Kia Power Deals – Enjoy Power Savings & Power Offers

2015 isn’t quite over yet, but shift over into 2016 is steadily approaching. It’s been a good year for a lot of us. And Naza
Kia
 Malaysia, the official distributor for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, is helping us cross off that calendar on a positive note with great deals, power savings, and rebates on your favourite Kia models.

From now until 31st December 2015, Naza Kia will be running their Kia Power Deals campaign, letting you enjoy up to RM12,000 in rebates on their vehicles plus 3 year free maintenance service, as well as added value through trade-in rebates (terms and condition apply), offering an additional rebate on-top of the already attractive rebate. It is their biggest promotional campaign of the year.

For the Kia Sorento, enjoy RM12,000 in cash rebates plus a 3-year free maintenance service.

The Kia Optima K5 sees a rebate of RM10,000, which also includes the 3-year free maintenance service.

On to the Kia Certato, new owners will enjoy a rebate of RM8,888 and of course includes the 3-year free maintenance service.

The Kia Rio gets a rebate of RM2,500 while also enjoying the same 3-year free maintenance service.

The Kia Sportage, however, comes with a rebate of RM5,000 as well as the 3-year free maintenance service.

The Kia Picanto, not forgetting, will enjoy a rebate of RM6,000 that comes with, of course, the 3-year free maintenance service.

For more information on the Kia Power Deals, to request a brochure or to arrange a call from a sales consultant, please visit (link will be given). And for more information on your favourite Kia models, please visit
www.nazakia.com.my
 or contact Kia Careline at 1-800-888-542 (KIA)


Geneva 2017: Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid PHEV To Make Global Debut

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, due to be launched at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor show, is a plug-hybrid, powered by a twin-turbo V8, as opposed to 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid model. The arrival the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid also marks the first time Porsche launches a plug-in hybrid model as the flagship of the Panamera range. Previously, the flagship Panamera was the Turbo S Executive.
The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid, is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine (from the Panamera Turbo) that produces 550hp, which is coupled to a 136hp electric-motor, resulting in a combined power output of 680hp and mountains of torque. The Turbo S E-Hybrid is reported to have a staggering 850Nm of torque, at just above idle engine speeds.
The two power units are combined via a decoupler, installed in the Porsche hybrid module, actuated by an electric clutch actuator (ECA).
The electric motor is supplied with power via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 14.1 kWh.
The high-voltage battery integrated in the rear, is fully charged within six hours, with a 230-V (10 A) connection. With the optional 7.2-kW on-board charger and a 230-V (32 A) connection, instead of the standard 3.6-kW charger, the battery can be fully charged in 2.4 hours.
The Turbo S E-Hybrid’s power unit is matched to an eight-speed double-clutch automatic – sending power to all four wheels, through an adaptive all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive system is modulated by Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
Porsche claim the boost strategy of the Turbo S E-Hybrid’s powertrain comes from the 918 Spyder supercar, which allows it to sprint from naught to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 310 km/h.
On the economy front, the Turbo S E-Hybrid achieves an average fuel consumption is 2.9 l/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The Turbo S E-Hybrid has a full-electric range of up to 50 kilometres.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes with air suspension as standard, which offers a unique balance of comfort and sportscar-level performance driving characteristics.
As part of its standard equipment, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid includes the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and Power Steering Plus.
The car is also fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels, similar in design to the Porsche 911 Turbo model.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will be launched in two versions; a standard wheelbase, and the
Executive version
, with wheelbase extended by 150 millimetres. The long-wheelbase Executive model will receive rear-wheel steering as standard.
Following the Geneva motor show debut, the new flagship Panamera will be launched in the European market in July 2017, followed by the introduction in other markets, in the second half of 2017.


Digital vehicle plates or e-plates are coming to Malaysia?

Digital vehicle plates or e-plates are being pushed once again to be implemented here in Malaysia.

Electronic vehicle licence plates with embedded RFID technology (radio-frequency identification) have a number of significant advantages compared to the normal plates we're currently using and Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, our former Transport Minister, is all for it.

*Image credit: RFID WIOT

According to Wee in a report posted by The Star, 95% of the countries in the world have already implemented the RFID digital or electronic vehicle plates, including our neighbouring countries. Perhaps the two biggest advantages of the e-plate system are ease of congestion and prevention of car thefts.

To elaborate, authorities will have an easier time checking the cars digitally (and from a safer distance) using the RFID system. Things like roadblocks and vehicle stops can be done swiftly and safely compared to the current methods being deployed right now. Plus, it's probably harder to forge digital details than our normal plates for crimes like car thefts and vehicle cloning.

*Image credit: Straits Times

Our current Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, replied to Wee's comments by stating that if the e-plate is to be introduced here in Malaysia, it wouldn't be a compulsory thing right out of the gate. The implementation might begin with newly-registered vehicles, but in the future, a standardised system will most likely take place to ease of enforcement.

The plate recognition system can also be linked to the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) barrier-free system that can collect toll payments without holding up traffic and causing major congestion during rush hours. Indonesia is working hard in this direction and perhaps we should be doing so as well for the greater good.


Sellers Ensured Safe And Trusted Transaction Through New CarlistBid.my Platform

iCar Asia, owner of ASEAN’s number one network of automotive portals in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, today announced the launch of CarlistBid.my, a new platform connecting car sellers to dealers in a safe and trusted environment.

Touted to be Malaysia’s most trusted car bidding platform, CarlistBid.my utilises iCar Asia’s (
www.carlist.my
)
 existing database of sellers and buyers, the largest network in the country, with over three million ready sellers and more than three thousand dealers.

Speaking at a launch event that also officiates the Carlistbid.my flagship inspection hub located in Kampung Sungai Penchala, Hamish Stone, CEO of iCar Asia, said that connecting sellers directly to dealers would mean a faster turnaround time for a successful transaction as dealers are constantly looking to increase their inventory.

“Over a four-month testing period, CarlistBid.my has closed over RM2.1 million in sales within an average of five days per sale completion. We achieved this with a test group of just 100 out of the over three thousand dealers that already work with Carlist.my, highlighting our ability to scale up this service in the coming months,” said Stone.

“As owners of the largest network of sellers, dealers, and even automotive data analytics, we are constantly evolving and looking for ways to extend our customer base and market reach by providing a transparent and trusted user experience for our stakeholders,” concluded Stone.

Carlistbid.my service facilitates car owners who are interested to sell their cars by starting with an
 online request for inspection and valuation
. Once the customer agrees to the bidding terms, the vehicle will be opened to bidding among
 certified Carlist
.my
 Trusted Dealers
 nationwide.

Upon acceptance of the best offer, Carlistbid.my staff will assist with the ownership transfer procedures as well as final payment.

Stone also said that the opening of the inspection hub next to Regal Valet Auto Detailing Outlet is vital to increase efficiency for car sellers and dealers and plan to open more hubs nationwide in the near future.

“With the successful testing in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia near completion, we expect to follow the launch of this service in Thailand and Indonesia in coming months. This is another step for iCar Asia in building out its core proposition to consumers and dealers and extending our market-leading position and most trusted automotive portal network in the ASEAN region.“ Stone concluded.

Carlistbid.my inspection and valuation hub is located at Lot 2805, Jalan Damansara, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000, Kuala Lumpur. Opening hours are from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.


Volkswagen Announces Anniversary Sales Campaign

In conjunction with its 10
th
 year anniversary in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched a “Volkswagen Anniversary Sale” campaign which will run from now till 31 December 2016.
Malaysians looking to buy a new car before the year end can enjoy amazing savings on selected models.
Those interested in the
Polo
 Hatchback will save RM4,000, while the
Golf
now with RM10,000 savings, the
Beetle
with RM16,000 savings, the
Vento
 with RM10,000 savings, and the new
Jetta
 with RM2,000 savings.
Additionally, members of the public can also make their way to the Volkswagen Roadshow at South Court, Mid Valley Megamall from 2
nd
 to 6
th
 November 2016 to take advantage of the Anniversary Sale.
More information can be obtained at authorized
Volkswagen
 dealers nationwide.


Royal Malaysian Air Force Hawk Jet Crash - Was The Jet Reliable?

Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Hawk jet crashes while returning home on a routine training flight.

If you've been busy lately, perhaps you might not have heard that a Hawk 108 fighter plane belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) crashed recently while landing at RMAF's Butterworth Air Base in Penang.

Photo credit: Malay Mail

According to a statement issued by RMAF's public relations division, the incident occurred at about 10.07 pm on November 16 on the runway area of the Butterworth Air Base.

Senior Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the crash unfortunately saw one pilot perish while another injured. The Defence Minister has instructed RMAF to immediately provide a more detailed report and investigate the cause of the incident.

"Takziah kepada keluarga anggota TUDM yang maut dan seorang lagi yang cedera. Amat sedih dan dukacita terima berita ini."

"Saya difahamkan anggota yang cedera telah dibawa untuk rawatan segera. MINDEF Malaysia telah diarah untuk salur apa jua keperluan kepada keluarga kedua-dua anggota terlibat", said Hishammuddin.

Photo credit: Bernama

RMAF has also asked the public not to spread any speculations regarding the accident or any unauthentic news.

With that being said, some members of the public have voiced their concerns that our military pilots are flying 25-year-old planes.

But according to aviation expert Prof Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, who is Chief Aviation Search and Rescue Researcher, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT), there is no problem with flying a 25-year-old plane if the maintenance follows the schedule set by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Photo credit: Militarywatchmagazine

In a report by Harian Metro, he used the Japanese Military's 1960s F-4 Phantom fighter jets as an example, as they are still in service due to good levels of maintenance. He also said that OEMs would typically perform ongoing analysis and advise customers on the lifespan of an aircraft.

However, the history of the RMAF Hawk 108 is not an unblemished one. According to research done by Bernama, there has been a total of nine RMAF Hawk Jet crashes since 1996. Most were training flights, and six pilots have died throughout these crashes.

Also, according to Bernama, RMAF will still continue to use the Hawk 108 fighter jets, despite the recent crash. "Hishammuddin said that any decision to ground the aircraft would only be made after the special investigation board had completed its findings on the crash."

The Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot who died in the tragedy has now been identified as Capt Mohamad Affendi Bustamy. We at Carlist.my would like to wish his family our deepest condolences.


Review: 2016 Proton Saga – On the Right Track

So, the latest incarnation of Proton’s most important car in the stable – the Saga, is finally here and it has many great responsibilities on its ‘shoulders’.
Among them are attracting new buyers, reclaiming the ‘Kereta Rakyat’ title which has been held by
Perodua
 over the past decade, and most importantly rebuilding the trust people once had in Proton.
Despite all the drama and the internal issues, what Proton has done this year alone is nothing short of impressive – New management, new vendors, new partners and four new models in four months.
With three down, only the
Ertiga MPV
 is left to be unveiled officially next month, completing Proton’s new product portfolio with a model each in the A, B, C, D, as well as the compact MPV segment.
Coming back to the Saga, we managed to get our hands on the car earlier this week and drove up to Ipoh and back in order to see what’s new and if it has improved at all compared to the outgoing model.
Specifications
Engine: 1.3-litre, Inline-4, VVT
Power:  94hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 120Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual / CVT, FWD
Safety: 2 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, Traction Control, Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX (rear)
Origins: Locally-manufactured at Shah Alam
Overview
Launched last month
, the new Saga is offered in four variants:
1.3 Standard M/T
1.3 Standard CVT
1.3 Executive CVT
1.3 Premium CVT
Whilst the Standard manual variant kicks off the pricing range at RM37,800 on-the-road with insurance, all three CVT variants reside on the far side of RM40k. The 1.3 Premium CVT variant tops the range off at RM46,800, level with the entry-level Persona 1.6 Standard manual.
Built on an improved version of the outgoing model’s platform, the new Saga is powered by the same 1.3-litre VVT Campro engine which first debuted in the
Iriz
. Unlike the predecessor, there will not be a 1.6 engine this time but only one engine.
The 1,332cc engine produces 94hp and 120Nm which is identical to the current model, but according to Proton, fuel consumption has improved thanks to the implementation of variable valve timing (VVT) technology.
As with the Persona, Proton now sits the Saga’s engine on three mounting points as opposed to four previously for improved refinement. Another common enhancement shared with the Persona is vastly
improved CVT software calibration
 that reduces the dreaded droning noise as well as sharpening the transmission’s responsiveness.
Exterior
Measuring at 4,352mm long, 1,689mm wide, and 1,509mm tall with a wheelbase length of 2,465mm, the new Saga is 74mm longer, 9mm wider, and 11mm lower than the outgoing model. The wheelbase length remains the same though.
Thanks to the changes in dimensions, the Saga’s cabin is slightly roomier now, especially in the rear. Boot space also gets a 7-litre boost from 413 to 420 litres and can be further expanded by a single-piece folding rear seat back to carry long objects.
Measurements aside, the design of the Saga has improved a lot from what it was, especially when seen from the rear. In front, the car gets new bumper, new headlights, as well as a new grille but it still looks a lot like the outgoing model.
From the rear however, the car looks like a mini BMW E90 3-Series. Even top Proton officials admitted that the new Saga’s rear looks better than the front and it is why most of the posters and billboards show the car from the back.
In case you’re wondering how to distinguish between variant to variant, the standard manual and CVT variants come with 13-inch wheels, only rear fog lamps, and black door handles, while the executive variant gets 14-inch tyres, both front and rear fog lamps, body-coloured door handles and a boot lid trim. The premium variant on the other hand comes with even more goodies like 15-inch tyres, chrome boot lid, and also a reverse camera.
Interior
Like the exterior, the Saga’s cabin has been given a makeover as well. One might not notice the differences at a glance but when you look closer, you’ll be able to notice the neater looking new dashboard, redesigned air-cond vents, the additional two USB ports, the larger gear lever, the new steering wheel as well as the new instrument panel.
The seats are all upholstered in fabric even in the executive and premium variants, with plain black on the Standard, and patterned trim higher up. In the rear, the seat backrest is more upright than before, and there’s slightly more knee room than before too, thanks to the design of the front seats.
The cabin is not only roomier than before, but looks neater and feels a bit more solid. Yes, it is still hard plastic everywhere but at least it doesn’t look cheap.
In terms of comfort, four full grown adults can actually sit through a decent long distance journey in the new Saga as there is decent head and leg room for four. After certain speed, it does get a bit noisy but the surprisingly good audio system makes it up for it.
As neat and comfortable as the cabin is, Proton has compromised a few things in the name of cost-cutting.
For instance, only the executive and premium variants of the Saga get electric controls for the side mirrors. In the base variant, you actually has to wind the windows down and adjust the mirror by hand. In fact, the base variants don’t even get pockets behind the seats.
So, to be frank, those of you who are considering this car shouldn’t bother wasting your time with the standard variants as they are only as good as a car which came out 20 years ago. If you want a properly equipped car, go for the Premium variant.
Driving it
During our stint with the new Saga, we drove both the entry level standard manual and the Premium CVT variants along highways as well as some B-roads from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.
On paper, 94 hp and 120 Nm might not look that impressive but the Saga is anything but underpowered. On highways, the car could cruise comfortably at speeds of 120- to 140km/h without showing any signs of struggling.
It’s just that power doesn’t come instantly. So, it is pointless to put the accelerator pedal to the floor as there will be nothing more than engine noise for a couple of seconds before the car starts to move faster.
So, it’s best to be progressive rather than aggressive in throttle application while driving the Saga. In the manual however, things were more exciting as the car was more responsive and power delivery was more instantaneous.
Further complementing the enjoyable drive were the tweaked suspensions, which absorbed all the bumps and lumps respectably, both in town and on the highways. We even intentionally drove through a couple of potholes along the roads near Gopeng town to see how harsh the ride was going to get but the car tolerated it really well.
Brakes were soft as we expected, and needed some getting used to but within 20 minutes or so we managed to familiarize ourselves.
Overall, the Saga is quite a capable car on the road. Unlike Peroduas that are typically punchy in the city but tend to lose the plot on highways, the Saga felt planted even when it went beyond the speed limit.
Conclusion
The Saga's main rival; the Perodua Bezza starts off with a lower entry price than the Saga, and also offers better equipment levels where the higher variants are concerned. The Saga, however, is hands down better to drive, with its chassis feeling significantly more composed than the Perodua.
Compared to the current Saga BLM, the new VVT version is definitely a step forward. Despite being built on a carryover platform, enhancements that have been applied by Proton to the car make it a much better package.
Yes, there are still small things that can be improved such as the finishing, but overall, the Saga is affordable and still remains a respectable car.
Looking for a Proton? Find one now at
Carlist.my


All-New Volvo V60 Teased – Global Debut Next Week

With just a week left before Volvo reveals the much anticipated
all-new V60 wagon
, the brand has decided to hype things up a little by releasing a heart-warming teaser video.
Titled “Designed for generations”, the video shows how Volvo wagons have been a part of many families for generations, and how the owners have formed a sense of trust, as well as an emotional bond with these cars due to their reliability and practicality.
The video then ends with Volvo announcing that the V60 is coming soon, while bits and pieces of the interior and exterior wagon is shown.
“Our cars have been enjoyed, shared and held fondly in the memories of drivers and passengers for decades. In creating the new Volvo V60, we’re continuing a legacy of estates for a new generation,” says Volvo.
From the looks of it, it appears that the next generation V60 could look like a smaller V90, down to its signature Thor headlights and vertical tail lights.
Similar to its stablemates, the all-new Volvo V60 rides on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The new model is also expected to share powertrains with other SPA-based models, so a 400 hp and 640 Nm T8 Twin Engine Volvo V60 could very well happen in the future.


Nak Beli EV? Ketahui Kelebihan Dan Kekurangan Kereta Elektrik Ini

Sebagai pilihan alternatif kepada kenderaan
enjin konvensional
, kenderaan elektrik (
EV
) bukan saja memiliki kelebihan, tetapi juga tidak terlepas daripada kekurangan. Ketahui pro dan kontra EV sebelum membuat pilihan membelinya.

Pengeluaran EV sedang mengalami pertumbuhan pesat dan perlahan-lahan memasuki medium kereta arus perdana. Pembuatan segmen tersebut juga semakin hari semakin bertambah baik dari segi penciptaan teknologi dan penjimatan tenaga.

Dalam kajian terbaru yang dikeluarkan oleh Frost & Sullivan yang berjudul Masa Depan Kenderaan Elektrik di Asia Tenggara, mendedahkan bahawa satu daripada tiga pengguna Asia Tenggara terbuka untuk
membeli kenderaan elektrik
, namun masih ada keraguan untuk memilikinya.

Jadi, kami senaraikan antara kelebihan dan kekurangan memiliki EV sebagai alternatif kepada kenderaan enjin konvensional.

KELEBIHAN

1. Mesra alam sekitar

Penggunaan kereta elektrik boleh mengurangkan pelepasan
gas karbon dioksida
 (CO2) berbanding kereta konvensional dengan pembakaran petrol atau diesel, yang bukan sahaja melepaskan CO2, malah gas-gas toksin yang lain.

Kajian Institute of Technology Energy Initiative Massachusetts mendapati:

Dalam setahun, secara purata sebuah kereta sedan besar akan membebaskan 5.2 tan CO2 apabila digunakan dan dipandu sejauh 19,000km. Sepanjang 9 tahun digunakan, ia akan membebaskan 57 tan CO2 bermula dari proses penghasilan dan penggunaan.

Dalam tempoh dan jarak perjalanan yang sama, sebuah EV pula akan membebaskan secara purata 28 tan CO2. Angka ini adalah separuh daripada angka kereta dengan enjin pembakaran dalam (
ICE
).

Memandu EV juga bermakna anda sedang melewati perjalanan dengan emisi sifar atau tanpa asap. Dengan impak kepanasan global yang saban hari semakin meningkat, pemandu era baharu memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu mewujudkan persekitaran lebih baik buat generasi akan datang dengan mengurangkan kadar pencemaran daripada kenderaan.

2. Kurang kadar haus dan lusuh (
Wear and tear
)

EV
 dijana pek bateri dan tidak memerlukan kuasa yang dijana enjin mekanikal. Sebagai makluman, semua komponen yang terlibat dalam enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE) tidak diperlukan EV. Ini bermakna, EV menyingkirkan segala kos penyelenggaraan untuk komponen sokongan dalam enjin ICE seperti palam pencucuh, penapis minyak dan alat ganti lain dalam jangka masa panjang. Hanya penyelenggaraan bateri diperlukan untuk EV.

Walaupun
bateri
 adalah bahagian yang mahal untuk EV, namun kebanyakan pengeluar kereta elektrik akan memberi waranti 8 hingga 10 tahun terhadap bateri berbanding 5 hingga 6 tahun waranti kereta.

Lebih menarik, menurut
Hyundai Malaysia
, bateri EV boleh dikitar semula dan sel kuasa EV juga boleh digunakan untuk menyimpan tenaga solar dan angin.

3. Ideal untuk pemanduan urban

Berhenti dan bergerak adalah norma pemanduan di kawasan bandar. Kereta yang menggunakan enjin bahan api lebih efisien di lebuh raya, tetapi kereta elektrik cemerlang di bandar.

Kebanyakan EV menggunakan sistem
One Pedal
 atau satu pedal untuk mengawal pemanduan kereta, berbanding dua pedal untuk mengawal pecutan dan brek.

Ketika berada di dalam keadaan trafik misalnya, pemandu dengan sistem ini hanya perlu menekan pedal untuk bergerak dan melepaskan pedal untuk brek atau berhenti. Memang janggal untuk menggunakan satu pedal namun lama-kelamaan akan menjadi satu kebiasaan.

Jika anda tinggal di kawasan bandar dan sentiasa di dalam kesesakan lalu lintas, memiliki kereta elektrik itu memang berbaloi dan munasabah.

4. Kos penyelenggaraan lebih murah

Umum mengetahui bahawa kos penyelenggaraan EV lebih murah jika dibandingkan dengan enjin konvensional.

Laporan daripada penganalisis Consumer Reports, Chris Harto mendapati pemilik EV di Amerika Syarikat mampu jimat 50 peratus kos baik pulih dan penyelenggaraan berbanding pemilik kenderaan pembakaran dalaman (ICE).

Kajian itu dibuat dengan pengumpulan data pada 2019 dan 2020 membabitkan beribu unit kenderaan yang digunakan sehingga jarak 200,000 batu atau 321,000km.

Statistik Consumer Reports mendapati kos purata penyelenggaraan dan baik pulih EV dan kenderaan ICE untuk jarak setiap batu atau 1.6km adalah seperti berikut:

EV: 0.03 USD (RM0.12)

ICE: 0.06 USD (RM0.25)

Kos per kilometer untuk memandu sebuah EV adalah juga jauh lebih rendah, seperti yang dikongsikan oleh
Nissan Malaysia
 untuk model Nissan Leaf, dengan bateri berkapasiti 40 kWh untuk jarak purata 295km sekali cas “ia hanya menelan belanja RM20.64 untuk setiap caj penuh. Jadi, kos untuk setiap kilometer adalah sangat rendah iaitu RM0.07”

KEKURANGAN

1. Limitasi stesen pengecas

Antara kelemahan utama yang mendatangkan masalah kepada pemilik EV adalah keupayaan mengecas kereta di kawasan luar bandar atau pedalaman. Perjalanan jauh ialah antara cabaran yang perlu ditempuhi pemandu EV. Mereka perlu merancang perjalanan dengan baik kerana kawasan terpencil berkemungkinan tidak mempunyai
stesen pengecas
 berbanding kawasan bandar.

Masalah sama turut menimpa pemandu yang menghuni kondominium dan pangsapuri berikutan tiada akses stesen pengecas di rumah. Kekurangan kawasan mengecas bateri sedikit sebanyak merisaukan bakal pemilik EV dan boleh menyebabkan stres. Sama seperti membeli telefon bimbit mahal, tetapi perlu dicas di rumah kawan. Kawan pula duduk di kawasan perumahan lain.

2. Jarak tidak konsisten

Setiap EV mempunyai anggaran jarak pemanduan yang ditetapkan pengeluarnya. Namun, angka ini sukar dicapai dalam kondisi pemanduan sebenar. Jarak rasmi bagi anggaran tersebut dicapai melalui kepakaran dan ketelitian pemandu ujian pada persekitaran yang sempurna.

Ini sama sekali tidak menggambarkan apa yang dialami pemandu sebenar selepas memiliki EV itu.

Contohnya, cuaca turut memainkan peranan utama bagi kondisi pemanduan EV. Pada suhu sejuk, jarak pemanduan dapat berkurangan sehingga 40 peratus. EV juga bukan kenderaan pilihan kepada mereka yang perlu berdepan musim sejuk dan bersalji, malah memerlukan pemanduan kurang agresif bagi mendapatkan jarak perjalanan maksimum.

Begitu juga bagi kenderaan pembakaran dalaman (ICE), jarak mutlak adalah berbeza-beza berdasarkan pelbagai faktor seperti model kereta, cara pemanduan, kondisi jalan dan sebagainya. Maka, jarak tidak konsisten ini sebenarnya bergantung kepada penilaian individu sendiri dan bukan hanya berdasarkan penilaian jarak oleh pengeluar kenderaan.

4. Harga pemilikan tinggi

EV masih berharga premium berbanding kereta biasa. Walaupun terdapat
promosi rebat dan diskaun diberikan kerajaan
 kepada pembeli, harga asas EV kekal tinggi dan mungkin tidak mampu dibayar pembeli biasa yang masih mementingkan aspek praktikaliti, tujuan penggunaan dan bajet pembelian sebuah kereta.

Teknologi kereta elektrik ini punya pro dan kontra yang tersendiri dan rata-rata pengeluar EV dilihat masih mengkaji dan sentiasa menambah baik dari masa ke semasa.

Pemprosesan bateri
lithium-ion
, pek bateri terlalu berat dan harga EV terlalu premium antara faktor yang perlu dipertimbangkan sebelum EV boleh bersaing secara sihat dengan kenderaan sedia ada, dan ke arah negara bebas karbon 2050.


4,800 Vehicles Turn Back As PDRM Tightens Roadblocks For Hari Raya Haji

Further proof that
EMCO and full lockdowns
 don't work well during festive periods - 4800 vehicles turned back involving masses of citizens heading back to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidiladha, or Hari Raya Korban, or just Raya Haji.

The national public holiday is another religious event that Muslims in Malaysia will not be able to travel to celebrate, instead being urged to spend that time at home without the risk of spreading or contracting the COVID-19 virus.

However, all Malaysians might be tempted due to the holiday falling on a Tuesday, one Monday shy of a nice four day weekend. According to Bernama, last Friday PDRM noted the highest number of vehicles ordered to turn back at various roadblocks since the implementation of the
National Recovery Plan (NRP)
.

Across the country, authorities encountered 4,839 vehicles that did not have proper permission to proceed beyond the roadblock. In relation to this, the Inspector-General of Police, announced that
documents approved by MITI
 (International Trade and Industry Ministry) will not be accepted as a travel/movement permit between July 18th to 21st.

Accordingly, PDRM officers have been instructed to increase enforcement across all states with stern action to be taken against any individual found in violation.

This was iterated by newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob on Sunday during a statement, saying: “Police will take stern action against any individual who tries to cross states to return to their hometowns and disobey their instructions.”

“The interstate travel ban and the ban on visiting and celebrating festivals during the pandemic does not mean that we do not love our parents and families, who are in their hometowns. On the contrary, it is a more responsible choice in order to protect our loved ones,” he said.

Over the weekend, police inspected around 382,000 vehicles on Saturday alone while ramping up their efforts to curb any attempt to slip across borders, be that between states or districts. The DPM added that the rise in cases
during the Aidilfitri celebrations
 back in May should be a lesson to Malaysians to not take the matter of breaching SOPs lightly.

That said, the IGP also clarified that while the ban was still in full effect, exceptions can still be made for emergency matters with permission granted by the police. Health-related instances also apply, such as travel for vaccination appointments.

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

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Carlist.my.

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

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new car promotion
 here also.


Extremely Rare BMW 700 Coupé Unveiled In Sarawak Dealership

Just as you think you know every BMW model that ever existed in Malaysia, an extremely rare BMW 700 pops up in the most unexpected of places, leaving you in a state of awe.

A rare and timeless classic BMW has been discovered in Kuching, of all places surprising most with its existence in Malaysia.

Currently being displayed at BMW's authorised dealer, Regas Premium Auto Kuching, the unveiling of the BMW 700
Coupé
 at the BMW flagship dealership coincides with the introduction of Regas Premium Auto's Heritage section at its flagship
dealership
 in Sarawak.

Gavin Tay, Dealer Principal at Regas Premium Auto Kuching said, "The BMW 700 Coupé is a timeless classic from the history of the BMW Group, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this remarkable vehicle here at Regas Premium Auto. Interestingly, the BMW 700 Coupé features the brand's first monocoque construction, and it helped drive BMW out from near bankruptcy in 1959. In turn, this model created a legacy in the automotive world for small, sporty premium vehicles that continues to be well-loved by many BMW enthusiasts, even after 50 years since it was last in production."

The BMW 700 is a
legacy
 of Wolfgang Denzel, an automotive engineer and a distributor for the brand in Austria. Denzel worked with Italian auto-stylist and designer Giovanni Michelotti to design the vehicle concept based on the chassis of a BMW 600 at the time.

The 700 can be considered one of the most significant BMW models ever built. It got the brand out of financial trouble post second world war and cemented their identity of making excellent sports sedans.

Carrying over the
proven chassis
 and suspension from the BMW 600, the all-synchromesh four-speed transmission, as well as the bevel gear differential, were also carried over, along with the flat-twin
power unit
 – originally used on BMW motorcycles, that was
increased in size
 from 600 to 700 cc. The concept model was approved in October 1958, which led BMW to produce both a Coupé and a Sedan variant.

The siblings grabbed everyone's attention, and as a result, BMW delivered more than 35,000 vehicles in 1960, with the BMW 700 accounting for some 58% of the brand's overall revenue. Deliveries of the BMW 700 amounted to 190,000 units.

Despite only enjoying just six years of production, this rare and unique vehicle remains an iconic piece of the BMW Group history that still charms many
BMW enthusiasts
 to this day, probably due to its timeless and classic design and what the car symbolises for BMW.

The BMW 700 Coupé is now available for public viewing, exclusively at the Heritage section of Regas Premium Auto Kuching. Head to https://www.bmw-regas.com.my/or call 082-467777 for visiting hours of the Heritage section and to schedule a visit.


The BMW F20 Is A Hidden Gem And It's Now More Affordable Than Ever!

The F20 was the last of its kind, so we just had to buy it!

When the pandemic hit Malaysia, many of us had to reassess our financial commitments to prepare for the worst. My family and I also did the same thing, and one of the biggest burdens we had to alleviate ourselves from was the commitment of a vehicle under a hire purchase loan.

That vehicle in particular, under the hire purchase loan, was a 2012
Audi Q5
, and although it had served the family well for many years, it was getting on a bit. If anything went wrong with it, the maintenance bill plus monthly hire purchase payments would force our hands into our savings, which was something we wanted to avoid.

Don't get me wrong, it was a tough decision to make. The Q5 was a fantastic family car and didn't really demand that much money from us. Ordinary things such as replacing wear and tear parts and regular servicing were the only things required to keep it going. It had taken us all over Malaysia comfortably and swiftly, and fuel consumption was great too.

The thing is, apart from lessening our financial commitments, the other reason why we wanted to let it go was that it had passed its 11th birthday and had 150k kilometres on the clock. Usually, a lot more care and maintenance are needed to replace aged and perished parts in a car that old, and since my wife would be the primary user of our family car, I also didn't want her to break down and be left stranded by the roadside. We could have continued maintaining her, but really, we just wanted out of the hire purchase.

Before any major vehicle medical bills started to kick in, we were fortunate enough to have let it go via
Carlistbid
 and what a relief it was. After selling the Q5, there was a limbo period where we were thinking hard about what would suit us best financially when it came to vehicle ownership.

Since my wife still needed to go to work and back, we had to figure out quickly what to do to plug this hole that the departure of the family car had left, so during this interim period, we decided to go for the Renault Captur short term
car leasing programme
 so that we didn't have to rush into anything.

After almost a year of saving up and figuring out what we wanted to do, we finally decided that we would beg, borrow and steal so that we could own a vehicle outright. We figured that this would be the best approach in uncertain times and did not want to be tied down to a hire purchase.

The budget for this outright car ownership was set at around RM40k-50k, and usually, we would look for a big-ish car that can probably fit a set of parents and two kids comfortably. However, since we have been in one form of lockdown after another and limited to the Klang Valley these days, we opted for a compact car instead.

At around RM40k-50k, we narrowed it down to a few cars: the second-generation
Volvo V40
, first-generation
Citroen DS5
 and the second-generation
BMW 1-Series
, the F20.

Being a BMW fan myself (previously having owned an E30 and E46), I was hoping that my wife would fall in love with the 1-series despite its lack of interior space. So we went and had a look at all the cars and luckily, my wife fell in love with a
white 118i F20
.

I hoped for this outcome because unlike its competitors, the F20 had rear-wheel drive. Even the current generation 1-Series, the F40 has front-wheel drive, so it was the last of its kind.

Some might say that I might have sacrificed space for pure mechanical lust, but then again, you have to at least be happy with the car you choose because you have to drive it every day - thankfully, my wife loved it too. If we all bought cars based on what made sense, then we should all be driving
Myvi's
 because they make the most sense for the most car.

Anyway, back to the F20 because it's more interesting than the other cars mentioned here. After purchasing the F20, we spent around RM3k getting some things fixed like replacing the brake discs and pads, servicing the engine and gearbox, and getting a set of new tyres. Apart from that, she was in good shape.

There's just something about the F20's short overhang and long bonnet that gives you the illusion that it's a sports car. The BMW 118i came with the venerable N13 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine at the front, which delivers 170hp and 250Nm of torque, giving the 118i Sport a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.2 seconds.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission which means it's quite good at sipping the old fossil fuel. With six airbags, xenon headlamps, rear parking sensors, auto start/stop, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, you could say it's pretty much all you will necessarily need in a car.

The best thing about the F20 however, is the way it drives. While my wife has started to realise that the ride will never be as comfortable as the Audi Q5 with adaptive suspension, she does appreciate the ease of manoeuvrability of the car.

She said, it's much easier to drive around town and she can pretty much zip in and out of traffic with ease. Manoeuvring into tight parking spaces is also a breeze. To me, however, the F20's headline attribute is its balance around the bends. It's just so poised and controlled. It almost feels like a modern E30 with a hatch at the rear. It feels planted and fun and really does put a smile on your face. Yes, space is not its strongest feature, but we can comfortably fit our two small kids in the car, so all good there.

But ultimately, I'm just happy we have a small rear-wheel-drive BMW on our driveway that is not tied down to a loan. There's just something freeing about not owing the bank anything, especially when it involves an RWD BMW. It's also quite sad that all compact BMWs are now mostly front-wheel drive, because they should all be RWD. Can't be bothered to restore an
E30
? Think the
F40
 might be too VW Golf-ish, then perhaps the F20 might just be your cup of tea!

And now when you see
Carlist Qualified
 and the blue tick you are assured of a warranty that will come with your second-hand car purchase. As a potential buyer of a second-hand vehicle through Carlist Qualified, you will be able to view a 50-point inspection report before making a purchase. The report will be downloadable online or even viewable physically at the dealership. The report will cover the engine, transmission, braking system, steering mechanism, ECU and TCU.

Siapa kata only new car got warranty?


Honda Malaysia Recalls CR-V Gear Selector Knob – 7,050 Units Affected

Honda Malaysia has announced a product update campaign for the 2018 model year Honda CR-V to replace the gear selector knob button.
This is a precautionary measure to address the possibility of customers facing difficulty with the 2018 model year CR-V’s transmission lever when shifting from parking position to other gear positions.
The replacement of the affected gear selector knob button is free of charge and all cost related to this recall will be borne by Honda Malaysia.
Affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the said recall. Customers who have received the letter are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest authorized Honda dealers for inspection.
More information can be found on Honda Malaysia’s site or by calling Honda’s toll free number at 1-800-88-2020.


The New Land Rover Defender Is Here, And It Stays True To Its DNA

This is the new Land Rover Defender, reimagined  and reborn in the 21st century after 71 years of making waves around the world.
On the exterior, the unmistakable silhouette is new yet looks very familiar. Designed to look tough and fun at the same time, the main highlight of the new Defender’s design is that it is like a canvas, allowing owners to personalise it however they want, just like the outgoing Defender.
Key features on the exterior include the minimal front and rear overhangs which provide excellent approach and departure angles, Alpine light windows in the roof, the side-hinged rear tailgate, as well as an externally-mounted spare wheel.
The stripped-back personality of the original Defender has been embraced inside as well, where structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view, are exposed.
Innovative features in the cabin include a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional central front ‘jump’ seat, three (5,6, 5+2) seating configurations, up to 2,380-litres of storage space with the rear seats folded, durable rubberised flooring, as well as the optional folding fabric roof which allows the second row passengers to stand up and enjoy some top-down driving.
Taking centre-stage is of course, Jaguar Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system which is more user-friendly and intuitive now.
Underpinning the new Defender is Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x architecture, which is 95% new and based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create the stiffest body structure Land Rover has ever produced.
Land Rover claims that it is three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, providing perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension and supports the latest electrified powertrains.
The new body architecture provides ground clearance of 291mm and world-class off-road geometry, giving the 110 approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees (Off Road height) respectively.
Its maximum wading depth of 900mm is supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system, which ensures drivers can ford deep water with complete confidence.
On dry land, Land Rover’s advanced ClearSight Ground View technology helps drivers take full advantage of Defender’s all-conquering capability by showing the area usually hidden by the bonnet, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central touchscreen.
Also making its debut in the new Defender is the Configurable Terrain Response system , which allows experienced off-roaders to fine-tune individual vehicle settings to perfectly suit the conditions, while inexperienced drivers can let the system detect the most appropriate vehicle settings for the terrain, using the intelligent Auto function.
And then, there is the air suspension, providing an off-road ride height lift of 75mm and supreme ride comfort across all surfaces. An additional 70mm of lift means the air system can raise the body by a maximum of 145mm when needed, while Elegant Arrival automatically lowers the body by 50mm to aid access.
As for powertrains, The new Defender is offered with four engine choices:
Petrol
P400 3.0-litre Ingenium inline-six mild-hybrid – 400 PS / 550 Nm
P300 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder – 300 PS / 400 Nm
Diesel
D200 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder - 200 PS / 430 Nm
D240 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder - 240 PS / 430 Nm
All of the engines listed above are mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a two-speed transfer case which sends power to all four wheels. A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is also slated to join the range next year.
That said, the new Land Rover Defender will be available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110.
The model range comprises Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top of the range Defender X models and customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover with four Accessory Packs.
The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs on the other hand, each give Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements.  The exclusive First Edition model features a unique specification and will be available throughout the first model year of production.
In addition to the Accessory Packs, new Defender is available with the widest choice of individual accessories ever assembled for a new Land Rover, with everything from a Remote Control Electric Winch, Rooftop Tent, and Inflatable Waterproof Awnings to more conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.


Frankfurt 2019: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Concept Is The Electric S-Class Of The Future

Like the
Mercedes-Benz EQC
 that came before it, the Vision EQS concept that takes centre stage at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show provides an outlook to the future of luxury vehicles with electric powertrains and autonomous driving capability while still incorporating trademark values of design, luxury, and craftsmanship.
The Vision EQS marries the Progressive Luxury design philosophy of the EQ models with the dimensions of a luxury sedan. At the front, the characteristic "one bow" architecture incorporates the front grille, headlights and front hood into one seamless piece. Around the flanks "lightbelt" structures create colour division at shoulder level of the car to create the impression of a "black panel" glass landscape floating on the silver vehicle body.
Other technologically futuristic features include the Digital Light headlamps, each with two holographic lens modules, integrated into the continuous 360-degree exterior lightbelt. The digital front grille consists of 188 individual LEDs as a world first, and round the back, the brand logo also has new tasks: 229 illuminated, individual stars form the seamless lightbelt at the rear
Powering the Vision EQS are two electric motors at the front and rear axles – making the Vision EQS an all-wheel drive vehicle – that deliver 469 hp and torque of approximately 760 Nm. The electric all-wheel drive system offers axle-variable torque distribution. Performance stats read 4.5 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and a top speed over 200 km/h.
The battery, whose capacity is not known at this point, is situated low in the vehicle’s body and is claimed to offer an operating range of up to 700 km according to WLTP thanks to an intelligent operating strategy. A 350 kW fast charger will replenish up to 80% of battery capacity in less than 20 minutes. The highly-efficient lithium-ion battery comes from the Daimler subsidiary Accumotive.
By comparison, the EQC is powered by an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack which offers over 450 km of driving range on a single charge (NEDC cycle).
The car’s body is constructed from a mix of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, plus sustainable materials made from recyclates. Sustainability is also carried into the interior of the vehicle, where Mercedes-Benz has used both traditional and technologically advanced materials to create a special ambiance: Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather is used alongside native figured Maple trim, while the roof trim is actually hemmed from textile which is created by adding a quantity of recycled "ocean waste" plastic.
On the inside, the Vision EQS features the company’s Advanced MBUX infotainment system presented through large interior emerging displays and projection surfaces for a complete digital experience. Haptic highlights such as the air vents are integrated into the trim element like inlays, the speaker covers are made of rosé gold and a fragrance flask encased in a decorative holder are some of the luxury highlights of the cabin.
The Vision EQS is able to support the driver with highly-automated driving assistance at SAE Level 3, but thanks to the modular sensor systems, the level of autonomy can be extended up to fully-automated driving in the future.


2015 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Review In Zadar, Croatia

So, we first saw the five-seat-only
2 Series Active Tourer in Austria
, and nearly a year later,
BMW
 Group Malaysia took the liberty to
introduce the brand’s first-ever front-wheel drive model in Malaysia
 as well, at its popular
BMW World Malaysia
 event.
Not long after, the world saw a second front-wheel drive BMW, dubbed the
2 Series Gran Tourer
. And now, just in time for the Malaysian debut of the car,
as promised earlier
, here is our review of the seven-seater MPV from BMW, from the exotic and richly historic land of Zadar, Croatia.
What is it?
As you’d imagine, the concept of a BMW Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), no matter how many seats you put in it, wasn’t going to change very much one from the other: as exemplified here, where it’s a case of lengthening one’s body and wheelbase to make more room for the extra seats without changing too much else.
The lauded additional seats for the 2 Series Gran Tourer (which we’ll be referring to as the 2 GT from here on) are optional: having them allows for a total of seven people in the cabin, not having them means you’ll get to load a washing machine or a bicycle in the back, easy.
Either way, you’re going to be asked out a lot more to help with your extended family and friends’ mobility.
The 2 GT rides on the same architecture as the 2 Series Active Tourer does: it’s a modular FWD arrangement that features a transverse-mounted engine up front. For the 2 GT however, BMW has extended its wheelbase and lengthened its rear overhang, which makes it longer than a 2 AT (by 214mm), while the roof of the vehicle has also been pushed upwards (+53mm) to create more headroom in the vehicle. No surprise then that the 2 GT is visibly larger vehicle, with visibly more interior space.
Will you need one?
We know what you’re probably thinking now: that there are several premium seven-seaters in the market already, so what good is another one? That’s a fair assessment, and BMW’s head of Total Vehicle Concept for the 2 GT, Agustin Vallejo-Gonzalez agrees, reminding us of their own X5, as well as others like Volvo’s all-new XC90 - all of which do fine jobs at seating seven comfortably.
We were then also reminded of their prices, where the X5 in Germany retails for some 60,000 euros, when the 2 GT is just half that. And it ought to be reflected in Malaysia too, when the 2 GT launches here with a price that we bet is going to be significantly less than the base X5’s RM574k.
Having also accepted that seating seven in a car can be had for even less money than the 2 GT commands, BMW’s point is essentially that before the 2 GT’s arrival, you couldn’t transport six passengers (driver excluded) to school on weekdays and then drive the same vehicle like a bat out of hell on weekends.
Boldly, even Mercedes-Benz stays away from such territories, refuting the idea that a larger, seven-seater B-Class was at all necessary. Well, we’ll have to let the sales figures settle this score.
Driving a 2015 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer:
Two versions of the vehicle were available for us to drive in Croatia: a petrol 220i and a diesel 220d xDrive. Both engines are of course equipped with the latest in BMW TwinPower technology, with the 2.0-litre four-pot petrol version pushing 192hp and 280Nm of torque, and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel making  190hp, and 400Nm of torque – you can already tell which one was going to be our favourite.
POWER:
 In the 220i first, and it would be inadequate to say that power was anything less than sufficient in such a vehicle. Max torque comes in quick and early, and as expected of a BMW, there’s lot of power all through the engine’s rev range. Without the added weight brought on by an xDrive all-wheel drive system, the 220i is as lively as you’d expect a BMW MPV to be.
Opting for the 220d xDrive next is where things went a bit crazy: considering that this was a seven-seater MPV that was sending 400Nm of torque to the wheels. Not even the super-hot Volkswagen Golf R makes that much torque (380Nm), nor does the 2 GT weigh all that much more than a Golf R either. With just about 35kg or so splitting them apart (220i vs Golf R 3-door), you can imagine then what kind of performance we’re talking about here.
TRANSMISSONS:
 Also worth noting is that given the new transverse engine layout, BMW has had to look to a different eight-speed torque converter auto transmission for its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines: one different from the ZF-sourced unit common to all rear-wheel drive, longitudinal-mounted engine BMWs like the 3, 5, 7 Series.
Aisin was with whom a replacement was co-developed, and it’s remarkable how seamless the fit turned out to be. For the three-cylinder variants, Aisin has also supplied its transmissions, but in the form of six-speed torque converter automatics. Six-speed manual shifters are in the market, but weren’t available for our drive, nor do we expect them to show up back home in Malaysia either.
HANDLING:
 Power aside, what really impressed us was how well BMW has managed to make its front-wheel drive MPV perform when driven hard – not that you should or normally would drive that way, but with BMW insisting on things being BMW-esque with all their vehicles, we had to find out.
Such an opportunity to find out arose when we got a little bit lost on our way to the airport. You see, unlike media drive events in Malaysia, there’s no convoy to follow on these international trips: leaving you, your co-driver, and your on-board navigation to figure out how to get from A to B then to D, back to C, before returning to A again. Yes, we got lost in Croatia.
And it couldn’t have been a worse time to get lost, because our destination was to the Zadar Airport where we were about to be flown back to Munich. Now, Zadar is a beautiful place packed with historical structures and gorgeous sceneries. Its roads are fantastically smooth and there’s nearly no one else on it but yourself at most times. But it’s also quite a confusing place to drive, especially when everything starts to look a bit familiar. Again, yes, we got lost.
Long story short, it was probably the best opportunity we had to explore the dynamic capabilities of the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer 220i (see, we’re even spelling names out in full now in respect of the machinery). Narrow, windy roads, about 30 minutes on the clock before our plane would take off. I gunned it with as much courage and skill up my sleeves, and wasn’t disappointed.
For all the extended rear overhang, longer body, high seating position designed for soccer moms with an appreciation for sitting higher than everyone else on the road, it’s amazing how quickly that all goes away, and the 2 GT becomes a proper BMW once you start driving a bit more enthusiastically. Expectedly, there were hints of body roll, but far less of it than you would expect from a vehicle of this height and size.
The steering is unreasonably responsive and intuitive, and as eager as the nose of the car was to dive into corners with front grip by the buckets, the backend never felt unsupportive of your ideas. To be completely honest, I just don’t possess the talent it would take to truly experience the depths of BMW’s wizardry, but the sensation of doing my level best without getting into a crash or worse was phenomenal.
Living with a 2015 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer:
Back to more sensible aspects of the car, and again, there’s lots to impress you with. While the 2 GT’s cabin remains very similar to just about every other modern BMW at first glance, there’s actually quite a bit to uncover here.
For example: take a quick look at the 2 GT’s door pockets, and you’ll notice that they’re a lot larger now – specifically, they’ll easily swallow a 1.5-litre water bottle. Turn your attention to the second row of seats, and if you try to look under them, you’ll spot an elastic band that’s been put there to store anything from your magazines to your children’s colouring books.
Keep your attention on the second row seating, and you’ll find that they’re actually positioned a little higher than you would find them in a 2 AT: that’s because when you do try to fit an adult in the rear-most row of seats, there’s actually room for their feet to slide under the middle row seats for more comfort.
Speaking of the third row seats, the backrest is able to recline further backwards than it does in any other vehicle (so says BMW), allowing adult passengers in the rear-most seats to actually sit quite comfily. I know this, because I’ve managed to get myself in there, sit for a good few minutes, and then get out all by myself. As a disclaimer, I did have to slide the middle row seats slightly forwards, but the fact that you could do that, works all the more in favour of the 2 GT.
For drivers and front passengers, there’s a lot more storage compartments for you to stash away your belongings, and you don’t have to dig into the door pockets. The armrest itself opens up to a shallow compartment fit for your mobile phones and such, while if you flip the thing up, you gain access to a deeper pocket that’ll swallow things like your wallets, a small drink bottle and more. Need more, and you can look to the new storage slot made just above the air-conditioning controls, worthy of your keys and such.
Moving around to the rear of the vehicle, and having specified one with the optional additional third row of seats, you’ll appreciate how the backrest can be folded completely flat and tucked neatly into the cargo floor, which itself offers a low loading position so you don’t have to break your back lifting heavy items higher than you should or could. If you need more space than the original 645 litres available with the third row seats folded, folding the 40:20:40-split middle row yields a maximum 1,905 litres of usable space.
Verdict:
There’s really not much you could fault the BMW 2 Series GT for. It is purposeful beyond the 2 Series Active Tourer, a premium and sensible seven-person mover at a more sensible price than normal, and it boasts all the handling and dynamism of a true BMW. The 2 GT sets out to do what it does very well – far better than expected.
Our only inquisitions fall on the area of its demand: is there a demand for such a vehicle? We’d think yes on a global scale, where folks in Europe, for example, may enjoy the premium badge and build for not so premium prices. Back here in Malaysia? The case is far from similar.
Undeniably though, it’s quite clear that BMW’s best efforts were concentrated here, and if you were in the market for a premium seven-seater MPV, the 2 Series Gran Tourer is definitely worth a showroom visit and a test drive.


Mercedes-Benz' Flying Doctor Will Be Providing Service Clinics Across The Peninsular

Like it or not, every car in the world has a certain lifespan. Components break, parts wear out, and at some point you'll have to take a serious look at what needs fixing and replacing. There's a reason warranty periods are usually 3 to 5 years, and over a certain mileage, because mechanical wear is mechanical wear.
Mercedes-Benz is no different. The older your car gets, the more difficult it becomes to keep it going on a simple scheduled service system. That's where the Service Clinics come in, with the Flying Doctor - a trained Mercedes-Benz Service Expert that executes intensives full safety checks on vehicles 48 months and older.
These clinics will occur over three different weeks in the coming months, at three different places across the Peninsular. This ensures fairly wide coverage for owners looking to keep their older Mercedes-Benz models going. The slots for these clinics go pretty quickly, so customers are urged to book their slots well in advance to also get a chance to see how the Flying Doctor inspects and handles maintenance on these older cars.
The clinic schedules are as follows below:
Date
Venue
Contact number
14th May – 18th May
NZ Wheels Klang
Lot 1385, Jalan Kapar, Wisma Naza, Batu 2, Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang, Selangor
03-3342 3333
25th – 29th June
Hap Seng Star Iskandar
No.7, Jalan SILC 1/4, Taman Perindustrian SILC, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
07-509 9019
3rd – 7th September
Auto Commerz
No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur
03-4144 5500


What To Do When The Police Stops You? Here's A Brief Guide To Handling The Situation

Every day, our daily drive to and from work usually involves passing a member or two of the police force who is either there to direct traffic or to pull over the none law-abiding road user.
We’re sure some of you have been pulled over before to receive that summon, and equallly, some who have never experienced the encouter. Either way, it's best that you are always equipped with the knowledge of your rights, and how to handle the situation for the best and safest results.
Now, we aren't taking into if or not you've been guilty of breaking the law. This is purely a brief 'best-practise' recommendation, and a reminder of what you are entitled to, when dealing with a police officer.
Also, keep in mind that with certain cases of criminals disguising as police officers, this guide can also be helpful to reveal if or not the person you’re dealing with is legit or not.
Police stops you
So you’re driving along when suddenly, you are flagged down by what appears to be a member of the police. They could either be in uniform or declare themselves to be a 'plainclothes' officer. You’re uncertain about what to do next.
Well, the first things you need to do is ask to see his/her police authority card. The card comes in four different colours:
Red – Suspended police officer. He has no authority to do anything to you.
Blue – Rank of Inspector and above
Yellow – Below the rank of Inspector
White – Reserve police
Once they have confirmed that they are legit police officers, note down the officer’s name and ID number as well as the number plate of the patrol car or motorcycle.
Police questions you when stopped
At this point, the police officer has reached alongside your car and is requesting for your identification documents. What do you do?
Ask if you are about to be summoned (saman) and if so, for what offence. Upon proper clarification, you only need to provide your name, ID card number, driver’s license, and address for identification purposes.
Police asks you to follow them somewhere
What if these words are uttered, “Please follow us to the police station.” You’ve been asked to follow the officers but don’t panic! Instead, ask the officer if you are under arrest because if you aren’t, you have the right to ressist their request.
There you have it. A brief overlook on what to do when dealing with the police and your rights, we hope this will lead to a better understanding should you get pulled over next time but do try to be a good and safe driver to minimise that from happening.
Refer to
Police Act 1967
, for more detailed information, or visit the
The Malaysian Bar Council
 for a deeper understanding of your rights.
(image sourced from PDRM Facebook page)


Beijing 2018: Toyota C-HR Debuts In China With 2.0L Engine - One Car, Two Names

Toyota has launched the C-HR in China at the on-going 2018 Beijing Motor Show. Like so many models aimed at China, the C-HR is sold under two different nameplates, one each for Toyota's two local joint-ventures tasked to produce and sell the cars in China - FAW-Toyota and Guangzhou-Toyota. The former will sell the CH-R under the international nameplate while the latter will sell it as the Izoa.
Prices have yet to be announced as the two China-made models will only go on sale there later this year.
Both the Toyota C-HR and Izoa have an identical powertrain - a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force four-cylinder petrol engine that does 171 hp and 203 Nm, hooked up to a CVT-type automatic driving the front-wheels.
Similarities continue inside, as both models are nearly identical. The key difference is the head unit – the C-HR gets an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, while the Izoa gets a slightly larger 9-inch unit.
As for the exterior design, the Toyota C-HR and Izoa feature a slightly different front bumper design from one another, with the latter featuring a front bumper that closely resembles that of the US-spec C-HR, while the former features the front bumper that’s found on the European, Japanese, Australian, and Thai models. Both the C-HR and Izoa wear 215/60 R17 rubbers all round, though with slightly different wheel designs.
The two display models also show a different two-tone colour scheme, with the C-HR having white-painted A-pillars and roof while the Izoa has black-painted ones.
Apart from petrol-powered variants of the Toyota C-HR and Izoa, Toyota has announces plans for an all-electric C-HR/Izoa some time in 2020, also produced in China exclusively for the domestic market.
Also on display at Toyota's booth are two
plug-in hybrid variants
 of the Corolla Altis.


2016 Toyota Sienta - What To Expect When It Arrives In Malaysia

The all-new 2016 Toyota Sienta has just been launched in Indonesia, positioned
between the Avanza and Innova
.
We expect Toyota’s latest seven-seater MPV to be launched in Malaysia sometime between end-2016 and early-2017, with a similar positioning as in Indonesia, meaning that potential buyers can expect to budget around RM85,000 to RM115,000 for the Sienta.
Powering the Sienta is the same 1.5-litre 2NR-FE Dual VVT-i from the
new, facelifted rear-wheel drive Avanza
, but mounted east-west for the front-wheel drive Sienta.
Power is transferred to the front wheels via a CVT automatic. The 6-speed manual transmission in the Indonesian market Sienta is unlikely to be offered here.
The videos below highlight the key features of the all-new Sienta.
These videos refer only to the Indonesian market Sienta, but as Malaysia is expected to import the Sienta from Indonesia, we don’t expect much changes from the Indonesian market Sienta.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), and stability control (VSC), but airbag count remains at just three - dual airbags for front occupants, plus driver’s knee airbag. As Indonesia is biggest market for the Sienta in the ASEAN region, whatever that isn’t already offered in Indonesia is unlikely to be offered in Malaysia. We don’t expect to see a Malaysian-market Sienta with six or seven airbags, or any other significant upgrades to the Malaysian-market Sienta.
While we are on the topic of safety, Honda Malaysia has hinted that its forthcoming
BR-V
, which is also a seven-seater due sometime in late-2016 (not very likely) or early-2017, will have up to six airbags as well we stability control (VSA). Prices are expected to be more or less the same as the Sienta’s, if not lower. An entry price of below RM90,000 was bandied about in the initial stages, but this was before the collapse of the Ringgit’s value earlier this year. It also boasts of class-leading legroom in the third row, plus an air-conditioning blower in the second row.
More on the Honda BR-V
here
.


Honda City Hatch Confirmed For Nov 24th Reveal, Jazz Displaced?

Honda just finished
teasing the next-generation Civic
 for a full reveal, but the Japanese automaker has another car lined up for us to keep busy in the coming weeks. Next week, in fact, if all the hoopla around it is to be believed.

Honda Thailand has announced that, come November 24th, the all-new City Hatchback will be making its worldwide debut to be a companion model (or body style?) to the popular sedan that saw its Malaysian
launch last month in October
.

For those who might not remember, the City nameplate actually started out as a hatch-only model between its start in 1981 to the end of its second generation in 1994. It was only with the 3rd-generation car that Honda transitioned it to being a four-door saloon and a little brother to the Civic.

The role of a hatchback body style in the B-segment was played with great skill and success by the Jazz, but that might all change come the reveal of this new car. Simply put, should this new model be ‘just’ hatchback version of the Honda City, there really is no space left in the line-up for the Jazz we’re all familiar with.

From these patent images previously leaked, the upcoming City Hatch won’t come with too many surprises. It’s like a City, but a hatchback instead of a 3-box design with an overhanging boot. The front fascia will be all but identical, which indicates that even the interior might be visually inseparable.

However, some allowances have been made to fit this body style. As you’d expect, pretty much everything to do with the packaging and sheet metal from the rear doors and beyond is not shared with the sedan.

Expect the engine and transmission spread to be lifted from the existing City as well. Thai-spec cars currently offer a choice between a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit. The much-touted
i-MMD hybrid powertrain coming to the City RS
 is also on the cards for the hatch.

That’s not to say we hadn’t seen this coming. The
fourth-generation Jazz
, revealed in late 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show, was a clear departure from the previous version and had few underlying commonalities with the newest City sedan that made its debut in Thailand some months prior.

Honda seemed to be putting some distance between the two models while not altering their place in their respective on-sale market. However, it would seem like the dichotomy between the Jazz and City were bound to be shaken up. After all, the newest 4th-generation Jazz is only being assembled in Japan (and China for sale there), which is unlikely to change.


Isi Minyak Lamborghini Sambil Rakam, Wanita Dikecam – Telefon Bimbit Boleh Sebabkan Kebakaran?

Seorang wanita telah dikecam susulan tindakannya menggunakan telefon bimbit untuk merakam tindakannya mengisi minyak
Lamborghini
 di sebuah
stesen minyak
.

Berdasarkan video yang tular di media sosial, wanita tersebut mahu menunjukkan sama ada mahal atau tidak kos untuk mengisi penuh minyak
RON97
 pada supercar tersebut.

Ambil Ringan Faktor Keselamatan

Setelah membelanjakan sebanyak RM446.90, wanita itu berkata, “haa tak mahal pun, RM400 lebih je. Minyak Lamborghini memang murah.”

Wanita itu bukanlah dikecam pengguna media sosial kerana kekayaannya, namun lebih kepada kedegilannya yang tidak mengendahkan larangan penggunaan telefon bimbit ketika mengisi minyak.

*Kredit video: Mopngid

Melalui video tersebut, terdapat dua kesalahan yang ditunjukkan secara terang-terangan iaitu:

Penggunaan telefon bimbit di stesen minyak

Penggunaan nombor plat tidak mengikut spesifikasi JPJ

Pelbagai komen berbaur kecaman ditinggalkan oleh pengguna media sosial ekoran tindakannya yang mengambil ringan faktor keselamatan di stesen minyak.

“Tidak reti fikir bab keselamatan diri, orang lain dan premis minyak. Menyusahkan orang,” kata seorang pengguna laman sosial.

Ramai sedia tahu bahawa penggunaan telefon bimbit adalah dilarang ketika mengisi minyak. Tapi tahukah anda mengapa larangan itu dikenakan?

*kredit infografik: Petronas

Telefon Bimbit Boleh Sebabkan Kebakaran?

Dah merata-rata stesen minyak meletakkan poster larangan penggunaan telefon bimbit semasa mengisi minyak namun tetap masih ada juga mereka yang berdegil. Tetapi persoalannya, adakah penggunaan telefon bimbit boleh menyebabkan kebakaran berlaku?

Menurut Petroleum Equipment Institute, perkara itu tidak benar. Tiada siapa yang pernah mendokumentasi kejadian di mana telefon bimbit telah mengeluarkan cas elektrik statik dan menyebabkan kebakaran.

Walau bagaimanapun, National Fire Protection Association di Amerika Syarikat menyatakan bahawa larangan itu dibuat atas dasar berjaga-jaga kerana telefon bimbit menghasilkan gelombang elektrik statik. Hanya kerana ia belum pernah terjadi, tak bermaksud ia tidak akan terjadi.

Selain itu, larangan penggunaan telefon bimbit ini dilihat sebagai salah satu cara untuk membolehkan pengguna tidak cuai dan memberi fokus sepenuhnya semasa mengisi minyak. Awak tu bukanlah Perdana Menteri pun. Apa lah salahnya tinggalkan telefon itu sebentar di dalam kereta semasa mengisi minyak.

Sebagai rakyat Malaysia yang prihatin, patuhilah panduan dan larangan yang telah dikeluarkan. Ada sebab mengapa larangan tersebut dibuat. Lebih baik berjaga-jaga daripada berputih mata. Beringat sebelum kena!


G20 BMW 3 Series Li - China-only Long Wheelbase Model

Called the BMW 3 Series Li, this China-only model will be competing against the Audi A4 L and Mercedes-Benz C-Class L when it goes on sale later this year.
The new 3 Series Li is based on the global G20 3 Series, albeit with a 110 mm longer wheelbase than the regular G20 3 Series. Overall length is now a massive 4,829 mm, 120 mm more than the regular G20. The long wheelbase 3 Series Li’s 1,827 mm width remains unchanged, but the height has been increased to 1,463 mm.
While the car shown here is fully decked out with the M-Sport kit, buyers in China can also opt for less aggressive versions of the 3 Series Li, including the Luxury trim.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (codenamed B48B20B) pushing out 181 hp, this particular variant is called the 325Li in China, but other markets, such as Europe, receive the same engine in the 320i variant of the G20.
The new model was developed by BMW and their Chinese partner BMW Brilliance. Assembly of the 3 Series Li will commence at BMW Brilliance’s Shenyang plant.
Photo credit:
Autohome


Used Car Review: Proton Waja – Underrated Gem

After spending most of its existence cloning Mitsubishi Lancers, Proton’s first fully in-house designed vehicle was the Waja. Whilst it later transpired that the platform is actually shared with the Mitsubishi Carisma and first generation Volvo S40, it was still the first vehicle which Proton designed without a guiding hand from Mitsubishi (or rebadged from Citroen, if one remembers the ill-fated Tiara).

It has been five years since the Waja was discontinued. At the time of its launch, it was lauded as a significant milestone for Proton. The car did endure some negative publicity along the way, but it has its merits, and many are still faithfully serving their owners. For the budget-conscious buyer shopping for a C-segment-sized vehicle with decent amenities, a used Waja is well worth considering.

Specifications

Engines:

- 1,584cc, 4-cyl, SOHC, 16V (Mitsubishi 4G18) – 102hp, 140Nm

- 1,798cc, 4-cyl, DOHC, 16V (Renault F4P) – 118hp, 169Nm

- 1,597cc, 4-cyl, DOHC, 16V (Campro S4PH) – 110hp, 148Nm

- 1,587cc, 4-cyl, DOHC, 16V (Campro CPS) – 125hp, 150Nm

- 1,999cc, V6, DOHC, 24V (Mitsubishi 6A12 for long wheelbase Chancellor variant only)

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic

Safety: Dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse sensors (variant dependent), UK-spec rated Euro NCAP 3 stars (2002)

Origin: Locally-manufactured at Proton’s MVF plant, Shah Alam.

Overview

The Waja debuted in late 2000 and was then powered exclusively by the Mitsubishi-sourced 1.6-litre 4G18 SOHC MPI petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

A further two variants with Renault-sourced powertrains, consisting of a 1.9-litre turbodiesel and a 1.8-litre petrol, were promised for later introduction, although only the latter version materialized. After much delay, the Waja 1.8 was launched in 2002, but the variant never gained sufficient traction and sold in very limited numbers.

Production of the Waja lasted 11 years, and plenty of changes and improvements were implemented along the way. Most important alterations include introduction of the Campro engine to replace the 4G18 mill in 2006. The Campro engine itself was subsequently phased out and replaced by the uprated Campro CPS powerplant in 2008. An R3-fettled model, featuring actual chassis and engine enhancements, was also sold in limited numbers. In the UK, Proton had initially sold the car as the Impian, before reverting later batches to the Waja name.

An obscure, long-wheelbase variant of the Waja, known simply as the Proton Chancellor, was introduced in 2005, powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre 6A12 V6 engine shared with the Proton Perdana.

Exterior

The Waja’s boxy but inoffensive shape has lasted the test of time well. On early models, the rectangular headlights and bumper-mounted front indicators are reminiscent of the first-generation Proton Saga. Right from the start, all variants of the Waja were fitted with halogen projector headlamps as standard.

After the Campro engine was introduced into the range, the Waja’s familiar shape received two rounds of significant alterations. The first round of changes took place in 2006 brought revised tail lights, re-sculpted headlamp bezels, and wiremesh at the front bumper grille.

More significant changes were implemented in the 2007 MC3 revision, in which the headlamps were once again changed and the entire front end reshaped in a manner that resembles the Volkswagen Bora. This look was carried into the CPS variant, which received HID headlights as its only external upgrade.

Most variants of the Waja ran on 15-inch wheels with 195/55 tyres; the CPS model receiving an added dose of comfort with thicker 195/60 rubber. Some versions had 16-inch trims, and they ran primarily on 205/55 tyres.

Interior

Being Proton’s first ever car designed from ground up, the Waja’s interior was the national company’s first unguided effort, and it shows. Early models were built with materials of unsatisfactory quality and although substantial improvements were made along the way, all versions of the Waja were bugged by, shall we say, suspect ergonomics – prime example is the poor placement of power window switches at an area that is less than natural to reach.

Early versions of the Waja were famous for not being able to blow cold air to their front passengers. The Campro versions solved this flaw with redesigned vents that direct air more effectively. It’s a plug-and-play retrofit that can be implemented onto earlier models, but the circular shape of these new vents are not congruent with the rest of the dashboard. It’s a visual oddity.

Thigh support was also poor in early models, a situation remedied when Proton fully redesigned the seats for 2006 models onwards. Later models also had better compartmentalized centre consoles complete with a double level storage box, but they lost the rear power socket that was found in early versions. For all its flaws, however, the Waja’s cabin is spacious and will seat five occupants in decent comfort.

Lastly, all versions of the Waja had 60:40 split-folding rear seat backs and three-point seat belts for all passengers. Unlike newer cars, however, the seat backs do not fold flat. Boot capacity is adequate, but impeded by poorly-shaped gooseneck hinges.

How does it drive?

Driving dynamics is a major strength of the Waja. Proton may have gotten a lot of flak for having the audacity of labelling it ‘Asia’s Answer to BMW’, but there is indeed some substance behind the ‘Handling by Lotus’ claim.

Boasting an all-independent suspension setup with hydraulic power steering, the Waja offers inspiring dynamics around bends, whilst transmitting generous amounts of feedback through the wheel. On long-sweeping bends, you can bury the throttle with absolute confidence.

Not that the Waja offers a lot in the way of power anyway – the most powerful version available, which is the CPS model, offered only 125hp. In the context of a car that weighs in the region of 1.2-tonnes, that’s not a lot of power.

Despite offering the lowest numbers on paper, versions with the Mitsubishi engine pack good low-end torque. The Campro versions need more revs on the tacho before serious progress is made, but the locally-made engines have more in reserve at the top end.

Most Wajas were sold with 4-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.6-litre models, Mitsubishi or Campro engine, utilized a Mitsubishi-sourced gearbox with INVECS-II software. The transmissions are known to aggressively downshift and hold a lower ratio when it detects the vehicle is descending a slope. It’s a good thing, actually, but has been known to unsettle drivers more accustomed to a lazy style of shifting.

Manual transmission is the best way to enjoy the Waja’s dynamic talents. Shift gates are precisely defined, but throw is a little long, and the first two gears can be difficult to engage at times. Drivers are advised to master the art of double-clutching. Speaking of which, the Waja’s clutch can feel heavy for uninitiated users, and biting point is high.

How comfortable is it?

For all the praise received by the Waja for its dynamic sharpness, it is also surprisingly comfortable. Its suspension is pretty adept in isolating harshness from the surface to give a ride quality that is slightly firm but generally pliant. The earlier Mitsubishi engine models have a slightly firmer ride than the later Campro versions, but both setups can generally be described as well-judged.

What the Waja does not do very well, however, is refinement. The engines sound thrashy when worked, and the standard insulation package do little to block out external sources of noise. So, even though the car feels very stable cruising at speeds well over the national limit, it’s a very noisy affair doing so.

Maintenance

If fuel efficiency is a concern, limit your shopping of the Waja to the Mitsubishi engine models. With automatic transmission, a 4G18-powered Waja averages around 10.0 l/100km; the Campro models will get you the same figure only if it is fitted with a manual transmission.

Maintenance costs are reasonable, but some parts are prone pre-mature wear. Absorbers (RM260 per pair), in particular, require regular replacement. Early models were known to have fuel pump issues, but this has largely been resolved. The engine runs fine on both mineral and synthetic oil, but the latter allows service intervals to be stretched to 10,000km.

Mechanically, the Waja is a reliable performer. It gives few problems if timely serviced. Common issues revolve primarily around trim items and accessories. Power window and door handle failures are legendary, especially among early models; it is a problem further exacerbated by Proton’s adoption of modular assembly for the Waja, whereby replacements are sold in entire modules as opposed to individual parts. Broken window pulley? Have the cash ready to replace the entire power window module (RM600 including labour). On a larger scale, these nitty-gritty failures on the Waja and carried on to subsequent models have primarily been responsible for Proton’s chronic decline over the last ten years.

From the Used Car Lot

There are around
600 units of the Proton Waja
 currently listed on Carlist.my, with asking prices ranging from RM8,000 to RM38,000. Even if you
limit your budget to just RM15,000
, there are no shortage of choices.

We recommend going for later year models if possible, but if you insist on having one powered by the
Mitsubishi engine
, try shopping for the
2004-2005 models
 that come with dual airbags. The
pre-2004 1.6X Premium
 model is worth considering too – that version has a more luxurious interior, ABS, but only one airbag. The
1.8
 was a car with great potential, but the integration of its Renault-sourced powertrain to a chassis that was initially designed for Mitsubishi running gear was haphazardly done and the model variant is thus is best avoided.

Campro
 and
CPS
 versions, particularly from
2006 onwards
, have far better built interiors and have higher levels of safety – dual airbags and ABS have become standard fitment. If budget permits, focus your shopping on the 2007 Campro MC3 model upwards or go all the way for the CPS model.


Volkswagen Golf-based Crossover Planned For 2017 Geneva Motor Show

Whispers through the Volkswagen grapevine hint that the company is planning to expand its
Golf
 lineup with the addition of a crossover model, which could debut in time for the 2017 Geneva Motorshow next march.
UK-based Autocar, quoting insider sources at VW, reports that that the new model would feature as a thinly disguised concept vehicle at Geneva 2017, drawing heavily from the design language of the VW T-Roc concept of 2014.
The all-new model is to slot just under the second-generation
VW Tiguan
 and prices may start around GBP19,000 – circa GBP1,365 more than the current entry level Golf model.
Like the Golf and upcoming Tiguan model – the T-Roc will be based on the MQB platform and is expected to mimic the Golf 2,640mm wheelbase, some 41mm shorter than the VW Tiguan. The concept T-Roc crossover measures 4178mm in length, 1831mm width and 1501mm in height – dimensions the production car is expected to maintain.
The interior architecture will borrow from the
facelifted seventh-generation VW Golf
, which recently made its European debut. Among the highlights is a 9.2-inch infotainment screen which will support speech and gesture controls.
The T-Roc crossover will be adapted to house a number of VW group engines ranging from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo outputting 113bhp to a newer evolution of 1.5-litre ‘TSI’ units currently featured in the
facelift Mk 7.5 Golf
 in European markets.
A suite of four-cylinder 1.6 and 2.0 litre turbodiesel power plants are also on the cards. Model variants should also include a performance GTI version utilising the direct-injected and turbocharged (EA888) engine, tweaked to produce around 240bhp.
The T-Roc could be offered in either two-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, gearboxes will include six-speed manuals and or the commonplace seven-speed dual clutch automatics. Later model derivatives could also utilise the hybrid powertrain from the Golf GTE or go full-electric like the e-Golf, which VW claims will have a range of 299km with the larger 2017 battery packs.
With the soon to be introduced
VW Atlas
 seven-seater SUV, mostly developed to cater for the American and Chinese markets – the T-Roc and Tiguan will play a big role in the VW group’s SUV product offensive in Europe and other markets.


How Do You Know If Your Children At The Rear Keep Their Seat Belt Buckled?

Most modern cars today have seat belt warning systems that beep when the front occupants aren’t buckled up. However, this safety system is not necessarily found for the back seats and when we consider that most parents place their children in the back, this is certainly a cause for concern. However, an Australian company has a solution for this issue.
BUCKLEMEUP V4 Vimeo 720p 3
 from
karen
 on
Vimeo
.
Picture this scenario: You’re about to set off on your journey to the store and usher your seven year old child into the rear seat and buckle them up. Next, you give them a toy to play with and you begin your journey. Mid-way through the drive, your child drops the toy onto the car floor. He or she then unbuckles the seat belt to reach the toy but forgets to buckle up again after.
You aren’t aware of what had happen because there was no indication that your child had unbuckled the seat belt. Should there be an accident, wouldn’t it have been disastrous? And even if there wasn’t one, if you have to continuously look at the back to check on your child, your attention to the road is compromised, inviting danger. According to a study by Monash University, a child is 12 times more distracting to a driver than a mobile phone
Enter ‘buckle me up’, a new invention from Australia that utilises wireless technology to signal to the driver should any child unbuckle their seat belts at the rear. The device attaches to the seat belt and notifies the driver via a dashboard-mounted alert unit if the backseat passengers unbuckle.
It is an effective, simple and retrofitted seat belt reminder and alert safety system, suitable when passengers in the back are most likely to be small children.
With ‘buckle me up’, the driver, likely parents, is less distracted by the need to divert their attention off the road to check if their children are buckled up and in the process, reduces the risk of injury or death of children due to unbuckled seat belts.
Source:
motoring.com.au


2020 Honda CR-V - 1,700 bookings, 1,300 sudah deliver

The
2020 Honda CR-V
 facelift was launched on November 5, 2020. Fast-forward five weeks later and it's amassed 1,700 bookings with 1,300 units already delivered nationwide.

It seems there really is no stopping the CR-V juggernaut from crushing all in its path. Its competitors, the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan X-Trail can only just stop and awe, if there's anyone that can steal the thunder from the CR-V, it is local hero, the Proton X70.

Honda Malaysia says "The New CR-V is an all-in-one SUV that can fulfill customers’ demand with its complete package of safety, performance, and spacious interior." - and they've carried over this tried and tested formula across all generations of the CR-V - fine-tuning bits and pieces along the way.

The most popular variant is the
1.5L TC-P 2WD
, making up 46% of the bookings.

Unsurprisingly the Central region leads the way with number of bookings, 45 percent in total followed by the Southern region with 20 percent, and the Northern region with 19 percent.

In a change from the monochrome preferences of Malaysia with regard to car colour, the Dark Olive Metallic is the preferred colour of choice with 30 percent of total bookings.

To date, more than 1,300 units of the 2020 Honda
CR-V
 facelift have been delivered to customers nationwide.

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
.


8 Affordable 4WDs That Can Help Through The Wet Season

The recent floods have really got the public looking at the prospect of owning a
4WD
. While it has to be said that a 4WD is in no way impervious to floods, it does give you a better chance of surviving it, because after all, they are the vehicle of choice for those who take roads that are less travelled.

While some are under the impression that 4WDs are expensive, there are some used options out there that are affordable. With that being said, we look at some of the best 4WDs on the used car market for around the RM35,000 mark.

We're not saying that these recommended vehicles are in perfect condition to face challenging terrain, but with a little bit of maintenance, repairs, and modifications, they should fare well.

It is still advisable to avoid crossing floods at all costs if the water depth is unknown, plus who knows what is underneath the water.

1.
Second-Gen Suzuki Jimny

If you're looking for a no-fuss 4WD with basic but reliable engineering, then the Suzuki Jimny is the one to go for. We're not talking about the new one here obviously, but the classic, particularly the second generation Jimny, built between 1981 and 1997.

Yes, it might not have the biggest engine for a 4WD, but the Jimny is loved for its bulletproof build and robust 4WD system, which can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Prices of old Jimny's are creeping up, so it can also be considered a sound investment.

2.
Second-Gen Ford Ranger

Before the Ford Ranger became all fancy, the second generation was a rugged pickup truck ready to face the harshest of terrains. Yes, it might be a bit agricultural compared to the fancy trucks of recent years, but it will go the distance thanks to its ethos of being tough.

Second-generation Ford Rangers can be had from as low as RM25k, and it still looks handsome, in our opinion. Most 2nd gen Rangers came with fabric seats, but the interior is well built and easy to clean.

3.
Second-Gen Nissan Navara

If power is what you want, then the second generation Navara with its 400Nm of torque should suffice. Not only is it still a handsome-looking truck, but it also has a reliable 4WD system that took its owners wherever it was pointed to.

A fan favourite of Malaysians and Australians, it's common to see these trucks roaming around the harsh terrain of the Outback as well as the tropical jungles of Borneo. When kitted up with off-road gear, the Navara does look pretty mean.

4.
First-Gen Ford Everest

If you need something with a bit more seats, then the Ford Everest SUV based on the Ranger is ideally your choice. Used by Petronas as their expedition vehicles for many years, the Ford Everest is one of the toughest SUVs ever built and has even reached the rarest of places, such as the Imbak Canyon reservation in Sabah.

It has the same 4WD capabilities as the 2nd-gen Ranger and its robust TDCI engine. But not all is the same as the Ranger, as the Everest was engineered to have better levels of ride comfort and handling. Couple this with seven seats, and you've got one rugged family vehicle that can be bought without breaking the bank.

5.
SsangYong Rexton

Who remembers SsangYong? Well, if you don't, we don't blame you because the brand pretty much died in Malaysia in the early noughties. However, the SsangYong legacy remains as the South Korean manufacturer actually sold some pretty decent 4WDs back in the day, including the Rexton, an SUV that sported a 2.7-litre common-rail turbodiesel engine developed together with Mercedes-Benz.

The Rexton is the cheapest 4WD on our list, but don't let that fool you as it is one capable vehicle. The problem with SsangYong cars was not its engineering, but rather its looks as it was not the prettiest cars around - even if they did design their cars with the help of ItalDesign of Italy. But if you're looking for a sub RM10k 4WD, then the Rexton should be on your radar. Parts however will be hard to come by, so think hard here.

6.
J80 Toyota Land Cruiser, a.k.a the Ninja

For those of you who do not know, the J80 Land Cruiser is one of the toughest vehicles the world has ever seen, evident by its presence worldwide, from the dusty and harsh terrains of the Outback to the wettest parts of Borneo.

It is also one of the first choices of vehicles for those who want to do some serious off-roading, as it is just built tough mechanically. Unfortunately, just like the Jimny, prices of the J80 are starting to creep up, so you should get your hands on one before they are entirely out of reach.

According to urban legends, the Land Cruiser was nicknamed Ninja due to its roof's turtleback shape while some have said it was nicknamed Ninja due to its headlights looking like a ninja turtle's headband slit eyes.

7.
Second-Gen Isuzu Trooper, a.k.a the Bighorn

Okay, Land Cruisers and Pajeros are much more desirable, but the prices for those vehicles are also much much higher. If you need an old school seven-seater 4x4 that can probably take you off the beaten path while at the same time serving as a family bus, the Isuzu Trooper can do that. We're not talking about the first generation, but the second, also known as the Bighorn.

They were so good, many other companies like Honda, Holden, Vauxhall and Opel decided to rebadge them and call them their own. The Bighorn has a lot of space inside and comes with good engines. Yes, they are big and bulky, but they provide this tank-like sensation that modern 4x4s do not have.

8.
Second-Gen Mitsubishi Pajero

Twenty plus years on, the Mitsubishi Pajero still combines SUV practicality, and brutish bad boy looks in one superb package. The cabin featured foldable third-row seats, which were almost unheard of at the time, and its go-anywhere credentials ensure it is still a highly valued workhorse.

As a result, Mitsubishi has garnered respect and heritage for its vehicles where it matters most – in motorsport. Like the Lancer Evolution models, which dominated rally stages across the globe, the Pajero has enjoyed great success on the gruelling trail of the Dakar, winning 12 Dakars out of 26 starts— making the Pajero among the most successful platforms ever to take part in the event.


Porsche 919 Hybrid Takes On The Streets of Bangkok

For the first time ever, the legendary Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP-1 race car made a pit stop in Southeast Asia recently as part of Porsche’s 919 Tribute Tour, after visiting China and Japan.
The 919 Tribute Tour, which is an effort by Porsche to pay tribute to the retiring 919 Hybrid as well as its fans, will see the car stopping by 13 countries around the globe.
According to Porsche, Bangkok, whose name means “the great city of immortals” in Thai, was chosen as the appropriate destination for the 919 Hybrid because the car, like the city, will also be immortalised in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) with 20 pole positions, 17 race victories, 6 World Championship titles, and 3 overall Le Mans victories – all achieved within only a remarkable four years.
In Bangkok, the LMP1 car made its way around the crowded streets of Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, and accelerated past architectural wonders like the Rama VIII Bridge spanning across the Chao Phraya River.
With the 919 Hybrid retiring and Porsche exiting the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMP1 class, the brand’s legacy in motorsports will live on in Porsche’s growing E-Performance range as well as in Formula E.