5 Perkara Wajib Tahu Sebelum Beli Kereta Terpakai

Sebelum membeli kereta terpakai, anda perlu peka dan tahu tentang beberapa perkara asas yang perlu ditekankan ketika mencari kereta terpakai yang sesuai dengan anda. Jika tersalah pilih, kereta tersebut boleh menjadi mimpi ngeri terhadap kehidupan seharian anda!

Lambakan
kereta terpakai
 di pasaran pada masa kini membuatkan ramai yang rambang mata. Tidak dinafikan, sebahagian kereta terpakai ini masih cantik dan kelihatan seperti kereta baru.

Namun walau bagaimanapun, sebelum memiliki kenderaan terpakai, anda perlulah tahu serba sedikit tentang perkara asas yang diperlukan sebelum membeli kereta terpakai. Ilmu asas ini berupaya membantu anda dalam memilih kenderaan yang paling bagus dan bersesuaian dengan anda. Inginkan kereta terpakai yang berbaloi? Ikuti langkah langkah berikut:

1. Ukur Baju Dibadan Sendiri

Pertama dan yang paling penting, sebelum membeli kereta terpakai, pastikan anda mengukur baju di badan sendiri ataupun berbelanja mengikut kemampuan. Walaupun harga kereta import terpakai lebih murah daripada kereta tempatan baru, adakah itu bermakna kos pemilikan dan penyelenggaraannya lebih rendah? Bandingkan kos pemilikan sebuah jentera BMW E60 lama berbanding sebuah Perodua Axia baru? Sudah semestinya kos pemilikan Axia lebih rendah.

Ye kami faham BMW E60 dan Perodua Axia bukan di dalam segmen yang sama namun jika dilihat kepada harga pasaran E60 hari ini berbanding Axia, kami pasti ramai yang akan mempertimbangkannya tanpa memikirkan kos jangka lama pemilikannya.

2. Periksa Keadaan Luaran Kereta

Perkara ini sememangnya wajib dalam urusan pembelian kereta terpakai. Tetapi, tahukah anda cara-cara untuk memeriksa keadaan kereta dari luaran?

Pertama sekali, mulakan dengan memeriksa
keadaan cat kereta
 tersebut. Pastikan pemeriksaan dilakukan di bawah sinaran matahari bagi memudahkan segala calar dan cacat cela pada permukaan kereta tersebut jelas kelihatan. Tetapi, calar di bahagaian luaran itu tidak mempunyai apa apa kesan terhadap pemanduan.

Perhatikan
panel badan
 pada kereta terpakai tersebut. Sekiranya terdapat sebarang jurang yang tidak sekata mahupun refleksi yang tidak sekata, kereta terbabit mungkin pernah terlibat dengan kemalangan.

Penting untuk kita mengetahui
sejarah silam
 sesuatu kereta sebelum membelinya.

Periksa juga
keadaan getah
 pintu di setiap pintu. Jika kereta itu pernah terlibat dalam kemalangan dan menggunakan bahagian 'half-cut' kimpalannnya akan kelihatan.

Pastikan
tiada karat
 pada kereta. Antara tempat tempat yang berkemungkinan untuk berkarat ialah floorboard, kawasan enjin atau firewall , bumbung dan bawah alas kaki kereta. Karat tersebut walaupun boleh dibaiki akan memakan kos yang tinggi.

Seboleh-bolehnya bawa
pomen
 anda ketika memeriksa kereta yang ingin anda beli. Kalau pomen tak sempat, cuba tanya kawan anda yang arif mengenai kereta.

3. Cari Kereta Terpakai Yang Mempunyai Sejarah Servis Yang Komprehensif

Kereta terpakai yang mempunyai sejarah servis secara berkala ini bagus. Sejarah servis tersebut hanyalah bukti bahawa kereta tersebut telah dijaga dengan seelok eloknya oleh tuan lama kereta tersebut. Perhatikan tarikh kereta tersebut dibawa ke pusat servis pada masa lalu. Jika kereta tersebut diservis mengikut ketetapan yang ditetapkan, ianya sesuatu yang bagus. Paling utama, elakkan membeli kereta terpakai yang tidak mempunyai sejarah penyelenggaraan. Ini kerana potensi dan keadaan sebenar kenderaan tersebut masih menjadi misteri. Untuk mengelakkan sebarang risiko, utamakan kenderaan yang terbukti dijaga dengan baik sebelum membeli.

4. Cuba Segala Interior Dalaman Yang Terdapat Dalam Kereta.

Selepas habis periksa bahagian luar, tiba masanya untuk periksa bahagian dalam pula. Untuk bahagian dalam, mulakan dengan membuka penghawa dingin kereta tersebut. Berdasarkan cuaca panas di Malaysia, penghawa dingin merupakan suatu keperluan. Selain memastikan gas sudah diisi, anda disarankan untuk mencuba penghawa dingin kereta tersebut dengan suhu dan kekuatan yang berbeza bagi mengesan sekiranya ada berlaku sebarang kerosakan.

Selepas itu, periksa juga keadaan barang-barang lain seperti cermin tingkap, wiper, signal, lampu panel instrument, kunci pintu dan system audio kereta terbabit. Jangan terburu buru dalam memilih, sebaliknya, ambil lah masa sebanyak mana yang anda perlukan untuk memeriksa kereta ini secara menyeluruh.

5. Pandu Cuba (Test Drive)

Dalam membeli kereta terpakai, tiada yang lebih utama daripada anda memandu cuba kereta terbabit. Untuk memahami prestasi kereta tersebut, tiada yang lebih berkesan selain daripada merasa sendiri pengalaman berada di bangku pemandu. Kereta yang cantik tidak semestinya sesuai dengan citarasa anda. Kadang-kala, terdapat kereta yang cantik dari luaran tetapi mempunyai ruang kaki yang sempit. Kereta seperti ini mungkin tidak sesuai untuk mereka yang tinggi ataupun berbadan besar. Keselesaan pemandu adalah kunci utama pemanduan yang selamat.

Selain itu, dengan memandu, anda berupaya untuk membongkarkan keadaan sebenar kenderaan terbabit yang hanya kelihatan ketika anda memandu. Perkara seperti bunyi enjin yang pelik, absorber yang sudah dimakan usia, alignment steering yang tidak sekata dan macam macam lagi. Ambil masa anda untuk betul-betul merasai kelebihan dan kekurangan sesuatu kereta itu sebelum membelinya. Penjual kereta terbabit semestinya faham dan tidak menghalang anda untuk memeriksa kereta terbabit.

Seperti yang diterangkan, pembelian kereta terpakai kini bukan lagi sesuatu yang memeningkan kepala. Pembelian kereta terpakai merupakan sesuatu yang berbaloi sekiranya anda tahu cara untuk memeriksa dan menilai kenderaan tersebut. Ikuti langkah langkah yang telah diberikan supaya anda tidak melakukan kesilapan dalam membeli kereta terpakai!

Tip Bonus: Tambah Perlindungan Tambahan/ Perlindungan Bencana Alam Semulajadi

Bergantung kepada jenis insuran kereta anda, kebanyakan syarikat insuran kereta mempunyai beberapa klausa tambahan yang anda boleh pilih ketika membeli insuran kereta, di antaranya Perlindungan Cermin atau Perlindungan Bencana Alam Semulajadi. Kami sarankan anda memilih Perlindungan Bencana Alam Semulajadi. Tambahan bagi premium anda tak banyak mana pun untuk setahun, sebagai contoh sebanyak 0.5% daripada Sum Assured (ini merupakan had yang boleh anda klaim nanti). So kalau Sum Assured korang RM50,000, tambahan premium hanya RM250 setahun.  Ini akan memastikan jika anda atau kereta anda terperangkap atau dilanda banjir, at least kos pembaikannya nanti takyah la keluar kocek sendiri.


SPOTTED: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Appears On Malaysian Soil

We’ve only just revealed to you the Malaysian
prices for the 2015 Mazda MX-5 SkyActiv
 along with some key specifications that’ll come along with it, but now, the praise-worthy roadster has been spotted on our streets by a
Mazda
 dealer.
As you can see, the fourth generation (ND)
Mazda MX-5
 is absolutely gorgeous, seen here in a Soul Red paint finish. From the rear, we see the removable fabric roof which can be stowed manually behind the driver.
We also get a shot of the engine bay that shows us the SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine which will power the MX-5. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the spec sheet provided to us revealed paddle shifters, a strong indicator that the SkyActive-DRIVE six-speed torque converter automatic transmission is most probably fitted here, and sending drive to the rear wheels.
Although there wasn’t a shot of the car’s dashboard but merely its seats and centre console, we can roughly make out the Commander Control knob for the MZD Connect infotainment system, along with the gearshift that further enforces the belief that an automatic transmission lurks underneath.
RM226,376 is what you’ll have to pony up
 to own the CBU MX-5 roadster in its sole variant. Keep in mind that the final details will only be revealed on launch day.


Malaysian Preview Of The Land Rover Defender 90

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia previews the new age Defender 90 - a shorter wheelbase three-door version of the Defender 110.

The L663 Land Rover Defender
arrived
 in Malaysia late last year solely in a Defender 110 five-door guise. Building on that success, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has decided to preview the three-door version of the new age Landie, called the Defender 90.

Featuring a more compact version of Land Rover's all-aluminium monocoque body, this preview of the Defender 90 shows us that it is no softy as the new D7x architecture on the 90 is one of the stiffest body structures that the brand has ever produced – three times stiffer than the best body-on-frame designs in the market.

178mm shorter than the
110
, the Defender 90 has better off-road capabilities, with excellent approach/ breakover and departure angles, while its 900mm wading depth is enough to cross small rivers.

Despite being the shorter version of the new Defender range, the 90 has large enough rear seats to fit a few adults comfortably, probably as much as the Evoque can.

When the
Defender 110 arrived
, it was available in either a petrol 2.0L 300PS/400Nm (P300 model) and a petrol-hybrid 3.0L 400PS/550Nm (P400 model) MHEV powertrain, it's too early for us to tell from this preview what the powertrain of the Defender 90 will be or in how many variants though we expect it to mirror its larger sibling, the Defender 110.

Just like its bigger brother the Defender 90 should come with a host of up to date driver assistance features including:

Clear Exit Monitor

Adaptive Cruise Control

Lane Keep Assist

360-degree Parking Aid

Rear Collision Monitor

Rear Traffic Monitor

Wade Sensing

Trailer Stability Assist

The Defender 90 is expected to make landfall in Malaysia in Q2, 2022.


Get A Free Gift Card Worth RM50 From TyrePlus When You Buy 4 Michelin Tyres

As technologically advanced as cars have become, they are all still linked to the road via four contact points – your tyres.
Ensuring your tyres are in the best condition is exceptionally crucial especially when making long distance road trips
What is TYREPLUS?
TYREPLUS
 is an independent professional network of tyre retail stores that offers MICHELIN branded tyres and also provides professional tyre services.
TYREPLUS
 are more than just tyre specialists because their other comprehensive range of services offered include vehicle servicing, lubricants, suspension and braking systems, anything that your car needs.
Should you require new tyres, head on over to any
TyrePlus
 outlet where with a purchase of four (4) Michelin tyres, you will receive a free RM50 Petronas gift card that you can use to fuel up your car or purchase snacks and other supplies from the
Mesra Store
.
Looking for your nearest TyrePlus outlet? They can be found in eight states across Peninsular Malaysia so you're never too far away from one.
Simply head on over to their
official site here
 to locate one by state and city.
This promotion is ongoing since 1 July 2015 and ends on 31 July 2015 so if you’ve been looking to change your tyres, this is the perfect time to do so and be rewarded for it too. Please
check here for more details
 along with the terms and conditions of the promotion.


Jeremy, Richard & James Confirmed For New TV Show, Debuts In 2016

Good news! It seems like the trio that used to host the infamous Top Gear show have found themselves a new TV show to host. Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have penned a deal with Amazon Prime, to produce a yet-to-be-named TV show.
Presumably, it’ll be about cars, resuming life for many avid followers of the trio to normal function. When? Nothing more than sometime in 2016 has been lipped.
Since the announcement, Jeremy, James and Richard have all taken to social media to share their relief over finding new jobs, rather hilariously.
After the countless rumours of where the old Top Gear gang could be heading post-life at TG, it looks to all be settled now.
Back at Top Gear, radio show host and comedian Chris Evans appears to be the only one confirmed to star at the show, effectively replacing Clarkson. Others have been rumoured to join him, with the most recent being McLaren-Honda Formula 1driver Jenson Button, with the former World Champ possibly on his way out of a drive come 2016.
Question is, could new Top Gear still be as good as the old one? Better still, would it matter at all now that Jeremy, James and Richard are back?
Here's a look at one of our favourite episodes of TG. Which one's yours?


2018 Audi A8 Interior To Be Almost Button-Free

Audi will be unveiling the all-new 2018 A8 in the next couple of hours. The company earlier teased the new Audi A8
here
.
Head of Audi Design Marc Lichte recently spoke about the new Audi A8's interior, stating that the new Audi is the company's first production model to feature its future design language and reflects the progressive face of the brand.
Lichte also established that the new A8's interior will be relatively free of buttons. "There will be hardly any buttons or switches here in the new A8," he said. He also added that the company developed a new operating concept featuring a touch screen that is integrated into the black panel surface of the interior, blending it in nicely.
In the teaser released by the company, the upcoming Audi A8 has the same Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster as its stablemates. On top of that, the teaser also showcased rear displays integrated into the head rests for rear passengers.
The all-new 2018 Audi A8 will be officiated later today at the Audi Summit in Barcelona, Spain.


Traffic Jams Can Cause Major Mental Health Issues

It seems that getting stuck in
traffic jams
 on a regular or daily basis might do a number on your
mental health
, but how serious can it get?

It's a thought that most of us have come across every time we find ourselves
stuck motionless
 in the countless traffic jams so far in our lives. But going through it almost every day of the week carries a serious toll not only on the body but the mind as well.

*Image credit: Sales Ninja

Depression and anxiety are real

Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Muhsin Ahmad Zahari, a senior consultant psychiatrist at Universiti Malaya, stated that mental health issues like depression and anxiety can occur if you find yourselves constantly in traffic congestion.

As reported by
The Star
, Dr Muhammad said, "The stress will increase if the person is often late for work and is reprimanded or given a warning by the employer, which in turn affects his/her emotion and work productivity."

If you dive a little more into mental health issues, you will also know and understand that there's a huge chance that it'll affect your physical health as well. Things like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, blurred vision, and many more could escalate to dangerous levels if not taken care of.

*Image credit: The Star

9am - 6pm needs to be 'flexible' again

Throughout the
Movement Control Order (MCO)
 which presented itself thanks to COVID-19, a lot of companies learned and implemented flexible working arrangements in terms of time and location. What used to be a normal working hour basis at the office was reinvented for the sake of safety and to protect our people.

This led to a few things. The first was that a lot of companies learned that not having their staff at the office during normal working hours doesn't mean that work grinds to a halt. In fact, some companies even thrived from a more flexible working format in terms of time and place.

For some, it was a blessing to not have to wake up early and leave the house before the sun rises just to make sure that they'll arrive at the office in the middle of KL for example before 9.00 am or before they're deemed 'late' by their employers.

*Image credit: NST

Leave early, or get stuck (for hours)

I myself live in Bangi and with my office located in Mid Valley (not even the heart of KL), I have to make sure to leave the house by 6.30 am just so that I won't get caught in that nasty traffic jam right after the
Sungai Besi toll plaza
.

A lot of folks depend on this route to get to their work locations, and the congestion has indeed gotten worse after all the travel restrictions were lifted by the Malaysian government upon entering the endemic phase.

As of now, many companies are reverting back to normal working hours, which means that a lot of people who want to avoid getting stuck in the worsening traffic jam will need to leave before the sun rises and return home after the sun sets. That's especially sad for those with families, and that's yet another nail in the mental health coffin.

What can be done?

Not getting stuck in traffic jams require some high-level time management skills. Waking up early, getting everything sorted earlier like preparing breakfast and sending the kids to school, and leaving for work just before the traffic jams hit their peaks are all vital.

Companies, on the other hand, can and should continue with the flexible working hours which were practised even before we entered the endemic phase. It's like the same strategy that major highway concessionaires use to inform motorists of the best times to travel to which destinations during festive periods.

Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Awang Hashim, stated that employees in Malaysia could apply for the Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA) with its employers starting 1 September 2022, but that has been pushed to 2023.

*Image credit: The Vulcan Post

Apart from flexible working hours, a rotation system could also work but this form of implementation needs to be checked for suitability based on the company's business or operations. It is possible with a bit of planning and calculation.

We've done it before, why can't we do it again or just continue with the flexible flow?

"Your mental health is everything – prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does." (Mel Robbins)


Spyshot: 2017 Volvo V90 Spotted in Shah Alam

There are some very exciting things coming from Volvo, both globally and locally. On the global front we're seeing rapid advancement in terms of technology and design, with the upcoming 40 series models looking to be a very impressive crop of products. But the most recent to launch is the 90 series range, sitting on various forms of Volvo's SPA platform. The XC90 has already been introduced here and is extremely well received, and it's only natural to expect the
Volvo S90
 to be in the works as well.
But what we weren't expecting is the Volvo V90, spotted out in Shah Alam by one of our colleagues. Traditionally wagons are not particularly popular with the Malaysian market, but one can't deny how amazing it looks- especially in this spectacular Bursting Blue paint finish. The V90 is effectively the wagon version of the S90 sedan, providing an extra level of practicality and boot space at little to no expense to dynamics or overall dimensions.
What's also worth noting is that this is the T6 R-Line AWD version of the V90. Let's break it down: the T6 badge refers to a 2.0-litre twin-charged 4-cylinder engine that pushes out 306 bhp and 400 Nm, the R-Line badge refers to various sporty trim pieces on the exterior and interior, and the AWD badge is fairly self explanatory. To sum it up, this particular V90 is a 306 horsepower, all-wheel drive wagon, and there are few things that sound as enticing as this.
There are few cars on the market that are quite as exciting as these up and coming Volvo products, whether it's in terms of exterior or interior design, or features and equipment, or even the way they drive and handle. If Volvo Cars Malaysia really is importing these officially alongside the S90, it can't come soon enough. We just hope the market is mature enough to accept and appreciate the wagon for the wonderful product it is.


Toyo Tires Malaysia unveils the Proxes Sport 2 and Open Country A/T III, starting from RM500

Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia has just unveiled two of its latest offerings, the new Proxes Sport 2 and Open Country A/T III (OPA/T 3).

Priced from RM700, the Proxes Sport 2 is catered to a wide range of driving enthusiasts, ensuring exceptional performance, safety, and durability, while the Open Country A/T III priced from RM500, is designed for those who like to go on both on and off-road adventures.

The Proxes Sport 2 are Toyo's ultra-high-performance tyres. According to Toyo, the tyre is engineered with cutting-edge technology and extensive research, and now offers two excellent features that set it apart from its predecessor: precise handling and exceptional wet grip.

This latest tyre features a unique asymmetrical design pattern optimized for both wet and dry conditions. Its advanced asymmetric tread compound ensures precise handling cornering stability and improves wet traction.

In addition to its new found levels of grip, the Proxes Sport 2 is also built with advanced compounds, providing drivers with a balanced grip for a comfortable and safe driving experience.

Available in 31 sizes, the Proxes Sport 2 accommodates a range of vehicles. The Proxes Sport 2 is now available at all Toyo Centres, with prices ranging from RM700 to RM1,300 per tyre, depending on the size.

The other new tyre from Toyo are the Open Country A/T III (OPA/T 3) all-terrain tyre. According to Toyo, the new tyre has increased lateral grooves for improved off-road traction, even in challenging conditions.

Its aggressive tread pattern also provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including dirt and gravel. The OPA/T 3 also incorporates Toyo's proprietary T-Mode technology and Nano Balance technology, offering a balance between comfort and performance.

The OPA/T 3 are available in 14 sizes, with prices ranging from RM500 to RM1,200 per tyre, depending on the size.

For more information on the Proxes Sport 2, Open Country A/T III, and other Toyo Tires products, visit www.toyotires.com.my.


Every Local Honda Model Is Now Available In White Orchid Pearl

If you wanted to buy a Honda Jazz, City, BR-V, or HR-V, but were lamenting the lack of premium colour options, that time has come to an end. Honda Malaysia has just announced that all their models have been made available with the White Orchid Pearl paint that was introduced with the Civic and Accord back in 2016. For the BR-V and HR-V in particular, you will have to wait until the third week of February to order your car in this particular colour. It replaces the existing Taffeta White colour option for these cars.
What's it going to cost you? For the Jazz and City, you're looking at an RM 120 premium over the standard price. For the HR-V annd BR-V, that goes up to an RM 300 premium. A small price to pay for what's become one of the most popular paint colours available for the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Waiting periods for these 4 models are 1 to 2 months. Customers can visit any of the 93 official Honda dealers nationwide to place an order for their cars in this new paint colour.


Harga Kad Touch’ n Go NFC Dijual Melebihi RM100 – Stok Baharu Sampai Jun

Kad
Enhance Touch ‘n Go
 dengan fungsi NFC (Near-Field Communication) menjadi buruan ramai sehingga ada segilintir pihak yang mengambil kesempatan dengan menjual semula kad tersebut pada harga RM100.

Kad NFC tersebut yang dijual RM10 bermula April lalu amat sukar untuk dijumpai di
stesen-stesen minyak
, kedai serbaneka mahupun aplikasi Touch ‘n Go sendiri kerana sudah tiada stok.

Harga Kad NFC TNG Lebih RM100

Ketiadaan stok kad tersebut telah membuatkan sesetengah pihak untuk menjual semula kad tersebut pada harga yang jauh lebih tinggi daripada asalnya, sehingga mencecah RM100.

Jika kad tersebut datang dengan pelekat
custom
, ada yang menjualnya sehingga RM132 setiap satu.

Walaupun tak banyak yang jual pada harga setinggi ini, kebanyakannya menjual kad ini di platform jual beli dalam talian pada jurang harga RM35 – RM85.

*Kredit foto: Shopee

Bagi mereka yang tidak kisah membeli kad ini pada harga yang tinggi, anda dinasihatkan untuk memastikan bahawa kad NFC yang dibeli itu adalah kad NFC Touch ‘n Go yang tulen.

Berbeza dengan kad Touch ‘n Go sebelum ini, kad NFC baharu ini tampil ringkas tanpa sebarang corak dan dibaluti dengan warna pastel lembut biru dan pink bersama logo Touch ‘n Go, TNG eWallet dan NFC berwarna silver di hadapan kad.

Stok Baharu Tiba Jun Ini

Jika anda cuba untuk membeli kad NFC di aplikasi
eWallet
 TNG, aplikasi itu akan memberitahu bahawa kad tersebut sudah habis dijual dan anda bakal diberitahu sekiranya kad sudah tersedia. Persoalannya, bila?

Melalui kenyataan yang dibuat oleh TNG di Facebook, ekoran permintaan ramai, stok baharu kad TNG NFC itu djangka akan tiba pada bulan Jun ini.

CEO Touch ‘n Go Group, Effendy Shahul Hamid sudah menjangkakan bahawa kad tersebut bakal mendapat permintaan tinggi melebihi apa yang ditawarkan ekoran pihaknya juga terkesan dengan krisis kekurangan cip yang melanda dunia.

Dengan kad Enhanced Touch ‘n Go, pengguna boleh menambah nilai kad fizikal mereka melalui telefon yang dilengkapi NFC tanpa perlu ke kiosk, stesen minyak, 7-Eleven atau kaunter perkhidmatan tanpa sebarang yuran tambahan.


Apa Nak Buat Jika Pelekat RFID Rosak Di Lebuh Raya? – Lampu/Cermin Kereta Pecah

Topik
RFID
 sememangnya topik yang hangat buat masa ini. Meskipun sistem RFID ini jauh lebih baik berbanding penggunaan kad fizikal
Touch ‘n Go mahupun Smart Tag
, tetapi pelaksanaannya secara tiba-tiba dan kurang lancar baru-baru ini menimbulkan panik dan kemarahan pengguna.

Rata-rata pengguna yang masih belum mendaftar diri sebagai pengguna RFID berasa was-was untuk beralih ke RFID ekoran pelbagai dakwaan pengguna lain tentang pelbagai
masalah
 yang terhasil apabila menggunakan RFID di plaza tol.

Menurut Touch ‘n Go, cara tampalan tag RFID yang betul adalah di lampu kiri ataupun di bahagian kiri cermin hadapan. Percaya atau tidak, perkara ini juga menimbulkan pertanyaan kerana apa yang perlu dilakukan sekiranya lampu atau cermin pecah sehingga mengganggu tag RFID?

Sebagai contoh, katakanlah anda membayar tol untuk masuk di
Lebuhraya PLUS
 menggunakan RFID, tapi sebelum anda sempat keluar daripada lebuh raya tersebut, kereta anda
terlibat dalam kemalangan
 kecil sehingga lampu hadapan anda pecah. Dalam situasi ini, kereta masih boleh bergerak dan dipandu seperti biasa, namun hanya kawasan yang diletakkan tag RFID seperti lampu atau cermin sahaja yang tergugat.

Seperti yang anda tahu, pengguna tidak dibenarkan memasuki lebuh raya menggunakan RFID dan keluar menggunakan kad fizikal TNG. Kalau buat juga, sah akan sangkut di plaza tol. Silap-silap boleh buat trafik sesak di situ. Jadi dalam situasi ini, apa yang perlu dilakukan?

Carlist.my telah menghubungi TNG untuk mendapatkan penjelasan. Menurut TNG, jika anda terperangkap dalam situasi seperti ini, jangan panik kerana ada jalan penyelesaiannya. Anda tidak perlu telefon talian khidmat pelanggan TNG untuk membuat aduan, sebaliknya pandu sahaja ke lorong RFID di plaza tol yang ingin anda lalui untuk keluar dari lebuh raya tersebut.

Di sana, tekan butang interkom dan jelaskan situasi anda. Anda tidak perlu keluar kereta kerana ia tidak digalakkan dan boleh mendatangkan bahaya. Petugas tol akan datang ke lorong anda membawa alat pengesan tag RFID untuk membaca tag RFID anda.

*Kredit foto: Malaysia Gazette

Sekiranya tag tersebut tidak dapat dibaca, petugas itu akan memasukkan data tag RFID anda secara manual dan baki akan ditolak terus dari
eWallet
 anda. Dengan ini, anda tidak perlu berlari keluar kereta untuk meminta bantuan atau berhenti di tengah lebuh raya bagi menghubungi pihak TNG untuk mendapatkan bantuan.

Jadi antara bahagian lampu dan cermin, di manakah tempat paling sesuai untuk diletakkan pelekat RFID ini? Mengikut penjelasan TNG, kedua-dua tempat yang dinyatakan itu boleh diletakkan tag RFID tanpa sebarang masalah. Ada yang letak di cermin kereta kerana merasakan risiko lampu hadapan pecah lebih tinggi berbanding cermin hadapan. Apa-apapun, kemalangan itu sesuatu yang tidak boleh dijangka.

Jadi sentiasalah berhati-hati di jalan raya bagi mengurangkan risiko terlibat dalam kemalangan.


2023 Hyundai Sonata unveiled - the sporty saviour of D-segment sedans?

Hyundai Motor Company has officially unveiled the design for its new
2023 Hyundai Sonata
.

The facelifted eighth-generation midsize sedan model carries a lot more sporty features, particularly the exterior. Judging by the looks, does the Sonata have what it takes to convince the world that sedans are still very much cool compared to SUVs? We sure think so.

Looking at the front end of this new 'facelifted' 2023 Hyundai Sonata, the design evolution now consists of a more dynamic and low-slung proportion that's also elegant yet futuristically aggressive. Its most outstanding feature has to be the 'Seamless Horizon' full-width daytime-running lights that can also be found on the spaceship-like Hyundai Staria MPV.

Other features from the facelifted Hyundai Sonata based on the 'Sensuous Sportiness' design philosophy are N Line-based exterior with a long bonnet and fastback roof line, hidden headlamps, a wide 'parametric jewel'-like grille, and other black garnishes to further accentuate the new Sonata's aggressive appearance.

The side and rear profiles have been enhanced with a few more sporty additions like the 19-inch wheels for the N Line variant, sleek rear spoiler, twin exhaust tips, and of course, the new rear H-lights that also span across the rear to give the 2023 Sonata a low yet wide stance that shouts 'high-performance'.

Step inside the cabin and you'll notice that this new facelift for the Sonata offers a more driver-centric layout (a good match for its sporty facade). For the first time in a Hyundai, a panoramic curved display is equipped that combines the 12.3-inch driver display and a similarly-sized infotainment system. Just like the Kia EV6, eh?

This 'floating' theme is further enhanced with the column-type shift-by-wire controller that's now behind the steering wheel and thanks to that, a very roomy and spacious centre console with an adjustable armrest, large-size cup holder, and tray.

The official launch will take place at the end of the month at the Seoul Mobility Show, where we will also get to see the full specs, trims, variants, and powertrains for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days.


Frankfurt 2019: The Hyundai i10 N Line Is The Warm Hatch We Need

The latest in the long line of fun compact cars we will never get is the Hyundai i10 N Line, which has been unveiled at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show, to be made available across Europe by summer 2020. The smallest car in Hyundai's range is receiving the same treatment that the i30 got back in 2018, even packing an exclusive three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi (that's turbo gasoline direct injection) pushing 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque.
Doesn't sound like a lot? The previous generation i10 stood at under 1000 kg, and it wouldn't be surprising if the new one managed to shed a little bit of weight here and there. Those who have had the pleasure of driving a Hyundai i10, or its sister car in the form of the Kia Picanto, will know how charming these compact cars can be and how nimble they are in day to day life. Think of it as a bit of a budget Fiat 500.
The i10 N Line will be available with a five speed manual gearbox to the delight of purists. The only thing is Hyundai hasn't really said much about what they've done to the suspension and the chassis, and from the broad strokes it seems that they regard the N Line as more of a trim level than an outright performance model. A redesigned bumper and grille, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights are the highlights of the model, along with aggressive red trim, sportier seats, and an N-branded steering wheel.
To find the best deals on Hyundai models, click
here
.


All-New Renault Clio Features A Massive 9.3-Inch Touch Screen

It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming Renault's bold new designs in the form of the Clio and the Megane with more prominent Renault branding than ever. Lo and behold, we're ushering in another generation of Clio - and it's one that promises to be more sophisticated than ever before.
While the overall dimensions and shape haven't varied much from what we know, it's the styling cues and various design elements that set this model apart. 17-inch wheels are an option, as well as 100% LED lights and chrome window surrounds.
Round back is perhaps the best view of the all-new Clio, with rear lights that are C in shape with a strong 3D-effect courtesy of various elements within the cluster. The tailgate sits with barely a gap to the bodywork, which shouts precision in assembly.
As for the interior, the all-new Clio now features high-end materials such as a soft coating on the dashboard, door panels, and central console, resulting in a more premium looking and refined cabin.
Featuring a more compact design to free up space and integrate more in-car technologies, the all-new Clio's all-new “Smart Cockpit” is now more driver-focused compared to the outgoing model.
Taking centre-stage is a vertical and slightly curved 9.3-inch multimedia screen which is the biggest ever on a Renault model.
Turned towards the driver, the screen, with its new Easy Link connected system, comprises all the multimedia, navigation and infotainment features, as well as the Multi-Sense system.
Also, for the first time, the all-new Clio comes with a digital speedometer which replaces the traditional analogue display.
The TFT screen can be used to customize the driving experience in a highly intuitive manner. With its 9.3-inch and 10-inch screens, the all-new Clio boasts the largest screens in its category.
Below the central screen, there are “piano” buttons and direct-access air conditioning controls for easier use by drivers. The steering wheel is also new and more compact than before.
Positioned higher than the outgoing model, the gear lever is now shorter, and promises to offer a more comfortable grip.
Other key features in the new Clio includes wireless smartphone charging area, plusher new seats, thinner comma-shaped headrests, as well as ambient lighting in eight different colours.


KLIMS 2018: Perodua Showcases Kitted-Up Myvi GT

Perodua has showcased the Myvi at the ongoing 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, albeit with a slightly sporty twist.
Called the Myvi GT, this kitted-up B-segment hatchback features a redesigned front bumper with LED strips at each end, along with much larger air intakes.
The sides are adorned by 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE003 rubber, with Brembo brakes hiding behind.
Towards the rear, the Myvi GT gets a revamped rear bumper with twin muffler tips and a centrally-mounted reflector. Unlike the regular Myvi models, the Myvi GT seen here also gets clear-type tail lights.
Red highlights can be found throughout the exterior and interior of the Myvi GT, giving the little hatchback a sportier appeal.
Speaking of the interior, the Myvi GT also receives a carbon fibre steering wheel and a pair of semi bucket seats up front.


Kereta Terbang AirCar Cipta Sejarah – Apa Khabar Wawasan 2020?

Sebuah
kereta terbang
 prototaip (Wawasan 2020 Malaysia?) yang direka oleh jurutera Slovakia, AirCar baru-baru ini dilaporkan selesai membuat penerbangan di antara lapangan terbang antarabangsa di Nitra dan Bratislawa sejauh 100 km dan mengambil masa selama 35 minit.

Menurut penciptanya, Profesor Stefan Klein, AirCar mampu terbang sejauh kira-kira 1,000 km (600 batu) pada ketinggian 8,200 kaki (2,500 m) dan telah mencecah 40 jam di ruangan udara setakat ini. Jika sebelum ini anda bayangkan
kereta di masa hadapan
 menggunakan tenaga elektrik, nampaknya anda mungkin silap kerana kereta terbang prototaip ini masih menggunakan enjin petrol keluaran
BMW
.

Sebelum terbang, kereta ini memerlukan masa selama dua minit 15 saat untuk berubah bentuk dari sebuah kereta ke pesawat di mana sayapnya akan dikeluarkan serta bahagian spoiler kereta ini dipanjangkan sebagai ekor pesawat. Walau bagaimanapun, kereta terbang ni tak boleh terbang secara menegak atau statik seperti sebuah
dron
. Seperti kapal terbang lain, kereta ini turut memerlukan landasan untuk berlepas dan mendarat.

AirCar berjaya mencatatkan had kelajuan penerbangan sehingga 170km/j dalam misi penerbangan tersebut. Kereta terbang itu boleh memuatkan seramai dua orang penumpang dengan had muatan tidak melebihi 200 kilogram.

Bagi Klein, pengalaman untuk melihat hasil inovasinya itu dapat melengkapkan penerbangan itu adalah satu perkara yang menyenangkan baginya. Tambahnya, kereta ini merupakan permulaan untuk era pengangkutan dua cara.

Sebelum ini, AirCar pernah menjadi tumpuan dunia sejak dua tahun lalu apabila ia dilaporkan memakan kos pelaburan sehingga 2 juta Euro. Ia pernah membuat kemunculannya di Ekspo Import Eksport Kebangsaan China (CIIE) yang diadakan di Shanghai pada November 2019.

Bila kita bercakap tentang kereta terbang di negara ini, Wawasan 2020 pasti terlintas di kepala. Mana taknya, sejak kecil lagi kita dah disemai dengan idea kereta terbang pada tahun 2020. Namun idea ini telah disangkal sendiri oleh Tun Mahathir, Perdana Menteri Malaysia pada ketika itu. Menurutnya, kereta terbang bukanlah Wawasan 2020.

Ingat lagi tak dengan ‘kereta terbang’ yang diberi nama Vector yang muncul di Pameran Maritim dan Aeroangkasa Antarabangsa Langkawi 2019 (LIMA’19)? Kebanyakan pengunjung menyangka Vector adalah kereta terbang yang hangat diperkatakan bagi Wawasan 2020, tetapi ia bukanlah seperti yang mereka fikirkan.

Prototaip terbabit mendapat kecaman hangat daripada rakyat ekoran rupa bentuknya mungkin tidak menyerupai sebuah kereta, tetapi lebih kepada sebuah dron. Ramai yang melahirkan rasa kurang yakin terhadap kemampuan kenderaan tersebut yang dikatakan mampu menampung beban antara 150 ke 200 kilogram.

*Kredit foto: Head Topics

Tetapi, menurut Pengarah Kanan Perundingan dan Pembangunan Perniagaan Aerodyne Group, Imtyaz Mohd Azzat, beliau menafikan idea bahawa Vector merupakan sebuah kereta terbang. Menurutnya, Vector adalah kenderaan berkonsep dron yang direka untuk membawa penumpang, penghantaran kargo dan bagi tujuan pengawasan. Ia direka untuk menjadi sistem pengangkutan udara dari satu destinasi ke destinasi lain.

Ramai yang bising tentang isu ni dulu sampailah Jawatankuasa Kira-kira Wang Negara (PAC) menggesa agar pihak berkuasa menjalankan audit terhadap pelaburan dana awam sebanyak RM20 juta yang dilaburkan ke syarikat Aerodyne Ventures Sdn Bhd (Aerodyne) bagi tujuan projek kereta terbang tersebut. Tetapi Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dah jelaskan bahawa peruntukan RM20 juta yang disediakan MIGHT (Kumpulan Industri Kerajaan Malaysia bagi Teknologi Tinggi) tiada kaitan dengan pembangunan projek kereta terbang yang dibangunkan oleh Aerodyne Group.

Projek tersebut diterajui oleh sektor swasta dan dibiayai sepenuhnya oleh syarikat tempatan. Projek itu langsung tidak melibatkan sebarang peruntukan daripada kerajaan. Jadi, ia tidak dibawa ke peringkat MPN (Majlis Pembangunan Negara) atau mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri kerana tidak memerlukan sebarang keputusan kerajaan.

Ok selesai cerita kereta terbang tersebut, ada lagi satu kisah kereta terbang di negara ini. Kali ini, kereta terbang ini dikenali sebagai Super Dron dan dihasilkan menerusi kerjasama EastCap Bhd dengan dua syarikat dari China iaitu EHang Intelligent Equipment (Guangzhou) dan Strong Rich Holdings Limited. Super Drone ini menggunakan teknologi Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) dan dikatakan bakal menjadi revolusi pengangkutan udara pertama di dunia.

Reka bentuk kereta terbang atau dron kali ini agak logiklah untuk diterima akal berbanding reka bentuk kereta terbang prototaip yang dipertontonkan sebelum ini. Ia mempunyai lebih banyak kipas kecil disekelilingnya. Walau bagaimanapun, sesi pandu uji model UAS E-Hang 216 (EH216) yang sepatutnya berlangsung pada 21 November 2019 tidak dapat dilakukan kerana tidak mendapat kebenaran Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM).

Menerusi laporan Berita Harian, CAAM memberitahu sesi pandu uji itu tidak dapat dilakukan kerana lokasi yang dijadualkan di UNIKL MIAT Hangar Subang adalah kurang 200 meter dari laluan trafik pesawat dan helikopter komersial. Lokasi tersebut juga berada di dalam Zon Kawalan Terminal Lapangan Terbang Subang dimana ianya dikawal ketat oleh Pusat Kawalan Trafik Udara.

Oleh kerana tidak dibenarkan terbang, kereta terbang itu dibawa pula ke Maldives bagi membuat penerbangan pertamanya di sana. Walau bagaimanapun, tarikh sebenar penerbangan di kepulauan itu tidak dimaklumkan. Menurut Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan pada waktu itu, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof, peraturan dan birokrasi yang ketat menjadi penghalang kemajuan pembangunan industri aeroangkasa dan mobiliti udara.

*Kredit foto: MalaysiaKini

Jika sebelum ini anda menyangka bahawa kita bakal melihat kereta terbang di Malaysia pada tahun 2020, tiada siapa pula yang dapat menyangka bahawa sejak tahun 2020, kita hanya banyak menghabiskan masa di berkurung di rumah kerana pandemik.

Sejujurnya, daripada kita fokus pada kereta terbang buat waktu ini, lebih baik kerajaan
perbaiki mutu jalan raya
 serta menambahbaik sistem pengangkutan awam di negara ini. Sekurang-kurangnya perkara seperti ini lebih penting dan lebih memberi manfaat kepada semua rakyat tidak kira lah
T20, M40 mahupun B40
 kerana jalan raya adalah kegunaan semua.

Selain itu, kerajaan mungkin boleh perlahan-lahan bangunkan lebih banyak kemudahan seperti stesen pengecas kenderaan elektrik bagi memacu negara ini ke arah penggunaan
kereta eletrik
. Perkara tersebut lebih logik dan mampu dicapai berbanding kereta terbang ini. Jika jalan di darat pun tak dapat dijaga dengan baik, bagaimana pula apabila kereta menggunakan jalan di udara kelak? Adakah anda mahu kereta jatuh di atas bumbung rumah anda hanya kerana sesebuah
kereta itu rosak
 di udara?

Apa pula kelayakan yang diperlukan bagi membolehkan seseorang itu memandu di udara? Adakah lesen memandu sudah memadai atau mereka harus menjalani latihan seperti seorang juruterbang? Banyak perkara yang perlu di pertimbangkan sebelum idea kereta terbang ini dapat dilaksanakan. Apa-apa pun, saya tidak merasakan bahawa negara ini memerlukan sebuah kereta terbang, tambah-tambah lagi pada waktu sebegini.

Apa pula kata anda? Adakah anda masih berkeras mahukan kereta terbang direalisasikan di negara ini?

*Semua foto AirCar diambil daripada Klein Vision


Audi Hopes To Transform EV Charging Into Personal Relaxation Time With New Mobile Charging Stations

Audi is pioneering a concept-charging hub, which in addition to extremely fast charge times, hopes to provide an ambient and cossetting space to relax while your
Audi EV
 recharges.

Long charging times are the biggest challenge in the current and future adoption of EV vehicles. Despite
breakthroughs in charging technology and vehicle battery hardware
, an EV simply cannot (at least for now) fully recharge its batteries as fast as it takes to refuel a combustion engine vehicle. A larger issue relates to the dormancy of the user or driver while the car recharges.

The solution according to Audi, is a series of mobile concept-charging hubs.

Cubes and pillars

Cubes form the foundation of the Audi charging hub. Think of them as flexible containers that fulfill various technical requirements and house charging pillars as well as used lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. These storage cubes
will house 2nd-life modules
 from disassembled development vehicles, thereby giving them a second life while utilizing their cells as
ancillary storage for direct current
. This makes complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers unnecessary.

High-power charging facility, which can move!

Thanks to this huge interim storage provided by the cubes – roughly 2.45 Mwh – the first six charging stations, which have a charging output of up to 300 kW (among the highest in the world), only need a standard 400-volt high-voltage hook-up. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight.

Photovoltaic modules on the roof provide additional green energy. This not only makes it easier to select possible hub locations but also reduces the planning time required and the costs while also saving resources. In addition, the modular concept provides maximum flexibility and scalability. The best part, the entire hub can be transported, installed, and adapted to the individual location quickly – regardless of local network and power grid capacities.

Users will also be able to make reservations to use the
charging facilities in advance
, allowing what Audi calls a “high level of planning security”.

Relax while you recharge

Accompanying the charging hub is a relaxing lounge built a floor up. To make the wait a premium experience, a modern concept lounge will provide Audi customers with a comfortable place to pass the time. A variety of amenities and a range of snacks, drinks, and non-food items will allow users to take a break while their car recharges.

Audi is in the midst of securing a location in Germany for the Audi charging hub pilot project and is in talks with possible partners. It is planned to go into operation in the second half of 2021. The findings of day-to-day operations and customer acceptance that are generated from this will be studied during the implementation of the concept before a serial rollout of more locations is deemed possible.

In addition to more locations for the hub, plans for the pilot phase also call for drivers of
other brand EV cars to be able to use charging stations
 that are open and not reserved as well as parts of the lounge.


Inside BMW Leipzig - There is more to ‘i’ than Meets the Eye

To the average man on the street,
BMW
’s ambitious ‘i’ sub-brand is represented by the all-electric i3 or the plug-in hybrid i8 that you see in BMW showrooms. Take a step behind the scenes and ‘i’ isn’t just about building a new generation of models to pique the interests of a niche audience. More than that, 'i' represents the company’s brave new endeavour into developing a new way of car construction that is just as environmentally friendly and sustainable as the cars themselves. This is the story of ‘i’ from its birthplace at BMW Leipzig.
Without a doubt
one of the most talked about sports car on sale today is the i8
, its blend of high-tech carbon-fibre construction, supercar looks, and space age technology, makes this the ‘Countach’ of our generation. It is just about the coolest, most eye-catching thing on four wheels right now. But eight years ago the ‘i’ sub-brand started out as nothing more than a think tank. The think tank’s goal was to envision mobility of the future, and what they ended up with was not only new clean energy-efficient models built from new lightweight materials, but a whole new ecosystem that stretches from materials sourced from environmentally friendly sources, and an entirely new production method that is more sustainable from an ecological, economical, and social perspective. To realise that vision, BMW needed a plant where they would be able to bring all these ideas and technology together.
Enter BMW’s Leipzig plant. Built in 2005, the plant is the company’s latest European plant and serves as the production hub for the 1-Series and 2-Series.
From the moment we stepped into the main lobby of BMW Leipzig, it feels more like a modern office building than a production facility. The main building looks like a construct of the 21
st
 century, rather than another unassuming factory block, boasting a cutting edge façade that is the handiwork of renowned Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid. Body shells of 1-Series hatchbacks and 2-Series coupés are silently shuffled along automated lines from the body shop to the paint shop and to the final assembly over the heads of the offices in Leipzig, forging connection between employees and visitors that they are in the business of manufacturing cars, and as a statement of pride, that this is a place where some of Bavaria’s finest are being built.
While visitors of the plant would be greeted by the i8, there is no sign of any of the ‘i’ models being transported overhead, though it is to be expected.
Since the i3 and i8 adopts a structure that is made entirely of carbon
fibre, the first such models for the brand, an entirely new production system had to be built to facilitate the models’ production. And as such the ‘i’ models have their own manufacturing facility to manufacture its
 carbon-fibre parts,
and assembly line at Leipzig.
To see the birth of a new ‘i’ model we are ferried to a separate facility where the cars are being put together.
As you might already know, the ‘i’ vehicles all feature an occupant cell whose structure is made entirely out of carbon fibre, with metal and aluminium components used for the crash structure. This is all in the interests of saving weight, which also goes a long way in maximising the electric range of its drivetrains. The i3’s body for example, weighs in at an incredible 130kg, which would otherwise have tipped the scales at 300kg if it was made from conventional steel.
To produce all that carbon fibre for the production of the i3 and i8 is no small task either. The carbon fibre thread itself is produced at Moses Lake in the United States. From there massive looms of the black thread are shipped over to Wackersdorf in Germany to be weaved together into a fabric, and transported to Landshut and Leipzig where they are turned into the stiff lightweight panels used for production.
It might sound like a complicated and energy intensive process, but it isn’t. Project ‘i’ looked into the energy consumption and environmental impact of conventional vehicle production and sought to do away with aspects that were deemed high in energy and water consumption. For that, BMW chose Moses Lake to be the site of their joint venture carbon fibre manufacturing site with the SGL Group due to its location, as electricity demands for the plant is completely derived from hydroelectric power, and is touted as the most sustainable carbon fibre plant in the world.
While press forming metal panels does consume a huge amount of energy, BMW says that the manufacturing of carbon fibre panels does away with this energy intensive process. As a result of that, the electricity consumption of the whole ‘i’ production process can be met by four giant windmills located on site, which is capable of delivering a total annual energy output of 26GWh, effectively making the 'i' vehicles a truly zero-emissions car from birth.
To turn those carbon fibre textiles from Wackersdorf into usable carbon fibre panels, BMW adopts a method known as RTM (resin transfer moulding), where between five to 11 layers of carbon fibre fabric are laid out in a mould. The carbon fibre layers in the mould is then put into a vacuum, while heated epoxy resin is injected into it under high pressure . Under intense pressure, the layers are compressed and impregnated with resin to harden and form the shape of the specific panel. According to BMW, the whole process takes 8 minutes, which is a tiny fraction of the time taken to complete a normal RTM process that can take up to three hours, thus making it economically viable and competitive for production on a far higher scale than conventional means.
Excess carbon fibre from the production process are cut up and reused elsewhere such as the carbon fibre mesh that forms the rear seat shells of the i3 and  roof lining of the ‘i’ models. In fact should any i3 or i8 meet an untimely fate, BMW says that up to
95 per cent of an ‘i’ vehicle can be recycled
, with the battery being converted for use as an energy storage device.
The completed panels are then moved onto the assembly process. For those who are familiar with car production facilities, the first thing that you would notice is just how quiet it is. There is the usual ensemble of robotic arms on the production floor, gluing together the completed carbon-fibre body parts and panels, but since there is no welding or riveting involved in the production process, the assembly floor is far quieter. According to BMW this level of noise is part of the ‘i’ project’s goals in social sustainability as less noise equates to reduced levels of stress on the employees. It sounds all very altruistic, but is gluing the best way to go about assembling an entire car?
Many might have the impression that gluing an entire car is a sign of shoddy build quality, but this is carbon fibre panels that we are talking about, where the conventional welding processes can’t be applied. Similar to any Formula One car or high-end supercar, the carbon fibre structures in the i3 and i8 are bonded together, and it isn’t your usual method of patching parts together with super glue picked up from the nearby convenience store. It is much more advanced than that.
The sealer process used for the ‘i’ models represent a core innovation and is specifically developed for use in its assembly process. The sealant acts as both a material and integral part of the joining process, and is used uniformly throughout the car to bond all components material together, be it the car’s carbon-fibre structure or aluminium sub-frames.
The bonding process is completely automated using standard robotic arms found on conventional mainstream production lines, which applies a thin film of sealant with the precise thickness of 2mm. Once the parts are put together infrared lights are used to heat up the sealant to complete the bonding process, which BMW says, hardens faster than conventional sealers. Once bonded, the bonding strength is said to last a lifetime, even surpassing the expected lifespan of the car itself.
Not everything is automated however. Once the body shell has been put together, the installation of its cabin fixtures and attachment to the ‘Drive’ drivetrain module is still carried out manually on the final assembly process. Here the empty body shells are moved steadily along an assembly line as technicians on the assembly line fit in all the necessary components.
The wooden floor panelling fitted along the whole length of the assembly line is more than just adding a more inviting atmosphere for employees. BMW says the softer and flexible wooden surfaces lessens the load and stress on the legs of those working on the assembly line, yet another aspect of Project ‘i’s approach to social sustainability within their ranks.
Unlike conventional production processes the completed body shells aren’t put through a paint shop. In fact Leipzig doesn’t have a paint shop for the ‘i’ models at all, and it is all part of Project ‘i’ goal to reduce water consumption in the production process. Instead of painting the whole body, the i3 and i8 utilises painted thermoplastic panels that are attached to the bare structure. The i3 for instance have 17 panels that are fitted around the car, each of which are individually painted with water-based paint. Compared to standard paint shops, BMW says that this method of using thermoplastic panels results in a more compact facility, with a reduction of between 50 to 70 per cent in energy and water consumption. Furthermore, unlike conventional production process, the painted doors and panels are only fitted once at the final assembly process, thus removing the need for disassembling and reattaching the doors for the paint process.
Since the assembly of the ‘Life’ chassis module and ‘Drive’ powertrain modules are carried out in parallel on different lines, the production time of an ‘i’ model is considerably short, with the i3 taking as short as 16 hours to produce from start to finish by BMW’s own estimates. Due to the speed of assembly, production of the i3 and i8 are carried out on separate lines as the two models have different cycle times for each variant.
With this quick and efficient production cycle, BMW is able to produce around 100 i3s and 20 i8s a day, an impressive pace of production considering that the production of carbon fibre chassis is still considered a hugely time-consuming process amongst industry players. What’s more the beauty of this production process is highly flexible, allowing for shorter reaction times to changing customer demands.
As brilliant and revolutionary BMW’s i3 and i8 electric models are, the lesser known genius behind ‘i’ is the entire thinking behind it. Making a low-emission car is one thing, but ensuring that the process of producing such cars adds no further burden to the environment in the process is another endeavour all together.
Bringing together a production process that is able to run completely on renewable energy sources, consume 50 per cent less energy and up to 70 per cent less water, while cutting down 50 per cent on noise emissions, is an impressive feat in the world of car manufacturing. Its holistic approach that encompasses the pioneering of new materials, and developing new production concepts that is centred on the key element of sustainability.
Considering how the world is slowly waking up to our environmental impact on the world, the i3 and i8 might be more than just another pair of vehicles running on alternative powertrains, but the cusp of a new sustainable production concept for today and well into tomorrow.


Mitsubishi’s All-New Triton Endures The Borneo Safari Like A Champ

The 2015 Borneo Safari had taken place just a few short weeks ago, and during the expedition more than 300 4x4 vehicles took on the punishing virgin forest terrain of Sabah. During the 8-day jungle ordeal, the
Mitsubishi

Triton
 proved itself more than able to handle everything the event threw at the truck and it’s drivers.
The task was to take a standard Triton VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo), equipped with a 2.5-litre Common Rail diesel engine generating 178PS and 400Nm of torque, paried with a 5-speed manual transmission, and to ready it for the trials ahead to see how well it would fare in one of the toughest proving grounds in Malaysia.
Compulsory equipment mandated by the event organisers were a heavy-duty winch, a snorkel and a set of Extreme tyres. But when the as-stock-as-possible Triton drove into the Kota Kinabalu parking lot at Hakka Hall for the closing dinner, the doubt that persisted over its abilities before the flag off were gone.
For winching duties, a Warn 9,500-pound unit was fitted that has a 4.5-tonne pulling capacity onto the front bull bar as well as a rear metal bumper with recovery points and a pair of heavy-duty side protectors.
Tyre-wise, the GT Radial Komodo Extreme was chosen. Measuring at 280/85 R16, the tyres were had proven their ability to find grip in all the ground conditions likely to be encountered.
“We are very proud that the all-new Triton VGT MT has successfully completed the Borneo Safari! The event is known to be the world's toughest 4X4 expeditions hence we decided to rise up to the challenge and to conquer the trails of Borneo Safari!  MMM is happy to say that the all-new Triton is the tougher and better truck, since 1977,” said Mr. Yang Won-Chul, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
The Triton was piloted by Paul Si, a former motoring journalist and 4x4 enthusiast from Kuching, and Lionel Yew, an experienced 4x4 driver with a decade’s worth of experience, including two Borneo Safaris.
“The all-new Triton can complete the tough trek in one piece with minor adjustments. Obviously, a car that is purpose built or modified for the task would perform better on the off-road track, but at the expense of on-road comfort and performance,” Si added.
“You should have seen the other guys”, as the saying goes. Up and down the trail, there were multiple reports of overturned cars. By all accounts, there were more incidents of rollovers in this year's event than the past five years combined.


Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Bentley Torched And Melted In UK Arson Attack

A garage facility was set ablaze in Digbeth, a suburb of Birmingham in the UK, that was used to store a fleet of very expensive and exotic vehicles for a high-end limousine service business.
Sadly, after the fire was put out, it revealed all the cars were turned into steaming pile of melted metal and plastic. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the incident.
As reported by
The Birmingham Mail
, the alarm was trigged around midnight on August 20
th
at the premises of VIP Limousines, and it took 40 firefighters to extinguish it, but still the fire was put out too late to save the 150 square meter garage and the vehicles inside that are now beyond repair – with the possible exception of a curiously unharmed Hummer H2.
How'd that happen? Must be pretty tough.
Photo from The Birmingham Mail
The cars that were consumed by the fire included a
Lamborghini

Huracan
,
Rolls-Royce
 Ghost, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom as well as a
Bentley

Flying Spur
 and some 15 other cars. In total it an early estimate to the vehicular cost of the arson attack rounds to about £600,000 (RM4 million).
Police investigations reveal that the fire was instigated on purpose and was not the result of mere misfortune.
Photo from The Birmingham Mail
The owner of the now torched 15-year old business, Zafron Hussain, is clearly fuming over the loss, and has reportedly put up £20,000 (RM133,641) reward to anyone able to apprehend the individual(s) responsible and turn them over to the police for justice to be served.
Photo from The Birmingham Mail
Hussain said that the Lamborghini Huracan was not part of his business but kept in the high-priced garage as a favour to a friend.
He told the newspaper: “I’ve no idea who has done this as we’re a successful business and get on with everyone. I don’t know if we were deliberately targeted or if it was yobs messing around.”
“We cannot operate from these premises because of the damage and it will take months for the insurance claim to be sorted out,” he added.
Photo from The Birmingham Mail


AD: Trapo – Revolutionary Car Mats Custom Tailored For Your Ride

Trapo is a subsidiary of a 100 percent Malaysian bred company which, believe it or not, first started out making high-quality Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Toy Foam mats over 15 years ago.

Over the years, a growing problem involving unused raw material led to a
rather intelligent solution
: combining part recycled raw material and part virgin fibres to manufacture a revolutionary car mat system that traps dirt effectively, is waterproof, chemically safe and custom tailored to fit a wide range of vehicles.

Here are some benefits of the Trapo car mat system:

Easy To Clean

As opposed to the commonly used aftermarket PVC coil mats, Trapo car mats have innovative ‘half-diamond’ waterproof reservoirs that trap loose dirt and liquid effectively. These tiny reservoirs measure 7 mm in depth and ensure, fallen dirt or liquid is compartmentalized and isn’t scattered around by the driver’s shoe. To clean, simply remove from the car and give the Trapo mat a tap. PVC coil mats, on the other hand, do not release dirt easily, which tends to build up dirt over time and release foul odours.

No chemical odours

Trapo guarantees that their mats do not release harmful odours caused by chemicals in the production process. Conventional PVC car mats release harmful chemicals and odours that are hazardous to our health, which after time gets recirculated by the air-conditioning system, compounding the problem.

Tailored to fit your car

With Trapo car mats, there is no need for cutting and trimming mats to fit your car. All Trapo mats are custom tailored to fit your vehicle. With mats to fit over 400 vehicle models, there is a Trapo mat for just about any car. Trapo car mats are available in two colours, grey and black. Additionally, customers can also choose different stitch line colours to suit their taste; in grey, black, red or blue.

If you a customer owns a car which currently doesn't have a Trapo mat package, they can head on down to one of two
Trapo hubs
, where custom measurements can be taken to have mats specifically designed suit their vehicle.

Anti-Slip design

Trapo car mats feature an anti-slip base to firmly lock it in place, ensuring the mat doesn’t slide around or worse, interfere with the vehicles brake and accelerator pedals. Trapo car mats are equipped with Velcro fasteners that ensure it adheres to the car’s floor carpets. For premium vehicles which use a higher quality floor carpeting, Trapo mats have a patented backing system which has tiny bristles that interlock with the floor carpets to keep them securely in place.

Trapo mats for your boot as well

Trapo Back
 are mats specifically designed to fit the car boot. Like the Trapo Mats, Trapo Back mats are measured and custom tailored to fit your car’s boot, regardless of whether it’s a sedan or an SUV. Trapo Back can also be ordered together with the Trapo car mats at combo prices.

Superb quality at affordable prices

Despite all their inherent benefits, Trapo car mats are affordable. Prices range from RM 229.99 for the
Perodua Myvi (D20N)
 to RM 639.90 for the current generation
Toyota Alphard/Vellfire
 models. Prices are almost similar to PVC coil mats, depending on car model.

No hassle delivery

With Trapo car mats, there is no need to drive your car to an installer or accessory shop; simply order your Trapo mats online and have it
delivered to your doorstep
, free of charge. All Trapo car mats are covered by a one-year manufacturer warranty for defects.

Alternatively, if you prefer to have the experts install the mats, you can also visit a
Trapo Hub
 for a free vacuum clean and installation.

For further inquiries or to check if there's a Trapo car mat system tailor-made for your ride, simply drop Trapo a
Whatsapp message
 or contact them at
1700-818-537.


Toyota’s 2020 Sales Profits Slashed By 80 percent Due To COVID-19 – Gears Up For Challenging Year Ahead

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) may see sales profits slashed by up to 80 percent in 2020, due to COVID-19. The pandemic and the resultant global economic slowdown may see Toyota lose up to USD14 Billion in profits in 2020, according to
Reuters
.

Despite the massive financial blow, the company is expected to remain in the black, but it may come at the cost of slashing production across its North American production facilities. A market that has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, we also reported, that
TMC is in talks
 to secure huge credit lines with Japanese banks to shore up operations for the remainder of 2020.

Toyota recently disclosed its annual financial report, for the fiscal year ending 31st March 2020, which highlighted total vehicle sales of 8,958,423 units, a decrease of 18,372 units compared to the previous fiscal year. Net revenues for the period totalled JPY 29.9 Trillion (USD 27.8 Billion), a decrease of 1.0 percent.

From that relative figure, Toyota expects some JPY1.5 Trillion (USD 13.95 Billion) to be slashed in the same period in 2020-21, on the back of lacklustre customer demand and fractured supply chains, given restrained movement of people and goods  – which in truth, is affecting not just Toyota, but the entire automotive sector.

In its financial statements, TMC stated, “The global spread of COVID-19 and the responses to it by governments and other stakeholders have adversely affected Toyota in a number of ways. For reasons such as government directives as well as anticipated reduced demand for its vehicles, Toyota has temporarily suspended, or intends to temporarily suspend, production of automobiles and components at selected plants in Japan and overseas,”

They go on to say, “COVID-19 has also affected, and is expected to continue to affect, the businesses of Toyota dealers and distributors, as well as, third-party suppliers and business partners.”

The company has also said the duration and full-impact of COVID-19 are still not yet known and could have an adverse effect on Toyota's financial condition and results of operations.

In a livestream media briefing, TMC President Akio Toyoda likened the fallout of COVID-19 to be a greater shock than the 2008 global financial crisis. As such, despite a robust restructuring and recovery plan – TMC profits in 2020 could be at its lowest since the 2011/12 fiscal years.

TMC has forecasted total sales for the current fiscal year (ending March 31st 2021) to hit 7.0 million, nearly 2.0 million cars less than earlier projections. However, TMC forecasts consolidated sales revenues of 24 Trillion yen (USD 22.3 Billion), and the company remaining in the black to the tune of USD 465 Million for the current fiscal year – so it’s not all bad news.

TMC’s overall recovery in the coming year will depend on the resurgence of its key market places, in particular, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, given the North American markets will likely take a longer period to regain its footing.

Closer to home, UMW Toyota Malaysia, which had been on an uptick in popularity and sales prior to COVID-19, has geared up for a challenging year and remain optimistic about the Malaysian market recovery.

When contacted, UMW Toyota believes that recent initiatives such as its “e-Showroom”, and “Virtual Test Drives”, as well as, attractive financing packages will entice buyers in the coming year.

Separately, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), has revised downwards its 2020 total industry volume (TIV) forecast to 400,000 units from 607,000 previously. The 400,000 units forecast would represent a 34% contraction from 2019’s 604,287 units. It also marks the first time in 13 years (last 2007) since the Malaysian TIV failed to surpass the 500k mark.


Proton Sells More Than 100,000 Cars For The First Time Since 2015

Proton closed 2019 strongly as the national carmaker hit another significant milestone in a year punctuated by highlights.

Sales for the month of December were the highest for the whole of 2019, growing by 112% over the corresponding month in 2018 closing at 11,117 units.

This is equivalent to a 20.5% share of Total-Industry-Volume (TIV) in December and also the first time the Company has sold more than 11,000 cars in a month since July 2014.

As a result of strong monthly performances, total sales for the whole year closed at 100,821 units (domestic + export), the first time it has crossed the 100,000 unit threshold since 2015.

The final number equates to an increase of 55.7% over 2018, giving Proton the highest sales growth in 2019 for the top-5 automotive brands in Malaysia.

Overall market share for the year is estimated to be at 16.7%, the highest figure since 2014.

Powering Proton’s sales growth this year were the Proton X70, along with double-digit percentage increases in sales for the four updated models it launched in 2019.

The Proton X70 began its first full year of sales strongly and set the record for being the fastest-selling premium SUV in Malaysia.

It maintained its position at the head of its segment for the entire year and ended 2019 with a total of 26,331 units sold, making it the leader within its segment.

Meanwhile, sales of the Proton Saga continued its upward trajectory from its launch on 6 August. The youngest model in Proton’s range was again the most popular A-segment sedan with 3,892 units sold in December. Total sales for 2019 closed at 38,144 units, equivalent to a 36% increase in volume.

The Proton Persona on the other hand, ended December with 3,384 units sold. The figure places the Persona as the segment leader in December and is also the highest for the model since March 2012.

Despite a few low months when Proton transitioned between the 2019 Persona and its predecessor, total volume still grew by 29% to 21,876 units for the year.

While the sales of the Iriz nearly doubled for the year and grew by 97% following the launch of the updated 2019 model in April, the Exora, which was updated at the end of May, saw a 40% growth in sales.

As of 31st December 2019, Proton has 120 3S/4S outlets operating nationwide, which is the most number of outlets for a brand in Malaysia.

For more deals on Proton, click
here
.


Fuel Price Update: 3rd – 9th May – Prices Remain

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new fuel prices for the next seven days and looks like there is no change in the prices until the General Election is over.
RON95 – RM2.20 per litre (no change)
RON97 – RM2.47 per litre (no change)
Diesel – RM2.18 per litre (no change)


Honda’s FL5 Civic Type R is both faster AND slower than FK8 around the Nurburgring

This might be a little hard to fully grasp from just a headline, but the
FL5's ‘ring lap time of 7:44.881
 has indeed made it the fastest production street legal front-drive car to lap the formidable Nurburgring Nordschleife.

But…..it’s also slower than its predecessor, the FK8 which, five years ago, set a time of 7:43.800. So how can the new car be technically quicker while posting a time a full second down on the old boy? Worse is the comparison to the previous FWD champion, the Megane RS Trophy-R with its 7:40.100 time.

The thing is: the track itself has changed, with a new route that essentially makes it longer to complete a lap, but also makes a direct comparison between the FL5 and all its rivals quite a tough one. For example, we know the car is faster than the one it replaces but we no longer have a concrete difference between it and the new model until Honda decides to do some back to back hot laps and post them up.

That said, the FL5 running this new longer route on the Nurburgring does show up some much more powerful, exotic machines such as the Lamborghini Gallardo, a Camaro Z28, Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, and a Mercedes-AMG E 63 S even though these cars were running on the previous shorter track route.

According to Honda, the Type R that made the lap was about as stock as can be with the only modification - albeit a controversial one - is the fitment of a dealer-optional set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. Some have marked this as an unfair advantage with many other production car records using less track-specific rubber.

For Malaysian fans, the automaker has not detailed a set timeline for the introduction of the all-new Civic Type R but has made numerous hints that the car isn’t too far away. 2023 will be a big year for the brand with numerous launches lined up.

Now with the presence of a certain GR Corolla in the local space, perhaps Honda Malaysia is already hard at work preparing the FL5 for a showroom debut here, if only to keep up with their competitors. It’s not about sales volume anymore; this is about bragging rights.


UMW Toyota Motor Says The Rush Is Alright

These last few days, social media has been ablaze with the news of potential Toyota Rush airbag defects and a recall, originating from the Phillippines. To assure Malaysian customers, UMW Toyota Motor has made an official announcement that our local units are
not affected
.
As for the rest of you who may be affected by airbag recalls, please make sure to check if you haven't done so already. To find the list of affected cars,
click here
, with the list of links for individual brands at the bottom.


Honda Malaysia Celebrates Selling 900k Vehicles, Gives Away 9 New Cars

Honda Malaysia celebrated its 900,000th sales unit achievement with a two-day carnival last weekend at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

The event, which was called the “Road to 900,000 Unit Milestone Campaign Grand Finale”, was open to the public and saw visitors participating in numerous fun activities such as a 380-feet-long Giant Water Slide, picturesque Insta-Luminous displays, Virtual Reality (VR) Games, as well as a wide range of food from the mini food fair.

Visitors also experienced Honda’s Advanced Technology through interactive game activities such as the Sport Hybrid i-DCD X-ray Scanner, as well as the Sport Hybrid i-DCD and VTEC Turbocharged Game Tower.

Another key highlight of the event was the handover ceremony of nine Honda models to the lucky winners of the aforementioned campaign.

In the run-up to the grand finale event, Honda Malaysia had already announced the first two winners of the giveaway who won themselves a Civic and HR-V respectively.

The winners of the remaining seven vehicles were announced at the event over the weekend.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “We are very grateful to all our customers for their support, which has made Honda a trusted car brand in Malaysia. We are very happy to reach such a significant milestone of 900,000th sales unit since our establishment in 2002 and we want to celebrate it with all Malaysians.”

The achievement of 900,000th sales unit adds another notch to the numerous milestones that Honda Malaysia has chalked up over the years.

Since Honda Malaysia rolled out the first Completely Knock-Down (CKD) model, the CR-V in 2003, the company has charted a remarkable journey in the Malaysian market.

The CKD models have contributed the most to Honda Malaysia’s total sales by 95% and 5% is from Completely Built-Up (CBU) models.

Overall, the City contributed the highest at 37%, followed by Civic at 15% and CR-V at 11% since the company’s establishment.

Looking for a new Honda? Find the best deals
here
.


Borneo Safari 2016: Man And Method vs The Jungles Of Borneo

A loud call was heard on the radio, “Isuzu are turning around”. A steep slope (circa 30 degrees for about 150 meters) separates an anxious Mitsubishi convoy, some 22 vehicles parked and at the ready. A prior drizzle had turned a sandy patch of ex-logging trails into a mucky
slip-n-slide,
 that one would not attempt even with the best Hill Descent Control system fitted.
This is unprecedented – Isuzu are the title sponsor and have been an unwavering supporter of the event for the last 10 years, and the Isuzu MU-X SUV that takes on the Borneo Safari (BS) for the first time, is also the poster child of this year’s event. Isuzu not completing the challenge, would be like
The Matrix
 movie without Keanu Reeves, not to mention a PR nightmare.
Turning around has little to do with the capability of the Isuzu’s themselves. The delays caused by traffic going into this section of the expedition means that, if the Isuzu team doesn't complete the challenge in time, journalists who are tagging along (
Aswan included
) will almost surely miss their flights back home.
The Isuzu people reach a decision shortly after; the media team including some of the support vehicles will turn around, while a skeleton crew piloting the D-Max and MU-X vehicles would continue past the point of no return - The ‘Hardcore Section’ of the 2016 Borneo Safari.
In the two days leading up to this point, radio chatter was heard from the Scout and Expedition Leader teams up ahead – they have only progressed some 6km after Day 1. Think about it – even an amateur hiker could cover a longer distance than that over 10 hours, and those teams are in heavily modified off-road vehicles. The torrential rainfall has caused landslides, uprooted trees, and with it, many obstacles along this 40km section of the 2016 trail that circumvents Mount Kinabalu.
With the exception of one Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 VGT (car No 1 - green and yellow graphics) which successfully covered last year’s expedition in the hands of veteran journalist and 4x4 aficionado, Paul Si, the Mitsubishi team have three other unproven vehicles this year, another 2.5 litre VGT in automatic guise (the car I’m in), and two units of the
recently launched 2.4 litre MIVEC Turbo Adventure
 models (black and red graphics). Our convoy is joined by another five  Mitsubishi Tritons (current and older generation models) – driven by a few enthusiastic owners who wish to test their mettle at this stage too.
Needless to say, there’s a lot riding on this!
Specifications:
Triton 2.4L MIVEC VGT Adventure
Price: RM109,446 (MT), RM118,198 (AT)
Engine: 2,442cc common rail-turbodiesel, 16-valve, variable valve timing, 179bhp at 3500rpm and 430Nm at 2500rpm
Transmission: Jatco six-speed manual or five-speed conventional auto, Part-time 4WD
Origin: Fully imported from Thailand
For the two new 2.4L MIVEC models – this is their toughest proving grounds yet, for the 2.5L VGTs, a proper swansong, as they bow out of Mitsubishi’s local line-up.
And, I cannot stress enough that these trucks are largely the same as one would find in a showroom.

The underpinnings have been upgraded with a lift kit and long-travel suspension; the lightweight alloy wheels are now wrapped with 36 inch Giti Compete Extreme Terrain tyres. A mandatory 12,000lbs winch system is tucked under the steel bullbars, steel rear bumper bars are a must too. A snorkel breather and auxiliary spotlights are a few other highly recommended items.
Under the hood, besides an '
Amaron
' high discharge battery (needed to power the winch) and an auxiliary engine oil cooler, the powertrain remains standard. In fact, I also learnt that the east Malaysian team managing the convoy, had advised Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia to install a performance ECU remap chip, but Mitsubishi was adamant that the trucks need to prove themselves as they are.
Of course, we also have a heap of support from other trucks, that are carrying everything from our tents, food supplies, drinking water, medical supplies, spare components and video crew – making up this closely knitted convoy of some 22 vehicles.
While we wait our turn to pass – more bad news arrives, a scout vehicle slid off a steep slope the night before, rolling over-and-under five times before coming to a stop. The driver is fine, but the truck, not so much. This kind of news makes you question as to why one signs up for this in the first place, and this being my second time on the BS, I knew what I was getting myself into.
The pack of Isuzu media vehicles pass through the makeshift gate and disappear into the jungle, Borneo’s toughest challenge lies just beyond – here we go!
Local drifting sensation, Leona Chin (our team’s special guest), heads the group in car No 1– swapping driving gloves for hiking boots obviously hasn’t dampened her spirits. Let’s hope the rumbling, dark clouds up above will not either. It’s almost 4.00PM by now.
The shrubbery rises almost as high as the trucks themselves as soon as we clear the gate, with the trail barely wide enough for one truck to pass. We soon find out why the earlier teams have been held up. A ‘v-gulley’ big enough to swallow a whole car, resides barely 600 meters from the start point.
A 'v-gulley', like the name suggests, traps trucks as soon as they inch down towards the centre – entry and departure angles are critical here; the Tritons have some of the best numbers in its class, undoubtedly made even better with steel protector bars front and rear, however, it does little, and all four cars get jammed, nose to tail on both banks of the 'V'.
Thia requires the truck’s winch to be anchored onto the preceding truck - a huge, modified
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
. It takes nearly two hours to get all four cars across, and it is pitch dark by now. As we break for camp on Day 1, we celebrate 600 meters of the trail completed, just 39.4km to go!
Day 2 starts off early, the routine which includes packing up sleeping bags and camp beds, followed by a cup of hot coffee or Milo and some much-needed breakfast. Maybe it was the chill of the air or the fact that the jungle burns off so much of your energy, but, I had a massive appreciation for the food I was served, and the team that had painstakingly prepared it, just sausages and scrambled eggs, but it’s better than some hotel breakfast buffets.
And for the daring few, after breakfast, they find a ‘private place’ amidst the bushes, risk leeches and snakes, dig a hole and handle the morning business.
Today starts off with what has come to be known, as the toughest obstacle yet. A 45-degree incline, some 120 meters up, over a deeply rutted path, where earlier cars have dug tire trails as deep as monsoon drains. Power is the name of the game here.
As soon as the front tires hit the edge of the ascent, slam the throttle to the floor and give it all that its got. The idea is to build as much momentum as quickly as possible so the truck can muscle its way through, any less and the tires will bog down, or the chassis will get clawed down by the pasty mud.
Much to our surprise – it’s the older 2.5 litre VGT’s that becomes the star of the show. Both trucks climbed almost the entire hill without needing a winch, whereas, the 2.4 litre MIVEC units only got to about 75 percent of the way.
Much of this, as we learnt, is down to the torque curve, the MIVEC's engine’s (430Nm) torque peaks at 2500rpm, the older VGT’s on the other hand, gets the ball rolling at just under 1800rpm. So regardless of the MIVEC’s bigger numbers – it’s the 2.5 litre VGT units, that can get that all important jump, earlier. There’s no doubt the 2.4 litre MIVEC’s will be stronger everywhere else, but the tractable torque delivery of the VGT makes it one of the most potent machines you can have, off-road.
Another bit of technology (in the automatic models) is the Hybrid LSD system, which distributes power as evenly as possible to all four corners. In the case of the hill, the cars could consistently climb because traction was spread as evenly as possible where grip exists. This feature becomes even more crucial when one or more tyres are suspended or not touching the ground.
That climb which took the better part of half a day, was only superseded by the fall on the other side, a cold sweat inducing 50 degress drop down slippery mud, into a sharp left, to make matters worse, a large log, some 5.0 feet in diameter, lay on the far side, so if you miss the apex of the turn, you’d be hurtling near 3.0 tonnes of Triton into an immovable, hard place. An earlier car did just that and damaged the entire ladder frame upon impact. Gulp!
Here’s the strategy, the trucks are winched down as far as possible, by the truck behind it (at the top of the hill) so how far down simply depends on the winch rope length of the anchor car. In most cases, some 30 meters. At which point, the winch is released and gravity does the rest.
However, you can’t stomp on the brakes – that would simply lock up the wheels and swing the back around and send the truck into a drift, one perhaps, even Leona Chin would not want. The idea is to apply just enough throttle so the tyres are rotating at the natural speed of the descent – yes, you’d still be going too fast, but at least you are able to steer. Where possible, apply the brakes to reduce speed.
It’s an art that combines clinical precision and artful brutality.
Most people would think off-road expeditions simply require big tyres, big power and machete-wielding men in straw hats and khakis trousers, but, I can assure you it’s so much more that – it requires dexterity, cunning, knowledge of what the car is capable of and how best to use it. The skill sets that gets you through the Borneo Safari are comparable to that of a rally driver – because the grip isn’t always there, you find it!
And even then, a rally driver might be able to retire for the night to a warm trailer, and not sustain 97 sand-fly bites over a night’s sleep on a cold camp-bed.
Over the next three days and 40 odd km of the Hardcore Section, our convoy of 22 vehicles reduced to 20. The two casualties include the earlier mentioned Toyota Prado which lost its gearbox as soon as it climbed the first hill and another
Land Cruiser
 (J80), crucially carrying our medical supplies, which broke its rear axle pinion gear a day later, effectively making it a front wheel drive vehicle. It soldiered on for another two days before the team decided to leave it behind, until spares arrive and repairs are made on site.
As veteran journalists Paul Si best describes the BS, every year we come for the Borneo Safari, but stay for the ‘Borneo Suffering’.
Maybe, it’s the appeal of the challenge itself – pushing one’s skill and wit to the very limit of what’s possible, perhaps it’s about the joyful atmosphere and the deep friendships that are fostered with like-minded people along the way, or trusting your survival and hopes on an inanimate machine, built simply from metal and rubber, that ultimately ends up being your best friend!
Either way one looks at it, it’s a heart-wrenching adventure, and one you would tell your grandchildren some day!
As we approached the last obstacle, my driver, affectionately called Winku, stops midway with one wheel rear wheel suspended in mid-air, worriedly, I looked at him and asked “
Kenapa
henti
 b
ossku
?
” to which he replied, “
Ini
 last obstacle,
kita

ambil

Wefie

dulu
?
” – I laughed with relief. He knew it wasn’t going to stop our Triton.
I went on to casually ask him what he really thought of the Tritons trucks, one of those ‘off the record moments’, he summed it up in four simple words, “
Saya
minta
,
dia

kasi
…
” And, if I am honest, no review could ever be shorter and sweeter.
The four Mitsubishi Tritons, including the other five tag-on trucks, survived the hot mid-day weather, wet slippery conditions, hills and slopes that threatened gearbox failure, and undulating surfaces that could have twisted the chassis at any given moment – in short, if you ever want to attempt the Borneo Safari, the Mitsubishi Triton is a damn good place to start.


Toyota's Latest Virtual Crash Test Simulator Takes Into Account Human Reactions

When a driver knows that he or she is about to hit something, they are very likely to attempt to evasive manoeuvres by slamming on the brakes and steering the car away. However, if that isn’t possible, the next natural instinct it brace for the impact.
However, in real-life crash testing, the test dummies used are not capable of adopting these changes in posture be it a relaxed or braced one during impact. The difference between the two provides differing results in the way a vehicle occupant’s body moves during a collision. Was the collision unexpected where the driver is in a relaxed posture? Or was it seen coming and the driver is in a braced posture for what’s about to come?
This is where
Toyota
 comes in with a new version of its Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) virtual human modelling system that is capable of replicating these kinds of pre-collision reactions.
Version 5 of THUMS adds a muscle modelling feature that can simulate he body attitude of different vehicle occupants, from relaxed to braced, allowing for more detailed computer analysis of the injures collisions can cause.
With the new THUMS, which supersedes the previous version’s ability to only simulate changes in posture after a collision has happened, it can now allow changes before an impact takes place to be scrutinised.
Data collected could mean that the performance of seatbelts, airbags and other safety equipment in vehicles can be studied more accurately, allowing for the development of more advanced pre-collision systems. The culmination of the knowledge gained can result in better occupant protection of vehicles in the future.


RON97 Fuel Price Update: November Month – RM2.81

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has announced the price of petrol and diesel fuel for the next 30 days.
Price of the premium grade fuel, RON97, sees an increase of 2 sen per litre starting tomorrow.
In summary, the prices for petrol and diesel for the entire month of November are as listed below:
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.81
 per litre (increase 2 sen from RM2.79)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


Mini EV X2 coming to Malaysia - only RM13,800?

We've had an interesting few days of news cycles here in Malaysia, first with the announcement that the six month
Hire Purchase moratorium
 will in fact be charged interest by the banks and then of course with the much anticipated news of the
conditional MCO
 meaning we mostly all go back to work today (for better or worse).

Amidst all this excitement social media was awash with the emergence of what appears to be an electric city car for sale in Malaysia from ONLY RM13,800 (that's a whooping RM5000 saving off its normal price of RM18,800 if the flyer below is to be believed). Kalau nak instalmen pun boleh, up to nine years. Kereta for pasar, anyone?

We've taken the liberty of putting down the key highlights of the Mini EV X2 in a table below.

The Mini EV X2 hails from China, the land where quite literally these days impossible is nothing. Manufactured by a company called Zhejiang Today Sunshine New Energy Vehicle Industry, the company also apparently has a presence across Europe. Beyond that details are a little hard to come by.

We feel there is definitely a place for an electric city car in Malaysia especially in big urban sprawls like the Klang Valley. Anyone who travels a distance of between 10-20 kilometres one-way to work would benefit with the cost savings from using an electric car. Just ask owners of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

The Mini EV X2 takes about 8-10 hours to charge up fully but is only rated for 800 complete recharge cycles (that's a bit of a disappointment obviously and one potential buyers need to be aware of). Plug it in, go to sleep and you're ready to go the next day.

While it is no Porsche Taycan, it does hit a top speed of 50km/h, with the High Speed variant able to reach 80km/h.

For the complete list of features, refer to the flyer below. Touch screen, rear video camera, electric mirrors, LED lights. It is an impressive list of goodies if we say so ourselves.

So when can we see the Mini EV X2 on our roads? Not just yet apparently because automotive sources have informed us that JPJ has not approved nor even received a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) application for this vehicle to legally be on our roads.

Would you buy one? We're intrigued to say the least.

You can browse
miniev.online
 for more information.


Proton Posts 20 Percent Sales Growth In October - 27,400 X50 Bookings

Given all that’s happened so far this year, it would be a little far fetched to predict that any automaker would see a year-over-year monthly increase in new car registrations let alone one that’s a full 20 percent higher than last year, but that’s what Proton has reported for last month, but falling short of topping their September Y-o-Y benchmark on both volume and growth (33.6%).

In fact, October 2020 also marks the third month in a row where Proton has outperformed their 2019 numbers,
starting with August
. The good news is probably why the national car company wasted no time to spread the word as we’re barely even into November yet.

Talking specifics, Proton reports that they sold a total of 11,392 new cars last month (domestic and import), which is 543 fewer than in the previous month but still a very high number overall. This brings the 2020 total to 84,999 units so far, propelling them past their 2019 year-to-date count by 5,166 cars despite the sales slowdown in Q2 that stemmed from the Movement Control Order.

Commenting on their strong sales pace, Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar, said: “The recovery of Malaysia’s automotive market is continuing to gather pace judging by the number of new model launches and total sales in October. We estimate the Total-Industry-Volume (TIV) to be the second highest in 2020 with over 57,000 units sold, proof that the car industry is rebounding strongly. At PROTON, we are thankful for the steady growth in sales, as we have yet again beaten our monthly numbers from the previous year, but we believe we could have performed better.”

For October, the Saga A-segment sedan emerged as the most popular model, selling just over 5,000 units. This was followed by the Persona at roughly half that at 2,360 units, and the X70 at 2,216 units despite the then-looming
launch of the X50
 at the time (launched on October 27th), retaining its title as the highest volume C-segment SUV in the country.

Speaking of the newest model in the Proton stable, the X50 is reported to have received 27,400 bookings by the end of October. The new B-segment contender will no doubt have a huge impact on keeping Proton’s sales momentum strong in the coming months, though we do wonder how Proton handles the surge in demand.

The automaker says that 447 units of the X50 have already been delivered to customers as of the end of October 31st. The Proton Edar CEO adds: “We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality.”


Shell Treats Top Trade Partners to Unique BMW Motorsport Driving Experience

Eighteen top performing Shell Helix trade partners from different regions across the country were treated to an exclusive BMW Motorsports Premium Technology Partnership in Munich, Germany recently.
The event, which was also co-created with the BMW Driving Experience, saw participants having the opportunity to learn and execute 180-degree backwards spin and complete slaloms from expert instructors from BMW Motorsport. Participants were then treated to passenger laps in a BMW M4 road car.
Aside from practical driving lessons, guests also learnt about the science behind the technical partnership in the bespoke “Shell Helix Ultra DTM Garage” where they witnessed a live oil analysis in the Shell mobile Track Lab. They were also given a virtual reality tour of the product benefits of Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology and viewed the Shell BMW M4 DTM replica car up close.
“This once-in-a-lifetime event we have delivered together with BMW Motorsport and BMW Driving Experience showcased the performance and benefits of Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology. As Premium Technology Partner for BMW Motorsport, Shell Helix Ultra has privileged access to all the professional BMW works drivers and it was fantastic to have them join us in Munich to share the importance of a premium motor oil in enhancing engine performance and put it to the test together with our guests. We are excited to host more Malaysian workshop owners to this money cannot buy experience,” said Alexander Ip, Shell Helix Global Brand Manager.
“This year, Malaysia had sent a total of eighteen top performing workshop owners from different regions across the country to this money-cannot-buy experience with BMW,” said Leslie Ng, Shell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia & Singapore. “We are looking forward to more of such unique experiences in 2016.”
The Munich event was held to celebrate the BMW Motorsport Premium Technology Partnership, which saw the participation of more than 200 guests and staff from 27 global markets. During the trip guests also had the chance to explore the scenic and historic city of Munich and soak up the Bavarian culture. The event climaxed with a Gala Dinner at the BMW Museum, where Shell Helix and professional BMW works drivers joined guests for an exclusive awards ceremony.