Now Is One Of The Best Times To Buy A Used Car

There are myriad of ways to get yourself an amazing set of wheels, more so if you’re willing to dabble in the world of used cars. Play your hand right and you could be driving something with much more prestige, space, and power than you thought you’d be able to afford. But when should you buy? After all there are always fluctuations in the market and ‘insider info’ as to which car to buy and when.
But let’s shove all that to one side because right now is one of the best times to buy used cars. Prices are dropping across the board for ones that are older as well as those that are so new you can barely call them used, from all manner of makes and models. Some used cars have seen a 20 percent drop in price from where they stood just a few weeks or months ago. And if you’re willing to shop for one outside of the usual suspects, you’re in for even more of a deal.
At Carlist.my, we have the largest new and used car online marketplace in Malaysia, and when certain widespread shifts occur we are alerted to them immediately. To that end, we’ve come across some findings that we'd like to share.
There are a number of factors at play, but let’s boil down to why this is an opportune time for the used car buyer:
As an example, both
Ford
 and
Hyundai
are offering significant discounts for many of their models.
Manufacturers And New Car Dealerships Pushing For Increased Sales
 –
  For one reason for another, new car dealers are becoming more aggressive in their push to gain more customers quickly. They are offering discounts, rebates, extended warranty packages, zero percent interest, etc. Every customer they win over is one lost that might have otherwise considered a used car.
New Cars Prices Expected To Increase In Response To Weaker Ringgit
 –
 Part of the reason that more and more manufacturers and new car dealers are scrambling to win over customers now is because their own hand has been forced to implement sweeping price increases to avoid sustaining losses caused by a weakening Ringgit. They expect a dip in sales after the price increase, an obvious prediction paired with an obvious reactionary strategy. Some manufacturers have already announced price increases,
as we have reported on previously
.
The Market Is Flooded With Used Cars. Depreciation That Works In Your Favor –
 The first two reasons detailed above also play into the slowing pace at which used cars get bought. These are cars that aren’t even considered old, and many have barely been used. Because these cars still depreciate while sitting on used car lots nonetheless, dealers are more and more incentivized to get them sold. And that’s now a great benefit to you.
New Guidelines By Banking Institutions Necessitate A Price Drop For Used Cars
 –
 While we don’t have the time to detail the finer points of these newly revised guidelines (newspapers have already reported on similar matters), the bottom line is that the prices of used cars have gone down while new car prices, as we mentioned a few paragraphs above, will continue to increase. In fact, there is no set threshold for how far used car prices could drop. And while it won’t be a shockingly sharp fall, it will be significant.
Here’s some examples of great cars you wouldn’t believe are now going for cheap:
This
Toyota

Camry
 is just five years old as on sale for RM75,000. It was worth approximately RM180,000 when it was in the showroom. For all you know, it's running just as well as it did then. Except now, its less than half the price.
This
Proton

Saga
 is just four years old but at RM19,000, is also less than half its price back in 2011 at RM42,000. Worth a look at, especially if you're on a budget.
A tidy
Ford

Mondeo
 that's also just four years old. A car with looks, power, comfort, and sharp handling - yours for just RM49,000. That's roughly a quarter of its original price of RM194,000.
When we found this 2010
Porsche

Boxster
 on the market for jus RM240,000, we almost jumped. In 2010, this German sports car was going for a little over half a million Ringgit. And now? Less than half that.


Cops Declare Victory, Penang Now Free From Mat Rempits!

Following a seemingly relentless crackdown by the police and other agencies, the authorities are now confident to declare that Penang is free of illegal motorcycle racing, or ‘mat rempit’ activities.

This intense and ongoing operation was the consequence of an infamous night in mid-July 2022 where a huge crowd of illegal racers and spectators were gathered along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway near the Penang Bridge interchange, a known hotspot,
that left 5 men dead and 2 others seriously injured
.

The public was enraged that such a large scale event was unnoticed by law enforcement, particularly given that many island residents in high rise buildings posted videos showing swarms of motorcycles convoying to the location from all directions, easily evading police patrols that PDRM claim were active that late night and early morning.

Penang now FREE of Mat Rempit!

According to the state’s police chief Shuhaily Mohd Zain, only minor incidents of dangerous riding have been reported and are being investigated.

“There were two or three arrests (involving ‘mat rempit’), but it was more about them trying to show off their superman-like stunts. We will not compromise and police will apply to remand them,”

Motorcycle and car thefts go up in Penang for 2022

“In the same period, motorcycle thefts went up by 1.2% to 515 cases this year compared to 509 cases last year. “Overall vehicle thefts for this year were up by 9.9% to 643 cases compared with 585 cases in 2021,” he added. This was in contrast to the significant
spike in car thefts
 in Penang, rising by 57.6% to 104 cases to date in 2022 compared to just 65 cases by this point in 2021.

However, the real test will be if the authorities can keep ‘mat rempit’ activities
curbed over the long term
. Hardly a recent issue, the culture of illegal racing and dangerous motorcycle riding has persisted for decades - in every state, to varying degrees - no matter what enforcement measures (temporary or otherwise) have been introduced.

It’s only been a couple of months since that night of carnage. Declaring outright victory here might be more than a little premature.


PLUS Issues Travel Time Advisory, Toll Rebates For CNY

The Chinese New Year (CNY) festive season is only a week away, which means the annual drive to visit relatives in other states (at least for some of us). This also means that the usual traffic jams/crawls are to be expected but PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has set aside various strategies to cope with the estimated 1.5 million vehicles flooding the North-South Expressway on peak days throughout the CNY holidays.
PLUS has issued its travel time advisory (TTA) for the period between 13 and 22 February 2015.
Within the TTA, Class 1 vehicle users will receive a
20% toll rebate
 if they:
Travel on 17, 18, 21, and 22 February 2015
Pay toll electronically (via PLUSMiles card, Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAG)
Travel more than 100 km
In addition, to encourage more travel on off-peak days, a
30% toll rebate
 is offered to Class 1 vehicles users who:
Travel on 16 and 23 February 2015
Pay toll electronically
Travel more than 100 km
Both the 20% and 30% CNY toll rebates can be redeemed when you reload your PLUSMiles or Touch ‘n Go cards at all PLUS customer service centres between 15 March and 14 June 2015.
PLUS’ efforts also include stationing 3,000 staff and opening up 1,200 toll counters at toll plazas on the mainline. They will also station 1,500 maintenance workers at rest areas, increase PLUSRonda teams and rounds, provide ‘Workshop on Wheels’ (WOW) service, and collaborate with various emergency rescue teams and agencies. Furthermore, RELA personnel will be assigned for traffic management at rest areas.
PLUS Managing Director, Dato’ Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid said, “All construction works (with the exception of emergency works) on the highways will be temporarily stopped between 13 and 22 February to facilitate smoother travel on the mainline. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Transport had instructed that heavy vehicles are barred from entering the highways on 17, 18, 22 and 23 February.”
She also added that at certain critical stretches, additional lanes will be open to facilitate a smoother journey.
The full TTA can be found below (click to expand):
Klang Valley
North
South


Perodua Launches Total Protect Motor Insurance and Auto Assist

When you sell as many cars as Perodua does, it’s only natural that you would start to develop other products and services to offer your customers. One of these services is Motor Insurance, and today Perodua has launched their new Total Protect policy with their insurance panel. This programme extends beyond our borders as well, with coverage for Thailand and Singapore should you choose to go so far.
The Total Protect programme provides a number of additional benefits and long term protection for owners- and perhaps most notable is the fact that Perodua covers full sum insured throughout the first five years of a car’s age, instead of paying out based on market value. This is a huge help for consumers that may experience a total loss with their car as the full insurance sum can help get them back on their feet and take the stress out of finding a new car.
One of the other important aspects is that Perodua offers 10 years coverage on excess, loading, and betterment. This effectively waives any additional charges for the first 10 years of a vehicle’s life in the event of a claim, which is also very important for consumers.
There are other insurance policies that also offer free towing services and Auto Assist on a 24/7 coverage basis, although Perodua’s service also includes minor repairs such as changing flat tyres or jump starting flat batteries. With the absence of AAM’s roadside assist services, this is probably the best thing you can get as a Perodua owner and will help you a great deal in sticky situations.
Rounding out the advanced features of the program is an optional emergency evacuation services where the Auto Assist team will also provide medical evacuation to a hospital or medical facility in the event of an accident.

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As with most current insurance policies, the Total Protect programme alsos includes flood damage reimbursement (especially important these days) and loss of personal belongings due to vehicle break-in or in the case of theft, and even non-insurance accident repair claims. In addition to this there is also coverage for bereavement expenses.
One of the best things about a car company handling insurance coverage is the guarantee that your car will receive genuine parts in the event of a repair- something that most owners have to face when dealing with panel workshops. If you’re in the market for a Perodua or you currently own one, it would be worth taking a trip to your nearest dealer to find out more about the Total Protect Programme and see if it applies to you.


All-New Lexus UX Compact SUV Goes For Sale In Japan, Malaysia Bound In The Future

The all-new Lexus UX, the brand’s smallest SUV which will be taking on the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, is now officially on sale today at all Lexus dealerships across Japan.
The UX, which is the first Lexus to use the new Global Architecture-Compact (GA-C) platform, features a lightweight super-rigid structure, low centre of gravity, as well as refined suspension tuning which promises to deliver car-like handling without compromising comfort.
Measuring 4,495 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,540 in height, with a 2,640 mm long wheelbase, key exterior features of the Lexus UX include Lexus’ spindle grille, arrow shaped LED headlights with DRLs, 17-inch wheels, as well as wide and bulging wheel arches.
Inside, the UX offers a low driving and seating position, with the upper section of the instrument panel appearing to extend out beyond the windshield into the fenders, delivering good field of vision and a clear sense of the tire placement.
The centre console box and palm rest are melded into one unit, creating a long armrest that provides maximum convenience and ease of use. The "functional and aesthetically pleasing" theme has also been incorporated in the front seats through Sashiko quilting―an age-old Japanese embroidery art.
In addition, the ornamentation on the top part of the instrument panel was inspired by traditional Japanese paper called Washi.
The UX also features the world's first air-condition knob with LED illumination sources wirelessly powered by electromagnetic resonance, providing a unique depth to the interior lighting.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre direct-injection inline-4 engine which is paired to a Direct-Shift CVT gearbox, producing 169 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Available in two variants in Japan (UX 200 and UX 250h) in ‘Version L’, F Sport, and ‘Version C’ trims, the UX 200 comes with the aforementioned powertrain package in front-wheel drive configuration.
Meanwhile, the UX 250h variant is available both in FWD and AWD layouts, powered by the same engine and gearbox, but with an electric motor which brings the total output figures to 181 PS.
The list of safety features on the other hand, comprises the latest version of Lexus Safety System+ which includes Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Adaptive High-Beam System, Road Sign Assist, as well as Parking Support Brakes.
Having said that, the new Lexus UX 200 can be expected to be offered in Malaysia in the future as it was among the
models previewed by Lexus
 at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018).


GAC Motor Tackles Malaysia With Launch Of B-Segment GS3

An unexpected later-year entrant into the Malaysian automotive market, the GAC brand has made its official local debut with the launch of the GS3, a B-segment SUV in a newly face-lifted guise that takes direct aim at the
Proton X50
,
Honda HR-V
, and all the rest.

If you’ve not yet heard of GAC, that acronym breaks down - at least roughly - to Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd, which have gained some recognition with their Trumpchi brand of cars. As you might guess, they’re based in the capital and largest city in the Guangdong province.

Local distribution in Malaysia is handled by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) with the GS3 arriving fully imported from China in 2 variants with a
starting price of RM88,800 (OTR without insurance)
 in
baseline Standard trim
. However, moving up to the
GS3 Premium will set you back RM96,800
.

Both variants share identical mechanicals with power coming solely from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 114PS at 6,000rpm and 150Nm and 4,500rpm, driving the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic sourced from Aisin. GAC quotes an average fuel consumption figure of 6.9-litres/100km.

The first thing to notice about the GS3 is that large full-length grille upfront. Both the Standard and Premium use the same 17-inch alloy wheels but the latter is differentiated visually by its front fog lamps, two-tone (contrasting black accents) body colour, roof rails, and black folding mirror caps. Its colour options are a little narrow with only four shades available: Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver, and Rosefinch Red.

Each unit will arrive equipped with a power sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and partly leatherette upholstery but other than that, the higher-spec GS3 also gains full leatherette seats and interior trim, keyless entry and start, and a 3.5-inch multi-function instrument display. Meanwhile, at the rear, there are 356-litres of cargo space.

Choosing the more expensive Premium will also gain you an additional two airbags, taking the total to 6. While it does lack the
 full complement of active safety features
 with the exception of Blind Spot Monitoring, it does have anti-lock brakes, a reversing camera, ISOFIX anchor points, electronic stability control, brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, and passive cruise control.

Finally, the GS3 comes with a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty with free labour charge for the first five scheduled services (applicable within 100,000km or 3 years, whichever comes first). The first GAC showroom has now opened at Lot 72, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur with more locations coming soon for both the Klang Valley and beyond.

It’ll be interesting to see how Malaysian buyers respond to newcomer brand GAC and if the GS3 can sway them away from established rivals in the very competitive B-segment SUV space, especially as it has wedged itself in terms of pricing
between the Perodua Ativa
 and Proton X50 while not exactly making a strong case for itself on paper.

Still, the WTCA might have something else in mind to gain customers into the fold. And with the GS3 laying the groundwork, there might be even more GAC models just around the corner.


Repsol Unveils New Range of Lubricants

Repsol MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez, together with teammate Hiroshi Aoyama unveiled Repsol’s new series of Repsol Elite passenger car lubricants after the qualifying race at the Sepang International Circuit last week.
According to Repsol, the lubricants have been improved to help extend the engine's lifespan, improve fuel consumption by more than 3 percent, and reduce carbon emission.
It is said that the range of viscosities available in the Repsol Elite line has been increased, with the highest-quality additives and specific formulations for each manufacturer.
The range includes synthetic products that meet all customers' needs.  The product was developed at the Repsol Technology Center following the most rigorous quality standards.
Márquez, who won his third MotoGP World Championship a few days ago, uses gasoline and lubricant formulated and produced by Repsol.
Repsol has also come out with new packaging design that indicates the types of engine oil, allowing the customer to instantly identify the difference in quality level that best suit their engine requirements.
The new line of lubricants will be blended at the UMW plant in Shah Alam and will be made available in the local market next year.
The launch was also witnessed by representatives from Repsol and guests from China, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
UMW holds the Repsol licence and distributorship since 2010 covering Malaysia, China and Singapore markets. UMW is also the biggest Repsol distributor outside Europe.


Ford Safety Awareness Initiative Widens Its Web

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) continue their efforts to raise road safety awareness in Malaysia, by enrolling selected corporate partners and members of the public in its ‘Driving Skills For Life’ (DSFL) initiative.
The latest program included employees from AIG Insurance as well as members of the general public, who participated in two half-day training sessions at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) last weekend.
This is the latest the series of Ford’s DSFL programs, which previously also included
college students
.
The DSFL workshops are conducted free-of-charge and address various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected driving scenarios, dangers of using the cell phones while driving, speed management and the importance of ensuring child seats are securely fastened.
DSFL sessions start with a classroom session covering a range of topics from steering control, to speed/space management, distraction awareness, and fuel-saving tips. Participants then move outside for a hands-on driving session to apply what they have learned.
Ford also educate on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated as part of the programme. This part of the programme includes wearing specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination, and alertness are impaired.
This included having participants The Ford DSFL programme is now in its tenth year in Asia – around 85,000 participants have experienced the DSFL programme in the ASEAN region since its inception.
Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion added, “Driving Skills for Life provides the tools and resources needed for safe driving. We are proud to raise awareness of road safety and help reduce the number of vehicle accidents, making the roads safer for everyone.”


Imej Perodua Myvi 2022 Facelift Terdedah – Mini Ativa?

Persoalan bagaimana rupa baharu
Perodua Myvi 2022
facelift

AKA King sudahpun terjawab setelah beberapa keping gambarnya tersebar di media sosial. Yang pastinya,
Myvi
ini kelihatan lebih ber-DNA-kan
Perodua
dengan beberapa perubahan kosmetik.

King of The Road

versi 2022 ini dilaporkan telah dikesan di jalan raya ketika sedang menjalani penggambaran iklan model tersebut. Memandangkan ia merupakan versi
facelift
, jadi beberapa perubahan kosmetik dapat dilihat pada model tersebut.

Berdasarkan gambar, rupa hadapan
Myvi generasi ketiga
 ini kelihatan agak berbeza berbanding sebelumnya. Kali ini, Raja Jalanan ini kelihatan seperti Myvi yang lebih banyak ‘bergaul’ dengan adik beradiknya yang lain seperti
Perodua Bezza
,
Perodua Aruz
 dan
Perodua Ativa
. Boleh nampak iras-iras kereta Perodua lain pada rupa hadapan Myvi ini.

Gril yang digunakan kini lebih besar tanpa kelibat bingkai krom yang digunakan sebelum ini. Sebaliknya, ia digantikan dengan satu garisan krom nipis yang bersambung diantara dua lampu utama di hadapan. Bentuk lampu hadapan Myvi ini juga kelihatan sedikit kecil dan nipis berbanding sebelumnya.

Rekaan bampar yang lebih bersegi turut digunakan pada Myvi ini. Rekaan berbentuk X pada bampar hadapannya kini lebih ketara dan kelihatan seperti bampar Ativa dan Aruz sambil digandingkan bersama
skid plate
 berwarna krom di bahagian bawah bampar.

Selain itu, lampu kabusnya pada bampar hadapan terdahulu telah digantikan dengan lampu DRL yang berbentuk lurus memanjang. Dikhabarkan, Perodua telah menggugurkan lampu kabus pada varian tertingginya dan menggantikan ia dengan DRL.

Di bahagian sisi pula, nampak gayanya tiada rim baharu akan diperkenalkan. Berdasarkan gambar, Myvi ini masih menggunakan rim bersaiz 15-inci yang digunakan pada Myvi sebelum ini.

Di bahagian belakang pula, tak banyak perubahan ketara dapat dilihat. Corong udara hiasan pada bahagian bampar belakang Myvi sebelum ini telah dikecilkan dan dikemaskan untuk menyamai bentuk lampu DRL di bahagian hadapan kereta.

Model yang kelihatan ini diberikan kod warna baharu iaitu
Cranberry Red
. Warna merah ini adalah berbeza dengan warna merah yang digunakan Ativa (Garnet Red) dan Myvi (Lava Red) sebelum ini. Warna baharu ini dilaporkan hanya akan ditawarkan pada varian tertinggi Myvi sahaja.

Setakat ini, hanya gambar luaran kereta ini sahaja yang terdedah di media sosial. Bahagian dalaman, enjin serta transmisi kereta ini masih lagi menjadi tanda tanya meskipun banyak khabar angin yang tersebar pada ketika ini.

Antara khabar angin tentang Perodua Myvi 2022
facelift
yang tersebar ketika ini:

Transmisi atau kotak gear 4-kelajuan automatiknya akan ditukar kepada CVT. Besar kemungkinan, ia merupakan transmisi D-CVT yang sama digunakan pada Perodua Ativa.

Untuk enjin, kemungkinan tiada perubahan dan varian tertinggi Perodua Myvi akan kekal menggunakan enjin 1.5L 2NR-VE, 4 silinder, Dual VVT-I yang menghasilkan 103 PS dan 137 Nm tork. Walau bagaimanapun, timbul ura-ura bahawa enjin turbo yang digunakan pada Ativa, 1KR-VE Turbo yang menghasilkan 98 PS dan 140 Nm tork akan digunakan pada Myvi.

Sistem keselamatan Myvi juga akan dipertingkat daripada Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 kepada ASA 3.0 yang sama digunakan pada Perodua Ativa.

Rekaan lampu hadapannya kelihatan seakan-akan lampu Perodua Ativa. Mungkin Myvi 2022 ini bakal menerima fungsi lampu LED adaptif seperti yang ada pada Ativa

Tiada lagi varian 1.3L G manual akan ditawarkan dalam barisan Myvi 2022
facelift
.

Setakat ini, wajah baharu Myvi 2022
facelift
ini mendapat reaksi berbeza daripada rakyat Malaysia. Ada yang merasakan reka bentuk Myvi sebelum ini lebih mengancam sementara ada juga yang merasakan wajah depan Myvi tersebut kelihatan lebih mengancam berbanding sebelumnya.

Apa-apapun, diharapkan kereta ini bakal menerima penambahan
arm rest
 atau perehat tangan sebagai standard. Tuhan sahaja yang tahu betapa bahagianya rasa apabila memandu kereta yang mempunyai
arm rest.

Apa pendapat anda tentang Myvi 2022
facelift
ini?


Nissan Teases Crossover Concept To Debut At Frankfurt

Nissan
 has released a teaser shot of a new crossover concept which will make its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.
Citing its success with the other vehicles in its crossover lineup, namely the
Juke
, Qashqai, and
X-Trail
, Nissan posed this obscured question in its press release which accompanied the teaser image: “So can Nissan continue to innovate and move the bar higher? What if Nissan created a new way to feel driving excitement?”
A new way to feel driving excitement? Speculation on what this concept preview is varied with some claiming it to be the next entry in the ‘Z’ range while another direction hints at the next generation Juke. We may even be looking at a possible rival to the
Honda HR-V
,
Ford EcoSport
, and
Mazda CX-3
. No further details were divulged by Nissan at all.
Back to the teaser image, where we are greeted by the front end of the car that features Nissan’s latest design language, notably from the Murano and Maxima.
A bit of image tweaking sheds a little more light at what we might be looking at and it certainly appears to be a radical concept with very thin and shapely headlights, aggressive front fascia, and an interesting looking roof design.
We’ll have to wait until Nissan fully reveals the crossover concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


Another MotoGP Veteran To Retire In 2022

Yamaha
 RNF
MotoGP
 Racing Team's Andrea Dovizioso will be retiring from
MotoGP
 and the San Marino GP will be his last race.

This news has been confirmed by Yamaha Motor after the 36-year-old returned to the MotoGP grid last year under the Yamaha MotoGP program. After his home race next month, his role will be taken over by Yamaha's official test rider, Cal Crutchlow, for the rest of the season.

*Image credit: MotoGP

20 years of Grand Prix - Andrea 'Dovi' Dovizioso

His journey in the Grand Prix races started back in 2012 when he entered the 125cc category. It was in 2004 when he won his first world championship title (125cc class) onboard the Honda RS125R with the Scot Racing Team.

His premier class promotion began in 2008 when he was given the opportunity to pilot the Honda RC212V where he placed an impressive 5th overall, an impressive feat for the rookie at the time. His best MotoGP finish with the Repsol Honda Team was in 2011 when he completed the season in 3rd place, before jumping over to Yamaha for a year, and Ducati until the end of 2020.

*Image credit: MotoGP

Best Ducati MotoGP rider (2017-2019)

His involvement with Ducati since the start of 2013 was a bit rough where he only managed to win one premier class race until the end of 2016. His primetime started between 2017 and 2019 when he fought a very close championship battle with Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez.

Despite the advancements made to the Ducati Desmosedici GP factory bike during those years, he fell short of winning the title in these three years where he finished second from 2017 to 2019, but he did win a total of 14 races for the Italian manufacturer before taking short sabbatical leave in 2021.

*Image credit: MotoGP

Andrea Dovizioso comments about his retirement

According to the Italian, "Unfortunately, in recent years MotoGP has changed profoundly. The situation is very different since then: I have never felt comfortable with the bike, and I have not been able to make the most of its potential despite the precious and continuous help from the team and the whole of Yamaha."

"For all this and for their support, I thank Yamaha, the RNF Racing Team, WithU, and the other sponsors involved in the project. It didn't go as we hoped, but it was right to try. My adventure will end in Misano, but the relationship with all the people involved in this challenge will remain intact forever. Thank you all."


30 Years Ago, Audi Developed An Airbag-less Safety Steering Wheel – Procon-ten

In the same way Sony and Hitachi fought out over the Blu-ray vs HD-DVD format war, JVC and Sony in the VHS vs Betamax format war, Audi and Mercedes-Benz too once competed in a similar contest for supplementary driver’s protection.
On one camp, you have Mercedes-Benz, which was the first to introduce a passenger airbag in a production car. At the opposite side of the divide was Audi, which believed that its Procon-ten (programmed contraction and tension) technology was safer for the driver.
At that time, airbag technology was still in its infancy. As its essentially an explosive device, storing and transporting airbag modules was particularly tricky, and nobody could be certain that this explosive device will remain safe for use, and will continue to deploy as designed decades later. For example, how would humidity affect the tightly folded airbag after ten years? Nobody knew for sure. Many tests were done by Mercedes-Benz to ascertain their safety but only time could vindicate their safety performance in the real world.
There were also reports of drivers suffering secondary injuries caused by a deploying airbag – burns on the skin caused by the chemicals used to inflate the airbag quickly, smaller-built drivers breaking their nose or fingers when the airbag deployed too strongly.
While many cars today are fitted with multi-stage airbags that will adjust the force of their deployment based on the weight of the occupant, early generation airbags had only one standard setting, which was usually calibrated for larger-built American or European occupants.
Audi’s Procon-ten system, introduced in the Audi 80 in 1986, is a purely mechanical solution, and does not rely on any complex electronic modules/sensors or chemical propellants.
It’s a pretty ingenious, low cost solution that works by simply harnessing the physical forces that naturally occur in a severe frontal collision – that the engine will be pushed back. By routing a system a steel cables and pulleys around the engine block, and linking them to the steering wheel, Procon-ten is able to pull the steering wheel away from the driver in the event of a severe frontal collision.
The system was effective enough to minimise a large number of head and chest injuries, without using costly airbags.
In fact, Audi was the last major German carmaker to introduce airbags into its models, in 1994.
There was one problem with Procon-ten, and a pretty serious one too – the system could only work with longitudinally positioned engines, thus severely limiting its application on future Audi models like the TT and the A3, which uses a transverse engine.
A transverse engine would not be able to provide sufficient leverage for the cables and pulleys to pull the steering wheel into the dashboard.
By the mid ‘90s it was clear that many of the early problems with airbags could be resolved, and airbags can be further developed to provide protection against side impact.
So when the B5 generation Audi A4 was introduced in 1994, the Procon-ten system was replaced with airbags.
Find more
Audi A4
 models on Carlist.my


Motor Hentam Pejalan Kaki Di Plaza Tol – Di Mana Silapnya?

Baru-baru ini, media sosial telah digemparkan dengan
kemalangan
 yang melibatkan penunggang motosikal dan seorang warga emas yang sedang melintas di Plaza Tol Cheras yang mengundang rasa marah orang ramai.

Video kemalangan itu telah dikongsikan di media sosial dan mendapat pelbagai reaksi daripada netizen. Setiap kali kemalangan berlaku, perkara utama yang sering disebut sebut adalah salah siapa? Tujuan artikel ini ditulis bukanlah untuk menyalahkan mana-mana individu semata-mata, tetapi bertujuan untuk mendidik.

Berdasarkan video tular yang berdurasi 1 minit itu,
warga emas
 yang melintas itu dilihat berlari dengan panik setelah penunggang tersebut membunyikan hon sebelum rempuhan berlaku. Rempuhan itu membuatkan mangsa tercampak sebelum jatuh menyembah bumi.

Jika dinilai berdasarkan video terbabit, memang jelas bahawa motor itu telah melakukan kesalahan kerana tidak mengunakan
lorong laluan motosikal
 yang disediakan. Sepatutnya, penunggang-penunggang motosikal tidak dibenarkan melalui laluan yang sama dengan kereta kerana ianya terlalu berisiko. Selain boleh menyebabkan palang tol tertutup sebelum kereta melepasi plaza tol, motosikal ini juga berisiko untuk melanggar orang yang melintas seperti warga emas tersebut mahupun petugas tol yang sedang melintas.

Selain tidak menggunakan lorong motosikal, penunggang terbabit juga membawa motosikal dengan laju di kawasan tol terbabit. Sudahlah tidak ikut laluan yang sepatutnya, bawa laju pula tu. Mujurlah kedua-dua pihak yang terlibat dalam kemalangan terbabit masih boleh berdiri menandakan tiada kecederaan serious berlaku.

Meskipun salah terletak pada penunggang motosikal yang melanggar mangsa, namun mangsa yang melintas itu juga melakukan kesalahan. Kesalahan yang dilakukan mangsa adalah tidak berhenti untuk melihat sama ada laluan terbabit selamat atau tidak sebelum melintas. Kepada yang ingin melintas, pastikan anda memerhatikan dahulu keadaan trafik di sebelah kiri dan kanan sebelum mengambil langkah. Ini merupakan perkara asas sebelum melintas jalan.

Selain itu, ada juga sesetengah pemandu kereta yang gemar keluar meninggalkan kereta untuk menambah nilai kad Touch N' Go mereka kerana baki yang tidak mencukupi. Tahukah anda perbuatan melintas dari lorong ke lorong semasa berada di
Plaza Tol
 merupakan satu kesalahan? Jika anda meninggalkan kereta dan melintas untuk menambah nilai kad Touch N’ Go, anda telah melanggar SOP yang ditetapkan di Plaza Tol.

Sebaliknya, jika baki kad Touch N’ Go anda tidak mencukupi, anda tidak perlu untuk berlari keluar untuk menambah nilai kad tersebut. Sebaliknya, anda cuma perlu menekan butang interkom di plaza tol tersebut dan tunggu sahaja petugas di plaza tol itu sampai untuk bantu tambah nilai kad anda.

Perbuatan keluar daripada kereta dan melintas dari lorong ke lorong merupakan perbuatan yang berbahaya. Buktinya dah dapat dilihat pada kemalangan yang berlaku ini. Jika anda terperangkap dalam situasi ini, gunakan sahaja butang interkom tersebut untuk berkomunikasi dengan petugas tol. Jika petugas tersebut mengarahkan pemandu untuk keluar kereta untuk menambah nilai, maka petugas terbabit telah melanggar SOP PLUS dan anda boleh membuat aduan.

Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan menggunakan interkom ini akan menyebabkan sesetengah pemandu kurang selesa kerana terdapat deretan kenderaan di belakang. Belum kira yang bunyikan hon lagi. Perkara ini boleh membuatkan pemandu rasa lambat untuk mengharapkan bantuan daripada petugas tol dan menyebabkan anda bertindak sendiri dengan keluar dari kereta dan berlari ke pondok tambah nilai. Jika anda tidak tahu tentang perkara ini dan pernah berlari melintasi lorong di plaza tol, jangan sesekali ulangi perkara tersebut.

Tiba masanya untuk keselamatan di semua plaza tol di Malaysia dipertingkatkan. Ketika ini, kerajaan sedang menguji keberkesanan
tol tanpa palang
. Mungkin kerajaan boleh mempercepatkan pembayaran tol menggunakan kad debit atau kad kredit yang ternyata lebih memudahkan supaya kes baki kad Touch N’ Go yang tidak mencukupi ini dapat di atasi sekaligus mengurangkan kesesakan di plaza tol.

Kesimpulannya, patuhilah segala undang-undang jalan raya yang telah ditetapkan bagi mengelakkan perkara seperti ini daripada berlaku lagi. Jika pengguna motosikal menggunakan laluan motor yang disediakan di plaza tol, pasti kemalangan seperti ini dapat dielakkan. Sama-samalah kita ambil iktibar daripada kemalangan ini. Perlahankan kenderaan anda setiap kali melalui plaza tol tidak kiralah kereta atau motosikal.

Berhati-hati di jalan raya!


Mercedes-Benz Cycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras Autohaus is Now Open for Business

In an effort to improve the after sales services for customers in the Southern Klang Valley region, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) together with authorised dealer Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (C&C) today announced the launching of the Mercedes-Benz Cycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras Autohaus (C&C Cheras).
With an investment of RM16 million, the brand new C&C Cheras is part of Cycle & Carriage Bintang’s RM155 million investment in the central region of Malaysia.
With a built-up area of 48,642 sq ft, C&C Cheras comprises a showroom area capable of accommodating 15 display vehicles and 7 work bays in the service area.
The full-fledged 3S facility, which is the 12th Autohaus to be launched, is managed by 40 experienced personnel covering sales, technical services and spare parts, and is capable of servicing 300 vehicles a month to cope with the growing demand for premium customer service and experience.
Fully compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II), C&C Cheras is also complete with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI). In addition, the Autohaus also offers Service Differentiation - a menu of customised personalized services for customer convenience and tailored after sales services depending on their lifestyle.
The facility also features an i-Showroom lounge which includes digital touch screens for user-friendly information, a centre courtyard for natural lighting ambience and a café for those who need a quick bite.
 The Mercedes-Benz Cycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras Autohaus is located at No.190, Jalan Lanchang, Batu 5, Off Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur.


Most Beautiful Cars Of 2018 Are By Peugeot

Peugeot has just received two awards at the 34th International Automobile Festival held in Paris. The new Peugeot 508 won the Grand Prix award for Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2018 and Peugeot e-Legend Concept received the Grand Prix award for the Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of the Peugeot brand, and Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Design Director, collected the two prizes.
The new Peugeot 508
 won the award with over 34% of the votes. Finalists include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Range Rover Evoque, and Kia Proceed. The brand's radical saloon has been ordered in over 10,000 units in Europe since launch in October 2018, following its public reveal at March’s Geneva Motor Show.
The expert and enthusiast jury members, hailing from the automotive, architecture, fashion and design sectors, were won over by
the Peugeot e-Legend concept
 car, which embodies the exciting vision of the future of a 100% autonomous, electric, connected, and customizable vehicle according to Peugeot.
Each year the International Automobile Festival rewards the most attractive automotive designs. Architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and fashion designer Chantal Thomass chaired a jury of experts from the automotive, fashion, culture, and design sectors.


Cara Semak Dan Bayar Saman Online – Saman PDRM, JPJ Dan AES

Anda ada
saman
 tertunggak seperti saman JPJ, PDRM atau
AES
? Ataupun anda langsung tak tahu status saman yang anda miliki sebab langsung tak pernah disemak sebelum ini? Dah masuk tahun 2021 ini, bukan sekadar semak saman, nak bayar saman secara online pun boleh.

Susulan
Pelaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan
 di seluruh negara, banyak agensi kerajaan seperti JPJ yang
ditutup ataupun dibuka dengan kapasiti minimum
 sahaja. Tetapi, kebanyakan sistem yang biasanya dilakukan secara fizikal sebelum ini kini boleh diakses secara dalam talian sahaja sekaligus dapat meminimumkan pergerakan keluar rumah.

Bagi mereka yang ingin menyemak status saman terkini dan membayar saman, tidak kiralah sama ada saman polis, JPJ mahupun AES, anda boleh berbuat demikian secara dalam talian atau SMS seperti berikut:

1. MyEG

MyEG menawarkan perkhidmatan seperti
pembaharuan cukai jalan kenderaan
,
pembaharuan lesen memandu
, penggantian MyKad, pembaharuan permit pembantu rumah, permit pekerja asing dan semakan saman polis trafik, JPJ, AES. Aplikasi MyEG boleh dimuat turun ke telefon pintar melalui Google Play Store.

Cara Semak Dan Bayar Saman:

Layari laman web rasmi MyEG:
https://www.myeg.com.my/

Log Masuk menggunakan maklumat anda yang telah didaftarkan. Jika anda tidak mempunyai akaun dengan MyEG, anda perlu cipta akaun terlebih dahulu;

Klik pautan e-Services dan pilih sama ada anda ingin semak saman PDRM, JPJ atau AES,

Masukkan maklumat yang diperlukan dan tekan butang Semak;

Segala maklumat berkaitan saman anda akan dipaparkan;

Pembayaran saman ini boleh dilakukan terus secara dalam talian (perbankan internet).

2. JPJ dan AES

Di portal rasmi
JPJ
, anda juga boleh menyemak saman berkaitan JPJ dan AES dengan hanya memasukkan nombor kad pengenalan dan nombor pendaftaran kenderaan sahaja tanpa perlu mendaftar masuk sebagai pengguna.

Cara Semak Dan Bayar Saman:

Layari laman web rasmi JPJ:
https://www.jpj.gov.my/web/main-site/semakan-saman

Terdapat pilihan sama ada anda ingin memasukkan Nombor Kad Pengenalan sahaja atau Nombor Kad Pengenalan dan Nombor Kenderaan sahaja daripada menu yang tersedia;

Kemudian, pilih jenis pengenalan diri (cth. Orang Awam Malaysia (MyKad);

Masukkan maklumat yang diperlukan, kemudian klik Semak;

Sistem akan memaparkan maklumat berkaitan saman yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak JPJ dan AES untuk tindakan lanjut anda.

Saman JPJ atau AES boleh dibayar di mana-mana Pejabat JPJ Negeri, Cawangan JPJ atau melalui perkhidmatan e-Services (https://www.eservices.com.my/)

Bayaran boleh juga dilakukan secara dalam talian di
https://public.jpj.gov.my/

3. RILEK

RILEK adalah singkatan bagi Rangkaian Interaktif Laman Elektronik Kerajaan. Melalui portal interaktif dalam talian milik kerajaan ini, orang ramai boleh menyemak saman trafik, status insolvensi dan saman DBKL secara online.

Cara Semak Dan Bayar Saman

Layari laman web RILEK:
https://www.rilek.com.my/
;

Daftar Masuk dan Log Masuk menggunakan ID Pengguna dan Kata Laluan yang telah didaftarkan;

Klik pada menu Search By. Kemudian, pilih Semak Saman JPJ atau PDRM;

Masukkan maklumat yang diperlukan dan klik butang Semak.

Pembayaran saman tersebut boleh dibuat menerusi perbankan internet seperti Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks dan bank-bank lain.

4. SISTEM SEMAKAN ONLINE (SSO)

PDRM
 telah menyediakan perkhidmatan ini bagi memudahkan orang ramai untuk menyemak perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan dalam talian yang disediakan oleh PDRM seperti semakan status laporan dan siasatan polis, status saman trafik yang belum dijelaskan dan status pengambilan atau kekosongan terkini jawatan.

Cara Semak Saman:

Layari laman web SSO:
https://sso.rmp.gov.my/
 ;

Daftar Akaun dan Log Masuk menggunakan ID Pengguna dan Kata Laluan anda yang telah ditetapkan;

Klik pada butang Status Saman untuk membuat semakan saman menerusi Nombor Kad Pengenalan atau Nombor Plat Kenderaan anda.

5. SISTEM PESANAN RINGKAS (SMS)

Saman trafik juga boleh disemak melalui SMS. Anda bakal dikenakan caj perkhidmatan sebanyak 15 sen bagi setiap mesej yang dihantar dan 20 sen akan dikenakan untuk setiap mesej diterima.

Cara Semak Saman:

PDRM:

Taip POLIS<jarak>SAMAN<jarak>Nombor Kad Pengenalan atau No Plat Kenderaan

Hantar ke 15888 atau 32728

Contoh – POLIS SAMAN WGA 3701 atau POLIS SAMAN 940201561234

JPJ:

Taip JPJ<jarak>SAMAN<jarak>Nombor Kad Pengenalan atau No Plat Kenderaan

Hantar ke 15888

Contoh – JPJ SAMAN 940201561234 atau JPJ SAMAN WGA 3701

6. MyBayar Saman

PDRM telah melancarkan portal dan aplikasi mudah alih
MyBayar Saman
 dimana orang ramai boleh semak dan bayar saman secara dalam talian tanpa caj perkhidmatan dengan lebih cepat dan pantas.

Cara Semak Dan Bayar Saman

Pendaftaran:

Tekan butang Daftar Pengguna Baharu;

Isi Maklumat Peribadi;

Terima dan dan masukkan pengesahan OTP di telefon bimbit;

Log masuk Portal/Aplikasi MyBayar Saman.

Semakan:

Log Masuk Portal/Aplikasi MyBayar Saman;

Tekan butang Semakan di menu utama;

Butiran saman akan dipaparkan untuk rujukan anda;

Selain itu, pengguna aplikasi MyBayar Saman juga turut akan menerima notifikasi saman sekiranya terdapat saman baharu yang dikeluarkan kepada pengguna.

Pembayaran:

Tekan butang Bayar Saman di butiran saman. Bagi pengguna aplikasi di telefon pintar, tekan butang saman di bahagian menu utama;

Semak dan pilih saman yang hendak dibayar;

Pilih mod bayaran dan tekan butang Bayar;

Butiran transaksi pembayaran akan dipaparkan;

Pengguna aplikasi MyBayar Saman boleh melakukan semakan sejarah transaksi boleh dilakukan di bahagian aktiviti.

Berdasarkan cara-cara semakan dan pembayaran saman yang dikemukakan di atas, ada banyak cara yang boleh anda lakukan secara dalam talian tanpa perlu keluar rumah demi menjaga penjarakan sosial atau jika anda sibuk. Mudah bukan? Selamat menyemak dan membayar saman!

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

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Carlist.my.

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.

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January 2016 New Car Sales – Which Brands Gained, And Which Lost

After several months of heavy discounting and sales promotions by almost every major brand, 2016 started bloody. Nearly every brand started the year in red, with Total Industry Volume dropping by nearly 36 percent month-on-month.
According to the latest data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), total new vehicle registrations dropped from 69,401 units in
December 2015
 to just 44,591 units in January 2016.
While the drop may appear to be massive, January has always been a slow month for new car sales, as many buyers would have been enticed to bring forward their purchase by the many attractive year-end discounts and promotions.
Compared against the numbers recorded in the same period last year – 44,697 units in January 2015, the drop isn’t that surprising.
Below are some highlights from January’s sales data:
For every vehicle sold by Proton, Perodua sells two. The
Axia
 has since usurped the
Myvi
 as Perodua's best-seller.
Honda outsells Toyota by nearly 2:1. Since Honda doesn’t sell any commercial vehicle like the Hilux or Hiace, the gap between the two Japanese archival is actually even bigger if we are to only consider passenger cars, increasing to 2.9:1, meaning Honda passenger cars outsell Toyota by nearly 3 to 1. The
City
 is Honda's best-selling model.
Subaru and Mercedes-Benz are the only two brands to register positive growth, putting aside low volume brands like Porsche or Volvo Trucks.
Mercedes-Benz is not just the leading premium brand in Malaysia, it is also the leading European brand in the country, outselling Ford, Volkswagen, and Peugeot. The tri-star brand sells nearly as many passenger cars as Mazda.
Malaysia’s Competition Act 2010 don’t allow MAA to reveal the data by model, but we can make some rough estimates by looking at the vehicle category.
Toyota sold 987 commercial vehicles but a large number of these are the Hiace, so we can’t tell how many units of the Hilux were sold. Ford sold 688 units, but it is safe to say that a large majority of the numbers are contributed by the Ranger (Ford doesn’t sell that many Transit vans).
Mitsubishi sold 567 units of
Triton
, giving it a comfortable lead over the
Isuzu D-Max
 (398 units). The all-new Nissan Navara NP300 didn’t make quite an impact, coming in at just 382 units, suggesting that pick-up truck buyers don’t place much value on the
Navara NP300
’s much hyped passenger car-like multi-link rear suspension.
The
Perodua Alza
 is Malaysia’s most popular MPV (2,422 units), followed by the
Proton Exora
 (1,028 units). Nissan the leading non-national brand in the MPV segment, with the
Grand Livina
 and
Serena S-Hybrid
 adding 634 units to Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s total sales for January.


Volkswagen Polo B&W Edition – RM69,228, Low 1.11% Interest Rate, Only On Lazada

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced a special edition Volkswagen Polo Black And White (B&W) that will be sold exclusively on online shopping site Lazada’s platform starting 11-November
The Candy White panda colour scheme Polo B&W is limited to just 11 units and retail for RM68,488 each, and comes equipped with RM7,500 worth of accessories. Add road tax, registration fee, inspection/handling fee and other charges however, the on the road price excluding insurance rises to RM69,228.
As part of the deal, official bank partner Hong Leong Bank will also be offering a special low interest rate of 1.11% per annum for a 5-year loan.
Compared to the standard car, the Polo B&W adds a black rear spoiler, black body side moldings, black leather seats, 15-inch black alloy wheels, black side mirror covers and authorised VW Tint.
Mechanically, it remains unchanged from the standard Polo, which is priced at 75,730. The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine makes 105 PS and 153 Nm, driving the front wheels via a 6-speed Tiptronic torque converter automatic transmission.
The 4-speaker RCD 340G infotainment unit supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink – all via App-Connect.
Like all Volkswagen models, the Polo B&W is covered by 3 years free maintenance, 5 years manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.
Interested buyers can visit the
Volkswagen store on Lazada
 to find out more. To purchase the car, buyers will need to place a booking fee of RM799 on Lazada via Lazada Wallet, credit card, or online banking. With the payment completed, the customer will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on their preferred dealership to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.


Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance Launches First Product Together, And It Is Not A Car

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance today officially opened a joint staff training centre in the Philippines.
The two-story facility in Laguna will instruct up to 200 Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors trainees a day on providing more efficient and value-added service to customers in showrooms and also in service centres.
Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan said that they expect the centre to reduce costs of improving their staff skills through synergies such as more efficient access to trainers and courses in one central location.
"This training centre will be the venue for further enhancing the capabilities of our dealer and manufacturing personnel with regards to the newest technologies. It will also improve work efficiency and productivity through various trainings and simulations of daily operations," said Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC).
Besides recreated dealership and service reception areas for training, the facility will provide body and paint repair workshops for staff, along with training in assembly, machine maintenance, materials handling and vehicle inspection.
The training centre, located at the Mitsubishi Motors plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, will also have the capacity to support future technical training on electric vehicles, in line with both companies’ focus on more electrification.
It is said that the facility is part of a convergence of functions led by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership.


Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport & Hilux GR Sport coming to Malaysia?

It looks like the newly-launched 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport AND
Hilux GR Sport
 will be coming to Malaysia soon.

While UMW Toyota has not hinted anything just yet, these two particular models have been spotted on a number of advertising sites, particularly Mudah.my. Is this really the case?

Toyota Hilux GR Sport - est RM160,000?

From what we can see, the photos posted by several folks on Mudah showcased the same truck from the Thai market. Priced around the RM160,000 mark, it seems like the right point considering that the current range-topping Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue is priced at RM152,880 (OTR excluding insurance).

If we are indeed getting the same Toyota Hilux GR Sport as the Thais, then it's basically just a sportier-looking Hilux 2.8 Rogue with GR-inspired body cladding, grille, and other bits and pieces to go with its GR Sport nameplate.

If we're lucky, we might get the
Australian version
 which has a power boost from its 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine which produces 221hp and 550Nm - an additional 20hp and 50Nm compared to the current range-topping model we have here in Malaysia right now.

Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport - est RM150,000?

The other GR Sport model that has also been spotted in Mudah is the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport. More specifically, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport hybrid, is also similar to what the Thais have right now.

Sportier front and rear fascias can be seen on the Corolla Cross GR Sport model together with a black roof and a set of 18-inch turbine-inspired alloy wheels. The insides also get the GR Sport treatment but for the Malaysian market, we'll just have to wait and see what the final specs are if or when this together with the Hilux GR Sport is officially launched.


Thailand Built Mid-Engine Sports Car Teased, Debuts In 2016

This teaser image was released by VanaticalDesign (aka Jennarong Muengtaweepongsa) and it shows an upcoming mid-engine sports car which will not only be designed by a Thai national but will apparently be built in Bangkok, Thailand as well.
Details of the Thai sports car are limited at the moment with the teaser only revealing LED headlamps, sculpted hood, and muscular rear fenders.
The yet to be named model is expected to be revealed next year at a release event in Bangkok along with the company which will produce it.
Designer Jennarong says, "We are here to show to the world that Thailand can make not just an amazing car, but an amazing feat of artwork and engineering, and from right where you least expect it."


Subaru Teases A Sedan Version Of The Impreza Hatch Concept We’ve Already Seen, Again

Or could this be something more? Hot off the heels of
Subaru
’s latest concept, the rather attractive and
Impreza
 5 door that was shown off at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese automaker chooses to unveil its sedan counterpart at the 2015 Los Angeles Motor Show.
Deja vu?
From what we saw of the hatchback Impreza in Tokyo, the impression was that the car was nearly production-ready and was soon to be introduced as the next-generation Impreza, arguably the most recognised and most influential car in Subaru’s history.
And judging from the dark teaser image, the cues we do see seem to match up perfectly with the Impreza 5 door (hatchback) concept, leaving us a little confused as to why Subaru would even bother teasing a sedan version when the majority of the car’s design has already been publicly revealed.
As a side note, we’re in favour of the hatchback body style for the Impreza - it suits it better to our eyes, much to the chagrin of the purists.
Hopefully, Subaru livens up the Impreza sedan concept’s unveil at the LA Motor Show with news of some new powertrains or some tech to imbue the next Impreza with some otherworldly levels of grip and controllability.
Even for a concept, to see a sedan version of a car we’ve already seen can be a little underwhelming. Just think back to the
Proton

Gen2
 to Proton
Persona
 conversion.
Perhaps Subaru is using the two motor shows and the two versions of what looks to be the same concept vehicle to gauge the popularity of the bodystyles.


Carlist.my People's Choice Awards 2019 Returns - Vote And Stand A Chance To Win Prizes Worth More Than RM30,000!

The highly-anticipated Carlist.my People’s Choice Awards – Car of The Year is back for its fifth year consecutively to pick the ‘cream of the crop’ from key automotive brands once again.

Hosted by Carlist.my, Malaysia’s No.1 car site with the largest network and most trusted online source for new and used cars, the Award has selected models with top marks from various major car manufacturers’ to be voted by the public on their new monarch.

The biggest highlight of the awards is that YOU, the consumers get to place your vote for your favourite car in each category from now until the 10th of November.

In case you’re wondering why you should vote, you actually stand a chance to win prizes worth more than RM30,000 from Apple, Harman Kardon, JBL, and A&S.

18 star-studded awards are up for grabs this year, with categories such as Best Hatch, Best Sedan in three size-categories (Compact, Mid-range, and Premium), Budget MPV, Mid-Range MPV, Premium MPV, Premium Luxury Sedan, Crossover, SUV, Premium SUV, Aspirational Car, Pick-up Truck, Green Car, as well as Budget Car.

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, there will also be the Editors’ Choice Awards - Car of The Year.

Finalists for the Editor’s Choice Awards – Car of The Year will be selected behind closed doors through a series of scoring system amongst the editor-cum-judges.

The panel of experienced Carlist.my editors will be selecting the winners of this category from their perspective and criteria.

That being said, there are only 4 days left for you to cast your votes! So waste no time and pick the cars of your choice right now
here
.

PKF returns as the official scrutineer for the entire voting process, while World Of Buzz, Lobak Merah and Noodou will be the official media partners for PCACOTY.

While JBL, Harman Kardon, and A&S are the official prize sponsors, Monster Energy Malaysia is the official energy drink for the event.


2015 Audi A6 1.8 TFSI Review – Value Alternative to the E 300 BlueTec?

At RM338k on-the-road complete with a full set of the AMG Sports pack thrown in, the tax-exempted Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid is a fantastic value preposition among premium mid-sized sedans.
The E 300 is clearly a convincing product that is well suited to the needs of the Malaysian market, but is it truly the best value buy in the segment?
BMW
 and
Lexus
certainly don’t have answers to it. That leaves us then, with the Audi A6, which was
updated last year with a facelift
 to keep it competitive in the last legs of its model cycle.
Interestingly, the A6 was an even earlier benefactor of hybrid vehicle tax exemptions that enabled the now-discontinued
A6 Hybrid
 be offered at an eye-opening RM286k. Globally, the A6 Hybrid was a commercial failure. It was a vehicle uniquely suited for Malaysia during that brief period when it was sold. In fact,
Audi
 has our market to thank for snapping up nearly half of the 4,000 A6 Hybrids it produced globally.
Last year’s facelift of the A6 unsurprisingly saw the hybrid variant dropped, but Audi is notably keen to sustain a value-for-money offering within the segment, and the result is the
A6 1.8 TFSI
 here which, despite having duties to pay, is priced lower than the
Mercedes E 300
.
Specifications:
Price: RM327,900 OTR without insurance. Add RM23,000 for Tech Pack option
Engine: 4-cylinders longitudinal DOHC
Power:  190hp @ 4,200 – 6,200rpm
Torque:  320Nm @ 1,400 – 4,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic with paddle shifters
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), ESC, Traction Control (ASR), ISOFIX, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Display, Immobilizer
Origin: Fully imported from Germany
Overview
What was previously known as the Audi 100 became the A6 in 1994. Today’s model, the C7, was first launched in 2011 and facelifted in 2015. It is the fourth model generation to identify itself with this nameplate.
The 1.8 TFSI variant featured in this review is the entry variant to the range, and it replaces the outgoing 2.0 TFSI model. If you have more cash to splash, consider the
3.0 TFSI quattro
 at RM487,900. The extra money pays for 333hp and 440Nm, along with the superior traction of all-wheel drive.
Besides new looks and new equipment, the facelifted A6 is more affordable than before. Previously, you would have been required to fork out RM345k and RM515k for the 2.0 and 3.0 TFSI variants respectively.
Our test car came additionally fitted with an optional RM23,000 tech pack that brought enhancements that include LED headlights, 18" alloy wheels, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, reverse camera (what? not standard?), electric steering wheel adjustment, Audi connect with Google Earth, and wifi hotspot. Also part of the pack is a pair of rear side airbags in addition to the six already fitted in the standard vehicle. These features are standard fit in the 3.0 TFSI.
Exterior
Recent Audi designs depend heavily on signature lighting to underscore their distinctive looks. Predictably, the facelift incorporates revised light clusters front and rear to go with other minor cosmetic changes.
As standard, the 1.8 TFSI model comes with xenon plus headlamps, which can be optionally upgraded to LED units as seen in our test car. A further upgrade to Audi’s proprietary Matrix LED headlamps is also offered.
Elsewhere, changes can be spotted at the air intakes, bumpers, side sills, and tailpipes. The Audi signature singleframe grille is given a widened appearance and lined with chrome horizontal louvres.
Interior
The building of solid and impeccable interiors has been the Audi call card for many years. It is a trend that is maintained in the A6 which, even in its most austere 1.8 TFSI trim as tested, manages to exude a proper sense of luxury and occasion. Material selection at the relevant touchpoints do not betray this model’s entry-level positioning.
Bearing the in mind that the current A6 actually dates back to 2011, the cabin is inevitably beginning to feel its age – a
BMW 5 Series
 is not likely to embarrass it, but upcoming models such as the
W213 Mercedes E-Class
 and
Volvo S90
 may make the A6’s interior feel second rate in terms of atmosphere and ambiance.
As standard, the A6 1.8 TFSI comes Audi’s MMI radio plus infotainment system, which features a retractable 6.5-inch screen and 10-speaker audio. The tech pack option fitted on our test car raises that to the MMI navigation plus system which includes a touch pad, 8-inch screen, and 14 speakers. Through this uprated system, you can insert a SIM card (own data charges apply) and hook your A6 up to the Internet with LTE connection.
How does it drive?
Despite having the smallest engine amongst its competitors, the A6 1.8 punches well above its weight. Claimed outputs of 190hp and 320Nm comfortably surpass both its closest rivals, namely the
BMW 520i (184hp/270Nm)
 as well as the
Mercedes-Benz E 200 (181hp/300Nm)
 both of which, remember, have powertrains displacing two litres.
But where the 520i and E 200 both drive their rear wheels through torque converter automatic transmissions, the A6 puts its power down on the front axle through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, ending Audi’s practice of using CVTs for their FWD models. In keeping with Audi’s curious engineering tradition, the engine is slung ahead of the front axle in a longitudinal orientation.
Disregarding the traditionally-acclaimed benefits of rear-wheel drive for a bit, Audi’s set-up offers the advantage of minimizing driveline losses compared to its aforementioned rivals. In both top speed and 0-100km/h times, the A6’s numbers of 233km/h and 7.9 seconds are identical to the 520i and E 200.
In the real world, the setup gets the job done in a way we’ve come to expect from downsized turbo engines prevalent in the premium segment, which is to say it is punchy, efficient, and exhibits only a hint of lag. It hardly feels overwhelmed by the task of hauling A6’s 1.6-tonne kerb weight. Pleasingly, the transmission’s spread of ratios and the engine’s good low-end torque mean that very few revs are needed to sustain high speed cruising.
Typical of non-quattro Audi models, the A6 exhibits nose-heaviness at the limits, an inevitable by-product of its unconventional engine-driveline arrangement. Its helm is neither as sharp nor communicative as a 5 Series. The chassis has just about enough balance and progressiveness to feel secure at speed, but ultimately lacks the final degree of finesse and sophistication that require us to reconsider the segment’s dynamic hierarchy. In short, you can keep up with most cars on a straight line, but don’t challenge a 5 Series, E-Class, or even a
Ford Mondeo
 on a winding road.
How comfortable is it?
In more mundane driving conditions, the A6 throws up no surprises. It is as comfortable and as easy to drive as one would reasonably expect. Like most European vehicles, there is an underlying firmness to the ride quality that the usual by-product of chassis tuners prioritizing high speed stability, but it’s not what we would call harsh.
The suspension does a fair job ironing out long undulations whilst at the same time taking enough sting out of pot holes and bumpers to be not jarring. External noises are kept at manageable levels, although the 1.8 TFSI engine is not the most aurally arousing power units around. If you’re looking for a vehicle to drive at a relaxing pace without feeling strained, the A6 1.8 does the job as well as can be expected.
How economical is it?
Dieselgate scandal
 notwithstanding, the VW Group knows a thing or two about extracting healthy amounts of horsepower from an engine without sucking too much fuel. Audi claims rated consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km for the A6 1.8. We observed a little over 10 l/100km on our test car’s trip computer; a decent figure given that our 200km test route consisted of mixed driving conditions that included high-speed runs on the highway, uphill sprints, and urban congestion.
Similar to other cars in the Audi line-up, servicing for the A6 1.8 is recommended at intervals of 15,000km or one year, whichever comes first. The vehicle is covered by a 4-year 120,000km factory warranty.
Conclusion
Audi has done a fantastic job to make the 1.8 TFSI an affordable entry point into the A6 model range without sacrificing on perceived quality of the product. We would prefer that reverse camera is standard rather than being bundled into a costly RM23,000 optional package, but its nevertheless praiseworthy that despite having to pay full duties, Audi managed to bring a variant of the A6 at a price that is more affordable than the E 300 BlueTec.
The closest mechanical rivals of the A6 1.8 are actually the petrol-powered BMW 520i and Mercedes-Benz E 200, both of which are locally assembled yet cost substantially more than the A6. Against these two, the A6 is fantastic value, offering comparable performance for significantly less money. The BMW remains the recommended choice for buyers with greater needs for dynamic sophistication, but for most users, we reckon the A6 is good enough for the job.
What’s most curious about the A6’s line-up selected by Audi for our market is the gaping RM160k chasm that separates the 1.8 and 3.0 TFSI variants. Whilst the 1.8 is a commendable entry point to the range, surely there’s room in the line-up for the 252hp 2.0 TFSI (available overseas) to directly take on the BMW 528i and Mercedes E 250?


Young Drivers Population Hits Record Low - Driving Is Now Done Mostly By Old People

‘Peak Car’ or demotorisation is a term used to describe a society’s reduced dependence/loss of interest in cars, typically characterized by lack of growth in new car sales (market saturation), and a decline in driving license applications.
The phenomenon was first noted in Japan in the early 2000s. In a country where parking spaces are hard to come by, fuel prices are high, compulsory periodic vehicle inspections are very costly, but public transport is extremely efficient, and many young Japanese no longer own a car.
Many Japanese families now own just one car. It also explains why minivans are so popular there and sedans are falling out of favour, because if you are going to rely on just one car, that one car has to do everything.
A typical Japanese family today owns just one car, usually a utility type vehicle - minicar (kei), minivan, SUV or wagon, rarely a sedan.
The same trend has also been noted in USA and western Europe, but limited mostly to metropolitan cities. As more and more young people migrate to megacities, it’s a natural progression for people to drive less, and rely more on ride hailing or public transport.
The idea of a two-car ownership household in the suburbs is becoming less mainstream as today's young people marry later, and are more likely to stay closer to the city centre. In a developed city, this means having to deal with limited and expensive parking, and public transport becomes a more logical option.
The latest data compiled by data scientist and Twitter user Owen Boswarva confirmed what many had already suspected – nearly 30 percent of the UK citizens aged 25 and below don’t have a driving license. The numbers get more depressing as you dig the numbers for younger Brits – note the large gap between blue line (total population, by age) and red line (driving license holders) among young Brits, and how the gap closes significantly among older Brits.
In other words, the concentration of driving age population is heavily centred on older folks rather than the young.
In the UK, the minimum driving age is 17 but a 16 year olds can apply for a provisional license. Drivers aged below 20 years old are merely a blip on the chart. People born in an earlier era see holding a driver's license as a rite of passage into adulthood. Today's young don't see it that way.
There are many factors behind this. While some sociologists conclude that increased interaction on mobile and digital platforms mean that the current generation of youths don’t hang out in the same way as previous generations, others say it’s simply the poor financial standing of millenials - the generation most affected by the 2008 financial crisis. Against this pessimistic outlook, today's young prefer to spend their money on holidays and commitment-free purchases like gadgets, rather than being tied down to a car, which requires maintenance and lengthy repayment terms.
Many of today’s youths are also burderned by student debts with poor job prospects. This is especially true not just in Europe and USA, but also in Japan and Korea.
Contrary to the narrative that many Malaysians usually hear, car ownership is actually rather prohibitive even in many developed countries. Beyond the seemingly lower selling price, drivers in those countries pay a lot higher than us for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking. Many drivers leave their cars parked at home but commute to work via public transport – as it should be for any developed nation - or use ride hailing services.
Cars might be cheaper in other countries, but their drivers also pay RM5.50/litre for regular petrol (about RON 90) and RM6.00/litre for premium petrol (about RON 98), plus far more expensive parking. Traffic regulations are also strictly enforced so don't think about parking anywhere you like.
Strict emissions and safety regulations also mean that prices of new cars have been creeping up. Consumer data shows that even consumers in many higher income countries are keeping their cars longer than before.
Sales of passenger cars in Japan peaked in 1990, with 7.8 million motor vehicles sold. Today the figure is only around around 5.2 million.
Between 2003 and 2013, more than 100 driving schools in Japan have closed down, mostly because young Japanese are not interested in learning how to drive. Driving license applications dropped by more than 300,000 during that ten-year period.
Germany and USA are still behind Japan in terms of advancements of public transport and equal access to mobility for everyone, but signs are pointing that these two automotive powerhouses are also reaching their peak.
Applications for driving licenses among Germans aged 25 years old and below have slid 28 percent over the last 10 years – something that was once unimaginable for a country famed for its love of cars and speed limit-free autobahns.
In USA, the minimum driving age is 16 years old. Back in 1983, nearly 50 percent of 16 year-old Americans held a driving license. Today, the figure is just 25 percent (figures from University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute).
Against this backdrop, it explains why there are so few affordable, ‘fun to drive,’ rear-wheel drive manual transmission cars – the sort of cars young enthusiasts want – are available on the market. The simple explanation is that there is just simply not enough people buying such cars to make the product viable.
With interest in cars on the downtrend, you can expect the rise of SUVs and crossovers – whose high hip point and ease of access/exit are favoured by older buyers - to intensify. The trend towards electric driverless cars will continue unabated. To a new generation of consumers who see cars and driving as simply a mean to get around rather than a source of joy, a maintenance free and pay-as-you-use driverless cars/robotaxis is perfect.
For those of us who love driving, it only means one thing - if you have something special parked in your house, cherish and take good care of it because they won't make anything like that anymore. There are few brands who are resisting the tide of change.
Toyota's Akio Toyoda is a CEO on weekdays and racer on weekends and he is the world's strongest advocate to make cars cool again for young people, while Mazda wants to keep combustion engines alive,
Jinba Ittai included
. Honda has (at least in Japan), attempted to make cars cool again with mini sports car like the
S660
. While nearly every brand is resigning to their fate, the least that enthusiasts can do is to support the efforts of those who are holding the torch to forward the cause for analogue cars.


Suzuki Jimny Appear As Roller Skates In New Ad

No, really. The all-new Suzuki Jimny appeared as roller skates in this quirky new ad by Suzuki Australia.
It’s safe to say that the new ad captures the essence of the Jimny - including its compact size and off-road capabilities. Functional lights further add to the realism of these little roller skates.
The all-new fourth generation Suzuki Jimny was launched in June 2018 as a retro, yet tiny little off-roader. Engine choices include a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine, both of which can be mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Our neighbours in Thailand and Singapore have recently received the all-new Jimny, though prices are prohibitively expensive. Those living in Thailand have to fork out at least 1.55 million Thai baht to get the Jimny, while our friends over in Singapore have to pay SGD 114,100 for one.
Considering that Suzuki Malaysia has ceased to exist, the all-new Jimny won’t be arriving here via the official route. Ambitious grey importers may bring a couple in, as they did with other quirky Japanese models.


Top 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Buy The Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design is the one and only variant of the XC40 in Malaysia, it was launched locally towards the fourth quarter of 2018. Should you consider it still almost two years down the line?

Here are my Top 10 reasons why you shouldn't buy the XC40:

1. You don't like good looking cars

The Volvo XC40 is a C-segment SUV that goes up against the likes of the
Audi Q3
,
Lexus UX
,
BMW X1
 and
Mercedes-Benz GLA
. Now save for maybe the GLA, the XC40 is the best looking of the lot. It's both muscular with a proper rear stance as it is stylish with contour lines throughout the car. It's got the face of a Golden Retriever with the butt of a pitbull terrier. Let's not forget the 19' wheels to complete the look.

2. You don't like an 8-speed automatic

So
DCT
's and CVT's are all the rage these days. Love them or hate them they seem here to stay depending on which manufacturer you choose to go with. That is why a plain straight-up 8-speed Aisin sourced automatic tranny is refreshing. It's fuss-free, direct and easier to maintain in the long run.

3. You prefer buttons to stalks

Some cars you step into, and I've made this observation in my videos before, feel as if you're stepping into the USS Enterprise. It's alien and it's intimidating. The XC40, however, is familiar, it is the perfect blend of mechanical and electronic. Plopping down into its seats you're not afraid that you won't know how to drive it. Sure, it may take you a few minutes to acclimatise but the layout is recognisable and that to me is a good thing.

4. You don't like comfortable seats

It wraps you, it grips you in the right places and on top of it all, it doesn't capture the heat when it's left out under the sun for a few hours. That means you won't burn the skin off your legs if you're wearing shorts or hot pants. Lumbar support and thigh support are available and adjustable. The leather seats feel luxurious befitting of a premium SUV.

5. You don't like a well-weighted steering

My biggest gripe about the XC60, XC90 and
S60
 has been the steering. I just felt it was too light, didn't provide the right amount of feedback to the driver. That was a crying shame in my books because everything else on these three vehicles was close to a 10/10. I expected more of the same with the XC40 but boy was I disappointed! The XC40 was well-weighted and responsive. Driver feedback was just right without being overbearing. Dear Volvo, could we use the same steering formula of the XC40 in all of your other models, please?

6. You don't like a safe SUV

The XC40's safety cage has been made stronger, through the usage of Hot-Formed Boron. This forms 20 percent of the total body weight in the XC40. It is designed for maximum occupant protection in all types of crashes. It is rated five stars by Euro NCAP but more importantly, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates it as Good in its Overall Evaluation, with Front crash prevention of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian of Superior.

Infographic courtesy of World Auto Steel

7. You don't like performance

252 hp. 350 Nm of torque. 0-100 in 6.4 seconds. AWD - If those numbers and specs don't excite you or at least pique your curiosity then perhaps a more sedate SUV is what you need. Pick from any one of its competitors.

8. You like kosong-spec

The
XC40 T5 AWD R-Design
 is the top of the line and the only variant available in Malaysia for the XC40. You get the top of the line model with all the bells and whistles. For the complete list of specs, refer
here
.

9. You are a brand loyalist

Let's admit it. Volvo is hardly the first name that comes to mind in Malaysia when we put Premium + SUV together. You're more likely to name the Germans and Japanese before you arrive at Volvo. That, however, would be your undoing. For some of you there is no convincing and this would not apply, heck this whole article would not apply to you but to the others, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not consider the XC40. It's similarly priced to the competition, is the most powerful of the lot and dare I say it again, it's the best looking too. So step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Volvo's after-sales in Malaysia is equally up to the task of keeping your Volvo's running in its best shape. But I bet you're going to say no resale value right?!

Volvo's are selling in higher numbers these days, more Volvo's on the road mean better value retention. Just look at Mazda for a real world example of this, at one time Mazda's didn't hold value as well as they do today because more of you are buying Mazda's.

10. You don't have RM240,000++

It's okay, we understand. Got other options
here
.

PS: Before we forget, there's also 460 litres of boot space with a clever divider that helps keep your shopping from rolling around in the back when you're on the move.


2015 New Perodua Myvi Info Hub: All You Need To Know About It

Can’t get enough Myvi? Carlist.my is hosting everything you need to know about the new 2015
Perodua Myvi
 right here, on one page. Only just making its debut, prices for the latest iteration of Malaysia’s favourite hatchback range from RM41,500 to RM58,900, covering a total of six variants. You can head on over to a showroom to place your bookings for one right now.
With no changes to the powertrain department, the
Perodua
 brings forward its 1.3 and 1.5-litre four-pot petrol engines, and continue to pair them with either four-speed automatic transmissions or five-speed manuals. Performance figures are maintained at 89hp and 117Nm of torque for the 1.3-litre model, and 101hp and 136Nm of torque for the 1.5-litre.
*The new Myvi’s biggest competition?
Exterior design has evolved more dynamically, taking on a similar direction to what we saw on the aggressive Perodua Axia, where two of the lower-spec variants get one face, while the two higher-spec models get a sportier kit. On top of this, Perodua are making obvious some new headlamps and front corner parking sensors. There are also two new colour options, to go with the new interior additions. Check them ALL out right here:
LAUNCH REPORT: 2015 Perodua Myvi Makes Its Official Debut
At long last, here is the 2015 Perodua Myvi facelift: adorned with fresh looks, some new gear, and more affordable prices than the previous range of Malaysia’s favourite vehicle. To warm you up to the new Perodua Myvi, let’s start by saying that no mechanical changes have been applied anywhere here, so all major components, from its engine and transmission to chassis and suspension, are identical to what was before – we’ll clarify what’s new in further detail, below.
SPEC COMPARISON: 2015 Perodua Myvi Vs. Proton Iriz: Round 2, FIGHT!
Proton launched its Iriz last year and there was no doubt that its target was to topple the Perodua Myvi as the nation’s most-loved. In our previous spec comparison between the two, the Iriz came out on top with an impressive safety package available on all variants across the range. So what has Perodua done to make its Myvi “Lagi Best” than before? Let’s jump right into it.
SPYSHOTS: 2015 Perodua Myvi Caught Naked On The Streets
Here is the 2015 Perodua Myvi – which launches very soon – shown with 2 faces that you will be able to choose from. Here are a set of pictures that’s just been sent to us by a reader who wishes to be unknown for the moment, which clearly show us what’s en route to Perodua showrooms nationwide.
2014 Perodua Myvi vs. 2014 Proton Iriz:
First Impressions: All-New 2014 Proton Iriz Vs. Perodua Myvi
2014 Proton Iriz vs Perodua Myvi: Model Faceoff
Learn more about the new Myvi’s direct competitor, the Proton Iriz:
2014 Proton Iriz Launched In Malaysia
2014 Proton Iriz: Detailed Specification Of Each & Every Variant
Remembering the last big launch from Perodua:
2014 Perodua Axia Hits 20,000 Bookings
2014 Perodua Axia Launched In Malaysia: RM24,600 To RM42,530
GALLERY: 2014 Perodua Axia Interior Practicality Highlight
2014 Perodua Axia: Detailed Spec List Of Each Variant
More news from Perodua:
Perodua Provides Much-Needed Supplies To Flood Victims
There’s Finally A Car Worthy Of Toppling The Myvi’s Sales Figures
2014 Perodua Axia Rolls Out To Driving Schools


KTMB Begins Shuttle Tebrau Service: JB-SG In Just 5 Minutes

A new shuttle train service between Johor Bahru and Singapore began on Wednesday, allowing commuters to travel between the Woodlands Checkpoint and JB Sentral in just five minutes.
Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), the service dubbed Shuttle Tebrau provides seven trips total from Johor and another seven from Woodlands daily with each trip capable of accommodating 320 passengers.
The train from JB Sentral to Woodlands departs at 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 10pm while from Woodlands to JB Sentral, the shuttle departs at 6.30am, 8am,9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm.
Fares cost RM5 for if departing from JB Sentral to Woodlands and S$5 from Woodlands to JB Sentral.
The new shuttle service is popular with Malaysians working or schooling in Singapore and is a more efficient manner to cross the border considering the daily peak hour traffic jam on the Causeway.


Adakah Kerusi Keselamatan Kanak-Kanak Perlu Diganti Selepas Kemalangan?

Sekiranya anda terlibat dalam kemalangan, adakah kerusi keselamatan kanak-kanak atau car seat perlu diganti?

Kerusi keselamatan kanak-kanak
mengikut garis panduan Institut Penyelidikan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia (MIROS)
 berfungsi memastikan anak anda berada dalam keadaan selamat dan stabil ketika berada di dalam kereta.

Andai berlaku pelanggaran dan melibatkan kecederaan kepada penumpang (termasuk anak anda dalam car seat), ada kemungkinan car seat tersebut perlu ditukar baru.

Seperti juga komponen lain dalam ruang kabin kereta, car seat juga harus
menahan daya kuat yang terhasil ketika kemalangan
. Meskipun mungkin tidak ada kerosakan yang jelas di permukaan, kemalangan tersebut mungkin mengakibatkan kerosakan dalaman pada car seat, yang mungkin akan menjejaskan prestasinya pada kemalangan lain.

Cara mengenal pasti

Mengikut kajian penulis,
MIROS
 tidak memperincikan penukaran car seat selepas berlaku kemalangan, namun Pentadbiran Keselamatan Lalu Lintas Jalan Raya Nasional (NHTSA) di Amerika Syarikat mempunyai garis panduan mengenai keadaan car seat perlu diganti selepas kemalangan.

Cadangan asasnya ialah
car seat harus diganti selepas kemalangan sederhana atau teruk,
 tetapi bukan kemalangan kecil. Walau bagaimanapun, jika pengeluar car seat mengesyorkan untuk diganti setelah berlaku kerosakan, sangat sesuai untuk dipatuhi.

Memandangkan kebanyakan car seat yang dijual di pasaran adalah jenama antarabangsa, cadangan NTHSA ini boleh digunapakai untuk keadaan di Malaysia, selaras dengan garis panduan MIROS.

Kriteria NHSA untuk penukaran car seat:

Kenderaan yang mengalami kemalangan boleh bergerak dari tempat kejadian tanpa kesukaran. Sekiranya kerosakan itu sangat parah sehingga perlu ditunda, dikira sebagai kemalangan teruk dan car seat harus diganti

Pintu kereta yang paling hampir dengan car seat tidak mengalami kerosakan.

Tidak ada penghuni kereta yang cedera dalam nahas itu

Tiada penggunaan beg udara di bahagian hadapan, sisi dan tali pinggang keledar

Car seat tidak mengalami kerosakan fizikal seperti retakan, kemek atau patah

Sekiranya kriteria ini tidak dipenuhi, car seat harus diganti.

Tahukah anda car seat mempunyai tarikh luput?

Menurut MIROS,
tarikh luput car seat bukan keperluan di bawah piawaian UNR
. Walau bagaimanapun, disebabkan kualiti plastik dan peratusan plastik kitar semula yang digunakan, dan juga pendedahan kepada sinar ultraviolet dan keadaan penggunaan, adalah disyorkan untuk menggunakan car seat sekitar 6 hingga 8 tahun dari tarikh pembuatan.

Kebiasaannya, tarikh luput dicetak atau ditampal pada car seat, juga dinyatakan dalam buku manual penggunaan. Anda juga boleh menghubungi pengeluar car seat untuk bertanyakan hal ini.

Sebagai ibu bapa yang bertanggungjawab dan sayangkan anak, menggantikan car seat perlu diambil kira andai berlaku kemalangan atau sudah tiba tarikh luputnya. Kalau baju pun kita tukar baru apabila dah lusuh, inikan pula apabila melibatkan nyawa orang tersayang kan.

Semoga beroleh manfaat!


Toyota Announces Return To WRC In 2017 With A Yaris

After an 18-year hiatus,
Toyota
 is diving right back into the world of rallying with a new car for the FIA World Rally Championship. The car to take on the competition will be the Toyota Yaris WRC and it will take part in the championship come 2017.
As of now, the car is undergoing a lot of work and testing by Toyota Motorsport GmbH, who is developing the car and its new 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged four pot claimed to be in line with global race engine stipulations.
This series of photos and small bits of information like the tyre manufacturer supplier, Michelin along with the vehicle’s dimensions – 3,910 mm in length and 1,820 mm in width are all we have to go by for now.
Of course, there’s also the video of the Yaris WRC being put through its paces with the president and CEO of
Toyota
 Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo) behind the wheel.


And Now Paul Walker’s Dad Is (Also) Suing Porsche For Son’s Death

We won’t dwell on this too long but in case you haven’t already heard, actor Paul Walker’s tragic death by car accident in 2013 did not mean the man’s name and memory can rest in peace.
In late September, Meadow Walker, Paul’s daughter, launched a legal campaign against Porsche for the death of her father who perished while in the passenger seat of a red 2005 Carrera GT while his friend, Roger Rodas, was at the wheel.
Now, Entertainment Weekly (EW) writes that Paul William Walker III (the actor’s father) has also filed a lawsuit against Porsche for similar claims: wrongful death and negligence. Both members of the Walker family say that had the Stuttgart automaker fitted the Carrera GT with more modern safety features, the driver and passenger's lives could have been spared.
Earlier in November, Porsche publicly responded to Meadow Walker’s lawsuit, saying her father “knowingly and voluntarily assumed all risk, perils and danger in respect to the use of the subject 2005 Carrera GT, that the perils, risk and dangers were open and obvious and known to him, and that he chose to conduct himself in a manner as to expose himself to such perils, dangers and risks, thus assuming all the risks involved in using the vehicle.”
Meanwhile, the Rodas’ widow, Kristine, also levelled a lawsuit against Porsche for similar disputes, with timing nearly in concert with that from Paul Walker Sr.
The fact remains, however, that car accidents happen all the time, and while the actor’s death is unquestionably tragic, Porsche does have a strong point when stating plainly that Walker assumed all the risks. The Carrera GT wasn’t designed to compete with the safest Volvos. It’s a very fast and powerful car, and by that definition, a more dangerous one. It's also a car that, rather famously, requires a deft touch to master.
We wonder why only now these legal attacks on Porsche are coming into the fore when the actor passed away in 2013, with the medical and forensic analyses were concluded not long after that. Porsche, and their parent company, Volkswagen are at the moment in the throws of a very serious emissions scandal that could have global repercussions on diesel engines.
These sudden accusations against the manufacturer of a car involved in a crash in California for being responsible for the deaths of the occupants instead of the blame falling to the car's driver is already suspect. But the timing here does also have a whiff of opportunism.


Toyo Tires Snaps Up Prince of Drift As Brand Ambassador

Toyo Tyres Malaysia appoints Tengku Djan Ley as ambassador.

It seems that all the top brands want a piece of Malaysia's 'Prince of Drift',
Tengku Djan Ley
, with Toyo being the latest brand to appoint him as their ambassador.

According to
Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia
, its partnership with Tengku Djan is a key activity for the company as it strengthens its presence and visibility in Malaysia and is expected to play a vital role in its marketing activities.

"We are excited to welcome Tengku Djan as Toyo Tires Brand Ambassador," said Masaomi Kono, Vice President of Toyo Tyre Sales & Marketing Malaysia. "His motorsport success and his technical knowledge definitely complement the Toyo Tires spirit & outlook, and we look forward to having a fruitful partnership in the months to come."

"I am grateful and delighted by the support given by Toyo Tires in selecting me as Brand Ambassador," says Tengku Djan. "I am familiar with the company's capability in creating tyres that perform well on the track, which also translates to the tyres the company produces for consumers on the road. I am certainly eager to work closely with Toyo Tires throughout the year, not just during the racing season, but off it as well since I think the motoring public should learn more about the company's product offerings that cover almost every motoring needs."

Pic credit: MCCLUBZ

With Tengku Djan looking to go racing again in 2021, including the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and GT World Challenge Asia, Toyo Tires will be providing him with full support throughout his 2021 racing season.

Also, Toyo Tires will collaborate with Tengku Djan on several projects that will exclusively feature the 'Prince of Drift' on Toyo Tires' social media channels where fans can take part and be involved.

This is just one of the many activities planned for 2021, so to follow the latest news and activities, follow the Toyo Tires Malaysia Facebook page and on Instagram, and register for the Toyo Tires Fan Club.

As mentioned before, the selection of Tengku Djan is in line with Toyo's reputation as a manufacturer of
highly-rated
 performance tires as Malaysia's Prince of Drift is a well-known figure in the Malaysian motorsport and motoring scene.

Tengku Djan has been involved in motorsport for several decades with success in both local and international events such as the Sepang 1000 KM race, the D1 Grand Prix "All-Star" World Championship, Formula Drift Asia, and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, of which Toyo Tires is the Gold sponsor.

"Tengku Djan is a perfect fit for Toyo Tires, which prides itself on being a global brand that offers performance, durability and safety for its users, and it is expected that he would be able to attract a new segment of users as a brand ambassador", said the brand.


Detroit 2017: Kia Stinger GT World Debut – Audi A5 Sportback on a budget?

Kia have officially unveiled the all-new Kia Stinger GT at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show  - the five-seater fastback sports sedan is the most-powerful production vehicle in the company’s history, and is poised to challenge the likes of the BMW 4 Series GranCoupe and
Audi A5 Sportback
.
Orth Hedrick, Vice President, product planning, Kia Motors America adds, “Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us, and here today in Detroit, that dream is now a reality after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world. From its GT concept-car origins to the years of tuning and refining on the legendary Nurburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning,”
The Stinger started as the
GT concept
, first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show – the design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, and his team of designers in Frankfurt.
Keeping with the ethos of a GT car – the Stinger’s stance and svelte proportions are designed to lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than boy-racer aggression.
The wide front and rear track, along with the recessed contours along the doors, enhance the visual power of the Stinger’s shoulder line as well as its fastback silhouette. The functional elements of the exterior design such as the front air curtains, wheel arch gills, near-flat underbody, and integrated rear diffuser – aid its aerodynamic efficiency. At the front, Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille creates an imposing greeting, fixed between the sleek LED headlamps.
On the inside, the seats are wrapped in Nappa leather and the driver’s seat has been designed with air-cell bladders in the seatback and bolsters for optimal support and comfort. The center console is split into two specific areas: the infotainment controls sit neatly below a large color touchscreen, while the climate and ventilation controls are placed beneath.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel sits ahead of a single instrument binnacle with a combination of analog and digital instrumentation.  A color TFT screen between the gauges relays performance data such as cornering G-forces, lap times and engine-oil temperature, along with ancillary information such as the trip computer, driver settings, navigation and diagnostics. Aeronautically-inspired spoked circular vents are found front and rear and a satin chrome trim piece encircles the cabin.
At 2905mm, the Stinger’s wheelbase is longer than the Audi A4, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, BMW 4 Gran Coupe and even the Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz CLS. At 4831mm long and 1869mm wide, it’s also longer and wider than its competitors. Kia claim the Stinger will also carry full-size luggage or golf bags if required to.
Tasked with the ride and handling of the Stinger was Albert Biermann, previously from BMW, who developed the Stinger in Korea honed it on the gruelling Nurburgring racing circuit. The Stinger rides on a chassis comprised of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel, providing a stiff foundation and also contributes to reduced NVH and a quieter cabin.
For the first time, Kia will offer an electronically adjustable suspension setup. Depending on the driver’s requirements, the Stinger can be tuned to respond with more agility through corners as the system softens the front shocks and firms up the rear.  Conversely, improved high-speed stability is achieved when the system stiffens the front shocks and softens the rear, five drive modes are on offer - Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart.
Steering is augmented by a variable ratio electric-assisted power steering, adjustable via the drive mode selector
Kia will offer a choice of two turbocharged engines - a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II engine which produces an estimated 255hp at approximately 6,200 rpm while max torque of 365Nm is available from 1,400 – 4,000 rpm.
A larger, performance oriented 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, also offered on
Hyundai Genesis
, anticipated to produce 365 horsepower at an estimated 6,000 rpm and offer max torque of 509Nm from 1,300 – 4,500 rpm. Kia targets a 5.1 seconds 0-100km/h time and a top speed of 268km/h with the twin turbocharged V6. A 2.2-litre diesel model (for Europe) is rumoured to be in the pipeline too.
The Stinger features a second-generation eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission, designed in-house and features Kia’s first use of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter to help reduce torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. Paddle shifters are supplied, and like the suspension and steering, five selectable modes also augment the shift patterns and throttle mapping.
The Stinger is Kia’s first sedan available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The AWD system is rear-wheel biased for optimal control and features a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system which monitors driver inputs and road conditions and applies power and braking force to the appropriate wheels to maintain course in adverse conditions. The rear-drive vehicles receive a mechanical limited slip differential to help evenly distribute power through the rear wheels.