What COVID-19 Has Taught Us About Mobility In Times Of Crisis

If you think Malaysia is the only country to have adopted widespread restricted movement orders, think again. Most of the world has started to go into their own form of “lockdown” – some more voluntary than others, but the gist of it is the same. Don’t go out, don’t come in contact with other people, #DudukRumah.

But even as automotive manufacturers and various industries spin down their production and operations as demand drops, there is absolutely no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is stirring big changes in the way we view mobility and various other logistical services. It may very well accelerate our journey towards autonomous vehicles and drones, and here’s why.

People Still Need To Eat

This problem is one that’s two-fold. The first is how to get fresh produce and food from regions that are located further out – after all, you don’t see many farms in the city. The second is distributing that food to people who may not be able to access it themselves – whether it’s due to lock-down procedures or the fact that they may need to be quarantined. We're already seeing this happening here in Malaysia where the farmers from Cameron Highlands have been dumping their produce due to their inability to transport it to the towns for sale. A waste that might be preventable in the future.

In both elements of this problem, there is a lot that autonomous driving and technology could do. While people are not allowed to travel interstate during this MCO, who is to say that automated lorries or vans could not do the job instead – running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and keeping that supply flowing. An autonomous vehicle could handle these large scale deliveries from farms to supermarkets, and possibly even be subjected to more aggressive methods of sanitization.

The second half of the problem is one that’s a little trickier. Distributing food to a housing area could either be done door to door – again with an autonomous van of sorts – or it could be done in tandem with drones that unload from a moving launch platform and deliver the produce throughout a particular area. Either way, you are limiting the contact with other people.

Emergency Services Are Still Required

A true lockdown, as is the case in some parts of our country, means that nobody is allowed to even leave their house. This also means that emergency services – ambulances in particular – are going to have to work double time if they have to ferry people around. Singapore is a very good example as they have queues of ambulances going to dedicated COVID-19 entry points to their hospitals – but these ambulances expose drivers and other occupants unnecessarily as well.

In times of crisis, there could be a blanket order for all autonomous cars to function as ambulances or transport to hospitals. These autonomous vehicles could roam or position themselves nearby housing areas such that they are only minutes away if necessary. If an emergency medical team is not required in these situations, the autonomous vehicle could easily transport someone to the nearest hospital.

People Need Things Delivered

From a person to person standpoint, one of the other things we are fast discovering during this crisis is that getting items from someone else may pose a bit of a problem. We have services like Grab who currently help to bridge that gap, but you also risk exposing yourself to anything that may be contaminated beforehand – including the Grab driver or rider.

This could be remedied with a drone service of sorts that could complete the last mile of the journey, and be paired with other forms of public transport such as trains in order to traverse greater distances without getting held up in traffic. With the right kind of systems integration and careful thought, a system like this would work very well in the majority of cases. We're not that far off from this becoming a reality with Amazon having unveiled their Prime Air delivery drone last year and UPS too now working with Wingcopter to develop its package delivery drones.

The Crux Of It

The problem with what we’ve just listed is that these are things that would be beneficial regardless of whether we’re facing a crisis or not. Emergency services need not always require personnel, food logistics could be better managed and planned through autonomous services, and delivery would be no different.

Add to that the fact that a not insignificant growing minority of drivers don’t see the actual point in driving themselves, let alone owning a car, and you have a pretty strong case for the introduction of a self-driving car that you pay for as a service rather than one to own. Automotive manufacturers have to undergo a paradigm shift to become mobility solutions providers, and the faster they understand this next generation of customers, the better off their solutions will be.

This period of two (now four) weeks of semi-isolation has led many to realize that they don’t actually need to drive around as much as they currently do, if their offices or businesses can operate remotely. If you’re in a normally congested city like us, you will probably appreciate the temporarily scarce traffic on the roads – but expect all that to change once the MCO lifts.

In the future, however, you may find yourself carpooling regularly in something with no driver behind the wheel, with a couple of other strangers to boot.


Spyshot: Geely Boyue-based Proton SUV Spied, RHD Mule Completed

Proton’s first-ever SUV, based on the
Geely Boyue
 has been caught in Malaysia, more specifically in Juru. No surprises there, as the Hangzhou-based company has
previewed
 its C-segment SUV last year.
What is surprising is that these photos apparently indicate that a right-hand drive mule is completed. Interestingly, it appears that Proton is using a fleet of both right-hand and left-hand drive test mules of the Boyue for local evaluation.
According to several Facebook posts, some Proton dealers will be showcasing the Geely Boyue at their respective showroom, albeit in left-hand drive format. The post did mention that there will be several units of the Boyue on display, comprising of both 2WD and 4WD models. Despite that, powertrain details remain scarce, although it is likely Proton will be utilizing Geely’s proven powertrains for its new SUV.
A report by
The Malaysian Reserve
 said that the new Geely Boyue-based Proton SUV will be ready by Q4 this year, as the SUV will need to undergo both SIRIM and NCAP assessments before it can be launched. The source also told The Malaysian Reserve that the new Proton SUV will be a game changer in the C-segment SUV market, which is currently dominated by the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.


Volvo City Safety Demonstration Accident Clarified, Not Even in Malaysia

Alright Malaysians, it's time to put a stop to this (again). Recently there have been videos circulating of a Volvo XC60 crashing into two people during a demonstration. People have said that the Managing Director of Volvo has been paralyzed as a result of this accident, but nothing could be further from the truth. To clarify, this video is over 2 years old and was taken in the Dominican Republic, and nobody was permanently injured from the incident.
Volvo Cars Malaysia has also released a statement clarifying that the vehicle in question had not been outfitted with a specific module known as Pedestrian Detection. While City Safety systems are standard in most Volvo products, certain modules need to be outfitted in order for the system to work as a whole. In addition to this, if the driver chooses to drive aggressively such as in the manner shown in the video, it is possible for the system to be overriden even if it was installed. In real world conditions, City Safety has been acknowledged to contribute to safer driving in heavy city traffic by avoiding or mitigating rear end collisions with other vehicles in low speeds by braking. The system is active in speeds up to 50 km/h.
So there you have it. Please stop circulating this video and remember to check your sources before you post.


VIDEO: Nissan GT-R's 170km/h Impact With Concrete Poll Leaves Driver Unscathed

Andrey Yeshchenko, a football player for Russia’s national team, slammed his Nissan GT-R nose-first into a concrete pole at over 160 km/h but, unbelievably, walked away basically unhurt from the unrecognizably mangled supercar.
There are crashes, and often they are tragic affairs. But this one is equal parts confusing and, from the pictures, cringe-worthy to
Nissan

GT-R
 fans. The traffic camera footage pegs the car travelling at a speed around 170 km/h when the head-on impact occurred.
Surviving a collision like that is one thing, injuries are to be expected. But by the looks of it, all the 31-year old athlete had to contend with was a little disorientation and, possibly, followed by a wave of self-loathing. He just opened the door, go out, and mulled around the wreck. Like we said – unbelievable.
Russian network LifeNews reported that eyewitnesses describe Yeshchenko’s condition after the crash as drunk. Still, it goes to show Nissan GT-Rs are can take a monumental hit in the face like a champ – meaning it looks to be a very safe car indeed.


King Of Kancil Tular di Media Sosial Telah Disita Polis – Pemandu Gelandangan Disaman

Baru-baru ini, sebuah
Perodua Kancil
 lejen berwarna kuning tular di media sosial ekoran keadaan fizikalnya yang serba uzur dan membimbangkan telah disita pihak polis di Bandar Metropolitan, Kepong.

Macam pernah nampak dan dengar kisah seperti ini berlaku beberapa tahun lepas, bukan? Masih ingat lagi kisah tentang pemandu kancil lejen ini yang pernah tular dan dikenakan tindakan pada tahun 2019 lalu? Kini pemandu tersebut telah kembali aktif dengan dua Perodua Kancil yang berbeza di jalan raya sebelum ditahan pihak polis.

Menurut Ketua Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Kuala Lumpur, Asisten Komisioner Zulkefly Yahya, keputusan untuk menahan lelaki terbabit dibuat setelah video kereta kancil kuning tanpa bumbung itu menyusuri laluan Kepong, Rawang dan Selayang tular di media sosial.

*Kredit foto: JSPT KL

Berdasarkan pemeriksaan, pemandu berusia 47 tahun yang berasal daripada Raub, Pahang itu merupakan gelandangan yang tidak mempunyai lesen memandu. Yang mengejutkan, kereta ini bukan sahaja tiada cukai jalan, malah ia turut tiada bumbung serta tayar kanan hadapan dalam keadaan pecah.

Menangis jurutera Perodua bila tahu Perodua Kancil milik pemandu ini masih kukuh bertahan meskipun berada dalam keadaan sedemikian. Ekoran penahanan Kancil kuning tersebut, pemandu terbabit telah menunjukkan sebuah lagi Perodua Kancil berwarna hijau miliknya yang tidak mempunyai nombor pendaftaran serta cermin pintu kiri belakang yang pecah kepada pihak polis.

*Kredit foto: JSPT KL

Meskipun keadaan Kancil hijaunya kelihatan lebih baik daripada Kancil kuning milik beliau, namun Zulkepfli berkata polis mendapati kedua-dua kereta berkenaan tidak layak berada di atas jalan raya dan boleh membahayakan pengguna lain disebabkan ia tidak lengkap, buruk dan sudah lama (usia).

*Kredit foto: JSPT KL

Saman
 telah dikeluarkan terhadap pemandu itu atas kesalahan tiada lesen memandu, manakala sitaan kedua-dua kereta dibuat mengikut Seksyen 64 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan (APJ) 1987. Sebelum ini, pemandu terbabit juga pernah dikenakan saman serta dua Kancil berlainan miliknya telah disita atas kesalahan yang sama. Satu kenderaan tersebut telah dilupuskan sementara sebuah lagi kenderaan kini berada di stor Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Gombak.

Pada 2019, King of Kancil ini menggemparkan media sosial apabila memandu melawan arus di Pulau Pinang. Namun Kancil hijau tersebut ditemui di bahu jalan di Kilometer 15 Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh, sebelum disita polis trafik Gombak. Lihatlah bertapa jauhya beliau mengembara dengan Perodua Kancil usangnya.

*Kredit foto: mStar

Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan polis menyaman pemandu gelandangan terbabit telah mengundang pelbagai reaksi daripada netizen. Ada yang memuji tidakan pihak berkuasa yang telah mengambil tindakan kerana kereta itu berisiko membahayakan pengguna jalan raya yang lain.

Namun ada juga yang berpendapat tindakan polis menyaman gelandangan yang tidak terurus dan seakan tidak waras itu merupakan tindakan yang kurang tepat. Ada yang merasakan bahawa pemandu terbabit perlu dibantu untuk mendapatkan rawatan psikologi memandangkan ianya bukan Kancil uzur pertama milik pemandu itu ditahan dan disita.

Yang pasti, pemandu ini sudah bertahun-tahun berada di atas jalan raya mengunakan Kancil lejen yang berbeza. Diharapkan selepas ini tiada lagi perkara seperti ini berlaku. Jika benar pemandu terbabit kurang waras, lebih baik beliau diberi rawatan selanjutnya terlebih dahulu sebelum diberikan bantuan lain.

Jika
Myvi
 dikenali sebagai
King of the Road
, pemandu misteri ini lebih sesuai digelar sebagai King of Kancil di Malaysia. Dia punya level king, dia ‘wrong way’ masuk jalan sehala pun orang undurkan kereta untuk beri laluan. Tak percaya? Tonton video dibawah ini untuk menyaksikan keadaan sebenar Kancil kuning ini dengan lebih dekat.

*Kredit video: NurMuhd

Baca juga:

Nearly 25 Years After The Kancil, Perodua Adds ABS To Axia G

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Auto News
.

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Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

Get the latest new car promotions at
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Test Drive More Vehicles From 15 Brands At The Carlist.my MAA Drive Event

If you happen to be thinking of purchasing or car this year, or happen to be in the midst of looking for your next ride already, we have great news for you.
Carlist.my, in partnership with the Malaysian Automotive Association, Caltex and Public Bank, is organising the ‘Carlist.my MAA Drive, Test & Buy 2017’ event this 13 and 14 May, where 15 automotive brands will be present under one roof with the most exciting deals waiting for you.
The brands that will be present during the two day event include:
Toyota
Volkswagen
Perodua
Honda
Mazda
Subaru
Kia
Isuzu
Ford
Mitsubishi
BMW
MINI
Peugeot
Citroen
DS
With all these brands at your service under one roof at the same time, visitors can test drive various vehicles in just one place in the same day, without having to visit one showroom after another.
Speaking of test driving, what you will experience at the Carlist.my Drive, Test & Buy event is nothing like a typical visit to a 3S centre, as there will be a very comprehensive testing ground which even includes a proper off-road course for those who are looking for a pickup truck.
Think about it – where else in the country can you get to test and compare pickup truck and SUV models from different brands through a proper off-road course which includes a steep slope, wheel articulation course, as well as bunkers?
Another highlight of the event is that Public Bank will be present on location to help customers who wish to make a purchase facilitate their payments, making it the ideal place to get the best finance packages; deals that will not be available anywhere else at any time.
Besides new cars, the event will also play host to Carlist.my’s very own “Grand Prix Challenge” where RM30,000 worth of Caltex petrol vouchers, and a muscle car worth RM450,000 will be given away to a lucky winner who purchases a new car anytime between now and June 30 2017 using the Carlist.my website.
Customers who book and complete a test drive at the event will also receive a RM30 petrol card from Caltex (limited to the first 400 test drives per day).
If you are not keen to drive to Setia Alam, you might want to take advantage of our promo with Grab. Enter the promo code CARLISTDRIVE on the Grab app to get a RM15 discount on your ride to/from Setia City Convention Centre.
Open from 10.00am to 10.00pm on both days, visitors are encouraged to not only to see the different models of cars on display, but also to take as much photos and videos as they can as various competitions and mystery prizes await them.
Unlike typical car shows, the Carlist.my Drive, Test & Buy event is actually a family oriented event, where there is something for visitors of all ages such as immersive virtual reality (VR) and F1 simulators, remote control racing cars, inflatables, Kidzania activities, as well as a ladies lounge with manicure, pedicure and massage services.
Another highlight of the event is the food street parade, where a large number of renowned food trucks that comprise all of Malaysia’s favorite food and drinks will be on site to fulfil the needs of the throats and bellies of everyone present.
That said, come and join the fun at the Drive by
Carlist.my
 event where you can not only get your hands on a large selection of new cars and get best the interest rates, but also stand a chance to win a muscle car worth RM450,000!
So bring your family and friends along to the Setia City Convention Centre on 13 and 14 May to enjoy the food, activities and everything that has been arranged for you.
Not sure which car brand to buy? Here's a simple
guide for you to help you start researching for your next car.


Toyota And Uber Extend Collaboration To Develop Autonomous Mobility Service

Toyota announced that it will be investing USD500 million into Uber Technologies to expand the collaboration with the aim of advancing and bringing to market autonomous ride-sharing as a mobility service at scale in the United States.
"Combining efforts with Uber, one of the predominant global ride-sharing and automated driving R&D companies, could further advance future mobility," said Shigeki Tomoyama, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp., and president, Toyota Connected Company. "This agreement and investment mark an important milestone in our transformation to a mobility company as we help provide a path for safe and secure expansion of mobility services like ride-sharing that includes Toyota vehicles and technologies."
During testing and design stage, Uber’s Autonomous Driving System will be fitted to Toyota Sienna MPV model to create a fleet of “Autonomous-Mobilitiy As A Service” or Autono-MaaS products. Toyota says that together with Uber’s automated driving system and the Toyota’s Guardian safety support system, overall vehicle safety for all can be enhanced.
Both companies anticipate that Autono-MaaS products will eventually be owned and operated by third party autonomous fleet operators in the future.
"The deal is the first of its kind for Uber, and signals our commitment to bringing world-class technologies to the Uber network," said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's CEO. "Our goal is to deploy the world's safest self-driving cars on the Uber network, and this agreement is another significant step towards making that a reality. Uber's advanced technology and Toyota's commitment to safety and its renowned manufacturing prowess make this partnership a natural fit. I look forward to seeing what our teams accomplish together."
The pilot-scale deployment will begin on the Uber ride-sharing network in 2021.
Earlier in June, Toyota announced that they will be
 investing USD 1 billion in Singapore-based Grab Holdings Inc
. ride-hailing service provider, focusing on data collection technology rather than vehicle development.


Honda Malaysia Achieves 1 Million Production Units Milestone In Pegoh Plant, Melaka

Honda Malaysia has recorded its latest milestone achievement with the production of 1 million units of vehicles at its Pegoh, Melaka plant.

Honda Malaysia's local assembly plant was opened in Pegoh, Melaka in 2003 with the number one line producing the
second-generation CR-V model
. Now with two lines that produce cars like the City and
HR-V
, Honda Malaysia is on the upward trend to sell more vehicles.

1 million production units

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo, said, "It has been 20 years since Honda Malaysia's establishment. We have evolved and recorded significant achievements since then. In March 2021, we achieved the 1 millionth sale unit milestone with all Malaysians. One year later, I am now celebrating another significant milestone with all of you – the 1 millionth production unit, through the
All-New Civic
."

"I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all Honda associates and suppliers for their effort, and hard work to ensure smooth production process and supply chain operations even with many challenges faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global chip shortage and recent flood incidents. With their dedication, challenging spirit and working together as one, we can achieve this remarkable 1 million production unit milestone."

Also present at Honda's 1 million production unit celebration was Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Sulaiman Md Ali, who said Honda Malaysia's assembly plant at Pegoh has created an excellent local economy for the area which now sees it growing beyond expectations.

Ms. Chujo added, "Honda would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Melaka State Government for their continued support for our plans for this Pegoh Plant."

Honda Malaysia Pegoh Plant

Honda Malaysia opened its number one line at the Pegoh Plant in January 2003. It was built on an area of 46,543.00 square meters, with a production capacity of 50,000 cars annually. The first Honda model that rolled out from the number one line was the 2nd Generation Hoda CR-V.

In October 2013, Honda Malaysia rolled out the Jazz Hybrid model in the number two line, which sits on 49,190.50 square meters of land. The number two line had its official opening ceremony in January 2014, and the expansion further increased the total production capacity of the Pegoh Plant to 100,000 units per year, enabling Honda Malaysia to locally assemble seven models to cater to growing customer needs.

The plant is also equipped with
advanced manufacturing equipment and technologies
 such as Lazer Brazing, Internal Frame Welding and Foam Spray Technology.

The plant, which has a 100% local workforce also assembles Honda vehicles with advanced technologies such as
e: HEV
, VTEC turbocharger, Honda Sensing and Honda Connect.

The seven models built at Pegoh are the City, All-New City Hatchback, All-New Civic, Accord, BR-V, HR-V and CR-V. To top it off, the manufacturing plant can produce multiple models simultaneously with its flexible production capability.


Operation Red Light Begins Now Till December 31

If you're the kind of person who steps on the accelerator when you see the light changing yellow, then you might want to stop doing that as PDRM is on a mission to reduce the number of drivers beating red lights nationwide.

According to PDRM, a total of 69,267 summons were issued to road users for beating the red light in 2019, Bernama reports.

For 2020, from January to November, the number of summons issued currently stands at 52,170 involving 26,764 motorcycles, 20,751 cars, 2,208 lorries, and 2,447 other vehicles.

The operation will commence from now till December 31.


Perodua Issue Fuel Pump Recall for Myvi

Malang tidak berbau bagi Perodua, the fuel pump recall that has plagued the likes of Toyota and
Honda
 has now hit close to home with a recall for the third-generation Perodua Myvi.

Fresh off hitting a
sales high
 last month with the Myvi, Bezza and Axia, Perodua has now had to issue a recall for the third-generation
Perodua Myvi
 delivered between late 2018 to 2019. If you fall into that bracket please update your mailing list or call the nearest Perodua Service Centre to confirm.

As of now the recall only affects the Perodua Myvi manufactured in 2018 and 2019.

As expected Perodua will bear the cost of the replacement but affected owners are encouraged to call ahead and make a booking for an appointment as we are still in the RMCO phase and safeguards must be observed.

At the time of publishing Perodua has not confirmed the number of vehicles that will be affected by this recall.


The Old And New Mini Ownership Experience

Since acquiring Mini in 1994, BMW, the German luxury vehicle manufacturer, have tried their best to make the BMC (British Motor Corporation) Mini as relevant as possible. They even went as far as adding an airbag into the steering wheel along the way to comply with European regulations.

But the new millennium required a new approach for the Mini and BMW, and they did finally give us their real take on the classic British car, even changing its name to MINI (all in capitals), instead of Mini.

When the new MINI debuted in 2001, it created a lot of controversy. It was no longer the affordable vehicle it once was. It also grew in size substantially. The new MINI was around 21mm longer, 12mm wider, and weighed nearly double the original Mini. It was a departure from the original minimalistic concept of the Mini and really did take some hardcore Mini fans by surprise.

The extra weight and dimensions were necessary to inherit BMW's sport and luxurious characteristics. Considering how successful BMW is in the 21st century, perhaps it was all worth it. We also can't imagine any other brand making the MINI, not because of its looks but because of how it drives.

I have been lucky enough to have owned both the BMC Mini and the BMW MINI, so I thought I would give you a little review of what both cars were like.

BMC Mini

The BMC Mini that I owned was a 1.3-litre fuel injected automatic transmission. Thinking back now, I always regretted selling it. The build quality was excellent, the handling was like no other.

The only thing I didn't like about that car was the automatic transmission. I thought by buying an automatic I would be able to use it daily. It was more troublesome rather than convenient as the automatic gearbox always slipped - especially when going up a hill which had a traffic light at the top.

Perhaps a manual would have given me less trouble, and I would have continued to enjoy it till today. Surprisingly, the BMC Mini could carry four adults in the car. You always read about them being small but spacious on the inside but you never really believe it till you see it.

Driving the Mini was an experience, even with the pillow ball suspension. It really was planted to the ground, and I barely needed to lift off when going around the corner.  I purchased mine at about half the price of what it is going for these days, so for those who have kept your Mini, you are sitting on an appreciating treasure.

MINI Cooper S R53

The R53 MINI Cooper S was the first generation BMW performance-oriented version of the MINI. It is equipped with a 1.6-litre supercharged engine and can be had either in a manual or automatic transmission.

Being more modern, the auto transmission was reliable and perfect for daily driving, but I had the manual, which made it less than ideal. The clutch in these cars were stiff; even a new clutch returned to the same stiffness after a month. Saying that however, the level of engagement a R53 MINI with a manual gearbox gives really did make you feel like you were in a track car, especially when you equipped it with the John Cooper Works suspension which I did.

BMW did an excellent job of emulating the authentic Mini driving experience, and once again, you barely needed to lift off around the corners. The supercharger whine was also an addictive part of the R53 but could get a bit annoying on those boring long highway drives.

Being a younger person when I owned the R53, I always had friends in the car. Just like the original Mini, it too could carry four people around comfortably. The design of the interior made you feel like you were in an aeroplane, tastefully done by BMW.

The one thing I regretted doing to the R53 was modding it up too much. It just made it unbearable to drive on a day to day basis. If it was a weekend car, then those mods would not have been too cumbersome. My advice is, if you plan to use it daily and zing in and out of traffic, keep it standard, you will appreciate the vehicle more. Even though I bought it as a used car, nothing major was ever wrong with it, just the usual wear and tear parts.

If I had to pick one today, I would pick the BMC Mini, but that's only because I have grown to appreciate analogue cars now. If you are going for power, then obviously the R53 would be the one for you, but if you want a car that makes you feel like your leg and hands are part of it, go for the older Mini, there is no other feeling like an old analogue Mini giving it all she's got at the corners. Plus despite her age, she still looks desirable. Like Helen Mirren.


Marty McFly’s Hoverboard Is Here – Made By Lexus

Slightly more than a month after releasing the initial teaser video, Lexus has finally revealed its Lexus Hoverboard.
Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said the Lexus Hoverboard, which is a result of the company’s ‘SLIDE’ project, was created as a demonstration of Lexus’s philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion – the company’s new tagline.
The Lexus Hoverboard project began 18 months ago through a collaboration with a team of scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH, who specialize in magnetic levitation technology.
The company also roped in pro skateboarder Ross McGouran to test the Lexus Hoverboard in Dresden, Germany.
McGouran said the Hoverboard required a slightly different technique to ride it, "I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard. It's a whole new experience."
The video released by Lexus showed the Hoverboard floating over cement surface and water. But a closer look at the press release revealed that the filming location was a specially constructured ‘hoverpark’ that had up to 200 metres of magnetic track laid beneath the surface.
So even if the Lexus Hoverboard is on sale today (it isn’t), the fictional Marty McFly still can’t hover his way over water (below).
A Lexus GS F also made a cameo appearance in the Lexus ‘Slide’ video.
Haruhiko Tanahashi, whose quote “There is no such as impossible, it’s just a matter of figuring out how” appeared in the video's opening, is the chief engineer of the Lexus LF-A – one of the best cars ever created, of which our UK colleagues at Evo rated to be
better than the Ferrari 599 GTO
 (Malaysian evo issue 83).
How it works
The Lexus Hoverboard technology features two "cryostats"―reservoirs in which superconducting material is kept at -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen. The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets. Dr. Oliver de Hass, evico CEO, said: "The magnetic field from the track is effectively 'frozen' into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track―essentially keeping the board hovering. This force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board."


Pembeli Rebut Insentif Pengecualian SST – Tempahan Kereta Naik Dua Kali Ganda

Susulan pengumuman kerajaan bahawa
pengecualian cukai jualan dan perkhidmatan (SST)
 akan berakhir pada 30 Jun ini, ramai pembeli menyerbu ke bilik pameran kereta untuk menempah kenderaan yang diingini.

Kebanyakan daripada mereka berbuat demikian kerana mahu menikmati insentif pengecualian SST yang menjadikan harga kereta semasa sedikit rendah berbanding biasa.

Tempah Dulu Demi Pengecualian SST

Berdasarkan laporan Berita Harian, ada pembeli di ibu kota yang sanggup menunggu sehingga
enam bulan
 untuk mendapatkan kenderaan yang diingini, asalkan dapat menikmati insentif yang diberikan kerajaan ini.

Menurut penasihat jualan syarikat kereta import, Edwin Wong Chee Keong, berkata ramai pembeli merebut peluang untuk menempah kereta dalam masa seminggu ini dengan menempah terlebih dahulu untuk memastikan mereka masih lagi boleh dapat pengecualian SST.

Berdasarkan kenyataan daripada kerajaan, walaupun kereta didaftarkan selepas tamat pengecualian SST, namun jika pembeli telah menempah sebelum 30 Jun, mereka dikira masih layak menerima pengecualian.

Ini kerana kerajaan telah melanjutkan tempoh pendaftaran kenderaan tersebut di
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
 sehingga 31 Mac 2023 meskipun tarikh akhir pengecualian cukai jualan kenderaan penumpang kekal pada 30 Jun 2022.

Lanjutan tempoh pendaftaran kenderaan itu adalah satu penyelesaian titik tengah bagi mengimbangi kepentingan pengguna dan hasil cukai negara yang perlu ditingkatkan semula selepas pandemik bagi memastikan kebajikan rakyat serta kesejahteraan ekonomi negara terus terpelihara.

Menurut Edwin, meskipun tiada lanjutan pengecualian SST, namun ketika ini pihaknya belum menerima sebarang pembatalan tempahan oleh pelanggannya. Tambahnya, sebelum ini jika berlaku masalah teknikal seperti warna yang diingini tiada, pelanggan akan membatalkan tempahan.

"Sejak Insentif Pengecualian SST diperkenalkan, kami berjaya menjual 150 sehingga 180 unit kenderaan dalam tempoh dua bulan," katanya.

Tempahan Meningkat 2 Kali Ganda

Sementara itu, pengurus syarikat kereta tempatan, Muhammad Dini, pula berkata jumlah tempahan yang diterima syarikat itu tidak terjejas, sebaliknya melonjak sehingga dua kali ganda.

Jelasnya, sebelum ini mereka menerima 200 hingga 300 unit tempahan dalam masa sebulan. Namun kini mereka telah menerima tempahan sebanyak 400 hingga 500 unit.

Selain jumlah pelanggan yang berkunjung ke bilik pameran semakin meningkat, beliau menyatakan bahawa tempahan pelanggan menerusi sistem dalam talian juga mencatatkan peningkatan.

"Kami mengenakan deposit sebanyak RM100 untuk model kereta yang laris di pasaran dan jika mereka batalkan tempahan, deposit akan dipulangkan semula. Agihan kereta tertakluk kepada ibu pejabat," katanya.

Bayaran Bulanan Kereta Lebih Rendah

Sementara itu, eksekutif akaun, Ashraf Arif Nor Azlan, berkata insentif pengecualian SST yang memudahkan dari segi deposit dan harga kereta merupakan sebab beliau membeli kereta kerana bayaran bulanan bagi kereta beliau menjadi lebih rendah.

Beliau turut mencadangkan agar kerajaan memanjangkan tempoh insentif ini supaya pembeli dapat melakukan penjimatan dan pengedar dapat menyumbangkan kembali kepada ekonomi negara.

Mereka yang ingin menikmati pengecualian SST ketika membeli kenderaan masih boleh berbuat demikian sebelum 30 Jun 2022.


All-New A90 Toyota Supra Through The Eyes Of Lead Engineer Tetsuya Tada

We’ve seen multiple spy shots of it, even
heard it roar
 up the prestigious Goodwood Hillclimb course, albeit cloaked in heavy camouflage – the upcoming (A90) Toyota Supra is quite possibly the most hotly anticipated car of a generation, let alone this year or the next.
Following its
Goodwood Festival of Speed shakedown
, and a
private showcase with die-hard fans
 of the Supra, Toyota Blog got a chance to speak with Lead Engineer Tetsuya Tada to shed some light on the new car. Here’s what we have learnt.
The A90 Supra has been in development since 2012, roughly twice as long as Toyota typical development time for other vehicles (roughly 3 years), but the development period was necessary to “make absolutely sure it was right,” according to Tada.
As you may already know, much of that development was done alongside BMW, who are also in the midst of
putting the final touches on their BMW Z4 roadster
 (internally codenamed G29). Both cars will be based on the same platform and
will share similar engine and transmission components
, albeit with individualised tuning between the two companies.
Tada acknowledges that before the GT86 arrived, Toyota had not produced a sports car for a while, so a lot of the groundwork had to be re-established first. “But for the Supra project, we already had the experience from developing the GT86 and were able to start from a much higher level. This meant we were aiming for a much higher level in the finished car,” he explains.
The A90 Supra was envisioned as a big brother to the GT 86 sports car, as per President Akio Toyoda’s aspirations. So in terms of the technical attributes, Tada and his team were dedicated to developing a vehicle that was in almost every way more advanced than the GT 86.
He adds, “For example, people were happy that the GT86 had a very low centre of gravity… but the Supra has an even lower centre of gravity, and its body rigidity is twice that of the GT86. It’s actually the same level of rigidity as the Lexus LFA supercar, and it has been achieved without using carbon fibre so we could keep the price point at an affordable level.”
While he was awaiting his turn to storm up the Goodwood hill, parked alongside other amazing supercars, he figured, “this is the cheapest car in the line by a long way – probably about a tenth of the price – but we got the biggest cheer!’

While it may not be hard to surmise that the A90’s track is wider than the GT 86, just from how it looks, surprisingly, the wheelbase is shorter than that of the GT 86. For this Tada explains, “The car was developed with a specific ratio of wheelbase and track in mind, and I think we’ve been able to achieve the balance that we were looking for.”
Tada finally highlighted five different aspects of the new Supra that fans should get excited about. “First of all, the Supra has always had an inline six-cylinder engine, and of course we have that with the new car, too. Secondly, all generations had a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive; that is also the same here.
He adds that while the new car may be a lot different from the fourth-generation (JZA 80) Supra, which ceased production in 2002; the upcoming Supra carefully adopts traditional styling cues from previous generations so that it remains instantly recognisable as a Supra.
Tada believes also, that when the Supra goes on sale in 2019, it will one of the most engaging and fun cars to drive, as all previous generations have been, in their own right.
And what is perhaps most bittersweet, Tada concludes, “Looking at the current automotive industry, the talk is all about autonomous driving, electrification and artificial intelligence. What that’s doing is giving rise to a lot of strict regulations, and that limits our capacity to make emotional sports cars; it’s getting much more difficult to do that. So for the fifth point, I think the new Supra will be the last present from Toyota to those who enjoy hearing the pleasing sound of a pure petrol engine at high revs.


New Audi Q5 Breaks Cover, Looking Sharper than Ever

Audi has unveiled the Q5 with numerous new features, and it looks sharper than ever.

On the exterior, the octagonal Singleframe grille is now shallower and appears wider than before, while the side air intakes have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets.

At the rear end, there is a pair of OLED taillights (optional) now, which is complemented by a new trim element between the light clusters and a new diffuser insert with a horizontal fin.

Measuring 4,680 mm long, the new Q5 is now 19 mm longer than before. The width of 1,890 mm and height of 1,660 mm remains unchanged. Also new are two body colours – District Green and Ultra Blue.

Inside, there are three interior finishes for customers to choose from – base, design selection, and S line, which can be combined as desired with the exterior trim packages.

There is also a new freestanding MMI touch display with acoustic feedback. Thanks to the new display, the outgoing rotary/push control on the centre-tunnel console has been replaced by cubby holes.

Providing all the necessary information to the driver is the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital display with three different graphic layouts. The driver controls the displays via the multifunction steering wheel. A head-up display is also available as an option.

And then we have the navigation system, which offers high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth, lane-by-lane information on traffic flow and traffic forecasts. DAB+ digital radio is part of the standard equipment list, while the Amazon Alexa service allows access to thousands of Alexa skills.

As for powertrain options, the upgraded Q5 will be sold in Europe as the Audi Q5 40 TDI which comes with a mild hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel TDI engine producing 204 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission as well as a quattro all-wheel drive system.

Performance wise, the new Q5 40 TDI is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h.

More engine versions will follow after the launch of the updated Q5: two further power variants of the four-cylinder TDI, a V6 TDI and two 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engines.

Another highlight of the new Audi Q5 is that customers can now order a special edition of the redesigned Audi Q5 named “edition one”.

The exterior design is based on the S line exterior, further enhanced by the black trim package. The specific design elements set sporty accents with a black Audi insignia front and rear as well as on the rear doors, black roof rails and black exterior mirrors as well as carbon door trim. On entering the vehicle, the Audi rings are projected onto the ground by LED lights. The equipment package also includes red brake calipers, 19-inch wheels and sports seats.

The exterior paint colors are Glacier White and Myth Black in addition to the new shades, District Green and Ultra Blue.


The Low Down On Singaporean Scrap Cars

This whole Singaporean Scrap Car syndicate is quite fascinating, truth be told. There are so many moving parts and a lot of dodgy deals taking place just so that some people can drive illegal luxurious cars considered to be 'an amazing deal' on Malaysian roads.

If you're a little lost at this point, that's because you've probably never heard of this incredible tale of wizardry. It's magical because a Singaporean Scrap car according to Malaysian law can never be legally driven on Malaysian roads. Still, somehow, they are here, cruising amidst all the other road-legal vehicles.

This fairytale starts back in Singapore, where if you want to drive a car around the island, you will need a COE ( Certificate of Entitlement). You can purchase it through a bidding system which can cost you around 32k-35k Singaporean dollars (RM96k-105k) or bundle it in with the price of a new car.

These new vehicle bundled with COEs can be pricey, especially when you consider that they only last for ten years. As an example, a Toyota Altis with bundled COE can cost $95,888 (RM288k), and after ten years, you would need to go through the bidding system for another COE.

So what do Singaporeans do when they can't afford to buy a new COE after ten years? They scrap it. This is the pivot point and turns into 'one man's rubbish, another man's treasure' - illegally, of course.

According to Malaysian law, no cars are allowed to be imported from Singapore. Other countries can reap the benefit of these Singaporean Scrap cars but not Malaysia. But, somehow these cars have still managed to cross the Singapore - Malaysia bridge, pass two borders and make its way to a safe house in Malaysia, usually in Johor, KL or Penang. The whole operation is quite magical if you think of it.

They are then processed and advertised on social media or Carousell (internet market place) at a fraction of the price of what it would usually cost in Malaysia. As an example, a 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe can be had in Malaysia for around RM180k-210k, while the Singaporean Scrap car only cost RM66k. A 2014 VW Golf TSI in Malaysia would cost around RM40k-60k, the Scrap car equivalent? Only RM9k.

To get in touch with this syndicate and purchase the car, all you have to do is contact the person who is advertising the car. The phone number is clearly shown on the ad. Once agreed, more magic wand waving is done, and voila, the car now has a fake road tax, insurance and number plate.

So what are the implications for owning and driving these cars? Firstly if you ever have an accident, your fake insurance will not cover you. Secondly, if you ever go through a roadblock, you're heading off to the police station in a police car. There are more implications, but shouldn't these two be enough to deter you from participating in this?

We tried to contact JPJ for some information about this, but with all the reshuffling going on with the country's top guards, it was hard to get a comment from anyone.

If you read this and own a Singaporean Scrap Car but feel it better not to endanger your life any longer, surrender it to the police. Another way to clear your conscience is to stop driving it on public roads and take it to the track. From what we've gathered, this is the only guilt-free way you can enjoy the car. We highly doubt however though that those of you who own one of these cars are not aware of its implications. We'll admit the prospect of owning a hot hatch, coupe or performance car at a fraction of the price is tempting on so many levels especially for petrolheads like ourselves but the question I suppose is at what cost? Now that's for each of us to answer individually. Tepuk dada, tanya selera.

*Cover image credit to Free Malaysia Today


How Much Load Can A Mitsubishi Triton Carry Without Bending Its Frame?

The frame twist test is a rather punishing test typically carried out on trucks, which because of their ladder frame-type chassis, is susceptible to bending when it is subjected to uneven load. Typically, test involves driving the truck over a series of ramps, staggered on either sides of the truck. A weak chassis will start bending as soon as one of the axles are not on even ground. As a result of the bent frame, you won’t be able to open the doors or the tailgate.
In the real world, it would mean difficulty in getting in and out of the vehicle if the vehicle is heavily loaded, and parked on uneven off-road ground.
The self-explanatory video produced by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) shown below takes the frame twist test one step further. Typically, a frame twist test is done by driving an unloaded truck over the staggered ramps, as shown in the subsequent video. Nevermind about what they are doing in the US, the folks at MMM would like to show how the Triton fares in a frame twist test, with over 1,000 kg loaded on its deck.
Read also:
Don’t Just Say It, Prove It – This Is How The Mitsubishi Triton Proves Its Worth


Honda Chopped Off The B-Pillars Of The N-Van - It Fits An Entire Nasi Lemak Stall

Honda Motor Co has started sales of the new N-Van, a new addition to its kei car lineup. The new N-Van will join the N-Box, N-One, N-Wgn, and N-Box Slash as the fifth member in Honda’s N series of kei cars.
Built on the same platform as the N-Box, the goal of the N-Van is to offer users maximum cargo space with efficient loading and unloading, all within the confines of the kei car dimensions. Ease of loading and unloading is aided by the N-Van’s low floor, thanks to Honda’s patented centre-tank layout, similar to the Jazz.
Further improving the N-Van’s practicality is the lack of B-pillar, the first for any kei-type vans, allowing the N-Van to be used as a mobile store front.
The new Honda N-Van comes in at 3,395 mm long, with a width of 1,475 mm. The wheelbase is 2,520 mm, while the height is 1,945 for the N-Van G, while the N-Van Style Cool has a lower height of 1,850 mm.
Similar to other kei-type vehicles, the new N-Van is powered by a 660 cc three-cylinder engine. Depending on variant, the engine is either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. The naturally-aspirated versions of the N-Van do 53 PS and 64 Nm, while the turbocharged versions do 64 PS and 104 Nm. Both engines can be mated to a CVT-type automatic or 6-speed manual, with power sent to front or all four wheels.
Safety equipment is also generous for a kei-type van, including:
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
Traffic Sign Recognition
Lead Car Departure Notification System
Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System
False Start Prevention
False Backward Start Prevention
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
The CVT-equipped N-Van variants comes standard with Honda Sensing across the range as shown above, however variants equipped with the 6-speed manual are not equipped with False Start Prevention, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), False Backward Start Prevention, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
For those seeking something a little more different, Mugen is offering a range of accessories for the new N-Van, including:
Front bumper
Rear bumper
Front skirt
Door handle protector
Decal stripes
Wheels
Carpet mats
The new Honda N-Van is priced from JPY 1,267,920 (~RM45,471) and the company plans to sell 3,000 units a month.


Oil slick on Kota Bharu road causes multiple bike crashes

A video of several
motorcyclists falling one after the other
 has gone viral yesterday due to an oil slick on the road.

The CCTV footage shared by The Star showed a number of bikers crashing near the Gok Kapor roundabout in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It was an unfortunate incident that was difficult to avoid, especially when the oil patch was located at the braking point right before entering the roundabout.

Ambulance & Bomba were quick to the scene

We're not entirely sure how many motorcyclists and road users were affected by the oil slick on that particular patch of road, but the CCTV footage showed at least four motorcycles going down. It also seemed that at least two of them suffered injuries that were enough to get an ambulance to the scene.

Members of the public nearby the scene also came in to help with the fallen riders. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.

*Image credit: Yu KH FB

The Fire and Rescue Department also dispatched its own ambulance and fire engine to the Gok Kapor roundabout to assist the fallen bikers as well as to clean up the oil slick to avoid any more unwanted incidents.

It didn't take long for them to rush to the scene to help with the injured as well as the clean-up process on Thursday morning (8 December 2022).


Geneva 2018: Lagonda Vision Concept – New Concept, New Uber-Luxury Sub-Brand

Aston Martin has unveiled its Lagonda Vision Concept at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, marking the beginning of a new range of state of the art, emission-free luxury vehicles and with it, Lagonda – the world’s first zero emission luxury sub-brand.
As Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer explains, “‘We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them. ‘Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts.”
The Lagonda Vision Concept has been designed to accept powerful solid state electric batteries enabling that Aston Martin claim will give the car a real-world range of around 640 km between changes.
Additionally, the car will be designed to be compatible with the latest wireless conductive charging technology. Lagonda will leverage on Aston Martin’s experience in multi-material bonding techniques, to create a vehicle that is both light for an all-electric luxury car, and structurally stiff.
The electric drive system will send power to all four wheels through an intelligent all-wheel drive system, capable of distributing 100 percent of available torque to any one given wheel according to traction demands.
The Vision Concept is configured for a high level of autonomy. It conforms to (SAE) Level 4 autonomous driving standards. Lagonda has also designed the Vision Concept to shift its steering column from left to right-hand drive depending or where it is driven, or fully retract to allow the front seats to swivel 180-degrees, so front seats can face the rear.
The car is claimed to have a 360-degree awareness of the world around it, and allow occupants access to bespoke concierge services and a high level of connectivity and cyber-security.
While it may sound a lot like science fiction, the Lagonda ‘Vision Concept’ is in fact, a near future study that previews the design language that could potentially be seen in production Lagonda models as soon as 2021.
Alongside the new Vision concept, two 40 percent scale models are displayed, one a coupe and one an SUV concept, to illustrate how the Lagonda design language could be adapted for the future.
The Lagonda Vision concept is both shorter and lower than traditional luxury sedans. Given it does not need an internal combustion engine and drivetrain, the Vision concept was designed from the inside out, around a luxurious, and spacious cabin for four passengers.
The Vision concept takes a reversed approach towards the design language of Aston Martin. Where Aston Martin is “organic and natural”, the Lagonda is meant to be more “sculptural, shocking and challenging”. However, the overall design is still functional for aerodynamic efficiency.
On the inside, Lagonda designers wanted to create a sense of uniqueness amongst the current crop of uber-luxury vehicles. For this, they turned to renowned British craftsman David Snowdon – who married new-age materials like carbon fibre and ceramics with some of the oldest luxury materials like cashmere and silk.
The result: silk carpets and hand woven wool upholstery combines carbon fibre trim and functional ceramic tiles that open and close to alter the ventilation and adjust the volume of the music. For the seats themselves, Lagonda commissioned Savile Row tailors to use handwoven wool, and create the unique quilting patterns for the seats.
Because the majority of the car’s structural strength comes through its floor, it has been possible to have apertures in the body that are far larger than conventional cars. As a result, the rear-hinged back doors don’t just open outwards, the roof sections also open upwards for ease of access. Occupants can therefore literally stand up inside and walk out of the car, or step straight into it.
The seats themselves are mounted on cantilevered arms extending from the floor outside the seat frame providing a completely uncluttered floor area, with added rear passenger comfort.


New Kia Sorento Teased

Love KIA's muscular looking Telluride but disappointed that it might never reach our shores?

Be disappointed no more, because from the teasers that KIA just released; it looks like the new Sorento will take cues from its bigger brother and look as B** A**.

Destined for debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the 2021 Sorento looks like it will drastically move away from the soft design of the current generation Sorento and move on to a more aggressive look.

With a bigger and more pronounced "Tiger Grill/Nose" at the front the Sorento looks meaner than ever. The rear on the hand with those vertical taillights looks like a copy and paste job from the Telluride.

There is still no official word about what's underneath the bonnet, but KIA has been working on a hybrid and hybrid-plug-in powerplant. If we look at automotive trends, we can expect some form of electrification from KIA.

We'd be happy with just the diesel engine from the current Sorento as it is one frugal yet powerful engine. We can't wait to get our hands on one!


Women's World Car Of The Year Names Land Rover Defender As Overall Winner

Of the many World Car of The Year awards, it's one that comes from a panel of the fairer sex that represents a more practical side of motoring.

Fifty experts across thirty eight countries and five continents have come together to test and evaluate the wide range of cars on the market, and from their extensive work come a list of nine cars that are exemplary. These fifty experts also happen to be female motoring journalists at the top of their fields, and hearing their opinions and choices is a refreshing look at what is usually a male dominated decision.

If you don't already know, the award has been running for over a decade, with its inception in 2009 by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre. She retains presidency of the car awards group, while awards are verified by Grant Thorton, a New Zealand based firm, and partner since the first awards in 2009. It is an especially important award, as women represent a not insignificant market segment for car buyers and knowing what they prefer is a great help for designing and developing the next generation of products.

These women put in their time and energy, judging cars on the criteria of safety, performance, comfort, technology, and value for money. With the first round of balloting, each market segment was narrowed down to three cars. The second round of balloting was to ascertain the top dog in each market segment, while the third and final would be to figure out which of these winners would take home top honours as the overall winner. Without further ado, let's run through the list.

Peugeot 208 - Best Urban Car

There's no doubt that modern Peugeots are absolute stunners, even if their powertrains can feel a little dated on the whole.
An urban car
 doesn't need power, but it needs to fit well within a tight city space - and there's no better car for the task than a French hatchback.

Skoda Octavia - Best Family Car

When it comes to family cars, space and practicality are important to consider. Skoda goes further with better value-for-money, being the more budget-friendly alternative to Volkswagen models without compromising on many of the aspects the buyers look for in a car.

Lexus LC 500 Cabrio - Best Luxury Car

It's no surprise that Lexus would take home a luxury award, given that their models are absolutely amazing in this regard. The
Lexus LC 500
 may not be the quickest in its class, but it certainly manages to be exceptionally refined and comfortable as a GT car - the folding roof obviously a big plus point.

Ferrari F8 Spider - Best Performance Car

Instead of arguing over which hot hatchback can give a supercar a run for its money - as many Car of The Year awards do - this group of journalists went straight to the top with a Ferrari. There's no doubt that the men and women at Fiorano have decades of experience making fast cars, and the
F8 Spider
 is a culmination of that.

Peugeot 2008 - Best Urban SUV

It's starting to become apparent that Urban is synonymous with Compact, so once again we have a Peugeot on the list. The
2008
 has grown from being an off-shoot of the 208, to something that can really stand on its own four wheels with pride and presence.

Land Rover Defender - Best Medium SUV

Following the radical departure from Defenders of old, the
new Defender
 offers the same levels of off-road performance with an aesthetic and refinement more common to Range Rover models - the perfect all-round SUV as we enter a new decade.

Kia Sorento - Best Large SUV

There may be a bit of Kiwi bias here, as they do love their Korean cars, but the
Kia Sorento
 is also a proven large-format SUV that represents the Korean brand's development and progress over their time in business.

Ford F-150 - Best 4x4 & Pick-Up

With the F-150, there may be an interesting disconnect as it isn't sold in very many markets around the world, being a predominantly American vehicle. That being said, it is what many people think about when they imagine a pick-up - and it's no surprise it takes home the award.

Honda e - Best EV

The last few years have seen so many different electric vehicles coming to market, but the Honda e has been the most exciting and practical option. Tesla may shout about power figures and Audi may have an easily identifiable SUV model, but the
Honda e
 is the one most people will be opting for in reality.


Shell To Expand Reach of Euro 5 Diesel to 100 Stations

Motorists driving the latest generation of clean turbodiesel engines can look forward to having access to Euro 5 diesel in more locations across Peninsular Malaysia.
Effective immediately, Shell Malaysia is making its Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 available in over 85 stations around the country, with plans to further grow that number in excess of 100 stations in the not too distant future.
Beyond the central Klang Valley region, Shell plans to provide coverage of its Euro 5 diesel along connecting roads from Johor to Penang as well as on the East Coast in Terengganu.
“The rapid expansion of Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 availability is a showcase of our promise to continue fuelling Malaysia’s progress, and an affirmation of our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers” said Datuk Haji Azman Ismail, Managing Director Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.
The key difference between the new Euro 5 grade diesel and the existing Euro 2M grade is its sulphur content, which drops from 500 parts per million (ppm) to just 10 ppm.
Whilst compatible with all diesel engines, Euro 5 fuel in a Euro 5 engine enables
optimum operation of the engine’s advanced control systems
, to maximise performance and reduce emissions.
Since its
launch in December last year
, Shell claims that over 3,000 diesel vehicles refuel each day with Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5.
The company further claims that its fuel features Active Efficiency Ingredients designed to improve engine efficiency from the very first tank and that it also incorporates a special detergent that prevents build-up of injector deposits.


UMW Toyota Extends Takata Airbag Recall. 2010 – 2012 Vios, Alphard, Altis, Yaris Affected

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) today announced a recall to replace the Takata front passenger side airbag inflator modules for a few models sold in Malaysia.
The affected models include 42,000 units of Toyota Corolla Altis, Vios, Yaris and Alphard manufactured between May 2010 and December 2012 and distributed by UMWT.
According to UMWT, this recall is an expansion of earlier campaigns by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) relating to certain vehicles equipped with airbag inflator modules.
The defect is due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling.
Inflator modules which contain a non-desiccated, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant may cause the rupture of the module. Should such a situation occur, metal fragments will pass through the airbag as it inflates and into the vehicle interior at high speed. As a result, serious injury or death could occur.
It is said that Toyota, which is currently working on obtaining the necessary parts for the recall exercise, will notify owners to request them to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota service centre to make the necessary replacements once the parts are available.
UMWT added that the replacement process should take about 1 to 3 hours and that all costs involved for the replacement will be borne by the company.
Owners can visit
Toyota’s Special Service Campaign website
 to check whether their vehicle is involved, through Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker.


Mitsubishi ASX – 4-Wheel Grip, On-Demand Power and Efficiency

Too much of something isn’t always good, like rice for example. There are however certain things that you can never have too much of, like chocolate.
When it comes to buying a car, space is something you want to have, but not too much of it. A family of five might appreciate a seven-seater like the Outlander, where the third row seats are useful for the occasional visit from a friend or a relative.
Smaller families however, might see little need for a third-row seat and are likely to rather trade the unused space for a smaller vehicle that’s easier to drive in the city and costs less to run. Sitting within this sweet spot of optimum utility, low running cost, ease of parking, security of a high riding SUV, is the 2.0-litre Mitsubishi ASX – the only model in the segment to offer buyers the option of 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD).
While space is a function of usage needs, grip however, is an entirely different matter altogether. One can say that they don’t need that much space but one can never say that they can make do with less grip. No matter how much power a car has, the amount of grip available to translate these power into motion, and to keep it under control, is limited by four patches of rubber between the wheels and the road. Exceed these limits and the consequences can be fatal.
This is why 4WD vehicles always have an advantage when it comes to maintaining optimum grip. Go beyond a certain threshold in power output, four-wheel drive is no longer an option, but a necessity to ensure a safe, controlled driving experience. Without it, the driving tyres will just be overwhelmed by the power.
By distributing the engine’s torque to all four wheels instead of just two, each tyre is able to operate within their optimal grip limit.
Among mainstream car brands, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s has the most diverse range of 4WD models.
There’s the aforementioned seven-seater Outlander, the Borneo Safari-tough Triton pick-up truck, and for those who want the secure feeling accorded by the high seating position of SUVs but at the same time don’t want to grit their teeth every time they have to park their car, there’s the ASX.
The 2.0-litre ASX 4WD is the only vehicle in its class to offers customers with the option of 2WD or 4WD.Customers have the option of retaining the full range of drivability like any proper 4WD SUV should.

It doesn’t matter if you drive only on tarmac surfaces in the city or if you often venture off-road, as the benefits of 4WD traction can be appreciated in all driving conditions.
How The ASX 4WD Keeps You Safe Even In The City
While it is true that 4WD is absolutely necessary in off-road conditions, the benefits of 4WD is evident even in everyday driving in the city.
With seven air bags, anti-lock brakes, Active Stability Control and Traction Control available as standard, the ASX is already one of the safest crossovers on sale.
However, the likelihood of an ASX encountering a dangerous situation where the safety nets are called into play is very small.
To ensure that the driver never loses control of his or her ASX, the vehicle’s intelligent 4WD system is always active in the background, constantly varying the amount of torque distributed between the front and rear axle.
In a worst case scenario, an oil spill on a rain soaked tarmac for example, the ASC and TC feature in a ASX 4WD model have double the capabilities to pull you away from danger as the 4WD system has four wheels to distribute the engine’s power to instead of just two.
Of course, no amount of advanced 4WD or safety features can bend the laws of physics so drivers should always exercise caution when driving.
Electronically Controlled 4WD – Born In The Rough Rally Stages, Refined On The High Streets
Not all 4WD drivetrains are created equal. Some are rather simple solutions that place greater emphasis on maintaining a low cost, while providing only the minimum level of 4WD functionality.
Mitsubishi Motors is a world leader in 4WD technology. All Mitsubishi 4WD systems are honed at top-level motorsports events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Dakar Rally, World Rally Championship, Asia Cross Country Rally, and even our very own Borneo Safari.
In the ASX, the Electronically Controlled 4WD system shares the same electronically controlled coupling system used in the far more expensive Outlander, but minus the Outlander’s 4WD Eco function.
Drivers can choose between the three drive modes - the fuel efficient 2WD mode for driving in dry weather, the 4WD Auto mode for increased traction under slippery conditions and smoother cornering performance, and lastly the 4WD Lock mode which delivers more torque to the rear wheels for better performance in all weather and terrain conditions.
The ASX’s 4WD system is designed to be lightweight to keep fuel consumption low but yet sturdy enough for rugged terrain and off-road conditions.
When either 4WD modes are engaged, the electronically controlled coupling in the power transfer unit (PTU) located near the front axle sends power to the rear axle. At the rear, a lightweight differential splits torque between the two rear wheels, depending on which wheel has more grip.
Whichever mode is used, the ASX’s fully independent suspension system – MacPherson struts in front and multi-link in the rear keeps the wheels planted on the ground. It is a more sophisticated setup than the simpler torsion beam that’s more commonly seen in this segment, thus explaining the superior driving dynamics of the ASX.
We reckon that most ASX drivers will never even think about driving their ASX in challenging off-road conditions but it’s always good to know that you are buying a product that’s designed to be a lot more durable than it needs to be.
Read also our review on the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX
here
.


BMW Z4 Transforms Into A Big Flower Pot

A BMW Z4 transforms into a big flower pot as owner gets creative with his car after deciding not to renew its COE.

Facebook posts that go viral usually show either the weird or the wonderful, and the most recent auto-related viral Facebook post by Singapore's
SG Road Vigilante
 shows how strange things can get when a vehicle owner does not wish to renew their COE.

The viral video showed a beautiful first-generation yellow BMW Z4 basically being used as a flower pot. Located at Chin Bee Avenue, the posting of the Z4 and its surrounding flora simply had the caption of "best-decorated bus stop bmw z4, white elephants".

Judging by the comments on the post, we presume the owner of the BMW Z4 did not want to renew their COE and instead used the Munich machine as a bit of a decoration piece for his lovely front-of-house plant shrine. The plant showpiece also had a white elephant at the rear of the Z4 and a couple of bicycle wheels hanging out from the top of the Z4.

So what is a COE, and why did the vehicle owner not want to renew it?

The cost of living and vehicle ownership in Singapore is high and if you don't believe us, just check out the price of the Perodua
Ativa's
 cousin, the
Toyota Raize
, which retails around SGD94,988 (RM294K) in the Lion City.

Its price is around 300% more than the Ativa's, which seems ridiculous considering they are essentially
the same car
. Why is this, though? Is it because all cars in Singapore are lined with gold?

Unfortunately, the answer is no gold lining, but what makes cars so expensive in Singapore is taxes imposed on them and this fabled thing called COE.

The Certificate Of Entitlement or COE for short is a market-driven certificate, which allows a car to be driven on Singaporean roads for ten years. The prices of COEs fluctuate depending on periods of vehicle demand, which for the most of 2021 is hovering around SGD47k for CAT A (car up to 1600cc and 130bhp), SGD56k for CAT B (car above 1600cc or 130bhp), and SGD58k for CAT E (open).

COE Price credit: SGCARMART

After ten years, a vehicle owner would have to renew their COE to drive their car on Singaporean roads, and the renewal price depends on the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP). The PQP is calculated by taking the moving average of COE prices in the last three months, which means you would have to pay around SGD40k-60k (RM124k-RM154k) just to get your car back on the road.

Suppose they do not wish to renew their COE. In that case, their vehicle will, unfortunately, need to be scrapped, so perhaps instead of doing that, the owner of the Z4 thought he/she could get away with using the car as a decoration piece instead of seeing it completely gone from his/her life.

According to a comment on the post, the car now has been taken by the authorities and unfortunately headed to the scrappers, presumably because of the viral video.

Hey, we might even see this yellow Z4 on Malaysian roads soon because there are always syndicates
illegally importing
 Singaporean scrap cars into Malaysia and repurposing them.


All-New 2015 Volkswagen Passat (B8) To Launch End-2015

At
Volkswagen’s

Das Event
 last year, the company pulled out all the stops to showcase a few interesting models that included the eighth-generation
Passat
 (B8). Originally scheduled to be launched sometime in 2015, we now have a better estimated time of arrival for the all-new sedan.
During a brief group interview with Armin Keller, the managing director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia, when asked about future plans on the Passat B8, we were told that,
“It’s still on my schedule to have them at the end of the year.”
 Yes, this will be locally assembled as the previous Passat was but according to Pekan assembly plant manager, Bruno Torres, the plant here isn't completely ready for MQB production but it will be after undergoing a few changes.
Them refers to both the Volkswagen Passat as well as the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE that also showed up at
Das Event
. Unfortunately, there was no mention of pricing for either models.
The B8 Volkswagen Passat made its world debut in July 2014 and is underpinned by the lighter and more configurable MQB platform. Aimed at bringing the fight to the
BMW 3 Series
 and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
, it promises to be moved up higher upscale in its class.


Geneva 2018: Ferrari 488 Pista Unveiled, 720 Horsepower, 20% More Downforce

Ferrari has just introduced their latest V8-engined special series, called the Ferrari 488 Pista.
The special V8 models, which focuses on serious track driving, began with the 360 Challenge Stradale in 2003 (which was also unveiled in Geneva), moving the 430 Scuderia and in 2014, the introduction of the 458 Speciale.
The Ferrari 488 Pista, which is developed from the 488 GTB mid-engine coupe, is a direct homage to their unparalleled heritage in motor sports. The word ‘pista’ also means track or circuit in Italian.
As with all special series models, the Ferrari 488 Pista’s performance development comes from participation in endurance racing with the 488 GTE and its own one-make race series, the 488 Challenge. Technology from Formula 1 racing also make it into every special series model.
The V8 engine behind the driver still displaces 3.9 litres but delivers astounding performance figures. 720 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque makes it the most powerful V8 engine in Ferrari history. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h and 200 km/h are just as extraordinary, at 2.85 seconds and 7.6 seconds respectively.
The motorsport-derived engine in the Ferrari 488 Pista now includes new twin turbochargers with integrated rev sensors, larger intercoolers, Inconel exhaust manifold, engine internals, and carbon fibre intake plenum, all from the 488 Challenge race car. All in, over 50% of the components in the Ferrari 488 Pista's engine are new.
Special series Ferrari models sound special and unmistakable, and with the new exhaust manifold and bypass design, the Ferrari 488 Pista delivers a more intense sound, and up to 8 dB louder than the Ferrari 488 GTB.
As with all special series Ferrari models, increased levels of downforce is next in the upgrade menu. The Ferrari 488 Pista has an Formula 1-inspired aerodynamic S-Duct which works together with a new front diffuser to create a strong suction for increased in downforce.
The airflow then moves underneath the car through various new vortex generators before being expelled out from a new double kink active rear diffuser. Together with a new dolphin-tail rear spoiler, the increase in downforce is 20% over the Ferrari 488 GTB.
The chassis setup meanwhile features the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE). This world’s first vehicle dynamics system uses Ferrari software to lightly actuate the individual brake callipers through, and exiting corners. Combining FDE with Side-Slip Angle Control system version 6.0 (SSC 6.0) and a set of new bespoke Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres makes the car handle even more effortless, intuitive and predictable.
The goal is to enable the driver to reach the car’s on-the-limit performance in an easier and more controllable manner.
The weight of the Ferrari 488 Pista is a massive 90 kg lighter through usage of carbon fibre on the engine cover, bumpers, and rear spoiler. The new special series car tips the scales at 1,280 kg, dry. (Kerb weight is 1,385 kg).
The car’s underlying sense of extreme purpose is also highlighted by the adoption, for the first time on a Ferrari, of optional 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels. The single-piece carbon-fibre wheel rim is around 40% lighter than in the Ferrari 488 GTB and features a special coating to dissipate heat generated under braking.
The Ferrari 488 Pista laps the company’s 3.0-kilometer Fiorano test circuit in 81.5 seconds, a massive 1.5 seconds quicker than the Ferrari 488 GTB, and 2 seconds quicker than the previous special series Ferrari 458 Speciale.
The Ferrari 488 Pista features a tone-tone livery that runs the entire length of the car, starting at the front bumper, then diving into the S-Duct and ending at the dolphin-tail rear spoiler.
The interior has a distinctive racing feel, out goes the carpeting, replaced with patterned aluminium floor panels and fluidly sculptured door panels. No information on the production run, but expect the Ferrari 488 Pista to be a made in limited quantities, and majority already have customers tied to them.
Details of the technical changes in animation can be
found here
.


SmartTag Lives On, Efkon Guarantees Owners Of Continued Support

Efkon Asia Sdn Bhd, the Austrian technology provider of the SmartTag system in Malaysia has guaranteed users in Malaysia that the company will continue to provide sales and service support for the system.
This is in light of the recent announcement by Touch n Go, which stated that the company will cease the sales of SmartTag devices through its channels.
Efkon Asia plans to introduce sales and service network throughout the country by October 2018 to ensure wider availability and convenience for its users.
Additionally, customers now have more options for their SmartTag device, as various brands have started to introduce their own device. MaxTag by Sigma Technology is one such device, and is already on sale on Lazada.
“In Germany, a similar Infra-Red System has proven to be effective and reliable in multi-lane traffic free flow environment for speeds above 120 km/h. We have also successfully replicated this test in Malaysia. In contrast to simple solutions, the Infra-Red DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) System also provides high security and protection from cloning the TAG for misuse. We are confident that this Infra-Red TAG System with its 13-year track record and more than four million satisfied customers in this country, will continue to prove its worth as an efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system,” said Efkon Asia director Helmuth Blasch.


Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Season 4 Roars To Life At Sepang This Weekend!

It is full throttle for Malaysian motorsports as the
Toyota Gazoo Racing series returns
 after almost a year’s absence. Round 1 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season 4 will see a return to the Sepang International Circuit from the 27th-28th March 2021.

Conforming to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) amidst the COVID-19 threat, Round 1 of the
highly-anticipated Vios Challenge
will be held as a closed-door event with racing fans invited to what is being planned as the biggest live streamed racing carnival in Malaysia, aired over two days.

The Vios Challenge will consist of four classes of racing which includes the inaugural running of the Rookie Class featuring six new graduates of the Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Program who are stepping up from different racing disciplines such as karting and
simulator
 to racing in a saloon car for their very first time.

Separately the Promotional Class which fields
local celebrities
 sees three new stars joining the action, while the faster Sporting Class includes amateur drivers; and the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers.

The 2021 season will see Promotional Class lead by a star-studded line-up with Shukri Yahya, Janna Nick, Nabil Ahmad, Wany Hasrita, Nabila Razali, and Khai Bahar. Three newcomers include superstar Zizan Razak, singer Talitha Tan, and television personality Ahirene Ahirudin. The Sporting Class will field 19 drivers gunning for the prospect of being crowned the new champion in 2021.

Alongside, the battle for the Super Sporting class will be tighter than ever, with Tengku Djan Ley returning to the grid to defend his title against a grid of 11 professional racers the likes of Mark Darwin and Freddie Ang as well as other experienced driers such as William Ho, Kenny Lee, Keifli Othman, and Syafiq Ali.

The youngest ever TGR race winner (at 16-years of age), Hayden Haikal this year is promoted into this esteemed top-flight class. The Rookie Class, which will also share the grid will see six handpicked racers battling for the top spot in 2021.

UMW Toyota Deputy Chairman Akio Takeyama said “The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival has primarily been about bringing motorsports to the masses – this focus has not changed - and to a great extent, we have successfully accomplished this by bringing the races to so many different locations since 2017.

He added, “The opportunity to live stream the carnival and an entire race weekend would mean reaching out to an even larger and wider audience, including racing fans outside of Malaysia. The challenge before us today is to bring the energy and atmosphere of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival online.”

Curated as a live-streamed event, fans and viewers will get an uninterrupted front row seat to all the action this weekend, which will feature three qualifying sessions, six exciting individual races, pit lane insights, interviews with racers, and celebrity-studded performances.

Catch the entire event on UMW Toyota’s
Gazoo Racing website,
 or on the Toyota Malaysia and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Facebook pages.


Leaked: New 2017 Proton Iriz Unmasked

We reported yesterday that Proton is going to introduce an enhanced version of the Iriz, which is expected to debut later this month.
Thanks to our friends over at
Funtasticko
, a leaked photo of the new Proton Iriz confirms some of the model's features.
For starters, we mentioned in our
earlier post
 that the new Proton Iriz will receive a blacked-out roof. From the photo, the blacked-out roof is evident, though the actual car also gets blacked-out side mirrors and front grille top garnish. We also noticed that the blacked-out parts have a glossy finish to it, not just unpainted. The presence of LED DRLs indicate that this could be a range-topping 1.6-litre Iriz, though the actual variant remains to be seen.
Under the skin, we can expect the Iriz to feature the same
NVH enhancements
 as the Persona. On top of that, the 3 point engine mount system of the Persona will find its way to the Iriz. The new engine mount set up is designed to reduce the engine and transmission vibrations from entering the cabin. Elsewhere, the TCU software from the Persona will be applied to the Iriz as well.

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Variant wise, the new 2017 Proton Iriz could be arriving in three variants, 1.3 Standard, 1.3 Executive and 1.6 Executive. The mid spec 1.3 Executive is tipped to receive a new push start button. When the Iriz was launched in 2014, Proton offered a manual transmission for all variants of its then-new B-segment hatchback, including
1.6-litre models
. That could soon change, as we heard that the new Iriz will be a CVT-only affair, save for the 1.3 Standard.


Perodua Launches Its ‘M-Team’ Mobile Services For Peninsular Malaysia

Perodua
 wants you to say hello to its new solution for handling support, repair and maintenance services to its customers who live outside the range of their conventional service outlets. It is the first of its kind launched in Malaysia and will begin operating in Terengganu before rolling out to other states in West Malaysia.
The M-Team was first introduced in November 2013 and operated within East Malaysia the many customers there who don’t live within a convenient distance from their nearest Perodua authorised service centre, which is required to be brought in for scheduled maintenance under the terms of the manufacturer warranty, which as of September 2014 has been a 5-year coverage period.
”This initiative is our way of making it easier for our customers to service their Perodua vehicles and also ensure peace of mind by providing them with genuine parts,” Perodua President & CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.
The M-Team for Peninsular Malaysia will operate using a 5-tonne lorry that has been modified to provide all the necessary facilities and equipment to conduct all the diagnostic and repair work required.
M-Team will consist of four personnel; a foreman, two mechanics, and a service advisor. Together, they will offer services such as vehicle maintenance, inspection, technical advice, and will even be able to make warranty claims in certain cases provided the vehicle owner makes an advanced appointment.
“The Perodua M Team will begin its journey to the East Coast in Kuala Berang, Ajil and Paka from January 2016 onwards as we believe there customers there who do not have easy access to our authorised service centres,” Aminar said.
For Terengganu, Perodua vehicle owners can make appointments by calling 019-995-4949 during business hours in the state from Saturday-Wednesday (8.30am - 5.40pm) and Thursday (8.30am - 12.40pm) beginning January 2016 onwards.


2021 Honda City RS e:HEV Officially Goes On Sale – RM105,950

At long last, Honda Malaysia has finally announced the official price of its top-of-the-range Honda City RS e:HEV, which stands at RM105,950. Due to delays caused by the pandemic, and resultant MCO, the official release for the City RS finally comes, roughly five months after the official launch of
5th-generation City model.

Malaysia is the first country in the world to debut this variant of the City, which amongst others, is equipped with Honda’s latest intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “Today we are pleased to announce the official price for the All-New City RS e:HEV at RM105,950.45, with an overall package that is beyond the B-segment, complete with Next Generation Advanced Technology, Honda Sensing as well as Honda Connect, class-leading innovative features and a sporty exterior. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to our customers who have booked the RS e:HEV variant and waited patiently for the official price announcement,”

He adds, "Furthermore, we have also received an overwhelming response from Malaysians, recording positive figures for the All-New City with over 20,000 bookings to date. We have successfully delivered more than 13,100 units of the All-New City to Malaysians since its official launch.”

The halo 2021 Honda City RS e:HEV variant is powered by Honda’s cutting-edge intelligent
Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain
 which combines an internal combustion (IC) engine with two electric motors, and a high-power Lithium-Ion battery pack.

Unlike traditional hybrids, the i-MMD system allows the City RS to be predominantly driven using just one, or both the electric motors and a combination of the motors and the IC engine to seamlessly power the car. In certain situations, the IC engine can also be called on to drive the vehicle independently of the electrical motors. The i-MMD does this courtesy of an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), the system can seamlessly regulate between the three driving modes of EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive in the most efficient way.

The i-MMD powertrain also does not require a traditional gearbox, instead used an e-CVT transmission unit to deliver 108PS and a best-in-class peak torque of 253Nm – equivalent to that of turbocharged cars with the same capacity – to the front wheels.

Besides the powertrain, the RS e:HEV variant is also the safest City model ever – which is equipped with the complete
Honda Sensing active driver assistance features
, which include the following sub-systems:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Auto High Beam (AHB)

Elsewhere, the 2021 Honda City RS is also equipped with Honda LaneWatch which beams a camera feed of the passenger side through the infotainment system when changing lanes. The Remote Engine Start feature first popularised on the Honda Civic, also makes its way for the first time in the Honda City.

Separately, the
 Honda Connect system
 utilises the onboard computing power and connectivity features within the City RS e:HEV in conjunction with a backbone of internet services to deliver a new dimension of vehicle interactivity - such as Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services - at the touch of a button.

The All-New 2021 Honda City RS e:HEV variant is offered in three paint colour options, namely Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.

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

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.


Carlist.my Grand Prix Challenge 2017 Gives Lucky Winner Brand New Classic Muscle Car!

The
Carlist.my Grand Prix Challenge 2017
 comes to a grand finale today when one lucky winner of the nationwide contest walks away with one of the rare muscle cars which are currently on display at Suria KLCC Mall’s Concourse area, the final pit stop of the
Carlist.my
 muscle car roadshow.
Mr. Lim Seng Peng, who submitted 10 contest entries through
Carlist.my
’s online marketplace, was announced as the lucky grand prize winner of the
Carlist.my Grand Prix Challenge
. He was also given the opportunity to choose one of the brand new muscle cars of his dreams that was on display and will be driving home in style with the Ford Mustang convertible worth RM400,000.
“
Carlist.my
 not only provided me with an easy, fast and convenient car buying process when I was making the purchase of my car, it was even more exciting to know that they were running the contest that allows Malaysians to stand to win a muscle car! It was an unbelievable moment and a huge surprise for me when my name was announced as the lucky winner of this contest!” shared Lim Seng Peng.
“The
Carlist.my Grand Prix Challenge 2017
, which was organised in partnership with 23 Motors Sdn Bhd, has been proven a success through the generous support we have received with more than 400 entries from our customers in Malaysia. This reaffirms our commitment to continue providing an exciting and seamless experience when they purchase new, second-hand or even classic American muscle cars through
Carlist.my
, a one-stop platform with a wide selection of cars and informative reviews available to cater to their needs,” said Jonathan Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of iCar Asia Ltd.
The
Carlist.my
muscle car roadshow is ongoing until 9 July 2017 from 10.00 am till 10.00 pm at the Suria KLCC concourse floor. Participants and car enthusiasts alike will be able to catch a glimpse of the rare muscle cars such as Ford Mustang 4.0 Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro 3.6 V6 45th Anniversary Special Edition and Dodge Challenger 3.6 fitted with the Liberty Walk custom bodykit. The roadshow is also currently showcasing a couple of high-end rides, namely the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700 and Rolls-Royce Ghost featuring Mark Court’s coachline hand-paint.
At the roadshow will be a variety of ongoing fun activities and games for all to enjoy, including a ‘Snap & Win’ contest in which participants will stand a chance to win great prizes such as car dashcams or even a Playstation 4 console. On top of that, participants who download the Carlist.my App via
Google Play
 or
App Store
 will also be able to redeem Carlist.my freebies from the roadshow.


The All-New 2021 Isuzu D-Max - The All-Activity Pickup For Work And Play

The catchphrases ‘premium’ and ‘lifestyle’ are increasingly thrown around in the sphere of the automotive market – but few cars and even fewer manufacturers actually meet or understand the criteria of creating a car that combines these two contrasting traits in perfect symbiosis.

Let’s say you are looking at a premium SUV, i.e.: sporting a snazzy bodykit, large wheels and a swanky interior – ask yourself, will the interior hold up to the mud from the shoes and hands of an intrepid explorer? Would the sleek bodykit shatter at the sight of a large rock? Would the wheels handle the abuse of an off-road trail? Perhaps, no.

Then what about lifestyle… what good is a superb looking interior without the cargo space for your gear, a high-performance engine without the dependability that really allows you to take the road less traveled, and snazzy styling without the toughness to take you both in and out of your chosen adventure?

More often than not, the cars that manage the duality of purpose first need to have a proven base from which to start with. A track-honed Porsche 911 GT3 is nothing without first being a great Porsche 911, and likewise, an all-activity vehicle, that really goes anywhere and does everything – is nothing if it is not a sublime vehicle in the first place.

Introducing the
All-New Isuzu D-Max 3.0L X-Terrain

Wait, that is a pickup truck… and yes you’d be right! However, with over a century of expertise in creating some of the toughest and most rugged vehicles ever sold – they have the perfect understanding of first engineering the perfect base for creating a vehicle that sets the benchmark in terms of being able to do anything, and more importantly, go wherever your adventure takes you!

The All-New 2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain now brings to the fore a proven mechanical platform that seamlessly blends the usability and toughness of a pickup truck with the trappings of luxury befitting the most discerning of expectations.

A pickup truck for work… and play!

At first sight, the sheer size and stature of the
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain
 speak of presence and individuality. Far from the more utilitarian nature of its predecessor – the all-new D-Max X-Terrain mixes sporty styling and sporty colours with the overall proportions of a traditional pickup truck.

A front fascia that means business is highlighted by sleek-looking Automatic Bi-LED headlamps to provide a unique visual signature. Come round the sides, and the D-Max impresses with taut bodylines and muscular proportions courtesy of wide overfenders and 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it a brawny style.

Round the back, look closely or you’ll miss the integrated rear bumper that joins seamlessly to the rest of the car's body architecture, giving the D-Max X-Terrain a clean rounded look, unlike others within its segment. LED rear taillights likewise flank a traditional rear tailgate equipped with Isuzu’s “tailgate assist” function for a nice functional, yet technical finish.

A tough yet classy interior

Open the wide doors of the D-Max X-Terrain and find a contrasting coloured and cossetting leather interior – notice the ergonomically designed front seats and the overall architecture that highlight functionality and minimalism. Everything in its place, and a place for everything. The rear cabin space is equally well-engineered for both the family (and your friends) with spacious rear headroom and legroom to impress even the fussiest of passengers.

Soft leather trims the most important interior touchpoints such as the seats and steering wheel – while the automatic dual-zone climate control system, steering wheel-mounted controls and 8-way powered driver’s seat ensure you have a comfortable and fuss-free place to be in even on the longest journeys. Seven-airbags yet again make the insides of a D-Max X-Terrain one of the safest zones for you and your family.

Power and reliability that goes anywhere…

Drivetrain engineering is an aspect that Isuzu rarely needs to speak about. Developed from millions of miles of reliability and honed (locally) from the experience of 11 completed Borneo Safari Expeditions on the backs of their trucks – durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency is at the heart of every Isuzu vehicle.

Built on Isuzu's new Dynamic Drive platform – it’s larger, higher and wider than before with more structural reinforcements. This ensures greater toughness, better driving dynamics which is required, because of all the power the D-Max X-Terrain delivers.

Powered by the latest generation 4JJ3-TCX engine with a new common-rail injection system, and an electronically controlled VGS turbocharger, the X-Terrain’s power unit outputs 190PS and a whopping 450Nm of torque between 1,600rpm - 2,600rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels through a new 6-speed automatic transmission – governed by Isuzu’s ‘Terrain Command’ 4WD system which allows switching between 2H and 4H modes (while driving) within 0.61 seconds.

Separately, a rear differential lock – offered when in the X-Terrain’s most aggressive 4WD-Low Range mode offers a 50/50 percent torque split between both rear wheels to ensure you get out of the toughest off-road obstacles. Another crucial development of the all-new Isuzu D-Max is its water wading ability – with some clever engineering, the D-Max is now able to pass through standing water of up to 800mm with no issues.

Packing both brawn and intelligence…

Of course, just being tough is not enough in this day and age, that’s why the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is equipped with a comprehensive suite of Active Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS functions that help keep you and all your passengers safe.

The comprehensive suite of ADAS which include a number of first in class features elevate the D-Max X-Terrain beyond the boundaries of pickup truck and into the realm of premium SUV offerings with the following:

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Turn Assist

Pedal Misapplication Mitigation

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Automatic High Beam (AHB)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Drive it to believe it…

The All-New Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is now available for viewing and test drives at all authorised Isuzu dealerships nationwide, prices start at RM141,938.