IONIQ 5 N completes last testing at Nürburgring - Engine roars and gear shifts sound absolutely authentic

Hyundai is back at the Nürburgring for the final phase of testing for its electrifying masterpiece, the IONIQ 5 N. This all-electric model is set to make its world premiere soon with N's three performance pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar.

With the fusion of Hyundai's Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and N's motorsport expertise, the IONIQ 5 N aims to deliver uncompromising performance, redefining the N brand. It offers
a thrilling EV-specific driving experience while showcasing cutting-edge technology
.

To ensure enduring performance on the track, the IONIQ 5 N leverages advanced software in conjunction with motorsport-bred hardware. Efficient heat management, essential for EVs, is achieved through enhanced cooling systems, including a specialised radiator packaging and battery chiller.

The vehicle introduces innovative features like N Battery Preconditioning and N Race, enabling drivers to optimize battery temperature and energy consumption. The powerful braking system, with industry-leading regenerative braking, provides precise control and impressive deceleration forces.

Hyundai N also addresses the desire for driver feedback in EVs with N Active Sound + and N e-Shift. These features emulate the sound and gearshift sensations of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The IONIQ 5 N's intense testing regimen at the Nürburgring has reached its 10,000 km milestone, demonstrating exceptional endurance. Another 10,000 km durability test awaits before production, ensuring the vehicle's mechanical robustness and intelligent software functionality.

Anyway, it's best to just watch the video that Hyundai has provided, as it really does give you a better impression of the N Active Sound + and N e-Shift.

The global debut of the IONIQ 5 N will take place at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Hyundai N will make its first appearance.

The event promises an exclusive N stand, the unveiling of the IONIQ 5 N on July 13, and thrilling hill climb demonstrations featuring various N vehicles.


Negara Beralih Ke Fasa 2 Pelan Pemulihan Negara Pada Awal Bulan Ogos – Timbalan Perdana Menteri

Meskipun negara mencatatkan kes positif COVID-19 harian tertinggi sehingga mencapai angka 13 ribu kes hari ini, namun Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata seluruh negara mampu beralih ke
Fasa 2 Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN)
 pada awal bulan Ogos susulan jumlah vaksinasi lengkap dos kedua
vaksin Covid-19
 sudah melepasi nilai ambang 10 peratus populasi negara.

Menurut data yang dikeluarkan oleh Jawatankuasa Khas Jaminan Akses Vaksin (JKJAV), kadar dos kedua semalam ialah 4,003,266 penerima iaitu 17.1 peratus. Sementara itu, suntikan dos pertama pula merekodkan 8,644,292 penerima iaitu 36.9% peratus dengan jumlah kumulatif kedua-dua dos itu adalah 12,647,558 orang di seluruh negara.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, ini menunjukkan prestasi Program Imunisasi COVID-19 Kebangsaan (PICK) berada di landasan yang betul dan seterusnya membolehkan negara beralih ke Fasa 2 dalam Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN). Perkembangan ini memberi gambaran bahawa negara sedang serius dalam usaha mencapai imuniti kelompok.

Indikator ini juga sejajar dengan perancangan PPN yang menjangkakan kadar vaksinasi akan mencapai unjuran 10 peratus daripada populasi Malaysia menjelang akhir Julai. Jika perkembangan ini berterusan secara konsisten, satu Malaysia (termasuk KL dan Selangor yang kini berada dalam
PKPD
) boleh beralih ke fasa kedua PPN pada awal bulan depan, kata TPM.

Ketika ini, Selangor mencatatkan kes harian baharu sehingga lebih 6,000 kes sehari. Sementara itu KL dan Negeri Sembilan pula masing-masing mencatatkan kes sekitar 1,500 kes sehari. Hanya Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Sabah dan Sarawak yang telah beralih ke Fasa 2 PPN buat masa ini. 8 buah negeri ini berjaya melepasi nilai ambang ketiga-tiga indikator utama yang ditetapkan kerajaan di bawah PPN sejak dilaksanakan
Fasa 1
 pada 29 Jun lepas.

Dalam pada itu, pasukan khas operasi pematuhan SOP telah menjalankan pemeriksaan ke atas 2,257 kilang, 15,256 premis perniagaan, 1,148 tapak pembinaan dan 286 asrama penempatan pekerja baru-baru ini. Daripada jumlah itu, 68 premis meliputi kilang (23), premis perniagaan (43) dan tapak pembinaan (2) telah diarahkan tutup kerana gagal mematuhi SOP yang ditetapkan kerajaan.

Baru-baru ini,
MITI telah memberi kebenaran kepada lebih banyak sektor untuk beroperasi di kawasan PKPD di Selangor
 meskipun negeri tersebut mempunyai nilai kes harian tertinggi. Keputusan tersebut dibuat setelah perbincangan dilakukan menerusi mesyuarat Kabinet yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, bersama MITI, Menteri Kewangan dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Ekonomi). Langkah tersebut diambil kerana kerajaan berpendapat bahawa sektor-sektor berkenaan dilihat sebagai sektor penting dalam rantaian bekalan antarabangsa dan tempatan.

Ekoran desakan orang ramai supaya kilang-kilang di Selangor ditutup untuk meredakan jumlah kes, Kerajaan Selangor menerusi satu kenyataan media telah menjelaskan bahawa pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) di Selangor tidak mempunyai kuasa dalam penutupan kilang membendung penularan COVID-19, sebaliknya kuasa itu masih di bawah Kerajaan Persekutuan.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Kerajaan Tempatan dan Pengangkutan Awam Negeri Selangor, Ng Sze Han berkata, lesen pengoperasian kilang yang dikeluarkan oleh PBT adalah sebagaimana yang tertakluk di bawah Akta 171 sahaja. Ia tidak melibatkan hal ehwal kesihatan berkenaan pencegahan dan kawalan penyakit berjangkit. Undang-undang kesihatan berkenaan hal itu dikuatkuasakan oleh Kerajaan Persekutuan sahaja melalui Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan Penyakit Berjangkit 1988 iaitu Akta 342.

Terdahulu, Perdana Menteri telah mengumumkan pelaksanaan PPN sebagai strategi peralihan keluar menerusi 4 fasa daripada krisis wabak COVID-19. Tiga kriteria yang perlu dipenuhi bagi beralih dari Fasa 1 ke Fasa 2 ialah:

kadar vaksinasi sudah melebihi 10 peratus populasi rakyat - kemungkinan besar kriteria ini boleh dicapai menjelang awal bulan Ogos namun kita masih perlu...

mencatatkan purata kes harian COVID-19 di bawah 4,000 kes

memastikan kadar penggunaan katil di wad ICU perlu berada pada paras sederhana

Berdasarkan jumlah kes harian yang mencanak sehingga mencapai lebih 13,000 kes dan kebanyakan hospital yang semakin sesak dihujani dengan pesakit COVID-19, adakah negara kita bakal berjaya menurunkan bilangan kes dan bilangan penggunaan katil di wad ICU dalam masa singkat ini?

Berdasarkan PPN, kerajaan menjangkakan seluruh negara akan beralih sepenuhnya kepada Fasa 4 PPN menjelang akhir tahun ini dan rakyat bakal kembali menjalani kehidupan normal seperti sebelum kehadiran wabak tersebut.

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

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2021 Proton Iriz R3 Launched: RM52,900

The Limited Edition 2021 Proton Iriz R3 has arrived and with it comes some new aero body add-ons as well as the famed R3 badge for RM52,900.

After many months of speculations and spy shots, the 2021 Proton Iriz R3 has been finally unveiled, and as much as we are impressed with the overall black and yellow look of the car, we never thought the slapping of an R3 badge on the Proton hatchback would only bring it some cosmetic changes.

Many were hoping that the revival of the R3 moniker would bring some added performance type hardware to the Proton Iriz, but it looks like maybe next time!

What you get on the 2021 Proton Iriz R3 apart from its brand new black and yellow themed livery are new aerodynamic add-ons, in the form of some black and yellow aero looking side skirts and front splitter. The rear bumper and spoiler look like it was directly lifted off the regular Proton Iriz, except that on the R3, the rear spoiler comes with yellow stickers on the side with a big R3 logo in the middle.

Another new addition to the Iriz is some yellow accents on the doors, ending with the number 83. This supposedly is a tribute to the number of the Iriz race car, from Team Proton R3. On the rear quarter window is also an R3 Champion Team sticker which pays homage to the Team R3 Iriz race car which won the 1000km Sepang Race twice. The front windshield and rear windows are also kitted with yellow R3 stickers to make it look more like the race car.

Apart from the new front splitter, there's also now a yellow accent stretching across the front of the car, replacing the chrome trim which was seen on the regular Iriz. In our opinion, the most significant change to the Iriz is located at all four corners of the car, in the form of those beautiful 16-inch grey wheels. If you think it looks familiar, you are on to something there as it looks like a recycled Proton part which was first seen on the Proton Satria NEO CPS. The side mirrors are also splashed with yellow paint to complete the R3 look.

On the inside, the yellow R3 theme continues through the R3 labelled carpet mats, R3 emblem on the dashboard, yellow accents at the meter cluster, and centre console knobs as well as the seats. The black leatherette seats feature yellow stitches as well as an R3 logo.

There are no changes to the drivetrain; as the Iriz is powered by a 1.6-litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine which outputs 107 hp and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, mated exclusively to the Punch CVT-type automatic. The infotainment system is also unchanged from before.

The 2021 Iriz R3 is a limited edition variant so you will be getting a unique car if you decide to splash RM52,900 on it.

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

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

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CarlistBid.my
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Your Car’s Keyfob Battery Is Dead? What Now?

Most drivers have perhaps been here before.

Initial signs of a shorter unlocking distance from your car, perhaps the car doesn’t detect the key as easily as it once did.  You would have thought, maybe it’s about time to change the keyfob battery – but, amongst the lot of things you do every day, it’s at the back of your mind – or maybe you thought, you’ll change it when you send your car in for its next service.

Either way, it doesn't happen, and you’re now stuck outside your car with bags in your hand, and that darned door just refuses to unlock.

Now, for older cars, this isn’t so much a problem. Simply use the mechanical key, open the door, and get in. This might trigger the alarm but more often than not, alarm systems will have an override button to temporarily shut off the alarm, so you can start the car. Batteries for older car keys (such as the A27 dry-cell, or CR2025 coin cell) are also much easier to find and replace – with most hardware or electronic stores retailing them.

Newer cars, however, will have more specific coin-cell batteries and/or battery capacities depending on make and model, which makes it all that more important that keyfobs for newer generation cars be replaced on a timely basis.

This as you can imagine, becomes a bit trickier with new vehicles with Keyless Entry and Start/Stop systems. What do you do when your car key, doesn’t even look like a key!

Well, the first thing to do is not to panic, because your car manufacturer has already thought of this, and engineered certain redundancies into your car’s security systems for situations such as this.

Just follow this step-by-step guide to get yourself home:

Firstly, double-check if the keyfob battery is really dead. Yes, the battery might be on its way out, but maybe it’s got just enough charge for one more unlock. So get the key near the car handle for the car to detect the key. If that doesn’t work, maybe you can try waving the key just above the windscreen on the driver’s side door handle. Assuming there’s just enough charge in the key and the car picks it up, you’re good to go.

If that doesn’t work. You now have to bypass the Keyless entry system and use a mechanical key to enter the car. It’s important to note that different manufacturers will have different keyfob designs and slightly different methods to enter and restart your car in cases like this, so we can’t stress hard enough: understand your car’s systems. Read the car’s manual, ask your service advisor or mechanic, or if in a pinch, go on YouTube and check out what to do. There’s a wealth of information on YouTube on practically any car model – new and old.

What you want to do next is find the mechanical key, which normally is designed into the keyfob – look closely for what might seem like a clip/lock mechanism. In some cases it might not be a lock at all, you might simply have to pull the key out of the key fob and you’re good to go.

With the key in hand, simply look for the traditional keyhole on your car’s door/handle and unlock your car. Now you are in!

Now, here’s where the steps may differ depending on the cars make and model. For BMWs you have to hold your key next to steering wheel console (usually located near the Start/Stop button) while pressing the start button, for certain Mercedes-Benz models, you have to plug out the Start/Stop button which reveals a key slot. In the case of Honda or Toyota models, once you’re in the car, place your key fob right up against the Start/Stop button and push to start. Or you can even use the keyfob itself to push the Start/Stop button.

For the simplest how-to video, check out our video below on how we unlocked and started a Toyota Hilux with a dead keyfob battery.

We hope we've managed to shed some light on what to do if your keyfob runs out of juice. Remember don't panic, go on Carlist, read this informative article and you'll soon be on your merry way.

However, replacing your car's key need not be such a mind-numbing affair, you can actually check out
The Car Key Man
 YouTube channel, which shows you how to change the keyfob batteries for a plethora of different makes and models.


7 Penjagaan Asas Kereta Yang Wajib Anda Tahu

Kalau tahu pandu kereta, wajib juga untuk kita tahu cara-cara
penjagaan asas kereta
 bagi mengelakkan berlaku sebarang kerosakan pada kereta. Penjagaan ini juga bertujuan untuk memastikan pemanduan anda kekal lancar dan selamat daripada sebarang masalah.

Penjagaan asas kereta ini merupakan sesuatu yang mudah. Namun, jangan sesekali mengambil mudah tentang hal ini. Ikuti tips penjagaan asas kereta yang wajib anda tahu seperti berikut.

1. Minyak Enjin

Ini merupakan komponen yang penting untuk enjin anda. Untuk periksa keadaan minyak enjin anda, tarik dipstick dan lap mengunakan tisu atau kain sehingga kering. Masukkan semula dipstick tersebut dan keluarkan semula untuk menyukat kuantiti minyak enjin. Kaedah ini lebih tepat kerana pada bacaan pertama, minyak enjin berpotensi untuk merecik pada dipstick menyebabkan bacaan tepat sukar diambil.

Kalau kedudukan minyak melebihi paras, itu sudah memadai. Tetapi, sekiranya minyak tersebut sudah bertukar hitam dan kotor, dah sampai masa untuk tukar! Kalau tak tukar juga, komponen dalaman enjin lama kelamaan akan menjadi likat, pekat dan melekat. Nanti mulalah enjin anda berbunyi seperti orang bertukang ataupun dikenali sebagai bunyi tepet. Pastikan anda periksa keadaan minyak enjin anda sekurang kurangnya sebulan sekali dan pilik
minyak enjin yang sesuai!

2. Coolant (penyejuk)

Coolant berfungsi untuk melindungi enjin daripada
panas lampau (overheating)
 ketika cuaca panas, dan membeku (freezing) dalam cuaca sejuk ekstrem. Kalau tak jaga coolant ni, memang berasap enjin kereta anda sekiranya enjin dah panas. Untuk periksa coolant, buka penutup radiator dan lihat sama ada masih terdapat bendalir coolant atau tidak.

Jangan sesekali buka penutup radiator ini semasa enjin masih hidup atau pun ketika enjin masih panas. Terdapat tekanan udara yang kuat dari dalam akan menyebabkan air menyembur keluar. Periksa juga kuantiti coolant pada tangki simpanan. Kalau kurang, tambah! Anda dinasihati untuk flush keluar coolant lama dan ganti baru sekurang kurangnya dua tahun sekali. Bukan apa, coolant yang kotor mampu untuk merosakkan sensor enjin. Bila dah rosak, kena baiki. Bila nak baiki, duit lagi! Rujuk pengeluar kereta anda untuk mendapatkan nisbah tetapan dan paras coolant mengikut spesifikasi yang telah ditetapkan.

3. Minyak Transmisi

Selain memastikan kelinciran pergerakan gear, minyak transmisi ini menghalang komponen logam dalam kotak gear daripada bergeser antara satu sama lain. Bukan itu sahaja, minyak ini turut membersihkan dan menjaga permukaan logam gear daripada haus. Kalau tak jaga, kekotoran yang terhasil boleh menyebabkan kesumbatan partikel di dalam penapis menyebabkan minyak gagal mengalir dengan sempurna.

Minyak transmisi juga bukanlah sesuatu yang kritikal kerana anda hanya perlu menukar seelok-eloknya selepas lebih 30,000 km. Cara nak periksa seakan sama seperti minyak enjin. Tarik dipstick, lap, masukkan semula, tarik dan sukat. Pastikan enjin kereta anda telah dihidupkan terlebih dahulu. Sukatan minyak ini boleh diperiksa dalam dua suhu, iaitu sejuk dan panas. Minyak ini berubah sifat mengikut suhu, Pendek kata, ia mengembang bila enjin semakin panas. Untuk mendapatkan bacaan paling tepat, tunggu sehingga kipas radiator berpusing menandakan enjin telah panas. (suhu optimum dalam 149 F atau 65 darjah celcius. Kebiasaanya, ada dua lekuk pada perkataan HOT dan dua lekuk pada perkataan COLD. Kalau paras minyak berada dalam dua lekuk HOT, minyak transmisi anda mencukupi! Kalau tak cukup, tambah dan ulang proses ini.

4. Minyak Brek

Minyak brek atau bendalir brek ini membuatkan sistem brek kereta anda berfungsi secara optimum agar brek dapat berfungsi dengan lancar terutama ketika kecemasan. Terdapat 3 jenis minyak brek yang diklasifikasikan sebagai DOT 3, DOT 4 dan DOT 5. Kepekatan ketiga-tiga minyak ini turut berbeza, di mana DOT 3 dan 4 digunakan pada kenderaan biasa manakala DOT 5 digunakan pada kenderaan yang menggunakan suhu yang tinggi seperti kereta lumba.

Untuk periksa paras minyak brek, pastikan minyak berada dalam keadaan penuh dan jernih. Kalau kurang, anda boleh tambah sahaja. Namun jika minyak dah kotor, terpaksalah buat flushing untuk keluarkan minyak lama untuk digantikan. Kalau tak dijaga, sistem brek tidak dapat berfungsi dengan baik dan menyebabkan kebocoran pada body pump, wheel pump serta master pump. Sekiranya brek anda tak cengkam walaupun pedal brek dah ditekan, itu disebabkan oleh kebocoran
vakum.

5. Bendalir Power Steering

Power steering merupakan satu alat yang digunakan bagi meringankan putaran stereng ketika membelok. Tetapi jika tak dijaga dengan teliti, lama kelamaan akan mendatangkan masalah pada power steering seperti di steering pump serta steering rack. Nak baiki pun bukan murah!

Cara pemeriksaan bendalir ini lebih kurang dengan minyak brek. Pastikan bendalir mencukupi dan tidak kotor. Kalau dah kotor, kena hantar kedai la buat flushing. Anda disarankan untuk periksa minyak ini sekurang-kurangnya dua tahun sekali.

6. Bateri Kereta

Sebagai komponen penting bagi sistem eletrik kenderaan, bateri kereta perlu diganti setiap dua tahun mengikut prestasi dan penjagaannya. Terdapat tiga jenis bateri kereta iaitu bateri sel basah, bateri sel kering (free maintenance), bateri gel serta bateri Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). Pastikan anda periksa tahap air dalam bateri kereta (sel basah) setiap tiga bulan atau setiap 5000 km. Bersihkan juga terminal bateri anda serta tengok juga penebat bateri yang berfungsi melindungi bateri kereta daripada kepanasan haba enjin.

Untuk mengetahui keadaan bateri, cuba hidupkan enjin kereta anda. Jika ia mengambil masa 3-5 saat untuk hidup, itu normal. Kalau atas dari 5 saat, periksa bateri anda. Kalau bateri dah kembung, itu menandakan bateri sudah mencecah jangka hayatnya. Bunyi penggera kereta yang berbunyi tak menentu turut merupakan tanda bateri sudah tidak elok dan harus ditukar.

7. Tekanan Tayar

Tekanan angin pada tayar amat penting. Tekanan angin yang kurang atau lebih akan menyebabkan bunga tayar yang tidak sekata sekaligus mendatangkan bahaya ketika memandu. Seeloknya, pam tayar kereta anda 2 minggu sekali mengikut spesifikasi kilang yang telah ditetapkan.

Tak tahu paras tekanan angin yang sesuai untuk kereta anda? Rujuk info pada pelekat yang diletakkan di bahagian pintu pemandu. Tayar yang kekurangan angin menggunakan lebih bahan api untuk bergerak. Jaga tekanan udara, dapat jimat minyak!

Semoga anda dapat memanfaatkan info penjagaan asas ini bagi menjamin pemanduan yang lebih lancar. Tak tahu, tanya. Dah tahu? Kongsi!


Mazda Now Offers Colour Coordinated Key Fobs For Its Japanese Customers

Mazda will be introducing its new line of “Selective Key Shell” for the all-new 3 in July, as part of the company's extensive list of accessories for its new model. However, this lovely key fob is a Japan-only offer, at least for the time being.
For owners in Japan, they can order the key to match the colour of their Mazda 3, which is available in four colours:
Soul Red Crystal
Machine Grey Premium
Snowflake White Pearl
Poly Metal Grey
As cool as these key fobs may appear, they don’t come cheap; opting for the Soul Red Crystal or Machine Grey Premium will set buyers back by 19,440 Yen (~RM 746), while the Snowflake White Pearl or Poly Metal Grey key fobs cost 16,200 Yen (~RM 622).
If that is not enough, Mazda is also offering a protective box to store your precious key fob for 2,160 Yen (~RM 83).
However, colour coordinated keys are not new, as Porsche also offers a similar service for its owners.
Looking for a new Mazda? Find for the best deals
here
.


Audi Rates High in German ‘Auto Bild’ Top 100 Tests

Audi vehicles were well represented in the German motoring publication, Auto Bild’s recent 100 best model performance tests – which awards the Top 10 cars across 10 grading criteria, chosen from a field of 1200 entries.
The motoring magazine lists the results for the best 100 models – in the disciplines of fuel economy, turning circle, un-laden weight, payload, seat height, top speed, acceleration, noise emissions, braking and flexibility/intermediate sprint.
In the latter four categories, which places an emphasis on dynamic ability and refinement – Audi finished with two class wins, and 15 further placings within the total field of cars.
Here’s the shortlist of how Audi cars placed:
Category: Noise Emission
Audi A8 4.0 TFSI and Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI Quattro (Second place)
Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 3.0 TDI ( Fourth place)
Audi A4 3.0 TDI, Audi A4 Avant 3.0 TDI and Audi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra (Seventh place)
Category: Acceleration (0-100km/h)
Audi R8 V10 Plus (First place - 2.9 seconds)
Audi S8 Plus and Audi RS 6 Avant (Seventh place - 3.7 seconds)
Audi RS 7 Sportback (Tenth place - 3.8 seconds)
Category: Braking (Distance to stop, 100-0km/h)
Audi R8 V10 Plus (Fourth place – 32.6 metres)
Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Ultra (Fourth place – 33.2 metres)
Category: Flexibility (80-120km/h acceleration in top gear – manual transmission)
Audi S1 Sportback (Fourth place – 6.7 seconds)
Audi TTS (Sixth place – 6.8 seconds)
Category: Intermediate sprint (80-120km/h acceleration with ‘kickdown’ – automatic transmission)
Audi R8 V10 Plus (First place – 1.6 seconds)
Audi S8 Plus (Seventh place – 2.1 seconds)
Audi RS 6 Avant (Eighth place – 2.2 seconds)


Banjir: Kerajaan Umum Bantuan RM1,000 Kepada Isi Rumah Terjejas

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob telah mengumumkan bantuan sebanyak RM1,000 kepada ketua isi rumah yang terjejas akibat
banjir
 yang berlaku baru-baru ini.

Bantuan
 wang tunai itu akan diberikan setelah kesemua mangsa yang kini ditempatkan di pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) pulang ke rumah masing-masing.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

"Setiap ketua isi rumah kita akan memberi sumbangan RM1,000, bukan setiap individu," katanya dalam sidang media mengenai perkembangan banjir di Pejabat Tanah Selangor di sini, pada Ahad lalu.

Perdana Menteri turut mengumumkan bahawa kerajaan turut bersetuju untuk menyediakan peruntukan awal bernilai RM100 juta untuk pasca banjir bagi membaiki kerosakan rumah dan infrastruktur lain yang terlibat. Melihat pada jenis kerosakan
infrastruktur
 yang terlibat, jumlah tersebut akan dipertingkatkan pada masa hadapan.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Dalam pada itu, beliau memberitahu, pemberian Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) yang dinaikkan daripada RM500 kepada RM1,000 pada September lalu kepada setiap ketua isi rumah yang terjejas akibat bencana akan dipercepatkan terutama di kawasan-kawasan banjir di kesemua negeri termasuk Selangor.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Dalam masa sama, beliau memaklumkan syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) dan syarikat pelaburan berkaitan kerajaan (GILC) masing-masing bersetuju untuk memberi geran padanan RM20 juta kepada kerajaan.

"Untuk peringkat awal, kita mengadakan perbincangan semalam dan ini bermaksud kita ada RM40 juta
back to back
. Itu antara bantuan yang akan berikan segera dalam usaha mengurangkan beban yang ditanggung oleh mangsa-mangsa banjir," jelas Ismail Sabri.

Kerajaan juga telah bersetuju untuk memberi cuti kecemasan akibat
bencana
 kepada penjawat awam yang terkesan kerana banjir. Majikan swasta pula disaran beri cuti dan tidak memotong gaji atau cuti tahunan pekerja terjejas, tambah beliau.


Volvo Wants You To Live Fully, Now

It can be a little difficult to associate emotion with a car brand. Some brands have had consistent marketing strategies that help to invoke emotion; some examples would be BMW with Sheer Driving Pleasure or  Audi with Vorsprung Durch Technik, but it's an art that's seemingly lost in recent years. Mazda's brief attempt with their Driving Matters campaign doesn't seem to have as much impact as they hoped for, and Toyota's marketing feels a little forced at times when pushing Akio Toyoda's "Fun to Drive, Again" agenda.
Emotion isn't strictly necessary when it comes to selling cars. Most consumers will care more about what they get for their money, the prestige and the value, followed by practicality and comfort and performance. But rather surprisingly, the next brand we see attempting 'emotion' is Volvo. They've been sneaking the odd commercial here and there, decidedly under the radar, perhaps for fear of potential backlash. And yet these commercials are the kinds of things that stick around in memory for years to come; it may not make you go out and buy a Volvo immediately, but it will have earned a little real-estate in your heart and your mind.
Volvo has always been known for safety, and unfortunately safety isn't something that's usually associated with emotion. More than that, safety has become so synonymous with Volvo that a lot of people take it for granted. With this newest commercial, they're looking at life itself- and they want you to "live fully, now". It uses the tried-and-true monologue and montage formula, but it's sure to tug at your heart strings no matter what demographic you sit in. The message is simple: get out there and experience life as it is, for if you are constantly worrying and waiting for the future you will never be able to enjoy the present- and of course, what better car to get out there with than a Volvo V90 Cross Country.


BMW Malaysia and Childline Foundation Push For Child Car Seat Safety 'From Day One'

Child seats are on the way to becoming mandatory in Malaysia before you know it, and every car manufacturer across the board is pushing and advocating the use of child seats for our young ones. There's good reason for it too - many parents are either uninformed or not willing to put in the effort, or simply can't afford a child seat. There are many measures taken to make life a little easier for parents, and BMW Malaysia is the latest to hop on board with Childline Foundation - a non-profit organization focused on the awareness and education of child safety and protection - with their new campaign "From Day One".
Beyond merely educating, in partnership with Chicco Malaysia, BMW Malaysia will be providing child car seats for the first six babies born on Father's Day at Hospital Putrajaya. These lucky parents will also learn about how best to use these seats in addition to other child safety tips from Childline Foundation's passenger safety consultants. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Since 2015, the BMW Safety 360° Programme has aspired to advocate safety values to keep drivers, passengers and road users safer on our roads. With ‘From Day One’, we want parents to realise the urgency of protecting their babies from the moment they leave the hospital. We also hope to educate them on the correct installation and usage of child car seats.”
To understand the value of a child seat and how to properly install one, watch the video above. It's a little long, but it covers the essentials, as well as the different kinds of child car seats available as well as their specific uses and limits. Beyond having a child car seat, it is also important to understand that different child seats are required for different ages and sizes of children, and the fact that child car seats can expire.


Honda HR-V now comes in Dark Ruby Red Pearl

Following on from the City and Jazz, the HR-V is now offered in Dark Ruby Red Pearl. It’s a bold colour for a crossover, and it comes hand in hand with new 17-inch rims across the range. It is part of Honda Malaysia’s new sales target for the HR-V, which now sits at 1,500 units a month.
The waiting list for the HR-V has been maintained at 1-2 months since Honda Malaysia began to offer the HR-V for our market despite heavy demand. The pre-order bookings were impressively high at launch, and they have managed to maintain this momentum over the months since then.
The Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour will be joining Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, and Ruse Black Metallic in the HR-V colour options. In addition to this, HR-V owners now have the option to purchase a ‘Rear Shelf’ for RM 550, inclusive of GST.


McLaren Previews 765LT In Malaysia, Woking’s Latest Track-Focused Weapon

The newest track-ready McLaren, the 765LT, has made a stopover in Malaysia on its global campaign tour due to increasing local customer interest in the brand following the car’s March reveal. We got a chance to admire the car up close at their Kuala Lumpur showroom in Glenmarie.

McLaren is no stranger to topping themselves when it comes to the fastest and most powerful versions of their own supercars, and the 765LT is pretty much the ultimate expression of the
720S
 platform - lighter, racier, and with its bi-turbo V8 pushed to its limit.

With a production cap set at just 765 units, this newest limited edition track-focused Longtail variant will set you back RM1,488,000 excluding taxes and duties. It is the company’s third LT-badged car after the 600LT, which was based on the company’s smaller 570S model, and sits a tier higher in their Super Series of vehicles. You might remember its direct predecessor, the 675LT from 2015, itself based on the 650S, the car the 720S replaced.

The Woking-based supercar maker isn’t the most creative when it comes to their naming conventions, but this numerical system is at least quite logical. In case you haven’t already pieced it together, the 765LT refers to the engine output at 765PS. Torque, meanwhile, peaks at 800Nm.

It’s collection of numbers is mind-warping: 2.8 seconds is all it takes for this mid-engine, rear drive beast to rocket to 100km/h. In just 7.2 seconds, the car will sail past 200km/h and on to a top speed of 330km/h, which is slightly slower than the 720S due to the new aero package creating more drag at high speed but accounts for 25 percent more downforce.

The M840T retains its 4.0-litre displacement but finds the extra 45PS through some choice tech taken from the McLaren Senna such as forged aluminium pistons, a higher capacity race-spec fuel pump, and a reinforced head gasket. We’d like to think those quad exit titanium exhausts also play a part.

Fitting of its Longtail moniker, the 765LT measures 57mm longer than the 720S on which it’s based thanks to extended front aerodynamics and a lengthier active rear spoiler. Nearly everything else has been visibly enhanced over the standard car to achieve maximum performance with minimal weight. After an arduous diet, McLaren claims 80kg was shaved off.

Aside from the bright orange body colour, much of the car’s carbon fibre bits have been left exposed. It’s especially pronounced when both doors are open to reveal the fully carbon Monocell. Further along the cabin you’ll find almost nothing to distract from the pure act of driving.

Everything is dressed in Alcantara to look extra serious and the carbon-shell bucket seats are the definition of snug, but I say ‘almost’ because there are some features here that are very much in service of occupant convenience and comfort. Sure, air conditioning is an extra, but the fancy navigation and infotainment unit is left standard. While you’re at it, you might also want to tick that Bower & Wilkins stereo option.

McLarens, even the most extreme of road going versions, have always been deceptively competent as grand tourers with comfort levels that always seem to be a pleasant surprise. However, despite the wizardry of the equipped Proactive Chassis Control hydraulically-linked suspension system, we wonder just how tolerable the ride will be with those Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, which were engineered specifically for the 765LT.

Speaking of which, they wrap around a set of 10-spoke forged wheels which look very similar to those found on the Senna hypercar. Together with their titanium bolts, they save about 22kg over the standard set of alloys. Delicious.


Lockdown 3.0 Dilanjutkan - Bantuan Menyeluruh Kerajaan Bakal Menyusul

Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin telah mengumumkan bahawa
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) 3.0
 atau Lockdown 3.0 yang sedang dilaksana di seluruh negara akan dilanjutkan dan tidak akan tamat esok.

Perkara ini diputuskan ekoran nilai kes positif COVID-19 yang masih tinggi dalam negara ini. Oleh itu, Fasa Pertama Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN) akan diteruskan sehingga nilai ambang jangkitan harian COVID-19 kurang daripada 4,000 kes.

Tambah beliau,
Lockdown 3.0
 ini akan terus berkekalan sehingga ketiga-tiga indikator yang ditetapkan terhadap Fasa Pertama PPN dicapai sebelum beralih kepada Fasa Kedua PPN.

Indikator pertama ialah keadaan penularan COVID-19 dalam komuniti berdasarkan bilangan kes jangkitan harian.

Indikator kedua ialah keupayaan sistem kesihatan awam berdasarkan kadar penggunaan katil di wad unit rawatan rapi (ICU).

Indikator ketiga ialah tahap populasi yang dilindungi berdasarkan peratusan yang telah lengkap menerima dua dos suntikan vaksin.

Ekoran perlanjutan PKP, Perdana Menteri berkata kerajaan akan mengumumkan
bantuan
yang lebih menyeluruh kepada semua kumpulan masyarakat (B40,M40 dan T20) pada esok atau Selasa ini,

Terdahulu, kerajaan telah mengumumkan empat fasa melalui PPN dan menyasarkan negara akan masuk ke fasa kedua pada Julai atau Ogos ini apabila nilai ambang yang ditetapkan berjaya dicapai.


This Is Geely's Modular Platform For B-Segment Cars - All-New Proton Sub-Compact Model On The Way?

Geely has just unveiled their latest BMA platform, a modular platform for B-segment cars. This all-new platform comes follows the company's introduction of the CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture), which was co-developed with Volvo and currently underpins the XC40.
The BMA platform is the fruit of a 4-year long development by almost 100 modular architecture experts from over 20 countries. Similar to Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) platform, the new BMA platform is flexible enough to allow Geely engineers to integrate a wide variety of power, electrical, chassis, and body modules, allowing it to build a wide range of vehicles from a common platform.
Geely says that the all-new BMA platform can be adapted to any type of vehicle, from a sedan, to a crossover, MPV, or SUV. Wheelbase of the vehicles can range from as short as 2,550 mm, extending to 2,700 mm.
As for powertrains, the all-new BMA platform was developed with electrification in mind, including PHEV, HEV, or MHEV hybrid powertrains. Additionally, the BMA platform can also be fitted with Geely’s range of petrol engines, including a 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection and a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol.
Apart from adaptability to a variety of powertrains, the new BMA platform was developed to meet the latest requirements in passive safety. It features 70 percent high-strength steel and 20 percent hot-formed steel. Geely also added that the new BMA platform can also accomodate Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving features in the future.
The modular platform also cuts down vehicle development time to just 18 to 24 months, down from the 36-month average.
Last but not least, Geely also stated that all BMA-based vehicles will have a high rate of common parts and components, up to 70 percent. This helps to reduce time required for component testing and thus lowering costs.
With Geely taking charge of affairs at Proton, a company whose ageing model line-up is in urgent need of replacement, we expect the all-new BMA platform to underpin the next generation of sub-compact Proton cars. The Iriz, Saga, Persona have the underpinngs traced back to a platform that dates back more than 10 years ago. Of the range, the Iriz is the oldest of the lot, launched in late-2014, while the current Saga, launched in 2016, is a heavily reworked version of the previous Saga BLM.


Great Wall Rumoured To Be In Talks With BMW To Produce MINI In China

With the launch of the MINI Countryman, we saw MINI production move outside of the UK for the first time as Magna Steyr in Austria were contracted to assist with production. This time around, we're hearing rumours that Great Wall is looking to produce MINI for BMW in China, which would make it the first time a MINI product has been produced outside of Europe. This is big news for the German brand as it would strengthen their foothold in China.
As is the nature of setting up a production facility in China, foreign automakers need a local partner.
Bloomberg has reported
 that BMW is in talks with Great Wall to produce these small cars- but for export instead of for the domestic market, which is a rather curious choice. Perhaps MINI isn't popular enough within the Chinese market to justify selling locally, although arguably production costs could be cut greatly if done in China.
Since the announcement of these talks, Great Wall share prices have surged 14%- and as a result they have suspended trading on their stock. If this were to go through, it would join BMW's joint-venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd as production of BMW products within China. Both BMW and MINI sales in China have surged 16% in the first 8 months of the year alone, with 383,976 units moved.


Hyundai To Reveal Veloster "Grappler" Concept At The 2019 SEMA Show

Hyundai has announced that it will be unveiling the Veloster “Grappler” concept at the 2019 SEMA show.

The Grappler concept boasts increased ground clearance, a custom front and rear brush guards, oversized all-terrain tires, rally-themed Method Racing wheels, as well as Borla cat-back exhaust components.

For extra cargo capabilities, a roof-mounted Thule utility basket includes a high-output lighting system from Baja Designs. Plus, there is a full host of roof-mounted utility lights which allow for versatility on the go.

The utility basket also serves as a base mount for the removable solar panel from Goal Zero, powering an all-electric portable power station mounted inside the cabin for remote journeys.

And then we have a custom vinyl exterior body wrap which features a ghosted Hyundai-themed livery, and a Seibon carbon-fibre hood which effectively vents excess engine bay heat when things heat up out on the road.

Inside the cabin, the functional ruggedness theme continues. An integrated roll bar provides occupant protection and facilitates mounting for a full-size spare wheel and tire.

Further outfitting the interior are traction mats, an oversized utility shovel, a Goal Zero portable power station, a roadside assistance kit, a first aid kit, a Napier outdoor dome tent, Scosche Mounts, Goal Zero crush lights, and premium Recaro seats finished in a vintage hounds tooth check pattern.  The exterior lighting is modulated through a custom-designed switch panel.

And finally, there are the Hyundai genuine accessories that round out the functionality of the vehicle, such as sport pedals, a sport shifter, all-weather mats, ambient footwell lighting, and cargo blocks.

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


Jika Kemalangan Ketika Pandu Uji Kereta, Siapa Perlu Tanggung Ganti Rugi?

Jika anda terlibat dalam kemalangan semasa memandu uji kereta di
bilik pameran
, siapa yang perlu tanggung kos ganti rugi tersebut?

Pandu uji
 kenderaan baharu memang sesuatu pengalaman yang menerujakan. Memandangkan kereta merupakan komitmen kedua terbesar kebanyakan rakyat Malaysia, penting untuk anda meneliti sesebuah kenderaan itu secara menyeluruh sebelum membuat pembelian.

Meskipun segala spesifikasi mengenai sesebuah kereta itu telah dinyatakan pada brochure atau iklan, namun cara yang terbaik untuk menilai kereta secara menyeluruh sebelum membuat pilihan adalah dengan memandu uji kenderaan tersebut. Dengan cara ini, anda dapat merasai sendiri pengalaman memandu kereta yang ingin dibeli dan mengesan keupayaan, kualiti,
kelebihan atau kekurangan
 sesuatu kereta.

Walau bagaimanapun, dalam keghairahan memandu uji kereta tersebut, apa yang bakal berlaku sekiranya anda terlibat dalam
kemalangan
 semasa memandu uji kereta? Siapakah yang bertanggungjawab atas kos
baik pulih
 segala kerosakan pada kereta tersebut? Adakah pemandu perlu membeli kenderaan tersebut?

Jawapannya, ia bergantung pada jenis-jenis kemalangan juga. Namun pemandu tidak diwajibkan membeli kenderaan tersebut. Sebaliknya, kerugian atau kos ganti rugi boleh ditanggung oleh 3 pihak seperti berikut berdasarkan situasi:

Pengedar

Pemandu

Pihak Ketiga

Kos Ditanggung Pengedar

Jika kemalangan yang berlaku hanyalah menyebabkan kerosakan kecil seperti calar dan kemik, kebiasaannya kos ganti rugi akan ditanggung sendiri oleh pihak pengedar. Untuk pengetahuan anda, kereta pandu uji ini biasanya dilindungi oleh insurans fleet yang memberi perlindungan kepada
kenderaan baharu
 atau kenderaan yang tidak berdaftar.

Dengan itu, insurans ini melindungi segala kerosakan kecil yang berlaku pada kereta pandu uji tersebut tanpa mengira salah mana-mana pihak. Akan tetapi, janganlah terlalu teruja untuk memandu uji tanpa membaca dan memahami segala terma terma dan syarat yang dinyatakan sebelum menandatangani apa-apa dokumen seperti liability waiver.

Jika anda menandatangi dokumen seperti itu, ia menandakan bahawa anda tahu dan faham segala risiko yang boleh terjadi semasa memandu uji. Jika berlaku sebarang kerosakan atau kemalangan, anda mungkin perlu bertanggungjawab ke atas kerosakan tersebut.

Kos Ditanggung Pemandu

Jika kemalangan yang berlaku merupakan kemalangan besar seperti total lost, kereta remuk, terbalik dan sebagainya, kos akan ditanggung oleh pemandu sepenuhnya dalam kes-kes tertentu. Jika anda terlibat dalam kes seperti ini, anda perlu melaporkan kemalangan tersebut kepada
polis
 agar siasatan menyeluruh dapat dilakukan.

Sekiranya pihak polis mendapati bahawa anda merupakan punca kemalangan, segala kos baik pulih kenderaan pandu uji berkenaan akan dituntut daripada
polisi insurans
 kereta milik anda secara automatik meskipun anda tidak memandu kereta anda.

Perkara seperti ini turut akan diguna pakai jika anda memandu kereta sewa. Tetapi ia bergantung pada nilai perlindungan kereta anda. Anda mungkin perlu membayar lebih jika amaun tersebut tidak mencukupi untuk membayar segala kos baik pulih tersebut. Lebih buruk sekiranya anda tidak mempunyai insurans kereta sedia ada kerana anda perlu membayar ganti rugi menggunakan duit poket anda 100%.

Kos Ditanggung Pihak Ketiga

Namun lain pula ceritanya jika pihak polis mendapati bahawa anda bukanlah punca kemalangan tersebut dan sebaliknya, pemandu lain yang melanggar atau menyebabkan kemalangan. Jika ini berlaku, segala kos baik pulih akan ditanggung sepenuhnya oleh pihak ketiga. Pihak ketiga akan bertanggungjawab atas kos baik pulih dalam kes seperti ini:

Kereta Pandu Uji Dilanggar Pemandu Lain

Jika pemandu lain menjadi
punca kemalangan
, segala urusan selanjutnya akan diuruskan sendiri oleh pihak pengedar seperti laporan kemalangan dan tuntutan insurans terhadap pihak ketiga. Namun jika anda mengalami kecederaan, anda perlu menanggung segala kos rawatan melalui insurans kereta persendirian (uninsured motorist coverage) atau insurans kesihatan milik anda.

Kereta Pandu Uji Rosak

Sekiranya kemalangan berlaku ekoran daripada
kerosakan
 teknikal pada kereta pandu uji tersebut, kebiasaannya pihak pengedar akan menanggung segala kos ganti rugi dan kos lain yang terlibat, termasuklah memberi pampasan terhadap segala kecederaan yang dialami oleh mana-mana individu yang terlibat dalam kemalangan itu.

Secara amnya, anda hendaklah sentiasa berhati-hati semasa memandu, tidak kiralah sama ada anda memandu kereta persendirian ataupun kereta pandu uji bagi mengelakkan kemalangan daripada berlaku. Bukan apa, bila kes seperti ini berlaku, ia akan merumitkan dan memanjangkan lagi perjalanan pembelian kereta anda. Nanti silap-silap nak beli kereta pun dah tiada mood sebab kena bayar ganti rugi.

Kesimpulannya, dapatkan kepastian dan pengesahan pengedar sama ada kenderaan pandu uji itu telah dilindungi insurans atau tidak sebelum memandu uji kenderaan berkenaan. Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang perkara ini, hubungi sahaja penasihat jualan atau
ejen insurans
 anda untuk mendapatkan penjelasan selanjutnya supaya anda tidak terperangkap dalam situasi seperti ini.

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The Ford Mustang Now Understands Chinese

Ford announced today that its engineers in Nanjing, China, have helped the Mustang – China’s top-selling sports coupe – master the ancient art of the country’s traditional handwriting system.
With SYNC 3; Ford’s in-car media and navigation system, the Mustang can understand handwritten Chinese characters inputted with a swipe of the finger. With enhanced voice recognition technology, SYNC 3 also recognizes voice commands in Mandarin Chinese providing drivers with a seamless connectivity experience, from selecting music to searching for a destination.
Previously, inputting Chinese characters on an in-car touch screen would require typing in pinyin (phonetic spellings of Chinese words using the alphabet) and then selecting one of multiple characters, all of which have analogous pronunciations, in order to enter a command or search for a destination. Even with predictive technology, this process can be slow and less intuitive for the driver, and doesn’t suit people – usually older Chinese – who have difficulties using pinyin.
“The Chinese version of SYNC 3 is far more than just a translation of a global technology,” said Fisher Xu, SYNC Supervisor for Ford Asia Pacific. “It’s really been localized to respond to a Chinese driver’s needs with a local point of view, from the voice commands that understand our accents and our habits, to the way we structure our statements.”
“For instance, when you talk to a friend in China and they ask where you are, they’re really looking for a building name or a point of interest, not a street number. That’s probably different to other parts of the world, and SYNC 3 is smart enough to know this local preference, seamlessly.”
Ford’s handwriting feature allows users to scribble characters by hand, and instantly recognizes each stroke of the character as it is made, by tracing it and turning it into a typeface. With more than 2,500 commonly used characters in the Chinese language and a wide range of different writing styles and habits, it leverages automatic association technology based on a large database of characters and fuzzy search algorithms to save users time and increase accuracy.
SYNC 3 can also decipher Chinese characters written at angles of up to 15 degrees. This means that after a driver is buckled up and about to pull out of a parking space, they can lean over and comfortably handwrite any address or point of interest.
Introduced officially in Asia for the first time in 2015, the Mustang’s sales in China have continued to grow, jumping 45 per cent in of 2016, making it the country’s best-selling sports coupe.
In addition to Mustang, SYNC 3’s Chinese handwriting feature is also available in several different Ford nameplates sold in China, including the Focus, Taurus Limited Edition, Edge, Kuga, and Explorer.


Indonesia-made Daihatsu Engines To Be Exported To China

Daihatsu Motor is rumoured to be finalising an engine supply deal with China's Dongfeng Motor, reports Japan's Nikkei.
The report says the deal will likely see
Daihatsu
 supplying about 50,000 engines of 1,000cc or so capacity from Daihatsu's engine plant in Indonesia to Dongfeng, beginning later this year.
Nikkei did not reveal the source of the news but says Daihatsu and Dongfeng are in the final stages of negotiations.
The engine supply deal was driven by Dongfeng's need to procure cleaner emissions engines that would meet upcoming exhaust emission regulations in China. The Chinese government is expected to continue to tighten regulations on vehicular emissions, and by 2020, China's exhaust emission regulations will be on par with those in Japan and Europe.
Starting this year, Daihatsu's newly extended engine production line in Karawang, West Java, will begin production. The new production line has an additional production capacity of 200,000 engines a year, raising the engine plant's total output to 530,000 engines a year.
The plant currently supplies engines to Daihatsu-made Toyota models (
Avanza
 and Agya) as well as China's FAW Group, who is also a local partner for parent company Toyota's operations in China. Daihatsu's contract with FAW is worth 100,000 engines per year.


How the D-segment 2020 Hyundai Sonata is redefining sexy

Now let’s admit it, D-segment sedans are hardly what you would call sexy - they are a lot more utilitarian, a lot more business, a lot less pizzaz. They were built as a status symbol - an indication of having made it - less as a style statement.

That is until the arrival of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5 Smartstream.

In this article, we highlight for you why sexy is back!

The Sensuous Sportiness design language

Futuristic looking and sporty - that is the theme Hyundai is taking with their current generation of vehicles and they’ve hit the nail bang on the head. The first of which that we get to witness is the new Hyundai Sonata and it’s safe to say it is the most futuristic D-segment sedan we have in the market currently, especially when viewed from the side with its many curves and accents that initially seem at odds with each other but in reality is a piece of art, sensuous almost. Add to that the arrival of the new Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai will easily take the award for Best Looking Cars of 2020.

The face that set turning a thousand heads

A neighbour of mine on his evening walk stopped and complimented me on my ‘Aston Martin’. I told him thank you but that sexy cascading grille + gradient daytime running lights staring back at him was from Korea, it was the Hyundai Sonata 2.5 Smartstream. This was a theme that we found repeated throughout our time with the car, double-takes, approving glances, or questioning looks - as many are still unfamiliar with Hyundai’s new design language.

The rear that makes you want to Stop & Stare

Aaah, that bum, the way that long LED strip connects each brake light!

is quite eye-catching and distinctive. At traffic lights, it’s hard not to stop and stare at that rear as it creates quite the visual impression. The Smart Trunk feature is also a welcome addition for when you have your hands full with your groceries. Walk up to the car, it senses the key fob and automatically opens the trunk for you.

The interior that becomes home

Comfy seats, 8-way adjustable with lumbar support. The Sonata has you covered every each way. What surprised us however was the space in the rear. A 180cm adult would be able to sit very comfortably in the rear for long drives on those plush seats. The interior also comes with all the creature comforts and then some typical of D-segment sedans. Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Wireless Charging, USB charging ports, climate control, rear air-con vents are standard.

Quite cool though is the Blind Spot View Monitor where at the activation of the turn signals the camera on the dashboard comes on to show you the view outside preventing you from turning into another vehicle in your blind spot. Very nifty this.

The wheels that are testament to the notion of ‘attention to detail’

Now the wheels on the Sonata are a work of art. The knurled weaves are testament to the work that has gone into making the Sonata as detailed as it is. Even the centre caps have a 3D-like weave pattern going on.

The Smartstream powertrain

There are four drive modes in the Sonata, Comfort, Eco, Sports, and Smart. It’s most at home in Comfort mode. The Sonata will pick and go but it is no sports sedan. It’s a cruiser that will return you frugal fuel consumption. Have no doubts though that it will handle the curves with surety, the steering is quick and responsive. It’s a cruiser, not a trunk road warrior, and judged accordingly, it dispatches the miles with ease and a smile on your face.

You definitely should take this head-turner for a test drive, be sure to enjoy the stares while you’re at it!


Will We Get A Proton Preve Replacement In 2021? Honda Civic Rival?

During the launch of the facelifted Proton Saga in 2019, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong reiterated that the company plans to introduce a new model every year for the next five years – starting with the game-changing Proton X70 in 2019 (post-Dec ’18 launch). We have since got the second model in this five-year plan, the X50. Which leaves us with the question, what's coming in 2021?

During that same press event, a presentation slide was shared showing the (cloaked) silhouette of what looked to be a sedan model for both 2021 and 2022, followed by the silhouette of an SUV for 2023.

This makes for very interesting conjecture given Proton’s parent company Geely has no shortage of cool sedans – ranging from the Emgrand, Borui, Bin Ray, and the superb looking Preface – which would undoubtedly fit the needs of most sedan lovers in Malaysia.

Proton has had no C-Segment sedan for some time

Now to qualify the argument, we first have to look at Proton’s long-term plans to investigate why we believe the Preve replacement is coming next.

Proton’s long terms goals, reported through its
10-year turnaround plan
 include a production target of 400,000 units in 2027 and becoming one of the top three car manufacturers in the ASEAN region. 30 percent from that 2027 volume is aimed for export markets.

The company also hopes to produce upwards of 300,000 units by 2023 – coincidentally at the same time for it to launch those five new models.

At the time Dr. Li Chunrong added, “The first three years is the most critical period for Proton to turn around. The company-wide effort is being harnessed to achieve this objective. Geely’s technologies and experience in turning around Volvo are key factors contributing to the growth of Proton and the local car industry,”

Hence whichever beyond the volume-selling Saga and Persona, the ideal bang for Proton’s buck would come in the form of a volume C-Segment sedan to take on the likes of the
Mazda 3
, Toyota Corolla,
Hyundai Elantra
, and the all-conquering
Honda Civic
.

This further cements why the rumoured MPV model based on the
Geely Jiaji
 may have been shelved for now, as its large size and premium powertrain and equipment would price it closer to the likes of the Proton X70, and out of touch with most budget MPV buyers of the
Perodua Alza
 and
Proton Exora
.

The Preve replacement…

Please note that we’re not quite sure why people are calling it the S50, why not the R50 or T50, Proton could really call their next sedan model virtually anything, but we suppose it’s an educated guess.

Since bowing out in the early stages of 2019, Proton has not had a replacement for the Proton Preve, which is where the Geely Binray (or Binrui) comes in.

The Binray is based on Geely’s global
B-segment Modular Architecture “BMA”
. The BMA was independently developed by Geely and maintains the high flexibility and scalability inherent in the earlier Geely and Volvo jointly developed Compact Modular Architecture or CMA platform found on the X50.

The sporty C-Segment sized fastback sedan measures 4,680mm in width, 1,785mm in width, and 1,460mm in height, close indeed to the size of the Honda Civic (4,648mm length, 1,799mm width, 1,416mm height).

The wheelbase of the Binray measures 2,670mm (a tad smaller than the Civic's 2,700mm) but exactly the same as the
Proton X70
.

Depending on the market, the Geely Binray is offered with either a (98hp/215Nm) 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a (134hp/205Nm) 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo mill. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, ‘8-speed’ CVT auto, or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic depending on engine variant.

Like the X50, the Binray is also designed to incorporate the latest body construction materials and techniques and houses similar levels of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The Binray is said to offer 14 advanced driver aids, also giving it
Level 2 driving autonomy
 like the Proton X50.

On the inside, the Binray's simplistic cabin bears resemblance to both the interiors of the X70 and X50. The centrally mounted air-con vents in the dashboard are closer to the X70, while the 7-inch LED Instrument cluster and centrally mounted infotainment screen and climate control switchgear are mostly like the X50.

Elsewhere, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft-touch materials on the door panel, and leather seats make for a stylish yet elegant cabin.

What else for Proton in 2021…

Besides the plausible new Binray sedan, updates for Proton Iriz and Persona are also said to be in the pipeline. Heavily camouflaged test mules have been spotted testing leading speculators to believe that the updates are pretty comprehensive.

With those two models covered, the spotlight will move onto the ageing Exora and
Perdana
 models. While the last raft of updates for the Exora proving to hold out, for now, the dismal sales and interest in the Perdana D-segment sedan would seem the biggest question mark for Proton in 2021.


Someone bought a Shoei helmet for RM86,000

Someone in Malaysia has just spent RM86,000 on a Shoei open-face helmet, and we're all sorts of questions come to mind.

Why is definitely one, but when the question is asked to most Japanese helmet enthusiasts, the Shoei J-Force 2 Jack finished in Yellow is certainly a rare and wonderful piece to own. But is worth the RM86,000 price paid by the new owner?

RM86k helmet sold by FT Garage Racing

The price that was paid in cash by the new owner of the Shoei J-Force 2 Jack helmet in question was sold by FT Garage Racing. This figure can clearly get you the range-topping
Perodua Alza
 model plus over RM10,000 in change for thousands of kilometres worth of fuel and TNG top-ups.

It's clearly a crazy world we're living in now but to serious collectors, owning one of these rare Shoei open-face helmets is a big deal that can only be compared to owning a rare JDM where the prices have skyrocketed over the years. In the name of interest and passion, we can only say "To each their own".

With that being said, you can expect a lot of comments saying
"RM86k?? Baik beli (fill in your answer here)..."


2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Unveiled, Most Powerful 911 Ever

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK over the weekend, Porsche unveiled its most powerful 911 model ever, the 911 GT2 RS.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is powered by the turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six found in the 911 Turbo S, though with power increased to a whopping 700 hp. Porsche achieved this by fitting onto the 911 GT2 RS larger turbochargers and a new additional cooling system. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) comes standard, allowing the fastest 911 to hit the century mark in a mere 2.8 seconds, impressive for a rear-wheel drive model. Top speed is 340 km/h.
In terms of handling, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS receives 265/35ZR20 tires up front and 325/30ZR21 tires at the rear. On top of that, the 911 GT2 RS gets a racing chassis with rear-axle steering that helps improve cornering capabilities. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) come as standard on the new Porsche. To keep weight down, the front wings, wheel housing vents, exterior mirror shells, rear side section air intakes and parts of the rear end are made out of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The bonnet is also made out of carbon to keep the 911 as lightweight as possible.
Optionally, Porsche is offering buyers of the 911 GT2 RS with the Weissach package, which shaves another 30 kg off the 1,470 kg 911 GT2 RS. The package includes additional hardware made out of CFRP and titanium. Those opting for the Weissach package get roof and anti-roll bars made out of carbon, plus the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels are also available. The luggage compartment lid and carbon-weave finished roof are emblazoned with a colour-matching central strip.
Moving inside, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS features red Alcantara, black leather and interior trim bits finished with a carbon-weave pattern as standard. The full bucket seats come in a carbon-weave finish. Like other 911 models, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) takes control of the infotainment duties. As a track focused model, the Connect Plus module and Porsch Track Precision app are included as standard.
There is also the optional Chrono Package that allows the PCM to display, save and evaluate track times. Opting for the Chrono Package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital display. On top of that, the Chrono Package also comes with a lap trigger that works in conjuction with the Porsche Track Precision app that works with an external market on a start/finish straight, allowing drivers to record lap times with better precision.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS owners can also order an exlcusive 911 GT2 RS Chronograph that can be ordered via a Porsche Centre.


2015 Mercedes-Benz C350 e Plug-In Hybrid Review In San Francisco

Pushing on with its charge to introduce a complete range of plug-in hybrids to the world,
Mercedes-Benz
 had us on a trip to San Francisco lately to drive the second model from its new line-up of its super-fuel-efficient vehicles, the 2015
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 C350 e Plug-In Hybrid.

You could argue that not too much has changed, tech-wise, since we last drove the
S 500 e Plug-in Hybrid
 in Sweden, and that there really isn’t much to tell you about here. But, you’d be forgetting one very key bit of information: in Europe, for example, S 500 e retails for around €100,000+ euros. The C-Class doesn’t – it’s just about half that.

Introducing its plug-in tech to the C-Class is naturally going to be a lot more exciting for the car buyer without the means to afford the Benz flagship limo, but maintains the same demand for the sort’s fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions driving. Even the new
GLE-Class plug-in
, the third off the brand’s kind, isn’t nearly as affordable.

KEY SPECS: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 e Plug-In Hybrid

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed torque converter automatic

Power: 211 hp

Torque: 350 Nm

Electric Motor: 80 hp

Total system output: 279hp, 600Nm of torque

Electric Range: 31 km

Fuel economy: 2.1-litres/100km (claimed)

CO2 emissions: 48g/km

For some time then, the C350 e is going to be the cheapest plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz money can buy (at least until the tech is expanded to its FWD A-Class family of cars), and to go with that, the natural interest of every car buyer with the means and interests.

To them, they’d also be glad to know that Mercedes-Benz hasn’t watered down the S500 e’s unique plug-in hybrid features to work on the C350 e: on top of boasting the same madly-efficient consumption figures and super-low CO2 emissions, you still get the same GPS-based hybrid driving system, the haptic feedback pedals, the various driving modes, and an even more efficient 2.1-litres/100km claim.

Minding what taxes we endure in Malaysia, in Germany, the first plug-in hybrid launched by Mercedes-Benz was priced identically to its regularly-petrol-powered counterpart. The S500 e featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6, while the regular S 500 packed a full-on V8. Yet,
performance figures weren’t far off from each other
 – the use of a smaller engine is believed to be one of the reasons for Mercedes-Benz being able to match both vehicles’ prices, and from our review, we know performances to be on par as well.

For scale, the C-Class C350 e plug-in hybrid is a little more expensive than a regular C300 (€7,000 euros more), yet keeps under the more potent C400 4 MATIC (€2,300 euros less).

So, what is it?

Before we get on with what impressions we were left with, let’s take a quick look at what we we’re driving.

Under the hood of this C-Class, the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot (codenamed M274) found in our Malaysian-spec
C 250 resides
, delivering the 211hp and 350Nm of torque. Then, there’s an 80hp electric motor that’s been fitted where the torque converter used to be in the transmission that delivers a further 340Nm of torque, resulting in claimed combined output figures of 279hp and 600Nm of torque.

As it stands, the C350 e plug-in hybrid even makes more torque than its C 450 AMG cousin (522Nm) – the hottest C-Class that Mercedes-Benz currently makes, that isn’t a full-blown AMG model. The C450 does win the horsepower race, though, offering 88hp more than the C350 e.

What that returns on the road is a century sprint time of 5.9 seconds (for the sedan), and a top speed of 250km/h – Mercedes-Benz were keen to remind us that this even trumps the brand’s legendary 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II super sedan from the late 1980s, even displaying it alongside the C350 e at our hotel.

As with its regular petrol-powered cousins, a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is specified for the C350 e, but has been tweaked to feature an additional clutch between the combustion engine and the electric motor. MB tells us that when driving in all-electric mode, the additional clutch is there to decouple the combustion engine from the drive train, and is a substitute for the torque converter.

Back to the plug-in power, and you’ll find the high-voltage 6.2kWh lithium-ion traction battery that stores the vehicle’s electric energy tucked just above the rear axle – you can visible see the battery’s presence encroaching on boot space ever-so-slightly, offering a slight step in the cargo floor. Still, there’s a remaining 335 litres of boot space left for use – if you fancy more, the maths add up to a total of 1,370 litres of space with the rear seats folded completely.

Charging the battery is convenient, and just like the S500 e we drove before, you get the option of either plugging in to a wallbox kit which MB provides, or by a 230v/16amp wall socket charge which will effectively get you from a flat battery to a full one in around two-and-a-half hours.

Likewise, if you don’t fancy the time spent on the charge, you really don’t have to. Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids are well capable of charging themselves on the fly, via various energy recuperation techniques.

Driving a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C350 e:

The trick to driving a plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz is that there really is no trick about it at all. You don’t have to take any extra precautions beforehand, nor do you have to charge it overnight or worry about how much charge is left in the vehicle at any point – just getting in and driving every day will suffice. Even the car's power delivery and handling are as you'd expect: here, it's a bit more lavish in the sense that an AIRMATIC air suspension system has been specified, which also adapts itself based on your preferred driving mode.

Of course, that wouldn’t be maximising the full efficiency potential of the vehicle, but the point is that it’s your choice to drive it like you would drive a normal C-Class, but still be set to gain from the impressive fuel efficiency.

Decide to drive it like the fuel saver the C350 e was born to be, and you’re in for a treat. With a full charged traction battery, the C350 e is good for a full electric range of 31km, which for the lot of us, is more than enough to get to work – for me personally, that’s theoretically enough to go to and get back home from work, all the while leaving a carbon footprint of nil.

DRIVING MODES:
 To start you off, there are four driving modes to choose from: Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. Their applications are all very obvious, but it’s their implications that ensure drivers have the most control over what they want their C350 e to do at any given time – of course, attempting E-Mode with a drained battery just wouldn’t work.

For your unspecific and everyday routine driving, the car is best left in its Hybrid driving mode, which is also the predetermined mode every time you start the car.

Hybrid mode lets the car maximise its use of the combustion engine and the stored electric energy and motor based on what the car thinks is best. It’s also the easiest mode to slip in to: drive the car in a sedate manner, and the C350 e will favour electric power; stamp the throttle, and the engine wakes up to meet your demands.

ROUTE-BASED RECUPERATION
: Keep the car in its Hybrid mode, and you can utilise one other feature that automates optimum fuel efficiency for you. The C350 e is equipped with navigation system that can work out all on its own where and when to use the internal combustion engine or electric energy to optimise your fuel consumption for you.

Just as in the S500 e, set in a route on the on-board navigation, say from Subang to Ayer Keroh, and the C350 e will do its level best to keep you in full electric mode as you escape urban stop-go traffic in Subang, switch to more petrol power along the North-South Expressway (to charge up the traction battery) and then switch back to electric power in Ayer Keroh.

If your location’s map has been detailed comprehensively enough for the on-board navigation system, the C350 e’s route-based operating system can/ will even make terrain based decisions such as switching on the combustion engine to power your way up hills, and switching to electric mode on your way down to recharge itself.

HAPTIC PEDALS:
 Not surprisingly, the C-Class plug-in also benefits from the clever haptic feedback foot pedals seen on the flagship S500 e. This feature makes it extremely easy to keep the vehicle in full EV mode for as long as there’s electric energy available – unlike the pedal travel threshold of the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which requires an extreme level of concentration to keep in full EV mode.

In EV mode, the throttle pedal allows for a long enough travel before the combustion engine will kick-start to boost power. And just before it does, the haptic feedback pedal will give you a nudge to warn you first that you’d soon be stepping into petrol-burning territory.

Another function of the haptic feedback pedals is to aid you in your driving efficiency by nudging your foot with two taps to warn you that a vehicle ahead is approaching and that you should consider lifting off the throttle to begin coasting. It sounds like something an attentive driver ought to be able to determine his or herself quickly enough, doesn’t it? But trust us, the double-tap will catch you off guard far sooner than you might realise.

The brake pedal doesn’t feature any haptic feedback, but initial depression of the brakes has been made to use the electric motor’s naturally reducing rotational forces to slow the car first (also charging it) and only when the brakes have been pressed on harder, do the four discs begin to stop the car. A great feature to save on brake pads when you only want to slow down just a little bit.

Verdict: Here's what we think...

To keep this relatively short, it’s just fantastic to see Mercedes-Benz be as generous as they’ve been with specifying the littler C350 e plug-in hybrid with the
advanced tech we’ve seen on the S500 e
. From our first impressions, there’s no short-changing anyone here – but of course, this may vary depending individual markets around the world.

Does the C350 e make relevant fuel-consumption sense on the road? Without question, it does. Its claims of being able to hit 2.1-litres/100km aren’t far-fetched at all. Over the short day’s drive, my co-driver and I managed bring it down to 2.3 to 2.4-litres/100km without too much discipline, and letting the car do all the thinking – of course, we did so without needing to work the air-conditioning hard, and in San Francisco roads where traffic isn’t as horrid as it is here, and more like it is everywhere else in the world.

Best of all, you needn’t go out of your way at all – unlike full EVs that require an overnight’s charge or a regular hybrid that don’t always have large enough traction batteries to show you these sort of gains. With plug-in hybrids, you don’t have to plug it into a wall for a charge if you don’t want to or if that’s inconvenient. In the C350 e, you’ll always have a high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery that’s good for a claimed 31km in full EV mode, and is fully capable of being charged as you drive it normally.

Coming to Malaysia?

Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has shown no signs of its plug-in hybrid models potentially coming to this part of the globe. We supposed a lot of that notion surrounds if or not the next National Automotive Policy allows for similar tax and duty incentives the current one does, which allows their E300 BlueTEC Hybrid and S400 Hybrid models to be priced as low as they are here for being locally-assembled hybrid models.

So until that's sorted and dusted, MBM's stance sounds to us like a firm, "It's not happening."


Audi PB18 e-tron Concept Car: LMP1 Racer For The Road

Audi celebrates the Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2018 with their all-electric design and technical concept car called the PB18 e-tron.
Sharing plenty of motorsports DNA from their successful Le Mans racing programme, the Audi PB18 e-tron focuses on pure driving performance, and that includes the seating position.
Gael Buzyn, Head of the Audi Design Loft based in Malibu, USA, said, “We want to offer the driver an experience that is otherwise available only in a racing car like the Audi R18. That’s why we developed the interior around the ideal driver’s position in the centre.”
Inside the PB18 e-tron is an inner monocoque shell that can be slid sideways. Racetrack driving allows the seating position to be at the centre, the perfect placement. When driving around public roads, the inner monocoque can move to the left, leaving room for a passenger on the right. “Our aim was to give the PB18 e-tron a high degree of everyday usability, not just for the driver, but also for a potential passenger,” Buzyn added.
This is made possible thanks to the fully-electrical connection of the steering and control pedals. Driving information is projected to a large transparent OLED surface, allowing for customized information depending on circuit driving or lifestyle commute. The motorsport-derived chassis also allows the driver to view the road ahead through the opening of the front ventilated hood.
Without any large combustion engine mounted behind, the PB18 e-tron has a distinctive design that is reminiscent of a shooting brake. Opening the large tail gate with an integrated aerodynamic wing reveals a large boot of 470 litres capacity! An exclusive luggage set (the target audience seem to frequently carry their helmet and racing suit around) has also been customized to fit the space.
The Audi PB18 e-tron’s e-Quattro all-wheel drive uses three powerful electric motors, with the rear axle having twice as many motors as the front axle. Together with a solid-state battery of 95 kWh capacity, the combined system outputs are as much as 775 hp (570 kW with momentary boosting) and 830 Nm of torque, where Audi technical team predicts it will touch 100 km/h from standstill is scarcely more than 2 seconds, similar to LMP1 racers.
In daily driving, the range can be over 500 kilometres. Audi has also incorporated wireless charging through induction, with a charging coil fitted to the floor of the car.
The drive to the nearby grocery shop might not be a comfortable ride, as the PB18 e-tron’s suspension geometry is pure race-car design. Magnetic ride shock absorbers are linked by push-rods are fitted at each corner, together with large 22-inch tyres and wheels.
While the PB18 e-tron is just a design and technical study, Audi is set to unveil their
first 408 hp all-electric SUV, the Audi e-
tron
 in the coming weeks.


Video: Jaguar Teases New XF Sportbrake at the Wimbledon Tennis Court

With less than 70 days to go until The Wimbledon 2017 Tennis Championship, the famously manicured surface of the All England Lawn Tennis Club served as the canvas for a large-scale outline of Jaguar’s upcoming sports estate model – the XF Sportbrake.
While the first teaser which shows the car’s silhouette was painted onto Wimbledon's famous centre court, Jaguar also offered up a second teaser of the actual car.
Although, being shown from an aerial point of view, there isn't much to see, other than a panoramic roof.

“What we have done with the XF Sportbrake is that we’ve created a silhouette which sweeps towards the rear, almost into the distance, and really gives the car a sense of speed and sportiness. It will bring new levels of practicality to the range without sacrificing the dynamic design and agile handling our customers expect,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design.

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No technical details have been released officially yet, but our guess is that the XF Sportbrake will be powered by the same engines that powers the current XF sedan – a 247 hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 340 hp V6 mill.
Set to go on sale in the third quarter of the year, the XF Sportbrake will join the XF sedan in the Jaguar line-up once it is launched.


All The Manual Cars You Can Buy In Malaysia In 2020

It's not a list that you'd expect to be so short, but we made one anyway - in order of price, that is.

Up until the mid to late 80s, manual and automatic transmissions were fairly even in terms of takeup. Part of this was due to early automatic transmissions being absolute garbage to drive, still being inefficient compared to manual transmissions, and generally a distrust from the driving population of automatic gearboxes.

By the time we were well through the 90s, the situation was much reversed. Manual gearboxes became less and less popular as automatic transmissions improved and evolved, and sure enough by the turn of the century, many manufacturers had relegated manual transmissions to base model variants, largely eliminating them from the rest of their model range. Even the lion's share of sports cars sold here were seemingly purchased with automatic transmissions instead.

Here we are at the end of 2020, and it's time to take a look at what cars you can still buy that come with a manual transmission. We've ordered it by price, and we're ignoring cars that are on special order; of course, if you have the money, you could go to any European automaker and special-order your manual car.

Perodua Axia 1.0 E - RM 23,367

It's the
cheapest brand new car
 you can get - and the manual variant is the cheapest of the lot too. You get no amenities - no central locking, no radio or sound system - but you do at least get power windows and dual airbags up front. It's the driving school special, but it's enjoyable as well in its own way. Those small steel wheels are also an interesting aesthetic.

Proton Saga 1.3l Standard MT - RM 32,800

The entry-level model from the first Malaysian automaker, the
Saga
 is a car that has been synonymous with both taxi drivers and the choice of graduates heading into the working world for the first time. This entry-level manual model pairs with a 1.3-litre powertrain that provides enough pep to get around.

Perodua Bezza 1.0G - RM 33,456

A name that Malaysians
should be familiar with
 for their choice as Grab vehicles as well as being the first sedan model from Perodua, the Bezza does have a manual variant with its entry-level 1.0G. It isn't as bare bones as the Axia variant, but it is still a very simply equipped model.

Proton Iriz 1.3l Standard MT - RM 36,700

While the Iriz
 wasn't quite a replacement for the Satria, it still had many charming qualities - specifically in the ride and handling department that Proton is known for. It's a little heavy for a hatchback, but the 1.3-litre engine for the entry-level manual variant is no slouch when you get it up in the rev range.

Perodua Myvi 1.3l G - RM 41,292

Gotta love the Myvi, and while we're sad that
Perodua no longer makes a manual variant
 for the 1.5-litre options, they have still retained a manual transmission option for the 1.3-litre engine in the form of the 1.3l G. It comes with most of the equipment you'd expect in a Perodua, though none of the bells and whistles of the AV model.

Proton Persona 1.6l Standard MT - RM 42,600

The
most expensive of the budget options
 is the Persona 1.6l Standard MT, and it is a wondrous sedan to throw around. We would prefer this powertrain in the Iriz body, but the Persona balances those handling characteristics with a more practical boot size.

Renault Megane R.S. 280 CUP (MT) - RM 270,088

Welcome to the
big leagues
. It's a tragedy that there is over RM 200,000 of a price difference between the Megane R.S. and the previous car on our list - but options like the manual Toyota Vios, Suzuki Swift Sport, Honda CR-Z, and Subaru BRZ have died out. That aside, this hot hatchback packs four-wheel steering, and a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine pushing 280 PS and 390 Nm of torque.

Hyundai i30 N Performance - RM 298,888

The
left field
, dark horse option for hot hatchbacks comes in the form of the Hyundai i30 N Performance. This is one of the first proper performance models for the Korean brand, and with engineers pinched from brands like BMW and Audi, the dynamics and driving experience is truly stellar. Limited units are available, so grab them quickly.

Toyota GR Yaris - RM 299,000

The
newest car on the list
 and the most special - in my eyes, at least. It's the GR Yaris, and it represents a true renaissance for Toyota when it comes to performance models. That three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivers power to all four wheels, and it packs torsen-type LSDs at the front and rear as well. It is the most potent all-wheel-drive car you can get at this end of the market, and we love that it comes with three pedals to boot.

Honda Civic Type R - RM 320,000

A
stalwart performance model
, the Civic Type R remains the choice of car for the budding Japanese car enthusiast. It is a far more mature proposition than its predecessors, though perhaps some of the magic has been lost as a result. No matter how you cut it, a smidge over RM 300,000 will get you this absolute weapon of a front-wheel-drive car.

Subaru WRX STI 2.5 6MT - RM 333,187

The
top of our list
 before we disappear into "special order" territory, the WRX STI flies the peak performance flag for Subaru. We don't get the Japanese variant here (hence it's a 2.5-litre engine), but it's still an incredibly impressive machine. In some ways, the experience feels like part old-school and part new-school, which may not be for everyone, though it offers you plenty of smiles per mile.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 - RM 999,0000

It's the
most extreme manual car
 you can buy, short of the upcoming Porsche 992 GT3. At this price point, there are barely any manual options left as other brands have moved to dual-clutch or full automatic gearboxes. What also makes the 718 Cayman GT4 special is that it's the only naturally-aspirated Cayman you can buy, as every other Cayman packs a turbocharged powertrain.


Fuel Price: 2-6 Nov – All Up 4 Sen

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced fuel prices for the upcoming week from 2 to 6 November 2017.
Expect long queues to form outside fuel stations tonight with prices of all fuel grades rising to the tune of 4 sen per litre, marking a third successive week of hikes of increasing severity.
After the last seen decrease during the week of
12-18 October
, fuel prices in the country uniformly went up 1 sen per litre on
19-25 October
, and then by 3 sen for petrol and 2 sen for diesel
last week
.
Prices per litre of fuel for the coming week from 2 to 6 November 2017 are as follows:
Petrol RON 95 – RM2.24 (up 4 sen from RM2.20)
Petrol RON 97 – RM2.54 (up 4 sen from RM2.50)
Diesel – RM2.17 (up 4 sen from RM2.13)


Mazda CX-5 Gets A Turbocharged 2.5-litre Engine, But Will We Get it?

We're already huge fans of the Mazda brand and their product, but the good men over at
GoAuto
 have picked up that the second-generation CX-5 may be offered in Australia with that turbocharged 2.5-litre engine from the CX-9. Of course this is purely speculation; even the U.S. market has no word on whether they'll get a turbocharged variant of the CX-5 beyond the turbodiesel model.

Right now, the known engine options for the second-generation CX-5 are the same as the first generation: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine, and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel. If the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine were to be offered with the new CX-5, it is said that it would not replace any of these existing variants but rather sit as a top-of-the-line performance model. CX-5 MPS anyone?

In Australia, there are many performance variants of SUVs that you see here. They have a version of the Ford Kuga with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, and of course they have the 2.0-litre turbocharged variants of the Subaru Forester as well. A turbocharged 2.5-litre CX-5 would compete nicely, with competitive power levels and significantly more torque. One can only hope that Mazda Malaysia will offer it here as well, if it does actually happen, as an extra-fun variant. The Mazda CX-5 is already brilliantly packaged with an excellent chassis, and one can only imagine what a performance engine would do for it.


Goodyear Malaysia Launches New SUV Tyre - Assurance MaxGuard SUV

Goodyear Malaysia adds another member of the family to the Assurance range in Malaysia with the introduction of the Assurance MaxGuard SUV.

The Assurance MaxGuard SUV is as its name suggests a tyre specific for SUVs, that particular segment that has been taking over the world by storm, selling in droves. Don't believe us? Go ahead and ask
Lamborghini
 what their best selling model of all time currently is?

Customised for the Asia Pacific region, the Assurance MaxGuard SUV offers 2-in-1 protection by offering users:

superior grip

durability

Employing Goodyear's ActiveGrip technology, the Assurance MaxGuard SUV is able to offer users a tight grip for good handling and a superior braking distance, especially handy in the wet. This is done through its multi-biting edges which optimise distribution through the tyre, further aided by the ActiveGrip cap compound with blended silica.

Goodyear's DuraGuard technology provides for a robust tyre carcass that is able to withstand cuts and punctures, meaning that your Assurance MaxGuard SUV is more durable with a 2-ply construction and a strong steel belt package.

Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia, said: “At Goodyear, we are always looking for ways to improve our products, to bring the best from our knowledge on innovation to the roads our tyres will eventually be used on. This principle and need for progress are why we consistently test technologies to ensure that our products are safe, comfortable and available.

"We are very excited to introduce Assurance MaxGuard SUV to the Malaysian market. We know many Malaysian drivers are family-orientated and want the best products to ensure safety. At the same time, we recognise that they are looking for comfort. The Assurance MaxGuard SUV is a significant expansion of our product portfolio for SUV vehicles in providing a more pleasurable driving experience."

The Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV is available from 16-inches to 19-inches with 15 sizes currently available in Malaysia. This means popular crowd favourite SUVs in Malaysia such as the Honda CR-V, HR-V, Mazda CX5, Nissan X-Trail, Proton X70, X50 and other popular midsize SUVs will be catered for.

You can purchase the Assurance MaxGuard SUV at all Goodyear Autocare Centres or through Goodyear's Lazada Flagship Store.


7th Annual Retro Havoc Car Show 2022 - Memang Havoc!

500 cars from all brands, shapes, body types converged at The Curve for the 7th Annual Retro Havoc Car Show 2022...and boy, was it havoc!

Words can not do justice to the love, dedication and work that went into the 500 cars on display at the Retro Havoc car show on Saturday, 29 January 2022 so we'll let our pictures do the talking instead.

The 7th Annual Retro Havoc Car Show 2022 also saw Lucky Draw prizes for visitors, a
Proton Saga
 1.5 Auto (1992), Atara Racing wheels and many other prizes.

The event highlight saw the launching of a BMW E92
M3
 drift machine nicknamed Rentaka. Rentaka is the first BMW 2jz swapped drift car in Malaysia, putting out 850 hp.

Picture credit: F Tuned Racing Suspension

Alie Kuoppa, Pengasas Retro Havoc berkata, "Cabaran nak menganjurkan 7th Retro Havoc Car Show 2022 memang ada, terutama sekali bila nak apply permit dan pastikan semua SOP dipatuhi. Yang pasti sambutan daripada para pengunjung sangat-sangat baik. Pack weh!!!. Harapan Alie tahun ini arena permotoran boleh beransur kembali rancak, kembali normal dan mungkin juga better dari tahun-tahun sebelumnya. Yang pasti untuk show kita pada bulan Jun nanti, kita akan buat dua kali ganda lebih besar (dengan izin pihak berkuasa). Nantikan!"

Photo credit: Retro Havoc FB

Aliff Aris, whose car, a
BMW E36
 nicknamed Bas Kilang took home the title of King of Retro Havoc 7th Annual Retro Havoc Car Show 2022, said, "It's 3 am, Sunday morning and I can't sleep. Didn't expect to win such a mega event, overall some more. Winning this has actually wiped out all the heartache that I endured building the bus kilang. It fuels me, even more, to go the way of uncharted modifications."

The E36 has been a labor of love towards finding or chasing perfection in an RWD NA engine. Aliff plans to take the car on Sepang next to run it through its paces. No garage queen here.

Enjoy the gallery from the 7th Annual Retro Havoc Car Show 2022!


If You Have A Windscreen Tint, Get An Expert To Install Your RFID Tag

RFID tags are sensitive to windscreen tints with metal content. Even a cut out around the tag area will not guarantee that your RFID tag will work!

Even though the Malaysian Cabinet has unanimously agreed that
road users must be given a choice
 to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Touch' n Go or SmartTAG, there's no denying that some road users will have a preference for RFID. Also, it is a matter of time before we all have to transition to it.

While RFID is a somewhat more advanced system than Touch 'n Go or SmartTAG, there have been questions over
its reliability
, especially when the tag is stuck on tinted headlights or windscreens.

According to Touch 'n Go, two requirements must be observed to maintain the RFID's optimal performance.

TNG RFID Tag cannot be placed on a tinted windscreen or tinted headlamp. It must be fixed directly onto the glass/surface.

The metal content of the tint material needs to be tested as high metal content will affect the readability of the TNG RFID Tag at toll lanes.

With the majority of Malaysians having some form of
windscreen tinting
, this matter has become a sore point for those who are thinking of adopting RFID. This is especially true for those who wish to install the RFID tag themselves, as they do not have a device to test out the metal content of their tint or the readability of the RFID tag once installed.

When we contacted Touch 'n Go's support centre, they said that the tint film's metal content affects the RFID's performance. It has nothing to do with how dark or thick the tint is. Nor does the VLT or IRR make a difference for that matter. So even if your windscreen tint is JPJ compliant, there is no guarantee your RFID tag will work. Even if you chose to cut out the tint around the RFID tag area, there's still no guarantee that it will work, until it has been tested.

Hence for best results and to avoid disappointment, Touch 'n Go's support centre advised us to visit the fitment centre as they have the necessary equipment to test the readability of the RFID tag.

So if you have a windscreen tint, it's probably best to head to the fitment centre. You can of course install the RFID tag at home, following the
curated installation process
. Just remember, the RFID tag is sensitive to metal, so be sure to install it at least 5 cm away from the car body especially the A-pillar. Before you use it though at the toll gate, please make sure you
have enough credit
 in your account!


Isuzu is Giving Customers a Six-Month Loan Moratorium

Isuzu Malaysia is offering a moratorium for financing payments on new vehicles purchased from 1st June 2020 till 31st August 2020.

The Isuzu Deferred Instalment Campaign, which is the first programme of its kind in the pick-up segment, aims to let customers fortify their earnings by putting their brand new Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks to work during the deferment period of either three or six months before needing to worry about loan repayments.

According to Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Light Commercial Vehicle Division Masayuki Suzuki, the objective of the moratorium is to help Malaysians move forward during this recovery period with the services of an efficient and versatile new Isuzu D-Max.

“A capable, dependable and frugal vehicle is a valuable asset today and a good pick-up truck makes economic sense be it for individuals or organizations. By providing this moratorium, Isuzu hopes that customers will be able to speedily attain their new normal,” said Mr Suzuki.

The campaign, in collaboration with Public Bank Berhad, covers almost every model in the Isuzu D-Max range, offering up to 90% financing margin for a maximum tenure of 84 months.

Was there more than met the eye, was this initiative too good to be true?

We took the opportunity to find out a little more about this campaign from Isuzu.

Q: Is the deferment interest-free? Does it simply mean that potential customers will just have to add on three to six months at the end of their financing tenure?

A: The potential customer merely extends the repayment period by a further 3 or 6 months. No change to the interest charged.

Q: Does Isuzu expect to see a significant interest in this programme from potential buyers?

A: We are expecting strong interest from individual buyers and SME operators.

Q: Was this initiative driven simply by the notion to help Malaysians during this period or was there some market insight that propelled Isuzu to create this initiative?

A: It was mooted primarily as a means to get individuals and SME businesses moving using the dependable and efficiency of the D-Max to get them back on their feet. Many individuals are also now embarking on new ventures such as home-based food businesses, personal shopping, and also third-party goods deliveries so, with this, Isuzu also hopes to encourage more people to switch to a pick-up truck that will get the job done more effectively.

The minimum loan amount to qualify for this campaign is RM20,000.00. Potential customers will be able to select the most suitable Isuzu D-Max model to meet their individual requirements and budgets from the widest selection of pick-up truck variants available in Malaysia today.

The new range of Isuzu D-Max now comes with the advanced 1.9-litre Blue Power engine, the smallest engine capacity in the market thereby enjoying the cheapest road tax in its segment. Through breakthroughs in technology, the new engine provides even greater performance and fuel efficiency than the 2.5-litre model it replaces.


Mitsubishi To Take On Three New EV Projects In Thailand

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation plans to submit proposals for three new EV-based projects based in Thailand by the end of this year.
The
 Bangkok Post reports
 that proposal for the three EV projects, totalling some 11 billion baht (RM1.3 billion), will be submitted to Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) by its December 28th deadline.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak confirmed this after meeting Mitsubishi's chief executive Osamu Masuko, and Morikazu Chokki, president and chief executive of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand during the global launch of the Thai-made
new Mitsubishi Triton
.
The three EV based projects consist of a plug-in hybrid EV manufacturing project worth 5 billion baht, and two other battery and hybrid EV projects totaling 6 billion baht.
Mr Somkid also added that Mitsubishi’s investment is geared towards full-scale EV manufacturing, and will contribute to a faster than expected EV manufacturing subsector growth in the country.
Mitsubishi is the latest in a line of automotive manufacturers that have taken advantage of Thailand’s incentive scheme which grants corporate tax and certain import duty exemptions, in line with the nation’s aspirations to become the ASEAN region’s primary EV production hub.
So far, Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have secured the BOI’s hybrid EV scheme, and Mercedes-Benz,
BMW
, and SAIC Motor have secured the plug-in hybrid EV schemes.
Globally, Mitsubishi's range of electrified vehicles include the Outlander PHEV and two-fully electric models, the i-MiEV, and Minicab-i-MiEV.