#STAYATHOME And Play These Awesome Racing Games

The Movement Control Order has us safely holed up at home, doing our part to flatten the infection curve of the COVID-19 virus, but it also puts some distance between us and our beloved cars.

While that’s all for the greater good, not being able to drive around and go about our business comes with a certain kind of grinding boredom. For the Malaysian car enthusiast, it’s got us crawling up our own walls in frustration.

The last thing you should do, however, is hop in the car for any reason - especially frivolous ones - other than to restock on essential supplies and food. But there is a way to scratch that itch and be back behind the wheel. Virtually, of course.

Video games make for the perfect outlet and time-killer for the homebound and activity-deprived. Better still, if you’re not familiar with the latest titles, the quality of driving/racing games has grown by leaps both in realism and graphical fidelity.

We’ve grouped the best games into handy categories too. So go ahead and pick your poison:

Forza Horizon 4 (PC, Xbox One)

Open World Expanse

We find ourselves in Great Britain with a sprawling map that includes Edinburgh, lush fields, picturesque coasts, mountain peaks, and muddy countryside, all of which changes and adapts to a new weather season each week. There’s also 450 different cars to play with, and no rules about where you can and can’t go. It doesn’t take much convincing from there.

In terms of raw content, Horizon 4 is as dense as it gets. The gameplay itself does veer into the arcade side of things but handling remains weighty and satisfying, rewarding players for clean and precise driving. There’s a good deal of car customisation as well to finely tweak every car in your collection.

Its online multiplayer system and social component is probably the most robust and has a huge community of active users for community races and events. Small wonder that the Forza Horizon series is the undisputed champion of the open world racing game.

Project CARS 2 (PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4)

Simulation Mastery

If there were a recurring criticism with Forza Horizon 4, it would be that the cars don’t sound especially true to life, which is the exact opposite in Project Cars 2. Every sonic nuance is recreated here in stunning detail, and the exhaust notes are as full, layered, and intimidating as they should be.

While there are ‘only’ around 200 cars to drive here, each one offers a vastly different experience, showcasing the game’s supremely crafted handling and physics.

This game offers a class-leading realistic virtual driving experience across a wide variety of racing disciplines and an unrivalled collection of real world tracks.

Developer Slightly Mad Studios set out to create the consummate motorsports video game, and with Project CARS 2, they’ve certainly set a new benchmark. You could spend days buried in career mode yet only scratch the surface of what the game has to offer. For best results, play on PC with wheel/pedal system.

DiRT 4 (PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4)

Puddle Of Mud (In A Great Way)

For those of us who spent our childhood mastering Colin McRae Rally on the PS1, this should feel like a return to the altar of the great and powerful Codemasters. They’ve been the yardstick ever since and have not yielded the throne, evidenced by their newest games.

Unlike its addictive but very challenging pure rallying sim cousin DiRT Rally 2.0, DiRT 4 is more loose with the rules while retaining that same foundation.

There’s still plenty of realistic rally action involving you storming down a dark and narrow country road at stupid speeds while someone in a quirky accent shouts pace notes at you. But hey, at least you can ignore your co-driver after getting to grips with the game’s custom rally stage builder.

Make no mistake, though, DiRT 4 is realistic and intense, using its often breathtaking visuals and sound (that anti-lag exhaust bark never gets old) to maximum effect, but it also mixes things up for the sake of pure fun with rally cross and Baja Trophy Truck events as well as a deep career mode. It can be a symphony of mud and dusty chaos, but you’ll be smiling the whole time.

Need For Speed Heat (PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4)

Neon Indulgence

The NFS franchise has been around the block a few times (since 1994) and has gone through so many re-inventions and spin-offs and reboots that keeping track isn’t worth the headache. In its nearly 3 decade run, it has evolved into what seems to be world’s default arcade racer.

This newest instalment doubles down once again on the street racing scene and seems much more like a sequel to the 2003 title, Need For Speed: Underground, than its predecessors.

There’s a decent (if not groundbreaking) story campaign along with all the series’ staples making a return; there’s a hilarious abundance of nitrous boosts, neon light kits, lengthy police pursuits, and easy drifts in place of braking.

While it is a big departure if you’re used to Gran Turismo or Project CARS, do your best to suspend your disbelief - this is a video game after all. Plenty of mind-numbing fun will be your reward. The Miami-like open world map of Palm City is packed with exploring potential and the visuals looks spectacularly detailed, even if its colour palette is a little excessive. Those meticulous graphics extends to the cars, regardless of which insane mod you throw onto it.

Wreckfest (PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4)

A Kick In The Teeth

Just for laughs, Wreckfest seems to want to spit in the face of every racing simulator out there, hoping it would lead to a rough and tumble fist fight. And that’s why we love it. The objective here to race dirty and brute-force yourself to victory.

Every ‘race’ here is demolition derby, which just the kind of stress killer every petrolhead needs to vent the annoyances of being a law abiding road user in real life (hopefully). But rather than taking things too over-the-top, the genius of Wreckfest is in - ironically - how grounded it is.

Car physics is actually quite realistic and the crash/crumple damage each car takes is difficult to fault. Sure, it’s a game based on destroying your opponents and potentially causing serious injury, but your car can just as easily be turned into a pile of twisted metal if you’re not smart about how you play, even if you think your custom zombie apocalypse machine is invincible.

It plays like a serious motorsports game if motorsport rules never became a thing. Your car behaves differently depending on how much punishment it’s taken and where, requiring you to adjust your driving style even when you’re racing double decker cars or repurposed school buses…or a couch. It’s a riot.


2015 Honda CR-V Facelift Launched In Malaysia: New 2WD Variant Debuts

Right
after a very successful year
 that welcomed the all-new, all-conquering
Honda Jazz
 and
Honda City
, Honda Malaysia are kicking off the year with this rather unexpected hit, the
Honda CR-V
 facelift – we say unexpected because you, like us, would probably have been expecting its smaller and much-hyped HR-V to debut before this. Surprise!

Taking nothing away from the smaller
HR-V that’s due to launch next month
 (February), here is the new 2015 Honda CR-V: adorned with a refreshed look, some added kit, and a whole new variant to spice things up since the all-new model made its
local debut 2013.

On top of the ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’s’ new looks, what ought to also catch your attention is the option of a third CR-V variant, the 2.0 i-VTEC with 2WD (FWD), which slots in nicely at the base of the range –
don’t say we didn’t warn you!
 The previous 2.0-litre model with 4WD is elevated to being the mid-range model, while the top-spec is still the
2.4-litre 4WD
.

Buyer’s Guide:

Despite the many changes brought forward for the CR-V through its global model update, the Malaysian-spec CR-V benefits mostly through an exterior design update, an interior shake-up and a new base model introduction. The new 2.0L 2WD CR-V expands the car’s price range from RM150k (2.0L 4WD) to RM169k (2.4L 4WD), to a new RM139k (2.0L 2WD) to RM169k (2.4L 4WD).

Honda Malaysia’s impressive five-year warranty with unlimited mileage is extended to the new 2015 CR-V, and includes the six free labour services (with alternate paid service until 100,000km).

PRICES ( OTR with insurance):

Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD: RM139,800

Honda CR-V 2.0L 4WD: RM150,800

Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD: RM169,800

KEY SPECS: 2015 Honda CR-V 2.0L/ CR-V 2.4L

Engine: 2.0-litre i-VTEC SOHC/ 2.4-litre i-VTEC DOHC

Transmission: Five-speec torque converter automatic

Drive: 2WD/ 4WD

Power: 155PS @ 6,500rpm/ 190PS @ 7,000rpm

Torque: 190Nm @ 4,300rpm/ 222Nm @ 4,400rpm

Fuel Consumption: 13km/litre  (2.0L 2WD), 12.2km/litre (2.0L 4WD), 11.78km/litre (2.4L 4WD)

So what’s new?

PERFORMANCE:
The powertrain department has been left unchanged by Honda Malaysia, despite the new CR-V introducing a CVT transmission in other regions of the globe. The trusty and conventional five-speed automatic transmission (5AT) is maintained, whilst paired with either 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre engines. The 4WD variants will also continue to feature Honda’s Real-Time 4WD system.

Also limited to the 2.4L 4WD variant are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

NEW 2.0L 2WD
: Sending power to the front wheels, the new Honda CR-V 2.0L bears the familiar 2.0 itre i-VTEC SOHC engine, which delivers 155PS and 190Nm of torque. It’s only natural to also expect better fuel economy for the 2WD CR-V, and to aid this is an ECON Mode Switch Button which tones down throttle response and remaps the transmission shift points to emphasise fuel efficiency. The 2.0L 2WD also weighs 20kg less than the 2.0L 4WD, and 40kg less than the 2.4L 4WD.

But just because prices are a bit more affordable for this variant, it doesn’t mean the 2.0L 2WD falls short with spec by any measure. The base variant benefits from Smart Entry with Push-Start Button, the new LED daytime running lights, an eight-way driver power seats, and more. It’s no slouch for safety either, with four airbags, Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill-Start Assist, a Reverse Camera with Rear Parking sensor and much more.

Exterior Styling:

One of the key highlights of this CR-V’s update is seen on its exterior, with the car adopting new LED daytime running lights that surround the bi-xenon projector headlamps, a new front grille design, new 18-inch alloy wheels (for 2.4-litre only, 2.0L get 17-inch).

The level of exterior design can be further enhanced by Honda’s Modulo packages, which are split in two options: the Aero Package, and the Elegant Package. Here’s what extra you gets on each of these packages – bear in mind that you can mix and match these packages to your liking:

AERO PACKAGE: RM6,000

Tailgate Spoiler

Front Aero Bumper

Running Board (side steps)

Rear Aero Bumper

Exhaust Pipe Finisher

ELEGANT PACKAGE: RM4,500

Tailgate spoiler

Running Board

Tailgate garnish

Exhaust Pipe Finisher

Front Bumper Garnish

UTILITY PACKAGE (interior): RM3,000

Puddle light

Illuminated side step

Cargo tray & net

Door visor

Trunk organiser

Front foot light & rear foot light

URBAN PACKAGE (interior): RM2,650

Cargo step protector

Illuminated side step

Cargo tray and net

Door visor

Trunk Organiser

Front foot light & rear foot light

Interior Design and Features:

Inside, the CR-V maintains its familiar appeal, but has been embellished with a few new treats that keen eyes may have already spotted. Firstly, there’s a new radio head unit for the mid- and high-spec CR-V 2.0L 4WD and 2.4L 4WD.

INFOTAINMENT
: The previous 6.1-inch display screen has been replaced by a new, larger, 7.0-inch display audio system – both variants of the car feature the same head unit, but the range-topping 2.4-litre gets the same, with an additional Navigation feature as standard. All the car’s infotainment is managed within, with HDMI (only for 2.4L), Bluetooth, MP3 and USB connectivity.

The base 2.0-litre 2WD model gets a more basic integrated Audio 1 CD with MP3 compatibility.

Further up, the i-MID display screen which houses all your rear-time trip displays is maintained as the good ol’ five-inch screen. Here, rear-view camera displays are also available for all variants of the CR-V.

LANEWATCH:
 Bringing forward what’s good on the Honda Accord, the CR-V 2.4L gets the impressive Honda LaneWatch system, which displays a camera view of the driver’s left side blind spot when the signal indicator is directed to the left. Pair this with the multi-angle rear-view camera (on all variants), and there’s a pretty good sweet spot for surrounding visibility. But is it a match for the X-Trail’s Surround-View Monitor?

POWER SEATS:
 Another new item for the entire range of new Honda CR-Vs is the availability of an eight-way power adjustable driver seats.

Safety Features:

Honda is maintaining its generous standard safety features across all variants, with only the top-spec 2.4L 4WD benefitting from an extra two side curtain airbags. Apart from this, it’s a standard four airbags (dual front SRS, side), ABS, EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), reverse camera with rear parking sensors, Security Alarm with Ultrasonic, rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors and more.


Police Outriders Kena Transfer For Escorting MP's Son in Penang

The two
police outriders
 who went viral for escorting an MP's son in
Penang
 back in May 2022 have been transferred.

An article posted by
The Star
 earlier today stated that the two corporals were transferred to two different police headquarters located in Grik and Padang Besar. The move took place around three weeks ago and after both of them was reassigned to administrative duties pending the investigation.

Investigation still ongoing in Putrajaya

It seems that the case is still ongoing in Putrajaya and waiting for the next course of action from the deputy public prosecutor's office. It was also mentioned that the Penang police had opened 'disciplinary investigation papers' for performing duties without official instructions.

The 20-second video that went viral in May showed the son of an MP being escorted through Jalan Bukit Gambir in George Town, Penang. As for the transfer, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin stated that the action was taken under Rule 36 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.


2017 Toyota C-HR – Open For Bookings In Japan

Toyota announced today the specifications for the Japanese-market Toyota C-HR, and that it will be accepting bookings for its crossover model in early November.
Aimed at Honda’s dominating
HR-V,
 which is also known as the Vezel in Japan, the Japanese market Toyota C-HR will be offered with two engine options – a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid that’s shared with the Prius, and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol that already powers the Japanese/European market Auris.
In total, there will be four variants – standard S and S-T grades, and premium G and G-T grades. Variants the ‘T’ monicker denotes a turbocharged engine.
All models will come with Toyota Safety Sense P – the company’s suite of active safety features that includes Pre-collision System with a pedestrian detection function, radar cruise control, Lane Departure Alert (with steering control), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.
Built on Toyota’s latest TNGA architecture, the C-HR promises greater driver engagement than other similar offering by Toyota in the past. The C-HR rides on newly developed Macpherson struts suspension in front and double-wishbones in the rear. Toyota adds that large-diameter stabilizers and SACHS shock absorbers with optimized damping characteristics provides superior steering stability and a comfortable ride.
Rather than relying on just traditional welding methods, advanced adhesives were used in body joints to improve body rigidity, and thus improving steering stability and comfortable ride.
For optimal fuel efficiency, the hybrid variant rides lower, measuring 1,550 mm tall, versus 1,565 mm for the turbocharged model.
The LED headlamps also feature LED turn signals that light up sequentially, giving it an animated pattern, a first for a Toyota model.
Another party trick is its puddle light (located under the wing mirror) that projects an image of the C-HR logo to the ground.
Prices in Japan will be announced later in November.
The Toyota C-HR is a global model and thus is very likely to make its way into this region. Realistically however, introduction of global Toyota models in the ASEAN region typically takes place one year after their global debut. This is to allow sufficient time to setup a viable local assembly operations for the model. Considering that our region’s automotive policy favours local/regionally-assembled vehicles, the C-HR can only be expected to be introduced in Malaysia in 2018, most probably imported from either Thailand or Indonesia.


Carlist.my DRIVE Roadshow Merdeka Edition Draws Over 27,000 Visitors

The
Carlist.my DRIVE Roadshow Merdeka Edition
 concluded its 4-day extravaganza last month with over
27,000 visitors
 and over
 RM3 million in estimated sales value
.

Held at the
IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Center
 from 25-28 August 2022, a number of participating brands and partners drew up quite a crowd in conjunction with the launch of the new wing at the IOI City Mall in Putrajaya.

27,000 folks in attendance

Thousands flocked to the new convention center to check out all of the participating brands which included
CARSOME
, Toyota, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Cycle & Carriage, Subaru, and Hyundai. Close to 20 bookings were placed during the event with an estimated sales value of over RM3 million.

Folks were also able to view some of the latest offerings from other participating brands like Renault, in particular the new
Renault Zoe EV
. Other partners that helped to bring in the big numbers were Trapo, 70mai, Regal Valet, Liqui Moly, Goodyear, Treeletrik, and Monster Energy just to name a few.

On-ground activity for the whole family

A number of KOLs were also present at the Carlist.my DRIVE Roadshow Merdeka Edition including the likes of Danny One, Cassey Soo, Jeff China, Sam Mak plus of course Carlist.my Ambassador, Zen Low!

While the moms and dads were busy checking out all the cars and gear on show, other on-ground activities were also organised to ensure that the entire family had a good time at the roadshow. This included pour coffee by HWC, free Monster Energy drinks, a racing simulator set up by Trapo, and custom t-shirts courtesy of Rexagon.

Stick around and stay in touch as there will be more DRIVE roadshow events happening in the future!


Yuna and Mercedes-Benz Pay Tribute to Women around the World

So, the International Women’s Day just took place last week, and almost everyone around the world took the opportunity to pay their tributes in many ways.
Even Mercedes-Benz, through its initiative called ‘She’s Mercedes’, joined forces with popular Malaysian singer Yuna and came up with a video which tells the story of feminine energy and female unity, envisioning a utopian community based on diversity, warm fellowship and a regal attitude.
Titled ‘Female Bond’, the video basically shows how Yuna, as well as other women share their perception of dreams, reality, before they “connect” with one another in the midst of cactus fields and green hills.
The video then ends with a scene which shows what appears to be like a single mother and her daughters, with their lovely Mercedes-Benz convertible of course, heading off to have a good time; discreetly portraying how strong, selfless, and independent women can be.


PHS Automotive Set To Revive Audi In Malaysia

Audi is set for a new lease of life in Malaysia thanks to PHS Automotive Malaysia.

Audi is
about to be rejuvenated
 in Malaysia as PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has announced that it will be the official distributor of the Audi brand in the country.

Wholly owned by European automotive specialist Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS), PHSAM will be representing the wholesale, marketing and aftersales for the Audi brand in Malaysia.

Leading the PHSAM team are its two Managing Directors, Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner. They are no strangers in Malaysia as they also hold the Managing Director position at sister company Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).

“The premium automotive landscape is extremely competitive, and we have plenty to do and multiple challenges to overcome, but we are fully committed to the growth of the Audi brand. Our focus will be on strengthening the SUV, S line and Quattro range, with electrification playing a major role in the Company’s future planned roadmap,’’ said Erik.

Management processes are already in place, with other priorities being expanding aftersales services and strengthening the existing dealer network.

“Customer satisfaction is top of the list for us, and we recognise the importance of a strong working relationship with our dealer partners to grow and reach our targets and enhance the ownership experience for our customers,” added Kurt.

The present product line-up includes a selection of sedans, sportbacks and SUVs such as the
A5
, A7,
Q3
,
 Q5
 and Q8, and performance RS models.

Audi cars purchased from 1st of July will also be offered with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

The Audi brand currently serves its customers and owners via Audi Centres located in Juru and Glenmarie, and an authorised Service Centre in Ipoh. The Audi Centre in Setia Alam will resume operations on the 1st of August 2022.


SAIC-GM-Wuling Sets Up Shop in Indonesia, 700 Million USD Facility

In the last few months we've heard of more and more Chinese brands looking into expanding their operations into our part of the world. One of the most effective ways to get around high import duties for ASEAN markets is to set up shop within ASEAN itself, which is what companies like Geely have been doing in various countries to take advantage of AFTA. SAIC-GM-Wuling (Wuling) has just started production at their 700 million USD plant based in Indonesia, and the first model they will be producing is the Confero S MPV.
Wuling is effectively a joint-venture between SAIC and GM, but SAIC has many other separate joint venture entities around the region. While this may be Wuling's first production facility outside of China, SAIC themselves set up a major regional production hub for MG in Thailand towards the end of last year. This is in addition to their existing MG production facility in Thailand, so the company isn't exactly inexperienced when it comes to running a plant outside of China.
The plant itself is fairly impressive for a first attempt in Indonesia: at 600,000 square meters and with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units, this plant is poised to serve not just Indonesia but handle future export markets as well. All of this is only 15 years after the Wuling entity was established, and just last year the company managed to record just over 2 million units in sales in China alone.


Isuzu Malaysia retains top spot in commercial vehicles segment

Isuzu Malaysia
 announced today that it has once again retained its No.1 position in the commercial vehicles segment for 2015.
Having sold 6,387 vehicles compared to the 6,321 in 2014 (66 units more), this is the second consecutive year in which the company grabbed the top spot, ahead of rivals like Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso.
Buoyed by a significant growth in demand of close to 100% for its Forward medium-duty and Giga heavy-duty and prime mover trucks, Isuzu continued its domination of the Malaysian truck market, taking a commanding 36.2% share of the market.
Speaking upon release of the 2015 market report by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Kenji Matsuoka attributed the weaker economic sentiment and the heightened customer-centric efforts by the company contributed towards Isuzu’s success in becoming the brand of choice.
“In recent years, we embarked on various customer-centric programmes that focused beyond the present-day requirements of customers. Whether it is to enhance the dealership network or to improve on our parts availability, every effort has been made to ensure our customers are well looked-after today and in the future,” said Matsuoka.
Looking for an Isuzu? Find one at
Carlist.my
 now!


Why The All-New Haval H6 Is Proton X70’s Worst Nightmare

There’s good reason to believe that Great Wall Motors'
recently announced grand Malaysia plans
 are to be led by their SUV-centric brand Haval, and that the H6 will be the tip of the spear. Here’s why:

Far from being the newest entrant in Haval’s growing range of models, the H6 actually spent a bit of its history teased as a car to be offered to Malaysian buyers. Despite a lot of swirling rumours, ultimately an official local launch never materialised to join the H1, H2,
and H9 a few years ago
.

Haval H6 incoming - Proton X70 in trouble?

Fast forward to 2022, the Chinese automotive brand is keen to re-enter the country in earnest with much more gusto than the sheepish approach taken with their previous attempt. Now not only does Haval have a more established line-up, it boasts world-class powertrains, design, and technology features.

Alongside this are its newer sister marques under GWM such as Ora, TANK, and POER who have also been committed to join the Malaysian offensive to offer EVs, 4x4s, and pick-up trucks, respectively. However, leave no doubt that Haval is the one that stands to gain the most customers.

What Is The Haval H6?

Brands have rightly chosen certain cars to debut in a certain market in order to kick off with the most momentum. In 2018, Proton chose the X70 to mark its new era with partners Geely, which is a badge-engineered and
only lightly altered Boyue
. The order books were quick to fill.

Like the X70, the Haval H6 is a C-segment SUV, but one that’s now entered its 3rd-generation as of 2020, making it a few years more current than the vehicle the Proton is based on. Even a quick glance at its design signals modernity and aesthetic poise that’s uncommon from a non-premium automotive brand.

For all the same reasons, the H6 stands to be received just as warmly. Its size conforms to the needs of the majority of SUV buyers - plenty big but not excessively so - while it boasting impressive equipment levels and build quality. On a more subjective level, the H6 even makes the X70 look a little dated both inside and out.

Haval H6 - Price Factor

Of course, all this only matters if Haval can deliver a product that remains impressive relative to its price. That was the Proton X70, and later X50’s, ace in the hole. GWM knows that it can only achieve this kind of value to buyers if it engages in local assembly. And thankfully, it looks like they’re planning to do exactly that.

They’ve certainly got the resources to establish a factory within our borders and, failing that, are already assembling the H6 in neighbouring Thailand if the Malaysian launch doesn’t coincide with the CKD plant being finished. Remember the X70 was on sale for 2 years as a CBU
before being locally assembled
.

Haval H6 - A Clear Powertrain Advantage

Though we’d hazard the concession that the H6 wins handily in a prettiness content with its shape that has echoes of the VW Tiguan and even a little Jaguar F-Pace, it might be the breadth of choice between petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains that stands to be the H6’s biggest draw.

It’s built on GWM’s unfortunately named
LEMON platform
, which was engineered from the start to support multiple propulsion solutions, including pure electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cells (FCEV). For now, Haval hasn’t taken it that far, but recently unveiled the first H6-based PHEV for the Thai market.

Its powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s paired to an electric motor for a stout combined output of 326hp and 530Nm. Most shocking, though, is its pure electric range of 201km (measured on the NEDC test cycle)!

Haval has not disclosed the exact capacity of its hybrid battery, but given that it’s enough to propel the H6 without invoking the combustion engine further than some dedicated EVs leads us to believe its pretty friggin big, perhaps with an energy capacity in excess of 40kWh. Again, this would make it larger than the one found in the Hyundai Kona Electric e-Plus (39.9kWh), the MINI Cooper SE (32.6kWh), or the Mazda MX-30 (35.5kWh).

If a PHEV isn’t to your taste, the H6 has you covered on most fronts with
a series hybrid alternative
 that uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine (albeit down-tuned) and electric motor as the PHEV for equal peak torque of 530Nm but instead uses a 1.8kWh battery to boost low speed efficiency for fuel economy gains.

Apart from this, there’s also a good amount of conventional variants powered by internal combustion, and this spectrum of electrification is dependent on the sales strategy at play based  on where its being sold. Given that Thailand gets both flavours of hybrid, Malaysia should follow suit besides possibly offering a 2.0-litre turbo with 200hp and 320Nm to either front wheels or all-wheel drive.

In contrast, Proton seems very keen on streamlining around a single engine, that being the 1.5-litre (JLH-3G15TD) turbocharged 3-cylinder that originally featured on the X50 Flagship, but is now the engine on all variants of the X70 except for the range-topper, supplanting the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo, opening
a new engine manufacturing facility
 to service this goal.

Should Proton Be Worried?

If GWM play their cards right and introduce the H6 as a powerhouse of features and value, there’s no denying that the X70 will have quite a formidable opponent to contend with. Out of all the possible newcomers to challenge Proton’s sales crown in C-segment SUVs, even counting those coming from China, Haval definitely poses the biggest threat.

The most worrying thing for Proton is the deficit in powertrain technology. Neither the X70 nor its overseas market counterparts (Boyue, Azkarra, Emgrand X7 Sport) have any form of electrification   currently forthcoming.

That said, this is likely to change in dramatic fashion with the all-new - due in 2022 - Geely Boyue that’s built on the much more contemporary Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) vehicle platform shared with the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, and various Lynk & Co models.

Should the current X70 start to lose ground to the incoming Haval H6, there’s definitely hope on the horizon that most, if not all, of its shortcomings will be rectified by its successor. When that does happen, it should be a very close and entertaining fight in which only the consumer (all of us) stands to benefit.


Petrol vs Diesel - Why I Drive a Diesel Instead

While petrol and diesel engines essentially do the same thing, they mechanically operate differently and produce different outcomes. What is the difference between diesel and petrol engines?

When we think of
diesel cars
, we think of run-down noisy trucks that constantly belch black smoke. While this perception is justified, those so-called trucks are usually of the older generation from yesteryears, driven by commercial drivers whose companies refuse to invest in newer vehicles.

Unfortunately, that's the prevalent image many of us conjure when discussing diesel vehicles. However, with powertrain technology advancing a lot in the past two decades, they have made diesel engines sufficiently smooth and refined, which can be used in private passenger vehicles and even luxury ones.

But what is the difference between Petrol and diesel engines? Why are some cars fitted with it, and what are the general misconceptions regarding diesel engines?To get to the bottom of all these questions, we must first understand the main difference between a diesel and a petrol engine.

The main difference between Diesel and Petrol engines

Picture credit: Valvoline

In a broad sense, diesel and gasoline engines are similar. They are both internal combustion engines (ICEs), created precisely to convert their fuel into mechanical energy.

The key difference between them is how these combustions occur. In petrol engines, fuel is first mixed with air and then compressed by pistons, where sparks from spark plugs then ignite it. In diesel engines, the air is compressed before it gets mixed with the fuel. Since the air heats up when compressed, it makes the fuel ignite.

Why are some cars fitted with diesel engines?

Traditionally, vehicles that are considered a workhorse, such as trucks and lorries, are fitted with diesel engines. They are fitted with diesel engines because slow-combusting diesel engines are proven to be fuel efficient and can achieve higher torque at lower speeds.

Since they are heavy cars which get heavier through the load that they carry, they need a lot of torque to get them going. They also move around a lot, which is why it makes sense to go with an engine that is fuel efficient.

Diesel VS Petrol Pros and Cons

If these workhorses are fitted with petrol engines, they would need to be engines with larger displacements to get the same amount of torque, and the con of that is that they would drink more fuel and also raise road tax costs.

The primary disadvantage of diesel engines is that they are expensive to manufacture, and the emissions they create are worse than petrol engines. However, modern diesel engines are better when it comes to emissions, which we will cover down below.

Generally, some cars are fitted with petrol engines because they are more potent by way of horsepower. This is why most high-performance cars, such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis come exclusively with petrol engines. Not only can they produce more horsepower, but they are easier to tune. Another advantage of petrol engines is that Petrol is also usually cheaper than diesel. However, a petrol engine's lifespan is usually shorter than a diesel's.

Common perceptions of diesel engines

Diesel Engines are Dirty:
 True in the old days, but not anymore. Introductions of turbocharging and direct injection technology have revolutionized what's possible with a diesel engine. In addition, further refinement of the computer-controlled injectors has meant more complete and efficient fuel combustion, resulting in better and cleaner performance in modern diesel engines.

Better Fuel Consumption:
 Manufacturers usually publish 25% better fuel economy for diesel engines than a petrol motor of equivalent performance. This is mainly true in the real world, but with the caveat that you are hardly likely ever to match the claimed lab-tested figures. Of course, driving style plays a part too; the more aggressive you are with the throttle, the more fuel you burn - but you do burn less driving a diesel.

Maintenance Cost:
  The maintenance cost of diesel engines are traditionally higher than petrol vehicles, but the gap has shrunken considerably over the years. Oil changes cost more in diesel vehicles, and there is also the inevitable servicing cost of the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter, which you don't worry about in a petrol engine. That said, you don't have to bother yourself with changing spark plugs in a diesel.

Diesel Engines are Noisy:
 The moment you fire up a diesel engine, you are greeted by that familiar clattering sound. It is an inherent characteristic of a diesel engine that you have to live with. That being said, carmakers have been working very hard to refine the behaviour of diesel engines on the move. So, whilst your diesel car sounds a little like a lorry on idling, rest assured that most of them are as quiet and refined as you wish for when you get going.

Diesel Emissions – NOx, Diesel Particulates:
 Diesel engines emit high levels of nitrogen oxides, but sophisticated emission systems and filters in the modern car trap these dangerous particulates and prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.

Why I daily a diesel

A diesel-powered vehicle can be an ideal daily driver. If you spend as much time on the road as we do, a diesel vehicle could make sense as it is fuel efficient.

The other reason why I a daily a car with a diesel engine is because I live in a hilly area. Since diesel engines can give you plenty of low-down torque, it is ideal for me, as the climbs are not so arduous.

But truthfully, the main reason why I daily a diesel car is because it's purely out of choice. Since my beloved vehicle only came from the factory with either a 2.5-litre diesel or a 4.0-litre petrol engine, it was wiser to choose a diesel engine as the road tax and fuel cost of the petrol car with big petrol engine would leave me out of pocket.

Yes, I could have gotten a smaller car with a smaller diesel engine like the BMW 320d, but once again, I drive what I drive because I adore the car. Sometimes, it's not all about facts and figures, but more of "would you look back at your car when you are walking away from it" feeling.

Unfortunately, in my case, the lust is strong for a Land Rover Discovery, especially one with a 5-cylinder diesel engine, which in itself is a unique bit of kit. It also has seven seats, big cargo space and rugged four-wheel drive capabilities, making it the perfect runabout vehicle for daily duties.

To check out great used diesel cars & trucks available for sale on carlist.my, click
here
.


July 2016 New Vehicle Sales – Someone Left The Handbrakes On

After the 28 percent month-on-month increase in new vehicle sales recorded in June, July saw sales tumbling down by 26 percent, negating much of the gains earned in June.
Data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) revealed that total new vehicles sold in the first seven months of 2016 stands at 317,890 units, which is 16.5 percent lower than the same seven-month period last year.
Compounding the slow market is the short working month in July due to Hari Raya.
Highlights for July 2016:
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia continues its winning streak by overtaking Mazda. Not only is Mercedes-Benz now the top-selling European marque, overtaking not just BMW but also Ford and Volkswagen, the three-pointed star is now the fourth best-selling non-national brand, ranked just behind Nissan.
Archrival BMW might be ranked behind Mercedes-Benz but the white-blue roundel which is celebrating its
100
th
 anniversary
 is actually doing a lot better than last year. Year-to-date numbers for BMW show a 23 percent increase in sales, no doubt thanks to the reduction in prices for its EEV-compliant locally-assembled models.
BMW is expected to pull better numbers in the coming months with its recently launched
330e
, which at RM249k, is the cheapest plug-in hybrid on sale in the country. That is assuming that the company can ensure sufficient supply of the 330e to meet the demand.
Toyota reclaimed its third place position from Proton, but not necessarily due to its own efforts as Proton’s sales tumbled 45 percent while Toyota ceded 26 percent, nearly twice as much as second-placed Honda.
The phasing in of the
all-new Proton Persona
, and the upcoming
all-new Proton Saga
 also probably played a role in the sharp drop experienced by Proton.
Mazda also experienced a sharp drop of almost 50 percent, but this is due to upgrading works at the Mazda Malaysia assembly plant in Kulim. Deliveries of locally-assembled Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 3 models in July were sharply reduced following a five-week plant shutdown in June to upgrade its existing paint shop. We expect Mazda’s numbers to return back to normal in the following month.
While the automotive market has seen better days, several brands are bucking the trend. Volvo and Subaru are posting solid double digit growths for both month-on-month and year-on-year.
Volvo’s fortunes should improve further as the company continues to ramp up production of the locally-assembled
XC90 T8
 and the reduced prices EEV-compliant
Drive-E engine powered V40
 and the
XC60
, while Subaru’s wider range of locally-assembled models, which now includes the Forester as well as the XV, is gaining solid traction on the marketplace.


2017 Volvo XC60 Detailed In Video

Volvo unveiled the all-new
2017 XC60
 at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show last month. The previous generation Volvo XC60 was one of the earliest cars to offer autonomous emergency braking (AEB). For the current generation, the XC60 is now able to autonomously maneuver itself out of a potential accident.
In this walkaround video by Hans Nilsson, senior project manager for the Volvo XC60, he shows us various details of the new XC60.
Dimension wise, the new 2017 Volvo XC60 is 4688 mm long, 1658 mm tall and 1902 mm wide. Thanks to its SPA platform underpinnings, the new Volvo XC60 is 44 mm longer and 11 mm wider than its predecessor, yet sits closer to the ground that the model it replaces.
Globally, Volvo offers three trim levels for the 2017 XC60, Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Similar to all modern Volvo models, the front headlights are full LED, with the signature Thor hammer completing the looks up front. The tail lights are also LED-illuminated. Volvo also mentioned that buyers can opt for wheel sizes between 18 to 22 inches.
Trim levels aside, Volvo also said that the 2017 XC60 is available with three chassis tune, Standard, Sport and Air Suspension. The latter can be lowered by 2 inches to allow for easier cargo loading and unloading.
The interior of the 2017 Volvo XC60 continues their premium Swedish trend, with design elements plucked from the bigger XC90. Highlights include the Sensus Connect infotainment system with a large 9-inch touchscreen display, 12-inch driver display, clever underseat storage space, 360° Camera, Bowers & Wilkins audio system and driftwood interior trim.

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Safety levels are also enhanced, as Volvo has further fine tuned its City Safety system. Steer Assist now steers the XC60 out of a possible collision. Optionally, buyers can opt for Pilot Assist, Volvo's take on autonomous driving.
Volvo is offering a range of engines for the new 2017 XC60, including the range-topping T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. Lesser models can be had with Volvo's D4 or D5 diesel engines or T5 and T6 petrol engines. All the engines are 2.0-litre in capacity.


RM20 VEP Charge For Foreign Vehicles Entering Johor From Singapore Postponed To September

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) charge which was originally scheduled to begin on August 1 for foreign vehicle entering Malaysia via Johor (namely Singapore), has been postponed till September.

Speaking to
The Rakyat Post
, Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohamad said, “The postponement is to facilitate the fee collection system as part of a soft approach in introducing the VEP charge.”

He added that this will allow Singapore motorists sufficient time to prepare for the VEP charge. In addition, the month-long extension would allow them to be properly informed on the new charge that will take place at two of Johor’s land entry points.

However, the mechanism for the collection of the RM20 VEP fee collection has yet to be finalised as both the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at JB Sentral here and the Second Link in Gelang Patah need to be prepared for service with the likelihood of adopting the current gantry system for the collection process.


Mid-Mounted V8 Toyota Hilux All Ready To Conquer Dakar 2018

Toyota GAZOO Racing South Africa has prepared three Toyota Hilux pick-ups for the 40
th
 running of the Dakar Rally 2018, dubbed as the world’s toughest rally.
The team continues their partnership with driver-navigator pairing of Giniel de Villiers from South Africa and Dirk von Zitzewitz from Germany in Hilux number 304. The pair last won the world’s most gruelling automotive race in 2009, but have gone on to attain four podium finishes for Toyota.
The second Toyota Hilux number 301 will have driver-navigator pairing of Qatari cross country racing multiple winner Nasser Al Attiyah and French navigator Mathieu Baumel.
Toyota GAZOO Racing South Africa’s third Toyota Hilux entry, bearing number 309, will be Dutch driver Bernhard ten Brinke and French navigator Michel Périn. Ten Brinke competed in Dakar 2016 in a privately entered Toyota Hilux.  2018 will be his first outing as a full works driver.
The specially prepared Toyota Hilux Dakar 2018's biggest change compared to the 2017 machine is the mounting position of the naturally aspirated V8 engine. It is now mid-mounted, sitting just behind the front wheels, in between and slightly below the crew. New 2018 regulations also relaxes the air restrictor size, to a larger 38mm dimension.
The V8 engine with increased in performance now deliver power to all four wheels, as opposed to the 2017 machine which was designed to only propel the rear axle. A newly designed independent rear suspension enables the geometry to have 12% more travel. Weight reduction strategies were also incorporated into the 2018 machine.
The combination of increased power, longer suspension travel and reduced weight will suit the soft sand sections of the rally’s opening stages in Peru. Team principal Glyn Hall added “We decided to radically alter the layout and geometry of the car, incorporating everything we have learned over the past five years.” The team has logged more than 3,000 kilometres of testing in South Africa, equivalent to 60% of the competitive driving in the 2018 rally.
Dakar 2009 winner De Villiers, did the bulk of the Toyota Hilux development driving, says the car “feels extremely fast and well balanced, and I am looking forward to taking it on Dakar 2018.”
Dakar 2018 will take place from 6
th
 to 20
th
 January 2018, encompassing 14 stages, across 3 countries (starting in Peru, travelling through Bolivia and finishing in Argentina), with a total driving distance of almost 9,000 kilometres.


Geneva 2017: Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 7-Seater SUV To Debut

A more aggressive looking version of
Skoda’s first ever seven-seater SUV,
 the Kodiaq, will make its word debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva International Motor Show in March. The Kodiaq Sportline variant will offer more aggressive styling and more advanced assistance and infotainment systems.
The Škoda Kodiaq Sportline will feature model-specific front and rear sections, matched with a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels, to showcase a more dynamic and exciting of the SUV. At the front – the radiator grille, roof rails, wing mirror housings and side window trims all come in black.
Along the flanks, the protective side trims of the Sportline are body-coloured. The vehicle is offered with 19-inch alloy wheels in a special new design as standard or as an option, 20-inch wheels are also available.
Round the back, the rear window and rear side windows are tinted, while the rear overhang is enhanced by a narrow, silver-coloured trim below the bumper.
On the inside, Kodiaq Sportline is equipped with sports seats (driver’s side electronically adjustable including memory function) with Alcantara covers and silver-coloured stitching. The Sportline variant also offers infotainment display which includes G-forces, turbo pressure, current engine output and the temperature of the oil and coolant.
Additionally, the Sportsline variant adds powered folding mirrors with ‘auto-dip’ function and a LED ambient lighting for the interior which can be set to one of ten colours.
The Sportline variant is offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel powered engines. Turbocharged 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre engines produce 150PS and 180PS respectively. The 2.0-litre petrol helps the Kodiaq Sportline to an 8.0 second 0-100km/h sprint. The two 2.0-litre diesel engines are offered in 150PS and 190PS power output levels respectively.
The Škoda Kodiaq Sportline is available with all-wheel drive as standard. As an option, the Sportline is offered Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and active dampers can be set by the driver to one of three modes, Comfort, Normal and Sport.
The top-of-the-range Kodiaq Sportline will also enlist a Columbus navigation system, 9.2-inch touchscreen monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module.
Of course, we won't be seeing the Kodiaq Sportline locally any time soon, in the European markets, it competes against the likes of the
Kia Sorento
,
Hyundai Santa Fe
, and
Land Rover Discovery Sport
.


Toyota Is World’s Most Valuable Automotive Brand, BMW Leads Premium League

With an estimated brand value of USD49 billion, Toyota is once again the world’s most valuable automotive brand, according to the 2015 Interbrand Best Global Brands report.
Toyota is also the only automotive brand to be ranked in the top-10 of Interbrand’s list, which has the USD170.3 billion Apple at the top, followed the USD120.3 billion Google and USD78.4 billion Coca Cola.
Toyota is ranked sixth overall, behind the USD65 billion IBM but ahead of the USD45.3 billion Samsung.
The second highest ranked automotive brand is BMW (11th overall), valued at USD37.2 billion, making it the most valuable premium brand in the world, ahead of Mercedes-Benz’s USD36.7 billion (12th overall).
Rounding up the list of BMW Group’s sub-brand, MINI, valued at USD4.24 billion (98th overall).
The full list can be viewed
here
.


2023 Nissan Serena Japan Launch - Up to 315Nm Torque From RM90k

The all-new
2023 Nissan Serena
 has been unveiled in Japan with two fully-revamped powertrains and safety features.

Ever since its launch back in 1991, Nissan's family MPV or 'minivan' is now more spacious paired with the brand's latest driving aids in the form of the ProPilot 2.0 advanced driver assistance system.

2.0L NA or 1.4L hybrid?

The new 2023 Nissan Serena will be available in two different powertrains - a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine that produces 150hp and 200Nm of torque and a brand-new 1.4-litre hybrid e-Power model with 162hp and 315Nm of torque when combined with its electric motor.

The 2.0-litre unit will be offered in either the all-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive versions that are paired to a CVT gearbox. More emphasis is placed on the new second-generation e-Power system 1.4-litre hybrid unit which is said to be more powerful in terms of numbers paired with smooth acceleration while being a much quieter unit compared to the previous gen.

Another highlight is the world's first energy management technology which 'controls when the engine turns on and off in accordance with vehicle speed, traffic conditions, and the navigation system'.

ProPilot 2.0 with hands-off driving, park memory & remote park

The range-topping Nissan Serena hybrid model will be available in the Luxion grade which offers hands-off driving for single lane use on a highway at speeds of 40 km/h or above to help reduce driving fatigue, particularly in long-distance travels.

Other highlights include the ProPilot Park with memory to help record and recognise parking space lines (first for Nissan) as well as the ProPilot Remote Park. There's also the steering assist feature with forward collision avoidance, which is also a first for Nissan.

Enhanced comfort for all occupants

Nissan went to great lengths to ensure that the new 2023 Nissan Serena is quieter and more comfortable for all of its occupants. Things like enhanced insulation as well as methods to reduce motion sickness were all incorporated into the new MPV.

These were done by including a wide open view for the driver and passengers, new seats that can dampen occupant movement, rigid steering wheel for better handling and stability, enhanced vehicle structure with better aerodynamics, upgraded suspension for reduced body roll, plus more.

Other additions include:

All LED lights

Switch-type gear shifter

Water-repellent seat material

120mm additional driver legroom

Dual rear doors with hands-free function

Optional 100V AC power source (to power electronic devices) + more

Prices start from 2,768,700 yen (around RM89,900) for the base 2.0-litre models and 4,798,200 yen (around RM155,700) for the hybrid e-Power Luxion unit. The base models will go on sale in Japan in December followed by the hybrid sometime in the second quarter of 2023.

Below is the review of the 2020 Nissan Serena:


Detroit 2018: Ford Mustang Bullitt Is Back – 475 HP, 570 Nm

Alongside the all-new Ford Ranger, the Detroit-based company has also taken the covers off the all-new Mustang Bullitt, based on the S-550 Mustang. The debut of this all-new Mustang Bullitt marks the third iteration that Ford has released over the years.
For the uninitiated, the all-new Mustang Bullitt is a continuation of the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback that starred alongside Steve McQueen in the movie “Bullitt”.
Ford's commercial of the all-new Bullitt, as shown above, captures the essence of the classic movie car with the correct soundtrack, license plate and cars.
Powering the all-new Mustang Bullitt is an upgraded 5.0-litre V8 that delivers at least 475 hp and 570 Nm of torque, enabling the iconic car to hit a top speed of 263 km/h. A manual transmission comes as standard, featuring a white cue ball shift knob as a throwback to the car Steve McQueen drove 50 years ago.
On the equipment front, the all-new Ford Mustang Bullitt includes both the Mustang GT’s Premium and Performance Package, which encompasses the new Black NitroPlate exhaust tips, Open Air Induction System and the Shelby GT350 intake manifold with a 87 mm throttle body plus a powertrain control module calibration for optimal performance.
Inside, a heated leather steering wheel and a 12-inch digital LCD instrument cluster comes as standard, though the Mustang Bullitt gets its own unique welcome screen that starts in green with an image of the car, replacing the regular Pony start up screen. Green stitching is also found on the dashboard, door panels, centre console and seats.
Speaking of green, the Mustang Bullitt is available in two exterior colours, the first being classic Dark Highland Green, similar to the 1968 Mustang Fastback while the other is Shadow Black. Ford has also given the all-new Mustang Bullitt subtle chrome accents around the grille and front windows, classic torque thrust 19-inch wheels, red Brembo brakes plus a bespoke front grille as a tribute to McQueen’s Mustang.
“This new Bullitt is, as Steve McQueen was, effortlessly cool,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “As a designer, it’s my favorite Mustang – devoid of stripes, spoilers and badges. It doesn’t need to scream about anything – it’s just cool.”


RM1.8 Billion Not Enough To Maintain Federal Roads?

Senior Works Minister,
Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
, stated that a total of RM1.8 billion has been allocated to maintain
federal roads
 in Malaysia.

That's the figure that has been allocated for
road maintenance
 throughout the country, but is it enough? According to previous reports (and the many years before that), it's apparently not and has never been adequate. Apa kes?

RM3.4 billion needed by next year

It was only back in June when the Works Minister stated that an allocation of RM3.4 billion was needed to repair the federal roads throughout Peninsular Malaysia. As for the RM1.8 billion already allocated, a sum of RM150 million was used for maintenance works in the states of Pahang, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan.

Pahang's expenses for maintenance sat at RM66.08 million, followed by Johor at RM60.8 million, and Negeri Sembilan at RM23.63 million. Quite a sum to pay, but definitely necessary for overall safety. Having said that, is the RM1.8 billion enough compared to the figure stated just a couple of months ago?

How much has been allocated so far?

Going back to previous years, there's always one particular figure that has popped up for federal road maintenance in Malaysia - RM2 billion. Unsurprisingly, that figure has never been delivered by the government.

Back in 2018, the works ministry mentioned that they've only been receiving somewhere between RM600-RM800 million every year since 2015. Quite a long shot compared to the RM2 billion they've been asking for.

2019 was probably the worst year for the works ministry as only RM100 million was allocated for road maintenance based on the 2019 Budget Plan. The reason? Costs had to be cut by the government to reduce Malaysia's RM1 trillion debt. Aiyo, indeed!

They did, however, seek an additional RM610 million for the Finance Ministry, back in 2019.

*Image credit: The Star

Is RM1.8 billion enough for 2022?

With the rise in costs in almost everything in Malaysia (and based on the RM3.4 billion initially quoted by the works ministry back in June), it's probably going to greatly help in a few areas, but it won't be 100% coverage.

It's definitely a huge improvement compared to what was allocated in recent years, but it's still short of the RM2 billion the works ministry has been quoting since 2015. And that under allocation adds up every year paired with more road users year-on-year. Have you seen all the traffic jams lately? Gila!


Proton, Smart Automobile Jalin Kerjasama – Perkenal Kenderaan Tenaga Baru (NEV) Dalam Pasaran ASEAN

Proton
 telah menandatangani Memorandum Perjanjian (MOA) dengan
Smart Automobile Company (Smart)
, untuk bekerjasama bagi memperkenalkan kenderaan tenaga baru (NEV) keluaran Smart dalam pasaran automotif ASEAN.

Melalui perjanjian tersebut, Proton Edar dilantik sebagai pengimport, pengedar dan wakil jualan untuk smart di Malaysia dan
Thailand
, manakala Smart Automobile (Nanning) Sales Co. Ltd, (anak syarikat milik penuh Smart Automobile) akan memainkan peranan sebagai pintu masuk untuk Smart ke rantau ini.

Majlis tandatangan Memorandum Perjanjian ini diadakan secara maya bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, dan Naib Presiden Kewangan Smart Automobile, Ulf Nestler, sebagai wakil untuk syarikat masing-masing. Majlis itu juga disaksikan oleh Pengerusi Proton, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Smart Automobiles, Tong Xiangbei dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton, Dr Li Chunrong.

Syed Faisal Albar berkata, perjanjian bersama Smart ini membolehkan Proton menimba pengalaman dalam penjualan, perkhidmatan dan pengecasan NEV serta membina kemahiran yang diperlukan untuk menguasai sektor yang sedang berkembang pesat. Ini juga merupakan peluang untuk bermanfaat daripada pangkalan pelanggan Smart dan membuka lebih banyak peluang untuk jenama Proton.

Mengikut ramalan Agensi Tenaga Boleh Diperbaharui Antarabangsa (IRENA), lebih kurang 10 juta unit Kenderaan Tenaga Baru akan digunakan di Asia Tenggara menjelang tahun 2025. Dengan portfolio produk NEV baru yang akan dilancarkan dalam tahun-tahun yang akan datang, Smart akan berada dalam kedudukan yang baik untuk mengambil kesempatan daripada perkembangan ini.

“Perjanjian ini akan membolehkan kami memasuki pasaran Malaysia dan Thailand lebih awal sebagai pasangan strategik serantau. Proton mempunyai reputasi korporat kelas pertama, pengalaman yang luas, dan pengetahuan operasi tempatan yang amat berharga. Kami berharap kerjasama ini dapat memberi pengalaman baru kenderaan elektrik yang premium dan pintar kepada pengguna di Asia Tenggara,” kata Tong Xiangbei.

Perjanjian dengan Proton Edar membolehkan Smart membina rangkaian jualan dan perkhidmatan pelbagai peringkat di Malaysia dan Thailand, dan juga sebagai pusat pengalaman jenama dan beberapa lokasi jualan yang menyediakan perkhidmatan jualan dan selepas jualan untuk kenderaan Smart di pasaran tempatan. Pada masa ini, tiada rancangan untuk bekerjasama di luar prinsip perjanjian yang disetujui.

Smart Automobile Co. Ltd. telah ditubuhkan pada 2019 sebagai usaha sama global antara Mercedes-Benz AG dan Geely Automobile Group dengan kedua pihak memanfaatkan sinergi dalam R&D, pembuatan dan rantaian bekalan untuk memajukan Smart sebagai jenama automobil elektrik premium dan teknologi yang terkemuka di dunia.


Man Rides Across Penang Bridge In 140 Seconds, Gets Arrested

It would be a lie if we said that these unusually empty roads aren’t a joy to drive when we’re heading out to buy essentials. No traffic jams, less risk of inattentive drivers, no lane hoggers – it’s almost like a driving utopia if you can forget that there’s a life threatening virus going around. But some people are perhaps taking it a little too far – and putting their exploits on Facebook as well.

A couple of days ago, a man in Penang was arrested by the police for reckless and dangerous driving. The evidence against him was compelling and provided voluntarily through a Facebook video where he rode across the Penang bridge in 140 seconds, hitting a top speed of 261 kilometres per hour on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 396.

All of this came about as most reckless things do – through a clash of egos. The man supposedly performed this stunt in response to a video from another rider who claimed he crossed the Penang Bridge in 3 minutes and 10 seconds, hitting a top speed of 370 km/h. We can almost guarantee that this will become a record that amateur riders will try to beat at the risk of injuring themselves and others.

What was the potential punishment for his crime? Jail time of up to five years, and a fine of between RM 5,000 and RM 15,000. If he commits the offense a second time, that jail time can be for up to ten years and a fine of between RM 10,000 and RM 20,000. Suffice to say he won’t be attempting something like this any time soon.

Most of us have done some pretty dumb things in our youth, but the important thing is to outgrow it as quickly as you can before you end up injuring or killing someone. In a time like this, you want to avoid having to go to a hospital as much as you can – both for the benefit of the hospital staff, and to avoid potentially contracting COVID-19 yourself. Stay safe on the roads.


UMW Toyota Motor Updates The Toyota Fortuner For 2015

Recently, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd introduced a series of minor updates for its
Toyota Fortuner
. Mostly, they are cosmetic changes applied on the outside of the vehicle along with the introduction of optional accessories
The on-the-road price (individual private registration with insurance, metallic color, Peninsular Malaysia) are as follows:
Toyota Fortuner 2.5G (D) A/T - RM 172,122.20
Toyota Fortuner 2.5G (D) A/T TRD Sportivo - RM 175,580.20
Toyota Fortuner 2.7V (P) A/T - RM 179,841.30
Toyota Fortuner 2.7V (D) A/T TRD Sportivo - RM 172,122.20
Beginning with the aforementioned cosmetic changes, the headlamps and rear combination lamps now have a dark bezel around it. Additionally, the projector headlights now feature an outer lens covering them to produce a more noticeable protrusion. Just below those headlamps, you will find LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
Adding to this list of exterior changes, the 2015
Toyota
 Fortuner also receives two more exteriors colours to choose from a possible five. Attitude Black and Grey Metallic join the existing three choices of Medium Silver Metallic, Solid White and Silver Metallic. These five colours are available for all the Fortuner variants.
In the cabin, the 7-seat interior uses the same theme of ‘Advanced & Prestige’. Black woodgrain panels in the Fortuner 2.7V can be found to provide a 'prestigious' image.
As we mentioned, UMW Toyota Motor is also offering Fortuner customers the option of a DVD Audio-Video Navigation (DVD-AVN) system. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment unit responds to hand and air gestures and has the ability to connect to smartphones, Android and iOS alike using WiFi, making it possible to access the internet the built-in internet browser app.
It also has Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition for the audio, phone, and navigation systems. Other features of the DVD-AVN system include Miracast with support of select applications, HDMI connectivity, reverse camera, and as a related optional accessory, the rear seat entertainment system is available in two versions – ceiling-mounted monitor and integrated DVD player OR monitor alone interfacing with the DVD-AVN system.
Another optional accessory is a portable tyre pump to re-inflate the tyre as and when needed.
Buyers of the
Toyota
 Fortuner will receive a 3-year/100,000 km (whichever occurs earlier after first registration) warranty, subject to conditions stated in the owner’s handbook.


China's Geely To Take Over Proton's Tg. Malim Plant?

Chinese giant Geely Automobile Holdings, the new owners of Volvo Cars, reportedly leads the bid for Proton.
The Star reports
 that the Chinese carmaker is one of three foreign companies currently vying for a 51 percent stake in the local carmaker.
Geely, along with French carmakers PSA Group (who produce Peugeot and Citroen cars) have reportedly shown great interest in the Proton brand. Inside sources familiar with the matter also report that both representatives from Geely and PSA Group are actively conducting feasibility studies within Proton’s headquarters.
Much of the incentive behind the bid stems from Proton’s underutilised Tanjung Malim plant, first established in 2003. Geely demands the use of the plant, as part of the takeover.
The Star reports that the government had previously given the green light for foreign companies to buy up a 51 percent share of the plant.
The move to tie-up Proton with a foreign strategic partner is also part of the conditions set by the government for approving an RM1.5 billion soft loan in April 2016 - the bulk of which, was utilised to pay off Proton's component suppliers.
Proton began the process of identifying foreign partners in June of last year – request for proposal were sent out to 14 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), of which Geely, PSA, and Renault were shortlisted.
At a press conference last month, Proton CEO Dato Ahmad Fuaad Kenali also said, Proton
expects to announce
 its foreign strategic partner between April and mid of this year.
The report by The Star also adds that Proton has shuffled around some of its top executives – Abdul Rashid Musa, Proton’s Chief Technical Officer will replace Rohime Shafie as head of the company’s sales division, Proton Edar. Rohime Shafie has been moved to another division within the company – the changes took effect yesterday.
Related:

Geely – Fridge-maker To Car-maker In Just 12 Years, Who Are They?


Sudahkah Anda memeriksa Tiga Perkara Penting Ini Sebelum Memandu Pulang Ke Kampung?

Musim perayaan hampir menjelang tiba dan jika anda merancang untuk memandu pulang ke kampung, pastikan anda luangkan masa bagi memeriksa beberapa perkara pada kereta anda. Kereta yang rosak ketika dalam perjalanan balik ke kampung boleh menghilangkan keceriaan dan merosakkan suasana.
Anda mungkin telah menghantar kereta anda untuk penyelenggaraan seperti yang dijadualkan, tetapi tidak salah sekiranya anda membuat pemeriksaan sekali lagi bagi memastikan kesemuanya telah diselenggara dengan betul.
Tayar
Adakah tayar anda diisi dengan tekanan yang betul? Rujuk pada manual kereta untuk tekanan angin yang tepat. Jangan lupa untuk memeriksa tayar ganti anda sekali. Tiada gunanya tayar ganti sekiranya ia kempis dan tidak berangin.
Dalam kebanyakan kereta, biasanya terdapat satu stiker pada pintu belah pemandu atau penahan isian petrol yang menunjukkan tekanan tayar angin yang disyorkan.
Juga, jangan lupa untuk pastikan bunga tayar masih dalam keadaan yang baik. Jangan menilai bunga tayar anda menggunakan pandangan kasar mata kerana ini mungkin memberikan gambaran yang tidak tepat dan subjektif.
Semua tayar mempunyai blok penunjuk bunga dalam jalurannya. Sekiranya garisan penunjuk itu adalah pada aras yang sama dengan bunga, maknanya tayar anda sudah tidak selamat untuk digunakan lagi.
Lampu
Pernahkah anda memandu di belakang kereta yang tidak mempunyai lampu brek atau lampu belakang yang berfungsi? Jika anda tidak mempunyai sesiapa untuk membantu memeriksa keadaan lampu anda, undurkan kereta anda ke arah pintu kaca ataupun dinding putih di kawasan yang gelap.
Pasangkan lampu hadapan kereta anda dan perhatikan refleksinya. Jangan lupa untuk periksa lampu brek, lampu undur serta lampu penunjuk arah.
Bendalir Enjin
Periksa kesemua bendalir penting dalam kenderaan anda – minyak enjin, bendalir brek, bendalir bateri, bendalir pengelap cermin.
Rujuk pada manual kereta anda tentang kedudukan bahagian-bahagian tersebut serta arahan spesifik untuk memeriksanya.
Sambil membuat pemeriksaan, lihat juga rekod penyelenggaraan kereta anda untuk memastikan segala bendalir telah diganti atau diperiksa pada jangka masa yang disyorkan.


2023 Acura Integra Will Be Performance Centrepiece, But Also Cheap?

Based on its reported positioning and the effort being poured into the project, the
2023 Honda (ahem…Acura) Integra
 is shaping up to be a pivotal vehicle for both Honda’s USA luxury offshoot as well as the Japanese automaker themselves.

Prior to the recent confirmation by Acura (…Honda) that the much loved Integra nameplate will be returning in 2023, there was already a brimmed reservoir of anticipation about its possible re-emergence.

The surprise announcement certainly has the enthusiast community excited, but has also raised some interesting questions about Honda’s true endgame. Is it as simple as giving the fans what they want? Or is there some deeper intent at play?

After all, it has been a whole 15 years since the Integra was available to showroom buyers. Since its discontinuation in 2006, Honda seemingly had little interest in its revival, opting to offer
coupe versions of the Civic
 to fill that void. So, why now?

To help shed a little more light on this,
Motor Trend
 had a chat with Acura veteran Jon Ikeda, vice president representing the Acura Brand Office of American Honda Motor Company, who conveyed the sentiment that the all-new Integra will be passed the ‘high performance’ torch from the
2nd-generation NSX
, which is due to be retired at the end of 2022.

While that hybrid supercar succeeded in its objective to reorient the Acura name around high performance, quality, and luxury, an Integra seems like an unlikely candidate to convincingly sit at the helm once the NSX bows out, especially if it remains the accessible, volume-focused model we’ve come to know it as.

It’s easy to assume that this isn’t just going to be a sportier Civic leading a double life like its prior outings. In stark contrast to its predecessors, there is much more weight and expectation being placed upon the shoulders of this upcoming Integra, both by the fans and its creators. Acura must be changing something significant about the ‘Integra’ formula. It stands to reason.

But that isn’t what Mr. Ikeda seems to be hinting at. Instead, through his comments, we know the 2023 car will not be electrified upon its arrival, partly due to higher costs that would price it out of being an ‘entry-level’ model.

Ikeda is also unwilling to confirm if the Integra will be offered, as it was in the past, as both a two-door coupe and four-door saloon. That said, unlike the recent NSX which
was primarily engineered in Ohio
, the upcoming Integra will be developed entirely in Japan and will share underpinnings with
the 11th-generation Honda Civic
. Does that also mean that the 2023 Integra will (hopefully) also be sold in other markets under the Honda badge?

As far as any Type R DNA making its way into the Integra, Ikeda is noncommittal in his response, saying that the brand does expect demand for a higher performance version after the car hits the market initially, at which point the Acura will consider a go-fast ‘Type S’ variant.

With this in mind, it’s looking less and less likely the Integra could emerge as a like-for-like rival to cars like the recently launched
Nissan Z and Toyota GR Supra
 given that it will be, essentially, a faster Civic with a sleeker coupe body and half the practicality - just don’t call it
a Type R
 alternative (yet).

That’s a big shame as that’s a space that Honda could really sink its teeth into. In 1999, the company demonstrated its chops in creating a rear-drive, front-engine corner carver with the S2000, a car that blended open-top thrills with European class and refinement, and even Japanese dependability and affordability - all essentially from scratch.

That car exposed Honda to an entirely new, more upmarket segment of buyers and pulled double duty as a technical showcase for how far its revolutionary VTEC system has progressed.

Strangely, these seem to be similar to goals now held by Acura, a luxury marque, who are instead responding with a car intentionally aimed at the mass market while at the same time describing it as their performance mainstay. Confused yet? We are….

The 2023 Integra, from what we know so far, is positioning itself as the everyman enthusiast’s coupe, similar in spirit to
the Toyota 86
. However, there’s a good reason why that wasn’t ever called a Lexus.


Car Sales Down By Nearly 30 PERCENT For First Quarter Of 2020

 We all know very well that the ongoing MCO has been a major blow to a huge variety of sectors across our economy – with the exception of those producing sanitizing and protection equipment. But the data has finally come in for car sales – a topic we happen to be more familiar with. As expected, the closing of showrooms and various government offices necessary for registering a new car has resulted in a pretty huge drop in overall sales.

How much is that drop? Well, considering that the MCO came in on the 18th of March – roughly halfway through the month – we see a 59.56% drop in sales compared to the previous year. That’s 20,260 passenger cars registered during March of this year, compared to 50,101 from the previous year. Granted, this year hasn’t exactly started off well with a 19.19% drop in sales through January, but it isn’t all too surprising.

We can expect the figures for April to be equally dismal as through the first quarter we are already lagging by 39,185 units compared to 2019 – a 28.96% deficit. There is no point in playing catch up and many who would have been looking to purchase a car may be putting that decision on hold as the need for cash in hand is becoming more and more prominent.

Who was hit the hardest? Starting with the premium segment, BMW was hit with a drop of 590 units and is down year-to-date (YTD) by 965 units. Sister company MINI was down by 89 units for March, and 132 units YTD. Mercedes-Benz didn’t see as much of a hit, rather surprisingly, with just a 10 unit deficit compared to March of 2019 – but they are down by roughly 1,000 units YTD. Volvo also saw a smaller hit with a deficit of 107 units.

In the mass-market segments, we’ll run through it quickly by order of smallest to largest deficit for March – in percentages. Hyundai was down by 45.05%, Mazda by 47.9%, Toyota by 55.07%, Honda by 62.19%, Peugeot by 62.60%, Volkswagen by a 76.57%, Mitsubishi by 81.37%, Nissan by 83.48%, Renault by 86.7%, and Kia by 86.82%.

And finally, we have our local car brands: Proton and Perodua. These two behemoths have some insane figures, but Perodua took the bigger hit. March of last year saw them shifting 23,286 units alone, and this figure has been pummelled to 8,601 units. Proton went down from 6,136 units to 3,277 units – a little less than half the figure.

Whatever these figures represent, it is not the fault of these car brands or their hard working employees and showrooms. The MCO has hit everyone hard, and even with incentives to move test drives and showrooms to the virtual space, the actual function of purchasing and registering a car remains one that can only be done with the restrictions are relaxed enough.

The silver lining is that we can eventually bounce back –
as we’re seeing in Wuhan
 – as the restrictions begin to relax and people can go about their lives again. Can we expect to see the same here as we enter the CMCO phase? Perhaps – although it’s contingent on people getting their livelihoods back on track.


Register A Honda City Or BR-V Now And Get RM5,000 Rebate – Honda 1 Million Dreams Campaign

Honda Malaysia has announced a special rebate worth RM5,000 for customers who register the all-new Honda City (S, E and V variants) and Honda BR-V for a limited time. The special rebates are offered in conjunction with the company’s “1 Million Dreams Campaign”, launched to commemorate
Honda Malaysia
’s 1-millionth sale unit milestone since the company was established here in 2003.

This special rebate is an additional reward on top of other current promotions and offers a Cash Rebate, Service Voucher and Spare Parts Voucher worth up to RM5,000 for customers who register the
All-New City
 and
BR-V
 from 16th to 31st March 2021.

This month, Honda is also giving away
7 Special Edition models
 through the “1 Million Dreams Campaign” as appreciation to their customers for their unwavering support towards Honda Malaysia. Honda encourages fellow Malaysians to join the contest which is ongoing until the 24th March 2021 to stand a chance to win the 7 Special Edition models.

On top of that, Honda Malaysia also invites all Malaysians to join the 1 Million Dreams Grand Finale in Bukit Jalil National Stadium ‘Carpark C‘ on 27th and 28th March 2021, from 10am until 10pm. In addition to the announcement of the car winners, Honda has prepared a series of fun activities for visitors to enjoy at the event.

Honda Malaysia is taking all precautions during the event to ensure that it follows the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Malaysian government to protect the health and safety of everyone at the event.


Welcome to My Five-Car Dream Garage

A dream garage is something that most of us don't have. While some would love a collection comprising the sexiest of exotics, some prefer muscle. Some may even keep it strictly JDM but it doesn’t matter at all actually, as long as it is uniquely yours.

That being said, below is my personal 5-car dream garage, which includes five cars which I’ve dreamt of owning since I was a child, until recent times.

1989 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)

This is the first car which I fell in love with, at first sight. The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1989 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

The R129 was offered as a two-door, two-seat roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau.

Why I love it because it is sexy enough to get the attention of the opposite sex, yet it looks sporty enough to get recognised by the “bros”. Most importantly, the timeless design has aged so well that it looks just as sexy as some of the coupes that are introduced today.

Mercedes-AMG G63

Having an SUV is never a bad idea, since they offer so much practicality and convenience. Plus, the high sitting position and the ride height instil confidence in anyone who is behind the wheels of an SUV. So, if money was not an issue, the SUV that I would go for is of course, the one that looks the most Gangsta – the G-Class itself; not just any G, but the range-topping manic
G63 AMG
.

Powering this beast is a hand-built V8 biturbo engine that delivers 585 hp peaking at 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of torque at a low range of 2,000 rpm to 3,500 rpm. Mad, isn’t it? This is as bad-ass as an SUV can get.

Lexus LS500 Executive

Life isn’t always about sports cars and supercars. More often than not, what we need is actually something nice and comfortable to drive, or in this case, be driven in on a daily basis, and nothing comes quite as close to the new
Lexus LS500
in terms of plushness and comfort. Nope, I’ll pass the S-Class since it is too common.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 Tommi Makinen Edition

280 PS, 373 Nm of torque, 5-speed manual, a car that is a complete beast on the straights, off the beaten track, on twisty bits, basically anywhere and everywhere. Plus, it is also arguably the most imposing looking Evo ever.

The Tommi Mäkinen Edition, named after Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen who won Mitsubishi four WRC drivers championships, featured a different front bumper, Red/Black Recaro seats with embossed Tommi Mäkinen logo, 17-inch white Enkei wheels, a leather Momo steering wheel and shift knob, a titanium turbine that spooled up more quickly, front upper strut brace, lowered ride height (with tarmac stages in mind), and a quicker steering ratio.

RUF CTR “Yellowbird”

Dubbed as the ultimate Porsche 911, the Yellowbird was a limited-production, high performance version of the Porsche 911 which was manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile.

Introduced for the 1987 model year, the CTR featured an enlarged and highly tuned version of Porsche's 3.2 litre flat-six cylinder engine, lightened body panels, an integrated roll cage, upgraded suspension and braking systems, a custom-designed transmission, and several unique trim pieces such as polyurethane bumpers, and the use of the side-mounted oil filler (a Porsche feature for the 1972 model year only) necessitated by relocating the oil tank forward to clear the intercooler on that side.

Simply put, what we have here is a car that was produced close to four decades ago, which is as fast as
today’s 911
. Able to sprint from naught to 100 in just 4 seconds, the CTR could generally outperform most of the other high performance cars of its time, including the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach, while looking all harmless and innocent like a little yellow bird.

So that's my five car garage, what about you?


What Are Fully Synthetic, Semi-Synthetic And Mineral Engine Oil?

What's the difference between a mineral, semi and fully synthetic engine oil? Which one is right for you?

If you want to talk about getting the most out of your ownership experience with a car, one of the best ways to improve longevity is to pick a good engine oil. Oil happens to be the lifeblood of the engine as it lubricates engine components and reduces friction.

The one you select
 can greatly impact how quickly (or slowly) an engine wears out. Engine wear is an unavoidable fact of life, and all we can really do is slow it down or mitigate it.

If you don't know much about engine oils and wonder what you should be using on your car, you've come to the right place, as this article will discuss the different types of engine oil and their pros and cons.

There are technically two types of engine oils in the market, namely mineral and synthetic. But in 1966, legendary engine oil manufacturer Motul introduced a more affordable version of fully-synthetic oil, called semi-synthetic.

So
which one should you choose?
 Let's discuss it down below.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oils are directly derived from refined crude petroleum oil. They are the cheapest because there's not much engineering going into them. The only refinement process that goes through it is the removal of natural contaminants and unwanted hydrocarbons.

For running-in freshly built engines, a good mineral oil is important as it allows the various components to bed in properly. But because they do not have additives, their molecular structures break down fast, so you need to change them frequently.

Fully Synthetic

Fully Synthetic oils are chemically modified oils with additives and have fewer impurities. The additives are added to suit what an engine needs such as good flow at low temperatures and stable viscosity at high temperatures.

There's no debate that fully synthetic oil is the
 best kind of oil
 to put in your engine, regardless of age or design. It usually has the most additives and is the most resistant to temperature and abuse, so it would be our oil grade of choice whether dealing with a 30-year-old classic car, or a brand new Honda HR-V.

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic oil is more expensive than mineral oil but cheaper than fully synthetic. The simple reason for this is that they are a mix of the two.

Although they can provide the same protection features as fully synthetic oils, they are less potent than fully synthetic oils. As a result, they are often used as an economical alternative to fully synthetic oils for people that do not need a maximum amount of performance and engine protection. They are
commonly used in high-mileage engines
, as the engine deterioration has already taken its course in high-mileage cars.

Buyer Beware

Picture credit: Kosmo

What has been increasingly common lately are fake oils entering the market – especially on
online platforms
. These oils are being sold for surprisingly low prices and can in fact damage your engine if you’re not careful. Always make sure that you’re getting your oil from a reputable source as you will have no idea what the actual oil content is in a fake product.

The same can go with oil filters, which we recommend changing with every oil change as well. Filters have a big impact on keeping your oil clean, and between a fake and an original filter, there is a huge difference in actual filtering ability. Some aftermarket filters boast longer service intervals but we recommend against them as there is no guarantee that they are 100% effective.


When You Want A Mitsubishi XPANDER But The Proton X50 Racun Is Strong

If you’re in the market for a new car for the family, this year saw the local launches of at least a couple of very viable options - two of which we will be covering below:
the Mitsubishi XPANDER versus the Proton X50 1.5T Premium.

In order to earn their spot in as many homes as possible, both of them attempt to solve the needs of everyday motoring in their unique way but manage to arrive at roughly the same plateau, ironically making their would-be customer need to think extra hard about which to choose.

The Mitsubishi has been received very well in neighbouring ASEAN markets Indonesia and Thailand, the XPANDER attempts to blur its MPV classification with bold SUV-like design cues. It
enters Malaysia
 during the SST discount period at RM91,359.

Our challenger is
the Proton X50
, the hottest new model to roll out of Tanjung Malim in a very long time and simultaneously, prior to launch, was the worst kept secret in the Malaysian automotive scene.

The 5-door compact SUV butts heads with segment big shots such as the Honda HR-V and the very established Mitsubishi ASX, but counters their rank and tenure with pretty much all the goodies from the Geely Binyue on which it’s based.

However, the pricing of the XPANDER’s sole variant means that the range-topping X50 Flagship is out of reach. Matching it closely on the ringgits and sens is the 1.5T Premium at RM93,200 (again during the H2 2020 SST discount period), a very impressive machine despite missing out on a few of the equipment options.

Space and Practicality

Including the boot, both the Proton and Mitsubishi have five doors but the X50 is left without response when the XPANDER whips out its trump card:
third-row seating
. This might be a killing blow to the smaller contender if the buyer needs to accommodate, even occasionally, more than 4 passengers.

As my colleague explored during the XPANDER’s closed-door preview, those rear-most seats are actually large and comfortable enough to perhaps even see an average sized adult through a long-ish road trip.

With all three rows of seats upright, though, the Mitsubishi does greatly sacrifice boot space down to 295-litres. However, in its 5-seat configuration, it's expansive 780-litres makes the Proton's 330-litre boot look like a cruel joke.

Ouch. First blood to the Mitsubishi XPANDER.

Styling and Exterior

This is all rather subjective, of course, and we’d also argue that aesthetics rarely has any bearing on utility, which is why the XPANDER and X50 are targeting different parts of the car buying spectrum.

The Mitsubishi adds some flair to the unremarkable stretched box shape with the Dynamic Shield fascia, a light show of reflective LED illuminators, and plenty of metal upfront. Again, the slightly more raised ride height does echo SUV cues. That bling factor does diminish with the Mazda 2-sized 16-inch alloys, though.

In the other corner, the Proton is clearly putting its most stylish persona forward with the X50, positioning it as a trendy newcomer to our roads with 18-inch alloys on the Premium variant. There aren’t quite as many shiny bits, but that’s probably a good thing.

Overall, it’s more distinctive shape and natural good looks do also endow it with a good amount more road presence than we usually see from other cars in this category, especially in the eye-catching Passion Red or Citric Orange exterior colours.

Second Round goes to the Proton X50.

Tech and Safety

If the 7-seat capacity was the XPANDER’s party trick, the comprehensive list of tech and safety features belongs squarely in the X50’s arsenal, which is why its arrival is a keystone moment for the automotive landscape in Malaysia - not just Proton.

Unluckily for the 1.5T Premium, its stable of features isn’t filled to the brim, but it does offer up a very formidable tech line-up that really does run circles around the XPANDER’s, including the fun but somewhat gimmicky Remote Engine Start.

The 10.25-inch infotainment screen is big, bright, and clear, supplemented by a full colour LCD instrument cluster while the Mitsubishi makes do with a 9-inch panel for media and analogue gauges. 4G and short range WiFi connectivity are also standard on the Proton for onboard music streaming and navigation. That said, the XPANDER is the only one here that has support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, granting it instant interface superiority/versatility over the Proton running GKUI.

Only the X50 1.5T Flagship receives Active Safety and Driver Assist features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. On big ticket specs, both the XPANDER and X50 trade blows as both offer a 360-degree camera system (All-Round Monitor), Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, and Traction Control.

However, the Mistubishi only has 2 airbags, both of which are for the driver and front passenger. For upwards of RM90,000, this is borderline unacceptable. Despite being smaller and seating fewer, the X50 comes with 4 airbags as standard, but 6 on the 1.5T Premium.

Third Round goes to the Proton X50.

Engine and Drivetrain

On paper, it seems the XPANDER’s old school naturally aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC mill is walking into a no-win battle against the X50’s 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine.

With just 105PS and 141Nm of torque, it runs into a lot of the same powertrain hurdles that the Perodua Aruz did. Mated to an equally antiquated 4-speed automatic, there seems to be a lack of gear ratios to keep the engine running at its sweet spot, making us doubt it can even get out of its own way when carrying a full complement of driver and 6 passengers.

That being said, the MIVEC four-banger and torque converter gearbox are tried and true to the point of almost being bulletproof if maintained well. The Proton’s engine pumps out 150PS and 226Nm that reach the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While definitely more technically advanced, only time can uncover the unforeseen issues that always seem to emerge when additional complexity is added. Warm and humid conditions in Malaysia can also accelerate wear and strain cooling tolerances on stressed turbocharged engines which might require more frequent fluid changes for both engine and transmission.

When it comes to reliability, simplicity is the gold standard. Though slow and lacking in grunt, the XPANDER’s beating heart is a strong one built on a proven track record, requiring less pampering and preventative maintenance to keep tip-top, possibly making it a wiser choice in the long run.

Fourth Round is a tie.

_________________

In conclusion, on paper at least, the Proton X50 edges the Mitsubishi XPANDER 2-1 but let's bear in mind this isn't an 'apples to apples' comparison but more one of value and getting your best bang for buck. Which one would you go for? Sound off in the comments.


Koenigsegg One:1 Destroys 0-300-0 KM/H World Record

The Koenigsegg One:1 has set a new world record with a 0-300-0 km/h run that took them just 17.95 seconds!
With the new time set, it eclipses the previous run it did in the Koenigsegg Agera R back in September 2011 (21.19 seconds) by a full 3.24 seconds. Of course, this is unofficial at the moment as Guinness World Record official representatives weren't present at the practice session to officially authenticate the Vbox data Koenigsegg recorded.
Data from the VBox recorder are as follows:
0-300 kmh: 11.922 seconds
300-0 kmh: 6.032 seconds
0-300-0 kmh: 17.95 seconds
Koenigsegg say that the new record was set during a practice session at its test track in Ängelholm, Sweden on June 8 2015, from 6pm to 10pm. The man behind the wheel during the session was the Robert Serwanski who displays absolute faith to the One:1’s stability along with massive bal.., er, courage by taking his hands off the wheel at 300 km/h!
As this was a ‘mere’ practice session and they weren’t really gunning for the record at the time, Koenigsegg say that should they piece together the fastest individual acceleration and deceleration stages from the day, the theoretical 0-300-0 km/h time would be an even more impressive 17.49 seconds.
They’ve also added that the One:1 development car used was 50kg heavier than customer cars due to the roll cage fitted to protect their test driver beyond what are perceived to be ‘normal’ limits. In the future, the car maker reckons an even lower time is a distinct possibility and will do their best to schedule another session. Joy.
The Koenigsegg One:1 gets its name from the 5.0-litre twin-turbo V which produces 1,340hp to propel about same amount of weight that gives it a one horsepower to one kilogram power-to-weight ratio.
There are supercars and hypercars but the Koenigsegg One:1 is truly a megacar.


McLaren Unveils F1 Certification Program To Guarantee Authenticity

They say it's to preserve originality for future generations, but the way we see it, McLaren's certification process is one that collectors and flippers will take advantage of to raise the prices of their coveted McLaren F1s.
They've timed the launch of this program to coincide with the unveiling of the first car to undergo the certification: a 1997 F1 GTR Longtail, which has gone under an extensive restoration process by McLaren Special Operations.
Certificates of Authenticity are used by various manufacturers to show that a car's provenance, originality, service life, road/race history, and condition. This basically is a way to say "If you keep your car stock standard and running fine, it'll be worth a lot more".
In this practical example, the F1 GTR Longtail is specifically the "25R", which was used in many endurance racing events and took 18 months to restore to its original glory. From 1997 to 2005, it was raced across the world and was the last F1 GTR to compete in a contemporary racing series.
It returned to the UK in 2016 after having sat in a static display for 11 years in Japan, and it holds components that would have made it fit to fight in a Le Mans race (i.e. longer gearing and blue roof identification lights).
It has been restored to the livery of the original owner, with Gulf-Davidoff colours and the original "39" race number it wore back in 1997. Components that needed to be replaced were done so with new old stock from the McLaren factory.


Future Geely Models To Feature 5G NR Connectivity

Geely Auto Group has just announced that they will continue to improve their 4G LTE network services while developing their 5G New Radio (NR) solutions for the future.
Mr Shen Zi Yu, the Vice President of Geely Automobile Research Institute mentioned that Geely Auto currently has more than one million connected vehicles on the road.
For Geely models that were released in 2018, these vehicles come equipped with 4G LTE connectivity with cellular products from Qualcomm. Shen also anticipates that by 2021, all Geely models will shift to utilize the much quicker 5G NR networks.
In addition to the upcoming 5G NR connectivity, Geely Auto is also working with Qualcomm on LTE V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) to improve road safety, traffic efficiency, and to support automated driving with cellular direct communications technology with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications.
“It is important that our customers have access to the best and fastest network services in the market. This is why Geely Auto will continue to improve its existing 4G LTE applications, while at the same time start to work on the future of connectivity, which is 5G NR,” added Shen.
Geely Auto is also busy improving GKUI, its latest smart ecosystem. “Over 600,000 Geely Auto car models have been equipped with GKUI to date. This includes Banting, a music app that provides over 14 million copyrighted songs and has just exceeded 45 million total number of plays in September alone. Besides that, a version of AMAP that is customised for infotainment head units in cars has garnered a large population of daily active users, half of whom are GKUI users. There are also more than 1,200 kinds of smart home devices that are readily connected to GKUI,” he commented.
Shen also added that GKUI will soon receive an update to improve the in-car smart voice assistant which employs natural language understanding (NLU) as its main feature. GKUI was developed by ECARX, an independent company that Geely has invested in.
Moving forward, Geely Auto will be working with Qualcomm and ECARX on LTE V2X, intelligent connectivity and smart driving. Geely added that an upcoming SUV will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820A, the most advanced automotive-grade platform by Qualcomm Technologies. The new SUV will be launched in 2019.