BMW Malaysia Introduces The New 2021 530e M Sport and 2021 530i M Sport

BMW Malaysia introduces the locally-assembled (CKD) electrifying 530e M Sport and new 530i M Sport.

BMW Malaysia has just added two locally-assembled
5-Series
 to its portfolio, in the form of the 530e M Sport and the New BMW 530i M Sport. The latest additions to the premium automaker's local lineup allow customers to choose between a standard petrol variant or a plug-in hybrid.

Exterior

Complete with the beautiful M Aerodynamics package, the new variants are now fitted with larger kidney grilles and sleeker headlights with a new DRL (daytime running lights) design. The New BMW
530e M Sport
 comes with Adaptive LED headlights, while the New BMW 530i M Sport is equipped with BMW's famed Laserlight. Both variants' illumination kits include a high-beam assistant with automatic switching of the on/ off high-beam headlights depending on the traffic situation, controlled via a sensor on the front side of the interior mirror.

The BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line adds a touch of mystery to the New
BMW 530e M Sport
, while the New
BMW 530i M Sport
 is equipped with BMW's Satined Aluminium Individual Exterior Line. Both variants' front and rear bumpers are also new with more oversized air intakes, alongside new LED taillight elements in the signature BMW L-shape. For the first time, the light source is integrated directly into the taillight's outermost layer, maximising the 3D effect.

19-inch M light-alloy Y-Spoke 845 M Bi-Colour Jet Black wheels complete the exterior look. The new boys also feature Adaptive Suspension and BMW's M Sport brake with blue-painted M Sport brake callipers with M designation. At the rear are double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design and a distinctive diffuser insert.

Interior

Inside, the BMW 530e M Sport and BMW 530i M Sport boast an exclusive M leather steering wheel, along with stylish sports seats for both the driver and the passenger. The new variants are also furnished with interior trim finishers in Aluminium Rhombicle, Dakota Leather upholstery and the BMW Individual anthracite headliner. Interior Illumination within the car is provided by ambient lighting, while owners of the New BMW 530i M Sport are able to enjoy the electrical glass roof feature.

The dashboard includes a lighter coloured contrasting seam, which continues onto the door trims, as well as control buttons in the centre console in High Gloss Black that magnifies the interior design language of the New BMW 5 Series variants.

Powertrain

Powerplant wise, both 5-Series come equipped with the venerable inline 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo 2-litre petrol engine, but 530e M Sport features the latest generation of BMW's eDrive electric motor. The Eight-Speed Steptronic Sport transmission system also comes as standard for both variants.

The New BMW 530e M Sport offers a combined maximum output of 292hp and 420Nm of torque – consisting of a 109hp output from the electric motor. The electrified variant is capable of a century sprint in 5.9 seconds. With a top speed of 235 km/h, the New BMW 530e M Sport consumes only 2.3l/100km of fuel with a CO2 emission of 53g/km. The electric motor is capable of an all-electric range of up to 67 kilometres (NEDC correlated) – making all-electric city driving and short journeys possible. The electric motor can be fully charged with a BMW i Wallbox in approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, or under 6 hours with a conventional main socket via a standard charging cable.

Driving modes in the electrified variant can be personalised via the eDrive button in the centre console and feature the standard AUTO eDRIVE setting, enabling all-electric driving up to a speed of 110 km/h. Switching to MAX eDRIVE mode enables all-electric speeds up to 140 km/h. The BMW Xtra Boost mode is also available in the New BMW 530e M Sport, giving the vehicle additional power of up 40hp during acceleration.

Meanwhile, the overall system output for the New BMW 530i M Sport is 252hp and 350Nm of torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. With a top speed of 250 km/h, the New BMW 530i M Sport consumes 6.7l/100km of fuel with a CO2 emission of 154g/km.

Safety

Safety-wise, both the 5-Series, comes with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that is complemented with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist.

Safety is further enhanced in the BMW 530e M Sport via a specially-created sound emitted through a loudspeaker system that alerts pedestrians and cyclists of the vehicle. This is activated when the vehicle is travelling in full electric mode at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Infotainment

The new variants are equipped with BMW's Live Cockpit Professional, running the latest BMW Operating System 7. This infotainment system comes with the new restructured display set-up, consisting of a user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen Control Display. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes with navigation, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, 4G LTE connectivity, two USB ports and functions such as Remote Software Upgrade as well as over-the-air map updates for the navigation system.

With the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the New BMW 530e M Sport and BMW 530i M Sport take interactions between driver and vehicle to the next level. Vehicle functions that can be accessed and controlled via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant include phone calls, temperature adjustment, navigation, sunblind activation and automatic lowering of all windows.

Convenience

Exclusive to the New BMW 530i M Sport are the BMW Gesture Control, Head-Up Display, BMW Display Key and Harman Kardon surround sound system. Entertainment in the New BMW 530e M Sport comes via a HiFi Loudspeaker system.

For additional convenience, the new variants offer the Comfort Access system, as well as the automatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control and electric roller sunblinds for rear windows.

Driving assist

Driving Assistance is provided to the new variants via the Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning, front collision alert with brake intervention, rear collision prevention and crossing-traffic warning. The Parking Assistant Plus features the Surround View camera for both variants. Owners of the New BMW 530i M Sport can also benefit from the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function.

Colour options and M Performance Parts

The new variants will be available in Alpine White or Carbon Black, paired with either the Black or Cognac Leather Dakota upholstery; or in Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey or Bluestone paired with Black Leather Dakota upholstery.

Additionally, both the New BMW 5 Series variants can be further customised with the BMW M Performance Parts. This will equip the vehicle with kidney grille in High Gloss Black, exterior mirror cap in carbon fibre, an M Performance accentuation strip on both sides of the vehicle, M Performance side sills, as well as rear spoiler in Matte Black.

The BMW M Performance Parts also comes with a Rear Bumper Set, consisting of the rear bumper trim in High Gloss Black and rear diffuser in Matte Black. The BMW M Performance Parts retails at RM17,410.29. However, customers can enjoy special rates of up to 10% off from now until 31st December 2021.

Exclusively available for the New BMW 530i M Sport is the Shadow Line Package, which retails at RM5,437.12. However, customers can enjoy a special flat rate of RM5,000 (excluding labour) from now until 31st December 2021. The package will equip the vehicle with kidney grille, air duct trim and window frames in High Gloss Black.

Book from home

Customers may book the new premium executive sedans for RM 1,000 via the BMW Shop Online platform at https://shop.bmw.com.my/ from 29th May 2021.

Complete premium ownership experience

Owners of the New BMW 5 Series variants will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

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

⦁    BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

⦁    The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card

⦁    BMW Service Online

Prices

The retail pricing for the New BMW 5 Series variants (on the road, without insurance) are:

The New BMW 530e M Sport

RM 340,800.00 (with SST)

RM 334,353.95 (without SST)

The New BMW 530i M Sport

RM 395,800.00 (with SST)

RM 384,941.86 (without SST)


2014 Nissan Note Won't Be Coming To Malaysia Anytime Soon

Remember the Honda Jazz-rivaling Nissan Note we saw at last year’s KLIMS13 motor show? What that was essentially a B-segment hatchback which shared many components of the current Nissan Almera – sounds perfect for our market?
Unfortunately, it looks like Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) won’t be launching it here anytime soon.
Despite several local publications mentioning that the Note will be coming to Malaysia later this year, it seems that ETCM has pulled the plug on the car’s supposed arrival – at the very least, it will get here only in 2015 (if it isn’t cancelled entirely).
According to the same RHB Research Institute Report which depicts the arrival of the Serena S-Hybrid CKD here in Malaysia and a bit of snooping around for info, it seems that slow sales of the Almera, coupled by the dominance of the Honda Jazz (priced from RM72,800) may have prompted ETCM to rethink the Note's entry.
Unlike the March (also based on the Almera), the Note is aimed mainly at buyers in developed markets like Europe, Japan and USA. It is not sold in any other ASEAN market so its cost structure can be rather complicated.
The 2014 Honda Jazz's low selling price, spacious interior and excellent fuel economy pretty much makes the Note redundant, as the Note has little else to offer to buyers.
Since Toyota has quietly removed its Yaris (RM101,700) from its line-up almost as soon as it was launched, it looks like the B-segment hatchback market is going to be a single horse race with only the Honda Jazz in competition. The Yaris is now only on sale in duty free Langkawi and Labuan.
Apart from these, we also have the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift appealing to the enthusiast crowd, a group of people who will never consider something like a Note or a Jazz in the first place.


2022 Mercedes Benz SL Development Handed to AMG, Important Question Yet To Be Answered

We can see more of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL through the spy shots, but the important question is yet to be answered.

The last time we saw the next generation Mercedes Benz Sport Leicht prototype (Mercedes SL) was back in January and Mercedes was pretty shy to show the full shape of the car, heavily covering the roof. The most recent spy shots of the grand tourer still show the vehicle in camouflaged livery, but this time, we can see more of the roof, adding more fuel to the fire that the next SL will perhaps be a soft top.

Spy shots taken earlier in the year really sparked a debate of whether the next SL will have a hardtop or soft top? The debate must continue it seems as the official spy shots seen here do not answer the question in a convincing manner.

What we can, however, confirm through the official spy shots released by Mercedes-Benz is that the SL is back on the road after "extensive digital development steps, test stand runs, and simulator trials." The development of the vehicle has also been given to Mercedes' performance arm, AMG and the next step in the process will be taking place at Mercedes’ Test and Technology Center in Immendingen, as well as on public roads around Europe.

Mercedes Benz has also let slip that the SL will be mechanically related to the next-generation AMG GT, sharing a few powertrain options from the hybridised twin-turbo 3.0-litre powerplant all the way up to the all-mighty V8.

Just from looking at the spy shots, we can clearly see that the SL will have more of an aggressive shape to it when compared to its predecessor, as it looks lower and meaner just like its sibling, the current generation GT.

The rumours of the SL becoming a soft top seems to bode well with enthusiasts but whether it will actually be one is yet to be seen.


Ford’s All-New Ranger Raptor Gets 392PS 3.0 Twin-Turbo V6 Power

Ford has revealed the latest Raptor, its most hardcore version of the
all-new second-generation Ranger T6
 that’s bound to make it big in pickup loving Southeast Asia, South America, and Australia.

The biggest upgrade here, besides the usual styling alterations and new tech, is the engine - this time it’s actually a brute. Under that bonnet we’ll find a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost petrol V6 that outputs a staggering 392PS and 583Nm, smashing the previous version’s 210PS and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre
EcoBlue four-cylinder turbodiesel
.

The motor is essentially the same power plant that was announced for the US-market Bronco Raptor developed by Ford Performance. Both the Ranger and Bronco share the same ladder-frame chassis underpinnings and now Ford’s compacted graphite-iron cylinder block that promises 75% increase in strength and stiffness compared to traditional cast iron blocks, which were originally developed for use in the Mustang NASCAR racer.

Curiously, this buffed up EcoBoost V6 will only see action in certain markets as the European-spec Ranger Raptor produces 288PS and 491Nm - a significant down-tune from the same engine, or 104PS and 92Nm to be exact. Sucks for them, I guess.

That V6 is in there somewhere....

Still, it should sound good regardless. The development team is said to have spent an inordinate amount of time in the sound lab tuning the engine and exhaust note. This alone might be enough of a reason to be excited over the outgoing Raptor.

According to Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for the 2022 Ranger Raptor: “We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor. The 3.0-litre engine brings a different dynamic that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast. The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.”

To keep power levels at their peak for longer, Ford even fitted the new Ranger Raptor with a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that
first seen in the Ford GT
. Accessed by its ‘Baja Mode’, it keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to 3 seconds after the driver eases off the throttle pedal to allow for quicker resumed response such as when exiting a corner.

As has become the staple transmission for Ford vehicles, we see the return of the
10-speed automatic
, which delivers power to all four wheels via a full-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically‑controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials.

We’ve got no word on acceleration numbers just yet but it should be a pretty substantial increase given how much more power and torque are on offer. On a lap of a 10km test track, Ford say it’s apparently a full minute quicker - pretty insane.

That being said, the EcoBlue 2.0-litre oil burner will still be offered in the Ranger Raptor for who prefer a diesel performance pickup, but starting from 2023. That's weird, because even the standard Ranger has a 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

As is the case before, the performance alterations go well beyond the powertrain. Like before, the chassis has been given a significant overhaul with the standard suspension ripped out in favour of  extended-travel suspension with lower-friction 6.35cm live-valve Fox dampers and a 2.3mm-thick steel bash plate that is twice the surface area of the standard Ranger.

Inside, there’s some seriously bolstered sport seats trimmed in black and dark orange accents. That colour scheme is repeated throughout the dashboard and rest of the cabin via trim and ambient lighting, the former boasts a vertical 12-inch infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4A system and paired to a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Alongside this is a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.

We’ll hear more about regional and perhaps even a local (if we’re real lucky) launch further into 2022, though there’s no firm indication when on a clear rollout window. However, it is confirmed that the Europe-spec Ranger Raptor (with the nerfed V6) will have deliveries commence in “late summer”.

But given the state of the Ford brand in Malaysia, it might be a bad idea to start getting too hyped.


Twelve Toll Plazas To Go Fully Cashless Beginning Today: DUKE, AKLEH, SMART Included

Beginning today (9 September 2015), a total of twelve or more toll plazas till go fully cashless from noon onwards. This was announced by the Malaysian Highway Authority as reported by Bernama.
As such, the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system requires road users to use either a SmartTAG, Touch ‘n Go or PLUSMiles card with sufficient funds loaded into them to pay for the toll charges at the mentioned toll plazas:
Penang Bridge
Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) Tunnel
Ayer Panas, Sentul Pasar and Batu toll plazas – Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
Jitra and Bukit Kayu Hitam toll plazas – North-South Expressway (PLUS)
Gombak and Bentong toll plazas – Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK)
Dato Keramat toll plaza – Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
Lunas and Kubang Semang toll plazas – Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) in Penang


EV home chargers are now insured by Etiqa - 1st in Malaysia

Malaysia's first-ever insurance and takaful coverage for
EV home chargers
 are now being offered by
Etiqa
.

Available as a complimentary add-on for Etiqa's private car policy, the coverage is now being offered for newly-registered EVs and PHEVs (battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids).

Standalone coverage is also available

Underwritten by Etiqa General Insurance Bhd as well as Etiqa General Takaful Bhd,
The Star
 reported that "
Standalone coverage for EV home chargers
 under the All Risk Insurance and Takaful plan is also available for EV owners who have purchased the EV home wall charger separately from their new motor insurance/takaful."

For those who are interested, the complimentary add-on coverage is currently running its campaign from now until 31 March 2023. Etiqa covers anything related to fire, theft (forcible & violent entry), lightning, and explosion, bursting or overflowing of water tanks, or pipes, typhoons, windstorms, earthquakes, and floods.

According to Etiqa's Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Eng, "As a leading insurance and takaful operator that champions Sustainability, Etiqa is pleased to offer the first-in-Malaysia insurance and takaful coverage for EV Home Chargers."

"We hope that this will ease the concerns of car owners in considering EVs as an attractive option when purchasing new vehicles and spark further conversation in the personal choices we can all make to tackle climate change," added Chris.


Police appeal for witnesses to come forward and aid Investigation into tragic SUKE accident

Police seek witnesses in fatal motorcycle accident on SUKE Highway.

Police are appealing to witnesses of a
 fatal accident involving a high-powered motorcycle
 at Kilometer 22.2 of the Sungai Besi Ulu Kelang (SUKE) Highway near Ulu Kelang yesterday to come forward and assist in investigations.

Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail, the Ampang Jaya District Police Chief, stated that efforts to identify the motorcyclist who rode against traffic and caused the victim's death are ongoing.

"The suspect is believed to have been riding a small motorcycle, wearing a brightly coloured jacket and a dark-coloured helmet.

"The police urge the public to come forward if they have any witnesses or own dashboard camera recordings of the accident," he said in a statement recently.

He added that witnesses can directly contact Inspector Muhamad Yusaiful Muhamat Basir, the Traffic Investigating Officer at the Ampang Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD), at 011-13078348.

Earlier, Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) announced that they had handed over closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the fatal accident involving the Ducati rider.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah, reportedly stated that the video footage and other evidence had been submitted to assist in the investigation and to identify the motorcyclist riding against traffic.

In the incident that occurred around 1 p.m. on Thursday, Ahmad Fadzil Omar Azzadin, 62, who was riding a Ducati Panigale motorcycle, tragically lost his life after skidding and falling off the SUKE bridge while attempting to avoid another motorcyclist riding against traffic.


Get Your Paws On The Ora Good Cat, Now Bookable On Flux

Made by Great Wall Motors,
the Ora Good Cat
 is a compact EV with chic styling that’s soon to make its official debut in Malaysia. Despite this, Flux is already offering it on their website.

At the time of writing, the car subscription service has the Good Cat listed for a price of RM1,750 if you book the car for 2 months, which is a 50% discount from its supposed RM3,500/month fee.

The car shown there is advertised as an Ora Good Cat Ultra, which we know to be the range-topping variant which boasts the largest capacity lithium ion battery available for the car at 63.1kWh, endowing it with a range of roughly 500km according to the NEDC testing cycle.

Like the lower tier variants - Tech, Pro - available in other countries such as China
and Thailand
, the Ultra is powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 143PS and 210Nm of torque.

Rental of EVs could be a great way to dip your toe into zero emissions motoring, especially if you are unsure about how they differ in feel and operation compared to your usual combustion-powered vehicle.

A lot of people are still unconvinced that an EV could be right for them and are therefore hesitant to make a commitment to ownership in spite of their attractive near-tax-free pricing as part of an
aggressive push from the Malaysian government
.

Carlist.my
 had the opportunity to take a closer in-person look at the Ora Good Cat prior to its launch and was rather impressed by the stylish exterior, equally fashionable cabin, as well as its above average fit and finish.

Time will tell if it will hold up and prove itself to be a genuine contender over the long term in the EV space, but right now its main rival in Malaysia is
Hyundai Kona Electric
. The South Korean entrant, in e-Max form, boasts a similar range of 483km from its 64kWh battery in addition to a more powerful 204PS/395Nm electric motor.

That said, the range-topping Kona Electric is offered for just under RM200,000, which might give the GWM product a big price advantage if the rumours are true. Word is the top-spec Good Cat will be launched locally for between RM140k to RM165k.


Laluan Simpang Pulai – Cameron Highlands Ditutup Akibat Tanah Runtuh

Laluan Persekutuan dari Simpang Pulai ke Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands ditutup sepenuhnya kepada semua trafik berikutan kejadian jalan runtuh di Kilometer 43.95 laluan berkenaan.

Kerosakan jalan tersebut berpunca daripada cerun runtuh yang berkemungkinan disebabkan oleh faktor
hujan
 berterusan yang menyebabkan struktur tanah lemah dan tidak kukuh. Kejadian ini diganggarkan berlaku pada jam 5.45 petang pada 18 September 2021.

Runtuhan tersebut berlaku berhampiran kawasan Rehat dan Rawat (R&R) Jalan Raya Simpang Pulai yang melibatkan runtuhan jalan sepanjang kira-kira 30 meter dan lebarnya dianggarkan kira-kira 4.5 meter.

Sehubungan dengan itu,
Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR)
 Kinta telah memaklumkan bahawa jalan tersebut telah ditutup kepada semua jenis kenderaan. Penutupan kedua-dua
lorong
 itu berkuatkuasa bermula jam 9 malam pada hari kejadian sehingga ke suatu tarikh yang akan dimaklumkan kelak. JKR dan pihak konsesi jalan persekutuan akan terus membuat pemantauan dari semasa ke semasa di kawasan yang terlibat dengan runtuhan jalan.

JKR Kinta turut memaklumkan bahawa berikutan penutupan laluan itu, pengguna jalan raya lain boleh menggunakan laluan alternatif Jalan Persekutuan FT059 iaitu Jalan Tapah ke Cameron Highlands untuk jalan perhubungan sementara.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Perak, Zulkipli Nasri berkata, siasatan lanjut dan perbincangan dengan Cawangan Cerun dilakukan untuk menambah baik jalan sementara di lokasi kejadian supaya dapat digunakan buat sementara waktu.

Menurutnya, jalan sementara semasa kerja-kerja pembaikan
cerun
 sebelum ini masih ada. Jadi jalan tersebut boleh ditambahbaik untuk dibuka kepada kenderaan ringan khususnya bagi aktiviti ekonomi dan pelancongan yang baru dibuka.

Kerajaan telah menyediakan peruntukan sebanyak RM130 juta bagi pembinaan jajaran baharu itu selain kerja-kerja baik pulih dan pembaikan cerun. Laluan yang terjejas sepanjang 600 meter itu akan dibuat penjajaran semula bagi memastikan kestabilan cerun, sekali gus menjamin keselamatan pengguna jalan raya.

Ketika ini, laluan tersebut berada terlalu rapat dengan cerun. untuk mengelakkan
risiko
 yang lebih besar, laluan itu akan dialihkan ke bahagian dalam supaya tidak terlampau rapat dengan cerun yang kritikal. Menurut Zulkipli, pembinaan jajaran baharu itu akan bermula selepas Surat Setuju Terima (SST) diserahkan kepada kontraktor terpilih pada pertengahan Disember tahun ini.

Kerja-kerja pembinaan dan mengukuhkan cerun itu dijangka mengambil masa 3 tahun di mana jangkaan awal laluan ini akan siap sepenuhnya adalah pada Disember 2024.


Suzuki and Toyota to Explore Business Partnership

The gist of it is simple: Suzuki is focused on creating small, cost efficient vehicles, but the looming requirements of the future and the technological development required has left them a little worried that their products may not be up to scratch. On the other hand, Toyota has these various technologies in development and limited rollout, but they lack the ability to develop strategic partnerships with local companies in the way Suzuki has with Maruti and the like.
Both companies will continue to compete independently of each other, but they both have a lot to gain from a partnership like this. Suzuki could share a great deal of technology with Toyota and help their vehicles become more practical propositions without the penalty of research and development, while Toyota can capitalize on Suzuki's experience with alliance development. The two companies are still open to other companies joining in this collaboration.
For now, the collaboration is merely in its discussion phases, but with Toyota's desire to expand aggressively it may move towards something more solid in the next few months.


2014 Audi A3 Sedan Quick Review: The Unassuming Underweight Champ

At a passing glance,
Audi’s
 new A3 Sedan looks like any other sedan Audi makes now.  But Ingolstadt’s smallest sedan right now is the latest challenger to the
BMW 1-Series
 and the
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 and
CLA
, models that are spurring the premium compact car market onwards to greater heights of popularity. Does Audi’s new small sedan have what it takes to challenge its German compatriots? Read on and find out.
Buyer’s Guide
Available in two specs, the Audi A3 Sedan can be had with the modest 1.4TFSI which starts at RM179,900, or you can opt for the 1.8TFSI quattro model, which will set you back RM240,888 onwards. But don’t mistake small and cheap for being generally horrible. Regardless of which variant you choose, the A3 Sedan is undoubtedly the best car Audi currently makes outside of the
R8 supercar;
 it simply blows the competition out of the water with its ride and handling, and feel-good factor.
Key Specs: 2014 Audi A3 Sedan 1.4TFSI
Price:

RM179,900
Engine:
 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged
Transmission:
 Seven-speed dual-clutch, front-wheel drive
Power:
 122PS @ 5,000-6,000rpm
Torque:
 200Nm @ 1,400-4,000rpm
Acceleration (0-100km/h):
 9.3 seconds (claimed)
Fuel consumption:
 4.9L/100km (claimed combined)
Key Specs: 2014 Audi A3 Sedan 1.8TFSI quattro
Price:

RM240,888
Engine:
 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged
Transmission:
 Six-speed dual-clutch, four-wheel drive
Power:
180
PS @ 5,100-6,200rpm
Torque:
 280Nm @ 1,350-4,500rpm
Acceleration (0-100km/h):
 6.7 seconds (claimed)
Fuel consumption:
 6.6L/100km (claimed combined)
Exterior & Interior Looks – Simplicity at its Best
Where its obvious German rival, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, uses its sleek dramatic shape to turn heads, by comparison the A3 Sedan sports an unassuming but timeless shape. Its taut body accentuated by crisp lines from nose to tail makes it look as though it wears a tailor made suit, handsome and dignified.
When it comes to cabin appointments though, it might look as though Audi left most of the buttons back at the factory, but trawl through the MMI interface and you will find that all the features you could ask for are there. The design of the giant front air-conditioning vents is sheer genius. By using flexible plastics on the vents, users can easily adjust the air flow coming from each vent to be direct or diffused at the push or pull of the centre knob.
Even though it sits in the lower rungs of Audi’s model hierarchy, the A3 Sedan doesn’t feel cheap or built on a tight budget. There is an air of solidity and quality in the way the dashboard is put together.
Drivetrain & Performance – Something for Everybody
The A3 Sedan is available in Malaysia with either a 1.4-litre or 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. For the sake of efficiency, both variants come specified with an automated start/stop system.
A3 Sedan 1.4TFSI:
 With a modest power output of 122PS and 200Nm of torque, sent through to the front wheels via a seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission, the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is capable of delivering a 0 to 100km/h time of 9.3 seconds, and a top speed of 205km/h. Though this powertrain is good enough to warranty some spirited driving, top speed isn’t its trump card and it lacks a kick when it comes to accelerating at higher speeds. However, with a rated combined fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km, it is performance that you can certainly live with.
A3 Sedan 1.8TFSI quattro:
 If you want some spring in the A3’s step, the 1.8TFSI quattro is the one to go for. Despite having the engine from the basic A4 sedan, the 1.8-litre engine is good for 180PS and 280Nm of torque, while its quattro system and six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission will launch it from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 228km/h.
Where the 1.4TFSI feels adequate in the power department, the 1.8TFSI’s has no shortage of power. And its impressive 0 to 100km/h time is proof it has the firepower to give entry-level sports cars and hot-hatches a hard time on the straights.

Ride & Handling – Ahead of its Class
When it comes to corners, the A3 wowed us with its sharp and responsive helm, and its surefootedness. You don’t need the four-wheel drive quattro to enjoy some proper cornering excitement, as it is the case with the 1.4TFSI variant. The grip from the chassis is generous, and its poise and balance through tricky corners is sublime. Add the quattro four-wheel drive system to the mix and the A3 1.8TFSI delivers gut-twisting amounts of grip, without compromising on steering alacrity or responsiveness.
Handling though is often at the behest of ride quality, and this is where the A3 impresses us the most. The suspension is supple and the damping delivers a well cushioned ride on rough roads, without making the A3 feel aloof when cornering or driving over undulating roads.
Equipment & Options – All You Could Ask For
Equipment wise, there is not much difference between the 1.4TFSI and 1.8TFSI variants. The base 1.4TFSI comes with a full complement of safety systems, seven airbags, front and rear seat ISOFIX child seat mounting points, and its ESP stability control system with traction control, electronic differential lock, ABS, EBD, and brake assist. The Audi Drive Select feature allows drivers to cycle through five different settings for the throttle and gearbox mappings, whereas occupants can enjoy tunes cranked out from the A3 Sedan’s 180W 10-speaker sound system with iPod and USB connectivity. The 1.8TFSI variant tops the spec sheets with the addition of sports seats, and keyless ignition.
For a little extra, you can specify the A3 with an optional Pearl Effect paintjob (RM3,000), Panoramic glass roof (RM5,000), Full LED headlights (RM8,000), and a Bang & Olufsen sound system (RM4,000).
The Competition
With prices starting at RM179,800 the Audi A3 Sedan is by far a superior product in both package and capabilities compared to the unrefined and rather pricey Mercedes-Benz CLA200. Ringgit to Ringgit, the A3 Sedan biggest rivalcomes in the form of BMW’s 1-series range. Though only available as a hatchback, the rear-driven 1-series doesn’t quite offer the A3 Sedan’s perfect balance in ride and handling, and its rear occupant space is quite pinched, no thanks to its rear-wheel drive mechanics. The greater portion of the 1-series’ talents is allocated to its handling, and one for those who crave the rear-wheel drive balance and fun. However, when it comes to day-to-day driving, the A3 easily trumps the 1-Series in terms of practicality and comfort.
Verdict
We aren’t exaggerating when we said that the A3 Sedan is probably the best thing from Audi right now that isn’t a mid-engined supercar. Don’t only take our word for it either, the A3 itself earned the title of
2014’s World Car of the Year
. It might not boast the sheer luxury of the
A8L
 or the wide berth of capabilities of a
Q7
, but how it manages to trump its competitors so convincingly. It isn’t just good at certain aspects, but excellent in all regards, and that makes it rather special; even in Audi’s current stable.


Picking The Right Tyre For Your Car

Of the many maintenance items that you will have to take care of for your car, one of the biggest choices you will have to make are the tyres that your car rolls on. These four rubber donuts are the only points of contact between your car and the road, which is pretty crazy when you imagine what a monumental task that will be. To make matters even worse, there are all kinds of tyres on the market across a huge range of price points, and offering very different strengths.

In this article, we’re going to go over what we think you should look at when it comes to picking the right kind of tyre for your car. We’ll help you decipher and understand the various technical aspects and break it down so you know exactly what you need.

Load Index And Speed Rating

Before we even get into the actual design of the tyre, the first thing you need to know is a tyre’s load index and speed rating – two items that are especially critical as they are the maximum values you can safely run on these tyres. As an example, your average passenger car tyre probably won’t hold up to the punishment and weight of an SUV, which is why there are SUV specific tyres. Similarly, you would be at great risk if you exceeded the speed at which a tyre is safely rated for. You can find this information after the sizing information on the tyre, and check the chart above to decipher the figures.

The Tread Itself

When you spend a lot of time looking at tyres, you will notice one of the biggest and most obvious differences is the pattern in the tread. Tread pattern varies greatly depending on what a tyre is designed for – whether that’s comfort, or outright performance. The tread is a broader term that includes the design of the sipes (for water evacuation), grooves (channels in the middle of the tyre), and shoulders (the edges of the tyre).

These elements when engineered and designed properly can be extremely helpful when it comes to driving in the wet as it ensures proper contact between the tyre and the road. In the case of the Continental UC6, Aqua Drainage and Aqua Channels are an integral part of why they function so well in wet weather conditions – both for better performance and better safety on the road. These tyres even have small internal gutters in the tread to better channel water away from the centre of the tread.

On the other hand, the Continental MC6 optimizes its tread design with some clever tricks to improve overall feedback and performance without compromising comfort. The particular compound used has very strong adhesion to the road, but it is bolstered by stiff central ribs and stabilizer bars between the ribs which help to reduce deformation under lateral loads. If you’re confused, all you really need to know is that the MC6 gives you better and more consistent grip through its construction and design.

Sidewall Stiffness and Noise Levels

One of the more important contributors to comfort on the road is actually the sidewall stiffness of your tyres. While stiffer sidewalls give you better steering response for some hard-core performance driving, it can greatly impact the level of comfort you feel as they are the first point of contact to absorb small imperfections in the road. You will usually only be able to tell how soft or stiff a sidewall is after a tyre is already installed on your car – but a well-engineered comfort tyre is noticeably more plush than something designed purely for fuel efficiency or performance.

You would also be surprised by how a tyre can impact the amount of noise you hear in the cabin, as tyre roar can be a huge problem regardless of how well insulated your vehicle is. Even today, there are innovative new technologies and solutions being pushed to make these tyres quieter and quieter – the Continental CC6 goes so far as to include small shaped resonators in the tyre to help cancel out some of these annoying frequencies and reduce overall tyre roar.

What Lies Beneath

There’s a lot more to a tyre than what you see on the surface. Tyre construction has evolved a great deal over the last few decades, from fabric belt radial ply designs (the kind you see on classic cars) that had some horrendous deflection and strength, to steel-belted cross-ply designs that you see today which are far stronger and more durable. The belts lie underneath the tread and are generally hidden from view, but these belts are what keeps your tyre together and also impacts the speed and load ratings mentioned before. In the case of SUV tyres, there can even be extra reinforcement for better resilience and safety on the road.

A Life Well Lived

We advocate checking your tyres fairly regularly – at least once a month or so – to keep track of how it is wearing out and whether you have sufficient tread depth to safely drive on the road. That being said, the sign of a great tyre for general purpose use is having a long lifespan – and there really are some tyres that can achieve this through clever tyre compound engineering. Having a longer lifespan really gives you more bang for your buck, and may mean that paying a little more for something better engineered will save you more in the long run.

And there you have it. Assessing a tyre is a largely personal experience but we hope with this guide you will be able to better understand the ins and outs of a tyre, and why some tyres just feel better and more refined. Even things like tyre noise can play a big part in your overall driving experience, as us Malaysians spend an enormous amount of time on the road. With decades of experience in the tyre business as well as solid German engineering, Continental tyres deliver on both the performance and longevity fronts, without compromising comfort as a result.

If you act quickly, you can also take advantage of Continental’s Merdeka Value Treats campaign that runs from the 26th of June to Merdeka itself on the 31st of August. Up to RM 1,000,000 in e-cash vouchers are up for grabs with the purchase of Continental tyres – and of course, terms and conditions apply. To check out the how and why, click on the link right here. To find the closest Continental dealer to you and great promotions on tyres, click
here
.

Check out the official Continental website
here
 or their Malaysian Facebook page
here
.


VIDEO: Another Road Rage Bully Caught On Camera Attacking Elderly Man

In this video posted on the
Friends of BN
 Facebook page, a motorist was caught in the act when he attacked an elderly man in another case of road rage.

Mohon polis ambil tindakan ke atas pembuli jalan raya
Mohon pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia ( Royal Malaysia Police ) mengambil tindakan ke atas lelaki yang mengamuk dalam video ini. Dipercayai berlaku kemalangan, namun ia bukan tiket untuk menakut-nakutkan orang lain. Bincanglah dengan elok kerana kekasaran bukan jawapan kepada masalah. Mohon SHARE supaya pihak berkuasa dapat tangkap lelaki ini dengan segera.
Posted by
Friends of BN - Barisan Nasional
 on Friday, 14 August 2015
The video begins with an elderly man repeatedly apologising to the motorist, probably from an earlier incident between the two which was is yet unknown.
With both parties stopped by the side of the road, the motorist approaches the elderly man’s door before violently swinging it open and yelling at him. He is then seen attacking the man before slamming the door shut and leaving the scene while the cries of the victim’s family members can be heard in the background.
He then returns for a second confrontation where the two appear to exchange words although it is unsure what was said before the video ends.
The act of road bullies has no place in our society and this is another stark reminder of that. Keep calm on the roads.


Geely XingYue Launched In China – Volvo XC40 Platform, It Also Recognises Your Face

After months of preview, the Geely Xingyue has now been launched in China, with prices ranging from CNY 135,800 to 208,800. For comparison, the Geely Boyue which our Proton X70 is based on, is priced from CNY98,800 to CNY 161,800. In other words, Geely’s first coupe-SUV carries a 40 percent premium over a conventional SUV like the Boyue (X70).
Styled in the form first established by the BMW X4, the Geely XingYue is Geely’s first driver-oriented model.
Unlike other Geely models, the XingYue doesn’t use a blue Geely logo. Instead, it uses an all-black colour badge, which Geely says will be used on all future driver-oriented models.
Built on Volvo’s CMA platform that also underpins the
Volvo XC40
, the five-seater XingYue is available with three powertrain options, all turbocharged petrol:
1.5TD three-cylinder, Plug-in Hybrid, 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic – 258 PS, 415 Nm
2.0TD four-cylinder, 8-speed torque converter automatic - 238 PS, 350 Nm
1.5TD three-cylinder, Mild Hybrid with 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic – 190 PS, 300 Nm
The 2.0 TD unit is the same engine that powers the Volvo XC40. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, which Geely claims make the XingYue amongst the fastest in its class.
The plug-in hybrid variant comes with two different options for the lithium-ion hybrid battery – 11.3 kWh and 15.2 kWh. The former offers an electric driving range of 56 km, while the latter offers 80 km.
On-demand four-wheel drive is also available, but only for the 2.0TD variant. It uses BorgWarner’s fifth generation electro-hydraulic four-wheel drive system that automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive, with a maximum front-rear torque split of 50:50.
All variants ride on MacPherson front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension.
In keeping with Geely’s typically feature-packed offerings, the XingYue adds on to its regular GKUI natural language voice command infotainment to now also offer a facial recognition feature. Instead of the usual memory-seat and side mirrors adjustment function, the XingYue uses facial recognition to adjust the driver’s seat, side mirrors, and infotainment (12.3-inch touch screen). The same feature also continuously monitors the driver for signs of fatigue and distraction.
It also comes with a full suite of advanced driving assistance features – adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, 360-degree parking camera, self-parking function - all of it adding up to make the XingYue capable of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Currently, the XingYue is only available in China. Introduction in Malaysia (as a Proton) is still unclear but Proton has already announced that it will be
launching at least 3 more
 utility-type vehicles between now and 2023. Of the three, two are clearly the Honda HR-V rivalling Geely BinYue (Proton X50) and the Geely JiaJi, which will be positioned above the Proton Exora. Could the XingYue the final puzzle to complete Proton’s trio of upmarket SUVs?


Handcrafted To Perfection – All-New 2018 Lexus LS’ Interior Detailed

When the all-new 2018 Lexus LS was previewed at the
Detroit Auto Show
 earlier in January, we’ve learned quite a fair bit about Lexus’ latest flagship but information regarding the LS’ typically opulent interior was lacking, apart from the claim of offering the world’s largest 24-inch colour heads-up display – basically it allows you to view navigation and other vehicle info via a large transparent screen TV projected to your windscreen.
Now, Lexus has released a bit more information detailing its handcrafted interior – which as you’ll soon find out, is a one of a kind in its class.
Kiriko-cut Glass
Where Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi stop at Nappa leather, Lexus goes a bit further to incorporate a uniquely handcrafted Japanese material called Kiriko-cut glass on the inner door panels. Kiriko is a Japanese coloured glass craft in which delicate patterns are cut into glass to refract different colours of light.
Depending on the viewing angle and time of the day, the look and feel of the Kiriko-cut glass will be different.
Through repeated trial and error, Lexus’ expert craftsmen – the top-tier ones are referred to by Lexus as Takumis, craftsmen with 25 years of experience and are able to fold an origami cat in just 90 seconds, using just one hand, their non-dominant hand – are able to craft the delicate looking but incredibly strong glass using glass reinforcement technology.
The Lexus LS will be the world’s first automotive application of such craftsmanship in glass work.
Hand-folded Pleated Fabric
Inspired by Japanese origami art, the all-new LS’ door panels are upholstered with not just leather, but also a special pleated fabric that’s hand folded by an artisan’s hand. Unlike leather, the pleated surface is able to give out a three-dimensional pattern to the door’s surface that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also adds a unique tactile sensation when touched.
To develop the right technique to incorporate such material into a car, Lexus worked with a skilled fabric artisan from Kyoto.
"The pattern in this fabric has the ability to change its expression, depending on whether it is struck by daytime sunlight or illuminated by interior lighting at night," said Chief designer of the LS, Koichi Suga "The result is a comfortable space that envelops the driver and passengers in elegance."
Laser-cut Wood Veneers
Wood trims in the LS’ cabin are expertly veneered by Lexus’ Takumi master craftsmen using laser-cut technology in such a way that the material shows off a bold cross-grain pattern and sophisticated contrasts between light and dark.
Massaging Function Developed With Advice From Professional
Shiatsu Masseurs
Rear seats with massaging functions are nothing new for the LS, but for this all-new generation model, the function has been further improved by incorporating the finer skills of Japanese expert Shiatsu masseurs.
The amount of pressure applied by the seats’ integrated air bladders, and in what order, are developed following advice from professional masseurs.
The rear seats now offer seven diverse 15-minute relaxation massage programs.
The all-new Lexus LS will be powered either by a 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 (LS 500) or a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 hybrid (LS 500h).
The LS 500 is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission while the LS 500h is paired to Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission. Both models are available with all-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive option.
Without going into too much details explaining how many speeds does the Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission has, the simple answer is that it offers a smooth and fuel-efficient CVT-like driving experience but at the same time is able to replicate a 10-speed shift-like behavior when operated in the semi-manual M-mode.
But don’t call it a CVT transmission, there isn’t any belt pulleys inside. Instead, the Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission is a very complex planetary gear set – two of them – a 4-speed reduction ratio planetary gearset box on one end (think of the additional 4-speed as 4-Hi, 4-Lo ‘box in a 4x4), and another main planetary gearset that forms the core of the hybrid drivetrain, similar to a Toyota Prius, but adapted for longitudinal engine application.
Together, the transmission is able to dramatically widen the hybrid drivetrain’s optimal speed while delivering a driving experience similar to a 10-speed transmission.
The all-new Lexus LS will go on sale in the first half of 2018. More details on the all-new Lexus LS' mechanicals
here
.


Goodbye Justin - By Alex Yoong

Justin Wilson died today after suffering a head injury in the closing stages of an Indycar race at the Pocono Raceway, USA. While we were not close – I haven’t seen him in ten years – he was a friend that I’ve known and respected.
Justin was someone who always stood out when you met him and not just because he was six foot four. He was the gentlest and nicest driver I ever met, by a long way. And I’m not the sort to use the word “nice” when describing a person, but Justin was special in that way.
He was also blindingly quick. We came up through the ranks in the UK together, while I did F3; he was winning the Formula Palmer series. We then did our rookie year in F3000 in 1999. He would then go on to win the championship in 2001.
It’s a funny thing, but I was actually thinking about him for the first time in years on Sunday. I was covering the F1 race at Spa for Fox Sports and my co-host, Matthew Marsh, reminded me of my crash there in ’99. Because, you see, Justin was the driver that put me in the wall at Eau Rouge.
I remember when I woke up in Hospital later and my team had explained that Justin had come down to see how I was and to apologise. While they were still riled out about the accident and the mechanics had chased him down the pit lane with spanners in their hands. I’ve no way to confirm this but that was what I was told.
The thing is that I felt bad for him then because I knew what a sweet bloke he was and that he would never have done that sort of thing on purpose. In my mind it was just a racing accident but I knew how upset Justin would have been from it – he was that kind of person.
Years later we hung out a bit while I was in Formula 1. He later took my seat in Minardi and while you wouldn’t think it, I was thrilled for him. He never had sponsorship and had to get to F1 the hard way and he deserved to have the chance to be amongst the best in the world.
Unfortunately his height meant that he did not have a long career in F1, but he was able to get to America where he has won several Indycar races over the years.
Anyway on Sunday night after the F1 race I stayed up to see the Indycar race and was thrilled to see him racing again for Andretti Autosport, because Justin had had to sit out most of the year after sponsorship dried up.
Justin had finished the previous race in second and I have no doubt he would have impressed Andretti in Pocono too. Sadly, we will never know.
My thoughts are with his family and everyone he loved. Goodbye Justin, you will be missed.
Here's a video of the fatal incident:


Need To Know: Reopening Of The Malaysia-Singapore Land Border

No joke, starting April 1st, the Malaysia-Singapore land border will be reopened. Here's what you need to know before you make that road trip.

Borders Open!

The reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore land border would allow road access - in one’s
own vehicle
 - between the city-state and Johor without the need for quarantine or a COVID-19 test.

This is coinciding with the full reopening of Malaysia’s borders at large, as was
announced by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri earlier this month
. However, our land border with Thailand will not be as permeable despite air travel expected to resume in full.

Naturally, authorities on both sides of the Johor Strait have urged that only those with urgent matters cross upon the reopening. Still, they are expecting a large volume of travellers regardless of attempts to mitigate an overwhelming crowd between Malaysia and Singapore.

How Do I Cross Into Singapore?

For the first time in 2 years, Malaysians will be able to
cross the border
 into Singapore (and vice versa) with their own car or motorcycle using either the Causeway or Second Link.

As confirmed by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, there will be no quota for all modes of travel and the border checkpoints will be open 24 hours a day.

Of course, to enter the city-state, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority requires all foreign-registered vehicles to have a valid Autopass card and an email address
verified by the LTA
 to serve as an electronic Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) that has a validity period of 14 days.

These can be obtained online via the LTA’s OneMotoring portal. Do note that due to the approval process taking a few days at least, it is advised that Malaysian travellers intending to cross the land border submit their application at least 2 weeks before their intended travel dates.

Travel Documents?

Since this border reopening is effectively making the Vaccinated Travel Pass obsolete, the main items of documentation that would be needed for you (and your vehicle) to cross into Singapore and back is
a valid passport
 and that previously mentioned VEP.

All travellers are also expected to fill out the
SG Arrival Card
 within 3 days of arriving at the checkpoints. Also required is the submission of a
digital vaccination certificate
 to the Vaccination Check Portal on the SafeTravel website (safetravel.ica.gov.sg).

Alternate Transport?

As of April 1st, designated vaccinated travel bus services will still operate as the usual cross-border public busses are not yet active and will only be restored progressively.

Obviously, there’s also the option of air travel directly into and out of Changi International Airport.

Unlike before, no quarantine will be necessary upon arrival and the requirement to use the MyTravelPass application has also been lifted.

However, until the land border, travellers entering by plane from April 1st will be subjected to a pre-departure test within 2 days before leaving Malaysia. And within 2 days before departing Singapore, they are required to take another Covid-19 antigen rapid test.

It’s much less costly than the PCR test previously required under the VTL scheme but an inconvenience nonetheless, especially compared to users of the land border crossing.

Really? No COVID-19 test required?

Correct. As of April 1st, the Malaysia-Singapore land border is open to all travellers using any mode of transport provided they are fully vaccinated (and non-vaccinated children aged 12 and below) and present valid travel documents, after which no quarantine or Stay-Home Notice is imposed.


UK’s 2040 Non-EV Car Sale Ban Was Dumb. 2030 Is Plain Stupid.

At the rate 2020 came and is now almost gone, we are forced to consider the speed at which life comes at us. Through that lens, 2030 doesn’t seem all that far away, which has become the year that the UK government plans to put into effect a ban that prevents the sale of any and all new petrol or diesel car (or van).

A couple of years ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration had originally proposed the ban to be enforceable starting in 2040 - which already drew plenty of criticism - but last week confirmed that it would be brought forward by a whole decade. Clever boy.

Ten years from now, if this comes to pass, no showrooms on UK soil will be able to sell you a car (or van) that is purely powered by petrol or diesel. By government mandate, the vehicle buyer is being forced to purchase an electric vehicle, though some hybrids will be allowed until 2035 provided they can travel for an “extended period” without emitting any emissions. PHEVs, pretty much.

To put that into perspective, the current stats put the total number of cars in the UK somewhere beyond the 38 million mark according to data published by the RAC and the
UK Department for Transport
. By contrast,
late 2020 numbers indicate
 that only 164,100 cars on UK roads are fully electric while around 373,600 cars are plug-in hybrids. Even when added together, all electrified cars amount to just 1.43%.

That leaves another 98.5% (give or take) of cars on British roads that need to be replaced - at some point - by an electric equivalent. Looking at the way things seem to be shaking out, electric cars don’t seem to be getting any more attractive or attainable at the pace that would make an arbitrary switchover feasible.

New EVs: Not Enough, Still Cost Too Much

In 2020, electric cars are still very expensive. Because the battery is central to any EV’s cost breakdown, range is tied to price tier. Cars such as the
Porsche Taycan
 or Tesla Model S are fairly large and as such boast a range comparable to a typical petrol/diesel car.

By nature, less expensive electric cars, unsurprisingly, are smaller to match their lower capacity batteries. The RM189,000
Nissan Leaf
, for example, is rated to provide 270km of range according to WLTP’s testing standards.

Just like combustion cars, be prepared for that number to swing wildly in the real world use, making these more compact (i.e smaller battery, less expensive) EVs much less practical for long distance driving, hence many of them being
marketed as city cars
.

Imagine buying a typical car today where a major spec consideration is the size of the fuel tank. Sounds nuts. Barring a legitimate breakthrough in battery technology, however, that’s essentially how the price hierarchy of electric cars will be sorted. In fact, it’s been happening for quite a while.

The more recent Honda e is another small five-door hatch with some pretty snazzy retro-futuristic looks. Priced about as much as D-segment saloon, it’s not exactly a budget purchase, though it acquits itself through its innovative interior and overall build. But with a full charge, range is a paltry 220-ish kilometres.

Power Hunger

Like nearly every developed country in the world, the UK doesn’t exactly generate a surplus of electricity. Even with their resources and infrastructure of power stations and renewable energy sources, the island nation is managing to keep just ahead of overall energy demand as it currently stands.

Come 2030 then, how do they plan to have the majority of cars plugged into the electrical grid without simply overloading it?

Besides nuclear fission, there simply isn’t a scalable and cost-effective energy source that can cope with the doubling (or tripling) of raw electrical demand once most cars (at least more than 1.43%) start to 'plug in' instead of 'fuel up'. Let’s not even talk about the problems with outdated, century old electrical infrastructure because that’s a much bigger headache to sort out, even if you have this magical new energy source ready to go.

“Good thing the government hasn’t imposed a blanket ban to force all of us to rely on electric vehicles on an ill-equipped century-old electrical grid. Oh wait.” - the UK.

The Old Cars - Scrap Is A Crap Solution

Following the enforcement of this 2030 ban, fields of otherwise functional cars will need to be taken off the hands of millions of new EV buyers looking to trade up. It’s an expensive and unnecessary eyesore to the automakers who will be forced to foot the bill in recycling or otherwise disposing of the materials.

At the same time, to incentivise the adoption of electric vehicles, those of us who choose to stick with combustion-powered cars will surely be subject to additional taxes, congestion charges, and/or exorbitant fuel prices. Given enough time, everyone will be forced to relent.

Saddled with the prospect of having to dramatically ramp up development and production of electric cars to fill the line-up, the same auto manufacturers will likely not be too enthusiastic with simultaneously handling the increasingly high pile of scrapped cars, but leaving them idle would pose a dangerous environmental hazard.

Ultimatums Are For Idiots

As someone who maintains an optimisitcally agnostic view of electric cars, the strong-arming by governments and big business over my choice (or yours) of vehicle only feeds resentment. Ultimately, there is huge potential in post-combustion mobility and I do agree that electric motors are the future, though not necessarily powered by large batteries.

That said, sanctions like this are not the answer. Cars are an easy target for the eco-mentalist but demonising them without a solid and multi-faceted zero-emissions alternative, complete with a realistic transition plan, is truly foolish.

We need smarter long term solutions, not blanket bans that erect false hurdles instead of organicaly expediting the adoption of electric cars.

I haven’t even gone into charging times or how lithium manufacturing is a very dirty process or how the material itself is more likely to be mined dry quicker so than our fossil fuel reserves or how anchoring the world's decarbonisation efforts to such a non-renewable element is pretty dim thinking. Do I even need to?


Fancy A Lego Toyota Land Cruiser? Here's How You Can Make It Happen

A research scientist from Sydney, Australia with a profound love for the
Toyota
 Land Cruiser has immortalised the iconic off-road vehicle in Lego form and is looking for support to make it an officially produced Lego set.

Matthew Inman created this stunning 1,700-piece Lego
Toyota Land Cruiser
 (40 Series), that has been put up on the Lego Ideas website where fans submit their Lego builds and should it gain 10,000 supporters, their idea will proceed to the Lego Review Board, which picks the projects that become official sets. So far, Inman’s project has garnered 4,500 supporters since it was submitted at the end of June.

If you thought the
Lego Creator Ferrari F40 was detailed
, this Land Cruiser is even more astonishing, reproducing unique features of the BJ42 model such as the triple windscreen wipers, engine bay, dashboard, glovebox, gear sticks and even the foot pedals, and running gear along with the leaf springs. “I’ve tried to match every possible detail that I could,” Inman said.

Inman’s ability to create such a detailed Lego model is down to his affinity towards his first car, a diesel 40 Series Land Cruiser. As he puts it: “In Australia, it set the standard for toughness and reliability in the four-wheel-drive market, building Toyota’s reputation and becoming a favourite in the mining, agriculture, construction and engineering sectors. In many other countries in the world, it was equally popular as a reliable vehicle for tough environments”.

With such a deep passion towards the Toyota Land Cruiser, we applaud Matthew Inman’s creation and if you’d like to support this amazing project, head on over to his
Lego Ideas page
.

Please visit our website for more details.


ETCM Confirms Pricing Of New X-Trail - Starts From RM133,888

Following the last few weeks and months of teasing and estimated pricing, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has finally announced the official pricing for the new Nissan X-Trail. Thankfully, the prices are lower than what they initially estimated!
The variants and pricing are as follows. For the entry-level X-Trail 2.0L 2WD, pricing is at RM 133,888 (first estimated to be RM139,900). Moving up a step is the X-Trail 2.0L 2WD MID at RM145,888 (first estimated to be RM149,900).
Moving up to the higher end variants, the X-Trail 2.5L 4WD is priced at RM153,888 (first estimated at RM159,900). And finally, the top-of-the-line X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid is going for RM159,888 (first estimated at RM169,900). All prices are on-the-road, exclusive of insurance - and it also is worth noting that about a week ago, the price estimates
were revised
 to what was officially confirmed.
As you can see, ETCM has worked hard to get the pricing down - a problem all manufacturers have been facing since the change in government and taxation methods has thrown their pricing and product ranges into disarray. To find out more about the X-Trail, check out our
preview
 here.
Find the best deals for the new Nissan X-Trail
here
.


Bangkok 2017: Audi Puts The All-New 2017 Q2 On Display

Audi has unveiled the Q2 for Thai market at the Bangkok Motor Show with a base price of THB 2.299 million, as reported by our Thai sister site
Autospinn
.
The
new model
 from Ingolstadt aims to capture a share of the premium compact crossover market from the BMW X1, Mini Countryman and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Up front, the Q2 receives the company’s latest design language with its bold front grille flanked by a pair of LED headlights. The rear end receives a pair of LED tail lamps too.

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 Moving inside, Audi’s simplistic design is evident here. A three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is present, with Audi’s signature circular air vents cooling the interior.Unlike the Audi TT’s digital air-conditioning controls integrated into the air vents itself, the Audi Q2 has manual controls located below.
Power is derived from a 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 hp and 250 Nm that sends drive to the front wheels via the company’s seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic. 0-100 km/h is dispatched in just 8.5 seconds.


The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R “Performance” Package is not for the Faint-Hearted

Having made its global debut last November, Volkswagen revealed almost everything we need to know about the new Golf, except for what awaits us in the form of the ‘R’.
And just as we expected, the R eventually made its debut in December in a discreet manner, featuring an updated design, new features, and of course, a new and more powerful engine producing 310 PS, which is 30 more than the pre-facelift model we have here in Malaysia (total output might vary between different markets).
Powerful, right? Well, guess what?
Volkswagen decided to squeeze out even more from it with the “Performance” package, which comprises an air curtain on the front bumper, airstream guidance, a rear “motor sport” diffuser, 17-inch performance brakes, a rear spoiler, as well as Akrapovic titanium exhausts.

Thanks to these goodies, the hot hatch is capable of doing the century sprint in only 4.6 seconds, and hit a top speed of close to 270km/h.
Design-wise, the R model received the same updates as the rest of the Golf lineup. Up front, there’s a revised radiator grille with a chromed lower strip that extends through the new LED daytime running lights.

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 The LED headlamps are also new and included in the standard package. Below, there’s a redesigned bumper with a larger opening in the middle and revised side vents with black-painted surrounds.
Behind, notable changes include taillights with a new LED pattern and larger lamps in the bumper. The hatchback also rides on new, double-five-spoke wheels.
Inside, the beefy hatchback’s design remains almost untouched, but with a lot of new features such as the new touchscreen with gesture control, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Media Control App, the Security and Service package with various apps, as well as an online anti-theft alarm.


Mengidam Nak Pakai Toyota Corolla Sport? – RM155,000 Je!

Anda gemarkan DNA
fun to drive
 yang terdapat pada barisan model Corolla seperti
Corolla Cross
 dan
Corolla Sedan
, tapi mahukan kereta yang lebih sporty?
Toyota Corolla Sport
 lah jawapannya!

Toyota Corolla Sport merupakan antara kereta yang
rare
 di Malaysia sebab Toyota tidak membawa masuk model tersebut di negara ini secara rasmi. Di Malaysia, Toyota hanya menjual Corolla sedan serta Corolla Cross (
SUV
). Jikalau anda berminat menjadi antara golongan minoriti yang mempunyai Toyota Corolla versi Sport, inilah masanya untuk menyambar kereta ini.

Melalui satu perkongsian di media sosial, sebuah Toyota Corolla Sport terpakai yang dibina pada tahun 2019 kini sedang dijual pada harga RM155k. Mungkin agak sedikit mahal, tapi kalau anda memang peminat Corolla, ia mungkin satu pembelian yang berbaloi kerana jarak perbatuannya baru mencecah 18,000km.

Enjin Dan Prestasi

Toyota Corolla Sport ini menggunakan kapasiti enjin yang lebih kecil, iaitu enjin 1.2L
Direct-injection Turbo
 (8NR-FTS). Walaupun lebih kecil berbanding enjin 1.8L DOHC Dual VVT-I Engine yang terdapat pada Corolla sedan, tapi enjin ini enjin turbo lah. Suntikan terus turbo yang terdapat pada jentera ini memberikan pecutan yang berkuasa dan menjana tork maksimum pada kelajuan rendah.

Enjin tersebut kemudiannya dipadankan dengan transmisi
direct-shift
 CVT 10-kelajuan automatik dan seterusnya menghantar kuasa ke roda hadapan kereta (
FWD
). ia juga hadir dengan pilihan mod pemanduan yang membolehkan pemandu memilih mod pemanduan terbaik berdasarkan keadaan pemanduan dan kemahuan pemandu. Mod yang ditawarkan adalah ECO, COMFORT, SPORT S dan SPORT +.

Exterior

Model yang ditawarkan ini hadir dalam warna
Scarlet Metallic
. Rupa depannya lengkap dengan emblem C yang membawa maksud Corolla. Bahagian hadapannya menekankan gaya aerodinamik yang luas dengan hud rendah dan rekaan lampu hadapan yang kelihatan tajam. Bentuk dan gaya yang dinamik terpancar dari sisi hinggalah ke belakang.

Bahagian belakang kereta ini turut tidak mengecewakan dengan rekaan lampu tajam berserta dua garisan bersambung pada bahagian tepi cermin pintu belakang serta pada bampar betul-betul menaikkan nafsu peminat
Toyota
. Model yang ditawarkan ini hadir bersama rim 18 inci. Corolla Sport turut dibina menggunakan
platform TNGA
 yang memberikan pusat gravity yang rendah dibantu dengan kedudukan tayar yang sedikit dilebarkan.

Interior

Platform TNGA merendahkan ketinggian panel instrumen dan memberikan pengalaman pemanduan yang lebih menarik. Papan pemukanya datang dengan warna hitam serta kemasan berwarna silver sementara kerusi serta beberapa bahagian lain seperti perumah gear, tempat duduk serta pintu yang diberi highlight merah.

Selain itu, ia juga datang dengan:

Stereng dengan butang pelbagai guna

GZ Trim

Meter futuristik dengan paparan 7 inci TFT pelbagai info dibahagian tengah panel meter

Tempat duduk bucket balutan kulit Alcantara yang sporty dengan kemasan merah

Paparan skrin infotainment versi terapung

Ciri Lain

Sistem VAS

Kamera di hadapan dan belakang

Sensor di sekeliling kereta

Toyota Safety Sense

Bantuan brek parkir

Berminat untuk bawa pulang Toyota Corolla Sport ini? Mudah je caranya, anda cuma perlu membayar RM155,000 sahaja dan ia bakal menjadi milik anda. Mudah bukan? Bak kata orang, kalau dah minat tu, kena je. Tunggu apa lagi? Kenalah!

*Kredit foto: Woon Kah Weng


Upcoming Toyota C-HR SUV Roadshows – TGR Vios and Celeb Driver Appearances

The upcoming Toyota C-HR compact SUV will be making a few more stops in September -  due to great response from public previews at showrooms, shopping malls and Toyota’s recent
Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival
 in Penang.
In addition to previewing the
Toyota C-HR SUV
, visitors can also get up close with the specially prepared Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Challenge car.
There will also be guest appearances by TGR Racing Festival celebrities at these roadshows. The full details are as follows:
Date
Venue
Celebrity Guest
6th – 10th Sept 2017
One Utama (LG Oval)
9th Sept: Janna Nick, Venice Min (2.00PM -3.00PM)
12th – 17th Sept 2017
AEON Tebrau Johor Bahru (Centre Court)
16th Sept: Diana Danielle, Geraldine Gan (2.00PM - 3.00PM)


Buyers Continue To Flock To The Ford Ranger, Sales Up 7.5 %

Demand for the Ford Ranger continues to rise, as sales of the segment-defining pickup truck increased 7.5% from last year to 1,556 vehicles.
The strong demand for the Ranger also helped to increase its market share, now standing at 15.4%, a 1.1% gain from the same quarter last year.
At the moment, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official importer and distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia currently offer no less than 10 variants of the Ranger, including the Ranger Standard, XL, XLT, FX4, and Wildtrak.
“We are delighted with the growing demand of expanded Ranger line-up and we’re confident that Ford Ranger will continue to drive our momentum in Malaysia. We also remain committed to continuously enhance our customer and ownership experience through the ongoing expansion and upgrades of our dealer network,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
SDAC also teased the extreme Ranger Raptor, which is expected to be added to the local Ranger line-up in due time.


Mitsubishi Triton 2023 dikesan di Thailand – Bakal lancar tak lama lagi

Nampak gayanya, hayat
Mitsubishi Triton
 generasi sedia ada di Malaysia sudah hampir tamat apabila model generasi baharu Triton ini dikesan sedang melakukan ujian jalan raya di Thailand.

Mitsubishi Triton 2023 dikesan di Thailand

Selepas dikesan beberapa kali di Eropah, trak pikap serba baharu Mitsubishi kini dijumpai di Thailand buat pertama kalinya.

Berdasarkan gambar awal, trak pikap yang dimaksudkan hampir kelihatan seperti yang pertama dikesan beberapa bulan lalu di eropah. Walaupun penyamaran masih menyembunyikan sebahagian besar kenderaan, jelas bahawa ia mendapat lampu LED yang sama dan gril hadapan yang besar.

Seperti Triton semasa, rekaan bahagian tingkap penduduk belakang telah dibawa masuk ke model generasi akan datang. Selain itu, garisan fender dan lipatan sisi yang menonjol juga kelihatan seakan-akan diilhamkan oleh Nissan Navara.

Ini tidak mengejutkan kerana Nissan telah mengumumkan pada tahun 2020 bahawa kedua-dua Navara dan Triton generasi akan datang akan berkongsi platform yang sama.

Bukan sahaja kedua-dua trak akan berkongsi platform yang sama, tetapi mereka juga berkemungkinan mempunyai komponen casis yang serupa, pilihan rangkaian kuasa, serta sistem suspensi. Ini telah disahkan secara rasmi oleh Pengarah, Pegawai Perwakilan dan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Ashwani Gupta.

Dengan trak pikap serba baharu sedang diuji di Thailand, ini bermakna Mitsubishi sudah pun bersiap sedia untuk penampilan sulungnya tidak lama lagi. Ketika ini, Mitsubishi ditawarkan dalam 7 pilihan varian di Malaysia seperti:

Mitsubishi Triton Quest MT 4x2: RM81,390

Mitsubishi Triton MT 4x4: RM103,200

Mitsubishi Triton A/T 4x4: RM107,990

Mitsubishi Triton M/T Premium 4x4: RM116,200

Mitsubishi Triton A/T Premium 4x4: RM126,900

Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition 4x4 (edisi terhad): RM139,700

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4x4: RM146,600

*Kredit foto: autoindustriya


BMW Malaysia Launches 520i Luxury And 530e M Sport

For those who have been wondering why BMW's lineup for the 5 Series has looked surprisingly lean since launch, wonder no more. BMW Malaysia has finally decided to introduce the 520i Luxury and 530e M Sport variants to the 5 Series lineup - the former which represents an entry level variant, and the latter being a more sporty proposition to the 530e that we know well.
The 520i Luxury is being launched at RM 328,800 - which puts it on par pricing wise with the 530e Sport. The 530e M Sport is going for RM 338,800, meaning customers need only pay an RM 10,000 premium over the regular 530e Sport in order to enjoy a wealth of new trim pieces and a more aggressive wheel design.
For the 520i Luxury, the engine is perhaps the largest distinction between it and the other variants. Powering it is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 hp and 290 Nm of torque, sending all of its power to the rear wheels through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The main trim differences are as follows:
Chrome Plated Kidney Grille
Chrome Exterior Trim
18-inch Light Alloy V-Spoke 684 Wheels
Sensatec Dashboard
Chrome Exhaust Tail Pipe Finishers
The 530e M Sport gets the same hybrid powertrain as the 530e Sport, meaning that it pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque, all channeled to the rear wheels through the same ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Trim differences between this and the regular 530e are as follows:
BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line
Front Grille with Active Air Stream
19-inch M Light Alloy Double-Spoke 664 M Wheels
M sport Brake Callipers
Two-Sided Exhaust Tail Pipe Finishers In Light Chrome
Various M Badges
Aluminium Rhombicle and Pearl Chrome interior trims
M Leather Steering Wheel
M-specific Pedals
M Sports Seats
For these two models, the remainder of the items and features remain identical to that of
other variants
 in the model range. As a quick recap, the 5 Series range now grows in size by two variants to a total of five, with three different powertrain options and four different trim levels. The pricing is as follows:
BMW 520i Luxury - RM 328,888
BMW 530e Sport - RM 328,888
BMW 530e M Sport - RM 338,888
BMW 530i M Sport - RM 372,800
BMW M5 - RM 1,010,800
Find the best deals for a new
BMW
 here.


Berjaya Group Denies Involvement With Suzuki, What Now?

Days after the New Straits Times reported that Berjaya Group could be reviving the Suzuki marque here in Malaysia, Berjaya Group has denied such rumours.
According to a statement issued by Berjaya Group, “BCorp wishes to clarify that this statement is not true at all. The board of directors of BCorp is also not aware of and has not deliberated on the arrangement.”
So we now put the rumour to rest but don’t give up hope on Suzuki’s return to Malaysia. According to reliable sources familiar with the matter, Suzuki is poised to make a return to Malaysia, just not with Berjaya Group.
Carlist.my is aware of the identity of the parties that Suzuki is in talks with but revealing it will jeopardise the on-going discussions, and the last thing that we want to do is to add more hurdles to Suzuki’s return. We definitely want to see Suzuki back in the local market and for Monster Tajima to grace the brand’s re-launch in Malaysia.
Suzuki exited the Malaysian after entering a partnership with Proton back in 2015. The Proton and Suzuki partnership was short-lived and the only product to come out was the Ertiga.
Prior to its partnership with Proton, Suzuki was represented in Malaysia by DRB Hicom through a joint venture company called Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, with the best-selling model being the Swift.


Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer unveiled with a 2.2-litre twin-turbo hybrid V6

The
Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer
 has been unveiled and it's been dubbed an "IndyCar Wolf in CR-V Clothing".

Built by Honda Performance Development (HPD), American Honda and Acura's North American racing arm, the project is a manic one to begin with where the project is being described as an 'IndyCar Beast' in the Honda CR-V 'sheep's clothing'.

While everything on the outside might look like a souped-up CR-V, underneath it all is nothing like what you think. Powered by a HI23TT 2.2-litre twin-turbo hybrid V6 engine that is planned to be used in the 2024 IndyCar series, it is said that the CR-V Hybrid Racer with the chromoly tube frame chassis is able to churn out a whopping 800hp.

Running exclusively on Shell's 100% renewable race fuel, the sixth-gen Honda CR-V is paired with a lower half made out of carbon-composite construction, a large rear wing, and butterfly half-cut doors. In other words, this is by far the craziest-looking Honda CR-V on the planet.

Other notable specs include:

McLaren Applied Technologies Tag 400i Engine Control Unit

Driver-activated Empel electric motor generator unit

Skeleton super capacitor energy storage system

XTRAC six-speed transmission; Mega-Line Assisted paddle-shift

Front suspension from HPD-developed Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22

Rear suspension adapted from Dallara IR-18 Indy car

Brembo 380mm front brakes from Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22

Brembo 355mm custom rear brakes adapted to Dallara IR-18 suspension

Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Performance Summer Tires

2Elle Engineering 20x10.5 Front and 20x11 Rear two-piece alloy wheels


Volvo’s Second Generation Sensus Infotainment Runs On Android

Volvo Cars has announced that the company is working with tech giant Google to embed several Google applications and services into their next generation Sensus infotainment system, including Google Assistant, Google Play Store, and Google Maps.
The company’s partnership with Google can potentially allow Volvo owners to install thousands of Google-approved applications into their infotainment.
This is not to be confused with Android Auto, which is Google’s implementation of phone mirroring. Instead, this partnership means that the next generation Sensus infotainment system will run on the Android operating system. This move will allow updates to be rolled out easier and can be applied automatically.
In addition to that, Volvo can leverage on Google’s own Maps for navigation, which itself has been proven to be one of the best navigation solutions around.
Of course, features such as Android Auto will be available as well, on top of Apple CarPlay, so iPhone users need not to worry.
Volvo did not specify which Android version will be powering the new Sensus infotainment system, though it is possible that Google will develop a Volvo-specific operating system, instead of using their own phone-based operating system. A Volvo-specific operating system should ensure that security and stability will be well taken care of, on top of updates that can be rolled out quicker.
“Bringing Google services into Volvo cars will accelerate innovation in connectivity and boost our development in applications and connected services,” said Henrik Green, senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars. “Soon, Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.”


Second-Hand Porsche Boxster (986) - From RM88,000 - Brilliant Or Big Mistake?

Even
more than 20 years on
, Zuffenhausen’s ‘original’ entry-level sports car is still introducing new owners to the brand as a gateway machine to the world of Porsche ownership as its price on the used car market has been steadily making it more and more affordable.

Unlike most alternatives from that era, the first-generation Boxster (986) is still capable of delivering modern thrills in a mechanically sound package. Even so, avoiding misery largely depends on finding that gem, so choose carefully.

Back in the late 90s, the 986 Boxster was a car that was credited as literally saving Porsche from financial implosion. Apart from being the first mass-production mid-engine model offered by the Zuffenhausen marque, it was also a
technical and philosophical milestone
.

How It Starts...

We’ve all been there. High on the morning coffee, you start wandering the online classifieds, there’s always the urge to see just how much car your budget can stretch to. What was once pure unobtanium some time ago (years, decades) is suddenly within reach, albeit a little worn, wheezy, possibly rusted, and in uncertain mechanical order.

Naturally, your sights are set on something exotic, low to the ground, full of pedigree, and totally impractical. Humouring yourself is a little too easy, so you click that link and begin to half-heartedly read the owner or dealer’s description, then roll through the carousel of images.

Four hours later, you’ve wasted your morning and have a few browser windows open, each with a couple dozen tabs worth of ‘research’ - forums, reviews, YouTube videos, technical bulletins, recall notices - for a handful of hopeful prospects, all while running quick maths in your head and rehearsing new lines of dialogue to best justify the inevitable purchase. Maybe you’ve even made a few calls and set some viewing appointments before finally coming to your senses.

If at this stage you realise that you’ve been searching for a used Porsche Boxster, you can breathe a sigh of relief. As much as you’ve depleted your time, there are much worse cars to consider as a used purchase, much worse rabbit holes to find yourself stuck in.

A German Seduction

Growing up, there seem to be two different sorts of car enthusiasts that can be neatly divided into different camps depending on what car they end up lusting after.

Between the ages of 8 and 14, the car that occupied the most real estate in my mind was a Lamborghini Diablo SE30 with the appropriate purple exterior. It was a supercar in the truest sense, and I loved it for how jaw-droppingly cool it looked.

Thankfully, my tastes have become more refined over the years - though, some people might object. The more I found out about cars and how much performance mattered more than theatrics and drama, the more my attention was diverted to Porsches.

Avoiding Misery

The whole Boxster lineage kicked off with a mid-mounted 204hp flat-six engine. Though more than adequate for the era, the recurring criticism from road tests back in the day was the sense that the chassis could clearly take more power.

To an extent, this was dealt with in 1999 with the arrival of the uprated 220hp 2.7-litre motor to replace the 2.5 and, more importantly, the launch of the S model with its 3.2-litre unit and meatier 256hp output. It might've taken them a couple of years, but the Boxster finally had the grunt to match the posh looks.

From both a performance or cosmetic standpoint, the 986 is relatively easy to upgrade. It shares much of the 911 (996) series parts, so availability of replacement components are plenty. Most are still available directly from Porsche but a used and aftermarket scene is there as a healthy supplement.

Nowadays, plenty of third-party parts vendors online can offer parts at lower cost than Porsche directly and have a globally-available inventory. There is also a good deal of experience and expertise in independent Porsche repair shops to help make the maintenance of your used Boxster pretty cost-effective, assuming you've done your due dilligence.

Taking The Leap

Once you’ve identified a candidate and have done an informed up-close look in person, the second order of business is to give it a thorough inspection by a local Porsche expert. The pre-purchase inspection is designed to identify mechanical problems that may not be clearly evident at first glance. Getting a service and repair history on the car, if available, is helpful and will instantly identify or eliminate potential problem areas. Any Boxster owner worth their salt knows how essential a thorough record is, so feel free to insist upon it.

Keep in mind that in 20-year-old cars, higher-mileage is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, a Boxster that has been run out over the years but religiously maintained could be in superior condition than the garage queen that has a fraction of the mileage on the clock.

Like a lot of cars, older ones that have not been driven much can hide many unseen issues under that fresh-looking facade, so you’ll want to take a good look through any documented history available, even casually taken photographs if possible. Cars that have just sat un-driven for prolonged periods could have rotted seals and other indicators of an idle existence, so this is an easy one to spot.

Then again, a consistent pattern of maintenance and parts replacement on higher mileage cars are pretty much a requirement to avoid buying into a thick list of potential problems.

Things To Watch Out For - Porsche 986 Boxster

The very first point of inspection should be the convertible soft top and interior condition. Our Malaysian climate just isn’t very kind to either. Check the water drainage channels for blockages here as pooling water could find its way to the ECU housing located behind the seats.

While you’re there, step up front and check out the radiators for corrosion and build-up of debris. This is also where salt damage from the ocean could be most visible. Try sourcing cars that have been with owners residing in more inland towns or cities, if possible.

Despite having inherent issues when it comes to accessing the mechanical bits, Porsche’s are abnormally reliable, at least. The automaker executed its transition from air-cooled engines to water-cooled ones with near perfection, so is merely susceptible to faults common in other cars.

Many cars with timing chains are afflicted with premature tensioner failure due to them not being visible without removal of the cylinder head, and so is the Boxster with its complicated (for its time) VarioCam system. Failure to replace these quickly will lead to a potentially catastrophic situation where metal shrapnel will fall into the oil supply. Luckily, replacement is fairly straightforward.

Mention the 986 Boxster (or even the 987 Boxster, 996-gen 911, and early 997s) and every Porsche veteran will recite the many horror stories involving the hapless owner and the infamous intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing.

It's much less of a problem than the forum junkies might have you believe though, and there are plenty of specialist mechanics well practiced in rectifying it with an uprated bearing. Still won’t be cheap, though.

Ironically, thanks to the use of a dual-row IMS bearing, early batches of 986 Boxsters are less prone to this problem. Probably to save on cost, units built from the year 2000 onwards started using a single row bearing design that is more fragile and, naturally, is more likely to fail. Favour cars with records of a replacement already carried out.

More so than most Porsches, the Boxster’s low weight and smaller dimensions make it more prone to alignment and suspension geometry problems should the previous owner installed aftermarket alloys. It’s also worth checking all suspension bushes and have the coils and shocks inspected for excessive wear and possible leaks.

Of course, healthy engines should run smoothly, but prior to that should start on the first or second crank. Failure to do so hints at a starter motor or being past its prime or an alternator not adequately charging the 12V battery. However, once up and running, these flat-sixes should still feel buttery, though some hesitation under hard acceleration could point to a faulty mass airflow sensor. This is a cheap fix that could soil the impression of a solid engine, but are grounds for some extra haggling.

Good Hunting

All told, the 986 Boxster isn’t just a significant model in Porsche's history, but its solid mechanicals brought about by robust engineering have ensured that it will continue to perform at its height for far longer than many other mid-engine sports cars of its day.

The fact that it became a very popular entry point into the brand does mean there are many examples out there that have hopefully been well cared for by devoted owners, turning the work of
finding one
 just right for you from a chore to a form of sport. Good hunting.

Just before you begin looking for a used Boxster, don't forget to check out Carlist.my especially our new offering
Carlist.my Qualified
 where the cars listed under this umbrella will come with a pre-purchase inspection and a warranty too. Siapa kata kereta second-hand takde warranty?


Toyota Becomes Worldwide Olympic Partner, Delivers Hybrid Mobility

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Toyota Switzerland (TAG) have announced their partnership with the International Olympics Committee administration (IOC). Having just delivered a fleet of Toyota and Lexus models in Lausanne, Switzerland, the company is using this to kick-off their long term partnership with the IOC as one of their aspects of being a TOP Partner.
The partnership between Toyota and IOC is to run on until the end of 2024, and during this time Toyota will be providing sustainable mobility solutions for the committee around the world. This also includes intelligent transport systems, urban traffic systems, and vehicle to vehicle communications.
Toyota also wants to use the partnership to truly embrace the spirit of the Games in its day-to-day business. When announcing the partnership in March 2015, Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda said: "We will do everything possible to fulfil our new role in The Olympic Partner programme, and justify the trust the IOC has placed in us. The addition of a mobility category to the TOP Partner field is an important recognition for our entire industry,"


2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport launched in Malaysia - can RM159k buy you a Japanese Ranger Raptor killer?

Of the cars presented at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival 2023, a HiLux seems like the least interesting. But
out of all of them
, it does stand to make the biggest impact on UWM Toyota’s bottom line.

It’s pretty much just like the HiLux you know, in double cab guise, but dressed up in GR Sport bits - yes, it is a cosmetic enhancement package. It includes a new front grille, grille frame, overfenders, 18-inch wheels.

The exterior is a very close match to the version sold in Thailand, as does its trio of colour combinations: Super White II, Attitude Black Mica, and Crimson Red Metallic.

Prices & Variants - 2023 Toyota HiLux

Variant

Price

2023 Toyota HiLux Single Cab - 2.4 MT

RM98,880

2023 Toyota HiLux Double Cab 2.4 E - MT

RM112,880

2023 Toyota HiLux Double Cab 2.4 - E AT

RM114,880

2023 Toyota HiLux Double Cab 2.4 - V AT

RM139,880

2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue 2.8 - AT

RM152,880

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport 2.8 - AT

RM159,148

However, we’re very pleasantly surprised to find that the suspension system has also been upgraded to a beefier monotube shock absorber setup with retuned coil springs. Its engine is unchanged, however, with the 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder turbodiesel pumping out a familiar 204PS and 500Nm of peak torque paired to a 6-speed automatic. Exclusive to the HiLux GR Sport, though, are paddle shifters!

Mechanically, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel lacks the enhancements that gives
the Australian market version
 of the HiLux GR Sport a leg up to the tune of 224PS and 550Nm, and neither does the Malaysian-spec version receive the widened track deemed necessary for the rough and tumble of the outback.

The HiLux GR Sport, at least in its local guise, might not tick all the boxes as a
perfect foil to the Ranger Raptor
 (2nd-generation), but it might get closer than most thanks to its uprated suspension. Of course, we’ll need to test this out to see its full capability shine through.

Inside, the range-topper gain aluminium pedals, plenty of GR badges and logos strewn throughout the cabin, which is now dressed up in a leather and suede combination (front only) with red contrast stitching to match a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

As was offered in the Rogue, the HiLux GR Sport gains the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety features such as Pre-Collision, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and the ever useful 360-degree all-round view camera system.


MITI’s U-Turn Means Car Factories Are Closed During MCO 2.0

With the
announcement of MCO 2.0
 that began on January 13th, 2021, it was originally thought that certain sectors of industry would also be allowed to operate alongside the usual set of essential services and operations.

However, MITI has now overturned their previous list that grouped automotive manufacturing with other (still) green lit activities such as assembly with showrooms, service centres, and other workshops, effectively halting any vehicle assembly or automotive manufacturing for the duration of this newest implementation of the Movement Control Order.

Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a nationwide prohibition and pertains only to those within states that have been included in this more selective MCO, including Selangor, Penang, Malacca, Sabah, and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.

As such, this directive won’t impact every automaker manufacturing or carrying out
local assembly
 of cars in Malaysia. For example, Mazda’s CKD operations are entirely conducted in Kulim, Kedah. Similarly, the supply of certain Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen cars that roll out of the DRB-HICOM plant in Pekan, Pahang won’t be affected. Mitsubishi's plant in Pekan should not be affected either.

Other brands aren’t quite as lucky, though. Honda plant in Pegoh, Melaka is another facility that’s forced to shutter for the next two weeks, as are the ones - among other places - in Kuala Lumpur (Tan Chong Motor) and Shah Alam such as those operated by Toyota, Volvo, and Proton.

In fact, our national automaker might be the most set aback by the two week government mandated closure, exacerbating the already busy schedule brought on by the thousands of orders placed
for the Proton X50
. Luckily, its Tanjung Malim plant is still chugging along as normal, though it might have to deal with increased capacity.

Then again, merely having a factory remain operational might not matter if the automaker’s supply chain hinges on vendors that are within the mentioned states and are therefore unable to conduct business.

2021 doesn’t look like it’s letting us off easy with the challenges already coming in thick and fast by the second week of January. Here’s hoping that automakers, along with everyone else, manages to safely navigate these early year hurdles into more prosperous times ahead.