2023 Proton X90 officially launched by PMX - From RM123,800!

The
2023 Proton X90
 has officially been launched here in Malaysia and what a way to celebrate Proton's 40th anniversary than having the launch officiated by our very own Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim. Trust us when we say this, you want to check the official prices listed down below!

Regarded as the brand's first three-row hybrid SUV, we had the pleasure to take a closer look at Proton's latest offering last month where it'll come in four different variants - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. The hybrid powertrain, however, is available across the board.

You're looking at a more premium offering from Proton that is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi engine (the same unit found in the Proton X50) paired to a mild-hybrid unit in the form of a Belt Start Generator (BSG) that bumps up its horsepower and torque to 190PS and 300Nm (the ICE engine alone produces 177PS & 255Nm).

Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 2023 Proton X90 is not only more powerful thanks to the addition of the 48V BSG hybrid tech, but also more fuel efficient by 15%. We also had the chance to have a closer look at the top two variants of the Proton X90, the Premium, and Flagship. To know,
CLICK HERE
 or watch our walkaround video down below.

There are clear differences between the variants in terms of equipment, but the first three variants offer a seven-seater 2-3-2 seating configuration, whereas the range-topping Proton X90 Flagship is the only one that comes with the six-seater 2-2-2 configuration thanks to its second-row captain seats. The photo below should be a clear enough indicator to differentiate between the four.

Saving the very best for last, the pricing. Bookings were opened last month and those who are interested in the price should know that the all-new 2023 Proton X90 is priced as follows (OTR excluding insurance):

2023 Proton X90 Standard - RM123,800

2023 Proton X90 Executive - RM130,800

2023 Proton X90 Premium - RM144,800

2023 Proton X90 Flagship - RM152,800

For the first 4,000 customers, they're eligible for the 'Early Bird' package that includes an additional five-year data package with an extra 4GB per month, a Proton X-Watch worth RM1,499, RM799 worth of accessories package, and an upgraded Proton insurance program.

After that, the Standard Package applies with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a five-year data package with 1GB per month, six times free labour service, interest rates from 2.1% per annum, and the standard Proton insurance programme.


TMJ Pandu Ford GT Ketika Bertemu Azizulhasni – Supercar Rare Bukan Hadiah Buat Jijoe

Baru-baru ini,
Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ)
 telah bersua muka dengan pemenang pingat perak Sukan Olimpik Tokyo 2020,
Datuk Azizulhasni Awang
 bagi memberikan ganjaran dan saguhati atas pencapaian membanggakan di temasya Olimpik.

Menerusi gambar yang dikongsikan oleh TMJ di media sosial miliknya, TMJ telah tiba ke destinasi pertemuan yang dilangsungkan di Ibu Pejabat Kelab Bolasepak Johor Darul Ta’zim dengan menaiki sebuah
supercar
yang rare di Malaysia, iaitu
Ford GT
 baharu.

Ford GT itu telah diberi kemasan warna seragam
68 Le Mans 2016
 yang mempunyai gabungan warna biru, merah dan putih yang seakan-akan menyamai warna bendera Johor. Kereta ini tampil dengan rupa bentuk rekaan badan yang lebih memukau dan aerodinamik berdasarkan reka bentuk model terdahulunya.

Meskipun reka bentuknya mengambil inspirasi daripada model terdahulu, namun Ford GT baharu ini tidak lagi menggunakan enjin V8 supercharged seperti generasi terdahulu. Kini, Ford GT dikuasai oleh enjin 3.5L V6 twin-turbo yang menghasilkan 660 HP dan 756 Nm tork.

Enjin V6 Ford GT ini kemudian dipadankan dengan kotak gear dwi-klac 7-kelajuan, menyaksikan supercar ini mampu memecut dari 0km/j ke 100km/j dalam 3.2 saat dan mencapai kelajuan maksimum 347km/j. Prestasi yang ada pada supercar ini ternyata jauh berbeza jika nak dibandingkan dengan taraf prestasi kereta rakyat marhaen.

Walau bagaimanapun, perjumpaan TMJ dan Azizul telah tular di media sosial setelah gambar Azizul di hadapan kereta Ford GT ini tular. Berdasarkan gambar tersebut, ramai telah membuat spekulasi bahawa TMJ telah menghadiahkan kereta tersebut kepada Azizul sebagai ganjaran pencapaian Olimpik beliau.

Ia sebenarnya hanya gambar kenangan Azizul di hadapan
kereta mewah
 milik TMJ. Isteri Azizul juga telah menjelaskan bahawa suaminya tidak melepaskan peluang untuk bergambar di hadapan kereta berkenaan ketika bertemu TMJ tempoh hari.

Tetapi, sumber yang rapat dengan Azizulhasni telah mengesahkan bahawa TMJ ada memberi imbuhan kewangan atas kejayaan jaguh lumba basikal itu memenangi pingat perak di pentas Sukan Olimpik Tokyo 2020 tetapi ia bukanlah Ford GT seperti yang tular. Selain itu, Azizul turut menerima cenderahati dari
kelab bolasepak Johor Darul Takzim
 berbentuk jersi dan mafla Harimau Selatan.

Untuk pengetahuan anda, TMJ memiliki dua unit Ford GT baharu seperti ini dengan corak dan warna badan yang berbeza. Sebuah lagi Ford GT miliknya menggunakan corak dan warna seragam Martini Racing.

Antara kedua-dua Ford GT milik TMJ yang menggunakan warna seragam 68 Le Mans 2016 dan Martini Racing, yang mana satu lebih menarik bagi pandangan mata anda?


BMW Takes Storytelling to a Whole New Level with Projection Mapping

BMW showcased the development process and engineering expertise behind the new BMW 7 Series Sedan in a very cool way in Munich yesterday, using elaborately-staged display, aesthetic lighting installations and also 3D projection mapping.
It is said that the aim of this experiential marketing was to use innovative approaches and the latest technology to bring the essence of the BMW brand to life.
The technology used to pull this amazing feat was the “BMW Projection Mapping” installation, which uses highly advanced projection methods to visualise the design process for the BMW 7 Series Sedan.

How it works is that powerful projectors map perfectly-sized images onto a series model, showing what happened between the processes of first line drawing, all the way to clay modelling in the space of two minutes.
And while the projection mapping was taking place, an additional screen provided further background information on the respective work phases.
“Our aim is to bring visitors closer to the BMW brand through new and interactive experiences,” explains Claudette Pohl, BMW’s project manager for experiential marketing for international brand formats.
“In this project, we have found the ideal combination of ground-breaking digital ‘luxury storytelling’ and strong aesthetic appeal. As the BMW flagship and technology platform, this innovative approach to both content and medium suits the BMW 7 Series perfectly.”
Done in an effort to set a new standard for customer experience, the company said that the i
nstallation will also be on show at the BMW Welt in Munich, the BMW Brand Stores in Paris and Brussels and the BMW Driving Centre in Seoul.


Haval Opens Up Another Dealership In Johor

Down south in Johor Bahru, Haval Malaysia is fast expanding their network of dealerships and service centres. The Chinese brand is growing rapidly, mirroring the kind of growth you would find back in China, and this is owed to the efforts of Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd and Ang Trading and Motor Credit Sdn Bhd, the distributor and dealer of Haval respectively.
Located at Taman Perindustrian Ringan Pulai, Johor Bahru, this will be the fourth showroom for Haval Malaysia in Johor Bahru and the seventh in the south of the peninsular. It also results in a total of 24 dealerships nationwide, with a roadshows planned for later in the year as part of the Haval Reimagine Campaign and Haval Rocks The Town Tour.
Haval Malaysia is now offering new customers and current Haval owners who are interested to purchase new SUVs with savings and free insurance up to RM3,000. For more information on the roadshows, visit Haval’s microsite
http://reimagine.haval.my/
. Customers can contact Customer Care at 03-5569 7332 or email them at
customercare@goauto.com.my
. Customers can also visit
www.haval.my
 or their official Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/havalmy
 or instagram page at
www.instagram.com/havalmy
.


Breaking the Monotony – Watch this Thai Mercedes-Benz C350e Short Film

A short promotional film starring the Mercedes-Benz C350e and hot-stuff Araya Hargarte has been released by Mercedes-Benz Thailand. Titled ‘Loop Breaker’ – it showcases the focal points of the recently introduced Plug-In Hybrid C350e.
The C350e is powered by a 1991cc turbocharged four-cylinder working in tandem with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 275 hp and a whopping 600 Nm of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The Mercedes-Benz C350e will be launched in Malaysia later this year, and it competes with the also soon-to-be-launched
BMW 330e
. The Thai-market Mercedes-Benz C350e is assembled in Thailand while the forthcoming Malaysian market cars will be assembled in Pekan, Pahang. Mercedes-Benz Thailand currently offers the C350e in one estate and three sedan variants starting from THB2,640,000.


Land Rover Shows Off Evoque Convertible’s Off-Road Cred

With a

raft of new

SUVs coming

into the

market recently
,
Land Rover
 has released a new video of the
upcoming 2015 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
undergoing its final phase of testing to remind everyone that yes, a topless
Evoque
 is going to happen, and soon.
Besides being built to offer an elevated and alfresco driving experience, the video demonstrates the off-road capabilities that the Evoque Convertible will have, which includes a 500mm wading ability, wade sensing, Terrain Response system, and excellent wheel articulation. Despite losing its roof, Land Rover claims that there have been no visible changes done to the bodyshell in order to retain the Evoque’s chassis rigidity.
Land Rover says that the Evoque Convertible will be the most capable convertible in the world when it makes its world debut next month at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, touting it as ‘The Convertible for All Seasons’ and built to deliver the off-road capability of a true Land Rover.


KIA unveils the EV9 in full - 500km driving range, 380hp, shipped with level 3 self-driving capabilities

After many months of slowly revealing details, KIA has finally fully lifted the lid off the Kia EV9, its first three-row seat electric flagship SUV.

By keeping the design close to the concept vehicle, the EV9 re-envisions an all-electric SUV, with a unique balance of natural and modern elements. Just like its popular and modern-looking smaller brother, the EV6, KIA
was just not interested in making something dull
.

Exterior Design and size

The EV9's front has clear-cut lines and surfaces, which compliments the SUV’s signature Digital Tiger Face, Digital Pattern Lighting Grille and vertical headlamps.

The Digital Tiger Face features two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each headlamp. The EV9's Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL) create an animated lighting pattern that will signify Kia's Digital Tiger Face for future EV models says KIA.

Seeing that it's an electric vehicle, the EV9 also delivers an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28. According to KIA, this has been achieved through the implementation of several advanced features, including Kia's first-ever 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear.

Along with aerodynamic wheels, and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper, these elements combine seamlessly to provide superior airflow control and optimized performance and efficiency, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

The vehicle features a 3,100-mm wheelbase, a 1,980-mm wide, 1,755-mm tall and 5,010 mm body. To get a clearer picture of the vehicle's size, the current KIA Carnival is 1,775 mm tall, 1,995 mm wide and 5,155 long. So yes, it's not as big, but it's pretty big for an SUV.

Many Seating options

The Kia EV9 will be offered in a range of seating options that cater to diverse needs. KIA said they will offer the SUV with seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options, totalling to four suitable different situations such as moving, charging, and resting.

Like with many high-end KIAs these days, the first-row features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row, for the first time among global EV models, offers four seating options, including 3-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats, providing customers with a variety of usage methods to choose from.

When equipped with the second-row relaxation seats, the EV9 allows first and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. With the swivel seat option, the second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to enable conversations with those seated in the third row. Occupants in the third row are provided with charging points and cup holders.

Screens, screens, screens

The ‘Panoramic wide display’, which brings together a 12.3-inch cluster display, a 5-inch segment display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system display, offers effortless vehicle function control as well as efficient delivery of information. Hidden type touch buttons beneath provide a start/stop function along with infotainment system as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control.

Drivetrain

The EV9 features a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and utilizing Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.

A 76.1-kWh battery is offered exclusively with the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard model, while a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.

The RWD Long Range model utilizes a 201 hp / 350 Nm electric motor, endowing the SUV with the ability to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds.

Also powered by a single electric motor, albeit a more powerful 215 hp / 350 Nm variant, the Standard RWD EV9 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The AWD variant is equipped with two electric motors that together unleash a total power output of nearly 400 hp and a combined torque of 600 Nm. This potent combination enables the SUV to surge from 0-to-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds.

There will also be an even greater levels of performance, thanks to what KIA calls an optional Boost feature, which owners can purchase at the Kia Connect Store. The combined torque is increased to an exceptional 700 Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

KIA was not going to let Tesla have all the fun

Perhaps one of the most exciting features KIA unveiled about the EV9 is the fact that the SUV is ready to provide level 3 autonomy.

Key to achieving this is Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which will provide the EV9 with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, enable it to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.

By providing intelligent, proactive, real-time assistance across a wide range of conditions, Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system will meet the criteria required to deliver Level 3 autonomy in certain areas of the world.

The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.

Kia is planning to offer the HDP in the EV9 GT-line model in the future. Further details on the HDP will be disclosed nearer its market availability.

The EV9’s numerous additional features facilitated by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2).

This technology enables the EV9 to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle, with the driver initiating the procedure via the Kia smart key called Digital Key 2.


DIY Baiki Cermin Kereta Retak Serendah RM20 – Tak Perlu Hantar Ke Bengkel!

Cermin kereta anda retak? Jangan stress kerana setiap masalah ada penyelesaiannya. Yang paling penting, boleh
DIY
!

Sebelum kita pergi lebih mendalam dengan cara-cara untuk baiki cermin kereta yang retak, lebih baik sekiranya kita faham dan tahu dulu apa sebab-sebab yang menyebabkan cermin kereta ini boleh retak. Keretakan pada cermin kereta anda boleh terjadi berdasarkan banyak sebab seperti berikut:

Cermin Tidak Berkualiti

Daya ketahanan cermin hadapan yang dikeluarkan oleh pengeluar kebiasaannya amat kuat. Namun kalau cermin anda pernah pecah, dan bengkel guna cermin yang berkualiti rendah, risiko untuk cermin tersebut retak adalah lebih tinggi berbanding cermin asal.

Jalan Berbatu

Berhati-hatilah sekiranya anda melalui jalan berbatu kerikil kerana batu itu berpotensi untuk terpelanting dan menghentam cermin hadapan anda. Pastikan anda menjaga jarak kenderaan anda dengan kenderaan di hadapan.

Lori dan Kenderaan Berat

*Kredit foto: Hasmin32

Kalau nampak lori hantu bawa pasir, batu atau bawa apa-apa bahan binaan, jangan duduk terlalu rapat kerana serpihan yang melantun keluar daripada lori terbabit juga berisiko untuk meretakkan cermin kereta anda.

Perubahan Suhu

Perubahan suhu panas ke sejuk secara mendadak dalam tempoh yang lama juga boleh mendatangkan retak pada cermin. Elakkan meletakkan kereta di kawasan yang tidak terdedah dengan matahari kerana suhu panas boleh membuatkan sisi cermin mengembang lebih pantas daripada bahagian tengah cermin. Ini membuatkan retak kecil yang pada awalnya tidak kelihatan kian merebak.

Ada banyak lagi sebab-sebab yang boleh mendatangkan keretakan pada cermin seperti terkena batu daripada mesin rumput, hujan batu dan lain-lain insiden yang tidak boleh diduga. Namun sekiranya perkara ini berlaku pada anda, tidak perlu tukar cermin baharu pun. Lebih mudah, tak perlu hantar bengkel dan anda boleh cuba sendiri di rumah!

Sekiranya kereta anda mempunyai retak seperti yang tertera dalam gambar, anda boleh dapatkan produk DIY Windshield Repair Kit ini di kedai seperti Mr. DIY ataupun secara
atas talian
 untuk baikinya. Harganya juga tidak mahal, bawah RM20 sahaja. Kalau hantar bengkel pun silap-silap boleh kena caj dalam RM80-RM100 untuk retak kecil. Tahu lah tak banyak duit, tapi kalau boleh jimat, kita jimat.

Untuk membaiki retak pada cermin secara
DIY
, ikuti langkah langkah ini:

1. Bersihkan Kawasan Retak

Lapkan bahagian yang retak menggunakan kain microfiber bagi memastikan tiada habuk, serpihan cermin atau benda asing yang berada di kawasan terbabit. Jika ada serpihan yang terkelular dari cermin hadapan, gunakan pisau atau jarum untuk membuang serpihan tersebut supaya permukaan cermin jadi rata.

2. Letakkan Getah Pelekat dan Corong

Seterusnya, ambil pelekat double-sided tape yang mempunyai lubang kecil di tengah yang telah disediakan dan tampal pada bahagian yang retak. Pastikan retak tersebut berada betul-betul di tengah-tengah lubang pelekat tersebut.

Kemudian, lekatkan corong di bahagian atas pelekat terbabit. Kedudukan corong terbabit juga harus berada betul-betul dia atas pelekat bulat tadi.

3. Titikkan Cecair Resin

Lepas dah pasang corong, titikkan cecair resin yang korang dah beli tadi tu di dalam corong terbabit. Tak perlu titik sampai melimpah pun, cukuplah sekadar 2-3 titik.

4. Guna Picagari

Lepas sahaja korang titik resin terbabit, ambil picagari yang telah disediakan dan masukkan muncung picagari tersebut di dalam corong.

Kemudian, gunakan tangan kiri anda untuk mengekalkan kedudukan picagari dan tarik picu picagari tersebut menggunakan tangan kanan dari bawah ke atas dan biarkan picagari berada dalam keadaan tersebut selama 10 minit.

Selepas 10 minit, alihkan picagari terbabit terlebih dahulu. Kemudian masukkan kembali picagari tersebut kedalam corong dengan keadaan sama seperti sebelum dialih (picu ditarik ke atas) dan tekan picu ke bawah pula. Biarkan picagari tersebut berada dalam keadaan seperti itu selama 20 minit.

5. Cabut pelekat dan bersihkan cermin

Selepas 20 minit berlalu, alihkan picagari dan cabut corong dan pelekat pada cermin berkenaan. Bagi memudahkan proses mencabut pelekat dan memastikan tiada gam pelekat yang melekat pada cermin, gunakan pisau yang telah disediakan. Pastikan tiada sisa pelekat yang tinggal pada cermin.

6. Titikkan Cecair Resin

Kemudian, titikkan semula cecair resin di tengah-tengah retakan terbabit dan letakkan kepingan plastik lutsinar yang disediakan di atas titikan resin terbabit. Kemudian tekan dan ratakan plastik terbabit menggunakan pisau bagi memastikan resin diserap rata kedalam retakan terbabit. Pastikan tiada gelembung pada plastik terbabit. Kalau tak faham cara ini, prosesnya sama seperti memasang pelindung skrin telefon anda.

7. Jemur

Bila resin dah diratakan, biarkan resin itu betul-betul kering dan meresap ke dalam retak cermin dengan menjemur kereta anda di bawah sinaran matahari selama 15 ke 20 minit. Selepas selesai menjemur, tanggalkan semula kepingan plastik pada cermin anda dan bersihkan lebihan resin yang sudah kering menggunakan pisau. Hati-hati ketika mengikis, takut calar pula cermin nanti. Dah siap!

Mudah bukan? Saya pasti dah ramai yang tahu tentang perkara ini. Tapi bagi yang tak tahu, sekarang korang dah tahu. Tak perlu lagi menggelabah sekiranya terdapat retakan kecil pada cermin hadapan kereta anda. Masalah kecil sahaja tu!

Jagalah cermin kereta anda dengan baik dan elakkan segala risiko yang boleh membuatkan cermin anda retak. Memanglah boleh baiki, tapi kalau retakan yang berlaku tu besar, nak taknak kena tukar baru lah. Tak pasal-pasal boleh melayang duit nak tukar baru. Kalau asyik retak dan baiki, kualiti cermin tersebut pun boleh menurun. Oleh itu, jaga diri, jaga kereta dan jaga poket anda!

Kalau nak tahu lebih banyak tips DIY yang boleh anda lakukan seperti
membasuh enjin
 dan lain-lain, klik
di sini
. Kalau masih tak faham cara-cara nak baiki retak secara DIY, boleh tonton video dibawah sebagai rujukan:

*Kredit Video: Mr. DIY

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.

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.

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 website now.


The Volvo Excellence Child Seat Concept Is Both Safety And Luxury For Children

At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show,
Volvo
 introduced the
XC90
 Excellence and Lounge Console Concept which is also based on the SUV. Now, they’ve introduced something special for the little one in your life with the Excellence Child Seat Concept.
The
Volvo
 Cars’ design team has managed to inject a touch of luxury and re-imagined how children could travel safely in cars in the future.
Where the Lounge Console Concept saw the front passenger seat removed in favour of a large multi-function work table that doubles as a media screen, the Excellence Child Seat Concept puts a child seat in that position instead.
What resulted is a child seat that can swivel counter-clockwise when seating the child and can then be locked in the seat in a rearward facing position. Storage areas for small items can be found beside the seat and a storage space underneath.
The concept also allows small children to safely lean back and sleep and illustrates Volvo’s clear safety position that small children should travel rearward facing as long as possible (at least up to the age of 3 or 4).
As Tisha Johnson, Chief Designer Interiors at Volvo Cars Concept and Monitoring Centre puts it, “We started by asking ourselves if we could make life easier for parents and safer for their children when it comes to the child seat experience. We focused on three key benefits – making it easier to get the child into and out of the child seat from an ergonomic and comfort perspective, providing the child with a safe rearward facing seating position that enables it to keep eye-contact with either the driver or the rear passenger and of course including enough storage for those vital child accessories, such as diapers, bottles, wipes, and so on.”
“For us the safety, convenience, and emotional factors outweigh everything else. Being able to maintain eye contact with your child from the rear seat , or being able to keep a bottle warm in the heated cup holders in the XC90 Excellence, would go a long way towards making life easier for parents taking their small child on a trip. Such alternative seating arrangements will become increasingly important as we move towards autonomous vehicles,” added Tisha Johnson.


Cycle & Carriage Bintang Mutiara Damansara Sets New Benchmarks For The Mercedes-Benz Retail Experience

You'd be surprised how quickly a showroom or retail outlet can go out of style. It's the same way that newly launched cars can look dated in just five years, and for that reason manufacturers are incentivized to provide meaningful facelifts or mid-life cycle updates. The same could be said about a brand's presence through their dealer networks - and Cycle & Carriage understands this concept very well.
In terms of their performance, the last two quarters have been in the red. But this isn't as straightforward as it seems: 2018 was a great year for the company in terms of sales of Mercedes-Benz models, and 2019 is no different. The main difference is the company is investing quite nearly RM 80 million in total to revitalize and renovate four of their dealers throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Cycle & Carriage Bintang, located in Mutiara Damansara, is the first of these four.
During its official unveiling today with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, many of the new features were highlighted - all with the purpose of setting a new benchmark in the retail industry, and falling in line with Mercedes-Benz' global retail experience. Media & IT, Format, People and Process, and Architecture are the four key elements of the new showroom, with the aim to bolster the customer experience in a new era of retail.
v
Many may wonder why the Mutiara Damansara branch was picked considering it is one of the smaller branches in Cycle & Carriage's dealer network. The reality is that this particular branch packs a serious punch given its location, and it is the branch of choice for the many owners that live in and around Mutiara Damansara. The total cost of renovation for this particular outlet was around RM 18 million.
How this money has been spent is most obvious with the entire redesign of the showroom to comply with Mercedes-Benz' most current corporate image, as well as to maximize the usage of the fairly limited space. Beyond this, there has been a great effort to digitalize the experience, whether that's from communication between staff at the branch, to interactive product experiences for customers when viewing a car on the showroom floor.
In the coming months, three more outlets will be renovated up and down Peninsular Malaysia. Ipoh, Johor Bahru, and Alor Setar are invaluable locations in Cycle & Carriage's dealer network, making them prime locations to focus investments. Even more impressive is the fact that Malaysia is one of the first few countries in the region to adopt the new image, and they certainly set a new benchmark for the retail experience.


2022 Haval H6 PHEV Spotted Undisguised In Shah Alam - Ready To Launch?

The 3rd-generation Haval H6 is possibly the biggest disruptive new SUV to hit Malaysian showrooms, or
at least it will be once it actually launches
, and that could be sooner than initially anticipated with 2 units seen at in Shah Alam completely undisguised.

Distributors GoAuto, who are be working closely
with Great Wall Motors
 to establish the brand’s local presence, have confirmed to
Carlist.my
 that these units are scheduled to undergo localisation and endurance testing on our roads.

Though that could mean that a full debut is some time away, this might only apply to the hotly anticipated PHEV variant that was only recently been revealed in Thailand, which is attached to an 8-year or 180,000km warranty. Photos and footage of the more standard H6 have been circulating among Malaysian social media users for months, so it’s possible that the SUV will kick off with a partial range.

Haval H6 PHEV in Malaysia - Game-changer?

Once the testing has been concluded, the PHEV could then be given a proper launch, completing the H6 family.

Specifically, the Malaysian offering schedule should be roughly comparable to that of Thailands where all H6 units are
sold as a series (non-plug-in) hybrid
 that pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor for maximum power and torque figures of
243PS
 and
530Nm
.

The H6 in PHEV form is even more impressive. Not only does it feature slightly updated styling over the HEV and the added flexibility of being able to charge and drive independent of its combustion engine, but its lithium-ion battery is also capable of a claimed electric-only range of 201km.

That’s more endurance than some dedicated EVs on sale today such as the Mazda MX-30 and MINI Cooper SE and many times more than that of other PHEVs. It’s also more powerful than the HEV variant with the engine and motor combo pumping out a combined
326PS
 while torque stays level at
530Nm
.

We’ve also previously commented on how clean and contemporarily designed the interior looks while overseas publications have also remarked on the impressive build quality, materials, and overall finish of the cabin, especially given the price and technology equipped.

Haval H6 vs Honda CR-V vs Proton X70 vs Toyota Corolla Cross

Rivals in Malaysia will
include the Proton X70, of course
. We suspect that Geely is readying a full-on replacement model for the Boyue it’s based on, but there’s no way of knowing it will arrive to meet the H6 in time for a head-on battle.

The Honda CR-V, which has also recently been given
a generational refresh for 2023
, will be the next major contender, and the same goes for the Toyota Corolla Cross. That said, neither of them seems to have an answer for the Haval’s powertrain knock-out specs.


2015 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Launched In Malaysia: 220i From RM280k

You’ve seen the littler 2 Series Active Tourer MPV here already, and now,
BMW
 Group Malaysia has just launched the all-new 2015 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer – rather quick, isn’t it? Considering Australia and the UK haven’t gotten their prices yet.

Sharing a common architecture with the smaller Active Tourer, the Gran Tourer is taller and longer than its MPV sibling. An MPV itself, the larger 2 GT offers the option of having a third row of seats, allowing for a maximum of seven passengers (driver included) in the cabin, or, without the two extra seats customers simply have the choice of more cargo room.

Here, BMW Group Malaysia has made the third row seating standard equipment, with the point being that if you wanted the cargo space, you can simply fold the seats down and fully flat into the cargo floor. The full price of fully-imported (CBU) 2 Series Gran Tourer 220i in Malaysia starts from
RM279,800 (OTR without insurance).

Buyer’s Guide:

On top of the brief we’ve shared with you already, the 2 Series Gran Tourer is, as offered here in Malaysia, a seven-seater BMW. Previously, if you wanted to fit seven people into a BMW, your only choice was in the BMW X5 SUV, which we all know, is priced from nearly twice that of the 2 GT here (from RM574k).

*TEST DRIVE: BMW 2 Series 220i driven in Croatia

To put it simply, here then, is a far more cost effective way to load seven into a BMW, not compromise on the brand’s iconic driving dynamics, and not have to cough up the price of a humble house in the Klang Valley.

If you need more than that to help you make a buying decision, read on.

KEY SPECS: 2015 2 Series Gran Tourer 220i

Engine: 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower four-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic torque converter automatic

Power: 192hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,250 to 4,600rpm

0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds

Top Speed:221km/h

Consumption claimed (combined): 6.2-litres/100km

Performance & Powertrains:

Of the many variants available at the global launch of the all-new 2 Series Gran Tourer, it’s a single 220i that has made it to Malaysia. The 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine here makes 192hp and 280Nm of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic torque converter automatic transmission.

Unlike every other BMW (bar the 2 AT), the 2 GT features a transverse-mounted engine: a step away from the longitudinal-mounted engines common to all RWD vehicles. Being FWD and featuring a transverse-mounted engine meant that BMW had to swap out the familiar eight-speed ZF transmission for a new, Aisin-sourced transmission. The transmission was co-developed by the Japanese brand and the BMW Group for specific use in their vehicles, and also in modern MINIs.

There’s a full Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control system here that on top of keeping drivers safer when surface traction isn’t optimal, it is also there to best prevent any understeer common to front-wheel drive vehicles – that’s something dads might enjoy knowing.

For drivers, BMW’s full range of BMWEfficientDynamics features are present here, including the ECO PRO mode with coasting function, Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, electric steering and electrified auxiliary systems.

Exterior Styling:

On the outside, the 2 GT is styled nearly identically to its 2 AT cousin: rounded edges that give it a family-friendly appeal, BMW kidney grille up front, roof rails up top, and the general MPV-dimensions. Even the design line (Luxury Line) that’s offered as standard here, is similar to what you’d get from a 2 AT.

But despite the design similarities, it’s still relatively easy to spot a 2 GT on the road from the 2 AT.

The 2 GT is visibly taller and longer than the 2 AT, but given that their front ends are nearly identical, you’ll have to come around to the back to spot that the 2 GT feature taillights that rake upwards when they reach the centre of the rear cargo door – the 2 AT’s taillight ends swoop downwards.

The rear windshield on the 2 GT also stands more upright, and is again visibly larger than the 2 AT’s arrangement, which tilts inwards more. The Hofmeister kink on the 2 AT is far more pronounced, whereas on the larger 2 GT, the presence of a taller roof is clearly evident.

Additional aerodynamic enhancements include air vent control, air curtains on the front wheels and a roof spoiler integrated into the tailgate.

If you fancy the full LED headlamps, they are optional, by the way.

Dimensions & Cargo Capacities:

As mentioned, the 2 Series Gran Tourer is longer (by 214mm) and taller (53mm) than the 2 AT – we’ll give you the full dimensions shortly, but the growth in size is purely to accommodate the extra cabin space. Even the wheelbase of the 2 GT is longer than the 2 AT’s by 110mm.

Width between the two vehicles is identically set at 1,800mm end to end. For the full dimensions, the 2 GT is 4,556mm long, and 1,608mm tall. The length of the wheelbase stretches 2,780mm.

Inside the vehicle, there’s seating for seven, courtesy of the newfound space and equipped additional third row seats.

If cargo carrying in what you prefer, the sliding second row of seats are of a 40:20:40 split, and can be slid forwards to reveal 805 litres of space from the original 645 litres. At the push of a button, the middle row can be folded flat, for a whopping 1,905 litres of total cargo carrying space.

When not in use, the third row seats can be folded flat into the cargo floor. In use,
our test drive review in Croatia
 recently revealed that there’s even room for my six-foot, overweight self - but more on that later.

Interior Design:

It’s business as usual for the 2 GT if you’re any bit familiar with the interior of the 2 AT. There is of course more headroom created by the additional height of the vehicle, and we’ve already taken you through what the spaciousness is like in the BMW MPV above. Seating in the 2 GT is also similar to the 2 AT, where you’re positioned to be much taller than you’d be in most BMWs.

Ergonomically identical to all that we’ve seen BMW throw at their latest models (6.5-inch free-standing display screen on the dash, iDrive controller on the center console, three-spoke steering wheel with audio control buttons etc.).

There are however a few new storage pockets and compartments that the 2 Series Gran Tourer has added on top of the 2 AT: for example, in the seated in the middle row, if you look under your seat, there’s an elastic band that forms a pocket to store a few magazines – BMW sees this as a neat addition for when the kids need to be occupied by a colouring book etc.

There are two upholstery choices available (Leather Dakota Black and Leather Dakota Oyster), which you may want to choose carefully to match the LED ambient lighting in the cabin.

Features & Equipment:

As standard, the BMW 220i Gran Tourer will be equipped with a 6.5-inch free-standing colour display screen, with a Navigation System and a stereo speaker system with four loudspeakers. Within the infotainment system, you’ll also find various BMW ConnectedDrive Apps.

Other Information:

As
announced by BMW Group Malaysia earlier this month
, all BMW vehicles registered post June 1, 2015 will benefit from the company’s new Five-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Schedule Service Program. The new five-year unlimited mileage warranty is manufacturer backed, and the program includes free scheduled service and maintenance of up to 100,000km.

Colour options for the 2 GT 220i include: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, and Glacier Silver while the colours Imperial Blue and Platinum Silver are made exclusively for the Luxury Line, featured as standard.

Take a closer look at the car here:


Malaysia's Computer Forms To Produce EV Cars, Bikes, Trains & Buses

Computer Forms (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd will be working together with
Thailand's
 Energy Absolute PCL to
produce and distribute EVs
 here in the country.

The joint venture will see both parties working together in
producing and distributing electric vehicles
 such as e-buses, e-cars, e-trains, e-bikes, and even e-boats here in the country. They will also work on producing EV chargers, as reported by
The Edge
.

*Image credit: CFM Energy Absolute

More charging stations to support Malaysia's EV ecosystem

The partnership between Computer Forms and Energy Absolute PCL will be dipping its toes into the fast-growing EV industry here in Asia with hopes that it'll provide a sustainable income stream to diversify away from its core business - printing and distribution of computer forms, stock forms, and specialised forms.

Their range of EV products will be complemented by the addition of lithium-ion battery production, energy storage systems, and charging systems to further support the EV ecosystem within the country. Computer Forms has already inked a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Energy Absolute's subsidiary EA Mobility Holding Co Ltd to form a new JV partnership before the year ends.

*Image credit: CFM Energy Absolute

Massive global EV growth in the coming years

We've seen how a lot of manufacturers are taking part and devoting themselves to the EV industry with a wide range of products of all sizes. It is expected that the compound annual growth rate for the global EV market will be around the 34.3% mark by 2028. That is estimated at RM6.08 trillion, folks.

That alone should be enough of a reason for more companies to jump onto the EV bandwagon, because like it or not, EVs are inevitable. And there's a lot of money to be made, and even more so in the coming years.


Review: 2022 Toyota Yaris 1.5G - Sporty & Comfy Goodness

Looking for a first car that looks sporty yet comfortable, and will stand the tests of time? What about this
2022 Toyota Yaris
?

This one is the range-topping
Toyota Yaris 1.5G
 variant, which is currently priced at RM87,600 (OTR without insurance). Compared to its closest competitor, the
Honda City Hatchback
, the Yaris is around RM3,000 cheaper, but is it any better?

Very sporty exterior - 2022 Yaris

Introduced late last year, the current Toyota Yaris has been slightly refreshed with a new set of LED lights (front and rear) as well as a much sportier-looking front grille and bumper.

For this particular test unit, it had already been kitted with the optional body kit, which further elevates its sporty facade. Some may feel that it's over the top, but we feel that it adds just a nice dash to further accentuate a more aggressive styling.

You'll see that its rear wing and diffuser might be a bit much for some, but this is pretty subjective. We think that it goes well with the Yaris' blacked-out C-pillars, as well as that sexy rear end. Simply put, it's a car that fits like a glove looks-wise for most folks, no matter the age.

Same (slightly dated) interior

Step inside this range-topping Yaris and you'll be welcomed with some very comfortable seats and fabric upholstery. That might be strange for a top-of-the-line model, but comfort is the name of the game, and the Yaris has that in abundance.

There is, however, a minor issue. The steering wheel can only be adjusted for tilt and not reach. You'll need to take some time to find the right driving position for you in order to drive comfortably, especially during those long hauls up and down the highway.

The first impression that we got upon stepping into the Yaris is that it does look a bit dated. It has all its bases covered, and all of them function in a way that won't distract the driver. The buttons for the AC settings and radio are huge and easy to reach. Again, good for the young and the young at heart but maybe not as future-forward.

Upon closer inspection, you'll start to notice some specs that make the Yaris a worthy car to own. Things like its auto-dimming rearview mirror, front dashcam, a seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 360-degree camera certainly made the car more pleasurable to live with.

Apart from the optional body kit, Yaris owners can also opt for other accessories like a rear camera, wireless charging system (stored in the centre storage compartment, a weird place to put that though), and more. Just need to spend a bit more on top of that RM87k price tag.

Superbly comfortable seats - 2022 Toyota Yaris

No matter where you're seated, the Yaris offers plush seating for both the driver and its occupants. Its fabric upholstery doesn't look too bad and feels nice no matter the driving distance. That's very important to take advantage of as those sitting at the back won't get any AC vents, just some good headroom and two USB charging ports. Ok, what.

286-litre boot space enough for what?

We've tested this out, and you can actually fit a number of bags and a stroller without too much of a hassle. A weekend getaway for a young family of five shouldn't be too much of an issue.

You might have to 'Marie Kondo' a few things here and there, but 286 litres is doable, certainly more so than what you would expect by just reading about it in a brochure.

1.5-litre four-cylinder banger

All variants of the Toyota Yaris are fitted with the same 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC engine with dual VVT-i that produces
107PS
 and
140Nm
 of torque. These figures might be slightly lower than the Honda City Hatchback, but they are adequate for your daily drives.

Mated to a seven-speed CVT transmission with Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode, you can choose between three driving modes - Normal, Sport, and Eco. Weighing in at 1,140kg on the scales, the Toyota Yaris is a sporty machine that's tuned more on the comfort side of things.

The steering might feel a bit sluggish at first, which is pretty noticeable during fast turns, but as stated above, the Yaris is all about comfort. With that being said, it still can handle corners fairly well even though you will feel the body roll at times.

Chucking it into the bends, you'll surprisingly find that the front of the car wants to go into the turn, which is confidence-inspiring. Despite having a CVT transmission, you can actually have some fun up and down roads like Genting, certainly more so than its sedan cousin, the Toyota Vios, which wallows quite a degree more than the Yaris.

Toyota Safety Sense full suite

Here's where the Toyota Yaris trumps its rival - safety. The range-topping 1.5G variant comes with the full safety suite courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes:

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert

3D Panoramic View Monitor

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Hill-Start Assist Control

7 SRS airbags

ABS, EBD, BA

Vehicle Stability Control & Traction Control

The camera feed from its 3D panoramic view monitor might be a bit hazy, but it's so much easier to park and manoeuvre in tight places like my usual rooftop office parking at Mid Valley Megamall. Simply adored this feature on the Yaris.

Worth the price tag?

If comfort and safety are your main priorities when it comes to a car, but you also want something that looks quite sporty, the Toyota Yaris definitely feels like a win. Considering that you'll get the entire Toyota Safety Sense in a hatchback that costs under RM87,000, it's worth the money.

Parents will appreciate the comfort it provides, and the youths of the family won't mind driving the car to their hangout spots or even car meets in the Yaris. Yes, it does have its setbacks, but most of them are easy to put at the back of your head. So, thumbs up from us.


2023 Kia Niro EV launched in Malaysia - RM255,888

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has launched its latest battery electric vehicle in the form of the
2023 Kia Niro EV
 crossover SUV.

Those looking for a sleek yet modern-looking EV SUV can consider this CBU model imported directly from South Korea with prices starting from RM255,888 (on-the-road excluding insurance).

Like most modern-day Kia models, the "Opposites United" design language is also applied to the Kia Niro. The signature Tiger Face front end offers a modern yet adventurous take for an EV with features like the closed hexagonal-inspired grille, heartbeat daytime-running lights, a bold skid plate, and more.

The overall exterior ruggedness is further amplified thanks to its two-tone body which also consists of the wide Aero C-Pillar that helps with aerodynamics as well as other highlights like the 17-inch wheels, boomerang-shaped rear taillights, and three exterior colour options - Cityscape Green, Mineral Blue, and Snow White Pearl.

Step inside and you'll find a cabin with premium and high-tech finishings from things like the dual 10-25-inch HD digital display for the driver as well as the centre infotainment screen, 64-colour ambient lighting, a rotary gear selector, and comfortable seats that share some similarities with the ones found in the more premium Kia EV6.

Other highlights include a bunch of USB ports for charging, a wireless charger, 475 litres worth of boot space that can be expanded to just under 1,400 litres when you fold the rear seats down, black leatherette seats, and more. Also, there's a 20-litre front trunk or 'frunk' located in the 'engine bay' on top of the electric motor.

Speaking of electric motor, the Kia Niro EV produces 201hp and 255Nm of torque which allows it to hit 0-100km/h in just 7.8 seconds. The top speed is set at 167km/h, which is more than enough for your daily excursions.

Its 64.8kWh battery pack offers a maximum driving distance of 460km (WLTP) and can be charged using the onboard AC charger that supports up to 11kW. 10-100% in this state will take 6 hours and 20 minutes but if you're connected to an 80kW DC fast charger, a 10-80% charging state can be achieved in just 43 minutes.

Just like the Kia EV6, the Niro also comes with the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function - a system that allows the car to discharge energy from the battery to operate any electronic appliances that support up to 3.6kWh. We once used the Kia EV6 to power an air fryer by the beach, so that's cool.

When it comes down to safety, the 2023 Kia Niro EV comes with:

8 SRS airbags

High Beam Assist (HBA)

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Safe Exit Assist (SEA)

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

Traction Control System (TCS) + more

As stated above, the 2023 Kia Niro EV is priced at RM255,888 (OTR excluding insurance). Each unit comes with a five-year manufacturer's warranty (or up to 150,000km). As for the battery, the eight-year high-voltage battery pack warranty is offered with a mileage limit of 160,000km (whichever comes first).


Darwin Award Winner Runs From Police And Into The Sea

Remember those - America's Best Police Chase videos - which usually starts with not wearing seatbelts and ends with Michael Bay levels of explosion? Boring stuffs there. The Aussies are a little bit more creative. This guy decided to drive straight into the ocean to qualify himself for the annual Darwinian Award.


Prasarana Announces Eight-Month Road Closure For Persiaran Jengka, Subang Jaya

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has announced that a road closure will take place at Persiaran Jengka (on the SS17 side) and will implement the necessary traffic diversions. The road closure is for an eight-month period from 21 April until 31 December 2015.
The purpose of the road closure and traffic diversions are to facilitate the construction works for Station 5 of the Kelana Jaya LRT Line Extension Project.
The 300 metre northbound stretch of road at Persiaran Jengka, adjacent to Jalan SS17/2 will be fully closed during the above-mentioned period. Prasarna has listed alternative routes for motorists as follows:
Alternative Route 1 - Toward Subang Parade on Persiaran Jengka
Motorists coming from the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) heading towards Subang Parade will be diverted to Jalan SS17/2 and will re-enter Persiaran Jengka after Jalan SS17/2 J.
Alternative Route 2 – Toward New Pantai Expressway (NPE) on Jalan SS17/2
Motorists travelling on Jalan SS17/2 towards NPE will be diverted to Jalan SS17/2 L and will need to make a left turn into Jalan SS17/3, followed by another left turn into Jalan SS17/3 A. Motorists will re-enter Jalan SS17/2 to proceed to their intended destination.
A map is provided to enable a better understanding of the road closure and traffic diversions (click to view larger):
The road closure is deemed necessary by Prasarana to ensure the safety of all motorists within the area as heavy machinery and lifting of materials are part of the construction works.
Road barriers and flagmen will be put in place to redirect traffic along with warning signals to alert motorists.
For further details, please contact the Prasarana Helpline at 03-7885 2585.


Toyota Makes It Four In A Row With Another Gold At The Putra Brand Awards

At the Putra Brand Awards 2015,
Toyota
 again won Gold – the only automotive brand to do so - and has now won four in a row since 2012 in its sixth year since the awards began in 2010. Toyota has also bagged two silvers before its Gold streak.
It is another high for Toyota as it became the first automotive brand to be recognized as a Putra Brand Icon.
Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “Toyota is honoured to know that for the fourth consecutive year, Malaysians have voted Toyota as their favourite automotive brand. This recognition will spur us to continue living up to our ‘One Team – Customers First’ philosophy.
“On behalf of the staffs at UMW Toyota Motor, I would like to thank our loyal customers for continuing to choose our vehicles.”
The Putra Brand Awards polled roughly 6,000 Malaysians through a robust consumer research methodology to determine Malaysia’s favourite brand in multiple categories.
Organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), the Putra Brand Awards is the only one of it’s kind of to be endorsed by MATRADE and supported by the Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM), and the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), and the Media Specialists Association (MSA).


Subaru Teases All-New Hot STI-Treated Levorg For Tokyo Auto Salon

For the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon scheduled for early January 2020,
Subaru
 has teased a hotter version of the near-production-ready Levorg Prototype which was first shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

Dubbed the Levorg STI Sport, the warmed-up wagon is still mostly shrouded in mystery at this point, though we can expect its looks to be only mildly more aggressive than the standard Levorg Prototype, which itself is very much related to the 5th-generation Impreza.

Naturally, it will be constructed upon the Subaru Global Platform, underpinnings it shares (or will share) with many of the Japanese automaker’s current crop of cars such as the 2nd-generation XV/Crosstrek and the aforementioned Impreza.

Subaru previewed the next-gen Levorg while also foreshadowing a newly-developed 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine. However, the company declined to expand any further into its significance or how it aims to achieve its claimed balance of performance and improved efficiency.

As it turns out, the Levorg STI Sport will also make use of a 1.8-litre flat turbo-four. Expect the engine to boast a significantly higher power and torque output over that of the (future) standard car, and while those specifics also remain under wraps, keep in mind that the previous Levorg was no slouch in its most potent guise.

From the very brief teaser video, it seems the engine revs to about 6,100rpm and is aided both sonically and in terms of its breathing by an STI-specific exhaust system. Anecdotally, it does look to be an enthusiastic performer, which always a positive. If history is any guide, the engine will likely be paired to a Lineartronic CVT before power is spread between all four corners via Subaru’s Symmetric All-Wheel Drive system.

Those with a keen memory may recall the Malaysian-spec Levorg receiving a single engine, that being a 1.6-litre FB16 turbocharged flat-four with a respectable 170PS. Other markets, though, we more fortunate and were able to spec the car with a 2.0-litre FA20 with nearly 300PS.

Clearly, this new 1.8-litre mill has much to live up to and we’ll soon see what the boys over at Subaru Tecnica International have managed to coax out of it come the Levorg STI Sport’s Tokyo debut in a couple of weeks.

Given that this is still officially a ‘prototype’, we could see a more superlative power and torque figure than what we might eventually find under the bonnet of the production model. They could indeed take this opportunity to display just how much potential this new motor is capable of.

Then again, this is Subaru and they do have a tendency to be a little more reserved than others about such things.

For the best deals on Subaru cars,
click here
.


5 Ways The 2022 Honda Civic FE Is (Objectively) Better Than The Civic FC

Does newer mean better? The
all-new 2022 Honda Civic
 has upped the game, but not everyone is convinced it is truly superior to the outgoing model. We explain why it might be an easy win.

The 10th-gen Honda Civic (FC) has carved out its rightful seat on the C-segment throne to the point that its biggest rival is
itself
 in the form of the 11th-gen Civic (FE). Having experienced the all-new car on various roads over a multi-day media drive event, we can make some assertions about where it flies high and where it stumbles.

Before getting into that, we just want to start this out by expressing how refreshing it is that so many people seem so invested and interested in comparing the 11th-gen Civic to its immediate predecessor.

This is especially relevant and encouraging in a market narrative
dominated by SUVs
 of every shape, size, and price - that there could be so much contention and debate about a C-segment sedan. It’s awesome.

Clearly, every subsequent generation of every car model is intended to improve upon its predecessor, but the 10th-generation Civic presents an abnormally high bar for its successor to exceed.

In our
2021 review of the FC in 1.5 TC-P guise
, we raised doubt if Honda could outdo themselves with the next-generation car without significantly hiking up the price. Though we will save our full in-depth assessment of the car for a proper review, our time with the FE did manage to cement some undeniable improvements.

1. All-New Honda Civic (FE): Design

Let’s kick off with the subject most rife with controversy. Despite sharing similar underpinnings and coupe-like roofline and silhouette, Honda has ditched the angularity and bold lines that very much defined the FC, replacing it with the FE’s softer contours.

Gone too is a certain level of distinctiveness that only
meme-level iconic
 ‘ketam tail lights’ can garner in favour of more palatable elements that are counter to the brand’s corporate aesthetic that has been built up for more than half a decade.

It’s an overall more matured look that would appeal to a broader audience at the risk of drawing unflattering comparisons to other automakers,
but most notably Mazda
.

That said, I have personally encountered individuals that are now more open to considering the Civic FE after previously being turned away from the FC’s more dramatic exterior.

2. 2022 Honda Civic (FE): Wheels....RS Only

Again, a contentious subject. However, with the RS variant mainly being about cosmetic enhancements, this range-topping Civic delivers bags of curb appeal straight from the showroom floor that was previously only attainable through aftermarket channels.

Alongside the other exterior and interior flourishes, the 18-inch matte black twin 5-spoke wheels are sporty and aggressive but still tastefully subtle. Owners of the FC were known for quickly making an appointment with their favourite rim shop for a new set of extra
ganas
 wheels after taking delivery of their then-new ride, and who could blame them!

The general look of the two-tone part-chrome wheels from the FC has been somewhat recreated for the FE in the 1.5 V variant, but so have its busier design and added bling factor that doesn't necessarily project a sporty vibe.

Some lowering springs and a set of 10/15mm spacers on each wheel hub are all that’s needed to get even BMW drivers a little jealous of the Civic RS’ hunkered down look.

3. 11th-gen Honda Civic (FE): Quality

This sense of tightness and material integrity, especially compared to the FC, is something quite noticeable in the FE, not that its predecessor was especially lacking, to begin with.

Matching the exterior, being sat in the 11th-gen Civic really does make you consider how much narrower the gulf between ‘mass market’ and ‘premium’ is. We could probably find some things to continue to be annoyed at but, on the whole, none of those remaining niggles will ever be likely to bother the average owner.

Besides the upgraded tech on offer, there’s an acute sense of solidity that’s reinforced by the more elegant and cohesive dashboard design that (literally and visually) bridges/braces both ends of the cabin. It’s best described on video, which is why I can’t wait to give the all-new Civic the proper review treatment. Alternatively, you’ll know what I mean if you take a seat/drive in someone else’s FE or test one out at a dealership. Then try stepping into an FC with a critical eye....

4. 2022 Honda Civic: Infotainment

The infotainment unit in the FE now uses a 9-inch freestanding touch unit (V, RS), but more important is the bump in resolution and daytime visibility. Honda has seemingly opted for an IPS panel for a clearer image overall that's capable of a far higher contrast ratio.

As before, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the V and RS able to link up smartphones wirelessly, but even if you just use Bluetooth audio or FM radio, the infotainment’s base interface is slicker, much more intuitive to use, and buttery smooth

Where the interface in the FC’s touchscreen head unit was clearly based on some aged fork of Android, this one seems to be far more bespoke and/or optimised but doesn’t fall into the trap of trying to look or feel overly stylised at the expense of performance/responsiveness.
We’re looking at you, Peugeot
.

5. Honda Civic 2022 (FE): Refinement

Honda’s investment into injection-delivered foam insulation seems to have benefitted the new City as much as the all-new Civic as the ambient noise and vibrations are markedly better dampened over the 10th-gen FC.

This is particularly evident in the RS with its larger 18-inch wheels and lower-profile Micheline Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The expectation would be for a harsher ride and more pronounced tyre roar but none of those was experienced in our time with the car.

Just like the elevated cabin experience, this element of improved refinement helped the Civic FE plant a strong sense of being an upmarket car in the trappings of a mass-market (or upper mass market) product. We neither admit nor deny that we drove upwards of 200km/h with very little compromise in NVH levels. Impressive.

Honda Civic (FE): Apa Lagi ______ Mau?

Yes, the powertrain is technically improved over the last time we saw it in the Civic FC. It’s essentially the same
L15B7 turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
 that sat under the bonnet in the previous car (and the Accord, and the CR-V....), which is why we aren’t too keen to discuss it too much.

It’s still a punchy motor as ever, with a power bump of 9PS to 182PS and 20Nm to 240Nm at their respective peaks. Drive also reaches the front wheels via Honda’s CVT that, while quiet and efficient, is far from engaging even with the shift paddles.

To drive, it feels identical to the FC in low speed, hard acceleration, and at a cruise with the added power and torque being imperceptible, possibly due to the Civic FE growing in size and weight, thereby cancelling out any potential performance improvement.

The more important takeaway is that the entire Civic range from 2022 onward will be exclusively turbocharged and comprised of the same 1.5-litre petrol, jettisoning the legacy 1.8-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC unit for better or worse. That’s definitely and literally more bang for your buck.

An attempt was made to convey the feeling that Honda has managed to improve upon almost every facet  where the FC was found lacking. In our brief time with it, all-new Civic has proved to be extremely well-rounded and competent to the point of the mild annoyance of this writer.

You can almost see the FE showing a resting smug face to its rivals, daring them for a challenge.
Now, bring on a full review.


VIDEO: Man Parks Illegally Then Throws Rude Tantrum After His Car Gets Clamped

When you’re in the wrong, the mature thing to do is to just accept the consequences. On that scale, throwing a hissy fit and acting disrespectful is at the polar end of that. But that’s just what happened when this young man parked illegally and got clamped.

The officer acted professionally good job (y). To those cibai asshole that park on the wrong spot and bark like a dog and wanna play gangster with the woman officer....well you are famous now I hope your family will be so proud of you :)#CibaiSoRude
Posted by
Politicalgags
 on Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Judging by number plates on clamped the car, a white
Perodua

Myvi
, and the motorcycle next to it, this whole thing occurred somewhere in Penang.
The two men were so desperate to escape paying the fine that they broke out their toolset ready to uncouple the wheel from the axle. And when they gave up on that, one of them (the owner, presumably) started shouting at the female parking enforcement officer.
Another voice is heard (behind the camera, to our ears) reiterating that the only way they (the officers) can unclamp the car is if he paid the fine right there and then.
Seeing no other way out, they begrudgingly paid the fine and had the clamp removed, but not before intentionally dropping the cash on the ground instead of handing it to the officer. Shameful. And to the parking enforcement officer who remained professional and calm the entire time, well done.
If you park illegally, it serves you right to be penalized. And if you are really choosing to rudely shout at people just for doing their jobs enforcing the law, its probably deserving to be made example of on the internet.


Get Up Close With The New Proton Saga At Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019

It's the last model to receive the update treatment from Proton - but arguably one of their most important. The newly launched updated Proton Saga has brought numerous improvements to the staple for the Proton range, chief among which are a full set of safety systems available in the top spec variant, priced at just under RM 40,000.
Now, we know heading to a showroom can be a little tiresome when you're shopping around for cars - which is why we're pleased to announced that Proton will be putting the Saga on display at the Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019. You can get up close and personal with the compact sedan - touch it, smell it, sit in it - as well place an order if it impresses you enough.
Starting prices for the Saga are at RM 32,800, and there are three variants on offer. All variants are powered by the same 1.3-litre four-cylinder VVT engine, pushing 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission that replaces the CVT of the pre-facelift model.
Styling elements have been changed to fall in line with the current crop of models as well, including a new front and rear bumper, and most notably a large set of 15-inch wheels for the Premium AT variant of the Saga which really changes the overall look and lends a touch of sportiness while complementing the proportions of the car.
Don’t miss this chance to grab great deals and check out the new Proton Saga. The Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019 takes place this weekend (16th - 18th August) at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor.
For more info about the exhibition and test drive booking, click
here
, and to check out our launch story for the Saga, click
here
.


Graduates – Read This Before Buying Your First Car!

The median monthly salaries and wages of graduates with full-time equivalent principal occupation was RM3,936 in 2018 compared with RM3,550 in 2017, according to the Statistics Department, reports
The Star
.

This got us thinking, those figures, though they seem slightly ambitious in our opinion – puts graduates in a rather comfortable position to own their first car.

Image credit:
www.pixabay.com

And as a rule of thumb, it is normally assumed that commercial banks will offer up a candidate (with good financial standing) a monthly instalment of up to one third of their monthly salary – that means a monthly instalment of circa RM1,300.

This as you might surmise, puts graduates within grasp of cars worth up to RM90,000, which means they can pick anything from a brand new Proton Saga to a Toyota Vios, and even a used BMW (F30) 3 Series, depending on the loan tenures and interest rates.

Any guesses for which of the three 90 percent of graduates will choose?

However, like anything in life, many other considerations – and costs – come along with the ownership of a car. Chief of which are fixed costs such as road tax, loan installments, insurance costs, and quite possibly the most important, the maintenance costs to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

The latter is quite possibly the toughest to account for given prices vary widely from car to car, even more so for used vehicles because there are more variables that need to be considered as a car gets older.

Image credit:
www.pixabay.com

Now we are not saying used cars are bad, it is just prospective buyers must be able to account for certain costs – such as premature component failures or major service costs – that might come along the way. On the plus side, buyers can find great condition cars at bargain prices and suffer less depreciation losses over the years of ownership – and that is no bad thing!

Other considerations include costs that come with vehicle usage, such as fuel, toll, and parking charges, these may vary from person to person.

Therefore, to keep things brief and informative – we thought we would compare a few examples and substantiate them with simple math to provide a clearer idea.

Key considerations we have to take into account:

To compare the ownership we have taken into account two common entry-level vehicles for first time car buyers and a more aspirational vehicle such as the Toyota Vios 1.5L.

It is assumed that for new cars: a 10 percent down payment, a loan tenure of 5 years.

In all cases, we have selected the cheapest automatic transmission variant for comparison.

We used RinggitPlus’ loan calculators prevailing interest rates for calculations of monthly instalments.

In all cases, for maintenance figures, we have taken into account only manufacturer mandatory service packages, therefore maintenance costs are likely higher if optional service items (such as the air cleaner, cabin filter, brake pads, and brake fluids) are taken into account.

*Listed vehicle variants, spec and prices as listed on the official website (18/12/19)

**Financing calculations based on prevailing Kuwait Financial House Ijarah-i (Islamic Hire Purchase interest rates) [
RinggitPlus - accessed 18/12/2019
].

***Insurance rates are based on capital insured sum given by manufacturers. The yearly reduction is solely based on NCD reduction only, sans reduction of overall insured value. Therefore final insurance sums are likely lower than those stated.

But, what about other running costs, such as fuel?

Calculating fuel costs can be a bit tougher for first-time car owners, and they can vary from car to car, and from drivetrain to drivetrain. Some cars are definitely more economical than others, hybrids and modern turbodiesels being the most efficient, but, in keeping with the current example, we'll only consider the naturally-aspirated petrol drivetrain, which is the most common type in the Malaysian market.

Now, there are many different ways to calculate fuel usage, and the final figure normally becomes more accurate once your typical drive routes are established and track records of petrol bills are there to confirm your fuelling pattern.

But in case you don't there is a rather good
agak-agak
 manner in which to estimate your fuel expenditure depending on your vehicle.

For normally-aspirated vehicles, it is best not to assume that manufacturer fuel economy figures can be replicated on a daily basis. Since manufacturers benchmark fuel economy figures under highly controlled conditions to evaluate the vehicle's intrinsic efficiency, they cannot account for driving styles, weather, laden weight, and traffic conditions that vary from driver to driver under real-world conditions.

However, you can still use the following numbers to guesstimate your monthly fuel usage:

For engines between 1.0L and 1.3L: 7.5 litres/100km

For engines between 1.3L and 1.6L: 8.5 litres/100km

For engines between 1.6L and 1.8L: 9.0 litres/100km

For engines between 1.8L and 2.0L: 9.5 litres/100km

Assumed figures are for majority of city driving. These figures normally drop by 10-15 percent when driving on the highway. These figures also typically increase depending on the age and condition of the vehicle.

Hence, we can now approximately account for monthly and annual fuel usage for cars such as the Perodua Myvi and Toyota Vios.

Assuming an annual mileage of 20,000km

Perodua Myvi/Proton Saga:
(7.5L/100km x 20,000km): 1,500 litres (for 12 months) @ RM2.08/litre: RM3,120/year

Monthly: RM260.00 (fuel cost per month)

Toyota Vios:
(8.5L/100km x 20,000km): 1,700 litres (for 12 months) @ RM2.08/litre: RM3,536/year

Monthly: RM294.70 (fuel cost per month)

With the final piece of the puzzle now accounted for, we can now approximate the monthly financial commitments a graduate will typically incur when buying and operating their first car.

Perodua Myvi: RM911.34 + RM260.00: RM1,171.34

Proton Saga: RM745.00 + RM260.00: RM1,005.00

Toyota Vios
: RM1,529.84 + RM294.70: RM1,824.54

To conclude, the purpose of this article was not to advocate buying one car over the other - all three vehicles listed here are excellent in their own respect - but rather to arm a first car buyer with the relevant knowledge they would require to make prudent financial decisions when it comes to their first ride.

Also, we hoped to inform that owning your brand new car involves a variety of other costs besides the monthly installments, which financial institutions cannot account for, and hence it is always best to fully evaluate the fixed and variable costs of owning a vehicle before putting down your signature on the dotted line.


2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid Luxury Previewed At Stop The Crash ASEAN 2016

UMW Toyota Motor has recently announced an upcoming update for the Toyota Camry. A unit of the range-topping Camry Hybrid Luxury variant is currently on display at the
Stop the Crash ASEAN 2016
 event happening at Sepang International Circuit on 29-30 November 2016.
A re-organized line-up sees the Camry Hybrid Luxury carrying on from where the
existing model
 currently resides; the Camry Hybrid Premium is added to the range as a more affordable option with some equipment removed.
Visually, the new Camry Hybrid Luxury can be differentiated from the existing variant by the less drastic colour scheme of its 17-inch alloy wheels. It is otherwise identical to the existing Camry Hybrid.
The 2.0-litre variants receive substantial upgrades, notably the well-overdue standardization of seven airbags and electronic stability control across the range. As before, the range starts with the 2.0E as the base model, whilst the 2.0G from before is now redesignated as the 2.0GX.
Engines are unchanged from before. Powering the 2.0-litre variants is the 6AR-FSE four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 167PS and 199Nm. Equipped with VVT-iW and dual injection, this is the most advanced 2.0-litre NA four-cylinder petrol engine in the market. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission
The Hybrid variants, on the other hand, derives a net system output of 205PS from the partnership between 2.5-litre 2AR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a 143PS/270Nm electric motor.
Key equipment levels of the four variants are summarized as follows:
Camry 2.0E
215/60 R16 tyres, 16-inch alloy wheels, spare steel wheel
HID projector headlamps
LED daytime running lights
Front & rear fog lamps
LED tail lights
Side mirror – hydrophilic, electric adjustment, power retractable, integrated signal lamps
Black fabric upholstery
Manual front seat adjustment
Keyless entry, engine start button
Audio: Tuner, CD player, MP3, USB, iPod connectivity
Digital video recorder - optional
Dual zone climate control, rear air-con vents
Steering-mounted controls – audio, multi-info display
Power windows – auto up/down all-round, anti-pinch driver side
Safety – ABS, EBD, 7 airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX
Camry 2.0GX
adds
:
215/55 R17 tyres, 17-inch alloy wheels and spare
Dark brown leather upholstery
Driver seat – 8-way electric adjustment with lumbar support
Passenger seat – 8-way electric adjustment, shoulder switch
2-DIN DVD player, 7-inch touchscreen, Reverse Camera
Sunshade – powered rear, manual rear side
Cruise control
Wireless charger
Chrome-finished air-con knobs, inside door lever, door scuff plate
Camry Hybrid Premium
 adds:
215/60 R16 tyres, 16-inch alloy wheels, spare steel wheel
LED projector headlamps
Black leather upholstery
Audio: Tuner, CD player, MP3, USB, iPod connectivity
No wireless charger
Digital video recorder – standard
Camry Hybrid Luxury
 adds:
215/55 R17 tyres, 17-inch alloy wheels and spare
Auto LED projector headlamps
Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert
Auto wipers
Passenger seat – 8-way electric adjustment, shoulder switch, collapsible headrest
Electrochromic rear view mirror
2-DIN DVD player, 7-inch touchscreen, Reverse Camera
Steering-mounted controls: audio, multi-info display, Bluetooth handsfree
Power windows – auto up/down all-round, anti-pinch all-round
Wireless charger
Nanoe ionizer
Open for booking since 17 Nov 2016
, the updated Toyota Camry is priced as follows (OTR with insurance for private registration, Peninsular Malaysia):
2.0E - RM152,900
2.0GX - RM159,900
Hybrid Premium - RM164,900
Hybrid Luxury - RM174,900
Launch date has yet to be confirmed.


Spyshots: Proton Ertiga MPV Caught Undergoing Further Testing

Whilst the spotlight shines on the
all-new Persona
 and soon to come the
all-new Saga
, things are far from letting up at Proton; its
joint-venture product with Suzuki
, the
Ertiga MPV
, is now also entering final stages of development.
A new round of spyshots have just been published by our friends at
Funtasticko
, who themselves received pictures of the new entry-level MPV undergoing testing along the ELITE Highway heading in the direction of KLIA.
Based on available specifications of its Suzuki donor vehicle, it is likely that the Ertiga will be powered by the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder VVT petrol engine as seen on the Swift. A 1.3-litre diesel is also available in India.
The advanced state of development of the Ertiga MPV means that Proton is on track to keep to its word of launching
four all-new models this year
, having already launched the
Perdana
 and Persona with the Saga to come later this week.


Renault Launches Sales Campaign For Captur Crossover – Rebates Of RM8,000

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia, has launched a new sales campaign for the Renault Captur urban crossover.
From now till 31st October 2016, customers who purchase the Renault Captur crossover will enjoy rebates of RM8,000 off the vehicle price of RM117,200 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration). TCEC is also offering free maintenance service for three years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first - applicable for units registered during the campaign period.
The Renault Captur is powered by the TCe 120 turbocharged engine that is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The Captur crossover is also claimed to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency, delivering 5.4L/100km on the combined NEDC cycle.
Inside, the Renault Captur offers two-toned seat covers with stylish stitching that are also removable for easy washing. Other practical features include reversible boot floors with carpeting on one side and plastic on the other, as well as the sliding and foldable bench seats, with 60:40 split folding for increased boot space.
The campaign, titled ‘Capture Life, Capture Style, Capture Deals’, is created to appeal to energetic and stylish urbanites who are looking to stand out from the crowd. The Captur comes with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.


Tamiya Masih Popular Di Malaysia? – Kereta Mini 4WD Jepun Yang Mencipta Fenomena

Hobi kreatif
kereta mini 4WD Tamiya
 telah mula berkembang di Malaysia sejak tahun 1994-1997. Pada waktu itu, populariti kereta mini berjenama Tamiya ini mula mencipta fenomena di negara ini apabila kartun Jepun, Dash! Yonkuro mula ditayangkan di Malaysia.

Dash! Yonkuro adalah kartun bersiri yang berdasarkan pada Tamiya Mini 4WD. Protagonis kartun ini, Yonkuro Hinomaru, dan rakan-rakannya, Dash Warriors, semuanya tergila-gila dengan Tamiya Mini 4WD. Cerita tersebut berkisahkan perjalanan mereka untuk ke puncak dan menyertai kejuaraan dengan prestasi terbaik Tamiya Mini 4WD mereka. Bagi mereka yang tidak tahu mengenai Dash! Yonkuro dan apa itu Tamiya Mini 4WD, artikel ini akan membantu anda memahami tentang kedua-duanya.

Tamiya Mini 4WD adalah kereta mini yang dihasilkan oleh Tamiya, sebuah syarikat Jepun. Ia adalah kereta mini paling terkenal di dunia, pertama kali dihasilkan pada tahun 1982. Kerana popularitinya, banyak syarikat di Amerika Syarikat, Singapura dan Rusia, telah menceburkan diri dalam idea kereta mini juga. Sehingga kini, terdapat pelbagai jenis Tamiya Mini 4WD yang boleh didapati di pasaran.

Antara model Tamiya Mini 4WD yang pernah muncul dalam kartun Dash! Yonkuro:

1. Dash-1 Emperor (model 18012)

2. Dash-2 Burning Sun (model 18015)

3. Dash-3 Shooting Star (model 18019)

4. Dash-4 Cannonball (model 18023)

5. Rising Bird (model 18017)

Selain menonjolkan perlumbaan Tamiya, sesi tune-up serta casis pertama Tamiya juga ditampilkan dalam kartun ini. Ini menggalakkan lebih ramai belia pada waktu itu untuk menceburi hobi kreatif ini. Kereta Tamiya ini juga mempunyai jenis casis berbeza yang menawarkan kelebihan masing-masing.

Jenis Casis Tamiya

1. Casis MA

2. Casis MS

3. Casis Super-II

4. Casis AR

*Kredit foto: Tamiya Project

Populariti kartun serta kereta mini Tamiya semakin meningkat dan menyebabkan ledakan pelbagai kejohanan lumba kereta Tamiya Mini 4WD di serata dunia. Kini, perlumbaan Tamiya bukan lagi hanya sekadar mengenai kelajuan kereta. Ia lebih berfokuskan
tuning
 kereta mini tersebut supaya ia lebih hebat dari seluruh aspek seperti kelajuan dan keseimbangan kerana keupayaan kereta tidak bergantung pada pemandu, tetapi bergantung pada kereta tersebut yang bergerak dengan sendiri.

Bagi mendalami hobi ini, penggemar Tamiya bertindak selaku jurutera yang
mengubahsuai
 serta menambahbaik model kereta mini masing-masing agar mencapai spesifikasi yang dimahukan. Secara tidak langsung, ia bukan sahaja menambah ilmu permotoran seseorang, malah ia turut memberi kepuasan kepada mereka.

Persoalannya, adakah hobi mengumpul serta berlumba Tamiya Mini 4WD ini masih wujud di Malaysia? Meskipun zamannya sudah bertahun-tahun berlalu, namun ternyata masih terdapat sekelompok peminat yang masih mengekalkan sukan kereta mini 4WD ini sebagai hobi mereka.

Sebagai contoh, Tamiya Project yang berpangkalan di Seremban telah menghasilkan ramai pelumba muda Tamiya Mini 4WD. Mereka turut menyediakan litar khas sebagai tempat berlatih selain menganjurkan perlumbaan mingguan, bulanan serta tahunan di kedainya serta di luar. Aktiviti sihat ini dapat membantu para belia mengisi masa lapang dengan perkara berfaedah.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Selain itu, hobi ini juga pernah dibawa ke Putrajaya semasa Hari Belia 2017 di mana
Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS)
 menganjurkan perlumbaan Youth Tamiya yang menyaksikan seramai 100 belia mengambil bahagian dalam dua kategori dipertandingkan iaitu semi attack dan time attack. Di fahamkan, penganjur menerima lebih banyak penyertaan pada ketika itu namun ekoran kekangan masa, hanya 100 penyertaan dibenarkan.

Pada tahun 2019 pula, sukan kereta lumba Tamiya Mini 4WD masih lagi tersenarai sebagai aktiviti yang dianjurkan di Festival Gerakan Belia Kelantan (Gegar). Pada tahun lalu pula, Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negeri Sarawak telah menganjurkan Showcase Belia sempena Sambutan Hari Belia Peringkat Negeri Sarawak 2020 yang menampilkan pameran Tamiya untuk dipertontonkan pada umum. Ini menunjukkan bahawa golongan yang masih memperjuangkan Tamiya Mini 4WD sebagai hobi masih wujud dalam kalangan kita.

Namun tidak dinafikan, pandemik yang sedang melanda negara dan dunia ini sedikit sebanyak telah membantutkan banyak aktiviti-aktiviti kedai serta kelab-kelab Tamiya di seluruh negara. Dengan pelaksanaan
PKP dan Lockdown
, kebanyakan kedai Tamiya terkesan dan ada yang terpaksa gulung tikar. Malah, salah satu kedai Tamiya yang popular di Malaysia, Tamiya Underground telah mengumumkan penutupan kedainya di 1 Utama pada Mac 2020 meskipun sudah 15 tahun beroperasi. Kedai ini banyak membawakan perlumbaan Tamiya bertaraf Asia dan Dunia. Walau bagaimanapun, mereka berkata kedai tersebut akan membuat kemunculan semula dalam versi atas talian bagi memudahkan pembeli untuk
mendapatkan stok alat ganti
 dan sebagainya.

Diharapkan negara ini bakal pulih dari wabak COVID-19 supaya sukan permotoran seperti ini dapat berkembang dengan lebih baik lagi agar ia tidak mati ditelan zaman dan kembali mencipta fenomena dalam kalangan belia di negara ini.

*Kredit foto: Tamiya Blog

Secara jujurnya, adakah anda tergolong sebagai salah seorang daripada peminat tegar Tamiya Mini 4WD di negara ini? Jika benar, kongsikan dengan kami apa yang membuatkan anda betul-betul tertarik dengan Tamiya Mini 4WD ini.


Volkswagen Will Provide Its EV Platform To The Competition

Elon Musk does not have a monopoly on feel-good news when it comes to electric vehicles. Volkswagen has just announced that they will allow their competition to use their EV (electric vehicle) platform,
as quoted by German newspaper Taggesspiel
. They are hoping that their MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) platform becomes the standard by which a number of manufacturers use, rather than just Volkswagen themselves.
Right now there are ongoing talks with Ford regarding the terms of a wide-ranging partnership, and the fact that Ford is severely lacking in the compact car end of the development spectrum could mean they would benefit greatly from the MEB platform sharing. But there's another advantage to teaming up and that's the simple matter of economies of scale. With electric vehicles there is far less to differentiate vehicles beyond styling, and with that in mind a one-platform-suits-all approach would work kind of well.
If more manufacturers get on board, it may mean that everyone gets a cheaper platform to work with and those savings transfer down to the end user as well. Volkswagen is currently investing 1.2 billion Euros (RM 5.5 billion) in their Zwickau plant to build up to 330,000 MEB-based vehicles annually, including vehicles from group brands such as Audi and Seat. By 2025, the goal is to have 50 battery-powered models across its 12 brands, built in 8 factories around the world. The first of these models is the I.D. hatchback that's slated for sale in Europe by the end of 2019.


Exhaust Systems - Everything You Need To Know

Every engine requires an exhaust system, but not all systems are made equal and there's a great deal of variety when it comes to the design and engineering involved - whether that's from factory or aftermarket.

We've covered how an
engine works
 in the past, but we've never really explained what happens after the engine burns all that fuel. With a rudimentary understanding, you would know that those gasses end up travelling out through the exhaust pipe that (usually) leads to the back of your car - but the journey is long and complex.

Even between different cars and engines, exhaust systems can be largely different depending on the goal and purpose, as well the function. The exhaust system in a
Ferrari 458
 is nowhere near the same as what you would find on a
Perodua Myvi
, and yet there are going to be common elements as well. Let's break it down from tip to tail.

Extractor

Sometimes known as exhaust headers or collectors, the extractor is the first point of contact for exhaust gasses on their way out of the engine. Headers will have pipes that connect to each individual cylinder's exhaust ports and will consolidate them as they head down the exhaust system.

How the gasses are consolidated and merged can be very different as well. For a naturally aspirated engine, some manufacturers will opt for having all of the ports merge simultaneously - known as a 3-into-1, 4-into-1, 5-into-1 and so on, with the first number indicating the number of cylinders.

Some will opt to merge cylinders in a way that promotes exhaust scavenging and massive gains in mid-range torque, and this staggered merging can result in more intricate designs. Careful calculation and engineering, with tuning for the different lengths and diameters of the piping, can produce truly impressive results.

And then there are some extractors that are ridiculously simple, though not uncommon in both factory and aftermarket applications. Known as log manifolds, they are quite literally a pipe that connects all cylinders (or all cylinders on one bank of cylinders) and usually are made to feed a turbocharger of some description. These simple designs are usually known to promote faster turbocharger response at the expense of peak power - and manufacturers go so far as to integrate it into the head casting for more modern engines.

You may also see this design of extractor on naturally-aspirated cars for packaging reasons, as it can heat up a catalytic converter very quickly by positioning it as close to the engine as possible. Emissions regulations usually drive these engineering choices, and going aftermarket will see fairly substantial gains over a compromised factory setup.

Downpipe

Something that applies more specifically to turbocharged engines, the downpipe is essentially what comes out of a turbocharger and connects to the rest of the exhaust pipe. With a turbocharged engine, the turbocharger sits between the extractor and the rest of the exhaust pipe, so a downpipe is literally as the name describes. Sizing and design does have an impact as well, though that's a more technical subject.

Catalytic Converters

Perhaps the biggest contributing factor to reducing car emissions, catalytic converters have become an integral part of a car's exhaust systems in order to clean the air that comes out the back of your car. Some cars have small ones, some have large ones, some even run two or three - but they all perform the same function. Ultimately they do restrict flow so you could go with a larger high-flow version that is available aftermarket - or remove it entirely, but you'd be doing the environment an injustice.

Resonators

Some call them bullets, some call them tabungs - a resonator is a much smaller section of pipe that runs a perforated inner core, sitting somewhere along your exhaust system. It doesn't do so much to muffle noise as it does to help cancel some less pleasant frequencies, which you can attenuate by the size and shape of these resonators. Some cars position the resonators much further back in the exhaust system or even combine them with your muffler - if you've ever heard a
loud
, droney exhaust noise from a passing car there's a high chance it no longer has a resonator.

Cross Pipe

An item that exists only on V and flat shaped engines, a cross pipe helps to connect the exhaust flows from the left and right backs of the engine - provided that they have separate exhaust pipe setups running from the engine bay to the rear. The function of these pipes is to help promote scavenging for the engine to draw in more air - much like staggered extractor merges.

Muffler

Sitting right at the end of your exhaust system is usually an exhaust muffler, which as the name suggests is designed to reduce the volume of the exhaust noise coming from your car. There are different kinds of mufflers with different internal shapes that trade-off the ability to deaden noise with overall exhaust flow, but they all aim to reduce noise. Much like resonators, the shape and design can also change the tone of the exhaust noise, some providing more bass and some with a higher pitched note.

And there you have it - the names of the various components you will find in your exhaust system. We have intentionally glossed over the technical details and the various myths you will find because this article would simply keep going on and on if we did - but we can always do a deeper dive another day.


The A-Class Sedan, MBUX, and Mercedes Me

It was only a couple of years ago that a Swedish luxury carmaker wowed the world by entirely redefining what an in car infotainment system could be. Only a couple of years before that, even top tier luxury cars were still using regular old instrument clusters with built in analogue gauges, and touch screens that were still tacky and poorly executed.

When we look back at all of these iterations of car interior design, they may seem fairly out of date and a little tacky – but that is the nature of infotainment systems and interiors. Carmakers have had the additional hassle of ensuring that modern cars aesthetically and functionally match smart devices that quite nearly everyone has – let alone make sure that these systems are capable of connectivity in a variety of ways.

What is currently stealing the spotlight is MBUX – or, the Mercedes-Benz User eXperience in its long form. We’ve raved about it since its introduction in the A-Class, and it has slowly found its way into every Mercedes-Benz model as they undergo mid-life refreshes or full on model changes. The award winning system turns infotainment on its head, and makes it the very centrepiece of the driving experience.

Truth be told, we haven’t had much time to actually explore the system in depth and understand it – always more in awe of the looks rather than the way the system works. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia organized a short trip down south to sample their A-Class sedan range, as well as to thoroughly go through the MBUX system and even the Mercedes Me app on a select few cars.

To dispense with the more traditional part of the review, let’s take a look at the A-Class sedan. It’s exactly as the name suggests – an A-Class, but with a boot. The previous generation A-Class only offered the CLA as its sole four-door option if you wanted a larger boot, and of course the downside to this is that the CLA has a fairly tapered roofline that crushes the heads of rear passengers.

It makes sense that the A-Class sedan will be the darling of the range, because it will comfortably seat rear passengers and has a generous boot. Malaysians are dear to sedans for reasons beyond our understanding (wagons are still the best choice, but we digress), and a proper sedan variant for the A-Class offers a good entry point for those wanting a three pointed star in their garage.

Powertrain options follow that of the A-Class hatchback as well, with the A 200 sedan and A 250 sedan performing as you would expect. There was also an A 35 AMG, but we didn’t have any seat time with it as you would expect it to be in high demand. Performance for the A 200 and A 250 sedans are adequate for pottering around an urban environment, but the A 250 has the better top-end grunt for when you’re heading down the highway. That being said, the three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the A 200 is far from unrefined.

Only a few of the cars were equipped to work with the Mercedes Me app, and to be fair it is fairly limited in its functionality but as is the way with apps and software, you can expect development to take place fairly rapidly. It’s possible to remotely start and stop your car over cellular networks, as well as monitor other vital signs and even check on service intervals.

What we were really looking forward to was some intimacy with the MBUX. Without the threat of being rushed through our paces to test a car, it gave us more time to really take the system in. Its wide spread across the dashboard in a dual-screen setup somehow blends a utilitarian item with a flowing dashboard – and it doesn’t look an inch out of place.

Controlling the MBUX can be done in a variety of ways, including voice control, but as our mild accents can sometimes be our own worst enemy, the way we found best to control it was through the traditional touchpad and some cleverly integrated steering wheel switches. The touchpad feels natural to use as you swipe through the menus and across the icons, although using the touchscreen itself is best done when you’re not moving.

The steering wheel switches are the party piece, in a way. If you are old enough to remember Blackberry smart devices towards the end of their reign, the little tracker pad-esque square was the main way to get through the menus in addition to the large physical keyboard. That same little tracker nub is used to control the MBUX via the steering wheel: one on the left for the left screen, and one on the right for the instrument cluster.

It takes just a couple of minutes before the gestures become fairly intuitive. You can configure the screens in a variety of ways, whether you wish to have media info sit between your speedometer and tachometer, or if you would prefer navigation to occupy that same space. Before you know it, you’ll have fallen for the charm of such a well thought out system, and you’ll wonder if you can go back to a more traditional layout.

But as always, it is a lot harder to explain it than for you to experience it for yourself – it’s in the name, after all. There’s a beauty and simplicity to the system that makes it feel like it's ahead of its time, and yet before you know it, the next big thing in vehicle infotainment will hit the market. For now though, we would happily take the MBUX – we even ranked it as the best user interface of 2019.


2017 Mazda 2 Facelift Introduced For Thai Market – Now With G-Vectoring Control

The Mazda 2, B-Segment hatchback has received it mid-life update for the Thai market, cosmetic changes are minimal, however, the new Mazda 2 now receives the G-Vectoring Control system and better allocation of features across the range.
At the front, the fasciae are largely the same, except for the fog lamp covers which add chrome accents. Otherwise, the outlook from the front and sides are largely the same. The same goes for the rear end of the hatchback or saloon.

On the inside, the facelifted car is finished in a new trim colour on the dashboard and door panels. The air-conditioning vents also visibly have copper coloured accents now.
The two engine choices remain the same; a ‘Skyactiv-G’ 1.3-litre petrol inline four outputting 93hp and 123Nm of torque and Skyactiv-D 1.5-litre diesel engine, which produces 105hp and 250Nm of torque.
The main highlight, however, is the addition of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control which is a software that detects steering angle and carefully modulates engine torque between the driven wheels to improve turn-in response and off-centre balance.
The system took eight years of development, and for the Thai market, the Mazda 2 is the second model, after the
Mazda 3
 to receive the technology update.
Separately,
Bangkok Post reports
, that the facelifted diesel engines have been improved to reduce turbo lag and be quieter at cruising speeds now.
Safety features such as dual front airbags and traction and stability control systems are standard across the range. However, Bangkok Post also reports that Mazda Thailand are trying to narrow the equipment gap between the diesel and petrol models, hence some variants will receive the rear parking camera, cruise control, and paddle shifters.
The top of the range petrol and diesel models – namely the 1.3 Sports High Plus and XD Sports High Plus L, for both the hatchback and sedan models receive an upgraded Heads-Up Display (HUD).