Toyota prices updated for 2023 - UP by RM2k-RM10k

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)
 has updated its pricing for 2023 which saw a price increase for some of its model offerings.

The models are the
Toyota Corolla Altis
,
Camry
,
Corolla Cross (hybrid model included)
, as well as the
Hilux pickup truck
. The price hike ranges between RM2,000 all the way up to RM10,000 for selected models (prices mentioned are OTR without insurance).

On the plus side, models like the Harrier, Rush, Vios, Yaris, Veloz, Innova, and Fortuner are not affected by these new 2023 prices.

Toyota Corolla Altis & Camry up from RM4k-RM10k

The biggest increase has to be our favourite D-Segment sedan (at least, for this particular writer), the Toyota Camry. Compared to the prices set by UMW Toyota back in July 2022 following to re-implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), the Camry is now priced at
RM219,800
 - RM10,000 more compared to July 2022.

If you prefer the slightly smaller Corolla Altis, the 2023 prices are up by RM4,000. From 3 January 2023 onwards, the Corolla Altis can be yours from
RM134,888 to RM145,888
 - a slight increase compared to July 2022 when it was priced from RM130,888 to RM141,888.

Harga
 Corolla Cross & Hilux also
naik
 around RM2k-RM3k

The Toyota Corolla Cross range was prosperous at the
2022 Carlist.my People's Choice Award Car Of The Year (COTY)
 where it took home the awards under the C-Segment SUV (RM100k-RM150k) as well as the Urban Car of the Year for the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The price increase is not as high compared to the Camry and Corolla Altis with its new 2023 prices set from
RM130,400 to RM142,000
 - a milder RM2k-3k increase compared to its July 2022 prices (RM128,303 to RM139,991).

The Toyota Hilux is also up by RM3,000 with new 2023 prices starting from
RM98,880 to RM152,880
. The post-SST implementation prices back in July 2022 were between RM95,880 to RM149,880.


VIDEO: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC Spied, Facelifted SLK Replacement

Spotted testing in Germany is the new
Mercedes-Benz
 SLC which now adopts the car maker’s new naming nomenclature and competes against the likes of the
BMW Z4
 and
Audi TT
.
Previously known as the
Mercedes-Benz SLK
, the roadster follows in the footsteps of other models in the line-up to also follow the new naming guidelines like the
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
.
Aside from the name change, the SLC will be receiving a few minor styling revisions as this thinly disguised prototype shows with its new front and rear bumpers. Other changes would most probably be found in the cabin although that wasn’t revealed in this video.
Under the hood, it is expected the SLC will gain the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine from the C 450 AMG. In the sedan, that engine produces 367PS and 517Nm of torque and is paired to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Rumours point to a Frankfurt Motor Show reveal in September for the new Mercedes-Benz SLC which retains the R172 platform.
Source:
walkoART♔♕♚Videos


Nissan Just Made An Old Car Pay Homage To Another Old Car

Launched in late-2008, the Nissan 370Z should have been retired by now. However with the future of Nissan's Z car still uncertain, NIssan has decided to give the aging 370Z a new paint job to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Z car, the Datsun 240Z's debut in America. The special edition 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition will be put on display at upcoming New York International Auto Show.
The livery of the special edition 370Z pays homage to the #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun 240Z that won multiple SCCA National Championships in USA.
The exterior of the 370Z 50th Anniversary edition mimics the livery of the original BRE race car. Like the BRE 240Z, the special edition 370Z is available in two different paint schemes -white with red accents or silver with black accents.
Key BRE design cues include the two signature stripes on the side of the car and the painted trunk, hood, side mirrors, and A-pillars in the contrasting colour.
Along the side of the car, a thin line runs from the headlight to the rear glass, culminating in a small triangle inspired by the C-pillar of the Datsun 240Z.
The package also includes 50th anniversary identification on the front fender, anniversary rear badging, and special 19-inch alloy wheels with red accents.
Inside, special touches include a "50th Anniversary" steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, with a race-car-inspired centering stripe.
The leather-appointed and suede-covered heated four-way power seats, which feature adjustable lumbar support, have unique stitching, graphics and the 50th Anniversary logo embossed into the backrests.
Dark chrome accents are used throughout the interior, including special kick plates adorned with the Z logo and synthetic suede door panel inserts exclusive to the special edition model. There is also a special 50th Anniversary logo on the tachometer.
Last but not the least, a Bose audio system with eight speakers, active noise cancellation, and active sound enhancement systems is also standard on the 50th Anniversary model.


The Best Car Phone Mounts - Different Strokes For Different Folks

Keep yourself and others safe by focusing on the road whilst your phone is securely nestled in a phone mount.

The best thing to happen to automobiles since rubber tyres is a smartphone. It has given many drivers beneficial features that would usually cost an arm and a leg to install in a car. It can be used as a source of music, a device that can help navigate you to your destination, a chronograph, even a diagnostic tool.

As helpful as it is, there are some dangerous aspects of using a smartphone in your car. It becomes dangerous and foolish when you try to operate it whilst driving, as your hands are on it instead of the steering wheel.

The humble car phone mount has helped allay this problem so here are a few options that we use and like.

For those who like to drive fast

A colleague of mine who frequents race tracks uses the Eugizmo Windshield and Dash Magnetic mobile phone mount (MoGropII) as his mount of choice.

He says it has one of the strongest magnets which will help keep your phone safe and secure on to the mount. If it's good enough for the Sepang International Circuit course, it should be good enough for anything he says.

MoGripII is a universal mobile mount that features a cradle-less holder to attach either on a windshield or dashboard. This universal mount pairs with an ultra-thin easy to stick metal plate for your mobile case or direct on the smartphone itself. Once the metal plate is fixed on the case or mobile, you could just snap it on the mount for a secure and stable grip. This simple and easy to fix on-the-go holder comes with strong neodymium magnets for a fast and effortless attach and detach for your mobile device.

At RM35, it's affordable and features a sleek cradle-less design which makes it compatible with all mobile devices and most phone cases. The magnet on the phone side is sleek and slim too which helps keep your phone slim.

For those who have a flat-surfaced dashboard

Some car dashboards are still full of straight angles.  Owners of these cars are lucky as they can use PopSockets' PopMount 2 Multi-Surface mount.

These PopSockets multi-surface mounts are famous because it allows you to attach your phone to any vertical surface. The mount can be used on your stationary bike for workout entertainment, the kitchen cabinet for cooking, bathroom mirror for your makeup tutorials as well as when you're driving.

It just allows you to be more flexible with your phone no matter where you are. Viewable from all angles in portrait and landscape mode, the multi-surface mount is the go-to accessory for your PopSockets grip which attaches to your phone. Just be sure to wait 8 hours to use yours after sticking it to the surface.

At RM55 a pop, the original PopSocket mounts are quite affordable if you plan to only use it in your car, but it can add up quickly if you buy many of them for other usages.

For those who do not care about their car's CD player

Does anybody use their car CD player anymore? If you do, this mount is not for you as it utilises your car's CD player. Ugreen CD Slot Gravity Car Phone Mount allows you to adjust your phone for a comfortable angle - that's if your CD player is up high on the dashboard of course.

Many like to use this type of car phone mount because it doesn't require you to stick your mount on anything on the car which can damage the surface as it requires you to use strong glue. It also doesn't need the use of proprietary grips on your phone.

"No need to stick metal plate or 3M glue to your phone or car. No effect on the beauty of your loved phone or car", it says on Ugreen's website.

The phone will be sitting on the Gravity CD's car cradle which has soft silicone pads on its aluminium alloy arm holders. The CD grips ensure firm attachment and reliable grip and prevents scratches on your phone.

At around RM60, it's still quite affordable but whether you are willing to damage your CD player is another thing.

For those who like cheap and cheerful things

Just like smartphones, Shopee is a revelation - you can find anything on there including car phone mounts.

One of our colleagues tried this no branded car phone mount from Shopee and was surprised by how stable it is. He said he likes it because it's adjustable, so that he and his spouse can use it despite having different sized phones.

It is attached to the car via a suction cup and although the picture shows that you can suction cup it to the dashboard, we think attaching it to the front windscreen would make it more secure. At RM23, it's also cheap, so if it ever breaks, you could just buy another one.


Fuji Heavy Industries unveils Subaru's new global platform

As an automotive manufacturer, Subaru has a rich history seasoned with motorsports experience and the like. They're also incredibly stubborn, having stuck with their boxer engine powerplants for over 3 decades now. While the boxer engine itself has been updated and refreshed over the years, their major step was the introduction of direct injection with their curretnt generation models. There are also smaller motors in play for cars like the Levorg- a sign that Subaru is not afraid to downsize either.
One thing that they haven't quite mastered is the unification of platforms, in the way that Toyota has managed with the TNGA, or Volkswagen does with their MQB platform. But this new platform is how Subaru aims to change that- and they expect it to be completely in use by 2025. What is interesting is how the joint venture with Toyota on the 86/BR-Z has rubbed off on them, as one of their design goals for this platform to bring "dynamic feel that goes beyond high performance".
The rest of their targets are relatively standard. Subaru says their new platform will be between 70% and 100% stiffer than current generation platforms, giving it increased stability and steering response. This increase in rigidity also supposedly helps reduce resonance, which in turn reduces noise levels in the cabin. Even small tweaks like mounting the rear stabilizer directly to the body help to improve handling ability without compromising comfort. The centre of gravity is 5 mm lower, and crumple zones are 40% more effective at absorbing impact force.
What is curious is how this new platform is going to be adaptable for hybrid vehicles and full electric vehicles as well. Scalability is a common concept among global architecture, but making a platform work with a variety of powertrains without compromising packaging is tough to achieve. From a production standpoint, this new platform will help to cut costs massively as it will allow mass production of common components across their vehicle range, in a single factory. Subaru may be late to the common platform game, but they will be catching up in no time at all.


Tokyo 2015: Toyota’s KIKAI Concept is a Futuristic Rat-Rod worth Witnessing

Tired of the usual concept car cliché of smooth featureless aerodynamic bodies with soulless mind-bending electronics? Well good news,
Toyota
 has just had a creative streak and will be presenting a rather unique concept car known as the KIKAI, at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

According to Toyota, the KIKAI was designed to ‘explore and emphasize the fundamental appeal of machines’, so they didn’t bother with clothing it with bodywork to hide away its oily bits. Inspired by the intricate clockwork mechanisms of machines, the KIKAI’s design embodies fine craftsmanship, with the simplicity of its construction, and the fascinating motion of its components that are left exposed for the world to see.

The end result is that the KIKAI looks like a 21
st
 century interpretation of an old school rat-rod that descended from the page of steampunk fiction, only with the engine mounted in the back and measuring in at a Kei-car-like 3.4-metres in length (but wider than kei regulations so it doesn't qualify for kei car tax exemptions). This design theme is also reflected in the cabin with the inclusion of old-school analogue-style meters and switches.

Though it looks more of an art piece than a car, the KIKAI was also designed to give drivers a unique driving experience. Step inside its bubble shaped occupant cell and there is three abreast staggered seating layout, like a McLaren F1. On the other hand, the inclusion of small windows beside the driver’s feet and exposed upper control arms visible through the windshield give drivers a view of the car’s suspension workings on the move, much like an Ariel Atom.

If you do miss the days of the Rat-Rods and quite fancy a bit of steampunk style in your life, this is just the car for you. Pity it is only a concept.


New Isuzu D-Max Launched In Malaysia – 11 Variants, New 1.9L Ddi Bluepower Engine, From RM80k

The much-anticipated introduction of Isuzu smallest and most efficient engine, the 1.9-litre Ddi Bluepower four-cylinder turbodiesel, has come full circle with the introduction of the new Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. This is the third and most extensive facelift of the (RT50) D-Max which was first introduced in 2013, and after the first facelift in 2016 (RT85), and another minor update in 2018.
The new 1.9-litre Ddi Bluepower engine, dubbed RZ4E replaces the older 2.5-litre VGT (4JK1) turbodiesel and promises even better fuel economy (a longstanding trademark of Isuzu engines), bulletproof reliability, lighter weight, and lower emissions. The larger (4JJ1) 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel will continue to serve as the most powerful engine of the D-Max pickup range.
Isuzu Malaysia has introduced an extensive range of 11 variants to cater to a larger audience of buyers. There are two entirely new variants, the 1.9-litre 4x2 MT Lo-Ride (cheapest double-cab variant), and new 1.9-litre 4x2 AT Hi-Ride, this is how the D-Max Range shapes up now:
Single-Cab (Manual Transmission)
1.9L VGS (6-MT): RM85,799
3.0L VGS (5-MT): RM92,838
Double-Cab (Manual Transmission)
1.9L VGS 4x2 (6-MT) Lo-Ride: RM80,149
1.9L VGS 4x2 (6-MT) Hi-Ride: RM86,699
1.9L VGS 4x4 (6-MT) Hi-Ride Type B: RM96,699
1.9L VGS 4x4 (6-MT) Hi-Ride Type P: RM105,999
3.0L VGS 4x4 (5-MT) Hi-Ride Type B: RM106,738
Double-Cab (Automatic Transmission)
1.9L VGS 4x2 Hi-Ride (6-AT) Hi-Ride: RM100,049
1.9L VGS 4x4 (6-AT) Hi-Ride Type B: RM104,599
1.9L VGS 4x4 (6-MT) Hi-Ride Type P: RM115,799
3.0L VGS 4x4 (5-MT) Hi-Ride Type P: RM120,838
The new 1.9-Litre RZ4E engine develops 150PS @ 3,600 rpm (up by 10 percent over the 2.5L) and 350 Nm of torque between 1,800 rpm and 2,600 rpm (an improvement of 9 percent). The new engine is mated to new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
All this while halving the road tax costs to RM399.20 (previously RM839.20 for the 2.5L) in Peninsula Malaysia. Similar (52 percent) reductions of road tax prices apply in Sabah and Sarawak too. The 1.9-litre Ddi Bluepower D-Max is also the first pickup truck in Malaysia to be conferred the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
The 3.0-litre variant, by comparison, produces 177 PS at 3,600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,800 rpm. The 3.0-litre engine is paired with five-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
In terms of aesthetics, depending on variant, the new D-Max sports a redesigned front grille, new LED headlamp with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and new fog lamp garnish design. Along the flanks, there are new 18-inch alloys wheels and a sticker decals that run along the lower edge of the doors. Round the back, the major highlight is the new (optional) tailgate assist function which dramatically reduces the effort required to open/close the tailgate.
On the inside, the new D-Max receives newly designed leather seats and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is hooked up to an 8-speaker audio system. There’s an additional USB charging port for added convenience of rear seat passengers. Auto Start/Stop and auto-folding side mirrors are other notable highlights of the new model.
The new D-Max also features for the first time, Hill Descent Control (HDC) which makes for safer descending of slippery slopes. New too is the Vehicle Launch Assist (in the 1.9L Ddi) which increases initial torque on gradients of 25 percent or more. This feature allows the car to be quicker off the line without suffering the effects of turbo-lag when accelerating from idle.
All variants are supplied with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill-Start Assist as standard. All variants are also supplied with a minimum of two-airbags, excepting the 3.0-litre 4x4 AT-Premium variant, which receives a total of six-airbags.
A total of six colours are offered depending on the variant, highlight colours include the Red Spinel and Blue Sapphire. Customers who purchase their D-Max between now and 31st October 2019 are entitled to a special 5-year unlimited mileage and free maintenance package, terms and conditions apply.
For the latest deals on Isuzu vehicles, click
here
.


Review: Hyundai Ioniq – Hybrid Mobility For The Masses

Curiosity, as writer William Ward put it – is the wick in the candle of learning. Curiosity beckons, guides and conceives the “what ifs” that empower us to challenge the norms of the day. Curiosity also spawns innovative ideas, ideas that sometimes have the ability to change the way we live, work and play.
Some 20 years ago, the Toyota Prius was born, a car that virtually changed the way the world looked at efficiency, and likewise the Bugatti Veyron, which came some years later, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in aerodynamics and powertrain engineering; over the past two decades, no two cars, in my opinion, have been more influential to motoring and mobility in its entirety, than the Toyota Prius and Bugatti Veyron.
We celebrate these cars today for two very opposing capabilities, but the curiosity nonetheless, would have been a guiding force that spurred everyone from the designers to engineers until greatness was achieved.
Likewise, by now, you might be at the least, curious about Hyundai’s new hybrid offering – after
several teasers
 and the
launch
 - it’s only normal to approach the Ioniq's loud statement with equal amounts of curiosity and skepticism.
Why now, and is it any good?
Priced as it is, roughly RM9k more than a top-spec
Toyota Vios
, makes the Ioniq a compelling alternative for drivers who value exclusivity and the virtuosity of having a 'hybrid' badge stuck to the tailgate of their cars. Since we will not be getting the
fourth-generation Prius
, and the
Honda Insight
 is no longer on sale, the Ioniq currently enters an unchallenged marketplace. Make no mistake, this is an very important car.
The salvo of
industry awards
 would suggest Hyundai are on to something here. It may be slightly late to the party, but, Hyundai have thrown their proverbial kitchen sink of ideas at this little hybrid hatchback. Which as you will learn, could have only been accomplished with their other talents and resources, such as chassis, safety, engine and body construction technology progressed - consolidating into one cohesive package that is also superbly priced.
It may be late to the party, but I assure you, the Ioniq is decked out in a navy blue satin tux, sporting a suave top hat and glossy shoes, still curious?
Specifications:
Price: RM103,328 (HEV), RM110,828 (HEV Plus) - OTR without Insurance
Engine: 1.6-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, Direct Injection, VVT, Petrol
Power: 103hp @ 5,700rpm
Torque: 147Nm @ 4,000rpm
Hybrid Electric Motor: Power: 43hp, Torque: 170Nm
Transmission: 6-speed Dual-Clutch Auto, FWD
Safety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), *Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), *Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB), *Blind Spot Detection (BSD), *Adaptive Cruise Control, *Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
* HEV Plus variant only
Origin: Locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah
Overview
The Hyundai Ioniq is the world’s first car developed from ground-up to house three distinct electrified powertrains – a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a full-electric.
The Malaysian market only gets the hybrid version, for now at least. Two variants are on offer, with the range HEV Plus (on test) adds a generous suite of active safety features.
Under the hood lies a 1.6-litre transverse mounted direct-injected inline four, from Hyundai’s Kappa engine family. The engine produces 103hp and 147Nm at 4000 rpm and is an astute piece of engineering by itself. The engine runs the Atkinson cycle much like the Prius, further to that, Hyundai have included other technology to improve the engine’s efficiency, such as the split cooling for the engine head and block and optimised the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. All this equates to an overall thermal efficiency of 40 percent, double that of a regular internal combustion engine.
The engine is matched up to a permanent magnet electric motor, which outputs 43.5PS and 170Nm from the get-go, providing torque low down in the rev-range and also assists the engine at mid to high engine speeds. Total system output is rated at 139hp and 265Nm and for a frame of reference, that 15Nm more that the
VW Golf 1.4 TSI
 produces.
The engine and gearbox are tacked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission specifically developed for the Ioniq hybrid. The motor draws energy from a 1.56kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery, positioned under rear seats. Besides powering the traction motor, the high-discharge battery also powers the electric air-cond compressor and hybrid starter and generator (HSG).
To keep the weight down, Hyundai employed aluminium panels on the hood, tailgate, front and rear bumper beams and certain suspension components. Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) was used in 53 percent of the body's construction – increasing rigidity and thus making the Ioniq among the
safest cars on the planet
.
Exterior
For the most part , I never quite took to the design of the Toyota Prius, despite being developed form the ground up to be a hybrid vehicle – visually, it’s overly complex, tries too hard, and has a rear end that would make Kim Kardashian jealous. Again, this is just my opinion.
In contrast, the Ioniq just looks more ‘car’ than a spaceship. The frontal proportions are sleek, the imposing grille flows subtly towards the sleek headlamps which are specified with obligatory daytime running lights. The front bonnet meets A-pillar at a nice angle which flows rearward over the smooth roofline.
A subtle kink in the flank flows just after the front wheels arches, forming the waistline, which serves to draw the car’s stance closer to the ground. The wheels are a toss-up in my opinion, either you like them or don’t, the graphite coloured panels that fill the spokes are actually functional plastic items, there to decrease drag when air passes the around the side.
Hyundai are quick to point out that replacing the wheels with aftermarket items will affect the car’s slippery drag coefficient. The entire architecture of the car, works as a cohesive system to reduce wind resistance and thus improve mileage. The combination of (3 stage) active air flaps in the front grille, seven panels that produce a near-flat underbody and the rear spoiler, all work in tandem to produce a streamlined profile.
Round the back – high mounted tail lamps set the tone for a nicely rounded rear fascia. Lower down, a black rear garnish on the bumper houses the rear reflectors and adds a touch of detail at the rear end.
Interior
Aside from the scratchy plastics of the steering wheel’s ‘centre cover’, lower regions centre console and door panels – which are perhaps a necessary compromise to keep weight down, I find little other qualms with the Ioniq’s interior.  The dash layout is simple, understandable and elegant.
The center console is crowned at the top with the infotainment screen and flows towards the gear-shifter column with stylish, fluidic contours, creating a rather premium design feel. I especially like the blue colour accents that wrap around the air-cond vents.
The switches and toggles that augment the dual-zone climate control and audio controls operate with pleasant tactility, while other touchpoints within the cabin space, i.e., the door panel grab handles, steering wheel and gearshift knob are all up to spec.
The seats are very comfortable, even over a long stint of driving, and the side bolsters around the thigh and backrest positions the driver nicely and provide adequate lateral support even during spirited driving.
Given the car’s width, rear accommodation is pleasantly comfortable. The Ioniq will take five in comfort even on longer journeys. However, some of the journalists, the taller ones especially, noted a slight lack of headroom, due to the car’s sloping roofline, but, one would have to measure over 6.0 feet to experience this. Otherwise, leg and shoulder room is on par with the best of the current crop of C-Segment cars currently offer.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Ioniq’s interior is the boot space, by positioning the batteries under the rear seats (in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models), provides users with 443 litres of useable room, even before the 60:40 split folding rear seats are reclined.
Driving Experience
Take a close look at the two pictures below - a tight sequence of left-to-right gates were deliberately setup by Hyundai on the closed driving course. This particular section simulated somewhat of a ‘Scandinavian Flick’ manoeuvre, popular in rally driving – which was taken by the fastest of drivers between 60-65 km/h. The sole purpose of which was to throw the Ioniq off-course, and instigate a violent ‘tank slapper’ – which never happened.
Again, this comes down to the ingenuity of the design itself, by placing the rear batteries low within the car’s frame, the centre of mass is thus lower and reduces the effects of load transfer during hard cornering, plus, the added weight allows the rear tyres to bite harder into the tarmac – improving traction levels front-to-back.
It takes roughly 10 minutes of driving in the Ioniq to determine just how well balanced and poised the driving characteristics are. All that testing and development at Hyundai’s Nurburgring test centre has seemingly paid off – the ride quality even on bumpier roads is very composed, the bound and rebound of the suspension is fluid and there’s little knee-jerk type responses even when catching a pothole.
By using high-strength steel on vital load bearing components of the car’s body and chassis, the inherent rigidity of the Ioniq resists body roll very well, and spreads the forces rather evenly across the car’s framework.
On the highway, at the speed limit, the ride is supple with little intrusion in the way of wind or tyre noise, there’s even less audibility from the engine, which hums away, out of sight and mind, whirring between the motor and internal combustion engine. Switching between power units is almost imperceptible unless you plant your foot hard to the floor.
If so, the engine will protest, but performance isn’t dismal either, the surge from 80-120km/h allows for easy overtaking of slower traffic and the engine does have decent poke up until 165km/h. Move the gear lever to the right to engage ‘Sport’ mode to harness the engine’s maximum response – signified by a shift in the information display, to display a vibrant tachometer.
The transmission is nicely calibrated and offers smooth operation in traffic and on the highway. Crawling in traffic is despatched with ease; there's little judder or hesitance when 'creeping' in traffic and even under hard acceleration, gear engagement is smooth. If you have ever experienced a Volkswagen or BMW dual-clutch setup, you'd find the operation in the Ioniq, by comparison sluggish, however, we're told that this shift mapping is deliberately setup to preserve the gearbox. Overall, the operation is closer to that of a torque-converter auto.
The brakes need some getting used to - tasked with braking and energy regeneration, the brake pedal can seem 'squishy' at times. The pedal travel versus the brake force does not always feel linear, especially during mid to low speeds and when in traffic. Granted, it's a characteristic that affects quite a number of cars that employ energy recuperation through braking.
Returning to the Scandinavian flick part – as the Ioniq moves form the right to left, the rear end remains progressive and controllable, the steering quick and responsive enough for rapid corrections, requiring little or no interventions from the stability control. A testament indeed, to the chassis engineering of the Ioniq.
Economy
It’s a techy treat to cycle through the Ioniq’s many information displays to one marked ’Energy Flow’ – which graphically demonstrates the activity of the car’s hybrid power unit.
Whether it be the transference of electrons and/or the combustion of fossil fuel – the quick seamless flow of blue and green lines between icons marked as the battery and engine illustrate just how intelligent the Ioniq is at managing its power reserves.
Over a distance of some 220+km traversed across city roads, tyre bashing B-road driving and long stints on the highway – the Ioniq returned a parsimonious consumption of 6.7 litres/100km according to the car’s telemetry. And this was averaged over two drivers with very distinct driving styles.
For the most part, the first 150kms or so were covered with the petrol needle seemingly pinned to the ‘F’ position, only dropping away slightly after the 40km odd stint of B-road driving. Under a careful right foot, a full tank mileage of 700km or more would hardly be surprising.
Conclusion
Indulge me for a while, let’s for a second forget the stated facts and figures and concentrate on the car alone, does it make you curious enough to buy one, or at the very least take a test drive? And, would this curiosity be piqued any further if the Ioniq sported another badge, say a Honda or Toyota?
No doubt, when you buy the car – you buy into the brand. Admittedly, in the case of Hyundai, there is much to do in the way of brand perception.
But, in my opinion, car’s like the Ioniq are a dime a dozen – not because of the design or the safety features, but because it’s sublime and virtuous in its execution. It’s because I believe Hyundai set out to build the best car they could with the resources they had, and in many ways, they have - at least for a market like Malaysia.
More so than just being a hybrid in name, in many ways, the Ioniq is actually democratizing the future of efficient mobility and should be lauded for doing so.
After all, wasn’t the Bugatti name all dead in the water until the Veyron came along!


Perodua Dedah Teaser Alza 2022 Secara Rasmi

Nampaknya pelancaran
Perodua Alza 2022
 yang ditunggu-tunggu semakin tiba apabila Perodua secara rasminya telah berkongsi teaser model baharu MPV milik Perodua itu di media sosial rasminya.

Berdasarkan video berdurasi 50 saat yang dikongsikan oleh Perodua di laman Facebook mereka, Perodua Alza 2022 ini hanya diacahkan secara siluet, bukanlah dipertontonkan dengan jelas.

Teaser Perodua Alza 2022

Di bahagian hadapan, video tersebut menunjukkan bentuk lampu utama LED berserta lampu kabus. Walau bagaimanapun, bahagian bampar penuh serta grilnya tidak jelas kelihatan.

Selain itu, Perodua juga menunjukkan rupa MPV 7 tempat duduk ini dari tepi yang menunjukkan ia kelihatan saling tak tumpah seperti kembarnya,
Toyota Avanza
 dan
Daihatsu Xenia
 di pasaran Indonesia.

Rekaan rim 16-incinya juga kelihatan dalam video tersebut, namun tidak begitu jelas. Bahagian belakang pula menunjukkan spoiler, antena
shark fin
 serta lampu belakangnya, perincian lain di bahagian belakang masih lagi dirahsiakan.

*Kredit video: Perodua

Gambar Perodua Alza Tersebar

Jika anda masih tidak berpuas hati dengan teaser ini, terdapat beberapa keping gambar yang menunjukkan deretan Perodua Alza 2022 di kilang pengeluaran Perodua telah tersebar di media sosial.

Gambar tersebut menampakkan keseluruhan rupa luaran Alza 2022 ini tanpa sebarang pelekat penyamaran memandangkan ia diambil di kilang Perodua. Gambar itu jelas menunjukkan rim 16-inci Alza 2022 yang kelihatan mirip rim yang digunakan pada Daihatsu Xenia berbanding rim Avanza.

Selain itu, rupa hadapan, sisi dan belakang bagi model ini juga telah tersebar. Meskipun logonya tidak begitu kelihatan kerana kualiti gambar yang teruk, perbandingan antara imej yang tersebar itu dengan teaser rasmi Alza ini menunjukkan bahawa kedua-dua kereta itu adalah kereta yang sama.

Jika anda tak sabar nak tunggu imej rasmi Alza 2022, lihatlah
koleksi gambar yang tersebar
 ini dan nantikan pengumuman lanjut daripada Perodua berkenaan pelancaran model MPV ini.


Used 7-Seater MPV's You Can Buy For The Price Of A Perodua Aruz

7 seater SUVs or MPVs have become the norm for growing and larger families. This has given rise to budget SUVs like the Honda BR-V, Toyota Rush, and the Perodua Aruz.

They all seat 7, cost around the same as a B-segment sedan and offer superb value for your money in terms of features, safety systems, and comfort levels.

This got us thinking, what other 7-seaters can buyers possibly get for the price of an Aruz – or for around RM75k – on the used car market. Suffice to say, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

However, to qualify the argument, we are merely taking into account the relative prices of these family carriers, and not the overarching ownership costs and working conditions of the vehicle. With every used car purchase, it pays to take your time when searching for a used car and get necessary mechanical inspections done to ensure a good ownership experience.

We have covered these topics extensively, from tips to
avoid being scammed
, even safeguarding your vehicle with an
aftermarket vehicle warranty
 for added peace of mind. In all cases, we have prioritised vehicles, which are still eligible for financing with commercial banks.

Here’s the shortlist of 7-seaters MPV you can buy for the price of a
new Perodua Aruz
.

Toyota Wish (AE20)

The
second-generation Toyota Wish
 was produced between 2009 and 2017 and features spacious seating for seven courtesy of a slide and tilt second-row seating. The majority of Toyota Wish models available here feature the 1.8-litre (2ZR-FAE) engine, which produces approximately 143 hp and 173 Nm of torque, which is sufficient for daily travel within the city, and the long highway drives. Ride comfort and good NVH levels are other highlights of the Toyota Wish. With that said, there’s little imagination, in terms of styling on the outside, and the interior could use better plastics on the touchpoints such as the door panels and dashboard.

Nissan Serena (C26)

It’s hard to imagine that the
Nissan Serena
 shares its roots with the endearing Nissan Vanette. The fourth-generation (C26) Serena offers massive amounts of passenger space and practicality – not to mention a roof so high, it allows passengers to almost walk through the cabin. The Serena is powered by a 2.0-litre (MR20DD) direct-injection four-cylinder which produces 147 hp and 210 Nm, mated to a smooth CVT-Type automatic transmission. Owners do note slightly low ground clearance depending on road conditions and the need for additional airbags (especially curtain airbags).

Mazda Biante

Consider this for a second; the
Mazda Biante
 is shorter, at 4,715mm, and slimmer, at 1,770mm, than the current-generation Mazda 6 sedan (at 4,870mm and 1,840mm respectively), but the Biante can carry two more passengers. The Biante offers superb practicality courtesy of sliding third-row seats, which allows it to accommodate more luggage without the need to flip/fold the last row. Superb ride quality and cabin refinement are other highlights of the Biante. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 149 hp and 190 Nm of torque (mated to a 6-speed automatic) making it a decent highway cruiser and city dweller. The Biante loses some marks for not offering cruise control and auto headlamps, which were supplied as standard even on cheaper Mazda models.

Hyundai Grand Starex

The biggest car on our list seats even
more than 7 passengers
, with three rear passenger rows, the Grand Starex will accommodate up to 11/12 passengers. Sliding rear rows also means that you can move the seats into a variety of different positions depending on your requirements of carrying people or luggage. The Grand Starex is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel that develops 170 PS and 320 Nm of torque so there’s ample power to haul heavy loads. Do note however, that while it's powerful, the engine isn’t as refined as its competitors and some owners have noted that since the rear rows of seats cannot be removed or stowed away, carrying larger or longer items can be a challenge.

Honda Odyssey (RB3/RB4)

The
Honda Odyssey needs no introduction
. Having been in our market for nearly 20 years, it has built a reputation for being a reliable and spacious family carrier, which offers some trappings of premium luxury. Odysseys offer almost a car-like driving demeanour, and given that they’re smaller than the Alphard and Vellfire models, they are also easier to drive around the city and park. The RB3/RB4-generation Odysseys were supplied with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder which develops around 160 hp and 218 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic. Do note, however, that third-row leg- and headroom isn’t as generous as other vehicles in this list and given the Odyssey's relatively sleek roofline, entry/egress for the third row can be a bit of a challenge.

Welcome to our Carlist.my to get your best
MPV
 choices here. Sure there is one suits you and your family.

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

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Carlist.my.

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Lelaki Menang Saman Jalan Berlubang, MPKJ Diarah Bayar Ganti Rugi

Anda kini boleh menyaman pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) jika kereta anda rosak akibat keadaan
jalan yang teruk
.

Walau bagaimanapun, lelaki yang memenangi saman ke atas PBT itu terpaksa berkorban masa, tenaga dan berdepan pelbagai karenah birokrasi serta dasar pihak berkuasa yang tidak masuk akal sebelum berjaya menang kes itu.

*Kredit foto: Free Malaysia Today

Saman Kerana Jalan Berlubang

Selepas pada mulanya dinafikan pampasan oleh Takaful Malaysia Berhad, syarikat insurans Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKj), Fahrurrazi mendapatkan bantuan daripada Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna.

Dia kemudiannya diberitahu bahawa tribunal tidak mempunyai kuasa untuk menyelesaikan perkara itu.

“Walaupun kecewa dengan MPKj dan tribunal, saya membuat kajian di internet dan mendapati individu boleh memfailkan tuntutan kecil di bawah RM5,000 di Mahkamah Majitret,” katanya.

Beliau memfailkan tuntutan di mahkamah dan terpaksa menghadiri enam pengurusan kes dalam tempoh 12 minggu sebelum tarikh perbicaraan ditetapkan pada Julai lalu.

“Saya hanya mahu menegakkan hak saya. Wang bukan tujuan utama, ini adalah soal prisip,” kata Fahrurrazi yang mewakili dirinya sendiri di mahkamah.

Bagaimanapun, selepas dibayar pampasan RM2,980 daripada pihak insurans PBT itu dua minggu lalu, Dr Fahrurrazi Hamid, kini menyeru orang ramai mempertahankan hak mereka.

“Kita mesti tegas mengambil tindakan terhadap pihak berkuasa tempatan supaya mereka lebih proaktif dalam memastikan jalan raya yang kita lalui selamat. Jangan putus asa dalam mendapatkan pampasan akibat kerosakan yang tidak diselenggara,” jelasnya.

*Gambar hiasan

Ganti Rugi Yang Diterima

Mahkamah mengarahkan MPKj membayar tuntutan berjumlah RM2,980 untuk menggantikan empat rim (RM1,800), tayar (RM800), upah penjajaran roda (RM180) dan caj
kereta tunda
 (RM200).

Fahrurrazi berkata semua pengguna jalan raya mesti memainkan peranan mereka sebagai pengguna dan pembayar cukai bagi mendesak PBT lebih bertanggungjawab.

“Saya bersyukur kejadian ini hanya merosakkan kereta dan saya tidak cedera atau kemalangan. Banyak kemalangan di negara ini berpunca daripada lubang di jalan raya yang menyebabkan kecederaan dan kematian.

“Kita perlu mempertahankan hak kita walaupun ia mengambil masa yang lama dan menguji stamina.”

Kejadian itu berlaku pada September 2020 apabila Fahrurrazi memandu pada waktu malam di Jalan Sungai Long berhampiran Budiman Business Park.

Keputusan mahkamah itu harus menjadi peringatan kepada semua pihak berkuasa tempatan bahawa mereka bertanggungjawab ke atas keselamatan komuniti mereka dan juga membuka mata orang ramai tentang hak mereka.


Review: BMW 530e iPerformance - Charged Up Performance

As the race to electrification speeds up, car companies are busy introducing electrified vehicles to the market. At the moment, BMW has taken the lead in terms of offering electrified vehicles, seeing that the Munich-based company currently offers nine electrified vehicles globally, far more than any other premium manufacturer. By 2025, BMW foresees that electrified vehicles will account for between 15% to 25% of their global sales.
While BMW did offer the regular, non plug-in hybrid ActiveHybrid 5 back in 2011, that model was more of BMW testing the waters with electrification. The ActiveHybrid 5's battery capacity was only 1.35 kWh, as opposed to the 530e's 9.2 kWh unit, resulting in the ActiveHybrid's electric-only range of 4 km.
The BMW i3 kick-started BMW's i division back in 2013 followed by the i8 in 2014. In 2015, the company announced that they will be offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its core models based on the eDrive technology.
BMW's third generation X5, codenamed F15, was the first model to wear the company's new eDrive designation. Subsequently, BMW introduced plug-in variants of its 3 Series and 7 Series globally. BMW is also the only car manufacturer that offers a full 360 connectivity that encompasses integration with Google Assistant (selected models), concierge service and smartphones applications. Additionally, BMW is the only car manufacturer to offer owners the ability to check their PHEV status from their phones.
The BMW 530e you see here was launched back in April 2017, just a few weeks after the company formally introduced the G30 5 Series in Munich.
Overview
Based on the excellent BMW G30 530i, the new 530e carries over its powertrain from its smaller sibling, the BMW 330e.
Additionally, the BMW 530e is the company’s first ever model to feature wireless charging. Yes, you can charge your 530e wirelessly via an optional wireless charging pad, which can be placed indoors or outdoors. The wireless charging pad charges the 530e using the same concept as a mobile phone, utilising inductive charging to charge the car’s hybrid battery.
The BMW 530e supports wireless charging, but owners might not be able to utilize the function immediately yet as the wireless charging pad will be introduced to the market at a later stage.
Exterior
At a passing glance, it is very hard to distinguish the 530e from a regular petrol model. Keen eyed ones would have spotted the 530e’s subtle blue highlights in the active grille slats and on the wheel’s centre cover.
Additionally, the BMW 530e also gets its own 530e emblem on the boot lid, iPerformance emblems on the fenders and eDrive emblems on the C-pillars. Being a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 530e also comes fitted with a charging port, located on the front left fender.
Apart from that, there’s little to separate the 530e from the regular 530i sold here, so the plug-in hybrid variant does benefit from the good looks brought by this generation of the 5 Series.
Interior
Having driven the BMW 530i back home, the 530e’s interior remains largely identical, save for the PHEV-specific eDRIVE button on the centre console. Furthermore, digging into the infotainment system allows one to set the 530e’s charging rate.
Ergonomically, there’s little to fault the BMW 530e, as everything is laid out logically and well within reach.
Versus its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz E350e, the 530e’s interior design does pale in comparison, as the Stuttgart-based company managed to create a classy interior thanks to the abundant usage of aluminium.
Despite that, we preferred the BMW 530e’s digital air-conditioning controls as opposed to the E350e’s, as the latter’s air-conditioning system is hooked up to the infotainment system’s display. This in turn makes changing settings a tedious affair.
Additionally, another redeeming feature of the BMW 530e is the large 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system. The large display can be manipulated via air gestures or touch, unlike the Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system which can only be navigated via a rotary knob or touch pad.
Similar to its stablemates, the BMW 530e is also equipped with Apple CarPlay, allowing Apple iPhone users to connect their phones to the car’s infotainment system for a more seamless integration. BMW has yet to offer Android Auto on their cars, though they already offer Google Assistant connectivity.
Driving Experience
Although the BMW 530e rides on 40-series rubbers all round, ride comfort was never an issue. The adaptive suspension did a swell job of absorbing road irregularities. Even when we demanded more from the 530e, the suspension setup held its own well, keeping body roll in check.
With a combined system output of 249 hp and 420 Nm of torque, the BMW 530e is by no means a slouch. The century sprint is achieved in just 6.2 seconds, identical to the petrol-powered 530i. Top speed, as we explored on derestricted parts of the Autobahn, is an electronically-capped 250 km/h. Even cruising at such speeds, the BMW 530e remained exceptionally surefooted. The only wind noise that was noticeable came from the side mirrors.
Being a PHEV, the 530e is able to cruise purely on electric power alone. While BMW says that the 530e can potentially do up to 42 km on electric alone, though actual range could be slightly less. The BMW 530e’s core rival, the E350e can offer up to 33 km out of a full charge, which we reckon the 530e could match, if not beat.
During our short stint in Munich, we did notice that the powertrain refinement to be superior to the Mercedes-Benz E350e, as gear changes were a lot smoother and responds better to driver inputs. In stop-go traffic, the auto start stop system was also less intrusive than the one found on the Mercedes.
Conclusion
As the PHEV segment grows, the BMW 530e is seen as a wise move from BMW Malaysia as they already offer the 330e, 740Le and X5 xDrive40e. These products will no doubt help promote PHEVs as the way moving forward.
Despite that, we get the impression that the BMW 530e is a stop-gap measure until BMW offers a fully-electric 5 Series, like the fully-electric i3.
Apart from the Mercedes-Benz E350e, the boys from Sweden also have an entrant in the form of the Volvo S90 T8, though the Volvo is predominantly a front-wheel drive model with the electric motor driving the rear wheels, as opposed to the rear-wheel drive Germans. Despite that, the Volvo delivers 407 hp and 640 Nm, the most powerful PHEV at the moment.
With that said however, we still need to sample the BMW 530e locally to properly gauge how it behaves.


Hyundai Creta vs Proton X50 v Honda HR-V - Which One To Buy?

The Hyundai Creta was created for emerging markets such as Malaysia, but how does it compare to local favourites such as the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V? Which one do you buy?

The B-segment SUV market is one of South East Asia's most
hotly contested segments
.

Just as you think manufacturers are
content with having one SUV in the B-segment
 arena, another one pops up, offering consumers a different take on a B-segment SUV, like the Hyundai Creta.

What is the Hyundai Creta?

Made in Indonesia, where Hyundai has recently built their first full-fledged factory in South East Asia, the Creta is Hyundai's biggest chance to gain sales and market share in South East Asia's B-segment SUV market.

First
introduced in China in 2014
 (ix25 nameplate in China), the Creta that was recently introduced into the Indonesian market and exported to Thailand is the second generation facelift version of the crossover.

It's based on the Kia Seltos, and the facelifted Creta features Hyundai's full-width Parametric Jewel grille, just like the Hyundai Tucson. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this Parametric Jewel grille, what this translates into is that most of the front face is a grille, where behind it hides daytime running lights - while the main headlights sit at the corner of the front bumper.

How does it compare against the X50 and HR-V?

Looks aside, what we actually want to know is how the Creta compares against Malaysian favourites such as the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V? We'll be comparing the highest variant for each crossover to make it a fair assessment.

The Hyundai Creta has not been launched in the Malaysian market just yet, so we'll be using the top-spec Thai market Creta, the SEL, for comparison purposes.

Hyundai Creta SEL vs Proton X50 Flagship vs Honda HR-V RS

Index

Hyundai Creta

Proton X50

Honda HR-V

MSRP

RM126k

RM103k

RM119k

Engine

1.5-litre NA

1.5-litre turbo

1.8-litre NA

Transmission

CVT

7-speed DCT

CVT

Power (PS)

115

177

145

Torque (Nm)

144

255

172

Fuel Consumption (l/100km)

5.9

6.4

6.6

Dimensions (LxWxH in mm)

4300x1790x1635

4330x1800x1609

4346x1790x1605

Boot Space (litres)

433

330

437

Infotainment

8"

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity

10.25"

Smartphone Connectivity

7"

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity

Airbags

6

6

6

Safety and Driving Assistance

ABS, VSC, TC, autonomous emergency braking, lane centring assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance and door opening warning.

ABS, VSC, TC, blind spot monitoring, collision warning, lane keep assist with steering correction, active cruise control

ABS, VSC, TC, Honda Lane Watch

Size: Honda HR-V

As you can see from the table above, the Creta, X50 and HR-V more or less share the same dimensions - but if experience has taught us anything, even if a competitor is bigger than the Honda HR-V, the
Honda will probably win
 when it comes to interior space, as Honda has that magic touch in making small interiors feel a lot bigger than what they are.

Performance: Proton X50

Performance-wise, there's no denying that the
Proton X50 comes out on top
 as it's the only vehicle that is equipped with a turbocharger. However, when it comes to fuel consumption, it seems like the claimed fuel consumption of the Creta makes it the king of fuel efficiency - at least among these three today.

Infotainment: Hyundai Creta

The Creta also comes out on top in the infotainment system department, as it is the crossover with the largest screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Yes the Proton X50 might have the largest screen out of the three, but it only comes with regular smartphone connectivity which is not as advanced as systems with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Safety: Hyundai Creta/ Proton X50

Safety-wise, the decision to equip the Creta with Hyundai's SmartSense safety tech is paying off, as it goes toe to toe with the Proton X50 in the safety and driving assistance area.

The Honda HR-V does not have as many safety features as the Creta and the X50, but it does come with Honda's Lane Watch, which is ever so helpful in giving you a rear view of the passenger-side roadway through the infotainment screen.

Who wins?

So for now and due to a couple of areas where it comes out on top, it does seem that Hyundai's Creta has a fighting chance of infiltrating the Malaysian B-segment SUV market - but it might all change when the third generation HR-V arrives, as it looks like a winner even before hitting the ground.

Nonetheless, all foreign B-segment SUVs have it tough against the Proton X50 as it is very well specced and priced, but whether consumers are deterred from buying the Proton SUV for
obvious reasons
 is a different story.


Auto Commerz Launches Their First Mercedes-Benz Service Centre

It's hard to imagine how vast Kuala Lumpur is when you can still divide it up by compass directions. The North-Eastern area of Kuala Lumpur will now benefit from greater access to Mercedes-Benz products and services, courtesy of an all-new 2S Service Centre launched by Auto Commerz in Setapak. This complements the interim Autohaus launched by Auto Commerz back in September of last year.
The Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre, located just 950m away from the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak, has a land area of 13,866 sq ft and built-up area of 9,200 sq ft. Built to serve the expanding Mercedes-Benz customer base, the service centre is equipped with Mercedes-Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment, and operated by trained Mercedes Benz Certified Service Specialists. Roughly RM 2 million was invested in to build this particular facility.
The Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre sports the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II), in line Mercedes' most current format for presenting information to prospective customers. It also has the capacity to service up to 200 vehicles per month. The interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre is located at
No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur. For more information please contact 03- 4144 5500.


2022 Toyota Veloz Now Open For Booking in Malaysia - Est RM95,000

UMW Toyota Motor has announced that its all-new
2022 Toyota Veloz
 is now available for booking, just a few days before the end of June and the SST exemptions.

Launched in Indonesia back in November 2021 (and in
Thailand
 in February 2022), the Toyota Veloz is the brand's latest seven-seater premium crossover that is replacing the
Avanza
.

2022 Toyota Veloz now open for booking!

Locally assembled, this B-segment MPV offers a 'dynamic design exuding its strong and progressive premium crossover character' paired with a larger interior space for enhanced comfort.

Regarded as the next evolution of the Avanza, the 2022 Toyota Veloz is powered by the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine (similar to the one found in the
Perodua Myvi
) and mated to a seven-speed CVT transmission with sequential shifting.

That's around 106PS and 138Nm of torque all being fed to the Veloz's new front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform and suspension adopted from the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA).

UMW Toyota Motor has also stated that the estimated price for the 2022 Toyota Veloz sits at RM95,000 (OTR without insurance). For that price, future customers will get:

Toyota Safety Sense

Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

17-inch alloy wheels (205/50 R17)

Daytime running lights

Roof rails

Five colour options (Silver Metallic + Black Roof, Blue Metallic + Black Roof, White, Metallic Bluish Black, Red Metallic)


Toyota Vios Gets New 360 Degree Monitor, RM 4,000 in Rebates and Accessories

If you're in the market for a B-segment sedan, the Toyota Vios is shaping up to be a greater value for money proposition. With the facelift introduced late last year, there were a number of additions to the Vios' kit list that made it more appealing, but now there are even more items added. The latest upgrades for the Vios with this facelifted model include an all-round Advanced Panoramic View Monitor that provides a bird's eye view of the car as you park it through four different cameras. The only variant that doesn't receive this is the Vios J.
UMW Toyota is also introducing a number of rebates to sweeten the deal even more, with up to RM 4,000 in value depending on the variant you pick. These rebates come in the form of either cash or accessories or a mixture of both.
This is a good time to pick up a Vios if you've ever been thinking of giving the car a shot. There is also the integrated Digital Video Recorder that functions as a dashcam as well, which is a definite plus point.
There are six variants of the Vios to choose from with prices ranging from as low as RM76,500 to RM96,400. There are also six colour choices for the exterior finish - White Pearl CS (applicable for Vios TRD Sportivo only), Super White II, Attitude Black, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Crimson Spark Red Metallic.


Top Secret's Nissan TS R35GTR Gold lands in Malaysia, ready for TASKL

If there's ever a time to make yourselves available, it would be this weekend for the
Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur
 event.

Motoring enthusiasts from all corners will gather at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 9-11 June 2023 to see some of the greatest motoring legends, and one of the biggest names in the business will make its JDM royalty presence known here in Malaysia - Top Secret.

*Image credit: Top Secret

The legendary Japanese tuner was confirmed to take part in the Tokyo Auto Salon KL event this coming weekend, and one of the cars that most of us have only seen on the internet will be there as well. We're talking about the Top Secret Nissan TS R35GTR Gold.

The man behind many legendary builds will be there as well. He goes by the name Smokey Nagata and if you're even remotely in the car community, you might've heard his name being mentioned over the years. As for TASKL, we're not entirely sure how many of Top Secret's builds will be there, but this golden GT-R will certainly make its presence known.

*Image credit: Top Secret

While this particular vehicle is not the most legendary build to come out from Top Secret, it still deserves a lot of respect and praise considering the fact that Smokey Nagata graced his skills upon it. The 3.8-litre VR38DETT V6 was tuned to produce 815PS compared to the stock powertrain that only produces 570PS.

In short, this GT-R has been reworked in every way possible from the ground up to ensure that it'll hit and surpass 300km/h as fast as possible. If there's ever a time to see a true bonafide Top Secret build that we've been drooling over in the yesteryears just by looking at photos and videos on the internet, just imagine seeing one live in front of your eyes.

The Tokyo Auto Salon KL is happening this weekend from 9-11 June 2023 at MITEC. Our best advice? Come early and prepared. It's a good idea to bring some extra clothes, you might blow a few loads just by looking at the cars not just from Top Secret, but also other legendary JDM brands like HKS, Spoon, and so many more.


Seven-Seater Mazda CX-5 Set For Q4 Japan Debut

Mazda will debut a seven-seater variant of the second-generation CX-5 in the fourth quarter of 2017.
According to a report by
Nikkei
, Mazda's domestic production of the new CX-5 is expected to be 97,000 units. Other parts of the world can expect to receive the seven-seater CX-5 in 2018.
In terms of vehicle dimensions, the upcoming model is said to come in at 4,690 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall. This makes the seven-seater Mazda CX-5 135 mm longer than the regular five-seater CX-5. We
speculated
 earlier that the seven-seater variant could be called the CX-6.
Mazda did not specify what powertrains will be offered on the new CX-5, but engine choices should be identical to the regular CX-5 variant, which includes a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel and a newer 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol. A small 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G is also possible. All engines are paired to Mazda's SkyActiv six-speed automatic that sends power to the front or all four wheels.
Malaysians can look forward to the new Mazda CX-5 as soon as July, as
reported
 by RHB Research.


Subaru Launches New Outback, Comes With EyeSight, RM 246,188.40

At the ongoing Carlist.my DRIVE: Auto Fair 2018, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd officially launched the new Subaru Outback in a singular variant. The highlight with this model is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which offers a range of safety functions through a pair of stereoscopic cameras. For now, it's available in a singular 2.5i-S EyeSight variant that goes for RM 246,188.40, without insurance.
Other key highlights for the Outback are items that are hallmarks of the Subaru model range. X-MODE, for example, optimizes engine and drivetrain control when going off the beaten path, taking control of the brakes as well when necessary. Think of it as Subaru's version of all-terrain systems found in higher end luxury SUVs. STABLEX-Ride also makes an appearance, offering better body control and ride quality for a more composed drive.
From a mechanical standpoint, this new Outback gets a slightly revised 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine, pair with an updated CVT gearbox that has a 7-speed manual mode, better throttle response, and a shorter pitch chain drive for reduced noise. Fuel efficiency as a result has improved by 3%, although the driving enjoyment aspect has also greatly improved thanks to the manual shift modes.
On the practicality side of things, new USB ports have been included in the back of the centre console, as well as additional microphones for better voice recognition. A new premium infotainment system also comes with this new Outback, with an eight-inch high-resolution screen, smartphone connectivity, and access to applications through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For safety systems, besides the aforementioned EyeSight system, there is also the addition of Steering Responsive Headlights that change angle depending on how you turn the wheel. This improves visibility during low light situations and makes it easier for the driver to see what's around corners. Additional cameras positioned in the lower part of the front grille and side mirrors offer all-round visibility, similar to the birds-eye view system found in other cars.
The new Outback can be had in a variety of colours (Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Platinium Grey Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Blue Pearl, and Tungsten Metallic), but this new model brings with it Wilderness Green Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, and Oak Brown Pearl. For those who are interested to view the car, you can head on over to the Carlist.my DRIVE: Auto Fair 2018 to see the car in the metal, from the 27th to the 29th of July, 2018.


2015 Audi A6 Launched In Malaysia: Prices From RM325k For 1.8 TFSI

Off the back of what would technically be their first new model launch (
Audi TT, in May
) since their takeover from Euromobil Sdn Bhd,
Audi
 Malaysia is making waves with their second model, the new 2015
Audi A6
.

With only two variants previously available, Audi Malaysia is sticking with their guns and continuing the two, but have ousted its 2.0 TFSI variant in favour of a 1.8 TFSI instead.

Prices for the new variants are as follows (OTR without insurance):

Audi A6 1.8 TFSI: RM324,900 (previously RM336,900 – 2.0 TFSI)

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI: Estimated under RM500,000 (previously RM507,900)

Comparatively, the new A6 sedan is here to do direct battle with the hot-selling Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, so to keep things in focus for you, here’s a quick look at their price ranges as well.

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class
: RM338,888 (E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid) to RM490,999 (E 400)

BMW

5 Series
: RM354,800 (520d Sport) to RM417,800 (528i M Sport)

So, how does the new A6 hold up? Here’s what’s new

Obviously, there’s a lot that’s changed where the new A6’s looks are concerned, but we’ve seen the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class competitor’s looks already, so let’s go over what’s more specific for our Malaysian market.

PERFORMANCE:
 Starting from the top, the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 in the 3.0 TFSI quattro variant has been “comprehensively revised” to produce more power, and showcase large efficiency gains. Where power matters, it’s a case of an additional 23hp added to the original 310 for a total of 333hp now, with 440Nm of torque on tap from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm – all the while returning 7.4-litres/100km.

The Malaysian-spec  3.0 TFSI will use a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, which is also featured in the 1.8 TFSI variant. There's a new "coasting mode" available when the "efficiency" driving mode is selected.

Speaking of which, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine in the 1.8 TFSI variant makes 190hp and 320Nm of torque from a low 1,400 to 4,100 rpm, allowing the front-wheel drive A6 to blast from 0-100km/h in just 7.9 seconds – despite the decrease in displacement, the newer Audi engine manages to be quicker than its 2.0 TFSI predecessor in Malaysia by 0.4 seconds.

EXTERIOR:
 The front-end styling has adopted all the changes seen on the brand’s newest models (think Q7), so naturally, there’s the new single-frame grille, slightly more aggressive exterior kit, new tailpipe design, new taillight designs, new rear diffuser, and then some.

READ ALSO: The Evolution of Headlights

From what we can tell right now, both variants of the A6 are very similar in exterior offerings between each other, but for the 1.8 TFSI riding on 17-inch, 10-spoke alloys, while the more expensive 3.0 TFSI gets a set of 19-inch fifteen-spoke alloy wheels.

MATRIX LEDs:
 During the international reveal of this car, Audi made it clear that on top of its new headlamp designs, its impressive Matrix LED technology were an optional item now for the A6, and it’s the same case for Malaysia. As standard, the Audi A6 1.8 TFSI will come equipped with Audi’s xenon plus headlamps, while the higher-spec 3.0 TFSI gets LED headlights. The Matrix LEDs will of course come at an extra cost, but no mention of just how much has been made clear yet.

INTERIOR DESIGN:
 It’s largely the same interior design here, but there are several minor improvements, key of which is the latest-gen MMI infotainment and connectivity options.

For the A6 1.8 TFSI, Audi Malaysia has kept the affair simple: specified is an MMI radio plus, which features an electronically-retractable 6.5-inch display screen, and a 10-speaker Audi sound system.

The flagship A6 3.0 TFSI is the one that gets it all: latest-gen modular infotainment system (MIB), which features MMI navigation plus with MMI touch system, a larger eight-inch display screen, a BOSE 12-channel amp, 14-loudspeaker sound system, and much more. There's also a 20GB memory for storing all your music and video data.

Of course, this generation of Audi’s MIB is equipped with the cutting-edge Tegra 30 processor from Nvidia. This quad-core chip boasts a clock speed of over one GHz and performs some eight billion computations per second. It works together with a specialized 3D graphics program that generates sophisticated animations and images.

A DVD drive, two card readers, a Bluetooth interface, the Audi music interface, 64 GB of flash storage (ten GB of which for music) and the high-resolution, eight-inch monitor round out the list of features for the MMI navigation plus.

Buyer’s Guide:

For now, Audi Malaysia tells us that bookings are only open for the 1.8 TFSI variant, which retails from RM324,900 (OTR, with GST, without insurance), while those keen on the 3.0 TFSI may have to wait a little longer for Audi Malaysia to bring it in: that, which has a price tag that is estimated to fall under the RM500,000 mark.

There’s really no shortage of body colour options, with buyers able to choose up to thirteen different choices.


Feature: Five Cool Cars That Came In Yellow

Yellow, the colour of sunshine – signifies hope, happiness, freshness, intellect, loyalty and joy. For all reasons considered, we here at Carlist.my love the colour yellow, even more, when it’s painted over the striking silhouette of a car.
Yellow, when applied on a VW Kombi – reveals a gentler, more fun side to the vehicle for instance, or when outlined over a striking JUN Nissan Silvia, can be made to strike fear and excitement in equal amounts to all who come across it.
In any case, cars present the perfect canvas to this most joyful of colours, so here are five very cool cars that came in yellow.
Renault Megane RS
Why it’s here:
First introduced in 2010, the current generation Renault Megane (III) which is nearing the end of its stellar run, combines the perfect symbiosis of performance, handling and driver engagement. After all, when the people responsible for developing World Championship-winning Formula One cars are tasked with creating a hot-hatch, you can bet the results will be pretty staggering.
The Megane is powered by 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-pot that churns out 250PS, this number has been massaged through the years with the swansong RS275 version churning out, you guessed it, 275PS. A slew of industry awards and (class leading) Nurburgring lap times ensure the Megane RS will go down as one of the coolest hot-hatches of all time.
Would we have it any other colour?
Perhaps in white otherwise, the Trophy version which was supplied with an icy white hue, contrasted by red body highlights and black wheels looks pretty slick. However, wearing the official colours of the Formula One team always carries a greater significance.
Chevrolet Camaro
Why it’s here:
Who could forget that scene, Hollywood starlet Megan Fox nestled up close with lead actor Shia Labeouf in the passenger seat of the “crappy ‘ol Camaro”, shortly before who we’d would come to know later as Bumblebee, transformed into the coolest yellow car to ever light up the silver screen. Besides being a masterstroke of marketing, the fifth-generation Camaro (first introduced in 2010) also re-lit the flame for Chevrolet’s junior sports car which was nigh-on dead after 2002.
Would we have it any other colour?
And have it not look like Bumblebee, pfft!
Range Rover Camel Trophy
Why it’s here:
The Camel Trophy came to be known in its time (1980-2000) as the Olympics of 4x4 – this annual saga of exploration and adventure drew teams from all over the world; and pitted man and machine against the toughest challenges nature had to offer. Defeating the odds meant as much about human endurance and cunning as the trusty 4x4 vehicle under you. Although the inaugural event was undertaken by just three Jeep vehicles, organisers and participants alike soon turned to Land Rover for their hardy 4x4 range. Every single model was used, with the marque swiftly becoming synonymous with the yearly expedition itself. Of all the models used, which included the Series III, Discovery and Defender – the flagship Range Rover which combined Fifth Avenue style and brutish off-road ability was as cool as it got.
Would we have it any other colour?
It’s like asking a Zebra to change its stripes.
Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R
Why it’s here:
The Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R was built to celebrate the firm’s involvement in the 1995 and 1996 Le Mans races. Only 44 hand-built examples were ever completed making it the holy grail of the Skyline GT-R family. The 2.6-litre RB26 engine was stroked to 2.8-litres and massaged to produce a whopping 400hp and 470Nm of torque making it among the most powerful products to ever roll-out Nismo’s factory doors – and when draped in yellow, simply looked menacing.
Would we have it any other colour?
The PlayStation generation will only remember the Nismo 400R in yellow, however, there were some black examples too.
Ruf CTR ‘Yellowbird’
Why it’s here:
Not satisfied with the Porsche 911’s (964 Series) inherent performance, German based tuner Ruf Automobiles decided to turn up the wick – all the way to 11. Ruf’s efforts included bespoke tuning of the 3.2-litre flat-six engine which later produced a ‘minimum’ of 469bhp and 553Nm of torque. The Yellowbird also featured upgraded suspension, brakes, gearbox and a host of aerodynamic tweaking and chassis strengthening. In April of 1987, the Ruf CTR Yellowbird made its first appearance on Road & Track’s ‘World’s Fastest Cars’ contest where it blitzed the competition with a 4.0 second 0-100km/h sprint all the way to a top speed of 342km/h instantly making it the fastest production car in the world.
The car famously received its Yellowbird nickname from the Road and Track testers, as the bright yellow paintwork drew a sharp contrast against the overcast skies on the day of the shoot.
Would we have it any other colour?
What, and change the name? Check out the video below to see the Yellowbird in action on one of the coolest laps of the Nurburgring.


Naza Sponsors ‘Wheel, Walk, and Fun Run’ Event, Launches ‘Tambah Emas’ Campaign

Naza Corporation Holdings was a proud sponsor of the ‘Wheel, Walk, and Fun Run’, an event that was organized by the Paralympic Council of Malaysia.
The ‘Wheel, Walk, and Fun Run’ event was held in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Close to 1,000 people participated in the outdoor get-together at the Malaysia Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence, Kampung Pandan, last Sunday.
The event also saw the launch of the ‘Tambah Emas’ crowdfunding campaign, aimed at financing the development of para-sports from the grassroots level and preparing the national Paralympic team on their journey to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development together with SM Nasaruddin SM Nasimuddin, President of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, and Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Minister of Youth and Sports launched the ‘Tambah Emas’ campaign.
Apart from being an event sponsor, Naza also provided a Vespa S125 scooter as the main prize for the lucky draw competition.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated widely every year to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, who is also Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Naza Corporation Holdings commented on the sponsorship, “Part of Naza’s corporate social responsibility is the investment in community development. As a corporate citizen, we are proud to lend our support to the Paralympic Council of Malaysia in their endeavour to bring the para contingent and para-sports to the next level.”
“I also hope Malaysians will step forward and support the crowdfunding endeavour so that the Paralympic Council of Malaysia will be able to reach its objectives and chart the para contingent’s path to more gold medals and glory in the future.” SM Nasarudin added.
The ‘Tambah Emas’ crowdfunding is currently available on the 'Boost' mobile wallet app.


All-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire open for booking - est from RM438,000

UMW Toyota Motor has confirmed that the
all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire
 will be coming to Malaysia and are available for booking.

Locally, UMW Toyota Motor will offer two variants: the Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge and the Toyota Vellfire 2.5. These models boast upgraded powertrains and advanced luxury features, ensuring a more refined and sophisticated driving experience.

The Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge is equipped with the all-new 2.4L 16-valve DOHC Turbocharger engine. Combined with a Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic transmission featuring Sequential and Paddle Shifters, this new MPV is said to deliver enhanced torque and powerful acceleration.

On the other hand, the latest Vellfire comes with a 7-speed Super CVT-i transmission that incorporates the Sports Sequential Shiftmatic technology. It also features a Front Performance Brace that optimises power transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration, exceptional handling, and excellent stability performance.

Both the Alphard and Vellfire showcase a sleek design highlighted by a distinctive grille and Full LED Lamps with Sequential Signal Lamps, enhancing visibility and presence on the road.

Inside the cabin, a sense of luxury has been maintained and even enhanced. The Alphard and Vellfire embrace luxurious leather and woodgrain elements, complemented by a fixed panoramic sunroof to replicate the ambiance one would normally associate with high-end hotels or private jets. Fancy schmancy.

The driver's area resembles that of a private jet cockpit, with mechanical switches and control buttons thoughtfully positioned for easy reach. The instrument panel boasts a high-quality design, featuring the 12.3" Full Color TFT digital combination meter and a new head-up display that offer sharper and clearer visuals in all lighting conditions.

The Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge's rear first-row seats come with an exclusive seat massage function. UMW Toyota Motor introduces the world's first Hybrid Long Slide, allowing up to 480mm of adjustment for the first-row rear seats of the Alphard (power and manual) and Vellfire (manual only). Furthermore, the seats in both models feature an Anti-Vibration Structure, reducing the impact felt during the drive and providing a more comfortable journey, especially on uneven roads.

The Alphard and Vellfire prioritize safety with advanced Toyota Safety Sense technology. This includes enhanced features such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), newly featured Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). These systems provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers, ensuring a safe journey.

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will be available in four colors: Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Precious Leo-Blond (Alphard only), and Black. As for pricing, the estimated figures stand at RM438,000 for the Vellfire and RM538,000 for the Alphard.


Geneva 2017: The 2018 Honda Civic Type R Revealed in All Its Glory

After teasing us countless times, Honda has finally unveiled the production version of the 2018 Civic Type R at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
Set to go on sale in America later this year, the Type R version of the tenth-gen Civic is powered by a 2.0-litre VTEC engine which delivers 306hp and 400Nm of peak torque. Paired to the engine is a short-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox with shift-matching.
Another noteworthy feature with the new Civic Type R is its front suspension which comprises retuned springs, new damper and bushing, a dual-axis front suspension, as well as aluminium lower arms and steering knuckles, all designed with one thing in mind – to reduce torque steer.
The icing on the cake however, has to be the Adaptive Suspension System which further adds to crazy handling.
Weighing 16kg lesser than the outgoing model, the new Civic Type R will offer its owners three drive modes - Comfort, Sport and +R, and also comes with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard.
Features in the cabin on the other hand, include a seven-inch touch screen, GPS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12-speaker audio system, bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals and gearknob, and Type R emblems everywhere.
Expected to be manufactured in the UK, whether the new Civic Type R will make it to this part of the world or not remains a mystery.
Till more details surface, feel free to feast your eyes on the images we have here for you.


Will Malaysia Get The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor With the Twin-Turbo V6 Petrol Engine?

Will Malaysia get the new Ranger Raptor with its stonking new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine?

When Ford unveiled the second-generation
T6 Ranger back in 2021
, everyone was excited about the new V6 turbo diesel engine that was introduced along with it.

Many expected the V6 diesel engine dubbed the "Lion" to be deployed in the yet-to-be-revealed Ranger Raptor with a bump up in performance of course.

But when Ford globally unveiled the 2022 Ranger Raptor,
it came with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
 engine of its own, which caught many Ranger fans off guard.

According to Justin Capicchiano, supervisor of the Ranger Raptor program, the V6 turbo petrol unit was chosen over an upgraded diesel V6 because that is
"what buyers wanted"
.

He also said that there was a convenience between the petrol V6 and the T6.2 chassis, as both already exist in the Bronco Raptor 4x4 sold in North America.

But Capicchiano said all of these things when the Ranger Raptor with the petrol engine was introduced in Australia, so naturally, ASEAN fans were still sceptical that the petrol engine would be made available for the ASEAN market.

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor - 3.0-litre V6 petrol twin-turbo

There was also that thing where Ford said that they would continue to sell the Raptor with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel in various global markets where the 'cost of the ownership was a significant concern'.

That is until, Thailand debuted the Ranger Raptor in March 2022, where surprisingly, a twin-turbo petrol V6 engine was found underneath the bonnet.

Thailand debuted the Ranger Raptor with Ford's
gasoline twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6
, with
392hp
 and
583Nm -
which means Malaysia too stands a good chance of getting the Raptor in this configuration.

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor - Malaysian spec?

Why? because traditionally, we import our Ford Rangers from Thailand, where we closely mimic their specs. Even the
previous gen Ranger Raptor
 was almost a carbon copy of what was offered in Thailand - so we can't see the Thai factory rejigging its line just for the Malaysian market, especially when we would only be importing small numbers of the Ranger Raptor as it is not the main Ford Ranger seller here in Malaysia.

Australian-delivered Ranger Raptors are also built in Ford's manufacturing facility in Thailand, so there is a strong case that we too would be getting the 2022 Ranger Raptor in petrol form instead of diesel.

All other variants are expected to get the current EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, albeit with some slight modifications to improve cooling. The power these engines can put out varies according to model and whether they come in a single or bi-turbo form. The power outputs range from 1
50PS/350Nm - 210PS/500Nm.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the custodian of the Ford brand in Malaysia is planning to
debut the next-generation Ranger
in five regions across the country – central, northern, southern as well as Sabah and Sarawak – ahead of its nationwide availability.

The tour will be held over five weekends, starting with the main debut event, which will be starting on 22 July.

Suppose we follow the trend in Australia and Thailand, in that case, we won't probably get the Ranger Raptor during this introduction period, as they were all introduced a bit later, but we're pretty sure we'll get a better clue of what the Malaysian Ranger Raptor will be like come 22 July.


Volkswagen teams up with TV personality Nana Mahazan to promote child safety

Volkswagen Malaysia and local celebrity Nana Mahazan recently presented a Volkswagen child seat to Ms Hafikah Tarmizi, winner of the “Nana VW Giveaway” Instagram contest. The contest, ran by Nana through her Instagram account a part of a collaboration with Volkswagen Malaysia to raise awareness on the importance of child safety.
Ms Hafikah was presented with a G1 ISOFIX DUO Plus Top Tether child seat, worth RM1700 which is suitable for infants and toddlers weighing between 9kg and 18kg. The child seat is fully imported from Germany.
For the “Nana VW Giveaway” Instagram contest, parents were invited to submit a picture together with their children, and complete a slogan. The contest ran from 25 June till 30 June, inviting some 200 entries from all over the country. The contest was one of many activities held by Volkswagen Malaysia, as part of their long-term commitment to highlight the importance of child safety in Malaysia.
The videos below, produced by our friends at Roda Pusing featuring Nana further highlights the importance of child safety.


New Ford Ranger Debuts This Week, “Experiential Test Drive” At 1Utama From 9-11 October

This Friday on through Sunday (9-11 October 2015), Ford Malaysia will hold its ‘Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive’ event at Central Park Avenue, 1Utama Shopping Centre, where the general public are invited, for free, to experience the abilities of the new 2015 Ford Ranger T6 facelift.
That’s right, the new Ford Ranger will be launched by this week following the announcement of the event where each visitor will get the chance to ride in the facelifted Ranger with a professional driver at the wheel, as the go through a course that simulates the many demanding conditions that the pickup truck will be capable of tackling, which includes water wading and navigating steep terrain.
That’s not all because the various new technologies found on the pickup will be introduced as well, including driver assist technologies like the e-Locking Rear Differential, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Forward Collision Warning, and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system.
The new Ford Ranger made its global debut at the recent
Bangkok Motor Show
, bringing with it a new exterior design that sees a prominent upright trapezoidal grille and reshaped headlights. A more contemporary interior also offers a more car-like environment, reflecting the needs of customers who use their pickup truck for both work and their lifestyle.
Engine options would most likely be the familiar Duratorq powerplants, in 3.2-litre five-cylinder and 2.2-litre four-cylinder capacities, where the latter comes in a standard and high-efficiency variant as well. All engines will be fitted with automatic start/stop systems, which Ford says is able to bump fuel efficiency by 3.5%. As a first in the segment, electric power steering can be found on the Ranger as well.


Kekurangan Cip Semikonduktor – Penghasilan Perodua Myvi Dihadkan

Perodua
 mencatatkan penurunan sebanyak 17% dalam jumlah jualan pada bulan April kerana
kekurangan cip semikonduktor
. Oleh itu, Perodua dikhabarkan sedang mencatu pengeluaran kenderaan mereka. Apakah pula nasib yang menimpa kereta paling popular mereka,
Perodua Myvi
?

Kekurangan cip semikonduktor dalam pasaran dunia memang membebankan banyak industri teknologi. Salah satu industri yang terkesan ialah industri automotif. Pengeluar automotif nombor satu negara, Perodua turut dihimpit masalah sama di mana pengeluaran perlu dihadkan mengikut model ekoran kekurangan cip.

Memetik laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh RHB Investment Berhad, catuan pengeluaran tersebut dilakukan bagi mengurangkan masalah yang tak dapat dijangka dalam tempoh masa panjang. Bukan itu sahaja, gangguan bekalan mikrocip tersebut juga lebih tertumpu kepada model Perodua Myvi berbanding kereta lain dalam katalog Perodua.

Mengapa hanya tertumpu pada Myvi? Sebagai kereta paling popular milik Perodua, Myvi masih gah menerima banyak tempahan daripada para pelanggan di serata Malaysia. Oleh kerana permintaannya yang tinggi, pengeluarannya haruslah tinggi juga bagi mengimbangi permintaan tersebut. Belum kira lagi berapa banyak tempahan Myvi yang dah tertunggak yang belum dihantar kepada pelanggan.

*Kredit foto: Perodua

Tetapi oleh kerana industri kekurangan cip, Perodua terpaksa menghadkan pengeluaran mengikut model bagi membolehkan semua jenis kenderaan dapat dihasilkan. Perodua tidak lagi boleh menghasilkan bilangan Myvi yang banyak dalam sesuatu masa kerana nanti kereta lain tak boleh nak dibina pula. Bila hanya satu model dapat dihasilkan, lagilah orang bising betul tak?

Menurut penganalisis RHB Investment Bank Bhd, Eddy Do Wey Qing, pengumuman
PKP di seluruh negara
 yang bermula 12 Mei lalu sehingga 7 Jun ini turut mengurangkan lagi bilangan pengunjung yang datang ke pusat pameran Perodua. Secara tidak langsung, ia berupaya untuk memberi kesan buruk pada jualan Perodua juga.

Pada bulan
April 2021
, Perodua merekodkan jualan sebanyak 20,399 unit kenderaan berbanding 24,431 unit kenderaan pada bulan Mac 2021. Bagaimana pula dengan jualan pada bulan ini? Dengan PKP yang dikuatkuasakan oleh kerajaan lagi. Tetapi, meskipun terdapat penurunan dalam jualan, namun Perodua tetap yakin bahawa ianya akan menjadi lebih baik selepas ini.

Jumlah jualan Perodua dijangka akan berterusan dengan bantuan tempahan yang tertunggak, pelancaran model SUV popular baharu
Perodua Ativa
 serta model kemaskini Perodua Aruz. Untuk empat bulan pertama bagi tahun 2021, Perodua menjual sebanyak 78,304 unit kenderaan, iaitu 73.9% lebih tinggi daripada 45,034 unit yang didaftarkan pada tempoh yang sama pada tahun 2020.

Meskipun sedang dilanda masalah dalam penghasilan pada waktu ini, Perodua masih optimis dan mengekalkan sasarannya bagi penjualan sebanyak 240,000 unit dan pengeluaran sebanyak 272,000 unit pada tahun ini.

"Kami masih mengekalkan sasaran jumlah penjualan Perodua kerana yakin pembelian akan terus kukuh tahun ini. Ia akan disokong oleh jumlah pesanan, pelancaran model baharu dan kitaran kemaskini model,” tambah Eddy.

Adakah para pembeli Myvi turut akan turut merasai keperitan menunggu seperti apa yang telah dirasai oleh pemilik Proton X50 sebelum ini? Harap-harap tak perlu tunggu
sampai enam bulan
 lah untuk merasa memandu sebuah Perodua Myvi.


40 Years Of Sublime Traction, 40 Years Of Audi Quattro

Audi created quite a stir at the 1980 Geneva International Motor Show, on one of its stands lay parked a sporty looking two-door coupe. Audi simply called it the Audi Quattro.

The stats were impressive, to say the least – 5-cylinder, turbocharged, 200hp, 285 Nm – but more remarkable was the fact that the little coupe offered full-time four-wheel drive as standard.

The drivetrain was previously only reserved for use in trucks and off-road vehicles. It wasn’t unheard off, there were cars before it but the idea never got off the ground, and most manufacturers didn’t want to bother with the complexity and weight, but obviously, Audi thought a bit differently.

The idea arose in the winter of 1976/77 during test drives for the VW Iltis off-roader which Audi was developing for the German army. The excellent driving characteristics of this model on ice and snow led the engineers to the idea of installing an all-wheel drive system in a series-production car.

The Audi Quattro made its motorsport debut at the beginning of 1981 at the Jänner Rallye in Austria. The all-wheel-drive powerhouse from Ingolstadt revolutionized the international rally and racing scene and virtually dominated every single motorsports event that it took part in.

It was much the same for the production car, with the original “Ur-Quattro” being dubbed the poor man's Porsche for its sublime performance at more affordable prices than a period 911. The rest, as they say, is history.

Quattro technology revolutionised the car industry, made cars safer, and gave them the ability to keep going even in snow and mud. Forty years on, nearly every premium manufacturer now offers AWD technology in sedans, coupes, and SUVs alike, and we have Audi’s Quattro technology to thank for that.

Besides revolutionising drivetrain technology, Quattro also went on to become a calling card for the Audi brand, and embodied the company's spirit of “Vorsprung Durch Technik” (Advancement Through Technology).


Kia Teases New Sportage In Sketches Ahead Of Frankfurt

With
Kia
 on the books to reveal an all-new
Sportage
 at the upcoming 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show this September, some teasers here and there are to be expected. And right on time, he’s Kia with some sketches of their next crossover.
By the looks of it, Kia’s concept KX3 has had a lot of influence on the way this new Sportage looks, the final design of which, according to
Autocar
, was penned the automakers’ European design centre in, surprise surprise, Frankfurt.
The ‘Tiger Nose’ front grille, redesigned
Optima
-esque tail-lights, and overall sleek profile that melds subtle curves with hard-edged lines are pretty much a match for Kia’s design language for its latest generation of vehicles.
The interior sketches reveal a rather cleanly laid out dashboard with modern trend of a large centre-mounted infotainment screen and, as a result, fewer press-able buttons. Kia has set high standards for the new Sportage’s cabin, saying it will be the most refined and highest-quality interior they have ever offered, mixing “simple, modern style with rich material quality.”
Let’s see how that works out when the actual car is unveiled.
This move to a more premium overall product will likely raise prices accordingly, which may throw it in the ring with the
Honda

CR-V
,
Ford

Kuga
 and
Nissan

X-Trail
.
Powertrain options aren’t clear yet, but some sources have alluded to a new engine offered and a possible downsized three-cylinder motor making an appearance.


RON97 Fuel Price Update: 19 – 25 July – 3 sen decrease

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced the price of RON 97 fuel for the next seven days.
After two weeks of increment, the premium grade fuel sees a decrease in price, to the tune of 3 sen per litre starting tomorrow.
That being said, the prices for petrol and diesel from 19th to 25th July are as listed below:
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.56
 per litre (down 3 sen from RM2.59)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


Geely Boyue X Debut Di China – Bakal Jadi Model Facelift Proton X70?

Geely
 telah menunjukkan model Boyue X buat pertama kalinya di Chengdu Auto Show di China. Adakah ini model facelift yang bakal menggantikan
Proton X70
 di negara ini kelak?

Seperti yang anda tahu, Proton X70 yang dilancarkan pada hujung 2018 (versi
CKD
 pada 2020) diambil daripada model
Geely Boyue
. Tetapi, model Boyue yang digunakan Proton sebagai asas X70 itu telah menerima pembaharuan pada tahun 2019 yang lalu di China sebagai
Boyue Pro
.

Kini, Geely muncul lagi dengan model
SUV
 baharu mereka, Geely Boyue X yang kelihatan berbeza berbanding reka bentuk kereta keluaran mereka sebelum ini. Ini kerana Boyue X ini merupakan model pertama Geely yang menggunakan rekaan
Energy Storm
 yang diadaptasi daripada konsep
Vision Starburst
.

Exterior

Bahagian hadapan SUV ini paling banyak menerima perubahan dengan menggunakan reka bentuk gril dan bampar yang baharu seakan-akan gril spindle
Lexus
. Apa yang baru?

Skid plate

Bampar sisinya dan perumah lampu kabus menerima kemasan berwarna oren

Rim 19-inci 5 jejari bekembar berwarna hitam

Angkup brek berwarna oren

Rel bumbung hitam

Spoiler belakang berwarna hitam

Shark fin antenna berwarna hitam

Separuh bahagian atas di belakang juga digelapkan

Lencana baharu Boyue X

Diffuser yang dikemaskini

Interior

Di bahagian dalam, interior Boyue Pro masih lagi dikekalkan pada Boyue X ini. Tetapi gabungan warna upholsteri dwi-tona biru dan putih pada Boyue X membuatkan Boyue X ini kelihatan lebih premium berbanding Boyue Pro sebelum ini. Reka bentuk tempat duduknya juga masih sama meskipun berlainan warna. Namun Geely tetap menawarkan kemasan dalaman berwarna hitam dan merah bagi model ini.

Antara ciri lain adalah:

Sistem infotainment Geely Milky Way

Huawei HiCar – Alternatif Huawei untuk sambungan Android Auto dan Apple Carplay

12 speaker BOSE

Paddle shifter

Enjin Dan Prestasi

Di bawah bonet Boyue X ini telah tersedia enjin 1.8L turbo yang menghasilkan 184 PS dan 300 Nm tork seperti Proton X70. Enjinnya akan menerima padanan transmisi automatik 7-kelajuan. Namun jika ia hadir dengan pilihan enjin yang lebih kecil seperti di
Binyue (Proton X50)
, iaitu 1.5L 3 silinder, ia memberikan output sebanyak 177 PS dan 255 Nm tork.

Rupa bentuk SUV Boyue X ini tampil sedikit agresif kerana ia ditujukan khas buat golongan muda. Segala perincian lanjut mengenai Geely Boyue X ini akan di dedahkan tidak lama lagi. Pengenalan Geely Boyue X ini membuatkan Proton X70 semakin jauh tercicir. Walau bagaimanapun, Geely menjelaskan bahawa Boyue Pro merupakan versi SUV yang lebih tinggi berbanding Boyue X. Persoalannya, adakah Proton akan membawa masuk Geely Boyue X atau Geely Boyue Pro sebagai model facelift bagi Proton X70 nanti?


Honda Malaysia Announces Recall For Fuel Pump Replacement

Honda Malaysia (or the Company) today announced a product recall involving 55,354 units of Honda vehicles to replace its fuel pump as a precautionary measure, in line with the recent
Honda global fuel pump recall
.

Models affected were produced between 2018 and 2019; listed as follows:

Honda reiterated that 2020 production models are not affected by the recall, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused to its owners.

The global recall involves fuel pumps that are prone to stalling. The faulty fuel pumps have been found to be exposed to production solvent drying for longer periods which causes surface cracking and excessive fuel absorption. These issues can eventually cause parts to become deformed and fail which may lead the car to stall.

In the interest of safety, Honda has announced the recall as a preventive measure to address the possibility of a loss of engine power or vehicle stalling. All affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product recall.

Honda Malaysia urges all affected customers to contact any Honda authorized dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of notification to replace the fuel pump. However, replacements subject to parts availability. The replacement stock will be available in stages.

The replacement of the affected fuel pump is free of charge and all cost related to this replacement activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia. There are no reported incidents of crashes or injuries caused by this issue reported in Malaysia at the time of reporting.

Honda owners can contact their nearest Honda authorized dealer or check out their website for more information.