The Boring Company’s Loop Brings Tamiya RC Tech To Life

According to Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and the Boring Company, it’ll be like teleporting through a city, with fully-electric cars whizzing about at up to 240 km/h between 20 and 40 feet under city streets, transporting between 16,000 to 100,000 passengers per hour, promising to make traffic jams a thing of the past.
But whilst we can ignore, for now, the herculean task of creating a system that is safe, cost-effective, and quick enough for the densely populated cities of tomorrow, one thing is for sure, the Boring Company’s underground tunnel loop is Tamiya Mini-RC technology scaled up to life size.
Courtesy of two horizontal wheels fitted like outriggers to a Tesla Model X – just like Tamiya cars – the vehicle is allowed to travel along a guided track within the tunnel on its own power. While speeds were far off the claimed 150 mph (241 km/h) limit during the demonstration, the Tesla Model X reportedly reached speeds of up to 50 mph, around 80 km/h.
The approximately 1.8 km long tunnel was constructed nearby the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California, and was built at a cost of USD10 million. The Tesla Model X demonstration unit is lowered from ground level to the tunnel, 45 feet below ground level, using a lift system.
The tunnel’s concrete walls are painted in white, with overhead fluorescent lighting was constructed using readily available tunneling machinery, which took roughly a year.
Much of the project’s viability (or vision at this point) revolves around speeding up the boring process while cutting down the relevant costs, to which
Wired reports
 that the Boring Company also plans to introduce modified tunnel boring machines to address these challenges.
The Boring Company is planning two other tunnels in the near future: a small system from an LA Metro Station to Dodger Stadium and another between Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Elon Musk also told reporters that he envisions a completed network of tunnels commisioned in time for when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympic Games.


A Handy Guide To Tinting Your Vehicle

For most of us, installing a sharp looking tint package is possibly the first thing we do after buying a new car, but it’s also the first mistake many car owners make.

This is because, for most consumers, it's easy to get muddled up with the technicalities of window tinting films. Think about it: even changing your tyres can be easier.

Jargons such as film thickness, Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and UV protection are commonly thrown around, not to mention the plethora of brands promising the same thing but with a huge variation in prices. It can be a bit unnerving (picking the right tint package) even for someone with a reasonably good understanding of cars.

Regardless of whether you own a family hatchback or an executive vehicle, it's important to understand these simple tips the next time you are looking at tinting your car.

How dark is too dark?

Darker tints means cooler cabin: this is a common misconception peddled by shady tint installers to try and make a quick buck. Darker coloured tints don't necessarily offer better heat and UV rejection. The effectiveness of any tint is dependent on the properties and construction of the film layer(s) and not the colour of the tint itself. In some cases, a darker tint will even attract more heat – compounding the problem.

Heat rejection properties are more than important the physical appearance of the tint.

Drivers also need to strike a good balance between outward visibility and darkness of the tint. A darker tint might appear fine in the day, but not at night. Dark tints can make even simple act of parking in the rain at night unnecessarily difficult, because even reverse cameras won't be of much help in the rain.

As a general rule of thumb, tints for the front windows and windscreen should have a VLT of no less than 50%, while the ones for the rear should not go below 30%.

Understanding security tints

You might have seen promotional videos of security tints that can secure a window when repeatedly smashed with a baseball bat. Such tints don't exist. What was done was that the installer had layered multiple layers of films onto the window. This is not feasible for your car as doing so will distort the outward view and the increased thickness adds stress to the car's power window regulator. In other words, it is not possible for the security film installed on your car to perform like the demonstration you saw.

Security films merely make it harder to break the glass but it doesn't make it unbreakable. The only unbreakable windows are bulletproof ones used by armoured vehicles, and those windows can't be wound down.

Different tints for different needs

Not all car windows are the same, thus there can be no solution for every car. For instance, the windscreen of a Toyota Vios and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will have widely varying features in terms of construction, thickness, factory coating, and acoustic properties.

Contrary to what many tint shop dealers are promoting, there is no perfect tint. Different films have different properties, each with their own pros and cons - hence why premium tinting films come in so many varieties. A good window tinting service provider will first seek to understand your needs and the type of vehicle you are using, rather than pushing the same tinting product for every customer.

Warranty and quality

Know where does the tinting/security film that you are purchasing comes from? Just because the film says Brand X, it doesn't mean that it is manufactured and guaranteed by Brand X. Many tinting film brands are merely just that - a generic OEM brand stamped on a generic film purchased from a generic supplier.

While OEM products are common on all consumer products today, tints manufactured in-house typically have a higher quality. Of course, these higher quality films cost more. Enquire also about the terms and conditions of the warranty, not just the period of coverage.

Brands that have been present in Malaysia for more than 10 years are usually a safe choice, as their products would have been proven to work well enough in our hot and humid climate.

Ready to take the next step? Click
here
 to enjoy a 15% discount on USA-made LLumar tinting films. Better still, head to your
nearest LLumar Premium Store/Concept Store
 to get some advice on which type of tint suits your needs best.

This post is sponsored by TintAuto, the official distributor of LLumar films in Malaysia.

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

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

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


MRT Malaysia Responds To Concerns At TTDI: “It’s Not A Crack”

A new image of what appears to be a large crack on an MRT line development has been circulating on social media today, with Malaysians sharing the post in some worry.
In case you missed it, MRT Malaysia had
responded to the news late last night
, clarifying that it isn’t a crack at all: merely a seam in the netting used as a precautionary measure for the on-going work there.
Drivers in the area may have noticed it themselves as well: if you’re on the LDP near 1 Utama, headed towards Kelana Jaya away from Kepong, look up at the MRT line. You can’t miss the green netting.
We happen to be there ourselves, and snapped a few pictures of it. Clearly, anyone in the area ought to find it easy to spot that it’s just a seam: a sewn section of the two nets that were joined together.
In MRT Malaysia’s statement, MRT Corp Director for Strategic Communications and Public Relations, Encik Mahmood Abdul Razak, said,
“The thick jagged line is actually the joining of two pieces of netting which were sewn together. It is not a crack on the concrete of the guideway which is being alleged in discussions in social media. I urge the public not to believe unsubstantiated claims being spread via social media on this matter.”
Here's our own snapped image, to possibly give you a better view of the netting:


RFID Public Pilot Programme On Northern Closed Toll System To Commence From 22 July 2020

RFID set to hit northern state CLOSED TOLL SYSTEM thanks to PLUS's public pilot programme.

The RFID system is one of the most convenient ways to go through toll booths, but it's just unfortunate that we have to still keep our Touch 'n Go cards close by as most areas are still without it.

To help with this problem, PLUS are trying their hardest to implement its RFID system into their own network of roads and highways and the latest news to come out of Malaysia's biggest highway concessionaire is that they will initiate the first public pilot of its RFID system for their closed toll system from 22 July onwards.

PLUS was supposed to implement this RFID payment system by 1 April, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation was delayed.

The test pilot programme will first be implemented at nine toll booths up in the Northern states of Kedah and Pulau Pinang, which inclue Sungai Dua, Bertam, Sungai Petani Selatan, Sungai Petani Utara, Gurun, Pendang, Alor Setar Selatan, Alor Setar Utara and Hutan Kampung.

“Our northern highway customers will very soon be able to enjoy convenient, swift and safe RFID experience. Aligned to the Government’s directive to move towards Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll highway, the introduction of RFID on our closed toll system is a next step to make this goal a reality. The RFID technology allows for faster throughput thus reducing congestion at the toll lanes, which is the primary objective for PLUS adopting it,” affirms Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.

To sweeten the public pilot programme, PLUS currently offers complimentary RFID tags, on a first come first serve basis at selected Fitment Centres in Penang and Kedah.

To redeem these complimentary RFID tags, customers would be required to register as a PLUSMiles member and log in to
https://jomrfid.plusmiles.com.my
  and receive a voucher code for redemption, while stocks last. After the full redemption of 1,500 complimentary RFID tags, 500 PLUSMiles reward points for 15,000 users are up for grabs when a customer purchases an RFID tag at RM35 each at the selected Fitment Centres.

The full list of RFID Fitment Centres available is provided at
https://mx.touchngo.com.my/fitment-centres
.


Perodua Releases New Prices With Zero-Rated GST

Malaysia’s automotive market share leader, Perodua, has released new prices for all its models following the implementation of zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 1st of June 2018.
“From 1 June, Perodua vehicles are, on average, priced 5.6% lower than before,” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director YBhg Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
“As the government has announced that the Sales and Services Tax (SST) will return in September, we encourage all Malaysians to capitalise on this three-month tax holiday. There has never been a better time to buy a Perodua,” he added.
With this, Perodua’s GST reimbursements for purchase, service and parts between 18th and 31st May come to a close, as customers pay zero GST from 1st of June.
“We thank all Malaysians for their enduring support and wish all Muslims a blessed Ramadan and
Selamat Hari Raya
 in advance!” said Dato’ Dr Zahari.
During this festive season, Perodua is offering rebates of up to RM800 for selected models.


Volvo Launches Brand M, M For Mobility

Volvo Cars yesterday launched their new all-inclusive mobility business arm, aptly called ’M'.  The new brand will expand the company’s global mobility operations by providing dependable, on-demand access to cars and services through an intuitive app.
“Volvo Cars is becoming more than just a car company. We recognise that urban consumers are
rethinking traditional car ownership
. M is part of our answer. We are evolving to become a direct-to-consumer services provider under our new mission ‘Freedom to Move’,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars president and chief executive.
M is developing proprietary learning technology that asks users about their specific needs instead of merely informing them where they can pick up a car.  This technology will also learn about its user’s preferences and habits, personalising the customer relationship.
“The services currently available mainly offer alternatives to a taxi or public transit,” said Bodil Eriksson, CEO of Volvo Car Mobility. “We’re focused on the way people use the cars they own, which sets us apart. We aim to provide a real alternative to that experience. It should enable us to live life on our terms, getting things done and maximising precious time. We see the opportunity to offer a premium experience.’”
In addition to a team of experienced and sought-after digital software engineers and leading talent, M draws on 20 years of learnings and data from Sunfleet, Volvo Car’s car-sharing pioneer.
Sunfleet is the leading car sharing company in Sweden with 500,000 annual transactions and a fleet of 1,700 cars. It will be fully integrated into M in 2019, making the service available to all existing Sunfleet members.
“Mobility is undergoing a fundamental transformation and Volvo Cars is leading that change. The launch of M creates new sources of revenue for Volvo Cars and will be integral to the company’s ambition to build more than 5 million direct consumer relationships by the middle of the next decade,” said Mr Samuelsson.
“Stockholm, Sweden, will serve as M’s base of development and where we already conduct extensive testing. A broader Beta test will take place this autumn,” said Ms Eriksson.
More details of M will be shared by the company in the coming months, which they say is scheduled to debut in Sweden and the US in the spring of 2019.


Perodua Myvi Reaches 1 Million-Unit Milestone In 12 Years

Malaysia’s local automotive icon, the
Perodua Myvi
, is on the verge of reaching a cumulative total of one million units produced over two model generations in 12 years.
The Myvi was first launched in 2005 and received a full model change in 2011. The second-generation model
currently on sale
 was
facelifted in 2015
 although an
all-new third-generation model
 is expected
sometime this year
.
“So far, we have produced nearly one million Myvis since 2005 and this milestone will be reached somewhere this month,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, Perodua’s President and CEO.
Whilst the bulk of its volume has been catering for domestic consumption, the Myvi has also been exported to Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Brunei, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Fiji, and Nepal. In Indonesia, it is sold as the Daihatsu Sirion.
In total, Perodua has exported 35,400 units of the Myvi since 2006, with Indonesia accounting for 31,000 units.
Because automotive plants in Malaysia cater primarily to the domestic market, the million-unit production threshold is not often reached, especially not for a single model. The first-generation Proton Saga, in comparison, took 23 years (nearly double the time) to reach 1.2 million units.
Perodua itself as a whole took 11 years to hit cumulative production of one million units 2005, whilst Proton also took a similar time frame to reach that grand total in 1996. The ASSB plant in Shah Alam making Toyota vehicles achieved the one million-unit cumulative total as late as 2011, some 43 years after setting up shop in 1968.
Interestingly, another car also reached the one million-unit production mark recently, although that vehicle is an icon of far greater proportions – the
Porsche 911 since 1963
.


Mazda Trademarks MX-6 Name – Future Sports Car Confirmed?

Just late last month Mazda flew a couple journalists to Bangkok for its
Mazda ASEAN Design Forum
, showcasing the company’s evolution of its Kodo design language, aptly called Kodo 2.0.
At the event, Mazda previewed not one, but two concept models. The first was an upcoming rear-wheel drive full-sized sedan, while the second was the Vision Coupe concept. The event also marked the ASEAN debut of the two concept models.
According to
Autoguide
, it appears that Mazda might be introducing a new model in the near future, as the publication recently found out that Mazda has filed for a trademark application with the Japanese Patent Office for the “Mazda MX-6” name, which will be used on “automobiles and parts and accessories thereof”. The Hiroshima-based company filed for the trademark on October 16
th
.
Now, the MX-6 name is not new, as Mazda introduced the first MX-6 back in 1987. That model was also called the Mazda 626 or Mazda Capella C2, depending on the market it’s sold in. The second and last generation of the Mazda MX-6 was introduced in 1991 and Sales of the second generation model lasted until 1997, after which the MX-6 was discontinued without a successor.
Now, as Mazda has just applied for the “MX-6” trademark, could a successor be in the works? Time will tell if Mazda will introduce a new MX-6 in the near future.
Stay tuned.


Leaked: Here’s The Ferrari Purosangue SUV In The Flesh

It’s really happening; Ferrari are now on the verge of launching their first-ever SUV, which looks to be earmarked for a reveal by mid-2022. Though previously all we had were vague artist renders of the high-riding Italian, new images have leaked from inside
 the Maranello facility
 where early examples of the finished vehicle itself are taking shape.

They seem to be hastily snapped, as is to be expected, photos of a silver Purosangue on the assembly line, showing off its not-so-overt SUV elements such as gloss black cladding around wheel arches and more prominent protective elements along the front lip and side skirts.

It still looks
like a GTC4Lusso on stilts
, albeit with two more doors, especially from the rear. Besides the fact that Ferrari has chosen to develop a bespoke platform specifically for the Purosangue - unlike the
Audi Q7-derived MLB platform
 sharers like the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus - Ferrari has remained very tight-lipped on details about their newest upcoming….SUV.

This new vehicle architecture, while debuting in the Purosangue, is meant to be scalable enough to be adapted for Ferrari’s future front-engine offerings.

That being said, what lies beneath its bonnet remains a total mystery though an educated guesser would quickly conclude that Ferrari really only has 2 choices (since it only has 2 engines in its production model line-up, both of which are offered in the GTC4Lusso):
the F154 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8
 and the
F140 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12
.

However, there is strong evidence that Ferrari are also planning to slot in the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 from this year’s 296 GTB (without the electric drive component) into a more entry-level variant of the Purosangue some time further into its life cycle.

A dual-clutch transmission will likely be paired to all engine choices, if any, before drive is pushed through the 4RM four-wheel drive system to reach the wheels in very similar fashion to how the FF (and later the GTC4Lusso) operated.

Air suspension is expected to be standard fit to grant the Purosangue’s occupants effortless cross-continental ability in uncharacteristic levels of comfort. To this end, boot space should also be rather ample, which might necessitate a wheelbase almost as long as the GTC4Lusso at almost 3 metres, but with longer overhangs.

Almost all this is conjecture, so we’ll have to wait until Ferrari breaks their vow of silence and is ready to tell the world about one of its most radical creations in its 75 year history.

By the way, the name Purosangue translates roughly to ‘Thoroughbred’ and refers to a breed of Italian horses (Purosangue Orientale) that were amalgamated from Arabian stallions whose origins span the Middle East and North Africa. Now you know.


Unplug From Monotony With The BMW 530e M Sport

There are some cars that people look to as high water marks in their segment, and the BMW 5 Series certainly falls into that elite club. With this new plug-in hybrid variant gracing the range, the automaker has set out to offer a car that delivers more while using less.

Unlike conventional cars that are powered solely through an internal combustion engine, ones like the BMW 530e M Sport leverage an additional source of power for a more sophisticated experience. The result is a powertrain that has all the convenience of a petrol-powered car in addition to the benefits of a fully electric vehicle.

As anyone with a smartphone knows, it’s no fun being tethered. But in the case of the 530e M Sport, things gets much more interesting when it’s ready to be unplugged. With the 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery fully juiced, the 530e M Sport can on run fully electric mode using its powerful 83kW electric motor alone for up to 43km (depending on driving conditions) and at speeds of up to 140km/h. This easily renders most commutes to where zero fuel is burnt as you go about your day, much to the elation of your inner environmentalist.

As the car glides along silently in pure electric driving mode, the structural integrity of the 5 Series’ construction becomes even more apparent alongside measures and innovations BMW has implemented to engineer a ride so refined and serene. It’s also a great time to make the most of that in-car audio system.

Invoking the engine, though, is where the M-Sport portion of its name makes itself known. Here, too, that PHEV powertrain enhances the experience to emphasise performance instead of pure comfort or fuel economy, using the 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo mill in synergy with the electric motor to produce a combined output of 252hp and 420Nm; good for a top speed of 235km/h.

Naturally, the car features the same thrilling driver-focused dynamics the automaker has become known for, but the car can also boast that it produces 60% fewer carbon emissions than regular vehicles in the same class while offering more luxury and performance.

For 2020, BMW is making the 530e M Sport even more accessible with an attractive financing rate starting from 0.33%* and rebates starting from RM20,000*. Charging up your PHEV while on the go is also more convenient than ever with 300 charging stations nationwide in addition to multiple home and on-site charging options.

For added peace of mind, each car comes with a 6-Year or 100,000km Hybrid Battery Warranty. And because its lithium-ion battery comprises of a modular array, singular units can be replaced for as little as RM5,000 instead of needing to swap out an entire battery pack.

*Terms and conditions apply

**Figure dependent on various driving conditions


3M Malaysia launches 3M Scotchshield™ Crystalline Security Autofilm

At 4-mil (0.1 mm), its thinner than a Post-it®note, and can take up to 25,000 pounds per square inch of force. Through a combination of over 200 layers, this new film can reject 97% of infrared radiation and a total of 60% solar energy rejection (TSER). It’s the new 3M Scotchshield™ Crystalline Security AutoFilm, and it is designed to blend both heat rejection and security film into a single, streamlined package.
Ultraviolet light is not a concern with 99.9% UVR (ultraviolet rejection)- or an equivalent Solar Protection Factor of 1,000. Not only is this good for reducing the risk of skin cancer, but a car’s trim will benefit largely from reduced exposure and will last longer without cracking or fading.
The film has also been designed with customer consciousness in mind. As some tinted films interfere with GPS and other mobile devices, the Scotchshield™ design avoids the use of metal in the tinting so that devices will maintain their functionality with the tinting. There are also no dyes used to achieve the 69% Visible Light Transmission figure, so owners need not worry about progressive fading over time.
The 3M Scotchshield™ Crystalline Security Autofilm is now available at all authorized 3M AutoFilm Car Centres, coming with a 5-year e-Warranty that covers the replacement of the film if it bubbles, peels, or blisters- labour inclusive. As an introductory price, the first 100 customers will be able to install this film from RM 2,880, depending on vehicle type and size.


Used Car Buying Guide - The Mercedes-Benz W123

The Mercedes-Benz W123 was launched in January 1976 as the replacement for its W115 range of the early 70s. The target objective behind the W123’s development was simple: to outperform its well established predecessor in every aspect.
Post launch of the all-new
W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 - we celebrate the tradition of the venerable E-Class with all the
shagadelic
 goodness of a promotional video from the era; replete with sharp commentary, grainy footage and synthesizer background tracks.
The painstaking process of design and developement is detailed extensively, including subjecting test mules to driving conditions never thought possible for a car of that period. If you figured the W123 to be and executive sedan that handled like a boat, think again...
We have covered the W123 extensively in a
previous article
, but here’s some need to know information…
The W123 debuted in 1976 in four-doored and Coupe guises and for the first time a station wagon or estate as it is otherwise referred to joined the ranks later in 1977. Variant designations, as per usual for the time, denoted engine size, type and body style.
A 200 TE badge, for instance, would denote a 2.0-litre (200) station wagon (T) with fuel injection (E). All in all, adding up to a pretty rare
find
. Other suffixes such as ‘C’ denoted the Coupe body style, and if a ‘D’ came right at the end – that was a diesel. ‘Lang’ referred to long-wheelbase or limousine versions, mostly reserved for the European market.
To the best of our knowledge, finding a model pre-dating the 1980-production year is nigh-on impossible. Perhaps, given the time and relatively small economy Malaysia represented at the time, securing an example amidst the worldwide demand for the W123 and shipping it over to our shores would have been quite a challenge.
A dead giveaway of the pre-facelift generation are the quad-unequalled circular headlamps combinations. Only the flagship 280 and 280E featured the large rectangular numbers like the ones commonly found locally; post facelift, the entire range adopted the fresher looking rectangular units.
Propulsion came in the form a host of petrol and diesel units, however preceding a time when even Daimler AG had a presence in Malaysia, much of the specifications regarding trim level and engine variant mostly depended on the authorised local distributor Cycle and Carriage. With diesel engines fuelling not much more than lorries and busses at the time, most of the cars that made it here were gasoline powered.
The more commonly found engines in Malaysia are:
Petrol
M115, Inline-four, carburetted, 93bhp at 4800rpm, 158Nm at 3000rpm (MY 1976-1981, Mercedes-Benz 200)
M102 Inline-four, carburetted,  108bhp at 5200rpm, 170Nm at 3000rpm (MY 1979-1985, Mercedes-Benz 200)
M102 Inline-four, fuel-injected, 134bhp at 5100rpm, 201Nm at 3500rpm (MY 1979-1985, Mercedes-Benz 200E)
Diesel
OM615 Inline-four, indirect-injected, 59bhp at 4400rpm, 113Nm at 2400rpm (MY 1979-1985, Mercedes-Benz 200D)
There’s quite possibly a number of diesel engine cars still running to this day, but for the vast majority of petrol engines, they’re commonly classified by Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts as the silver engine and the black engine (M102) that was introduced with the facelift.
The 2.0-litre ‘black’ engine utilised an 89mm bore and 80.25mm stroke architecture and the 2.3-litre brought about a larger bore diameter of 95.5mm thereby taking the displacement to 2299cc and crucially a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system. These engines can be easily identified by the centrally mounted air cleaner housing (atop the cylinder head) whereas the older M115 engines had air-cleaner boxes seating on the left side of the bonnet when viewed from the front.
Common at the time were three-speed automatic or four-speed manual gearboxes which managed and distributed power to the rear axles. Higher powered models such as the 2.5-litre M123 and 2.8-litre M110 inline-six were later mated to four-speed 4G-Tronic autos or five-speed manuals.
All in all, nearly 2.7-million units of the W123 rolled out plants in Sindelfingen, Stuttgart, and Bremen – alongside plants in China, South Africa and the U.K. This then, makes for a perfect starter classic for the more classically inclined of petrol heads.
If you’re actively looking or thinking of purchasing a W123 of your own, here’s some tips to arm yourself with:
Engine
The most common power plant native to Malaysia are the M102 2.3-litres four-bangers. There’s a peppering of M110 2.8-litre cars out there but these engines are quite a bit thirstier compared to the M110s and the performance gains do not warrant the extra upkeep costs.
Go with the 2.3-litre, parts are rather easy to find, the engine layout is easy to work on even for the DIY-type enthusiasts, and when kept well - will last a lifetime. Do not fear high mileage examples, and most often, if they’re maintained well, run smoother and better than one’s that have been garaged their entire lives, and be more ‘compliant’ when being pushed.
Look out for white/blue smoke once the engine is warm, blue smoke is typically better than white smoke but either way it’s going to cost a bit. Check engine oil and coolant colour, and if they have mixed at all – in which case, you’ll most likely be looking at fluid that resembles a cross between
teh-tarik
 and dark chocolate mousse.
The mechanical injection on a M102 engine sounds much like ‘tappet noise’ for someone unfamiliar with the engine, but this is fine. Listen for a grinding or clanging type noise near the front of the engine, this could mean the timing chain tensioner cog is loose and needs adjustment or replacement, but this could serve as a very good bargaining chip.
Or perhaps go with an oil burner, 200- or 240D, they’re slow… really slow, but are known to run on 100% vegetable oil without any side effects. A well-kept 230E will have no problems keeping up with modern day traffic.
Bodywork
W123s are built well, but are also quite talented at concealing rot. Wear jeans and protective gloves, because you will have to get under the car and run your fingers along the inner seam of the wheel arches and along the side sills. Pay close attention to jacking points, because improper jacking would have left small dents or flex points which are exposed after and rust over time.
Look under the battery tray and spare tyre enclosure, water drainage channels and don’t miss the firewall either – rust spots here are not easy or cheap to fix, and pertinently with the saloon models, which aren’t that rare or pricey to begin with – could make or break the entire project. Surface rust on the doors, bootlid and bonnet are acceptable given the car’s age, easily mended too if you know a competent panel beater.
Chassis and suspension
This car isn’t for the spirited driver/enthusiast – the W123 is all about cruising in sublime comfort and poise. That being said, push down hard at the suspension corners and watch how quick the car stops moving and gets back into position. If it keeps flopping about more than twice (as in up-down the up again) the absorbers need a replacement, but they aren’t the biggest problem.
That’s the play of the steering rack, older cars were engineered with a bit of slack – meaning you can rotate the steering a wheel a few degrees before the front wheels actually start arching in the corresponding direction.
Over time, the recirculating-ball steering box wears loose lending to some downright comical and dangerous steering responses, meaning the front end can stray off course quite a bit even with the steering in a dead centre position.
It’s best to check with a specialist if the problem is curable, because overhauling or sourcing a second-hand steering box can cost an arm and a leg in this economy. Otherwise, ball joints and tie-rod ends are easily and cheaply remedied and can do a whole lot to enhance the car’s handling performance.
Interior and Trim
Again, one of those things that can make or break the entire project. For the most part, W123 interiors are as good as they come, elegant and sturdy. However, little trinkets like chrome trim, switch enclosures, door rubbers and even inner door panels are extravagantly priced new, and rather tough to find used.
To quote a fellow enthusiast’s experience, the costs of replacing four-door rubbers and a chunk of the chrome trim brand new, ended up being as expensive as the car itself! An alternative solution to this issue and potentially many others, is to hunt down a donor car, it need not be roadworthy, but one will be surprised at how much parts can still be extracted and reused from a car fit for the scrapyard. Look for cars that best compliment the parts you need for your own car. Donor cars can be worth twice or more in collective parts when bought as loose items.
Final thoughts…
Manage your expectations when building or buying your very own W123. A W123 can either be a dependable workhorse or a show winning concourse star. Starting with a good base is paramount, because as the saying goes – there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes…


This Is The New Need For Speed Official Trailer!

Enough
teasing
, here it is, the official trailer for the upcoming Need for Speed game which was revealed at the 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo or better known as E3.
EA are calling the next instalment in the franchise the "definitive Need for Speed experience" and will feature an open-world environment which is twice the size of its 2013 predecessor, Rivals.
Additionally, the trailer expects players to become the “ultimate icon” with five main ways to play – Speed, Style, Build, Crew, and Outlaw. The
official website
 of the game say when all five playstyles are combined, it creates the perfect Need for Speed moment.
As you might have guessed, the Outlaw playstyle points to in-game police chases (YES!) which indicates that many key elements from previous entries in the game series will make its way into the new game.
This includes the customisation capability as seen in Need for Speed Underground but has been thoroughly expanded. Want to see it in action? Check out this video by IGN:
Excited yet? We certainly are but it’s going to be a long wait until the new Need for Speed game as the launch date is on November 3, 2015.


AD: Experience A Different Car Every Month With SOCAR Car Sharing

SOCAR Car Sharing is the new mobility solution that provides a worry-free driving experience, and offers plenty of car models for the commute!
There are no keys to a SOCAR vehicle. The smartphone and SOCAR App functions as the smart key! #TapUnlockDrive
Based on SOCAR usage patterns, an average booking duration is 8 hours a week. SOCAR is offering a Japanese sedan for RM14.90/hour x 32 hours a month = RM476.80 inclusive of fuel. Add RM250 and RM80 respectively for ride-hailing and a rail/bus pass and the monthly cost commitment is only
RM806.80
. This is
RM500 lower
 than what one needs to commit compared to owning a Japanese sedan car.
Details here.
With SOCAR extensive range of models and locations, plus being a multi-flexer, one can adjust the usage pattern for either more car-biased or more public transportation-biased.
Dedicated parking bays for SOCAR vehicles, and easy to locate through the
pictorial
 guide in the App
Leon Foong, SOCAR Malaysia CEO says that booking a SOCAR for four hours for a meeting that is located in Putrajaya only costs RM60, again, inclusive of petrol up to 120 kilometres range. That is a huge saving versus RM120 with taxi or ride-hailing application.
Try the new addition to the fleet, the Volkswagen Passat
FREE for two hours!
With SOCAR Malaysia, car sharing in the Klang Valley is not only fully-inclusive, but you get a huge selection of vehicles to enjoy driving!
SOCAR Malaysia has been extensively adding more products plus expanding the car sharing locations. Recently, the company added a BMW 330e for those who want to experience plug-in hybrid driving experience for an extended duration rather than ‘around the block’ test drive at the dealership. The BMW 330e is SOCAR's first premium vehicle in their line-up.
With the range of vehicles that include Perodua Axia, the Myvi (a hot product), Toyota Vios, Honda HR-V, MINI Cooper as well as Volkswagen Polo, multi-flexers have a wide variety of vehicles to experience, making the trip to work or leisure more enjoyable, both driving alone as well as with friends and colleagues.


Toyota Just Dropped Corolla GR Sport – And Yes It Looks So Damn Good

Toyota has just pulled the wraps off its GR Sport version of the Corolla sedan (or Corolla Altis as it's better known to us), and yes it looks so good!

Following the success of the Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports GR Sport versions; common styling elements, including exterior and interior trims and alloy wheel and seat designs, have now found their way onto the sedan counterpart.

The new model will be available at selected markets, offered with the 1.8-litre hybrid and 1.6-litre petrol variant, mostly reserved for the European market. Production of the GR Sport versions starts in November 2020, ahead of sales starting, again according to market, from January 2021.

So what’s changed for the better with the Corolla GR Sport:

Piano black exterior detailing on the front grille, door mirror casings, centre pillars and side sills.

Alloy wheels are finished in black. GR trademark red ring around the centre cap. Two different 10-spoke designs are available – 17-inch fitted as standard and 18-inch as an option.

The GR Sport Corolla features a boot lid spoiler, finished in the car’s body colour, a black rear garnish above the licence plate and GR Sport badging on the rear.

Dynamic Grey is the new signature colour for the GR Sport, one of eight colour choices. Selected colours can be combined with a black roof in the first bi-tone paint option for the Corolla.

On the inside, black headlining, a steering wheel wrapped in tactile perforated leather and brushed aluminium front scuff plates bearing the GR logo. The seats are upholstered in a combination of black cloth and high-quality synthetic leather.

Corolla GR Sport customers can also optionally specify an interior ambient lighting system and LED exterior lights.


All-New 2017 Kia Rio Coming Soon, Current Rio Production Halted

During the
launch of the Kia Grand Carnival today
, Naza Kia also mentioned that they have halted the production of the current generation Rio, and that the new fourth-generation Rio is slated for production and launch later this year.
 Kia launched the new Rio
 at the Paris Motor Show just last year, and it's poised to be a stunner.
The new Rio is larger and more luxurious, with its exterior and interior developed by design centres in both Germany and California- perhaps in order to make it appeal to a wider range of consumers and provide a more premium look. Kia claims the interior is the most spacious in class, with 325-litres of cargo space available. It's no surprise that Kia has put so much effort into developing the new Rio, given that it has been Kia's best selling model since its introduction.
There's no word on what powertrains we'll be getting yet, although it may be a bit of a stretch to hope for their new 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine to feature in our Malaysian variants. Perhaps later on they may offer it in a premium trim level, but details are scarce for now. From the photos we've seen, it certainly looks like it could be a solid contender in class, especially with the new design language that Kia has adopted.


Spyshot: All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5 Base Model Revealed

Earlier, we received spy photos and tentative specifications for all-new
2017 Mazda CX-5
 that is being readied for launch in Malaysia. Through our sources, we were able to flesh out details for four out of five variants that Bermaz has planned for our market.
Following from that story, we have just been sent a second set of pictures showing us the yet-to-be-detailed variant - the 2.0-litre 2WD.
For starters, it appears that the base model 2017 Mazda CX-5 could mirror the equipment of the existing CX-5 2.0 GL Mid Spec variant. Power will come from a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 155 hp and 200 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic that delivers power to the front wheels.
We understand that the new CX-5 2.0-litre 2WD Mid Spec could be furnished with the following equipment:
Projector headlights
Front fog lights
225/65R17 wheels
Reverse camera
Fabric upholstery
Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
Dual-zone auto climate control
Rear air vents
Manual adjustable driver seat
MZD Connect with 7-inch display
2 Rear USB charging ports
Cruise Control
Auto Wipers
Auto Headlights
Mazda G-Vectoring Control (GVC)
ABS with EBD, DSC, ESS
In addition to the entry-level 2.0-litre 2WD variant, the same source also provided us photos of the 2.2-litre diesel 2WD High Spec model.
In terms of equipment for the 2WD diesel variant, it should mirror that of the 4WD High Spec sibling, which adds these, on top of the 2.5L 2WD variant:
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKA)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Forward and Reverse direction
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
Unlike its predecessor, the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 will arrive in CKD form, skipping the interim CBU phase. Soul Red Crystal, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver and Jet Black are expected to be offered as new colour options. Only Arctic White and Meteor Grey are carried over from the older model.


The Volkswagen Roadshow Continues Its Tour In Style

Volkswagen
 Malaysia has been exposing more and more people to their range of vehicles all around the Klang Valley over the last couple of months as well as the promotions that they're offered with, and they don't plan on stopping after the Hari Raya break either.
The roadshow will hit five new locations in August, bringing even more folks into the fold with attractive offers and exclusive merchandise. This year marks the first time Volkswagen is in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week.
For the occasion, it will be displaying the
Beetle
 and
Golf
 at both Pavilion KL and Fahrenheit 88, right along the style avenue of Bukit Bintang. In addition, Volkswagen will also offering an exclusive sneak preview of their limited edition Beetle Club, which will be showcased at the entrance of Pavilion KL throughout the KL Fashion Week.
Onwards, the roadshow will move to Sunway Putra and Empire Subang, offering fans of the marque a chance to learn more about the latest financing options for their favourite Volkswagen. For each day of the roadshow, a winner will be selected to receive a RM200 petrol voucher through a fun Instagram competition.
August 2015 also marks the return of the Volkswagen Sales Carnival that will be held at IOI City Mall from the 5
th
 to the 9
th
 of the month.
Here’s a list of all the locations that Volkswagen will be displaying their cars throughout August:
Fahrenheit 88
:
July 31 to August 16
IOI City Mall
:
August 5 to August 9
Sunway Putra
:
August 6 to August 9
Pavilion KL
:
August 12 to August 16
Empire Subang
:
August 27 to August 31


Brief Review: Perodua Myvi D20N, Redefining The Segment

If familiarity was a car, then that car would be the Perodua Myvi. Look around you and you’ll notice that the Myvi does account for a considerable amount of traffic on our streets.
When the first generation was introduced in 2005, the Myvi singlehandedly drove Perodua's sales figures ahead of Proton. The second generation model that arrived in 2011 continued that trend.
Perodua introduced the facelifted second generation model in 2015, addressing the model’s poor crash test results. That did little to help the ageing Myvi, which was already 4 years into its lifespan. Additionally, non-national car manufacturers also introduced entry-level models that were well within the reach of the Myvi owners.
The company realizes that and for its third iteration, Perodua aims to redefine the segment with the all-new Myvi.
Recently, we were invited by Perodua to sample the third generation Myvi at the company's facility in Serendah ahead of its official debut.
Bear in mind that the more detailed review will come after the new Myvi is launched.
Visually, the all-new Perodua Myvi is a 100% in-house job, not based on any Toyota or Daihatsu design, unlike the earlier models. We dare say that the all-new Myvi looks considerably sportier than some of its main rivals.
Is the all-new Myvi based on an existing platform?
Well, Perodua’s technical team did mention that the all-new Myvi uses the existing model’s platform, but it has been thoroughly reworked to bring the model to bring the model inline with modern standards. Reinforcement has been added to the platform, though hard points still remain.
Is the all-new Myvi quieter?
During our quick drive around Perodua’s test circuit, we certainly noticed that the all-new model is quieter than the outgoing one, although we still need lengther stint on public roads to gauge the car properly.
How does it handle?
To be honest, handling has never been the Myvi’s strongpoint. While we did notice that the all-new Myvi was relatively planted on some sections of the test circuit, there were slight hints of nervousness felt in the suspension, though we believe it was due to the car’s pre-production nature.
Handling aside, what about comfort?
Again, we sample the new Myvi on specially-prepared surface, which won’t be representative of Malaysia’s actual road conditions, despite what Perodua wants us to believe. From our quick drive of the new Myvi, we did notice that the suspension tuning is on the firm side.
Is the new Myvi powerful enough?
For the first drive, we had a go in the entry-level Myvi 1.3 MT. We would not say that the car is quick, but acceleration from the small 1.3-litre engine is sufficient. Hopping into the 1.5-litre Myvi, we noticed a more generous spread of torque over the 1.3-litre model. Perodua has no immediate plans to introduce 1.5-litre manual model, but the keen drivers amongst you looking for such a variant might want to look at the Toyota Vios 1.5 J MT instead. After all, both cars share the same engine.
A more thorough review can be expected once the all-new Myvi is launched. Stay tuned for that.


Honda Odyssey Facelift Debuts In Japan

The Honda Odyssey facelift has just debuted in Japan and it looks more MPV than ever!

The Honda Oddysey should be considered more of a parenting tool rather than an SUV, and there's nothing wrong with having a parenting tool that looks good, as well as having all the features you need to move your family around.

The facelift Honda Odyssey has just been unveiled in Japan, and my god has the MPV moved far away from its wagon/MPV combo looking days.

Ever since the low slung wagon looking fourth generation
Honda Odyssey
, we never really thought much of how the car looked and the facelift just moves it more into regular MPV styling rather than its unique predecessors.

At the front, the Odyssey receives more of a blunt/boxy nose, headlined by a large grille featuring horizontal chrome bars. At the rear, the Honda Odyssey has been refreshed with chunky looking tail lights. All hope is not lost however as it has been said that the MPVs turn signals now illuminate sequentially- cool.

The Honda MPV also gets a new dashboard design which is surrounded by what looks like a wood looking decorative trim to provide a more upmarket feel to it. Other changes around the dash area include a seven-inch display instrument cluster and a large 10-inch touchscreen head unit.

Honda has also decided to include gesture-controlled power sliding doors which can be opened at a wave of a hand as standard. This will come in very helpful for when you have your hands full, which is most of the time if you are a parent.

But they haven't just thought of convenience features to help out with the management of kids because at the other end of the spectrum, they have also thought of the elderly or people with mobility issues.

An interesting new feature of the facelift Honda Odyssey includes a seat type extender feature. At the press of a button, the seat extends out of the vehicle and comes down to a low resting position making it easy for those with mobility issues to sit down - WOW!

For the JDM market, the Odyssey is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (145PS/175Nm) with a two-motor hybrid (184PS/315Nm) drivetrain or the familiar 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (173PS/225Nm) found in the
current
 Malaysian Honda Odyssey.

Since Honda Malaysia have traits of
hybridising
 their vehicles at the moment, perhaps we could see a Hybrid Odyssey on the horizon, but that's if they decide to bring in the facelifted Odyssey at all.


Geneva 2018: All-New Toyota Auris Introduced, Available With New Dynamic Force Powertrain

Toyota has unveiled the all-new Auris at the ongoing 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. The Toyota Auris is also known as the Corolla Hatchback in some markets.
The company has not released full details of its new C-segment hatchback, though Toyota did mention that the all-new Auris rides on the company’s new TNGA platform. Unlike the Toyota C-HR’s double wishbone rear suspension set up, the all-new Auris gets multi-link rear suspension. Additionally, by utilizing high strength steel as reinforcement in key areas, the all-new Auris boasts a more rigid body shell that improves handling and stability.
Continuing on the platform, the all-new Auris is now 40 mm longer than the model it replaces, all of which goes to the longer wheelbase, now coming in at 2,640 mm. Height of the new model has been reduced by 25 mm, bringing the new Auris’ height to 1,435 mm. The all-new Auris is now 1,790 mm wide, 30 mm more than before.
Visually, the all-new Toyota Auris gets new LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs. The LED trend continues to the front foglights and rear lamp cluster. Toyota’s Keen Look design language is utilized here, featuring a flat clamshell design front bonnet and a slim upper grille.
Under the hood, the all-new Toyota Auris can be had with two hybrid powertrains or one regular petrol engine. The first engine of the lineup is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol, followed by a 1.8-litre hybrid that does 122 hp, both of which are also shared with the Toyota C-HR.
The third engine is a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain from Toyota’s
new Dynamic Force
 line of powertrains. According to Toyota, this new hybrid engine is good for 180 hp and is paired to steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
Unlike the model it replaces, the all-new Auris will not be fitted with diesel powertrains, as Toyota will be moving away from diesel-powered models moving forward.
Production of the all-new Toyota Auris will commence at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in the United Kingdom.
Closer to home, the debut of the all-new Auris was
supposed to preview
 the next generation Corolla Altis’ interior, but Toyota has yet to release photos of the new Auris’ interior.


Petronas To Spawn New Entity To Focus On Clean Energy Solutions

A new entity will be set up by Petronas to focus on the research and development of
clean energy solutions
 by mid-2022. According to the company, it will work independently in its pursuits but also collaboratively with its Carbon Management Unit.

Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of Petronas, said: “[…] it is envisaged that PETRONAS will evolve into an energy ‘superstore’ that will provide customers with a suite of energy and solutions that power businesses and fuels progress in a just and sustainable manner,”

“2022 will be a year that PETRONAS will need to step up even more meaningfully in pursuing its purpose: to become a progressive energy and solutions partner enriching lives for a sustainable future. Aligned to our three-pronged growth strategy and Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 aspiration, PETRONAS is committed to ensuring that energy can continue to be produced and delivered responsibly and sustainably,” he said.

The as-yet-unnamed independent entity will explore clean energy solutions such as hydrogen, a potential fuel source that is of particular interest to them and will act almost like a venture capital or private equity fund to foster new innovations and technologies.

It’s not known how much money Petronas is willing to pour into these new clean energy ventures, but revealed their overall capital expenditures to be between RM40-50 billion in 2022, split between its domestic and international operations.

Petronas is coming to realise that its role as a leading petrochemical manufacturer might be a lot less relevant once the reserves of crude oil eventually dry up and/or become too scarce and expensive that the market for it vanishes.

On the topic of the sudden surge in crude oil prices reaching triple digits in US dollars per barrel. Taufik pointed to that being due to the market instabilities caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adding: “This is a bit of a departure from where we believe it should be; fundamentally, based on the investments in the sector and the system release of volume from Opec+, the price should be within the US$70-80 per barrel range.”

Besides its interest in hydrogen potentially becoming the fuel source of the future, Petronas is also looking into the development of
 renewable and carbon-neutral synthetic fuels
 that can be used as 1-to-1 replacements for petrol and diesel for combustion engines that are much less harmful to the environment. However, the challenge here is producing it cheaply enough and with as minimal environmental impact as possible.

Formula 1 has committed to a targeted net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 with these kinds of e-fuels being the lynchpin in achieving that goal. Naturally, Petronas will want to
work closely with Mercedes-AMG
 in developing them for the team’s next generation of power units.


BMW Malaysia Achieves Record Sales Through 2016

It's difficult to imagine that each year, car sales can still continue to rise. BMW Malaysia is a prime example of this, with 2016 being the sixth consecutive year that the company has seen an increase in sales. Their total figure for 2016 was a solid 10,906 vehicles across BMW and its sub-brands. Growth has been 16% over 2015, resulting in a 20% market share for the BMW brand.
Part of this great increase in sales can be attributed to the solid product lineup that the company had through 2016. The year started strong with the BMW 7 Series, which while not necessarily being a high volume model, is a car that represents the brand's luxury aspect and is a flagship in and of itself. Also important for the BMW range were their new range of hybrid models under the Electric Driving Pleasure tagline- the 330e and the X5 xDrive40e.
This launch of green products has also led to a partnership with GreenTech Malaysia and buying a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle means access to the various charging parts installed across the country. It's a nice touch and it shows that BMW is helping to modernize the charging infrastructure in preparation of future electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
There have also been more exciting products launched by BMW, like the new X1 and X4 models, the new 528i M Performance Edition, and of course the M2 Coupe. 2017 will see the brand launching new initiatives in working towards exporting models around the region, pushing production figures up as well. Production is expected to go up to 10,000 units this year from 7,000 units last year, with an RM 10 million investment on the part of BMW Malaysia.


All-New 2016 Hyundai Elantra Interior Teased

Fresh after
Hyundai

dropped a teaser image
 of the all-new Elantra, the Korean carmaker has followed it up by releasing the first interior photo of the sedan ahead of its world debut.
The cabin of the
Elantra
 reveals a minimalistic approach to its design, similar to that of its larger D-segment sibling, the
Sonata
. However, the Elantra adopts a three-spoke steering wheel and has its gear lever positioned slightly higher.
Aside from that, we see a significant decrease in the amount of buttons and switches as well, redesigned air-conditioning vents, and a large display situated in the centre console.
We’ll have to wait till Hyundai releases more information on the all-new Elantra but rumour has it the car will be powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with 175hp on tap, mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Expect the car to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.


Volvo To Reveal New V90 Cross Country

About two months ago, images of what appeared to be a rugged, jacked up version of the
Volvo V90
 being tested in Spain made its way to the internet, and rumour had it that it was the Cross Country version of the car.
From what we could see, the prototype looked like it was following the same recipe as previous Cross Country models such as the
XC70
 with the addition of bulked-out bumpers, skid plates, larger wheels, chunkier tyres, and bigger roof rails.
There were many speculations on what powertrain the car will be running on, and how different the interior will be, and what not. However, Volvo has remained pretty discreet about it until today.
The Swedish brand has finally announced that the car will be revealed within the next couple of weeks.
According to Volvo, the V90 Cross Country was designed to be a true all-weather alternative to an SUV. Besides that, Volvo also confirmed that the car will feature the brand’s all-wheel-drive technology. Our guess is that it will be using the same package as the XC90.
“We were very careful from the very beginning to ensure that the Cross Country concept was not just an exercise in rugged styling. We placed high demands on real-world capability, and as we developed the segment we added the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
That said, watch this space for mode updates on the highly anticipated V90 Cross Country.
Looking for a Volvo? Find one now at
Carlist.my


PDRM Looking For Fake Traffic Marshal, Stops Traffic For PD Bike Convoy

Over the past weekend, a convoy of big bikes descended upon
Port Dickson
, where several individuals are now sought by PDRM for illegally stopping cars at a busy junction and posing as wannabe traffic police.

Of course, these individuals wear wearing helmets, who have no training or experience directing traffic and were both endangering and inconveniencing the lives of motorists in the seaside town, making their
quick identification
 of these pretenders more problematic.

The incident was captured on video through a mobile phone belonging to one of these motorists, possibly driving a silver
Ford Focus
. With the lights clearly red, the individual standing in the middle of the road was seen gesturing in their direction to move forward while those big bikes flanked the silver Ford.

In a statement on Sunday, Port Dickson police chief Supt Aidi Sham Mohamed identified the location being the junction at Sua Betong, meaning the motorcyclists were headed in the direction of Bulatan Sunggala in Telok Kemang.

He also added that the case was being investigated under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Upon conviction, offenders can be fined up to RM200 or face up to 3 months in prison, or both. However, they can also be found in violation of Section 21 of the Police Act, which carries a fine of up to RM300.

Supt Aidi Sham concluded by urging any member of the public with information relating to the incident to get in direct contact with the police station at 06-647-2222.


Volkswagen Kota Kinabalu Now Open for Business

Volkswagen Kota Kinabalu; the brand’s sole authorised service centre in Sabah is now officially open for business.
Operated by Kota Bumi Sdn Bhd, Volkswagen Kota Kinabalu is also the only service centre in the state where both new and current Volkswagen owners will be able to also make warranty claims and queries.
It is said that all servicing and repairs should only be carried out at Volkswagen approved dealers, in this case Kota Bumi, for the customer to enjoy Volkswagen’s 5-year warranty benefit.
The service centre, which is equipped with a total of three service bays and a team of experienced and certified technicians,  is located at Lot 162, Lok Kawi Industrial Estate, KM18, Lok Kawi, 88820 Kota Kinabalu and can be contacted at 016-878 3093. The service centre operates every Monday to Saturday, from 8am – 5:30pm.
As part of its launch promotion, the service centre is offering a free diagnostic check for all Volkswagen vehicles, 20% discount on labor charges for servicing and an additional 3.5% discount off spare parts. The promotion is valid from now till 30 November 2016.
Looking for a Volkswagen? Find one now at
Carlist.my


All-New 2016 Kia Optima Reveals Its Redesigned Face To All

Kia
 has officially released the first and sole image of its all-new 2016
Kia Optima
 before it debuts at the upcoming New York Auto Show early next month, showcasing the mid-sized sedans new looks, at least from the front.
Having released a
few teaser sketches
 as well as
previewing its SPORTSPACE concept
 at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Optima adopts more styling cues from the latter over the former.
At the front, the brand’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille has been elongated, now linking the redesigned front headlights. A wider lower air intake is also visible as is the pair of smaller side intakes on both ends of the front bumper. From this angle at least, we spot a rising shoulder line of the car as well.
The all-new Optima will take on competition from
Mazda 6
,
Hyundai i40
, and
Peugeot 508
, all of which are available in wagon body styles, begging the question if Kia would consider putting the SPORTSPACE concept into production, which according to Australian site,
Car Advice
, looks likely to happen.
Kia is saying that the all-new Optima will be “instantly recognisable yet thoroughly fresh” and will also offer a number of technologies not previously offered. Although a vague statement, the company also mentions that the sedan will “feature a more spacious interior,” which is something worth looking forward to.
Multiple engine choices will be made available but no details have been given. Likely power plants include the regular petrol and diesel mills with a high possibility of a hybrid powertrain as demonstrated in the
Kia Optima T-Hybrid Concept
 that was revealed five months ago.


Lexus NX Scores 5 Stars In ANCAP Safety Rating

In the latest round of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) tests, the Lexus NX has managed to score a five star rating with an overall score of 35.39 out of a possible 37. The model was recently launched in Malaysia as well.
(Read more about the 2015 Lexus NX local launch report here)
The NX model tested was a left-hand drive 300h AWD variant and in the occupant protection tests, it managed to score 14.39 out of 16 for the frontal offset test, 16 out of 16 for the side impact test, and full points for the pole test.
Whiplash protection was also reported as good. As for the pedestrian protection, the NX scored 24.96 out of 36 points.
You can find the full crash test report of the Lexus NX
here
.


Dash-Scam: Klang Man Hops Onto Bonnet, Cracks Windscreen, Mystery 'Witnesses' Pop Up

The presence of a dashcam has foiled the plans of some criminal schemers who attempted to extort money from an innocent motorist near Klang.

Imagine you’re driving along around noon on a clear day, safely minding your own business when suddenly someone runs up to your car and throws themselves onto your front windscreen.

Common Occurence In Klang?

Unexpected and absurd as it is, it clearly isn’t your fault. However, this is what has become commonly known as some kind of con job or a
form of insurance fraud
to make it look like you, the driver, was responsible for colliding with a pedestrian head-on.

This is exactly what transpired last week, specifically “after the 3rd bridge heading to Kapar….”

The 45-second video embedded above shows a car making a left-hand turn down a street where a man was waiting in the middle of the road. He then runs up to the car and launches himself onto it, cracking the windscreen and feigning injury as he slides to the ground.

A Team Of Fraudsters

A few seconds after that, three apparent ‘witnesses’ (accomplices) come out of nowhere to check on the man and help him to his feet. It’s almost too convenient, isn’t it? Of course, they will claim that the car was at fault. It’s their word against the driver’s, so to speak.

Their scheme relies on the driver (or the target, in this case) to be so panicked and fearful of police involvement that they can then be extorted. However, what the perps did not count on was the presence of a dashcam that was recording the entire incident, clearly showing that the driver was not at fault and exposing their scheme.

Get A Dashcam. Just Do It.

According to the vehicle owner, the group quickly dispersed in defeat when he said to wait for the police to arrive so he can show them the dashcam footage.
PDRM later told
 him that they have received many reports of these kinds of activities happening in that area.

While their plan was ruined by the video evidence, the owner was still saddled with a broken windscreen, unfortunately. At least the dashcam will help with the insurance claim.

This is another perfect example showing how important it is to get a
dashcam
 installed, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive or where you live. Some automakers in Malaysia such as Toyota and Honda already offer them - called Digital Video Recorders (DVR) -  as factory accessories as they know how many car buyers get them from the aftermarket.


Wanita Perlu Tahu - Tips Jaga Tayar Jangan Sampai Haus

Para wanita, tahukah anda cara menjaga tayar kereta anda? Atau dibiarkan saja sehingga ada orang tegur “tayar kereta you dah botak lah"?

Sebaiknya, ikuti tips kami kongsikan ini supaya keadaan
tayar kereta
 anda sentiasa dalam keadaan optimum dan mampu bertahan lama. Dapat menjimatkan duit juga kerana kos penyelenggaraan atau menukar tayar boleh tahan mahalnya!

1. Tekanan angin

Periksa tekanan angin tayar
 sekurang-kurangnya sekali sebulan. Jangan lupa periksa juga angin tayar simpanan di dalam bonet kereta.

Boleh guna tolok tekanan udara. Alat ini boleh dibeli secara dalam talian pada harga serendah RM20 atau boleh ke stesen minyak berdekatan untuk periksa angin tayar.

Setiap kereta ada ditampalkan maklumat kadar tekanan angin tayar mengikut rekomendasi pengeluar, iaitu pada frem pintu. Misalnya, angin tayar untuk Proton Saga tidak sama dengan angin tayar untuk
Honda CR-V
 yer, jadi kena sentiasa periksa sebelum mengisi angin tayar.

Pastikan tekanan angin tidak diisi berlebihan kerana boleh membuatkan pengalaman memandu menjadi kurang selesa kerana kereta terasa ‘keras’ dan bergegar.

Apabila tayar kurang tekanan angin pula, kapasiti muatan tayar akan berkurangan, manakala rintangan putaran roda semakin bertambah. Ini menyebabkan haba bertambah dan berlaku kerosakan mekanikal.

2. Alignment roda

Penjajaran (
alignment
) roda perlu dilakukan untuk mengelak bunga tayar cepat haus atau berlaku kehausan tidak sekata. Lakukan penjajaran setiap kali kereta dipandu lebih 5,000km atau 8,000km di bengkel berhampiran.

Jika
alignment
 ‘lari’, kita boleh rasa perbezaan ketika memandu lurus. Kereta akan rasa terpesong ke sisi atau stereng nampak senget. Jika ya, perhatikan tebal bunga untuk memastikan tayar masih selamat digunakan atau mungkin sudah haus.

3. Bunga tayar

Ada beberapa cara mengukur tahap ketebalan bunga tayar. Antaranya menggunakan syiling, tetapi tidak disarankan kerana tiada maklumat jelas mengenai tahap ketebalan dalam milimeter.

Sebenarnya, ada alat khas untuk ukur ketebalan bunga tayar iaitu pembaris kedalaman corak tayar atau
tire pattern depth ruler
, yang boleh dibeli secara dalam talian atau di kedai aksesori kereta.

Pemeriksaan perlu dibuat pada beberapa bahagian di permukaan roda dan bukan cuma ukur pada satu tempat sahaja yer!

Semua tayar juga sudah disertakan indikator bunga-haus (
tread-wear indicator
) atau TWI.

Ianya seakan berbentuk bar yang terletak di antara blok bunga yang membolehkan anda mengecam tahap haus tayar minimum.

Cara periksa, jika benjolan kecil itu sama atau selari dengan bunga tayar, itu menandakan anda perlu tukar tayar baharu.

BERAPA TAHAP MINIMUM TEBAL BUNGA TAYAR?

Secara purata, ketebalan tayar baharu kereta biasa ialah 8mm, berbeza dengan jenis bunga tebal seperti digunakan kenderaan 4x4 seperti Jeep atau trak pikap (
pickup truck
).

Jika tebal bunga tayar tinggal 3mm, itu tandanya kita perlu tukar tayar baharu. Jika tebal bunga tayar 1.5mm, itu menandakan sudah haus dan berbahaya kerana boleh menyebabkan kereta hilang cengkaman serta mudah terbabas ketika memandu atas permukaan jalan basah atau licin.

APAKAH FUNGSI BUNGA TAYAR?

Corak dan alur tayar
 membolehkan kereta mendapat daya tarikan atau
traction
 apabila memandu atas permukaan jalan kering, dan membantu menyisihkan air di jalan basah supaya dapat mencengkam sebaik mungkin.

Semakin haus bunga tayar, semakin lemah ia menyisihkan air, sekali gus berisiko menyebabkan kereta tergelincir dan hilang kawalan apabila terlanggar atau meredah lopak air. Inilah punca kereta boleh terbabas ketika memandu dalam hujan.

Sebagai contoh, jika memandu 80km/j, kereta dengan tayar baharu dapat berhenti dalam jarak 100 meter. Namun, jika bunga tayar nipis, kereta mungkin memerlukan jarak 120 meter untuk berhenti sepenuhnya. Bayangkan bunga tayar setebal 1.5mm, jarak henti meningkat kepada kira-kira 140 meter atau lebih. Bahaya tu!

4. Usia tayar

Di Malaysia, semua tayar yang sah digunakan atas jalan perlu memiliki kod tarikh pengeluaran yang memaparkan minggu dan tahun pada dinding tayar.

Cara periksa,
perhatikan empat digit terakhir
 pada kod di tayar, dua digit pertama mewakili minggu dan dua digit terakhir adalah tahun pengeluaran tayar tersebut.

Berdasarkan gambar di atas, anda fokuskan pada empat angka terakhirnya iaitu 1020. Ia bermaksud tayar ini dibuat pada minggu ke 10, tahun 2020.

Tempoh penggunaan tayar adalah selama 5 tahun dari tarikh pembuatannya

Tayar baru yang berusia lebih dari 5 tahun masih boleh digunakan, tetapi tayar tersebut kini lebih keras kerana getah tayar dah tamat tempoh

Jika tayar anda sudah lanjut usia atau semakin haus, jangan lengahkan untuk menukarnya kerana tayar antara komponen penting dalam memberi keselamatan kepada pemanduan anda.

Untuk mengetahui masa yang terbaik untuk menukar tayar, boleh rujuk di
sini
.


Top 5 Reasons To Buy A Carsome Certified Car

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is not as straightforward as buying a new vehicle. There’s simply no two ways about it. There are a lot of potential pitfalls you may encounter, especially if you don’t know what to look out for.

However, with the pricing of new vehicles in Malaysia, pre-owned vehicles more often than not are both the logical and financially prudent choice so how do you navigate the world of pre-owned vehicles?

Three words!

Carsome Certified cars

All Carsome Certified cars go through a 175-point inspection covering the interior, exterior, underbody and are road-tested to make sure it’s free of major accidents and flood damage (Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process) at the
Carsome Certified Lab
, and come with fixed prices with no hidden fees, 5-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.

But if you want to dive deeper and understand WHY you should choose a
Carsome Certified car
, then read on below as we list it down for you.

1. Quality - Pre-owned vehicles that are carefully selected and refurbished beyond standards

Carsome selects the best vehicles and makes them better by refurbishing them to be
Carsome Certified
 at the
Carsome Certified Lab
. The Carsome Certified Lab measures 185,856 square feet (the biggest in Southeast Asia). It is there that Carsome turns around all the cars that have been selected through the Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process. You can read all about the Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process
here
.

At the Carsome Certified Lab;

up to 2,000 vehicles are refurbished monthly

up to 30 brands are refurbished including local, Japanese, Korean, and continental makes

technicians come highly trained and skilled

They use advanced tools, powered by data and cutting-edge technology

they raise the bar of quality through all-encompassing troubleshooting

2. Trust - Quality vehicles, backed by quality after-sales

The
Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process
 ensures all vehicles that have first passed the 175-point Inspection are refurbished to perform at their best. Starting with mechanical and general repairs, global safety standards are followed to ensure Carsome Certified vehicles operate at optimum functionality, while tools such as an Onboard Diagnostic Scanner (ODS) detect and service all electronic issues to maintain key safety features.

Delivering safety beyond standards, complete comfort, and refurbished aesthetics, every car is free from major accidents, fire, or flood damage. For added peace of mind, these selections come with a 1-year warranty (that covers but is not limited to the engine, transmission, and air conditioning system) and a
5-day money-back guarantee
 so you can trust the quality of a Carsome Certified vehicle from the moment you drive off in it.

3. Promise - A new standard of buying pre-owned cars

Part of being the new standard for pre-owned cars means also delivering peace of mind to buyers.

Carsome is the go-to car e-commerce platform that delivers a seamless consumer journey experience, removing all the pain points from buying a car. Leveraging technology and data, Carsome is able to create a trusted end-to-end platform at a scale never seen before in Malaysia, let alone South East Asia.

Best-in-class experience that is on par with new cars added with a personalised touch helps Carsome create a new standard for buying pre-owned cars.

4. Transparency - Carsome is a 100% Transparent so you are a 100% Confident

Everything you see on
carsome.my
 is a promise of everything you will get when you are ready to make the purchase. There are
NO hidden fees
. All displayed prices are
fixed
, inclusive of road tax, PUSPAKOM fees, loan processing fees, and ownership transfer fees. A full 175-point vehicle inspection report (so as a customer you know the ins and outs of the car) and 360-degree unedited view are also available to give you a wholesome interior and exterior look of the vehicle. When it comes to transparency, there is no compromise with Carsome!

5. Choice - Buy the vehicles you want, the way you want

Choices are aplenty with Carsome and with the backlog and unavailability of new cars at the moment the fastest way for you to purchase a car is to go the pre-owned route but one must still be careful. With Carsome Certified and the level of expert refurbishment that goes into every Carsome Certified car, you’re got peace of mind that the car you’re buying will serve you faithfully for many years to come.

With up to 30 brands, Carsome has vehicles that suit every kind of need, be it hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs, or even the much-beloved SUVs. From browsing to delivery, Carsome gives you the flexibility to shop the way you want. Browse the app, visit the website, or if you prefer a more personal touch just visit a Carsome Experience Center near you.

Once you’ve found a vehicle you like, you can book a test drive any day of the week. Can’t go to Carsome? No problem. Just get a virtual tour from their friendly Carsome Consultants. Carsome welcomes all customers to collect their vehicles personally at the Carsome Experience Centers. But if you prefer, Carsome is also more than happy to deliver the car to you.

With each and every Carsome Certified car, the promise you’re getting is:

transparency with close-up pictures and the inspection report on the vehicle listing

a vehicle that is professionally cleaned and sanitized

a vehicle delivered to your doorstep! (if you want it to)

With Carsome Certified, you are getting a new standard of buying pre-owned cars. A standard that is promised by all the reasons above.

Do yourself a favor, don’t settle for anything less than a Carsome Certified car - browse for them
here
!


Chandan Thakur Installed As New Head Of Michelin Malaysia

The newly appointed Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Chandan Thakur, will succeed Beltran Yturriaga, who has moved to Michelin’s regional office in Bangkok where he now where he will serve as Distribution Development Manager, East Asia and Oceania.
Chandan, a 41-year old is a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Bangalore, India, has had a long and esteemed career with the Michelin Group since 1999, being the Country Sales Manager, Passenger Cars and Light Trucks in Malayssia from June 2007 to April 2011.
He then moved on become the Country Sales Manager, Passenger Cars and Light Trucks in India from May 2011 to April 2013. Prior to his transfer to Malaysia, he was the Distribution Development Manager, East Asia and Oceania at Michelin's Bangkok office.
Chandan, in his new role as Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, aims to build on Michelin’s double-digit sales growth that it has enjoyed in recent years, further expanding the company’s footprint and customer loyalty while leveraging Michelin’s technology and innovation to deliver effective and competitive solutions to customers.
“Malaysians are very proud and discerning motorists, well informed and demand the highest value proposition for their vehicle, regardless whether they drive a MyVi, SUV or luxury car.
“We aim to leverage our growing network of TYREPLUS outlets and offer professional counsel to meet the driving styles and preferences of our customers. While the primary objective would be to prescribe MICHELIN as a tyre of choice, we do not adopt a one size fits all policy at our multi-brand stores and offer customers the flexibility to make informed choices. Safety, longevity, fuel saving, comfort and driving pleasure is the core of our DNA in offering our customers MICHELIN Total Performance,” Chandan said.
While the expansion of the TYREPLUS network remains a top priority, Chandan adds that Michelin is also focusing on its speacialised truck and bus service centres located at strategic areas throughout Malaysia to be closer to fleets and meet their specific needs more effectively.


Malaysian Fuel Prices For October 2015: RON95, RON97, Diesel Up 10 Sen

For the month of October 2015, Malaysian fuel prices have increased, ending the downward trend for the months of
August
 and
September
.

RON 95 and RON97 petrol sees a increase in price by RM0.10 per litre (previously RM1.95 and RM2.35 per litre respectively), with the latter now of the Euro 4M standard following a government mandate implemented on 1 September 2015. Euro 2M diesel also sees a price hike of RM0.10
per litre
(previously RM1.80 per litre)
as well.

The new fuel prices for the month of October (starting from midnight) are summarised as below:

RON 95 petrol: RM2.05 per litre

RON 97 petrol: RM2.45 per litre (inclusive of GST)

Diesel (Euro 2M) : RM1.90 per litre

Diesel (Euro 5): RM2.00 per litre


Volkswagen Marks 40 Years Of The GTI With 261hp Clubsport Concept

To celebrate its Golf GTI’s fourth decade in existence next year, Volkswagen has let the world’s eyes have a look at its GTI Clubsport concept. While what we see right now are sketches, Volkswagen plans on unveiling the real thing at the annual Worthersee festival in Austria.
These sketches do a good-enough job of previewing a true
Golf

GTI
 Edition 40 (1976-2016). With a production model earmarked for 2016,
Volkswagen
’s possibly newest addition to its Golf stable would slot in between the ever-popular Golf GTI and the spicier
Golf R
.
The figures that accompany the GTI Clubsport concept seem to corroborate this pretty well, its turbocharged EA888 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder is packing 261 horsepower compared to 220hp in the vanilla GTI and 292hp in the Golf R. Making a return is the 6-speed DSG gearbox, with the option of a 6-speed manual available as well.
Although we won’t know for sure until we see the real-life version, these sketches hint at a revised air dam and a pair of pronounced air intakes situated on either side of the front bumper, both have a glossy finish. In addition, some choice wheels and contrasting paint cues are also worth mentioning. Presumably, when the Edition 40 does make it to production next year (most likely), it might contain echoes of the Clubsport concept, but will likely be produced in limited numbers targetting GTI die-hards and collectors.


All-New 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe At The Bangkok Motor Show

Only three months ago,
Mercedes-Benz
 showed the world its brand new GLE-Class Coupe. Fast forward to the Bangkok Motor Show, the sporty SUV makes its official debut at the Bangkok Motor Show. The BMW X6 rival has a starting price of THB 7,990,000 (RM 898,951) (including 7% VAT) according to the Mercedes-Benz Thailand official site.
The variant seen here is the top of the line GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC, representing the first of the AMG Sport models that slot in just below the full-blown AMG models and above the AMG Sports package-applied Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Other variants include the GLE 350 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 4MATIC.
The GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC has a direct injection 3.0-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine that sends 367hp @ 5,500 rpm and 520 Nm @ 1,400-4,000 rpm through a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and sends it to all four wheels via the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.
A Dynamic Select system allows the driver to make select pre-configured settings for the chassis, suspension, steering, and powertrain from inside the cabin. The interior also receives various luxurious features as well with an optional 20.3-cm media display paired with Garmin MAP PILOT including an array of inputs that can replay audio through an optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround-sound speaker system.
Mercedes-Benz’s suite of of safety systems can be found here as well, including Adaptive Brake with Hold function, hill-start assist, Attention Assist, BAS Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ESP Dynamic Curve Assist, PRE-SAFE system, and Electronic Traction System (4ETS), and many more.
Keep in mind that these specifications are for the Thailand market and might not represent what we could receive if and when the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe makes its way to Malaysia.


JPJ Wants You To Take Pictures Of Traffic Offenders And Report To Them Directly

Ever been in a situation where irresponsible motorists were committing traffic offences right before your eyes and just got away with it?
More often than not, all we could do in these situations was curse these culprits, and maybe take a picture or a video for some good old social media ‘name-and-shame’, and that was it.
Well guess what? The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that you can now report a traffic offence to the JPJ directly via e-mail.
All you have to do when you see a traffic offender after this is take a picture or a video of the offence, and send an email to
aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my
 with the details listed below:
Complainant’s details:
Full name
IC Number
Address
Contact Number
Details of the offence:
Brief summary of the offence
Date and time
Location
Offender’s vehicle details
Proof (photo/video/documents)
Upon receiving your email report, the JPJ will issue a “Notis 114” which will require the offender to go to JPJ directly, and give his or her statement regarding the reported offence.
If found guilty, JPJ will issue a traffic summon (Notis P22) to the owner of the vehicle that was seen committing the aforementioned traffic offence.
Among the traffic offences that can be reported include:
Misuse of the emergency lane
Tailgating
Queue-cutting
So, the next time you see someone misbehaving on the road, feel free to follow these simple steps above and make sure that they face the consequences.
But wait, isn’t using a mobile device to take a picture or video while driving is an offence by itself?
Yes it is, so in order to be safe, just pass the phone to a passenger or if you often drive alone, just install a dashcam.


VW To Be First Profitable Mass-Market Electric Car Maker

When Volkswagen starts to zero in on something, they usually go all-in, and most of the time, they, come out on top. There's no denying that they are one big powerhouse but to hear that they will be the first company to profit from manufacturing electric vehicles comes as quite a surprise.

According to Forbes, "Volkswagen will become the first global automaker to make money selling battery-only electric vehicles (BEVs) with profits kicking in from 2022, according to a report from Swiss investment bank UBS."

They also mentioned that Tesla would be shaking in their boots, as "Tesla's position as the world's most desired electric vehicle will come under pressure from German competition, UBS said."

In five years, UBS predicts that 15 per cent of the worlds automotive market will be dominated by battery-only vehicles and a big part of that percentage will be filled with VW Group's cars. The VW prediction is also backed up by VW's plans to invest $36 billion through 2024, on a family of electric vehicles right across its mass-market brands.

Spearheading the electric charge will be VW's mass-market electric car, the ID.3, which will go on sale around the third quarter of this year. VW has also shown its planned electric SUV, the ID.4, due sometime next year. Porsche, who is part of the VW group is already knocking on Tesla's door with the impressive Porsche Taycan which kicks out over 600hp. It has a range of 450km and can be fully charged in 12 hours.

Now the Taycan is one Porsche we'd love to review.


BMW Group Malaysia Launches The Ultimate Insurance Program

Sheer peace of mind for sheer driving pleasure – the BMW Ultimate Insurance Program offers holistic protection for selected BMW models and now extends to cover the vehicle’s owner and driver too.
Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia at the launch added, “Another first of its kind offering in the automotive industry here, the Ultimate Protection Insurance program enables us to provide our customers and their loved ones complete peace of mind and added confidence in their premium ownership experience of their BMW vehicle.”
Applicable for vehicles financed under BMW Credit Malaysia, the Ultimate Protection Insurance Programme covers the following:
Key Care protection of up to RM1,000.
Flood Coverage protection of up to RM30,000.
Rim protection for up to RM1,000
Gap Insurance Protection for up to RM 10,000.
Additionally, under the coverage scheme, the owner benefits from:
Accidental Death Cases for up to RM100,000.
Total Permanent Disability Relief for up RM100,000.
Coverage for personal effects (due to vehicle break in) for up to RM3,000.
Special relief for up to RM10,000 up maximum period of six months including covering monthly instalments of up to RM2500/month for the vehicle owner's Hire Purchase Loan Repayment.
The Ultimate Protection Insurance Programme is extended for all new BMW vehicles under the

recently granted customised Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) Status Incentives, namely:
BMW 118i Sport
BMW 120i M Sport
BMW 318i Luxury
BMW 320i Sport
BMW 330i M Sport
BMW 320d Gran Turismo
BMW 328i Gran Turismo
BMW 520d M Sport
BMW 520i M Sport
BMW 528i M Sport
BMW X3 xDrive20i
BMW X3 xDrive20d
Additional BMW vehicles that are covered by the Ultimate Protection Insurance Programme includes:
BMW 218i Active Tourer
BMW 320i M Sport
BMW 320d M Sport
BMW 730Li
BMW 740Li
BMW X1 xDrive20i
BMW X5 xDrive35i


Bantu Mangsa Banjir - Perodua Tawar Rebat, Diskaun dan Pemeriksaan Percuma

Perodua
 menawarkan rebat perkhidmatan tunda, diskaun ke atas alat ganti terpilih dan pemeriksaan percuma untuk pemilik kenderaan Perodua yang terjejas akibat banjir.

Pelanggan Perodua juga boleh menuntut perkhidmatan menunda sehingga maksimum RM100 di kedai servis Perodua berdasarkan syarat yang dikenakan, kata syarikat itu dalam satu kenyataan kepada media.

Menurut Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, tawaran nilai tambah ini disediakan untuk mengurangkan beban yang ditanggung pelanggan mereka ketika bencana tersebut menimpa.

Perodua juga menawarkan potongan 20 peratus untuk alat ganti terpilih kepada pelanggan Perodua yang rosak kenderaannya, akibat banjir yang sedang melanda kini.

Tambah beliau lagi,
alat ganti mereka dilengkapi dengan jaminan atau warranty dari pengeluar
 dan mereka meminta supaya pelanggan Perodua tidak menggunakan sebarang alat tiruan yang mampu menjejaskan prestasi kenderaan mereka.

*Kredit foto: Facebook

Banjir kilat
 yang melanda beberapa buah negeri ketika ini menyebabkan banyak kenderaan telah tersangkut di tengah jalan akibat timbunan air yang tidak surut. Lebih teruk, ada juga tempat di mana kenderaan mereka habis ditenggelami air.

Alat ganti
 yang dimaksudkan merangkumi segala barangan elektronik, gasket baik pulih enjin, trim pintu, tempat duduk kenderaan dan permaidani.

Para pelanggan Perodua yang terjejas kenderaannya disebabkan banjir, digalakkan menghubungi talian khidmat pelanggan bebas tol mereka di 1-800-88-5555 untuk bantuan tunda, tertakluk kepada terma dan syarat.

Update: Perodua telah bersetuju naikkan diskaun alat ganti kepada 50%, ditambah dengan khidmat tunda dan buruh percuma setelah perbincangan dengan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.


The Next-Gen Honda NSX Will Be An EV

The
next-generation Honda NSX
 will most likely be an
EV
 and according to one of Honda's top dogs, his words were 'I would bet on it'.

Ever since the
second-gen Acura NSX
 came into play back in 2016, the brand's 'halo' car has been making waves in the automotive industry. With a few of them left on the showroom floors, the question regarding the next gen is obviously in the air, and it'll most likely be an all-electric beast.

No more 'new' second-gen Honda NSX

With the production line for the limited-edition NSX Type-S model now closed, Acura has clearly (and officially) stated that there are no immediate plans to bring back its halo sports car into the limelight. However, some officials within Honda have indicated otherwise.

The joint venture with General Motors will see two Honda BEV models entering the market sometime in 2024 - the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX. Honda's new global CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, however, has big plans to further amplify the brand's electric offerings in the coming years. This is where the NSX will also come into play as an all-electric platform is said to be 'perfect' for the iconic nameplate.

$40 billion for Honda to be fully electric by 2040

Honda's first few EV initiatives will be tied up with GM in their plans to introduce at least 30 BEVs by the end of this decade. During that period, Honda itself will also work on its own EV platform dubbed the 'e:Architecture', which will be fully utilised by both Honda and Acura.

A brand-new NSX would greatly serve the company's purpose not only as a halo nameplate but also as what Honda performance EVs will be capable of. Impressive performance would be the first highlight, followed by massively enhanced levels of handling and tech just like how the first and second-gen NSX models have been portrayed over the years - legends.

Let's hope that the top dogs from Honda will give the go-ahead soon to start the development of the next-gen NSX. In the meantime, their focus is to launch more reasonable and affordable BEV production models first in the next couple of years.

Who knows, maybe we'll get to see this all-electric Honda NSX as early as 2025? We're crossing our fingers hard on this one, folks.


CES 2019: Toyota’s Automated Driving Test Vehicle Upgraded To New Lexus LS Hybrid

Toyota will once again showcase their latest automated driving technology at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas, USA.
This year, Toyota and Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will be introducing an all-new automated driving test vehicle, named the TRI-P4.
Using a Lexus LS 500h as the base vehicle, TRI-P4 adds two additional cameras to improve situational awareness on the sides and two new imaging sensors―one facing forward and one pointed to the rear―specifically designed for autonomous vehicles. The imaging sensors feature new chip technology with high dynamic range. The radar system has been optimized to improve the field of view, especially for close range detection around the vehicle perimeter.
The LIDAR sensing system with eight scanning heads carries over from the previous test model, Platform 3.0, and morphs into the new vehicle design.
The computer power used to digest all the collected information and then send specific commands for vehicle direction has also been upgraded. The power supply is now directly taken from the hybrid traction batteries, with the 12V battery acting as a backup.
TRI is focusing on developing
 two different aspects of automated driving
- the Guardian and the Chauffeur. As the name suggests, Guardian is designed to amplify human performance behind the wheel, not replace it. Since the start of automated driving research and development, Toyota has said that they have no intention of replacing the driver.
The concept of Chauffeur meanwhile focuses on full autonomy, where the human is essentially removed from the tasks of driving.
The all-new Lexus LS 500h uses a naturally aspirated V6 engine displacing 3.5 litres. Combined with power output from two electric motors, the hybrid system delivers a total of 354 horsepower.
While the transmission in the LS 500h only has 4 forward gears, the hybrid system helps to fill in the spaces in between with a reduction gear that results in a 10-speed feel with no rubber-band effect during in-gear acceleration.
TRI plans to build a fleet of P4 vehicles beginning Spring 2019, at their Prototype Development Centre at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) in Michigan, USA.


BMW i3 Lives Again In 2022 As The First Fully Electric 3 Series

Over in China, BMW have revealed a new version of their 3 Series four-door executive saloon. The big difference here is that it lacks a combustion engine and instead uses batteries and an electric motor.

The Munich-based automaker has done similar EVs previously where an existing vehicle platform is repurposed into a zero emissions version of itself with the most obvious examples being the
i4 (based on the G26 4 Series Gran Coupe)
 and the
 iX3 (based on the G01 X3)
.

Another i3?

In keeping with somewhat convoluted naming scheme, they’ve called it the i3 to denote it as an electric 3 Series. The problem is that
there already was an i3
 that BMW produced as a standalone model - alongside the i8 hybrid sports car - back in 2013. They’re still being produced today and is only scheduled to be put to rest in July 2022.

Of course, that original i3 has nothing to do with this G30-based saloon, which is apparently only to be sold to the Chinese market given the appetite for EVs there. That could soon change, though.

The iX3 In Sedan Form

Interestingly, this i3 eDrive35L is more closely related to the long wheelbase version of the current 3 Series in terms of dimensions. The extra space in between the axles would make to store floor-mounted batteries, of which it has 70.3 kilowatt-hours worth of.

Its single electric motor drives the rear axle and produces 285hp and 400Nm, giving it identical outputs to the iX3 and deliver a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.2 seconds. On a full charge, BMW claims this all-electric 3er will do 526km before going kaput, calculated/estimated based on China’s own light vehicle test cycle.

Previews G20 3 Series Facelift

Speaking of which, replenishing the i3 eDrive 35L’s power reserves (10% to 80%) can be done as rapidly as 35 minutes if plugged into a DC charger that meets its 95kW maximum charging rate. There’s also the option to accommodate a slower but more commonplace 11kW AC charger, though no firm figures on charge time are disclosed on that.

Due to be fully launched in China some time May 2022, the i3 eDrive 35L will be built in Shenyang by BMW Brilliance, a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance Auto.

In terms of styling, this electric 3 Series actually previews the model’s upcoming facelift - called Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) in BMW lingo - that features some subtle visual alterations such as a revised bumper design and headlight clusterm and the same goes for the rear end.

Inside, the dashboard has been reworked to feature an ultrawide integrated digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen in the same vein as
Mercedes-Benz's older MBUX implementation
. It seems that BMW are turning their back on the traditional instrument binnacle.


Settling Soil Causes Temporary Lane Closure On Sultan Iskandar Highway

The left lane of Sultan Iskandar Highway - formerly known as Lebuhraya Mahameru – that heads toward Muzium Negara has been closed for the time being due to the settling of soil causing a sag in the road surface.

The NST reports that it occurred near the Parliament building where beneath the road the construction of a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tunnel is underway.

Sixteen firemen and two fire engines were sent to the location after the City Fire and Rescue Department received the call at 6.34pm yesterday, as Azizan Ismail, assistant director (operations), told the daily.

The report also said that an assessment found that other parts of the road stretch remain safe for traffic, as told by the contractor responsible for the tunnel project to city traffic police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nadzri Hussain.

City Hall stated that repair works on the affected area will commence by this morning (3
rd
 June) at the latest, according to the information Mohd Nadzri received.