Geneva 2017: New Suzuki Swift Makes European Debut

It kind of hurts that just as Suzuki pulls out of Malaysia, they release the latest and greatest generation of the venerable Swift. Well, the European launch, that is: a couple of months ago this same
Swift was released for the Japanese market
, albeit with some slight differences in specification.
We'll run through the specifications real quick to get you up to speed again. This latest generation is up to 10 percent lighter depending on specification, and 8 percent more fuel efficient depending on your powertrain. Kerb weight is down to just 890 kilograms, and there is a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol engine (90 hp, 118 Nm) or a turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine (109 hp, 170 Nm, up 8 hp and 20 Nm from the Japanese model), both only available with manual transmissions.
What's more interesting are the additional options. For the 1.2-litre model there's the optional ALLGRIP AUTO all-wheel drive system that provides an automatic, permanent four-wheel drive that will definitely help during harsh, slippery conditions.
For the 1.0-litre Boosterjet there is an additional compact hybrid system known as the SVHS, functioning as a mild hybrid for regenerating energy and helping during start stop situations. It's not as complex as the systems in larger cars but it certainly helps to bring CO2 emissions down in traffic.
As expected in order to meet European safety standards, the new Swift comes equipped with an Advanced Forward Detection System which includes auto-emergency braking and adaptive cruise control- although this only comes in the higher-spec SZ5 model. Also for the higher spec models are things like a 4.2-inch LCD multi information display and a more sophisticated entertainment and navigation system.
All we can hope is that Suzuki will one day come back to us and provide us with these excellent machines. One also wonders what the next generation Suzuki Swift Sport is going to be like, as the previous two generations were instant classics and hugely fun to drive.


Bermaz On Track To Lock-In Kia Distributorship By April

As described in investor communication documents, Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB), the joint effort of Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto (BAuto), are looking to clinch the local distributorship of Kia pretty soon.

However, what’s still unclear is where exactly the brand will be slotted under. While a spot alongside
Peugeot under BAASB
 would make sense as we’ve long had those associations, pairing Kia with Mazda under Bermaz’s supervision would also make sense.

With them now being the official stewards of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia as well, BAASB has had its eyes on these two car brands following Naza’s decision to not continue their previous partnership with either automaker.

While an agreement was reached with the French marque relatively quickly, things have been progressing much slower on the South Korean front. That being said, BAASB won’t just be securing rights to sell Kia vehicles but is taking over all aspects of the previous operation, including manufacturing and assembly.

Apart from the somewhat surprising estimation that this could all be wrapped up by April, there wasn’t all too much else to extract from that investor report by
AmInvestment Bank
. Still, the prospect of a fully realised Kia line-up once again tempting Malaysian buyers is exciting by itself.

Unlike the planned introduction of the all-new
Peugeot 508, 2008 and Landtrek
 being quite publicly known through various sightings of pre-launch or early test units near local assembly, it isn’t obvious what the
next batch of Kia cars
 for Malaysia will be.

However, based on their global line-up, there’s certainly no shortage of worthy contenders to occupy every hot segment, from the Stonic compact SUV to battle the Proton X50 to the Mazda CX-9 rivalling 4th-generation
Kia Sorento
 to the rather attractive Kia Proceed wagon or Xceed crossover.
Even the Seltos
 deserves a proper do-over at this point.

By leaning heavily on local assembly and parts sourcing to streamline prices as well as emphasising the aesthetic and lifestyle strong points that the most recent Kia models seem to have in spades alongside an above average build and interior quality that’s creeping up on ‘premium’ levels, there’s no denying these could add up to a very appealing proposition to buyers.

Provided the right moves are made, the South Korean brand could be the final addition to a formidable trio of upmarket brands that also includes Peugeot and Mazda to slowly chew away at the established ‘premium’ stronghold.


New York 2018: Volkswagen Debuts Atlas Cross Sport Concept - PHEV, 355 hp

Volkswagen has unveiled the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Concept, at the ongoing New York Autoshow. The Atlas Cross Sport previews a five-seater Coupe SUV version of the
seven-seater Atlas SUV
 that went on sale (in the U.S.) in 2017.
The Atlas Cross Sport debuts alongside the brute
Tanoak pick-up truck concept
, to illustrate how the Atlas range of vehicles can be expanded into a model family of its own, as part of the Volkswagen’s global SUV model strategy.
The near-production Atlas Cross Sport concept is based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, and is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 355 horsepower and a claimed 40 km of all-electric range. A conventional mild hybrid version of the same powertrain, will follow in due time, that produces 310 hp.
The actual production vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. market starting in 2019, and will be built alongside the seven-passenger Atlas and Passat sedan at VW’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee.
The Atlas Cross Sport concept uses the same 3.6-liter V6 FSI engine as in the seven-seater Atlas, that outputs 276 hp and 366 Nm of torque on its own. In the Cross Sport concept, the engine is boosted by two electric motors. The front axle motor develops 54 hp and 219 Nm, while the rear axle motor makes another 114 hp and 269 Nm.
Electrical power for the motors is supplied by a compact 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the central tunnel. The total drive system output is 355 hp. Combined torque is rated at a whopping 670 Nm. The Cross Sport concept is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, top speed is rated at 209 km/h.
The mild hybrid version will use the same V6 engine and electric motors, but with a smaller 2.0 kWh battery, the mild hybrid version would produce 310 hp and enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Top speed remains the same at 209 km/h.
In both versions, power is transmitted to a six-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
The Atlas Cross Sport PHEV concept can be driven in five different drive modes (E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-Road, and Battery Charge), and seven further settings that augment the 4Motion system and traction setup.
The Atlas Cross Sport measures 4,846 mm in length, 1,734 in height and 2,029 mm in width – which makes it substantially larger than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,701 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,658 mm in height.
While it may carry two fewer seats, the wheelbase of the Cross Atlas is exactly the same as the seven-seater Atlas model – at 2,979 mm.
In terms of competitors – given the Atlas Cross Sport’s coupe SUV body style, and relatively large dimensions – it goes up against the likes of established rivals such as the BMW X6 and
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
.
On the inside, the Atlas Cross Sport’s architecture is largely influenced by the Atlas seven-seater – the 10.1-inch infotainment system touchscreen is located high on the instrument panel, and is equipped with gesture control functions. Alongside, the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit screen can be configured to display information on driving, navigation and assistance functions as necessary.
Also, the gearbox selector lever has shift-by-wire functionality, and thus always remains in a central position. Short clicks activate the ‘R,’ ‘N’ and ‘D’ settings. A separate button integrated into the selector lever is used to engage the ‘P’ position.


Jeep Malaysia's Awesome 4X4Some Offers Up To RM45,000 In Rebates

Jeep
 Malaysia is charging ahead to offer great deals, gifts, and promotions for its range of SUVs and premium off-roaders. Confident in its line-up, the Jeep brand wants to hit hard in the Malaysian market, from the luxurious
Grand Cherokee
 to the rugged
Wrangler
.
As part of its ongoing
Awesome 4X4Some
 promotion, Jeep is offering a rebate of up to RM45,000 for any of its models. That staggering amount is followed by a free MOPAR Accessories package worth RM25,000 for new Wranglers. Additionally, Jeep is offering an extra RM30,000 cash rebate on all Jeep models as part of its Raya Bonus Promo - that is on top of the aforementioned Awesome 4X4Some promotions. Offer ends July 31.
The promotion also offers Jeep premiums for prospective customers who test drive a Jeep.
Jeep is also hosting a roadshow to offer even more people the chance to get up close and personal with their line-up of vehicles. Visitors would be able to arrange test drives and take advantage of the ongoing promotions there.
The
Jeep Roadshow
 will be happening at the 1Utama shopping centre from the
17
th
 of June to the 21
st
 of June 2015
.
For this coming festive season, Jeep – with their service partner MOPAR – is offering a free 20-point vehicle inspection for its vehicles. The campaign, called
MOPAR Balik Kampung
, also includes a 10% discount on selected spare parts. For each inspection, customers will also receive a free gift (while stocks last).
The MOPAR Balik Kampung promotion will run from May 22nd to June 30
th
 2015 and is limited to Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles built from 2007 and onwards.
Visit
www.jeep.my
 or call 1800 88 JEEP (5337)
for more information.


Review: Jaguar F-Type – Loud, Brash, but Talented

One of Jaguar’s most loved and most sought-after models of all time was the classic E-Type. It is a vehicle often featured in shortlists of all-time greats and highly revered by collectors.
The E-Type endured a production run of fourteen years from 1961 to 1975, and although
Jaguar
 has since come out with a succession of two-seater sports cars, none have quite managed to recapture the essence or indeed the appeal of the E-Type.
Initially previewed to the world as the C-X16 concept as the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, the
F-Type
 was eventually launched in 2013 as a replacement of the XK although more importantly, as if as its name did not make clear, it is touted by Jaguar as the spiritual successor to perhaps its greatest ever product.
Available only as a two-seater convertible at first, the F-Type eventually received a permanently-fixed roof a year later with the launch of the F-Type Coupe that we are featuring here in this review
Specifications:
Variant Tested: F-Type S Coupe
Price: RM914,888 (Nett selling price, GST inclusive)
Engine: 3.0-litre Supercharged Petrol V6
Power: 380PS
Torque: 460Nm
Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters, RWD
Safety: 2 frontal + 2 side airbags, Rollover protection, Pedestrian impact sensing, ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Reverse Camera.
Origin: Fully imported from the United Kingdom.
Overview?
The F-Type is offered with a choice between convertible and coupe body styles, each in turn can be fitted with either a 3.0-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8, both supercharged. In the convertible, the V6 can be configured to push out out either 340PS or 380PS; the Coupe gets the 380PS V6 S setup by default. The V8-powered F-Type R, meanwhile, raises the bar to 550PS and 680Nm.
Identifying a direct rival for the F-Type is tricky, although the
Porsche Cayman S (385PS, RM840k)
 and
Mercedes-AMG GT S (375PS, RM1.15 million)
 are perhaps the most relevant comparisons. Also in the vicinity of the F-Type’s performance-price equation are the various variations of the
Porsche 911
, recently updated with a facelift and a
catalogue of new engines
.
Like all Jaguar models, a major technical highlight of the F-Type is its all-aluminium construction. Here, Jaguar put its decades of expertise with the material to full use, marrying lightweight construction with exceptional toughness. Requiring 33,000Nm of torque just to induce one degree of twist in its chassis, the F-Type is one tough cookie.
Exterior
Jaguar is not shy to play the heritage card in call-backs and tributes to the E-Type. Body proportions are notably reminiscent of the classic, following the legendary model’s iconic long-bonnet silhouette and cabin set far back from the front.
Even without the E-Type throwbacks, however, the F-Type is a properly handsome vehicle on its own. Whilst the overall stance communicates aggression, there is also admirable restraint in Jaguar’s part from over-indulging in fussy details. The result is a vehicle that looks taut, purposeful, and positively uncluttered.
Access to the interior is via keyless entry and not without some degree of showmanship on Jaguar’s part. When locked, the door handles retract flushed to its metal panel. Unlocking is performed by touching the little square panel embedded to the handle, which then pops out for you to pull in order to open the door. To lock, just push the door handle back inside.
Very nifty and neat, although we can’t help but notice that the sounds and tactile feedback emitted by the mechanism lack the gravitas and quality expected of this price range. We are also not impressed with the fading Jaguar typeface on the driver side door handle of our test car.

Interior
You don’t climb into a Jaguar sports car and expect your needs to empty the contents of your pockets into cubby holes to be prioritized. In cars of such performance focus, if you have no place else to put your handphone other than keep it within your pocket, you’ve got to learn to live with it.
That being said, the Jaguar designers did a fair job to provide some usable storage locations – there is a pair of lidded cup holders big enough to double up as phone and Smart Tag storage, and further aft is a lidded centre console box in which the USB port is also placed. There’s also an open bin at the top of the rear panel for you to dump bigger objects, plus there’s a decently-sized glovebox. In general, okay for a car of this type.
Ergonomics of the cabin are decent. There is useful clarity in the instruments and switch gear are arranged in a logical, easy to use fashion. Familiarization with this vehicle is certainly not as intimidating a process as one would expect. Overall aesthetic quality is decent too, with tasteful application of shiny bits to give an impression of classy sportiness that is right on the money as far as the segment is concerned.
Less impressive, however, are the materials used to assemble the cabin. The plastics used to mould the indicator stalk and paddle shifters feel particularly nasty and unbefitting of a car that costs the better part of a million ringgit. That Jaguar went for such obvious cost-cutting at such a prominent touch point is nothing less than shocking.
How does it drive?
Thumbing the starter button of the V6 S fires up the supercharged mill with a fierce roar which subsequently settles into a softer-sounding but still purring burble. Step off the line with anything more than gentle feathering of the accelerator accordingly ramps up the volume of that burble. This, then, is clearly not a car to facilitate a quiet getaway in. Yet conversely, if you want to draw attention to yourself, few cars are as effective.
There is a little button on the centre console which you can press to summon an even louder roar from the exhaust, although we are not quite sure if its use would appeal to any individual with decent sense – the car is loud enough in its default setting, thank you very much. Yet, despite the considerable aural drama that accompanies the engine’s climb up the rev range, there isn’t much in the way of physical sensations of acceleration.
You don’t get the punch-in-the-gut kind of feel that accompanies a turbocharged engine, and it’s easy to jump to conclusions that this car packs more sound than go; the truth is that the F-Type gathers pace with deceptive rapidness. You don’t feel the acceleration, but the wrong side of the speed limit arrives faster than you think. The ZF-supplied 8-speed auto which we are familiar with from its widespread application in
BMW
 vehicles is its usual self here – crisp, intelligent, and imperceptible at work.
The linear nature which power is delivered by the supercharged V6 is reminiscent of a naturally-aspirated engine, and the advantage it offers is easier throttle modulation; this characteristic ties nicely with the competence of the chassis in negating body roll, greatly helping the driver to power smoothly and confidently out of bends.
How comfortable is it?
We don’t typically expect a car like the F-Type to provide for a cosseting ride and Jaguar didn’t bother to give us one here. It’s not a bone-breaking setup, mind, but you will feel more of the road’s imperfections than most would care for in a day-to-day commute.
It’s also not a particularly quiet place to be in on the move; once again, an understandable concession on Jaguar’s part to keep the kilos down and at the same time give the F-Type an added dose of rawness and intensity to the driving experience. Just be mindful of one thing – the aluminium roof gets quite noisy when bombarded by rain drops.
How economical is it?
You probably wouldn’t believe it, but fuel economy is a surprisingly strong point of the F-Type S. Over a 200-plus kilometre test route covering mixed highway, urban, and hilly conditions, our test car returned an indicated 12.6 litres/100km – making it more economical than the
Ford S-Max we tested recently
.
The high cost of purchase is also offset by a comprehensive maintenance programme that takes care of your servicing costs (which occur at 10,000km intervals) in the first five years of ownership. Whilst a typical Jaguar owner isn’t likely to be bothered by fuel or maintenance cost, such benefits are always nice to have.
Conclusion
As far as making statements go, few cars will send messages that are as potent, or indeed as loud, as the F-Type. Even in its mid-range F-Type S Coupe spec as tested here, Jaguar’s stylish two-seater sports car packs no shortage of drama and noise. Expect the V8-powered F-Type R to be an even bigger monster.
There is a raw and visceral quality to the F-Type’s driving experience that at once makes it a car that is eminently capable of tingling your senses at an emotional level, but at the same time not entirely easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. This is a car catered for buyers who can afford it as a second or third car in the house.
Much of the compromises this vehicle requires its owners to live with are acceptable in the context of its sports car brief, but for the money, we really cannot justify Jaguar’s shocking selection of materials at some really prominent touch points.
Still, the F-Type has much going for it. It is a handsome-looking car with a wide dynamic repertoire – in other words, it has the go to match its show. It also has the allure of the Jaguar marque that separates you from the mainstream of German buyers.


Toyota Mirai Has A Range Of 502KM On A Single Fill Of Hydrogen

The
Toyota
 Mirai is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and promises to provide the same capabilities of a regular petrol powered car except being zero emission.
Recently, at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado,
Toyota
 North America CEO Jim Lentz announced that the Mirai is capable of an EPA-estimated 67 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge) city/highway/combined. That roughly translates to a 4.2 litres per 100 km equivalent, giving the Mirai an estimated driving range of 502 km.
Imagine that, 502 km on a single fill of hydrogen which takes about three minutes to do, similar to a conventional petrol powered car. The four-door, mid-size sedan Mirai is capable of generating electricity on demand using just hydrogen, oxygen, and a fuel cell, with the only emission being water vapour. Looks like hydrogen could very well be the fuel of the future.


The Evolution of Headlights

In the early days of motoring, everything on the car was manually controlled, and we are not just talking about the transmission or the windows. We mean everything; like turning the wipers manually with your hand, cranking the engine by hand (and we don’t mean twisting the ignition key), even lighting the head lights yourself – with matches!
In 1903, cars used paraffin lamps as headlamps, which is merely a fancier version of a household candle.
Electric headlamps were introduced in 1920 and since then, the automotive lighting technology has progressed to include Xenons, LEDs and now – Audi’s laser headlights.
More:

Audi Showcases Future Tech & More At CES Asia 2015
Watch this beautiful 3 minute long ‘Audi – Speed of Light’ video below.


2021 Renault Megane RS 300 TROPHY Launched In Malaysia

For those who think the
Megane RS 280
 Cup didn't come with enough power, you can now buy the 2021 Renault Megane RS 300 TROPHY.

Renault fanboys rejoice as T.C. Euro Cars, the official distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia (TCEC) has just launched the 2021 Renault MEGANE RS 300 TROPHY, a hot hatch that will be available for purchase or subscription, with a variety of plans to suit different budgets.

With an upgraded 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, delivering an increased power output of 300 PS and 420Nm of torque (as opposed to 280PS/ 390Nm of torque in the
RS 280 Cup launched in 2019
), this Megane will be the most powerful Megane ever to grace our roads.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (“EDC”) gearbox, which helps deliver the 420Nm of torque smoothly to the wheels. Like in other performance Meganes, the EDC gearbox comes with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles. The gearshift performance depends on which R.S. Drive mode is selected, comprising “My Sense”, “Save”, “Sport” or “Race” mode.

Being a
Megane R.S
., the hot hatch will typically plant itself on the roads and around corners using Renault’s proprietary 4CONTROL technology that intelligently adjusts four-wheel steering based on speed. It also boasts a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds.

New features include all-new full LED headlamps and revised daytime running lights on the front, plus a new rear LED lighting signature. A new colourway is also available, in the form of Renault's Flame Red colour, which they claim has a vibrant finish and unique reflective effects that will highlight the sculpted yet elegant profile of the car.

The honeycomb radiator grille with the Renault double diamond logo now has the
RS
 badging underneath it. A set of diamond-cut 19-inch Jerez wheels with red borders inspired by the Renault Sport R.S.01 concept car finishes off the exterior look.

On the inside, the new hot hatch comes with an R.S. exclusive double-diamond stamped specific leather and Alcantara steering wheel as well as a new sportier dashboard with 7” customisable TFT driver's information display. Since an integrated infotainment system is all the rage these days, interested buyers will be glad to know that the system will come with Renault's EASYLINK 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Renault MEGANE R.S. 300 TROPHY comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

Besides the new Flame Red colour, the new 2021 Renault MEGANE RS 300 TROPHY is also available in four colour options – Diamond Black, Pearl White and the signature Liquid Yellow (additional RM9,000) or Orange Tonic (additional RM9,000).

The Megane RS 300 TROPHY comes in at a retail price of RM326,476 while the subscription plan starts from RM5,200

Test drives are available at selected Renault showrooms by appointments only and can be requested via the Renault Malaysia E-Store at
www.renault.com.my
.


Leaked Mazda CX-3 Price List Reveals Its RM131k Price Tag

The build-up to the Malaysian debut of
Mazda
’s smaller crossover, the CX-3, has been building for quite a few months now and we’re nearly on the cusp of its full release on December 8th.
But first, let’s us have a gander at that price, which was revealed on Facebook group, Mazda CX-3 Club Malaysia. It will come, as expected, fully imported in a single SkyActiv-G 2.0L variant, and should be identical to the unit displayed (previewed, rather) at the 2015 NST-MAI ASEAN Auto Show. The price does mean it is more expensive than many of its local rivals such as the Peugeot 2008 (RM120k), Ford EcoSport 1.5L Titanium (RM101k), and Honda HR-V 1.8L V (RM118k), and Mitsubishi's ASX (RM105k-RM113k, 2WD) (RM125k, 4WD).
For your RM131k, you’ll get that rather shapely exterior, a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine that outputs 146hp and 197Nm of torque that’s mated to a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Standard kit includes, notably, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights, front LED fog lamps, sunroof, reverse camera, leather multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery, a 6-speaker audio setup that’s linked to the MZD Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch central LCD display, head-up display, rain sensing windshield wipers, cruise control, smart keyless system, and I-STOP idling stop/start system.
On the safety front, there are six airbags, traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). Quite well stocked, it seems.
Mazda’s i-ActivSense doesn’t quite make the cut to the units sold in Malaysia, it would seem, meaning we won’t have such features like Lane Departure Warning, Smart City Braking or Rear View Monitoring. One could theorise that that call was made due to those additions not yet being standard in many cars in Malaysia, let alone in this price range, and would increase the selling price substantially. Ultimately, Bermaz Motor presumably decided its omission was a worthwhile tradeoff to keep the CX-3's pricing competitive.
A Mazda Navigation System option can be selected for a RM1,270 premium which adds mapping info and a destination database via an SD card, as well as safety window tinting option called SKYTINT (Mazda can’t get enough of thet word Sky).
We'll have more coverage on the new Mazda CX-3 as it makes its Malaysian debut in the very near future.


How to Clean Car Seats: The Stubborn, The Ugly & The Impossible

Besides
the engine
, transmission, and
tyres
, the seats in your car are probably where the most visible wear will occur. If you’re not careful about keeping things clean, it can quickly make your otherwise new car look tired, old, dirty, even unsanitary.

Other passengers, especially younger ones, are also very prone to getting your pristine seats caked in all sorts of crud - from soda/milk/Vitagen spills to crayons etchings, to sticky food and crumbs. In the world of DIY
driveway detailing
, staying on top of a clean set of seats are probably the most difficult thing to do.

Even if you car is a garage queen that doesn’t see the level of abuse found in some MPVs and family runabouts, it doesn’t convey positive things about you if all the sweat, grime and dye transfer is just sitting there for the world to see.

Over the years, automakers have used a wide variety of materials to fashion seats, but modern day cars have learned from mistakes of the past. Nowadays, the most common options are just between ‘fabric’ and ‘leather’.

Rule of Two

Fabric is pretty self explanatory, though from there we have a whole universe of different
types
 of fabric. Because it’s the most absorbent and most porous material type you could use on seats, they are also the most difficult to maintain and properly clean should some something happen.

Leather kind of finds itself in the opposite situation, being much less porous even on its own. However, leather used for automotive purposes are treated with a clear protective vinyl-like layer, making it even more difficult to cause any lasting damage.

Apart from feeling and smelling more luxurious, this is the main reason why leather (or its synthetic substitues) is more sought after for in-car seat upholstery. Most accidental spills or crumbs or stains or smears of dirt don’t really impact it since that sits on the top layer of ‘clear coat’.

This is also why many owners of high end cars opt to have an additional protective layer of ceramic, developed and sold by the same companies that make ceramic coatings for exterior paint, which bonds and cures onto that vinyl-like layer. It's protection over protection, making it less susceptible to damage, easier to clean, and will make the condition of the underlying leather far more long lasting.

For most of us, having a ceramic coating applied onto our leather seats is beyond overkill. Thankfully, most leather seats will only need to be minimally maintained with a light soap or all-purpose cleaner, only occasionally requiring scrubbing or agitation of any kind.

The same gentle soaps you already use around the house can also be used for cleaning leather car seats, which probably account for about 90% of the maintenance/upkeep process. Be wary of these miracle leather conditioners/tonics you see being sold for high prices, promising
 restorative or rejuvenating effects
. Spoiler alert, they're just a fancy cleaner you just overpaid for.

Most of them consist mostly of very light detergents that might even be less effective than your existing household products. Often they are also formulated to give off a rich leathery scent just to make you feel good about using it, but at least some also leave some kind of protection behind much like a layer of wax would for your paint.

Fabric Of Misery

Fabric seats are often much harder to clean since dirt and foreign liquids can so easily seep (and dry/harden) into the fibres themselves, which is why you’ll need to act fast if something does happen to dirty it up.

Depending on the situation, most fabric seats can still be cleaned to a near-new state relatively easily (though not as easily as leather seats). The bulk of a liquid spill (from soda, for example) can be swiftly pushed off the seat before it has had a chance to be absorbed by the porous fibres.

After that, it’s a matter of the products and technique you bring into battle that will determine whether the stain will be removed or remain (semi) permanent. Here’s what you’ll need, generally:

No matter the stain or contamination source, it’s very important to not let anything seep in too deeply into those fibres since cleaning agents can only remedy the situation if it’s shallow enough. For the do-it-yourselfer, a firm bristle brush, such as one used for shoe polishing, is an essential tool.

Common sense says the firmer the better since you want something to effectively dislodge the contaminant, but only up to a certain point as something too harsh could damage the seats - use your best judgement to decide based on your car and situation.

Most prominent car care brands do have dedicated fabric cleaners that are bundled with a brush, so feel free to pick any of these up to remove some of the guesswork. Alternatively, a household all-purpose cleaner will do just fine as long as it’s relatively gentle. If you can find it, a foaming-type cleaner works best as it will make the ‘extraction’ process much easier. Products made for cleaning carpets will also work well for fabric car seats.

Secondarily, prepare a few microfibre towels as you’ll definitely need them later. You’ll want to get the surface of the seat slightly damp before applying the cleaner, so soak one of those microfibres in clean water to lightly wipe down the area being treated.

After applying some cleaner (foam or liquid), let the product dwell for a few seconds to let it break down the contaminant before lightly agitating it with the firm bristle brush. This agitation will churn the cleaner and lift the dirt/stain out from the embedded fibres and onto the seat surface, usually causing the resulting foam or liquid lather to change colour.

From there, it’s just a process of using those extra microfibre towels to absorb (extract) the dirty liquid/ foam off. You’ll most likely not get everything out after one pass, so you’d need to repeat the process to completely finish the job and get that seat area back to a like-new state, so you can enjoy your lovely cars
 interior design
.

When To Call For Help

Of course, the steps outlined above apply to rather ideal situations where the stain/ dirt/ contamination was not too serious and attended to quickly, which isn’t always the case in the real world.

If your car’s fabric seats are the victim of deep stains that have been left to harden and set, you might need to seek the services of a professional who will employ more industrial-level methods such as steam cleaning, strong active cleaning agents, and powerful vacuum extractors to get the job done.

The same thing goes for leather seats where scratches or stains are more severe or have permanently scarred the seat or penetrated past the protective vinyl-like top coat to damage the underlying hide. In this case, seek the help of a professional upholsterer or leather seat restoration expert.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Customer Service - Where Customer Safety And Convenience Is Priority

Timely maintenance and service for your car is the best way to ensure your car continues to perform at its best and remains safe and pleasurable to drive – what’s more if it’s a technological masterpiece the likes of a Mercedes-Benz. However, the ongoing pandemic presents its own set of challenges, additional health risks and limited mobility simply means scheduling and getting our cars serviced is not as straightforward as it used to be.

Therefore, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) Service has risen to the challenge to continue offering their
customers personalised service
 that is both safe (strict adherence to SOPs) and convenient, and their cars - the highest quality of after-sales care.

Through a range of value-added services, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia now offers its customers enhanced flexibility in booking their vehicle service appointments and the utmost ease of handing off their cars for scheduled services.

Online appointment scheduling

The first step in getting your Mercedes-Benz the upkeep it deserves starts with an
online service appointment booking
 at your preferred authorised service centre.

Customers can now go online to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s official website or make their booking via the highly personalised MercedesMe app or Online Appointment Booking
site
. From there simply key in the required information such as your car’s Identification (VIN) Number, mileage, and registration number.

You will then be directed to an authorised dealer to select the required maintenance options. After which, proceed to confirm the details of the service appointment.

Apart from Online Appointment Booking, the following options are now offered to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia customers to hand over their vehicle:

Door to Door
: Contact your preferred authorised dealer to arrange for pick-up and delivery of your Mercedes-Benz from a convenient location.

Drop and Go
: Simply drop off your Mercedes-Benz vehicle and they’ll handle the rest. Collect your vehicle upon service completion.

Express Service
: Appointments for the Express Service can be made on the Online Appointment Booking site to get your car serviced in just 60 minutes. Two trained technicians will work on your car simultaneously.

There’s no one better to maintain your Mercedes-Benz, than the people who made it

Do note, that whilst your cars may not travel as much given the restrictions of the pandemic, it remains extremely important that periodical maintenance and diagnostics are performed to ensure all your car’s vital systems are performing as they should. This not only covers consumables such as engine oil, but also requires that components such as drive belts, brake pads, suspension bushes, and various electrical components be inspected (and replaced if needed) to ensure the overall health and reliability of the vehicle.

Additionally, with Mercedes-Benz service, you are guaranteed that only
100 percent Mercedes-Benz genuine replacement and spare parts
 are used for your vehicle. In addition to carrying the seal of quality, these components ensure your Mercedes-Benz will perform as well as it did the day you drove it out the showroom doors.

If a customer opts for the
Star Care Maintenance Package
, they receive additional benefits and savings on maintenance cost, flexible service plans and guaranteed service costs over the maintenance period regardless of inflation rates. This, in turn, allows the customer to better plan for the maintenance of their vehicle and save more money in the long run.

For further enquiries contact Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 Customer Care Centre and 24H Service & Breakdown Assistance
 at 1-800-88-1133, alternatively, you can head on to the
Online Appointment Booking
 or contact your preferred Mercedes-Benz authorised dealer to schedule your next service appointment.


Malaysia Autoshow 2016: BAIC EV 200 Electric Vehicle Previewed

An affordable all-electric vehicle is set to hit Malaysian roads soon; Chinese manufacturer BAIC has just previewed the new EV200 at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 being held in MINES Convention Centre.
Available in both sedan and hatchback bodystyles, the EV200 is a B-segment-sized vehicle and is set to be offered with a selection of three rather amusingly-named trim levels – Relaxing, Showy, and Enjoyable.
The EV200 will be the first all-electric vehicle to be assembled locally in Malaysia, enabling to enjoy Government incentives with the promise of competitive pricing when it launches.
Powering it is a front-mounted electric motor with outputs of 53hp and 180Nm capable of propelling the EV200 to a maximum speed of 125km/h. Not particular fast, but sufficient to keep up in urban traffic.
Battery is a lithium-cell type with a rated capacity of 30.4kWh. In the New European Driving Cycle, the car has a rated range of 200km; 245km if you have the discipline to drive it at a constant 60km/h. We suggest caping your daily commute to no more than 100 to 150km.
BAIC claims that the batteries are durability-tested to retain at least 80% of its nominal capacity even after 2,000 charging and discharging cycle. In theory, the company further claims that this is good for an operating life cycle of 600,000 km or 10 years.
Equipment levels of the EV200 by variant are as follows:
Relaxing Version:
ABS, EBD
Dual Frontal Airbags
Seatbelt Reminder – Driver Side
Rear fog lights
ISOFIX mounts
Side mirror – Electric Adjustment
185/65 R14 tyres, alloy wheels
Multi-function steering wheel
6.2-inch LED combination instrument
Fabric seats
Audio – 4 speakers, speed volume compensation
8-inch centre control panel – MP5, navigation
Automatic climate control
Showy Version
 adds:
Seatbelt Reminder – Passenger Side
Front fog lights
Parking sensors
Reverse camera
Side mirror – Electric Adjustment, Electric Folding, Heated
Auto headlights
Audio – 6 speakers
8-inch centre control panel – MP5, navigation, compute display intercommunication, energy flow
Enjoyable Version
 adds:
VIP cloud service
Pricing of the EV200 will be announced closer to launch. At the same time, BAIC will also be launching a regular petrol-powered version of the D20 which the company is aiming to price against the Myvi and Iriz in the RM45k to RM55k range. We are covering the D20 in a
separate article here
.


2023 Chery Omoda 5 makes grand launch in Malaysia from RM109k

Finally, Chery Malaysia has made its return official. Just last night, Chery Malaysia held an official launch event introducing the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs as their initial models to lead their local resurgence. In summary, the Omoda 5 offers two variants - the C variant is priced at RM108,800, while the top H variant is available for RM118,800. It’s still up for debate what the C and H stand for, exactly (Cool and Hot?).

Unlike their previous foray, Chery has chosen to enter the market this time without a local partner, opting to cut its own path in a competitive market. Even the mighty BYD chose to partner with major player Sime Darby. Additionally, Chery confirmed that 31 dealerships will be ready to serve new customers by launch date, with more scheduled to open by the end of 2023.

Another point to highlight about Chery’s aggressive plans is their bringing both the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro to market in CKD, locally-assembled form right from the outset with all Chery models sold here to have rolled off the Inokom plant in Kulim. This is opposed to the usual practice of introducing an initial batch of fully imported cars to achieve an earlier launch date, followed by CKD units down the road.

The Omoda 5, their B-segment SUV rival to the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V, features a distinctive design that could be polarising to some. Whether you love or hate its wide studded nose, there's no denying that it makes a distinct first impression, which is undoubtedly advantageous for the new brand.

That said, remaining parts of the SUV's body are less likely to divide opinions. It boasts a sculpted shape with blacked-out rear pillars and a full-width strip for the tail, all contemporary design. We’d love to see it given a stealthy blacked out treatment.

Externally, the C and H variants can be distinguished by the red highlights on the front lower grille, side mirrors, lower doors, and rear spoiler of the high-spec H model. It's rare for a trim package to extend to the wheels, but Chery has done this for the Omoda 5 H. All variants feature LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights (DRLs), but the H trim gains sequential turn signals and an eye-catching light show in the front and rear upon startup.

Measuring 4,400 mm in length and 1,830 mm in width, the Omoda 5 is 70 mm longer and 40 mm wider than a Honda HR-V. Its wheelbase is 2,630 mm, or 20 mm longer than that of the HR-V, suggesting a roomier cabin. A set of rather fetching 18-inch wheels are standard, which can also be had in a single or dual-tone finish.

Under that bonnet you'll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 156 hp (and 230 Nm of torque, explaining the "230T" badge at the rear. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with nine virtual ratios.

Moving inside, the Omoda 5's dashboard follows the current trend with its co-joined screens, reminiscent of those made popular by Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX. We appreciate the fact that, despite the presence of large twin LCD displays, there are still climate control buttons that buck the trend of relying solely on a cumbersome touchscreen.

The Omoda 5 is well-equipped even in its lower C trim level. Both trim levels come with two 10.25-inch dashboard screens as standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Other notable features include wireless charging, an angled phone rest for convenient viewing, ambient lighting, dual-zone air conditioning with a PM 2.5 filter, a reverse camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated wing mirrors, and proximity sensor keyless entry. Additionally, the Omoda 5 boasts double-glazed windows to enhance noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.

Opting for the higher H trim level adds full faux leather upholstery as opposed to the mixed fabric combo in the C, a sunroof with a manual sunshade, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system. The H variant also features powered and ventilated front seats and a powered tailgate. Furthermore, a 360-degree camera system is included to assist with parking.

When it comes to safety, both trim levels come standard with a comprehensive advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) pack. It includes lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot detection, emergency lane-keeping, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, front collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB), and automatic high beam.

During the event, Chery Malaysia also revealed its warranty package, which includes a 7-year or 150,000 km coverage for the vehicle alongside a 5 yearsof alternating free service (including free labor).

The engine warranty is an impressive 10 years or one million km. However, it's important to note that the attention-grabbing engine warranty is limited to the first 3,000 customers. After that, it reverts to a seven-year/150,000 km warranty, aligning with the rest of the vehicle.

Still, if you’re the 3,001st customer or after, paying an extra RM2,000 upfront will still net you the extended 10-year/1-million km engine warranty package - a pretty good deal if you’re still on the fence about Chery’s reliability record.


2018 Toyota C-HR Caught In Thailand Again!

These spyshots have been circulating around Thai social media networks, depicting a undisguised Toyota C-HR somewhere in Thailand, wearing Thai trade plates.
This particular unit seems like a hybrid variant as shown by a 'Hybrid' emblem visible on the side of the compact SUV. The other hint is the slight bluish tint on the Toyota emblem, front and rear, typical of a hybrid Toyota.
The hybrid-powered C-HR features a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle engine, capable of 120 bhp and 142 Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via Toyota's E-CVT. In case if you're wondering, the Toyota C-HR's powertrain is shared with the Toyota Prius. The electric motor contributes another 142 Nm.
This model wears 18-inch black machine-finished two-tone alloy wheels, contrasting earlier spyshots from the kingdom which depicted the C-HR wearing smaller 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
This unit could be a grey import unit from Japan, as indicated by its plate holder, JDM stickers and rear privacy glass. Countries in the ASEAN region aren't expected to receive the hybrid powertrain, just the regular petrol-powered type. Singapore-bound CH-Rs are expected to come with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre VVT-i engine, whilst Australians are limited to just the 1.2-litre turbo variant.
Closer to home, UMW Toyota Motor has
confirmed
 that they will have four new launches this year, but that does not include the Toyota C-HR. The source mentioned a 2018 launch in Thailand is possible, which likely means that Malaysians will have to wait a little longer. Expect a debut towards Q2 2018.


Online Car Insurance Renewals Were Convenient But Are Now Essential (Almost)

Much like our
road tax
, car insurance renewals, for most of us, is something of a nuisance we want to swat away whenever that time of the year comes around. Unfortunately, the details of your average insurance policy can be confusing, long winded, and worded in a manner prone to induce sleep.

That said, it’s definitely worth your time (and money) to pay attention to what you’re paying for to make sure you’re receiving the most comprehensive coverage for your car and specific situation but paying the least for it, which is also why it's also best to shop around.

It’s really is easy to let this annual annoyance become something we take for granted, only rising in our minds when we get contacted by our car dealer or insurance representative reminding us that a renewal is due, though your experience might vary if your car has its coverage handled
by the manufacturer or distributor
.

While this was probably the path of least resistance, you’re probably not going to be getting the best deal. And because there are so many websites now offering instant quotations a wide variety of providers, weighing your options between different insurers and policies has never been easier and more straightforward.

In fact, it’s almost silly not to do considering the current health climate. Having a contactless and remote renewal process might have been a super convenient alternative before, but it’s become almost essential in these times of social distancing and SOPs. The last thing we need is to be stuck in a queue or be around crowds unncecessarily.

The whole concept isn't exactly new and is pretty analogous to hotel bookings aggregators. You
could
 go through a travel agent or call directly to book your stay, but a lot of us (maybe even almost all of us) use services such as Booking.com or Agoda or Trivago to weigh our options and compare prices. We always want to know what we're paying for upfront and know that we're getting the most for our money, so naturally we should be just as shrewd with our car insurance.

Most insurance companies do already offer an online process - like hotels - but the experience is almost always broken up. Some might offer a full application, approval, and payment process but others could insist on a personal touch, processing the lead but following that up with a call from an agent. Some insurers might even have their own smartphone app.

Dedicated websites such as
Bjak.my
 and
MyEG
 are like these travel booking services and bundle road tax together with insurance renewal into one process and under one consistent user experience that's focused on ease and simplicity. In fact, the former’s website is so sparsely styled (white space everywhere!) you might even question their legitimacy at first.

When it comes to functionality, though, they deliver. Their most valuable advantage here is the ability to allow users to very quickly see quotations from multiple insurers before deciding, even letting you leaf through some of benefits and perks offered so you can make a more informed choice or just base your decision on price - it’s your choice.

Do keep in mind, however, that not all insurance companies are onboard with these types of services and therefore their quotes will not be available for presentation. You might be surprised or a little disappointed to find your longstanding insurance companies missing from the list of quotes, but if you are especially happy to continue your coverage with them regardless of this lack of flexibility, feel free to do so.

In terms of what you’d need to provide, some basic details about yourself and the car is enough to receive the quotations, though later on you might likely need to supply more detailed information depending on the needs of you chosen insurer, so it’s a good idea to have the relevant documents on standby.

Choosing your policy provider as well as selecting
additional coverage options
 (such as Special Perils and Windscreen Protection) is also done online with a few more clicks before proceeding to the payment gateway. Once that’s dealt with, either through an online bank transfer or a credit/debit card, a confirmation of your purchase will be emailed to you along with the policy’s cover note. Should you also opt to get your road tax renewed at the same time, you’d obviously also need to provide an address for it to be sent to.

That’s it. Your car is now insured for another 12 months. Congratulations on averting a potentially lengthy process and perhaps even managing to save some money at the same time. I managed to get mine done in about half an hour, and that's even while munching on a late afternoon lunch.


Why Malaysia Needs The Proton X50!

It's maddening that many accept "Made In China" products for one thing but absolutely detest them for others.

While many pounce on their tech products such as smart devices from Huawei and laptops from Lenovo, some still doubt their capabilities as well as credibility as a car manufacturer.

Not apple to apple you say? Well, the smartphone is held in your hand, at your ears, close to your eyes - what happens if blows up at any one of these places? At least in a car, you're still protected by a shell but we digress.

This is of course in reference to the low ball
comments
 made about the upcoming 2020
Proton X50
, where despite its recent showcase of
cutting-edge technology
 and quality, people are still coming up with statements such as "yeah but its made in China".

Slandering its ability as a car without even trying it is one thing but passing judgment on it when it hasn't even done anything wrong is another, but we suppose this stigma of "Made in China" is rather hard to get over and we can understand why.

Originally known for their counterfeit and low-quality products, China has long been the place for cheap goods. It has progressed leaps and bound since those days, however. Today it is the home of innovation and industry. Think JD Robotics, Xiaomi, Anker, Haier and Hisense.

From an automotive industry perspective, companies such as Ford, BMW and Tesla are all starting to expand their manufacturing plants in China, and although one of the reasons for it is because of its low wages, it's also to do with their ability to provide good quality manufacturing.

But those are companies that are operating from their respective countries and have had decades of experience in building cars but by having large manufacturing plants in China, not only has it benefitted them through lower cost, it has also benefitted the Chinese.

The phrase rubbed off comes to mind here, and we're pretty sure that the increased efficiency and quality of Chinese cars came from the big automotive companies which manufacture and export their cars to China.

Chinese cars are solidly built and arguably feature more tech than others. Car brands such as Dongfeng, FAW, BAIC and Chang'an are all respectable brands these days. They are starting to become so accomplished that some experts reckon that they will be one of the future major vehicle manufacturers, especially if cars do eventually go full electric. Not only have they accepted foreign help, but they have also embraced it and tried to improve their lot, which is what clever nations, people, and great thinkers do.

There's always a bigger picture, and so must be the case for Proton and Malaysia. It's a fact that without the help of Geely, they would never be able to be where they are now - making and producing cutting-edge cars. If you can't be happy about their cars, at least be happy for their employees because not only can they and we learn from a carmaker like Geely, they can also at the same time develop from within.

When Proton assembled the X70 and X50, the workers from top to bottom had to learn new ways to put cars together hence upskilling our local tenaga pekerja. This is after all new vehicles to the Proton platform and a company that has Volvo and Lynk & Co in their arsenal will also have their own unique techniques. For those who want to grow, they would have accepted this with open arms, for those who are set in their ways, well, perhaps you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

The X50 is not "Made in China", it is made in Malaysia. Yes, yes, its genesis is China, but it's Malaysian hands that developed it and Malaysian hands that put it together. If its anybody that deserves the credit or negative press it should be Malaysia. But then again, are there any negatives?

We now have cutting edge cars at affordable prices that can compete with the very best, just like how we envisioned it in the first place. Heck, the media tested the X50 against the BMW X1 and Honda HR-V. Name us one other car manufacturer that is offering you this package at this rumoured
price
 point? Isn't putting more affordable, safer cars on the road a cause we can all unite behind? Perhaps with the X50, we can even get the Proton name back to an international level just like it was in the early nineties.

Just like how the Chinese learned from the rest of the world, we can learn from China too, so is "Made in China" such a bad thing? Some of you would say yes, some would say no, but if we look at the bigger picture, Malaysia has more to gain than lose, and maybe its time for us to look at the bigger picture and remove the blinders from our tunnel vision!


Datuk Nicol David Appointed As Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Brand Ambassador

One of Malaysia’s favourite sporting personalities, Datuk Nicol David, joins the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia family as a passionate enthusiast of Mercedes-Benz cars and lifestyle. With her sporting success, excellence in her field, commendable social engagement, charismatic personality and unassailable determination, David perfectly represents the values upheld by Mercedes-Benz, indeed the foundation of the brand and all it stands for.
“On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we are thrilled to have Datuk Nicol David on board with us as a friend to the brand and our newest brand ambassador. David is more than just an exceptional athelete, she is an exemplary role model to all Malaysians and a fitting embodiment of values we hold dear at Mercedes-Benz – passion, discipline, integrity, and an uncompromising determination to be absolutely the best at her game. This is made clear by her accolades: eight World titles, an astonishing 112 months at No. 1 and countless other achievements,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Datuk Nicol David also took the opportunity to express her views on this appointment “I am excited to be collaborating with Mercedes-Benz as a brand ambassador. The values of the brand mirror my own, I accept nothing but the best of myself and always strive for excellence without compromise. Besides this of course, Mercedes-Benz is rich in history and makes amazing automobiles, in particular the Compact Cars of which I am an unapologetically huge fan! “
“The Mercedes-Benz GLA has to be my favourite, being the perfect combination of practical, dynamic and great to look at. It’s perfect for my active lifestyle and can take all my squash gear with ease, not to mention convenient for zipping through the city.” she adds.


This is the 2023 Hyundai Verna, the Korean Vios/City killer you’ve never heard of

A new car from South Korean automaker Hyundai has been launched in India. This is the Verna, a B-segment sedan that picks up the torch where the Accent left off, though it’ll still be badged as such in certain markets.

Let’s start with that name: Verna. We’re not quite sure where the company got this specific name from unlike their location-based monikers used before such as Santa Fe, Tucson,
or Kona
. By comparison, ‘Verna’ sounds inoffensive if a little plain.

The car boasts an exterior design that bears more than a passing resemblance to the
newly revealed Hyundai Sonata
 with that Robocop-like visor wraparound LED strip and large lower grille element.

The Honda City is currently held as the benchmark practicality in its class but the Verna could possibly be even more spacious inside given its 2,670mm wheelbase (a 70mm advantage). It’s even got a sunroof, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and a pair of 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment combo.

Just like the City and Vios, a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine sits at the nose of the Verna, developing 114PS and 144Nm of torque that’s transmitted to the front wheels either via a 6-speed manual or Hyundai’s IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission….basically their CVT).

However, Indian customers can also choose to have the car outfitted with a much gutsier 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit with 156PS and 253Nm. That should make this relatively small and lightweight car a pretty quick car to thread around town in.

This really does have the makings of a model that could pose a legitimate threat to the Honda City and Toyota Vios duopoly should it make its way over to our shores, but therein lies a river of uncertainty.

Should Hyundai Sime-Darby Malaysia see fit to bring the Verna here for a Malaysian launch under local assembly and price it attractively, there’s no reason we can think of that it won’t be a hot contender for the lucrative B-segment crown, especially with its two biggest rivals now priced higher than they’ve ever been.


Safe Travels - Ensuring a pleasant journey home

As families make their way home for the festive period reunion, a disproportionately high number of vehicles end up traveling on our road system at the same time. Many of these journeys do not conclude with happy endings, however, as road traffic accidents similarly spike during these periods, despite toughened traffic enforcement from the police.
A few simple guidelines can help ensure that your next
balik kampong
 trip will not only be safe, but pleasant and memorable as well:
The Right Car:
Pick the vehicle that offers your family the best protection from the dangers of the road, and keep it in optimum maintenance at all times.
Buckle Up:
 All occupants need to belt up, and young ones must be strapped into child safety seats, preferably attached to ISOFIX anchors if possible. New-borns, in particular, must be rear-facing.
Keep the Journey Fun:
 Long outstation trips can be tedious and boring, especially for passengers. Pack some snacks to munch on along the way, and bring along some favourite toys and games for the children.
Break the Journey:
Malaysia’s comprehensive network of highways have some very clean and well-equipped rest stops spaced at regular intervals. Sip some coffee or tea at any of these stops to keep fatigue at bay. The adventurous ones might want to consider detours along the way to some of our nation’s most iconic makan places for some added culinary delight.
Plan for Time:
  Stay tuned to travel advisories from highway authorities and plan your journey accordingly to avoid congestion. Hitting the road early gives you leeway on your timing and also avoid the worst of our scorching afternoon sun.
Positive Attitude:
Festive periods are meant to be joyful times for the family. The mood of your journey home sets the tone for your celebration of the year. Practice good driving habits and carry a positive spirit on the road. Throttle down the ego, rev up the courtesy, and embrace a little bit more communal spirit with each other!
On behalf of
Volkswagen
 Malaysia, Carlist.my would like to wish Malaysians happy holidays and Gong Xi Fa Chai.
Click on the image to view in higher resolution.


BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Revealed: Second Time Pretty

Earlier this year,
BMW
 unveiled a concept dubbed the 3.0 CSL Hommage, which paid tribute to its iconic 1970s 3.0 CSL race car through a modern interpretation of the “Batmobile” coupe.
As eye-catching as the concept looked, the Golf Yellow colour was more of a “love it or hate it” scenario but don’t worry because BMW is back with its second attempt, the 3.0 CSL Hommage R.
The ‘R’ portion to the name sees a few changes from the earlier concepts. First up, a new mesh-style grille replaces the vertical slats and the 21-inch wheels are finished in matt gold. More importantly, the 3.0 CSL Hommage R sheds its bright yellow paintjob for a full racing livery from the classic race car it pays tribute to with the instantly recognisable red, blue, and violet.
Adopting virtual reality tech, the Hommage R’s key information like gear position, speed, and revs are displayed from the inside of the driver’s helmet visor. Only a secondary display on the dashboard provides less important info along with a map of the track.
The driver’s helmet isn’t the only thing that integrates with the car either. Working with Puma, BMW have designed a racing suit that light up when the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel, with the piping on the sleeves used to mimic the flow of information from the dash into the driver’s helmet.
Other highlights of the interior include the carbon fibre seat shells that ensure the driver has the best physical feel for the car, allowing him to react faster and more effectively, and the visible carbon fibre rollcage to further illustrate the concept’s lightweight construction.
Under the hood is still the twin-turbo inline six that’s assisted by an electric unit from the previous concept.
Yes, this is still very much a concept but it does provide a glimpse into the possible design language which may trickle down to BMW’s future models.


CMCO To Continue - Frequency Of Train and Buses To Be Reduced

The news that we were all frankly dreading has been confirmed - the CMCO will be extended for another two weeks up until November 9, 2020.

Before we remind you what you can and cannot do during this period, there is an essential bit of news that we would like to share, and it concerns those who frequently use the public train or bus system.

Prasarana Malaysia, the operators of the LRT, MRT and monorail trains, has announced that the frequency of public trains will be reduced, starting from today, October 28, 2020.

The initial explanation for the reduced frequency was that this was an attempt to help curb the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, but the actual reason behind the reduced frequency of trains is because of demand, following the huge drop in passengers due to the CMCO as reported by Bernama on October 16.

According to Bernama, there has been a drop of over 30 percent in daily passenger volume following the CMCO in the Klang Valley. This includes LRT, MRT, monorail, and buses. A pre-CMCO average of 800,000 has decreased to just over 500,000 while bus passenger volume was down to 200,000 riders per day.

Prasarana Malaysia (Prasarana) Group chief operating officer Norlia Noah said the company had obtained permission from the transport ministry to offset the frequency of trains. "The LRT, MRT, and monorail services will operate as usual from 6.00 am to midnight, only the frequency will change according to the time and demand," she said in a statement.

Although the announcement informs train users that the frequency of trains will drop, Norlia said that they would be monitoring the situation and have the power to add trains if needed to meet the increase in demand at certain times.

She also added that the frequency of the Rapid KL bus service and the Jom Naik MRT shuttle bus would also be reduced from tomorrow, but just like the trains, they will monitor the situation.

"Nonetheless, we will continue to monitor the situation closely through our bus control centre. For the convenience of users, we encourage them to use the google maps/moovit application or see the bus real-time at myrapidbus.prasarana.com.my/kiosk to better plan their journey." said the Prasarana Group Chief Operating Officer.

As a reminder, here are some of the S.O.P's and rules that we must adhere to during the CMCO.

All economic activities are still allowed to operate but, with a few exceptions, can only do so between a window of 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. These timing restrictions also apply to restaurants, food trucks, roadside stalls, food courts, and sundry shops

Closer to home for us motorists, the majority of petrol stations also need to adhere to the 6.00 am to 10.00 pm operation window, though those that are found along highways are allowed to remain continually open 24 hours.

Travel to locations further away such as KLIA, KLIA2, and the Subang Airport will require individual permission from the police.

Though inter-state travel is prohibited, inter-district travel is technically allowed for work purposes as well as to acquire basic supplies such as groceries with a cap of 2 persons per household. A ‘work from home’ arrangement is encouraged, but for those for whom that does not apply, employees will need to acquire a permit or permission slip issued by their employers, to be presented at these roadblocks. To those who need to travel for other reasons, specific permission from the local police department is required.

Schools and institutes of higher educated will remain closed, as expected. Physical distancing must always be maintained and the wearing of masks is still compulsory in public areas, yet sporting and recreational activities conducted in the outdoors are still permitted.

Again, we refer you to the full list of SOPs
published
 by the National Security Council for more details because as you know by now, things change rather fast.


Ford GT Seen At CES Asia 2015

In the beginning of this year,
Ford
 dropped a bombshell on everyone when they unveiled the all-new Ford GT at the Detroit Auto Show.
Featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that produces more than 600hp, the ultra-high-performance supercar uses carbon fibre extensively in its construction including the exterior body panels and tub which is attached to aluminium front and rear sub frames.
While we were at the
CES Asia 2015 to see what future technologies Audi
 had to offer in its future vehicles, there just so happened to be the very Ford GT mentioned on display at Ford’s booth. While the official photos are very impressive, in the metal, it is a sight to behold.
Ford
 say that active aerodynamics is an integral part of the GT’s exterior design and from the looks of it, they weren’t kidding. Every angle and curve is meant to funnel air in the most efficient and productive manner possible. The outrageous design is paired to 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres to complete the look. Unfortunately, there were no Ford personnel to give us a peek into the GT’s interior.
Ford have already set their eyes on a Le Mans return and the Ford GT will undergo modifications for race car duties. From 1966 to 1969, Ford dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance races with the GT40, the ancestor to what you see here. Will the comeback mark the return to dominance? We’ll have to wait and see.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the photos of the Ford GT seen at CES Asia 2015.


Spyshot: All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5 Is Now In Malaysia

After its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, Mazda has been busy introducing its all-new second-generation CX-5 globally. Mazda's local representative, Bermaz Motor is also geared up to introduce the new model here before year end.
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 will arrive here in CKD form, skipping the interim CBU phase altogether. Assembly will commence at Mazda Malaysia's plant in Kulim, Kedah.
Exterior wise, we understand that the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 can be had in several new colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver and Jet Black. Only two colours will be carried over from the predecessor, namely Arctic White and Meteor Grey.
Looking at the photos provided, the white Mazda CX-5 is possibly the range-topping variant, wearing 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels all around, LED headlights, front parking sensors and a sunroof. No interior photos were provided.
Powertrain options are expected to be carried over from the existing model, which includes two SkyActiv-G petrol engines, the first being a 2.0-litre unit and the second a 2.5-litre unit. Both engines are mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.
During the launch of Mazda's GVC models, including the Mazda 3, 6 and CX-3, the company mentioned that the new CX-5 could be launched here in September or October this year.


Tokyo 2015: Nissan Previews Potential Next Generation GT-R As Part Of Exhibits

The Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo was first revealed in June 2014 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and gamers had the chance to “drive” the car virtually on their PlayStation 3s shortly after.
For this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, that stunning concept supercar gets an update for its debut, and from what we can see, it differs very little from before. This time, it is painted in a ‘Fire Knight’ red body colour, while continuing to showcase Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille in its design.
However, the main draw of the concept is the claim that it will be a preview of the next generation Nissan GT-R (R26). During the reveal of the concept’s digital version, it is stated by Nissan that:
“The Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo is a combination of designer intuition and detailed technical evaluation, a vision, a possibility, and a proposal made by Nissan for the coming future.”
With work on the next generation GT-R well believed to be underway, the 2+2 concept supercar looks to be a promising project (and maybe successor), even benefiting from input from an advanced engineering team based at the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan.
In the digital realm, the concept packs a high-performance FR-4WD hybrid powertrain comprising of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with electrical assistance in the form of three motors. Whether we’ll see a working concept at Tokyo remains to be seen.
Joining the Concept 2020 Vision GT will be the
Nissan Gripz concept that first appeared in Frankfurt
 and the updated
Nissan Leaf featuring an extended driving range
. The curious ‘Teatro for Dayz’ concept will also be present, an electric vehicle MPV that looks like a futuristic version of the Nissan Cube.


Drive, Test and Buy a New Car in One Place with Carlist.my

Carlist.my, in partnership with the Malaysian Automotive Association, Caltex and Public Bank, just announced the launch of the ‘Carlist.my MAA Drive, Test & Buy 2017’ automotive exhibition which will be taking place this 13 and 14 May.
Set to take place at the Setia Alam Convention Centre, the inaugural exhibition will see a host of Malaysia’s best-selling car brands, including Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Isuzu, Subaru, Volkswagen, Ford and many more showcasing their latest vehicled with unique and attractive deals.
“Up till today, we have continued to deliver a convenient experience to all consumers on our online platform,” said Hamish Stone, CEO if iCarAsia Sdn.Bhd.
“Our new exhibition aims to bring that same digital experience to ground level for all Malaysians to enjoy. With that, our Drive, Test & Buy event is truly a one-stop platform for visitors to compare, test, and purchase their next vehicle without needing to travel extensively.”
During the event, visitors will not only have a chance to see a wide range of new vehicles on display, but also get a chance to immediately test drive their desired vehicles at the prepared track area.
According to PC Gan, the general manager of Carlist.my, this is Malaysia’s only automotive exhibition that allows visitors to test-drive various vehicles both on and also off-road, depending on model.
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.
Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the president of the Malaysian Automotive Association said, “The Carlist.my Drive, Test & Buy initiative will present a unique and great opportunity for automotive brands in the country to reach out to more customers who are eager to buy a new car amidst the challenging economic situation.”
She also mentioned that the event will see manufacturers giving financial packages that are more competitive than whatever is being offered elsewhere in the country at the moment.
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.
It is said that one of the giveaway muscle cars – a 2012 Ford Mustang 5.0, will be on display during the exhibition for all to see.
That said, the Carlist.my Drive, Test & Buy exhibition’s details are as follows:
Date:
 13 – 14 May 2017
Time:
 10am – 10pm (test drive sessions end at 7pm)
Location:
Setia Alam Convention Centre


Proton Resumes Export Activities To The Middle East

Proton’s export activities to the Middle East have resumed, marking the first time the company has done so since its partnership with Geely.
A flag-off ceremony was held at Westports Malaysia’s berthing area to commemorate the occasion.
The cars will be shipped to Aqaba in Jordan, after which the cars will be distributed to Iraq and other neighbouring countries. The first shipment will consist of 453 cars, including the Gen 2 model.
Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton said, "This ceremony marks a starting point for Proton as we resume and ramp up shipments to the Middle East in the coming months. It’s also the first export shipment since the partnership with Geely commenced and we expect our export market to have a positive outlook in the future so be prepared for more such announcements from as early as August this year.”
Another key Proton personnel, Dr Li Chunrong, the CEO of Proton said, "The Middle East markets hold high regard for products from Islamic countries like Malaysia. The demand for cars will grow as their economies develop and will help fuel the growth of our export business. The ASEAN market however will remain as the main priority for Proton’s export business so we are excited about the opportunities available in the region.”
In addition to that, Proton will also leverage on Geely’s overseas network operations to increase the cost effectiveness of its own operations.


BFGoodrich announces two new tyres for Malaysian market

BFGoodrich, the American tyre brand which also happens to be a subsidiary of Michelin Malaysia here since 1988, announced the introduction of two new tyres earlier today at a launch event held at The Glasshouse in Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur.
The tyres launched were the on-road BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Drive and T/A SUV tyres, and the new off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2.
The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Drive and T/A SUV road tyres, which promise to offer better grip and longer lasting ride at an affordable price, feature enhanced symmetric tread design with rigid tread blocks and shoulder, as well as “jagged” grooves for better handling.
Meanwhile, the BFGoodrich All -Terrain T/A KO2 is designed purely for off-roading is BFGoodrich’s most durable tyre to date, 20 per cent stronger than its predecessor, the KO. It is said that the KO2 was also engineered to last 15 percent longer on asphalt.
In addition, the KO2 improves its already legendary tradition of all-terrain performance with 10 percent greater traction in the mud compared to the previous-generation KO tyre.
While the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Drive and T/A SUV tyres are available in Malaysia in sizes between 13 to 18 inches, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyre is already available since January 2016 in sizes 15 to 18 inches.
According to the company, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Drive and T/A SUV are priced from as low as RM100 per piece for 13-inchers, while the price for the All-Terrain T/A KO2 starts from RM1,000 per piece.


This Ice-Cooled, 736 PS Mercedes-Benz W125 Hit 432.7 km/h, Back In 1938!

Slightly less than a week ago was the 80
th
 anniversary of racing driver Rudolf Caracciola’s record setting drive on the German autobahn, where he was clocked at 432.7 km/h in a 5.6-litre V12 736 PS Mercedes-Benz W125 world speed record car.
To put the numbers in perspective, a Mercedes-Benz W154 Grand Prix car of the same year could only do 330 km/h, powered by a 3.0-litre V12 that pushed out 474 PS.
This was also the period when Auto Union, the predecessor of the present day Audi, and Daimler-Benz were engaged in a rapidly escalating one-upmanship contest to claim the title for building the fastest car. Both companies were fierce rivals on Grand Prix circuits and on derestricted public roads, both were vying to set a speed record.
The rivalry was also promoted by the Third Reich, who saw excellence in automotive engineering and the dominance of German cars as valuable propaganda.
At such high speeds, front-end lift was the biggest problem, and a potentially fatal one too. As speed increases, the differences in air pressure will begin to lift the front axle off the ground.
Without the benefit of electronically controlled active aerodynamics or wind tunnel simulations, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, technical manager of the racing department, a Ross Brawn of sorts of his era, enlisted the help of aeroplane designers Ernst Heinkel and Willy Messerschmitt, who recommended the W125’s front-end to be made shorter and tapered more sharply, while extending the rear section’s length and height.
The vehicle’s cross section was also heavily rounded off to reduce its susceptibility to crosswinds but the tear drop shaped cockpit glasshouse created a secondary problem as it distorted visibility. It took a while for the engineers to find the correct balance between maintaining the glasshouse’s curvature without distorting the driver’s visibility.
For the engineers of that time to build such a vehicle without a digital calculator was a testament of their ingenuity.
The streamlined body shape was necessary to cut through wind resistance but it also meant that there wasn’t enough air intake ducts to cool the V12 engine. The solution was a radiator that packed 48 litres of water and 5 kg of ice. If necessary, it can accommodate dry ice.
The W125 was later measured at a modern day wind tunnel and was found to have an aerodynamic drag co-efficient of just 0.170, a remarkable achievement by a group of people who had to work mostly by using guess work.
In the morning of 28 January 1938, just after 8 a.m., Rudolf Caracciola achieved the highest speed ever recorded on a public road on the autobahn between Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt.
He clocked a speed of 432.7 km/h over the flying kilometre, and also broke the record for the flying mile with a speed of 432.4 km/h. In each case the speeds were calculated as the mean between runs in both directions.
Auto Union Type C Streamliner
Aware of its rival Mercedes-Benz’s record breaking attempt. Auto Union was busy setting its own speed record on the same day too. However a gust of wind sent their 6.33-litre V16 engine Auto Union Type C Streamliner flying off the road, killing its driver Bernd Rosemeyer. The Auto Union had a theoretical top speed of 456 km/h. Right at the moment before the Auto Union veered off the road, it was travelling at 440 km/h.
A year earlier, Rosemeyer set a speed record of 400 km/h with Auto Union. The tragic accident didn’t put an end to the ridiculous rivalry.
Mercedes-Benz T 80 Weltrekordwagen
A year later in 1939, Mercedes-Benz had already built an even faster T 80 Weltrekordwagen (World Record Car), designed by Ferdinand Porsche and boasts of performance numbers that are insane even by today’s standards – 44.5-litre V12 (yes that’s not a typo, it’s 44.5-litre), 3000 PS of power, with a theoretical top speed of 600 km/h.
Thankfully, the attempt was never made as World War 2 raged across Europe. The actual car now sits at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, accompanied by Daimler's other record breaking cars. The W125's outlandish 44.5-litre V12 never ran to its full potential.
The car is now fastened to a ceiling-wall installation at the museum's exit, parked too far away for anyone to reach for a closer look. If you walk too fast past the museum's exit gantry and onto the escalator heading down, you will miss it and there’s no way for you to turn back to get another look, unless you buy another ticket to re-enter the museum.
I guess its final resting place is symbolic of the T 80’s fate – that it was so close to achieving something great but all it ever managed to do was to be a museum exhibit. A flash that went by too fast, easily missed by all but the keenest observers.
Seventy nine years would pass before Rudolf Caracciola’s 432.7 km/h speed record was broken. Not even the Bugatti Veyron, which set a new record for production cars (431.07 km/h) in 2010, could surpass the 1938 Mercedes-Benz one-off record attempt car.
Mercedes-Benz’s public road speed record was finally broken a Koenigsegg Agera RS, driven by the Swedish hypercar maker's factory driver Niklas Lilja, on 4-November 2017 at a closed-off section of Highway 160 in Nevada, USA. It clocked a flying kilometer speed of 445.63 km/h, calculated after running in two directions. As a production car, the Koenigsegg also broke the Bugatti’s record.


5 Cara Untuk Memperbaharui Kereta Anda

Sudah lama anda bersamanya dan sepanjang tahun-tahun tersebut, dia sentiasa setia mengiringi anda meneroka pengalaman-pengalaman baru dalam hidup anda.
Kami sebenarnya bercakap tentang kereta anda. Ia telah menempuh pelbagai halangan, tetapi lambat laun, dia pasti akan menjadi tua. Jadi, di musim perayaan ini, jagalah teman sejati anda dan bantulah dia agar kereta anda kekal kuat untuk tahun-tahun yang akan datang.
Tayar Baru
Perjalanan beribu-ribu kilometer boleh menjejaskan tayar kereta anda. Ini bukan sahaja disebabkan oleh tayar yang mudah haus, tetapi juga habuk-habuk brek pada tayar yang membuatkan ia kelihatan buruk dan lama.
Jadi mengapa tidak menggantikan tayar tersebut dengan tayar-tayar baru? Pasaran tayar kini menawarkan pelbagai pilihan dengan beraneka reka bentuk. Carilah yang sesuai untuk kereta anda, tetapi jangan lupa untuk mematuhi spesifikasi tayar yang disyorkan bagi kereta anda. Rim yang terlalu besar boleh mengakibatkan bearing kereta menjadi haus dengan lebih cepat. Dan ini akan menelan kos yang tinggi untuk perbaiki.
Warna Baru ; hantar kereta untuk pemerincian
Ubah wajah kereta anda dengan warna baru, bersama-sama dengan tayar baru yang hebat. Gunakan kreativiti anda semasa memilih daripada beratus-ratus warna yang ada. Luaskan imaginasi anda dengan memadankan beberapa warna kegemaran anda untuk dijadikan sebagai corak jalur perlumbaan (mengapa tidak?).
Kerja mengecat kereta sepenuhnya biasanya menelan kos dalam RM1,000 atau lebih. Ini boleh membantu memberikan gambaran visual yang lebih menarik, serta ketenangan fikiran buat anda kerana tidak perlu fikir tentang karat. Walau bagaimanapun, jangan lupa untuk mengemaskini butiran kereta anda dengan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia sekiranya anda memilih untuk menukar warna original kereta anda.
Jika cat baru tidak diperlukan, kekalkan sahaja cat yang ada. Kerja pemerincian yang baik boleh memberikan impak visual yang hebat. Pertimbangkan juga salutan yang berkualiti agar warna cat terus kekal untuk tahun-tahun yang akan datang.
Penggantinan suspensi/sesendal; kehausan
Bonggolan jalan raya membawa masalah kepada anda? Ini mungkin disebabkan oleh sesendal serta suspensi kereta anda sudah kehausan dan perlu diganti. Alat-alat ini bukan sahaja memberikan keselesaan kepada penumpang, malah juga memainkan peranan yang penting dalam kawalan kereta.
Kebanyakan sesendal kereta diperbuat daripada getah dan boleh menjadi keras dari masa ke masa. Ini mengurangkan kecekapannya dalam penyerapan getaran, lantas menjadikan perjalanan anda lebih sukar. Komponen suspensi, seperti spring dan peredam boleh kehausan selepas beberapa tahun dan mungkin juga menjadi bocor.
Penukaran pengambilan enjin; penapis udara; kotak udara; pembersihan karbon untuk kereta lama
Sama seperti kita, kereta kita juga memerlukan udara yang baik untuk berfungsi pada prestasi yang tertinggi. Penggunaan kereta setiap hari boleh mengumpul habuk dan sisa karbon pada enjin. Bahan-bahan pencemaran dalam enjin ini boleh menyebabkan penggunaan bahan api yang lebih tinggi, serta mengurangkan prestasi kereta anda. Ia juga boleh menyebabkan kerosakan pada kereta kesayangan anda.
Sebab itulah pemeriksaan kereta perlu dilakukan dengan kerap. Mungkin kini adalah masanya bagi menukar kotak dan penapis udara atau hantarkan kereta anda untuk pembersihan karbon. Ini mungkin boleh membantu enjin anda kembali berfungsi dengan prestasi maksimum.
Perbaharu Ruang Dalaman
Walaupun kereta anda kelihatan cantik dari luar, namun, ruang dalamannya adalah tempat di mana anda akan berada bila memandu. Ruang dalaman kereta memang mudah untuk terjejas. Peluh, kotoran makanan dan minuman, plastik hilang warna adalah antara perkara yang boleh menjejaskan kabin kereta anda.
Mengapa tidak perbaharu ruang dalaman kereta anda? Beberapa syarikat menawarkan perkhidmatan pembaharuan untuk ruang dalaman kereta bagi membuatkan ia kelihan seperti hari pertama anda memandunya. Ruang dalaman yang baru dan terjaga pasti membuatkan anda lebih selesa.
Jadi, itulah lima tindakan mudah yang boleh anda ambil untuk membuatkan ejin dan kereta lama anda kelihatan baru serta berfungsi pada prestasi yang tertinggi. Bagi sesetengah orang, nostalgia kereta lama adalah sesuatu tidak tergambar nilainya.


Kereta Yang Bakal Dilancarkan Di Malaysia Pada Separuh Kedua Tahun 2021

Seperti tahun lalu, nampaknya tahun 2021 ini juga bakal berlalu dengan pantas ekoran pelaksanaan PKP penuh atau
Lockdown 3.0
 untuk membasmi penularan kes COVID-19. Sedar tak sedar, kita dah menghampiri separuh kedua tahun ini. Bagaimana pula dengan kereta yang bakal tiba dalam pasaran negara pada tahun 2021? Jangan risau, kami ada senaraikan beberapa model yang bakal dilancarkan dalam tahun ini.

Oleh kerana negara ini masih berperang dengan kes harian COVID-19 yang tinggi, ada pelancaran kereta yang tepaksa ditunda dan dibatalkan. Tetapi, ada juga pengeluar yang tetap aktif memperkenalkan model-model terbaharu mereka sebelum ini seperti
Perodua Ativa
,
Proton Iriz R3
 dan banyak lagi. Dengan tahun 2021 yang hanya berbaki 6 bulan, kami menjangkakan pengeluar akan memperkenalkan model-model seperti berikut pada baki tahun 2021 ini.

1. PROTON

Iriz facelift

Iriz Active

Persona facelift

X70 SE 2021

Meskipun gambar serta penampilan
Iriz serta Persona facelift
 ini sudah tersebar luas, namun kedua-dua model itu masih belum dilancarkan di negara ini. Iriz dan Persona akan mendapat reka bentuk dalaman serta luaran yang baharu.

Selain versi facelift, Proton turut bakal memperkenalkan varian crossover Iriz yang diberi nama
Iriz Active
. Meskipun rupanya agak berbeza dengan rupa yang didedahkan pada tahun 2014, namun Iriz versi crossover ini bakal tiba sekali dengan Iriz facelift dan Persona facelift dan difahamkan, transmisi
CVT
 masih dikekalkan bagi model-model ini.

*Kredit foto: Fadli Proton Brunei

Selain itu,
Proton X70 SE
 turut bakal dilancarkan di negara ini dalam tahun ini juga. Antara perubahan pada model ini adalah warna Ocean Blue, rim
Geely Boyue Pro
 serta tempat duduk Nappa berwarna hitam. Model ini baru sahaja dilancarkan di Brunei!

2. Honda

City Hatchback

Odyssey facelift 2021

Selepas digugurkan daripada barisan model Honda di Malaysia,
Honda Jazz
 bakal digantikan dengan
Honda City Hatchback
. Kereta ini menerima sambutan baik di pasaran negara lain. Adakah ia turut bakal meletup di negara ini?

Khabarnya, kilang Honda di Melaka sedang giat melakukan persiapan seperti alatan dan mesin yang diperlukan untuk memasang model ini. City ini menggunakan rupa bentuk generasi kelima, iaitu seperti
Honda City
 terbaharu yang ada dalam katalog Honda Malaysia ketika ini. Selain itu,
Honda Odyssey versi facelift
 juga dijangka tiba dalam tahun ini setelah dilancarkan di Singapura dan Indonesia.

3. Toyota

Camry facelift

GR 86 2021

Berdasarkan maklumat yang diterima daripada pembentangan korporat
UMW Holdings Berhad
, Toyota telah menyatakan bahawa selepas pelancaran
Toyota Corolla Cross
, mereka masih ada
dua model yang bakal dilancarkan
 di negara ini iaitu model sedan dan GR.

Model sedan berikut merupakan Toyota Camry facelift yang mendapat penambahbaikan dari segi dalaman dan luaran. Di Jepun, Toyota Camry telah menerima kemas kini dengan rupa yang lebih mengancam dan sistem bantuan pemandu ADAS Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) yang dinaik taraf.

Model seterusnya yang bakal membuat penampilan di negara ini merupakan
Toyota GR 86 2021
. Model ini amat popular ekoran mempunyai bentuk seakan sama dengan
Subaru BRZ
 kerana ia dihasilkan hasil kerjasama Toyota dan Subaru. Model ini juga bukanlah model terhad seperti
GR Yaris
. Jika GR Yaris dijual di sekitar RM300,000, agak-agak berapa pula harga yang bakal diletakkan untuk model ini?

4. Hyundai

Kona N-Line

Palisade 2021

Pada April lalu,
Hyundai Kona
 versi facelift telah dilancarkan di negara ini tanpa kehadiran varian 1.6 liter dengan pengecas turbo. Difahamkan, varian yang hilang itu bakal digantikan dengan
Kona N-Line
. Pada yang tidak tahu, N-Line pada Hyundai ini ibarat M Sport pada BMW. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) pun dah kongsi video teaser untuk model ini di Facebook mereka bahawa kereta ini bakal tiba tidak lama lagi.

Selain itu, Hyundai turut bakal melancarkan SUV
Palisade 2021
 di negara ini memandangkan model ini sudahpun terdapat di pasaran negara jiran seperti Indonesia dan Singapura. SUV besar dengan 7 tempat duduk ini bakal dijana oleh enjin 3.8 liter V6 aspirasi natural yang menghasilkan 291 PS/ 355 Nm.

5. Volkswagen

Golf GTI Mk8

Arteon facelift

T-Roc 2021

Sebelum ini, kelibat
Golf GTI Mk8
 telah dikesan tanpa sebarang penyamaran di negara ini. Melalui gambar tersebut, kereta ini turut mempunyai pelekat pemasangan tempatan. Tetapi oleh kerana PKP, masih tiada khabar baru tentang kereta ini. Namun kami tetap menjangkakan bahawa ia bakal dilancarkan pada tahun ini.

Tetapi, model lain Volkswagen seperti
Arteon facelift
 telah pun disahkan bakal dilancarkan di negara ini. Malah, tempahan bagi model ini telah dibuka oleh Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). Dengan kuasa sebanyak 280 PS dan 350 Nm tork, kereta ini dijual dengan harga bermula RM245,000.

Selain itu, terdapat juga khabar angin bahawa model
T-Roc 2021
 bakal hadir ke pasaran negara ini. Jika perkara ini benar terjadi, model ini bakal memberikan saingan kepada
Proton X50 dan Honda HR-V
! Itu pun kalau harga model ini tak terlalu mahal. Jika terlalu mahal, memang bye-bye lah

6. Mazda

BT-50

CX-3 2021

Pada awalnya,
Mazda BT-50
 sepatutnya dilancarkan pada suku pertama tahun 2021. Namun oleh kerana pandemik, perkara tersebut terpaksa ditangguh terlebih dahulu. Namun laporan RHB ada menyebut bahawa model ini tetap akan tiba dalam tahun ini. Model ini diperkenalkan pada dunia pada tahun lalu, di mana ia dibangunkan daripada platform
Isuzu D-Max
. Model ini bakal menerima 2 pilihan enjin iaitu 1.9-liter (150 PS/ 350 Nm) serta 3.0-liter (190 PS/ 450 Nm).

Selain itu, model
CX-3
 turut menerima pembaharuan. Tapi jika anda mengharapkan pembaharuan yang kaw-kaw, anda mungkin silap. Model ini bakal dikemaskini dan bakal menerima penambahan baru iaitu pengecas tanpa wayar.

7. Mercedes-Benz

E-Class (W213) facelift

A-Class Sedan

GLA

Model
W213 facelift
 ini sudahpun dilancarkan di negara jiran seperti Thailand dan Vietnam. Pada tahun lalu, model ini dikesan di atas treler 9 bulan selepas pelancaran globalnya. Maknyanya dah tak lama dah tu sebelum dilancarkan.

Mercedes turut mengeluarkan kenyataan bagi memperbanyakkan lagi model pemasangan tempatan CKD dalam segmen kereta kompak dan SUV dalam tahun ini. Meskipun nama-nama model tersebut masih belum didedahkan, ada desas desus mengatakan model tersebut merupakan model A-Class dan GLA.

8. Suzuki Jimny

Seperti yang anda tahu, Suzuki kini kembali ke Malaysia dan melancarkan model
Suzuki Swift Sport
 di bawah Naza Eastern Motors. Meskipun kepulangan ini dinantikan, namun orang ramai ternyata lebih
berminat dengan Jimny
 berbanding Swift Sport yang berharga RM140,000. Walau bagaimanapun, jangan pula harap harga kereta ini lebih murah daripada Swift Sport. Penjual kereta recond pun letak harga sekitar RM160,000.

9. Peugeot 2008 2021

Peugeot
 kini kembali ke Malaysia di bawah pengedar baru iaitu Berjaya Auto. Untuk meraikan perpisahannya bersama Naza dan meraikan perjalanan bersama pengedar baharu, model
Peugeot 2008
 dijangkakan bakal dilancar pada tahun ini.

10. Haval H6

Semakin lama, semakin banyak jenama-jenama dari China ini masuk ke negara ini bagi melakukan ujian penilaian. Tapi kerana PKP, masih tiada sebarang khabar berita daripada pengeluar masing-masing tentang baharu. Tahukah anda
Haval H6
 ini SUV no 1 di China?

Tetapi pada ketika ini, masih tiada berita tentang pelancaran model ini. Jika model ini diperkenalkan pada tahun ini, ia bakal menjadi musuh utama Proton X70. Pada pandangan saya, jika ia tidak dapat dilancarkan pada tahun ini, mungkin ia akan ditunda ke tahun hadapan.

Antara kereta-kereta di atas, yang mana satu yang paling anda tak sabar-sabar untuk dilancarkan di negara ini?

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Geneva 2017: Hyundai is Bringing the i30 Wagon

At this point it feels like Hyundai is releasing a new variant of their i30 every few months. Next up for them is the first impression of their new i30 Wagon, which will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motorshow. It's not a production ready model, and we're not really sure how well a wagon will work with such a small frame (is it really that much more practical than a regular hatchback?).
All we know is that since the launch of their
Ioniq
 for our local market, Hyundai has become a lot more interesting to watch. There's no telling what will come to our country and what won't, but if the Ioniq is anything to go by then we only have good things to look forward to. "Timeless" isn't really a word you would associate with Hyundai's designs but they seem to emphasize this in their release, along with "coupe-like silhouette" and "tapering roofline" so perhaps the i30 Wagon will be an interesting proposition.


Edaran Tan Chong Motor Launches Nissan Teana NISMO Performance Package

Good news, Teana fans. Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has just launched the Nissan Teana NISMO Performance Package, and Malaysia is the first in the world to receive it. The event was graced by NISMO racing drivers Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli, who found time in their busy schedules to officiate the launch.
What does the NISMO Performance Package get you? Much like the NISMO packages for the Nissan Almera and Nissan Sylphy, they can be purchased in either the full Performance Package or just the Aero Kit. The latter nets you the NISMO front bumper spoiler, NISMO rear bumper soiler, NISMO side skirts, NISMO trunk lid spoiler, and NISMO exhaust finishers.
The former goes a little further, throwing in the NISMO sport springs for a lower ride height and better body control, along with NISMO 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin PS4 rubbers. These components were developed and manufactured in according to the standards set by NISMO themselves.
The package is available for all variants of the Teana in five body colours: Storm Blue, Brilliant White, Diamond Black, Tungsten Silver, and Bronze Gold. The full NISMO Performance Package goes for RM16,960, while the NISMO Aero Package alone goes for RM 6,201- both prices inclusive of GST.