Review: Maxus T60 2.8L Pickup – Impressive Features But Unrefined Engine

We put the newly-launched Maxus T60 4WD Pickup Truck through its paces.

To most of us ordinary Malaysians, the name Weststar would be a relatively unknown name, granted it’s a new player compared to the likes of Tan Chong and Auto Bavaria – which have a long and illustrious history with links to the automotive industry.

However, in its less than 20-year history, Weststar has grown into a multinational and multifaceted enterprise with interests in aviation (offshore and civil aviation services), defense, insurance, construction and development, and various automotive operations.

Their automotive ventures are through a 3S Honda dealership (Weststar Auto), import and recond vehicles (SAFZ Auto), and through its Weststar Maxus operations, the sales and distributorship of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia.

Who is Weststar and what is the T60?

Maxus is a brand under the larger SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC); the largest automaker on China's A-Share market with an annual sales volume of over seven 7 million units. The Maxus brand's roots are firmly in the British Motor industry and can be traced as far back as 1896 and the Lancashire Steam Motor Company through British Leyland, Leyland DAF vehicles, and LDV Maxus.

In 2010 the Intellectual property of LDV Maxus was obtained by SAIC with the first Maxus product unveiled at the Shanghai Motorshow in April 2011 - the same month that the Weststar Group was confirmed as the distributor for the Malaysian market.

Besides Maxus vehicles, other notable brands under SAIC umbrella include the revived MG, and Roewe.

Over in Malaysia, Weststar has enjoyed considerable success with its longest running model, the V80 commercial and passenger van, finding utility in everything from tour buses, ambulance to even defence applications. Their second model, the Maxus G10 premium MPV, was first introduced here in 2016 and since then has found a steady footing amongst the niche market of large family and business haulers, matching pound-for-pound – in terms of value and equipment – more established rivals such as the Hyundai Grand Starex and Kia Grand Carnival.

In its latest effort, Westar hopes to enter the highly competitive pickup truck market, which is a big gamble considering its latest product, the
Maxus T60
 has to go up against seminal rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara. Which as you might surmise, is no easy task.

But in playing to their strengths – offering abundant features and technology and very attractive prices, does the Maxus T60 have what it takes to get into the ring with the big boys?

Specifications of the Maxus T60 2.8l 4WD

Engine: 2.8-litre VGT four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 150PS at 3,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm at 1,600rpm - 2,800rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 4WD

Safety: 4-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Reverse Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)

Assembly: Locally assembled in Johor Bahru (OASB).

Price: RM105,888 (OTR excluding Insurance)

Driving Experience

Though a competent vehicle, the Maxus T60, does have areas that need improvement.

Starting with the strong points, it's undeniable that the T60 offers superb value for money, pound for pound, which we will get to, it offers more safety and convenience equipment for the same type of money as many of its rivals. It offers more airbags, better infotainment (read 10-inch touchscreen system), a better interior and additional features such as cruise control and keyless entry (and start).

In practice, one would find the interior a nice place to be in for the most part. The seats are pleasantly nice and supportive, the switchgear is well thought out and ergonomic, the steering wheel feels nice and sturdy in your hands and the overall architecture is somewhat premium, despite some hard plastics in the most upper and lower regions of the dashboard.

The chassis, given SAIC’s ties with General Motors features some tech know-how and bits from the
Chevrolet Colorado
, which is a capable truck in all aspects, the T60 does offer rather capable handling at low speeds in the city and decent surefootedness on the highway. The brakes, though are a tad squishy during initial pedal travel, but offers adequate stopping power for the most part, it is an easy pickup to get in and get used to.

We also had no qualms with interior space and loading boot space, the T60 is as good as its established rivals in this aspect.

One drawback, however, is the massive 19-inch wheel and tyre package that comes as standard. We understand Maxus will only offer smaller 17-inch wheels in 2021, and this is a good idea. The 19-inch wheel requires tyres with smaller sidewalls which in turn offers less impact absorption on the road, something a truck needs especially with leaf-spring rear suspension optimised for heavy loads.

Drivers will feel the effects of this especially at the rear when the Maxus T60 negotiates bumpy roads in the city or those small menacing rubber bumps you typically get in a shopping mall carparks – the rear will typically react very abruptly unsettling passengers in the process. An upshot though, is the fitted tyres, which are otherwise more suited for luxury SUVs are grippier and quieter than most commonly fitted pickup tyres, so take this with a pinch of salt.

On the highway though, the Maxus T60 actually settles into a nice cruise, at the speed limit, it settles into a nice stride, with the long gearing from its six-speed automatic gearbox giving it the legs for long hauls. The transmission itself shifts quickly and cleanly.

However, where I feel the Maxus T60 needs the most improvement is the engine. It is powered by a 2.8-litre, 16-valve, DOHC VGT turbocharged engine, which outputs 150 bhp with a maximum torque of 360 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm. Now while those numbers are good, the engine is unrefined and makes its presence known at low revs, especially when in the city. The aforementioned long gearing of the six-speed automatic means the engine has to be worked hard to get up to speed, so the transmission can select the next cog.

This of course adversely affects fuel economy – which settles into a range of 13-14 litres/100km in the city, making it quite thirsty. On the highway though, fuel economy drops to around 9.0 litres/100km, which is okay for what it is.

Now, we’re being critical of the engine, but the drivetrain of a pickup truck is at the heart of the decision-making process, so we suspect this matters to any prospective customer.

While it’s not a bad engine (we’ve tested worse), the game has moved on a bit with the latest range of pickup trucks on the market.
Isuzu’s D-Max 1.9L
, Ford’s 2.2L engine and especially the latest generation Toyota Hilux, all offer better engine refinement, economy, and torque response from the get-go.

Rivals

For the same money you pay for the Maxus T60 – dollar for dollar, the competitors range from the
Isuzu D-Max 1.9L
 Type B AT (RM 103,850),
Toyota Hilux
 Double Cab 2.4E AT (RM108,880), and
Ford Ranger
 2.2 XL AT (RM 103,888).

Now it’s worthy to note, at those prices, competitor offerings are pretty bare, none of them have keyless entry, a reverse camera, reverse sensors, LED headlights, or auto wipers. Also, note that some are not offered with a sports bar which comes in handy when carrying taller loads.

Conclusion

The Maxus T60 is better suited for the lifestyle buyer who would appreciate the feature and equipment package at unbeatable pricing. It would also matter if the customer uses his/her Maxus T60 for long hauls which it performs better in, rather than in the city or offroad which it is less optimised for.

With that said, it is a competent vehicle, and hardly a bad effort by Maxus to introduce into a rather competitive segment locally.


Pick of the Week: 2015 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo

Honda’s ‘Type R’ moniker needs little introduction among most of us. Even though the first Civic Type R was introduced only in 1997, it achieved cult status and garnered the respect of the automotive movers and shakers, as well as petrol-heads around the world in less than a decade.
But if you happen to be one of those who are not very familiar, the Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Civic which features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis.
This model also comes with a generous dosage of red trims and accents in the interior to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from other Honda models.
Currently in its fifth generation, one of the reasons why the Civic Type R became an iconic model is because it came fitted with a few of the craziest engines Honda has ever made.
For instance, the first-gen Civic Type R (EK9) was powered by the B16B which boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for a naturally-aspirated engine, producing a maximum output of 185 PS.
And then came the second-gen EP3 which was powered by the K20 engine, which produces between 200 and 215PS. The third-gen FD2R on the other hand, was powered by a tweaked version of the K20 which kicked out up to 225PS.
Well known and well received for its performance, the Civic Type R, regardless of model year, became a collector’s item. The best part is that this car still has massive demand for it. Believe it or not, the third-gen Civic Type R FD2 which was launched back in 2006 with a price of RM199,800, still asks for about RM150,000 in the used car market.
While many are still waiting for the third-gen Civic Type R’s price to drop, Honda has already launched the fourth-gen model which once again took the world by storm, and guess what?
A few units have already landed on our shores discreetly, and you’re looking at one of them that were
advertised on Carlist.my
Being the first factory turbocharged Civic Type R, the FK2, which is based on the previous-gen Euro Civic, competes directly with cars like the Golf R, Ford Focus RS, and the Renault Megane RS, is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine which produces 306hp and 400Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with LSD.
List of standard features include Alcantara bucket seats in front, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, multi-info LCD instrument cluster, Type R racing mode, Push start ignition, keyless entry, as well as a reverse camera.
In case you’re wondering where we found the beast, it was going for sale at Drive Me Auto at the Sri Petaling Auto City.
Priced at RM288,800, this unit you’re looking at has just been grabbed by a customer. However, the guys at Drive Me Auto mentioned that more units will be coming in in the future.
It is also worth mentioning that this unit is one of the first few FK2 Type Rs to be sold in Malaysia.


Review: Weststar Maxus G10 SE – Value-Driven People Carrier

MPVs based upon passenger car platforms typically offer a maximum of seven seats arranged across three rows. Kia managed to squeeze an extra seat for an eighth passenger in the
Grand Carnival
, but if you happen to need space for up to 10 passengers, chances are, you will need a large passenger van.
Vans get the job done, but their utilitarian origins inevitably sacrifice a degree of refinement and comfort. So, what vehicle offers near passenger car comfort hand-in-hand with the seating capacity of a football team?
For a good few years, the answer to that question is the
Hyundai Starex
 – seats for eleven, priced reasonably at RM160k thereabouts, and not half bad to drive. Launched locally in 2008, the Starex is still on sale and whilst offering good value, it is also starting to get long in the tooth. Hyundai’s rapid renewal cycle for other models in its showroom, such as the
Elantra
 and
Sonata
, further amplify the Starex’s age.
A new challenger has arrived, however, in the form of the Weststar Maxus G10 ten-seater MPV, a product of China’s Shanghai-based SAIC Motor Corporation. It follows a similar template to the Starex in that it is a large multi-row MPV built on a ladder frame sporting a front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration.
The
Maxus G10
 was launched in Malaysia in 2016 and received
higher-grade SE version
 earlier this year. Priced from RM140k upwards with contemporary looks and solid-feeling build quality, it makes for a compelling alternative to the aging Starex. Also, unusual for an MPV its size, the G10 offers an intriguing engine choice in the form of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol.
Specifications:
Price: RM157,888 (OTR without insurance)
Engine: 2.0-litre, Inline-4 Longitudinal, Turbocharged Petrol
Power: 225 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torrque: 345 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
Safety: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, ISOFIX, driver seatbelt reminder, brake override
Origin: Locally-assembled
*Note: The G10 is locally-assembled, but our test car is from a small batch of fully-imported cars priced at RM162,888.
Overview
A selection of two trim levels are offered, the basic model retails at RM139,888 on-the-road without insurance, whilst the higher-grade SE model asks for RM157,888. The G10 is locally-assembled, but Weststar is also offering fully-imported units of the SE model at RM162,888 as well to cope with overwhelming demand.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, power sunroof, electronic stability control, parking sensors, reverse camera, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto climate control, rear air-con vents, and leather seats.
Paying the RM18,000 premium for the SE model adds powered sliding doors, rear panorama glass roofs, 18-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, 220V 3-pin power supply, and touchscreen infotainment.
Unlike similarly-sized MPVs, the G10 is powered not by a turbodiesel or a big-capacity petrol V6, but a downsized turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine sending outputs of 225 hp and 345 Nm to the rear wheels via ZF’s 6HP 6-speed automatic transmission. The Hyundai Starex, in comparison, makes 168 hp and 441 Nm from its 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
Exterior
There isn’t much you can do to make a boxy shape pretty, but the Maxus G10 is generally inoffensive to look at. Don’t expect it to turn any heads, but there isn’t an angle which you’d look at this car and call it ugly.
It is a vehicle of huge proportions, however, stretching 5,168 mm long, spanning 1,980 mm wide, and standing 1,928 mm tall, with wheelbase measuring 3,210 mm. These dimensions make it slightly bigger than the Starex, and appreciably larger than the Kia Grand Carnival.
At its size, the G10 can be intimidating to maneuver through tight spaces and all too easy to dent around a sharp corner. The SE model as tested offers help in the form of a 360-degree camera system. The image resolution is low and not entirely effective at night, but considering the sheer acreage of its blind spot, it’s good enough just to have the system on board than not.
Interior
The G10’s cabin accommodates ten occupants in four rows of seats arranged in a 2-3-2-3 configuration. Second and third row seats offer forward-backward adjustment, whilst the fourth row can be folded to make way for cargo.
The second row, which seats three occupants, is offset slightly toward the right, thereby granting extra space for third and fourth row occupants to enter and exit from the vehicle’s left. Three-point seat-belts are provided to only two occupants of the second row; the middle passenger gets only a lap belt. ISOFIX mounts are also provided on the second row.
The third row consists of two individual chairs separated in the middle providing a pathway to access the last row, which seats three across with each occupant getting three-point seat belts and adjustable headrests. Luggage space is practically non-existent if the last row seats are up, although they foldaway in a relatively straightforward three-step procedure.
Passenger space overall is provided in relative abundance. It is possible, with the right seating adjustment, to provide all four rows of seats with comfortable amounts of leg and headroom for an average Asian adult. Important provision for our climate, each row gets dedicated air-con vents, with separate temperature controls provided for the cabin's rear section.
Materials of the cabin are of decent quality. Plush to the touch they aren’t, but they feel convincingly robust. Fit and finish feel assuredly sturdy with panels aligning consistently with each other. Our only quality complaint of the test car is that the front sunroof’s inability to stay securely closed.
Overall design of the cabin is rather tasteful too. Like the exterior, it’s plain-looking and inoffensive. Little touches such as stitches on the dashboard and textures of certain panels, however, show greater attention to detail than one might expect.
Driving Experience
Nobody expects an MPV at this size to drive or handle with any semblance of agility or sportiness, but it is fair to demand predictable handling as well as refined progress. In this respect, comparisons with its direct rival, the Hyundai Starex, is once again inevitable and the verdict is quite easily summed up – the Starex drives better, but the G10 drives well enough and is better refined.
Simply put, the Starex’s chassis feels more balanced and seems to have its centre of gravity closer to ground, giving the driver the confidence to carry a little more speed into bends. This is less about enthusiastic driving of any kind and more about not having to brake as severely going into a corner, thus minimizing discomfort to your passengers on winding roads.
Putting a 2.0-litre engine to power an MPV this size is an unusual decision and it has the intriguing proposition of lower road tax than you’d otherwise need to pay with a larger capacity petrol or turbodiesel engine. Is the engine up to the task? Sometimes. Instantaneous response, especially on kickdown, is out of the question, but the engine pulls with admirable vigour once the turbocharger goes on song.
The 6-speed auto does a fair job in providing smooth shifts, and its tallest ratio is geared high enough to allow cruising at highway speeds with 1,500 to 2,000 revs ticking on the clock.
As a whole, the engine is an adequate performer most of the time, but there are occasions where it’s difficult to escape the impression that a diesel or just a higher-capacity petrol engine remain best suited to the task of hauling a vehicle this large.
Comfort & Refinement
One immediate benefit of having a petrol rather than a diesel engine powering the G10 is the absence of diesel clattering sounds on idling and cruising, immediately creating an atmosphere that is more refined and less utilitarian.
Overall soundproofing, in any case, is decent, with very little in the way of wind or road noises troubling the cabin on the move.
Ride comfort is good too, though quite unusually, the rear end seems to feel slight more pliant than the front. Overall damper settings seem quite well-judged for the car, soft enough to feel supple over poor surfaces, yet with sufficient firmness to maintain a fine degree of body control. Put it another way, it does not feel like a boat.
Economy & Maintenance
What you save in road tax, prepare to pay it back at the pumps. A petrol engine tasked to pull a large vehicle will inevitably require a high rate of fuel and in the G10’s case, this is exacerbated by the need to regularly work the engine hard in order to secure rapid progress.
By the end of our driving stint, despite not attempting our usual spirited road test regime, the trip computer did not make for pretty reading, returning an average 16.2 litres/100km.
The good news, however, is that the G10 comes with two years for free maintenance in addition to a three-year factory warranty.
Conclusion
The Maxus G10 is a vehicle of surprisingly good quality and one that offers compelling value for your money. If there is a car to break the quality stigma of China-sourced vehicles, this is it – the quality is not superlative, but the car as a whole feels consistent and solid. There are a few minor rough edges, but they are insignificant enough to be overlooked.
Inside, the G10 offers lots of usable space although any meaningful volume of cargo can only be transported with its seating capacity reduced to seven. Still, the room between rows of seats ensure that the G10 feels positively spacious even when fully loaded with passengers.
Whilst we’d much rather have a vehicle this size with a diesel or bigger capacity petrol, the G10’s 2.0-litre engine offers buyers the option of an engine without the fumes and clatter of an oil burner or the punitively high road tax of a big engine. Can’t escape the heavy fuel bills though.
Still, the G10’s overall proposition is a good one – an MPV big on space, a few minor niggles, but big on value.


Penang LRT project expanded to Include Tg Bungah route, says Transport Minister Loke

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the planned light rail transit (LRT) system in Penang will now include a route to Tg Bungah, extending northwards along the island's beachfront.

The revised LRT project will consist of 27 stations over a 29-km stretch, with the entire system being elevated. MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd has been selected as the project delivery partner, and the goal is to complete the LRT within five years.

“The entire project will be elevated. We are on a fast-track basis to have the LRT. Our completion period is within five years.” said Loke, according to The Vibes.

The project will be implemented in stages, starting with the island and potentially expanding to Butterworth and Kepala Batas on the mainland.

The financing model and depot location are still being discussed
, prioritising transparency and public involvement.

“We are also discussing with the state government on where to site the depot. It has been agreed that the location will be inland and not on the reclaimed Penang South Island site," said Loke, according to The Vibes.

Land acquisition is expected to be minimal, and the private sector may be invited to participate in a joint venture with the government.


Volkswagen Malaysia Awarded A Brand-New Scirocco To One Lucky Customer

Volkswagen
 Malaysia today announced the grand prize winner of the ‘Give Me 5’ contest that was held late last year. The grand prize? A brand-spanking new Volkswagen
Scirocco
 compact coupe and Mr Look Kuok Tung who hails from Subang Jaya was the lucky one to drive home his grand prize.
The
Volkswagen
 ‘Give Me 5’ contest, which ran from 9th to 31st October 2014, saw a strong response from customers across Malaysia. Along with the contest, Malaysian Volkswagen customers were also able to enjoy five (see the theme?) benefits with the purchase of brand new Volkswagen models in the form of:
Five (5) years free maintenance
Five (5) years free road tax
Five (5) years warranty
Five (5) years mobility guarantee
RM500 worth of petrol vouchers
Additionally, each customer who booked a Volkswagen model also stood five (5) chances to win a brand-new
Volkswagen

Scirocco
.


2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) – C 180 and C 300 Models Join the Range in Malaysia at RM229k and RM308k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 is expanding the model portfolio of its hugely-successful
W205 C-Class
 in two directions, with a new C 180 entry model and C 300 range-topper joining the existing C 200 and C 250 variants.
Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection engine, the new C 180 lowers the entrance price into the realm of C-Class ownership to RM228,888 on-the-road excluding insurance. Trimmed in Avantgarde Line specification, the C 180 comes respectably equipped with the following items:
1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine – 156hp
7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission
Agility Select adjustable suspension
17-inch alloy wheels
Audio 20 CD infotainment - internet capability, radio, twin tuner, CD player, Bluetooth, satellite navigation
Active Park Assist – parallel and reverse perpendicular
At the other end of the scale is the C 300, kitted in AMG Line trim and powered by an uprated version of the 200 and 250’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to generate 245hp and 370Nm. At RM307,888 with on-road costs excluding insurance, it squares nicely against BMW’s similarly-powered 330i M Sport (252hp, 350Nm, RM298k).
Mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission as with the rest of the C-Class range, the C 300 comes in at 5.9 seconds for the century sprint en route to a governed top speed of 250km/h.

As the flagship of the mainstream C-Class range, the C 300 comes fitted with:
19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels
Sports suspension – ride height lowered by 15mm
AMG body kit – front apron, front splitter, side sill panel, rear diffuser
Sports exhaust
LED intelligent headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist
COMAND Online infotainment - DVD player, radio, 10 GB memory, 8.4-inch colour display, touchpad
Burmester Surround Sound – 13 speakers, 590W output
Air-Balance Package
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
With these new additions, the C-Class range in Malaysia now consists of a five-strong line-up with the following variants:
C 180 Avantgarde Line (1.6-litre, 156hp) – RM228,888
C 200 Avantgarde Line (2.0-litre, 184hp) – RM248,888
C 200 Exclusive Line (2.0-litre, 184hp) – RM252,888
C 250 AMG Line (2.0-litre, 211hp) – RM287,888
C 300 AMG Line (2.0-litre, 245hp) – RM307,888


The 2020 Audi RS6 Is A 600 hp, Mild-Hybrid Monster

There is but one performance segment that no other brand on the market can truly lay claim to, and that is the super-wagon. Fine, it's not really called a "super-wagon" as much as it is high-powered estate cars, but the idea still stands: Audi practically created the class and has stayed at the top through its range of ever-more-powerful performance cars - cars that just happen to be estate shaped.
The all-new 2020 RS6 Avant (estate, in fancy speak) is the latest in the family of cars. Packing a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine pushing a whopping 600 PS and 800 Nm of torque, it definitely has the performance credentials. As a bit of a counterpoint, the new powertrain also happens to be a mild-hybrid as it has a belt alternator starter and a small battery which keeps onboard systems running when in coast modes for fuel saving. The new engine even has cylinder deactivation to cut the fuel consumption down even more.
All that power is sent through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and of course that power is split across all four wheels courtesy of the quattro system. Default split is 40:60 front to rear, with up to 85% of torque being sent to the rear or up to 70% of torque being sent to the front. It's a very balanced setup that draws on Audi's decades of experience with finding traction in the trickiest of situations - and Audi's bet paid off, with nearly every competitor model adopting all-wheel drive at this point in time.
There are plenty of numbers associated with this all-new RS6. Century sprint times are claimed to stand at 3.6 seconds, with 200 km/h coming up in just 12 seconds from a standstill. The top speed is governed at 250 km/h, but you can bet someone will remove the limiter. The 48-volt onboard system allows start-stop operation of the engine at up to 20 km/h, with fuel savings of up to 0.8-litres per 100 kilometres.
What else is there to know? It sits on the same platform as the current generation Audi A6, with five link suspension for both the front and rear. It's 20 millimetres lower than the regular A6 Avant models, with further lowering of 10 mm above 120 km/h - which means it's running on an air suspension setup, which is a great function for comfort and flexibility. 21-inch wheels come as standard with 275/35 R21 tyres all round, while an optional 22-inch wheel with 285/30 R22 tyres are for the more aggressive packages.
Audi would be fools if they didn't include the virtual cockpit system in the RS6, and there are a couple of tweaks for this model that include special sport-specific displays accessible through the menus. Shift lights, G-force readouts, fluid temperatures and more are all easily accessible for the driver in either the cluster or the MMI touch response display entertainment unit. Configurable RS1 and RS2 personalized modes can be toggled with steering wheel mounted switches, allowing for changes in engine management, power steering, suspension, all-wheel steering, the sport rear differential, and the engine sound.
Specific to the RS6 are the Nardo Grey and Sebring Black paint options in crystal effect, as well as five matte effect paint finishes. And that boot? Perhaps the very point of the RS6 Avant is that it's both fast and practical, and there is between 565 and 1,680 litres of practicality, with a 1.05-meter wide loading aperture and a luggage compartment length of 1.99 metres with the seats down.
To find the best deals on Audi models, click
here
.


Petrol Prices On The Rise - Do Hybrids Make Sense?

With petrol prices seeming to shoot back up as demand increases, does it make sense to pick a hybrid vehicle? Or perhaps even something fully electric?

Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world where
hybrid vehicles
 are competitively priced. Yes, you would imagine with many other countries pushing for electrification and lower emissions, hybrid vehicles would be incentivized - but the reality is that hybrid vehicles still have numerous complex and expensive components that drive the prices up.

In fact, in most of Europe, if you're looking for a more fuel-efficient proposition, diesel-powered vehicles are the norm. Unfortunately for us, our diesel quality just isn't good enough to run some of the fancier diesel models that Europeans enjoy - the particulate filters and injectors would simply get clogged too quickly. This then means that if you're looking for something more fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles are the way to go.

With
petrol prices on the rise
, fuel efficiency may be a looming concern if you want to keep your monthly expenditure down. This then begs the question: does a hybrid vehicle, plug-in or otherwise, become the better value proposition? Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple or clear cut, because it depends heavily on when you enter hybrid vehicle ownership and various other factors.

From a maintenance perspective, most hybrid vehicles sold here will be covered under a maintenance plan - at least for luxury models, this happens to be the case. For more mass-market items, general maintenance over the course of the first three to five years isn't going to be drastically different from a car with a purely conventional powertrain.

Beyond that, however, is when things become a little tricky. Batteries have been a pain point for second or third-hand hybrid owners, even from the previous generation of mass-market hybrid models that Malaysians are accustomed to. With higher-end models that have larger, more expensive batteries, you naturally expect this cost to increase.

A
Volvo T8
 hybrid battery costs 17,000 GBP to replace (RM 97,680) in the UK - though it's hard to say what it would cost here. In Europe, the
G20 330e
 is known to have a battery replacement cost of roughly 1,000 Euro a battery module (of which there are six) which comes to around RM 29,588. There are plenty of examples that we've seen where battery costs, as well as the other hybrid-specific components that wear and need replacement, can be enormously expensive.

Again, this isn't usually a problem for those buying cars brand new - but it does pose a problem if you're looking to take on a hybrid vehicle somewhere further down the life cycle. The secondary problem is - just how much extra range can you get, and how much fuel do you save? In all honesty, this question depends heavily on your driving style. A Perodua Myvi can achieve over 500 kilometres on a tank of 35 litres, but you could also burn through 45 litres of fuel in under 300 kilometres in a hybrid vehicle if you're always pushing it - your mileage most definitely may vary.

Even if you say that Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are then a viable option, for the vast majority of Malaysians it really isn't. Many PHEV owners don't even get to charge their vehicles by plugging them in - whether it's because they don't have a charging system at home or because they live in an apartment, or they don't have one at their workplace, or they can't find a mall spot with one. Utilising the PH aspect of a PHEV isn't the easiest thing in the world.

With all of this in mind, it then means that maybe hybrid vehicles aren't the last word in fuel consumption. The best way to save fuel is to adapt your driving style, and that even goes as far as planning your movements around traffic jams and being conscious as to not idle your car when you're sat for long periods of time. Just be thankful that we're not paying as much for petrol as the Thais, Singaporeans, and pretty much anyone in Europe (RM 5.85/litre RON 95) or the USA (RM 3.47/litre RON 95).


2015 Perodua Myvi Vs. Proton Iriz: Round 2, FIGHT!

Proton
 launched its
Iriz
 last year and there was no doubt that its target was to topple the
Perodua Myvi
 as the nation’s most-loved. In our previous spec comparison between the two, the Iriz came out on top with an impressive safety package available on all variants across the range.
This time,
Perodua
 is back but not with a completely new model. Instead, the Myvi receives a facelift with updates mainly reflected in design changes to match its newer sibling, the Axia, plus other additional features. But is that enough to win this hotly contested battle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vu7rTQL8uY
The
Myvi
 previously lost on the safety front due to its lack of the safety features as those found on the Iriz, which has them from the base variant all the way to the highest-spec one. So what has Perodua done to make its Myvi “Lagi Best” than before? Let’s jump right into it then.
Powertrains
We kick things off by looking at the powertrain options on offer. For the Myvi, no changes occur in the powertrain department, with the same 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines brought forward. Only the Standard G and SE comes with a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter automatic. The Premium X and Advance is only available with the latter.
The Iriz comes in either 1.3- or 1.6-litre engines and every variant comes with a choice of either a 5-speed Getrag-sourced manual transmission or Punch CVT.
By the looks of things, the
Proton
 Iriz’s 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines certainly produce more power than what the Myvi’s aging 1.3- and 1.5-litre engine is capable of. And with the choice of a Getrag 5-speed manual, it certainly sounds like the better choice.
However, not everyone is a fan of manually rowing through the gears and this is where the Myvi claws back as the Punch CVT automatic transmission used on the Iriz has been drawing quite a bit of flak for its performance. The Myvi may not use a fancier CVT gearbox but its 4-speed automatic is a tried and tested formula.
Dimensions & Space
The Iriz’s dimensions are 3,920 mm length x 1,722 mm width x 1,554 mm height, with a wheelbase of 2,555 mm. Boot space is 215 litres with the seats up and when folded into its 60:40 configuration, an extra 55 litres is made available.
Perodua’s Myvi dimensions as before with a 3,695 mm length (3,685 mm on the 1.5-litre variants) x 1,665 mm width x 1,570 mm height and 2,440 mm wheelbase. However, the Myvi’s rear seats are extendable and when the 60:40 seats have been folded down, allow a flat storage space.
Both cars are capable of sitting 5 passengers in relative comfort and there’s enough headroom and legroom for the both of them. On the merit of cargo capacity however, the Myvi takes the win here.
Infotainment
On the new Myvi, three different infotainment units are available depending on the variant chosen. A basic radio CD-player is assigned to the Standard G variant. Moving upwards, a more featured radio CD-player with MP3/WMA, USB and Bluetooth input unit is fitted onto the Premium X and SE models. At the top-of-the-range Advance variant sits a multimedia system with navigation and reverse camera. The reverse camera itself has distance measurements displayed in real-time, useful when trying to park the car.
The
Proton
 Iriz however just ups the ante as the base Standard model already comes with a 2-DIN radio CD-player with an array of input capabilities including MP3, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth. Moving up to the 1.3 Executive trim, the same 2-DIN unit remains. For the 1.6 Executive and Premium, a 6.2-inch Android-based LCD touchscreen unit is in place featuring a rear view camera, navigation, and DVD playback, along with the above mentioned inputs as well. The aforementioned variants also come with a free Wi-Fi huddle as well
In this part, the Iriz edges the Myvi by introducing a more feature-packed infotainment unit from its base models onwards.
Equipment & Features
This is little bit of a toss-up between the two as each have their own advantages. Among the
Myvi’s
 plusses are its front corner sensors on the Premium X, SE, and Advance, useful when judging the front end of the car is difficult. Semi-bucket seats come in the 1.5 variants with the Advance’s being upholstered in leather while the SE gets fabric ones. The 1.3 variants have standard fabric seats.
We do herald the cleverness of Perodua’s anti-snatch hook, deterring smash-and-grab incidents that was first seen on the Axia. Here, that safety clamp for handbags is available across all variants. Steering audio controls are available on the Premium X through to the Advance variants.
The Proton Iriz does have its fair share of tricks to get it back in the game too. On the 1.3 Executive, rear USB chargers come as standard, allowing your buddies to ensure their gadgets stay charged. The same variant also comes with follow me home lamps as well. Picking the 1.6 Premium brings about a slew of features including keyless operation, leather seats, multi-function steering wheel, daytime running lights, electric folding mirrors and automatic headlamps.
Alloy rims come as standard on both the Myvi and the Iriz’s base models with different designed ones on the upper variants respectively.
Safety
It’s a case of déjà vu here. Yet again, the Myvi’s only safety systems are its anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA). Even then, they are not available on the base Standard G model but is found on the other three variants although dual SRS airbags can be found across the range. The Myvi is rated with a 4-star rating on the ASEAN NCAP.
One redeeming feature though is the Myvi’s alarm system that uses a double-press method when unlocking the doors. On the first press, only the driver-side door is unlocked. Only upon a second press will all doors be unlocked, a particularly handy feature especially for those who drive alone.
Proton got it right with its safety package on the
Iriz
. From the base model onwards, traction control (TC), ABS with EBD and BA, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold assist (HHA) and dual front SRS airbags. Even more impressive, the 1.6 Premium tags on another four airbags bringing the total count up to six. This puts the Iriz on a higher rating on the ASEAN NCAP with 5-stars.
Price
As you can see from the prices tabled below, the
Perodua
 Myvi is clearly cheaper than the Iriz. However, when you factor in the safety suite the Proton has to offer along with a few select features, it does negate the price differences which is merely a few hundred ringgit between them.
*All prices are on-the-road (OTR) with insurance


No, You Don’t Have To Pay A Fee To Use Window Tints, Unless You Want Blacked-Out "VIP Spec" Windows

Transport Minister Anthony Loke made a statement yesterday that a fee will soon be imposed on those seeking to have car window tints above the allowable limit, according to
a report by The Star.
However, many have mistunderstood the announcement by MoT, assuming that all vehicle owners who want to install window tints must pay a fee from next year onwards.
Currently, the law allows tints with at least 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for the windscreen, 50% for front passenger windows, and 30% for the rear passenger windows and rear windscreen.
So, as long as your vehicle’s tinting follows the abovementioned standards, there is no need to pay a fee or to get an approval.
But those who want to use window tints darker than the allowed limits will have to submit a CG1 application form to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for an approval. Only if the application is approved, can they pay a fee and proceed with their “VIP spec” blacked-out tinting.
“There is no automatic approval as they must be eligible to use the tint and apply for it and pay a fee,” said Loke. He also added that exemptions will be given to vehicle owners who need to utilise a darker tint because of medical conditions.
It is said that this is part of the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2018 which Loke tabled in Parliament yesterday (Dec 10), which is expected to be passed and gazetted for implementation by January next year.
So, if you happen to be one of those who are freaking out after reading BFM’s tweet yesterday which said “vehicle owners will likely have to start paying for tinted glass window use by early next year” which sounded like everyone and anyone who wishes to install window tinting will have to pay a fee, there’s no need to be upset, as the fee is only for those who want window tinting that is darker than the allowed specifications.


The Next Hyundai Sonata Gets A New Platform

With all the talk of the Europeans moving to newer, bigger, more advanced platforms, spare a thought for the Koreans. Hyundai's next generation Sonata will get an all-new platform, which is fitting for the model that represents the top of their range in a number of markets.
The improvements are the usual suspects: better handling, better packaging, and better comfort. The platform will undoubtedly be more flexible to accommodate current or future plans for electrification, as is the norm in this day and age. Lower weight improves fuel efficiency, while new hot stamping and high tensile steel usage, as well as redesigned load paths, allow for higher overall chassis strength.
Crash safety is a field that is ever expanding, with goal posts that constantly get shifted by the Swedish with every passing year. That being said, Hyundai has a couple of neat ideas when it comes to collision safety: the multi-load path design for the all-new Sonata moves the tyres outwards in the event of a partial overlap collision to help protect occupants and reduce the risk of spinning the car around.
In terms of powertrains, this new platform has to accommodate Hyundai's next-generation Smartstream powertrain, which channels air in and around the engine bay for better performance, cooling, and aerodynamics. The lowering of the powertrain in the overall chassis also improves the centre of gravity and makes the all-new Sonata a more agile machine, with better lateral stiffness and steering wheel positioning.
The all-new Sonata is scheduled to go on scale in the US in the next few months, a market that has been surprisingly receptive to the Korean brand, consistently so over the last few years. You can expect much of the technology and concepts that the company learned with the i30N to have indirectly influenced the development of this all-new Sonata, and consumers are all the better for it.


KTM Service Disruptions Announced As Uprgrading Works Underway

Take note public transport users: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) has announced that its Komuter services along the Segambut – KL Sentral – Salak Selatan route will face disruptions and delays until the 30
th
 of April, 2015.
The news was announced by KTM Berhad in conjunction with certain signal system upgrades that are being carried out in the aforementioned areas to improve the quality of the service.
In their official announced, the KTM trains along the Batu Caves – Pelabuhan Klang and Rawang - Sungai Gadut routes is expected to face arrival sdelays between five to 10 minutes.
KTM Berhad also expects complete cancellation of the train service to occur when necessary, although no times/dates were mentioned. It did say that the public transport provider would be doing its level best to minimise and service interruptions and delays whilst works are carried out.
KTM Berhad also wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused. Further info can be found at
www.ktmb.com.my
.


Proton Adapts To The MCO To Help Beat COVID-19

During the MCO, it’s been a tough time for many businesses and employees alike as their futures are potentially in jeopardy the longer that this drags on. For the businesses that do choose to remain open, or those that are forced to stay open, it’s good to hear that measures are being taken to help keep staff safe.

For Proton, that means that close to 10,000 employees are putting their health on the line to keep the cogs turning. Each day, the health status of every employee is measured twice with plans in place to help isolate and treat any employee that is suspected to be infected – inclusive of weekends. Movement within the company is tracked during the MCO to help with contact tracing if need be as well.

From as early as February, Proton was already on limited movement outside of the company, with those who travelled abroad being required to quarantine themselves for 14 days on returning following a screening for the virus before and after the two week period. Proton has also worked with the government to get permission for essential company operations to continue – including the maintenance of their production facilities and service centres to handle government vehicles.

For the office workers, working remotely is done where possible. Individual departments have their daily meetings with their department heads to keep everyone in the loop in terms of communication and management decisions, along with daily deliverable assignment. Video conferencing is fast becoming a norm during this MCO period, and may continue to be used commonly in the future.

In addition to these measures, Proton has loaned the Ministry of Health 50 units of the Proton X70 which will be used to shuttle health workers to and from work in addition to sending them to virus hotspots around the country that need immediate attention. It’s support like this for our front-liners that we should see more companies offering in this time of crisis.


Looks Like the New Toyota Supra is Going to be Automatic Only, BMW Powered

There's been
a lot of hype
 surrounding the up-and-coming Toyota Supra/BMW Z4 (J29/G29 model codes respectively), but we've got a little bit of bad news for enthusiasts out there. A leaked internal BMW document
sourced by the SupraMkV forums
 has detailed the transmission and engine options, and it seems like there are no manual Supra variants for purchase (as of now they only list 'AUT'). That being said, it's possible that the BMW models will have a manual on offer, by the 'MECH' designation.
The document is a couple of months old but it does show both Toyota and BMW variants. It seems like the Toyota Supra will have the 20i and 30i engine variants (both 4 cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPowerTurbo units if we follow current BMW nomenclature) as well as a 40i variant (a 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre TwinPowerTurbo engine), while the BMW Z4 will be limited to just 30i and M40i powertrain options. While not confirmed, it's likely the Supra/Z4 will run entirely on BMW running gear.
Either way, if the GT86 and LFA are anything to go by, then this new model should be quite the stunner- regardless of powertrain and engine options. The sole transmission choice for Toyota to be the automatic and in RWD form, but this shouldn't be too large of a disappointment as BMW ZF transmission are pretty seamless and quick to respond to inputs when you call on them. Hopefully there will eventually be a manual option offered in the future for the 'purists' among us- and if you're really hard up on a manual, maybe the BMW version will be a better choice.


Honda Malaysia Forecasts Negative Growth For 2016

Honda Malaysia expects Malaysia’s new car sales to contract by 4 to 5 percent in 2016, citing economic pressures affecting Malaysia - falling crude oil prices and depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit are the two main reasons.
The leading non-national brand in country is forecasting 2016’s total industry volume to drop from last year’s 666,674 units to between 630,000 and 640,000 units.
In response, Honda Malaysia is also forecasting a slight drop in its sales this year, from 94,902 units registered in 2015 to just 90,000 units for 2016.
While 2015 was challenging, it was also a record breaking year for Honda Malaysia, registering its
highest annual sales ever – 94,902 units
, the highest in the company’s 16-year history, overtaking Toyota's 93,760 units. The 10,741 units registered in December 2015 was also the highest monthly sales recorded by the company.
“2015 was a challenging year for the Malaysian Automotive Industry as we experienced economic slowdown due to the weakening of Malaysian Ringgit, Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation and drop in oil price. The Total Industry Volume (TIV) in Malaysia was at 666,674 units which was almost flat from the previous year. Despite the tough and competitive market situation, Honda could still generate great results and 2015 became the most memorable year for Honda Malaysia,” said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia Mr. Yoichiro Ueno at a media event yesterday.
“Moving forward in 2016,
Honda
 has set the sales target at 90,000 units. This is despite a forecasted decrease in TIV of between 4% to 5% or a total 630,000 to 640,000 units for 2016 due to the economic pressures, fall in crude oil price and depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit. Despite a drop in total TIV in the first two months of 2016, Honda would like to maintain this target to obtain a strong presence in Malaysia,” he added.
Ueno also elaborated on Honda Malaysia's plan to increase the coverage of its sales and after-sales network.
“Our focus is to continue to achieve highest customer satisfaction by enhancing the Honda brand and creating excellent customer experiences. We will increase our dealerships and Body and Paint (BP) Centres to reach and serve more customers across the nation. We are targeting to increase to 95 dealers and 20 BP Centres, up from the current 87 and 14 respectively. We will also introduce 2S Satellite dealers to reach out to customers in sub-urban areas. We aim to provide professional after-sales services to all our customers regardless of the areas they live,” said Ueno.
As for East Malaysia region, Honda will continue to invest and expand their presence to further penetrate the market. “In November 2015, we successfully opened our Regional Office in Kota Kinabalu to enhance and support the operation in East Malaysia. We will be opening a technical training centre in order to provide intensive trainings to improve the skills of service technicians,” he added.


Buy A Haval This Month And Get Free Insurance And Rebates Worth Up To RM3,000

Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Haval SUVs in Malaysia announced its April promotions which will be available at all Haval showrooms nationwide.
The promotion, which will go on throughout the month of April, will be offering those who purchase a brand new Haval SUV with free insurance and cash rebates worth up to RM3,000.
According to Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal, the Executive Director of Go Auto Group, the promotion is available for both Haval H1 and H2 models.
Aside from the current promotion, the company will also be organising roadshows in shopping malls and prominent locations nationwide.
That being said, the first roadshow will be taking place at the AEON Mall Shah Alam from 24 to 29 April 2018 with many activities and promotions available for the public.
Details about the roadshows which will be held in the Northern, Southern, as well as East Coast Regions will be announced in the near future.


An All In One Fuelling Station by Petros is Coming To Sarawak

Yes, even hydrogen will be made available. That's how much confidence Petros has in the future of mobility, they are covering all their bases with this integrated station.

It's not often that you hear our brethren over in East Malaysia receiving things ahead of peninsular, but it seems that they have really gotten a sweet deal as Petros is looking to launch Malaysia's first fully integrated fuelling station in Sarawak. What do they mean by this? Well, the station will have your regular petrol and diesel, but it will also have charging stations to recharge electric vehicles as well as a hydrogen filling station.

The station has been a long time in the planning - since May of 2019 - but just yesterday there was an official groundbreaking ceremony on the site, situated at Darul Hana according to the Edge. The station will be completed by next year, and is one of six stations planned for the state of Sarawak. One of these proposed six stations will also be located in Kuching, in the Batu Kawah New Township.

The remaining stations will be spread across Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. These stations are being built by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with Petros (Petroleum Sarawak). As these stations are expected to be the model of the future, there is plenty of cutting-edge tech and automated sensors - similar to pilot programs we have seen on the peninsular where customers self scan and pay for items. This in term reduces the amount of manual labour required at these stations.


Sultan Johor Guna Genesis G90 Limousine Sebagai Kenderaan Rasmi – Harga Dari RM585k

Sultan Johor
, DYMM Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar telah mencuri perhatian ramai apabila menggunakan kereta rare, Genesis G90 Limousine sebagai kenderaan rasmi baharu.

Sultan Johor dan kenderaan rare yang jarang dilihat di Malaysia memang tidak dapat dipisahkan. Lihat sahaja garaj miliknya yang menyimpan pelbagai kereta seperti
hypercar
,
supercar
 dan kenderaan klasik. Citarasa tinggi baginda terhadap kereta memang tidak dapat disangkal lagi.

*Kredit foto: HRH Crown Prince of Johor

Baru-baru ini, Sultan Johor hadir bersama
DYAM Tengku Mahkota Johor (TMJ)
 ke Majlis Pembukaan Penggal Persidangan Keempat DUN Johor yang ke-14 di Dewan Persidangan Dewan Negeri Johor di
Iskandar Puteri
. Namun kehadiran Sultan Johor mencuri perhatian umum apabila baginda tiba menaiki sebuah
kenderaan mewah
 yang amat jarang untuk dijumpai di Malaysia, iaitu Genesis G90 Limousine.

Genesis G90
 Limousine ini dihasilkan oleh
Genesis
, sebuah pengeluar kereta mewah dari Korea dan merupakan divisi bahagian kenderaan mewah bagi
Hyundai Group Motor
 sejak tahun 2015. Model mewah ini telah dilancarkan di peringkat global pada tahun 2019 lalu.

Sedan
 mewah bertemakan Athletic Elegance dan Horizontal Architecture ini mempunyai dimensi seperti 5,945mm panjang dan 3,450 jarak roda. Kalau nak dibandingkan dengan sedan mewah yang seangkatan dengannya seperti
Mercedes Maybach S600
, Genesis G90 Limousine ini lebih panjang (492mm) dan mempunyai jarak roda lebih besar (85mm) berbanding Mercedes Maybach S600.

Faktor kemewahan kenderaan ini terserlah di bahagian dalamannya yang dilengkapi dengan kemasan kulit semi-aniline, paparan TV dan tempat duduk VIP dengan 18-arah pelarasan beserta perehat kaki. Kepanjangan kereta ini memberikan ruang kaki yang lebih luas dan selesa serta bukaan pintu belakangnya juga 38mm lebih panjang.

Di bawah bonet kereta ini, tersergam sebuah enjin 5.0L V8 yang menghasilkan output sebanyak 425 PS dan 520 Nm tork. Enjinnya dipadankan pula dengan kotak gear automatic 8-kelajuan dan menghantar kuasa tersebut kepada kesemua rodanya.

Mengikut pasaran global, Genesis G90 Limousine ini berharga dari $138,000 (RM585k) tanpa sebarang pemasangan sebarang aksesori tambahan. Walau bagaimanapun, memandangkan kereta Sultan Johor ini digunakan sebagai kenderaan rasmi, mungkin ada sedikit penambahan atau pengubahsuaian pada kereta tersebut.

Memandangkan kereta ini merupakan kenderaan rasmi Sultan Johor, mungkin juga kereta ini dibawa masuk ke negara melalui Sime Darby Motor yang pernah melancarkan model generasi kedua
Hyundai Genesis
 yang kini dikenali sebagai
Genesis G80
 dengan harga RM394k pada tahun 2015 lalu.

Namun sekiranya anda berminat, anda boleh menghubungi Hyundai secara terus untuk menempah kereta ini memandangkan model mewah Genesis G90 ini tidak dijual secara rasmi di negara ini. Tetapi, anda boleh mendapatkan model terdahulu,
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Sedan
 di laman web Carlist.my dalam rangkaian harga bawah RM150k.

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.


Fuel Price Update: 29 Mar - 4 Apr - No Change

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new fuel prices for the next seven days and there is no change in the prices.
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.47
 per litre (no change)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


Is Apple Working On A Full-On Road Car?

Apple's reputation for irrevesably changing the markets they enter is well known, such as they've done for so many industries: personal computers, desktop publishing, digital music, personal communication; and now, it looks lilke they might be thinking of doing the same for cars.
The Wall Street Journal seems to think an Apple Car is a definite possibility with
this report
. Apple’s string of recent hires involving high ranking talents in the automotive industry certainly rouses suspicion, especially when they include Tesla engineers with a very specific expertise. Former Ford engineer Steve Zadesky is said to be leading the development group and recent hire Johann Jungwirth, formerly of Mercedes-Benz, is suspected to have been brought over specifically for this. According to those familiar with the matter, the project dubbed “Project Titan” has hundreds of Apple’s engineers working on an all-electric vehicle that resembles a minivan.
But could an Apple Car be something you’ll come across on the roads in the near future? The ingredients are certainly there. Historically, the tech giant seeks out markets that are ripe for change, something the automotive industry has long been hinted at to be. But what’s a smartphone/computer/watch company want to do with cars? Does this even make sense? As turns out, it isn’t as far-fetched as you might think. Some thoughts:
Apple is one of the few companies to have the luxury of being able to spend an enormous amount of money on a project like this, only to scrap it later on if it goes nowhere. It’s a pattern it has repeated often, even before it became the behemoth it is now.
Apple is eager to sink its teeth into its next ‘big thing’, something impactful and user-facing. The automobile seems like an obvious target and cars are certainly fascination within the company’s ranks: Steve Jobs’s obsession with silver Mercedes SLs and Jony Ive’s impressive garage.
The car industry is massive. Huge profits are attainable through the capture of just a few percent of market share, especially at the high-end. Apple is a very profit-centric company.
The likelihood that Apple will indeed enter the automotive industry, with an electric vehicle, or at all is, at-best, an educated guess. Apple’s CarPlay technology, though industry-specific, seems an obvious feature addition that is separate from Project Titan. There is certainly a lot of interest. The back and forth of employee swapping between Tesla, Apple and the auto industry at large are very interesting developments that could mark the beginning of a new direction for the company. We’ll just have to wait and see. There are some pictures floating around the net that purports to be what Apple's Car could most likely look like, either renders or freeway spy shots. They could be anything, and this writer would take those images with a sizable grain of salt for now, at least until something more concrete and official comes along. Here's one example that many seem to suggest, surrounding the recently-hired Marc Newson, who designed this for Ford, called the 021C.


Review: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 – The 2WD SUV Done Right

Once upon a time, SUVs were four-wheel drive by default; but as more and more of these vehicles trade rough duties at construction sites and rubber estates for the school run and urban commute, the need to send traction to all fours, along with the associated cost and complexity, has accordingly diminished.
Today, it is not uncommon for a new SUV model to arrive in the market offering two-wheel drive as standard. The argument is that if you’re not straying off the tarmac, there is little need to power all four wheels. Deleting all-wheel drive means reduced cost, reduced weight, and reduced maintenance; and because the traditional SUV body shape is maintained, you continue to enjoy the same level of practicality as before.
Most 2WD SUVs current on offer in the market are front-wheel driven, however, and this is where
Mercedes-Benz’s new GLC 200
 differs. Being based on the
C-Class platform
, remember, the base GLC sends its power astern; on paper, it promises to offer the cost benefits of 2WD whilst also being better dynamically balanced than most FWD alternatives.
Specifications:
Price: RM288,888 (OTR without insurance)
Engine: 2.0-litre, Inline-4 Longitudinal, Turbocharged Petrol
Power: 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
Safety: Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe, 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, ISOFIX
Origin: Locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang
Overview
At RM289k on-the-road, the GLC 200 offers the most attractive pricing among luxury SUVs. Fully-imported alternatives from Audi and Lexus are too expensive to merit serious consideration, though it’s worth remembering that the BMW X3 Drive20i gives you all-wheel drive for a premium of less than RM8k. The F25 X3 is, however, at the end of its model life cycle, so generous discounts are definitely on the table for the keen negotiator.
Against its own sibling, however, the GLC 200 costs a full RM37k less than the GLC 250 4Matic, in the process sacrificing AMG Line trim, autonomous braking, panoramic sunroof, and Burmester surround sound in the process. Additionally, alloy rims are downsized from 20 to 19 inches and whilst the headlamps are still illuminated by LED and look barely different from what’s used in the GLC 250, they lose the adaptive high beam assist function.
Powering the GLC 200 is Mercedes-Benz’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre M274 four-cylinder petrol engine, in this guise tuned to 184 hp and 300 Nm – same setup as you would find in other 200-badged Mercs that power their hind wheels. The engine couples with Daimler’s in-house 9G-Tronic 9-speed auto to send drive astern.
Compared to the more powerful
all-wheel drive 211 hp GLC 250
, the GLC 200 is 1.4 seconds slower from 0 to 100 km/h, requiring 8.7 seconds to complete the benchmark sprint; its 210 km/h top speed is also 12 km/h lower than the 250’s v-max.
Interestingly, despite being the two-wheel drive model, the GLC 200 receives off-road suspension package with raised ride height, whilst the all-wheel drive GLC 250 AMG Line gets a lower- and firmer-riding sports suspension
Exterior
In appearance too, it is the rear-wheel driven GLC 200 that exudes a greater sense of ruggedness in its styling than the AMG-trimmed GLC 250 4Matic. The taller ride height of the 200’s off-road suspension, the more rounded edges of its body kit, and smaller rims all contribute to the base model less resembling a hatch-on-stilts like the 250 and more akin to a traditional go-anywhere SUV.
The GLC 200’s headlights are what Mercedes-Benz calls LED High Performance headlamps. In comparison with the GLC 250’s LED Intelligent Light System, it loses adaptive high beam assist and active bending, but maintains a similar level of sophistication in appearance whilst also providing powerful night time illumination.
Interior
Owing to common underpinnings between vehicles, those jumping over from the C-Class to the GLC will immediately find themselves in familiar surroundings. Dashboard layout and materials are, for all intents and purposes, identical to the saloon which it is derived from, and that’s not a bad thing.
Being the entry-level variant of the range, there is obviously some reduction of equipment from the GLC 250, but as noted in our
review of the C180
, Mercedes has ensured that its superlative selection of materials and switchgear are democratized across all variants.
Cabin may not have the same teutonic build quality that you would find in an Audi or BMW, but Mercedes has cleverly invested its resources to supremely polish all touch points to deliver a convincingly premium ambiance.
On the utility front, the GLC makes thorough use of its SUV body to offer superb cargo volume. The powered tailgate is a useful convenience, as are the one-touch split-folding rear seats that topple down at the touch of a switch. What’s more, each side of the folding seat are provided with two switches – one operated from the rear and another at the edge of the rear seat accessed whilst inside the cabin.
Driving Experience
Despite being in its lowest available state of tune, the 184hp 2.0-litre turbo pulls the GLC 200 with enough gusto that underpowered is not an accusation that can be levelled against this base model. It may not set new standards of performance, but there is enough on tap that the car builds up progress in respectable fashion.
Merc’s in-house 9-speed auto does not have the snappiness of the ZF 8-speed ‘box favoured by BMW, but it shifts with sufficiently pleasing smoothness. Its wide spread of ratios, coupled with the engine’s rich low-end torque, gives the car excellent cruising legs at highway speeds too.
Being rear-wheel driven, the GLC 200 handles more confidently than most front-wheel driven SUVs. Though it may lack the all-weather traction of the 4Matic model, the GLC 200 makes use of the natural balance inherent to a front-engine rear-wheel drive layout to engender a greater sense of stability around corners. Perhaps due to its higher centre of gravity, the dynamic superiority of RWD over FWD feels noticeably more acute with an SUV body compared to a passenger car.
Comfort & Refinement
Whilst Mercedes-Benz vehicles are traditionally known for their superior comfort, a number of recent models were caught abandoning that virtue with unfeasibly stiff suspension setups in an attempt to offer greater dynamic sharpness.
The GLC 200, thankfully, is nothing of that sort. It rides with the level plushness that we expect of a Mercedes-Benz, and the even better news is that it accomplishes this without the need for any trick adaptive or air suspension. This car, to recap, is sprung on passive suspension.
Mercedes officially calls this an ‘off-road’ suspension and the authority with which it irons out bumps and potholes certainly communicates sense of robustness of the chassis. Over poorly-surfaced roads, the GLC 200 carries itself with assuring composure, in turn benefiting handling.
Economy & Maintenance
The oft-touted justification of sacrificing AWD with SUVs boils down to cost – be it cost of purchasing, cost of maintaining, and also fuel consumption.
The GLC 200 is cheaper to buy and will inevitably be cheaper maintain compared to the GLC 250, but average fuel consumption of 12.1 litres/100km recorded over 270km, of mostly town driving admittedly, on our test car hardly suggests parsimonious economy. A more lightfooted driver may bring the figure closer to 10.
Conclusion
No keyless entry – that is the one and only complaint that we have of the otherwise faultless Mercedes-Benz GLC 200. All other shortcomings of the car are either insignificant or inconsequential in the context of its price and product proposition. Doesn’t drive as well as the BMW X3? Doesn’t matter.
As the base variant of the range, the GLC 200 inevitably loses a fair share of equipment from the GLC 250, but the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia product team were largely spot with their choices of things to omit for not inconsequential savings of RM37k.
Utilization of a detuned engine did not severely penalize the GLC 200’s performance either, although our test car’s recorded average consumption turned out to be higher than our initial expectations. Thanks to its RWD architecture, handling balance feels noticeably superior to other FWD SUVs. We are also particularly impressed at the GLC 200’s superlative ride comfort despite not having adaptive or air suspension to count on.
Attractively-priced whilst still decently equipped and superbly finished, the GLC 200 is an excellent value premium SUV that anybody shopping in the RM300k price bracket absolutely must consider.


Change Your Tyres At A TYREPLUS And Take Home A Michelin Man

Do you know the Michelin Man? His proper name is Bibendum, and if you change a minimum of two tyres at a TYREPLUS outlet, you can take home a collectible figurine of the chubby icon for the Michelin brand. Each figurine is worth RM 59.50, and there will be four designs to collect. It's been a week since the first figurine was released, and every quarter of the year there will be a new Bibendum figurine released.
The white mascot has been the face of the Michelin brand since 1898, while TYREPLUS has been providing Malaysian consumers with Michelin tyres since 1998. There are over 50 TYREPLUS outlets in Malaysia as of today, and the number is constantly growing as more tyre shops adopt their required standards. Services include tyre replacement, tyre repairs, balancing, alignment, and regular car maintenance as well.
With Chinese New Year travels looming ahead, motorists are encouraged to check the condition of their tyres and change them if necessary. It's looking to be a wet Chinese New Year, so driving on worn tyres is a big no-no. Do yourself and other motorists a favour and make sure your car and tyres are in the right shape to prevent any mishaps on the road. The Bibendum figures are available while stocks last.


Indonesia's Electric Company Guarantees Supply For Blue Bird's EV Taxi Fleet

Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company PLN has guaranteed electricity supply for the operation of Blue Bird’s EV taxi fleet.
According to an announcement by Blue Bird, the company has allocated Rp 40 billion to purchase 30 EVs and they plan to build more charging stations.
Blue Bird director Adrianto Djokosoetono told
kontan.co.id
 that they intend to build a few more charging stations that could be shared with private cars. These additional charging stations will complement their existing stations.
PLN Western Java business director Haryanto WS added that PLN and Blue Bird signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year on the supply of electricity to charging stations owned by Blue Bird.
Part of the agreement will see PLN setting aside 40,000 watts to guarantee a smooth electricity supply for the charging stations. That aside, PLN has also given Blue Bird a 50% discount for upgrading their power supply to the charging stations.
Adrianto added that Blue Bird plans to operate 2,000 EVs in 2025. He also said that the 30 new EVs, which consists of 25 BYD e6 and 5 Tesla Model X 75D, will serve as a reference for future EV operations.


This Is The New Face For The All-New Mitsubishi Triton, Debut in Bangkok Soon?

The current Mitsubishi Triton, which also happens to be the fifth generation of Mitsubishi’s 40-plus years of heritage in pick-up trucks, is due for a replacement soon.
First launched in 2014, the Triton made a name for itself by offering best-in-class turning radius and later, a quiet running fuel efficient aluminum diesel engine. It’s also the only pick-up truck on sale in Malaysia to offer a five-year/200,000 km warranty.
Fast forward four years later, the Triton’s leadership is being challenged by newer models like the all-new Toyota Hilux, while halo models like the Ford Ranger Raptor (to be launched in Malaysia later this year), while will undoubtedly be expensive, will supersede Triton as the new image shaper of lifestyle trucks.
Mitsubishi is not sitting idle. It has released a single teaser image showing the front of the all-new Triton. The original photo didn’t show much but after editing the image for brightness and contrast, we can see that the new grille is very similar to the one fitted on the Pajero Sport, itself a seven-seater SUV version of the Triton but it’s not available here.
The front fog lamps have a hint of Eclipse Cross, a crossover positioned above the ASX, also not available here.
The image also shows grip handles on the inner A-pillar, seat belts, pole-type radio antenna, and regular side mirrors – suggesting that the all-new model is ready for production.
We expect the all-new sixth generation 2019 Mitsubishi Triton to make its world premiere later this year, at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok in November.


Proton To The Rescue Again

With most of us sitting at home feeling helpless, it's comforting to see that some of the biggest companies in Malaysia are pulling together to help us get through this medical crisis.

Proton, one of the most prominent companies in Malaysia is stepping up to the plate once again and will now produce face shields, an essential component of a health worker's Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) attire.

Repurposing themselves, production is set to begin on 13 April at PROTON's headquarters in Shah Alam with assembly to be undertaken by staff members who volunteered their services. The target is to produce 60,000 face shields, total production time is estimated to be approximately 20 days.

“As a national automotive brand, PROTON is driven by its responsibility to develop the local car industry and to support Malaysia and its people in their time of need. We have the know-how to produce cars so we are using that knowledge to produce PPE equipment to support the brave men and women at the frontline of the battle against the spread of COVID-19. The face shields will be delivered in batches and we will work closely with the Ministry to distribute them according to the level of need in each district,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

Following the regulations set by the Movement Control Order (MCO), PROTON has limited the number of staff involved in this production process. "The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance and therefore social distancing and sanitising practices will be strictly enforced on the production line,” added Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed.

This is not the first time Proton has volunteered to help out the frontliners, following the loan of 50 units of the Proton X70 to the Ministry of Health (MoH) earlier this week.


Sisma Auto to Expand Jaguar Land Rover Network, Opens new 3S Centre

Sisma Auto has big ambitions and plans for the
Jaguar

Land Rover
 brand in Malaysia as the company officially opens the doors of its new Glenmarie 3S centre today. The 3S centre is the second major new branch in less than a year, since the opening of Sisma Auto Kuala Lumpur at Menara Worldwide in Jalan Bukit Bintang, which commenced operations in October 2014.
The company is also investing up to RM20million in a new Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre in Penang, which will be operational within the next two years. For the time being, Sisma Auto would be opening an interim facility in Penang next month.
According to Sisma Auto, the expansion of its Jaguar Land Rover network is done to support the upcoming models that are expected to grow the Jaguar Land Rover customer base in Malaysia. These include the seven-seat Land Rover Discovery Sport which made a brief appearance at the launch and
is slated to be introduced later this year
, the all-new XE compact sedan that will be making its entry into Malaysia next year,
the new XF sedan
, and the F-Pace performance crossover.
With a total build up area of 25,000sq ft, the new Glenmarie 3S centre and located next to Sisma Auto’s existing facility at Temasya Industrial Park Glenmarie, the new facility carries the dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover identity, and features double the service capacity of its old facility. With 16 work bays and an interactive bay featuring all the latest equipment, including more than 500 special tools and diagnostic equipment, for carrying out scheduled maintenance and major repair works on both Jaguar and Land Rover models, Sisma Auto touts it as a one-stop facility for all repair and maintenance needs.
The service centre features one of only two known Corghi Blue Light Laser Wheel Alignment equipment in Malaysia, which enables technicians to achieve a precise wheel alignment. Since Jaguars and Range Rovers adopt the use of sophisticated aluminium construction in certain models, Sisma Auto assures that they are prepared with the right equipment and skills to handle body repair work for both steel and aluminium construction, as repairing damages on aluminium panels and components requires specific equipment and skillsets that are different from those used for steel repair. The facility also comes with the proper rigs such as the Celette Sevenne system to perform chassis realignment works on both steel and aluminium chassis as well as Jaguar and Land Rover models.
Customers to the Glenmarie 3S centre can also enjoy massage chairs, freshly brewed premium coffee and tea, and refreshments that are available at the customer lounge. The facility also sports a vehicle configuration section and dedicated delivery bay that is designed to enhance the purchasing experience. While complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from customers’ residences or offices are the highlights of Sisma Auto’s premium ownership experience for Jaguar and Land Rover owners.


ASA 3.0 Pada Myvi 2022 Mampu Kurangkan Kemalangan Melibatkan King?

Perodua Myvi 2022
 tiba dengan pelbagai penambahbaikan dari segi teknologi dan keselamatan. Tetapi adakah ia mencukupi untuk mengurangkan kemalangan yang melibatkan
King Myvi
?

Perodua Myvi sering digelar King of Highway atau King of The Road di Malaysia. Model ini merupakan kereta yang paling laris terjual dengan lebih 1 juta unit telah terjual setelah 16 tahun berada dalam pasaran.

Walau bagaimanapun, gelaran King ini tidak diberikan kepada Myvi hanya kerana
jumlah jualannya
 yang menandingi semua kereta tempatan lain. Sebaliknya gelaran itu diberikan kepada Myvi atas sebab-sebab yang ‘
tertentu
’ yang mengejutkan Malaysia.

Memandangkan banyak kereta Myvi boleh dijumpai di atas jalan, banyak juga
kemalangan
 yang membabitkan Perodua Myvi kerap dilihat berbanding dengan model lain. Oleh itu, Perodua tidak ketinggalan untuk menambah ciri-ciri teknologi dan keselamatan yang terkini pada model terbaik mereka, Perodua Myvi. Persoalannya, mampukah segala penambahbaikan dari segi teknologi pada Myvi 2022 ini mampu mengurangkan risiko kemalangan?

Berikut merupakan penambahan dari segi keselamatan pada Myvi 2022 ini:

ASA 3.0

Perodua Myvi 2022 dilengkapi dengan ciri keselamatan dan bantuan pemanduan yang canggih seperti
Advance Safety Assist (ASA 3.0)
 dan Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA). Apa sebenarnya ASA ni? ASA berfungsi dengan menggunakan sebuah kamera stereo yang mengesan kenderaan dan pejalan kaki yang diletakkan di belakang cermin pandang belakang. Dengan adanya kamera tersebut, pemandu tidak perlu lagi risau dengan bahaya yang ada di hadapan sekiranya mereka tidak peka kerana ASA akan memberikan amaran dan bantuan brek sekiranya ia mengesan bahaya di hadapan.

Dalam ASA 3.0 ada:

Pre-Collision Warning
 (PCW): Dengan ASA 3.0, Perodua Myvi 2022 kini mampu mengesan kenderaan, motosikal dan basikal pada kelajuan 4-120km/j bagi (kenderaan) manakala pejalan kaki pada kelajuan 0-60km/j.

Pre-Collision Braking (PCB)
: Jika Myvi 2022 ini mengesan halangan di hadapan pada kelajuan yang ditetapkan, bantuan brek akan diberikan untuk mengelak pelanggaran daripada berlaku. Ini membantu kereta untuk mengelakkan pelanggaran atau mengurangkan kerosakan sekiranya berlanggar.

Front Departure Alert:
 Jika kereta di hadapan dah bergerak sejauh 3 meter dan kereta anda masih tidak bergerak, kereta akan menghantar isyarat kepada pemandu sekiranya pemandu cuai dan leka dengan pergerakan kereta di hadapan.

Pedal Misoperation Control
: Kadangkala, pemandu juga membuat silap seperti tertekan minyak di kawasan parkir sehingga terlanggar tembok hadapan. Dengan ciri ini, kamera ASA akan mengesan halangan yang berada 4m di hadapan kereta dan seterusnya mengurangkan kuasa enjin untuk mengelakkan pelanggaran terus dan memberi masa untuk pemandu menekan brek secara manual.

ASA 3.0 ini juga boleh digunakan dengan baik pada waktu malam. Tetapi pada waktu malam, ASA 3.0 ini hanya mampu digunakan untuk mengesan kereta yang menghidupkan lampu belakang sahaja.

Selain ASA 3.0, Perodua juga telah memperkenalkan PSDA yang ada pada
Ativa
yang meliputi:

Bantuan Pemanduan:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control (LKC) dan Blind Sport Monitor
.

Bantuan parkir: Sensor di bahagian hadapan, belakang, kamera undur dan
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 (RCTA)

Bantuan Lampu Utama:
Auto High Beam
 (AHB) dan
Adaptive Driving Beam
 (ADB)

Pendek kata, meskipun pemandu tidak bersedia atau terleka, sekurang-kurangnya Myvi 2022 ini sudah bersedia bagi mengurangkan risiko serta impak pelanggaran. Walau bagaimanapun, ASA ini hanya boleh berfungsi untuk kelajuan di bawah 120 km/j sahaja untuk mengesan kenderaan manakala bawa 60 km/j untuk mengesan pejalan kaki. Kalau anda jenis yang berjiwa kelajuan, sistem ini tidak dapat diaktifkan ketika melebihi kelajuan yang ditetapkan.

Dengan segala penambahbaikan pada Perodua Myvi 2022 ini, adakah ia mampu untuk membantu mengurangkan kemalangan jalan raya yang melibatkan Myvi? Secara teorinya, ia boleh dicapai memandangkan ciri-ciri tersebut mampu membantu mengurangkan kelalaian manusia ketika memandu. Walau bagaimanapun, kemalangan itu bukanlah sesuatu yang boleh dirancang atau dielak dengan mudah hanya dengan penambahan ciri keselamatan ini.

Yang paling penting, pastikan anda sentiasa mematuhi peraturan jalan raya dan memandu dengan cermat bagi mengurangkan risiko daripada terlibat dengan kemalangan.

Apa pula kata anda dengan ciri keselamatan seperti ASA 3.0 dan PSDA pada Myvi 2022 ini?


The 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class Is More Tron Than Ever

If there is one thing great that social media has brought to automotive fans is that we can all now get to see photos of cars way before its manufacturers officially release it!

The latest secret being undone by social media is regarding the 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class. Although many pictures of it camouflaged have been shared before, the recent sharing of images by cochespias shows the Luxo barge free of any camo. The S-Class was due for a world debut later this year, but thanks to social media, we've just got it.

The 2021 S-Class' fascia looks like it will also follow Mercedes Benz's new design language as seen on the redesigned E-Class which was unveiled recently. A large grille is the centerpiece of the new Limo, and it's flanked by slim LED headlights and huge slats. Around the back are wraparound LED taillights topped with a chrome strip. What's with large grilles? Will that be the statement piece of the season on cars?

The most dramatic change happens on the inside though with the usual buttons and switches replaced with large touch screens with what looks like capacitive touch controls — one for the infotainment in the center console, and one for the instrument cluster. Obviously it will come with the latest edition MBUX, as will updated versions of the rear seat screens.

There's no pictures of the engine bay so we can only assume that the new S-Class will either come with the already available 3.0-litre gasoline straight-six or an AMG 4.0-litre V8.

The current generation S-Class has been around since 2014, so it’s way due for a refresh.

When can we expect to see it in the flesh on our roads? Kita sama-sama tunggu.


Alpine A290_β unveiled - EV hot hatch with central driver seat

Alpine
 has showcased a very exciting and near future in the form of the Alpine A290_β EV concept car.

This particular EV hot hatch is said to carry a harmonious blend of futuristic and retro elements whilst drawing a majority of the inspiration from the Renault 5 Prototype concept unveiled back in 2021.

Taking notes from the already popular and proven Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Alpine A290_β portrays an exterior facade that's wide, low, and muscular. It's also seen as an homage to the legendary Renault 5 Alpine, one of the OGs in the hot hatch segment, and blending it with 21st-century wizardry.

The end result is a modern-retro hot hatch with racing-inspired features blasting out from its body kit, central-locking wheels with one hell of a funky design, added front lights, and many more. What's even more amazing is the fact that Alpine believes that this very concept car will be quite close to the production model targeted to arrive at showrooms sometime in 2024.

Another eye-catching feature of the Alpine A290_β can be found on the inside - a central driver's seat that we can immediately relate to the likes of one of the biggest GOATs of all time, the McLaren F1. Paired with aviation-style details, the interior also comes with a futuristic three-spoke steering wheel and a compact driver's display, but we're probably guessing that the production version won't be anywhere near this.

Alpine has not shared any details in terms of performance figures, apart from a dual-electric motor setup that powers the front wheels. Other specs listed are selectable driving modes, ABS settings, torque vectoring, and a multi-link rear suspension just to name a few.

As stated above, the Alpine A290_β is set to arrive in showrooms in 2024, which will also coincide with the production version release of the Renault 5 Prototype. Hopefully, we might just see one or two here in Malaysia like the
Alpine A110
 thanks to Malaysia's Renault distributor, TC Euro Cars.


Tempahan Perodua Cecah 243,000 Unit – Sasar Jual Lebih 280,000 Unit Tahun Ini

Tempahan kenderaan Perodua
 kini mencecah 243,000 unit dan syarikat tersebut kini mensasarkan lebih 280,000 unit kenderaan terjual untuk tahun ini, berbanding sasaran awalnya sebanyak 247,800 unit yang disasarkan pada awal 2022.

Jika nak ikut pada sasaran awalnya sebanyak 247,800 unit, ia merupakan rekod tertinggi dalam sejarah penubuhan Perodua sekiranya angka itu tercapai. Namun kini angka itu telah ditambah lagi ekoran jumlah tempahan tertunggak mereka ketika ini sedang menghampiri sasaran yang dibuat pada awal tahun ini.

Hasilkan 26,000 Unit Sebulan

Menurut Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, penyelarasan semula angka jualan akan dibuat pada Ogos ini berdasarkan:

Jumlah tempahan semasa

Kemampuan sistem pengeluaran vendor

Kapasiti serta pengenalan Perodua Alza serba baharu

Perkara ini sedikit sebanyak didorong oleh
Perodua Alza 2022
 yang sudah mencapai
lebih 30,000 tempahan
 buat masa ini.

Jelas Zainal, mengikut pengiraan awal bagi mencapai sasaran 243,000 unit tempahan, Perodua perlu mengeluarkan 26,000 unit sebulan bagi tempoh Julai hingga Disember. Jumlah jualan bagi Januari hingga Jun pula adalah 127,000 unit.

"Jika digabungkan angka sasaran dan jualan enam bulan pertama, ia pasti akan melebihi 247,800 unit. Berdasarkan asas perkiraan kami, jumlah jualan mungkin lebih 280,000 unit tahun ini," kata Zainal.

Pada tahun lalu, Perodua menjual 190,291 unit kenderaan, merosot 13.6% berbanding 220,154 unit yang dicatatkan pada 2020 ekoran kesan daripada:

COVID-19

Gangguan bekalan cip
semikonduktor

Banjir

Perodua Tiada Masalah Besar Hasilkan Kereta

Menurut Zainal, isu kekurangan pekerja, komponen vendor dan bekalan cip semikonduktor tidak akan memberi kesan besar kepada pengeluarannya untuk tahun ini.

Ketika ini, isu kekurangan pekerja asing yang dihadapi oleh vendor mereka juga semakin pulih manakala bagi isu cip komputer, Perodua mengambil langkah pengurusan risiko dengan mengambil pembekal alternatif.

Kereta Elektrik Perodua

Sementara itu, Zainal berkata, Perodua masih menjalankan kajian daya maju mengenai kerjasama dengan syarikat nasional lain untuk meneroka peluang baharu seperti menghasilkan kenderaan elektrik berkualiti tinggi.

"Masih dalam perancangan dan sebarang pengumuman akan dibuat dari semasa ke semasa. Kita akan menjadi antara syarikat untuk bergabung mencapai sasaran neutral karbon menjelang 2050 dapat dicapai," katanya.


Watch How The Car Skydiving Scene In Furious 7 Was Shot

Watching cars skydive out of an airplane in the
most recent Furious 7 trailer
 was mighty exciting but have you ever wondered how the sequence was done? Well, Universal Studios have released this short featurette that shows us just what went on behind the scenes of that amazing sequence and it is not a job for the faint-hearted.

If you were expecting a bunch of people working on computers, completely rendering the entire scene with computer-generated imagery (CGI), you’re in for a surprise. Instead, what the crew has done is load up the vehicles on to a C-130 plane and rigged them with parachutes.

Next, three expert aerial camera flyers jump with the cars as they are pushed out of the plane and the filming begins. With only a helicopter spotter to guide them down and more importantly, to spot the out of control cars accelerating towards the ground thanks to gravity.

Free falling at 209 – 225 km/h, the flyers have to be constantly aware of where everyone and everything else is, while trying to get a good shot for the movie. Talk about a stressful job that might kill you.

Furious 7 hits theatres on 3 April 2015.


Touch N Go To Launch New NFC-Enabled Cards, Self-Reloads Via eWallet

For those frustrated with the limited capability of your physical TNG cards and their
disconnect from the eWallet platform
, Touch n’Go themselves have confirmed a new generation of cards will be launching in the coming weeks.

Ignatius Ong, CEO of TNG Digital remarked that the current generation cards’ (which are some 20 years old at this point) lack of direct top-ups from the eWallet were due to a security limitation, requiring specific card readers to interface with it. However, that highly-requested feature is coming.....finally.

With NFC (Near Field Communication) technology built into them, the new cards will be able to link directly with the eWallet to enable direct reloads from the app itself,
bypassing the antiquated and inconvenient
 method we know today where the card balance can only be topped up at participating counters (petrol stations, pharmacies, etc) and the rare Touch n’Go self-service kiosks.

Besides this reveal, not much is known about the card itself, such as how much it will be priced and how exactly the reloads will work. However, it can be assumed that self-reloads via the app require a smart device with NFC capability to function. While nearly all recent smartphones have this, users with older ones might be left in the lurch.

It can also be assumed that the sale of the older generation cards will cease immediately following the release of these newer NFC-enabled cards, but only if they can be sold to the public at the same price.

Separately, further down the road, TNG is planning to unveil a Visa prepaid card for even more flexibility, allowing users to make payments just like a debit or credit card, but since it’s tied to your eWallet, will deduct the balance there.


Perodua And PERKESO Launch 'Safe Drive to Workplace'

When we talk about workplace dangers, we rarely even think about the commute to the workplace. That long (or short) drive or ride can expose you to all kinds of risks, which is why Perodua and PERKESO have teamed up to educate around 150 Perodua staff, including 40 of its trainers, in topics that include careful driving and the importance of checking vehicle condition.
On top of all this is the
Kiken Yochi,
which is the next stage in Perodua's development and training of their staff under their long-term Road Safety Programme, where staff are taught to anticipate potential hazards. The idea is to push the road safety envelope for the near-8,500-strong staff that commute to and from Perodua's headquarters in Sungai Choh.
“We express our utmost gratitude to PERKESO for imparting useful road safety pointers and knowledge, parts of which will be incorporated into Perodua’s own road safety training syllabus.
We aim to cascade this syllabus through all our HQ staff in the span of two years,” said Dato’ Zainal.
“Being Malaysia’s biggest carmaker by volume and one of Selangor’s biggest employers, Perodua feels it is its duty to contribute significantly to efforts to reduce work commute accidents. We are totally committed to safety and hope our efforts can serve as an example to the rest of the nation," he added.
To find the best deals on Perodua models, click
here
.


Volkswagen Malaysia Launches Taiping's First 3S Centre

Volkswagen
 Malaysia together with its partner, Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd has launched a brand new Volkswagen 3S centre in Taiping, Perak.
Present at the unveiling was Goh Kian Sin, Executive Chairman of Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd and Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Malaysia. Speaking at the launch Goh said, “In all our outlets, we make it a point to provide top notch customer service; in both sales and after sales. We ensure that our technicians attend scheduled trainings so that they are up-to-date with the technology and know-how to meet the German engineering standards required by Volkswagen.
The two-storey showroom has a built-up area of 1,342 square metres with enough room for up to seven Volkswagen cars to be displayed, a comfortable lounge area, and six dedicated service bays. The Taiping 3S centre is also Volkswagen Malaysia’s third addition to its list of new dealerships in 2015.
“We have every faith that Goh Brothers Motor will deliver their utmost best in providing the finest before and after sales customer service. Throughout this eight-year partnership, Volkswagen and Goh Brothers Motor have maintained and will continue to uphold our Always By Your Side promise. We work closely to ensure we redefine the car ownership experience for our Malaysian customers,” Keller said during his opening speech.
Other showrooms managed by the Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd are located in Penang (Georgetown and Juru), Kedah (Kulim, Langkawi) and Perak (Ipoh). The company now operates seven dealerships in Malaysia, located mainly in the northern region.


CEO KTMB: Ramai Tak Guna KTM Punca Jalan Sesak – Kenapa Tak Naik KTM?

Akaun Twitter rasmi Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB),
@ktm_berhad
 telah ‘diserang’ orang ramai setelah berkongsi kenyataan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan KTMB yang mengatakan orang ramai tidak menggunakan KTM dengan optimum adalah punca
jalan sesak.

Berdasarkan kenyataan tersebut, penggunaan perkhidmatan KTM Komuter masih rendah dan tidak dioptimumkan sepenuhnya. Tambahnya jika orang awam mengoptimumkan penggunaan kemudahan pengangkutan awam terutamanya tren, kesesakan jalan raya boleh dikurangkan.

Kenyataan itu juga menyebut bahawa KTMB sedang mempertingkatkan frekuensi ketibaan perkhidmatan KTM Komuter yang dijangka diselesaikan dalam masa lima tahun mengikut fasa yang dirancang.

Kenyataan Undang Pelbagai Reaksi

Seperti biasa, kenyataan tersebut seakan meminta-minta untuk dicemuh memandangkan rata-rata melihat KTM Komuter sebagai pengangkutan awam jenis kereta api paling teruk berbanding
LRT
dan
MRT
.

Menurut
@azfrrr
 di Twitter, antara sebab mengapa beliau tidak menaiki KTM adalah:

Perlu QR code untuk melihat jadual

Tandas rosak tak dibaiki

Waktu menunggu lebih 1 jam

Papan info servis kosong tiada apa

Train berhenti secara tiba tiba dan menurunkan semua penumpang di Setia Jaya yang tidak bersambung dengan perkhidmatan kereta api lain.

Selain itu, pengguna Twitter,
@myraaaaawr
 berkata tindakan KTMB membiarkan paparan info ketibaan tren mereka terbiar kosong kerana takut dimarahi orang ramai sekiranya mereka mengubah jadual waktu perjalanan tanpa diberitahu.

Adun Ketari, Young Syefura turut mempersoalkan sama ada CEO dan Lembaga Pengarah KTMB tahu atau tidak apa masalah yang sedang berlaku ke atas perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan syarikat mereka.

Menurut beliau, masalah kekerapan yang dialami KTM ini merupakan
 masalah yang sama
 sahaja sejak dulu lagi. Tambahnya, orang ramai perlu tunggu lagi 5 tahun untuk masalah ini diselesaikan. 5 tahun!

Kekerapan Tren Terus Berkurang

Menurut
@yushairieyusoff
 pula, jadual tren pada 2016 dan 2022 amat berbeza, di mana tahun 2022, orang ramai perlu menunggu tren sehingga satu jam berbanding sekitar 30 minit sahaja pada tahun 2016.

2016:

2022:

Ada juga pengguna yang mengatakan

bahawa beliau

sudah bertaubat daripada menaiki KTM kerana perjalanannya dari KL Sentral ke Kepong Sentral telah mengambil masa sehingga 2 jam.

Seorang lagi pengguna Twitter,
@Eddedd76501805
 berkata alasan yang sering diberikan atas kelewatan adalah kerana mereka sedang menambah baik landasan berkembar sejak sebelum pandemik, namun masih belum siap sehingga kini.

Landasan KTM Bakal Tenggelam?

Di samping itu,
@lcsmxms
pula mengatakan landasan KTM bakal tenggelam ekoran peningkatan paras air sungai Batang Benar. Tren ke Seremban juga kerap tergendala kerana landasan dinaiki air.

Sebagai seorang kru tren KTM,
@aeman_akmal
 berkata jika landasan tidak kelihatan, pemandu tren perlu berhentikan tren tersebut untuk menunggu air surut bagi mengelakkan roda daripada tergelincir serta objek yang tak diketahui di atas landasan.

Apa Jalan Penyelesaiannya?

Memandangkan kita hidup di zaman media sosial, harap-harap serangan yang diterima di akaun Twitter rasmi KTMB itu dapat membuka mata orang-orang penting yang mengendalikan KTM Komuter supaya meningkatkan kekerapan serta kualiti perkhidmatan mereka terlebih dahulu sebelum menyalahkan orang ramai yang memilih untuk tidak menaiki KTM.

Secara logiknya, memang benar bahawa penggunaan tren secara optimum sedikit sebanyak mampu mengurangkan kesesakan jalan raya. Walau bagaimanapun, ia haruslah diikuti dengan rangkaian pengangkutan awam yang mesra pengguna dan mudah diakses.

Mengikut kata CEO mereka, KTMB perlukan 5 tahun untuk meningkatkan frekuensi tren. Walaupun 5 tahun itu bukanlah sekejap memandangkan masalah ini sudah berlaku sejak dulu lagi, eloklah kita memberi peluang (terakhir) pada KTM untuk membuktikan bahawa mereka juga mampu untuk menawarkan perkhidmatan yang setanding dengan MRT dan LRT.

Bagi anda pula, bila kali terakhir anda menaiki KTM Komuter? Apa pula pengalaman anda?