She Co-Invented The Car, But Couldn't Get A Patent Because She Was A Woman

History remembers Carl Benz as the inventor of the automobile. However, it’s also important to remember that history is written and interpreted by the prevailing powers of the day. As such, history is often written from the perspective of men.
In truth, Carl Benz’s wife Bertha was the co-inventor of the car. In fact, Bertha was the one who funded Carl’s venture – using her wedding dowry. Contemporaries of Carl recognized that Bertha’s knowledge of engines was nearly as good as Carl’s and the first time Carl’s two-stroke engine successfully fired up on 31-December 1878, it was done with the assistance of Bertha.
Born as Cäcilie Bertha Ringer, she grew up in an era when women were considered incapable of studying engineering and mathematics. She married Carl at age 23 and typical of European tradition, adopted her husband's last name.
Despite having little formal education, Bertha somehow taught herself about engines, often working alongside her husband in their home workshop.
When her husband invented the car - the Benz Patentwagen 1886 - the German patent office listed only Carl Benz as the owner of the patent, leaving Bertha out because German laws at that time didn’t allow a woman to be registered as a patent holder.
But the patent (below) was of little commercial value and the Benz family continued to be poor. In early 19th century Europe, Benz’s noisy and horseless carriage was deemed too controversial for the conservative, religious society of that era. They see Benz’s car as a devil’s carriage and a carriage that could move on its own power had to be against God’s will.
Carl was often ridiculed for his 'horseless carriage' project and as a result of that, he became very reserved and had very low self-esteem. The first time he drove their car on the streets, he found it to be difficult to control and eventually crashed into a wall, drawing more mockery on himself.
Although their invention worked, Carl was too afraid to introduce their car – by then already in its third iteration (Model III, below) - to the public.
With her husband on the verge of giving up, the fed up Bertha decided to simply take the car on a 180 km test drive, without bothering to get her husband’s permission, simply to prove a point.
Remember that this was in 1888. There were no tarred roads, no petrol station, nobody knew how to repair a car, and not even the Benz family knew for sure if the car could survive the journey.
Bertha went ahead anyway, taking her two sons – 15 years old Eugen and 14 years old Richard – with her. They left early in the morning while Carl was still sleeping, leaving a note that simply says she and the sons will be going to her mother’s house in Pforzheim, making no mention of their mode of travel. Carl later realized that the car was missing from the workshop. There was only one other person who knew how to drive the car so it didn't take long for Carl to realize what had happened.
As expected, the car broke down many times along the way, and each time Bertha was somehow able to repair it and continued her journey. She didn’t even have a tool kit! Her ability to improvise and make repairs were proof that she is indeed the co-inventor of the car.
The Patentwagen engine’s primitive cooling system kept overheating and required frequent stopping for water. When the car ran out of fuel in the town of Wiesloch, she bought 10 litres of “Ligroin” from a pharmacy as a substitute for petrol, making the town's pharmacy the world’s first “petrol station.”
The wooden brakes wore out quickly on a downhill stretch and Bertha repaired it by having a cobbler wrapping leather over it, effectively inventing the world’s first brake pad.
At one stage, the engine stalled. Bertha inspected the engine and found the problem to be a clogged fuel line, which she cleared using her hat’s pin. Later in the journey it stalled again, this time due to a worn out ignition wire insulator, which she fixed by removing her garter (a huge taboo for women of that era) and wrapping it over the wire.
Twelve hours after leaving their home in Mannheim and 106 km later, Bertha and her boys arrived in Pforzheim. They then sent a telegram back home announcing their success. A few days later, Bertha and her boys return home but this time they took a shorter 70 km plus route.
Once home, Bertha shared the findings with her husband and among the upgrades incorporated was an additional gear for the 2-speed transmission and better brakes.
Fast forward to today, Mercedes-Benz has been actively honouring the contribution of Bertha Benz, and also that of women in the automotive industry.
For this year’s International Woman Day, Mercedes-Benz released a short video clip honouring Bertha Benz. The video’s timeline has been compressed, but the message remains. The clip ended with Bertha’s actions giving courage to the next generation of women, a girl who had earlier ridiculed Bertha’s believe in progress by calling her a witch.
In 2011, the movie Carl & Bertha was released in Germany, and it had a script that was closer to the actual sequence of events.
Key moments are:
42:00 starting of Benz two-stroke engine
1:00:00 first test drive
1:12:00 Carl wants to give up, Bertha decides to take over herself


Traffic Ops And Extra Enforcement To Follow Dismal Accident Statistics

The numbers are in on traffic accidents within Malaysian roads, and they make for
grim reading
. Following the flurry of traffic ops conducted over the festive season and the somewhat unencouraging results, more
speed traps
 and traffic operations will be installed and carried out, respectively.
For example, PDRM have said that the average fatality rate during
Ops Selamat 2015
 had risen to 22 a day, an increase of 69% over 2014's daily average of 13.
According to
The Star
, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has spoken with the Road Transport Department, the police, and the Road Safety Department to increase enforcement across the board to reduce the rate of accidents and road fatalities.
“The drastic increase in road accidents and fatalities this festive season is abnormal and worrying,” he said at the Hari Raya open house by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob in Bentong.
Police have disclosed statistics showing 12,383 accidents since Ops Selamat was launched on July 10, with federal traffic chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff saying 123,190 summonses were issued in that same time frame. 203 fatalities have resulted from 76 accidents, with the majority occurring on federal roads, he said.
Meanwhile, Liow added: “There are still a few more days to go before traffic returns to its usual volume. We are doing all we can to save lives,”
“We need your cooperation. We alone cannot achieve the results effectively.”
Finally, Liow expressed his concern that motorists are indeed aware of the dangers but lack the right attitude towards the issue. He hopes that changes to the
driving license curriculum
 which places an emphasis on safe and responsible driving would change this.


The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Is Back – One Variant, RM239,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the introduction of the new third generation B-Class in the form of the B200 Progressive Line.

The model will only be available in one variant mentioned above, with an asking price of RM239,888 on the road without insurance.

Powering the B200 Progressive Line is the same 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine as the A200, producing 163hp and 350 Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is a 7-speed DCT gearbox which enables the car to clock a top speed of 223km/h and do the century sprint in 8.2 seconds.

On the exterior, key features include 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a squat, progressive front end with flowing transition from bonnet to the windscreen, two-part tail lamps, rear bumper reflectors, a black rear bumper bottom section with a chrome trim strip, a large roof spoiler, as well as high-gloss black spoilers at the sides of the rear window.

Inside, the new B-Class features Black Artico leather upholstery, Comfort Seats in the rear, a centre console with touch-based control and input system similar to the E-Class, as well as ambient lighting with 64 colours.

The list of standard equipment in new B-Class includes the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, a high-resolution Widescreen cockpit, navigation display with Augmented Reality technology, and voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”.

The new B-Class also comes with driving assistance systems such as Blind Spot Assist, and also Active Brake Assist which can help mitigate the severity of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead.

Looking for a new Mercedes-Benz? Find the best deals
here
.


Buy Selected Honda Models This Month And Get Rewarded

In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, Honda Malaysia, through its “2020 Starts Now” campaign, is offering triple rewards amounting up to RM10,000 comprising a ‘prosperity rebate’, RM888 ‘extra bonus’ and exclusive gifts for customers.

All customers need to do is to register their new Honda cars between 1st and 31st January 2020. The campaign is applicable for Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, City, City Hybrid, HR-V, HR-V Hybrid, BR-V, CR-V and Odyssey models.

In terms of sales, Honda Malaysia recorded more than 78,000 sales units from January to November 2019. From the sales record as well, Honda Malaysia maintained its No.1 Non-National car brand position as of November 2019.

In addition, the City tops the chart with the highest contribution with 36%, followed by the most sought-after and Compact SUV segment leader, the HR-V with 19% contribution to Honda Malaysia’s overall sales as of November 2019.

The CR-V is the third best-selling model during that period with 14% contribution recorded.

Honda Malaysia continues its efforts in improving after-sales services by having dealerships in different areas for customers’ easy accessibility and convenience.

At the same time, Honda Malaysia also offers improved hospitality at the dealerships for more enjoyable visit for customers. To-date, Honda Malaysia has 100 dealerships nationwide.


Proton launches MyProton App

There’s a new app for Proton owners that streamlines the ownership experience and adds a level of convenience. The MyProton app has been launched, available for both Android and iOS devices through the Google Play Store and Apple Store respectively.
Through the MyProton mobile application, Proton customers are provided the following convenience at their fingertips via their mobile devices:
Appointment to test drive Proton cars;
Appointment for car service;
Connection to Mobile Assist call centre for assistance;
Information on all Proton models;
Update on current promotions and events;
Location of all PROTON sales and services outlets;
Connection to PROTON social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Youtube; and
A loan calculator
The app is Proton’s way of keeping up with the times, acknowledging the increased usage of smart devices and catering to a newer and younger generation. It is a far more convenient option than the traditional phone calls to the service centres in order to make an appointment, and it allows for more efficient allocation of time.


Honda e Makes Japanese Car History By Winning German Car Of The Year

What a topsy turvy world we live in, but there's no better car to lead the way to the future of automobiles than the compact Honda e.

Just a couple of days ago we reported that the
all-new Peugeot 208
 had taken a category award at the Japan Car of the Year. Well, more recent news is that the Honda e - yes, that amazing compact electric vehicle that set the internet on fire when it was first revealed in concept form - has taken the German Car of the Year award. Yes, not just a category award (it took one for New Energy), but the overall winner.

Do you know how difficult that is to pull off, and for
Honda's first mass-production battery electric vehicle
 no less? On top of all that, it is the first Japanese car to ever have taken the prestigious title, and one that is so radically different that it may just shape the way Hondas are developed in the coming years.

At its core, the Honda e is not a performance car. It doesn't have the muscle of a Mercedes-AMG model or the sheer luxury of a Bentley. It is humble, an urban commuter developed and designed in response to environmental issues in a city context. Also rather special is the fact that it's rear-wheel drive - something we haven't seen Honda do in over a decade.

Media awards and accolades have been heaped onto the Honda e from the moment it launched, and it is part of Honda's plan to electrify their entire mainstream European model range by 2022. Let's hope that we'll be able to see it in our market as well at some point - or perhaps something more designed for ASEAN tastes and sensibilities.

With a range of up to 220 km from a single charge, the Honda e has 136 PS or 154 PS (depending on variant) and 315 Nm of torque from pretty much a standstill. It's a fantastic proposition - and as my colleague
explored in this piece
, it would be perfect for the urban jungle.


Perodua Labour Union Opposes Takeover Bid By UMW

The Perodua Labour Union, which represents non-executive employees at Perodua, has expressed their objection to the proposed takeover bid by UMW Holdings.
In a statement released to The Edge Markets, the union said it is concerned that the takeover will be detrimental to the rights and interests of the union members, safeguarded by the existing Perodua management for the past 25 years.
The union added that its members are concerned that any changes in the management structure could affect their job security.
It also made some indirect references to Proton’s takeover by China’s Geely, saying that such a move is not viewed positively by the union.
“We really hope that the previous incident that happened to the other car manufacturer will not happen to us,” it said.
“We were surprised by Mara’s (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) move to easily agree to release their shares in MBM Resources to UMW which goes against Mara’s aspirations to assist the bumiputeras.”
To recap, UMW Holdings, whose subsidiary UMW Toyota Motor holds distributorship for Toyota (including local assembly) and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, had on 9th March 2018 initiate a move to take control of Perodua by increasing its stake from the current 38 percent to 70.58 percent.
The conglomerate made an offer to purchase Med-Bumikar Mara Sdn Bhd and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Central Shore Sdn Bhd (CSSB)’s 50.07 percent stake in MBM Resources (MBMR), which in turn holds 22.58 percent stake in Perodua. MBMR have since rebuffed the offer, saying that the offer value is too low.
UMW Holdings had also made a separate offer to purchase the government-owned PNB Equity Resource Corporation Sdn. Bhd.’s 10 percent stake in Perodua for RM117.5 million.
Recent reports have indicated that Mara, the main shareholder of Med-Bumikar, have voted in favour of the sale to UMW Holdings. Deliberations are still proceeding and UMW Holdings have since extended the deadline of its offer to MBMR to 30-April 2018.
Perodua’s technical partner Daihatsu have also allegedly weighed in on the matter. Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Halim, Chairman of MBMR, was reported by StarBiz as saying, “We have been shown a letter by the Japanese shareholder stating that they are not in favour of any one company holding a majority stake in Perodua.”


Ford’s All-New 5.2-Litre NA engine Produces 526HP! Powers The Shelby Mustang GT350 And GT350R

At last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show,
Ford
 rolled out the Mustang Shelby GT350 which is powered by a 5.2-litre V8 engine that featured a flat-plane crankshaft, delivering more than 500hp and 542Nm of torque.
Following that, the Blue Oval unleashed a more track-focused model of the GT350 dubbed the
Ford Mustang
 Shelby GT350R that shares the same engine as well with the same vague engine output figures.
Now, Ford have come clean on the numbers related to its all-new 5.2-litre V8 engine starting with its exact power output – 526hp and 582Nm of torque! Ford say that this is its most power-dense (102hp per litre) and most powerful
naturally aspirated
 road-going engine in its history while also being the highest-revving production V8 as well with an 8,250 rpm redline. Borrowing a pun from them, the V8 engine’s crankshaft may be flat, but its power output is anything but “plane.”
That’s a whole lot of numbers and the usage of the word ‘most’. To translates all this to audible understanding, watch and listen to this:
For those interested with the technical details, here’s a brief outline from Ford:
“Traditional cross-plane crankshaft V8 engines attach the piston-carrying connecting rods to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, creating a “cross” of counterweights when viewed down the axis of the crankshaft. In the all-new Ford 5.2-liter V8, the connecting rods attach to the flat-plane crankshaft at aligned 180-degree intervals – creating what looks like a flat line of counterweights when viewed down the axis of the crankshaft.
Beyond a change in the characteristic sound of an American V8, the flat-plane crankshaft helps improve cylinder exhaust-pulse separation by allowing a firing order that alternates ignition events between the V8’s two cylinder banks. This can vastly improve engine breathing, and subsequently allow the engine to make more power.”
Now that you have a better understanding of the engine in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and 350R, watch the two duke it out on the track:


Turunkan Harga Tiket Penerbangan Domestik Atau Berdepan Tindakan – PM

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob menyelar pengendali syarikat penerbangan domestik yang mengambil kesempatan menaikkan tambang penerbangan antara Semenanjung Malaysia ke Sabah dan Sarawak pada musim perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Menurut Perdana Menteri, tindakan syarikat penerbangan
 menaikkan harga tiket penerbangan domestik
 boleh dikenakan tindakan.

Pantau Harga Tiket Kapal Terbang

Menurut Ismail Sabri, jika terdapat kenaikan harga tiket penerbangan, tindakan di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan (AKHAP) 2011 boleh dikenakan.

Tambahnya, mana-mana syarikat yang mengambil keuntungan berlebihan adalah salah di bawah Akta Anti Pencatutan perlu diambil tindakan segera bagi menjaga kepentingan rakyat

Sehubungan itu, beliau mahu Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna (KPDNHEP) bertegas dengan mengambil tindakan di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan (AKHAP) 2011.

Perdana Menteri telah meminta Kementerian Pengangkutan memanggil syarikat-syarikat penerbangan untuk meminta mereka menurunkan harga dan KPDNHEP perlu lebih tegas terhadap syarikat penerbangan tidak kira syarikat besar atau kecil.

Terdahulu, laporan media menyebut pemantauan terhadap laman web syarikat penerbangan komersial baru-baru ini menyaksikan tambang penerbangan melonjak sehingga RM2,000 bagi penerbangan pergi dan balik.

Ia meningkat sekitar 566% menjelang tempoh perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri iaitu pada 29 April hingga 8 Mei.

Rundingan Sedang Dilakukan

Walaupun alasan kenaikan harga tiket berdasarkan perspektif syarikat penerbangan ekoran perang antara
Rusia dan Ukraine
 sehingga memberi kesan kenaikan harga minyak, namun kerajaan juga perlu mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat.

Sebelum ini, Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong telah berjumpa syarikat penerbangan dan meminta mereka mencari kaedah terbaik untuk memastikan harga tiket kapal terbang bagi laluan berkenaan diturunkan.

Menurut beliau, perbincangan yang melibatkan tiga syarikat penerbangan iaitu
Malaysia Airlines
,
AirAsia
 dan Malindo, Suruhanjaya Penerbangan Malaysia (MAVCOM) dan Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM), telahpun bermula Khamis lepas, dan dijangka dimuktamadkan pada bila-bila masa.


Get 100% Toll Rebate With Touch N’ Go EWallet Until 31st October

Touch ‘n Go eWallet has announced the “Ultimate Toll Savings” campaign to provide a more rewarding, safe and seamless journey for its users, specifically for toll payments.
From now until 31 October 2019, eligible users can make cashless toll payments across participating highways and be rewarded with outstanding deals and 100% Toll Rebates.
Throughout the campaign period, users who add their Touch ‘n Go cards to the eWallet for the first time before 31 October 2019 are eligible to receive 3 times 100% Toll Rebates. The Toll Rebates are redeemable until 31 December 2019 for toll transactions via PayDirect and/or RFID at any of the participating highways.
Besides that, users who make toll payments using the eWallet via PayDirect and/or RFID until 31 October 2019 are eligible to receive a free Personal Accident insurance (“Free PA”) coverage that is valid until 31 December 2019. The insurance coverage is worth RM10,000 and is underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad
The eWallet users can also enjoy an additional 3 times 100% Unlimited Toll Rebates by sharing their referral code with friends and family. If a Touch ‘n Go eWallet user manages to successfully get family and friends to register for the eWallet account using a referral code, the user and everyone that has been referred will each get 3 times 100% Toll Rebates.
Users can share their referral code with as many people to earn Unlimited Toll Rebates.
“We aptly fit in the cashless environment with our two unique features, PayDirect and RFID. Through this campaign, we want to demonstrate how road users can experience an effortless journey with us, as we showcase our ability to bring a one-of-a-kind experience using only the Touch ‘n Go eWallet. Moving forward, we will continue to address the transportation needs of the modern Malaysian, evolving and offering what our customers want,” said Ignatius Ong, CEO of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.


SPOTTED: New 2016 Proton Perdana Seen In Filem Kapsul Promo Video

Now, we know that Proton is
on a mission to rejuvenate its vehicle lineup
 and that a new
Proton Perdana
 will be the first of the new models to be introduced. A recently uploaded promotional video for a local film
Filem Kapsul
 may just give us our first look at the new executive sedan.
The video only provides a view of the vehicle’s rear three quarter and full rear-end. From what we can see, the design certainly has an upmarket look to it with a roofline akin to a fastback. The clearly seen ‘Perdana’ emblem is evidence that the nameplate of Proton’s executive sedan will soldier on for the new model.
Elsewhere on the car, we see LEDs being employed on the taillights and even for the tailgate-mounted third brake light. The
Proton
 logo is prominently displayed on the boot lid as well, nestled in the middle of a thick chrome strip that links the taillights. Twin exhaust tips are also spotted below what appears to be rear fog lamps as well, which flank the number plate holder.

Filem Kapsul - Jom Santai Mengenali Sejarah
Semangat juang TERHEBAT. Perjuangan mereka tetap diingati selamanya. Semoga negara kita lebih makmur dan bangsa kita lebih bersatu....Amin. www.filemkapsul.com ESOK 17.9.2015 di pawagam anda.
Posted by
Kapsul The Movie
 on Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Serving as the new Perdana’s underpinnings will be the previous generation Honda Accord’s platform, but with the sedan’s design as such, you might not know that just from looking at it. However, we’ll reserve judgement until the car’s final design (it may change) is revealed in full.
If you’re curious about our local production
Filem Kapsul
, which opens in cinemas on September 17, the movie blends sci-fi and history. The plot revolves around a time capsule that was buried by Proton Chairman and former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1995 at the administrative capital of Putrajaya, scheduled to be opened in 2020.
A conniving businessman named Zohri (played by Malaysian actor Faizal Hussein) steals and attempts to open said time capsule, after which he is transported back in time through the decades circa pre-independence, starting from the Japanese Occupation in 1942. Zohri meets with several of the country’s prime ministers along his journey to get back to his current time period, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who plays himself.


New Proton Subsidiary Pro-Net To Handle Everything ‘New Energy Vehicle’

National automaker Proton
 will be sectioning the ‘new energy vehicle’ part of their business under a newly established subsidiary, Pro-Net following their 18th August signing of a general distributorship agreement (GDA).

Pro-Net will be the same new distributor that will be handling the sale
of the Smart #1
 (and the brand’s forthcoming cars) in both Malaysia and Thailand, so it’s also fitting that they also establish themselves as a presence in the post-combustion powertrain tech space.

NEW ENERGY VEHICLE = Electrification

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd or just Pro-Net for short, it will be run by a separate management team with an operational staff consisting of external hires from various industries. Zhang Qiang, a veteran of the automotive industry in China, will be at the helm as CEO reporting to a board of directors headed by Proton’s chief executive, Li Chunrong, supported by deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah.

The first order of business is to lay the groundwork for Smart #1’s introduction into Southeast Asia with the
deployment of charging solutions
 both public and home-based being a top priority.

“Our studies show consumer hesitancy to adopt new energy vehicles is tied to their concern about charging availability. Pro-Net intends to address the issue with a two-pronged approach combining the installation and maintenance of home-based chargers with a comprehensive public network to be built with partners specializing in the development and running of charging stations,” said Li.

As a Proton subsidiary, Pro-Net has a responsibility to ensure our products and services are accessible to all Malaysians regardless of where they reside so in addition to fixed chargers, we are also considering mobile solutions to expand our reach,”

“The new energy vehicle industry is growing exponentially, and Pro-Net wants to be a major part of it both in Malaysia and abroad. As these new offerings will not be weighed down by previous model lines or even traditional service operations, it is an opportunity for Proton to reframe its customer experience and reposition itself as a mobility provider that can attract new and traditional buyers,"

"We are at the beginning of our new energy journey but with today’s official announcement regarding Pro-Net, our plans will gain momentum leading to more developments in the months and years ahead,” he added.

Smart #1 Will Kickstart Pro-Net

While most of the world refers to these kinds of fully or partially electric vehicles, for example, as mild hybrids, series hybrids,
plug-in (parallel) hybrids
, or EVs, the more encompassing term ‘NEV’ is more commonly used in China and includes every vehicle that isn’t solely powered (or at all) by internal combustion.

We won’t speculate on the scope of Pro-Net’s to-do list and if they include any new ground-up technologies, but it would be fair to assume that the majority of their output will be adapting the existing systems already developed by Geely, eventually bringing the supply and manufacturing pipeline to a local level.

Proton’s own electrification roadmap for their own cars should start with
the introduction of mild-hybrid engines
 to provide an inexpensive efficiency boost to the powertrain lineup. This is likely to be followed by a plug-in hybrid and, in due time, perhaps even a fully electric model.


Report Finds Most Owners Don't Bother Using Fancy Car Tech

A recent study from J.D. Power suggest that carmakers are investing billions of dollars on technologies that many consumers do not use. The 2015 Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience (DrIVE) Report measures driver experiences with in-vehicle technology features during the first 90 days of ownership, based on responses from more than 4,200 vehicle owners.
The report discovered that at least 20% of new-vehicle owners have never used 16 of the 33 technology features measured. Among the features most commonly reported by owners as those they “never use” are:
In-vehicle concierge – 43%
Mobile routers – 38%
Automatic parking systems – 35%
Heads-up display – 33%
Built-in apps – 32%
20% or more of owners also did not want 14 technology features to be in their next vehicle, including Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, in-vehicle concierge services, and in-vehicle voice texting.
Meanwhile, Gen Y saw the list of unwanted features increase to 23 for at least 20% of owners, with technologies relating to entertainment and connectivity systems being singled out.
“In many cases,
owners simply prefer to use their smartphone or tablet
 because it meets their needs; they’re familiar with the device and it’s accurate,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & HMI research at J.D. Power. “In-vehicle connectivity technology that’s not used results in millions of dollars of lost value for both consumers and the manufacturers.”
Among all owners, most cited “did not find it useful” and the technology “came as part of a package on my current vehicle and I did not want it” as reasons for not wanting a specific technology features in their next vehicle.
Additionally, dealers who did not explain the features found on their vehicles makes them unlikely ever to be used by the consumer. Some do not even know they have these technologies in their new vehicle because they are not activated when the vehicle is delivered.
On the other hand, the features which were very much welcomed are those which enhance the driving experience and safety. Unwelcomed technologies included vehicle health diagnostics, blind-spot warning and detection, and adaptive cruise control.


Lexus IS 200t Unveiled: Coming To Malaysia End 2015

Lexus
 has introduced the new IS 200t which will go on sale in Europe from September 2015 and will make its way to Malaysia by the end of this year.
The main highlight of the Lexus IS 200t is the new 2.0-liltre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder petrol engine which can also be found in the NX 200t crossover SUV. It produces 241hp and 350Nm of torque and is paired to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission that is also part of the high-performance RC F model.
 0-100 km/h is accomplished in just seven seconds with a top speed of 230 km/h. Lexus’ claimed average fuel consumption figure for the IS 200t is 7l/100km.
Visually, the car does not differ much in the way from the standard Lexus IS where the front fascia features the brand’s prominent spindle grille design and L-shaped LED daytime lights. However, the IS 200t gains newly designed 17-inch wheels.


Polestar Launches Performance Package For Volvo S90 And V90

Volvo’s tuning house
Polestar
 has launched its latest performance package for the new
Volvo S90
 and
V90
, after bringing the same package to the
XC90
 last year.
Known as Polestar Performance Optimisation, the package upgrades the entire drivetrain and promises to further improve the driving dynamics of the V90 and S90.
According to Polestar, the tuning package upgrades the entire drivetrain rather than simply increasing only the engine performance, where the throttle and off-throttle response are improved and the gearshift speed and precision are also tweaked, resulting in better overall engine performance and a more dynamic driving experience.
"We continue to enhance the performance of Volvo’s new, class-leading SPA vehicle architecture and Drive-E powertrains. The S90 and V90 already offer excellent driving dynamics, and we are delighted to raise the performance level even further with Polestar Performance Optimisation," said Niels Möller, COO of Polestar.
It is said that the first S90 and V90 variant available for optimisation is the D5 PowerPulse diesel, which will see the engine output being increased from 235hp and 480Nm to 240hp and 500Nm.
Developed in close cooperation with the engineers and racing drivers of Polestar Cyan Racing, it is said that all the upgrades done as a part of the Polestar Performance Optimisation package are made without affecting the certified emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and Volvo warranties.
"It is exciting to take the technology we use in our race cars and apply that to Volvo’s road cars. We have created a balanced package that provides performance in all conditions, whether you are winning a race or driving actively on your favourite roads," said Thed Björk, who drives a Volvo S60 Polestar TC1 with Drive-E technology in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.
Looking for a Volvo? Find one now at
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Kereta Paling Berjaya Dalam Sejarah Malaysia - Perodua Myvi Ikut Peredaran Zaman Untuk Kekal Relevan

Mengikut statistik,
Perodua Myvi
 memegang takhta kereta paling laris di Malaysia selama 8 tahun berturut-turut sejak 2006. Apa yang membuatkan model ini diterima begitu baik oleh rakyat negara ini? Model ini berubah mengikut peredaran zaman untuk kekal relevan selama 16 tahun dalam pasaran sekaligus diangkat sebagai kereta paling legend di negara ini.

Pernah tak anda terfikir, kenapa banyak sangat berita tentang Perodua Myvi di
media sosial
 sejak beberapa tahun lepas? Ianya kerana model ini merupakan kereta paling popular di Malaysia. Di Malaysia, jumlah keseluruhan kenderaan di jalan raya berada dalam lingkungan 11,000,000 unit kenderaan. Dalam jumlah tersebut, lebih 1 juta unit merupakan Perodua Myvi. Maksudnya, dalam setiap 10 bilangan kereta di atas jalan, ada satu Perodua Myvi.

Sebelum kemunculan Myvi, Perodua lebih fokus untuk menjual ‘binatang’ seperti
Kancil
, Rusa, Kelisa dan Kenari. Namun segala-galanya berubah setelah King of The Road melakukan debut pada tahun 2005. Setahun selepas pelancaran generasi pertamanya, Myvi mendominasi carta kereta yang paling banyak dijual di negara ini selama 8 tahun berturut-turut. Lihat sahaja di jalan raya, pasti akan nampak Perodua Myvi, tak kira lah generasi pertama ataupun generasi seterusnya.

Apa yang membuatkan rakyat Malaysia begitu mencintai model ini?

Myvi dijual pada harga mampu milik (sekitar RM41,000 hingga RM51,000). Selain itu, orang ramai memilih model ini kerana nilai praktikaliti yang ditawarkan – kompak di luar namun agak luas didalam, jimat minyak dan amat dipercayai (Daihatsu & Toyota). Jom kita lihat sejarah bagaimana kereta ini boleh jadi sangat popular dalam negara ini.

Myvi Generasi Pertama (2005)

Myvi generasi pertama yang berasaskan Daihatsu Boon/ Sirion ini dilancarkan pada bulan Mei 2005. Generasi pertama Myvi hadir dengan dua pilihan enjin iaitu enjin EJ-VE 1.0 liter dengan tiga silinder sebaris (manual) serta enjin K3-VE 1.3 liter dengan empat silinder sebaris (manual dan auto). Perodua turut melancarkan Myvi Special Edition (Myvi SE) yang menerima penambahan body kit berbanding model biasa.

Pada t
ahun pertama Myvi
 ini dilancarkan, pesaingnya, Proton turut melancarkan Proton Savvy.
Savvy
 merupakan sebuah kereta yang seakan-akan sama dari segi bentuk dan saiz. Pendek kata, dua-dua model ni memang rival lah. Namun tiada siapa menyangka bahawa pengenalan Perodua Myvi merupakan permulaan kepada kejayaan yang lebih besar buat Perodua. Selepas 3 bulan dilancarkan, Perodua Myvi ternyata membunuh Savvy setelah mencatatkan sebanyak 52,000 tempahan. Padahal Perodua hanya letak sasaran untuk menjual 4,000 unit Myvi dalam setahun.

Myvi dengan tenang mengetepikan saingan Proton Savvy untuk diangkat sebagai "Car of the Year 2005/2006" oleh majalah tempatan Autocar ASEAN. Bukan itu sahaja, The Edge Daily turut melaporkan bahawa jualan Myvi jauh melampaui jangkaan awalnya dan menerima sambutan yang amat hangat semenjak diperkenalkan pada bulan April. Selepas pengenalan Myvi, jumlah jualan Perodua naik mendadak!

Myvi Generasi Pertama Facelift (2008)

Oleh kerana model ini begitu diterima masyarakat, Perodua memutuskan untuk memperkenalkan versi facelift bagi generasi pertama Myvi setelah tiga tahun dilancarkan bagi memastikan ianya kekal segar dalam pasaran. Meskipun enjinnya masih lagi dikekalkan pada kapasiti 1.3 liter, Rekaan bumper dan gril hadapan yang diperbaharu pada versi ini membuatkan
Myvi
 yang pada awalnya comel menjadi lebih agresif.

Untuk versi 2008 ini, Perodua menawarkan varian Myvi Special Edition (
Myvi SE
) serta ditemani dua varian baharu yang digelar Exclusive Edition serta Limited Edition. Pada waktu ini, harga yang ditawarkan bagi model ini berada dalam lingkungan RM50,000. Myvi SE muncul sebagai model yang paling mencuri tumpuan dengan lampu hadapan yang gelap dan kit badan penuh berserta spoiler di bahagian belakang.

Myvi Generasi Kedua (2011)

Pada tahun 2011, Perodua melancarkan Myvi
generasi kedua
 pula dengan nama Myvi Lagi Best. Kalau anda perasan, Perodua akan mengemaskini model Myvi setiap 3 tahun bagi membuatkan ia kekal relevan dalam pasaran. Meskipun memegang takhta sebagai kereta nombor 1 Malaysia, namun Perodua tidak duduk diam dan sentiasa menawarkan model Myvi baharu bagi terus menarik minat ramai rakyat Malaysia untuk membeli. Bentuk Myvi generasi kedua ini agak sedikit bersegi berbanding model sebelumnya yang lebih bulat dan comel.

Untuk varian Myvi SE generasi kedua, bahagian gril hadapannya dilengkapi kemasan plastik yang membuatkan Myvi tampak lebih sporty. Selain ruang dalaman yang lebih cantik, Perodua turut memperkenalkan kapasiti enjin yang lebih besar iaitu 1.5L DDVT. Kalau anda nak tahu, ini merupakan enjin yang sama digunakan pada
Perodua Alza
. Bezanya, Perodua Alza bersaiz besar dan lebih berat berbanding Myvi. Kiranya, enjin 3SZ-VE
1.5 liter
 yang mampu menjana 109 PS dan 141 Nm ini lebih daripada memadai bagi Perodua Myvi.

Meskipun kereta ini laju, namun Myvi pada ketika ini hanya menerima 3 bintang taraf keselamatan daripada
ASEAN NCAP
. Jika nak dibandingkan dengan kelajuan yang mampu dihasilkan oleh jentera ini pada waktu ini, ciri keselamatannya belum cukup kuat. Jadi sekiranya anda memiliki Myvi generasi awal seperti ini, berhati-hatilah ketika memandu laju di jalan raya.

Myvi Generasi Kedua Facelift (2015)

Setelah berusia 10 tahun dalam pasaran negara, Perodua memperkenalkan versi facelift bagi generasi kedua Myvi pada tahun 2015. Ia masih menawarkan enjin berkapasiti 1.3L serta 1.5L dan masih lagi menggunakan throttle mekanikal bagi kedua-dua jenis enjin tersebut.

Untuk versi facelift ini, semuanya nampak lebih agresif dan sporty. Tapi untuk Myvi SE, gril hadapannya lebih mengancam dan segar berbanding Myvi sebelumnya. Bahkan rim kilang yang dibekalkan bersama Myvi ini pun dah cukup cantik. Namun yang paling penting, Myvi ini menerima 4 bintang penarafan keselamatan daripada ASEAN NCAP. Ada peningkatan daripada model sebelum facelift ini yang hanya mencatatkan 3 bintang. Selain menjadi Myvi yang paling selamat ketika itu, tempat letak kerusi bayi (
Isofix
) juga dijadikan sebagai peralatan standard pada Myvi ini.

Selain itu, harga bagi versi facelift ini juga lebih murah berbanding harga Myvi Generasi Kedua (2011) yang terdahulu. Kalau nak ikutkan, harga bagi varian tertinggi Myvi 2011 itu boleh mencapai sehingga RM61,000. Kali ini, harga yang ditawarkan tidak sampai RM60,000. Benda ini mudah sahaja, kalau versi baharu yang ditawarkan lebih baik dan lebih murah, pastilah ianya akan disambut baik oleh semua.

Myvi Generasi Ketiga (2017)

Myvi generasi ketiga yang dikenali sebagai All New Myvi atau Myvi D20N merupakan Myvi yang paling istimewa yang pernah dihasilkan oleh Perodua. Reka bentuknya langsung tidak sama dengan mana-mana model Myvi yang terdahulu namun ia masih dipasarkan dalam segmen yang sama. Menariknya, reka bentuk baharu Myvi ini dihasilkan sepenuhnya oleh jurutera dan pereka Perodua sendiri. Daihatsu dan Toyota hanya berfungsi sebagai penasihat sahaja, namun enjin Myvi ini masih datang daripada mereka.

Kalau nak diikutkan, Perodua boleh sahaja tukar nama Myvi dan perkenalkan kereta baharu dengan reka bentuk baharu ini. Namun ekoran nama Myvi yang semakin besar dan diterima orang ramai membuatkan Perodua untuk terus menggunakan nama Myvi oleh kerana nilai yang ada pada tanda nama tersebut. Enjin yang ditawarkan masih lagi sama iaitu 1.5L serta 1.3L di mana pilihan manual hanya boleh didapati pada varian 1.3 liter. Enjin 2NR-VE 1.5 liter digunakan untuk mengganti enjin 3SZ-VE yang terdahulu.

Namun kereta ini jauh lebih moden berbanding model sebelumnya dengan penambahan butang Push to Start, skrin sentuh LED, Auto Start/Stop dan macam-macam lagi. Perodua turut memperkenalkan sistem keselamatan yang dipanggil
Advance Safety Assist (ASA)
 pada varian tertinggi Myvi yang membuatkan model ini menerima 5 bintang penarafan keselamatan daripada ASEAN NCAP. Kalau nak diikutkan, Myvi merupakan kereta pertama di bawah harga RM100,000 yang menawarkan
sistem keselamatan aktif
 seperti ini.

Perodua Myvi 2020

Selepas tiga tahun pelancaran generasi ketiga Myvi, Perodua sekali lagi mengemaskini Myvi bagi tahun 2020 dengan ciri keselamatan yang dipertingkat pada varian terpilih serta menawarkan satu lagi warna badan baharu, iaitu
 Electric Blue
.

Myvi 2020 ini menerima sistem ASA yang lebih padu yang dipanggil
ASA 2.0
, sama seperti pada Perodua Aruz, Axia facelift dan juga Bezza facelift. ASA 2.0 ini bukan sahaja ditawarkan pada varian tertinggi 1.5 AV, namun ia turut datang sebagai standard pada varian 1.5 H. Untuk varian 1.3 X, anda dibeli pilihan untuk menambah bayaran bagi mendapatkan sistem ini.

ASA 2.0 menerima penambahanbaikan dalam sistem Pengesan Pejalan Kaki yang kini berfungsi sehingga 50 km/j. Selain itu, kelajuan operasi Pre-collision Warning (PCW) dan Pre-collision Braking (PCB) telah ditingkatkan masing-masing kepada 100 km/j dan 80 km/j. Selain lebih moden, Myvi ini juga merupakan
Myvi yang paling selamat untuk dipandu
. Jadi tak hairanlah orang ramai berpusu-pusu menempah kereta ini.

Berikut merupakan sejarah pengeluaran model Myvi semenjak tahun 2005 sehinggalah tahun 2020. Setelah 16 tahun berada dalam pasaran Malaysia, kereta ini memang layak digelar sebagai King of The Road. Persoalannya, adakah jumlah jualan kereta ini akan terganggu dengan pelancaran model SUV baharu
Perodua Ativa
? Buat masa ini, Myvi masih menjadi kereta kegemaran rakyat Malaysia. Jika
Ativa
 mampu untuk bertahan selama 16 tahun dalam pasaran, barulah layak digelar King juga!

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DRB-Hicom: All Proton FSP Bidders Still In The Running

DRB-Hicom has released a statement saying that all bidders are still in the running to be selected as Proton's foreign strategic partner.
"Our intent is to turn around the fortunes of PROTON. There are strengths and capabilities of the carmaker that, given a new proven partner that can offer technology, capabilities and new markets, will push PROTON as a brand to be reckoned with. This is why our evaluation of the bidders needs to be a detailed one. PROTON and the incoming FSP must be able to create synergies that will ensure the success of this venture," said DRB-Hicom Group Managing Director, Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar.
He added, "We are going through the tail-end of this meticulous process, and we are looking forward to completing this search by the end of the first half of this year."


Do You Really Need A 4x4?

With only 28% of Malaysian pickup truck owners engaging their 4x4 system, the question must be asked - do you really need a 4x4 pickup?

When purchasing a pickup truck, there's a common notion that you need to go for the 4x4 variant. Suppose you're only going to use the truck as an urban/ family vehicle with the occasional adventures on weekends, then there's really no point nor need to purchase a 4-wheel-drive pickup truck.

Plus, gone are the days where a 4x2 looks different or less muscular than a 4x4, lacking in style or looking typically like a workhorse. The new age 4x2 vehicles look as rugged and dashing as their 4x4 counterparts. It can blend in at an office car park, high-end mall and even the glitziest of glamping sites. Without the 4x2 decal, none would be the wiser that it is actually a two-wheel-drive truck.

But simpler does not mean less. By omitting a four-wheel-drive system, it is still well equipped while being value for money. With that being said, let's dive deeper into why a 4x2 pickup truck is just a better choice for some buyers.

As the name suggests, a 4x2 pickup truck is a vehicle that is propelled forward via its two rear wheels. Actually, even a 4x4 pickup truck is propelled forward by its two rear wheels. It only goes 4x4 when the four-wheel-drive system is engaged to help tackle deep jungle terrains or obstacles. For most road-based and loose soil obstacles, modern traction control systems can help with less than favourable situations and don't even require you to engage a truck's four-wheel-drive system.

According to Isuzu, only 28% of Malaysian pickup truck owners frequently engage their 4x4 system, so you have to ask yourself, are you part of that 28%?

Besides, a 4x2 is lighter and easier to maintain due to its uncomplicated powertrain, which will save you money in the long run. Because it's lighter, it will consume less fuel, and because it has a simpler powertrain, there are fewer things to maintain - which translates into it being lighter on your wallet.

In some sense, the 4x2 still has the same benefits as a 4x4 pickup truck. It has a tall ride height, large cargo space and rugged looks.

For example, the
Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 AT Plus
 has the same flash flood crossing abilities as its
4x4 counterpart
 (1.9L 4×4 AT Standard). With an 800mm wading depth, the 4x2 is better than any sedan when faced with unexpected urban floods. Because it also has a good underbody clearance, this makes it safer to cross floods in the 4x2, as it will be able to traverse past unseen debris under the murky waters.

Therefore, you can very well consider a 4x2, (especially if you’ll likely never use a 4x4), as a value for money mover with a substantial amount of cargo space, which might come in handy for Ikea shopping, camping, fishing, or cycling on the weekends.

Because the Isuzu D-Max 4x2 is still equipped with the standard suspension rating - specified for the double-wishbone set-up upfront and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear, it still has great payload capabilities. Helping yourself, friends and family move cargo around is still possible, carrying payloads up to 1305kg. Neither is the ride in the 4x2  all stiff and bouncy, (
just like any other Isuzu D-Max) the 4x2 has one of the more pliant rides compared to other pickup trucks - mastering the balance between comfort and practicality.

To add to the 4x2’s case, it comes with an
impressive equipment list
, on top of the two airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Brake Override System (BOS), it also comes with a reverse camera which makes it easier for you to navigate the truck into a tight parking spot. If that doesn’t do it for you then the 4-zone graphic displayed in the e-LUMAX display meter cluster can help indicate the location and distance of obstacles to ease manoeuvering into tight spaces.

On the inside, the Isuzu 4x2 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, single-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, six speakers and woven texture fabric seats, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It has all the right equipment to turn it into a long-distance family cruiser, including generously proportioned seats, that offers up ample support over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted six ways for fatigue-free motoring.

LED daytime running lights and bi-LED projector headlights are standard, so you still get that crisp white illumination as seen on its more expensive 4x4 brothers. There are also powered side mirrors, 17-inch wheels and side steps on the 4x2, just like Isuzu’s other 4x4 models.

Powertrain wise, apart from the lack of a 4x4 system, you get the fantastic and frugal 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC turbodiesel engine that produces a healthy 150 PS at 3,600 RPM and 350 Nm of torque available from between 1,800 – 2,600 RPM.

To put their money where their claims are, Isuzu Malaysia also challenged the RZ4E-TC turbodiesel engine’s fuel efficiency in the Isuzu Blue Power Dura Challenge.

The 1.9-litre single cab model of the Isuzu D-Max was loaded with a 1000 kilogramme payload, then driven through some of the highest accessible hills along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range, reaching its endpoint, clocking 1,145km without needing to refuel – with two bars of fuel remaining in the tank. Now, how’s that for the fuel efficiency of the RZ4E-TC?

So as you can see, apart from the 4x4 system that you'll likely never engage, the 4x2 is actually a more than capable vehicle if you're planning to use it mainly in an urban environment.

If you buy a 4x4 pickup truck and never use its four-wheel-drive system, it's like having a mountain bike where you only ride it on the road. It is inefficient, slows you down, and you carry around extra weight for no good reason. So really, do you need four-wheel-drive or are two sufficient?


Volkswagen Unveils Angry Rally-Going Version Of The Polo GTI

Volkswagen has unveiled an extreme version of the Polo GTI called the Polo GTI R5.
The four-wheel drive rally car, which is based on the sixth and latest generation of the new Polo, is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine kicking out 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired to a close-ratio 5-speed sequential racing gearbox.
Weighing at 1,320 kg, the Polo GTI R5, which is also fitted with a permanent four-wheel drive system, is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
According to Volkswagen, the four-door steel chassis which serves as the basis for the assembly, is manufactured at the production plant in Pamplona, Spain and comes strengthened with a roll cage and other safety components.
Yet to be homologated, the first deliveries of the Polo GTI R5 to customer sports teams and first competitive outings are planned for the second half of 2018.
"Presenting the new Polo GTI R5 to the public was a magnificent moment," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.
"Over the coming months, the Polo GTI R5 must prove itself in a series of tough scenarios, in order to ensure that it can build on the success of its predecessor in the customers' hands," he said.


C5 Aircross Hybrid SUV, Citroen's electric offensive vehicle

At the recent Brussels Motor Show, Citroen unveiled their new C5 AIRCROSS SUV HYBRID, a car which has been labelled by them as their "electric offensive" vehicle.

A step up from the already popular C5 AIRCROSS, the hybrid is inspired by what Citroen calls "You All" and marks their ambitions to create accessible low emission vehicles. Citroen also aims to make more electrified vehicles by announcing that all new models launched by the brand will feature an electrified version, a commitment to a responsible energy transition.

Although the Hybrids' main headline is about the responsible energy transition, Citroen has not forgotten about the "High-End Driving Experience" which is Citroen's way of saying that they have not forgotten about power.

The vehicle's electrifying performance combined with a PureTech 180 petrol engine, an 80 kW electric engine and a ë-EAT8 automatic gearbox, delivers 225 hp of accumulated power and instantly available torque of 320 Nm.

According to Citroen the car also has one of the best rides, thanks to its suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. Offering a range of 50 km in electric mode, the new C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid represents a new phase in Citroën's energy transition strategy.

It also has outstanding modularity thanks to its three individual rear seats which can slide, tilt and fold. When configured for maximum space, the hybrid can transform into a cargo bay beast with its best in class cargo volume from 460 L to 600 L.

Citroen Malaysia has yet to bring any hybrid cars into Malaysia, but with the current trend of electrifying vehicles, we might see this one on the road in the near future.


Frankfurt 2015: Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Bugatti's Vision Gran Turismo concept previously only existed in the Gran Turismo video game series. Now, though, at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Bugatti shows off the real-life version of it that it built.
When the
first pictures
 of the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo were released, there were obvious influences from the company’s previous car, the Veyron.
Bugatti did admit that this new design also has cues from its “future design language”, cues that could preview what the world can expect to see in their next road car, the Chiron.
As we’ve said, we’re curious to see how this car materializes in the game once it is made available for download. No figures have been released, however, but our guess it that it will be a very brisk machine indeed, perhaps with an engine that outputs close-to or higher-than that of the Veyron Super Sport’s 1200hp.
Feel free to browse more pictures in the gallery below.


Spyshot: All-New Toyota Hiace Caught In Argentina

The current-generation Toyota Hiace has undergone 2 facelifts since it was first introduced 14 years ago in 2004, with the last facelift arriving 10 years later in 2014.
Now, an all-new sixth generation model appears to be in the works, as
headlightmag
 recently posted photos of the said model undergoing tests in Argentina.
One of the major changes over the fifth generation model includes a revised front end, now with a bonnet up front and longer nose, similar to the Ford Transit or Maxus V80 vans. This should provide the new generation Hiace with better crash protection compared to the outgoing model.
The rest of the Hiace remains under thick camouflage, so it’s hard to tell what the new model will look like, though proportions of the new Hiace could be similar to the fifth generation model.
In terms of powertrain, we can expect Toyota to offer the new generation Hiace with a range of petrol and diesel engines.
Photo credit:
autoblog.com.ar
, MAG-X Magazine (June 2018)


The Porsche 911 Will Remain Engine Powered, No Batteries – Here’s Why!

In a recent press call with CNBC, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said the
Porsche 911
 will be the “last Porsche that goes that goes for full-electrification” if it ever does, but it will not happen anytime soon. We know, take a moment to celebrate that – we understand.

While they may not fully write off electrification of some sort down the line, and let’s face it, this is going to happen anyway, the most successful sports car will for the foreseeable future – contain the nuts and bolts, valves and pistons, and crankshaft and camshafts that make it one of the most soulful and
admired cars on the planet
.

Blume adds, “The 911 is our icon. We will continue to build the 911 with a combustion engine. The concept of the 911 doesn’t allow a fully electric car because we have the engine in the rear. To put the weight of the battery in the rear, you wouldn’t be able to drive the car.”

However, beyond the obvious heritage and engineering framework, there are other reasons why the Porsche 911 will remain conventionally powered.

Why mess with something so beautifully flawed?

Threading back to its roots, the Porsche 911’s rear-engine, rear-wheel drive chassis means that a relatively large capacity engine is shoehorned literally just behind the rear seatbacks, and it stretches out all the ways towards the extremities of the rear bumper – which as you might surmise is not the ideal place to put an engine.

It made sense in the early days when the 911 was limited by the chassis construction of its forebears (the
Porsche 356
) but not so much as time wore on. With advancements in chassis technology, and the proliferation of mid-engine, front engine and AWD
platforms
 – Porsche soldiered on with what was essentially a flawed design. Nonetheless, having improved on the design with every generation, it was an aspect that made the 911 one of the most characterful and potent sports cars ever.

Can it be done though?

When it comes to electrification, it isn’t as simple as replacing the 911’s flat-six engine with a big electric motor and throwing as many battery cells in the remaining space. There would be quite a few issues with this:

Porsche could in theory adapt a rear electric motor as they have in the
Porsche Taycan
, It is relatively compact and very powerful, and given its simplicity could very well mean it’s not much heavier than a conventional engine. But, with that in place, where do you put the batteries?

Lithium-ion car batteries are made of hundreds of cells, which make up modules, which in turn are grouped together to make the battery unit. For many reasons, that include safety, packaging, driving dynamics and cooling, the battery unit is shaped as a flat, rectangular box and mounted as low as possible within the car.

Using what empty space in the rear of a 911 (essentially behind the seat) – assuming we’re not going to put it underneath the car – would in theory require the battery unit to be stacked high. Thereby placing a heavy load at the back and very high up within the car – essentially ruining any form of weight balance the 911 has. Imagine a sledgehammer, a light wooden handle on one side with a massive weighted head on the other – can you imagine steering a car like that.

So let us say we put it underneath the car just like Taycan, and just drape a 911 shell on top of it – yes again, in theory, this is possible – but have you seen how large the Taycan is?

In the case of the Taycan – size does matter because it’s a luxury sedan – but it also needs to be that big to house all the electric tech underneath. One of the reasons the 911 is so
fast on any given road
 is its relatively compact proportions and lightweight build.

Therefore it would seem full electrification of the Porsche 911, for now at least, is impossible to achieve without changing the very design and engineering principles that make it such a prolific sports car.

How about hybrid technology?

Yes, this is very possible, and Porsche says it’s already working on a “very sporty hybridisation” of the 911. Therefore, while the 911 might never become a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) it could feature some
form of hybridisation
 in the future.

This could mean a downsized engine – perhaps a flat-four
2.0-litre as featured in the Cayman
/Boxster – which could be aided by an electric motor and offer an Energy Recovery System (ERS) like in their
Porsche Le Mans racecar
. If they can fit a decent size battery in the car, it could even become a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a usable electric range.

What are Porsche’s goals?

This is perhaps the defining reason why the 911 can and should remain conventionally powered. Porsche was the first car manufacturer to set itself the goal of being carbon-neutral throughout the entire value chain by 2030. This means that their sustainability efforts go beyond just making cars with lower CO2 emissions – it speaks to the entire operation of the company.

Therefore, their principles of operation are multi-pronged.

Besides producing high-powered
BEVs like the Taycan
, the upcoming
Macan EV,
 and a range of other plug-in hybrid models – Porsche is also investing heavily in fast-charging electric infrastructure, firstly at home, and eventually
globally through its partners
.

While they continue to build high-powered internal combustion cars – they are also working with Siemens Energy to develop climate-neutral
synthetic fuels
 (what they call eFuels) which will practically allow gasoline engine cars to be powered by carbon-neutral gasoline.

Their sustainability efforts will also include changes to how they
design
, develop, produce and sell cars – this will include the way they power their offices, to the way they paint their cars – delivering a holistic approach to carbon neutrality.

Going carbon-neutral by 2030 requires way more than just electric vehicles – and supersedes some
other manufacturer’s goals
, such as
Volvo
 and General Motors, who have said they will exclusively only offer EVs after 2030 and 2035 respectively, but have both set a goal for carbon-neutrality no earlier than 2040.

This and many other efforts will still allow Porsche to build 911s the way they always have because their entire operational ecosystem (even in the face of tightening regulations) will still allow them to remain profitable and competitive.

In conclusion

Seemingly, it's almost poetic that the Porsche 911’s biggest engineering flaw (and the heritage that is built around it) would never allow it to become a fully electric car.

At least ideally, and ideologically and until batteries become way smaller and lighter, but even then, one could argue... sometimes, certain things are best left as they are.


What Is A Driver’s Car – And Our 5 Top Used Picks

In a world where cars are headed towards autonomy and electrification, there seems to be a massive uptake in cars aimed at driving enthusiasts – both new and used but what is a driver's car?

It has to be said that from the perspective of an outsider, all car enthusiasts are the same – people who live and breathe cars, arguably with petrol running through their veins. Within this minority, among car buyers however, there is an even more specific subset that values the driving experience above all else. These are the driving enthusiasts, and they can be an incredibly picky bunch.

You can drive any car, but not every car gives you an experience worth remembering or longing for. These traits are reserved for the cars that are usually designed with spirited driving in mind, though occasionally you will find the odd gem that performs admirably without having performance aspirations. Given that fewer and fewer consumers value the driving experience, it’s understandable that there are fewer and fewer new options available to the driving enthusiast.

What makes a driver’s car different from your regular machine? A manual gearbox is usually a big indicator – ideally one with a tight spread of gear ratios, positive shift feel, and a well weighted clutch. Steering should feel precise and well weighted, quicker in ratio than your generic econobox. The engine doesn’t need to be flat out powerful, but it should have enough grunt to make you feel like you’re getting places quickly.

And perhaps most important of all is the way the chassis is designed and engineered. A driver’s car should respond to your inputs in a linear, predictable fashion, making it easier to handle up to and over the limit of grip. This is where driving pleasure is most derived from, especially when you have the chance to let loose on a racetrack. Whether that comes in the form of a front-wheel drive hot hatchback, mid-engine coupe, or all-wheel drive rally homologation special – you’re sure to have a smile on your face when you’re piloting them.

So what are a few examples of this that you can pick up? We’ve gone through our listings to pick five great options at a variety of price points.

Suzuki Swift Sport ZC32S – RM 60,000

This is perhaps one of the most underrated hatchbacks that you can get – and there’s a reason that their prices haven’t really come down over the last few years, especially if they
come with the coverted manual transmission
. There happen to be one example in our listings, though finding one for sale is difficult as owners usually don’t want to let go of them. Highlights of this pocket rocket are a punchy 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine, a fantastic six-speed close ratio manual gearbox, and sublime handling fit for long stretches of twisty trunk roads.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 – RM 120,000+

They definitely aren’t the fastest things around, but the
Subaru BRZ
 and
Toyota 86
 twins are fantastic examples of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupes done right. With a flat-four engine up front pushing around 200 hp, you get enough shove to get up to sillier speeds – but more importantly, just enough torque to slide around. These models come standard with a helical limited-slip differential, allowing for easy to start and sustain drifts when combined with its well-tuned chassis.

Honda Civic Type R FD2 RM 120,000+ (cash)

You can’t talk about driver’s cars without looking at a VTEC. The
Honda Civic Type R FD2
 is the last of the naturally-aspirated Honda performance cars, and the engine sings at a redline close to 9,000 rpm from factory as you row through its close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. From factory they tend to be a little stiff but with the right suspension set and tyre package you will be treated to face-smearing amounts of grip. It also helps that they have hit the limit of depreciation, fast becoming a collector’s item the world over. The downside however is that they are cash-only options.

Subaru WRX STi Version 11 – RM 180,000+

If you fancy something with rally aspirations, then this is the car for you. Granted most models on offer here aren’t the Japanese variants with the sharper 2.0-litre EJ20T turbo flat four engine, but
this 2.5-litre variant
 still delivers a good 303 hp and 393 Nm of torque. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system here provides an immense amount of traction in even the most adverse conditions, though if you really want to do the big four-wheel drifts you may need to upgrade to limited-slip differentials at the front and rear.

Porsche Cayman/Boxster 981 RM 220,000+

One of the most expensive options on our list is the
Porsche Cayman
 and
Porsche Boxster
 – because there’s really no driving experience like one you get from a mid-engine car. These are the entry level performance cars for the Porsche range, but we specifically speak of the third generation model because you can be guaranteed that they come with the wonderful PDK dual-clutch gearbox (if not a six-speed manual gearbox). No slow-shifting slushboxes here – just snappy upshifts and downshifts at your command, changing the pitch of a 2.7-litre flat-six engine seated right behind your bum. If you have a slightly bigger budget, the S models give you even more punch with a larger 3.4-litre flat-six motor.

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 your latest
new car promotion
 here also.


Najib: RFID Stickers Cost Below RM1, So Why Are Malaysians Being Charged RM35?

Things have not been going well for the RFID rollout and former, so much so that our former Prime Minister has decided to chime in over a Facebook post.

In it, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has questioned the exorbitant prices that the RFID stickers themselves are being sold at. Malaysians
have to pay RM35 for a self-stick kit
 and are left to install it on their cars themselves when apparently a pack-of-10 unbranded RFID stickers can be bought from an online retailer for a little over RM3.

In his post, he also detailed market caps for CIMB and their (reported) over RM1.16 billion profits last year from Touch n’Go, questioning why the Rakyat is still being charged RM35 for a trivially basic piece of adhesive plastic and metallic strip?....Even if they'll
replace 'faulty' examples.

He then suggests that the RFID stickers be given out for free to encourage a wider adoption rate, especially given how Malaysian road users are being forced to migrate away from SmarTAG for a new system that seems to be just as unreliable and, in many ways, more inconvenient.

After all, during the pilot phase of the RFID implementation from 2018, the stickers were given to early adopter motorists without cost, proving that Touch N’Go were at one point willing to provide the item for little or no charge.

With a much higher volume of cars now having to (forced to) use RFID, and will be
subsequently reloading their eWallets
 to do so, wouldn’t it make more sense now to just give them away FOC in the name of a stronger uptake?

In the wake of this, many Malaysians have been taking to social media to express their own frustrations with RFID and its botched rollout. According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), the Malaysian Highway Authority (Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia, or
LLM
) has moved to address some of these concerns with PLUS and Touch n’Go.

These discussions are reportedly aimed at tackling the biggest shortcomings of RFID and its user experience while also looking into price reductions on the stick-on tags themselves. We'll see what happens.


Mercedes-Benz Compact Cars In Budapest - Driving The CLA 250 Shooting Brake, AMG A45, And B250e

Stretching my vision as far and wide across the Danube River, the view is nothing short of staggering. With the Danube Promenade behind me, the panorama brings into view the mighty Buda Castle, which has stood as a symbol of power and wealth for Hungarian monarchs since 1265. Here, the awe-inspiring Castle Hill funicular train provides entry as it climbs near vertical tracks up Castle Hill.
The mixture of Neo-Gothic and Baroque style architecture along the Danube is set amidst more modern innovations like the Metro, the European mainland’s first mass transit system, first completed in 1896. The Metro’s Number 1 line is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A short walk takes you towards the Chain Bridge, another marvel of engineering which first connected the districts of Buda and Pest (pronounced Pesht). The sprawling Hungarian capital meanders majestically, along both sides of the Danube.
To appreciate the beauty and heritage of this eastern European city is to understand its affinity for architecture, engineering, art and religion. It also means to understand the many forces that have played its part through the passage of time. Of how conquest, dynasty, communism, war and modern democracy tells of the ebb and flow through the ages; and how this paints a parallel picture of the creativity, resilience, and passion of its people.
Today, this appreciation for innovation has galvanised Hungary as a modern hub for automotive engineering – everyone from Skoda, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, have etched their mark on the vast industrial landscape of the country.
Mercedes-Benz’s Keskemet Plant is the company's first European-based passenger car plant outside of Germany and has been producing the company’s compact models – namely the B-Class (since 2012), and every single CLA (since 2013) and CLA Shooting Brake (since 2015) ever sold.
The plant has produced over 600,000 cars to date; or one around every two minutes – over three (daily) eight hour shifts, five days a week. Keskemet is also the biggest employer in the region, commanding a workforce of 4000; another 2500 new jobs will be added once the second plant is operational in a few years – consisting a highly flexible body shop, paint shop, assembly line and industrial park.
The production speed and consistency, and the reciprocal vehicle build quality – are a testament to the design and layout of Keskemet itself. The plant is the first location where Mercedes have introduced the Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGV), which is an autonomous shopping cart system that delivers components from a holding facility to the production line, using the “just-in-time” principle.

The AGV eliminates the needs for storage racks along the line, which in turn frees up space for worker movement and more ergonomic working spaces. The AGV also allows a larger variation of parts and components to be delivered to the line, corresponding to build orders from around the world.
The Keskemet plant is a vital link in Mercedes’ global production chain, responsible for the company’s New Generation Compact Car (NGCC) line-up. Or, as Mercedes-Benz now calls them: The Glorious Five.
A decisive part of the global success of Mercedes-Benz is attributed to its compact car range – which was founded on the basis of the Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform, back in 2011. What started with the A- and B-Class has steadily grown into the wider GLA, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake models.
Since 2012, MFA models are responsible for a total of 2.0 million units sold worldwide, and more importantly galvanised an entirely new generation of buyers towards the Mercedes-Benz family, who are on average, 13 years younger than they used to be.
With regard to the global sales, that age is now 48, the Malaysian market’s average first time Mercedes buyer is even lower, at 43 years old.
The Mercedes-Benz junior cars also have a 70 percent conquest rate, meaning Mercedes-Benz are peeling these buyers away from other offerings such as the
BMW 1 Series
,
Mini
Cooper
 and
Volkswagen Golf
.
Needless, Mercedes-Benz take their MFA cars, very seriously. No other premium manufacturer offers five body styles, manual or automatic transmissions, front or all-wheel drive chassis and a plethora of engine choices, from 1.6-litre diesels to the most powerful series-produced 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the world. Certain markets can even opt for natural gas or electric driven models.
And if the current five models don’t already fit all niche market and mainstream buyers – Mercedes-Benz plans another three models by 2020, with the
earliest of those models
 arriving in 2018.
But for the most part, the major highlight of this here Budapest excursion, isn’t the
A-
, B- or CLA-Class cars, after all, even the Malaysian market has received these facelifted models. The main reason we’re here is to sample the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover.
This drive then would leave me with three distinct experiences, as the Mercedes Compact cars take on the best Budapest has to offer.
Driving the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4Matic Shooting Brake on a tight back road.
The CLA Shooting Brake models have had a limited presence here in Malaysia. Only some 20 odd units were imported, and they have all since been sold out. On a pre-planned route which takes us from the Budapest Airport to the Hungaroring F1 Circuit through some twisty back roads, I get behind the wheel of the designer piece of the compact car family.
12 model variants are on offer for the European market, from the 1.6-litre turbodiesel CLA 180d all the way to the fire breathing, 381hp CLA 45 AMG super wagon.
I drove the CLA 250 Shooting Brake 4Matic, which is equipped with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder as the sedan model we get locally. The engine generates a healthy 211hp and 350Nm of torque between 1200rpm and 4000rpm. Power is put to the road through a seven-speed double-clutch transmission, sending power to all four wheels. Top speed is rated at 240km/h.
On the twists and turns of Budapest, as I would suspect on roads of Kuala Lumpur – the Sporting Brake is a truly able car. Regardless if you’re pulling off from a standing start or when overtaking, the power is always at your beck and call.
The seven-speed transmission cycles through the gears almost imperceptibly when you’re hard on the throttle, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.6 seconds, according to its claimed figures. Even when creeping in traffic, the car gently hustles along once you release the brakes – with little hesitation.
After a small stint on the highway, which the Shooting Brake dispatched with ease. Our contingent from Malaysia consisting three cars, peel off into a small town which is followed by short distance through some tight twisty back roads during a heavy downpour – it was in these conditions that CLA 250 4Matic Shooting Brake came into its own.
The ride was supple yet sharp on turn in and mid corner, owing to the extra bit of heft on the rear axle - the shooting brake feels quantifiably more planted than the sedan in the bends.
I have been rather critical of the CLA in the past, specifically the sedan model, and mostly because of the rigid suspension setup and jarring ride quality.
In the Shooting Brake, fitted with 17-inch wheels and thicker tyres, seemed to cure the car’s foibles and reduce its tendency for bump steering. It’s comfortable, sharp enough to be enjoyed on a twisty road and very potent at the corner exits.
The other two cars ahead of me are AMG powered 45s, one GLA another a CLA-sedan, but, on a tight twisty road such as this, it made no difference. While the other had to be cautious when handling their vast reserves of power – I loved winding out the throttle at corner exits and leaning hard on the brakes during entry.
The steering has reasonably good feedback over smooth surfaces and does enough to let you know when you’re going through a rough or bumpy patch of roads. The brakes are superb too – both in modulation and stopping force, they inspire a great sense of a confidence in very quick order.
Upon reaching the paddock car park of the legendary Hungaroring, the first thing I said to the friendly Mercedes chap who waited for the keys was, “It’s really comfortable, I wasn’t expecting that.” To which, in typical Germanic conciseness, he replied, “It’s still a Mercedes after all.”
But what waited across the pit building was anything but calm and composed…
Driving a Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic On The Hungaroring F1 Circuit
It’s best we get the superlatives out of the way. The A45 AMG 4Matic is after all already on sale in Malaysia, and by now, if we weren’t fortunate enough to own one, we would’ve at least noticed one passing in anger, snorting air through its massive turbos and spitting it out to the tune of loud exhaust barks.
This black-on-black version of the Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic will be making its Malaysian debut soon...
Specifications:
Price: RM348,888 (OTR Incl GST, W/O Ins)
Engine: 2.0-litre, Inline-4 Longitudinal, Turbocharged, Petrol Direct Injection
Power: 381hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 475Nm @ 2,250 - 5,000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, AWD
Safety: 7-airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX (rear), autonomous emergency braking
Origin: Fully-Imported from Rastatt, Germany
With both hands clutching the steering wheel, I pan left as the instructor, who would be driving a Mercedes-AMG GTS up front gives me the thumbs up. Further to my left is that hallowed sign, spanning the width of the track that reads Hungaroring – the site of many thrilling displays of driving excellence, by some of the biggest names in motorsport.
We roll out the pits to a slow cruise heading down Turn 1, a long hairpin that curves around 180 degrees leading up to a short straight – this, much like the rest of the circuit is a tight technical complex of bends that test one’s race craft, accuracy and vision. I especially love Turns 5 to 7 – a long ascending right that leads across a bump into a tight right-left chicane which opens up at the end.
Likewise, the circuit puts immense stress on the car brakes and tests the body rigidity, drivetrain, traction and tyres to its limit. Thanks to the AMG Dynamic Select toggle, now drivers can cycle between five driving modes including one aptly called Race. Given that I've never driven here before, I leave proceedings in Sports mode.
The A 45 takes them on with aplomb. As we pick up the pace on the second lap, I instantly appreciate the intuitive gearbox, AMG has conducted some tweaking of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which, even in Auto mode, dispatches its shifts confidently, keeping the tacho needle planted within the power range. Needless to say, changes while using the paddle shifters are rifle quick, with one explosion of pace, after another.
The mechanical grip of the thing is immense – pinning me into the side bolsters at every turn. The 235/40 R18 tyres, wrap 18-inch wheels AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels transmit good amounts of feedback from the front end, which allows me to carve up a good line across this very technical circuit.
But for the most part – the most astounding feature of the A 45 is how it simply explodes out of corners. Where the full surge of 380hp and 475Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four is channeled to all four wheels.
On the last sweeping hairpin corner of the Hungaroring, the entry and mid-corner speeds of the A 45 AMG and the lead AMG GTS are mostly similar – on the corner exit though, the A 45 AMG is able to accelerate out onto the main straight almost as violently as the AMG GTS – and will keep up with it until around 4th gear.
The suspension hunkers down, allowing the wheels to surge forward in anger. Whilst the A 45 suspension setup might be somewhat stiff on normal roads, out here, it’s a master stroke of control and precision. Even during quick direction changes, it keeps the car planted and flat, allowing one to fully exploit the grip of the tyres and performance of the brakes.
I rarely glanced down to look at my speed, except for one lap when reached just under 195km/h on the main straight, before anchoring up for Turn 1, this, to the tune of loud barks, exploding out of the exhaust pipes, as you hunt downwards within the gearbox.
The A 45 isn’t just a fast car, it makes just about anyone fast on road or track. If there was ever a book series on “Trackday Cars for Dummies”, the A 45 would top that list.
Whizzing Around Town In the All-Electric B250e
The B-Class was the first member of the completely new generation of the Mercedes-Benz compact cars. In essence, the B-Class paved the way for every succeeding model of the NGCC range.
Mercedes' little champion of practicality, comfort, and safety is offered globally in five diesel models, six efficient petrol variants and two alternative drive systems – the (natural gas drive) B200c and B 250e all-electric which was simply too interesting to pass up.
In Malaysia, response towards the B-Class has been lukewarm at best – the B200 retails for RM218,888 and truth be told, there are a plethora of larger people movers for that money. The
Honda BR-V
 springs to mind, for a third of that sum.
But that doesn’t subtract from the B-Class intrinsic talent – a true superstar of the compact car range. All of this is down to useable space, courtesy of the B-Class’ Easy-Vario-Plus system which allows the interior to be flexibly re-arranged in just a few moves, even allowing fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140mm.
The B 250e relies on an electric motor which produces 177hp and a maximum torque of 340 Nm – available from the start. Mercedes claims the B250e takes just 7.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, and will return a range of around 200km on the NEDC cycle.
On the road, this translates into some very stealthy acceleration, as the wave of torque hits from a standstill. My time in the B250e involved a short 30km stint over highway roads back into Budapest. For the most part, the B250e gets up to highway speeds effortlessly and handles the traffic crawl with sublime efficiency.
With a full charge, there was hardly a whisker of movement of the battery charge needle after 30km of driving as the B250e handily utilizes a downhill stint re-entering the city, to charge up a good chunk of the battery that was used up.
The B250e is comfortable, very practical and when coupled to seamless and quiet torque - a holistic package not only ideal for urban travel and short distances but for longer journeys, too. Alas, the chances of the B250e making its way here are slim, to say the least, but, here’s to hoping.


New Prices At Ford Malaysia, A Free Fiesta For Every Mustang Purchase Too!

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, today announced the updated prices for its full range of Ford models, effective 1st June 2018 in conjunction with the implementation of the zero-rated GST.
The new prices, which offer savings of up to RM33,000, will remain in effect until the reintroduction of the sales and services tax (SST). The company recommended that customers place their bookings now and get their loan documents submitted and approved so that they can enjoy the GST savings come 1st of June, as well as other on-going promotions.
The zero-rated GST price of 18 models and variants of Ford models are listed below, with key promotions until 30th June, in conjunction with Hari Raya festive period.
Yes, buyers of a brand new
Ford Mustang
, which will have at least RM27,600 knocked off its retail price, are also rewarded with a brand new Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5! That is over RM100,000 in promotion value!
Customers who purchase any
 Ford Ranger Wildtrak
 variant will receive free service and maintenance for two years or 40,000km (whichever comes first).
Additionally, limited units of
our writer’s favourite people mover
, the Ford S-Max is also on offer at celebratory prices starting from RM147,000.
Meanwhile, customers who purchase any Ford Ranger variant also stand to win a grand prize of one brand new Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5 and 15 units of Huawei Mate 10 Pro smartphones.
Winners are determined through a monthly lucky draw, with five smartphones up for grabs each month. With the first draw completed, there are still 10 units of smartphones to be won. The grand prize winner will be announced after the final draw in June.
SDAC will also be running the ‘Raya Joy & Enjoy’ promotion which rewards one lucky customer every day from 1st to 13th June. The daily prize of either a smartphone or a consumer electronic gadget will be rewarded to any registration completed within the promotion period.


The Trials And Tribulations Of Owning A Toyota Corolla KE70

Photo Credits: Ryan Ng, Nelson Sim, Qhalis Najmi, Chris Khoo

Three engines in five years, one retired out of boredom and one catastrophically failing while being tuned. More money sunk into it than I’d willingly admit, and a fair amount of blood spilled as well while trying to fix small problems on my own. This has been my life with my project car – a 1980 Toyota Corolla KE70 – and it’s a car I never intend to sell or give up on so long as it isn’t rusted to death.

On first impressions, one may think that I specifically enjoy classic cars – but that’s not really the case. I don’t have any particular love for older models apart from the fact that they tend to be relatively inexpensive for the most part – and the KE70 was about as inexpensive as you could get. There are pains of trying to work with older cars in terms of part availability – but you eventually work around it.

When I first bought the car, it wasn’t even my first KE70. I had shared two KE70s with friends in the past as project cars – one a relatively stock GL model from Senawang (which snapped the front left A-pillar within two years), and another coming pre-swapped with the infamous 16-valve first-generation 4A-GE engine. This KE70 in particular was meant to be a daily driver initially, and it was in fairly good condition with a healthy standard engine.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to stay stock for long. With probably 50 hp at best, a stock KE70 isn’t exactly the quickest thing in the world. Having had some experience with reasonable swap options, I aimed to swap the engine out for a supercharged 4A-GZE, but one frustrating thing you will learn is that when you seek a particular part, it can sometimes be in total scarcity.

After a couple of months of searching, I gave up and settled on a 20-valve 4A-GE model, the last of the 4A family. It wasn’t the healthiest engine either, with the head and block purchased separately and a variety of other problems that we only discovered further down the line. To add salt to the wound, a number of 4A-GZE engines showed up for sale in the weeks after I had finished swapping the 20-valve 4A-GE in.

The first iteration of this swap was – in essence – a dumpster fire. It was so disappointing that at times I could not bring myself to drive it because it made me so miserable. It was incredibly hot inside, incredibly stiff in terms of suspension, and had lacklustre performance that made me regret the entire endeavour. That being said, I was still smitten with the KE70 form and I decided I would work to improve it until I could enjoy it.

And fix it, I slowly did. This is the part where you start to pay “tuition fees” as some in the community would call it, where you tend to overpay for relatively simple jobs or pay to rectify a bad job. Eventually my KE70 had better suspension, better engine management, better wiring, and a proper working gauge set. It was even good enough to compete with for an autocross event once, where it helped me reach third place on a relatively mediocre tyre and alignment setup.

Unfortunately, some of the mechanical components weren’t exactly in the best shape when they went in for the swap. The gearbox would frustratingly refuse to shift above 7,000 rpm – which was a pain because my engine was making peak power at 7,400 rpm. The engine would knock and bog down because of an absurdly high compression ratio, and my rear axle sounded like it was always about to explode.

After replacing the gearbox and axle, and trying desperately to get the car out to Sepang, the engine finally decided to let go. It blew three holes in the block as the internals were blended, through sheer mechanical failure. Six months of waiting around and saving up, and I was eventually able to replace the engine with yet another 20-valve 4A-GE unit – but this time I made sure it was built properly and to proper specifications and clearances. It finally managed to see the light of day again towards the end of 2019, and at this point in time it’s only a matter of cleaning up some minor issues before the car will be ready to hit Sepang


The Build Log: Is this firebreathing Nissan GT-R the fastest street car around Sepang?

Saying the Nissan GT-R - in general - is fast would be a massive understatement, but just
how fast
 one can make it go seems to beggar belief as this particular R35 can dip into the 2 minutes 12 seconds range at the Sepang International Circuit before being casually driven home.

Join the fastest cars in Malaysia at the CarTell Track Attack Volume II happening on May 27th 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit. Featuring 2 sessions for 8 hours of on-track action.
Register now!

Welcome back to The Build Log, and today we take a look at the car that's seemingly the merging of two extremes. A no-compromise street car with all the comforts of any R35, including electric seats and a BOSE speaker system, but one that routinely sits at the top of time attack charts despite this.

Title holder of the
fastest street car
 to lap the track is one thing, but to discover that the car is an early batch 2007 model with zero lightweighting is a little mindblowing. Of course, this isn’t to say the car is a stock standard example.

Lots has been done to it, and according to its primary driver Firhat Mokhzani, where the car is now is the result of a journey that began in 2017 and a steady push to continually improve the car in search of that extra tenth, stemming from a curiosity to answer the question of “how fast can we make a true road car go?”

The black and orange-accented R35, which we remind you is a 16 year old car, has clocked 170,000km on the odometer, though it has been running with HKS internals and a HKS GT800 turbo kit since 2014, though it retains its original 3.8-litre displacement. New suspension components were added a year later, but these coilovers are street-spec HKS Hipermax.  New brakes were in order, too, and they turned to Brembo GT spec hardware for that.

We didn’t manage to find out exact power figures, though it’s reasonably safe to assume that the uprated fuel system and COBB ECU, as well as the aforementioned uprated internals and beefier turbo system, means the car isn’t exactly putting down factory numbers.

That said, the car’s outputs are definitely quite conservative within the spectrum of the 4-figure horsepower modded R35s out there.

To everyone that has helped develop the car, including the fine people at Sunway-based ATS Automobiles who have become local foremost specialists in making crazy-quick GT-Rs, what they’ve been able to do is really a testament of how fantastic the R35 platform is.

Firhat chuckles as he’s remind of the relative ease of extracting even more performance and shaving lap times with the AWD Nissan, a car that would wade out onto the track bordering on 2 tonnes fully wet with driver.

Still, a lot of what they’ve been able to pull from the car can also be partially attributed to good fortune - having the right tune, making the right on-the-fly adjustments, in the right conditions, as well as the alignment of any number of different variables.

But has the ’07 R35 GT-R reached its limit? What’s the next benchmark for the boys at ATS? Is there yet more latent performance waiting to be unlocked?

You can catch Firhat and this Nissan GT-R in action at during CarTell Track Attack Volume II, happening this weekend on May 27th at the Sepang International Circuit as the centrepiece event that forms CarTell Speedfest co-organised with our friends at Velocity Motor Show.

Speedfest admission is absolutely free, letting you enjoy the many custom cars on display, live DJ, music, car audio competition, and the many exhibitors there offering amazing deals and promotions. It’ll be an amazing way to spend a Saturday, celebrating all things speed and automotive culture.

The track action will begin at 4pm and will continue over 2 sessions to midnight! If you’re keen to get in on the action yourself, limited track slots are might still available but are going fast!
Register here to book your place NOW
.


Perbaharui Lesen Memandu Secara Atas Talian – Ini Caranya

Berita baik bagi mereka yang amat menghargai masa, anda tidak perlu lagi beratur dan bersesak di kaunter JPJ mahupun Pejabat Pos hanya semata-mata untuk memperbaharui lesen memandu kerana… MyEG kan ada!

Ekoran penularan virus COVID-19, lesen Memandu Kompeten (CDL) dan Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM) kini boleh diperbaharui secara atas talian sejak 16 Oktober 2020 lalu. Jadi tak perlu lagi risau sekiranya
kaunter JPJ tutup!

Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, ini perkara yang menguntungkan kerana anda kini tidak perlu lagi beratur di kaunter JPJ. Kadang-kadang, nak cari kawasan parkir di Pejabat Pos dan JPJ pun susah! Pelaksanaan ini merupakan suatu inisiatif kerajaan untuk mendigitalisasikan perkhidmatan sedia ada kepada orang ramai selaras dengan amalan norma baharu yang praktikal. Dengan keadaan negara yang sedang teruk dilanda COVID-19, ini merupakan langkah terbaik bagi meminimumkan pergerakan keluar rumah serta perjumpaan fizikal.

Walau bagaimanapun, Lesen Belajar Memandu (LDL) serta Lesen Memandu Percubaan (PDL) tidak boleh diperbaharui secara atas talian. Dan pasti ramai dah tahu pun tentang perkara ini. Tetapi bagaimanakah cara-cara untuk perbaharui lesen melalui MyEG? Mudah je!

1. Cipta / Daftar akaun MyEG

Langkah pertama, layari laman sesawang MyEG di
www.myeg.com.my
. Kalau nak guna apa-apa perkhidmatan melalui laman sesawang MyEG, anda diwajibkan untuk mendaftar terlebih dahulu. Nak daftar pun mudah saja, tekan ‘DAFTAR AKAUN’  dan isi segala maklumat peribadi yang diminta.

2. Perkhidmatan

Lepas selesai mendaftar, anda akan dipaparkan dengan perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan di halaman utama laman web ini. Rugi sebenarnya siapa yang tak tahu tentang kewujudan MyEG ni. Bukan apa, melalui MyEG, nak bayar zakat boleh, nak cek saman boleh dan banyak lagi lah. Untuk perbaharui lesen memandu, tekan saja logo Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) untuk masuk ke menu utama jabatan ini.

3. Perbaharui Lesen Memandu (CDL)

Dah masuk menu JPJ, tekan ‘PERBAHARUI LESEN MEMANDU (CDL)’ di bahagian bawah sekali seperti yang ditunjukkan. Kat sini, anda boleh pilih sendiri sama ada nak ambil lesen tersebut di pejabat JPJ terdekat ataupun melalui pos. Tapi dah alang-alang buat online, takkan nak gigih juga pergi kaunter JPJ nak ambik kan? Guna pos lagi cepat dan mudah!

4. Terma dan Syarat

Sebelum apa-apapun, baca dulu segala terma dan syarat yang telah ditetapkan. Walaupun kita selalu skip bahagian ni, tapi penting untuk membaca kerana membaca itu jambatan ilmu. Tambah-tambah bila korang pertama kali nak perbaharui lesen melalui MyEG ni.

5. Isi Maklumat Diri

Anda diperlukan untuk mengisi butiran peribadi anda di bahagian ini. Kat sini, anda boleh pilih nak perbaharui lesen memandu selama satu tahun hinggalah 5 tahun. Pastikan segala info yang dimasukkan itu betul bagi mengelakkan sebarang masalah yang boleh menyebabkan kelewatan menerima lesen itu nanti.

6. Maklumat Pembayaran

Lepas isi maklumat tadi, anda akan dibawa terus ke bahagian maklumat pembayaran. Gambar diatas adalah contoh caj yang dikenakan sekiranya anda perbaharui lesen selama dua tahun. Sebagai rujukan, anda dinasihatkan untuk menangkap layar resit tersebut setelah pembayaran dibuat. Bukan apa, kita perlu sentiasa berjaga-jaga.

Kalau anda perasan terdapat caj penghantaran dikenakan. Mestilah kan? Dah nama pun penghantaran. Tiada yang percuma di dunia ini. Berikut merupakan caj penghantaran yang dikenakan mengikut tempat.

Sekarang, apa yang anda perlu buat adalah duduk dan tunggu sahaja. Tapi jangan lepas tekan terus tunggu pula! Proses penyediaan dan pemprosesan lesen memandu baharu ini akan mengambil masa dua hari waktu bekerja. Jadi, kena sabarlah sikit. Lesen itu akan dihantar ke alamat yang anda tetapkan.

Tambahan pula, semenjak Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) sejak Januari 2021 lalu, penghantaran lesen ini dijangka akan mengambil lebih masa berbanding sebelumnya. Tetapi, bermula Februari, JPJ kata penghantaran ke Lembah Klang disambung seperti biasa. So dah tiada masalah!

Mudah kan? Duduk depan komputer dalam 10 minit je boleh selesai semuanya. Katakan tidak dan selamat tinggal pada kaunter JPJ dan Pejabat Pos yang sesak dan ramai! Selain pembaharuan lesen memandu, rakyat Malaysia turut bakal menikmati kelebihan untuk
menambah nilai kad Touch & Go mereka secara atas talian bermula tahun ini!
 Akhirnya…

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