Diskaun Saman JPJ PDRM Dari 9 Hingga 12 Disember 2021

Bersempena dengan sambutan 100 Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia, pihak
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
 dan
Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM)
 menawarkan diskaun bayaran saman.

Menerusi perkongsian daripada laman Facebook
Kementerian Pengangkutan Malaysia
, kadar pengurangan bayaran saman akan diberikan kepada semua. Malah, PDRM turut menawarkan diskaun saman sehingga 80 peratus bersempena sambutan ini.

Kaunter diskaun bayaran saman akan dibuka di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur (KLCC) mulai dari 9 Disember (Khamis) hingga 12 Disember 2021 (Ahad) bermula jam 9.00 pagi hingga 6.00 petang.

Tawaran saman ini sah di lokasi dan tarikh yang dinyatakan seperti di atas serta tertakluk pada terma dan syarat.

Menurut PDRM, semua saman layak mendapat diskaun kecuali:

Saman kemalangan tahun 2021

Saman berstatus NC (Non Compoundable)

Saman bersatus bicara mahkamah

Saman berkait kenderaan M/Lori

Saman kesalahan potong secara berbahaya / potong “Q” tahun 2021

Saman kesalahan menggunakan lorong kecemasan tahun 2021

Saman kesalahan melanggar lampu isyarat merah tahun 2021

Saman kesalahan potong garisan berkembar tahun 2021

Saman kesalahan pengubahsuaian ekzos kenderaan

Bagi sesiapa yang menunggu diskaun saman, inilah masanya untuk langsaikan apa yang tertunggak!

Yang penting, sentiasa amalkan SOP ketika beratur di kaunter pembayaran nanti.


World’s First Biodegradable Car Made Of Sugar

It’s made of out sugar, well not quite. Students from the TU/Ecomotive team at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands have produced the world first biodegradable car made entirely of a resin made from sugar beets and covered sheets of flax, a fibrous crop grown in the Netherlands.
Reuter Reports
, the fully-electric vehicle, dubbed ‘Lina’ is able to carry four adults and travel at speeds of up to 80km/h. Lina’s body structure has a similar strength to weight ratio to that of carbon fibre – which allows a kerb weight of just 310 kg. Only the wheels, suspension, and EV powertrain are not yet made up of biodegradable materials.
However, the vehicle has not yet passed crash tests because the material doesn’t bend like metal, but breaks - explains development team leader Noud van de Gevel.
The team behind Lina intend to road test the vehicle later in the year, upon obtaining approval from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority.


Subaru Malaysia Announces Recall On Forester, XV, And More Over Brake Light Switch

TC Subaru and its parent company, Motor Image, has announced a recall involving four Subaru models to replace faulty brake light switches.
The specific models have been identified under the recall campaign as are stated below:
Forester 2014-2016 Model Year (MY)
Subaru XV 2012-2017MY
WRX (4-Door) 2011-2014MY
Impreza 2008-2016MY
Subaru says that silicone gas from certain consumer products may seep through the housing of the brake light switch. This particular component is believed to be located at the brake pedal assembly.
As a result, functions related to the brake light switch (brake light, Vehicle Dynamics Control, transmission and engine-start interlocks, and EyeSight) will stop operating.
If the defect occurs, the brake lights will not light up and may cause other road users to be unaware of the driver’s intention to slow down or stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of collisions.
Motor Image said it will notify its customers in Malaysia and the region about the recall and replace the brake light switch and related parts, free of charge.
“Motor Image is committed to the highest safety standards and quality driving experience for all our customers. Motor Image is in constant contact with Subaru Corporation for any further updates and will notify affected customers accordingly,” said the company in a media statement.


Spyshot: All-New Toyota Corolla Altis Caught In Thailand – Malaysia Debut To Follow?

The all-new twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla Altis was recently spotted in Thailand, hinting that the new model’s Thailand launch is imminent.
Globally, the all-new Toyota Corolla sedan is available with
three distinctive designs
. Judging from the rear bumper profile of the taped-up car, it appears that Thailand will be receiving the FAW Toyota version of the Corolla sedan.
Toyota first unveiled the all-new Corolla in its
hatchback guise
 early last year, followed by the
wagon variant
 in October. The all-new Corolla sedan was introduced simultaneously in both China and the USA just a month later.
For the Chinese market, Toyota and its local partners, Tianjian FAW Toyota Motor and GAC Toyota Motor will be selling two versions of the new sedan concurrently – Corolla will be sold by FAW Toyota while the Levin will be sold by GAC Toyota. Both models will go on sale in China later this year.
Similar to the much-vaunted all-new Camry, the all-new Corolla sedan is built on the company’s TNGA platform. Gone is the rear torsion beam suspension set-up, now replaced by a more sophisticated multi-link set-up.
A Malaysian debut should follow after the model is introduced in Thailand.


Volvo Partners with Google to Develop Next Generation In-car Infotainment

Volvo Cars has announced a close partnership with Google to develop the next generation of its in-car infotainment and connectivity solution based on Android, offering access to a wide array of apps and services.
According to Volvo, the partnership promises to revolutionise how Volvo customers engage and interact with their cars. The large catalogue of popular Android apps – developed by Google, Volvo or third-party app developers – will offer connected and predictive services in and around the car.
“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership. Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalisation possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo Cars’ partnership with Google reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected. Volvo believes smart partnerships are the future for the car industry. Using Android as the base operating system will increase speed and flexibility in the development, and enable Volvo Cars to offer its customers the ability to personalise the connected in-car experience.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo to bring Android into their next-generation connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver a more seamless experience to Volvo drivers through a full-featured infotainment platform and rich ecosystem of Android applications and Google services.”
“With the advent of Android, we will embrace a rich ecosystem while keeping our iconic Volvo user interface. We will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best-integrated experience in this broad, connected environment,” said Henrik Green.
Volvo is also collaborating with Google on another initiative to update recent Volvo models by adding Google Local Search, a location-based service application. This will be released through an update to customers with Sensus Navigation.
It is said that the new infotainment system is expected to be featured in new Volvo models within the next two years.


Future Perodua Models Could Receive An Improved ASA System

A couple of days ago, we posted photos of a Daihatsu Thor in Malaysia, hooked up to some test equipment.
Thanks to our friends over at
Automachi
, we now know what the Daihatsu kei car was doing here in Malaysia.
According to their post, the Daihatsu Thor is supposedly here to test an improved AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) system that works up to 80 km/h. By comparison, the new Myvi's AEB system only works up to 30 km/h.
The AEB found in the new Myvi is part of the new Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) safety suite, exclusive to the range-topping Myvi 1.5 AV.
As reported earlier, it is very unlikely that Perodua will be launching a revival model of the Kenari. We reckon that the Daihatsu Thor seen here is for the local development of specific feature. Perodua is unlikely to introduce a tall box-like vehicle like the Thor to replace the Kenari.


Top 5 Hot Hatches and Fun Cars You Can Buy for Under RM100,000

A sexy, fun and performance oriented hot hatch can be expensive, but that is only if you buy them brand new but below are a few hot hatches and fun cars that you can purchase for
less than RM100,000 on Carlist.my.

Mazda 3 MPS (RM75,888)

If you’re all about downright power,
this particular Mazda 3 MPS
, which has a 2.3-litre turbo engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox that kicks out 290 hp and 380 Nm of torque, will tickle you in all the right places.

Unlike a lot of modern hot-hatches that feel rather composed (which is a good thing in a way), the MPS will take you down memory lane and remind you of the good ol’ “big-turbo” JDM madness of the 90s with power delivery that will hit you smack in the face.

Renault Megane RS 250 Cup (RM69,800)

Who would’ve thought that the key to join the 250 hp club would actually cost less than RM70k?  Why waste your time with an entry-level B-segment car for about RM70k when you can get your hands on the iconic Renault Megane RS 250 which has not only reached cult status, but also a permanent spot in the hearts of petrol heads forever.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6 (RM75,800)

Don’t want a manual? No problems! The
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6
 is all over the used car market, going for less than RM80,000. Since most of these units are less than 10 years old, getting a loan is not an issue either. Just make sure that the previous owner has rectified the infamous mechatronic and gearbox issues, and voila – you have a pocket rocket which can double both as a daily and a weekend car at your disposal.

Ford Focus ST (RM93,800)

Another proud member of the 250 hp club, the Ford Focus ST has also joined the sub-RM100,000 society. Known for its crisp and sharp gear changes, the Focus ST is arguably just as good as the Megane RS and the Golf GTI. Further complemented with a kick-ass Sony Xplod audio system, voice command and whatnot, the Focus ST is certainly worth considering.

Toyota 86 (RM99,800)

Yes, we can hear you going “Aiya, automatic ah?”, but what to do? Manual Hachirokus are still demanding slightly more than RM100,000. However, if you really can’t spend more than RM100k, and
the 86
 is the only thing you want, you can always settle for an auto for slightly above RM90,000 as there are many pristine examples available for sale.

So, with that being said, here are five very exciting cars that produce nothing less than 200 hp, that have proven themselves to be very capable driving machines. If you had
RM100,000 to spend
, which one would you go for?


From 2016 They’ll Be Called 718 Boxster And 718 Cayman, Because Porsche Has Spoken

Porsche
 pulled a quick surprise over us all with the sudden name change of their two mid-engined sports cars - the
Boxster
 and its coupe twin, the
Cayman
. The change will take effect when the next-generation version of both these cars are introduced in 2016.
Of course, Porsche hasn’t merely chosen a random string of three numbers to arrange in front of two already very established models. There is some history behind the new naming scheme and it comes from 1957 when Porsche built the prolific 718 (sometimes known as the RSK Spyder), a racing car that replaced its legendary 550 Spyder. The 917 had a mid-mounted air-cooled four-cylinder engine, and was so lightweight that it could outrun much of its competition.
The next-generation Boxster and Cayman will be the first to feature the long-rumoured mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, replacing the six-cylinder naturally aspirated units found in every other Boxster/Cayman that came before - see the resemblance in configuration?
Further technical details such as power as well as improvements in fuel economy and emissions haven’t been confirmed yet, but speculative figures of 240hp to as high as 370hp have been reported.
We wonder two things with the next Boxsters and Caymans officially being called 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. First being how many people will just keep calling the cars by their traditional numberless names - our guess is everybody. Secondly, for the sake of consistency, could this new naming scheme spill over onto other models such as the
Panamera
,
Macan
, and
Cayenne
 too?
After all, the 918 Spyder already has numbers in its name, and Porsche’s most famous creation, the
 911
, is named with nothing but numbers.


Buy A Pre-Owned Infiniti From Just RM179,000

Been wanting to own an Infiniti? Good news as Infiniti Malaysia now has its own pre-owned programme that allows potential buyers to save some money while being able to purchase a reasonably new car.

Infiniti Malaysia is offering several models via its pre-owned programme. The company has pointed out that each cars are meticulously inspected and has passed through Infiniti’s stringent quality checks. Additionally, mileage are low with full service record.

The cheapest option in Infiniti’s pre-owned programme is the Q50 2.0T GT, priced from RM179,000. This 2016 unit had an original sticker price of RM239,800.

For those wanting an SUV, Infiniti Malaysia has the pre-owned QX70 GT Premium priced from RM285,000. A new QX70 GT Premium sells for RM435,000.

All prices are inclusive of GST but without insurance.

Interested? Head over to the Infiniti Centre at Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur between 10am to 7pm to enjoy these exclusive offers or click on
this link
 to find out more.

In addition to that, the newly launched Q60 (from RM308,800) is also available for test drives.


Bangkok 2016: 10th Gen Honda Civic Live from the Floor

We can almost smell the all-new
tenth-generation Honda Civic
 coming to our shores, but
Honda’s latest C-segment ace
 isn’t quite ready to make its official appearance in Malaysia just yet.
Sales of the new Civic
 have already begun at our northern neighbours
Thailand
, where it is offered in four variants priced between THB 869,000 and THB 1,199,000.
Engine line-up features the current model’s 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC improved to outputs of 141hp and 174Nm lining up alongside Honda’s new 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo pushing out 173hp and 220Nm. Both engines are paired with Honda’s in-house Earth Dreams CVT as standard.
Having provided us with live pictures from the Civic’s Thai market launch, our colleagues from sister site
Auto Spinn
 are teasing us further with another round of live pictures of the new Civic, this time from the floor of the Bangkok Motor Show.
Follow the gallery below for a second up-close look of the all-new tenth-generation Honda Civic.


For The Love Of Classic VWs - Road & Track's Jason Cammisa and His Scirocco

The guys are Petrolicious, whose Youtube channel hosts some of the best video content for classic car enthusiasts, have recently produced a very beautiful video featuring Road & Track magazine's senior editor Jason Cammisa and his second generation Volkswagen Scirocco.
This particular Scirocco model was never officially sold in Malaysia so it might be unfamiliar to some. Despite its age (first introduced in 1981), this Scirocco still looks elegantly stylish, a testament of Volkswagen's timeless designs.
As a senior staff at one of the largest automotive media in the US, Jason is privileged enough to experience some of the most interesting cars on the market - from Bugatti Veyrons to Porsche 918 Hybrids - but after experiencing all these exotics, Jason still finds himself still wanting to go back to his Volkswagen every single time.
His concerns about the challenges in keeping a car this old on the road will surely resonate with many of us enthusiasts - "The curse of owning this car is that on paper, it's worthless. You look in the book and it's worth $2,000, or $10,000, whatever it is. In reality, it's the most important thing in my life. How do you make those things work?"
Watch the video below:


BMW: We Do Not Manipulate Exhaust Emissions Test

Following a report by German automobile magazine Auto Bild, alleging that the emissions control function in the BMW X3 xDrive20d has been rigged to reduce its exhaust emissions only when it is tested in a lab, BMW has issued a statement firmly denying the allegations.
BMW said: “The BMW Group does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests. We observe the legal requirements in each country and fulfill all local testing requirements.
“In other words, our exhaust treatment systems are active whether rolling on the test bench or driving on the road.”
Yesterday, Auto Bild reported that exhaust emissions from current generation BMW X3 xDrive20d emitted more than 11 times the European limit when road-tested by the International Council on Clean Transportation, the same group whose tipoff led US regulators to investigate a gap between the emissions VW and Audi diesel-powered cars in the testing lab and on the road.
In response, BMW said “Two studies carried out by the ICCT have confirmed that the BMW X5 and 13 other BMW vehicles tested comply with the legal requirements concerning NOx emissions. No discrepancies were found in the X5 between laboratory-test and field-test NOx emissions.
“We are not familiar with the test results mentioned by Auto Bild on 24 September concerning the emissions of a BMW X3 during a road test. No specific details of the test have yet been provided and therefore we cannot explain these results. We are contacting the ICCT and asking for clarification of the test they carried out.”
While the recent ‘
dieselgate
’ debacle between Volkswagen and the US EPA has cast a bad light on diesel engines, BMW reiterated its support for clean diesel technology:
“Policymakers worldwide, and in particular in the European Union, are setting tough standards for CO2 and other emissions. The 2020 targets in Europe can only be fulfilled through extensive use of modern diesel engines and further electrification.
“The progress achieved so far in CO2 reduction in Europe is largely due to the use of diesel technology. Meeting future requirements will not be feasible without diesel drive trains, since a diesel engine emits roughly 15 to 20 per cent less CO2 on average than a comparable petrol engine.”
It also said that the European Union is working to replace the current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard with one that is said to be a closer reflection of real world driving experience.
“To bridge the gap between test results and real-life fuel consumption and emissions, the European Union is working on a new test cycle (WLTP) and an emissions test for real driving situations, known as “real driving emissions” or RDE. We support the swift introduction of the new regulations to create clarity for consumers and the industry as quickly as possible,” said BMW.
Related:
Volkswagen Orders External Investigation On ‘EPA Dieselgate’
VW Dieselgate: Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn Resigns As Chairman And CEO


Anthony Loke: More AES Cameras Will Be Added

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that more Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras will be added along the PLUS highway, especially around accident-prone areas.

According to a report by Utusan Online, Loke mentioned this after the recent accident involving a cement mixer and an express bus that collided nearby the Menora tunnel last week, which resulted in seven injuries.

Loke said that enforcement officers from JPJ are stationed on both ends of the tunnels to warn drivers.

In an effort to deter motorists from speeding, Loke said that the Transport Ministry will be working with PLUS to install more AES cameras around accident-prone areas, including around the Menora tunnel.

He also added that this is done to ensure that drivers obey the speed limit and to ensure that accidents are minimized. “Another factor that causes accidents is speeding. We want to reduce drivers from speeding in these areas. We hope that with the additional AES cameras, it will reduce the speed of vehicles in the area,” Loke said.


November 2017 New Vehicle Sales – Market Continues To Recover, Challenging To Hit Forecasted 590,000 By Year End

The new vehicle sales data from MAA in November shows improvement for many car makers, in line with their new product launches. A total of 49,184 new vehicles were registered in November, an increase of 2,143 units (4.6%) versus the previous month. The Total Industry Volume or TIV stands at 521,907 units, just 1.3% better than the same period last year.  With a relatively high gap of 68,000 units, it will be a challenge for the industry to record the forecasted 590,000 units by the closing of 2017.
Highlights:
Perodua continues to lead the market, with 16,636 units registered last month. The sales of all-new Myvi, being introduced late in November, should only show its sales strength in December. Compared to October, Perodua in November only gained an extra 145 units, and in the 11-month period of 2017, the company only gained 2,222 units to a total of 184,707 units.
The launch of the new Myvi could have also effected Proton’s sales in November. Sales saw a dip of 273 units or 5.4% to 4,810 units. Nonetheless, performance of the first 11 months in 2017 is still better than the same period last year, an improvement of 1,123 units bringing the total to 66,190 units.
November is the second month in 2017 that BMW Malaysia managed to hit four figure monthly sales, selling exactly 1,000 units. The brand looks set to be on course to reach a milestone of 10,000-units sales without combining the MINI models. As it stands, 9,608 units is nearly 19% improvement versus 2016 year-to-date figures. This is also an achievement on its own, as the 9,608 units are already higher than last year’s total of 9,000 units.
Subaru continue their strong 2017 momentum, with the brand famous for its symmetrical all-wheel drive gaining 21% sales year-on-year. For the month of November, Subaru moved 401 units, additional 13 units compared to October.
Honda Malaysia has already surpassed their 2016 sales (91,830 units), registering 98,290 in the first 11 months of 2017. The gain of 1,416 units between October (9,066) to November (10,482) is also the largest gain for November. No other car maker came close to this month-to-month addition of sales.
Toyota also enjoyed a good November, sales of 6,763 units is also their highest monthly sales for 2017. Total 11 months of sales this year is also higher than same period last year, with 62,255 units versus 56,410 units or approximately 10% improvement.


Global NCAP Warns Against Misrepresentation of Euro NCAP Results

Car manufacturers should not misuse favourable NCAP ratings earned in one region to promote the same model sold in another region, warns Global NCAP, the FIA-funded vehicle safety advocate which supports other regional NCAP organisations around the world, including Euro NCAP, ASEAN NCAP, ANCAP and Latin NCAP.
In a scathing letter to written to Renault’s Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn, the Secretary General of Global NCAP David Ward reprimanded the French carmaker for using Euro NCAP’s 5-star results in an advertisement for the Latin American market Renault Megane III in Uruguay.
Global NCAP have previously raised the concern that manufacturers are offering different specifications of body structure for the same car model sold in different parts of the world. Typically, models sold in developed markets with stricter regulations are built with stronger bodies, with adding bracing and crash protection structures around the passenger cell, hidden features which are removed from the same model sold in other less developed countries.
The organisation is now advocating for governments around the world to adopt UN’s World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations as minimum standards for all new cars sold in their country.
“A current advert for the Megane III in Uruguay claims that the model has a five star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). However, ratings from Euro NCAP should not be used in Latin America where for the last five years the Latin New Car Assessment Programme (Latin NCAP) has been carrying out independent safety ratings. In the absence of a crash test by Latin NCAP there is no certainty that the Megane III sold in Latin America will in fact earn five stars. The advert in Uruguay is, therefore, highly misleading to car buyers.” said David Ward in his letter to Renault.
Global NCAP advocates that consumers should only refer to NCAP ratings from their respective region’s NCAP body when assessing a car’s safety rating (in our case,
ASEAN NCAP
), as the models tested by Euro NCAP might be equipped with different specifications.
“Misuse of NCAP ratings not only confuses the public it also is unfair to your competitors, particularly those companies that have earned five star ratings in Latin NCAP,” said Ward.
Ward also suggested to Renault “So rather than publishing misleading adverts would it not be better for Renault to try to achieve its own first genuine five star rating in Latin NCAP? That would be a clear signal that Renault is truly aiming to have a high level commitment to global road safety.”
The Latin American Renault Megane III is imported from Turkey, and is unrelated to the France-made
Renault Megane
 models sold in Malaysia.
On the topic of promoting awareness for NCAP scores, consumers should also be aware that not all five-star cars are the same and NCAP is not an end-all and be-all for vehicle safety, as NCAP only tests cars in very specific, laboratory conditions involving only a single car. These scenarios do not fully represent what actually happens in the real world, where cars of different weight and height might collide. More on this
here
.


Nissan Unveils Dog-Friendly X-Trail For Europe

Nissan Europe has unveiled the Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs, a unique version of its popular mid-sized SUV outfitted with a variety of dog-friendly features catered for the needs of families that are close with their four-legged friends.
Compared to the regular
T32 Nissan X-Trail
, the X-Trail 4Dogs is a five-seater with its cargo area transformed into a 445-litre space dedicated to accommodate most canines. The entire space is upholstered in premium wipe-clean leather.
A 360-degree shower and dryer allows owners to wash and dry their dogs after a long, muddy walk. The dog can then conveniently walk into the vehicle using a pull-out sliding ramp. These features are housed inside pull-out utility drawers.
When in transit, the dog rests on a luxurious bed and is securely fastened by a clip-on harness hook. Along the way, an integrated drying system blows warm air into the area.
Dogs also have easy access to food and drink via the smart dog treat dispenser and a no-spill water bowl.
Specifically for the X-Trail 4Dogs, its NissanConnect infotainment system (not available in Malaysia) incorporates a ‘dog-cam’, which effectively provides a video conference of sorts between the front-seated occupants and the dog at the back – a 10-inch LCD screen in the boot enables the dog to see its owner and an audio link allows the owner to talk to the animal.
Lastly, for occasions when the family is travelling without their dog, the bed, water bowl, and treat dispenser can all be removed – turning the space back into a cargo hold. Access to the spare wheel has also been considered.


Tesla Model 3 Overtakes Nissan Leaf To Become World’s Best Selling EV

For many years, the Nissan Leaf held the title as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. With dimensions and utility that rival a regular Volkswagen Golf, it gained a strong following not only in Europe, but also in the USA, where consumers are not big fans of hatchbacks.
However the tide is changing and Tesla’s entry level Model 3 has proven to be a huge hit, which is surprising considering Tesla’s well publicized woes in producing the Model 3 at a decent volume and quality – something which ‘old school’ car companies do every day.
According to data compiled by Jato Dynamics, the Model 3 has climbed up to the top of the global EV sales charts, delivering 130,248 units.
The Model 3’s rapid rise is impressive because the numbers were contributed mostly by USA and Canada, as the Model 3 deliveries in Europe didn’t start until early this year.
The Nissan Leaf on the other hand, mustered just 86,110 units, behind the China-only BAIC EC. Nissan on the other hand, continues to market the Leaf as the world’s best-selling electric car, with a fine print that says the claim is based on cumulative sales since 2010.
Source: JATO Dynamics, Twitter @lovecarindustry
The other electric cars on the top-10 best sellers list are made by Chinese brands that many outside of China are unfamiliar with. All of these models are sold almost exclusively in China, which is now the world’s largest electric car market, selling 1.1 million electric passenger cars last year.
To combat traffic congestion, many major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou limit new car sales by requiring buyers to go through a lottery system – held either monthly or bimonthly, depending on city - before they can register their new vehicle. Electric cars however, are exempted from this.
As for the BMW i3, it also available with an
optional 650cc range extender petrol engine
, with 50 percent of European buyers and 70 percent of American buyers opting for it, so it's not grouped on this list.


KLIMS 2018: Citroen C3 Aircross Previewed, Coming In 2019

Naza Euro Motors, the official distributor for the Citroën brand in Malaysia has previewed the C3 Aircross ahead of its local launch next year at the ongoing 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (2018 KLIMS).
Inspired by the C-Aircross concept first unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show, the Citroën C3 Aircross – along with its larger C5 Aircross sibling – are among the latest products as part of Citroen’s global SUV product offensive.
The C3 Aircross measures 4,154 mm in length, 1,756 mm in width, and 1,637 mm in height making it comparable in size to other compact SUVs like
Renault Captur
 and
Mazda CX-3
.
Styling wise, the C3 Aircross retains the two-tiered LED headlamp assembly of the concept vehicle, as well as its unique rear quarter windows which are made of polycarbonate with a coloured layer in the centre. Along the flanks, the C3 Aircross comes fitted with 17-inch ‘4Ever’ alloy wheels.
The funky interior is highlighted by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto, Mirror Link, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. In other markets, the C3 Aircross is offered with five different interior personalisation packages; it remains to be seen if the locally sold model will offer different interior packages besides the black/grey interior of the preview car.
The C3 Aircross offers 410 litres of bootspace in its normal configuration or up to 1,289 litres with rear seats folded down.
The C3 Aircross is powered by a Groupe PSA’s 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine which develops 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic. The C3 Aircross also comes as standard with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and ESC.
Four colour options have been confirmed – Natural White, Passion Red, Breathing Blue, and the preview unit’s Soft Sand. The C3 Aircross will be offered with a 5-year or 120,000 km manufacturer’s warranty (whichever comes first) and three-year roadside assistance.


Review: 2020 Range Rover Evoque - The Baby Of The Range

A name that has represented the entry to Range Rover ownership for nearly a decade, does the all-new Evoque live up to its predecessor?

There's a lot of difficulties when it comes to growing and developing a brand that has a long history and heritage - where do you stop relying on your roots and start embracing change and progression in search of newer, younger champions of the brand? This is something that quite nearly every automaker has faced - from the Japanese to the Americans, to the Europeans.

Land Rover was starting to suffer from the same issue back in the late 2000s when their model range was just a little bit stagnant. Old luxury wouldn't cut it in a new world with high expectations of style and technology - the badge alone wouldn't be enough. And so the
Evoque
 was born, an entirely new vehicle for an entirely new breed of customer.

The first generation Evoque was essentially based on a shared platform with the Ford Mondeo, but it had numerous qualities associated with Range Rover products and managed to be marketed and positioned as a proper entry-level luxury SUV. Celebrities and influencers at the time were involved, with Victoria Beckham having a hand in some of the design language too. It drove nothing like its brethren, being more passenger car than Dakar Rally, and more approachable and socially acceptable than the bulking machines Range Rover was known for.

Available in both five-door and three-door forms, the
Evoque
 sold over 800,000 units through the first generation of its life from 2011 to 2018. 2019 saw the release of the second generation model, and it has been well received. An entirely new car, on an entirely new platform - but aimed squarely at the same younger demographic.

For the purpose of our review, we got behind the wheel of a P250 R-Dynamic variant of the
Range Rover Evoque
, which is the range topper for the Malaysian market. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pushing 249 PS and 365 Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed ZF automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels, the Evoque definitely has the right mechanical bits for a luxury SUV. The R-Dynamic suffix denotes a few aesthetic changes such as the bumpers, copper-coloured trim inserts, and different alloy wheels.

The interior, while dark in tone and nature, exudes a very European feel with the choice of materials and the precision in manufacturing. Front and centre for the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display that lets you configure it in a variety of fashions - whether you want trip information to share screen space with engine and speed telemetry, or you even prefer to have navigation occupy the entire screen. It's a slick and fairly intuitive system, operated by steering-wheel mounted switches.

Reproducing sounds for your aural pleasure is an 11-speaker, 380-watt Meridian sound system that pairs with the 10-inch entertainment head unit. Sound quality is acceptable for the class, and the head unit is capable of Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. In tandem with that is a secondary screen below that offers control of both climate control and the various drive modes for the vehicle. There is also a 360-degree view camera system and a nifty little virtual view for the front camera that displays what should be directly underneath the engine bay, allowing for better maneuvering off-road.

In true Range Rover fashion, this variant of the Evoque also comes with the various off-road modes that other companies have either adapted or copied from in many of their models. It's almost a signature at this point, to be able to select whether you're on the road or going through gravel or snow paths, or even mud and ruts. Naturally, the systems will adapt power delivery and gearbox control as well as brake control to give you the best possible traction for the selected condition - hence the name All Terrain Progress Control.

What's it like to drive, in the ways that matter? In what we consider the 99th percentile of applications for the 99th percentile of potential Evoque owners, that means driving on a day to day basis, within the confines of an urban jungle - and the Evoque doesn't disappoint. The powertrain offers smooth, supple power and torque to overtake without protest, while the suspension setup works hard to keep discomfort out of the cabin, even with the large wheel and low profile tyre setup.

At times, the gearbox and engine do behave a little strangely, holding lower gears in traffic and making an unnecessary amount of noise (modern direct injection engines do not sound great), but rare are these moments that catch out the Evoque. For the more spirited drivers among us, while there isn't a Sport mode per se, the manual override for the gearbox and the paddle shifters are responsive enough to give you control over the speed and attitude of the Evoque.

That's not to say that the Evoque is without its pain points. The price is a large factor: at RM 475,398, it certainly isn't competitive when you consider that a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is almost exactly at that price point, with a more potent turbocharged 3.0-litre powerplant and an arguably better interior and design. But there is a presence that the Range Rover badge commands, which arguably is stronger than a larger engine or a natural-language infotainment system.

The two screen setup retains some of the issues of the past, with operation that can be laggy and refresh rates that can be slow if you catch it at a bad time. There are even times when neither the main screen nor the climate control screen fire up when starting up the car, forcing you to restart it in order to even control your air conditioning. That being said, both the quality of the display and the cameras, as well as the overall layout and interface design are impressively high quality for an automotive application.

As a complete product, this second generation Evoque is a worthy successor to the first. It doesn't attempt to rock the boat or try anything radical, but it doesn't have to - especially as more automakers jump on the SUV bandwagon and the number of rivals for the Evoque increases. Just do us a favour: spend some time going off-road to put those features to the test, and you may find yourself a new weekend hobby.


Tiny Subaru Impreza 22B STi From Hot Wheels Is A Must-Buy

The Subaru Impreza 22B STi will soon be available as a 1/64 model from Hot Wheels.
Unlike some Hot Wheels models, the Subaru is gifted with lots of details, such as the detailed front fascia with nice headlights, air scoops on the bonnet, and even a tiny pink STI emblem on the front grille.
As for the rear of this tiny Subaru, it gets accurate tail lights, a large rear wing, and a rear diffuser with a muffler peeking from the left side.
The little Hot Wheels-made Subaru is finished in a lovely shade of blue, and typical of a STi model, gold wheels help complete the exterior.
According to the folks over at
japanesenostalgiccar.com
, the Subaru Impreza 22B STi will be the first model to appear in Hot Wheels’ 2020 line-up.
Photo credit:
Japanese Nostalgic Car


Car Damaged From A Pothole? Claim From Authorities!

If you’re caught in a situation where your car has sustained damage due to a poorly maintained road, you might be inclined
to report it
 and let your wallet take the hit. Don’t, as road safety experts say you have the right to pursue compensation.

No matter how vigilant a driver is sometimes, our cars inevitably fall victim to bad road conditions. Potholes are just a
fact of life for Klang Valley dwellers
 and, anecdotally, perhaps one of the largest contributing factors to the
rise in SUVs
.

However, there is a proviso here, which is that you’re much more likely to receive said compensation from highway operators, not local town or city councils, according to Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at University Putra Malaysia.

“The Malaysian road condition management system needs to be revised, as it might not be effective anymore due to the rise in the number of vehicles on the road compared to previously,” he told The Sun, emphasising the extreme danger potholes pose to motorists, especially motorcyclists as it could result in total loss of control and an easy injury.

N.V Subbarow, education officer for the Consumers Association of Penang concurs with the responsibility falling onto the shoulders of highway operators: “Road users are paying road tax and toll and they want safe roads. It’s not only speed that kills but also the condition of the roads. There are a lot of complaints from road users about (waterlogged stretches) whenever it rains.”

Both were commenting on an incident that occurred a week prior, where several vehicles were damaged along a stretch of the
New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)
 due to potholes and poor road surface conditions.

Should the evidence be sufficient and the negligence obvious, lawyer Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo also told The Sun that a lawsuit could even be considered against the concessionaire as well, pointing to Section 4(1) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which states the local authority shall, so far as a fund at its disposal will admit, cause all public streets together with the footways thereof, whether covered by arcades or not, to be maintained and repaired.

She also references Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(e) under the Malaysia Highway Authority that speaks to the maintenance of highways under its jurisdiction.

“Public roads include highways but if vehicle owners (incur) damage (to their vehicle) caused by potholes on a highway, they might consider a lawsuit against the concessionaire as well. Although they cannot sue the government for anything done within their public duties, they can still file an action against the government upon proof of negligence,” she said.

“Vehicle owners need to ascertain the rigidity test of foreseeability of the mishaps happening to the negligence of the concessionaire and government to fasten liability for a cause of action under Tort claims,”

They should also photograph as much proof as they can as the pictures can serve as evidence that will be required to provide proof of losses that they intend to claim.

“Therefore, a victim of (an incident) can bring a claim against the authority responsible by filing a negligence claim, as it is the statutory duty of local authorities to maintain public roads,” she added.

While concessionnaires are more exposed and identifiable in terms of damages and compensation by a highway user, motorists can generally agree that the broader road network maintained by the federal or local government
maintained by the federal or local government
 that is usually the culprit when it comes to potholes and other symptoms of poor maintenance.

Though falling victim to bent wheel or puncture because of it is equally frustrating regardless of location, it could be tougher to seek compensation as it isn’t immediately clear who is the party responsible for the road’s upkeep.


Spotted: Peugeot 508 Testing in Gurun

The Peugeot 508 hasn't been spotted on our roads for a long time with the last version being
 the 1st generation
 of the French D-segment saloon. But with its rumoured return alongside the introduction of the Landtrek pick-up and 2008 crossover, things are looking up.

This 508 in white seems to be very similar, if not identical, to the car that was spotted in Balik Pulau, Penang some time ago. It looks to be wearing 18-inch wheels, too, leading us to believe this is one of the higher-end variants. Perhaps a GT-Line.

Despite
its classification
 as a contender against the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, and Toyota Camry, the 508's low slung profile almost makes the white Honda City next to it look - uh - 'larger' than usual.

Meanwhile, the sign board ahead of the junction here indicates this location as being somewhere in Kedah, between Yan and Gurun, the latter of which is where we're used to having Peugeots rollout from.

Though, in this case, it's possible that local assembly for the car will soon shift to Bermaz's facility in Kulim instead, which is about 80km away.

Consistent with rumours on its local specification, this all-new 508 is likely to be powered by Peugeot's 1.6-litre Puretech turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 182PS and 250Nm and mated to an 8-speed automatic sourced from Aisin. It's highly unlikely that a diesel option will be offered here this time around.

With their partnership with Naza coming to an end and with BAASB now
 in the seat of Peugeot's distributorship
 for Malaysia, we're itching to see what this shift would mean for the brand's local presence.

Over the past few years, the selection of new Peugeot vehicles in showrooms has whittled to just the 3008 and larger 5008 SUVs with the majority of the enviable global range never making it to our shores.

What's more, as PSA,  the French marque's parent company
has now formed the 4th largest automaker
 in the world following their confirmed merger with FCA, we can expect even more cars to emerge. Exciting times ahead.


Review: New Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium CVT – Changes Where It Matters

In a recent chat with a senior member of Proton’s product development team, I learned that one of the earliest exercises conducted by both Proton and Geely post-marriage was the alignment of the framework with regards to model management and lifespan.

So there are now clear benchmarks on what constitutes a full model change, a minor, and major update, and low volume special edition cars that keep the buying public interested in a single product over the course of 6 to 8 years.

Hence now, a mid-life facelift for any Proton will include updates in terms of styling, equipment levels, and safety, on par with Geely’s best practices. Beyond all the pomp of upcoming new models - and licensed technology – it is the more nuanced underlying efforts such as these that are transforming Proton into a truly global car company.

Note too, that bamboozling your new car with tech is all well and good, as long as vendors and parts suppliers are technically competent and able to deliver components of quality, within the tight timeframes required by the manufacturer. This too has been an
area of focus
 for Proton and Geely.

As evidenced by some 367 updates the Iriz has received during the mid-life facelift, I’d say that Proton have done a comprehensive job, not to mention at a substantially lower price range than before.

Specifications for the 2019 Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium CVT

Price: RM 50,700 (OTR without insurance)

Engine: 1.6-litre, inline four-cylinder, VVT

Power: 107 hp @ 5,750 rpm

Torque: 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: CVT-type automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)

Origin: Manufactured in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Overview

First launched in 2015, the 2019 Iriz and Persona duo are the first pre-Geely era Proton models to receive an update under the new management. The aforementioned 367 updates have all been focussed on improving safety, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels, braking, and driving refinement.

At the front, the most notable cosmetic change is the grille trim piece called the Ethereal Bow, first seen on the X70, which is now flanked by the same headlights fitted on the Persona. The most notable change at the rear is the addition of the ‘Proton’ script on the rear tailgate. Both the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned: the rear features vertical garnish inserts, at either side of a new central strip on the lower edge of the bumper which lends the rear fascia a much more rounded and purposeful look. The ‘Iriz’ logo design is new too.

On the inside changes are more subtle; the most notable highlight is the new analogue meter cluster with an LCD multi-information display. There’s also the seven-inch infotainment unit with the "Hi Proton" voice command. However, unlike the X70's more advanced system that can control the sunroof, windows, and air-conditioning, the Iriz’s unit is limited to music, weather forecast, and navigation features.

Quite possibly the biggest surprise of the new car is the pricetag across all five variants, which starts off at RM 36,700 (1.3L Standard MT), reaching up to RM 50,700 for the 1.6L Premium CVT as tested. Pound for pound, that’s RM 6,000 less than the entry-level Myvi 1.3L G MT (RM 42,790) and just under RM 4,000 less than the top-spec Myvi 1.5L Advance AT (RM 54,090) – hence the Myvi might not be the king of value anymore.

Exterior

The exterior updates, though minor have been rather purposeful in giving the Iriz a fresh new look. The sporty front bumper with its three large air inlet zones, and blacked out trim panel on the rear hatch with the Proton script all serve to accentuate the width of the car and give it a stronger stance. The pre-facelift model, if lined up alongside now, will look slightly bulbous and pudgy in places, especially at the rear end.

Along the flanks, the new 15-inch alloy wheel design lends the Iriz a sportier look befitting its fun and funky personality.

Looks are subjective, but the Iriz definitely can hold its own next to the Myvi 1.5L Advance. The Myvi, given its snazzy style, bright colours, and nicely designed wheels, appeals to a wide variety of buyers, from young professionals to car enthusiast types. The Kia Picanto is a somewhat new but competent player in this highly competitive field; the topmost
GT Line variant
 offers unique styling bits, a sunroof, and 16-inch wheels, albeit for slightly more dosh.

Interior

Besides the highlight 7-inch infotainment system, the Premium variant receives an LCD multi-info display in the meter cluster which displays crisp graphics. One gripe though is the backlit display for the fuel and engine temperature which (given their white illumination) do seem a tad dim for easy legibility in the daytime. Elsewhere, it’s worthy to point out that the new gear lever and clear plastic rear view mirror are top notch too.

The GKUI ("Hi Proton") infotainment system is a big step up from the previous head unit, with sharp graphics and information such as the weather forecast and media playlist presented neatly. Some functions, such as activating the Bluetooth and MirrorLink do take some practice to get right but it’s no deal breaker.

Take note though that the proprietary music streaming service that comes with the new system has a decent playlist of songs – I even managed to find tunes from Rod Stewart and the Scorpions – but, the file sizes are large (circa 6-8 MB per song), which I suspect will use up the complimentary 1 GB data package supplied with the car pretty quickly. As an alternative, you could stream Spotify via Bluetooth connection, but the app isn't preloaded on the system, so one would still have to select songs off their smartphone.

Do note also, the GKUI Infotainment system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so your phone screen does have to stay on when using the Mirror Link (only for Android), which is not going to be good for battery life.

I have to say I’m a big fan of the new black headliner and supportive semi-leather seats. It gives the interior a very stylish and upmarket feel and the print that runs down the centre of the seat delivers a slightly retrospective look and feel without being over the top. That aside, the dashboard plastics aren’t too scratchy, and fit finish isn’t too bad.

Save for the fuse box cover underneath the steering wheel (which is super flimsy) and the notchy operation of the air-conditioning controls (the Myvi offers a slick digital system mind you), I’d conclude it’s been a great effort on Proton’s part, and for the most part, on par in terms of ergonomics and practicality with what’s offered in the Myvi.

Driving Experience

I suppose we’ve got to a point that we can almost expect a great driving experience from any current Proton on sale, and the Iriz doesn’t disappoint.

From the get-go, the most appreciable aspect of driving the Iriz is the urgency of the recalibrated CVT-type gearbox – there’s virtually no ‘rubberband’ jerky response at low revs anymore, initial acceleration is far more fluid and miles better than the pre-facelift model. It’s also noticeably quieter with much less of that characteristic CVT whine during acceleration and while moving in traffic.

Given its eager 1.6-litre engine, it builds up speed from standstill up to around 100km/h with relative ease. It cruises at the speed limit at circa 2,200 rpm which is great for long distance driving, given that the engine is pretty relaxed. Quite impressively, at 3,000 rpm on the highway, the Iriz does about 130 km/h so overtaking or uphill climbs can be done right in the meat of the powerband. On an empty stretch of road, I managed to get well into three-figure speeds, hence the Iriz has more than enough pace for a car of its size, and I might add, with far more composure than I remember being offered in the Myvi.

Fuel consumption isn’t bad, but it isn’t very impressive either – in-town crawls return between 8.8 and 9.8 litres/100 km and that number comes down to approximately 8.0 litres/100 km while on the highway. Proton has recalibrated the engine for better fuel economy which has definitely improved those numbers, but for the most part, the engine technology is still a tad older when compared to its competitors.

The chassis setup is sublime: I can’t think of any car at this price range that is as composed and poised as the Iriz - the
Picanto comes close
, but it’s definitely more talented than the Myvi. At low speeds, it’s extremely capable of soaking up road bumps, undulations, and the commonplace pothole, and as you speed up it maintains a very stable demeanour.

The body rigidity is a major contributor of this, allowing the suspension to do the work while isolating occupants from the harshness of the road. The Iriz feels mighty surefooted and tracks well at speeds of up to 165 km/h. It’s not out of depth if you fling it into a set of corners either, with quick and pleasantly precise steering and an impressive level of mechanical grip (even on less than impressive Silverstone tyres). Throw a set of proper rubbers at the Iriz, and it'll be a sterling performer on any given road.

Braking has also improved, there’s far better pedal modulation and the initial bite point is more predictable now.

Proton’s efforts to improve in-cabin refinement have been great – aside from the aforementioned noisy Silverstone tyres at highway speeds and the whine from the gearbox under hard acceleration, the cabin, for the most part, is vastly improved over the pre-facelift model.

Conclusion

To itemise the strengths of the Iriz – it offers a superb driving experience, a refined and very practical cabin space which no doubt will appeal to a wide audience, the connectivity technology is a sure-fire segment leader, and safety equipment levels are good. Overall value and vehicle reliability are other strong points of the Iriz too.

Downsides? As impressive as the Internet-enabled voice command infotainment is, it doesn't support Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and you can only use Chinese apps, which means that you will still end up running Spotify via Bluetooth and Waze off your phone rather than the head unit. Keep in mind that this is still miles ahead of what's offered in the Myvi.

Also, while improvements to the gearbox have been remarkable, I still believe the fuel consumption of the Iriz in the city - where it'll undoubtedly spend most of its time - is still a tad on the high side. The Iriz 1.3-litre manual might fare better in this respect.

The Myvi on the other hand, aces the Iriz in terms of the active safety systems, crucially adding Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking in the top-spec 1.5L Advance variant which is undoubtedly important. It too offers exemplary practicality and impressive levels of comfort, plus its proven reliability is arguably the strongest selling point.

Both cars are pretty level in terms of performance and fuel economy, though I’m pretty sure the Myvi, with its nicely geared four-speed automatic, still accelerates from a standstill with more verve, however proceedings pretty much level out at highway speeds.

The Iriz would be my pick if my daily travel included a substantial amount of highway driving, because the more refined Iriz just drives better than the Myvi. The Myvi however, squeezes more space inside and it has a proven reputation for steadfast dependability.

While I have little doubt that the Myvi will still remain the sales leader among the two, being the traditional choice of careful, smart consumers, the improved Iriz now enjoys better support from a substantially improved Proton dealer network and build quality, basically neutralizing the traditional advantages of a Myvi over an Iriz.

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China Is Bringing Forward Level 6 Emission Standard (EU6) – Older Models Facing Problems

On top of a slowing car market, Chinese car dealers now have to deal with rising inventories of older models that don’t meet the latest China 6 (similar to Euro 6) emission standards, which was unexpectedly brought forward by one year in many Chinese provinces and municipalities, reports this week’s editorial column by Automotive News China’s Yang Jian.
China’s vehicle exhaust emission standards are issued jointly by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Standardization Administration of China. The plan states that the China 6 emission standard, which is a hybrid between the European Union’s Euro 6 and USA’s Tier 2 standard, will only be enforced in July 2020.
Many models currently on sale in China are engineered to meet the current China 5 standard, which came into force in July 2017 for petrol-powered cars and July 2018 for diesel ones.
At the same time, environmental protection is high on President Xi JinPing’s agenda, who wants to see blue skies return to Chinese cities by 2020. Under the Blue Sky Protection initiative announced last year, President Xi has set an unprecedented target of cutting PM 2.5 (pollutants with diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) in major Chinese cities by 18 percent by 2020 – something which has never been achieved by any city in the world.
In typical Chinese fashion, Xi will be holding local municipalities accountable for any failure in meeting the targets.
As a result, half of China’s provinces and municipalities have announced that they will be bringing forward implementation of the China 6 emission standard. The unexpected announcement means that cars that don’t meet the China 6 standard cannot be registered, causing inventories to pile up.
Dealer groups are said to be appealing for a delay in the implementation.
This move is the latest in a series of developments that are making the Chinese car market extremely difficult for combustion engine cars. Already in all the top-6 largest Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou - registration of combustion cars are capped by monthly quota. Owners have to try their luck in a license plate lottery to register a new car, failing which they will have to try again in the following month. Electric vehicles however, are exempted.
China is now the largest market for electric vehicles, with 1.12 million sold last year, a staggering 88 percent increase from the year before.
Beyond cars, China is also phasing out old coal-fired power plants and boilers. The country is now the world’s largest market for photovoltaic solar panels.


Ferrari F8 Tributo Launched In Malaysia – From RM1.068 Million Before Taxes

Naza Italia, the official importer of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has launched the F8 Tributo. The F8 Tributo replaces the
488 GTB
, and is the latest in a long line of Ferrari mid-engined V8 sportscars; a legacy that started with the 308 GTB back in 1975.
The name pays homage to the model’s layout and the award-winning (F154) engine that powers the car. Tucked in behind the driver is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 720 hp (50 hp more than the 488 GTB) at 8,000 rpm and a whopping 770 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm. Thanks to advancements in turbo and engine management technology, Ferrari claim that there is virtually no turbo lag with the F8 Tributo.
And the numbers don’t lie: just 2.9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, 0-200 km/h in 7.8 seconds, and a top speed of 340 km/h.
The F8 Tributo is 40 kgs lighter than the 488 GTB, thanks to additional lightweight components – chief of which, is a Lexan rear engine cover, a design element borrowed from the legendary Ferrari F40.
As with the 488 Pista, the F8 Tributo’s aero package is directly evolved from the track and it adopts several design features from the 488 Pista and 488 Challenge racecar that are designed to help improve downforce, lower drag, and manage engine heat more efficiently.
At the front, the new S-Duct (first seen on the 488 Pista) alone contributes to a 15 percent increase in downforce. Slimmer headlights also meant cooling ducts for the brakes could be incorporated – which along with intakes in the bumper – vastly improve airflow over the wheel arches. Better brake cooling also meant Ferrari didn’t have to install bigger brakes to deal with the additional power.
Towards the rear, dynamic engine air intakes are positioned at either side of spoiler, instead of on the rear flanks, for more efficient airflow. Further back, a ‘blown’ active rear spoiler now wraps around the taillights. Dual-taillights also make a comeback, a design feature last seen on the Ferrari F430.
The F8 Tributo also boasts the latest version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which is activated in the Manettino toggle’s ‘Race’ position for the first time, a feature designed to make performance on the limit easier to reach and control for a greater number of drivers. It also sports the latest version of the Side Slip Angle Control (6.1) system, which as you might surmise, allows the driver to go sideways in a controllable manner.
On the inside, it's typical Ferrari fare with a driver-focussed cabin layout. But, almost every element: the dashboard, door panels, and central tunnel are different from the 488 GTB. Elsewhere, a smaller steering wheel (for faster inputs) and a new 7-inch passenger display round off the new highlights.
The F8 Tributo base price starts off at RM 1.068 million, excluding duty and customisation options.


Hyundai Elantra Clocks 1 Million Miles, In Just Five Years

In just five years, a delivery driver from Olathe, Kansas drove her 2013 Hyundai Elantra one million miles with its original powertrain. Farrah Haines drove about 200,000 miles (321,800 km) a year – or a whopping 880 km per day – delivering auto parts and products seven days a week to customers.
Dean Evans, CMO of Hyundai Motor America added, “This is not only a milestone for Farrah, but also for Hyundai and the quality of our vehicles. Reaching one million miles with the original powertrain in just five years is an extremely rare and incredible achievement. We created the 1 Million Mile Emblem because we believe in making things better for our loyal customers and look forward to other Hyundai drivers joining Farrah in the one million mile club.”
To certify Farrah’s achievement, Hyundai ran multiple tests to validate her odometer reading. Product engineers inspected her engine casting numbers, service records, wire harness, and motor mounts. Hyundai service and system engineers also reviewed Farrah’s mileage records for her two jobs, as well as a VIN report, and Carfax vehicle history records.
And to further celebrate the achievement, on one of her many deliveries, Hyundai surprised Farrah by handing her the keys to a
2019 Hyundai Elantra
. As the odometer reading returned to zero, Farrah added, “While it feels a bit like starting over, this gives me the opportunity to hit a million-five!”


Security Guards Have No Authority Over Visitor’s Attire, Says Transport Ministry

Following the recent “sarong” controversy, the Deputy Minister of the Malaysian Transport Ministry said that their security guards would no longer be allowed to tell the public how to dress.
The Malay Mail Online reported this statement made by Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi yesterday in response to the June 8 incident at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office in Wangsa Maju of a woman wearing a skirt who was instructed to cover herself with a sarong.
Tazidamiza Ismail, the Rela security officer involved in the incident, said that she was just “following instructions.”
This was the stem from which there was public outcry to
reform the dress code
 within the various Malaysian public departments to be more reflective or modern standards and a multi-racial society. Such is the view of Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and DAP national vice-chairman Teresa Kok, calling for blame to be placed on the ruling and not the enforcer.
A consensus was reached by the Transport Ministry earlier this week that security guards, including those from Rela, would not hold any authority over how the public chooses to dress when visiting its agencies or offices.
He told the online daily, “Whether the public adhere to a dress code, or are wearing appropriate clothing, will be assessed by the government officers working at the counters, not the security guard.”
“We will advise and educate the public about the dress code.”
What this all means is that should you find yourself at a JPJ office or branch, the security personnel have no right to comment and/or instruct you on how to dress. Even if they do, you can easily dismiss them. However, from our understanding, that does not preclude the staff behind the counter from denying you service.
There are other incidences of visitors being told to cover up, such as when a woman was not allowed to enter the Sungai Buloh hospital because she was wearing shorts and had to don a towel around her waist before being permitted inside.
Do you think that barring security guards from instructing visitors on their attire is the right move? Or should there be a base-level change in country’s dress code policy?


BMW Discontinues 3 GT Model Due To Pressure From The Bean Counters

The F34 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (3 GT) has always been met with critics who argue about its presence in the premium car’s line-up.
Slotted in between the sedan and X3 SUV, the 3 GT was basically a more spacious 3 Series thanks to its taller roofline and a 5-door fastback body type.
It comes as no surprise that the easily-forgotten BMW 3 GT will not see a successor as the company is preparing itself for a more financially-demanding period.
The transition to more investments in electrified vehicles has left BMW with a 7.9 percent lower profit compared to last year. Group net profit was reported to suffer even larger at a reduction of 16.9 percent.
"We expect strong headwinds to continue to effect the entire sector in 2019. However, we are tackling these various challenges systematically, in order to emerge from them even stronger than before," stated Nicolas Peter, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance.
BMW said it will not build a successor to the 3 GT “despite a good level of demand”. More derivative versions will also be cut, together with the reduction in overall line-up complexity.
Locally here in Malaysia, BMW not only offered the 3 Series Gran Turismo in two variants (a diesel and a petrol), they were also
locally-assembled
 at the Inokom plant. It was on sale up to the early parts of 2017.


Spied: 2017 BMW 740Le (G12) Spotted In Malaysia

Well, looks like BMW Malaysia will be launching its new flagship model real soon, as we were tipped about the arrival of the new 2017 BMW 740Le iPerformance.
Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, a video uploaded on YouTube shows a unit of the BMW 740Le spotted in the compound of an official BMW dealership in Malaysia.
Under the hood of the BMW 740Le iPerformance is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo that outputs 258 hp and 400 Nm, which is assisted by BMW's eMotor with 113 hp and 250 Nm. Out goes the bulky torque converter, replaced by the eMotor. Globally, BMW offers the 740Le in both xDrive and RWD formats. The xDrive variant completes the century sprint in 5.3 seconds, whilst the RWD variant is 0.1 seconds slower at 5.4 seconds.
Seeing that the new 740Le is positioned as BMW Malaysia's flagship model, we can see that the new model will be equipped with BMW's LaserLight LED headlights and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof. The iPerformance moniker also means that the 740Le will receive the eDrive button that allows the driver to manipulate the car's hybrid system, which includes Auto eDrive and Max eDrive. Similar to regular 7 Series models, the plug-in hybrid variant of the 740Le also gets the Driving Experience Control that offers Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive driving modes.
In terms of pricing, the entry-level BMW 730Li retails for RM598,800, whilst its bigger brother, the 740Li will set buyers back for RM788,800. The Mercedes-Benz S400h, thanks to its EEV incentives, retails for RM598,888. We understand that the upcoming BMW 740Le iPerformance will be locally assembled, so expect it to be priced competitively.
Thanks to William for the tip!


PKPD/EMCO Selangor - MITI Benar Lebih Banyak Sektor Beroperasi

Selepas 5 hari
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Diperketat (PKPD/EMCO)
 dilaksanakan di beberapa mukim di Selangor dan beberapa lokaliti di Kuala Lumpur, Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI) telah memberi kebenaran kepada lebih banyak sektor untuk beroperasi meskipun berada dalam
kawasan PKPD di Selangor
.

Sebelum ini, PKPD yang dilaksanakan pada 3 Julai ini sehingga 16 Julai ini hanya membenarkan kilang bahan makanan dan keperluan asas harian seperti beras, roti putih, gula, minyak masak, tepung gandum, susu segar, susu tepung bayi, ubat-ubatan dan topeng muka untuk beroperasi.

Tetapi kini, sektor seperti sektor elektrik dan elektronik (dan rantaian bekalannya), sektor aeroangkasa (penyelenggaraan, pembaikan dan pemulihan), sektor mesin dan peralatan yang khusus kepada pengeluaran produk kesihatan dan makanan serta syarikat pembuatan makanan dan minuman utama turut dibenarkan untuk beroperasi di mukim yang dikenakan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Diperketatkan (PKPD) di negeri Selangor.

Keputusan tersebut dibuat setelah perbincangan dilakukan menerusi mesyuarat Kabinet yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hari ini, bersama MITI, Menteri Kewangan dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Ekonomi). Langkah tersebut diambil kerana kerajaan berpendapat bahawa sektor-sektor berkenaan dilihat sebagai sektor penting dalam rantaian bekalan antarabangsa dan tempatan.

*Sumber: MITI

MITI menambah, syarikat-syarikat yang tersenarai sebagai sektor dibenarkan boleh memulakan semula operasi dengan menggunakan surat kelulusan COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) 3.0 sedia ada yang mempunyai akronim ‘PKP 3.0’ serta bertarikh Jun 2021 ke atas.

Meskipun dibenarkan beroperasi, syarikat-syarikat tersebut wajib mematuhi prosedur operasi standard (SOP) Pengilangan dan Pembuatan di kawasan PKPD. Mereka perlu mematuhi kapasiti operasi pada kadar 60 peratus bagi pekerja di premis dan 40 peratus lagi pekerja untuk melaksanakan amalan bekerja dari rumah.

Senarai produk makanan dan minuman utama yang dibenarkan beroperasi disenaraikan dalam prosedur operasi standard (SOP) Pengilangan dan Pembuatan PKPD Selangor, melalui laman web rasmi MITI.

*Kredit infografik: Bernama

Bagi melindungi kesihatan pekerja dan menjamin kelangsungan ekonomi negara, MITI juga akan memastikan
program vaksinasi
 dalam kalangan pekerja sektor pembuatan akan dipertingkat dan dipercepatkan melalui Program Imunisasi Industri COVID-19 Kerjasama Awam-Swasta (PIKAS) yang bermula 16 Jun 2021.

Kelmarin, laporan media ada menyebut bahawa 60 peratus kes kluster tempat kerja pada bulan pertama
total lockdown
 datang dari kilang. Malah, berdasarkan taklimat berhubung perincian kluster yang disampaikan oleh Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah pada hujung minggu lalu, sebanyak 18,065 kes berkait dengan kilang dalam tempoh bermula 1 Jun hingga 1 Julai, iaitu sebanyak 436 kluster dikesan di tempat kerja dengan 227 dari sektor pembuatan. Data tersebut juga mendapati 85 kluster sektor pembuatan terletak di Selangor.

Walau bagaimanapun, Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali yang kini berada di Qatar telah membidas kenyataan tersebut pada minggu lalu dengan berkata ianya tidak adil untuk menyalahkan kilang atas peningkatan jumlah kes COVID-19. Menurutnya, kes sektor pembuatan hanya merangkumi sebahagian kecil daripada keseluruhan kes yang dilaporkan.

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Spied: 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Truck Captured On Video

Mercedes-Benz’s first ever pickup truck has been caught on video, wearing what appears to be a production ready body.
Called the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, this new premium pickup truck from the company is actually based on the Nissan Navara NP300. It was official teased as a
concept model
 last year, with the official launch expected to happen later this year.
A development mule of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class was caught on camera undergoing road tests in Germany, wearing heavy camouflage. Despite that, the Nissan Navara outline is visible, especially when viewed from the sides. The front end looks almost production-ready, with a large taped spot in the centre of the grille, presumably for the Mercedes-Benz emblem. LED daytime running lights is visible through the camouflage as well.
The new model appears to be exclusive to European countries for the time being, though there is a
strong demand
 for such trucks in the Asia Pacific region. Mercedes-Benz did not rule out the possibility of introducing the X-Class in this region.
Via:
Autospinn


Perodua’s EMO Concept is a cute 1:6 scale clay model of a futuristic EV Myvi

National carmaker Perodua has given us a glimpse into its potential fully electric plans through its Electric Motion Online (EMO) concept, despite previously stating that it would initially focus on hybrid technology for its move into electrification.

The EMO was unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow and is a visualisation of an electric hatchback - a Myvi-ish sized one too. Although the concept is clearly non-functional and built from clay at 1:6 scale, it does provide a design viewpoint of what an electrified future could look like.

Enforcing its EV angle, Perodua even made a companion miniature charging assembly included with the model. While details were not provided, some information was available through the EMO game simulator in a booth just next to the 'car' exhibit.

Perodua also states the would-be B-segment model has the same measurements as the current Myvi, with a length of 3,895 mm, width of 1,735 mm, and height of 1,515 mm, and a 2,500 mm long-wheelbase.

Somewhat underwhelmingly, the electric motor generates just 95 PS and 121 Nm of torque, delivering a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h.

A 50 kWh battery is said to be what Perodua envisions for their first EV, which provides a range of 300-350 km and can be charged via DC charging at up to 300 kW - impressive! It takes only 20 minutes to charge the battery to 80% from near-zero.

In terms of design, the five-door hatchback looks stylish in that overly futuristic way and boasts short overhangs. The grille and overall lines might appear familiar as we've seen cues here that echo many other brands, not just Perodua.

As the EMO concept is just a clay model, there are no images of the interior, but Perodua has provided its interpretation of how the interior of its electric vehicle could look like in a product video where it's 3D rendered, and it appears to be quite distinct.

The driver is given a designated cockpit area, which is noticeably separated from the front passenger  with color-coding helping to emphasize the zonal shift, though the final car (if we ever get it) realistically won't be anything too 'driver-focused'.

However, the automaker has stated that an actual model based on the concept will be constructed by the end of this year or early next year, so it will be fascinating to see how it turns out. In any case, the EMO concept demonstrates that the automaker is already beginning to plan for the future, and we might see a full size version of what that might look like as early as 2024.


100 Pengecas EV Bakal Dipasang Di Lebuhraya PLUS

Sebanyak 100 stesen
pengecas kenderaan elektrik (EV)
 bakal dipasang di lokasi yang strategik di sepanjang
Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS)
 menjelang tahun 2024.

Perkara ini didedahkan oleh pengarah urusan PLUS sendiri, Datuk Azman Ismail berdasarkan laporan The Edge.

100 Pengecas EV Menjelang 2024

“Di bawah pelan hala tuju PLUS EV Charging Station, kami akan bekerjasama dengan beberapa pemain industri untuk memasang 100 pengecas ini secara kumulatif menjelang 2024,” kata Azman.

Menurut Azman, PLUS sedang bekerjasama dengan rakan strategik termasuk
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
 dengan objektif untuk menyediakan fasiliti yang diperlukan khususnya untuk pengguna EV di lebuhraya mereka.

Ketika ini, sebanyak 29 stesen pengecas EV telah diletakkan di kawasan Rehat dan Rawat (R&R) dan stesen minyak di sepanjang lebuhraya PLUS.

8 Stesen Pengecas Pantas (DC) Bakal Dipasang

Berdasarkan statistik yang dikeluarkan oleh Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), setakat Mac lalu, terdapat 600 stesen pengecas EV awam di seluruh Malaysia.

Melalui kerjasama antara PLUS dan TNB, pengecas pantas (DC) akan dipasang di sepanjang Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan serta Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2).

Meskipun lokasinya belum didedahkan, namun berdasarkan dokumen yang telah ditandatangani, terdapat lapan stesen pengecasan pantas akan dipasang di kedua-dua lebuhraya terbabit (enam di Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan, dua lagi di LPT2) yang merentasi enam buah negeri.

Melalui kerjasama ini juga, sistem solar
photovoltaic
 di atas bumbung bangunan R&R Ayer Keroh (Arah Utara) dan R&R Tapah (Arah Utara) akan di pasang dengan jumlah keseluruhan bagi kapasitinya adalah melebihi 360 kWp (kilowatt peak).


MINI Cooper SE Global Launch – What We’re Allowed To Say

The electric MINI is something that’s been in development for over a decade at this point. This isn’t something that’s immediately obvious, but MINI has put a lot of time and effort into developing an electric car that works in the context of urban living.

The best way to develop a car like this is through rigorous testing and as much feedback as they can get from people who actually would use these cars. There’s no better way to do this than to run real world test programs, and over the last decade or so MINI has had an all-electric model in limited leasing availability in various parts of the world.

So what did MINI learn in that time? In simple terms, range isn’t a huge priority for an urban oriented vehicle – which is great in a certain sense as it helps to keep battery sizes small and battery weight low. That being said, there was an importance placed in not compromising the internal dimensions and spaces of the MINI, meaning it had to have the same amount of boot space and legroom – usually the first things to go with electric or plug-in hybrid models.

Thanks to the development of the BMW i3s at sister company BMW, MINI had a fairly robust electric powertrain at their disposal. The key difference is that the motor is front mounted and drives the front wheels, which is also in line with MINI’s heritage and history of great-driving front-wheel drive cars. Output sits at 184 hp and 270 Nm – far from fire-breathing, but quick enough for zipping around a city. Don’t forget that electric motors produce their maximum torque from a standstill, allowing you to sprint to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, and a 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Most electric cars tend to be obnoxiously heavy, but not so with the MINI Cooper SE. The car weighs in at an acceptable 1,365 kg – just 145 kg more than a petrol-powered MINI Cooper S 3-door with a Steptronic automatic transmission. Much of that weight comes from the batteries, as the electric motor is lighter than a conventional engine and gearbox.

Battery placement was a matter of filling the spaces left by the exhaust system and other items no longer necessary, and while this electric hatchback rides 18 mm higher than its petrol powered siblings, the centre of gravity is still 30 mm lower. For the 32.6 kWh of lithium-ion energy storage split across 12 modules, the MINI Cooper SE can get a range of up to 270 km if you’re especially frugal.

Rather interestingly, there has been a focus on keeping the MINI Cooper SE fairly nondescript among the other MINI models. The overall body is the same as you would expect, but the differences are in small accents, motifs, and a rather unique set of wheels. Customers have the option of deleting the accents and badging for an extra stealthy electric car.

The majority of the interior is kept the same as well, staying true to the current design language MINI has committed to. Perhaps the only obvious difference would be to the instrument cluster in front of the driver, which is tailored to electric powertrain readouts – battery charge levels and power demands, flanking a customizable display.

Also new are features like energy recuperation – something often touted with electric cars. As recuperation and regeneration are especially important for energy conservation in an electric car, braking can be done entirely by the electric powertrain as it recovers the kinetic energy. In its default mode, the energy regeneration can be quite aggressive leading to an almost one-pedal driving experience (lifting off slows the car down as much as pressing on the brakes). But if you prefer a more traditional feel, you can turn down the level of recuperation with just the flick of a switch.

While we can’t say how what the driving experience is like until later in the year, we can answer a couple of questions that have been on our mind. As a car, the MINI Cooper SE feels natural enough that it isn’t too large of a leap of faith from living with any other MINI model, although keeping your remaining range and charge times in mind will be something that you will have to get used to.

The MINI Cooper SE would most definitely work in our urban centres, or if you don’t have far to travel on a daily basis. Having 270 kilometres of range (or let’s call it 200 kilometres if we’re being pessimistic) is more than enough to get you around. Rethinking your route and commute may be key if you really are keen on owning one of these – perhaps using it to commute to your nearest public transport hub and travelling longer distances from there may be the more prudent option, and you would be doing your part to cut down on congestion in the city.

But perhaps the most important thing to consider is how long it will be before electric variants of a vehicle becomes a matter-of-fact situation, and how long before electric vehicles begin to outsell conventional cars – and even the point at which they become the only choice for consumers. Three years ago, BMW Group stated that they would put their first all-electric MINI model into production by the end of 2019, and they have managed to meet their target. By 2025, between 15 and 25% of their total sales are expected to be electrified vehicles, pending government regulations in different parts of the world.

What this means is that there’s a very real possibility that within our lifetimes, electric vehicles will become the dominant vehicle of choice. The larger argument of whether these vehicles will be autonomous or manually driven is a can of worms we don’t intend to open, but just as automatic transmissions have phased out manual transmissions, an electric powertrain will one day become a “standard option” – and if it means you’ll be behind the wheel of MINI Cooper SE, we don’t think you will be disappointed.


Toyota To Produce Hybrid Electric Vehicles In Malaysia For Malaysia

UMW Toyota is injecting more funds into their manufacturing in Malaysia with an eye on producing mass hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) locally.

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced that it will be investing RM270 million into expanding its
assembly plant
 to facilitate the mass manufacturing of locally assembled hybrid electric vehicles.

With 52 years of local production of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, this investment matches the exciting plans for the future of the automotive industry in the country, as it wants to champion carbon neutrality and pave the way for the mass production of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) in Malaysia.

This carbon neutrality initiative is driven by Toyota Motor Corporation's (TMC) global commitment to deliver 'mobility for all' and produce 'happiness for all' through its commitment towards a 'Clean, Safe and Secure Society'.

To realise this, TMC has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, in a practical and sustainable manner, and we are glad to see that Malaysia is taking part.

"This is indeed an exciting time for the Malaysian automotive industry, and UMW Toyota Motor is fully charged and ready to champion this Malaysian dream. In order to achieve this, the most realistic, practical and immediate solution is Toyota Hybrid Electric technology and vehicles," he added. "The mass production and growing acceptance of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) will lead to the entire automotive eco-system evolving to embrace a more conscious and concerted effort in reducing Malaysia's carbon footprint," said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

For Malaysian car buyers, the local manufacturing of Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) would mean that they will be given
access
 to the latest and most innovative technologies at a price point that is practical and accessible to the greater masses.

With its sights firmly set on championing carbon neutrality in Malaysia, it is no surprise then that UMW Toyota Motor has decided to invest more into its local vehicle production factory, on top of an earlier RM2 billion that went into the construction and commissioning of its new plant in Bukit Raja.

As one of the most modern, most advanced, and most efficient Toyota plants in Asia, the
Bukit Raja facility
 is already well-positioned at the forefront of Malaysia's aspiration to become a regional automotive hub in Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).

This initiative and investment made by TMC and UMWT only mean good news for Malaysian motorists as we can probably expect to see more affordable EEVs on the road soon.

It's a bit early to say whether this commitment by UMWT will have a knock-on effect on other vehicle manufacturers who locally assemble in Malaysia, especially when it has been suggested that Malaysia will heavily
concentrate
 on fully electric vehicles.

About a month ago, MARii (Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute), CEO Datuk Madani Sahari said Malaysia is ready to offer a "handsome amount" of tax incentives to accelerate the country's
electric vehicle (EV) plan
. He said that the stimulus would cover carmakers and EV component manufacturers.

The Bernama report also saw Madani saying that EV buyers would generally enjoy direct incentives such as lower road tax, the benefit of a green parking scheme, toll rebates, and rebates on the installation of home chargers.

PHEVs, let alone HEVs were barely mentioned with the consideration by the government that EV incentives are a necessary transition towards BEVs (battery electric vehicles) down the road.

Malaysia's EV policy was supposed to be brought to the cabinet for approval in June and announced to the public in July. We await updates.

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Perodua Ramps Up Green Initiative With New 1,500-Square Metre Eco Garden At Its HQ

After launching the “Laman Hijau” recreational park just a month ago, Perodua has officially opened a new Eco Garden at the heart of the brand’s headquarters and manufacturing campus in Sungai Choh, Rawang, yesterday.
The Eco Garden, which is an initiative of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd President Masanori Takahashi, serves as a blueprint for Perodua to incorporate eco-friendly practices into both its facilities and operations.
It features a natural forest with a diverse range of flora, a treated wastewater fish and water lily pond, a recreational park, a learning centre, and also an organic herb garden.
Another highlight of the Perodua Eco Garden is that it is constructed largely from recycled manufacturing waste materials. Besides that, the lighting and water pumps are entirely powered by solar electricity.
“As a company that operates in an energy- and resource-dependent industry, Perodua wants to change how its products and operations impact the world around us,” said Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin.
“We hope our initiatives will also inspire our employees, the industry and the Malaysian public to continuously pursue a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of life. Together, I’m certain we can all make a difference,” added Tan Sri Asmat.
He also mentioned that a number of Perodua campus buildings already have solar panels and rainwater-harvesting systems, and that the installation of a 1 MW solar panel at Perodua’s test track is expected to finish in July.
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Review: 2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5L V - The Actual One True King If You Have The Money

The Honda City Hatchback is a premium-feeling small car that'll make you forget about the Honda Jazz and possibly its main rival, the Toyota Yaris.

When Honda Malaysia announced that they would be phasing out the much-loved Honda Jazz to
make space for the City hatchback
, there were a lot of sad Honda Jazz fans making a lot of noise about it.

After three generations, nine years, and over 100,000 units sold, we can see why they were unhappy about this move - because the Jazz can be considered a very successful and loved Honda model in Malaysia.

We too were skeptical about the
City Hatchback's capabilities
 of filling in the void left by the Jazz - until that is, we got behind one.

We recently had the opportunity to spend nearly a week with the Honda City Hatchback, and boy, oh boy did it make us forget the Honda Jazz!

The variant that we had is the
City Hatchback 1.5L V
. It's the top variant without going hybrid, as it has pretty much everything you need except Honda Sensing. If you want to add Honda Sensing to the V variant, you would need to add another RM4k to the price, as Honda offers the V variant with their full suite of safety features, called the
Honda City Hatchback 1.5L V-Sensing
.

Honda City Hatchback 1.5L V Specifications

Engine: 1.5-litre 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve, DOHC i‑VTEC

Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)

Power: 121PS

Torque: 145Nm

0-100 km/h: 10.7 secs

Top speed is 195 km/h

2022 City Hatchback Exterior - Luckily there's the Modulo bodykit

As a person that prefers an aggressive and sporty-styled hatchback, it pains me to say that the Honda City Hatchback looks like a big softy. Everything from its front end to its side profile is a bit too round for my liking, but the rear end in my opinion has a good blend of sportiness and elegance.

Some buyers might not share my view on this, and I can see why because not everybody wants an aggressively styled hatchback. However, in hindsight, the roundness of the exterior design can be considered an elegant bit of body design, one that would appease fashionistas and trendy people.

But if you prefer a bit more aggressiveness in regards to body styling, luckily, Honda offers the Modulo body kit, which adds a bit of spice to the cutesy look of the City Hatchback. For RM3,825, you get to add some sharpness to the round hatchback as Honda will install a front under spoiler, side under spoiler, rear under spoiler, and tailgate spoiler.

2022 City Hatchback Interior - Jazz who?

While the exterior is more a case of my beauty is your ugly, I believe everyone would agree that the interior of the City Hatchback is pretty darn lovely. It's definitely a step up from the Jazz and makes its
main rival, the Toyota Yaris
 feel like its interior was designed by a pick-up truck designer.

Everything from its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system to black leather seats with white pipings just oozes class. Of course, there are soft-touch materials where it matters, but even the hard plastics don't look or feel cheap. That infotainment system by the way is now one of the snappiest infotainment systems we have experienced, which does make the system feel way more expensive than it really is.

Speaking of expensive, the hatchback's interior is well insulated from NVH. As a result, you don't feel any vibrations from the engine and driveline, and the car is quiet on the move. The insulation and refinement almost make you forget that you're in a small hatchback instead of a deluxe sedan.

I took a Jazz owner out for a drive, and they can attest that everything is much better in the City Hatchback. He said although headroom is not as good as the Jazz, everything from the materials used, interior design and NVH is day and night compared to the dropped Jazz.

But we still have to be thankful to the Jazz, as the famed 4-Modes ULTRA Seats from the Jazz have been equipped in the City. This gives the City Hatchback great versatility, especially when needing to carry tall or weird items such as plants. These ULTRA seats are actually a godsend cause the 289-litre boot is a bit small, so you'll probably be using them a lot.

2022 City Hatchback powertrain and handling - Great in both departments

All City Hatchbacks except for the RS hybrid variant gets the venerable 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain, which produces a healthy
121PS
 of power and maximum torque of
145Nm
. It's actually the most powerful engine in its class and probably one that is most eager to rev.

As soon as you press the accelerator pedal, the City lurches forward without delay. This sharp and eager-to-rev engine helps the City feel sporty and predictable. But all this instant power delivery isn't the doing of the engine alone, as it is combined with a refined and equally smooth operating CVT transmission.

The City hatchback feels like it has all the right attributes to be a fun city car. Moreover, its fuel consumption isn't bad either returning a
5l/100km
 fuel economy reading during our mixed driving test. Yes, that was on eco mode, but we drove the car normally without trying to be cautious about wasting fuel.

Our favourite part of the powertrain however was its noise. It didn't sound rough with a lot of treble, but instead, you get this lovely bassy VTEC note which kind of reminds us of those awesome VTEC noises from Hondas back in the nineties.

The ride and handling of the Honda City Hatchback is a chameleon. Although it is on the slightly stiffer side, there's plenty of comfort being offered in the hatchback. The suspension soaks up all road imperfections without effort, and the car finds it easy to go over speed humps without slowing down. Because of this, we did think it'll be a bore around corners, but the hatchback
proved otherwise and was fun to drive.

We even did a little slalom test with the City Hatchback. The combination of precise and eager power delivery with sharp handling made the City Hatchback a fun car around the course. We'd rather be in the City Hatchback rather than of its main rival when it comes to tight city roads.

2022 Honda City Hatchback safety - Basic safety with the bonus of LaneWatch

There's only one downside to the Honda City Hatchback 1.5L V, but that's only if you consider its safety equipment when compared to the Toyota Yaris G.

For RM4,000k less, you get a Yaris with Toyota's full suite of advanced safety features, while the City 1.5L V only comes with Honda LaneWatch. To get it on par with the Yaris's safety features, you will have to pay RM4,000k extra and get the 1.5L V-Sensing.

However, if you're not too concerned about having extra safety features, then you're pretty much set. Still, we're pretty sure you'll appreciate the Honda LaneWatch on the V variant as it helps with lane changing.

Conclusion

After experiencing the City Hatchback for nearly a week, we can safely say the Jazz will not be missed. Yes, there is less headroom in the cabin when compared to the Jazz, but everything else is pretty much better in the City Hatchback.

While the price of the car might seem pricey to some, you get what you are paying for. If you want a small car that is premium in feel with a refined powertrain and is fun to drive, then don't bother looking elsewhere, this is the car for you.

But if you want a small car with more safety features, then perhaps the
Toyota Yaris G
 is a better proposition, but even then, you could just top up another RM4k and get the 1.5L V
with Sensing
.