Stuck At Home? Here Are The Best Forgotten Car Movies

Malaysia's partial lockdown due to the coronavirus is starting to take its toll on peoples' minds. With boredom kicking in, we here at Carlist are trying our best to provide you with the best reading materials as well as ideas of how you car nuts can keep your minds occupied.

Truth be told, our situation is not that bad compared to those who have been through wars and pandemics pre the internet era, so we can count ourselves lucky that we have this global wide-area network that brings us on-demand entertainment.

One of the best things to come out of the internet is the accessibility to a host of movies. So here we have a list of not so obvious movies for you car nuts, because we're pretty sure that you've watched the recent more popular ones.

Ronin (1998)

This movie is not really about cars per se, but there are many fantastic car chase scenes you just have to see. We would like to believe a car nut made this movie because who else would choose cars like the BMW M5, Audi S8, Mercedes 500E and the complimentary Citroen XM as the weapons of choice.

Gone In Sixty Seconds (2000)

If you're the type of person who is constantly gawking at your phone but still need some sort of media on in the background, we suggest you turn on Gone In Sixty Seconds. Starring Nicholas Cage, the whole movie is about 'boosting' (stealing) 50 cars in one night. That's 50 of the sexiest cars of the world in one film, and although most of them only get limited exposure, you still get to see these beauties in motion. The primary hero vehicle is of course the Shelby GT500, nicknamed Eleanor. By the way, a vixen looking, motorcycle riding Angelina Jolie is part of the cast too - bonus!!

Taxi (1998)

Apart from making the best cheese,  the French also know how to make a Peugeot loving movie. Whoever knew you could fall in love with a Pug but this movie really does make you fall in love with one. The opening scene of this movie will instantly get you holding onto your seat due to some insanely fast riding scooter action. The main star however is a souped up Peugeot 406, with a press of the button the spoilers activate, on-demand number plate changer and a host of other cool things. We'd like to dedicate this movie to our colleague, Jim who's a champion of all things Peugeot.

Death Proof (2007)

Death Proof is pretty much a movie with a two-hour car chase. Although not one of Quentin Tarantino's more famous films, it still has that Tarantino touch and is a high-octane grindhouse film.  Some have even called it a horror flick, but no matter what people call it, one thing is for sure, both the 1970 Chevy Nova and a 1969 Dodge Charger are bad a** cars.

Rush (2013)

Before Ford VS Ferrari, there was Rush. This film is about the rivalry of F1 legends Niki Lauda and James Hunt. It depicts their pursuit to be the best in the racing world as well as their love-hate relationship. As much as the race scenes are the best parts of this movie, our favourite scene actually involved a Peugeot and a Lancia. Which part? You'll have to watch it to find out.

Now #StayAtHome and enjoy these flicks! Help us flatten the curve.


2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift: Why D-CVT, Not 4AT Like Before?

Among the changes made to Malaysia’s favourite B-segment hatchback, the updated 3rd-generation 2022 Myvi (
I was wrong
) now gains the same D-CVT gearbox as was introduced last year
in the Ativa
, replacing the tried and true 4-speed automatic. Let’s dive into why….

First of all, the D-CVT acronym stands for
Dual-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission
. Those familiar with cars - especially smaller ones - from Honda, Subaru, and Toyota might already be familiar with how these differ, at least in terms of feel, to conventional automatics.

Speaking of which, a ‘torque converter-type’ automatic transmission is generally referred to simply as ‘the automatic’ as it was the first type of gearbox that dispensed with requiring human intervention to shift gears. This happened in the mid-20th century after the manual (or standard) transmission format - a clutch pedal and a centre stick shifter - had become an industry standard.

While it’s pretty clear that the D-CVT would eventually spread throughout the Perodua line up of vehicles, we were honestly not expecting it to show up in the 2022 Myvi until the next all-new version comes along, one that perhaps was underpinned by the DNGA platform used in the Ativa.

Dee-See-Vee-Tee

CVTs do not have fixed gear ratios (or speeds), or any gears at all for that matter. Instead, they use a pair of pulleys that can alter their respective diameters to vary the ratio of engine speed to wheel speed to and from an input shaft (from the engine) and an output shaft (to the wheels). This is why they are sometimes described as having “infinite ratios”.

If you think of it in terms of a fixed-gear bicycle, imagine if the pedal cog and the rear wheel cog could magically inflate or shrink at will to leverage the power and torque needs of the situation. It would no longer be a multi-gear bicycle, yet would work the same way.

Like its new D-CVT, the Myvi’s previous automatic transmission is also based on technology from
 Toyota’s gearbox subsidiary Aisin
 and, in this iteration, has been serving the 3rd-gen Myvi since its 2017 debut. However, despite being quite reliable, smooth, and fairly efficient, those attributes are further amplified by
the inherent design of a CVT
.

Without fixed gears, the CVT delivers an even smoother experience, especially during acceleration. When driving on highways, it can reduce engine speed to a minimum while maintaining a constant road speed, further reducing fuel consumption. This is where the ‘D’ in D-CVT comes in, by the way.

In short, they are able to keep a given engine operating at its optimal range for a longer period of time, be that for power or efficiency. They can also be packaged more compactly and tend to be lighter in weight than their alternatives. Already the 4-speed automatic seems outdated, even on paper.

CVTs do have downsides, of course. They are not suited for use in engines with high torque and are generally perceived to be noisier in operation as the engine is maintained at a certain RPM window while the car accelerates, but also due to the pulleys making certain whining noises while under stress.

Apart from this, they also suffer from friction-related energy loss more than normal automatics. They also do not deliver an engaging experience relative to automatic gearboxes with fixed ratios such as the aforementioned torque converter-type and dual-clutch units.

However, such trade-offs should be of little concern to the average Myvi driver, in which getting from point A to point B safely and fuss-free is the main objective.

Dual Mode What?

The slightly genius part of the D-CVT, and why it’s called ‘Dual Mode’, is the fact that it can actually use a fixed gear to counteract the general shortcomings of conventional CVTs. Under normal urban conditions, such as low-to-medium speed driving, it operates exactly
like your typical CVT
.

However, in higher speed driving where most CVTs can only reduce engine speed to a certain degree before its pulleys reach their respective limit of leverage, the D-CVT can switch to its second mode that has longer ratios, using a fixed gear to provide direct drive to bridge the gap between these two modes. Daihatsu, in its testing of the D-CVT, says that the overall ratio range has now expanded to something similar to an 8-speed automatic thanks to this split approach.

Better In The Myvi Than Ativa

You could argue that the Myvi is more suited to having the D-CVT sandwiched between its wheels and engine than the Ativa. The smoothness and fuel efficiency benefits alone will greatly improve the driving experience and ownership costs of such an urban-centric hatch.

The Ativa, on the other hand, intends to project a slightly different image. Though it will inevitably be driven around town just as much as the Myvi, there are situations where an owner might take it off the beaten track.

Uneven terrain and steep uphill climbs with cargo/people aboard are about the best places to expose a CVT’s weaknesses as the pulley system really isn’t suited to handle those kinds of drivetrain stresses, especially on a regular basis.

Still, being exclusively front-wheel drive, there’s little chance that even the most adventurous Ativa owner will be able to get him or herself far enough away from a smoothly paved road to find themselves in trouble.

For the Myvi, it’s clear skies for the D-CVT, which has so far proved itself in the Perodua SUV to be a robust, efficient, and refined gearbox and a most worthy successor to the 4-speed automatic that’s now been retired.


Pilihan Masa Sesuai Untuk Balik Ke Kampung Bersama PLUS

Anda merancang nak balik kampung? Kami ada berita baik untuk anda. PLUS baru saja mengeluarkan cadangan Masa Balik Kampung (Travel Time Advisory – TTA) untuk musim perayaan yang akan datang ini.
Dengan anggaran sebanyak 1.6 juta kenderaan yang akan menggunakan Lebuh Raya Utara Selatan (NSE) sepanjang perayaan Hari Raya ini, Pengarah Pengurusan PLUS, Dato’ Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid berkata, “Atas sebab itu, kami menasihatkan orang ramai yang merancang hendak memandu menggunakan NSE semasa hari-hari puncak, untuk mengikut TTA yang disediakan. Berdasarkan kajian kami, kadar penerimaan TTA yang lebih tinggi untuk perjalanan pergi dan pulang terbukti mampu melancarkan aliran trafik di laluan-laluan utama.”
TTA yang diberikan dalam imej di bawah mencadangkan masa-masa perjalanan yang ideal buat mereka yang ingin balik kampung semasa “hari-hari puncak,” iaitu dari 15 hingga 20 Julai.
Sempena pengumuman TTA ini, PLUS juga ingin mengingatkan kepada para pemandu untuk menikmati rebat-rebat yang ditawarkan dengan sepenuhnya.
 “Sebagai usaha bagi menggalakkan orang ramai yang tinggal di Lembah Klang untuk balik ke kampung pada hari-hari Luar Puncak dan pada masa yang sama, mengagihkan aliran trafik, PLUS akan menawarkan rebat tol antara 30 hingga 50 peratus,” tambah Noorizah lagi.
Kami di Carlist.my mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya dan semoga anda selamat pulang ke kampung untuk bersama-sama meraikan hari yang mulia ini bersama yang tersayang.


Mercedes-Benz OM654 – New Turbodiesel to debut in W213 E-Class

The
all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 will be the first model to adopt Stuttgart’s all-new 2.0-litre OM654 turbodiesel engine slated for debut this coming Spring in the E 220 d.
Featuring all-aluminium construction and built on a modular construction concept, the new engine replaces the venerable 2.1-litre OM651 engine that has been in service since 2008 and utilized in virtually all
Mercedes-Benz
 passenger vehicle models from the
A-Class
 right up to the
S-Class
. Malaysians know this engine best in its electrified application powering the
E 300 BlueTec Hybrid
.
The new OM654 is significant in being Mercedes-Benz’s first all-aluminium four-cylinder diesel engine. It is thus significantly lighter than the OM651 – a whole 35.4kg lighter. This promises better fuel efficiency and improved handling.
According to Mercedes, other contributing factors to the engine’s reduced weight is the use of plastic engine mounts and a switch from two-stage to a simpler single-single turbocharger.
Mercedes also makes a big deal about its usage of steel pistons within an aluminium block, an approach never previously used before due to the different expansion characteristics of the two materials under heat. Here, Mercedes made use of the slower expansion of steel compared to aluminium to reduce engine friction by up to 50 percent.
Besides displacing a lower swept volume (1,950 from 2,143cc previously), the OM654 is made more compact than the OM651 by stacking its cylinders closer together – cylinder spacing is reduced from 94  to 90mm.
Further states of tune are promised in the future, but in 220 d setup as announced, the OM654 pushes 25hp more than the OM651 in an equivalent setup. Peak torque of 400Nm is identical to the older engine, but squeezed through a narrower window as a result of its lowered displacement. Mercedes nevertheless claims that the engine’s performance potential can be pushed as high as 235hp.
Like the OM651 before it, the OM654 is expected to serve a wide range of duties and is designed for both longitudinal and transverse installations.
To give the engine maximum flexibility, Mercedes made a conscious effort to not only minimize the engine’s weight and size, but its overall design complexity as well. This enables the production volumes of the individual variants to be changed at short notice in response to market requirements.
In light of recent furore surrounding diesel engine emissions, Mercedes claims that the engines are ready for the more stringent and upcoming Real Driving Emissions (RDE) legislation and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle that will supersede the NEDC.


AD: Motonation’s Custom Bike Champion Heading To Germany To Contest In World Championship

Omar Jumiran is no stranger to the custom bike building scene in Malaysia. He was announced champion in last year’s Motonation Custom Bike Building Championship.
As part of his winning prize, Omar Jumiran received an all-expenses-paid trip to Cologne, Germany to contest in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, happening this week.
Omar Jumiran of Eastern Bobber is the first Malaysian ever to compete in this championship. He will be entering his BONE-X bike which is 98% handmade in the ‘Freestyle’ category. Omar also took seven months plus RM 80,000 to improve the details on the custom bike. Prior to the start of the competition, Omar completed the finishing touches to the BONE-X bike at Motonation's warehouse in Germany.
Judging in the AMD World Championship is rather unique, done under the ‘peer group review’. The custom bike building community themselves will judge each other’s crafts and skills. Obviously, Omar cannot vote for his own creation. Judging will be tomorrow and the results reveal on Sunday. In the 2016 championship, the Freestyle category had a submission of 42 competitors.
In a months’ time, Motonation will be organizing its Motonation Fiezta at IOI City Mall on 3rd and 4th November 2018. The event will showcase automotive lifestyle products and services, including car accessories, electric scooter rides, test drives, and many more.
As for the next Motonation Custom Bike Building Championship, fans and enthusiasts can expect the competition to be held early next year.


No price increase for Perodua vehicles for now

Perodua will not be increasing its prices, as long as certain factors are manageable.

The new year brought some bad news for new car buyers as manufacturers like BMW, Toyota and Nissan all announced that some of their cars would increase in price.

Well, it looks like it won't be a definite trend, as Perodua has just announced that they will join Honda Malaysia in declaring that their cars will not be at the end of a price hike.

According to
Perodua's President and Chief Executive Officer
, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, if certain factors remain manageable, they will not be increasing the prices this year.

"For this to come true, we hope material prices and fuel prices remain manageable; at the same time, we also hope that foreign exchange and interest rates would be favourable to industry growth."

"If these factors remain within acceptable levels, Perodua will maintain its vehicle prices," Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

Just like Honda Malaysia, they too are currently concentrating on delivering quality cars, especially for those have booked their cars.

“For now, our priority is to deliver to those who booked their Perodua within the sales tax exemption period as the price for these vehicles will remain as per agreed until 31 March 2023 deadline,” said the Perodua head honcho.

We assume what Dato’ Sri Zainal is saying is that despite the high demand, they will maintain the current prices of their cars and try to make sure that all things go smoothly on the production line so that they can continue to be on schedule in delivering cars to customers.

The Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer also took the time to mention that Perodua
did well in 2022
 and wishes to thank the government and its customers for the great support.

“We will announce the full list of our targets later in January but I wish to take this opportunity to thank the government for their continued support, our partners for their dedication, Perodua staff for their sacrifice and hard work, and especially to our valued customers for their loyal support,” he said.

Perodua's production rose by 49.5% to 289,054 units in 2022 when compared with 193,400 units in 2021; while sales saw an increase of 48.2% to 282,019 units against 190,291 vehicles registered in 2021.


MINI Pacesetter Is Formula E's New Safety Car, And Probably Its Coolest Ever

‘Pacesetter’ isn’t the usual word mash-up we associate with MINI, unlike ‘Paceman’, ‘Clubman’, or ‘Countryman’. It’s a new term fresh made up for this eccentrically bold, yet beautifully modified
MINI Electric - or Cooper SE
 as it’s known in certain markets, like ours.

It has recently been named as the new safety car for
the Formula E championship
, fitting given it’s the first fully electric model from the British-German premium compact carmaker. According to them, they’ve tapped into the rich racing history of John Cooper Works to create the Pacesetter.

“We have already shown how well driving fun and electric mobility go together with the MINI Electric,” says Bernd Körber, Head of MINI. “The MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW goes at many steps further and blends the performance character of the John Cooper Works brand with electric mobility.”

“This extreme version of the MINI Electric has been developed as the Safety Car for Formula E, so is clearly not intended for use on public roads. But it does reveal one of the directions we could take with the electrification of the JCW brand. For me, the message is clear: electrification and John Cooper Works are a good fit,” Mr. Körber continued.

There are clearly many hints of
the bonkers JCW GP
 hatch in here, with echoes of the MINI performance flagship including the large roof-mounted rear wing, aero-correct front splitter, racing-style livery (orange on black on silver never looked this good), and those 18-inch sport alloys wheels. Naturally, they’re wearing a set of Michelins, the official tyre sponsor of the race series.

To ensure that the little MINI is quick enough to keep the Formula E race cars at bay when deployed, a lot of weight had to be shed. The rear seats, most of the sound insulation, infotainment gear, and even the door handles have been ditched. Colin Chapman would approve.

Certain components were also swapped out for much lighter carbon fibre replacements, most prominently observed with the steering wheel and centre console. It will surely need all the assistance it can get to whip around the Formula E circuit fast enough to lead a pack of hungry drivers and their silent open-wheel race cars.

However, giving the car the additional ‘pace’ it needed also meant an extensive suspension and safety kit upgrade, wherein three-way-adjustable race-spec coilovers were fitted alongside new control arm mounts, a 10mm wider track, a big brake package, and a full roll cage and six-point harnesses. All told, it’s now 130kg lighter than the
standard MINI Electric
.

What’s unchanged here is the powertrain, which means an unaltered single electric motor driving the front wheels supplied by a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery. Power is also fixed at 181hp and 280Nm of torque. Thanks to that weight reduction, the MINI Pacesetter now sprints to 100km/h from rest in 6.7 seconds - a 0.6s improvement.

The MINI Electric Pacesetter will see action for the first time in Rome on 10 April 2021 at the second event of Formula E’s 2021 calendar. At the wheel will be official FIA Formula E Safety Car driver Bruno Correia.


SPAD Says It Has New Innovations In Store To Get Taxis Back On Track

Various taxi innovations will be implemented in due course by the Land Public Transport Commission with the intent to improve the overall taxi experience in Malaysia. Innovation that stem from putting consumer interests first, reportedly, writes The Star.
It also stated that it would propose to make a number of amendments to the Land Public Transport Act 2010 to enable these new “innovations” to be swiftly visible to the average taxi passenger as well as to protect the welfare of taxi drivers themselves.
It did not, however, specify a timeline for these new implementations or exactly what they pertain to. Although, SPAD did say that it would involve a rigorous review of the current aspects of the service and the framework in which they operate to reach the best business model for the local taxi industry.
Following an assortment of recommendations by the taxi and drivers associations gained through several rounds of meetings held with SPAD, these proposals would strive to include a majority of these course-correction measures. Again, specifics were not mentioned.
"SPAD hereby gives the assurance to the taxi industry that we will find solutions at the earliest possible time to address the issues highlighted towards uplifting the public transport industry in Malaysia," the statement said.
In the past several years, the government had previously established programmes to breathe new life into the taxi industry in Malaysia as well to address the problems it was facing at the time such. Programmes such as as the 1Malaysia People’s Taxi (TR1Ma) in 2012 and the 1Malaysia Taxi (TEKS1M) in 2013.
Since then, new issues have emerged due to the rapid changes in the transportation landscape. Most notably are the rise of ride sharing services such as Uber and GrabCar that are encroaching on territory once held by the taxi cabs alone. Nowadays, consumers have more choice than ever, and are selecting based on merit, convenience, comfort, and ease of use.
Hopefully, these amendments and innovations will aid the progress of more consumer-centric solutions and put an end to the hostility and grassroots turf war that’s been gaining more and more attention lately, usually at the expense of public perception and satisfaction.


VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Goes Airborne For Over 122 Metres At 241+ KM/H

This incredible crash occurred at Round 4 of the 2015 CCR Forza Tifosi Challenge race at Road America and is a testament to the levels of safety technology that goes into modern supercars and race tracks of today.
The accident involved Jim Booth who was behind the wheel of the No. 13
Ferrari 458
, and Steve Hill’s No. 33
Ferrari F430
.
Coming down the straight down to Turn 5, both cars made contact which sent Booth’s
Ferrari
 flying for over 122m in the air before slamming into the outside wall of the track at speeds of around 241 km/h, destroying a section of the catch fence in the process before spinning to a stop.
As you can tell from the video, the car is absolutely wrecked with parts of it scattered all over the traffic.
Miraculously, Booth merely walks away from the devastating crash unharmed and the same can be said about the other drivers, spectators, and track personnel.


Still No ADAS - 5 New Features For The 2022 Proton Saga To Say Sorry

As the current-generation
Proton Saga enters its second facelift (called MC2)
, we examine its a continuing lack of active safety features and what could be done to make the sting less painful.

I know it kinda sucks to realise that Perodua has been offering features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (Pre-Collision Braking) and Pedestrian Detection in the
Bezza since early 2020
 and the smaller Axia in latter 2019.

Seemingly unfazed, the Saga continues to soldier on and is enjoying pretty steady success as one of Malaysia’s favourite small sedans, ‘making do with the tried and true' - as this writer puts it.

That theme runs deeper still; its 1.3-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder is essentially an evolution of the CamPro, an engine that debuted in production form nearly 20 years ago. Even architecturally, the MC2’s roots remain planted in the second-generation Saga BLM from 2008, which itself used an altered version of the Savvy’s underpinnings.

We all know the X70 and X50 have these ADAS features and more such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, and a 360-degree camera, but these are, along with the rest of those models, the result of a technology transfer from Geely.

Retrofitting these advanced systems along with all their required sensors, processing units, and auxiliary electronic components is not something easily done, which is the primary reason behind its continued absence in cars such as the Saga, Exora, and Persona. It also costs a lot of money in research and development, which can’t help but trickle down into its showroom sticker price - an unforgivable sin.

Still, that doesn’t rule out the possibility that they could still sweeten the deal in other ways. By this point, Malaysians are plenty familiar with - even expecting - Proton cars to be a little lacking on paper and willing to be forgiving. So, let’s take a look at some ideas that could increase the Saga’s appeal
without involving ADAS
.

For this little thought experiment, we’ll use the car in its range-topping Premium S form for 2022, which is on sale for RM44,300. It’s worth mentioning that its fiercest rival is the Perodua Bezza 1.3 X, a car that’s nearly an exact spec-twin of 1.3 AV, but without the active safety additions, but is on sale now for RM42,551. Here we go:

1 - Auto Down/Up Power Windows

Let's start small. This might seem like a trivial feature but if you’re the type to still use Touch n’ Go cards for toll and/or parking, having to keep your finger on the button to fully open or close the window is downright irritating.

As Proton’s cars have been doing for a very long time, the 2022 Saga Premium S only sports automatic retraction, not closing, for its driver side power window. As a bonus, they could also give the front passenger an auto down-only window.

2 - Tyre Pressure Monitoring

This one is another easy addition that’ll gain it some brochure brownie points. The everyday utility of TPMS is up for debate but being able to actively monitor tyre pressures can be invaluable in certain situations, alerting you of a slow puncture before you’re left stranded with a completely flat tyre.

Aftermarket solutions are full of affordable and easy to use TPMS systems and, ironically, we’re pretty sure we’ve even received a kit as a door gift for a Proton event some time ago. Saving a customer the hassle of having to purchase a 3rd party solution while presenting the feature in a more integrated manner (via the infotainment screen) could do wonders in endearing buyers further into the brand.

3 - Built-In Digital Video Recorder (Dashcam)

Here is one more feature-add from the aftermarket and a very popular first ‘upgrade’ for any car owner. Unlike TPMS,
the real world usefulness
 of having a dashcam is very well known.

A casual search online reveals an almost overwhelming selection of front-mounted video recorders that could be a (figurative) lifesaver when it comes to proving your innocence in the event of a collision.

It sure beats arguing for it with the insurance company, so why not have Proton (even as a cost option) fit a proper DVR solution at the factory or dealership level and have it neatly installed and integrated into - again - the onboard infotainment system.

4 - Android Auto, Apple CarPlay

This one might be a little too pricey and asking a little too much but it sure would be a power move to leave Perodua with a bloody nose. Proton does tout some level of smartphone connectivity with the Saga’s 7-inch touchscreen head unit,
but that’s a band-aid solution
 compared to full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

It would make Proton the first Malaysian automaker to support the feature but would likely require some additional cooperation from their infotainment hardware and software supplier. To our knowledge, the Saga uses an interface built on an older version of Android, possibly making it even easier to implement given how easily off-the-shelf Android head units can ‘unlock’ tethered smartphone connectivity with an aftermarket USB dongle add-on.

5 - Kenwood Speakers?

Budget B-segment sedans aren’t exactly expected to have anything but basic audio quality but the Saga could be the exception, especially since this is likely to be the final iteration before
a full-on Geely replacement.

The Premium S arrives with a generic array of ‘4-speakers’ that may or may not be decent. However, even as a cost option, it would be appreciated if Proton offered our ears some better treatment. Granted, Kenwood’s ‘premium’ speakers in the X70 facelift were pretty disappointing, all things considered.

If that’s too much of a name brand, even Edifier or Sonic Gear will do (if they do car audio). A little extra effort will go a long way here given the track record of audio quality at this price range, but contributes so much to the in-car experience.

Proton is stuck between a rock and hard place whenever asked about this product disparity, their sales associates are forced to insist that its combination of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, and few airbags are as sufficient as they have been for….well, 20 years.

It’s clear these far newer features will not be coming from Proton so far as their legacy vehicles are concerned. To get cars like the Saga and Persona over this line, they need a total reinvention, and/or just a big kick in the back. Only (truly) all-new models or named replacements of Geely origin.

As the Saga fights the good fight, as these proposed feature additions can only strengthen its arsenal, we can look forward to the possibility that all-new Proton models
are, by the automaker’s own admission, just on the horizon
.


PM Announces 3-Month Targeted Moratorium Extension

After calls for an extended loan moratorium, our PM has spoken up.

In a public address this afternoon, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin went live to address the rakyat’s concerns about the 6-month loan repayment moratorium, specifically to respond to the calls by the public for a further extension.

Upon conferring with the Finance Minister and the governor of Malaysia’s central bank, Bank Negara, the Prime Minister announced that an extension will indeed be given for an additional 3 months (ending in December instead of September 30th).

However, the government-sanctioned extension will only apply to individuals that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial fallout that ensued following the Movement Control Order taking effect.

To be eligible for an extended moratorium, these individuals would have had to have lost their jobs within 2020 and have not yet secured employment elsewhere. Of course, proof of unemployment would need to be supplied before the approval process can begin.

Should the 3 month extended moratorium not provide enough financial runway for the borrower, banks are now being instructed to offer different options in order to reach a compromise or extend the paused repayments even further.

Prior to the announcement of this targeted moratorium, it was left entirely at the discretion of individual banks to work with borrowers who might be financially stricken on a case-by-case basis, which would do little to protect financially disadvantaged borrowers who need additional aid the most.

Furthermore, to those who have retained employment but have suffered other financial constraints such as reduced salaries, banks have now been instructed to present new alternatives to borrowers such as temporarily only paying back the monthly interest or a reduction of instalments based on the reduction of monthly income.


All-New Toyota Supra Sold Out For 2019 In The UK, Thousands In Waiting List Across Europe

All set to make its European debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show next week, the
all-new Toyota Supra
has already been sold out in the UK and all major European markets this year.
According to Toyota, 900 units were allocated for the UK market but they have all been booked ahead of its official European premiere.
As for other markets around the continent, it is said that the waiting list is running into thousands of units for the Supra which will be returning after a 17-year absence.
With the process of converting reservations into customer orders under way in the UK, the company says that potential customers are still welcome to register their interest and add their name to the list for future vehicle supply.
“I can’t wait for the moment when they get behind the wheel. I believe we will reignite the passion and put the fun back into driving for as many people as possible,” said Tetsuya Tada, the Chief Engineer of the all-new Toyota Supra.
As for this part of the world, the all-new Toyota Supra is all set to make its
Malaysian debut this year
, as announced by UMW Toyota Motor last month.
Although globally, the Supra is available with two engine options, both turbocharged BMW units – a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder, sources familiar with the matter have indicated that only the 3.0-litre version will be offered in Malaysia.


Thailand Forces Insurers to Cut Premiums if a Dash Cam is Installed

In an interesting turn of events, Thai insurers are being forced to drop insurance premiums by 5-10% for cars if they come equipped with dash cams- as reported by
The Bangkok Post
. These small mounted cameras, usually front facing but occasionally with a rear view as well, have proven to be quite effective in other countries at settling disputes if and when they occur.
The order was signed by Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn, secretary-general of the Office of Insurance Commission, and published in the Royal Gazette with effect immediately. In order to benefit from this, owners must take a photo of the dashcam being installed for the front of their cars. The rule applies to any kind of vehicle that can have a dash cam fitted.


Volkswagen Active Safety Experience - Learn How To Do A J-Turn With A Polo

Fancy a chance to learn from professional drivers on how to execute a J-turn?

Sign up today for the Volkswagen Active Safety Experience and if you are lucky enough, you might be selected to participate in a one-hour road-safety session conducted by professional drivers.

As a bonus, participants will also get to experience a special coaching session from pro-drivers on how to execute a J-turn as shown in the video above.

The Volkswagen Active Safety Experience is among the attractions found at the Volkswagen Sales Carnival that is happening at the Setia City Convention Centre, from today until Sunday 8-February, 10am till midnight (10am till 10 pm for Sunday 8-February). The Sales Carnival is part of a wider Volkswagen Red Campaign - find out more
here
.


BMW Malaysia Announces Locally Assembled 330i M Sport, RM40k Cheaper

BMW Malaysia today announced the introduction of the locally assembled 3-Series 330i M Sport, five months after the model made its
Malaysian debut
 in CBU form.
While the fully imported model was priced at RM328,800, the CKD version is cheaper by RM40,000, with an asking price of RM288,800 on the road without insurance.
Assembled in BMW’s plant in Kulim, Kedah, the locally assembled 330i M Sport comes with the same specifications as the CBU version.
On the exterior, key features include 3D taillights, an aerodynamic rear spoiler lip,18-inch M light alloy wheels, blue brake callipers with M logo, as well as adaptive LED headlights with Bi-LED technology.
Powering the 330i M Sport is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that does 258 hp and 400 Nm. The sole transmission option is an 8-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels.
Performance wise, the 330i M Sport completes the century sprint in just 5.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
The 330i M Sport also comes with the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Digital Key, which allows drivers to lock and unlock the car via the use of NFC, available on selected Samsung devices. BMW Digital Key also allows the car to be started when the compatible phone is place in the designated wireless charging tray.
Other standard equipment on the 330i M Sport includes:
Adaptive Bi-LED headlights
M Sport suspension (passive, steel)
M Sport Brakes
18-inch M Sport Style 790 alloy wheels with run-flat tires
12.3-inch digital instrument clustter
10.25-inch Control Display with BMW Operating System 7.0
10-speaker, 205W sound system
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Vernasca leather upholstery (Previously known as Dakota leather)
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW 330i M Sport can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 3,298.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Owners of the New BMW 330i M Sport will also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
BMW Service Online
Looking for a new BMW? Get the best deals
here
.


How Much Power Is Too Much Power?

If you wanted to pick a point in time when you could say that cars were becoming a little too powerful, you could probably go with the mid 2010s. This was the time when the current generation Mercedes-AMG E63S and BMW M5 were being launched, and with them came a statement that shook the enthusiast market to the core: we need all-wheel drive to put the power down.

Granted, other manufacturers have been doing this for a while. Audi has long championed all-wheel drive systems, and Porsche has all-wheel drive in a couple of their performance models as well. But Mercedes-AMG and BMW were stalwarts of the front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and their move to package their cars with all-wheel drive did not go unnoticed.

You might be wondering why this move is so significant. Perhaps Jaguar put it most succinctly when they introduced all-wheel drive to their F-Type: the amount of power cars have is overwhelming the current tyre technology on the market. If you imagine it as a race between the amount of power a car has and how grippy tyres are, power has finally overtaken grip.

Even beyond that, let’s look simply at how cars have evolved in terms of power outputs. The humble Toyota Corolla will be an example here – back in the 1980s the most common powertrain was a 1.3-litre carburetted OHV engine that made a paltry 58 hp, but it was adequate for the time. Fast forward to the year 2000, and the most common 1.8-litre DOHC powertrain made 122 hp – a rough jump of around 60 hp for 20 years.

Volvo seems to echo this sentiment as well – at least, before they announced a 180 km/h hard limit on their cars globally. The most powerful variant of the XC90 packed 311 hp from a naturally aspirated V8 back when it was launched in 2001, and just 13 years later the XC90 T8 came to blow the world away with 400 hp or so from its hybrid powertrain. For now the steps are more minor – roughly 12 hp every 3 to 4 years if you do a bit of maths – but that output will steadily creep onwards and upwards.

This is what consumers have come to expect, and while the rate of increase of power also depends on the kind of car you’re looking at, this is the general trend. What’s more impressive is that manufacturers have had to increase the power outputs of their cars while also meeting stricter emissions and fuel efficiency regulations.

One of the fastest evolving cars on the market is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. We like to use this as an example because each generation (with the exception of the last) is a consistent evolution upon the previous generation models – and it also comes with a (usually) singular powertrain which makes it easy to compare. If you look at this graph, you get an idea of how performance has increased with each passing generation of model.

The most current example of mass market cars packing heavy amounts of power is quite simply the Audi RS3. This fire breathing hot hatchback is the more practical alternative to the TT RS, and its turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine makes a not insignificant 400 PS following its 2017 facelift. With a kerb weight of 1,520 kg, it has almost the same power to weight ratio as a Ferrari 360 from the early 2000s (400 PS, 1553 kg) – and it manages to fit four, with room for luggage as well.

Do you think that someone buying a Ferrari 360 would think they might lose to a hot hatchback from a little over a decade later? It’s pretty insane if you think about it, and yet it is also one element that the majority of consumers compare on paper but rarely make use of in the real world. For that, mid-range torque is the most important figure – but that’s a discussion for another time.


Shell Debuts New Fuel With Dynaflex Technology

Shell Malaysia has introduced its range of new fuels with Dynaflex technology, aimed to deliver improved engine efficiency.
The company's new Dynaflex technology is designed to clean and protect fuel system hardware such as the intake valves and fuel injectors. Compared to Shell's earlier FuelSave 95, the new Fuel Save95 with Dynaflex has 20% more friction-reducing molecules. As for the new V-Power 97, it now has three times more friction-reducing molecules than FuelSave 95, further boosted with 20% more cleaning molecules than before. Shell's range-topping V-Power Racing also receives the company's new Dynaflex technology, which can remove up to 80% of hamful deposits.

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Diesel users are also protected, as Shell said that its range of diesel fuels also feature Dynaflex technology, containing dirt-busting molecules to clean engines. On top of that, the Euro 5 version of Shell's new fuel has low sulphur content aimed at modern diesel engines.
Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading said, "We hope motorists will experience the benefits of our new fuels, enhanced with our latest Dynaflex technology, so that they can enjoy better journeys on the road."


Nissan to Set Up Separate NISMO Unit

It's a little peculiar that Nissan would make a move like this at a time like this, but they have just announced that their NISMO (Nissan Motorsports) division will be set up as a separate unit in order to develop more NISMO products and boost sales for their road cars.
Does this sound familiar? Yes, some of the more prestigious brands such as Audi and BMW have their Sport and M divisions respectively, but it's a little strange for Nissan to be pushing the NISMO sub brand when they aren't particularly invested in performance cars as a company, outside of the GT-R. The Nissan IDx was shelved before production, the Nissan Silvia died out a long time ago, and the Nissan Fairlady Z doesn't seem to have much of a future.
As of now, NISMO has a variety of road-going products. The GT-R is the most notable of these, along with the Fairlady Z, Juke, Note, Sentra, and Patrol. We get none of these NISMO variants officially, so there's very little relevance for our market. The new business unit is to work with Nissan Motorsports International on marketing, including the display of NISMO road cars at showrooms and events- again, something that has no value for us.


Perodua Appoints Dato Zainal Abidin Ahmad As New President And CEO

After serving Perodua as its President and Chief Executive Officer for nine years, Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh will retire.
Replacing Datuk Dr Aminar is Dato Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who was previously the Vice President of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd.
Datuk Dr Aminar’s tenure will end on December 31
st
, and Dato Zainal will take over from January 1
st
 2019.
To the uninitialized, Perodua Auto Corporation is the manufacturing arm of Perodua, which includes Perodua Manufacting Sdn Bhd (PMSB), Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PEMSB), and Akashi Kikai Sdn Bkd. Akashi Kikai Sdn Bhd is responsible for producing transmissions for Perodua models.
Under Datuk Dr Aminar’s leadership, Perodua increased its market share from 31.2% in 2010 to over 37% as of year-to-date 2018.
Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamludin said, “The Perodua Board of Directors wishes to thank Datuk (Dr) Aminar for his contributions to Perodua and to the Malaysian automotive industry as a whole.”
“To this end, the Perodua Board of Directors looks to Dato’ Zainal to lead the charge as he has the capability in managing Perodua as well as its vendors, suppliers and dealers to become regional players. Taking Perodua regional requires someone that can not only lead but who can also effectively engage the government and together navigate the ever-challenging automotive industry. Dato’ Zainal has also proven his ability to work well with all shareholders, including Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan in bringing new technology to Perodua and encouraging investment within the country,” he added.


Continental Opens Research Lab To Extract More Rubber From Dandelion Plant

Continental has just opened a research laboratory in Anklam, Germany, for their new innovative dandelion-plant based natural rubber. The company is the first in the world to place large investments in industrialising dandelion rubber.
The new research laboratory, covering an area of 30,000 square metres, will be the base for future research on farming and the extraction process of Russian dandelion marketed as Taraxagum. The facility will initially house a team of 20 personnel.
Future plans involving the surrounding areas of Anklam include enlarging the dandelion farms to 800 hectares to support the research of scaling up production of Taraxagum.
The company, together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), the Julius Kühn Institute, and the plant breeder Aeskulap, first started researching on Russian dandelion roots to replace natural rubber from rubber trees since 2011. The roots are specially cultivated to produce a high yield of latex from a larger size.
Continental and the research partners have achieved two breakthroughs with Taraxagum. The first product, a winter tyre featuring a tread made from Taraxagum, was brought to trial in 2014, followed by a truck tyre in 2016. Continental is aiming to have Taraxagum ready for series production within the next 5 years and then gradually introduce it into volume production.
Apart from reducing dependency on traditionally produced natural rubber in the tropics, dandelion can be cultivated in Northern and Western Europe, significantly reducing transportation time and cost plus contributing to the sustainable use of existing resources.
Dr Andreas Topp, Continental’s Head of Material and Process Development and Industrialization for Tires said, “Furthermore, a natural rubber tree requires up to seven years before the first pieces of useable rubber can be harvested. By contrast, natural rubber from dandelion plants could be harvested several times a year without any waiting time at all.”


First Impressions: 2016 BMW 330e (F30) Plug-In Hybrid – ‘e’ For Effortless

It has only been two months since BMW Malaysia launched its first locally assembled plug-in hybrid – the X5 xDrive40e, but the brand has already taken things to the next level by launching its second CKD plug-in hybrid;
the 330e
 earlier today at the ongoing BMW Innovation Days 2016 at Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur.
Fortunately, there was a brief test drive session for members of the press after the launch where we got to drive the 330e and get a first-hand experience on how it performs on the road, and see how it differs from other variants.
Our test drive route comprised mainly town roads around Desa Parkcity and Bandar Menjalara, Kepong, which was a good thing as we could see how the car’s engine and hybrid system worked hand-in-hand to offer the best performance and fuel economy.
Specifications
Price: RM248,888 (OTR without insurance)
Engine: B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder
Motor: 88hp/250 Nm synchronous electric motor
Traction battery: 5.7 kWh (net), lithium-ion
Max Power:  252 hp at 5,000 rpm
Torque: 420 Nm from 0 – 2,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Safety: six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, ISOFIX, tyre pressure monitor, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist
Claimed Fuel consumption: 1.9- to 2.1-litre/100 km (NEDC combined cycle)
Origin: Assembled in Kulim, Kedah
Overview
Built on the existing
F30 3 Series
 platform, the 330e is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor which is housed in the car’s ZF-sourced 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission. Although this setup is similar to the one in the
X5 xDrive40e
, it is not identical as both vehicles are using different engines.
Here to take on the recently previewed
Mercedes-Benz C350e
 plug-in hybrid, the 330e is officially priced at RM248,800, placing it just below the 320i in terms of pricing. However, if we are to compare the variants in terms of equipment and specifications, the 330e is the arguably most-equipped in the lot.
Being a locally-assembled energy efficient vehicle, the 330e enjoys exemption of duties of RM120,000, without which the car would otherwise have been priced at RM368,800.
According to BMW, the 330e doesn't need to be charged everyday. However, it is best that the car is charged to optimum level to ensure that performance is not reduced. The 330e's 5.7 kWh battery can be charged via a conventional domestic power socket in five hours or via BMW’s Wallbox Pro setup in only 3.5 hours.
Although the 330e does not come with the M Sport package like the 330i, it comes with all other fittings as found in the range-topping petrol model. Additionally, the 330e also comes exclusively fitted with reverse camera, heads-up display, and an electric glass roof.
How does it drive?
‘Quiet’ and ‘efffortless’ are probably the two words that best describe how the 330e drives. When the car is running on battery and the motor, it is unbelievably silent, with only tyre noise and the faint whine of the battery being audible.
Being able to run on pure electric mode for close to 40km, the 330’s engine only kicked in when we switched to “Sports” mode, and when we pressed the accelerator asking for more power during instances like overtaking and driving uphill.
Regardless of where the power was coming from, there was more than enough ‘juice’ at any given time. And even though the 330e weighs close to 200kg more than the 330i due to the additional components, we could not feel any difference in the car’s performance at all.
It was just moving effortlessly throughout our short stint with it.
Overall, the 330e drives and behaves just like a regular 3-series – agile, powerful, and responsive. Even though the car doesn’t come with any M Sport goodies and the brand’s adaptive suspension, it still tolerated bumps and lumps decently, handled very well, delivered power seamlessly at all times and offered a very engaging and enjoyable driving experience while saving fuel and the planet.
What we love most about the car is how well the engine, the battery and the electric motor work together so well. Unless you’re paying attention, you can’t really notice if the car is running on the engine or in electric mode.
That is how smooth and quiet the 330e is. There is no knocking sensation when the engine starts, no signs of air-conditioning going warm when the car is on electric mode, or any of the setbacks hybrid cars are known to have.
Conclusion
Here to take on the new
Mercedes-Benz C350e
 and the upcoming
Audi A4 B9
, the 330e is probably the most competitively priced car in the lot.
What makes it a very interesting product is that it performs nearly as well as a 330i M Sport, but at a much cheaper cost.
So, based on what we have seen and experienced so far, there is no denying that 330e is a steal for what it asks for.
Want to know more about the BMW 330e? Read our colleague's review
here
.


Koenigsegg And Polestar Are Collaborating – And They Are Having Fun

They are collaborating, just not in the way we hoped for but read on...

Just a day or so ago, the internet got a little excited over a post on Polestar’s official Instagram account that featured the Koenigsegg Gemera and #KoenigseggxPolestar. You’d expect our imaginations to go wild, with Volvo’s performance arm teaming up with one of the most advanced automotive brands in the world – but our hopes were shot down thanks to this
Car and Driver piece
.

It seems that the engineers and designers across both brands are just fond of each other and looked to have some fun – after all, they’re both Swedish brands and in a country that has fairly low COVID-19 measures in place, they might as well enjoy the company.

The post in question features the Polestar Precept concept in addition to Koenigsegg’s hypercar. The latter is known both for being the first four-seater Koenigsegg as well as having a turbocharged 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain that pushes a staggering 1,677 hp and 3500 Nm of torque.

Its dance partner, the Polestar Precept, is still being worked on to get to its final development form before production. It is less an exercise in performance (though given Polestar’s other models this is likely) and more one in sustainability, with a “vegan” interior and plenty of recycled materials.

These two vehicles are at opposite ends of the spectrum, and yet they both represent a very Swedish way of thinking and living. For Polestar, it’s about taking care of the environment in a high luxury package – while Koenigsegg chases the very limits of performance through ground-breaking technologies and an enthusiastic list of clientele willing to foot the bills.

Either way, if you can wait for a couple more weeks, the two brands will release their video collaboration on June 25th, 6 a.m. ET (or 6 p.m. for us here in Malaysia).


BMW Shorties Film Festival 2018 – A Decade Of Malaysian Filmmaking

BMW Malaysia is celebrating a milestone of driving local filmmaking talent and digital content creators through the annual BMW Shorties competition, now in its 12th edition.

Tiffin Food Court in Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya, will be the venue for this year’s Film Festival.

Coming back stronger for the second year running, the BMW Shorties Film Festival will again honour the Grand Prize Winner (together with an RM 80,000 production grant), along with winners of the supporting categories, including the ever-popular People’s Choice Award! Fans can still cast their vote through the image-link below, as the closing date is 7th December.

Hosted by Adam Izzy, the Festival will also play host to a screening of the Finalists’ short films and a panel discussion on ‘Storytelling for Today’s Audience’. Adding to the festive excitement, the cast and crew of Guang, BMW Shorties 2011 Grand Prize Winner Quek Shio Chuan, will also be present at the Festival for a special meet-and-greet with fellow fans and film lovers.

This year, the Festival will include some performances from RYÖTJONES, Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men, and Jaggfuzzbeats; with Visual Art installations by Filamen, Malaysia’s creative technology arts collective, and live-sketching sessions by KL Sketch Nation.

There will also be a great selection of food and beverage, catered by Aiden Picnic, Beard Brothers’ Deli, The Bowls, Ground Control, ChaatWaala, Pernod Ricard, and Sjora.

Fans will also stand a chance to win a wide range of goodies, including the exclusive Limited-Edition BMW Shor-tees T-shirt, with the winning design from the BMW ‘Shor-Tees’ contest held earlier this year. Other exciting merchandises from Dockers and Levi’s are also up for grabs!

The BMW Shorties Film Festival 2018 will be held on 15th December from 2:00 PM at Tiffin Food Court, Petaling Jaya. Follow the
dedicated Facebook
 and
Instagram
 pages for updates leading to the Film Festival 2018.


New Lexus LX 570 Coming To Malaysia By End-2015

Lexus’s flagship SUV – the updated 2015 Lexus LX 570 – will go on sale in Japan on September 14. More importantly, Lexus Malaysia is expected to introduce the LX 570 – a first for Lexus Malaysia - later this year.
Previously, the LX 570 (and its predecessor the LX 470) was only available via grey importers. Although it may be a rare sight in Peninsular Malaysia, the Lexus LX and its sister-car the Land Cruiser 200 are hugely popular in East Malaysia.
Don’t expect it to be cheap. At the point of writing this, there are 141
Lexus LX 570 models on sale at Carlist.my
, with some dealers asking RM800,000 for a two-year old example.
The Lexus LX 570 competes against Land Rover’s Range Rover, which starts from RM920,649 (excluding GST). Unlike the two-row seats Range Rover, the three-row seats Lexus seats up to eight adults.
What is it?
The Lexus LX 570 is a very different breed of luxury SUVs and should not be compared against the more urban-focused BMW X5 or Audi Q7.
Based on the
Toyota Land Cruiser 200
, the ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive with a locking centre differential Lexus is closer to the Range Rover, and to a certain extent, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen – luxury SUVs with very heavy emphasis on off-road prowess.
What’s new from before?
This new model packs a new 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous model’s six-speed unit, and spots a new front-end design with new headlamps, new interior trimmings and ambient lighting, and a new Drive Mode Select feature which allows driver’s to customise the car’s engine, transmission adaptive suspension’s settings – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ modes are available.
Safety features have also been expanded to include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Convenience features include Heads-up Display, Lexus Climate Concierge, which unifies climate control for front and second-row seats, as well automatically detecting the presence of a passenger at the front or second-row seats to switch the air-conditioning on/off. An Easy Access automatically adjusts vehicle height during ingress and egress.
Of course, specifications will differ from country to country and some of the features mentioned here might not be available for Lexus Malaysia.
Engine and Transmission?
Power comes a 5.7-litre 3UR-FE V8 petrol engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and 546 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Ninety percent of the torque is available from 2,000 rpm.
Off-road capability is beefed up by a permanent four-wheel drive, Torsen limited-slip centre locking differential that splits torque 40:60 front to rear under normal driving conditions.
The Active Traction Control system (A-TRAC) works on all four wheels, and can be optimised to work on different terrain by using the Multi-Terrain Select system - Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand modes are available.
The transmission’s driver-selectable low range provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road hills and uneven terrain. Low-range capability gets support from Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.
Video feed from the Multi-terrain Monitors’ four cameras allows the driver to check the road conditions in six blind spot areas around the vehicle. There’s also an under-floor view that allows the driver to check both conditions under the vehicle and tire positions, granting the driver an almost X-Ray vision-like capability to look through the car’s bonnet and cabin floor.
What About Safety?
In some markets, the LX 570 comes with 10 airbags, including a curtain airbag that covers all three rows. Also included are Active Front Headrests, and Lexus Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Again, specifications will differ from country to country.
Lexus Malaysia is expected to make an official announcement on the matter very soon.


Audi owner finds basic HVAC function paywalled after pressing the button for it

Audi owner has to pay extra cash to get basic climate control feature on his car - are auto manufacturers that desperate for money?

There's nothing that we loathe more than a basic feature on a car that is only usable if you pay extra for it - but this supposedly blocked basic feature on an Audi due to a paywall takes the cake.

With the increasing integration of technology in modern cars, there is a trend towards reducing the number of physical buttons and controls on the dashboard and replacing them with software-based interfaces.

This leads to a more streamlined appearance on the dashboard, with fewer "blanked" buttons no matter what spec car you have. Where before we had blank blanked buttons, we now have buttons with writing on them that just do nothing.

As an owner of Audi Q4 E-Tron found out, this can be annoying, where a blanked button is the better option.

thedrive.com brought this to light recently where they wrote about an annoyed Audi owner who had decided not to purchase Audi's tri-zone climate control.

The feature is there, but it's not activated unless you pay for it of course, which is fine because the particular owner chose not to have it, but when you press the "Sync" button on the climate control system and a message pops out reminding you, that you haven't paid for it, it does become irritating. The EV owner said "Blank buttons aren't rude," but "this one reminds me that I'm cheap."

What makes this all worse is that in the UK and the US, this tri-zone climate control system is offered on the base trim, where as in Denmark where this particular owner is, they add-on 5,114 Kroner (around $758) to the final price of the car if you want the system.

Many automakers,
such as BMW
 and Audi are using over-the-air updates to push feature changes on customers' cars and even promote the sale of software goods to them.

If the feature lets your car fly, fair enough, but when its got something to do with petty features like climate control, it just gets a bit too much in our opinion.

What's the craziest feature blocked by a paywall you have heard of? Let us know in the comments.


2021: Peugeot 2008, Peugeot 508, Peugeot Landtrek To Storm Malaysia?

2020 was a big year for Peugeot in both our modest local market and, in a much bigger way, abroad. The French automaker, under its group title PSA, had been facing declining sales in Malaysia for a number of years but enjoying a record-setting period of growth at the global level.

Transition
 was a watchword for the past 12 months as Groupe PSA - which also represents Citroen, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall - concluded its
mammoth merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
, bringing their famed marques such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, Abarth, Dodge, RAM and others under its expanded roof to form the 4th largest automobile manufacturer in the world.

With all eyes on the newly formed Stellantis, there’s plenty of speculation around the ambitious new plans that could be forming behind the scenes, especially with regard to the new entity’s unofficial core brand: Peugeot.

At the same time, it was also confirmed late last year that local distributorship would be transferred from Naza
to the Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB)
, which is more familiarly known as Mazda car stewards Bermaz, who might stand to benefit greatly from Stellantis’ post-merger vigour.

Though we don’t expect any wholly new models to be unveiled at an international level anytime soon, BAASB are definitely looking to start their tenure with Peugeot on a strong foot, so 2021 should be pretty packed with the latest and greatest from their wider worldwide line-up. Think of it as the Malaysian market finally catching up to the best cars they have to offer.

All-New Peugeot 2008

Spearheading the revamped local offering is an entrant into the highly competitive compact SUV market. This
second-generation 2008
 is based on the newest 208 hatch, recipient of the coveted 2020 European Car of the Year award, and will compete against other B-segment contenders such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Proton X50.

Expected to be priced competitively, this locally assembled model brings with it a taut and stylishly designed body, plush interior, refined ride, and a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech engine with outputs up to 155PS and mated to an 8-speed automatic. A
fully electric version
 with a 50kWh battery is sold in Europe, so it's worth keeping an eye out for that potential game-changer down the road.

All-New Peugeot 508

As it was planned for a local launch shortly after its global unveil in 2018, the second-generation 508 is perhaps the most
commonly spotted pre-launch Peugeot
 currently out there, seen recently around its slated assembly plant and test facility in Kedah, but also sighted as far away as Penang.

Building on the first generation 508’s local presence, this all-new version seeks to improve on every level. It’s got the sleek styling to impress, that’s for sure, with a lift-back boot that lends it a coupe-like profile and posh touches courtesy of its GT-Line trim.

Unlike its predecessor, this 508 is expected to forego a diesel engine option in favour of a petrol-only range consisting of a 1.6-litre Puretech four-cylinder with up to 225PS. Down the line, its
PHEV variants
 could make an entrance to widen the competitive gap between it and its other D-segment rivals such as the Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.

All-New Peugeot Landtrek

The Landtrek is an entirely new nameplate for the Peugeot brand, which until now seemed very much removed from the pick-up market.

That said, since 2020, the double cab truck was sold in select Latin American and northern Africa countries where such vehicles are much more popular, competing against other region-specific models such as the
Renault Alaskan
 and Volkswagen Amarok. Soon, though,
the Landtrek
 is likely to officially add Malaysia to its list as numerous local sightings have been reported.

The Landtrek was jointly developed as a mid-size pick-up by Groupe PSA and Changan Automobile of China and, following its wider global rollout, is due to be reworked into the next-generation Fiat Fullback (previously based on a Mitsubishi Triton).

Earmarked to arrive here exclusively in its dual-cab format, the Landtrek is expected to feature a 1.9-litre or 2.5-litre turbodiesel from Isuzu, likely mated to a 6-speed automatic and sent to all four wheels as standard.

The Carry-Overs

Of course, the 3008 and 5008 are still expected to remains staples of the local line-up. Just as well, the SUV duo will likely be updated to reflect the
most recent facelift
 that occurred last September.

Aside from the possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant joining the party, a pricing revision might also be on the cards, though we can only speculate which way that might swing as the late 2020 facelift introduced more high-tech features and a more luxurious interior in addition to the restyled fascia and rear end.


Six Reasons Why The Mitsubishi Triton Offers Outstanding Value And Style

It goes without saying that any modern pickup truck should be fuel-efficient, offer impressive performance, and rock-solid reliability.

Arguably, pickup trucks have become the jack of all trades; offering steadfast go-anywhere usability which is matched by comfortable interiors, and superb safety and equipment features.

But, not all pickup trucks are the same! Especially when one factors the overall value and costs of owning and maintaining the vehicle – this is where the Mitsubishi Triton stands out from the rest of the pack.

1) Best-in-class warranty package

In the unlikely case that something should go wrong, the Mitsubishi Triton is also backed by a best-in-class 5-year/200,000km warranty package for added peace of mind. Most other competitors only offer a 5-year/150,000km warranty, hence, Triton customers can really go the distance with their tough pickups.

2) Unbeatable customer experience

Any car ownership experience is only as good as the aftersales service that supports each and every customer. Hence, there's little wonder why Mitsubishi customers are the most satisfied customers in the market.

According to J.D. Power's  Customer Satisfaction Index, Mitsubishi ranked No.1 for After-sales Services in 2018 and 2019, making the purchase decision even more sensible.

3) Savings on road tax

Despite having lesser engine displacement than before, the Triton's 2.4-litre engine is much more capable now. This shows that there has not been any compromise in performance despite having an engine with smaller displacement. But that is not all!

The Triton also offers savings on annual road tax costs when compared to its competitors. Road tax for its powerful yet efficient 2.4-litre engine displacement is just RM793.60, compared to upwards of RM1,250 for a 2.8-litre for instance.

Why pay more for road tax when the Triton can offer equal level of performance?

4
) Affordable service and maintenance costs

Owners of the Triton Adventure X also enjoy savings when it comes to the overall costs of maintaining the vehicle. Mitsubishi estimates a total cost of approximately RM5,900 for the entire first five years of ownership, hence private and business owners alike have more flexibility in terms of maintenance costs.

Maintenance cost of Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 4x4 Adventure X VS Toyota Hilux 2.8 AT 4x4:

 The Triton is definitely among the more affordable models to maintain, compared to some of its rivals that ask for between RM6,500 and RM7,500.

5) Impressive powertrain

The
award-winning
 2.4L MIVEC turbodiesel engine in the Triton offers impressive power with 181 PS and peak torque of 430 Nm. As such, customers will never experience a shortage of power or response, be it on the highway, or when climbing up the most challenging off-road terrains.

Its also lightweight, Mitsubishi was the first company to adopt aluminium alloys in the construction of its diesel engine, which delivered up to 30kg reduction in overall engine weight. In addition, it was also the first pickup truck in the segment to feature variable valve timing technology which allows for precise control of the intake valves for better performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers direct performance, reliability, and superb fuel efficiency.

6) Advanced safety features

The Mitsubishi Triton is also packed with modern safety features akin to that of an executive sedan – besides the normal array of airbags, ABS, and Stability Control, the Triton Adventure X is also equipped with Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and Auto High-Beam (AHB); so you know you’re always in good hands.

And perhaps most importantly is the Triton Adventure X's price tag, which retails for just RM137,900 (OTR w/out Ins., Peninsula Malaysia), further cementing its position as one of the most outstanding vehicles on sale today.

For more information, visit the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
website
 or find an authorised dealer
near you
.

*This post is sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.


5 Spacious Used MPVs for Less than RM79k - For Your Growing Family

We list down five spacious used MPVs for less than RM79k.

A family man will tell you that a happy family is the key to a happy life. A family man will also usually go out of their way to provide the best comfort for their family, which is why sometimes they aim to buy the most spacious MPV available.

We all care about our family and want the best for them, but sometimes a new large MPV is just out of the question because they are expensive.

This is where you can turn to the used car market for a better deal on large MPVs. With thousands of cars available on
Carlist.my
, it's just a matter of looking for them which could take some time.

If you don't have the time to browse or don't know where to start, let us help you as we have found five spacious USED MPVs available on Carlist.my.

1) 1st-Gen Honda Elysion - RM50k - RM60k

If you love the H badge and want the most spacious MPV offering from the Japanese marque, then the Honda Elysion is the car to look at. Never officially sold through Honda Malaysia, the Elysion was imported by USF-Hicom Sdn Bhd and many different parallel importers.

Unfortunately, most of the Elysions available on the market are 1st-Gen cars, but since they are Honda's they still look current and modern, which doesn't make them look out of place even today.

The Elysions available on Carlist.my are all mostly equipped with a 2.4-litre DOHC direct injection i-VTEC engine, producing 160 PS and 218Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed automatic.

Technically, the Honda Elysion is slightly longer and wider than the 7th Gen Toyota Camry, but being a Honda, space is always better utilised, as the Minato-based firm is clever in packaging cars. As a result, the Elysion can sit seven comfortably, and it's not bad to drive either.

What we like

What we don't like

Different from your regular MPV

Dated interior like most old Hondas

Good exterior looks

no hire purchase available for vehicles older than 10 years

Check out listings of Honda Elysions on Carlist.my
here
.

2) Mazda Biante RM59k - RM82k

Consider this for a second; the
Mazda Biante
 is shorter, at 4,715mm, and slimmer, at 1,770mm, than the current-generation Mazda 6 sedan (at 4,870mm and 1,840mm respectively), but the Biante can carry two more passengers.

The Biante offers superb practicality courtesy of sliding third-row seats, which allows it to accommodate more luggage without the need to flip/fold the last row. Superb ride quality and cabin refinement are other highlights of the Biante.

Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 149 hp and 190 Nm of torque (mated to a 6-speed automatic), making it a decent highway cruiser and city dweller. However, the Biante loses some marks for not offering cruise control and auto headlamps, which were supplied as standard even on cheaper Mazda models.

One of the reasons it was never that successful when it was launched was that it was in a rather weird spot. On one hand, it offered more seating capacity (8 seats versus 7 seats) than its nearest rival, the Nissan Serena, but the Biante was a considerably older product than the Serena, and it showed, both inside and out.

At the prices they are going for now on the used car market, they make for interesting prospects, especially when you are looking for a lot of seats in an MPV.

What we like

What we don't like

Good interior quality,

Weird body proportions

Easy to drive

not enough safety features

Check out listings of Mazda Biantes on Carlist.my
here
.

3) 2nd-Gen Hyundai Grand Starex - RM51k - RM79k

Although not on the tips of everyone's lips when looking for a luxurious MPV, the Hyundai Grand Starex has been one of Malaysia's unsung heroes for families that need an MPV with lots of space and seats.

Now discontinued to make way for the futuristic-looking Hyundai Staria, the Starex easily fits more than 7 passengers, as its three rear passenger rows can help accommodate up to 11/12 passengers.

Sliding rear rows also means that you can move the seats into various positions depending on your requirements for carrying people or luggage.

The Grand Starex is powered by a gem, the venerable 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that develops 170 PS and 320 Nm of torque, so there's ample power to haul heavy loads. Do note however, that while it's powerful, the engine isn't as refined as its competitors, and some owners have noted that since the rear rows of seats cannot be removed or stowed away, carrying larger or longer items can be a challenge.

What we like

What we don't like

Humble looks

The DRLs on the side mirrors blind other road users

Robust engine

the interior is basic

Check out quality listings of the Hyundai Starex on Carlist.my
here
.

4)1st-Gen Toyota Innova - RM51k - RM79k

Many people call the Toyota Innova the poor man's Alphard, and as much as that sounds condescending, it's actually a compliment because it can deliver what the Alphard can, but at a cut price.

Despite not having any leather seats, the cabin of the Innova looks like a more affordable version of the Alphard. The multi-info instrument panel, the redesigned dashboard clad in material that looks much more premium than the outgoing model, the steering wheel, which comprised a combination of wood and leather, ambient lighting, impressive audio system, the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system (optional) all felt like it was trying to give people the Alphard experience at a cut price.

It might not be as well-built as a Mazda Biante or look as good as the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, but when it comes to fulfilling its duties as a people mover, the new Innova absolutely nails it. Plus, with all the bells and whistles like the ambient lighting, infotainment system with full-coloured touch screen, wooden trim running across the dashboard, you would actually be forgiven for thinking that this is actually a mini Alphard.

What we like

What we don't like

Great practicality

Not the best looker

Robust build backed by a reliable brand

No leather seats

Check out quality listings of Toyota Innovas
here
.

5) Maxus G10 - RM64k - RM70k

To be honest, we nearly forgot about the Maxus G10, but we're glad we didn't because this MPV from China offers near-passenger car comfort, hand-in-hand with the seating capacity of a football team.

It follows a similar template to the Starex in that it is a large multi-row MPV built on a ladder frame sporting a front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration, but it offered more refinement when compared to the MPV from Korea.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, power sunroof, electronic stability control, parking sensors, reverse camera, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto climate control, rear air-con vents, and leather seats.

If you think that's impressive, wait till you read about its powertrain.

The G10 is not powered by a noisy turbodiesel or a thirsty big-capacity petrol V6, but instead, it is equipped with a downsized turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine sending outputs of 225 hp and 345 Nm to the rear wheels via ZF's 6HP 6-speed automatic transmission.

What we like

What we don't like

Great practicality

Interior feels cheap on closer inspection

Affordable price

not many on the used car market

Check out listings for Maxus G10s on Carlist.my
here
.

Conclusion

Mode
l

Average Price

after 6 years

Road Tax

Honda Elysion

RM59k

RM780

Mazda Biante

RM63k

RM380

Toyota Innova

RM42k

RM380

Hyundai Grand Starex

RM74k

RM840

Maxus G10

RMN/A

RM380

Personally,i have always been a big fan of the Toyota Innova as its ladder frame chassis similarly used on the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner means it is one rugged MPV. Yes it might not have the best ride quality of all the MPVs listed up above, but the Innova will probably be the MPV to have the least amount of headaches and maintennace.

However, i am curious about the Maxus G10 as it presents good value for money for what you are getting. Its 2.0-litre engine is sourced from Volkswagen, and their relationship of assembling general motors and Volkswagen vehicles in China should mean that their cars are well put together. For the price they are going for now, you get a lot of modern features as well as plenty of room for your family.

Used Car Warranty with Warranty Smart

One of the downsides of buying a used car is that they are often not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Warranty Smart is an optional protection for any used car purchased under 10 years old.

Coverage starts from RM848 a year. Read more about Warranty Smart
here
.

How to use the Carlist.my to Find Your Perfect Car

So how do you find some of the safest SUVs below RM80,000 on Carlist.my?

Below is a tutorial on how to use Carlist’s advanced search feature to find your perfect used car:

1.Go to
Carlist.my

2.Click on the ‘Advanced Search’ on the left side below the search box

3.Select your filters, such as Body Type, Price and Brand

4.Happy Shopping!


Porsche Launches New Macan, From RM 455,000

One of Porsche's best sellers has finally received an update for our local market - it's the new Porsche Macan, launched at Porsche Centre Sungai Besi with a price that starts from RM 455,000. This base model variant comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine that puts out a good 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque - a mild improvement courtesy of better combustion chamber geometry. Metrics stand at 6.7 seconds for the century sprint, with a top speed of 225 km/h and a quoted fuel consumption of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometers.
The most obvious changes for the Macan are in the design, with a new light strip that runs the width of the rear - in line with the most current 911 and Cayman/Boxster models. There is a three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear as well, along with full LED headlights as standard and an optional Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus which will adaptively distribute lighting as you drive around.
From the front, the Macan looks wider as the edges of the bumper feature more vertical motifs, emulating that of their Le Mans winning 919 Hybrid car. Four new exterior colours are available - Mamba Green Metallic (as shown here), Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue (a popular choice among 911 owners), and Crayon (another popular choice for the 911 GT3 RS). Wheel diameters start at 18 inches as standard, and go up to 21 inches depending on which options you tick.
On the inside, the dashboard gets a minor update courtesy of a 10.9-inch touchscreen that takes up the lion's share of the available space. Considerably larger than its 7.2-inch predecessor, the interface can be adapted to suit personal requirements through personalized tiles - similar in operation to the Panamera and Cayenne. Connectivity is better as well, with two audio interfaces and intelligent voice control adding another layer of convenience.
Being a Porsche, there are plenty of options and ways to customize the Macan. A GT sports steering wheel and the ever present Sport Chrono package offer a sportier edge to the already sporty utility vehicle, with an air ioniser and heated windscreen popping up on the available options as well. The Macan Premium Package adds comfort and luxury features such as 14-way power seats with memory function, a comfort lighting package, Power Steering Plus, Park Assist including reversing camera, auto dimming mirrors, and a BOSE Surround Sound system.
For the best deals on a Porsche, click
here
.


Eight Malaysian teams to battle it out at the 2016 Shell Eco Marathon Asia

Eight Malaysian student teams from five universities are all set to take part in this year’s
Shell
 Eco Marathon Asia; a competition which simply requires students to build and drive the most energy efficient car.
The eight teams are will represent:
Monash University Malaysia
Multimedia University
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Teknologi MARA
It is said that the Malaysian teams will be competing against over 100 student teams from 16 countries across Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Set to take place in the Philippines from 3-6 March 2016 at a specially designed street circuit in Manila, the competition will see students challenging one another to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency in a real world urban environment.
The winners are determined by the mileage achieved on a litre of fuel, rather than speed. Split into two categories, teams may participate in either the “Prototype” or “UrbanConcept” vehicle categories of the competition.
While the Prototype category requires students to design cars of the future with an emphasis on maximising fuel efficiency through innovative design elements such as drag reduction, the UrbanConcept category will focus more on “roadworthy” fuel-efficient vehicles.
Aimed at meeting real-life needs of drivers, vehicles in the UrbanConcept category are required to look similar to the cars seen on the roads today.
So far, a total of more than 100 vehicles comprising both Prototype and UrbanConcept models have registered for this year’s competition.
According to Shell, vehicles in both Prototype and UrbanConcept categories may use any of the following energy types:
Petrol
Diesel
Alternative gasoline (ethanol 100)
Alternative diesel (Shell Gas-to-Liquid or fatty acid methyl ester) Battery
Hydrogen fuel cell
While results for the electrically-powered vehicles are measured in km per kilowatt hour (km/kWh), other categories will measure the results in km per litre (km/l).
In terms of design, students will have the freedom to exercise their creativity in technical and visual aspects, as long as they meet specific safety standards.
With 24 on-track awards and five off-track awards to be won, the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016’s flag-off ceremony will be held on 4 March at the Rizal Park, while the closing ceremony and awards presentation will be held on 6 March at Manila Hotel, Philippines.
The competition will also feature the newly introduced Energy Zone, which will allow visitors to experience an informative adventure into the future of energy sustainability.
Besides the competition, the third Shell ‘Powering Progress Together’ forum is also set to take place in Manila, where more than 250 thought leaders from business, government and civil societies around Asia Pacific will gather to discuss challenges and potential solutions surrounding global energy, water and food resources.
Building on a discussion on the energy-water-food stress nexus in 2014, and resilience in an urbanising world in 2015, this year’s forum will focus on “Collaboration for a Sustainable Future”. The Shell Powering Progress Together Forum 2016 will showcase and celebrate concrete examples of multi-sector collaborative action towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
 A live fan zone will also allow visitors to get close to the track, learn more about the challenge and grab a bite to eat.


130 Years Of Automobiles, Thanks To Carl and Bertha Benz

On this day 29
th
 January in 1886, Carl Benz submitted his patent application for his petrol powered automobile that he invented in 1885 – commonly referred to as the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen - to the German Imperial Patent Office in Berlin, thus paying the way to officially recognise the Benz's invention as the first car invented.
After much consideration, the German patent office finally granted Benz his patent on 2 November 1886.
Academically speaking, Benz’s Patent-Motorwagen was not the world’s first car. Hundreds of years earlier, several other inventors have already invented many contraptions that could be loosely described as a car.
Over 400 years earlier, Leonardo Da Vinci had already sketched an idea for a tiny spring powered, self-propelled vehicle – a design which has since been proven by modern day engineers to be perfectly sound.
Prior to the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, a French inventor had already built a working steam powered car that was big enough to carry a driver and a passenger, but it was too impractical and was not considered by most historians to be worthy of being recognised the world’s first car.
Benz’s three-wheeler ran petrol, could be steered with relative safety, had a reasonably long driving range and thus was considered to be a viable alternative to the horse carriage. It is for these reasons that the 1886 Patent-Motorwagen’s ‘registration papers,’ patent number DRP 37435 is regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile.
The document is now kept at the UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme, and is filed alongside other historically important papers like the Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta and Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor.
The Car – A Devil’s Carriage
To fully appreciate the work of Carl Benz and his wife Bertha, who was not until very recently, given due credit for her role in building the first car alongside Carl, one needs to understand the cultural context of 1886 Germany, specifically, Manheim in 1886.
People naturally fear what they don’t understand, and in 1886, the sight and sound of a noisy, smoke belching horseless carriage was quite shocking to the public.
In the deeply religious 19
th
 century Germany, many elders of the Church saw Benz’s work as something that came from the devil. They foolishly believed that man is not meant to travel in anything other than the horse.
For their pioneering thinking, Carl and his wife was rewarded with ridicule. The many years of toiling away quietly in his workshop, ostracised by his community, supported only by his wife made Carl a very reserved man. Though brilliant, he lacked the confidence to develop his invention to the public.
A year earlier, he conducted a public demonstration of his invention, shocking many locals. His early prototype was difficult to handle and the drive ended with Benz colliding against a wall, which attracted even more ridicule from the people around him.
The Woman Whom We All Need To Pay Homage To
Bertha Benz, Carl’s wife, was not a typical 19
th
 century Kaiser-era lady. She was a far more brilliant woman than what many earlier, male-centric historical accounts made her to be – many of which only mentioned her name in passing.
The only reason Bertha Benz’s name wasn’t registered on the patent was because German laws didn’t allowed it.
Carl Benz’s invention was entirely funded by Bertha, who poured her marriage dowry into her husband’s company Benz & Cie. However under German regulations of that time, a spouse cannot be recognised as an investor and thus Bertha had no legal rights over an invention that was realised using her own money.
Bertha also worked alongside Carl in the workshop, and had a good understanding of the vehicle’s mechanics. She would go on to become the first mechanic when she had to conduct the world’s first road side repairs – fixing problems with the engine’s chain drive, ignition, and brakes – when she secretly took the car out for a long distance test drive without her husband’s knowledge.
Although Carl had already been granted the patent, there was still much to be done to make his invention commercially viable. Even though his invention is now in its third iteration already, Patent-Motorwagen Type III, Carl was not convinced that his invention was ready to be marketed, Bertha thought otherwise and the couple argued over the matter.
To prove her point, Bertha, together with her two sons, secretly took the Benz Patent-Motorwagen out to embark on a 106 km journey from Manheim to her mother’s home in Pforzheim. It would be the world’s first long distance drive on a car.
At that time, there were no tarred roads, no road signs, no automobile mechanics or repair shop, and certainly no petrol stations.
They encountered several problems along the way, and Bertha solved each of them by improvising whatever she could find along the way.
When her engine stalled, she identified the cause to be a blocked fuel line, which she cleared using her hairpin. She fixed the ignition by using garters from her stockings. When the car’s primitive wooden block brakes couldn’t survive the journey, she asked a cobbler to nail leather patches on them, thus inventing the world’s first brake pads.
She made notes on which component needed improvements – such as the need to upgrade the car's existing two-speed transmission with one more lower gear for climbing up steep inclines, and tougher wearing brake pads, thus making her the world’s first test driver.
She arrived in Pforzheim late in the evening, and promptly sent a telegram back to her husband telling him that his invention can work.
In Germany, they even made a movie to commemorate her contribution to the automotive industry – the story of her decision to embark on that fateful Manheim-Pforzheim starts from 1:11:45.
Then And Now – From 0.75 hp to 585 hp
Here’s a look at how far we’ve progressed within the last 130 years.
The oldest surviving Patent-Motorwagen that’s still in its original condition currently belongs to the London’s Science Museum. It was brought from Germany to England via one Emile Rogers. Details were sketchy but Daimler believes that this is very likely to be the same car driven by Bertha Benz.


Ford Ranger Sales Surge as Strong Demand Continues

Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the authorized distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia recently announced that the Ford Ranger pickup truck is continuing to build on its popularity in Malaysia.
In the first quarter of 2019, the Ranger boosted its market share in the pickup truck segment to 20.1%, which is 4.8% higher than the same period last year.
“We are delighted with the strength in demand of the new Ford Ranger lineup, in particular the response to the Ranger Raptor, which has opened a new segment for the pickup truck category – premium performance truck,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Available in nine variants, the Ford Ranger is priced between RM103,888 (Ranger XL) and RM199,888 (Ranger Raptor) in Malaysia.
The Ranger has also earned numerous awards in Malaysia since its debut in 2012, including the ‘Pickup Truck of the Year’ at the Carlist.my People’s Choice Awards & Editors’ Choice Award in 2018.
Speaking of the Ranger, SDAC has also just concluded the ‘Buy a new Ranger and win a Ranger Raptor’ contest.
The contest, which ran from 25th October 2018 to 31st January 2019 in conjunction with the launch of the New Ford Ranger, saw Shahrul Iman bin Sulaiman from Pahang who purchased a Ranger XLT Plus emerging as the winner.
Looking for a new Ford? Find the best deals
here
.


Proton Mengorak Langkah - Saga Dipasang Di Pakistan

Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (
Proton
) mencatatkan peningkatan perdagangan antarabangsa dan aktiviti eksport apabila Proton Saga telah berjaya dihasilkan oleh barisan pengeluaran yang dikendalikan oleh Al-Haj Automotive, pengedar eksklusif Proton di Pakistan.

Dalam majlis yang dirasmikan oleh Presiden Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi menyaksikan
Saga
 sebagai model pertama Proton yang dipasang di kilang pengeluaran baharu Al-Haj Automotive di Karachi yang bernilai 20 juta USD.

Menurut Proton, potensi jualan pasaran Pakistan menjadi aspek penting bagi rancangan Proton untuk berkembang di pasaran eksport di masa hadapan dengan kapasiti permulaan sebanyak 25,000 unit setahun.

Bercakap pada majlis pelancaran itu, Hilal Khan Alfridi, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif bagi Al-Haj Automotive berkata kejayaan pemasangan
Proton Saga
 di Pakistan merupakan kemuncak kerja keras dan usaha yang tidak kenal penat lelah oleh Proton, keseluruhan pasukan Al-Haj dan pembekalnya.

Beliau berkata dengan segala kesukaran dalam penguatkuasaan menangani COVID-19, pihaknya terus berusaha untuk membina kilang baharu.

“Sehubungan itu, kami yakin ia akan mencatatkan standard industri baharu dan membolehkan kami untuk memperkenalkan lebih banyak produk yang menepati piawaian kualiti antarabangsa yang ditentukan oleh pihak Proton,” jelasnya lagi.

Proton juga menjelaskan model X70 akan menjadi model kedua yang akan dipasang di negara tersebut selepas penghantaran terakhir 154 unit import sepenuhnya (
CBU
) pada 17 Oktober lepas, menjadikan jumlah eksport model CBU ke negara tersebut adalah sebanyak 602 unit.

Proton X70
 yang dilancarkan pada Disember 2020, mendapat liputan meluas di Pakistan kerana kombinasi rekacipta, teknologi dan ciri keselamatannya. Pelancaran kenderaan utiliti sukan (
SUV
) segmen C ini pula dijadualkan pada Disember nanti.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah berkata pihak Al-Haj telah menerima sebanyak 2,500 unit tempahan bagi Saga dan lebih daripada 2,000 unit tempahan bagi X70, satu permintaan yang tinggi untuk kedua-dua model Proton, walaupun berdepan cabaran melibatkan operasi Proton di Pakistan akibat COVID-19.

“Dengan penghantaran terakhir unit CBU dalam perjalanan, pemasangan tempatan telah bermula bagi Saga, juga X70 akan dihasilkan sebelum akhir tahun ini, kami akhirnya dapat mengorak langkah kehadapan untuk memenuhi permintaan pasaran,” katanya.

Dengan jualan eksport menjadi pengukuh untuk mencapai hasrat jangka masa panjang, komitmen Proton terhadap pasaran di Pakistan menjangkau penghantaran unit pemasangan tempatan (
CKD
) dan alat ganti yang lain.

Ia juga meliputi sokongan sumber manusia, dimana seramai 20 kakitangan Proton yang mempunyai pelbagai kepakaran dalam bidang berkaitan pengilangan, telah ditempatkan di Karachi untuk membantu dalam proses pemasangan.