March 2019 New Vehicle Sales – Market Slowly Gaining Momentum

After a slight drop in February, new vehicle sales have showed a healthy increase in March, with 54,776 new vehicles, up 37.5% from February, mostly due to resumption of normal business activities after the Chinese New Year festive holidays.
Year-on-year, the total industry volume (TIV) also saw a 5.9% increase from 135,110 units to 143,064 units.
Perodua’s momentum continued in March, shifting 23,286 units, up 35.0% increase (6,037 units) compared to the month prior. The Rawang-based car maker continues to exert its dominance over the local car market, with a 42.4% market share.
Honda also saw an increase in sales last month with 8,677 units sold, up 44.7%. Year-to-date however, its cumulative sales this year is down 8.2% from the same three-month period last year. Honda’s market share also dropped from 17.9% in 2018 to 15.5% in 2019. This was most likely due to the delay in introducing the new HR-V, as well as temporary disruption in deliveries of the City Hybrid and Jazz Hybrid earlier this year - due to delays in renewing the cars' EEV-incentivised prices for this year. Deliveries of the Civic continue to be hampered due to the same reason.
As for Proton, they sold 6,136 units last month, marking a healthy 16.1% (853 units) increase compared to February. The demand for the Proton X70 also helped the company maintain its strong performance, capturing a 12.8% market share last month, versus 9.5% last year.
The premium segment also witnessed some improvements - Mercedes-Benz sold 1,365 units in March, a 131.4% increase over February's 590 units. Despite that, Mercedes-Benz's year-on-year performance experienced an 11.1% drop (377 units) with just 3,018 units sold to date. This was most likely due to reduced deliveries of its core C- and E-Class models, as well as the A-Class hatchback.
BMW sold 920 units last month, an 8.9% increase over the month prior. Year-on-year, BMW's performance increased 1.8%, although the company lost some market share (1.9% versus 1.8%). This was mostly due to the transition of its core 3 Series model, from the outgoing locally-assembled F30 generation to the all-new, imported G20 generation model, which currently is only available in a single 330i variant.


COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccinations Given Green Light, Says Khairy

As the saying goes, “attack is the best form of defence”, and the Malaysian government are rightly set on their target to vaccinate the population as quickly as possible with an aggressive plan to expand the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program (PICK).

So far, as of the time of writing, a total of 1.861 million people residing within our borders have been given
their first dose
 with just over 1 million having received their 2nd dose. To speed this process up, a drive-through vaccination system will be rolled out to the public, among other initiatives.

This offensive posture adopted by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force will run in parallel with the more reactive (or defensive) moves made to respond to the rapidly rising new infections reported daily as we begin the
‘full lockdown’
 starting on June 1st.

As was previously reported, PICK coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed their target to be approximately 150,000 doses administered per day once larger shipments of the vaccine start arriving in June.

Much about this drive-through vaccination program has not been clarified, but it follows a successful pilot project conducted at University Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Presumably, it will be a larger and more complex version of that operation, possibly also taking advantage of larger university campuses due to their ample space to accommodate a long queue of vehicles.

Apart from this, in addition to the most recent one in MITEC, Khairy said that even more large scale ‘mega PPVs’ will be established within the Klang Valley area in addition to The Mines, Setia City Convention Centre, Puncak Alam UiTM, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and Stadium Negara Bukit Jalil with more on the way in other states such as Penang and Johor.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, a drive-through vaccination service focusing on senior citizens and the elderly has been in operation since early March and will be in place until the end of 2021. Rather than relying entirely on the government, they have collaborated with digital healthcare consultation provider Halodoc and ride-hailing company Gojek, and it remains free of charge.

Through leveraging the commercial sector, the drive-through system is less prone to inefficiency and can guarantee a more widespread and mobile network of vaccination locations, ensuring the elderly will not have to endure long waiting queues or be taken far from their home/workplace. That said, the service is limited to the greater Jakarta area but has also started on the holiday island of Bali.


UMW Toyota Extends More Value Campaign: FOC Items While Stocks Last!

Remember the
free features UMW Toyota Motor was offering
 customers for its
Toyota

Vios
 and
Toyota Hilux
? The local distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia is now extended that campaign to include more models in the line-up.
Having included the Toyota Corolla Altis, Innova and Alphard, here’s a quick look at what you could be set to gain from the new free-of-charge additions.

2015 Toyota Vios:
Continuing on from before, buyers of the Vios 1.5G and 1.5 TRD are still eligible to gain a free upgrade of a DVD-AVN infotainment system with a reverse camera. Now, however, the DVD-AVN player has also been extended to the Toyota Vios 1.5E variant.
The 2-din head unit features a seven-inch touchscreen with GPS navigation and a reverse camera, along with internet browsing capabilities (requires active data service), voice recognition technology, various connectivity options (HDMI, Bluetooth, USB, SD Card) and more.
The base Vios 1.5J (manual or auto) gains a free DVD-AVX system upgrade instead, which still features an impressive but slightly smaller 6.1-inch touchscreen and reverse camera, along all the necessary connectivity options (USB, SD Card etc.).
The Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film which is known to reduce heat and glare as well as strengthen your vehicle’s glass has also been extended to the Toyota Vios 1.5E and 1.5J models.
2015 Toyota Hilux:
As before, the Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo and G-Grade continue to offer a DVD-AVN infotainment system and reverse camera, along with several other exterior accessories such as a stainless steep sport bar, a hood protector, a red sport stripe and a carbon-fibre sticker on the B-pillar.
2015 Toyota Corolla Altis:
Limited to stock availability, all variants of the
Toyota Corolla Altis
 (1.8 and 2.0-litre) get the premium DVD-AVN for free as well. And as above, the system features a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit, with a reverse camera. But unlike the Toyota Vios’ DVD-AVN head unit, the Corolla Altis isn’t listed to feature GPS navigation.
2015
Toyota Innova
:
One of Malaysia’s most-loved eight-seater MPVs is also on target to receive the DVD-AVN free upgrade across all variants. The seven-inch touchscreen here features GPS navigation, a reverse camera, internet browsing capabilities and the works, while stocks last.
Do remember, however, that the rear-entertainment system is limited just to the 2.0G top-spec variant. Also limited to the 2.0G is the Toyota Premium & Security Film.
2015 Toyota Alphard:
The ‘Majestic Flagship MPV’ as Toyota calls it, is set to gain from a free (while stocks last) TRD Aerokit specifically designed for the
Alphard
. The exterior kit includes LED daytime running lights, as well as door visors, all at no additional cost – these are available for all variants of the Alphard.
Also free while stocks last is a 10.2-inch ceiling-mounted full-colour monitor for rear passenger entertainment.
The Alphard faces strong competition from parallel importers in Malaysia, but Carlist.my strongly recommends that you only purchase official units of the car from UMW Toyota Motor, where the CBU-from-Japan MPV can benefit from the company’s three-year/ or 100,000km manufacturer warranty and full aftersales support and more that’s available nationwide.


Geneva 2019: Subaru E-Boxer Set For European Introduction

Subaru has just released a new landing page on their
European website
 that announces the introduction of the e-Boxer powertrain at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
To recap, Subaru’s e-Boxer hybrid powertrain features the FB20 2.0-litre boxer engine with outputs of 145 PS / 188 Nm paired with a 13.6 PS / 65 Nm electric motor that is mounted after the Lineartronic CVT.
The design and setup of the compact electric motor and CVT-type transmission allow the e-Boxer to start-off on all four wheels without firing the combustion engine, commonly known as E.V. mode.
A compact lithium-ion battery is placed in the luggage area, taking up very little space. As per usual hybrid systems, the battery self-charges under braking (regenerative braking) or during cruising. Earlier last month, Motor Image
previewed the Subaru Forester e-Boxer
 at the Singapore Motor Show.
In Japan, the e-Boxer is available in the XV model and the Forester model. The XV e-Boxer returns a fuel consumption of 15.0 km/L under WLTP combined test procedure, while the larger Forester e-Boxer returns 14.0 km/L.
For comparison, a Mazda CX-5 2.0 6-AT delivers 12.9 km/L under the same test procedure.


All-New 2016 Kia Sportage Leaks Online Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut

Having only just
teased its design sketches online
,
Kia
’s all-new
Sportage
 has seemingly made an accidental full debut on social media, following pictures of it being
leaked on Facebook
.
While the front and rear images here tell a lot about the new SUV, inside is where Kia says it is bringing its latest and greatest stuff to. Consider that a bit of a consolation, leaving some things left to be revealed only come the Frankfurt Motor Show (or, maybe not, following the recent update, see below).
*UPDATE: We've also spotted a few new pictures of the all-new Kia Sportage, check them out in our gallery (Thanks Edwin AuYong!)
As expected, this thing looks far more docile than the
aggressive sketches shared earlier
. The signature Tiger Nose grille is present is a big way, with Kia’s four-point LED daytime running lights feature on each end – something you can also find on the
Kia Optima
 K5 in Malaysia.
Around the back, the rear wing looks highly reminiscent to that of the Mazda CX-5s, while the overall tail-gate design does look a lot like something you’d find on a BMW X model, wouldn’t you say?
There’s also a host of new engines due to fall in to power the all-new Sportage, including a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit, an updated 1.6-litre one, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged variant – all part of the Hyundai Motor Group’s T-GDi engine family.
Either way, the full reveal of the car isn’t too far away from now, so stay tuned to Carlist.my for when it’s all uncovered.


Polis Siasat Kes Konvoi Kenderaan Mewah Halang Lalu Lintas - 10 Individu Dipanggil

Baru-baru ini, tular beberapa video yang memaparkan sebuah kumpulan
konvoi kereta mewah
 yang berhenti di Kilometer 34, Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan arah Selatan sehingga menghalang lalu lintas. Apa kes?

Video terbabit memaparkan sebuah kenderaan
Ford Ranger
 yang memotong secara merbahaya sehingga menyebabkan pelanggaran berlaku antara kenderaan pacuan empat roda itu dengan salah satu kereta konvoi tersebut sebelum Ford Ranger itu dikepung oleh konvoi terbabit.

*Kredit video: Kasi Viral

Menurut Ketua Polis Daerah Kulai Supt Tok Beng Yeow, kejadian berkenaan berlaku pada pukul 6.10 petang, Jumaat lepas. Menerusi siasatan awal polis, kejadian itu berpunca daripada sebuah
kenderaan pacuan empat roda
 Ford Ranger yang cuba memotong
konvoi
 tersebut secara berbahaya sebelum melanggar salah satu daripada kereta konvoi tersebut ketika memasuki lorong kiri.

*Kredit video: TikTok

Setelah pelanggaran berlaku, kumpulan kereta mewah terbabit tidak berpuas hati dan bertindak memberhentikan kenderaan mereka di tengah-tengah lebuh raya. Tindakan itu menyebabkan berlaku perselisihan faham di antara mereka.

Sehubungan dengan itu, Ketua Polis Daerah Kulai, Superintendan Tok Beng Yeow berkata pemandu wanita berusia 28 tahun itu telah ditahan ketika menyerah diri di Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Kulai di sini kira-kira jam 1 pagi, Isnin lalu.

*Kredit foto: Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Kulai

Wanita itu direman selama tiga hari mulai hari Selasa (23/03/22) dan kes disiasat di bawah Seksyen 42(1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987 yang memperuntukkan hukuman penjara maksimum lima tahun dan denda maksimum RM15,000.

Walau bagaimanapun, wanita yang memandu Ford Ranger itu juga telah membuat satu laporan polis mendakwa dipukul individu yang mengikuti konvoi kereta mewah berkenaan.

Oleh itu, seramai 10 individu akan dipanggil untuk memberi kenyataan berikutan pemeriksaan kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) di lokasi kejadian. Rakaman CCTV mendapati antara 10 atau lebih individu terlibat dalam insiden kekecohan selain menghalang lalu lintas di lebuh raya berkenaan.

Sementara itu, Ketua Polis Johor berkata polis akan membuka tiga kertas siasatan mengikut kesalahan iaitu merusuh, menghalang lalu lintas dan memandu secara melulu.

Terdahulu, video yang tular ini telah mendapat perhatian ramai sehingga ada pengguna media sosial yang memberitahu bahawa Ford Ranger berkenaan telah melanggar sebuah
Lamborghini
 berwarna hijau sebelum melanggar beberapa kereta lain ketika cuba melarikan diri sebelum ditahan oleh geng konvoi terbabit.

Kes ini masih disiasat polis dan orang ramai diminta tidak menyebarkan maklumat tidak benar berkenaan kes ini. Jika ada sebarang maklumat lanjut berkenaan kejadian terbabit, lebih baik lapor terus kepada pihak berkuasa.


Petrol Prices For February 2015 Announced, RON 97 Now At RM2.00

Entering the third month of the managed float system, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ministry (KPDNKK) confirmed that the prices of fuel for the month of February 2015 have fallen further by 21 sen per litre for RON95 (previously RM1.91) and as much as 11 sen for RON97 (previously RM2.11) with diesel dropping by 23 sen previously RM1.93).
The government has just announced the new prices, will take effect at 12am midnight, on the 1st of February. Malaysians will now buy their fuel at the following price:
RON95 – RM 1.70 per litre
RON97 – RM 2.00 per litre
Diesel – RM 1.70 per litre
Beginning
1 December 2014
, a managed float system that sees a monthly review based on the average world price of crude oil has been used to determine fuel prices in Malaysia.


2021 Honda City RS e:HEV vs 2020 Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship

Walaupun kedua-dua model ini berlainan jenis, namun
2021 Honda City RS e:HEV
 serta
2020 Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship
 datang dari segmen yang sama iaitu segmen B. Harga pun lebih kurang!

Sebelum sesiapa mempertikaikan perbandingan ini, perbandingan ini dibuat berdasarkan tanda harga kedua-dua model ini yang tidak jauh beza. Seperti anda tahu, Proton X50 merupakan
SUV
 segmen B manakala Honda City RS e:HEV pula merupakan sedan bagi segmen B.

Harga

Meskipun berlainan jenis, namun bagi sesiapa yang mempunyai bajet dibawah RM110,000, kedua-dua model ini layak untuk dipertimbangkan. Mana taknya, 2021 Honda City RS e:HEV berada pada tanda harga RM105,950 manakala 2020 Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship berharga RM103,300. Dari segi harga, varian tertinggi Proton X50 ini berharga RM2,650 lebih murah berbanding Honda City RS.

Beza harga memang tidak jauh, tapi model mana yang lebih berbaloi untuk dibeli dengan harga sebegitu? Untuk membantu anda membuat keputusan, jom lihat perbezaan pada spesifikasi kedua dua model ini.

Prestasi

Model

Enjin

Kuasa (PS) / Tork (Nm)

Berat (KG)

Transmisi

2021 Honda City RS e:HEV

1.5L DOHC i-VTEC, i-MMD

98PS/ 127Nm

			109PS/ 253Nm (Motor Elektrik)

1,246

e‑CVT (Electric Continuous Variable Transmission)

2020 Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship

1.5 liter DOHC turbo, 3 silinder

177PS/ 255Nm

1,370

7-kelajuan DCT

Proton X50 jelas memberikan lebih kuasa dan tork berbanding Honda City. Kereta tempatan ini dikatakan mampu mencapai sehingga 195km/h berbanding Honda City yang hanya mampu mencapai 177km/h. SUV ini juga hanya memerlukan 7.9 saat untuk memecut dari 0 -100km/h manakala Honda City RS ini memerlukan 9.9 saat. Enjin X50 ini turut telah dianugerahkan
tempat pertama
 dalam China Automotive Industry Science and Technology Award pada tahun lepas. Apa lagi nak kata tentang enjin X50 ni?

Meskipun kurang kuasa berbanding X50, namun tork yang dihasilkan oleh Honda City RS ini amat tinggi dengan 253Nm. Jadi pecutan Honda City RS ini boleh dirasai oleh pemandu sebaik sahaja mereka menekan pedal minyak.

Dimensi

Dimensi

2021 Honda City RS e:HEV

2020 Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship

Panjang (mm)

4,553

4,330

Lebar (mm)

1,748

1,800

Tinggi (mm)

1,467

1,609

Jarak Roda (mm)

2,600

2,600

Kapasiti But (L)

410

330

Berdasarkan maklumat diatas, Honda City lebih panjang dan ringan berbanding X50. Bila dah panjang, maka ruang kapasiti but belakangnya turut lebih besar berbanding SUV keluaran Proton itu. Masuk akal lah juga kerana Honda City RS ini pun dianggap sebagai sedan segmen B. Sementara itu, X50 sedikit lebar dan lebih tinggi berbanding Honda City RS ini. Dah nama pun SUV, mestilah lagi tinggi.

Dari segi penggunaan minyak, Honda City RS ini jauh meninggalkan X50. Diatas kertas, penggunaan bahan api bagi X50 ialah 6.4l/100 km manakala Honda City RS lebih memukau dengan hanya 3.6l/100 km! Penjimatan bahan api yang ketara ini bukan sahaja disebabkan oleh faktor Honda City RS yang lebih ringan berbanding X50, tapi oleh kerana sistem hibrid i-MMD yang hadir pada City RS ini.

Varian tertinggi All-New City RS ini merupakan kenderaan
hibrid
. Kenderaan hibrid hadir bersama enjin petrol tradisional serta motor elektrik dan bateri. Enjin petrol serta motor elektrik ini bekerja bersama-sama dalam usaha untuk mengurangkan penggunaan bahan api dan menghasilkan asap toksid rendah.

Selain itu, brek untuk kereta hibrid juga dikonfigurasikan untuk menangkap tenaga yang dibebaskan dan menggunakan ia untuk mengecas bateri dalam kereta hibrid. Berlainan seperti kereta elektrik, kereta hibrid seperti Honda City RS e:HEV ini tak perlu dicaj dari soket elektrik rumah. Kalau nak jimat minyak, Honda City RS e:HEV inilah pilihan yang sesuai.

Keselamatan

Ciri-ciri keselamatan yang ada pada kedua-dua kenderaan ni pun bukan level cikai lagi. Kedua-dua model ini menerima pengiktirafan 5 bintang daripada
ASEAN NCAP
. Dengan harga atas RM100,000, takkan nak harap ciri keselamatan cap ayam pula kan?

Berikut merupakan ciri keselamatan yang ditawarkan pada kedua model ini:

Model

Ciri Keselamatan

Honda City RS e:HEV

6 beg udara, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Isofix, G-Force Control, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Honda Lane Watch, kamera belakang pelbagai sudut, Hill Start Assist (HAS), dan Auto Brake Hold (ABH) & Honda Sensing.

Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship

6 beg udara, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Auto Park Assist (APA) kamera 360 darjah serta Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Kedua-dua kenderaan dilengkapi dengan kamera dan sensor dari pelbagai sudut. Ianya banyak membantu seperti sistem bantuan pemanduan pemandu (ADAS) dan
Honda Sensing
. Bagi Proton X50, ia hadir dengan Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) serta Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC).

Sementara itu, teknologi Honda Sensing bagi Honda City RS ini turut tidak menghampakan dengan penambahan ciri keselamatan seperti Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Auto High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control  serta Collision Mitigation Braking System. Memang tak jauh beza pun ciri-ciri keselamatan kedua model ini. Tapi oleh kerana X50 hadir dengan kamera 360, saya terpaksa memilih X50 bagi ciri keselamatan.

Honda CONNECT vs Proton Link

Honda Malaysia telah memperkenalkan teknologi terbaru yang dinamakan
Honda Connect
 yang dilengkapi dengan Sistem Pengesanan Pelanggaran Automatik, Pengesanan Bunyi Keselamatan, Amaran Kelajuan, Find My Car, Geo-Fencing Alert, Panggilan Kecemasan, Kawalan Kenderaan Jarak Jauh, Status Kereta dan Pengingatan Penyelenggaraan serta Vehicle Dashboard and Point of Interest (POI).

Ini membolehkan pemandu berhubung dengan kenderaannya pada hujung jari sahaja menerusi aplikasi di telefon pintar. Fungsi utama bagi teknologi telematik pada Honda CONNECT ini meliputi Diagnostik Kenderaan, Aplikasi Kawalan Jauh, Aplikasi Keselamatan, Pengesanan Kenderaan dan Servis Sokongan.

Sementara itu, varian tertinggi Proton X50 turut hadir dengan
teknologi pintar
 yang membolehkan anda memanaskan enjin kereta tanpa masuk kedalam kereta. Jika anda tidak masuk ke kereta dalam masa 10 minit, enjin akan terpadam secara automatik. Selain menghidupkan enjin, ia juga boleh mengawal tetapan sistem pendingin hawa seperti suhu dan tempoh masa operasi dari jarak jauh menerusi aplikasi Proton Link. Kalau malas nak guna telefon pintar, boleh hidupkan enjin pada kunci X50 sahaja.

Selain itu, Proton X50 turut dilengkapi dengan sistem arahan suara ‘Hi Proton’ yang membolehkan pemandu mengawal tingkap, pendingin hawa, nagivasi online, penstriman muzik dan banyak lagi. Pendek cerita, Proton X50 ini memang dengar cakap! Aplikasi Proton Link turut membolehkan pemandu untuk menjejaki serta memantau keretanya dari jauh menggunakan GPS. Dengan Geo-Fence pada Proton Link, anda akan menerima notifikasi pada telefon pintar anda sekiranya kenderaan anda masuk atau keluar daripada zon yang ditetapkan.

Melalui perbandingan ini, kedua-duanya mempunyai nilai yang tersendiri. Untuk Honda City RS, pemandu tidak perlu risau tentang peningkatan harga petrol dan diesel kerana kereta hibrid mampu menjimatkan petrol dan menghasilkan asap toksik tahap rendah. Dengan wujudnya enjin petrol dan motor elektrik pada kereta hibrid, kedua-dua enjin ini berfungsi secara efektif dalam mengurangkan penggunaan petrol lebih dari separuh. Bukan itu sahaja, brek yang dikonfiguraskan pada kereta hibrid juga berfungsi untuk menangkap tenaga yang dibebaskan dan digunakan untuk mengecas bateri dalam kereta hibrid.

Sementara itu, Proton X50 turut gah sebagai SUV paling laris di Malaysia pada
bulan Februari lepas
. Seperti anda tahu, permintaan terhadap SUV di negara ini semakin meningkat naik. Banyak faktor yang menyumbang pada kenaikan permintaan terhadap SUV ini seperti bentuk, rupa, serta gaya hidup. Sebelum ini, SUV tidak berapa praktikal untuk digunakan sebagai kenderaan harian. Kini, SUV telah pun direka dan ditransformasi menjadi kereta mesra keluarga serta sesuai untuk kegunaan bandar.

Bagi saya, saya lebih tertarik pada rupa sporty yang ditawarkan pada X50 daripada Honda City RS lagi. Dengan harga yang lebih murah berbanding Honda, ditambah dengan sistem arahan suara serta kamera 360 darjah, saya memilih Proton X50 berbanding Honda City RS ini meskipun Honda City RS lebih menjimatkan minyak.

Anda pula bagaimana?


Review: All-New Hyundai Santa Fe – Good Looks, But..

Since its initial preview at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (2018 KLIMS) back in November 2018, it took Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors another half a year to get the car onto the local market.
Now that the all-new Santa Fe is here, let’s take a closer look at how good Hyundai’s mid-size SUV really is. After all, HSDM is feeling rather confident with the all-new Santa Fe, as they are offering not one, not two, but four different variants.
Specifications for Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 MPi Premium
Price: RM 189,888
Engine: 2.4-litre Theta II, naturally-aspirated, inline-four, petrol
Power: 172 PS at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, Front-wheel drive
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Origin: Locally assembled Kulim, Kedah
Specifications for Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium
Price: RM 211,888
Engine: 2.2-litre, Inline-four, turbodiesel
Power: 193 PS at 3,800 rpm
Torque: 440 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, Four-wheel drive
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Origin: Locally-assembled Kulim, Kedah
Overview
Codenamed TM, the all-new fourth generation Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor in almost every aspect. The all-new Santa Fe is now 70 mm longer than before, coming in at 4,770 mm, while the wheelbase in 65 mm longer at 2,765 mm.
The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is closely related to the third generation Kia Sorento, meaning that both models occupy a segment that is untapped by Japanese counterparts as both Koreans are physically larger (and thus pricier) than the Japanese.
But we will get into that a bit later into the review.
Exterior
Hyundai is doing a swell job with unifying its SUV design language, as almost all Hyundai SUVs share a similar family face with a split headlight design flanking the now signature cascading front grille.
We reckon that the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is the edgier twin to the Kia Sorento, as the former is visually more laid back. The Hyundai gets sharper edges which accentuates the SUV’s lines, unlike the more elegant lines on the Sorento.
If we were to nit-pick, we would say that the rear end of the all-new Santa Fe does not look as intimidating as the front. The rear end of the Santa Fe actually looks rather generic when compared to the Sorento, which actually has a nicer rear end. At least Premium variants of the Santa Fe get cool tail lights.
Similar to the Philippines-spec car that we
reviewed
 earlier this year, petrol-powered variants of the Santa Fe get a single, angular muffler tip, while diesel-powered variants get a dual-outlet design.
Interior
We quite like the interior ambiance of the all-new Santa Fe – it blends good enough quality materials with a design that gives the cabin a pleasant ambiance.
Materials used in the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, acceptable enough for the current price point, still feel a tad cheap when in comparison to what Mazda offers in the smaller CX-5, never mind the upcoming, pricier CX-8.
Despite that, we really enjoy the seats – they offer an incredible amount of comfort which made long distance driving less tiring.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is also present, customers in either camp can use their preferred system on the all-new Santa Fe. While on the topic of the infotainment system, the standard speaker set-up in the Santa Fe offers decent sound quality.
Driving Experience
We started off in the petrol variant of the Santa Fe, which gets a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI petrol engine that does 172 PS and 225 Nm, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, the 2.4-litre petrol provided adequate grunt, though when you need to overtake, the Santa Fe does take quite a while to build up speed. The six-speed automatic also does a swell job of dropping gears smoothly when the need arises to overtake.
We also enjoyed the cabin quietness of the all-new Santa Fe, as tire and engine noises were well muted at highway speeds. Wind noises were also well insulated, meaning long distance highway drives won’t be tiresome for the passengers.
Apart from the petrol-powered Santa Fe, we also sampled the diesel-powered model.
Unlike the somewhat lethargic petrol-powered sibling, the diesel Santa Fe drives like a completely different vehicle altogether.
Thanks to its 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel powerplant that churns out 193 PS and 440 Nm, building up speed is effortless – the Santa Fe just accelerates like a bull out of a cage.
Aiding the powertrain to deploying all that power is Hyundai’s Active on-Demand 4WD (HTRAC) system, which is a diesel-exclusive feature.
In terms of ride comfort, the all-new Santa Fe is biased on the firmer side, but not to the extent of being uncomfortable. Granted, the Santa Fe does lean a bit when urged through the B-roads we subjected it to, but the Santa Fe took it all in stride. The factory-fitted Continental ContiSportContact 5 rubbers performed admirably, keeping tire noise low whilst maintaining the grip levels high.
Conclusion
With prices starting from the RM 170k mark, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe occupies a segment in the market that is shared with its sister car, the Kia Sorento.
However, that will soon change as the upcoming Mazda CX-8 is set to challenge the Korean duo once it arrives here. The smaller Mazda CX-5 tops out at RM 178k, while the much larger CX-9 has a starting price of RM 287k, indicating that the upcoming CX-8 will be within that price gap.
What the Mazda CX-8 brings to the table is a much nicer interior with a generous dose premium materials, all wrapped up in an elegant-looking exterior. On top of all that, expect the Mazda CX-8 to offer more safety features (read: i-ActivSense) than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
For an SUV that retails around the RM 200k mark, having Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) just isn’t enough. Other SUVs within the price range offer equal, if not more advanced driver assistance features than the Santa Fe, making the model look rather poorly equipped.
As such, for potential buyers that are considering this model might want to re-evaluate the decision of picking the Santa Fe purely based on its design and foregoing these advanced driver assistance systems.


Proton Saga MC2 2022 vs Proton Saga 2019 - Apa Yang Berbeza?

Proton Saga Minor Change 2 (MC2) facelift 2022
 telah disahkan bakal dilancarkan pada Mei tahun ini. Tapi berbeza sangatkah Saga MC2 berbanding
Saga 2019
?

Sedan mampu milik segmen-A keluaran Proton itu kini sedang diproduksi di kilang Proton di Shah Alam buat masa ini. Yang pastinya, model facelift semestinya menjanjikan pembaharuan pada kereta, Tapi apa beza Saga MC2 dengan Saga 2019?

Proton Saga MC2 2022 vs Proton Saga 2019

Exterior

Model

Proton Saga 2019

Proton Saga MC2 2022

Lampu Utama

 Halogen

 Halogen

Lampu Nyalaan Siang (DRL)

 LED (varian Premium sahaja)

LED (varian Premium dan Premium S)

Cermin Sisi

 M
anual Fold

Auto Fold

Rim

 Aloi 15-inci

 Aloi 15-inci baharu

Logo Proton

 Logo Lama

 Logo Baharu (bulat)

Spoiler

 Ada

 Ada

Skirt Sisi

 Tiada

 Ada

Skirt Hadapan

 Tiada

 Ada

Interior

Model

Proton Saga 2019

Proton Saga MC2 2022

Paparan Meter

 LCD

 LCD

Keyless Entry

 Tiada

 Ada

Push-Start Button

 Tiada

 Ada

Panel Kawalan Pendingin Hawa

 Butang

 Butang dengan paparan kecil

Skrin Paparan Infotainmen

 7-inci, skrin sentuh

 7-inci, skrin sentuh (Atlan OS)

Stereng

 Urethane

 Leatherette

Material Tempat Duduk

 Fabrik

 Semi Leatherette

Memandangkan Saga MC2 merupakan model facelift, tiada perubahan dijangka bakal berlaku pada bahagian enjin dan output sedan ini.

Proton Saga
 menggunakan enjin 1.3L empat silinder NA yang menghasilkan 95 PS dan 120 Nm tork yang dipacukan ke roda hadapan. Pilihan transmisi yang ditawarkan pula adalah 5-kelajuan manual atau 4-kelajuan automatik.

Saga MC2 juga bakal hadir dengan satu tambahan varian baharu, Premium S yang tidak ditawarkan pada Saga 2019. Selain itu, varian Standard AT Saga MC2 juga hadir dengan sistem keselamatan seperti Electric Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control dan Hill Hold Assist yang tiada pada varian Saga sama ketika 2019.

Ketika ini, Proton Saga dijual pada harga RM32,800 hingga RM39,800 mengikut varian. Berdasarkan penambahan yang bakal ditawarkan pada Saga MC2, kemungkinan harga Saga MC2 ini bakal dijual dalam harga lebih RM40,000.


Frankfurt 2015: BMW Premieres Its M6 GT3

At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,
BMW
  takes the wraps off its newly developed GT-Series contender, the
M6
 GT3 - a racing version of the M6 Coupe and, starting 2016, will replace the BMW
Z4
 GT3.
The new M6 GT3 will be seeing action via numerous private teams throughout the 2016 season and beyond as well as part of the BMW Sports Trophy.
BMW Motorsport has channeled its wealth of experience did what gathered from the M6 GT3's predecessor, the BMW Z4 GT3, which debuted in 2010. Its
The M6 GT3 brings with it numerous upgrades over the outgoing Z4 GT3, particularly in the areas of overall drivability and economy. An obvious example of this is the M TwinPower Turbo technology that allows for higher engine output and torque increase, and has been modified for motor racing. The new car produces up to 585hp from its twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8.
Coupled with its optimized aerodynamics, sequential six-speed racing gearbox and weight of just 1,300kg light, BMW is confident the M6 GT3 is a strong contender indeed.
The M6 GT3 has been put through a rigorous testing programs on a variety of circuits over the course of 2015. This has allowed the BMW works drivers to compile valuable time behind the wheel and to carry out important work on the baseline set-up of the car and finalize the company's new endurance racing challenger.
Currently, the customer car is now undergoing its final stages of fine-tuning prior to its imminent 2016 racing debut.


2016 Honda Accord Facelift Revealed With Updated Styling, New Technologies

The refreshed 2016
Honda Accord
 has been revealed today which introduces new styling and technologies for the Japanese car maker’s D-segment model.
First up, the new Accord receives a major update to its exterior styling with the front receiving a restyled bumper that hosts new LED fog lamps placed within intake-like meshed areas. The new aluminium hood features sharper character lines, meeting the bolder front grille. There also LED headlamps and daytime lights which are available only on certain US market variants. For the rear, the
Honda Accord
 gets restyled LED taillights and an aggressive rear bumper design as well.
Honda
 Sensing, the car maker’s safety and driver-assisatance package suite is now available for the new Accord as well and includes systems such as Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Visibility also gets a boost as all 2016 Accords receive as standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror. New auto high-beam headlamps are also available on selected trim levels.
Inside, the infotainment gets a major bump with a new 7-inch touchscreen interface that features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HondaLink Assist, and HD Radio. On top of that, a 7.7-inch display screen is linked to the infotainment system to display audio settings, navigation directions, time and trip information, LaneWatch and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages when stopped, and parking sensor alerts.
As for engine options, the US market Accord continues with the familiar 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6, paired to three available transmissions – a CVT, six-speed manual, and six-speed automatic.


Review: C205 Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Coupe – It’s Not The Fastest But It’s The Best AMG

It might sport an AMG badge behind, but don’t for a moment equate this sexy looking Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe with its louder siblings - the V8-powered 63 series, V12-powered 65 series, and 4-cylinder 45 series cars.
These core AMG models go head to head with the best from BMW M GmbH and Audi Sport GmbH. That’s not the purpose of AMG 43 series cars. Instead, the AMG 43 is analogous to BMW’s M40i and Audi’s S series models – a mid-way, easier to live with daily use alternative to the hardcore 45/63 series AMG cars, and as you’ll soon find out, is exactly why we prefer the C43 Coupe over a faster C63 Coupe.
Unlike the aforementioned core AMG series models, the 43 series cars don’t benefit from AMG’s famed ‘One Man One Engine’ handcrafted engines. Core AMG models like the 45 series’ 4-cylinder engines are hand-assembled at Kolleda (by Daimler’s subsidiary MDC Power GmbH) while the 63 series’ V8 and 65 series’ V12 are put together by hand at the famed Affalterbach and Mannhiem facility respectively.
In contrast, the 43 series cars have V6 engines manufactured on regular production lines. Instead of a name plaque and AMG’s characteristic ‘hot vee’ V8 layout, the 43's V6 have a ‘red vee’ engine cover.
In many ways these 43 series cars are a better option for a most people. Having a V8 rumbling under the bonnet is nice but if you are just driving to work, or driving for hours to a far off destination, the once characterful note of the 63 series’ feisty V8 can quickly become too irritating for comfort. Then there’s also the cost factor. Maintaining a 3.0-litre V6 is a whole lot cheaper than a 4.0-litre V8.
Compared to the shorter wheelbase 45 series MFA-platform cars like the A45 and CLA 45, the 43 rides a lot more comfortably, and benefit from having two more cylinders.
However, at RM548,888 sans insurance, no thanks to our punitive taxes, the imported C43 Coupe is more of a hedonistic indulgence than a car. Alternatively, you can opt for the less sexy C43 Sedan, which sells for a slightly more palatable RM499,888 sans insurance, but you didn’t work so hard to shortchange yourself but buying something that looks just like a plebian C-Class Sedan didn’t you?
So what is the driving experience like? Is it twice as pleasurable as the nearly just as sexy C200 Coupe (RM308,888)?
Specifications for Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Coupe
Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo V6, longitudinal
Transmission: 9-speed torque converter automatic, permanent all-wheel drive
Power: 362 hp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
Torque: 520 Nm at 2,000 – 4,200 rpm
Price: RM548,888 excluding insurance
Origin: Fully imported from Bremen, Germany (East London, South Africa for C43 Sedan)
Overview
The C43 Coupe sits in the middle of the C-Class Coupe family, between the regular 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder C200 and C250 Coupe, and the range topping 4.0-litre twin turbo V8-powered C63 and C63S.
Against its fellow rivals from the German Big-3, the C43’s closest rival is the BMW M440i and Audi S5 Coupe but neither are officially sold in Malaysia. You can however, compare it to the Lexus RC 350. It comes with 3.5-litre V6 that pushes out 312 hp and 378 Nm. Prices starts from RM528,900.
Exterior
At a glance, the C43 Coupe has enough passing resemblance to a familiar C-Class sedan but has enough unique cues that even a casual observer is able tell that this is not their neighbour’s C-Class sedan.
While the BMW 4 Series still looks very much like a 3 Series sedan without the rear doors, Mercedes-Benz has invested a bit more effort to differentiate the C-Class Coupe from the sedan. The rear-end design for example, is unique only to the coupe.
Despite the unique identity, the C-Class Coupe shares the same footprint as its sedan twin, with the only difference being the coupe’s 37 mm lower roof line. This is quite a departure from the norm, as both the A5 and 4 Series are wider and longer than their donor sedan model.
The C43 is equipped with Night Package, so it adds gloss black front lower lip, window surrounds, side mirrors, rear diffuser and tail pipe trim.
Interior
Like any coupe, you have to be mindful of the longer doors. Inside, the C43 is as what you would expect from a C-Class, both good and bad. Like most Mercedes-Benz, material selection in the C43’s cabin is the best in its class. However ergonomics and user interface of the COMAND infotainment system are one step poorer than a BMW.
Ignore the manual adjusting sports bucket seats that you see here on our test car, as this is particular unit is imported by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia specifically for its internal use. The cars that are sold to the public come equipped with plusher power-operated semi-leather comfort seats, trimmed in a mix of Artico synthetic leather and Dinamica microfibere fabric.
As this is a 2+2 seater coupe you still get rear seats, and they are practical enough to sit adults too, at least for short distance drives. However much of the ample legroom is due to the thinner bucket sports seats that our test car is specified with. The standard comfort seats are much thicker. There's also air-conditioning vents at the rear.
The rest of the cabin is similar to any higher range AMG Line interior-equipped C-Class sedan. There’s a Burmester Surround Sound system, 360-degree camera, illuminated AMG side sills, high gloss piano black trims on the centre console and high quality aluminum inlays throughout.
Sprucing up the mood in this more athletic C-Class Coupe are the red double-stitched leather wrapped dashboard and steering wheel, as well as the designo red seat belts.
The only criticism we have for the car’s interior are the AMG analogue gauges in the instrument cluster. Like many AMG models, the gauges’ checkered pattern stickers have a rather tacky appearance that’s in contrast with the car’s overall premium appearance.
Driving Experience
On the move, the C43 is spot on in every aspect. Dynamically, there is not a single shortcoming that is to be found with the C43. The middle ground between sporty handling and comfort is often vague and difficult to aim for, especially when judged against our inconsistent road quality. It’s far easier to make a track-focused C63S than a middle-ground C43.
While we love to be let loose on AMG’s core 45 and 63 series cars, we aren’t too keen to drive one daily. These cars have an unnecessary ride and the characterful exhaust farts and pops create too much drama when all you want is a quiet but engaging drive.
Living with the C43 is like meeting the girl whom dating scale charts say shouldn’t exist – the area below level 4 crazy but above level 8 hot. Very few cars are able to maintain this fine balance between performance, comfort, luxury and style. The Lexus RC comes close, but it lacks the C43’s agility.
The C43’s adaptive AMG Ride Control Suspension has three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+. A similar multi-mode option, including an Eco mode is also mirrored for the air-conditioning, engine and steering. Personally, the ideal setup for the majority of urban roads in Malaysia to set the Drive mode to Individual, with the suspension and air-conditioning in Comfort, Engine and Steering in Sport.
Even with the dampers dialed to Comfort, the C43 retained sufficient composure to string together a sequence of switchback corners at a comfortably brisk pace.
At its highest Sport+ setting, the steering and dampers stiffens up while the sharper throttle response is now matched by a more vocal roar from the engine. This is where the C43 drops her elegant evening gown for kickboxing sportswear.
Push it hard enough, the exhaust will pop and crackle just enough to remind that you that this is a legitimate child of AMG, even if it’s not born in Affalterbach (neither were the four cylinders in 45 series cars anyway). Going over rough patches of tarmac mid-corner however, the stiff dampers is likely to hop off your intended line so you have to be quick to catch the dancing rear.
For most of our local backroads, the mid-way Sport mode is the best as it retains sufficient compliance to cope with inconsistent tarmac quality while still keeping all four wheels planted.
With 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it corners as hard as you would expect, but thankfully, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t believe in equal opportunities as far driving axles are concerned. Torque split is permanently fixed at 31:69 front and rear to give the C43 a rear-wheel drive-like character. Even when the electronic stability control does intervene, it’s not too intrusive to the point of upsetting your driving rhythm.
The steering is not the most communicative considering the car's sporting intentions but that’s what you naturally expect from a Mercedes-Benz anyway. On the plus side, what it lacks in analogue feel it makes up with its precise, sharp and well-weighted operations.
Ride Comfort
AMGs are not synonymous with comfort but the C43’s ride is plush enough to legitimately wear the Mercedes-Benz badge. The distinction is important because the same cannot be said for all cars bearing the three-point star badge, especially the MFA-platform models like the A-, CLA and GLA-Class cars.
What we love about the C43 is that unlike the 45 and 63 series AMG models, the 43 series cars don’t demand any sacrifice in comfort before accessing its deep pockets of dynamic talents.
Fuel Economy
Nobody plonks half a million Ringgit on a car and then wonders about its fuel economy but if you have to know, the trip computer recorded an average of 14-litre/100 km across a distance of 350 km, covering a good mix of urban and highway traffic.
Conclusion
As a performance-oriented coupe, the C43 is peerless. None in its class can match its combination of style, luxuriously trimmed interior, accessible all-weather performance and comfort.
The only problem for the C43 is of course its more than half a million Ringgit asking price, which due to our loop-sided tax structure that favours locally-assembled vehicles, is almost as expensive as the RM598,888 S400h. Try justifying against that. Further complicating the argument for the C43 is the more spacious but less driver-focused E300 Coupe AMG Line (from RM499,888). However, you will be surprised to learn that the E300 Coupe, despite being based on an E-Class sedan, doesn’t ride as comfortably as the C43. But of course, in terms of visual drama, the E300 Coupe is the clear winner.
For the select few that see the value of putting their money on a more driver-focused daily use coupe, one with a V6 that sings and a chassis that dances to the road's rhythm, the C43 Coupe is one of those rare unicorn of a car that only comes along once every decade or two. The ones who chose E300 Coupe or the S400h won’t understand but that’s OK.


Apple CarPlay Bakal Tiba Di Perodua Alza 2022 – Sedang Menunggu Sijil Kelulusan MFi

Model pertama Perodua yang menerima sambungan
Android Auto
, Alza 2022 juga bakal menerima sambungan
Apple CarPlay
, berkemungkinan dalam tahun ini juga.

Bagi menjawab soalan yang ditanya oleh
Carlist.my
 ketika sidang media The All-New Alza Media Drive di Kelantan baru-baru ini, Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksektif Perodua, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad berkata MPV ini memang menawarkan sambungan Apple CarPlay.

Tunggu Kelulusan Sijil MFi

Ketiadaan fungsi Apple CarPlay pada Alza 2022 ketika ini adalah kerana
Perodua
sedang menunggu kelulusan sijil Made For iPhone (MFi) bagi menggunakan sambungan Apple CarPlay di model berkenaan.

Mana-mana pengeluar yang ingin menggunakan ekosistem Apple pada kereta keluaran mereka perlu membayar yuran lesen kepada Apple. Ketika ini, segala dokumen berkaitan telah diserahkan kepada Apple.

Perodua kini sedang menunggu kelulusan tersebut dan berdasarkan carian di internet, proses itu sekurang-kurangnya mengambil masa selama 4 bulan bagi mendapatkan kelulusan menggunakan Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay Untuk Varian AV

Memandangkan paparan infotainment 9-inci pada varian 1.5 AV Perodua Alza 2022 telah menyokong sistem sambungan Android Auto menggunakan kabel, tiada masalah juga bagi Apple CarPlay untuk dilancarkan pada sistem infotainment model varian itu kelak.

Menurut Zainal, apabila sambungan Apple CarPlay ini sudah tersedia (berkemungkinan tahun ini), kemaskini juga akan diberikan kepada pemilik Alza 2022 yang telah menerima kereta mereka.

Pemilik Alza juga berkemungkinan untuk hadir sendiri ke pusat servis Perodua bagi memuat turun ciri tersebut setelah ia ditawarkan nanti oleh kerana sistem infotainment Alza 2022 ini tidak hadir dengan sambungan internet terbina dalam (OTA).

Varian tertinggi Perodua Alza 2022 dijual pada harga RM75,500 (OTR tanpa insurans). Walau bagaimanapun, kembar Alza,
Toyota Veloz
pula turut hadir dengan ciri Apple CarPlay, bezanya ciri itu ditawarkan dengan sambungan tanpa wayar. Untuk perbezaan harga, Toyota Veloz bakal dijual pada harga hampir RM20,000 lebih mahal berbanding Alza, iaitu pada harga RM95,000.


Mercedes GLC-Class Final Design Revealed By COMAND Software

Following a new naming nomenclature, the
Mercedes-Benz
 GLK-Class will soon be replaced by the GLC-Class. Thanks to
Auto Express
, we now know what the final design of the
BMW X3
 and
Audi Q5
 fighter will look like.
This was revealed through an image of the SUV’s COMAND infotainment system that shows the various driving modes selectable along with a graphic of the car itself. Compared to the outgoing Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (X204), the second generation X205 GLC-Class will adopt a design language more aligned to the current crop of new Mercedes-Benz models like the
C-Class
 at the front. No surprise then because as the name suggests, the GLC-Class will be the SUV equivalent to the C-Class.
Recently, we reported on a video that shows a
thinly disguised GLC roaming the streets
, giving us an early glimpse of the car.
The interior is also inspired by the C-Class and will feature a seven-inch display linked to the COMAND infotainment system with a touchpad, control dial interface. Elsewhere, a three-spoke steering wheel, metal-finished air-conditioning vents, and wood grain interior completes the look although the finishes might differ depending on variant and spec.
Serving as the car’s underpinnings is a stretched version of the MRA RWD platform that can also be found in the current-gen C-Class. UK website
Auto Express
were given the opportunity to test out a prototype of the GLC-Class and found that it is not just limited to road duty but can be used as a real off-road vehicle even before the optional off-road pack is tagged on.
According to the
Indian Autos Blog
, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will make its global debut within the middle of June 2015.


Lamborghini Urus Makes Malaysian Debut – Estimated RM1 Million Before Tax

JH Italia, the authorised distributor of Lamborghini vehicles in Malaysia today took the wraps off the Urus “Super” SUV.
Priced at an estimated RM1 million before taxes, accessories, and what not, the Urus is the second SUV to come from Lamborghini after the LM002 which was introduced back in 1986.
Powered by a 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine producing 650 PS and 850 Nm of maximum torque, the Urus is capable of doing the century sprint in just 3.6 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 305 km/h.
Responsible for sending all the power to the wheels is an eight-speed automatic transmission with a slip-controlled lock-up clutch, via a four-wheel drive system with various drive modes.
There are six drive modes - Strada (Road), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (Dirt) and Sabbia (Sand) – which can be selected via Lamborghini’s Tamburo driving mode selector.
In the Strada, Terra, and Neve modes, torque vectoring helps to reduce understeer, while Sport and Corsa modes allow for more oversteer. The Sabbia mode on the other hand, is calibrated to improve agility on loose surfaces like on gravel or sand dunes.
The exhaust note also varies depending on the drive mode selected, with Strada being the quietest, and Corsa the loudest and fiercest.
Offered for the first time in a Lamborghini is the Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilisation system. While it ensures maximum reduction of roll on bumpy roads, it also provides the bull with agility and a responsive steering in a straight line.
The Urus also gets a rear-wheel steering system adapted from the Aventador, allowing the steering angle to vary between positive and negative 3 degrees.
On the exterior, key features include 22-inch wheels, Y-shaped LED headlights and tail lights, large hexagonal air intakes, low-level front splitters, frameless doors, double round exhaust pipes, and a low coupe-like silhouette.
Inside, the all-new Urus gets the Lamborghini Infotainment System III (LIS) which includes voice control, wireless phone charging, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Baidu CarLife.
The list of standard equipment includes:
Heated 12-way adjustable fully-electric seats
Y-shaped dashboard
Multi-function three-spoke steering wheel
Fully-digital TFT display with 3D animation
Combination of Alcantara, leather, aluminium, carbon fibre, and wooden trims
616-litres of boot space (1,596-litres with rear seats lowered)
Also standard is the 8-speaker audio system, though a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system with 21 active speakers is available as an option.
Where safety is concerned, the Urus comes with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that offers up to Level 2 Driving Assistance, High Beam Assistant, parking sensors, and a PreCognition collision mitigation system.
Named after the wild ancestors of the Spanish domestic cattle, the first few units of the Lamborghini Urus are expected to arrive in Malaysia in the second quarter of the year.
“The Urus is expected to drive significant sales volume in 2018. Feedback from our customers has been very positive and some have already placed orders for the first allocation of units in 2018,” said Andrea Baldi, general manager of Laborghini Asia Pacific.


Geely: Tesla Is No Match For Us, 2 Million KM Batteries A Sure Thing

During a recent (virtual) round table discussion, members of the automotive media in Malaysia, including ourselves, were given the chance to pick the brain of one of Geely’s most important employees.

Kent Bovellan is the man behind the Geely Auto Group’s mushrooming EV architecture arms race, and in addition to being the
Head of the Vehicle Architecture Centre at Geely Research Institute
, is also the Executive Chief Engineer for their Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that will be proliferated across the Group’s many brands.

The Swede’s current position at the helm of Geely’s next-generation post-combustion vehicle platform efforts makes him one of the most influential individuals in the burgeoning EV space, but he has previously held high-ranking engineering posts in other automakers such as Mazda.

The SEA platform will underpin many vehicles under the Geely umbrella, presumably starting off with their most high profile
premium brands such as Zeekr
, Volvo, Polestar, and Lynk&Co. However, its highly modular characteristics mean it can be suited to fit cars as small as an A-segment hatch to ones as large as an F-segment luxury sedan and all points in between, including commercial applications such as trucks, buses, and pick-up trucks.

During the discussion, he had plenty to say both of the technologies and innovations that set the SEA platform apart as well as where they sit relative to the competition. The demand in China for electric vehicles is
famously very high
, but Bovellan was more than confident of exceeding any challenge posed by other automakers in China and abroad.

The topic of
Tesla
 was inevitably broached as they have become the most recognised mascot for the EV movement, but given what the Geely team have seen and tested against the American brand, they are easily outclassed by vehicles borne of the SEA platform.

Better Than Tesla, We Are “Not Impressed”

The sheer number and variety of software features was the only notable advantage that Bovellan was willing to concede to Tesla having an advantage in, though this point is somewhat of a backhanded compliment as that distance can be closed much more easily than a hardware gulf.

According to him, with regard to the mechanical aspects of the architecture and how it integrates with electric powertrains, Geely’s cars running on the SEA platform
are superior
 in terms of lightness (crucial when dealing with heavy battery arrays), range, efficiency, handling, NVH/refinement, and importantly,
cost-effectiveness
.

Performance was an area that Tesla is heavily leaning on, particularly with regard to acceleration off the line. To this argument, Bovellan argued that Geely’s prototypes can easily be tuned to match or out-drag the most powerful cars Tesla has to offer, but that allowing too much power and torque to be released in such a burst offers very diminishing returns in excitement while potentially stressing other components unnecessarily.

Hard No To Swappable Batteries, 2 million KM Service Life

One of the most pressing concerns when it comes to electric vehicles are the lithium-ion batteries they rely on. They are simultaneously the heaviest and most expensive component of any EV, but like the batteries that power our personal electronic devices, can be prone to degradation and require replacing.

Bovellan explained that the SEA platform was engineered with integrated batteries in mind as the compromise required to allow for swappable batteries would be too great. He adds that, in addition to the
impressive range per charge
, the batteries used in Geely’s EVs will boast an incredible average service lifespan of 2,000,000 kilometres in normal operation before a fully charged car will drop to below 80 percent of its original charge capacity.

Not only that, but while battery degradation over time cannot be entirely prevented, a robust cooling system and a myriad of software optimisations and measures can keep it at bay for much longer than previously expected.

According to him, there will be virtually zero degradation (that’s noticeable by the driver) until the car’s mileage reaches approximately 200,000km, citing Geely’s internal testing data obtained by the engineers in the company’s battery team and their battery suppliers.

Warmer and more humid climates like Malaysia are something that was tested for as well, but they remain confident that the liquid cooling solution will keep the cells below a 45 degree Celsius threshold, which is when the occurrence of degradation is most prone to start.

Where Does Proton Fit In?

Proton’s position insofar as their priority to receive Geely’s full EV technology seems rather low, at least for now. After all, the national automaker remains a very Malaysian-centric marque, serving a population that enjoys low fuel prices and that does not have a particularly high electric vehicle adoption rate.

However, it is pretty clear that the SEA platform’s reach will be quite significant given enough time. There is the potential here for every brand within the Geely Group’s purview to benefit from a vehicle based on the architecture or the technologies therein.

Proton’s current line-up still has
plenty of room to grow
 via Geely’s other modern (albeit transitional) platforms such as BMA, CMA, or even SPA which will likely see the emergence of hybrids and plug-in hybrid models.

As the charging infrastructure grows and the demand for EVs increases at the local level, the introduction of Geely’s most advanced electric vehicles becomes much more likely. Whether or not they will be wearing a Proton badge anytime soon remains to be seen.


VIDEO: Car Collector Reminds Us Why We Love Cars

As intoxicating as they are, it’s easily difficult sometimes to remember that there’s more than one way to appreciate a car.
For a good majority of us, it’s about how fast it all is: the century sprints, burnouts, open-highways with the air in your face. There’s no better way than to put it, really: cars are largely a business of speed-induced intoxication.
Ever so rarely, though, we come across these gentle reminders that there’s so much more depth to this all. A deeper relationship, if you will, with memories, with people who give them to you, with people who ride along with you, of times, of places, of people.
“
It’s not always about driving the open roads, or in beautiful country-side roads. I mean, you could be stuck in traffic in Bangkok, and enjoy it just as much,”
 says Sittisan Quan Sundaravej of being in his
Mercedes-Benz
 W113 230 SL Pagoda. Sittisan is a car collector in Thailand, who we believe to do what he does for all the right reasons.
This clip you’re about to see is about Sittisan’s cars, yes, but more so about his immense relationships with them, his reasons for being a car collector, and how one car even keeps his late father close to him, despite being just a car. There’s also a very pretty Mercedes-Benz Pagoda featured in this clip, with a few brief moments of a gorgeous
BMW
 E9 popping up.
Do treat yourself a reminder of why cars are more than just cars, by watching this.
Thanks to
/DRIVE
 for sharing the video


Volkswagen Has Given The 2022 Golf R A Neat Party Trick

The new 2022 Golf R can be planted when it wants to, and be loose when 'Drift' mode is called upon.

The 2022 Golf R is shaping up to be one of the most sophisticated and fun machines ever produced, and a recent exhibition at a snowy Michigan test centre showed exactly how Volkswagen has given the car a nifty party trick which instantly turned it from James Bond to Travis Pastrana.

Before we get into that, let's take a look at some of the essential figures in this much-coveted Volkswagen hot hatch. The
new Golf R
 outperforms all previous Golf R models, boasting 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque.

To ensure that power is brought to the road as effectively as possible, Volkswagen's engineers have replaced the
outgoing model's
 Haldex system with a newly developed 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring on the rear axle. The Golf R is the first Volkswagen to be launched with this new all-wheel-drive system called 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This system is intelligently networked via the vehicle's dynamics settings, which enables a new dimension of sportiness.

This system is also responsible for its new party trick, Drift mode. Drift mode opens up a whole new level of driving dynamics for the 2022 Golf R and further exploits torque vectoring's potential by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling.

Drift mode is not something new in the automotive world, as the sadly
departed Ford Focus RS
 also had this exciting drive mode. The difference between VW's and Ford's drift mode is that on the Focus RS, the rear axle was geared to spin the rear wheels simultaneously faster than the fronts by sending 70% of the engine's torque to the rear, but on the new Golf R, the dynamics computer shuffles the torque distribution between the right- and left-rear wheels giving it the ability to drift.

When Drift mode is activated, and the steering wheel is turned, the car can send all of the torque to one side of the rear axle to help the car rotate. Not only will this help the car do some extreme drifts, but it also makes it possible to significantly increase the agility of the Golf R, particularly when cornering fast.

From what we understand, the Drift mode is only available when the Golf R is ordered with the optional R Performance Package, which also increases its top speed to 270 km/h. The R Performance Package also includes a more prominent rear spoiler for extra downforce on the rear axle, 19-inch Estoril design wheels and "Special" mode (Nürburgring mode). The driving profile selection can be rapidly accessed by lightly pressing the R button on the steering wheel.

Finally, Volkswagen has given its Golf R a feature that can surely stir emotions, but at the same time be composed as usual.


Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupe Previews BMW X4 Rival At Shanghai 2015

In line with the company’s new naming structure for its SUVs, here is the 2015
Mercedes-Benz
 Concept GLC Coupe, making its debut at the on-going Auto Shanghai 2015 show.
We’ve been hearing lots about Mercedes-Benz’s coming SUV models, and following the
GLE Coupe
 and the regular-bodied
GLE-Class
, here is another model (albeit a concept) from the Stuttgart based company.
So, what is it?
Long before the alphabets
‘GLC’ were ever strung together
, Mercedes-Benz had another compact SUV in place – one that we’ve never seen in Malaysia before – the GLK-Class. The soon-to-be-discontinued model sat beneath the old ML-Class (now GLE-Class) as the entry SUV of the brand, and is only slightly larger than the new baby SUV, the
GLA-Class
. It was also only sold as a left-hand drive vehicle, which is why it never had the chance to officially land in countries like the UK, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Now that the GLA-Class has arrived, Mercedes-Benz has seen fit to grow its GLK-Class into a larger vehicle: one more appropriate to contend with the BMW X3, X4, while the new entry-level SUV, the GLA-Class, took on the BMW X1, Audi Q3.
Is the GLC Coupe just another concept?
Nope: Benz’s officials say that this is “near production-ready,” and knowing Mercedes-Benz like we do, we can specifically guess that what you see here will pretty much become known as the
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Coupe
. We’ll explain why in a moment.
COMPETITION:
 When it does come to market, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe will do direct battle with the BMW X4, while a non-coupe GLC-Class will more directly contend with the BMX X3. The larger GLE-Class and GLE-Class Coupe will naturally square-off against the larger BMX X5 and X6 respectively.
DIMENSIONS:
The Concept GLC Coupe measures in at 4,727mm long, 2,151mm wide, and 1,593mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,827mm. Against its direct rival, the BMW X4, the GLC Coupe is marginally longer, wider, but 31mm shorter for height.
DESIGN:
 Styling wise, there’s nothing much here that we haven’t seen before. It really is just a smaller GLE Coupe. What’s really interesting about the images Benz has decided to show off is that the SUV appears to be dressed in an AMG kit: twin-blade radiator grille, large air intakes flanking the front apron, and massive 21-inch wheels.
And just like the GLE-Class Coupe, there are front and rear underbody protection panels – suggesting some off-road abilities. Frameless windows and a swooping roofline can naturally be expected.
No images of the interior have been revealed at this time.
Some very minor changes can be expected between the graphics you see here and what actually debuts at a coming motor show, and if we had to make an informed guess, we’d say different wing mirros, wheels door handles, and rear bumper. Safely, you can expect them all to look like what you may have seen on the
GLE-Class Coupe
.
POWER:
Another giveaway of this being the GLC 450 AMG Coupe is from its engine, which Mercedes-Benz tells us here is a 367hp, 520Nm of torque 3.0-litre, V6 bi-turbo powerplant. And where have we seen those before? Answer
: C 450 AMG
,
GLE 450 AMG
.
The powertrain is paired to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission: it’s a brand new box of cogs from Daimler, which is slowly finding its way into newer vehicles like the GLE-Class before it, and other top-shelve models like the S-Class (not our local hybrid S-Class).
Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG, puts it in a nutshell: "With its modern and sensual design idiom, the Concept GLC Coupé gives a foretaste of future SUV models from Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, it embraces the typical values of tradition-steeped Mercedes-Benz coupés".
For Malaysia?
Nothing official has come from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia just yet, and how can it: the car’s not even globally launched yet! Nevertheless, unlike the GLK-Class that never made it to Malaysia, the GLC-Class will offer a right-hand drive version, and that makes it very fit for a local launch. Sometime in 2016, 2017 maybe?


Hyundai To Launch Second Motorstudio In Korea

Hyundai
 Motor Korea announced that it will be opening its third ‘Motorstudio’ brand experience space in the city of Hanam, South Korea this Friday.
The facility, which will joining the other two Motorstudios in Seoul and Moscow, will offer visitors a unique brand experience in exploring the innovative themes related to Hyundai Motor.
Located within a newly-built cultural complex that also features business headquarters and a shopping mall, among the main highlight of the Hyundai Motorstudio Hanam will be the Ioniq model and how it represents the brand’s future.
Taking centre stage at the Motorstudio will be, of course, the electric and Hybrid versions of the IONIQ model. An interactive charging station will also be present, enabling visitors to experience the ease of home charging IONIQ Electric in an artistic, immersive space.
And then, there is the design studio, where visitors can see and feel the exterior and interior materials of Ioniq models in addition to selecting a model of their choice for a test drive in nearby courses – all without the burden to make a purchase.
That aside, there is the super-large media wall and a ‘Guru Bar’, where fostered ‘Gurus’ who are experts on automobile culture, will be available in the specially-created space to guide and inform visitors.
According to Hyundai, it wants to explore the theme of future mobility through Hyundai Motor’s ‘Project Ioniq’ through the Motorstudio Hanam. The Ioniq is a long-term research and development project that aims to enhance the lives of Hyundai customers in the future.
Looking for a Hyundai? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Mazda Teases Spyder And Speedster MX-5 Concepts Ahead Of SEMA

Coming to the SEMA show in Las Vegas next week are two new concepts by
Mazda
 based on their
2015 MX-5
. They’ve only teased a picture showing top views of each car, and only half is visible at that. But at least there’s enough light to make out some key details.
One is labeled ‘Speedster’, and the other ‘Spyder’. Of course, light weight is main focus and something the
MX-5
 won’t lose even when used as a base for a concept. And both concepts, Mazda say, will be significantly lighter than the MX-5 roadster found in showrooms.
The Speedster concept looks to take away the windshield altogether and in its place is a small wind deflector, apparently. But we can’t quite tell from this angle. It could be more suited for track work, hence the driver’s helmet and futuristic racing overalls.
The Spyder is a more traditional take on the MX-5 formula, albeit with a more vintage flair. It has a Mercury Silver paint finish with a mocha brown roof that hides a bespoke handcrafted leather interior.
While it’d be interesting to see Mazda play around with variations on the MX-5, we have some reservations about whether these concepts would go anything beyond show floor experiments.


Nissan Unveils Almera Facelift For 2023 -  Hope You Like Extra Bling

Like the dichotomy of metric vs imperial measurements, the car itself is called the Versa in the USA because some things just can't be consistent. But with more shiny bits and updated fascia,
the refreshed Almera
 sedan definitely looks fitting.

Though it we and the rest of the world get an online peek here, its first public appearance will be at the upcoming Miami Auto Show that starts this weekend.

The added bling up front and on those wheels do make up the bulk of first impressions with the Almera - I mean Versa - but gone is some of the recognisability of
Nissan's V-Motion corporate face
. It's now so 'hexagonal' that it remind us more of an Audi.

At least the rear has escaped the styling revision and remains one of the best looking cars in its segment, but despite this its Malaysian sales success relative to the Honda City and Toyota Vios remains a puzzling disappointment.

In the USA, there are 3 variants on offer just like Malaysia, though differing in name. In terms of equipment, the noteworthy additions include a wireless smartphone charging pad, an improved 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Unlike the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder, the US-spec Almera carries over its 1.6-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol with 122hp and 155Nm, but we reckon the turbo unit is still the punchier of the two despite what its on paper figures (100hp, 152Nm) suggests.

It's paired to Nissan's familiar and widely used Xtronic CVT, driving the front wheels. However, given the lacklustre reception since its Malaysian launch, it leaves the door open for Edaran Tan Chong Motor to insist upon the 1.6-litre N/A unit when the facelift cycle does come around to our market.

After all, those aforementioned closest rivals have been able to remain sitting pretty at the top with similar capacity four-cylinder mills, at least with exception
of the City RS e:HEV
.

Time will tell if ETCM is willing to give the Almera a second swing in the month to come, so for now the current car remains
an underrated, handsome, and well-equipped
 B-segment four-door saloon.


EV Innovation Bangunkan Axia EV Pertama Di Malaysia

Perodua Axia
 memang kereta biasa di Malaysia, tetapi kalau Axia Elektrik (EV), itu memang luar biasa!

EV Innovation telah menukar sebuah Perodua Axia biasa yang menggunakan petrol menjadi sebuah kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya. Syarikat tersebut merupakan syarikat yang sama membangunkan
MyKar EV
 yang dibina tempatan berasaskan
Honda Jazz
 pada tahun 2020 lalu.

Axia Elektrik Pertama Di Malaysia

Ini bukanlah Axia EV yang diasaskan daripada
Daihatsu Ayla EV
 seperti yang dipertontonkan di Indonesia pada tahun ini. Ini adalah Perodua Axia sedia ada yang dibuang enjinnya dan ditukar menjadi kenderaan elektrik.

Berbeza dengan MyKar yang dibangunkan daripada pelantar Honda Jazz, projek Axia ini didakwa lebih mudah kerana hanya perlu
convert
 sahaja tanpa perlu membangunkan kereta daripada kosong. Jadi apa yang menarik pada Axia EV ini?

Exterior

Rupa luarannya semestinya sama seperti Axia biasa, beza pada tangki minyaknya. Jika penutup tangki dibuka, anda akan menjumpa ruang kabel pengecas Type 2 yang bersesuaian dengan pengecas yang ada dii Malaysia bagi menggantikan lubang tangki minyak. Kuasa tersebut bakal disalurkan pada
onboard charger
 berkapasiti 6 kW yang diletakkan di bahagian tayar simpanan Axia itu.

Manakala di bahagian tayar belakangnya teletak dua motor elektrik yang berkuasa 12 kW setiap satunya (24 kWh keseluruhan). Bahagian brek belakang Axia ini tidak lagi kelihatan setelah motor elektrik ini diletakkan di bahagian itu.

Interior

Sekali pandang, sama sahaja rupa dalamannya. Namun Axia ini menerima beberapa perubahan seperti:

Intelligent AH Meter – menunjukkan kadar kuasa elektrik kereta

Pemadam api – sebab kereta prototaip

Paparan skrin sentuh informasi kereta

Tombol gear versi knob

Paparan informasi kereta itu dibangunkan sendiri oleh EV Innovation di mana ia memaparkan informasi seperti:

RPM kedua-dua motor

Kapasiti Bateri

Suhu motor dan ECU

Penggunaan kuasa

TPS –
Throttle Position Sensor

Prestasi

Tiada lagi enjin ICE di bawah bonet Axia ini setelah digantikan dengan komponen elektrikal membuatkan lebih banyak ruang kosong di bahagian tersebut. Di bawah bonetnya terletak:

Suis penyelenggaraan/
 Kill Switch

Relay

Voltage Controller

Kompresor penyaman udara elektrik

Sistem kawalan bateri

Bateri 23 kWh

Menurut syarikat terbabit, Axia ini memerlukan kira-kira 4 jam untuk dicas penuh dan mampu bergerak sejauh 220 km. Dari 0-100 km/j pula, Axia ini memerlukan 11 saat menurut syarikat terbabit.

Ketika ini, dikhabarkan EV Innovation sedang membangunkan conversion kit bagi sesiapa yang mahu menukar Axia mereka menjadi Axia Elektrik. Bagi kaki kaki modi sekalian, bersediakah anda untuk menghadapi era
convert
kereta menjadi kereta elektrik?

*Kredit foto dan video:
Hasbullah Syarah


Proton To Absorb SST Charges In September, Records Highest Sales In 3 Years

In line with the implementation of SST from this month, Proton has announced that it will absorb the SST charge for all Proton models in September, ensuring buyers can still benefit from the zero-rated GST price.
The company had previously stated that there would be a change in car prices when the SST is enforced but those changes won’t affect buyers of Proton cars just yet.
“While Proton acknowledges that SST will affect car prices, the Company will absorb the SST for all our models in September to give buyers additional time to make a purchase. This will benefit them during this transitional period and help Proton maintain the sales momentum it has recently built,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, the CEO of Proton Edar.
The company set a new high point for monthly sales in 2018 for the third consecutive month. Sales grew by 11.7% over July, making August the strongest sales month for Proton cars over the last 36 months. In total, 9,501 cars were sold marking not only a new record for the year, but also the highest sales volume since July 2015.
On top of absorbing SST for all models in September, Proton is also offering discounts on selected models in conjunction with Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Discounts ranging from RM500 – RM1,000 will be offered for the Saga, Iriz and Persona while the recently launched Proton Ertiga Xtra, will be offered with RM2,000 off the list price” said Abdul Rashid.


Lagi Insiden Penunggang Motosikal Maut Dirempuh Ketika Berteduh – Ini Tips Berteduh Ketika Hujan

Baru-baru ini, sebuah lori telah merempuh sembilan
motosikal
 yang berteduh di bawah jejambat menyaksikan dua penunggang maut manakala enam lagi cedera di Kilometer 92.8 Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan Arah Selatan, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Berdasarkan siasatan pihak polis, kesemua sembilan buah motosikal berada di lokasi kejadian kerana mencari tempat berteduh daripada hujan lebat dan tidak mengenali antara satu sama lain. Ketika kejadian, kedudukan kesemua motosikal yang terlibat diletakkan secara dua lapis di
lorong kecemasan
 dan kesemua penunggang berada di sisi kenderaan masing-masing.

Namun malang tidak berbau, sebuah lori yang bergerak di lorong kiri datang dari arah belakang lalu merempuh kesemua motosikal yang sedang berhenti di jejambat tersebut. Menurut saksi yang turun dari motor untuk memakai baju hujan, beliau terdengar bunyi dentuman kuat sebelum melihat beberapa penunggang lain terpelanting ke kiri jalan selepas dirempuh lori tersebut.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Ketua Polis Daerah Kuala Muda, Asisten Komisioner Adzli Abu Shah berkata, tangkapan telah dilakukan ke atas pemandu lori berusia 28 tahun dan ujian saringan awal air kencing terhadap lelaki itu didapati negatif manakala ujian EBA II juga didapati bebas daripada alkohol.

Ekoran musim hujan lebat, ribut petir dan
banjir
 yang sedang melanda semenanjung pada ketika ini, ramai penunggang motosikal yang terkandas terpaksa berhenti di bawah jejambat untuk berteduh dari cuaca buruk itu.

Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan tersebut boleh mengundang bahaya sekiranya tidak berhati-hati. Hujan lebat yang melanda semestinya mengganggu penglihatan pengguna jalan raya yang lain. Oleh itu, ikuti tips berteduh ketika hujan bagi memastikan anda terhindar daripada dirempuh kenderaan lain di jalan raya.

Tips Berteduh Bagi Penunggang Motosikal

1. Tinggalkan motosikal di tepi jalan, jangan tunggu di motosikal

Pertama sekali, apabila anda meletakkan motosikal di tepi jalan atau di lorong kecemasan, pastikan anda tidak duduk di motosikal atau berdekatan motosikal anda kerana jaraknya yang amat dekat dengan laluan trafik. Walaupun motosikal anda masih berisiko untuk dirempuh, sekurang-kurangnya nyawa anda selamat.

2. Jangan berhenti di bahagian selekoh

Hujan lebat sedikit sebanyak boleh mengaburi penglihatan pemandu di jalan raya. Oleh itu, elakkan daripada berteduh di kawasan selekoh yang sukar dilihat oleh pemandu di jalan raya. Pastikan kedudukan motosikal anda di tepi jalan itu dapat dilihat oleh pemandu lain dari jauh bagi mengelakkan sebarang kejadian tidak diingini daripada berlaku.

3. Elakkan berteduh di laluan sempit

Memilih tempat yang sesuai untuk berteduh juga penting. Pastikan lokasi tempat anda berteduh itu bukan di laluan yang sempit sehingga mengganggu lalu lintas. Pastikan ada ruang untuk anda berteduh yang jauh daripada jalan utama.

4. Pakai baju hujan berwarna cerah

Baju hujan berwarna cerah amat membantu para pemandu untuk mengesan kedudukan anda dari jauh. Perkara ini penting bagi membuatkan pemandu sedar keberadaan penunggang motosikal di tepi jalan.

5. Peka dengan ramalan cuaca

Tidak dinafikan, tiada satu pun penunggang motosikal yang mahu terkandas di bawah jambatan. Untuk lebih selamat, pastikan anda sentiasa peka dengan ramalan cuaca sebelum memulakan perjalanan menunggang motosikal bagi mengelakkan risiko terkandas di tengah jalan.

Diharapkan tips ini sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu para pengunggang motosikal untuk berteduh dengan lebih selamat sekiranya terkandas di jalan raya ekoran hujan lebat.


Beyond The Specs Sheets – The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Is Automotive Tailoring At Its Best

“Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it,” said Rolls-Royce’s co-founder Sir Henry Royce. The second part of the quote is essentially what Rolls-Royce Bespoke, the hallowed brand’s equivalent to a tailor-made car is about.
Whether it’s arranging the fibre optics on a Rolls-Royce Phantom’s Starlight Headliner to recreate a very specific celestial constellation on the car’s roof lining, or hand painting a family crest on the dashboard’s bookmark matched veneer, crafting an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy that’s made from crystal, or even matching the car’s paint to a very specific shade of a colour – no task is too difficult or too frivolous for the team at Rolls-Royce Bespoke.
The team of artisans at Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Studio come from a wide variety of background, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars insists that only the world’s best designers, engineers and craftsmen are recruited.
Looking at the recent results of their work – the SG50 Ghost Series II, Celestial Phantom, Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupe, there is little reasons to doubt Rolls-Royce’s bravado.
All Bespoke cars are conceived, sketched, developed and built at the same place where all Rolls-Royce cars are crafted (calling it ‘produced’ would be too plebeian) – at the sprawling ground of Lord March’s estate in Goodwood, England.
To understand more about the customisation work done at Rolls-Royce Bespoke, we spoke to Michael Bryden, a designer at Rolls-Royce Bespoke.
Like many artisans at Rolls-Royce Bespoke, Bryden is the best in what he does. Prior to graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Automotive & Transport Design from Coventry University, Bryden was an intern at Aston Martin and at Andrew Winch Designs. His portfolio includes designing luxury yachts, as well as interiors of private planes and helicopters.
Bryden currently oversees all customer one-off requests and has been responsible for the Home of Rolls-Royce Collection, Phantom Limelight Collection and the development of Rolls-Royce accessories such as Wraith Luggage. He was also involved in the initial theme/concept development for the Serenity Phantom.
Having seen some of the more ‘unconventional’ bespoke Rolls-Royce cars, we had to ask Bryden the obvious question – how far is too far. Surely there will be a point where a wealthy customer intending to make a statement, starts making a controversial design request that might prove to be detrimental to the Rolls-Royce brand.
Before giving us a clear answer, Bryden explained that design is subjective, and that people from different cultures have a different understanding of what is beautiful and what isn’t.
“Our role of not to be the taste police,” he said.
Short of a request that will compromise the vehicle’s safety, or disfiguring the Spirit of Ecstasy, Bryden’s team will never say no to a request. If necessary, his team will give their expert advice on the best way to realise their dream, but they never force their opinions on the customer.
“We will always find a way to realise our customer’s wishes,” adds Bryden.
“Actually our customers are very respectful of the brand. They know what they are buying into and they appreciate what Rolls-Royce stands for, so why would they do anything that would damage the brand?,” explained Bryden.
When asked about what’s the most complicated designs ever undertaken by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Studio, Bryden said it’s the illuminated crystal Spirit of Ecstasy and a picnic set that tucks away neatly inside a Rolls-Royce car’s boot.
The picnic set took six months and over 1,500 hours to design. It is made from a combination of saddle leather, oiled teak, polished aluminium and stainless steel. The cutleries are also specially made by Rolls-Royce, with the help of Britain’s Royal Industry Designer David Mellor. The chopping board has magnets inside it to hold knives in place.
Most of the requests however that comes to him however, usually involves matching the car’s exterior and interior colour to something which that the customer holds dear to - a sentimental pearl necklace, a nail varnish, or even a favourite flower. In fact, the last part was an actual request from a long time Rolls-Royce customer in the US – Mr. Michael Fux.
While visiting the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance classic car show in California with an associate from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Fux was asked by the associate, “So what is the next Rolls-Royce that you are thinking of?” Fux gave it a thought, turned around at a purple flower growing on the ground. He plucked it, gave it to the associate and said, “Build it in this colour.”
That was the origin of the Fux Deep Purple colour – a shade of purple that is reserved only for Mr. Fux, for his Phantom Drophead Coupe.
Fux also commissioned another Phantom Drophead Coupe, this time painted in what he calls ‘Fux Candy Red,’ with an interior that’s trimmed in matching red carbon-fibre. Producing a carbon fibre weave in red was a major challenge but experts at Goodwood succeeded in producing it.
Because of their exclusivity, most Rolls-Royce Bespoke models are rarely seen in public. The accompanying photos on these pages are some recent examples that have made public appearances at motor shows around the world.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II SG50
 - it was commissioned by the Rolls-Royce importer in Singapore to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence.
Rolls-Royce Zahra Phantom
Rolls-Royce Bold Pink Ghost
Rolls-Royce Celestial Phantom
Rolls-Royce Wraith Inspired By Music
 - the copper colours are inspired by the metals used in audio speakers. The Bespoke Audio system features a 1300W, 18 channel system comprising two highly powerful bass speakers, seven tweeters and seven mid-range speakers. Two ‘exciter’ speakers hand-fitted in the car’s headlining while microphones constantly monitor ambient and exterior noises and will adjust volume and tone settings automatically.


Our Favourite Cars To Wear The Colour YELLOW

So, there’s a lot of significance to the colour yellow - we don’t have to tell you that, right?
For instance, yellow is a primary colour (alongside blue and red). It’s also our country’s royal colour.
In Japan, yellow is viewed as a colour of courage, while in Egypt, yellow is the colour of mourning. Studies have also shown that constant view of the colour yellow stimulates the mind, making you think sharper. In year 2000, pop band Coldplay shot to worldwide fame with a song called “Yellow.”
Where cars are concerned, we remember an iSeeCars.com study in 2014 that determined that yellow-coloured cars in the US depreciated more slowly compared to other more popular-coloured vehicles (black, white, silver). And remember the
recently-launched Renault Megane RS 265 Cup
? The shade of that yellow will set you back a cool RM7,000 to have!
Today, this weekend, this year, this decade, yellow means so much more to so many people, near and abroad.
In any case, we like the colour yellow. So much so, that we’re listing for you our favourite cars to ever wear the popular colour. Starting with the…
Volkswagen Beetle – Saturn Yellow
Pictured here is a
Volkswagen

Beetle
 in its shade of Saturn Yellow paint. It was a 2.0 TSI model, which packed a truck-load of power and lots of cool equipment. Volkswagen even put in a little extra effort to make the 2.0 TSI Beetle’s exhaust note replicate that of the boxer-engined original Beetle. Special car, this one, despite Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s short period of selling it locally.
Suzuki
 Swift Sport – Champion Yellow
Ah… The heavily underrated
Swift
 Sport. This thing, with its manual transmission and naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine was a hoot to drive, and drive fast. Acres of grip, tremendous feedback and response channelled through every fibre in your body – you couldn’t ask for more brand-new fun than this, for RM98k.
Renault Megane RS 265 – Sirius Yellow
Yes, we weren’t kidding when we said it was an RM7,000
Renault
 cost option to have its Sirius Yellow shade of paint. Would it be worth it? Of course, we reckon. Some cars don’t have the curves to show themselves off with bright paint, but the
Megane
 can. Plus, with paint that bright, who wouldn’t want to show off having one of the fastest FWD drive cars to ever lap the Nurburgring?
Lamborghini Gallardo – Giallo Evros
Ok, so the newer and sharper Huracan has come to steal the limelight, but think Yellow
Lamborghini
, and you’ll probably be left with an image of the iconic and gorgeous Lamborghini
Gallardo
 – some would’ve seen Miura or
Murciélago
, but the point we’re getting at is that yellow Lambos have come a long way. And what could we say about this particular bad boy? 10 years in production and with strong demand, we can hardly count the amount of variants, special editions and race-specific models the Gallardo has formed – there’s even a Malaysian Limited Edition special, you know.
Bugatti EB110 – Yellow
Packing a 3.5-litre quad-turbo V12 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the Bugatti EB110 didn’t reach as much fame as something like the Ferrari F40 or the McLaren F1, but thanks to Chris Harris (most recently for
this video
) and a few other motoring enthusiast who know what the Veyron predecessor (in a sense) was capable of, see the EB110 still widely lauded as an icon of its time. Even Michael Schumacher had one (in yellow too) in his prime.
Mercedes-AMG GT – Solar Beam Yellow
For when you feel its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 isn’t growling loud enough for you, feel free to specify your
Mercedes
-AMG GT in the available Solar Beam Yellow. We were fortunate enough to
drive the latest AMG beast around Sepang earlier this year
, and its designo Cardinal Red colour was more than enough for us. But hey, to each their own.
Ferrari 458 Aperta – Giallo Triplo Strato
You could have a Ferrari in any colour, and still be boss. The only reason it makes it to our list is purely based on how cool the Italians can make “yellow” sound in their native tongue. Say it with me now, “Giallo, Triplo, Strato,” loosely translates to “yellow, triple, layer.”
Chevrolet Camaro – Bright Yellow
Unlike the Italians, the Americans have gone for a much simpler way of identifying their
Chevrolet
 Camaro’s shade of yellow – just Bright Yellow, would do. Made an instant icon even before Bumblebee first made an appearance on Michael Bay’s Transformers, the Camaro is by far one of the greatest ambassadors for the colour in all automotive history.
Perodua Myvi Extreme – Yellow
You didn’t think we forgot about this one, did you? Come on! Everyone remembers when
Perodua
 unveiled its new, top-spec Myvi, along with the tagline “Lagi Power, Lagi Best.” More than a name, the
Myvi
 Extreme was ushered in with a bright shade of yellow that you could still spot a mile away.
Here’s proof, right outside our window…
Looking for more yellow cars? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a few more icons in our gallery, and have a very yellow weekend, all. Be safe.
Here's a new one we spotted on social media more recently! How could we have left out an Aventador?!


Frankfurt 2017: Honda CR-V Hybrid To Make European Debut, Drops Diesel Variant

Following its global debut in China earlier this year, Honda has announced today that a 2.0-litre i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid model will be joining the CR-V’s European line-up.
Still referred to officially as a prototype due to legal reasons (it has yet to complete its homologation process), the production-ready CR-V Hybrid shares the same hybrid drivetrain as the Accord Hybrid.
Unlike the one-motor i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) Jazz and City Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid uses a different two-motor system, paired to a 2.0-litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a combination that Honda refers to as Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD).
Like the Accord Hybrid (and Plug-in Hybrid), the CR-V Hybrid doesn’t have any conventional transmission. Instead, drive is transferred to the front-wheels via a single fixed-gear ratio.
The all-new Honda CR-V will only be on sale in Europe in early 2018. Also available is a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo variant, similar to the model that we get here. Curiously, Honda has confirmed that for this all-new model, a diesel engine will no longer be offered, possibly due to the reduced demand for diesel-powered vehicles in Europe post-Dieselgate.


Retro Havoc Ready To Rock Encore Show  2022 Tomorrow!

The
Retro Havoc
 Car Show 2022: Encore Edition is ready to rock tomorrow (30 July 2022) at The Curve Damansara from 9am to 10pm.

If you love cars, bikes, and everything custom in between, it would be a pity if you missed tomorrow's extravaganza where
Retro Havoc
 will be taking over the B2 parking area of The Curve, Damansara.

Honda C70 Custom lucky draw grand prize

The press conference today showcased just two of many highlights of the Retro Havoc Encore Edition. The first is the lucky draw grand prize in the form of a nicely done custom Honda C70 (yes, you have a chance to win this awesome beauty).

World's first Ford Escort Mk2 Pandem

The second one is also just as epic - the first-ever Ford Escort Mk2 fitted with the Pandem bodykit nicknamed "Emotion". Ever heard of Rocket Bunny? That's the style and Pandem is the OG that started it all.

The legendary Kei Miura of TRA Kyoto personally designed this Pandem bodykit for the Ford Escort, and Retro Havoc's founder, Alie Kuoppa, is the first on the planet to rock it. And it'll be on display tomorrow at the show.

It's quite a masterpiece and an honour for a fellow Malaysian to get the first Pandem kit for the Ford Escort Mk2. This preview will also mark the start of sales for the bodykit for Ford Escort Mk2 enthusiasts around the globe, and it all started here in Malaysia thanks to Retro Havoc.

International guests from all over

Apart from the hundreds of cars and bikes that will be part of tomorrow's show, hailing from several countries (Malaysia, Thailand & Singapore), there will also be some big names that'll fly in to be part of the party.

Some of them include Daijiro Inada (Option Magazine & Tokyo Auto Salon), Shoji Inoue (Star Road), Masaki Sata (Wangan Midnight), Akira Iida (Japanese race car driver), and Blake Jones (Speedhunters) just to name a few.

Entrance RM10 cheap cheap

Those who are interested to attend will only have to pay an RM10 entrance fee (lucky draw entry included) and for those planning to bring the entire family along, it's free entrance for kids aged below 12.

Bring cash and then some because you might walk away with some rare goodies that'll be hard to find anywhere else. Perhaps, a new set of Atara Racing wheels?