All New HAVAL H6 Hybrid 2021 – SUV No 1 China Ini Bakal Ke Malaysia?

All New HAVAL H6
 yang digembar-gemburkan bakal tiba ke pasaran Malaysia telahpun di pandu uji oleh rakan sekerja kami di Thailand, Autospinn Thailand dan hasilnya amat memberangsangkan!

Model HAVAL H6 Hybrid SUV ini dianggap sebagai kereta yang berjaya setelah mencapai lebih 6 juta unit terjual di seluruh dunia dan diiktiraf sebagai
SUV
 nombor satu di China. Tetapi bukan mudah untuk bersaing di pasaran Thailand kerana ia antara pasaran terbesar di rantau ini. Namun
Great Wall Motor
 tenyata serious dalam penglibatannya di dalam pasaran Thailand setelah membangunkan kilangnya di sana.

Di Malaysia, Go Auto merupakan pengedar HAVAL yang sah. Ketika ini, terdapat 3 model yang dijual di negara ini iaitu HAVAL H1, HAVAL H2 dan HAVAL H9. Memandangkan terdapat khabar angin bahawa
Go Auto bakal melancarkan model ini di Malaysia
 pada tahun ini, jom kita tengok apa yang best sangat tentang SUV ini.

Setelah memasuki kereta ini buat pertama kalinya, bahagian dalaman kereta ini kelihatan bagus di mana teksturnya boleh dikategorikan sebagai
very well made
. Lebih menarik, tempat duduknya yang lembut itu turut hadir dengan sistem
pendingin hawa
. Tetapi persoalannya, adakah sistem-sistem yang terdapat pada kereta ini berfungsi dengan baik?

Antara sistem yang diuji adalah:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) dengan dashcam
ADAS
: berintegrasi dengan cip kawalan autopilot EYEQ4 mobileeye, memberikan kawalan pada kelajuan penuh yang telah ditentukan termasuk berhenti dan memulakan kembali kereta ke kelajuan yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya.

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICA): beroperasi pada kelajuan yang ditentukan oleh pemandu. Ia juga mengesan kenderaan di hadapan bagi mengekalkan jarak selamat.

Cruise Control pada kelajuan rendah (TJA): sistem automatik cruise control ketika kereta bergerak perlahan.

Untuk penggunaan di bandar, sistem ACC tenyata berfungsi dengan amat baik. Apabila sistem itu dihidupkan, kereta akan mengekori kereta di hadapan pada jarak selamat dan brek sekiranya kereta di hadapan berhenti memecut. Untuk kereta yang berkebolehan untuk memandu secara sendiri, kebolehan brek automatiknya amat bagus. Kebiasaanya, jika ada kereta mencelah ke hadapan kereta ketika kereta mengekalkan jarak selamat, kereta akan brek secara mengejut. Namun berbeza pada kereta ini kerana ia tidak akan brek secara mengejut terutamanya ketika jalan sesak.

Menariknya, paparan pada panel instrumen pemandu berkebolehan untuk menunjukkan imej 3D setiap kenderaan yang berada di sekeliling kereta tidak kiralah sama ada sedan, motosikal ataupun lori. Bukan calang-calang kerana teknologi seperti ini turut terdapat pada kereta
Tesla
.

Selain itu, anda turut boleh menggunakan kawalan suara untuk bercakap dengan kereta seperti mengawal sunroof, tingkap, radio, dan pendingin hawa. Bolehlah bersaing dengan teknologi ‘
Hi Proton
’ yang terdapat pada
Proton X50
.

Di bawah bonet model ini terletaknya enjin 1.5-liter turbo dan motor elektrik yang menghasilkan output keseluruhan 243 PS, dengan tork maksimum sehingga 530 Nm dengan kecekapan haba sebanyak 38% (230 Nm daripada enjin, 300 Nm daripada motor eletrik).

All New HAVAL H6 Hybrid menggunakan transmisi Multi-mode DHT untuk menyokong keperluan pemanduan. Anda tidak perlu risau dengan penggunaan bahan api kerana kereta ini hadir dengan gearbox pertama yang mempunyai 2 gear (satu pada bahagian enjin dan satu pada bahagian motor) untuk menampung pelbagai jenis pemanduan bagi memaksimumkan impak dan meminimumkan penggunaan minyak.

Kebolehan SUV ini untuk memecut juga tidak harus dipandang ringan. Kuasa yang ada pada jentera ini membolehkan ia memecut dengan laju kerana apabila enjin dan motor eletrik bekerja bersama-sama, lebih cepat respon akan diberikan oleh kereta ketika memecut. Ada 4 jenis pemanduan yang ditawarkan iaitu Standard, Economy, Sport, Slippery yang tenyata beroperasi secara berbeza. Tetapi, apabila anda memecut dengan kelajuan maksimum, kereta tetap memberi respon yang terbaik dalam setiap mod pemanduan.

Sistem kalis bunyi yang ada pada kereta ini turut tidak mengecewakan. Ketika kereta memecut laju di atas jalan raya, jumlah bunyi yang berjaya memasuki kabin hanyalah minima sahaja. Selain itu, bunyi enjin kereta juga senyap dan tidak didengari di dalam kabin.

Bahagian suspensinya pula lembut dan mengutamakan keselesaan ketika memandu. Jalan berlubang atau permukaan jalan tak rata dikendalikan dengan baik sekali. Kereta ini bergerak dengan menakjubkan pada kelajuan bawah 120 km/j. Tapi apabila kereta melepasi had kelajuan tersebut dan ingin menukar lorong, kereta akan terasa sedikit bergoyang.

Highlight:

1. 0-100 km/j

Dengan 1.5-liter enjin turbo bersama motor elektrik yang menghasilkan output maksimum 243 PS dan 530 Nm tork, SUV nombor satu China ini hanya memerlukan 8 saat sahaja untuk mencapai kelajuan dari 0-100 km/j.

2. Auto Reversing Assistance (ARA)

Antara kelebihan lain adalah kereta ini mampu mengundur secara tenang. Sistem yang sama digunakan pada kereta keluaran
BMW
. Perbezaannya cuma stereng BMW berpusing lebih pantas sehinggakan ada pemandu yang menekan brek untuk membantu. Tetapi, HAVAL H6 mengundur secara tenang dan perlahan tanpa memerlukan anda menekan brek. Sekiranya anda menekan brek atau menyentuh stereng, sistem ini akan ditamatkan serta merta.

3. Parkir Automatik

Integration Auto Parking (IAP) dengan kamera 360 darjah serta sensor ultrasonic membolehkan jentera ini untuk mencari
parkir
 serta parkir kereta secara automatik. Ianya turut amat mudah untuk digunakan kerana anda cuma perlu tekan butang pada skrin untuk mencari parkir dan kereta anda akan uruskan segalanya termasuk memberi signal, menukar gear, memusingkan stereng, brek, dan menekan minyak sehinggalah kereta itu masuk ke gear P dengan sendirinya. Sistem ini menggunakan sensor dan kamera untuk mengukur kawasan parkir. Sistem ini menawarkan 3 jenis parking iaitu melintang, menegak dan menyerong.

4. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and dan Cross Traffic Braking

Sistem ini membantu kereta untuk mengundur dan mengesan kenderaan lain di kawasan titik buta kereta. Terdapat sensor yang akan mengesan kehadiran kenderaan daripada arah belakang, kiri atau kanan. Apabila halangan dapat dikesan, sistem ini akan memberi amaran kepada pemandu dan membrek secara automatik bagi mengelakkan pelanggaran.

5. Kamera 360 darjah

Kamera 360 darjah pada kereta ini menampilkan imej HD yang boleh diubah sama ada 2D atau 3D. Lebih menarik, anda juga boleh menyaksikan grafik tentang perkara yang berlaku di sekeliling kereta seperti jenis kenderaan mahupun seseorang yang sedang berdiri berhampiran kereta. Selain itu, jika kamera ini mengesan anda terlalu rapat dengan halangan di hadapan, amaran akan diberikan dan jarak antara bumper hadapan kereta dengan halangan turut akan dipaparkan.

6. Door Opening Assistance (DOW)

Sistem ini berfungsi untuk melindung pemandu atau penumpang daripada membuka pintu secara membabi buta yang boleh mengakibatkan kemalangan. Sebaliknya, apabila sensor kereta mendapati bahawa terdapat pergerakan atau halangan di tepi pintu, sistem DOW akan memberikan amaran buka pintu pada screen kereta ini. Apabila pintu kereta dibuka juga, lampu amaran akan menyala dan amaran bunyi akan dilepaskan.

7. Driving Fatigue Warning (DFW)

Sistem ini menilai dan menganalisis ciri pemanduan seperti sudut stereng, brek, kawalan lampu dan penggunaan wiper. Apabila pemandu penat ataupun kereta telah dipandu melebihi 80 km/j untuk lebih dari tempoh 4 jam, kereta akan memberi amaran berdurasi 20 saat kepada pemandu untuk berhenti rehat setiap 10 minit. Amaran ini hanya boleh dimatikan sekiranya kereta berhenti bergerak.

Kelebihan:

Reka bentuk yang cantik dan elegan serta material yang tip top digunakan pada bahagian dalaman.

Sistem operasi kereta pada skrin berfungsi dengan sangat baik, laju dan jelas.

Kawalan Pelayaran Automatik Berkelajuan Rendah (TJA) beroperasi pada kelajuan yang ditetapkan oleh pemandu. ia akan mengesan kenderaan di hadapan untuk mengekalkan jarak selamat dengan sistem untuk membantu menghentikan kereta dan memulakan semula pecutan. Sistem bantuan pemanduan lain seperti Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) dan Lane Center Assist (LCK) berfungsi sama seperti kereta Eropah.

3 jenis pilihan parkir auto dengan kamera 360 darjah serta sensor ultrasonik.

Enjin bertindak balas dengan bagus tidak kira dalam apa kelajuan sekalipun. Tekan sahaja pedal minyak tersebut kerana kereta ini sentiasa bersedia.

Keburukan:

Akses kepada 4 jenis permanduan seperti Standard, Sport,Economy atau Slipery tidak boleh dilakukan ketika memandu kerana anda perlu menukar tetapan pada skrin terlebih dahulu.

Sekiranya anda hidupkan sistem Lane Departure Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) dan Lane Center Assist (LCK), ia turut tidak dapat dimatikan ketika memandu kerana ia haruslah ditutup melalui skrin di tengah-tengah dashboard kereta sahaja.

Suspensi yang lembut agak selesa ketika bergerak perlahan, namun apabila bergerak laju, ia boleh membawa bahaya kerana ianya terlalu lembut.

Secara amnya, kereta ini lebih baik daripada jangkaan. Meskipun rakan media kami di Thailand masih belum sempat menguji tahap sebenar penggunaan bahan api untuk kereta ini, namun menurut HAVAL, kereta ini dikatakan hanya memerlukan 5.2 liter bagi setiap perjalanan 100 km.

Harga bagi The All New HAVAL H6 Hybrid SUV di Thailand akan didedahkan pada 28 Jun ini. Selain itu, setiap pembelian kereta ini bakal menerima waranti pengeluar dan bantuan kemalangan bagi tempoh 5 tahun ataupun 150,000 km. Waranti bateri pula boleh bertahan sehingga 8 tahun.

Sekiranya Go Auto bawa masuk HAVAL H6 di Malaysia pada tahun ini, adakah ia bakal mendapat sambutan?

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 your latest
new car promotion
 here also.


Same Same, But Different: Toyota Raize vs Daihatsu Rocky vs Perodua Ativa

We break down the major differences between the Perodua Ativa, Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize.

The recent debut of the
Toyota Raize
 and
Daihatsu Rocky
 in Indonesia means that the
Perodua Ativa
 will not be exported there, which means that Perodua will be able to focus on satisfying local demand which is of course good news for all of you waiting for your new Perodua Ativa.

Since
Daihatsu
, Toyota and
Perodua
 all had a say in the SUV's design at some point, many of its features will remain consistent across all three models, however, there are some differences between the
fraternal triplets
, so let's break it down.

The facial differences

The most apparent difference between the three SUVs is the front fascia. While they are all equipped with the same trapezoidal LED headlights, the smiley-faced grille on the Ativa is much larger than the one on the Daihatsu. The Toyota Raize sports an entirely different look altogether, with a slim gloss black strip at the top with a downturned lower grille at the bottom.

Different Day Time Running Lights

The other major difference at the front is the bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights on the Raize and Rocky. The Ativa only gets LED positioning lights in the headlights of the range-topping models, doubling as sequential indicators.

Wheels and tyre

The Ativa's 17-inch wheel design is different from the Raize and Rocky.  Toyota equipped theirs with a six-spoke design and Daihatsu supplied theirs with a five-spoke design. The Perodua has a ten-spoke design, with five of them coloured in black.

Also different are the 16-inch Ativa wheels, which have more of a split-spoke design rather than the turbine look of the others. The tyre sizes are also different on the Ativa, being slightly taller and wider at 205/60R17 and 205/65R16, versus the Rocky's and Raize's 195/60R17 and 195/65R16.

Suspension

Perodua has equipped the Ativa with a stiffer suspension setup, catering to Malaysia's love for a sporty handling car. According to Perodua, the Ativa also rides 15 mm taller than the others (200mm vs 185mm) to better suit
Malaysia's rough roads
. However, in the writer's opinion, the taller ride height is more likely due to Malaysians penchant for commanding looking cars.

Keyless entry

The Ativa's keyless entry system with touch-sensitive lock/unlock sensor is only fitted on the driver's door, while the Rocky and Raize have this on both the front doors, making it more convenient to operate. One thing common in this department: all of them get the keyless unlock function at the tailgate.

Interior

Before we get into what's different inside, the cars are mostly identical on the interior front, with all of them getting the same dashboard design with hexagonal air vents and floating head units. The three-spoke steering wheels are all the same too.

The Raize and
Rocky
 get round climate control knobs, while the Ativa on the other hand, sports a flat digital control panel with two memory buttons first seen on the current generation Myvi. The Ativa also gets a dedicated door lock/unlock button in the middle of the centre console next to the handbrake, but the Raize and Rocky do not get this feature.

According to some, the head unit on the Ativa is not the best, that might be because it is locally sourced but we had no complaints about the unit whatsoever during our
review
. It has the same nine-inch touchscreen size as the Daihatsu and Toyota, but the interface on the Ativa looks a little non-OEM. The Ativa also doesn't have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making do with the Smart Link mirroring feature.

The
Ativa
 gets a different seat upholstery combination compared to its Japanese cousins, coming with faux cowhide, accented with faux suede and red accents. The
Raize
 and Rocky, on the other hand, get a classy looking faux leather and fabric combination.

Drivetrain

All three models are powered by a 1.0 litre 1KR-VET turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm.

There is a different powertrain option in Indonesia, with the
Toyota Raize
 1.2 G being powered by the WA-VE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine that develops 88 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

The Rocky will get this powertrain later on with a regular CVT transmission.

Front-wheel drive and D-CVT with seven virtual ratios is the only configuration available for the
Ativa
, but the Rocky and the Raize will get the option to have a five-speed manual as well as 4WD.

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.


AD: CARPUT Roadside Assistance

The automotive landscape in Malaysia lacks reliability, transparency and is often confusing. In other words, there was little empathy towards customers who may be stranded, rushing, and left with no other options. In fact, many would argue that these people take advantage of this situation.
In 2016, CARPUT Roadside Assistance was launched to assist Malaysian drivers to get back on the road knowing that their welfare is being taken care of. The CARPUT team, at its core, is one that cares about the customer. If they're going to be late, they will tell you that they will be late.
Be it a new car battery change, or a jump-start, they’re there. If you need help when your tyre has gone flat, they’re there. Need petrol delivery? They’re there. If you need a tow, they’re there.
The beauty about CARPUT is that a user is able to track in real time the ETA and the service professional who will be attending to the problem. The team will always assign the nearest service professional to attend to the breakdown.
After 30,000 rescues, with the help of our technology, CARPUT has brought their response time down to 43 minutes on average.
Through automation and optimization, Malaysian drivers will now be able to get help quicker and reducing the safety risks of having a car break down.
CARPUT wants to democratize peace of mind, in other words, their mission to give Malaysians the level of service that we deserve and to provide the transparency, reliability and safety that we crave for.
So, the next time your car kaputs.. Think CARPUT!
Download
 the CARPUT mobile application to get quick and easy roadside assistance!


UMW Toyota Motor Begins Order Taking for Sienta, Alphard, and Vellfire

It was only yesterday that we had reported the confirmed on-the-road prices of the all-new Toyota Sienta 7-seater MPV, which will be going on sale from RM92,900 to RM99,900.
Turns out that the folks at
UMW Toyota Motor
 had already planned to announced order-taking of the Sienta along with the
Alphard and Vellfire
 yesterday, but an email glitch prevented the release from reaching our inboxes.
We’ve already reported on a relatively comprehensive spec breakdown on the Sienta in our story yesterday, which you can access by
clicking here
.
Fewer details have been revealed on the
Alphard
 and
Vellfire
 beyond their respective model line-ups and price tags.
The Vellfire will come with a solitary 2.5-litre variant priced at RM355,000 on-the-road with insurance for individual private registration in Peninsula Malaysia.
The Alphard, on the other hand, will be offered with a 3.5-litre engine in two trim levels – 3.5 and 3.5 Executive Lounge priced at RM419,900 and RM519,900 respectively.
These new MPV models sold by UMW Toyota Motor are covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty programme.


All-New 2017 Ford Fiesta Makes Global Debut In Cologne

The all-new Ford Fiesta has just been unveiled at Ford’s ‘Go Further’ event held at Cologne, Germany, earlier today. Expected to hit European markets by 2017, this is the seventh generation model of the Fiesta lineage, even though our market is only familiar with the current sixth-generation model.
Detailed specifics have yet to revealed, but Ford has shown four distinctive trim versions:
Titanium: Regular model
ST-Line: Sportier trim. Ford Performance-inspired.
Vignale: Upscale trim.
Active: Rugged crossover-like look with unpainted external body trim elements.
From the outside, we see a seemingly evolutionary look from the current model, with both three- and five-door hatchback models retaining the predecessor's familiar window line. The front end too, appears little changed; the basic elements of the enlarged grille and swept back tail lights remain present with only their details and shape massaged for a more coherent appearance.
The rear end receives a more drastic revision; the tail lights now placed lower and sporting a more horizontal design spilling into the tailgate. From the raised rear three-quarter angle in the image provided by Ford, the proportions now look almost MPV-ish.
Inside, a redesigned interior with supposedly improved ergonomics features an 8-inch floating hi-def touchscreen allied with Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system. Upper models get high quality audio delivered by a premium B&O Play Sound System setup.
No details on powertrain line-up are available through official sources at the moment, although we expect the current
1.0-litre EcoBoost 3-cylinder
 engine to form the bedrock of the new model's line-up. The ST performance flagship model would probably get either a carryover of the present model's 1.6-litre EcoBoost or the newer 1.5-litre mill we now have in the
Focus
 and Kuga.
The first-generation Fiesta was launched in 1976 and the seventh-generation model’s unveiling coincides with the 40
th
 anniversary of the original’s.
It is too early at this stage to speculate on the timeline of the Fiesta’s arrival in our region, but as an indication of Ford’s past practice, the current Fiesta as well as the
Focus
 were both launched in ASEAN two years after their respective global debuts in 2008 and 2010 respectively.


2015 World Car of the Year Finalists Revealed

Prior to the winners being declared on April 2nd at the 2015 New York Auto Show, here are the finalists for this year’s World Car of the Year award as chosen by a seventy-five-person strong jury, comprising of the world’s automotive journalists.
After beginning in Paris on October 2, 2014 followed by a November test-drive of the North American hopefuls in Los Angeles, the Road to the World Car continues with the finalists’ announcement.
The selection process for the World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car and World Performance car categories were conducted through a secret ballot based on the judging panel member’s insight and professional experience with the candidates. The resulting nominations were then tabulated by international accounting firm KPMG.
The following are the finalists, in alphabetical order, for the
2015 World Car of the Year
:
BMW
 2 Series Active Tourer
Citroen
 C4 Cactus
Ford
 Mustang
Hyundai
 Genesis
Jeep
 Renegade
Mazda
2
Mercedes-Benz
 C-Class
MINI
 5 door / MINI 4 door Hard Top
Nissan
 Qashqai
Volkswagen
 Passat
The finalists for the
2015 World Luxury Car
 include:
BMW i8
BMW X6
Cadillac ATS Coupe
Cadillac Escalade/ESV
Kia
 K900
Lexus
 NX
Lexus RC
Lincoln MKC
Range Rover
Autobiography Black LWB
The top ten
2015 World Performance Car
 finalists are:
Audi
S1
Audi S3
Audi TT / TTS
Bentley Continental GT Speed
BMW M4 Coupe/M3 Sedan
Corvette Z06
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Jaguar
 F-TYPE R Coupe
Lexus RC-F
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
To select the finalists for the
 2015 World Green Car
 category, five specialists in “green technology” were appointed by the World Car Awards Steering Committee to thoroughly review all specification and documentation that corresponds with each candidate on the nominations list before narrowing the selection for the review by the 75 jurors in the second round of voting. The finalists include:
BMW i8
Hyundai x35/Tucson Fuel Cell
Kia Soul EV
Volvo
 XC90 T8 Twin Engine
Volkswagen Golf GTE
The five finalists for the
2015 World Car Design of the Year
 award are selected from the list of World Car candidates, which include:
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Citroen C4 Cactus
Mercedes C-Class
Porsche
 Macan
Volvo XC90
The top three finalists in all categories will be announced on Tuesday, March 3 during the 2015 Geneva International Auto Show.


Carlos Ghosn: Mitsubishi to Retain Distinct Identity Following Nissan Takeover

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will not be reduced to just rebadging models of its soon-to-be new owner
Nissan
, assured Nissan Motor Co Ltd’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn in a conference call Q&A session with journalists across the Asia Pacific region.
Earlier this week, the two companies announced that they have
signed a Basic Agreement
 to enter a ‘strategic alliance’ encompassing areas of purchasing, vehicle platforms, technology, plant utilization, and development in growth markets.
Concurrent with the agreement, Nissan will assume a 34% equity stake in MMC, making it the company’s single biggest shareholder. The transaction remains subject to the signing of a definitive Alliance Agreement (expected by the end of May 2016) as well as the signing of a shareholders agreement with other major stake holders of MMC from the Mitsubishi Group
keiretsu
.
Globally, Nissan’s production volumes exceeds Mitsubishi’s by over five-fold; the former makes 5.4 million cars a year, whilst the latter rolls out around a million cars in the same timeframe.
Elaborating on the goals of the tie-up, Ghosn emphasized that both Nissan and
Mitsubishi
 will continue to run as independent entities and retain their separate distinct identities to consumers. He points out that the Mitsubishi brand is a strong asset with rich heritage to be preserved. According to him, Nissan aims to see MMC emerge as a stronger outfit than its present embattled state from the tie-up.
Both brands enjoy strong presences in Southeast Asia. In 2014, new Nissan plants opened in both Thailand and Indonesia, boosting its ASEAN production capacity by 300,000 units per annum. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, is in the midst of building a new 160,000-capacity plant in Indonesia whilst having also acquired
Ford
’s old plant in the
Philippines
 in 2014.
Moving forward, Ghosn has ruled out closing any plants in the name of rationalization, but states that cross manufacturing between the two brands will be likely.
Future products of the two brands will undoubtedly be underpinned by common platforms and shared technology, but Ghosn emphasizes that they will be developed separately to ensure that they continue to carry the distinct flavours of their respective brands.
He points to the ongoing nature of the Renault-Nissan Alliance which sees
Renault
 and Nissan vehicles, despite sharing certain hardware and common platform, have very distinct characteristics – the
Nissan X-Trail
 and
Renault Koleos
, for example. This contrasts products of the
Volkswagen
 Group, where all vehicles irrespective of brand, seem to have similar driving characteristics.

The two companies will also benefit from their combined economies of scale to optimize production costs; Mitsubishi will particularly benefit in instances where its design and technology are adopted by bigger-volume player Nissan.
When asked about what Mitsubishi has to offer to the Renault-Nissan Alliance that the two component companies do not already possess, Ghosn points to Mitsubishi’s superior plug-in hybrid powertrain technology for which Nissan is still in the infancy stage of development.


Volkswagen Malaysia Offers Zero Monthly Instalments For Up To A Year With New Financing Campaign

Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced a new financing campaign, which it is offering to customers, where they can enjoy cash rebates of up to RM25,000 and free instalment payments of up to one year with just a 10% down payment. This equates to a total savings of up to RM46,100 depending on the participating Volkswagen model chosen.

Five
Volkswagen
 models – the
Polo
 Sedan,
Jetta
 CKD,
Passat
 CKD,
Tiguan
 1.4, and
CC
 (Std and Sport) are a part of the campaign where cash rebates start at RM9,000 for the Polo Sedan and continue upwards with the Jetta (RM13,000), Passat (RM17,000), Tiguan (RM18,500), CC Std (RM23,000), and CC Sport (RM25,000).

Only customers who purchase any of the vehicles mentioned above under the seven-year loan package will be eligible for the zero instalments for up to twelve months incentive. However, customers who purchase the CC Std or CC Sport under said loan package will only receive a six-month instalment-free period.

Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia said, “Volkswagen always emphasizes the customers’ experience and through this campaign the brand wants to ensure Malaysians have the opportunity own our cars and enjoy the best of German engineering.  With this in mind, we have created a new deal for car buyers who want quality, safe and stylish cars.”

For more information, head on over to
Volkswagen Malaysia's official website
.


2022 Audi RS3 vs 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45S

The Audi RS3 has gone through an extensive overhaul and is said now to be quicker than its arch-enemy the Mercedes-AMG A45S.

The modern hot hatch today is a much different machine compared to the ones in the seventies all the way up to the late nineties. They used to be lightweight, fun to drive and had
just enough horsepower
 to get your heart pumping fast.

However, these days, hot hatches are packed with sports car levels of power, blistering acceleration, and
drifting abilities
 - and the ones that are at the top of this new hot hatch game is Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

We all pretty much concede that the
Mercedes-AMG A45S
 is probably the king of the hot hatches at the moment. Still, Audi wasn't going to sit back and watch them rule the streets, which is why they have completely overhauled their Audi RS3 to make it arguably nimbler and faster than its arch-enemy, the A45S.

New features in the 2022 Audi RS3 include a completely new drivetrain, which surprisingly sees the ditching of their classical FWD biased Haldex all-wheel-drive system for a Magna supplied torque splitter system. According to Audi, this move has improved the handling of the hot hatch and opened up the car's ability to dance sideways.

So how does the new 2022 Audi hatchback from Audi Sport stack up against the Mercedes-AMG A45S? Let's first take a look at some quick facts.

2022 Mercedes-AMG A45S vs 2022 Audi RS3

Index

Audi RS3

Mercedes-AMG

A45S

Engine

2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo

2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Transmission

Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic

Horsepower

401

416

Torque (Nm)

500

500

0-100km/h

3.8 seconds

3.9 seconds

Drivetrain

All-wheel-drive

All-wheel-drive

Can it dance (drift mode)

Yes

Yes

As you can see from the table, despite the lower number of ponies under the hood, the 2022 Audi RS3 can do the 0-100 sprint marginally faster than the Mercedes and about two tenths slower than its bigger sibling, the
V8 powered RS6 wagon
. This makes the RS3 the fastest accelerating small car currently in production.

According to Audi, the revised DCT transmission and the longer-lasting maximum torque is responsible for this blistering acceleration,  but we'll have to see what real-world tests reveal to be really sure of its capabilities.

Apparently, the Audi RS3 also has a 30km/h advantage when it comes to top speed, as it can now do 280mk/h, opposed to the A45S's 250km/h (electronically limited). The 280km/h top speed can be unleashed at an additional cost, but as standard, the Audi RS3 has the same top speed as the A45S.

The inclusion of this RS torque splitter sounds like it is mainly there to give the RS3 some drifting capabilities just to match the A45S's drift mode. But according to Audi, it is there to give the car better traction, where the new rear differential can infinitely vary the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel – "significantly reducing the tendency to understeer" making it a much faster car around the corners.

These are all claimed at the moment as the RS3 will only arrive in the
first quarter of 2022
, so we will have to see whether it can do what it claims when it hits the road - as it's just too close of a call between both cars.

All we know is that we love the sound of a
five-cylinder engine
, which instantly makes the Audi a winner in our books. This new RS torque splitter will also give the Audi Sport hatchback a new feel, over the tried and tested Haldex system which it has been using for the longest time.


2019 Mazda CX-8 Unveiled, Now Open For Booking

Following many, many months of anticipation, Mazda Malaysia has finally rolled out their 2019 CX-8 from their plant up in Kulim, Kedah. This coincides with the opening of bookings for the model, and there are four variants for potential buyers to choose from.

As a quick rundown, the CX-8 can best be summed up as a snazzier, sleeker CX-9, being a fair bit larger and longer than the CX-5, and only a little bit smaller overall than its CX-9 sibling. It is available as a seven seater in the base 2.5L 2WD Mid variant, and a six seater for the remaining three variants where the second row is replaced with captain chairs.

Two engines are available – buyers can opt for a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which pushes out 192 hp and 258 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine which makes a substantial 450 Nm of torque and 188 hp. Only the top of the range variant gets the diesel engine and all-wheel drive, while the rest deliver power solely to the front wheels.

The most potent 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s available in both the CX-5 and CX-9 is not offered here – most likely as a means to distinguish the CX-8 in product positioning and as a matter of exports to other markets. The demographic that’s expected to be interested in the CX-8 would be the same growing families that were drawn to the CX-5 – a strategy that’s highly effective when customers have faith in a brand and grow along with it.

We’ll run through the different variants as quickly as we can. Even the entry level 2.5L 2WD Mid variant is generously equipped with standout features such as:

LED Front Headlights

Daytime Running Lights

Automatic Wipers

Keyless Entry

Powered Tailgate

7-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Three Zone Climate Control

10-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat

G Vectoring Control Plus

i-Stop Idling Technology

From here, the next level up is the 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus variant. It adds LED daytime running lights although it loses two USB ports as it replaces the second row bench seat with captain seats. It also gets the adaptive front-lighting system and Smart City Brake Support for both the front and rear.

Going up to the 2.5L 2WD High variant sees the return of the USB ports for the second row as a centre console is added, as well as a 360-degree panoramic view monitor. The interior trim is replaced with Nappa Leather, and Adaptive LED Headlights along with Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, Driver Attention Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert are added.

The options list for the top of the line 2.2L AWD turbodiesel variant pretty much mirrors that of the 2.5L 2WD High variant, with the omission of the sport mode switch. You can have your CX-8 in a choice of six colours: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, or Jet Black.

Even though bookings have opened, we can’t tell you what pricing is like because they have yet to announce it – although with the direction Mazda has picked, you can expect it won’t exactly be on the budget end of things. That being said, Mazda products have been known to punch far above the belt and the CX-8 would be a good dark horse when pit against other seven seaters.

For the best deals on Mazda models, click
here
.


All-New 10th Gen Honda Accord Not Coming To Malaysia Until Late-2019

If you are hoping for the all-new tenth generation 2018 Honda Accord that’s currently on sale in the US to be coming to Malaysia this year, it looks like you will be in for a long wait of around one more year.
According to information gathered from an investors’ newsletter published by RHB Research Institute, which tracks the performance of DRB-Hicom’s shares, Honda is not expected to launch any new model in 2018.
DRB-Hicom is a local partner of Honda Malaysia, and owns 34 percent of the joint venture.
The report added that the all-new Accord will only go on sale in Malaysia in 2019. At the moment Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka, which assembles not just engines but all Honda models sold in Malaysia except for the UK-made Civic Type R and Japan-made Odyssey, is still running near its maximum capacity of 110,000 units per annum.
Separately, we understand that Honda Automobile Thailand’s plant in Ayutthaya has yet to throttle down output of the current generation Accord and it doesn’t seem like work to retool the plant to produce the all-new Accord will begin anytime soon.
Typically, there is a three- to six-month gap between an all-new model’s introduction at its regional mother plant, which in this case is Ayutthaya, and introduction in other smaller markets in the region like Malaysia.
Besides, Honda Malaysia had just invested in upgrading the current generation Accord with the
Honda Sensing
 suite of advanced driving assistance systems as recently as November last year.
As such, we don’t expect the all-new Accord to be launched in Malaysia until the second half of 2019.
Currently, the all-new Accord is only made in two plants in Honda’s top-two largest markets – Ohio in Marysville, USA and Guangdong in Guangzhou, China. The model is not even available in Honda’s home market of Japan yet.


2017 Perodua Axia Facelift – Spotted Ahead Of Official Debut

The facelifted Perodua Axia has been spotted undisguised in all its glory, ahead of its launch at a dealership in Kuala Lumpur. Our friends from
Autofreaks.com
 caught the Perodua entry-level model, likely to be a future demo vehicle, judging by the sticker graphics and were able to grab photos of the exterior and interior of the upcoming car.
Up front, the redesigned front end reveals a sharper, Honda Jazz like face, with projector headlamps and grille forming a V-shaped appearance, seen here in the SE and Advance variants. The gaping grille is now split into two sections with the lower half of the bumper flanked by fog lamp enclosures with carbon fibre look inserts and a chrome strip.
Along the sides, a new door handle design, which features a button for the keyless entry is finished in chrome. Round the back, the most noticeable difference is the boot lock handle, seen here with the smart entry button range-topping Advance, cheaper variants receive the boot handle alone.
The wheels have been lifted straight off the Perodua Bezza sedan – featuring a two-tone finish in the Advance variant.
On the inside, Perodua have also fitted a Push Start button, on a panel to the right of the steering wheel, next to a button to disarm the front proximity sensors – also a new addition. The meter cluster is reportedly new (with white illumination), as is the updated infotainment head unit, replete with Perodua’s (Android only) Smart Link connectivity functions.
The leather steering wheel stitching in the Advance model also receives white stitching now, previously red.
The biggest change comes from under the hood, with the facelifted Axia now utilising the 1.0-litre 1KR-VE three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i), shared with the Bezza sedan. Perodua claim the fuel economy is now further improved to 22.5km/l, up from 21.6km/l.
Having announced that the facelifted Perodua Axia order books are
officially open
 – it’s no surprise, dealers are doing very little to conceal the car ahead of its launch.
As revealed earlier, prices have gone up across the range, which starts off at RM24,900 for the 1.0L Standard E manual to RM42,900 for the Advance (auto). The most substantial increments are for the 1.0L Standard G manual and automatic models which carry premiums of RM4,700 and RM3,700 respectively.


The CX-3 - Mazda’s Smallest SUV Is Brimming With Style And Personality

For 2023, the  Mazda CX-3 continues to serve as the brand’s entry-level SUV, exuding a sense of allure and sophistication, having undergone a multitude of updates that has propelled beyond the competition and aligned perfectly with your aspirations and lifestyle.

To kick off the many reasons why the CX-3 should be anyone’s SUV shortlist, its sleek and timeless KODO design seamlessly combines intricate surfaces with flowing lines that stretch from the front to the back, resulting in a captivating representation of dynamic motion and a bold statement of charismatic style.

Exterior illumination on the range-topping 2.0L High is all-LED, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs), emanating a sleek signature from every angle. Furthermore, those LED headlights feature automatic on/off and automatic levelling capabilities for enhanced safety and convenience.

The design of the Mazda CX-3 showcases various striking elements, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, powered sunroof, a shark fin antenna, dual exhaust outlets, and a sophisticated 3D horizontal slat front grille that adds depth and uniqueness.

When you lift its bonnet, you'll discover Mazda's reliable and proven SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder petrol engines in either 1.5 or 2.0-litre capacities, generating either 114PS and 149Nm or 154PS and 206Nm and mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Advancements such G-Vectoring Control, which adjusts the engine and traction control response to optimise weight distribution and G-forces, collectively create a distinctive driving experience that Mazda is known for, referred to as 'Jinba-Ittai'. This term captures the seamless connection between the driver's thoughts and the vehicle's performance, resulting in a sense of intuitiveness and clarity, as if the car is an extension of one's own intentions on the road.

The Mazda CX-3, designed as an enjoyable compact crossover suitable for the entire family, prioritises safety without compromise. It comes equipped with a range of standard safety technologies, including six airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Side, and Curtain), an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Auto Hold Function, and Hill Launch Assist (HLA).

Moreover, an extensive range of proactive safety features is included (2.0L High only) to prevent accidents or collisions. Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of advanced safety technologies now incorporates additional features like High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the Front & Rear. These join the previously available features such as Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

We invite you to experience the Mazda CX-3 for yourself at the BAuto Showcase, happening from 31st May to 5th June 2023 at the Oval Concourse of the 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

Not only will you be able to view, touch, sit in, and experience the Mazda CX-3, but you’ll also have the other cars under the BAuto umbrella - from Mazda range including the Mazda 3, Mazda MX-30, to the Kia Carnival, Sorento, and EV6, to the Peugeot 2008 SE, Peugeot Landtrek, and fully electric Peugeot e-2008.

Furthermore, in addition to exclusive sign up gifts, BAuto are offering a Bonanza Dip worth up to RM180,000 for cars purchased at the Showcase event. Peugeot customers will also stand a chance to win 2 travel tickets to Bahrain!


Audi KL Service Centre Now Open on Sundays

Euromobil Sdn Bhd has announced that the Audi Kuala Lumpur Service Centre will now be open on Sundays as part of the company’s effort to improve its after sales service.
Located on Jalan Chan Sow Lin, the Audi Service Centre Kuala Lumpur, which is manned by 42-member team service advisors, technicians and consultants, houses 26 service bays which allow for faster turnaround of cars undergoing maintenance.
It is said that the extended service hours on Sundays are available to any Audi vehicle, either purchased from authorised dealers or from grey importers.
Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Bhd, underlined the importance of customers’ satisfaction for the company.
“We believe that our customers deserve top quality service throughout their entire ownership experience with the Audi brand. Opening our service centre on Sundays is testament to that, and a show of our commitment to respond to rising demand from customers who are too busy to maintain their cars on weekdays. We are making it more convenient for this group of customers to ensure their cars are in tip-top condition,” he said.
The extended service hours on Sundays are available to any Audi vehicle, either purchased from authorised dealers or from grey importers. However, it is only available at Audi Service Kuala Lumpur, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, specifically for standard Audi Fastlane lubrication service.
Audi Malaysia also urges customers to call the service centre at 03-9222 0390 and book a slot before heading there.
Looking for an Audi? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Toyota Introduces All-New RAV4 In Japan – With Torque-Vectoring AWD

Exactly three months
 after showcasing the car at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show, Toyota has unveiled the all-new fifth-generation RAV4 in its home market in Japan. The company aims to sell 3,000 units of the all-new RAV4 per month.
For the Japanese market, the all-new RAV4 will be available in six variants. Petrol-powered variants of the all-new RAV4 feature a Dynamic Force 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 171 PS and 207 Nm, hooked up to a Direct Shift CVT-type automatic.
Similar to the
North American market
 RAV4, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD is also available on selected variants of the all-new RAV4. In short, this intelligent AWD system not only varies the torque split of the front and rear axle, it also varies the torque split from side-to-side on the rear axle. The new rear differential operates by using a pair of left and right clutches to control torque, which improves response time and ultimately allow for much better cornering performance and agility.
Toyota is also offering hybrid variants of the all-new RAV4, powered by a Dynamic Force 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to the second generation Toyota Hybrid System. Similar to the regular petrol-powered siblings, hybrid variants of the all-new RAV4 can be had as a front- or four-wheel drive model. The latter features Toyota’s E-Four electric all-wheel drive system.
Under the WLTC test cycle, the all-new Toyota RAV4 consumes between 15.2 km/L (four-wheel drive, petrol) to 21.4 km/L (front-wheel drive, hybrid).
All variants of the all-new Toyota RAV4 are fitted, as standard, with the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system, now added with:
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Pre-Collision Safety System
Also standard is the T-Connect service, whereby owners will be able to enjoy a complimentary three-year subscription to the service.
In terms of pricing, the all-new RAV4 gets a base price of 2,608,200 yen for the X variant, while hybrid variants of the all-new RAV4 are priced from 3,202,200 yen.
Two plants are responsible for assembling the all-new RAV4 - Takaoka and Nagakusa.
Closer to home, Toyota is
expected
 to introduce the all-new RAV4 in Malaysia after sitting on the sidelines for the past couple of years, watching other segment rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and Mazda CX-5 capture a share of the SUV market.


Could You Actually Live With An Electric Car In Malaysia?

In 2020, is an electric car on our roads still a far flung idea? Has it become an easy decision or does it still remain in the realm of EV devotees?

Let’s say you’ve made the mental decision and are about to take the plunge and buy a fully electric vehicle. Not a hybrid, not a PHEV, but one powered entirely by its inboard batteries. You’ve gotten all hyped about the apparent revolution from combustion engines to silent, zero emissions cars. That, or it was a move to purely sate your curiosity? We get it, you enjoy being an early adopter.

Congratulations, we admire your intrepid spirit. And it doesn’t even mean you need an imported Tesla to join the club, either. Even the windowless Renault Twizy guarantees a legit membership, and is possibly the coolest EV ever to be launched in Malaysia. That said, there’s also a Renault Zoe, two generations of the
Nissan Leaf
, and the
incoming MINI Cooper SE
 to choose from.

Now that you’re (almost) part of the EV clan, you must also be well aware that, while the technology is progressing at a steady pace, a lot of the car’s limitations aren’t necessarily its own fault, but dictated by where you are and how you intend to use the car. We don’t want to deter you from going down this path, but we do want to give you a lay of the land.

Charging & Range

For us using gas guzzlers, any given petrol station is never very far away, especially if you keep within the orbit of more built up areas such as cities or even small towns. However, with most cars being able to go between 300 and 500 kilometres on an average full tank, we’re never too worried about running on empty and being left stranded.

EVs are definitely more limited in this regard, which makes them most ideal for more routine journeys such as commutes to work, rarely straying too far from either a charging station or your home base. Your drives, in general, will tend to require a little more planning ahead of time, too, since charging duration can vary quite dramatically depending on where you plug in.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are quite a common sight on our roads now, especially within the Klang Valley, so there are more than a few publicly accessible charging stations spread around high traffic areas such as shopping malls and office parks.

Many of them are erected in partnership with GreenTech Malaysia’s
chargeEV network
 (requires sign-up) and are typically sponsored by a specific automaker known for peddling PHEVs such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, or BMW using industry standard Type 2 CCS or CHAdeMO connectors, so don’t be turned away when seeing a logo that doesn’t match that of your car.

Charge time depends on the (1) car’s battery capacity, primarily, but also on (2) how much current the charging station can pump out as well as (3) rate at which your car is able to accept it. Also consider that your fully electric car probably has between 5 to 10 times the battery capacity of the average PHEV, so you’ll be there waiting (or hogging the charging bay) for a lot longer.

Getting your EV juiced up from your 240V plug point at home is also possible, but get ready for an even longer wait unless you’ve already gotten a wallbox installed, which is able to passively store energy while you’re away for quick(er) release into the car’s lithium ion reserves. Don’t expect miracles, though, as these wallboxes are still rated at a 4 to 7kW output.

Currently, the chargeEV network in Malaysia boasts of over 300 charging stations nationwide but the overwhelming majority of that is concentrated along the western side of Peninsula Malaysia. A reliable network of fast charging stations offering a 40-50kW DC output is quite a ways off, but a handful are already being set up. This would allow the Renault Zoe, for example, to reach 80% capacity in just 15 minutes.

Battery Degradation

Electric cars, by and large, are way more reliable than a conventional car by simple virtue of having much fewer moving parts. With combustion engines, there are all kinds of noises happening, explosions going off, viscous oils sloshing around, gears mashing together - it’s nasty business.

In comparison, an EV's essential components are its batteries (battery controller, arguably), and the electric motor(s) - the latter being the primary moving part, along with the axle, reduction gear, and wheels they’re connected to.

That might sound like an ace in the hole for EVs, and in a lot of ways it is. However, if something goes wrong with one of those mainline parts, a bill of epic proportions could be coming your way if not covered by warranty. Most of all, be aware of battery degradation, as that's a true silent threat.

We’ve all experienced it. The lithium ion battery in your smartphone, for example, loses noticable charge just after a couple of years of normal use (or sooner), and even that could cost a pretty penny to have replaced. Just imagine what would happen if something went wrong with the 40kWh bank of cells in a Nissan Leaf, for example, and you’re outside that warranty window.

There are many factors linked to batteries losing their ability to hold as much charge over time, and the specific use cases of smartphones does lead to an accelerated deterioration. That said, variables such as temperature and charging speed also apply to electric cars since we both demand quicker charge times and insist on living in countries with very warm and humid weather where even a fancy liquid cooling system would struggle against.

The fact that EV batteries degrade
at all
 is a huge cause for concern, personally speaking, so much so because they're such a central part of an electric car, and it speaks to how desperately the world is for a breakthrough in this field. If BEVs ever hope to reach a tipping point for mass adoption, it
can’t do so on today’s batteries
.

Resale Value

Sincerely, we hope that resale value isn’t something you lose sleep over, because you’re definitely not going to come out on top if you want to jump from EV to EV. Unless you own a collector model or a classic, there’s really isn’t any car that is ‘profitable’.

It’s not because electric cars are a bad used purchase, necessarily, but keep in mind the market is a little tepid about new EVs in general, that makes selling one used no mean feat. It would take a very specific type of buyer; one who knows exactly what they want, is familiar with the car in question, and knows what to pay for it. As you might imagine, they don’t come around very often.

Despite being mass produced, the rarity of EVs as a category on our roads works to its detriment, as there would likely leave you with fewer options post purchase. For example, a normal mechanic wouldn’t even dare try to work on it as the much higher voltage that courses through its system could be fatal if tampered with incorrectly. And because demand is relatively low, the market will err to lowballing an offer.

Go Ahead Anyway

Of course there are pros and cons to every car purchase. There are just different set of them when it comes to EVs, so it still will come down to your individual situation whether or not to pull the trigger.

You will certainly get a motoring experience unlike any combustion-powered car you’ve ever driven. We’ve also heard of people getting a little tingle of satisfaction by knowing you’re not burning any fuel as you drive down the road - whatever floats your boat, buddy. Also, if only for the sake of convenience on your part, we hope the EV isn’t your sole vehicle.

Alright, so to answer the question if I could live with an EV?

Not right now.

Could you live with an EV?

If you wanted to, maybe.

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
.


New Upcoming Nissan X-Trail Looks Bad A**

Hate it or love it, The Nissan X-Trail is one of the most iconic Japanese SUVs ever produced, and if we look at some of these leaked pictures of what the 2021 X-Trail will look like, it seems likely that this trend is set to continue!

Leaked by netizens on the worldscoop forum,  the picture of the exterior and interior follows patent images that were released a couple of weeks ago, and oh boy are we glad that the new leaked photos look even better than the patent.

Coming in a more boxier yet sharper design, which generally bodes well for an SUV, the 2021 X-Trail is pleasing to the eyes- something that recent Nissans lacked. Compared to its predecessor, which we think was a bit softy-softy on the looks side, this upcoming Nissan SUV looks macho and aggressive- something that Nissan used to be good at doing.

Part of this aggressive look is thanks to Nissan's new family look which incorporates the V-Motion grille as well as chunkier body parts near the wheel areas and bonnet. Although the 2021 X-Trail's exterior is more of an evolved look, the interior looks wholly overhauled and is a significant departure from the bland interior of the current generation.  If the production car's interior looks anything like the pictures, we say, well done Nissan, well done.

The dash now incorporates a nicely shaped floating screen, and that digital meter cluster surrounds look pretty neat too. Nissan has always managed to produce really comfortable seats, and fingers crossed if Nissan retains the design of the seats from the pictures, we will then have X-Trail seats which have a touch of class as well as comfort. The automatic looking shifter looks modern and fresh, especially with that piano black finish around it.

We're glad to see that there is a round 4-wheel drive selector just below the gear shifter, a solid claim that it will continue the X-Trails tradition of having a proper 4-wheel drive system, the rear of the car also has the AWD (All Wheel Drive) badge. The taillights sit high up just like the current X-Trail, but somehow Nissan has managed to make it look even more fluid than before.

We contacted Nissan's distributor in Malaysia, and unfortunately they have no news yet to share about the release of the new X-Trail. Saying that however, the Nissan Rogue (X-Trail in Malaysia, Rogue in North America) has been reported for unveiling in North America in the coming months, so we can speculate that it will be here in Malaysia at the beginning of next year. The current X-Trail retails from RM133k all the way up to RM160k, so we can perhaps expect the prices to be around this region or maybe perhaps even less due to the current economic conditions. We will have to wait and see. We expect Nissan to want to push this vehicle out fast, as they require a good seller, and this X-Trail has all the makings of one.


Sekatan Jalan Raya - Ketahui Hak Anda Ketika Ditahan Polis

Pernah ditahan di sekatan jalan raya? Ketahui hak anda sebagai orang awam serta hak pihak polis yang menahan anda bagi mengelakkan sebarang isu yang tidak diingini daripada berlaku.

Sekatan jalan raya yang dilakukan oleh pihak polis sebenarnya mempunyai pelbagai tujuan dan motif. Tapi apapun tujuannya, sebagai pemandu mesti anda rasa seram sejuk apabila ditahan, kan? Mana tidaknya, baru nampak polis buat sekatan di hadapan dah mengggelabah nak check road tax kereta masih hidup atau tidak.

Sebelum ini, sekatan jalan raya ini kerap dilakukan ekoran Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan yang menghalang orang awam untuk meninggalkan daerah dan negeri. Kini, sekatan jalan raya masih dilakukan bagi menghalang aktiviti
merentas negeri
 tanpa kebenaran, namun tidaklah sebanyak sebelum ini.

Tetapi sekiranya anda ditahan di mana-mana sekatan jalan raya, tak perlu risau. Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, anda mempunyai hak sebagai orang awam untuk mempertahankan diri anda dalam situasi ini. Yang paling penting, berikan kerjasama sepenuhnya kepada anggota yang bertugas bagi mengelakkan sebarang isu yang tidak diingini.

Sebelum anda mengetahui hak anda sebagai pengguna jalan raya serta rakyat Malaysia, lihat dahulu hak pihak berkuasa serta polis dalam sekatan jalan raya ini. Fahamkan dahulu prosedur sekatan itu sendiri.

Hak Polis

Berdasarkan aspek perundangan di bawah Akta Polis 1967, pihak polis telah diberikan kuasa untuk menjalankan tugasan mereka. Melalui Seksyen 21 Akta Polis, polis diberi hak serta kuasa untuk mengawal kententeraman dan keamanan di jalan-jalan umum.

Selain itu, Seksyen 26 Akta Polis pula memberi kuasa kepada polis untuk melakukan halangan lalu lintas dan mendirikan sekatan jalan raya. Walau bagaimanapun, ini hanya boleh dilakukan sekiranya pihak polis merasakan tindakan tersebut perlu untuk memelihara undang-undang. Oleh itu, polis berhak untuk mengambil tindakan munasabah untuk menahan atau menghalang mana-mana kenderaan daripada melepasi sekatan terbabit.

Sekiranya anda disyaki mencurigakan serta melanggar undang-undang, polis berhak untuk memeriksa lesen dan kenderaan anda tanpa perlu menyediakan waran di bawah Seksyen 24, akta yang sama. Jadi jelaslah bahawa polis mempunyai kuasa untuk membuat sekatan, memeriksa kenderaan, lesen dan sebagainya.

Meskipun anggota polis diberi kuasa, namun pelaksanaan sekatan jalan raya adalah berbeza mengikut unit yang berbeza contohnya trafik, pencegah penyeludupan dan jenayah. Pelaksanaan sekatan jalan juga berbeza mengikut tujuan seperti operasi besar-besaran, sekatan rutin atau operasi khas seperti ops sikap.

Tetapi, adakah kuasa yang diberikan pada polis ini kuasa tanpa had? Tidak. Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, kita juga ada hak untuk melindungi diri dalam situasi begini. Lebih-lebih lagi apabila polis mempunyai kuasa yang meluas namun penafsiran yang longgar dalam pelaksanaannya. Berikut merupakan hak anda yang perlu anda tahu sekiranya anda ditahan di sekatan jalan raya.

Hak Anda

Ketika melalui sekatan jalan raya, elakkan daripada melakukan provokasi terhadap anggota yang bertugas dan berikan kerjasama sepenuhnya pada pihak polis. Sekiranya gagal bekerjasama, anda boleh dituduh di bawah Akta Polis seperti Seksyen 26 tadi. Lebih teruk, anda juga boleh dituduh dengan kesalahan yang lebih berat iaitu menghalang penjawat awam melakukan tugas di bawah Seksyen 186 Kanun Keseksaan. Jangan beri polis sebab untuk tahan anda, sebaliknya berilah kerjasama kepada mereka.

Meskipun polis diberi kuasa yang luas, anda sebagai pengguna jalan raya berhak untuk bertanya apa tujuan lesen serta kenderaan anda diperiksa. Sebagai rakyat, anda mempunyai hak untuk tahu apa motif atau tujuan sekatan dilakukan. Maklumat asas seperti tujuan sekatan atau pemeriksaan dilakukan perlu dimaklumkan pada semua. Tak salah nak bertanya, tapi pastikan anda tidak menghalang tugas mereka dan sentiasa beri kerjasama.

Sekiranya polis membuat tangkapan keatas diri anda atas apa sebab sekalipun, ketahuilah bahawa hak anda sebagai tahanan telah dijamin oleh perlembagaan serta Kanun Tatacara Jenayah (CPC). Oleh itu, anda perlu dimaklumkan atas sebab apa anda ditahan. Selain itu, anda turut mendapat hak untuk berhubung dengan peguam atau pihak keluarga. Polis hanya diberi kuasa untuk menahan seseorang sehingga 24 jam sahaja. Sekiranya polis ingin meneruskan tempoh reman, mereka perlu buat permohonan di hadapan majistret.

Kalau anda diminta untuk keluar dari kenderaan untuk menjalani pemeriksaan badan, pemeriksaan itu harus dilakukan di kawasan terlindung. Ketahuilah bahawa tiada undang-undang yang memberikan polis kuasa untuk memaksa seseorang untuk berbogel. Kalau anda disuruh untuk berbogel untuk pemeriksaan, anda ada hak untuk membantah.

Boleh rakam pihak berkuasa atau tidak?

Kini aktiviti merakam anggota polis yang bertugas semakin berleluasa. Ada yang berpendapat bahawa rakaman ini bertujuan untuk menjatuhkan pihak berkuasa. Ada juga yang berpendapat bahawa rakaman seperti itu penting untuk dijadikan sebagai bukti di mahkamah sekiranya polis meminta rasuah atau menyalahgunakan kuasa. Apa pun alasan anda, tiada undang undang yang menghalang anda daripada merakamkan aksi pihak polis.

Tetapi, sekiranya anda ingin merakam anggota polis, pastikan anda tidak mengganggu mereka daripada menjalankan tugas. Sebagai contoh, sekiranya polis sedang melakukan siasatan, perbuatan merakam adalah dilarang kerana disyaki mampu menjejaskan keseluruhan siasatan. Oleh itu, polis ada hak untuk meminta anda mematikan rakaman.

Seeloknya, maklumkan pada polis terlebih dahulu bahawa anda ingin merakamkan segala perbualan anda dengan mereka. Bukan apa, banyak video yang tular di media sosial kini tidak dapat dipastikan kesahihannya. Kadang-kala provokasi datang dari pihak perakam, namun video hanya menunjukkan bahagian pihak polis hilang sabar. Polis juga manusia yang mempunyai perasaan. Sekiranya diprovok, pastilah melenting.

Anggota polis yang berpakaian biasa

Pernahkah anda ditahan oleh pihak polis yang berpakaian biasa sebelum ini? Kalau betul ada buat salah tu redha sajalah. Tapi kalau anda sendiri tak tahu sebab anda ditahan, mesti cuak dan berdebar kan? Sebagai orang awam, ketahui hak anda dan jangan terlalu mudah mempercayai polis tanpa pakaian seragam dengan menyerahkan diri dan memberi maklumat peribadi pada mereka sewenang-wenangnya. Bukan apa, sebelum ini banyak kes jenayah di mana penjenayah menyamar sebagai polis yang berpakaian biasa untuk menipu mangsa.

Sebaliknya, anda boleh melakukan perkara tersebut sekiranya ditahan oleh anggota polis berpakaian biasa:

1. Minta bukti sebagai anggota polis

Kalau polis tak pakai pakaian seragam, anda ada hak untuk meminta mereka menunjukkan kad kuasa serta kad pengenalan diri kepada anda. Kad kuasa melambangkan pangkat mereka.

Biru: Inspektor

Kuning: Inspektor ke bawah

Putih: Anggota simpanan

Merah: Anggota yang digantung dan tiada kuasa untuk menahan orang awam

2. Jawab yang perlu sahaja

Sekiranya ditahan, anda cuma perlu untuk memberi maklumat asas seperti nama, nombor kad pengenalan serta alamat sahaja. Sekiranya polis tersebut bertanya tentang perkara lain, anda tidak perlu menjawab soalan tersebut kecuali melainkan jika pihak berkuasa tersebut sedang menjalankan proses soal siasat jenayah di kawasan anda ditahan.

Tanyalah polis terbabit apa yang anda telah lakukan sehingga ditahan. Jika benar anda ditahan, anda mempunyai hak untuk tidak menjawab soalan tersebut dan hanya menjawab soalan tersebut di mahkamah sahaja.

Kesimpulan

Sekiranya anda mendapati ada unsur-unsur bahawa polis ingin menangkap anda, maka bersiap sedialah dengan hak anda seperti hak untuk menghubungi keluarga dan peguam. Jika terdapat unsur-unsur rasuah atau ‘setel tepi’ dimulakan dari pihak polis, elakkan daripada terjebak. Sebaliknya, catatkan masa, lokasi, nama, dan nombor polis itu untuk tindakan lanjut. Ambil perhatian juga terhadap nombor pendaftaran pada kereta peronda, motosikal atau kenderaan polis tersebut untuk memudahkan siasatan.

Sekiranya anda tidak melakukan sebarang kesalahan, tidak perlu takut ketika berdepan dengan pihak polis di sekatan jalan raya. Sebaliknya, hadapilah sekatan dengan tenang. Perbuatan lari dari sekatan akan membahayakan orang lain serta masa depan anda. Semoga panduan ini membantu anda untuk mengetahui hak anda sebagai orang awam.

*Kredit foto kepada mStar, Info Panas, Bernama, NST, The Sun Daily, Tantan News

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.


Chip Shortage Is Another Gut Punch For Jaguar Land Rover

JLR, which stands for Jaguar Land Rover, are apparently headed for rough seas again. This time, however, the chip shortage crisis isn’t of their own making but rather one that’s also impacting most - if not all - automakers at the moment.

The cascade of disruption caused by the
global chip shortage
 cannot be overstated. Some might have thought that industries like consumer electronics would be caught out the most, but it has come to starkly highlight just how much our cars are reliant on semiconductors. In this set of unfortunate circumstances, JLR, who plans to field a full EV-only range by 2025, is particularly vulnerable.

If you’ve been following the tale of Jaguar Land Rover over the past few years, you’ll know just how turbulent recent times have been. Sure, they’re selling
the odd Range Rover
to a buyer that probably should’ve looked elsewhere, but apart from that you’ll be hard pressed to find the last time JLR has taken a big win.

Well, with the exception of the
Jaguar I-PACE
, which was a stroke of rare brilliance.

That is, until the introduction of the much-hyped
next-generation Defender
. Launched in 2020, the modern interpretation of the first-generation off-roader from 1983 (and descendent of the older Series Land Rovers made by British Leyland) has been met with glowing reviews and brought a newfound desirability of the Land Rover brand, and has catapulted the British two-marque coalition into the kind of worldwide prominence it hasn’t enjoyed in decades.

However, according to
Automotive News
, JLR’s moment in the sun has been cut short with new vehicle deliveries reduced by as much at 50 percent thanks to the continuing draught of new computer chips. Tragically, just as Land Rover were enjoying record highs in vehicle demand, an external factor has meant they can’t deliver.

According to their internal forecasts, this doesn’t seem to be a short term hurdle either. In a joint statement with parent company Tata Motors, JLR said: "The chip shortage is presently very dynamic and difficult to forecast. The broader underlying structural capacity issues will only be resolved as supplier investment in new capacities comes online over the next 12 to 18 months, and so we expect some level of shortages will continue through to the end of the year and beyond.”

It’s a pretty dire situation to which the leadership team are pretty helpless to rectify. The only thing the company can do now is to weather the storm by making the most of their available resources while mitigating potential losses.

Even worse, due to their overall vehicle range and production volume being relatively small compared to the automotive industry juggernauts such as Toyota, Volkwagen,
Stellantis
, or General Motors, JLR can’t simply shift focus to other models with higher profit margins.

It’s pretty much an all-or-nothing blitz with the Defender, which prior to this has been going according to plan. The launch was successful, the order books are full, but even meeting that initial demand is now going to be a struggle. Going forward, it’s unclear if new customers will be willing to part with their deposits in light of the extended waiting list. And that’s cash JLR could really use.

Though the semiconductor supply chain has since recovered since taking a nosedive at the end of 2020, it will take several more months for production capacity to reach peak levels. Unfortunately for JLR and other automakers being a lower priority, much of that fresh supply will be headed to computer and electronics manufacturing.


Volkswagen May Have To Part With Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati To Get Past Dieselgate

That would be a shame. Alright, so we can all safely say that
Volkswagen
 has seen much brighter days than this. Actually, we can calculate that as being the case up until late September 2015 when it was discovered that it made a concerted effort to falsify emissions testing results on its cars fitted with diesel engines.
A Reuters report discloses that the automaker juggernaut has secured a credit line amounting to more than US$ 21 billion in order to pay the stacks upon stacks of legal and material compensation to rectify the scandal and its mushroom cloud of repercussions.
Reportedly, the Volkswagen Group has agreed upon a one-year loan. And to convince its creditors, have had to place brands under its corporate umbrella such as
Bentley
,
Lamborghini
 and Ducati on the betting table should it not able to repay the sum within that period.
"Volkswagen may also consider divesting luxury car brands Bentley and Lamborghini or motor bike brand Ducati, although these units don't really move the needle," one of the sources said to Reuters.
That fortune being borrowed comes from 13 separate financial institutions throughout Europe and Volkswagen is planning to refinance the loan through the issue of bonds handed out within the next few months.
Of course, those three brands are but a portion of the many under the Volkswagen Group. Others include
Audi
,
Porsche
, Seat, Bugatti and
Skoda
, but they have seemingly been spared fatalistic limbo because the three previously mentioned were considered more niche products that generate relatively small annual contributions to the Group’s financial bottom line.
Having said that, should Volkswagen have to spin off Lamborghini and Bentley, they will be relinquishing their stakes in two very established and powerful brands. Both of which give the Volkswagen Group a solid foothold in very key sectors in the automotive industry, sectors that have arguably the highest mindshare and aspirational value.
Right now, nearly 500 lawsuits reportedly have been levelled against Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche in the United States since the scandal broke, making up a large bulk of where the restitution amount will end up going. The rest will be used to cover other fines and vehicle refits across the globe. An early estimate to the total sum this scandal’s cost to Volkswagen is reportedly north of US$80 billion.


Mercedes-Benz Unveils The EQC - 408 hp, Over 450 km Range

It's the most hotly anticipated Mercedes-Benz model this year, especially for the budding new age of consumers who are more concerned about saving the planet than outright speed or shows of luxury. Mercedes-Benz is calling it the "Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles", and they're right in both literal and figurative terms. Up to this point, there have been very few true luxury offerings in the electric vehicle segment, and Tesla's products (despite the big screens and interesting equipment) aren't quite on par - and the EQC is a model that's looking to change that.
Being the first true full-electric EQ product, the EQC has a lot riding on it. Thankfully, it starts from a pretty solid place - the EQC looks similar to the more conventional GLC SUV within the Mercedes-Benz range, although it is touted as more than merely an electric GLC. The powertrain itself is a stellar piece, with an electric motor at each end providing all-wheel drive and 408 hp available, with a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.1 seconds and a range of over 450 km. With the fastest charging systems, the EQC can go from 10% battery to 80% battery in roughly 40 minutes.
When it comes to design, Mercedes-Benz has capitalized on cleaning up vents and reducing drag as there is no longer a need for cooling a conventional engine. That's not to say that there aren't heat exchangers present in the vehicle (even the charging system requires water cooling), but in general electric cars have the flexibility in design for a sleeker overall shape. The lines are that of your traditional SUV, but with a little more emphasis on EQ branding and electric power through fibre optics and a tech-inspired design.
On the inside, the EQC proves it's one step into the future with the implementation of the MBUX multimedia system, which was long awaited on models like the A-Class. The system has been tailored for use in an electric vehicle, so there are probably readouts for battery usage and power recovery - similar to what you might find in a hybrid vehicle. Neat features like climate control systems that get going before you get into the car, as well as optimized navigation and departure times to get the most out of your charging.
While we've gotten used to both hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, there has always been a nagging concern about the safety of these vehicles in the event of an accident. High voltage batteries can be extremely dangerous, and even fire and rescue services have to be trained in the specific procedure when handling these vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz has gone a step further with crash safety to ensure that there's a full battery cut-off on impact and has designed a crash cell around the battery itself to reduce the risk of a puncture. Even the rare case of an impact during charging has been taken into consideration, as the system will automatically disengage charging.
You probably won't see the EQC in our market anytime soon, but it is an important model and it paves the way for other manufacturers who are looking to plunge into the electric vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz has the first-mover advantage in this regard, but the EQC will soon be met with some heavy competition.
Electric vehicles are still very much a niche market in many parts of the world that don't have a ready infrastructure, but as the technology becomes both cheaper and more commonplace it becomes a viable alternative to conventional cars. It is also perhaps most fitting that the EQC is an SUV - after all, the SUV and crossover market has proven to be accepting to newer designs and change, and would be accepting of an electric SUV.


Petronas Dagangan Berhad Appoints Azrul Osman Rani As New CEO

Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) recently announced the appointment of Azrul Osman Rani as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 1 January 2020.

He is currently the Head of Commercial Development & JV Formation at Petronas Refinery & Petrochemical Corporation (PRPC) with a second role as CEO of PRPC Utilities & Facilities.

A Petronas scholar, Azrul began his career at PDB’s Retail Business before making his mark as a trader at Malaysian International Trading Corporation Sdn Bhd (MITCO), marketing various petrochemical products for Indonesia market.

From 2014 to 2018, he spearheaded the strategic negotiation that led to the formation of the joint venture between Petronas and Saudi Aramco within the Pengerang Integrated Complex, Petronas’ largest downstream investment worth USD27 billion.

Azrul takes over the helm from Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed M Tahir, who was first appointed as Petronas’ Vice President of Marketing, Downstream business in July 2017, and subsequently as MD/CEO in June 2018.

Commenting on the appointment, Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal said, “Azrul has had an illustrative career in Petronas in the marketing and commercial segment, ranging from trading activities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as negotiations that will complement the dynamics of the business. With over 23 years of experience in oil and gas business, I look forward to Azrul taking PDB to the next level of growth.”

As the Vice President of Marketing, Downstream Business and a member of PDB’s board, Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal will continue to oversee the marketing activities of PDB.


Renault’s 2021 Koleos Makes Malaysian Landfall, Now Starting At RM182k

TC Euro Cars have just introduced the updated 2021
Renault Koleos
 to Malaysia, bringing with it some slight cosmetic tweaks, an updated equipment list, and a pretty significant price hike to boot.

Available in 3 variants, the new Renault SUV for 2021 is tiered from the
entry-level Koleos at RM181,886
 to the range-topping
Koleos Signature Plus at RM206,887
.

Sandwiched in between is the mid-spec
Koleos Signature at RM201,087
. Mind you, these prices are inclusive of the 50% sales tax discount, which will be in effect until June 30th.

Given that the outgoing Koleos sold here was already the most recent facelift, this newest permutation isn’t going to boast too many visual differences. There are 18-inch Taika alloy wheels, as before, and the same goes for the other equipment list bullet points.

The Signature and Signature Plus, though, adds a set of posher 19-inch Kavea alloys and a panoramic glass roof.

Interestingly, Renault have switched to reflectors over projector lamps for standard Pure Vision LED headlights, claiming a 10% bump in energy efficiency.

At the rear, the tail lights retain the same enclosure but the LED illumination cluster itself has gained a visible new 3D effect and sequential turn indicators.

Inside, both the Signature and Signature Plus variants have been fitted with new power-adjustable and ventilated Nappa leather front seats with cushion length adjustment, a wider, more comfort-oriented headrest design, and even a massage function on the driver’s side throne.

To match, the rear seats are also upholstered in this finer leather in Sand Grey, coupled with natural grain grey wood trim.

Insofar as the powertrain package goes, the Koleos retains the
Nissan-sourced
 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol. Its 171PS and 226Nm output is also unchanged, much like its exclusive pairing to the Xtronic CVT and front-drive layout.


VIDEO: Golfer Wins BMW i8 With Surreal Hole-In-One!

Well, a
BMW
 i8. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want one? Well, golfer Chris Wood probably had the same thoughts on his mind on May 24
th
, when he set out to compete in the final day of the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Poised as a prize for the man who could nail a hole-in-one was a
BMW i8
: a RM1.18mil hybrid sports car which was only just
launched in Malaysia
. Having had the opportunity to get up close with the vehicle at the recent BMW World Malaysia event, it’s nice to know a pro golfer has just won one, for something that can only be categorised as blind luck. Lovely, isn’t it? Not for us, at least.
We've seen a 12-year-old girl win a Volvo XC60 in Malaysia in a similar fashion, but come on... an i8?!?!
But Wood wasn’t the only one to manage a hole-in-one at the event. Four other golfers managed the feat in the days before, but the BMW i8 was only put up for grabs on the final day of the event.
SkySports reported Chris Wood to say, “Last night at the hotel I bumped into Miguel (Jiminez) and I said 'Another hole-in-one, when is it my turn?' All the players look on the 14th on Tuesday when we have a practice round and we think, 'Wouldn't it be nice, a BMW i8?' You never think that it's going to happen to you.
"I hit a great shot and it was a bit of a delayed reaction because you hear two cheers; one sounded like it just missed and the second one it went in. I think my caddie was more excited than I was."
Anyways... Kudos to you, Mr Chris Wood.
Here’s a clip of the BMW i8-winning shot:


Tesla staff violate owners' privacies by internally sharing sensitive images and videos?

Tesla
 has landed in hot waters yet again after reports of its staff sharing sensitive images and videos recorded from the car's ADAS cameras.

A class-action lawsuit has already been filed based on a recent report from
Reuters
 in regards to the major EV brand allegedly violating privacy laws by sharing sensitive images and intimate videos between the workers within Tesla.

In other words, very private videos and photos are being shared internally and to make things worse, joked around according to some former employees of Tesla. Henry Yeah, a current owner of a Tesla car, has filed the suit on behalf of 'anyone who has owned or leased a Tesla since 2019'.

While Tesla has stated several times that the cameras on their cars are 'designed from the ground up to protect your privacy', contents like the cameras catching a male owner walking up to the car naked, intimate videos within the house, and even accidents involving kids were shared around.

To make things worse, a former Tesla engineer stated that each Tesla can be tracked in terms of location, and identify the owners to add more salt to the wound that was already caused by the photos and videos.

If all of these turn out to be true and proven in a court of law, it's going to be a serious privacy invasion lawsuit for Tesla, but even worse, they might be instructed to remove the cameras altogether and affect the car's Autopilot systems.

That will seriously affect the appeal of possibly owning a Tesla in the future, don't you think?


Works Ministry Allocates RM3.13 Million To Upgrade Federal Highway Motorcycle Lane

Some of you may remember our Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof making a statement that the motorcycle lane along the Federal Highway was safe sometime last month.
Unfortunately, the statement seemed to have irked many Malaysians, especially motorcyclists who are using the Federal Highway on a daily basis as the road mentioned is not really that safe.
Besides the general public, a couple of motoring media websites also disagreed with the Minister’s statement, and decided to record a video of the Federal Highway motorcycle lane and all the hazards that lay along the stretch to show how dangerous it is to ride on the aforementioned stretch.
Yes, this is the video by
Autofreaks.com
 which we shared two weeks ago. In case you missed it, here it is again:
We don’t know if the Works Minister came to know about the video or if he read the thousands of remarks made against his statement on social media but last Monday, he decided to pay a visit to the Federal Highway motorcycle lane to have a look at things himself.
After having a closer look, he announced that the Works Ministry will allocate RM3.13mil to upgrade motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway in areas that fall under its care.
Datuk Seri Fadillah said that the allocation would cover costs for brightening dark areas, installing pump houses at flood-prone areas, painting road lines and tunnel walls, lane-widening, building overhead ramps, additional signage and repair of intersections.
The 28.5-km Federal Highway was the first in the country to feature dedicated motorcycle lanes, and is collectively maintained by the Public Works Department (an 8.1km stretch), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (2.4km), Sprint (2km) and PLUS (16km).
The Works Minister also urged motorists to lodge road damage reports via the "Aduan Jalan KKR" mobile app which was launched in March last year.
With that, lets hope that the Federal Highway motorcycle lane will finally become a safe road for motorcyclists.


Renault debuts Megane Sedan – Successor to Fluence?

Renault announced today the introduction of its all-new C-Segment model - Renault Megane sedan.  The model will be produced at the Bursa plant in Turkey later this year. The Bursa plant was previously responsible for the production of the Renault Fluence, which dates back to 2008 and is due for replacement, lending credence that the Megane Sedan will be the replacement for the Fluence.
The new car will be based on the Common Module Family (CMF) C/D modular platform architecture jointly developed through the Renault-Nissan partnership. Renault claims the employment of the CMF platform equips the Megane sedan with features and comfort levels akin to larger D-segment cars.
This Megane sedan follows the introduction of the Megane hatch and Estate variants which were first introduced in 2015 and early 2016 respectively.
The sculpted silhouette and taut body proportions are said to represent Renault’s renewal of the family face, with its C-shaped front lights – the panoramic glass roof creates the effect of linking the front windscreen and rear window. Trunk space is impressive with 508-litres of boot space.
On the inside, Renault offers the Megane Sedan with a 7-inch colour TFT digital counter, an 8.7-inch I-surface multimedia tablet modulated by the R-Link 2 infotainment system. The Megane sedan has also been adapted to include driving aids such as Easy Park Assist, Advanced Emergency Braking System and Lane Departure Warning.
Two petrol and three diesel powerplants have been announced at the outset. The petrol engines are:
SCe 115, available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
TCe 130, available with a 7-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual gearbox
The diesel engines are:
dCi 90, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox
dCi 110, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the EDC6 dual-clutch automatic gearbox
dCi 130, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox
Engine and transmission options may vary from market to market.


Volvo V40 Carbon Previews Polestar's Performance Treatment for Drive-E Engines

Having weaved their magic on the S60 and V60
, Volvo’s performance partner has unveiled a V40 that bears their fingerprints. Called the V40 Carbon, it is the first model to get the brand’s new Polestar Performance Optimisation.
With only a total of 343 examples being built in either the T5 or D4 guise, the V40 Carbon sets itself apart from
the standard V40 hatchback
 with lashings of carbon-fibre treatments found on the roof and wing mirrors, with unique 19-inch wheels, red seat belts, and an extensive equipment package.
As for the Polestar Performance Optimisation bit, the V40 Carbon boasts increased power outputs that are focused on improving the areas of drivability and driving control, on top of
bringing out more power from the V40’s range of Drive-E engines, which are available in European markets. Developments in the V40 Carbon from Polestar are focused on throttle response, gearshift speed, gearshift precision and hold, off-throttle response, and engine performance.
With only a total of 343 examples being built in either the T5 or D4 guise, Polestar’s optimization has managed to bump up the power output by another 25hp and 50Nm from the T5 variant, bringing it to 253hp and 400Nm. As for the diesel-powered D4 variant, that figure grows by 16hp and 40Nm, bringing its power levels to 200hp and 440Nm. That said the increase in power and torque is concentrated in the mid-range.
According to Volvo the V40 Carbon is only available in Sweden, Finland, France, Japan, and the Netherlands, though the Polestar Performance Optimisation package is only available for V40 Carbon units in Volvo's home market of Sweden and an optional extra in other markets.
The performance enhancements in the V40 Carbon is a prelude to Polestar’s optimisations for the Drive-E engines, which will be released in the last week of June 2015, starting off with the T6, T5, D5, and D4 spec engines.
Though the V40 Carbon won’t be available in Malaysia, Volvo Cars Malaysia is only too happy to supply you the performance upgrades from Polestar.
Visit the Polestar site
 for the full list of Polestar performance upgrades, or visit your
local Volvo authorised dealer
 for more information.


Nurburgring Speed Limits To Be Removed But There's A Catch

The Nurburgring, the go-to place for track day fans and car manufacturers to prove just how good their cars are, will finally see the end of the speed limits recently introduced following a fatal accident during the VLN Endurance Championship at the end of March.

However, the race track will undergo as much as 16 improvements to increase the safety standards for both spectators and drivers, seven of which will be implemented during the winter downtime between November 2015 and March 2016. Details of all 16 improvements are vague at the moment.

"Based on detailed measurement, we will renew the track surface in the Flugplatz section over a length of about 500 metres, smoothing out five bumps which are the result of years of high utilisation and heavy use of the Nordschleife," Carsten Schumacher, managing director of Nurburgring operator CNG, explains.

Why the attention on the Flugplatz section? This video explains why as you’ll see many prototypes from carmakers “flying” over the bump. Exciting, yes. Safe, not so.

Other developments include a restricted zone around the Schwedenkreuz area, plus installing additional FIA safety fences and guardrails to improve the safety of spectators as well.

"The unique character of the Nordschleife will be preserved. That's not only important for motor racing but also for the industry, which has been testing its vehicles on this unique race track for decades," says Carsten Schumacher.

This is certainly excellent news for car manufacturers who have not had their crack at The Green Hell in their latest machines like Koenigsegg with their One:1. With the One:1 setting a new record at the
Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium
 not too long ago, it certainly makes it a top contender to be among the quickest to lap the ‘Ring.


Mercedes-Benz C300e Previewed – 320 hp, 0-100 in 5.4 Seconds, Electric Range Up To 50 km

Just two days after going on sale in Thailand, the Mercedes-Benz C300e has been revealed in Malaysia alongside two other electrified models, the S560e as well as the EQC.

In case you’re wondering how much the C300e is going to cost, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has not given any price indication yet, and said that this is a “technological showcase”.

Anyways, here to take on the BMW 330e, the C300e is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

The petrol engine works in sync with a 90 kW (122 hp) electric motor to give a combined system output of 320 hp from 4,500 – 5,500 rpm, as well 700 Nm of maximum torque. Paired to the engine is a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h, the C 300 e has an all-electric driving range of up to 52 km.

Compared to the outgoing C350e, the C300e makes 41 hp and 100 Nm more, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h 0.5 seconds faster, and also comes with a longer all-electric driving range of up to 52 km compared to the C350e’s 31 km.

The C300e’s 13.5 kWh can be charged fully in 6 hours using a domestic home charger, or slightly less than 2 hours using a wallbox charger.

Offered with the AMG Line exterior package, key features of the C300e include 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, Multibeam LED headlights, and also an electronically-operated panoramic sliding sunroof.

Inside, the car is fitted with leather upholstery with a pre-installed memory seat package, open-pore black ash wood trim, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, and a 10.25-inch central display.

Other equipment offered in the C 300 e includes Dynamic Body Control, the Pre-Safe system, Active Brake Assist, as well as the Keyless-Go package among others.

Looking for a new Mercedes-Benz? Get the best deals
here
.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces AMG Owners Community Malaysia

Owners of Mercedes-AMG models in Malaysia can now receive more customized ownership experience through the new AMG Owners Community Malaysia (AOCM).
The AOCM is an initiative by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to elevate the AMG experience beyond regular vehicle ownership. Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “We look forward to hosting these passionate fans and enthusiasts of our most powerful and dynamically desirable cars with experiences that are exclusive only to them as we uphold the AMG ideal of Driving Performance in everything that we do.”
True to the brand value of driving performance, members of the community, which are only limited to owners of Mercedes-AMG vehicles, will be invited to the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience for the enjoyment of their own AMG vehicles on the track.
Other benefits include invitations to previews of new AMG models, priority seating for motorsport events alongside merchandise and apparel.
Owners who register a new Mercedes-AMG vehicle, as well as existing owners who sign up from now until November 30th will receive a welcome pack that consists of a polo-shirt, laser-engraved paperweight, car sticker, and membership card.
Interested Mercedes-AMG owners who are keen to join the AOCM can kindly call 1800-88-1133 to get in touch with a representative.


The All-New Audi A8 Will Be Even Lighter

Over the last decade or two, manufacturers have started to work on lightening their cars despite the overall increase in size and complexity. This is no easy feat, especially when trying to avoid the use of especially exotic materials (a carbon tub like the kind in a McLaren would make life a lot easier). Both BMW and Audi have taken great steps towards shedding weight, with Audi adopting the use of new platforms and their Audi Space Frame technology, while BMW is rolling out their CLAR platform with the carbon core backbone being especially useful for the 7 Series. What you see above is the latest generation of the Audi Space Frame, which will see use in the upcoming all-new Audi A8.
This latest iteration of the Audi Space Frame sees a mix of four different materials at work in the weight-bearing body structure- more than any Audi model ever before. Aluminium, steel, magnesium, and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer come together to create a structure that is both lighter than its predecessor and stronger as well. In terms of quantifiable metrics, the improvement is roughly 25% over the outgoing version of the Audi Space Frame.
One of the critical breakthroughs to develop this new space frame was the production of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer tape rolls which can be layered and angled in various directions with minimal need for trimming. Using this is far easier and more cost effective than the previous method of using a singular fabricated sheet, and the entire layered package is held together with epoxide resin.
As for the rest of the materials, it's fairly standard fair: hot-formed steel make up the occupant cell , taking up the lower section of the bulkhead and the side sills, as well as the B-pillars and the front edge of the roofline. Heat treatment and varying metal thicknesses help to reduce the overall weight of the frame as well, with extremely light aluminium body panels making up the remaining 58% of the bodywork.
In order to build the new A8, there had to be an entirely new body shop created that could provide 14 different joining processes, including remote laser welding. All of these processes and their refinement in this latest form are what has led to the new A8 being so much lighter and stronger than the models that came before. Both costs and CO2 emissions go down as a reuslt of these improvements.


VIDEO: This Is How You'll Be Prevented From Drunk Driving In The Future

New technology has been developed that, if adopted widely enough, would reduce incidences of driving under the influence of alcohol by a huge margin and would “potentially save thousands of lives each year.”
This in-built alcohol-detection technology was unveiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an Executive Branch of the United States’ Department of Transportation. According to them, in 2013 alone there were 10,076 fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) is a the result of a joint research effort by the NHTSA and an industry consortium. Developing new technology to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from using their vehicle, effectively and unobtrusively.
The system could work in one of two ways, or both: a steering wheel-mounted breath analyser that extracts alcohol levels from normal breathing via an infrared array, or a blood-alcohol sensor built into the push start button or gear stick would perform its measurements through a beam of light when the driver’s finger is depressed.
The research team’s aim is to continually refine both technologies within the next five years and gain support of vehicle manufacturers to integrate it into their cars.
“Education, awareness and enforcement have succeeded in dramatically reducing drunk driving fatalities, but the advanced technology of DADSS brings enormous potential to save even more lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.