Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake Previewed At XLR8: RM300k Tentative Price, Only 10 Units

At the ongoing XLR8 motoring event held at Pullman Lakeside Resort in Putrajaya, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has put up a preview of its new CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake.
As it is merely a preview, nothing is set in stone as of yet. Hence, the CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake is said to be launched sometime in Q1 of 2016 with a tentative price of RM300,000. We’ve also been told that just 10, yes, 10 units of the estate CLA will be sold to the local public. So, if you want one, better hurry.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. In this configuration, the powerplant outputs 211hp and 350Nm of torque, and as you can tell from its name, drive is sent to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, distributing power primarily to the front wheels and if need be, directs some to the rear ones as well.
In this bodystyle, the CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake only gains 3mm in height (1,435mm) while retaining the length (4,630mm) and width (1,777mm) of its coupe class member.
The styling too doesn’t differ much from the standard coupe model with except the one seen here receives the AMG Line styling pack that sees a diamond radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz logo occupying its centre, with a thin chrome bar running across it. The pack also tags on a front spoiler lip as well.
Along the profile is where you’ll find elements of the Night styling package which is also tagged on. Here the wing mirrors are finished in black, as are the side window surrounds, with a black side sill to boot. The car rides on 18-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels finished in titanium grey and wrapped in 225/40 profile tyres.
At the rear, the AMG Line styling continues with a more aggressive bumper with air outlets cut into the bumper, with two exhaust tips accompanying below each of them. To accommodate the flowing liftgate design, the rear taillights are also slightly sharper than on the coupe.
Moving inside, the coupe’s dashboard layout is found here as well but with the recent facelift updates that includes a larger eight-inch display screen for the COMAND infotainment system, new flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with on-wheel controls and paddle shifters, and a carbon fibre panel occupying the dashboard. Other interior highlights include electric-powered seats for both front driver and passenger, aluminium pedals, a panoramic sunroof, AMG floor mats, and sport seats.
Of course, the main draw of the CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake is the generous boot space it offers. Open the electric-assisted, powered liftgate and you have access to 495 litres of space but if you configure the rear seats to “cargo” mode, a further 100 litres is available. Fold the seats down instead and a massive 1,354 litres of space is ready for cargo.


Should power banks be outlawed following fire onboard SG-bound flight?

A seemingly harmless
powerbank
 overheated and caught fire on a flight from Taiwan to Singapore last week.

The powerbank or portable charger in question burst into flames on a Scoot flight prior to take-off from the Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan to Singapore which ended up injuring two passengers (the owner and partner).

Luckily for the two individuals, the injuries were minor after being attended to by the airport's medical team as well as the fire being put out and handled by firefighters.

The flight was able to continue its journey with just a short delay but when we really think about it, the situation could have been much worse if the faulty powerbank 'exploded' while the plane was in the air. Following the incident, the next question is obviously revolving around the safety of carrying such portable charging devices while flying.

What are the rules of powerbanks in carry-ons?

Most airlines around the world have their own rules and regulations when it comes to carrying lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries on board their flights. Using Malaysia Airlines as an example, their rules state that each passenger is limited to two portable chargers that don't exceed 160 watt-hours or around 43,243mAh.

In order words, a couple of 20,000mAh powerbanks is the limit and for some, the limit is even lower. For this particular writer, a 10,000mAh has always been the go-to powerbank that should pass any airline regulations around the globe without a hitch when it comes to bringing one in your carry-on.

How to check if your powerbank is still safe?

While it is hard to determine the physical state of powerbanks or portable chargers, users should be aware of the telltale signs of the devices operating outside of the norm. Things like temperature and physical defects or degradation should be monitored constantly because when lithium-ion catches fire, it's very hard to put out.

There are a few things that can be done to ensure the functionality and safety of all powerbank devices. Some of them are:

If it's too hot to hold with your bare hands comfortably, it might be time to replace it (some heat is normal, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable)

Any signs of physical defects like bulges, 'bloating', or even punctures, it's definitely time to get rid of it ASAP

Always get the known brands and not the knock-offs

Practise healthy charging habits like using the powerbanks in well-ventilated spaces to avoid overheating, not overcharging, storing in cool places, etc.

Maintain a decent battery charge (letting it drain to almost nothing will allow more current to pass through the device, hence creating more heat)

Use recommended accessories to charge your powerbanks (third-party chargers and cables might lead to the generation of excessive heat while in use)

Should powerbanks be banned on flights?

Going back to the question of whether powerbanks or portable charging devices should be banned from flights, this move might lead to other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries being banned as well.

It'll be a difficult day if the flights you're about to board start to confiscate your laptops, cameras, phones, action cams, vapes, and more since they're all powered using lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries.

As long as you're aware of the physical state of your portable chargers and maintain good etiquette when it comes to owning one, there's a good chance that it won't blow up on your face in the future. Stay safe!


2017 Facelifted Infiniti Q50 Begins Production In Japan

Infiniti has begun production of the facelifted Infiniti Q50, at its manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan. The facelifted model was launched in April, featuring a refreshed exterior and interior and upgrades to the car’s ProPilot active safety systems.
The facelifted model now features two distinct exterior packages – the performance-oriented Sport variants and the Pure and Luxe variants which offer an understated elegant look.
The Q50 is offered with two four-cylinder engines, both Daimler-sourced – 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (208hp/350Nm) and 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 168hp and peak torque of 400Nm. The most powerful engine for the Q50 is the VR30 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 powerplant which is offered with two power output levels – in 300hp and 400Nm guise, or in the range-topping “Red Sport 400”, with 400hp and 475Nm of torque.
A hybrid variant uses Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system that features a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 50kW electric motor. The hybrid system’s combined power output is rated at 360hp.
Engines are paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, depending on the marketplace, with two drivetrain options – rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
On the inside, Infiniti’s engineers have incorporated some styling elements from the
Q60 sports coupe
 – now with a newly designed steering wheel, leather shift knob and reshaped paddle shifters.
Also updated is the infotainment suite - Infiniti’s ‘InTouch Services’ features two screens - an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screen. Most frequently viewed applications, such as navigation, will appear on the upper screen while other content is directed to the lower display screen for easy legibility.
New for 2017 is the Q50’s updated ProPILOT suite of active safety systems – now including an updated version of Direct Adaptive Steering (steer by wire), Active Lane Control; Adaptive Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist; Backup Collision Intervention; Blind Spot Warning and Intervention; Lane Departure Warning and Prevention; Forward Emergency Braking; and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.
The facelifted Q50 is scheduled to go on sale in some markets starting in Q2 of 2017.


Smart#3 Breaks Surface - Coupe-Like EV SUV with 422hp

The smart#3 has surfaced, and we can expect it to come with a single motor as well as a twin-motor Brabus version.

While we impatiently wait for the
arrival of the smart#1 in Malaysia
, it seems that smart has already moved on to their next project car, which according to homologation documents in China, will be the next size-up vehicle in smart's renewed range.

This is the smart#3, the bigger brother to the smart#1. Laid bare for the world to see on China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website, the bigger smart is actually around the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4.

The design of the smart#3 follows the family look for now, featuring central strips that connect the two front lamps and also those at the rear.

The main design change of the smart#3 comes from its roofline, which sees it having more of a coupe like slope rather than a silhouette of a hatchback.

The documents from China doesn't state what powerplant it will be coming with, but many sources from Chinese automotive media outlets are saying that the smart#3 will come with a single-motor that sends 268hp to the rear wheels, while the sporty Brabus version adds a 154 hp motor to the front wheels, for a total of 422 hp.

The smart#3 sees the continuation of cooperation between Geely and Mercedes- Benz, where the German company is responsible for its exterior and interior design, while Geely handles the hardware, including the use of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric car platform.

Other cars that'll be using the SEA platform include
Zeekr001
, Polestar 4 and Lotus Eletre.


Malaysia Mahu Teruskan Projek HSR KL-Singapura – PM

Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata Malaysia berharap dapat mempercepatkan usaha meneruskan semula projek
Keretapi Berkelajuan Tinggi (HSR
) bersama Singapura seawal mungkin.

Tambahnya, ketika ini Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong dan rakan sejawatannya di Singapura, S Iswaran, sedang giat meneruskan perbincangan.

*Kredit infografik: Utusan

HSR KL-Singapura Mahu Dipercepat

Berdasarkan laporan Bernama, Ismail Sabri berkata usaha meneruskan semula projek itu akan membabitkan beberapa perubahan pada syarat dan terma asal.

PM juga ingin mempercepatkan projek berkenaan kerana Malaysia juga ada perancangan untuk wujudkan
HSR antara Kuala Lumpur dan Bangkok.

"Kalau boleh, kita nak hubungkan Bangkok-KL dan KL-Singapura," katanya.

Beliau membayangkan jaringan itu boleh disambung hingga ke China memandangkan China dan Thailand juga dalam proses membina rangkaian kereta api berkelajuan tinggi.

Ditanya sama ada usaha meneruskan semula projek ini adalah keutamaan pentadbiran beliau, Ismail Sabri berkata: "Bukan nak kata ia satu keutamaan, ia lebih kerana perancangan. Dah ada dari mula, dari zaman BN (Barisan Nasional) planning (perancangan) dah lengkap, cuma terbatal sekejap".

Memandangkan kos bahan mentah yang semakin meningkat, Malaysia mungkin mengkaji untuk mengurangkan saiz stesen bagi mengimbangi kos pembinaan keseluruhan projek itu.

Perkembangan Projek HSR

Pada 29 November lalu, Perdana Menteri Singapura, Lee Hsien Loong, dilaporkan berkata republik itu terbuka menerima cadangan baharu dari Malaysia berkaitan projek HSR Kuala Lumpur-Singapura walaupun kedua-dua negara itu sebelum ini bersetuju menamatkan projek itu.

Malaysia dan Singapura memeterai perjanjian dua hala untuk melaksanakan projek HSR pada 13 Disember 2016. Projek sepanjang 350 kilometer yang dijadualkan siap pada 2026 itu dijangka memendekkan masa perjalanan antara kedua-dua bandar raya kepada 90 minit.

Bagaimanapun, pembinaan projek itu ditangguhkan pada September 2018 dan pada 31 Mei 2020, kedua-dua kerajaan bersetuju menangguhkan pembangunan projek dua hala bernilai RM110 bilion itu sehingga 31 Disember 2020.

Pada 1 Januari 2021, Malaysia dan Singapura mengumumkan bersama penamatan projek HSR apabila kedua-dua negara gagal mencapai persetujuan bagi perubahan yang dicadangkan Malaysia sebelum perjanjian projek itu luput pada 31 Disember 2020.

Pada Mac 2021, Malaysia mengumumkan ia membayar SG$102.8 juta kepada Singapura selaku kos yang ditanggung bagi pembangunan projek HSR dan berkaitan pelanjutan penangguhannya.

Dalam hal lain, Perdana Menteri berkata, kerajaan sedang mengkaji keperluan mewujudkan laluan ketiga untuk menghubungkan Johor dan Singapura dalam usaha mengurangkan kesesakan di Tambak Johor dan Laluan Kedua Malaysia Singapura (Linkedua).


2021 Isuzu D-Max Generasi Ketiga Bakal Dilancarkan Di Malaysia Pada Tahun Ini

Ada sesiapa yang ternanti-nanti
Isuzu D-MAX 2020
 (generasi ketiga) di negara ini? Jangan risau kerana ia bakal tiba di pasaran negara ini tidak lama lagi!

Walaupun D-Max generasi ketiga ni dah dilancarkan di Thailand pada tahun lepas, namun ianya masih belum terdapat di pasaran negara ini. Tambahan pula, pihak Isuzu sendiri ada bagitahu yang mereka ingin melancarkan model ini secara berperingkat mengikut negara. Ketika ini, hanya
D-Max generasi kedua
 yang boleh didapati di negara ini.

Sebenarnya agak lambat juga D-Max generasi ketiga ini nak masuk pasaran Malaysia. Mana tidaknya, model D-Max generasi kedua (2019) pun baru sahaja dilancarkan di negara ini pada September tahun lalu. Pasaran negara ini menerima model D-Max generasi kedua sedikit lambat kerana Isuzu memerlukan sedikit masa untuk mengubah suai
enjin 1.9 liter Ddi turbodiesel
 untuk disesuaikan dengan bahan api gred-rendah di pasaran kita.

Bila dari generasi kedua naik ke generasi ketiga, mesti anda jangkakan banyak perubahan kan? Jangan risau! Isuzu D-Max 2021 menampilkan banyak perbezaan berbanding model sebelumnya. Contoh paling ketara semestinya rupa bentuk serta wajahnya yang kelihatan lebih garang dan moden dengan penggunaan gril hadapan yang lebih besar berbanding model generasi kedua.

Di bahagian depan, D-Max tampil dengan lampu utama dengan teknologi bi-LED yang lebih kecil dan agresif. Lampu utama tersebut turut ditemani dengan lampu kabus, lampu signal serta DRL di wajah depannya.

Kalau tengok daripada sudut sisi model generasi ketiga ini, kawasan lekuk pada empat bahagian tayar model ini turut lebih kecil dan rata berbanding model sebelumnya. Difahamkan, profil sisi itu membantu memberikan aspek aerodinamik yang lebih baik. Tak percaya? Benda ini sudah pun diuji di terowong angin milik Institut Kajian Teknikal Keretapi Japan Railway (JR). Bagi mengurangkan kesan angin di bahagian bawah kereta, model ini kini menggunakan pelindung di bahagian bawah.

Sementara itu, rupa bentuk lampu belakang LED D-Max generasi ketiga ini turut ditukar ke bentuk yang lebih garang, moden dan agresif. Bahagian bumper belakang turut diserasikan terus bersama truck bed di samping menawarkan rim aloi 18 inci sebagai pilihan. Jika nak dibandingkan dengan model yang lama, rekaan rupa hadapan dan belakang D-Max baharu ini kelihatan mampu membuatkan orang sekeliling menoleh.

Bahagian dalaman menerima banyak pembaharuan dimana papan pemuka kini direka dengan bentuk seni bersegi dan moden sambil ditemani oleh paparan infotainment 9 inci dengan kepadanan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto. Bagi varian tertentu, material soft touch digunakan pada bahagan atas papan pemuka. Bukan itu sahaja, jentera baharu ini bakal hadir dengan lapan buah pembesar suara.

Ciri keselamatan D-Max ini pun bukan calang-calang. Isuzu D-Max generasi ketiga ini telah mendapat pengiktirafan
5 bintang daripada EURO NCAP!
 Trak ini hadir dengan sistem
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems)
 yang banyak membantu menaikkan taraf keselamatan bagi segmen kenderaan pikap.

Kamera stereo hadapan serta radar belakang yang hadir pada model ini turut menambah ciri ciri keselamatan lain seperti:

Brek Kecemasan Autonomi

Amaran Perlanggaran Depan

Amaran Keluar Lorong

Pencegahan Keluar Lorong

Bantuan Simpan Lorong

Penjagaan Lorong Kecemasan

Brek Pelbagai Pelanggaran

Monitor Titik Buta

Makluman Lalu Lintas Belakang

Pengenalan Tanda Lalu Lintas

Pembatas Kelajuan Pintar

Lampu Tinggi Automatik

Kawalan Pelayaran Adaptif

Mitigasi Kesalahan Aplikasi Pedal

Dimensi D-Max 2021 (Generasi Ketiga)

Panjang: 5,265 mm (30 mm lebih pendek berbanding generasi kedua)

Lebar: 1,870 mm (10 mm lebih lebar)

Tinggi: 1,790 mm (5 mm lebih rendah)

Jarak Roda: 3,125 mm (30 mm lebih panjang)

Bahagian badan model terbaru ini juga lebih teguh dengan penggunaan besi high tensile pada bahagian tertentu. Secara keseluruhan, ia telah menyumbang sekitar 20% peningkatan daya tahan jentera serta kawasan bumbung. Bahagian suspension yang telah ditambah baik menjadikan D-Max baharu ini lebih stabil dan mudah dikendalikan. Jarak meredah air pula sebanyak 800 mm.

Isuzu D-Max menawarkan dua jenis enjin iaitu 1.9 liter dan 3.0 liter empat-silinder turbodiesel. Enjin 1.9L atau RZ4E-TC berkenaan menghasilkan 150 PS pada 3,600 rpm dan 350 Nm tork dari 1,800 hingga 2,600 rpm dengan gandingan kotak gear yang optimum untuk mendapatkan pecutan yang lebih baik.

Sementara itu, enjin 3.0 liter 4JJ3-TCX turut banyak menerima peningkatan antaranya kebuk pembakaran yang dibentuk semula, penyuntik bertekanan tinggi, selaput ala berlian pada pin piston serta pengecas turbo pemboleh ubah geometri elektronik yang menghasilkan 190 PS dan 450 Nm – naik 13 PS dan 70 Nm berbanding unit 4JJ1-TCX pada model generasi keduanya.

Isuzu D-Max 2021 ini memang menarik. Kalau di Thailand, jentera ini ditawarkan dalam pelbagai varian dengan harga bermula antara 510,000 baht (RM70,200) hingga 1,164,000 baht (RM160,300). Adakah anda rasa harganya akan lebih murah ketika dilancarkan di negara ini kelak?

Sebagai generasi ketiga D-Max, model baharu ini dilihat jelas jauh lebih baik daripada sebelumnya, malah mungkin model terbaik berbanding lawannya buat masa kini. Apa kata anda?


Seremban Victory Credit Opens First Nissan 3S Centre In Negeri Sembilan

Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd, an authorized dealer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has officially launched its first Nissan 3S Centre in Seremban, providing convenience and efficient services to the surrounding community.
With an investment of RM 10 million and occupying over 12,000 square feet, the new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S centre, located at the fringes of Oakland Industrial Park along Jalan Haruan 2, can display up to eight Nissan vehicles in their showroom space. Apart from the comfortable customer-waiting lounge and a children’s playroom, there is also a counter that provides insurance and hire-purchase services.
At the workshop area, a total of 13 service bays are able to accommodate up to 40 vehicles daily.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM said, “As the state capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seremban’s economic and human capital growth has been steadily growing. It is crucial for us to make our presence even stronger, and support Nissan owners with a Nissan 3S Centre that complies with Nissan’s Global Retail Standards.”
Meanwhile, moving from a sales outlet in Seremban town to a full 3S centre now allows the team in Seremban Victory Credit to provide their customers with a complete Nissan experience all under one roof, as echoed by Mr Trevor Tham Lin Sing, Director of Seremban Victory Credit.


Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Diesel – Outgoing, But Not Outdated

There is, as we all know, an
all-new Mazda CX-5
 coming to town. First shown to a global audience at LA toward the tail end of 2016, the second-generation CX-5 has just been confirmed for its debut in Malaysia by the
third quarter of this year
.
Mazda’s full renewal of its highly-successful mid-sized SUV was earlier than expected, but it certainly brings the brand’s latest chapter full circle – the outgoing CX-5 is, after all, the model that kick-started Mazda’s SkyActiv-driven renaissance in the first place.
Whilst its replacement waits in the wings, the existing CX-5 remains, by all counts, a thoroughly convincing product that is at once well-kitted, good-looking, and good to drive. It is, let’s not forget, the reigning
2016 ASEAN Car of the Year

overall winner
.
For much of its model life cycle in Malaysia, the CX-5 has traded on its pair of 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol engines known for their remarkable refinement and economy. Last year, however, Mazda added a
diesel engine to the CX-5’s ranks
, which is the subject of our review today.
Specifications:

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October 28, 2016

Price: RM166,335.71 (OTR with Insurance)
Engine: 2.2-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, Turbodiesel
Power: 175PS @ 4,500rpm
Torque: 420Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX, autonomous emergency braking,
Origin: Locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah
Overview
Whereas the petrol power is offered with no fewer than four variant choices, the
CX-5 Diesel
 is available with only one flavour, being offered exclusively in FWD configuration – curious decision considering the performance at this car’s disposal.
Its OTR pricing of RM166k with insurance puts it almost at the midway along the RM12k chasm that splits the
2.5-litre front- and all-wheel drive
 variants. From a bit of simple math, we could extrapolate a hypothetical price of around RM178k if Mazda were to offer a highly-recommended all-wheel drive setup to go with the diesel mill.
Details of the
2.2-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine
 have, to date, been extensively covered on this website. It operates a uniquely-low 14.0 compression ratio which Mazda claims to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to the extent that the engine is able to meet Euro 6 emission standards without having to depend on exhaust gas after-treatment systems.
With the majority of the segment continuing to stick its bet on petrol power, the CX-5 Diesel enjoys a substantial performance advantage, with only the recently-launched
Kia Sportage GT 2.0 Diesel
 coming anywhere close to the Mazda’s 175PS and 420Nm outputs. Kia, for the record, quotes 185PS and 400Nm for the Sportage GT, which has the advantage of all-wheel drive that the CX-5 does not provide.
Outside, the only cue that differentiates the CX-5 Diesel from its petrol siblings is a subtle red-painted ‘D’ affixed at the end of the customary ‘SkyActiv Technology’ badge on the tailgate. Otherwise, items such as 19-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail lights are all as per the 2.5-litre petrol models.
Equipment levels are also specified to match the 2.5-litre petrol models, with the CX-5 Diesel additionally getting autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other features also found in the petrol models include 6 airbags, electronic stability control, and Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system.
Driving Experience
It is an idea we take for granted today, but the notion of a diesel-powered SUV that feels convincingly sporty was, not too long ago, an idea that would have invited considerable ridicule. Blessed with a powerful engine and well-sorted chassis, the CX-5 Diesel possesses both the straight line grunt and handling balance that would give many a hot hatch a good run for money.
Thanks to Mazda’s refusal to adhere to convention in its engineering, the CX-5’s 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine is unique amongst diesels – both in design and behaviour. It not only pulls smoothly, but it also exhibits an eagerness to sweep across the rev band in a manner one would only associate with a naturally-aspirated petrol engine.
Subjectively, it lacks the outright punchy feel of a BMW 2.0-litre diesel, but we know of no other engine fuelled from the black pump that feels as lively. This, we feel, has much to do with Mazda successfully finding the means for a diesel engine to run on a low 14.0 compression ratio – with less internal pressure, comes less stress to the components, all of which, in turn, can be made lighter.
The advancing years al;so seem to have done little to diminish the CX-5’s road manners. Back when it was first launched, the CX-5 was already praised for its above average handling capabilities; a few years, a facelift, and several running changes under its belt, the CX-5 continues to drive with commendable assurance.
We did not encounter any rough weather during our time with the car, but on dry tarmac, we found little evidence of the chassis struggling to cope with 420Nm of twist channelled exclusively to its front wheels. Go the sensible smooth-in fast-out approach; the CX-5 follows your chosen line faithfully with little fuss or drama. That being said, go slow in the wet.
Enthusiasts will enjoy the CX-5’s composed handling as well as the diesel engine’s smooth-revving nature, whilst those with lesser emphasis on sporting qualities will still come to appreciate its easygoing nature and predictable controls, and not the mention the effortless progress made possible by the low-end torque of a diesel engine. Either way, you are most likely to find the CX-5’s dynamic balance agreeable.
Comfort & Refinement
Whilst some may argue that buying the CX-5 now inevitably leaves you with a previous-generation car just several months down the road. But the upside, however, is that you’ll be putting money on a product that has all its initial weaknesses thoroughly ironed out of the system.
Despite wearing low profile 19-inch tyres, our test car was hardly fettled by uneven patches of road. The suspension has evidently been tuned to offer that added level of compliance that is not always readily found on cars running on such a sporty tyre size. Certainly, Mazda’s aggressive choice of rubber came without any notable sacrifice on ride comfort, though you’d be wise to save up a few extra bucks for your next tyre change.
Noise levels, a usual Achilles heel of recent Mazda vehicles, are pretty decently suppressed here in the CX-5. Road noise is positively low, whilst wind noise levels are reasonable in the context of a mid-sized SUV.
As usual, the vehicle itself is utterly free of unpleasant vibrations and unwanted noises; such is the high level of mechanical refinement which the original car was already designed with. Inevitable vibrations of the auto start/stop system in operation, too, are competently isolated.
Economy & Maintenance
Our test run returned a measured average consumption of 8.2 litres/100km – pretty good if compared to its petrol-powered rivals, but distinctly average in the context of a diesel engine. The more aerodynamic Mazda 6 with this same engine unsurprisingly recorded a more economical figure of 7.3 litres/100km.
Beginning 1 February 2017, all Mazda vehicles except the BT-50 are covered by a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty in addition to being provided by a 3-year/60,000km free service programme. After the free service programme lapses, services cost between RM486.80 and RM1,091.61 for each visit at 6-month/10,000km intervals.
Conclusion
Whereas the Mazda 6 sometimes feel like it’s better suited to the characteristics of a petrol engine, diesel power is perfect for an SUV like the CX-5. The diesel engine’s rich torque allow it to haul the added weight of an SUV body and its fully loaded contents in a more relaxed fashion than a petrol engine could ever manage.
Also, where the
Mazda 6 Diesel
 priced itself too closely to BMW/Mercedes territory for comfort, the locally-assembled CX-5 asks for no more coin than Honda or Nissan for their range-topping CR-Vs and
X-Trails
 respectively.
We’d argue that the option of all-wheel drive would make the CX-5 Diesel a very complete package, but as it is, this is a thoroughly well-refined product that is practical enough for everyday use, fun enough to put a smile on your face, and still aspirational enough to be desired.


NRC, Muhyiddin Calls For Moratorium 2022 Edition

No matter how relaxed we’ve become in terms of health practices and protocols, the aftermath of COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on small and medium enterprises with proprietors struggling to manage cash flow.

National Recovery Council chairman and former Prime Minister
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
 have, therefore, on behalf of the council, proposed another special moratorium to help these business owners, adding that many have suffered losses of 30 to 40% during the MCO period and others going bust altogether.

Moratorium for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises needed!

“Even if financial institutions reintroduced another round of relief to give our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) a chance to regain momentum, they would not suffer significant losses. About 96% of the country’s economic activities are driven by MSMEs. So, if they fail to create a competitive market, the economic recovery will be slow, and halted by the rising inflation.”

This proposed special moratorium isn’t a new recommendation but one that has been brought up several times within the NRC and to the government. However, this seems to not extend to Malaysians and their personal financing repayments - car loans included.

“We proposed that the government come up with a firm solution to hasten the economic recovery process and ease the burden borne by the rakyat. We hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob can find a way to help the people as the increase in the
overnight policy rate (OPR)
 has put even more burden on them, besides the weakening ringgit,” he added.

Last week, Bank Negara increased OPR by 25 basis points to 2.5% - their 3rd consecutive hike this year - with floor and ceiling rate set to 2.25% and 2.75%, respectively.

If approved by the government, this newest special moratorium would essentially be a successor to 2021’s relief programme which was aimed both individuals and MSMEs
that coincided with Pemulih
.


2015 F56 MINI John Cooper Works Pops Up On Local Website, Launching Soon?

There’s no mistaking this one folks, here is the all-new F56 2015 MINI John Cooper Works. Revealed to the world late last year, the super-hot hatch has just popped up on the
MINI
 Malaysia website, revealing a bunch of images (most of which we’ve seen) along with the fact of its imminent local debut.
When, you ask? Well, it’s as close as a matter of days, we believe, at the coming
BMW World Malaysia 2015
 event, which opens for members of the public on the 17
th
 of April (Friday) and closes on the 19
th
 (Sunday) at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort.
And what a show it will be. As it stands, we’ve been told that there will be six new model launches at the show between the
BMW
, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands. The first-ever BMW World event in Malaysia will also showcase the largest display of BMW vehicles in the country. It’s not something you’d want to miss. Tickets can be purchased at RM18 apiece at
http://www.bmwworld.com.my/
Back to the all-new JCW hatch, a quick recap reminds us that this monster MINI features the most powerful engine ever fitted to a series production MINI. At the heart of it all, beats a 231hp, 320Nm (350Nm overboost) of torque twin-scroll turbo four-pot engine, which launches the two-door hatch to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Other mechanical improvements include work done to the suspension and special Brembo brakes. Oh, and there’s a Dynamic Damper Control system for when you don’t fancy a track-day setup en route to the movies with your SO.
The most obvious differences stem from the aesthetic improvements of the car, which beginning with the outside, features all the right stuff from the all-new standard and familiar F56 MINI. What the JCW fitments add make this a whole new beauty, however.
Outside, JCW badges have been slapped on almost everywhere you look, while the front apron helps to distinguish this from resembling any other ordinary MINI: note the triple sectioned apron with flanking giant air intakes. The rear bumper is also a unique setup, with twin exhaust tips lining up dead-centre.
Continuing with what’s available to see on the Malaysian MINI website, the optional 18-inch JCW light alloy wheels set off the overall aggressive look of this car, offered in a two-tone colour. And don’t you just love the JCW-badged red brake calipers?
Inside, the MINI JCW hatch features all the beauty of the regular F56 hatch, but without a doubt benefit from a raft of significant improvements. JCW sport seats are looking like a standard fit, and the typically awesome MINI switchgear has been even further improved with the JCW fitments.
Other key interior highlights MINI Malaysia seems keen to promote are the vehicle’s head-up display, JCW Sport Instrument Panel, and chrome and red gear knob.
On top of already spoiling much of the fun for you, it looks like we’ll have to sit back still to wait on MINI Malaysia actually revealing the new beauty and its price tag in full come the BMW World Malaysia event. Members of the media will have special, early, access to the show, so we’ll do our best to bring you a preview of all the action you can catch for yourselves this Friday.
Will it continue to be a RM288,888 as before? Stay tuned to
Carlist.my
 for more.


Tesla's arrival in Malaysia sparks excitement for cross-sector collaboration and Investment opportunities

With the imminent launch of Tesla in Malaysia next week, there is growing anticipation about the potential benefits it may bring to the country.

One individual, who has been advocating for
Tesla's presence in Malaysia
 since the announcement of their arrival, believes that the impact of having Tesla goes beyond just introducing their cars to the market.

Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, emphasizes that the collaboration between Malaysia and Tesla extends to various sectors, not limited to electric vehicles (EVs).

Zafrul Aziz reveals that a
call is scheduled between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk
, the founder and CEO of Tesla, before the week concludes.

"There is more than just the EV sector that we are talking about in this potential collaboration," he explains as reported by Bernama.

Picture credit: CNBC

The aim is to attract greater investment commitments not only in the automotive sector but also in other sectors that Malaysia can promote effectively. These efforts were highlighted during the soft launch of the International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) 2023, where Zafrul Aziz addressed reporters.

Tesla, renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing EVs, is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA. The official unveiling of Tesla in Malaysia will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 20, marking its official debut in the country.

In the meantime, Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, the group CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), expresses his hope that Tesla will participate in the upcoming IEMS 2023, scheduled to be held on October 4-6.

He aspires for IEMS 2023 to secure RM4 billion in green technology and sustainability-focused investment prospects, surpassing the RM3 billion achieved during the previous year's event.

IEMS 2023 anticipates the participation of around 400 exhibitors from 40 countries, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands. The event is expected to draw 40,000 visitors, further emphasizing the significance of this international showcase.


Five Things We Will Miss In The Mercedes-Benz E350e

There seems to be a very brief lifespan for Mercedes-Benz E-class hybrid models here in Malaysia. The first hybrid E-class launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was the E300 Bluetec Hybrid (W212) and was followed by the E350e Plug-in Hybrid with the introduction of the W213 model.

Launched in January 2015, at the tail-end of its model life, the E300 Bluetec Hybrid shook the premium car segment with its ultra-low fuel consumption and competitive pricing, given the high equipment count.

This model was very well received by the discerning Malaysian corporate owners, given that the 204 hp/500Nm E300 Bluetec Hybrid consumed diesel fuel rather than petrol. In just one year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia managed to move over 2,500 units of the E300 Bluetec Hybrid.

The introduction of this variant also significantly improved the total sales of the E-class range in 2015, even outselling the C-Class range.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia then introduced the
E350e Plug-in Hybrid (W213) in October 2017
, and within 10 months of its presence in the Malaysia market, the company has discontinued the plug-in hybrid model. Based on Carlist.my intelligence, the total sales of the E350e Plug-in Hybrid is under 1,500 units over the 10-month period it was in the market.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre inline-four, Turbocharged, Petrol

Power (Engine): 211 hp

Torque (Engine): 350 Nm

Power (Motor): 88 hp

Torque (Motor): 340 Nm

Transmission: 9-speed torque converter automatic, rear-wheel drive

Combined Output: 286 hp, 550 Nm

Safety: 7 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, 360-degree camera, PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system

Here’s a shortlist of five reasons we really like about the Mercedes-Benz E350e Plug-in Hybrid.

1. The bright blue brakes

All Mercedes-Benz E-class models (W213) are fitted with the large front brake calipers, and for product differentiation, the Mercedes-Benz E350e Plug-in Hybrid stands out with its front brake calipers painted in bright blue. The name ‘Bluetec’ immediately comes to mind of the majority, even though this E350e has zero relation to the previous generation E300 Bluetec Hybrid.

While it might not improve performance, arriving silently at the lobby with bright blue brakes sure makes it the more special (and now in limited numbers).

2. Regenerative-braking Active Brake Assist

While all new Mercedes-Benz models now come equipped with Active Brake Assist (ABA), the marketing name for the brand’s autonomous emergency braking feature, the E350e brings ABA to a new level.

Being a full hybrid, much of the E350e’s deceleration is taking care by the electric motor reversing its polarity into regeneration mode.

With the ABA radar detecting traffic ahead, the system actually uses the hybrid’s regeneration to apply “braking force” rather than conventional hydraulic brakes, ensuring a very smooth approach to traffic light stops, with the driver applying minimal brake pressure to bring the E350e to a complete stop.

Glancing on the meter display set to ‘Progressive’ theme confirms this, as there will be a drastic shift of the energy bar moving to the charging zone as the vehicle slows down when detecting slower moving traffic ahead.

We don’t recall if the hybrid system in the Volvo or BMW models offer this highly helpful setup. It has certainly reduced the amount of foot pressure to slow the vehicle down on our congested roads.

3. AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension

The ‘Air Body Control’ air suspension system in the E350e employ pressurized air chambers, replacing traditional coil springs at the four corners. With the system automatically adjusting air pressure according to the drive modes of comfort, sports, and sports plus, the cabin has a more isolated ambience as it soaks up our irregular-surfaced roads much better.

Thinking of requiring more ground clearance and suspension travel? Press the ‘Raise suspension’ button on the lower console and the E350e gains an additional 25 millimetres of ground clearance.

The fitment of the air suspension transforms this limousine’s ride and handling, offering a much better range of comfort and body control, as the new generation of ‘Sensual Purity’ models with standard suspension have been set to offer a relatively harsher ride quality.

4. Short charging time, free usage of EQ Power chargers

Charging the E350e Plug-in Hybrid with a domestic 3-pin home charger was a lot easier at my terrace-home parking. The charging port placed at the rear of the E350e was more convenient to reach compared to others which are on the front left corner.

Home-charging for under three hours at the lowest 8-Amp current provides 17 kilometres of pure electric driving from the 6.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also provided
EQ Power branded charging stations
 at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Pavilion KL mall, Sunway Pyramid, and the latest addition at Waterfront, Desa Parkcity.

The higher amperage of the chargers allows for a full recharge of the batteries in under two hours. Under official testing, a full battery is rated to provide up to 33 kilometres of electric range.

5. Electric driving with haptic accelerator pedal

The thought of pure electric driving is still fascinating. Devoid of noise and vibration, the E350e just glides along without much fuss. The 88 hp motor might sound weak in number, but the instantaneous torque of 340 Nm gets the big limousine to highway speeds as quick as any 2-litre premium car.

In order to fully utilize the electric range, the E350e is fitted with a haptic feedback accelerator pedal. Put it simply, the accelerator pedal has two-stages of resistance through the use of force-feedback. Press beyond the first resistance fires up the 4-cylinder engine, enabling more burst of power for overtaking or catching up with traffic.

We quite like this, as we can control the usage of the electricity better, maximizing overall energy efficiency. The beautiful fully-customizable digital display also keeps track of how much driving has been done in pure electric (green font). There can never be too much information, isn't it?

The Mercedes-Benz E350e Plug-in Hybrid
has just been replaced by the E300 AMG Line
 as the flagship CKD E-class in Malaysia. Learn more about the other Mercedes-Benz E-class range in Malaysia, plus few on the E350e.

E200- Continuing the momentum of excellence

E300 Coupe- When mid-life crisis is welcomed

E350e- Luxury Hypermiling

E350e- Where tradition meets sophistication


2021 Toyota Harrier Coming Soon To Malaysia!

The next generation of one of the most popular luxury SUVs is coming soon.

UMW Toyota has finally teased the all-new Harrier that's
just about due
 for its Malaysian launch and, as you may already know, registrations for the luxury SUV are now open. With such a large leap between the second and
third generation models
, you wouldn't expect the fourth to be significantly different - but the styling is definitely far more exciting and modern, and in line with Toyota's current image.

Based on the TNGA-K platform, the all-new Harrier promises to handle impeccably while delivering exemplary ride comfort. It's a bit bigger, as is the norm for generational changes, but it remains just the right size for urban scenarios. The interior gets a serious revamp - not that it really needed it - to be a lot more driver focused. The head unit is of the floating-type that is the all-the-rage for everything from entry level hatchbacks to luxury large sedans, while leather (lookalike or real) clads many of the touch points.

While Singapore would be a reasonable comparison (as they also sell the Harrier there), it is also important to remember that our neighbours down south get more variants to appeal to a broader market, despite a smaller overall volume. They get both a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated variant with 170 hp and a CVT-type automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels, as well as a hybrid variant with a total system output of 215 hp, combining the same 2.5-litre engine with a 118 hp electric motor.

Toyota Safety Sense? Expect it to be as standard, especially at the price point the Harrier will most likely sit in. The Toyota RAV4 already sits at a hefty RM 215,665 for the range-topper, which means the Harrier will only be more expensive. Still,
you can expect
 features such as keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats, a hands-free powered tailgate, and a panoramic glass roof - depending on variant, of course.

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

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.

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 website now.


Mitsubishi Motors Takes the Stage at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023

One of the best chances for you to check out some modified Mitsubishis in conjunction with the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon KL.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is gearing up for an exhilarating showcase at the highly anticipated Tokyo Auto Salon from 9-11 June.

Prepare to be captivated as MMM unveils its thrilling lineup of modified
Triton
 and
XPANDER
 models alongside two extraordinary customer-owned vehicles that boast stunning lifestyle enhancements.

Embracing a dynamic and sporty concept, Mitsubishi Motors' booth will be one of the highlights in Hall 3, lot C301 at Level 1.

But that's not all! Visitors who want to test drive a Triton or XPANDER will not only receive exclusive Mitsubishi Motors merchandise but also stand a chance to win big in a sensational lucky draw, with five lucky winners walking away with a Touch N Go reload pin worth a whopping RM300.

Why not head down there this weekend and experience the epitome of automotive excitement at the Tokyo Auto Salon with Mitsubishi Motors!


2017 Mitsubishi Triton – ESC, 7 Airbags, Prices Up

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is introducing an updated 2017 Triton offering improved equipment levels, notably with regards to safety, but with prices increased for four out six variants.
The six-variant line-up from before is maintained. Except for the entry-level Triton Quest 4x2 and VGT manual variants, all models are subject to price hikes ranging from RM2,720 to RM3,700.
OTR prices of the 2017 Triton (excluding insurance) are listed below:
Quest 4x2 M/T – RM77,390 (no change)
2.5 4x4 M/T Std – RM93,920 (up RM2,720)
2.4 MIVEC VGT 4x4 M/T – RM104,800 (no change)
2.4 MIVEC VGT 4x4 A/T – RM114,800 (up RM2,800)
2.4 MIVEC VGT 4x4 A/T Adventure – RM123,100 (up RM2,700)
2.4 MIVEC VGT 4x4 A/T Adventure X – RM130,900 (up RM3,700)
Key updates implemented in the 2017 Triton are focused on safety, with all VGT variants getting Brake Assist (BA), electronic stability control, traction control, Hill-Start Assist (HSA), and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
These items complement existing safety features consisting of ABS, EBD, Reverse Sensors, ISOFIX and dual frontal airbags. The range-topping Adventure and Adventure X models additionally get side, curtain, and driver knee airbags – bringing the total airbag count to seven.
Other updates focus on interior features. All variants get a redesigned instrument cluster; the 2.5 4x4 Std and Quest 4x2 variants see their single DIN audio head unit enlarged to double DIN. All MIVEC VGT variants get the
all-new Pajero Sport’s four-spoke steering
 to replace the previous three-spoke wheel. Lastly, the Adventure and Adventure X models get 8-way electric driver seat adjustment.
Launched locally in 2015
, the current-generation Triton was
updated last year
 with Mitsubishi’s latest generation 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel with 181PS and 430Nm paired with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
The lower-end 2.5 Std and Quest 4x2 variants continue with the previous model’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine. Outputs are rated at 110PS/200Nm for the Quest 4x2 model and 136PS/320Nm for the 2.5 Std. Both these variants are fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission.


Trapped Between A Bus and A Volkswagen - This Perodua Stood No Chance

Amazingly there were no fatalities in this terrible accident that happened at the Juru toll plaza in Bukit Mertajam yesterday evening.
The circumstances behind the accident remain unclear but what is certain is that the bus had hit a Perodua Myvi from the rear, crushing it between a Volkswagen Polo Sedan ahead.
Reports from several news dailies indicated that the occupants in the Perodua, two adult males, were pulled out of the wreckage with some injuries. Amazingly, there were no fatalities reported.
Looking at the picture above, clearly the Volkswagen was also subjected to a very severe impact and was pushed against another vehicle in front of it but crucially, its cabin remained intact with hardly any deformation on its A-pillars and doors.
Volkswagen may have received some bad press lately, but we have to credit them for maintaining a top-notch construction even on their cheapest entry-level Polo Sedan.


Mazda Posts Record Sales Through the First Half of 2016

The first half of 2016 has been good to Mazda Motor Corporation. They've moved a record 775,000 vehicles so far in this 2016-2017 fiscal year, which is marginally more than the record set during the first half of the last fiscal year. Sales in Europe went up by 12%, attributed to the introduction of the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda MX-5. China also sees prominent growth by 22% to 133,000 units. The ASEAN region improves by 18%, while Australia sees a mere 4% growth- perhaps due to Mazda's already strong penetration.
The product offensive continues with the roll-out of the Mazda CX-4 in China, and the Mazda CX-9 in North America, Australia and elsewhere. Other models receive various facelifts for 2017, the highly coveted Mazda MX-5 RF is going into production, and the next generation Mazda CX-5 will be put on display at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.
Due to the shifts in currency value, the revenue of  ¥1.55 trillion was down in terms of number but up in terms of value as the Yen has strengthened against other currencies.  Mazda reported an ¥88.3 billion (€748 million) operating profit between 1 April and 30 September and net income of ¥56.1 billion (€475 million). Mazda's goal remains on track with an expected 1.55 million units for the Fiscal year ending in March of 2017, and a projected operating profit of ¥150 billion (€1.29 billion) and net income of ¥100 billion (€862 million).


Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star (Two-tone colour) - It's All In The Space

Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star (Two-tone colour) - good looking, spacious and affordable - is it the most complete toaster-on-wheels?

The Nissan Serena (C27) has been around since 2018 and the variant that we have here has been in Malaysia since December 2018 but enough about the genesis of the Serena, how does it feel like as an urban family mover?

Space:  Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star

The first thing you will notice when you enter the Serena is how much natural light permeates into the cabin and how airy it feels. It exudes a sense of space unlike any other MPV in the market currently. Depending on how much light you like in your cabin this could be a positive or negative for you but my family of three loved it.

Comfort: Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star

The Serena excels in this area, the mocha-coloured diamond-quilted leather seats of the J Impul variant were comfortable and didn't transfer heat onto your rear end even when left parked under the hot sun for hours at a time. It also provided a nice color contrast with the color of the vehicle. I especially liked the white car and mocha seats color combo. The electric sliding doors that could be opened from inside and outside was also a welcome convenience. A centre console with some storage space for the driver is an addition that wouldn't be amiss in the Serena though.

Looks: Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star

Beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder so while this area will remain highly subjective, I, for one, think the Serena is one of the better looking MPV's currently on our roads. The J Impul bodykit gives it a 'garang' front face and coupled with the 18-inch Impul Millennium alloys, this is one MPV that combines looks as well as practicality. The accessories package for the J Impul reportedly provides it with an additional 10% downforce for better stability. See, it's not just for the good looks! Form and function.

Drive: Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star

The powerplant remains the same in the Nissan Serena J Impul. The trusty MR20DD 2.0 litre engine paired to an Xtronic CVT is given the task of powering the four wheels. It is assisted by an ECO electric motor that controls the Idling Stop and energy regeneration. All this simply means that it is powerful enough to carry your family and luggage, has enough torque for over-taking and is also more frugal than a conventional N/A MPV due to the electric motor.

Wrap-up: Nissan Serena J Impul Premium Highway Star

The Nissan Serena performs all that is required of an MPV. It looks good, will ferry your family safely and comfortably, is fuel efficient and most importantly it's very SPACE-Y!  Priced from RM148,000++ it ticks all the boxes of a family mover. Go test-drive one.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is Prepared if Recall Over Starter Motors is Necessary

As the result of a very peculiar set of conditions, there was a recent recall issued by Daimler AG regarding cars that may have suffered flood damage. Daimler AG is using the term "hydrolocked", although from past experience the entire engine usually needs to be replaced in the event of a hydrolock. The part in question is the starter motor, which may begin to overheat as the starter current limiter no longer operates.
Of course, this only happens if a driver continuously tries to start the car after it has been hydrolocked and doesnt seem to pose a threat in regular operation. In any case, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is aware of the recall operations in other countries and will be prepared if the recall affects Malaysian units as well. As a general rule of thumb, if your car dies after going through a flood you should not try to start it. Forcing it to start with water inside will potentially bend and break many, many things in the engine and could turn a relatively small repair job into an entire engine replacement.


Mazda Malaysia To Export All-New CX-5 To Philippines In 2017, CX-3 CKD Unlikely

Mazda Malaysia, the joint venture between Mazda Motor and Bermaz Motor to locally assemble Mazda vehicles in Kulim, Kedah, is expected begin export of Malaysia-assembled CX-5 models to the Philippines in 2017.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Bermaz, which also distributes Mazda vehicles in the Philippines via Bermaz Auto Philippines, will switch its sourcing for the CX-5 from Japan to Malaysia sometime in the second half of 2017.
This follows the recent upgrade at Mazda Malaysia’s assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah, which saw the assembler doubling its annual capacity to 45,000 units. It currently assembles the Mazda 3 and CX-5, with the latter exported to Thailand as well.
Judging at the rumoured timeline, it is also reasonable to conclude that the CX-5 referred to here is most probably the all-new, second-generation CX-5, as it is very unlikely for Bermaz Auto Phippines to switch its model sourcing arrangement at the tail-end of the model’s lifecycle.
The all-new CX-5 was previewed at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, and is set to be
launched in Japan by February 2017
.
On a related matter, we have also learned that Mazda Malaysia is unlikely to
locally assemble the CX-3
. Earlier this year, we’ve reported that Mazda Malaysia plans to commence local assembly of the CX-3 by the end of 2016, with exports to Philippines to begin shortly after that. We now understand that the plan is unlikely to go ahead, and is likely to have been replaced by the CX-5, which has a far bigger market potential than the CX-3.
Currently, the CX-3 sold in Malaysia and Philippines is imported from Japan. Thailand does local-assemble the CX-3 but it's only for the domestic market.


New Nissan Teana Facelift Launched In Thailand, Added Driving Assistance Features

Nissan Motor Thailand has just introduced the facelifted Nissan Teana, a few days after the launch of one of its key rival, the
all-new Toyota Camry
.
The current Nissan Teana with the model code of L33 has been around since 2013, and the company’s new V-Motion face has already been on sale in its main market of
North America since late 2015
 under the Nissan Altima name. In fact, Nissan USA has recently started sales of the
all-new Nissan Altima
.

What’s new?
The entire front end design of the new Nissan Teana has been replaced. A new bonnet and new fender panels are required to integrate with the new boomerang-motif DRLs in the LED head lamps and large V-Motion front grille.
18-inch wheels design in dual-tone finishing plus a new exterior colour called Radiant Red complete the facelift updates. There are no changes to the design at the rear, unlike the models in North America.
Nissan Motor Thailand has also fitted the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) driving assistance suite into all variants except the base XE variant.
The ITS suite consists of Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD).
Engine and Transmission
The new Nissan Teana continue to be offered with a choice of two engine power outputs- the 2.0-litre with 136 PS / 190 Nm and the 2.5-litre with 173 PS / 234 Nm. Both four-cylinder engines are mated to the Xtronic CVT transmission.
Another new feature that benefits the comfort levels of the new Teana is the Remote Engine Start (RES). Drivers can remotely start the engine to activate the air conditioning system to significantly cool the cabin before entering.
Nissan Motor Thailand has set the price of new base variant Nissan Teana 2.0 XE from THB 1,339,000 (~RM 169,000). The 2.0 XL is priced from THB 1,426,000 (~RM180,000) and customers who want an integrated navigation function in the 2.0 XL need to fork out an additional THB 50,000 (~RM6,300).
The flagship 2.5 XV Navi with all the bells and whistles maintained its price of THB 1,674,000 (~RM211,500). According to the
article in Bangkok Post
, the prices of the New Teana are slightly higher than the
Honda Accord that is due for replacement soon
.
Will we see this facelift in Malaysia? Based on our Carlist.my internal intelligence, we highly doubt so as sales of Nissan Teana has dropped significantly with consumers shifting their preference to larger and similarly priced SUV models such as the Nissan X-Trail.
The shrinking demand of D-segment sedans has also been seen by Honda as well as Mazda.


Proton Search Contest – Pensioner Wins Brand New Saga

A former civil servant is rewarded for his undying loyalty toward his 31-year-old Proton Saga which he bought brand new in 1985 continues to own today. Mohd Isa bin Ibrahim Shah, 85, is the Grand Prize winner of the
Proton Search Contest 2016
 that ran earlier this year.
In his submission, Mohd Isa told a touching story on how the Saga not only served the needs of his family, but also dutifully helped him in his charitable work for indigenous folks, which he still carries out today.
As Grand Prize winner, Mohd Isa not only receives a brand new
third-generation Proton Saga
, he also gets a free makeover worth RM5,000 on his current car which, whilst not in showroom condition, is in extremely good keep and is functional as a daily driver.
Alongside Mohd Isa are ten consolation prize winners, all of whom own units of the first generation Proton Saga from 1985 to 1986. These ten consolation winners will have their cars refurbished like Isa’s and receive cash prizes of RM5,000 each. Additionally, Isa and the ten consolation prize winners were given a tour of Proton’s Shah Alam plant.
The ten consolation prize winners are:
Abdul Razak bin Ahmad, 1985 Saga
Azizah binti Junid, 1985 Saga
Ishrat Banu binti Hassan, 1985 Saga
Mohd Jamil Chew bin Abdullah, 1985 Saga
Mustapa bin Kassim, 1985 Saga
Wong Sok Kim @ Wong Sok Kum, 1985 Saga
Govindarajoo s/o Periasamy, 1986 Saga
Mohd Tajuddin bin Idris, 1986 Saga
Samian bin Sawiyo, 1986 Saga
Tangaras s/o Doraisamy, 1986 Saga
The Proton Search Contest ran for a period of 13 weeks from 8 March to 8 June 2016. It received a total of 866 entries from Proton owners across the country with vehicles produced from 1986 to 2012.
The contest was organized to search for the longest single-owner Proton car that is still running. Contestants were required to share warm memories of their cars either through written stories or short videos.
“We were very encouraged by the overwhelming submissions from our loyal customers and supporters. It is also heartening to see that the number of 1985 Saga which are still plying our roads clearly show that our cars are very reliable and have played a significant role in enriching the lives of these owners with their various recollection of their most precious moments with the cars,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Office of Proton.
He further added, “The Contest brought many of the oldest single owners of Proton cars to share their wonderful stories which many Malaysians, I believe, are able to relate and connect with. This certainly resonates with our objective of producing affordable cars with the best value and quality for our customers.”


Renault Talisman Revealed: New D-Segment Model To Replace Laguna

Here is the new Renault Talisman, the French car maker’s latest D-segment sedan to be offered following a
name and teaser reveal at the end of June
.
Available in sedan and estate versions (the latter isn't shown here), the Talisman rides on the
Renault
-
Nissan
 Common Module Family (CMF) architecture with Renault’s 4Control technology allowing for four-wheel steering and active damping.
Controlling and coordinating the various technologies found in the Talisman is the duty of the Multi-Sense, which is responsible for operating the 4Control system, active damping, steering, engine, and transmission with four pre-set settings made available – Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Neutral.
Engine options include two petrol – Energy TCe 150 and Energy TCe 200, and three diesel options – Energy dCi 110, Energy dCi 130, and Energy dCi 160 – with transmission options ranging from a six-speed manual and seven-speed EDC.
In terms of dimensions, the Talisman measures 4.85 metres in length, 1.87 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height. The front fascia features a chrome grille with the brand’s diamond logo prominently displayed upright. At the sides are uniquely shaped C-shaped daytime lights which extend down to the bumper and depending on the variant selected, the car can be equipped with LED headlights as well.
At the rear, the thin tail light clusters extend towards the centre of the boot and logo which create a “powerful visual signature” and are always switched on to reinforce their visual impact. Ten body colours are on offer along with five alloy wheel designs sized from 16 to 19 inches.
Inside, the cabin is divided into three horizontal planes, accompanied by soft touch materials.
Renault
 say that the Talisman has among the very best rear knee room in its segment (262mm) and boasts a boot capacity of 608dm3 (VDA), one of the segment’s biggest.
One of the highlights in the Talisman is its multimedia equipment. The entry level model gets a 4.2-inch display but higher equipment levels sport the R-Link 2 connected multimedia tablet, with a 7-inch landscape format display and Bose Surround Sound system. Also available is an 8.7-inch portrait format display on the high-end equipment level.
The system features a touch screen display and features navigation, smartphone connectivity, various media inputs, and numerous connection for occupants. It also allows for operation of the Multi-Sense system.
Complementing the Talisman is a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – adaptive cruise control, emergency active braking, lane departure warning, safe distance alert, traffic sign detection with excess speed warning, blind spot alert, reversing camera, automatic dipped and main beam headlights, head-up data display, electronic handbrake, hands-free boot, and hands-free parking assist.
The
Renault
 Talisman goes on sale in Europe at the end of the year.


Next Generation Volkswagen Golf To Feature 48V Mild Hybrid System

Volkswagen has announced that the next generation Golf will feature a lineup of new powertrains, including a 48V mild hybrid system.
One of the key powertrain of the next generation Golf is its new 48V mild hybrid system. By pairing the mild hybrid system to the new Golf, Volkswagen aims to make hybrid systems affordable to the buyers.
This new 48V mild hybrid system offers improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, while offering electric boost feature that improves the driving performance.
No further details were revealed about the new hybrid powertrain, which is not expected to hit European markets until late-2020.
The Wolfsburg-based company added that the new Golf will be the starting point of its electrification program and will be gradually extended to the entire lineup.
Elsewhere, Volkswagen has also premiered its new 1.5 TGI Evo natural gas engine and 2.0 TDI turbodiesel engine.


Tesla Is Great, But They’re Not Light Years Ahead

If you’re an avid user of social media and a car enthusiast to boot, there’s no doubt that you will have found a number of articles popping up on your news feed with a title along the lines of “Tesla Will Destroy Everyone Else Because Their Technology Is Amazing”. Perhaps that was a bit of an over exaggeration, but every single one of these articles seems to rely on an anecdotal comment from an unnamed Japanese automotive engineer following the tear down of a Tesla Model 3.

While this does wonders for Tesla’s stock value, one can’t help but question the exact nature of these claims. Some pieces will include shoddy justification for why Tesla’s technology in their vehicles is ahead of the competition, but really the main message is that Tesla will put everyone out of business and other automakers can’t keep up.

Except that’s not really the case. For many years, Tesla was struggling to get even the most basic of automotive assembly processes down. A lot of over promising and under delivering later and they could finally get those Model 3s out after taking huge amounts of money in booking fees. Unfortunately that’s what happens when you try to mass produce without much experience in the field itself.

But even if we took that out of the equation, the buzz is more around how “advanced” Tesla’s systems are, and how they are ready for future updates and improvements as features get rolled out. There’s a bit of a flaw here and it comes down to how vehicle ownership actually works. It’s great to have something that can be updated and reprogrammed for things that aren’t yet available, but how long do people actually keep their cars for?

Granted, you could keep one car for your entire life, but mechanical components still need replacing over time, as do batteries and other wear and tear items. After a while, the cost of ownership starts to ramp up to the point where people dispose of their cars, and after a few changing of hands the car will eventually be scrapped.

So what then is the point of packaging all these amazing-yet-unused systems in a car if it’s probably going to be scrapped before those systems are feasibly implemented? For all the talk of full autonomous driving, the unfortunate reality is that will be a long way away from being implemented even in progressive cities. Unlike the usual translation of Moore’s law where technology gets twice as complex every two years, the main spanner in the works is other humans on the road – which Tesla cannot control.

Coming back to the idea that other manufacturers cannot match Tesla on this front, perhaps a better way to think of it is that there is no point offering such systems if there’s no solid timeline for autonomous driving – especially when other manufacturers are working in higher volumes and across more markets. If Toyota were to spend just RM 10 more for every unit they made, across all its models, they would have to fork out over RM 100 million extra in 2019 alone.

As is the case with cost and part optimization, the result is that many features and functions will need to be made piecemeal as not every car is going to have every feature. For different markets, an Engine Control Unit may be a common part, but body control modules (things like your power windows, heated seats, and so on) may be slightly different – hence the need to have these items separate so they can be changed. It’s simply production efficiency, and the reason why Tesla’s integrated control units don’t work in other contexts.

Perhaps the real joke in all this is this notion that Tesla being “six years ahead” of anyone else is anything to worry about, even if it were remotely true. Every mass market model has a lifespan of between five and seven years, which means that manufacturers have to account for shifting trends and consumer expectations over that duration. With battery technology accelerating the way it has been (with an especially big step in the last few weeks), it pays to be a late adopter rather than an early adopter. By the time mass market manufacturers start a full electric offensive, it will make sense and be at the right price point for consumers – rather than being more of an alternative lifestyle option right now.


11th Generation All-New Honda Civic vs 10th Generation Honda Civic - What's New?

It’s back ladies and gents. The 11th-generation Honda Civic has officially been introduced for the US market. The
transcendent sedan from Honda
 now returns with a
revamped design
, inside and out, improved chassis dynamics, as well as better safety equipment and updated powertrains.

Though for now only in its U.S. market form, which usually differs from the model the European and ASEAN markets receive, let’s check out what's new.

Design

At the front, the 11th-gen Civic sports the latest three-dimensional and wide front grille which is flanked by sleek headlights with an L-shaped DRL light signature. Round the flanks, the car’s glasshouse has been pushed back (at the front) and stretched at the rear (much like the Accord) to give the Civic a low-slung coupe-like silhouette. The characteristic kink in the bodyline just before the C-Pillar is another nod to the Accord’s design cues.

Round the back, Honda has ditched the love it or hate it C-shaped “
ketam
 taillights
” for a cleaner, more streamlined rear lights with L-shaped graphics. The rear also features a curved duck-tail boot edge for an extra dose of sporty. The US market also receives contrasting coloured or dual-tone finished wheels depending on variant.

Interior

On the inside – the interior has been redesigned for a far more premium outlook. A detailed honeycomb mesh accent now runs the width of the dashboard which neatly integrates the air-conditioning vents. Up top, the touchscreen infotainment system is offered in 7- and 9-inch sizes depending on variant. Down the centre, the centre console features a main cubby space with an integrated Qi-
wireless charge port
 (certain variants), and further back, the gear shifter and usual drivetrain controls are accompanied by two cupholders.

The new Civic also benefits from a new front-seat design. Using Honda’s Body Stabilizing Seat approach, the new-generation seat frame firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives.

The ‘Touring’ variant of the US market Civic notably gets a 12-speaker Bose sound system, the same variant also receives a Civic-first 10.2-inch full-LCD instrument cluster display.

Powertrain

The US market receives two four-cylinder engine choices: A naturally aspirated (NA) 2.0-litre or a turbocharged 1.5-litre. The 1.5-litre turbo which is more familiar to us has been updated to produce 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1,700rpm and 4,500rpm (87 octane fuel) – those figures represent a 6hp and 20Nm gain over the previous model. The 2.0-litre NA engine outputs 158hp and 187Nm of torque.

Both engines are paired with an updated continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) uniquely tuned for each engine. The revised CVT enhances fuel efficiency by using a more robust electric hydraulic pump which reduces the load on the mechanical pump, and a ball-bearing secondary shaft to reduce friction. The transmission has been programmed to provide early downshifts during braking and stepped-gearshifts during hard acceleration to simulate physical gear changes for more driver engagement.

Body and Chassis

The new Civic’s body structure scores an 8 percent improvement in torsional rigidity and 13 percent improvement in bending rigidity versus the previous generation. Building on Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) structure, the body is designed to meet current and future crash standards courtesy of extensive use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum and various grades of high-strength steel, as well as an expanded application of structural adhesives.

The chassis has been tuned to take advantage of the stiffer shell and increased wheelbase for a smoother ride.

The front MacPherson struts feature new low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings to improve steering feel and self-centering. The spring and damper alignment has been optimized to produce less friction during operation. The rear also gains a wider track width and gets two rear lower arms that are equipped with a new bushing that reduces vibrations, and enhances stability and turn-in dynamics.

Additionally, the electronic power steering has been re-tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability.

Safety Features

The Civic features a newly designed three-chamber 'donut-shaped' airbag on both its frontal airbags to reduce the rotation of the occupant’s head in the event of a collision. A total of 10 airbags are offered as standard in the US market Civic.

Elsewhere, the A-pillar structure, side frame and lower firewall structure have been designed to route crash energy around the cabin. Side impact protection also has been improved, with stiffer structures in the roof, side sill and B-pillar, doors, and the rear wheel arch and C-pillar.

The
standard-fit Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies
 uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system can more quickly and accurately identify pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles, along with road lines and road sign.

The
Honda Sensing ADAS suite features
 the following features:

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

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Auto High-Beam (AHB)

The system now adds Traffic Jam Assist. The new camera-based system improves existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Production

The US market Civic will be produced at Honda’s Alliston plant in Ontario Canada, while a hatchback model – which will join later on – will be made in Honda’s Greensburg Indiana plant (after
closing its Swindon, UK plant
). Prices and launch dates will be announced for the US in due time.

What do you think of the Honda Civic, do you agree with its grown-up looks?

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Honda Accord 2020 vs Toyota Camry 2020

If we were to talk about the titans of the mid-sized family sedan, there's no going past the fact that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are the two most prominent players in this arena.

Year after year they go after each other, and sometimes we think they don't care about anything else except for being better than the other - something like Liverpool and Manchester United's never-ending rivalry.

But their rivalry isn't such a bad thing, because if it weren't for that competition the Honda Accord 2020 and Toyota Camry 2020 would never scale new heights generation after generation.

In our opinion, the
Honda Accord 2020
 and
Toyota Camry
 2020 are currently the best out of any of their previous generations. Their styling is more adventurous, and they feel more luxurious - thanks to that new competition, the SUV.

Saying that however, we can't have a tie between these two as people will naturally put these two kings of practicality against each other and decide which one is best for them. To help with the decision making, we thought we would breakdown these two cars and take a look at some of its good and bad bits.

As usual, we will pick the highest variants for both, which means the Honda Accord 1.5 TC-P VS Toyota Camry 2.5V, the only Camry variant in Malaysia.

All Pictures: Toyota Camry 2020 (left side), Honda Accord 2020 (right side)

Looks: Honda Accord 2020 0-1 Toyota Camry 2020

There's no denying that Honda and Toyota have had to make the Accord and Camry sportier-looking to attract buyers away from purchasing an SUV. The Camry now looks like a sporty yet classy car, reminiscent of a Lexus body silhouette, while Honda has surprised everyone and gone all coupe shaped with the Accord giving it a dramatic sloping rear roofline. As much as we love that new sexy roofline on the Accord, somehow the Camry's stance just pushes all the right buttons.

Interior: Honda Accord 2020 1-1 Toyota Camry 2020

Just as you think that the Camry will pull ahead thanks to its new good looking body, the interior doesn't feel as reflective of its great exterior design. Yes, the Camry's interior sweeping line which cuts through the centre console feels very driver-oriented and sporty, but it's the Accords' understated and simple interior layout that feels more appropriate. There's also this feel that the Accords' interior materials are better, everything feels supple to the touch. Also thanks to that coupe-like body, the Accords' boot space is slightly larger than the Camry's. The Accord's interior feels surprisingly larger too, a testament to Honda's clever interior design which all of their cars now have.

Powertrain: Honda Accord 2020 2-1 Toyota Camry 2020

Hands down, the Accord trumps the Camry here. Not only is the 1.5-litre 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve, DOHC Vtec Turbo (198hp, 260Nm) more potent than the Camry's 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, In-line, 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-I and ACIS (181hp, 235Nm), but you will also pay less road tax thanks to Honda's smaller engine displacement. But, we're just not big fans of CVT transmissions, so the Camry does get back some brownie points for having a 6-speed Automatic with Super ECT & Sequential Shifter.

Honda Accord 1.5 TC-P

Toyota Camry 2.5V

HP

198

181

Nm

260

235

Transmission

CVT

6-Speed Automatic

0-100km/h

9.1 Sec

10.7 Sec

Tyre Size

235/45R18

235/45R18

Driving Impressions: Honda Accord 2020 2-2 Toyota Camry 2020

Both are front-wheel drive cars but both feel very different to drive. Thanks to Toyota's pursuit of making more driver-oriented cars, the Camry actually feels quite agile and sharp. It really does reflect that sporty interior it has. The Accord, on the other hand, reflects its regal underpinnings and drives like a comfy limousine that an earlier generation Mercedes would be proud of. What a reversal of events for these cars, it used to be the opposite for both vehicles. Toyota should pat themselves on the back for being brave and altering the Camry so that it is bit more sprightly. Even the older generation like well-sorted handling cars and Toyota finally understand that.

Conclusion: Honda Accord 2020 2-2 Toyota Camry 2020

Its really a tough choice choosing between the two, especially when there is only around RM1k difference between the price (Honda Accord 1.5TC-P RM187k vs Toyota Camry 2.5V RM188k). While the Honda Accord is a better package due to its low road tax, engine power and space, there is something to be admired about how Toyota has managed to completely turn the Toyota Camry into a different beast. We'd take a chance on the 2020 Camry and so should you but if all fails and you can't pick either, there's always that technologically advanced
Volkswagen Passat
 you could look at.


The Kia Stinger May Not Go Into A Second Generation

For many, the Kia Stinger was a sign of hope. It was going to be the underdog Korean car that would show the world that luxury need not have a big price tag, and that the Koreans could make a very convincing, competent, luxury sports sedan. The Stinger had all the right ingredients as well, with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and a top-spec GT model with 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that pushed 365 hp and 510 Nm of torque.
Unfortunately, the Stinger isn't doing so well. Apart from Australia where it's been surprisingly well received, it hasn't quite seen the levels of success Kia hoped for within North America. Europe has also pushed heavily for the Stinger, although being a market that has its own strong offerings in the very segment the Stinger is supposed to fight in, it can be a little difficult to remain competitive. It was something that Kia took a big chance on, and unfortunately it isn't going as well as planned, and according to
Australia's Which Car
, plans for the next generation Stinger is in doubt.
It's this simple fact that is causing Kia to reconsider producing a successor to the current Stinger. The car was popular among critics and garnered a lot of interest from the public, but poor sales means it does not present an appealing enough business case to the Korean brand. On the one hand, they are continuing their marketing push in Europe, but on the other they also feel that the project is a dead end and won't be profitable, despite appealing to a select group of enthusiast drivers.
When
speaking to the Australian media at the Paris Motor Show
, Kia's head of design Gregory Guilliame didn't feel that the Stinger - or enthusiast cars in general - were going to disappear in the next few decades. “I hear a lot of things, you know. ‘People don’t like cars. People just want to be in a box and driven around.’ I don’t believe it. I think that might be the answer in some environments, but that doesn’t mean there’s not moments where you enjoy being in a car and driving." he said, hinting that there's definitely more to come.


All-new Dunlop 4x4 Tyre Range Launched; Brief Driving Impressions

Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTM) has launched two all-new offerings in the Malaysian market for its Dunlop 4x4 tyre range, namely the highway terrain Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 and all-terrain Dunlop MaxGrip AT5 aimed at pick-up trucks and SUVs, both the robust and crossover variety.
“The Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 and Dunlop MaxGrip AT5 are the second generation of locally-made Dunlop 4x4 tyres since Continental AG came to Malaysia. These new Dunlop 4x4 tyres were designed here in Malaysia for Malaysia road conditions and customer expectations,” said Mr Cameron Wilson, Managing Director of CTM.
“Incorporating German technology, these tyres are produced in our high-tech plant in Alor Setar which is reaching new benchmarks for excellence in quality and process technology,” Wilson continued.
The Dunlop brand’s ownership is fragmented across the world. Goodyear holds it in Europe and North America, Sumitomo Industries owns it for much of Asia, and there are other custodians of the brand in different parts of the planet.
Continental AG’s holding of the brand is restricted to only Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. As such, research and development of Dunlop-branded tyres for our market result in products with characteristics that are catered exclusively to consumers in our region.
CTM does import and sell Dunlop-branded tyres from other custodian of the brands, but the locally-made products are developed with a high degree of input from Malaysian engineers based in Petaling Jaya working in collaboration with their Continental AG counterparts in Germany.
Succeeding the RoadTrekker RT2, the new Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 is claimed to offer the following benefits
Two dedicated water flow channels – improves water dispersion for better wet grip.
Part-silica compound construction – higher water-repellence for better wet grip and reduced braking distance; improved durability too.
Bigger & stiffer tread blocks – increased road contact patch area for improved road-holding.
Widened contours – Reduced tyre curvature for more even wear, translating to better durability.
Available sizes: 245/70 R16, 265/70 R16, 225/65 R17, 255/70 R16, 265/70 R15, 255/70 R15, 215 R15, 31 x 10.5 R15 LT LRC
The MaxGrip AT5, on the other hand, offers the following benefits:
Zig-zag tread patterns – better all-surface grip and traction
Optimized tread depth – balances between longer mileage and more efficient heat dissipation
Sidewall protection rig – shields tyre sidewall against scrapes from rocks and boulders.
Available sizes: 255/70 R15, 265/70 R15, 31 x 10.5 R15, 245/70 R16, 265/70 R16, 275/70 R16
Brief Driving Impressions – Dunlop MaxGrip AT5
The day-long launch event of the two Dunlop 4x4 tyres included a drive programme that took us on the Karak Highway to Janda Baik, Pahang, with some mild off-roading thrown in. Only the MaxGrip AT5 tyres were tested, however, which the folks at CTM fitted into a fleet of pick-up trucks that included the
Nissan NP300 Navara
,
Ford Ranger T6
,
Isuzu D-Max
, and
Mitsubishi Triton
, which I was assigned to by luck of draw.
The on-road stretches of the drive quickly showed up the tyre’s impressive quietness on the move, which more than rival many highway terrain tyres in the market. Road holding at moderate speeds is largely unaffected – only when pushed hard around bends did our test car exhibit a slight uncertainty which we do not recall when testing the
Triton
 on its stock highway terrain tyres.
There was a substantial increase in firmness of the ride over bumps and road patches, but lesser disturbances such as painted strips are more effectively insulated. We suspect the possibility that the tyres may have been overinflated.
The off-road leg of the programme was a relatively modest one, the type which we regularly undertake in media drive for pick-up models in regular highway terrain tyres anyway. There was a shallow river crossing which was attempted by only one truck, namely the Triton which I was in, but otherwise, the tyres were tested well within the safe side of their limits.
The only notable observation is that hill descent on steep slopes in 4L driving mode feels better controlled than we typically experience when testing trucks on HT tyres. We can perhaps attribute this to the superior grip provided by the AT5 tyres. This observation is particularly pertinent in the Triton, which is not fitted with electronic stability or hill-descent control; it was purely mechanical.
In brief, the MaxGrip AT5 felt like a good all-terrain tyre with well-balanced abilities. Particularly impressive is how closely its refinement and tarmac-holding capabilities rival those of highway-terrain tyres.
It even prompts the question on whether the highway terrain RoadTrekker RT5 is even relevant, but the answer that the RT5 is engineered to provide even better handling and refinement. Additionally, the RT5 is also catered for use in crossover SUVs, whilst the AT5 is not.


VIDEO: Audi And MPV Get Into A Hilarious/Moronic Shoving Game Over Who Goes First

You know how drivers of certain brands of car have certain preconceived notions about their behaviour put onto them? I won’t name the brands or even the cars, but let’s dive into the core of whether they are justified.
In this regard, we also have no idea. But we do know they exist, and we do know certain drivers German marques are have been known to drive according to this usually negative stereotype. Spoiler, there aren’t any positive stereotypes, if you’re wondering.
Click on thumbnail to play video.
So this video shows an
Audi

A5

Sportback
 (
S5
 Sportback? Too little resolution, can’t confirm) having an entirely childish intimidation game with a small MPV on a highway as to who has the right of way to go ahead first. Not sure who came into who’s lane here, but at this point it doesn’t matter as they both refuse to give the other an inch.
Frustrated and butthurt, the Audi driver drives onto the other lane (nearly hitting a truck) and veers back at the MPV, slamming it out of the lane. The MPV is hit but not beaten, and keeps pressuring the Audi driver. The side-by-side game of shove continues until the Audi driver uses his/her car’s weight and power advantage to push the tiny MPV to the curb, presumably to settle the argument with a game of chess and a handshake.
This sort of infantile driving and refusal to yield no matter what really has no place on any street in any country. While fun to watch, it speaks volumes about each the tedious insecurities of both these drivers. How pathetic.


Will the Peugeot Landtrek have good resale value?

The upcoming Peugeot Landtrek might just have enough going for it to be a car with good resale value.

Resale value is undoubtedly high on the priority list of every new car buyer. This consideration is especially true for those thinking of purchasing obscure vehicles from continental auto manufacturers.

When we say obscure, we don't mean rare, but rather vehicles that have just only recently been heard of and have no pedigree or history behind their name, like the
Peugeot Landtrek
.

As we know, strong residual values favour only a handful of brands. It is for this reason Honda and Toyota will always have better second-hand value than, let's say, a BMW or a Peugeot.

Yes, demand, reliability and aftersales all play a role, but buyer perception also affects some of these vehicles more than others.

It's not much different when it comes to pickup trucks, particularly when they are starting to be considered as an alternative to family SUVs and sedans.

Actually, since modern pickup trucks are being utilised beyond their original purpose, which is to tackle the rough stuff and carry cargo, the value retention of these utilitarian vehicles is quite high - in fact, some of the highest we've ever seen on
iCarData
.

Most popular
top-of-the-line pickup trucks retain more than 60 per cent value
 after five years meaning trucks have amongst the strongest resale values in our market, certainly much better than most passenger sedans and SUVs.

But those are tried and tested pickups from brands with heritage in making trucks, such as Isuzu, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

For a Peugeot Landtrek however, we can't really be precise and predict what will happen since it's a new vehicle and model from Peugeot - but we can say however that the Landtrek might just be the first Peugeot in Malaysia to have high-value retention, just because it's a pickup truck.

Yes, Peugeot sedans normally only retain 68% of their value in the first year, but this is uncharted territory for the brand in an age where pickup trucks are one of the most in-demand vehicles in the country.

Besides, the Landtrek's exterior has the French brand's 'alluring' design DNA that is both stylish and modern, whereas the inside is just as stylish as some of Peugeot's latest SUV offerings with features like the 10-inch HD screen and Peugeot's signature piano key toggle switches.

There is a possibility that it might depreciate badly, but then again, in an age where most people have bought a pickup truck because they've gone down the lifestyle route, there might just be some space for a very lifestyle Peugeot truck, which might see it retain its value very well.


All Electric Vehicles Officially On Sale In Malaysia (2021)

We compile a list of all-electric vehicles (BEV) currently available on sale in Malaysia.

The recent 2022 budget announcement which proposed a
completely tax-free incentive for EV cars
, has really given EV's the much-needed exposure they need.

While this proposal has not been passed just yet, it doesn't deter the fact that it has somewhat ignited the nation's interest in EVs - with some even looking into buying one right now.

Yes, it might seem silly to try and buy an electric vehicle right now as it might be cheaper if the proposal is accepted, but some buyers have the luxury of not depending on government incentives for their purchases.

If you're part of this privileged bunch, then the electric cars down below should give you a quick oversight of all the electric vehicles available in Malaysia. Currently, the EV options list in Malaysia ranges from RM160k all the way up past RM500k. They come in all shapes and forms, from cute little hatchbacks to sporty-looking coupe-shaped vehicles.

1.
Hyundai Kona Electric

Price: From RM149,888

Power: 136PS/395Nm - 204PS/395Nm

Range: 305 - 484km

0-100km/h: 7.9sec - 9.9sec

Charging: If you connect to a 100kW DC charging station, you can charge your Kona Electric from 10% to 80% state of charge in approximately 47 minutes. For the 64kWh battery, when connected to a public AC charging station, it takes approximately 7 hours 30 minutes to charge the long-range 64kWh battery pack from 0-100% state of charge. For the 39.2kWh battery, when connected to a public AC charging station, it takes approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to charge the 39.2kWh battery pack from 0-100% state of charge using the 7.2 kW charger and 4 hours 30 minutes using the 11kW charger.

2.
Nissan Leaf

Price: RM181,263

Power: 150 PS/320Nm

Range: 311km

0-100km/h: 7.9secs

Charging: standard with a 6.6 kW (Type 1) wall box charger that requires approximately 7 hours for a full charge. With a 50 kW "CHAdeMo" quick-charger, the Leaf can be fully charged in just 60 minutes. CHAdeMO quick chargers are available in selected locations such as ABB Malaysia (Subang Jaya), Nichicon Malaysia (Bangi), and PLUS Ayer Keroh R&R (Malacca Southbound).

3.
MINI Cooper SE

Price: RM213,460

Power: 186PS/270Nm

Range: 232km

0-100km/h: 7.3secs

Charging: 2 hours and 30 minutes of charging will get you 80% charge via an 11 kW AC power through a Type 2 cable. DC fast charging via its CCS socket can charge the battery from 10 to 80% in 36 minutes.

4.
Tesla Model 3

Price: From RM270k?

Power: N/A

Range: 448 - 567km

0-100km/h: 3.3 secs - 5.6secs

Charging: A Tesla Wall Connector offers the fastest charging speed adding up to 71km of range per hour charged. The
Tesla Supercharger
 is the fastest charging option, allowing you to charge your car up to 322km in 15 minutes. For AC charging from 3.7kW and 22kW, you can charge your Tesla fully in 8 hours. Importer, Carsome.my can hook you up with speccing the Model 3 to your choice as well as what you may need in terms of charging hardware.

5.
BMW iX3

Price: From 317k

Power: 288PS/400Nm

Range: 453km

0-100km/h: 6.8 secs

Charging: It takes 32 minutes to replenish 80% of the battery if it is plugged into a 150kW DC fast charger. Malaysians will likely use the far slower 11kW AC charger, in which case the iX3 should take around 7 to 8 hours to reach maximum capacity.

6.
BMW iX

Price: From 419k

Power: 328PS/630Nm

Range: 425km

0-100km/h: 6.1 secs

Charging: The iX is optimised for High-Power DC Charging (HPC) of 150kW and AC charging of up to 11kW (1.39 hours for full charge). 2.3kW charging will take 8 hours to get a full charge.

7.
Porsche Taycan

Price: From RM584,561

Power: From 326PS/357Nm - 761PS/1,050Nm

Range: From 340km - 416km

0-100km/h: 5.4 secs - 2.8 secs

Charging: Charging time via AC with 9.6kW will be 10 hours 30 minutes hours, whilst charging time for direct current (DC) with 50kW for up to 100km will be 31 minutes. So if you happen to be in the market for a hybrid, PHEV or EV, you will get to enjoy
interest rates as low as 1.99% flat
 rate p.a. with RHB Auto Financing when you purchase a Hybrid/ Plug-in /EV model!

There is a special promo ongoing for the Carlist Drive Auto Fair Car Expo! You will enjoy complimentary PA coverage of the sum covered RM150,000 from Takaful Malaysia for every approved application with us!

Event: Carlist Drive Auto Fair

Date: 3 December 2021 – 5 December 2021

Venue: Booth 018 (Hall 1), Setia City Convention Centre

Visit us to enjoy these exclusive deals!


The Ford Mustang is the Best Selling Sports Car in The World

Just three days ago, the Ford Mustang celebrated its 56th birthday, and to make the occasion even more special, the model also celebrated becoming the world’s best-selling sports car of 2019.

Having sold 102,290 units worldwide, the Mustang’s sales in 2019 saw significant increases in many countries.

While sales in Germany increased by 33 percent, Poland saw sales rising by nearly 50 percent, and in France, they nearly doubled. The Mustang is also America’s best-selling sports car of the last 50 years.

2019 also marked the fifth consecutive year that Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in the world.

With up to 12 enthusiast models available globally, Ford said that this is actually the new “golden age” of Mustang performance as there are many options for customers around the world to choose from.

These Mustang variants include the EcoBoost and GT models each with two Performance Pack options, the Mustang Bullitt, the Mustang Shelby GT350, Shelby GT350R, plus Shelby GT500 with Handling Pack and Carbon Fiber Track Pack options.

Since the sixth-generation Mustang’s global exports began in 2015, through December 2019, Ford has sold 633,000 Mustangs in 146 countries around the world – including 102,090 Mustangs in 2019.

That being said, it looks like the Mustang is all set for a bright future ahead, putting smiles on the faces of muscle car fans worldwide, as well as future generations.

So, if you've been thinking of getting your hands on one, we've actually got a few nice Mustangs lined up for you right here at Carlist.my, ranging from a couple of
new and unregistered 2018 models
, more than 10
tip top used units
, and even a classic 1967 Mustang Hardtop Coupe right
here
!