#MCORaya: 5-Point Inspection Before You Drive Within Your District

5 inspection checks
 you need to do before heading off on your Hari Raya tour.

So there you have it, Malaysia's National Security Council (NSC) has released standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, but don't get too excited because it only applies to those celebrating in areas under the Conditional
MCO
 and Recovery MCO.

These lucky people will be able to get into their cars and visit friends and relatives for the first three days of Syawal under the supervision of strict
SOP
s.

On top of being able to eratkan
silaturahim (strengthen the bond)
 and get the chance to eat an array of excellent Raya food, they will also get to drive around with a purpose, giving their car a mini-workout.

Why did we say mini workout? Because frequent short journeys are bad for cars, especially after it's been sitting around for a long time, due to all the different COs we've had in the past year and some.

To help reduce the wear and tear to your vehicle and prolong its life, here are some things that you should look at when making many short little journeys and what you can do to remedy them.

Battery Life

Vehicles may be a lot more sophisticated these days, but batteries have not evolved that much to a certain extent. Most
starter batteries
 will last an average of around two to three years and even less if you always leave your car out in the sun.

If you're not using your vehicle much these days due to the pandemic, check the charge on your battery to ensure that you don't get an unpleasant surprise when going from house to house celebrating Raya. If possible, go for a long drive, one that is more than an hour, even if you're going around in circles.

Check Alternator

The alternator's job is to recharge the battery while the engine is running. If you make numerous short journeys, you do not give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery fully.

Suppose you are going on longer journies but find that the battery is still weak or near death, then perhaps your alternator is on its way out. Best check this out before you go on your Raya touring.

Let your car get up to temp

Letting your car's engine reach its optimum operating temperature will help avoid excessive engine wear and tear. Getting the oil temperature nice and warm will let it flow around the engine better, which will help with engine lubrication and keep any problems at bay.

Although the water temperature gauge is not the most accurate way to know whether your car is at its optimum operating temperature, it is a good indicator of whether it is or not. Just make sure that the water temp gauge is at least halfway before you drive hard. Before that, try to keep your revs nice and low for about 10-15 mins at the very least.

Lights

Sometimes all this Raya-ing can go all the way into the night, so the next thing you need to check is the lights. Ensure the headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signal lights are all working before you head out from home.

A trick to checking the rear lights is to park close to a wall and use the rear-view mirrors to see if they work correctly. If any of your lights are dim, it could be an indication of a bulb reaching its end, so it's best to get that bulb replaced as soon as you can.

Check your tyres

The tyres of your car are akin to shoes, and when they are in good condition, it ensures your safety and those on the road. The first thing to look out for is any cuts, tears or bulges. At the same time, look out for tyres that are flatter than the others. If this happens, you should inflate your tyres.

The next thing to look out for is your tyre pressure. Ideally, you can check the tyre pressure with a pressure gauge. The correct tyre pressure setting can be found in your car manual or on the driver's door frame. The recommended tyre pressure is different for each car – there's no one-size-fits-all figure. Using an underinflated or overinflated tyre is dangerous as it will cause uneven wear and result in you changing your tyres sooner.

Another vital thing to be aware of is your tyre's treads. Every tyre is equipped with treadwear indicators between the centre grooves. Designed to help you monitor tread depth, these indicators are spaced evenly and positioned parallel to the tracks. If the tread is flushed with the indicators, it's time to replace the tyre.

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Audi Showcases Future Tech & More At CES Asia 2015

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the most renowned electronics and technology trade shows in the world. Held annually, at Las Vegas in the United States, the show now makes its inaugural debut in Shanghai for the first time this year.
For
Audi
, China is one of its largest single markets in Asia. Not only that, the average customer for the brand is aged around 36 years of age according to Michael-Julius Renz, President of the Audi Sales Division at FAW-Volkswagen. This means modern Audi customers are relatively more tech savvy than before and expect the same from their vehicles.
Which is why we’re here at Shanghai for CES Asia 2015 courtesy of Audi Malaysia, to see what the latest tech Ingolstadt had to offer for current and future Audi models.
Connectivity
Look around and you’ll spot a smartphone in almost every hand. Apple, Samsung, iOS, Android, they all have a part in Audi Connect, the brand’s all-round networking system that will make its way into models of the future.
The system serves to connect an Audi with the driver, infrastructure, and other vehicles as well as the internet. With the smartphone serving as the system’s access to the Internet, users will be able to gain up-to-the-minute traffic information linked to the on-board navigation interface which can also pull up Google Street View images, providing a preview photo of the intended destination.
An Audi MMI connect app is currently being developed for China with partner Baidu to integrate Baidu CarLife in the proprietary system, which works in a similar fashion to Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.
For China, Audi has paired up with local company Huawei to develop an Asia-specific LTE module for faster Internet access. Currently, the module only works with two standards that exists in China, Japan, and Korea: FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing) and TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing). With LTE capabilities, faster data transmission is accessible by occupants via a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Infotainment
With Nvidia as its partner, Audi’s second-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB) is not only more feature-packed and connected as before but allows for shorter product cycle times as well. Its modular electronic architecture approach allows quicker implementation into other Audi models with its flexibility.
Already utilised in the all-new
Audi TT
,
R8
, and Q7 which also uses a redesigned MMI system that adopts a concept used in modern smartphones. Interaction is done via touchscreen, voice control, and a multi-input touchpad.
The
Q7
 also debuts the Audi Tablet. Equipped with a Nvidia Tegra 40 chip and powered by an Android 4.4.4 operating system, the 10.1-inch tablet serves as mobile rear seat entertainment and in-car entertainment system. Linked to the MMI Navigation Plus via Wi-Fi, the tablet can be detached and used outside the vehicle.
More impressively, the tablet can be used in the Q7 without the need of using its touchscreen. Gesture controls allows passengers to sit comfortably and access functions with a wave of a hand.
An Audi phone box also adopts wireless charging according to the Qi standard which will be available for the Chinese market after the all-new Q7 is introduced there
Lighting
Audi’s Matrix LED headlights are currently installed on many of its newer models. We Malaysians will have seen it on the
recently launched Audi TT
 (available as an optional extra). For CES Asia 2015, they’ve also brought to the show their Matrix Laser technology, first debuting on the R8 LMX.
The lighting system on display was set to fraction of its full lighting potential because if the Audi personnel in control of the Matrix Laser terminal were to push it to its normal operating levels, all the attendees in the darkened room would be blinded by the intensity of the light source. We've also been told that the system works with the onboard camera to block out or isolate lighting away from oncoming cars, meaning the system can be left on high-beam mode without the risk of blinding other road users.
Audi Virtual Cockpit
The Audi TT which was launched in Malaysia recently debuts Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, the fully digital instrument cluster displayed on a 12.3-inch TFT monitor. With different views available to the driver, the Nvidia Tegra 30 graphic chip that powers it allows customisation as well.
Seen here in the Audi Q7 E-tron, the system displays key driving information and links to the MMI Plus system for further functionality, including infotainment details and navigational directions as well.
All three vehicles on display – the Audi R8 E-tron Piloted Driving, Audi TT, and Audi Q7 E-tron will debut the Virtual Cockpit which will also make its way into future Audi models.
All these technologies which are on display at CES Asia 2015 will make their way into future Audi models if the haven't already. However, this is highly dependant on the market whether they will be offered.


The Toyota That Teaches Children How To Drive

Toyota Motor Corporation will exhibit a booth at the ongoing International Tokyo Toy Show 2017 where parents can take a back-seat, literally, and allow their children to drive the Toyota Camatte concept car.
The Camatte Peta concept car has been designed to capture the imagination of the next generation of drivers, by giving them (and their parents) a hands-on experience around a test track at Toyota's stand.
By participating, children will first learn how to use a car's steering wheel, accelerator, and brake on a simulator before using these skills to take control of a real vehicle. A dream come true for young ones that would otherwise wait years before getting behind a steering wheel.
The Camatte Petta is the latest in the Camatte series of concept cars that Toyota has presented at the show for the past five years. The Camatte Peta measures 3075mm in length, 1235mm in width and 1315mm in height. The Camatte Peta will seat three and is powered by an electric motor.
An adult seated behind and to the left of each child can monitor steering and braking to help develop their driving skills.
The name Camatte takes after the Japanese word for caring. The Camatte Peta also allows children to customise the car with colourful magnetic decals and panel designs for the bodywork.
At this year's show, Toyota will establish the Camatte School, where these junior drivers will experience the joys obtaining a driver’s license – upon completing the course, these junior motorists will be rewarded with their own "driver's license" complete with photo.
Younger children who are not tall enough to drive the Camatte Petta, will still be able to learn how to operate a car by using the driving simulator before sitting in Toyota's Camatte 57s concept car and receiving a "provisional" license.
The Camatte 57s, which debuted at the show in 2013, can be customised by using 57 easily removable and installable body panels.


Porsche Gets Green Light To Build Mission E Cross Turismo (Read - Taycan Wagon)

It looks like enthusiasts are going to get the electric car of their dreams, because Porsche has just greenlit series production of the Mission E Cross Turismo. It's a crossover-slash-wagon variant of the Mission E that is being produced under the Taycan name, which means that this new electric wagon is likely to be called the Taycan Cross Turismo.
Purely for the fact that it is a wagon will enthusiasts go crazy for it, as they do for all shooting-brake designs - although it is more likely an electric SUV that will really captivate the market and net Porsche the sales figures it needs to justify such large investments.
But there's a great economic benefit to this, as Porsche has created 300 new jobs at its headquarters in Zuffenhausen for the production of this vehicle alone. The electric wagon is going to use the same 800-volt architecture that Porsche has settled on for their electric vehicles, with an output of 600 hp and a range of 500 km under the NEDC test cycle.
Fast charging will be available as well, so it's best to push for electric infrastructure in your town/city/state to make these electric vehicles a more sustainable proposition. As great as electric cars are, it's a frustrating user experience when you're constantly tethered to slow-charging three-pin plug outlets.
As is with the Taycan, this Taycan Cross Turismo or Mission E Cross Turismo is designed to be carbon-neutral in production in order to meet sustainability goals. Porsche is willing to commit a whopping six billion Euros or more in electromobility between now and 2022.
The Taycan is slated for market introduction in 2019, and this electric wagon isn't going to be far behind. If you're going to look for a fun electric car, there's going to be no better place than a company with decades of racing history.


All-New 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Debuts On 1 August, Microsite Now Live

A
dedicated microsite
 of the all-new 2016
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
 has gone live featuring a teaser image of the model accompanied by a countdown timer to its global debut.

With the tagline “Designed for perfection”, the new Pajero Sport has already been completely
revealed in these spyshots
, giving us a look at the SUV’s exterior design featuring Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” front with sleek headlamps and LED daytime lights. At the rear, the tail lamp clusters extend towards the bottom of the tailgate, a radical departure from the outgoing model.
With the Triton’s underpinnings adopted for the Pajero Sport, expect
Mitsubishi’s
 new aluminium block 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine to be utilised here as well.
Specifications may differ depending on the markets where the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will be sold however. For instance, when the
all-new Triton was launched in Malaysia
, it featured the familiar 2.5-litre DI-D Hyper Common Rail DOHC turbo-diesel engine instead of the new one mentioned above.
Wait for 1 August when all will be revealed about the next generation 2016
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
.


KL City GP From A Driver's Perspective, Circuit Tour With Alex Yoong

If you’ve driven through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, there’s a very good chance you’ve taken most of the corners that the racers will during the upcoming inaugural KL City Grand Prix. But if you’re a little hazy on the matter, worry not,
our own Alex Yoong
 is here to help.
Now, the street circuit itself, as most of these courses do, relies on the typical 90-degree turn since most cities are planned around a grid system. Kuala Lumpur, however, does not follow the norm entirely. There are swooping corners and gradients as well.
Add in the odd chicane thrown in by the circuit designers, and the
KL City GP
 offers a surprising amount of variety and enjoyment for drivers. As we’ve mentioned before, the circuit will
weave through
 some of the most major roads in Malaysia’s capital city: Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Perak, etc, reaching speeds of over 200km/h along the main straight.
Getting a handle on where the action will take place requires some concentration, but fortunately Alex takes us on a drive through the streets where the racers will tear through at speed, describing the track through a driver’s perspective and giving insight into how and why the corners exist as they do and what a racer needs to do to make the most out of them.
Acceleration forces, lateral and longitudinal, are a big part of what a racing driver has to cope with while out on the track, measured in positive or negative G-forces, and they interplay with different cornering angle and vehicle speed.
To give you an idea of what kind of forces and speeds will be experienced by drviers, here’s some graphs and figures to satisfy your inner racing nerd.
Drivers will experience in excess of 2G and will likely hit speeds of around 225km/h on some of the longer stretches. All on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, mind you. It’s going to be
a thriller
.


Mercedes-AMG Teams Up With CEO Of IWC To Promote The E53

Unveiled exactly a month ago
, the new Mercedes-AMG E53 series comes as part of the updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class model range for 2018. It also replaces the previous E43 model that has seen life here for just over a year.
Powering the E53 is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in line-6 engine which produces 435 hp and 520 Nm of peak torque, paired to AMG's AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. The powertrain replaces the outgoing E43's 396 hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 mill.

That being said, Mercedes-AMG announced today that the 53 series, which includes the E53 4MATIC+ Coupé, E53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, and the CLS 53 4MATIC, is targeted towards lifestyle-oriented individuals.
So, in order to promote the range of models among its desired audience, the brand has released a digital sales campaign called ‘#SpeedUpInStyle’.
Divided into two phases, the campaign focuses on the worlds of design and architecture.
While traditional product communications comprising images by the Staud Studios in Leonberg dominated the first phase of the campaign, the second phase makes full use of digital media with social media posts and videos on the Mercedes-AMG channels, like the one you see here.
"The 53 series expands our portfolio with a trendsetting combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency. We are thus offering a lifestyle-oriented customer group a new, attractive offer from Affalterbach. A trusting partnership has linked us with IWC Schaffhausen for more than ten years. That's why we are especially pleased to have Christoph Grainger-Herr take part in our campaign. He ideally embodies the lifestyle of the 53 series models and is thus the perfect protagonist for us", said Eva Wiese, Head of Marketing and Product Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The video focuses on Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen, who drives around New York in the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ Coupé.
According to Mercedes-AMG, Christoph Grainger-Herr represents the city dwellers and is part of an urban culture with a certain attitude towards life, and with the new E53 Coupe, he can dynamically adapt to any situation.
An interesting thing about the Mercedes-AMG E53 series is that the models come with an EQ Boost starter generator, which provides an extra 20 hp and 250 Nm of torque as and when a driver needs it, feeding the on-board 48 Volt system when not supplying additional performance.
According to the folks at Affalterbach, the EQ Boost system and the fully digital widescreen cockpit which adapts to driver's wishes are among the new features which represent AMG’s commitment towards a very “hybrid” future.


Porsche Breaks Nurburgring Lap Record With Their 919 Hybrid Evo

News travels fast. Just a few days after Porsche has smashed the lap record for the Nurburgring with their 919 Hybrid Evo ex-LMP car, the internet was aflame with admiration. Having previously set a lap record at Spa, it was only natural for Porsche to attempt a record at what is arguably the most challenging racetrack in the world. The previous record was held by the late Stefan Bellof in, of all things, a Porsche 956 C during practice for a 1000 kilometre race of the Nurburgring.
That record stood for over 35 years, being damn near impossible to beat - especially unless you had a proper high end racecar. Behind the wheel of the 919 Hybrid Evo was WEC Champion Timo Bernhard, and he blew past the previous record with a 51.58 second edge and an average speed of 233.8 km/h. With massive aerodynamic downforce and mechanical grip as well as an extremely potent powertrain, it's no surprise that the 919 Hybrid Evo could take the record.
For those unfamiliar with the car, the 919 Hybrid Evo is essentially an entirely unrestricted version of the 919 Hybrid that Porsche used to compete with in WEC up until last year. Their retirement from the WEC meant that they had a number of 919 Hybrid racecars lying around unused, and since they would no longer be used for competition they could be run at maximum operating power and downforce as they no longer had to comply to regulations. Power outputs went up from 500 hp to 720 hp on the same fuel, without the restrictions.
Essentially it's the most aggressive time attack car in the world, but every racecar has an end to its reign. With numerous wins in the WEC, Porsche is using this as a sendoff for the 919 Hybrid Evo in all of its LMP glory. The attempt at the Nordschleife closes the chapter of chasing records with the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo. At rather moderate speeds, the top athlete will have several more appearances:
July 6 and 7: VW Fun Cup Spa-Francorchamps (BE)
July 12-15: Goodwood Festival of Speed (GB)
September 2: Festival of Porsche Brands Hatch (GB)
September 26-29: Porsche Rennsport Reunion Laguna Seca (California, USA)


Toyota Introduces Next-Gen Autonomous Driving Research Vehicle at CES

Toyota through Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will present its next-generation automated driving research vehicle, called Platform 3.0, at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) next week in Las Vegas, USA.
Platform 3.0, which continues to use the Lexus LS600hL as the base vehicle, has three key objectives to achieve: radically increase the sensing capability, improve the styling, all the while having the latest sensing equipment and packaging the technology in a way that is easy to reproduce for building a fleet at scale.
The new Luminar LIDAR system has a 200-meter range, and features four high-resolution scanning heads mounted on the roof of the LS600hL, now allowing it to cover a complete 360-degree perimeter.
Short-range LIDAR sensors are positioned low on all sides of the vehicle to detect smaller objects near the vehicle like children and debris.
The bolt-on accessories on the roof of the
old Platform 2.0
 have been removed, and repackaged together with new equipment for a sleeker roof profile. Design experts at CALTY Design Research created a new rooftop panel that is inspired by off-road motorcycle helmets. The forward area has a crisp technical look that becomes more fluid and aerodynamic toward the rear of the car, blending with the contour lines of the Lexus LS.
The side-sensing equipment previously on the bonnet of Platform 2.0 are now miniaturized and neatly integrated onto the front fenders.
Toyota plans to build a fleet of Platform 3.0 vehicles beginning spring 2018, at their Prototype Development Centre at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) in Michigan, USA.


Geneva 2017: Renault and Alpine Plan Big Reveals

The Renault Group are planning a poised to make news at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, happening next month, with important launches across all its brands. Renault, Dacia and crucially the Alpine sub brand will be rolling out their newest metal come March 17th.
Renault will be officially introducing the facelifted
Captur

which promises to deliver a refreshed take on the urban crossover’s styling and technology suite. The larger Koleos SUV, which also receives its mid-life facelift is also scheduled to be a part of the proceedings.
The main highlight would be Renault’s first-ever 1-ton pick-up truck, the Alaskan, which is based on the
Nissan NP300 Navara
 – courtesy of the longstanding partnership between Renault and Nissan. Renault also promises a ‘surprise’ – with regard to its range of EV cars. For this, we will have to wait and see.
Dacia, Renault’s budget sub-brand plans to roll out its facelifted Logan MCV Stepway, part estate-part crossover, the MCV Stepway is set to introduce upgraded features such as LED daytime running lights, an upgraded infotainment system in the premium variants and hill-start assist. A limited edition model is also in the pipeline.
The most exciting news is perhaps, the return of Alpine, the French manufacturer of sports and racing cars, which has had a long-standing kinship with Renault – returns with the world premiere of its road car.
The
Alpine Vision concept
, first revealed at last year’s Geneva motor show, is set to return as a fully-fledged production version, come March 17th.


Red-Lined Adventure's Specially Built Nissan Navaras All Set To Rock 2019 Dakar Rally

Red-Lined Motoring Adventure, the Nissan-supported race team which will be participating in the upcoming 2019 Dakar Rally, is all set to put their South African-built Dakar-Spec T1 Nissan Navaras to the ultimate test.
The team will have three cars on the start line with teams from Germany, Dubai and South Africa. While the German team will be made up of the father and son pairing of Jurgen and Max Schroeder, the Dubai team will consist of Thomas Edward Bell, the team owner and driver for Sabertooth Motoring Adventures in Dubai, together with his friend and navigator Patrick McMurren who will be the first team ever from the UAE to race in Dakar's T1 (the top) class.
Another team will consist of two Indian businessmen from South Africa, Shameer Variawa and navigator Zaheer Bodhanya, who together with Bell and McMurren will be making their debut in this event.
To date, Red-Lined has had six cars compete in Dakar in recent years, five of which have successfully finished the race. The team has competed in a total of 84 Dakar stages and finished an impressive 82 of these stages.
Red-Lined Motoring Adventure, which is also an official marketing partner with Nissan South Africa, focuses on building custom off-road race cars and trucks that are marketed and sold around the world. The 2019 Dakar Nissan entries are purpose-built T1 Dakar Navaras powered by a VK50 engine.
Red-Lined also provides Nissan with an experiential marketing platform that brings emotion and excitement to the Nissan brand through corporate events – in addition to the design, development and manufacturing of world-class custom Nissan vehicles.
On top of that, they also provide driver, navigational and technical training to their international customers who compete in World Cup and international events – and the Dakar.
"When we go to Dakar and other international races around the world, we go with our customers," said Terence Marsh, CEO of Red-Lined.
"As much as we build our T1 Nissan Navara race cars to compete on the international stage, we are a private organization and are by no means a factory team trying to take on the top teams."
Marsh says that Red-Lined customers are wealthy and influential businessmen with a sense of adventure. Red-Lined trains its customers and provides technical support as they compete on the world stage, sometimes punching above their collective weight.
"Our customers are in it for the journey, for the adventure and for the people they meet along the way," said Marsh. "The result is merely a by-product of the journey. Once customers get involved with Red-Lined, their spouses, children, friends and businesses all end up joining the Nissan family as they purchase Nissan vehicles for their personal and business use."


New Subaru Forester 2.0i-S Spotted Ahead of DRIVE

A new variant of the Subaru Forester was spotted ahead of this weekend's Carlist.my DRIVE event, called the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S.

Outside, the yet-to-be launched model receives an all-black front grille and a sportier front bumper with an integrated skirt. Towards the side, the new 2.0i-S variant of the Forester receives grey-coloured side mirrors. The 17-inch wheels are identical to the 2.0i and 2.0i-P variants of the Forester. As for the rear end, changes are subtle, limited to the grey trim towards the bottom of the rear bumper.

Inside remains largely similar to the other Forester variants, though we noticed that the seats are no longer full leather; instead a mix of alcantara and leather. The rest of the interior appears to be identical to the Forester 2.0i and 2.0i Premium.

Powertrain is expected to mirror that of the Forester 2.0i, featuring a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four mated to Subaru's Lineartronic CVT that sends power to all four wheels via their Symmetrical AWD system. Subaru says the engine is good for 150 PS and 198 Nm.

No specific timing to as when the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S will be launched, as this is just a preview.

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This weekend’s
DRIVE event
 will allow members of the public to shop, test drive and compare more than 50 models from 15 different car brands in one location. Register your interest
here
 to win a Touch ‘N Go card with RM30 preloaded value. On top of that, the first 400 visitors to register and complete a test drive will receive a Caltex petrol voucher worth RM30.


Bosch launches ‘One Wrong Part Ruins Everything’ campaign

With the upcoming holidays, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia has launched a campaign that is focused on getting drivers to think about their car use and to understand the importance of using quality parts- even down to the smallest component. The campaign, appropriately called ‘One Wrong Part Ruins Everything’, has also spawned the #GetItRight Workshop series for motorists to get a hands on experience.
According to a World Health Organization report last year, Malaysia’s traffic related death-to-population ratio is 24.0 deaths per 100,000 people. This is 5 times higher than Singapore, and is enough motivation for Bosch Malaysia to educate motorists on taking care of their vehicles. Checking the engine oil level, brake fluid level, battery life cycle, and wiper blade condition are all basic things that are covered in the workshop and will help to ensure motorist safety before they even begin their journey.
Bosch is especially keen to highlight the condition of wiper blades. A good set of wiper blades is important in order to keep the windscreen clear during rainy conditions, and they are usually the most neglected component of a car. It doesn’t help that with the extreme heat cycling, the rubber of the blades usually degrades at a faster pace.
With this in mind, Bosch introduced their new Advantage Wiper, which is designed to take the extreme sunlight and heat exposure and provides unrivalled wiping performance. With the “Balik Kampung” season ahead, Bosch hopes that customers will take the time and effort to check and change their wipers if necessary.


Motor Expo 2016: Another Look At The 2017 New Toyota Corolla Altis

As reported earlier, UMW Toyota Motor has already begun order taking for the new Toyota Corolla Altis. The facelifted Altis is easily differentiated by its new pair of headlamps, grille and front bumper.
More importantly, active and passive safety features have been significantly improved. Seven airbags and electronic stability control (or VSC as Toyota calls it) are now no longer limited to the highest-specifications variant, but are available across the Corolla Altis range as a standard feature.
The new Corolla Altis have been on sale in Thailand for some months already, and while minor details like interior colour, trimmings and wheels fitted on this particular Thailand market model, on display at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2016, might differ from our Malaysian market models it’s still a good enough indicator of what’s coming our way.
The interior has been refreshed with a new pair ala Mercedes-Benz A-Class style air-conditioning vents at the sides, while rear passengers now have access to two USB ports.
Note that in Thailand, there is no 2.0-litre engine option for the Corolla Altis. Ever since the new CO2 emissions-based excise duty structure came into force this year, the Corolla Altis’ range of engines have been reduced to just the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engines.
The new Toyota Corolla Altis is expected to go on sale in Malaysia within the
next two months
.


New Mercedes-Benz C200 Hits Euro Dealerships With 1.5-litre 4-Cylinder Turbo

Following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz’s refreshed C-Class range now has now gone on sale in Europe – available in sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible body types. At a glance, the new facelifted model looks almost identical to the pre-facelift model, as most of the changes are hidden beneath the metal panels.
Visual cues for the facelifted model are quite hard to spot, but squint your eyes hard enough and you will notice a slightly different pair of bumpers front and rear. On AMG line models, the bumper slits for the rear reflectors are now more prominent while front air dam now features a pair of slits at the sides.
Inside the cabin, some variants will get a larger 12.3-inch LCD display that runs across the C-Class’ signature twin binnacle instrument cluster, while the steering wheel has also been changed. The free-standing infotainment screen has also been enlarged to 10.25-inch, and now displays in 16:9 format.
Other optional features (in Europe) include MultiBeam LED headlamps, Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Control Distronic, seats with individually adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support with massaging function, and a climate control that emits fragrance.
The highlight of the new C-Class is its powertrain, now updated with a micro-hybrid 48 V belt-starter alternator that provides the engine with an additional 13 hp of boost when accelerating. Mercedes-Benz brands this setup as EQ Boost, which sits one rung below the EQ Power-badged plug-in hybrid models like the C350e and E350e.
With the benefit of having access to temporary electric boost, the new C-Class’ engine is now smaller and makes less torque for improved emissions and fuel consumption.
The pre-facelift C200’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder makes 184 hp at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,200 – 4,000 rpm. The new C200 however, has a smaller 1.5-litre capacity. The turbocharger’s boost have been cranked up to make the same 184 hp, but at a higher 5,800 – 6,100 rpm. Torque has been reduced to 280 Nm, achieved at a much higher 3,000 – 4,000 rpm.
On paper, it means that the smaller engine needs to work a lot harder to achieve the same output as before but this is mitigated by adding the EQ Boost’s belt-driven starter motor, which adds 10 kW (13 hp) of boost for acceleration and 12 kW of recuperation energy when the vehicle is coasting.
The nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission remains unchanged.
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is slightly poorer now (7.7 seconds versus 7.5 seconds). The pre-facelift model’s fuel consumption is rated at 5.3-litre/100 km while the new model is rated at 6.0 – 6.3-litre/100 km (depending on body type), but the discrepancy is due to different test methodologies.
The figures for the new model is higher because European car makers now have to comply to a more stringent WLTP (World Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) emissions test cycle, which is said to be more reflective of real-world driving conditions so the two figures are not comparable.
As our local C200 models are locally-assembled at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s facility in Pekan, Pahang, it is unclear if the forthcoming Malaysian market C200 facelift will also feature a smaller 1.5-litre engine but if you are to ask us, our advice will be to buy the current C200 for its bigger engine.
Globally, punitive legislations in many parts of the world, especially Europe and China, is forcing the automotive industry to trend towards smaller engines with various levels of electrification. The move by Daimler is not surprising and we can only expect other European car makers to follow suit.


150km/h Malaysian Speed Limits? No Chance, Says DEP Works Minister

If you’ve had any such hopes on the government increasing the national speed limit of 110km/h applicable to most highways, you’re in for a bit of a disappointment.
Thursday’s Dewan Rakyat meet saw one Mohd Imran Abdul Hamid of the PKR party quiz Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Shirlin on why the national speed limit could not be raised to 150km/h, given the “high-quality” of vehicles on the road these days.
Imran further proposed that the left lanes be maintained at 110km/h, the middle lane be between 110km/h to 130km/h, while the overtaking/ right-most lane be set to 130km/h to 150km/h.
According to a report from The Star, Imran continued, “
"I have experienced living in a developed nation, Germany, for 30 months, and their highway, the Autobahn, had no speed limits.
“They had all sorts of quality cars such as Mercedes, Porsche, BMW just like our country.
"But I don’t understand why we can’t increase the speed limit based on the cars’ needs. I actually sympathise with them.”
Imran was met with the Deputy Works Minister’s response, which came down like a harsh hammer of reality on all of the nation’s 'autobahn' aspirations.
Rosnah commented that the national speed limit is set as such in accordance with the road’s design, something that cannot be changed, and that it was “public knowledge” that a faster a car is, the higher its risk grows to be more accident prone.
She went on to comment on the high number of accidents, fatal, major and minor, over the past years.
Well, as a motoring journalist, it’s our duty to advocate nothing other than safe driving for all, and we wholeheartedly agree with the deputy works minister who also told any wannabe speedsters to save it for the track.
We do disagree, however, with the claimed “public knowledge” of faster cars being more dangerous. I’d personally much rather put my life on the line, if it were legal, at 150km/h on a highway (if that’s putting your life on the line is) in a Volkswagen Golf R, than in a Perodua Myvi. No offence to the Myvi, though. Brilliant little car.
What do you think? Maintain 110km/h? Or up to 150km/h? Discuss!


Review: BMW 318i (F30) – Fun And Balance

Despite both being pivotal institutions in BMW folklore, the 3 Series and six-cylinder engines aren’t elements that are as inextricably intertwined as we might imagine. The
first-ever M3
 made do with only four cylinders, as did the forefather of the entire 3 Series lineage –
the legendary 2002
.
In time, six-cylinder engines did grow increasingly prevalent across the 3 Series range, but they were, in a Malaysian context at least, never as integral in the line-up as they were with the bigger 5 and 7 Series models. A big chunk of 3 Series buyers, regardless of model generation, opted for their cars with four-cylinder engines.
The six-pot got further distanced from the 3 Series narrative when the current F30 model generation rolled out with a range 2.0-litre four-pots to form the core of its line-up. Why would you now go for the 3.0-litre 335i or 340i when the 2.0-litre variants – 320i, 328i, and 330i – already serve outputs of 184 to 252hp?
A further twist was served up recently when BMW updated the F30 3 Series last year. Besides extensively upgrading its chassis to further improve its already very competent handling, the 3er also received a full-range update of its powerplants that included, for the very first time in a 3 Series – a three-cylinder engine.
Specifications:
Price: RM202,800 (on-the-road without insurance)
Engine: 1.5-litre, Inline-3, Longitudinal, Turbocharged
Power: 136hp @ 4,500 – 6,000rpm
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,250 – 4,300rpm
Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX (rear), Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control
Origin: Locally-assembled at Kulim, Kedah
Overview
The 318i replaces the previous 316i as the base variant of the F30 line-up. Despite downsizing from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder to a 1.5-litre three-cylinder, BMW quotes identical output figures for the new engine – 136hp and 220Nm – which is again paired with that ubiquitous 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF to send drive astern.
Like the
330i M Sport
 we reviewed earlier, the 318i’s three-pot mill is a member of BMW’s latest-generation B-series modular engine family. It is, in essence, a 3.0-litre straight-six cut in half. In a bay designed to accommodate something double the size, the 1.5-litre powerplant finds itself in very commodious surroundings, sitting so far back that has a legitimate claim of being called a mid-engine car.
To recap, the 318i, trimmed in Luxury Line is standard, rounds-up a four-strong
line-up of the F30 3 Series in Malaysia
 that currently also includes the 320i Sport Line (RM232k),
330e Sport Line (RM249k)
, and 330i M Sport (RM298k). The 320d previously introduced is
not on sale at the moment
.
The Competition
Although we might think of the
Mercedes-Benz C180
 as the 318i’s most direct rival, the entry-level C-Class at RM229k is actually closer in pricing to the RM232k 320i. At RM203k on-the-road excluding insurance, the 318i finds itself surrounded by cars such as the
Ford Mondeo at RM204k
 as well as the Mazda 6 in its 2.5-litre petrol and
2.2-litre diesel
 guises ranging from RM195k to RM203k.
In comparison with the 318i, both the Ford and Mazda are bigger, more powerful, and pack more standard equipment – the BMW doesn’t even give you comfort access keyless entry or reverse camera. Then again, let’s face it, great cars as both the Mondeo and 6 are; most people who shop with a budget of RM200k would want a premium badge to go with it.
Another potential competitor coming the 318i’s way would be the 1.4 TFSI variant of the
all-new Audi A4 (B9)
 which is planned for introduction here at the start of 2017. With the 2.0 TFSI model currently priced at RM240k, the 1.4-litre model could find itself priced anywhere between RM200k and RM220k.
Depending on what pricing Volkswagen is able to secure, the soon-to-arrive
all-new Passat B8
, especially in its 2.0 TSI Highline guise, is another vehicle that could find itself in the 318i's pricing neighbourhood.
Exterior
Ensuring that it maintains a respectable appearance alongside its glitzier siblings, the 318i gets all-round LED illumination as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
Chrome inserts on the bumper are tastefully applied too, but given a choice, we’d peel off the less-than-subtle ‘Luxury Line’ fender badges. We’d also swap the multi-spoke alloys with the 10-spoke rollers that come with the 320i.
Interior
Basic layout of the 318i's cabin is common with the 330i M Sport we reviewed earlier although, unsurprisingly, there are number of absent features that account for the substantial price difference from the models above it.
The iDrive system, for starters, is a much simpler unit with a smaller screen and devoid of navigation, both of which are fine and acceptable to us. What we are less enthused about, however, is the lack of a reverse camera and keyless entry. Imagine fumbling your pockets for the key fob, unlocking the car, getting in, push the engine start button, and then having to keep the key again. It’s less of a hassle if the car has an old-school ignition key.
That little foible aside, the 318i’s interior adequately covers the basics. You get a pair of electrically-adjusted front seats, air-con vents for the rear passengers, and ISOFIX mounts. Small item storage is typically limited, but clarity of controls is beyond fault. It may lack the polished ambiance of the Mercedes C-Class, but this is an exceedingly easy cabin to acclimatize. Fit and finish is solid, but unspectacular.
Driving Experience
A 1.5-litre three-cylinder may not be the kind of engine that you would imagine to power a car as rooted into the idea of sportiness as the BMW 3 Series, but a stint behind the wheel demonstrates the method behind Munich’s seeming madness.
Stats of 136hp and 220Nm are probably not the kind of numbers that set the pulses racing, but they are adequate in the context of both city and highway driving. The engine also makes up for its output deficiencies with a keen willingness to rev that is both endearing and amusing to exploit. Perhaps not quite like the six-cylinder engines of old, but this is an engine which you would quite happily pull to the redline over and over again.
The ZF 8-speed transmission puts in another fine display here, although its operation is not quite as unobtrusive as we are accustomed to – the effects of its kickdown is more noticeable as the transmission shuffles its ratios to compensate for the lesser torque than it gets from the bigger engines. That being said, overall intelligence of the unit is sufficiently intuitive that the absence of paddle shifters is a non-issue.
We have already verified that the F30 generation BMW 3 Series, like all its forebears, leads the field for handling and the 318i is in no danger of tarnishing that well-honed image. In some ways, it actually threatens to exceed its siblings.
Thanks to a smaller and lighter engine that sits almost entirely behind the front axle, the 318i benefits from having the lightest nose in the range. It responds to your steering inputs with great immediacy and fluidity; in short, there's greater eagerness to change direction. If you prioritize handling balance over power, the 318i may actually be the most satisfying member of the current 3 Series line-up.
Comfort and Refinement
Because it comes without the more aggressive M Sport setup, the 318i also gains added levels of comfort. There is still a hint of firmness in the ride, but the suspension dampens most surface irregularities with commanding authority. For road use, it is a satisfying and well-optimized setup.
It is common automotive wisdom that three-cylinder engines, despite their charming character, are inherently coarse. For the most part, BMW’s engineers have largely done a fine job ironing out those rough edges.
On the move, it feels sufficiently refined; but less so at a stand-still – the auto start/stop operates with shocking intrusiveness; at times, it’s almost like there was no damping of the engine’s start-up vibrations which was reminiscent of the company’s early efforts with start/stop technology.
Economy and Maintenance
For conventional petrol-powered variants of the 3 Series, BMW claims the following fuel consumption numbers rated in the EU combined cycle:
318i – 5.8 litres/100km
320i – 5.8 litres/100km (yes, identical as above)
330i – 6.1 litres/100km
We have yet to review the 320i, but our earlier review of the 330i yielded a reading of 9.9 litres/100km on the trip computer over a distance of 470 km. The 318i is unsurprisingly more economical, though not by the margins we anticipated – returning only 9.0 litres/100km over 420km of travel in mixed driving conditions.
The Mercedes-Benz C180, which has a more powerful 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine rated for 156hp and 250Nm, would seem more economical in the real world with 8.5 litres/100km achieved in similar driving conditions. The outgoing 316i managed 8.9 litres/100km when I
reviewed it for my previous employers
.
As with all BMW models, maintenance is included in the purchase price, so you don’t have to pay for servicing in the first five years of ownership. You are additionally protected by BMW’s industry-first tyre warranty programme that protects you against tyre repair costs for two years.
Conclusion
A three-cylinder 3 Series, it’s an idea that would have sounded like an abomination during the day of the E90, but BMW’s execution of the concept is sufficiently well-considered that it has yielded a product that is every bit as worthy of the 3 Series name as others that came before it.
Objectively speaking, the 320i is the 3 Series that we’d still recommend as the optimum package of the range. Then again, the 318i has its own unique appeal – the charming nature of its engine and better-nuanced balance of its chassis mean that it is far more than just being the budget-driven choice of the range.


2020 Honda Accord Tops D-Segment Sales Charts

While we’re a little sad that Honda didn’t bring in the most potent version of the Accord, Malaysians are voting for this D-segment sedan with their wallet.

Since its launch in February of this year, close to 500 units of the all-new 2020 Honda Accord have found their way into the homes of customers around the country – with over 420 customers still waiting for delivery of their D-segment sedan. With this total of over 920 units, the 2020 Honda Accord takes a 40% market share in the segment – no small feat in and of itself.

As expected, it’s Platinum White Pearl that tops the sales charts for Accord owners – roughly a third of all Accords sold. The central region saw 42% of all sales, while customers up north represented 23% of sales, and down south netted roughly 19%. All of this is impressive considering how the Movement Control Order came into effect throughout most of the first half of the year, severely putting a dent in sales.

For those unfamiliar, all variants of the 2020 Honda Accord comes with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine singing to the tune of 201 PS and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission. Safety systems are aplenty, especially in the top-spec 1.5 TC-P variant which includes the full Honda Sensing suite.

You can read more about the 2020 Honda Accord with
our launch story here
, where we go over the different variants and prices. Bear in mind, with the current discounts and rebates the prices until the end of the year are from RM 178,203.00 for the 1.5 TC, and from RM 187,390.73 for the 1.5 TC-P.


2021 Nissan Navara Launched - Six Variants, From RM 91,900

We've talked about it for months, and here it is finally - the All-New 2021 Nissan Navara.

When it comes to variety, you have to give it to Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor for
Nissan models
 in Malaysia. It may also be a common trait of pickup trucks sold here, but Malaysians get to choose from
six different variants
 (including one workhorse model) allowing them to find the right Nissan Navara for them. There's a lot to get through, so let's quickly blitz through it.

The Common Items

Across the Nissan Navara range, all models get a
2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
 powerplant. Outputs stand at
190 PS
 and
450 Nm
 paired with a
7-speed automatic transmission
 for every variant, except the 6-speed manual models (SE Manual and Single Cab Manual) which have a lower
163 PS
 and
403 Nm
 of torque. Apart from the Single Cab, every variant comes standard with upgraded rear multi-link suspension and dual-rate coil springs for better body control, as well as an Electronic Locking Rear Differential for better traction in sticky situations. There is also:

Tailgate Assist (lightening the tailgate for easier operation)

Integrated Rear Bumper Step

Acoustic laminated glass for the front windscreen and windows

Vehicle Dynamic Control

Traction Control

Active Brake Limited Slip Differential

Hill Start Assist

Hill Descent Control

ABS with EBD

Now let's get on to where the differences lie.

Nissan Navara 2.5l Single Cab Manual (RM 91,900)

Unpainted front grille

Halogen headlamps with auto on/off and tail lamps

Body coloured front bumper

Unpainted rear bumper and door handles

Rear bumper with integrated step

Easy bed step on either side of the bed

Unpainted door mirrors

Leaf spring rear suspension

16-inch steel wheels

Keyless entry

Monochrome display meter

Steering wheel with audio controls

2-din head unit with Bluetooth

2 speaker sound system

Vinyl seats

Manual air-conditioning

Speed sensing wipers

2 SRS Airbags

Reverse sensors

Nissan Navara 2.5l SE Auto (RM 116,900) and Manual (RM 110,900)

As above, but with the following additions or replacements:

Chrome 'Interlock' grille with NAVARA stamped on top

Black and silver front bumper

Power folding body coloured door mirrors with LED turn signals

Chrome door handles

17-inch alloy wheels

Black painted side step

4 speaker setup

2x 12v power outlets

4x USB ports

Zero-Gravity inspired black fabric front seats with six-way manual adjustment

Black fabric rear seats with thigh support and curved backrest

Rear armrest with cup holders

ISOFIX with top tether

Nissan Navara 2.5l V (RM 125,500)

Quad LED project headlamps with C-shaped LED signature DRL

LED tail lamps with C-Shaped LED signature

LED fog lamps

Intelligent Key and push start ignition

Digital display and cruise control switches for the steering wheel

Cruise control

Full colour 7-inch high resolution Advanced Drive-Assist Digital Display Meter

8-inch advanced touchscreen display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Rear view camera

6 speaker setup

Dual Zone climate control with rear vents

Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning

Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking

Intelligent Driver Alertness

6 SRS Airbags

Nissan Navara 2.5l VL (RM 137,900)

Silver painted roof rails

Automatic folding body coloured door mirrors

18-inch 2-tone machined alloy wheels

8-way driver and 2-way power adjustable lumbar support

Leather seats with hexagonal pattern and silver stitching

Rain sensing wiper system

Intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection and off-road mode

Lane Departure Warning

Blind Spot Warning

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

High Beam Assist

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

4x Reverse Sensors

Nissan Navara 2.5l PRO-4X (RM 142,200)

Large black front Interlock grille with Navara stamped on top

Blacked out Nissan emblems front and rear

Black and orange accented front bumper

Black fender flares with orange accents

Blacked out roof rails, door mirrors, door handles, and side steps

17-inch black alloy
PRO-4X
 wheels with All Terrain tyres

Utili-Track Channel System in the bed with 2 channels and 4 heavy-duty forged aluminium cleats

PRO-4X logo for the front seats with orange accent stitching, 6-way manual adjustment

On top of all that, there are a number of exclusive factory fitted accessories available with their own 3-year, 100,000 km warranty.

Protection Package (for 2.5l PRO-4X and VL)

Black Sport Bar at RM 10,950 (2.5l PRO-4X only) or Chrome Sport Bar (2.5-l VL only)

Oil sump guard

Fuel tank guard

Stainless steel kick plate

Door visor

Driving Video Recorder

V-Kool Security Tinting Film

Premium Package at RM 10,150 (for 2.5l V)

Chrome sport bar

Leather Combination Seats

V-Kool Security and Tinting Film

Premium Package at RM 10,150 (for 2.5l SE)

Chrome sport bar

9-inch Display Audio with Infotainment and Reverse Camera

V-Kool Security and Tinting Film

Under Protector Package at RM 3,200 (for 2.5l Single Cab)

Oil sump guard

Fuel tank guard

Side step

All models are available with a 5-year, 150,000 km factory warranty.

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
.

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Car Care 101: How Often Should You Get Alignment Done For Your Car, And Why?

Almost everyone who owns a car has probably heard of wheel alignment or been told to get an alignment done at some point when their car starts to veer to either side of the road, or when their steering wheel starts to look
senget
 when the car is actually going straight. What about when you feel certain vibrations while in the car or through the steering wheel – this is all together something else but we will get to this.

These are all symptoms that the wheel alignment of your car is not the way it should be. The other issue is how often do you have to do your car’s alignment to ensure that it runs smoothly and safely?

So what exactly is wheel alignment?

Wheel or tyre alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension – in particular the system of linkages that connects the vehicle to its wheels and which make the tyres turn.

It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires, which in turn, affects how they make contact with the road. Therefore wheel alignment is an important periodical maintenance item that should not be overlooked, which is second only to choosing the right tyre for your car.

Wheel alignment consists of adjusting and/or maintaining three main aspects of how your tyre contacts the road:

Camber
 – This is the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much inward (negative) or outward (positive) tilt indicates improper alignment and will need to be adjusted. Worn bushings, bearings, and ball joints can also cause improper camber settings.

Toe - Toe alignment is the extent to which your tires angle inward or outward when viewed from above the wheel. The toe angle refers to how much both front wheels angle inwards (towards the body) and outwards (towards the road edge).

Castor – Castor refers to the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. If you have positive caster, the steering axis will tilt toward the driver. Negative caster, on the other hand, means the steering axis tilts toward the front of your vehicle.

Now, of course, there is far more to this than we can concisely elaborate on in one article – but it’s important for you to understand that wheel/tyre alignment is an aspect of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked and should be executed with as much diligence as you would your engine oil changes.

It is also advisable that you conduct your tire alignment service at proper workshops that have the proper equipment to work on your car. For those who still maintain their vehicle at authorised (3S) service centres, talk to your service advisor on the proper time to get a wheel alignment done, and if it’s part of your vehicle’s service regiment.

What happens if I do not get my alignment done?

Tyres
 are not just black donuts of rubber stuck onto the wheel. A tonne of development, engineering and testing goes into the production of any tyre, and they work best as a cohesive component of the vehicle if they are cared for and maintained properly. Put simply - the happier your tyres are, the safer you are.

Improper wheel or tire alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely and thus a degradation of their performance – which simply means your vehicle will not stop, go and turn as it should.

Improper alignment can cause a variety of issues that can impact different parts of the tyre. Improper camber settings can wear the inner or outer parts of the tyre tread, the improper toe can cause scrubbing or feathering of the tyre tread, in other cases, (more than one) improper alignment settings can also cause the car to veer to either side of the road – making it a hazard.

Does alignment involve tyre rotation?

Yes, the front tyres have to perform the functions of stopping, steering and accelerating (if front-wheel drive) the vehicle thus causing more tyre wear. Therefore, it is important to rotate the tyres so that all four tyres undergo the same amount of wear depending on where they are fitted on the vehicle.

Rotation simply means to move the tyre to another location within the vehicle to another – there are two common operations:

Rotating the front left tyre to the right, the right to the rear, the rear to the other rear side – like a game of musical chairs where everyone shifts one seat to the right.

Another common type of “rotation” is to criss-cross the tyres – i.e.: front left – rear right and vice versa.

The type of rotation depends on your car’s individual wheel and tyre setup, so check with your preferred tyre technician.

My car is going straight but I feel the steering vibrating?

Well, this is not typically caused by improper alignment, rather improper balancing of your tyres.

As perfectly round as your car wheel and tyres look – they are not exactly perfect. Minor variances in weight and tolerances mean that some parts of the wheel and tyre combo can be heavier than others. Now, it might only be a few hundred grams on one side of the wheel, but when these few hundred grams are spinning a few hundred times every minute (when your car starts moving), it causes an oscillating force/frequency which we can feel as either vibration to the vehicle or at the
steering
 wheel.

Therefore, wheel balancing compensates for any weight imbalances in the tire/wheel combination and is often performed in conjunction with wheel alignment. To begin balancing your tires, a technician will mount your tyre and wheel on a balancing machine – the machine will spin the wheel up to a certain speed and measure any imbalance of forces and make recommendations on how to correct the imbalance.

How do you correct additional weight on one side of the wheel and tyre? Simple, add the same amount of weight on the other side (mounted on the wheel), so their individual forces cancel each other out – voila!

Ok, I get it now, so how often do I have to get my wheel alignment, balancing and rotation done?

Yes, firstly, it’s important to note that it’s best to get them all done at once.

How often you get your alignment done would highly depend on how you use your car. As a rule of thumb, it is highly recommended that you get your car alignment done every 8,000km – 10,000km, or approximately every six months depending on the amount you drive your car.

If you drive your car often on bad, rough, or unfinished roads, then it's advisable to do it more often – say every four months.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
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Nissan Reveals 600hp Juke-R 2.0 Concept At Goodwood 2015

In 2011, the world was equally aghast with wonder and disbelief upon seeing the first
Juke
-R concept that combined the Juke crossover with the powertrain and running gear from the ballistic
Nissan

GT-R
, creating the world’s first crossover supercar.
At the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan unveiled the next step in that rather interesting (if slightly daft) pursuit, the Juke-R 2.0 concept with even more power and bolder styling. The uprated engine, a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, produces 600hp as is sourced from the GT-R Nismo, the matte black Juke monster is busting at the seams with tarmac-tearing grunt.
The Juke-R 2.0’s arrival comes in time for fifth anniversary of the production of Nissan’s compact crossover, with over 600,000 sold across Europe since its initial launch in 2010.
Gareth Dunsmore, Marketing Communications General Manager for Nissan Europe said, "The Juke-R has become an iconic Crossover supercar and with the launch of the latest Juke model last year, it was the natural choice to upgrade the original Juke-R with added power and even bolder styling. The Juke-R 2.0 is a perfect 'crossover' of the best bits of Nissan - real innovation showcasing our Crossover prowess fused with the excitement of the GT-R supercar engine."


BMW Group Malaysia Confirms X5 Plug-In Hybrid Launch

With a big chunk of its core models now certified as Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) by the Malaysian Government and enjoying the associated tax benefits,
BMW Group Malaysia
 is looking set to further flex their muscles in this area by readying the X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid for launch in the not-too-distant future.
No concrete details of the vehicle have been officially announced for our market, although our former colleague
Daniel Wong
 was flown to Munich last year to
have a go at the car
. To recap, the specs provided by him at the time read:
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged direct-injection
Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic, four-wheel drive
Max Power: 245hp @ 5,000-6,000rpm (engine)/ 83kW @ 3,170rpm (electric motor)
Max Torque: 350Nm @ 1,250-4,800rpm (engine)/ 250Nm @ 0rpm (electric motor)
Total Power Output: 313hp
All-Electric Range: up to 31km
0 to 100km/h: 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h (limited), 120km/h in electric
Fuel Consumption: 3.3L/100km
In anticipation of the X5 xDrive40e’s impending arrival, BMW Group Malaysia has kicked off the #ElectricDrivingPleasure campaign highlighting Malaysians making a difference through innovation, ideas and solutions.
Beginning the campaign is Dr. Rajiv Bhanot, medical doctor, social entrepreneur and humanitarian who is taking on the challenge of ending water poverty in the country as well as the world with H
2
O Saver, a nano-technology based innovation he discovered from the British Military which transforms water from natural sources into safe drinking water and water for everyday use.
His story is told by Gordon Ling Fu Chur, finalist of the BMW Shorties competition in 2015 for his film ‘Tuck’, which can be viewed online at
www.bmw-electricdrivingpleasure.com
.


All-New 2013 Subaru Forester Launched in Malaysia; Prices Start From RM200k

The all-new Subaru Forester SUV has been launched by
Motor Image
 today at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre Bandar Utama, Selangor. The newly redesigned SUV combining versatility and comfort is offered in a sole 2.0XT variant, priced from RM199,800 (on-the-road price without insurance). The
2013 Subaru Forester
 2.0XT is now available for booking at all Subaru showrooms nationwide.
Subaru
 has upgraded the Forester SUV inside and out, featuring a revised symmetrical AWD, a retuned Subaru boxer engine, a new Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), and an innovative X-Mode that controls the SUV’s driving dynamics.
Beside its commendable fuel efficiency, the fourth-generation Subaru Forester is sensibly utilitarian with its larger and flexible interior.
Here’s our comprehensive run-down on what the new Forester has to offer:
Performance: A quick car with an efficient engine
The 2013 Subaru Forester 2.0XT is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 237hp and a torque figure of 350Nm available from 2,400 to 3,600RPM. The engine is paired with the automatic Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that transfers the engine power to its symmetrical AWD layout.
The new Forester is capable of dashing from zero to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 221km/h. Despite the good performance, the Forester 2.0XT is still frugal, returning a fuel consumption figure of 8.5l/100km and releasing only 197g/km in C02 emissions.
Interior: A bigger space with advanced cabin features
The 2013 Subaru Forester offers quick design solution to ensure convenience. To that end, the new Forester has a five-person seating arrangement with foldable rear seats. The interior has a 422-litre cargo space, which can expand to 1541 litres with the rear seats down. The new Forester also has a large glove box and door pockets that provide ample space for storing small items.
Equipment wise, the Forester SUV comes standard with a four-speaker stereo with HD Radio, a backup camera, a panoramic moonroof, a power liftgate, push-button start with keyless access, single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, and EyeSight driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning systems.
Safety: Ensuring the safety of the driver, passenger and pedestrian
To protect the driver and the passengers, the new-generation 2013 Subaru Forester is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies including ring-shaped reinforcement frames that strengthen the cabin's roof, doors, pillars and floor. Besides that, the new Forester also has a ‘break away engine’ that protects the cabin during collision; a shock-absorbing bumper with a specially designed area around the windshield wipers that help reduces pedestrian injury; and redesigned A-pillars for superior visibility.
Exterior: Rugged, aggressive yet contemporary
The outlook of the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT exterior is much more aggressive and more contemporary than its predecessor’s. Following the Subaru Impreza’s design direction, the Forester features new headlights, a redesigned grille, and bolder character lines that flow into the tail lights for improved aerodynamics. The Forester’s styling gets more distinctive with its bespoke 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust and rugged-looking lower air dams. The new design ditches its predecessor’s famous hood scoop for a modern look.
Other features: Advanced technology for superior off-road ability
The new Forester is also equipped with ‘X-Mode’, which controls the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes, and other components in assisting drivers to navigate their way through different terrains. The X-Mode is supported by Hill Descent Control, which allows driver to maintain constant speed when driving downhill. The Forester’s impressive 8.7-inch ground clearance and long suspension travel add to the SUV’s off-road credentials.
The all-new Subaru Forester’s drivability is further enhanced with SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) that provides Intelligent, Sports and S# (Sports sharp) modes, allowing drivers to switch between varying levels of responsiveness and fuel efficiency.
Buyer’s guide: Powerful engine, advanced technologies and spacious interior
The new Forester comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty and is available in five colour options including Satin White Pearl, Jasmine Green Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica and a limited Burnished Bronze Metallic finish.
The all-new 2013 Subaru Forester 2.0XT is set to rival the likes of the
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
 Sport and the
2013 Mazda CX-5
. Standing out from its SUV rivals, the new Forester is fully-equipped with new technologies for increased safety and better off-road ability, along with exceptional drivetrain and a spacious cabin. With prices starting from RM199,800, it’s not an SUV we would call cheap; but for those who have practicality and performance in mind, the all-new 2013 Subaru Forester 2.0XT is one SUV you must consider buying.


Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri: No Saman, Go Straight To Court For 5 Offences

Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri will include five non-compoundable offences meaning no
saman
 and direct to court to settle!

When it comes to Hari Raya, one of its busiest travelling periods, the authorities only have
one thing on their minds
 - ensuring that all Malaysians get back to their '
kampung
' or destinations in one piece.

To ensure that everyone is safe on the road, The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will initiate
Ops
 Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where no fines will be given for five types of traffic offences but will instead have to be settled in court.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the offences would have to be resolved in court instead of fines being issued. The non-compoundable offences are:

Driving in the emergency lane

The use of mobile phone while driving

Failure to observe the red light at the traffic light

Queue jumping

Speeding

"A total of 2,200 enforcement members of the
Road Transport Department (JPJ)
 are involved in Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The main initiative of this operation is to reduce the rate of accidents on the road."

"During the Ops, we will also go undercover as express bus passengers and enforce station monitoring at 14 major locations along highways," said Ka Siong.

With the theme of "Pandu Cermat, Sampai Selamat", the integrated operation involves government and private collaborations, between JPJ, Police Force (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), Ministry of Works (KKR), Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), Civil Defense Force (APM), Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) and PLUS Expressways Berhad.

Ka Siong continued by saying that they will also carry out Pre-Hari Raya operations, where they will conduct express buses inspections throughout the country to ensure the roadworthiness of express buses.

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri pre-ops will take place between 25 to 28 April and will involve the inspection of express buses at 75 depots and 28 main bus terminals.


Preview: G28 BMW 330Li M Sport - The Longer And Roomier 3 Series Has Landed - Estimated RM300,800

BMW Malaysia has just unveiled and previewed the G28 2021 BMW 330Li M Sport, a locally assembled stretched-out BMW 3 Series. For now, the estimated price of the car is RM300k

In the many years of being ardent BMW followers, never would we have imagined the Munich-based outfit creating a
long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series
.

With cabin space being one of the final frontiers for most car manufacturers, we suppose a more spacious 3 Series makes good sense, which is why we now have the introduction of the
long-wheelbase
 BMW 3 Series in Malaysia.

BMW Malaysia say the new 2021 BMW 330Li M Sport empowers customers to explore "a new space in
sportiness
" in its compact executive sedan portfolio for the Malaysian market.

Malaysia's first-ever locally assembled long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series promises to deliver....well, more space, as it has an increased overall length of 4,819mm (+110) and an increased wheelbase length of 2,961mm (+110mm) compared to the BMW 330i M Sport. It is also accompanied by an increased height of 1,441mm (+6mm) relative to the 330i.

Apart from looking like an elongated BMW 330i M Sport, the interior is where most of the differences can be felt, especially in the rear. The new dimensions are reflected in an increase of 4mm in headroom and an additional 42mm legroom available for rear passengers compared to the BMW 330i M Sport - providing unparalleled spatial comfort and luxury, says BMW Malaysia.

However, boot space remains the same as the normal variant, coming in at 480 litres, but BMW says it has an improved storage compartment package that offers more stowage possibilities.

The interior of the 330Li M Sport does seem to come with a bit more class, coming with interior trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome furnishing the cabin.

In the cockpit, drivers are greeted with an M leather steering wheel and M-specific pedals. An automatic anti-dazzle function is also equipped for both interior and exterior mirrors and electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver.

Other interior highlights of the first-ever locally produced BMW 330Li M Sport are:

Velour floor mats.

Ambient lights with 11 predefined lighting designs.

Automatic air-conditioning with three-zone control.

A HiFi loudspeaker system for entertainment on the road.

Comfort Access System is also standard on the BMW 330Li M Sport.

The exterior is largely the same as the
G20 330i M Sport
, headlined by the iconic kidney grille which has black struts framed in chrome.

Other features that complete the exterior of the BMW 330Li M Sport are:

M Aerodynamics and M Sport Packages

A set of 18” M light-alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 848 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres

Double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design in the rear

Panorama glass roof

Welcome light carpet on both sides.

Safety and convenience wise, the BMW 330Li M Sport comes comprehensively equipped with:

Cruise Control with braking function

Parking Assistant with rearview mirror, and the BMW Active Pedestrian Safety system

Lane departure warning

Lane change warning

Front collision warning

Cross-traffic warning and rear collision prevention.

The Intelligent Emergency Call functionality also ensures live assistance and support are available at all times. Owners will also now be able to have greater digital interaction with the compact limousine via the new My BMW App that provides easy access to a wide range of remote services such as on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features.

The application will replace the BMW Connected App come July 2021, and is now available for download on both Android and iOS-enabled smartphones.

Powering the Li is BMW's B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, which is capable of producing a maximum output of 258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm. Power is transmitted via a Steptronic Sport transmission and acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in only 6.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds slower than the G20. Fuel consumption claims are marked at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Owners of the First-Ever locally-assembled BMW 330Li M Sport will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme

BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card

BMW Service Online

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Perodua Myvi Facelift 2022 Terima Penambahbaikan – Transmisi D-CVT, ASA 3.0

Raja lebuh raya
 serta jalan raya secara amnya di Malaysia,
King Myvi
 bakal menerima model facelift baharu dengan beberapa perubahan besar tidak lama lagi!

Perodua Myvi generasi ketiga
 mula diperkenalkan pada November 2017. Pada bulan hadapan,
model paling berjaya
 ini bakal memasuki usia 4 tahun dalam pasaran Malaysia. Kalau mengikut kitaran hidup sesebuah model kereta, kini merupakan masa yang paling sesuai untuk Perodua memperkenalkan
Myvi
facelift

bagi menggantikan model sedia ada.

*Model Konsep Perodua Myvi GT yang dipertontonkan di KLIMS 2018

Berdasarkan laporan yang diterima, Myvi
Facelift
2022 ini mungkin bakal dilancarkan seawal bulan hadapan (November). Meskipun perincian menyeluruh berkenaan Perodua Myvi
Facelift
2022 ini masih lagi misteri, namun difahamkan ada beberapa perubahan besar telah dilakukan pada Myvi
Facelift
2022 nanti. Persoalan berikutnya, apa yang baru?

Transmisi D-CVT

Antara perubahan terbesar pada Myvi
facelift
nanti adalah sistem transmisi yang berbeza daripada transmisi Myvi sebelum ini. Berdasarkan laporan yang diterima, transmisi 4-kelajuan automatik yang digunakan sebelum ini akan digantikan dengan transmisi
D-CVT
 bagi setiap varian. Ia merupakan transmisi yang sama digunakan pada
Perodua Ativa.

Selain itu, ada juga ura-ura mengatakan bahawa tiada lagi Myvi versi manual akan ditawarkan selepas ini. Memandangkan ia model
facelift
, tiada perubahan dari segi enjin dijangka akan berlaku pada Myvi tersebut.

Advance Safety Assist 3.0

Selain transmisi baharu, Myvi
facelift
juga bakal menerima sistem keselamatan canggih terbaru yang turut digunakan pada Perodua Ativa. Sistem
Advance Safety Assist (A.S.A.) 3.0
 akan menggantikan sistem
A.S.A 2.0
 yang digunakan pada Myvi sebelum ini. Dengan ini, ciri keselamatan pada Myvi ini dapat dipertingkat dan ciri keselamatan aktifnya boleh berfungsi pada kelajuan 120 km/j. Rujuk gambar di atas untuk mengetahui ciri keselamatan A.S.A. 3.0 yang ada pada Ativa.

*Model Konsep Perodua Myvi GT yang dipertontonkan di KLIMS 2018

Reka Bentuk

Benda utama yang anda boleh jangka pada model
facelift
ini nanti semestinya pada perbezaan reka bentuk luaran dan dalamannya yang telah dikemaskini. Mungkin akan ada sedikit kelainan pada bahagian bampar kereta, lampu kereta ataupun bahagian rim. Walau bagaimanapun, masih tiada maklumat rasmi dikeluarkan mengenai rupa bentuk Myvi
facelift
tersebut.

*Myvi S Edition untuk pasaran Brunei

Warna Baharu

Walaupun reka bentuknya masih menjadi misteri, namun dikhabarkan Perodua bakal memperkenalkan Myvi
Facelift
2022 dengan pilihan warna baharu iaitu
Cranberry Red
. Tetapi warna tersebut hanya ditawarkan untuk varian tertinggi Myvi, iaitu varian AV. Warna-warna sedia ada seperti
Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Granite Grey dan
Electric Blue
 masih akan ditawarkan pada Myvi ini.

Harga

Dengan segala penambah baikan yang diterima pada Myvi
Facelift
2022, harga yang ditawarkan bagi model ini juga bakal menyaksikan sedikit peningkatan. Tambah-tambah lagi dengan perubahan besar seperti pertukaran transmisi ke D-CVT. Ketika ini, harga Myvi berada di sekitar RM41,292 hingga RM52,697. Harga sebenar model
facelift
ini hanya akan diketahui ketika pelancarannya kelak.

Jika benar model
facelift
ini mungkin bakal dilancarkan seawal bulan hadapan, terdapat 4 varian yang akan ditawarkan iaitu varian enjin 1.3L (1.3 G) serta 3 varian enjin 1.5 liter iaitu X, H dan AV. Dari segi keselamatan, memang bagus kerana ada peningkatan memandangkan model Perodua Myvi ini memang terkenal dengan sifat kenakalan semulajadinya. Tetapi apa komen anda mengenai sistem transmisi D-CVT yang bakal digunakan pada Myvi tersebut?

Nampaknya industri automotif di Malaysia sudah mula sibuk ketika memasuki suku keempat tahun ini. Kerancakan ini juga dibantu dengan pengecualian cukai jualan kereta yang diberikan oleh kerajaan terhadap pembelian kereta baharu sehingga hujung tahun ini. Jika benar Myvi
facelift
 ini bakal dilancarkan pada bulan hadapan, bersediakah anda untuk menyambut kedatangan Raja Jalanan 2022?


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announces Continuation of Hybrid Exemption, No Price Increases for the Start of 2016

Good news for those who still has their eye fixed on Mercedes-Benz’s S400L Hybrid and E300 BlueTEC Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced that they have managed to receive an extension on import duty and excise tax exemptions for the two locally-assembled hybrid models. The S400L Hybrid is priced at RM598,888 whereas the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is priced at RM338,888.
“The locally produced hybrids are certainly a testament to the close cooperation between MBM and our local automotive stakeholders, in terms of both product and technological know-how," said MBM president and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner. “In our commitment to the Malaysian automotive market and our customers, we have invested in a sustainable manner into our production plant and have brought in the suitable technology geared to support the nation’s aspirations of becoming a hub for energy-efficient vehicles.”
Since 2003, MBM has invested over RM800 million to assemble, distribute, and market Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in Malaysia.
Originally the exemptions on import duty and excise tax for locally-assembled hybrids, under the 2014 National Automotive Policy, was set to expire at the end of 2015.
As reported earlier
, the company had applied for an extension on the tax exemptions last year,
though for how much longer would these tax exemptions be in place is not further elaborated.
Despite a number of car companies mulling price increases for 2016, MBM’s vice president of passenger car sales and marketing, Mark Raine, says that they will not increase the prices of their models across the board at the start of 2016, but will continue to monitor all influencing factors.
“In the interest of our customers we will continue to provide the best product experience and customer services at competitive prices,” added Raine.
The following is the price list of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia models as of 4th January 2016:
Model
Peninsular Malaysia Price (GST) w/o insurance (Private Reg.)
A-Class (CBU)

A200
RM196,888
A200 with AMG Line
RM203,888
A250 Sport
RM236,888
A45 AMG
RM343,888

CLA (CBU)

CLA200
RM233,888
CLA 45 AMG
RM396,888

B-Class (CBU)

B200
RM218,888

GLA (CBU)

GLA200
RM236,888
GLA250 4MATIC
RM266,888
GLA45 AMG
RM375,888

C-Class (CKD)

C200 with Avantgarde Line
RM248,888
C200 with Exclusive Line
RM252,888
C250 with AMG Line
RM287,888

C-Class (CBU)

Mercedes-AMG C63 S
RM698,888
Mercedes-AMG C63 S Edition 1
RM723,888
C250 Coupe with AMG Sports Package
RM384,888

E-Class (CKD)

E200 Edition E
RM364,888
E250 Edition E with AMG Line
RM403,888
E250 with Avantgarde Line
RM403,888
E300 BlueTEC Hybrid with AMG Line
RM338,888
E400 with AMG Line
RM490,888

E-Class (CBU)

E250 Coupe
RM428,888

CLS (CBU)

CLS400 Coupe
RM598,888

S-Class (CKD)

S400L Hybrid
RM598,888

S-Class (CBU)

S500L with AMG Sports Package
RM1,080,888

Mercedes-AMG GT S
RM1,125,888


Wanna Drive A Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse For 700KM? For Only RM42,728, You Can

Have you ever wondered what it is like to drive a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the fastest roadster in the world?

Well, you’re in luck because a company by the name of Global Racing Schools is offering a ‘Drive of a Lifetime’ package where you’ll get the chance to be fully acquainted with the 1200hp Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

Open to anyone from any country (Malaysia included), the package consists of a four-nights tour which includes accommodation and private tours of high-profile factories in Europe. More importantly, participants will have three days and roughly 700km with the car itself where they will be able to experience the full potential of the car.

This won’t just be a slow drive mind you because accompanying you will be four other amazing supercars –
Lamborghini
 Aventador,
Lamborghini
 Huracan,
Ferrari
 488 GTB (available after August), and
Mercedes
-AMG GT S.

However, the tour requires ten drivers so if you’re going alone, you’d probably be consolidated with other groups who are interested to go on the tour as well. That is unless you can find nine other driver interested in which case, the company is flexible on the tour dates. Also, you'll have to source your own flight tickets to get to the starting point of the tour.

The itinerary of the tour is as follows:

Day 1

Arriving by flight in Stuttgart, participants are ferried by a Mercedes-Benz S-Class limo to spend the night in the five-star Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten.

Day 2

In the morning, participants will be brought on a private guided tour to either the Porsche or Mercedes-Benz museum. They will then be brought to Baden Baden to be briefed on the car before undertaking a one-hour “warm up” 80km drive. They will then spend the night at the five-star Brenners Park Hotel.

Day 3

This is where the excitement starts. A full day, 250km drive through the forest trails and mountain passes of the Black Forest, crossing the Rhine into Switzerland and on to the IWC watch factory, for a private guided tour. The drive then continues to Lake Constance, where participants will spend the night at the five-star Hotel Riva.

Day 4

The next league of the tour sees a 300km drive back to Baden Baden which first follows a stretch of the de-restricted German Autobahn where you can really put the hammer down in the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, bringing it up to over 408 km/h. From there, it is a scenic route with a stopover for lunch at a three-star Michelin restaurant before spending the night back at Brenners Park Hotel

Day 5

This is the saddest part of the tour as you bid farewell to the Veyron with a 100km drive around the Black Forest. After lunch, you will be transferred by limo back to Stuttgart and that marks the end of the tour.

The price for this amazing experience? 11,000 euros (RM42,728) per person. However, when you consider that almost everything is provided in the tour and you get the chance to drive five highly exotic supercars in Europe, some might argue that it is quite the bargain. Interested?


Toyota Mark X To Return With Mazda's Straight Six Engine And Rear-Wheel Drive Platform

Earlier in April, Toyota announced that it has performed the last rites for the Toyota Mark X. The world paid its respect, and grumbled that yet another rear-wheel drive sedan is bowing out as consumers migrate towards crossovers and SUVs. The enthusiast driver is a dying breed.
The Mark X was predominantly sold in Japan, although it’s also available in small markets like Hong Kong. Despite being not officially sold here, the Mark X nameplate is familiar among enthusiasts as many units found their way to Malaysia via grey imports.
The Mark X was also sold in China as the Reiz. It’s best known as the preeminent Japanese sports sedan and the Mark GRMN was also available with a 6-speed manual, mechanical parking brake included.
Now, it seems that the Mark X is merely taking a temporary leave of absence. The rumour mill in Japan is churning strongly, with several sources suggesting that Toyota will return to the segment with Mazda’s assistance.
Recall earlier in May this year when
Mazda announced
 that it is investing into a platform for a large, rear-wheel drive sedan powered by an inline six-cylinder engine – available in both as a petrol and diesel. The latter suggests that sales in Europe are part of the plan.
Prior to the announcement, Mazda has already previewed the Vision Coupe sedan concept, which we have
confirmed to be rear-wheel driven
.
The keen driver in us rejoiced but at the same time, we also wondered how Mazda is going to pull it off. It has been fairly well understood that sedan buyers are diminishing while SUVs/crossovers are gaining in popularity. Apart from the minority of keen drivers, most consumers don’t care if their vehicle is front- or rear-wheel driven.
The latest rumour suggests Toyota is the answer. Mazda will co-develop the sedan with Toyota, thus spreading the cost over a wider base and increasing the chances of the project’s commercial viability.
Over the last five years, Toyota and Mazda have forged closer alliance and both companies’ now cross-own shares in each other’s company.
The longitudinal Mazda engine in question is rumoured to be a 3.0-litre six-cylinder but a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (most certainly with SkyActiv-X technology) will also be available, also driving the rear wheels. An all-wheel drive variant will also be offered.
While the both companies will share the same mechanicals and underpinnings, each car will have its own distinct styling. Not just that, the two brands will have their own distinct interior, thus avoiding the same result as the BMW Z4/Toyota Supra project.
As both Toyota and Mazda share the same Japanese heritage, the working relationship should be easier than Toyota’s experience with BMW.
The rumour also says that the partnership could be extended to the Lexus IS and RC. Mazda’s intentions to move upmarket have been well publicised and a Mazda-Toyota co-developed Lexus IS could give Mazda the entry point to the premium segment.
The co-developed Lexus RC might also finally allow Mazda to realise its dream of making a successor to the Mazda RX-7/RX-8, last previewed as the
Mazda RX Vision
.
The BMW 3 Series rivalling Lexus IS is overdue for a replacement while the Lexus RC competes in a segment that’s fast becoming unprofitable, just like sedans.
BMW has discontinued the 6 Series and repositioned its successor, the 8 Series to be closer to a Porsche 911. Audi has culled its R8 and TT and the future of the A6 Coupe doesn’t look promising. The E-Class Coupe will continue until this generation ends but beyond that, it's hard to say.
Where the Germans are giving up on engines and exiting the small enthusiast cars market to focus on electric and driverless cars, President Akio Toyoda and the band of non-conformist keen drivers at Mazda will continue to fly the flag for the minority of enthusiast drivers. The next decade will be an interesting one.
Click
here
 to get the best deals for new Toyota vehicles.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Strengthens Presence In East Coast With New Kuantan Autohaus

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and dealer partner Asbenz Stern Sdn Bhd, launched the Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Autohaus in Pahang yesterday.
The 3S centre, which is staffed by 8 sales and 12 Customer Services personnel, is equipped with 10 work bays and an inspection bay with the capability to service up to approximately 250 vehicles per month.
With a total display capacity of seven vehicles, the Asbenz Stern Autohaus and Service Centre, which occupy built-up areas of 3,860 sq ft and 13,496 sq ft respectively, are designed with the distinguished Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept and the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI).
The Autohaus also comes equipped with the interactive I-Showroom feature. With a swipe of a finger, customers have the freedom to explore and learn more about the latest Mercedes-Benz products and promotions at their own pace.
Through the new establishment, Asbenz Stern aims to develop the untapped market in Kuantan and further establish the Mercedes-Benz brand in the East Coast.
This includes providing premium brand experience in retail and customer services to a growing Mercedes-Benz fan base, and more job opportunities for the local community to pursue within the Mercedes-Benz network.
“Today, together with our dealer partner, Asbenz Stern, we further underline our commitment to the East Coast region. The Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Autohaus demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our customer touchpoints nationwide, delivering to our customers the Best Products and Best Customer Experience,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
“Asbenz now stands proud as a multi-location authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer from our beginnings in Sungai Petani with Asbenz Motors to this milestone now, Asbenz Stern in Kuantan. We are ready to demonstrate ‘Nothing but the Best’ in our commitment to our customers, in line with the Mercedes-Benz brand promises of Best Products and the Best Customer Experience,” said Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Goh Chuan Kiong.
Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd’s partnership with Mercedes Benz began in May 2004 with its first Mercedes-Benz authorised Autohaus offering Sales and Customer Services in Sungai Petani, Kedah. Asbenz Stern is a group expansion into the East Coast backed by on-ground experience and understanding of operations in both Kuantan and the East Coast. To date, approximately RM5 million has been invested by MBM and Asbenz Stern in the development of this Kuantan Autohaus and Service Centre.
While the Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Autohaus Showroom is located at Jalan Tun Ismail 1, Kuantan, Pahang, the service centre is located at the Batu 3 Industrial Area, Jalan Gambang, Kuantan.


What's this? A Nissan Z SUV?

Nissan Z SUV revealed and will be presented at the upcoming 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon.

With SUVs taking over the world, it's no surprise that more and more iconic nameplates are being conceptualised as a high-riding vehicle.

The latest iconic nameplate to receive the SUV treatment is the
Nissan Z
, and the creation will be presented next month at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon.

However, the Nissan Z SUV is not technically built by Nissan, as it was created by students of Nissan's Automobile Technical College, Japan.

The concept is called the Nissan Fairlady X, and it was built by students who are learning how to repair crash damage and modify cars. According to Motorauthority, the Z SUV concept is based on Nissan's 2nd-gen Murano which debuted in 2009, and integrates design elements borrowed from the latest 2023 Z sports car.

The
Nissan Murano
 was chosen as the base of the project due to having similar width to the new Z, and the students have done a pretty good job of integrating the Z's styling with the Murano's SUV, including the challenge of reducing panel gaps to a factory-like level.

Nissan's technical college, which helps educate the next generation of automotive talents, has five campuses, and the Aichi and Kyoto campuses were primarily responsible for the Fairlady X project. According to Motorauthority, the students from the two campuses also built a Serena minivan with styling based on the Cedric sedan.


Ford Celebrates Heritage Month With Promotions, Up To RM10k In Rebates

Ford, along with their local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) are celebrating their official Heritage Month by offering a slew of cash rebates for its most popular vehicles as well as other promotional items and deals.
In a promotion that spans all
Ford
 dealerships until June 15, Ford is offering rebates of up to RM10,000 for its
Focus
 and up to RM8,000 for its
EcoSport
 and
Fiesta
.
In addition to the rebates themselves, Ford is including extra Ford Heritage goodies such as a cap and umbrella as well as a Ford ST sports bag (for Focus, EcoSport, Fiesta,
Fiesta ST
,
Mondeo
,
S-Max
,
Kuga
 customers). For the
Ranger
, however, a limited G-Shock Ranger watch is on offer.
These extras all complement Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP) nicely, which lets owners have one less thing to worry about by offering a three year or 60,000km maintenance programme at no extra charge.
It also includes Ford’s aftersales service which constitutes a free multipoint inspection by a Ford’s team of certified technicians as well as a 15 percent discount off Motorcraft and Castrol engine oils and filters which is valid through all of June 2015 and applies to all Ford models.
“Since the first Ford vehicles were distributed in Malaysia in 1909, customer satisfaction has always been our top priority. Heritage Month continues this tradition by rewarding customers as we welcome them into our Ford family,” said David Westerman, managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.
You can find out more about the Ford Heritage Month and the promotions that that entails by visiting
www.ford.com.my