The Kia Grand Carnival Is Great For Family Reunions

In a sort of convoluted way, when Kia Malaysia announced the slightly updated pricing of their models, they reminded Malaysians that the Grand Carnival is an MPV that exists. It’s one of the larger MPVs you can get – and entirely deserving of the Grand in it’s name – but more than that is the fact that it can be incredibly versatile when you need it to be.

Let’s take a look at just how this is possible. For starters it has not three, but four rows of seating – which is impressive considering it has a wheelbase that’s roughly 15 to 20 centimetres longer than other Japanese 7 seater MPVs. Overall length is also not too extreme at 5,115 mm – just 40 cm or so longer than 7 seater offerings. The width also stands at around 20 to 30 centimetres wider than more conventional MPVs.

This is why it’s surprising then that Kia manages to squeeze an extra four people into the Grand Carnival. The Korean brand isn’t exactly known for packaging prowess in the same sense as Honda, and yet it looks like each seat in the rear three rows isn’t absurdly narrow unlike some other MPVs where the middle seat passenger is bound to suffer.

The configurations are also pretty flexible, allowing you to balance occupancy and storage space. For maximum space, there is the 6-seat setup that collapses the fourth row and takes away the centre seats in the second and third rows for a 2 + 2 + 2 setup – which in turn means each row has an almost captain-chair like setup, with room for luggage.

In the 7-seat setup, you can either pop the centre seat out from the third or second row depending on what your goals are, although it would probably be easier to do it with the third row so you can keep the second row as a walk-through setup. At this point you still don’t need to pop up the fourth row, so you maintain your luggage room. The 8-seat setup is fairly self-explanatory, as all you need to do is turn both the second and third rows into benches for a 2 + 3 + 3 setup.

When you inevitably need to carry your 2.02 children (the most current Malaysian average) and grandparents from both sides of the family, and the odd uncle or auntie, you can finally break out that fourth row to truly impress. Granted, with all last row seating it can be a little cramped so it’s probably better to stick the children furthest back, but you end up with a 2 + 3 + 3 + 3 setup for a total of 11 seats.

What’s the price for all of this people-carrying ability? A surprising RM 179,888 is the starting price – which works out to be around RM 16,353 per seat. A strange metric, but one that beats almost every non-national car on the market. You also get a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that puts out a not insignificant 200 PS and 400 Nm of torque to make sure you have reasonable performance even when you’re carrying a lot of passengers.


Shell Launches Euro 5 Diesel In Sarawak

Starting from last week, Shell has started to roll out Euro 5 Diesel over in the lovely state of Sarawak, East Malaysia. It was first made available in Bintulu from February 15th, and will soon be made available in other major cities such as Miri, Kuching, and Sibu.
What's special about Euro 5 Diesel fuel from Shell? Their DYNAFLEX technology helps to clean and protect engines from dirt buildup, while the low sulphur content as dictated by Euro 5 standards makes this fuel suitable for modern diesel engines.


Watch What The Avengers' Stuntman Have to say About The New Audi R8

Some might call
the all-new Audi R8
 looking a bit too similar to
the old Audi R8
. Which begs the question, is it the same old car in a new skin? Not at all, according to stunt driver Glenn Foster, who have had the enviable opportunity to drive several iterations of the old R8 in his job as the stuntman for Robert Downey Jr. in the Marvel cinematic universe movies.
Audi’
s latest YouTube video finds Foster at his latest film set where he is given the chance to try the new R8 and pitch it into some four-wheel slides and pulling off reverse slides, as is de rigueur of a man of his profession.  And for a man whose job it is to put cars through risky stunts that require one-part bravery and several-parts of coordination, he has plenty of praise for the new R8, especially that it is “remarkably different” from its predecessor. Watch the video to see what he has to say about Audi’s new supercar.
When it comes to promoting a new performance car, carmakers would often gleam comments from their test drivers or racing drivers, which usually results in racing driver comments that are broadly general. Foster’s perspective however offers a different, outsider’s take on the Audi, from a driver whose job it is to know a car’s limits and push it beyond to get that one sort after shot. Besides driving as a stunt double in the Ironman and The Avengers movies, Foster’s movie roll call also includes the Bourne Ultimatum, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, and three Bond movies including Quantum of Solace. So he certainly know a thing or two about fast cars.


SDAC Makes Owning A Ford Even Easier This Merdeka

In conjunction with Malaysia’s 58
th
 year of independence, Ford Malaysia, along with its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), are offering cash rebates of up to RM13,000 on selected Ford models, from now until 30
th
 September.
The full list of Ford models which are offered with the attractive cash rebates are as follows:
Ford Focus
 – Up to RM13,000
Ford Fiesta
 – Up to RM12,000
Ford EcoSport
 – Up to RM9,000 – or a zero percent interest for up to five years
Ford Ranger
 – Up to RM5,500
This attractive Merdeka month celebration promotion when combined with
Ford’s
 Extended Service Plan (ESP), which is available on all Ford passenger vehicles, provides added peace of mind and ease of ownership to customers. The three year or 60,000km maintenance programme provides free replacements for selected wear-and-tear parts, inclusive of free labour.
“As we celebrate our nation’s 58th year of independence, we are pleased to be making it even easier for more Malaysians to become Ford owners,” said Lee Eu San, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
Additionally, all
Ford
 passenger vehicles come with a three year or 100,000km manufacturer’s warranty, and is made even better with SDAC’s two years or 100,000km Extended Warranty Programme.


Subaru Won’t Be Making Any A- Or B-Segment Models, Demand For Sedans Dwindling

While the Subaru XV and Forester are now the top-selling models for Subaru globally, both models are too similar in size. As a result, customers end up comparing the two rather than against other competing models.
Take the Honda HR-V for example, with a 2,610 mm wheelbase that is 50 mm shorter than a CR-V, giving Honda sufficient room to differentiate the two. It is clear to consumers that the HR-V and CR-V are two very different products catering to different needs.
The Subaru XV however, uses a larger C-segment platform but it still competes with the smaller (but stretched) B-segment platform-based Honda HR-V. The XV has a 2,665 mm long wheelbase, which is just 5 mm shorter than the one-class higher all-new Forester.
This overlap between the XV and Forester is further exasperated by the narrow price gap between the two, as only about RM5,000 separates between the most expensive XV variant versus the base, outgoing generation Forester (all-new model to be introduced later this year).
When asked if Subaru is considering the introduction of a smaller B-segment class model to its line-up, Mr. Tomohiro Ishitobi, Senior Manager of Overseas Sales and Marketing Division 2 at Subaru Corporation, explained that the nature of Subaru’s signature ‘boxer’ engine configuration means that it cannot be used on smaller B-segment cars.
“We use boxer engine, and the boxer configuration is not suitable for B-segment,” said Ishitobi at the sidelines of the opening of
Subaru's first plant in Asia outside of Japan
.
Boxer engines are engines with horizontally opposed pistons, which move left-right rather than a conventional engine’s up-down motion. As such, boxer engines are lower (but wider), which in turns allows the engine to be placed much lower in the engine bay, thus significantly improving its centre gravity and therefore giving the car better handling and stability.
On the downside, maintenance work can be more complicated as some components are harder to reach and the design also adds a bit more complexity to the steering rack’s installation.
“The B-segment is highly competitive. It’s basically competing in price but that’s not where we compete in,” added Ishitobi.
The Honda City/Toyota Vios class B-segment represents the largest passenger car segment in our region.
The fact that all new generation Subaru global models are built on the same modular Subaru Global Platform (SGP) also limits their products to only the C/D segments.
Of course, Subaru does offer a wide range of minicars (kei cars) in Japan but none of these are made by Subaru. Instead, they are all rebadged Daihatsus/Toyotas.
Ishitobi also added that demand for sedan bodytype cars has peaked, and Subaru will pay less attention to sedans but it will continue developing sports sedans, as there is still demand for those.
“Sedan (challenges) is more or less same as B-segment – it’s highly competitive, mainly on price. Looking globally, the numbers are still big but shrinking. A lot of sedans are rental cars or fleet cars - it’s not the type of cars people buy,” he said, adding that only unique sedans like luxury sedans or sport sedans are still doing well.
“For sport sedans, yes we have the WRX STI, those are the areas we are looking for,” he said.
Regular sedans like the D-segment Legacy, however, are increasingly being eclipsed by SUVs. It (sales of Legacy) is also becoming very difficult. It’s still selling well but compared to the competitiveness of SUVs, there is more demand for SUVs,” he said.
Over the next decade, one can expect Subaru to trim down its sedan offerings while at the same time expanding its SUV line-up. However, we don't discount the possibility of the company rebadging a smaller product from Toyota, with whom they already has an existing working relationship with - not just for the BRZ but also the aforementioned Japan-only minicars. It's hard to see how Subaru can remain competitive if it only limits its product offerings to the C/D segments.


Hyundai Sonata Facelift Spotted Testing in Michigan

Just three years in production and the current gen Sonata is shaping up for its facelift. This test mule spotted in Michigan over in the states shows some of the styling that we can expect with the facelift model, even if it is heavily clad in car camouflage.

From what little we can gleam and from the experienced insights of the guys at HYUNDAI-BLOG, the new model should have a more aggressive look at both the front and the rear, with  redesigned grill, lights, and bumpers. The side profile is heavily covered so it's difficult to see what changes will be made to the metalwork, but it's a reasonable guess that it follows the more aggressive direction.

The previous generation Sonata was a huge hit, but the current generation one proved to be a little lacklustre at launch- and it seems that this sentiment translates to the US market as well. Hopefully with the US market driving the direction of the Sonata's facelift development, we will see a more interesting product on our shores as well.


2018 Volkswagen Polo Leaked Ahead Of Official Debut

The 2018 Volkswagen Polo is expected to make a global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but
cars.co.za
 has already posted photos of the next-generation model.
Like all current Volkswagen models, the 2018 Volkswagen Polo will be based on the MQB platform, replacing the outgoing model's PQ25 platform. Thanks to the new platform, dimensions are also larger than its predecessor although weight may be 70 kg lighter.

Related Articles

2018 VW Polo Teased Ahead of World Premiere, Again

Auto News

June 14, 2017

2018 Volkswagen Polo Teased On Video

Auto News

May 05, 2017

SPYSHOTS: Volkswagen Polo Sedan Facelift Revealed In Russia

Auto News

March 23, 2015

 Engine wise, Volkswagen is likely going to offer its range of petrol and diesel engines, both in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged flavours mated to manual and DSG transmissions. The hotter Polo GTI could reuse its predecessor's 1.8-litre lump, albeit with a bump in power output.
We can also expect Volkswagen to introduce a much more upmarket interior for the Polo in order to keep its smallest model competitive. Keeping in line with its siblings, Volkswagen could offer features from its more expensive models, like Active Info Display, improved infotainment systems plus keyless entry with push start button.Further details will be made available once the model goes official in the coming months.
Photo credit:
cars.co.za


Mitsubishi Unleashes The 2021 Triton Athlete – RM141,500

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, introduced the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete today. The Triton Athlete will now replace
Triton Adventure X
 as the flagship of the Triton pickup range.

Aesthetics-wise, the Triton Athlete is accentuated by a gloss black front under garnish, whereas the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept now incorporates a glossy black radiator grille and sporty ‘Athlete’ graphic design side stripe stickers. This stylistic treatment is further carried onto the side mirrors, door handles, aero type window deflectors, 18-inch gloss black rims and side steps.

On the inside – the Athlete is spiced up with orange-stitching leather wrapped steering, gear knobs and LED illuminated scuff plates. The Triton Athlete also comes with first-in-class rear air circulator.

Under the hood, the Triton Athlete is powered by the tried and tested
(4N15) 2.4-litre Mivec
 common-rail turbodiesel engine, which produces 181PS and 430 Nm of torque. Power is sent to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and then towards the four wheels through a Super Select 4WD II system.

Safety-wise, the Triton Athlete comes standard with 7-airbags, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist (BSW with LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Other highlight features include All Round Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR) and 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Ready as standard.

With the inclusion of the Athlete variant – this is how the
Triton range
 shapes up:

Triton Athlete: RM141,500

Triton AT Premium: RM121,000

Triton MT Premium: RM113,300

Triton AT: RM105,990

Triton MT: RM100,200

Triton Quest: RM79,900

Prices are quoted OTR without insurance (10% SST inclusive)

The Triton Athlete is offered with a
5-Years/200,000km warrant
y (whichever comes first).

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

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

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

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


Perodua Officially Opens New Flagship Centre: Perodua Sentral PJ

Having opened
for business earlier this year May
,
Perodua
 is now officially launching its latest flagship 3S Centre, Perodua Sentral, PJ.

With a built-up area of 15,700 square-metres, the new RM36 million-dollar flagship centre represents one of many ‘Transformation Initiatives’ put forward by Perodua in an attempt to turn itself globally competitive.

Perodua Sentral will serve as a showcase experience of the latest and greatest that the carmaker has to offer customers, with there of course being sales, service and spare parts facilities, of which promise the utmost best of what Perodua is able to offer.

Speaking of the new facility, Perodua’s president and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salled, said one of the best features of the new facility is its “mono-operation” methodology, whereby the carmaker integrates both its sales and service operations into one seamless experience for customers.

“From purchasing a car to service reminders to insurance renewals and even to keeping track of your Perodua reward points via out latest customer loyalty programme (UFirst), everything related to your Perodua experience will be cared for (at Perodua Sentral).”

And rather than just offer a basic lounge with free WiFi and coffee, Perodua has taken the customer experience to new heights by even providing a café (Gloria Jeans), an ATM machine, a Pre-Owned Vehicle service for customers looking to trade in their vehicles, and that’s not the best yet.

What makes Perodua Sentral even more remarkable is the fact that it has established a working relationship with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to even have a JPJ counter within Perodua Sentral.

There are also two basement parking levels with a total of 184 parking bays, a sales showroom, 37 service bays, two floors for sales and after sales operations, and a dedicated floor just for events.

“This flagship embodies our brand promise to delight our customers. We will continue to improve our products and services, and we would like to thank Malaysians for choosing Perodua as their brand of choice,” closed Aminar.


Abu Dhabi Police Takes Delivery Of RM12.5 Million Lykan HyperSport

The Abu Dhabi Police have recently taken delivery of a very expensive and limited-run Lykan HyperSport which will join other expensive patrol cars within the fleet that includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom as well.
Not to be confused with the Dubai Police who they themselves
have an impressive fleet of their own
, the police authorities for the capital of the United Arab Emirates now have one of only seven Lykan HyperSports in the world, produced by Lebanese based company, W Motors.
Priced at 3.4 million US dollars or RM 12.5 million, you may have seen this car in the
movie Furious 7
 starring Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker. And if you haven’t, here’s a snippet from the movie:
So, what did the Abu Dhabi Police get with the huge sum of money paid for this supercar? Well, the HyperSport is powered by a RUF-developed 3.7-litre flat-six twin-turbo boxer engine providing 770-hp and 960Nm of torque. That translates to a century sprint time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 385 km/h, more than sufficient to catch the occasional bad guy. Primary police duty accomplished there.
Adding to this is the sheer wow and bling factor that the supercar brings because the front headlights are diamond encrusted with 15 carats or 420 diamonds. Other precious stones can be chosen and fitted both inside and out depending on the buyer’s preferences. With all those diamonds, we’re not sure if the PIT (precision immobilization technique) manoeuvre should be executed in this car.
At this point, we’re not sure if the Abu Dhabi and Dubai police authorities are competing to have the most extravagant fleet of police cars but whatever the case, it’s is nothing short of spectacular to see such police cars. Kinda reminds you of the
Need For Speed
: Hot Pursuit games, doesn’t it?
Image source:
Instagram user @ahmd_m_


Jom Raya bersama Vanzo

‘Selamat aidil fitri, Kepada saudara serta saudari, Setahun hanya sekali, Merayakan hari yang mulia ini’

Since Hari Raya is for
one month
, we at Carlist would like your car to smell good with a one-year supply of Vanzo air refresher.

Now all you have to do is to tell us how you celebrated Hari Raya this year on Facebook and we will pick 50 winners with the best stories to win 1 year supply of Vanzo air refreshers. Closing date is June 4.

Okay so if you’re not one of the lucky 50 winners, then how lah?

Jangan bimbang! We have a Carlist exclusive promo for you!

We will issue a promo code to all Carlist registered users to enjoy an RM18.00 discount for purchase of RM50.00 or above on Vanzo air refreshers. Don’t forget to check your inbox!

Selamat Hari Raya kawan-kawan, Maaf Zahir dan Batin!

Submit your contest entry
here
.


2018 (F87) BMW M2 Coupe Black Shadow Launched

BMW has introduced the
(F87) BMW M2
 Black Shadow, an updated edition of the M2 that celebrates the global success of the model, which has garnered sales of over 12,000 units in its first year of production, to become the “M” division's most successful model.
The Black Shadow is spiffed-up with an array of design features to further underscore the car’s sporting credentials and exclusivity.
The Black Shadow is offered exclusively with the Sapphire Black metallic colour, and is fitted with 19-inch, matt-black forged light alloys wheels with a Y-spoke design.
The kidney grille and grille bars are finished in high-gloss black, while the side mirror and rear diffuser are fitted with carbon “finish” items. Likewise, the M double tailpipes, on both sides of the rear bumper have black-chrome trimming for an added touch of aggression.
The Black Shadow also features some black “race inspired” accents dotted around the car.
There are no updates to the drivetrain, which features a 3.0-litre direct-injected, turbocharged, inline-six engine which delivers 370 hp at 6,500rpm and 465 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed “M” dual-clutch transmission. The M2 is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The BMW M2 Black Edition is slated to go on sale in Europe starting April 2018.


2016 All-New Chevrolet Colorado – From RM97,053

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, sole distributor and importer of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia has officially launched the latest generation of their popular pickup truck, the Chevrolet Colorado.
The main highlights of is an expanded line-up, from the previous three to now five variants, spread across three engine choices in six-speed manual and auto guises. The new lineup also includes a new flagship variant – the Colorado 2.8 LTZ High Country Automatic.
The Colorado also introduces a few new features, which were not offered on previous models; such as Lane Departure Warning, tire pressure monitoring sensors and Apple Car Play, but more on that later.
Speaking at the launch of the new Chevrolet Colorado was Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of Naza World Group of Companies added, “Chevrolet has been on an interesting journey since we took over the brand back in 2010. Several models have been introduced since then and nothing can be compared to this new Colorado truck. The design has improved exponentially with a lot of attention to details that will make this new Colorado a game changer in its segment in Malaysia.”
He goes on to add, “We are excited to see how great the engineering design for recent new Chevrolet models has developed and this is a positive sign for the brand to move forward in this country. Chevrolet’s handling and comfort have always been the key selling points for us and this new Colorado’s transcendent driving pleasure will definitely something to look forward to by the Malaysian consumers.”
The Colorado is only available in Double-Cab configurations, and with permanent 4x4 underpinnings. The variants of the all-new Chevrolet Colorado are as follows:
Colorado 2.5-Litre STD LT  MT: RM97,053
Colorado 2.5-Litre STD LT AT: RM104,897
Colorado 2.5-Litre STD LTZ AT: RM111,787
Colorado 2.8-Litre STD LTZ AT: RM121,451.88
Colorado 2.8-Litre High Country AT: RM129,189
Prices quoted are on-the-road, excluding insurance in Peninsular Malaysia for private registration.
What’s new?
There are three engines on offer now – all offering more torque and power.
2.5-litre Duramax (Fixed Geometry Turbo) – 163hp at 3600rpm / 380Nm at 2000rpm (up 13hp and 30Nm)
2.5-Litre Duramax (Variable Geometry Turbo) – 180hp at 3600rpm  / 440Nm at 2000rpm  (similar output to previous 2.8-Litre LT variant)
2.8-Litre Duramax (Variable Geometry Turbo) – 193hp at 3600rpm / 500Nm at 2000rpm (up 13hp and 30Nm)
The manual transmission also gains a ratio, from the previous generation’s five-speed 2.5-litre entry-level variant.
Chevrolet has paid special attention to the overall driveability and refinement of the Colorado. On the top of that list is an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system – unlike the conventional hydraulically assisted setup common for pickup trucks, Chevrolet claim its EPS system allows for faster response, dampens out unwanted steering vibration and reduces steering pulls when going off road.
A new engine mount design and Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque-converter (in the automatic models) improves Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels by reducing unwanted torsional vibrations in the  drivetrain and allows for more precise transmission calibration.
Improved windscreen and window seals, roof ditch molding, thicker door glass and bladeless wipers on the other hand, are claimed to reduce noise within the cabin. Chevrolet claim the Colorado is up to 8 percent quieter on the road now.
A new suspension package boasting revised damper and spring rates, including improved damper technology is said to cope with the added power and increase on driving refinement and stability.
New safety equipment highlights include Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Lane Departure Warning (No-Corrective Steer), Front Collision Alert, Hill-Descent Control (HDC) and Anti-Roll Protection.
Please refer below for the trim highlights of each variant.
Colorado 2.5-Litre LT MT
Six-speed manual
Hydraulic power steering
16-inch alloy wheels
Dual front airbags
Driver knee airbag
Seatbelt reminder
Rear park assist
Rear view camera
ABS with EBD
Immobilizer key
Tube type LED DRLs
Front and rear fog lamps
Bedliner
Manual climate control
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, four speaker setup
Colorado 2.5-Litre VGT LT AT
Electronic Power Steering
Grip handles on A-Pillar
Colorado 2.5-Litre LTZ AT
Forward collision alert
Lane departure warning
Front park assist
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti-Roll Protection (ARP)
Hill-Start Assist
Hill-Descent Control
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Remote Start function
Auto Climate Control
Auto Wipers
Auto headlamps
LED rear lamps
Cruise Control
Multifunction steering wheel
Electrochromic rear view mirror
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, seven-speaker
Powered driver’s seat adjustment
Leather seat and door panels
18-inch alloy wheels
Colorado 2.8-Litre LTZ AT
Equipment list identical to 2.5-litre LTZ Automatic
Colorado 2.8-Litre High Country AT
Gloss black front grille
Front bumper with nudge bar
Black rear bumper
18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
High Country interior and exterior trim badges
As before, all-new Chevrolet Colorado is imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicle from General Motors’ production plant in Rayong, Thailand.
The Chevy Colorado comes with 5 Years or 200,000 km factory warranty, whichever comes first.
We recently had an opportunity to drive the all-new Chevrolet Colorado, find out what we think
here.


Ferrari 488 Spider Revealed: Topless And Still Pushing 660 Horses

Deploying the same twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 and most of everything else found in the regular version, here’s a look at Maranello’s
Ferrari 488
 Spider: the most powerful mid-engined Ferrari has now gone topless.
Structurally, the 488 Spider changes in no other area but its lacking fixed roof: slashing 25kg against a classic fabric soft-top model, and weighing nearly the same as its fixed-roof sibling. All in, the 488 Spider weighs just 1420kg: 10kg more than the coupe.
To go with the
Ferrari’s
 infinite headroom here, is a roof that can retract and deploy similarly in 14 seconds an act. The aluminium spaceframe chassis and the combination of materials doesn’t compromise the retractable hard-top’s rigidity, and is in fact 23% stiffer than the 458 Spider.
Performance wise, the twin-turbo V8 gets the Spider from 0 to 100km/h in just three seconds, requiring only a total of 8.7 seconds before smashing 200km/h.


Proton's "new powertrain" equals Iriz turbo?

Proton
 is halfway through its current
10-year business plan
 and part of that roadmap includes new powertrain integration onto its vehicles. Does that mean that there will be a Proton Iriz turbo model in the future?

While the national automaker is making big moves with the current Proton X70 and X50 SUV models as well as the upcoming
Proton X90
 (possibly the brand's
first MHEV model
), a huge portion of their sales figures still consists of the four non-X models. And all of them are due for a big change.

Proton's PIES range - Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga

If you look at the photo above closely, the second last point that states "New powertrain integration onto Proton vehicles" and "Energy-efficient technologies with commendable performance" should point towards the top blue box on the left which states "PIES MC upgrading" or "Persona, Iriz, Exora, and Saga Minor Change Upgrading".

In other words, we will indeed see these four core Proton models getting significant upgrades and enhancements by 2027, particularly in the powertrain department. Proton's engine assembly plant in Tanjung Malim is already working hard on building the powertrains for the X50 and X70 models, but more variations of that will be produced in the future other models, as stated by the company's deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.

Proton Iriz turbo in the works?

While no specific details have been confirmed by Proton just yet, it is without a doubt that all four of the model offerings in the PIES range are overdue for significant changes in the powertrain department. The Saga and Persona could do with a new and more fuel-efficient engine and transmission package.

The Exora and all of its woes, particularly the 'oil cooler hose' issues can also be dealt with a new powertrain offering, but the prospect of stuffing a turbocharged engine into the small-yet-mightly Iriz is probably the one that our imaginative little heads are most excited about.  And yes, Proton did showcase a prototype Proton Iriz turbo back in 2015 from its R&D facility so we all know it can be done.

Throw in a six-speed manual variant and who knows? Maybe a one-make Proton Iriz race cup series can rival the likes of the Vios Challenge from Toyota. If there's even a remote chance of this happening, we would definitely want to push it into existence by playing Shia LaBeouf's "Just Do It" motivational speech for both of Proton's R&D department and top management offices.


Lexus Finally Makes Official Indian Debut. To Focus Mainly on Hybrids

This would be surprising news to many but Toyota’s luxury vehicle division – Lexus, only made its official debut in India a couple of days ago.
While bigger, more luxurious brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and even Rolls-Royce has been around in the country for many years, Lexus was rather late to lay its foundation in India. Well, better late than never.
At the launch, Lexus unveiled three models chosen with the Indian driver in mind – the RX 450h, ES 300h , and LX450d vehicles. Besides that, the all-new Lexus LS made a surprise appearance in a sneak preview at the end of the show.
According to Lexus, the choice to focus on hybrid vehicles was due to the rise in demand for high-performing yet eco-friendly vehicles in India.
For now, the new models will be available at the brand’s guest experience centres located in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Additionally, it is said that after sales service facilities will also be available in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi.
Speaking about Lexus’ plans for India, Lexus India Senior Vice President, Akitoshi Takemura said, “How India experiences luxury is evolving with its affluence. Lexus will be providing the Indian consumer with an amazing experience through our vehicles, our service and through any interaction with our brand.


PM Anwar Ibrahim says no to GST comeback, T20 subsidy reduction instead

Talks on the reintroduction of the
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
 have been put to an indefinite halt following the statement from our country's Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
 addressed the Dewan Rakyat earlier this week and mentioned that the current government has no plans to bring back GST or any other broad-based consumption taxes anytime soon in a bid to reduce the country's expenditures as well as liabilities that have reached a whopping RM1.5 trillion.

Subsidy reductions for T20 instead

*Image credit: Bernama

According to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (as reported by
NST
), "As I have explained before in the previous session, the government has decided to impose subsidy reduction on the T20 categories, as well as multinational and large companies, except those dealing with food security even when the previous administration decided to increase the tariff."

The current PM and Malaysian government will be working hard to not only reduce the country's debt, but also by doing so as well as restoring good governance by making changes that won't be a burden to the people, particularly in a number of very important sectors like education, health, and basic needs.

More details will be shared in the near future as the government prepares the retabling of Budget 2023.


Ford RS Chief Engineer Joins Hyundai

Tyrone Johnson, the chief engineer of Ford RS division who led the team that developed the Focus RS, has joined the Hyundai Motor Group.
According to a report by
Autocar
, Johnson will take over as the head of vehicle test and development at the Hyundai Motor Group European Test and Development facility in Germany.
The role at Hyundai was previously held by Albert Biermann, who has been promoted to be the global head of research and development for Hyundai.
Biermann was the man responsible for overseeing some of the more exciting cars from Hyundai like the Genesis G70, i30 N hot hatch, and the Veloster N.
Now that he has moved to bigger responsibilities, Johnson, who played a vital role in developing some of best driving cars from Ford, is expected to bring his expertise to Hyundai, and continue the brand's efforts to create more exciting performance oriented cars.
German-born, educated in the US and a Ford engineer of 31 years, Tyrone previously worked on first SVT Mustang of 1992, and the first global Mondeo.
From 1992 to 2003, Tyrone was part of Ford’s Stewart Ford and Jaguar Racing Formula 1 teams, as well as the Ford Focus’ entry into World Rally.
Heading up a team of 20, Tyrone was assigned to the current RS three years ago with the intent to create a ground-breaking all-wheel drive platform from scratch.


Next-Generation Toyota Vios To Utilize TNGA-B Platform

The outgoing Toyota Vios has gone through a number of revisions despite being introduced in 2013. Toyota gave the Vios a new powertrain in late 2016, finally replacing the ageing but reliable 1NZ-FE and four-speed automatic combination.
A report from
just-auto
 has given us an insight into Toyota's future, which mentions that Toyota will be utilizing the TNGA-B platform for a number of B-segment models, including the Yaris and Vios. At the moment, the all-new Toyota Prius and Toyota C-HR already adopts the TNGA platform, albeit a longer variation (TNGA-C).

Related Articles

Toyota Develops New 2.0-litre Engine, Three Powertrain Solutions

Auto News

November 24, 2018

What On Earth Is TNGA – And Why Do We Love It?

Insights

October 06, 2020

Toyota Vios Set To WOW The Public This November

Auto News

October 19, 2015

 By utilizing the TNGA platform, the next-generation Toyota Vios should tip the scales less than the outgoing model but with a stronger bodyshell. The strengthened bodyshell should translate to better handling for the Vios, on top of offering better crash absorption.
Sales of the Toyota Vios has been rather lackluster, as the model currently faces stiff competition from Honda and Mazda. Toyota Thailand recently
unveiled
 a facelifted Vios, though changes are largely cosmetic. The facelifted model will eventually land here, though the exact timeframe is unknown.
Seeing that the facelifted Toyota Vios was recently launched (currently on sale in Thailand, yet to be launched here), an all-new model is still quite some time away. However, the source reckons that the new Toyota Yaris based on the TNGA-B platform could make a debut some time this year.


Proton's CKD Operations In Bangladash Goes Online

Proton's CKD operations has quietly started in Bangladesh.
Earlier
, we reported that CKD operations in Bangladesh was supposed to commence in June, though there has been no further updates, until now.
Their CKD operations in Bangladesh is handled by PHP Group at their production facility in Chittagong. Thus far, PHP Group has assembled 35 units of the Proton Exora, Preve and Saga.
At the soft launch, PHP Group chairman Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman said that the company will be selling its newly-assembled cars at an affordable price. On top of that, PHP Group hopes that buyers will purchase new Proton cars instead of used or reconditioned cars from overseas. The company has also recently officiated a new Proton showroom in Chittagong.
When asked about the retail price or production capacity, PHP Group was unable to confirm a figure.
In the past, Proton vehicles arrived to Bangladesh in CBU form.
Via:
The Financial Express
,
PHP Automobiles LTD


Honda Vezel Facelift Now In Japan, Sensing Tech Standard

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. have recently released the facelift of the popular Vezel model, or commonly known as the HR-V to the rest of the world.
For this product update timing, Honda has generously offered Sensing technology, the company’s suite of advanced driving assist systems (ADAS) as a standard fitment across all seven variants.
Exterior updates are limited to just a design change on the front bumper and grille. The LED head lamps have also been redesigned to adopt an inline type, now looking similar to the pair in the Honda Civic.
There are no major changes to the interior design, with the stylish horizontal air con vents across the dashboard left untouched. Honda has, however, improved the insulation of the new Vezel, by adding and strategically placing new vibration damping materials for a quieter interior.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to enable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Vezel is offered with the choice of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC conventional engine or a 1.5-litre Sport Hybrid i-DCD. Both powertrains have improvements done to improve quietness and acceleration.
We expect the Sport Hybrid to make its debut here in Malaysia later this year together with the updated front design and perhaps even Sensing technology on all variants.
We also
sampled the Vezel Hybrid in Japan
 last year and quite like how the Sport Hybrid has improved the dynamics of the car.
For more information on Honda Sensing and how it works
, refer to our story 2017 All-New Honda CR-V: What Is Honda Sensing?


RM40,000 fine imposed on petrol station owner for permitting foreign-registered vehicle to fuel up with RON95

A petrol station owner was fined at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court for allowing a foreign registered vehicle to pump RON95 petrol. The offence was committed four years ago at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 4.

The ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles has been imposed since 2010. Foreign-registered vehicles can refuel with RON97 petrol but not the
subsidised RON95
 which is exclusively for Malaysians.

Phan Chib Chan, 59, pleaded guilty before Judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim on Tuesday March 21st. The judge reiterated in court that similar offences have been reported to happen along the country’s borders and the fine of RM40,000 is meant to be a lesson for all petrol station owners.

Picture credit: The Sun Daily

A Singapore-registered vehicle was allowed by Phan to fill up 54 litres of RON95 worth RM113.30. He was charged under Section 22(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 which carries a maximum RM1mil fine or three years in jail.

It was also informed to the court that in 2014 and 2017 Phan had been previously given a compound notice for the same offence.

Also present at the court was Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo who shared to the media that there are another 22 similar cases currently being investigated. Adding to that, from January to March 20 this year, six petrol station owners have been given total compound notices worth RM10,000 for the same offence.

She also mentioned that selling RON95 fuel to foreign vehicles is a serious offence that has caused a huge loss to the country.

This is said to be the first case of such an offence brought to court.


MACC seizes 100 luxury cars linked to illegal duty evasion out of Langkawi

Around 100 luxury vehicles, including McLaren and Ferrari cars, were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after they were taken out of Langkawi, Kedah.

They are allegedly in collusion with a syndicate to illicitly evade luxury car duties, resulting in losses of tens of millions of ringgit for the government.

According to Harian Metro, investigations revealed that these luxury vehicles were scattered across the country after being smuggled out of Langkawi by the involved syndicate. Some of these vehicles were purchased as far back as 2015, and some had changed ownership up to three times.

Picture credit: Harian Metro (actual car that was seized)

The MACC is determined to track down individuals involved in colluding with the syndicate to illegally evade luxury car duties from Langkawi. They have gathered relevant documents related to the seized luxury vehicles to aid in the investigation and recover the lost government revenue.

In the first phase of the special operation conducted on July 13th in the northern region of the country, the MACC successfully seized 20 luxury cars, leading to the dismantling of a syndicate responsible for evading RM33 million in luxury car duties.

Seven individuals were arrested in Kedah, including a government agency agent who colluded by submitting false information.

The investigation by MACC revealed that the suspects conspired with the car owners to present false documents to obtain duty reduction from customs. The case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.

The MACC will continue its special operation in a second phase to take further action against those involved in the luxury car duties evasion scheme.


Spyshot: Is Proton Working On Another Iriz Facelift?

The Proton Iriz was launched back in late 2014 as an effort to counter the ever-popular Perodua Myvi. The B-segment hatchback was then enhanced in 2017 with a new three-point engine mount, new exhaust system, and TCU software in an effort to improve its appeal.
Thanks to our friends over at
Funtasticko
, it appears that Proton might be working on another update for the Iriz, as a lone spyshot caught a semi taped-up car near the Alam Sutera LRT station.
According to the post, this particular Iriz’s front and rear bumpers were covered with camouflage, suggesting that there may be changes. The position of the rear reflectors that appear higher upwards in the rear bumper further strengthen this possibility.
Current Proton Iriz for reference
The presence of the partially taped up rear tailgate also seems to suggest that the updated Iriz could feature some trim piece there, similar to the recently facelifted
Alza
.
Seeing that the Iriz was recently updated with the then-new three-point engine mount and TCU software, it’s hard to believe that another update would arrive so soon. However, this spyshot changes that notion, meaning that we could expect a proper update in the near future.
Stay tuned for more updates.


Volvo Car Malaysia Plans On Introducing An EV Every Year For The Next 5 Years - Which Cars Though?

Volvo Car Malaysia said they will be launching an EV every year for the next five years - what are these EVs though?

So when Charles Frump, the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, announced the price of the 2022 XC40 Recharge, he mentioned that Volvo Car Malaysia would be launching an EV every year for the next
five years
.

He said, this is part of Volvo's attempt to be completely climate neutral by 2040 and to be an electric car company by 2030 - that's only eight years away for Volvo to go fully electric, so we're not surprised that they are stepping up their EV game.

With that being said, we couldn't help but explore what Volvo has in its pipeline, because as far now, they only have two pure electric vehicles, the XC40 Recharge and its sleeker brother, the C40 Recharge.

Now, of course we're not sure whether these EVs will be locally assembled or imported, but there could be a high chance that these EVs will be made in Malaysia, following in the footsteps of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, where it was made for the local market as well as others in Asia.

Without delaying it any further, let's look at some Volvo electric vehicles that have the potential to be introduced into our market in the next four years.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The C40
 is the first Volvo ever in history to be designed from ground-up as a pure EV. It comes with a range of 420 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle, a 0-100 km/h rapid time of 4.9 seconds and will be 100 per cent leather-free and have a Google built-in.

Owners or fans of the
XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
 will be familiar with the face of the C40 Recharge, but the rear is where you will see a striking difference, as it has a lower roofline and a redesigned rear taillight cluster. Across the front, the C40 does step up bolder, incorporating headlights with state-of-the-art pixel technology.

On the inside, one feature that we are dying to see in the flesh is the backlit dashboard. It's a definite stand-out feature.

All Electric XC60

The
 current generation XC60
 will be the last XC60 to feature an ICE engine as the next-generation will be a fully electric vehicle.

Due to arrive in 2024, the next-generation XC60 will be the first car to be made with batteries made through Volvo's new partnership with Northvolt, a Swedish battery developer and manufacturer, specializing in lithium-ion technology for electric vehicles.

All Electric XC90

Just like the XC60, the 90 will be getting the same electrified treatment, except that it will
not be called the XC90
 anymore if what Autocar is saying is true. According to the British car portal, "Volvo’s third electric car will be the unconventionally shaped successor to the hugely popular Volvo XC90 SUV – and it will set the tone for a whole family of new EVs from the Swedish manufacturer."

Called the Embla, the name of the first woman in Norse mythology, the future XC90 will be Volvo's flagship SUV and will spearhead its next generation of cars. The upcoming flagship SUV is closely related to the Polestar 3, which means it should have 500kilometres of range.

Apparently the EV SUV will come with a large 15-inch touchscreen that features the latest version of Volvo’s new Google-based infotainment system.

Volvo V546

Codenamed the V546, Volvo will have an EV that sits between the XC60 and the XC90 in terms of size and It's not the Embla according to reputable car portal, Automotive News.

Apart from being built in China and US, not much else is known about the vehicle, except that it could potentially take shape via a new manufacturing process called 'mega casting’, where major components of the car can be produced as a single aluminium part instead of hundreds of smaller pieces.

Volvo is being tight-lipped about the vehicle but we can't see that remaining for much longer as time is running out, especially if they plan to introduce one EV every year for the next five years.


India Gets the 2017 Nissan GT-R

When Nissan came out with the R35 GT-R nine years ago, it was regarded as Nissan's return to form. Their Fairlady Z had been a fairly competent sports car and as halo model as it would get for the brand, but it couldn't hold a candle to the GT-R- both in terms of heritage and sheer technological superiority. And yet, the GT-R is a car that has never come to our shores in an official capacity. Sure, there are throngs of grey import units on the market, but never has Tan Chong considered importing it.
So perhaps it's a little surprising then that the Indian market has been given the go-ahead to sell the 2017 Nissan GT-R, in the European Spec Premium Edition trim. Nissan Motor India regards it as a car that will help to push the brand and show their commitment towards evolving the product line in India- although at INR 1.99 Crore (RM 1.3 Million afte conversion), one wonders just how many people can afford such a car.
In any case, the car has been made available and the first owner is, as you would expect, a fairly prominent celebrity. To support the sales and service of the Nissan GT-R, there is also a Nissan High Performance Centre that has been built in Noida, which will be the sole centre responsible for service of the car. This also goes to show that if the argument against importing the GT-R to our country was a question of service networks, it would not be a difficult problem to fix.


2020 (C205) Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line Launched – New Engine; RM337k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the updated 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupé AMG Line that features an updated engine and improved infotainment functions.

The 2020 C200 is now supplied with the latest generation 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine as the (
W205
) C200 sedan. The new 2.0-litre engine replaces the M264 ‘EQ Boost’ 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which was aided by a 48V (13hp/160Nm) starter/generator motor. The new engine produces 204 hp and 300 Nm – 23hp up and 20 Nm up on the older engine.

The engine is mated, like before, to a 9-speed automatic (9G-Tronic) transmission which allows the C200 to achieve the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds (previously 7.9 seconds), up to a top speed of 245 km/h.

Elsewhere, the C200 is offered with Mercedes me connect (MMC) – a communication module that allows customers to stay in touch with their vehicles from anywhere in the world, via their smartphones.

MMC offers newer features such as remote unlocking, remote engine start, fuel level checks, and customer support. Other features of the Mercedes Me Connect include Mercedes–Benz emergency call system (E-call), remote vehicle diagnostics, pre-entry climate control, predictive navigation, and parked vehicle locator.

Aesthetically, the C200 Coupe comes with all the trademark sporty trappings of the AMG Line which include the front grille, front bumper, rear bumper and 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. On the inside, the C200 AMG Line is featured with an Artico leather interior, Nappa leather steering wheel, and AMG sports pedals and floor mats.

The C200 Coupe is priced at RM 336,129 (OTR without insurance, inclusive of current tax exemptions). Agility Financing options start from RM4,288 per month inclusive of added benefits such as lower monthly instalments, flexible end of agreement options, a guaranteed future value, and replacement car programmes.


Is Nissan's Gran Turismo Vision Concept Hinting At The R36 GT-R?

If you are familiar with racing simulator games, especially the Gran Turismo series, you will know
Nissan
 offers a total of 148 different models for you to sample in the latest instalment,
Gran Turismo 6
.
Now the Japanese carmaker has released a teaser image on Twitter of a vehicle that will soon join Nissan’s line up in the game. Although the company has yet to formally announce what this concept is, we are quite sure this is Nissan’s Gran Turismo Vision concept.
Rumours suggest that the new Japanese concept will feature a high-performance hybrid powertrain. Other manufacturers that already revealed their concepts for the game include
Mercedes-Benz
,
BMW
, and recently
Volkswagen
. Many of you who are familiar with the Gran Turismo series will know that Nissan and the GT-Rs are very closely linked to the game.
The graphics used in the
current R35 GT-R
’s multifunction display was said to have been developed by the series’ creators, Polyphony Digital. Based on history, it is possible that Nissan is hinting to us the styling direction or powertrain that maybe used in the
next-gen GT-R
.
Whatever the case maybe we are very excited to know that we can sample the new concept on Gran Turismo 6 very soon, since Nissan has mentioned “all will be revealed” on next Monday, which is June 16. Stay tuned to find out more about Nissan’s new Vision GT concept.


Honda Commits To Offering EV Variants Of Every New Model In Europe By 2025

Honda’s CEO Takahiro Hachigo, during his speech at the Frankfurt Motorshow a couple of days ago made a big announcement – that electrified technology will be featured in every new Honda car model launched in Europe by the year 2025.
Hachigo-san made the commitment as he unveiled Honda’s new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept, which is set to become a reality within the next two years.
At a global level, Honda said that it aims to have electrified technology in two thirds of its new car sales by 2030.
For the European market however, the target year is 2025 as interest is said to be particularly strong.
“Here in Europe, we see this move towards electrification gathering pace at an even higher rate than elsewhere,” Hachigo-san commented, adding that Europe was therefore particularly appropriate for the global premiere of the “next step” in Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy.
The announcement was followed by the unveiling of the CR-V Hybrid Prototype, which will be the first hybrid Honda SUV to be sold in Europe beginning next year.


Volkswagen Rolls Out Sexier 320PS Arteon R, Shooting Brake

The VW with the most curb appeal has just been refreshed (didn’t take long). There’s also a fast Arteon R and more spacious (still sexy) Shooting Brake.

Malaysians haven’t even had a chance to make up their own minds about the original Arteon, and already
Volkswagen
 of Wolfsburg has unveiled an updated version. But at least this story doesn't stop at a facelift. There’s also a wagon body style (Shooting Brake) as well as the much rumoured Arteon R performance range-topper to round out the 2021 update.

Styling changes first, which kicks off with a revised front and rear end. These aren’t drastic changes, but does bring the Arteon up to scratch with Volkswagen’s newest corporate face and better matches the Golf Mk8.

The main alteration is an optional ‘illuminated grille’, which comprises of a horizontal light bar that connects to the existing daytime running lights, giving the new Arteon a “new and unmistakable daytime and night-time lighting signature.” To our eyes, this looks much better than the newest Golf’s unibrow, but to each their own.

Only the most discerning will pick up on the tweaks made to the Arteon’s rear fascia, however. To put it simply, the lettering around the Arteon lettering and VW badge have been redesigned. The strong character line that runs the length of the car also looks to be more pronounced, making it seem a little more hunkered down.

The Arteon Shooting Brake, though previously rumoured via spy shots, really did come out of left field. The original car’s liftback shape (or 'four-door coupe', pick your poison) established it as a sportier, sleeker alternative to the more traditional Passat with a price and feature set that positioned it against a
BMW
 4 Series Gran Coupe. Wasn’t the shape of the car also its central differentiator over the Passat?

Although those needing the practicality of a wagon were denied an Arteon nameplate at first, the Passat wagon provided ample cargo room and was nearly as capable from the behind the wheel. The Arteon Shooting Brake fills that niche and offers up 565-litres of room when loaded up to the luggage compartment cover. With the rear seats folded, it can accommodate 1,632-litres.

The Arteon R is the newest and probably most desirable Volkswagen of the moment, and it’s even offered in both the liftback and Shooting Brake (preferred) body styles. We’re big fans of wagons in general, especially over the average SUV, and the more spacious Arteon is pressing all the right buttons.

As is the case with the Golf R, the Arteon R’s power is derived from an uprated version of the company’s EA888 evo4 engine, that being a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. It’s a familiar formula.

Power is rated at 320PS and 420Nm of torque, which is sent through to all four of its wheels via Volkswagen’s 4Motion system. With that kind of grunt on tap, the Arteon R should be capable of a sub-5 second 0-100km/h sprint time, though its top speed will likely remain a very Germanic 250km/h, enforced by an electronic limiter.

Interestingly, they’re also introducing a new R Performance Torque Vectoring System to better distribute drive where most needed, being able to alter the power spread to each wheel or axle within milliseconds for noticeably more agile handling.

Unsurprisingly, the R is also the most aggressive Arteon to look at with flared arches, a lower ride height, and large diameter wheels - up to 20-inches. It still looks quite subtle overall, tastefully flexing its ability to those who know what to look for, which is exactly what we’d expect from a high performance Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has hinted that the Arteon will be making its long awaited local debut here in the second half of 2020, though this is unlikely to involve the updated 2021 version seen here. For the Arteon R and Shooting Brake, we probably have a good deal more waiting time ahead of us.


The Lightning Cat EV Is Ora's Fast Taycan Killer With Panamera Looks

Newcomer EV brand Ora, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, have been making splashes in the local automotive scene primarily due to the possibility of their zero emissions vehicles, starting with the
stylish Good Cat hatch
, being introduced in Malaysia.

Abroad, however, they’re quickly gaining a reputation for taking an interesting, if slightly risky approach to design. Their Punk Cat, which is ostensibly built off of the same electric vehicle guts as the Good Cat, is an unashamed
ripoff of the original Volkswagen Beetle
.

While it’s nice to see a brand go against the current of trend of (overly) sleek and futuristic-looking EVs, you could also argue that a blatant copy of an existing model is just a cheap shot at piggybacking on an established, even iconic, shape.

At last week’s 2021 Shanghai Motor Show, or Auto Shanghai, was where Ora’s new line-up of vehicles was put on full display. Not content with the Beetle-inspired Punk Cat, Ora also showed off the Lightning Cat. Seriously, these names…..

If you’re even vaguely aware of the
Porsche Panamera
, you’d not need two seconds to see this as another bare-faced rip-off. Granted, the Zuffenhausen car is a fair bit larger and more elegantly executed, but the visual connection here is just as undeniable as the Punk Cat’s attempt at a Beetle homage.

Now, the situation becomes a little less fuzzy to imagine when you realise that a man named Emanuel Derta is a big shot at Ora’s design team. Specifically, his official title refers to him as the Director of Design at Great Wall Motors, but he used to work for Lynk & Co and prior to that spent 5 years at Porsche.

The interior looks pretty plush as well with its mixture of satin aluminium fixtures and tan leather trim throughout the dashboard and seats. That cocooning effect imparted by the bridge-like centre console does, again, remind us of the first-generation Panamera, though it’s much less of a button-fest here.

Looks aside, the Lightning Cat, given its name, is intended to offer a little more performance than the usual affair from Ora. It’s got dual electric motors for starters, but very little else is known about the car’s actual powertrain specifications. It’s quoted 0-100km/h sprint time is 3.5 seconds, meaning there’s probably also a pretty substantial battery array hidden under that floor.

According to Ora, despite being a concept at this stage, the electric four-door coupe is a fully working vehicle and is even able to drive itself (sort of) using Level 3 autonomous technology.

Parent company Great Wall is expected to reveal a more finished near-production version of the Lightning Cat later this year with showroom arrivals pegged for Q4 2021. If the rumours are true regarding Ora’s
entry into the Malaysian market
, it’s possible that the Lightning Cat could be bound for our shores as early as 2022.


Brembo unveils new logo - what's wrong with the old one?

Brembo
 has officially unveiled its new visual identity and logo that portrays its latest strategic vision - "Turning Energy into Inspiration".

This vision, however, is not entirely new as it was launched back in 2020. With the goal to transform itself into a solution provider, Brembo has big plans to make a big impact in the future of mobility. From just components to complete solutions, Brembo is playing the long game.

What's with the new logo?

Featuring a new design innovation with remaining true to the brand's iconic style, the new Brembo logo has been 'optimised' thanks to new lettering that's apparently softer, rounder, and easier to read. That iconic red, however, has been retained.

Why? The Brembo red symbolises Brembo's passion, especially to the current digital-native generation (younger, in other words). It's definitely a simpler and more direct-to-the-point symbol, but what Brembo is trying to achieve is its status as a timeless brand.

Brembo Greentive & Sensify just a start

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), mechatronics, and the all-important data, the launches of the
Brembo Greentive disc brakes
 and
Sensify state-of-the-art calipers
 is just the start of the company's very crucial journey. As for the brand image, it's just another step closer to realising their plans and aspirations.

According to Daniele Schillaci, Brembo’s CEO, "Brembo’s new visual identity ensures consistency between our promise and our image, powering our brand experience. The core element of this new identity is the restyling of our logo, which is recognized all over the world and has contributed to our company’s success."

"Now it embeds the notion of simplicity, with a modern and digital soul capturing Brembo’s forward-looking attitude. The new visual identity expresses both the company’s heritage and its evolution and it will inspire our future," added Schillaci.


PSA Group In Talks With GM, Opel Rumoured To Be For Sale

America’s General Motors (GM) is in talks with France’s PSA Group to sell GM’s European unit Opel, reports Reuters.
The PSA Group, which owns the Peugeot and Citroen brand have since confirmed that the company is in talks with GM, but cautions against speculations as there are no assurances that that an agreement will be reached with GM.
The company’s press statement reads:
Since 2012, General Motors and PSA Group have been implementing an Alliance covering, to date, three projects in Europe and generating substantial synergies for the two groups.
Within this framework, General Motors and PSA Group regularly examine additional expansion and cooperation possibilities, as well. PSA Group confirms that, together with General Motors, it is exploring numerous strategic initiatives aiming at improving its profitability and operational efficiency, including a potential acquisition of Opel / Vauxhall.
There can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached.
It is left to be seen if both companies can reach an agreement on the matter. This is not the first time GM and PSA Group came together. The last ‘marriage’ between the two didn’t last more than a year.
In 2012, General and the PSA Group, then known as PSA Peugeot Citroen, formed a global alliance which was supposed to lead to sharing of vehicle platforms, components and modules; and the creation of a global purchasing joint venture.
By 2013, the deal was off and PSA Group dumped GM in favour of Chinese car maker Dongfeng Motor, which now owns 14 percent of PSA Group. The French government owns another 14 percent.
If the deal goes through, the combined volume of Opel, Peugeot and Citroen will see the PSA Group surpassing Renault to become Europe’s second largest car brand, ahead of Ford but still behind the Volkswagen Group.
This latest development on the PSA Group should have no bearing on the company’s
talks with Proton
 to takeover the Malaysian carmaker’s Tanjung Malim plant, and to become its technical partner.
The discussion with GM is only limited to Europe and the Opel brand (also known as Vauxhall in the UK) is not sold outside of Europe.


FIA Batal Grand Prix Rusia, F1 Bakal Kembali Ke Litar Sepang? – Ini Jawapan SIC

Akaun Twitter milik
Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC)
 tular pada hujung minggu lalu setelah mengeluarkan beberapa petanda bahawa perlumbaan
Formula 1
 bakal kembali ke negara ini. Persoalannya, betul ke bohong?

Dalam 3 ciapan yang dibuat melalui akaun Twitter tersebut, SIC seolah-olah menggambarkan bahawa SIC kemungkinan bakal kembali menganjurkan perlumbaan F1 bagi menggantikan pusingan GP Rusia yang telah dibatalkan oleh FIA.

Bagi mereka yang terlepas, perlumbaan F1 GP Rusia telah dibatalkan bagi membantah tindakan negara berkenaan yang melancarkan perang terhadap Ukraine baru-baru ini. Oleh itu, Litar Antarabangsa Sepang telah disebut-sebut oleh pengguna Twitter sebagai pengganti yang paling sesuai untuk menggantikan litar Sochi di Rusia pada musim ini.

Tidak cukup dengan itu, ada juga sebuah media tempatan yang mendakwa pihak pengurusan Litar Antarabangsa Sepang telah mengadakan mesyuarat tergempar dengan beberapa pihak mengenai kemungkinan F1 kembali. Sejauh mana kebenaran ini?

Walau bagaimanapun, berdasarkan laporan terbaru daripada media tempatan, ciapan yang dibuat oleh akaun SIC di Twitter hanyalah sebagai satu usikan daripada pasukan media sosial SIC sahaja, bukanlah perancangan sebenar mereka.

SIC tiada perancangan untuk menganjurkan semula perlumbaan F1 selepas kontrak perlumbaan itu tidak diperbaharui sejak tahun 2018 kerana kos penganjuran yang lebih tinggi berbanding
MotoGP
 di samping pulangan yang rendah bagi negara Malaysia.

Pada tahun 1999, hanya 16 negara terlibat dalam menganjurkan perlumbaan F1, termasuk dua negara Asia. Tetapi pada 2017 lalu, jumlah berkenaan telah meningkat kepada 21 buah negara, dan ini menyumbang kepada penurunan pulangan penganjurannya.

Walaupun masih tiada rancangan, namun CEO SIC Azhan Shafriman Hanif berkata penganjuran semula perlumbaan F1 di Litar Sepang bukanlah perkara yang mustahil untuk berlaku di masa hadapan kerana ia bergantung pada kelulusan daripada kerajaan Malaysia.

Pada tahun lalu, Azhan berkata membawa pulang F1 ke Malaysia bukanlah kepentingan utama SIC buat masa ini, namun sekiranya peluang serta tawaran yang diterima itu menarik, beliau akan menyokong idea tersebut dalam memasarkan Malaysia sebagai tempat tumpuan pelancong.

Meskipun tiada lagi perlumbaan F1 di Malaysia buat masa ini, namun perlumbaan MotoGP di Malaysia tetap akan berlangsung pada Oktober tahun ini berdasarkan kalendar SIC. Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, adakah anda rasa SIC perlu menganjurkan semula perlumbaan berprestij itu di negara ini?


Traffic Congestion Could Adversely Affect Driver’s Psychology, Experts Say

The kind of severe traffic congestion that occurs in major cities and very large towns – like those within the Klang Valley – can adversely affect drivers to the point that psychologists are making parallels to a ‘time bomb’.
According to a Bernama report, prolonged exposure to congestion would amplify anxiety and anger levels especially if the driver is already facing home and/or work stress, so says psychologist Dr Meriam Omar Din.
“When in a tense situation, even a petty matter can irk them and traffic congestion is one of the examples.”
Studies have found that Malaysians who live in major towns are subjected to, on average, daily traffic congestion periods of 2 hours per day. Not only does this yield a negative psychological and environmental impact, but annually
causes an RM20 Billion loss to the country
 when factoring in all the financial repercussions of traffic jams.
Drivers stressed with problems, Dr Meriam said, should do all they can to not vent their anger out on the road. She added: “Identify the cause of the stress, and address the problems with a right-mind. If possible, avoid congested roads, plan your trip well.”
Associate Professor Dr Rozmi Ismail, an expert in traffic psychology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said, “This happens because of their selfishness and the hurry to get home.”
His research conducted in 2005, which focused on the link with the driving situations and aggression, showed 80 percent of motorists became aggressive while driving. He added that these bouts of uncontrolled behaviour could result in a person developing an aggressive and rude temperament.
“Public transport service should be improved to encourage more people to use public transport to work to reduce the number of vehicles on the road,” Dr Rozmi said.
Only 12 percent of Malaysia’s population depend on public transportation while the remaining percentage would rather rely on their own vehicles.


2016 Proton Perdana Launched with 2.0L and 2.4L Variants; Prices from RM114k

Proton
 officially returns to the D-segment with the launch of its all-new Proton Perdana flagship. Developed from the eighth-generation
Honda Accord
, the new Perdana is offered with its donor car’s proven pair of four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engines, displacing
2.0 and 2.4 litres
.
Whilst sporting a much-changed appearance over the Accord, the Perdana retains the original mechanical configuration provided by Honda with little to no changes, carrying the engine, drivetrain, and chassis over lock, stock, and barrel.
Annual production of the Perdana will be restricted to just 7,000 units per year exclusively for the domestic market, limited by the number of production kits which Honda has committed to supply for the project. Proton plans to introduce an improved variant with a
homegrown engine
 that will remove these restrictions by Honda.
Each engine is offered with one trim grade, and priced as follows:
2.0:
 154hp, 189Nm, RM113,438.00 (Solid), RM113,888.00 (Metallic)
2.4:
 178hp, 222Nm, RM138,438.00 (Solid), RM138,888.00 (Metallic)

Both variants are fitted with Honda’s in-house 5-speed automatic transmission as standard. All Proton service centres are able to perform regular maintenance of the Perdana; but only 40 selected centres are currently able to handle more intensive diagnostics of the vehicle's Honda-developed systems.
Externally, it will take a trained eye to trace the Perdana’s Accord origins, such is the comprehensive nature of Proton’s restyling efforts that extend to even re-shaped window lines. It is not immediately obvious, but the door panels are kept unchanged even though the window frames have been reconfigured.
Proton has also lengthened the Perdana’s body, stretching it to measure five metres from stem-to-stern. Keep in mind that the Accord was no midget either, its 4,950mm overall length already made it one of the longest vehicles of its class. The 2.0-litre model measures 4,999mm long, whilst the 2.4-litre model's all-round bodykit adds an extra 21mm to its length.
Front and rear light clusters have been comprehensively re-engineered, including the fitment of rear fog lights which were not provided for in the Accord’s original lighting architecture. Fully redesigned tail lights are LED-illuminated and projector headlamps are standard in both variants – halogens for the 2.0 and xenon for the 2.4.
Inside
, Proton’s reworking of the cabin is less drastic. A new centre stack sits in an otherwise unaltered dashboard moulding. Mirroring the
current-generation Accord
, Proton has displaced the donor car’s clumsy keyboard button console with a touchscreen to operate audio controls. Above it, the monochrome central screen of the donor car makes way for a neater looking colour screen, but one that is still configured to deliver the same information.
The following features are fitted in the
Perdana 2.0:
Halogen projector headlamps
LED daytime running lights
LED tail lilghts
Front and rear fog lamps
225/45 R17 tyres with 17-inch alloy wheels
Black interior. Leather and fabric seats.
Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic, audio controls
Dual zone auto climate control
8-way electric driver seat adjustment
Infotainment - 6.2-inch TFT touchscreen, Radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, AUX-IN
Cruise control
4 airbags
ABS, EBD
Front and rear parking sensors with reverse camera
ISOFIX
The
Perdana 2.4
 gets the following additional features:
Paddle Shifters
Auto-leveling HID headlamps
Beige and black interior. Full leather trim.
4-way electric passenger seat adjustment
Electronic stability control.
First Impressions
Proton has given members of the Malaysian motoring media several pre-launch
sneak previews
 of the
all-new Perdana
, including a brief test drive at the company’s high-speed oval test track in Shah Alam. Cameras were not allowed, so we have pictures from none of those events to share with you here.
It doesn’t take long for a quick look inside out for an observer to accurately gauge the scope of Proton’s work on the Perdana’s development. The exterior is heavily reworked, to the point where the vehicle’s dimensions and silhouette are altered. The lighting elements are not only re-shaped, but thoroughly upgraded from what was offered in the Accord; it all makes the Perdana a generally handsome-looking car.
There are two criticisms of the design, however, first of which is easily amended. For some reason, the
rear diffuser element is body coloured
 where it would have looked better unpainted. The other flaw is seen at the trailing edge of the rear door, where Proton’s re-shaped C-pillar no longer meets the original Accord door panel directly – the result is a kink that one can potentially knock into when in a careless state.
Inside, Proton kept much of the Accord’s original cabin unchanged, save for the new touchscreen that takes the place of the messy keypad centre stack layout. As such, we can legitimately say that Proton has sensibly kept what worked in the Accord, and improved on what didn’t.
Overall driving experience, as far as we can tell from our brief encounter, is reassuringly familiar; an unsurprising finding as Proton engineers revealed that almost nothing was changed on the Accord’s mechanical package. Any differences in ride and handling would purely be a result of different tyres, aerodynamics, and weight distribution that became shifted as a result of its rear structural revisions.
We do note that the Perdana sounds quieter than we remembered of the previous-gen Accord, but this could be a result of improved sound insulation on Proton’s part, aerodynamics of the new bodyshape, or simply the better-surfaced tarmac of the test track.
From brief impressions, we see that Proton has done well enough reworking the Accord to create a reasonably fresh product in the Perdana. It is a handsomely-styled vehicle operating on proven yet still reasonably modern mechanicals.


Mazda CX-8 Pricing Announced - Four Variants, From RM 179,960

If you've been waiting for Mazda's three-row SUV to finally hit the market, you're in luck. The Mazda CX-8 pricing has officially been announced for all four of its variants: 2.5G 2WD Mid, 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus, 2.5G 2WD High, and 2.2D 4WD High.

The price spread is a little wild. Prices start at RM 179,960.40 for the 2.5G 2WD Mid, bumping up to RM 185,960.40 for the 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus, and topping out at RM 200,960.40 for the 2.5G 2WD High. All three of these variants pack petrol powered 2.5-litre inline-four engines.

At the very top of the range is the full-fat 2.2D 4WD High which comes with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel and all-wheel drive as the name suggests. Pricing stands at RM 217,722.80 for this sole diesel variant.

Premium metallic colours such as Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, and Snowflake Pearl White have an additional RM 3,000 charge, while leather seats for the 2.5G 2WD Mid and 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus variants are an optional RM 4,500.

To find out more about the Mazda CX-8, click
here
. To find the best deals on Mazda models, click
here
.


Spyshot: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Spotted In Malaysia

The all-new Mazda CX-9 looks ready to be introduced in our market. Our friends at
Autoworld.com.my
 have just published a couple of pictures snapped by readers showing two units of the CX-9 being ferried by a car carrier on Malaysian roads.
Both shots only show the vehicle from the rear.
Officially unveiled at Los Angeles
 last year, the all-new second-generation CX-9 is the latest member of Mazda’s SkyActiv model family, and the only one to feature a turbocharged petrol engine to replace the current model’s 3.7-litre naturally-aspirated V6.
Production commenced in February 2016
.
Based upon the same block that underpins the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre inline-4 engine of the Mazda 6 and CX-5, the CX-9’s SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine is claimed to produce 250PS and 420Nm in North American spec. It features what Mazda calls a Dynamic Pressure Turbo which varies the degree of exhaust pulsation to counteract turbo lag.
Autoworld.com.my
’s report additionally mentions rumoured pricing of around RM250k. The outgoing model was priced from RM296201k to RM337k.


2017 Mitsubishi Outlander CKD On Display At Mid Valley Megamall

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is displaying the recently-introduced Outlander 2.0 CKD at Mid Valley Megamall. This new model complements the fully-imported 2.4-litre variant that still remains on sale in MMM's line-up.
Power is derived from a 2.0-litre 4B11 four-cylinder petrol engine that’s identical to the one found in the Lancer and ASX, pushing out 145 PS and 196 Nm. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III CVT, which delivers power to all four wheels via a three-mode intelligent four-wheel drive system.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander CKD is fitted, as standard, these equipment:
Automatic Halogen projector headlights with manual leveling
LED DRLs
LED tail lights
Front and rear fog lights
Auto wipers
18-inch alloy wheels
7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay
Reverse camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Integrated DVR
7 airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Hill Start Assist
In terms of pricing, the Mitsubishi Outlander CKD is offered at an introductory price of RM139,988, on the road without insurance. The fully-imported Outlander 2.4 retails for RM171,000.
The Outlander CKD can be viewed from 27 September to 1 October. Interested parties can drop by from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm.


Banjir: Panduan Membuat Laporan Polis Jika Kereta Dicuri, Dipecah Atau Ditunda

Baru-baru ini, warga net telah dikejutkan dengan aktiviti
lori tunda
 yang cuba untuk membawa lari sebuah
Honda City
 milik mangsa banjir di Shah Alam.

Difahamkan, pemilik terbabit didapati telah meletakkan kenderaannya di tepi jalan dalam keadaan baik dan berkunci kerana kawasan perumahannya dilanda
banjir
. Walau bagaimanapun, kira-kira dua jam selepas itu, pemilik berkenaan mendapati Honda City miliknya berada di atas sebuah lori tunda tanpa pengetahuannya.

Pemandu lori tersebut yang juga merupakan warga tempatan telah mendakwa bahawa beliau hanya menjalankan tugas dan arahan yang telah diberikan kepadanya sahaja. Mangsa sempat membuat pemeriksaan ke atas kenderaannya dan mendapati
bateri kereta
 hilang dan
nombor plat
 kenderaan bahagian depan serta belakang dipatahkan selain pelekat cukai jalan turut hilang.

Berang dengan kejadian tersebut, mangsa telah membuat laporan polis dan tangkapan telah dibuat ke atas seorang warga tempatan berusia 26 tahun yang juga merupakan pemandu lori tersebut. Ketua Polis Selangor, Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed berkata suspek direman selama 2 hari dan kes disiasat mengikut Seksyen 379A Kanun Keseksaan.

Sehubungan dengan insiden tersebut, pihak polis telah mengeluarkan beberapa panduan kepada orang ramai yang mahu membuat laporan berhubung kenderaan ditunda, dicuri, dipecah masuk serta rosak akibat banjir.

Panduan Membuat Laporan

1. Buat Laporan Polis

Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah (JSJ) Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan, berkata setiap laporan perlu dibuat pemilik kenderaan. Pemilik boleh datang sendiri ke balai atau meminta anggota datang ke premis masing-masing untuk membuat laporan.

2. Sertakan Lokasi Kejadian

Pemilik perlu kenal pasti lokasi kenderaan sebelum membuat laporan dan nyatakan tempat letak kereta asal sama ada ianya dihanyutkan atau rosak. Ini bagi memudahkan dan mempercepatkan proses siasatan.

3. Nyatakan Barang Yang Hilang

Pastikan sama ada berlaku kecurian pecah masuk pada kereta anda atau tidak. Jika kereta dipecah masuk, pemilik kenderaan perlu menyatakan dalam laporan apa barang berharga yang hilang daripada kereta anda kerana ia antara butiran yang sangat diperlukan syarikat insurans sebelum memberikan ganti rugi.

4. Kenalpasti Lori Tunda

Bagi kereta yang ditunda pula, dapatkan maklumat dan kenal pasti identiti dan alamat syarikat yang menunda kereta milik anda dari kawasan banjir. Ini bagi memudahkan urusan untuk mengenalpasti sama ada lori berkenaan dari Majlis Perbandaran tempatan atau pihak lain. Dapatkan juga butir-butiran penuh syarikat penunda dan lokasi di mana kereta anda akan dibawa untuk proses pembaikan semula.

5. Ambil Gambar Kerosakan

Pemilik kenderaan juga perlu merakam gambar bahagian kereta yang rosak. Maklumat tersebut amatlah diperlukan oleh pihak insuran untuk membuat penilaian terhadap kenderaan mangsa yang rosak penuh akibat banjir besar itu.

Berikut merupakan panduan membuat laporan polis sekiranya kereta anda dipecah masuk, dicuri atau ditunda akibat banjir tanpa pengetahuan anda. Jangan biarkan pihak tidak bertanggungjawab terus mencuba untuk mengambil kesempatan di atas kesusahan orang lain.


Volvo Cars To Boost Production Of XC40 Due To Overwhelming Demand

Volvo Cars announced that it is expanding production for
the new XC40
 in Europe and China due to overwhelming response.
The Swedish carmaker said that it has received almost 80,000 orders to date since the compact SUV made its global debut.
The company added that production at its
Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium
 and at the Luqiao plant in China will be increased in the first half of next year.
In addition, the company has also announced today that it will capitalise on the popularity of its new smaller models with the introduction of new models on its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), replacing the current V40.
“The XC40’s success has surpassed even our highest expectations,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars. “The small SUV segment is the fastest-growing segment in the industry now, and with these additional CMA-based models we expect to benefit further from that growth.”
The coming new models based on CMA will include fully electric vehicles and will be sold globally in all major regions. More product details will be disclosed at a later stage.
The XC40, which is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new CMA vehicle architecture that was co-developed with Geely Holding, was launched in late 2017 to global acclaim and was the first ever Volvo to win
European Car of the Year
 in March of this year.
Already
available in Singapore
, the Volvo XC40 is expected to make its Malaysian debut very soon, most likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating one of the highest outputs in its class at 247 hp.


Haval M4 – Promo Offering Cash Incentive, Free Service, Free Insurance

Haval Malaysia is offering a variety of incentives, ranging from trade-in incentives as well as free insurance and servicing. The promo takes effect immediately and will remain valid until 31 Dec 2016.
For starters, all customers are entitled a cash incentive of RM4,000, which can either be used to top up the new vehicle’s downpayment or help settle the outstanding balance of the customer’s old vehicle that is being traded in.
Additionally, customers can also choose one from any of the three following incentives when purchasing the Haval M4 during the promo period:
Free one-year insurance and three-month instalments.
Free service – 5-year / 100,000km covering labour and parts
Free upgrade from Haval M4 Comfort to Premium variant.
Powered by a 1.5-litre VVT MPI engine with 105hp and 138Nm, the front-wheel driven Haval M4 is available in three trim levels – Comfort, Premium, and Elite.
The Comfort and Premium models are offered the choice between a 5-speed manual and 6-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission (AMT), whilst the Elite is offered with AMT only.
Prices of the Haval M4 are summarized as follows (OTR with insurance):
Haval M4 Manual Comfort – RM54,747
Haval M4 Manual Premium – RM61,771
Haval M4 AMT Comfort – RM61,950
Haval M4 AMT Premium – RM67,950
Haval M4 AMT Elite – RM74,950
Beginning
February 2017
, all variants of the Haval M4 are covered with a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty.


2022 Honda Civic FE Launched - 3 Variants Available, From RM126k

Honda Malaysia today launched the 2022 Honda Civic (FE) for the Malaysian market, priced from
RM126k
.

There are few products that command as much attention or develop as much
hype
 as the Honda Civic, especially as the previous generation has proven to be such a massive hit throughout its production lifespan. In Malaysia, the Civic has sold 153,000 units since 2001. The 11th-Gen Civic has garnered 1,200 bookings even before its launch. Honda aims to sell 900 units of the 2022 Civic monthly.

Honda has announced three variants for the 2022 Honda Civic, including the much anticipated Civic RS, the first RS model for the Civic lineup.

The three variants are priced as follows:

E:
RM125,634

V:
RM138,043

RS:
RM144,350

Bigger Than Before

Although the 2022 Civic FE might seem like a smaller vehicle than the outgoing
Civic FC
, it is actually wider by 3mm (1,802mm), longer by 33mm (4,678mm) and lower by 1mm (1,415mm).

This translates into a much roomier interior as well as a broader and lower stance, improving the sedan's overall passenger space and looks at the same time.

There's also
improved body rigidity
 through greater use of structural adhesive and swapping out the front sub-frame and other components for lighter, more rigid items. Stepping it up a notch are revisions to the steering system in terms of weight and assistance, as well as adjustments to rear track width and rear bushings for improved straight-line stability without compromising agility.

Exterior

A distinct
step forward
 in terms of the design language makes the all-new 2022 Civic look like a far more mature product, and one could even venture so far as to say it looks practically European in terms of styling and form.

At the front, the 11th-gen Civic sports the latest three-dimensional wide front grille, flanked by sleek headlights with an L-shaped DRL light signature. Round the sides, the car's glasshouse has been pushed back (at the front) and stretched at the rear to give the Civic a low-slung coupe-like silhouette. The characteristic kink in the bodyline just before the C-Pillar is perhaps a nod to its big brother, the Accord's design cues.

Honda has ditched the love it or hate it C-shaped
"ketam taillights"
 for a cleaner, more streamlined rear taillights with C-shaped graphics. In addition, the RS variant gets a spoiler with a lowered middle part to make way for the third brake light, which has now moved to the lower part of the rear windscreen.

Wheel size is different on all three variants with the E being equipped with 16-inch, V with 17-inch and RS with 18-inch wheels.

Interior

On the inside – the interior has been redesigned for a far more premium look
than the 10th-gen's
 stylistic approach. A detailed honeycomb mesh accent now runs the dashboard's width, neatly integrating the air-conditioning vents.

Down the middle, the centre console features a main cubby space. Two cupholders accompany the gear shifter, and the usual drivetrain controls further back. The new 2022 Civic also benefits from a new front-seat design. The new-generation seat frame firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives using Honda's Body Stabilizing Seat approach.

Interior differences include the use of fabric on the E variant, with the V and RS receiving leather. The other major differentiation with the models is the infotainment screen size, with the E being equipped with a 7-inch display and the V and RS coming with a 9-inch display. All variants will get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The E variant gets four speakers while the V and RS get eight speakers.

Powertrain

According to Honda Malaysia,60% of Civics sold in Malaysia were the turbocharged variants so its no surprise that the
tried and tested
 turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC petrol unit from the FC soldiers on in the FE (all-variants) - though figures have been bumped up to 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque, 9 PS and 20 Nm more than before. These improvements have been achieved by adding variable valve timing to the exhaust side of the engine and a more efficient turbocharger package.

The CVT transmission from the FC has also been reworked and updated, delivering a smoother experience than the outgoing model. It also features a quicker and more positive virtual gear ratio selection, especially in Sport mode. As a result, starting off from a dead stop should be quicker and easier, as the extra torque and the more responsive transmission gets you moving with haste.

Another new and for the first time feature in the Civic is drive mode. You now have Eco, Normal and Sport mode.

Safety

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic comes with a heavily updated and improved version of the Honda Sensing Package, albeit just for the RS variant (V only gets LaneWatch on top of the regular active safety systems). The newest feature is the Lead Car Departure Notification System. That's essentially a fancy way of saying that if the car ahead of you moves off from a dead stop, the system will gently alert you to start moving as well.

Highlighting that alone would be selling the system short, however, as there have also been changes to the spread and flexibility of Honda's safety system, with a wider coverage area for the forward-facing camera and radar systems that in turn helps advanced driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Warning or Lane Departure Warning function more effectively.

Honda Connect

Honda Connect is also now available on the 11th-Gen Civic, giving buyers that extra sense of security and convenience.

Colour

There are five colours to choose from:

Platinum White Pearl

Crystal Black Pearl

Meteoroid Grey Metallic

Ignite Red Metalic

Lunar Silver Metalic

Warranty

As usual, Honda offers a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free labour service, applicable up to five times within 100,000km's or 5 years.


VIDEO: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Spied, Interior and Undisguised Exterior

The Mercedes-Benz GLC, the upcoming SUV derived from the C-Class has been spied before. Via another video leak, however, we see an entire fleet of nearly undisguised prototypes and a clear look at the interior as well.
Mercedes-Benz
 is busy prepping its
BMW

X3
 and
Audi

Q5
 rival, by all indications.
We’ve covered the GLC while a test mule was spotted driving around the Mercedes-Benz facility in early May. The cars in this new video do look very similar to the
previous look we had
, which makes sense as it comes from the same uploader.
We see a clearer look at the lines of the car’s body while highlighted in this red colour, something we had trouble fully glimpsing through the camouflage previously – although the headlamps do remain covered by black strips.
With most of the car fully visible, its resemblance to the bigger and curvier Mercedes-Benz GLE becomes apparent, shedding the squared-off cues of its predecessor, the GLK.
Moving on to the interior, it has a white and black leather colour combo in this particular example but looks similar to the
C-Class
 overall.
According to Benzinsider.com, the engine options for the GLC will follow C-Class’s lead and is expected to sport the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 in the future AMG variant.
Video from walkoART


Toyota To Invest RM8 Billion in Indonesia For EV Development

Toyota Motor Corporation
 is planning to further increase its investment in
Indonesia
 for EV development. We're talking Rp 27 trillion (around RM8 billion) for the next five years until 2027.

And this is not the first time, too. Toyota has already invested Rp 14 trillion (around RM4.19 billion) since 2019 following Toyota's promise of Rp 30 trillion (around RM8.2 billion) between 2020 to 2025. Quite an investment to tap into the
EV industry
, particularly in Southeast Asia.

One of the results is the xEV Center, an institution that provides training in automotive electrification and digitalisation, particularly to local engineers within the country. The xEV Center is also a collab between Indonesia's state energy company, Pertamina, and mining holding company, Inalum.

In other words, Toyota has got it locked down for EV production in Indonesia.

Toyota is 'serious' about electrification

According to Shigeru Hayakawa, vice chairman of the board of directors of Toyota Motor Corporation, "We hope that with this increase in investment in Indonesia, the Indonesian government will understand our seriousness towards the electrification of motorized vehicles."

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, also commented by stating "I believe that the demand for electric vehicles, both four-wheeled and two-wheeled in Indonesia and  ASEAN in the future, will continue to increase. Indonesia can be used as an industrial base for electric vehicle (EV) production to be marketed in ASEAN and in Indonesia itself."

Toyota bZ4X coming to Malaysia soon?

We're not entirely sure when
UMW Toyota's first EV
 model will enter the Malaysian market, but it probably won't take too long from now. We've recently reported that the UMW Toyota HQ in Shah Alam, Selangor, has already installed a number of
DC fast chargers
 within its compound.

They're still not operational just yet, but some folks have indicated that it might be open for public use for all brands to use, and they're most likely on a pay-per-use basis. But then again, it won't just end there.

The arrival of the Toyota EV is imminent, and the initial investment for DC chargers within the headquarters says a lot without saying anything at all. Brace yourselves, that EV wave is about to get a whole lot bigger.


2015 Nissan NP300 Navara Makes Its Official Malaysia Debut, Priced Between RM79k and RM120k

Today Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially peeled back the covers to reveal the newest version of the
Nissan
 NP300
Navara
 pickup truck. It will be available for bookings and test drives are available now, with prices starting at RM79,000 (on-the-road price including GST, without insurance). The NP300 Navara comes to Malaysian showrooms as a fully imported model from Thailand.
Double Cab
NP300 Navara 2.5L VL (AT) -

RM120,800
NP300 Navara 2.5L V (AT) -
RM109,800
NP300 Navara 2.5L SE (AT) -

RM102,800
NP300 Navara 2.5L SE (MT) -

RM97,800
NP300 Navara 2.5L E (MT) -
RM89,800
Single Cab
NP300 Navara 2.5L (MT) -

RM79,000
The NP300 Navara is the successor to the Navara D40, but given how much we’ve already seen of this new version, it doesn’t strike us as quite the fresh sight. Despite this, the styling does make a better impression over its predecessor, with more defined shoulder lines and kinks to lend it that aggressive but urbane look. A good thing, especially since Nissan is aiming this new Navara to stand toe to toe with passenger cars, touting it’s interior comfort, equipment level, and ride comfort.
There’s also LED daytime running lights that accompany LED headlamps, matte silver roof rails, 18-inch wheels, and even a rear spoiler (not sure what good that would do in the real world).
Under the hood sits the 2.5-litre YD25DDTi turbodiesel engine with variable turbine geometry, producing a maximum output of 190PS and 450Nm of torque in the top spec version VL version. The powertrain is mated to a either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual override mode to take advantage of all that grunt. Nissan claims it to be the most powerful pickup in its class.
Nissan also promises the new NP300 Navara to shelter its occupants in uncommon comfort and calm thanks to its full-length, fully boxed ladder frame suspension with a multi-link rear suspension set up.
Inside, and depending on the spec selected, the NP300 Navara does impress with its material choices of leather upholstery and soft-touch material, as well as a general layout that’s definitely inspired from the passenger car world.
It can be equipped with a 5-inch central touchscreen infotainment control interface, dual zone automatic climate control, reverse camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat that is “Zero Gravity Inspired”, and even rear central conditioning vents.
All that superfluous luxury aside, the NP300 Navara is still very capable when the going gets rough with a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 drive selector, 230mm of ground clearance, a maximum approach angle of 31-degrees, and a maximum departure angle of 25.6-degrees.