The Toyota Corolla Nameplate Returns To BTCC

Toyota has confirmed that its
all-new Corolla Hatchback
 will return to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) under the stewardship of Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport. The Corolla Hatchback will take to the track at the same time the production model arrives in British showrooms in Q2 of 2019.
Team Toyota GB are no strangers to the BTCC having memorably claimed back-to-back championship titles with the (AE86) Corolla GT Coupe in the 1986-87 seasons, and remained a front-running force in the competition through to the mid-1990s.
The 2019 Corolla campaign is being masterminded by Speedworks Motorsport, a team with a reputation as the BTCC’s leading giant-killers.
Speedworks Motorsport, based in Cheshire, entered in the BTCC in 2011, competing as an independent. Its new association with Team Toyota GB for 2019 sees the team step up to the ranks of the manufacturer-supported BTCC teams. Other manufacturer backed teams include Honda, BMW, Subaru, and Vauxhall.
However, it remains to be seen what powerplant the BTCC Corolla will use, as engines are governed to be no bigger than 2.0-litre, with turbocharging and direct-injection allowed – as per the FIA’s TCN-1 regulations. Power outputs are in excess of 300 bhp.
Production versions of the Corolla will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (also found on the
C-HR
) and two hybrid variants, a 1.8- and 2.0-litre which produce 121 bhp and 178 bhp respectively.
The car will be driven by two-time BTCC Independent Champion Tom Ingram. Ingram posted nine victories and regular front-running drives in the Toyota Avensis, securing both the Independent Team and Driver trophies in 2017 and 2018. He has competed with Speedworks Motorsport since his championship debut in 2014.
The opening round of the 2019 BTCC season will be at the Brands Hatch Circuit on 6-7th April 2019.


Porsche Rumoured To Expand Panamera Family

Porsche could be expanding their Panamera line-up to include coupe and cabriolet variants, joining the existing Gran Turismo and Sport Turismo body styles.
According to a report by
Autocar
, the new coupe and cabriolet variants, which could come as soon as 2020, have their sights set primarily on the BMW 8 Series, among others. The report by Autocar also mentioned that development work is underway and powertrains are expected to be carried over from the current Panamera line-up.
Speaking to Autocar, Porsche’s Chief Designer Michael Mauer said, “As a designer there are no limits to what I can conceive. I believe it is the design department’s role to sketch and consider every model it can for the future so that we are ready should anyone wish to pursue a project.”
However, when pressed about the new Panamera variants, he said, “But if you are asking me to confirm if such projects are on the way then you are going to be disappointed. It is not my role to consider such things.”
The upcoming Panamera variants are expected to feature a 2+2 seating configuration, which could enter 911 territory, rather than a four-seater.


Ford Police Cars Help Kill COVID-19 By Burning Them Alive

More like baking them alive….Thanks, Murica!

So far, the COVID-19 virus has brought the world to its knees and turned 2020 into a memorable year for all the wrong reasons. With that, it seems almost too simple that the virus’ kryptonite seems to be a little heat, and that a software update allows the Ford-built Police Interceptor SUVs to disinfect itself by literally turning on the car’s inbuilt heater on full blast.

How this came about was through the concerns of police officers in the US of A, who brought up a risk factor which leaves front-liners such as themselves exposed to traces of the virus inside their own vehicles.

It’s a legitimate concern, even for us everyday Malaysians. For example, we may take many precautions before and after returning home from, say, the supermarket - taking a shower, quickly washing the clothes we wore in public. But what about the interior of our cars and the microbes that hitched a ride back with us?

The update allows law enforcement all over the country to help “lower the footprint” of the COVID-19 virus, as they put it. Ford worked with the Ohio State University to determine what temperature was needed to neutralise the virus and subsequently ran trials with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

“First responders are on the front lines protecting all of us. They are exposed to the virus and are in dire need of protective measures,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. “We looked at what’s in our arsenal and how we could step up to help. In this case, we’ve turned the vehicle’s powertrain and heat control systems into a virus neutraliser.”

The solution they’ve landed on is for the Interceptor (itself based on a Ford Explorer SUV) to enter a special mode after returning from the day’s duties, essentially using the factory cabin heater system to heat soak the interior to beyond 56 degrees Celsius (or 133 degrees Farenheit) for 15 minutes, baking away any trace of the virus.

This method “reduces viral concentration by greater than 99 percent on interior surfaces and materials used inside Police Interceptor Utility vehicles,” said Jeff Jahnes and Jesse Kwiek, laboratory supervisors at The Ohio State University department of microbiology.

While it is running through the heat disinfection, it would naturally be unsafe for anyone to disturb it accidentally. Therefore, Ford has programmed the feature to flash the hazard lights in a preset pattern, indicate when the process is underway. Another series of flashes will also indicate its completion. From there, the car will also run through a cool-down process to normalise cabin temperature.

As a failsafe, indicators on the Interceptor’s instrument cluster will also provide more precise updates on the status of the disinfection. Unlike more conventional chemical methods of sanitisation, Ford’s solution of flooding the cabin with elevated air temperatures can reach hard to access areas, compensating for any human error in the application of a chemical disinfectant.

“Law enforcement officers are being dispatched as emergency responders in some cases where ambulances may not be available,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “During one trip, officers may be transporting a coronavirus patient to a hospital, while another trip may involve an occupant who may be asymptomatic.”

“Officers can now use this self-cleaning mode as an extra layer of protection inside the vehicle in areas where manual cleaning is prone to be overlooked,” Tyler added. “This virus is an invisible enemy and we are proud to provide a solution to help the law enforcement community fight it.”

Because Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptors make up the vast majority of all police vehicles in active service within the United States, specifically those made between 2013 and 2019, the rollout to implement this new disinfectant measure can be done relatively quickly. Any police department there need only install the software using their provided OBD II diagnostic service tools or have the vehicles brought to a local Ford service centre.

Well done Ford!


McLaren Really Doesn't Want To Make SUVs

"We really do deliver on the ultimate driving experience. For us, it means no compromise. An SUV doesn't allow us to deliver on that. It's a not a no-compromise kind of vehicle." said Mark Roberts, head of design for McLaren Automotive,
during an inaugural luxury and supercar forum held in Toronto
. Those are fighting words, specifically aimed at other luxury manufacturers who are purported to have "sold their souls" with the introduction of SUVs to their model lineup.
McLaren believes that SUVs have no place in their lineup. Despite that, they have plans to release 18 new vehicles between now and 2025, which sure sounds like a lot of variants of their carbon-chassis-and-3-point-8-litre-turbo formula that they apply liberally across the range. The reality is that quite nearly all of their models are slightly higher or lower specification relative to each other, with a little more or little less power. They may be seeing a growth in sales, but at under 5,000 units a year it doesn't take much to move the needle.
But fighting the SUV and crossover trend does seem a little foolhardy. There are many manufacturers in the past who have put their stamped their feet, protesting the inevitable changes to come - BMW with the belief that two valves per cylinder was the best, Volvo with their anti-front-wheel-drive sentiments, and Honda with turbocharged engines. It's progress, it's what the market demands, and it's especially bold for McLaren to make such a claim when their company is barely making profits in the grand scheme of things.
If there's one thing we've learned, it's that a company's values are only as strong as the people in charge - and these people change, as do market demands, and investors as well. In the end, the choice to produce an SUV may not be one left to McLaren, and it really comes down to how badly they wish to expand and grow the brand. After all, if even the Germans can buckle and produce SUVs a-la-Porsche and BMW, what more a (relatively) small British supercar manufacturer?


Perodua Extends Generosity To Communities Around Its Rawang HQ This Ramadan

In the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the month of Ramadan,
Perodua
 has focused its attention on communities within its headquarters in Sungai Choh, Rawang to make this time of the year more festive, with focus placed on individuals and households in need.
The local automaker has contributed more than RM63,000 between the 9
th
 and 27
th
 of June to several charities and support organizations within the Rawang area to help them with Hari Raya preparations.
In the Sungai Choh area, Perodua donated RM21,000 to seven houses of worship on 9
th
 June. On 26
th
 June, Perodua gave RM20,000 in tithe (or Zakat) to Sekolah Pondok Darulsalam which will be channelled into the construction of a new road leading to the school and improve its overall infrastructure. And on 27
th
 June, Perodua donated an additional RM20,000 to 200 people within the Sungai Buaya vicinity who were deemed worthy of receiving Zakat.
“We are reaching out to as many people as we can, especially those nearest to our headquarters and manufacturing facilities here in Sungai Choh, Rawang,” Perodua President & CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said.
Datuk Aminar and several members of Perodua management also visited a number of poor families in the area while accompanied by representatives of the Masjid committee to contribute essential goods, easing their burden this festive season. Fifty underprivileged children in the area also received “duit raya” from Perodua.
Additionally, 60 volunteers from Perodua assisted the community in cleaning the masjid premises and to prepare a special porridge dish called “bubur lambuk” for members of the surrounding community.


Betul Ke Wanita Boleh Mempengaruhi Pembelian Kereta Lelaki?

Betul ke, wanita boleh mempengaruhi pilihan kereta seorang lelaki ataupun itu hanya cakap kosong sahaja?

Bulan lalu, tular di media sosial tentang seorang isteri muda yang mengidam dibelikan sebuah kereta mewah jenis
Lamborghini
 yang berharga RM3 juta daripada suaminya. Perkongsian video si isteri ini telah meraih lebih 4 juta tontonan dan hampir 100 ribu komen dari wargamaya, yang rata-rata terhibur dengan permintaan mahal si isteri.

*Kredit video: Facebook Viral Video

Di dalam video berdurasi 1 minit 21 saat ini, si suami turut berkata “Membazir la, yang” sambil si isteri berkali-kali ulang “Baby yang nak…” merujuk kepada anak di dalam perutnya.

Lepas sebulan lebih memujuk, akhirnya si suami hadiahkan kereta
Lamborghini
 idaman kepada isterinya yang rupanya telah dibeli 6 bulan yang lalu sebelum video ini menjadi viral.
Sweet
 kan?

*Kredit foto: ayunieso_

Komunikasi Kunci Utama

Situasi sebegini sering terjadi di dalam hubungan suami isteri apabila melibatkan pembelian dengan jumlah yang besar seperti rumah, kereta dan sebagainya. Perbincangan antara pasangan sangat penting kerana pembelian aset sebegini akan memberi impak kepada kewangan dan masa depan keluarga.

Persoalannya, adakah wanita sebagai isteri atau bakal suri hati dapat mempengaruhi keputusan suami? Jawapannya, walau pahit untuk ditelan, adalah
ya
.

Masyarakat kita sering disogokkan dengan status suami sebagai ketua keluarga, tapi harus diingat, isteri ialah Menteri Kewangan dalam rumahtangga. Apa sahaja perbelanjaan harian kebiasaannya ditadbir dengan baik oleh isteri, maka pembelian sebuah kereta baru sebagai kereta pertama keluarga atau mungkin menggantikan kereta yang lama juga, haruslah mendapat ‘kelulusan’ dari isteri.

A Happy Wife, A Happy Life

Seorang usahawan wanita berjaya berkongsi kisahnya di media sosial tentang si suami yang ingin membeli kereta mewah berjenama Ferrari tapi dia tidak izinkan kerana merasakan ia satu bentuk pembaziran. Alasannya, lewat usia sebegini tidak sesuai untuk memandu laju dan risaukan keselamatan suaminya.

*Kredit: Facebook Eriyca Baiduri

Si suami tidak mengalah dan kerap memujuk isterinya dan setelah hampir 2 tahun, dia mendapat keizinan untuk membeli kereta idamannya dengan memenuhi syarat-syarat yang ditetapkan isterinya seperti jumlah polisi insurans harus dinaikkan dan meletakkan tabungan simpanan khas untuk kenderaan baharu ini.

Walaupun suami usahawan ini boleh dan mampu untuk membeli kereta tanpa merujuk kepada isterinya tapi dia memilih untuk berbincang dan melibatkan isteri dalam urusan pembelian kereta. Apabila ditanya mengapa dia berbuat demikian, dia sekadar menjawab “
A happy wife, a happy life
”.

Sudut Pandang Wanita

Bagi pasangan yang ingin membeli kenderaan untuk kegunaan keluarga pula, wanita adalah calon terbaik untuk menilai kereta mana yang lebih sesuai untuk dibeli. Memetik buku The Strategy of Desire oleh Ernest Dichter, dia merumuskan sudut pandang wanita dalam pembelian kereta berbeza dengan seorang lelaki. Ini kerana wanita akan menilai dari aspek dirinya sebagai seorang pemandu dan juga penumpang kereta tersebut, berbanding lelaki yang hanya menilai dari sudut pandang seorang pemandu kereta sahaja.

Wanita cenderung untuk memikirkan soal keselamatan dan keselesaan diri dan anak-anak dalam pemilihan kereta. Antaranya fungsi
child lock
, keluasan ruang simpanan dan penjagaan kusyen kereta, manakala lelaki lebih tertumpu kepada aspek kelajuan, prestasi enjin dan harga kereta. Dichter turut menyarankan golongan lelaki dan para suami untuk menerima sudut pandang wanita ketika membuat kajian kenderaan kerana kereta yang praktikal mempunyai jangka hayat lebih lama berbanding kereta berprestasi tinggi.

Akhir kata, perbezaan pendapat dalam hubungan rumahtangga haruslah diraikan. Begitu juga dalam pemilihan kereta, berbeza pendapat itu penting supaya kedua belah pihak berpuas hati dengan pembelian kereta idaman.


MINI Malaysia Celebrates 60 Years of MINI And Teases Anniversary Model

Last weekend was a pretty happening one for automotive icons - what with a send-off for the Beetle production comes to an end - but a little lesser known was MINI Malaysia's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the MINI brand. This can be a little confusing as MINI (all uppercase) was a rebrand of the original Mini models, coming into the world at the turn of the century. Either way, it's a celebration of six decades of (relatively) compact, (impeccably) fun cars that have established a cult following - both classic and modern.
To honour this anniversary, MINI gathered its MINIacs and Friends of MINI to form a giant number 60 with their MINI vehicles at the TUDM Kuala Lumpur airfield. The formation was done with the intent of having the Kuala Lumpur skyline as a backdrop and it certainly makes for a memorable photo.
As for the anniversary model, MINI will be unveiling it this coming Friday in celebration of the 60th birthday of the brand. This will be the first of two models to be launched this year with regards to the celebration, and if their history of limited-run specials is anything to go by, it should be a model that's snapped up as quickly as it appears.
For the best deals on MINI models, click
here
.


New BMW (I12) i8 Coupe Launched In Malaysia – From RM1.31 Million

BMW Malaysia today unveiled the facelifted BMW i8 Coupe, the latest iteration of the company’s ground-breaking plug-in hybrid sports car. The new BMW i8 retails for RM1,310,800, OTR without insurance.
Mr. Raymond Tan, Head of Sales of BMW Malaysia added, “In 2014, BMW redefined the concept of a supercar with the BMW i8. In its looks and appeal, the sports car arrived from the future but more than this, the BMW i8 told a bold and ambitious story of the BMW Group in shaping the future of the automotive industry with Electro Mobility.”
Visually not much has changed, a new active air shutter on the bonnet reroutes air from going over the bonnet to the sides of the car, near the wheel arches. Along the flanks, ‘516 Jet Black’ 20-inch wheels are now fitted.
The i8 is powered by an electric motor on the front axle and an internal combustion engine on the rear. The engine’s power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox.
The high-voltage battery, located centrally in the car’s underbody has an increased cell capacity of 33 Ah from the previous 20 Ah, while the electric motor output has increased by 9 kW to 105 kW. The electric range now extends to 55 km.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 231 hp and peak torque of 320 Nm, combined. The combined system output is rated at 374 hp, enabling the i8 Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds onto a top speed of 250 km/h. BMW claims a fuel consumption of 1.8-litre/100km in the combined cycle.
On the inside, the futuristic cockpit has been refreshed with the addition a new ‘Accaro E-Copper’ interior package, which is paired with open-pored CFRP Carbon trim on the centre console, door handle, and dashboard inlays. Elsewhere, the gear lever and other control buttons feature a ceramic finish, and the iDrive controller is now embossed with an ‘i8’ logo.
In terms of equipment, the i8 is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display that changes its display to includes revs, gears, and shift lights when in the Sport drive mode, while the addition of the Navigation System Professional features an 8.8-inch freestanding display screen with up-to-date tile style graphics, as seen on the
(G12) 7 Series
.
The New BMW i8 exterior comes in Crystal White with a Frozen Grey highlight, or the new BMW Individual paintwork Donington Grey, with the interior in Black Amido or Accaro respectively.
Customers of the BMW i8 will also enjoy BMW Malaysia’ 5-Year Unlimited Mileage warranty with Free Scheduled Service program, 2-year tyre warranty program, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW White Card benefits program.


New Ford Ranger Launched In Malaysia - 9 Variants, From RM90,888

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the authorised distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia lauched the new Ford Ranger earlier today.
A total of 9 variants will be available, with prices as mentioned below:
Wildtrak (2 variants) - From RM134,888
XLT+ (1 variant) - From RM124,888
XLT (2 variants) - From RM109,888
XL (3 variants) - From RM90,888
Ranger Raptor - To be announced at KLIMS 2018
The much anticipated Ranger Raptor on the other hand will be launched at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS'18) in November.
This is also the first time SDAC is introducing the Ranger XLT+ variant in Malaysia.
There are three engine options - the new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine producing 213 PS and 500 Nm, a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine churning out 180 PS and 420 Nm, and the 2.2-litre duratorq diesel engine which makes 160 PS and 385 Nm of torque.
The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine will not only be powering the Ranger Raptor, but also the Wildtrak 4x4. The Wildtrak 4x2 gets the 2.0-litre single turbo engine.
Also offered for the first time is the 10-speed automatic gearbox in class. There is also a 6-speed manual transmission for some variants.
Powertrain aside, the new Ranger (Wildtrak 4x4) features many of Ford’s latest innovations which are first and only in-class such as:
Pre-Collision Assist
Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Easy Lift Tailgate
Other key features include:
HID headlights with LED DRLs and fog lamps
A 230 V power socket
Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AppLink
8-inch touch screen display with Bluetooth, GPS, voice recognition
Hill Descent Control
E-locking rear differential
6 airbags
800 mm water wading
4x4 Shift on the fly
Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
While new exterior features include a new grille, a redesigned front bumper, LED DRLs, LED front fog lamps, and HID headlights, other new technology include keyless entry and push-start ignition, Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8.0-inch full colour touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a 230 V power outlet.
Ford has also upgraded the suspension for improved ride and a reduction in body roll when the Ranger is carrying a load or towing.
Offered in 8 colours (3 new), the new Ranger is offered with a 2 years free maintenance or up to 40,000 km warranty for customers who register before 31st January 2019.
On top of that, the new Ranger also comes with an early bird offer where the first 888 customers will receive a voucher for electrical goods worth RM1,000 each. The offer ends either when the 888th registration is made, or at 31st December 2018.


Honing Your Skills Safely – Driving Your First Trackday; What You Need To Know

Pilling hard out of a hairpin left-hander, my foot is pressed hard against the firewall, trying to make up time for a botched section before this, a long tightening left-hander leads onto a 90-degree right-hander. I get a little bit more greedy with power, the rear swings out, I apply some countersteer, the car settles, and then whips around again… the next thing I know, I’m sliding sideways straight into a deep gravel bank.

The car gets stuck, I’m not going anywhere, and the session ends with my tyres covered in mud, and my ego badly bruised. Nonetheless, I walked away safe, and besides a slightly dislodged bumper (perhaps a broken bracket or clip)… my car made it out as well.

Imagine if this had happened on a public road – losing control at 70 km/h, and sliding into a tree, a divider, or worse, another motorist?

This is why, despite having a decent amount of driving experience, it is always best to hone your driving skills away from public roads, and on a racetrack where, redundancies are built-in, in case you make mistakes.

I like many out there, simply grew up wanting to be a racing driver.

However, the path to becoming a racing driver is hardly ever straightforward. Even with real talent, motorsports is expensive – so deep pockets or supportive sponsors are a must. Moreover, costs vary depending on the racing disciplines you partake in i.e.: circuit racing, rallying, drag racing, or drifting (yes, drifting is a sport).

So where do you get your start?

And for the sake of the argument let’s assume you don’t have years of karting experience, a racing license, and or sponsors… just a vehicle, a little bit of spare cash, and adrenaline-laced with petrol coursing through your veins… well, it’s good to know there are still some options.

There are many grassroots events out there which one can join at relatively low costs, i.e.: less than RM300 for entry. Some examples are the longstanding GRA Gymkhana series, MSF Solo Master, and one that has been rapidly growing in popularity, the SuciMuci Time Attack Championship.

I recently joined Round 2 of this year’s SuciMuci Time Attack Championship. I not only walked away a better driver, but an adoring fan of our Malaysian grassroots racers and teams, and overjoyed with the charming brotherhood that still exists amongst petrol heads to this day!

I also walked away with a substantial amount of experience and pointers on what to do on your first event/trackday:

Run what you brung…

It doesn’t matter what car you drive, you can probably participate in grassroots events. A little preparation goes a long way, but a well-maintained vehicle with decent tyres and brakes will more than allow you to have some fun on track or a carpark Gymkhana event. At SuciMuci’s Round 1 event, earlier this year, an enthusiastic participant drove his family’s Toyota Avanza 1.3L MPV on the circuit. From what we know, the car is as it left the factory save for a wider wheel and tire set, and an upgraded suspension package – and it performed amazingly.

I also lost count of the amount of Kancils and first-generation Proton Saga’s proving that regardless of the car, you can have an amazing time behind the wheel for not too much. For starters, just ensure your drivetrain is sound, not leaking, get a decent set of tyres (preferably from a notable manufacturer), and good brake pads and you're good to go. Doing a track day event in a car you drive every day will ensure firstly, that you are more comfortable getting in and going fast, and secondly, that you better understand its limits, meaning when you drive on public roads, you’re better prepared.

Arrive early

Regardless of whatever event you choose to join, arrive early, get registered, and get a good paddock or pit spot. Getting there early means that you will have more time to get your car setup (especially if you are driving an earlier session), and get your car prepped for going out. Organisers also hold driver briefings and track walks, which are extremely important. A track walk/drive gives you a chance to sample the road surface and take note of proper driving lines.

Regardless if you may have driven the course, it pays to be informed because track surface and conditions always change, from event to event, and even as the day progresses.

Know the schedule

Properly understand when your category or race session starts. If you’re not sure, ask around. Know exactly when you're due to stage at the pit area. The last thing you want is to be going to the restroom, while the rest of the cars are heading out on the track.

Remove unnecessary items

Once you have found your spot, remove all unwanted items from your car, these include your SmartTag, sunglasses, and any trash in your vehicle. You don’t need these things flying around in your car while on track. If the event rules allow you to remove your spare tyre and other items from your vehicle, do it as soon as possible. A lighter car is a faster car!

Check your tyre pressures

Tyres will heat up quickly when pushed on a track/road course given the higher cornering speeds and hard braking before corners. When your tyre heats up, the air within in expands, and this can cause your tyres to “balloon”, making them less grippy and predictable. Therefore, it’s wise to reduce your tyre pressures between 2-3 PSI before you head out on track. This is a rule of thumb, but the best way is to gradually reduce the pressures across your track day until you find a sweet spot with your car. You can do this by purchasing a tyre pressure gauge. Lastly, don’t forget to top-up your tyre pressures to where they need to be after you’re done.

Check your fluids

Before you go out on track, check the levels of your engine, brake, steering, and clutch fluids, the last thing you need is a ceased engine because your car is low on oil. Check your coolant levels while you're at it.

Make sure you have a tow eye

This was perhaps the most expensive mistake I made on my first time out. Despite all the prep, I forgot to fix a tow eye onto my car. So when I had spun out, the track officials had no way of removing my car before the next bunch of cars went out. Therefore, with little time, they attached a towrope to my rear chassis reinforcement bar. Almost as soon as they applied any force, it bent out of shape. Luckily, a friend quickly passed me a tow eye and we managed to get the car out.

Safety first

Take the time to properly wear your safety gear. Most grassroots events will only stipulate you wear a safety helmet, but take your time to wear it properly. Proper tight fittings shoes are a must – if you don’t have a pair of racing shoes, wear grippy shoes with thin soles for better feel and ease of moving around between the pedals. Gloves are highly recommended, again, there are cheap alternatives – one of the best gloves I have used, were a disposable fabric set with some rubber friction pads on the palm area, they cost only RM5.

Be smooth

Depending on your chosen event, don’t attempt to go out and set your fastest lap on your first try. This will simply not happen. Slowly build your tyre and brake temperatures up to where they need to be, and gradually build speed as you go along. Always remember to be smooth and push your car and yourself a bit harder with every lap. This is where seat time and practice will eventually allow you to go faster and find faster ways of going around the course.

Have fun

This is sometimes forgotten, but on your first event, simply have fun! There is no point in setting yourself lofty goals and going out and pushing yourself beyond your ability and hurting your car. As much as possible, relax, enjoy your time on track and take care of your car. Supportive friends (such as I have) will help you gain confidence, motivate you to try your best, and help you get prepared for the next stint.

Reflect on your performance

Learn as much as you can of your chosen course by watching other drivers on the track, watch Youtube videos if available. It's important to arm yourself with as much info before you roll out of the pits. Once you have completed your track day/event, reflect on your performance, think back to where you can improve in terms of driving skills, braking points, driving lines, and improve your car where it matters most. It is here, where you realise half the modifications most people do to make their cars looks fast, are hardly as important as the ones that actually make you go fast – like good tyres and brakes… and not body kits!

All said and done, with a crazy second session, having spun out on the first… I managed to walk away with the fourth-fastest time in my category, and a tonne of memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition, I can honestly say, if you really want to become a better driver, the track is a far more challenging place to do it, then on public roads!


This one-off Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato is insanely cantik

This is what happens when you hand over an
Alfa Romeo Giulia
 to the Italian design house,
Zagato
.

Dubbed the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato, this one-off masterpiece is based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio but has gone through quite a customisation journey at the hands of the geniuses over at Zagato.

2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 upgraded to GTAm spec

Starting at the heart of it all, this particular Giulia comes with an upgraded GTAm spec 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that punches out 533hp and 600Nm of torque for a more 'track-focused' driving experience.

The German client that we assume paid a huge chunk of wealth to get this done wasn't interested in the automatic gearbox, which is why this one-of-one Giulia is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

Shortened wheelbase + carbon fibre bodywork

While mere mortals should be satisfied with slapping on some aftermarket parts, Zagato went to town by realising the SWB namesake by shortening the Giulia's wheelbase and turning it into a two-door beauty.

This unique bodywork was brought to life with extensive use of carbon fibre that ties everything together to pay homage to some of the SZ builds back in the 1990s. This is most apparent via the additions of front vents, side curves, and a rear diffuser.

It won't be long before the definition of the word 'sexy' is defined as this custom Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato. If you happen to disagree, get your eyes and head checked because this is mental in the best possible manner.


2016 Proton Persona Receives 5-Stars From ASEAN NCAP

The all-new Proton Persona receives a safety rating of 5 stars by the New Car Assessment Program for South East Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) on the day of its launch. The rating is given as an extension of the 5-star rating awarded to the
Proton Iriz
 earlier and is applicable to all variants of the Persona on sale in the Malaysian market.
In a statement released by ASEAN NCAP, it was clarified that, ‘as the Persona is the sedan version of Iriz, with comparable occupant protection to the Iriz, ASEAN NCAP is extending the rating of Proton Iriz to the Persona. This move was adopted as ASEAN NCAP feels the volume of the car is not yet available to justify the test.’
The statement nevertheless added that as the Persona’s volume grows in the market, ASEAN NCAP might consider subjecting the vehicle to an actual crash test.
“Although the Persona is an extended rating, ASEAN NCAP had verified the results by examining the crash data from the development test by Proton at MIROS PC3 and comparing it with Iriz’s crash data. As such, all variants of the new Persona are awarded with 5-Star ASEAN NCAP,” said ASEAN NCAP Chairman, Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon.
According to the official ASEAN NCAP results, the Persona scored 14.07 out of 16.00 points for adult occupant protection, qualifying it for a 5-star Adult Occupant Protection rating. In the area of child occupant protection, the Persona scored 82%, qualifying it for a Child Occupant Protection rating of 4 stars.
In addition to its all but identical frontal structure, all variants the Persona also receive the same level of active and passive safety equipment that includes dual frontal airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), seatbelt reminders for both front occupants, and ISOFIX mounts with top tethers for child restraints. Higher-spec variants additionally get side and curtain airbags.
The Persona’s commendable democratization of safety across its entire line-up ensures that its ASEAN NCAP rating are similarly applicable to all variants without exception. The videos below highlight the extent of Proton's efforts in engineering the Persona as a safe yet affordable car for the masses.
Follow the links below for more information on the all-new 2016 Proton Persona:
2016 Proton Persona Teased In Safety 360 Promo Video
First Impressions: 2016 Proton Persona – Last Chance Saloon
Early Proton Persona Customers Enjoy 3 Years Free Service
2016 Proton Persona Open for Booking
2016 Proton Persona Teased Again Ahead Of Launch


BMW, Nissan To Recall More Than 165,000 Cars For Fuel Pump Defect

In a recent announcement, both
Nissan
 Motor Co and
BMW
 AG said they are issuing a recall order totalling more than 165,000 vehicles worldwide due to an issue with fuel pump components that were manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH which supplies both automakers.
A source told Reuters that the affected models are those made between 2014 and 2015 and that the defect could cause engine stalling or it failing to start. For Nissan vehicles sold in the United States and Canada, it concerns 95,031 units of the Rogue SUV, and roughly 70,500 BMW cars worldwide. This furthers the German outfit's recall tally following
regulators in China found an electrical supply issue
 affecting 80,000 cars sold there.
According to documents filed with the U.S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nickel plating could detach and block moving parts in the fuel pump. Neither Nissan nor BMW was previously aware of such a defect forming or knows of any injuries or accidents that have resulted from it. Both automakers also said that, in an affected car, a stalling engine is less likely than one that does not start, quelling fears of an emergency situation occuring while driving.
Also according to NHTSA documents, July 2014 saw a spike in BMW warranty claims involving fuel pumps on certain models while in March 2014 Nissan identified a Rogue that failed to start due to a suspected faulty fuel pump.
BMW models affected in the United States include: 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles.
The source could not identify models or incidences with this defect for vehicles sold outside the US, however, and is still unknown if this problem is serious and/or widespread enough to prompt a more far-reaching recall - namely in Malaysia. Hopefully, it is a location-specific problem that is isolated to units produced in a different spec to those found here. We'll have to wait and see.
Both automakers are expected to start their recall programs to replace the fuel pump assembly - at no cost, of course - between April and early May 2015.


VIDEO: Police Chase Stolen Lorry Without Any Tyres, From Sentul To Dengkil

Not much going on here, apart from a full-on Malaysian-style police chase!
The chase was believed to have taken place very recently, following the stealing of a lorry from Sentul. It ended (without anyone seemingly getting hurt, fortunately) in Dengkil, where police officers were able to apprehend the driver.
As mentioned, no one was reported to have been hurt in the high-risk chase from Sentul to Dengkil. However, a few “palang” (poles) were believed to have been destroyed in the pursuit.
Strangely, the stolen lorry appeared to wear no tyres on its wheels! It isn’t clear if the tyres were blown out, or if the driver didn’t bother with trying to steal a lorry with tyres on.
Either way, good job PDRM.

Aksi polis mengejar lori tanpa tayar
Aksi polis mengejar lori tanpa tayarMore : Sukan Star TV @ Sukan Star .com @ sukanstar.com
Posted by
Sukan Star TV
 on Monday, 24 August 2015

LORI TANPA TAYAR LARI DIKEJAR POLIS
VIDEO saat cemas Unit Peronda PDRM (MPV) mengejar Lori yang baru dicuri. Dilarikan dari Sentul dan berakhir di Dengkil. Saspek turut melanggar 3-4 palang sebelum diberkas Polis. SYABAS! Unit MPV KL dari IPD Sentul dan dibantu MPV SL dari IPD Subang Jaya Balai Bukit Puchong. SALUTE untuk PDRM !!Lagi Video Like Facebook -- Friends Of PDRM
Posted by
Friends Of PDRM
 on Sunday, 23 August 2015


All-New G05 BMW X5 Launched In Malaysia, Estimated Price From RM640,000

BMW Group Malaysia has launched the all-new fourth generation (G05) BMW X5 today, alongside the
BMW X2
 (additional M35i variant) and
BMW X4
. Of the three models, it is the X5 with the most history being the first sporty SUV in the BMW range, and a proof of concept that set the stage for many models to come.
The iconic model is now in its fourth generation, and has seen noticeable steps forward in widening the range of abilities of this mainstay in the BMW range. In the pursuit of improving comfort, air suspension has been integrated from the get go, as has the option for integral active steering – or rear wheel steering as its better known. The result is a car that doesn’t trade away an ounce of agility for a more refined driving experience.
Pricing for the model starts at RM640,000 (estimated). Unlike the previous model, the all-new X5 is imported from Spartanburg, USA, thus explains the big jump in price. Local assembly is being considered but details of the new National Automotive Policy and continuation of Energy Efficient Vehicles incentives unclear, there are no immediate plans to locally assemble the all-new X5.
It comes in a singular xDrive40i M Sport variant, which means it packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 TwinPowerTurbo engine that sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Outputs stand at 340 PS (5,500 - 6,500 rpm) and 450 Nm of torque (1,500 - 5,200 rpm), making it quite the adequate engine for the over-two-tonne behemoth.
From a chassis standpoint, the new X5 has much in common with its sedan compatriots. Underpinning it is a variant of the CLAR platform first brought in with the 7 Series and eventually implemented with the current 5 Series and 3 Series. Overall dimensions haven’t changed, with only a 36 mm increase in length, 66 mm increase in width, and 19 mm increase in height, allowing the X5 to maintain its rugged two-box proportions.
The interior features the most up to date styling found in cars like the G20 3 Series and G29 Z4, with an instrument cluster that sports opposing speedometer and tachometer displays, similar to the all-new 3 Series. While it may not be the most user-friendly design, it’s something we are going to be stuck with for the foreseeable future. The centre console layout is simplistic in its button placement, but also keeps everything within easy reach of the driver.
What isn’t offered here is the rather interesting xOffroad Package that is specifically tailored for heading off the beaten path. The first of its kind for a BMW model, the package includes smaller wheels with off-road specific tyres, as well as two axle air suspension and terrain selector in the centre console that helps to optimize powertrain settings for specific conditions.
That being said, the standard equipment list is pretty extensive and is as follows:
M Aerodynamics package
Blue M Sport brake calipers
20-inch M light alloy wheels
Panorama glass roof
Adaptive LED headlights
BMW Display Key
Vernasca genuine leather upholstery
LED ambient lighting with 6 predefined designs
4-zone automatic air-conditioning
Contactless opening and closing tailgate
12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional instrument panel
16-speaker 464W Harman Kardon sound system
BMW Gesture control infotainment
2x 10.2-inch touch screen monitor for rear passengers
Cruise control with braking function (non-adaptive, maintains speed at downhill stretches)
Lane departure warning and Lane change warning
Front Collission warning with brake intervention
Rear cross traffic collision alert and prevention
Heads-up Display
Reverse camera with parking assist
As interest in SUVs grow, the X5 is not only one BMW's most important model, but also among its historically significant models, having pioneered the genre 20 years ago.
Click
here
 for the latest deals on new BMW vehicles.


2014 BMW M4 Quick Review In Portugal: A Fitting Successor

In the pantheon of performance cars, there are few names that resound through the ages quite like
BMW
’s M3. First conceived as a homologation model to facilitate their entry into Group A Touring Car racing in the 1980s, the M3 eventually grew to become a performance car icon in its own right, spawning four generations across 27 years. Even through four successive generations of the 3-series, the M3 derivative has always been a car that excites the hearts of drivers and enthusiasts of every generation.
However, questions arise with the arrival of the fifth-generation model, which brings with it plenty of changes to the M3 formula. One of which includes the decision to split the model designation into two, the M3 for the sedan and M4 for the coupé model, in keeping with the brand’s logical naming convention of odd numbers for sedans and even numbers for coupés. So while the M3 and M4 are almost identical underneath the sheet metal, the M4 would be one to carry on the baton of its predecessors, which were predominantly two-door coupés.
Key Specs: 2014 BMW M4
On Sale:
TBC
Engine:
3-litre inline-6 twin-turbochargers
Transmission:
Seven-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive
Power:
431PS @ 5,500-7,300rpm
Torque:
550Nm @ 1,850-5,500rpm
Acceleration (0-100km/h):
4.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel consumption:
8.3L/100km (claimed combined)
A New Name - A New Era
Like the current
M5
 and
M6
, the new M3/M4 utilises a downsized turbocharged engine. The snarling 4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 beast of
its predecessor
 will become the pinnacle of engine size in the M3’s lineage. The new successor on the other hand adopts a new 3-litre inline-6, codenamed the S55, with two mono-scroll turbochargers strapped to its side. Power goes up by a comparatively small notch of 11PS, but crucially torque has taken a 40 per cent spike with fuel consumption and emission figures being slashed by 25 per cent. The new power unit now produces 431PS from 5,500rpm and 550Nm of torque from as low as 1,850rpm, and is capable of propelling the 1,497kg coupé to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, all whilst clocking acombined fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km.
Though the new 3-litre engine sounds similar to the 306PS 3-litre inline-6 M55 engine you would find on the
335i
 and
435i
, the M division’s engine is different with a new sealed deck engine block for strength, and two turbochargers with electronic wastegates for better throttle response. The only similarity with the run of the mill M55 inline-6 engine is its head, which has been modified for duty on the M3/M4.
Weight too has been curtailed in the new M4 coupé, at 1,537kg (with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission), it is the first in its lineage to be lighter than its predecessor. In fact, if you discount the lightened variants such as the M3 CSL and M3 GTS, this is the lightest “standard” M3 since the second-generation model. According to BMW, the new M4 manages to shed weight by employing the use of carbon-fibre for many bits and pieces underneath. Aside from the carbon-fibre roof, the propeller shaft is now a one-piece item forged from carbon-fibre, the boot lid uses carbon-fibre, and so is the front strut bar made from the black weave. The turbocharged engine is also said to be 12kg lighter than the V8 used by its predecessor. Accounting all weight saving measures, BMW says the new M3/M4 is at least 80kg lighter than their equivalent predecessors.
Unfortunately the demands of fuel efficiency meant that the M division had to stick to using an electric power steering system for the M3/M4, instead of developing an exclusive hydraulic power steering system such as that found on the M5. However it isn’t all for saving the environment, the M division claims that the electric power steering system saves weight. According to their own estimates, the power steering system saves 3.5kg over the front axle, which for a front-engine car, is a challenging and crucial area in the quest of trimming flab.
Has it worked?
Those performance figures are tantalising, and with maximum torque available from 1,850rpm, the acceleration is just an unrelenting surge from the moment the tyres dig in and launches you forward. Forget clocking a 0 to 100km/h time, the M4 fires off into the distance like a rocket-powered sled unabatedly all the way up past 200km/h. Even though it is turbocharged, the engineers in the M division has manage to deliver an engine that revs till 7,500rpm and feels almost as instantaneous in its response as a naturally-aspirated engine.
Well I say“almost”, though despite the engineers’ ingenuity in designing the engine to continuously pump gases through the turbochargers even on throttle lift-off, there is still a split-second lag the moment you slam your foot on the throttle. The lag isn’t as bad as a normal turbocharged engine, but it isn’t quite as instantaneous as they claim.
Unlike other modern turbocharged engines which delivers its load in the first half of the rev range, and tends to feel breathless from there onwards, the M4’s engine still has a generous spread of power and continues to pull all the way until its needle is close to touching the red band of the rev counter, filling the cabin with an electronically-simulated engine noise that sounds closer to heavy industrial machinery.
How does it drive?
For something delivering the speed and performance to worry a sports car, the M4 is surprisingly easy to drive quickly and benign in letting you exploit its rear-drive characteristics. On tight country lanes the M4 delivers quick changes in direction and displays good mid-corner adjustability.
While a 428i would feel slightly aloof when hurried along quickly, the M4 felt more confident and stable on the road, even with the speedometer needle twisted around the 200km/h mark. This is thanks to the use of non-run flat tyres which delivers plenty of feedback from the road. It also helps that the rubber used is a special type of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres specially developed to keep the Bavarian rocket glued to the tarmac.The throttle, suspension, and steering can be adjusted individually each with three levels of response, firmness, and weight respectively.
Unfortunately the electric power steering, whilst quick and sharper than a surgeon’s knife, doesn’t quite translate the limits of tyre grip through to the driver’s fingertips. In the initial few kilometres of driving, understanding the limits of the M4’s front end was very much a guessing game. Admittedly it takes some time to find just how much purchase those grippy tyres provide. However overstep the limits with the traction control on and the system would induce a trace amount of understeer. Press the traction control button once to activate the M Dynamic Mode and the M4’s safety net would allow you to get the tail loose and indulge in the M4’s tractable chassis and predictable handling. The optional carbon ceramic disc brakes that were fitted to our test carsare easy to modulate at low speeds,and manage to deliver impressive stopping power when you really stamp your foot on the pedal.
What about the M3?
Don’t mistake the M3 for a civilised or watered-down version of the M4, the M3 is every bit as quick and exciting to drive as the M4, with two extra doors to boot. Not just similar in terms of M fitments, it uses the same S55 3-litre inline-6 engine, the same widespread application of carbon-fibre components, including being the first M3 sedan to come as standard with a carbon-fibre roof, and the Active M differential.
According to the engineers from the M division, the M3 and M4 were both developed with the same dynamic targets in mind. After having driven both the M3 and M4 back-to-back on road and on track, there really isn’t much difference between the two. The coupé allows you to stretch out in the driver’s seat with a lower seating position, but ability wise there really isn’t much to differentiate even with the sedan packing 23kg of extra weight over the coupe. In the end, picking between the two is rather a choice of going for the understated look of the M3 or the flamboyance of the M4’scoupé shape.
Verdict
For all its zeitgeist changes of downsizing engines and fitting lightweight bits, BMW’s M division didn’t forget that the M3/M4 should be able to deliver the involvement and thrills, and the M4 delivers that in spades. It isn’t just the extra power to boot, or the acceleration, but the way it makes 431PS manageable and exploitable, and the way it connects you to the road in ways the standard 3-Series and 4-Series could only hope for.
It isn’t as raw and hardcore as its predecessors might have been, and some might see it as having its edginess chamfered off to be more of an all-rounder. But dig deep and one would find, behind its all-round ability, the M4 retains its exuberant persona and sharp dynamics while dialling in everyday usability and considerations. It can play the hard-edged and precise track missile card, comfortable highway cruiser, and tyre smoking machine all in equal breath and ability. And that in itself, is a mastery few can attain.


Hyundai Sonata SmartStream G2.5 - RM 206,888

The D-segment market may not be as hot as it once used to be, but HSDM has faith in it with the launch of all-new Hyundai Sonata.

In what seems like a massive leap forward for the Korean brand, Hyundai's eight-generation
Sonata
 looks like a far more premium product than the Sonatas you may remember. In Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is launching it in a singular variant - the SmartStream G2.5, priced at RM 206,888.

But if you're the first 50 owners to pick one of these D-segment sedans up, you can get it for the low introductory price of RM 189,888 - which is a pretty great deal. The Sonata is the first of Hyundai's models to use their Sensuous Sportiness Design language that provides a coupe-like roofline, with aggressive lines and fenders. The headlights even blend with the chrome trim that runs down the length of the bonnet for a truly exquisite look.

18-inch alloy wheels in a dual-tone finish help to highlight the overall size of the car, as well as rear tail lights that span the width of the boot, composed entirely of LED lights and garnished with chrome trim pieces. Small touches like the little vortex generators on the rear tail lights are not lost on us either.

Beating at the heart of the Sonata is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated SmartStream engine - the label denotes development for better performnace, better efficiency, and lower emissions with 180 PS and 232 Nm on tap. The platform is based on third generation architecture, with best-in-class collision testing by US standards.

What's a mass market car without features? Features can make or break a product, and the Sonata isn't light on them. Keyless entry with push start, 8-way power adjustable drivers seats with two presets, one touch panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT LCD super cluster display and an 8-inch LCD touch screen head unit are just the top of the list.

There's also the 360 view camera, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a blind side camera that appears in the cluster, a wireless charging system with ventilation, and three ways of opening the boot: promixity to the key, a touch button on the boot itself, and the button on the key fob itself.

We haven't yet had the chance to test drive this all-new model, but when we do you can expect our full review of the various features and all the ins and outs of the all-new Sonata.


Range Rover Velar P380 Now Available At Malaysian Showrooms, Priced From RM723k

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has just rolled out the Range Rover Velar P380 R-Dynamic variant.
The Range Rover Velar P380 is fitted with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine churning out 380 PS and 450 Nm of torque, enabling the sports SUV to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h.
Range Rover has also enhanced the exhaust note to a deep powerful note that is sweet sounding to match the refined cabin.
Priced at RM 722,787, the key features in the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic P380 are:
R-Dynamic exterior kit
21-inch wheels
Electronic Air Suspension for ground clearance of up to 251 mm
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Radar-based High-Speed Emergency Braking system
Meridian Surround Sound System with 17 speakers
R-Dynamic plus P380 badge
The Range Rover Velar is recognised for its flush deployable door handles and slender matrix LED head lamps. Inside, the Touch Pro Duo dual-touchscreen infotainment system provides plenty of information as well as controls to the Velar's vast array of features.
Designed and engineered at Jaguar Land Rover’s development centres in the UK, the Velar, which is manufactured at the company’s Solihull production facility, is also the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced with a low drag coefficient of 0.32.
The
 Range Rover Velar premiered in Malaysia back in April
with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
All vehicles distributed by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia come with the 'Land Rover Care' programme which includes a five-year warranty, five year's free service and three year's roadside assistance.


September 2017 Vehicle Sales - Market Tumbles 20.8%

Vehicle sales for the month of September has been rather weak. This is partly due to September’s shorter working month as a result from four public holidays - Hari Raya Haji, Malaysia Day, Awal Muharram and one more holiday as a result from a SEA Game victory.
From the data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), vehicle sales dropped 20.8% month-on-month and 14.8% year-on-year. Compared to August, September saw just 40,981 vehicle sold, 10,739 units less than the month prior.
Strict loan approval process implemented by banks have also caused sales to slow down.
For September, Perodua remains as the nation’s sales leader, with 14,355 units sold. Compared to August, that figure is a 4,275 units decrease. Cumulative sales for Perodua is at a record high of 151,580 units, 691 more than 2016. The company is still offering substantial discounts for the current, outgoing generation Myvi stock.
The new Myvi is expected to go on sale in November.
Honda’s sales also took a beating, with just 7,906 units sold in September. This marks an 18.8% drop or 1,827 units decrease compared to August’s 9,733 units. Despite that, cumulative sales have seen a healthy 24.5% increase to 78,742 from 2016’s 63,262.
Mazda saw a 9.2% drop to 728 units, versus 802 units in August. This is largely due to phasing out of the previous generation CX-5. With the introduction of the all-new
2017 Mazda CX-5
, Mazda’s performance could improve in the coming months.
Following last month's temporary burst in sales of Peugeot vehicles, due to Nasim registering more models for use during the SEA Games. Nasim's September figures have returned to 163 units.
In the premium segment, sales of BMW overtook Mercedes-Benz, with 1,002 units sold, versus the latter’s 955 units. BMW’s slight upward trend is also reflected in its cumulative sales, with 7,633 units sold to date, marking a 21.3% hike from 2016.
Mercedes-Benz's year-to-date cumulative sales total of 8,971 units remains ahead of BMW's by 1,338 units, although that total is 2.4%, or 223 units, down from the corresponding figure from 2016.


5 Sebab Utama Tuntutan Insurans Kereta Ditolak Oleh Pihak Insurans

Janganlah terkejut sekiranya
tuntutan insurans kereta
 anda ditolak. Apa yang boleh anda lakukan jika terperangkap dalam situasi ini?

Tiada siapa yang mahu terlibat dalam
kemalangan
 jalan raya. Sekiranya anda terlibat dalam kemalangan, kami ada tulis tentang
cara-cara membuat tuntutan insurans
 sebelum ini. Tetapi meskipun kenderaan anda dilindungi insurans, tahukah anda bahawa tuntutan insurans tersebut juga boleh ditolak oleh pihak insurans sendiri?

Ya betul! Meskipun ia kedengaran agak tidak adil memandangkan kita sudah bayar insurans, tapi tak semestinya proses membuat tuntutan insurans itu semudah proses memakai baju dan seluar. Banyak aspek yang perlu diambil kira sebelum memberikan ganti rugi kepada penuntut. Berikut merupakan antara sebab utama tuntutan insurans anda ditolak:

1. Tidak Membuat Laporan Polis/Membuat Laporan Palsu

Anda perlu membuat laporan polis dalam tempoh 24 jam selepas kemalangan berlaku. Jika anda buat laporan selepas 24 jam, tuntutan anda tidak lagi diterima oleh pihak insurans kerana laporan tersebut dianggap tidak sah melainkan atas sebab-sebab yang munasabah. Sebagai contoh, pemandu cedera parah atau koma selepas kemalangan. Kalau dah koma macam mana nak pergi balai buat report kan?

Selain itu, jangan sesekali membuat laporan polis palsu atau menipu dalam laporan yang dibuat. Jika kantoi, bukan setakat tak boleh tuntut insurans, malah anda juga boleh didakwa mengikut Seksyen 182 Kanun Keseksaan di mana jika bersalah, anda bakal disaman sebanyak RM5,000 atau penjara selama 6 bulan atau kedua-duanya.

2. Pemandu Tidak Dinamakan

Jika kereta anda dipandu oleh pemandu yang tidak dinamakan dalam polisi insurans anda, tuntutan insurans anda juga boleh ditolak. Sebab tu kadang-kadang orang takut nak bagi pinjam kereta pada individu bukan penama.

Di Malaysia, anda boleh menamakan dua pemandu untuk dimasukkan ke dalam polisi insurans anda secara percuma, manakala setiap penambahan pemandu seterusnya akan dicaj sebanyak RM10 (caj berbeza mengikut syarikat insurans) bagi setiap nama.  Tapi jika kereta anda dipandu oleh bukan penama dan terlibat dalam kemalangan, tuntutan masih boleh dibuat, tapi kena bayar dahulu sekitar RM400 yang dipanggil sebagai
excess
.

3. Maklumat Diberikan Tidak Tepat

Meskipun anda dah ada bukti kemalangan dan anda berada di pihak benar, namun jika anda tidak memberikan maklumat yang 100% tepat ketika proses membuat
pembaharuan insurans
 terutama melalui dalam talian, pihak insurans berhak menolak tuntutan insurans anda.

Dengan pengenalan liberalisasi tarif insurans kenderaan pada Julai 2017, syarikat insurans kini memerlukan lebih banyak maklumat sebelum dapat menentukan harga insurans kereta. Sebagai contoh:

Taraf Perkahwinan

Pekerjaan

Ciri-ciri Keselamatan Kereta

Tempat Letak Kereta

Jika berlaku kecurian atau kerosakan pada kereta dan maklumat yang anda berikan pada syarikat insurans tidak tepat, syarikat insurans juga berhak untuk menolak tuntutan tersebut.

4. Memandu Di Bawah Pengaruh Alkohol/Dadah

Memandu dalam keadaan mabuk merupakan satu kesalahan besar di Malaysia. Pada hujung minggu lalu sahaja, seramai 14 pemandu ditahan kerana didapati memandu di bawah pengaruh alkohol dalam Ops Pelbagai Kesalahan yang dijalankan di beberapa kawasan sekitar ibu kota.

Jika anda terlibat dalam kemalangan kerana memandu di bawah pengaruh alkohol atau dadah, segala tuntutan insurans kereta anda langsung tidak akan dilayan oleh pihak insurans kerana ia dianggap sebagai kelalaian dan kecuaian pemandu. Lebih teruk, bukan sekadar tak dapat tuntut insurans, malah anda juga akan dihadapkan ke mahkamah atas kesalahan yang lebih besar jika pemanduan anda menyebabkan kecederaan atau kematian.

5. Tidak Dilindungi Polisi Insurans

Paling penting, pastikan anda betul-betul faham tentang polisi insurans kereta anda. Jika anda hanya mengambil polisi insurans asas pihak ketiga, ia hanya akan melindungi pihak ketiga dalam sesuatu kemalangan. Sebagai contoh, sekiranya anda terlibat dengan kemalangan bersama kereta lain, anda tidak perlu untuk menanggung kos baik pulih kerosakan pada kereta pihak ketiga tersebut kerana ianya telah ditanggung oleh insurans pihak ketiga ini.

Jika anda hanya mengambil insurans pihak ketiga, polisi ini tidak bertanggungjawab untuk membaiki kereta anda. Sebagai contoh, insurans pihak ketiga tidak melindungi pemilik daripada kemalangan langgar lari meskipun pemandu tidak bersalah. Seeloknya, anda dinasihatkan untuk mengambil insurans pihak ketiga,
kebakaran
 dan kecurian atau insurans komprehensif untuk perlindungan yang lebih menyeluruh.

Apa Yang Boleh Dilakukan?

Sekiranya tuntutan anda ditolak oleh syarikat insurans, anda masih boleh mengemukakan rayuan. Tapi jika rayuan tersebut ditolak, anda boleh bawa aduan ini kepada Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM), Bank Negara Malaysia atau Ombudsman Financial Services. Perlu diingatkan, organisasi seperti ini mempunyai terma dan syarat mereka yang tersendiri dalam mengendalikan aduan.

PIAM – Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia: jika tuntutan anda adalah berkaitan takaful atau insurans am, seperti tuntutan kemalangan melibatkan kenderaan.

Bank Negara Malaysia – Bank Negara Malaysia melalui BNMLINK dan BNMTELELINK yang menyediakan perkhidmatan kepada orang awam dalam menyelesaikan masalah berhubung perbankan dan juga insurans.

Ombudsman Financial Services – sebuah badan bebas yang menyelesaikan aduan dan pertikaian berkaitan perbankan dan tuntutan insurans dan takaful.

Jika keputusan masih tidak berpihak di tangan anda, anda boleh lakukan langkah terakhir iaitu dengan menyaman syarikat insurans anda. Sebelum melakukan perkara ini, pastikan anda betul-betul telah mempunyai bukti kukuh yang menyatakan anda berada di pihak benar. Proses saman menyaman ini bukanlah satu proses yang mudah kerana banyak perkara perlu diambil kira seperti khidmat guaman yang memerlukan modal yang tinggi.

Kesimpulannya, pastikan anda betul-betul faham tentang polisi insurans serta cara tuntutan insurans kereta supaya 5 perkara utama yang sering menyebabkan tuntutan insurans kereta ditolak seperti yang dinyatakan di atas dapat dielakkan.

Semoga perkongsian ini membawa manfaat kepada kita semua.


Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid Dikesan Di Malaysia – Perodua Ativa Hibrid Bakal Menyusul?

Kembar
Perodua Ativa
, Daihatsu Rocky dikesan sedang diuji di Bukit Bintang. Apa maksudnya?

Menerusi beberapa keping gambar yang tersebar di media sosial, sebuah
Daihatsu Rocky
 berwarna putih dikesan sedang mengadakan ujian jalan raya di Malaysia. Kereta berkenaan dikesan menggunakan trade plate atau nombor pendaftaran dagang milik
Perodua
.

Nombor pendaftaran seperti itu pernah dilihat ketika Perodua sedang menguji beberapa model Daihatsu seperti Move dan
Tanto
. Maksudnya, ada kemungkinan bahawa Perodua sedang menguji unit tersebut sebelum dibawa masuk ke dalam pasaran Malaysia sebagai model tempatan di masa hadapan.

Tetapi memandangkan Malaysia telah pun menerima
kembar Daihatsu Rocky dan Toyota Raize
 iaitu Perodua Ativa yang baru sahaja dilancarkan pada bulan Mac tahun ini, Daihatsu Rocky yang dikesan sedang diuji ini bukanlah Rocky yang biasa berdasarkan pada gril hadapan yang sedikit berbeza berbanding model Rocky sebelum ini. Sebenarnya, model tersebut merupakan model hybrid (petrol-elektrik) yang diberi nama
Rocky e:Smart Hybrid
.

Rocky e:Smart Hybrid dijangka akan dilancarkan secara rasmi di Jepun pada November tahun ini. Meskipun perincian penuh tentang kereta ini masih belum dikeluarkan, tetapi berdasarkan teaser yang dikeluarkan oleh
Daihatsu
 sebelum ini telah mendedahkan beberapa spesifikasi seperti berikut:

Rocky bakal hadir dengan sistem e:Smart Hybrid (sistem range extender di mana enjin petrol digunakan hanya untuk mengecaj bateri hibrid, manakala kuasa untuk memacu tayar datang sepenuhnya dari motor elektrik.

Menggunakan enjin 3 silinder 1.2L WA-VEX, diasaskan daripada enjin WA-VE yang digunakan oleh Rocky di pasaran Indonesia.

Dilengkapi sistem pedal pintar S-PDL di mana pemandu boleh mengawal pecutan dan memperlahankan atau memberhentikan kereta dengan hanya satu pedal. (seperti sistem e-Pedal Nissan Leaf generasi kedua)

Hadir dengan mod pemanduan biasa serta ECO.

Gril honeycomb di bahagian hadapan serta lencana hibrid di belakang

Memandangkan Perodua dikesan sedang menguji model kembar Ativa versi hibrid ini di Malaysia, kemungkinan Perodua sedang mempertimbangkan untuk menerapkan sistem e:Smart Hybrid yang ada pada Rocky ke dalam Ativa di masa hadapan.

Ini selaras dengan pengumuman kerajaan untuk memacu negara ke arah Negara Rendah Karbon. Menurut dokumen Rancangan Malaysia ke-12 (RMK-12) yang dikeluarkan Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU), lebih banyak insentif akan diberikan kepada pengeluar tempatan yang menghasilkan kenderaan mesra alam serta insentif kepada pembeli kenderaan mesra alam.

Selain penggunaan kenderaan mesra alam akan digalakkan, dokumen itu turut menggalakkan sektor swasta untuk melabur dalam memajukan pembangunan kenderaan generasi masa hadapan dan meningkatkan teknologi serta infrastruktur sokongan seperti kenderaan cekap tenaga, kenderaan elektrik dan berkuasa hidrogen serta stesen pengecas.

Jika benar cerita ini, nampaknya Perodua juga tidak mahu ketinggalan dalam melangkah ke arah penghasilan kereta mesra alam di masa hadapan. Sekiranya model hibrid Ativa diperkenalkan dalam pasaran Malaysia, adakah ia sesuatu tawaran yang berbaloi? Atau anda lebih minat
enjin turbo
?

Setakat ini, tiada apa-apa pengesahan daripada Perodua berhubung perkara ini. Tetapi apa yang pasti, Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid ini akan dilancarkan di Jepun pada November 2021. Nantikan spesifikasi penuh kereta ini kelak kerana ia mungkin bakal dibawa masuk ke Malaysia!

*Sumber gambar: Alex Tung


Nissan X-Trail Aero Edition And X-Tremer Launched - RM139k to RM165k

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) today introduced two more aggressive versions of the X-Trail SUV called the X-Trail X-Tremer and X-Trail Aero Edition packages.

Firstly, we have the X-Trail X-Tremer which comes a range of cosmetic enhancements like three two-tone exterior colour options (Imperial Red, Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver), blacked out roof rails and rear spoiler, a gloss black V-motion grille cladding, Tomei front and rear aero bumpers, a side under spoiler, gloss black door mirrors as well as gloss black 10-spoke 17-inch Alloy Wheels.

Inside, the X-Tremer gets Brown Nappa leather seats, as well as a leatherette dashboard, knee pad, and armrest.

The X-Trail Aero Edition on the other hand, comes with silver Tomei front and rear aero bumpers and side under spoiler, gloss black 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, and the same brown Nappa leather interior as the X-Tremer.

As for the exterior colour options, the X-Trail Aero Edition is available in 3 single tone exterior colour options - Diamond Black, Imperial Umber, and Titanium Olive.

Both the Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer and Aero Edition are available in four variants, which are priced as mentioned below:

All variants come with a standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty (includes HEV components and Lithium-Ion HEV battery), while the package accessories which are factory fitted come with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

Additionally, the Nissan Electrifying Drive Carnival will also be happening on the 9th to 10th November 2019 weekend at selected ETCM showrooms across the nation, and customers are invited to test drive the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, the All-New Nissan LEAF, enjoy many attractive prizes and fun tech activities like the Tech Drive Virtual Reality Experience.

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


The 2020 Nissan Almera Is Coming Soon To Malaysia And it Wants To Ruin The Honda City Party

Is the upcoming 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo a better proposition than the 2020 Honda City RS i-MMD Hybrid?

The big news this week is all about the new 2020 Honda City and how it is going to be the next big thing. Yes, it will have the highest torque figure next to the Accord in Honda Malaysia's line-up, and we suppose it will be a hit, but usually big things come with big prices, and we can't see the
2020 Honda City RS i-MMD
 coming in cheap - especially when it will be equipped with the company's amazing Honda sensing.

However, there will be a more affordable variant and according to our colleague who attended the Honda City preview, it will come with a 1.5-litre N/A engine.

So for us bargain hunters and those who never had any intention of buying a hybrid, we tend to stick to the cars that make better financial sense to us. If you're looking for one of those, the upcoming
2020 Nissan Almera Turbo
 could be a better option compared to the lower Honda City variant.

Nissan's official distributor in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd are gearing up for the launch of the vehicle, and we are excited about its arrival.

Speaking of the Almera, it has been seen roaming around town from members of the public and from the pictures or videos that have been captured, it does seem that the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo looks elegant as well as modern. Elegant is a word that is not associated much with Nissan vehicles, but we think the Almera deserves it because it is such a departure from the bland looks of the previous generation.

With its V-motion grille upfront and sleek taillights at the rear, it's ticking all the right boxes when it comes to the looks, but we think it's the engine that makes it a good proposition. The new Almera's interior has also been totally redesigned to accommodate a new instrument panel, infotainment screen, steering wheel and seats. The cabin also features high-quality design and exemplary craftsmanship with head and legroom to spare, retaining its reputation for best-in-class roominess. The 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo will be equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine. It has a power output of around 100 hp and 152 Nm of torque.

Okay, there are no official power figures yet for the new Honda City N/A 1.5-litre engine, but if we base it on the current one, the car has 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. If we look at the power figures for the Nissan Almera Turbo, it has 7 Nm more, but most importantly the torque will kick in as early as 2,400 rpm.

Although not the prettiest of engine bays, this is the beauty of a turbocharged car as the torque on forced induction cars always come on earlier. This translates into faster feeling cars as well as acceleration. The weight also plays a big role in this, but since we think that both cars will pretty much have the same weight, the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo should have more of a pushed back to the seat feeling when you floor it.

This is all a hypothesis, but unless you are BMW, who somehow manages to bring in torque early in N/A cars, we really can't see the Honda City N/A having early torque delivery. No doubt the N/A Honda City will be a good car because Honda Malaysia always delivers but the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo should also be considered if you're looking to buy a new B-segment car.

So 2020 Honda City RS i-MMD Hybrid or 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo? Pilihan di tangan anda.


Tesla Model 3 Smokes BMW At Traffic Light

We all kind of expect electric vehicle performance to be potent, but when seen like this, it really emphasises how much more acceleration power it has compared to an ICE vehicle.

A video uploaded by Facebook page District Singapore is making its rounds as it shows just
how potent
 an electric vehicle really is.

Believed to be a Tesla Model 3, the video shows the American electric car accelerating off the traffic lights at a phenomenal pace with an ICE vehicle in chase (camera car).

Video credit: District Singapore

Judging from the comment section, the chase car is believed to be a modified
BMW F10
 535i, which in standard form comes with 300hp and 400Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged engine.

Of course, the modified 535i could not keep up with the Tesla Model 3, as it disappears in plain view before coming back into sight at the next traffic light.

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the fastest electric vehicles ever built, as it can do 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, rivalling exotic sports cars like the 5.2-litre V10 Lamborghini Huracan Evo, 3.9-litre V8 Ferrari Roma and cars alike.

Netizens who commented on the video had many things to say, including things such as "The Tesla is only that fast because it has above 60% battery power" and "Congratulations as you just have given proof that you were going above 100km/h on public roads which is illegal".

Yes, while we agree it is just silly to record and upload a video showing that you are racing on a public road and breaking the law, it's still fascinating to see a duel between an ICE vehicle against an electric car in the real world.

While it's just a complete waste of battery power and not what it is designed for, there's no denying that electric cars are just rapid, especially when they look so unassuming. When fully charged, the Tesla Model 3 has a range of 567 kilometres, so we bet that little stunt probably brought its range right down.

The Tesla Model 3 is largely known as the
world's best selling EV
. It debuted in 2019 and was Tesla's answer to a mass-market electric vehicle. It can be had from around RM358k, and you can
now buy it
 through Carsome.my.

Don't forget however to berhati-hati di jalan raya!


Shell Aims to Elevate Customer Experience with "Welcome to Shell" Programme

Seeking to deliver the highest standard of customer satisfaction and experience at Shell stations nationwide, Shell Malaysia launched their “Welcome to Shell” multi-year transformational programme today. Taking cues from the hospitality industry, the “Welcome to Shell” programme is set to be completed in 2017.
Through the programme Shell promises to improve the customer experience at their stations through service and hospitality training, deliver an enhanced range of offerings and upgrades to existing Shell Select stores, offer freshly baked food and brewed beverage options under its deli2go brand, as well as the addition of improved facilities such as
suraus
 and toilets. According to Shell, customers can expect better service from the moment they pull into the station, with personnel guiding cars in, offering assistance at the counter, and right up till the customer leaves the station.
The transformation programme is expected to include a comprehensive on-site training for over 8,000 Shell service staff, which is recognised as the biggest ever training programme undertaken in the history of Shell Malaysia. The training will be conducted in phases and is set to be completed in 2016.
According to Shell Malaysia, Malaysia is the first market in Asia to launch the “Welcome to Shell” programme. Much of the steps taken to improve the level of service and customer experience stems from insights gleaned from an online survey conducted earlier this year wherein 1,006 nationally representative respondents in Malaysia gave their feedback on what makes a better customer experience.
Besides improving customer satisfaction at their service stations, Shell will also be introducing the Shell Servsquad, a community service personnel initiative that will offer help to road users. The goal of the initiative is to create a warmer community and encourage drivers to be courteous to one another on the road. The Servsquad is expected to appear in different cities across peninsula Malaysia in the coming months.


VIDEO: How Bugatti Engineered Their Vision GT Like A Real Car Before Bringing It To A Virtual Track

“This car is no science fiction,” says Etienne Salome of Bugatti, imploring us to look at their
Vision Gran Turismo
 as we would a real physical car. Because to get to where the team were happy with a digital recreation, they made sure the engineering behind it was very real and producible.
Internally, Bugatti’s design department had wanted to make such a car for a long time. Stripping a Bugatti road car of all of its excessive luxuries and forming from that base a thoroughbred racing car.
Perhaps because it will be some time before Bugatti can or will offer an actual race car from its production lines, the team dove headfirst into the
Vision Gran Turismo project.
“It is engineered, it is designed to race not in 20 years but in today’s world, in today’s racing world,” continues Salome.
Not to detract from the efforts of other manufacturers who have contributed to the Vision Gran Turismo effort by series developer Polyphony Digital, but Bugatti has certainly taken a more grounded approach to their offering, while others have taken more futuristic tangents.
This approach is commendable, but also leaves us wondering what would come out of a Bugatti unconstrained by the world of racing as it is today.
The Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo features four key ‘DNA elements’, the kind that could find their way into their forthcoming
Veyron successor
, the Chiron. They are: the Bugatti horseshoe grille flanked by a four-eye headlamp on either side, the signature side line, the centre line accentuation, and a cut-off rear end with a full-width horizontal taillight.


Stop the Crash Asean 2016 - Promoting Crash Avoidance Technology

Asean NCAP is organising the 'Stop the Crash Asean 2016' event that will be held on 29 to 30 November 2016 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
The Stop the Crash Partnership which is led by Global NCAP is a new initiative to promote crash avoidance technologies.
The technologies that will be featured during the demonstration include electronic stability control (ESC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), anti-lock braking system (ABS) for motorcycles, tyre safety and blind spot monitoring.
Asean NCAP hopes to educate the general public on the benefits of these crash avoidance technologies, who Asean NCAP hopes will create the market demand for these systems to be made available in locally available models.
The event is open to the public on Wednesday, 30 October 2016, for more information and online registration, visit the
Asean NCAP website
.


First Kia Carnival CKD Unit Rolls Off Kulim Plant

Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd has officially assembled the first
CKD Kia Carnival
 at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

This new joint-venture between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Berhad will see the
locally-assembled Kia Carnival
 being launched for the local market soon (bookings already opened). And there will be two configurations -
seven-seater
 and
eight-seater
.

2.2-litre turbodiesel with 199hp & 440Nm - 2022 CKD Kia Carnival

The CKD Kia Carnival will be powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that churns out
199hp
 and
440Nm
 of torque. This unit is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other notable specs and features include heated and ventilated seats for front and rear, Premium Relaxation seats for the second row, 12-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, one-touch power sliding doors, smart power tailgate, and a host of safety features under the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

According to Ted Lee, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, "The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets."

"The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience," added Mr Lee.


The Fastest And Most Secure Way To Refuel Your Car – Petronas Setel App

Most of our readers will already be well informed about Petronas' all-in-one mobile app – Setel. Since its introduction in mid-2019, the Setel app has been providing added convenience to thousands of users when it comes to
refuelling
 their cars at their preferred Petronas fuel station.
Setel
 is Malaysia’s first mobile fuelling app, which combines the ease of transacting fuel payments with user loyalty benefits into a single platform, all from your smartphone.

But why should you use Setel?

Setel is the easiest and most secure way to refuel your car – no more long queues at the counter, no more having to fiddle around with credit cards and cash, no more swiping of loyalty cards, no more physical receipts and most of all you do it from the safety and convenience of your own car. Especially in this day and age of social distancing, Setel helps you get in and out of the refuelling station fast.

My first time using Setel

Admittedly, I am not the quickest person when it comes to adopting new technologies; Angry Birds remains my top way of having fun on my smartphone. Therefore, I was apprehensive when it came to the challenge of using Setel for the first time, not because I didn’t think it was a cool app, but because I wasn’t so convinced it would be more convenient or quicker than refuelling my car via my usual debit card payment method.

However having now experienced it, I can safely say it’s the quickest and safest way to refuelling your car. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

Turn on the Setel app and navigate to the nearest Petronas refuelling station

As soon as you turn on the Setel App, it immediately shows you the nearest Petronas refuelling station. This is especially handy if you are in an unfamiliar location, or your car is running low on fuel. The Setel fuel app also tells you the current price of fuels, and how much is left in your Setel account. Once you’re ready, hit the “Go To Station” tab and Setel instantly fires up your navigation apps to get you to your preferred station.

Once you have reached the Petronas station

Upon arrival at the station, park at your preferred refuelling pump. By now, the app will prompt a “Purchase Fuel” tab. Once activated, Setel prompts a safety guideline checklist, followed by a selection of numbers that represent the fuel pumps at the station. Simply look towards the fuel pump and you should find a conveniently placed sticker telling you which pump you are at. Simply hit that number to proceed. In the old days, at this point, you might still be grabbing your cash, or credit card and proceeding to get out of the car – with Setel, you are already about to purchase fuel.

Purchasing fuel

Once you have selected your fuel pump, Setel prompts the next screen that tells your available account balance and asks the amount you would like to fuel your car. Simply select the default amounts, which range from RM20 to a Full Tank or key in your desired amount of fuel. A feature I especially like. Traditionally, at this point, other drivers will be lining up at the counter or swiping their debit or credit cards to begin the transaction. Setel users are already about to begin fuelling.

Verify transaction and begin fuelling

Once you have confirmed your refuelling amount, Setel prompts a Payment Confirmation Screen – here Setel users have the option of using their fingerprint scanner (if equipped) or key in a six-digit password (which is set the first time you download the app). As soon as this is completed, the pump is activated and Setel users can now proceed to get out of their car and begin fuelling, it's that simple. Do remember to keep your phone in a secure place while you refuel your car.

Fuelled up with Mesra Points in the bag

Once you are done fuelling, Setel prompts the final screen that shows the refuelling transaction is complete and the
Mesra Points
 you have earned along the way. Scroll down on the same page and you will see your e-receipt and it even offers you an option to download a PDF version for future reference. That’s it, you're done, simply get in your car and drive!

Will I use Setel again?

Yes, most definitely, it’s easy and most importantly safe, because the entire fuel transaction is performed from the convenience of your car.

It’s super quick too, a driver that pulled up just next to my pump, visibly opted to pay for his fuel using cash, of course given how quickly Setel works, by the time he started to refuel his car, I had fully completed my refuel, and was getting ready to drive home…now that’s convenience.


Spied: 2017 Toyota C-HR, Bound For 2016 Geneva Motor Show

Following the debut of the
Toyota C-HR Concept Concept
 at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, prototypes of the production C-HR model has already been spotted within the vicinity of Germany’s Nurburgring circuit.
The C-HR concept previews Toyota’s upcoming crossover model that will compete against the Honda HR-V.
The production model C-HR is expected to make its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, before going on sale later that year as a 2017 model.
Compared to the concept car, this road-going C-HR prototype appears to be far more production ready, with the most obvious difference from the concept car being its visibly larger rear doors.
The concept car debuted in Frankfurt with a very coupe-like styling in the rear half of the car, disguising the four-door car as a two-door.
This prototype however, appears to use conventional door handles for the rear doors, while the rear-side windows are made smaller with a sharply rising kink as the lower window lines flow towards the rear.
The rear of the car is heavily disguised so it is difficult to tell if the production C-HR will stay faithful to the concept car’s radical looking rear-end.
As the C-HR Concept wore blue-tinted Toyota badges in front, the car will almost certainly be offered with a hybrid option, with a powertrain that is likely to be shared with the recently launched, all-new fourth generation
2016 Toyota Prius
.
Peeking underneath the C-HR, its exhaust muffler’s installation appears to be similar to that used on the Prius, so there is a high possibility that the C-HR will also adopt the Prius’s double wishbone rear suspension.
The car is almost certain to be built on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform.
Will it be coming to Malaysia?
It’s too early to tell if this model will be available in Malaysia. At the moment, the C-HR appears to be a Europe-only model. The concept car’s debut location, as well as that for the upcoming production model’s (Geneva), seems to suggest that this is a very Europe-focused model.
We have already reported earlier that UMW Toyota is looking at the
Toyota Sienta
, expected to be launched in Malaysia in late-2016/early-2017, as its answer to the dominating Honda HR-V. The Sienta is not a crossover but a lifestlye MPV whose image is youthful enough to attract the crossover buyers crowd.


2023 Volvo C40 Recharge gets Malaysian debut - RM289k for 408PS, 660Nm, 450km range

To close out a fruitful 2022, Volvo Car Malaysia has just launched the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, their second fully electric model to grace the line-up
after the XC40 Recharge
 made its local debut in March of this year.

The C40 arrives in a single dual-motor variant (P8 AWD equivalent) priced from RM288,888, but is also significant as Volvo strengthens its position as the only automaker right now that’s able to sell locally assembled fully electric cars here.

Other marques from Europe, Japan, and China have only gone so far as to make ambitious promises and have assembled plug-in hybrid models within our borders while Volvo has been walking the walk with CKD full EVs for over 6 months.

Characterised by its lower-slung coupe-like silhouette, the 5-door crossover certainly doesn’t rewrite the book on Volvo styling. There’s the usual Thor’s hammer LED headlights, gloss black R-Design accents, and 19-inch dual-tone alloys (a welcome new pattern this time) wearing Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres in staggered sizes.

Exterior colour options are: Black Stone, Thunder Grey, Crystal White, Fjord Blue, and Sage Green.

In fact, from most angles besides rearward, the C40 is nearly indistinguishable from the XC40 on which it’s based, itself underpinned by the shared Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that’s shared with other models within the Geely umbrella.

Even in terms of specifications
the C40 Recharge
 reads like a facsimile of the XC40 Recharge. Dual electric motors at either axle provide all wheel traction and produce a combined output of 408PS and 660Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

Sandwiched between them are an array of batteries with a rated capacity of 78kWh, giving the C40 a real world range estimate of up to 450km based on the WLTP cycle (about a 30km increase over the XC40 Recharge, probably thanks to its more aerodynamic shape). AC charging is supported via Type 2 connector (supplied with purchased) at a maximum of 11kW while DC charging via CCS2 goes up to 150kW.

Volvo says that charging from an AC input should take around 7.5 hours, making it ideal for an overnight replenishment, while a 0-80% charge via DC input at 150kW should take just under half an hour.

Inside there’s more of the familiar with Volvo’s famed mixed of premium material and Scandinavian design sensibility. Inclusion of the R-Design package means the imitation leather seats are matched with an Alcantara-like microsuede material (Nubuck).

Other highlights include a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charger, large 9-inch vertically-oriented infotainment display running Google Android software which pipes audio to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo as well as a fully digital instrument cluster.

Being a Volvo, the C40 Recharge naturally comes with a bevy of safety features, of both the passive and active variety. Their City Safety Suite consists of Collision Avoidance & Mitigation (AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, animal, and intersection support), front/rear collision warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, cross traffic alert with automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera system.

In terms of the marketplace it's facing off, the most direct rival to the C40 would still be - like the XC40 -
the Mercedes-Benz EQA
 despite its more traditional SUV-esque roofline. BMW are also suspected to be readying the iX1 for a Malaysian debut while Lexus is similarly absent, for the moment, their UX300e in the local range.

Each Volvo C40 Recharge comes with a 5 year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty inclusive of 5 years (or 100,000km) complementary Volvo Service and an 8 year (or 160,000km) battery warranty. The car will only be available for online booking at Volvo Car Malaysia’s website starting at 8pm tonight.


Automotive Brands Malaysians Will Be Most Proud To Work For – Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda

Mercedes-Benz is the top-ranked automotive brand that Malaysians would be most proud to work for, according to an online survey by UK-based market research agency YouGov.
With a score of 43.2 out of a maximum of 100, Mercedes-Benz ranks third overall, behind Facebook (46.3) and Maybank (43.6).
Rounding up the top-ten are fifth placed BMW and ninth placed Honda.
However it is important to note that this is not an employee satisfaction survey, as participants of the online survey are just general members of the public. The survey question polled is part YouGov’s wider BrandIndex survey.
The index score mentioned above is derived from responses collected for the simple question: “Which of the following brands would you be proudest to work for?”
YouGov doesn’t have any direct presence in Malaysia but the survey is managed by an Asia Pacific team that operates out of Singapore.


Harga Petrol Di Dunia – Malaysia Mahal Ke Murah?

Sebarang kenaikan harga
minyak petrol
sentiasa menjadi perkara yang sensitif bagi rakyat Malaysia. Semenjak 1 Januari 2019, kerajaan Malaysia telah menetapkan harga minyak runcit secara
mingguan
menggantikan harga tetap.

Mekanisme penetapan minyak apungan digunakan bagi membolehkan pengguna menikmati perubahan harga yang lebih cepat selaras dengan perubahan harga petroleum di pasaran dunia. Ia menetapkan harga minyak runcit berdasarkan harga minyak mentah di peringkat global. Di bawah mekanisme itu, sekiranya harga minyak mentah global meningkat, harga minyak runcit di pam akan turut meningkat manakala jika harga minyak mentah global menurun, harga minyak runcit di pam turut sama menurun.

Tetapi, bagaimana pula prestasi harga minyak di Malaysia jika dibandingkan dengan harga minyak lain di dunia? Ketika artikel ini ditulis, Malaysia berada pada tangga ke 10 sebagai negara yang menjual minyak termurah di dunia. Berikut merupakan harga petrol d
engan piawaian octana-95
 pada 19 Januari 2022 yang diperolehi dari
www.globalpetrolprices.com.

Harga Petrol Termurah Dunia

Negara

Harga Petrol (per liter)

Venezuela

RM0.105

Iran

RM0.215

Angola

RM1.248

Syria

RM1.320

Algeria

RM1.378

Kuwait

RM1.454

Nigeria

RM1.674

Turkmenistan

RM1.796

Kazakhstan

RM1.958

Malaysia

RM2.050

Harga Petrol ASEAN

Negara

Harga Petrol (per Liter)

Malaysia

RM2.050

Myanmar

RM4.068

Vietnam

RM4.385

Filipina

RM4.773

Thailand

RM5.072

Cambodia

RM4.819

Laos

RM5.462

Singapura

RM7.898

Indonesia

RM3.483

Harga Minyak Termahal Dunia

Negara

Harga Minyak (Per Liter)

Hong Kong

RM10.950

Belanda

RM9.482

Norway

RM9.314

Finland

RM8.876

Israel

RM8.851

Afrika Tengah

RM8.736

Denmark

RM8.633

Iceland

RM8.619

Greece

RM8.484

Sweden

RM8.381

Jadi untuk menjawab soalan sama ada minyak Malaysia ini mahal atau tidak, dari segi harga, ia ternyata lebih murah berbanding negara-negara jiran serta negara besar dunia lain. Namun harga minyak yang murah tidak menggambarkan kemajuan sesebuah negara. Lihat sahaja apa yang sedang berlaku di Venezuela.

Untuk membuat perbezaan harga minyak secara lebih tepat, banyak perkara perlu diambil kira seperti kos hidup, kadar cukai, status pembangunan negara, kadar gaji minimum, nilai mata wang dan macam-macam lagi. Secara umumnya, harga minyak di negara ini tidak boleh dibandingkan dengan negara lain melalui perbezaan nilai ringgit semata-mata.

Kesimpulannya, rakyat Malaysia masih lagi bertuah kerana dapat menikmati harga petrol yang masih berpatutan. Tapi sebagai negara pengeluar minyak petrol, perkara ini memang dah dijangka. Bayangkan jika harga minyak di Malaysia ini menyamai harga minyak di Hong Kong, nak penuhkan tangki
Perodua Axia
 saja dah boleh cecah RM360!


Cycling Fans Will Love The Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept: Debuts At Frankfurt

Although Honda has created the
amazing Project 2&4 concept
 for the Frankfurt Motor Show, which caters towards the performance-focused enthusiast, the Japanese carmaker hasn’t forgotten about the rest of its diverse fan base and that includes cyclists. Hence, they’ve created this, the Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept.
The avid cyclist will enjoy many of the features of this concept that serves to showcase the Tourer’s class leading cargo space and versatility within the C-segment. That includes its 1,668 litre boot space (with the rear seats folded down) and a low loading height.
Capitalising on the impressive boot space,
Honda
 has installed a smart loading rack with the capability of transporting two bicycles, along with a retractable arm which can be extended from the rack, allowing for easy maintenance and repairs.
Speaking of maintenance, the
Honda Civic
 Tourer Active Life Concept comes with a built-in integrated air pump, a large light located on the tailgate, an extended shade area, and a retractable bench to ensure you’re well equipped to keep your bicycle in tip top condition. It also helps that a toolbox, bottle holder, water tank and a front wheel holder which are all integrated within the trunk side lining are available as well.
Other storage options include an aero shape roof box designed to accommodate essential cycling accessories such as shoes and helmets.
To match up to the active lifestyle of Honda’s customers, the concept gains a custom blue paint finish with a lower gun metallic gradation and a silver roofline. There are also new 18-inch alloy wheels and a custom design rear bumper to match.
It’s a similar story inside with blue stitching found on the steering wheel and on the gear shift, along with a sporty black roof lining, seen also on the Civic Sport and Civic Type R. The front seats combine both suede and leather and feature a carbon tape with blue piping that runs along the centre and along the upper outer areas of the seat, continuing into the suede door lining.
Under the hood, the Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept comes fitted with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which recently set a new
Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency
, covering a distance of 13,498km across 24 EU contiguous countries and returning a fuel consumption figure of just 2.82 litres per 100km.