Frankfurt 2017: BMW i Vision Dynamics Concept – 600 km EV Range

Much like the
‘Next 100 vision’ concept vehicle from 2016
, which hinted at the more distant future of BMWs, the i Vision Dynamics Gran Coupe concept car - ushers in a new era of BMWs that offer electric mobility as part of the company’s larger Number One > Next strategy.
The BMW i Vision Dynamics is a four-door Gran Coupe with a range of 600 km and a top speed of over 200 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just four seconds.
Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design adds, “With the i3 and i8 we have designed a revolutionary city car and a revolutionary sports car. And now the BMW i Vision Dynamics is combining electric mobility with the core values of BMW: dynamism and elegance. We are therefore demonstrating how the product range and the design language of BMW i can be evolved further into other concepts.”
Given BMW plans to expand the ‘i’ range – the i Vision Dynamics could very well point at the addition of a future four-door sedan – perhaps an i5 or i6 Gran Coupe no less.
Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, Development commented, “BMW i also acts as a spearhead of innovation for our other brands. The BMW i Vision Dynamics allows us to show right now what another electric BMW might look like. And BMW has demonstrated its talent for turning visions into real life throughout its history”
Visually, the i Vision combines low-slung and wide proportions, with sleek roofline to create truly aggressive and handsome sedan. A long-wheelbase and short overhangs further enhance the car’s athletic stance and hint at the technical overall impression. Aerodynamics played a vital role in the car’s overall execution – dictating the seamless joints between body panels and the flush integration of the glasshouse with the car’s body.
The window profile is another feature of the BMW i Vision Dynamics. This styling cue, popularised on previous BMW i models, has been reimagined for the concept vehicle. BMW contends that with the arrival of autonomous vehicles – symmetrical window proportions will gain importance, allowing all occupants to have similar, spacious views of the outside.
The iconic ‘kidney grille’ has been reimagined for the i Vision concept – acting as a symbol for the company’s past and a functional component of the vehicle. Underlying sensors turn the ‘kidneys’ into an “intelligence surface”. Likewise the “four-eyed” headlights design offer a retrospective nod and but perform all lighting functions via two intricate, freestanding LED light elements.
At the rear, the i Vision Dynamic’s focal point feature are the L-shaped lights. Their slim dimensions add to the car’s detail and accentuates its wide stance on the road.


Proton Records Over 50% Better Sales In June, Dr M Impressed By Upcoming SUV

With the announcement of zero-rated GST starting from the first of June, many shoppers took advantage of the tax-free period and Proton announced their June performance is the best month of 2018.
A total of 6,173 Proton models were sold, which represented an increase of 50.9 percent compared to May. Many customers were clearly attracted by the RM30,000 “Best Saga Deal in 10-Years” promotion, as the popular compact sedan accounted for nearly 3,000 units of sales in June.
The company is resuming the Proton Saga promotion for the month of July.
“Proton had its best sales month for 2018 in June, proving that Malaysians continue to find the current range of Proton cars attractive thanks to the range of features that have been engineered into each model,”
“The attractive promotional offers we had, zero-rated GST price and an overall improvement in the quality of our cars helped to boost sales, which we are hopeful of carrying over for the remainder of 2018,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar.
Apart from improving the quality of its products, which Proton claimed has improved three times in the past eight months through an internal Volvo quality control system, Proton has also invested heavily in
 improving its customer service and all the touch points
.
The company was also proud to announce that they will be contributing RM61,730 to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia from the June sales of 6,173 units. Proton has pledged to contribute RM10 per car sold to the national debt-settling fund until the end of 2018.
As for the update on the anticipated Geely-based Proton SUV, Proton recently had a test drive session with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
An avid driver, Tun spent the ensuing weekend putting the first right-hand drive pre-production unit through its paces and told selected media the following week that it was very good and he was impressed by its quality. Tun also commented that the SUV would be a good product for the local automotive market and added that he wanted more Malaysians companies involved in the supply of the automotive components.
“We are happy that the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, approves our efforts with Geely. This confirms that Proton is on the right track and now that pre-production of the SUV has commenced we will soon begin our media and customer previews to build momentum ahead of the actual launch,” said Abdul Rashid.
Proton management team feedback earlier in June that the
new SUV will be launched as soon as late September
, with the introduction of fully imported from China before moving production to Tanjung Malim plant at an unspecific timing in 2019.
Image credit: Proton Cars and Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad Official Facebook pages


McLaren Unveils Its Most Affordable Car At Auto Shangai 2015: Meet The 540C

The 2015 Shanghai Auto Show sees
McLaren
 take the wraps off its newest addition to their Sports Series of supercars – the second following its big brother, the
570S
.
The 540C clearly takes after its siblings. There’s a very strong family resemblance throughout the range and there’s certainly no mistaking it for a car from another marque.
Powered by the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 seen in the McLaren’s higher-end cars, the 540C’s engine comes slightly detuned from the 570S to produce – surprise, surprise – 540 PS (533 bhp) and 540 Nm or torque. A seven-speed seamless shift double clutch transmission transfers that drive to the rear wheels, letting the 540C hit 100 km/h from zero in just 3.5 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 320 km/h. Strong form for the ‘baby’ of the McLaren line-up.
McLaren has also included a “subtly revised aerodynamic package” as well as reworked dampers that are more forgiving and compliant for a better daily driving experience. With its construction using copious amount of carbon fibre and aluminium, the 540C weighs in at 1,311kg which is claimed to be nearly 150 kg lighter than its nearest rival. That must certainly help with fuel economy, as even with all that performance the 540C is able to squeeze out 25.5mpg or roughly 9.22 litres per 100 km on the EU combined cycle.
The order books are open globally and McLaren promises delivery in early 2016. This is the Woking outfit’s “most attainable” model yet, with attainable being a very relative term considering the starting price of approximately RM 680,000 (without import tax and fees) or £126,000.


SPIED: 2016 Proton Saga, Draped In Camouflage Seen In Convoy Along NKVE. Next-Generation?

It has been a fair while since Malaysia’s first automaker,
Proton
, has had the spotlight shone on it quite as intensely as it has in recent weeks, with news of
six new engines
 being prepped for a 2017 release window, tie-ups with
Suzuki
, and tremors of new and/or revamped models - with some extra attention on the
next Perdana
 - to accompany the new powertrain roadmap.
But until then, Proton does have some ways to go, and we’ll be monitoring their ambitious targets until fully executed. While the next-generation
Perdana
 has the public polarised about the origin of its key components, the company’s main focus could be as well as should be the
Saga
, their best-selling and therefore most important car.
Little is known about what is in store for the next-generation model, but our friends at
Malaysian Motoring
, specifically their Managing Editor Aiman Abdullah, has caught some stills of a convoy of disguised Sagas test mules heading northbound on the NKVE earlier today.
Chatter about the new model, the Saga R (P2-13A), suggests it will receive the same 1.3-litre engine that’s in the
Proton Iriz
 to replace the ageing Campro unit as well as the new turbocharged 1.3-litre unit that’s reported to soon be coming down the pipe.
The shape of the car is immediately recognisable, and outwardly does not appear to have had any drastic alterations, leaving us unsure whether these units here signals the imminent arrival of an entirely new car or yet another facelift. Perhaps Proton is intentionally dressing up these cars to look very much like the current model.
Having said that, these disguised units do look proportionately larger with a more squared off rear end when compared to the current design. We could be looking at a mid-2016 introduction for this new Saga, should the guesses about Proton’s plans and schedule prove accurate. In the meanwhile, we’ll have lots of time to pick out little details with no shortage of speculations.


2016 Volkswagen Passat B8 – Five Key Features

Greetings from Langkawi, where we are being hosted by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia for a pre-launch media drive of the all-new 2016 Volkswagen Passat B8.
Official prices have yet to be communicated, although VPCM officials have confirmed that the locally-assembled Passat receives EEV incentives from the Government, thus ensuring that the car will be available for competitive money.
A line up consisting of three variants are slated for introduction, consisting of the 1.8 TSI Trendline, 1.8 TSI Comfortline, and 2.0 TSI Highline.
We will publish a full review of the Passat B8 shortly after our return from Langkawi, but for starters, we list down five key features of Volkswagen’s all-new D-segment flagship.
1.
Park Assist 3.0 (1.8 TSI Comfortline and 2.0 TSI only):
 Park Assist is not a strictly new feature. Volkswagen already has Park Assist 2.0 in the Golf, which can help you park your vehicle both sideways and in reverse. The Passat’s Park Assist 3.0 adds forward-in parking into perpendicular bays on top of the existing functions.
2.
Dynamic Chassis Control (2.0 TSI only):
 A feature allowing the driver to alternate between five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. These modes can be cycled at the press of a button adjacent to the gear lever. Parameters that vary with each driving mode include engine and transmission mappings, electric steering assistance levels, and stiffness of the adaptive dampers. In Sport mode, the LED headlamps even swivel faster to enable the driver to see oncoming corners more rapidly. In Individual mode, the driver can specify customized combination of settings for the above parameters.
3.
Handsfree Boot Lid Opening (1.8 TSI Comfortline and 2.0 TSI only):
 Variants of the Passat with keyless entry come together with Easy Opening Tailgate, which allows the boot lid to open with just a kick under the rear bumper. The handsfree function does not cover closing, however, to do that, press the button on the bootlid or do it the old-fashioned way.
4.
Active Info Display (2.0 TSI only):
 Arguably the Passat’s party piece. A 12.3-inch TFT colour screen that functions as a virtual instrument cluster. It allows the driver a wide degree of customization of the instrument display, and even shows navigational maps. This feature gives the Passat tremendous showroom appeal and convincingly elevates it to premium standing.
5.
XDS+ (2.0 TSI only):
 Under the hood of the 2.0 TSI variant is effectively the engine and transmission of the Golf GTI, which means this is an executive sedan with sports car performance. To ensure that the vehicle has the handling to match its power, Volkswagen also throws in the GTI’s XDS+ brake-actuated torque vectoring system that helps nullify understeer at fast corners. The system works by braking the inner front wheel around a bend to ‘pull’ the vehicle into the apex.
Follow
this link for our sneak preview video of the all-new Passat B8
 produced in collaboration with our friends from
Autofreaks.com
,
Malaysian EVO
, and
Roda Pusing
.


Can I Buy A Honda Civic Type R FK8 With RM5,000 Gaji?

Can I buy the 'very hot' Honda Civic Type R FK8 on an RM5,000 salary?

The word on the street is, the new Hyundai Elantra N is gunning for the Civic Type R, and if you think they're having a laugh and you can't wait to prove those other H boys wrong, then perhaps it's time you got yourself an FK8 Type R even as we wait for more news of the 2022 Honda Civic Type R.

The question really is, how much do you have to earn to buy an FK8 Civic Type R? is an RM5,000 monthly salary enough?

But before we get to that, let's give you a recap of the
Honda Civic Type R FK8
.

There's little that needs to be said about the FK8 Type R that hasn't already been said… in a word, it's staggering! Though using the same K20C1 engine as the FK2R, the advancements in chassis technology and aerodynamics in the 10th-gen Civic platform make it far more capable than its predecessor.

Power is mostly unchanged at 310 PS and 400 Nm, but now the close-ratio six-speed gearbox comes with a rev-match feature for even smoother downshifts, and top speed has gone up to supercar, rivalling 272 km/h.

The FK8R is only available as a five-door hatchback and comes with an 'in-your-face' but functional bodykit, upgraded brakes, which is matched by red bucket seats, and a Type R specific gearknob, steering wheel, meter display and trim accents.

In 2020, the FK8R could still be bought locally on a special order basis, but in 2021 your best bet is to purchase it through
Carlist.my
. Generally, the price of 2017-2018 FK8R hovers around the RM260,000 mark, so let's do some quick calculations to see whether an RM5,000 monthly salary is enough to get you this incredible machine.

Being a Malaysian registered FK8R that is four years old, generally, the maximum loan tenure that could possibly be undertaken is probably around seven years. If we follow the standard modus operandi for how these conventional loans work, you need to fork out a minimum of 10 percent of the car's value as a down payment first.

Once the seven-year loan tenure is approved, you would be then looking at paying a downpayment of RM 26,000, road tax of RM380, and insurance of RM7,073 (without NCD) which brings your initial cost to RM33,453. Therefore, the monthly repayment of the hire purchase will be around
RM3,410
, depending on the interest rate given for a 7-year tenure.

Does that mean if you have around RM33,500 saved and that your salary is RM5,000 a month, you will be able to afford an FK8 Honda Civic Type R? The technical answer is yes, but the wise answer is no.

Traditionally, it is broadly accepted that you should only afford a monthly vehicle repayment that is
1/3
 of your monthly salary. This would mean that in order for you to be able to afford a 2017-2018 Honda Civic Type R FK8, it would be prudent for you to have a monthly salary of around RM10,000 if we follow conventional wisdom.

So if your salary is nowhere near that, we suggest looking at other cars. The other way you can try to finance the FK8R if your salary is lower than RM10,000 a month is through a hefty downpayment, but that means you would need to put a significant sum down - one that is probably enough to buy you a Honda Civic Type R FN2R or FD2R outright.

If you do have that kind of money lying around, perhaps buying the
eight-generation Type Rs
 outright would be a better option because they are the last of their generation and would not command any monthly commitments from you.

The eighth-generation Civic Type R actually had two versions that catered to different markets, mainly Europe and Asia. A three-door hatchback version, dubbed the FN2, was sold to the European market, while a hotter sedan version (which appealed to the Asian market), dubbed the FD2, was sold in Japan, most notably, Malaysia.

Both models were fitted with K20 engines, but the FD2R as it’s commonly known here, got the K20A engine, by now delivering a whopping 225 PS of naturally-aspirated power and 215 Nm of torque. The FD2R was fitted with a close-ratio gearbox, helical LSD, Brembo four-pot brakes, sticky Bridgestone tyres, and most notably, received a far more modern independent rear suspension, versus the FN2’s torsion-beam rear suspension. The hottest version of the FD2R actually came from Honda’s in-house skunkworks tuner Mugen, which uprated the FD2R with even more lightweight and exotic materials to shave weight and bumped power up to a manic 240 PS.

The FD2R is the last naturally-aspirated, high-revving Type R model making it highly desirable, and in being so track orientated, one of the meanest four-door sedans to ever go on sale! We also imagine that the FD2R would only appreciate in value in the near future.

Decisions, decisions - which Type R would you go for?

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

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

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

Get your latest
new car promotion
 here also.


This Could Be Porsche’s Last 911 GT3, But It's Still A High-Revving Superhero

It’s easy to dismiss Porsche making a 'new 911' as a trivial occurence since, like clockwork, it happens every few years. Then along comes the follow up news that a new GT3 has also been introduced, which usually happens a couple of years after the first batch of Carreras show up.

This pattern has repeated itself in lockstep ever since the 996 from the late 1990s, but with the
latest 992 generation
, keeping the GT3 formula completely intact might have been one of the toughest hurdles the team at Zuffenhausen has had to face, and will continue to face.

We’ve covered how high performance 'driver’s cars' are coming under threat from an evolving automotive landscape increasingly hostile to anything that doesn't plug into the mains, most recently illustrated with Lotus
pulling the plug on the Elise and Exige
 and Mercedes-AMG apparently
ready to axe the V8 out of its C 63
 in favour of a four-cylinder hybrid.

Being all about a high-revving, high output adrenalin rush without the nanny-like driver aids or response-robbing forced induction, the hair trigger zing of intake noise and a manic valvetrain vocals are what defined the unique Weissach symphony. Making too many concessions in the name of efficiency was always going to rob any GT model Porsche of that raw connection it sought to establish with the driver.

It’s that specific purity of experience that has made the GT3 such a desirable machine, but also such an obvious target: it was always going to be one of those cars that would wind up on the ‘wrong’ end of the eco-mentalism scale of sin.

One sad day, Porsche might be forced to abandon this category of car altogether. There was a tinge of fear that it would start with the 992, and while its good news that hasn’t happened, it does make one wonder how long they can keep this up with ever more aggressive regulations and industry pressure gnawing at their heels. The bad news is that, if the current vilification of the combustion engine persists, not only could the 992 be the final non-hybrid 911, but this might indeed be the final GT3. Ever.

With that in mind, this newest version heroically advances the pillars put forward by its predecessors while taking kind of evolutionary approach that’s become synonymous of the 911 in general. Beneath the extra aero and track tyres, the 992’s base genetics aren’t buried very deeply at all.

That Robocop visor-like tail lamp is a visual element that’s spreading throughout the Porsche range and even imitated by many other automakers, but here it’s topped off by a new and manually adjustable ‘swan neck’ rear wing that’s adapted from the 911 RSR racing car. Very clever and much more elegant.

Even more extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) on the bonnet and roof helps trim excess weight, as does the thinner glass used on its windows and fitment of standard forged alloy wheels. Porsche says its new exhaust system saves 10kg and can intelligently vary its acoustic signature through flaps and valves. The car weighs about 5kg more than the previous GT3 but that’s quite a feat given this car is both wider and larger overall.

Another step up is its flat-six engine. As before, it displaces 4.0-litres and retains its natural aspiration, but instead of slotting in an enhanced road car motor, the automaker claims the engine here has been directly lifted from their GT3 Cup racing car with very minimal modifications. It also features the same six-barrel throttle body and intake system as the racer.

This is a high strung motorsport power plant wedged behind the rear axle, or so Porsche insists as they also emphasise this 911 GT3’s daily drivability. Redline is set at a giddy 9,000rpm wherein the full 510PS is released, making it about 10PS more potent than before. Torque, meanwhile, peaks at 470Nm, and is sent to the rear wheels via 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK).

The auto option does add 17kg over the three-pedal alternative, but thanks to clever gearing both have nearly identical 0-100km/h sprint times of 3.7 seconds. However, this margin grows wider as the car climbs to 160km/h, where the automatic emerges the clear winner (7.0s vs 7.9s). Top speed is 320km/h.

However, it’s the gulf between generations that Porsche intends to make the most obvious. Though they look and operate quite similarly, the 992-gen GT3 leverages plenty more tech from the motorsports department to gain the upper hand - that race engine isn’t the only thing it stole.

It’s also got the double-wishbone front suspension setup from the 911 RSR, allowing the tyres to maintain maximum grip under extreme lateral forces. Paired to that, its multi-link rear suspension has also been given a complete once-over, which also meant some heavy tweaks to its torque vectoring system, spring/damper rates, and rear-wheel steering system.

Ultimately, during final testing, and while wearing the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, PDK-equipped GT3s lapped the Nurburgring
over 17 seconds quicker
than its predecessor. That’s UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE.

Despite what this car is capable of, the interior looks rather tame, even cozy and inviting. While this is a far cry from the plushest Panamera, there isn’t much here that strikes as being that of an uncompromising track-oriented super sports car.

There’s a big infotainment screen in the middle, two digital readouts flanking the analogue tachometer. There’s plenty of Alcantara, sure, but dashes of leather too. It even manages to look comfortable from certain angles.

A unique touch here that’s a break from the usual aesthetic is how similarly the gear levers look between those fitted with the manual gearbox and the PDK. Where typically there’s a distinctly different shifter design, the PDK knob here is styled like one that has a traditional H pattern, even coming with an Alcantara-wrapped shift boot. Wheel-mounted paddles are also fitted, naturally.

With all the noise surrounding electrification and the winding down of the internal combustion engine’s monopoly in the automotive world, it's really assuring to know that Porsche is keeping the fight alive to bring us such a well-honed machine that’s very aware of its strengths as both a precision device on the track and a source of pure thrill, one that will hopefully find renewed staying power thanks to Porsche’s
efforts in synthetic eFuel
. There has to be space for cars like
the Taycan
 and 911 GT3 to coexist over the long term.

Deliveries of the all-new 911 GT3 are set to begin in May 2021 and is available for pre-order now through Porsche showrooms nationwide.


Perodua Aruz Launched -  From RM72,900

After numerous
teases
, even concealed within a
large box with peepholes
, Perodua’s latest SUV model, the Aruz, has been formally been introduced. Perodua’s third SUV model, after the Kembara and the short-lived Nautica, is a localized version of
Indonesia's Daihatsu
Terios
, and is closely related to the
Toyota Rush
, which is assembled at Perodua's plant in Rawang alongside the Aruz. It's also closely related to the Indonesia-made Toyota Avanza, sharing the same powertrain.
The seven-seater SUV comes in two variants, priced at:
Aruz 1.5X: RM72,900
Aruz 1.5AV: RM77,900
All prices are On-The-Road, without insurance.
The Aruz is powered by the 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder which is also found on the Toyota Rush (and
Avanza
 too). Despite using the same engine as the Rush, the Aruz makes 3 PS and 3 Nm less than the Rush - 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 133 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission which distributes power to the rear wheels.
Like the Toyota Rush, claimed fuel efficiency of the Aruz is 15.6 km per litre, or 6.4 litres/100 km, aided in part by standard fitment of an Automatic Stop-Start function. Thus, the Aruz qualifies for Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status under the current Malaysian National Automotive Policy.
All variants are offered with six airbags, reverse camera, and LED headlights as standard. The AV variant adds Perodua’s Active Safety Assist 2.0 autonomous emergency braking feature, which has now been upgraded to include Pedestrian Detection (only at speeds up to 50 km/h). It also adds Pre-Collision Warning at up to 100 km/h, and Pre-Collision Braking at up to 80 km/h. Other functions include Front Departure Alert with Pedal Misoperation Control.
Standard equipment of the Aruz 1.5X include:
6 airbags
Electronic stability control
6-speaker touchscreen infotainment
Steering wheel control buttons for audio
LED headlamps with Follow-Me-Home function
17-inch alloy wheels
Auto air-cond
Reverse Camera
Fabric seats
Rear air-cond vents
Adjustable steering with audio controls
Smart Entry with Start/Stop function
Smart Tag toll reader
Reverse camera
Security window tint

The Aruz 1.5AV adds the following features:
Perodua ASA 2.0
Infotainment with Smart Link (Android only) and HDMI support
Auto headlamps
Fog lamps
Painted lower front and rear bumper protectors
Roof rails
Leather seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Silver-painted interior trim pieces
Steering wheel buttons for Bluetooth telephone (Receive call only)
Integrated DVR
Given its generous safety kit, the Aruz has been awarded a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.
The Aruz is available in one solid colour, and four metallic colours: Ivory White (Solid), Amazon Green, Granite Grey, Electric Blue, and Glittering Silver. For added peace of mind, the Aruz comes with a 5-year 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
An optional accessories package under the Gear Up label adds a set of door visors, carpet mats, and luggage tray can be had for RM450.
Additionally, all customer who purchase Perodua Total Protect Plus motor insurance will enjoy free Perodua Auto Assist, free unlimited 'unnamed' driver coverage, flood allowance up to RM1,000, and Personal Accident coverage up to RM10,000.


All-New Volkswagen Touareg In Final Testing Stages

Volkswagen have released images that reveal the all-new (third-generation) Touareg SUV undergoing final stages of testing, called an “approval test run”, ahead of its scheduled sales launch in July of this year.
The sandy and rocky roads of Saragossa, Spain present the perfect litmus test of the car's powertrain and chassis – and give lead engineers an opportunity to refine the strengths of the Touareg, and iron out the weaknesses, to ensure that everything works normally later.
By the end of the Touareg testing programme, test mules would have covered a total of 3 million km, in hot, cold, sandy and rocky terrain.
Karsten Schebsdat, Head of Driving Dynamics encourages test drivers to “try out different driving modes, in order to experience the huge spread of the chassis. Bumpy sections are traversed sometime in Comfort mode, sometimes in Sport mode.”
The stability of the new Touareg is much improved over the predecessor, thanks to stabilisers on the front and rear axles, which, in contrast to a conventional steel stabiliser, can be adjusted actively and separately, thus reducing the lateral tilt of the Touareg to almost zero.
In addition to the new stabilising system, rear axle steering will also be offered for the first time on the Touareg. At higher speeds, the system helps give the Touareg greater agility in bends and more directional stability. At speeds slower than 37 km/h, the rear wheels take the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus easing manoeuvring. This in turn reduces the turning radius from 12.20 meters to 11.13 meters compared to the previous model, which makes the Touareg substantially easier to park.
In addition to testing the chassis and steering, the winter sun in Spain also gives engineers a chance to check the connectivity systems of the Touareg, and introduce software updates if needed.
For instance, during the development process, it took a while for the developers to program the new digital cockpit to achieve perfect handling. Consisting of two (one 12 and one 15-inch) displays to provide driving information, infotainment, navigation and air-conditioning control. The two screens are integrated into the instrument panel and appear as one surface.


VIDEO: Hear The 510hp Alfa Romeo Giulia QV’s Throaty Exhaust Note At The Nurburgring

So, we’ve been quelling our excitement surrounding the hot version of the new
Alfa Romeo
 Guilia QV (
Quadrifoglio Verde
) very effectively. So when the rare look does come, we jump. Like this one: we see it blast around the Nurburgring and up close when it went in for a refuel.
What’s not to like, we get to hear the throaty (raspy?) exhaust note as the test driver slings it around the Nurburgring’s corners. It reminds us of the F80 BMW M3, perhaps unsurprising since they share a similar engine set up –  twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder, although the Alfa has a V6 and the Bimmer a straight-six.
In the Nurburgring testing video, the car does seem to be attacking those corners but, curiously, the engine noise doesn’t indicate its really straining, like the driver isn’t using all of the
Ferrari-developed V6
’s power reserve, and the revs sound relatively low.
It’s good to see the car on the move, though, and the chassis tuning work looks to be coming along nicely. Even with the camouflage, we think it looks better out there in some ways than the
Merdeces
 C63 AMG,
Audi

RS4
, or
BMW

M3
. Or at the very least, different.
On to the refuelling video. This one starts off as pretty sedate, like a normal driver pulling in at the pumps for a refuel – no doubt there are a fair few petrol stations in close proximity to the track day heaven of the Nurburgring.
We get to see the car satisfyingly up close here. And once the driver is done with refuelling and leaves, the Giulia QV’s engine does sound absolutely bewitching as it pulls away. Oddly, these two videos indicate how the car sounds better at medium speeds, where people can admire the car. Good thinking, Alfa.


Next Generation BMW X3 Caught at the Nordschleife

Ever since the BMW X1 turned its engine 90 degrees and became transversely mounted, the next most nimble thing we could look towards is the X3. There's a new X3 that's slated to come in 2018, and it's nice to hear a 'traditional' BMW name amongst the various crossovers and coupe-rooflined things that BMW seems to churn out every quarter. While BMW has released very few official details about the car, what with it being a long way from launch, it has been spotted testing at the Nordschleife.
Beyond this, the good fellows at
BMWBLOG
 have compiled whatever little people know about the new X3. It will sit on the same CLAR, or Cluster Architecture, platform as the current generation 7 Series and the G30 5 Series. It will no doubt be lighter and more dynamic as a result, and should sport the standardised range of petrol and diesel engines as well as some of BMW's newer gadgetry. There's also exciting talk of a BMW X3 M powered by the engine from the M3/M4, and this should no doubt be a hoot to drive. With the current generation X3 expected to end production by July next year, we should be seeing the new X3 by the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2017.


TNB Wants To Dominate Highway EV Charging Infrastructure

More electric vehicle charging stations are set to pop up along the North-South Expressway (NSE) thanks to a recently inked collaboration between
highway concessionnaire PLUS Malaysia
 and TNB.

This could be seen as a continuation of a joint statement made earlier this year by both parties to reduce carbon emissions along the country’s major highways through sustainable initiatives such as the
installation of solar panels
 to power rest areas and the commercial activities therein, using more energy efficient monitoring systems, and the addition of the aforementioned EV charging stations.

TNB investing RM90 Million to support EV ecosystem

Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s CEO Datuk Baharin Din revealed that the energy provider will be investing some RM90 million to support the growth of the EV ecosystem and charging infrastructure over the coming 3 years.

At a media briefing yesterday, he said: “TNB aims to accelerate the battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption to capture the RM1.3 billion market value by 2030, and welcomes collaboration with strategic partners to stimulate the growth of the BEV ecosystem.”

It was revealed that TNB is also planning to provide EV-centric training, up-skilling, and re-skilling courses to ensure the incoming infrastructure is properly implemented and maintained. Their own fleet of 4,200 vehicles is also set to be electrified, if not fully electric.

Baharin also added that TNB is also in talks with multiple other highway concessionnaires and seeking similar collaborations to that of this newest one with PLUS, saying that the EV market is predicted to rise to 33,350 vehicles
by 2025
, leading to an annual electricity revenue of RM80 million.

TNB to be key player along PLUS highway for public charging infrastructure

Within those 3 years, a projected 3,300 publicly available charging stations will have had to be set up, but their forecast sees that swelling to 18,000 charging stations to cater to the predicted 520,000 EVs on the road, bringing annual electricity revenue to some RM1.25 billion by the end of the decade.

“By 2030, we forecast […] 2.3 TWh of electricity charging requirements, valued at RM1.26 billion. This also means 4.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction by taking internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles off the road,” he added.


All-New Subaru Forester To Be Previewed At Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019

The all-new Subaru Forester SUV will take centre stage at the upcoming Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019 event happening this weekend.
First unveiled at the
2018 New York Motor Show
, the Forester is built on the new
Subaru Global Platform
 which boasts improved collision safety, better driving dynamics, greater comfort levels and integration of new active safety technology.
Under the hood is Subaru’s perennial 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed (Boxer) four-cylinder engine which generates approximately 156 PS and peak torque of 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to a CVT-Type automatic transmission which in-turn distributes power to all four wheels through Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The Forester’s
driving performance
 is augmented through its 'SI Drive’ drive mode selector, which optimises the powertrain depending on what the driving situation.
Another hallmark of the new Subaru Forester is its Eyesight suite of active safety features. The Subaru Eyesight is a culmination of everything Subaru has learnt about vehicle safety; Eyesight combines active safety systems such as Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
As for passive safety, the all-new Forester is equipped with a total of seven airbags as standard in all variants.
Don’t miss this chance to get up close and personal with this hotly anticipated model even before the Malaysian market launch. The Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2-19 takes place this weekend (16th-18th August 2019) at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor.
For more info about the exhibition and test drive booking, click
here
.


Video: Fast & Furious 8 Teaser is Here. “One Last Ride” for like the seventh time?

If there is one thing that best defines the saying “it ain’t over till it’s over”, it’s none other than the Fast & the Furious movie franchise.
While some thought it was not going to go past the fifth movie, many thought that actor Paul Walker’s demise would translate to the franchise coming to an end. Well, not really.
Having made like a billion USD from Fast 7, the guys are back with the eighth movie under the F&F franchise, called ‘Fast 8’, and the trailer teaser was just released two days ago.
From what we can see in the teaser, it looks like it is going to be just like the previous four or five movies in the franchise but hopefully there will be more cool cars this time.
That said, here’s the teaser:

 Directed by F. Gary Gray, the movie is expected to be released on 14 April 2017.


A Bunch Of EVs Entered The Merdeka Day Parade

The
Merdeka Day parade
 at the
Dataran Merdeka
 saw a number of highlights, including a
parade of EVs
 or electric vehicles (
CLICK HERE
 to watch the video).

The 65th National Day parade is no small matter as it returned to Dataran Merdeka (and also after two years of no celebrations thanks to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns). Seeing these EVs in the middle of the pack certainly showcased one important aspect - the EVs have truly arrived and they're here to take over.

*Image credit: MyEVOC

4 bikes, 12 cars, all-electric

As a bid to create more positive awareness regarding the use of EVs here in Malaysia, the parade showcased four electric bikes from Eclimo and 12 cars of different brands and models.

Leading the pack was a
BMW iX
 followed by an array of beautiful EVs such as the
Porsche Taycan
,
Volvo XC40
,
Tesla Model 3 and X
,
Hyundai Ioniq 5
 and
Kona Electric
,
MG ZS
, and a number of electric-powered vans which include the famous Milo van and Harvest Gourmet vans.

*Image credit: MyEVOC

While all these EV cars, bikes, and vans are amazing on their own terms, it was a bit funny that the Milo van got an equal amount of screen time as the rest.

Then again, the Milo van has gained cult status among Malaysians as they've offered the perfect Milo beverage recipe without fail, time and time again. Go EVs!

*Image credit: MyEVOC


Suzuki Terminates Contract With Changhe Suzuki In China

Suzuki has announced that they have terminated their Changhe Suzuki joint venture in China. At the same time there are unverified reports claiming that Suzuki is in talks with its second joint venture, Changan Suzuki, to dissolve the joint venture.
The Changhe Suzuki joint venture was established in 1995 in Jiangxi, while the second joint venture, Changan Suzuki was founded in 1993 in Chongqing.
The Changhe Suzuki joint venture was responsible for producing models like the BeiDuoXing and BeiDuoXing X5, both were derived from the Suzuki Wagon R.
Meanwhile the Changan Suzuki joint venture currently produces models like the Alivio and Vitara.
Combined production of both joint ventures amounted to just 86,000 in the 2017 fiscal year, a 70% drop from its peak in 2010.
The decline in demand for Suzuki models is a result of the growing economy of China, where Chinese buyers generally choosing larger or more premium vehicles, a segment that is untapped by Suzuki.


Aston Martin Readying DBX-based Crossover and Rapide Replacement

Say what you will about
Aston Martin
, the brand does have a definite focus. Now, though, it feels the time has come to change things up by adding a new model base on the DBX Crossover that we saw at the
2015 Geneva Motor Show
 to its production line-up.
The Gaydon-based automaker is known for specializing in certain types of beautiful fast cars and keeping that formula untainted, almost with an admirable stubbornness
(with the exception of the
*cough*
 Cygnet)
. So, naturally, when news comes of that formula being tampered with, we wonder what blasphemous forces let it happen.
CEO Andy Palmer recently spoke to
Car and Driver
 and revealed some surprising, if practical, changes. Aston Martin will introduce two new platforms, refresh its entire sports car range with Daimler technology over the next six years, and will add two new models including a crossover foreshadowed by the DBX Concept that will enter the market as the Rapide makes its exit.
That’s right, the four-door super saloon will be phased out to make way for a successor called the Lagonda. Not the limited-run Lagonda Taraf (pictured below) that the company’s skunk works cooked up for the Middle Eastern market, mind you, but a new model altogether. Aston Martin has big plans for the upcoming Lagonda and crossover models, all in the name of keeping up with changes in customer demand to remain financially healthy.
“We have a [further] business plan, and within that there’s three legs to the strategy. First is replacing the entire sports-car range; second is the DBX, and that appeals to a different set of audiences; and the third is the sports sedan, which will carry that beautiful badge,” Palmer said.
The most notable change to differentiate Aston’s future crossover model from the DBX Concept is its five-door design (include the hatch) where the DBX only had three. Palmer also said the company wants to retain the concept’s shape and look as much as possible but wants to make it “more accessible and less intimidating particularly for female customers”. Not much is yet known about the Langonda, unfortunately.
Aston is hoping these moves will help enable them to keep on making their big, beautiful, fast, and expensive (and expensive to produce) V12 GT cars - as well as the occasional extreme creation, I’m sure - and keep us all happy in the process. Overall, lots to look forward to from a relatively small niche manufacturer.


All-New Mercedes-Benz GLB Launched in Malaysia – 3 Variants, 7 Seats, From RM269k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today expanded its SUV lineup with the introduction of the all-new
GLB Class
, giving those who are looking for something
between the GLA and the GLC
 with a sensible option.

The model
 will be offered in three variants with prices as mentioned below (on the road without insurance):

GLB 200 Progressive Line – RM269,118

GLB 250 AMG Line 4MATIC – RM318,009

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 – RM363,136

Featuring a boxier design compared to the GLA and the GLC, the GLB, which sits between the aforementioned models, comes with an upright front section with full LED headlamps with DRLs, short overhangs at the front and rear, a front apron with visual skid plate, and distinctive air intakes in the front apron that are tailored to the contours of the radiator grille.

While the GLB 200 comes with 18-inch wheels, the GLB 250 comes with 19-inch AMG wheels, sportier looking bumpers, as well as the diamond radiator grille with single louvre.

The AMG GLB 35 on the other hand, comes with 20-inch wheels, AMG suspension, AMG brakes, as well as very rugged looking bumpers in the front and rear.

Inside, the GLB 200 and GLB 250 are offered with seven seats as standard, while the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 comes in a five-seater layout.

With the rear seats folded down, up to 1,805 litres of luggage space is available. Headroom and legroom stand at 1,609 mm and 967 mm respectively.

The backrest angle is adjustable in several stages as standard. The second row can be moved fore and aft. This enables the boot to be enlarged by up to 190 litres and put to versatile use.

The GLB is the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third seat row on request with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.68 metres a comfortable amount of space.

Safety equipment includes extendible head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all outer seats, a side window airbag which also protects the passengers in the third row of seats plus ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages for child seats. These can be used to fasten up to four child seats in rows two and three.

Comfort details in the third row include two drinks holders between the seats as well as two stowage compartments with rubberised insert on the left and right in the load compartment trim, each housing a USB port. The seats can be lowered so that they are flush with the load compartment floor in order to extend it.

The instrument panel consists of a single solid unit, which has a cut-out in the driver and front passenger area. The driver faces a Widescreen Cockpit, with control and display via Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX).

A new feature is the off-road-like aluminium-look tubular element in the dashboard on the front passenger side. Below the round air vents, next to it are the air conditioning controls. The buttons of the air conditioning controls create the impression of having been milled out of an aluminium cylinder.

While the GLB 200 comes with full leather upholstery, the GLB 250 which comes in AMG Line package, features some chrome bits, as well as an AMG Line Nappa steering wheel, and sports seats among other AMG goodies, making it a bit more visually appealing than the GLB 200.

The GLB 35 AMG on the other hand, has even more AMG bits like red seatbelts, leather and Alcantara combination upholstery all around, AMG steering wheel, a generous dose of carbon fibre trim, and Burmester premium audio system.

Taking care of infotainment is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system which features two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, sports steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, USB port (Type C), Bluetooth connection, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as the latest generation of the Mercedes me connect.

The new GLB is further enhanced with Active Braking Assist, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, which means that the vehicle can park itself.

Under the hood, the GLB 200 comes with a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission that develop 163 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.

And then we have the GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and the 8G-DCT 8-speed automatic transmission producing 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque, accelerating the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 AMG Line is also equipped with the permanent all-wheel system, 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution.

Last but not the least the AMG GLB 35 is powered by the same powerplant as the A35, which comprises a turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which develops 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

Combined with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8G-DCT 8-speed automatic transmission and variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system,  it is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.


UMW Toyota Motor Sees Sharp Sales Rise In September 2021

UMW Toyota Motor has reported a hugely successful September in terms of new car sales, representing a volume increase of 218.3 percent or 5,509 units over the previous month, August 2021, which saw 2,524 vehicles sold. In total, the Japanese automaker sold 7,931 Toyotas and 102 Lexus vehicles for a combined total of 8,033 for last month.

After
an extended
period of lockdown-imposed hibernation, the country’s automotive sector was only allowed to resume operations in the second half of August, greatly contributing to the strong September sales figures. Worth noting too is the 43% increase over the same month in 2020, which stood at 5,605 vehicles

Year-to-date figures are slumping, but justifiably so thanks to most of 2021 being spent at home for most Malaysians. Over this 9 month window,
Toyota and Lexus
 have sold 43,594 units by the end of last month, which is significantly higher than the 25,978 units sold over the same period in 2020.

President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K said: “We are certainly pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months have been challenging for us. Our showrooms have been open and receiving many customers daily, and bookings for the latest models have been increasing. As a result, our total sales in September for Toyota and Lexus vehicles was a phenomenal 223% greater than the August volume.”

He also added that all showrooms are practicing all precautionary measures so that visitors can safely view and test drive their selection of vehicles. A company-wide program was undertaken to ensure the entire workforce is also fully vaccinated.

“I would like to assure our customers that they will be safe and protected when they visit our showrooms or service centres but at the same time, we remind them that they need to comply with the SOPs. This means having temperature scans and registering their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as using hand sanitizers and facemasks at all times,” he said.

It seems UMW Toyota Motor is expecting sales to continue to rising as the country and the wider world recovers from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking to the future, both the automaker and their exclusive local distributors are preparing to launch locally assembled hybrid models with
more to be revealed on Thursday, October 14th
.


BMW Malaysia Celebrates Its Dealers For Record Breaking Year In 2017

BMW Group Malaysia recently hosted its 8th annual Dealer Awards Night, in appreciation of the company’s record-breaking performance in the year 2017. BMW’s dealer awards recognises outstanding performance of individuals and dealerships across its BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands.
BMW Group Malaysia achieved
all-time high sales figures in 2017
, with a total of 12,680 units sold across its BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad businesses. The figure also marked BMW’s seventh consecutive record year, selling 16% more vehicles than 2016, when the Group sold a total of 10,906 vehicles.
Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia added, “Malaysia has secured its place as a key market for the BMW group in the region and this achievement would not have been possible without our strong and dedicated dealership network. Our dealerships and their representatives form the first point of contact for our customers who seek to experience our award-winning and dynamic vehicles as well as our industry-leading services and programmes that guarantee an exemplary premium ownership experience and peace of mind.”
BMW Group Malaysia has 20 BMW, 11 MINI and 10 BMW Motorrad dealerships across Malaysia.
The BMW Group Malaysia dealer awards acknowledged exceptional performances in the areas of Aftersales and recognising individuals at the levels of Head of Aftersales, Customer Service Officer, Technicians, and an additional Open Category.
Awards for the MINI brand were handed out for four categories: MINI Top Dealership, MINI Top Sales Manager, MINI Top Sales Advisor, and overall MINI Top Dealership. The MINI Excellence Club Award to honour the best overall MINI dealership in Malaysia went to Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur.
With regards to its BMW Motorrad brand, awards were handed out for outstanding Sales Managers, Sales advisors, and Aftersales services.
BMW Group Malaysia also acknowledged outstanding performances in the areas of Financial Services, Quality Officers, Retail Marketing, BMW Vision Club 2017 (awards individual accomplishments in sales), and BMW Excellence Club Award 2017.


2015 Peugeot 508 Facelift Gets Confirmed Prices For Malaysia: From RM174k to RM202k

Having officially, and technically,
launched their new Peugeot 508 facelift
 range back in May, it looks like Nasim Sdn Bhd (official distributors of
Peugeot
 vehicles in Malaysia) has finally confirmed prices for their latest D-segment family sedan.

Here’s how the new prices look, based on Peugeot’s local website, which has recently dropped the “estimated” descriptions, and display new figures (OTR with insurance):

Peugeot 508 1.6 THP: RM173,888 (formerly RM169,888 a.k.a. 508 Premium)

Peugeot 508 SW 1.6 THP: RM183,888 (formerly RM179,888)

Peugeot 508 GT: RM201,888 (formerly RM199,888)

The confirmed prices aren’t all that far apart from their previous estimates (RM175k, RM185k and RM205k), so buyers who’ve placed their bookings aren’t in for too much of a surprise.

And to give you a bit of a recap of what we last saw at launch, the new
508
 range features a very new and updated exterior design (largely at the front end), has adopted some new tech (touchscreen head unit, amongst others) and has dropped the availability of a diesel-powered wagon version (no more 508 SW GT).

Only one diesel variant remains (508 GT), and it fits in the range as the model’s range-topper. However, features and equipment differ only slightly from one variant to another: in short, they’re all very generously feature-packed.

The only differences between the three 508 variants are their powertrains and body styles. The base sedan and only wagon are powered by an updated 1.6-litre THP (turbo high-pressure) engine, while the 2.2-litre HDi engine is reserved just for the GT.

For more details of the 2015 Peugeot 508 range, head on over to the following links:

New 2015 Peugeot 508 Facelift Officially Launched In Malaysia

2015 Peugeot 508 Quick Review: Sampling New Fine French Wine

Watch the launch video here:


Your Smartphone Is The Ultimate Infotainment System

Being in this line of work does mean hopping from car to car more often than most people, but since I can recall, the first thing I tend to do is install is a mount for my smartphone.

The reason is simple: it’s the best
infotainment system
 there is, and it works with every vehicle out there (mostly). All I need from the car is a way to output the audio to the interior speakers, be it via Bluetooth or even an 3.5mm analogue audio cable. I’ve found that, the less I fussed over how the car’s own infotainment system worked, the better my experience is, so I end up avoiding it altogether.

Of course, I cannot ignore it entirely. When I have an extended period of time with the car, delving deep into the workings of its digital interface is always a must, but I consistently find myself disappointed at just how unintuitive and poorly designed they are.

Things have gotten better over the years, thankfully, and there are a few automakers that have exceptionally well-crafted infotainment experiences. Volvo, BMW, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz come to mind, but they’re still far from ideal.

Most car companies seem to be spinning their wheels on the matter as, on the whole, the car infotainment (or telematics) experience is a dumpster fire. Even worse, we have safety regulators and law enforcement who are doubly confused about what is and isn’t allowed when driving. However, when it comes to things displayed on these clunky, laggy, unintuitive, confusing infotainment systems…that gets a pass.

On the flip side, they are very quick to punish those who use their smartphones while driving, dispensing hefty fines to those caught using one while behind the wheel, yet each year we have new cars launched with even larger, more distracting screens, new functionality (often gimmicks), and snazzy interface elements with even fancier animations.

Somehow, these are allowed to distract you.

Step out of the car, though, and it’s always a little jarring to notice how fluid, intuitive, and incomprehensibly more useful my smartphone is. Maybe that’s just me. After all, it has the best versions of every app, has wickedly slick interface, stores all my photos and music and contacts and appointments and notes and allows me access to every last bit of information I am curious about. Normal life would literally grind to a halt without it.

So, for even basic functions, why do we routinely put up with a vastly inferior on-screen experience in our cars?

When The Pain Started

Since the iPhone was shown to the world in 2007, automakers have been trying desperately to turn their cars into a
smartphone on wheels
. It was partly our fault too, as we are easily impressed by a colourful display with capacitive touch that looked ‘modern’ and ‘high tech’ in cars, instantly making every new model without a big ‘look-at-me’ screen seem antiquated.

Over the years
, automakers have collectively spent billions of dollars to equip their newest offerings with the computational hardware found in present-day infotainment suites, not to mention the expense in founding new internal departments to develop the complex software that runs it all.

Each of these automakers also closely guard their proprietary interface as an integral link in the overall brand experience, so none of them work or look similarly - on purpose. That sounds fair enough until you realise you’ll have to un-learn what you were used to doing in one car just to master basic functions in another. Sounds fun.

Third Eye Blind

Making things even more difficult is the pesky issue of safety. A driver’s attention is (and should be) always on the road, making any spare glance away so much more precious (and perilous) compared to the attention of the average smartphone user.

We only have two eyes and usually need both to drive. In-car interfaces, therefore, need to be even more easily/ quickly understood and instantly intuitive to maximise the limited focus a driver can divert to the infotainment system. So, good luck with that.

The trouble is automakers are also pretty lousy at making digital user interfaces, as it turns out. Apple and Google - with iOS and Android - have needed to refine the collective smartphone experience we take for granted over the past 13+ years, so expecting Ford or Volkswagen or General Motors to produce something similar while being car-centric and intuitive enough to use while driving is pretty absurd.

Interfacing With A Halfwit

I suspect that every automaker is acutely aware of how lacklustre their own in-car systems are and how much focus they demand just to be comprehended. But instead of dialling back on features and additional software bloat, we are treated each year to a new feature or interfacing method, confusing car owners even more.

Touchscreens in cars were already a bad idea due to how hard it is to stab a specific part of an off-centre screen 2 feet away while trying not to crash, but we’re now subject to hit-or-miss voice commands and temperamental gesture controls.

BMW and Mazda seem to have the right idea with their rotary control knobs which, to be sure, has its own host of idiosyncrasies. But unlike the other forms of human-machine interfaces, the rotary knob is the least annoying most of the time. Still, in a world of imperfect solutions, it’s the best of the worst.

Endless Complexity

These days, even the word ‘infotainment’ doesn’t fully describe how tightly these interfaces have been woven into the in-car experience. It used to be well understood that ‘infotainment’ encompassed media playback, vehicle telematics, and perhaps some form of navigation, but these days, in a bid to minimise interior button clutter (while saving money), automakers have also started including a host of vehicle controls into the same interface.

Depending on who you ask, everything from climate control to electric seat adjustment to ambient interior lighting to suspension/ drive modes are accessible only through this cluttered interface, usually buried under layers of menus.

On the one hand it’s all neatly unified, but on the other you’ll probably be spending a good few hours parked up to just explore the nooks and crevices of this software system in order to access features older cars could perform with just a touch of a button.

Let’s not forget that many of these on-board operating systems now have integrated cellular modems that allow them to access the internet, so probably half of these features won’t be available without a good cell signal. There’s also WiFi support, thankfully, which allows for over-the-air software updates. Great! But let’s hope automakers use it to fix bugs as well as improve stability and speed instead of wirelessly installing even more half-baked features.

Two Steps Forward, Upside Down: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Smartphone makers (or operating system vendor in Android’s case) have also noticed how jumbled the infotainment landscape is and are even very probably aware how many of us revert to using our own devices over having to use the in-car system.

Their solution
, initially announced within months of each other by the way, is Apple CarPlay for iOS and Android Auto for….Android. Both work quite similarly in that they do as much as possible to replicate the smartphone interface in the car with modified versions of the same (limited) apps and features. It does work for the most part and does indeed bridge the gulf between the two interfaces, but here is where we fall into its many limitations.

First of all, the app selection is much more sparse and requires app developers to add specific car-friendly interface modes before they can be accessible. Therefore, apart from the smartphone OS’ default apps, the third party selection revolves around Spotify, Waze, and WhatsApp since music, navigation, and communication account for the majority of uses we expect from conventional infotainment systems.

However, with regard to what is displayed in WhatsApp or iMessage, for example, Apple does not allow any text to actually be shown on-screen within CarPlay. The official reasoning here is that it would be overly distracting to the driver, so instead it’s left to Siri’s voice dictation to read the message aloud. Privacy much?

This is stupid beyond belief as it would make everyone I am in the car with privy to my private messages. Even worse, Siri is expecting to read texts with perfect spelling and grammar and punctuation, not casual text exchanges between friends and loved ones, which for me are often 80 percent slang and a mix between English and Bahasa Malaysia. The other 20 percent leftover is just nonsensical jabber.

Since that’s useless, I don’t even bother with checking messages on CarPlay. “It’s not safe”, or so goes the excuse. But then, CarPlay is very happy to show me a navigation screen (Waze, let’s say) with dozens of street names around me, or a Spotify screen with thousands of song titles. Apparently, all that text information  (which is way more than any message I’d send) is perfectly safe to bombard my eyes and attention with.

I haven’t had a chance to live with
Android Auto
 yet but I’m told the situation isn’t much different. And even if the Google version is a good deal less idiotic than Apple CarPlay, I’d be willing to wager that it doesn’t beat just mounting up your smartphone. Despite my bias toward smaller smartphones and screens, here’s one use case where a large display sure would come in real handy.

In The End….

The problem seems to be that the bar is set so low and that we, as consumers, tend to only see the infotainment package as icing on the cake when shopping for a new car. We’re also easily caught up in surface-level attributes such as infotainment screen size when that has almost no bearing to how frustrating (or not) it could be to use.

As long as we don’t set higher expectations, progress here will be slow and the disparity between the on-screen experience in your hand versus the one in your car will grow deeper and deeper. Though, at some point, automakers will just have to admit that their infotainment systems are more a nuisance than they are helpful.

Like I said, barring a few exceptions, I am always secretly disappointed at how terrible even 2020-era systems are to use, always aware that, even if I see a million Ringgit luxury car driving along, the Grab driver in the Perodua Bezza behind him is probably having a better, more feature-rich on-screen experience with his or her phone mounted on the dashboard.


India’s Parallel Parking Sensation Gives Another Demo of His Skills

By now, many of you would’ve seen a viral video from India showing a white
Toyota

Innova
being driven out of a super tight parking spot next to a bridge with extreme precision.

The stunt, which was pulled off by an experienced bus driver named PJ Biju from Kerala, India, got so much attention from bystanders who witnessed him that they actually gathered around the place again to see him parallel-parking in the spot.

Besides locals, the man also got the attention of people from all over the globe as videos shared on Facebook, Twitter, as well as Instagram have gained tens of thousands of views in just a matter of days.

In a recent development, a news channel from India decided to interview PJ Biju to ask about his unbelievable parking skills where he revealed that he is actually a bus driver, and after driving buses for years, parking an Innova in that spot was not really that big of a challenge for him.

The best part is that he even did a demonstration, showing us the act from a nearer, clearer point of view (forward to 1:05 mark to see him park).

What surprised everyone the most is the fact that the Innova which he parked like a boss, is not even his. The vehicle actually belongs to a friend of Biju, who needed his help to collect it after a paint job.

What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that the Innova is not the latest model, and actually has very limited driver aids. It's all manual hand-eye-feet coordination.

Impressed? or do you think you can park better than Mr.PJ Biju here?


Geneva 2019: Polestar 2 Unveiled, Performance Dual-Motor EV With 408 Hp

Polestar, the electric performance-arm of Volvo, has just unveiled the new Polestar 2, which is positioned below the flagship Polestar 1. The company said the fully-electric Polestar 2 will compete with the likes of Tesla’s Model 3.
“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
Polestar terms their new volume model as a five-door fastback. Looking at the data sheet, the Polestar 2 is similar in dimensions with the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan, Audi A3 sedan and BMW 1 series sedan.
Volvo Concept 40.2
If you feel a little bit of 'deja vu' from the exterior shape of the vehicle, you are not alone. Tracing back to 2016, Volvo showcased the styling concept of a compact 3-box sedan through their
Concept 40.2
.
It is, however, a lot taller than all of the premium compact sedans, ’standing’ at 1,478 mm. To put things into perspective, a Mercedes-Benz GLA is just 20 mm taller, while an Audi A3 sedan is 60 mm lower. The wheelbase is the most generous at 2,735 mm.
The Polestar 2 features a new Pixel LED adaptive head light technology and proximity lighting which enable a unique welcome sequence.
Packaged beneath Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform are electric motors (150 kW / 330 Nm output) on both axles and an integrated battery pack with a total of 78 kWh capacity.
The combined system output is 408 hp (300 kW) and 660 Nm of torque, which propels the fastback from standstill to 100 km/h in under five seconds.
Global standards in regulating fuel and energy consumptions vary, so Polestar 2 has a few projected ranges from a full charge, with the WLTP and NEDC (China) test cycles estimated to deliver 500 kilometres of range. The USA EPA cycle is more stringent, thus Polestar estimates a range of 442 kilometres.
The standard dynamic chassis can be enhanced by the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes with gold-coloured calipers, and unique 20-inch forged rims.
The human-machine interface takes a new leap forward as the Polestar 2 is one of the first cars in the world to be embedded with an infotainment system powered by Android.
The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to a car for the first time – including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles, and the Google Play Store.
Natural voice control and a new 11-inch touch screen display bring the new interface to life.
Similar to the availability of
Polestar 1
, Polestar 2 will only be available for ordering online. Prices start from 39,900 Euros, with the launch edition raising to 59,900 Euros and subscription pricing to follow at a later date.
Production of the Polestar 2 begins from February next year in
Chengdu, China
, with initial markets being China, the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and the U.K. Other markets are under consideration for future expansion.


All-New 2016 Toyota Prius PHV Could Have Three Times The Electric Range

Based on the third-generation
Toyota Prius
 (XW30), the plug-in hybrid version of the iconic model wasn’t very impressive with an electric-only range of just 18km before the petrol engine kicks in.
Thankfully, the second generation of the Toyota Prius PHV may receive a boost to its electric-only capabilities according to
Green Car Reports
 which could see the Prius PHV run on electricity alone for a range of around 48-56km, a considerable upgrade indeed. Only the
Chevrolet
 Volt bests this rumoured figure with an impressive 61km electric-only range.
The report also said that the next-generation Prius PHV will only follow after the conventional hybrid model makes its debut, which is expected within the coming months. Production of the current Prius PHV has already ended as of last month.
Earlier in the month,
leaked images which purportedly gives us a first look
 at the design of both the fourth-generation Toyota Prius in conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid models found their way onto the internet with distinctive visual differences to separate the two. Accompanying those images are details of
Toyota’s
 Hybrid Synergy Drive system which receives an update as well.
Test mules of the all-new Prius has already been sighted testing in the
United States
 and
Thailand
 so it shouldn’t be too long till a global reveal happens, rumoured to be at the
Tokyo Motor Show in October
.


Should You Leave Hand Sanitizers In Cars?

We are all doing our part to keep this COVID-19 virus at bay, and one of the ways that we are all participating in this clampdown is by keeping our hygiene practices at the very top of its game. Now more than ever, people are carrying hand sanitizers around - and that's a good thing because it means our hands stay virus-free.

Taking it around with you is one thing, but leaving hand sanitizers in the car is another, so is it a safe practice to leave hand sanitizers in vehicles? We thought we would ask a hand sanitizer manufacturer regarding this.

Malaysian pharmaceutical company Argania.my have been at the forefront of producing hand sanitizers for the last five years, but the recent COVID-19 virus has put them into overdrive with regards to creating liquid virus busters such as hand sanitizers, disinfectant spray and more.

According to the company, hand sanitizers should not be left in vehicles that are left parked under the hot sun. "The active ingredient like alcohol can evaporate under rising temperatures and will lose its effectiveness. In times of crisis like now, something is, of course, better than nothing but we strongly advise against leaving hand sanitizers in hot vehicles. Also, do not use hot hand sanitizers fluid on the skin as it may irritate it, let it cool down first. Last but not least, alcohol does not like heat so it can be flammable if left for long periods in sweltering conditions, so don't leave it in the car", said the company representative.

With this new knowledge, we should now know better than to leave alcohol based hand sanitizers in our vehicles. Take it with you instead, leave those extra bottles at home or in the office instead. After all we're sure you wouldn't want to return to a kereta terbakar.


Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Launched in Malaysia

When it comes to picking a tyres, customers are usually spoiled for choice. You can get anything from hard compound economy tyres, to super soft and sticky semi-slicks, and even budget friendly tyres that don’t really do much besides keep your car somewhat driveable. Different tyre brands will have different levels of commitment and will offer different products, and in the case of Goodyear their highest level tyre is the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.
Launched at Sepang earlier this week, the tyre is designed with performance in mind. The strong points for the Goodyear Eagle F1 range have been in grip and handling ability, with the added advantage of good wet grip. Both the Directional and Asymmetric tyres under the Eagle F1 umbrella share these traits, although the Asymmetric tyre has always been regarded as slightly higher level in terms of outright performance.
The Asymmetric 3 is the third iteration of the Asymmetric tyre line, and it has plenty to show for it. Tyre technology has come a long way over the last few decades, and the Asymmetric 3 tyre shows off Goodyear’s latest and greatest. We’ll cut through the marketing fluff and boil it down to a single sentence: the Asymmetric 3 has a stickier compound that conforms to the road surface better, long shoulder blocks to distribute braking loads more evenly, and revised construction techniques to distribute temperature effectively. All of that translates to more grip, shorter braking distances, and better tyre longevity.
Goodyear has focused on improving in objective tests in order to have a basis of comparison against competitor tyres. These tyres have gone through TUV Sud testing, and the raw data is undeniable: 2.6 metres shorter braking distance in the wet, 1.3 meters shorter braking distance in the dry, 4% more wet grip, and 10.9% better rolling resistance than the average of competitors. Tyre sizes available range from 17 inch to 20 inch, in a variety of widths and aspect ratios.
That’s impressive and all on paper, but it’s the driving experience that matters the most. To show us what their tyres could do, Goodyear booked out Sepang’s South Track for half a day to let us experience the various qualities that the Asymmetric 3 is known for. The cars on hand for the day were a mix of continental models, from Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATICs to BMW F10 520is, and even the odd Audi S5.
Some of the exercises were nothing new. The wet braking exercise, for example, is a fairly standard way to show how a tyre deals with a bit of standing water and damp tarmac. Get the car up to 80 km/h and mash the brakes as you enter a set of cones, and you find the car comes to a stop with hardly any fuss.
Perhaps more exciting was a slalom challenge to show off the responsiveness of the tyres in directional changes. Slaloms are always fun because they’re as much a test of car and equipment as they are of driving ability. Nonetheless, the cars prepared for us had unusually light steering and the tyres felt as though they hadn’t quite been worn in yet, so perhaps the feedback was not quite representative of what the tyres could do.
The best experience of the day was taking a couple of these cars out around the south track itself. For this particular exercise we were behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC- perhaps not the last word in performance, but quick enough to keep things interesting. Out of respect to the instructors riding shotgun, we chose to stick to their instructions; braking point markers were extremely conservative and we had to duck into the pit each lap, but perhaps this was done to conserve tyres and brakes.
On track, the new Asymmetric 3s feel good. There isn’t much falloff in performance after 5 laps, although given the cooldown session every lap this isn’t all too surprising. There’s consistent feel and feedback, although at times it felt as though the tyres were a little underinflated- again, perhaps measures taken to preserve the tyres.
While Goodyear may be a little late this time round, the new Asymmetric 3 reminds us where the Eagle F1 tyres sit in the greater performance tyre pecking order. They’re similar to Michelin Pilot Sport 4s in that regard, with good wet grip at the expense of some dry grip, but given our inclement weather and unpredictable road conditions, it’s probably better to run this kind of tyre day-to-day.


Ducati wins MotoGP rider's title - first time in 15 years!

The final round of the 2022 MotoGP season saw
Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia
 winning his first-ever premier-class title.

After a hectic start to the round in Valencia, including a couple of battles and even a minor hit with his closest rival, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia aka "Pecco" crossed the finishing line in P9 - more than enough to seal his fate as the 2022 MotoGP world champion.

On another emotional note, Alex Rins delivered Suzuki's final MotoGP win in their last-ever race in the premier class. He was joined on the podium together by KTM's Brad Binder in P2, and Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin in P3. Fabio Quartararo put in one hell of an effort to defend his crown, but ultimately finished the race in P4.

*Image credit: MotoGP

First Ducati MotoGP world champion in 15 years

It has been quite a journey not only for Bagnaia, but also for the entire Ducati factory squad. The last time a Ducati rider won the rider's championship title was Casey Stoner back in 2007 which was also the last time Ducati won the MotoGP triple crown (manufacturer, team, and rider's titles).

After 15 years, Bagnaia stands on top of the MotoGP standings in 2022 where a lot of experts have deemed his season run as one of the best comebacks in history. Why? Earlier in the season, the young Italian was 91 points behind the championship leader and defending world champion, Fabio Quartararo.

*Image credit: MotoGP

First Italian rider to win on an Italian bike in 50 years

Bagnaia's title also meant another important milestone in the history of motorsports - the first Italian to win on an Italian bike in 50 years. The last time this took place was with the legend Giacomo Agostini way back in 1972 on board his 500cc MV Agusta.

Many great riders have attempted to seal the deal for Ducati in the past including the likes of Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso, but Francesco Bagnaia finally delivered the goods in 2022 and you can be rest assured that they'll paint the town red in the next few weeks. Forza Ducati!


You Can Now Wait Three Years To Renew Road Tax Before PUSPAKOM Inspection

This doesn’t mean that you can drive your car on expired road tax and insurance, but it does give you some breathing room.

For the longest time, it was a known fact that once your road tax and insurance expired, you would have up to a year to renew it or you would have to go for a mandatory inspection at PUSPAKOM. For a brief period in 2018, the government did allow amnesty for those who had let their roadtax lapse for between one and three years, but after June of that year it went back to the regular one-year-then-inspection system.

2020 sees a big change as JPJ has announced that the grace period before a mandatory inspection is now three years, or 36 months, starting from Friday last week. Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong elaborated that this applies only to private vehicles and not commercial ones – understandably because the use cases are a little different.

The PUSPAKOM process can be a bit of a hassle as it requires that you book an appointment and queue up in a somewhat arbitrary manner at the centre before you can inspect your car. It’s generally a procession that will take up an entire day even if you schedule an early appointment, so it’s best to avoid having to go through that process altogether.

In addition to this, Dr Wee also announced that there is a 70% discount for those who settle their summonses online from now until the 30th of September. It’s a pretty great deal and it means you won’t suddenly have an arrest warrant in your name for not settling summonses for years.


2021 Audi E-Tron GT EV Unleashed – Guns For The Tesla Model S

Audi has finally pulled the covers off its most anticipated models of the year,
the E-Tron GT:
 its flagship fully electric Gran Turismo which is touted to offer the best dynamic driving performance, emotional design, and spearhead the brand’s electric offensive in the years to come.

In a virtual launch event, Audi introduced two model variants at the outset – dubbed the RS E-Tron GT and E-Tron GT Quattro – this full-electric fastback sedan style takes inspiration from
the Prologue concept
 from way back in 2014. Audi notes that the E-Tron GT represents a new era of its design language that centres around significantly more flowing exterior lines and sporty proportions than previous models.

At the front, the characteristic “Singleframe” grille reinterprets the classic honeycomb pattern; featuring lateral air inlets that are framed by a mask in dark Manhattan grey. Unlike a conventionally powered Audi, a majority of the grille elements are closed off in an effort to conceal the sensors that lie behind it. Only the lower of the six corners have open sections for air supply.

Along the flanks, the elongated hood and flat windshield transition into a quickly sloping roofline. The greenhouse thus looks very sleek and low. Towards the rear, the inclined C-pillars in the rear area flow elegantly into the muscular rear haunches of the body. Lower down, sharp edges extend across the large wheel arches, another characteristic detail of many performance Audis.

Round the back, the taillights are connected by a flat light strip, while lower down, an offset diffuser gives the E-Tron GT a unique design detail. A rear spoiler with an integrated spoiler lip runs parallel to the light strip to round off the wide, low, stance of the E-Tron GT. The E-Tron is supplied with 19-21 inch wheels depending on variant and equipment lineup.

In terms of dimensions, measuring in at approximately 4.99 meters in length, 1.96 meters in width, and 1.41 meters in height, as well as a wheelbase of 2.90 meters, the closest relative of the E-Tron GT in terms of size is the
Audi A7 Sportback
, but note, given the E-Tron’s packaging, it sits 17mm lower than an A7 Sportback.

Powering the E-Tron GT Quattro is two PSM motors (permanently excited synchronous motors), one on the front which offers 238PS, and the rear motor which outputs 435PS – combined the output is rated at 476 PS. An overboost mode of up to 530PS is also available for approximately 2.5 seconds from a standing start using the launch control mode. Torque is rated at 630Nm in normal driving mode – and 640Nm in overboost mode.

As for the more powerful RS E-Tron GT, the front motor puts out the same 238PS but the rear offers 456Nm for a combined output of 598PS, power rises to 646PS in overboost mode. Torque is rated at a whopping 830Nm.

Both the E-Tron GT Quattro and the RS E-Tron GT usually drive with electric all-wheel drive in their default setting. A proprietary , “Efficiency” mode will prioritize front-wheel drive. However, in the event of a slippery road surface, high power requirements, or fast cornering, more torque can be distributed to the rear wheels at around five times faster than with a mechanical quattro drivetrain.

The electric all-wheel drive regulates the drive torque distribution between the axles – continuously, fully variably, and within a few thousands of a second. Regardless of the drive mode, the driver can use the rocker switches on the steering wheel to adjust two manual recuperation levels or select an automatic level in the MMI system.

Powering the E-Tron GT is a lithium-ion battery system located between the axles, at the car’s lowest point. This provides a low centre of gravity appropriate for a sports car and a weight distribution between the front and rear axles that is very close to the ideal value of 50:50.

The high-voltage battery can store 85 kWh of energy net (93 kWh gross) in both models. It integrates 33 cell modules, each of which comprises twelve pouch cells with a flexible outer skin. The system voltage of 800 Volts enables a high continuous output and shortens the charging duration; in addition, it reduces the weight and space required by the wiring.

The inner structure of the battery that houses the modules, as well as the frame surrounding it, is made of lightweight aluminum. The battery system contributes significantly to the rigidity and crash safety of the body to which it is attached via 28 screws. According to Audi, the battery’s feel-good temperature is between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. Four separate coolant circuits regulate the temperature in the high-voltage components and the interior, each at its own temperature level. The refrigerant circuit also helps with cooling during fast DC charging, which can heat the battery up to 50 degrees Celsius.

As for charging - charging flaps of the E-Tron GT are located behind the front wheels. The E-Tron GT can charge with an 11 kW AC charger as standard, which allows it to recharge an empty battery overnight. An optional charger for 22 kW will follow shortly after the market launch. At a sufficiently powerful DC terminal, the car achieves a peak charging capacity of up to 270 kW. This allows it to recharge energy for up to 100km of travel in just over five minutes.

The E-Tron GT features double-wishbone suspension at all corners with adaptive dampers offered as an optional extra on the E-Tron GT Quattro, but standard on the RS E-Tron GT. Other optional equipment includes rear-wheel steering.  Braking duties are handled by steel discs while the RS model is fitted with cast iron disks with a tungsten carbide coating (optional in the E-Tron GT Quattro) for better braking performance.

In terms of assistance features, the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro and the RS E-Tron GT are being introduced to the market with a wide range of driver-assist systems. The Audi Pre Sense front and Audi Pre Sense basic safety systems are standard, as is the lane departure warning system and cruise control system respectively. Optional packages also add other cutting-edge assistance systems such as a Night Vision Camera, Surround View Cameras and Remote Parking Assist.

The E-Tron GT goes on sale in Europe starting this month; the E-Tron GT starts at EUR99,800 (RM489,104) and as the RS E-Tron Quattro from EUR138,200 (RM677,296).


Yellow Colour Not Ideal In The Year Of The Bull? Or Is It?

If you have been following our Facebook page in the last few days, you would have come across two unfortunate incidents that took place just one day apart which has had us wondering if yellow coloured cars have especially bad luck in this year of the Ox.

Towards the end of last week, the
famed Proton X50 Bumblebee
 met its
demise in a bad crash
 in wet and slippery conditions, its owner is believed to be unhurt, later thanking the safety features of his X50 for keeping him safe in the crash.

And then on Monday, we spotted a bright yellow
Lamborghini Aventador
 painfully beached upon a pavement in Jalan Maarof, Bangsar – is it really bad luck for yellow cars in 2021?

Well, just to be sure, we’re not Feng Shui experts or fortune tellers, but the timeliness of both these incidents got us thinking about other cool yellow cars on sale in our market, and if its a good time to buy them in 2021?

But, could you really resist these cars...yellow or not!

Mercedes-AMG A45 S – Sun Yellow

The colour yellow goes so well on an aggressive hot hatch like the
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
. Only with 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque, it is also the most powerful hatchback in the world. Accompanying the bright coloured bodywork of the A45S is the Panamerica grille, large air intakes, a jet-wing-profiled front bumper, flared wheel arches, diffusers in front and the rear, 19-inch AMG wheels, quad exhausts, as well as a rear spoiler. The AMG Night Package adds black highlights all over the car for that perfect contrast.

Porsche Cayman GT4 – Racing Yellow

From one eye-watering fast car to another, Porsche’s paint catalogue is amongst the most comprehensive of any car manufacturer. Along with their ability to paint your car in literally any colour you can think of makes Porsche superbly customisable, but the Racing Yellow offered on the
recently launched Porsche Cayman GT4
 ranks high on any list. The Cayman GT4 combines the style and usability of a Cayman with a track-honed chassis capable of setting blistering lap times on any circuit. With a 420PS, 420Nm and an aggressive body styling the Cayman GT4 is of those cars that is as fast as it is gorgeous to look at.

Renault Megane RS280 – Liquid Yellow

Is there an unwritten rule that only performance cars are allowed to be painted in yellow? With the
Renault Megane RS280
 taking up the third spot on this list, it would certainly seem so. However, with a 280PS and 390Nm of maximum torque coming from a relatively small but stout 1.8-litre four-pot turbocharged engine, it definitely fits the bill of a performance vehicle. The Megane RS' balance of power, handling, and grip make it amongst the finest front-wheel driven cars on the planet. Now, in its fourth-generation, the Megane RS is made even more capable with Renault’s
4Control four-wheel steering system
 which is a first in class feature.

BMW (G82) M4 Competition – Sao Paolo Yellow

BMW has had a long lineage of painting its performance cars yellow, in particular, its M Division cars. BMW aficionados will remember the BMW E36's Dakar Yellow or the i8’s Frozen Yellow. The (G82) M4 carries on this tradition with the pale yet sinister-looking Sao Paolo Yellow. Besides carrying on the tradition of yellow cars, the
recently launched M4
 also carries on the heritage or supercar rivalling performance with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine which outputs 510PS (in Competition spec) and 650 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a trigger quick 8-speed automatic powering the rear wheels. Performance stats read a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Ferrari F8 Spider – Giallo Modena

What would a list of beautiful yellow cars be without a Ferrari to round it off? And yes, while you could arguably buy a Ferrari in any colour you’d like (you’d probably think it’s a given with an RM3.0 million price tag), the
 Ferrari F8 Spider
 is one of those Ferrari that just wears it so good. It is also the model’s highlight colour. The Ferrari F8 is the latest in a long line of mid-engined sports cars from Ferrari, the F8 Spider puts an open-air motoring spin to things with a craftily designed Retractable Hard Top (RHT). The F8 Spider’s award-winning turbocharged V8 engine (which outputs 710 hp and 770 Nm of peak torque) and brilliant chassis make it amongst the fastest open-top sports cars in the world; when draped in yellow, it just looks the business.


Volvo to officially unveil V90 next week

Attention, wagon lovers. Volvo has announced that it will officially reveal its new V90 estate on February 18 in Stockholm.
Built on the same SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform as the upcoming S90 flagship sedan and the
XC90 SUV
, the V90 is expected to be offered with a wide range of powertrains, including four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, as well as the range topping T8 hybrid.
The V90 will replace the current V70 model, and is also expected to be offered in a Cross Country version. It will most probably feature the same technical features as the recently previewed
Volvo S90
. In fact, there are also chances for the wagon to have more safety features than its sedan sibling.
The Swedish manufacturer also added that the V90, which is basically an estate version of the S90 sedan (below), is inspired by many iconic wagons Volvo has built before – such as the 1953 Duett and the 850 T5-R. The S90 is set to go on sale in USA and major European markets some time in the second half of this year.
Besides that, the 221 Amazon, followed by models like the 1800 ES and the 245, which remained in production from 1974 through 1993, as well as the 960, which was the last rear-wheel drive to be built by Volvo, are expected to have their influences on the new V90 as well.
To date, Volvo reported that it has sold over 6 million wagons, or roughly one third of all the vehicles it has sold since its founding in 1927. We're looking forward to seeing how the new V90 shapes up, but in the meantime, we shall wait for the arrival of the V90 patiently.
All set to make its global debut in Stockholm next week, the car will also be featured at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show in March, and is expected to go on sale globally in the final qurter of the year.
Looking at purchasing a Volvo? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Ferdinand Piech Is Out - Sells Stake VW Holding Company

The embattled Ferdinand Piech is selling off his 14.7 percent stake (rumored to be worth USD1.1 Billion) in the family owned company Porsche SE, that controls the Volkswagen Group.
Automotive News reports
 that Ferdinand’s Piech’s illustrious yet sometimes volatile history with the company has come to an abrupt end amidst a bitter rivalry with family members and senior management.
Piech’s ouster, which has
circling
 around
 for a while, reportedly comes amidst a power struggle between family members who are stakeholders within Porsche SE, which in turn controls a majority voting stake (52%) in Volkswagen AG, the world’s largest automotive company.
The last straw with the family happened during VW’s Dieselgate saga, where Piech testified in legal proceedings, to have informed key VW directors of the impending scandal, in February 2015. A fact VW management vehemently denies, stating that management, including CEO Martin Winterkorn only became aware of the issue in September 2015.
What ensued was a
power struggle
 between Piech and CEO, Winterkorn, culminating in Piech’s resignation as Chairman of the VW supervisory board in April 2015.
Automotive News also reports Piech walking away from the company has little to do with, health reasons, citing Porsche SE CEO, Hans Dieter Poetsch’s comments that Piech, was “fit and lively” during the most recent board meeting.


Mazda Teases 2018 Mazda CX-8 – Three-Row Seats, Seven Or Six-Seater

Just as the all-new 2017 Honda CR-V is being progressively rolled out around the world with seven seats, Mazda has confirmed today that it plans to launch a three-row seat CX-8 in Japan before the year ends.
For Japan, the three-row seats will be configured either as a six-seater or seven-seater.
Curiously, the seven-seater CX-9 is not offered in Japan, so the CX-8 will be Mazda’s flagship SUV in Japan.
Like the Japanese market Mazda 3 and CX-5, the CX-8 will be offered with a diesel engine, an unusual choice for a Japanese market model. The CX-8 will be launched with a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Not much details is available, and no exterior image of the CX-8 is available but we have published
several spyshots
 that should give you an idea of what to expect.
In terms of size, the CX-8’s wheelbase is 2,930 mm, which is exactly the same as the seven-seater CX-9.
The CX-8’s body measures 4,900mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,730mm tall. That makes it closer to the CX-9’s size (5,065 mm x 2,207 x 1,716) rather than the CX-5 (4,550 mm x 1,840 mm x 1,675 mm), but with exactly the same width as the CX-5.


Honda Malaysia Recalls 2,784 Accords, CR-Vs For Airbag Replacement

The
Takata
 airbag recall has turned into a seemingly never-ending fiasco that modulates between frequent or intermittent recall announcements whenever an errant batch of cars are found to have these potentially lethal airbags installed.

Most recently,
Honda Malaysia
 has identified nearly 2,800 units of older model Accords and CR-Vs afflicted by this issue, and have proceeded to issue a formal recall to all owners of these 2,784 cars while also reiterating that “all current Honda models are not affected in this product recall”.

Specifically, this pertains to the 1999 model year Honda Accord (1,380 units) or 2000 model year Honda CR-V (1,404 units) sold in Malaysia. Honda will be reaching out directly to owners via notification letters, though there is a chance that records for these 20 year old cars will not be attached with accurate or current information.

Owners of these vehicles are urged to contact any Honda authorised dealer to book an appointment so that replacement of the front driver airbag can be carried out as soon as possible - free of charge, of course. This is to address the possibility of the Takata driver front airbag inflator having excessive internal pressure and thus, causing the airbag to fail to function properly or to rupture.

This latest recall is classified as a preventative measure in line with Honda’s global Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI) recall and, so far, no report of Takata airbag-related incidence or injury has stemmed from cars in these two model years.

In spite of this, Honda Malaysia nevertheless also “encourages the public who have relatives or friends owning these two models to immediately contact Honda Malaysia to arrange for the driver front airbag replacement.”

Customers who own any of these Year Model vehicles but are unsure if their vehicles are affected in this recall can obtain more information by calling Honda at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to (www.honda.com.my) or (https://productrecall.honda.com.my) to check their vehicle status.