F1 Ferrari Muncul Di Lebuh Raya – Topi Keledar Jadi Penyelamat

Tahukah anda memandu kereta
Formula 1
 di jalan raya awam adalah dilarang dan hanya dibenarkan di
litar lumba
 dan litar tertutup?

Walau bagaimanapun, seorang pemandu dikesan menjalani kehidupannya seakan-akan watak utama dalam permainan video
Grand Theft Auto
 (GTA) apabila memandu kereta
F1 Ferrari
 di sebuah lebuh raya di Republik Czech.

Kereta F1 Ferrari Misteri Beri Kejutan

Kemunculan kereta seakan-akan F1 dengan corak Ferrari itu telah mengejutkan pengguna lain di Lebuh Raya D4, barat daya Prague pada 14 Ogos lalu.

Sekali pandang, kereta Ferrari itu mempunyai corak Ferrari lama, nombor 7 pada sayap belakang dan logo penaja Formula 1 seperti Marlboro, Acer dan Vodafone.

*Kredit video: Gas Guzzlerz

Menurut laporan media luar, kereta itu nampaknya merupakan jentera penghormatan (
tribute
) kepada Ferrari F2004, yang digunakan oleh bekas juara dunia F1 sebanyak 7 kali,
Michael Schumacher
 semasa musim Formula 1 2004.

Nombor 7 yang dikesan pada jentera ini mungkin penghormatan kepada tujuh gelaran dunia Schumacher - yang terbaru dicapai pada 2004 menggunakan F2004. Tiada pemandu Ferrari Formula 1 yang menggunakan nombor 7 dari tahun 1990 hingga 2009.

Keterujaan orang ramai melihat kelibat kereta itu membuatkan aksi pemandu tersebut dirakam dan dikongsikan di media sosial.

Bukan Kemunculan Kali Pertama

Menariknya, ini bukan kali pertama kereta tersebut membuat kemunculan. Kereta F1 yang sama pernah muncul di lebuh raya D4 buat kali pertama pada September 2019. Ia telah menjadi satu kesalahan undang-undang kerana kenderaan ini tidak dibenarkan dipandu di lebuh raya di Republik Czech.

Laporan media luar turut menyatakan bahawa polis dapat mengesan suspek tetapi disebabkan suspek memakai topi keledar ketika memandu, identitinya tidak kelihatan dengan betul dan tidak dapat disahkan.

Oleh sebab itu, pertuduhan terbabit tidak dapat diteruskan dan pemandu itu menafikan tuduhan tersebut selain berjaya membebaskan dirinya daripada hukuman denda $10k CZK (kira-kira RM1,850) serta diharamkan memandu selama satu tahun.

*Kredit video: Enzo's Classic


The Mercedes-Benz EQA Is Exactly Like A GLA, But Fully Electric - Genius

Yesterday evening, Mercedes-Benz took the covers off their newest fully electric vehicle in their expanding EQ line-up (we thought it
would be the EQS. Nope
). The EQA joins the larger EQC, which by Mercedes-Benz standards, are comparable to the GLA and GLC.

Both fall into the category of a crossover and/or SUV, as you might be able to tell from the on-stilts ride height and pretty useless grey cladding around the wheel arches etc. It was foolish of me to expect an electric A-Class in the first place.

Evidently, the EQA is positioned both in terms of its price, features, and looks to be the fully electric
alternative to the GLA
 as they're both essentially the same vehicle. Both share the MFA2 platform, albeit with certain structural adaptations, which was designed from the start to be powertrain-agnostic and allow support for floor-mounted batteries.

This is low-key ingenious as this approach allows the company to save a bundle by not having to develop a dedicated electric platform, but also, because they're so similar at the surface level, broadening the EQA's appeal to new or existing GLA customers.

Speaking of which, with its current base form being the EQA 250, Mercedes-Benz is equipping it with a single motor layout mounted at the front producing 188hp and 375Nm, supplied by battery array with a usable reserve of 66.5kWh that's good for a WLTP rated range of 420km.

With figures like that, an 8.9 second 0-100km/h sprint time seems a little sluggish, but remember that current battery technology does always mean a pretty weighty machine. Top speed is electronically limited to 160km/h, in case you were wondering.
Volvo would be proud
.

Down the line, Mercedes-Benz says that a long-range variant will be offered, which we suspect will merely unlock the existing battery's full capacity. Sneaky. Future additions to the range will also include a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant high-performance from AMG.

In terms of charging, this EQA doesn't fully support the fastest of DC fast chargers out there as they would have to throttle down to the vehicle's maximum 100kW rate. That said, the company does quote an 80% charge in a very reasonable 30 minutes. However, it will need around 6 hours to fully replenish a depleted battery using the more conventional 11kW AC charger.

A decent drag coefficient of 0.28 naturally helps maximise range, and Mercedes-Benz has done a good job of cutting out aerodynamic interferences while retaining its resemblance to the GLA.

There's no front grille to speak of, merely a gloss black panel as a fascia. At the rear, though, they've revised the tail light clusters in favour of a single-piece light bar, relocating the number plate to bumper-level as a result.

More familiarity awaits inside as the EQA's cabin is a spitting image of the GLA. The basic dashboard and interior layout are unchanged apart from some trim accents EQ-specific controls in
the MBUX
 unified instrument cluster and infotainment system.

The EQA is due to make its on-sale debut in Europe and is likely to remain exclusive to the company's home continent before expanding to key EV markets such as North America and China, hopefully followed closely by Southeast Asia and Australia.


2016 Honda Accord Facelift Opens For Bookings

Following its
recent launch in the Thai market
, the new facelifted 2016 Honda Accord is set to make its
arrival in Malaysia
 as all 88 authorized
Honda
 dealers across their country open their order books for the updated
D-segment sedan
 today.
A popular choice within its segment, the current
ninth-generation Accord
 has to date accumulated 23,000 sales in Malaysia since its launch in 2013. The new facelift, which brings updated looks and equipment to the table, should serve to add considerably to that tally.
As before, Honda will continue to offer the Accord with a three-tiered line-up consisting of the 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L, and 2.4 VTi-L variants. There is no indication that the
Hybrid variant
 offered in Thailand is being planned for Malaysia.
Prices of the new model have yet to be announced, but we don’t expect them to stray far from the current versions. At present, the Accord is priced as follows (OTR with insurance):
2.0 VTi
: RM141,100
2.0 VTi-L:
 RM152,300
2.4 VTi-L:
 RM178,200
Mechanical components of the 2016 Accord are expected to continue unchanged, but Honda has yet to disclose equipment levels of the respective variants.
Externally, the new Accord can be identified by its redesigned front and rear bumpers, as well as revised head and tail lamp clusters featuring LED illumination. Alloy rim designs are new as well.
The new Accord will be offered with a range of five colours:
Obsidian Blue Pearl – new for Honda
White Orchid Pearl – new for Accord
Lunar Silver Metallic – new for Accord
Modern Steel Metallic – existing colour
Crystal Black Pearl – existing colour
The new Accord will be on tour in road shows across the country from 12 Aug to 4 Sept 2016 at the following dates and locations:
12 Aug – Kuala Selangor
13 Aug – Klang Valley, Klang
14 Aug – Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya
19 Aug – Kota Bharu
20 Aug – Kuala Terengganu
21 Aug – Kuantan
26 – 28 Aug – Georgetown
28 Aug – Ipoh
2 Sept – Johor Bahru
3 Sept – Muar
4 Sept – Malacca
The Accord nameplate had just turned 40 this year. Follow this link to read up on how it grew in stature from being a humble hatchback to become Honda's D-segment flagship sedan:
40 Years of Honda Accord – How Ford and Lotus Inspired The First Accord


Top Gear Resumes With New Host Chris Evans And An All-New Line-Up

Top Gear’s sudden halt in production following
Jeremy Clarkson’s altercation
 with one of the show’s producers back in March left us with many questions. Uppermost was, “Will the show go on?”, “Will there be a new host?”
It will go on, and yes there is a new host: Chris Evans. No, not the actor of Captain America fame, although that could be interesting too.
Evans is a British TV and radio host, and according to Top Gear’s website has signed a three-year deal to lead an all new line-up for the show.
"I'm thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time. Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless. When in fact, of course, it's anything but and that's the genius of Top Gear's global success. I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward,” said Evans.
This development comes fresh off the news of the final episode with Jeremy Clarkson will air on June 28
th
 on BB2, and is likely to also be the final hoorah for co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May as well. Evans is said to be heading an “all-new” line-up after all.
If you’ve watch Top Gear, you might have caught Evans on the series’ segment “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car”. He also owns one of the most impressive private car collections, notably of
Ferrari
s. Evans is well-known for hosting the successful Channel 4 morning show called The Big Breakfast in the UK. Since then, he’s made appearances and even hosted other shows on British television and radio.
According to the Top Gear website, the Evans-hosted series will begin production in a few weeks’ time and is due to air in 2016. We haven't got much idea what the old trio of Jezza, Hamster, and Slow will do long term, but they do have their
live international show
.


Luxury Cars Used To Entice Immigration Officers To Help Syndicate

Luxury cars used to entice Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia officers to be part of syndicate.

Malaysia's Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) has just confiscated 21 various luxury vehicles from certain Immigration officers (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia or JIM) who is believed to be involved in a syndicate called "stamping facility" where they abused their power to allow illegal foreign workers into the country.

These luxurious cars were part of gifts from the middle man to the immigration officers who helped them traffic these foreign workers into the country. Big sums of money were also found at the houses of these JIM officers as well as high powered motorbikes.

Some of the cars that were confiscated include the Nissan Skyline R35, Subaru, Toyota Alphard, Hyundai Starex, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, and all sorts of other high valued imported cars.

According to Harian Metro, the cars and money were used as a way to entice these JIM officers. "Siasatan mendapati ejen atau orang tengah ini menggunakan wang dan kenderaan mewah untuk 'membeli' hati kakitangan terbabit bagi memudahkan urusan keluar masuk pekerja warga asing bermasalah dari negara ini sejak 2017."

The report by Harian Metro also mentioned that 46 people linked to the syndicate were detained last Monday, but there are more of them out there who are still being investigated and hunted.

MACC's investigation also led to the conclusion that these officers lead a lavish life, including constant travelling in and out of the country to expensive holiday destinations.

*All images credit to Harian Metro


GR Sport kit to be available soon for the Toyota Corolla Altis?

Exciting news awaits Toyota enthusiasts as UMW Toyota is set to give the ever-popular Corolla Altis the sporty GR treatment, judging by the evidence on their website.

If you can't believe it, all you have to do is navigate to Toyota.com.my and head to the Corolla page, and brace yourself for a thrilling discovery. Just click on "View Estimated Price List," at the bottom and behold!

As of the date stated on the new price list (3rd July 2023), it appears that the Toyota Corolla might soon be
available as a GR Sport
 if you throw a bit more money at the 1.8G model. For an additional RM5,000, you will unlock a world of GR-ness as an exclusive upgrade for the Corolla 1.8G model, priced at RM147,800.

So, what does this GR Sport Package entail? The upgrade includes the striking GR Sport Design Bumper, eye-catching GR Sport Alloy Wheels, an interior adorned with GR Sport Interior Finishing, and a suspension specially tuned for that ultimate sporty performance—yes, you read that right, GR Sport Suspension Tuning.

Picture of the Corolla GR Sport in Thailand

However, as of now, you won't find any actual photos of the Toyota Corolla with the GR Sport kit, anywhere on the website. It seems like UMW Toyota is treating us to a tantalizing teaser ahead of the official unveiling of this Corolla with the GR Sport kit.

The GR Sport treatment would elevate this beloved model to new heights of performance and style. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling addition to the Toyota family prepares to steal the show on the roads.


Mazda MX-5 RF Reclaims the Red Dot Best of the Best Award in Class

Who can say no to the Mazda MX-5? Ever since the launch of this latest generation it has won accolade after accolade, with critics praising it as a sort of return to form for the roadster and the sports car (although they did say the same thing about the 86/BRZ twins). It's a great little car, as you can read in Hans' review here, but has the design stayed relevant? Red Dot certainly seems to thinks so, awarding the MX-5 RF the Best of the Best award that its soft top sibling took back in 2015.
This award would be the sixth Red Dot Design award for Mazda products using the KODO design language. The MX-5 RF is the hard-top fastback version of the MX-5, featuring a powered retractable roof that tucks away behind and leaves some spyder-like protrutions behind the occupants' heads. Mazda Malaysia has actually
discreetly put the car on display in their Glenmarie showroom
, and bookings are now open ahead of the actual launch.


Top 7 Things You Need To Know About The New W206 2022 C-Class

The much anticipated
2022 C-Class
 (W206) has finally been unveiled, and with it comes a new interior and exterior design, engine options and lots of current technology.

The current generation C-Class (
W205
) is five years old now, which is why it was high time that a new C-Class was introduced to the world. In those five years, Mercedes has come up with a lot of new design and tech, and it seems they have crammed all of it into the W206.

For those who think the car looks familiar, it's actually because it looks like a shrunken W233 S-Class; however, the C-Class does have some of its own characteristics, which includes a new slightly longer platform.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top 7 things you need to know about the new W206 C-Class.

1. Exterior Design

While we did mention that the W206 looks like a shrunken
W233
, it only does this from afar because if you take a closer look, it does have its own attributes going for it. Thanks to a new front bumper with gaping intakes and squinty headlights, the C-Class now looks meaner than ever.

If this look is not menacing enough for you, the AMG line C-Class will get an angrier grille consisting of lots of little three-pointed stars, just in case the big one in the middle is not enough for you.  The transformation continues at the rear, headlined by some new sleek triangular pointy taillights instead of the chunky ones found on the W205. The overhaul in looks continues at the wheels with some new 19-inch alloys instead of 17 found on the W205.

2. Interior Design

It seems the S-Class-ness continues inside, starting with that new enormous central infotainment system (10-12 inch depending on model) similar to its bigger brother. The infotainment system is a touchscreen and will sport Mercedes' latest MBUX system - "Hey Mercedes".  The dashboard now features a swooping design which joins up at the centre console giving the W206 a simpler cleaner interior look. The cleaning up continues at the centre console, as there is no longer a rotary wheel or touchpad infotainment navigation tool but instead just a row of buttons underneath the infotainment system.

The driver display (10-12 inch depending on model) is also now disconnected from the infotainment system, just like the S-Class. The W206 also receives Mercedes' latest steering wheel design, with think spokes and lots of touch-sensitive buttons. The turbine design air vents seen on the old car have been replaced with a simpler squarish looking set of vents. All this cleaner simpler design might have helped make some room in the C-Class, as the W206 is said to be roomier than the W205 including 30mm more headroom and 35mm more knee room at the rear.

3. Engine

The W206 will be made with a variety of 4-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engines, and yes ladies and gentleman, there will be no 6-cylinder engines for the new C-Class.  A 9G 9-speed automatic transmission will be mated to all the powertrains as standard. 4Matic configuration is also on the cards for the new C-Class.

Instead of talking about all of them, We thought we would list down some of the possible engines that will make their way to Malaysia. A plug-in hybrid is also available but we're not sure if it'll make its way here.

C180 = 1.5-litre with 170hp and 250Nm

C200 = 1.5-litre with 200hp and 300Nm

C300 = 2.0-litre with 258hp and 400Nm

4. Mild Hybrid System

Every W206 will come with Mercedes' 48-volt mild-hybrid system as standard, including the entry-level model. What this means is that every model will come with a small electric motor which adds 20hp to the performance. This electric motor adds boost mostly during acceleration and helps recharge the car's battery when braking. Unfortunately, you will not be able to drive the new C-Class purely on electric.

5. Suspension setup

The W206 will come with either a conventional steel spring and absorber setup or an optional adaptive suspension system. There's also now rear-wheel steering on the C-Class making it easier to drive around tight city streets.

6. AMG

Although Mercedes has been seen testing
AMG versions
 of the new C-Class, they are being really secretive about them. What we have figured out is that there will be no monster engines for the AMG versions, instead, a four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine will be tasked to power these AMG C-Classes.

It's not all bad news, because the engine will probably be based on the 421hp engine found on the A45s and the hybrid system will probably be based on the 129hp hybrid system found on the new W206 plug-in hybrid. Combined, it'll probably make around 550hp which is 40hp more than the W205 C63 AMG. Don't expect the AMG C63 till 2022 though.

7. Safety Tech

Compared to the W205 C-Class, the latest generation of the Driving Assistance Package in the W206 has additional and advanced functions.

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
 can automatically maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead. One new feature is the response to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds up to 100 km/h (previously: 60 km/h).

Active Steering Assist
 helps the driver to stay in the lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. New features include additional lane recognition with the 360° camera, forming an emergency corridor especially at low speeds, significantly improved availability and performance in bends on country roads and improved lane centring on motorways.

In addition to conventionally posted speed limits,
Traffic Sign Assist recognises signs on overhead gantries and at roadworks
. Even conditional instructions (e.g. "when wet") are recognised by evaluation of all onboard sensors. New are the stop sign and red light warning functions (as part of the Driving Assistance Package).

For parking, thanks to improved surround sensors, the parking systems give the driver even better support when manoeuvring at low speed. Operation is faster and more intuitive thanks to integration into MBUX. The optional rear-axle steering is integrated into the parking assistants, with the calculation of the trajectories adapted accordingly. Emergency braking functions also serve to protect other road users.

The Mercedes W206 C-Class will go on sale in Europe in March and is expected to fetch a price tag from RM217,000. If we look at the W205, it took Mercedes-Benz Malaysia nearly a year to introduce it in Malaysia so we can probably expect the same for the W206.


Mazda Sees The Toyota Camry, Not The BMW 3 Series As The New Benchmark For Handling

The Toyota Camry, the quintessential ‘uncle’s car,’ is not something that one would normally consider as the benchmark for delivering dynamic handling among sedans. However, things are changing very fast under CEO Akio Toyoda.
As someone who juggles his time between Toyota board room meetings and racing under the alias Morizo at the German VLN Endurance Racing Championship and the Nurburgring 24 Hours, many new Toyota/Lexus model developed under his watchful eyes – LF-A, LC, 86, C-HR, Corolla hatchback, to name a few - have been praised for their fantastic ride and handling, something which historically have been reserved only for a brand like BMW.
If BMW is the leader in ride and handling albeit limited in premium segments, then Mazda is the common man’s alternative to a BMW. Scoring high marks in driving engagement and emotional appeal even if they are somewhat down on power to reflect their lower prices, but low in practicality and cabin space, Mazda’s strengths and weaknesses parallels that of BMW.
Japanese market hybrid model shown.
So when Mazda, which prides itself in making driver-centric cars, tells the motoring press that in developing the next generation Mazda 6, it has switched its benchmark for handling from a BMW 3 Series to a Toyota Camry, you better sit up and listen, even if regular folks will have problems wrapping their minds around this new paradigm.
The maker of the
world’s best roadster - the MX-5
 - knows a lot about handling, probably more than Lotus, which while talented, can’t seem to move beyond making just one type car. Every Mazda model irrespective of its body type, has a little bit of MX-5 in them, and
their handling is a class above
 everyone else, even if it’s a tall riding SUV.
At the sidelines of a Mazda technology forum in USA earlier this year, a Mazda engineer told a US publication
AutoGuide.com
 that the all-new TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) platform Camry, rather than a BMW 3 Series, is their new benchmark.
Mazda is keeping a watchful eye on Toyota and the Mazda engineer have reasons to be concerned, saying “If the Camry sold so well before when it was so boring to drive, they now actually have a good handling car on their hands!”
Yes, Mazda does have tie-ups with Toyota, so it’s not unusual for Mazda to give a bit of praise to Toyota, but these tie-ups centre mostly around powertrain electrification and manufacturing of small cars (Mazda 2 and Scion iA) in Mexico. As far as the Camry is concerned, it’s still a fierce rival to the Mazda 6 and a better handling Camry is certainly a threat to Mazda.
If our
experience with the similar TNGA platform-based C-HR
 - which is easily the best handling car we’ve driven in recent times, even better than a MINI as it doesn’t compromise on comfort – the all-new Camry is worth looking forward to.
The same platform will be adopted by the upcoming Lexus ES (above), whose significantly higher Akio Toyoda-approved driving dynamics requirements means the donor car (Camry) will have to be very capable to begin with.
We have yet to sample the all-new Camry locally, but reviews from other markets tend to agree that it’s a significantly more engaging car to drive while still retaining the comfort that the Camry nameplate is known for.
Engine options differ from market to market, so there’s no consensus on that. Some markets like Thailand got the new 2.5-litre VVT-iE Dynamic Force (A25A-FK) 211 PS engine paired to an 8-speed automatic while other markets like Australia retain the outgoing model’s Dual VVT-i 2AR-FE 183 PS engine paired to a six-speed automatic.
Just don’t expect the all-new model to be cheap.
In Thailand
, the 2.5-litre model is touching an equivalent of circa RM 200,000, but that's what Mazda is charging for the Mazda 6 2.5-litre here anyway.
Japanese market hybrid model's interior shown.
For about RM 10,000 more you can get yourself a BMW 318i. Of course, buying an entry variant premium car means that you have to sacrifice a lot of features, including active safety, not to mention cabin space, in return for the BMW badge.
In the 1.5-litre turbocharged BMW 318i, you get only 136 PS from the three-cylinder engine but to be fair, it drives a lot better than the stats suggests. There used to be a 1.6-litre turbocharged 156 PS Mercedes-Benz C180 (last sold at RM215k at zero GST) but this model is being replaced with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder C200 facelift, which will debut later this week.
An all-new
G20 generation BMW 3 Series
 will be launched next year.
How the market will react to a Toyota Camry that’s priced like an entry 3 Series and C-Class is left to be seen. Yes, the Toyota offers a lot more features - a full suite of advanced driving assistance functions is almost certain - but it is hard to argue against the BMW/Mercedes-Benz badge.
However, Toyota has proven with the
C-HR
 and
Harrier
 – both having more buyers on the waiting list than there are available stock – that with the right products, they can have a shot at the premium segment.
UMW Toyota is expected to announce the
local prices and specifications
 for the all-new Toyota Camry in the coming weeks.


All-New W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM228k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just introduced the all-new W177-generation A-Class in Malaysia, available in two variants, the A200 and A250 with prices starting from RM227,888 and RM263,888 respectively.
The key highlight of the all-new W177 A-Class is its all-new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI), allowing users to use natural language to control various features of the new model.
Both variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class receive dual 10.25-inch displays up front, one is for the infotainment system while the other is the digital meter cluster. Other key highlights of the all-new A-Class include:
Linguatronic
Built-in navigation
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Keyless entry with push-start button engine ignition
Scuff plates with illuminated Mercedes-Benz lettering
Ambient lighting
Thermatic automatic air-conditioning
Power-adjustable front seats with memory
Active Brake Assist
Active Parking Assist
Automatic High-Beam Control
The entry A200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged (yes you’ve read that right) four-cylinder engine that does 163 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm at 1,620 – 4,000 rpm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which sends power to the front wheels.
The engine is co-developed with the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance and also powers the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic.
The A200 comes with the following features:
Progressive Line exterior
18-inch 5 twin spoke alloy wheels
LED headlights
Black open-pore lime wood trim
Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
Luxury seats with Artico (synthetic) leather
Run-flat tires
The pricier A250 features a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (developed and used exclusively by Daimler) that does 224 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,800 – 4,000 rpm, also paired to a 7-speed DCT. The A250 adds:
AMG Line exterior package
18-inch 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels
AMG Line interior package
Light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim
Nappa leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
Sports seats with Artico (synthetic) leather and Dinamica microfibre
Tirefit tyre repair kit
Five body colours are available, which includes:
Polar White
Cosmos Black
Jupiter Red
Iridium Silver
Mountain Grey
Mercedes-Benz Financial is offering its Plan A financing programme with the A-Class, covering financing, insurance, and service packages. The Plan A financing starts from RM1,988 a month, and for a limited time, all Plan A financing contracts come with a complimentary First Year Tire and Rim Insurance. The offer is valid till 31
st
 December 2018.


Miliki Volkswagen Raya Ini Dan Jimat Sehingga RM48K!

Kini lebih mudah untuk memiliki kemantapan sebuah
Volkswagen
.
Polo
,
Jetta
, Tiguan,
Passat
,
Golf
, Polo Sedan, apa saja Volkwagen idaman hati, anda boleh milikinya dengan promosi “0 Bayaran Pendahuluan dan 0 Faedah” sehingga 31 Julai 2015.
Tanpa bayaran pendahuluan mahupun faedah, pelanggan boleh jimat sehingga RM48,000 untuk memiliki sebuah
Volkswagen Tiguan
.
0 bayaran pendahuluan: Pelanggan boleh kunjungi bilik pameran Volkswagen dan miliki sebuah kereta baharu tanpa perlu membelanjakan walau satu sen.
0 faedah: Dengan tempoh pinjaman sehingga 7 tahun, Polo serta Polo sedan boleh dimiliki dengan hanya RM999 sebulan. Model-model lain yang layak untuk promosi ini juga ditawarkan bersama bayaran bulanan yang lebih murah daripada biasa.
Armin Keller, Pengarah Pengurusan Kumpulan Volkswagen Malaysia berkata, “Raya adalah musim perayaan yang paling meriah di kalangan orang muslim serta rakyat Malaysia lain. Inilah masanya orang ramai pulang ke kampung untuk bersama keluarga dan rakan-rakan. Matlamat kami dengan kempen ini adalah bagi menjadikan jenama kami lebih mudah untuk dimiliki oleh rakyat Malaysia yang inginkan prestasi hebat yang didatangkan bersama setiap kereta kami. Bersama seluruh rakyat Malaysia, kami ingin jadikan perjalanan balik kampung ini lebih hebat dan bermakna.”
Pelanggan boleh memilih mana-mana bank yang mengambil bahagian dalam Kempen 0% Faedah ini, antaranya adalah Affin Bank, AmBank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank, dan Public Bank.
Kempen kosong bayaran pendahuluan, kosong faedah ditawarkan di semua pengedar Volkswagen di Malaysia dari 1 Jun hingga 31 Julai 2015. Mereka yang mendaftar juga akan menerima baucar petrol RM500.
Berikut adalah maklumat tentang model-model Volkswagen serta penjimatannya dalam promosi ini:
Polo
Penjimatan sehingga RM22,000.
5 tahun – RM 1,399/sebulan
7 tahun – RM999/sebulan

Polo Sedan
Penjimatan sehingga RM23,000.
5 tahun – RM 1,399/sebulan
7 tahun – RM999/sebulan

Jetta
Penjimatan sehingga RM34,000.
5 tahun – RM 2,099/sebulan
7 tahun – RM1,499/sebulan

Golf
Penjimatan sehingga RM42,000.
5 tahun – RM 2,499/sebulan
7 tahun – RM1,799/sebulan

Passat
Penjimatan sehingga RM44,000.
5 tahun – RM 2,699/sebulan
7 tahun – RM 1,899/sebulan

Tiguan
Penjimatan sehingga RM48,000.
5 tahun – RM 2,899/sebulan
7 tahun – RM 2,099/sebulan


Perodua Kancil Terbakar Di Pam Minyak Disyaki Terlibat Seludup Petrol

Seperti sebuah filem, beberapa orang awam telah dikejutkan dengan kejadian kebakaran di sebuah
stesen minyak
 di Rantau Panjang, Kelantan pada Isnin lalu.

Seorang lelaki telah melarikan diri setelah
Perodua Kancil
 miliknya terbakar sehingga merebak ke pam minyak. Kebakaran berlaku ketika pemilik sedang mengisi minyak sebelum api muncul dan membakar Kancil tersebut.

Menurut saksi, melihat api yang sedang marak, orang awam dan pekerja pam minyak lari bertempiaran menyelamatkan diri. Ada juga antara mereka cuba memadamkan api menggunakan gas pemadam yang tersedia sebelum ketibaan bomba.

Berdasarkan penerangan pihak bomba, api yang marak itu disebabkan oleh sebuah Perodua Kancil dengan peratusan kebakaran sebanyak 50% dan api merebak ke sebuah pam minyak dengan kemusnahan 100%.

Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Rantau Panjang, Penolong Penguasa Bomba, Imran Ismail berkata kebakaran berjaya dikawal dalam masa beberapa minit sahaja dengan kekuatan enam pegawai dan anggota daripada Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Rantau Panjang,

Hasil siasatan mendapati Perodua Kancil yang terbakar itu mempunyai kaitan dengan aktiviti penyeludupan
minyak petrol
.

Ketua Polis Daerah Pasir Mas, Asisten Komisioner Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir, berkata ia terbukti apabila terdapat tong plastik terbakar disyaki digunakan bagi mengisi minyak petrol untuk diseludup ke negara jiran.

Suspek lelaki berusia 36 tahun yang juga pemandu kereta berkenaan didapati sedang mengisi minyak di pam nombor tujuh namun setelah api muncul di bahagian belakang kereta, suspek bertindak melarikan diri.

Siasatan lanjut ke atas Kancil tersebut mendapati ia milik seorang individu yang berasal dari Kampung Padang Tembusu di Tumpat, namun suspek yang memandu kereta ini adalah penduduk tempatan di Rantau Panjang.

Semua pegawai dan anggota bertugas sudah dimaklumkan mengenai insiden ini dan pihak polis sedang mengesan suspek tersebut untuk siasatan lanjut. Kes disiasat mengikut Seksyen 21 Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961.

*Kredit video: Maafsebut


We Might Not Like RFID, But We’d Probably Hate Singapore’s ERP

If everyone seems to be
hating on RFID
 so much, would we be happier or more frustrated if we just copied Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system instead?

The truth is that we’ll never really know, but judging by the factors that Malaysians find most relevant, it sounds like we’ll have much more scathing criticism should that have been imposed on us as a replacement for Touch n’Go and SmartTAG.

It seems you can’t wander far without hearing someone speak ill of RFID, especially in the Klang Valley. It’s been a rough couple of months for TNG Digital, the company operating the back end tech that makes the cashless system tick when trying to
incorporate the major interstate highways
 to support RFID.

You’ve seen the news articles and social media posts of long queues and searing criticism at an incompetent system, but is that really the case? You’ve also seen plenty of pushback from the other side, defending its benefits and effectiveness over older methods.

Of Course, We Want All The Tolls Gone

But that's
not going to happen anytime soon
, is it? Someone has to pay for the upkeep and recoup the cost of construction of these many highways, and that always comes down to the everyday road user.

Right now, tolls allow only those motorists who choose to use it to be charged instead of all the costs being passed to the government who in turn passes it onto every single taxpayer, and we’re not sure how any political party can make promises of a sweeping toll abolishment without making pay up elsewhere.

Yes,
we do want toll prices to decrease
 instead of the steady rise that we’ve been seeing. Toll concessionaires make more than enough money as it is, and that’s their prerogative as a business, which perhaps is
part of the problem
.

ERP: What’s Good For Singapore Isn’t Good For Us

At a technical level, the ERP system is very similar to the RFID stickers we use right now. Both use radio frequency identification, but where ERP differs is in the use of a transponder that actively and continuously projects an amplified signal to ensure quicker and very reliable detection by scanning receivers on overhead gantries.

This is how Singapore has achieved a multi-lane free flow road network - limited as it is - that is uninterrupted by toll booths or boom gates. However, these boosters (called In-Vehicle Units, or an IU) aren’t cheap at SGD$155.80 or about RM480.

Suddenly the RM35 TNG charges for an RFID sticker doesn’t sting so much. But yes,
they’re still stupidly overpriced
. Furthermore, the installation of an IU is mandatory for all new vehicles and isn’t exactly a 5-minute job since it needs to be wired to draw power from the car’s electrics kind of like a dashcam. Not only that, the ERP rates themselves fluctuate based on time of day, congestion level, and location.

Supposedly, Singapore is overdue to transition to another (apparently) more advanced toll payment system that uses GPS triangulation to determine how far a car has travelled and how much a driver’s account should be charged. Whether or not that is an overall better solution remains to be seen, but it does sound a lot more invasive to privacy.

Because this transition will likely happen all at once, there won’t be an overlap period where both ERP and this new GPS system will be used simultaneously, some form of surcharge or fine probably awaits those who do not make the transition. This is in contrast to the choices we have at any given toll plaza on a Malaysian highway between Touch n’Go, SmartTAG, and now RFID (we need more lanes). And since
TNG’s monopoly is ending in 2025
, we could have an even
more varied ecosystem
 of digital payment providers to make toll payments with.

Just don’t be one of those people that causes a long jam because they
drove into an RFID lane with an empty eWallet balance
, tried to use SmartTAG there, or forgot which payment method they used when they entered the highway.

Such smart, wow intelligence…..

What’s Next?

The (self-explanatory) term ‘multi-lane free flow’
has been spewed out much too many times
 as of late as a sort of crutch absent a better, more pointed defence of RFID, which is presented as the only way Malaysia will achieve that goal by 2025.

Well, anyone with a couple of brain cells to rub together knows this is not true. However, it is probably our best chance while spending the least money and using mostly existing infrastructure.

Sure, there are very obvious and avoidable issues surrounding its implementation and getting the public properly educated, but that can be attributed to human error and isn’t a fault of the underlying technology.

Eventually, all toll booths will dispense with any barriers at all and newer highways will ideally not require funnelled lanes at all. Cars can just drive along as normal (though under a certain speed) for the RFID system to work.

An example of this barrier-less free-flow toll system is already being trialled along the Besraya Highway, installed and operated by Green Packet with Taiwanese technology partner FETC International (FETCI).

That’s where this is all headed. And unlike Singapore’s ERP, the ‘heavy lifting’ when it comes to signal detection and vehicle identification is not done in-car and, on the part of the motorist, requires only the same inexpensive RFID sticker being deployed right now.


Foxconn: From iPhone to Electric Vehicles

With the speed at which the electrification charge is moving at present, if you want to be a major player, you'll have to go big and big Foxconn has just done, they want a 10 percent share of the EV market by 2025.

There are contrasting reports of what the EV market pie size will be in 2025 but according to a
report
 by Valuates Reports the EV market is expected to reach USD 802.81 Billion in 2027.

Image credit to Autonews.com

So what exactly is Foxconn's go-to-market strategy here?

The Taiwanese electronics manufacturers have built an automotive EV platform that they have described as 'open-source' meaning it is customizable to fit the needs of any manufacturer. Size, wheelbase, suspension setting and battery size will all be customizable. Foxconn however would assemble it for you, which does somewhat go against the spirit of open-source but this might be a viable solution for automakers just getting into the EV market.

Foxconn also plans to introduce a solid-state battery for EVs in 2024 which they claim will be superior to what is available today.

Foxconn is already a supplier to Tesla currently and in January of this year, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles went into a joint-venture with Foxconn to build EVs in China.

According to the chairman of Foxconn they are in talks with multiple automakers about future partnerships.

Sadly closer to home, no moves are being made towards building up Malaysia either as a hub for EVs or an authority in all matters concerning electrification. Our neighbour Singapore with a much smaller land mass than us has announced that Hyundai will be building the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in the Jurong Innovation district that will be focusing on the development of AI, ICT, big data, autonomous vehicles and urban air mobility. A $400 Million investment.

But at least we have MARii, MGTCC, MoSTI, MoT, MESTECC - tapi apa diorang buat kita pun tak sure lah.


Review: 2015 All-New Mitsubishi Triton – 178 PS Of Tax-Free Goodness To Replace Your Sedan

In a country where automobiles are slapped with up to 105 percent in excise duties, on top of any applicable import duties, pick-up trucks stand out as the only type of vehicle where their prices are comparable to their open-market values.
Thanks to its classification as a commercial vehicle, pick-up trucks are exempted from punitive excise duties that other passenger cars, including SUVs, are subjected to. Since most pick-up trucks sold here are made in Thailand, using more than 40 percent ASEAN-sourced content, they qualify for import duty exemptions under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA).
In short, if you have strong feelings against contributing your hard-earned money to the Treasury, then you should consider a pick-up truck. The all-new Mitsubishi Triton seen here is one such car – yes it’s good enough to simply refer to it as a car, even though it’s technically a pick-up truck.
For an overview of the all-new Triton’s range, prices, and specifications, go here:
All-New 2015 Mitsubishi Triton Launched In Malaysia: From RM70k to RM112k
How does it drive?
With go-anywhere four-wheel drive capabilities, 205 mm high ground clearance giving it a maximum water wading depth of 600 mm, combined with a cabin that’s spacious and comfortable enough to rival a Lancer-class sedan, it’s a family car with a twist.
A 2.0-litre Lancer sedan makes 150 PS and 197 Nm of torque. For less than RM100k (RM95,000 for Triton VGT 4x4 MT), the Triton buys you ample reserve of power and torque – 178 PS of mountain dominating power, and 400 Nm of boulder climbing torque.
The 190 PS
all-new Nissan Navara
 might be dominating your Facebook newsfeeds at the moment but remember that this engine is only available on the circa-RM125k VL-grade model - only RM8k less than a Teana.
All other Navara variants are using a detuned engine (163 PS) that produces 11 PS less than the previous D40-generation Navara. Mitsubishi on the other hand, offers its 178 PS engine from less than RM100,000!
The Triton’s 4D56 engine is carried over from the previous generation Triton, but updated to produce 50 Nm more torque (compared to the previous Triton VGT 4x4 Automatic), thanks to a new 5-speed automatic transmissions that is now capable of withstanding a higher torque limit. The ratio count is still the same as before, but its torque converter has been toughened to deal with the extra 50 Nm.
High torque from low engine speeds are nothing unusual for today’s generation of variable geometry turbine (VGT) common rail turbo diesel engine. While it is addictive to ride on a huge wave of torque when accelerating away on an open road, off-road (and even city traffic) driving conditions require engines to have a bit more finesse in their torque delivery.
An engine that delivers a more measured, progressive torque curve, delivered over a wider range of engine speeds, is preferred over one that simply dumps huge load of torque at the slightest prod of the throttle.
We are pleased to note that despite the headline grabbing 400 Nm of torque, its delivery is progressive.
The top-of-the Triton line Adventure 4x4 Automatic variant also gets paddle-shifters, but throughout my half-day drive, there was little need to use them as the transmission was responsive and intelligent enough to know when to upshift, and when the hold the gear – which it will when you are going downhill, or taking a bend along a twisty road.
How comfortable is it?
Driving along the NSE from Kuala Lumpur to Ulu Slim in Perak, the Triton simply cruised along comfortably, with the cabin remaining reasonably quiet even at speeds of up to 140 km/h. It compares very well with many small family sedans, if not better.
The previous Triton VGT had a very pronounced ‘blow-off valve whistle’ noise every time you lift off the throttle. That familiar trait is still there in this all-new Triton, but it’s less intrusive than before.
Keeping up with highway traffic, there’s a familiar gentle ‘springing’ motion that’s typical with vehicles of such ride-heights, but not those that can cause motion sickness. Maintain a reasonable speed and the chassis flows well with the road’s changing surface.
The rear suspension is still leaf springs, but Mitsubishi says it’s been extended by 120 mm for better pliancy without sacrificing its abilities to haul cargo in the 1,520 mm long and 1,470 mm wide deck.
The well-padded seats (leather on Adventure, fabric on other variants) provide good support in all areas.
Behind, the Triton’s rear seats are still one of the best in the segment. Those ‘J-lines’ on either sides of the car’s body - that characteristic lines on the rear-half of the Triton’s cabin - they are not just for aesthetics as they allow the rear’s seatbacks to be tilted by 25 degrees for a more car-like ride.
The only downside to its interior is the dashboard. The perceived quality of Mitsubishi’s interior trimming materials is quite poor, and the Triton is no different. The Triton Adventure gets leather trimmed steering wheel, but the material doesn’t feel as good as the one used in the ASX.
The tactile feeling of the interior plastics and switchgears leave much to be desired. It’s definitely not comparable to the Ford Ranger, which still has the most refined cabin in this segment.
On the upside, if you intend to go for some adventure with your Triton Adventure, then you need not worry about permanently staining or damaging the Triton’s interior. The materials chosen might not be plush, but they do appear to be hard-wearing.
Off-roading in the Triton
I am not an experienced off-roader so I will leave out the hardcore off-roading bits out. But if you are a typical city dweller looking to do a little bit of leisure activities away from the tarmac, you might be pleased to know that an almost standard Mitsubishi Triton – except for mandatory off-road suspension, winches and other safety equipment - with no modifications made to the engine and transmission, had successfully completed the recent
Borneo Safari expedition
 in East Malaysia – one of the toughest 4x4 events in the world.
If you intend to drive off-road, do remember that all of the truck’s capabilities are useless if you don’t have a set of suitable tyres. Also remember to switch the centre differential to 4H upon leaving tarmac surfaces. Conversely, avoid using 4H or 4L when driving on tarmac.
Keep your thumbs facing outside of the steering wheel, as the kickback from the steering wheel when it hits a deep hole can injure your thumbs.
Under the guidance of veteran off-roader Paul Si, we drove along a light off-road trail in Ulu Slim, nothing that will overwhelm the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 all-terrain tyres.
After turning to centre differential’s rotary control knob to 4L, we slowly made our way up a steep hill, utilising the ample reserve of torque to climb out of deep ruts, and drive over muddy and rock strewn surfaces.
Ascending downhill was a bit counter-intuitive. “Do not step on the brakes,” instructed Paul, as doing so might cause the car to lose its balance. The trick is to let the car creep forward slowly, and trust in the engine braking to hold its speed – it’s in 4L, so it can’t go any faster than walking pace anyway.
There’s no fancy electronic hill descend control in the Triton but it doesn’t bother veterans like Paul, who don’t like to rely on these electronic aids anyway, as hill descend control tend to heat up the brakes and you have to be careful not to drive through water immediately after descending. Splashing cold water on the hot brake rotors might cause it to warp.
Just before a gentle river crossing exercise (it’s more like a stream), we had a make a tight three-point turn. Here, the reverse camera, and the Triton’s best-in-class 5.9-metre turning radius (5.7-metre for 4x2 models) became handy. In comparison, a Mitsubishi Lancer has a turning radius of 5-meter.
Truck vs Car
As pick-up trucks evolve to become more car-like, more people are considering to buy their first pick-up truck.
Here are some things to consider:
Pick-up trucks may have abilities to haul large cargo, but without a covered boot, the rear deck is almost useless in your daily driving. Just where are you going to put your bags if there’s no space in the cabin? So do consider getting to deck lid cover or a canopy.
4x4 trucks have a high ride height, making it difficult to load/unload cargo from the deck. If you don’t need 4x4, a lower ride height 4x2 model might be a better option.
The new generation of pick-up trucks have ample power, but remember that with an unladen rear deck, trucks are prone to fish-tailing under heavy braking. ESC, ABS, load sensing proportioning valve brakes and other driving aids cannot change the laws of physics. Without traction in the rear, no amount of advanced driving aids can stop you from losing control of a speeding truck. So be extra mindful of your speed.
Verdict:
Overall, the Mitsubishi Triton is a compelling proposition, but ultimately still plays second fiddle to the Ford Ranger. While the Triton might have a more powerful engine (178 PS and 400 Nm versus the Ford’s 160 PS and 385 Nm), we still prefer the Ford Ranger’s superior cabin refinement, electronic stability control (ESC) and
five-star ASEAN NCAP rating
.
However, if you prefer to have the assurance of proven Japanese reliability, easy to source simple mechanical parts instead of expensive electronics (Ranger is a far more sophisticated truck with a lot more electronics), then the Triton should be on your consideration list.
It does 75 to 80 percent of what the Ranger is capable of, but using simpler, proven old-school mechanical solutions.
We also like the entry price for an automatic transmission Triton VGT - RM10k less than the Ford, RM98,549.28 versus RM108,788, give and take between engine performance and safety features as main differences between the two.
Alternatively, there’s also the more off-road-oriented Isuzu D-Max. Its 136 PS engine puts it at the bottom of the power race, but it is equipped with ESC. In terms of appeal, the D-Max is very similar to the Triton, but you do have to deal with a dealer network that’s more skewed towards commercial buyers of Isuzu lorries rather than passenger cars.
There’s also the Toyota Hilux, but if you are interested in the Toyota, we suggest that you wait for the
all-new Hilux
 coming next year.
Specifications for Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure 4x4 Automatic
Price: RM113,600, on-the-road with insurance
Engine: 4D56 2.5-litre inline four cylinder, DOHC 16V DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler
Power: 178 PS at 4,000 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Sport mode and paddle shifters, Part-time 4WD
Safety: Dual front airbags, ISOFIX (rear x2), ABS with EBD
Prices mentioned here are only applicable until 31-December 2015. By the first quarter of 2016, there is a possibility that
prices might increase between two to seven percent
, no thanks to our falling Ringgit.


VIDEO: Out Of Control Trailer Truck Rolls Over, Slams Into Barrier On Karak Highway

The Karak highway, if you’re not familiar, is known for its undulating terrain and long but also sometimes sharp corners. Not the kind you’d take at speed with a very heavy lorry. But was this driver driving (very) dangerously? Or was he the victim of a brake failure and was simply doing his best to snake through traffic in a runaway truck?
We don’t quite know the answer yet, but our doubts remain as to how anyone would voluntarily drive a truck that large, that fast, on that highway. Just look at how much faster that huge 18-wheeler was travelling compared to the other cars! A peek ahead to the corner before the incident occurred would make anyone wince at the self-deduced conclusion they’re about to witness.
Let’s assume the truck was experiencing a mechanical failure, likely brakes, as it was descending a particularly steep stretch of the Karak highway. In that case, the driver should be commended for doing the best he could to not endanger the other motorists - with some imagination, we can see things ending much worse.

Lori terbabas di Karak
Kejadian lori terbabas di Karak petang tadi.. dipercayai berpunca daripada masalah Brake.Kredit: Noor Amran Sapuan
Posted by
Siakap Keli
 on Friday, November 20, 2015

We hear everyone is safe and the driver himself is in hospital, conscious and having sustained no serious injury. There’s some chatter of a car being caught under the lorry as it went sideways. We can’t confirm this, but apparently there’s nobody seriously hurt.
What to make of this truck and this accident? Perhaps that, as always, drivers need to be vigilant on the roads. Also, the brakes on trucks should be inspected and maintained very regularly. And that a high centre of gravity greatly increases the chances of a rollover.
 We call it
tip-over-steer
.


Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic Price Unveiled - RM388,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally unveiled the official price tag for the
Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic
 - RM388,888 (OTR excluding insurance).

Launched together with the
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+
 and the
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic
, the EQC 400 4Matic further amplifies the brand's EV offering here in Malaysia with a nice combination of build quality, safety, comfort, as well as a unique driving experience.

Compact luxury crossover SUV, anyone?

Being the first EQC model to be offered here in Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic comes standard with the AMG Line exterior package which includes a set of 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, aluminium-finished running board, Multibeam LED headlights and windscreen wipers with rain sensors.

Step inside the cabin and you'll be welcomed with the AMG Line interior package as well which includes the Direct Select shift paddles fitted to its multifunction sports steering wheel stylishly wrapped in Nappa leather, Interior Light package, AMG floor mats, heat, and noise-insulating acoustic glass, plus much more.

408hp & 760Nm of EV goodness

Speaking of power output, the EQC 400 4Matic comes ready with twin electric motors that produce
408hp
 and
760Nm
 of torque. Mated to an 80kWh battery pack, its all-electric driving range is said to be between
373km
 to
437km
 (WLTP).

0-100km/h can be completed in just 5.1 seconds together with a limited top speed of 180km/h. Charging-wise, the EQC comes standard with an 11kW onboard AC charger that can get it charged from 10-100% in 7 hours and 30 minutes.

It also supports DC fast-charging of up to 110kW and when the EQC is connected to one, 40 minutes is all it takes to get it juiced up from 10-80%. Expect the first few deliveries to begin sometime in October. For more information,
click here
.


Litar Drag Bakal Dibangunkan Di Setiap Negeri – Kerajaan

Kerajaan bakal membina
litar
 drag di setiap negeri dalam usaha memperkasakan program pembangunan sukan permotoran tanah air.

Menurut Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, cadangan kerajaan itu akan dimasukkan dalam Bajet 2023 yang akan dibentang Oktober ini.

*Kredit foto: World Orgs

Litar Drag Lebih Selamat

Ketika ini, hanya ada dua litar drag dibina iaitu di Terengganu dan Melaka. Apabila kesemua litar itu siap kelak, ia akan memberi peluang kepada golongan muda untuk mendekati sukan permotoran secara serius mengikut saluran yang betul.

Tambah PM, perlumbaan drag dlihat kurang terlalu bahaya jika dibandingkan dengan perlumbaan trek kerana ia hanya memerlukan jalan yang lebih pendek dan lurus,"

Kenyataan tersebut disuarakan PM ketika merasmikan program RXZ Members 4.0 2022 di Litar Permotoran Drag Strip di Gong Badak yang menghimpunkan lebih 30,000 pengguna dan peminat
Yamaha RXZ
 serta longgokan sampah sarap merata-rata di litar tersebut sejurus tamat program.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Program MyFit@Motorsports 2022 Untuk Sukan Permotoran

PM menyeru belia supaya menyertai MyFit@Motorsports 2022, iaitu program pembangunan permotoran peringkat akar umbi, membabitkan pembangunan sukan motosikal dan kereta, yang dianjurkan Kementerian Belia dan Sukan.

Di bawah program itu, peserta berpeluang mendapat pendidikan melalui:

Latihan

Kursus

Klinik

Program tersebut bakal mencungkil bakat atlet permotoran negara bagi menyertai kejohanan serta perlumbaan di peringkat negeri dan negara.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Kerajaan Berminat Taja Aktiviti Kelab Sukan Permotoran

PM berkata kerajaan akan sentiasa menyokong aktiviti kelab permotoran, terutama dalam menjayakan program amal bagi membantu rakyat yang ditimpa kesusahan seperti dilanda banjir.

Menurut PM, pertubuhan berkaitan permotoran banyak melakukan aktiviti amal terutama ketika banjir dengan menyumbang tenaga kerja bagi membersihkan rumah mangsa banjir.

PM berkata program perhimpunan seperti RXZ itu mungkin boleh diadakan setiap tahun dan kerajaan boleh memberi penajaan agar dapat ketengahkan minat anak-anak muda selain mengurangkan tanggapan negatif Mat Motor.

Pada perhimpunan tersebut. penganjur telah menawarkan sebuah motosikal Yamaha R1 1000cc bernilai RM135,000 serta dua buah Yamaha RXZ bernilai RM60,000 sebagai hadiah utama cabutan bertuah.


Fuel Price Update: 16th to 22th February – Petrol Up 1 Sen

The Ministry of Finance Malaysia has announced the price of petrol and diesel fuel starting tomorrow (February 16th) and will be valid for the next seven days.
The prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol will increase by 1 sen , and will be priced at RM1.98 per litre and RM2.28 per litre respectively, while the price of diesel will remain at RM2.18 per litre for Euro 2M and RM2.28 for Euro 5 respectively.
Price summary is as listed below:
RON 95 – RM1.98 per litre ( up 1 sen from RM1.97)
RON 97 –  RM2.28 per litre ( up 1 sen from RM2.27)
Diesel Euro 2M – RM2.18 per litre (no change)
Diesel Euro 5 - RM2.28 per litre (no change)


Review: All-New Subaru Forester Driven In Thailand – Excelling Through Steady Evolution

It would seem, that in more recent times, there’s been great pressure for all manufacturers to unveil groundbreaking new technology with each new model or generation of vehicles:
Toyota’s TNGA Platform
, and
Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX
 AI-driven Infotainment system are good examples of this.

So much so, that revealing a new design, and an updated engine or two simply does not cut it anymore.

However, while this might be true for larger manufacturers – with vastly greater development budgets, R&D centres, and manufacturing capabilities – smaller brands are less capable at making big paradigm shifts in their tech and product strategies, instead, to survive, to thrive they have to rely on calculated gambles and constant evolutionary improvements throughout the lifespan of their product range.

But every once in awhile, smaller manufacturers do take bigger jumps with their product strategy and that helps leapfrog the driving experience and competitiveness of the overall product.

As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it a whole lot better.

One such SUV that perfectly fits this bill is the Subaru Forester, which now enters its fifth-generation looking stronger than ever.

During a recent media drive, we had a chance to sample the new Forester over a three-day drive, covering approximately 1,300 km from Penang to Hat Yai, Pranburi, and finally to Bangkok, prior to the Malaysian launch.

Overview

First launched in the mid-nineties, the first-generation Forester actually shared the same underpinnings with the Subaru Impreza and better resembled a high-riding wagon, instead of an SUV. In a time when vehicles were called crossovers when they did not specifically conform to any segment, the Forester quickly developed a reputation for being a stout and reliable family carrier, with a liking for the rough stuff given its superb all-wheel drive powertrain and high ride height.

In the three generations that followed, the Forester has since grown in size and stature, with all generations featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform and trademark horizontally-opposed Boxer engines.

The most important aspect of the new fifth-generation model is that it sits on the entirely new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) – which boasts a between 70-100 percent increase in torsional rigidity, which in turn has resulted in improved passive safety, comfort levels, NVH levels and overall driving refinement.  Under the hood, things are more familiar, with a 2.0-litre Boxer engine sending power to a CVT-type automatic transmission.

Most of our time during the drive was spent in the Forester 2.0i-S variant, which is the middle child of the pack starting with the 2.0i-L, and top-of-the-range 2.0i-S EyeSight (ES). The ES offers the Subaru’s suite of active driver aids such as Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. In addition, the ES variant offers two specific X-Drive modes – one for Snow/Dirt and another for Deep Snow/Mud, in addition to the ‘Normal’ drive mode.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, direct injection

Power: 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: CVT-type automatic, Symmetrical all-wheel drive

Performance: 0-100 km/h: 10.3 seconds, Top Speed: 193 km/h, Economy (claimed): 7.6 L/100 km (NEDC)

Safety: Seven airbags, ABS, Stability Control, Traction Control, Active Torque Vectoring, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist

Price: RM 139,788 (2.0i L), RM 149,788 (2.0i S), RM 159,788 (2.0i S EyeSight) – OTR, excluding insurance

Origin: Fully Imported from (TCSAT) Bangkok, Thailand

Exterior

In terms of design, though changes are more subtle, Subaru has done well to give Forester a contemporary uplift – keeping true to their somewhat boxy but angular proportions and stylish design elements.

Guided by the company’s latest “Dynamic x Solid” design language, the front end has been substantially reworked with larger (standard fit) LED headlights and C-Shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (2.0i-S and 2.0i-S ES variants). The grille stands larger and bolder now and features Active Shutters; lower down the bumper receives a larger skidplate, while the fog lamp enclosures are larger now to accentuate a tougher stance. The width of the car has also increased by 20mm to 1,815 mm.

Round the flanks, the Forester sports a bolder shoulder line that starts just after the front wheel arches, runs the length of the wheelbase (which has increased to 2,670 mm) and peels off towards the base of the rear quarter windows. The rims sizes start at 17 inches for the 2.0i-L and larger 18-inch items on the 2.0i-S and 2.0i-S ES variants.

Round the back, the almost hidden difference is the larger boot aperture and tailgate – which is 135 mm wider at 1,300 mm. The taillights mimic the headlights with angular C-Shaped units at either end. I especially like the chunky garnish strip at the lower end of the bumper as well.

While the changes aren’t huge, one gets a good sense of how much larger the new Forester is compared to its predecessor, now it finally looks on par with its competitors like Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Outlander in terms of stature. The other positive aspect is that the outlook now finally gives the Forester a slightly more distinctive look of its own, instead of being just a slightly larger, boxier alternative to the Subaru XV (which is no less talented).

Interior

It’s much the same on the inside, small updates have made the interior more premium and practical to be in.

Most of the dashboard redesign revolves around the centre stack, which houses two screens. One at the very top, housing a crisp vehicle data display for parameters such as pitch angle, fuel economy, and Eyesight functions for variants that come fitted with, and the second, for the infotainment unit which is less impressive.

All-in-all, the unit looks slightly dated in design, and screen resolution and glare really puts it at odds with the great job Subaru have done otherwise with the interior. Screen sensitivity is not the best either, so half the time, we would end up prodding the screen hard to select options from the menu sets.

That said, I commend the dashboard’s new textured contours and soft-touch materials, the steering wheel, being just the right size with adequate padding makes it a joy to operate. By highlighting the climate control and gearshift trim in Piano Black, Subaru has done well to give the interior an additional touch of style.

There are ample cubby holes and storage compartments peppered all around the cabin space, much appreciated is the depth of both the compartments in the centre console which are useful for dumping stuff like your smartphone, Smart Tag receiver, and Starbucks ‘Venti’ cup.

The 2.0i-S models we drove gets the slightly different X-Mode options from the 2.0i-S ES – the X-Mode in the top-spec ES variant receives additional modes for Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud –  which in all honesty, won’t be required or used by 99 percent of customers. Hence, the simplified version in the 2.0i-S is the perfect compromise in my opinion.

In the back, leg and shoulder room is much improved over the model it replaces – the increase in wheelbase length means the Forester will fit four in superb comfort and five occupants with a little bit of squeezing. The Honda-CR-V manages a tinge more space ‘width-wise’, but the Forester allows for more stretching of your legs at the back, and better all-round than in the Mazda CX-5.

The rear seats offered adequate padding and softness over the long driving stints we sat through, my only bugbear was with the front seats – there is too much lower lumbar padding, hence your back is always slightly curved which may cause some discomfort for taller occupants after a long journey.

Driving Experience

Given most of our drive time was spent travelling on highways and smaller city roads and slow-ish convoy speeds no less, there was little chance to test the superb all-wheel drive traction and power of the 2.0-litre Boxer engine.

With that said, in rainy conditions, the Forester proves to be among the most planted SUVs I have ever driven. For comparison, there’s more poise than in the Mitsubishi Outlander and dare I say it, a tad more than in the CR-V (2WD).

The steering is nicely weighted and pleasantly accurate, therefore, there is always an assuring feeling that you can point the Forester exactly where you want, and flow through a corner, or slightly bumpy high-speed section with no drama whatsoever. The CX-5 is still my benchmark in terms of handling precision, but the Forester is no slouch either, and as I suspect, the Forester gets better the harder you drive.

The suspension setup of Forester is another strong point of its overall package. Given the sublime body rigidity – the chassis and suspension are able to soak bumps and undulations with aplomb. Primary and secondary ride quality is also much improved over its predecessor because the tyres rarely get unsettled by larger bumps and potholes. During enthusiastic driving, the dampers also load up well to return great mechanical grip.

The FB20 naturally aspirated, direct-injection 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine proves to be a stout performer, there’s adequate torque between 1,300 rpm and approximately 2,200 rpm hence pulling away in traffic is easy or climbing a hill, for instance, is easy. The engine gets stronger between the 3,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm ranges, as with any Boxer engine, it just gets better the more you rev it.

During a short sting when the roads were empty (Thailand traffic isn’t the most predictable), I manage to push the Forester up to around 165 km/h which was despatched without fuss. At highway speeds, the engine hums away at around 2,100 rpm hence there’s adequate power for overtaking or climbing. With 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque at the ready, performance is on par with the competitors such as the CR-V 2 and CX-5 (2.0-litre engine variants respectively), but it must be said, that both those competitors also offer more powerful turbocharged versions which are quicker.

In my opinion, Subaru makes one of the best CVT-type automatic gearboxes out there – those who have had a chance to drive the current Subaru WRX – will know what I mean. The CVT-type automatic suspension in the Forester is relatively quiet and responsive at low, mid and highway speeds. Additionally, there’s little engine drivetrain judder during stop-go traffic making this a really easy transmission to get to terms with.  There is, of course, transmission whine under hard acceleration, but I suspect most owners are not going to drive their Forester in anger every day; hence it’s no deal-breaker.

But it must be said, the aspect I found most impressive about the new Forester’s drivetrain is its fuel efficiency – for the most part, Boxer engines are lauded for their lightweight construction, compact proportions and a unique sound, but rarely ever for good fuel economy. During the drive, the vast majority of drivers managed to achieve between 5.5- to 7.0-litres/100 km with very conservative driving, the best recorded around 5.2-litres/100km, which is great even for a hybrid sedan, let alone a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre AWD SUV.

Our car was quite possibly returned the highest fuel consumption of the lot - thanks to our team's more "enthusiastic" driving - and we still clocked fuel consumption of 7.7-litres/100km; which is commendable.

Conclusion

With so much of the buying decision centred around styling and equipment these days – especially for SUVs – it might be easy to pass off Forester as a second-best contender, but given the major changes and updates, the new Forester is anything but.

Subaru and improved on almost every aspect where it matters – which makes it a very practical SUV for the family – and for the money – very good value as well. The Forester is also the only SUV in its class that is offered with AWD as standard and this should count for a lot as it offers an additional quantum of safety and drivability.

All-in-all, it’s a superb alternative to more popular SUV such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, but just as talented nonetheless.

For the latest deals on Subaru vehicles, click
here
.


Wanita Perlu Tahu - 6 Punca Bau Busuk Dalam Kereta

Pernah kah anda menghidu bau busuk dalam kereta tapi tidak tahu apa puncanya? Bukan bau badan atau
durian
 tapi macam bau bangkai pun ada!

Meletakkan pewangi khas untuk kereta memang berkesan untuk menghilangkan bau busuk dalam kereta, tetapi apabila harumannya habis, bau yang sama muncul semula. Lagi parah jika bau pewangi bercampur dengan bau busuk tadi. Boleh pening kepala dibuatnya!

Di sini kami senaraikan 6 punca bau busuk dalam kereta dan apa boleh dilakukan untuk menghilangkan bau tersebut.

1. Brek atau klac kereta terbakar

Sekiranya anda menghidu bau hangit seperti getah terbakar, kemungkinan besar
brek
 atau
klac
 kereta anda sudah haus atau terbakar.

Memandu sambil memijak brek serta lupa melepaskan
brek tangan
 antara punca yang menyebabkan bau tersebut. Kaliper atau kabel brek bermasalah juga boleh mengeluarkan bau yang sama.

Bagi kereta manual, klac terbakar boleh berpunca akibat tabiat memandu tanpa melepaskan klac sepenuhnya. Boleh jadi juga klac anda mengalami masalah gelincir akibat sudah haus atau perlu dilaraskan.

Segera ke
bengkel
 supaya mekanik boleh membuat pemeriksaan lanjut tentang komponen brek dan klac kereta anda.

2. Air bertakung

Bau hapak, kepam atau tengik menandakan ada air bertakung dalam kereta anda yang berpunca daripada masalah pintu atau tingkap tidak ditutup rapat, juga pengedap tingkap yang sudah haus dan menyebabkan ketirisan
air hujan
. Jika anda mengesan kerusi atau karpet kereta basah, sudah tentu itulah punca bau tersebut.

Makanan dan minuman yang tumpah dalam kereta juga boleh meninggalkan bau yang sama terutamanya jika dibiarkan semalaman tanpa dicuci. Dalam sesetengah situasi, penyejat penyaman udara juga boleh menyebabkan bau hapak dalam kereta.

3. Kebocoran minyak

Model kereta baru jarang mempunyai masalah ini namun, anda harus sentiasa waspada dengan bau minyak yang kuat di dalam kereta.
Minyak
 yang menitis pada mana-mana bahagian sistem ekzos akan terbakar hingga mengeluarkan bau seakan minyak diesel terbakar.

Kebocoran minyak
 boleh disebabkan oleh sambungan yang telah longgar di dalam sistem bahan api kereta, hos lama, penebat yang rosak ataupun bahagian lain yang sudah rosak.

Jika anda sedang memandu, sebaiknya berhenti di tempat yang selamat dan dapatkan bantuan bengkel kerana kebocoran minyak boleh mengakibatkan kereta anda terbakar dalam sekelip mata. Bahaya tu!

4. Penukar pemangkin pecah

Penukar pemangkin (
catalytic converter
) ialah komponen kawalan emisi yang berfungsi mengubah gas
ekzos
 untuk mengurangkan pelepasan asap berbahaya. Apabila peranti itu tidak bekerja dengan baik, anda akan terhidu bau sulfur seakan telur tembelang atau telur busuk dalam kereta anda.

Bau itu dapat diatasi dengan menggantikan penukar pemangkin dan membaiki apa saja kerosakan yang menyebabkan kegagalan peranti tersebut. Sesetengah pelincir transmisi manual juga boleh berbau sama seperti sulfur apabila sudah berusia.

5. Kebocoran gas

Jika terhidu bau gas yang kuat dalam kereta, itu adalah petanda bahawa ada tidak kena dengan kereta anda. Jika kereta anda menggunakan kenderaan gas asli (
NGV
) sebagai bahan api, sedikit bau gas adalah perkara biasa namun, bagi kenderaan yang menggunakan petrol, tidak sepatutnya mempunyai bau gas dalam kereta.

Hos bahan api, injektor tersumbat, pengatur tekanan bahan api rosak, dan hos lain boleh saja menjadi punca kepada kebocoran bahan api yang menyebabkan pencemaran bau gas. Dalam kes tertentu, lebih baik anda cuba menjejaki sumber kebocoran itu secepat mungkin berbanding melengahkannya.

6. Ada bangkai atau barang reput

Kebanyakan punca kereta berbau adalah disebabkan kerosakan dan kegagalan mekanikal. Tetapi ingat, bau kereta anda mungkin saja berpunca daripada sumber luar, misalnya barangan basah seperti ikan, sayuran dan buah-buahan.

Jadi, sebelum anda tergesa-gesa mahu menghantar kereta ke
bengkel
, periksa dahulu bawah kerusi atau belakang but. Pastikan tiada objek yang terbiar lama sehingga reput yang menyebabkan bau busuk dalam kereta.

Ada juga pemilik kereta yang menyedari ada bangkai tikus atau anak kucing di bahagian kabin atau
enjin kereta
 sehingga terhidu bau bangkai selama berhari-hari.

Setelah anda mengenal pasti punca bau busuk pada kereta, boleh ikut tips ini untuk menyah bau:

Buka sedikit tingkap semalaman

Gunakan soda penaik (baking soda) pada kusyen, karpet dan pelapik but kereta dan biarkan semalaman. Kemudian, vakum sehingga bersih.

Bawa kereta ke
pusat cuci kereta
 atau spa kereta untuk
deep clean
 kerana mereka ada peralatan dan bahan khas untuk mencuci ruangan dalam kereta anda.

Sentiasa berwaspada dengan bau yang kurang menyenangkan dalam kereta anda supaya anda dapat mengelakkan daripada masalah yang lebih berat nanti.

Selamat mencuba!


Many Cars In Developing Countries Fail UN Safety Standards

The United Nations (UN) has expressed its concern that many new cars sold in developing countries still fail to meet basic UN safety standards for occupant protection against frontal and side impact.
Speaking in Geneva during the launch of the UN's policy report Democratising Car Safety: Road Map for Safer Cars 2020, Global NCAP Chairman Max Mosley said:
“Safety improvements stimulated by legislation and consumer awareness campaigns in high income economies that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives are not yet systematically available for drivers and their families in rapidly growing lower income markets. “For example, crash test standards introduced twenty years ago for cars sold in Europe, are yet to be met by many new cars, and even brand new models, being sold today in leading middle income countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This is entirely unacceptable. Manufacturers cannot continue to treat millions of their customers as second class citizens when it comes to life saving standards of occupant protection.”
David Ward, Global NCAP Secretary General and author of the new report said, “The drive for the democratisation of car safety must now be extended across all automotive markets worldwide. By 2020 at the latest we want all new cars to meet basic standards for both crash protection and crash avoidance. They must have crumple zones, air bags, and electronic stability control. Our new report sets out ten clear recommendations to transform global car safety as well as a realistic and affordable timetable for their implementation. “Taken together these life saving recommendations have the potential to prevent tens of thousands of avoidable deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year.”
Global NCAP is strongly urging governments around the world to adopt the following safety regulations, as well as making Electronic Stability Control (ESC) a mandatory feature for all new cars.
Reg. 94 Occupant protection in frontal collision
Reg. 95 Occupant protection in lateral (side) collision
Reg. 12 Steering mechanism – frontal impact (partly covered by Reg.94)
Reg. 14 Seat belt anchorages
Reg. 16 Safety belts and restraint systems
Reg. 17 Strength of seats, their anchorages and any head restraint
Reg. 21 Interior fittings
Reg. 26 External projections
Reg. 44 Child restraint systems
GTR  7 Head restraints
GTR  8 Electronic stability control
GTR  9 Pedestrian protection
In Malaysia, many of these regulations have already been gazetted, with all new models homologated after 1-January 2012 meeting the minimum Reg. 94 and Reg. 95 standards for passive safety. Active safety however, could be improved further. ESC (GTR 8) is already a compulsory feature in Australia, Europe, and the USA since 2012.
For more tips on how to choose a safe car to buy, read more
here
.


Mazda 6 Facelift Launched In Australia, Now With Turbo Power

Mazda Australia has just introduced a new facelifted version of the Mazda 6, the second facelift for the current generation model. The new Mazda 6 can now be had with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, which is identical to the one found in the Mazda CX-9.
The 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine does 228 hp and 420 Nm, mirroring that of the Mazda CX-9. Other engine choices include a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit (188 hp/252 Nm) and a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel (188 hp/450 Nm).
All variants of the Mazda 6 are mated to a six-speed automatic, sending power to the front wheels.
Visually, the facelifted Mazda 6 features an evolutionary design that looks refreshing yet familiar at the same time.
Gone are the horizontal slats on the front grille, now replaced with a diamond pattern that is reminiscent of the new Mazda CX-5. Chrome strips from the grille that previously went above the headlights now extend below the headlights.
The rear end has also been subtly updated. The chrome strip above the number plate now extends into the tail lights, which on the earlier model, gave the impression that the tail lights had eyebrows. Towards the bottom of the rear bumper, Mazda has reduced the size of the rear diffuser piece, giving the new Mazda 6 a sleeker appeal.
Moving inside, the updated Mazda 6 gets a refreshed cabin. The steering wheel is new, lifted from the second generation CX-5. Out goes the flip-type heads-up display, replaced by a new Active Driving Display, that projects images onto the windscreen.
Safety has also been improved, as Mazda has fitted radar cruise control with stop and go feature. This complements the already generous list of equipment, which include traffic sign recognition, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart City Brake Support, and a reverse camera.
For the Australian market, the Mazda 6 is available in both sedan and wagon guises. Both versions of the Mazda 6 are available in 7 variants, bringing the grand total of variants offered to 14.
Launch in Malaysia should be imminent, seeing that our models come fully-imported from Japan.


SDAC Ford Announces Ford Raya Service Campaign

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia is offering a nationwide Raya service promotion. From now until June 30th 2018, SDAC is offering a free, 27-point vehicle inspection. All walk-in customers will receive free Raya packets, while stocks last.
Customers who require a brake, timing belt or lubricant packages are entitled to up to 10 percent discount on labour fees, while 20 percent discount is offered on engine oil and other selected parts. Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) are used, providing high quality, long-term durability and peace of mind to the customers.
Customers can
book their service appointments online
 via the official SDAC-Ford website:
www.sdacford.com.my
 or call their nearest service centre to make an appointment.
Customers who spend more than RM350 on a single receipt will also receive a free gift available only at authorized dealers.
“At SDAC, we take road safety seriously as a key aspect of our business. Through our Raya service and maintenance packages, customers can rest assured that their vehicles will be in the best condition for a safe journey home,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of SDAC-Ford.
“I wish all Muslims
‘Selamat Berpuasa’
 and would like to take this opportunity to urge all Malaysians to remain vigilant on the road and practice safe, defensive driving habits at all times, including during their
balik kampung
journey for the celebrations,” he added.


Four Honda Cars To Take On The Fearsome Pikes Peak

After announcing that its public relations manager
Sage Marie will be piloting the NSX pace car
 for this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, American Honda Motor Co. has also confirmed that it will be sending two electric-powered Hondas for this year’s ‘Race to the Clouds.’
A total of 13 Honda vehicles, including many Honda motorcycles will be participating in this year’s event.
The participating Honda cars include a yet-to-be-shown CR-Z that does not use the standard car’s IMA hybrid powertrain. Instead, the heavily modified CR-Z is an all-electric race car that features Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive from the flagship Honda Legend.
The electric CR-Z will be piloted by Super GT ace Tetsuya Yamano. The CR-Z will be entered under the name Honda Electric SH-AWD with Precision All-Wheel Steer, and will participate in the Exhibition class. As such, it will not be eligible for setting any course record.
Completing the Honda EV racers line-up is an electric-powered Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in the US).
Not much else is known about the Pikes Peak Jazz EV, but it will be competing in the Electric Production Class and will be eligible for setting a course record. The 9:08.188 course record for Electric Production class is now held by the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution III, set in 2014.
Also competing in the Exhibition class is rally specifications Honda Jazz, entered under the name Honda Fit B-spec, a Rally America competition car.
The Fit B-spec will be piloted by former Indy Lights champion and Indy 500 top-five finisher Alex Lloyd.
The highlight of Honda’s entry has to be a first generation NSX, participating in the Open Category.
Prepared by LoveFab Motorsports Fabrications, the NSX will be aiming for the 9:46.181 time set by Romain Dumas in 2012, in a Porsche 911 GT3 R.


Kia Motors Australia Phases Out Optima In Favour Of SUVs and EVs

It's a sign of the times. The D-segment sedan is seeing less and less market share with each passing year, as consumers look more to crossovers and SUVs once they go past a particular price point, or abandon cars altogether in favour of e-hailing and the like. According to
GoAuto
, Kia Motors Australia is bucking to the trend as they've announced the phasing out of the Optima for the Australian market, in favour of the aforementioned SUVs and Electric Vehicles (EVs) as well.
That's not the only culling of the Kia range that's going on. The petrol version of the Kia Soul will be phased out in favour of an electric variant, while consumer preference for the V6 GT variant of the Stinger may mean the phasing out of four cylinder availability. The more premium Stinger in combination with the growing Cerato is what has led to the demise of the Optima, which has only managed to sell 54 units in the past two months.
Rounding out the changes will be the introduction of a small SUV, which will be Kia's version of the Hyundai Kona. This will be a fairly important model for the brand as it is this segment that is growing so rapidly and contributing solid sales as consumers are departing from traditional sedans and hatchbacks further down the tiers of car ownership.


Los Angeles 2016: 2nd Gen Mazda CX-5 To Premiere

The second-generation Mazda CX-5 is set to make its world premiere at the upcoming 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show on 16 November.
The scheduled unveiling was announced in a teaser release sent from Mazda’s European press site that also includes an image of the new car heavily obscured by shadows.
Worded descriptions of the car amounted to just a single paragraph in the release, which we can concisely describe as saying nothing.
It will be interesting to see if the new CX-5 will continue with the existing line-up of engines or advance to the
next promised advancement of SkyActiv powertrains
 that will see the introduction of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) technology.
Earlier reports have stated Mazda hopes to improve the efficiency of its SkyActiv-G petrol engines by as much as 50%, thereby rivalling diesel engines.


All-New Aston Martin Vantage Launched In Malaysia – 4.0L V8 Bi-turbo, From RM1.6 Million

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur today unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio, the
 all-new Vantage
.
Priced from RM1.6 million after duties, the all-new Aston Martin Vantage continues on nearly seven decades of tradition- this time packing a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 510 PS and 685 Nm of torque.
The engine, which is sourced from AMG, is the same unit which powers most Mercedes-AMG models at the moment, but the tuning is done in-house by Aston Martin, hence the different power figures.
Paired to the engine is a ZF trans-axle 8-speed automatic gearbox which is coupled with Aston Martin's Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff).
Thanks to the powertrain package, the new Aston Martin Vantage is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 314 km/h.
Underneath, the chassis shares a basic aluminium backbone with that of the DB11, although 70% of the elements are unique to the Vantage. Advances in suspension technology and manufacturing have allowed the rear sub-frame to be solid mounted for better response.
Weighing 1,530 kg, key exterior features of the new Vantage include a front splitter which directs air flow underneath the car to be cooled, side gills which have been integrated into the body surface, a pronounced upswept rear deck lid, full LED lights with lock/unlock graphic theatre, extruded bonded aluminium body, and 20-inch ‘Y’ spoke wheels.
Other standard features include:
Titanium front grille
Dark Anodised brake calipers
Enamel wing badges
Sports seats
Strathmore leather and Alcantara upholstery
Satin Silver interior jewellery
Auto temperature control with dual zone climate control
Keyless entry and ignition
Front and rear parking sensors
Memory seats
Park Assist with parking distance display
8.0-inch LCD screen
iPod and iPhone integration with USB playback
Integrated GPS system
Electrically controlled exhaust
Dynamic Torque Vectoring
Dynamic Stability Control
Adaptive Damping
Speaking at the launch, Nancy Chen, the head of Aston Martin’s sales operations in Southeast Asia said, “The new Vantage is part of Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan. It is the second of seven new models which the brand planned to launch in seven years."
"We’ve made a strong start with the new DB11 earlier this year, taking the brand back into profit, and the new Vantage will build on this success.”


Honda and Google are Talking About Making an Autonomous Car

A little earlier in the year, Honda announced that they were aiming to have an autonomous car on the market by 2020. They're late to the autonomous car game, but then again you would expect them to be as their company has prioritized the driving experience over a great many things. But what matters more than when you join is how good your product is. To get the ball rolling, Honda has entered formal discussions with Alphabet Inc. (basically Google), and they intend to work with the Waymo project in order to develop their own self driving car.
The collaboration may work on many different levels, but perhaps the simplest is that Honda can initially provide Waymo with cars that can accomodate Waymo's driving sensors, software, and computing platforms. These Hondas would join the existing Waymo fleet across the United States and be tested in real world situations. Should the agreement work out, Honda's top engineers from both the states and Japan will work closely with Waymo engineers in California and Michigan.
It's an exciting step forward for Honda, a company that usually plays things close to the vest and develops their technology in house. It's likely that they realized they wouldn't be able to develop self-driving technology in the next 4 years if they intend to meet their goal, so the next best thing is to talk to the people who do. Honda also believes that their R&D teams will find more interesting solutions to any current issues, and knowing their culture it's more than likely they will have something solid to offer in return.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces EQ Brand, More Than Just A New Emblem

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just launched a new brand for electric mobility, called ‘EQ', which stands for 'Electric Intelligence'.
The EQ brand represents more than just a badge on the products, as MBM is extensively embarking on providing a complete, “umbrella” coverage of electric mobility ecosystem. A quick summary of what EQ brand encompasses:
Products:
-Introducing EQ Power as a designation for Plug-in hybrid models e.g. EQ Power C350e and EQ Power E350e
-Entry of full Electric Vehicles in the mid term
Infrastructure:
-Increasing charging station coverage
-Retail network
Services:
-EQ Agility Care Package
-Access to ChargEV charging network through charging cards
-Smartphone application
“By launching the EQ brand led by our technology leaders and range-topping EQ Power C350e and E350e plug-in hybrid automobiles, we are able to create something highly emotional. The thrill of immediate acceleration with the sustainability of efficient energy consumption,”
“To us, electric mobility is more than an alternative drivetrain. The EQ brand is our calling card for customer-focused electric mobility. It extends beyond the vehicle itself to an ecosystem designed to deliver the best value, convenience and luxury to our customers and fans,” said Mark Raine, MBM Sales and Marketing VP.
EQ Power will pave the way for EQ, a name reserved solely for a range of pure electric vehicles which have been previewed by the Generation EQ concept car.
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) is also introducing the EQ Agility Care package monthly instalment plan for added value and peace-of-mind. Buyers of the EQ Power C350e and EQ Power E350e will enjoy scheduled maintenance and servicing in their ownership tenure of three to five years.
An EQ Power charging wallbox which can be installed at home or business premises is also included. Further charging convenience is added through the issuance of a ChargEV charging card that includes one-year complimentary charging.
MBM, in launching the EQ brand, also launched their latest EQ charging station, located at Pavilion KL (level B1 car park). Other EQ charging stations are Bangsar Shopping Centre, Sunway Pyramid and soon-to-be-launched Desa Park City. MBM will also add more EQ charging stations in the coming future.


MBM Training Academy Celebrates Graduation Of Newest Apprentices

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Training Academy recently celebrated the graduation of the newest group of apprentices from its Automotive Mechatronic Training programme.
The 26 apprentices who graduated from the MBM Training Academy this year received three certifications: the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mechatronic Training Certificate, the Mercedes-Benz Qualified Maintenance Technician Certificate, and the National Dual Training System (NDTS) Certificate, which is equivalent to the Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 3, a certification recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia.
Out of the 26, the MBM Training Academy presented the Class of 2018 Best Student Award to 23 year-old Wong Shiong Heng from Negeri Sembilan, for his outstanding achievement over the three-year training period in the areas of academics, performance, attendance and attitude.
The training programme consists of 50 courses over a three-year training period. In addition to the Automotive Mechatronic training programme, the academy also provides a structured certification ladder for existing technicians who are keen to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
Following the completion of a three-year training programme, the apprentices will be absorbed into MBM’s extensive network of Autohauses and service centres nationwide.
To date, more than 827 globally certified apprentices have graduated from the
MBM Training Academy
, which took in 60 trainees in 2017.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, along with the dealer network, invests over RM100,000 per trainee for the implementation of the training programme.
With the next intake of trainees set to begin in July 2018, interested applicants can submit their application forms
online
. They will then have to undergo a strict selection process which involves a pre-enrollment assessment examination by Daimler AG.
After that, the candidates will have to attend a face-to-face interview by the recruitment panel which gives the final approval to candidates who qualify to enrol in the training programme.


Tan Chong Introduces Extended Warranty Program For Nissan Owners

Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream (TCIBS), the insurance division of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad has officially launched an extended warranty programme for existing Nissan owners called the ‘TC Warranty Plus’.
The newly launched programme, which provides extension to Nissan’s regular 3-year warranty (private use vehicles only), will only take effect after the original manufacturer’s warranty period of 3 years or 100,000km (whichever comes first) has lapsed.
TC Warranty Plus comes with 3 extended warranty packages:
EW 150
 – Additional 2 years or 50,000km (whichever comes first), identical to original warranty
EW 200
 – Additional 4 years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). The 4th and 5th year coverage is identical to the original warranty, while 6th and 7th year only covers engine, transmission and steering.
EW 25
 - Additional 1 year, 25,000km or 2 years, 50,000km (whichever comes first), for 3 engine, transmission and steering for vehicles aged less than 5 years where the warranty has lapsed or voided.
“Due to high demand of extended warranty programme after the launch of the 7-year unlimited mileage warranty by ETCM, this new programme offers extra coverage and give existing owners an added peace of mind with regards to sudden expenses when unforeseen circumstances occur’, said Say Teck Ming, senior general manager of TCIBS
With every registration of the programme, customers will enjoy an Early Bird Promotion and are entitled to receive a set of Free Petrol Engine Refresh Kit, valid till 31 October 2017
Additionally, ETCM and TCEAS have announced its expansion for Takata Airbag Inflators Replacement which is held not only at service networks but also at selected Tesco outlets scheduled as follows:


Shell FuelSave 95 Endorsed By 10 Malaysian Car Clubs

Last week, Shell Malaysia held a roundtable discussion to collate the views and experiences of users of their well known FuelSave 95, which involved a total of 10 prominent car clubs in Malaysia.

Representatives from each car club, which includes Proton Ambassadors of Malaysia, Myvi Gen.3 Club, HR-V Club Malaysia, Civic FC Club Malaysia, Geng Alza Biru Malaysia, Vios Yaris Owners Club, Mazda 3 Owner Club Malaysia, Kelab AruzR Malaysia, Nissan X-Trail Club Malaysia and Volkswagen Club Malaysia collectively recognised Shell FuelSave 95 as their
petrol of choice
.

The virtual ceremony was held with the presence of Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, who echoed the positive testimonials from the invited club members, which was formulated to deliver extra kilometers in everyday journeys.

Shell Malaysia has been actively engaging numerous local car clubs since 2019 to gauge the differences and consumer response to FuelSave 95, seeking to prove the petrol’s
real world benefits
 and robust capabilities.

The official recommendation from club representatives formalised their confidence in the fuel as well as the Shell brand to deliver an optimised experience for a variety of vehicles on Malaysian roads. Now, Shell FuelSave 95 will power over 50,000 car club members with an estimated drive of 75,000 KM accumulatively to showcase its ‘extra kilometres’ capabilities through specially curated drive events. These events will commence when the government’s COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“Shell fuels are developed through decades of technological expertise, rigorous research and most importantly, our customers’ needs in mind. Not all fuels are created equal; this is why we are honoured to have so many passionate car experts choosing Shell FuelSave 95 for their cars as it reflects the confidence our customers have in our ability to continue delivering high quality fuels and extra kilometres,” said Shairan Huzani Husain.

To celebrate the official recommendation from the 10 car clubs, customers can enjoy 5% discount for RM30 and RM50 Shell vouchers
exclusively on Shopee
 for 10 days, from 13 – 22 August 2021, by using the promo code ‘EKSTRAKM’ during checkout (limited to 2,000 codes per day). Additionally, Malaysians can tune in ‘The Ekstra Onz Show’ on ERA FM’s Facebook page to participate in exciting games, win extra rewards and get tips on extra savings.