Stolen Toyota Returned 22 Years Later, In Mint Condition

How do you typically imagine a stolen
Toyota

Corolla
 turning up after? Stripped for parts? In pieces? In a fire? That’s exactly how we’d imagine it too.
Strangely, that wasn’t the case for one Mr Derrick Goosen from South Africa. His Toyota Corolla 1.6 GL was stolen from him in 1993, when Derrick was just 23 years old: in the prime of his life, and loving his new ride.
One day in October 1993, the Corolla was stolen, and a police report was made. With no insurance for the vehicle, hope of his car’s speedy return was all Derrick had.
Rather miraculously, hope pulled through for the Corolla owner when police contacted him with news of having found the car. The kicker? It was all 22 years later!
By that point, we imagine anyone to have let go of all emotional attachment, expected the car to have been either scrapped or dumped somewhere to die. But no, not Derrick’s Toyota Corolla, because that came back in mint condition, it seems.
The authorities had apparently discovered the car seven months before returning it to Derrick (during a roadblock), but because the chassis and engine numbers had been scrubbed off, it took the cops longer than usual to identify the vehicle. Apparently, it was used as a taxi, and kept, as mentioned, in mint condition.
Still in love with the car, Derrick Goosen, now aged 45, is eunited with his Corolla, and has no plans to let it go again.
"People can’t believe it. If a car is stolen a year ago, you go to the police pound and you find a skeleton there, but this car was very well looked after. It’s still in mint condition.
“I will give it a nice polish and keep it.”
Images courtesy of:
News24


New Generation Suzuki Jimny To Debut In Japan Next Month

Suzuki has just launched a teaser site for the upcoming new Suzuki Jimny in their home country of Japan with the highlight of July 2018 being its ‘debut’ date.
It looks like the fourth generation Suzuki Jimny will return to the boxy, utilitarian look that was seen in the second generation which was launched in the early 1980s.
The teaser site provided some key information on the Jimny heritage. Through three generations of the Suzuki Jimny which started in 1970, over 2.85 million units have been sold in 194 countries and regions.
Left-hand steering position as the
image
 is from Global Suzuki
In terms of performance, the new Jimny continues to inherit the ladder frame chassis with a 3-link rigid axle rear suspension, and the part-time 4WD with low-range transfer case.
The engine choices remain the same as the previous generation Jimny in Japan, an option of a turbocharged triple-cylinder engine displacing 660 cc or a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
While details are thin, it seems that Suzuki has increased the engine capacity of the four-cylinder engine from 1.3 litres to 1.5 litres. Both engines deliver power to either a 4-speed torque converter automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The teaser site also previews a new variant of the Jimny called the Jimny Sierra, which is fitted with the four-cylinder engine, bodywork with wider fenders plus integrated side steps and 15-inch wheels.
Other notable features include LED head lamps, cruise control system, 16-inch wheels, fully automatic air conditioning system, and 6 airbags.
In terms of safety features, the new Suzuki Jimny will be equipped with Suzuki Safety Support, the brand’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) feature that provides braking assistance when the system detects a slower moving obstacle ahead.


Proton SUV To Be CBU China, Arriving By September 2018

Proton top management team, led by CEO Dr Li Chunrong, has provided information that the new Proton SUV, based on the Geely Boyue, is on track to be introduced to the Malaysian market by late September to early October this year.
The management team shared the good news during a simple meet-and-greet session with the media after the opening ceremony of their first upgraded Proton 4S centre at Subang, Selangor.
Proton has also mentioned that the supply and sourcing of the new Proton SUV will be in two stages. The first batch of the new SUV will be imported from China and only to be assembled at the Tanjung Malim plant later in 2019.
Dr Li said this two-stage introduction was necessary as Proton was required to meet the government’s request of having the Proton SUV be introduced as soon as possible.
Our friends at
Careta.my
 spotted a fleet of Geely Boyue undergoing local development work back in February
Proton’s technical team also mentioned that the first batch of the new SUV in right-hand drive configuration will be arriving in Malaysia next month. These vehicles are however only for the planned testing activities around Malaysia.
Marketing activities are also expected to start from August, leading up to the official launch in late September to early October.
Interior of Proton SUV to have different design elements compared to Geely Boyue
Meanwhile, Proton head of design Azlan Othman mentioned that his team were also given the liberty to deliver more design impact in the locally-made SUV scheduled for 2019 introduction compared to the imported ones, which are limited to simple changes to meet the deadline.
Dr Li in closing mentioned that the interior of the Proton SUV will have differences compared to the Geely Boyue that it is based on.


The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is Here, and its Looking “Chunky”

The folks at Affalterbach have revealed everything we need to know about the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 range, and things are way more interesting than before.

There will be two variants - GLA 45 4MATIC+ and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+, powered by the most powerful series-produced 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine in the world at the moment, paired to the AMG Speedshift DCT 8G Dual Clutch gearbox.

While the base model delivers 387 hp, the S‑variant kicks out a massive 421 hp. Both come with the active, fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that distributes power to the rear axle wheel selectively by AMG Torque Control. Maximum torque has also increased, from 475 to as much as 500 newton metres.

This means that the power is distributed to the left and right rear wheels flexibly and at different ratios, according to driving situation – resulting in optimum traction, whatever the road surface conditions and whatever course the route takes.

This was made possible by a redesigned rear axle differential featuring two multi-disc clutches, which selectively provide the flow of power to each individual rear wheel.

Thanks to the package, the GLA 45 does the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, while the GLA 45 S does it in 4.3 seconds. Both models come with a factory limited speed limit of 270 km/h.

There are six AMG Dynamic Select drive programs "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Individual" and "Race" (standard for S-Model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the base model) which allow a wide spread of vehicle characteristics, from comfortable to highly dynamic, where numerous relevant parameters are modified.

The AMG developers have also extensively reinforced the body shell, increasing the torsional rigidity at the vehicle's front end. In addition, diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody further improve rigidity. The result is a significantly reduced longitudinal and lateral torsional movement of the body shell and thus less rolling and pitching motion during cornering, braking and load changes.

As for the exterior, the new GLA 45 now looks more like a full-blown SUV, featuring a curvier outlook, a long bonnet with powerdomes, an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, LED High Performance headlamps, a front splitter in silver chrome, 19-inch light-alloy wheels (S-Model 20-inch wheels), as well as twin tailpipes.

The S-Model is distinguished by its larger, oval exhaust tailpipes with a diameter of 90 mm, which feature internal fluting and AMG lettering.

Inside, there is the MBUX infotainment system, black Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber upholstery, AMG highlights with double topstitching in red, red seatbelts, as well as AMG carbon fibre-look trim element in the dashboard support. The chromed air vents are likewise upgraded with a red ring.

In the S model, we have yellow highlights throughout the interior, AMG Performance steering wheel with a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons, an AMG logo, plus ambient lighting.

Also standard is the centre console in piano-lacquer with a touchpad as standard. It also has a further control array with additional switches for controlling the 3-stage ESP, the manual transmission mode, and the adaptive damping system, AMG Ride Control.

So there you have it – the new and chunky Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. Like it? or do you prefer the outgoing model?


AD: All You Need To Know Before Choosing The Right Window Film For Your Vehicle

Window film, which is also known as tinted film, are among one of the first accessories to be added to a vehicle when a proud owner takes delivery of his/her car. It would not be an exaggeration to say that almost every vehicle out there have window films applied to them.
Window films do more than just reduce heat in the car's cabin, as a high quality window tint can also reduce glare and improve safety and security by providing stronger resistance to shattering.
If we look at the market today, there are various types of window films, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses:
Metallized Film
The most popular type of window film is metallized film, which comprises about 70 to 80% of the films in the market today simply because it is a proven technology.
Capable of protecting your vehicle from various types of harmful rays, metallized window film is very popular because it is affordable.
However, its heat rejection performance is generally moderate. Besides that, there is high reflectivity which can affect visibility.
It potentially blocks radio frequency signals such as mobile phones, GPS, and auto-gate remotes.
Another downside about metallized film is that there is a high risk of corrosion which will cause discoloration in the film after a number of years, which can affect visibility and the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.
Dyed film
Unlike metallized film, dyed window film is less reflective, which means that the driver will not have issues with visibility at all. Besides that, this film doesn’t cause signal interference.
Despite having these advantages over metallized film, dyed window film also falls under the affordable category, but it is far from perfect.
Heat rejection performance is low, there is no protection against harmful rays, discoloration is highly likely to happen, and bubbling is also likely to occur as this type of film uses adhesives that are not specially formulated for the film.
Hybrid metallized-dyed film
There also exists hybrid films that uses metallized & dye technology to get better heat rejection, as well as improve protection against harmful rays.
Since it is a combination of two films, cost is expected to be higher than above-mentioned two films. As the film consists of metal elements, there is potential risk of reflectivity, corrosion and signal interference. There is also a risk of discoloration as this type of film utilizes dyed film technology.
Ceramic film
Moving up the ranks, we have ceramic film, which offers similar, if not better heat rejection than metallized and dyed films. It also protects against harmful rays without interfering with signals.
The biggest strength of ceramic film is that it has relatively low reflectivity and no risk of corrosion or discoloration.
The only downside about ceramic film is that it costs more than metallized films.
New generation film such as 3M’s Multi-layer Optical Film technology
This type of film not only offers maximum heat rejection, but also high visibility as they are designed to selectively filter out heat-contributing rays like infrared rays. 3M Multi-layer Optical Film technology for example also does not interfere with signals. There is also no risk of corrosion or discoloration as there is no metal contained in this kind of film.
However, since they offer a lot, the cost can be high.
Now that we know of the different types of films and what they offer, there are a few other things that need to be considered before choosing the right window, such as:
Heat rejection
Consumers need to consider the Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER) rating, which simply stands for how much solar heat is prevented from going into the cabin.
The general misconception is that dark film rejects more heat; when in reality heat is caused mainly by Infrared (IR) rays.
Ultra Violet (UV) rays on the other hand, also don’t cause heat, but they are harmful to the human skin and a vehicle’s upholstery.
Many window film manufacturers market their product only by stating the infrared rejection percentage instead of utilizing the TSER standard, when the right thing to do is to disclose the TSER ratings.
This is because IR rejection alone is not the best indicator of heat rejection. The TSER rating is more indicative of the actual heat rejection performance of a film, as it measures the level of solar energy, UV, Visible Light (VL), and IR rays blocked.
Energy Distribution
Ultra Violet (UV) = 3%
Visible Light (VL) = 44%
Infrared (IR) = 53%
Besides UV and infrared rays, glare is also something that needs to be taken into consideration.
Caused by excessive amount of light transmitted into the cabin, glare can only be countered by darker film.
However, consumers need to take a balanced approach to this as a film which is too dark can limit visibility.
Besides that, JPJ regulations do not allow dark film on the front windscreen. So, a good way to reduce glare whilst maintaining good visibility is to apply a top visor of dark film whilst the rest of the windscreen is kept with a lighter film.
JPJ regulations say that the front windscreen tint should have minimum 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) while the front side windows have minimum 50% VLT, and other windows minimum 30%.
Besides protecting occupants only from heat and harmful rays, window films have progressed into safety films which also protect us from break-ins.
In order to qualify as a safety film; it has to be at least 4mils (0.1mm) thick according to IWFA. These films offer higher impact resistance with thicker construction and by using stronger adhesives, they are able to hold shattered glass in place in the event of breakage. There is a misconception that glass which has been tinted with safety film is unbreakable but the truth is that at some point, the glass will shatter. Sharp glass shards are held by the film and prevents them from injuring the occupants. The added resistance also serves as a deterrence.
To ensure that the window film you purchase is of high quality, choose a film that originates from a reputable window film company who produces high quality window film where the performance and durability of the film is tested and verified by a third party.
It is also advised that consumers pick a shop that is an authorized installer of the brand so that they have the assurance that the applicators in the outlet are well-trained and is able to apply the tint onto their car windows according to specified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as dictated by the brand to ensure the best possible application onto their vehicles.
It is also advised that consumers pick a car tint brand who can offer manufacturer warranty, as shop-level warranty will be void if the tint shop goes out of business. A manufacturer warranty gives consumers the assurance that if the applicator (tint shop) that applied the film for them goes out of business, the customer is still able to get their issues resolved by another authorized applicator in the brand’s installer network.
All 3M window tints are covered by a comprehensive 5-year e-warranty should your window films need replacing because of bubbling, peeling, blistering or purpling.
That being said, it is important to keep all of the things mentioned above in mind before choosing the right window film for your car because you will know exactly what you are getting, and what you are protecting yourself from.
Between 15-May until 15-June 2018, Carlist.my is offering 33 e-vouchers for 3M window tints for download daily, which entitles you to a discount of RM 1,300 on 3M Scotchshield Crystalline Security & Solar Car Tinting Package. The vouchers are valid until 31-July 2018.
Click on the image below to download your e-voucher now.


New (F48) BMW X1 xDrive25e Unveiled – Up to 57 Km Of Electric Range

Following the worldwide launch of the
facelifted (F48) BMW X1
 in May of this year, BMW has now introduced an all-new plug-in hybrid variant to the lineup, dubbed the X1 xDrive 25e.

The plug-in hybrid system of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e consists of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and an electric drive system specially developed for the X1 model, based on the eDrive modular system of the BMW Group.

The petrol engine develops 125 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm. It transfers its power to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission which drives the front wheels. The electric motor, on the other hand, generates a peak output of 95 hp and 165 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.

Combined power output is rated at 220 hp and a maximum system torque of 385 Nm. The new BMW X1 25e is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds all the way to a top speed of 192 km/h. Top speed in electric mode is 135 km/h.

The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery has a gross energy content of 9.7 kWh. This allows for an electrically powered range of up to 57 km with a full charge.

The battery can be fully charged at conventional household sockets using the standard-equipment charging cable. The battery can be fully charged in around five hours in this way. Using a BMW i Wallbox charger, the charging operation takes less than 3.6 hours. The charging socket is located under a separate flap on the front left side wall of the car.

In addition to the Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport driving modes (also found on non-hybrid models), the X1 25e is given an additional three modes - Auto eDrive which optimises the interaction of both drive systems, Max eDrive mode is activated for maximum use of the electric drive, and lastly Save, to maintain the charging state of the battery while driving or to increase it by means of recuperation.

The new BMW X1 25e also features the company’s acoustic pedestrian protection– which works by emitting a sound to alert other road users when driving electrically at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

The BMW X1 25e carried all the aesthetic updates of the facelifted F48 LCI model, and can also be specified with BMW’s Sport Line, xLine, and M Sport trim packages, depending on the market.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Is Offering Up To RM6,000 Cash Rebate On Selected Models This Raya

With Raya soon to be upon us,
Mitsubishi
 Motors Malaysia (MMM) is
offering the public a great opportunity to own a brand new Mitsubishi
 by offering great deals which include cash rebates up to RM6,000 and free maintenance program up to five years on selected models.

From now until 31 July 2015, customers who book and register a new
Mitsubishi ASX
 can enjoy a five-year free maintenance program and warranty period. Those who are looking to get themselves the all-new
Mitsubishi Triton

that was recently launched in Malaysia
 will enjoy two years free maintenance.

As mentioned, cash rebates are also offered on selected models as well, listed below:

Mitsubishi Mirage
 1.2L – Up to RM6,000

Mitsubishi Attrage
 1.2L – Up to RM5,500

Mitsubishi Lancer
 2.0 GTE – Up to RM3,000

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VGT – Up to RM5,000

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
 GL – Up to RM5,000

Mitsubishi Triton Lite Turbo – Up to RM6,000

It doesn’t stop there because MMM will also be offering discounts of up to 70% on selected accessories for Mitsubishi owners to take advantage of at all authorised Mitsubishi 3S (Sales, Service, Spare parts) showrooms.

Also, in conjunction with the Raya festivities, exclusive open house events will be happening at all MMM showrooms on 6, 7, 13, and 14 June 2015 where booking and test-drive gifts along with refreshments served as well.

For more details, head on over to
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia's official webpage
.


Empty stands at SIC: Sepang CEO wants to reignite the fan experience at the national circuit

Despite the thrilling action on the track, the challenge lies in filling the stands and enhancing spectator engagement.

The electrifying action that unfolded on the track during Round 2 of the Malaysia Championship Series at Sepang this past weekend was absolutely thrilling.

However, it was disheartening to see so few spectators in the stands to witness the excitement.

The sight of empty seats throughout the three days of racing was truly perplexing, especially considering that entry to the main grandstand was free.

Despite achieving a milestone with record-breaking participation of 54 cars across four categories, the lack of fan interest remains a pressing issue.

The Vibes has taken it upon itself to shed light on this problem.

Sepang International Circuit's CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif, acknowledged the need for more efforts in promoting the series. "While I'm pleased with the increased driver participation this weekend, we must strive to bring more people to the stands," he stated.

"We need to provide additional attractions and activities that give spectators a reason to come to Sepang. My team and I will investigate how to increase the spectatorship at the circuit."

The Malaysia Championship Series features thrilling touring car racing, showcasing heavily modified road-going cars across four categories.

It serves as a platform for young local drivers to prove their skills and even attracts seasoned veterans like Malaysia's former Formula One driver, Alex Yoong.

Moreover, the series has an international appeal, with participants coming from neighbouring ASEAN countries and even as far as Latin America.

Azhan recognizes the need for better promotion and marketing of the race. "To be honest, we need to work harder in terms of promoting and marketing this race to the fans," he admitted.

"At the moment, our shout-outs are done via our social media and press releases for our friends in the media. What we need to do better in the coming rounds is to provide additional things for the spectators, especially in terms of food and beverage options. We also need to provide them with activities to do outside (of the race) and so on, but these are the things that we need to improve,."

In order to bolster the race, Azhan is actively seeking corporate sponsors and partners. "One of the things that we might be looking at further in the near future is to get more corporate companies or sponsors to come in to support the race," he emphasized.

"As you can see the participation is very good, I think the viewership on Facebook and also YouTube is also good."  – The Vibes.

With two more rounds of racing to come, including Round 3 from August 25-27 and the final round from September 22-24, there is still an opportunity to revitalize the fan experience and make the Malaysia Championship Series a resounding success.


Review: 2015 Honda HR-V vs 2015 Mazda CX-3

Our friends at
AutoBuzz.my
 have recently put together a beautifully done video review featuring the
2015 Honda HR-V
 and
2015 Mazda CX-3
.
To sum it up, AutoBuzz gave their thumbs up to the CX-3 for its looks, premium interior, good ride and handling.
The HR-V however, wins over the CX-3 in terms of convenience, ease of use, practicality.
AutoBuzz’s conclusions are almost similar to our verdict in Carlist.my’s own separate review of the HR-V and CX-3.
Our conclusion for the
Mazda CX-3's review
 reads:
We love the CX-3’s looks and its very premium interior but not the lack of consideration for practical requirements – the missing centre arm rest and the lack of utility/storage space might be a deal breaker for many young families. As a car for the driving enthusiasts however, it is almost perfect.
Don’t bother comparing the CX-3 against the HR-V or even the
ASX
, because the CX-3 is a very different car. Far from being an alternative to the leading crossovers in the market, the CX-3 should be seen as the Mazda that Mazda 2 owners should buy if they can afford one – because it has everything we liked (and didn’t like) about the 2, but with better looks and more power. People who buy Mazda 2 don’t really care about interior space or utility functions, but the rest of the car buying public do.
In short, the CX-3 is not for everybody, but in the eyes of Mazda’s intended audience – the Zoom-Zoom drivers crowd - the little CX-3 stands tall with pride.
Alternatively, you can look to the CX-5. As a locally assembled model, is not only cheaper than the imported CX-3, but is also more spacious and more practical - at least it comes with a centre arm rest and centre console box.
As for the
Honda HR-V's review
, we said:
To sum it up, the HR-V has many great things going for it, its very practical interior especially. On the move however, it falls below our expectations but despite its dynamic shortfalls, overall it still is the best option in that segment.
Being a Honda, its safety credentials is well above all other competitors and we are not talking about NCAP ratings. As explained in an
earlier post,
 NCAP scores only consider single-vehicle incidences and Honda doesn't design its cars to just meet NCAP requirements, but to do well in real-world conditions.
If you enjoy driving or are going do a lot of long distance driving in the car, we suggest that you look to the Civic instead.
The closest alternative is the ASX, which drives and rides better, comes with 4WD but doesn’t offer as much practicality, consumes a bit more fuel, and is showing its age.
The Mazda CX-3 is just a taller, more powerful Mazda 2 and can’t match the HR-V’s all-round capability, not to mention its prohibitive RM135k price tag. If you are interested in one, we suggest that you wait till late-2016 or early-217 for a lower-priced,
locally assembled variant
.


Tokyo 2017: Toyota JPN Taxi – This Is Why Uber Can't Succeed In Japan

Toyota has launched its latest taxi vehicle at the ongoing 2017 Tokyo Motorshow, dubbed the JPN Taxi, which promises to meet the needs of modern urban mobility and serve a wide variety of customer needs.
The JPN Taxi is the latest in a long line of taxi models supplied by Toyota, starting in 1936 with the introduction of the Toyota Model AA. Toyota plans sell 1,000 units of the JPN Taxi a month, which will be assembled at its Higashi-Fuji Plant.
The JPN Taxi was developed to provide robust usability and comfort to a wide range of people, including children, seniors citizens, and even wheelchair users.
The design incorporates a low, flat floor and wide-opening rear sliding door (width: 720 mm, height: 1,300 mm) making it easy for customers to ingress and egress from the taxi. The power rear sliding door (on the kerbside) provides to accommodate wheelchair users, regular hinge door feature on the driver’s side. Large windows enables passengers to have a generous view of the outside.
The design is meant to pay homage to the popular the Toyota Crown models of the past, and yet be instantly recognisable as a taxi. The standard-grade "Nagomi" model is distinguished by halogen headlights and simple front-end structure with turn signal lights positioned on the corners. The luxury model, "Takumi," incorporates Bi-Beam LED headlights, front position lights, and turn signal lights into a single unit for a more premium look.
On the inside, the dashboard places air conditioning and other instruments operated by the driver on the driver's right side while the navigation (GPS) system and taxi meter, are positioned in view of passengers. The Takumi variant comes with a ceiling air circulator and back seat heating system that customers can operate themselves.
The JPN offers luggage compartment of 401-liters (VDA standard) - enough space to fit two large suitcases horizontally and four golf bags.
The JPN Taxi is powered by Toyota's Hybrid System II powertrain incorporating the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXP petrol engine. Toyota has yet to release official power figures, except that the engine with its newly developed Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system will return up to 19.4 km/L on the JC08 test cycle. Also not known, are definitive details of the automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels.
Safety equipment has also been modernised, with the integration of the Toyota Safety Sense C package (active collision avoidance support, comes standard for all grades) and six airbags as standard features.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s 'Intelligent Clearance Sonar' detects obstacles and helps prevent or mitigate collisions caused by rapid acceleration after pedal misapplication, is available as an option.
Toyota also plans to use the JPN taxi to greet visitors from around the world in 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Diskaun Road Tax Kenderaan Vintaj, Klasik Sehingga 90% - Panduan Permohonan

Mungkin ada yang tidak tahu bahawa kenderaan lama milik mereka boleh ditukar kepada status vintaj atau klasik untuk menikmati diskaun cukai jalan (
road tax
) sehingga 90%!

Permohonan untuk menukar status kenderaan kepada kenderaan vintaj atau klasik boleh dibuat di Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), namun ia tertakhluk pada terma dan syarat.

Syarat Utama:

Kenderaan Vintaj:
Kereta yang berusia lebih 50 tahun dari tahun ia dikeluarkan.

Kenderaan Klasik:
Kereta yang berusia lebih 25 tahun dari tahun ia dikeluarkan.

Walau bagaimanapun, diskaun ini hanya terbuka kepada kenderaan jenis motokar (kereta) sahaja. Sekiranya permohonan untuk menukar status kenderaan anda diluluskan oleh JPJ, anda bakal menikmati potongan seperti:

Kenderaan Vintaj:
 Pengecualian LKM 90%

Kenderaan Klasik:
 Pengecualian LKM 80%

Syarat Permohonan

Warganegara Malaysia.

Kereta didaftarkan tidak kurang 25 tahun di Malaysia.

Untuk kereta import, pemohon perlu buktikan tarikh pendaftaran sudah mencapai 25 tahun di negara asal.

Mempunyai nilai pasaran tinggi yang sama seperti nilai barangan antik.

Kereta mesti berada dalam keadaan baik, tidak berkarat dan bersih.

Kereta masih dalam keadaan layak dipandu (
roadworthy
).

Semua sistem kereta berfungsi dengan baik.

Mempunyai ciri spesifikasi, bentuk badan serta komponen utama asal seperti dikeluarkan pengeluar atau pengilang asal.

Pengubahsuaian dibenarkan, tetapi untuk menambah baik sistem brek, elektrik dan sistem bahan api atas faktor keselamatan sahaja.

Pemohon mesti ada 2 unit kereta lain (tidak semestinya kereta lama) yang didaftarkan atas nama sendiri.

Nombor casis dan enjin boleh dibaca jelas dan tidak diganggu.

Kereta perlu diperiksa Pegawai Teknikal JPJ Ibu Pejabat atau JPJ negeri atau cawangan berkenaan.

Cara Permohonan:

Permohonan dan pemeriksaan bagi status kereta vintaj atau klasik ini boleh dibuat di Bahagian Kejuruteraan Automotif, JPJ Negeri atau Ibu Pejabat JPJ di Putrajaya.

Dokumen yang perlu disediakan:

Borang Permohonan JPJVK (JPJ Vintaj dan Klasik).

Salinan Sijil Pemilikan Kenderaan (VOC) bagi kereta yang ingin ditukar status kepada Vintaj atau Klasik.

Salinan VOC bagi dua (2) kenderaan lain yang didaftarkan atas nama pemilik (kecuali motosikal).

Salinan Kad Pengenalan pemilik.

Gambar kenderaan (pandangan depan, belakang, sisi, dalaman kenderaan, stereng atau papan pemuka).

Pihak JPJ bakal memeriksa segala dokumen serta kenderaan yang ingin ditukar status tersebut bagi memastikan sama ada ia layak atau tidak untuk mendapat status kenderaan klasik atau vintaj.

Pemeriksaan akan dibuat membabitkan enjin dan nombor enjin, casis asal dan nombor casis, reka bentuk badan asal kereta yang tidak diubah suai, sistem transmisi asal, sistem suspensi asal, gandar depan dan belakang asal, nombor pendaftaran, rim dan stereng asal.

Sekiranya permohonan ini diluluskan, pemohon layak untuk mendapat diskaun potongan LKM sebanyak 80% bagi kenderaan klasik dan 90% bagi kenderaan vintaj. Walau bagaimanapun, Sijil pengesahan status vintaj atau klasik ini perlu diperbaharui setiap 5 tahun, atau jika melakukan urusan tukar nama, atau tukar nombor pendaftaran (
interchange
). Pemilik motokar tersebut dikehendaki membuat permohonan semula untuk menentukan status motokar vintaj/klasik mengikut syarat-syarat yang ditetapkan di atas.

Kredit foto: Klasik Mercedes Malaysia Facebook

Yang paling penting, semua motokar yang telah mendapat kelayakan motokar vintaj/klasik tidak dibenarkan membuat pengubahsuaian keatas stereng, rim serta komponen-komponen lain mengikut syarat yang telah ditetapkan supaya keasliannya kekal.

Kelayakan dan status motokar vintaj/klasik ini akan dibatalkan serta merta sekiranya pengubahsuaian dibuat pada motokar tersebut, dan pemilik perlu membuat bayaran kadar Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM) pada kadar yang asal.


The Ford Ranger FX4 Is Coming

In perhaps the second of many live-streamed launches, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has decided to launch the Ford Ranger FX4 this coming 3rd of June. It will be broadcasted via both Youtube and Facebook Live – pick the one you’re more familiar with – which will also make it the first pickup truck in Malaysia to be launched on both of these platforms.

As is common for pickup trucks, new minor changes and variants are important in order to keep the vehicle relevant. Their production cycles tend to be a little long, and in such a competitive segment where new generations of models pop up every year or two, it’s variants like this FX4 that help to keep the Ranger in the spotlight.

What can we expect from the Ranger FX4? For starters, it’s based on the Ranger that we know and love – which also means it comes with many of the features we’ve come to appreciate from the rugged workhorse. 4X4 Shift-On-The-Fly makes transitioning from on- to off-road a breeze – but it’s the comfort features such as rain-sensing wipers, daytime running lights, and electrically assisted power steering that make it a better-rounded vehicle.

That being said, what separates the FX4 (at least in Australia, from what we can infer) is more from an aesthetics and trim material standpoint. The most obvious addition is the FX4 decal, while blacked out door mirrors and handles, embossed leather accented seats, a blacked out front grille, matte-black extended sports bars for the truck bed, and blacked out 18-inch alloy wheels are the subtle details that set it apart.

Will our Malaysian Ranger FX4 follow the Australian package? It’s pretty likely given Australia’s market being largely tied with South East Asia – Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and so on. To sweeten the deal, the first 150 customers who sign up for the Ranger FX4 will get a matte black sports bar (meaning it may not be available on the regular Ranger FX4), executive tinting, and an in-built dashcam with HD recording and mobile connectivity – altogether worth roughly RM 5,398.

Watch the live launch via
YouTube
 and
Facebook
 Live with SDAC’s product specialist as he brings you through the enhanced features and capability of the tough New Ford Ranger FX4 this 3rd of June, at 11am.


Review: Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Sedan – Fit For All Occasions

More often than not, our closets will be full of clothes that are made for various occasions.
At the same time, there will also be that one shirt which can be used for any occasion, the one that comes to the rescue when we just can’t decide what to wear.
This is usually one’s favourite football club jersey, or a nice and comfortable T-shirt with a cool quote which can be worn to the mamak, the office (for some jobs), parties, family gatherings, the club, a date, or even the gym.
Similarly, the Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan which we’re looking at here is also a bad boy who is fit for all occasions.
Now, don’t let the C43 moniker fool you because as much as it sounds like a performance oriented model, it is genuinely a jack of all trades.
Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
Transmission:  9-speed automatic, AWD
Max Power: 367 hp from 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 520 Nm from 2,500 – 5,000 rpm
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Price: RM385,883 without SST
Origin: Assembled in Pekan, Pahang
Overview
Here to fill in the gap between the C350e AMG line and the manic V8 powered C63 AMG, the C43 AMG 4MATIC made its Malaysian debut in CBU form in May 2017 at an asking price of RM499,888.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia then took many of us by surprise a year later by announcing that the model is now being assembled locally in Pekan, Pahang.
Thanks to the CKD initiative, the C43 AMG’s price dropped by a massive RM91,000 to RM408,888.
On the upside, we now have a more affordable model from Affalterbach, but on the downside, this model didn’t really receive the nod of approval from AMG purists because the 43 series’ engine is not hand-assembled like the V8s in the 63 series.
Instead, the 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine comes off a regular production line, just like any other engine made by Daimler.
Paired to the mass-produced engine is the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic torque converter gearbox which sends the power to all-four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which distributes torque in a 31:69 front-to-rear ratio.
Despite the reduction in price, the list of standard equipment in the CKD model remains the same as the previous CBU unit, comprising:
AMG line exterior and interior
Night package
Red 'designo' seat belts
LED Intelligent Light system
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
Burmester surround sound system
Half leather seats - Artico synthetic leather with Dinamica microfibre
Panoramic sliding sunroof
360 degree camera
Power adjustable front seats with memory
Park pilot
Cruise control
Power-operated tailgate/boot
Exterior
At a glance, one may mistake the C43 for an AMG-kitted C250 or C300, but look closely and you will find the few things which set the 43 apart, giving it a slightly bolder look than its four-cylinder siblings.
First in that list is the honeycomb grille upfront which takes most of the attention. And then we have the Night Package, comprising a blacked out front lip, panoramic roof, and wing mirrors which give the car the bad-ass look it has.
Move to the side and you will notice the 19-inch AMG two-tone five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, the huge brake discs, and the AMG brake calipers that send out one message clearly – this car means business.
Last but not the least; we have the AMG quad mufflers that constantly bring out the best tunes the 3.0-litre V6 engine has to offer.
Despite all the sporty add-ons, the C-Class’ curvaceous silhouette makes sure that elegance is always there the mix.
Not only is it classy enough to be used as a wedding car, but it is also sporty enough to earn the owner some credit if he or she decides to drive it straight to a car meet or a track day.
Interior
Upon opening the doors of the C43, we were greeted by the black Artico man-made leather seats and the designo red seat belts. The black and red theme is carried over throughout the cabin with a generous dosage of piano black trim, and contrasting red stitching across the dashboard, on the seats, and also on the steering wheel.
As in other C-class models, the C43 AMG features a beautifully finished contemporary dashboard which flows into the centre stack where there is a deep storage compartment and a pair of cupholders, ideal for storing objects like our mobile phones, the Smart Tag, house keys, and what not.
Further up we have the 8.4-inch infotainment display which provides all the information we need about the car, the music, and also the surroundings.
All commands are completed using Mercedes’ COMAND controller and a touchpad that is positioned above the controller. The system is seamless, quite straight-forward, and easy to use.
Where space is concerned, the C43 AMG, like other C-Class models, is ideal for four adult occupants.
There is more than enough head and legroom in front but the rear is cramped up. It can still fit 3 people but it is not going to be a very pleasant experience.
What we love the most about the C43’s cabin is how it comes to life at night. The moment it gets dark, the ambient lights take charge. Complemented by the panoramic roof and the Burmester premium audio system, it was quite an experience to be in the C43, cruising around town while jamming to our favourite tunes.
Driving it
The C43’s 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine might not have been hand-built traditionally but its performance and behaviour is unmistakeably AMG.
Paired to the competent transmission, the 4MATIC AWD system, the sharp and precise steering, and the capable suspension system, we have a car that is super quick, super responsive, and super composed.
The C43 comes with a selection of different drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual, all of which modify the settings for the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering.
There is also the AMG Ride Control feature which comes as standard, which electronically adjusts the stiffness of the dampers. The user can modify the system settings manually using a switch on the center console, choosing between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
With so many options available at our fingertips, we could have the C43 in a very well behaved manner, almost as comfortable as the C180 when we were driving around town.
When things were getting a little mundane, all we had to do was push the “Dynamic” switch up a couple of notch to Sport and Voila! All hell broke loose.
With the 4MATIC AWD system constantly keeping thing in check, providing all the grip we need and instilling confidence to keep going, we just couldn’t get enough of the C43 AMG.
In case you’re thinking, “
Haiya
, big engine, twin-turbo some more, fuel consumption sure
f**k kaw
 high,” let us remind you that we clocked an average of 10.2 l/100 km after driving the car through a combination of city traffic, B-roads, and highways.
To put things into perspective, that is better fuel economy than what you get from a Proton Inspira 2.0P.
Conclusion
The current C-Class sedan is a model that has proven itself in the market over the past couple of years with its design, equipment offered, reliability, and also comfort.
Even in the forms of the C180 Avantgarde, C200 AMG Line, C250 AMG Line, and the C350e AMG Line, the model was well received among Malaysians, but more power is always good news, isn’t it?
So, if you’re someone who has been looking for a decent German compact premium sedan but feel that the power and performance level of the regular C-Class and its direct rivals just don’t cut it, the C43 AMG is the model to look at.
But as powerful as it is, the C43 AMG is also a car which you can use on a daily basis without any qualms as it can be quite comfortable, has a huge boot for your grocery runs and what not, can sit a family of four without any issues, and offers decent fuel economy for a 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo engine.
So, just like the Manchester United jersey which you like to wear to the shopping mall, to parties, to work, and also to the gym, the C43 AMG is a car which you can drive to work, to the supermarket, a car meet, and also to the race track.


Banjir Kilat Di Melaka Ragut Nyawa Anggota Bomba – Longkang Tersumbat, Air Melimpah Ke Jalan Raya

Fenomena
 hujan lebat
 yang berpanjangan sehingga lebih 4 jam telah mengakibatkan beberapa kawasan di Melaka dilanda
banjir kilat
.

Menerusi beberapa gambar serta video yang tersebar, terdapat beberapa kenderaan yang terkandas ekoran paras air di jalan raya yang tinggi. Susulan itu beberapa jalan utama di daerah Melaka Tengah serta Jasin terpaksa ditutup buat sementara.

*Kredit video: Melaka Hari Ini

Jurucakap Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Melaka berkata, selain pasukan pemantauan, sebuah jentera dari Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Bukit Katil juga digerakkan untuk menyelamat mangsa terkandas di Kampung Asam Kumbang, Bemban, Jasin.

Pihak bomba turut mengesahkan bahawa mereka menerima panggilan kecemasan sekitar jam 3.48 petang bagi menyelamatkan 2 mangsa yang terkandas di Jalan Huzir, Kampung Asam Kumbang, Bemban. Kedua-dua mangsa tersebut terpaksa duduk diatas bumbung kereta untuk menyelamatkan diri sementara menunggu ketibaan bomba.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Tambah pihak bomba, banjir kilat yang melanda di beberapa kawasan seperti jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Jalan Krubong, Bukit Beruang, Batu Berendam Kampung Sungai Putat dan Bemban di Jasin dipercayai berlaku akibat longkang tersumbat sehingga tidak dapat menampung kapasiti air yang banyak, sekali gus melimpah ke atas jalan.

Pasukan bomba yang berada di lokasi kejadian mengambil masa kira-kira 10 minit untuk mengeluarkan mangsa di kawasan berkenaan berikutan arus sungai deras. Meskipun kesemua anggota terlibat dengan operasi penyelamatan secara
water crossing
 ini telah menggunakan alat pelindungan diri bersama jaket keselamatan, namun terdapat seorang anggota bomba yang bertugas melakukan aktiviti menyelamat di Kampung Sungai Putat telah didapati lemas.

*Kredit video: GEGAR

Dalam kejadian kira-kira pukul 4 petang semalam, Mohd Diya Che Jusoh, 46 tahun dipercayai sedang memasang tali di kawasan banjir bagi membantu penduduk kampung keluar dari kediaman masing-masing. Namun mangsa telah tergelincir akibat ditolak arus deras dan terperangkap di longgokan rumput hanyut.

Beliau kemudiannya diselamatkan oleh anggota bomba yang lain serta diberikan bantuan pernafasan di lokasi kejadian sebelum dikejarkan ke Hospital Melaka. Mangsa yang bertugas di Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Melaka Tengah itu terpaksa bergantung kepada alat bantuan pernafasan kerana tidak sedarkan diri.

Pengarah Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) Melaka Abu Bakar Katain bagaimanapun mengesahkan bahawa anggota tersebut telah meninggal dunia pada jam 3.11 pagi ini di Jabatan Kecemasan dan Trauma, Hospital Melaka.

*Kredit foto: Utusan

Kami di Carlist.my ingin mengucapkan takziah kepada keluarga mangsa dan seluruh warga Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat. Jasa, bakti dan pengorbanan anda akan sentiasa disanjung.


Volkswagen Golf R 3-Door Open for Booking in Malaysia – RM268,888, Only 10 Units

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced that a special batch of 3-door Golf R units is now open for booking.
Limited to only 10 units in Malaysia, the 3-door Golf R, which comes only in Lapiz Blue, is priced at RM 268,888, which is RM10,000 cheaper than
the 5-door Golf R
which asks for RM278,888.
Similar to its 5-door sibling, the 3-door Golf R comes with a new 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), producing 290 PS and 380 Nm of torque which is sent to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Key features include:
R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats
19” Pretoria alloy wheels
12.3” Active Info Display
9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control
LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators
Progressive steering
However, there are a few features in the 5-door Golf R, which the 3-door doesn’t get, such as the KESSY keyless locking and engine starting system, exterior mirror memory function, and a power-adjustable driver seat.
“This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare car here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly,“ said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.


Girl Flung Out Of Moving Vehicle On The Duke Expressway And Falls 15 Meters

An 8-year old girl was flung out of a moving Toyota Estima and fell onto a Toyota Alphard that was parked at a used car dealer from a height of 15 meters.

The incident which took place on Saturday at around 5.40pm saw the 8-year old girl flung out of the Toyota Estima driven by her father. The NST reports that he was believed to have lost control of his vehicle, causing it to skid and hit the left side of the road barrier.

The impact from the accident caused his daughter who was sitting in the rear of the vehicle to be flung through the windscreen and over the side barrier, landing 15 meters below on a Toyota Alphard that was parked at a used car dealer.

The girl is reported to have suffered a fracture on her left thigh and was being treated at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

We wish the little girl a speedy recovery.

The video below makes for distressing viewing so please exercise caution.

I won't speculate but I would like to use this platform and opportunity to once again exhort all parents who travel with children in their cars to buckle up! Child seats, booster seats, seat belts are there to make sure both you and your child get to your destination in as safe a manner as possible. If your child doesn't like the child seat or booster seat then explain to them why it is important and if they throw a tantrum and refuse to comply then tell them, unfortunately, we won't be going if you don't cooperate. I know what I'm talking about because I'm a parent to a precocious three-year-old.

So please, please, buckle up!

Video credit to Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

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.

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Kimi Raikkonen Swaps His Job Hat And Becomes A Firefighter For A Day

Kimi Räikkönen switched the roaring engines of a Formula One (F1) car for the blaring sirens of a fire truck with Mohd Uzair bin Abdullah - a veteran with Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department - in a unique Shell V-Power Job Swap ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix which takes place later today.
Through the Shell V-Power Job Swap, Kimi ‘The Ice Man’ Raikkonen had the unique opportunity to become a fireman for a day. Warming up for the race in Sepang, the F1 ace took the wheel of an 18-tonne fire truck at a specially constructed track in Senawang, Malaysia earlier in the week.
Kimi, who normally races at speeds of up to 300km/h, faced a test slightly off his usual track. His Job Swap included manoeuvring the 8.5metre fire truck around a custom-built obstacle course, a target practice with the fire hose, and finishing with placing the fire ladder. Kimi was able to learn about the preparation and skills required by firemen to help them save lives.
With protection at the core of his job, Uzair who has rescued over 100 people and extinguished more than 450 fires, had the opportunity to feel the adrenaline rush of an F1 racer. Kimi took Uzair on a range of test laps and precision driving exercises, before handing over the wheel to Uzair.
Kimi added, “Whilst I never thought our jobs had any similarities, today I have learnt that protection and performance are important in both of our worlds.”


You Can Now Buy Certified Used Cars From Honda Malaysia

You can now buy
certified pre-owned vehicles
 from Honda Malaysia as they have launched their Honda Certified Used Car (HCUC).

Honda Malaysia has introduced their pre-owned HCUC arm, enabling Malaysians to purchase a verified, pre-owned
Honda car
 through an accessible and trustworthy platform.

For now, HCUC cars are available from six dealerships from different regions:

MJN Motors Sdn. Bhd. (Selangor)

Tiong Nam Motor (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Selangor)

Kah Motor Co. Sdn. Bhd. (Penang)

Kah Motor Co. Sdn. Bhd. (Johor)

Yong Ming Motor Sdn. Bhd. (Johor)

Chuan Thye Motor Sdn. Bhd. (Pahang).

Honda Malaysia said they would gradually expand the HCUC business to meet the
growing demand
 for used Hondas.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, "Honda Malaysia is committed to
offering products
 and services of the highest quality and ensuring that all our cars, be it new or pre-owned, provide a feeling of joy to the car owners. As such, we rolled out HCUC as an additional option for customers to own their preferred Honda cars and enjoy being a Honda owner".

Under the HCUC programme, Honda ensures that the cars sold would have gone through a stringent 288-point inspection conducted by Honda Certified Inspectors. It covers
the conditions
 of the engine and transmission, functionality and undercarriage, as well as the exterior and interior condition.

All HCUC cars will have less than 100,000km under their belt and be below five years old. The cars will only be equipped with genuine parts and are free from major accident and flood damage.

Depending on terms and conditions, customers who purchase a vehicle under the HCUC program can obtain a one-year warranty extension over the existing vehicle warranty.

An authorized HCUC dealer will do the vehicle registration process, and buyers of HCUC cars can get their Hondas serviced at Honda's network of service centres nationwide.


Will the Perodua Aruz Still be Relevant Once the Proton X50 and Mitsubishi XPANDER Arrives?

Proton just had a short preview session of the upcoming
X50
 yesterday, where members of the press had an opportunity to finally drive the SUV and get a first-hand feel of its powertrain, the driving dynamics, and everything in between.

Does the Perodua Aruz stay on top?

Looking at all the articles published, the press has nothing but praises for the X50, thanks to things like the Proton-tuned suspension setup that has resulted in a vehicle that is more comfortable than the Geely Binyue it is based on, decent NVH level, a comprehensive list of standard features, as well as a refined cabin.

So, looking at all the hype revolving around the
Proton X50
and the level of interest coming from the members of the public, there is no doubt that the SUV is going to sell extremely well, and even take a chunk off the market share of other segments with a similar price bracket, which got us wondering if the
Perodua Aruz
 will actually be affected by the arrival of the X50?

Will the Aruz still remain relevant once the X50 arrives?

We belives yes, it will. While the Proton X50 is a five-seater SUV, the Perodua Aruz is actually a seven-seater SUV. So, it is safe to say that someone who is looking for an Aruz will probably ignore the X50 because there are two seats short.

Come to think of it, the main reason one would want to get a Perodua Aruz is due to the fact that it has 7-seats, and it is the cheapest 7-seater SUV in the market. It is a value for money proposition.

And then we have the difference in price. While the Perodua Aruz is priced between RM72,900 and RM77,900, the Proton X50 is expected to be priced between RM80,000 and RM110,000, which indicates that the X50 sits one level above the Aruz in terms of pricing.

Now what if we also threw in the soon-to-be launched
2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER
 into the mix? Both the XPANDER and the Aruz are seven-seaters, both will be built locally, if we were to take the specs from the Mitsubishi XPANDER facelift in Indonesia, it will have 539L with the rear seats up and 781L with the third row down whereas the Aruz has 213L with rear seats up and 514L with the third row folded down. With regard to space, the XPANDER wins. Seeing as how the XPANDER will be a CKD we also expect it to be competitively priced to compete against the Honda BR-V and Toyota Avanza. We expect the XPANDER to be within the RM72-RM90k bracket.

So what do you think? Will the Perodua Aruz be able to not only hold its own but also retain its position as one of the best-selling models in Malaysia due to its affordability, and what it has to offer for its price, or will the pretender to the crown, the Mitsubishi XPANDER steal its thunder?

Which one would you opt for?


MAI: 52% Of New Models Are EEV In 2017

52% of the new models introduced in Malaysia last year are certified as Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), surpassing Malaysia Automotive Institute’s (MAI) internal target of 50%.
This is nearly a ten percent increase versus 2016.  According to the Institute, there are 19 OEMs offering EEVs to the Malaysian market.
This information was shared during a media briefing held by MAI on the topic of Automotive Outlook 2018. By 2025, Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) expects all new models to be only energy efficient vehicles (EEV).
Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said “This continuous growth is a signal of growing awareness for EEVs within the Malaysian automotive sphere. The acceptance and awareness of energy efficiency is not a function for a single ministry, but signals the support and participation of all government institutions, automotive OEMs and vendors, as well as the public at large.”
MAI, however, have a lower outlook to the 2018 industry volume, citing a range of 586,000 to 591,000 units of new vehicle sales. This is just about 10,000 units lower than business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan who forecasted 601,000 units.
The briefing which covers mainly the trade and industrial performance of the implementation of NAP 2014 also reported key data in manufacturing, investments and job creation in the automotive industry.
Exports of remanufactured parts and components recorded an increase to RM516.4 million as at November 2017, surpassing the RM510 million achieved in December 2016.
Meanwhile, exports of automotive parts and components (steering columns, bumpers, brakes, weather strip, tyres, seats, cluster panel etc.) are also expected to increase.
2016 - RM11.2 billion
2017 - expecting to surpass RM12 billion (October 2017: RM9.3 billion)
2018 target – RM 12.5 billion
Since the NAP2014 was announced, 27,125 new jobs were created as at December 2017, which marks nearly a five percent increase compared to 2016. MAI also indicated that 23,444 foreign workers were replaced. A target of 29,641 new jobs have been set for 2018.
As for the participation of Bumiputeras in the after sales sector, 976 workshops underwent business transformation programmes towards higher competitiveness levels.
Dato’ Sri Mustapa further added, “The growth of the automotive industry has created new career opportunities for Malaysians. Certified human capital programmes have been developed by the MAI since 2014, not only to allow faster penetration of skills into the industry, but at the same time address the pertinent issue of foreign worker replacement among industry players.”
The NAP, first implemented in 2014, is expected to be reviewed and announced in the middle of 2018, with the Minister speaking on the government’s attention to trend developments beyond EEV, such as intelligent mobility, transport systems, vehicle security and green cars technology.


The All-New Nissan X-Trail Is Stunning, Inside And Outside

It may have taken a while, but the all-new Nissan X-Trail has been unveiled in the USA – and we get into what we like about it.

After what seems like forever, Nissan has finally unveiled the next generation of its mid-sized SUV, the X-Trail. It’s premiered for the US market first under the Rogue badge, but for all intents and purposes the model is going to be similar to what we will see in the ASEAN region and the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, the changes haven’t been to the mechanicals. It looks like the old 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated powertrain is going to make a return, and the US market will see performance bumped marginally to 181 hp and 245 Nm of torque. For a workhorse it isn’t the worst choice of engine, but it can seem a little tired compared to the downsized turbocharged offerings from other brands.

The platform looks like it’s probably a rehashed version of the one that underpins the X-Trail we know, which is surprising considering how vastly different this new model looks compared to the outgoing one. This probably means that we will see both five and seven seater variants of the model, which offers some flexibility depending on whether you need the capacity for people or for luggage.

What’s really going to blow your mind is how amazing this new interior looks – and it’s a far cry from the plastic or dark tones we’re used to seeing. It’s starting to look truly upmarket, maybe even taking a leaf out of Mazda’s books when it comes to designing interiors you just won’t get tired of. The overall layout is fairly straightforward with what looks like a monostatic shifter and a centrally mounted entertainment head unit.

For the US market, the X-Trail will be offered with a sole CVT-type automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels. Other trim options will determine things like whether it comes with a wireless CarPlay and cellphone charging, as well as three zone climate control, and ProPilot Assist as an active safety system.

What looks like will be standard across the range are the variety of screens available to the driver, with the exception of the heads-up display that’s a whopping 10.8-inches large. In front of the driver is either a 7-inch or 12.3-inch instrument display, and in the center is either an 8-inch or 9-inch touch screen infotainment system.

On the whole, this is one model we’re looking forward to besides the all-new Almera that should be quite the stunner as well. Nissan has been in a little bit of a model slump over the last few years, but with such a radical change in design and branding it may just be able to pull them out of all the trouble that they’ve faced lately both internally and externally.


Honda 3S Centre Opens In Cheras – 96 Centres Nationwide Now

Honda Malaysia, together with authorised dealer MJN Motors have opened the doors to its latest 3S Centre, located in Cheras Kuala Lumpur, to better serve its growing customer base. The new outlet will offer improved convenience and access for customers within KL city, in particular, Cheras, Kajang, and Seri Kembangan.
MJN Motors invested a total of RM6 million into the 11,000-square foot building that offers the latest facilities and equipment in compliance with Honda standards. The new Honda 3S Centre has a total of 12 bays, comprising 7 service bays, 3 general repair bays, and 2 tyre service bays that can accommodate up to 30 cars per day.
For customers’ convenience, they are offering a variety of amenities including a customer lounge, an executive lounge, a kid’s corner, a café counter, and a
surau
. MJN also offers additional services such as road tax renewal, insurance coverage, and a courtesy car if required.
Inclusive of the Cheras 3S centre, there are 96 Honda dealerships and 20 Body and Paint centres nationwide, of which, 37 dealerships are based in the central region.
To make an appointment or to find out more about the services and facilities, customers can contact MJN Motors at 03-9081 6088 (Sales and Service), or visit them at Lot 58274, Jalan Sayang 1, Taman Rasa Sayang, 43200, Cheras, Selangor.


Renault Reveals Alpine Vision, Announces the Return of Alpine in 2017

One of the industry’s longest running rumours has to be the return of Alpine, rumours to which
Renault
 has put to rest with the unveiling of the Alpine Vision show car in Monte Carlo. Inspired by the Alpine A110 Berlinette, the Alpine Vision is a closer-to-production version of the
Alpine Celebration concept
 they unveiled at last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race as a tribute to the brand’s 60
th
 anniversary.
Renault says that the first production model from Alpine will be reavealed later this year and will go on sale in 2017 in Europe. They also confirmed that the production model will be stepping into the sport premium cars segment, and it will be based heavily on the Alpine Vision.
Aside from that, nothing further has been revealed about the Alpine Vision internals aside from the fact that it is powered by a Renault Sport built 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, and is able to go from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. That being said, Renault didn't divulge if the car will adopt the A110 Berlinette's rear engine placement, though based on the Alpine Celebration concept, it would most likely sport a mid-engine layout.
According to Renault, Alpine will be managed by a small team of ‘passionate experts’ from within Renault, with Michael van der Sande as its managing director, Antony Villain as its design head, and will draw on the resources from its parent brand and Renault Sport.
For years Renault had been mulling the return of the Alpine brand which it had acquired in 1973. While Renault did produce a concept car and operated an LMP2 racing team under the Alpine banner, there has been few major developments with the brand since. With the Alpine Vision however, the return of the famous French brand looks tantalisingly close.


2018 Ford Focus RS Signs Off With A Limited Edition

Come 2018, Ford will be pulling the plug on the current generation Focus RS. To commemorate the Focus RS, Ford has unveiled a special Focus RS Limited Edition with some extra hardware and new visuals.
First up is the new shade of colour, dubbed Race Red. This new colour will join Nitrous Blue as colour options for the Focus RS. That aside, the Focus RS Limited Edition receives black side mirrors, black roof and a black rear spoiler. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels are also finished in black. RS emblems can be found on the rear spoiler as well.
Visual updates aside, the new Focus RS Limited Edition also receives a new mechanical update, in the form of a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential for the front wheels. According to Ford, the limited-slip differential grants the Focus RS improved cornering abilities on top of allowing it to accelerate out of corners without breaking traction.
Elsewhere, Ford has mentioned that the optional RS2 package is now standard on the Focus RS Limited Edition, which adds heated Recaro bucket seats, heated steering wheel, heated mirrors and voice-activated navigation. Carbon fibre trim on the handbrake, door handles and auxilary gauge cluster is also new.
A total of 1,500 units of the Ford Focus RS Limited Edition will find its way to North America. Out of the 1,500 units, 500 units are allocated for Canada and 1,000 units for the United States.


Volkswagen Group To Make English Its Official Language

The Volkswagen Group will be switching its official language from German to English in an effort to foster internationality, diversity and a change of perspective.
The move is part of Group’s Human Resources department’s plans to realign the development of its management as it aims to develop managers with a broader experience profile. Greater priority will be given to foreign assignments and knowledge gained in different business areas and brands.
"Digitalization, connectivity and e-mobility will fundamentally change our industry. This is why we are realigning our management culture in good time," said Dr. Karlheinz Blessing, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Human Resources. "Diversity and international experience will be more important for management than ever before. We will promote a culture of discussion and decision-making, accept that errors are made, support self-correction, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and action, encourage agility and reinforce overarching cooperation throughout the Group."
"In future, English is to be the Group language," Blessing added. This will improve access to the top management level for international top performers and cooperation among top managers. As a globally positioned Group, we need the best people in the world." In addition, international assignments and experience in different markets and business areas will be taken into consideration in future appointments. In a transitional phase up to the end of 2021, the criteria will be taken as guidelines, after which they will become binding.
Blessing emphasized: "We want managers to cooperate in the overall interests of the Group and leverage the potential available within this great company with comprehensive knowledge and a concerted effort."
The latest move by the Volkswagen Group mirrors recent decisions made by
Mitsubishi Motors
 and
Honda
, as well as Renault and Nissan, which have all dropped their local languages in favour of English. The BMW Group have also made great strides in fostering diversity, and its CEO Harald Krueger often delivers his speeches in English during events outside of Europe.


Grab Cancellations Can Cost You Between RM 3 And RM 5

If you have a habit of cancelling on your Grab drivers, it's time to stop. Yes, we know it can be a little frustrating when a driver's quite a ways away or manages to miss your turnoff entirely on the way to your pickup spot, but Grab is giving you a five minute window to cancel a ride, starting from when you are matched with a driver. If you choose to cancel a ride after this five minute grace period, you can be charged between RM 3 and RM 5 depending on which Grab service you booked.
In addition to this, if you're late to your ride, drivers have the option to cancel your trip as well. This threshold is three minutes for GrabShare rides, and five minutes for the regular Grab services. The cancellation fees are the same RM 3 to RM 5, as shown by the table above.
Not all is lost, however. If it's been over 10 minutes from your driver's initial ETA and he or she still hasn't turned up, there is a waiver for the cancellation fees. For those who are paying in cash, the cancellation fees are added to the next Grab ride, while those who use Grab credits will automatically have the cancellation fee deducted.
Grab expects this new fee system to affect less than 1% of customers as rarely do they have customers cancelling after a trip has been booked. In addition to this, 100% of the money from the cancellation will go to the driver, to compensate them for their movement and time.


2015 Ford Ranger Review – More than the average Tough Guy

It's exhilarating to know how times have changed; Women have the freedom to go to work and pickup-trucks are no longer limited to being bought by those working in the construction industry. What a time to be alive. While some may be championing equal rights, I on the other hand am having the time of my life driving around the 2015 Ford Ranger pick-up truck and terrorizing puny cars while making my way from Citta Mall, Petaling Jaya to Tadom Hill Resorts in Banting.
The scenario played out superbly well, but it was all in my imagination. In reality my experience of the Ford’s new Ranger was done in a civilised convoy comprising of the XLT and Wildtrak models, as we pitched it along an organised route to test its on- and off-road abilities. It is no surprise that the pick-up truck segment has long been a competitive market within the Malaysian industry as they are offered by various manufacturers at various price points. The Ford Ranger is contending strongly against a number of popular 4x4 which includes the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Chevrolet Colorado, Mazda BT-50, and the Isuzu D-Max.
Confident with its own legacy, the new facelift Ranger didn’t only offer the customary rough and tough features that was usually expected of pick-up trucks, but incorporated numerous car elements in its latest model to target urban owners. Its gamble has indeed paid off as the Ford Ranger was recently awarded as the Best Pick-Truck for the Malaysian category for the 2015 ASEAN Car of the Year Awards.
Ford Ranger 2.2L XLT Auto Specifications:
Price: from 108,788.00
Engine: 2.2-litre, inline-4, turbocharged, diesel
Power: 160PS @ 3,200rpm
Torque: 385Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Sportmode & Electronic-shift-on-the-fly (ESOF)
Ford Ranger 3.2L Wildtrak Specifications:
Priced: from 132,188.00
Engine: 3.2-litre, inline-5, turbocharged, diesel
Power: 200PS @ 3,000rpm
Torque: 470Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Sportmode & Electronic-shift-on-the-fly (ESOF)
Exterior
Launching its face-lifted range back in October, the new line of Rangers packs quite a number of updates from its predecessor. During the one day drive organised by Ford's local distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, onlookers at sight certainly noticed the new Wildtrak's extremely proud Pride Orange, which stood out from the sea of cars on the road. Another colour choice for the Wildtrak is Cool White, which is suitable for those who aim for a subtle look, or possibly for Stormtrooper fanboys (deep down, we all know what it looks like). Meanwhile, the XLT variant offers a wider colour choice which includes the orange, Aurora Blue, Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica, Metropolitan Grey, and white.
Colour schemes aside, both the XLT and Wildtrak model can be spotted with an obvious improved front trapezoidal centre grille along with a bulging muscular hood and a set of gleaming halogen project headlamps, which gives it a resilient yet modern appearance is actually pretty good to look at.
Going to its rear, the Ranger offers a great addition of cargo light which should be a must for all pick-ups as it would definitely come in handy during wild adventures.
Interior
Besides its renewed exterior, the Ranger's interior is anything but boring. Featuring a fresh new look for the dashboard, the beautiful stitchings and leather work all around the Wildtrak range gives it a very exquisite premium look. Apart from its unparalleled style and comfort amongst its kind, the Wildtrak variant is also furnished with numerous gadgets and gizmos. A brand which priorities in safety, the Wildtrak is equipped with an 8-inch colour touchscreen SYNC 2 connectivity system, a hands-free technology for the driver to operate entertainment, phone and climate control with a simple voice command.

Meanwhile, the XLT might not have all the fancy traits of the Wildtrak but you can still expect quite a number of features to be fitted onboard, including its quality interior. Clean trimmed fabric and ergonomic hand rest for the rear seats that doubles as a cup holder, pushes the XLT Ranger apart from the traditional pure utilitarian pick-up truck offerings. Other than that, the Remote Keyless Entry and the 4.2-inch display SYNC connectivity system is a nice touch to have as well on the XLT.

How Does it Drive?
Urban buyers are purchasing pick-up trucks as their daily drive vehicle and Ford made a great move by integrating car-like features within its new Rangers to open up a new segment of lifestyle pick-up trucks. Car owners would instantly be familiar with its functions and driving the new Ranger would make them feel like they are driving their own car.
It was a fairly decent drive on the highway after our departure from Citta Mall. Cruising at an average speed and later spirited drive, the Ranger was comfortable. Rolling over the city potholes like a boss certainly makes it apparent that a 4x4 might be just what we need to survive our Malaysian "rough" road terrain.
All was fun in the Ranger until the Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Keeping Alert kicked in. The function act as a warning to the driver that the vehicle is swaying out of line and gently steer it back on track. The new feature is part of its driver assist technology, a great attribute to the Ford Ranger if you mostly travel in straight distance, however it can an inconvenience when comes to shifting lanes. The feature takes a little bit of getting used to and can be uncanny for those who are not familiar with it.
Once we got to Tadom Hill, we were all given a safety briefing after lunch to explain the course where we would explore the Ranger's capabilities in conquering the rough terrains. A driving route was specially constructed for us to experience a number of off-road activities to exhibit the new pick-up truck's potential.
The first challenge of the course was water-wading. The Ford team wasted no time in getting us down and dirty by demonstrating the Ranger's ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance. A good bonus for our constant city flash flooded road terrain. Additionally, the Ranger's seating position was high enough that gives drivers a clear view of what they are driving over.
After that we were off to another obstacle to test its Hill Launch Assist feature. As we all know, the pick-up isn't exactly a lightweight day-to-day car, so eventually going up a 50-degree hill might be a little nerve-racking but Ford proof that high slope terrain is not an issue for its Rangers. Going up the steep terrain was a breeze with its Hill Launch Assist function. The Hill Launch Assist holds the Ranger in place up to three seconds when the driver removes their foot from the brake.
What goes up must come down, so the next challenge is to try out the Hill Descent Control. For those who have been off-roads, might have had nightmares of vehicles rolling down a steep hill. Well the team at Ford had enhanced their new Rangers with a Hill Descent Control where it uses the 4x4's anti-lock brakes to give the driver control while descending a hill. By hitting the button, the speed of the Ranger is set automatically to allow the pick-up to slowly decline without slipping down so the driver can have full control of the Ranger and braking wasn't required when going downhill.
Conclusion
Let's be honest, if you are seeking for a pick-up truck the Ranger is not the most affordable in the list, but if you have money to spare and is looking for something which can provide you the comfort of a car for your everyday drive and still manages to take on the ruggedness of the off-road terrain – if a zombie apocalypse (ever) do happen – then the Ranger might do the trick.
Packed with a wide selection of features and safety technology, the Ranger is certainly a great contender in the pick-up truck segment. Buyers of the new Ranger just need to keep in mind that you are getting plenty for its asking price. With the facelifted Ranger, Ford has indeed stepped up its game to compete against other notable 4x4 workhorse brands, so perhaps this can be the catalyst for other pick-up trucks to follow?


The Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios for us) is about to be electrified this year to help bump up its power

Toyota will apparently unveil a hybrid Vios in Q3 to give the vehicle more power and give the Honda City Hybrid some competition.

Since its arrival in 2017, the Honda City Hybrid has pretty much had the market to itself, as there are no cars or competition like it.

Yes, its archnemesis the Toyota Vios has always been there, but never before had Toyota introduced a hybrid variant to give the Honda City hybrid some much-needed competition.

Well, if we were to believe Thai scoop specialist, Headlightmag, the City Hybrid would soon no longer be alone, as the Toyota Vios Hybrid will be launched this year, giving the Honda City Hybrid its long-awaited sparing partner.

According to the Thai website,Toyota Thailand is set to launch another new variant of the Toyota Ativ (which is their version of the Vios) that uses hybrid technology. The current Toyota Ativ model is in the Low-Cost Green Car category, using a 1.2-litre engine paired to a CVT.

Since its launch in 2022,
the Toyota Ativ has been one of the hottest-selling cars
 in the Thai market, but despite this, there have been some complaints about the car, in particular when it comes to its engine performance as the 1.2-litre engine only generates 91 horsepower and 109Nm of torque.

To overcome this problem, Toyota Motor Thailand will reportedly launch the Yaris Ativ Hybrid in the 3rd quarter of 2023. This car will apparently use the same e-Smart Hybrid system as used by the Perodua Ativa Hybrid, where the 1.2-litre WA-VEX engine operates as a battery charger.

However, Headlightmag seems to suggest that the Yaris Ativ will be equipped with a larger 1.5-litre powerplant, which should come with improved performance.

There's still no indication of how much horsepower and torque the electric motor would produce and this mystery extends to battery size.

In terms of appearance, it is likely that the Toyota Yaris Ativ will maintain the same design as the regular car, but in typical Toyota fashion, it'll probably be equipped with blue Toyota logos and accents, just like most of its hybrid vehicles.


RON97 Fuel Price Update: 9 to 15 August – 3 Sen Decrease

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced the price of RON 97 fuel for the next seven days.
The premium grade fuel sees a decrease in price in this pricing adjustment, to the tune of 3 sen per litre starting tomorrow.
That being said, the prices for petrol and diesel from 9
th
 to 15
th
 August are as listed below:
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.61
 per litre (down 3 sen from RM2.64)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


What Protection Does Special Perils Insurance Give You?

With the weather becoming more and more unpredictable, it's best to give yourself and your vehicle a bit more protection. Luckily, insurers have this thing called special perils, which can help with unfortunate vehicle mishaps.

Every vehicle is
covered by an insurance policy
 to protect its drivers and owners from financial loss or damage in the event of a vehicle mishap.

Even though a Comprehensive Insurance Policy (first party) offers arguably the
widest coverage
 among other plans, there is still room for more protection, which explains why there are still other optional benefits.

While it's common for most vehicle owners to add on
optional coverage
 such as windscreen protection, many still do not take the opportunity to add on special perils, which to us is perhaps the more essential extra coverage.

But what is special perils, and what protection does it provide?

Special perils is a vehicle insurance add-on that covers your car against loss or damage caused by natural disasters. Depending on the perils covered by your insurer, they usually protect you against typhoons, storms, landslides, and most important of all, floods.

This additional coverage will compensate you in the event of car loss or damage due to any natural disaster.

Do you need special perils coverage?

Many say that you should definitely get special perils coverage if you live in a flood-prone area where flooding occurs.

While this is true, the Klang Valley in recent times has shown that flooding can easily occur anywhere at any time, which is why you should get the extra coverage anyway, despite not living in flood-prone areas.
Water damage in cars is not cheap
 to fix and can sometimes cost more than the car itself if the car is fully submerged.

The hard-hitting weather in recent times has also caused things
such as landslides
 and falling trees to hit parked cars. If you don't have special perils protecting your car, you're on your own in trying to get your car rescued or fixed. Special perils lend you a helping hand where you are not burdened by all the cost of fixing it.

How much do special perils cost?

The cost of special perils coverage varies according to insurance providers, but generally, it will set you back 0.5% of your vehicle's total value, which is not a lot to pay for added safety. As an example, if your vehicle is worth RM60k, the special perils add-on will only cost you RM300. Some even go as low as 0.2%, so it really does depend on your insurance provider.

How to add on special perils?

You may add on special perils to your coverage anytime you want. All you need to do is call your insurance provider and request the add-on, and we're pretty sure they'll be accommodating.

It's best to add on special perils
when you renew your annual vehicle insurance
 coverage, as some insurance providers will request a vehicle inspection if you try to add it on in the middle of your current insurance policy.

The reason for this is to verify that your vehicle is not already damaged, as some will try to cheat the system by adding on special perils only after getting caught out by water or natural disaster damage.

Are special perils worth it?

Yes, we talked extensively about how special perils can help insure you against floods, but it covers you from many more unexpected damages due to natural disasters, which is why it's just best to have it on your insurance policy.

As they say, disasters aren't natural, and neither is climate change. Since we're definitely going through climate change which will cause more natural disasters, so why leave your vehicle unprotected?

At the end of the day, you'll just end up paying heartbreaking amounts of money to get your car fixed when in the first place, it could have only cost 0.5% of your car's value.


Did 9 Times World Champion Rossi Really Kicked Marquez Off Sepang Moto GP?

Over the weekend at Sepang, Moto GP fans witnessed what could've been some of the best racing scenes ever when Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi had multiple scuffles on track.
However, it ended with Marquez falling off his bike, whereas Rossi got penalised heavily.
From official videos by Moto GP, it may look like nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi was the aggresor in 'kicking' Marc Marquez resulting in his crash:
However, it's soon became rather clear, from on-screen videos fans put online, showing Marc Marquez seemingly adamant at putting Rossi off the track in upwards of 10 times, which completely spoils what could've been proper, gentlemen-like racing.

Who do you think is at fault here? From what we see, it seems as though Marc Marquez is doing something like this:


Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Open For Bookings In The Philippines; Deliveries Sept 2017

Having made its
regional debut in Manila
 earlier this year, the all-new Honda Civic Type R (FK8) is open for bookings in the Philippines effective 11 July 2017 with deliveries set to commence in September.
Based upon the current-generation Civic Hatchback, the all-new FK8 Type R is exclusively built in Swindon, UK, and is the first model in the lineage to built for a global audience – cars from the plant will be shipped across Europe, to the US, and even back to Honda’s domestic market in Japan.
Powering the Type R is Honda’s 2.0-litre K20C VTEC Turbo engine carried over from the previous-generation FK2 Type R. Power is detuned slightly from 320PS available in European markets to 310PS @ 6,500rpm, whilst maximum torque of 400Nm is sustained from 2,500 to 4,500rpm.
A six-speed manual couples the engine exclusive to the front wheels, and Honda has beefed the forward axle with upgrades such as a helical LSD and separation of the steering knuckle from the strut, the latter being a particularly important design to minimize torque steer. Adaptive dampers all-round are standard.
The Civic Type R, if anyone needs reminding, is currently the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle to have lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a time of
7 minutes 43.8 seconds
.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) will be bringing 100 units of the Civic Type R to the Philippines at a suggested retail price of PHP 2.98 million, converting to RM252k at the present exchange rate.
Whilst six colours in total are offered globally, HCPI has chosen to spec all Philippines-bound FK8s in either Championship White or Rallye Red colours.


VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Successor Teased

We said
goodbye to the Bugatti Veyron
 earlier this year which marked the end of a ten-year production where 450 examples of the hypercar was made. Now, the company has teased the arrival of the
replacement for the fastest car in the world
 with this video, although there isn’t much to go on here.
All we get to see here is a road, accompanied by a series of words:
"A new chapter begins, join us.
In the endless hunt for speed the horizon beckons...
I go beyond reality.
Pushed forward by pure instinct every inch of the race sets me free.
I chase the day, the night, the new dawn
Imagine the impossible.”
The ending bit though gets a little more interesting with the hashtag #imaginEBugatti being shown accompanied by encouraging sounds of an engine so we know it’ll be an absolute beast when it makes its debut.
The ‘EB’ in that hashtag is also deliberately bolded, another indicator that Bugatti is indeed talking about the Veyron successor. The full name of the hypercar when launched was ‘Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4’ and even its predecessor, the Bugatti EB110, has the ‘EB’ in its name as well.
The acronym 'EB' of course reffering to its founder, Ettore Bugatti.
Now the only thing left to guess is its name. ‘Chiron’ seems to be the one that pops up the most but until Bugatti reveals it, we’re left guessing. What do you think it’ll be called?


2017 Honda BR-V Is Now Open For Booking

Honda Malaysia has announced that it has begun taking orders for full 7-Seater crossover, the all-new Honda BR-V at all 88 Honda authorised dealers nationwide.
BR-V, which stands for Bold Runabout-Vehicle was specially developed for the ASEAN region and has been well accepted in other markets such as Indonesia, Thailand, India and the Philippines.
The all-new BR-V promises the space of a full-sized MPV with the styling of an SUV and is aimed at young and growing families with active lifestyles.
The BR-V is powered by Honda’s 1.5L i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, similar to that of the Jazz and City models, with an output of 120PS and 145Nm of torque. Likewise, the engine is mated to a torque-converter Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.
The Honda BR-V also boasts the highest ground clearance in the segment at 201mm, giving the vehicle an elevated and trendy exterior. The Malaysia market BR-V will be offered with Daytime Running Light (DRL), 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels and reverse camera and sensors.
For those who require cargo space would be happy to know that the BR-V allows for 223 litres of boot space with all seats up and 539 litres when the third-row seats are folded. In addition, several seating configurations are possible; the 60:40 second-row seats adjusts a ‘One Touch Tilt & Tumble’ function while the third-row 50:50 seats come with a Full Tumble configuration.
The Full 7-Seater Crossover is expected to be officially launched in Malaysia in Q1 2017, prices have yet to be announced but will be competitive against the
Toyota Avanza
 and
Nissan Grand Livina
 MPVs.


More Than Just A Service Centre - First VW Technical Centre Opens

Since November last year, Volkswagen Group Malaysia have been embarking on several initiatives to improve its customer satisfaction - starting with the Volkswagen Experts Programme, expansion of its 3S centre network, increased operating hours of selected service centres, and expanded availability of the courtesy car service.
Recognising the gaps in the company's existing dealer network's service capacity, Volkswagen has now opened its first Technical Service Centre in Malaysia.
Despite the nondescript name, Volkswagen's Technical Service Centre is more than just a regular service centre: the facility, first of several more to come, serves as a specialist centre to diagnose and repair Volkswagen vehicles, and is properly equipped to deal with a wide range of issues quickly. The centre works within a 24-hour turnaround time for most of the vehicles under its care.
Currently, the sole Technical Service Centre is located in Cergaz Autohaus in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. We understand that at least two more of such facilities are being planned.
The facility in Cergaz Autohaus features 10 work bays with additional space for 20 vehicles, 17 full-time staff, with mechanics supervised by several Volkswagen-certified Master Engineers.
In total, the Technical Service Centre has an estimated service capacity of 7,000 vehicles a year. The centre also incorporates a 24/7 towing service in case of vehicle breakdown.
At a media event yesterday, Volkswagen Group Malaysia's Managing Director Mr. Armin Keller said:
"Nationwide, the overall capacity at Volkswagen service centres has also received a boost, with the creation of an additional 44 work bays across the country. A total of 97 Technicians have been trained since December 2014, and a further 78 service staff have been hired. Together, these enhancements have led to a significant reduction in waiting times for service appointments, from 10 days down to an average of only two days."