Geely’s Persona-Like Emgrand Launching In Philippines On Feb 25th

The Philippines surely has Geely’s attention as the Chinese brand has been consistently bringing their new cars to the nation before long. This time, it’s got one B-segment contender slated for launch on February 25th.

There, Geely’s presence continues to grow with more than 6,000 vehicles sold in 2021 or almost 3 times more than they managed to move in 2020, just a year after its re-entered the market. Their current vehicle portfolio consists of the Azkarra (
X70
),
Coolray
 (X50), and the Okavango, a D-segment 7-seater SUV that’s purported to be the
Proton X90
. This incoming sedan would be their 4th model.

Naturally, it won’t be called a Proton in the Philippines, but the newest Emgrand from Geely is a small-ish four-door saloon that sure fits the bill for
an ideal replacement for the national automaker’s ageing Iriz-based 2nd-gen Persona
.

Though unsurprising to those that have been paying attention, its Philippine appearance only portends its imminent arrival to other markets in Southeast Asia. And when it does make its way to Malaysia, there’s no practical way it will be known to us
other than as a Proton
.

Built on the
B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA)
 that also underpins the X50, this newest Emgrand, codenamed the S11, features a familiarly Geely fascia with horizontal slats and slightly bonnet-forward design that accentuates its clamshell shape.

It’s got natural good looks and a sleek profile that results in a drag coefficient of a mere 0.27, which is something that can’t really be said about the Proton model it might be replacing. Apart from that, it’s actually larger than the Persona, slotting in as a sort-of B+ segment and giving class rivals like the Nissan Almera and Honda City a run for their money on the volume-to-value scale.

To give you some idea of what we mean, the Emgrand is dimensionally almost as long and as wide as a Honda Civic despite having a more
Toyota Vios-like
 wheelbase. That said, we’ll have more information on how Emgrand’s specific spec-sheet reads when it does receive its official launch.

It shouldn’t deviate much from its initial introduction in China last year, where it was shown powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol that churned out 114PS and 147Nm that sent power to the front wheels via a CVT automatic. A pretty unexceptional powertrain to match what could be an exceptional B-segment sedan.

Other highlights to look forward to is its well-appointed cabin that features a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch
GKUI infotainment system
. No word yet on active safety features, however, but given the benchmark set by the Proton X50, it’s reasonable to expect its inclusion when if/ the Emgrand does make Malaysian landfall.


Lexus Offers Deals To ES Customers And Gifts For NX Test Drives

To mark the entrance into its eight year,
Lexus
 Malaysia is making its
ES
 sedan even easier to own with the inclusion of attractive offers for new customers, in addition to the marque’s reputation for luxury and customer care.
Lexus asks us to "embrace luxury" this June. And to help us along the Lexus ES will, for a limited time, be offered with the inclusion of a complimentary 5-year/100,000km (whichever comes first) maintenance program that would cover the vehicle for both the cost of parts and labour.
Additionally, Lexus Malaysia will also cover the cost of vehicle insurance and road tax for the first year of ownership and will even include Lexus Solar & Security Film window treatment.
This is on top of any ongoing promotions and upfront payment deals that Lexus has for the ES, and customers are encouraged to drop by a Lexus showroom to get a clearer idea of what attractive offers they’re in store for.
June is also an opportune time for those interested in the sportier
Lexus NX
 to take a test drive of the this latest turbocharged compact crossover SUV from the company. The first 10 customers to take a test drive will receive a special gift while the first five sign-ups of the day will get Lexus
NX200t
 die-cast model.
This will all be happening at Lexus’ Showroom Weekend that’s happening on the 20
th
 and 21
st
 of June as well as the 27
th
 and 28
th
 of June at all Lexus Centres throughout the country.
To allow even more people to experience Lexus vehicles, they will also be holding a road show from the 10
th
 to 14
th
 June at the South Atrium of The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
More details can be found at
www.lexus.com.my


Five Things We’ve Learned From Toshio Asahi, Chief Engineer For The Fifth Generation Lexus LS

At the sidelines of yesterday’s
launch of the all-new fifth generation
 Lexus LS in Malaysia, we caught up with Toshio Asahi, chief engineer of Lexus’ latest flagship limousine. Prior to his current position, Asahi-san was the chief engineer for the current generation Lexus ES. Before that, he was also involved in every generation of LS model in various engineering positions.
Globally, the LS competes against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series but since the LS is a fully-imported model versus the two locally-assembled German stalwarts, the upwards of RM 799,000 Lexus is priced closer to an Audi A8 L (from RM 656,900) and Jaguar XJ L (from RM 645,729).
Our time with Asahi-san was short but here’s what we managed to pick up from our 30-minute conversation with the man behind the LS.
Chauffeur-driven customers are still the focus, but keen drivers won’t be disappointed
Earlier generations of the LS were known for their faultless refinement and ride comfort, as driving was concerned, they were not on par with the BMW 7 Series. All that changed when President Akio Toyoda, a keen driver who also races in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, personally took charge in signing off every new Toyota/Lexus model’s ride and handling.
This all-new LS is the first LS to be developed under Akio Toyoda’s authority and Asahi-san confirms that he had spent many hours with President Toyoda behind the wheel of an LS prototype.
Typical of vehicles of this segment, supreme comfort for chauffeur driven customers is still paramount but there is now greater emphasis on driving pleasure.
The all-new LS shares the same rear-wheel drive GA-L (Global Architecture – Luxury) platform as the LC 500, a ridiculously beautiful car which as
we’ve recently found
, also drives really well.
With a longer wheelbase, longer length, wider body and a lower centre of gravity, the chassis is also the stiffest in Lexus’ history, thanks to a clever mix of lightweight aluminum material that’s bonded to steel via self-piercing rivets, special body adhesive and a new Laser Screw Welding process developed in-house by Lexus.
It’s benchmarked against a Tesla Model S
Although the LS’ drivetrain electrification stops at just the 3.5-litre Multi-Stage Hybrid (for the LS 500h Executive), Lexus has decided to include the fully-electric Tesla Model S in its list of benchmarked vehicles, not for its driving behavior but for its semi-autonomous driving feature.
By benchmarking, it doesn’t mean that Lexus wants to replicate what’s done by others. Like many car makers, Lexus has its own unique approach to execute certain things and as a keen driver, President Toyoda is not a big fan of driverless cars. As such, Lexus is working on its interpretation of semi-autonomous driving feature that’s in keeping with the new Lexus’ brand values.
The previous generation LS was used as a test bed for the company's autonomous driving development
At the moment, the all-new Lexus LS already features semi-autonomous driving, available in certain markets. Furthermore, we can expect knowledge gained from
Lexus’ twin steering wheel self-driving prototype
 to be incorporated into the LS later in its model life.
Apart from the Tesla, the LS is benchmarked against the usual German trio – the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8 – but Asahi cautions that the purpose of benchmarking is not about surpassing a specific numerical objective.
“We are not using them simply as a mark to surpass in a numerical sense, but to come up with a unique characteristic for Lexus. It’s not simply in terms of numbers that we are comparing ourselves, but how does our car feel as far as sensibilities of driving is concerned. If a customer can feel ‘Oh this is the Lexus kind of drive’ or ‘This is the Lexus type of way,’ this is what we are trying to achieve. In terms of advance safety features, it can be about how various information is presented to the driver, that’s could be where we differentiate ourselves,” said Asahi.
Kiriko Glass Is Not That Fragile
Costing a whooping RM98,000 extra, the optional Kiriko Cut Glass package adds hand-folded fine pleated fabric and handcrafted Kiriko cut glass on all four door panels. Find it too expensive? Doesn’t really matter because being a handcrafted item, Lexus can only supply 60 cars with the Kiriko Cut Glass package every month worldwide.
Those who are familiar with Japanese fine art will have seen examples of Kiriko glassware in high-end shops in Japan. Seen mostly as decorative glassware, Kiriko glass are characterized by the unique way they reflect and refract light, giving out vivid colours and texture.
Putting glass on a car’s door panel however, can be tricky, as doors are regularly slammed shut and in the unfortunate event of an accident, serves as a side impact protection structure.
Of course, the glass used in the LS’ Kiriko glass is different from decorative cups and bottles.
“There are two things that we have changed. First is the use of reinforced glass, which makes it very difficult to crack in the first place. In addition to that, we have added a film over it, for a worst case scenario where if it were to crack, the glass won’t shatter. By doing this, we’ve been able to ensure the safety of using it in a car’s interior,” said Asahi.
It’s Less Of A Sedan, More Of A 4-Door Coupe
Compared to its peers, the LS’ stands out with its unique silhouette. Unlike an S-Class or 7 Series, the LS lacks a chunky C-pillar, but instead has what Lexus describes as a six-window profile.
“We’ve talked to customers in this segment. Those who are currently driving three-box sedans said that the interior roominess is great but they wished that the car was more stylish. Those who were driving coupes would say the design is great but they wished that there was more room inside. With this flagship, we’ve tried to incorporate both desires that we’ve heard from our customers. We believe we’ve come up with an attractive design,” said Asahi.
Spindle Grille Will Remain As Lexus’ Identity
Like all Lexus models, the LS’ front-end is dominated by a large trapezoid-like grille that is pinched in the middle. Lexus calls it the ‘spindle grille,’ which is currently in its second generation. When asked if the spindle grille will remain for future Lexus models, Asahi said he can’t comment on future models but explained that the spindle grille is a core part of Lexus’ identity and to establish a design identity, it needs to be reinforced over multiple generations.
“We consider this to be a design icon for Lexus, just like the kidney grille is to BMW. We believe that design icons are something that should be used on a continual basis because that equates with the brand’s character.


MPV Mampu Milik Bawah RM100k – Honda BR-V vs Mitsubishi XPANDER vs Perodua Aruz vs Toyota Avanza vs Proton Exora

Terdapat banyak MPV 7-seater mampu milik yang ditawarkan di pasaran pada tanda harga di bawah RM100,000 pada waktu ini, namun MPV mana satu yang paling sesuai dan berbaloi bagi anda?

Semenjak diperkenalkan,
Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
 atau kenderaan pelbagai guna ini sememangnya menjadi pilihan mereka yang sentiasa memerlukan barisan tempat duduk ketiga dalam kenderaan mereka, terutama bagi yang berkeluarga besar. Dulu, harga bagi kereta 7 penumpang tempat duduk ini agak mahal, tapi itu dulu lah. Dulu polis pun pakai seluar pendek kan? Dengan mengikuti peredaran zaman, harga MPV ditawarkan kini lebih murah dan permintaan yang diterima juga agak tinggi.

MPV sering menjadi buruan mereka yang berkeluarga kerana mampu memuatkan 7 orang. Selain menawarkan kabin yang luas dan selesa, jika terdapat hanya 5 orang dalam satu keluarga, ruangan tempat duduk belakangnya boleh dilipat bagi memuatkan lebih banyak barang. Bukan itu sahaja, reka bentuk MPV kini juga agak moden dan menarik, bukan lagi berbentuk seperti minivan semata-mata. Ditawarkan pada harga mampu milik, ini merupakan tawaran lumayan bagi mereka yang memerlukan lebih daripada 5 tempat duduk pada kenderaan mereka.

Tapi bila dah banyak sangat pilihan MPV mampu milik di pasaran, kadang-kala ia amat memeningkan kepala untuk memilih mana satu MPV terbaik bagi kegunaan anda serta ahli keluarga yang lain. Bagi menyelesaikan masalah yang membelenggu fikiran anda, kami telah menyenaraikan 5 buah MPV mampu milik di bawah harga RM100,000 yang terbaru dan popular bagi membantu anda membuat pilihan yang tepat dalam memilih MPV terbaik.

Antara MPV yang patut anda beri tumpuan adalah
Mitsubishi XPANDER
,
Honda BR-V
,
Toyota Avanza
,
Proton Exora
 serta
Perodua Aruz
. Antara kelima-lima jentera ini, Mitsubishi XPANDER merupakan MPV yang paling terkini dilancarkan di pasaran negara ini. Meskipun ianya model baharu, namun mampukah ia mengenepikan cabaran MPV lain yang sudah bertapak di pasaran sebelumnya? Jom kita lihat.

MPV MAMPU MILIK BAWAH RM100,000

Model

Honda

BR-V

Mitsubishi

XPANDER

Toyota

Avanza

Proton

Exora

Perodua

Aruz

Harga

Bermula dari RM87k

RM91K

Bermula dari RM81k

Bermula dari RM60k

Bermula dari RM69k

Enjin

1.5-liter N/A

1.5-liter N/A

1.5-liter N/A

1.6-liter Turbo

1.5-liter N/A

Transmisi

CVT

4-kelajuan Auto

4-kelajuan Auto

CVT

4-kelajuan Auto

Pacuan

FWD

FWD

RWD

FWD

FWD

Penggunaan Bahan Api

6.5L/100km

4.8L/100km

7.7L/100km

8.3L/100km

6.4L/100km

Kuasa Kuda

118hp

104hp

104hp

138hp

104hp

Tork

120Nm

141Nm

136Nm

205Nm

136Nm

0-100km/j

12.2 saat

13.3 saat

13.5 saat

11.3 saat

16.5 saat

Tayar

16"

16"

15"

16"

17"

Dimensi (mm)

Panjang: 4,451

Lebar: 1,735

Panjang: 4,475

Lebar: 1,750

Panjang: 4,200

Lebar: 1,660

Panjang: 4,592

Lebar: 1,809

Panjang: 4,435

Lebar: 1,695

Beg Udara Kecemasan

2

2

2

2

6

Ciri Keselamatan

ABS/EBD

Kawalan kestabilan

ISOFIX

7x 3-point tali pinggang keledar

ABS/EBD

Kawalan kestabilan

Bantuan Permulaan Bukit

ISOFIX

ABS/EBD

ISOFIX

ABS/EBD

Varian Tertinggi mempunyai ESC

ABS/EBD

Bantuan Brek

VSC

ASA 2.0

Bantuan Permulaan Bukit

Kawalan Penurunan Bukit

ISOFIX

Berdasarkan perbezaan di atas, setiap MPV ini mempunyai kelebihannya yang tersendiri. Jika faktor keselamatan menjadi pilihan utama anda, maka pilihlah Perodua Aruz. Jika anda mahukan lebih kuasa dan ruang yang luas, Proton Exora. Tapi kalau anda inginkan MPV yang boleh diharap daripada segala aspek, anda mungkin akan berminat dengan Honda BR-V. Tetapi, jika anda sejenis yang mementingkan gaya serta mutu pemanduan, Mitsubishi XPANDER yang paling menonjol antara semua.

Tidak dinafikan, jika anda tengok jadual diatas dengan sekali pandang, Perodua Aruz kelihatan seperti pilihan yang baik yang boleh ada dapatkan berbanding pilihan MPV yang lain. Meskipun ianya tidaklah selaju Exora dan secantik XPANDER, namun Aruz menawarkan pelbagai tawaran menarik meliputi segala aspek termasuklah mempunyai ciri keselamatan yang tinggi. Sebagai kereta keluarga, ciri keselamatan memang sesuatu yang amat dititikberatkan. Faktor harga Aruz juga menjadikan MPV ini sebagai pilihan menarik bagi sesebuah keluarga. Berdasarkan jadual, harga Aruz merupakan harga kedua termurah selepas Proton Exora dengan harga bermula RM60,000.

Walaubagaimanapun, anda tidak seharusnya membeli sesebuah kenderaan berdasarkan spesifikasi yang ditawarkan di atas kertas kerana terdapat elemen-elemen yang penting terhadap kereta yang tidak boleh dijelaskan di atas kertas. Apa boleh buat, citarasa manusia lain-lain. Sebagai contoh, meskipun Mistsubishi XPANDER tidak memiliki ciri keselamatan yang menyeluruh seperti Aruz, namun reka bentuk luarannya yang serba garang dan moden pasti menundukkan banyak hati para pembeli setelah melihat sendiri gergasi ini secara depan-depan. Penting juga untuk pandu uji kesemua model ini terlebih dahulu bagi mengetahui cacat cela serta kadar kesesuaian model tersebut pada pemandu serta penumpang.

Yang penting, nak beli kereta kenalah buat kajian dan penyelidikan sikit. Nak beli kereta ni bukan macam beli ikan sebab kalau dah tersilap beli, naya nak tanggung beban hutang. Kalau masih tak tahu mana nak pilih, lihat sahaja video review kereta di Facebook serta Youtube Carlist.my atau sertai group
Cartell by Carlist
 di Facebook sekarang untuk berhubung serta bertukar pendapat bersama komuniti pengguna serta peminat kereta di negara ini.

Welcome to our Carlist.my to get your best
MPV
 choices here. Sure there is one suits you and your family.

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

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

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

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


All-New Ford Fiesta Active Crossover World Debut

Ford has rolled out its all-new Ford Fiesta Active crossover, which features an increased ride height of 18 mm over the standard all-new Fiesta chassis, and track width increased by 10 mm to deliver a more imposing stance, greater rough road capability, and offer an elevated driving position.
Design wise, the Fiesta Active features dark body cladding that runs from the front bumper lip, through the wheel arches and side profile to the rear. At the rear, the Fiesta Active is fitted with a newly designed rear bumper. The Fiesta Active is also offered with 17-inch alloy wheels, which are unique to this model.
Power comes from a range of 1.0-litre three-cylinder, EcoBoost petrol engines (in varying outputs of 85 PS, 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS) and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel (with outputs of 85 PS and 120 PS).
All petrol variants are offered with six-speed manual gearboxes, except the 100 PS variant, which can be had with a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Diesel models are only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Fiesta Active is offered with Auto Start/Stop as standard for all 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines and the 120 PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel variant.
In terms of safety, the Fiesta Active offers the company’s latest suite of driver assistance technologies, including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Auto High-Beam, Traffic Sign recognition. The Fiesta Active can be optionally specified with Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Alert, Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Keeping Aid.
The active safety technologies are supported by cameras, radars and ultrasonic sensors, which are able to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and scan the road ahead up to a distance of 130 metres.
Connectivity is provided by Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system; controlled by a tablet-inspired colour touchscreen system (up to 8-inches), which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features SYNC AppLink for voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps.
The all-new Fiesta Active will be joined by the all-new
Focus Active five-door
 and wagon models when it goes on sale later this year.


Weststar Maxus Absorbs 6% GST For The G10 And V80

In line with the Government’s revised GST rate of zero percent, Weststar Maxus, the sole distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in Malaysia, has reworked its pricing for the range of G10 models and V80 commercial vehicles effective immediately.
The price reductions ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000 will remain in effect until the reimplementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government.
Plans are also afoot to open two new showrooms within the next couple of months in Penang and Kota Bharu. Weststar Maxus also opened a showroom in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, in February this year.
The Weststar Maxus G10 is available at all Weststar Maxus showrooms throughout the country with prices starting from as low as RM130,000.


Handover Marks Launch of New Isuzu Cement Mixer Truck

In support of thriving local construction industry, Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered two units of the newly introduced Isuzu GIGA FXZ360 (cement mixer truck) to Hamzah Ibir Sdn. Bhd., a Terengganu-based construction company.
The GIGA FXZ360 is powered by the 9.8-litre 6UZ1-TCC six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, delivering 360 Ps and 1,422 Nm of torque. All that energy is transferred to the 6x4 drivetrain through a 9-speed ZF gearbox that also feature a flywheel power take-off (PTO) unit.
The new truck also features a cab design that is aerodynamic together with an ergonomically designed instrument panel and equipped with various UNECE safety features.
Dato Haji Khaidir, Managing Director of Hamzah Ibir Sdn. Bhd., said the launch of the much-anticipated mixer truck by Isuzu is timely, in view of the rapid construction and development projects the company is currently undertaking. Hamzah Ibir procured their new assets from Dynamic Motors Sdn. Bhd., an Isuzu authorized dealer located in Kuantan.
Dato Haji Khaidir added that Isuzu trucks became its preferred vehicle brand due to various factors including fuel efficiency as well as excellent after-sales service.
Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Koji Nakamura meanwhile, stated that the new Isuzu GIGA FXZ360 is an important step for the company’s quest to offer a full range of commercial vehicle products.
He added “Isuzu’s reputation as a high-quality, reliable and efficient truck manufacturer is the cornerstone of its global success. In Malaysia, Isuzu has become the best-selling truck brand, especially in the light duty truck segment for eight consecutive years, in addition to being the No.1 preferred brand for commercial vehicle trucks in the past four consecutive years.”
With the launch of the GIGA FXZ360, Isuzu Malaysia now offers a complete product line-up to meet the growing demand for high quality, reliable and fuel efficient trucks, ranging from the Isuzu ELF light-duty truck series, followed by Isuzu FORWARD medium-duty truck series and Isuzu GIGA heavy-duty truck series.


Proton To Launch New Model This Weekend @ Gegar AutoRIA Event?

Take a look at this promo graphic below that’s just popped up on
Proton
 Edar’s website. See anything a bit curious about the materials for their coming Gegar AutoRIA event? Exactly. So what’s this mysterious “
New Proton Model
” they’re on about?
Having only just come across this, an answer from Proton will most likely to wait until the morning, or if they don’t get back to us at all, we’ll have to go find out for ourselves this coming weekend.
What could it be?
Well, your guess is as good as ours, honest. Traditionally, a new Proton model isn't likely to surface out of nowhere without the vehicle being spied at least a couple of times before, let alone some representative openly disclosing the information at some event or the other - it's just not been in Proton's style, of late. Here's a recap of
how it went down with the Iriz's unveilling, from the first spyshots to full launch event
.
The more likely outcome, instead, is that what Proton are referring to here could be a new variant of an existing model that we’ve yet to see. Anything from a
Proton Iriz
 R3, to another SV (Super Value) base variant is a far more realistic possibility.
Further away from that reality, there is of course a Proton Iriz-based sedan that some have called the next-generation Saga, that has been rumoured to be the next new model from Proton. But we've yet to hear any updates about lately.
Amidst the hype of the Iriz’s unveiling many months ago, Proton also weren’t shy of telling the media that the Iriz’s platform could/would spawn a
further electric, and hybrid, vehicle in the future
. But again, we don’t think this is the time – though, we could be wrong.
One example of the Iriz’s all-new architecture being used for various models was previewed in the form of the
Proton Iriz Active Concept
 (pictured up above) – a compact SUV for the B-segment which feature some very advanced styling and tech.
We’ll have to wait on an answer from Proton to officially confirm anything, so for now, do hang tight.
In any case, we’ll catch you at this weekend’s Gegar AutoRIA event, which kicks off on the 22
nd
 of May (this Friday) and ends on the 24
th
 of May (this Sunday). Unfortunately, this one’s happening a bit further away from the Klang Valley, more specifically at Dataran Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang.


Kia Stonic Makes World Debut, Competes with B-Segment SUVs

Just like every other manufacturer that has gotten into the compact crossover game, Kia foresees that there will be huge growth in the segment (beyond what we've already seen) by 2020. In Europe alone there are 1.1 million B-segment SUV crossovers sold annually, and that is expected to double over the next 3 years. For this reason, Kia has launched the Stonic- their all-new contender in this fiercely competitive segment.
Because of the high popularity on Europe, Kia has decided to design it there in conjunction with their Korean design studio. It's a sharp looking car, and it is also most likely based on the same platform as the
Hyundai Kona
 given that they will be fighting in the same segment. Shoulder-room in the Stonic is said to be class leading, along with bootspace that can fit 352 litres of luggage and a two-step boot floor.
Engine options are as you would expect in this segment. There's a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine as the option of choice, with 120 PS on tap, along with a 1.25-litre and a 1.4-litre petrol option, and a 1.6-litre diesel engine if buyers perfer an oil burner (which also happens to be the cleanest of the range). While the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is similar to that of the Hyundai Kona, the Kona seems to have larger engine options available along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Stonic seems to be available only in manual for now. The car's chassis and dynamics were tuned to suit European expectations with "immediate handling responses" and "stable ride" being goals in the development phase.
Ergonomics and technology are the centrepiece of the European-centric cabin, with plenty of personalization options on the inside to match the vivid colour options on the outside. Among the various infotainment systems implemented, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both integrated for a more seamless experience. There are a number of options available like keyless entry and automatic cruise control, but naturally our local variants (if they come) will be offered with more specific trim levels.


Novitec says McLaren Elva's 815hp is not enough, adds 104hp more

Remember the roofless
McLaren Elva
 hyper-roadster with no windshield and 815hp? Apparently, the guys from Novitec think that it's not powerful enough.

The German-based tuner is offering quite the tune-up for the rare McLaren Elva, which is a crazy idea to begin with since there will only be 149 units to be made by the British supercar manufacturer. The result is nothing short of bonkers.

815hp to 919hp, 800Nm to 888Nm torque

The already impressive 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the McLaren Elva has the capabilities to deliver some heavyweight punches thanks to 815hp and 800Nm of torque on tap. Novitec takes things up a few notches with their offerings of three different performance kits that include a module for the car's electronic engine control system, high-performance exhaust, and thermal insulation using 999 gold plating. Ballin'.

The result? A power boost to 919hp and 888Nm of torque - an increase of 104hp and 88Nm, which is not child's play for any car that receives this kind of treatment, let alone the rare McLaren Elva. The end result is an Elva that can hit 0-100km/h in just 2.7 seconds and 200km/h four seconds after that. Top speed? Over 330km/h. With no roof and no windshield.

Other additions offered by Novitec to increase the Elva's overall handling are hi-tech forged wheels in collaboration with Vossen, sport springs that also lower the ride height by 20mm, and other cosmetic upgrades using the finest leather and Alcantara finished in any style and colour requested by the customer.


2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior Revealed Ahead Of Detroit Debut, Inherits S-Class’ Toys

Mercedes-Benz
 is readying the next generation of its mid-tier luxury saloon, the
E-Class
, for an official unveil next month at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. But before we get to that, Merc has let out some pictures of the refreshed interior, no doubt for our perusal.
From the pictures we immediately see parallels with the interior attributes of the Mercedes-Benz
S-Class
, the company’s flagship luxury sedan, revealing that the automaker isn’t shy about trickling down its aesthetic and technological features as soon as it can.
You can’t miss it - the most obvious addition is the wide display that spans from the driver side all the way to the centre console. The single glass pane gives the illusion of a single mega-wide screen, but it is actually made up of two 12.3-inch LCD panels - one for the driver’s information feed such as speedometer, tachometer, and other pertinent vehicular parameters, while the second panel is more attuned to the infotainment and comfort settings available for fine tuning.
The system is entirely configurable by the driver and links with the optional Mercedes COMMAND online system. In the more modest variants of the next E-Class (Avantgarde), a pair of traditional analogue dials will be used for the driver, with a smaller display in between while an 8.3-inch LCD panel will serve as a central infotainment screen. Touch-sensitive control buttons are also built into the steering wheel, permitting the driver finer control over in-car settings and functions without his or her hands having to leave the steering wheel.
The centre console storage area also now has a charging mat that allows compatible phones to charge wirelessly. Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto interfaces are also available and built into the Mercedes system, with the supported device only needing to be plugged-in via the USB port (of which there are 3 in total). For the occupants’ hearing pleasure, the E-Class can be fitted with an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system similar to the setup found in the more expensive S-Class.
"With the interior of the new E-Class, we are giving a new interpretation to the concept of contemporary luxury," says Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design. "We have designed a spacious and intelligent interior. True to Mercedes-Benz's design philosophy of sensual purity, it employs technological innovation and high-grade equipment to create an exceptionally emotive experience for driver and front passenger. The E-Class thus not only sets a new standard in the business class. Alongside a workplace and private environment, it also becomes a "third place" – a living area in which passengers are able to enjoy contemporary luxury."
The current E-Class has been around since 2009, and going forward it only makes sense for the all-new fifth generation version to be endowed with the best that Mercedes can furnish it with without going head-to-head with its higher-end sibling.
The fifth-generation E-Class (dubbed W213) will be built upon Mercedes-Benz’s new MRA modular platform, which it will share with the current
C-Class
 and S-Class and is slated to arrive in showrooms some time in the latter half of 2016.


2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv Launched In Malaysia: RM88k For All This?!

Let’s be honest, there’s very little about the all-new
2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv
 launched here that we haven’t shown you already: from when
it opened for bookings
, the
spying of the Sedan variant in Thailand,
 the Malaysian price reveal, to spyshots of the car right here.

Now, and finally, Bermaz Motor has officially unveiled its all-new
Mazda
 2 in full, confirming all the specs we’ve seen before, for both body types offered. Remember, everything from features to spec (minus dimensions) for the Mazda 2 Hatchback and Sedan are identical, so keep that in mind throughout this report.

KEY SPECS: 2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv (Hatch/ Sedan)

Price: RM87,956 (OTR with insurance, sedan and hatch same price)

Engine: 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol

Transmission: Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive torque converter automatic

Power: 114hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 148Nm @ 4,000rpm

Body Colours: Soul Red Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminium Metallic

Buyer’s Guide:

Essentially, the 2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv Hatchback and Sedan joins the Malaysian B-segment to face-off against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift, Honda City, Toyota Vios and more. Both body types of the car are currently being imported from Thailand (CBU units), and are priced very competitively against the highest-spec variants of its competitors. And if you're worried about the build quality of the cars taking any dips because of their being imported from Thailand and not Japan, we've been assured by Bermaz Motor that everything is as identical (apart from specification) as they can get. Having driven the car in Japan ourselves, we're keen to agree with them, having seen, touched, felt the local-spec car.

Previously estimated to cost a lot closer to the RM100k mark, the all-new Mazda 2 SkyActiv’s prices are quite surprising, given the amount of kit on offer here, plus the full suite of SkyActiv technologies that can’t be seen at first glance, but provide the game-changing, drive-centric qualities of the car.

RM87,956 is relatively a bargain, all things considered. And included to that price is a three-year warranty and maintenance package by Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia.

Performance:

Called to duty is a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine which makes 114hp and 148Nm of torque. Comparatively, the Mazda power mill makes just 6hp less than Honda’s 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC, but 3Nm more – peak power and torque comes at 600rpm sooner than the Honda engine as well.

As featured on all locally-available Mazda SkyActiv vehicles, a six-speed SkyActiv-DRIVE torque converter automatic is equipped, and send power to the front wheels of the B-segmenter.

To manage the power, the Mazda 2 SkyActiv is equipped with a new Drive Selection Switch, allowing you to choose from two drive modes: Normal and Sport. Re-mapped via this switch are the throttle responsiveness and transmission shift points to offer either sharper performance, or more economical, everyday driving. And if it’s better fuel consumption that you’re after, the Mazda 2 does come standard fit with the i-Stop Idling Stop System (a.k.a. auto start/stop).

PS: You may come across a few of the Mazda 2 SkyActiv Sedan photos where you may note a SkyActiv-D badge around the back. Pay no mind to those for now, Bermaz Motor is only has the car here for display purposes, and as we understand it, are in fact studying the prospect of officially selling its diesel vehicles here. No surprises, given the Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D they've been testing for some time already.

Dimensions and weight:

With a shared overall width of 1,695mm, the Mazda 2 Sedan is 260mm longer and 25mm taller than the Hatchback. At the kerb, the Sedan and Hatchback weigh in at 1,065kg and 1,056kg respectively.

Seating capacity is good for five people in both body types of the car, but taller rear passengers may find a bit of trouble finding enough leg and headroom – remember though; Mazda vehicles are all about being a driver’s car first, so comparisons with a Honda over spaciousness isn’t a very accurate measure, but more of a personal choice.

Exterior Styling:

Needless to say, the Mazda 2 SkyActiv is the company’s KODO: Soul Of Motion design at its best. An evolution of what we first saw on the Mazda CX-5, then Mazda 6 and 3, the baby 2 was the latest iteration of this new design language for Mazda vehicles, until the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 and the all-new Mazda CX-3.

Unfortunately, the impressive and cool-looking LED projector headlamps we saw revealed in Japan haven’t been made available on the Malaysian-spec Mazda 2, which instead gets more basic reflectors with halogen bulbs equipped with daytime running lights - ala CX-5.

For a bit more flair, Bermaz Motor is offering an additional bodykit for its Mazda 2 Hatchback and Sedan. Customers may proceed to place orders for it now, and have it arrive with their cars in due time, and will be fitted locally. Prices for the kit haven't been confirmed yet, so it's wait-and-see for now.

Interior Design:

Inside, it’s leather upholstery all around for the Mazda 2 twins, and if you haven’t been clued in by our previous posts, the car’s specifications run as high as we’ve seen them in the B-segment. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather, backed by gear shift paddles. The sports seats are full leather, adorned with a sporty red garnish trim down the center.

INFOTAINMENT
: Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment steals the show, with a commanding 7.0-inch LCD screen (not a touchscreen). A personal favourite of this writer, the MZD Connect system is controlled via what Mazda calls a Commander Control Switch, which is essentially a control dial located on the center console. You also get reverse-camera displays on the seven-inch screen that primarily hosts all your media and car settings.

FEATURES:
 Continuing the generosity, Bermaz Motor’s Mazda 2 pair come also with a heads-up display screen (Active Driving Display) – a first for the B-segment. Then on, there’s an engine push-start button and keyless entry.

OPTIONAL:
 For an additional RM1,200, Bermaz Motor will do you an upgrade to the infotainment to include a navigation system.

Safety Features:

It’s again rather impressive stuff from the Mazda where safety is concerned; putting up the expected ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is also a standard fit, which brings it up to standards we normally expect of any modern vehicle.

Airbags are limited to a count of just two anywhere you look with the Mazda 2 SkyActiv, and it’s a common case for the car offered in any of our neighbouring regions – Australia is one exemption, we’re told, likely due to the stricter regulations enforced there.

Otherwise, there are ISOFIX child-seat anchors, reverse sensors, a reverse camera, an immobiliser system, and a burglar alarm all in.


Volkswagen ID.3 Receives 10,000 Bookings Just 24 Hours After Being Revealed

Months before its official world premiere at the IAA international motor show, Volkswagen has officially revealed the newest member of the ID. Family - the ID.3,
A day after the model was revealed, the company announced that a special edition version of the ID.3 called the ID.3 1st Edition, was open for pre-booking in 29 countries across Europe.
Believe it or not, more than 10,000 registrations were received throughout Europe during the first 24 hours itself.
Limited to 30,000 units, the ID.3 1ST special edition is being offered in four colours and three versions.
All the versions will feature large wheel rims, voice control navigation system, IQ. Light, bi-color exterior and interior design, a large panoramic glass roof, as well as augmented reality head-up display.
While the pre-booking special edition model is powered by a medium-sized battery with an electric driving range of up to 420 km, Volkswagen said that there will also be a base model with a smaller battery pack, with a range of up to 350 km.
It is said that there will also be a version with a larger battery pack with a range of up to 550 km. However, these models will only be offered later on after this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
That said, production of the ID.3 1ST Edition is Expected to start at the end of 2019, and the first vehicles are to be delivered in mid-2020.
All set to make its global debut in Frankfurt later this year, the ID.3 is the first Volkswagen model to be based on the brand’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform.


Toyota Releases Gundam-themed Auris For Japan –Limited To 300 Units

Toyota has released another limited edition Mobile Suit Gundam-themed version of its Toyota Auris for the Japanese market.
This is the second time Toyota has collaborated with Bandai to produce a Gundam-themed Toyota, the first was done in 2013, also on the current generation Auris.
Compared to the previous exercise, the second Gundam-themed Auris - known as the Zeonic Toyota Auris - wears a far more aggressive styling and even comes with a racing-style semi bucket front seats.
The powertrain remains unchanged. There are three engine options – 1.2-litre turbo petrol, normally aspirated 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrol. All engines are paired to a CVT.
Prices start from 3.22 million Yen for the 1.5-litre 150X S variant, to 3.71 million Yen for the 1.2-litre 120T variant. The Zeonic Toyota Auris is only limited to 300 units, and is only available in Japan.
Here is what a regular Toyota Auris looks like.


Diamonds Among Gems: The 5 Best BMW Engines (So Far)

The 5 best BMW engines - no mean feat to narrow down because how does one choose from a laundry list of some of the best engines of all time? Nonetheless, this is our pick of the 5 best BMW engines so far.

BMW is one of those automotive brands that always seem to always stir up emotions. Perhaps more than any other car brand, they know there’s no quicker way to endear us to a car than through a great engine.

So special are the cars themselves - and so dense with untapped potential - that even many of their less enthusiast-focused machines
have become car nerd favourites
, unlocking hidden performance and driving enjoyment from an otherwise basic set of ingredients.

It’s no wonder, of course, as their history is absolutely lined with great cars
that have not lost their glint
 no matter how many years go by.

However, it’s their history of great engines that have carried their cult status
through the generations
. The appeal of a silky engine note, linear power delivery, and spine-tingling throttle response is universal.

Some of these engines have delivered the most cutting edge performance metrics of their day, but even when they fall short on pure numbers, are still lauded for their design, construction, refinement and character.

Plain and simply, we’re counting down
the 5 best engines that BMW have ever produced
. Just by the sheer count of different motors, which could fill multiple volumes, this is a difficult list to narrow down, but selecting 5 out of so many gems was nearly impossible.

There will be disputes here as everybody and their mothers seem to have their own opinions about the finest BMW engines.

Still, though I might regret it, here goes nothing:

M88/1 - 1978 BMW M1

How could we not kick this off without paying respect to
BMW’s first M car
, and the only one to feature a mid-engine layout as well as not being derived from an existing model. The M1 was clearly meant to compete with the supercars of Italy such as the Countach and Testarossa, and thusly got Mr Giugiaro to pen the design.

With its bespoke exterior, its 3.5-litre naturally aspirated
inline-6
 was also developed specifically for the inaugural M car. Though it shared some DNA from the M30 used in the BMW E9 and other saloon models, the M88 was exclusive to the M1.

It used a cast-iron block with an aluminium head and indeed was the first BMW production engine to feature a dual overhead camshaft valvetrain. In typical fashion, each cylinder was given an individual throttle body for a total of six. In the M1 it produced 273hp at 6,500rpm and 330Nm at 5,000rpm, making it pretty fast even
by modern standards
.

S70/2 - 1993 McLaren F1

Ironically, what many might consider to be the mightiest BMW engine was never fitted to a car bearing its round badge.

When
Gordon Murray
 was developing the F1 with backing from McLaren, finding a suitable engine to fulfil the car’s stratospheric goals of being the ultimate supercar was no easy task, especially when turbocharging and supercharging were ruled out for being too unreliable, unpredictable, and laggy.

Initially Honda, through their engine partnership with the
McLaren-Honda Formula 1
 team, were tapped to engineer a naturally aspirated engine with at least 550hp but turned the project down, bringing Murray to BMW’s front door, who took up the challenge.

Based on the M70 in the E31 850Ci, BMW M’s engine wizard Paul Rosche had already created the S70B56 for the range-topping 850CSi, an uprated 5.6-litre version of that aluminium V12.

With this as a foundation, the team added more extensive modifications to meet McLaren’s exacting spec brief for power and weight, adding 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS variable valve timing, individual throttle bodies, and a dry sump lubrication system. The S70/2 was born.

In the ‘standard’ McLaren F1, this 6.1-litre V12 produced 618hp at its 7,400rpm electronic limiter and 650Nm at 5,600rpm, which was slightly more output than was asked for. To this day, it remains the world’s fastest naturally aspirated production car.

S85B50 - 2004 BMW M5 (E60)

The S85 is arguably the most unique engine ever fitted to an M car -
that being the E60 M5
 and E63 M6 - with a rather un-BMW cylinder count of 10 to match the 3.0-litre V10s used by the BMW Sauber Formula 1 cars at the time.

Unlike most production M engines, the highly strung S85 (and its V8 derivative the 4.0-litre S65 in the E90 M3) were not based on existing BMW engine designs, adding to its unicorn status.

Working from a blank canvas, the engine team developed an all-aluminium naturally aspirated V10 displacing 5.0-litres with clear technical ties to motorsport. Clearly, BMW wanted it to feel like a race-derived engine.

Power was pegged at 500hp at a rather lofty 7,500rpm (redline at an even more rarified 8,250rpm) while peak torque of 520Nm arriving at 6,100rpm, giving it one of the highest specific outputs for any naturally aspirated motor.

Anyone who has heard the S85 scream will have that engine note seared into their skulls as that uneven firing V10 produces a highly nuanced and characterful howl that, alongside the S65 in the E90 M3, simply cannot be matched by the twin-turbo V8s and inline-sixes
that followed in subsequent M cars
.

P60B40 - 2001 BMW M3 GTR (E46)

Everyone seems to have
a soft spot for the E46 M3
 and its near-perfect blend of classic sports car attributes. Indeed its 3.2-litre S54 was the last naturally aspirated inline-6 to feature in an M3 before the range fully embraced turbocharging with the F80.

However, the P60 fitted to the M3 GTR was a completely different beast, a true motorsports thoroughbred designed to win races. In the 2000 American Le Mans Series GT category in which BMW was fielding the racing versions of the E46 M3, their straight-six motors were holding them back from being truly competitive.

Their remedy was to create a new engine with much beefier specifications and slot them into the existing GT racers, resulting in the P60 and the M3 GTR. This flat plane crank 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 produced 444hp and 480Nm, quickly outpacing the competition and earning it victory in the 2001 championship along with many new fans captivated by its epic soundtrack and side-spitting exhausts.

However, controversy ensued as rival teams saw this move as an unfair advantage since the engine was never sold to the public in road-going form. After the outcry, ALMS altered the rules midway through the 2001 season to state that the car had to be on sale for a minimum of 12 months on at least two continents for their new P60-fitted M3s to continue racing in the subsequent season.

This homologation effort lead to the ultra-rare M3 GTR ‘Straßen Version’, or ‘street version’, sold for at an insanely high price of €250,000, or more than 6 times pricier than a standard M3. Reportedly, BMW initially claimed to have offered just 10 cars for sale to the general public but later confirmed that only 6 examples were ever produced with the P60 detuned to 382hp. Of that 6, 3 were development prototypes and off limits to buyers.

Just prior the 2002 season opener, ALMS again altered the rules to mandate that 100 cars and 1,000 engines be built at minimum for the M3 GTR to qualify without incurring severe penalties, effectively disallowing the car a slot on the grid.

Rather than comply, BMW withdrew from the series before returning years later with a race version of the E92 M3 where it swept victory in the 2011 season with manufacturer, team, and driver championships. That must've been satisfying.

Oh yeah, the M3 GTR also got pretty famous from being the hero car in a few
Need For Speed video games
, but mostly from NFS: Most Wanted and NFS: Carbon. Just in case you didn't know.

B57D30S0 - 2017 BMW M550d xDrive (G30)

Not only is this the only engine on this list that wasn’t in an M car (the M550d or other Mxxx models are
sub-M
 models, fight me) but, blasphemously, also a diesel. However, the B57 is a thoroughly deserving entrant here among such prestigious company. Here’s why:

The B57, a 3.0-litre inline-6 diesel,
first made its debut
 in
the G11 7 Series
, taking the reins from the tri-turbo N57 that powered the F10-based M550d, which was already a very impressive powerplant. However, with stronger internals, a revised block design, and FOUR turbochargers, it now pumped out a staggering 394hp and 760Nm of torque.

If you’re familiar with diesels, you might realise how ridiculous that horsepower count is. Despite the monstrous output, its engineers managed to retain its predecessor's aluminium construction, making it as light as its petrol equivalent but with gravity-altering amounts of torque and pretty incredible fuel economy.

In the hands of aftermarket tuners, this engine can easily produce over 1,000Nm if only the transmission and driveline wouldn’t tear itself apart. Insofar as its relentless torque goes,
the G30 5 Series
 in M550d form was unstoppable - basically a runaway locomotive on four wheels.

That aside, it was still an incredibly refined six-cylinder engine with impeccable low-speed manners, making it all the more beguiling. And how else besides buying a Bugatti (EB110,
Veyron
, Chiron) can you brag about having a quad-turbo engine?


Perodua Plans To Assemble The Largest Myvi Gathering Ever: Here's How You Can Be Apart Of It

Perodua
 is calling out to all
Myvi
 owners and/or drivers to be part of the “Myvi Nation, the Biggest Myvi Gathering” event on 24th May 2015 from 7:00am to 6:00pm at Setia Alam City Mall, Shah Alam.
As part of the model’s tenth anniversary, Perodua will be also hosting a two-day “Myvi 10niversary Celebration” in the same location on the 23
rd
 and 24
th
 of May.
If you are a
Perodua Myvi
 owner and/or driver looking to participate in this event, simply register at Perodua’s official website (
www.perodua.com.my
) from 21
st
 April to 10
th
 May 2015 along with a nominal fee of RM50.
Registered participants are required to bring their Myvi to the full-day event where they will receive a certificate as well as an exclusive gift pack worth over RM400. In addition, they will also be in the running to win a special 10
th
 Anniversary Commemorative Edition Myvi car.
Perodua President and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said, “We are very happy to celebrate this very important milestone with our customers and as a big thank you, in addition to the gathering, Perodua invites the public to join our two-day Myvi 10niversary Celebration.”
Aside from the gathering of Myvi cars, the public will also be able to enjoy various other activities including a star-studded concert, fireworks display, hot air balloon rides, games and fun activities, and even watch movies under the stars.
Special deals will also be offered during the event which is part of Perodua’s “Myvi, Love of the Nation” initiative that began in December 2014 and will end in December this year.


Hankook - Delivering A Tyre For Every Need

Tyres are the most underrated and underappreciated part of a car. It is the one component that can affect a car’s handling, ride comfort, cabin noise, fuel efficiency, and safety. But everybody takes it for granted. Instead many choose to try their luck at using different fuels, installing aftermarket suspension components, or even tweaking its electrical systems in the quest of improving to their cars' characteristics.
As previously mentioned
, certain tyres are designed to suit certain cars, not every tyre can be used interchangably for every type of vehicle.
Tyres are highly specialised products that have been designed to deliver certain traits that would suit the needs and demands of customers and their cars.
With that in mind, Hankook Tire has a wide and comprehensive product range of tyres that are ideal for passenger cars, performance cars, MPV, and pick-up trucks for drivers to choose from.
Hankook’s widest range of tyres is the Ventus series, which has eight-different variants to choose from, each of which are suited to meet a specific customer need, with six of them specifically made to perform in our warm climate. The Ventus S1 evo and the S1 evo
2
 is Hankook’s premium range of tyres for luxury and performance cars that deliver excellent dry and wet grip, without compromising on ride comfort. For those who like a sporty drive, the Ventus V12 evo and V12 evo
2
is more focused on delivering better traction in all-conditions while delivering better tread longevity. Comfort and grip in dry and wet conditions is the name of the game for the Ventus Prime
2
, which is designed to be quieter on the road and deliver a softer ride. However for those who want a no-compromise tyre that is focused solely on delivering the ultimate levels of dry grip, there is the Ventus R-S3 semi-slicks, which is designed with huge tread blocks that deliver the maximum amount of grip from the road.
For the fuel-efficiency minded driver, Hankook has the Kinergy Ex, with its revolutionary technology of nano-silica particles, which is able to deliver better fuel efficiency figures thanks to its low-rolling resistant qualities without any compromises on wet weather performance.
With SUVs and pick-up trucks growing in popularity, Hankook has also developed a wide range of tyres to suit such vehicles types. The Vantra LT for instance delivers a well-rounded on-road performance, with the strength and capability for the driver to partake in light off-road driving. Though that being said, Hankook also has a tyre for on-road performance SUVs such as the new
Porsche Macan
. Known as the Ventus S1 evo
2
 SUV, this premium performance tyre for SUVs has been developed solely for on-road driving, with a focus on dry and wet braking performance as well as delivering low rolling resistance to maximise fuel efficiency.
For the adventure seekers, Hankook Tire has the Dynapro AT-m and Dynapro MT tyres that are suited to go where the going gets tough. With its sharp edged tread pattern with huge grooves to bite into rough terrain, the Dynapro AT-m balances off-road capability with on-road usability. However for those venturing into the deep wilderness, where dry terrain are scarce, the Dynapro MT is an essential companion. With large shoulder lugs to grip its way up any challenging terrain, and under-groove protector which is able to prevent impact damage and punctures from protruding objects, the Dynapro MT is tough enough for anything nature can throw at it.


Mazda Reveals Weight Of US-Spec MX-5, Drive It In Forza Horizon 2

Want to be among the first in the world to drive the new
Mazda
 MX-5? Do you own an Xbox One? Do you own a copy of Forza Horizon 2? Then you’re in luck because the good folks at Mazda North American Operations will be giving players the opportunity to drive the all-new roadster months before the physical car goes on sale to the public through the Forza Horizon 2
Mazda MX-5
 Car Pack.
Before we jump into the details of the car pack for the game, Mazda also took this opportunity to reveal something even more significant, the weight of the actual, physical, real life US-spec car. And that magic number is 1,058 kg for the manual variant and 1,080 kg for the automatic. Now that doesn’t sound very exciting but looking back at the previous generations of the MX-5, it is amazing to know that the newest, fourth-generation model is 68 kg lighter than its predecessor, the third-generation NC.
In fact, if we look back at the first-generation NA model, it weighed 940 kg and the second-generation NB model weight 1,065 kg. That is a pretty amazing feat to keep the roadster’s weight in check for the past 25 years, even with the additional technologies added to it since then. It was also announced previously that
production of the MX-5 has begun
 at the company's Hiroshima plant.
Now, back to the car pack and with the download, these cars will be made available to you:
2016 MX-5
2010 MX-5 Super20 SEMA concept car
1990 MX-5
2005 MAZDASPEED MX-5


BMW Starts Off Communications On All-New G20 3 Series In Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has posted a series of kidney grilles that belong to the many generations of 3 Series, confirming a local introduction soon.
The all-new G20 3 Series is available in a few powertrains, but the line-up in Malaysia should consist of the 330i and 320i. Both engines are turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, with the former delivering outputs of 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, while the latter achieves 184 hp and 300 Nm of peak outputs.
The popular
hybrid variant called 330e
 is only scheduled for production in Germany in July, thus we should not be expecting it to reach our shores until the end of the year, earliest.
To recap, the
G20 3 Series
 is the largest 3 Series ever, with a significant extension in all dimensions compared to the F30 generation.
BMW also says the body rigidity has been strengthened by 50 percent, while weighing up to 55 kilograms lighter.
Inside, much more technical assistance has been added. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allows drivers to use natural voice to control various functions of the car. Owners can even unlock and start the engine all through their own smartphone.
Meanwhile,
our neighbour up north
 offers two variants of the G20 3 Series: the 330i M Sport and the 320d Sport. The petrol variant is priced from 3.359 million Baht, while the diesel variant is priced from 2.959 million Baht.
The prices are higher than competitors, as well as its predecessor, as the model is fully imported from Germany, without the benefit of incentives through local-assembly.


May 2019 New Vehicle Sales – Big Gains For Honda and Toyota

The new vehicle market in May has recovered from the slight slump in April, with a total of 60,780 new vehicles registered, up 21.6%. The improvement in sales is driven by deliveries of new vehicles for the Raya holidays.
Year-on-year, the market witnessed a 39.3% improvement, moving up from 182,157 units to 253,808 units.
As we predicted last month
, Honda’s performance improved significantly in May following resumption in deliveries of the Civic. The company registered 10,509 new vehicles last month, an increase of 4,334 units or 70.2% compared to April. To date, Honda has sold 38,874 new vehicles, an increase of 6,984 units compared to the same period last year. As such, Honda remains as the country’s number one non-national car manufacturer.
It is also worth noting that submission of vehicle sales data to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is voluntary. Typically, wholesale numbers (deliveries to dealers) are submitted but we understand that Honda’s numbers are based actual registrations - vehicles delivered to customers (a process which takes about one or two weeks longer) instead of dealers. In other words, Honda's (wholesale) numbers should be a lot higher.
Apart from Honda, Toyota also did well in May. Toyota reported that they sold 6,779 vehicles last month, up 24% or 1,314 units from April. Toyota's strong performance is achieved on the back of strong market reception to the
all-new Yaris
, which is now among its top-three best selling models after the Vios and Hilux.
Mazda saw a 18.6% drop month-on-month, from 1,302 units to 1,060 units, mostly due to discontinuation of the outgoing Mazda 3. An all-new model will join the line-up in the next quarter but it will be imported from Japan rather than locally-assembled. As such, it will be priced much higher and volume contribution will be a lot less.
Shortfall in contribution from the Mazda 3 will be compensated by the locally-assembled CX-8, also due to be launched in the next quarter. Being an SUV, the seven-seater CX-8 will likely find greater traction in the market place compared to a less popular C-segment hatchback/sedan Mazda 3, despite the CX-8's higher price (estimated to be close to RM 200,000).
Year-on-year however, Mazda's sales increased by 24.2% or 1,107 units, raising cumulative sales to 5,673 units.
In the premium segment, Mercedes-Benz continued to lead the segment with 981 units sold, marking a 0.7% increase from the month prior. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz has sold 4,973 units, a 12.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite that, Mercedes-Benz’s market share slipped from 2.1% in April to 2.0% in May.


Renault, Geely Jalin Kerjasama Bina Enjin Petrol Dan Hibrid

Renault
dan
Geely
telah bersetuju untuk melancarkan usaha sama baharu yang akan membekalkan enjin petrol dan teknologi hibrid kepada jenama yang mereka miliki serta kepada pembuat kereta lain.

Walaupun tidak jelas sama ada usaha niaga itu selangkah menghampiri kerjasama lebih erat terhadap kereta petrol antara kedua-dua syarikat atau tidak, ia menandakan langkah kritikal dalam penstrukturan semula kompleks pembuat kereta Perancis itu.

Selain berusaha untuk membina perniagaan pembakaran dalamannya, Renault telah berbincang untuk merombak pakatannya dengan Nissan Motor Co dan meyakinkan rakan kongsi Jepunnya untuk melabur dalam unit elektrik baharunya.

Skala baik pulih Renault ini merangkumi perniagaan enjin petrol yang diberi nama kod "Horse" dan kod elektrik yang diberi nama "Ampere" memandangkan Eropah telah mengharamkan enjin pembakaran dalaman mulai 2035.

Usaha sama Renault dengan Geely ini menyaksikan sebanyak 19,000 peluang pekerjaan dibuka di 17 kilang enjin dan tiga hab penyelidikan dan pembangunan. kerjasama ini dijangka mencapai persetujuan akhir dan sebuah syarikat baharu akan dilancarkan pada 2023.

Berdasarkan laporan Reuters, syarikat baharu itu akan berpangkalan di London di mana Renault dan Geely masing-masing akan memegang 50% pegangan saham.

Syarikat baharu itu dikatakan bakal membekalkan enjin petrol dan hibrid kepada jenama yang dimiliki atau dikaitkan dengan Renault dan Geely termasuk Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volvo Cars, Renault, Dacia, Geely Auto, Lynk & Co. dan
Proton
.

Bagi Geely, perjanjian itu selaras dengan rancangan Geely untuk memperluaskan rakan kongsi untuk terus berkembang melangkaui China. Geely juga memiliki Volvo Cars dan mempunyai 9.7% pegangan dalam Daimler AG.

Nissan telah membangkitkan kebimbangan kepada Renault mengenai penggunaan harta intelek, termasuk bateri dan teknologi powertrain. Namun, hasil perbincangan Renault bersama Nissan masih menjadi tanda tanya. Menurut Nissan, mereka sedang mempertimbangkan pelaburan dalam usaha niaga Ampere.

Banyak Pengeluar kereta global telah membentuk usaha sama sepanjang dekad yang lalu untuk berkongsi kos pembangunan berbilion dolar bagi kenderaan elektrik dan enjin petrol yang lebih cekap.

Menurut Eric Li, pengerusi Geely Holding Group, perjanjian Renault-Geely akan menyaksikan pembinaan sebuah peneraju global dalam teknologi hibrid bagi menyediakan penyelesaian termaju dan cekap untuk pembuat kereta di seluruh dunia.


Toyota Ranked Number 1 in Industry By Forbes

Every year, Forbes gathers a list of around 1,500 companies that have an annual revenue of 10 billion USD or more. From this they narrow it down to just the 15 largest in each international industry and the 10 largest within each United States domestic industry. Even after narrowing down the list, it still comes to roughly 680 companies across 28 countries worldwide. From this short(er)list, a pool of 3,800 executives, directors, and securities analysts will select 10 companies that they admire the most.
The result is a list of the 50 Most Admired Companies worldwide. For the list that Forbes has published this year, Toyota sits in the top spot for the automotive sector, and in the 34th position on the overall list of 50 companies. For each company, the survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of products and services, social and environmental responsibility, global competitiveness, and value as an investment, among others.
"Toyota is proud to be listed once again as among the world’s most admired companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “This recognition honors the commitment of our team to continuous improvement and exceeding customer expectations. Together, we at Toyota are leading the industry in creating the future of mobility and are making a positive difference in the world through safer, greener and more fun driving experiences.”


BYD Atto 3 & e6 EV models to be launched in December - From RM150k

It's official, folks. The
BYD Atto 3
 and e6 EV models will be launched right here in Malaysia in December 2022.

Following the announcement of
Sime Darby Motors
 as the official distributor for the BYD brand here in Malaysia back in September, the first two models will be making their official appearances in December 2022, and more to follow suit in 2023.

BYD Atto 3 & e6 - estimated from RM150k-RM170k

For those who are interested in getting their very own BYD EV, whether it's the Atto 3 compact SUV or e6 crossover/compact MPV, the estimated prices for the first two models are set around RM150,000 to RM170,000. Interested parties can already register their interest via the BYD - Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Facebook page.

Bookings, however, are still not yet available for now but if the timeline strongly suggests that these two models will indeed be launched in December this year, then it won't be long before interested parties can start placing their bookings for the very first batch of BYD EVs here in Malaysia.

Two variants for the BYD Atto 3

There will be two BYD Atto 3 variants that'll come into the Malaysian market which can be differentiated via its BYD Blade EV battery capacities - 49.92kWh and 60.48kWh. The former offers a 410km NEDC range while the latter grants a slightly further NEDC range of 480km.

Both variants are fitted with the same front-mounted electric motors that produce 210hp and 310Nm of torque. As for the e6 crossover/compact MPV, that features a 71.7kWh battery mated to a 93hp electric motor that can generate 180Nm of torque. NEDC distance is said to be within the 522km range.

It's going to be a very interesting couple of months for the entry-level EV segment here in Malaysia, folks. We'll also be getting the Ora Good Cat within the same timeframe as well as Renault Zoe. More to follow suit, of course.


Head-to-Head: 2016 Renault Koleos vs Nissan X-Trail T32 2.5 AWD

Platform sharing is not an uncommon practice in the automotive world today, and it should come as no surprise that the
all-new Renault Koleos
 launch today shares common underpinnings with the latest
Nissan X-Trail T32
.
The CMF platform underneath both cars is a joint development of the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is meant to underpin a wide range of vehicles for both brands. Much like Volkswagen’s MQB and Volvo’s SPA, the Renault-Nissan CMF architecture employs a modular approach and is scalable to accommodate a multitude of sizes and applications. If indeed Renault decides to CKD the Koleos in Malaysia, it can be built off the same production line as the X-Trail.
One might then wonder if the Koleos is little more than a rebadge of the X-Trail, but as we dive into key differences between the two products, it becomes clear that there is much that differentiates between these two SUVs that incidentally compete within the same market space.
1.
Pricing:
 Owing to its CBU status, the Koleos (RM178k) is pricier than the locally-assembled X-Trail (RM164k). Fully speccing up the Nissan with all the accessories on offer, however, pushes its price perilously close to the Renault’s, but it is worth highlighting that whatever you get in the Koleos is factory fitted. Things like Impul bodykits and TCAT multimedia units which you can order with the X-Trail are locally-sourced accessories fitted by the dealership.
2.
Body Size:
 The two models occupy similarly-sized footprints. They sit on identical 2,705mm wheelbases, but the Koleos stretches slightly longer on overall length, measuring 4,672mm against the X-Trail’s 4,640mm. The Koleos also happens to sit lower (1,678 vs 1,715mm) and wider (1,843 vs 1,820mm) than the X-Trail. Fuel tank sizes are identical, however, and the Renault is lighter than the Nissan by a mere kilogram (1,611 vs 1,612kg)
3.
Cabin Space:
 Renault offers the Koleos only as a five seater, whilst the X-Trail seats seven. With its third row seats folded, the X-Trail matches the Koleo’s cargo capacity of 550 litres. All seats down, however, the Renault edges the contest, offering 1,690 litres of cargo room compared to the Nissan’s 1,520 litres.

4.
Specifications:
 Both the Koleos and X-Trail operate the same 2.5-litre QR25DE four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with port fuel injection and dual variable valve timing. The X-Tronic continuously variable transmission is also common between both models, but for our market, the Koleos drives only the front wheels whilst the X-Trail drives all four. Both manufacturers quote identical power outputs of 171PS, but Nissan claims higher torque of 233Nm compared to the Renault’s more modest 226Nm.
5.
Features:
 Equipment levels of both the Koleos and X-Trail are competitive. The X-Trail is notable for offering a 360-degree all-round view camera system which is not offered in the Koleos. Nissan also made much fuss about the X-Trail’s active chassis control system which Renault made no mention of in the Koleos. Not that Renault does not have its own aces up its sleeve however – the Koleos has LED headlamps and a more advanced factory-fitted R-Link 2 infotainment system with 3D Arkamys sound. More importantly, Renault proved more generous with safety, offering the Koleos with six airbags compared to just two with the X-Trail.


Mazda CX-9 Slated For Malaysia; Mid-2017 Launch Expected

Local Mazda distributors, Bermaz Motor, is looking to bring the brand’s latest flagship SUV,
the CX-9
, into Malaysian shores. Managing Director Dato Sri Ben Yeoh revealed that evaluation units are already
running on Malaysian roads
 and a launch date of mid-2017 is targeted.
Estimated to be priced in the RM250k ballpark, the all-new second-generation CX-9 benefits from a massively downsized engine from its predecessor to help lower its tax and insurance burdens. From the 3.7-litre naturally-aspirated V6 of the previous model, the new SkyActiv-based CX-9 embraces turbocharging to deliver 250hp and 420Nm from a 2.5-litre engine.
Based on the 2.5-litre engine that currently powers the Mazda 6 and CX-5, the new SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine incorporates what Mazda calls a
Dynamic Pressure Turbo
 that enables high boost levels of 1.2 bar to be available at
just 1,600rpm onwards
, thus minimizing lag in response.
In keeping with the company’s established practice with SUV models, the CX-9 will be offered with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive variants with no equipment differentiation between the two models.
Bermaz plans to offer the CX-9 with very high level of kit that includes, among other things, the following equipment:
255/50 R20 tyres
LED headlamps with bulb-type DRLs, LED tail lamps
Remote-operated power tailgate
Power sunroof with sliding and tilt glass
Heads-up display
Keyless entry, engine start/stop button
Triple-zone climate control
MZD Connect – 8-inch touchscreen, GPS navigation
6 airbags
ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control
Autonomous emergency braking
Blind spot monitoring
ISOFIX mounts


Apple CarPlay Wants To Be Your Entire Dashboard

CarPlay, Apple’s favourite way to take over your infotainment system, wants to spread its influence over every screen your car has (or will have). All hail the unified Cupertino interface!

We’re not sure how automakers are going to react, much less be cooperative, about this one. However, we can all agree that smartphone integration solutions
such as CarPlay
 and
Android Auto
 have spurred a positive change in in-car user interfaces and software design from factory.

Not being content with that single screen and a superficial smartphone-powered overlay either over Bluetooth or USB, Apple sees a future where every car might potentially have an identical interface to that of your iPhone/iPad. That of iOS - Apple’s interface.

One OS Fits All?

At least, that’s the vision presented at the tech giant’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) that happened earlier this week. The single teaser image, shown on a mock vehicle interior that has a full-width display across the dashboard in addition to a ‘secondary’ infotainment screen below, was part of a feature showcase of the upcoming iOS 16 operating system that’s due to hit supported Apple devices this fall season.

As the current version of CarPlay might grant a user control over certain apps already installed on the connected device such as
Spotify for music
 or Waze for navigation, this newest in-development version of a complete reimagining of how deeply this software integration/takeover could go.

Drivers and passengers alike will be able to see and interact with every on-screen function through Apple’s interface, from the gauge cluster (speedometer and tachometer) to climate control functions to other vehicle telematics.

Plug & Play

Presumably, all this processing and hardware load is expected to be
handled by the iPhone itself
, which can already get pretty strained (and very warm) when asked to perform multiple CarPlay tasks in the present day while also being charged up (it’s often worse when its charging wirelessly). That said, perhaps this is something being developed to work hand in hand with the next generation of Apple silicon.

In the mobile operating system space, rival Google has been taking a different approach through its Android Automotive OS initiative by working directly with automakers to create their own in-car software using Android’s open source foundation much like the many distributions that exist of Linux.

Over the course of this development cycle, the automaker has free reign to pretty much sculpt the in-vehicle interface to its liking while their Google partners can assist in the integration of cloud services and app-mirroring support such as that found in Android Auto today.

Android's Alternative

Audi and most obviously
Volvo have been the most prominent
 automakers supporting this offer of partnership but this essentially bridges the creator/vendor disparity that exists in the aftermarket space where AOSP is being used to underpin various infotainment systems without direct support. The touchscreen interface in the older (FC) Honda Civic, for example, uses a forked version of Android and so does the newest Honda City, Accord,
and (FE) Civic
.

Again, we’ll have to wait and see what (if anything) will come of this announcement as this level of integration will require much more consent and cooperation from the automaker to realise. Apple, for its part, has confirmed that vehicle announcements for this more immersive CarPlay experience will be coming in late 2023.


Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Extends Agility Financing To 2015 E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

The 2015
Mercedes-Benz
 E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is now offered with Agility Financing, making it the latest
E-Class
 variant to come with the flexible financing plan.

Developed by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the Agility Financing plan was developed to meet the needs of Malaysian customers, to offer risk-free financing and an assurance of the value of their Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Assuming a 2.4 percent interest rate, a conventional financing plan would cost RM5,731 for an
E300 BlueTEC HYBRID
 whereas for the same car, a four-year Agility Financing plan based on 20,000km per year would cost rough RM4,868 per month.

Mercedes-Benz guarantees the future value of your car, determined by probable mileage and length of term agreement. From there, Agility Financing customers would be able to enjoy added cash flow abilities and financial confidence, even if the car’s value decreases.

Agility Financing has the flexibility to cover the needs of all drivers, even ones that are more enthusiastic about distace covered, spanning 25,000km and 30,000km per year over one-year or up to five years financing tenures.

Customers can choose to settle or extend their financing contracts, even opting to upgrade to newer models at the end of the agreed period, letting them have more control over their ownership.

“Agility Financing has gained great interest since its launch and we are happy to expand its offerings to a wider range of Mercedes-Benz models. The positive take-up rates are attributed to customers who have personally experienced the peace of mind Agility Financing brings to the table. For car enthusiasts, a seamless financing experience is key to enjoying the best and latest Mercedes-Benz products,” said Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Hilke Janssen.

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia grows its personal vehicle financing business portfolio with the addition of the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID, adding to the
A-Class
,
B-Class
,
C-Class
, E-Class,
S-Class
,
CLA
 and
GLA
 models.

For those interested in the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID, the special offers under Agility Financing will last until 30
th
 September 2015. Prospective customers can visit
www.mercedes-benz.com.my
 for more information.


Geneva 2017: Lexus to Unveil LS 500h

Hot on the heels of the
Lexus LS 500 launch at the Detroit Motorshow
 is the new LS 500h slated for unveiling during the upcoming Geneva Motorshow. Lexus has not confirmed what the size of the engine will be or its state of tune, but you can probably expect some form of turbocharging and the latest iteration of hybrid technology from parent company Toyota.It's worth noting that this new LS 500h will have a smaller engine than the outgoing LS 600h, which featured a massive naturally aspirated 5.8-litre V8 with an accompanying hybrid system.
That being said, don't be so quick to write off the performance of the new LS 500h: Lexus is one of the few manufacturers that (as of yet) has maintained numbering based on displacement, with a slight increase when including hybrid systems. For example, the IS 250 features a 2.5-litre engine, while the IS 200t has a more potent turbocharged 2.0-litre engine; this could very well mean that the new LS 500h will pack more performance as well.


AD: Experience BMW Hybrids This Weekend At Setia Alam

In conjunction with the upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations, BMW Wheelcorp Premium in Setia Alam is organizing the ‘Malaysia Day Extravaganza’ event from 8 to 10 September at its facility.
The event will focus mainly on
BMW’s iPerformance Plug-in Hybrid models
 such as the 330e M Sport, the X5 xDrive40e, as well as the 740Le.
That being said, if you have any enquiries or interest in the models mentioned above, this is the best time to drop by the facility in Setia Alam as you will be able to get up close with the vehicles, and get the guys at BMW Wheelcorp to assist you with whatever information you need.
You may even be among the first to explore the xDrive adventure course with the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
The biggest highlight of the event however, is the list of offers that awaits the first 100 customers, such as:
Attractive one-off rebates
Special sign-up interest rates as low as 1.98%
Free wallbox charger worth RM7,000
High trade in value
That being said, if you’re a fan of BMW’s iPerformance Plug-in Hybrid models, there is no other place you would want to be but BMW Wheelcorp Premium in Setia Alam.
Follow this link for more information about
BMW Wheelcorp Premium's Malaysia Day Extravazanga
 event.


The Datsun Heritage Museum In South Africa Is A Mecca Of Retro JDM Beauties

Datsun has just begun the fifth year of its operations in South Africa since re-entering the market in 2014.
Having established itself one of the most loved car brands in South Africa, the brand is further strengthening its legacy which was built between the 1960s and the 1980s, when it had a reputation for building strong and reliable cars.
That being said, it is no surprise that many of the vehicles from that era are still in use decades later, and the best of the lot are all residing in the Datsun Heritage Museum in Bothaville, Free State, South Africa.
Owned by car enthusiast Freek de Kock, the museum has a collection of 118 Datsun and Nissan vehicles including a 240Z, a 1600 SSS, a 1971 first generation Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe, together with five other GT-Rs including the R35.
The 1970 Nissan President V8 limousine that was owned by the late Mozambican President, Samora Machel, is also part of the museum’s collection.
Besides the cars mentioned above, there is also a Pulsar, a 1200 GX, and a Laurel among others – all of which are in working order.
According to Datsun, those that aren't are being lovingly restored in Freek's workshop.


Why You Shouldn't Speed In Dubai, Meet Their Police Force

The Dubai Police have one of the world’s most stunning fleet of patrol cars in the world. By police cars, we mean supercars that have been converted to uphold justice in the luxurious city. They aren’t shy either when it comes to showing what they’ve got and in this promotional video that seems to appear more like the intro for the next Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit game, they’ve brought them all out for a drive around the city.
That impressive fleet comprises a:
Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
Ferrari FF
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Bentley Continental GT
Aston Martin One-77
Ford
 Mustang GT
BMW
 M6 Gran Coupé
Brabus G63 AMG
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
Audi R8
 V10
Nissan
 GT-R
Mercedes-Benz
 SL 63 AMG
McLaren
 MP4-12C
Hummer H3
Adding to this list is a brand new Lexus RC F Coupe as well.
However, these supercars are meant to patrol the tourist areas of Dubai and more common vehicles handle day-to-day duties.
Now, how much would you like to work for the Dubai Police now?


Tokyo 2015: Honda Civic Type R Makes Appearance, Limited To 750 Units In Japan

To say that we’ve heard a lot about the new 4th generation
Honda

Civic

Type R
(FK2) would be a fairly accurate understatement. Not just from us, mind you, but from a large swath of the global motoring media that’s just been swooning over it since its launch.
Honda has graced the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show with its presence too, shown here in a colour we affectionately call ‘white hot’. While we’re patiently waiting for a proper Malaysian debut for the car, the marque’s native market of Japan is gearing up for theirs.
When it does reach Japanese showrooms, only 750 units will be made available to customers. And they would need to pony up 4.28 million Yen for the privilege of owning one, which works out to roughly RM152k before our tax and other charges kick in.
All-in-all, not a bad deal when factoring in how capable this car is and just how menacing it looks on the road – especially for being a small Japanese hatch.


MRT3 Project Total Cost Estimated At RM50.2 Billion - Zafrul

We
love our public transportation
, don’t we? The newest, well we now have a more current estimation of what the MRT3 ‘Circle Line’ will be costing - RM50.2 billion Ringgit by the time of its 2030 completion window.

That figure is much higher than the some RM39.4 billion estimate that
was peddled back in March
. However, this newer calculation includes many more factors involved to construct and begin operation.

In a written response delivered to the members of parliament to a question posed by Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz delivered a more precise cost breakdown.

MRT3 Project cost: RM50.2 billion Ringgit

First of all, RM34.3 billion is to be allocated for the cost of construction alone, which isn’t too far off the March 2022 estimate by itself. However, a further RM8.4 billion is estimated to be needed for land acquisition along the proposed rail route, another RM5.6 billion for project management costs, and a remainder of some RM1.9 billion to be spent on miscellaneous ‘other’ charges and payments.

“However, the overall cost of the project will be finalised after the open tender process is completed,” he added. Fahmi, in this prior question, also asked if the Finance Ministry will seek final parliamentary approval before the MRT3 project commencement, but this line of inquiry has not yet been answered.

With a planned route length of 51 kilometres and 31 stations peppered throughout and 10 of those being interchange stations, the MRT3 ‘circle line’ is touted as the missing link that will not only complete the existing MRT Kajang line and
currently half-operational MRT Putrajaya line
, but connect and breathe new life into the existing light rail public transportation network such as the LRT, Monorail, and to a lesser extent KTM Komuter.

If you noticed, that also means that the total cost per kilometre of the MRT3 project should come close to RM1 billion. That’s some crazy mileage.


Bridgestone Turanza T005A Raises The Benchmark In Premium Comfort Tyres

Bridgestone offers quite a wide range of tyres to suit customer as well as vehicle requirements. The Dueler range of tyres delivers a great performance mix of highway and terrain usage for SUVs and pick-ups, while Ecopia tyres have proven to contribute to fuel savings through its low resistance formulation.
The Turanza family is catered to users that emphasize more on comfort and low noise, whilst still be in control in any driving situation. Based on market research, the customer preference in the region is getting more and more sophisticated, thus Bridgestone has rolled-out the new Turanza T005A.
The Turanza T005A is designed for D-segment vehicles such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Teana, Volkswagen Passat, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C-class as well as Subaru XV, Honda Civic FC (2016) and Toyota Vellfire-Alphard.
What’s new
The new Turanza T005A does not have a predecessor called T004, or even T003. So if you were asking yourself, what happened to the range of T-series when you first read the title, don’t worry, you haven’t been missing out.
The new Turanza T005A eclipses the Turanza GR100 in the ‘premium comfort’ class of tyres.
Designers and engineers focused to improve upon three key aspects for the Turanza T005 – Lower noise, better wet performance and an even more comfortable ride.
This flagship tyre features randomized and variable pitch on every tread block to reduce noise and high-angle sipes that are fine-tuned to soften tyre impact on the road leading to less road noise.
The result is a sound level reduction of almost 2.0 dB compared to conventional tyre on both rough and smooth surfaces.
With the ASEAN climate always having heavy rainfall, great wet condition performance has become one of the top customer request and feedback. Bridgestone has created an exclusive Nano Pro-Tech compound to further elevate the wet surface performance.
Silica usage in tyres help improve fuel efficiency and wet performance, but Bridgestone has noticed that silica tend to become lumps when mixed with rubber resulting in higher rolling resistance. The new compound in the Nano Pro-Tech now blends with a special agent that strengthen the bond of the silica and rubber, ensuring a lower heat generation and energy loss, leading to better wet performance.
Another improvement over the outgoing GR100 is the tread contact pressure distribution. The new Turanza T005A has optimized pressure distribution, with a consistent pressure across the width of the tread area. This new design improves braking as well as comfort level, as it reduces shock and impact noise.
The edge of the sipes is also more rounded – known as chamfering – to prevent deformation and ensures even contact with the road for improved braking performance.
Cone denotes stopping point of another Camry fitted with the older GR100 tyres.
With all these new features, Bridgestone says the new Turanza T005A can reduce wet braking distance by almost 2.4 meters (approximately 10 percent) compared to the old Turanza GR100 when stopping a Toyota Camry from 80 km/h to rest.
Another key feature in the Turanza T005A is the addition of a damping sheet placed in the sidewall. Roads in the ASEAN region tend to be rougher and have multiple repair-work patches that contribute to an uneven surface and thus an uncomfortable ride. The damping sheet is designed to absorb shocks and bumps, ultimately fewer vibrations transmitted into the cabin.
How does it drive?
The Carlist.my editorial team was invited to experience the new Turanza T005A at the Bridgestone Proving Ground in Thailand. The proving ground is the second facility in ASEAN region, with the other Proving Ground located in Karawang, Indonesia.
Three activities were lined-up for the day, with each activity designed to experience the benefits of the new Turanza T005.
Our group activity started off with the high-speed driving experience, where we were driven in a pair of Toyota Camry models, one fitted with Turanza T005A and the other with Turanza GR100. The driver gets up to the speed of 140 km/h and we tried our very best to feel the differences of the new and old product, with the focus on high-speed quietness, stability and collision avoidance. Being only in the passenger’s seat, I did feel the new tyres were more stable in the lane-change manoeuvre.
We were later given the opportunity to perform a similar test in a BMW 5 Series and the results were consistent with the drive using the Camry.
The next activity was more immersive and results (new and predecessor tyres) were day and night. Being an ASEAN proving ground, there was a long patch of single-lane road that simulated our local highways. Bumpy, wavy, plenty of repair-work patches. The opposing lane was more common to driving on elevated highways, with metal roads places across the lane to simulate driving across the highway’s expansion joints.
On the GR100 tyres, the ride over the bumpy, multi-patchwork lane was predictable. However, when driven over the same strip of road, the Turanza T005A felt different. The Camry’s forward and backward pitching movement have been reduced, contributing to less body movement for both the Camry and passengers. Our driver also said due to lower levels of vibrations being transmitted, his hands do not need to correct the steering angle, unlike driving with the GR100 tyres. Impressive!
In this activity, we could also hear that the T005A tyres was transmitting less noise than its predecessor. The impact noise sounded more muted. The sidewall damping sheet clearly performs as expected, reducing the damping amplitude and noise into the cabin.
Next up is the wet performance on the short 900-meter circuit being artificially flooded with a constant flow of water. We were again given passenger rides as the certified drivers were pushing the tyres to the absolute limit in the wet conditions. Electronic stability control was switched off so, all traction and stability will come purely from the tyres (and the driver's skill).
The first turn was a tightening-radius curve, with our Camry entering at over 120 km/h with four occupants.  The vehicle just corner like it was on rails, no understeer – driver’s command of more right angles were met with no protest.
Next comes the section of left and right bends. The Camry just tracks with stability akin to dry weather. We can see that the driver also has plenty of confidence in the wet grip, no need for minute correction as there was no moment of instability.
We concluded the day with a self-drive activity. Bridgestone has set up a mini gymkhana for us to feel the improvements in dry performance.  Reduced braking distance and even the gripping force was certainly felt in the emergency brake section. In the short slalom, I felt the Turanza T005A provided better steering response versus the old GR100.
Should I get a set?
Certainly. The Turanza T005A undoubtedly excelled in the shock absorption, noise reduction and wet performance tests at the proving ground. This new tyre competes directly with Michelin’s Primacy 3 ST and Continental’s Ultra Contact 6 tyres.
Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia
has recently launched the range of Turanza T005 tyres
, with sizes ranging from 16-inch to 20-inch. With prices being so competitive in comparison to the abovementioned products, these are probably one of the best touring tyres out in the market, blending great comfort with good cornering grip in all conditions.
The new Bridgestone Turanza T005A comes in sizes for popular premium models such as Toyota Camry & Lexus ES (215/55R17), Honda Accord (225/50R17 and 235/45R18), Honda Civic FC (2016) (215/55R16 and 215/50R17), Mercedes C-Class (245/45R17), Toyota Vellfire-Alphard (235/50R18), Subaru XV (225/55R17), and Kia Optima (235/45R18).
Learn more about
Bridgestone and how it has also influenced the Japanese automotive industry here.


EV-Centric Geely Factory To Make Polestar Cars. Could Be Done In Malaysia?

While the X50 is this year's
late October not-so-surprise
, soaking up all the attention in the local scene, Proton’s partner Geely has been making their own moves surrounding their many electrification-focused new models.

Interestingly, it also involves the Polestar brand, the Chinese-Swedish marque that grew out of Volvo’s previous in-house performance division. It seems that there are some big plans brewing in the background, at least, according to some well-placed sources who spoke to
Reuters
.

Basically, there’s more planned cars than there are factories to build them, so Geely needs to devote more of its assembly lines and manpower to delivering high volume. The problem is, there aren’t enough to go around at the moment, requiring the building of another manufacturing plant that will focus nearly exclusively on electrified vehicles.

It will be operated by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group via a newly registered entity and will be based in the west side of Hangzhou city, where Geely is headquartered, boasting an annual capacity of 30,000 premium EVs across multiple brands, but it would seem that Polestar’s cars will get preferential treatment at first alongside other new high profile models such as the heavily rumoured SUV from Lotus.

This arrangement won’t last forever, though, but it does buy useful time to significantly reduce the order/delivery gap until Polestar’s own state-of-the-art dedicated facility in Chengdu (opened in 2019) is fully ramped up to take on all (if not most) of that brand’s vehicle production. Currently, only the two-door Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid is built there.

The more volume-focused and fully electric Polestar 2, meanwhile,
rolls off the factory
 floor in Taizhou. Without this additional factory, increasing overall volume will be a major challenge given the current production pipeline constraints, especially following the confirmation that the Precept will be transitioning
from concept car to full production model
. There's also the Polestar 3 somewhere in the future.

As for whether Proton could benefit from the (incoming) newest EV-focused factory under Geely, that all depends on how much demand there is for hybrids and battery electric cars in Malaysia. For now, the reality is that our national automaker has no real bearing on Geely’s electrification roadmap, much less it’s ‘
premium
’ EVs.

A Proton version of an existing Geely electric vehicle does pose an exciting prospect as an import model to foreign markets and could start to build crucial brand recognition. However, its arrival here would be handicapped by the same duties and taxes levied against all cars not assembled locally, rendering its price point much less attractive for the average Malaysian despite it being sold on the brand’s home turf.

Alternatively, the Geely Group could otherwise find the need to invest a significant amount of additional resources to shoring up the existing manufacturing, technology, and pool of expertise within our borders to make EV production here feasible, giving Malaysia the ability to ease some of the load off their plants within China. Naturally, this would also mean hybrids and electric vehicles populating the Proton catalogue as well.

This sequence of events was more or less what allowed Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia to become the only other location besides Sweden where all XC90 variants can be built and even exported to neighbouring markets such as Thailand.

Still, it all starts with demand. Once it’s made clear enough that electrified variants of Proton cars are what the people want, only then will the cogs will start to spin.