PKP 3.0 2021 – Senarai Sekatan Jalan Raya (SJR) Di Sekitar Lembah Klang

Setelah kerajaan Malaysia mengumukan
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan di seluruh negara
 bermula 12 Mei 2021 sehingga 7 Jun 2021, pihak berkuasa telah meletakkan beberapa
sekatan jalan raya (SJR)
 di sekitar Lembah Klang bagi memastikan orang ramai tidak melanggar SOP yang ditetapkan semasa PKP ini.

Bagi sesiapa yang ingin melakukan pergerakan rentas daerah atau
rentas negeri
 ketika waktu ini, anda perlu mengisi Borang Permit Pergerakan PKP atau Borang Permit Pergerakan PKPB yang boleh dimuat turun dari laman Facebook Rasmi Polis Diraja Malaysia.

Walau bagaimanapun, orang ramai yang mempunyai surat kebenaran untuk keluar bekerja tetap dibenarkan untuk melalui jalan-jalan tersebut. Bagi mereka yang ingin merentas daerah bagi tujuan kerja, anda tidak perlu untuk mengemukakan permit kebenaran daripada PDRM. Cukup sekadar mempunyai surat kebenaran bekerja yang dikeluarkan oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI). Namun jika anda ingin merentas negeri, anda perlu untuk mendapatkan kebenaran daripada pihak polis dengan mengisi borang ini dan dapatkan cop daripada balai polis yang berdekatan.

*Kredit foto: Astro Gempak

Meskipun mempunyai surat kebenaran untuk bekerja ketika PKP, namun kalau boleh, orang ramai lebih sanggup untuk mengelak SJR oleh kerana kesesakan yang bakal dialami bagi menempuhi jalan tersebut. Jangan risau, kita ada senaraikan beberapa SJR yang dikenakan di beberapa kawasan di Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor.

Lokasi Sekatan Jalan Raya di Kuala Lumpur:

IPD Cheras

Jalan 1/91 Taman Shamelin

SIRIM Lebuhraya Bukit Jalil Puchong

IPD Dang Wangi

Jalan Lok Yew

Laluan Jalan Ampang

Laluan Jalan Sultan Ismail

Jalan Kuching

IPD Brickfields

Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi (Hadapan Balai Polis TTDI)

Jalan 2/149 Sri Petaling

Taman Sri Sentosa 12, Jalan Sri Sentosa

Jalan Semantan

Jalan Maarof, Bangsar

Hadapan Pondok Polis NU Sentral

Jalan Sri Hartamas (Menghala ke TTDI)

IPD Sentul

Jalan Sentul Pasar (Hadapan Darul Hidayah)

Hadapan Balai Polis Kepong

Bawah Highway Duke-Manjalara Masjid Imam Al-Ghazali

IPD Putrajaya

Lebuh Sentosa Susur Keluar Ke MEX Highway (KM4.0)

Exit 2A Persiaran Utara (Susur Keluar ke Hospital Serdang)

Persiaran Selatan Susur Keluar ke Dengkil

Exit 3 Persiaran Utara (Susur Keluar ke Puchong – KM1.0)

IPD Wangsa Maju

Jalan 2/27A Wangsa Melawati

JSPT KL

Tol Jalan Duta (Susur Keluar/Susur Masuk)

Jalan Sungai Besi (TUDM Lama)

Lokasi Sekatan Jalan Raya Di Selangor

Kajang

Hadapan Balai Polis Beranang

Susur keluar Plaza Tol Bandar Seri Putra

Jalan Broga-Mantin

Susur keluar Plaza Tol Kajang

Plaza Tol Eco Majestic

Susur keluar Plaza Tol Bangi

Lebuh Raya Besraya berhampiran Minlon

Serdang

Lebuhraya Bukit Jalil di Bandar Kinrara 5

Hadapan Telekom Taman Tenaga, Jalan Puchong Lama menuju Jalan Klang Lama

Jalan Putra Permai

Jalan Utama Seksyen 8, Jalan Serdang Raya

Shah Alam

Susur keluar dan susur masuk Plaza Tol Shah Alam

Susur keluar dan susur masuk Plaza Tol Setia Alam

Subang Jaya

Plaza Tol USJ 8, Lebuhraya ELITE

Plaza Tol Putra Heights

Ampang Jaya

Laluan berhampiran Apartmen Desa 288

Jalan Pandan Indah-Cheras dari arah Lebuh Raya Sungai Besi ke Ampang

Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2) berhampiran stesen minyak Petronas Klang Gates dari arah Gombak ke Ampang

Sungai Buloh

Susur keluar dan susur masuk Plaza Tol Hospital Sungai Buloh

Susur keluar dan susur masuk Plaza Tol Rawang

Jalan Selangor-Kepong KM12

Jalan Sungai Buloh-Shah Alam

Kuala Langat

Tol ELITE, Bandar Saujana Putra

Jalan Batu 7, Sijangkang

Tol SKVE

Jalan Seri Cheding

Hadapan Petronas Olak Lempit.

Petaling Jaya / Damansara

Susur keluar Tol Sungai Buloh

Laluan masuk Tol Kota Damansara

Susur keluar Tol Damansara

Susur keluar Tol Subang

Sepang

Laluan keluar dan masuk Nilai-Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi

Tol Serimas/Pekan Salak

Jalan Salak-Kampung Jijan

Gombak

Gombak (sekatan jalan raya) Plaza Tol Gombak di kedua-dua arah

KM12 dari Rawang ke Kuala Lumpur/dari Kuala Lumpur ke Rawang

Plaza Tol Rawang Kedua

Di Jalan Desa Aman Puri, Desa Jaya

Klang Selatan

Susur Majlis Perbandaran Klang

Plaza Tol KESAS

Jalan Langat

Kampung Delek

Jalan Dato Ahmad Sidin

Klang Utara

Lebuhraya Selat Klang Utara Baru (hadapan AEON Mall Bukit Raja)

Plaza Tol Bukit Raja (dari Klang ke Shah Alam)

Batu 10 Jalan Kapar (dari Kuala Selangor ke Klang)

Lokasi Penutupan Jalan Di Selangor

Hulu Selangor

Tanjung Malim – Jambatan sempadan Tangjung Malim-Hulu Bernam (Laluan Alternatif – Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh)

Laluan Kilometer (KM) 31.5 Jalan Kuala Lumpur – Ipoh, di sempadan Hulu Selangor-Rawang (Laluan Alternatif – Jalan Rawang Bypass atau Jalan Sungai Buaya)

Laluan KM13 Jalan Sungai Tua-Ulu Yam di sempadan Hulu Selangor-Selayang

Jalan Koskan ke Kuala Garing.

Kajang

Jalan Genting Peras

Jalan Bangi-Nilai.

Klang

Jambatan Musaeddin (Jalan Batu Tiga Lama) (Laluan Alternatif – Jalan Pos Baru, Bulatan Kota, Jambatan Kota, Tengku Kelana dan Kampung Jawa)

Jambatan Raja Nala (Jalan Tanjung Syawal) (Laluan Alternatif – Jalan Goh Hock Huat, Jalan Mantin, Bulatan Kota, Jambatan Kota dan Bukit Tinggi

Kilometer 3.5 Jalan Shapadu Lama (Laluan Alternatif – Lebuhraya Shapadu Selat Klang Baru, Kapar, Meru, Klang, Setia Alam dan Shah Alam

Kilometer 3.7 Jalan Shapadu Lama Ke Rantau Panjang (Laluan Alternatif – Jalan Spadu Lama, Jalan Kapar, Lebuhraya Shapadu

Gombak

Jalan Gombak Lama Batu 24, dari sempadan Bentong menghala ke Selangor

Jalan Ulu Yam dari Sungai Tua menuju Batang Kali, sempadan Daerah Hulu Selangor dan Gombak.

Berikut merupakan senarai Sekatan Jalan Raya di sekitar Lembah Klang serta beberapa penutupan jalan di Selangor. Jika tiada sebab untuk keluar rumah, seeloknya duduklah dirumah sahaja. Kes COVID-19 pun sedang mencanak naik sekarang. Kalau perlu untuk keluar, rancang perjalanan anda sebaik-baiknya dan berhati-hatilah di jalan raya. Juga perlu diingat pihak PDRM akan menilai dan menukar dari semasa ke semasa lokasi SJR dan penutupan jalan.

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

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

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

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


Honda Teases All-New Civic, 17th November Reveal Confirmed

We’re barely past the 5 year mark with the 10th-generation Civic and already the Japanese automaker is asking us to brace for its replacement.

With this brief 15 second teaser video to get us salivating (or so they hope), Honda will be revealing over livestream their latest Civic prototype on November 17th.

The pre-filmed event will showcase the 11th-generation car in saloon form and should be a close representation of what the final production model will be like. It will also be interesting to see how accurate the car’s design will look next to the
leaked patent filings
 from some weeks back, though that only pertained to the hatchback variants.

As was rather obvious in those filings, the 11th-generation car isn’t the dramatic departure we had previously seen between the 9th and 10th-gen Civics. This upcoming car, which is slated to be on sale in late 2021 with a 2022 model year classification, is much more an evolution of the
current Civic
.

The design itself is heavily rumoured to adopt more cues from the
10th-generation Honda Accord
 featuring a wider and longer body overall. Crucially, the patent filings show the removal of the present Civic’s rear liftback and spoiler, suggesting Honda is toning down the Civic’s sportier persona, at least its conventional trim levels.

That being said, the car shown in this teaser video isn't shy about its sportiness.

We expect the powertrain line-up to be carried over for the most part, so the L15B7 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder petrol will again play a central role, albeit with some welcome improvements, and again mated to a CVT driving the front wheels.

Of course, we'll have more as the Honda reveal takes place in a few days time. Hopefully, Malaysia is higher up on the global rollout queue when it does go on sale.


Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL Introduced - Performance Without Excess

The good thing about pickup trucks in Malaysia is that aside from the normal consumer-friendly variants that come decked out with features and luxuries, companies will usually still offer a bare-bones spec variant for those who need a workhorse- as the pickup truck was originally intended to be. Taking out all the unnecessary luxuries helps to bring the price down, but unfortunately more often than not these variants also come with the least appealing powertrains.
The Triton VGT AT GL is different from this in that respect, in that it's based on the Triton VGT AT that comes with the strong 181 PS/430 Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor with a Variable Geometry Turbine for increased response and performance. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has just introduced this variant alongside the regular Triton model range, and like the other Triton models it is fully imported from Thailand.
In terms of features, as mentioned before this variant is specifically bare as it focuses on affordability and functionality. That being said, Mitsubishi isn't cruel: you still get a 2-Din Audio head unit, a 4WD selector, automatic climate control, a dark chrome grill, side steps, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Safety is also covered with Active Stability and Traction Control systems, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and Trailer Stability Assist. While this VGT AT GL variant may be bare on the surface, it's still a great value for money proposition.


Mercedes-AMG 43 Model Gets Price Reduction! But Not For Us Here

Mercedes-Benz Thailand has just released the new pricing of its Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, which is now locally assembled in Thailand.
According to a report today by Bangkok Post, the benefits of local-assembly is tremendous, as this sourcing has reduced the price of the previously imported GLC 43 Coupe from 5.79 million Thai Baht to 4.69 million Thai Baht.
The new pricing places the high-performance SUV to a level that is usually occupied by SUV models a segment higher, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 (THB 4.76 million), the BMW X5 (THB 4.7 million) and the Audi Q7 (THB 4.8 million).
The GLC 43 Coupe is the second Mercedes-AMG model to be assembled by Mercedes-Benz Thailand at their Samut Prakan plant, after
 introducing the C43 Coupe in February 2018
.
The GLC 43 Coupe is powered by the same 367 hp / 520 Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission with AMG performance all-wheel drive system. Century dash is completed under 5 seconds.
Similar to the Malaysian specifications, the GLC 43 Coupe rides on 21-inch staggered tyre and wheel setup, suspended by the AMG Air Body Control air suspension system.
In Malaysia,
the locally assembled Mercedes-AMG models are the C43 Sedan and the GLC 43 SUV
, priced at RM 385,883 and RM 442,487 respectively until further announcements. The fully-imported GLC 43 Coupe meanwhile retails from RM 563,242.
To recap, the
local-assembly of Mercedes-AMG models in the ASEAN region is actually a joint effort
 of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Thailand. Both companies pooled together their resources in committing to the local-assembly project before presenting a business case to their counterparts in Germany.


Carlist.my Offers CR1M to Malaysians!

Too gloomy recently haven't we? No worries, we're here to offer a little bit of help.
Now of course we can't match the generosity of BR1M, but at least we can say our CR1M (Cash Return of One Thousand Malaysian Ringgit) is our sincere effort to 'tolong' a bit.
The mechanics are very simple, find your next car on Carlist.my,
go through the necessary details
 and upon purchasing the car, show us your proof of ownership transfer and the listing where it's originally posted and you're done!
Be it if you're buying from a car dealer, or a
private seller
,
or you yourself is uploading your car for free
 on Carlist to sell it to your sister so that she gets to enjoy the RM1,000 cashback reward, everyone is eligible as long as it is a listing on Carlist.my (below), and there's a transfer of name on the JPJ Registration card of your car.
And remember, while we are the ONLY automotive marketplace that has an entire department dedicated to check the validity of each seller, as buyers, you yourself must be vigilant and be extra careful with potential frauds.
Do check our guide here so that you stay safe as you shop for your next car.
Terms & Conditions:
Promotion is open to all residents in Malaysia aged 18 years and above
Campaign date is from 14th of September 2015 till 31st of October 2015
Participants are required to register and make purchase before 31st of October 2015
Buyers must register for the promotion, find their desired car on Carlist.my, and purchase the car to be eligible for the cash prize.
Case prize of MYR One Thousand Ringgit (RM1,000.00) is limited to first TWENTY (20) Verified Buyers only.
To claim the cash prize, winning Buyers must submit proof of vehicle transfer of ownership and printout of details of the car listing found on Carlist.my on or before 31st October 2015
Promotion is open to private Buyers only. Car dealers and sales agents purchasing cars for reselling or bulk purchase are not eligible to participate.


Shanghai 2019: Honda X-NV Concept Is Another China-Only Electric HR-V

Barely a day after Toyota announced the China-only
electric C-HR
 at the Auto Shanghai 2019, Honda has responded with the world premiere of its contender - the X-NV Concept, a concept model of its upcoming China-exclusive electric vehicle (EV).
Co-developed by Honda and Dongfeng, the X-NV, which will be sold under the Dongfeng Honda brand in China instead of Honda, is a concept version of what will be Dongfeng Honda’s first mass-produced EV model for the Chinese market, which is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2019.
From what we can see, it looks quite similar to what Honda did with its other partner in China, GAC Honda, which introduced its own version of a China-only EV model based on the HR-V called the
Everus VE-1
 last year.
Coming back to the X-NV Concept, Honda says that the model is part of the company’s mid-term vision for electrification in China, which will see the introduction of more than 20 electrified models to the market by 2025.
After the X-NV, Honda said that it will continue introducing more plug-in hybrid models starting from 2020.
More details of the X-NV Concept will be revealed closer to the launch of the production version later this year.


Musim Hujan dan Ribut Petir – Elakkan Parking Kereta Di Sini Ketika Musim Hujan

Memandangkan beberapa lokasi di Malaysia sering dilanda
hujan lebat
 dan ribut kencang, anda mungkin perlu mengalihkan kenderaan anda ke tempat yang lebih selamat.

Mengapa? Ini supaya kereta anda tidak menjadi mangsa kepada tanah runtuh, banjir mahupun
pokok tumbang.
 Baru-baru ini, kira-kira 20 buah kenderaan rosak selepas ditimpa pokok tumbang di kawasan parkir di Cyber Valley, Dengkil.

*Kredit foto: BERNAMA

Menurut saksi kejadian, kejadian pokok tumbang berlaku dengan sekelip mata. Saksi yang merupakan seorang mekanik sedang
membaiki kereta
 pelanggannya ketika kejadian berlaku. Kira-kira 5 buah kereta pelanggannya rosak akibat kejadian itu. Walau bagaimanapun, tiada mangsa yang terlibat dalam kejadian itu.

Sementara itu, terdapat juga laporan pokok tumbang yang melanda kawasan kediaman di kawasan lain di Dengkil akibat cuaca buruk yang melanda. Jika anda masih meletakkan kereta di bawah pokok yang berisiko untuk tumbang dan menjahanamkan kereta anda ketika membaca artikel ini, anda boleh alihkan dulu kereta anda.

Tapi nak letakkan kereta di mana? Letaklah dimana-mana sahaja asalkan selain daripada kawasan-kawasan seperti berikut:

Bawah Pokok

Tak dinafikan, cuaca panas di Malaysia menyebabkan ramai pemilik kereta memilih untuk meletakkan kereta mereka di bawah pokok. Walau bagaimanapun, anda mungkin perlu mempertimbangkan semula keputusan tersebut, tambah-tambah dalam musim hujan lebat dan angin kuat yang sering melanda kebelakangan ini.

Kombinasi hujan dan angin kuat boleh mengakibatkan pokok bergoyang. Kalau goyang sahaja tak apa juga, ini siap pakej dengan
powerbomb
 atas bumbung kereta anda. Jika tak tumbang sekalipun, dahan-dahan yang patah juga merosakkan kereta anda. Yang paling utama, jika anda bukan berdarah pahlawan, elakkan meletak kereta di bawah pokok kelapa.

Lereng Bukit

Jika kawasan tepi atau lereng bukit sering menjadi tempat pilihan anda meletakkan kereta, elakkan daripada berbuat demikian ketika musim hujan dan ribut. Ketika musim hujan, keadaan tanah akan menjadi lebih mudah untuk terurai dan boleh menyebabkan kejadian tanah runtuh.

Kawasan Rendah

Meletakkan kereta di kawasan rendah boleh memberi risiko kepada kereta untuk
ditenggelami banjir
. Tambah-tambah dengan kejadian banjir yang baru melanda beberapa kawasan di seluruh negara beberapa bulan lalu, pasti ramai yang sudah peka dengan perkara ini.

Air banjir boleh naik dalam masa beberapa minit sahaja, tambah-tambah jika hujan lebat secara berterusan. Sistem perparitan dan saliran di negara kita pun bukanlah berada di tahap terbaik ketika ini. Jadi pilihlah tempat letak kereta yang lebih tinggi.

Kawasan Pantai & Laut

Seperti kisah cinta anda, air laut pun ada pasang dan surutnya. Sekiranya hujan lebat ketika anda meletakkan kereta di kawasan pinggir pantai, kereta anda terdedah kepada 3 risiko buruk seperti banjir kilat, ribut dan air pasang.
Keadaan air pasang di pantai boleh naik ke pinggiran dan hanyutkan kereta anda sejauh 100 meter dari lokasi asal. Ini adalah suatu bentuk kejutan yang tidak dimahui oleh sesiapa.

Sentiasalah peka dengan keadaan cuaca dan kawasan tempat letak kereta anda bagi mengelakkan sebarang perkara tidak diingini daripada berlaku pada kereta anda, terutama pada musim ribut dan hujan lebat.


BMW Finally Embraces Android Auto, Rollout Slated For Mid-2020

BMW has announced that support for Android Auto will finally be introduced to their cars, a move that follows the sweeping backtrack of subscription-based access to Apple CarPlay. In contrast, every other automaker offered these smartphone mirroring compatibilities for free or behind a one-time payment.

This would allow BMW owners to interact with an interface similar to that found on their smartphone, leveraging car-specific apps and voice assistant features, among others. The Munich-based automaker said that this will be enabled either through a wireless connection or via a USB cable between the mobile device and the car's onboard infotainment system.

The rollout for Android Auto support is planned to take effect starting July 2020, impacting newly delivered cars and existing vehicles provided they are equipped with BMW Operating System 7.0. Naturally, the timing of this change could vary across markets.

Both the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces will be accessible from the centrally-mounted touchscreen Control Display but will also allow some information to be displayed on the Info Display digital instrument cluster such as turn-by-turn navigation instructions and currently playing media.

“Many of our customers have pointed out te importance to them of having Android Auto inside a BMW for using a number of familiar Android smartphone features safely without being distracted from the road, in addition to BMW’s own functions and services,” says Peter Henrich, Senior Vice President Product Management BMW.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Engineering at Google, Patrick Brady, said: “We are excited to work with BMW to bring wireless Android Auto to their customers worldwide next year. The seamless connection from Android smartphones to BMW vehicles allows customers to hit the road faster while maintaining access to all of their favourite apps and services in a safer experience.”

BMW plans to premiere a working demo of Android Auto working on BMW's Operating System 7.0 at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

For the best deals on BMW models,
click here
.


Boleh Ke Beli Perodua Ativa Dengan Gaji RM2,500?

Bagi
lepasan universiti
 yang baru mula bekerja dan bergaji RM2,500, mampu ke nak beli
Perodua Ativa
?

Selepas pelancaran
Myvi 2022
 yang sarat dengan
ciri keselamatan
 seperti di Perodua Ativa, nampaknya nama Ativa pun
trending
 juga. Maklumlah, demam
SUV
 kat Malaysia ni masih ada lagi. Memandangkan jalan raya di Malaysia ni bertuhankan kereta, ramai lepasan universiti yang mula bekerja ingin mencari kereta baharu untuk bergerak ke tempat kerja.

Kalau nak dibandingkan harga Ativa dan Myvi 2022, tak jauh beza pun. SUV kompak Perodua ini dijual pada harga dari RM61,500 sahaja menjadikan ia sebagai SUV tempatan yang paling berpatutan di pasaran Malaysia. Tapi walaupun Ativa turbo ini kelihatan seperti mesra bajet, tetapi nilai kemampuan seseorang itu adalah subjektif dan bergantung pada komitmen serta situasi kewangan seseorang juga.

Secara umumnya, masyarakat telah dididik agar membeli kereta yang berharga dalam lingkungan nilai keseluruhan
gaji
 mereka dalam setahun atau sekurang-kurangnya 1/3 daripada gaji bulanan. Kembali kepada persoalan utama, boleh ke gaji RM2,500 nak beli Perodua Ativa? Untuk menjawab persoalan tersebut, kami telah membuat pengiraan untuk melihat sama ada mampu atau tidak.

Sistem harga kereta gaji setahun

Jika kita mengikut pada sistem beli kereta mengikut harga gaji untuk setahun, nilai gaji RM2,500 untuk setahun baru mencecah RM30,000. Kalau nak banding dengan harga Ativa, anda masih memerlukan penambahan lebih 50% daripada gaji tahunan anda iaitu sebanyak RM31,500 untuk membeli model paling asas Perodua Ativa. Tapi kalau anda pulun juga, mungkin lepas, tapi bila dah habiskan gaji bayar kereta saja, macam mana nak beli barang dapur? Bayar bil? Duit minyak?

Sistem 1/3 gaji bulanan

Untuk formula 1/3 daripada gaji bulanan pula, gaji RM2,500 bermaksud anda hanya boleh membelanjakan RM833 sebulan untuk membayar pinjaman kereta. Selepas membayar 10% bayaran muka dan kadar faedah antara 2% hingga 3%, anggaran kami ialah anda perlu membayar antara RM600 dan RM700 sebulan dalam tempoh 9 tahun untuk model asas Ativa. Berdasarkan teori kedua ini, gaji RM2,500 dilihat mampu untuk membeli Perodua Ativa.

Sistem duit muka besar

Kalau masih terasa bayaran bulanan sebanyak RM700 itu mahal, cara untuk memudahkan pembelian Perodua Ativa dengan angka gaji bulanan sebanyak RM2,500 adalah dengan membayar wang pendahuluan (duit muka) yang besar supaya bayaran bulanan boleh menjadi sedikit murah. Tapi cuba tanya pada diri sendiri, adakah anda sanggup membelanjakan semua wang simpanan anda hanya untuk membeli sebuah kereta?

Jika RM2,500 dah ditolak dengan RM700, hanya tinggal RM1,800 sahaja baki gaji yang tinggal. Belum kira dengan komitmen lain, tambah-tambah bagi yang sudah berkeluarga. Walaupun anda mampu membeli Ativa dengan gaji sebegini, tapi adakah tindakan ini wajar dan bijak dari segi kewangan?

Tujuan artikel ini ditulis bukanlah untuk membunuh semangat anak muda daripada memiliki Perodua Ativa. Tidak dinafikan, Perodua Ativa merupakan SUV yang sangat bagus dengan nilai yang ditawarkan. Apa-apa pun, tepuk dada, tanya selera dan tepuk poket, tanya gaji.

Untuk kereta pertama, tak perlu beli Ativa pun tak mengapa. Dengan purata gaji tahunan RM30,000, anda boleh membeli kereta nasional lain seperti
Perodua Axia
 yang berharga dari RM23,367. Kalau tak minat kereta kecil, kereta sedan seperti
Proton Saga
 pun memadai memandangkan harganya bermula dari RM32,800. Kalau ikut formula gaji tahunan, tak jauh sangatlah dengan hanya penambahan sebanyak RM2,800 sahaja daripada nilai gaji tahunan yang bernilai RM30,000.

Walaupun Axia dan Saga tidaklah secanggih Ativa dari segi teknologi dan keselamatan, tapi ia masih berfungsi dengan baik untuk digunakan sebagai kereta pertama.
Maintenance
 pun murah! Anda masih mempunyai wang tambahan untuk membeli benda lain ataupun melabur wang anda supaya beranak-pinak. Kalau lebihan duit gaji itu disimpan atau diusahakan dengan cermat, silap-silap nanti bukan sekadar Ativa,
X50
 pun mampu beli.

Kesimpulannya, berbelanjalah dengan bijak agar tak menyesal di kemudian hari!


2017 Nissan Kicks – More Details Released For This Almera-based Crossover

Following its global
debut earlier in May
, Nissan has announced more details for the Nissan Kicks – its latest crossover for developing markets - ahead of its global launch in Brazil on 5-August.
The Nissan Kicks measures 4,295 mm long, nearly matching the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi ASX, but at 1,760 mm wide, it’s about 10 mm shorter than the Honda and Mitsubishi. Wheelbase is 2,610 mm, exactly the same as the HR-V. The Kicks measures 1,590 mm tall, putting it 15 mm lower than the HR-V.
Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated HR16DE petrol engine, an aging engine that currently powers the Grand Livina. When tuned to meet Brazil’s gasohol flex-fuel (a mixture of petrol and methanol) requirements, the engine produces 114 PS and 152 Nm of torque.
For other non-gasohol markets in Latin America, the engine is rated at 119 PS and 149 Nm. Curiously, Nissan’s press release claims “The engine delivers performance on a par with that of rivals powered by 2.0-liter engines yet has class leading fuel consumption.” It’s an unusual claim as the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Mitsubishi ASX produces 150 PS and 197 Nm of torque.
Drive is delivered to the front wheels via Nissan’s signature Xtronic CVT-type automatic transmission. A 5-speed manual transmission will also be made available for certain markets. There are no all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive version of the Kicks.
Underpinning the mechanicals is the Nissan V-Platform, which already underpins the Nissan Almera and March.
Ride and handling is improved with the addition of three electronic chassis control features - Active Trace Control, Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake.
Active Trace Control is an extension of the vehicle’s electronic stability control (Vehicle Dynamics Control or VDC in Nissan’s lingo). It selectively brakes any one particular wheel to reduce understeer when entering or exiting a corner.
Active Ride Control applies the brakes for a split-second after the car has been driven over large undulation in the road, to reduce the "bounce" effect on the suspension. Nissan says this simple yet effective solution is lighter and less complex than expensive and heavy adaptive damping systems.
Active Engine Brake is a feature that counters the "coasting" effect often associated with automatic and CVT gearboxes. When the accelerator is released, typically approaching a corner, engine braking is applied to stabilise the speed.
Interior refinement is said to be improved with well located suspension assemblies, improved dash insulation material, thicker carpets and improved sealing around the doors.
Aerodynamic drag coefficient is claimed to be kept to just 0.345, aided by subtle extended roof spoiler, rear side spoilers with dogleg edges and a kick up bumper to reduce turbulence in air flow around the Kicks.
Depending on variants, the Kicks’s instrument display will house either twin circular dials or a single dial for the speedometer flanked by a full color seven-inch TFT information display that can be set to display either the tachometer, trip computer, audio settings, vehicle settings or GPS navigation.
The infotainment system is capable of full smartphone integration, providing access to Facebook, Google Online Search, Twitter and Trip Advisor. The screen is also used by the reversing camera and/or Around View Monitor where fitted.
In terms of interior space, Nissan claims best-in-class rear knee and headroom. Boot volume is rated at 383 litres, which Nissan says is almost as large as cars in the class above.
The Nissan Kicks will eventually be launched in over 80 countries worldwide. There is no official confirmation with regards to introduction in Malaysia, but a competitive compact crossover is something that Edaran Tan Chong Motor could definitely use, as its current X-Gear is a dud while the Indonesian-made Juke (slightly different from European/Japanese market models) can’t be sold here as it is not homologated to meet our local UN regulations for crash safety.


Volkswagen Loses Global Car Sales Lead To Toyota

So, its not been the best couple of months for
Volkswagen
. Let’s just leave it at that. After all, the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal is still ongoing and is likely to snowball even further in financial repercussions for the German automaker. And now, they've lost the title of the automotive industry's heavy hitter to
Toyota
.
But in case you need to get up to speed, here’s the 10 second version: Toward the latter days of September 2015, Volkswagen was caught rigging some of their cars with TDI diesel engines to output cleaner fumes to pass emissions testing, but would fall back on its default setting once the test was over, where it releases much more pollutants into the atmosphere.
Volkswagen held the top spot in total car sales around the world just three months ago, but now is bracing itself for the severe backlash from its emissions scandal. Yesterday, Toyota revealed that it had sold 7.49 million vehicles this year as of the end of September.
That figure trumps the 7.43 million vehicles that Volkswagen managed to move in that sale period. Interestingly, both Toyota and VW suffered a 1.5 percent decline in deliveries this time around.
Volkswagen did hold the lead over Toyota for the first six months of 2015, but the German automaker is now firmly locked in damage control mode, and making arrangements to extract the ‘defeat devices’ used to deceive emissions tests in approximately 11 million of its vehicles worldwide, even stopping sale of its diesel models altogether in some markets.
“Toyota will be the No. 1 for this year,” Koji Endo, an auto analyst at Advanced Research Japan, said by phone to Bloomberg. “VW may be facing sales difficulties due to the scandal toward next year in Europe and the U.S., and I don’t see the Chinese market coming back anytime soon.”
As Volkswagen races to contain the matter, Toyota is ramping up to start deliveries of its all-new Prius hybrid – the first major redesign in almost seven years. With this new generation, Toyota is boasting sportier characteristics and greater gains in fuel economy.


Porsche Taycan Launched In Singapore, Malaysia Next Year?

Porsche and Star Wars joined forces at the Porsche Asia Pacific premiere of the new all-electric Taycan in Singapore last week, ahead of its regional market launch in 2020.

Porsche’s first all-electric sports car, the Taycan, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Porsche as the company expands its product range in the field of electromobility.

The flagship Turbo S version of the Taycan can generate up to 761 hp overboost power in combination with Launch Control, and the Taycan Turbo up to 680 hp.

While the Taycan Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, the Taycan Turbo completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds. In terms of range, the Taycan Turbo S has a range of up to 412 kilometres, while the Turbo returns a range of up to 450 kilometres (according to WLTP in each case). The top speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 260 km/h.

The Taycan is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars.

This is a particular advantage for Taycan drivers on the road: in just over five minutes, the battery can be recharged using direct current (DC) from the high-power charging network for a range of up to 100 kilometres (according to WLTP).

The charging time from 5% to 80% is 22.5 minutes for charging under ideal conditions, and the maximum charging power (peak) is 270 kW. The overall capacity of the Performance Battery Plus is 93.4 kWh. Taycan drivers can also charge their cars with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC) at home.

The Taycan Turbo has two exceptionally efficient electric machines, one on the front axle and one on the rear axle, making the car all-wheel drive.

The two-speed transmission installed on the rear axle is an innovation developed by Porsche. While the first gear gives the Taycan rapid acceleration from a standing start, the second gear which has a longer ratio ensures high efficiency and equally high power reserves. This also applies at very high speeds.

That being said, the Porsche Taycan is also expected to make its Malaysian debut as soon as next year. So, watch this space for more updates on the car.


Hampir 64,000 Lubang Ditampal Tahun Lalu – Teruk Sangatkah Kualiti Jalan Di Malaysia?

Berdasarkan data yang dikeluarkan pada Oktober 2021, sebanyak 63,900 jalan berlubang telah ditampal oleh pihak konsesi di jalan-jalan persekutuan seluruh semenanjung. Tahniah!

Tetapi, teruk sangatkah kualiti jalan raya di Malaysia?

Terus terang, sesetengah jalan raya di Malaysia masih berada dalam keadaan yang teruk dan membimbangkan meskipun negara ini mempunyai bangunan antara yang tertinggi di dunia. Perlu diingat, jalan berlubang dan tidak rata bukan sahaja boleh merosakkan komponen kenderaan, malah dia juga boleh mendatangkan
kemalangan
, kecederaan serta kematian kepada pengguna, terutama pengguna motosikal.

Setiap tahun ada sahaja kemalangan yang disebabkan oleh keadaan jalan sendiri. Bila dah
tular
 akibat kemalangan, barulah laju jalan berlubang tersebut dibaiki. Berapa banyak lagi nyawa yang harus dibayar sebelum masalah ini diselesaikan oleh pihak berwajib?

Malah, wujud juga karakter-karakter seperti ‘Lando’ yang lebih pantas dalam menampal lubang-lubang berbahaya di jalan raya berbanding pihak berkuasa sendiri. Untuk pengetahuan anda, jalan yang berlubang perlu ditampal dengan segera bagi mengelakkan sebarang kejadian tidak diingini berlaku kepada pengguna jalan raya lain. Selain itu, air yang bertakung di lubang juga boleh meresap masuk ke dalam jalan dan melemahkan asas jalan tersebut.

Sampai bila nak biarkan kualiti jalan raya Malaysia terus berada di takuk lama? Hanya mereka yang pernah merasa sendiri seksaan jalan berlubang sahaja yang tahu keburukannya kepada kenderaan dan diri sendiri. Tapi nak salahkan siapa? Siapa yang perlu bertanggungjawab dalam hal berkaitan jalan berlubang di Malaysia?

Pengurusan Jalan Di Malaysia:

Jalan Persekutuan: JKR Malaysia

Jalan negeri, jalan bandaran dan jalan kampung: Kerajaan Negeri

Di Malaysia, jalan persekutuan diterajui oleh
JKR Malaysia
 manakala jalan negeri, jalan bandar dan jalan kampung berada di bawah seliaan kerajaan negeri. Persoalannya, teruk sangatkah kualiti jalan raya di Malaysia ini sehingga hampir 64,000 lubang terpaksa ditampal pada tahun lalu? Itu baru jumlah yang berjaya ditampal, agak-agak berapa banyak jumlah sebenar lubang yang wujud di jalan raya di Malaysia?

Nak menuding jari memanglah mudah namun sebagai pembayar cukai dan pengguna jalan raya, kita berhak bersuara bagi menuntut kualiti jalan yang lebih baik untuk persekitaran jalan raya yang lebih selamat, betul tak? Nak takut apa, cukai kita bayar!

Berdasarkan hampir 64,000 turapan jalan yang berlubang, berapa banyak agaknya jalan yang betul-betul diturap mengikut piawaian? Tahukah anda bahawa
jalan yang tidak diturap dengan sempurna
 di seluruh negara telah menyebabkan sekurang-kurangnya 5 kes kemalangan jalan raya berlaku setiap hari?

Agaknya, apa yang membuatkan kualiti jalan di negara ini teruk? Adakah kerana kerja-kerja menurap jalan menggunakan hotmix dibuat ketika cuaca hujan? Bagi yang tidak tahu, proses penurapan jalan menggunakan hotmix tidak boleh dilakukan ketika hujan kerana aspal (premix) mudah menyerap air sebelum pemadatan lalu meninggalkan ruang udara pada hamparan premix selepas air mengering.

Bagaimana pula dengan kualiti bahan yang digunakan untuk membina jalan itu sendiri? Adakah ia menyamai standard jalan raya di negara maju yang lain? Mana taknya, banyak jalan yang baru dibina kelihatan mudah mendap dan terkesan setelah digunapakai untuk beberapa bulan. Di manakah silapnya?

Banyak betul persoalan yang timbul. Namun hanyak pihak kerajaan persekutuan dan negeri sahaja yang mempunyai jawapannya. Diharapkan kerajaan dapat membangunkan kaedah pencegahan masalah jalan berlubang, jalan mendap dan jalan rosak yang lebih baik dan pantas bagi memastikan jalan raya di Malaysia kekal selamat untuk digunakan.

Ketika ini, tidak susah pun untuk mengesan jalan berlubang di Malaysia ini. Tidak kisahlah jalan bandar atau jalan kampung sekalipun, pasti akan jumpa. Diharapkan kerja-kerja pembaikan jalan serta pembinaan jalan di masa hadapan dapat ditingkatkan bagi menaikkan taraf kualiti jalan di negara ini setinggi bangunan Merdeka 118.


Tag RFID Rosak? Touch ‘n Go Ganti Secara Percuma

Jika tag
RFID
 anda rosak, jangan risau kerana pihak
Touch ‘n Go (TNG)
 akan menawarkan penukaran tag RFID secara percuma!

Mungkin ada yang risau dengan ketahanan tag RFID yang dilekatkan pada cermin dan lampu kereta. Walau bagaimanapun, dengan pengumuman pihak TNG ini, anda kini boleh menukar ganti tag RFID anda secara percuma melalui langkah dibawah.

Tukar Ganti Tag RFID Secara Percuma

Sebelum menukar tag yang rosak, anda perlu tahu bahawa tawaran ini hanya diberikan
sebanyak satu kali
 bagi setiap tag RFID.

Walau bagaimanapun, tag RFID yang
telah dibatalkan
 juga tidak layak untuk memohon penggantian percuma selama sekali ini.

Selain itu, pengguna
Touch ‘n Go RFID Pilot
 juga tidak layak untuk menerima penggantian tag RFID secara percuma ini.

Untuk memohon penukaran tag RFID secara percuma, anda boleh layari
https://rfid.touchngo.com.my/login
.

Batalkan Tag RFID Jika Kereta Dicuri/Dijual

Memandangkan tag RFID ini unik untuk setiap kereta, pihak TNG telah mengingatkan orang ramai agar membatalkan riwayat tag RFID tersebut sekiranya kenderaan tersebut dijual, dicuri atau hilang tanpa berita.

Segala urusan penukaran tag RFID percuma serta pembatalan tag RFID boleh dilakukan di portal TNG yang disebutkan di atas.


Malaysia To Have Own Driving Cycle For Vehicle Fuel Consumption

Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) has just announced that they will lead a study on the undertaking of the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC), a fuel consumption test cycle that takes the Malaysian environment into account.
MAI said that the MDC will be developed to a standardized test method consistent with the
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Cycle Procedure (WLTP)
 and thus a new standard for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV). Data specific to Malaysian roads, terrains, and environmental conditions are some of the unique parameters to the MDC.
MAI has also recently established collaboration with Clean Air Asia to develop and establish a fuel economy baseline based on actual data gathering and trends analysis specific to Malaysia.
While not mentioned, the recently officiated
National Emissions Test Centre (NETC)
 that is located in Rawang, Selangor could be a site for local manufacturers to perform the new MDC verification once it is finalized.
In the current National Automotive Policy (NAP) that will be
updated early next year
, MAI listed that vehicles must meet a certain fuel consumption rating (under the older UN R101 test cycle) and comply with JPJ’s (Road Transport Department) Vehicle Type Approval to
 achieve EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification
.
At the 'Global Fuel Economy Initiatives’ conference that was held in Kuching where MAI announced this news, the Institute also updated participants on its ongoing activities with global agencies for carbon reduction.


Bridgestone Launches Hazard Warranty Program

At the start of the month, Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia launched the Bridgestone Hazard Warranty Programme (HWP), a tyre warranty programme that offers Free tyre replacement for Bridgestone tyres that have been damaged due to road hazards. Effective 1st April 2019, HWP is applicable to all Bridgestone brand passenger car tyres, MPV and SUV tyres, 4x4 tyres (H/T, H/P & H/L) that are 17” and above which are officially purchased from participating Bridgestone dealers in Peninsular Malaysia.

However, the All-Terrain (A/T) & Mud-Terrain (M/T) tyre categories which are designed for on- and off-road operation are not eligible for this programme. “Bridgestone Hazard Warranty Programme is a value added programme aside from the existing Bridgestone standard tyre warranty. HWP provides 1-for-1 tyre replacement at no charge for tyre damage that is beyond repair caused by road hazards.” said Mr. Yuichiro Shirai, the Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

“We are happy that more than 200 dealers are participating in this programme, enabling us to extend this warranty programme to our customers throughout Peninsular Malaysia. With the launch of the HWP, we believe that our customers will be able to have better peace of mind using our tyres” he continued. Fo the convenience of the customer to enjoy the coverage of HWP, the registration of the tyres purchased will be done online
here
.

Registration must be done within 14 days from the date of invoice and HWP warranty is valid for 6 months from the date of invoice. For more details of HWP and to find out the list of participating dealers, kindly visit
here
.


Toyota Vios Generasi Baharu Keluar Ogos Ini?

Menurut beberapa laporan daripada media Thailand pada tahun lalu,
Toyota Vios
 generasi baharu dikatakan akan dilancarkan di Thailand pada bulan Ogos 2022, diikuti model versi hibrid setahun kemudian pada bulan Ogos 2023. Betul ke?

Di Malaysia, Toyota Vios yang dijual merupakan versi kemas kini daripada model generasi ketiga yang diperkenalkan pada tahun
2020
. Memandangkan terdapat khabar angin bahawa generasi baharu Toyota Vios bakal diperkenalkan di Thailand pada Ogos tahun ini, ini merupakan antara perkara yang anda perlu tahu mengenai model ini.

Guna Plafform DNGA

Awal bulan ini, media Thailand, Headlight Magazine telah berkongsi beberapa
spy shots
 yang kelihatan seperti prototaip Vios generasi akan datang yang ditutup dengan pelekat penyamaran. Berdasarkan khabar angin, Vios baharu akan dibina pada versi
platform DNGA
 yang menyokong model baharu lain seperti Raize
, Avanza dan Veloz
.
*Kredit foto: Headlight Magazine

Walaupun banyak perincian reka bentuk pada prototaip Vios generasi seterusnya disembunyikan oleh pelekat penyamaran, namun reka bentuknya dijangka meminjam beberapa tema penggayaan daripada Konsep Sedan Daihatsu DN-F 2017.

Enjin Dan Output

Berdasarkan ramalan rakan media di Thailand, Vios generasi baharu itu dikatakan bakal ditawarkan dengan enjin 1.2L NA yang menghasilkan 92 PS dan 109 Nm tork. Selain itu, ada juga ura-ura bahawa Vios baharu nanti bakal hadir dengan
enjin hibrid
 1.5L kitaran Atkinson seperti yang ada pada
Toyota Prius C.

Walau bagaimanapun, Vios sering dipasarkan sebagai model sedan mampu milik oleh Toyota, jadi mungkin ia tidak akan dibekalkan dengan sistem hibrid penuh seperti yang ada pada Prius, tetapi mungkin dibekalkan dengan sistem hibrid ringan (MHEV) yang lebih ringkas.

Untuk pasaran Malaysia, Vios generasi baharu ini dijangka hadir dengan enjin yang sama seperti Avanza terkini, iaitu enjin 1.5L Dual VVT-I bersama transmisi D-CVT yang menghasilkan 106 PS dan 137 Nm tork.

*Kredit foto: TopGear Philippines

Bayangan Rekaan Vios Generasi Baharu

Sementara itu, media Filipina pula berkongsi imej bayangan bagi Toyota Vios baharu nanti dengan rekaan yang lebih agresif dengan penggayaan rupa hadapan seperti produk
Gazoo Racing (GR)
. Sekali pandang, rupanya kelihatan saling tak tumpah seperti Toyota Avanza terkini yang lebih kecil.

Di bahagian sisi, terdapat satu garis lurus berterusan dari lampu hadapan ke lampu belakang sementara garis badan di bahagian bawah pintu pula berterusan ke bampar belakang.

*Kredit foto: TopGear Philippines

Di bahagian belakang, reka bentuknya lebih kemas dengan rekaan lampu mendatar nipis yang bersambung seperti yang terdapat pada Veloz.

Walau bagaimanapun, ini hanyalah rupa bayangan sahaja yang dicipta oleh media Filipina. Jika benar ia bakal dilancarkan pada Ogos ini, nantikan sahaja pengumuman daripada Toyota tidak lama lagi!


Perodua Smart Build Is A Sustainable Blueprint For Malaysia

Our second national carmaker is making big strides in bringing Malaysia's automotive industry to new heights.

In 2011, Perodua first announced that it would start producing an Energy-Efficient Vehicles ecosystem - partly in line with what the government wanted, and also partly because that is the way in which the world is heading. This also included the reduction of product defects, and the setting up of Perodua Global Manufacturing for exports.

But 10 years in, we have the next big step - and the third phase for the Perodua Group of Companies. This Transformation 3.0, so to speak, will involve working together with their business partners to help reduce the gap in quality, cost, and delivery across the automotive ecosystem - as well as to develop an appropriate scale for better
economies in production
.

In true automotive powerhouse fashion, Perodua is also looking beyond our borders - after all, there's no use in being the champion in your home market and being weak elsewhere. This currently happens on a quieter level, with some Perodua staff being loaned out to
Daihatsu
 to design models for the Japanese market - part work exchange, part training experience.

In addition to full product development on Perodua's end (which they've almost reached at this point), Perodua is also looking to improve working cultures and mentality in order to elevate the industry as a whole. In working with their suppliers, many are already part of Daihatsu's global supply chain for other markets - and Perodua would like to see many more suppliers join that list of international tier-one producers.

Dealers
 are not to be forgotten with this transformation, especially with a pandemic having changed the way people consume and purchase items. Perodua is commited to strengthening the operations of their dealers and helping them maintain best practices for both better efficiency and more customer satisfaction. It's a win-win for everyone.


Ford Ranger Sales Are Up By 9 Percent For Strong First Quarter

Just a week or two ago, we announced that Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)
launched the Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L
. While it may be a little late to add to the total number of pickups that Ford has sold locally this first quarter, it will definitely help in the coming months. That being said, Ranger sales are up by 9% compared to last year, with a total of 1,451 vehicles moved for the first quarter.
This in turn also improved Ford's share in the pickup truck market, taking 15.3% of the pickup truck segment, or 1.3% more than last year. The Ranger is available in Malaysia in ten variants – including the Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger FX4, XLT, XL and Standard variants - and while other vehicles in Ford's local lineup may be phased out in the coming months and years, the Ranger will remain a capable and reliable workhorse for the people.
Ford and SDAC are continuing their expansion plans for Malaysia, with their dealership network improving especially in East Malaysia. Just recently, a new Ford showroom opened up in Kuching, and you can read about it
here
.


Spyshot: First Look At The All-New 2019 Subaru Forester

Subaru will be introducing an all-new 2019 Forester some time next year, replacing the outgoing model which has been around since 2014.
According to sources, the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester will be riding on the company's new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) that currently underpins the the new Impreza and XV. The move to the Subaru Global Platform should allow engineers to reduce the overall weight of the Forester while increasing its structural rigidity.
In terms of powertrain, we can expect the new 2019 Subaru Forester to feature the company's range of boxer engines, both in turbocharged and naturally-aspirated flavours. Similar to other Subaru models, power will be sent to all four wheels via its signature Symmetrical AWD system.
Our spy photographers further added that the new Subaru Forester was caught testing with a Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan, likely benchmarking against these popular SUVs.
Visually, the
Subaru Ascent concept
 that debuted at the 2017 New York International Auto Show should be a rough idea of how the new Forester could look like.
Pics:
SB-Medien


Car Fell into Sinkhole? Who Pays for the Damage?

Malaysian roads are full of surprises. While the road you take to work and back home may be silky smooth today, there are chances for new potholes to appear in a matter of hours or even worse - a sinkhole, like what happened in Ampang a couple of weeks ago.

So, if your vehicle happens to fall into one, what do you do? Who pays for the damage?

It depends on a couple of things actually – where the sinkhole appeared, and what caused it?

If the sinkhole appeared on a highway, the responsible party would actually be the highway concessionaire – such as PLUS, KESAS, LITRAK just to name a few examples.

However, if the sinkhole is on a “Taman” road in a housing area, or in a township that falls under the jurisdiction of a local council like DBKL, MBSJ, MBSA, and so forth, then the local council will be responsible for the damage.

There are also roads that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works (Kementerian Kerja Raya, KKR). These are the roads that connect a highway to the B-road, trunk road, or short-cut, etc.

And then, we have the million-dollar question of “what caused the sinkhole”. According to DBKL, the chances of the local council compensating for the damage caused by the sinkhole is actually very slim if it was caused by a natural disaster or something that is out of their control.

If the sinkhole is caused by a broken pipe or any underground pipe-related issues belonging to SYABAS, the local council will actually deal with them, which means that you will only be dealing with the local council.

However, regardless of where it happened and why it happened, it is best to ensure that you have signed up for natural disaster coverage under your vehicle’s insurance policy. Just make sure that the policy is comprehensive (first party) to be eligible to claim.

This is due to the fact that no claim can be made against the town council if the sinkhole is caused by natural disasters.

So, since prevention is better than cure, make sure that your vehicle’s insurance policy covers as much as possible, especially since natural disasters are a regular occurrence in our country.


Mercedes-Benz Rastatt Plant To Produce Compact EVs For EQ Sub-Brand

As part of its overarching electric offensive - the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant will produce compact class, electric vehicles for its (product and technology)
EQ sub-brand
 models in the future.
Together with the sites in Bremen and Sindelfingen, all three German Mercedes-Benz car plants will produce EQ electric vehicles. Rastatt is the lead plant in the global production of Merc’s compact cars and is also slated to produce the
next generation
 of compact cars.
The EQ range will encompass all future battery-electric cars as well as the associated products and services from Mercedes-Benz. The first series-produced EQ model will be launched in the SUV segment by 2020, and gradually supplement the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz Cars with electric models. More than ten new electric passenger cars are scheduled to be launched by 2022.
Future EQ models can be integrated into the series production of existing Mercedes-Benz plants. Thanks to highly flexible structures, the plants can produce vehicles with different drive types on the same line.
Mercedes-Benz is also open to producing future EQ models outside of Germany, although, foreign production locations will be decided on the basis of market demand.
The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant is already running at high capacity utilization, and upgrading facilities and processes for the production start of the next compact car generation in 2018, this includes the construction of new body shops and a dedicated training centre.
In addition to Rastatt, Mercedes-Benz’s compact car range is produced in
Keskemét, Hungary
 (B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake), BBAC Beijing, China (GLA) and Uusikaupunki, Finland (A-Class) by contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive.


Free Coffee, Health Screening, Vehicle Inspection - at 150 Petronas Stations Nationwide

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB)'s Coffee Break campaign is celebrating its 25th anniversary
by offering free coffee, snacks, health screening, vehicle inspection and discount vouchers to motorists travelling during Chinese New Year.

Travellers can head to any of the 150 participating Petronas stations nationwide from 5 - 6 January to grab a cuppa and refresh before continuing or beginning their journey. The first round of this programme took place on 29 - 30 January.

“We saw a reduction in the number of road accidents by 26% to over 400,000 cases in 2020 compared against 2019, primarily due to MCO. However, this number is still worrying with road fatalities recording over 4,000 cases, representing 12.7 death per day.”

The majority of these accidents were primarily caused by human factors such as speeding, fatigue and lack of focus. As such, it is important for drivers to observe road safety rules as well as stay fresh and alert so that they are better equipped to drive safely. In the past 25 years, PDB’s initiatives have supported the Ministry’s effort by providing an avenue for motorists to take a break during their long drive,” said Deputy Minister of Transport, YB Dato Henry Sum Agong.

The Road Safety Department (JPJ) will also be carrying out its advocacy programme at more than 50 participating stations to educate motorists on road safety tips. St. John Ambulance Malaysia will be offering complimentary health screening including blood pressure and glucose checks at selected participating stations.

PDB has also roped in Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd to carry out complimentary motorcycle inspections.

Petronas' own chain of branded automotive workshops – Petronas AutoExpert – will be extending complimentary 18-point vehicle inspection for every engine oil change at 11 outlets across the Klang Valley and three more in Negeri Sembilan.

Petronas Vice President Marketing, Downstream Business, Ahmad Adly Alias said, “PDB takes road safety seriously. For 25 years, we have been the trusty travel partner for our customers, serving them coffee and snacks and reminding them to take a break when tired through our flagship Petronas Coffee Break Campaign. Our wish throughout the festive seasons is for all travellers to reach their destinations safely so they can celebrate with their loved ones.”

“We are grateful for the support of our longstanding partners in making the campaign a success since 1998. It is with their contributions that we can continue spreading the safety message to a wider audience whilst celebrating the festive period with meaningful giveaways. This is all part of our efforts in making motorists life simpler and better,” he added.

For more information about the Petronas Coffee Break Campaign and participating stations, visit
www.mymesra.com.my
.


Pos Malaysia Resumes Road Tax And Driving License Renewals Starting August 9

Pos Malaysia has announced that it will resume
road tax
 and
driving license renewals
 at all post offices nationwide from Monday (Aug 9), though this will be on appointment basis only.

In a statement released on Saturday, August 7th, Pos Malaysia said that customers will be able to make a booking for an appointment through their Outlet Finder feature at www.pos.com.my. Alternatively, this can also be done via Pos Malaysia's mobile app starting Sunday, August 8th.

Due to
lockdown restrictions and SOPs
, no walk-in customers will be allowed and that pre-arranged appointments are necessary to ensure maintain safety by controlling the flow of people in their premises, especially with road tax and driving license renewals possibly leading to overcrowding.

In the same statement, they mentioned that while customers are allowed to make appointments during business hours, they will only be allowed one slot per day and to perform a maximum of three transactions per appointment.

Of course, each customer is expected to adhere to all currently enforced standard operating procedures, including having a face mask on at all times, observing social distancing, performing temperature checks as needed, and checking in via the MySejahtera app.


Ford GT Le Mans Racer Revealed, Revives Fierce Rivalry With Ferrari

Ford has announced that it will be making a comeback in in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in 2016 and this is the car which it will use, the
all-new Ford GT
 race car.
The racer was revealed at this year’s competition and will compete in the Le Mans GT Endurance class for professional teams and drivers (LM GTE Pro). This puts the
Ford
 GT race car in the same leagues as those from Ferrari, Chevrolet, Porsche, and Aston Martin.
Both the race car and production car will arrive in 2016, coinciding with the 50
th
 anniversary of the Ford GT race cars which dominated the podium at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. That dominance extended through 1967 to 1969.
Aside from Le Mans, the new Ford GT race car will participate in the full 2016 schedules of the FIA World Endurance Championship and Tudor United SportsCar Championship, making its competition debut in January 2016 in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Florida. The two Ford teams will be operated by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS). Both series teams intend to compete with a four-car effort at Le Mans. Drivers will be announced later.
As a refresher, the road-going Ford GT has a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine producing more than 600hp and a generous use of carbon fibre and other lightweight components for its chassis and body panels. Seen clearly on these studio images, the race car version receives additional aero components, most evidently the large fixed rear wing. Elsewhere, a very long rear diffuser is clearly seen and at the front there is a front spoiler lip as well. Those central exhausts have now been repositioned to the sides of the racer.
Ford is set to deliver more than 12 new performance vehicles by 2020 and within that Performance lineup, vehicles that have been introduced include the Ford GT, Focus RS, F-150 Raptor pickup truck, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R,
Focus
 ST, and
Fiesta
 ST.
It has been said that the Ford GT that dominated Le Mans from 1966 to 1969 in the past was the result of Ferrari pulling out at the last minute from a deal that would see the Italian car maker be in the hands of the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford II was furious after being cut out of the deal and ordered his racing division to build a Ferrari-beater on the world endurance racing circuit. The Ford GT was the result. Think they can replicate the results?


Mana Satu Idaman Wanita - Sedan, Hatchback, SUV, MPV atau Pickup Truck?

Kami lakukan survey bersama wanita dalam lingkungan umur 21 hingga 40 tahun yang berstatus bujang dan berkeluarga untuk meninjau antara reka bentuk sedan, hatchback, SUV, MPV dan pickup truck – mana satu menjadi idaman wanita di Malaysia?

Tinjauan ini dilakukan untuk melihat apakah
reka bentuk kereta
 paling menawan mengikut kaca mata seorang wanita dan bagaimana ia dapat mempengaruhi proses pemilihan kereta idaman mereka. Setiap daripada wanita ini memberi markah dari 5 (paling digemari) hingga 1 (kurang digemari) untuk setiap jenis kereta.

1. Sedan

Pemenang yang jauh meninggalkan pesaing-pesaing yang lain dengan lebih 90 peratus wanita memilih
sedan
sebagai reka bentuk paling menawan.

Model generasi kelima
Honda City
 misalnya, tampak moden dan sporty, sesuai bagi wanita muda berkerjaya yang sukakan sesuatu yang lain daripada yang lain. Model sedan segmen B ini juga tidak terlalu besar atau terlalu kecil untuk dipandu wanita.

Tidak hairanlah City mencatatkan jualan tertinggi bagi tahun 2020 dengan 34 peratus daripada 60,469 unit kenderaan terjual, diikuti Civic dan HR-V dengan 20 peratus dan 17 peratus jumlah jualan. Menurut Berita Harian, Honda Malaysia kekal nombor satu dalam segmen bukan nasional di negara ini untuk tahun keenam berturut-turut.

Untuk anda yang inginkan alternatif dengan harga jauh lebih rendah,
Perodua Bezza 2020
 adalah jawapannya. Rekaan luaran dengan lampu utama yang lebih tirus, juga bampar yang diberi nafas baharu dengan kemasan liang udara bersegi, menampakkan Bezza 2020 lebih
sleek
dan bergaya.

Walaupun survey ini untuk menilai reka bentuk pilihan, namun kebanyakan dari mereka mengatakan but kereta sedan yang besar antara faktor utama sedan menjadi pilihan utama.

2. SUV

Pesaing terdekat di tangga kedua adalah SUV.

Walaupun
SUV
 semakin mendapat tempat di hati penggemar kereta, bagi wanita amnya, masih ada ragu-ragu tentang faktor penjimatan minyak yang agak ketara antara
SUV berbanding sedan
 untuk pemanduan harian.

Dari segi luaran pula, kereta SUV dilihat lebih kukuh dan ada
security
.

Antara SUV yang cukup selesa, nampak mahal tapi harga di bawah RM100,000 ialah
Proton X70
. Selain daripada kebanggaan memandu kereta jenama nasional, X70 juga cukup praktikal dan sesuai bagi mereka yang berkeluarga namun masih ingin kekal bergaya.

Proton menggunakan balutan kulit jenis Nappa bagi interior X70 ini iaitu varian kulit paling premium dalam industri automotif. Kemasan kulit berkualiti yang lembut dan licin akan memudahkan wanita untuk keluar masuk kereta atau beralih tempat duduk. Ini kerana kebanyakan wanita Malaysia memakai fabrik lembut jenis chiffon dan
crepe
 untuk baju dan tudung yang akan mudah ‘tersangkut’ pada fabrik tempat duduk yang kasar.

Kebanyakan wanita dalam survey ini bersetuju model SUV segmen C ini adalah pembelian yang berbaloi dan setanding kereta jenama Eropah.

3. Hatchback

Bagi wanita muda bekerjaya dan bujang, rata-rata memilih kereta hatchback sebagai pilihan dan model kegemaran wanita, tak lain tak bukan, adalah Perodua Myvi.

Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut kenapa wanita sukakan King Myvi, anda boleh klik
di sini
.

4. MPV

MPV
 cukup sinonim sebagai
family car
, nyata menjadi pilihan wanita berkeluarga kerana reka bentuk dalaman yang luas dan praktikal untuk keluarga besar.

Nissan Serena
, misalnya memudahkan anda untuk mengangkat anak kecil keluar dan masuk kereta dengan mudah kerana pintu gelengsar berkuasanya mempunyai bukaan yang besar sekaligus mengurangkan insiden kepala terhantuk pada panel pintu.

Ciri unik yang ada pada Serena ialah pintu belakang bergandanya yang boleh dibuka separuh bahagian atas sahaja untuk memudahkan anda mengakses bahagian but tanpa perlu membuka keseluruhan pintu belakang. Ini memudahkan anda untuk cepat-cepat masukkan barang dalam but kereta apabila tangan penuh atau tengah mendukung anak.

Walaupun MPV dipilih atas faktor praktikal dan bukan reka bentuk menawan, tapi bila sudah berkeluarga, kebanyakan lelaki dan wanita akan lebih mengutamakan keselesaan anak-anak berbanding kecantikan kereta tersebut, bukan?

5. Pickup Truck

Wanita masih sedikit janggal dengan 'kegilaan' terhadap trak pikap atau pickup truck berbanding lelaki, oleh itu ianya berada di tangga terbawah survey ini. Namun, ada yang mengatakan
pickup truck
  sangat berguna untuk mengangkut barangan besar dan perabot ketika shopping di IKEA!

Setiap orang mempunyai citarasa yang berbeza, begitu juga dengan wanita. Ini hanyalah sebahagian daripada berjuta wanita lain dan mungkin ada di luar sana yang lebih mementingkan kereta yang praktikal berbanding reka bentuk menawan.

Apa pun minat anda, sentiasa lakukan survey dan bertanya pada mereka yang arif tentang kereta untuk membuat pilihan yang terbaik bagi anda!


MAA expects 10% lower car sales in 2023, recession fears + higher bank OPR

Forecast for the Total Industry Volume in 2023 is expected to be nearly
10% lower than 2022's
 due to fears of recession and other factors.

It was not all good news at the 2022 annual automotive total industry volume (TIV) review, as the outlook for 2023 looks bleak due to the predicted global slowdown of economic growth and buyer hesitation due to the possibility of an increased Overnight Policy Rate (OPR).

(Update: Bank Negara has maintained OPR rate since this article was published)

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), they predict the TIV volume for 2023 to be 9.8% less than 2022's, due to economic and environmental factors despite the Malaysian economy's expected expansion of 4 to 5%.

Total Industry Volume 2023 vs 2022

Market Segment

2023

(Forecast)

2022

(Actual)

Variance

%

Passenger vehicles

585,000

641,773

-8.8%

Commercial vehicles

65,000

78,885

-17.6%

Total vehicles

650,000

720,658

-9.8%

The MAA is predicting that a rush of deliveries of many backlog orders exempted from the sales tax may provide impetus to grow sales in Q1 of 2023, but the challenges and supply chain issues such as shortage of semiconducter chips, uncertainties in geo-political tension, possible resurgence of Covid-19 cases worldwide etc. may affect the country's economic growth momentum and in turn sales of vehicles.


Spyshot: Volkswagen Passat B8 Shows Off Active Info Display

Revealing images showing the instrument panel of a Volkswagen vehicle purported to be the all-new Passat B8 surfaced online in the
VWClubMalaysia
 public Facebook group.
The instrument panel shown is the top of the line Active Info Display that is a 12.3-inch fully configurable TFT monitor with one image clearly showing the navigational display with a map of Malaysian roads!
This clearly informs us that not only is the Passat on Malaysian roads as
repeatedly sighted
, but that Volkswagen is giving us a highly-specced vehicle, with at least one variant getting the fitment of Active Info Display.
Based on a stretched version of Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the Passat B8 was launched globally in 2014 and is
set to arrive in Malaysia not too long now
. Much of what will be offered here is still being kept under wraps, so stay tuned for further info.


2015 Volvo V40 T4 At The Same Price, But Adds Two Free Premium Features

Fancy a properly stylish hot-hatch? Well,
Volvo
 Car Malaysia has just let us in on a super deal that may stir your interest in a
Volvo V40
.
For this month only (May 2015), buying a 2015 Volvo V40 T4 at RM175,888 will get you two free premium feature upgrades. The first is Volvo’s
Park Assist Pilot
 (auto park feature), and the second is its stylish and very useful
Adaptive Digital Display
 we’ve seen and loved in the new XC60 and higher-spec V40 T5. Each item is priced at
RM3,198 and RM3,479 respectively.
Both these features have previously only been available to higher-spec variants of the V40 and the XC60.
What makes this a bit sweeter is that Volvo Car Malaysia tell us that only  for the T4 variant (for now), they also have a Polestar Optimisation performance upgrade available, which do come at an added cost, but adds up to 20hp to the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot that already makes 180hp and 240Nm of torque. The Polestar upgrade will cost you an extra
RM5,944
, with the results listed as below:


Volkswagen Arteon, Now with “Stop and Stare” Function

Revealed to the world a couple of weeks ago at the Geneva International Motor Show, the new Volkswagen Arteon which is already open for booking in Germany, seems to be quite generous with standard features.
In an effort to shed more light on what it has to offer, the German carmaker released a promo video which, for the first time, shows the car in all its glory.
From what we can see, the car comes with a 563-litre boot with Easy Open function, a fully virtual instrument panel with Active Info Display, LED lights with DRLs and Advanced Dynamic Cornering lights, 3 Zone Air Care Climatronic air conditioning, as well as Predictive Cruise Control.
The video also shows the Arteon in both R-Line and Elegance trims, where the former sports a more radical appearance, unlike the Elegance which simply looks, elegant of course.
Confident with the car’s design, Volkswagen is confident that it can make anyone stop and stare at the new Arteon, which explains the punchline in the video – “Now with Stop and Stare function”.
Here to succeed the CC, the Arteon is expected to go on sale around the world later this year.


Aiming For Global Top-5 Ranking, Hankook Looks To ASEAN For Next Phase Of Growth

With 74 years of experience behind them, Hankook has indeed come a long way. It went from a small tyre maker struggling to recover from the ravages of World War 2 and the Korean War, to become one of the leading tyre makers in the world supplying to everything from entry-level Peroduas to high performance Porsches.
Today, Hankook is the fifth largest tyre maker in the world in terms of production capacity, and the seventh largest in terms of sales. The goal is to raise Hankook’s standings to become the top-five biggest selling tyre brand in the world by 2020.
Hankook’s business in the last decade has been characterised by a relentless push to dominate the European tyre market. It now has a technical centre in Hannover, Germany and the Hankook now competes on equal footing with Europe’s home grown brands.
Every major European premium brand – Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, now counts Hankook as its Original Equipment tyre supplier, putting aside any doubts about the performance and quality of Hankook’s products.
In order to increase its global market share, Hankook understands that it needs to have a strong present in emerging markets. For its next phase of growth, Hankook will be looking into the fast growing ASEAN region.
“With the advent of globalisation, Asia is now one of the main automotive markets so we need to focus on Asia – consisting of India, Middle East and ASEAN. In order to be a first-tier player, we need to have the necessary production capacity. In terms of population, ASEAN is equivalent to Europe, but vehicle population is rapidly increasing,” said Eugene K.S. Choo, General Manager of Hankook Tire Malaysia.
Today, Hankook's plant in Indonesia has a capacity of producing 8.3 million tyres per year, paving the way for Hankook to take advantage of import duty exemptions under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
In 2013, Hankook Tire Malaysia was established. After that, it didn’t take long for Hankook to secure its first major win. By 2014, Hankook had started to supply its Kinergy range of tyres to Perodua – Malaysia’s No.1 selling automotive brand.
“About 10 years ago, Hankook tyres were distributed in Malaysia by an independent distributor, which focuses on Hankook’s ultra high performance tyres range that were widely praised for its great quality," said Choo.
“After gaining recognition for its quality and expertise, Hankook's distribution was changed to cover a wider product range. Hankook tyres are now produced in ASEAN and benefits from import duty exemptions under AFTA.
“We now have a very complete range of tyres – from entry-level to ultra high performance tyres. The majority of the vehicles in Malaysia are of 1,800cc or below and as the previous distributor only carries ultra high performance range of tyres, most of these consumers did not have a chance to try Hankook tyres but now they can.”
The task of marketing tyres can be rather challenging, as unlike other consumer goods, all tyres look the same - they are all round and black, and every tyre maker touts the same list of unique attributes. When asked about sets Hankook tyres apart from the competition, Choo said "I can confidently say that our tyres provide customers with great return on their investments," citing the high quality of Hankook tyres.

Hankook’s Kinergy EX 175/65 R14 tyres are now fitted as standard on the Perodua Axia. The Kinergy EX’s combination of good fuel effiency, low tread wear, good comfort and handling made it an easy decision for Perodua to appoint Hankook as its Original Equipment supplier.


BMW Integrates EnLighten App To Alert You Of Traffic Light Signals Ahead

The
BMW
 Group has announced it will be the first manufacturer to integrate the function of the EnLighten app into cars. The app, which is currently available for iOS devices, uses GPS and real-time traffic light status data to help drivers anticipate upcoming traffic signals.
The app itself is developed by Connected Signals with the aim of saving fuel and driver stress by avoiding the unnecessary acceleration caused by the attempt to catch a green light. All you’ll need is a BMW equipped with the BMW Apps option and an iPhone with the EnLighten app connected to the car.
The integration now allows drivers to view the current status of a traffic light ahead in real time as well as a countdown to when that status is to change based on location positioning information and calculation of the vehicle speed and traffic conditions.
Based on that information, the app will also offer a recommendation as to slow down for a traffic light or proceed. Should a light be about to change, an audio alert will be triggered to warn the driver to slow down.
Additionally, navigation information can also be plugged in. With the maps integration together with the enabling of the left or right turn signals, would allow the app to notify the driver of the traffic light for his or her specific turn at an intersection.
Of course, having the app and the car in and of itself won’t be enough for the system to work, as it requires EnLighten to have support for the city itself. Right now, among the cities within EnLighten’s umbrella is rather small, with only Portland and Eurgene in Oregon and Salt Lake City in Utah.
Just those three U.S cities already account for 2,000 traffic lights. EnLighten says they plan to expand the service to more cities soon, with international locations coming after that.


Lamborghini Urus SUV Plans Move Forward, Awaiting VW Group's Approval

Nearly three years ago,
Lamborghini
 unveiled a radical new concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, following the same path that
Porsche
 took with its
Cayenne
 by unveiling a sporty SUV known as the Urus. According to
motoring.com.au
, it seems that the team over at Sant'Agata are moving forward with those plans, which is a 2017 debut.
Andrea Baldi, General Manager of Automobili Laborghini Asia Pacific told motoring.com.au that the company is moving forward with its plans and that “the decision has been already taken.”
He adds, "If we have a third model it will be an SUV. We think that given the DNA of the company, a sport utility vehicle is better fitting with our nature, our ambition."
However, as Lamborghini is part of the
Volkswagen
 Group, certain considerations and strategic decisions will have to be made before any of that can happen.
As of current, the production capacity at Sant'Agata only handles the production of two models, the
Aventador
 and
Huracan
. Should a third model join the mix, the company would have to expand production facilities and the Urus could be the first Lamborghini built outside Italy.
With other sister companies within the VW Group such as Porsche and
Bentley
, the Urus could adopt hybrid powertrain or foundations from the next-generation Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga.
Baldi said that Lamborghini’s brand image would not be tarnished by an SUV because: "There are customers who love the brand a lot but they cannot utilise the super sport car as much as they would like. They can't take their kids or golf clubs with them, there's ground clearance issues, especially in markets like India and South East Asia.”
Competion comes in the form of the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley's upcoming Bentayga, and Jaguar's F-Pace.
Whether or not a production version of the Lamborghini Urus will be officially announced will depends on the final specifications, business feasibility, and production base.


What We’re Looking For In The Toyota GR Yaris

In just a couple of days we’ll get a short spin in the critically-acclaimed GR Yaris. Here’s what we want to know.

Test driving cars can be a little bit tricky – especially when you don’t have much time behind the wheel. We’ll be honest: most showroom test drives don’t really let you experience all of a car’s strong points (or weak points), and at best you get a feel for how it would look driving a vehicle around. To truly test a car, you need time.

Sometimes, these time restrictions can’t be avoided. In our particular case, we will be getting behind the wheel of a
Toyota GR Yaris
 this coming weekend and have the opportunity to toss it around a gymkhana course, as well as potentially some time on Sepang International Circuit. The latter can be a little underwhelming as they tend to be guided or chaperoned, so you don’t really get to see what a car can do on the limit.

All that said, there are still things that we would be looking out for or focusing on. One particular aspect is how the
GR Yaris
 sounds at full chat – these can’t quite be replicated well over the internet, and there are camps which either hate the exhaust noise, or love it. That’s something we’ll have to hear in person. More important than that is the way it behaves.

While the modern car cannot be sold on how it drives alone, the GR Yaris was something designed with dynamics in mind. A rally homologation model of sorts, you would expect it to drive beautifully and feel natural in your hands. So far, all the reviews available are raving about just how great this hot hatch is to drive, and that’s something we want to test for ourselves.

We can break this down into a few different areas. High up on the list is how the all-wheel drive system works – as some of you may know, the GR Yaris available here comes with the higher spec optional equipment that includes a torsen-type limited slip differential at the front and rear. With this setup, the GR Yaris should be able to rocket out of corners even if one or two wheels can’t find grip.

On top of that is the fact that many AWD systems feel noticeably understeer-prone when you start to push them to the limit. The GR Yaris is supposed to overcome this with adjustable variable torque split across the front and rear axles, and hopefully we will be able to see whether this can curb some of the inherent AWD issues – something a gymkhana course can easily put on display if there are any.

Most abstract is the overall suspension setup and characteristics of the GR Yaris. We know it is loosely based on the same platform as the Toyota Camry, C-HR, and Corolla – but the GR Yaris is a fair bit shorter and designed to be more aggressive and agile. We’re looking for fun characteristics like linear lift-off oversteer, stability under hard braking, and ease of weight transfer across all four corners of the car.

If you’re a little lost with this, we basically are
looking to see
 if the GR Yaris is easily approachable and predictable as you approach the limit. Does it push into safety understeer too quickly, or does it break into nausea-inducing snap oversteer? If there is any oversteer to be found, how easy is it to dial it in and deal it out?

It’s been a very long time since we’ve had a new car that truly re-imagines the way a vehicle can be produced for the market, and throws the suggestions of accountants and investors out of the window. This is a car built for enthusiasts, designed by enthusiasts, from a company that is arguably trying to right the sins of its past. It’s definitely worth a closer look.


Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed, Pajero Sport And ASX Recalled

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has issued a recall for 128 units of Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed manufactured from 2010-2014 for the replacement of the driver airbag inflators.
The exercise, which is part of the Takata worldwide airbag recall campaign, will see the existing driver airbag inflators that are potentially faulty being replaced with improved ones.
The company is also conducting two other recalls to replace the tailgate gas spring for ASX units manufactured between 2010 and 2015, and Pajero Sport manufactured between 2010 and 2016.
According to MMM, the exercise is necessary to replace the defective gas spring due to insufficient anti-corrosion coating.
In addition to the above, the ASX is also involved in another recall to replace the wiper motor, due to possible water intrusion that can cause the wipers to stop operating due to corrosion.
All affected Mitsubishi owners will be issued notification letters by MMM which will cover the full cost of the replacement.
The company requests all affected customers to make an appointment at any of the Mitsubishi authorised service centres as soon as possible for the replacement.


First Drive: 2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER - An Unexpected 7-Seat Handling King

The
recently launched
Mitsubishi XPANDER doesn’t beat around the bush about what it sets out to do well. It’s ‘Xpansive’ interior seats up to 7 occupants and provides the kind of amenities to carry out that task with impressive efficiency and comfort. It’s a straightforward vehicle that solves a straightforward problem.

Its peddled credentials as a crossover feels downright phoney, however, and it’s a tasteless trend that automakers really should kick to the curb and let die. Like wearing tracksuit pants to a black-tie party, a nominal increase in ground clearance and gratuitous cladding around the side skirts and wheel arches won’t be fooling anyone or convince anyone of your supposed 'active lifestyle'.

The XPANDER certainly is practical, though, because
it's an MPV
. Its narrow footprint gives it an uncanny ability to weave around tight spaces without a second thought, and even with all those seats up, the boot still remains relatively usable for a quick grocery run or two.

Seeing the Mitsubishi badge here does put into perspective the contrast between what the brand represents now versus what it did in, say, the 1990s.

Wind the clock back far enough and the prestige Mitsubishi held as a respected presence in high performance and motorsport wouldn't be hard to spot. It’s many versions of the Lancer Evolution distilled the bonkers go-fast spirit through the brand’s Ralliart division, whose exploits netted it various victories in the World Rally Championship.

As Malaysians, seeing the monstrous fire-spitting WRC-spec Lancers tear through pinhole trails on mud, desert sand, and snow did also carry some proud local associations given the 4th generation saloon was also used as the basis for the Proton Wira.

The past 15-20 years, though, have seen the automaker shirk away from such things. Instead, they now find themselves in league with Nissan and Renault as well as focusing their resources on less pioneering pursuits to the point that the company is much less recognisable, or particularly worthy of great admiration.

Cars that once defined their line up such as the Galant, Grandis, and Lancer are no more, leaving even less room for fan-favourites such as the Eclipse, 3000GT, and Airtrek, which have all faded away. In 2020, and apart from the newly launched XPANDER, their recent and current portfolio seems equally focused on no-nonsense practicality. There’s isn't any escaping the common thread that links the Outlander, ASX, Pajero Sport, and even Triton.

This is why it was such a pleasant surprise to find how well the XPANDER actually handled. To say I had high expectations in this regard would be a wild exaggeration, as there’s literally nothing about this 7-seater that even tries to hint at an engaging time behind the wheel. Sure, the styling isn’t too bland and the Dynamic Shield front end does resemble a scrunched face of a squinting samurai, which could be seen as at least somewhat ‘aggressive’.

It’s 1.5-litre engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC (good for 105PS and 141Nm) that, if nothing else, is almost bulletproof. It can also be termed as 'adequate' on flat ground, where its refinement is a highlight, but show it a hill and it runs out of breath much too quickly even while carrying just a couple of people, making the four-speed automatic very hesitant to select a lower ratio given how jarring that might be compared to its top gear (fourth).

I felt even less motivated to take it off the highway after that, but I’m convinced that the grandmasters of Mitsubishi performance still exist and are secretly endowing the brand’s less ostentatious models with dynamics well beyond what they deserve.

Quite remarkably, the XPANDER tackles corners with both accuracy and stability while even managing to provide decent mid-corner feedback to the driver. As you’d expect, there is a tendency to understeer if you manage to get it up to speed and come into a corner too hot, but if you tap the brakes to get the chassis just a little unsettled and weight front-biased before turning in, you’d be surprised at how quickly this thing can take a bend and how confidently it carves a tight line. Good thing too that I had the 9.0-inch infotainment system playing a decently awesome rock track via CarPlay to really lean into the mood.

My face must’ve been locked in pure surprise through this twisty 20 minute backroad stretch, but I quickly realised how this secret quality might be entirely lost on the majority of the XPANDER’s target demographic. Will they appreciate it for the drive it delivers? Could that result in more customers for Mitsubishi? I hope so, but I’m not holding my breath.

In my opinion, the XPANDER’s arrival in Malaysian showrooms couldn’t have come at a worse time. It was a foregone conclusion that a local launch would be imminent following its
introduction in Indonesia
 (2017) and Thailand (2018). Had it arrived even a year sooner, it would have posed a much bigger threat to the Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza, and Perodua Aruz than it does now as a budget-friendly 7-seater cross-MPV and had critical time to establish itself within the ranks of its class rivals.

Instead, at RM91,359, the XPANDER was quickly pitted against the other similarly-priced crossover to be launched in late 2020. The X50, which probably doesn’t handle as well or can carry as many passengers, but merely due to the sheer onslaught of features it presents, absolutely demolishes the Mitsubishi on the spec counter.

In fact, its
proximity to the Proton
 could make some potential buyers question if they really need 7-seats instead of 5, and that’s exactly the kind of thing the XPANDER needs to avoid.


Perodua Optimistic For Better Q4 Sales, 202,000 Sales Target In Sight

Perodua has recorded total sales of about 151,600 units for the first nine months of 2017, marking a slight 0.5% increase compared to the same period of last year.
Sales slowed down by 3% to 51,900 units for the third quarter of 2017, down from 2016’s third quarter figure of 53,500.
“The larger sales number in the third quarter last year was due to the then newly introduced Perodua Bezza. That impact has normalised now and our sales have benefitted from the model’s introduction,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.
Datuk Aminar added that the challenges for Q4 2017 include stricter loan approvals and more competition from other car manufacturers.
He also mentioned that all of Perodua’s models were best-sellers in their respective segments.
From January to September this year, the Perodua Axia remained the country’s best selling A-segment hatchback, with 48,700 units sold. As for Perodua’s first ever sedan, a total of 39,800 units were sold, while the Myvi saw 42,000 units sold. The Perodua Alza saw 21,400 units sold.
Elsewhere, Perodua is expected to introduce its new generation Myvi before the year ends; depending on its launch date, the new model may or may not exert significant impact on Perodua's sales volume. The outgoing model's run-out process will, however, inevitably affect the final sales tally.
Another new Perodua model potentially in the works is a new SUV based off the DN Multisix Concept. Indonesian portal Autonetmagz recently posted spyshots of the upcoming Daihatsu Terios undergoing road tests in Jakarta.
Photo credit:
Autonetmagz


Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe Goes On Sale In Europe

Four door coupes. They've got the practicality of a sedan with the roofline and figure of a coupe, and in the case of the recently-unveiled Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe, they can come with big old twin-turbo V8s with astonishingly high power outputs. Mercedes-AMG has just announced that order taking has begun, at least in Europe, and buyers have the option of the AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ or AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+. The cars themselves will arrive at dealerships in late fall.
For those unfamiliar, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe was
launched at Geneva back in March
, following on from a concept that was put on display at the previous year's motorshow. Perhaps the most notable trait was the power output: the 63 and 63 S variants pack 585 hp and 639 hp respectively, with 800 Nm of torque on tap for the 63 and 900 Nm of torque available for the 63 S. The doors are frameless, the interior as is current gen as can be, and this will be yet another flagship for the Mercedes-AMG range.
In addition to these two models, there is also the AMG GT 53, which comes with the much awaited 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 with a mild hybrid system, pushing 435 hp/520 Nm and 22 hp/250 Nm respectively. While there's no word yet on the pricing for the 53, the 63 goes for 150,118.50 Euros (RM 711,390.52) while the 63 S goes for 167,016.50 Euros (RM 791,467.77), and the 63 S Edition 1 goes for a cool 185,342.50 Euros (RM 879,267.88).


All-New Toyota Alphard And Vellfire Makes ASEAN Debut In Thailand

In a bid to put pull ahead of grey importers, Toyota Motor Thailand has just launched the all-new third generation Toyota Alphard and its sportier Vellfire twin yesterday, just three months after the model was launched in Japan.
There will be three variants on offer - the entry model Vellfire 2.5-litre (THB 3,339,000), the mid-range Alphard 2.5-litre Hybrid (THB 3,549,000) and top of the range Alphard 3.5-litre (THB 4,649,000).
The Vellfire 2.5-litre and Alphard 2.5-litre Hybrid are powered by the same 2AR-FE and 2AR-FXE Dual VVT-i engine that was installed in the outgoing Camry and Camry Hybrid (new 2015 model features a newer VVT-iW engine) respectively.
Both the Vellfire 2.5-litre and Alphard 3.5-litre uses a six-speed automatic transmission while the Alphard Hybrid uses planetary gearset E-CVT automatic.
We cannot confirm the airbag count of the Vellfire but both Alphard variants get nine airbags, along with electronic traction and stability control (VSC and TRC, VDIM for Alphard Hybrid) as well as hill start assist control (HAC).
One key differentiator between Toyota Motor Thailand's authorised import Alphard and Vellfire units from the grey import units is their Toyota Motor Thailand's G-Book telematics system which supports Thai languange. More than just a GPS navigation system, G-Book supports various apps that offers not just real time traffic information, but also connects the driver to concierge service for hotel and restaurant bookings, road side assistant and emergency services.
Key highlights for the
Toyota Alphard
 and Alphard Hybrid include Ottoman seats in the second row, twin moon roof, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 17 JBL speakers, 9-inch infotainment system for rear passengers (Alphard 3.5-litre only), 'nanoe' triple zone air-conditioning system, hidden ceiling light, personal reading light (Alphard 3.5-litre only), keyless Smart Entry and reverse camera system.
The lower range
Toyota Vellfire
 makes do with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 8 speakers and 10.2-inch screen for rear passengers.