Legendary Italian Design House Pininfarina Acquired By Mahindra For RM8 Billion

Call to mind the name Pininfarina and immediately the name
Ferrari
 is inevitably follows. The two companies have a very close link, and the Italian coachbuilder and design house are most famous for its creations for Ferrari. Since its foundation in 1930, its acquisition by Indian automotive manufacturing giant
Mahindra
 is one of the biggest shakeups it has undergone.
Following all the due diligence involved with these sorts of deals, Mahindra will owner 76.06 percent of Pininfarina, making it the dominant interest controller for the company going forward. This deal follows Mahindra’s purchase of Korean automaker
Ssangyong
 and Peugeot Motorcycles. Despite this, Mahindra will allow its new Italian acquisition to remain as an independent entity, without any major changes instituted in the wake of the deal. Its current chairman, Paolo Pininfarina, will remain at the head of its board.
He said: "In a globalised world, entrepreneurship and capital do not need a passport. Being part of the global Mahindra group will not only strengthen our Italian identity but will also open more doors."
The acquisition also shed light on Mahindra’s eagerness to inject some much-needed zest into the financially-plateauing design house, and with their €20 million (RM95 million) investment into Pininfarina, we’re hoping to see them return to their old ways of sculpting automotive masterpieces. They ought to be in more of hustle now, though, as Mahindra has promised a €114.5 (RM545) million guarantee to its creditors.
During the announcement, Mahindra’s chairman and managing director, Anand Mahindra said: "The legendary high-end design credentials of Pininfarina will significantly enhance the design capabilities of the entire Mahindra group. Given the increasing design sensibilities of today's consumers, product design will greatly influence customer choice.”
This acquisition gives Mahindra the foothold it needs to gain a more pronounced presence in the European market, and the Pininfarina brand gives them the scope to forge deals and more relationships with premium presence that lacked previously.
Over its more than 80-year history, Pininfarina has collectively penned over 110 Ferrari cars as well as developed designs, production and concept, for
Alfa Romeo
,
Maserati
, Lancia,
Fiat
,
Peugeot
,
Volvo
 and others and is one of the most prolific vehicle design houses in history.


VIDEO: Listen To The Koenigsegg Regera Accelerate From 50-350 KM/H In Just One Gear

When the
Koenigsegg Regera was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
, we were a little sceptical of its ICE and Direct Drive powertrain combination, which is capable of reaching 400 km/h in just one gear. That’s where this Instagram video comes in.

Here, the Swedish car maker show us the Regera’s unique powertrain in action, pulling the car from a steady 50 km/h all the way to 350 km/h, employing the full 1,500hp and 2,000Nm of torque to do so.
Listen closely and you’ll notice the absence of any upshifts, just one gear (final drive ratio) and three powerful electric motors getting the Regera up to speed. In actuality, when the Regera revs to near the redline, it will already be doing near 400 km/h and it sounds pretty brilliant.


Kereta Mewah, Harga ‘Rakyat’ –JPJ Bongkar Taktik Sindiket Kereta Klon

Aktiviti menjual kereta mewah pada harga murah yang tidak masuk akal di negara ini dipercayai didalangi sindiket terancang bagi menjerat golongan muda yang hidup berlandaskan pegangan biar papa, asal bergaya.

Siasatan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) mendapati sindiket ini membawa masuk masuk kenderaan dari Singapura yang memiliki ‘Certificate of Entitlement (COE)’ yang hampir tamat tempoh untuk disembunyikan di negara ini sebelum diklon dan dijual murah di media sosial.

JPJ Bongkar Taktik Kereta Klon

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Taktik itu berjaya dibongkar JPJ dalam Operasi Khas
Kenderaan Klon
 bagi mengesan sindiket membawa masuk kenderaan berkenaan dari negara jiran.

Menurut Pengarah Kanan Penguat Kuasa JPJ, Datuk Lokman Jamaan, kenderaan klon ini menjerat pembeli berusia 25 hingga 40 tahun dengan model mewah seperti BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Honda dan Toyota.

Tambahnya, harga yang tidak masuk akal juga ditawarkan, di antara 3,000 hingga 5,000 Dolar Singapura, iaitu di sekitar RM10,000 hingga RM17,000 Ribu bergantung tahun kenderaan itu dikeluarkan.

Sindiket ini aktif di media sosial seperti Facebook, Telegram, Wechat dan aplikasi jualan kenderaan dalam talian bagi memperdaya orang awam dengan tawaran harga yang terlalu murah.

Sindiket ini juga akan menjanjikan cukai jalan serta geran kereta asli kepada pembeli, namun ia sebenarnya tidak dikeluarkan oleh JPJ. Orang ramai dinasihatkan supaya tidak terjebak dengan kereta klon yang dibawa masuk secara haram.

JPJ masih giat mengesan rangkaian sindiket penjualan kenderaan klon itu, namun mengalami kesukaran kerana mereka menggunakan akaun media sosial palsu untuk menjalankan urusan jual beli kenderaan.

Bagaimanapun, JPJ mempunyai sistem 'Road Charge Vehicle Entry Permit' (RCVEP) yang digunakan di pintu masuk negara di Johor bagi mengesan kenderaan luar yang dibawa masuk ke negara ini.

Sistem berkenaan akan menyimpan rekod kenderaan berada di negara ini untuk tempoh melebihi dua bulan. Apabila kenderaan itu berada di negara ini untuk tempoh lama, JPJ akan syak ia dijadikan kenderaan klon dan operasi mengesan akan dijalankan.

Antara kesalahan yang boleh diambil tindakan terhadap pengguna atau individu yang memiliki kereta klon adalah:

Seksyen 7(1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987

Seksyen 108 (3) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987

Seksyen 90 (2) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987

Seksyen 64 (1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987

Di Selangor, sebanyak 329 tangkapan kes kenderaan klon direkodkan sejak 2011 menerusi Operasi Khas Kenderaan Klon.

JPJ Selangor juga melaksanakan Pelupusan Kenderaan Klon melalui lelongan awal pada 2019 dengan penjualan 234 kenderaan. Bagi tahun ini, sebanyak 46 kenderaan pelbagai jenis serta model dilelong, sekali gus menyumbang kutipan hasil kepada kerajaan sebanyak RM4.69 juta.

Cara Elak Terbeli Kereta Klon

Untuk
mengelak daripada tertipu
 dengan sindiket kereta klon, ikuti langkah di bawah:

Semak dan banding harga semasa model yang mahu dibeli di carlist.my. Jika harga yang ditawarkan jauh berbeza dengan harga pasaran semasa, elakkan.

Periksa dan pastikan Nombor Pengenalan Kenderaan atau Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) yang tercatat dalam dokumen sama dengan nombor yang ada pada kereta tersebut.

Teliti dokumen kenderaan tersebut terlebih dahulu dan tidak perlu terburu-buru. Bawa dokumen tersebut ke JPJ bagi tujuan semakan lanjut jika terdapat keraguan terhadap status kereta terbabit.

Elakkan urusan tunai kerana ia sukar untuk dikesan pihak berkuasa.

Kalau malas nak periksa semua itu, guna je
Carlist Qualified
 sebab semua kereta terpakai di situ telah diperiksa oleh pemeriksa bertauliah dan hadir dengan waranti sehingga 5 tahun!


Ferrari Details More Of The Jaw-Dropping Roma

At its official reveal in the Italian capital city, a glaringly scarce few details were revealed by Ferrari about its all-new two-door front-engine grand tourer: the Roma. However, the Italian marque has finally now seen fit to disclose additional information.

Given its positioning and its close mechanical relationship to the convertible-only Portofino, we could ballpark some of the Roma’s spec sheet, but dissecting how Ferrari managed to extract 611 horsepower and 760Nm (an increase of 11hp) remained a bit of a mystery.

It turns out that the F154 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 received new camshaft profiles and a tweaked engine speed sensor which enabled its redline to be increased, hence maximum power climbed as well. This had to work against the new gasoline particulate filter, which the automaker says required plenty of work to optimise while maintaining performance.

An entirely new exhaust system was also developed for the Roma over the system used for the Portofino, giving it a distinct and more aggressive soundtrack over its folding hardtop stablemate, made all the more apparent thanks to new oval shaped bypass valves. The omission of silencers also reduces back pressure dramatically, improving engine power.

On to the transmission, where the Roma debuts a new and more lightweight 8-speed dual-clutch unit that’s similar to the one found in the SF90 Stradale. Unlike that car, the Roma does not utilise a hybrid drive component and does require a traditional reverse ratio to back up. Additional tweaks were made to further improve upon the transmission’s shift quality and overall refinement such as a beefier ECU, revised clutch module and longer forward ratios to make best use of its long-legged GT qualities.

Ferrari has also endowed the Roma with plenty of newly learned material and construction technologies that give it an almost unfair advantage over the Portofino. The company claims 70 percent of the car’s body components within the chassis and body shell are completely new, representing a more rigid structure with reduced weight and a slightly lower centre of gravity.

The design of the exterior, while also being one of the car’s main highlights, allows for improved downforce at high speed, where an additional 95kg is generated over the Portofino at 250km/h while working in tandem with the car’s obscured active aerodynamic elements.

Meanwhile, its interior is perhaps where we witness the Roma depart most noticeably with Ferrari norms. It adopts a more flowing motif that seemingly wraps the dashboard around the two front seats. Sandwiched in between is a central infotainment unit displayed in portrait.

Ahead of the driver is fully digital 16-inch mega wide instrument cluster that’s augmentable with media and navigation information where necessary. As an optional extra, a passenger-side dashboard touchscreen display can be had with limited control functionality, expanding upon the speed and drive readouts available in past Ferraris.


VIDEO: On Your ‘Balik Kerja’ Journey? Don’t Do This!

Here’s a video uploaded by one traveller that captures a very nasty habit of many Malaysian drivers: abusing the emergency lane.
Obviously, no such emergency is anywhere to be seen, but yet, drivers are just ploughing through the lane, unfairly and dangerously overtaking the slow moving traffic, which itself is potentially caused by such lane abusers looking to rejoin the right lanes ahead.
We know the road is long, and traffic can be unforgiving at these times, but this better late than never, if you know what we mean.
Drive safe, folks. Let’s all make our “Balik Kerja” trips as safe as our “Balik Kampung” ones.
TIP: On top of the Travel Time Advisories shared by various highway operators, why not use Google Maps and Waze to help source out the quickest routes for you?

Kome jela nak cepat sampai..hurmmm
Kome jela nak cepat sampai..hurmmmMore : Sukan Star TVBy : Sukan Star .com @ sukanstar.com
Posted by
Sukan Star TV
 on Sunday, 19 July 2015


Full EVs May Get Tax Break In Thailand

You've got to give it to the Thai government. They have an acute awareness for what their automotive industry needs in order to propel it to greater heights, and this latest bit of news from
Bangkok Post
 further reinforces this idea. It's no secret that green cars, in their various shapes and forms, receive benefits from the Thai government in order to make them more attractive to customers as well as more appealing for manufacturers to assembly locally.
But the next step forward is the mulling of a total excise tax waiver for full electric vehicles (EVs), which could really spur their local industry as well as the market in order to make EVs more widely accepted in Thailand. The only problem is that this comes with the potential condition that manufacturers start producing their EVs three years ahead of the schedule that they had previously proposed to Thailand's Board of Investment (BoI).
That being said, the current excise duty for EVs is a nice, low 8%, with BoI approval pushing it down to 2% for certain manufacturers. While it's not a particularly large amount of tax to shed, the gesture of removing excise duty completely is meant to be a show of support for the fledgling EV industry in Thailand. Full EV prices are still high in many parts of the world in relation to their conventional engine brethren, and a lot of that money is due to battery costs. Thailand is pushing for more reusing and recycling of components to help bring the costs down for the end user.
At last year's Bangkok Motor Expo, Nissan launched its signature Leaf with a price tag of 1.99 million Baht. The fully-imported Leaf has a range of 311 kilometres from its 40 kWh battery. Deliveries to the customers are only scheduled to begin from April this year. Nissan Thailand has also signed an MoU with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) of Thailand to ensure that Leaf owners have access to charging stations at home, at work, and on the road using an electric fee payment system


World Premiere BMW Concept Teased, Potential Z4 Successor?

BMW will be unveiling two concept models at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 17th August. The first is the BMW Concept 8 Series and the second one is called the World Premiere BMW Concept, could be the successor to the BMW Z4, as seen in the teaser image above.
The BMW 8 Series nameplate was dropped from the company's lineup for the past 18 years, though the BMW Concept 8 Series is expected to change just that. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe is planned for a debut in 2018.
Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger said, “The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”
As for the second concept vehicle, BMW only mentioned that the new model is expected to go on sale next year. While the company remained tight lipped with regards to details of the World Premiere BMW Concept, we believe that it could be an early preview of the BMW Z4's successor. The next generation BMW Z4 is currently under development with Toyota, as the latter is rumoured to revive the Supra nameplate.


Honda Australia’s Dealers Must Take Up Accord Hybrid Before Selling NSX

Last week, Honda Australia launched the 2.0-litre two-motor Honda Accord Hybrid, with a starting price of AUD58,990 for the Thailand-built hybrid.
The starting price puts the Accord Hybrid way above that of the Australian-made two-motor 2.5-litre Toyota Camry Hybrid’s starting price of AUD32,990 (it's a different model from our local market Camry Hybrid), pushing the imported from Thailand Accord Hybrid beyond the limits of its price elasticity and encroaching the AUD57,000 Lexus IS300h’s territory.
As such, Honda does not expect to sell many units of the Accord Hybrid. In fact, Australians can only buy the Accord Hybrid from only five dealers around the vast country – one each in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
So why decide to introduce the Accord Hybrid to Australia in the first place?
According to excerpts from an interview by Australia’s GoAuto with Honda Australia’s director Stephen Collins, Honda Australia is embarking on a novel initiative which aims to create a group of Honda hybrid specialist dealers.
These group of Honda-endorsed hybrid expert dealers will be the exclusive dealers Honda’s upcoming NSX hybrid supercar, and the low volume Accord Hybrid will provide an ideal start.
Mr. Collins told GoAuto.com.au: “The type of customer, particularly for NSX, is going to be pretty special. We need to be providing special service at the front end and the back end. Particularly for NSX, the technical requirements will be quite significant. Whether it be service advisors, technicians, even specialised sales people, they will get specialised training, and some of that will be in Japan.”


Japanese Journalist Takes Toyota Mirai Rallying In Germany

In a world’s first for a production fuel-cell electric vehicle, freelance Japanese automotive journalist Mitsuhiro Kunisawa will driving a Toyota Mirai at this weekend’s German round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) – the ADAC Rallye Deutschland.
But before you start imagining a Mirai doing rally-style jumps across crests, note that this Mirai will only be used as a ‘zero car’ to open the rally stages and will not be in competition with other participating cars.
It is interesting to note that this Mirai WRC is not made by any factory-backed team, but is a private initiative by Kunisawa himself, using his own personal Mirai.
He did however managed to convince Toyota to provide some form of support for his entry. Toyota is supplying Kunisawa with a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit that can fill up the Mirai’s hydrogen tanks in three minutes, good for over 500 km of normal driving but since this is a rally stage, the range is going to be a lot shorter.
Kunisawa is not new to rallying. The former editor of Japan’s ‘Best Car’ magazine have previously competed in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and in WRC Rally of Japan.
His privately-owned Mirai has been significantly modified for motorsports use. The cabin is now protected by a roll cage and all unnecessary trims and fixtures have been removed. Also fitted to the car are competition tyres and uprated brake pads.
The standard car’s 113 kW hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain however, remains unchanged. The engine bay remains identical to a standard Mirai.
Intrigued by this Mirai fan’s initiative, Mirai’s chief engineer Yoshikazu Tanaka is currently in Germany to observe Kunisawa’s progress with driving the Mirai on rally stages.
Tanaka said, “It is our dream that one day our fuel cell vehicles will be able to compete in WRC. Therefore, we will continue to develop this technology with great ambition. Spectators at the Rallye Deutschland will have to get used to this noiseless premiere at Trier, but they’ll experience the art of an almost pollution-free future.”


Perodua Bezza To Cost RM103k In Sri Lanka, Seriously?!!

The next time you moan about car prices in Malaysia, spare a thought for folks in Sri Lanka, who are expected to pay over RM103,000 for a
Perodua Bezza
, or 3.69 million Sri Lankan Rupees in local money.
Sri Lanka is Perodua’s largest export market to date, with a cumulative total 14,000 vehicles sold. Exports there began in 1997 with the Kancil followed in later years by the Kenari, Kelisa, and Viva. At present, the Bezza joins the Axia which itself sold 1,400 units last year.
The Bezza launches in Sri Lanka being offered exclusively with a 1.0-litre automatic variant at the moment. There is no indication either way whether a wider selection will be offered at a later date.
To date, Perodua has exported 1,600 vehicles from January to May 2017 across six countries. The number includes units of the Myvi rebadged as the Daihatsu Sirion in Indonesia.
Perodua also exports the
Bezza to Mauritius
 where prices range from about RM70,000 to RM86,000. Still think cars are expensive here?


Singapore Gets Modified Kia Niro EVs For City Deliveries

On a city island with limited space and road networks such as Singapore, it only makes sense that electric vehicles would flourish. However, rather than wait for the population to adopt EVs en masse, Kia is taking steps to kick start the zero-emissions wave.

The South Korean automaker is laying the groundwork for a deployment of fully electric Purpose Built Vehicles by partnering with start-up S.lab Asia Inc. Basically, the plans is to eventually deploy a fleet of these PBVs based on the
Kia e-Niro
 to handle last-mile
delivery services
 within designated spots in the city and, later on, its outer suburbs.

Though the crossover-like e-Niro is far from being as compact as a motorcycle or fixed gear bicycle that’s typically used by delivery services in tight urban centres, their carrying capacity is significantly improved and will not contribute to the air pollution levels when on the move or while stuck in the inevitable traffic jam.

This makes them ideal for the increased quantities of parcels that need to be delivered between the warehouse and recipient, especially these days when e-commerce is all the rage.

“Through this agreement, Kia will leave a strong image of itself as a collaborative partner providing new value to global mobility service companies,” said DongSoo Ahn, Vice President and Head of the PBV Business Group at Kia Corporation.

“Kia will strive to lead the global PBV market by establishing partnerships with various operators through not only last-mile delivery services but also various open-innovation collaborations,” he added.

Alongside this announced Singaporean rollout slated for some time in the first half of 2021, Kia is also looking at expanding their PBV efforts into other cities. Though S.lab Asia’s specialisation in cold-chain fresh product deliveries is only a start, we can see the
likes of Grab
, Shopee,
Lazada
, and Lalamove being very keen to explore the potential benefits of what Kia has to offer.

That makes the expansion to cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang seem like quite an obvious one, if only in an exploratory capacity at first. More than ever, Malaysians stuck at home during MCO are reliant upon delivery services for everything from the bills and documents to the odd spending spree to daily meals to groceries, and the fact is that there’s a literal tonne of carbon dioxide and other emissions that could be saved if the shift to electric mobility happens here first.

Kia will no doubt help provide the necessary training, charging infrastructure, servicing, and auxiliary support needed to effectively transition a given service to their Purpose Built (electric) Vehicles.

What’s even more enticing is the modularity of these e-Niro-based PBVs, which can be designed to individually suit the needs of the service it is being used for and modified prior to delivery, hence their name.

At present, it isn’t known just how much of the production e-Niro will survive the transformation into a PBV. Apart from its body shell and powertrain, much of the car will be entirely custom made. The e-Niro, or Niro EV as it’s known in North America, is powered by a single front electric motor that’s rated at 130hp or 200hp, fed either by a 39.2kWh or 64kWh lithium-ion battery, depending on the spec chosen.

Following the lessons learned during this pilot project with S.lab Asia in Singapore, Kia hopes to add more vehicle formats into its PBV range as well as advancing its plans to introduce a Car as a Service (CaaS) platform for fleets and leasing, among others.


Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 On Sale In Thailand – Coming To Malaysia Soon?

The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 has officially gone on sale in Thailand. Volvo’s smallest SUV is now offered in three trim variants, all of which are powered by the company’s new Recharge T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

The XC40 Recharge T5 for the Thai-market is different to the XC40 T5 we get here, chief of which, is because it features Volvo’s latest 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine which is mated to an electric motor. The engine outputs 180PS and 265Nm, while the electric motor, supplements another 82PS and 160Nm of torque. When combined the power unit delivers 265PS and a whopping 425Nm of torque.

The electric motor is driven by a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives the Recharge T5 an electric driving range of up 44km.

The major difference between the Recharge T5 and the T8 PHEV powertrain in the XC60 and XC90 models is the electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, instead of individually at the rear axle to power the rear wheels. Thus the XC40 Recharge T5 is front-wheel driven.

In terms of performance, the Recharge T5 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. The 2.0-litre turbocharged T5 variant sold locally completes the century sprint in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h – so for now, we still get the faster T5.

The Recharge T5 is supplied in three different trim packages – namely the R-Design Impression, Inscription, and R-Design. Each trim range offers slightly different styling equipment ranging from the exterior colour, interior upholstery, and equipment such as wheels and design elements.

In terms of equipment – the more expensive R-Design and Inscription models notably receive active LED headlights, Volvo Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, panoramic roof, and premium Harman Kardon sound system. Connectivity equipment includes a 9-inch touchscreen central display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, and a 12.3-inch driver display.

The entry-level R-Design Expression is priced at THB2.09 million (RM280k) – the
XC40 T5 R Design
 variant we get here is priced at RM242k (inclusive SST exemptions).

But, we heard the XC40 Recharge T5 is produced in Malaysia?

There’s been a bit of chatter surrounding the XC40 Recharge T5 being assembled in Malaysia, in ‘Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s’ Shah Alam facility, as reported by Thai-based Headlightmag.

The reporting doesn’t seem farfetched at all, since Volvo’s facility has been assembling the
XC60
 and XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV models for a couple of years now.

This then begs the question if the XC40 Recharge T5 would make its way here, as a second variant to complement the ‘regular’ internal combustion-powered T5, but this remains to be seen. Besides the aforementioned reporting, there has been no confirmation from Volvo Cars Malaysia regarding the Recharge T5’s production.


iCarData: The Best Time To Buy/Sell - Honda HR-V V i-VTEC (2017)

What may have started as a bit of a left-field alternative has become one of the most prolific and popular products in its segment: we’re talking about the
Honda HR-V
, which came into the world at a time when nearly every automotive manufacturer had a dog in the fight at both the global and local levels. With an entirely new HR-V recently being launched, it’s easy to understand that there may be less focus on the previous generation model - and yet this incredible product still brings significant value to potential owners.

2022 has also seen the launch of the all-new
Honda HR-V
 in and once again it is an impressive package that comes in three powertrains only for the Malaysian market: NA, Turbo and Hybrid. Prices start from RM114,800 upwards. The only drawback here is that depending on colour and variant, you could be looking at a one-year waiting period to receive your new HR-V.

So is the second-gen
Honda HR-V
 then still a compelling option for would be buyers? We explore it in detail below.

Much like most of Honda’s local offerings, the HR-V was offered in a variety of grades when it was first introduced back in 2014. Over time those grades were added to and removed, eventually being streamlined to just three grades by the time 2017 rolled around: S, E, and V - with V being the range-topping variant. It also proved to be one of the more popular variants of the HR-V sold, coming with the most complete set of equipment.

The specific variant of the
HR-V
 that we’re looking at today is the V spec model, which would have been purchased back in 2017 - which was also around the time that Honda introduced a price reduction on their models that brought the V spec variant down to RM 121,000 - just RM 1,200 short of the initial offering price.

Here’s the breakdown:

Vehicle variant: Honda HR-V V i-VTEC 2017

The popularity of the
Honda HR-V
 can be owed first to the strength of the Honda brand in our local market, and second to the incredible practicality of this compact crossover SUV. The HR-V is a showcase of just how good Honda is at developing packaging solutions and providing a well-designed cabin with plenty of storage areas, legroom, and boot space. The range-topping V variant has all of these great inherent characteristics, with the luxury and features you really need.

Year

Car Age

(Years)

Avg Advertised

Price (RM)

Retained Value

Percentage

Depreciation

Percentage

Cumulative Depreciation

Sum (RM)

2017

Launch

Year

94,755.33

78%

22%

26,244.67

2018

1

93,294.61

77%

23%

27,705.39

2019

2

85,348.04

71%

29%

35,651.96

2020

3

78,106.04

65%

35%

42,893.96

2021

4

77,796.07

64%

36%

43,203.93

2022

5

77,786.84

64%

36%

43,213.16

While you can no longer purchase this generation of HR-V new, it does pay to take a bit of time in choosing which pre-owned unit to buy. We can study the depreciation of the HR-V through our collected data over the last five years. As is the case with all cars, the first year of depreciation is the hardest with a 22% drop in car value.

The graph below reflects this as you can see that there is a relatively large hit in the first year of ownership - roughly RM 26,000 or so - which is in line with the sale of most cars after or during the first year of ownership.

Depreciation seems to stall between the first year and second year of ownership with just a 0.9% difference between a one and two-year-old car. The third year sees a more significant drop, bringing the total amount of depreciation to just over RM 35,000. The fourth year sees a similar drop in value, with a total depreciation of just over 35% compared to the original value.

From there onwards, however, the residual value of the HR-V V i-VTEC remains unnaturally solid at just over RM 77,000. As is the case with many residual car values, 2022 is a bit of an unnatural data point as there are increasingly long waiting lists for new cars due to production and supply issues around the world.

If we use this data to make an informed purchase decision, it would be best to buy the newest HR-V V i-VTEC that you can get for RM 77,000 or so - which also means one that is three to four years old depending on when it was registered. This would give you an incredibly practical compact crossover SUV, at a price that seems to have bottomed out in terms of depreciation for the time being.

Remembering that the
HR-V
 remains a popular vehicle to this day also means that you can be fairly assured that you will be able to find a buyer for your car if you choose to move on to another vehicle. The relative simplicity of the design, layout, and powertrain also helps to keep running costs relatively low: the previous gen HR-V did not come with a turbocharged powertrain locally, which means that even the V-spec variant packs a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine.

Like most other crossover-type SUVs, the HR-V also remains resolutely front-wheel drive, which benefits both fuel efficiency and simplicity in design, in turn reducing the potential costs incurred by owners. The rear is a torsion-beam setup, similar to the Honda Jazz on which it is based, which also leads to lower running costs as there are fewer consumable items.

As a total product, the HR-V is a car that fulfills the needs of a budding or established family with as much room as you would reasonably need, with the ever-appealing SUV ride height and visibility that has made SUVs so popular over the last decade or so.

For some great deals on a used Honda HRV with a
1 year warranty
& no hidden fees, check out
Carsome
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Audi Sport Could Start A Hypercar Program – To Take On Merc Project One?

A low-volume, big money, big power, hypercar could still be on the cards for Audi, or rather the company’s new performance and motorsport sub-brand, Audi Sport.
While speaking with
CarAdvice
 at this year’s Bathurst 12-hour GT3 endurance race, where Audi Sport fielded seven customer racing entries, Audi Sport boss Stephan Winkelmann said, “there was potential for a flagship model that tests the value of the brand”.
“Coming from a brand where we did this in the past and we put it to a new level… if it’s about a very limited car with a high price to test the value of the brand it might be a good idea,” he told CarAdvice.
Stephan Winkelmman, was previously head of Lamborghini before he
moved to Audi Sport
, so he would know a thing or two about creating high-performance and ultra-exclusive products.
The idea would, of course, be a tantalising close rival for the in-development Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar - the first commercially available vehicle with F1 hybrid powertrain and road approval.
The Project One will sport a highly efficient and powerful Formula One hybrid drivetrain that is accompanied by a purely electric and wheel-selective front axle drive concept - expected to develop a combined system power of more than 1,000 hp.
Separately, Winkelmann also told CarAdvice, that if the project should see fruition, it won’t be shared with sister company, Lamborghini. It’s still wishful thinking at this point but, “it’s food for thought…” as he puts it.


Volkswagen’s Next Phaeton Will Be Offered As A Plug-In Hybrid

The next-generation
Volkswagen
 Phaeton luxury sedan will reportedly be offered with an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain alongside the petrol and diesel options, according to a German publication.
After speaking to a source within Volkswagen, German newswire
Automobilwoche.de
 reported that the new powerplant could produce as much as 400hp yet return an average fuel consumption of a mere 1.5-litres per 100km, while emitting just 50g/km of carbon dioxide.
The source also mentioned that the move to a hybrid Phaeton was prompted on the warm reception of such powertrains in the Chinese and American markets by brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.
The next Phaeton will, primarily, go up against the
Mercedes-Benz

S-Class
. However, the upcoming
Audi

A8
, which will share the same platform, engines, and hybrid technology as the Phaeton, will be a contender to the more sporting BMW 7 Series.
Speaking of that platform, the Volkswagen Group's MLB Evo is also shared with the recently released Audi
Q7
. The inside source also disclosed that the same platform will be utilized in the next Audi
A4
 and
A6
 as well as the Volkswagen
Touareg
 SUV.
Both future iterations of the Audi A8 and Volkswagen Phaeton will have a longitudinally-mounted front engine layout, all-wheel drive, and optional four-wheel steering.


Toyota RAV4 Now Open For Booking Ahead Of Launch On June 18th

One of the more eagerly awaited Toyota models, the RAV4, will be launching soon – but order taking has opened, from an estimated price of RM 196,500.

In the past few years, UMW Toyota has not had a contender in the mid-sized SUV segment that other brands seem to hotly contest. This was for various reasons, chief among them was pricing, but as the market seems to be shunning sedans in favour of SUVs, it is time for the RAV4 to make its return. UMW Toyota has announced that the model will make its virtual debut on June 18th at 10 a.m.

Few may know this, but UMW Toyota imported and sold the first generation of the RAV4 in Malaysia in a variety of trims – especially as yours truly was raised in one – but unfortunately they could not keep selling the model as currency devaluation and recessions made it extremely unfavourable. Over the years, the RAV4 has grown and matured to become something far more refined and luxurious.

It’s also worth noting that many of the technologies in the all-new RAV4 are top-notch Toyota items. This premium SUV is going to come packed with the full Toyota Safety Sense suite which includes:

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Lane Tracing Assist

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for All Speeds

Automatic High Beam

It also seems that there will be two variants on offer – a 2.5L and a 2.0L – with the unified platform being the TNGA that we know and love. Pricing for the RAV4 is estimated to be RM 215,700 and RM 196,500 respectively, accounting for changes due to the Sales Tax exemption by the government.


Brunei Lancar PROTON X70 EE 2021 (Exclusive Edition) – Akan Datang Ke Malaysia Tak Lama Lagi!

Ingat lagi tak tentang khabar angin yang kami bawakan mengenai PROTON bakal melancarkan model
X70 Special Edition dengan warna baharu
 dalam tahun ini? Nampaknya ia bukanlah khabar angin semata-mata. Malah gambar risalah X70 SE pun dah tersebar luas di media sosial. Tunggu masa sahaja untuk dilancarkan di negara ini. Dalam keghairahan sesetengah pencinta
SUV
 Harimau tempatan ini dalam menunggu model SE ini dilancarkan, nampaknya mereka terpaksa akur dengan negara jiran, kerana model ini telah dilancarkan di Brunei sebagai X70 EE (Exclusive Edition)!

*Kredit grafik: Pad Motors Proton Brunei

Melalui sebuah hantaran di Facebook milik Pad Motors Proton Brunei (pengedar PROTON di Brunei), tempahan untuk model Exclusive Edition ini kini dibuka dan tempahan boleh dibuat secara dalam talian ataupun hadir ke bilik pameran. Oleh kerana ianya edisi ekslusif dan terhad, hanya 37 unit yang ditawarkan untuk pasaran negara jiran itu.

*Kredit foto: Fadli Proton Brunei

Apa yang baru pada model terhad ini? Model ini ditawarkan dalam warna Ocean Blue, iaitu warna sama yang terdapat pada
PROTON X50
. Selain itu, ia turut menerima warna luaran dwi-tona di mana bumbung dan cermin sisi kereta berwarna hitam.

Kereta ini turut dilengkapi dengan lencana EE, Rim 19-inci yang sama terdapat pada model yang mungkin bakal masuk sebagai
X70 MC1
 nanti, iaitu
Geely Boyue Pro
. Di bahagian dalaman pula, kereta ini bakal mendapat kemasan tempat duduk kulit Nappa berwarna hitam

*Kredit foto: Pad Motors Proton Brunei

Walau bagaimana pun, perubahan model EE ini berbanding
PROTON X70
 yang sedia ada hanyalah dari segi kosmetik sahaja. Tiada perubahan dari segi enjin dan prestasi pada kereta ini di mana ia masih lagi dikuasakan dengan enjin 1.8-liter, 4-silinder turbo yang menjana output sebanyak 183 PS dan 300 Nm tork. Sebelum ini terdapat juga khabar angin bahawa PROTON bakal menggunakan enjin yang lebih kecil iaitu enjin 1.5-liter TGDI, iaitu enjin yang sama yang terdapat pada
PROTON X50 Flagship
. Jika ianya betul, mungkin ia bakal hadir pada model X70 MC1 yang dijangka hadir pada tahun hadapan.

*Kredit foto: Fadli Proton Brunei

Kesemua gambar X70 EE ini diperolehi daripada seorang penasihat jualan proton di Brunei, Fadli, yang telah berkongsi gambar PROTON X70 EE ini di Facebook milik beliau. Menurut hantarannya, mereka yang membuat tempahan keatas model ini bakal menerima baucar tunai sebanyak $1000 (RM 3,110).

Kalau anda dah tak sabar nak tunggu model ini untuk dilancarkan dalam negara ini, model ini akan dilancarkan tidak lama lagi, kemungkinan pada bulan Ogos. Menerusi info yang kami terima daripada penasihat jualan PROTON, mereka telah pun memulakan product training mengenai PROTON X70 Special Edition (SE) ini sejak bulan Mei lalu. Jadi memang dah tak lama dah tu!

Memandangkan PROTON menggunakan warna Ocean Blue X50 pada model X70 EE di Brunei, tidak mustahil juga untuk PROTON bagi memperkenalkan warna Passion Red seperti di X50 juga bagi menggantikan warna Ruby Red bagi model X70 SE untuk pasaran Malaysia kelak.

Selebihnya, kita hanya boleh tunggu dan lihat sahaja! Sama-samalah kita nantikan.


Audi, Porsche To Increase Platform Sharing

Future Audi and Porsche vehicles may have a lot more components in common than they already do at present. The two premium subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group will be studying additional areas of where the considerable might of their combined engineering prowess can best be put to use.
The two companies already have an established history of collaboration, their joint efforts in developing the first generation Volkswagen Touareg,
Audi Q7
, and
Porsche Cayenne
 dating back to even before Porsche officially became a part of the VW Group.
More recently, the
Porsche Macan
 shares as much as 30 percent of its hardware with the
Audi Q5
, including engine and transmission.
Representatives from the two companies are in the midst of defining specific areas of cooperation and will be drawing up plans until 2025. Key focus areas will be shared vehicle architectures, modules, and components with electrification, digitization, and autonomous driving also set to be looked into.
“The best brains of both companies will together set the technical course for the future,” stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “We are united by many shared values, above all, by our pursuit of the best solutions and the best offerings for our customers.”
“Together, we will make faster progress in the race for the mobility of the future. We will utilize the expertise of both companies and take advantage of synergies,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG. “We will cooperate wherever it makes sense. But we will also be very careful to maintain the differentiation between our brands. A Porsche is always a Porsche, and that will remain so in the future.”


Renewing Your Road Tax In Malaysia: Online & Contactless

Road tax...not as easy to renew now for many in the time of lockdowns and COVID-19 but thankfully we do have an online contactless option.

If one of your cars has its road tax overdue or expiring soon, you should definitely seek to renew it as soon as possible, but please do so in a COVID-safe and contactless manner - as in, over the internet or via telephone.

The most obvious avenue for online road tax renewals, at least in Malaysia, is MyEG, a one-stop portal to handle various e-government services. Since many of us are already familiar with it for other matters such as
renewal of our drivers license
, vehicle insurance, or even checking our outstanding PDRM summons (ehehe), we’ll focus this guide around road tax renewal on this platform.

Even if you’ve had mixed experiences with government-related websites before, we’re pretty confident that you’ll have this one handled in just a few minutes. Remember, your vehicle must have a valid
insurance policy
 attached to it for this method to work.

MyEG, Obviously....

The first step, of course, is to log in to your MyEG account or sign up for one if you haven’t already. From there, navigate to the e-services panel where you’ll be presented with various different government departments. In the top left corner, you’ll find the icon for JPJ.

You’ll be given another set of tiles with a number of different services you can pursue. ‘Road Tax Renewal’ should be in there somewhere. Hint: bottom right.

From here, renewing your road tax becomes as simple as filling out an online form. After choosing which type of vehicle this transaction is for - car or motorbike - you’ll just need to furnish some personal details and that of your chosen vehicle’s registration.

You’ll also be given the choice of ‘Collection Method’, which is a drop-down menu implying multiple options but only gives you the sole choice of ‘Home/Office Delivery’ - at least for the time being. Perhaps when the country isn’t occupied with a health crisis can you opt to pick it up at the counter.

With your personal, vehicle, and delivery information accurately entered, you’ll just need to proceed with payment to finish the transaction. You’ll be redirected to a secure payment gateway for this so have your credit/debit card or bank login details handy.

You’re done! Of course, you’ll need to wait for JPJ to process the renewal and for the actual road tax sticker to be printed and delivered to your specified address. That could take a while, depending on the situation, but is otherwise quite quick - within a few working days. Take note, though that various government departments are only working at 50% percent capacity and there are supply shortages to factor in, so your fresh road tax might be in limbo for longer than expected.

Although we cannot guarantee it, in our experience, having the MyEG receipt to prove that the renewal is done but not delivered is usually enough to get yourself
out of a sticky situation
 at, say, a roadblock. At this time, however, PDRM and JPJ have stated that drivers with cars that have road taxes that expired during the MCO/FMCO period are exempted from fines or reprimand.

Insurance and Road Tax Bundle

Another way many of us renew our road tax is via an insurance agent. Whether they are acting on behalf of a partner bank, have reached out to us directly (privacy much?), or are engaging with us via an insurance company we’ve already committed to, this is usually an easy process as well.

Since road tax renewal is so tied to having an active vehicle insurance policy, most insurance company websites or comparison portals provide the option to let them handle road tax renewal as part of your vehicle coverage transaction. You’ll end up paying them both fees in a bundle, naturally, but you’re also ‘killing two birds with one stone', so to speak.

As with the policies themselves, not everything is immediately clear and there might be some additional charges involved for this added convenience, which you’ll need to clarify directly with the insurance provider representative or agent. If everything goes smoothly and especially if you’re re-upping via your existing provider, this method can be quicker and less cumbersome than even online renewals.

(Nearly) No Excuses

Unlike our driver's license, which can be extended for multiple years at a time, a car’s road tax can only be renewed for one year going forward (or 6 months). You might expect lapsing that renewal period might bring some annoying consequences, but just last year the Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced that even cars
with 36 months lapses
 can still have their road tax renewed without a Puspakom inspection.

Some might say that’s much too lenient, and we’re inclined to agree. Ideally, you’re not driving in a car with a road tax expired to that degree, but the point to grasp here is that there’s really no excuse to not have it renewed, even if you’ve ‘forgotten’.

At the moment, starting July 1st, the government
announced that JPJ, APAD, and Puspakom
 services and offices are to resume where previously they were also closed due to the FMCO that started in early June. That being said, over-the-counter services are only meant for transactions and processes that cannot be done online.

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

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Carlist.my.

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MCO 3.0: Inter-District Travel Ban Now Nationwide - May 10 Until June 6

In yet another development, the
inter-district travel ban
 has been extended nationwide, beginning from May 10 until June 6.

This was announced by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday. According to him, only those with police permission were allowed to cross district and state lines.

All social, education and economic activities involving large groups of people are also banned during said period.

"However, this decision will be reviewed after two weeks," added Ismail Sabri.

This has caused more uncertainty and confusion among the rakyat, especially since it was announced on a Saturday. If police permits are required for work the coming Monday, is it realistic to expect all employees who need to travel across state or district lines to have it ready?

However, a Defence Ministry official has clarified that employees that need to cross state lines for work purposes only need to produce a letter from their company. Further checks on MITIMalaysia's Facebook page confirms that one should only need to produce a letter from your employee for work purposes.

Whether or not that remains the case at the SJR's or roadblocks remains to be seen.

The MCO 3.0 has now also been extended across more districts in the states of
Pahang
 and
Penang
. Kuantan in Pahang is now under the MCO 3.0. Three districts in Penang (Timur Laut, Seberang Perai Tengah, Seberang Perai Selatan) and three sub-districts (Mukim 12, Barat Daya, Butterworth, and Mukim 14) are also under MCO from May 10-23.

Below are some graphics taken from MITI's social media channels that might help clarify any questions you may have.

Please bear in mind to also check your cars especially now given the constant short distance and start-stop nature of driving we're doing. We've outlined some checks you can perform yourself
here
.

Above all else, drive safe, stay safe, be patient and please bear in mind our men in uniform are only doing what they're doing in order to help us stay as safe as possible.

*Cover image credit to @nadiafernz on Twitter

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

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Carlist.my.

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CarlistBid.my
.

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


Rumour: US Market VW Passat and Porsche Supercar Culled

As VW reels from the effects of Dieselgate, its future product plans post-2020 remain undecided, as fate the US market Passat (different from our Euro Passat), and Porsche's forthcoming mid-engine halo car are still undecided. And as U.S. based Automotive News suggests, it's in the post-2020 years, that we'll truly understand the far-reaching consequences, in terms of sky-high rationalisation costs and shifting priorities for the German automotive giant.
The immediate future of the longer, larger US-Spec Volkswagen Passat (similar to Chinese market car) hangs in the balance. While Europe and the rest of the world will be supplied with the all-new Volkswagen Passat (the 'B8' generation that will
soon be launched locally
), the massive costs involved with rebranding and damage control in the U.S. would determine the introduction of the new model could be delayed or cancelled altogether, thereby realigning with the Euro-spec Passat. Henceforth, ending the current strategy of developing a different model for the U.S. market.

The All-New Euro Market Volkswagen Passat
The U.S. Domestic Market Volkswagen Passat
Initial plans would’ve deemed the model for redesign and reengineering onto VW group’s MQB platform, in 2018. But requiring two distinct models (a long-wheelbase model for U.S. and China, another for Europe and the rest of the world) would be at odds with the company's new strategy. Hence, inside sources are claimed to have said that a viable option is to keep the current U.S. market car soldiering on till 2020 or 2021 to be replaced by the next-generation all-new global Passat.
The push to firmer footing would require reviewing non-essential spending, trimming out on a mammoth 300-plus model line-up; and as new CEO Matthias Muller pledged in 2015, “To cancel or postpone anything that is not absolutely necessary”. This could have significant effects for existing and new models as the brand slowly but surely revamps itself.
On a related matter,
Road & Track suggests
, that even
Porsche
 might have to delay the launch of its highly anticipated mid-engined supercar, as the group’s self-preservation mode would deem such ventures “unnecessary”. Shying away from high-dollar extravagance could also mean that product development for important brand ambassadors such as the
Audi R8
 could be shelved till further notice.
The light at the end of the tunnel, for now at least, is the two-footed jump into Electric Vehicles (EV).VW plans to launch multiple EVs in the U.S. starting 2020, and as by as much as 25 models spread across three platforms by 2025.
Sister company Audi plans to introduce an electric-crossover based on the e-tron Quattro concept car in 2018, followed by a plug-in hybrid variants of the new Q8 in 2019, and the next-gen A6 and A7 sedans thereafter.
The harsh new reality of the Dieselgate scandal, as VW brand's North America chief, Hinrich Woebcken details, “VW will have to focus on competing with mainstream players in key, high-volume segments, namely midsize and compact cars and crossovers”. Thus leaving behind niche-busting favourites and hero cars that have become a calling card for the German automotive giant.


All-New Porsche Cayenne Goes Through Hell Ahead Of World Premiere Next Week

All set to make its world premiere next week, the all-new third-gen Porsche Cayenne is almost done going through a series of extreme tests, and according to the folks at Stuttgart, the SUV will be tougher than you think.
Having achieved more than 760,000 sales since 2002, prototypes of the latest Cayenne, which has been completely redeveloped with new drivetrain, chassis as well as the display and control concept, have completed a total of around 4.4 million kilometres to date in conditions ranging from minus 45 degrees to plus 50 degrees.
The process, which began as far back as 2014, saw the new Cayenne being put through basic endurance tests, Hydropuls tests, as well as operational stability tests under everyday conditions in urban traffic, and highways before things became more punishing.
To simulate extreme stresses, the prototypes of the new Cayenne were tested all around the world in addition to the in-house tests.
First, the prototypes were put on race tracks such as the Hockenheimring and Nürburgring-Nordschleife in Germany, before the test cars were taken to Italy to be run continuously on the 12.6-km high-speed Nardo circuit.
And then, the materials, sensors and electronics were required to prove their durability in different climate conditions – at up to plus 50 degrees Celsius in the sand dunes of Dubai (UAE) as well as at up to minus 45 degrees Celsius on ice in Alaska (USA).
Known internally at Porsche as the E3, the new Cayenne also had to endure the stop-start traffic in the hot and humid conditions of Chinese cities, master test tracks in Sweden, Finland and Spain, before it was transported to South Africa, Japan and New Zealand to complete an extensive off-road testing.
In case you’re wondering why the new model looks similar to the current-gen Cayenne, the units pictured here are just mules with body panels from the current generation. The exterior design of the upcoming model has not been revealed yet.


Tesla Hiring In Singapore: What Could Tesla's Job Postings in Singapore Mean?

Tesla is hiring in Singapore, could this mean we will get an official Tesla presence in Malaysia?

Ever wanted to work for the most radical car company in the world but feel like they have no base here in South East Asia?

Well, here is your chance because it seems that
Tesla
, yes that Tesla, the Elon Musk Tesla, are looking for people to join them in Singapore.

Now, we usually don't get excited about job postings in Singapore because often, they will have nothing to do with whatever we are doing in
Malaysia
, but an automotive company setting up a base in Singapore has every chance to be relatable to the Malaysian market, case in point Audi.

Audi Malaysia, which used to serve as the national sales office for Malaysia, has since scaled down its headcount, and now operates under Audi Singapore. The remaining staff of Audi Malaysia now report to Audi Singapore but still work here in Malaysia.

So, there could be a chance that Tesla might emulate the same formula as Audi and if they do, that could also mean that Tesla might set up shop here in Malaysia.

Tesla has to date opened up five positions in Singapore, and although the odds of both Singapore and Malaysia opening up concurrently are slim, we can expect that Malaysia too is on the radar for the near future.

The history of Singapore and Tesla has been chequered as Elon Musk once said back in 2019 that the nation has been “unwelcome” to the company, and unsupportive of electric vehicles. So, while Singapore 'may' make sense as a base for SEA, we're pretty sure Elon is already thinking two, three, four steps ahead.

Although Tesla does not have an official presence in Malaysia, we see more and more Tesla vehicles on the road, thanks to grey importers. We're sure that Elon has noticed this and we wouldn't be surprised that Singapore will only be an initial foothold and that the expansion across South East Asia is imminent.

For current owners of Tesla in Malaysia this will also come as a welcome piece of news. Having an official Tesla presence across the pond means that it will be easier to service, update and repair their Tesla's if need be. A Tesla
supercharger
 might also be a reality on our roads sooner rather than later when Tesla does open shop in Singapore.

If the expansion is not on the cards, this is still your best chance to work for the most radical car company in the world. Many Malaysians immigrate across the pond to find their dream job, so if yours is to work for Tesla, it's now or never.

We also checked Tesla's main website to see whether the job postings are legitimately theirs, and what do you know, the job postings are there too.

Worth also bearing in mind that Malaysia hosts the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition every two years. Could Mr. Musk be interested in exhibiting?


Proton Aims To More Than Triple Its Exports This Year

Proton aims to more than triple its exports this year. Last year, Proton exported just 1,388 cars, hampered mostly by an aging product line-up. The recently launched X70, along with a range of upcoming products, are expected to grow Proton’s export and depending on government support, the number could reach up to 5,000 cars.
“In 2017, we exported 248 units. This year we want to export more,” said CEO Li Chunrong at a press conference in conjunction with the signing of a collaboration agreement between Proton’s vendors and their overseas counterparts yesterday.
“With the support from the Malaysian government, we could export up to 4,000 to 5,000 units this year,” he added.
Dr. Li did not mention any specific markets for its export plans but said that countries in the ASEAN region will be its primary focus, for the simple reason of close proximity to Malaysia. However, Dr. Li was quick to add that this does not mean that Proton has no intentions to export beyond the ASEAN region.
“We don’t want to forget the other markets (countries outside of ASEAN). We are trying our best to enter other markets,” he added.
Currently, Proton’s exports is limited to smaller developing markets like Chile, Egypt and Jordan. At its peak, the Proton Savvy used to be the best-selling compact car in Thailand but sales have since grinded to a halt after Thailand announced its eco-car policy in 2007, which favoured locally-produced economy cars. The Proton Wira-based Arena (Jumpbuck) pick-up truck was also fairly popular in Australia but recent the Proton models were too expensive to be competitive in Australia and the brand is no longer active there.


PKP Dilaksanakan Di 6 Daerah Di Selangor - Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Kuala Langat dan Sepang

Melalui sidang media khas yang diketuai oleh Menteri Kanan (Pertahanan) Malaysia, Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, kerajaan akan melaksanakan
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP)
 di
enam daerah
 di Selangor yang berkuat kuasa pada 6 Mei 2021 sehingga 17 Mei 2021.

*Kredit foto: Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia

Enam daerah tersebut merupakan daerah Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Kuala Langat dan Sepang. Menurut Ismail, keputusan ini diambil ekoran peningkatan mendadak dalam bilangan kes positif COVID-19 di daerah tersebut.

Katanya, tiga lagi daerah iaitu Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam dan Hulu Selangor masih berkuatkuasa Perintah Kawalan pergerakan Bersyarat (PKPB).

"Semua peraturan dan prosedur operasi standard (SOP) adalah sama seperti pelaksanaan PKP yang dilaksanakan di Kelantan dan lima daerah di Kedah," katanya dalam sidang media harian COVID-19 di sini, hari ini.

Ekoran pengumuman PKP di enam daerah tersebut, bukan sekadar
rentas negeri
, malah rentas daerah pun tidak dibenarkan. Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang SOP PKP, anda boleh ke klik
disini


Nissan Made A Fast Sexy Leaf EV, But It’s A NISMO Racer

Nissan’s been busy consolidating their arsenal of EV tech around motorsport for some time, recently unveiling the new and menacing Leaf Nismo RC. As you may have noticed, it looks nothing like a regular Leaf, the second-generation EV hatch that this is purportedly based on.

‘RC’, however, stands for Racing Competition, and it certainly fits that moniker rather well. Those with sharp memories will recall this car’s predecessor, a motorsport-focused EV that was based on the original Leaf. Like this one, though, Nissan can’t really find a proper outlet for it to compete in.

It therefores serves as a working prototype of what a fully electric race car might look like if a hypothetical motorsport series existed that would require vehicles competing within to be based on production EVs.

While Nissan has been very involved in Formula E and those learnings have indeed been implemented into this newest Leaf RC, we’ve yet to encounter an electric-only touring car-like sport with multiple makes.

Clearly, Nissan - and specifically their NISMO arm - are patiently waiting for that to materialise. By the looks of it, they’ll have a very competitive car right from the get-go.

For one, this Leaf RC is dramatically more powerful than the one before with 322hp and 640Nm of instant torque from the combined output of its dual electric motors. Nissan claims the zero emissions racer can sprint to 100km/h from rest in just 3.4 seconds.

Of course, Nissan isn’t going to be selling the Leaf RC anytime soon (or ever), but it does portend a very positive and exciting direction for the future of their electric powertrains and hints at the amount of focus and emphasis being placed on the zero emission efforts within the company.

Going forward, the Leaf NISMO RC will be used as a testbed to further develop their electric vehicles, particularly with regard to high stress and heat testing as well as the advantages of an all-electric twin-motor layout and all-wheel drive.


Malaysia's annual auto TIV reached a record high in 2022, surpassing 2021 by a whopping 41.6%

Malaysia’s automotive annual total industry volume (TIV) reached a record high in 2022, with 720,658 vehicles sold. This is the first time it has breached the 700,000 mark, where it also beat the 508,883 units recorded in 2021.

That's an increase of 41.6%, according to The Edge Markets who analysed the latest report from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

According to The Edge, the higher TIV was attributed to pent-up demand for new vehicles,
especially in the first half of 2022
, and was further boosted by the decision to allow buyers with confirmed bookings — with sales tax exemption and submitted before June 30, 2022 — to register their new passenger cars until March 31, 2023.

“The extension of the period for registration of passenger vehicles not only ensured the rakyat will enjoy the benefit of lower price cars, but it also helped the industry to fulfil the many backlogged orders received,” said MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad at a press conference recently.

Aishah also thanked all government agencies who have worked hard to facilitate this extension, as without them, the local automotive industry would not have reached this record high.

As reported by The Edge, total new registrations of passenger cars rose to 641,773 units in 2022, up from 452,486 units in 2021, while the commercial vehicle segment also saw new registrations rise to 78,885 units in 2022 from 56,397 units in the previous year.

Apparently, the rise in commercial car sales is down to the belief that there would be an economic rebound after two years of decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic.


Audi Centre Setia Alam Is Officially Open For Business

Audi's newest 4S centre in Setia Alam is now officially open for business.

The facility will house multiple functions under one roof – Sales, Service, Spare Parts, Body and also a Paint shop.

With nearly 60,000 sq ft of space, Audi Centre Setia Alam features the Audi Terminal architecture concept.

Inside, the four-story building carries the current corporate identity, furnishing and equipment that comply to the standards set by Audi AG.

The announcement follows the appointment of Rimau International as part of the Audi retail and service network in Malaysia.

“The opening of Audi Centre Setia Alam is a milestone for us as an Audi dealer in Malaysia and is our first partnership outside our home market. With the increased capacity in our brand new facility, we are now even better equipped to serve our customers,” Masamitsu Kakoi, Managing Director of Rimau International.

“This year, we have expanded our model portfolio in Malaysia to include the latest range of SUVs; from the compact Q2 to the full-size Q8. We also introduced a whole new family of premium large sedans, which are the Audi A6, A7 Sportback and the Audi A8 flagship limousine. Working with our partners, we will continue to enhance the experience for Audi fans throughout their journey with our brand,” Markus Schuster, Head of Audi division in Malaysia.

In conjunction with the opening, the public is invited to attend the Audi Centre Setia Alam Open Haus this weekend, from 4-5 October 2019, where customers will be able to check out the latest range of SUVs and sedans with promotions and gifts on offer.

Audi Centre Setia Alam is located at No. 22A, Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

The service centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The sales showroom is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm.

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


Fuel Price Update: 3 - 9 August - Petrol Up 4 Sen, Diesel Up 6 Sen

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has just announced the latest prices for petrol and diesel. Motorists in Malaysia need to pay a little bit more for fuel from tomorrow.
New prices (per litre) are listed below:
RON95 - RM2.07  (up 4 sen from RM2.03)
RON97 - RM2.32  (up 4 sen from RM2.28)
Diesel - RM2.05  (up 6 sen from RM1.99)


Volkswagen Opens Dedicated Training Centre - Volkswagen Automotive Academy in Glenmarie

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today launched its first Volkswagen Automotive Academy in Malaysia which will serve as a training centre to conduct sales and after-sales training of the VPCM workforce. The move is the latest in a series of initiatives by the German marque to improve the quality of its services in the country.
The 14,117 square feet facility is located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam and is capable of accommodating up to 150 trainees a day. The training centre is staffed by 13 dedicated training staff. Training modules include soft and hard sales skills, technical simulations, diagnostics, and functions.

For after-sales training, there are four work bays and two technical service centre (TSC) bays. Other facilities and equipment such as wheel alignment machine, headlight adjusters, in-ground hoist, electronic board systems training, and diagnostics systems and tools are at trainees’ disposal for hands-on learning experience.
These tools and equipment are Volkswagen AG-certified and specifically catered to meet the needs of the Malaysian market.
During the tour of the centre, we also learned that the technical syllabus not only covers models that are currently on sale but ranges to model years as far back as 2006 or older.
There is also a designated room for parts system management, where trainees are taught practical and simulated training on how to manage, store and categorize parts and equipment.
In addition to the above, the academy also houses one multi purpose hall and six individual classrooms.
The academy will enroll 20 trainees for its sales training and 134 trainees for the (technical and non-technical) after-sales training program in the coming weeks.
Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter added, “Having the Academy in place is one of the major steps VPCM is taking to uphold its philosophy to provide value-added, quality services to customers.”


Tiguan R Unveiled - It's Just Stupid!

The Tiguan R has just been unveiled and it must be one of the stupidest cars to come out of Wolfsburg and we love it!

Once upon a time, Volkswagen only made one R model which was the hatchback Golf R. They then proceeded to create an estate version of that as well as the Touareg R, T-Roc R, and the soon to come Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake R.

Well, in between the arrival of the Arteon R's, Volkswagen has decided to give the world the Tiguan R, the fastest Tiguan ever built. According to VW, the Tiguan R "combines the dynamic performance of a sports car with the variability of a Sport Utility Vehicle." By that, we think what they are trying to say is that they have built a hot hatch on stilts albeit with a bit more space.

Under the hood, the top-spec Tiguan carries the latest reiteration of Volkswagens' 2.0-litre turbocharged fast car engine known as the Evo4. This will also be the same engine that the Arteon R's will have on them.

The engine produces 316bhp and 420Nm of torque which helps the Tiguan R to achieve a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. As you can see from the numbers, it appears to be quick, and it gets to those numbers with the help of VW's seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Most will probably think that it only goes fast in a straight line, but VW has tricked out the SUV with some clever hardware. For the bendy and twisty roads, the Tiguan has an all-new four-wheel-drive system to help it hunker down on the tarmac. Gone is the Haldex setup of old, and in comes a torque vectoring differential that can split drive between the left and right rear wheels and front and rear.

The Tiguan's new 4WD system monitors the driver's steering angle, throttle position, yaw rate, and current speed and determines how much power should be sent to each wheel. To help keep it in control is also an 18-inch brake system with typical R-branded blue calipers.

To differentiate it as an R model, the Tiguan R features sporty bumpers with aerodynamic looking elements, a gloss black rear diffuser, matte mirror covers, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the R-ness continues by featuring premium sport seats in a digital cockpit with an integrated lap timer like all new R cars.

Surprisingly the DCC chassis with adaptively controlled shock absorbers that lower the car by 10 mm is an optional extra. An Akrapovic titanium exhaust and 21-inch Estoril alloys could also be purchased to give the Tiguan R a bit more character.

To be frank, this must be the stupidest R to come out of Volkswagen. It's a jacked-up hot hatch with more space on the inside. Who would have ever thought they would make a more practical R car. It's just plain old stupidly irresistible, and we can't wait to give it a go!


Renault Celebrates 40 Years in Formula 1

Last week’s Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix was indeed a very special one for Renault as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Formula 1 debut.
The French carmaker’s debut came at the 1977 British Grand Prix where Jean-Pierre Jabouille unleashed the first-ever turbo-charged Formula 1 car, the RS01.
As part of the celebration, Jabouille was once again reunited with the RS01 last Friday, and got to drive along the Monaco track.
Joining Jabouille was four-time Formula 1 champion, Renault Ambassador and Renault Sport Racing Special Advisor Alain Prost who was also reunited with his RE 40 - Renault’s first carbon fibre chassis in which he won four races (Paul Ricard, Spa, Silverstone, Österreichring), en route to narrowly missing out on winning the 1983 Drivers’ Championship by two points.
Highlighting the unique expertise Renault has gained in the course of the 40 years since its Formula 1 debut, Renault Sport Formula One Team driver Nico Hülkenberg drove the eagerly anticipated
new Mégane R.S
 in its first official public appearance.
Due to be released at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the New Mégane R.S. was presented in a special yellow and black livery.
Renault Sport Formula One Team announced that it plans a number of events to highlight Renault’s 40-year Formula 1 provenance, with 40-year celebration partner initiatives and the presence of guests who have played an active role in Renault’s Formula 1 success.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ And CLA 45 S 4MATIC+.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just unveiled the regular Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ and an updated CLA 45 S 4MATIC+.

The successful introduction of
Mercedes-AMG compact cars
 last year is set to continue into 2021 as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have updated their inventory and introduced the regular W177 Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ and an updated C118 CLA 45 S 4MATIC+.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ will be replacing the sold-out
Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1
 model, while the new CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is an updated version of
last year's
 compact performance saloon that comes with extra bits of gear.

The absence of the Edition 1 tag takes away all of the Edition 1's add-ons, including Edition 1 graphics on the aluminium interior trim and dashboard as well as Edition 1 side decals. On the inside, the AMG Performance seats now come with red highlights instead of yellow, and the seat belts are also red. Those with sharp eyes will also notice that the Edition 1's panoramic sunroof is also no longer there.

Everything else is retained, including the loud and shouty AMG Aerodynamics bits of bodykit and the AMG Night package pieces of trim, which gives the hot hatch some gloss black highlights throughout its exterior.

On the other hand, the updated CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ gets a bit more kit, namely the head-up display that projects essential driving information on the windshield just above the steering wheel and rear side airbags to match its hatchback sibling.

Both cars are equipped with the familiar Mercedes-AMG's M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which has an output of 416hp and  500Nm of torque. The powerplant is paired with an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission as well as the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. AMG Track Pace data logger and AMG Ride Control suspension are also standard on both cars. Illuminated AMG door sill panels and the
MBUX
 infotainment system with two 10.25-inch widescreen displays also remain.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ has a price tag of RM437,673.41, while the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is slightly more expensive coming in at RM453,374.19.


2016 Audi A4 Launched, Introductory Price of RM 239,900

It’s one of the most exciting models this year, and it’s finally here- the highly anticipated Audi A4. The entry level luxury sedan market is highly competitive, and Audi Malaysia has had to make do with a model that was outdated and outgunned and
outspecified
 for a good many years, but this is no longer the case.
There’s plenty to be excited about with this new car, which will be made available in 3 different variants. For now we only have the mid-range Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, with an Audi A4 1.4 TFSI and a high performance Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro to come by January 2017. Audi Malaysia has also said that they will be bringing in the Q2, the all-new A1, and the new A5 in the coming year, along with S and RS variants, and the R8s as well.
The price to pay for this A4 2.0 TFSI is RM 248,900 (on the road, without insurance), but the first 100 units will be on offer for an introductory price of RM 239,900- which is the same retail price as the outgoing model. Warranty terms for the new A4 are 4 years or 120,000 kilometres. You can get the A4 in ten different colours from launch – Glacier White, Floret Silver, Matador Red, Tango Red, Argus Brown, Scuba Blue, Monsoon Grey, Manhattan Grey, Mythos Black, and a special Daytona Grey in pearl effect for vehicles purchased with the optional S line package.
From an engineering perspective, the new car is stronger, lighter, and larger than before. Depending on the specification the car is up to 120 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, which is a pretty respectable amount of weight shed through better manufacturing technology and chassis development (and also makes it lightest in class). Sitting on the venerable MLB-Evo platform (the same that underpins the Q7), it is the fifth generation to wear the A4 badge and the ninth generation of Audi car in this class.
The wheelbase has grown by roughly 12 mm to 2.82 metres, while the overall length has increased by 25 mm to 4.73 metres. It is also 14 mm wider at 1.84 metres wide, and 3 mm taller at 1.43 metres tall. The new A4 looks proportionally longer than the model it replaces, and part of this is also a result of its more aerodynamically driven styling. The new model has a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which Audi claims is best in class.
The local powertrain options for the A4 have historically been limited to either 1.8 TFSI or 2.0 TFSI variants, and this generation mirrors this arrangement in a sense. As mentioned earlier, Audi intend to launch the 1.4 TFSI variant (150 hp, 250 Nm), and the higher performance 2.0 TFSI quattro (252 hp, 370 Nm), but the current variant on offer is powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine in a lower state of tune. It puts out 190 hp and 320 Nm from just 1,450 rpm. It’s paired with a 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch gearbox that delivers power to the front wheels and the whole setup allows the A4 to sprint to 100 in just 7.3 seconds.
On the inside, things have been vastly improved as switchgear from various Audi models launched over the past year or two can finally be integrated in the A4. Free floating screens have become the norm, but in Audi products they are a nice counterpart to the Virtual Cockpit that we’ve fallen in love with. For the 2.0 TFSI variant, the Virtual Cockpit is an optional extra as part of the Technology package, without which the car comes with analogue dials and a 7-inch TFT screen. The controls for the optional Audi MMI system have been refined further with this generation for better heuristics, and the centre console has been simplified for a cleaner look.
When it comes to actual features, the new A4 comes packed with plenty to compete with the 3 Series and the C-Class. While we only see the 2.0 TFSI variant here, Audi Malaysia has been kind enough to provide specifications for all A4 variants ahead of their launch.
At the entry level in the form of the A4 1.4 TFSI (on sale
January 2017
), the features include:
6 airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Multi Collision Brake Assist
3 Zone Climate Control
Multifunction Steering Wheel with Shift Paddles
Electric Front Seats
Xenon Headlights with LED daytime running lights
Electronic folding mirrors
6 channel, 10 speaker sound system
Automatic Headlights and Wipers
Moving one step higher to the A4 2.0 TFSI (
which is on sale right now
), it receives this additional equipment:
More steering wheel functions
Manual rear window blinds
LED Headlights with LED daytime running lights
Automatic Headlight Adjustment
LED Rear lights with dynamic indicators
Adaptive suspension
At the top of the line in the full-fat A4 2.0 TFSI quattro (
on sale January 2017
), owners can enjoy the following features on top of those listed from before:
Leather/Alcantara upholstery
Sports front seats
Memory function for the driver’s seat
Brushed aluminium inlays
Automatic anti-glare and memory for the wing mirrors
Audi Smart Phone interface
Audi connect
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch
Specific for the A4 2.0 TFSI, there are also two optional packages in the form of an S line package and a Technology package. The S line package includes more aggressive front and rear bumpers, 18-inch alloy rims, illuminated steering wheel controls, and various other sporty trim pieces for RM 25,000. The Technology package will include the Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators for the front, and the MMI system from the 2.0 TFSI quattro along with a rear view camera; pricing for this package is not yet known as it will be made available soon.
This new A4 brings heaps of relevance back for Audi at this end of the luxury car market, and it allows them to compete once again on even footing. Where Audi may lack in outright local brand strength, it’s difficult to fault a product that would tick the right boxes for this demographic. It’s a step away from the aggressive sportiness that came about in the late 2000s, moving more towards a refined elegance in styling, a form that follows function, and packaging that can be appreciated by even the toughest of critics.


VW to Reveal New Electric Crossover Concept in Shanghai Next Week

Volkswagen has announced that it will be launching a range of completely new electric vehicles in the near future, with the first concept already set to make its premiere next week.
The crossover concept, which is also is the brand’s first electrically powered crossover utility vehicle (CUV), will be revealed at the Auto Shanghai 2017 on 19 April.
After the premieres of the I.D Concept in 2016 and the I.D. BUZZ earlier this year, the upcoming concept (a four-door coupé and sport utility vehicle (SUV) in one) will be the third progressive member of the I.D. family – a new generation of zero emission vehicle with a long range and a charismatic electric mobility design.
According to Volkswagen, the I.D CUV was conceptualised as a sporty, interactively designed zero-emission all-rounder with electric all-wheel drive system.
Like the I.D. and I.D. BUZZ, this concept car can also drive fully autonomously. All it takes is a light push on the VW badge on the steering wheel to activate this autonomous mode.
The steering wheel retracts electrically into the cockpit where it forms a single unit with the displays and controls that have been implemented fully digitally.
The electric vehicle recognises its surroundings and other road users via laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors and cameras.
Volkswagen has set the clearly defined goal of advancing electric drive vehicles from the status of a start-up niche to large-scale production models by the middle of the next decade in a worldwide product offensive.
The concept car that is now making its debut in Shanghai illustrates just how multifaceted the range of these future Volkswagen electric models will be in the year 2020.


Stretch Of Federal Highway To Be Closed In Stages On May 14-15

A stretch of the Federal Highway near the KTMB Subang station will be closed on Thursday and Friday (May 14 and 15) to enable the safe revamp of Tenaga Nasional electrical delivery cables.
In a joint statement today, Projek Lebuhraya Usahasama Berhad (PLUS) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) announced that the aforementioned highway stretch would be closed in stages starting from 12.01am to 4.30am, with police being present to maintain safe traffic flow.
Affected slip roads include the Federal Highway from kilometre 19.0 to kilometre 19.3 from Shah Alam/Klang to Petaling Jaya and Federal Highway from kilometre 19.3 to kilometre 19 from Petaling Jaya to Shah Alam/Klang.
In addition, the slip road from Shah Alam/Klang to Jalan Subang Airport will be affected on both directions.


Lexus To Debut All-New RX At 2015 New York Auto Show

At the 2015 New York Auto Show,
Lexus
 will debut its all-new, fourth-generation Lexus RX. As a build-up to the global reveal, the company has released this teaser image that shows a rear three quarter view of the SUV.
First thing to note is the C-pillar, where the side-glass has been extended through, creating a “floating look” for the RX. The tail lights look a lot like the current crop of GS and IS sedans and the flared wheel arches also project a more dynamic exterior as well.
With the
introduction of the Lexus NX,
 expect the all-new RX to adopt a few of the company’s newer design cues, which include the trademark spindle grille at the front. Also, with the NX now occupying the small SUV segment, this will allow the RX to grow in size to take on the competition within the large SUV segment, namely the
BMW X5
,
Mercedes-Benz
 GLE-Class, and
Audi Q5
.
Look forward to the debut of the all-new Lexus RX early next month.


Honda’s SUV e:concept Shown In Beijing, A 3-Door Electric Coupe Crossover

Honda’s got a weird one for us today. Their prior electric concept cars are usually underpinned by a legitimate production imperative even if that isn’t stated explicitly. Unlike the
E Prototype
 or
Sports EV Concept
, which was a small city car and a compact two-door coupe, respectively, the SUV e:concept is a two-door…..crossover.

That formula hasn’t exactly panned out for manufacturers brave enough to walk that trail, despite an encouraging initial response. Even cars such as the 3-door
Range Rover Evoque
 sells rather poorly next to its more practical 5-door counterpart.

Also, ‘Auto China 2020’ might not ring many bells, nor is it terribly descriptive, but perhaps it would make more sense under its second name: the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. It marks one of the first high profile motor shows to actually take place in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pretty much levelled the automotive calendar around the world.

As you’d expect with a name like that, this Honda concept does away with any combustion power whatsoever, though they’ve declined to specify any technical details pertaining to its electric powertrain or platform or battery tech.

Instead, the automaker says the SUV e:concept is the precursor to their first electric vehicle to be introduced in China, leading us to believe that this future production model might not see a launch outside of the People’s Republic, not even in Japan. That’s a shame.

It sure has some unconventional styling cues coming from Honda, though that inwardly angled fascia is vaguely reminiscent of their current crop of sedans such as the Civic and Accord. It looks to have decently high ground clearance, implying some off-road ability, though that’s negated somewhat by the sporty alloys and thin tyres.

The customary dark cladding surrounds the SUV e:concept’s lower perimeter, but is quite conservative in its thickness. Its bonnet is rather long for a vehicle without an engine, indicating that it’s included for aesthetic reasons. Then again, there could be quite a large front boot underneath.

No door handles are visible in these photos but the door itself looks to be quite large, hopefully to allow for easy access to the rear seats, and its front windscreen seems to extend into the (also glass) roof for a more panoramic field of view.

The company is also presenting their latest Honda Sensing features in the SUV e:concept, making this the first car to be equipped with their Omnidirectional ADAS which uses 360-degree radar - something they plan to demonstrate live to their Chinese audience before the end of the year.


Ford Ranger Overcomes Non-stop 24-Hour Challenge

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) organised a ‘Ford 24-Hour Challenge’ through Peninsular Malaysia in partnership with Astro Radio Group, hitz.fm to showcase the ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials of the
Ford Ranger
.
The 24-hour non-stop adventure challenged the team from hitz.fm to experience tough terrain and heavy load, towing and wading activities in the heat and humidity.
During the adventure, the Ranger was put through tests that included:
Challenge 1: 24-Hour Endurance
The ‘Ford 24-Hour Challenge’ kicked-off from Astro Radio office where the Ranger travelled for  24 hours to complete five challenges, stopping at locations in Ipoh, Penang, the Belum Rainforest in Perak, Kelantan, Kuantan, Pahang and the Klang Valley.
Challenge 2: Tough Towing
At The Port in Ipoh, the Ranger demonstrated its towing capability by pulling down a brick wall. The Ranger’s 3,500kg towing capacity with Trailer Sway Control made the task looked simple as it tackled the one-story high solid brick wall.
Challenge 3: Unbeatable Payload
Up north in Penang, the Ranger once again demonstrated its capabilities when the team loaded the Ranger’s bed with heavy loads of drinks to be distributed to the hitz.fm listeners and the crowd. The Ranger has a payload capacity of up to 1,200kg.
Challenge 4: Deep Dive Test
After 22 hours of non-stop challenges, the Ranger arrived at Ulu Tamu, Batang Kali where it tackled the rugged terrains of narrow potholed roads and crossing deep river waters. It was able to keep the vehicle’s key components dry while protecting air intake with its water-wading of up to 800mm.
Challenge 5: Towing a Jet Plane Made Easy
The ‘Ford 24-Hour Challenge’ finale ended at the Subang Skypark, RAC Hanger where the Ranger towed a 3,500kg jet plane.
“At Ford, we are always looking at exciting ways to showcase our world-class vehicles, and the partnership with Astro Radio Group, hitz.fm helped us demonstrate the class-leading power and toughness of the Ranger,” said Veemala Rethinasamy, sales and marketing director, Ford Malaysia.
Looking for a Ford? Find one now at
 Carlist.my


All-New 2017 Toyota Camry Previewed Ahead Of Japan Debut

Having already made its global debut in USA during January’s
Detroit Auto Show
, the all-new Toyota Camry will soon be making an entry in its home market Japan.
Gearing up to the all-new Camry's Japanese market debut, Toyota has released a Japanese language teaser video, going behind the scenes of the all-new Camry's development.
The all-new Camry seen here is primarily aimed at consumer in North American and Japan, and is not related to the Camry models sold elsewhere in Asia, including Malaysia.
However in some markets like Thailand, Australia and China, both versions of the Camry are sold. Thailand for example, imports the Australian-market Camry and sells it there as the Camry ESport, selling it alongside regular Camry models that we are all familiar with.
The all-new Camry shown here will only go on sale in USA in December 2017, but seeing that Toyota has already started pre-launch activities in Japan, it is quite possible that the all-new model will be launched in Japan well before December.
Prices and specifications have yet to be announced but it’s quite likely that the Japanese market Camry will continue with the current model’s hybrid-only engine line-up. In the US, the all-new Camry will be offered with three engine options – a 3.5-litre V6 petrol, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid.
The Japanese market Camry however, will get additional styling options from Toyota's in-house Modellista and TRD divisions.
Like most all-new Toyota models, the all-new Camry will be built on the Toyota’s latest TNGA architecture, which Toyota says allows for a more dynamic character.


Purata 2 Remaja Bawah Umur, Tiada Lesen Maut Setiap Hari – PDRM

Data
PDRM
 bagi tiga bulan pertama tahun ini sahaja menunjukkan sekurang-kurangnya dua
remaja bawah umur
 maut atau cedera parah setiap hari ketika memandu kereta atau menunggang motosikal tanpa lesen.

Data tersebut telah didedahkan oleh Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik Bukit Aman, berdasarkan laporan The Star.

*Kredit infografik: The Star

2 Remaja Bawah Umur Maut Setiap Hari

Data itu menunjukkan 30 daripada mereka yang
meninggal dunia
 dalam tiga bulan pertama tahun ini adalah mereka di bawah umur 16 tahun, manakala sembilan lagi berada di bawah umur 18 tahun.

Rekod antara Januari dan Mac tahun ini menunjukkan daripada jumlah 157 penunggang motosikal tanpa lesen di bawah umur 16 tahun yang terlibat dalam kemalangan, seramai 46 didapati cedera parah. Manakala seramai 81 remaja mengalami kecederaan ringan.

Bagi kemalangan yang membabitkan pemandu tidak berlesen di bawah umur 18 tahun, seramai 59 cedera parah, manakala 555 kes lagi membawa kepada kecederaan ringan.

*Kredit foto: Kosmo

Berdasarkan data, Malaysia merekodkan sebanyak 8,484 kemalangan membabitkan pemandu remaja dan penunggang motosikal tidak berlesen dari 2018 hingga Mac tahun ini.

Daripada jumlah itu, 2,617 kes mengakibatkan kemalangan maut atau kecederaan serius. Data itu juga menunjukkan sejumlah 444,922 saman telah dikeluarkan kepada pemandu bawah umur dalam tempoh kurang lima tahun antara 2018 hingga Mac tahun ini.

Tiga bulan pertama tahun ini menyaksikan sejumlah 15,424 saman dikeluarkan kepada penunggang motosikal tanpa lesen di bawah umur 16 tahun dan kepada pemilik yang membenarkan mereka di bawah umur menggunakan kenderaan mereka. Sebanyak 8,601 saman telah dikeluarkan kepada pemandu di bawah umur 18 tahun.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Salah Ibu Bapa?

Pengerusi Institut Penyelidikan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia Prof Madya Dr Wong Shaw Voon mengingatkan bahawa angka-angka ini mungkin tidak menggambarkan gambaran yang tepat, sambil menambah bahawa banyak kes mungkin tidak dilaporkan.

Tegasnya, ibu bapa berperanan memantau dan mendidik anak-anak tentang bahaya pemanduan bawah umur.

“Ada ibu bapa merasakan ini bukan isu besar kerana anak mereka hanya memandu di kawasan kecil atau sekitar jalan kampung, jadi tiada apa yang perlu dirisaukan. Tetapi apa yang mereka tidak fikirkan ialah suatu hari nanti, anak-anak mereka mungkin menyelinap keluar pada waktu malam ketika ibu bapa tidur dan memandu," katanya.

Menjelaskan sebab had umur ditetapkan, Wong berkata seseorang itu bukan sahaja perlu bersedia secara fizikal tetapi juga cergas dari segi mental untuk memandu di jalan awam.

Baginya, besar dari segi fizikal untuk mengendalikan kenderaan tidak bermakna mereka bersedia dari segi mental untuk menguruskan kenderaan yang berpotensi membunuh diri mereka atau pengguna jalan raya lain yang tidak bersalah.

"Bersedia dari segi mental bermakna anda boleh membuat pertimbangan yang betul, bertindak balas dengan pantas, dan bertanggungjawab atas tindakan anda," katanya.

Ibu Bapa Wajar Dihukum?

Wong berkata, ramai pelajar juga memandu atau menunggang motosikal ke sekolah tanpa lesen. Beliau turut menyeru semua pihak berkepentingan yang berkaitan seperti ibu bapa, guru dan polis supaya melakukan sesuatu mengenai perkara ini.

“Pihak pentadbir sekolah berpendapat pelajar meletak kenderaan di luar kawasan sekolah, jadi tiada apa yang boleh mereka lakukan selain memperbetulkan mereka (pelajar). Polis mesti datang ke sekolah sekali-sekala. Selain daripada ibu bapa, masyarakat juga perlu memainkan peranan.” tambahnya.

Sementara itu, Ketua Penolong Pengarah Bahagian Siasatan Seksual, Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Bukit Aman, Asisten Komisioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan berkata beliau percaya ibu bapa yang cuai sekurang-kurangnya harus berdepan dengan beberapa bentuk hukuman.

Berdasarkan statistik, sebanyak 163 kematian melibatkan kanak-kanak mungkin sebahagiannya disebabkan oleh kecuaian ibu bapa. Jumlah itu tidak termasuk yang melibatkan kemalangan maut oleh pemandu bawah umur tanpa lesen.


Kia Unveils Seltos In India, 3 Engines, 3 Gearboxes

With every passing year, the number of offerings in the compact crossover segment continues to grow. The latest addition comes in the form of the Kia Seltos, which has made its debut in India - a market that has a surprisingly high appetite for these particular models. The Seltos is said to sit on the same platform as the Hyundai Creta (also known as the iX25), and is provided with three different engines and three different gearboxes for the Indian market.
First up is the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, pushing 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque. This is paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission delivering power to the front wheels. In the middle of the range is a 1.5-litre turbodiesel that pushes 115 hp and 250 Nm of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The final variant is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 140 hp and 242 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that also delivers power to the front wheels.
Pricing for the Seltos starts at Rs 11 lakh (RM 65,727) and goes up to Rs 17 lakh (RM 101,578). The equipment list seems to be fairly extensive, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a heads-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-headlights, and even an 8-speaker Bose system. The UVO Connect suite also has AI-based voice command - a feature that's slowly trickling down to other market offerings - as well as remote engine start and stop. It's a surprisingly well specified vehicle, but Kia has made it clear that they wish to invest heavily in the Indian market.
But even within the segment, where does the Seltos stand? More important than that is the fact that Kia has the Stonic and Niro that both function in the same kind of capacity as the Seltos - although those models are likely aimed at a European market. Check the table below to see where the Seltos stands among its peers in terms of dimensions, as well as where it stands in the Kia model lineup:
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