Review: Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo – Matters Of The Heart

In one of his many quotes, Ferry Porsche once said “It has always been a principle of our company that function and beauty are inseparable”, and truth be told, 70-years on, any Porsche model arguably holds true in spirit and in execution.
Porsches are the iPhones of the car world. Think about it – yes there was Motorola, Nokia, and Blackberry before – but once the iPhone came along with its distinctive design, quality finish, and new-age functionality – phones became smartphones. Those who failed to adapt (or mimic), were almost destined to fail.
And despite the various newer versions that have since come along – the overall execution, the roundness of the body’s edges, the depth and clarity of the display, that default ringtone, and the characteristic ‘Home’ function at the lower edge of the screen (which has now evolved into a touch-based gesture) – don't essentially change but get better with time. Not forgetting the various hardware and software that make any iPhone a joy to use.
Yes, before Porsche, there was Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar, all with equally rich histories steeped in performance and ingenuity, but few have matched Porsche for its iconic Porsche 911. A transcendent ambassador that has come to define the company in its entirety for nearly seven decades, not to mention fostered an illustrious and much-envied motorsports heritage through the years.
Arguably, the defining trait of a 911 is still its precision, performance, and usability. Yes, Ferraris and Lamborghinis are more exotic, and in many cases better to look at, but the 911, or indeed any other Porsche model works and works very well. The more focussed they are – cue RS and GT3 models – the more beautiful and desirable they are. Again drawing back to that guiding principle of form that follows function, and function is first defined by a clear purpose.
Which raises some questions as to the clarity of purpose with the first-of-its-kind Panamera Sport Turismo, Porsche’s first station wagon which was launched locally earlier this year. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like the Sport Turismo, I’m utterly smitten, but for the most part, the purchase decision isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Not in the least at the price tags Porsche Malaysia stipulates for the three variants on offer:
Panamera 4 Sport Turismo: RM990,000
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: RM1,125,000
Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo: RM1,940,000
Featured here is the base model Panamera 4 Sport Turismo which, after some tastefully selected options, will cost close to RM1.1 million. Now, even if we exclude the tech-laden 4 E-Hybrid and almighty Turbo model, we are still left with the conundrum of why would one sign a check for upwards of a million dollars for a station wagon that might at first seem like a jack of all trades but a master of none. Bear with me.
For starters, if you’re looking for the most practical station wagon, it’s hard to beat
Volvo’s V90 T6
 – it seats five in supreme comfort, is superbly finished, and with 913 litres of boot space (without folding the rear seats), it’s nearly double the 520 litres (just 20 litres more than a Panamera sedan) available in the Sport Turismo. Keep in mind that it comes fully loaded at half the price of the Porsche, and with almost as much power.
And if you're looking for outright thrills - your dollar is better stretched with blitzkrieg chariots like the
Mercedes-AMG E63S
 or
BMW M5
. However, spiritually, the Panamera  Sport  Turismo only has one competitor: the
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T
. An Italian thoroughbred powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that outputs 601 hp and 760 Nm. But the GTC4 Lusso T is a two-door "hatchback" and is considered a 2+2 seater, which starts at around RM1.8 million in Malaysia inclusive of taxes and before options, which makes the  Sport Turismo look like a bit of a bargain.
So if it isn't the best or the most powerful station wagon out there for the money, why then am I still head-over-heels for the Sport Turismo?
Specifications of the Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo:
Price: RM990,000 after duties and before options
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6, single-turbocharger, petrol
Power: 330 HP @ 5,400 – 6,400 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,340rpm – 4,900 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, paddle shifters, AWD
Performance: 5.5 seconds 0-100km/h (5.3 secs with Launch Control), top speed: 259 km/h
Active safety: Nightview Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist
Origin: Fully imported from Leipzig, Germany.
Overview
Much of the Sport Turismo’s appeal revolves around the fact that it’s never been done before. Save a few custom built examples (based of the Porsche 944) by German aftermarket tuner DP Motorsport and as far as we know, a few examples of the Porsche 928 Shooting Brake – there has never been a Porsche station wagon.
The rationale is sound; if you’re going to have a station wagon, why not have it built by one of the most illustrious sports car makers in the world.
Exterior and Interior
I could argue the Sport Turismo is how the Panamera should have always looked like. Save a slight difference in the front bumper design, the Sport Turismo is mostly the same as the sedan model right up to the A-Pillar. In terms of dimensions, the Sport Turismo is virtually identical to the sedan model, save a 5 mm (taller) difference in height, at 1,428 mm.
B-Pillar onwards, where the roofline tapers off in the sedan, the Sport Turismo’s roofline remains horizontal past the C-Pillar until it meets the roof spoiler section which houses an active spoiler. The rear windscreen elegantly arcs downwards from the roof section reminiscent of the Porsche 968 from the early 80s.
When viewed in its entirety, the rear section of the Sport Turismo reveals a rounded and superbly contoured architecture. The optional 21-inch Exclusive Design wheels fitted to this car go a long way to accentuating the side profile and stance of the Sport Turismo; we suspect the standard fit 19-inch wheels might be a wee bit small given the cars huge wheel arches.
On the inside, it’s more of a modern touch to the familiar Porsche fair; the cockpit is meticulously finished and oozes quality as always. From the door panels to the leather seats, centre armrest and steering wheel switchgear; every component delivers wonderful tactility and feels like it will last forever.
The ultra-modern touches come in the form of the digital displays, laid out amongst the five circular sections (with rev counter at dead centre) in iconic Porsche fashion. The centre console is – for lack of a better phrase – space age, with warmly lit capacitive switches contrasted against knurled metal toggles for the temperature controls. All-in-all, it delivers a sublime sense of tradition and modernity.
Perhaps the most novel feature about the Sport Turismo’s interior are the controls for the air-con vents; instead of physical levers, one has to augment the electrically powered vents via selecting points on the digital display – despite the fact that I doubt anyone would be able to accurately use them while driving, it think it’s a masterclass of showmanship and creativity on Porsche’s part.
The infotainment system is much the same, dubbed the Porsche Communication Management (PCM); the system is centred on a 12-inch touchscreen display which is controlled via voice commands, or a rotary dial to access the various features and control the 4-zone climate control. But, with an array of sub-menus, and customisable layouts, rest assured, it will take considerable time before one truly gets acquainted with all the PCM's functions.
In terms of interior accommodation, the front seats are superbly designed and offer ample lateral support without being uncomfortable around the torso area. The seating and pedal positions are spot-on in typical Porsche fashion and the steering wheel is a joy to grasp.
The rear seat space is closer in capacity to a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with two individual seats, split down the centre by the air-conditioning interface and centre tray. Crucially the elevated roofline of the Sport Turismo creates a much roomier feel at the back, with head and shoulder room in much healthier supply now. Also, both entry and egress at the back are much improved given the Sport Turimos’s larger rear door aperture.
Buyers can also opt for the 4+1 seating options which does away with the centre tray for a thin seat, but the centre passenger will still have to straddle the central interface which we suspect will be uncomfortable at best.
Driving Experience
Within minutes of driving any Porsche, one is treated to a plethora of sensory feedback; the lightness of the steering effort and yet the precision in which it directs the front wheels, the tautness of the pedal response, the cohesive movement of the chassis, and the seamless but authoritative gearshifts that are announced by delicate jolts of the drivetrain.
The Sport Turismo is no different. The aforementioned sensory feedback creates a driving experience that crucially disguises the Sport Turismo’s circa 1.9-tonne weight; it feels extremely light and agile on its feet in the corners, and tracks straight and true well into three-figure speeds.
The massive brakes (390 mm up front and 365 mm at the rear) shed excess speed with ease and respond predictably every single time. Granted most of our drive time involved barrelling down highways; for the most part, the Sport Turismo would inspire confidence on any road almost instantly.
Like I’ve said before, with 330 hp delivered from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the Sport Turismo is quick, but it won’t set your pants on fire. The 5.5 second century sprint time certainly feels attainable, but don’t expect to lose sight of a
Honda Civic Type R
 that might be tailing you, much less a BMW M5, which can be had for the same money as the Sport Turismo.
It goes with authority but for the most part, the Sport Turismo 4 is a mega-mile cruiser, and at that – it’s phenomenal.
The Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission in the Sport Turismo now gets 8-ratios, and with almost intuitive response and trigger-quick shift times, its second to none in my opinion. Gears 1 to 6 have closer ratios and the top speed (of 259 km/h) is actually reached in 6th gear. The long 7th and 8th gears are meant for long distance cruising, which in practice, allows the Sport Turismo to cruise at 170 km/h with the engine speeds of less than 3,000 rpm.
The precise gearshifts take place in milliseconds with no discernible interruption in the flow of power, once again proving that while it may be a station wagon, it’s still first and foremost, a sporting Porsche.
Conclusion
Suffice to say, buying a Porsche is and has always been a calculated consensus between heart and mind. As opposed to a Ferrari or Lamborghini, where you buy a vehicle for how it looks and how it makes you feel, and then decide to put up with its intricacies later. One buys a Porsche because of its duality of being both a weapon on the road and a vehicle that still complements other aspects of your lifestyle. So that purchase decision is made more tactical.
Which isn’t the case with the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, bridging the so-called gap between all the reasons to love it, and the essential function that it delivers is a touch more vague. It's perhaps, the first Porsche that you buy with the heart and not the mind. Simply because, despite its shortcomings – price, lack of room, and cargo carrying capacity – it’s quite possibly the most imaginative and stylish station wagon ever created.
Perhaps more than ever, Ferry Porsche’s statement rings true, function and beauty are truly inseparable.


Ford Debunks Some Myths About Child Safety In Cars

There’s a lot of noise surrounding the subject of child safety in vehicles. Regulators, experts, and the media often express how important it is, but perhaps there’s a facet of the population that is hesitant to believe them.
Ford
, however, isn’t one to muddle their words and have released some information that they hope will clear the air.
Here we have some common practices that we have either been guilty of committing or know of those who do. These run the gamut from simply belting up a child using the standard seatbelts, to the using pre-owned child seats, to variations in child restraint mountings – all worth knowing.
Following the pressure to mandate the use
child seats by 2017
, it's time we quash some bad practices to make way for an altogether safer future of children travelling in cars. Let’s bust some myths, shall we?


Toyota Slowly Rolls Out Android Auto, Finally

It's one of those things that doesn't exactly cross your mind until someone points it out. Toyota has managed to steer clear of providing Android Auto compatibility with their vehicles, and this is something that even pervades our market, despite many of our Toyota models coming with aftermarket head units from the showroom. It seems that the decision was one made globally in order to avoid the security risk that Android Auto poses.
2020 will be a good year for smartphone users, because Toyota will slowly be rolling out Android Auto connectivity in a select number of their vehicles. Before you get excited, these vehicles are mostly for the American and European markets, so it may take a while before it gets to our little corner of the world. That being said, many owners eventually opt to swap their head units for something a little more technologically flexible, so it isn't such a huge concern locally.
Toyota announced that the 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia variants would be getting this Android Auto functionality. In Europe, the Aygo and the Yaris will also receive the system, with no word on other regions as of yet. Up until now, Toyota has been using a variant of the Linux operating system for their in-house entertainment systems to provide an emulation similar to Mirror Link, but this complete functionality is a great step up.
This follows on from the introduction of Apple CarPlay not too long ago. You could say that Toyota, or Japanese brands in general, have the same philosophy when it comes to any kind of technology. Most of their latest and greatest is kept tucked away in Japan for their domestic market, and is eventually offered in other regions over time - sometimes after half a decade. It's their way of ensuring that things don't go to market too quickly if they are still facing implementation and deployment issues.


Paris 2018: Renault EZ-Ultimo Is The Ultimate In Autonomous Travelling

Renault has unveiled its latest concept car called the EZ-Ultimo, an all-electric autonomous vehicle.
The Renault EZ-Ultimo is designed to be a personal lounge, equipped with automatic wide opening doors and swiveling seats for easy passenger access. To keep up to its luxurious nature, the EZ-Ultimo features wood, marble, and leather materials in the cabin.
Additionally, Renault portrays the vehicle’s flexibility, as users can use it on-demand, for a single trip, for an hour, or for a whole day.
Renault also mentioned that the EZ-Ultimo features level 4 autonomous driving technology, in which it is connected to the cloud and can adapt to various urban environments.
The Renault EZ-Ultimo is the third vehicle to be built on the same platform as the EZ-Pro and EZ-Go concept vehicles.


Pick of the Week: 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Wagon

Almost every Japanese brand out there has had a model with cult following in its product portfolio. For instance, Nissan has the GT-R, Toyota has its Supra, Mazda has the RX-7, Subaru has the Impreza, and Mitsubishi has the Lancer Evolution.
And even among these epic models, there were a few rare variants that are so limited and hard to come by that you should consider yourself lucky if you bump into one - such as the car you’re looking at now – the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Wagon.
As the name suggests, this is the wagon version of the high-performance Evo 9 sedan.
What makes this model a big deal is that it was the first-ever Evo wagon since the ‘Evolution’ moniker was born back in 1992.
According to Mitsubishi, the wagon version was added to the lineup in order to appeal to drivers who grew up with Evolutions but have evolved into family men.
With only 2,500 units produced in 2005, the Evo 9 wagon was not meant for export out of Japan in the beginning. But fortunately, some well-kept units such as the one you’re looking at now managed to make it out of the land of the rising sun.
That said, it is only right that this super rare
Evolution 9 Wagon on sale on Carlist.my
 makes it to our ‘Pick of the Week’ list.
Priced at RM95,000, this Evo 9 Wagon is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 280hp at 6,500rpm. In case you’re wondering how quick this thing is, it can sprint from standstill to 100km/h somewhere between 4.8- and 5.5-seconds.
According to the current owner, the car still uses many genuine Evo 9 parts which are easily accessible. It is said that only some of the parts have been changed but most of the components remain original, such as the OEM Recaro seats, OEM Momo steering wheel, and the original Evo 9 OEM rims.
Among the few parts that have been added include a Pioneer double din DVD receiver with roof monitor, as well as a subwoofer and an amplifier.
That said, this is a wagon like no other and will please both family men and the driver hiding in them.


All-new 2014 Nissan Teana Quick Review: Is It Still The D-Segment's King Of Comfort?

About a week ago, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) was kind enough to let us sample the all-new 2014 Nissan Teana. The latest D-segment contender hasn’t been officially launched yet, so we can’t exactly tell you how much it costs, but with embargos lifted, we can tell you about how it drives, following our Quick Review of the car. Here goes:
Here’s a brief introduction of the Nissan Teana’s variants, along with their highlights:
2014 Nissan Teana 2.0 XE
 with XTRONIC CVT (136 PS, 190Nm of torque)
The XE joins the market as the entry-level model here, and misses out on very little compared to the mid-range 2.0 XL.
Most notable differences include the use of fabric seats rather than leather, manual adjusting front seats, a simple six-speaker infotainment system with no MP3, USB or a colour display screen.
2014 Nissan Teana 2.0 XL
with XTRONIC CVT (136 PS, 190Nm of torque)
The mid-range Teana picks things up a little by adding auto headlamps, leather seats, an eight-way power seat with four-way for the front passenger, upgraded six-speaker infotainment system with a five-inch colour screen and MP3/USB/iPod connectivity, and a rear-view camera.
2014 Nissan Teana 2.5 XV
 with XTRONIC CVT (173 PS, 234Nm of torque)
Then you have the high-spec Teana, which has it all, and is most easily identifiable by its sunroof. Rather than projector type halogen headlamps, the 2.5 XV uses Xenons, and have headlamp washers and automatic levelers.
Another notable feature unique to the 2.5 XV is its Bose nine-speaker sound-system, which as previewed, is pretty impressive, and well worth considering. LED mood lamps are also unique to this variant, while you may also notice the larger 17-inch alloy wheels, versus the 16s featured on the 2.0 variants.
Unlike the previous Teana, this 2.5-litre model has a four cylinder engine rather than a V6, which has since been retired as it no longer meets emission standards of more developed markets. On the upside, this four-cylinder QR25DE engine is an all-new engine.

Exterior Styling:
Just like the all-new Nissan Sylphy, the Teana also gets a new look to match, which starting at the front, demonstrates a very bold stance. Nissan’s new front-grille design is clear, but the most notably change to the Teana’s silhouette is seen via its raised trunk and sloping rear roofline. Even the A-pillars are now stretched out a lot further than it was before, and Nissan say are more purposeful aerodynamically.
Interior Design:
Inside the car, the Teana is carried forward a lot of design cues from the Sylphy, and does look more like an expanded version of that, rather carry forward the individuality of the outgoing model. That said, there’s a still lot to savour from the experience of driving a new Teana.
First up to impress are the car’s ‘Zero-gravity’-inspired seats (limited to 2.0XL and 2.5 XV models), which attempt to simulate a weightless experience for drivers with its comfort, and therefore reduce fatigue over longer drives.
The instrument meter across the range are as seen on the new Sylphy as well, and also have in them a four-inch ADAD vehicle status display screen, while the Teana also gets the new leather steering wheel with controls for the audio and cruise control system.
For further comfort, the Teana is equipped with dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, an Intelligent Key (keyless entry) and engine push-start system, and all the other goodies limited to specific variants as mentioned above.
Safety features:
One of the great things we’re continuing to take notice of with ETCM’s latest models are its ‘across the board’ safety feature inclusions. Neither variant gets more safety features than the other, and the list of what’s available to all models is highly commendable. Here’s a quick look at those:
Anti-locking braking system (ABS)
Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist (BA)
Six airbags
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill-Start Assist (HSA)
Active Understeer Control (AUC)
ISOFIX child-seat anchors
Seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners
First impressions
From the outside, the all-new Teana looks much better than its bland-looking predecessor. The car actually looks better in sheet metal than pictures suggest, as the complex play of surface tension and taut lines can't be appreciated in a two dimensional image.
Get inside however, and the interior was a bit of a letdown. Compared  to the previous Teana's 'floating pad' dashboard with gentle flowing lines from the centre stack to the centre console, the all-new model's cabin didn't project the same kind of luxurious appeal of its predecessor.
Even the materials used within the cabin feels a grade lower than that used in its competitors. It doesn't feel as luxurious as a Honda Accord. We aren’t saying the the Teana's cabin feels poor, only that it doesn't feel that much of an upgrade from a Sylphy... apart from better features and a bigger cabin.
Out on the open highway, however, is where the Teana shines. It comfortably swallows kilometres after kilometres of monotonous highways while keeping its occupants cocooned within a library-quiet cabin.
Without the benefit of a back-to-back comparison, we can't confidently say that it is as quieter than a Volkswagen Passat, but it damn well feels like it.
Of course, the 2.5-litre model feels more powerful, but the 2.0-litre doesn't feel average either, in fact it feels more than adequate for the highway duties. Exiting the highway and entering the twisty trunk roads, the Teana was surprisingly well composed. The electro-hydraulic steering feels better than before, while body roll is kept in check, allowing you to confidently aim for apexes.
Of course, push the car a bit further and you will be quickly reminded that this is still a comfort-biased sedan. In short, it is no Mazda 6, but remember that the Mazda doesn't ride as well as the Teana. So to each, their own.
Surprisingly, it was the 2.0-litre model that performed better on these twisty roads. The heavier 2.5-litre model felt like it had too much weight in its nose, while the tail felt unsettled under heavy braking, especially when you are coming downhill.
Nissan was also keen to demonstrate the Teana's Active Understeer Control (AUC) feature, which works to minimize understeer by intelligently braking on the inside front wheel during cornering (similar to the Golf GTI’s XDS+). It must be pointed out that unlike VDM, AUC is not designed for emergency evasive maneuvers. It merely helps you hold the line better when you are accelerating out of a tight corner.
Should You Buy One?
This is merely a preview drive, and as the car has yet to be launched, we can’t fill you in on prices yet either. However, if the recently launched Sylphy is a reliable indication, then we expect the all-new Teana to offer very good value for money.
Although the Sylphy is now imported from Thailand, the Teana will remain as a locally-assembled model. Like its predecessor, will be assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Serendah. A more comprehensive review will be made once the Teana is launched, which is expected to be sometime in June this year.
Based on our half-day experience with the Teana, we can't say yet if the Teana is the best D-segment sedan in its class. Its cabin is not as luxurious as the Honda Accord, but it does offer better safety features than either the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry, handles better than before without compromising the previous Teana's famed highway cruising comfort.


2018 Audi RS 4 Avant Hits European Showrooms

Here to keep the hopes of wagon lovers alive, the new 2018 Audi RS4 Avant, which made its global debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show is now officially on sale in Germany and other European markets.
Powering the car is a newly developed 2.9-litre TFSI V6 twin turbo engine which produces an impressive 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.
Thanks to the powertrain package, the new RS4 Avant is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, which is actually 0.6 seconds faster than before.
Besides that, The RS dynamics package increases the electronically controlled top speed from 250 to 280 km/h.
Despite the huge power delivery, the RS4 Avant uses a decent 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which translates to 200–199 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
According to Audi, these values represent a 17% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the previous model.
The brand also added that the reason for using 2.9-litre TFSI V6 twin turbo Audi Sport is to pay homage to the legendary first-generation RS 4 Avant released back in 1999, which was also equipped with a V6 twin turbo – the first ever supercharged twin turbo engine from Audi.
That being said, the 2018 Audi RS4 Avant’s asking price in Europe is 79,800 Euros, which is about RM394,000 based on current conversion rates.


Perodua Alza 2022 Bakal Tiba – Apa Yang Berbeza?

Mungkin ada yang belum tahu bahawa
 Perodua Alza 2022
 nanti dikatakan berkait rapat dengan Toyota Avanza dan Daihatsu Xenia kerana berkongsi pembangunan yang sama.

Model terbaharu
Perodua Alza
 digembar-gemburkan bakal berkongsi casis yang sama dengan Avanza dan Xenia. Susulan pelancaran kedua-dua model itu di
Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2021
, orang ramai boleh mendapat gambaran jelas tentang reka bentuk Alza bagi masa akan datang.

Apa Yang Berbeza?

Saiz lebih besar

Berdasarkan daripada dimensi kereta, saiz badan Xenia ini lebih besar berbanding Perodua Alza generasi semasa di pasaran.

Model

Daihatsu Xenia

Perodua Alza

Panjang

4,395 mm

4,270 mm

Lebar

1,730 mm

1,695 mm

Tinggi

1,690 mm

1,620 mm

Jarak Antara Roda

2,750 mm

2,750 mm

Berat

1,080 kg

1,160 mm

Exterior

Muka hadapan baharu dengan lampu utama yang lebih nipis

Kemungkinan Alza bakal menerima lampu utama LED bagi kesemua varian seperti Myvi.

Kemasan bampar atau perumah lampu kabus kemungkinan akan diubah sedikit untuk menerima DNA Perodua. Sama seperti Rocky dan Ativa.

Tiada lagi rekaan lampu belakang menegak.

Interior

Memandangkan Alza sudah berbelas tahun di dalam pasaran, bahagian dalamannya dijangka akan mendapat perubahan maksimum seakan bahagian luarannya juga seperti:

Sistem infotaimen jenis terapung seperti Perodua Ativa.

Rekaan kluster meter Alza juga dipercayai akan diperbaharui, mungkin menggunakan gabungan kombinasi meter analog bersama paparan TFT ditengah-tengah.

Penambahan saiz pada Xenia berbanding Alza generasi sekarang akan memberikan sedikit ruang tambahan yang lebih luas.

Ia turut hadir dengan fungsi mod sofa.

Terdapat juga corong penyaman udara yang disediakan di bahagian bumbung bagi penumpang belakang untuk menjimatkan ruang serta memberikan rupa moden pada interior kereta

Trenkuasa

Dari segi janaan kuasa, Daihatsu tampil dengan dua pilihan enjin yang yang sama seperti Toyota Avanza iaitu
1.3L 1NR-VE
 dan
1.5L 2NR-VE
. Enjin 1.3L 1NR-VE menghasilkan 98 PS dan 121 Nm tork manakala enjin yang lebih besar, 1.5L 2NR-VE menghasilkan 106 PS dan 137 Nm tork.

Walau bagaimanapun, ketika ini hanya 1 pilihan enjin yang ditawarkan bagi Perodua Alza, iaitu enjin 1.5L yang menghasilkan 104 PS dan 136 Nm Tork. Angka itu tidaklah jauh berbeza dengan output yang ada pada Daihatsu Xenia buat masa ini.

Jika teknologi yang ada pada Myvi dan Ativa diterapkan dalam kereta ini, besar kemungkinan ia akan menerima stereng seakan Myvi dan Ativa yang lengkap dengan butang
Power Mode.

Ciri Keselamatan

Memandangkan Alza merupakan kereta lama, sudah pasti Alza baharu kelak akan lebih padat dengan ciri-ciri keselamatan aktif terkini yang ada pada Daihatsu Xenia seperti:

Kamera 360 darjah

Amaran Pra-Perlanggaran

Pedal Misoperation Control

Bantuan Mula Mendaki

Pengelap cermin dengan Penderia Kelajuan

Kawalan Kekal Lorong

Amaran Keluar Lorong

Kawalan Cengkaman

ABS, EBD

Harga

Harga jualan bagi Daihatsu Xenia 2022 ini bermula dari Rp 190,900,000 (RM55k) hingga Rp 244,200,000 (RM71k) bagi varian tertingginya. Walaupun model ini tidak memasuki Malaysia, namun kembarnya, Perodua Alza 2022 tetap akan dilancarkan di dalam pasaran negara ini tidak lama lagi.

Ketika ini, harga varian tertinggi semasa Alza hanya mencecah
RM60,525
. Jika Alza baharu ini dilancarkan di Malaysia, kemungkinan harganya akan dijual lebih mahal dalam lingkungan RM60k - RM75k. berdasarkan ciri-ciri tambahan yang ditawarkan.


Cheapest EV in Malaysia - GWM Ora Good Cat Launched with 2 variants, Pro 400 and Ultra 500, priced from RM140k

After much anticipation, GWM Malaysia has introduced the 2023 Ora Good Cat EV for the Malaysian market, priced from RM139,800.

The Ora Good Cat EV is a vehicle made by Ora, the EV division of the Chinese brand Great Wall Motors. GWM plans to manufacture their cars loclly and introduce nine models in three years for the Malaysian market - and they are starting with the Ora Good Cat EV.

It is sourced from Thailand and is available in two different variants, with each model differentiating itself through the number of features and battery capacity.

In terms of size, the Ora Good Cat is larger than the Perodua Myvi, coming in at  4,235 mm long and 1,825 mm wide (Perodua Myvi 3,895mm long and 1,735mm wide).

2023 Ora Good Cat variants and price

The 2023 Ora Good Cat is offered in 2 different variants:

Pro 400 - 47.8-kWh battery, 400km range - RM139,800

Ultra 500 - 63.1 kWh battery, 500km range - RM169,800

Power and driving range of the 2023 Ora Good Cat

Pro 400

The Good Cat Pro comes with a 47.8 kWh capacity battery, allowing it to travel as far as
400 km
 (NEDC cycle test). The battery supplies power to one electric motor, which drives the front wheels. The performance figures for the Pro variant are 143 PS and 210 Nm of torque. It also has a maximum speed of 152 km/h.

Ultra 500

As for the Ultra, Ora has given it a larger battery capacity of 63.1 kWh, allowing it to travel as far as
500 km
 on a single full charge. Performance figures are still the same as the Pro, so it's just a matter of larger battery for more driving range.

Both cars however have the same 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds

2023 Ora Good Cat charging

All Ora Good Cat variants support a 6.6 kW AC charger via a Type 2 connector, which will allow its battery to be charged from 0-100% in eight hours (10 hours for Ultra variants) .

It can also be charged with a DC fast charger up to 60 kW using the CCS2 connector, allowing 0-80% charge in just 45 minutes for the Pro variant and about 40 minutes for the Ultra variant.

For now, GWM is providing a complimentary home charger complete with installation.

2023 Ora Good Cat Specifications

While battery capacity is generally the main difference between the Pro and Ultra variant, the level of kit is also different when comparing the two variants. While the Pro 400 has most of the kit needed to make it a usable and safe EV, the Ultra 500 adds more convenience and safety systems to the Good Cat's overall package.

Here are the main highlights of the variants:

Pro 400

18-inch alloys

Automatic LED headlamps,DRLs and taillights

Power folding side mirror

Keyless entry and start

Synthetic leather seats

7" digital instrument cluster

10.25" touchscreen infotainment system

Automatic air-con

4 Speakers

Cruise control

6 airbags

ESC

Rear parking sensors

Hill start assist

Low-speed emergency braking

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Rain-sensing wipers

Panoramic sunroof

Synthetic leather upholstery

Powered six-way driver’s seat

360-degree camera

Wireless phone charger

USB port for dashcam

6 airbags adding on side and curtain airbags

Ultra 500

Ultra adds on

Headlights welcome light effect

Memory for the driver seat with welcome function

Automated parking (ARA and FAIP)

Emergency lane keeping

Lane change assist

Blind spot detection

Rear collision warning

Rear cross-traffic alert and braking

Front parking sensors.

2023 Ora Good Cat Exterior and Interior Options

The colour options for the Ora Good Cat depend on the variant. Mars Red with Black Roof and Hamilton White with Black Roof are for the Pro, while the Verdant Green with White Roof and Hazel Wood Beige with Brown Roof is for the Ultra.

Two-tone interiors (Green-Grey and Beige-Brown) are only available on 500 ULTRA models and will vary depending on exterior colours. If you want a plain old black interior with synthetic leather seats, then that is available both for the 400 PRO and 500 ULTRA.

Warranty

All variants of the Ora Good Cat is offered with a 5-year/150,000km manufacturer warranty with an 8-year or up to 180,000km battery warranty and 5-times free service labour maintenance.


Perodua On Track For Yet Another Record Breaking Year – Aims For 235,000 Units/Year

Buoyed by strong demand for all its models, Perodua is bullish about its prospects for 2019 and has announced today that it will be revising its annual sales target from the 231,000 units announced in January to 235,000 units.
The target is 3 percent higher than last year’s 227,243 units sold, which was a new record for the company. It should be noted that much of last year’s sales was boosted by the two-month tax holiday period post-General Election.
Although the tax holiday period is over, Perodua is not seeing any slowdown in its order bank. In fact, demand is outstripping supply and the company’s plant is now working at 97 percent utilization rate to keep customer waiting period as short as possible.
Even the Perodua Alza, which is the oldest model in its line-up, is still seeing a two-month waiting period (depending on variant).
Total bookings collected in the first six months of 2019 stood at 190,765, three percent higher than the same period last year. Total deliveries stood at 121,800 units or 4 percent higher than the same period last year, details are as below (approximate figures only, Competion Act prohibits publishing of detailed sales break down by model):
Myvi: 43,000 units
Axia: 32,000 units
Bezza: 22,000 units
Aruz: 15,000 units
Alza: 8,000 units
Loan rejection is also significantly lower than before, as the Myvi and Aruz are now attracting a newer group of customers with better financial standing.
Total exports also grew by 73 percent to 1,601 units, but of course, this was calculated from a very low base of just 923 units last year. Last year’s figures were also hampered by a temporary supply disruption of the Myvi.
Indonesia remains Perodua’s largest export market, contributing over 60 percent. Smaller South Pacific nations make up the rest of Perodua’s export destinations, which CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad explained it was because these are the most viable export destinations given Perodua’s current cost competitiveness. He explained that Perodua’s cost structure is now almost as competitive as that of Indonesia, which is Perodua’s technical partner Daihatsu’s largest market outside of Japan.
“We have reached a stage in our history where we are earnestly seeking to build our brand abroad in a sustainable manner. However, this is on a long-term scale as brands do need time to build. Our hope is to make Malaysia proud,” said Dato’ Zainal.
He also went to explain that Perodua currently employs over 600 engineers, about 30 of which are currently being seconded to Daihatsu to develop Daihatsu products in Japan. Several Perodua suppliers have been selected by Daihatsu to supply automotive parts to Daihatsu vehicles in Japan. Details will be announced by the respective suppliers later this year.
He added that Perodua has now acquired sufficient technical ability to produce one full model change (all-new) model and one minor change (colloquially referred to as ‘facelift’) model every year.
Having acquired the necessary know-how to independently design a vehicle’s upper-body, Perodua’s next goal is to acquire the necessary skills to develop advanced driving assistance functions, in-car Internet connectivity and smart mobility solutions (car sharing, short-range commuting vehicles).
As for this year’s total industry volume forecast, Perodua projects that Malaysia’s total new car sales will remain at 600,000 units, keeping in mind that last year’s numbers were boosted by the afore-mentioned tax break period. The forecast also means that Perodua expects to boost its market share by 2 percent, to 40 percent.


Malaysian Caught Speeding In Australia Tries To Fool Cop With Fake License

Over in Aussie-land, or sometimes known as Australia, a Malaysian driver was pulled over for speeding, but that was only the tip of the traffic offence iceberg.

You have to be colossally dense to drive a car without a valid license. Not only could it land you in plenty of trouble with the law, but it endangers other road users as who knows why the license lapsed - or worse - was revoked.

Australia is also notorious for its super strict - even fanatical - laws and enforcement against speeding. Drivers there routinely get caught, fined, sometimes even jailed if found in violation too many times - up to 3 years in fact - for even exceeding the speed limit by a few kilometres per hour.

As we know, things are a little more lax over here, so when one Malaysian was pulled over by a New South Wales traffic police officer for going 113km/h in a 100km/h zone in her older model Honda Accord, things did not look good.

The driver, a 26-year-old female, then proceeded to make things far worse when she was asked to produce her driver’s license. Certain countries such as Australia do recognise the validity of a license issued to Malaysian citizens by the JPJ and do not require an additional international driving permit.

However, upon further investigation and a check with Malaysian authorities, JPJ’s record reveals that the driver did not hold any class of driver’s license. It was a fake, and she was basically driving without having gone through any formal instruction or training in Malaysia.

That said, she did have a New South Wales learner driver’s license having been residing in the country for about 6 years on a bridging visa.

Seems pretty clear cut. The driver was busted and booked with 3 infringement notices issued in her name:

Learner not accompanied by a licensed driver or instructor or police officer.

Learner did not display L in places as prescribed.

Learner driver exceeded the speed limit by over 10km/h.

Interestingly, NSW police did not list the ‘production of a forged international driver’s license with the intent to mislead an officer’ as one of the offences…..at first.

Eventually, she was charged and convicted at the Griffith Local Court on April 13th, 2022 for “possessing a false document to influence the exercise of public duty.”


Toyota Corolla Cross VS Proton X70 VS Honda CR-V – The RM120k-RM140k Question

We are merely days away from the official launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV – Toyota’s
much-anticipated C-Segment SUV
 is expected to have a far more attractive price tag than the Toyota CH-R, which the Corolla Cross replaces given the company’s plans to assemble the model locally.

The Corolla Cross is based on the Toyota TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the namesake sedan model (and C-HR), therefore given the platform’s prowess, there’s much to be excited about.

Rivals

Whispers through the grapevine suggest that the Corolla Cross will be priced comparatively to its sedan counterpart; the
Toyota Corolla sedan
 currently retails between RM123,971 for the 1.8E variant and RM134,505 for the top-shelf 1.8G variant. This gives us a relative price range of anywhere between RM120k-RM135k for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. This puts it within the crosshairs of the top-spec Proton X70 and the entry-level variant of the
stalwart Honda CR-V
.

There’s a high possibility that the variant list should also mimic the sedan model at the outset of the model introduction, leaving space for the introduction of a top-of-the-range Corolla Cross Hybrid variant, understood to rank very highly on UMW Toyota Motors larger plans to
introduce more hybrid variants
 to the Malaysian market.

Despite the Corolla Cross’ slightly ambiguous size, which sits in between B- and C-Segment SUVs, the price range suggests that the Corolla Cross will sit in between the likes of the Proton X70 and larger Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail models. However, comparisons to smaller SUVs such as the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 are inevitable given how competitively SUVs are priced and specced these days.

What about the drivetrain, equipment, and safety features…

To give a clear picture, we have listed down the main attributes of the Corolla Cross versus the likes of the Honda CR-V and Proton X70 below:

What Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) does the Corolla Cross have against its rivals?

The sad demise of the Toyota C-HR highlighted one important aspect of the car market in Malaysia – that price is everything. Despite
creating massive buzz
 before its arrival, and the
widespread acclaim of the media
, the car was simply too expensive for its relative size and equipment offerings. At approximately RM150k, it was compared against the likes of the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail which offered far more space, practicality, performance, and equipment level for the same price due to their CKD price structures.

The plans for localised assembly will give the Corolla Cross a much better start out the gate, for one it will be priced more attractively, and offer equipment levels that are on par for the retail price package. The Corolla Cross’ more traditional SUV size, packaging, and design should make it more palatable to a larger SUV audience, and not just design and lifestyle centric buyers like the C-HR.

Another USP of the Corolla Cross would be its driving demeanour. This is credited to its Toyota TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the superb handling C-HR. Do note, however, the C-HR featured a double-wishbone suspension setup at the rear, while the Corolla Cross utilises and torsion beam setup (for cost and packaging requirements), nonetheless, the proven platform should deliver a smooth and capable handling SUV for its size.

Separately, the Corolla Cross will be equipped with a proven and refined powerplant. Though the X70’s 1.8 turbo powerplant delivers the most bang for your buck, it’s not the most economical of the pack, as we found out. The 1.8-litre naturally aspirated powertrain of the Corolla Cross should offer a good balance of power and efficiency.

When is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid coming?

Soon, March 25th to be exact so you
don’t have to wait very lon
g. In addition, given Toyota Capital’s robust financial packages we can also expect
attractive ownership and leasing packages
 for the upcoming model.

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

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

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

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


Abandoned Cars Will Be Scrapped Within A Month Of Notice – Transport Minister

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that cars that are abandoned will be scrapped within a month’s notice, which previously took up to a year in the past.

He said that the move is to lower the overcrowding issue in vehicle compound lots, leading to some local councils being unable to tow away vehicles.

Loke added that between 2014 and 2017, more than 15,000 complaints were received by 8 local councils with regards to abandoned vehicles.

"Currently, it takes the local councils between six and 12 months to scrap abandoned cars, including serving a notice and inter-agency cross-checking on vehicle ownership. It's too long and congesting the depots. I have asked for a new SOP to be established that will be the standard across the board for all councils and reduce the process to just a month.”

"You can expect this to be implemented by early next year at the latest," he told
The Sun
.

Loke mentioned that the Public Complaints Bureau has been given the task of drafting a new standard operating procedure and tabling it at the upcoming National Transportation Council (NTC) in November.

Once the new SOPs have been enforced, local councils will be given full authority to tow and scrap abandoned vehicles.

Part of the new SOP also covers how long a vehicle has to remain idle before it can be considered as abandoned. "At the moment, there are no guidelines on how long a vehicle has to be idle (before deemed as abandoned). It can be two weeks, can be months. It depends on the efficiency of the local councils. Now want a standard guideline," Loke said.


Bermaz Adds 2022 Mazda CX-8 2.5T AWD, 2.2D High Plus To Range

For 2022, the CX-8 is getting a pretty substantial upgrade, giving buyers a choice of two additional engines instead of just a single naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre SkyActiv petrol unit available since launch.

Introduced alongside the launch of the MX-30 BEV electric crossover,
the Mazda CX-8 range
 now has triple the engine count as well as two new variants that, at the high end, bridge the gap between it and the venerable (but merely 5-seat in Malaysia)
flagship CX-9
, which arrives fully imported from Japan.

Going forward, the locally-assembled (Kulim, Kedah) 2022 model year CX-8 will comprise 5 variants, with on-the-road prices excluding insurance as follows:

CX-8 2.5G 2WD MID -
RM177,674

CX-8 2.5G 2WD HIGH -
RM183,452

CX-8 2.5G 2WD HIGH PLUS -
RM197,553

CX-8 2.2D 2WD HIGH (new) -
RM204,758

CX-8 2.5T AWD HIGH PLUS (new) -
RM212,425

These two new mills aren’t new to Mazda, nor even the second-generation CX-5 that the CX-8 is based on. Starting with the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, it generates
188hp
 at 4,500rpm and
450Nm
 from 2,000rpm. As has been proven in its other applications, no other engine from the Japanese automaker beats it for sheer pulling power.

At the helm of 2022’s revised CX-8 range
is the 2.5T motor
, lifted straight out of the CX-9. With
228hp
 and
420Nm
 of torque, this turbocharged petrol engine even develops the exact same output as the one found in the more expensive SUV. All variants share the 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with shift paddles.

What’s more, to help distribute power, it even gains all-wheel-drive traction. Mazda isn’t disclosing how much more accelerative the juiced-up CX-8 range-topper is but we expect it to be a pretty brisk 7ish seconds.

New to this year’s refreshed range and standard on all variants is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) which builds upon the original GVC system to improve overall driving comfort by strategically, though almost imperceptibly intervening via small Traction Control and torque vectoring adjustments to reduce lateral movement forces and fatigue upon the occupants, leading to a more composed and stable ride.

While the full spec rundown remains fairly similar between this 2022 revision and the outgoing CX-8, this newer car can be differentiated by an updated front-end treatment for variants in ‘High’ and ‘High Plus’ trim lines (basically 4 of the 5 variants), gaining a gunmetal accented finish and chrome bumper garnish, LED Signature headlamps, as well as a wireless smartphone charger to work with the wirelessly connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Perhaps more significantly, they also receive heated and ventilated front seats (in leather, of course) as well as an updated i-Activsense active safety suite which now includes adaptive headlights with high beam control, Smart Brake Support (AEB) for the front, and rear, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go.

As before, each CX-8 comes with Mazda’s 5-year manufacturer’s warranty with inclusive 5-year free maintenance (or up to 100,000km whichever comes first). Exterior colour options include Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, and Jet Black.


All-New 2020 Honda Jazz Teased Ahead Of World Premiere

Honda has released its first teaser image of the all-new Jazz which is all set to make its global debut next week at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

Redesigned with the passenger at its heart, Honda claims that the all-new Jazz will raise the bar in terms of comfort and driver enjoyment.

Also, for the first time in Europe, the Jazz will only be available with an advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain.

Other markets however, are expected to get the usual petrol engine-powered variants on top of the hybrid.

Details of the all-new Jazz are still very limited, so watch this space for more information on the car once it is revealed in Tokyo next week.

Looking for a new Honda? Find the best deals
here
.


Geely’s 2021 Emgrand Is The Perfect Proton Persona Replacement

This may not look like anything too impressive, and it's definitely far from Geely’s most striking new vehicle, but the 2021 Geely Emgrand could have more far-reaching consequences for Malaysians than what is immediately obvious.

Nearing its 4th-generation version, the nameplate has been around for a little over a decade now and, back in the day, even managed to spawn its own little sub-brand before everything got reconsolidated under
a unified Geely marque
.

Known internally as the SS11, this newest Emgrand is significant due to its basis on the automaker’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA), the same one
that underpins the X50
. And due to its shared platform and the Emgrand’s positioning as an entry-level sedan, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine it coming to Malaysia with the Proton badge.

Should Proton ever need a true B-segment sedan that offers a footprint that borders on the C-segment while boasting markedly more forward-looking design, technology, and construction
beyond what is possible with the Persona
, the Emgrand would easily fill those shoes.

Though it might not have the sharp lines of the X50, the four-door sedan does carry a certain aesthetic sophistication, easily matching cars like the new Nissan Almera or Honda City for pure curb appeal. Besides, that rear visor-like tail lamp cluster is already a pretty close match to the newest Proton models.

We don't get a full view of the Emgrand’s cabin but it does leave a very positive first impression. The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel is immediately recognisable from the X50 while the two-tone dashboard layout looks modern and sleek with its Audi-style air curtain vents and floating touchscreen infotainment display.

We don’t have too much information on the all-new Emgrand’s technical specifications, though, which is both a shame and a little strange given how close this car is to its launch window. That said, it’s only reasonable for us to expect some mechanical overlap between existing models such as the Binyue (X50). We even see white seats that aren’t (entirely) fabric. Classy!

Disappointingly, it looks like it will be missing out on Geely’s new forced induction engines, as it has been doing in its previous incarnation. Fuel economy, longevity, and cheap running costs are the Emgrand’s forte, so big power and torque from a downsized turbo-petrol take a much lower priority.

Its predecessor, released in 2018, was powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or CVT, and it looks like that powertrain package is being carried over into the SS11, albeit alongside some upgrades to produce an adequate 114hp.

The possibility of a more potent engine and transmission package making its way into the Emgrand is still on the table, of course, but there seems to not be much motivation to make that happen as Geely’s home market customers aren’t making much of a fuss.

Should the 4th-generation Emgrand find its way into the Proton line-up as a Persona replacement (or successor), however, the Malaysian buyer base might insist upon a little more guts under that bonnet, especially in light of the impressive B-segment powertrains in the Nissan (turbo) and Honda (e:HEV).

According to their own timeline, Proton was scheduled to follow up the X50 with an all-new sedan for 2021. Though the pandemic has most certainly
pushed those plans back
, we can still keep our hopes up for a 2022 launch window. Since it’s a foregone conclusion that it will be a badge-engineered version of an existing Geely model, could it be based on the all-new Emgrand?

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

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

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

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


2023 Toyota Innova Zenix to be launched in Malaysia soon?

The
2023 Toyota Innova Zenix
 has been spotted on a transporter here in Malaysia - launch date just around the corner?

Making its debut in Indonesia back in November of last year, the latest-generation Innova might look similar in nature to the previous model, but it does carry a big enhancement in the form of its monocoque construction courtesy of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).

*Image credit: RiderAth

In terms of dimensions, the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is not that far from the current Innova but the TNGA does offer an extended wheelbase of 2,850mm. To put things into perspective, that's 35mm longer than the wheelbase of the Proton X90.

To match things up with its slightly sportier facade, the 2023 Toyota Innova in Indonesia comes with two different powertrains - the 2.0-litre pure ICE engine that produces 174PS and 205Nm of torque as well as the 2.0-litre Dynamic Force hybrid version that churns out a total power output of 186PS (152Ps from the ICE & 113PS from the electric motor),
if our pals at Wapcar are correct
.

It's a possibility that the hybrid version of the 2023 Toyota Innova will be made available here in Malaysia considering the fact that UMW Toyota is gunning towards the 'Multi-Pathway' mobility solution, hybrids included.

It wasn't on show at the UMW Toyota HQ in Shah Alam, but we did get to see the new Toyota Camry Hybrid version being teased alongside the Toyota bZ4X all-electric SUV (also going to be launched 'soon').

There are currently two variants of the current-gen Toyota Innova here in Malaysia, but if they do decide to bring in the new Innova Zenix, expect those numbers to go up if the hybrid version is included in the list. Also, expect the prices to be slightly higher than the current range sold from RM133,880 to RM141,880.

With that being said, will folks go for the 2023 Toyota Innova or opt for the recently launched 2023 Proton X90?


Geneva 2019: New Passat Will Be First Volkswagen With Partially Autonomous Driving Ability

Volkswagen has revealed the facelifted B8 Passat which will be making its global debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.
The new Passat will be the first Volkswagen to feature Travel Assist, a system which enables partially automated driving at any speed between 0 and 210 km/h.
The third generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) will also debut in the new Passat.
App Connect, the interface for integrating smartphone apps, offers wireless integration of iPhone apps via Apple CarPlay for the first time at Volkswagen.
If desired, the Passat can be permanently online via MIB3, because the new Infotainment systems come with an integrated SIM card as standard.
Besides improved navigation-related services with real-time information, this encompasses new technologies and offers, music streaming services, Internet radio, natural (online-based) voice control, seamless use of “Volkswagen We” online services, and future cloud-based portable vehicle settings.
It will also be possible to use the first smartphones as a “mobile key” for opening and starting the Passat with the MIB3 infotainment system.
The MIB3 is closely integrated with the new Digital Cockpit. The digital instruments have been considerably enhanced compared to the previous system (Active Info Display). The enhanced high-contrast graphics display is clear and high-quality.
The range of functions has been lifted to a whole new level. Three different display configurations can now be customised via the new multifunction steering wheel with just one button.
Speaking of the steering wheel, the new Passat will also be the first brand model worldwide with a capacitive steering wheel.
This detects touch by the driver, providing an interactive interface to systems such as Travel Assist. Another new feature in the Passat is “Emergency Steering Assist”, which increases safety when performing evasive manoeuvres by means of braking interventions.
Powertrain options include 1.5 and 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines, 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, as well as a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a 115 PS electric motor, where Volkswagen has updated its system with a new battery that boasts a higher energy content of 13 kWh instead of 9.9 kWh.
All variants will come with the same electromechanical brake servo previously found only in the plug-in hybrid GTE variants.
Design wise, the new Passat comes with new, slimmer LED headlights, redesigned bumpers, new grille, redesigned tail lights, and also a new wheel design.
Inside, the overall layout of the dashboard remains, but there are a few minor tweaks, such as the new steering wheel, clearer Active Info Display, and the repositioned hazard light button, and the parking assist related controls.
Having said that, the new Passat will take centre stage at the VW booth in this year's Geneva Motor Show, which is all set to take place from the 7th to 17th of March.


VIDEO: Audi Invites Us To Suspend Reality In Its Newest TT Promo

Audi
 is pretty proud of its
new TT
 and asks us to leave our imagination open to its driving experience, akin to the mind of a child (as the video shows).
We’re hard pressed to think any car-person who hasn’t pushed along their toy along the carpet pretending it was a race track or off the couch armrest imagining it to be a cliff in some

thrilling action movie
. Audi wants to realize that, and perhaps reacquaint us with the kid inside all of us.
The promo video was shot almost entirely using a photographic technique called ‘tilt-shift’ to selectively focus on specific portions of a scene to give the effect of miniature surroundings derived from full-size objects and locations.
Very cool effect, especially given the idea that the viewer is seeing what the mind of a child’s eye would see.
The
TT
 zips around dirt roads, ocean cliffs, misty forests, urban jungles, and even dangling from a helicopter. Overall, it’s a very impressive 90 seconds to watch – even if its purpose is purely promotional.


Johor man's lavish Porsche proposal goes viral

Talk about a grand gesture. A 28-year-old man in Johor has set the bar really high by proposing to his girlfriend with a
Porsche
.

When most of us are breaking our piggy banks trying to buy an engagement ring, Zhang was seen proposing with a black shiny Porsche that cost him about RM120,000 just for the downpayment.

As seen in videos and photos of this intimate occasion that went viral on social media, Zhang was on one knee with a ring in hand popping the big question to his girlfriend, Wang. In the background, a black Porsche adorned with a big red bow was propped in a transparent container filled with balloons for all to see. Family and friends cheered on joyously, as 26-year-old Wang gave a heartfelt speech accepting his hand in marriage.

The inspiration came to Zhang after seeing a similar proposal gesture on social media. When his girlfriend planned to buy a Mercedes for herself after receiving a company bonus, he decided to go above and beyond by “upgrading” the car to a Porsche.

Zhang pulled off the surprise proposal by telling his girlfriend that there was going to be a ceremony when they collect the vehicle on Valentine’s Day. Their family and friends’ attendance was expected but Wang was unaware that he was going to ask for her hand in marriage.


Toyota Harrier 2021 Dilancarkan Di Malaysia – Harga Bermula RM249k

UMW Toyota secara rasminya telah melancarkan generasi keempat Toyota Harrier 2021 bagi pasaran Malaysia. Model yang diberi kod nama XU80 kini mendarat di negara ini setelah tidak sampai setahun pelancaran globalnya.

Toyota Harrier 2021 ini bakal menggantikan Harrier generasi terdahulu,
XU60
 yang dilancarkan di Malaysia pada 2018 lalu. Jentera baharu ini turut hadir dengan waranti tanpa had perjalanan selama 5 tahun yang semestinya memberikan ketenangan kepada pemilik kereta. Nak cari alat ganti keluaran kilang pun tak susah sebab Toyota sendiri dah sahkan bahawa alat ganti kereta mereka semuanya ‘ready-stock’! Diharapkan
pengguna X50 dan X70
 tabah membaca artikel ini.

Sebelum apa-apapun, jom kita lihat secara ringkas terlebih dahulu mengenai spesifikasi Toyota Harrier 2021 ini.

Spesifikasi

Enjin: Empat Silinder 2.0L
Dynamic Force
, 16-Valve DOHC; VVT-iE & VVT-i

Kuasa: 173PS / 6,600rpm

Tork: 203Nm / 4,400 – 4,900rpm

Transmisi: CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic

Keselamatan: Toyota Safety Sense, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring dengan amaran trafik dari belakang serta lampu tinggi adaptif, tujuh beg udara, Stability Control dan cangkuk ISOFIX.

Harga: RM249,706.50

Generasi baharu Harrier ini tenyata
lebih besar dan rendah daripada generasi sebelumnya
. Rekaan badannya menekankan ciri-ciri yang lebih bersudut dan bersegi memberikan gambaran yang lebih sporty pada jentera ini. Seperti SUV premium zaman sekarang, Harrier 2021 mempunyai garis atap yang miring untuk memberikan gambaran siluet seperti 'coupe'.

Designer Toyota menerapkan konsep ‘Dignified Elegance’ bagi model baharu Harrier ini yang meliputi bahagian dalaman dan luaran kereta ini. Selain daripada gaya rekaan dalaman yang menarik, SUV ini turut menggunakan bahan serta kemasan berkualiti tinggi.

Selain daripada ciri-ciri kemewahannya dipertingkat, ciri-ciri keselesaan Toyota Harrier 2021 ini turut diberi perhatian sepenuhnya. Kadar gegaran, bunyi bising serta kekerasan (NVH) telah dikurangkan memberikan pemanduan yang lebih selesa serta keadaan kabin yang lebih senyap.

Toyota Harrier 2021 dikuasakan oleh enjin terbaru Toyota (M20A-FKS) Dynamic Force 2.0L empat silinder NA yang memberi output 173PS dan 203Nm tork di antara 4,400rpm dan 4,900rpm. Enjin ini lebih efisien dan berkuasa hasil daripada sistem dual variable valve timing yang merupakan teknologi Toyota yang paling canggih. Jentera ini menggunakan pacuan roda hadapan dan dipadankan dengan transmisi Direct-Shift CVT yang menawarkan 3 mod – Eco, Normal, Sport.

Generasi terbaharu Harrier ini dibina berdasarkan platform Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K). Harrier 2021 direka dengan struktur badan yang lebih kukuh dengan pusat graviti yang lebih rendah. Tahap kelebaran kenderaan ini dinaikkan 20mm sementara jarak rodanya pula ditambah 30mm berbanding Harrier generasi terdahulu. Cuma ketinggian model baharu ini sahaja telah dikurangkan sebanyak 30mm.

Dari sudut keselamatan, kenderaan ini hadir dengan 7 beg udara, teknologi Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) yang meliputi Pre-Crash System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) dan Auto High-Beam Systems (AHS).

Yang paling menarik, SUV ini dilengkapi Panoramic Sunroof yang dilengkapi dengan cermin electro-chromatic yang boleh digelapkan mengikut arahan, 12-way power adjustment bagi tempat duduk pemandu, Head-Up Display (HUD), paparan infotainment 8-inci dengan padanan Apple Carplay dan Android Auto, pengecas tanpa wayar, sistem pendingin hawa dual-zone dan auto boot dengan sensor kaki.

Untuk pengetahuan anda, Toyota Harrier 2021 merupakan unit CBU yang diimport terus daripada kilang Toyota di Jepun. Hanya satu varian bagi model ini ditawarkan iaitu 2.0 Luxury pada harga RM249,706.50 (OTR tidak termasuk cukai jalan dan insurans) dan dikira sekali dengan rebat SST 50%. Harga ini sah sehingga 30 Jun 2021, sebelum ia dinaikkan menjadi RM259,000. Terdapat 5 pilihan warna yang ditawarkan iaitu Steel Blonde Metallic, Slate Grey Metallic, Precious Black, Dark Blue Metallic; and the signature White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Dengan harga seperti itu, anda rasa on ke tak on Toyota Harrier 2021 ni?

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

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

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

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


2023 Honda Civic Type R Unleashed - "Most Powerful Type R Ever"

Honda Motor Co., Ltd, has officially premiered its all-new
2023 Honda Civic Type R
 BUT not without some vital missing information.

Basically, what we can tell you, for now, is how the
new Type R
 looks on the outside and in, together with some 'announcements' in the near future pertaining to "
the most powerful Type R ever
". And also, the "Ultimate Sport 2.0" grand concept for pure sports performance.

More 'matured' exterior - Honda Civic Type R

Based on the
current-generation Honda Civic
, it's not a surprise that the 2023 Honda Civic Type R carries a more 'matured' facade. That, however, does not mean that it looks bad. Nope, not at all.

It's obviously a lot sleeker and less aggressive than the previous Civic Type R. To ensure that, Honda stated that everything from the front of the A-pillars is unique to the new Civic Type R.

You can see that via its new engine bonnet (with a functional vent), wide fenders that are integrated with the body, and a new front bumper that has no plasticky vents (just a few that helps to cool down the front brakes and channel air to its intercooler).

In other words, the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R definitely has a better design flow from front to rear. Speaking of the rear, check out that new rear wing, diffuser, and of course, can't miss that tri-tip exhaust. Classy is the word.

New (but smaller) 19-inch tyres - Civic Type R

A new set of 19-inch wheels designed in-house by Honda themselves help to tie the looks together. Coming in hot with thicker sidewalls, these beauties are wrapped with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S rubbers, and they're known to be quite the sticky boys on track.

There are two exterior colour options to choose from - Championship White (Type R's iconic colour) and the newly-added Sonic Gray Pearl.

Premium & comfortable interior - New Civic Type R

A typical Type R wouldn't be complete with that black/red interior colour combo. You can see that on the new bucket seats with suede-like material for improved comfort and seating grip, red carpets (maybe black in some markets), and more.

It's definitely a more subtle design, but Honda stated that the interior was designed to 'lift the spirit of the occupants from the moment they open the door'.

Other notable features include dual-zone climate control with knob controls, a nine-inch centre touchscreen with a volume knob as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a fully-digital meter display.

There's the exclusive +R mode with a specially-designed meter that helps to display key information such as the engine rpm, rev indicator, and gear position indicator. Very cool, indeed.

VTEC Turbo, baby

This is where things get a bit weird - no official power figures for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R (yet). What we do know is that Honda aims to produce the most powerful Type R yet, and they've refined the 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine for higher output and responsiveness.

Press photos obviously had to showcase its six-speed manual transmission with the rev-match system, but we've heard that Honda might offer it with an
automatic gearbox
 as an option. No mention of that as well in the press kit.

The last Civic Type R produced 316hp, so we know that it's definitely going to be higher than that. Upon further inspection at the engine bay, you can see that the turbo placement seems to be directly connected to the engine head, which in theory helps with better efficiency and power output. Power? Power.

We're assuming that every single aspect of this Honda Civic Type R has been enhanced or improved in some way, but for now, Honda is more than happy to keep them a secret. One thing is for sure, those living in Japan can buy them from September 2022 onwards.


Toyota’s New GD Turbo-Diesel Engines Gets Detailed

In May,
Toyota
 introduced the
all-new Toyota Hilux in Thailand
 which featured the car maker’s new
GD range of turbo-diesel engines
.
Now, more details about the new powerplants have been provided, giving us a detailed look at the new technologies that went into the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV and 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV engines.
Fuel efficiency has been improved by 15% along with maximum torque by 25% and low speed torque of 11% thanks to the use of Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology (TSWIN), the first used in the world. This makes the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV engine one of the most thermally efficient (44%) engines that Toyota has ever produced, surpassing the previous KD range of engines.
Along with TSWIN, silica-reinforced porous anodized aluminium (SiRPA) is used on the pistons to reduce cooling loss during combustion by approximately 30%. The material is capable of high insulation and dissipation allowing it to be easily to heat and cooled.
A reworked intake port shape see an increases in the amount of air flow into the cylinders while the common-rail fuel injection system now achieves a higher pressure and features a more advanced fuel injection control to optimise the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber.
The Toyota-produced variable geometry turbocharger is now 30% smaller than current and features a newly developed turbine that improves efficiency to provide instantaneous acceleration response and to produce maximum torque over a wide range of rpm.
Toyota’s first-ever Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system can also be found on the engines, eliminating up to 99% of nitrogen oxide (NOx), one of the main causes of air pollution.
Toyota say that by 2016, the engines will be offered in 90 markets worldwide and by 2020, they are expected to found in at least 150 markets.
Here are the specifications of Toyota’s new GD engine range:
1GD-FTV (Diesel)
Specification: 2.8-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC VN Turbo with Intercooler
Power: 177PS @ 3,400 rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
Low speed torque: 370Nm @ 1,200 rpm
2GD-FTV (Diesel)
Capacity: 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC VN Turbo with Intercooler
Power: 150PS @ 3,400 rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm @ 1,600-2,000 rpm
Low speed torque: 330Nm @ 1,200 rpm


Launched: Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred tyres - Quiet & Comfortable for a Luxurious Ride

Goodyear Malaysia
 has officially launched its latest product for the local market - the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred tyres.

Designed specifically for luxury passenger vehicles (both ICE and EV), the new Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred is all about providing the best levels of comfort and quietness together with its tagline, "Serenity Redefined".

ANX Technology - extra noise & vibration cancellation

The main highlight of the new Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred is the introduction of the ANX Technology in which the tyre is constructed with an extra noise and vibration cancelling layer built within to insulate against rolling noise.

They also worked hard on designing a new closed pattern design that further enhances its overall quietness which helps to reduce air pumping noise. If that wasn't enough, Goodyear took it a step further by including a higher number of tread blocks that are smaller which leads to a lower impact force and you guessed it, improves noise-reducing performance.

Safety from first to the last mile

The Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred also offers high levels of safety from the first to the last mile of usage, particularly for wet road grip and shorter braking distances. This was achieved by a new concoction of tread compound that includes high amounts of silica and resin.

The results are enhancements in overall traction that provides incremental modulation to the road's surfaces, better road contact, and water evacuation. There are 12 sizes available here in Malaysia ranging from 16-19 inches with prices ranging from RM420 to RM860 a piece.


Change in electricity tariff raised car prices

Electricity tariff hike affected car prices - manufacturers had to pass some of the cost to consumers.

The recent automotive annual review by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) brought to light some interesting facts. In summary,
2022 was the best year ever for car sales
, and they predict that 2022 will see a slowdown in car purchases due to
fears of recession
.

One of the other factors that might slow down car sales in 2023 is the hike in electricity tariff, because indirectly, it affected car prices. Remember when some auto manufactures announced an increase in prices for their cars earlier this year? well, this is one of the reasons why they had to do so.

According to UMW Toyota Motor's Mr. Ravindran K., who is currently the MAA Council's Vice-President for Trade, "when electricity prices go up, we will take half of the cost, and the other half will be passed to the consumers."

"We (auto manufacturers) will try as best as we can to hold as much as possible, but some will have to be passed to consumers," said Ravindran.

It seems the revision of the electricity tariff for industrial users (medium- and high-voltage users) at the end of last year is the main culprit for the increased prices of cars.


PETRONAS To Stop Sponsoring Mercedes-AMG F1?

Will the collaboration between PETRONAS and Mercedes in the Formula One (F1) Championship, which has been ongoing since 2010, come to an end at the end of this season?

The matter played out on social media sites, among others, revealing that
PETRONAS
 will no longer sponsor the Mercedes-AMG F1 team after the end of the 2021 F1 season.

The German team is said to be looking into entering a sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian
petroleum
 giant Aramco in 2022, and further announcements will be made in the near future, according to Decalspoters.com who broke the news.

"The team's partnership with Aramco is set to kickstart in 2022, with the company's green-blue colour palette replacing PETRONAS' turquoise accents on Mercedes-AMG's branding," Decalspotters reported, quoting sources.

But according to The Edge Markets, PETRONAS and Mercedes have come out to deny a report saying that the F1 partners will part ways in 2022.

"PETRONAS, in a statement to The Edge, said: "PETRONAS and Mercedes have been partners since 2010 in a long-term collaborative relationship that is mutually
beneficial
 to both parties."

"Last year, we extended our partnership for another multi-year cycle, and we are proud to continue to be working together to deliver cutting-edge performance," the
national oil company
 said.

The Edge also reported that GPFans.com quoted a Mercedes spokesperson providing a similar statement. The website however did not elaborate on the details of the multi-year partnership extension.

The report by Decalspotters likely got its legs due to the recent PETRONAS bow out from MotoGP, where it will no longer sponsor the
Sepang Racing Team
 (SRT), cutting back their involvement in motorsports.

But doubters would have been surprised by the news, especially when the team is
doing well
 in the current F1 season, where the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team still leads the manufacturer's standings with 433 points with Red Bull Racing Honda is in second place with 397 points.


Lexus Celebrates Selling 10 Million Vehicles Globally, Achieves Record Sales In 2018

Lexus today announced that it has just sold its 10 millionth vehicle, a landmark achievement that came shortly after a strong 2018 year-end sales performance where the brand achieved multiple best-ever sales goals around the globe.
In addition, the brand also surpassed the 1.45 million unit mark in self-charging hybrid vehicles sold worldwide.
Lexus hybrid vehicle sales jumped nearly 20% in 2018 from the prior year, a result that underscores the brand’s commitment to electrification.
The brand announced today that 698,330 vehicles were sold worldwide during the 2018 calendar year, representing a 4.5% increase over calendar year 2017.
Models such as the RX, NX, the LC and LS flagships, along with the all-new ES and the first-ever UX, combined to lead the global luxury lifestyle brand to its best-ever year of sales.
“Lexus continues to enjoy substantial growth around the world, expanding its footprint in emerging markets as well as reaffirming its strength in established ones. The brand’s clear focus on amazing products and guest experiences provided by the finest dealers will support its global growth for years to come,” said Lexus International President, Yoshihiro Sawa.
In Europe, Lexus has sold about 875,000 vehicles since the launch of the brand, including about 365,000 self-charging hybrid vehicles.
In 2018, Lexus sold 76,188 vehicles in the region, an all-time record and its fifth consecutive year of sales growth. In the last 5 years, Lexus sales have grown by 76% in Europe.
Moving forward, the company announced that it aims to sell 100,000 vehicles in Europe in 2020.


Are The Latest Electric Vehicles Problem Free? Apparently Not Yet...

A recently concluded study in the United States conducted by
Consumer Reports
 has found that despite their cutting-edge technology and connected everything; Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) may not be as problem-free as manufacturers might have us believe.

The survey, conducted with 329,000 EV owners in the United States found that quite a few of the latest generation BEVs are not spared from warranty claims and component failures; much like their conventionally powered counterparts.

A key premise and selling point of BEVs is their inherent simplicity (and therefore robustness); with far fewer moving parts (no engine), and virtually nothing externally that cause premature damage (like dirty fuel and air) – BEVs are understood to be able to soldier on with all the predictability of an iPhone.

However, this latest study finds that despite the simplicity, even BEVs are not spared from the growing pains of a fast-moving tech race with the need for mass production to keep costs low, and supply chains operating at full steam.

Though the same organisation has reported, that BEVs cost far less to maintain than conventionally powered vehicles, a few current models are more prone than others to premature problems.

Three have been singled out, the Kia Niro EV,
Audi E-Tron
, and Tesla Model Y. The Niro EV reportedly suffers from premature electric-motor bearing failure, the Audi on the other hand, encounters "drive-system electrical failures along with other power-equipment issues”, while the Model Y has been plagued with poor build quality, in particular, misaligned body panels and below-par paint quality (admittedly, this is not a drivetrain problem).

Note, however, that the BEVs in question are also sold in other markets such as Europe and China, therefore these issues may or may not just be limited to cars sold in the US.

The same report finds that older BEVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt and
Nissan Leaf
 fare better. Consumer Reports has since removed the Kia and Audi from its recommended list of BEVs, the Model Y remains, Consumer Reports also notes that battery and drivetrains are also rare points of failures for most BEVs.

However, that hasn’t stopped the organisation from pre-emptively downgrading the reliability ratings of upcoming BEVs such as the
Porsche Taycan
,
Mercedes-Benz EQC
 and
Ford Mustang Mach-E
.

Especially in the case of the Porsche Taycan, even US-based Autoblog commented that downgrading of the Taycan’s reliability rating seems a bit of a harsh decision, considering Porsches generally score well in Consumer Reports’ reliability studies.


Understeer vs Oversteer – What Is It And How To Avoid It?

What is understeer? What is oversteer? Losing control of your car can be one of the most traumatic experiences in your life, and most times, it can happen suddenly if the car travelling is too fast, or from lack of driver attention and
changing road conditions
 such as wet/sandy roads.

When your car loses traction and no longer follows your driving inputs – it undergoes one of two scenarios, either understeer or oversteer.

Rally legend Walter Rohrl
 had a very simplified explanation of determining between the two, and it goes, “When you see the tree you're going to hit, that's called understeer. If you can only hear and feel it, it's oversteer”. Either way, it is very dangerous and scary so it’s best to understand what’s actually happening when your car understeers or oversteers, and how you can best avoid the situation at all times.

What is Understeer?

Understeer is classified as a loss of grip on the front wheels. This mostly happens when there is excessive speed going into a corner and the front tyres can no longer provide sufficient grip to turn and/or brake the car going into a corner. Despite turning the wheels, the excessive momentum of the car keeps the car going in a straight line (
towards the tree, that you can see coming
).

Do note that it’s not always excessive speed that causes understeer, sometimes with changing road conditions, such as wet or sandy roads or even puddles can cause your front tyres to lose traction and cause understeer. Worn out tyres and poor alignment can make things worse.

How to avoid Understeer

Image: drivingfast.net

Your best bet is to always ensure your tyres are in proper working order,
get your car aligned when you should to prolong the life of your tyres
 and maintain the steering geometry of your vehicle (so your car has the right amount of grip). Most importantly, reduce your speed properly before going into corners and be extra careful when driving in rainy conditions. Braking too late into a corner can also cause understeer therefore be gradual yet firm with your brake force before entering a corner.

Safety systems that help you in such situations

Most modern cars come equipped with ABS braking and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), these
safety systems work
 to keep your car in check even when tyres are at their limits of grip. More advanced high-performance cars also offer systems such as
Traction Control
, Torque Vectoring and electronic Limited Slip Differentials (eLSD) to give you even more grip in the corners and prevent understeer.

What is Oversteer?

Oversteer is characterised by a loss of grip at the rear tyres. Oversteer happens mostly when rear tyres lose traction, causing the car's rear to step out of line and cause the car to spin around. Most commonly this happens with rear-wheel drive cars when too much power is applied (especially when exiting a corner) or a sudden loss of grip when going into a corner or even when shifting lanes on a highway. Certain cars – such as mid-and rear-engine cars- will have different overall weight balance from front-engine cars, affecting how they drive.

How to avoid understeer

Image: drivingfast.net

Again
proper maintenance of your tyres
are your best bet against getting into situations like this, ensure periodical alignment is done and tyre pressures are maintained at their optimum. You can correct oversteer by steering the car in the opposite direction but this comes with a lot of training and preparedness, and it’s not something that is easily taught. Always ensure you enter and exit corners at the right speed, and apply power gradually especially when in the rain.

Safety systems that help you in such situations

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is the most important system in preventing understeer. VSC works by independently braking your wheels and/or cutting engine power so you may regain control of your vehicle. Traction control and
torque vectoring
 again are newer systems that also work to give you the best traction at all times.

Conclusion

Of the two, the more dangerous scenario is considered to be oversteer. With understeer, your car is at least facing the obstacle where it is best designed to absorb the crash's impact, as opposed to oversteer that can lead to side and rear impacts that can be far more dangerous.

Always ensure your car is safe and in good working order, and be attentive to changing road conditions, weather, other road users, and perhaps, most importantly, drive safely to avoid any case of either oversteer or understeer.

This article also hopes to educate on the importance of purchasing a car which includes the
safety systems that can help you get out of dangerous situations
 such as these. These are commonly overlooked and often taken for granted, but should be a critical criterion when buying your car.

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

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

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

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


Review: C257 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 & CLS 53 – Six Appeal

2019 will be remembered as the year when Daimler fully embraced electrification. No longer reserved for low volume specials like an SLS AMG Electric or an EQ series concept car or even an AMG F1 car, electrification is now a standard feature in many new Mercedes-Benz models.
The only difference is whether it is an entry EQ Boost-badged mild-hybrid, a midway e-badged plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric EQ series car. Even the C200 now features a 48V mild-hybrid setup, which leads us to the all-new CLS-Class seen here.
It’s the third generation of E-Class sedan-based four-door coupes, and the biggest difference now is that it’s no longer strictly a four seater. It now seats five adults like a regular E-Class sedan, but with a menacing shark-nosed silhouette in front.
The CLS-Class is available in three variants, all imported from Sindelfingen, Germany.
CLS 350 (299 hp/400 Nm) : From RM570,888
CLS 450 (367 hp/500 Nm: From RM698,888
AMG CLS 53 (435 hp/520 Nm): From RM 878,888
Of the trio, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder CLS 350 is the least recommended simply because apart from its looks, it doesn’t offer a different driving experience from an E350. Yes it’s the cheapest CLS but for anyone shopping past the half a million Ringgit mark, surely price differences are not a concern.
The CLS 450 seen here is the Edition 1 variant, so it gets additional goodies like the Copper Art interior with black nappa Edition 1 leather upholstery, copper coloured accents, and a unique diamond-effect grille.
What sets the CLS 450 and CLS 53 apart are their M256 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines – the only ones of their kind in the segment since BMW no longer offers inline six-cylinder engines locally, special orders aside.
Available in two different states of tunes, in the CLS 450 it pushes out 367 hp/500 Nm while in the CLS 53 it makes 435 hp/520 Nm. Both are excluding the EQ Boost’s Integrated Start Generator’s (ISG) 22 hp/250 Nm. Oddly, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t provide figures for a combined system output. One can’t simply add the output of the motor and engine as the two power sources peak at different rotational speeds.
ISG motor
Being a mild hybrid, the CLS can’t drive off in electric power alone. The 48V mild hybrid is employed less as a fuel saving feature but a performance enhancing one. Of course there will be reductions in emissions and fuel consumption, but it won’t be as noticeable as the added performance it brings.
48V battery is within the engine bay, hidden from view (12V battery remains in use, installed separately in the boot)
Both the CLS 450 and CLS 53 have 4Matic all-wheel drive, offering a slightly rear-biased torque split of 45:55 front and rear. Both engines are paired to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The CLS 450 gets a regular 9G-Tronic while the CLS 53 gets an AMG-tuned SpeedShift TCT 9G.
An inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with its ideal 500cc per cylinder capacity already makes for an almost perfectly firing engine. Add the EQ Boost’s ISG and it becomes a gem of an engine.
On the move, both engines exhibit a level of refinement only a six-cylinder can offer. Power delivery is so effortless even by the standards of a turbocharged Mercedes-Benz.
Where a regular turbocharged petrol engine builds up torque early but tapers off at the upper end of the rev range, the EQ Boost assisted engines use a motor to fill the torque gaps throughout the engine’s rev range, thus greatly expanding the engine’s drivability.
Even when accelerating from standstill, the mild hybrid CLS pulls ahead with the kind of immediacy that’s closer to an electric/plug-in hybrid. The intense push continues unabated all the way until the 6,000 plus rpm redline.
The steering rack is also sharper and the car feels a lot more agile than a regular E-Class. It’s what the E-Class should have been, in our opinion at least. The sharper handling chassis gives the car a more focussed driver-oriented character while the larger six-cylinder engine offers a much wider breadth of talent.
Despite wearing an AMG badge, the difference in drivability between the CLS 450 and CLS 53 is not a great deal, and we mean that in a good way. Unlike a 63 series AMG that is perpetually on the edge, like an over eager teenager that just can’t shut up, the 53 series AMG cars are lot more refined while still packing a lot of firepower. Business or pleasure or both, showing off included, the CLS 53 plays along very well, changing its character at will.
On paper, the CLS 53 makes 68 more horsepower but in the more important metric of torque, it makes just 20 Nm more than the CLS 450’s 500 Nm, which is already more than what most drivers can realistically handle.
In other words, the CLS 450 is more than enough to impress. So is there any point to go all the way to a CLS 53? There’s of course the added prestige of the AMG badge and the associated fireworks - the signature AMG exhaust pops and crackles during over runs; there’s one more tangible reason to choose the CLS 53: air suspension.
Like the V6 configuration 43 series cars, the inline six-cylinder 53 series cars don't get hand assembled engines, so there's no signature plaque on the engine cover.
The E-Class sedan, despite wearing the Mercedes-Benz badge, is no longer the byword for comfort, or even handling. Likewise for this CLS-Class. A BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 are doing better in that aspect these days. Air suspension – which the CLS 53 has - is a must if you care about a comfortable ride but still want the style and associated image of a Mercedes-Benz.
With Airmatic, the difference in ride and handling is quite significant, making the CLS 53 easier to live with despite it being an AMG car. The CLS 450 rides on lowered Comfort Suspension (formerly known as Agility Control), which in Mercedes-Benz’s confusing terminology, refers to steel springs with adaptive but non-selectable dampers. The AMG Dynamic Select switch has Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual modes, but it controls only the steering, powertrain, and exhaust flaps - not the suspension.
This is not to say that the CLS 450 ride is harsh, but it’s not as cossetting as what traditional buyers will expect from a Mercedes-Benz.
Despite being a mild hybrid, the CLS 450 and CLS 53 use an electrically operated air-conditioning compressor so rest assured that the air-conditioning will continue to work even if the engine is cut off. The four-cylinder CLS 350, however, still relies on a belt driven compressor, which runs off the engine’s power and thus will cut off if the engine stops.
The CLS 53 also gets a colour heads-up display, which is not available in the CLS 450.
Downsides? The advance driving assistance features sound good on paper but don't work very well in our local driving conditions. There were instances when Active Brake Assist applied unnecessary braking during an otherwise typical rush hour traffic maneuver, but the most annoying function had to be the Active Blind Spot Assist, which can get fidgety whenever a lane splitting motorcycle rides too close alongside the car, causing it to apply the brakes and tightening the seat belts.
After one too many unnecessary interventions, we disabled the feature. Our experience with similarly capable Honda Sensing (CR-V) or Toyota Safety Sense (Camry), nevermind the recent Volvos, were a lot less eventful.

The difficult to operate (compared to BMW’s iDrive) COMAND is a common complaint in every non-MBUX Mercedes-Benz so the CLS is no different. It’s slow to respond and the menu structure is unnecessarily complicated.
In conclusion, the CLS-Class is the E-Class your heart always wanted but was rejected by your rational self. For the select few who can indulge, there are few cars that offer a better blend of style and driving pleasure. Audi Malaysia no longer offer the A7 Sportback (which is long past its prime anyway), while the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is no more. The next closest alternative is the Porsche Panamera but it's priced much further up - from RM890,000 - but don't expect decent specifications for anything less than a million Ringgit.
The CLS-Class is thus, the last one standing, and rightly so. It was the originator, the one that started the trend. Today, it's still the only one that stayed true to its principles while its imitators withered away when the going got tough.


All You Need to Know About “Sambung Bayar” Schemes

Purchasing a car is no joke. Firstly, there are the endless of documents that needs to be submitted.

And then, you have to wait and see if the loan goes through, run to the bank and the dealership a couple of times, and once that gets out of the way, there are the monthly instalments, maintenance cost, and everything in between, which will be a part of your life for five, seven, or nine years.

But what if one wants to sell his or her car off before the loan period is over for some reason?

What if someone is not eligible for a loan but still wants to buy a car?

What is someone has been blacklisted for bad debt by CCRIS and CTOS?

One method to which many Malaysians have resorted in order to overcome these obstacles is a term we commonly refer to as
“sambung bayar”
.

Now, how
“sambung bayar”
 works is that an owner of a vehicle who is still servicing the loan (usually someone who needs some quick cash) “sells” the vehicle to a buyer who pays a deposit and agrees to continue paying the monthly instalment while the vehicle is still under the seller’s name.

On the upside, the deposit is usually lower than what one has to pay the bank while making a legit purchase. As for the seller, he or she doesn’t have to go through the hassle of paying off the bank in order to sell it.

So, all that is done by the seller and buyer is either sign a contract, a hand shake or a verbal agreement.

As convenient as the above may sound, it is not advisable for one to resort to
“sambung bayar”
 due to a few reasons:

1. It is illegal

According to section 38 of the Hire Purchase Act 1967, “Every person who, by the disposal or sale of any goods comprised in a hire-purchase agreement, or by the removal of the goods, or by any other means, defrauds or attempts to defraud the owner shall be guilty of an offence…”

What this means is that the vehicle here actually belongs to the bank until the loan is over, and nobody else has the right to sell or purchase it. If they do, they can be fined up to RM30,000, or end up in prison for up to 3 years.

2. You could be buying a clone car

Rocking fake chassis numbers, registration numbers, as well as duplicated road tax, the chances of one purchasing a cloned vehicle without knowing is very high, until you get stopped by the police or JPJ, or when it's time to renew your road tax.

Worst case scenario? The vehicle will be confiscated, and the buyer can be fined up to RM10,000, or charged under Section 7 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for owning “an unregistered vehicle”.

3. Contract between buyer and seller is not protected by the law

Besides the Hire Purchase Act, there is also the Contracts Act 1950 (section 24) which states that a contract which involves doing something illegal is not enforceable by law. So, if either party decides to breach whatever contract they signed, no legal action can be taken.

4. The seller is responsible for the vehicle throughout its loan period

Since the vehicle is still under the seller’s name even after a
sambung bayar
 transaction, issues like late instalment payment and summonses will still be the responsibility of the seller.

5. You can’t report it as theft if the seller goes missing with your car

According to section 378 of our Penal Code, a theft is defined as “intending to take dishonestly any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person’s consent.” So, how are you going to lodge a report and say that the buyer stole your car when you willingly gave it to them?

You can, however, report this as a cheating case under section 420 of the Penal Code, as “cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property”.

That said, these are just some of the issues revolving around the whole
sambung bayar
scheme.

So, as normal as it may seem with all the WhatsApp groups, websites, and Facebook pages openly offering
sambung bayar
vehicles at attractive prices, always remember that they are illegal, and they can put you in a lot of problems if something goes wrong.

Therefore, our message to those considering getting their hands on a
sambung bayar
 vehicle is “Jangan sambung!”

Just head over to
carlist.my
 instead and find yourself a nice car within your budget.