B-Segment SUV Power Battle: Hyundai Kona 1.6T vs Proton X50

Hyundai-Sime Darby Malaysia Motors have just announced that their range of
Kona B-segment crossovers
 will be expanding with the addition of two new variants and the return of the (short-lived in Malaysia) pre-facelift model’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Bookings for the new Kona 1.6 Turbo and N-Line are now open, though we’ll have to wait for a full launch event - likely virtual - before the full spec list is made known, along with the corresponding prices. Naturally, we’re fully expecting both to cost a healthy amount more than the entry-level 2.0 (RM119,888) and the 2.0 Active (RM136,888).

That said, it is interesting to chart the Kona’s brief but eventful history in Malaysia, which started with its
initial launch in October 2020
, powered by either the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a 1.6 turbo. Pretty familiar.

Just over half a year later, in April, HSDM brought in the newer 2021 revision of the Kona, complete
with its still-recent facelift
, but shrunk that engine range solely to that 2.0-litre unit, which was fine when weighed against B-segment rivals such as the Honda HR-V and its 1.8 i-VTEC, but swiftly smoked by the
X50’s punchy powertrain
.

That brings us neatly to July 2021, where the Kona’s Malaysian presence is once again about to be graced by a turbocharged petrol engine, albeit one that’s been absorbed into Hyundai’s new Smartstream engine family.

Alongside the name change, the 1.6-litre turbo, which has elsewhere seen action locally in the Elantra Sport and
Veloster Turbo
, now gains some mechanical upgrades, leading to the more robust output of 198PS and 265Nm of torque.

Peak torque hasn’t moved at all, which is sort of strange, and probably why its century sprint time has stayed stagnant over the version launched in late 2020. It’s also mated to the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission we’ve been used to seeing from Hyundai.

Still, 198PS is nothing to dismiss. Some of the most exhilarating hot hatchbacks have boasted about figures not quite as high. Of course, rarely does raw output equate to an engaging drive, but Hyundai is attempting to sway us to the contrary with the Kona N-Line, a more aggressive-looking version that might be a pleasant surprise behind the wheel, if you’re feeling optimistic.

Equipped with that turbocharged four-cylinder, the higher tier Kona variants will now have a 21PS power advantage over X50 Flagship’s 177PS. Peak torque is also in the Hyundai’s favour, though only slightly, by 10Nm.

However marginal or seemingly massive, the performance gap between Proton’s 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine and the Hyundai’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder mill, both these direct-injected turbocharged petrol engines will no doubt provide ample speed and acceleration in normal situations. Speaking of which, on that comparison, the Kona is quoted to reach the 100km/h mark 0.2 seconds quicker. No big deal.

While true that the X50 will no longer be the most powerful B-segment SUV contender, you will likely be paying a significant premium to step up to the Hyundai. Bearing in mind the current Kona 2.0 Active’s price already being some RM30,000 more expensive, this incoming 1.6 Turbo will likely land north of RM140k. Hey, at least it’s better value than a
Suzuki Swift Sport
.

HSDM have also - thankfully - confirmed that the two incoming variants will be arriving with the full complement of Hyundai’s Smartsense active safety suite, an addition that seems fairly obvious given its inclusion on the soon-to-be mid-spec Kona 2.0 Active.

The driver assistance systems will include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. All but that final feature is missing from the X50 Flagship, but then again the Proton does have a 360 all-round view monitor which the Kona lacks, and is arguably more useful.

Onto more other points of comparisons, the Kona’s boot offers up 374-litres of cargo space with the rear-seats left upright. The Proton’s 330-litre capacity isn’t exactly poor next to the Hyundai’s, but the Honda HR-V’s 437-litre boot does put them both to shame.

We’ll leave the fit and finish question for later as we have yet to sample the refreshed Kona just yet. The X50’s cabin does feel nicely appointed, especially for a Proton, but judging how premium the
newest Sonata
and Elantra are from the inside, we’re expecting to be impressed.

In total, the new variants to the local Kona range are nothing but welcome additions. Still, like its other class rivals have found out, it will likely have some difficulty beating the Proton X50 as a value proposition. We’ll need to spend more time around these cars to tell just how much of a fight the new Hyundai puts up.

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Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Unveiled, Mild Hybrid, 435 hp

Mercedes-AMG has further expanded its 53 series with the introduction of the GLE 53.
Power comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre in-line six petrol engine which generates 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque, and an EQ Boost starter generator which provides an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque, and additionally feeds the 48V on-board electrical system.
Paired to the engine is the AMG Speeshift TCT nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ AWD system. Further complementing the package is AMG’s Active Ride Control air suspension with active roll stabilization, pneumatic self-levelling axles, seven driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail, Sand, Individual, Slippery), and a high performance braking system.
Based on the W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GLE 53, which is built on the brand’s Modular High Architecture platform, is able to do the century sprint in an impressive 5.3 seconds, and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
On the exterior, key features include AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips, narrow headlamps with striking A-Wing in the front apron, a chrome-plated front splitter, standard 20-inch light alloy wheels, chromed twin tailpipes, and an optional AMG Night Package.
Inside, the GLE 53 features red colour accents on the seats which are covered in Artico/ Dinamica man-made leather, an instrument panel which is also covered in Artico man-made leather, a black roof liner, and aluminium brushed trim elements with light longitudinal grain, and an AMG Performance steering wheel.
There is also the optional foldable third row of seats which make the GLE 53 a seven-seater if desired. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
Infotainment is taken care by the MBUX system which comes as standard, with numerous AMG-specific content.
The instrument cluster has its own specific details such as the AMG start-up menu and the four selectable styles (Classic, Sport, AMG exclusive Supersport, and Discreet).
Also worth mentioning here are the optional AMG Track Pace feature, which is basically a virtual engineer which enables up to 80 vehicle-specific data such as 0 – 100 km/h sprint time, and lap time among others, to be recorded and analysed in detail.
Many of these values can be displayed if desired on the widescreen cockpit or in the optional head-up display in real-time.
Last but not least, the GLE 53 also comes with an exclusive fragrance for the interior named "AMG#63" as part of the Air-Balance package. According to the company, it is an inspiring, sporty scent to match the spirit of the performance sports car brand.


Volkswagen Relocates Asia Pacific After-Sales Centre From Singapore To Malaysia

The Volkswagen Group have started construction of a new regional parts centre in the Port Tanjung Pelepas free trade area in Johor Bahru. When completed in 2018, the new regional parts centre will supply 28 markets in the Asia Pacific region. Volkswagen Centres in Malaysia and Singapore can also expect to receive deliveries of parts up to twice per day.
There are also plans for the later integration of the after-sales activities of other Group brands (like Audi) and the regional pooling of the delivery chain for genuine parts.
Currently, the Volkswagen Group’s regional parts centre is located in Singapore.
Imelda Labbé, Head of Volkswagen Group After-Sales, explains the expansion strategy: "Over the past few years, the Asia-Pacific region has recorded steady growth. The expansion and the relocation of our regional genuine parts center from Singapore to Malaysia reflect the significance and potential of these growing markets and will lay the foundation for further growth. Malaysia will be the new hub for after-sales logistics in the region."
Marcus Edelmann, Director After-Sales for the Volkswagen Group Regional Office in South-East Asia, said "Our new regional logistics center in South-East Asia will allow us to supply parts throughout the region even faster than before. From 2018, directly connected dealerships in Singapore and Malaysia will receive two deliveries per day. This will significantly improve our customer service in the region at the same time as laying the foundation for further growth."
From January to August 2016, the Volkswagen group said sales in the region has been up by 7.0 percent to 2.7 million vehicles, and that after-sales business is also benefiting from this growth.


Review: Mazda 6 2.2 SkyActiv-D – Efficient Thoroughbred

Mazda has hinted at the coming of its SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engines into our market for some time now, and the first wave of that assault has commenced with
diesel variants
 of the
Mazda 6
 and
CX-5
 that were officially launched in our market fairly recently.
More is to come in due course, with local distributors Bermaz actively running diesel-powered demo units of the
CX-3
 and
Mazda 2
 as well. If and when these two models hit the market, they would give Mazda the
biggest line-up of diesel-powered passenger cars
 in Malaysia after
BMW
.
Consistent with the SkyActiv Technologies masterplan, Mazda’s take on diesel power incorporates plenty of unconventional innovations aimed at delivering unrivalled refinement and parsimonious economy whilst offering entertaining dynamics. Does the Mazda 6 with diesel power live up to the Zoom-Zoom promise?
Specifications:
Price: RM208,739.31 (OTR with Insurance)
Engine: 2.2-litre, Inline-4, Transverse, Turbodiesel
Power: 173hp @ 4,500rpm
Torque: 420Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX (rear), autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
Origin: Fully-imported from Japan
Overview?
This new diesel variant of Mazda’s
D-segment
 flagship leads a four-strong line-up of the Mazda 6 range. It joins the existing petrol variants that consist of the sedan in 2.0- and 2.5-litre configuration as well as the Touring version powered exclusively by the 2.5-litre mill. Launched in 2013, the Mazda 6 was
facelifted last April
.
For now, Mazda is offering the 6 Diesel only in sedan bodystyle and has specified it with identical equipment as its 2.5-litre petrol sibling. The 4% pricing premium imposed on the diesel over the 2.5 petrol is consistent with Mazda’s pricing strategy of the 6 in other markets. Whichever variant of the 6 that you choose, though, it’s not going to be cheap – the RM164k 2.0-litre sedan aside, everything else sits north of RM200k with insurance.
Average D-segment buyers may find the 6’s prices prohibitive, but that’s not going to bother Mazda. Rather than chase sheer volume, Mazda has opted to position the 6 as an affluent semi-premium preposition above its mainstream Japanese peers.
The 6 Diesel’s only direct rival in the market is the
Peugeot 508 GT
. The
Ford Mondeo EcoBoost
 is another similarly-priced contender that rivals with impressive performance and dynamics, albeit with the far greater thirst of a petrol engine. Lastly, it is worth noting that similar money also puts you in a
BMW 318i
.
Exterior
Having been with us since 2013 as well as having sold in decent numbers, the Mazda 6’s distinctive styling needs little introduction to us by now. A few details were refined when Mazda facelifted the model last year, but in a segment where competitors typically take the safe path in styling, you certainly won’t mistake the 6 for anything else on the road.
You’ll have to look very hard indeed to tell the 6 Diesel from its 2.5-litre petrol sibling. There are only two visual telltales to look out for – a red ‘D’ affixed to the customary ‘SkyActiv Technologies’ badge and rear fog lights which are not currently available in the petrol models.
The 6 Diesel is better differentiated against the 2.0-litre petrol version by virtue of its 19-inch alloy wheels and LED-illuminated daytime running lights, front fog lights, headlamps, and tail light cluster.
In case you’re wondering, the car is not sold with the stickers you see in these pictures.
Interior
If mechanical sophistication is not a good enough reason to justify the 6’s seemingly steep price tag for you, look no further than the immaculate build quality and selection of materials in its cabin.
Granted, it doesn’t quite have the fit and finish to rival a
W205 C-Class
, but surface texture and switchgear tactility convincingly suggest that this is a cabin built to a higher price point than your regular D-segment entries.
Thanks to 6’s bigger footprint, limitations of Mazda’s packaging abilities are not as badly exposed as they are in models such as the
Mazda 2
,
Mazda 3
, or the
CX-3
. A Honda Accord still feels more spacious in comparison, mind.
Last year’s facelift also saw major renovation works along the centre console which now accommodates Mazda’s current-generation MZD Connect infotainment system. Parking brake has switched from mechanical to electronic actuation; besides appearing more upmarket, this change had the positive effect of freeing additional storage space along the centre tunnel.
How does it Drive?
The 2.2 SkyActiv-D engine is a
diesel like no other
. Thanks to its famed super-low 14.0 compression ratio, nitrogen oxide levels are low enough that the engine can meet tough emission standards without needing a NOx trap.
Also, by operating at a lower compression, the engine block and other moving components are subject to lesser stress and can thus be made lighter; for the driver, it is immediately noticeable that this engine is extremely smooth-revving by diesel standards. The standard six-speed auto complements the engine well with smooth, intuitive, and unobtrusive shifting of gears.
All-round performance of the engine is extremely commendable. Whilst it does not pull with the ferocity of a
BMW 320d
, the Mazda 6 Diesel under full throttle picks up speed in with commendable smoothness and linearity. It is entirely in keeping with the SkyActiv philosophy that not only seeks to deliver a balance of performance and economy, but also extremely meticulous attention to minute adjustability.
Much like its petrol siblings, the Mazda 6 Diesel also benefits from largely sure-footed dynamics. High speed stability feels reassuring, but some of the petrol model’s agility and eagerness seem blunted by the diesel engine’s inherent heaviness. Not that it’s bad to drive, but there is the distinct impression that the 6’s chassis setup feels best-optimized for the characteristics of a petrol engine.
We also note with praise the impeccable calibration of control weightage and feedback from both the steering wheel and brake pedal. Responses to inputs are linear and predictable, and the controls transmit enough sensations that enable the driver to feel connected to the road.
How comfortable is it?
Considering its aggressive rim and tyre sizing, the Mazda 6 rides surprisingly well. The suspension setup is firm without being brittle and does a fair job isolating road imperfections from the cabin.
Less satisfactory, however, is its poor suppression of noise, a common trait of Mazda vehicles, but one that is entirely unbefitting of its seemingly impeccable cabin build. It is evident that Mazda chose not to invest as much as we would have liked on sound-deadening materials, and because of the smoothness of its own running gear; the effects of wind and road noise are further exacerbated. At highway speeds, they drown out the excellent sound produced by the standard-fit Bose speakers.
How economical is it?
Officially, Mazda claims an official fuel consumption of 4.1 litres/100km for the Mazda 6 Diesel recorded in ‘UK-regulated’ lab testing. Unsurprisingly, our real-world readings on the trip computer, admittedly with about 60 percent highway driving, returned a much higher 7.3 litres/100km. In the context of diesel engines of similar capacity, that’s about average.
Regular servicing is fixed at 6-month / 10,000km intervals with the first 3 years / 60,000km free of charge. Beyond that point, visits to the service centre are can set you back anywhere from RM510.80 for minor servicing and up to RM1,091.61 for more intensive maintenance.
Be mindful, however, that 19-inch tyres don’t come cheap. Good rubber will easily set you back between RM1,000 and RM1,500 per piece.
Conclusion
A RM200k diesel-powered executive sedan. This is not exactly uncharted territory in our market, but Mazda’s efforts represent the biggest push of diesel power in passenger cars by any car brand in Malaysia after BMW’s still-ongoing efforts that kicked off back in 2009.
Much of what we like with the Mazda 6 petrol variants largely carry over to this new diesel sibling, albeit with some minor trade-offs. On the one hand, the renowned parsimony of Mazda’s SkyActiv engines is further enhanced along with more forceful delivery of acceleration. On the other, it also gives up (unavoidably) some of the petrol engine’s smooth-revving characteristics, which in turn blunts some of the fleet-footedness that this chassis is capable of.
The Mazda 6 is a very likeable car, and its new diesel engine is an agreeable powertrain in most respects – smooth, efficient, and powerful. The package possesses all the right mechanical attributes to make the Mazda 6 Diesel a very capable long-distance cruiser; if it was quieter on the move, it would be perfect.


Review: 2016 Chevrolet Colorado – Raising the Stakes

From a segment which appealed only to ‘Taukes’ as well as estate and jungle dwellers once upon a time, the pick-up truck segment has become arguably the most competitive category in the market.
It has been a case of brand after brand, model after model ever since the previous gen Triton came into the picture. And the good thing is that these trucks just keep getting better and better, with the Ford Ranger being the so-called benchmark.
That being said, what you’re looking at now is the latest model to be introduced in Malaysia - the all-new Chevrolet Colorado which will be making its official local debut this month.
Having been rather silent for some time now, Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor of Chevrolet vehicles here said that the new Colorado will be the company’s most important model in the stable; its trump card in its quest to revive the brand in Malaysia. That is how confident the brand is with the new Colorado.
Whatever it is, manufacturers will always be manufacturers and they will make all sorts of claims. So, ahead of its launch, we got our hands on the new Colorado last month in the Philippines to see if it is really as good as the company says it is.
Specifications of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Variant
2.5L Duramax FGT
2.5L Duramax VGT
2.8L Duramax VGT
Transmission
6-speed AT / 6-Speed MT
Driveline
2WD and 4WD
Power
160 PS
177 PS
197 PS
Torque
380 Nm
440 Nm
500 Nm
Price
TBA
Origin
Built in Rayong, Thailand
Safety features: 4 airbags, Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, ABS, EBD, ESC, Panic Brake Assist, Hill-  Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Overview
Having entered its second generation, the Chevrolet Colorado, which made its ASEAN debut in April in Thailand, will be offered with 3 engines in Malaysia and is already open for booking. They are:
2.5L Duramax Turbo-diesel Fix Geometry Turbo (FGT),
2.8L Duramax Turbo-diesel Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT)
2.5 Duramax Turbo-diesel Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT)
The big news is the introduction of an upgraded version of the 2.5L Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine which now offers more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions. While the 2.5L Duramax engine in the pre-facelift model produced 161PS and 380Nm of torque, the updated mill kicks out 177PS and 440Nm of maximum torque. The 2.5L Duramax FGT engine and the 2.8L Duramax VGT engines on the other hand, remain the same.
The engine aside, other additions in the new Colorado include the addition of:
Electric Power Steering
Remote Start
Auto headlamps
Auto rain sensors
Front and rear park assist
Forward collision alert
Tire pressure monitoring
18-inch rims
LED DRL
While we are still unsure of how much it will be asking for, the new Colorado’s main rival will of course, be the
Ford Ranger
, and also the rest of the horde including the
Toyota Hilux
,
Mitsubishi Triton
, and the
Isuzu D-Max
.
However, Naza Quest did announce that the truck will be offered in five colour choices; Summit White, Black Meet Kettle, Switchblade Silver, Pull Me Over Red and Blue Mountain, and with a 5 Years/200,000km manufacturer warranty.
Exterior
In order to keep up with competition, and also to make it look as fresh as possible, Chevrolet has given the Colorado’s front end a complete revamp, featuring a new grille, more muscular hood, slimmer and sharper looking LED headlights with DRL, as well as new 18-inch wheels.
Thanks to the enhancements, the Colorado definitely looks much better than the outgoing model which looked rather conservative.
During the regional test drive event held in Cebu, Philippines, Chevrolet did mention that a wide range of exterior accessories will be offered to give customers the platform to further customize the the Colorado based on their preferences.
That said, we can expect the company to bring in the genuine accessories like the black grille, extended sports bar, rear black bumper and black door handles, which are highly likely to be a hit among Malaysian buyers who just love to customize their trucks.
Interior
In the cabin is where the new Chevrolet Colorado has improved the most compared to the outgoing model. While the predecessor’s interior was somewhat easy on the eye and well-built, noise insulation wasn’t that great.
However, after hopping into the new Colorado, the first thing we noticed was that we couldn’t hear the engine idling at all, which is a huge plus point for a diesel vehicle. Even when we were driving, we could barely hear anything from the truck’s surroundings.
We could only hear the engine when we floored the accelerator pedal to work the engine hard, which was quite impressive, really.
Complementing the super quiet interior was the new dashboard built with nice and thick soft-touch plastic. It might not look as stylish as the dashboard of the Ford Ranger or the new Hilux but it is definitely of very decent quality.
The seats and the steering wheel were also clad in leather, giving the Colorado a premium feel which some of its rivals lack.
As simple as it looks, the Colorado is packed with features such as the Mylink infotainment system which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 8-inch 0
Driving it
Whatever a 4x4 is supposed to do; the Colorado does it well - Wading 700mm deep water, climbing a surface that is 40-degrees steep, going through holes and uneven surfaces and everything in between could be done without breaking a sweat.
As lively as it was off the beaten track, the new Colorado is a beast on the road as well. With full torque available from low rpm, we never had to worry about the truck struggling, be it the 2.5- or 2.8-litre engine
During our stint with the Colorado, we drove through the city, the coastal roads, up a hill for close to 30km, through a specially-built off-road track, and even through a small lake. Never once did the new Colorado, which is one of the most powerful models in its segment, felt like it could use more power.
Another plus point is the introduction of the Electric Power Steering, which made it easier to manoeuvre the Colorado in the city and through tight spots.
Passenger comfort has also improved significantly from before, thanks to the new suspension tuning, the Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber, and the improved bushes and mountings which have reduced the level of vibration all around.
Conclusion
In all, the Colorado did whatever we expected it to do. While it impressed us with attributes like the silent cabin, the powerful engine, and generous amount of standard equipment, there is still room for improvement in terms of its design.
Yes, the new Colorado looks better than its predecessor but it is far from being the best looking truck in the segment. Even the interior for instance – minor touches like coloured stitching could’ve been added to give the truck the added visual appeal many buyers look for nowadays.
But these minor things aside, the new Colorado is indeed a very capable proposition that is among the best in class.
On another note, watch this space for more details on the Malaysian version of the Colorado as the launch is just around the corner.
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KL's Landmark Volvo Showroom Gets the Makeover it Deserves

Veterans of the Volvo brand in Malaysia will remember the iconic showroom off of Federal Highway - it was around since the 1970s, before Mid Valley began construction, and was partially torn down as part of a new construction project four and a half years ago. The service area for the showroom migrated to a much smaller area off to the side, but this was always meant to be a temporary measure while a new showroom underwent construction.
But the showroom has returned as part of Menara MBMR, in all of its 16,685 square feet of glory. Menara MBMR itself started operation in May this year; over RM 10 million was spent on this project, ensuring it aligned with Volvo's global corporate imagine and the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). The VRE itself aims to be an improvement on the customer experience from the moment one enters the showroom.
Light and space are big design concepts in Scandinavia, so large frosted panoramic windows along the perimeter of the floor space allow as much warm natural light in as possible. There's a mix of wood flooring and ceramic tiles, a clear segregation of 'street' (a showcase of Volvo's model lineup) and 'living room' (a place for customers to relax) areas, without the need for a physical barrier. The clear windows are also designed and placed such that passing cars on Federal Highway will get a great eye-catching view of the showroom units- clean and shiny, sitting pretty.
The aim was to provide the same sense of familiarity that traditional Volvo customers would expect, while also offering chic design and styling that a newer generation can appreciate. Those who visit the showroom can enjoy free Wi-Fi, as well as cakes and coffee. The new showroom is open from 9. 00 am to 7. 00 pm, Monday to Saturday, while it opens from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Sundays. For more information, the number to call is 03-2260 1411.


Dwayne Johnson Confirms Hobbs For Furious 8, Maybe Even His Own Spin-Off

Dwayne Johnson, better known to all of us as The Rock, let slip some hints that seem to confirm his return for the next instalment in the Fast & Furious series, Furious 8. He also makes mention of, although offhandedly, of a possible spin off centred on his character, Luke Hobbs.
The verbal confirmation took place just after press conference held for Johnson’s latest film, San Andreas, where the actor told NerdReporter “Of course. Can’t go on without Hobbs.” He sounds rather confident, doesn't he?
On the subject of the possible Hobbs spinoff, Johnson wasn’t shy on details during the San Andreas Q&A session, adding that the all the parties involved are keen on the idea. He said, “I just had a big conversation with the studio, so we’ll see. I still think for me personally, we create a little bit of space from seven and gauge what the audience will want and go from there. That’s my take on it. Now a lot of other people have their own say."
Since there are currently seven Fast and Furious movies, with Vin Diesel confirming the existence and
release dates
 for an eight instalment, perhaps the time is right for the franchise to move in a different direction. There's still a lot left in the franchise, it appears, and the fans are coming back for more
amazing cars
,
stunts
 and action.
Would you like to see a Hobbs spinoff?


MBPJ Wants To Clear Its Roads Of Abandoned Junk Cars, Owners To Be Found And Fined

The Petaling Jaya City Council has announced its intention to dispense of all the junk cars that are littering various parts of its jurisdiction. It’s a move that will surely help free up parking spaces and make for an altogether cleaner and healthier urban landscape, especially considering these derelict eyesores could potentially harbor Aedes mosquitos.
There are several locations that have been identified by the council as hotbeds for abandoned cars, The Malaysian Insider writes. They include PJS1-10, SS2, SS3, SS7, SS9A, SS20, S21, SS22, SS24, BU6, BU11, PJU10, PJU1A, PJU7, PJS1, SD 1, SD 5, SD 9, SD 12, and Sections 6 and 11 Kota Damansara.
During a press conference at the council headquarters yesterday, mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain told the press: “We will take action to sort out the problem of junk cars, most important because these cars can provide breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito. These cars abandoned in the streets and parking areas are also inconveniencing the people,”
“The 425 complaints that we received last year, which have now risen to 510 complaints, show that people are annoyed by the problem.”
To make room for these abandoned vehicles that will soon be towed away, MBPJ has prepared a rented space in Section 26 in Shah Alam that they say will be able to store them, at least temporarily until the owners claim them or the council obtains the rights to do away with them properly.
Azizi added that these owners who have left their vehicles to rot on the streets can be compounded up to RM250 in addition to shelling out the RM250 for towing charges and RM100 in storage fees.


SUKE Expressway Opens Today - Expected To Reduce Congestion By 36%

The SUKE highway is set to be a useful expressway that can help reduce traffic congestion by up to 36% in the city.

The
just-opened Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE)
 along Sri Petaling to Jalan Hulu Kelang is set to be one of the most useful expressways built in Malaysia as it is touted to be able to reduce congestion in the eastern parts of Kuala Lumpur by up to 36%.

BFM who interviewed Prolintas Group CEO, Mohammad Azlan reported that the expressway would reduce congestion by 30% on the MRR2, 36% on Jalan Ampang, and 12% on Jalan Loke Yew.

SUKE to reduce traffic congestion by up to 36%

Bernama also reported that the new 24.4km highway could help reduce traffic congestion in the city, with 80,000 vehicles expected to use it daily.

The SUKE expressway, which cost RM5.7 billion to build was launched yesterday by Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Starting today from 12.30 pm, the expressway will be open to the public, and it was announced that it would be
 toll-free for a month.

Although SUKE is 98% complete, only the fully-completed Phase 1 stretch from the Cheras-Kajang interchange to the Bukit Antarabangsa endpoint will be accessible to the public initially.

The Cheras Kajang interchange is quite a spectacle as it features Malaysia's first helicoidal ramp, which is basically a spiral road with two loops to get you to the top portion of the interchange. Sitting 56.4 metres tall, the Cheras Kajang portion of SUKE is actually the third tallest elevated road in Malaysia after Penang's Bukit Kukus road and the Rawang Bypass.

SUKE - Third tallest elevated highway in Malaysia

Another plan to continue the amazement of the highway according to Azlan is to build a rest stop that is unique with an unobstructed view of Kuala Lumpur. The rest stop is still in its design and planning phase and is expected to be completed within 36 months.

"We are a city highway and want to have features that are exciting to city folks, said Azlan to BFM. The rest stop will be built near Taman Tasik Tambahan Ampang, which can be accessed from the highway.

For your information, there will be three toll plazas throughout the SUKE expressway, located at Bukit Teratai, Ampang and Alam Damai. Bukit Teratai and Ampang toll plazas are part of the Phase 1 opening.

When fully opened, SUKE will feature 14 interchanges, including Sri Petaling, Sungai Besi, Alam Damai, Cheras-Kajang, Cheras Hartamas, Bukit Teratai, Tasik Tambahan, Permai, Kosas, Pekan Ampang, Ampang Point, Ulu Kelang, Hillview and Bukit Antarabangsa.

SUKE is also built to connect a complete ring of
networked highways
 and roads in and around Klang Valley as well as the existing Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), KL-Seremban Highway (KL-SEREMBAN), Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), Cheras-Kajang Highway (CHERAS-KAJANG), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH) and Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE).


Sime Darby Auto Performance Launches the Porsche Panamera Turbo at RM 1,550,000

Now that Porsche's model lineup is largely turbocharged, it still feels a little strange that the Turbo model represents the more powerful turbocharged model of the lineup. Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has just launched the Panamera Turbo for our market, which will sit above the Panamera and Panamera 4S in the local lineup. It's powered by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, pushing a whopping 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque between 1,960 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The turbochargers are mounted in a "hot V" configuration- between the two cylinder banks- which helps with turbo response and performance.
There's plenty of technology in the Panamera Turbo that helps it to be a little less frivolous with the fuel consumption. Besides lightening the components of the engine (weight saving helps fuel economy AND performance), there is active cylinder deactivation that allows the Panamera Turbo to run on just half its cylinders when cruising up to 3,500 rpm. Despite this, it only takes 3.8 second to hit 100 km/h from a standstill and has a quoted top speed of 306 km/h.
On the performance side of things, Porsche has used iron alloys for the engine liners in order to reduce engine wear in extreme conditions. While the Panamera Turbo does not have a dry sump engine, it does have split oil circuits for the head and the bottom end, which helps to speed up oil pressure build up during startup and reduces the risk of oil starvation by keeping the oil where it should be. Piston oil squirters also make an appearance here, which is becoming a common addition for higher-strung turbocharged engines (even though the technology has been around since the 1990s and earlier).
The retail base price for this new Porsche Panamera Turbo is RM 1,550,000, inclusive of all duties but without registration, road tax, or insurance. It comes with a four-year warranty and a four-year free maintenance package that includes complimentary service, parts and labour. As it is with most Porsche products, you can still expect the price to jump with each additional option you select, but even in base trim it should be a mighty impressive sports saloon.


Head To Head: Ford Everest Sport vs Toyota Fortuner VRZ

The Ford Everest Sport is the most affordable Next-Gen Everest available, but can it take on the Toyota Fortuner VRZ, a top-of-the-line Fortuner that's RM42k cheaper?

When it comes to rugged body-on-frame seven-seater diesel SUVs, only a few vehicles come to mind - except if you're in Australia, the Philippines, or Thailand because there are myriad options there.

In Malaysia, only one vehicle comes to mind, and that vehicle is the
Toyota Fortuner
. Thanks to discontinued models such as the
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
 and
Isuzu MU-X
, it pretty much had the whole market to itself - or did it?

Well, technically, it didn't, because despite not seeing many, if any at all on the road, Ford was
actually selling the Everest
. One of the biggest problems the Ford Everest had was its price because it was expensive for something that was essentially a
Ford Ranger
 underneath.

Unfortunately, this has not changed, and the recent arrival of the
next-gen Everest
 once again sees a hefty price tag slapped on the Everest.

However, this time around, Ford has introduced three variants, with the cheapest one being priced closer to the Fortuner VRZ. The only problem with this particular Everest however when compared to the
Toyota Fortuner VRZ
, is that it is an entry-level model, whereas the Fortuner is top-of-the-line.

Can the entry-level Ford Everest take on a fully kitted Toyota Fortuner? We'll have to bring out the good ol' comparison table to find out.

2022 Ford Everest Sport 4x2 vs 2022 Toyota Fortuner VRZ 4x4

Index

Ford Everest Sport

Toyota Fortuner VRZ

Price

RM262,819

RM220,880

Engine

2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (I4)

2.8-litre Turbo Diesel (I4)

Power

170PS@3,500rpm

204PS@3,000-3,400rpm

Torque

405Nm@1,750-2,500rpm

500Nm@1,600-2,800

Transmission

6-Speed AT

6-Speed AT

Driven Wheels

4x2

4x4

Boot Space

239L-898L (third row folded)

200L-716L (third row folded)

Infotainment

10" vertical touch screen

with Apple/Android support

9" touch screen with

Apple/Android support

Speakers

8

6

Airbags

7

7

Safety

ABS, EBD, ESC,TCS, TA

Reverse Camera

Parking Sensors

Regular Cruise Control

ABS, EBD, ESC,TCS,TA

360 Reverse Camera

Parking Sensors

Pre-collision System

Lane Departure Alert

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA

Safety - Entry level vs Top of the line

Being an entry-level vehicle, the Everest Sport was always going to struggle when it came to safety. The Ford SUV only comes with passive safety features, while the Fortuner VRZ comes with passive and active safety features which technically makes it a safer vehicle.

The airbag count is the same in both cars but the VRZ trumps the Sport once again as it comes with a 360 field of view camera, which is much better than Ford's regular reverse camera. Cruise Control in the VRZ is also an intelligent bit of kit, whereas the Sport comes with conventional cruise control.

Engine displacement - 2.0L vs 2.8L

We all know that Fords are known for their
small yet powerful engines
 and the Everest just like most other Fords it
comes with one
. Despite being the single turbo version, the Everest Sport does get decent performance from its 2.0-litre powertrain. Compare this against the Fortuner's larger 2.8-litre engine which pushes out 204PS and 500Nm of torque, the Everest is down by 34PS and 100Nm of torque.

We have experienced this engine before, and it's not too shabby as it still makes you believe that you have good amounts of power under the hood. Yes, it's no contest for the Fortuner's ever reliable, powerful, and smooth 1GD-FTV engine, but the silver lining is that the Everest Sport will ask less from your wallet when it comes to the dreaded road tax renewal time and refuelling.

Off-road - Everest vs Fortuner

One of the many reasons that people buy
 body on frame SUVs
 is for the simple fact that they can handle the rough stuff. They come with an easy-to-fix
ladder chassis
, sit taller off the ground, and usually come with a part-time four-wheel drive system.

In the case of the Everest Sport, the four-wheel drive system has been taken away to make it more affordable. All it's left with is its traction control system which can sometimes
help get its drivers through slippery surfaces
. Yes, this might be a bummer, but if you mostly use your SUV for city and highway driving, you have to ask yourself, do I really need a part-time four-wheel drive system? If the answer is no, then the Everest Sport will do just fine.

Nonetheless, if you do actually take your SUV off-road where obstacles lie, then the Fortuner would be a safer bet as it has a four-wheel drive system, auto-limited slip differential, and one of the fastest traction control systems in the business.

Verdict - Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest?

As much as we are rooting for the Ford, we just can't see people choosing it over the Toyota, especially when they are purchasing a vehicle using their heads. Price for price, the Fortuner VRZ is a vehicle that is more value for money as you are getting more at a cheaper price. It pretty much trumps the Everest Sport in every department, except for the couple that we mention above.

So will there be anybody that will buy the Everest Sport over the Fortuner VRZ and pay the extra RM42k which buys you LESS features? We believe yes, but not in big numbers. Not all of us buy cars just because it has an impressive list of features. Sometimes buying a car is about connecting with the car, the brand, and just pure lust of the heart.

Since the Ford is a GOOD LOOKER, it might just win people over in that department alone - desire, after all, is a funny thing that might just get you to do crazy things.


More Details On Perodua Aruz SUV, Estimated From RM72,200

Malaysia’s automotive leader, Perodua, has just announced the name of its latest product offering, the Aruz. As mentioned in earlier reports, the Perodua Aruz shares plenty of features with the all-new Toyota Rush as the product is developed to be marketed by both companies.
In an earlier news brief, it was established that Aruz was
one of the three names
 that the company proposed- the other two being Impax and Lasaq. Perodua says the name Aruz was inspired by the Bahasa Malaysia word for flow or 'Arus'.
"It symbolically represents an act of continuous dynamic motion that signifies progress. This progress, in turn, represents the Aruz's ability to elevate your life," Perodua elaborates.
The compact SUV with seven seats is powered by an aluminium-block 1.5-litre engine with Dual VVT-i (outputs of 105 PS and 136 Nm of torque in the Toyota Rush) and is rated to return 15.6 kilometres per litre of fuel, earning it an EEV-status. The engine, like the one found in the new Myvi, is
built at the engine manufacturing facility
 located at Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan.
The final assembly of the Aruz is done at Perodua's main plant at Rawang, and the assembly line will also supply UMW Toyota Motor with the all-new Rush. The Aruz is exclusively offered only with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Ground clearance is very generous at 220 millimetres, a figure that is close to many larger SUV models.
Perodua will begin taking orders for the new Aruz today, with the 1.5X priced from an estimated RM72,200 and the higher spec 1.5AV variant priced from an estimated RM 77,200 (both prices on-the-road, without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia). Prices for East Malaysia indicate an additional RM2,300.
The Aruz 1.5X comes with these standard features:
LED head lamps
17-inch wheels
Keyless entry and push start button
Built-in Touch N’ Go card reader (for toll payments)
Automatic air conditioning system with two memory settings
Rear air conditioning vents
Touch-screen infotainment system
Reverse Camera
Charging ports in all rows
6 SRS Airbags and Vehicle Stability Control with Hill Start Assist Control
Rated 5-star by ASEAN NCAP
The higher spec 1.5AV, estimated to be priced RM5,000 more than 1.5X, meanwhile receive these upgrades:
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0
Auto on/off function for head lamps
Front fog lamps
Roof rails
Leather covered seats and steering wheel
Integrated Driving Video Recorder (DVR)
HDMI port and Smart Link feature in the infotainment system
The Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 adds pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h) to the safety suite and increases the operational speeds of Pre-Collision Warning to 100 km/h and Pre-Collision Braking to 80 km/h. The safety suite continues to incorporate Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.
There are five colours for customers to choose from: Amazon Green, Granite Grey, Electric Blue, Glittering Silver, and Ivory White. The five-colour palette is also offered by UMW Toyota Motor on the
all-new Rush
. An accessories package under the Gear Up label that consists of a set of door visors, carpet mats, and luggage tray can be had for RM450.
Warranty coverage for the Aruz meanwhile is five years or 150,000-kilometre mileage.
Note: The article has been updated after receiving an official press release package from Perodua.


‘Illegal Car Workshop A Nuisance, Hazard To Traffic And Parking’ - Shop Owner

Shop lot owner S.C Chin, 56 has had enough with an illegal
car workshop
 that has been operating in the Dataran Sunway area within Kota Damansara.

Meanwhile, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has seemed to be sitting with an eye blind to the issue, or so he says. This is despite Mr Chin sending the council numerous letters/emails, complaints directly to city councillors, and reports via the ‘e-aduan’ website.

The car workshop in question is claimed to have been in operation for the last 3 years at a lot that’s adjacent to his, where it routinely engages in major car repairs, often involving engines.

Under commercial licences issued by MBPJ, only businesses
involving tyre services
 and car battery replacements are allowed, while more ‘full-fledged’ repairs require relocation to an industrial area.

“To make matters worse, this workshop also carries out repair work on the five-foot way and public parking bays in front of the premises,” adds Chin at a press conference at the PGRM Public Services and Complaints Bureau in Taman Kinrara 1.

“This has created access problems, especially for people with disabilities. The workshop operator
parks condemned cars
 all over the premises, including the back lane, making it a fire hazard and blocking access for rubbish collectors.”

To Mr Chin’s frustration, the car repair workshop continues to operate uninterrupted despite having its license revoked and being issued a summons in December 2019 for violating the conditions under its “Tyre Services” business category.

“The premises were sealed off during the first movement control order in March 2020, but the operators obtained a new licence in July that year under a new company name. A search in the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) revealed that the same individuals continue to operate the same business,”

“This is totally unacceptable. There are many workshops operating this way and abusing the licence issued by the local authorities. MBPJ is not taking action unless it receives complaints.”


Upcoming All-New 2017 Mitsubishi XM MPV Set To Debut In Indonesia Later This Year

Mitsubishi
first unveiled
 its XM Concept back at the 2016 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, previewing its upcoming low-cost MPV.
The upcoming production model, when it launches in Indonesia later this year, aims to challenge the Honda BR-V, Nissan Grand Livina, Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Avanza.
Power is expected to be derived from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that sends drive to the front wheels, much like its rivals. A diesel variant has been ruled out as Mitsubishi said that demand is too low for diesel engines in the segment, but this could change as Suzuki Indonesia recently unveiled a diesel hybrid version of the Ertiga.
According to
carreview.id
, the executive general manager at Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) Marketing Division, Osamu Iwaba said that development is already in its final stage and the launch is scheduled to take place later this year, either in October or November 2017. Earlier, the company claimed that the XM Concept has the final product would have up to 80% of the concept's design elements.
Mitsubishi also
mentioned
 that the XM name is a combination of X which stands for crossover and M that is stands for MPV. Sounds familiar? The Honda BR-V comes to mind, with its 7-Seater Crossover tagline. The source also reckons that ground clearance of the Mitsubishi XM could better its rivals, like the Toyota Avanza and Nissan Grand Livina.
Seeing that Nissan now has a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corp, the
next-generation
 Nissan Grand Livina is said to be based on the Mitsubishi XM, which could see a market debut in 2018.


VIDEO: This Is What Happens When You Leave Someone In A Car On A Hot Day

How long do you think you can last in a hot car? Well, for NFL Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, it was just eight minutes.
Animal rights organisation PETA recently challenged Mathieu to see how long he could withstand the heat of being in a hot car. So, on a 32°C day (Malaysia is certainly much hotter, we reckon), Mathieu got into the car as the temperature begins climbing.
By the eight minute mark, Mathieu finally taps out with the inside temperature of the car reaching a scorching 49°C.
Now ask yourself, if a professional American football player, who is no stranger to heat, can only stand eight minutes inside a hot car, what makes you think your baby, dog, cat, or any of your loved ones should be put in such a situation.
"This is ultimately what it feels like to be a dog trapped inside of a car while their owner is probably in the grocery store," Mathieu said.
So please, don’t leave anything to chance and never leave your loved ones in a car parked out on a hot day.


Malaysia Day Special: The Who and Where Of Malaysia’s Car Industry

When the late Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed Malaya’s independence from the British empire in 1957, our local roads were mostly travelled by imported British cars. There was no vehicle assembly or manufacturing plant in the country.
The nearest was Ford Motor Company’s plant in Singapore, which later joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 for a brief two years.
Plans to establish a local manufacturing industry began in the ‘60s. In 1963, the same year the Federation of Malaysia was formed, Malaysia began implementing measures to establish heavy industries.
Our initial industry policy was very much influenced by ideals pushed forward by experts from the Colombo Plan – an inter-governmental organization funded mainly by Western countries to promote economic development in South East Asia, with the intention of combating rising communist influence in the region.
By 1964, the then Minister of International Trade and Industry Mr. Lim Swee Aun announced several measures to promote the local production of automotive components and setting up of vehicle assembly plants.
To kick-start demand for locally-produced industrial products, an import substitution policy was introduced. Import duties were imposed on imported vehicles and distributors were required to obtain a special license before they are able to import vehicles. The license had to be renewed every six months.
The introduction of locally-assembled vehicles also added several new terminologies to our policy papers. Today, many of us identify cars either as CKD (completely knocked down, referring to locally-assembled vehicles) or CBU (completely built-up, referring to imported vehicles).
There is actually another term, SKD (semi-knocked down) - which is much simpler operation that usually involve only fitting the axles and doors. Unlike CKD operations, SKD plants have no body painting or welding processes. However as far as our industrial policy papers are concerned, a vehicle is either a CBU or a CKD. Officially, there is no such thing as SKD, at least not recognised by our tax structure.
The first vehicle assembly plant setup in Malaysia is Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia (formerly known as Swedish Motor Assemblers) in Shah Alam, Selangor. Built in 1967 and officiated in February 1968 by the same aforementioned MITI Minister, it produced the Volvo 144 – the first locally-assembled car in Malaysia. Today, the Volvo plant produce not just Volvo cars, but also Volvo trucks.
Between 1971 and 1976, the Volvo plant also took on contract manufacturing of Datsun models while Tan Chong Motor Assemblers readied its plant in Segambut, Selangor.
Shortly after the Volvo plant began operations, Champion Motor opened its own plant across the road from Volvo. Known as Assembly Services, the plant produced the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, as well as a small number of Chevrolet Impala.
Champion Motors would later exit from Malaysia and ownership of the plant was transferred to UMW Toyota Motor, which continued to assemble Toyota vehicles there to this day.
Rounding up the trio of pioneer automotive assembly plants in Malaysia is the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Segambut. Opened in 1976, the plant used to assemble Datsun and Nissan models, but today it has been re-designated to do contract assembly jobs for non-Nissan models.
The Segambut plant now mainly serves Nissan’s sister-brands from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which now also includes Mitsubishi. It also assembles Subaru SUVs.
In total, there are now 20 vehicle assembly plants in Malaysia. The number used to be higher but increasing competition and under-utilization of plant capacity have forced at least four plants to close.
The most recent plant closure was Sime Darby Motors’ Associated Motor Industry (AMI) plant in Shah Alam. It used to assemble Ford and BMW vehicles before shuttering in 2008. The last vehicle to roll out of that plant was an E60 generation BMW 5 Series. The property now belongs to the Tan Chong Group but is left dormant.
Over in Sabah, the Kinabalu Motor Assembly plant used to assemble various Isuzu pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles. The plant’s former owner the Lion Group has since sold the property to MBM Resources (which owns Volvo dealer Federal Auto, and is a major shareholder of Perodua) but to date, the plant is left dormant and Isuzu vehicles are now produced at the Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang.
Further down south in Sarawak, the former Sarawak government-owned Sarawak Motor Industries plant in Kuching used to assemble Toyota and BMW models before closing down in 1986.
Cycle and Carriage Bintang, then the distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia prior, used to assemble Mercedes-Benz vehicles at a plant located next to Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya. Today, production of Mercedes-Benz vehicles is carried out at the Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang.
The remaining 20 plants in Malaysia currently produce over 90 models, including commercial trucks and buses. The biggest exporting brands are Mazda, Volvo and Toyota.
Mazda exports the CX-5 diesel to Thailand while Volvo exports all its passenger cars range to Thailand. Toyota exports the standard wheelbase Hiace to Thailand (long wheelbase variants are produced in Thailand). Perodua exports a small number of cars - the Myvi to Indonesia (badged as the Daihatsu Sirion), Axia and Bezza to several island nations like Fiji, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Proton used to have quite a number of active export markets, notably United Kingdom, Thailand and Australia, but the brand has since pulled out of the UK and Thailand, and is no longer active in Australia. It however did send a small shipment of cars to Chile and a small-scale local assembly operation is on-going in Bangladesh.
Apart from what's listed above, there are several more plants that assemble commercial vehicles. Scania has a plant in Shah Alam that assembles trucks and buses, Hino has one in Sendayan, while the Oriental Assemblers plant in Tampoi that used to assemble Honda vehicles when the brand was represented by Kah Motor, currently produces various Chinese-make commercial vehicles. Three other plants assemble Chinese-make commercial vehicles - Hong Seng Assembly in Butterworth, NB Heavy Industries in Sibu, DeAuto Industries in Klang.
If we are to be liberal with what defines a car plant, then we can consider boutique manufacturer Bufori's handcrafted cars too, which are produced at their small facility in Kepong, where Bufori's custom-made cars are put together by local artisans before they are exported to wealthy clients from around the world.


Is The Ora Good Cat EV Finally Going On Sale In Malaysia?

Two units of the Ora Good Cat EV have been spotted in Port Klang and our intelligence tells us that brand owners, Great Wall Motors are gearing up for a launch in Q3, 2022.

One of the most eagerly awaited EVs in Malaysia - spy shots, articles of the
Ora Good Cat
 in Malaysia is hardly newsworthy but this time industry sources inform us that Great Wall Motors are finally putting the wheels in motion for a Q3 launch of the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia. Great Wall Motors are also lining up to launch its pick-up, the Poer in Malaysia around the same time.

Image credit: Dinesh Rajagopal, MYEVOC Facebook

It would serve as a good re-introduction of the GWM brand in Malaysia, especially with all the buzz generated around the
Ora Good Cat
.

Image credit: Dinesh Rajagopal, MYEVOC Facebook

To recap here's what we know about the Ora Good Cat so far:

Ora Good Cat Specifications

Based on the ‘GWM Lemon’ platform, the car features a front-wheel-drive layout with its single
143PS
 and
210Nm
 electric motor sitting above the front axle. Supplying charge is a lithium-ion battery, of course, but buyers will be able to choose between capacities of
47.8kWh
 and
63.1kWh
 depending on the market.

Power: 143PS, 210Nm

Battery size: 47.8kWh or 63.1kWh

Range: 400 kilometres (47.8kWh) or 500 kilometres (63.1kWh) (NEDC)

Charging time:

	47.8 kWh: 0-80% in 45 minutes (60kW DC Fast Charging), 8 hours full charge (AC charging 6.6kW)

	63.1 kWh: 0-80% in 1 hour (60kW DC Fast Charging), 10 hours full charge (AC charging 6.6kW)

Top speed: 152 km/h

Besides that, the Good Cat offers a rather stylish and premium interior, which highlights dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster combo similar to the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system as well as a central rotary drive controller. The interior looks pretty plush too, with hints of premium-ish switchgear and upholstery detailing.

The Good Cat is supplied with impressive driver assistance systems which AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and the company’s proprietary intelligent self-parking suite.

Ora Good Cat Price

The Ora Good Cat has three variants on offer in Thailand and retails for:

Tech: 828,500 baht (RM103,613)

Pro: 898,500 baht (RM112,371)

Ultra: 1.0385 million baht (RM129,880)

Prices for the Ora Good Cat listed above are after the last round of EV incentives announced in Thailand. Both the Tech and Pro variants come with the 47.8kWh battery while the top of the range Ultra variant comes with the 63.1kWh battery.

Will the Ora Good Cat be that
harga mesra rakyat
 EV when it is launched in Malaysia? Sama-sama kita tunggu launching!


All Future Proton Models To Feature Alphanumeric Names

Proton has today announced that its upcoming SUV that's based on the Geely Boyue, will be using an alphanumeric X70 name. From this point onwards, all future Proton models will adopt an alphanumeric naming convention – just like all premium German car brands – instead of the current phonetic names. It also means that iconic nameplates like Saga, Persona and Perdana will no longer be used for future models.
Speaking to the Malaysian press at a preview event for the X70 at Proton’s Centre of Excellence complex in Shah Alam earlier today, Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton said that the new naming convention has its pros and cons, the latter being not as recognizable but Dr Li reasoned that an alphanumeric naming is the right way forward for Proton as the focus of the vehicle's name should be on the brand Proton, rather than the model’s name.
We won’t disagree, as all premium German brands as well also Geely’s subsidiary Volvo follow the same formula. Alphanumeric names make it easier for customers to identify where a particular model sits within the line-up. Everyone knows that a Volvo that carries the XC90 name is more expensive than one that carries the XC40 name, or all models bearing the 90 series number are related; S90 and XC90 for example.
By avoiding phonetic names, Proton also sidesteps the difficulty of ensuring that a particular name is acceptable in a foreign, export market. Geely for example, fully understands that the Chinese name ‘Boyue’ clearly won’t work in multi-lingual Malaysia.
Speaking of exports, yes Dr. Li has reiterated that Malaysia will be the base from which all right-hand drive models made by the company will be exported from.
The Proton X70 will open for booking on tomorrow, and in the coming weeks, the model will be touring seven cities around Malaysia – Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu. The model is expected to be launched later this year.
Prices have not been announced but we understand that the base model will start from slightly below RM 100,000. There will be four variants, all powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine paired to either a front- or all-wheel drive transmission.
Our
initial impressions
 of the static display car have been very positive, with the quality of the fit and finish and cabin materials equaling if not better than the best Japanese makes in the segment. The highest grade model gets radar-guided adaptive cruise control, Nappa leather seats, and
natural language format '
Hi Proton
'
 voice control for infotainment, climate and sunroof – the later works very similarly to the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class' (yet to be launched here)
MBUX
's infotainment's '
Hey Mercedes
' command, minus the Mercedes-Benz's more sophisticated artificial intelligence of course.
Proton will release more details on the X70’s specifications and equipment levels in the coming weeks.


Tokyo 2017: Yamaha Cross Hub Concept Is A Motorcycle-Inspired Pick-Up Truck

We mostly know Yamaha for its range of motorcycles and the occasional dabble in building engines for car makers – the 4.4-litre V8 it developed for Volvo in the mid-2000s being one noteworthy example – but here a comes a rare four-wheeled product from the company.
Occupying centre stage of the Yamaha booth at the Tokyo Motor Show is the Cross Hub Concept, a funky-looking, almost toy-like, pick-up truck with styling cues clearly inspired by Yamaha’s motorcycle expertise.
Measuring 4,490 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,750 mm tall, the Cross Hub Concept is a more akin to a C-segment sedan in size, but its rear bed is nevertheless to carry up to two motorcycles at a time, albeit arranged diagonally.
Cabin seats four occupants in diamond configuration with the driver up front and along the centre of the vehicle like the old McLaren F1.
Propulsion is electric, a brushless motor setup powered by lithium-ion battery, though performance numbers are unspecified.
The rear axle appears to employ an unconventional suspension setup – the coil-over springs and absorbers seemingly punch through the cargo bed with their top end mounted on a visible part of the vehicle’s frame. A glance of the vehicle’s aerodynamically-smoothened underbody offers no additional clues to its suspension setup.
The Cross Hub follows Yamaha's earlier car concepts launched in past iterations of the Tokyo Motor Show. There was the Motiv in 2013, as well as the Sports Ride Concept in 2015. Yamaha's previous involvement in the automotive industry outside motorcycles have largely been in the field of engine tuning.
The company had worked together with Toyota for engines of the 2000GT and, more recently, the Lexus LFA. It also collaborated with Petronas to develop the E01 engine family that has since been acquired by Proton.


Proton Bakal Buka Pusat Alat Ganti Serantau (RPC) Baharu Di Kuching

Kerisauan pengguna terhadap
kesukaran untuk mendapatkan alat ganti Proton
di Malaysia Timur bakal terubat setelah Proton mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa mereka bakal membuka Pusat Alat Ganti Serantau (RPC) baharu di Kuching, Sarawak.

Untuk memenuhi permintaan pelanggan yang semakin meningkat di Malaysia Timur, Proton bakal membuka kemudahan seluas 28,000 kaki persegi yang mempunyai lebih daripada tiga kali ganda kapasiti penyimpanan daripada setor sebelumnya.

Pusat ini akan berfungsi sebagai pusat pengedaran alat ganti untuk bahagian dan komponen selepas jualan untuk Sabah dan Sarawak.

Pusat Alat Ganti Serantau Untuk Sabah Dan Sarawak

Menurut kenyataan Proton, RPC baharu yang hampir siap itu telah direka untuk memenuhi keperluan pengedar dan pelanggan mereka di Malaysia Timur di samping mengurangkan masa menunggu alat ganti di rantau yang agak mencabar bagi urusan logistiknya.

“Setelah RPC ini siap, Proton akan menyimpan sehingga tiga bulan stok, malah boleh juga menerima penghantaran terus alat ganti daripada vendor luar negara,” kata Roslan Abdullah, Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Proton.

Selain itu, RPC baharu juga akan dapat menyimpan sehingga enam kontena, membolehkannya menerima berbilang tempahan serentak serta dapat mengendalikan peningkatan daya pengeluaran, mengurangkan masa yang diperlukan untuk memproses dan menghantar pesanan ke pusat servis/pengedaran.

Berdasarkan jangkaan Proton, peningkatan ketara boleh dilihat tidak lama lagi khususnya dalam tempoh menunggu untuk pembaikian kenderaan kemalangan. Sebagai tambahan kepada tiga bulan stok yang dipegang di RPC, pengedar Proton juga dikehendaki mempunyai stok bahagian penyelenggaraan selama tiga bulan.

Tambah Roslan, ini adalah usaha Proton untuk terus menambah baik perkhidmatan selepas jualannya bagi memuaskan pelanggan. Beliau turut meyakinkan pemilik semasa dan akan datang bahawa alat ganti adalah tersedia untuk Proton baharu mereka.

Model SUV Proton Makin Popular Di Borneo

Jualan SUV Proton di Sabah dan Sarawak telah meningkat secara progresif sejak 2019, berikutan pelancaran Proton X70 pada 12 Disember 2018. Jumlah jualan di rantau ini telah meningkat sebanyak 120% dari tahun 2018 hingga tahun 2021, dan dengan angka tempahan yang sihat pada tahun 2022, syarikat menjangkakan pertumbuhan sebanyak 20% lagi dalam jualan tahun ke tahun.

Sehingga akhir bulan Oktober, Proton telah menyerahkan 115,366 unit kenderaan setakat tahun ini, menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 33.6% setakat ini untuk sepuluh bulan pertama tahun 2022.

Kurang daripada empat tahun selepas melancarkan SUV pertamanya, syarikat itu telah menjadi jenama SUV paling popular di Malaysia. Model SUV terkini Proton, Proton X50 kini merupakan model SUV terlaris di negara ini dan secara kumulatif, hampir 50,000 unit Proton X50 dan Proton X70 telah diserahkan tahun ini.

“Bagi pembeli kereta di Malaysia Timur, Proton Saga kekal sebagai model paling popular kami, diikuti dengan Proton X50. Tahun lepas, kami menjual 8,692 unit Proton Saga dan 2,934 unit Proton X50 dan berdasarkan trend tempahan semasa, kami meramalkan jualan masing-masing akan melebihi 10,000 dan 4,200 unit,” kata Roslan Abdullah.


MINI Introduces Snazzy Personalisation Program

MINI has just upped the ante on customisation of its cars – now allowing customers to personalise their vehicles with accessories that are produced using the latest technology in 3D printing and laser lettering.
Dubbed the MINI Yours Customised – customers can now tailor their MINI vehicle by adding unique personalised details such as side scuttles, interior trim, illuminated door sills and LED door projectors, which are created by customers online. These accessories are available for the current-generation MINI 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch, and the Convertible, with the exception of LED door projectors which are also offered on certain older models.
A dedicated web-based ‘Customiser’ will allow customers to visualise and order their designs. Upon ordering, the designs are transferred in digital form to the production facility where advanced production techniques such as 3D printing and laser lettering allow items to be delivered within the space of a few weeks.
Customers will be able to easily fit items to their vehicle themselves, or by a MINI retailer of their choosing.
Upgraded items are also removable, allowing for these customised MINIs to be upgraded in the future (with newer accessories) or be restored to their original specification for resale.
The 3D printers used in this new process have been configured by BMW, in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, Carbon Inc. and EOS GmbH and conform to the same safety standards as any other factory supplied components.
The customisable options for the MINI Yours Customised include:
Side Scuttles
 - The rims for the side indicator inlays are 3D printed and then painted in a choice of Aspen White matt, Chili Red matt, Jet Black matt, Melting Silver matt or White Silver matt. Different surface finishes and designs for the left and right side of the vehicle are available – for instance the name of the driver and passenger.
Interior Trim
 – Replaces the factory-mounted trim. If necessary, the trim can be swapped at any time with another individually designed component or the original factory accessory. Five colour finishes and a large selection of surface finishes, graphic patterns and icons. Customers must order the appropriate interior trim preparation to accommodate the accessories at the time of ordering their vehicle.
LED Door Trim
 - Customers have the choice between brushed and black aluminium, several scalable patterns and unique icons. The text field can accommodate either a name or messages using uppercase letters or a recreation of the driver’s individual signature. They can be precisely fixed to the entry area with the adhesive pads supplied. LED door trims for driver and passenger doors have LED illumination without any wiring. Option of designing two or all four door trims.
LED Door Projector
 – The LED door projectors can be installed to current and previous generation models which are equipped door projectors or door entry lights. Customers can add icons, text or their own signature, option for configuring a different design for the driver and passenger side. Three different projector colour options.
The MINI Yours Customised program is offered will be offered to UK customers starting in 2018. All MINI Yours Customised products will be produced in Germany.


Fuel Price Update: 15 - 21 March - Petrol Down, Diesel Down

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new fuel prices for the third week of March, and looks like there is good news.
Both the price of petrol and diesel will be going down next week as mentioned below:
RON95 – RM2.18 per litre (down 3 sen from RM2.21)
RON97 – RM2.45 per litre (down 2 sen from RM2.47)
Diesel – RM2.16 per litre (down 1 sen from RM2.17)


The Peugeot 308 R HYbrid Is Part Family Car, Part Supercar, All Awesome

The all-new
Peugeot 308
 was only recently
launched in Malaysia
 but for the upcoming 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, the French company will be showcasing a monstrous concept edition of the C-segment hatch called the
Peugeot
 308 R HYbrid.
Drawing upon the expertise of its motorsport division, Peugeot Sport, a bog standard 308 has now been fitted with a high-performance hybrid powertrain with technology derived from the Peugeot 908 racer.
The hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.6-litre THP 270 S&S four-cylinder petrol engine which is taken from a
RCZ
 R, providing 270hp. Adding to the mix are two electric motors – one linked to the six-speed gearbox while the other is located on the rear axle. They are powered by a lithium-ion 3kWh battery and each adds a further 115hp bringing the total system output to a mighty 500hp and 730Nm of torque.
Drive is sent to all four wheels and while the 308 R HYbrid is electronically limited to just 250 km/h, it will make the century sprint in just 4 seconds and keeping the environment in mind, produces just 70 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre and Peugeot claims it will do 40 km per litre. A regenerative braking system is also in place to recharge the battery.
Additionally, the powertrain features four driving modes selectable by a toggle button:
Hot Lap mode grants the driver all 500hp and 730Nm of torque the 308 R HYbrid has to offer and is the best mode at least according to us.
Track mode dials things down a little, offering just 400hp and 530Nm of torque from just the petrol engine and rear electric motor. The front electric motor only serves to provide a boost when accelerating.
Road mode as the name denotes, is for road use where power output is further reduced to 300hp and 400Nm of torque. Here, the front electric motor is not used with only the petrol engine delivering the power needed assisted by the rear electric motor when needed during accelerations.
ZEV is an all-electric mode where the rear electric motor powers the 308 but can call upon the front electric motor depending on the acceleration needed.
Resting on the EMP2 platform, the 308 R HYbrid receives a redesign both inside and out to suit its new performance-oriented persona. The aggressive front-end features larger air intakes, a checked pattern on the grille, louvres on the hood, and LED daytime-running lights.
At the rear, a new bumper can be seen with two scoops that keeps the battery temperature down and a narrow spoiler sits just above the tailgate. The car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 series tyres with a wider track of 80 mm, and its body is painted in a two-tone blue-matte black finish, a trademark for Peugeot’s “most extreme cars”.
The cabin retains the Peugeot i-Cockpit but garnished to highlights the performance nature of the 308 R HYbrid. Four bucket seats are upholstered in leather and touches of red can be found throughout the cabin on the dials, steering wheel, and centre console. Adorning the dashboard and other pieces of trim is a fabric produced using a digital weaving technique.


Peugeot 2008 CKD Mula Dipasang Di Gurun - Thailand Pasaran Pertama

Stellantis mengumumkan model terbaharu
Peugeot 2008
 telah pun mula dipasang di kilang produksi Stellantis yang terletak di Gurun, Kedah.

Model pemasangan tempatan (CKD)
 ini juga sudah mula dipasarkan di Thailand, diikuti dengan pasaran pemanduan sebelah kanan dan kiri di seluruh Asia Tenggara pada tahun hadapan.

Naib Presiden Kanan Pengedaran Am dan Asean Stellantis, Christophe Musy berkata, operasi di Gurun merupakan antara strategi syarikat itu mengembangkan perniagaan di Asia Tenggara.

"Dibina di ASEAN untuk ASEAN. Kami berbesar hati untuk mengumumkan model produksi CKD pertama Peugeot 2008 akan mula dihantar kepada para pelanggan di Asia Tenggara dalam masa beberapa bulan lagi,” katanya.

Peugeot 2008 serba baharu didatangkan dengan ciri seperti lampu utama LED, Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D, kluster 3D Quartz, serta skrin sentuh tujuh inci HD.

Ia turut dilengkapi Sistem Bantuan Pemandu (ADAS) seperti berikut:

Brek Kecemasan Automatik (AEB)

Maklumat Had Kelajuan dan Adaptasi Kelajuan Pintar (SLI/ISA)

Bantuan Suluhan Tinggi (HBA)

Kawalan Pengekalan Lorong (LKA)

Bantuan Tumpuan Pemandu 3 (DAA3)

Sensor Parkir Hadapan dan Belakang dengan Kamera Undur (RCTA)

Pengesan Titik Buta Aktif

Peugeot 2008 dikuasakan oleh enjin 1.2L PureTech turbo tiga silinder yang menjana 130 PS dan 230 Nm tork. Ia merupakan enjin sama yang digunakan pada 2008
facelift
 sebelum ini, namun kuasanya telah dipertingkatkan sebanyak 18 PS dan 15 Nm. Ia dipadankan dengan transmisi automatik enam kelajuan yang memacu roda hadapan.

Model ini telah melalui ujian ketahanan dan kualiti di negara ini, melibatkan pemanduan sejauh lebih 200,000 km dalam cuaca dan landskap alam sekitar tempatan bagi memastikan ia dapat memenuhi keperluan pengguna di Asia Tenggara.

Stellantis sebelum ini telah
mengambil alih hak pemilikan penuh NAZA Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
 dan kilang pengeluaran di Gurun pada 28 Oktober yang lalu.

Kini, lebih 170 pekerja kembali bertugas dan kira-kira 50 pembekal tempatan bekerja keras untuk memenuhi permintaan pelanggan, selepas operasi terpaksa ditutup beberapa bulan akibat pandemik Covid-19.


Volkswagen Passat B8 is Now Open for Booking, RM 160,000 to RM 199,000

There has been much ado about the upcoming Volkswagen Passat B8- we've covered the
 expected specifications
 and we've even had a
quick drive with the car up in Langkawi
 prior to the actual launch. The car is a very exciting model indeed, and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has finally decided to open the order books for this new Passat. The estimated pricing for the car is between RM 160,000 to RM 199,000, depending on the specification and variant of course.
There will be a Comfortline variant and a Trendline variant- both powered by the smaller 1.8-litre turbocharged engine. This is paired with an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). This combination provides an output of 180PS, and a torque figure of 250Nm between 1,250rpm to 5,000rpm. The higher specification Highline model comes with the turbo 2.0-litre and 6-speed DSG from the Golf GTI, which gives it plenty of performance potential indeed. The Highline also gets some nifty features, most notable of which is the Active Info Display that is functionally similar to Audi's Virtual Cockpit.
The all-new Passat comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, and is available in seven colours – Pure White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak Brown and Harvard Blue. Members of the public are invited to view the all-new Passat during a special pre-booking weekend event on 12 and 13 November 2016, a Volkswagen showrooms nationwide.


BMW Group Classic Prepares for the Mille Miglia

It's that time of year again when a bunch of classic car enthusiasts pull the covers off of their priceless machines, get them cleaned up and serviced, and prepare themselves for the Mille Miglia endurance rally. This historic event was known as the toughest endurance race for 3 decades, and the route stretches over 1000 miles of road through Northern Italy.
There are many people who participate in the Mille Miglia, with the estimated number of entrants this year sitting at the 450 mark. There are very strict rules for entering the rally: only models that ran during the original Mille Miglia races are allowed to compete, and there must be historical proof of this. In more recent times this has led to curious discoveries as evidence of different cars competing in the original race means more people can enter, but generally these machines are far more expensive and rarer than modern day race-cars.
So it is extremely special when people are willing to put these collector's items at risk in a motorsport event. Manufacturers have also started to enter their own factory-backed teams in these events, andd BMW is one such example with their 6-car contingent for this year's Mille Miglia race. Historically BMW saw a number of victories with their classic 328 models, and so their contingent comprises of various forms of the car.
The following teams are lining up at the start of the Mille Miglia 2017, driving vehicles from BMW Group Classic:
136   Ian Robertson              Jodie Kidd                    BMW 328 Berlin-Rom Roadster
139   Klaus Fröhlich              Michael Schröder         BMW 328
142   Wolfgang Obermaier    Des Sellmeijer              BMW 328
146   Sergio Solero               Francesco Botré           BMW 328
149   Philipp Koch                 Martin Huber                BMW 328
153   Hendrik v. Kuenheim   Carl Christian Jancke   BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster


Isuzu Wants To Reward Their High-Mileage Customers; More Than RM38k In Prizes

Isuzu Malaysia is eager to reach out and reward D-Max pickup truck owners who have clocked high-mileages in their vehicles through the Super Mileage Challenge.

Masayuki Suzuki, COO of Isuzu Malaysia adds, “Most Isuzu users are generally high mileage drivers, reaping the benefits of their vehicle’s low running cost and dependable performance. It is not unusual for many of them to clock hundreds of kilometers per week. We are keen to meet such owners to learn just how their Isuzu trucks have supported them in their commutes,”

Owners simply need to submit their details online by 31st July 2019 to stand a chance of winning the RM15,000 grand prize.

The contest is open to both individual and corporate owners who have clocked a minimum of 200,000 km in their vehicles.

Through a QR code or the Isuzu Malaysia home page, owners can follow the simple instructions to upload proof of their mileage and the condition of their vehicles. At the end of the challenge period, the owners who have clocked the highest verified mileage will be taking home prizes totalling more than RM38,888.

Customers may visit the Isuzu Malaysia’s
Facebook page
 or website for participation details. The home page also carries the current front-runners in the contest and outlines the competition’s terms and conditions.

For the latest deals on Isuzu vehicles, click
here
.


Transport Ministry conducting survey on heavier penalties for drunk driving

A few weeks ago on the back of a drunk-driving accident that caused the life of 31-year old police officer Corporal Safwan Muhammad Ismail at an MCO roadblock, we explored Malaysia's drunk-driving
laws
 asking the question if our laws were strict enough?

Well it appears that same question was on the minds of the Transport Ministry. An online survey is being conducted via its Logistic and Land Transport Division aimed at obtaining feedback from the rakyat relating to the permissible level of alcohol content under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).

This comes on the back of the Cabinets call to review Act 333 to increase the penalty on drunk driving and also lowering the permissible level of blood-alcohol content in the driver's body as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The survey will run from May 21 to June 4
here
.

This is your chance to express your views and have a say in the matter, so exercise your democratic rights, take a few minutes and fill up the survey regardless of what your views are.


Top 5 Weekday-Weekend Cars For Daddies – Cars That Do Them All!

Being a daddy is tough work – earning a living, supporting your family, keeping mommy happy and doing the school runs – being a good daddy is also a full-time job. In addition, the cars we drive must first be capable of carrying the family, be comfortable enough so the little ones can sleep on a long trip, and yet be capable enough for the daily commutes to work and back.

However, what if we added two more criteria: power and fun – something that does all of the above, and yet puts a smile on daddy’s face when taken on a spirited drive/adventure on the weekends. Therefore, for the upcoming father’s day celebrations, we thought we would highlight five excellent cars that do them all – and they’re not all saloons!

What about a pickup truck – 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor

There’s little that needs to be said about the
Ford Ranger Raptor
 – in short, it’s the most bada** looking truck on sale, and the most capable car on this list on any given terrain. Something that is sure to put a smile on daddy’s face when he takes it on a weekend off-road excursion. Just to be sure, the Raptor is not just some cladded up version of a pedestrian pickup, Ford also gave it the bite to match its bark.

Under its uniquely wide body, the Raptor is fitted with heavy-duty Fox shock absorbers which are complemented by a ‘Watts Linkage’ and coil-spring rear suspension instead of leaf springs, the track is widened and the Raptor sits 46mm higher than a regular Ranger. The brakes have also been updated, with 332 mm discs front and rear, along with uprated brake callipers. Powering the Raptor is the latest generation 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine which outputs 213PS/500Nm mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Plenty of power, poise and space for the entire family.

What about a four-door sedan – 2021 (G28) BMW 330Li M Sport

The 3 Series is a quintessential member of any all-rounder list. Only now, with the
long-wheelbase 330Li version
 – it makes even more sense as a family car that can be thoroughly enjoyed on the weekend. BMW basically took the phenomenal G20 chassis and made it 110 mm longer in the G28, taking the ‘adequate’ rear legroom of the 3 Series to Honda Accord levels (the best compliment we can give it).

Combined with the tractable and proven (258hp/400Nm) 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which is paired to the sublime ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, it makes the 330Li especially in M Sport guise one of the best looking, most spacious and most rewarding cars to drive for its price tag. The 330Li is an especially great alternative for Daddy’s who need more space for the family but prefer not to take on the larger size, price and heft of the
BMW 5 Series
.

What about a fast SUV – 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

This is a Carlist.my all-time favourite, the
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
 is part SUV and part rocketship for the entire family, and your pet! Taking the well-designed and brilliantly packaged GLC, Mercedes then plonked in arguably one of the most phenomenally powerful and best sounding V6 engines ever created and matched it to chassis that is so adept at managing all that power.

The 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 packed in the front develops 367hp and a whopping 520Nm of torque, which is distributed to all four wheels through the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. However, power is just one side of the equation, the beauty of the GLC 43 lies in its ability to let you have fun behind the wheel while still keeping this safe and measured – perfect for Daddy’s who need an SUV for the workdays but a sports car on the weekends.

What about a great driving MPV – 2021 Honda Odyssey 2.4L EXV

What if you’re a Daddy, you enjoy a nice driving car but you absolutely need the occupant/cargo space that only an MPV can provide – then look no further than the Honda Odyssey. This underrated gem from Honda is superbly designed and packaged MPV with ample space but without the gargantuan proportions and clumsy driving dynamics of something as large as the Toyota Alphard.

Riding on a similar chassis as the Honda Accord, the fully-imported Odyssey offers a proven and punchy (175PS/225Nm) four-cylinder Earth Dreams i-VTEC engine which is mated to a CVT-type transmission with 7 virtual ratios. Don’t let the spec sheet fool you because the Odyssey has an impressive turn of speed, superb chassis dynamics (feels almost no different to an Accord), great brakes and precise steering making this the perfect MPV to carry the family yet enjoy driving on a sunny Sunday morning.

What about a really…really fast EV – 2021 Porsche Taycan

Beyond just being a fast, beautiful, and high-tech four-seater electric vehicle, the 2021
Porsche Taycan
 stands for the transference of emotions and romance of our Porsche’s internal combustion-powered past into the electric future. If you
read our review
, you’d understand that what Porsche has done with Taycan is given EV mobility the driving feel and dynamics of a Porsche.

It is every bit the red-blooded animal that drives, stops and turns like all the others that bear the Porsche name, but with peak power figures ranging from 408PS in the regular Taycan to 761PS in the Taycan Turbo S – it is also one of the fastest accelerating cars on the planet with four seats. That well-designed interior is nothing short of sublime with familiar Porsche execution and creature comforts for the entire family. Plus, it’s got two boots, perfect for Daddy’s who need the cargo space!

So Daddys, which one tickles your fancy?


Porsche Patents Active Rear Diffuser

Porsche could be introducing an active rear diffuser to accompany its dynamic rear wing on selected models, as the company has just filed for a patent.
First spotted by
Car and Driver
,
the
patent
 indicates that Porsche's new active rear diffuser will mount on the to a part of the car's body, possibly on the rear bumper. The active rear diffuser can be activated by one or a few motors. On top of that, the active rear diffuser could be desgined to extend to the full width of the car or only a partial part of the car's back end. Last but not least, Porsche's patent filing also mentioned that the active diffuser can be engineered to cars with or without an engine, hinting that an electric-powered Porsche could be a likely candidate.

Related Articles

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March 16, 2017

Video: The Joys Of Working In Porsche

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April 05, 2017

Class Notes: Porsche Media Driving Academy 2017 – Professional Course

Insights

August 09, 2017

The Stuttgart-based company did not say which model will be receiving the new active rear diffuser, but seeing that the upcoming
Mission-E Concept
 is slated for production, it is safe to assume that the new electric supercar from Porsche stands a good chance of getting some fancy active aero bits.


Kadar Tol Lebuh Raya Di Malaysia 2021 – PLUS, LPT, DUKE, MEX, LDP, LATAR dan Lain-Lain

Nak berjalan
merentas negeri
tapi tak ingat
kadar tol
 yang dikenakan di sesetengah lebuh raya pada tahun 2021? Jom semak sekarang!

Membayar tol memang memenatkan. Mana ada orang yang seronok bayar tol kan? Tetapi kutipan tol yang dikenakan pada pemandu di
lebuh raya
 akan digunakan untuk aspek penjagaan, pembinaan dan penyelenggaraan lebuh raya berkenaan. Sistem lebuh raya Malaysia dikawal selia oleh Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) dan diiktiraf sebagai antara lebuh raya terbaik di Asia.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Di Malaysia ada 2 sistem tol iaitu sistem terbuka dan tertutup. Untuk sistem terbuka, pemandu hanya perlu membayar jumlah tol yang tetap setiap kali melalui lebuh raya berkenaan. Bagi sistem tertutup pula, pemandu akan menerima ‘tiket masuk’ di
plaza tol
 dan hanya akan membayar ketika keluar daripada lebuh raya terbabit. Kadar tol untuk sistem tertutup ini ditentukan berdasarkan jarak perjalanan pemandu di lebuh raya berkenaan. Semakin jauh exit, semakin tinggilah bayaran tolnya.

Memandangkan aktiviti rentas negeri kini dibenarkan bagi mereka yang sudah
lengkap divaksin
, jom kita tengok semula kadar tol yang dikenakan di lebuh raya di Malaysia pada tahun 2021.

Kadar Tol Lebuh Raya Terbuka

1. Lebuhraya Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT)

2. Lebuhraya LINKEDUA

3. Lebuhraya Bertingkat Ampang KL (AKLEH)

4. Lebuhraya Grand Sepadu

5. Lebuhraya Baru Pantai (NPE)

6. Lebuhraya Lingkaran Kajang (SILK)

7. Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS)

8. Lebuhraya Koridor Guthrie (GUTHRIE)

9. Lebuhraya SMART

10. Lebuhraya KL-Putrajaya (MEX)

11. Lebuhraya DUKE

12. Lebuhraya Kemuning-Shah Alam (LKSA)

13. Lebuhraya KL-Kuala Selangor (LATAR)

14. Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP)

15. Lebuhraya Seremban-Port Dickson (SPDH)

16. Lebuhraya KL-Karak (KLK)

17. Lebuhraya Cheras-Kajang (GRANDSAGA)

18. Lebuhraya Sungai Besi (BESRAYA)

Kadar Tol Lebuh Raya Tertutup

Bagi lebuh raya yang menggunakan sistem tertutup, kadar tol di lebuh raya ini adalah berbeza mengikut jenis kenderaan serta destinasi keluar dan masuk di lebuh raya berkenaan. Berikut merupakan antara lebuh raya yang menggunakan sistem tertutup:

Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS)

Lebuhraya Pantai Timur Fasa 1 (LPT1)

Lebuhraya Senai-Desaru (SDE)

Lebuhraya Lembah Klang Selatan (SKVE)

Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Hubungan Tengah (ELITE)

Lebuhraya Pantai Barat (WCE)

Untuk mengetahui nilai sebenar tol di lebuh raya ini, lokasi kemasukan serta destinasi keluar di lebuh raya perlu diambil kira terlebih dahulu untuk mendapatkan kadar tol yang tepat. Rujuk senarai penuh kadar tol bagi lebuhraya yang menggunakan sistem tertutup seperti yang dinyatakan di atas
di sini
.


MCO: Kajang Set For 8 More Road Closures, Roadblocks

After one week into April 2020 and the second phase of the movement control order (MCO), more road closures are in store for select areas in the Klang Valley.

Specifically, starting Wednesday, according to
Bernama
, Kajang will see additional road blocks and 8 road closures to further limit movement and funnel remaining traffic through police checkpoints.

Reportedly, the roads set to be affected include Jalan Reko to the MRT station, Jalan Cheras towards Jalan Timur, Jalan Sungai Chua to the KTM Tunnel Slip Road, Jalan Semenyih to Jalan Low Ti Kok, as well as the slip roads from Persiaran Saujana Impian to Jalan TTDI Grove 1/1 and Jalan TTDI Grove 2/1.

In a statement on Monday, district police chief ACP Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussoff said: "Persiaran Saujana Impian-Jalan Melor 1; Jalan Sungai Kantan from Desa Jenaris and Persiaran Saujana Impian; and the road bordering Bandar Seri Putra- Nilai 3, will also be closed.”

Alternative routes will be set up through Jalan Cheras towards Kajang and the SILK Expressway to the Grand Saga Highway, among other diversions.

Ahmad Dzaffir also adds that, currently, the district has seen 7 roadblocks mounted and soon to be joined by the aforementioned additional 8, this includes: the Grand Saga Highway (KL-bound), the Kajang Toll Plaza, Bangi Toll Plaza, Bandar Sri Putra Toll Plaza, Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza (LEKAS), Batu 21 Sungai Lui (Hulu Langat), and SJR Batu 24 Sungai Lui (Hulu Langat).

At midnight on April 8th, 3 more roadblocks will be set up at kilometre 1 of the Besraya Highway (UPM-bound) and Jalan Cheras Batu 14.


3M Launches Their DIY Car Care Range And Announces Official Flagship Store On Lazada

Professional grade results achievable by the everyman. That's the idea that 3M is trying to convey with their new DIY Car Care Range, and it's certainly something that will appeal to a broad range of car owners - from those looking to achieve a perfect finish on their car, to someone just trying to clean up a couple of rough patches on their paint. Our cars are subject to a hostile environment, and it takes a certain level of effort to get your car looking factory new - but this is no longer something you need to hire a professional for.
The launch of its DIY Car Care Range includes a number of products that covers a variety of issues that car owners face. One that may appeal to those who have older cars in particular would be the headlight restoration kit, which comes in a variety of grades depending on how far gone the headlights are. Even for a cautious car owner who avoids scratches and scuffs, and cleans their car regularly, a yellowed, hazy, oxidized headlight is fairly unavoidable. The restoration kit includes both abrasive pads and polish, providing a four-step process that allows you to return your headlights to their original factory finish.
A scratch and scuff removal kit is also made available, one that aims to clean up rough spots on your paintwork that don’t break the clear coat or eat into the paint. The two step process first smoothens out the afflicted area, while the rubbing compound restores the shine and gloss. Again, it’s a full kit that includes the abrasive pads and the rubbing compound, allowing you to achieve professional grade results in a matter of minutes.
Other notable items are the Leather and Vinyl Restorer, Quick Wax, and Auto Car Rubbing Compound – the first two are fairly self-explanatory, while the latter is a bigger bottle of the compound used for the scratch and scuff removal kit. While it’s not a huge catalogue of items on the whole, these items are more than enough for some light work on your car.
But more than the products is the fact that 3M has added their DIY Car Car Range to their official 3M Automotive Flagship Store on Lazada. This means that it’s easier than ever to purchase the products you want with just a few clicks, and have it delivered right to your doorstep through this highly versatile e-commerce website. The online store also includes the 3M Complete Fuel System Cleaner, 3M Glass Cleaner, and the 3M Tire Restorer in addition to the aforementioned DIY Car Care products.
As part of the launch, 3M Malaysia is offering exciting discounts exclusively to those who purchase through Lazada, from the 19th of September 2018 to the 19th of October 2018. Four special car care bundles are offered at RM 30 off their original price; the first is a light-to-medium-scratches bundle that goes for RM 99.00, which includes the 3M Rubbing Compound, 3M One-Step Cleaner Wax, and a 3M Microfiber Auto-Detailing Cloth.
For those looking to restore their foggy headlights, RM 154.30 gets you a 3M Headlight Restoration Kit, 3M Headlight Clear Coat, and 3M Microfiber Auto-Detailing Cloth. Minor scratches and paint transfers after minor accidents would benefit from the third bundle, priced at RM 145.20, which includes the 3M Scratch and Scuff Remover, 3M One-Step Cleaner Wax, and a 3M Microfiber Auto-Detailing Cloth.
The final bundle is for watermark prevention, which includes the 3M Glass Cleaner, 3M Glass Coat Windshield, and a 3M Microfiber Auto-Detailing Cloth, priced at RM 63.90. For more information, head over to the
3M Auto Care Facebook Page
 or visit the
3M Automotive Flagship Store on Lazada
. For Carlist.my readers, using the code 3MCARLIST15 gives you an extra 15% off the prices mentioned above.