Upcoming Land Rover Defender Prototypes Clock 1.2 Million Kilometres, Now Heading To Kenya

With every new generation of a model, an automotive brand risks alienating their existing loyal customers in favour of attracting a new kind of customer. It's a difficult balance, and with a model that has as a history as long and as storied as the Defender, it certainly has a lot of weight on its shoulders.
That being said, Land Rover is still ensuring that the up and coming all-new Defender will be able to take all the necessary punishments in order to make it worthy of the namesake. The design is radically different from before, blending in better with the current Land Rover line-up.
Collectively, the Defender prototype fleet has clocked over 1.2 million kilometres - and just in time for World Land Rover Day as well. 71 years of traversing treacherous terrain was celebrated just over a week ago, since the debut of Land Rover back in 1948. By the time the engineers sign off on this upcoming model, it will have completed over 45,000 specific tests across the most punishing terrains on the planet.
Next up for the Defender prototype fleet is Kenya, more specifically an area known as the Borana Conservancy. Through the 14,000 hectare nature reserve, the Defender prototypes will be used by the Tusk Trust to carry supplies and perform real-world tasks - a charity service in a way. It's just the latest way in which Land Rover is working with the Tusk Trust, as they have been doing for the past 15 years.
For the best deals on Land Rovers, click
here
.


Mitsubishi Plans Renewed Focus On Sedans, New Lancer?

Car and Driver spoke with
Mitsubishi
 Motors North America executive vice president Don Swearingen about this topic in particular and he alluded that brand is ready to direct its attention to sedans.
First on the roster would be a new four-door version of the
Mirage
 subcompact hatch, known in some markets, like Malaysia, by a different name:
Attrage
. That’s due to for a January 2016 unveiling, Swearingen told. He did not, however, disclosed whether or not it will take after Mirage’s visual refresh that’s due out around that same period.
At least in North America, the sedan variant of the
Nissan
 Versa (
Latio
) comprises of at least two thirds of the model sales, further prompting Mitsubishi to consider a renewed focus on that body style to compete with its Japanese rival.
As for the Mitsubishi
Lancer
’s replacement, there are plans to introduce a successor although the automaker is looking to shoulder its development with a partner. Swearingen told WardsAuto, “We are talking with a potential partner at this time, (but) at the same time we’re doing an internal design of the vehicle,” during a preview for the 2016 Mitsubishi
Outlander
.
He continued, ““We’re running parallel because we cannot wait any longer to see if a partnership will work out. If it falls through then we’re another year behind.”
The earliest that a new Lancer could make an appearance would be in the region of 18 months, leaving Mitsubishi to sell its current Lancer that it introduced in 2007 for some while longer.
Swearingen also dashed any speculation of a revival of a new
Galant
 to WardsAuto, stating “due to some unfavorable math,” Mitsubishi would not be pursuing that avenue.


Your Photos Can Help The JPJ Catch Traffic Offenders

The Road Transport Department (
JPJ
) is calling upon the public to help curb the problem of motorists abusing the emergency lane or committing any other traffic offences.
Members of the public can channel their complaints along with any photographic proof of these errant motorists “in action” to the JPJ’s official e-mail address at
aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my
. This includes photos posted on social media which shows the traffic offence being committed.
When submitting the complaint and photos of the offence taking place, do include a few additional details including the date, time of the offence, registration plate of the vehicle, and the type of offence committed (
abusing the emergency lane
, etc).
After the complaint has been received, the JPJ will begin investigations by first issuing Notice 114, which is a questioning order, to the vehicle owner so that a statement can be made relating to the offence committed. If found guilty, Notice P22, which is a summons notice, will be issued towards the vehicle owner.
So, if you had enough of errant motorists on the roads around you, do your part and report them directly to the JPJ.
Drivers, do remember to avoid attempting this yourselves, whilst driving. Fiddling with your mobile devices while driving isn't smart. If you have a dash-cam, by all means, let it record, submit it later. Else, please use a passenger to do this. Even still, do try to be discreet about it. No point angering other motorist by shoving a camera in their faces.


Review: 2015 Mazda MX-5 ND – Forget Therapy

There are two groups of drivers – the ones who need 400 hp, and the ones who don’t. If you are aligned with the former, then look away because this little RM220k-plus roadster with just 160 PS might sound preposterous to you. After all, the same money buys either a 220 PS Volkswagen Golf GTI or a 268 PS Renault Megane RS.
But if you are one of those who understand the appeal of a Lotus Elise or a Toyota 86, then read on.
Specifications for Mazda MX-5
Engine: 2.0-litre longitudinal four-cylinder DOHC
Price: RM226,376 (including insurance)
Power: 160 PS at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Safety: 4 airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic braking force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (BA), electronic stability and traction control (DSC and TCS)
Origin: Fully-imported from Japan
Overview
The fourth generation of the world’s best-selling roadster, the ND-generation MX-5 don’t need much introduction. In the past, you could only buy one via parallel importers but Bermaz Motor now sells it for RM226,376 (including insurance). Only one variant is available – the 2.0-litre model with a 6-speed automatic.
Forget what you read in the foreign press about the MX-5 being a working class hero. Within Malaysia’s opaque tax structure, the fully imported MX-5 is an indulgence for the privileged.
Its closest competitor is the 200 PS
Toyota 86
 – imported by UMW Toyota Motor on a special order basis only, priced north of RM230,000 (price on application only), that or you go to a parallel importer.
Comparisons with the
Renault Megane RS
 and
Volkswagen Golf GTI
 are inevitable but those two front-wheel drive hot hatches follow a very different design philosophy.
The 2-litre SkyActiv-G engine is similar the one used in other Mazda models, but has been modified slightly for rear-wheel drive application.
With just a mere 160 PS on tap from a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, the MX-5 is not going to win any races.
So why is it that so many enthusiasts sing praises about the MX-5?
CarThrottle’s Alex Kirsten loved it to bits, our ex-colleague and ex-Evo editor Daniel Wong, who has since moved to Australia, genuinely thinks his NA-generation MX-5 is the best car in the world. Even Koenigsegg’s test driver Robert Serwanski has one, famously using it to hunt down a much more powerful 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS on the Nurburgring (below). Do they know something that we don’t?
Exterior
At a glance, the MX-5 looks tiny but its footprint area is actually bigger than a Perodua Myvi’s – with the MX-5 being 220 mm longer and 70 mm wider.
While previous MX-5 models looked a bit too feminine, this ND-generation model is a bit masculine without alienating female fans.
The manually operated soft-top is one of the best on the market. It’s a lightweight, user friendly solution that does away with heavy electric motors, and can be operated with only one hand, on the move at slow speeds, and folds much faster than any electric folding soft-top. It’s so simple that it makes you wonder why there is a need for power-folding soft-tops.
Interior
Weighing just 1,080 kg, the MX-5 is a very lean car (it’s nearly 80 kg lighter than the previous NC-generation model) and it demands the same level of fitness from its driver too - the recommended weight for the driver is 75 kg.
Climbing inside the MX-5, my 90 kg friend had trouble finding a right seating position as the steering wheel only adjusts vertically, with no telescopic function. Taller individuals might also find themselves sitting too close to the fabric roof.
For me, the seating position is just perfect. You sit low, with your legs stretched out straight into the foot well, with your heels perfectly aligned to feather the floor-hinged throttle. The steering wheel is perfectly upright, with its centre of rotation aimed at the centre of your chest.
It’s almost like sitting in a junior Formula series race car.
The handbrake lever is high and near enough for a quick yank to initiate a slide.
Another clever design detail are the painted inner door panels, which makes you feel like you are part of the car, rather than just sitting in it.
Like any recent Mazda models, the MX-5’s interior rivals many entry-level premium models. It’s not quite on the same level as
the Mazda CX-3
, but impressive enough considering that this is a lightweight roadster.
How does it drive?
‘Jinba Ittai’ is Mazda’s highly concentrated mix of Zoom-Zoom – loosely translated as ‘harmony between horse and rider’ and the MX-5 is Mazda’s ultimate expression of Jinba Ittai.
It doesn’t matter if you are just driving to the shops or carving your way up the dragon’s tail tarmac of Fraser’s, nothing else on the market compares to the way the MX-5 drives.
The steering is electrically assisted but feels perfectly natural – sharp and communicative. Every measured input is instantaneously felt in your hips.
Until you drive an MX-5, you will never fully understand the meaning of steering with the throttle and feeling the car with your bum. Yes, you do get that same feeling in many other sports cars, but none of them are as honest as the Mazda.
In many other sports cars, the car is far more talented than you are, using complex electronics to massage your ego, telling you half-truths about you being a better driver than you actually are.
The MX-5 is refreshingly honest and you are your own master. You and you alone determine what the car is going to do, no fancy driving aids.
In many other sports cars, you sit very close to the centre of gravity. In the MX-5, your bum is the centre of gravity. So it doesn’t matter whether you are taking a corner at a leisurely 30 km/h or accelerating out of an apex at 130 km/h. You feel every movement of the car, it pitches and rolls around you. You are the centre of the MX-5’s universe.
Forget therapy or anti-depressants. What you need a good dose of Joy administered through your butt. The drug is a pharmaceutical concoction created by the action of sucking, squeezing, banging, and blowing petrol, oxygen and spark. When the resulting g-forces transmit up your spine to your brain’s pleasure centre, Joy happens.
When Joy happens, you don’t care how much faster the guys in their Golf GTIs or Megane RSes are going. You might even find yourself taking a ridiculously long route to get to your destination, intentionally making multiple wrong turns.
This is a car that makes you want to reach your destination later, just so you can spend a little more time in it. It’s like sex, you don’t want a sprint, you want to take your time and soak up every little bit of the experience, topless.
Push the car harder and the MX-5 gives out a nice, raspy roar. With the top down, and you sitting so close to the road, it fools into thinking that you are going much faster than you actually are, which is a good thing in a car like this. What matters is not what the speedometer or the stopwatch says, but how the car makes you feel.
The 6-speed automatic transmission looks curiously similar to the one used in the Toyota 86. Both are Aisin-sourced units but we cannot confirm if they are exactly the same. Purists might prefer to have a 6-speed manual option, and we can understand why, but objectively, there is little to fault with the automatic.
Shifts are quick and executed at the right rev range. In Sport mode, there were very little occasions when I had to use the paddle shifters, which says a lot about how intelligent the transmission is.
It even obliges well when you want to coax the tail to slide out a little, which was surprisingly easy to do even when shod with grippy Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres.
Pitch it into a corner, the front-end dips and rolls quite a lot, which is exactly what you want in a user-friendly roadster. It’s a refreshing change from the recent crop of hard-riding ‘Nurburgring-inspired’ performance cars. The soft but well damped suspension makes it easy to change that car’s attitude by shifting weight balance front-rear, all while maintaining a very instinctive feel of what the car is doing.
How comfortable is it?
Being a fabric soft-top, one would naturally expect the cabin to be very noisy even with the top up. The cabin remained quiet enough for conversations even at speeds of up to 140 km/h. It’s still noisier than an equivalent coupe but you don’t need to raise your voice to be heard.
Just be careful of bird droppings though, because scrubbing the top is delicate work.
You would naturally expect roadsters to have a very harsh ride, but the MX-5’s ride quality isn’t that different from many regular Mazdas – firm but still pliant enough.
The Bose audio system however, is quite poor. There are a pair of speakers integrated into the seat’s headrest but you wouldn’t want to listen to your favourite tunes through them. Anyway, why would you want to listen to the radio when there is such a sweet soundtrack coming from the engine? Speakers add weight, and weight is a kill-joy. So good move Mazda.
There is a small utility box between the front seats, and it also doubles as a pair of cup holders. The glovebox and boot is hopelessly small so pack light.
How economical is it?
It doesn’t consume any more fuel than a regular Mazda 2. Fuel consumption averaged between a very efficient 6.6- and 6.7-litres/100 km, even after a quick run up Genting Highlands and back.
Like all Mazda models bar the BT-50, the MX-5 comes with a 3-year free maintenance package that covers for both parts and labour.
Conclusion
The MX-5 might be the world’s best-selling roadster, but it’s not for everybody, especially in Malaysia where we have more highways than twisty Alpine roads. For most people, a grand tourer or a hot hatch with a boot space large enough for a weekend getaway might be a better choice but those cars can never deliver the same emotional drive as the MX-5.
The MX-5 is one of those cars that every petrolhead must experience at least once in their life. It might not be the car for you, but the experience will tell you what you are missing out from other more powerful cars.
For the select few who appreciate the values expounded by the MX-5, it is the best car on sale today.


Honda To Start Production of VTEC Turbo Engines In Thailand

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has announced that it will begin production of both 1.8-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engines for the upcoming all-new tenth generation Honda Civic at its new plant in Prachinburi, which was completed last October 2015.
The new engine production line is the second production line at the plant, and will manufacture engine components, including cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, connecting rods, and crankshafts
The all-new Honda Civic will also be produced at the Prachinburi plant, which Honda says is one of the most technologically advanced and most eco-friendly automobile assembly plants of Honda in the Asia and Oceania region.
The Prachinburi plant is Honda’s second plant in Thailand after Ayutthaya.
Complete assembly car production (of the Civic) is scheduled to start full operation within this March.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “The new Prachinburi plant is a key move taken by Honda to expand our automobile production in Thailand with an aim to be a strategic export hub for the world. A new Prachinburi plant will support our manufacturing and export operations currently done by the Thai production base in Ayutthaya to meet a growing customers' demands worldwide in the future. The start of the Prachinburi plant and the Civic production kick-off will mark a milestone of Honda’s operation in Thailand.”
More on the all-new 2016 Honda Civic
here
.


PROTON Sales Numbers Up Again for April 2021 - Three Months In A Row Now!

PROTON has continued its blistering start to Q1 2021 by carrying that momentum into the month of April. 15,017 units (domestic + export) of Proton vehicles were sold in April 2021, an increase of 0.18% over
March 2021
 (14,989 vehicles) representing an estimated market share of 26.7%.

The above results further strengthen PROTON's hold on the second position in the sales rankings with a market share estimated to be at 24.4% for 2021 with overall volume of 47,843 units for the first four months of 2021.

The above table shows the individual performance of each PROTON model with the Proton Saga returning to the top of the charts with 5,472 units sold in April which is lower than the 5,589 units of the Saga that was sold in March 2021.

Deliveries for the Proton X50 continue to ramp up with PROTON delivering 3,583 units of the X50 in April 2021 after a strong 3,513 units that were delivered in March 2021. The Proton X70 continues to be a strong SUV for PROTON with a further 2,101 units delivered in April 2021. PROTON is aware of
the complaints
 regarding the long wait for spare parts and is addressing the issue even though it will take time to be resolved.

The three remaining models for PROTON have had their best months to date with the
Persona
 coming in second with 2,201 units in the B-segment sedan market. If you happen to be in the market for a B-segment sedan, then this
comparison video
 is for you.

The Exora leads the C-segment MPV with 616 units delivered in April 2021. The
Proton Iriz
 also performed well on the back of the launch of the Iriz R3 Limited Edition.

“April was a good month for the automotive industry and aside from PROTON, several other brands also had their best month of the year so far. TIV is estimated to be over 56,000 units as all brands are trying to fulfill sales orders before the expiry of PENJANA sales tax incentives at the end of June.

“For PROTON, we are continuing with efforts to meet the strong demand for our products while maintaining a high level of product quality. At the same time, we are focussing on improving customer service and addressing issues related to spare parts availability, which is vital as our sales volume increases. We estimate the situation will see significant improvement as the year progresses but we are working hard to move up that timeline,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.


2015 Renault Captur SUV Previewed In Malaysia: RM118k to RM123k Estimated

Available for your viewing at the Bangsar Shopping Centre from today until the 2
nd
 of August, here is the 2015
Renault

Captur
: a compact SUV framed like a
Honda

HR-V
, albeit one that hails from Europe.
As we understand it, TC Euro Cars, the official distributors of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, aren’t officially launching the vehicle yet, with this event simply being a preview of their fifth model in the brand’s local range.
A launch is expected sometime in the fourth-quarter of the year, with estimated prices listed from
RM118k to RM123k.
Like the Honda HR-V and Ford EcoSport types, the Renault Captur is a B-segment compact SUV, which utilises the underpinnings of a B-segment hatchback: here, you’ll find the makings of a Renault Clio underneath this SUV’s body, which also features higher ground clearance.
The Captur is Renault’s first attempt at such a compact SUV, and measures in only marginally larger than a Clio. Its styling is remarkably similar as well, and so to do powertrain arrangements align themselves in such fashion (bearing in mind however that the only Clio sold in Malaysia is the track-ready, 200hp R.S 200 version).
Remember, this is only a preview, so all information provided can be assumed as the maximum offering of the local-spec Renault Captur line-up. Should lower-spec variants appear (most likely, check out the gallery below to spot them) their exact specifications and kit may differ.
KEY SPECS:
Engine: TCe 120 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 120 hp @ 4,900rpm
Torque: 190Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel consumption: 5.4-litres/100km (claimed)
Exterior Highlights:
On the outside, the Captur’s dimensions add up to 4.12m long, 1.77m wide and 1.57m tall, with a ground clearance of 200mm for those who family a little bit of off-road activity.
The front-grille is in line with Renault’s latest design language, not unfamiliar to the Clio hatch, while the lower bumper is unique to this SUV, with a few toughening underbody scuff bits on the front, side and rear. Projector headlamps are feature here, so to LED rear taillights.
The wheels are 17-inch alloys of a spinning twin-blade effect.
Interior Design:
Inside, passengers are set to benefit from a rather unique French affair interior: styling like you won’t get from your everyday Japanese equivalent model, with lots of flair left to boast.
The dashboard is equipped with Renault’s 7.0-inch R-Link touchscreen display, navigation and infotainment system, which appears as a large tablet-like thing mounted to the dash, integrating the air-conditioning controls as well.
The three-spoke steering wheel is equipped with thumb-friendly audio control buttons, while the instrument panel is a two semi-circle binnacle arrangement that integrates an LED speedo display in the middle.
What many photos may not show you at first glance is the Captur’s unique glove compartment, which unlike most, slides outwards in a drawer’s fashion, rather than unhinge itself downwards. The compartment is able to accommodate several 1.5-litre drinks bottles.
Other interior features and equipment include a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start button.
Cargo Space:
The Renault Captur is said to feature a removable, multi-position boot floor, which is also reversible (carpet on one side, plastic on the other). The clever space-efficient and flexible boot area offers up to 455 litres of usable space (377 litres with the boot floor). Even more cargo area is possible, courtesy of the 60:40 split-folding rear seat backrest.
Speaking of which, the rear seat bench can also be slid forwards and backwards by up to 160mm.
Safety Features:
Featuring a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the Captur only has four airbags to offer, unlike many of its peers which have a top-spec model offering six (HR-V, for example). Globally, the Captur doesn't offer curtain airbags, putting up instead dual frontal and dual head/thorax side airbags for its front passengers - rear passengers are left without the protection.
It does come equipped with several active safety features, on the other hand. Electronic Stability Control with Roll Movement Intervention (prevent excessive body roll by braking), Hill-Start Assist and ABS and Emergency Brake Assist has been mentioned, on top of the latest-gen ESC traction control feature. The Captur will offer a maximum of four airbags only. Why not six?
Powertrain:
For Malaysia, TC Euro Cars has seen fit to introduce the single TCe 120 (Turbo Control Efficiency) EDC variant here, which features a 120hp, 190Nm of torque 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with its popular six-speed electronic dual-clutch (EDC) automatic transmission. Claimed consumption figures for the local Captur is listed at 5.4-litres/100km.
In their press materials, it’s claimed that performance of the turbo 1.2-litre engine is sufficient to match ‘conventional’ 1.8-litre natural-aspirated engines. The Honda HR-V, a similar vehicle with such a comparable powertrain, does develop 22hp more, but 18Nm of torque less than the Captur.
Buyer’s Guide:
As mentioned, the 2015 Renault Captur is up for your viewing at the on-going Renault road show taking place at the Bangsar Shopping Centre, from today until the 2
nd
 of August (Sunday). So do head on over to form your own conclusions about the vehicle, and possible place a booking.
Using the Honda HR-V as an example, yes, you could say that this is a prime competitor of the car, but do remember that it is a fully-imported model (CBU), with loads of European flair.
Up to four two-tone body colours will be available, ranging from Arizona Orange/ Diamond Black, Pacific Blue/ Ivory, Beige/ Diamond Black, and Ivory/ Diamond Black.
Like all other Renault passenger vehicles in Malaysia, the Renault Captur will be offered with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
On-going road shows:
With the Bangsar Shopping Centre being the first venue for the Renault road show (Now to 2 August), interested buyers may also head on over to these following locations to catch the all-new Renault Captur:
6 – 9 August: Renault PJ, Renault Glenmarie, Renault Puchong
10 – 16 August: Renault Setia Alam, Renault Setapak, Renault Johor Bahru
17 – 23 August: Renault Sri Hartamas, Renault Ipoh
24 – 30 August: Renault Petaling Jaya, Renault Butterworth


Review: 2017 Proton Iriz - Better Than Before

The Proton Iriz is no stranger to us. The car was launched back in 2014 and we have sampled the Iriz in various guises. From the Iriz, Proton developed the all-new Persona, and the company has implemented knowledge gained from the Persona back to the Iriz.
Specifications
:
Price: RM58,800(OTR without Insurance)
Engine: 1.6-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, naturally-aspirated
Power: 107hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 150Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Punch-source CVT, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX, hill-start assist
Origin: Tanjung Malim
Overview:
To the untrained eye, the 2017 Proton Iriz looks near identical to the model it replaces. However, upon closer inspection, one can spot the range-topping Iriz 1.6 Premium gets blacked-out front upper grille trim, side mirrors, roof and rear spoiler. On top of that, Proton is offering the 2017 Iriz in two new colours – Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown.
Exterior updates aside, the updated Proton Iriz also gets refreshed inside with new seat graphics with red and blue lines running along the seats, an updated Windows CE-based infotainment system, new glossy finish for the gear level, air-con vents trim and infotainment system surround. Elsewhere, the new Iriz also gets some components from the new Persona, including the meter cluster and gear lever for CVT models.
Apart from the visible updates, Proton has also recalibrated the Iriz’s TCU software, allowing the Iriz to achieve maximum velocity sooner than the old model. In layman terms, this means that the CVT is now far more responsive. Then there’s the new 3-mount design for the engine mounts, which theoretically reduces vibrations and harshness from entering the cabin as there are less mounts all together. In the past, the Iriz feature a 4-mount design. The older design is more susceptible to excessive wear, which can cause free-play thus creating more engine vibrations.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the new Proton Iriz does not disappoint. Driving dynamics are largely carried over from the earlier model.
The Proton Iriz continues to strike the near perfect balance of ride comfort and handling. Rough surface and pot holes? No worries, the Proton Iriz soaks uneven roads up with relative ease without compromising ride comfort that much.
When the roads become windy, the Proton Iriz continues to shine, as the Iriz’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) is nicely weighted allowing us to tackle corners with confidence. We did notice that driving the Iriz aggressively through corners does yield some body roll, though the car remained surefooted.
The biggest change is the behavior of the CVT and the improved NVH levels. In the past, whenever we floored the throttle of the Iriz, the CVT whine is borderline annoying, with the signature CVT rubberband effect.
However, with the updated TCU software, the CVT now performs considerably better. Whilst the engine rpm does shoot for the redline when floored, the combination of the new TCU software and 3-point engine mount meant that the new Iriz has far less engine noise and harshness entering the cabin.
Drive the 2017 Proton Iriz sedately and it will reward you with a reasonably quiet and comfortable drive. During our time with the Iriz, we spent most of the time cruising on highways, which brought fuel consumption down to 7.8 L/100 km or 12.8 km/L. Bear in mind that the car’s mileage is below the 10,000 km mark. We reckon that as the mileage increases, the fuel economy will improve as well.
Conclusion
The B-segment market is a tough one. On one hand, the new Proton Iriz does in fact offer a much more pleasant driving experience over its predecessor by quite a margin. However, when compared to its rivals, Proton's B-segment hatch still falls short in terms of cabin refinement and driving engagement.
Proton’s key selling features for the Iriz include its hallmark ride and handling on top of its available six airbags, but that strategy may not work long term. Rival car makers are now able to strike the fine balance between ride comfort and handling, whilst offering superior cabin refinement.
As it stands, the Proton Iriz again competes in terms of competitive pricing, as the updated model in its range-topping Premium trim is very well one of the cheapest new car you can buy right now that offers six airbags. On top of that, the Iriz also features an exceptionally rigid body shell, which coupled with the six airbags, allows the Iriz to score the maximum of 5 stars in the Asean NCAP crash test.
In a nutshell, the new Proton Iriz is proof that Proton still has got lots to learn when it comes to cabin refinement. While the new model is a step up from its predecessor, we get the impression that the Iriz still lags behind the competition, though the gap has been shrunk considerably. The Iriz today should have been the Iriz 3 years ago.


How To Protect The Interior Of You Car From The Malaysian Heat

We list down how you can protect the interior of your car from the heat in Malaysia.

To some, the car's exterior will always be the number one priority when it comes to protecting your vehicle against the heat and sun. Still, the interior should not be forgotten because you spend a lot of time in your car after all.

With the onset of the Southwest Monsoon, we are expected to hit high temperatures daily. If you've already waxed up your car in a measure to protect it against the sun's harmful UV rays, then perhaps it's time to shift your attention to your car's interior.

Caring for your interior is very important if you want a cabin that is both comfortable and will last the test of time. The interior can really affect how you feel about your car. Your cabin can either feel brand new or old and tired, depending on how much care you give it. One of the biggest enemies of a good interior is the heat and UV rays from the sun.

These two alone can melt parts of your interior as well as make them dry and brittle. Luckily, there are
ways to combat this
, so let's look at how to care for your interior during this hot spell.

Take it easy on the AC at the beginning

The interior, especially darker interiors, heats up quickly in the sun. Usually, when someone gets into a hot car, they immediately turn on the air conditioning and put it on full blast. However, this is not the right way to do things.

The contrast in temperature harms human health and is also very dangerous for glass, plastic, and leather upholstery. Therefore, it is best not to turn on the air conditioner as soon as you start the car, but instead ventilate the cabin first by lowering the windows. This will cool the cabin down and bring fresh air to the cabin. Drive or wait for a few minutes and then turn on the air conditioning.

Keep things clean

The heat tends to melt contaminants into your interior pieces, leaving a lasting mark as well as unwanted smells. This is why it is essential for you always to keep your interior clean.

Wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, gearshift, and other appropriate areas. For vinyl and plastic surfaces, use a vinyl cleaner with a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. Many manufacturers of car care products also sell ready-to-use tissues to clean dirt off all types of surfaces.

You then clean your carpets with water, mild soap, and a scrub brush. Rinse with water, and then hang it dry while you finish cleaning the whole car. If your seat is laced with leather, use a high-quality leather cleaner and cloth to clean it. You should also apply a skin conditioner to the surface of your leather several times a year to protect the skin from impact and cracking.

Apply protection

Once all interior surfaces have been cleaned and have dried, use a suitable surface and interior protector product to give them some moisture, but most importantly, create a protective layer on top of the characters.

Just spray the protective liquid onto the surfaces and then wipe the surface until it looks evenly wet. Many manufacturers of car care products also sell ready-made wipes that make protection quick and easy.

Use a freshener spray on mats and floor rugs to help leave the car smelling fresh and clean. Add indoor air freshener products according to the scent of your choice to ensure the car smells fresh and free from unwanted odours. Put all the floor mats back in the car when you are done.

Use sunshades at the windows

As we mentioned before, sunshades can be one of the most cost-effective ways to combat the heat and unwanted UV rays. Once you have followed all the steps above, it's time to cover up your windows with some sunshades to protect your interior from harmful UV rays.

You can buy all sorts of sunshades from e-commerce stores such as Lazada and Shopee. Buy some temporary sticky ones for the door windows, and sunshades for the front and rear glass. These sunshades will ensure that UV rays have little chance of entering the cabin where it will damage your interior.

Reflective car cover

If window sunshades are not your thing, you could always purchase a good quality reflective car cover, which will help bounce off those harmful UVs back into the sky.

A reflective car cover is designed for outdoor use to protect your vehicle from sunlight, making it the ideal choice for car owners who park outside. The reflective car cover will shield your car from sunlight to prevent harmful UV rays from destroying your paint, interior and upholstery. It will also significantly reduce the internal temperature of your car, making it a terrific option for those who don't have access to covered parking.

Be sure to get a good quality reflective car cover, as the cheap ones might just melt and harm your car's paint job as well as amplify the heat under the cover.

So there you have it, the top tips on how to keep your interior looking cool as well as feeling it. Do you have any other suggestions or methods? We would like to hear them.


Bukan Salah RFID, Tapi Salah Pengguna – Baki eWallet Tak Cukup Jadi Punca Sesak

Baru-baru ini,
dua lorong sistem Identifikasi Frekuensi Radio (RFID)
 di Plaza Tol Jalan Duta ke arah Kuala Lumpur didapati sesak ketika waktu puncak sehingga menimbulkan kemarahan pengguna jalan raya. Salah siapa pula kali ini?

Sejak lorong RFID dilancarkan di
Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS)
 pada 15 Januari lalu, rata-rata pengguna jalan raya tidak berpuas hati dengan pembukaan lorong baharu RFID yang menjadi sebab kesesakan jalan raya.

Berdasarkan aduan pengguna RFID di media sosial, ramai pengguna berkongsi kelemahan yang terdapat pada pelaksanaan RFID di Lebuhraya PLUS jika nak dibandingkan dengan lebuh raya lain. Untuk menyelesaikan masalah tersebut, Menteri Kanan (Kerja Raya), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, pihaknya telah memanggil PLUS dan
Touch ‘n Go (TNG)
 untuk memastikan semua isu berkaitan pelaksanaan RFID diselesaikan secepat mungkin.

Walau bagaimanapun, pada Isnin lalu, tular sebuah gambar yang menunjukkan dua lorong RFID kelihatan sesak dengan barisan kenderaan berbanding lorong Smart Tag. Sebelum kita persoalkan sama ada PLUS dan TNG dah selesaikan masalah berkaitan pengesan RFID atau belum, kesesakan terbabit sebenarnya disebabkan oleh pengguna sendiri.

Menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh PLUS, pihaknya terus menjalankan siasatan sebaik menyedari penularan gambar tersebut. Hasil siasatan, kesesakan tersebut berpunca daripada beberapa pelanggan yang menggunakan lorong RFID tidak mempunyai baki yang cukup.

Lorong RFID menjadi sesak antara jam 8 pagi hingga 9 pagi kerana beberapa pengguna tersebut telah mengambil masa untuk menambah nilai
eWallet
 mereka secara dalam talian di lorong tol. Bila sampai di plaza tol baru nak
topup
secara
online
, apa bezanya mereka dengan pengguna kad TNG yang menambah nilai di kiosk tambah nilai di plaza tol?

Memandangkan eWallet boleh ditambah nilai secara
online
, alasan terlupa nak tambah nilai agak sukar diterima. Sebelum ini kalau orang guna kad TNG tak cukup baki pun dah kena hon dan maki dengan kereta belakang, bayangkan level marah pengguna lain bila kereta dihadapannya tak cukup baki eWallet.

RFID sepatutnya memudahkan dan melancarkan pergerakan kereta di plaza tol. Jika baki eWallet anda tidak mencukupi ketika tiba di plaza tol sehingga kesesakan berlaku, terima sahajalah segala makian dan pandangan sinis daripada pemandu-pemandu lain dan jadikan ini sebagai pengajaran hidup.

Lagi satu, janganlah pandai-pandai menampal pelekat RFID di
kawasan selain daripada yang disarankan oleh TNG.
 Ini bagi mengelakkan daripada kegagalan pengesan untuk membaca pelekat RFID tersebut. Kalau semua nak buat eksperimen dengan pelekat RFID, memang sesaklah lorong RFID nanti.

Seeloknya sebelum anda memulakan pemanduan, lakukan rutin untuk menyemak baki kad Touch ‘n Go serta eWallet untuk kemudahan dan keselesaan perjalanan. Kalau pakai RFID tapi tak pasti baki dalam eWallet, berhentilah sebelum anda sampai di lorong tol untuk menambah nilai, bukan sampai di lorong RFID baru nak tambah nilai. Buatnya talian internet anda tak kuat di plaza tol tersebut, tak pasal-pasal orang lain pun sangkut.

Kepada pengguna kad TNG dan Smart Tag pula, kalau tak pasti baki kad cukup ke tidak, sesetengah plaza tol ada sediakan kiosk tambah nilai. Beraturlah di sana dan jangan susahkan hidup pengguna jalan raya yang lain dengan melambatkan perjalanan mereka. Kita mampu mengubahnya!


Ferrari Estimated To Be Worth US$10 Billion After IPO Under NYSE Ticker ‘RACE’

With stock market pundits swapping notes,
Ferrari
’s worth - which will result from the sale of the nine percent stake held by
Fiat
 Chrysler – could be valued at approximately US$9.82 billion (approximately RM41.16 billion). Since our previous story on
Ferrari's impending IPO
, some new information has come to light.
The sale from its parent company is a primary driver for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to raise valuable capital to tend the growth of the other marques under its umbrella, namely
Jeep
, Maserati, and
Alfa Romeo
.
The result of Ferrari's public listing is 17.2 million of its shares is to be offered openly under the NYSE ticker ‘RACE’. However, should the offering include an over-allotment of shares to underwriters, its value could touch $9.9 billion, or a 10 percent stake, says Bloomberg.
This 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta was, as of its August 2014 sale, the most expensive ever car sold at auction - fetching US$38.11 million (approximately RM160 million). If this doesn't prove the strength of Ferrari's brand cache, we're not sure what will.
Piero Ferrari, the company’s chairman, will receive a 280 million Euro (approximately RM1.33 billion) payout as part of the deal’s preceding terms, and will keep his 10 percent slice of the company.
The remaining 80 percent stake in the Italian sports car manufacturer will be offered to investors in early 2016. Meanwhile, the majority shareholders in Ferrari – the Agnelli family – will continue to hold voting control of the brand.
On the formal split of Ferrari from its parent company, Fiat Chrysler’s Sergio Marchionne said Ferrari will be allowed to divert from the current automotive trends such as producing SUVs or electric vehicles to keep demand healthy. Instead, he added that Ferrari’s brand exclusivity and prestige is part of its mainstream allure.
Following this, papers filed by Ferrari in September reveals plans to expand its manufacturing capacity to 9000 vehicles by 2019.
Ferrari, for the past few years have kept its production numbers purposefully low while its racing efforts help to elevate its brand cachet and acts as a vital technological crucible. From that foundation, Ferrari has also managed to have cultivated a booming merchandise business. Following their public listing, analysts expect Ferrari to take the company into more mainstream directions.
The bottom line is that Ferrari’s brand cache is significant, and contributes to their estimated share selling price of US$48 and US$52 per share, according to Reuters.


All-New 2020 Nissan Almera Debuts In USA

First introduced in 2011, the Nissan Almera is an aging player in the hotly contested B-segment sedan market, which is huge not just in South East Asia, but also India. While the Toyota Vios and Honda City have progressed much, the Nissan Almera is still more or less the same, except for some minor styling changes.
When it was launched in Malaysia in 2012, the Almera boasted of having class-leading rear legroom and boot space, packaged within a very competitive price – all of which didn’t last long as these unique selling points were quickly decimated when the all-new Honda City came along in 2014. The new Toyota Vios too has been significantly updated and it now has the quietest cabin in its class. Against this lot, the aging Almera can’t keep pace.
Today, Nissan USA has announced that an all-new Nissan Versa, as the Almera is known as there, will go on sale there in the second half of this year.
At a glance, the all-new model looks a lot better than the frumpy looking outgoing model. The V-motion grille and semi-floating look C-pillars have design elements borrowed from the US-market Altima (Teana).
Inside, the cabin is a lot prettier than before, with a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel and an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Of course, this being a Nissan, one shouldn’t assume that the car we see here will be same as the one that’s bound for our region. It is not uncommon for Nissan to offer several slightly different dashboards for different regions.
Standard safety features (US market model) have also been upgraded to include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist. Also available on higher range variants are Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The US market Almera also uses a different engine - a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder paired to a CVT-type automatic. The all-new model will continue to use this same drivetrain.
Elsewhere, the outgoing Almera is sold either with a 1.2-litre petrol (Thailand), 1.5-litre petrol (Malaysia, Indonesia), and a 1.5-litre diesel (India).
The biggest right-hand drive markets for the Almera are Thailand and India, but both countries use different engines for their Almeras (1.2-litre petrol for Thailand, 1.5-litre diesel for India). Introduction in Malaysia is not expected to happen until 2021, at least.


Wuling Air EV launched in Indonesia - 40hp, 100km/h, 300km range

Wuling Motors
 unveiled its third and latest micro EV model, the Wuling Air EV, in Jakarta, Indonesia, earlier this month. For the Indonesian market, the Wuling Air EV will be simply called Wuling EV as it will be the brand's first electric car to be sold outside of China (thanks to the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture).

The
Wuling EV
 will begin its sales in Indonesia sometime in Q3 this year where it will also be assembled at the Cikarang factory in West Java. Wuling has been making its EVs in Indonesia since 2015 and considering that the Air EV has been chosen as the official car partner for the 2022 G20 Summit that's going to be held in Bali in November, we're guessing that it's indeed the correct strategy at the right time.

*Image credit: Wuling Indonesia

Wuling EV sold in Indonesia

Based on the Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform, the Air EV shares its platform with other Wuling EV models, but it has adopted the brand's new design language. Measuring 2,972 mm in length, 1,506 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, these dimensions are for the four-seater version, and there will be a two-seater model as well for the Chinese market with a shorter wheelbase.

Not much else can be said about this tiny EV apart from it having a 40hp electric motor powering the front wheels and paired to a lithium iron phosphate battery pack with no details of its capacity. They did, however, state that the 860kg cutey can hit
100km/h
 top speed with a range of up to
300km
 per charge.

*Image credit: Wuling Indonesia

No mention of prices either for the Indonesian market, but sources have indicated that once the model goes on sale in China in Q3, it'll be priced from 55,000-65,000 yuan (around
RM36,193-RM42,774
 after direct conversion).


Barber, Salon And Carwash Will Be Allowed To Open Under Phase 2 of NRP

Barbers, salons, car wash will be allowed to open and operate again when we transition into the Second Phase of our
National Recovery Plan
 (NRP).

If you've been scratching your head, or tresses or even staring forlornly at your unwashed car (why you haven't washed it yourself only you know) then wait till we don't know when yet but at least we now know that the automotive, ceramic, furniture, rubber, iron and steel and cement manufacturing sectors will be allowed to operate as we transition into the
Second Phase
 of the NRP.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a statement yesterday further added that stationary, computer, telecommunications, electrical appliances will also be on the positive list.

All of the above sectors can operate from 8.00am to 8.00pm.

Do note however that only basic hair cuts will be allowed at salons or barbers.

Farmers and morning markets will also be allowed to operate from 7.00am to 11.00pm but is limited to selling vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, seafood and meat. Weekend markets, pasar malam and "Tamu" will remain closed.

As expected inter-state travel will still not be allowed under the Second Phase of the NRP except for students sitting for examinations, teachers and pasangan jarak jauh but only if there is an emergency and with the relevant police permits.

So in summary, sectors allowed to open under the Second Phase of the NRP are:

Barbershops, salons

Car wash

Automotive

Ceramic

Furniture

Rubber

Iron, Steel and Cement

Stationary

Computer

Electrical appliances

Telecommunications

Farmers/ Morning market

But for those of you looking for tips or a guide on how to bring your car back to life during this lockdown, we have you covered with a step-by-step video. Kasi bikini sendiri lah!

*Cover image credit: The Star

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

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

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

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


Interview: A Chat With 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button

As he rises from his dark, teakwood chair to greet me, the moment is sensational, both in stature and presence - he owns the room.
If only with a delicate smile and firm handshake, Jenson Button is almost capable of convincing you that he’s just another guy you would meet at a bar – not the 2009 Formula One World Champion and recipient of the “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” or MBE as a title that follows his name.
The guys might consider him a “man’s man”… and it'd be tough to find a female that doesn’t think he's exceedingly sexy.
The start of the 2016 Malaysian F1 Grand Prix would mark Jenson’s 300th Grand Prix start, a landmark achievement for any driver, in a career that has spanned 17 seasons – starting in 2000.
His first ever podium finish came auspiciously on the hot tarmac of Sepang in 2004 while piloting a BAR RA004E, powered by a 3.0-litre Honda V10 power plant. Button’s first ever win, came at the end of a rain-soaked and drama filled Hungarian Grand Prix in 2006, where he battled hard to take home the chequered flag, having started from 14th on the grid.
To understand the precision and artistry that is Jenson Button –
click here
, voted by F1 fans from all over the world, as the most entertaining Hungarian Grand Prix of all time.
Mc Laren and Honda have been at the epicentre of Button’s successes throughout his career, and before he takes the wheel of his Mc Laren Honda MP4-31 later today, we got rare chance to get up close with the man himself.
Which is your favourite Honda?
That’s a good question, well if it was a racing car, it’s the 2006 BAR-Honda RA106. That was the car I won my first Grand Prix in – wonderfully balanced and powerful, it was such a great car to race. The Honda NSX-R would be my favourite road car, it’s very quick and useable on a day-to-day basis, a real driver’s car.
Which is your favourite track?
Suzuka, I’ve always enjoyed it. Mentally it’s very tiring and you need very quick reactions through the esses. It’s a really fun circuit. Plus it's owned by Honda.
Of the road cars that you’ve owned, which was the one that got away?
Well, as an investment. The first one was a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 – I sold it for circa USD270,000, now it’s worth about USD700,000. I also had a Ferrari Enzo – which I sold for about USD1.0 million, it’s probably worth about USD2.0 million now.
What’s the craziest thing you did with a car as a teenager?
Well, I was driving with my boys to the Southwest of England, we were messing about, then I pulled the handbrake - the grassy field I was on was wet, the car started sliding. It slid for so long and only stopped short of the edge of a cliff. Yea, that was possibly the craziest thing I have done. I was in my Vauxhall Cavalier, it was my first car and I was 17 years old.
Between the older generation V8 engines and the newer turbocharged V6s, which did you prefer?
The V8s, easy answer that one. They’re amazing - one is the sound. To hear an engine rev to 20,000rpm is crazy. But ultimately, it’s the driveability of the engine – the power is very linear. The current engines have a lot of power, the cars almost can’t take that power. The V8s didn’t have as much torque, so you really had to rev the engines to get that power out. It was smoother and purer. But we don’t have them anymore.
Have the electronics, hybrid power, and massive aerodynamics changed the job of the driver in any way?
Yea, I think there’s a lot more to think about now. Do you have enough power, enough brakes, and enough fuel – there’s more to think about. Also, the cars are heavier and run a lot more downforce, so we have to take better care of the tyres.
You've
always been celebrated as a smooth driver and a consistent finisher throughout your career? In more recent times – when a car is less competitive, what are the positives that you can draw from a race weekend?
Yea, the past two seasons have been challenging. The idea is to remain competitive – we aim to finish fourth in the constructors, behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari. So relatively, that’s seventh place... if all the drivers of the lead three teams complete the race. So seventh place is the target, but they may also crash or not finish which puts us in a better position. In the end, it’s about going out there and getting the best out of the car, and contributing to the overall development of the car.
(On sitting out the 2017 season, with an option to return for the 2018 F1 Season) You will have a bit more free time next year, how do you plan to spend it?
I will have a lot more free time! I look forward to more time spent with friends and family. I will do a lot more fitness training. I plan to take part in the triathlon world championships – if I qualify. And I might do some other forms of racing – rally cross maybe. It’s such an exciting series, and there are so many different cars, it’s also very interesting to see how the cars are setup.


EU plans to ban chrome plating on cars: Could impact future car design

The European Union has recently put forth a proposal aiming to prohibit the use of chrome plating materials starting from 2024, citing health-related concerns.

This move comes in response to the potential hazards associated with hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical utilised in the production of chrome plating materials. Hexavalent chromium is a well-known carcinogen, posing significant risks to human health, surpassing diesel emissions' toxicity by 500 times.

Furthermore, the production of hexavalent chromium leads to the release of carcinogens into the atmosphere, impacting both the environment and public health negatively. As of now, there is no known safe method to produce chrome-plated materials since all existing processes generate harmful exhaust fumes.

With the automotive industry heavily reliant on chrome plating in their high-volume markets, the proposed ban could have significant implications for future car designs. Chrome finishes have long been associated with providing vehicles with a luxurious appearance, making them a popular choice for car manufacturers.

In light of the EU's proposal, Renault's Chief Designer, Gilles Vidal, has expressed the need to explore alternative materials beyond chrome to create more sustainable solutions. As the ban looms, the industry may need to innovate and adopt new, safer materials to maintain the desired aesthetic appeal without compromising public health and environmental well-being.


Review: Perodua Aruz 1.5L AV – Big Bang For Small Bucks

For the past few days, I have been using a friend’s spare car while my own car undergoes some repairs. It is a bog-standard (AE92) Toyota Corolla with nearly 200k km on the odometer, and bucket loads of charm.

I am absolutely in love with it – it's comfortable, reasonably spacious for four occupants, has decent boot space, the air-conditioning is as cool as a meat-packing facility and delivers enough performance from its reliable little 1.6-litre engine to keep up with modern traffic.

Cars like these mobilised entire generations of families and I’m sure most 80s children, such as myself, will relate and remember being packed in cars such as the Proton Saga, Nissan Sunny, or Toyota Corolla on those long
balik kampung
 trips.

Times, however, have changed drastically, roads have gotten better, cars have gotten bigger, safer and more economical… and SUVs and MPVs are the new norm for growing families.

Which has given rise to budget SUVs like the Honda BR-V, Toyota Rush, and the Perodua Aruz featured here. They all seat seven, cost around the same as a B-segment sedan, and ride high-enough to pass off as SUVs – which are all the craze now. But are they more endearing than that little Toyota Corolla?

Overview

The Aruz is Perodua’s third SUV model, after the Kembara and the short-lived Nautica. It is the localized version of
Indonesia's Daihatsu
Terios
. Both the Aruz and Rush are assembled at Perodua's plant in Rawang. The Aruz is also closely related to the Indonesia-made Toyota Avanza, which share the same powertrain.

The Aruz is powered by the 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder which is also found on the Toyota Rush. However, the Aruz makes 3 PS and 3 Nm less than the Rush - 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 133 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which distributes power to the rear wheels.

There are two variants on offer, the Aruz X and AV which retail for RM72,900 and 77,900 respectively. Its Toyota Rush 1.5G and 1.5S counterparts are priced at RM93,000 and RM97,000 respectively. Besides the slight increase in power, the top-spec Rush “S” also comes with additional safety features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and 360-degree camera.

The Honda BR-V, on the other hand, comes in three variants: E, V, and SE, which are priced at RM80,649, RM87,361, and RM90,360, hence there’s no shortage of variants to choose from.

Specifications of the Perodua Aruz 1.5L AV:

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Power: 101 hp at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 133 Nm at 4,200 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed torque converter automatic

Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Autonomous Emergency Braking (4-80km/h)

Origin: Locally-assembled in Rawang, Selangor.

Price: RM77,900 OTR excluding insurance

Exterior

Full disclosure, I’m not paid to say this, but I truly believe the Aruz is the best looking SUV in its class. Next to the Aruz, the BR-V looks somewhat sedate – almost like an MPV with some plastic cladding – and the Rush (though essentially the same shell) overly gaudy thanks to the over-the-top plastic cladding on the lower regions of the body.

It’s this careful balance of proportions and restrained styling that gives the Aruz its premium, grown-up looks without looking pretentious. Elsewhere, the front and rear bumpers, which are different from the Rush, adds elegance and sportiness in equal amounts.

Front fog lamps, roof rails, and silver painted rear diffuser highlight the top-spec AV variant. Here again, subtle highlights that make a substantial difference visually. I also especially like the sleek LED headlamp signature – which looks even better at night.

Interior

There are few other cars that make more intelligent use of the space between four wheel corners than the Aruz. From the moment you step in, you are greeted by a vast volume of headroom, a superb view of your surroundings courtesy of a huge greenhouse, and commanding seating position which is every part as SUV as the Aruz claims to be.

Space in the first and second rows are comparable to that of D-Segment cars; the seats themselves feel well hemmed, and like they would stand the test of time.

The second-row of seats fold and tumble forward to allow access to the third-row of seats with a single pull of the lever; with the second-row folding far forward, it opens up a decently wide aperture to get through, but it takes some getting used to because of the height of the vehicle floor. Hence, the third row is best reserved for younger, more nimble occupants. With that said, legroom and headroom are adequate for smaller occupants in the last row.

Elsewhere, the tactile leather steering wheel fits right into your hand and helps make light work of pointing this relatively large vehicle down a tight KL street. Another notable highlight is the rear air-conditioning vents, which are powerful enough to circulate a vast amount of air towards the second and third row.

Driving Experience

Though it’s a champion of packaging and space, the Aruz is not without its drawbacks, and most of them reside in this section of the report. I know that the Aruz is not a performance vehicle of any sort, hence I posit my findings solely on the fact that the Aruz is meant as a family carrier and as such, falls just short of expectations in two crucial areas.

The first is its stability at speed. While the Aruz manages low and mid speeds extremely well, the steering starts to wander at speeds above 100 km/h. The major suspect, in my opinion, is the tall tyre sidewalls, which start to flex under load (and speed), making the Aruz very susceptible to crosswind and camber changes in the road.

So between the speeds of 90-100 km/h, which are, generally what most of these SUVs are going to travel at during long journeys on the highway, it can seem rather unnerving to drive, as it was to me. It’s not so much the suspension setup, rather the steering that feels vague and not precise enough for smaller corrections at speed, so you’re left with the steering pointing where you want, but the car wandering about within the lane. The car’s taller ride height given its body-on-frame construction is another natural contributor.

Its no fault of the suspension, in my opinion, because I have little complaint about the ride quality and its ability to absorb bumps on even the worst of roads, in this aspect, the Aruz is rather impressive. In addition, I never had more than four people in the Aruz at any one time, so I will also give it the benefit of the doubt, and say that things might be better with more people in the car.

The second bugbear of mine is that fuel economy can drop substantially in the city. The Aruz consistently returned around 8.8-litres/100km on the highway, which is decent given it’s a relatively small engine hauling a rather large body. However, those figures can rise to around 10.7-litres/100km when in the city, laden with passengers, which is a tad on the high side. The engine in itself is a punchy unit and the gearbox fit for purpose, serving up smooth shifts up and down the cogs.

In my opinion, the Honda BR-V is a better car to be in on the highways given it’s a Unibody frame, which allows it to sit lower to the ground, aiding stability, and secondly because it offers a much more car-like driving experience which inspires more confidence on the road. The BR-V also has a more powerful 1.5-litre engine upfront.

Conclusion

Despite its few shortcomings, the Aruz remains a compelling option for most growing and larger families given its unbeatable price, and comprehensive convenience feature and safety list.

In terms of being fit for purpose, it offers a roomy and versatile cabin for all occupants and manages to be very impressive in terms of comfort, practicality, and maneuverability on a daily basis.

In many ways, it’s possibly the biggest bang-for-your-buck vehicle on sale today, and those aspects are good enough for most buyers I suspect and allow a larger portion of entry-level buying market to access the SUV segment without blowing the bank.

In many ways, like the little Toyota Corolla that I’ve been thoroughly enjoying recently, the Aruz too is a reliable workhorse which will in no doubt become the mode of transport for an entirely new generation of families, and I’m sure, inspire many fond memories and be an object of endearment for those who own them.


Kia GT Tantalizingly Close To Production

We know the Kia GT has been given the all-clear to enter production, but the lingering question was how soon would a tangible finished product be ready for us to salivate over. Quite soon, apparently.

Kia
 and their ambitions to compete in the sports saloon space has been floating around the motoring news sphere ever since their GT Concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 2011. And now the automaker thinks the time is right.
Kia Motors America Vice President of Product Planning,
Orth Hendricks - famous for letting us all know about Kia sadly
dropping the Sportspace Concept
 from its future line-up as an estate version of the
Optima
 - revealed that the GT is very close to making its production-ready debut.
According to a report by Drive.com.au, Hendricks also mused on the GT4 Stinger concept that was seen at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, saying that the company is still considering it but its production prospects remain slim. However, he did admit that Kia is actively working on the GT - which is good enough news.
Its unclear if
 388 hp 3.3-litre turbocharged
V6 that was slotted in the concept will make it into the production version, but our guess is that since it needs that sort of output to be on par with other sports saloons, there's a good chance we won't be disappointed in that regard.
"I think for us the GT is a sedan so it has a lot broader appeal than a two-door coupe. They don't do well here. They do really, really good for 18 months and then they really fall off. You can get just as much emotional experience in a sedan, a more practical car, than a coupe. But it communicates something very, very clear to market with a coupe in your line-up," As stated earlier, the VP later added that we would likely not have to wait long for an official announcement, confident that the GT would have a big impact for the brand, particularly for the North American market.
Hendricks further explained the GT’s appeal and why its production is an important move for the company "…It would communicate a younger, more emotional message to the market. I think buyers of those types of vehicles tend to be more engaged with their cars. We tend to prioritise that with our design, with our approach to marketing the cars, the fact that we race vehicles… Our buyers tend to be more passionate."
While details concerning specification and market availability remain purely speculation, we do hope that Kia will offer it in as many markets as it can manage, including ours, and that as many of the cues seen in the concept are carried over to the production such as the suicide doors and fastback shape. If it’s anything like as stunning as the concept, there’s no doubt that it will do wonders from the brand’s image.


The Solterra Is Subaru's First EV, But Also A Toyota bZ4X Clone?

Subaru has now begun dropping more full undisguised/ unobscured images of their Solterra, their first-ever full EV.

Alongside these pictures revealing a very Toyota-esque design, we now know the Solterra is expected to make a North American market arrival in mid-2022, most likely along with the rest of the world.

Despite being their first foray into the EV world, an off-road capable zero-emissions Subaru feels a little overdue given their established position in the SUV/ crossover market and longstanding investment in hybrid powertrains
with e-Boxer variants
 of the XV and Forester. Perhaps they were waiting for Toyota to dip their toe....

If like us, you've already seen the Toyota bZ4X Concept from this year's Auto Shanghai, you’ll notice the Solterra's uncanny resemblance. Granted, Toyota did state from the start that the bZ series was developed together with Subaru. We just didn't know to what extent that would be visible.

We had already predicted Subaru's debutant EV would
share Toyota’s e-TNGA platform
 - though Subaru calls it
e-SUBARU Global Platform
 - but had not expected it to be another
Toyobaru
 in the
same vein of the 86 and BRZ
.

At this point, we're half-expecting Toyota to absorb Subaru outright given so much overlap between the two brands.

Of course, we'll wait until the Solterra gets a full unveil before cynically claiming Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, described as the automaker's most technologically advanced vehicle to date, is merely a rebadged Toyota bZ4X with minor tweaks to its exterior and interior trim.

Speaking of those alterations, so far we have only managed to identify minor cosmetic changes such as the matte black body cladding and body-coloured roof with the Toyota concept vehicle sporting glossy finishes. Apart from that, the Solterra does get a unique set of alloys, but that's to be expected.

Inside is much the same with plenty of bZ4X cues visible despite the abundance of shadow. The first giveaway is the massive central touchscreen and raised centre tunnel with a distinctive rotary control dial and behind it a glowing…ashtray?

Its deeply recessed digital instrument cluster is also plucked right out of the bZ4X, though understandably the Toyota concept yoke-style steering wheel has been replaced by a more typical circular version. That said, we’re glad the sporty front seats and eclectic mix of textured fabric and faux suede has been seemingly retained.

It will feature a dual-motor electric powertrain of unspecified power output, and we know nothing of its battery capacity or predicted range either. However, for reference,
Lexus’ fully-electric LF-Z crossover
, also announced at Auto Shanghai 2021, is also built on the same e-TNGA platform.

Without going into specifics, the Lexus EV will be able to accelerate to 100km/h in just 3 seconds and boast a range of 600km per full charge - a pretty impressive yardstick for the Subaru to attempt to match.


Facelift Mazda 2 Hits The Road In GB

The facelifted Mazda 2 is slowly making its way across the globe, and one of the first countries to receive this Japanese mini is Great Britain. As the UK gets RHD (right-hand drive) version of cars similarly to us in Malaysia, it's hard not to think that we might get a relatively similar facelifted Mazda 2 here.

Featuring a new exterior and interior design, new technology and better refinement, the facelifted Mazda 2 gets upgrades in not only the aesthetics and comfort department but also some new tech under the bonnet.

The simple 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine is now kitted for the first time with Mazda's M Hybrid mild-hybrid system. The M hybrid which makes its debut in this so-called supermini is a new piece of kit which surrounds the use of the starter generator. From what we can understand the hybridisation of the Mazda 2 utilises a belt-integrated start generator (B-ISG) which prepares the B-ISG's power generation to make the most out of the energy stored in the capacitor to reduce load on the engine and enable a quick re-start to help lower emissions and improve fuel economy with extended auto engine stop time. This mild hybridisation is currently equipped on all the manual cars, but the implementation of this system on the automatic vehicles has yet to be mentioned.

The other pleasing upgrade to this car is the use of urethane top mounts in the rear dampers and revision to the power steering to improve response and feel. The new mounts coupled with the inclusion of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system which is an evolved version of Mazda's GVC system will surely give this well-regarded good handling mini even better-driving excitement. The evolved version of Mazda's GVC now uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to previous system's engine control.

On the aesthetics front, the Mazda 2 now has the design cues from the latest evolution of the Kodo design, featuring that grille with those sophisticated looking mesh patterns, just like the handsome looking Mazda 3. With the revised headlights and signature wing as well as a redesigned rear bumper, the supermini now more than ever gives the impression that the car has a low stance.

On the inside, the new seats, revised dashboard trims, air vents, door inserts, and instrument cluster not only gives the driver-focused interior a more upmarket feel but also driver comfort and support. Occupants have also been considered with a plethora of upgrades, designed to improve refinements and interior quietness including new damping materials, better sound insulation and revised sealing rubbers between the roof panel and boot.

In South-East Asia, Thailand was the first country to launch the Mazda 2. It can either be had in a SkyActiv-G 1.3-litre 92hp/123Nm naturally aspirated engine or a SkyActiv-D turbodiesel which pushes out 104hp and 250Nm of torque. Both are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It remains to be seen whether the Malaysian version when it launches will get the 1.3-litre unit like Thailand or the 1.5-litre mill like the UK. But whatever it is the chances of a diesel Mazda 2 hitting the Malaysian roads are slim to none.


Ford Ranger Production Ramped Up In Thailand – First Roll-Out From FTM

Ford is further ramping up production of the
Ranger
, announcing the official start of production of its popular pick-up truck at the new Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant in Rayong.
The newly-opened production lines supplements existing production capacity of the Ranger, which is also built at the Ford-Mazda AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) joint venture plant situated nearby.
The decision to commence production of the Ranger at FTM was made in anticipation of the AAT plant reaching its maximum capacity in the near future.
At present, the AAT plant is responsible for manufacturing the Ranger,
Everest
,
Mazda BT-50
,
Mazda 2
,
Mazda 3
, and
Mazda CX-3
. The plant also previously made the Ford Fiesta, which is now transferred to FTM.
A total of US$186 million was invested to prepare FTM for its new task of manufacturing the Ranger. FTM is also used to produce the
Fiesta
,
Focus
, and EcoSport.
“Our additional investment in FTM also underscores our long-term confidence in Thailand, including the world-class quality being delivered by our workforce,” said Mark Kaufman, President of Ford ASEAN.
In total, Ford’s involvement in both the AAT and FTM plants have seen a total of US$2.7 billion invested into the Thai economy with employment provided to about 10,000 Thai people.
“Ford continues to play an important role in the ongoing development of out automotive industry, and their latest milestone will help further strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing and export hub in the region,” said Hirunya Suchinai, Secretary-General of Thailand Board of Investment.


2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift Breaks Out Of Korea, Heads To Frankfurt

We’ve shown you a glimpse of the new and refreshed
Hyundai

Santa Fe
 when it
made its debut in Korea
, and now, Hyundai’s longest-running model in Europe is set to make a premier at the coming Frankfurt Motor Show.
Hyundai aren’t saying too much here in their latest press materials, but it isn’t too hard to spot the changes.
The car’s exterior styling has taking on quite a bit of new designs, especially so on the front end, adorning news headlamps, a bolder grille, reworked front fog lamps and lots of chrome detailing around. New taillight styling can also be spotted, along with a restyled bumper and exhaust tips amongst other things.
Inside the new Santa Fe, there are a few new items to take note of, primarily the redesidned instrument cluster which features new fonts and iconography. From what we could tell during the car’s Korean premiere, there are also several improvements made to materials used, as well as a few upgrades to the car’s padding.
As detailed in the latest press materials, Hyundai aren’t slouching on active safety, offering its latest Santa Fe with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and High Beam Assist – carrying forward the high-level of tech from its Korean-market offerings.
In Korea, engine options include new 2.0 and 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engines that meet the latest Euro 6 emissions regulations. The new mills are also quite a bit more powerful, delivering 186PS and 402Nm of torque in the 2.0L, and 202PS and 441Nm of torque in the 2.2L.
Reports suggest that when the Santa Fe hits Europe and the US, further petrol engines will be introduced, including the 2.4-litre GDI, a 2.0-litre turbo, and a 3.3-litre V6 engine.


Beijing 2018: Hyundai Unveils LAFESTA Sporty Sedan

Everyone is out in full force for the Auto China 2018, and Hyundai is no different. The LAFESTA is the latest in their lineup, being a sporty sedan aimed at a younger generation of buyers. Taking a leaf out of the quirkiness of the Japanese in past years, the LAFESTA name comes from the direct Italian translation of 'Festival', and it is also a model that will be exclusively for the Chinese market for the forseeable future.
The 'Sensuous Sportiness' design philosophy that Hyundai presented at the Geneva Motor Show back in March is very much alive in the LAFESTA, with sharp edges and creases to give a sense of aggression. Up front in the engine bay is a 1.6-litre turbo GDi engine paired with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox which is becoming fairly common among Hyundai's performance oriented models.
While this is an unveiling in the metal, Hyundai has yet to officially launch the car - even for the Chinese market. More details are expected to come in the next few months, although we wouldn't hold our breaths to see if Hyundai will introduce the LAFESTA to other markets. China has such a large market that they can afford to have models specifically catered to their unique demographics.


Most Awaited Car Launches Before The End Of 2020

We take a look at some of the most important cars that have yet to be launched in Malaysia before the end of 2020.

When you look back at 2020, say 10 years from now… how would you describe it?

Bittersweet? Challenging? Eye-opening? Despite all the challenges 2020 has thrown at us, it has thought us to refocus on the aspects of life that are really essential to life itself – good health, family bonds, being happy at home, and to care for the people around you, even if it means at the inconvenience of wearing a mask.

Nevertheless, despite the monumental challenges faced by everyone, carmakers included – 2020 has been a great year of new product launches. Internationally, we got the new
Porsche 911 Turbo
, Toyota gave us the TNGA-based
Corolla Cross
, and BMW has released its controversially-styled
M3 and M4
 models.

Closer to home, despite the pandemic’s restrictions, we got the
facelifted Perodua Bezza
, the
BMW X5 ‘45e’ Hybrid
, Porsche rolled out its
all-electric Taycan
, and most recently, the
all-new Honda City
.

But this leaves quite a few models – many of them highly-anticipated – that have yet to join us, and crucially, one’s that we hope will be launched within the remainder of the year.

Here’s the shortlist of the most awaited cars of 2020:

2020 Hyundai Sonata

It’s hard to believe that the Hyundai Sonata now enters its eighth-generation, proving that despite the longstanding naysayers (especially here) – the Sonata has been a global success for the company. The all-new “DN8” Sonata has already
been previewed
 by local principal Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) with a price-tag starting from RM200k++.

The new Sonata will be powered by a 2.5-litre ‘Smartstream G2.5’ which outputs 180PS and 232Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic that drives the front wheels. In addition to its dramatic styling – something that was amiss with its predecessor – Hyundai has done well to give the Sonata a superb interior and up to date functionality. Among the highlights are the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, and Qi Wireless charging.

Rivals:
Toyota Camry,
 Honda Accord and
Volkswagen Passat
.

2020 Hyundai Kona

The
recently previewed Hyundai Kona
 is another formidable contender in the hotly contested B-Segment SUV (which has been dominated in the headlines by a certain SUV from Proton). Hyundai’s funky styled small SUV has racked up numerous international awards and is arguably as well equipped as they come. One can already place a booking for the Hyundai Kona, which according to local principal Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), will be priced from RM115k onwards as they are fully-imported units from South Korea.

Three variants have been announced – the 2.0L Standard, 2.0L Mid which offer 149PS and 179Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic. The range-topping 1.6-litre T-GDI delivers 177PS and 265Nm (mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) which is good for a segment-leading 0-100km/h time of 7.7seconds, and a top-speed of 210km/h. Other highlights include Hyundai’s SmartSense active safety suite that includes autonomous braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam (depending on variant).

Rivals: Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and
Toyota C-HR
.

2020 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is another contender in the B-Segment SUV market and one that has been previewed for the longest time, but with little to no updates after it was reportedly
open for booking
. In addition, with rumours swirling of a distributorship takeover of the brand in Malaysia by Bermaz Auto from its current owners Naza Kia – we fear, the Kia Seltos has a very slim chance, if any, to be formally introduced here before year’s end.

Which is a pity, as the Seltos is a superbly designed and engineered SUV powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that outputs 123PS and 151Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Seltos will be sold here in two variants, the EX and range-topping GT Line, however, estimated prices have yet to be announced. We previously heard that prices could start just under the RM90k bracket but this remains to be seen.

Rivals: Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona.

2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER

Short of the finalised spec sheet and prices, there is not much that is known about the upcoming XPANDER. From the numerous local spyshots to its
unique preview
 in Mid Valley, we are perhaps very near the official introduction Mitsubishi’s first budget 7-seater MPV/SUV in Malaysia. The locally-assembled model will be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 105PS and 141Nm of torque, paired to a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

The full-fledged CKD assembly should ensure a competitive price tag to that of its closes competitors – which all reside within the RM72-RM90k bracket. Some highlights seen on the (previewed) premium variant include Crystal LED position lamps, LED tube taillights, and front and rear cameras.

Rivals:
Perodua Aruz
,
Proton Exora
,
Honda BR-V
 and Toyota Rush.

2020 Nissan Almera

The 2020 Nissan Almera has been one of the biggest victims of delays due to the COVID-19 situation. Nissan’s popular B-Segment sedan has been
previewed
 to members of the media, and order books are open. Estimated prices of the three variants on offer have also been released – namely the VL, VLP, and VLT variants, which start in the low RM80k range for the VL, and stretch into the RM90k++ range for the VLT.

Besides the all-new Almera’s superbly updated design – characterised by its ‘V-Motion’ front fascia – it also packs a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine which outputs 100hp and 152Nm of torque, mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission. Safety systems are up to date as well, with the VLT variant offering Blind Spot Monitoring Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 6 airbags, stability control, and traction control.

Rivals: All-New Honda City, Toyota Vios, and Mazda 2 Sedan.

2020 Proton X50

Even if you were living in a nuclear bunker the past year – you would hear the walls whisper of the upcoming Proton X50. Over the course of the last six months, we have come to know pretty much everything about its
1.5-litre 3-cylinder powerplant
, its
design features
, its new
GKUI 19 infotainment
 features, and its segment beating
active driver aids
.

Order books have been opened for roughly a month, to which Proton has reportedly racked up
approximately 20,000 orders
, some three to four times what the company had initially forecasted – needless to say, a lot of people are waiting for this B-Segment SUV. There were numerous reports of a mid-October launch, but given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, we could be looking at an end-October to mid-November launch.

Rivals:
Honda HR-V
, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Kona.

Out of these potential six cars coming in 2020, which are you most excited about?


Carlist.my Snap & Share Contest - Three Huawei Phones To Be Won

If you enjoy snapping pictures of cars, be it your own or cars on display or cars passing by, here’s something for you; and all you need to do is just continue snapping pictures of any car that you like.
From 31 October till 6 November, the
Carlist.my Snap & Share
 contest is giving readers the chance to win one of three Huawei P9 Lite smartphones. All you have to do is snap a picture of the car you desire, upload onto
Carlist.my’s
official Facebook page and share the post on your profile page. It is that simple!
How to enter?
Like
Carlist.my’s
official Facebook page
 if you have not already done so.
Snap a photo of your favourite cars and upload the photo on
Carlist.my
 Facebook page.
Share the post with the photo you uploaded back on your own Facebook profile.
Terms & Conditions
Contest is opened to all legal residents in Malaysia aged 18 and above.
Contest period is from 31 October to 6 November 2016.
Participants are required to snap a picture of a car and share the picture on
Carlist.my
 Facebook page. Once the post goes live, participants are then required to share the post on their own profile page.
Among all entries,
Carlist.my
 will, at its sole discretion, select 3 prize winners from the qualified participant pool on a lucky draw basis.
By accepting the prize, the prize winner agrees to participate in all reasonable media publicity relating to after the prize has been collected. This includes being featured in social media content and promotions as required by
Carlist.my.
Carlist.my

reserves the right to alter these terms and conditions governing the contest and the prizes at any time without prior notice.
Click
here
 to submit your photo entry!


Beijing 2016: Mitsubishi ASX Facelift Makes Asian Debut

The most recent facelift of the
Mitsubishi ASX
 makes its first appearance on Asian soil at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show following its debut in North America as the
Outlander Sport
 last November.
Globally available only in left-hand drive markets such as the American continent, the Middle East, and now China, this facelifted ASX can be recognized by its more intricate front bumper design but maintains its familiar-looking rear.
No mechanical alterations are known to be made. Currently, the ASX is offered in Malaysia with a 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol powertrain mated to a continuously variable transmission and available with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive configurations.
For the Chinese market, Mitsubishi assembles the ASX locally in a joint venture operation with the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd (GAC).


Nissan prices up between 2.8 and 6.7 percent

Edaran Tan Chong Motor has announced price increases between 2.8 and 6.7 percent of selected
Nissan
 models effective 1 April 2016. In a statement issued by the company, this latest round of price adjustments is a result of the weakened Malaysian Ringgit impacting the company’s operational costs.
Commenting on the price hike, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM said, “Over the past months despite severe pressure from a weakened Malaysian Ringgit, ETCM have implemented necessary measures to reduce the impact. However, due to the prolonged unfavourable foreign exchange and the persistent pressure of higher operating costs, selected models will have a price increase.”
He further added that, “We have done our best in adjusting the price as minimal as possible and to only selected models. We assure that we will continue to serve our customers quality value-added products and the highest level of customer service that they have come to expect.”
The increased prices only apply to four of Nissan’s locally-assembled models, namely the
Almera
,
Grand Livina
,
X-Gear
, and
Teana
 as listed below. Other models continue at their existing prices:


Toyota Takes Zero-Emission Haulage To The Next Level In The US

In an effort to further strengthen its pursuit of zero-emission freight transport, Toyota has unveiled its new, second-generation Beta hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck in Michigan, US.
Capable of covering 480 km on a full tank, the Beta truck is more versatile and manoeuvrable than before. It is also equipped with a sleeper cab and a fuel cabinet combination that frees up more cabin space without increasing the wheelbase.
Featuring a 36,300 kg gross combined weight capacity and a driving range of more than 380 km on hydrogen, the truck is powered by 2 Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kW/h battery, producing more than 670 bhp and 1,796 Nm of torque.
While the original Alpha truck has already logged close to 12,000 km in testing, emitting nothing other than water vapour, the Beta will enter service later this year, further reducing the environmental impact of their haulage operations.
“By evaluating the first truck in our test facilities and on the actual roads in the LA area, we made a list of improvements for the Beta truck build process and performance enhancements,” said chief engineer Andrew Lund.
“We needed to move beyond a proof of concept, which the first truck accomplished, to something that is not only better than the original but is also more commercially viable.”
The announcement of the Beta truck project is a continuation of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 effort to eliminate CO2 emissions at its Port of Long Beach logistics facility.
Previously, Toyota also announced the construction of the Tri-Gen operation, which will be the world’s first megawatt-capacity fuel cell power generation plant with hydrogen refuelling.
The plant will use agricultural waste to produce water and generate electricity and hydrogen to support the operations of Toyota Logistics Services at the Port of Long Beach, California.


You, Yes You. Volkswagen Wants Your Car, Now!

So the New Year has come and the celebrations are over, but your car isn’t getting any newer, and it certainly isn’t driving as well as before.
Sure you can choose to keep your existing car, but do remember that maintenance cost for your old car will only increase while resale values have been on the downtrend since lower-priced, excise duty discounted EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicles) compliant cars came into the market.
You don’t need to look very far for evidence of slumping resale values across the board. Five years ago, a certain popular German luxury sedan known for its star-rated resale value used to sell for RM258,888. Today, the owner will be lucky if a used car dealer wants to take his car for RM100,000. Yes, the market value might be higher, but given the current market conditions, few dealers have to appetite to keep stock of cars.
Against the current backdrop of tight credit for car loans, this will be the new normal for resale values across the board. As competition intensifies, price wars among new car dealers will continue to depress resale values. As banks continue to tighten lending criteria, used car dealers are finding it difficult to off-load their cars, which in turn makes it difficult for you to sell your current car.
So if you know are certain that you have to replace your old car in the near-term anyway, any trade-in promotions for a new car should be seriously considered.
Between now until 31-March 2017, Volkswagen is running a
Trade-In programme
 that’s open to anyone who wishes to trade in their current car for either a new Volkswagen Jetta or Volkswagen Passat.
The exact value of the trade-in offered depends on the make, model and condition of your car but Volkswagen owners can look forward to having the best trade-in deals. If you have an older generation Volkswagen model whose 5-year warranty is running out, the Trade-In programme is an attractive proposition.
Between the Jetta and the Passat, the
Jetta
 is the more affordable option for most buyers.
Prices start from RM108,990 for the 1.4 TSI Trendline model, but the pick of the range is the sharper looking Highline model (RM128,990) with Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights and LED tail lamps, complemented by 17-inch wheels.
Here’s some FAQs if you are interested to trade-in your car for a Jetta:
1.  How does the Trade-In Programme work?
The Volkswagen Trade-In promotion is what it says it is, a genuine promotion to trade-in your old car at a higher price. You get to sell off your old car at a better price than anywhere else, or at any other time in the future. The additional money earned can then be used to increase the downpayment for your new Volkswagen, thereby lowering your monthly instalments.
You won’t see any additional mark up in values in your car loan’s documents.
Not to be confused with an over-trade, your Volkswagen dealer will not be transferring the difference between the actual market value of your car and its trade-in value onto your new car’s loan, as some dealers might do in some over-trade deals.
Rest assured that your loan amount for your new Volkswagen will be based on the new car’s selling price.
What’s so good about the Volkswagen Jetta?
From the outside, the Jetta won’t steal too many second glances but believe us when we say that conservative styling like these are the ones that will age better as the years grow on.
But the Jetta is not a car that you enjoy from the outside. It’s a car that’s best experienced rather than explained. Effortless performance is what best describes its 150 PS and 250 Nm churned by the 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine.
While other brands charge you extra for additional safety features, all variants of the Jetta come fitted with the same high level of safety features. On top of the comprehensive six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) and ISOFIX, the Jetta has a unique ICRS (Intelligent Crash Response System) feature that unlocks all the doors, cuts the fuel pump, activate the hazard lights if the car is involved in a severe collision – so occupants don’t get trapped inside a burning car.
With a 510-litre boot, it fits more than 10 cabin size travel bags, enough for your family’s needs.
I’ve read a lot of bad things regarding Volkswagen’s reliability and after-sales
The recent years have not been Volkswagen’s proudest moments, and it’s something that the new management installed at the recently restructured Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) humbly admits. Transparency is now the byword at VPCM.
Technical issues involving Volkswagen’s earlier models have all been addressed but it will take some time before consumer confidence returns to the brand.
The transmission in the new Jetta, as well as those used by other dual clutch DSG transmission-equipped Volkswagen models on-sale today uses a new, fifth iteration of the DQ200 7-speed dry-clutch DSG transmission. This new and improved design no longer faces reliability issues that plagued some older Volkswagen models.
With the technical problems addressed, VPCM have also improved many of its back-end processes. Stories of dealers refusing to handle warranty claims for cars sold by other dealers, or prioritising paid maintenance jobs over warranty claims, are a thing of the past.
As for stories about non-availability of replacement parts. Prospective buyers can be assured that Volkswagen parts can now be delivered within two working days and by 2018, Malaysia will become the regional parts centre for Volkswagen.
What else should I know?
Like any trade-in deals, the dealer will have to arrange with an independent valuer to value your car. For the most productive use of your time, we recommend that you make an appointment with your nearest Volkswagen dealer before driving your old car over.
Related:
Review: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta - No Longer Playing Catch Up
The Next Step In Volkswagen’s Long-term Trust Building Exercise
2016 New Volkswagen Jetta Launched in Malaysia, From RM 108,990 to RM 128,990
Volkswagen Offers High Trade-In Promo For Jetta & Passat