to 20% of that income.

Also according to the document, 0.5% of the debt will be paid to each creditor from the operating cash flow for a year after the debt restructuring measures are implemented.

It's also been said that AirAsia is negotiating with 29 lessors of its
aircraft
 and several other creditors on commercial terms to continue the business relationship in the future.

"This gives the lessors the option to continue leasing the aircraft from AirAsia X on new terms or accept the termination of the lease and return the relevant aircraft."

"Two lessors have stated that they want to terminate this lease," the airline said.

The scheme aims to achieve sustainable debt and business restructuring and strengthen the group's financial position. AirAsia X requires consent from creditors who hold at least 75% of the total debt value to obtain consent for its proposal.

The airline also plans to raise RM500 million after implementing debt restructuring measures through rights issues and share subscriptions.

Air Asia is one of the few airlines in the Asia Pacific region that is in the process of debt restructuring to enable it to survive this pandemic. Other airlines looking into debt management and restructuring include Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia, Thai Airways, and Philippine Airlines.


2022 Toyota Veloz launched - RM95k for single high-spec variant

UMW Toyota Motor has launched the Veloz, their
replacement to the well-aged Avanza
 as the brand’s entry-level 7-seats MPV, though here it’s described as a “modern premium crossover” which is a little unexpected.

Locally assembled and offered in a single variant with a starting price of RM95,000 (on-the-road without insurance), the Veloz clearly has rivals from other Japanese marques in its crosshairs: namely
the Mitsubishi Xpander
 and the Honda BR-V (at least until we get
the newest version
).

Obviously, we can’t get far into this without discussing the Perodua Alza as they are both obviously very similar.
They’re essentially twins
 underpinned by the same DNGA vehicle platform, though the Toyota does have some cosmetic and equipment advantages to name.

UMW says that they’ve collected over 6,000 bookings prior to tonights virtual launch, adding that they are committed to fulfilling all deliveries to
SST exempted customers
 before March 2023,

which according to President Ravindran.K, “signals increasing interest in a crossover SUV-look.”

To that effect, its ground clearance is boosted to 205mm and it’s given a very crossover-ish dual tone exterior (limited to the Blue and Silver options) to match its 17-inch wheels and gloss black front grille. Its headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights are LED as well.

Besides the two-tone exterior of the Blue and Silver metallic, the three other exterior colour options are Red Metallic, White, and Bluish Black Metallic, though they miss out on that black roof and pillars.

That bonnet houses a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 106PS and 138Nm of torque, which you might recognise as the exact same output as the Perodua Alza AV. Drive even goes to the front wheels
via the D-CVT gearbox
, a powertrain package Malaysians first experienced in the Myvi after its late-2021 facelift.

Inside, the Veloz receives black interior trim with white accents that are complemented by seats that, again, bear a striking resemblance in feel, material (black semi-leather) and finish to that of the Perodua. There's also ambient interior lighting - a nice touch.

Perched in the centre of dashboard is a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s capable of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while ahead of the driver is a 7-inch driver’s display within the instrument binnacle.

We found the integrated Qi wireless charging pad just aft of the gear selector to be very nicely positioned, securing our normal sized iPhone easily, though we imagine larger models might struggle to fit. Interestingly, the pad had an on/off switch and doesn’t just start delivering charge when it senses a compatible device.

Toyota Safety Sense, the brand’s suite of active safety and driver-aid features is equipped as standard, adding Pre-Collision (with Autonomous Emergency Braking, AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a 360-degree view monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Passive safety features include 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, hill-start assist control, and a front-facing DVR (rear DVR is an optional extra) that links with Toyota’s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS). Two ISOFIX points are available to the 2nd row seats.

With all 7 seats up, the Veloz provides a little under 150-litres of cargo room in the boot, though this can be quickly expanded to 498-litres with the 3rd-row folded down.

As with other models, UMW Toyota offers the Veloz with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with 24/7 road assist.

With all that info out of the way, how do you think this newest B-segment, 7-seat MPV stands against its rivals? Is it worth the extra RM20k or so over the Perodua Alza AV?


Preview: 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

It’s not a wagon, it’s a shooting brake. It’s the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, and it’s a car that purists and enthusiasts have been looking forward to for a while - especially since its global launch earlier this year. Just a few weeks ago
we spotted a couple of these sleek machines on a trailer
, and those of you with the right social media connections may have seen them out at Sepang International Circuit over the last week.
The shooting brake name stems from the fact that Porsche regards their regular Panamera Gran Turismo as a four-door coupe rather than a sedan- much like BMW’s 6-Series Gran Coupe, or the Audi A7. While most may think of the Sport Turismo as a wagon, it has a slightly tapered roofline and a gentler slope for the hatch that lends it the shooting brake designation. Well, that and the fact that “wagon” sounds a little to “uncle” for modern tastes to be acceptable, rather frustratingly.
What do we know about the Panamera Sport Turismo? For those of you who are unfamiliar with the car, the front half is essentially the Panamera Gran Turismo as we know it: a full bodied front-engine machine with a long, low slung bonnet and those typical Porsche headlight bulges. The party happens out back, where we have a hatch in place of the notchback of the Gran Turismo.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) intends to officially bring in three variants of the Sport Turismo: the 4 Sport Turismo, the 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, and the Turbo Sport Turismo. For this generation of Panamera, the Turbo S variants have been replaced by the Turbo S E-Hybrid powertrains, and for now SDAP doesn’t feel that there is enough of a market for this top-of-the-line model. The model that you see in photos here is the Turbo variant, outfitted with the Sport Design package for a more aggressive front and rear bumper, along with the Sport Chrono package, and an optional Burmester 3D sound system.
A quick rundown of the powertrain options is in order. The 4 Sport Turismo will pack a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that churns out 330 PS at 5,400 rpm and 450 Nm from 1,300 rpm to 4,900 rpm. Moving up to the 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, we have a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 462 PS at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm from 1,100 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The Turbo eclipses either of these powertrains with its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that supplies 550 PS at 5,750 rpm and a monstrous 770 Nm of torque from 1,960 rpm to 4,500 rpm. All cars receive 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmissions.
In terms of overall dimensions, the Sport Turismo is roughly the same as the Gran Turismo. It’s 5,049 mm long, 1,428 mm tall, and 1,937 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm- figures that are damn near identical to the Gran Turismo. To the average driver, it would be just as easy to manoeuvre the Sport Turismo around as it would the Gran Turismo.
The hatch itself is embedded with Porsche’s new rear end design language; that is to say it has thin, tapering tail lights, connected in the middle with a sweeping central light element to further emphasise how low and wide this machine is. It works surprisingly well on this shooting brake form, and is instantly identifiable as a Porsche even in the distance.
Also worth noting is the rear wing, which is standard across all Panamera Sport Turismo models. The wing sits flush with the roofline with an attack angle at -7 degrees, and this is when the car is at its most aerodynamic for top speed runs. When going through the various driving modes, the wing deploys at different angles, to a maximum of 26 degrees when using the Sport Response system for a momentary increase of downforce- up to 50 kilograms at the rear, that is.
As you would expect from a shooting brake, the added increase in practicality is an important quality – and one that defines this unique segment of fast estate cars. The boot length is roughly the same of that as the regular Gran Turismo, but the boot lip is removed for easier loading and unloading of items. The shape of the hatch allows for 20 litres more boot space than the Gran Turismo as well. The hybrid models have a slightly higher load floor to make way for the battery packs, but are otherwise still highly practical in nature.
The interior is fairly similar to that of the Panamera Gran Turismo, although the key difference is that the Panamera Sport Turismo has an extra seat in the middle of the third row. It’s not quite a full seat, but it can be used in a pickle if need be. The inclusion of this seat means the rear air conditioning vents are now manual instead of automatic, but that’s a small price to pay and the touch-screen controls remain in place. This central seat is afforded by the Sport Turismo’s roofline, which tapers less sharply than that of the Gran Turismo and therefore allows for more headroom. Opting for the panoramic sunroof increases headroom by a slight margin as well.
As a car, the Panamera has matured and evolved a great deal from its humble four-door coupe beginnings. The interior has been updated and improved to the point where it can stand head and shoulders above more contemporary offerings, and justify the high asking price that these models usually go for. Touch screen controls with haptic feedback, optional driver assist systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, and an optional three-pin power outlet in the boot are all premium features that set it apart from the competition.
If you want to know what pricing for the Panamera Sport Turismo is like, you’ll have to apply for one as SDAP doesn’t have any official numbers as of yet. You can expect the Panamera Sport Turismo to officially launch sometime in the middle of next year, and it will be an interesting counterpoint to the high end luxury SUVs that are becoming increasingly common. It’s a car that’s aimed at the driving enthusiast that needs practicality, but isn’t keen on something with a high ride height. As usual, there will be a long and comprehensive options list for prospective buyers which allows true personalization and customization.


Volvo Appoints Sime Darby Swedish Auto As New Dealer-Partner

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced the appointment of Sime Darby Swedish Auto Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad, as its newest dealer-partner.

Sime Darby Swedish Auto’s appointment comes as Volvo Car Malaysia’s expansion of its dealership network nationwide, to provide more options to its customers in line with the second phase of the brand’s transformation plan.

“We are committed in the expansion of our dealership network to allow our customers a greater range of showrooms and service centres to choose from, in line with our effort to deliver the best customer journey within the premium automotive segment,” said Mr Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

“Volvo Cars has seen a strong resurgence with a bevy of attractive product offerings that has converted an increasing number of fans. We are happy to be appointed as their new dealer-partners,” said Jeremy Chong, Dealer Principal of Sime Darby Swedish Auto.

Ara Damansara has been chosen to host Sime Darby Swedish Auto’s new 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) and the Volvo Cars retail outlet will be operational in the next couple of months.

More details of Sime Darby Swedish Auto’s new Volvo Cars dealership in Damansara will be announced closer to the launch


Super SUVs Are Killing Off The Supercars!

Are Super SUVs killing off the Supercars?

Most of us did not expect an SUV invasion in the supercar segment. On the contrary, we all thought it would be a safe haven from these big and so-called practical designs. Well, we thought wrong, and it seems that the allure of sales and volume has trumped supercar principles.

The biggest problem however is not the invasion itself, it's what the invasion might lead to.

The SUV has already
killed off
 a few vehicle segments in its conquest to rule the automotive world, but now it is further threatening the survival of traditional supercars.

SUVs have been all the rage over the past decade or so, bulldozing their way into global automotive markets with massive sales figures. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that almost half of the vehicles on the road today are SUVs – compact, mid-sized, huge 7-seater luxury models, you name it.

While many expected it to stop there, none of us thought we would ever see SUVs built by supercar manufacturers such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Lotus, etc.

Yes, they have continued to produce supercars, but the potential money they could make by selling Super SUVs was obviously too good to pass up - of which we are seeing today with the likes of the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls Royce Cullinan to name but a few.

We only need to look at
Porsche's Cayenne
 and
Lamborghini's Urus
 as an example. It is now officially the best-selling Porsche and Lamborghini of all time, so why wouldn't they make more of them, right? And then there is demand. With more and more people wanting Super SUVs after getting a taster, we're pretty sure the range will continue to expand.

It all started with the Porsche Cayenne, a Super SUV widely known as the vehicle that saved the Zuffenhausen brand from a major crisis.

At the beginning of the noughties, the global population grew from 4.5 Billion to 6 Billion compared to the nineties. This population growth saw more families being established, which saw the rise of demand for more practical cars with bigger boots and the declining sales of sports cars.

This shift left Porsche in a pickle as the slow sales of their cars saw them going deeper into financial ruin. However, their executives adapted quickly and started researching the demand for a Porsche SUV.

Many said yes after Porsche stated that they would not be making just any old SUV, but one that is the most agile, fun-to-drive yet practical SUV with off-road capabilities. After that, and as they say, the rest is history - the Cayenne really did put Porsche in a great financial position.

For a while, they were the only supercar manufacturer to build an SUV, but family member, Bentley and Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen group, joined the scene with the Bentayga in 2016 and Urus in 2017.

From there onwards, the flood gates opened, and sleek as well as uber-luxury sports car manufacturers such as Maserati, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin joined the party with the
Maserati Levante
,
Rolls Royce Cullinan
 and
Aston Martin DBX
 in 2016, 2018 and 2020, respectively.

Ferarri and Lotus will probably be the last ones on the scenes as they plan to manufacture and unveil their SUVs in 2022. Perhaps the only safe haven from the SUV revolution will be in Woking, Surrey, as McLaren has yet to announce any ambitions to make one officially - but there are rumours that it is in the pipeline.

Many manufacturers have introduced cheaper
sports cars
 to curb the
loss of interest
 in supercars. According to Autocar UK, "with the exception of Ferrari, sales numbers of supercars were down. Felipe Munoz, an analyst at Jato Dynamics, said supercar prices also fell by 0.8% across the three major European markets (the UK, Germany and Switzerland).

"It's mostly the result of the introduction of cheaper versions and lower demand for the most expensive ones," said Munoz as reported by Autocar.

As you can see, the rise of the Super SUVs is having a knock-on effect on supercars, and with the rising age of the global population, we really can't see an old foggy with a bad back choosing a low slung and cramped supercar over a slightly more spacious Super SUV.

Does all of this mean the beginning of the end of the supercar? Perhaps the rising introduction of track-focused limited edition supercars says it all, limited only to those with deep pockets and the want to go really fast around a circuit on track days, and even then, we bet they drive their Super SUVs on the weekdays.


Porsche Doubling Electromobility Investment To EUR6.0-Billion

In one of its biggest ever development plans, Porsche has pledged to invest more than six billion euros, by 2022, towards electromobility, focusing on both plug-in hybrids and purely electric drivetrains and infrastructure for its future vehicles.
Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG explains, “We are doubling our expenditure on electromobility from around three billion euro to more than six billion euro. Alongside development of our models with combustion engines, we are setting an important course for the future with this decision”.
The decision was confirmed during the recent meeting of the Supervisory Board, which includes around three billion euro of investment in material assets, and slightly more than three billion euro in development costs.
From the additional sum of three billion euro, some 500 million euro will allocated for the development of
Mission E
 variants and derivatives, around one billion euro for electrification and hybridisation of the existing product range, several hundred million for the expansion of sites, plus around 700 million euro in new technologies, charging infrastructure and smart mobility.
In Porsche’s main factory in Zuffenhausen, a new paint shop, dedicated assembly area and a conveyor bridge for transporting the painted bodies and drive units to the final assembly area are currently being constructed.
The existing engine plant is being expanded to manufacture electric drives and the body shop will also be developed. Investment is also planned for the Weissach Development Centre. The Mission E project has created approximately 1200 new jobs.
In terms of infrastructure, Porsche, along with Audi, represent the Volkswagen Group in
Ionity
, a joint venture with the BMW Group, Daimler AG, and Ford Motor Company.
The goal of this venture is to construct and operate 400 powerful rapid charging stations along the major European traffic routes by 2020. Construction began back in 2017. To complement the work of Ionity, the Porsche dealer network is becoming part of a nationwide rapid charging infrastructure.


2022 All-New Honda Civic Goes On Sale In The US – When Will Malaysia Likely Get It?

The 11-generation 2022 Honda Civic has officially gone on sale in the US – this marks the earliest market deliveries of the much-anticipated model, before various versions of the new car get introduced in other markets around the world.

The
Civic Sedan is the first in a series
 of new 11th-generation 2022 Civic variants that will soon include a hatchback, and high-performance Si and Type-R models making up the most comprehensive model lineup ever in the US.

The four variants on offer start with the 2022 Civic 2.0L LX at USD21,700 followed by the 2.0L Sport (USD23,100), 1.5L Turbo EX (USD24,700) and 1.5 Turbo Touring at USD28,300 – the latter being no more expensive
than the model it replaces
 despite carrying more equipment and safety features.

In terms of power, the US-market naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine develops 158hp, mated to a CVT-type transmission. The more powerful 1.5L-turbo four-cylinder – now with exhaust-side variable-valve timing (VTEC) produces 180hp (up by 6hp) and 240Nm (20Nm more than its predecessor) – also mated to a CVT-transmission that’s been retuned for better response. The power numbers of the 1.5-litre turbo engines for the US are indicative of what other markets; even Malaysia could receive later on.

In addition, all US-market Civics come standard with the
Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive features
 such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) – now improved with more features such as Traffic Jam Assist and rear seatbelt reminder as standard.

The new system uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera-based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system can more quickly and accurately identify pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles.

In terms of equipment, this simplified list of what US-market variants receive sheds some light on what the other markets will likely imitate down the line:

2022 Civic 2.0 LX

Honda Sensing

7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Push-start button

Partial digital instrumentation

LED headlights

2022 Civic 2.0 Sport

18-inch wheels

Black exterior trim

8-speaker audio system

Sport-interior trim

Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel

Paddle shifters, sport pedal

Sport driving model

2022 Civic 1.5L EX

Blind-spot information (BLIS)

Power sliding moonroof

Heated seats and outside mirrors

Dual-zone climate control

2022 Civic 1.5L Touring

9-inch Touchscreen display

Bose premium sound system (first for a Civic)

10.2-inch digital instrument display

Front and rear parking sensors

Sport driving mode

Wireless smartphone charging

LED fog lights

Low-speed braking control (first for a Civic)

As mentioned before, the US market 2022 Civic will be produced at Honda’s Alliston plant in Ontario Canada, while a hatchback model – which will join later on – will be made in Honda’s Greensburg plant in Indiana after the imminent
closing of Honda’s UK plant in Swindon
.

As the new model inches ever closer to ASEAN soil, the question remains when are we likely to get the all-new 2022 Honda Civic? Markets in Europe are likely to receive the new model later this year, and test mules have already been spied in Japan ahead of a likely late-2021 launch.

However given the
market-specific localisation of the Civic
 (and the fact that we will get the sedan version) and not the hatchback such as Japan and Europe, it is likely that the new model will only reach ASEAN shores in 2022, perhaps in the first half of the year at the earliest.
Singapore might get it even sooner
, but as their cars are fully imported, it doesn't really count.

Given the scale and capability of Honda’s operations in Thailand, they will receive the model typically 4-6 months earlier than Malaysia, therefore, we are possibly looking at a timeline of Q3/Q4 of 2022 for a local market launch of our
very own C-Segment leading Honda Civic
.


LA 2018: All-New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Unveiled For US Market

Frsh off the
simultaneous launches
 (in China and the USA) of the sedan version of the all-new Toyota Corolla, the company has now introduced a hybrid variant of the Corolla at the ongoing 2018 Los Angeles International Motor Show.
Built on the bones of Toyota’s much-lauded TNGA platform, the Corolla Hybrid adapts the same
Hybrid Synergy Drive
 powertrain from the
fourth-generation Prius
 without any compromise in space and overall packaging.
The hybrid system combines the 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle inline four cylinder petrol with two motor/generators through a planetary CVT-type automatic. Both motors – MG1 and MG2 – are used for hybrid battery charging, further improving efficiency. Peak combined power is rated at 121 hp.
The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack employs a newly developed technology called Hyper-‘Prime Nickel’ to boost battery performance in a smaller and lighter package. The battery’s small size and flat shape allow it to be packaged under the rear seat, rather than under the boot floor, which still allows for a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. The battery location also contributes to the vehicle’s lower center of gravity.
The CVT transmission has a ‘preload differential’ to deliver a linear acceleration feel, during initial take-off – the battery provides a subtle power boost to eliminate the commonplace ‘rubber band’ feel of CVT transmission. And during low loads and low differential rotation, differential-limited torque is distributed to the left and right wheels for added handling stability.
In addition to the typical drive modes of Eco, Normal, and Sport, the Corolla Hybrid has a EV mode which allows the car to travel in full-electric mode for short distances.
The Corolla Hybrid comes fitted 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires, as opposed 18-inch wheels fitted to the US specific model, petrol powered models.
But do note, one crucial difference between the Corolla models and the rest of the TNGA platform model range is the fitment of multi-link versus the double-wishbone rear suspension setup, as seen on the Prius and
Camry
 models.
The instrument panel uses a 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID). The MID shows the speedometer, as well as a hybrid system indicator/real-time battery charge status indicator.
Infotainment wise – the Corolla Hybrid is fitted as standard Toyota’s Entune 3.0 audio system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, a six speakers setup, and Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Safety kit comprises of eight airbags, VSC, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Technology, and reverse camera. It also includes the full suite of Toyota’s second generation Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) active safety systems that include PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert) with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist, full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Automatic High Beam, and Road Sign Assist.
The all-new Toyota Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in the USA in Q3 of 2019.


Which Is The Most Expensive Car Listed In Carlist?

What you're looking at is exactly the reason why I post this up, I have zero idea of the multiple degree of doubleuwe-tee-eff-ness going on in this video. Yet, watching this made me want to have a look at which is the most expensive car within one hundred sixty over thousand cars that are listed within our site for sale.
Guess which one requires RM37,596 monthly installment and RM53,620 annual company road tax?


2015 BMW i8 Launched In Malaysia: Game-Changing, Eco-Friendly Supercar Asks For RM1.2 Million

BMW
 Malaysia certainly have a lot of surprises in store for visiting public at their
BMW World Malaysia 2015
 event, and this beauty is no exemption: meet the 2015 BMW i8 hybrid supercar, now for sale in Malaysia for a cool RM1,188,800 (OTR without insurance and GST).

The 2015 BMW i8 is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid supercar initially introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics.
Read our review of the BMW i8 here

Part of the recently-established BMW 'i' Division, this two-door coupe is the second model to come from the futuristic division, after the BMW i3. Said to rival the likes of the Porsche 911, the i8 supercar handles its business with a combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower turbo engine, developing 231hp and 320Nm of torque and strictly powering the rear wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The remainder of the i8's power is drawn from its 131hp electric motor, driving the front wheels only via a two-speed transmission. Total system output for the eDrive plug-in hybrid is 362hp and 570Nm of torque, and it's enough to rocket the i8 from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 250km/h. On the other end of the spectrum, the BMW i8 is rated to be good for a 2.1-litre/100km fuel consumption figure.

Through the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button, drivers can choose from five driving modes that controls whether the car runs in full electric mode or hybrid, as well as the driving dynamics of the vehicle.

KEY SPECS:

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged in-line three-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission

Power: 231hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 320Nm @ 3,700 rpm

Electric Motor Output: 131hp and 250Nm

Total System Output: 362hp @ 5,800 rpm and 570Nm @ 1,200-5,000 rpm

Consumption: 2.1 litres/100km

The exterior of the BMW i8 features a revolutionary design that still retains that distinctive BMW image. Designed to be aerodynamically-efficient with certain highlights that include 20-inch light alloy wheels wrapped with 215/45 series tyres at the front and 245/40 series tyres at the rear, and full LED headlamps.

But while the exterior is very futuristic, the interior is all about familiar BMW stuff, adorned with a full leather upholstery and BMW’s i Blue colour scheme.
Given the 2+2 configuration, there are two small seats at the back but it would be a little far-fetched to say that the i8 seats four people comfortably.

For the driver, a heads-up display is available, displaying driving info and navigation. The steering wheel comes with on-wheel controls for the 10.25-inch Navigation system Professional infotainment system that sends audio through a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. BMW’s proprietary iDrive Touch Controller can also be found here. The driver’s seat is electric-power assisted and cooling is catered by a two-zone automatic climate control system.

Other Information:

Customers who do purchase an i8 will receive the standard three-year warranty or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and on top of that, an eight-year warranty on the battery pack will also be offered. Included in the price is a BMW i Wallbox charging station which will be installed for you in your home by a BMW technician.


Isuzu Participates in Borneo Safari for 10th Consecutive Year

The 2016 edition of one of the world’s most exciting 4x4 expeditions – the Borneo Safari was officially flagged off yesterday with a grand total of 340 vehicles participating.
This year’s round also turns out to be a significant one for Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd as it marks the 10
th
 consecutive year of its sponsorship of and participation in Borneo Safari.
And representing the company this year is a four vehicle media team, comprising a seven-seater Isuzu mu-X ‘Monster’ as well as three D-Max.
According to Isuzu Malaysia, modifications to the Isuzu mu-X were limited to the exterior as the 2.5-litre VGS turbo Intercooler diesel engine matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift remained stock standard.
Isuzu Malaysia’s executive director Hajime Machimura expressed confidence in the ability of the Isuzu mu-X to excel despite the rough terrains and treacherous weather expected in the 2016 Borneo Safari.
“Although it is a lifestyle SUV, the Isuzu mu-X shares the same tough DNA as our Isuzu D-Max pick-up, which has repeatedly proven itself in every edition of Borneo Safari since its debut in 2005. It is definitely all set for more,” he said.
The Borneo Safari will be taking place until 6 November in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, covering 1000 km of some of the most challenging and varied off-road terrains in the world.
Looking for an Isuzu? Find one now at
Carlist.my


New 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450L CKD In Malaysia, From RM699,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new Mercedes-Benz S450L (V222) sedan, in a launch event that also introduced the
S63 coupe
, the
S560 cabriolet
 and the
Mercedes-Maybach S560
 models.
The mild hybrid system found in S400h has been discontinued and its direct replacement, the S560e plug-in hybrid is not widely available yet in the global market.
This is the second hybrid model in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia line-up that sees a discontinuation. Earlier last month, the company discontinued sales of the Mercedes-Benz E350e plug-in hybrid and replaced it with the E300.
That being said, the price for the locally-assembled new Mercedes-Benz S450L (V222) is RM 699,888, sans insurance and subject to change upon implementation of SST.
What’s New
Up front, the S450L gets a new radiator grille with three twin louvres. The new MultiBeam LED head lamps now feature a triple ‘torch light’ pattern daytime running light.
The AMG Line equips the S450L with more sporty looking front and rear bumpers. The side skirts are also more pronounced and the chrome strip at the bottom of the doors are removed. AMG 10-spoke wheels measuring 20-inch finished in titanium grey replace the standard design.
The tail lamps have also been updated, with a crystal-look and play a simple light show when the vehicle is unlocked and locked. Complementing the new tail lamps is a reshaped AMG Line bumper that sports a chrome trim that connects both exhaust finishers on a gloss black surface.
At the driver’s seat, the very fortunate chauffeur now steers the S450L with a Nappa leather-wrapped three-spoke AMG steering wheel with Touch Control, as opposed to the futuristic-looking two-spoke design found in the predecessor.
The front half of the S450L interior continues to be characterized by the widescreen cockpit that blends two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays. The border between the two screens is now closer, portraying an even higher quality finish.
Mercedes-Benz’ latest MBUX interface is not available in the S450L, as the development for this facelift was done long before the introduction of the A-Class which premieres the MBUX. Nevertheless, the new S450L comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Occupants can also charge their compatible smartphones via the new wireless chargers located both at the front and the rear seats.
Customers can add a touch of exclusivity with the 'designo' Diamond White Bright paint option for an extra RM6,000.
Chassis, Engine and Transmission
Reflecting the new model name is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine (M276) paired with the company’s latest 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. Outputs are 367 hp peaking at 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 500 Nm of torque available from a range of 1,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm, sharing horsepower figures with the AMG 43-series engine, but 20 Nm lower in torque.
In the S450L, the automatic transmission only channels power to the rear wheels.
This combination sets a time of 5.4 seconds for the benchmark rest to 100 km/h acceleration performance, which is a whopping 1.4 seconds quicker than the old S400h.
Compared to the old S400h, this new powertrain that delivers much higher performance is also naturally thirstier, registering 8.4 litres per 100 km versus the 6.3 litres in the combined cycle.
Interesting note, with the engine capacity of just 500 cc less, the annual road tax in the 3.0-litre S450L is RM2,120 (private registration), more than 50 per cent lower than the S400h that required owners to pay RM4,371 per year. A welcomed reduction!
Airmatic air suspension continues to provide high-quality ride comfort over the worst road conditions.
Standard Equipment and Features
Being a flagship long wheelbase limousine, we only have sufficient space to feature the equipment and kit that are truly outstanding in the segment:
AMG Line Exterior and Interior features
AMG 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with staggered tyres (front 245/40R20, rear 275/35R20)
Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control
Power closing doors
Heat and noise insulating laminated glass all-around
Multi-zone premium ambient lighting (64 colours and 10 colour schemes)
Air Balance package (ionization and fragrance)
Multi-way adjusting rear outer seats with massage function
Air-conditioned front and rear seats
Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and a total output of 590 watts
Rear seat entertainment (dual 10.2-inch screens with wireless headphones)
The S450L has a new powertrain but the features in the advanced driver assistance systems have been reduced compared to the outgoing S400h. We notice the omission of Active Blind Spot and Active Lane Keeping Assist features. The semi-autonomous feature of the 'Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop and Go Pilot' has also been reduced to just regular Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control system.
Learn more about our experience with the facelifted S-Class here:
Review: New W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - When Defence Is Harder Than Ever Before
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is offering the new S450L with a monthly ownership package of RM 8,888 per month through the three year EasyCare Financing tenure that includes servicing, first-year comprehensive motor insurance and Agility flexible financing.
Read more about the other models in the updated range of S-Class by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
The Performance Luxury: Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, priced from RM 1.5 Million
The Bespoke Luxury: Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet - RM 1.3 Million of
open-top
 luxury
The Ultimate Luxury: Mercedes-Maybach S560 debuts in Malaysia, From RM 1.4 Million


2022 Porsche Taycan Range Goes Tax-Free, Up To RM200k Cheaper

Rolling into 2022 and
Malaysia's
tax-free
 status on EV
s is Porsche and their Taycan range, which was among the first high-end electric vehicles to be launched in the country and now among the first to announce revised pricing to reflect the new policies.

Local distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance has announced sweeping price reductions
starting with the ‘base’ Taycan
 in rear-drive single-motor form, which now starts at RM508,000. When it was first launched a year ago in January 2021, it came with an asking price of RM585k.

That RM77k price drop is just the start, however, as the step-up to the Taycan 4S in 2022 now finds itself more in line with last year’s entry-level variant in terms of price. Upgrading to this will - chiefly - yield a second motor for all-wheel drive and additional performance, now starting at RM595,000.

Moving up, there’s the new kid on the block,
the Taycan GTS
 that slots just above the 4S as a sportier proposition, which has been launched alongside with the pricing revision at RM708,000, so we don’t have a ‘taxed’ figure to provide as a contrast.

We’re getting into range-toppers now, and here we find the even faster Taycan Turbo at RM793,000, representing a reduction of a whopping RM206,000 over the same car in its 2021 guise and price. Previously, Porsche was asking RM999k for it.

Meanwhile, the Taycan Turbo S used to be just under the RM1.2 million mark at RM1,195,000 at launch. With the tax and duty exemptions applied, however, that figure has now been slashed to RM934,000, a RM261,000 reduction!

Of course, all of the above pertained to the Taycan four-door saloon. With regard to the more ruggedised 5-door wagon,
the Taycan Cross Turismo
 - launched last year - it now starts at RM555,000 which is about RM90k less expensive.

The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo used to be priced at RM728,727 but in 2022 will be RM617,000 (just under RM112k less pricy). Rounding out the new tax-free prices is the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo that’s now offered at RM798,000 (was RM968,928 at launch, or RM170k more expensive).

Naturally, these are just the starting prices and do not include further optional extras or customisations that can easily inflate that final price.

Besides this, the equipment list for all variants of the Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo has been bolstered by features previously offered as cost options including quad-zone climate control, Park Assist with a 360-degree all-round view monitor camera system, passenger-side touchscreen, and…power folding mirrors. All Taycans also come with an upgraded 22kW onboard charger and Home Energy Manager (for domestic charging) as standard.

As usual, the Taycan range is covered by a 4-year full manufacturers warranty.

2022 Porsche Taycan:

Taycan: RM508,000

Taycan 4S: RM595,000

Taycan GTS: RM708,000

Taycan Turbo: RM793,000

Taycan Turbo S: RM934,000

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Taycan Cross Turismo: RM555,000

Taycan 4S Cross Turismo: RM617,000

Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo: RM798,000


Can You Make A Proton Iriz R5 Yourself?

Short answer: No. Long answer? With enough money, anything is possible.

One of the things that kind of sucks about modern motorsports is that many of the cars you see racing on the global stage have only an aesthetic similarity to the models you can buy on the road. Australian Supercars, German DTM, Japanese Super GT, and so on have long been regulated to use specially designed crash cells with tube-frame front and rear construction and body panels that are similar in design to the roadgoing models they are meant to represent.

This even applies to rally, and even at the "lower" tier class of WRC 2. Today we're going to talk about the
Proton Iriz R5
, which was developed by the same group of madmen who gave us the Proton Satria Neo S2000 - Mellors Elliot Motorsport. When they first showed off the car at Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world (and us Malaysians) were amazed that they would once again choose a Proton to turn into a world-class rally machine.

Unfortunately, however, you can't really buy a Proton Iriz from a dealership and convert it to an Iriz R5 - at least not without an incredible amount of work that very few people in Malaysia can execute properly. Many
Proton fans
 were confused as to why a rally car could cost so much - just under RM 800,000 (GBP 140,000 base price) - and honestly if you take a look at how the Iriz R5 is made you'll begin to understand. To make things even more painful, the Iriz R5 is one of the cheapest WRC 2 cars you can get, and less than half the cost of a top-level WRC car.

There are a number of reasons why you probably won't be converting your Iriz into something ready to enter WRC 2. We'll assume that we live in a fantasy world where JPJ and Puspakom won't immediately confiscate your car for the extremely wild modifications you'll be doing, so let's get into it.

The Chassis Is Completely Different

Take a look at this photo. Do you notice how much they have widened the central tunnel to accomodate the rear prop shaft, turbocharger, and exhaust system? Can you see how much of the original shell they have cut away, and the things they have added as well? The road going Iriz runs on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear, while the Iriz R5 packs wishbones at every corner (not quite double, but not quite MacPherson either). Even if you could get the bumpers, widened fenders, ride height, and wheel fitment right - you wouldn't even come close to the actual chassis of the Iriz R5.

You're More Likely To Ruin It

Let's say you completely ignore our advice and TRY to replicate the chassis of the Iriz R5 yourself. Unless you're an extremely talented mechanic and engineer working out of a shed in New Zealand, there is an almost absolute certainty that you, your friends, and your mechanic will royally screw it up. For perspective, many people in Malaysia can't even lower a car properly without absolutely destroying the geometry and making a car handle "better", yet actually turn out worse. Attempting to create a double-wishbone setup from scratch is a good way to end up in the longkang.

Time For A Personal Loan

If we look at just the component costs of the Iriz R5, you'll see some pretty insane (ly expensive) brands making an appearance. The suspension alone is a set of Reigers which are over RM 40,000 a set. The engine may be a Mitsubishi 4B11 out of a
Proton Inspira
, but it has a custom crankshaft, head, cylinder sleeves, pistons, turbocharger - you get the idea. These are just components that you can buy - we aren't even considering the mechanical engineering and expertise that goes into building one of these.

It Costs RM 138.70 To Run... Per Kilometre

Yes, you heard me right - and this is NOT inclusive of the fuel you need to run it. In order to sell a car for WRC 2, MEM has to be able to estimate the rough running costs of the Iriz R5, and they've got it down to cost per kilometre. Every 2,000 kilometres, the engine needs a full overhaul (none of your janky top overhauls) at a cost of over RM 45,000. Your suspension will need a RM 10,273 rebuild every 1,000 kilometres of use. Your brake calipers need replacing every 6,000 kilometres - your brake discs and pads have a lifespan of just 500 kilometres. Don't ask us how much they will cost you, but good luck to you if you're clocking 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres a year.

You'll Need Backup

The Iriz R5 is not your cousin brother's friend's hopped-up project car with a louder exhaust and the cheapest coilovers he could buy on the internet. We've reached a point where racecars have become so complex that you really need a team and a race engineer to even get the car started and going. This even applies to GT4 and GT3 race cars where you're more likely to destroy the powertrain and put the car into a wall before you even get out of the pit lane, and an Iriz R5 (with its full mechanical and electronics package) will need a team to get it warmed up and moving smoothly.

So there you have it. Lots of reasons why you probably can't convert your Iriz to an Iriz R5 in any way besides aesthetically. That being said, you could actually come close to what
Proton R3
 does with their race-going Iriz - and you could probably get away with very few custom components made. But that's really a story for another day.


BMW Touts Fuel Cell Tech In Hydrogen-Powered i8 And 5-Series GT

BMW
, along with the
 2-Series Active Tourer Plug-in Hybrid
 concept that we reported on earlier, has brought forward a special
i8
 and
5-Series
 GT to showcase its latest strides in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Details on the i8-based prototype, unfortunately, were not all that forthcoming. Obviously, BMW made changes to the exterior over the standard car. But whether this was necessitated by fuel cell transition is unknown.
The 5-Series Gran Turismo, however, keeps the car’s profile intact after taking on another form of propulsion. BMW says it combines emissions-free mobility with sporting dynamics, excellent ride comfort, and long-distance capability.
Its electric motor develops 245hp and includes a high-voltage battery for interim energy storage. The technology in use here is a variation of BMW’s eDrive efforts. Hydrogen is stored in the form of a tunnel tank between the front and rear axle, using industry standard 700 bar CGH2 vessels and cryogenic pressure vessels technology.
This enables generous amounts of hydrogen to be stored at low temperature and at a pressure of 350 bar, providing enough range to allow the 5-Series GT to travel more than 500 kilometres before requiring a refill.
Being one of the first manufacturers to consider hydrogen as possible alternatives to fossil fuels, BMW is now squaring in on fuel cell technology to generate as opposed to hydrogen powering the engines in and of itself. By 2020, they plan to have introduced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) to the market by leveraging a partnership with Toyota.
Have a look at the gallery below for more picture of BMW's hydrogen fuel cell i8 and 5-Series GT.


Department of Environment Makes Scrapping Abandoned Cars Easy, Clean

There's a difference between classic cars and abandoned cars - the latter, not so pleasant.

No matter where you are in Malaysia, you're sure to come across the odd abandoned car. We don't mean one that's been parked for a couple of weeks or months, accumulating dust and parking tickets - but one that's been sitting for years, degrading as they're exposed to the elements.

The problem is that removing these cars alone was a problem due to the nature of our ownership legislation,
but under Anthony Loke's short term
 it was made much easier for municipal councils to get rid of these eyesores. With that in place, many of these vehicles can finally be moved out of their resting spots and cleanup of the area can begin.

Then came the second problem - how do you break these cars down? Unclaimed cars cannot simply sit in a yard taking up space, and contrary to your imagination, crushing them isn't the best idea either as it introduces a lot of contaminants into the environment.
Batteries in particular
 can be nasty with lead acid and
lithium
 being extremely harmful for both people and the environment.

Thanks to the Department of Environment (yes, the same one going after loud exhausts), the new Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF) will make the disposal and recycling of these vehicles easy and environmentally friendly. Each component that needs specific separation from generic recycling can be stored and repurposed or disposed of. Even things such as oil and coolant are not good to simply release into our waterways, and disposing of them properly is especially important.

Despite having a population of 31.95 million people, there are over 60,000 abandoned cars lying around our country. Eight companies have been identified by the DOE to take on this project, most likely involved in the moving and final disposal aspects of the process.


Bollywood Actor Salman Khan Sentenced To Five Years In Prison For Negligent And Drunk Driving

After almost 13 years, Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been convicted of culpable homicide this week and sentenced to five years in prison. This follows an accident back in 2002 where he killed a man sleeping on sidewalk and injured four others by running them over with his
Toyota

Land Cruiser
.
Khan was found to be guilty by the courts on all counts which included rash and negligent driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Previously, the actor had denied being behind the wheel of the SUV and being under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses however, disputed his claim.
As of now, an interim bail has been granted to the actor till May 8 to hear Khan’s appeal against the conviction.
Sources:
Time


Malaysian Customs Seizes RM11 Million Worth Of Luxury Cars And Bikes

The
Royal Malaysian Customs Department
 made the news when they seized RM11 million worth of
luxury cars and bikes
.

While fancy cars being taken away by Customs are nothing new, three photos showing the goods in question certainly got our fullest attention. The main hero that got entangled in the seizure was apparently a Ford GT40, a rare American muscle car.

*Image credit: Bernama

Ford GT40, Mazda RX-7, Volkswagen Kombi + more

It was reported that these cars were brought into the county
without any valid import documents
. Apart from the rare Ford GT40 (we think it's a kit car rather than a true bonafide GT40), they also seized some rare beauties such as a first-gen Ford Mustang, Volkswagen Kombi, Mazda RX-7 FD, Mini Clubman, and arguably Malaysia's favourite MPV, the Toyota Vellfire.

There were some nice bikes included in the raid as well which were a Honda CB1100, Honda Africa Twin, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, and a bunch of Harley-Davidson models. That's quite a haul from the Ops Bearing set up by the Malaysian Customs Department.

*Image credit: Bernama

Some vehicles were brought in by students

All in all, the seized vehicles were said to be worth around RM4.24 million with RM7.12 million in unpaid duties. It was also reported that some of the cars were brought in by students and they weren't aware of getting the proper permits for their cars and bikes.

The vehicles were brought in from several different countries like Japan, America, and the United Kingdom. Hopefully, the owners can get their cars back safe and sound because it would sad if we won't be able to see at least some of these beauties on Malaysian roads in the future.


Volkswagen Has Another Problem Now – Demand For Its Cars Is Higher Than Supply

For the first time in a long time, there seems to be overwhelming demand for a Volkswagen model in Malaysia –
the all-new Tiguan
.
While it seems like the waiting list is getting longer, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), the authorised distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia just announced that it has ramped up production of the new Tiguan in an effort to meet the demands of Malaysian consumers.
It is said that the brand’s plant in Pekan, Pahang is working hard on its production timeline to guarantee stock availability throughout the country.
The company also announced the introduction of a brand new colour for the Tiguan called Crimson Red.
Launched last month, the new Tiguan, which is available in Comfortline and Highline trims, retails at RM148,990 and RM168,990 respectively.
Having sold more than 2.8 million units globally, the Tiguan, which is Volkswagen’s most popular SUV at the moment, comes with 5 years manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years’ roadside assistance in Malaysia.
For a limited period, VPCM is also offering the App Connect function (RM1,099) as a complimentary feature in the Tiguan Highline.


Porsche Celebrates 70-Years Of Sports Cars

70 years ago, on June 8th, 1948, the first vehicle to bear the Porsche name, a Type 356 Roadster (No: 1) was registered, which started a legacy of fast, puristic and emotive machines known the world over. The Type 356 turned founder Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car into a reality.
While kicking-off the anniversary year celebrations, Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG added, “Tradition is a commitment. Without our tradition and without our core values, we would not be where we are today. We plan to uphold the standard of technical excellence set by Ferry Porsche well into the future. Intelligent dynamic mobility has a great future ahead of it. And we have the solid technological expertise, creative employees and unique team spirit to be involved. We have what it takes to ensure that the Porsche brand continues to fascinate – even in another 70 years.”
The foundation of the sports car manufacturer is built upon the life’s work of Professor Ferdinand Porsche – work which his son Ferry then continued. Ferdinand Porsche had already designed pioneering innovations for the automotive industry as early as the start of the last century.
As early as 1900, he had already built an electric car with a wheel hub drive known as the Lohner-Porsche, a vehicle on which he would then base the world’s first all-wheel-drive passenger car.
In the same year, he created a template for hybrid vehicles with the development of a mixed petrol-electric powertrain. In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche founded his own engineering office. The “Berlin-Rome Car” showcased in 1939 was the beginning of his idea for a sports car bearing the Porsche name, although this dream was only realised by his son Ferry in 1948 with the Type 356.
The Type 356 was succeeded by the prolific 911, presented to the global public for the first time in 1963 (
initially known as the 901
), which finally gave the company its breakthrough as one of the leading manufacturers of sports cars in the world, both from a technical and a design perspective.
Perhaps the best indicator of the brand’s future from a design, technology and manufacturing standpoint is the upcoming Mission E all-electric sports car.
Expected to go into production in 2019 - this four-door model with four individual seats will deliver a total system output of over 600 hp and a 500 km driving range. The Mission E will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 3.5 seconds. Porsche even claims that it only takes a charging time of around 15 minutes to recharge up to 80 percent of the battery's capacity.
Porsche has invested around one billion euro in this futuristic project, which also includes a new production facility at its headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The project is also expected to create more than 1,200 additional jobs.
Porsche is its anniversary year with numerous activities around the world. On February 3rd, “The Porsche Effect” will open at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In Germany, the first “70 years of the Porsche sports car” exhibition will open from March 20th–31st, at “Drive", the Volkswagen Group Forum” in Berlin. The Porsche Museum will also be holding its own anniversary celebrations with a comprehensive special exhibition opening on June 9th.
The “Festival of Speed” held from July 12th–15th, at the Goodwood race track in the UK, will also celebrate the anniversary, as will the “Rennsport Reunion” in California from September 27th–30th.
During the June 16th–17th weekend, the sports car manufacturer will host employees, residents of the Zuffenhausen district and prospective customers to a public celebration in and around the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. The celebrations will conclude with the “Sound Night” event to be held for the first time in the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart on October 13.


Kia Launches Optima PHEV, Brand’s First Plug-In Hybrid

Kia’s mission to lower the average CO
2
 emissions of its range by 25 per cent before the end of the decade is given a boost with the launch of the company’s first plug-in hybrid model, the Optima PHEV yesterday in the UK.
With a range of up to 53 kilometers in all-electric mode, the Optima PHEV is able to complete many regular urban commuter runs with no tailpipe emissions, while emitting just 37g/km of CO2.
Powering the Optima PHEV is a combination of a 154bhp 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine with a 50kW (67bhp) electric motor powered by a 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
The electric motor replaces the torque converter in the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. When working together, the combustion engine and motor generate 202bhp and 375Nm of torque.
A package of aerodynamic, styling and technology features contributes towards the Optima PHEV’s low CO
2
emissions and potential fuel economy of up to 176.6mpg while ensuring it is instantly recognisable as the high-efficiency model in the Optima range.
The most significant aerodynamic change is an active air flap grille which lowers the car’s drag co-efficient (Cd) to 0.25 when closed. The neat integration of the batteries behind the rear seat and in the spare wheel well, along with a 15-litre reduction in the car’s petrol tank, means the Optima PHEV is still able to offer a generous 307 litres of luggage space.
According to Kia, the Optima PHEV is a unique, extensively equipped stand-alone model in the Optima range, with driver assistance features including an 8.0-inch touch-screen navigation system with European mapping, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (available later in the production run), Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, a wireless mobile phone charger, a 270
o
 around-view monitor and a 10-speaker harman/kardon Premium Sound audio system.

Active safety provisions include Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-start Assist Control.
The Optima PHEV also features:
         17-inch alloy wheels
         LED daytime running lights and headlights
         Welcome and follow-me-home lighting,
         Four-way powered driver’s seat
         Front and rear parking sensors
         Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
         Remote central locking
         Electronic parking brake
Uniquely in the Optima range, it has bespoke low-drag front and rear bumpers, the active air-flap grille, a blue tint to the headlights, blue chrome trim on the lower front air intake, upper grille and side sills and the exclusive navigation screen with a series of menus which help the driver to achieve the highest possible range in EV mode.
To compensate for the additional weight of the battery pack, the all-independent suspension of the Optima PHEV has also been specially tuned, while the brakes have been enlarged compared with those on the diesel-engined Optima.
To ensure braking performance is at least the equal of other models in the Optima range, the rear brake discs of the plug-in hybrid have been enlarged from the standard 262mm to 300mm.
That said, there has not been any announcement by Kia on whether the Optima PHEV will be making its way to this part of the world, but looking at the incentives given by the government, the car can actually make waves in the D-segment if Kia has plans to launch it in Malaysia.
Looking for a Kia? Find one now at
Carlist.my


2017 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Facelift Launched In Thailand – 7-airbags, VSC Standard

Toyota Thailand has launched the facelifted Toyota Yaris hatchback, roughly a month after the
Yaris Ativ sedan
 model took centre stage. The Yaris hatchback slots in within the range in between sedan model and the updated Toyota Vios sedan, which is retailed as a more premium offering within the range.
Priced between THB479,000 (RM60,707) for the entry-level ‘J Eco’ variant and THB609,000 (RM77,183) for the ‘G’ variant. The B-Segment Yaris hatch goes up against rivals like the Honda Jazz and Mazda 2 hatchback in the Thai market. Although price wise, the Yaris sits midway between the (A-Segment) Honda Brio and Honda Jazz.
The 2017 Yaris hatchback. Like the Yaris Ativ entry-level sedan is not based on company’s new ‘TNGA’ global platform architecture. Instead, this new 2017 Yaris is actually a major facelift of the model first launched in Thailand in 2013. The sedan likewise, took its design cues from this hatchback model.
The most notable changes are the sharp looking front design, featuring slimmer headlights and a new bumper and grille design. The treatment applies to the rear end as well, with sleek looking taillights and a new bumper.
On the inside – the cabin is designed to improve on comfort levels and greater space for utility. As we progress through the variants - the ‘J’ variant (just above the J Eco) receives USB and AUX connectivity and some exterior enhancements. The ‘E’ variant adds ‘multifunction’ info display, Bluetooth and a 4-speaker stereo setup. The range topping ‘G’ variant is highlighted by LED DRLs and keyless entry.
Like the sedan, the Yaris hatchback also takes advantage of Thailand’s Eco-car tax scheme - powered by Toyota's small 1.2-litre 3NR-FE four-cylinder engine that produces 86 PS at 6,000 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a CVT automatic.
Safety kit is generous, like the sedan, the Yaris is also supplied with 7-airbags, Traction Control, VSC, and ABS with EBD across the range. It’s worth noting that while the Vios is more expensive than both the Yaris Ativ and hatchback models, it only offers a maximum of two airbags across the range.
The Yaris hatchback has been hugely successful for Toyota in Thailand, accumulating sales of over 150,000 units since its introduction in 2006.


UN Recognizes Volvo Cars' Electrification Plans

The United Nations have recognized the efforts of Volvo Cars' powertrain electrification strategy in the latest report from the UN’s Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
The Swedish marque’s intentions to make every new car fully electric from 2019 saw the company being recognised in a report entitled ‘Business Solutions to Sustainable Development’, launched earlier this week at an annual high-level meeting in New York, which highlighted 10 chief executives that have taken particularly bold and disruptive action including Volvo Cars’ President and Chief Executive, Hakan Samuelsson.
As part of its strategy, Volvo Cars will launch five fully electric vehicles between 2019 and 2021.
Three of these cars will be Volvo models and two will be Polestar performance cars. These cars will be supplemented by a range of plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid options on all models, representing one of the broadest electrified car offerings of any car maker.
“We’re doing this because we think this is the right future for Volvo Cars, and that it will make us stronger. It is sound business,” says Samuelsson in the UNGC report.
Thanks to its strategies, Volvo Cars is now a member of the United Nations’ LEAD initiative – a group of 44 companies that are the most committed towards UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.


2017 Lexus LS to Be On Display at the NAIAS

The modern luxury marque has many different kinds of fans with different expectations, and as a result there can be many different 'flagship' models. What people perceive to be the flagship model depends heavily on their taste: for some the M3 may be the pinnacle of BMW's engineering, while others may view the 7 Series as that pinnacle. Lexus has gone through a great deal of evolution over the last decade or so, with a product range that is truly diverse and exciting. But if we look back to what really started it all, it's the LS that gave Lexus its incredible claim to fame.
After over a decade, the current generation Lexus LS finally has a successor. It is said to have a coupe-like silhouette with even more interior room- two concepts that don't usually jive together but we'll see how Lexus pulls it off. The LS will sit on and extended version of Lexus' GA-L platform, their global architecture for luxury rear wheel drive vehicles and shared with the upcoming Lexus LC coupe. It's interesting thath they mention the new LS will offer a dynamic driving experience, because those familiar with the Sport variant of the current Lexus LS can agree that it has some rather surprising dynamic qualities. It will be revealed in full at next month's North American International Auto Show, and we can hardly wait.


What's With All These Accidents Involving Lorries? Salah Siapa?

Another day, another
accident involving lorries
. Yesterday's sardine-filled mess after the
Menora Tunnel
 caused a sea of tomato fishy goodness to spill all over the highway.

Traffic was jammed
macam tin sardin
 into a halt for three kilometres when the incident happened at noon on the
North-South Expressway
 (southbound). PLUS Malaysia dealt with the catastrophe by diverting road users to the Kuala Kangsar exit as well as opening up a contraflow lane to help ease the congestion.

*Image credit: Utusan

Who's fault was it?

Clearing up a road accident is one thing, but one that involved hundreds of burst sardine cans filled to the brim with tomato sauce made for an oily mess. The incident is currently being investigated as we speak.

This, sadly, is just one of
many accidents involving lorries
 that have been happening on a regular basis. More and more viral stories, photos, and videos have popped up and it's a worrying truth. Are the authorities doing anything about this?

*Image credit: Bernama

Driver, lorry, or road? Salah siapa?

More often than not, the causes of these accidents involving heavy vehicles always come back to the state of mind of the person operating the vehicle or the condition of the heavy vehicle itself.

There have been cases where the drivers were caught under the influence of drugs, while others were simply not concentrating enough while on the road or pushed beyond their physical limits just to make a decent living for themselves.

Then there's the most annoying aspect of all - the roadworthiness of these heavy vehicles. How many times have we seen or heard about runaway lorries plowing through traffic after having lost control of the brakes?

All of these incidents caused massive amounts of damage and even death. It seems that all the rules imposed by the authorities should be enough to deter these things from happening on a regular basis, so is it the question of enforcement?

The same question can be raised about
illegal street racing
. That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg, and they can only do so much.

As for road conditions, it's a hit and miss depending on where you are at the moment in question. Most roads are decent enough to drive on, but stretches like the Menora Tunnel for example can get quite slippery and dangerous, especially with all the unexpected rain we've been getting in the past few weeks.

Combine that with road users that are not paying attention, reckless driving, and operating vehicles without proper maintenance, and that's just the 'perfect storm' for an accident just waiting to happen. For the longest time, it's been a question of 'when' rather than 'if'.

And the frequency is indeed climbing.
Suami masak apa hari ini?
 Not sardines, nope. Not for some folks, because of
'lori buat hal apa hari ini'
.

*Image credit: FB user

What can be done?

Experts from different governing bodies, authorities, and those who constantly voice out regarding road safety have been trying their level best to ensure that these accidents don't happen on Malaysian roads.

From heavy fines to jail time, nothing seems to be slowing down these incidents from taking place despite their best efforts. Enforcement can only do so much, but at the end of the day, road safety falls onto all of us - the road users.

We personally have to make sure that all of our vehicles are operating in their optimum conditions, and companies that use heavy machinery should do the same. With that being said, you'll still hear stories of how they're able to go around the law with tricks up their sleeves. All for that extra bit of profit in their pockets, even if it means risking the lives of others.

Love yourself, be mindful of others, and don't skimp on safety.


ACOTY 2016 Finalists: Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Ford Focus – Family Sedans For The Middle-Class

Before there were SUVs, sedans represented the default choices of the typical Malaysian family. For decades, vehicles in this class were the staple choices of our households.
Although their popularity has steadily declined over the years, family sedans still retain a huge following and models in competing in this segment continue to make significant sales contributions to the brands they represent.
The segment’s importance has also just been revitalized by Honda’s introduction of its highly-acclaimed all-new Civic, but there’s no shortage of excellent alternatives. Can the Mazda 3 or Ford Focus upstage the segment’s hot favourite?
Honda Civic
Nominated by:
 23 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM113,800.00 – RM135,800.00
Overview:
 The Civic is back. Stung by severe criticisms levelled against the predecessor, the 2016 is convincing demonstration that the Honda Civic has found its mojo again. Honda’s no-effort-spared approach in developing this vehicle is evident in how it feels so complete as a product. Looks good, drives well, and brilliantly-packaged inside. Like the 8
th
-generation Civic FD, this one is set for segment dominance.
Pros:
The styling – wow!
Engine & transmission operate as a fantastic combo.
Excellent interior packaging as usual from Honda.
Even 1.8-litre model is well-equipped.
Cons:
1.8 is more expensive than some 2.0-litre competitor models.
Styling may be too polarizing for conservative buyers.
Read More:
Review: 2016 Honda Civic driven in Thailand – The Final Piece of the Puzzle
My Autofest 2016: All-new Honda Civic Previewed
Interview: A Sit-Down With the Man Behind the All-New Honda Civic
10th Generation 2016 Honda Civic FC Launched In Malaysia – From RM113,800
Review: 2016 Honda Civic (FC) 1.5 VTEC Turbo – Progress Has A New Face
Research:
Find out more:
Honda Civic in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Honda Civic listed in
Carlist.my
Mazda 3
Nominated by:
 22 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM108,940.99 – RM124,754.39
Overview:
 Not the newest in the market, and a facelift is underway, but there remains much to like about the Mazda 3. The 2.0-litre SkyActiv petrol engine is a marvel, being simultaneously lively when prodded yet exceptionally economical. This is a car you can enjoy driving without hurting your wallet too much. Its only drawback is an interior that, whilst beautifully built and finished, isn’t very generous with space; it’s also not very quiet on the move.
Pros:
Looks great.
Drives well.
Very fuel efficient despite strong engine performance.
Base GL model is excellent value.
Cons:
Cabin feels very cramped.
Harsh ride and poor noise insulation with 18-inch rims of higher-specced models.
Read More:
2014 Mazda 3 Sedan Full Review: Love It, Or Hate It
New 2015 Mazda 3 CKD Launched In Malaysia: Sedan GL, Sedan High and Hatchback From RM109k
Research:
Find out more:
Mazda 3 in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Mazda 3 listed in
Carlist.my
Ford Focus
Nominated by:
 17 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM144,025.11
Overview:
 A left field choice, admittedly, but the enthusiasts’ pick for sure. The Focus boasts the most powerful engine and the most sure-footed handling in this group. It also sacrifices next to nothing in ride comfort. Dynamically, it is a very complete package. It is also very expensive, however, and for the money, some may find the rear accommodations too limited, others will find the halogen reflector headlamps unbefitting a car of its price.
Pros:
It parks itself.
Chassis offers a fantastic balance between plush ride yet assured handling.
Sheer grunt of the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine.
Cons:
Halogen reflector headlights at the price? Really?
Steering is surprisingly devoid of feedback.
Lack of leg and shoulder room for rear passengers.
Read More:
New 2015 Ford Focus Review In Adelaide: Beyond Just A Facelift
2016 New Ford Focus Launched In Malaysia – Priced from RM118,888
Quick review: 2016 Ford Focus – Miles ahead
Review: 2016 Ford Focus EcoBoost – Premium Performance at Mainstream Pricing
Review: 2016 Ford Focus - An Improvement by Nearly Every Measure
Research:
Find out more:
Ford Focus in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Ford Focus listed in
Carlist.my
Your voice matters; you, the reader, have the power to influence the outcome of ACOTY 2016. Just spare a moment to answer a few simple questions in our ongoing
online automotive customer survey
. Purpose of the survey is to gather consumer feedback on satisfaction levels towards aftersales service of various automotive brands in Malaysia.
Follow the links below to read earlier articles of our ACOTY 2016 Finalists series:
Perodua Bezza, Perodua Axia, Proton Iriz - Supreme Value For The Budget-Conscious
Mazda 2, Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta – Hatchbacks For The Young And Trendy
Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Subaru XV – Urban Jungle Crossovers


GALLERY: 2015 Ford Mustang Preview At Publika

As we alluded to yesterday, the 2015
Ford

Mustang
 is being previewed in Publika Shopping Gallery, Kuala Lumpur to give Malaysians a glimpse of the all-new model that's very likely to be launched here late this year. If you haven't been able to drop by, or want a glimpse of what's in store for you there before making your way, here's a quick gallery to appease your interest.
This orange beast is the fastback model with a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 435 PS and 528 Nm of torque. We understand that Sime Darby Auto Connexion is considering bringing its fastback and convertible body styles for sale here, as well as the 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost engine that produces 314 PS and 434 Nm of torque.
It’s a stunning machine that’s every bit as intimidating in the flesh as in the pictures, with blackened rims and, thankfully, a manual gearbox in the model being shown to complement the six-speed automatic that will also be offered. With that automatic transmission option, the Mustang can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with the 5.0 V8 engine and the 2.3L Ecoboost hits that figure in 5.3 seconds.
It is suspected to launch in Malaysia at the end of 2015, finally being made available in right-hand drive markets (pictured here is a left-hand drive version) – it will also be hitting the shores of Australia and the UK, in addition to ours. As for pricing, nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but we understand that SDAC are surveying the potential of asking between RM350k to RM400k for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant, and between RM550,000 to RM600,000 for the range-topping V8.
The preview will be running between today, Wednesday, 11
th
 March until Sunday, the 15
th
 of March.
Which would you choose?


2015 Porsche Cayenne Facelift Prices Revealed: From RM640k to RM1.15mil

Revealed earlier this year in conjunction with its
brand-new Porsche Centre Sungai Besi
. Sime Darby Auto Performance has just confirmed prices for its
2015 Cayenne facelift
.
Then, a total of seven
Porsche

Cayenne
 variants were introduced to Malaysian, including the Cayenne S E-Hybrid and sporty GTS model, and also debuted its 3.6-litre V6 engines but no prices were shared because as we understood at the time, SDAP wanted to take the opportunity at its new showroom opening to show off the new car.
Here’s a quick look at the full list of prices, including all duties, but excluding registration, road tax and insurance fees.
Cayenne V6 starts from RM 640,000
Cayenne Diesel starts from RM 640,000
Cayenne S starts from RM 760,000
Cayenne S Hybrid starts from RM 770,000
Cayenne S Diesel starts from RM 780,000
Cayenne GTS starts from RM 900,000
Cayenne Turbo starts from RM 1,150,000
Courtesy of the facelift, the Cayenne range now features Porsche’s latest design touches: take note of the four-point LED daytime running lights in the headlamps, and slimmer rear taillights because they’re probably the easiest items to help you identify a new Cayenne from the outgoing model.
Each variant packs unique styling options too, like how you’ll find the GTS version lowered with a Porsche Active Suspension Management system, red brake calipers and GTS lettering all around, while the Cayenne S E-Hybrid features bright green brake calipers, and the same colour used to embellish the “Cayenne S” lettering around the back.
Optional kit are aplenty with all Cayennes, but standard included to the prices listed are a four-year factory warranty and a four-year complimentary service maintenance package.
For more details on the refreshed Porsche Cayenne in Malaysia, check out our initial coverage below:
2015 Porsche Cayenne Facelilft Debuts In Malaysia, Hot GTS Included!