Renault Debuts All-New Captur - Familiar, But All-New

Six years and 1.2 million units later, Renault is ready to introduce the all-new second generation Captur.
Now built on the company’s modular CMF-B platform, the all-new Captur is now 4,228 mm long (+ 106 mm), 1,797 mm wide (+19 mm), and 1,566 mm tall (-1 mm). Wheelbase of the all-new model has been lengthened to 2,639 mm, an increase of 33 mm over the model it replaces.
From the exterior, the all-new Captur now adopts Renault’s latest design language with its signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights. LED headlights are now a standard fitment across the range.
The all-new Captur also gets two wide air deflectors in front of the wheel arches, which help limit air turbulence and improve the Captur’s aerodynamic performance. Unlike the predecessor’s disc and drum brakes combination, the all-new Captur should now get all round discs.
The C-shaped lights trend is carried to the rear end, with the all-new Captur featuring a unique-looking pair of tail lights. The rear end of the all-new Captur is also adorned with chrome trim pieces at each end of the bumper, while an SUV-esque rear protection trim piece help complete the back end.
Renault has also revamped the interior of its newest crossover, now with a completely new dashboard design with a floating-style infotainment display called the “Smart Cockpit”. The infotainment system runs on Renault’s Easy Link software, which includes support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Easy Link infotainment system also includes 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in navigation system by TomTom with real-time traffic updates.
Depending on the variant, the Easy Link infotainment system is available in three versions:
7.0-inch display
7.0-inch display with built-in navigation
9.3-inch display with built-in navigation
Similar to the all-new Clio (which isn’t on sale here, yet), the all-new Captur also gets a digital display in the instrument cluster, available in sizes between 7.0- and 10.2-inches.
At launch, a range of petrol and diesel engines will be made available on the all-new Captur, with varying output levels. For the petrol engines, output figures range from 100 hp to 155 hp, while diesel output figures range from 95 hp to 115 hp.
The most powerful petrol engine is the TCe 130, a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine that does 155 hp and 270 Nm, hooked up to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Come 2020, Renault will be introducing a plug-in hybrid version of the Captur called the E-Tech Plug-in. Renault claims that the plug-in hybrid version of the all-new Captur can deliver up to 45 km and travel at speeds of up to 135 km/h using just electric power.
As for its safety equipment, the all-new Renault Captur can be specified with Renault’s Easy Drive system, which includes:
Highway and Traffic Jam Companion
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Automatic Dipped Headlights
Active Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Warning
Traffic Signal Recognition with Speeding Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Easy Park Assist
While the previous generation Renault Captur was built in Renault’s facility in Spain, among others, the company has said that for the all-new model, production will be moved to China.
Looking for a new Renault? Find for the best deals
here
.


2015 Peugeot 308 THP Launched In Malaysia In Just One Variant, From RM132,888

After a series of teasers on various social media networks, Nasim Sdn Bhd has finally, and officially launched the all-new 2015
Peugeot

308
 THP.
Just one variant of the all-new C-segment hatch is available, and prices will begin from
RM132,888
, inclusive of insurance and GST. One variant or not, the all-new 308 is here and riding on a brand-new, modular EMP2 platform, developed by the PSA Peugeot Citroen group for use on various of its models.
Buyer’s Guide:
Riding on a completely new platform and featuring a whole new redesign from the French carmaker, the all-new 308 is primed for competition against the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf Mk7, the aging Ford Focus, and from Japan, the Mazda 3 SkyActiv, to name a few.
(Click here for our quick review of the 2015 Peugeot 308 THP)
What gives the 308 the upper hand in the segment is that Nasim has been typically uncompromising with specifying its car with the maximum equipment possible. And for the price it commands, it isn’t easy to say there’s a better deal in the local market today.
KEY SPECS: 2015 Peugeot 308 THP
Price:
RM132,888
Engine: 1.6-litre Twin Scroll THP (Turbo High Pressure)
Transmission: EAT6 Six-speed torque converter automatic (Aisin)
Power: 152PS @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm from 1,450rpm
0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds
Consumption: 6.5-litres/100km (claimed), 800km range from one tank (claimed)
Performance:
While completely reworking the car’s looks and giving it a whole new architecture to ride on, Peugeot has decided against fiddling too much with the car’s powertrain. The existing Prince 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo engine sings to the tune of 152PS and 240Nm of torque – figures that go toe-to-toe with anything in the segment.
The only difference with the car is its transmission unit, which is now an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque converter automatic, also known as the Efficient AT6 with Quickshift Technology.
Further encouraging the performance figures of the car is the fact that with the new EMP2 platform in place, and some very clever engineering, the 308 is 140kg lighter than its predecessor.
Exterior Styling:
As you can see, it’s all completely new for the 308’s looks, and it all looks very good. Some have argued that a Golf Mk7’s silhouette is very much present here, but truly differentiating one family C-segment hatch from the other is never an easy trick, and who says there’s anything bad about looking like a Golf? Anyways…
At the front, there’s lot of chrome bits in all the right places, most notably around the front grille and fog lamp surrounds. The full LED headlamps feature 31 diodes in total, including those which form the daytime running lights.
The wheels are a very stylish set of 18-inch ‘Sapphire’ lightweight alloys. To the rear, and Peugeot’s familiar boomerang-type rear lamps have been reshaped and matured to form what you see here, with the signature three-claw lighting slats that dart downwards.
To match the flared wheel arches is an increased overall width of the car that is now at 1.80m, and a reduced overall height of the car, which stands in at 1.46m.
Interior Design:
Inside the cabin, Peugeot stands by its latest i-Cockpit philosophy, which consists of four integrated components: a low position compact sports leather steering wheel, a high position instrument panel, a high center console, and a high position 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen. The focus behind the i-Cockpit is to ensure drivers may keep their eyes level with the road and yet get all the vehicle information they need.
There’s no shortage of premium quality here, with Alcantara upholstery for all seats, a high use of soft-touch materials, satin chrome trims and inserts. The 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen negates the need for button clutter, which allows for the simple, minimalistic dash design of the 308.
CARGO:
 As is, boot volume is at 470 litres and already a leap from the previous generation 308. With the rear bench folded, maximum volume is at 1309 litres.
Features & Equipment:
Here’s where the Malaysian-spec 308 really shines in the segment, because as it appears, Nasim has held nothing back to achieve this level of equipment.
One of the main attention-grabbers of the car is its 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen head unit. Apart from being a pretty massive display screen, the HD quality displays are very impressive. From this screen alone, drivers and passengers may control the air-conditioning, driver assistance systems, multimedia functions (USB, iPod, Bluetooth streaming etc.), telephone functions, and vehicle management systems. Display for the reverse camera as also within the unit.
Like its B-segment cousin, the 208, the Pug 308 has its audio sorted out by an Arkamys 3D system, which here, is a six-speaker arrangement, just as it is in the 208, and just as we like it.
Other items like keyless entry and engine push-start button are all included, but one other highlight worth mentioning is the standard inclusion of front seats with massage functions. Who could have imagined that a C-segment hatch would even get such a thing?
Safety Features:
Needless to say, the 308 gets an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist as standard. In fact, the list of standard safety kit is far from over. Six airbags, Advanced Intelligent Traction Control system, audible seatbelt reminders, dual ISOFIX child-seat anchors in the rear, and hill-start assist all contribute to the 308’s five-star EuroNCAP rating.
Going a level ahead of the competition, the local-spec 308 even comes with Dynamic Cruise Control (regulates speeds based on vehicle ahead), Emergency Collision Alert (warns driver audibly to brake if vehicle ahead approaches too quickly) and Emergency Collision Braking (auto brakes and warns driver of collision, mitigating a potential crash).
Other Information:
Five colours of the all-new 2015 Peugeot 308 THP are available, and they are Nero Black, Rouge Red, Mocha Brown, Artense Grey and Pearl White.
Inclusive in the list price is Peugeot’s five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, and the brand’s 24-hour road-side assistance service. Other benefits of being a Peugeot customer include:
Peugeot Privilege
: Membership Card entitles owners to various lifestyle privileges.
Peugeot Lounge
: Access to the facility at the Subang Skypark Terminal where Peugeot customers may enjoy a first-class lounge experience.


Driving The Wrong Way – Connected Cars The Answer?

There seems to be something in the air leading Malaysian drivers down the wrong side of the road recently. The recent fatal incident in Penang in which a teenage girl in a Proton Gen.2 caused the death of a factory worker was one of several
highly-publicized incidents
 involving vehicles being driven against the flow of traffic, and on the fast lane, no less.
These incidences help fuel the argument of those who champion a future of autonomous driving and connected vehicles. Indeed, if there was the means to warn drivers of an oncoming vehicle, the chances of averting an accident become significantly reduced.
Starting March 2018, all new cars sold in the European Union must be connected to the eCall automatic emergency call system – it’s no longer an option, it has become a requirement by law for one’s vehicle to be connected.
Meeting this inevitable future, Bosch has rolled out its Bosch Automotive Cloud Suite that serve as the technological basis for all car-related connectivity features. Through this cloud, Bosch is able to provide a wide range of connectivity services to consumers on behalf of car makers.
One noteworthy feature will be wrong-way driver alert, which not only buzzes the driver of the offending vehicle, but also all nearby road users, ensuring every driver in the vicinity is prepared for the unexpected.
Apparently, in Germany alone, some 2,000 warnings about wrong-way drivers are broadcast each year, though the warnings tend to come too late in most cases.
Through the cloud, Bosch is also able to provide services such as predictive vehicle fault diagnostics, real-time parking map, personal assistant, and on-the-go software updates.
Still on the topic of drivers going the wrong way, the upcoming
G30 BMW 5 Series
 comes with wrong-way warning which, as the system’s name suggests, sounds visual and audio warnings if it detects if the driver is turning the wrong-way into a one-way street. It also has evasion aid, which autonomously steers your vehicle around suddenly appearing obstacles. Useful, we suppose, if a car appears out of nowhere on course for a head-on collision.


Volkswagen breaks 500,000 mark for global EV sales

Volkswagen is well on its way to becoming an EV powerhouse as they have cracked the
500,000 EVs
 delivered to customers around the globe.

Over half a million Volkswagen ID. units have gone into production and handed to owners since October 2020 and that's a remarkable milestone to achieve considering all the troubles manufacturers have faced (and still facing) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VW - the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility?

According to Imelda Labbé, Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen, "Delivery of half a million ID.s confirms that the Volkswagen models are being well-received by our customers – all over the world. We are on the right track with our electric mobility campaign and our success story continues."

"Our focus is unchanged – we want to make Volkswagen the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. We are doing our utmost to deliver the roughly 135,000 ID.s on order to our customers as quickly as possible. However, due to the persistently strained situation as regards the supply of parts we are repeatedly having to adjust production," added Labbé.

Only VW EVs in Europe from 2033

To ensure that they're fully committed to their EV strategy, Volkswagen will only produce electric vehicles in Europe from 2033. As we head closer to 2030, EV sales are targeted to be around 70% in Europe. As for USA and China, it'll be 50% market share for its ID. line-up.

The nearer future will see a total of ten new EVs from Volkswagen by 2026. It seems that their goal is simple and direct - to offer EVs of all kinds at all price points for the masses, from an entry e-car with a price tag below €25,000 (around RM117k) to the new flagship Aero B. Electrifying times ahead, indeed.


New York 2019: Kia Stinger GTS – Now With Drift Mode

Kia has unveiled a very special, limited-run edition of the Stinger sports sedan at the ongoing 2019 New York International Show.
Limited to just 800 units, the special edition Stinger GTS’ main highlight is a newly developed Dynamic All-wheel Drive System that is designed for more spirited driving. Dubbed D-AWD, the system has been tweaked to close the gap in behaviour between the AWD- and RWD-equipped Stinger GT. A RWD variant of the Stinger GTS is also offered.
A mechanical limited slip rear differential (LSD) has been added to the D-AWD system, which is designed to enhance traction and distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels when wheel slip is detected. Elsewhere, Kia has retuned the Stability Control system, transmission shift patterns, and Slip Control and Counter Steer Detection system for better driving balance and response.
The D-AWD system offers three drive modes, which progressively distributes more power towards the rear wheels – Comfort (60 percent to rear wheels), Sport (80 percent), and Drift mode which sends 100 percent of power to the rear wheels.
The D-AWD system, in many ways, works just like BMW’s M xDrive system which features in the
(F90) BMW M5
, but this comes as no surprise, as Albert Biermann, ex-Head of BMW’s ‘M’ Division now
heads research and development
 for Hyundai Motor Group.
There are no changes under the hood, like the Stinger GT, the GTS is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 which outputs 370 PS and 510 Nm of torque. Power is sent to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Aesthetically, the Stinger GTS is easily identifiable by its Federation Orange paint colour. Genuine carbon fibre parts now outline the tiger nose grille, side mirror caps, and side vents. Elsewhere, a ‘GTS’ emblem resides on the boot, and a ‘Stinger’ emblem replaces the Kia logo on the trunk lid.
On the inside, the steering wheel and centre console are wrapped in Alcantara, while the headliner is now trimmed in a suede-like material called Chamude. A sunroof is fitted as standard, as is a 720-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Stinger GTS will hit Kia dealerships in the US beginning Q3 of 2019.
For the best deals on Kia models, click
here
.


Lexus Takes All-New ES’ Ride Quality To New Heights With World-First Swing Valve Shock Absorber

Having sold 2.18 million units globally since 1989, the Lexus ES has been one of the brand’s most important models in the portfolio.
Highly regarded for its ride comfort, the seventh-generation all-new Lexus ES has just gone on sale in Japan, and the model’s signature ride quality has been taken to another level, thanks to a couple of world-first advances.
Built on the new GA-K platform which demonstrates high torsional rigidity and a low centre of gravity, the all-new ES features a new swing valve shock absorber which is a world-first within the suspension industry.
What it does is that it ensures an appropriate level of damping force is always delivered, irrespective of the level of compression transferred through the vertical movement of the car’s wheels.
Also, within the shock absorber is a new dual valve arrangement that offers a broader range of control over the flow of hydraulic fluid inside the cylinder. So, in addition to using a traditional main valve to handle the majority of fluid transfer that suppresses suspension movement and delivers supple ride comfort, the shock absorbers in the all-new ES also feature an additional ultra-low velocity valve (fitted only on variants without Adaptive Variable Suspension).
In simpler words, the new swing-valve suspension provides excellent responsiveness on all varieties of road surfaces, resulting in a consistently even ride quality.
According to Lexus engineers, the biggest challenge was locating the suspension system’s trailing arms, which had to be done with pinpoint accuracy in order to find the critical balance between linear steering response and excellent handling stability.
The engineers were careful to produce a layout that did not compromise the size or convenient shape of the boot. To achieve this, the shock absorbers were placed closer to the back of the rear seats and mounted separately from the coil springs.
Although developed for markets around the world, much of the chassis testing and evaluation was carried out in Europe for its access to a wide range of road types and surfaces. According to Lexus, these included no-limit highways, mountain passes, urban streets with rough surfaces and race tracks, including the famous Nürburgring circuit.
Previewed at this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018), the 7th gen all-new Lexus ES has a 2.5-litre VVT-iE naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Specifications for Malaysia have yet to be confirmed but in some markets, the four-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver 203 bhp at 6,600 rpm and 247 Nm at 5,000 rpm.


Proton Iriz R5 Will Mark Proton's Return To WRC

Apart from receiving a
new update
, the Proton Iriz is also going rallying, with the new Iriz R5 being developed by MEM. This marks the return of Proton into the World Rally Championship scene, after their withdrawal four years ago following the end of the Satria Neo's production.
The new Proton Iriz R5 is developed and built by the same folks behind the Satria Neo S2000, Chris Mellors' MEM. According to
Autosport
, MEM is working to unveil the Iriz R5 at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Chris Mellors said that the size and shape of the Proton Iriz is ideal for rallying, as the overall length is shorter than the Satria Neo, but with a longer wheelbase. The suspension strut top locations are also positioned nicely, plus the Iriz has sufficient space up front for cooling.
Power will come from a Mitsubishi Evolution X, though the engine capacity has been reduced to 1.6-litres. This, coupled with the Xtrac transmission, Cosworth electronics, Reiger dampers and Brembo brakes should make the Iriz R5 a competent rally machine. Homologation for the Iriz R5 is set to happen on 1 January 2018.
MEM said that the new Iriz R5 will be available in both right- and left-hand drive configurations.
Via:
Autosport


Kia Stinger GT 2.0 And 3.3 V6 Launched in Malaysia, From RM239,888

Naza Kia Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia today finally launched the highly anticipated Stinger GT.
First
revealed at the 2017 MAI Malaysia Autoshow
, the Stinger GT, which is imported from Korea, will be offered in two variants:
Kia Stinger 2.0L GT-Line – RM239,888 OTR without insurance
Kia Stinger 3.3L V6 GT – RM309,888 OTR without insurance
While the Stinger 2.0L GT is powered by a 2.0-litre twin scroll turbo 4-cylinder Theta II T-GDi engine producing 255 PS and 353 Nm of torque, the Stinger 3.3L V6 GT comes with a 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 Lambda T-GDi engine which kicks out 370 PS and 510 Nm of maximum torque.
Both engines are paired to Kia’s own 8-speed automatic gearbox which sends all the power to the rear wheels. According to Kia, the Stinger 2.0L GT comes with Kia’s Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) feature which helps reduce torsional vibrations through the drivetrain.
And then we have the Shift-By-Wire transmission control which is available on both models, allowing the driver to change between various driving modes. It can also be set to intuitively manage shifts on its own.  As for the suspension and steering, there are 5 different modes to choose from.
Among the key features that made the Kia Stinger win praises in the handling department include a limited slip differential, dynamic torque vectoring control, adaptive suspension, and vehicle dynamics fine-tuning at the famed Nurburgring circuit.
Standard features on both variants include:
Acoustic glass front windshield
Black chrome door mirrors and fender vents
Quad exhaust pipes
Dual-vents on bonnet
Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) with Drive Mode selection (Smart, Comfort, Sport, Sport +)
Launch Control
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control
18-inch wheels with Continental ContiSport Contact 5 tyres, 225/45 R18
Climate controlled (cooling and heating) front seats
8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats with 4-way lumbar support
Aluminium foot pedals
Head-up Display (HUD)
Around View with Driving Rear-View Monitors (DRM)
8-inch touchscreen audio display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Harman Kardon 720-watt Quantum Logic Surround Sound with 15 speakers
Wireless smartphone charger
Blind Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning
The Stinger 3.3 V6 GT adds these features:
19-inch Y-spoke wheels with staggered Continental ContiSport Contact 5 tyres (Front 225/40 R19, Rear 255/35 R19)
Brembo performance braking system (front 4-piston calipers, 350mm ventilated disc; rear 2-piston calipers, 340mm ventilated disc)
Variable steering gear ratio
16-way power adjustable driver’s seat with side bolster adjustments
Nappa leather upholstery with GT Logo
GT-exclusive flat-bottom steering
Additional performance display – G-force readout, oil temperature, turbo boost and lap timer
Both variants of the new Kia Stinger are available in four colours – Hichroma Red, Deep Chroma Blue, Panthera Metal (Grey), and Aurora Black. The interior of the 3.3 V6 GT is only available in red, while the 2.0 GT-Line comes in a sporty black tone.
As for warranty coverage, the Kia Stinger comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, said, “The Kia Stinger is the culmination of years of passion and commitment fuelled by the brand’s bold and adventurous spirit to amalgamate nimble performance and unyielding style,”
“To meet customer demands, we are introducing two variants of the Kia Stinger, the 3.3-litre V6 GT and the 2.0-litre GT-Line, both sport sedans that exude disarming confidence, elegance, and athleticism,” Dato' Samson concluded.


Mercedes-Benz teases new E-Class, unveil coming on April 25th

Mercedes has given a date for the official unveiling of the Next-Gen E-Class

The next couple of years will be interesting for Malaysians who are looking for mid-size European sedans, with both BMW and Mercedes lining up replacements for the current 5-Series and the E-Class.

Well, it seems the E-Class will be launched first, as Mercedes has confirmed that they will be unveiling the brand E-Class on April 25 and have even released a silhouette image of their new sedan to give us all a taster of what to expect in two weeks time.

If the teaser image is anything to go by, it definitely gives us a telltale sign that the new E-Class will be like a much bigger C-Class, making it even harder to distinguish the difference between the two.

We've already seen its
swanky new interior and screen-themed
design, but this is the first clue to what the side profile would look like. If the picture is not misleading, the peekabo appearance of the rear lights tells us that it should look similar to the current taillights, but we're expecting major changes to the headlights, probably with something a bit more angrier and slimmer.

There's some specualtion that the new E-Class will come with flushed door handles just like its big brother the S-Class, so perhaps that could be one of the best ways to tell it from its little brother apart.

Picture credit: New Cars Technology

There's also been rumours that all engines will come with some electrified assistance, even going as far as allowing users to drive them on pure electric alone for a short commuting distance.

We will have to wait and see, as its global unveiling will happen shortly after the Hari Raya holidays. Are you excited about the new E-Class? or are you an SUV convert who's just not interested in sedans? Let us know in the comments.


Kereta Rosak Di Tengah Jalan? Enam Perkara Penting Yang Perlu Anda Lakukan!

Pernah terperangkap dalam situasi kereta rosak di tengah jalan raya? Tak tahu apa nak buat? Jangan risau, kami ada tips yang boleh anda ikuti.

Kerosakan kereta secara tiba-tiba itu amat menyakitkan hati. Apatah lagi apabila anda berseorangan ketika ia berlaku. Nak tahu apa yang sepatutnya kita lakukan bila berada dalam situasi seperti ini?

1. Jangan Panik!

Pertama sekali, Jangan sesekali panik melampau sehingga hilang kawalan diri. Jika anda terlalu panik, anda berkemungkinan tidak boleh berfikir secara jelas. Hadamkan situasi sekeliling terlebih dahulu sambil menarik nafas panjang. Sekiranya hari hujan lebat ditambah dengan keadaan trafik yang padat, anda mungkin boleh memikirkan semula rancangan anda untuk turun menolak kereta tersebut.

2. Buat Panggilan Kecemasan

Hubungi panel insuran dan beritahu lokasi dan masalah yang anda hadapi secara terperinci. Ini akan membolehkan mereka menghantar bantuan secepat yang mugkin. Kemudian hubungi ahli keluarga dan rakan-rakan untuk maklumkan kepada mereka tentang situasi anda. Sekiranya anda berada berhampiran kawasan tempat kerja, hubungi rakan sekerja untuk bantuan.

Sekiranya anda menggunakan lebuhraya, dan malang tidak berbau, telefon bimbit anda tidak mempunyai rangkaian, gunakan telefon kecemasan yang telah disediakan di lebuhraya. Operator di sebalik telefon kecemasan itu juga mampu mengesan kedudukan anda berdasarkan telefon kecemasan yang anda gunakan.

3. Tolak Kereta Anda Ke Tepi Jalan Supaya Tidak Mengganggu Lalu Lintas

Untuk menjamin keselamatan anda, kereta anda dan pengguna jalan raya lain, dapatkan bantuan untuk menolak kereta anda ke tepi jalan bagi tidak menghalang lalu lintas. Di Malaysia, tanpa perlu meminta, bantuan biasa akan dihulurkan. Jangan sesekali menolak kereta anda secara berseorangan. Perkara ini amat tidak digalakkan kerana menolak kereta ini merupakan kerja untuk dua orang. Pastikan anda mempunyai seorang untuk menolak, dan seorang lagi bagi mengawal stereng kereta dan brek. Pastikan anda tidak menolak kereta menggunakan bahagian yang bermungkinan boleh kemik ataupun patah seperti spoiler dan bumper kereta.

Untuk menolak kereta, turunkan handbrake dan hidupkan kunci. Walaupun kereta tidak boleh hidup, tapi jika anda hidupkan kunci, kunci stering turut akan terbuka dan membolehkan anda untuk mengawal kereta. Turunkan juga tingkap pemandu untuk berkomunikasi dengan tukang tolak.

4. Utamakan Keselamatan Anda!

Selepas berhenti di tepi jalan, pastikan anda mempunyai peralatan keselamatan seperti kon dan jaket keselamatan yang mampu untuk memantulkan cahaya bagi membolehkan pengguna jalan raya lain nampak kelibat anda dengan jelas walaupun pada waktu malam. Namun, sekiranya anda berseorangan di waktu malam dan kereta anda rosak di kawasan berhutan atau sunyi, anda dinasihatkan untuk kekal duduk dalam kereta dan mengunci pintu kereta untuk mengelakkan sebarang kejadian tidak diingini berlaku terhadap diri anda. Hubungi talian kecemasan 999 untuk mendapatkan bantuan selanjutnya.

5. Sentiasa Peka Dan Bersedia

Sekiranya anda perasan prestasi kereta anda semakin merudum dan menunjukkan tanda tanda untuk rosak, nyalakan lampu amaran bahaya dan tukar ke lorong paling kiri untuk memudahkan anda berhenti di lorong kecemasan sekiranya kereta anda rosak.  Ini dapat mengelakkan lalu lintas daripada bertukar kepada sesak akibat daripada kerosakan kereta anda yang menghalang lalu lintas. Kekalkan lampu amaran bahaya walaupun anda sudah berhenti di tepi jalan kerana lampu ini amat penting untuk memberi indikasi kepada kereta lain terhadap situasi kenderaan anda.

6. Insuran Kereta

Ramai yang masih tidak tahu bahawa khidmat
tunda kereta
 ini boleh didapati secara percuma ataupun pada kadar yang lebih murah. Bagaimanakah caranya? Sebenarnya, ada dua pihak yang menyediakan khidmat tunda kepada anda secara percuma. Pertama, anda boleh mendapatkan tundaan percuma daripada pihak pengeluar namun ini bergantung kepada pihak pengeluar samaada mereka menyediakan servis ini.

Anda dinasihati untuk mengambil pilihan kedua, iaitu khidmat tunda daripada syarikat
insurans.
Khidmat tunda mereka lebih fleksibel kerana anda akan mendapat khidmat tunda percuma bergantung kepada polisi insurans anda. Bukan itu sahaja, anda diberi kebebasan untuk memilih pusat servis yang disediakan oleh insurans atau boleh memilih bengkel pilihan anda sendiri. Tetapi sekiranya anda didatangi oleh lori tunda yang bukan anda hubungi, jangan gelabah. Hubungi syarikat insurans anda terlebih dahulu kerana semua keputusan berada di tangan anda.

Akan tetapi jika anda boleh mengelakkan situasi di atas daripada berlaku kan lebih baik? Jadi bagi mengelaknya anda harus memastikan:

1. Penyenggeraan Berkala

Untuk mengelakkan sebarang kerosakan secara tiba-tiba, amalkan
penyenggaraan kereta
 anda mengikut jadual dan tempoh servis yang ditetapkan. Periksa benda asas seperti isian
minyak enjin
, penyejuk (coolant) dan bendalir pencuci (washer) dan pastikan anda menambah isipadu bendalir tersebut apabila isipadunya semakin berkurang bagi mengelak sebarang kebocoran berlaku tanpa pengetahuan anda.

2. Telefon Bimbit Sebagai Senjata Utama

Telefon bimbit kini menjadi senjata penting anda pada alaf ini. Pastikan bateri telefon anda sudah dicas penuh untuk mendapatkan bantuan. Penting juga bagi anda untuk memiliki pengecas bateri telefon mudah alih atau ‘powerbank’. Selain daripada menghubungi bantuan, anda boleh menggunakan telefon bimbit anda untuk mencari bengkel bengkel yang berhampiran. Anda boleh jumpa pelbagai jenis penyelesaian terhadap segala jenis masalah yang sedang anda hadapi. Jadi, gunakanlah internet dengan sebaiknya!

Semoga perkongsian ini membawa manfaat kepada semua. Yang paling penting, apabila situasi ini berlaku kepada anda, tidak perlu panik kerana setiap masalah ada penyelesaiannya! Sebaliknya, pastikan anda sudah bersedia dan serba tahu dari pelbagai aspek untuk mengendalikan situasi seperti ini dengan tenang sekiranya ia berlaku kepada anda.


All Licenses And Road Tax Must Be Renewed By September 30

The moratorium period for the renewal of all licenses and road tax will end on September 30.

The
moratorium period
 for the renewal of Competent Driving Licences (CDL), Motor Vehicle Licences (MVL or Road Tax), Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license will not be extended after September 30 according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

In this regard, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) said, compliance monitoring and enforcement activities by the department's enforcement body and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will commence starting from October 1.

"Vehicle owners whose road taxes have expired have to ensure they have valid insurance coverage and can produce their e-cover note upon request by authorities when called upon.

"The moratorium period or extension of the deadline for renewals will stop on September 30.

"Checks on compliance and enforcement by JPJ enforcers will start from October 1 onwards," it said in a statement on Wednesday (August 4), as reported by The Star.

JPJ said, the public is advised to
make renewals
 and transactions online through the public mySIKAP portal (https://public.jpj.gov.my/public/login.zul) or JPJ's partner, myEG.

JPJ also said that Pos Malaysia branches and offices is expected to start JPJ transactions at more than 650 branches throughout Malaysia starting from August 9.

"We will make sure stocks and supplies of licenses and road tax documents are sufficient in anticipation of a surge in renewals later," it added according to The Star.

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

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Carlist.my.

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

Get the latest new car promotions at
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 website now.


GIIAS 2015: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Makes Indonesia First ASEAN Destination

Ah, the
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
: finally, a right-hand drive Benz mobile fit for a fight with the likes of the
BMW

X3
 and the
Audi

Q5
.
Taking over from the GLK-Class which was only a left-hand drive model,
Mercedes-Benz
 is bringing the fight to our RHD ASEAN countries, and it starts now. Mercedes-Benz has seemingly picked the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show for its debut in the region, which comes barely a month after the
car’s global premiere
.
Back to the car itself, and yes, this one’s an X3-, Q5-fighter. A GLC-Class Coupe is also expected to come, but the world will have to wait a little bit longer for that one.
What we’re looking at here in Indonesia is a GLC-Class GLC 250, of which there are two variants, priced from Rp 1,099,000,000 to 999,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (RM325,852 to RM296,202 when directly converted).
Powering the GLC 250 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 211hp and 350Nm of torque when paired with its brand-new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission – the M 274 engine here is similar to what you’d get from the Malaysian C 250 and E 250, but the 9G-TRONIC is a new addition standard to all GLC-Class variants.
Inside the car, the interior highly resembles what you’d get from the latest-gen W 205 C-Class, something also shared between the two, on top of the common platform.
We know that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is planning to
introduce a tidal wave of SUVs in 2016
, and the GLC-Class is a sure feature. We can’t say for sure in which variants they’ll have it here, and now that the diesel quality at the pumps has improved, we probably shouldn’t expect them to stick to just the GLC 250 petrol versions.
Internationally, the GLC-Class was launched in a total of four variants: GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 4MATIC, and
GLC 350 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid.


Proton Sold More X50 Than Saga In July

For the first time in forever, the great
Proton Saga
 has been dethroned from the brand's top-selling model. With what? The
Proton X50
, folks.

That's right, the Proton X50 set a new monthly sales volume record of 4,763 units in July - 242 units more than the Saga (4,521 units sold last month). In total
Proton
 managed to deliver a total of 11,477 units to new owners across Malaysia.

Proton retains the crown in four segments

Unsurprisingly, Proton managed to hold on to the top of the sales leaderboard thanks to the Proton X50 sales figure making it the best-selling B-segment SUV in the country to date.

The C-segment SUV title is currently being held by the Proton X70 with a total of 1,704 units successfully delivered to customers back in June. While the Proton Saga might have lost its 'best-selling Proton' title, it still retains its stature as the best-selling A-segment sedan in the country.

As for the Proton Exora, its spot on top of the C-segment MPV segment is still safe with 476 units sold by Proton last month.

Proton X50 - Malaysia's best-selling vehicle in July

According to Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton, "The company is immensely proud of the model becoming the first SUV to be crowned as the best-selling vehicle in Malaysia and we are thankful for the support from our customers."

"This achievement and Proton’s sales leadership in other segments show our business plan is on the right track and repays the confidence placed in the brand by buyers, investors, and other stakeholders,” added Roslan.


VinFast To Move Legal And Finance HQ To Singapore

VinFast moves its legal and financial headquarters to Singapore in preparation for the company's arrival on to the big stage.

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has announced that it will move its legal and financial headquarters to Singapore in preparation for a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange and the first production of the vehicle for the U.S. and European markets.

VinFast NYSE Listing

As reported by Reuters, the
budding Vietnamese company
, which will start building its VF8 electric SUV next week, its own E.V. batteries, and begin construction of its $4 billion assembly plant in the U.S. later this year, said that "Singapore is a jurisdiction that will give investors more confidence."

Its CEO, Le Thi Thu Thuy said she planned to spend more time in Singapore, where VinFast is buying a building, turning its holding company into an operating hub that would include an office and housing for staff and executives.

EV expansion is independent of IPO

Thuy however, declined to comment on the IPO when asked but said
the company's EV expansion plans
 do not depend on the listing. "Like any large company, we always consider all possible financing transactions," Thuy said.

Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong said earlier this month that VinFast had filed an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States through its Singapore-based holding company, but market conditions may push the deal into 2023.

VinFast was founded in 2017 to produce vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), but in January 2021, the automaker announced that it would stop producing ICE vehicles by the end of 2022 and instead
focus on the development of all-electric vehicles.

VF8 and VF9 EV nearly ready for the big stage

According to Thuy, VinFast's overseas expansion plans will start with the VF8, a medium-sized electric crossover powered by a 90 kWh battery, capable of covering a distance of about 500 km on a single charge.

The first VF8 model will use batteries from South Korea's Samsung SDI, but VinFast has developed its own batteries as protection against future shortages. The automaker will begin battery production in August and expects to produce about 3,000 vehicles with its own batteries by the end of the year.

Alongside its VF8, Vinfast has also been developing the larger VF9, though that was delayed by about a month because of the impact of COVID-19 containment measures in Shanghai on suppliers, Thuy said.

"We will deliver cars to the international market by the end of the year. All of our efforts are on the start of production for the VF8," Thuy said to Reuters.

VinFast is particularly betting on the U.S. market, where it hopes to sell the two SUVs with prices from about $41,000 with a battery leasing plan. It aims to open its first showrooms in California by early July, including a flagship site in Santa Monica, Thuy said.


BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Arrives to Take On The Panamera – Yours for only RM969k

BMW Malaysia has taken the wraps off arguably the most exciting car to be launched during the MCO period - the 840i Gran Coupe M Sport.

Here to take on luxury 4-door "coupes" like the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-AMG GT 4 door, the 8-Series Gran Coupe is priced at RM968,800 on the road without insurance.

First presented in the flesh during our visit to Faro, Portugal, to sample the new 7-Series, the 840i Gran Coupe M Sport here, is quite an impressive machine to say the least.

Featuring a dynamic silhouette with four doors, a long wheelbase, and a coupé-style roofline flowing effortlessly into the sloping rear, the folks at BMW say that this model is by far the most luxurious coupé that they have ever built.

As far as the exterior is concerned, the big news is the wheelbase of the coupe that has been increased by 20 cm, allowing space for two frameless rear doors. The car’s frame has also been widened to further emphasise the low centre of gravity.

Key features include the iconic kidney grille, large M Sport air intakes, BMW laser headlight with high-beam assistant, BMW M Aerodynamic kit, LED taillights, as well as 20-inch light alloy wheels, as well as a panoramic roof.

The sexy exterior of the BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport is complemented with an equally stunning interior that conveys an allure typical of a sports coupé.

Thanks to the extended wheelbase, rear passengers can enjoy a sense of space unparalleled in other BMW coupés by far. Other key features include the M Leather steering wheel and the ‘CraftedClarity’ glass application in the interior elements.

The coupé is also furnished with a full-leather dashboard, electric sports seats with integrated headrests and active seat ventilation for both the driver and front passenger, rear seats with a moulded single-seat appearance, ambient lighting with adjustable brightness and colour spectrum, as well as four-zone automatic air conditioning.

In case you’re wondering how practical this car is, there’s 440 litres of luggage capacity when rear seat backrests are folded with a 40/20/40 split.

Feeding all the necessary information about the vehicle and the journey is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system combined with the Head-Up Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for smoother vehicle operation.

The natural voice interaction via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, intuitive operation via the iDrive Controller, touchscreen feature and BMW Gesture Control also provide additional safety and convenience to both driver and passenger.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch, customisable instrument cluster and combined with the large (10.25-inch) touchscreen Control Display. Infotainment on the other hand, is taken care of by the latest-generation BMW Operating System 7.0 that features a clean layout as well as customisable and personalised displays.

In terms of driver assistance features, the 840i Gran Coupé M Sport comes with the BMW Personal CoPilot system which includes the Driving Assistant Professional which comes with rear Cross-traffic Warning, Lane Change Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, automatic Speed Limit Assist, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, as well as Forward Collision Warning with braking function.

In addition, there is also the Parking Assistant Plus as standard, which comprises the Surround View system with Top View, Panorama View, and Remote 3D View. The lateral parking aid and the Active Park Distance Control emergency braking feature are also included to help support in sticky parking situations.

Owners will also be able to enjoy the BMW Display Key along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay for enhanced convenience and comfort on every drive. Last but not least, we have the Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system.

Powering the 8-Series Gran Coupe is a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine that makes 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox that sends all the power to the rear wheels.

Thanks to the powertrain, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and clocks a top speed of 250 km/h. Further complementing the package are goodies like adaptive suspension, M Sport differential, Integral Active Steering, as well as an M sports exhaust system.

Offered in six colours (Barcelona Blue, Sonic Speed Blue, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Sunset Orange) that can be paired with BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim in a variety of premium colour combinations ranging from Black, Night Blue, Cognac, Tartufo and Fiona Red, customers can now book the BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport on the brand’s newly launched digital showroom with a booking fee of RM5,000.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia,
t
he 840i Gran Coupé M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 11,058.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Owners will also receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with BMW White Card privileges, as well as access to BMW Service Online.


Porsche Adventure Drive 2016 – Luxury in the Wilderness

One of the biggest perks of life as a motoring journalist is that specific job description that calls upon us to periodically journey to some foreign land, handed the keys to some exotic metal to drive for a few klicks, and be on our merry way.
Destinations in recent memory include
Ingolstadt
,
Stockholm
,
Venice
, as well as countless journeys to neighbouring Thailand. Today’s feature brings us to another popular tourist destination, but one that isn’t typically frequented in motoring circles for purposes of work.
The legendary Angkor Wat has brought many visitors to the beautiful town of Siem Reap in Cambodia, but it has not been a popular destination for car makers to show off their latest models, until recently.
When the invite came to our office for us send a participant to the
Porsche
 Adventure Drive 2016 event, the mention of stopping by Angkor Wat in the itinerary caught my attention and I was quick to volunteer for the job.
We landed at Siem Reap in a hot afternoon; coming from what I already thought was a heat wave sweeping through KL, that’s saying something. Temperatures were definitely upward of 38 on the Celsius scale. There’s less humidity than I’m accustomed to at home, however, meaning I did not sweat as much.
The itinerary welcomed us to the trip with a free and easy afternoon followed by a casual dinner under starlight, not at a fancy 5-star Michelin restaurant, but rather surrounded by the ruins of the Prasat Kravan temple; prepping us for the more earthly surroundings which we will be having plenty of for the next day.
The actual drive programme was only a day-long. After an early breakfast, our contingent of media representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and as far as Europe, were unleashed on the streets of Siem Reap behind the wheels of various variants of the
Macan
 and
Cayenne
.
Organized into a tightly held convoy, the journey was intended as a demonstration of Porsche’s abilities to engineer SUVs with the breadth of talent to rival a
Land Rover
’s – combining cosseting luxury, on-road dynamism, and off-road ruggedness in one package.
Surrounded by various slow-moving vehicles that include the Cambodian-special motorcycle-pulled rickshaw, this drive was, however, never about showcasing the performance aspects of the Macan’s and Cayenne’s DNAs. Instead these bulky machines were taken into circumstances beyond typical usage, inching through tight gaps and kicking up dust from laterite roads.
The journey to lunch at Banteay Ampil Temple wasn’t exactly what we would call precarious, but it involved plenty of kilometres of the beaten track. The unpaved terrain and tight bushes surrounding us are more typical settings for test drive events for pick-up trucks and other rugged machines rather than luxury SUVs from one of the world’s best-recognized car brands, but if the point was to prove that the Macan and Cayenne can rough it out with the best of them, the message was certainly received.
Not content with lashing the bodywork with sharp twigs and battering the suspension with ruts and potholes, the cars were subject to further punishment at an obstacle course which we took turns to try on near our lunch spot. The challenges served as a demonstration of these vehicles’ abilities to handle themselves on low grip inclines without slipping. This writer faced a bit of a challenge negotiating a sandy off-camber left-hander, but otherwise went through the course without incident. Pretty regular off-roading tests all being told, but both the Macan and Cayenne negotiated the challenges without breaking sweat.
The original plan after lunch was to stop by Angkor Wat after lunch for an on-foot treasure hunt, but enforced changes due to road closures forced that part of the itinerary to be relocated to Ta Prohm temple, enthusiastically promoted by locals as the
Tomb Raider
 temple. Pleasingly, this writer and his team mates were able to summon their inner Lara Crofts and successfully completed the mission of the treasure hunt, which was to locate one of two Porsche 911 scale models hidden in the temples.
Our journey back to the hotel took us past the narrow gates of Angkor City and tantalizingly close past Angkor Wat. We could see parts of the beautiful ruins from afar, but scheduling restrictions left us with no time to marvel at the splendour of this ancient and magnificent structure up close. And because the Malaysian group were booked into early flights the next morning, we didn’t have time to return and visit it on our own either.
So, no Angkor Wat for me then, and the drive programme did not test any of the vehicles anywhere near their performance potential. This was a drive event that was profoundly different from what the lot of us in the motoring media fraternity have grown accustomed to. It was one of those rare motoring trips that the cars did not hog the limelight but instead blended into the background and served us dutifully as tireless companions.


Nissan 400Z Photos Emerge - Stunningly Close To The Prototype!

Everyone loves a good spy shot, but one we didn't expect to see was the Nissan 400Z.

Sports cars tend to have one of the longest production life cycles because it's simply so difficult to build up enough funding from sales to develop the next generation. Similarly, most sports cars can't simply be an evolution of a chassis doing two generations of duty - as is the case with many passenger cars. With this in mind, it's easy to see why the internet is ablaze with spy photos of the Nissan 400Z.

Showing up in a shipping facility in America was what appears to be a production version of the 400Z, and this time in automatic guise instead of the manual that was the Z Proto. This production unit is incredibly similar to the Z Proto that we've been seeing in various photos and videos over the last few months, which means Nissan is staying true to the design. The Nissan badges may be taped over, but there's no denying
it's a 400Z
.

The problem is there are still very few details
regarding this 400Z
. It's expected that there wil be a twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine - most likely lifted from Infiniti's range of turbocharged motors - and it seems that the 400Z will sit on a modified version of the platform that underpins the Q60 Coupe.

If the name suggests anything, the powertrain
in the 400Z
 will push 400 horses and a big chunk of torque (475 Nm of it from 1,600 rpm to 5,200 rpm) - which should be on par with what the Infiniti Red Sport variants produce as they are the most potent performance variants Infiniti offers.


Kia Takes 3 Red Dot Awards Home This Year

Fashion comes and goes, but style is forever. When it comes to the Red Dot design awards, it's usually referring to the former than the latter; these awards are given to products that have great design, but the context always depends on what the market wants at each time. Ever since Kia had the benefit of hiring Peter Schreyer, an ex-Audi designer, their products have gone from being boring to flat out stunning, especially with
cars like the Stinger
 on the horizon.
This year, Kia took home 3 different awards, making it a total of 18 awards since 2009. First up is the Optima Sportswagon, which reclaims the award that its sedan sister did for 2016. It also happens to be the Best of the Best award, which is especially high praise for the car. One look at it and you can see why: it's got that aggressive Kia front end that we know and love but with a sleek wagon bodystyle that doesn't seem old out or out of fashion thanks to some aggressive lines.
Also taking an award was the all-new Rio which was just launched recently. The Rio has really matured in its design, growing from being a strange in-between-segment product to something that looks almost Continental in execution, both inside and out. We announced earlier that the new
Rio will be making its way here
, although we're still unsure how much of the good stuff we'll be getting for our local variants.
Rounding out the trio is the Kia Niro which, like the Optima Sportswagon, is something we don't get here. It's a crossover with a specific focus on hybrid technology, taking the powertrain from the extremely respectable Hyundai Ioniq and combining it with a nice compact crossover body-style. Given that crossovers are all the rage these days, and hybrid cars get massive incentives, it would be wise for Naza Kia to consider offering it as a premium car within its segment.


2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ now available in Malaysia - From RM509,888

Alongside the launch of the refreshed 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class models, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia saved the best for last in the form of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+.

The Mercedes-AMG A-Class hatchback model has also gone through a revision in terms of looks and overall driving experience to a whole new level that is priced together into a package that starts from RM509,888 for the Standard unit and RM539,888 for the Street Style Edition (OTR prices excluding insurance).

For the looks, the A 45 S has been updated with revised front headlamps together with the AMG-specific radiator grille that now comes with the new and round AMG emblem in replacement of the Mercedes star.

Other new bits include a set of 19-inch AMG five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with aerodynamic optimisation, red-painted brake callipers, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. There's also the AMG Night Package that offers high-gloss black exterior features, but there's also the AMG Aerodynamics package if you're planning to have more grip and control during those more spirited drives.

On the inside, the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class is fitted with the AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG buttons and new touch-control panels to control the AMG Dynamic Select features.

Support comes in the form of the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced paired with the Multicontour Seat Package finished in the Artico/Microcut AMG upholstery and Aluminium AMG Design trim elements. Just like the new A 200 and A 250, the 2023 AMG A 45 S also feature the latest MBUX generation (NTG7) for a more in-depth driving experience.

Other bits include:

AMG screen design

USB Package Plus

Burmester® surround sound system

AMG Real Performance Sound

AMG Track Pace + more

Speaking of power, the 1,991cc four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in the A 45 S is able to produce 421hp and 500Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h.

As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is priced at RM509,888 for the Standard and RM539,888 for the Street Style Edition.


Lockdown 3.0: UMW Toyota Motor Suspends Sales And Manufacturing Operations

UMW Toyota Motor has today confirmed that it will be temporarily suspending its sales and manufacturing operations nationwide with the country going into FMCO or Lockdown 3.0 since June 1, 2020.

“The past few weeks have been challenging for all of us. During these difficult times, we at Toyota and Lexus stand with all of you in solidarity in our fight against the pandemic. We have temporarily shut down our non-essential services. At the same time, we understand that during this time of uncertainty, we can still be of assistance and support. This is why we continue to be here for vehicle emergencies and breakdown,’ said Ravindran K., President, UMW Toyota Motor.

“Also, all vehicles purchased from UMW Toyota Motor or our Authorised Dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period, will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO,” he added.

This comes on the back of an encouraging upward trend for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia with a combined volume of 7,595 units in May 2021. This is a 120% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2020.

Sales are driven by the
2021 Toyota Vios
 which accounts for 32% of sales, followed by the
2021 Toyota Yaris
 five-door hatch (25%), and last but not least the
Hilux
 with 21% of total units sold in May 2021.

This was of course buoyed by the
SST exemption
 from the PENJANA initiative which has since been extended to December 31, 2021.

Will 2021 be the year that
UMW Toyota takes the throne from Honda Malaysia
 for top non-national carmaker? The signs appear promising but there is still COVID-19 and its associated threats to weather for the remainder of 2021.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government for taking numerous intervention measures to not only safeguard Malaysians from the threat of the pandemic but in introducing financial and industrial policies to ensure that the pandemic does not have a too severe impact on the economy. This includes a further extension of the SST exemptions which we believe has, and will continue to contribute significantly towards restoring consumer purchasing confidence,” said UMW Toyota  Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.


Why We Love The 2020 Perodua Axia 1.0L ‘E’ (MT) – Forget Premium, Cheap Is Good

There’s been a lot of buzz on social media lately regarding how much one would need to earn to own a Proton X50. Understandably, it’s the most awaited car of 2020 (managing to even steal the thunder of cars like the all-new City and Almera), and it’s quite possibly the most stylish and lifestyle savvy model to ever come from Proton.

But we were absolutely dumbfounded when the salary amount people were enquiring about was a grand total of
RM1,200
.

Seriously? I for one was dead against dignifying (and entertaining) such formidably stupid notions that one could own an RM80k (presumably) and up SUV when even the government does not impose income taxes on you to ease your spending burdens.

Just to reiterate: assuming that the price would fall between RM80,000 and RM100,000 range, after paying 10% down payment, and an interest rate between 2% to 3%, our estimate is that you would be paying between RM850 and RM1,200 per month respectively over a period of nine years.

So, with a salary of RM1,200, and a car loan payment of RM800 per month at least, the term drinking tap water and eating grass never held so much credence, not to mention, no bank is that desperate (or silly) to loan money, they know the borrower obviously cannot return.

For the sake of the argument – commercial banks have a rule of thumb that your car instalments must be less than one-third to one-fourth of your monthly salary. Meaning if you have a monthly car instalment of RM800, your salary should be at the very least, upwards of RM2,500.

However, as we have
previously covered in detail
, car instalments are just the first of many expenses when it comes to owning a vehicle. Once you factor fuel, maintenance, and travelling costs – expenses quickly add up.

The 2020 Perodua Axia 'G' variant

Which brings us to our topic in question, the cheapest car on sale in Malaysia – the Perodua Axia 1.0 ‘E’, and why we think, if your salary is RM1,200, or even RM2,500, you simply cannot go wrong with cheap and practical!

Here are five reasons why:

1. It’s the cheapest car on sale in Malaysia: 2020 Perodua Axia

The Perodua Axia 1.0L ‘E’ manual costs just RM23,367 (with current tax deductions in place), a cheap selling price means cheaper insurance and running costs. Not to mention, the road tax for the Axia is just RM20.00 per year, or about the cost of a ‘Java Chip Frappuccino’ at Starbucks. In addition, the Axia range offers six-variants with prices ranging up to just over RM41k so buyers can comfortably step up to better safety and equipment features without breaking the bank.

Even for first-time car buyers – putting a 10 percent downpayment, and taking a 7-year loan repayment would put the monthly instalments at approximately RM400. A far more sensible amount for someone earning RM1,200, or thereabouts.

Hence, sometimes, it’s best to forget the trappings of premium lifestyle what-nots and just get a car that is easy on your wallet and puts a smile on your face.

2. It’s cheap to maintain: 2020 Perodua Axia

It costs roughly RM2,500 for basic maintenance (not inclusive tyres and brake pads) of a Perodua Axia for the first five years. That means you’ll have a reliable, ever-ready car to use for roughly RM50 a month on average. Even if we factor in two sets of new tyres (at approximately RM700/set) for the full five years – we can prorate the entire maintenance cost of an Axia to be just RM65 per month – how’s that for cheap?

It’s not just the cheap maintenance, as the vehicle gets older, other maintenance items such as suspension and brake components are also cheaper, ensuring you are not financially burdened to keep your car running safely and smoothly.

3. It’s got enough power and yet sips fuel: 2020 Perodua Axia

The Axia is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine pushing 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual. That a decent amount of power for a vehicle that weighs just under a tonne. Of course, you will not win any drag races but there’s enough pep in the drivetrain to get you up hills and maintain highway speeds – and that’s all you need really.

Plus, Perodua claims the manual 1.0L ‘E’ variant returns 22.5 km/litre of fuel. This means a full tank will cost you just over RM55 (at current prices) and return over 600km of travel. For most people travelling to work and back, they could stretch a full tank of fuel for two weeks or more if driven conservatively.

4. It’s got all that you really need: 2020 Perodua Axia

In this day and age, it’s understandable that everyone wants Bluetooth this and Mirrorlink that, and yes, if you have the money, go for it – they make any drive more easy and fun. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the three most important luxuries in a car are: air-conditioning, power steering, and comfortable seats – everything else is an accessory to the objective of getting from A to B. The Axia ‘E’ has got all of them, plus two-airbags and four powered windows.

We do wonder why Perodua didn’t include central locking to the Axia ‘E’s range of equipment, especially since it wouldn’t cost that much to the end-user, and double-up as a safety feature for the occupants.

That aside, the cabin is roomy for four adults and offers decent cargo space for daily use.

5. It’s fun to drive: 2020 Perodua Axia

Now we’re not suggesting you take an Axia to the Sepang Circuit for hot laps on the weekends, but, even for the more enthusiastic of drivers – it can be a rewarding car to drive.

There’s a certain appeal about driving a paired-down, bare-bones car simply because it’s more organic and communicative. The lack of weight also makes it nippy and agile in the bends, and a rev-happy 67hp 3-cylinder can be as fun as a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine simply because you can use more of the power, more of the time. A simple five-speed manual is the final piece of the puzzle for driver engagement.

In conclusion

Much like the original Perodua Kancil ‘EX’ from 1994 – its successors, the Viva and now the Axia ‘E’; provides a cost-effective entry-point to motoring for the masses, much like Volkswagen Beetle and original Austin MINI all those years back.

While it might be easy to get caught up with the bandwagon regarding fancy brochures with comprehensive equipment lists – and to tell the truth – fancy brochure do sell cars regardless if people think they would use them or not. This article points to the basic needs of motoring, and why car buyers should really re-evaluate what they need from their chosen vehicle, and ask the question if they are willing to pay for it.

We would also like to note that a crucial omission of the Axia ‘E’ is ABS (with EBD) braking which is available on more premium models. We understand that the car is built to a price point, but a few crucial additions would go a long way to making the Axia ‘E’ a far more attractive (and safer) proposition for people looking for cheap and cheerful motoring.

For the full list of specs and to compare the
Perodua Axia
 against other models, head to
Carlist.my
.


Perodua Sells 207,000 Units, Market Share Up to 35.7% Through 2016

2016 wasn't a great year for automotive manufacturers in Malaysia. Sales were down across the board, but there's always a little bit of flexibility that companies can use to accommodate for the fluctuations in sales with the economy. Perodua is one company that has adapted well to the ups and downs of the market, as shown in their recent press conference regarding their performance through 2016.
For the eleventh consecutive year, Perodua has maintained their position as the country’s most preferred automotive brand. They have grown to a market share of 35.7% for 2016, even with the general glut in the automotive sector. Going into 2017, they are aiming for a slightly lower market share of 34% and aim to sell 202,000 vehicles through this year, as the TIV is expected to see a 2% growth to 590,000 units up from 579,600 through 2016.
On the international front, Perodua saw export volume grow to a healthy 6% in 2016, up to 4,700 units from 4,400 units in 2015. 60% of these exports are to Indonesia. As a rather surprising side note, the Axia is the best-selling compact hatchback of ASEAN, purely because of its Malaysian sales.
But more than merely moving product and changing their market share, Perodua has consistently been working towards improving their brand on the whole. This means that they have to support the customer from start to finish, and that starts with CSI and SSI ranking. They stand at #6 for SSI (sales satisfaction), and have moved up to #8 for CSI (customer satisfaction). This is also reflected in their after warranty intake ratio, which is up to 32% from 29% in the previous year.
On the service side, they have gone from roughly 1,964,000 units to over 2,030,000 units intake in 2016, representing a 3% increase. Revenue from this has gone from RM 600 million to RM 682 million, or a solid 14% increase. Parts and accessories saw an increase of 7% to RM 266 million. All of this increase in income has also seen a group capital expenditure of RM 492 million, which is 26% more than 2015. This comes even though volume of production is down by 7% versus 2015, with roughly 213,000 units made.
For this year, the targets are fairly ambitious- but Perodua is focused on everything except increasing sales volume and market share. This is a solid strategy as they don’t predict the market is going to get much better this year, and instead have chosen to focus on their existing customers and work on improving that key user experience. They hope to go up to #5 for SSI and CSI rankings, with a hopeful increase of 1% for service intake and 3% for service revenue. Parts and accessories are expected to increase revenue by 2%, while group capital expenditure is expected to top out at RM 557 million, or 13% more than last year. All of this comes with a 7% reduction in production volume, a 2% projected reduction in sales volume, and a 1.5% projected reduction in market share.


Smart Or Stupid - Can You Mix RON95, RON97, RON100 Fuels?

Can you mix RON95, RON97 and RON100 fuel in your car?

For the uninitiated choosing between the
yellow and green or sometimes red nozzles
 can be a little confusing.

Of course, to those of us who have had even the briefest talking-to about the matter will recognise that it is, in fact, quite trivial. Mostly, the colours correspond to the price we have to pay, but it also relates to the different RON value assigned to the fuel.

Before we continue, it’s worth explaining what - not who - exactly is RON. As you’d expect, it’s an acronym, and it stands for Research Octane Number. It’s the most common form of octane rating and is used worldwide and is determined by the fuel’s ability to resist knock or premature combustion when under high pressure.

As we know, the internal combustion engine generates power by an explosion that results from an air and fuel mixture that is compressed by a piston, and should only ignite in a controlled manner by a spark plug at the apex of that piston’s arc to ensure maximum energy release.

The more pressure that fuel mix can handle without self-igniting is denoted in the RON number designated to it and is determined by a number of factors under strict testing lab regimens.

Knock Knock

This phenomena is something you may have already heard of and results from an engine that experiences isolated premature ignition of its air/fuel mixture under normal operation, though there are many other reasons it happens in day-to-day driving.

It typically occurs as a result of the incorrect use of grade petrol, and while it is damaging to the car if left neglected, it isn’t the end of the world. Engines suffering from excessive knock can still be driven, but the driver will notice a sluggishness, lack of power, and some excess noise.

Petrol companies and car manufacturers work hand in hand to ensure that knock is avoided, of course. Modern vehicles have sophisticated monitoring measures to regulate the fuel mixture and detect knock before it can reveal itself via those aforementioned outward symptoms.

Even if knock is detected, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) can make adjustments to prevent its manifestation such as, among other things, reducing the potency of the air-fuel mixture via the injectors, retard or speed up the spark ignition - all without the knowledge of the driver.

That all said, every modern petrol-powered car in Malaysia is rated, certified, and
optimised to run on RON95
 fuel to the point that you paying extra for RON97 or above is just a waste of your hard-earned money as your engine will need to work harder to adjust to the higher RON fuel suited for higher compression engines.

More Power?

With the RON values forming a tier of differently priced fuels, oil and gas companies will naturally try to justify the higher cost of their RON97 or higher performance petrol. In addition to the higher resistance to knocking and the ability to sustain higher in-cylinder compression, these fuels also have a more
robust additive package
, or so the companies advertise.

V-Power, Blaze 100, or Primax Pro-Race all speak of a higher concentration of additives mixed in with the fuel. Everything from friction modifiers to
improve fuel economy
 and performance, to corrosion inhibitors, to more exotic and chemically complex ones that improve engine response and prove some topical cleaning abilities to the fuel system and valve-train and even to reducing the build-up of internal carbon deposits.

In the long run, you could argue that this higher quality (and more densely packed) additives are worth paying the extra over the base RON95 as they could help prolong the health and service life of your engine. Then again, there are no independent testing results to definitively prove this to be the case.

With regard to any additional performance benefits attributed to the mere RON value of a fuel, it really depends on the car you’re driving and the engine it is running. Apart from any anecdotal or experiential opinion someone may have formed, fuelling up with a RON97 fuel (or higher) won’t turn your Myvi AV into a high performance machine.

The higher RON value merely allows an engine tuned for higher compression to extract the most power it already is able to generate without suffering premature ignition or ‘knock’. It just so happens that these engines are generally fitted into higher performance cars, so we get the impression that they could be beneficial to our daily driversHowever it’s’s important to remembr, that those higher performance cars
might need fuel with a higher RON value
 to run properly and smoothly.

If your car runs smoothly on RON95, and especially if it is rated for it (check your fuel filler cap to confirm), there is no huge benefit to changing your habits. Any improvement in response and smoothness you might feel after filling up with, for example, Shell
V-Power
 could be totally attributable to the placebo effect.

And let’s not forget the more robust additive packages included in those more expensive fuels. You most likely are feeling those effects instead of the higher RON value.

You’ll Always Have A Mix

If your fuelling habits are similar to most Malaysians, you aren’t tied to a single brand of fuel. Even if you are, you might reach for the RON95 nozzle most of the time and perhaps occasionally the one for RON97.

Assuming you don’t bleed your fuel system or pull up to the petrol station on a bone dry tank (definitely not recommended) before your next refill, you’ll always have some blend of RON95 and RON97 (or higher) sloshing around in your tank.

You’ll never have 100% RON95 or RON97 or the same blend from the same company. Yet your car, along with everyone else’s, still seem to work just fine after pulling away from the pumps.

Again, modern petrol-powered cars have sophisticated systems built in to adjust the combustion process for the fuel that is being fed into them so you don’t have to worry. If you’re getting your fill at a reputable petrol station that gets its high quality fuel from another reputable oil and gas company (and unless you’ve pumped in diesel by mistake), you car WILL NOT EXPLODE.

Conclusion

On a personal note, it’s quite amusing to find people still asking about the possible benefits and pitfalls of mixing and matching different RON95 with RON97 (or higher) fuels from different fuel providers.

Ignoring the health hazards of sugary beverages, it’s like mixing and matching different brands of sodas together, yet we never question that line of thinking.

Can you mix Coca Cola with Pepsi, or Mountain Dew with Sprite despite them coming in different bottles, have differently coloured bottle caps, and are made by different fizzy water companies? Of course you can.

The resulting concoction might taste awful, but you’ll still function. Thankfully cars don’t have taste buds like we do.

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Special Year-End Promotion For Ford Ranger WildTrak and Ranger Raptor

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia has announced its sales and service promotion for the end of the year and upcoming festivities.

From now until 31st January 2020, customers who purchase the Ford Ranger WildTrak or Ranger Raptor will enjoy free maintenance for two years or up to 40,000km (whichever comes first), a free Christmas giveaway worth RM2,000 and an exclusive Ford Performance Golf Umbrella. The Ford Ranger WildTrak comes with a cash rebate of RM3,000 during this promotional period.

For added peace-of-mind, SDAC is also offering a number of service promotions for Ford owners including a free 27-point vehicle inspection by Ford-certified technicians to ensure vehicles are in tip-top condition for road trips and safe travelling in general.

Within the same campaign period, customers can benefit with discounts up to 20 percent on selected parts and engine oils for selected models.

Only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are used, providing greater assurance of quality.

Further savings of 10 percent on labour fees for lubricant, brake and timing belt packages for selected models are also on offer.

Additionally, all customers who pay in cash with a spending of more than RM350 in a single receipt will each receive an exclusive set of travel cutleries. All service customers will also receive a free Ford ‘Ang Pao’ packet*.

The Ranger line-up is currently offered with a full manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.


What You Need To Know About the Toyota Yaris

You’re looking to buy a new car. You don’t need something high riding, so pickup trucks and SUVs are out. You want something compact, so you’re looking towards the B-segment of cars. And maybe you decide you’re willing to give up the extra boot space in favour of ease of parking. It sounds like what you need is a compact hatchback.

The Toyota Yaris ticks those boxes. It sits on the same platform as the Toyota Vios, and even shares its powertrain as well. But Toyota has made a couple of tweaks and changes to the Yaris in order to capitalize on its smaller overall footprint and make it a little more fun to drive. But if you’re going to look at the Yaris, it’s good to narrow down what you’re looking for to pick the best variant for you.

There are three variants of the Toyota Yaris to choose from – 1.5J, 1.5E, or 1.5G. The good thing is that no matter which you pick, you’re going to have a healthy amount of features and options – such is the nature of Toyota’s latest model line-up which goes the distance when it comes to meeting consumer expectations.

The most paramount of these is safety. Whichever Yaris you end up choosing, you will get Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, as well as seven SRS airbags and ISOFIX at the rear to properly belt your child seat in – if you need to. If you want to go the distance and would like the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, you will have to opt for the 1.5E or 1.5G models.

Opting for the 1.5J gives you 15-inch steel wheels, while the other variants get 16-inch alloy wheels. Other aesthetic changes are projector headlamps and LED rear lamps, as well as indicators on the wing mirrors – which automatically fold – and front fog lamps. These might be relatively small changes, but together they can really offset the way a car looks.

In terms of interior materials, all three models get the same black fabric with blue stitching – a nice bit of colour in a usually drab segment. Only the 1.5E gets a Multi Info Display, while the 1.5G sees that becoming part of the TFT screen that sits in its Optitron meter cluster – exclusive to this variant. Steering wheel switches also increase in number as you go up the list of variants, from none in the 1.5J, to Audio and Bluetooth in the 1.5E, and the addition of Multi Info Display controls in the 1.5G.

The entertainment system also sees upgrades depending on the variant. If you are happy streaming music from your mobile device, the 1.5J has you covered with a basic head unit that can play CDs, radio, or MP3s from USB or Aux sources, and even Bluetooth connectivity. Spring for the 1.5E or 1.5G and you get a 6.8-inch touch screen with all the above, and USB mirroring and voice control. You also get two more speakers for a total of six, compared to the 1.5J’s four speaker setup.

There are also a couple of extra goodies that owners will receive if they opt for the higher level variants. Premium Security and Solar Tint is included in the purchase price of the 1.5E and 1.5G, along with a Digital Video Recorder (or dashcam, as it’s more commonly known), and a reverse camera setup. It’s a pretty nifty package that more than makes up for the price difference across the range.

So what are the actual price differences between the three models? The entry level 1.5J comes in at RM 70,888, while the 1.5E goes for RM 76,888, and the top of the line 1.5G sits at RM 83,888. All three models come with a five year, unlimited mileage warranty for some true peace of mind. Of course, the only way to really know if the Toyota Yaris is the car for you is to visit your nearest Toyota showroom and test it for yourself.


Honda To Introduce Hybrid S2000 Successor In 2018?

Back in June this year,
patent drawings of what appeared
 to be a mid-engined sports car from Honda found their way onto the internet, where the “baby NSX” strongly hinted at a spiritual successor to the Honda S2000.

With Honda seemingly on a sports car renaissance that saw the Honda Beat reintroduced as the S660 and the second generation NSX making its debut in Detroit, the idea of an all-new S2000 isn’t that far-fetched considering the kei car S660 is a Japan-exclusive whereas the NSX might burst the banks of potential buyers.

Auto Express
 reports that Honda is looking to introduce the successor to the S2000 in 2018. According to sources close to Honda, the 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine (310hp/400Nm) from the
Civic Type R
 might not make its way into the new car. Due to more demanding emissions regulations, the 1.5-litre turbo (power figures not provided yet) from the
tenth generation Honda Civic
 might be fitted instead, with electrification bringing total output to around 300hp.

Design-wise, the flagship NSX would most likely serve as an inspiration for a new Honda S2000 with slender LED headlights, large intakes, and sculpted body. The original S2000 was only available as a roadster but these patent drawings could see a shift to a coupe bodystyle instead.


Porsche Taycan: Power Loss Fault Sparks Worldwide Recall

Porsche’s first fully electric vehicle, the Taycan, has been greeted with a pretty smooth and trouble-free track record since its introduction in late 2019. However, a newly discovered issues has caused the automaker to begin a global recall program.

First discovered back in March
in the United States
 through an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fault could apparently cause sudden and total power loss. In certain hypothetical situations, it’s also possible that the car would also not be able to be restarted afterward.

Porsche, in their own investigation, noted that 130 cars have been observed with this problem, though no accidents or injuries have resulted from it. According to a preliminary statement, the recall would affect approximately 43,000 examples worldwide, including all 2020 and 2021 variants of the standard four-door saloon and
the newer Cross Turismo
.

According to the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, prior to its own enquiry, it had received 9 complaints of Taycans losing power without warning while operating at a variety of speeds and conditions. Among those, 6 reported not being able to restart the car.

In these cases, the problem stems from the vehicle’s auxiliary 12-volt battery where a loss of charge there could cascade into a shut down of the entire car’s electrical system. More specifically, triggerring a loss of power following a incorrect communication between drivetrain modules.

Porsche has already implemented the software update into the production pipeline, but will require specialised tools and know-how to access the more isolated control electronics that govern the Taycan’s motor-generator unit.

Unfortunately for owners of the new electric Porsche, despite this issue being related to software, this isn’t something that can be rectified through an over-the-air update and will instead be patched the old school way of bringing the car to the nearest dealership, who have also confirmed to be holding any new pre-delivery Taycans on their lot until the update can be carried out.

The majority of owners will be notified directly this month to bring their cars in for the free fix, at least in the US, as surely the NHTSA will be pressuring Porsche Cars North America to get it rectified as soon as possible. However, in other markets, that timeline is slightly more unclear.

That said, given their similarities under the skin, this fault could also be present in the first few batches of the
Audi e-tron GT
.


A Sneak Preview Of The 2018 BMW 8 Series

We’ve waited long enough for this. Ever since the last BMW 8 Series went out of production shortly before the turn of the century, BMW has never had a direct replacement for the model, leaving the lower range 6 Series as its sole grand touring model.
Rumours of BMW developing an all-new 8 Series have been gaining followers lately and during today’s Annual General Meeting of the BMW Group, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger has finally confirmed that an all-new BMW 8 Series is coming next year.

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BMW Add G14 8 Series Convertible – Drop Top Elegance

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November 05, 2018

A design concept version of the car will be presented at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on 26 May 2017, but past history suggests BMW’s so-called design studies are often close enough to be passed off as a production car.
Apart from this sole picture of the upcoming super grand tourer’s silhouette, not much else is revealed although we suspect that the car will be based on the 7 Series, in the same way the 6 Series is based on the 5 Series.
The BMW 8 Series will most probably be aimed at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.


Hukuman Merempit Lebih Berat – Penjara, Denda Hingga RM10,000

Bagi menangani isu lumba haram serta aktiviti
Mat Rempit
 di negara ini,
Kementerian Pengangkutan (MOT)
akan meminda Seksyen 42 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan (APJ) 1987 bagi memberikan hukuman yang lebih berat kepada mereka yang terlibat.

Menurut Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pengangkutan, Datuk Isham Ishak, pindaan itu dibuat susulan kejadian kemalangan maut membabitkan motosikal di Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu di Pulau Pinang bulan lalu bagi membendung kegiatan itu secara komprehensif.

*Kredit foto: Kosmo

Hukuman Merempit Lebih Berat

Antara cadangan akan dikemukakan dalam pindaan itu adalah:

Menaikkan kadar denda minimum daripada RM300 kepada jumlah di antara RM5,000 hingga RM10,000

Hukuman penjara terhadap Mat Rempit

Ibu bapa kepada remaja yang berusia di bawah 18 tahun yang didapati terlibat di dalam kegiatan lumba haram dan para penyokong lumba haram juga akan dikenakan tindakan

Tindakan tegas terhadap pemilik bengkel yang terbabit dalam ubah suai motosikal bagi kegunaan lumba haram.

Kata Isham, pindaan itu akan dibuat susulan kejadian lima maut dalam kemalangan membabitkan motosikal di Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu di sini, bulan lalu dan perbincangan di antara kementerian serta Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) hari ini bagi membendung kegiatan itu secara komprehensif.

"Sebelum ini kita sudah buat pindaan akta bagi menangani isu pemandu mabuk dan ia dilihat berjaya mengurangkan kes itu. Pindaan APJ 1987 juga akan capai matlamat," katanya pada sidang media di Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen (IPK) Pulau Pinang.

*Kredit foto: Kosmo

Task Force Bendung Lumba Haram

Terdahulu media melaporkan mengenai kemalangan pada 17 Julai lalu, yang meragut tiga nyawa di tempat kejadian manakala dua lagi meninggal dunia ketika dirawat di Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP).

Kemalangan itu dipercayai berpunca daripada beberapa motosikal yang disyaki menyertai aktiviti lumba haram dan penunggang dipercayai hilang kawalan sebelum merempuh antara satu sama lain.

Mengulas lanjut Isham berkata, modul pelaksanaan pelan jangka masa pendek membabitkan operasi secara menyeluruh bagi membanteras isu itu akan dimulai di Pulau Pinang

Pasukan bertindak khas (
task force
) akan ditubuhkan bagi tempoh tiga bulan membabitkan pelbagai agensi termasuk

PDRM

Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)

Badan bukan kerajaan (NGO)

Masyarakat

Selain itu pihak berkuasa juga mungkin membenarkan syarikat insurans menyemak pangkalan data di JPJ mengenai maklumat Mat Rempit yang telah dikenakan hukuman untuk mengenakan insurans premium yang lebih tinggi terhadap mereka.

Beliau turut cadangkan supaya Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) diberi kuasa untuk menyita bengkel atau menarik balik lesen sekiranya ada maklumat bahawa bengkel itu mengkeluarkan motosikal bagi lumba haram.

"Kita juga menggunakan pendekatan lain dengan mengesan
 gambar suspek
 yang terbabit lumba haram atau penonton serta menahan mereka sama ada di tempat kerja atau rumah dan jika ia berjaya, modul ini akan diadakan di negeri lain pula," katanya lagi.


Paris 2018: Vietnam Now Has Its Own Car Brand, VinFast

The Paris Motor Show 2018 witnessed the launch of a brand new automotive player from the ASEAN region, VinFast. The company also unveiled two models, the sedan named LUX A2.0 and the SUV named LUX SA2.0.
VinFast is a subsidiary of Vingroup, Vietnam’s biggest private enterprise, with interests in several market sectors including retail, construction, real estate and education.
In order to build a successful automotive business from scratch within a short period of time, VinFast, led by Vingroup Chairwoman, Le Thi Thu Thuy is joined by senior executives and professionals from global automakers, including James DeLuca (Trading and Production), David Lyon (Director of Design), Shaun Calvert (VP of Manufacturing), Kevin Fisher (VP of Engineering), and Roy Flecknell (VP of Planning and Program Management).
The exterior design sketches of both the sedan and SUV models were selected through a vote by the Vietnamese consumers just a year ago. David Lyon’s team then worked with Pininfarina to bring the concept sketches to production.
Both models feature a distinctive front design with an asymmetric VF motif. The sedan measures 4,973 mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2,968 mm and a width of 1,900 mm. These dimensions place it in the region of premium European sedans (BMW 5 series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6).
The LUX SA2.0 SUV meanwhile is slightly shorter in length (4,940 mm) with a shorter wheelbase of 2,933 mm but wider at 1,960 mm.
While it is not publicly mentioned, both models are heavily based on BMW models- the LUX A2.0 sedan is based on the F10 5 series and the LUX SA2.0 SUV is based on the F15 X5 series.
Inside, both models defer quite significantly from the base BMW vehicle. The dashboard features a large 10.4-inch touchscreen that is designed to house all the controls for entertainment, navigation, climate, and vehicle settings.
As the model name denotes, both vehicles will be powered by an engine displacing 2.0-litres. Maximum outputs for the turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine are 231 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission delivering traction to the rear wheels, with the SUV model having an option for all-wheel drive.
The LUXA2.0 sedan also has an option for a lower state-of-tune in the 2.0-litre engine of 176 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The company says it will accelerate the sedan from rest to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
When fitted with the higher output engine, the company expects the sedan to set a time of 7.1 seconds. The SUV meanwhile aims to achieve a time of 8.9 seconds and 9.1 seconds, reflecting rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configuration respectively.
VinFast has also calibrated the powertrain to local requirements, with preference to more powerful and smooth torque response from the car, without needing to downshift. A similar ‘customer clinic’ programme was undertaken with Magna Steyr to help calibrate data points for the ride and handling set-up.
There are no details to the safety features and equipment, but the company has mentioned they are targeting to achieve a five-star rating in ASEAN NCAP testing.
VinFast vehicles and other mobility products from Vingroup will be manufactured at a modern 335-hectare plant located in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam. Domestic sales of LUX A2.0 and LUX SA2.0 are scheduled from September 2019 and heading to international markets in 2020 which will be led by VP of Sales, Lê Thanh Hải.


Bermaz Celebrates Its Latest Batch Of Skilled Graduates

Bermaz Motor, the sole distributor of Mazda Vehicles in Malaysia welcomes its latest batch of 163 graduates from its various in-house training programs, who will go on to further strengthen the technical and after-sales support for Mazda.
The 163 graduates come from various courses and different training levels.
Mazda Apprentice Program (MAP) - 51 Graduates
Body and Paint Program – 15 Graduates
Mazda Master Technician – 69 Graduates
Mazda Master Senior Service Advisor – 28 Graduates
The MAP was estabished in 2010 by Bermaz Motors, graduates are awarded the Malaysia Skill Certificate (Level 3, K-Worker), Diploma from the Institute of Motor Industry Awards Limited (IMIAL-UK) and Mazda Masters Level F. Graduates will continue to pursue higher levels in the Mazda Masters training program - Level 1, Level 2, and lastly Level 3.
The MAP serves as foundation course and aims to inculcate positive training culture in developing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the motoring industry. The training is based on work-process approach and actual work conditions.
The MAP is an automotive skills training program for school leavers with SPM/SPV. Selected candidates are entitled to full scholarship by Bermaz Motor and guaranteed employment under the Company for a minimum of three years.
Through the MAP, Mazda hopes to develop well-trained and technically skilled manpower to provide the best after-sales customers’ care each time they come in contact with the Mazda brand.
Bermaz Motors also announced Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd will be supporting the MAP - Shell Malaysia will contribute RM50,000 annually for the next five years to support its human capital development.
Check out some great deals on
Mazda cars here.


2021 Toyota Innova: Toyota's Much Loved MPV Gets An Update

The much loved Toyota Innova gets an update too and we like what we see!

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that they will soon launch the 2021
Toyota Innova
, which now features updated styling as well as additional safety systems being made standard.

There will be three variants
, the Toyota Innova 2.0X – from RM129,677.00, Toyota Innova 2.0G – from RM121,483.00 and the Toyota Innova 2.0 E – from RM111,622.00.

The 2021 Innova comes with expected cosmetic changes at the front end, giving it a more refined and clean look, including a chrome and black themed grille with the door mirrors having chrome housings and integrated turn signals (Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G). The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned and contribute to a bolder appearance.

The Innova 2.0X comes with exclusive styling such as new wheel arch mouldings, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a particular ruggedness to the MPV.

The lightweight 17-inch alloy rims of the Innova 2.0X are now in Dark Mica Metallic instead of black, and those on the Innova 2.0G get a more dynamic new design. The garnish on the back door has been restyled, while the roof spoiler (only for the Innova 2.0X) has been reprofiled to give added aerodynamics said Toyota.

The large 9-inch capacitive touchscreen for the infotainment system also serves as a display for the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which is now standard for the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G. The PVM display is now in 3D, which provides the driver with a better perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings for more precise manoeuvring in tight spaces.

More charging ports have been added as a result of customer feedback which now sees the Innova come equipped with two front USB ports with USB charging also available in the third row. All the ports have Fast Charging capability for compatible smartphones and other portable devices. If you're feeling flashy, a wireless charging pad located in the centre console is also available as an option that can be included at the time of booking.

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems which help prevent collisions with other vehicles are now standard for the Innova 20X and Innova 2.0G.

BSM will continuously scan blind zones towards the rear of the vehicle, alerting the driver of a car nearby, while the RCTA is useful when reversing out of a parking spot as it can detect vehicles

approaching from either side and alert the driver of a dangerous situation.

All variants are fitted with 7 SRS airbags, and every one of the occupants on the third row has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt. All variants have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), as well as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). The facelifted Innova qualifies for the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Besides the standard electronic security system, to provide greater peace of mind to owners, UMWT is now installing a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) in the Innova, which can track the vehicle's

movements using GPS and GSM technology.

If the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities in order to recover it faster.

The updated Innova comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.