Lexus Malaysia Introduces the LX570 – An 8-Seater V8 SUV Giant for RM924k

Seeing that the Malaysian public is warming up to big SUVs, Lexus Malaysia has introduced their biggest gun, the Lexus LX SUV. Available from Lexus Malaysia as the LX570, prices for Lexus’ new leviathan starts at RM923,960.
The LX SUV that is imported from Japan here is similar to the recently facelifted LX model that made its global debut in the US in August this year, with its new spindle grille, triple full LED headlights, redesigned body panels, and L-shaped LED taillights. Measuring in at 5 metres in length and nearly 2 metres in width, the LX570 is big enough to accommodate eight.
Power comes from a 5.7-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine which produces 362hp and 530Nm of torque. Coupled to a newly-developed 8-speed Super ECT automatic, and full-time 4-wheel drive system, the LX570 is able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
Besides its massive engine, the LX570 comes with an array of features. Its LED headlights come with Auto High Beam functionality, and LED Cornering Lamps. A new feature to the drivetrain is the addition of an Integrated Drive Mode, which allows drivers to manage the powertrain, chassis, and climate control settings, with 6 modes to pick from (Normal, ECO, Comfort, Sports S, Sports S+, and Customise).
For traction on all sorts of terrain, the LX570’s four-wheel drive system comes with a Torsen limited-slip locking centre differential with a torque distribution of 40:60 front-to-rear. This is further complemented by the 4-wheel Active Traction Control, which employs both brake and throttle intervention to control wheel spin, and Vehicle Stability Control to maintain control in the corners. To reduce its turning radius on the move, the LX also comes with a Turn Assist Function, which reduces body movement, and smoothens the engine output and brake pressure.
When the going gets tough, drivers can use the LX’s Crawl Control feature, which is activated when the transmission is shifted into the Low Range setting. Crawl Control regulates engine speed and output, along with braking force through one of three low-speed settings, as well as actuating a set of virtual locking differentials to help reduce tyre slip. Drivers wouldn’t have to worry about the terrain either, as its Active Height Control function would automatically adjust the ground clearance of each wheel, and make continuous adjustments according to the terrain.
Inside affairs are rather well appointed for all occupants. Drivers will get to enjoy the LX’s new triple-linkage multimedia system that integrates the information from the 12.3-inch Centre Display infotainment system to the vehicle’s large colour Heads-Up display, and the instrument panel’s 4.2-inch TFT colour display.
The stress of handling such a big SUV is alleviated with the addition of the Multi-Terrain Monitor which gives driver’s a clear view of the vehicle’s extremities through several cameras, as well as an under-floor view to spot any holes and rocks under the vehicle, at speeds of up to 20km/h. The LX570 also comes with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system that works in conjunction with the Blind Spot Monitor.
Life onboard the LX570 is expectantly plush with a leather trimmed interior, power adjustment for all three rows of seats with ventilated functionality for the front and second rows, an ArmRest Control Panel for second row occupants to control the ventilated seats and rear settings for the LX’s 4-zone climate control.
Second row occupants will also get to enjoy the Rear Seat Entertainment system with dual High-Definition 11.6-inch displays, with a built-in Liquid Crystal AI with automatic brightness adjustment so that you can watch your favourite show wherever you go.
The standard audio system that is fitted to the LX570 comes courtesy of Mark Levinson, and comprises of a 19-speaker surround sound system that is equipped with a 16-channel output DSP amplifiers with sound output from 2-channel sources.
Being the brand’s flagship SUV, the LX570 isn’t short of active and passive safety features, with the full complement of 10 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control with traction control, tyre pressure warning system, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, and Whiplash Injury Lessening seats.
As it is with all new models sold by Lexus Malaysia, the LX570 comes covered by a comprehensive warranty of 3 years or 100,000km. On top of that, the LX570 will be covered by an additional 5-Year or 100,000km Free Schedule Maintenance Service.


Paris 2016: Lexus UX Concept Shows Off New Compact Crossover Below NX

At the ongoing 2016 Paris Motor Show, Lexus has taken the veils off its
UX Concept
, another one of those coupe-inspired compact crossovers that is nevertheless boldly-styled and potentially foreshadows an actual production model that Lexus is keeping up its sleeve.
Technical details of the vehicle are not disclosed, but its bodily measurements reveal a vehicle that is shorter in length, wheelbase, and height than the NX, the smallest model currently in Lexus’ crossover portfolio. Its interior is configured as a strict four-seater, but that can potentially change in an actual production model.

Lexus UX Concept
Lexus NX
Length
4,400mm
4,630mm
Width
1,900mm
1,845mm
Height
1,520mm
1,630mm
Wheelbase
2,640mm
2,660mm
The UX’s design follows what Lexus calls an ‘inside-out’ concept that seeks to strongly link between its exterior and interior design elements. The body work is moulded to appear as if as it is flowing into the cabin from the front and rear in criss-crossing shape when viewed from the top.
Further emphasizing the ‘inside-out’ styling theme, trim elements at the wheel arches, roof bar, and door cameras are finished with the same material and made to resemble the form of a bone structure emerging from within the body. Yes, we're trying to see it too.
Perhaps the most unique styling-cum-structural element of the UX is its see-through A-pillar, which consists of polycarbonate fins attached to an aluminium member. Interestingly, Lexus claims that it has the means to feasibly make a fully transparent A-pillar entirely out of polycarbonate, but never elaborated why it did not embark on that exercise.
Inside, the UX Concept cabin builds upon the ‘inside-out’ concept and further expands it with strong interplay of shadows and contrasts created by sharp angular overlaps in place of a conventional dashboard. Lexus calls it the ‘deconstruction’ principle, and the idea is so that you’ll have to think long and hard where various elements begin or end. From pictures, it sure reminds us of spaceships from alien horror movies.
Besides its strong and forceful design language, the UX Concept also shows off Lexus’
next-generation interface system and in-vehicle technologies
. In place of the old-fashioned side mirror is a pair of slim cameras that project their images on internal screens.
All switchgear onboard is electrostatic and housed under transparent covers. Because the dashboard is deliberately angled to be extremely-driver centric, the front passenger gets a dedicated track-pad control for the centre display built into the passenger-side door card.


2023 Budget: Extended EV incentives proposed according to MOF's website

There were some updates for EV incentives at the 2023 Budget tabling, it just wasn't announced by PMX, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

At the recent 2023 budget tabling, it was a big surprise that nothing was mentioned about EV incentives during the 2 hour live televised broadcast, as that was one of the things that was expected to be updated.

Well, later on in the evening, after the dust had settled, there were actually some updates in regard to EV incentives, outlined in the 2023 Budget touchpoints on the Ministry of Finance’s website.

The biggest update we guess had to do with the import and excise duty exemption for fully-imported (CBU) EVs, as it has once again been extended for another year, closing the curtain on the exemption on December 31, 2025, instead of December 31 2024.

There were also some updates for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs, as the excise duty and sales tax exemption for CKD EVs has been extended to December 31, 2027. This deadline also applies to components used in local CKD assembly of EVs.


August 2017 Vehicle Sales: Improvements For Most Brands

August has been a rather good month for majority of the car makers, as most companies managed to see an improvement in sales, both month-to-month and year-on-year.
Honda continues to lead among non-national brands, with a total of 9,733 units sold in August - a 1,157-unit increase over July. The brand's year-to-date total of 70,836 units is a healthy 27% improvement over the corresponding period of 2016. Since January, Honda has sold a total of 70,836 cars.
As for Perodua, they suffered a little bit, as they sold 18,630 units in August, a slight 1.5% or 290 units down from July. Despite that, looking at the year-on-year comparison, Perodua’s sales increased by 3,483 units or 2.6% year-to-date. Perodua’s upcoming all-new Myvi is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of the year, though the introduction may not impact Perodua’s sales figure significantly.
Proton also saw a good bump in sales with 6,452 units sold in August - 498 units more than the month before. Additionally, Proton also saw a decent increase of 17.6% or 7,770 units of its year-to-date sales, with a total 51,799 units sold. The company only sold 44,029 vehicles in the same period in 2016.
Mercedes-Benz continues to top the premium segment. The company sold 1,222 units in August, bouncing back after a weak July performance. Looking at the year-on-year figure, Mercedes-Benz’s sales saw an increase of just 5 units, increasing from 8,011 units to 8,016 units.
Following closely behind Mercedes-Benz is BMW, with a total of 915 units sold. This marks a 1.7% increase over July, though the company managed to see an improvement of 21.6% or 1,176 units more on a year-on-year basis.
Volvo also saw a healthy improvement in August as they managed to shift 103 units, up from July’s 33 units. Thw Swedes sold a total of 566 units this year, marking a good 21.2% improvement was observed on a year-on-year basis.


Petronas Will Bring The Fuel To You With Their ROVR

If you've ever had to travel to a part of Malaysia that's far from home and vastly unfamiliar, you may develop a bit of range anxiety when it comes to how much fuel you have left. This isn't as much of a problem now as we have map apps on our smartphones that will display the nearest petrol station, but there is the occasional hiccup when a highway rest stop is closed for renovation or details aren't updated if a station is closed down.
Since last year, Petronas has been rolling out a pilot program for their ROVR mobile refuelling truck. From October 2018, Petronas has delivered over 1 million litres of fuel to various commercial customers in a B2B (business to business) application. Think of it as a food truck, but for your commercial vehicle to fuel up. This is especially useful when it comes to fuelling up vehicles in inconvenient places, and can vastly improve efficiency in businesses.
The success of the program has led to Petronas rolling out more ROVR trucks for businesses, as well as planned B2C (business to consumer) applications. In a nutshell, you will soon be able to fuel up your car directly from these ROVR refuelling trucks which will be placed in high-traffic areas along our vast road network. The fuel on offer will be Primax95 with Pro-Drive - the same as you would get from the pump - in addition to the Dynamic Diesel they already supply to commercial clients.
Each ROVR truck has a capacity of either 4,000 litres or 11,000 litres for commercial customers, while the upcoming trucks for consumers will have a capacity of 3,000 litres. All trucks are guaranteed safe and certified for fuel delivery and dispensing, meeting all the health and safety requirements, and equipped with a variety of sensors to monitor and maintain operational safety.


LEAKED: 2015 Toyota Avanza Veloz For Indonesian Market Revealed

At the upcoming GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2015 (GIIAS) later this month, the new 2015
Toyota
 Avanza is expected to make its debut, but these leaked official images have found their way online before then, revealing the MPV completely undisguised.
These low quality images are sourced from
Autonetmagz
 but a very much akin to the earlier
spyshot which we posted not too long ago
. The main focus is the ‘Veloz’ variant of the new Avanza which we get here, (Indonesia gets both a standard and sportier variant) seen here with a redesign of the front fascia featuring a new front bumper and larger radiator grille. New headlamps and chrome trimming that connects them are also seen as well.
Unlike the previous spyshot, this one gives us a look at the
Toyota Avanza
 facelift’s rear which has updated tail lamps linked by a chrome bar. There doesn’t appear to be any other big change at the rear beyond that.
Expect the familiar 1.3- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder VVT-i petrol engines to be offered for the Indonesian market where the former develops 92PS and 119Nm of torque while the latter outputs 103PS and 136Nm of torque. Our Malaysian market Avanza adopts the 1.5-litre mill.


2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S Officially On Sale – From RM618,000

NAZA Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has introduced the facelifted Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S, two months after its official debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Datuk Wira Haji SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of the NAZA World Group of Companies, comments “The 2017 Ghibli marks an important milestones for us. The Ghibli is our best seller and it is an honour for us to present to the local market the new and improved range. The Ghibli demonstrates all those values you expect from a Maserati in the high-end full-size sedan segment: class-leading Italian design and a unique Maserati driving experience - combined with affordability and usability.”
In terms of the engine, both petrol versions, the Ghibli and Ghibli S, feature the Ferrari built, twin-Turbo 3.0-litre V6 powerplant paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, equipped with a Start/Stop function.
The Ghibli now delivers 350hp, 20hp more than the previous model year, an increased top speed of 267 km/h. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes just 5.5 seconds. The Ghibli S, delivers a power output of 410hp and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds up to a top speed of 285 km/h.
The Ghibli shares parts of its core architecture – chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission – with the Quattroporte. It is, however, 293 mm shorter and 50 kg lighter than the flagship saloon.
For the facelift, Maserati engineers focussed on improving the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels – with the adoption of newer material and technologies. Maserati claim class-leading refinement is offered with the new Ghibli. To further improve passenger comfort, an Air Quality Sensor is now standard equipment.
Significant changes have been made on the interior as well, the central dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate a high-resolution 8.4” screen with multi-touch technology. The infotainment system is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. The new design also features a rotary knob to control the main functions.
A new safety package, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is now available. The package includes Adaptive Cruise Control which works to a full stop, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist, and Automated Emergency Braking. An additional Surround View Camera is available in combination with the ADAS package.
Two trim levels, Luxury and Sport allow further personalization to owners – Luxury appoints the interior in Zegna Edition Silk and Premium Leather upholstery while Sports adds sports seats and a sports steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. Two Carbon packages, one with exterior and the other with interior elements, are now available as a further upgrade for the Sport package.
The Ghibli shares parts of its core architecture – chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission – with the Quattroporte. It is, however, 293 mm shorter and 50 kg lighter than the flagship Italian saloon
The 2017 Ghibli and Ghibli S are available starting from RM 618,800.00 and RM 708,800.00 respectively, including a 3-year or 60,000km service package. The price includes local duties and taxes.


Nissan Acquires 34% Stake In Mitsubishi Motors; Ghosn To Lead MMC Board

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has completed an
acquisition of 34% equity stake
 in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, effectively becoming its largest shareholder and making MMC a part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
With
MMC absorbed into the equation
, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is instantly catapulted to become one of the world’s three biggest automotive players, with annual sales volume of 10 million units for the 2016 fiscal year.
Prior to the acquisition, Nissan and MMC already had a history of collaboration to produce
kei
-cars for the Japanese market for the past five years.
The two companies were also reported to have been working together to jointly-develop a new pick-up truck that was to have been the current-generation
Navara
 and
Triton
 models; the deal did not materialize.
Earlier this year, MMC found itself in trouble with regulators for publishing irregular fuel economy claims, prompting President and CEO Osamu Masuko to request for Nissan to step in and provide assistance.
Effective immediately, Nissan has nominated four representatives to sit among MMC’s Board of Directors with Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn stepping in as chairman-elect. He is joined by Hitoshi Kawaguchi, chief sustainability officer and head of global external affairs; Hiroshi Karube, global controller and global asset manager; and Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan’s current representative on the Mitsubishi Motors board.
Furthermore, Ghosn has also proposed a series of management redeployments that will see more Renault-Nissan Alliance personnel placed in key MMC decision-making positions. The proposed changes have been approved by the Nissan board and will take effect on 1 Nov 2016 with Hiroto Saikawa stepping in as co-Chief Executive Officer and Trevor Mann appointed as Chief Operating Officer.


Second Generation Audi Q5 Previewed, Target To Launch In Malaysia Next Year

Audi Malaysia, distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia, together with regional distributor Audi Singapore has just previewed the second generation Audi Q5 at the Premium Auto Car Expo happening at the Setia Alam Convention Centre.
The second generation Audi Q5 features a larger interior space thanks to the longer wheelbase. Driving performance has also improved courtesy of a reduction in kerb weight, by as much as 90 kilograms through the usage of the MLB-Evo platform.
The vehicle on preview at Setia Alam is a Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque and delivers four-wheel traction through the brand’s well-known Quattro system. The engine, together with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (S-Tronic) sets a time of 6.3 seconds on the benchmark century sprint.
Inside, the vehicle that is meant for the Singaporean market is equipped with the beautiful Audi Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument panel. Much of the interior features switchgear and design elements from the Audi A4 sedan.
Audi Malaysia is expecting to launch the second generation Q5 next year, giving customers who are shopping for a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, BMW X3, Lexus NX 300, and Volvo XC60 another option to consider.
Alongside the second generation Q5, Audi Singapore also
previewed the compact Audi Q2
.
The upcoming
new range of SUV models
are
 key
to the regional distributor’s push to bring the Audi brand back to strength in Malaysia. Expect a busy year from them then.


Audi Flaunts Its Best Of The Present And The Future At ABES 2018

Audi’s biggest event of the year in the region, the
Audi Brand Experience Singapore 2018
, had just concluded a couple of days ago at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore.
The event, which took place from 10th to 14th October, saw a massive display spanning more than 8,000 square metres of floor space with more than 100 cars.
According to Audi Singapore, the event was the first of its kind to be held in the region at this scale.
The main highlight of the Audi Brand Experience was the unveiling of the new A7 Sportback, the Q8 SUV, and the
Audi e-tron fully-electric SUV
 which will be launched in Singapore next year, for the first time in this part of the world.
Fresh from its global debut in San Francisco just a couple of months ago, the e-tron, which is Audi's first full-electric SUV, has already entered production and is slated to be offered in Singapore from as early as the second half of 2019.
And then we have the Q8 which will be the newest face of the Q family. Having made its debut in Singapore, it will also be heading to other countries in the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia in months to come.
The new A7 Sportback on the other hand features a fresh design, a more spacious cabin than before, as well as many new features which are also found in the A8 limousine.
Besides the models of the present mentioned above, Audi also brought not one or two, but three concepts of the future to the show –
the Aicon level 5 autonomous luxury sedan
,
the Elaine
level 4 autonomous concept SUV, and the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo which was born out of the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo from the Gran Turismo PlayStation game.
Oozing with high-tech wizardry all over, the Aicon is a four-door 2+2 sedan which is 240 mm longer than the new A8. It features large glass surfaces at the front and rear ends, curvy windows, darkened side sills, as well as giant 26-inch wheels.  It is also a level 5 autonomous car which comes with a living area for a cabin with no steering wheel, pedals, or even a dashboard.
Unlike the Aicon, the Elaine concept is a level 4 autonomous vehicle which still requires driver input at times. It combines its electric drive with Audi Intelligence to create a sports utility vehicle (SUV) coupe that relieves the driver of as many operating inputs as possible while adapting itself constantly to better fit the driver’s behavioral patterns.
Last but not the least, the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo is the first concept car of its range to be deployed to real-world race tracks as a fully functional vehicle. It is currently being used
at various Formula E venues to give guests a vivid impression of the future of electric mobility.
Cars and concept vehicles aside, there was also an Audi driving showcase “theater” on which 30 vehicles were driven across a 20-meter by 20-meter LED flooring before a grandstand that sat an audience of 500 people like a fashion parade for visitors to see the cars in action.
After seeing the cars in the theater, visitors could even test-drive some of the models at the event around the Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre.
Attendees also took part in a quiz about Audi where a brand new Audi A5 Sportback was given away as the grand prize via a lucky draw. A mini Audi driving experience tailor-made for children under 1.2 metres in height was also available at the event to introduce the little ones to the brand.
Read more:
Audi Brand Experience Singapore 2018 preview
Audi's plans for Malaysia

Audi e-tron SUV
The Audi Q8 SUV

Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo

Audi Elaine concept
Audi Aicon concept
New 2019 Audi A6


Almost half of Malaysian Car Owners Don’t Understand Their Car Loans

Nearly half (43%) of Malaysian new-car buyers do not fully understand the terms of their hire-purchase product, according to results of the inaugural J.D. Power 2017 Malaysia Auto Consumer Finance Study.
The study measured customer satisfaction with their automotive finance provider by examining six key factors ranked in order of importance:
Interaction
On-boarding
Billing & payment
Finance deal
Origination
Finance advisor
The survey found satisfaction levels during the purchasing process varied greatly between customers whose finance application was handled by a finance advisor as opposed to a car salesperson.
On a 1,000-point scale, a finance advisor has an average score of 777, compared with a salesperson’s average score of 735.
Anthony Chiam, Practice Leader of service industries at J.D. Power added, “With less than half of auto finance customers claiming the finance arrangement actually met their requirements, there is a clear need for the industry to become more customer-centric. Auto finance is a long-term commitment and it’s crucial that dealership salespeople spend sufficient time to clearly explain the services, terms, and fees related to each customer”
Satisfaction levels also varied according to the finance product. More than 30 percent of Islamic finance customers say they “definitely would” use the same finance provider for their next purchase, whereas, only 22 percent of customers who purchased a conventional auto finance product said they would return.
Mr. Anthony added that Islamic finance has been growing rapidly over the past 30 years and has been a key factor in the auto industry’s impressive and continuous expansion.
Additionally, the survey also concluded the following:
Higher satisfaction drives loyalty
: With a country average of two cars per household, 55% of customers who were delighted with their experience (overall satisfaction scores of 852 or higher) say they “definitely would” use the same provider for their next auto finance product, compared with only 5% of those who were dissatisfied (650 or below).
Islamic auto finance products
: Overall satisfaction is higher among customers buying such products than among those buying conventional auto finance products (758 vs. 744, respectively).
Finance company vs. dealer financing
: Nearly one-third (32%) of new-car buyers who purchase a finance product directly from a finance company are more satisfied than those going through a dealer to arrange for financing (759 vs. 742, respectively).
In terms of banking institutions, CIMB ranks highest across all six factors with an overall satisfaction score of 772. Maybank ranks second (759), performing particularly well in the on-boarding and billing & payment factors. AM Bank ranks third (757), performing well in the finance advisor factor.
The 2017 Malaysia Auto Consumer Finance Study is based on responses from 2,683 new-car buyers who financed a vehicle in the past 12 months. The study was fielded in January-March 2017.


Volkswagen Wearnes Relocates To Their New Sungai Besi 4S Centre

Located just across the road from the old Volkswagen Wearnes Sungai Besi Centre is their new outle,t which is now a 4S rated facility. It spans 75,181 square feet across two floors, housing both the showroom and aftersales departments. The centre caters to all the needs of a Volkswagen customer, from sales to aftersales, service and repair, body and paint, as well as alignment, tyre, and airconditioning services.
There are a total of 34 service bays in this new centre, allowing them to process a large volume of cars at any given time. There is also one technician per service bay, which should help to accelerate service speeds. While waiting, customers can wait in a lounge with cable TV and WiFi, along with several discussion rooms.
Below are Volkswagen Wearnes Sg Besi operating hours:-
Showroom
Monday – Friday : 9am – 7pm
Saturday : 9am – 6pm
Sunday and Public Holidays : 10am – 5pm
Aftersales and Service
Monday – Friday : 8am – 8pm
Saturday : 8:30am – 5pm
Sunday and Public Holidays : Closed
Body and Paint
Monday – Friday : 8:30am – 6pm
Saturday : 8:30am – 5pm
Sunday and Public Holidays : Closed


Asbenz Motors Autohaus to Serve Mercedes-Benz Customers Up North

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and authorised dealer Asbenz Motors recently unveiled the newly upgraded Asbenz Sungai Petani Autohaus to better serve their customers in the northern region of Kedah.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner added “We are very pleased to continue growing our service and retail touchpoints for the benefit of our customers. Our ever-growing brand presence over the years is a result of the synergy between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and our dealer partners. Through the enhanced Asbenz Sg Petani Autohaus, customers in the northern region can be assured of our unparalleled after-sales care backed by the brand’s track record of 130 years of Innovation!.”
With a total investment of RM32 million, the Asbenz Sg Petani Autohaus aims to deliver on the trademark ‘three-pointed star’ service standards and underlines Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s long-term plan to enhance the Autohauses in northern peninsular Malaysia.
The 11,439 sq.ft. facility is able to house four showroom vehicles and is a full-fledged 3S facility capable of servicing 200 vehicles a month to cope with the growing demand of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The Asbenz Autohaus is fully compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) – the company’s latest benchmark of customer experience, and completed with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI).


21 Proposals For Third National Car Project – MITI

The International Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Minister, Dr Ong Kian Ming said that the government has received a total of 21 proposals for the third national car project.
According to Ong, the figure comprises of both local and foreign companies and it is an increase over the 14 proposals that was announced earlier.
He added that the amount of proposals received is a sign that the new national car project is not affected by
Dyson’s decision to build a new electric car
 plant in Singapore.
“I think Malaysians should not worry too much about Dyson's decision, as we have not lost out to Singapore. Dyson chose Singapore due to the republic's strategic location in terms of the global supply chain and Johor would definitely be part of it,” he told reporters.


Volvo’s T6 Powertrains Get AWD Option, adds Euro 3 Compliant D4 Diesel Engine

Volvo Cars has recently announced a broad range of product updates pertaining to their Sensus driver control interface, upgrades to their diesel engine range, and a commitment to the introduction of new Twin Engine variants every year.
The headlining change in their update is the availability of all-wheel drive variants with the T6 engines in their 60-series range. This means that the Volvo’s facelifted XC60 SUV in its T6 guise can pair up its powerful 306hp/400Nm twin-charged 2-litre 4-cylinder engine with an all-wheel drive system.
According to Volvo the facelift XC60 T6 retaining a front-wheel drive layout was due to limitations pertaining to its 8-speed automatic transmission. Volvo does go into detail about the changes done to allow for an all-wheel drive system to be integrated, though it seems that its 8-speed automatic has been retained.
Besides getting an all-wheel drive option, Volvo has also introduced a D4 diesel front-wheel drive variant for the S60 and XC60 for Euro 3 diesel markets (i.e. developing markets where Euro 5 or Euro 6 diesel is not available). The aforementioned D4 engine has a power output of 190hp and 400Nm of torque, and is also available in the XC90, V40, and V40 Cross Country in selected markets.
As for Volvo’s new Sensus driver control interface in the new XC90, Volvo says it has been updated to include real-time traffic information and free map updates, as well as Apple CarPlay functionality.


Video: There’s A Renault For Every Stage Of Your Life

Our requirements evolve with time. At different stage of our lives, we develop different needs for our cars. A new ad by Renault for the European market illustrates this in a rather creative way.
The video starts off with protagonist driving through the desert in a Clio R.S; along the way, a billboard with the face of a woman appears on his path.
Instead of stopping like you do in real life, our hero crashes through the bill board and emerges in a Megane with the woman in the billboard becoming his girlfriend.
The hero goes on to drive through several billboards in the commercial, each billboard symbolizing different stages and unexpected twists of fate in his life and the Renault car that meets his needs at the time.
The ad concludes showing the latest line-up of Renault vehicles driving in formation with the final message giving the new Renault range the tagline 'as unexpected as life'.


Volkswagen AG Announces Action Plan To Resolve 'Dieselgate' Scandal

Volkswagen AG has announced its action plan to resolve the ‘
Dieselgate
’ scandal whereby a total of 11 million Group vehicles worldwide was revealed to have the Type EA 189 EU5 diesel engines fitted with software engineered to dupe emissions tests.
Technical solutions and measures are currently being developed to correct the emissions characteristics of
Volkswagen
 AG vehicles, and it plans to present them to authorities in October.
The German Federal Motor Transport Authority have earlier issued an ultimatum to the world’s largest carmaker, demanding that it comes up with a solution to fix the diesel car scandal by 7 October. Failure to do so could see the German government ban the 2.8 million affected cars from driving on that country’s roads.
As of now, Switzerland has already banned the sales of affected VW AG cars from being sold, the United States has issued a stop-sale order on new diesel Volkswagen cars last week, while other countries are considering their options.
An internal evaluation by the Group determined that five million vehicles from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand will require a service procedure to rectify the issue. Of the figure (from 11 million), the affected vehicles are from certain models and model years such as the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, the seventh generation Volkswagen Passat or the first generation Volkswagen Tiguan. New vehicles with EU6 engines however, are not affected.
As for the other brands in the Group with affected vehicles, they are: Audi (2.1 million), Skoda (1.2 million), Seat (700k), and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (1.8 million).
Customers who own Volkswagen vehicles and those from other brands within the Group,
including Audi
, will be kept informed over the coming weeks and months, where national websites will be set up to update customers on developments.
Keep in mind that this mass “recall” is a complicated process due to the fact that government regulators of each country with affected vehicles will need to approve any proposed fix beforehand. It is also uncertain how the fix will impact the affected cars’ performance and fuel economy.


B50 Group Set For Interest-Free Moratorium This October

The B50 group is set for an interest-free loan moratorium for the remaining few months of the year.

Our Finance Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz has instructed our banking institutions to immediately work on exempting interest payments for recipients of bank loan moratoriums in the B50 segment, which is basically the bottom 50% of all Malaysians in terms of income classification.

The Edge reported that the planned exemption for the B50 group would be applicable for three months in the fourth quarter of this year, which means October - December 2021.

Previously in June, the then prime minister
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
 announced a six-month loan repayment moratorium for all Malaysians under the
PEMULIH package
.

A crucial feature of the PEMULIH package is that the six-month automatic loan moratorium offered to all earning categories of the public (B40, M40, T20), as well as SMEs and Micro-SMEs under the PEMULIH package,
would not be interest-free
, however, banks would waive compound interest and penalty charges for borrowers as part of the moratorium.

This recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) should alleviate some burden off the B50 moratorium recipients, who will not be subjected to interest payments for the remaining few months of the year.

This directive to our banking institutions came after a Cabinet meeting on September 10, where ministers had approved a proposal to table amendments to the Temporary Measures for Government Financing (COVID-19) Act 2020.

"The amendments to the bill will be tabled for approval in the Dewan Rakyat this October and is aimed to, among others, strengthen the public health system, especially to curb the spread of COVID-19 and treat COVID-19 patients, improve direct cash assistance to the rakyat, and support business continuity, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as micro SMEs," said Zafrul.

Other things that were discussed for the amendment of the Temporary Measures for Government Financing (COVID-19) entails raising the ceiling limit of the COVID-19 Fund to RM110 billion from RM65 billion previously as well as increasing the statutory limit of federal government debt from 60% to 65% of gross domestic product (GDP).


Review: All-New Subaru XV 2.0 AWD – Ingenuity Advanced

The first generation XV was an ingenious and clever product: an SUV born from an existing Impreza hatchback as a base, incorporated with a lot of tough cladding, raised for a higher ground clearance - the end result proving to be a success.
With the market trend having a strong appetite for SUVs , Subaru had the right product at the right time. Subaru sales in Malaysia grew from just over 1,000 units a year in 2013 to nearly 4,800 units in 2017, driven mainly by the popularity of the XV.
The all-new XV continues to use the key ingredients that made it successful: a stylish hatchback, bumped up ground clearance and a 2.0-litre boxer engine with permanent all-wheel drive.
Specifications:
Engine: Horizontally opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, Direct Injection, Longitudinal
Power: 156 Ps @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: X-Mode, Lineartronic CVT, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split
Safety: 7 airbags, including driver’s knee airbag, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, VDC, Active Torque Vectoring
Price: From RM118,819 for 2.0i, RM125,868 for 2.0i-P
Origin: Locally-assembled at TCMA, Segambut
Overview
The all-new Subaru XV is the second product that uses the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the first being the all-new Subaru Impreza. The SGP promises all new-generation Subarus will be quieter, safer, and drive better.
The locally-assembled second generation XV continues to be offered with only one powertrain, the brand’s renowned 2.0-litre horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Two variants are available, starting from RM118,819 for the 2.0i and RM 125,868 for the 2.0i-P.
Standard features include wide 225-section tyres, roof rails, 7 airbags, Active Torque Vectoring, X-Mode terrain drive control, 8-inch touch screen audio system with reverse camera and power adjustable driver’s seat.
The 2.0i-P (our review vehicle) adds LED headlights with active swivelling function, rain sensing wipers, two colour multi-information displays, orange stitching on the dashboard, aluminium foot pedals and dual-zone air conditioning.
Exterior
The all-new Subaru XV has grown in size, with a strong emphasis on rear passenger comfort. Wheelbase has now increased by 30mm, from 2,635 mm to 2,665 mm.
Viewing the new XV up front also highlights a wider body (+20 mm) to accommodate the larger head lamps with C-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and hexagonal grille. Large roof rails are standard fitment, with the 2.0i-P variant painted in satin silver. Ground clearance of 220 mm is maintained, and textured matt black cladding adds to the XV’s ruggedness and strong off-road capabilities.
The Sunshine Orange paintwork catches a lot of attention with its brightness and rarity, but the Dark Blue Pearl seem to be growing on us. There a total of six colours for customers to choose from.
Interior
While the exterior of the all-new XV has much of the rugged character from the first generation, the interior receives a well-deserved overhaul.
Dark silver trim pieces are strategically placed to uplift cabin ambience to a more premium feel. Orange coloured double-stitching on the dashboard and door panels does not seem overwhelming, and the high quality fabric seats are a welcome inclusion to the market segment that seem to favour dark, single tone interiors.
All-round visibility is fantastic, with the large glass surface area together with the better optimization of the pillar shape.
The fabric seats also hold the occupants very well, and with the increase in width of the new XV, occupants have more space between each other, as well as an improved leg room.
In the higher kit-count 2.0i-P variant, the 6.3-inch multi function meter displays more data such as the symmetrical all-wheel drive operation together with a water and oil temperature gauge.
Fitted with four day-to-day work bags, the luggage area looks to be on the smaller side of the scale. With the tonneau cover fully extended the luggage area is listed at 345-litres of capacity.  The rear seats do fold down in a 60:40 split for accomodation of longer and bulkier items.
Driving Experience
The test route organized by Subaru consists of highway, trunk roads and a short drive around a tight circuit.
On trunk roads, the benefits of the new SGP engineering is apparent. The structure is 70% stronger than the previous generation and the XV tackles the winding roads with great pleasure. Body roll is minimal for a vehicle with such a high ground clearance, while the suspension is still pliant on rough and broken surfaces.
With the symmetrical all-wheel drive and Active Torque Vectoring, corners can be taken with more confidence as the car stays planted.
The new XV features Active Torque Vectoring, which applies individual brake pressure to the “inside wheels”, enabling the car to tackle corners in a better a manner.
While the engine looks pretty much the same, much work has been done to deliver better performance. Nearly 80% of the parts in the ‘FB20’ engine have been redesigned and this also contributes to 12 kg reduction in weight. This highly revised engine also feels more responsive as a result.
The 2.0-litre boxer now has direct injection fuel delivery, raising peak power to 156 Ps. Working in unison with the improved CVT with better ratio coverage, the 196 Nm of torque makes the XV move off in a brisk manner. Much of the torque is now delivered at the lower rpm ranges, meaning there is no need to push the tachometer needle past 4,000 rpm.
New in the XV is the X-Mode, a one-touch switch for low-speed, slippery terrain driving. The X-Mode controls the engine torque, transmission ratio, brakes, all-wheel drive and stability control for maximum control and traction.
Even with three wheels spinning, X-Mode will send torque to the one wheel with the most traction, thus slowly moving the XV forward.
We have some great information on how X-Mode works here!

Comfort
The longer wheelbase using the new SGP has definitely improved the comfort of passengers sitting at the rear. Legroom and knee room is abundant, plus ingress and egress is easier thanks to the high ground clearance.
Another significant improvement that is very apparent in the new XV is the vastly improved cabin insulation. It is much quieter, with wind noise being just a faint whisper in the background. Together with the improved CVT having better ratio coverage, the engine revolutions (rpm) are lower at cruising speeds, barely audible as it has been masked by the tyre noise.
The absence of rear cooling vents were not felt, as the air conditioning system was more than capable of cooling the cabin rapidly.
Conclusion
The first generation XV was well received by consumers, a product that offered ruggedness of an SUV but maintain all the familiarity of a hatchback. The new generation Subaru XV continues this great concept, with better refinement all around.
Consumers planning to upgrade from a compact sedan or hatchback should keep the XV in their shopping list. Our pick is the 2.0i-P variant, at RM125,868 (on-the-road without insurance). The new XV is a highway cruiser with an interior that feels a class above, comfortable urban ride qualities with secured stability and a long list of convenience and safety features.


Spyshot: Audi A7 Sportback Piloted Driving Prototype Caught In Malaysia

A lone photo depicting what appears to be an Audi A7 Sportback has surfaced, hinting at a possible debut of the A7 here in Malaysia.
However, based on the vehicle’s elaborate camouflage, we reckon its unlikely to be done by Audi Malaysia. Furthermore, we noticed two cutouts on the rear bumper, which likely houses sensors for autonomous driving. This particular mule also lacks any trade plates.
So what you’re seeing here is likely Audi AG conducting further trials for its piloted driving in more challenging driving conditions, like those found in our region.
To recap, Audi introduced the all-new A7 Sportback back in October 2017, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TFSi engine that outputs 340 hp and 500 Nm, enabling a 5.3 second 0-100 km/h time. Also standard on the all-new Audi A7 is a new Mild Hybrid System (MHEV) that utilizes a 48 volt primary electrical system.
The MHEV system works together with a belt alternator starter (BAS) that's hooked up to a lithium-ion battery, providing the A7 Sportback with a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW when braking. Additionally, when the Audi A7 Sportback is cruising between 55 and 160 km/h, the car can coast in a freewheeling mode with the engine shut down and reactivated via the BAS.


Flux add Ownership to Subscription

Flux today announced that they would be adding on the option to own after subscribing. Aptly called Subscribe to Own, Flux now offers an all-inclusive 360-degree service covering insurance, road tax, maintenance and wear and tear. The ice-cream on the cake for us truly busy folk is that they even provide a concierge service to handle all the paperwork.

So say for instance you've become besotted with the Honda HR-V that you've been subscribing to, after subscribing to it for say one, two or three years, Flux will now give you the option of buying it.

The ultimate question however is, is the Flux model cheaper than the conventional hire purchase loan model?

The answer is not as straightforward as you may think.

But firstly, how will Subscribe to Own work?

*The GFV or Guaranteed Future Value is predetermined and transparently displayed online during the checkout process. The GFV value is tabulated from analysis on Carlist.my.

Is Subscribe to Own cheaper?

According to Flux it is cheaper in its first year, the table below illustrates how:

BUT but what about Years two, three and so on…

*Prices used for comparison are of a Honda HR-V priced at RM108,800 excluding insurance.

*Annualised ownership costs multiplied by 3. Insurance cost for Y2 and Y3 is based on NCD 25% and 30% respectively

So in effect you would be paying an additional RM7,861 over the duration of 5 years. Broken down further it comes down to RM131 extra per month.

For that extra RM131 a month over 60 months Flux provides you with:

33% savings in Year One

No impact to your credit score

	i. A Flux subscription does not impact your credit score

A concierge service

Little to no paperwork or admin matters

	i. Maintenance and wear and tear costs are included in your one simple subscription fee.

	ii. Mitigate the risk of variable market prices with the GFV, and enjoy the full transparency of the value of your car at the end of your subscription.

Driver and passenger personal accident coverage

24/7 roadside assistance with unlimited towing

Replacement car during accident or breakdown

Theft recovery services

Option to switch cars during subscription tenure

	i. The option to switch cars as your needs evolve or budget changes.

Independent car inspection

	i. With its 3-day Risk-Free Return policy, you can switch out your Flux car at the start of your subscription so that you will never be stuck with a bad car.

To get more insight on Subscribe to Own, we spoke to Flux Founder and CEO, Ayman Aziz

Q: What inspired Subscribe to Own? Was it market insights or consumer demand?

It was a combination of both. Our research showed in general consumers are still attached to the notion of ownership, this was further cemented by feedback from consumers who really wanted to own the cars that they subscribed to. Hence Subscribe to Own was born which has since been formalized within a tech standpoint. Another quality of Subscribe to Own is also transparency. All costs are displayed upfront to consumers before you checkout with no hidden fees.

Q: Is the value of Subscribe to Own enough to offset the RM7,861 consumers will end up paying over the duration of their ownership?

We’ve bundled in so many value-added services to offset that minimal extra, if you unbundled it and searched, engaged, and paid for it individually, it would cost you a lot more in time and money.

Q: Since your launch in October 2019, how has the reception been?

We get one reservation every other day.

Q: What is the percentage of local subscribers on Flux? How have Malaysians reacted to the subscription model of car ownership?

Our current breakdown of consumers is 70% local and 30% expats. For the expats we provide an option that few others do. A subscription model that is hassle-free and easy.

We believe Malaysians will react positively to Subscribe to Own, this is from the feedback we’ve gotten in the first few months after going live as well as the current economic climate we’re in where liquidity is important. We provide the option of a much lower start fee compared to the conventional hire purchase loan where the initial outlay ranges from 10-20% of the price of the car. With Flux you have greater flexibility to manage your finances.


Experience the Mitsubishi Motorsport legacy at their Champion Xperience this weekend!

You too can now experience the Mitsubishi Motorsport legacy by attending Mitsubishi Malaysia's Champion experience this weekend.

For over half a century, Mitsubishi Motors has involved itself in the exhilarating world of motorsport. With a rich history spanning from 1967 to 2005, the renowned automaker has achieved an impressive tally of World Rally Championship victories.

Each win represents a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation.

Now, prepare yourself to
experience the true essence of motor-ness firsthand!
 As Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is hosting the highly anticipated Champion Xperience, taking place from the 24th to the 25th of June at Tanamera, Shah Alam. This is your golden opportunity to delve into the world of Mitsubishi Motors and witness their exceptional engineering in action.

Participants at The Champion Xperience event will be treated to an array of thrilling activities that showcase the proven capabilities, toughness, power, and reliability of the mighty Mitsubishi Triton
pickup truck
. Buckle up for a heart-pounding professional rally taxi ride, where you'll feel the adrenaline surge through your veins as you're taken on a high-speed adventure by skilled drivers.

But that's not all – brace yourself for an unforgettable off-road test drive that will put the Triton through its paces. It's an opportunity to witness firsthand why the Triton is revered for its prowess and durability.

Don't miss your chance to secure a spot at this exclusive event. Register now to ensure you don't miss out on this extraordinary experience. As an added bonus, by securing an early bird test-drive spot, you'll receive an RM20 e-wallet TnG Wallet e-voucher* that can be used for your future adventures.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Mitsubishi Motors and discover the legacy that has captivated motorsport enthusiasts for decades. Click
here
 to secure your spot and unlock the thrilling Mitsubishi Triton experience.

*Terms and conditions apply.


Second BRT Line Coming To Ease Federal Highway Congestion

Following the
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Sunway line
 that began operations this month, it looks like the government is already on the move to introduce a second line.

According to a news report by
The Star
, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted to say that a second electric bus BRT line between Istana Negara and Klang is the works.

The hope is to ease traffic congestion on the Federal Highway by allowing motorist an alternative to driving.

But while the first BRT Sunway line that’s elevated above, the new line is expected to be on ground level. To do this, it’s been expected that road dividers would have to make way for the new bus-only lanes.

The Star also quoted the minister to say that, “We invite the private sector to submit proposals for the project.”

It’s reported that plans for the project had already been drafted, and that “Those interested could submit their proposal to the Public Private Partnership Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.”


Singapore Is Actually Encouraging Electric Car Ownership

Unlike the policies that we currently have in Malaysia, the city-state down south is heading for the future.

In a way, we kind of understand that Malaysia isn't going to be the most receptive to electric vehicles. We are, after all, an OPEC - our main export is crude oil and its alternatives, and naturally electric vehicles aren't exactly in line with our image to the world. That being said, electric vehicles are the inevitable future (at least
until they get synthetic fuels
 working properly), so it would be foolish to not accomodate them.

The problem with electric cars are numerous and complex. The infrastructure necessary for an electric car to be functional and practical is not something you can set up willy-nilly - at least, not as easily as you can with petrol stations. Similarly charging times are not quick enough to be convenient, and range is something only afforded to high-end, extremely expensive electric cars.

On top of all that, there is a very large skill requirement when it comes to handling these cars, not just from a maintenance and upkeep perspective but from a rescue and engineering perspective. Electric vehicles can't simply be hosed down to put out a fire, or sprayed with chemicals, or cut into pieces. There needs to be a significant revamp to our safety services and mechanics in order to make sure big accidents and huge fires don't occur.

But even with all of these obstacles in the way, Singapore is finally heading forward and making the push for electric vehicle ownership. It is without a doubt far easier for Singapore to do something like this, not merely because they are extremely rich, but also because their country is incredibly small and incredibly developed. The costs are relatively low, and the engineering expertise already currently exists.

Singapore has announced that for their 2021 budget, 60,000 electric vehicle charging points will be set up in public car parks and private premises by 2030 - just 9 years from now. That would be an average of just over 6,600 points a year, covering most of the island. There's no word on how they'll handle HDB flats, though generally the majority of those staying in HDB flats also do not own cars and use the highly efficient public transport system.

On top of this, there will be 30 million Singapore dollars allocated for the next 5 years for electric vehicle related initiatives - probably for improving charging infrastructure, training engineers and rescue services, investing in various electric vehicle recycling equipment, and so on. Increasing the affordability of electric vehicles comes down to a registration fee of zero, compared to the usual 5,000 Singapore dollars, and re-adjusted roadtax to match conventional cars.

That last part is something to note, given that
our own electric car road tax
 is seemingly absurd as you can read about in our various articles on the subject. Electric vehicles should even have low to no roadtax, or even incentives in place as much of Europe does, in order to encourage customers to take the risk of ownership even with all the current impracticalities to consider.


TC Subaru Will Be Sending The First 50 Forester Owners To Thailand

With the all-new Subaru Forester on its way, TC Subaru will be taking advanced bookings starting from the end of May, 2019. To sweeten the deal, the first 50 customers in Malaysia to book the Forester will be given an all-expense paid trip to Bangkok in December to take a tour of the plant where the Forester is built. The
plant in question
 is fairly advanced and up to date, with stringent quality control procedures and even an in-house test track.
What this means is that the all-new Forester will also be a CBU (fully imported) model from Thailand. Since the model's introduction in Thailand at the end of 2018, it has seen a record number of bookings in its local market. It also happened to be the first model to be assembled at that particular Subaru plant - one that happens to be owned by Tan Chong itself.
For the best deals on Subaru models, click
here
.


All-New Renault Kwid Debuts In India, Previews Brand’s Latest Baby SUV

Looks massive in pictures, doesn’t it? Well, the all-new
Renault
 Kwid isn’t as big as you might think. Essentially an A-segment SUV with robust body styling, the Renault Kwid has just made its global debut in India.
"With Kwid, Renault continues to pursue its strategy of accessible mobility for all to step up its international growth. Using a new Renault-Nissan Alliance platform and following the trail blazed by the Duster, the Kwid will enable Renault to continue its expansion and address the needs of customers who want a vehicle that is stylish, robust and easy to use." Carlos Ghosn - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Renault.
What Ghosn is most likely saying there is that this is a vehicle that’s been made to be a lot more accessible (cheaper) to a wider audience. And that’s a trend we know has recently taken the world by storm, with the rise of the Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008 and the Honda HR-V (although, they’re all from a slightly larger B-segment).
The Kwid measures in at 3.68m long and 1.58m wide, and offers a ground clearance of around 180mm. By comparison, more familiar compact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport measures in at 4.27m long and 1.76m wide, whilst having a ground clearance of 200mm.
For an even better mental image, the Kwid actually shares the length and width of a Perodua Myvi, only standing taller because of its go-anywhere ground-clearance.
Design wise, there’s no mistaking the Kwid’s SUV lines, albeit them being adapted for this compact’s nature. "At first glance, the Kwid blends an emotional design with the need for reassurance expressed by customers. Its SUV lines mirror its tough, robust character and underpin its distinctive, modern look." Laurens van den Acker - Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.
Its interior features a lot of appeal, leading with an instrument cluster seemingly out of a Star Wars flick, and a similar touchscreen display head unit to other premium Renault models. It’s a humble arrangement that some could argue is a minimalist’s approach, but hey, this is a model made most likely for developing markets. Also, Renault has boldly claimed a “best-in-class load capacity” and generous seating for five passengers.
But that doesn’t mean the Kwid’s purpose to the world is lacking in any department. You see, the Kwid is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s all-new CMF-A platform, which makes it the first car to ride on it. And it certainly won’t be the last.
While the Kwid is the first, other brands like
Datsun
 and Dacia (both owned by the Nissan Motor Corporation) will also produce similar models for sale in other parts of the globe.
For now, in India, the Renault Kwid will be powered by a 0.8-litre petrol engine, and will be paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It will cost roughly 300,000 (RM17k) to 400,000 (RM22k) rupees.


Mercedes-Benz Expands Dream Cars Collection In Thailand

Mercedes-Benz Thailand launched four exciting models earlier this week, which will be part of the brand’s Dream Cars collection.
The four models were:
SLC 300 AMG Dynamic
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
SL 400
S 500 Cabriolet
Unlike the Malaysian Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection where most models are coupes, the models launched in Thailand were all roadsters.
Out of the four models launched, the smallest is of course, the SLC 300 AMG Dynamic. Previously known as the SLK, the SLC is now offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which produces 245hp. Offered in AMG Dynamic specs, the SLC is priced at 3.99 million baht.
And then, we have the wilder version of the SLC – the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. This version, which is a pretty extreme version of the SLC, is powered by a 3.0-litre twin- turbo V6 engine which kicks out a massive 367hp.
Next, we have the SL. Launched in the form of the SL 400, the roadster is powered by the same 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo engine as the SLC 43 AMG. Similar to the SLC, the SL also comes with a foldable hard-top.
Last but not least, we have the ‘daddy’ of all Mercedes-Benz roadsters – the S 500 Cabriolet. While the other models mentioned earlier are mostly two-seaters and come with a retractable hard-top, the S 500 Cabrio is a four seater which features the classic soft top. Powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the car is capable of producing 455hp.
With the introduction of these four models, Mercedes-Benz said that it aims to further reaffirm its position as the frontrunner in the premium car segment in Thailand.
In case you’re wondering, the Malaysian Mercedes-Benz Dream Car collection comprises the
AMG GT
,
C 63 AMG
,
S 63 AMG Coupe
,
CLS 400
,
E Class Coupe
, C Class Coupe, as well as the Maybach S 500.
Feel like buying a Mercedes-Benz? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Coming To Malaysia This July/August - All-New 2016 W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Fresh from its preview at the Detroit Auto Show earlier in January, the all-new 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is expected to go on sale in USA and Europe in April this year. Usually, there is a six- to nine-month gap between a new model’s introduction in key markets around the world, before making their way to smaller markets like Malaysia.
For this coming all-new W213 generation E-Class, rumour has it that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia might just surprise us with an unusually early launch of the all-new E-Class.
Speaking at the launch of the
refurbished Cycle and Carriage Bintan
g Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Petaling Jaya earlier today, Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia told us that the all-new E-Class will be launched in Malaysia later this year, but stopped short of revealing anything further.
At the same time, reliable sources have indicated to us that the all-new W213 generation E-Class is expected to be launched in Malaysia sometime around July or August 2016.
However the initial batches will be fully-imported models, so expect prices to be significantly higher than the outgoing, locally-assembled W212 generation model.
Due the lead time required to retool an assembly line, we don’t expect local assembly of the W213 generation E-Class to commence until early 2017.
Earlier this week, Daimler AG has also announced that the all-new W213 generation E-Class will be offered in some markets with an all-new
2.0-litre OM654
 diesel engine, in the E 220 d. The engine is the first aluminium block diesel engine for Mercedes-Benz.
Considering Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s recent push for diesel-powered models, and increased availability of Euro 5 diesel in major cities, we are not surprised if the E 220 d has been earmarked for Malaysia. Currently Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s diesel-powered models consist of the
E 300 Bluetec Hybrid
,
CLS 250 d
, and
GLE 250 d
.
More on the all-new 2016 W213 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class
here
.
Find more
Mercedes-Benz models
 at Carlist.my.


FOMCA - Bring Back Fuel Hike Announcements, Essential For Consumers To Plan Budget

The Government’s move to issue no further notifications on the price increases of fuel at the pumps has spurred the Federation of Malaysian Consumers into an arguing against the new practice.
Bernama
 reports that the association believes that it would negatively impact the ability of the Malaysian people to properly plan their budgets, according to its president Datuk N. Marimuthu. Having a notification means the public won’t be completely caught off guard.
“We feel it’s better to continue with the practice of making the official announcement on new fuel prices prior to the first day of a new month instead of only being informed at the pump stations,”
He added that FOMCA would submit a petition concerning the issue to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Ministry.
It is a direct response to the
July 30 announcement
 by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek that no such no prior warning would be given toward the fuel price increases and that retailers would only be notified on the last day of the month at midnight, irrespective of whether there is a price change or not.
The news agency also said that it was because the whole process was repeated, eventually becoming a routine that followed the implementation of the Managed Float System for the RON95 petrol price and diesel from December 1, 2014 whereas the price of RON97 was subject to the fluctuations of the market price.
In case you missed it, you can read more on the latest fuel price changes
here
.


Volvo Cars Invests In Ride Sharing For Kids

With so many disruptive technologies being introduced in the market, it pays to get ahead of the trend in any way you can. Ride sharing has been perhaps one of the largest changes to our market in recent years, with the efficacy of such services leading many buyers to completely forgo the idea of personal vehicle ownership - especially in more congested parts of the world.
In light of this, Volvo has teamed up with California-based ride sharing company Zūm, which is a ride sharing service for children. Founded back in 2015, the company has grown rapidly in providing a network of vetted drivers to parents and schools in order to allow them to schedule transport for the regular school commutes. It definitely beats a school bus or a driver, and can be far more cost effective as well.
This unique subset of ride sharing is also paired with other services such as child care before or after a ride as needed - no need for parents to go hunting for a babysitter for their kids if they're out at work. Drivers are vetted in a far more rigorous fashion than regular ride sharing applications, as are their vehicles, as you would expect when it comes to the safety of children. Everything else is par for the course for a ride sharing app, with quick rider-driver pairings and efficient routing.
Where Volvo Cars comes in is with funding as part of their Tech Fund investments. Zūm may be popular in California but they will need more resources to expand across the United States and possibly the world. For now this is the extent of Volvo Cars' contribution, but they may consider adding Zūm to their list of Care by Volvo services as part of the premium subscription plan, or to provide fleet vehicles for usage.


Nissan's Progress On Turning A New Page Continues With A New Logo

The new Nissan Logo is a symbol of Nissan's new horizon and it is influenced by the new digital world.

The process of moving forward continues at Nissan, and the most recent outcome of this movement is a new and modern logo.

Set to be rolled out in all of their vehicles in stages starting with the recently unveiled
Nissan Ariya
 electric SUV, the new logo is said to be inspired by the new digital world. Nissan's new logo comes alive by connecting its rich heritage, and tradition of innovation. The company name remains at the centre of the logo, communicating an instantly recognizable brand that evokes past milestones and memories while also conveying evolution.

The journey to a new logo began in the summer of 2017, when Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's senior vice president of global design, began to study potential changes to Nissan's logo and brand identity. He set up a design team led by Tsutomu Matsuo, deputy general manager of Nissan's advanced design department, to study everything from a subtle evolution to a complete reinvention. Albaisa offered the keywords "thin, light and flexible," and set Matsuo and his team on their journey.

"Inspiration was drawn from breakthroughs in science, technology and connectivity. How these have brought fundamental changes to our customers," said Albaisa. "As you can imagine, visions of digitalization started swirling in our heads."

Over the next two years, the team sketched and plotted several iterations, always keeping Nissan Founder, Yoshisuke

Aikawa's directive words in mind: "be passionate, be an innovator, be a challenger." The team needed to consider several variables, including an early decision for the logo to be illuminated on upcoming all-electric models. This presented technical challenges, such as gauging the thickness of the logo's outline to ensure a crisp impression when lit, and of course compliance with government regulations for illuminated elements on cars. The logo also needed to make a strong impression when not illuminated, such as when it appeared digitally or on paper.

After countless sketches and several mock-ups, the result was a logo with a two-dimensional impression. Looking more designed than manufactured, it has the flexibility to live in multiple worlds. The process started in 3-D and was then developed in 2-D - the illuminated brand badge was drafted first, pulling the illuminated area out to represent the brand in 2-D form.

The overall effect of the redesign is a transition from a hard-edged, industrial feel to a refined, familiar and digital-friendly look. It signals the evolution of Nissan not only as a traditional vehicle manufacturer but also as a provider of mobility and services.


MOF: NO interest to be accrued on six-months HP moratorium

The Ministry of Finance today stated that the total amount for your Hire Purchase loan will not change as NO compound nor interest will be accrued on it during the six-month moratorium.

This was a u-turn from what the Association of Banks (ABM) had indicated earlier. You can read more about that
here
.

Minister of Finance Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz stated “To this, borrowers must resume their loan repayments as usual based on the terms of agreement with their respective banks. This includes an additional six months to the total repayment schedule if they choose to join the moratorium. The government hopes this can reduce the burden of the rakyat during this challenging time.”

You can obtain further information from your respective banks tapi esok cuti lah kan so maybe check with them on Friday.

This is the kind of u-turn we approve of and thank you MOF for the early Wesak Day present.


Fast & un-Forgettable: Our Favourite Cars From The ‘Fast & Furious Saga’

The Fast And Furious film franchise (it’s now called the ‘Fast
Saga
’, apparently, so Proton must be happy) has continuously given us action-packed car movie after action-packed car movie, and successful ones at that, which is more than enough for us to be happy it exists.

Throughout the 8 - soon to be 9 - movies in the mainline series, pretty much every facet of automotive enthusiast can find their niche of a car, or several. It has to be said, though, that European cars are a noticeable minority in comparison to the JDM machines and V8 American bulls.

Choosing a personal favourite was a headache because of the sheer number, but here are some of the
Fast Saga
’s most exciting and memorable cars, according to the Carlist team:

Gokul: 1992 Honda Civic Hatchback (The Fast and the Furious - 2001)

Having achieved massive cult status, the Civic EG was THE car to have back then (it still is). Plus, in the first Fast & Furious, it belonged to Hector - the shot-calling, race organiser who also had all the money and the women in the world. Plus, how can we forget the fact that Hector was gonna be running three Honda Civics with Spoon engines. On top of that, he just went into Harry's and ordered three T66 turbos with NOS, and a Motec system exhaust!?

Aswan: 2011 Lexus LFA (Fast Five - 2011)

It's got the best sounding exhaust note in the entire series, and while it only pops up for a couple of seconds at the ending of Fast Five, its hair raising soundtrack is still noteworthy. That and Han manages to drive it down a highway with Giselle in his lap which is pretty damn impressive.

Hana: 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift - 2006)

Tokyo Drift was the first FF movie I watched (yes, I am that young). In a movie filled with flashy cars, the Mustang was the most “car looking” car. To fit in the Japanese setting, of course they had to fit in a Nissan Skyline GT-R engine, which makes it an interesting Frankenstein of a car. And I loved me some restoration montage.

Adam: 1970 Ford Escort MK I RS1600 (Fast & Furious 6 - 2013)

The car just oozes retro charm and since its heritage was from the rally competitions it just had to fly to save Taj from his usual mishaps. When Brian turned up in the Escort, it was a big suprise to everyone, but oh how it showed that it was one of the best cars out of the bunch. Terrorising city street, doing acrobatic shows on the freeway, there is no better car than this one.

Arvind: 1995 Volkswagen Jetta (The Fast and the Furious - 2001)

Could you think of a more boring car in the F&F franchise! Yet, Jesse's grocery getter played such a pivotal role in the first F&F flick and showed that you don't need a big V8, two NOS bottles, and a "Motec system exhaust" to be fast. The Jetta is also special because it's one of the few European models to be featured in the franchise, amongst a sea of JDM and American machines. And, given the Jetta took on one the fastest machines - read S2000 with a 100k under the hood - and gave it a run for its money, I'd say its pretty quick. Here's one for the little guy…

Jim: 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona (Fast & Furious 6 - 2013)

The Charger Daytona is dripping with presence and has some serious motorsport lore behind it (at least the real ones do). Just 503 examples were made and only some with a 7.0-litre HEMI V8. In the movie, though, the burgundy/maroon car had a supercharged LS3 and slammed suspension with its iconic nose and spoiler both made shorter. Charger Daytonas are stuff of legends but somehow the modifications made for Fast 6 were so tastefully, lovingly chosen that it is somehow improved over the original. Some popcorn probably fell out of my mouth seeing it hold a steady-ish drift around London.

Which was your favourite?


Meet ZiGGY, The Mobile EV Charging Robot

EV Safe Charge, a provider of
EV charging solutions
 in the US, has unveiled its latest charging solution yet - ZiGGY, an EV charging robot.

This robotic
mobile EV charging
 platform is labelled as a 'flexible, cost-effective EV charging solution unlike any other'. It's the answer to something that all EV owners have been asking for - a charger that comes to the car rather than the owners frantically looking for one, especially in parking spaces.

Any parking facility without blocking any spaces

It's also a great solution to accommodate any existing parking spaces without having to fork out a lot of revenue just to update their infrastructures with permanent charging stations. ZiGGY in theory can help cut down on costs and
EV owners
 can basically park anywhere within the parking facility. Just call it over.

ZiGGY is incorporated with loads of tech that can help it navigate through parking lots by itself each time it is called for charging duties. With cameras, sensors, all-wheel-steering, and more, EV Safe Charge is confident with its abilities to be 'immediately deployable, easily scalable, and can be implemented anywhere'.

Offsite charging also possible

Once done with charging (and the EV owner unplugs it from the car), ZiGGY will simply return to its home base set up within the parking lot to recharge either by using the building's grid, offsite battery, or even solar energy. Heck, it can even make its own money with huge advertising screens on the side panels. Very cool, indeed.

EV Safe Charge stated that ZiGGY will go into production sometime in 2023, and they're already taking reservations from interested parties. No mention of pricing or packages yet, though.


Hyundai & LG Secure RM3.18 Billion Financing For Indonesia Battery Cell Plant

Hyundai Motor Group
and
LG Energy Solution (LGES)
 have successfully secured US$710 million (RM3.18 billion) in loans and guarantees for their new battery cell plant in
Indonesia
.

Five different international financial firms have stepped up with the fund which will be serviced in the next decade as the project progresses as reported by
Yonhap
. Quite a deal, but since EVs are the future, funders are pumping in huge figures in the hope of seeing massive gains in the long run.

New EV battery cell plant in Karawang region by 2024

Considering the fact that this joint venture project amounts to a whopping $1.1 billion (over RM4.9 billion), a special form of debt guarantee is needed to seal the deal. This is why Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co., and LGES will all provide debt guarantees proportionate to the value of their stakes in the project via The Korea Trade Insurance Corp.

Since more than half of the funding has been approved, the go-ahead has been given to build Hyundai's new EV battery cell plant in the new industrial complex of the Karawang region, east of Jakarta.

If everything follows the right schedule and timing, mass production can begin as soon as the first half of 2024. As a start, the goal of the plant is to supply 10 GWh worth of battery cells in the first few years, which can be used for over 150,000 EVs.

Once that has been accomplished, Hyundai's latest EV battery cell plant can be expanded to accommodate up to 30 GWh per year. That's enough juice to power close to half a million EVs. Power, literally.


Built Not Bought: Perodua Invested 1.2 Billion Ringgit To Build The Perodua Ativa

The Ativa represents more than just Perodua's first high-tech vehicle and SUV.

For those who think that the
Perodua Ativa
 is a complete rebadge job of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize, you couldn't be further away from the truth because Perodua helped design the Ativa/Rocky/Raize in conjunction with Daihatsu and Toyota.

Actually, it's been a long time since Perodua just did some rebadging because even the third generation Myvi was entirely designed and made in Malaysia and featured 95 percent local content.

From our understanding, although the Perodua Ativa does not have such a comprehensive Malaysian made genesis to its design and engineering like the Myvi, Perodua did place fifty full-time Malaysian engineers in Japan, to help build the Ativa/Rocky/Raize from the ground up, and so far, the national car manufacturer has spent RM1.2 billion ringgit in making the SUV, including investing in things such as machinery and workforce.

Even though the Perodua Ativa is equipped with modern and sophisticated technology such as a
turbocharged engine
,
advanced passive and active safety
 features as well as the latest automotive mod cons, Perodua was committed to at least include 95 percent local content in the Ativa, and according to them, they have managed to do precisely that.P

With this much localisation in the Ativa, Perodua has also managed to export some of the locally made components to Indonesia but not Japan for the time being. To continue this action of exporting local components to other countries, Perodua will also continue to invite local vendors to Japan to present their manufacturing acumen and take on certain parts in the hope that they will be able to supply some locally made components to the Daihatsu global supply network.

So far, three vendors have successfully been added to Daihatsu’s global supply network, chief of which is a Malaysian vendor that supplies in-car audio systems.

This is an important step forward in Perodua's attempt to implement its Smart Build (
PSB
) concept. PSB highlights the company’s blueprint and action plan moving forward, which not only covers the company’s immediate operations but the entire ecosystems of its vendors and technology partners.

PSB has managed to up the tech and keep the cost of the Ativa down by taking advantage of national automotive policies, regulations while maximising its local and international partnerships to improve quality and reduce costs.

Because Perodua and Daihatsu work very closely, their engineers are actively involved with the design and development of their products right across Japan and Malaysia. This has allowed more precise and time effective development as engineers design features and components from the outset to appeal to Malaysian buyers, and not have to re-engineer parts of the car later on – this saves money and time.

To think that Perodua is only manufacturing cars to make money would be truly unfair because part of their ethos is also to build up the locally made automotive componentry, which in the end will result in more automotive-based jobs in Malaysia and an upskilling of our local expertise.

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

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.


Mercedes-Benz Unveils New V-Class; EV Version Debuts At Frankfurt 2019

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the facelifted V-Class MPV; in addition to aesthetic updates, the biggest member of the Passenger Car family also receives improved safety and assistance systems this time around.
On the outside, the V-Class receives an updated front bumper replete with larger air intake vents and new radiator grille. An optional AMG Line diamond radiator grille with chrome pins is offered now. Four new paint choices, as well as four new light-alloy wheel designs, have also been added.
On the inside, the V-Class receives a new twin-stripe trim element and the turbine-look air-conditioning vents – same as the all-new A-Class. Mercedes-Benz have also added a new "Tartufo" leather colour to proceedings. Perhaps most importantly – Mercedes-Benz now offers optional luxury seats in the rear equipped with reclining and back massage functions, as well as air conditioning.
In terms of powertrains, there are three diesel variants now – inclusive of a new V300d variant with 239 hp and 500 Nm – based on the new-generation OM654 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The less powerful V220d and V250d output 163 hp (380 Nm) and 190 hp (440 Nm) respectively.
The ‘9G-Tronic’ 9-speed automatic transmission is also available for the first time with the facelift. All engine variants of the new V-Class come with rear-wheel drive as standard, 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The V-Class facelift also gains Active Brake Assist, the company’s autonomous emergency braking system as well as Highbeam Assist Plus which adjust the headlight's main beam depending on traffic conditions.
In-line with the company’s electric mobility aspirations, the
Concept EQV
 – which first premiered at the Geneva Auto Show last month – Mercedes-Benz has announced that the series production model will celebrate its world premiere at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).
For the best deals on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, click
here
.


Hyundai Launches New Safety Feature To Prevent Drivers From Leaving Their Children In The Car

Hyundai Motor today announced the introduction of a new safety feature called the Rear Occupant Alert system.
The system, which will be offered in 2019 model year Hyundai vehicles, monitors the rear seats using an ultrasonic sensor that helps to detect the movements of rear seat occupants, especially children.
How the Rear Occupant Alert system works is that it reminds drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle with a message displayed on the center instrument cluster screen.
And if the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves the vehicle, it will honk the horn, flash the headlights and send a Blue Link alert to the driver’s smartphone via Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system.
According to Hyundai, the main aim of the new safety system is to prevent the rising number of tragedies which involve children being forgotten in the car, and kids accidentally locking themselves in a car.
It is reported that 38 children have died from heatstroke in hot cars in the United States this year itself, and more than 800 children have died from heat-related illnesses in vehicles since 1994.
Out of the 800, 55 percent of these cases were caused by parents who were unaware that their child was even in the vehicle.
Experts say it only takes minutes before heat can overwhelm a child’s ability to regulate his or her internal temperature, and that their core temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult.
Even in Malaysia, there have been many similar cases especially over the past couple of years, and although all that is needed to prevent this is some common sense, we welcome Hyundai's effort and hope that our market will get the new Rear Occupant Alert System as well.


2021 Swift Sport Launched, First Suzuki Under Naza Eastern - From RM140k

After the formation of subsidiary
Naza Eastern
 upon the Naza Group’s 45th anniversary, the new entity has wasted little time getting its foot in the door of Malaysia’s automotive scene, representing a beloved brand that has had deep roots with a local base of customers and fans: Suzuki.

Following a corporate restructuring that saw the group’s previous automotive brands such as Kia and Peugeot
swiftly scooped up by BAuto
 (Bermaz), Naza Eastern’s next stab
with Suzuki
 does hold a great deal of promise. Though, understandably, the car-buying public will need more than friendly words and big promises to be fully convinced.

With the new A2L414 Swift Sport, launched this evening at the Naza Automall PJ, Suzuki’s re-entry into the Malaysian market is spearheaded by an interesting choice of vehicle, apparently in total rejection of capitalising on the ongoing SUV craze with more predictable models. Instead, we have a driver-focused lightweight hot hatch. We’re not complaining.

However, priced at
RM139,900 (on-the-road without insurace)
, this is clearly not a car that everyone will be clamouring for. For those who were fans of the previous generation Swift Sport sold here last in 2013, that price doubling might certainly catch you off-guard. That said, Suzuki has made some significant strides to make this newest version a far more capable little beast. But is it enough to justify its asking price?

Fully imported in limited numbers from the Suzuki factory in Makinohara, Japan, this Sport is based on the 3rd-generation (A2L) Swift hatch and is headlined by a 1.4-litre Boosterjet four-cylinder petrol engine alongside their new HEARTECH vehicle platform, endowing it with improved structural rigidity, high-speed stability, chassis balance, and superior refinement.

Power from that K14C motor is rated at 140PS at 5,500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 2,500-3,500rpm, which might not sound like an awful lot of punch these days, but given how lightweight the Swift Sport is, performance should be pretty impressive.

Despite being armed as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission in other countries, units bound for Malaysian customers will only be fitted exclusively with a 6-speed torque converter automatic to send drive to the front wheels. Still, acceleration is claimed at 7.0 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest, which apparently is actually quicker than the 3-pedal alternative can manage.

Though there is no Tiptronic shift method on the gear selector itself, paddles shifters are thankfully fitted as standard here. However, we’ll need to wait to actually drive it before commenting on how responsive the paddles themselves or the gearbox feels to shift in anger.

Aside from the obvious styling tweaks given to set it apart from the standard Swift hatch - such as the aggressive front and rear end treatment, faux-carbon fibre weave around the skirting, and dual exhaust exits - the Sport is equipped with 17-inch wheels wrapped around wider Yokohama Advan A13 tyres in a 195/50R16 fitment.

Stepping inside, a highlight of the Swift Sport’s cabin is the rather sizeable bucket-style sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Breaking apart the monotony of the black interior is a nice peppering of red trim accents and contrast stitching to blend alongside the satin-finished metallic surfaces reflective piano-black accents.

There’s also a decently sized 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay connectivity, positioned along the centre stack, sharing vertical space with the knobs for the car’s single-zone climate control, among other switchgear. The gauge cluster remains faithfully analogue, thankfully, but is supplemented by a multi-info display sandwiched between the tachometer and speedometer.

The Swift Sport is available in four different colour options: Champion Yellow, Pearl Pure White, Speedy Blue Metallic, and Burning Red Pearl Metallic. Naza Eastern offers each Swift Sport comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty. The question remains, though: where is the Jimny and when can we expect to see it officially sold here?

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

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.

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 website now.


The 2020 Facelifted Kia Stinger Unleashed – But Will It Ever Come Here?

Kia has pulled the covers off the 2020 Kia Stinger fastback sedan – the facelifted model now boasts Kia’s latest driver-assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort.

So, what’s new about Kia’s halo sports sedan?

New 2.5-liter T-GDi added (for US market) and updated 3.3-litre V6

The new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi (turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder) engine will slot in between the two existing powertrains producing 304 PS at 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 422 Nm. The most powerful 3.3-litre twin-turbo ‘Lambda’ V6 engine has been updated with an Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system which adds 3PS (now 373 PS), max torque is rated at 510 Nm available between 1,300 rpm and 4,500 rpm.

2.0-litre ‘Theta’ turbocharged four-cylinder, available since the car’s launch in 2017, is unchanged, producing 255 PS at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. All three engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

Upgraded infotainment system

At the centre of the Stinger’s upgraded cabin is an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system. Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

Bluetooth multi-connection will enable users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time. The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system – replete with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

For the instrument cluster – a 4.2-inch colour-TFT LCD cluster replaces the 3.5-inch mono-TFT unit, an optional fully digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is also offered.

Updated user functions

The new Stinger will pack new user functions such as the remote engine start, and remote cabin climate conditioning using the Kia UVO App.

New active safety functions

In addition to previously offered Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) systems such as Forward Collision Warning (FCA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Kia has also updated other functions such as the Blind Spot system, which now not only warns the driver but applies differential braking to avoid a collision.

Other new safety functions include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) which use GPS data to slow the car when a turn/bend approaches for better fluency during driving. The Rear Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA) now includes a brake intervention function.

Another cool feature is the Safe Exit Warning (SEW) which detects vehicles coming up from behind on either side of the Stinger when parked and stopped, alerting occupants with a sound and visual warning if they attempt to open the door into oncoming traffic.

The new Kia Stinger will go on sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales due to commence in many of Kia’s global markets later in the year.

But will the facelifted Stinger ever come here?

Well, the pre-facelifted version was
launched in Malaysia in mid-2018
, roughly a year after the Stinger’s global launch in 2017. Though there was ample fanfare and adoration from the public and media alike for the Stinger, it enjoys minimal success in Malaysia.

Much of this had to do with the price.

The fully imported versions (from Korea) were offered here in two variants at the following prices:

Kia Stinger 2.0L GT-Line – RM239,888 OTR without insurance

Kia Stinger 3.3L V6 GT – RM309,888 OTR without insurance

Now while we contend, that even at those prices, the Stinger gives you a lot of car (and not to mention performance) for your buck – it remains a niche product given one can get into the Stinger’s mainstream German rivals for the same money.

At the Stinger 2.0L’s retail price tag, one is just a few thousand of putting themselves in a Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line, and for the 3.3L’s price – one can already drive home a BMW 330i M Sport. Notwithstanding in both those cases, the Stinger is more unique, offers better performance, more interior space, and stellar looks.

Now, we can coin it down to just being an expensive Korean car, or a global halo car that beats the establishment at its own game. This is all down to the branding of the product, and the effort put in by the local brand owner - in this case Naza Kia Malaysia.

Short of the awe-inspiring teaser at the
2017 MAI Malaysia Autoshow
, and later launch event – nothing much was done to create excitement and aspirational value for this Korean masterpiece.

There was a time Mercedes-Benz never sold AMG models in Malaysia – today though, thanks to the excellent efforts of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in marketing and brand building, everything from the Mercedes-AMG A45 to the AMG GTR track-honed supercar is made available for their customers. What this proves is that, when you have the products, and you can make your clients want them... they will buy it!

With that said, the larger engine capacity of the 3.3-litre engined Stinger (despite all its performance and driving dynamics) is prohibitive given the road tax rates, so a concerted effort to build-up the 2.0-litre’s presence here is much needed. Likewise, the facelifted model will require this even before we think it should even be sold here.

After all, there's no business sense in introducing a car everybody likes, but nobody buys. As of now, there is nothing to suggest, simply introducing the Stinger here is going to do any good.

Kia’s well-placed products – across its range, right from the Picanto to the Telluride SUV – has grabbed the world’s attention, and accolades meaning Naza Kia have a valuable goldmine of products if only they can market it effectively and give the brand the support it needs to succeed.

Well, here's to hoping!


Toyota To Build New Plant In Myanmar

Toyota will be building its first-ever plant in Myanmar, marking the sixth plant in the Southeast Asian region.
According to a report by
Nikkei
, Toyota is expected to invest ‘tens of millions of dollars’ in the new plant, which will initially assemble about 10,000 pick-up trucks annually. The new plant will be located in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone outside Yangon.
At the moment, Toyota operates five plants in the region, including in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, though the company is rather wary of entering Myanmar as the market is small and securing local suppliers may prove to be challenging.
Despite that, the government is trying to encourage foreign car manufacturers to invest in the country. Imported pickups are slapped with up to a 40% registration fee of their import price, while locally-assembled cars are not subjected to these charges, but can enjoy tax exemptions.
In addition to tax exemptions, the Myanmar government has also begun curbing imports of right-hand drive vehicles.
Apart from setting up the new production facility, Toyota also needs to set up a local supply chain in Myanmar. Several Japanese suppliers, such as battery maker GS Yuasa and wire harness supplier Yazaki have decided to open their factories in Thilawa as well.


Fuel Price Update: April 2017 Week 5

Fuel prices are now adjusted on a weekly basis.
Here are the new prices for petrol and diesel.
RON95 - RM2.21  (down 6 sen from RM2.27)
RON97 - RM2.49 (down 5 sen from RM2.54)
Diesel - RM2.14 (down 7 sen from RM2.21)
Via:
Sin Chew


AD: Joy Is Test Driving BMW's Range Of Vehicles This Weekend At Setia Alam

If you’re a BMW owner and are itching to take your machine on a fun-filled driving experience this weekend, just head to BMW Wheelcorp Premium in Setia Alam as they are organizing the ‘Ultimate Weekend Experience’ from 8 to 10 September.
The event, which will be taking place at the Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit, which also happens to be the first ever dealer-owned driving course in Malaysia, will accommodate almost any BMW model, regardless of whether it is a passenger car or an SUV.
Throughout the weekend, a total of four sessions (10 am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm) will take place per day from 10 am to 6pm, and since slots are limited, those who are interested may want to register yourselves as soon as possible.
On top of the driving experience, lucky participants also stand a chance to walk home with exclusive gifts such as smartphones, smart televisions, as well as other electrical appliances.
That being said, Wheelcorp Premium’s ‘Ultimate Weekend Experience’ promises a lot of fun for everyone present. So, if you have no plans, the facility in Setia Alam might just be the best place to head to.
Follow this link for more information about
BMW Wheelcorp Premium's Ultimate Weekend Experience