Ban Repeat Traffic Offenders From Driving Heavy Commercial Vehicles!

A call has been made to punish employers who do not ensure their employees are fit to drive their vehicles.

While countries like Britain are banning drivers for excessive speeding, in Malaysia, we continue to let them be on the road, despite repeated traffic offences.

Punish those who are not responsible

This is, of course, related to the call by Alliance of Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who proposed that the government should look into ways to punish employers who failed to ensure employees were fit to drive their vehicles.

Photo credit: thesundaily

This plea was made after the former Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman asked, "Why was a person with 22 traffic summonses allowed to drive? Shouldn't his licence be suspended or revoked?"

He was referring to the accident that
killed five Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah students
 in Perak recently, where a trailer crashed into the car carrying the students.

Accident involving 5 students and a trailer in Perak

Photo credit: Sinar Harian

"The authorities should look into banning an individual from driving (
heavy commercial vehicles
) if the person is a repeat offender or has accumulated several summonses," said Lee, as reported by New Straits Times.

The trailer driver had 22 summons to his name. Of the total, 21 had been settled, including eight for speeding offences.

Another question that Lee asked was, "Why can't the employer be held responsible? Employers should also do their part to improve road safety. Adopting a
tidak apa
 (couldn't care less) attitude is not right."

He used Shell as an example of a responsible employer, as they ensured trailer drivers were well-paid, had enough rest between trips, and were trained, fit and qualified.

Road safety requires a combination of many different factors

Lee continued by saying that improved road safety requires a combination of many different factors, including road engineering, enforcement of laws and the human factor.

"Everywhere in the world, the human factor is the most important element. Therefore, apart from the driver's attitude, we must check whether drivers have enough rest or are under the influence of unhealthy substances."

"We must also check the stress level of drivers, especially during traffic congestion, and what causes drivers to lose concentration. Despite being told so many times, there are still drivers who use handphones while driving. I once saw a driver using his tablet while driving," he said to New Straits Times.

Lack of enforcement also causes accidents

Lee also commented that there is a
lack of solid enforcement in Malaysia
, which is one reason why there are high accident rates in the country.

"We have many laws and regulations with strict penalties. But enforcement is very weak. There will be fewer accidents if people comply with traffic laws with strict enforcement," he said.

Road safety expert Associate Professor Dr Rozmi Ismail also agreed with Lee as he said that there were enough laws on traffic offences, but enforcement was lacking.

"It is not that the laws are not a deterrent. On the contrary, our laws are almost on a par with international standards."

"Despite having strict laws, there is an element of
kesian
 (sympathy) in enforcement. For example, instead of sending a traffic offender to prison for failure to pay a summons, enforcers allow reduced fines instead."

"The cycle will not stop since the younger generation will not see the laws as a deterrent," said Rozmi, an expert in traffic psychology, social psychology, research methodology and experimental psychology.

Malaysia ranked 8th most dangerous country to drive in

Rozmi also took the opportunity to comment on the survey carried out by Zutobi - which ranked Malaysia as the 8th most dangerous country to drive in. He said the study's findings were "
scary
" and inaccurate as the survey weighed the number of road fatalities.

"Unlike Western countries, one of the most common modes of transport in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, are motorcycles. As a result, out of 10 road fatalities in the country, seven of them may
involve the rider or pillion rider of a motorcycle
."

"In most Western countries, most people there drive cars and rarely use motorcycles."

"Perhaps the government should consider banning motorcycles from roads except those in e-hailing services and others involved in delivery work after 8 pm."


Tokyo 2017: Nissan Serena e-Power – Electric-Driven, But Not Really Electric-Powered

Nissan has unveiled an electric-driven variant of the
C27 Serena
, dubbed the Serena e-Power, at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show. It is the second Nissan model after the Note to receive Nissan’s e-Power electric drive system.
To recap, the C27 Serena was launched in 2016 and it is actually a successor model of the C26 Serena currently on sale in Malaysia as the Serena S-Hybrid.
The electric drive propelling the Serena e-Power is a series hybrid system, consisting of a small petrol engine that serves to charge the battery, which in turn supplies electricity to the electric motor that powers the wheels. No performance or output numbers have been disclosed.
More information and images about the
Nissan E-Power can be found here
, where the company debut the powertrain solution in the Nissan Note e-Power
The petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly and thus operates purely as a generator. Calling it a range extender is, therefore, inaccurate, as without a recharging port provided, the petrol engine remains wholly responsible for generating electricity for the batteries.
This setup, Nissan states in its release, ‘eliminates the need for an external charger’, though what this really means in practice is that you now have an EV that you have to refuel with petrol to keep moving.
Externally, the Serena e-Power features a blue-accented badge on its grille, custom LED tail lights, and aerodynamic aluminium alloy wheels as differentiation cues with regular versions of the Serena.
Inside, second-row passengers perch themselves in individual captain seats, also finished with blue accents.
Among the many features to be offered in the Serena e-Power will be the latest iteration of Nissan’s ProPilot autonomous driving system for single-lane highway use.
The Serena e-Power is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in spring 2018.


Tak Ambil Insurans Banjir – Apa Pilihan Pengguna Proton X50 Yang Terkesan?

Jika
Proton X50
 yang tidak dilindungi insurans bencana alam telah
ditenggelami banjir
 sepenuhnya, apakah pilihan yang boleh dibuat oleh pemilik untuk menyelesaikan masalah tersebut?

Berdasarkan sebuah hantaran di Facebook
Proton X50 Community Malaysia (PX50CM)
, seorang pemilik Proton X50 bernama Norita Bachok kini runsing ekoran kereta yang baru diguna selama empat bulan telah ditenggelami air banjir yang melanda kawasannya pada Disember 2021.

Kos Baik Pulih Cecah RM60,000

Lebih menyedihkan, Proton X50 tersebut dikhabarkan telah tenggelam sepenuhnya selama 2 hari. Ketika ini, beliau masih buntu sama ada baik pulih di Proton sahaja atau hantar sahaja kereta ini ke tempat
kereta scrap
 ekoran tiada bengkel luar yang boleh baiki serta kereta itu tidak dilindungi
insurans banjir
.

*Kredit video: Norita Bachok

Menurut Norita, kos baik pulih keseluruhan kereta itu mencecah RM60,000 manakala pengusaha
kereta scrap
 hanya menawarkan sebanyak RM10,000 bagi SUV segmen-B ini. Sekiranya tersangkut di dalam situasi ini, apa pilihan yang mereka ada untuk keluar dari masalah ini?

Hantar Ke Proton

Di atas kertas, pilihan utama yang paling mudah untuk masalah ini adalah dengan menghantar sahaja kereta tersebut di pusat servis Proton untuk mendapatkan ketenangan minda. Ini kerana rata-rata juruteknik Proton sudah biasa dengan selok belok Proton X50 ini berbanding bengkel di luar.

Walau bagaimanapun, kos baik pulih yang mempunyai nilai sama dengan sebuah
Perodua Myvi 2022
 itu bukanlah murah bagi kebanyakan rakyat Malaysia. Walaupun jalan ini merupakan jalan yang terbaik, namun tak semua orang berkemampuan.

Kalau boleh, bincanglah dengan pusat servis terlebih dahulu dan baik pulih yang wajib sahaja asalkan kereta boleh jalan. Mungkin kos yang dikenakan akan lebih murah berbanding RM60,000.

*Kredit foto: Autoworld Experience Workshop

Hantar Ke Bengkel Luar

Selain itu, kebanyakan pengguna X50 yang lain juga mencadangkan supaya pemilik yang terkesan untuk terus mencari bengkel luar yang mahu membaiki X50 tersebut kerana:

Waranti sudah pun terbatal akibat banjir

Bengkel luar mungkin tidak mengenakan caj semahal pusat servis berdaftar

Segala kerosakan yang disebabkan alam semula jadi tidak akan dilindungi oleh waranti Proton. Sama seperti yang belaku pada pemilik Perodua Ativa banjir tempoh hari, pemilik itu menerima kenyataan rasmi daripada pihak Perodua bahawa kereta banjir memang akan
terbatal warantinya
, cuma alat ganti yang ditukar sahaja akan diberikan waranti selama enam bulan.

Walau bagaimanapun, agak susah untuk mereka mencari bengkel luar yang mahu ambil X50 banjir untuk dibaiki. Ini kerana kesukaran mendapatkan alat ganti sah yang menerima
pensijilan E-Mark
 untuk digunakan pada kenderaan di Malaysia.

Ini kerana alat ganti yang dibekalkan di China tidak mempunyai E-mark kerana bukan dibina untuk Malaysia. Jika pesanan dibuat terus kepada Proton, syarikat kereta nasional itu sendiri sedang menghadapi masalah kekurangan alat ganti buat masa ini.

Namun Kementerian Pengangkutan sudah mengambil maklum mengenai isu ini dan bakal mengadakan sesi perbincangan selanjutnya dengan industri perniagaan bagi membincangkan isu-isu semasa yang timbul berkaitan industri automotif dan alat ganti kenderaan.

*Kredit foto: Altoros

Jual Lerai

Daripada terus hantar ke tempat kereta scrap atau kereta lusuh, orang ramai juga menasihati Norita agar meleraikan alat ganti serta komponen kereta untuk dijual secara berasingan kepada pengguna Proton X50 lain.

Tindakan itu mungkin akan mendapat sambutan hangat ekoran Proton X50 memang terkenal dengan kesukaran mendapatkan komponen alat ganti sejak tahun lalu lagi. Namun sebagai seorang wanita yang tidak begitu arif tentang kereta, Norita dinasihatkan untuk mengupah mana-mana mekanik atau bengkel yang sanggup untuk meleraikan komponen keretanya untuk dijual.

*Kredit foto:
Membeli kereta scrap dan besi buruk

Hantar Scrap

Menghantar kereta ke tempat kereta lusuh/scrap ini merupakan jalan terakhir yang boleh dilakukan oleh pemilik yang terkesan. Mana taknya, bayangkan kereta yang baru dibeli mencecah
RM100,000
 hanya akan dibeli oleh pengusaha kereta scrap sebanyak
RM10,000
 sahaja.

Walaupun jalan ini jauh lebih mudah, namun ia kemungkinan besar memberi lebih kerugian kepada pengguna yang masih perlu membayar lebihan pinjaman kereta.

Kesimpulan

Apa pun pilihan yang dibuat oleh pengguna X50 yang terkesan dengan banjir, buatlah kira-kira yang teliti dan berbincanglah bersama keluarga serta rakan-rakan sebelum membuat keputusan. Sudah tentulah apa jalan sekalipun, pemilik tetap akan menanggung kerugian. Yang paling penting, pastikan kos kerugian berada di tahap minima.

Bagi mereka yang tidak terkesan dan masih belum mengambil insurans tambahan bencana alam, eloklah berbuat demikian supaya perkara ini tidak menimpa anda.
Jika anda ada pilihan lain selain daripada yang dinyatakan, kongsikan dengan kami di bahagian komen. Semoga semuanya dipermudahkan!


Mercedes-AMG GT GT3 Is A Track Monster To Be Very Afraid Of

To all good things, an end, they say. And so, the SLS AMG GT3 racer that proved quite the hit in the FIA’s GT3 racing series will have to make way for a new kind of monster from the AMG skunk works. This. Is. It. Almost…
Teased by the carmaker, here is a first glimpse of yet another exciting car lined up for to debut at the coming Geneva Motor Show, the
Mercedes
-AMG GT3. From what we understand, Mercedes-AMG aren’t too happy about calling the car a “GT3”, with its boss Tobias Moers saying previously that that’s a title reserved for another carmaker (referring to Porsche’s 911 GT3 in his interview with Autocar).
Despite its name, this track-focused variant of the AMG GT will be prepped for battle in the FIA’s GT3 racing series, adhering entirely to the required specifications for competition.
The AMG GT3 – if we could call it that for now – will compete against the Bentley Continental GT3, Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, Lamborghini Huracan GT3, McLaren 650S GT3 and more in the various FIA GT3 series around the globe.
More to come, at Geneva. But... that grille... Mmmmm.


DS5 Makes Official Malaysian Debut; RM200k, 1.6 Turbo, 163hp

Citroen’s premium spin-off sub-brand DS has made its official entry into Malaysia with the official launching of the all-new DS5 D-segment flagship. The vehicle is devoid of any Citroen badging to establish the DS brand’s standalone identity.
A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine equips the DS5 with 163hp and 240Nm, which it deploys to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the DS5 a claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100km and CO
2
 emissions of 135 g/km.
This sole 1.6 Turbo variant of the DS5 is priced at RM198,888 on-the-road with insurance.
In a segment typically populated by conservatively-styled sedans, the DS5 carries a more adventurous hatchback profile. A noteworthy design feature is the distinctive chromed blades that sweep backwards from the headlights along the edge of the front bonnet.
Key features available in the DS5 are as follows:
Auto xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights
Side mirror-mounted signal lights
Auto wipers
Touchscreen infotainment with phone mirror link
Denon Hi-Fi Audio: 6 speakers, subwoofer in boot
USB, iPod, Bluetooth connectivity
Dual zone air-conditioning
Heads-up display
Keyless entry, engine start button
Electric front seat adjustment with memory
Parking sensors: front and rear
Electronic parking brake
18-inch alloy wheels
6 airbags
ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Electronic stability control
The DS5 is offered with a selection of five exterior colours – Artense Grey, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Encre, Pearl White, and Whisper Purple. Customers can also choose between two different cabin colours – Basalt black and Sand Beige.
Aftersales of the DS5 is covered by a 5-year / 120,000km warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance. Owners also get exclusive access to the Naza Sky Lounge at Subang Airport.


JPJ Considers Making Child Seats Mandatory In 2017

The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) is mulling on a proposal to make the use of child seats in cars compulsory in 2017, reports The Sun.
According to the news daily, JPJ is going to propose for an amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987 to regulate the use of child restraints system (CRS), which the daily says is expected to be enforced in 2017.
The news daily also said that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) have been tasked to conduct a feasibility study in implementing the above.
It quoted a senior government official as saying that children aged one to four were involved in 43.8 percent of accidents, while the figure for children aged five to nine was 30.2 percent.
He also added that with proper use of child seats, road fatalities involving infants could be reduced by 70 percent.
At the same time, it was also mentioned that parents should only buy child seats from renowned brands that comply with the necessary regulation – citing a test done by MIROS involving a RM30 pocket-type child/toddler seat, which failed a crash test done at 40 km/h.
MIROS’ crash specialist Yahaya Ahmad told The Sun that parents should look out for child seats with an orange sticker label indicating its compliance to the United Nations R44 specifications, adding that 80 percent of child and toddler seats sold in the country meets this specification.
While we do applaud JPJ’s initiative, we do wonder how effective the enforcement would be.
Realistically speaking, cars in Malaysia are too expensive relative to the income of many families. Given our poor public transport infrastructure, it is a common sight to see young families holding their children on a motorcycle. A car, with or without a child seat, is already considered a step-up in terms of safety.
Also, child seats are not cheap. Car-savvy parents who have tried shopping for child seats will know how expensive a proper rear-facing ISOFIX-compatible child seat is, and how difficult it is to buy one at a regular child seat shop.
We also remember that rear seat belts have been made mandatory since 1-January 2009 but data from the Ministry of Transport show that only
7 to 9 percent
 of of people buckle up in the rear, due to poor enforcement.
Surely enforcing a new regulation on child seats is going to be even more challenging. Before a law on child seats is enforced, we think it is equally important to address the issue of the affordability of child seats.


Fuel Price Update: May 2017 Week 4

The upward trend for fuel prices continues, as motorists in Malaysia need to pay more for petrol and diesel from tomorrow.
New prices below:
RON95 - RM2.12 (up 4 sen from RM2.08)
RON97 - RM2.40 (up 4 sen from RM2.36)
Diesel - RM2.03 (up 4 sen from RM1.99)
Via:
KPDNKK


The Volvo P1800 Cyan is the Sexiest Thing You'll See Today

Cyan Racing, the reigning triple World Touring Car Champions, has revealed the Volvo P1800 Cyan, an interpretation of the iconic Volvo sports car from the sixties, and boy does it look smashing!

The car is engineered by the team behind the first world title-winning Volvo race car and the Volvo C30 Polestar Concept Prototype.

While creating the Volvo P1800 Cyan, the team behind it decided to treat the design and engineering of this sixties icon with care, moving it forward delicately.

An interesting fact about the Volvo P1800 Cyan is that there are no driver aids to distort the driving experience, meaning no stability control, ABS or brake booster.

The P1800 Cyan here, which started life as a 1964 Volvo P1800, has actually been refined and reinforced utilising high-strength steel and carbon fibre.

Powering the car is a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is based on the same engine used in the world title-winning Volvo S60 TC1 race car, producing 420 horsepower and 455Nm of torque, with a redline at 7700 rpm.

Although the engine is turbocharged, it is developed to deliver a linear power and torque curve with the characteristics of a normally aspirated engine. The engine character is designed to deliver a driving experience akin to the sixties but with increased performance and precision.

A five-speed bespoke Holinger gearbox has been selected to carry the mechanical feeling of the original Volvo P1800, but with greater gear change precision and capability of handling the increased torque.

The original Volvo P1800 live rear axle is replaced with a Cyan-designed independent rear suspension.

A key part to the engaging rear-wheel drive experience is the torque-biasing limited slip differential. The differential is mounted in a Holinger housing with unique gears in order to combine capable performance on a circuit with civilised behaviour for road use.

The fully adjustable front and rear suspension feature bespoke lightweight components, including aluminium uprights, double wishbones and two-way adjustable dampers with Cyan hydraulics.

Last but not least, the carbon fibre-reinforced chassis is connected to the road with 18" forged rims with Pirelli P Zero 235/40 tyres at the front and 265/35 at the rear.

How is that for a package?


Spyshot: 2016 Proton Perdana on Federal Highway

It’s a hot Wednesday afternoon here in the Klang Valley. We were on our way back to the office from lunch along the KL-bound stretch of the Federal Highway near the iconic Angkasapuri building when we were overtaken by a pair of heavily camouflaged vehicles carrying trade plates.
Judging from two vehicles’ distinctive rear quarter glass as well as its sheer size, it was quite obvious that we were looking at prototypes of the soon to be launched 2016 Proton Perdana which, as we know, is mechanically derived from the previous-generation
Honda Accord
.
Despite the comprehensive camo, the Perdana’s distinctive rising shoulder line and door handles inherited from the Accord are obvious, as is the outline of its tail lamp cluster that is entirely re-designed by
Proton
.
We also get a clear look of the rim design fitted to the trailing car, which appear to be 17-inch items, suggesting that this is likely to be the 2.4-litre model.
The Perdana, to recap, will be powered by the same four-cylinder i-VTEC engines as offered in the previous Accord, displacing 2.0 and 2.4 litres.
Bookings for the Perdana
 has been open since February 2016. No launch date has been officially committed by Proton.


MITI: Higher Quality National Vehicles Will Help Export Industry

The Ministry Of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has said that in order for local car makers to boost sales overseas, they need to increase the quality of their vehicles and price them more competitively.
In a response to a question by Datuk Adam Hamid in the Dewan Negara yesterday, MITI Minister Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed said, "If the pricing is competitive and the quality is good, people will buy. We cannot force people to buy our cars.”
He added that only 20,000 local cars were sold to Asean countries last year and mentioned, "To be honest, we have not fully succeeded in the vehicle industry in terms of Asean trade.”
Datuk Adam had asked if vehicle manufacturers in the country could take the opportunity of the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC) to increase sales,
The Star
 reported.
A breakdown of the 20,000 locally manufactured cars which were exported last year revealed that 7,000 of the amount were
Mazda
 cars. Most of the cars were sold to Thailand, while a small amount of
Perodua
 cars were exported to Indonesia and other Asean member countries.
As a comparison, Datuk Seri Mustapha said, "Malaysia manufactured 650,000 cars while Thailand manufactured two million cars and sold half of them overseas.”
He cited various reasons for this occurrence including Thailand’s open policy where incentives and ownership is given to the companies, and there is no limit to ownership, unlike in Malaysia. Another factor was the Non-Tariff Barriers that meant Asean countries are able to freely sell their cars in member countries having to pay for import duty but only for the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and excise duty.
Yesterday,
Proton Holdings Bhd Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad posted a sarcastic response
 to CEO of the Malaysian Automotive Institute, Madani Sahari’s statement that liberalising the local automotive industry would benefit local consumers and allow the industry to further explore the export market.


This Year's Volkswagen Fest Will Preview The All-electric VW ID.4

The upcoming Volkswagen Fest will not only feature live music, classic Volkswagens as well as games but also the first official appearance of the all-electric VW ID.4 in Malaysia.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the return of Volkswagen Fest, an all-out festival where music, culture and everything Volkswagen is celebrated over a period of two days.

Taking place at the Sentul Depot, Kuala Lumpur, on the 15th and 16th of October, the festival promises to be even bigger than before, with a stellar line up of activities for fans of the brand.

This year's festival has something extra special installed as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia will be previewing
the all-electric VW ID.4,
 ahead of its launch in the near future.

The VW ID.4 is Volkswagen’s
first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV.
 It is built on Volkswagen’s
MEB electric vehicle architecture
 which marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value.

A couple of VW ID.4s has been spotted in Malaysia this year, but it was unclear whether those particular units belonged to VPCM. The ID.4, which won the 2021 World Car Of The Year can be had in various configurations, but the ones spotted in Malaysia seemed to be the Pro variant, which has an EPA-estimated range of 443 kilometres.

The ID.4 Pro is equipped with a 77kWh battery pack that powers a rear electric motor, rated at 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque. It has a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h.

The ID.4 can be charged with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast-charging capability. All ID.4 models are equipped with a CCS (Combined Charging System) socket, which allows for both home and public charging. The 11 kW onboard charger allows the ID.4 to charge to full in as little as seven and a half hours at a home or public Level 2 charger.

If you want to see it and bask yourself in all things Volkswagen, make sure you visit Volkswagen Fest. Not only will you get to see the ID.4, but you will also be able to view a myriad of classic Volkswagen, enjoy a range of live performances – from a battle of the bands to freestyle football displays – and the Volkswagen Driving Academy, where juniors can earn their very first driver’s license.

Attendees will also be able to test drive Volkswagen’s range of units, from the sleek and powerful Arteon, the Golf – the hottest hatch in town, or any of the space giants from the #SUVW Tiguan family.

Opening hours are:

⦁    10am - 10pm (Saturday, 15th October)

⦁    10am - 8pm (Sunday, 16th October)


Ministry: Implementation Of Cleaner Euro 4M Ron 95 Cannot Be Further Delayed

Petrol refineries and stations in Malaysia must offer RON 95 petrol with Euro 4M specifications by January 2020, and there is no freedom to postpone the implementation.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, Minister in the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, said the government initially planned to introduce the mass-market fuel with lower sulphur content late last year.
“However,
the postponement on the use of RON 95 Euro 4M
 will not be delayed longer because the country is bound by the international commitment that requires us to contribute to a healthier environment,” said Datuk Seri Saifuddin when responding to the press at a recent launch event of new fuel.
The minister also said the new government could not implement RON 95 fuel with Euro 4M specifications by October 2018 as the new Pakatan Harapan cabinet was focusing on national development and people’s well-being.
To recap, Euro 4M specifications dictate a sulphur content (50 ppm) of 10 times lower than the current Euro 2M (500 ppm). A reduction in sulphur content improves the exhaust catalyst efficiency and ultimately produces cleaner emissions and thus better air quality.
Consumers nonetheless can still contribute to cleaner exhaust emissions through the usage of RON 97 fuel, which has already been updated to Euro 4M specifications since September 2015.
Petrol prices this week are RM1.98 per litre for RON 95 and RM2.28 per litre for RON 97, with an update scheduled for every Saturday.


Mercedes-Benz Unveils 2016 Concept X-Class Pickup Truck

Mercedes-Benz Vans – the division mostly responsible the firm’s load-hauler Sprinter and Metris models, has stunned the world with its super snazzy Concept X-Class medium-sized pickup truck, seen for the first time in the flesh at the introduction in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class aims to package the style, and premium appointments synonymous with the Tri-Star badge with the rugged and functional capability of a truck, whether on or off the road.
This is characterized, in the
Jekyll and Hyde
 nature of the two design variants of the Concept X-Class:
The Stylish Explorer
 – distinguishes the key attributes of design, presence, and engineering that is commonly associated with the Mercedes-Benz logo.
Exterior: Painted in white metallic, to make a stylish statement in its segment and in the urban environment. The athletic design lends the concept a dynamic appearance. The distinctive front features an imposing power dome on the bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings. 22-inch light-alloy wheels with a contrasting anthracite chrome finish dress up the flanks while running boards are integrated into the bodywork. The rear of both concept cars sports chromed SUV trim at the lower edge and a continuous LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate.
Interior: The interior will be appointed with brown, natural Nubuck leather on the seats, which is also found on the dashboard, combined with white Nappa leather elsewhere in the cabin. The trim is made of open-pore smoked oak and contrasts with the brushed and polished aluminum trim elements.
The Powerful Adventurer
– illustrates that the future X-Class will possess all the strengths of a classic pickup – tough, functional, and strong off-road capability.
Exterior: It towers at a height of 1.90 meters. Large 35-inch wheels contribute to a huge ground clearance. The marque's signature two louvre grille, front and rear underride guard, wing claddings, and matte carbon wheel arches underscore its off-road credentials. An electric winch is installed at the front and the car is finished in a Lemonax metallic exterior paint finish.
Interior: The outside is paired glossy black Nappa leather and the use of carbon-style black embossed leather surfaces on the inside. The seat side bolsters are trimmed with black leather that offers extremely good grip and support during off-road driving.
Customers of the X-Class will be able to choose from different equipment packages to customise the exterior and interior. In addition, Mercedes-Benz also plans to develop a special range of accessories for the X-Class pickup, for example, bed covers and various styling elements.
The five-seater 1-ton pickup truck will expand Mercedes-Benz Vans’ product range with a fourth model series, and on the same trot, Mercedes-Benz will become the first premium manufacturer to occupy the promising segment of mid-size pickups.
Daimler AG claims investments of “high nine figures” (euro) have been spent on development and have announced a late 2017 launch date. The X-Class’ key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe. But whilst the X-Class rides on the Nissan Navara NP300 platform, Mercedes-Benz seems to have spent its savings on development costs on making the X-Class more luxurious and refined.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars commented during the launch "With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”
Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm major details of the drivetrain but has stated the top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel mated to a 4-Matic permanent all-wheel drive system. A host of smaller inline-four diesel and petrol units may follow for different markets.
The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked.
Mercedes-Benz claims the X-Class' drivetrain will allow a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons. At the same time, the specially constructed suspension with wide axles, a five-link rear axle with coil springs and damper set-up will ensure good ride comfort and off-road usability.
Granted, there are a plethora of petrol and diesel powertrain options at Daimler AG’s disposal, however, given that the X-Class is a product of Mercedes-Benz Vans' division, it could even borrow the underpinnings from the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 commercial van.
The Sprinter 4x4 also boasts a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine outputting 440Nm which is mated to an on-demand 4x4 transmission. The Sprinter's raised chassis architecture also allows for a 610mm wading depth - suitable for a pickup truck.
The X-Class is borne out of a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance group and hence, could alternatively utilize powertrains from the Nissan-Renault Alliance for certain markets. Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017, while production for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting in 2018.
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans added "Our future X-Class will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us. As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design.”


Audi And Spider-Man Team Up For School Science Project In Latest Promo Video

Audi today announced that it has teamed up with Sony Pictures Entertainment to release an exclusive digital short film ahead of the upcoming  blockbuster film, “Spider-Man: Far From Home”.
Titled “Science Fair”, the digital video shows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), going up against some very serious competition at the school science fair in order to come up with the perfect innovation.
To save their presentation, Peter races against time to acquire the perfect scientific advancement, the all-electric Audi e-tron GT concept.
Besides the e-tron GT, Audi will also be featuring the all-new A7, e-tron, as well as the new Q8 in Spider-Man: Far from Home movie.
“Teaming up with Sony Studios gives us an ideal opportunity to stage Audi´s electric offensive in a spectacular environment and to customize this important technology for a highly engaged audience. Therefore product placement plays a significant role in our new brand strategy,” said Sven Schuwirth, Head of Brand Audi, Digital Business and Customer Experience at AUDI AG.
Having said that, Spider-Man: Far From Home will be hitting the big screens worldwide from next Thursday, 28th of June 2019.
Looking for a new Audi? Find the best deals
here
.


Carnage Along Penang Highway - 4 Dead In Illegal Motorcycle Racing

Police have confirmed the death of a fourth motorcyclist that was involved in an
illegal motorcycle street race
 along the coastal highway near the Penang bridge.

In the early hours of July 17th along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, the four lane public road was turned into a high speed drag strip where hundreds of
Mat Rempits
 and their party were gathered.

Some riders had collided with each other but, in the commotion, a smaller group of riders failed to stop at full speed when met with a near-standstill yellow Perodua Myvi that was passing through the thick crowd that had gathered.

Not only has numerous, usually disturbing, videos emerged on social media of the accident itself, but many users have uploaded massive convoys of small capacity, modified motorbikes that were on their way to convene at the coastal expressway. Obviously they were causing so much commotion as to wake the residents of many neighbourhoods as they passed by, yet the police were
conspicuously absent
 until the tragedy had taken place despite the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway being a known hotspot.

North-east district police chief ACP Soffian Santong confirmed to local press that the victims were identified as Muhammad Harith Zikri Yusnizar,17, Ahmad Haikal Naif Ahmad Nazrul, 19, Mohd Syazwan Hakim Mohd Abdul Sani, 22, and Muhamad Eizreel Muhamad Roszadi, 25. All of them were from either Penang or Kedah.

The youngest of the four had succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the Penang General Hospital in Georgetown while the other three died at the scene.

Reportedly, three other men had come away with injuries, identified as Mohd Haziq Harris, 34, who sustained head injuries; Muhammad Rahimi Shukor, 19, who had injuries to his face and head; and Muhammad Shazwan Hafiz Mohd Abdul Sani, 22, who suffered injuries to his hands, legs and face.

In a statement released later on Sunday, July 17th, Soffian said: “Police received a report on the accident at 4.30am and preliminary investigations into the 4 am incident on the highway heading towards George Town found several motorcycles were believed to be involved in illegal racing.”


Carlist.my awarded at the Superbrands Malaysia 2018 Awards

Carlist.my were among the 34 brands that were honoured during a luncheon award ceremony by Superbrands Malaysia. The tribute awards event was held in Hotel Istana, last week as Superbrands Malaysia celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Dubbed as the ‘Oscar of Branding’ by working professionals, the esteemed Superbrands Council went through a rigorous selection of more than 1200 brands to award this years’ Superbrands title to top companies in Malaysia.
“Receiving the Superbrand award status after 6 years in the market is a good indication that we are doing the right thing as an important player in the industry. We’re very pleased with the result we have gained so far, and will continue to do more in the years to come.” said Hamish Stone, CEO of Carlist.my.
Carlist.my has been pushing the limits of productivity and producing value added features for dealers and consumers since its establishment in 2012.
In the third quarter this year, Carlist.my has recorded a positive result in operation and cash flow. This is aided by an increase average audience to nearly 4 million, up 85% from the same quarter in 2017. The platform has more than 130,000 vehicles listed on its classifieds section, including reconditioned and pre-owned vehicles of all types and makes.
Mr. Stone later added “It is an enormous honor to receive the Superbrands award. We will continue to provide better value for car buyers and sellers along every step of the process through our platforms.”
Throughout 2018, the company has rolled out several new features such as Video Listing - for car dealers to increase visibility on their inventories, iCar Data - for the car dealers and brands to have a better insight on the automotive market and also Carlistbid.my - for car owners, to sell their car faster and efficiently.


2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet And SLC Roadster Launched

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expanded its Dream Cars Collection today with the introduction of the C-Class Cabriolet and also the SLC Roadster.
C-Class Cabriolet
The first model to be unveiled earlier today was the topless C-Class, which is offered in three variants:
C 200 Cabriolet (184 hp) – RM358,888
C 250 Cabriolet (211 hp) – RM388,888
C 300 Cabriolet (245 hp) – RM443,888
Despite having different level of output, all three models, which are four-seater cabriolets, are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with different level of tuning of course. And paired to the engine in all three variants is the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox.
While the C 200 Cabriolet is able to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, the C 250 is able to do the same in 6.9 seconds, while the C 300 Cabriolet can do the century sprint in 6.4 seconds.
Fuel consumption on the other hand stands at 6.2L/100km for the C 200 Cabriolet, while the C 250 Cabriolet and the C 300 Cabriolet’s readings stand at 6.4L/100km and 6.8L/100km respectively.
While standard features in all variants include:
Active Brake Assist
Pre-Safe System
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Thermatic automatic climate control
Audio 20 with Garmin Map Pilot
Dynamic Select
Touch pad
AMG Line interior
AMG Line exterior
Active park assist
Reverse camera
18-inch AMG rims
LED lights
High performance LED lights
Ambient lighting
Keyless-Go starting function
Electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seat
The C250 Cabriolet gets some extras like:
Leather upholstery
Sports suspension
LED Intelligent Light System
The range-topping C300 gets even more, such as:
Sports exhaust system
Comand Online
DVD Player
Burmester Sound System
19-inch AMG alloy wheels
The car comes with a tightly stretched soft-top, which can open and close in 20-seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. While the roof comes in black in the basic variant, there is also the optional multi-layer acoustic soft top in dark brown, dark blue, or red.
The C-Class Cabriolet, which is 15mm lower than its saloon sibling, offers luggage space of 360-litres. But with the top down, the number decreases to 285-litres.
SLC Roadster
The second model to be launched today was the SLC Roadster, offered in two model variants:
SLC 200 (184 hp) – RM398,888
SLC 300 (245 hp) – RM468,888
Here to succeed the SLK, the SLC features a slightly redesigned front and rear end, and comes with many new features.
While standard equipment on both variants includes:
Direct-Steer system
Reverse camera
Parktronic Parking Assist
Active Brake Assist
Dynamic Handling Package
Adaptive Damping suspension
Apple CarPlay
Sports Exhaust
LED Intelligent Light System
18-inch light-alloy wheels
The SLC 300, which comes in AMG Line exterior guise, gets additional features such as:
Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system
DVD Changer
Panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control
Unlike the C-Class Cabriolet, the SLC comes with a retractable hard-top, and features the diamond radiator grille, dark aluminium trim parts with carbon fibre finish, and a newly designed instrument cluster as standard.
A feature that continues to be unique to this model is the panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control, available in the SLC 300 – where the glass roof is lightened or darkened at a touch of a button. According to Mercedes-Benz, this feature gives the feeling of having the roof down even when it is not.
Similar to the C-Class Cabriolet, the roof can be opened in 20 seconds as well, but only at speeds of up to 40km/h. Boot space on the other hand, stands at 335-litres.
Powered by the same 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the C Cabrio that is mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the SLC 200 makes 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque while the SLC 300 kicks out 245hp and 370 Nm.
With the launch of the SLC Roadster and the C-Class Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars Collection now has 8 models:
C-Class Coupe
E-Class Coupe
AMG GT S
AMG C63 S
CLS
S-Class Coupe
SLC Roadster
C-Class Cabriolet
Looking for a Mercedes-Benz? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Unveils New Headquarters and Training Academy

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM), today launched its new headquarters; Wisma Mercedes-Benz, and the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Training Academy in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor.
Wisma Mercedes-Benz is the first of its kind in Malaysia. The six-storey industrial facility has been accredited as the first green industrial building in Subang Jaya and was awarded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification.
Built at a cost of RM 74 million, the facility houses Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Daimler TSS GmbH and the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy.  Operations offices utilise 53,000 sq-ft of the 118,000 sq-ft facility, while the Training Academy occupies 65,000 sq-ft.
Following overwhelming response for its training programmes, the MBM Training Academy has expanded its capacity to accommodate over 2,000 training days per year. The MBM Training Academy features a fully operational workshop for real world workplace simulation and state-of-the-art training rooms purposefully built and equipped according to the latest Daimler AG Global Training standard.
From the Academy, the delivery of certified and qualified international standard Mercedes-Benz Training Programmes will be delivered regularly to all retail staff.
In conjunction with the launch of the Training Academy, Director of Global Training, Mr Joerg Himmelmann, handed over a brand new Mercedes-Maybach S500, to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. This training vehicle, will be put to use for participants to fully experience all repair and diagnosis routines on every conceivable Mercedes-Benz system currently available in series production.
This further creates an opportunity to develop participants with the highest level of diagnosis and fault-finding skills on the latest and greatest Mercedes-Benz technology.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner added, “We have very exciting times ahead of us as we look forward to continue redefining the benchmark in the premium segment with the Best products, the Best service and the Best customer experience. As you can see, we take very seriously our motto of delivering
‘The Best or Nothing’
 in every aspect of our business.”
Following a rigorous recruitment process, apprentices under the MBM vocational training program (Advance Modern Apprenticeship), aside from attending international standard qualifications and first-hand experience, have greatly benefitted from its full scholarships which include an allowance as well as a secured career path in Mercedes-Benz authorised dealerships nationwide.
The Mercedes-Benz Training Academy currently has 84 active trainees, participating in various disciplines ranging from technical based, diagnostics and sales/ after-sales soft-skills learning.
MBM hopes that its expansion of services and training capacity will create greater job opportunities and support Malaysia’s efforts to become an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub.


VIDEO: TMJ’s Drool-Worthy Entourage Of Cars Seen As They Exit KL Hotel

A stirring scene arose yesterday outside the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur where a string of exotic cars (at least six) pulled out of the lobby entrance with police escorts in between most of them. The license plates just read TMJ.
For the uninitiated, the curious acronym ‘TMJ’ stands for Tengku Mahkota Johor, a chap named Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is a prince of the southernmost state in Peninsular Malaysia.
Evidently, he and his requisite vehicular entourage of expensive, beautiful and ostentatious metal were in Kuala Lumpur to witness the Malaysia Super League football finals between between Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Felda United.
With the match over – Johor won, by the way, the cars must’ve been a good luck charm – the TMJ crew packed it up and left, having police close a stretch of Jalan Sultan Ismail just outside the hotel so that the cars could leave.
Let’s go through the video in order: first we see the
 Dodge Challenger Hellcat
, this supercharged V8 brute dishes out 707hp from its 6.2-litre HEMI engine and seen here in this striking Sublime green. Listen closely and you can clearly hear the supercharger whine.
Following that we have the smoky grey
Mercedes-Benz
 SLR
McLaren
 722 Edition
, which was named for Sterling Moss’s victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia open-road endurance race. This car is one rare beast, and one also known for its supercharged V8, 5.4-litres in this case, which produces 640hp that can propel it to a top speed of 327km/h.
Next up, a white
Lamborghini

Huracan
 LP-610-4
. This car we’re a bit more familiar with. While not as rare as the preceding cars (the Challenger is pretty darn rare here, though). But its fighting bull heritage still makes it a true supercar, and its 5.2-litre V10 developing the denotive 610hp is nothing to sneeze at.
We saw quite a few of Huracans, albeit in race-spec, tearing through that very same road not long ago during the
KL City Grand Prix
.
Then we’re back onto the Germans with this striking yellow
Mercedes-Benz SLS
 Black
. This car was inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, but reined in to work on the road and delivers 622hp from its naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8. It also has a thunderous exhaust note which, unfortunately, doesn’t reveal itself in the short clip above.
Following closely behind that is the
Bentley

Continental GT
3-R
. Despite the lightweight treatment, it’s a British bruiser with a 6.0-litre W12 powerplant that pushes out 570hp. It’s got some racing stripes, extra scoops and intakes and blackened wheels, all very important for the racy look. Yes.
Then, lastly, we have the tank. The
Mercedes-Benz G
63 AMG 6x6
. Four wheel drive not doing it for you out there? Then try six wheels, with grunt supplied from a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 with 536hp sent to tyres just over three feet tall. You own the road with one of these, no argument.


Tan Chong Inks MOU With China’s GAC To Sell Cars In Malaysia And Vietnam

Tan Chong Motor Holdings BHD. has formally inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s GAC Motor International Ltd, for the distribution, sales and possible assembly of GAC vehicles for Malaysia and Vietnam.

GAC which stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group is one of China's largest automotive companies which sells passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and buses. GAC is also involved in sales of engines, auto parts, car accessories as well as R&D of automobile engineering technology.

The GAC GN 6 is based on the Honda Oddysey

GAC is also a local joint venture partner of Honda (Guangqi Honda), Toyota (GAC Toyota), and Mitsubishi (GAC Mitsubishi) and produces models that are based on popular Japanese models.

The Edge reports that the two companies have inked a deal “to study on the potential and feasibility of the business opportunity”. Tan Chong adds, “The proposed project if materialised, would provide (the group) with the opportunity to further expand its foothold in the automotive industry in the region,”

GAC GE 3 BEV

The Bursa Malaysia filing also states that the MoU is valid until July 1, 2021, unless revised by mutual agreement in writing.

Currently, GAC Motors produces sedans such as the GA 4 and GA 8, SUVs ranging from the GS 3 to the full-sized GS 8, MPVs (GN 6 and GN 8), and even an all-electric SUV called the GE 3.


Shell Opens First Public EV Charging Station In Jakarta

The Indonesian arm of petrochemical giant Royal Dutch Shell have opened its first public electric vehicle charging station in Jakarta, making it the third major oil and gas company to do so within the country following Pertamina in 2018 and PT Medco Energi back in February.

As reported by the Jakarta Post, the Shell Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU) is located within their Pluit 1 petrol station, with the single charging station outputting at a rate of 50kW, or more than twice as quick as the more common 22kW supply found at other public charging stations.

This ‘fast’ charging rate has lead to the company claiming a 0-80% charging time of less than one hour. Though, obviously, this varies between EVs. Shell had previously stated that their plan to aggressively expand their global network of charging stations from 60,000 to 250,000 by 2025.

Similarly, their plans also include the recently
announced partnership with Porsche
 Asia Pacific
 to erect a network 6 of high-performance fast charging stations along the length of Peninsula Malaysia, with each location having 2 outlets/bays each for a total of 12.

Over the next decade, Indonesia plans to radically shift its transportation and industrial landscape toward clean and renewable energy, leveraging its reserves of nickel to spur the local battery manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, the country has been
lobbying major automakers such as Toyota
, Honda, and Mitsubishi to establish or expand production facilities within their borders with an eye to meet the expected rising demand of electric vehicles within Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region.


Government denies rebates for OKU Individuals in vehicle purchases

The government has clarified its position regarding tax exemption rebates for people with disabilities (OKU) in the B40 and M40 categories who intend to purchase motor vehicles.

Deputy Finance Minister II, Steven Sim Chee Keong, explained that at present, there are no immediate plans to introduce such rebates. However, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive review and examination of this proposal.

From an income tax perspective, Steven Sim believes that OKU individuals in the B40 and M40 categories should qualify for a tax exemption rebate of RM400 if their taxable income is below RM35,000.

Additionally, he highlighted that expenses incurred for purchasing basic support equipment would be eligible for a tax deduction of up to RM6,000. Furthermore, if registered with the Department of Social Welfare as a person with disabilities, an additional tax deduction of RM6,000 can be claimed.

During a session at the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), responding to a question from Senator Isaiah Jacob, Steven Sim revealed that there are currently 21 tax exemptions available for OKU individuals, depending on specific conditions and qualifications.

The question posed inquired whether the ministry plans to provide tax exemption rebates for the purchase of local motor vehicles priced below RM45,000, for the targeted group of people with disabilities in the B40 and M40 categories.

Expanding on the topic, the Deputy Finance Minister II noted that the government already grants full exemption on vehicle excise duties for all OKU individuals and individuals with physical disabilities who are capable of driving, subject to certain conditions.

Additionally, he mentioned that considering various tax exemptions and rebates, OKU individuals in the B40 category are likely to be exempted from taxes.

Steven Sim concluded by stating that the existing tax measures are deemed sufficient in alleviating the financial burden faced by OKU individuals in the B40 and M40 categories.

Nonetheless, he assured that the government remains committed to continuous review and improvement of the existing tax policies, aligning them with the evolving economic environment.


Fuel Price Update: 22nd June To 28th June - RON97 Down 3 Sen

The Ministry of Finance Malaysia has announced the updated prices of petrol and diesel fuels starting from 22nd June to 28th June.
The price of RON97 petrol will decrease by 3 sen to RM 2.38 per litre, while the price of RON95 petrol is capped at RM 2.08 per litre.
The price of diesel will remain capped at RM 2.18 per litre for Euro 2M and RM 2.28 for Euro 5 respectively.
In summary, the prices for petrol and diesel are listed below:
RON95 – RM 2.08 per litre (unchanged, capped)
RON97 – RM 2.38 per litre (down 3 sen)
Diesel Euro 2M – RM 2.18 per litre (unchanged, capped)
Diesel Euro 5M – RM 2.28 per litre (unchanged, capped)


Road Bullies – How To Stay Safe And What To Do?

It would seem that every other day, a new video surfaces about inconsiderate road bullies or road rage incidents of drivers or riders showing aggressive or violent behaviour from behind the wheel – typically when they feel slighted (or insulted) and attempt to
retake the upper hand
 while on the road. Road bullying or road rage has become a pandemic of its own in Malaysia, and more often than not, it involves egoistic and
aggressive drivers preying on other drivers
 who may have unknowingly made a mistake.

Recently, a colleague of ours was subject to such road bullying, fortunately, neither he nor his vehicle was harmed but this spurred us to inform our readers on what you can if faced with the same situation.

First, let’s qualify what counts as road rage or road bullying:

Verbal insults,
curses and threats

Yelling and honking

Rude and offensive gestures

Throwing objects or striking another vehicle

Aggressive and
dangerous driving
: tailgating, blocking, brake checking, ramming, sideswiping, or forcing a driver off the road

Now that we know what constitutes road rage, let's understand what you can do if you are faced with the situation in the future.

The first thing to do is to stay calm and try to diffuse the situation

If you’re caught in a situation where another driver has started to harass or act/drive aggressively – channel your inner James Bond and stay cool under pressure. Don’t panic, and try to diffuse the situation with an apologetic wave or hand gesture. Do not engage the other driver, and do not flare up the situation by trying to drive aggressively, you are only compounding the problem. Regardless if you have to give in and be the bigger person, understand that it’s simply not worth it.

Stay in your car no matter what

The safest place to be is inside your car. What’s even safer is a moving car. So regardless if the person may be tailgating you or blocking you from the front, try your best to keep your vehicle moving. If the driver continues to be aggressive – the best thing you can do is alter your course of travel and drive to the nearest police station. If you have a passenger with you, ask them to record as many details as possible, such as the make and model of the vehicle, colour, registration number and other identifying features such as the colour of the wheels (if possible).

If you have no other choice, use your phone to snap a photo or record a video. While it is not the best option and may distract you even further, it might be the only way to document the incident.
A dashcam is a lifesaver
 in situations like this.

If you come to a dead stop, remain in your car. Regardless if the aggressor has a weapon or not and tries to charge at your vehicle, lock your doors, close your windows and stay inside – your car is your best form of defence, and it’s tough! While they may try to hit your windscreen or strike your door and windows, it’s not that easy to break into a car, and more often than not, road bullies tire, start to feel embarrassed/or stupid and return to their vehicle.

In this time, call for help, call the police or blare your horn and turn on your hazard signal to attract attention. In certain cases, other road users may be able to help you or at least reason with the aggressor.

Whatever you do, do not do this…

Do not try and fight back, people have died from road rage incidents, you may be seriously hurt or even killed, if the aggressor has a weapon, or even if another car hits you while on the road.

Regardless if it was your fault or not, do not take the law into your own hands. If you fight your aggressor and hurt or kill them, that’s still an offence you will have to pay for.

Do not drive home, keep within a public area.

Do not drive into dark areas, and do not drive to areas you are not familiar with, stick to familiar roads and get to the nearest police station.

What you should do after the incident?

Image credit: Malaysia Central

The best thing you can do is head to the police station to report the incident and allow the police to conduct an investigation into the incident. If you have managed to record the registration number, time and place of the incident, provide these details as accurately and truthfully as possible.

If you have any dashcam or video recordings, you may also turn these over to the police as it will greatly aid their investigations.

What charges can be brought forward…

Road rage incidents can be investigated under Penal Code Section 506 –
“criminal intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both; if the threat is to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire, or to cause an offence punishable with death or imprisonment,”
 – therefore the penalties are heavy.

Road rage incidents can also be charged under the Penal Code Section 427 – “
Whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of RM25 or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term *of not less than one year and not more than five years or with fine or with both.”

We hope this serves as a guide to you if you are ever confronted with a road bullying incident, remember there is no substitute for a calm head in moments such as these. Happy motoring!


The 2023 Toyota Agya GR Sport just looks really cool

Toyota Indonesia wasted no time in advertising the all-new Agya which, in case you were wondering, is indeed based on the 2nd-generation Perodua Axia which was only officially launched yesterday.

The twin cars, along with the expected Daihatsu Ayla, are built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform which has already seen wide use and received with acclaim in the Perodua Ativa (elsewhere known as the Daihatsu Rocky or Toyota Raize) as well as the Perodua Alza (Daihatsu Xenia, Toyota Veloz in Indonesia and other markets).

Back to the Agya. The Toyota-baged version of the smaller-than-small hatchback, however, ditches the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder for a four-cylinders and a 1,200cc displacement for a little extra pep.

Much like the Axia here inheriting its engine from its predecessor, this 1.2-litre unit is a carry over from the previous Agya. That said, Toyota has not confirmed if it has undergone any upgrades or changes, leaving us to believe that the 88hp and 108Nm output is also undisturbed. This time around it’s mated to the Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox.

The car’s styling changes from the Axia also set it apart, but these cosmetic alterations are mostly limited to a unique front and rear fascia and headlight elements. Interestingly, the brand has also gone ahead and revealed a sportier GR Sport variant.

This is very likely also going to be a cosmetic upgrade package, albeit a more comprehensive one that encompasses the front/rear bumpers, dark contrast exterior trimming, a two-tone paint finish, aero kit, larger wheels, and perhaps some interior flourishes to match.

Toyota’s Indonesian arm (P.T Toyota Astra Motor) will be delving into further detail about the all-new Agya but we have to admit that it certainly can be argued to be pulling ahead in the looks department.

Naturally, Perodua will be offering the Axia with their own flavour of cosmetic enhancements via the GearUp line of accessories, but it might not go as far as the GR Sport treatment.

Currently, the new crop of Axias are not too visually distinguishable as they all share the same exterior elements, even down to the single alloy wheel design shared across the range.


Mercedes-Benz's New Inline-Six Engine Makes Malaysian Debut In AMG CLS 53

Mercedes-Benz first announced its plans to re-introduce its line of inline-six engine back in late-2016 across. Fast forward to 2018 and the company has introduced the first of the inline-six-powered models here, the CLS 53.
The Stuttgart-based firm introduced the CLS 53 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. This new model gets its power from an all-new 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, good for 435 hp and 520 Nm. The engine is paired to an EQ Boost integrated starter/generator, part of the car’s 48V mild hybrid system. The EQ Boost integrated starter/generator supplies an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm. A 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission comes as standard.
Equipment wise, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 53 features:
Multibeam LED headlights
Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus
Airmatic suspension
AMG Exterior Carbon Package II
AMG Line exterior
20-inch 5 twin spoke AMG alloy wheels
AMG illuminated door sill panels
Carbon fibre AMG bootlid spoiler
AMG carbon fibre centre console
AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather
Head up display
Thermotronic automatic climate control
Comand Online infotainment system
Burmester sound system
Wireless charging
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support
Standard safety equipment include Active Braking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and Pre-Safe. Buyers can also opt for the Driving Assistance Package, which consists of Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Braking Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Plus.
The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is priced from RM 806,638.35, on-the-road without insurance. Those opting for the Designo Paint will need to fork out RM811,355.33. Both prices are with 0% GST and are subject to change upon the implementation of SST.


All You Need To Know About Malaysia’s Drunk Driving Laws

With not one but two incidents (on Sunday morning alone) of drunk drivers crashing into MCO roadblocks – most Malaysians have been unanimous in their calls for stricter drunk driving laws in Malaysia to curb similar incidents from happening in the future.

Especially when a number cases have caused the tragic deaths of innocent people –
most recently
, the death of 31-year old police officer Corporal Safwan Muhammad Ismail as he manned an MCO roadblock near the Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza on the Lekas Expressway in the wee hours of Sunday morning. A
second incident
 happened in Ampang later on Sunday morning, also caused by drunk driving, but fortunately, no injuries were reported for the personnel at the roadblock or the car’s driver and passenger.

In January 2020, the then Transport Minister Anthony Loke had announced amendments of Sections 41, 44 and 45 of the road Road Transport Act 1987 for more severe penalties than that of the current Section 41(1) code. Which, if found guilty for driving under the influence (DUI), a person may be fined not less than RM5,000 to a maximum of RM20,000, and serve jail time of 2 years and not exceeding 10 years.

Image credit:
Artyom Kulakov
 from
Pexels

Calls for stricter drunk driving laws (especially in cases where innocent people are injured or killed), involved increasing jail time to a total of 20 years under the aforementioned laws, according to
Bernama
. Of course, since then, the government has been replaced, and COVID-19 came along. The status quo remains.

However, the recent incidents may yet bring this topic back to light, which got us thinking, leaving aside the moral and legal arguments of the subject, what are Malaysia’s DUI laws and how strict are they at present?

Firstly, when are you considered to be over the legal limit?

You are considered to be DUI if you exceed the limits as prescribed in Section 45 (G) of the road transport act.

35 microgrammes (μg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath (measured using a breathalyzer)

80 milligrammes(mg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (0.08% Blood Alcohol Content - BAC); or

107 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.

Of course, different people reach these limits differ depending on their metabolism, physique, health levels, and type of consumed alcohol. Hence, saying that you can hold your drink, or can control your car regardless of being in access of those limits is no excuse. These numbers are set in stone.

Now that you’re over the limit, what offences are you committing?

According to
AskLegal.my
– once you’re in your car, you are in offence of one or more of the following laws.

Section 43

Refers to a person who drives ‘without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for another person using the road’. Maximum punishment includes a fine of up to RM10,000 and maximum jail time of 12 months or both.

Section 44

This is the most commonly used offence because it is direct in definition and substantive. Section 44 states that you are committing an offence if you are driving (on a road or any public place), under the influence of an intoxicating substance (alcohol or drugs), such that you are incapable of properly controlling the vehicle, or, and this is the most important part – you are over the legally prescribed limits. Therefore, this section sets the precedent for when you are over the limit. Hence, regardless if you look fine – if you are over the limit, you are over the limit. Upon conviction one stands to be fined of not less than RM8,000 up to RM20,000, and minimum jail time of 3 years.

Section 45 and 45A

These give discretionary powers to the police who consider a person to be in charge of a vehicle (when intoxicated or over the prescribed limits). This means to say, even if you are drunk and decide not to drive, but sleep in the driver’s seat until you feel better, you are still in offence of 45 and 45A because you can be considered being in a position to be in charge of the vehicle. Once a police officer administers a breathalyser test to deem you are above the limit, you are in violation of 45 and 45A. However, AskLegal says, that you won’t be charged if there’s no possibility of you operating the vehicle, vis-à-vis, if you absolutely must, sleep in the passenger seat or rear seats of the car – this way, you are tecnhnically in no position to operate the vehicle.

Section 45B

This gives power to the police officer to arrest a person if:

a) the officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the proportion of alcohol in that person‘s breath, blood, or urine exceeds the prescribed limit or,

b) a person has failed to provide a specimen of breath for a breath test when required to do so in pursuance of this section and the police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that he has alcohol in his body.

Hence, the cops can still haul you in, using 45B, if you choose not to conduct the breathalyzer test. Failure to provide a breath specimen (when required) will land you a fine between RM1,000 and RM6,000 and maximum jail time of up to 12 months, and if this charge is compounded with another offence, it results in a fine of between RM1,000 and RM2,000 and a maximum jail time of up to 2 years. So choosing not to give your breath specimen, is tantamount to getting charged under Section 44, if not worse. In addition, your driving license can also be suspended or revoked indefinitely.

So how do I know if I have gone over the limit?

Well, there is no exacting rule of thumb out there since alcohol affects every single person differently. The most precise way is, of course, buying a breath tester and checking yourself before you get behind the wheel. Breath testers are not exactly very expensive, there are plenty of options under RM100, but you would still be taking a risk if you get stopped, and the police officer’s breath tester reads differently. In addition, certain drinks affect us differently over time, so while you might have been okay when starting your drive, you might not be 10 minutes down the line.

But, what if I just had one drink?

Well, I suppose most people who drink alcohol would have heard this one before. According to
BACtrack
, conventional wisdom estimates that your BAC levels will remain within safe limits if you only consume one standard drink per hour. As defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink contains half an ounce of alcohol.

Image credit:
US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

However, a standard drink can also affect everyone differently, and alcohol content can vary depending on the type of drink and preparation methods (such as in the case of hard liquor or a cocktail). This is why BACtrack simply says, don’t do it.

So what should I do if I have already had a few drinks?

Well, you already know the answer to this don’t you – get a Grab car or taxi. Leave the car behind, it’s fine, there’s a 99.9 percent chance it’ll still be there the next day. Hide some cash before you start your night out so you know that even if you overspend while having drinks, you’d still have that RM30 tucked away to get a ride home. And if you absolutely must, sleep in your car’s passenger seat, lower the window slightly for ventilation, and make sure it’s locked and secure – while this is not the most ideal, it’s better than getting caught for drunk driving or worse, injuring yourself or others on the road.

Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to the family of Corporal Safwan Muhammad Ismail.

Cover image credit:
energepic.com
 from
Pexels


2015 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid Review - Last Chance Hybrid

With three more months to go before the tax exemptions for locally-assembled hybrid vehicles expire on 31-December 2015, we take another look at the RM174,900, Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid, whose price could balloon beyond RM220,000 if the tax incentives are not extended (still no word on that yet).
What’s new?
Technically this Camry is a mid-life cycle update rather than an all-new model, but that hasn’t stop Toyota from working on it as if it’s an all-new model.
Beneath the significantly improved exterior (probably a tad too sporty for some mature buyers) is a new engine line-up across the range.
Chassis control has been vastly improved - with an updated rear suspension and revised calibrations for the steering, which now sends much better feedback to the driver thanks to the adoption of a pre-load differential, which Toyota says improves steering feedback when driving on straight roads.
Sound insulation has also been significantly stepped up from the previous model.
About the hybrid powertrain
Under the hood is a full-hybrid powertrain that is one of the most sophisticated on the market. Noticed we say ‘on the market’ rather than ‘in its class.’ More on that later.
The 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine is paired to a two-motor (one acting as a starter motor and a generator, another for regenerative braking functions and driving the front wheels) NiMh traction battery-powered setup to produce a total system output of 205 PS.
The Camry’s 2AR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine (delayed intake valve closing) produces 118 PS at 5,700 rpm, and 213 Nm at 4,500 rpm while the electric motor adds another 105 PS. The total system output is 205 PS, less than the sum of the engine’s and motor’s output because peak output is not achieved at the same speed.
Toyota’s more sophisticated two-motor setup allows the Camry Hybrid to deliver a significantly smoother driving experience than any other hybrid on the market bar a Lexus hybrid. Yes we do mean that.
What we are going to say next might sound silly, but drive the Camry Hybrid in congested traffic, in a hot afternoon, and repeat the same with a one-motor diesel-electric Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid and you will immediately notice the difference in the Toyota’s uncompromised air-conditioning cooling performance and smoother engine start-stop operation. Toyota’s powerful two-motor setup is able to seamlessly drive the vehicle from standstill to higher speeds before restarting the engine, thus minimising any uncomfortable judder when the engine restarts.
The Mercedes-Benz also has a similar electrically operated air-conditioning compressor which in theory, should compensate for the drop in cooling performance when the engine cuts out, but in reality, it just doesn’t. A diesel engine is already weak in terms of refinement to begin with, adding a start-stop function to it merely amplifies the juddering more than a usual diesel car.
The Camry Hybrid’s brochures lists its transmission as an E-CVT type, but despite its name, it has little in common with a conventional CVT. For one, it doesn’t even have any belts or chains. Instead, the E-CVT is actually a planetary gearset whose working is simply too complicated to explain here.
Why does it have to be so complicated? Well, depending on a variety of factors – throttle pressure, engine load, traction battery charge level, and vehicle speed - the two motors and the engine are operating at different speeds, and any one or two of these three drive components could be doing the driving at any one time, so a conventional transmission will just not work here.
To avoid confusing consumers, Toyota simply calls it an E-CVT because it is able to replicate the same infinite ratios of conventional belt or chain-driven CVTs.
There are two driving modes to choose from – Eco and EV. The latter is allows the car to be driven purely in electric power, for a distance of less than 2 km or at speeds no more than 40 km/h. It should be noted that switching to EV mode does not reduce the car’s fuel consumption, as the Camry is a hybrid car rather than an electric car. The system is optimised to work in conjunction with a petrol engine. Using EV mode unnecessarily simply adds stress to the battery.
So why bother having the EV mode then? To answer that, one needs to understand Japanese driving habits. In ultra-polite Japan, the Japanese salarymen coming from home late from work appreciate a function that allows them to drive into their neighbourhoods and park their car without waking up their neighbours. EV mode is not meant to be a fuel-saving feature.
Located behind the rear seats is a NiMh traction battery pack, which is cooled by a fan that draws cool air from the cabin. To ensure long-term durability of the battery, it is very important that the air vent on the left-side of the rear passenger seat is not blocked, and that sufficient cool air is directed to the rear. Keeping the cabin and air vent clean also helps.
The battery is covered by an 8-year/unlimited mileage assurance program from UMW Toyota.
How does it drive?
Fast. Properly fast. Don’t bother trying to race this hybrid away from the traffic lights. Among its peers, probably only the 240 PS all-new 2.0-litre turbo Ford Mondeo can pass it.
On paper it has 205 PS but it actually feels much more powerful than that, especially when accelerating away when in mid-range engine speeds.
The throttle response is sharp, power delivery is instantaneous. But hold your thoughts before you jump into any conclusion that this is some GTI D-segment sedan.
While the Camry Hybrid might have an impressive straight-line performance, it doesn’t have the composure to deal with the added performance, reminding you that this is first and foremost a Camry.
Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with Camry’s electrically assisted steering rack and suspension (MacPherson struts in front and independent dual links behind). The Camry Hybrid’s priority is to maintain a supple ride across long distances and to effortlessly chomp kilometres after kilometres of monotonous highway journeys. On this aspect, it simply nails it.
Hybrids typically have a firmer than normal suspension in the rear, an unavoidable trade-off necessitated by the presence of the heavy traction battery behind. Their ride can be a little jarring when driving rougher on the road surfaces.
Not the Camry Hybrid though. Its supple ride is comparable to the best in its class. I won’t say it’s better than the Honda Accord but it’s comparable.
The cabin is also impressively quiet, and is easily comparable to a Volkswagen Passat, if not better.
The steering is precise but largely devoid of feedback. It holds its line well in the corners even when you progressively increase the pace. Considering that it’s only running on regular Bridgestone Turanza (215/55 R17) tyres, that’s quite impressive.
Push it harder mid-corner and you can feel the added weight from the car’s rear balancing the two ends and just when you would the rear to start complaining and the front to push wide, the Camry somehow manages to find that few extra µ of grip. Indeed the Camry Hybrid’s scope of mechanical grip around corners is impressive. But it’s not an experience that you relish, and it’s not meant to be anyway. This is after all, still a comfort-oriented sedan for the corporate crowd.
At low speeds, the Camry Hybrid automatically creeps quietly in electric power, but compared to the Prius, the Camry Hybrid’s petrol engine appears to kick in a little bit earlier.
Over the course of 250 km, with an almost equal mix of rush hour city and highway driving, driven by two drivers with two very different driving styles (the other guy drives a 400 hp Audi S4 daily, and is not known to be gentle on the throttle), the Camry Hybrid averaged 6.5-litre/100 km. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.2-litre/100 km.
What’s Not So Good?
On the whole, the Camry Hybrid is a very impressive sedan. It’s powerful, quiet, the cabin is spacious front and rear. There are however some small details that marred this otherwise perfect mass-premium D-segment sedan.
The keyless Smart Entry only works on the driver’s side, which was a source of a lot of annoyance. Yes, the keyless entry system used in the Camry is more sophisticated than the Accord – the sensors sit flushed with the driver’s door handles (as opposed to the Accord’s non-colour coordinated button) and can be operated simply by touching them, instead of having to press a button on the handle like in the Honda.
If you have to open any of the left-side doors to grab something from the car, you will have to dig your pockets for the key, just like in the old days. We would’ve traded the Camry Hybrid’s more expensive setup for the Honda’s simpler solution just so we can have a proper keyless entry function on both sides of the car.
Inside, the car’s infotainment system appears to be an after-thought and its cheap looking graphics don’t quite match the Camry’s image.
The cabin’s ambience, while impressively quiet, doesn’t feel as premium as the Honda Accord, or even the facelifted Mazda 6. The aesthetics of the Camry's cabin’s plastic trims, tactile feel of its switches and controls are all a notch below the Honda and the Mazda. The Camry's steering wheel also looks the most dated among the trio.
Verdict
Despite some minor shortcomings in the cabin’s aesthetics, infotainment and Smart Entry system, the Camry Hybrid is on the whole, a recommended purchase.
It has all the safety features you would expect from a D-segment sedan, and then more. Its impeccable road manners make it a perfect companion for those long, monotonous highway drives.
Fans of younger pretender models might try to sway you over to alternatives from Europe, but the only real alternative to the Camry is still the Honda Accord.
All other alternatives are a significant compromise in terms of interior space, ride comfort and reliability. Yes, we admit there’s no denying that a Mazda 6 stirs the emotions more, while a Ford Mondeo presents a more engaging drive, if you can stomach the RM198,000 price. But if you are looking for emotional appeal and an engaging driving experience, you shouldn’t be looking at this side of the market anyway.
Camry or the Accord?
The Accord wows you with its very premium cabin and class-leading interior space while the Camry delivers a superior driving performance with minimal penalty on fuel economy, and has a quieter cabin.
Both have their pros and cons and either choices can be right choice for you. It’s about whichever that rocks your boat.
Specifications for Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid
Price: RM174,900
Engine: 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i petrol-electric full hybrid
Power: 205 PS (maximum total output)
Torque: 213 Nm at 4,500 rpm (engine), 270 Nm (motor)
Traction battery: NiMh
Transmission: E-CVT (planetary gearset type)
Safety: 7 airbags, VSC, TRC, ABS with EBD and BA, ISOFIX (rear), Whiplash Injury Lessening Front Seats, Blind Spot Monitor, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal
Related:
The Great 2015 D-Segment Sedan Shootout


Nissan Juke Nismo RS Sets New Two Wheel Driving World Record

At the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed,
Nissan
 has a set a new world record by driving a four-wheeled vehicle on two wheels for a distance of one mile (1.61km for us metric users) using a
Nissan Juke
 Nismo RS.
Behind the wheel was stuntman Terry Grant who navigated the Juke Nismo RS on just its two wheels up the Goodwood hill for 1.61km in just two minutes and ten seconds during his first attempt.
During the attempt, he managed a blistering average speed of around 44.3 km/h. No doubt the more powerful Juke RS’ 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and its 215hp and 280Nm of torque was very helpful in this record attempt which smashed the previous record of two minutes and 55 seconds in 2011. In that past attempt, it was a non-Nismo RS Juke that accomplished that feat.
Based on the video, we have no reason to doubt Terry Grant’s car control skills as just watching the feat on its own is pretty nerve-wrecking on its own but still amazing to watch.


2016 Proton Perdana – Tun M’s car previews production model’s centre console?

We were at the Proton Centre of Excellence headquarters earlier today when we walked up close to none other than the personal car of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, Chairman of Proton and former Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Tun M’s car is a stretched version of the second-generation Proton Perdana that was itself
rebadged from the now-discontinued eighth-generation Honda Accord
. Outwardly, the vehicle looks little different from several other specially-prepared long-wheelbase versions of the Perdana, but being Chairman of Proton has its privileges, and we noticed the Tun’s vehicle has a few touches of personalization that is unique to his particular vehicle.
The rear section of the cabin, in particular, appear custom-built from scratch, featuring red leather trim and shiny wood inserts. Cool air is supplied by rear air-con vents lined with metallic finishes.
A partition along the centre console divides the left and right rear seat, whilst serving also as an armrest with two cup holders. There is a compartment covered by a closable lid which, we understand, houses a coffee machine inside.
Up front, the dashboard is identical to the Accord’s but the centre console panel is unique, featuring a Jaguar-style rotary gear knob, an electronic parking brake switch, and what seems to be the engine start/stop button in the middle. The console itself is finished in wood for good measure.
Currently, the second-generation Perdana are simply
rebadged units of the previous-generation Accord
 limited to a production run of 3,000 units and sold exclusively to Government agencies and civil servants. A more extensively re-styled version, which will still run on the Accord’s mechanical hardware and platform, will be one of
four new Proton models slated for launch throughout this year
.
Clues picked up from our visit to a media preview
 held at
Proton’s MVF plant in Shah Alam
 last year suggest (but do not confirm) that this new Perdana that will be sold to the public might potentially come equipped with features such as Active Blind Spot Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, electronic parking brake, and a rotary gear shift. These clues suggest that the unique centre console seen in Tun M’s car might foreshadow the actual console that will be used in the mass production model.
Based on available information, the remaining three models is likely to consist of replacement models for the Saga, Persona, and the last being a model
rebadged from Suzuki
. Tun M himself confirmed in a press conference today that these new models will retain the names of their predecessors.


BMW Malaysia Launches BMW Safety 360 Program To Increase Awareness On Road Safety

Especially with the mass migration this coming Raya, there's no better time to launch the BMW Safety 360 Program, with the #SafetyStartsWithYou series. Directed by BMW Shorties
Finalist Mallory Lee, the short videos serve as a reminder to road users to be safe on the roads during the festive holidays.
Featuring children between the ages of 4 to 9 years old, the series serves as a reminder to adults to be safer on the roads, especially this Hari Raya when the Balik Kampung season starts, highlighting some of the most basic road rules, etiquette and practices to stay safe on the road.
The series includes five 30-second videos promoting the use of seat belts and child car seats, signal indicators, as well as adhering to the traffic light, speed limit and not using phones while driving. These are all very basic elements for safe driving, but thinks that perhaps we take for granted a little too often. For the full playlist of videos, click
here
.


BMW Unveils 2017 M550d xDrive

BMW has officiated the 2017 M550d xDrive, fitted with the most powerful diesel engine ever offered in a BMW 5 Series. The diesel-powered M550d joins its petrol-powered
M550i
 sibling as the most powerful G30 5 Series in BMW's lineup.
The new 2017 BMW M550d xDrive is available in two body styles, sedan or touring. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel with four turbochargers, which made its first appearance on the
2016 BMW M750d xDrive
. BMW says that the new M550d xDrive delivers 400 hp and 760 Nm to all four wheels via its xDrive all-wheel drive system. In comparison, the same engine in the M750d churns out an extre 40 Nm. By default, power delivery is biased to the rear wheels.
The Munich-based company said that the 2017 BMW M550d xDrive is available exclusively with an 8-speed automatic, allowing the new model to complete the century sprint in just 4.4 seconds. The heavier touring variant completes the same sprint in 4.6 seconds. Both models are electronically-limited to 250 km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the M550d xDrive sedan returns 5.9 L/100 km, whilst the touring returns 6.2 L/100 km, both based on the ECE test cycle.
As the BMW M550d xDrive is largely similar to the M550i variant, it receives 19-inch BMW Double Spoke 664 M alloy wheels finished in Cerium Grey wrapped in 245/40R19 rubbers at front and 275/35R19 at the rear as standard. The side mirror housing, radiator grille housing, bumper elements and side air vents are also finished in Cerium Grey.
Completing the overall package is the standard M sports suspension, Integral Active Steering, M aerodynamics package, exhaust system with M Performance specific twin tailpipe trims in dark chrome and M sports brake with brake calipers finished in blue metallic with M engraving.
BMW has yet to annouce the official prices of the new 2017 M550d xDrive.


In Pictures – Why The Mitsubishi ASX Is The Best City-Sized SUV For Young Families

For many young families shopping for a new car, compact SUVs, sometimes also referred to as ‘crossovers’ are a popular choice and it’s easy to understand why. Thanks to their compact size, crossovers are a lot more maneuverable in the city and easier to park while their tall ride height retains the many practical benefits of driving an SUV.
Measuring just 4,295 mm long and 1,770 mm wide, the ASX crossover is a lot smaller than the 4,695 mm long and 1,810 mm wide Outlander. Of course, the ASX’s smaller dimensions meant that it can only seat five adults versus the Outlander’s seven, but one might be surprised that despite its smaller size, the compact size ASX is still able to offer many practical and safety features that’s normally only found in higher range mid-size SUVs.
In other words, the
2.0-litre Mitsubishi ASX
 offers a very convincing combination of safety, practicality, comfort, and value for money in one compact, family friendly package.
Thanks to their taller body structure, crossovers offer a higher seating position which affords the driver a better view of the traffic conditions ahead, thus giving the driver more time to react to any road hazards ahead.
Compared to a similar size hatchback like the Lancer Sportback for example, ASX drivers sit slightly higher, and therefore are able to look further ahead, granting them a superior feeling of control and security.
At the same time, the ride height is still lower than larger 4x4 SUVs or pick-up trucks, so children, elderly and even elegantly dressed ladies can step in and out of the ASX with ease.
The ASX’s taller ride height also adds another dimension to its all-weather driving ability. Despite being contained within a smaller footprint, the ASX amazingly sits higher than some SUVs of bigger sizes; its ground clearance of 195 mm being 25 mm higher than the Honda CR-V and 45mm higher than the Mazda CX-5. The ASX therefore does not need to fear flash floods, unnecessarily tall speed bumps that are the bane of many neighborhoods, or even bad road conditions.
Buy the 4WD variant and you will benefit from the
full range of SUV
 capabilities that the ASX has to offer, confident in the knowledge that the all-weather strong, rally proven Electronically Controlled 4WD system in the ASX is one of the sophisticated in its class.
In fact, the Mitsubishi ASX is only one of the two crossovers in Malaysia to be offered with 4WD, and the only one that allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD.
At the push of the button, ASX drivers can choose between three driving modes - the fuel efficient 2WD mode for driving in dry weather, the 4WD Auto mode for increased traction under slippery conditions and smoother cornering performance, and lastly the 4WD Lock mode which delivers more torque to the rear wheels for better performance in all weather and terrain conditions.
Inside, the ASX is spacious enough to fit up to three child seats abreast, which is quite a feat. For adults, reclining function of the rear seats help make long-distance commutes that little bit more comfortable for rear-seated occupants.
Behind, the boot opens to reveal 400 litres of cargo carrying capacity. Baby strollers, child seats, and other large items can be loaded with ease thanks to the ASX’s wide boot opening.
Carrying extra-long objects can be facilitated by pushing down the rear seats, which split folds 60:40.
Safety should always be a key consideration for any car, more so for cars aimed at young families. The 4WD variants are our pick of the ASX range because they come with seven airbags, ISOFIX, electronic stability and traction control (Active Stability Control and Traction Control), reverse camera and even Hill Start Assist.
For a limited run of only
180 units in the special ASX Orange Edition
, Mitsubishi goes further and upgrades the standard car’s reverse camera to a 360 degree All-Round Monitor; enhancing safety by giving the driver better surrounding visibility. This is an uncommon feature in the price range, and gives drivers of the ASX Orange Edition the advantage of added confidence and safety when parking in tight spots.
With all the practical aspects taken care of, it’s worth noting that the ASX goes one step further to offer customers a one of a kind panoramic glass roof, perfect for those special moments with your family.
The 2.0-litre Mitsubishi ASX is available with a choice of three variants
priced from RM105,744.31
 (on-the-road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia) in addition to the 180-unit Orange Edition special. Head over to the listing section of
Carlist.my
 to check out the latest and best offers in the market for a brand new
Mitsubishi ASX
 today.