Mitsubishi is Throwing Up to RM12,000 Cash Rebate for Selected Models

This is without a doubt, a very good time to buy a Mitsubishi as the brand has announced that it is having a special New Year’s promotion where it is offering attractive deals with cash bonus worth up to RM12, 000 for selected models.
While customers who choose
the new Triton
 will get cash bonus worth up to RM9,000 (depending on variant) and 3 Years/100,000km warranty, customers who choose the
ASX
 will get to enjoy cash bonus worth up to RM10,000 for selected variants and 5-Years warranty with unlimited mileage.
The
Outlander
 on the other hand, is offered with cash bonus worth up to RM4,000, 2-years free maintenance and 5-years /100,000km warranty.
And then, we have the
Pajero Sport VGT
 which receives cash bonus up to RM10,000 and 5-Years warranty with unlimited mileage.
Last but not least, customers who choose the Mitsubishi
Attrage GS
 will enjoy cash bonus up to RM12,000.
Confused? Just refer to the table below to see how it works:

No
Model/Variant
 Cash Bonus
 Price (OTR without insurance with GST)

1
Triton VGT Adventure X
RM6,000
127,200.00
2
Triton VGT Adventure
RM7,000
120,400.00
3
Triton VGT AT
RM8,000
111,600.00
4
Triton VGT MT
RM7,000
104,800.00
5
Triton MT
RM9,000
91,200.00
6
Triton Quest
RM6,000
76,300.00
7
ASX
RM10,000
From RM105,744 to RM129,010
8
Outlander
RM4,000
RM168,600
9
Pajero Sport VGT
RM10,000
RM179,716
10
Mitsubishi Attrage GS
RM12,000
RM75,250

Do take note that terms and conditions apply, and promotions last only while stocks last.


Tokyo 2015: Mitsubishi eX Concept – AWD EV Shooting Brake-SUV

The Mitsubishi eX Concept is a concept car that envisions a future all-electric crossover from Mitsubishi Motors.
The concept will be making its world premiere at the upcoming 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, which opens on 28-October.
Typical of such announcements, details are scarce. All we know is that this all-electric crossover will preview Mitsubishi’s next generation all-wheel drive EV drivetrain.
Other features showcased in this concept car is an automated driving feature that allows the eX Concept to valet park itself, as well as a suite of to-be-revealed connectivity functions and active safety technologies.
Mitsubishi describes the eX Concept’s styling as a combination of the “…elegance and stylishness of a "shooting brake" (a term for a coupé with flowing styling fused with a hatchback car) with compact SUV lines.”


Honda's S660 Gets Dressed in Retro Goodness at Tokyo Auto Salon

Honda’s little S660 sports car certainly looks like the Mini-Me version of Honda’s new 21
st
 century NSX. But if you loathe all those sharp angles and modernity in its styling, and pine for something classic styling, then the S660 Neo Classic Concept might be right up your alley.
Displayed at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Neo Classic Concept is basically a
S660 roadster
underneath with every exterior panel except for its doors being replaced. Made by volunteers at Honda Access, Honda’s accessories division, the Neo Classic Concept was the result of an internal design competition.
From what we can see from pictures from
Car Watch
, the S660’s original sharp angular front lights are replaced with huge round items from the ‘N-ONE’ kei-car, whereas its rear deck now features two sloping flanks that stretch from the B-pillar, which holds the S660’s targa top, all the way to its pert new tail.
Though the Neo Classic Concept retains the S660’s removable targa top, its ‘N-ONE’ headlights and taillights, together with its new sloping profile blends seamlessly to give it a fastback appearance of Honda’s earliest passenger cars, the S600 and S800 coupés.
Unfortunately like most of the displays at Tokyo Auto Salon, the Neo Classic Concept is just another demonstration of what Honda Access could do to Honda’s existing model range, and not something S660 owners would be able to buy off the shelf anytime soon.


2015 Porsche Cayenne Facelilft Debuts In Malaysia, Hot GTS Included!

In conjunction with the launch of its
brand-new showroom in Sungai Besi
, Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official distributors of
Porsche
 vehicles in Malaysia, unveiled its 2015
Porsche Cayenne
 facelift.
There’s lots of cool stuff to see here, like the appearance of the
Porsche 918 Spyder hyper hybrid
 that’s on show, so do treat yourselves to a visit soon.
Unfortunately, prices haven’t been revealed yet, but SDAP has mentioned that bookings for all Cayenne variants are being taken at showrooms nationwide.
Back to the premium seven-seater SUV, and yes, there’s lots to cover, so let’s get started with where it matters most: power!
The Cayenne facelift offers two new powertrains for customers to choose from: a new 420hp 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6, and a 333hp plug-in hybrid, featuring a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 + a 96hp electric motor that resides in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The plug-in powertrain in the Cayenne is identical to what you’d get from the Panamera S E-Hybrid.
And yes, they’re all here and ready to order (except the Turbo S monster), along with the full range of the remaining Cayenne variants. Here then, is a brief rundown of the six variants on offer:
Cayenne Turbo:
 As the local range-topper (for now) Porsche Cayenne Turbo will carry forward its naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre V8 engine, which has now been improved for 20hp and 50Nm of torque more (all facelifted Cayenne variants get more power, and improved fuel efficiency), producing a total of 520hp and 750Nm of torque. The Turbo gets Porsche’s eight-speed Tiptronic S torque converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters – the transmission option is common for all variants of the Cayenne.
Cayenne S E-Hybrid:
Sharing a common powertrain with the Panamera S E-Hybrid, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid delivers a total output of 262hp and 580Nm of torque, when it combines the output of its 416hp petrol engine, and 95hp electric motor. Top speed is 243km/h, while a century sprint is sorted in 5.9 seconds.
But that isn’t of course the be all about it. Returning 3.4-litres/100km in fuel consumption, the Cayenne plug-in hybrid has a full electric driving top speed of 125km/h, and will run for a range of 36km completely emissions free. Porsche Malaysia has also told us that purchase of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid includes a charging station which owners can install at home – or anywhere else they see fit.
Cayenne GTS:
 Pictured today in a sporty red, the Cayenne GTS comes ready with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) , brakes from the range-topping Cayenne Turbo, brake calipers in red, large 20-inch wheels, darkened LED rear lights, and of course, GTS lettering all around.
There’s also a sports exhaust kit equipped as standard, which provides the familiar meatly GTS roar.
Like the Cayenne S, the hot GTS variant packs the new 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, but is tuned for a  higher output: 440hp and 600Nm of torque. Its top speed is 262km/h, with a 0-100km/h sorted in 5.2 seconds (5.1s if you spec the Sport Chrono package).
Cayenne S:
 Completely throwing out its 4.8-litre V8 heart, the new Cayenne S adopts Porsche’s new 3.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine, as available on the top-spec Macan Turbo. The powerhouse develops 420hp and 550Nm of torque, and yet consumes less than 10.0-litres/100km.
Cayenne S Diesel:
 Moving next to the diesel twins, the Cayenne S Diesel pushes out 385hp and a monstrous 850Nm of torque from its 4.2-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine. That’s enough to burst the 2.2-tonne mammoth SUV from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds!
Cayenne Diesel:
 The lowest spec diesel Cayenne available makes a humble 245hp, generates a healthy 550Nm of torque from a low 1,750rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission is employed here, which not only gives it’s a century sprint time of 7.3 seconds, but also aids fuel consumption down to a low 6.8-litres/100km (combined).
Cayenne:
 You’d be way off base thinking the base Cayenne was a fish out of water, because even at the very bottom of the business for the Porsche SUV, resides a turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 which makes 300hp and 400Nm of torque. If you’re wondering then, 7.7 seconds is all it takes for the Cayenne to hit 100km/h, looking on to a top speed of 230km/h.
Transmission:
 Across all variants of the Cayenne is an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, which has been updated, and is largely to be thank for all variants’ improved fuel efficiency. Porsche has now included a new ‘coasting’ function and improved the thermal management of the system, and including a new idle-stop ‘Plus’ feature, which can switch off the engine as soon as the car decelerates to walking pace, and not only when it comes to a dead stop.
Styling & Design:
While its silhouette largely remains the same, Porsche has gone through rather great lengths to update its Cayenne with new looks – at least to keep up with its littler, handsomer Macan. The front end has been subtly revised for sharper looks, particularly noticeable via its new front grille, bumper and headlamps. If you look closely, even the hood has been reworked.
The headlamps now feature similar four-point LED daytime running lights to the brand’s latest designs, as seen on the Macan. All Cayenne variants come standard with Bi-Xenon headlights, while only the flagship Cayenne Turbo benefits from full LED tech with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).
To the rear, and the fat, rounder taillights have been thrown out in favour of sharper and slimmer ones, and under them, you’ll find new bumper and exhaust tip designs. The shape of the tailgate too has been restyled.
In Malaysia, depending on your spec/ variant of choice, there are additional bodykits and exterior styling bits available to further customise your Cayenne.
Inside the new Cayenne, all models now benefit from a new multifunction steering wheel design, said to be derived from the 918 Spyder hypercar’s three-spoke wheel with shift paddles. There’s also new stainless steel door sills and a tyre pressure monitoring feature included.
Buyer’s Guide:
As mentioned, all variants of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne haven’t had their prices shared with us yet, but you can drop by a Porsche dealership to place a booking on your preferred variant.


Floyd Mayweather Jr Shows Off His RM20 Million Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

Not too long ago, we reported that Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr was set to
purchase an extremely rare Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
 and it seems like the “The World’s Highest-Paid Superstar of 2015” has collected his car.
Wasting no time in sharing it on his official Facebook page, the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita costs the boxer a whopping $4,800,000 (RM20,395,200 following current exchange rates) and only three examples have ever been produced.
With an abundance of carbon fibre used in its construction, the CCXR Trevita also gets a unique “white carbon fibre” finish that shines like diamonds thanks to Koenigsegg’s special manufacturing process.
The jaw-dropping looks is paired with massive grunt with a 4.8-litre twin supercharged V8 engine producing 1,018hp and 1,080Nm of torque. In just 2.9 seconds, a 0-100 km/h sprint can be accomplished and pressing on, the car will hit a top speed of 410+ km/h.
Of course, Mayweather wasted no time in flaunting his new car. According to
TMZ Sports
, the boxer took his new ride to his favourite restaurant in Las Vegas – Fatburger. Parked outside, he displayed the engine for the masses to see but when the crowd begin to grow, Mayweather called a flatbed truck to safely return it to his mansion. Good to know he cares about his cars, much less this ultra-rare one.


Attending The KL City Grand Prix? Use Public Transport, Rapid KL Advises

The KL City Grand Prix weekend is upon us and Rapid KL is advising racing fans who are planning to catch the race to use public transport for a hassle-free travel into the city.
With
several roads closed
 to facilitate the race, the LRT and monorail services on Friday will run on the normal weekday schedule while Saturday and Sunday will see
additional trains deployed
 to cope with the increased demand.
Meanwhile, Rapid KL buses will operate its services based on revised routes. The following bus routes have been adjusted to avoid roads closed. They are:
Bus U28 – Mulia Jaya – Bangunan Lin Ho Bus Hub
Bus U30 – Pandan Mewah – Bangunan Lin Ho Bus Hub
Bus U26 – Taman Bukit Indah - Bangunan Lin Ho Bus Hub
Bus U332 – Lembah Jaya Utara – Bangunan Lin Ho Bus Hub
Buses that normally travel to KLCC will instead stop at Ampang Park Station before detouring to Jalan Binjai to travel on the revised routes.
The Go KL Green Line will have its route modified with stops at KL Convention Centre, Hotel Novotel, Jalan Kia Peng, Pavillion/Starhill Gallery at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bank Islam/Low Yat Plaza at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Time Square at Jalan Imbi dan Menara JCorp/ Menara AA at Jalan Tun Razak.
“Commuters should be prepared for longer traveling time on the buses in view of the impact from the road closures. We strongly advise commuters to plan your journeys ahead and wisely especially those planning to visit the GLC Open Day at KL Convention Centre this weekend. Using the LRT and monorail will be the best option,” says Rapid KL spokesman Lim Jin Aun.


Goodyear Malaysia’s 2019 Ramadhan Raya Promo Campaign Winner Announced

With over 4,000 entries for Goodyear’s Ramadhan Raya Promo Campaign that ran from the 1st of May to 30th of June this year, selecting a winner was sure to be difficult. But Shamsuddin bin Abdul Jalil turned out to be the lucky person to walk away with the grand prize: a brand-new Honda Civic, and a 10-year supply of Goodyear tyres.
All it took was the replacing of his Goodyear tyres during the festive holidays – a nod to the importance of tyre condition when it comes to road safety. During these high-traffic seasons as people make their ways back to their respective home towns, accidents occur in a high frequency as a result of both driver behaviour and car condition.
Chee Lip Choon, Sales Director of Goodyear Malaysia, said “The importance of car safety and tyre health cannot be downplayed. For this reason, we have made it our global commitment to encourage being safe on the road by closely monitoring the state of your tyres.”


Honda Jade Debuts In Japan - Succeeds Stream, Sort Of

Nearly eight months after its global debut at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, the Honda Jade is now on sale in Japan starting today.
However unlike Chinese market 1.8-litre petrol powered Jade, the Japanese-market Jade is only available as a hybrid - a 1.5-litre i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) petrol-electric hybrid paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The powertrain is similar to the one fitted in the Japanese market Honda Fit (Jazz), Grace (City) and Vezel (HR-V) hybrid models.
Honda claims the Jade will deliver a fuel economy of 25.0 km/litre. This compares to the Toyota Prius Alpha's 26.2 km/litre. Of course, these are based on the Japanese JC08 driving cycle, which gives a far higher reading that Europe's NEDC method.
While the Chinese market Jade is available with either a two row (5-seater) or three row (6-seater) seating configuration, the Japanese market Jade is only available with a three row seating configuration. The middle row's two 'V-slide' captain seats can slide forward or backward while the the third row seats feature a 50:50 split-folding function.
While most hybrid car's traction battery (Honda calls it IPU, Intelligent Power Unit) is fitted under the boot or behind the rear seats, the Jade's traction battery fits snuggly under the centre console. A similar packaging is also used by the Toyota Prius v (also known as the Prius Alpha in Japan).
With a starting price of 2.72 million Yen, the Jade undercuts the Toyota Prius Alpha's 2.93 million Yen's starting price slightly, but the five- or seven-seater Toyota comes with a larger 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain.
Successor to the Stream?
While the Jade appears to be an evolution of the Stream, it is not quite a direct successor to the Stream, which has since been discontinued in May 2014. Thus explains the use of a new 'Jade' nameplate. Of all the current Honda models on sale in Japan, it is the closest to the Stream's ideals.
The Jade's 2.72 million Yen starting price is significantly higher than the Stream's 2.05 million Yen.
In terms of packaging, the Jade is also quite different, with a significantly lower roofline (45 mm lower) but a wider foot print (90 mm longer and 80 mm wider).
As far as Honda is concerned, the Stream lineage has ended and it does not like there is going to be any successor to last Stream RSZ.


Viral Photo Was Not Taken In Our Tunnel - SMART

Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) has denied that the viral photo that was circulating around social media sites occurred in their tunnel.
“In reality that can never happen. We are really upset about it and even the media got it wrong with some still refusing to correct their mistake,’’ said SMART assistant general manager Mohd Noor Mohd Ali told
The Star
.
On last Sunday, heavy rains triggered floods in several parts of Kuala Lumpur, including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Loke Yew, Jala Pudu Ulu, Jalan Cheras, and Jalan Kepong.
Several hours later, photos of a Honda Civic trapped in a flooded tunnel from Jalan Tun Razak to the KLCC carpark went viral and some assumed it happened in the SMART tunnel.
“When there is a flood in Kuala Lumpur, people assume the SMART tunnel is not working or will ask why it did not do its job,’’ he added.
According to Mohd Noor, the SMART tunnel’s primary role was to divert floor waters from Sungai Klang and Sungai Ampang into a lake in Kampung Berembang. The secondary role of the SMART tunnel is to help ease traffic heading in and out of the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
“We informed the public via Twitter, VMS (Variable messages signs), DBKL’s Integrated Transportation Information System (ITIS) and radio announcements about the closure. So, there is absolutely no way for cars to be inside the tunnel at this juncture,” he said.


Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Launches Diesel Variant of Tucson

If there was one variant that's been mysteriously lacking from the local Hyundai Tucson line up, it would be a diesel model. But not anymore, as Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has just announced the introduction of a 2.0-litre CRDI diesel variant, which sits at the top of the range. Just like the other variants, this diesel Tucson qualifies for EEV incentives from the Malaysian government. This new diesel engine puts out 178 PS and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm.
It joins a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol model (2.0L Elegance) and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol model (1.6L Turbo GDI), and is priced at RM 155,788 (on the road, without insurance). This is RM 10,100 more than the 1.6-litre turbo model, and RM 29,600 more than the base 2.0-litre model. Like the 1.6L Turbo GDI, the 2.0L CRDI also has a full complement of 6 airbags. It's worth noting that the 2.0-litre Executive model has been phased out of the lineup as well.
This diesel variant also gets a few extra bits of equipment for the extra money you pay. LED headlamps with bending lights, an auto-hold function for the brakes, and a smart powered tailgate are the three main differences between this diesel model and other variants of the Tucson. There are also optional 19-inch alloy wheels, an optional bodykit, and optional black, white, or red coloured leather interiors.
All variants of the Tucson come with 50,000 km free service, which is valid for up to 3 years. There is also a 5-year, 300,000 km warranty on these cars, as is the same with any Hyundai passenger car sold locally. 24-hour roadside assist is also available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles.


All-New Suzuki Ertiga Launch In Thailand, Now With ESC

The all-new second generation Suzuki Ertiga has landed in Thailand, 10 months after its initial debut in Indonesia. Prices start from THB 655,000 for the new seven-seater MPV.
Built on Suzuki’s proven Heartect platform, the all-new Ertiga gets an equally new 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 105 PS and 138 Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic, the sole transmission option for Thailand.
Thanks to the new Heartect platform and a more aerodynamic body, the all-new Ertiga outputs less than 150 g/km of CO2, thus being able to enjoy a slight reduction in excise duties.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Ertiga has a length of 4,395 mm (+130 mm), with a 1,735 mm (+40 mm) width, and 1,690 mm (+5 mm) tall. The all-new Ertiga’s 2,740 mm long wheelbase is identical to the predecessor model.
As for safety, the all-new Ertiga gets dual SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The all-new Suzuki Ertiga is imported from Suzuki’s Bekasi plant in Indonesia.


This Weekend: CarTell Gymkhana Volume 3!

To all car and driving enthusiasts, CarTell Gymkhana is back for the third time (Volume III)!
Happening this weekend on May 20th at Car Park W2 of the Shah Alam Stadium from 9.30am to 4.30pm
, it’s the perfect opportunity to test your car and skills to the test…or just have a fun time in the open air tinged with tyre smoke and good company.

This event is brought to you by UMW Grant Lubricants and supported by ENZO Car Mats. Our CarTell Gymkhana Volume III invites participants and spectators alike to join us in this grass roots motorsports event!
Register here:
https://carl.st/gymkhana_vol_3

Normally, the price to enter your car into contention is RM150, but members of Carlist’s CarTell community on Facebook receive a generous discount that brings the fee to just RM60 so there’s no excuse to be left out!

As for car categories:

Showroom+
 is for people who want to enjoy their cars with some modifications that may have been done for aesthetic reasons.

Prepared
 is a little more serious and is aimed at people who have more dedicated cars for competition, usually with more extensive modification that may give them a significant advantage - these include aftermarket bucket seats, aftermarket coilover suspension, aftermarket exhaust systems, 200TW tyres or better.

Once again, we’d like to thank our sponsors UMW Grant Lubricants and ENZO Car Mats for making all this possible!
Register here:
https://carl.st/gymkhana_vol_3

Also, CarTell Gymkhana Volume III forms the preamble to the 2023 CarTell Speedfest happening the following week on May 27th at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). Together with Velocity Motor Show, it will be a morning-to-midnight festival of speed, music, car customisation, and everything automotive!


Limited Edition Ford Ranger Wildtrak and FX4 In New Colours

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia ushers in the New Year with brand new limited editions for its popular Ranger from RM 121,888.
The Ranger FX4 is now available in Cool White, after debuting in darker grey and silver shades. Dark and black highlights on specific exterior items such as 18-inch wheels, front grille, roll bar and decals are immediately more noticeable on the Cool White paintwork.
The flagship Ford Ranger 3.2 WildTrak now comes in Meteor Grey paint, in addition to the signature Pride Orange and Cool White.
To recap, the WildTrak is equipped with a 5-cylinder engine delivering 200 PS and 470 Nm. Advanced driving assist features are also included, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning & Assist as well as autonomous emergency braking.
Inside, occupants can fully utilize the connectivity found in the large 8-inch SYNC™3 infotainment system, with compatibility for both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto.
“Our customers in Malaysia are familiar with the iconic Ford Ranger, the best-in-class, award-winning pickup truck known for its raw unrivalled capabilities, advanced smart technologies and safety features that is built tough but still stylish in appearance,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. “The Ranger WildTrak and FX4 built on this foundation with new colours we think you will love to start the year with.”
The Ford Ranger WildTrak in Meteor Grey is priced at RM141,588 excluding insurance while the Ford Ranger FX4 in Cool White is priced at RM121,888 excluding insurance.


Major car brands to offer great Raya deals at My Auto Fest 2016

More than 15 major car brands are said to have confirmed their participation at the upcoming “My Auto Fest 2016” sales carnival organized by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
The three-day auto show, which will be held from May 20 to 22 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre and targets to attract an estimated crowd of 75,000 people.
According to MAA, car companies who will be preparing special deals and discounts for the auto show include Proton Edar, Honda Malaysia, UMW Toyota, Peugeot, Kia, Citroen, Edaran Tan Chong, Sime Darby Auto Connnexion, Jaguar Land Rover (M) Sdn Bhd, Volvo Cars, Motor Image Malaysia, Daihatsu Sales Sdn Bhd and Daihatsu Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
“The organising committee is aggressively promoting this event to encourage more MAA members as well as other auto related and accessory companies to participate in this sales promotion platform,” said MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.
“This event is a good opportunity for car companies to turbo-charge their sale campaigns leading up to the Hari Raya festive season by ensuring visitors get the best deals only at My Auto Fest.
“We are also in discussions with several banks and insurance companies seeking their participation in the auto show.
Besides car sales and test drives, several family oriented activities are also being lined up for women and children, such as the children’s fun and games corner,  and lifestyle booths on health, fashion and fitness are some of the other attractions to make it a wholesome family outing.
While parking is available at the Mines Shopping Complex’s basement car park, entrance to the My Auto Fest will be free.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a car to purchase before Hari Raya, you can always find one at
Carlist.my


Shah Alam To Get SMART Tunnel To Help Mitigate Future Floods

Shah Alam to get SMART Tunnel to help mitigate floods.

Last year's big Klang Valley flood, particularly in high-density areas like Shah Alam, has got the government looking into
new ways
 to prevent it from recurring.

The most recent idea by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the National Disaster Management Committee is to build a SMART tunnel system in Shah Alam,
just like the one at Sungai Besi
, as a solution to mitigate floods in the area.

The Prime Minister who chaired the meeting said it is one of the proposed short and long-term measures submitted to solve the flood problem.

On top of the SMART Tunnel system, the Environment and Water Ministry also
suggested
 deepening and widening main rivers to build more barriers and barrages to contain stormwaters.

"There are also plans to develop settlement areas that are resilient like sponge cities in China. All these proposals are comprehensive solutions to the flood problem, and they involve not only allocations by the billions of ringgit but also a long time before they can materialise. Therefore the meeting agrees for the government to focus on high-risk areas and that priority be given to implementing these plans," the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Not forgetting villages along the river, Sabri said they would also look into relocating them to higher ground as they would be safer there.

Other measures
 proposed were also to upgrade flood forecast and warning systems. "The government will also construct a flood prediction and warning system based on artificial intelligence (AI) and would upgrade 100 weather observation stations," he said.

The Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART Tunnel) in Sungai Besi was constructed in 2003 after its initial proposal in 2001. The 9.7-kilometre-long tunnel which opened in 2007 is the longest drainage/road system in Southeast Asia and the second-longest in Asia.

In 2011, Malaysia's SMART Tunnel received the United Nation's Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for its innovation in managing peak hour traffic and stormwater.


Proton Fokus Siapkan X50 Untuk Pasaran Domestik – Perlu Lebih Masa Untuk Penuhi Tempahan

Proton sedang bertungkus-lumus untuk menghantar lebih 40,000 tempahan X50 yang diterima daripada rakyat Malaysia. Nampaknya, Proton ada beberapa langkah untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut.

Tidak dinafikan,
Proton X50
 merupakan antara SUV yang segak, kacak, bergaya, dan berbaloi di negara ini. Perkara ini dipersetujui sendiri oleh rakyat Malaysia sendiri. Lihat sahaja pada jumlah tempahan yang diterima oleh model ini. Dalam hanya 6 bulan, model ini telah pun menerima lebih 40,000 tempahan.

Walau bagaimanapun, sambutan luar biasa yang diterima oleh Proton sejurus pelancaran X50 ini kelihatan seperti diluar jangkaan serta kemampuan Proton pada awalnya. Pada Mac lepas, Proton telah berjaya menghantar sebanyak 3,513 unit X50 kepada pembeli menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan X50 yang telah diterima pemilik kepada 11,654 unit setakat ini. Berdasarkan trend penghantaran kereta X50 secara bulanan, agak-agaknya bila Proton boleh penuhi semua keseluruhan permintaan tersebut?

Meskipun Proton sudah memaklumkan bahawa momentum penghasilan X50 ini akan terus meningkat menuju hujung tahun ini, namun berdasarkan jumlah tempahan serta jumlah kenderaan yang telah diterima oleh pembeli, Proton memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya 11 bulan atau sehingga September 2021 bagi menyiapkan keseluruhan tempahan. Belum kira lagi berapa banyak tempahan baharu akan muncul. Ini merupakan cabaran besar buat Proton.

Jika anda salah seorang pembeli X50 yang sedang menunggu kenderaan anda, anda pasti tertanya-tanya apa yang dilakukan oleh Proton untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini. Jangan risau kerana Proton kelihatannya seperti telah menjumpai penawar bagi penyakit yang melanda mereka ketika ini.

*Kredit foto: Car Spotting Thailand

Meskipun Proton mempunyai rancangan untuk mengukuhkan pasaran eksportnya tahun ini, namun Proton akan menangguhkan rancangan bagi mengeksport X50 ke pasaran luar seperti
Thailand
 dan
Pakistan
 memandangkan mereka ingin mengutamakan penghantarannya kepada pembeli negara ini terlebih dahulu. Ini merupakan langkah yang bijak, sekurang-kurangnya para pembeli yang dah lama tunggu kereta tu adalah sedikit berita baik yang membolehkan mereka untuk menarik nafas lega. Dengan penangguhan ini, Proton juga tidak menambah beban pada bahu sendiri.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Proton juga dilaporkan sedang bekerja rapat dengan vendor-vendornya khusus bagi meningkatkan produksi X50 bagi pasaran domestik. Bahkan angka penghantaran X50 pada bulan lalu juga melebihi angka yang dirancang mereka. Angka tersebut juga bakal terus meningkat dari semasa ke semasa kerana Proton dilaporkan sudah mempunyai sebanyak 73 vendor tempatan yang bakal membekalkan komponen bagi model
X70
 dan X50.

Bagi mempertingkatkan produktiviti mereka, tempahan untuk varian standard
dihentikan buat sementara
 waktu oleh Proton kerana hanya 5% daripada pembeli menempah varian standard. Fokus diberikan pada varian lebih tinggi yang mewakili 95% tempahan. Walau bagaimanapun, tempahan bagi varian lain selain varian standard tetap dibuka kepada umum. Varian standard akan kembali menerima tempahan apabila proses penyerahan model terbabit kembali stabil kelak.

Sebelum anda memaki penjual kereta X50 yang berurusan dengan anda oleh kerana tempoh
menunggu yang lama
, fahamkan dulu kenapa lambat. Ada beberapa sebab utama, antaranya ialah COVID-19 sendiri yang telah memperlahankan penghasilan kereta. Tak cukup dengan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan, wujud kluster COVID-19 pada sektor kilang pula yang telah menyebabkan kilang mereka diarah tutup buat sementara waktu.

Perkara ini bukan hanya dirasai di Malaysia, namun ia juga dirasai di seluruh dunia.
Kekurangan bekalan mikrocip
 yang sedang dialami oleh pengeluar automotif dunia turut melanda Proton sendiri. Meskipun demikian, Proton dilihat seperti sudah menjumpai jalan bagi mengatasi masalah ini. Meskipun masih tiada kenyataan rasmi dari Proton tentang perkara ini, namun Proton ada rancangan untuk melokalisasikan X50 dan X70 supaya dapat mengurangkan kebergantungan komponen dari China dengan menghasilkannya di kilang mereka di negara ini.

Apa-apa pun, Proton dah menyatakan bahawa mereka sedang bertungkus-lumus untuk menyiapkan tempahan bagi model X50 ini. Sekurang-kurangnya adalah juga inisiatif daripada mereka untuk mendengar keluhan pembeli. Tempoh menunggu yang terlalu lama membuatkan sesetengah orang terpaksa membatalkan tempahan X50 mereka. Melalui group di FB pengguna X50, rata-rata mereka menunggu sehingga 3 bulan atau lebih untuk mendapatkan pembayaran semula setelah membatalkan tempahan. Lebih menyedihkan, ada yang masih menunggu dan terus menunggu ibarat pungguk rindukan bulan.

Tapi kami faham, kereta merupakan suatu keperluan pada waktu ini. Sekiranya anda betul-betul memerlukan kereta pada waktu terdekat, anda dinasihatkan untuk mendapatkan kereta lain sahaja. Tapi kalau anda dah ada kenderaan lain dan boleh tunggu, silakan. Kunci utama disini adalah fikir masak-masak sebelum membuat keputusan.


Geneva 2016: Audi Q2 – Ingolstadt’s New Entry-Level Crossover

Car makers don’t seem to run out of niches to carve for crossovers of any sizes, and the latest manufacturer to expand its crossover model portfolio is
Audi
.
At the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, the Ingolstadt-based outfit has unveiled the Q2, an all-new compact crossover smaller in size than the
Q3
 and positioned with an added emphasis on rugged style and youthfulness.
Highlighting its style-focused approach, the Q2 is offered with a high degree of customization with regards to its appearance. Customers can choose to configure the looks of their car various add-on body parts to steer their vehicle to give off either a sporty or rugged off-road styling theme.
A similar level of customization is also offered inside whereby the interior can be trimmed with bright colours such as yellow, orange, and red in certain areas. Trim materials for selection include white plastic and brushed aluminium whilst seats can be upholstered with anything from high-end fabric to fine Nappa leather.
In the practicality aspect, the Q2 will swallow 405 litres of cargo in five-seater configuration or take in a full 1,050 litres with the back seats folded down. A power-operated tailgate is available as a cost option.

A total of six engines, all of them taken from the greater VW Group parts bin, are available for selection. European customers get to choose from the usual assortment of petrol and diesel mills which we summarize as follows:
Petrol
1.0 TFSI, 3-cyl, 116hp
1.4 TFSI, 4-cyl, 150hp
2.0 TFSI, 4-cyl, 190hp
Diesel
1.6 TDI, 4-cyl, 116hp
2.0 TDI, 4-cyl, 150hp
2.0 TDI, 4-cyl, 190hp
Cylinder deactivation is available in the 1.4 TFSI model, whilst both the 190hp petrol and diesel engines are fitted with quattro all-wheel drive and a newly-developed 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission as standard.
The remaining four powertrains can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed dry dual clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard in these lower engines, but optionally upgradable to all-wheel drive in the 150hp petrol and diesel mills.
Choosing the Q2 with front- or all-wheel drive affects your rear suspension configuration as well – quattro models get an independent four-link setup, whilst FWD models make do with a torsion beam.
A commendable level of technology has trickled down into the Q2 from Audi’s higher models. The Audi virtual cockpit virtual instrument cluster and head-up display are both available as options whilst autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition is standard in all variants.
Other systems in the line-up include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistant, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross traffic assist.
Order taking of the Q2 for European customers starts mid-year with market launch expected to take place in Autumn.


Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Innova Upgraded – New Variants, New Features

To kick off the second half of 2019, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has upgraded the Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, as well as the Innova.
While the Hilux range has been expanded with a new variant, the Fortuner and Innova have received new features.
For the Toyota Hilux range, the
Hilux 2.8 Black Edition which was unveiled at the recent Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019
 now replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition.
Featuring a black/white and dark grey exterior colour theme, the Hilux Black Edition comes with Gloss-black door handles, fog lamp covers, wing mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with dark grey bumper guards and front grille.
Sitting on top of the range, the Hilux 2.8L Black Edition asks for RM139, 888 on the road without insurance. Meanwhile, the Hilux 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T are priced between RM90, 000 and RM124, 888.
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ on the other hand, have been upgraded with the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, together with a large 9-inch display for its infotainment system. In addition, the Fortuner 2.4 variant now comes with 7 airbags for added occupant protection all round.
Customers can also add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner.
Despite having new features, the price of the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the price of the Fortuner 2.4 A/T has increased by RM2,000 to RM171,500.
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants also get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard with a new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system.
The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin. In terms of pricing, there will be no changes for the Innova.
Order-taking for the new models have begun at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from 16 August, 2019.
Looking for a new Toyota? Get the best deals
here
.


Dieter Gass To Become New Head Of Audi Motorsport – Replaces Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich

After 23 illustrious years of service, Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich will finally take a bow from his position as Head of Audi Motorsport, effective 1st January 2017, he will be succeeded by Dieter Gass.
At the beginning of 2012, Head of Motorsport Dr. Ullrich persuaded Gass to return to Audi with the aim of grooming him as his successor.Following five joint years at the helm of Audi Sport, Dieter Gass, now 53, takes the reins as the new Head of Motorsport of Audi AG – in charge of all factory-backed Audi motorsports commitments.
After
Audi’s withdrawal
 from endurance racing, Dieter’s new role will be concentrated on the company’s FIA Formula E and the DTM racing programs.
Audi Motorsport’s stalwart Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich commented, “Dieter Gass is going to lead Audi Sport through the upcoming transformation stage and continue to write Audi’s success story in motorsport. He knows Audi Sport like few others do. From November 1994 to March 2001, he worked there as an engineer – initially in the super touring car and subsequently in the sports prototype program. Afterwards, he held leading positions in Formula One for eleven years. In that period, he gathered a wealth of know-how that Audi Sport has been benefiting from ever since his return in 2012. Following one year as Head of Racing Commitments and four years as Head of DTM, he is now taking his next, carefully planned step.”
Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich will remain on in Audi Sport, and take on an advisory role until the end of 2017.
The apprentice Dieter Gass added, ““The footsteps left by Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich are very large,” says Dieter Gass. “He was at the helm of Audi Sport for 23 years and is credited with exceptional achievements during this long period of time. In addition to the global development of partnering teams and countless championships in super touring car racing, the 13 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and numerous DTM titles stand out as lasting milestones.”


Suzuki S-Cross SZ5 ALLGRIP 1.6 DDiS Gains Dual Clutch Transmission In The UK

The
Suzuki

S-Cross
 SZ5 ALLGRIP 1.6 DDiS sold in the United Kingdom can now be specified with the car maker’s Twin Clutch System by Suzuki (TCSS), provided as a £1,350 option against the MPV’s conventional six-speed manual.
The transmission is a six speed automated manual transmission that incorporates hydraulically controlled clutches and a gear change assembly that enables it to be driven in a similar way to an automatic gearbox.
The system utilises one clutch for the odd-numbered gears (1
st
, 3
rd
, and 5
th
) will the other is for even-numbered gears (2
nd
, 4
th
, and 6
th
) allowing for the desired gear to be instantly available, similar to other dual-clutch transmissions.
Paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel allow for manual gear changes if needed and the gear ratios are adjusted to be slightly different as well.
Output from the 1.6-litre DDiS engine is unchanged at 118hp and 320Nm of torque but the new gearbox provides faster gear changes than a manual one allowing for early torque availability at just 1,750 rpm.
However, the new gearbox adds 30kg of weight and see fuel consumption figures fall down to 3.75 l/100km.
In Malaysia, the Suzuki
S-Cross
 is only available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine which is paired to a CVT transmission. The car comes with a suite of safety systems including seven air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Hill Hold Control among others. It is priced at RM129,788 (OTR price with GST, without insurance),


This Is The All-New Ford Focus RS: King Of The Hot Hatches?

Barely a few weeks after making a splash at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show,
Ford
 is back with another all-new model and this time, it is a high-performance hatch in the guise of the third-generation
Focus
 RS. When Ford announces that professional rally driver and star of the Gymkhana films, Ken Block is serving as a consultant on the car’s development, you know it means business.
On the outside, aggression is the word with a new front end featuring huge air intakes protected by a thin mesh to keep the engine cool. Continuing on to the rear, we see a large diffuser to channel air from under the vehicle and twin exhaust pipes.
Where the
Focus ST
 delivers 252 hp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four pot, the RS takes it up a notch with a 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder, sourced from the EcoBoost-powered Mustang and pushing more than 315 hp. Paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, power is then sent to the ground via an all-wheel-drive system.
The previous Focus RS was front-wheel drive so all-wheel drive should equate to a more exciting experience because the system features torque vectoring as well, capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle, and from that amount, 100% of it can be sent to each wheel. Those wheels are 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres with the option of having Pilot Sport Cup 2 ones instead.
Other bits that affect handling include upgraded suspension with stiffer springs, antiroll bars, and two-mode switchable dampers. The steering is electric power-assisted as well, said to provide drivers a ‘connected and responsive steering with outstanding feel’.
Moving into the cabin, Recaro sports seats can be seen along with an 8-inch touchscreen SYNC infotainment unit. Adding to the performance-focused nature of the car are alloy pedals, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an additional set of gauges above the centre console.
If that’s not enough,
Ford
 has also released a video of Ken Block honing a
Focus
 RS prototype around its factory in Europe to further whet our appetite:
Ford is touting it as a global model available in select markets. Whether that market involves us in Malaysia, we'll have to wait and see. However, do look forward to the Ford Focus RS when it makes its official debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.


2018 All-New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Spied!

Mercedes-Benz dropped its mini MPV design for the A-Class when the current generation was launched in 2012, adopting a sportier hatchback design aimed to appeal to the younger crowd.
Automotive tipster
Ferd
 posted this lone shot of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, tipped to arrive some time in 2018.
We understood that the upcoming A-Class's design will be evolutionary instead of revolutionary. Expect the outgoing model's familiar outlook to carry over, albeit modified to suit the company's current design language.

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Underneath, Mercedes-Benz is said to utilize its heavily-revised MFA platform for the new A-Class, now called MFA2. The new platform, like the MFA platform before it, is likely going to be underpinning Mercedes-Benz’s range of compact models, including the A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class and GLA-Class.
Elsewhere, powertrain options could mirror the outgoing range of turbocharged inline-fours coupled with dual-clutch automatics.
As before, the company is probably going to introduce a hotter AMG version of the A-Class (and other compact models), likely with up to 400 horsepower.


Shell To The UK Govt: “Sure Bro. Ban Gas/Diesel Cars Sooner, I Dare You!”

Rushing into a forced EV revolution is like driving a Tesla on bicycle wheels. And Shell knows it, and it knows the UK probably doesn't.

In case you missed it, there was piece of policy signed off by the British government to ban the sale of new cars powered by petrol and diesel by 2035. The reasoning behind is arguably quite flawed, but the limeys do seem adamant about their righteousness.

That announcement was probably followed by some back-patting and heaps self-congratulatory exchanges on how the country will be pioneers once again (remember those times?) and save the world while they’re at it. Hoorah! Jolly good!

Spurred on by the cheering eco-mentalists, it was reported that the UK were now toying with the idea of bringing that ban forward by 3 years, to 2032. Again, this would make it illegal - or at least extremely difficult - to sell a new car of any kind that’s powered by petrol or diesel. Monster trucks are totally fine, though, as they run on pure alcohol.

Surprisingly, Royal Dutch Shell - you know, V-Power, Helix - has now urged the Brits to bring that forward even closer, suggesting that the ban be implemented in 2030. This seems totally counter to the interests of a major player in the oil and gas space. But not only might it be a brilliant PR move, it could also be a troll of the finest quality.

Of course, the message was conveyed over Twitter, an excellent choice of weapon:

“Shell applauds this but believes it could be brought forward to 2030 to make sure the UK meets the 2050 #netzero target,”

I can almost see the smirk of whoever posted that on Shell’s official account. That smug grin was probably brought on because they know that, while it is kinda virtuous, it’s probably not going to work. The world revolves around fossil fuel, like it or not, and it’s almost funny to think how that’s likely to change within the next decade in any sweeping fashion.

Yet, here the UK has enacted a
sweeping
 piece of policy, post-dated. They're also forcing every new car buyer down the EV path (presumably even hybrids are too disgustingly pollutive), not shady at all. For electric cars to reach a point where they'd offer a 1-to-1 replacement proposition over a ‘normal’ car will take a truly disruptive step forward in battery technology (which also has to be cheap), a frontier on which we’ve made relatively decent progress over the past 20 years.

Secondarily. Oh yes, you’d also have to solve the world’s impending energy crisis. No big deal. Without both those elements, this ‘electric future’ would rest on a foundation of twigs, ready to snap and crumble of its own weight. The UK is banking on several large-scale revolutions to occur in the space of a dozen-ish (10-15) years, and are willing to put its economy and citizens in a tremendous competitive disadvantage if this gamble doesn't pay off.

An inescapable reality is that we humans, at least in modern society, are trying to balance what we ‘
need
’ and what we think is ‘
good
’, but we've made mistakes before based on good intentions. Of course, battery-powered EVs have their pros, but many people ignore the cons, living in the loftier fringes and expecting things to sort themselves out in the squalor below. Where things get a little blown out of proportion is the sentiment that electric vehicles are somehow going to end all problems.

They might, and I hope they will, but not in their current state, which for the moment, involves tremendous cost, the mining and processing of harmful raw and finite materials, and potentially causes more pollution and environmental waste to build (a subject of ongoing debate).

Also, they rely on battery tech that can have its charge capacity degrade significantly over time, are dependent on an already highly strained electrical grid, and use electricity (primarily) generated from non-renewable sources - nullifying the fuzzy feelings you get from being ‘green’. Let’s expand on that last point.

For the vast majority of electric cars out there, the power they (store and) run on does still come from the grid. And boy, do they need A LOT of juice per charge. So much so that the electrical infrastructure is hilariously unprepared for the kind of overload that a widespread adoption of EVs will create.

Right now, electricity is cheap, but with the reliance of the world shifting away from fossil fuels without a new and abundant base energy source, be prepared for electricity vendors to be the new oil barons. The cost-per-watt will skyrocket simply because there’s now so much money to be made, so you can forget about free charging ports or even a spare plug point to charge your smartphone.

Let’s not forget that we’re also impatient, so these home chargers will somehow need to be capable of much higher voltages to reduce charge times, probably requiring a heavy-duty pre-charge buffer (working by the same principal to a hydraulic accumulator) to store the electricity for quick dispersion.

And even if an unlimited amount of money was thrown at the problem (overhauling the
global
 electrical infrastructure - woah), there would still be an ugly root problem still waiting to be confronted. The fact of the matter is that, even now, most of the electricity in the world is still generated by leveraging non-renewable sources. Changing that isn’t going to be easy, but it needs to be tackled first.

Solar farms and wind farms are a couple of examples of the most well-known forms of renewable, eco-friendly electricity. However, they’re more than a little limp. They just don’t generate enough electricity in a reasonable amount of time to serve the energy needs of a technologically advanced and power-hungry society like we are in 2020.

What’s the answer? Who knows. Many futurists and scientists believe hydrogen is the most sustainable long term solution for us, and hydrogen fuel cell cars have shown a lot of potential. Work is also ongoing to further explore it as a potentially limitless fuel source to power generators. In fact, Shell is one of the leading producers of hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles, which could also be used to cleanly power generators connected to the grid.

Now we’re onto something.


Trading Of DRB-Hicom Shares Suspended, Foreign Partner To Be Announced

The Star
 has reported that DRB-Hicom is prepared to make a material announcement. The company has requested Bursa Malaysia Securities for suspension in trading of its securities starting from 9am on Wednesday (24/5).
DRB-Hicom reported that Bursa Malaysia Securities has given them the greenlight its trading suspension request.
Additionally, The Star also reported that the counter closed 1 sen lower at RM1.68 on Tuesday.
At the moment, DRB-Hicom is going through bidders bidding to be Proton's foreign strategic partner (FSP). Earlier, DRB-Hicom hoped to finish the search by the first half of the year.
The main purpose of the FSP search is critical to turn Proton around and make it more competitive.
Via:
The Star


Proton: No Notifications Received From ASEAN NCAP Yet

Following yesterday’s revelation that a Malaysian-made car is being
investigated by the ASEAN NCAP
 for an alleged safety violation involving the removal of the car's top tether (for child seats), Proton has issued a statement saying that it is yet to receive any official notification on the matter, and as such it is unable to confirm or deny the allegations.
Proton’s statement reads:
Proton has been testing many of its cars worldwide such as Australia and previously in Europe. "The company has also sought the services of world-class agencies and test labs to ensure stringent tests and outcomes.
From the experience of dealing with leading and world-class agencies, the normal procedure of these agencies would be to thoroughly inform and notify the Company in the event of discrepancy, defects or faulty elements, before any public statements are issued regarding the tested cars.
In this instance, we will consult ASEAN NCAP on the matter as we have not been notified officially. Hence, we are unable to confirm or deny the matter.
We wish to assure the public that all Proton cars meet the regulatory safety standards in all markets that we are operating in, especially in Malaysia. We will continuously pursue to enhance our products and services as well as make improvements where necessary.
Related links:
Perodua: All Our Vehicles Conform To Ratings Awarded By ASEAN NCAP
ASEAN NCAP: Malaysian Made Car Under Investigation For Safety Violation


2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Launched in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz Thailand has pulled the covers off the (C292) GLC Coupe, available in two variants, powered by the firm’s 2.1-litre turbo diesel engine.
The GLC 250d 4Matic Coupe is available in two guises priced as the following:
GLC 250d 4Matic Coupe AMG Dynamic: THB4.09 million
GLC 250d 4Matic Coupe AMG Plus: THB4.13 million
The GLC 250d is powered by 2.1-litre common-rail twin-turbocharged and intercooled, inline-four diesel engine which produces 204hp at 3800rpm, and 500Nm between 1600 and 1800rpm. The engine is tacked to a Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic equipped with paddle shifters.
The GLC 250d Coupe is claimed to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 222km/h.
In terms of variants, these are the main highlights between the two variants:
GLC 250d 4MATIC Coupe AMG Dynamic:
Safety: six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Adaptive brake with hill-hold assist, attention assist, park assist and surround view camera.
LED intelligent light system
Adaptive high beam assist
Powered tailgate
AMG sports suspension
AMG body kit
20-inch AMG multi-spoke  light-alloy wheels
Start/stop system
Dual-zone climate control
Artico leather seats
Front seats with powered adjustment and memory function
Multi-function steering wheel
Push-start
Ambient Lighting
Audio 20CD Multimedia system, 7-inch display, touchpad, Bluetooth
GLC 250d 4MATIC Coupe AMG Plus
 adds the following equipment:
Electric sliding sunroof
Keyless entry
Keyless start
AMG Sport pedals
Heads-up display
Sports leather seats
Burmester surround sound system
The GLC Coupe is not available in Malaysia yet, but globally, it is pitted against the
BMW X4
. The BMW X4 offered here in one variant, the xDrive28i - powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine priced at RM396,800 after Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentives.


CONFIRMED: Tokyo Auto Salon is coming to Kuala Lumpur in June!

The
Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TASKL)
 will be taking place in Malaysia, and that is now official.

The announcement was made over the weekend during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, where the official signing ceremony was held between Junichi Fukui, San Ei Corporation's Director-General of the Tokyo Auto Salon Association, and Mr. Riduwan Matni, CEO of MUSE Group and also the official event organiser of TASKL.

Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023, 9-11 June 2023 @ MAEPS

*Image credit: Tokyo Auto Salon

Those who yearn to experience what the Tokyo Auto Salon is all about will not have to travel overseas as the TAS Kuala Lumpur edition will be taking place at the Malaysia International Trade Exhibition Center (MITEC) from 9 to 11 June 2023.

According to Riduwan Matni, CEO of MUSE Group, "We are very honored to receive the exclusive right to host the Tokyo Auto Salon in Malaysia from the Tokyo Auto Salon Secretariat. By holding the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur, we would like to contribute to the revitalization of the automotive aftermarket industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic."

TASKL 2023 - RM40 (one-day ticket)

*Image credit: Tokyo Auto Salon

It has also been confirmed that the general admission for the very first Tokyo Auto Salon event here in Kuala Lumpur will be RM40 for a one-day ticket. More details will be announced soon but for now, all the available information regarding Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 is available at
https://tokyoautosalonkl.com/
.


2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV price confirmed in the US - From RM184k

Hyundai Motor America has officially revealed the pricing for its
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
 offering in the country.

The entire range consists of the choice of either the 53kWh battery pack or the bigger 77.4kWh unit for the long-range models as well as the options of either the rear electric motor or dual electric motor layouts.

Priced from RM184k to RM217k (in the US, not Malaysia okay)

The most affordable side for the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV is the SE Standard Range priced from $41,600 (around RM184,475) and this is fitted with the 53kWh battery pack and rear electric motor combination. The SE Long Range variant still runs the rear electric motor-only combo, but the bigger 74kWh battery unit kicks the price up to $45,500 (around RM201,805).

For those who prefer the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV with a bigger kick, the dual-motor variants are priced from $49,000 (around RM217,339). Paired to the 74kWh battery pack, the range can go up to 508km - a tad shorter the same battery pack is mated to the single rear electric motor unit, which can go up to 580km (EPA-rated).

Hyundai Ioniq 6 coming to Malaysia soon?

Hyundai Malaysia has already teased the future arrival of its new models for 2023. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV was briefly shown alongside the new Creta, Santa Fe, and Palisade together with the message, "Coming Soon".

As for pricing, you can expect the Ioniq 6 to be slightly north of the current Ioniq 5 here in Malaysia, which can be purchased from RM207k to RM270k. It's not the cheapest out of the whole EV bunch in the country, but it sure is one of the most exciting offerings yet.


Proton to aggressively re-enter Thailand and Indonesian markets

Proton
 is planning to return to both the Thailand and Indonesia markets in the near future.

This news was shared with us during a media event where they briefly explained their export strategy that involves an interim breakthrough of 10,000 units. It's indeed an achievable figure to accomplish considering that Proton saw an increase in exports by 79.1% in 2022 with a total of 5,406 units exported across several markets.

Proton available in 14 countries in 2022

2022 showed a lot of improvements for Proton's export game which grew from just nine countries in 2018 to 14 countries last year. The biggest markets outside of Malaysia right now are Pakistan and Bangladesh where they've established CKD operations in both countries.

Other markets include South Africa, Brunei, Egypt, Irag, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Bermuda, Jordan, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea. As for Thailand and Indonesia, the return of Proton into these particular markets would be a vital one considering that both countries are prominent automotive markets in Southeast Asia.

The core of the brand's strategy to re-enter these two very vital markets includes the use of new subsidiaries that handle the load in both Thailand and Indonesia. Interesting times ahead for Proton, wouldn't you say?

Proton Saga remains the crowd favourite

Close to half of the total exported units were of the Proton Saga unit with 2,408 units delivered to several markets around the globe in 2022. The X70 and X50 SUV duo also showed promising results with tremendous growth in demand by 101% and 277% respectively.

Proton is currently in the second half of its 10-year business plan to become not only the automotive leader in Malaysia, but also looking to be placed in the top 3 spots in ASEAN. That timeline will also include the launches of several model upgrades as well as NEV models involving mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and yes, electric vehicles.


Extension Please. 6-Month Loan Moratorium (Holiday) Not Enough?

The September 30th end date for the 6-month loan moratorium is now being called insufficient. Should we demand more?

When the Movement Control Order was enacted in mid-March 2020, which already seems like a lifetime ago, the rakyat breathed a collective sigh of relief as the burdens that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic were lightened thanks to the automatic
loan moratorium
 announced soon after.

Many of us that are servicing at least one or several loans to a bank or multiple financial institutions could use the funds usually reserved for repayments to tide us through these tough times, where businesses and typical activities of daily life had crawled to a near-stop.

It even came as a huge surprise to some who have adopted a more cynical way of thinking that a bank (or all of them) would agree to set aside their profits and bottom line quotas to help their customers. It almost seemed benevolent. Shocker.

Yes, there were some confusion surrounding the matter of interest rates at first, but that was to be expected with complicated plans made in haste. In the end, they did
the right thing
. Banks would surely take a big hit with repayments being frozen, but were generous with a pause lasting 6 months - even if their hand was forced.

Everything seemed fine until a few weeks ago, when headlines started flying about there being a surge of public enquiries calling for an extension to that half-year moratorium for all loan repayments by individuals and SMEs, calling the initial period - which lasts from April 1st to September 30th - too brief.

It’s unclear what are the views of banks in Malaysia with regard to an extension, but it is easily assumed that the 6 month moratorium itself was agreed upon begrudgingly given the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation and the measures necessary to curb its spread.

Adding more time to the deferment period, even by an extra 3 months to round out all of 2020, could be a very hard sell to the banks as their financing arm would essentially collect zero revenue for the majority of this calendar year. There’s only so much altruism and sympathy you can expect to squeeze out of a corporation, let’s be honest.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has not shot down the possibility of an extension being tabled, but rather suggested that banks adopt a more targeted approach to who were allowed to be given extra assistance.

During a press conference while on a visit to the Prasarana headquarters, according to Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said a targeted moratorium extension should be explored by banks, making the selection process a case-by-case affair based on how the individual or SME was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while urging borrowers to engage with their bank.

Following the comments made by the Finance Minister, it was reported by The Edge Markets that  AmBank were indeed looking at extending the six-month loan moratorium following the end of the mandated period at the end of September 2020, though this would likely not be applied to all borrowers.

During a virtual press conference discussing AmBank’s annual results for the outgoing financial year, CEO Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir said: “This is something we want to look at particularly… We have set a criteria in terms of people who are in need and the approach is more towards request by the customers,”

“We should look at certain segments and certain people that require those (extension of moratorium). I’m sure that the banks are in the position to help out those that are really affected. But, it is not wise to go for a blanket moratorium, because the situation back then, during the MCO, was quite dire,” he added.

We’ll have to wait and see if any banks speak in more concrete terms about a selective extension or if the government will seek more involvement as to who is approved or rejected by the banks for an “enhanced moratorium”. That being said, what’s your view? Should there be a blanket extension or are Malaysians asking for too much of a free lunch?


Aston Martin's Return To F1 Includes Special Unit Vehicles

For the first time in history, Formula 1 will have two official safety and medical cars.

It's been 60 years since we last saw Aston Martin in Formula 1, and having already revealed their AMR21 competition car for the 2021 season, Aston Martin is going all-in with their comeback by also supplying the Formula 1 organisation with a safety car, in the form of a bewinged
Aston Martin Vantage
, which is set to make its debut at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, this 28 March.

Formula 1 safety cars need to be rapid as they need to lead the raging pack of Formula 1 cars when called upon, so the racing green Vantage Safety Car is precisely that. Powered by a 4.0l twin-turbo V8 engine, the Vantage Formula 1 safety car manages to do 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and can probably carve corners as well as a Formula 1 race car as it has undergone suspension and aero modifications.

On top of the safety car, Aston has also provided the F1 organisation with a medical car, in the form of a modified
Aston Martin DBX
 SUV, which can reach 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. It has 550PS and 700Nm of torque from the same engine as the Vantage. The Aston medical car is equipped with a defibrillator, fire extinguishers, and a burn kit to respond to medical emergencies.

Although Aston has supplied these special cars to Formula 1, they will still have to split their duties with Mercedes-AMG, who have supplied the official Formula 1 Safety Cars since 1996. With a new look this season, the Mercedes'
AMG GT R
 Safety Car and C 63 S Estate Medical Car both dressed in new red livery will continue to work hand in hand with the Aston Martin Vantage and DBX after the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The AMG GT R has a 4.0l biturbo V8 and can reach 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, while the C 63 S Estate is modified with FIA-spec medical equipment, just like the DBX.

The Formula 1 safety car first made an appearance in 1973 at the Canadian Grand Prix, but it wasn't until the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1993 that it was officially introduced by the sport. Interestingly, between 1993 and 1996 before Mercedes became the official safety car supplier, individual race organisers were responsible for supplying safety cars which led to some interesting choices. Just for fun, we thought we would list some of the more unexpected cars to have ever been deemed safe as a safety car.

The Porsche 914 was the first-ever Formula 1 safety car

The Fiat Tempara 16V was used for the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix

Even the Renault Clio had some safety car action. It was used in the 1996 Argentinian Grand Prix and was called the Clio Williams.

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was used in some of the races in the 1993 season. It wasn't such a crazy idea as the car had 224Hp and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.


MRT Laluan Fasa 2 Dijangka Beroperasi Januari 2023

Seperti yang dijadualkan, Transit Aliran Massa (MRT) laluan Putrajaya Fasa 2 dijangka akan beroperasi pada Januari 2023.

MRT Laluan Putrajaya (sebelum ini dikenali sebagai Laluan Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya) meliputi jajaran sepanjang 56.2 kilometer dan mempunyai 36 stesen untuk kedua-dua fasa, bermula dari stesen Kwasa Damansara ke Putrajaya.

Fasa 2 Hampir Siap

Menurut laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh Menteri Pengangkutan pada Oktober tahun lalu, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong memaklumkan bahawa projek tersebut telah siap 93.52%.

Tambahnya, infrastruktur utama seperti terowong, stesen dan struktur lain telah siap dibina dan baki kerja yang perlu disiapkan antaranya merangkumi perkhidmatan bangunan, kemasan seni bina dan landskap.

“Pembinaan Laluan MRT Putrajaya ini tepat pada masanya kerana ia menjadi pemangkin penting dalam pemulihan ekonomi negara dengan membolehkan ramai pekerja dapat kembali bekerja dan kembali menjalani kehidupan normal,” jelas Wee.

Fasa 1 Beroperasi 16 Jun 2022

Sementara itu,
Fasa 1 Transit Aliran Massa (MRT) Laluan Putrajaya
 dilaporkan akan mula beroperasi pada jam 3 petang, 16 Jun ini, bagi memberikan ketersambungan dan akses lebih baik untuk orang ramai.

Pembukaan Fasa 1 Laluan Putrajaya ini akan memberikan penumpang pengalaman pertukaran tren yang lancar dan lebih pantas ke MRT Laluan Kajang ekoran platform yang terletak aras sama di stesen Kwasa Damansara.

Stesen selebihnya dijangka akan dibuka pada tahun hadapan, sejajar dengan pembukaan MRT laluan Putrajaya Fasa 2 yang dijadualkan pada Januari 2023 nanti.


Review: A Day With The Nissan Leaf

When Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the sole distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia announced that they are going to
launch the second-generation Leaf
 electric car in Malaysia, many questions popped up in our minds, such as:

“Is it possible to live with an electric car in Malaysia?”

“Do we have enough charging facilities?”

“Can the battery range actually “
tahan
” long enough?”

 “How ‘normal’ will it feel compared to owning a normal car?”

So, in order to answer all our questions and to give us a first-hand experience, ETCM gave us an opportunity to get our hands on the second-gen Nissan Leaf right after its launch last month, where we spent almost a whole day driving it around town, parking it for a few hours during lunch and tea breaks, and even drag racing and “hooning around” for a while, just to give a taste of living with one.

Specifications

Motor : 110 kW AC Synchronous Electric Motor

Max Power: 150 PS

Max Torque: 320 Nm

Battery Pack: 40 kWh, Lithium-ion

Drive Modes: e-Pedal, D mode, B mode, Eco, B-Eco

Charging Time: 7 hours (Normal charging) / 1 hour (Quick charging)

Charger: Type 1

Maximum Driving Range: 311 km

Price: RM188,888 / 3-years subscription at RM3,500/month

Origin: Imported from Japan

Filled with curiosity and excitement, we began our journey from ETCM’s 3S centre in Glenmarie at about 11am with a fully charged battery to the first checkpoint in Bangi, which took slightly less than an hour through the usual Malaysian traffic with a mix of smooth highway cruising as well as the occasional crawling and getting stuck at traffic lights.

Since the second-gen Leaf is quite a handsome looking car, it would not be an exaggeration to say that we had quite a number of heads turning towards us.

However, as good and modern as it looks on the exterior, the interior looks rather dated, especially with the outdated infotainment system which still has an “iPod Menu” and only one USB charging port.

Coming back to the drive, the first stage of the drive saw us driving mostly in D mode from Glenmarie to Bangi, in which the Leaf felt pretty normal.

Power delivery was instant and smooth, and the brakes, despite having a little less pedal feel due to the nature of the regenerative system, didn’t really bother us as we got used to it in no time.

While many would expect an electric car to be slow and lifeless just because it has no engine in it, it was actually the complete opposite.

Instant Torque

Just like a Tamiya battery-operated toy car, maximum torque is actually available instantly on the spot. So, with 320 Nm (which is only slightly less than a Golf GTI) available at the press of the accelerator pedal, the Leaf was so quick that it surprised most of us.

In fact, the next agenda for the day was to show us exactly how quick this thing is. During our lunch break, ETCM prepared a short drag race session (about 100 m) where the Leaf was put next to a Nissan Fairlady 370Z.

Out of many runs, the Fairlady didn’t even beat the Leaf ONCE, but bear in mind that this was only over a very short distance, before the Fairlady’s 3.7-litre V6 engine could reach its maximum torque range.

The moral of the story here is that all 320 Nm from the motor is actually available at an instant, compared to a conventional petrol engine-powered car where you actually have to be in the right rpm to access the maximum torque.

Note: The car we were in was actually used for the drag race session (about 20 runs).

After the “drag race” and a quick break, we continued our drive to the next checkpoint which was the Pullman Resort, Putrajaya.

It was during this part of the drive where we tried out the other driving modes – Eco, B Eco, and the interesting e-Pedal.

The e-Pedal

Once the e-Pedal is activated via the button positioned in front of the gear lever, it allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate, stop, and even hold the car’s position, all by using the accelerator pedal alone.

What happens is that when the accelerator pedal is released, regenerative braking and friction braking are automatically applied, slowing the Leaf down. When the accelerator is fully released, the car even comes to a complete stop. So, all we had to use was one foot to accelerate, decelerate, and also to stop completely.

However, one annoying thing about the e-Pedal is that whenever we release the accelerator pedal, the brake lights appear, just like how it would if we were to press the brakes.

If someone is following a Nissan Leaf which is in e-Pedal mode, the brake lights would appear every time the driver lifts his or her foot off the accelerator slightly, looking like the driver is pressing the brake once every few seconds.

So, besides this one hiccup, the e-Pedal system is actually quite an impressive technology which does not only help to recharge the battery, but also give the driver a more relaxing driving experience as only one foot is being put to use.

Eco and B Modes

What happened once we got into Eco mode was that the Leaf’s accelerator became less responsive, and there was slightly more brake regeneration than the D mode.

In B mode, the regenerative braking became more aggressive, charging the battery at every available opportunity, especially when we were going downhill.

As for the B-Eco mode, which we would like to call the “
Betul-betul
Eco” mode, it is all about saving power and recharging the battery.

Simply put, what happens when we change from D to Eco, B, or B-Eco modes is that the driving range is extended by a short margin.

For example, after our second stop in Putrajaya, there was 50% battery and 120 km range left in our Leaf when we were in D mode. When we switched to Eco mode, the range extended to 130 km, and another 4 km more when we put the car in B-Eco mode.

Conclusion

After spending almost a day with the Nissan Leaf electric car, we have to admit that it felt rather normal, like driving any other car. In fact, it wasn’t as complicated as many of us thought it would be.

The driving range of 311 km turned out to be more than enough for our journey, and there is no doubt that it will definitely be more than enough for most Malaysians for our daily driving.

Even if the car runs out of juice, there are the 50 kW “CHAdeMo” quick-chargers available in Subang Jaya, Bangi, and Malacca where the car can be fully charged in just an hour. And this is on top of all the regular charging facilities at selected ETCM outlets nationwide.

Overall, it looks like it is possible to live with the Nissan Leaf on a daily basis in Malaysia, and range anxiety will not really be a problem with the car, based on what we experienced in a day. The hefty price tag and the ageing interior aside, it is actually a very interesting and impressive product which gives a glimpse at what the future of the automotive landscape is going to be in the future.

Looking for a new Nissan? Get the best deals
here
.


Geely Boyue Previewed In Malaysia – To Spawn Proton’s First SUV

The Geely Boyue, set to underpin Proton’s first SUV, was previewed for the first time in Malaysia during the
signing ceremony
 between DRB-Hicom and Zheijiang Geely Holding (ZGH) formalizing the latter’s acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Proton.
Launched in early 2016, the Boyue is the fourth SUV model to be introduced by Geely. It is a mid-sized SUV competing in the same segment as the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, and Honda CR-V. Read more about the Boyue in our previous article
here
.
The vehicle on display is powered by the range-topping 1.8-litre TGDI turbocharged petrol engine generating 181hp and 250Nm. Whilst all-wheel drive is available as an option, the vehicle shown exclusively drives its front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
We stayed back after the ceremony long enough to observe the vehicle being driven off from the venue. The engine is notably quiet without emitting the diesel-like clattering noise commonly heard from European petrol direct injection engines.
On the preview model, we also observed what appears to be a generous safety kit including six airbags, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Hill-Hold Control (HHC) and Hill-Descent Control (HDC).
We additionally noticed two sensor enclosures – a radar module at the lower regions of the bumper and camera at the base of the rear-view mirror suggesting the possible inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
There were also four cameras mounted in the usual positions at the front, tailgate, and side mirrors to support a 360-degree camera system.
The Boyue also adopts certain Volvo technology such as auto air-conditioning with Air Quality System (AQS). The seven-inch LCD display found in the Boyue also borrows heavily from Volvo’s parts catalog. The instrument cluster is heavily reminiscent of those seen in recent Volvo vehicles.
A highlight of the Boyue, also highlighted by DRB-Hicom Group MD, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, is the SUV’s infotainment suite. The top-of-the-range Geely G-Netlink as it’s called – features Android Auto and Apple Car Play, in-car Wifi, 3G connectivity and a voice interaction and command system that controls in car function such as climate-control.
Proton has not stated when the Proton SUV of the Boyue will be launched but explain the model still has to undergo the major homologation process to right-hand drive, as the Boyue is only offered as a left-hand drive in its domestic market.


V8 Supercars Championship Will Return To Malaysia In 2016

At this year’s
KL City Grand Prix
, Malaysians got the opportunity to experience the exhilarating thrills of the V8 Supercars race series right in the heart of the city on a street circuit that placed them real close to the action.

The successful demonstration run saw just five teams and drivers take part during the race weekend and now, the full field of V8 Supercars will be returning to Malaysia for a Championship event, scheduled to take place from August 12-14 in 2016, and will be the 15
th
 stop on the race series’ calendar.

“It’s great [having KL locked in],” V8 Supercars Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, said.

“The teams that went, the five drivers in particular were absolute superstars. The Malaysians absolutely loved V8 Supercars, many of them hadn’t heard of us before on the mainstream level – so to have the whole Championship there under the Petronas Towers on such an amazing street circuit will be something else,” he added.

(Ride onboard the Volvo S60 Polestar V8 Supercar At The KL City Grand Prix)

Formats for 2016 are still to be determined by the V8 Supercars Commission, but it is expected the KL City Grand Prix will see four 100km sprint races around the Malaysian city centre with the stunning backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers.


Special Edition Volvo S60s Sell Out In Less Than An Hour Through App

Thirty-nine minutes is all it took for Volvo to sell 20 special edition units of the
all-new third-generation Volvo S60
 sedan after it was made available on the Care by Volvo app recently. In record time, U.S. based customers claimed all 20 of the all-new Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered sedans using the Volvo Care app, which required a booking fee of USD 500.
Like the name suggests, the Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered applies Polestar’s performance engineering to upgrade the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension, and engine control unit.
Fine-tuning of the engine’s control unit increases the engine output to 415hp and 670Nm of torque – an increment of 15hp and 30 Nm respectively, over the regular T8 model’s output. The software upgrades also improve fuel consumption and emissions, and refines the automatic gear selection.
The Polestar Engineered S60 uses multi-link front and rear suspension which incorporates Öhlins shock absorbers with dual-flow valves that allow stiffening in the springs and dampeners while retaining comfort. The strut bar and adjustable shock absorber design are shared with the
Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid performance car
.
Lightweight wheels and Brembo Monoblock six-piston brake callipers are also included in the package.
Visually, the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered sedans are demarcated by Polestar emblems, black chrome exhaust pipes and gold seat belts.
Due to the positive response, Volvo Cars responded by offering a complimentary Polestar Engine Software Optimization upgrade to the next 200 Care by Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis. The upgrade improves throttle response, shift speed, gear hold, and midrange engine performance for a more balanced and responsive driving experience.
The S60 T8 Polestar Engineered, along with all other S60 models for global markets, will be built at Volvo’s new U.S. factory in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The S60 is the first Volvo vehicle to be produced in the U.S.


Volkswagen Beetle is coming back as an EV?

The
Volkswagen Beetle
 legacy might not be dead after all as rumours of a potential electric version have resurfaced once again.

This time around, it comes in a form of a red concept model being 'showcased' in a French children's film. We know, it's essentially a cartoon, but Miraculous: Ladybug and Cat Noir, The Movie is indeed an official collaboration with Volkswagen.

Showcasing the brand's range of electric concept cars like the ID.Buzz, ID.Crozz and ID.Vizzion, the main star of the show is depicted with a bright red Volkswagen that closely resembles a Beetle. Volkswagen UK also referred to it as a "concept car electric Beetle" rather than a member of the ID EV family.

Some folks might just see this as an animated film, but three of these VW electric models will go into production. If the theme is correct, then there's a chance that the EV Beetle might join the bandwagon as well.

Volkswagen is planning to launch around 10 EVs by 2026. For this, it'll be a combination of new as well as existing models. Seeing how the Beetle has already achieved legendary status, we won't be surprised if we see one in the near future.


10th Generation 2016 Honda Civic FC Launched In Malaysia – From RM113,800

With a starting price of RM113,800 , and a generous list of standard features that includes six airbags, electronic stability control (or as Honda calls it - Vehicle Stability Assist or VSA), ISOFIX and Hill Start Assist – available on all variants, the all-new Honda Civic is certainly moving the goal post for all other C-segment models.
Overview
At a glance, the all-new Civic’s silhouette might give an impression that it’s a fastback/hatchback, but it’s actually a sedan, with a conventional opening boot, and competes within a very traditional C-segment with the likes of a
Toyota Corolla Altis
,
Volkswagen Jetta
,
Ford Focus
, and
Mazda 3 Sedan
.
The first impression of the all-new Civic is that it’s huge. It’s much bigger than what you would expect a C-segment model to be. Compared to the previous
FB-generation Civic
, this all-new FC-generation Civic is significantly lower, wider and longer than before.
Compared to its archival the Toyota Corolla Altis, it’s 10 mm longer, 45 mm lower, and 4 mm wider.
As before, the Civic is locally-assembled at Honda’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka.
Honda says the all-new Civic qualifies for reduction in excise duties and other unspecified benefits outlined under Malaysia’s ‘customized’ incentives for Energy Efficient Vehicles, thus explains the competitive prices.
Engine and Transmission
As you would’ve already know by now, the all-new Civic comes with two engine options – a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo unit and a 1.8-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated unit that’s carried over from the previous generation Civic.
The direct injection VTEC Turbo engine produces 173 PS at 5,500 rpm and 220 Nm from 1,700 – 5,500 rpm. It features variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides. Boost pressure within the combustion chamber is controlled by an electrically-actuated waste gate. Honda claims a class-leading fuel consumption of 5.8-litre/100 km.
Buyers however, should temper their expectations and not get overly excited over the combination of the two words ‘VTEC’ and ‘Turbo.’ This is not the kind of performance-biased turbo setup that your tuner at Sunway will install on your ride. Instead, the adoption of a turbocharger here is primarily aimed at reducing CO2 emissions (crucial in lowering taxes in Thailand and many other countries), with attaining high power output figures being a secondary objective.
Claimed acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 8.2 seconds, quick enough on paper, but our short test drive in Thailand suggests that it’s not going to feel that rapid in the real world, partly due to the characteristic of the CVT that’s transferring power to the front wheels.
The familiar 1.8-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC remains unchanged, producing 141 PS at 6,500 rpm and 174 Nm at 4,300 rpm, accelerating the entry variant Civic from 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds.
Both engines are paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) type automatic transmission with torque converter.
Although both engines use CVTs, the one used in the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo model is a different unit from the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated model, with the former having a higher torque limit rating. The CVT that’s used in the 1.8 model is similar to the unit used in the Honda HR-V, but with a different torque converter installed.
Both transmissions lack an automatic transmission fluid cooler but according to Assistant Large Project Leader Mr. Osamu Takezawa, there is no risk of the CVTs overheating in all but the most extreme race-like conditions, as the CVTs are of an improved, new design that’s more durable and does not need an additional cooler like earlier generation CVTs.
Honda also claims that all-new Civic has the quietest cabin in its class, a claim which
our short drive in Thailand
 found little reason to doubt. We expect to complete a more comprehensive review for the all-new Civic in the coming months.
Safety
Apart from the VTEC Turbo engine, safety is another key highlight for the all-new Civic. While many of its peers tend to limit the full suite of active and passive safety features only for higher range variants, this all-new Civic offers the same level of safety features across the range.
Six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ISOFIX, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal are all available even from the entry 1.8S model.
As such, the expected maximum 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating (official announcement to be made by ASEAN NCAP later) is applicable to all variants of the Civic. This is not always the case as Vehicle Stability Assist (generically known as electronic stability control or ESC) is a pre-requisite for any vehicle to be awarded the fifth star, so very often, the maximum 5-star rating is only applicable to certain variants.
Key differences between variants:
There are three variants on offer. Here are the main differences between the trio:
Standard features for the Civic 1.8S
1.8-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine
16-inch alloy wheels
Automatic projector halogen headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Halogen front fog lamps
Fabric seats
Walk-away auto lock
Smart Entry with Push Start
Remote engine start
Single zone automatic air-conditioning
Touch panel A/C conntrols
8-Way powered adjustable driver seat
7" display infotaiment with 8 speakers, Bluetooth hand-free connectivity with voice recognition, USB, HDMI, MP3 and iPod support
Reverse camera
Rear air-conditioning
Six airbags
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
ABS with EBD
Auto Brake Hold (ABH)
Hill-start assist (HSA)
ISOFIX
Emergency stop signal (ESS)
Civic 1.5 TC adds the following features
1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine
Paddle-shifters
17-inch alloy wheels
Leather seats
Civic 1.5 TC-P adds the following features
LED headlamps
LED front fog lamps
Dual-auto zone automatic air-conditioning
GPS navigation


MODENAS Is Now The Official Distributor Of Kawasaki Motorcycles In Malaysia

MODENAS has been appointed the official distributor of Kawasaki motors in Malaysia effective October 1, 2021,

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), a subsidiary and distributor of Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), has been appointed as the official distributor of the Kawasaki brand in Malaysia effective October 1, 2021.

MODENAS, in a statement, said the appointment covers the distribution of all
Kawasaki
 products, including vehicles, spare parts, accessories, customer service, and information involving technical services, which may include recall activities if required.

"The EMOS takeover process will undergo a transition period of six months and will be assisted by KMSB Motors Sdn Bhd," said MODENAS

"During this period, Kawasaki
motorcycle
 owners can still return to any Kawasaki dealer or stockist for purchases as well as inquiries of spare parts and technical services. Any changes or developments will be announced as soon as there is any," they continued.

The shift resulted from KHI's (Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd) increase in shares in MODENAS, from 19% to 30% in 2019, totaling RM40.3 million, which allowed the Japanese company to be more active in MODENAS production operations.

In 2020, it was announced that Modenas would assemble Kawasaki models in Malaysia, especially the
beginner and middle class
. Still, until now, there have been no further updates, possibly due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Nissan and Tan Chong Begin Vehicle Assembly in Myanmar

Nissan
 and Tan Chong Motor Myanmar (TCMM) announced yesterday that they have officially begun assembling cars in Myanmar, with the first model being the
Almera
 (known as the Sunny in Myanmar).

It is said that the assembly operations will initially use the existing Tan Chong facility which has an annual production capacity of less than 1,000 units per year.

However, as announced last year, a new plant that is much bigger with an annual production capacity of 10,000 units in the region of Bago is expected to be operating in 2019.

Having been selling vehicles in Myanmar since 2013, Nissan has been importing its SUVs, pickup trucks and other products fully from Japan and Thailand prior to this.

With the new and upcoming CKD plants, the company said that it also aims to introduce some of its green and safety technologies to the Myanmar market which is seen as highly potential.

Currently, the Myanmar auto market’s total industry volume (TIV) is about 100,000 units a year, with almost 90 per cent of the vehicles sold being used imports from Japan.

Besides Nissan, other brands that have CKD operations in Myanmar include
Toyota
,
Ford
, as well as
Suzuki
.


Most Epic Roadtrip Accomplished With Continental Tyres

The #Live2Drive team of Stephen Pang, Terence Moses, Cliften Nathaniel, plus the husband-and-wife couple of Udhaya and Monica made an adventure of a lifetime travelling from Malaysia to Europe in their classic Volkswagens.
In total, the group of five friends and four classic Volkswagens (three Volkswagen Kombi Buses and one Beetle, all shod with Continental tyres) travelled over 52,000 kilometres in this epic roadtrip that started in March 2017 and ended at different stages for each of them (for example, Monica-Udhaya and the Beetle continued their European tour until November 2017).
At a press conference at Continental Tyre Malaysia’s (CTM) premises, the company and the driving team shared their travel experience that took them across 30 countries over eight months and 600 hours of driving on the road.
CTM’s Managing Director and Head of Continental’s ASEAN Region for BU PLT Replacement APAC, Cameron Wilson said, “We are delighted to welcome the #Live2Drive team back to Malaysia and are proud of how the team managed to inspire those they meet as well as their contribution to the community along the way.”
The epic journey which was flagged off at Bangi, Selangor in March 2017 took the team of five persons and four classic Volkswagens up north to China, further to Mongolia, and heading westwards into Europe through the Trans Siberia highway.
Upon reaching their main destination, the largest vintage Volkswagen show that is the Hessisch Oldendorf Show in June, the team had travelled over 20,000 kilometres on the same set of Alor Setar made-Continental tyres. The team traversed over plenty of unpaved roads, trails, as well as icy conditions in Siberia with standard
Continental ComfortContact 6 (CC6) and
UltraContact
 6 (UC6) tyres
.
Cliften Nathaniel, owner and driver of one of the white Volkswagen Kombi bus nicknamed 'Rusty' shared his experience, “Driving through what was a ‘cold summer’ in summer tyres was beyond my expectations. Cold summer is like driving up really high altitudes with cold temperatures, rough hard off-roads, as well as through snow and on some parts of icy roads,”
“Despite all that, the two different sets of Continental tyres (185/65R15 and 215/55R17) performed fantastically and made us wanting to keep driving. They handled well in wet conditions and gave me more confidence when driving through the continents in a classic car.” Cliften elaborated.
Meanwhile, a similarly proud Wilson said, “CTM is also pleased that the robustness and durability of Continental tyres have successfully taken the #Live2Drive team safely across various terrains and roads which can get rough at places,”
“Along the way, fans who recognized the continental brand, as well as those who are keen on classic cars, came along to meet and cheer the team along. This reaffirms the premise that Continental tyres are trusted the world over for quality, performance, and its German Technology.”