Protons That Have Appeared On The Silver Screen

We’ve been seeing a lot of posts about Proton models popping up in a couple of scenes in the Chris Hemsworth action-fest known as Extraction, but our local brand has shown up in a number of movies and TV series over the years – usually as an extra, but a presence nonetheless. Let’s roll through a couple of the more notable ones.

Tomorrow Never Dies – Proton Saga

In the iconic scene where James Bond drives his remote controlled BMW 7 Series through a car park, you catch a glimpse of an early model Proton Saga in one of the parking bays. It’s amazing how clean the car looks – but then again, it’s important to remember that his movie came out in 1997.

Mr Bean – Proton Saga

Fans of the series over time may have noticed a couple of Protons popping up – usually parked along the roadside. At the time, the Saga sold in reasonable numbers overseas so it wasn’t uncommon to see them around. As a result you would probably see them in the background of the long-running British sitcom.

Strike Back – Proton Inspira

It’s no surprise that you would see a number of Protons in this American action series as one of the last few seasons of the show was shot almost entirely in Malaysia. The setting for the plot also migrated to our humble South East Asian country, which meant it wouldn’t be all too surprising to see Malaysian vehicles.

Ra.One – Proton Wira

This Hindi-language superhero action flick garnered a lot of attention for being technologically advanced at the time but was also the subject of controversy with accusations of plagiarism – and yet it remained a commercial success. In one of the scenes you can just about see a Proton Wira lurking by the side of the road.

Hurt Locker – Proton Wira

If you haven’t watched Hurt Locker before, it would probably be a good time to give it a shot during this lockdown. This excellently shot movie was a sleeper hit for the awards ceremony of the same year, done on a relatively small budget and rife with the tension of being a bomb disposal expert in a war torn country. Shot in the country of Jordan, a Proton Wira sneaks its way onto the screen in one of the scenes.

Po.Ju – Proton Preve

The Aaron Kwok Hong Kong cop flick was set in Malaysia, in addition to being shot entirely in Malaysia as well, which meant that a lot of Malaysian registered cars were present. Inevitably, a Proton Preve police car made an appearance – though done up in a more internationally-recognizable livery.

EastEnders – Proton Satria GTI

As we mentioned earlier in the article, through the early 90s Proton wasn’t too unpopular in the UK – so it makes sense that a Proton Satria GTI (indisputably the hottest Proton of the time) would also make an appearance in this British drama series that ran for a couple of years.

Entrapment – Proton Iswara

Ah, Michelle Yeoh and Sean Connery. The two powerhouses weren’t quite enough to make Entrapment a runaway hit of a crime movie, but a big portion of the movie was shot in Malaysia which made for some interesting scenes at the time. While the movie got some of the geography a little bit skewed, we see the quintessential Malaysian taxi popping up towards the end.

Punjabi MC – Mundain To Bach Ke – Proton Iswara

If you already know this, you are probably one of a very small group of people who followed this artist way back in the 1990s. The song in question has become synonymous and perhaps even overplayed during establishing or opening shots in an Indian setting for movies, especially with a Jay-Z mash up much later on. What we didn’t know was that the music video for the original song was shot right here in Malaysia!


Temporary closure of Kuala Lumpur - Karak Highway for both east and west directions due to highway sinkhole

The Kuala Lumpur - Karak Highway in both east and west directions has been temporarily closed following a sinkhole incident at Kilometer 66.1 of the highway.

The sinkhole that appeared on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK) near Bentong is believed to have been caused by the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) works nearby.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that initial investigations revealed that the sinkhole was a result of the ECRL's underground tunnel boring works in that area. He has instructed the relevant departments and agencies to keep him updated on the incident.

The East Coast Highway (LPT) announced on Twitter that motorists travelling from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur are directed to exit at the Pekan Bentong Timir Junction and re-enter at the Pekan Bentong Barat Junction.

On the other hand, those travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan are directed to exit at the Pekan Bentong Barat Junction and re-enter at the Pekan Bentong Timur Junction.

According to Nur Aishah Zaha, a spokesperson for the Kuala Lumpur - Karak Highway, they received an emergency call at 8:39 pm from a motorist using the highway.

For the time being, the affected section at Kilometer 66.1 is closed for public use.


UMW Toyota Motor To Launch A New SUV This Thursday – Harrier?

UMW Toyota Motor, the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced on its Facebook page that the company will be launching a new SUV this Thursday 9 November.
The single teaser image released by the company says Get Ready, accompanied by a silhouette of an SUV.
One can just about make out the outline of a long front, sharp front overhang – signature design details of the all-new Toyota Harrier.
Late yesterday, we’ve posted leaflets of the all-new Toyota Harrier, leaked ahead of the model’s launch at the upcoming 2017 MAI Malaysia Autoshow.
As mentioned in our earlier post, this all-new Harrier is, unlike earlier generation models, unrelated to the Lexus RX. Instead, the all-new RX shares the same underpinnings as the entry Lexus NX, sharing the same 2,660 mm wheelbase.
It also uses the same 2.0-litre direct injected turbocharged engine from NX 200t, producing the same 231 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque.
No information on the transmission is mentioned but in Japan, the Harrier Turbo, as this particular variant is called, uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, available either as a front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Assuming the same 20 percent price gap between a base model Japanese market Harrier Turbo and a base model Lexus NX 200t, we expect the Malaysian market Harrier to be priced within the range of RM250,000.
More:
All-New XU60 Toyota Harrier Launching This Week At 2017 MAI Autoshow


Frankfurt 2015: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet Makes Motor Show Debut

The latest iteration of the
S-Class
, the 2016 Cabriolet, has just dropped its top at the on-going Frankfurt Motor Show.
The first open-top luxury four-seater
from Mercedes-Benz since the early 70s
, the S-Class Cabriolet is the sixth body style variant of the flagship family, following the S-Class Coupe. But unlike the Coupe, the Cabrio features a three-layer electronically-operated roofs that can be tucked away into the luggage compartment of the car, all in a matter of 20 seconds.
Naturally, the S-Class Cabriolet falls into what
Mercedes-Benz
 calls its line-up of Dream Cars, many of which
will be coming to Malaysia before the end of this year
. Could the S
-Class Cabrio be amongst them?
 We’ll have to wait to hear more from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia themselves.
Until then, what you see here is effectively a soft-top S-Class Coupe: the Cabrio and the Coupe share near-identical dimensions, but for the overall height of the car, given to the Cabrio being a little bit shorter due to the lack of a fixed, solid roof.
Two powertrains are being put forward for the launch of this car, with the white car with red upholstery you’re looking at here being the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet. The harder-hitting Cabrio packs a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine which pushers 585hp and 900Nm of torque.
The gentler approach is brought forward by the S 500 variant, in which a 4.7-litre turbocharged V8 resides, delivering 455hp and 700Nm of torque. Naturally, more engine options available in other S-Class models will also make their ways into the S-Class Cabrio, but at a later point, we understand.
The case is the same for the equipment and features, but for the Cabrio here featuring a special AIRCAP automatic wind protection system and an AIRSCARF neck-level heating system.
Mercedes-Benz explains that the AIRCAP system comprises of two key components, a wind deflector with a net, and an extendable draught-stop behind the rear seats. The purpose of these items is to reduce wind turbulence inside the cabin, and to prevent your hair from being thrown about from the top being down.
The AIRSCARF system is essentially a tool that “extends the convertible season,” says Benz, being that the heating for your neck allows for further topless travel in cold weather.


Korean Man Intentionally Smashes His Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Fed up with repeated problems of engine stalling on his Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG despite giving the Mercedes-Benz dealership 60 days to rectify, a Korean man vented his rage by smashing up his S63 in front a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Gwangju, Korea.
Reports from the Korean presss say that the man, surname Yoo, entered a leasing contract for a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG in March 2015, and but had misfortune of experiencing the engine suddenly cutting off while driving, on three separate occasions within six months.
The first time it happened, Yoo thought it was small problem that the dealership should be able to address. The repairs reportedly took 20 days to complete.
Despite the lengthy repair work, Yoo later found out that the problem was not corrected and his car’s engine stalled once more.
The service centre had reportedly took another 40 days to rectify the issue, when Yoo was promised by the dealership that they will replace him with a new car if they could not solve the problem.
Yoo lost his patience when on 9-September, while driving from Busan to Gwangju with his pregnant wife and five year-old son in the car, his S63’s engine stalled once more on the highway, which he said placed his family in a very dangerous situation as many other cars sped past their stalled S63, panicking his wife and child.
On 11-September, Yoo went to the dealership, demanding that they replace his car, but was told by staffs at the dealership that they cannot decide on the matter as their CEO is out of town for business.
It was then when a furious Yoo decided to park his car in front of the dealership, took out a golf club, and smashed the car as a sign of protest.
We need to point out that Yoo’s car is leased, and as such, he doesn’t own the car and is unable to sell the car until the Mercedes-Benz dealership agrees to release him from the contract.
The Mercedes-Benz dealership retaliated in an equally bizarre manner – by lodging a police report against Yoon for disrupting their business, and threatening him with legal action for intentionally damaging a property that he does not own.
On 15-September, Mercedes-Benz Korea issued a press statement saying, “We are making efforts to find a rational and amicable solution with the customer,” adding that the company will be meeting the customer to carefully listen to his complaints.
Perhaps Lexus Korea should reach out to this man.
The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 577 hp. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.


Ken Block Drops the Ninth Installment in his Gymkhana Series

Ken Block has done it again, this time returning for Gymkhana 9. With his previous installments the stunts and the scenes were progressively getting larger and larger, culminating in a run through the city of Dubai. This time he returns to his roots, wreaking havoc in an empty industrial estate and playing chicken with a freight train.
Also important to note is his change of car, swapping to the newer, larger Focus RS platform. The Fiesta (and his odd Mustang build) served him for a long time after his stint in Subarus, and this new Focus offers new opportunities in terms of the stunts he can execute.


For a petrolhead, a few things in life that are as rewarding as collecting your car after you have had some work done to it. Regardless, if you had
your tyres changed
, performed a basic service or had it washed by your preferred detailer. That feeling before you start the car and drive it home is just awesome.

10 DIY Car Maintenance Every Man Should Know How To Do!

However, with the current lockdown and most of the workshops and detailers closed, apart from authorised 3S centres that are operating at reduced capacity, a lot of the responsibility of taking care of our cars has fallen back to us, the owners.

Yes while the majority of car repairs will need to be undertaken by trained mechanics and/or specialists – there are
quite a few DIY projects
 you can do at home, which does not require expensive tools or products, or a tonne of experience and will go a long way in keeping your car looking and driving great. Here are a 10 simple DIY maintenance/upkeep every man should know how to do, lockdown or not:

1. Give it a good wash

The difference between a car wash and detailing job is as the word describes – the amount of detail that is put into the cleaning job, additionally it’s the steps taken to protect the car after. Now while it might be hard to give your car a proper detail, you can take your car wash a step further by purchasing a clay bar and detailing solution to give your car’s body a more thorough clean. Beyond the claying process, use a
spray/liquid wax
 to further protect your car’s paint and give it a superb shine.

What you need: Cleaning towels, car soap, some detailing products and lots of elbow grease

Dompet damage: Getting a good clay bar and detailer as well as a spray wax should costs around RM100 or so but could save you hundreds compared to doing it outsid
e.

2. Give the interior a thorough clean

Let’s get to where you spend all your time while driving your car. Best of all, it requires almost no specialist tools or experience. All you really need is a vacuum cleaner, soft brushes, some cleaning solutions, and clean towels. Start by removing all the stuff that you normally keep in your car, remove all the carpets and squeeze your hands into those hard to reach places to retrieve any old coins or even that French fry that got lost a few months ago.

Next, get vacuuming, use a soft brush to agitate the carpet and seats while you vacuum, this gets smaller stubborn dirt/sand out. You could also use a household carpet cleaner to
go the extra mile
. Next, you can use a mild all-purpose cleaner, clean towel or a small toothbrush to clean all the plastic panels, cubbyholes, switchgear and hard to reach places. For cars with a leather interior - a good wipe with a leather cleaner and conditioner will leave your interior looking years younger.

What you need: Cleaning towels, old toothbrushes, cotton buds, household cleaning solutions (where applicable) and lots of patience.

Dompet damage: you could splurge on a good All-Purpose Cleaner and Leather Cleaner/Conditioner – between RM60 and RM100

Disclaimer: Avoid using water on carpets or fabric seats, a damp cloth should suffice.

3. Restore your headlamps

Your car’s headlights and taillamps will start to show signs of weathering after a few years of sun exposure. This does not mean you need to replace them, there are many headlamps restoration kits on sale (which includes the cleaning solution and associated cleaning items) that can leave your headlights looking brand new. You can even do it on the cheap with toothpaste and/or car polish, while it won’t be as effective as a restoration kit, your headlamps will still look miles better than before.

What you need: Most basic items are a toothbrush, microfiber towel and some toothpaste or car polish

Dompet damage: Complete headlamps restoration kits cost between RM80-RM150 depending on the manufacture
r

4. Give your wheels a killer shine

Your wheels are the dirtiest part of your car, therefore it makes sense to give it a thorough clean every once in a while. Of course, the best way to do this is to remove the wheel from the car so you have complete access to all its surfaces. However to do this, you will need to jack your car up, at have least two jack stands to secure your car once it’s up (highly recommended). Once the wheels are off, you can use a wheel degreaser, soap and some old toothbrushes to give the wheels a proper clean inside out.

What you need: Most basic items are good brushes, a wheel degreaser solution, and lots of scrubbing

Dompet damage: We highly recommend getting at least two jack stands (these are must-haves for any DIY enthusiast), a good wheel degreaser will set you back around RM30-RM50.

Disclaimer: Wear a facemask and eye protection when cleaning your wheels to protect you from brake dust stuck on the wheels.

5. Rotate your wheels

Now that your wheels are clean. Why not rotate them? Tyres are rotated to equalise the wear on all four tyres so they last longer. Most times we rotate tyres only when we get our tyres aligned (ideally every six months). However, rotating your tyres every three to four months will allow the wear to be distributed more evenly. Rotating your wheels simply requires your wheels (as if you're changing your tyres to move them around the four corners in a predetermined order.

What you need: This is easily accomplished if you have four jack stands (highly recommended) and a hydraulic jack (if not the car’s jack will suffice), your car’s wheel socket kit will get the wheels off.

Dompet damage: Invest in four jack stands and a proper hydraulic jack and torque wrench if you want to do it easily and safely – about RM600 for the full monty and it’ll serve you a lifetime.

Disclaimer: Always jack your car on solid flat ground. Only rotate your tyres if you have a non-staggered wheel setup (wheels are similar width all around). Directional/Asymmetric tyres have a different rotation pattern, check online.

6. Clean your wheel wells and suspension

If you have your car up on jack stands, and the wheels off, this is an excellent time to clean your wheel wells and suspension system. Again a degreaser and tough brushes will allow you to give your car’s
“daun pisang”
 a good clean, you should be able to clean parts of your spring and absorbers too. This is also a good opportunity to inspect your car’s chassis bushes, ball joints and if there are oil leaks to either side of the engine.

What you need: Big strong brushes and degreaser solution

Dompet damage: If you have already invested in the four jack stands by now, then some brushes and a good degreaser should cost less than RM50

7. Clean up your engine bay

A clean engine is a healthy engine. As we drive our cars, dirt debris and dust get our car’s engine looking very dirty after a while. While
you can clean your engine using water
, you’d be surprised how much dirt you can clean with just some damp towels, an old toothbrush and an All-Purpose cleaner or degreaser. It just takes a lot of patience and diligence to work your way around the many surfaces and components of the engine. Start from the sides and work your way to the centre where your engine is – and do this while your engine is cold. Make sure to wipe dry, a blow-dryer is mighty handy to get the nooks and crannies dry. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

What you need: Wet towels, old toothbrush, hand gloves, and all-purpose cleaner degreaser solution

Dompet damage: Nothing more than RM50

8. Do an oil change

If your car is due for a service but your preferred mechanic is closed, why not DIY. Contrary to popular belief, changing your engine oil is quite easy and rarely requires special tools besides a socket set and oil filter wrench cap. Check out YouTube videos that are specific to your car and follow the steps properly. You can purchase your engine oil and filter online or at a spare part shop and save on labour costs. While you're at it, check the air filter and cabin filter as well, these are other commonly overlooked items that will get your car driving great again.

What you need: Invest in a proper socket set that will serve you a lifetime. A proper wrench cap, and your car’s service consumables.

Dompet damage: The socket set and wrench cap should set you back no more than RM200. Service costs such as the oi and filter depending on your car
.

Disclaimer: You have to
dispose of engine oil properly
. Check for oil recycling centres in your area or you can alternatively pass it to a nearby workshop to recycle. Carefully drain your old oil from the engine into a pan and refill the bottles (of the engine oil you bought) to dispose of.

9. Change faulty bulbs

The various lightbulbs in our car will tend to burn out or not shine as brightly after a couple of years. Go around your car and check if they are all working fine. Replacing a lightbulb in your car can be as easy as changing a bulb on a desk lamp. Look up tutorials online, purchase the correct bulbs for your car online or at a spare part shop, and change these yourself.

What you need: A simple screwdriver set, perhaps a plastic trim removal set, and the correct lightbulbs for your car.

Dompet damage: Besides the lightbulbs, maybe RM25 for all the tools you need from MR DIY.

10. Change your wipers

The rubber on your wipers hardens and becomes ineffective after a while. If left unattended, they become a hazard if you can’t see properly in heavy rain. Wipers are not expensive and in most cases just need to be clipped in place. Certain (mostly continental) cars tend to have different mounting methods but you can check out how to change these online or in your car’s manual.

What you need: The
correct sized wiper for your car
 and maybe a flathead screwdriver

Dompet damage: Just the wipers, you probably already have a flathead screwdriver lying around.

Disclaimer, be sure to measure your existing wipers before buying a new set, wrong wiper sizes can affect how they work and how much of your windshield area that is cleaned.

Conclusion

While it may seem daunting at first, working on your car isn’t as tedious as some may think and goes a long way in helping you understand your car better and know what it needs from time to time. Yes in certain cases you might need to invest in some tools and components but if utilised properly, they return savings (otherwise spent at the workshop) many times what they cost to buy.

In addition, given the wealth of information available online, it’s easier than ever to get started, so go ahead, tick of as many of the items as you can on this list, we can assure your car will be looking and driving miles better than before.

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

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Carlist.my.

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

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Infiniti Malaysia Announces Price Revisions In Line with Zero-Rated GST

Infiniti Malaysia, through Inspired Motor, has recently announced the price revision of all models, effective 1 June 2018, in line with the adjustment of GST rates from 6% to 0%.
This price revision is expected to remain until the implementation of the sales and services tax (SST) from 1 September 2018. A quick rundown of the new prices and savings is as follows:
All official Infiniti vehicles are fully imported from Japan and come with a three-year or 100,000-kilometre mileage warranty, whichever occurs first.


All-New Perodua Myvi Scores 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating

Now that Perodua has
officially launched the all-new Myvi
, ASEAN NCAP can reveal the results of its recent crash test for the car. Rather interestingly, the test was conducted at JARI (Japan Automobile Research Institute) instead of our local MIROS PC3 crash lab- the reasoning for this can be speculated, but it doesn't make the test any less valid.
In any case, the results are incredibly favourable. The Myvi tested was the 1.3G variant, which doesn't even pack the full safety package that comes with the 1.5AV model. Despite that, it receives a 5-star rating with a score of 32.71 for Adult Occupant Protection and 43.14 for Child Occupant Protection.
This is the third time a Myvi has been assessed by ASEAN NCAP. The first attempt saw it achieve a 3-star rating, eventually progressing to a 4-star rating- and now a full on 5-star rating thanks to the inclusion of 4 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard, and extending the Seatbelt Reminder System to the rear passengers as well.
The report also notes that the optional curtain airbags and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems in the higher-spec models are worth considering and makes the Myvi the cheapest car on sale in Malaysia with AEB provided. It's a great step forward for Perodua and a great product for the Malaysian market.


Daimler and Bosch Launch Automated Valet Parking In China

It's an idea that's been toyed with for many, many, many years with hardly any progress or execution: automated valet parking. Companies have long touted the idea of being able to step out of your car at the main entrance of a shopping mall or office or what have you while your car slinks away and parks itself entirely independently. Of the many reasons to push this idea, the standout reasons are convenience, practicality, and efficiency of space - after all, when you don't need to get out of a car you can park literally door to door.
But Daimler and Bosch have finally started to execute this idea, in the form of Automated Valet Parking - at least, within the confines of the not inconsiderably Chinese market. It also makes sense to have a pilot program for such a system in China given that their own local automakers are already pushing some fairly cutting edge technology for public consumption. The system implemented here is one that allows owners to control their cars using their smart phones, both for parking and unparking.
It's a team effort to make it work. The car has to be parked first within a designated drop off area, within a parking structure that is wirelessly integrated and able to interface with the cars themselves. A variety of sensors keeps track of the cars as they move, and it is the infrastructure that controls the cars' movements within the structure itself. The car is guided to an assigned space and parked securely, with the aforementioned tighter parking slots for an increase in capacity of 20%.
During the pilot program that premiered in Beijing, two cars were run simultaneously to showcase the flexibility and reliability of the system - but more than that, Daimler took the opportunity to show the other options available to consumers who opt for an Automated Valet system; everything from charging to car washes were put on display within the designated parking structure, and these are elements that consumers in the future may want to subject their cars to while they go about their day.


Volkswagen Malaysia: EA 189 Diesel Engines Not Sold In Malaysia

Following the highly publicised news regarding Volkswagen’s
diesel emissions scandal
 in the US, Volkswagen Malaysia has issued a statement today clarifying that the affected EA189 diesel engines are not sold in Malaysia.
The statement by Volkswagen Malaysia reads:
“With the recent news on Volkswagen AG regarding the vehicles emission test in the United States, regaining the trust of consumers and that of the public remains a top priority.
“Volkswagen Malaysia would like to assure their customers in Malaysia that all Volkswagen models assembled and imported by Volkswagen Malaysia are not affected as we have not been selling any vehicles with EA 189 diesel engines in Malaysia.
“We will provide global updates as we are able.”


Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept - Next Generation Evo Is An Electric SUV!

Perhaps one of the more exciting highlights of the ongoing 2017 Tokyo Motorshow is the world debut of the Mitsubishi e-Evolution (e-Evo) Concept – an all-electric high-performance SUV that embodies the company’s renewed ambition to develop fun and desirable products.
Dubbed a ‘technical prototype’, the e-Evo illustrates the development directions the marque’s new products and incorporates the strengths of SUV, EV, and the latest connected mobility systems.
The e-Evo concept uses three high-torque electric motors, fed by a high-capacity battery system to deliver the smooth and responsive performance. The drive battery is mounted under the floor at the midspan of the vehicle, to provide a low centre of gravity.
The e-Evo calls on Mitsubishi’s rich expertise with all-wheel drive technology - the triple motor 4WD system employs a single motor to drive the front wheels and two motors to power the rear wheels.
The rear motors are augmented by a new ‘Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC)’ system that couples the two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring AYC unit.
All of this is integrated into MMC's unique Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamic control system for enhanced traction.
The e-Evo also employs electric brake calipers in place of the conventional hydraulic calipers and is claimed to offer instantaneous response even at low speeds.
Mitsubishi claim that the e-Evo will be controlled by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that uses an array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions monitors and modulate its responses against the driver’s input.
The AI system even has a special coaching function that allows the AI system to teach the driver, after building a building a picture of the driver's skill level and constructing a training program that provides advice through voice dialogue and a large dashboard display.
The e-Evo’s AI system works through an integrated system of AI, connectivity, onboard connectivity and cloud computing.
Visually, the e-Evo provides the latest take on Mistubishi’s archetypal ‘Dynamic Shield’ design langauge. The e-Evo’s black grille is shielded under glass, to hint at the SUV’s EV credentials and protect the vehicle’s array of cameras and sensors. Large air intakes are located beneath the headlamps, to cool the electric brake calipers.
Along the flanks, pronounced body lines are complemented by huge tyres and wheels to convey the car’s AWD ability and sporting intent. At the rear, the large hexagon shape at the rear draws inspiration from the spare tire cover of the storied Mitsubishi Pajero.
On the inside, a large ‘floating’ flat screen spans the full width of the dashboard. It displays outside conditions, navigation and coaching information. The large screen is flanked by two smaller screens, showing images from front and rear cameras. Full-glass windows provide near unobstructed view out for the passengers.


2015 Volvo XC60 T6 Full Review: The Gentle Looking Swede That Eats Germans For Breakfast

On the face of it, Sweden is a nice little country that makes practical IKEAs, belts out hit singles from Roxette and Swedish House Mafia, and is populated by soft-spoken and environmentally conscious folks who strive hard to not stand out too much from everyone else. However, every now and then, some random Swede like Alfred Nobel will step out to and present to the world the first dynamite.
Which brings us to this Volvo XC60 T6 seen here - whose turbocharger plus supercharger combination brings the four stroke engine's suck, squeeze, bang and blow cycles to yet another higher level of intensity that I am sure Swedish supercar icon Christian von Koenigsegg would applaud.
Just as how I thought Christian was clinically insane when he made the 1360 hp Koenigsegg One:1, I recall the same 'Go home you're drunk' expression when I first heard that Volvo was going to put a new twincharged Drive-E engine into series production.
Didn't the Swedes get the memo that even Volkswagen gave up with on the twincharged route because it is just too complex and too expensive?
Of course, Volvo is far from drunk. Freed from the oppressing shackles of Ford's bureaucracy, Volvo is now finally able to show us what it is capable of, and why the Germans are overrated.
Buyers' guide
Before we get to the engine bits, here's a recap: The five-seater XC60 T6 is not only the highest grade within the XC60 family, but is also Volvo Car Malaysia's 'hero' car until the
all-new XC90
 debuts later this year. This is the facelift model, with a new design at the front and a mildly restyled tail lamp.
While it is technically 'just a facelift' model, the new XC60 features an all-new Drive-E series engine that has been developed from the ground up by Volvo (previous models used Ford-sourced engines).
While the T5 model uses a turbocharger to boost the 2-litre engine's output to 245 hp, this T6 model adds a supercharger to raise the output even further to 306 hp.
The asking price is a steep RM315,888, RM20,000 more than the T5 grade but you do get a lot more active safety features as well. The closest alternative is the RM328,800 BMW X3.
How does it drive?
Not since the 240 hp 850 T-5R from the 1990s have I been so excited to get behind the wheel of another Volvo, and just like the 850 T-5R, this XC 60 delivers all its firepower to the front axles, only - yes, all 306 hp and 400 Nm of it - via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In case you are trying to make sense of what you just read - 306 hp and front wheel drive - and think torque steer, then you might need to think again. For those unfamiliar with the term, torque steer is the sensation where the steering wheel pulls to one side under hard acceleration.
Many believe that front wheel drive cars with more than 200 hp will suffer from torque steer, but this is only a myth. I blame a fat bloke from a certain British TV series for perpetuating the myth. The cause of torque steer is not too much power, but unequal length driveshafts. Find a way to accommodate all the complex mechanical bits while maintaining more or less equal length driveshafts on either sides then torque steer can be minimised. Clever brake-based electronic trickery is also employed to keep the car pointing straight when you launch the car from standstill.
As far as this Volvo is concerned, torque steer is barely noticeable - and this is when I launched the car from standstill, burying my right foot on the throttle. However this was only because of the torque-steer compensating design employed, which while effective, also numbs steering feedback somewhat.
Despite what the headline figures suggest, the T6's acceleration feels calm, and I meant it in a good way. I was half expecting a violent slap on my back, anticipating the relentless push from the 400 Nm of torque, but what I experienced was a very smooth, comfortable take-off.
This relatively linear delivery of its torque, coupled by sticky Pirelli P Zero Rosso 235/60 R18 tyres, also probably helped to keep unwanted torque steer in check. Claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time is a spritely 6.9 seconds, not bad for a hulking 1,808 kg SUV that is also one of the safest cars in the world.
Volvos of yore often suffer from an overly light steering wheel, an attribute which is not welcomed in a high powered car like this T6. Thankfully the XC60 T6's steering is properly weighted, with a thick rimmed, nicely trimmed wheel to command the vehicle from. While it is nicelty weighted, enthusiast drivers may prefer a slightly more communicative rack, a downside of the afore-mentioned torque steer compensation design, but I believe the steering setup is nicely optimised to appeal to most people. It gives you just the right level of confidence, without being overly sensitive to require many steering corrections.
The paddle shifters are nicely thought out, with just the right distance away for you to quickly flick your way up the eight gear ratios.
While the XC60's body control is very good for an SUV, this is not a car you want to take to the mountain roads. It has prodigious amount of grip but very soon you will realise that hustling this car, whose heft is obvious, along tight twisty roads is hard work.
It is also nice to know that Volvo didn't sacrifice ride comfort to achieve this good level road holding. It's slightly on the firm side without being uncomfortable, which for me is just nice for a tall riding vehicle like this.
Volvo wasn't boasting when it says its Drive-E engines are among the world's best in balancing between performance and fuel economy. Over a distance of nearly 600 km, including one very bad traffic jam that saw me inching my way out of the Mid Valley ring road for over half an hour, the XC60 T6 averaged only 11-litres/100 km - that's about the same of what I achieved in a lesser Honda CR-V 2.4-litre under easier traffic conditions! Mind you that the Volvo is a 306 hp beast.
Interior
On the inside, the highlight of the new XC60 T6 is the full LCD instrument cluster. At a glance, it might not look like much, but as with many things Swedish, the objective is not to wow you with superficial fluff, but to simply make life better using discrete, simple to use solutions.
Spend a few days with it and you will learn to appreciate its clutter free layout. You can customise it in several ways, including an option where the speedometer numbers around the digitally imposed pointer is highlighted - a seemingly insignificant feature that becomes much appreciated on long drives along unlit stretches of monotonous highways.
I like the sound quality from the 8-speaker Sensus Connect infotainment system but the navigation system has this irritating feature that beeps everytime you drive pass an area which the system thinks has a speed camera. I've tried looking at the manual on ways to disable it but could not find any instructions to do that.
Families with young children will appreciate the booster child seats - standard on every Volvo except the V40 - few other than Volvo give any serious thought about children who have outgrown child seats but are too young to be adequately protected by seatbelts. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has a similar feature but it's not fitted on our local cars.
Why so few manufacturers care about this? Well, NCAP's test methodologies only consider adults and children 3-years or younger. So not all five-star NCAP cars are the same - some, like Volvo go beyond what is measured even though it won't win them extra points.
Another feature that I appreciate is the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), which ensures that the air you breathe inside is cleaner than the polluted air outside. With haze now a regular occurring problem, it's a wonder why Volvo hasn't promoted this feature at all! The system actually has sensors to monitor harmful ground level ozone, nitrogen oxides and fine dust particles. Even hospitals don't have such sophisticated air-conditioning systems!
Verdict
As a company, Volvo Car Malaysia is a relatively small outfit with very limited resources, which is a shame because the XC60 - despite its age, is an impressive product that deserves better attention.
It's a car that has ridiculous amount of power, but chooses not to shout it with fancy bodywork or stickers, safe for that tiny little T6 badge at the rear.
Instead of boasting about its power, it focuses on making you feel at ease. Driving the Volvo, you can sense that the car is telling you to 'Relax, I will keep you safe' - with its electronic guardian angels watching out for you even when you can't see the busy traffic that you have to reverse out to (Cross Traffic Alert) or responding to slowing traffic (Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake), right down to making sure that the air you breathe is cleaner than the air outside (IAQS), and of course, nobody cares about your kids more than Volvo (integrated booster child seats).
Yes, your friends will no doubt question your decision if you buy a Volvo instead of something from the conventional German trio, but why bother explaining when you can just punch the throttle and leave them behind?
Price and specifications for Volvo XC60 T6
Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder twincharged (turbocharger and supercharger)
Power: 306 hp at 5,700 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm at 2,100 to 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7.3-litre/100 km (claimed), 11-litres/100 km (observed)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Geartronic
Safety: 6 airbags, electronic traction and stability control with, roll over protection, pre-prepared restraints, whiplash protection, ISOFIX (rear), integrated child booster seats, ABS with EBD and BA, collision warning with full auto brake, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning
Price: RM 318,888 excluding insurance


Kian Ming To Khairy: Government Has No Plans To Build A Flying Car

Deputy International Trade and Industry Dr Ong Kian Ming has denied that the government is building a flying car, calling Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin ‘naughty’ for
tweeting a screenshot
 of a draft copy of the upcoming National Automotive Policy.
"This is part of a presentation which the Ministry gave to the automotive industry as part of our stakeholder engagement in the Review of the National Automotive Policy," Dr. Ong told The Star during a press conference at the parliament lobby earlier today.
Dr. Ong said that the document was only a draft and was for discussion purposes only.
"In the disclaimer, it is clearly stated that the information contained herein is subject to change and does not commit the government of Malaysia," said Dr. Ong.
"The inclusion of a discussion on flying vehicles is to address the need for standards and regulations should there be a demand for application of such technology by the automotive industry in the future.
"Our ministry is committed to having consultations and discussions with important stakeholders on the review of the National Automotive Policy (NAP), which will focus on the entire automotive sector including the supply and value chains.
"It is unfortunate that the Rembau MP chose to highlight one small reference to a nascent technology for the purpose of standard setting in the discussion document rather than to give attention to a larger challenge at hand, which is how to develop and grow the entire automative landscape.
"We are always appreciative of any feedback to concrete suggestions from Khairy or anyone from the opposition bench," he said.
While the government has confirmed that it is not using public funds to develop the a flying vehicle, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof is actively promoting the idea of a Malaysia-developed ‘flying car,’ which his ministry intends to achieve by encouraging participation of private companies.
As a side note, Dr. Ong’s reply also implied that the long awaited new National Automotive Policy (NAP), which been mentioned in public since the middle of last year, is still not ready. It was last announced that the new NAP will be made public within this quarter.


Tokyo 2015: Mitsubishi Unveils Its All-Electric eX Concept, Could Preview Next ASX

The proportions of
Mitsubishi
’s
ASX
 compact SUV come to mind immediately upon taking first glance at their eX Concept. The car that the Japanese automaker has brought to the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show also shows renewed focus on electricity for its more mainstream bodystyles.
Deconstruct the acronym and the name, of course, would be attributed to ‘electric crossover’. Mitsubishi claim that the eX is able to travel up to 399km on a full charge, thanks to battery technologies that are deemed ‘next-generation’. Spreading the power from the electric powerplant is an all-wheel drive system, too.
In terms of styling, Mitsubishi commented on how they’ve blended elements of shooting brake and SUV. Of note too is the altered front end which is different from most of what we’re used to seeing on past Mitsubishi’s, even other concepts.
It’s a reworked version of the Dynamic Shield design that is definitely bolder and more cohesive, matching particularly well with the rear-end design. Mitsubishi are even pointing to the interior as a preview of what’s to come for its future production models, which bodes well, given just how its blend of minimalism and restrained luxury are littered throughout the cabin.


CNY 2022: Speed Limits Reduced By 10km/h, Heavy Vehicles Restricted On Roads

Effective
from January 25th to February 8th
, and in
tandem with Ops
 Bersepadu, the Works Ministry has announced that the speed limit on federal and state roads will be reduced by 10km/h in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

"The gazetting of the temporary speed limit reduction is among the safety and surveillance measures taken by the government to improve safety and reduce the
risk of road accidents
 which often occurs during the festive season," the ministry communicated via a statement.

During this 2 week period, federal roads will have their speed limits reduced from 90km/h to 80km/h and similarly with state roads, a reduction from 80km/h to 70km/h, in an effort to curb road-related incidences during this time.

Additionally, to ease traffic flow, JPJ has also issued a companion directive to disallow heavy commercial vehicles from being driven on the 30th and 31st of January as well as the 3rd and 4th of February, which is when it is expected that the majority of celebrating Malaysians will be making their journeys to and from their hometown for
the CNY festivities
.

Category 1 heavy vehicles - which include car carrier lorries, tipper and dump trucks over 7,500kg, bulk cement tankers, platform trailers, logging trailers -  are completely barred from using the roads during that four day period, Category 2 (less heavy?) vehicles will not be allowed to use the roads between 12am and 8am.

Category 2 vehicles include container lorries carrying small goods, electronics, industrial material, palm, rubber, or cargo lorries without loads on their return trip.

The big question is, will these measures make a difference? A 10km/h speed limit reduction does sound like it might be effective, but seems easy to overstep by mistake and should not significantly reduce the severity of a given collision.

A larger concern during road congestion during festive periods is the dangerous and illegal use of the hard shoulder or
emergency lanes by impatient drivers
 alongside the higher likelihood of drivers at the wheel who are under the influence of alcohol.


Volkswagen Budget Car Family Confirmed For 2018 Launch

The
Volkswagen
 Group plans to launch a new family of budget cars in 2018 which will cost between 8,000 to 11,000 euros (RM33,785 to RM46,455).
This was confirmed by Volkswagen Group chairman Martin Winterkorn when speaking to German newspaper
Bild am Sonntag
. The cars that will be part of this budget family includes an SUV, sedan, and hatchback.
The cars will be built in China and is considered as an important step for
Volkswagen
 Group’s future plans, particularly in the Southeast Asia region.
VWG has been considered the idea of a budget car for some time but due to difficulties in meeting internal cost standards, the project lacked a sound business case for the brand until now.


Los Angeles 2017: New Mazda 6 To Debut, 2.5 Turbo Option

Following on from the launch of the all-new Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 is the Mazda 6, but from what we've seen with the CX-5 we aren't expecting radical changes to the new 6 either. That's simply because the SKYACTIV platform that has been introduced with these models are probably good for another generation, although you can expect minor refinements and improvements here and there as is the norm with each generation change.
That's not a bad thing. The SKYACTIV platform is already fairly ahead of the game, providing excellent ride quality and handling characteristics. Even both interior and exterior for the current generation 6 is pretty impressive and has yet to feel dated- but it is about time for a model change. The new Mazda 6 will feature the updated Kodo design language that's a little sharper than before, but with the same overall lines.
Mazda has only released two teaser photos ahead of the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, although the photos aren't your typical shrouded-in-mystery type that other automakers tend to release. It's clear the interior will receive a mild update as well, if only to streamline the dashboard design and provide a more modern touch similar to the current CX-5 and CX-9. The instrument cluster seems to have received an update as well, with what we can only assume is a larger tachometer from this blown up version of the interior photo.
Most notable of all is the introduction of a turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine, which is currently found in the CX-9. It's a fairly potent mill, although one that has seemingly been absent from the Mazda 6 range across the world. Whether this engine option will be made available here is difficult to answer, although the US market will definitely benefit from a higher capacity variant.


LEAKED: GearUp Bodykit For 2022 Perodua Myvi For Extra Ganas-Ness

Perodua Myvi with a GearUp bodykit. It was only a matter of time before Perodua would start to roll out an accessories package under their
GearUp line
.

When the
latest refresh of the 3rd-generation Myvi
 dropped in November 2021, headlined by the ‘shift’ to
a D-CVT gearbox
 and an enhanced active safety suite, it wasn't going to be long before we saw the 2022 Myvi in a GearUp bodykit!

However, before our favourite 2nd national automaker could reveal that officially, some new images have surfaced on social media by Facebook user
RiderAth
 of a showroom test unit Myvi wearing all the exterior GearUp bodykit bits.

Perodua Myvi GearUp Bodykit

With the late-2021 facelift, the Myvi received only minor exterior cosmetic updates that were focused on the front and rear bumper and incorporated some new LED daytime running lights positioned vertically in place of halogen fog lamps. It’s a less aggressive look overall, so it seems the GearUp package is very much intended to add back any spiciness lost, and some extra.

Up front, the bumper keeps the original DRL strips intact, albeit buried, but draws a lot of attention to it with very wide and pronounced fake air inlets. Finishing off the front end treatment is a rather prominently extended front lip done in the same gloss black with body colour.

Along the sides of the 2022 Myvi, there’s a pair of  GearUp side skirts that are again finished in gloss black for that two-tone effect. Finally, at the tail end, Perodua has kept it pretty tame (compared to its new nose) with a slightly more puffed up rear bumper complete with a non-functional diffuser fins.

This is paired with quite a large and steeply raked GearUp roof spoiler to complete the look, but unlike attempt at underfloor aero, this might actually have an effect at high speed (increased drag, fuel economy is our guess).

Anything Else?

The 15-inch wheels, headlamps, and tail lamps on the 2022 Myvi are left as standard, though it would have been nice to have the option of sportier looking alloys in addition to a darker shade applied to the illuminator housings.

It’s definitely the most fierce showroom fresh look the 2022 Myvi has had since the
‘Pikachu’ bright yellow 1.5 Extreme
 from the previous generation. Though it might not be to everyone’s taste, the GearUp accessories does appeal to a wide selection of Perodua buyers.

All that’s left to wonder is how much Perodua will be selling this for as well as the selection of official interior accessories to accompany this bolder, angrier GearUp exterior. Perhaps, like the Ativa, they’ll give us some options of of different leather upholstery as an alternate to the searing red found in the current 1.5 AV.


Bridgestone Turanza T005A touring tyres: 1-Year Honda HR-V owner review

While there may be an element of chance or uncertainty involved in buying tyres, it is vital to keep in mind that there are a few ways to mitigate this and make informed decisions.

Firstly, it is essential to look for tyres designed for your specific vehicle and driving conditions, considering factors like weather, terrain, and driving habits.

Secondly, you must research and choose a reputable tyre brand and model that has been well-reviewed and tested by experts and consumers.

With this in mind, we could consider having one of the best assessments for a tyre explicitly made for crossovers, as
for the last year
, we have been keeping tabs on a set of Bridgestone Turanza T005A to find out how they fare.

The Turanza T005A is Bridgestone's touring tyre, designed to deliver greater comfort, superior quietness, and assured safety for short- and long-distance journeys.

Although most associate touring tyres with larger, premium sedans, it is built for many different vehicles. Considering what crossovers provide to many Malaysians these days, where they can do it all, it is also highly suitable for crossovers like the Honda HR-V.

About a year ago, we gave a set of Bridgestone Turanza T005A to engineer Sassindren Selvaraja, who won the CarTell x Bridgestone tyre giveaway contest. He was excited to try them out, even though he already had a set of premium tyres on his Honda HR-V.

As an engineer who needs to attend to client needs around the country, Sassindren travels a lot with his HR-V. When it is not utilised for work purposes, the HR-V is primarily commandeered by Sassindren's father, who uses it as his run-around town vehicle.

Together, they accumulated around 17,000km of usage from the new set of Bridgestone Turanza T005A. Generally, Malaysians travel between 10,000km to 20,000km a year, so the T005As on Sassin's Honda HR-V can be considered well-used.

This allowed us to check out how much tread depth was left on the tyres after that usage. According to Bridgestone's website, new tyres typically come with 7mm – 9mm tread depth, depending on the type of tyre. Some truck and SUV tyres may have deeper tread depth than others, but the Bridgestone Turanza T005A 215/55R17 fitted on Sassin’s Honda HR-V has 7.2mm of tread depth when brand new.

When we checked the tread depth on Sassin's set of T005A, the tread depth gauge showed that he had around 6mm of tread left on his tyres. Moreover, the reading was uniform across the four tyres, showing consistency in manufacturing.

Bridgestone says it is important to maintain a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm for your tyres, so on the back of this and Sassin's high mileage and tyre wear, he should be getting around 51,000 km out of the tyres and to us, that sounds good.

One of the first questions we asked Sassin was whether he had noticed any changes in the vehicle's handling, performance or behaviour since installation? He said they'd been a pleasure and have been the same since installation. He hasn't had any unusual vibrations or noises while driving, he added.

We also looked closer at the tyres when we interviewed Sassin, and there were no visible signs of wear, such as cracks or bulges on them. We assume this is due to the quality of the tyre and Sassin's effort to maintain the tyre pressure, but Sassin said they were easy to maintain as the tyres hold the air pressure very well. " Sometimes when I check them, they still have the same tyre pressure as when I last filled them up".

Since we've had this spell where it's scalding earlier in the day, followed by heavy rain closer to the evening, we had to ask Sassin how the tyres had performed, going from very hot to very wet.

Sassin said, "let's face it, it rains a lot these days, and there's no escaping it. But, as I've mentioned in my previous reviews, there's a sense of assured wet weather performance regarding the T005A. They have a good grip in the wet and always leave me in control if I ever accidentally smash through a puddle. Aquaplaning is scary, but I feel safe with the T005A."

So as you can see, the tyres have treated Sassin well, but to be frank, we expected it to do so, as they are high-quality Bridgestone tyres which usually deliver outstanding performance.

Through the year-long review, we've established that the Turanza T005A provides improved handling and grip, better performance in wet conditions, and a smoother, quieter ride.

We want to thank Sassin for being such a great sport and Bridgestone for providing drivers with a great set of tyres which shows their passion for excellence.

If you want to find out more about the Turanza T005A touring tyres, you can visit:

https://www.bridgestonetyre.com.my/en/tyre/turanza-t005a


2014 Volvo XC60 Full Review: The Charms Of Swedish Practicality

It ought to take very little effort to swoon you in favour of the new
2014 Volvo XC60
. Understandably, they’re not priced within the majority of our budgets, but if that was a concern of yours, it’s likely that you wouldn’t be here to take this review seriously, anyways.
Tried, tested and gone on to become
the company’s best-seller worldwide
 since it was originally introduced in 2008, there’s very little about the new Volvo XC60 that could throw us off from a fairly positive review of it.
Recently, Volvo Car Malaysia
launched the facelift model
 you see here, equipped with a slightly new look, and a largely different powertrain. The new Drive-E engine is now a completely Swedish-made one (stepping away from Ford derivatives of any sort), and the transmission is now an eight-speed torque converter automatic right off Aisin’s catalogue (also relieving Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift of its duties).
And there you have it: ol’ faithful gets a new look, new power, and a new price that’s RM12,000 cheaper than the pre-facelift model. So is it any better than before?
Buyer’s Guide: Should you buy one?
The new looks aren’t bad, but there isn’t enough that’s different to hold a decent conversation over, given the very minor
changes from before
. For power, yes, there’s seemingly a lot more than before that makes the XC60 capably aggressive (despite its on-paper credentials), and it all comes together very nicely when paired with the new transmission - believe us when we say that this thing has got what it takes to shame a comparable BMW X3 (xDrive20i) in a straight line.
With just these changes, you can rest assured that the magic formula that made the XC60 special in the first place has been left unchanged. All that’s different and new is here to keep the car up-to-date, give it more power, improve consumption and make it more comfortable to drive – nothing we could ever complain about.
And most importantly, it’s more affordable than anything else you could officially buy in the segment. Still need a bit more persuading? Here goes:
Driving a 2014 Volvo XC60:
Before we get into any of the driving bits, let us first make it clear that the new Volvo XC60 you see here is equipped with
every option available
, and that particularly includes: an all-round bodykit, a cool adaptive digital display for your instruments, and a set of RM15,400 20-inch alloy wheels.
PERFORMANCE:
 In short, the new power is good. Listed for a 5hp and 30Nm of torque more (totalling 245hp, 350Nm), the XC60 requires both hands on the wheel to help deal with its torque steer when you go hard on the throttle (even with its large 20-inch wheels – something we suspect also has to do with the shorter ratio per gear spread out over the new eight-speed automatic transmission.
In short, what you get is a Volvo that will outrun a comparable
BMW (X3, xDrive20i)
 by more than a second in a 0-100km/h sprint (
XC60’s 7.2s
 vs. the
X3’s 8.3s
). More worryingly is how Volvo plans to tame its more powerful T6 version when that gets here!
When a surge of power is needed for overtaking, the gears are ever eager to shift down a notch (or two), to get the most out of the engine’s torque. At the upper end of the gears, there’s lots to appreciate from seventh and eighth speed that keeps revs (and fuel consumption) low at legal speeds.
RIDE & HANDLING:
 Around a quick corner, body roll has become synonymous with modern Volvos, but that’s alright, because in turn, you are rewarded with a ride you and your passengers can appreciate for the most part – not that we’d recommend any kind of exuberant driving in a Volvo SUV anyways. In tighter areas, the 20-inch wheels fitted with turn limiters to prevent any inner wheel-wall rubbing does reduce the XC60’s turning circle, but not nearly enough to cause any serious trouble.
When you do break free of congested areas, the XC60 rides as well as ever – soft and supple over typically harsh Malaysian urban and city roads, while on highways, the comfort from the seats and suspension geometry lets you seamlessly gobble up the miles without notice.
VISIBILITY:
 Given the larger proportions of the car, it wouldn’t have hurt so much if Volvo Car Malaysia spec-ed its XC60 with a rear-view camera – or at least make it an option. You do get surrounding sensors to help guide you, but the reassurance of a rear camera can’t be beat.
Living with a 2014 Volvo XC60:
As mentioned, there isn’t much else that’s changed to the ‘living’ elements of this car. Volvos of all shapes have been setting the standard for the longest time – in our books – and the facelifted XC60 is no exception with its timeless functionality.
The Sensus control display interface and features within have been updated to look and work a lot better than before, and if you choose to add on the ‘VIDAR’ package, you’ll have your instruments updated to a full-on Adaptive Digital Display system (see the picture above for this) - otherwise, the standard kit is alright.
Elsewhere, the cargo capacities and flexibilities of this car are phenomenal. On top of folding flat for added spaciousness, the rear bench can be transformed to provide booster seats for kids. Adults in the back should have no problems as well, with AC vents on the B-pillars, and lots of leg and headroom to properly relish the comfort of the seats.
The only thing I personally couldn’t gel with in the XC60 is its front seat headrest, which are fixed in place permanently to the backrest, designed to prevent whiplash injuries. The safety benefits aren’t disputed, but the trade-off is to live with a car that tilts your head forward too much (at least for this driver). You can work around it by leaning back the angle of the seats themselves, but it may be a bit disappointing to owners knowing that your car’s seat will never fit you perfectly. At least, your chances of whiplash are reduced.
Verdict: Here’s what we think…
At
RM288,888
, you really couldn’t ask for better. Germany’s duo of the
Audi Q5
 and the
BMW X3
 may boast fancier badges, but they’re also nearly RM40k more expensive. Are they worth that much more? We don’t exactly think so.
The Volvo is on paper the most powerful of the lot (vs.
Q5 2.0 TFSI
,
X3 xDrive20i
), and for equipment, it holds its own extremely well in the segment. The BMW does have the edge for driving dynamics, while Audi’s quattro AWD system may allow it to go more places than the FWD XC60, but how often is going off-road on the agenda for these premium SUVs, anyways?
If the package is right, but the power still not enough, don’t forget, there’s a
T6 Drive-E
 coming as well.
So, should you? Yes, is our humble suggestion. Give it a shot at a showroom, and you will be quite impressed with what’s on offer here.
Related stories:
2014 Volvo XC60 Launched In Malaysia
Old vs New: See how the XC60 has changed in this facelift
Volvo to reveal full line-up change by 2017?
Looking to buy a Volvo XC60 on Carlist.my?


Mitsubishi Announces Special Merdeka Promotion For Triton, Outlander, ASX

In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is offering various exciting deals for the Triton, Outlander, as well as the ASX.
Valid from now until 30th September 2019, the promo includes a low interest rate of up to 0.88% for the Mitsubishi Triton. However, it is exclusive with Maybank hire purchase only.
Customers who book and register a new Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium, or the Triton VGT MT Premium can choose to either enjoy the low interest rate mentioned above, or cash rebates as mentioned below:
As for the Outlander, customers who book and register the new Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0-litre (RM137,888) or 2.4-litre (RM152,888) will enjoy cash rebates up to RM6,000 and RM4,000 respectively.
Last but not least, the Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV 4WD (RM133,336) and 2WD (RM118,866) come with cash rebates up to RM12,000 and RM8,000 respectively.
While the Triton comes with a 5-year/ 200,000 km warranty, both the Outlander and ASX come with 5-years/ unlimited mileage warranty package.
Looking for a new Mitsubishi? Get the best deals
here
.


Budget 2022: SST Holiday To June 30th, EVs Get Waived Duties + Road Tax!

Budget 2022 was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today with Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz presenting the breakdown key points of next year’s allocation.

Prior to this evening’s tabling, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob prefaced the event by saying that the main goal for 2022 was to bolster the country’s economic and societal recovery after roughly two years of a roller-coaster COVID-19 pandemic.

Budget 2022 was also revealed to be the largest ever for Malaysia at RM332.1 billion, surpassing last year’s allocation of RM322.54 billion.

When it comes to automotive-related announcements, there were several big-hitter points worth covering.

First of all, and as was expected, the
SST discount/exemption period
 for new vehicles has now been extended yet again for a further 6 months from December 31st, 2021 to June 30th, 2022.

The terms of this remain the same as before, namely with locally-assembled (CKD) passenger vehicles enjoying a 100% sales tax exemption while fully imported (CBU) passenger vehicles enjoy a 50% sales tax discount.

Of course, this was decided upon to further spur the rebound of the automotive industry in Malaysia, which has continued to see steady positive results since this has taken effect.

The other major announcement here is possibly even more earth-shaking as electric vehicles (EVs) will be exempt from paying any
road tax
 whatsoever.

This is a particularly huge win for the accelerated adoption of zero-emissions vehicles which, thanks to
a confusing calculation scheme
, previously were saddled with paying much higher annual road tax compared to equivalent cars powered by internal combustion.

We are assuming this new policy is retroactive to all current electric vehicle owners and is not limited to new purchases in 2022.

Not only are EVs from next year exempted from paying road tax, but those sold beyond 2021 will be exempt from excise duties and import duties!

We’ll need more time to crunch the numbers and estimate how much of an impact (how much cheaper) this will have on EV prices compared to what they are at the moment.

However, these few changes are now a serious incentive for EV ownership and will surely affect the demand by manufacturers of
new zero-emissions vehicles
 to populate local showrooms.

We can’t wait!


Weststar Maxus launches G10 ten-seater MPV

Weststar
Malaysia recently expanded its product lineup in Malaysia with the introduction of the G10 people-mover.
Priced at RM139,888 on the road, the G10, which is said to have British heritage, is a ten-seater MPV that is aimed at customers with large families.
Powering the G10 is a 2.0 litre TGI engine which produces 225hp and 345Nm of peak torque, paired to it is a six-speed automatic transmission with manual override feature.
Designed by Torino, the G10 comes with features like full leather seats, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, a panoramic roof, six-speaker audio system, keyless entry with push-start ignition, as well as a reverse camera. . Safety features on the other hand, includes dual airbags, ABS and EBD.
Tan Sri Syed Azman, Weststar Group’s managing director said that the company, which aims to sell 500 units of the G10 this year, has already received 120 orders prior to the launch.
He added that the G10, which is currently being imported from China, will be assembled locally by July and that it will be exported to ASEAN countries in 2017.
Looking for a Weststar MPV? Find one now at
Carlist.my


2022 GR Supra: Old School vs New Class

Toyota's new 2022 GR Supra ad takes a dig at old fogeys who prefer to play it safe in this battle of the old school vs the new class of upstarts!

Toyota's road-legal Gazoo Racing line-up is probably one of the most exciting vehicle line-ups to date, and in a bid to promote their racing prowess, they have made quite a few commercials to highlight their prowess.

After a disastrous
GR Yaris
 campaign in Australia, earlier this year where their advert was banned due to a complaint against the commercial - It was claimed that it encouraged people to drive in an unsafe manner, it seems like Toyota have figured out a way to show how great their cars are without offending anyone.

Called the 'The Pitch', staring the 2022
GR Supra
, the commercial really takes a dig at those who rather prefer life on the 'slower' lane.

The commercial starts off with a bang showing a pair of 2022 Supra's racing down a highway. Midway through the action, it cuts into a boardroom, where a young creative team is pitching their idea for a new 2022 GR Supra ad to an older, more conservative corporate-looking duo. The younger team comes up with some fun ideas for the commercial, while the older ones want it to be safe and subdued.

The back and forth conversation between them is funny to watch, as we get to see the ideas pitched by the younger ones being closed down after it playing out in a sample commercial.

The best scene in the commercial happens when the younger team proposes a scene where the 2022 Supra is doing a burnout but expectedly gets shut down as the older folks suggest to do it "without smoke and with VSC on so the car doesn't lose traction". The scene then just cuts into a static picture of the 2022 GR Supra not doing anything, just sitting still and pretty.

But hey, let's not bore you with the written details because this commercial is best experienced visually!


Short Film ‘Hawa’ by Tan Ce Ding Wins the BMW Shorties 2016 Grand Prize

More than just about cars, the BMW brand has been a much appreciated supporter of the local arts scene. The BMW Shorties is Malaysia’s longest running and most prestigious short film competition.
Slightly more than 10 years ago, the success of the late Yasmin Ahmad got the attention of not just the people at BMW Group Malaysia, but also the ones at the company’s headquarters at Munich, Germany. The BMW Group believes that there are many young talents in Malaysia who can produce great films but they lack the platform and support to showcase their work, and that was the impetus to the BMW Shorties.
In the same way BMW’s
The Hire
 - still the world’s most successful branded Internet short film – does not impose rigid expectations on the film makers hired to produce the film, the BMW Shorties contest imposes no rigid rules on the participating film makers.
The films doesn’t have to revolve around BMW, or even cars. In fact, there are many scenes in the finalists’ films where cars made by other companies are clearly visible.
The contest doesn’t just aim to give financial reward to the winning film maker, but also professional guidance on his/her next film project.
This year’s edition of BMW Shorties saw the highest number of finalists and submissions in the contest’s ten year history, with 12 films selected out of the 115 films submitted to the jury.
‘Hawa’, a short film by Tan Ce Ding has emerged as the Grand Prize Winner. He will be receiving a production grant of RM 75,000 from BMW Group Malaysia alongside guidance and mentorship from the panel of judges to produce his next professional short film.
Tan is a fine example of a persevering young man, as he has been a contestant since 2010, has been placed in the Top 10 Finalist five times but has never won the competition until now.
Set in a post-apocalyptic zombie-plagued Malaysia, ‘Hawa’ tells the story of friendship between Hawa, a girl who has been infected by a zombie bite and a carefree boy named Meng. Through the clever use of symbolism, Director Tan Ce Ding effectively communicates the nature of the journey of friendship – specifically its vulnerability to the toxicity of social issues which is likened to a zombie pandemic in the film threatening the friendship between Hawa and Meng.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Tan Ce Ding, Director of ‘Hawa’ said, “After several years of participating in the BMW Shorties, I am thrilled to have finally won the Grand Prize together with a team who believed in a story as bold as ‘Hawa’ and successfully retold it through passion and excellence. When the theme ‘Journey’ was announced, we decided to pursue a short film which not only entertains but also shares the journey human relationships undergo – the threats it face and its persistence to triumph in spite of.”
Tan elaborated that the symbolism used in ‘Hawa’, saying that the zombie outbreak can be interpreted as anything which threatens the bond between individuals.
“Just like the zombie pandemic which came between Hawa and Meng, ill-conceived ideas are like diseases infecting our society – posing risks to human relationships conceived out of goodwill. But more than exposing the frailty of human relationships, we wanted to remind the audience to appreciate and fight for the humanity within all of us – that inherently, we seek to bond with one another in spite of social issues threatening to separate us. And in the short film, we see just that in the persevering friendship between Hawa and Meng”, says Tan.
Told through dialogue sparse scenes, ‘Hawa’ provokes a potent blend of emotions on top of relaying bold themes through ingenious symbolism and competent filmmaking – all of which forged a lasting impact in the judges’ deliberation room this year.
Lina Tan, who has judged in the BMW Shorties for the sixth year, said, “In all my years of judging, ‘Hawa’ has exceeded my expectations as not only a competent genre film but one which is bold enough to assume a Malaysian flavour. The seamless amalgamation of a blockbuster-level theme like a zombie outbreak together with a raw Malaysian setting to tell the story is what sets it apart from the other entries.”
Filmmaker Nadira Ilana, who joins the BMW Shorties’ judging board for the first time, commented on the use of symbolism in a dialogue-limited script, “As seen in ‘Hawa’, the use of symbolism is a powerful storytelling tool due to its ability to provoke thoughts covertly and hence with impact. The story of ‘Hawa’ is one of great maturity and nobility because it infects the audience with ideas with a hope to incite change. At the same time, it does not compromise on entertainment or room for the imaginative to derive deeper meanings.”
Fellow judge and acclaimed filmmaker Liew Seng Tat reciprocates praise for ‘Hawa’, saying, “The attention to specifics in the production design for ‘Hawa’ is exceptional. For example, props like the green toy soldiers positioned near the barred windows of Hawa’s bedroom conveys the girl’s yearning for protection against zombies. Props which seem to lie about randomly throughout the short film in truth were key in sustaining the dire atmosphere of a plagued world whilst helping to narrate the story.”
Meanwhile, celebrated sound editor and guest judge Lee Chatametikool remarked on the sound design of ‘Hawa’, “Sound design, in the case of ‘Hawa’, is impressive as it helped evoke emotions the director and scriptwriter desire in the audience. Audibility was tailored to draw the audience into a deep empathy which in turn equips them to identify with not only the main characters but to internalize the core themes in the short film.”
Commenting on the overall impression on ‘Hawa’, Singaporean producer and guest judge Yuni Hadi said, ‘Hawa has all the makings for an award-winning short film. It has compelling visuals and cinematography, thoughtful production design, evocative soundtrack, and above all, a powerful story. It is truly a creation deserving of recognition – both locally and abroad.”
On top of the Grand Prize honour, ‘Hawa’ also took home the awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Design. The production was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
The BMW Shorties Grand Prize Winner and Finalists short films can be viewed on the BMW Shorties website (
www.bmwshorties.com.my
). For more information, visit the BMW Shorties Facebook page at
http://
www.facebook.com/BMWShorties
.


10 Bang-for-Buck Modern Classics For Under RM20,000 (Part 2)

Ten cars, all for under RM20,000 - while still managing the unquantifiable quantum of being desirable and delivering on that all important cachet of heritage and astute engineering. All, for less than half the price of an entry level
Proton Persona
. Here’s
Part 1
 in case you missed it.
Truth be told, there are so many cars out there that arguably are very desirable, however, this list attempts to acknowledge cars that have truly influenced car culture, written parts if not major chapters of the marque’s history and yet be owned and enjoyed for sensible costs today.
And believe it or not, there is no unequivocal measure to defining a classic car, and it varies from country to country.
For instance; the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines classic as, “A ‘Fine’ or ‘Distinctive’ automobile, American or foreign built, produced between 1915 and 1948. Generally, a ‘Classic’ was high-priced when new and was built in limited quantities.”
Keep in mind, that the list does not include high-dollar classics such as the BMW 507, Toyota 2000GT or the Le Mans winning Ferrari 250 GTO.
The rationale follows; just because a bottle of wine was produced fifty years ago, doesn’t make it vintage – likewise, not all old cars are classics.
At this point, an honourable mention goes out to a few much-loved cars that do fit the bill for budget icons but didn’t make our list:
Ford TX3
: Really quick and utterly enjoyable – stockpile of replacement parts going extinct
Lexus LS400
: Showed the Mercedes S-Class how it’s done – road tax payments show the way to an early re-mortgage
Toyota MR-2
: Brand spanking new Proton Persona is a cheaper option
Subaru Legacy Wagon (BE)
: Station wagon, AWD and turbo equals love at first sight – hard to come by though
Citroen ZX Volcane
: An unassuming yet massively appealing driver’s car – obscure at best
We’ve also made one change to our final five cars, having to refine the selection process between having a highly usable vehicle and one that while being ubiquitous in nature, has entertained generations of car lovers, and continues to do so today.
We have saved this one for last… here’s the final five of our favourite modern classics.
Mitsubishi Pajero (NJ)
Why it’s here
Twenty plus years on, the
Mitsubishi Pajero
 still combines SUV practicality and brutish bad boy looks in one superb package. The cabin featured foldable third-row seats which were almost unheard off at the time and its go-anywhere credentials ensure its still highly valued workhorse till today.
Claim to fame
For a relatively small concern, Mitsubishi has garnered respect and heritage for its vehicles where its matters most – in motorsport. Just like the Lancer Evolution models which dominated rally stages across the globe, the Pajero has enjoyed great success on the gruelling trails of the Dakar, winning 12 Dakars out of 26 starts. Making the Pajero among the most successful platforms to ever take part in the event.
The one to get
As most of these cars would have had a tough life, give the exterior a good examination. Check that panel gaps line up, check the engine bay for signs of rust on the frame rails, look for rust on the sills and make sure all the doors swing open smoothly – the last thing you want is a car with a twisted frame. Check when the timing belt was last replaced, the drivetrain rubber bushes are another great indicator of how it’s been driven. Especially, make sure there’s no (manual gearbox) clutch slip and if the car responds smoothly if it’s an automatic. An uncharacteristic whine when accelerating could be a worn differential corona gear – an expensive fix.
Nissan Cefiro (A31)
Why it’s here
The A31 was Nissan’s sleeker and more suave answer to the Honda Accord and Toyota Corona of the day, the pseudo fastback silhouette sits above a tantalisingly low waistline to give this young timer great stance and street presence – this car is for the tuner at heart. The
Cefiro
 has enjoyed a great resurgence due to the art of drifting - given its rear-wheel drive platform, low centre of gravity and good overall weight balance.
Claim to fame
The A31 Cefiro shares its transmission and engine with the (R32) Nissan ‘Godzilla’ Skyline, along with suspension components from the Nissan Silvia range – if that’s not enough to brag about already, a plethora of OEM and aftermarket parts make it the most customisable car on this list. Embracing the A31 Cefiro is to embrace tuning and customising, not many bang-for-buck modern classics can deliver on smiles-per-dollar like the A31 Cefiro can.
The one to get
Preferably, one that has not been drifted! The chances are, almost all surviving Cefiros would have been modified, and unlikely run the original (RB20E) inline-sixes anyway – making a definitive guide nigh on impossible. The best advice is to have an existing owner or mechanic suss the car out with you. Make sure the mods are done properly using appropriate OEM or aftermarket components – and depending on what you’ll eventually use it for, that you can live with how the car looks, feels and goes.
Proton Putra
Why it’s here
Well, it was the one only two-door coupe ever produced in Malaysia, and nearly two decades later, still looks the part. The Mitsubishi-sourced (4G93) 1.8-litre inline-four produced 138bhp and gave the featherweight
Putra
 a 9.0 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed 220km/h top speed – impressive figures even today.
Claim to fame
Underpinnings supplied by Mitsubishi and a readily available salvo of tuning options ensured that the Proton Putra was popular at many local grassroots rally and tarmac events. There was even a menacing Prodrive-prepped Proton Putra World Rally Car that sadly, was never campaigned. If you are getting into modern classics, why not go local.
The one to get
It’s a Proton, so most petrolheads will know, that if well maintained, will go on forever. Parts are aplenty but much like the Nissan Cefiro, most Putra’s might have seen their fair share of customisation. Look properly for later models (1998-2001) that have limited modifications to the engine and electronics. Proton’s chronic power window issues remain but, it’s an inexpensive fix so don’t complain! The timing belt should be changed after 90,000kms. Finally, fit a proper security and tracking system – limited supply and overwhelming ‘demand’ also means these cars are favourites for being stolen.
Volvo 850 (P80)
Why it’s here
The
Volvo 850
 transcended age-old Volvo charm (popularised with the 740 and 940 models) – with a superbly modern take on design, engineering, and safety at the time. The 850 introduced a transverse 5-cylinder engine powering the front wheels, the Delta-Link rear axle and the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) which is still commonplace on all Volvos today.
Claim to fame
The Volvo 850 was also the first car in the world to offer side-impact airbags, and as if the volley of industry awards were not enough – Volvo also went racing. They defied all convention when they entered the 850 Wagon for the 1994 British Touring Car season, with drivers Jan Lammers and Rickard Rydell subsequently redefining the term “Flying Bricks” when Volvo finished sixth overall in the constructor’s standings. Fun Fact: after some wind-tunnel testing, Volvo found out the wagon’s large flat roof actually gave the race car better downforce and stability at speed.
The one to get
We insist on the wagon – they’re absurdly cool and hold value way better than the sedan models. The 2.3-litre (B5234T) 20-valve turbos are the most fun, checklist includes – timing belt and tensioner, idle control valve (IAC), fuel injector pressure and condition, airflow sensor, spark plugs, throttle switch and oxygen sensors. Most engine issues stem from these components. Also, take an extended drive and feel for slippage when accelerating and clunky gear changes when on the go. Dashboards have been known to warp and crack under Malaysian heat, look for garaged examples.
Honda Civic (EG)
Why it’s here
The fifth-generation
Honda Civic EG
 embodied all that we have come to know and love about the Civic itself. Sharp style, brutal reliability and a superb chassis for a car of its size. That’s before you experience the explosion of power when the rev needle hits 4850rpm – that’s called VTEC, and that symphony of engineering goes on to a stratospheric 8200rpm. Honda arguably lost its Civic mojo after the EG and successor, EK models – but the
latest FC-Series
 definitely shows a return to form.
Claim to fame
There were other cars that offered variable cam timing, but nothing quite matched the
Jekyll and Hyde
 nature of Honda's VTEC mills. Depending on the code, Honda’s B-Series engines produced circa 100bhp per litre of displacement, similar to that of the period
BMW M3
. From the dragstrips of America to the
Kanjo
 of Osaka and ‘Saturday Night Fever’ of
Batu Tiga
, the Civic EG, when supplied with VTEC power was more that just a car - it was a platform only limited by your imagination. Stock ones are rare, but that encapsulates the very culture of the Civic - tuning and customising.
The one to get
Almost all VTEC powered Civic EGs would have been transplanted from a donor car. There are plenty of examples for under RM20k, look for properly preserved, enthusiast owned. Look out for rust forming under the rear wheel arches and along the drainage channels of the A- and C-Pillar, determine if the car has been in an accident, and insist on JPJ official documents for the engine swap. Lower arm, strut and hub carrier bolts are known to rust over time, look for degradation of the engine mounts too. Finally, check if all the electronics and gauges work – typically, an indicator of an engine swap done right.


Toyota Builds A Turbocharged GR86

Toyota has finally built a turbocharged GR86, but you can't have it just yet!

Toyota's much-loved GT86 entered its
second generation last year
 (now called GR86) with a bigger engine bringing slightly more power.

While the GR86 features more power thanks to Subaru's 2.4-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine that pumps out
232bhp
 and
250Nm
 of torque (that's 35bhp and 45Nm more than the car it replaces), many enthusiasts believed that Toyota
should have just slapped on a turbocharged engine
 to the rear-wheel-drive four-seater sports car.

Toyota builds turbocharged GR86

Well, according to Australian magazine CarSales, Toyota has actually done it, utilising the same turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-litre inline three-cylinder powerplant used in the
GR Yaris and GR Corolla
, which gives the sports car a healthy
300bhp
 and
400Nm
 of torque.

However, before you check your bank balance to see how much you need to save up for the spiced-up GR86, the turbocharged car was apparently engineered as a testbed to help Toyota further develop synthetic fuel engines.

For your information, Toyota has already conducted a hydrogen-powered engine study using the same engine base on the Corolla Sport racing car in the Japanese Super Taikyu racing series.

Despite this disappointing revelation, Gazoo Racing's chief engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto, did give some glimmer of hope as he hinted that the GR86 turbo might appear in an actual production version in the future.

"Yes, we are thinking for the future about the possibility of using it, but there are no concrete plans at the moment. For now, we're just using it to develop carbon-neutral fuels", said Sakamoto.

Let's just hope the test car has a good outcome and that the performance of the Toyota GR86 with the G16E-GTS engine does well at the Japanese Super Taikyu race.


2021 Geely Binyue PHEV Dilancarkan di China – Petanda Proton Bakal Bawa Masuk X50 Hibrid?

Geely Binyue 2021 versi
plug-in
hibrid (PHEV) kini dilancarkan di China selepas beberapa bulan pelancaran model
facelift
 Binyue Pro 2021
.

Binyue PHEV atau dikenali dengan nama Binyue 1.5T ePro ini ditawarkan dalam 2 pilihan varian iaitu varian 85KM Star Edition serta varian 85KM Glory Version yang lebih premium. Kedua-dua varian tersebut hadir dengan gandingan enjin 1.5L turbo 3-silinder yang menghasilkan 177 PS dan 255 Nm dan motor elektrik yang menghasilkan penambahan output sebanyak 81 PS and 160 Nm. Enjin tersebut kemudian dipadankan dengan transmisi klac berkembar 7-kelajuan automatik.

Memandangkan ianya kenderaan
PHEV
, gabungan enjin tersebut dan motor elektriknya pula menghasilkan output keseluruhan sebanyak 258 PS dan 415 Nm. Lebih menarik, dengan menggunakan kuasa elektrik penuh, Binyue PHEV kini mampu bergerak sejauh 85km berbanding 62km pada
pre-facelift
 modelnya. Binyue PHEV ini juga dilengkapi dengan pengecas berkuasa 6.6 kW dan hanya memerlukan 1.2L bahan api bagi setiap 100km.

Meskipun lebih berkuasa berbanding versi Binyue turbo biasa,
Geely
 mendakwa kereta ini mampu bergerak sejauh 88.33 km bagi setiap liter. Dari segi reka bentuk, selain penambahan lencana PHEV di bahagian belakang serta warna dwi-tona pada rim aloi 18 incinya, ia kelihatan sama sahaja seperti Binyue Pro yang ada di pasaran China ketika ini.

Selain itu, model hibrid ini juga menyaksikan beberapa penambahan lain seperti paparan skrin sentuh sistem infotainment yang kini bersaiz 12.3 inci berbanding paparan yang sedia ada ketika ini yang bersaiz 10.25 inci, tuil gear yang berbentuk T, kemasan biru pada warna interior, 72 pilihan warna LED
ambient lighting system
dan panoramic sunroof yang penuh.

Untuk memastikan pemandu dan penumpang selamat, Binyue PHEV tersedia dengan pelbagai sistem keselamatan pintar termasuk sistem pra-perlanggaran dengan pengecaman pejalan kaki, brek kecemasan autonomi, amaran keluar lorong dengan bantuan menjaga lorong, lampu utama pintar, pemantauan titik buta dan bantuan tempat letak kereta.

2021 Geely Binyue PHEV ini dijual di pasaran China dengan harga RM78k dan RM88k mengikut varian. Setelah versi 2021 Binyue PHEV ini dilancarkan di China, apa pula khabar bagi kembarnya di Malaysia iaitu
Proton X50
? Adakah Proton bakal membawa X50 versi hibrid pada masa akan datang sebagai kereta hibrid pertama Proton?

Menurut laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh The Malaysian Reserve, CEO Proton Edar Sdn Bhd Roslan Abdullah berkata Proton sedang mengkaji masa dan
kenderaan elektrik
 yang sesuai untuk diperkenalkan sebagai kereta pertama mereka dengan teknologi elektrik. Banyak faktor perlu diambil kira seperti harga, kemampuan pengguna, servis selepas jualan, pengalaman pelanggan dan undang-undang berkenaan kenderaan elektrik.

Tambah Roslan, meskipun Proton mampu untuk mengeluarkan kenderaan hibrid ketika ini, berapa ramai pelanggan yang mampu memiliki EV pada ketika ini? Ini kerana kekuatan jualan kereta di Malaysia ini banyak dibantu dengan elemen harga mampu milik. Jika Proton perlu merendahkan kadar harga kenderaan EV mereka kelak, adakah ia akan masih akan memenuhi undang-undang yang ditetapkan?

Tambah Roslan, Proton memang mempunyai perancangan sendiri berkenaan kereta elektrik ini dan hanya menunggu produk yang betul pada masa yang tepat. Namun ia masih terlalu awal untuk diberitahu kerana Proton masih sedang menilai produk terlebih dahulu pada waktu ini. Mereka perlu lebih faham tentang segala peraturan dan kemampuan mereka untuk mengeksport model-model tertentu di negara-negara jiran yang sudah pun ada halatuju jelas berkenaan EV.

Di rantau ASEAN, Thailand, Indonesia dan Singapura sedang giat menuju era teknologi elektrifikasi ini. Sementara itu di Malaysia, usaha ini baru dilihat dalam fasa awal memandangkan negara ini baru sahaja melaksanakan Pelan Pembangunan Mobiliti Rendah Karbon 2021-2030 (LCMB) yang menyediakan strategi dan pelan tindakan untuk sektor pengangkutan darat bagi mencapai pengurangan penggunaan tenaga serta pelepasan gas rumah kaca (GHG) menjelang 2030.

Agak-agaknya tahun bilakah kita dapat tengok kenderaan elektrik atau hibrid bakal dikeluarkan oleh pengeluar automotif tempatan seperti Proton dan
Perodua
?


Toyota & Suzuki Firms Up Collaboration; MoU Signed

The mooted collaboration between Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation
proposed last October
 takes one step closer to realization with both companies concluding a memorandum to firm up their respective intentions for a concrete business partnership.
In a joint statement issued by both companies, it was revealed that areas of cooperation being explored include environmental technologies, safety, information technology, as well as mutual supply of products and components.
Both companies are also firm in emphasizing their intentions of ensuring free and fair competition with regards to selling their products on the market.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda said of the tie-up, "The words of Chairman Osamu Suzuki at our joint press conference in October last year – ‘If you are running a company, you have to continue to take on challenges. You are running your company for the benefit of society, and this remains unchanged.’ – deeply resonated within me. This, I felt, was indeed the spirit of (the local expression) ‘Let's do it’.”
“Both of our companies, which trace their roots to Enshu (the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture), intend to apply to the fullest the spirit of "Let's do it", and we want to cooperate toward enabling all people throughout the world to truly experience the joy of mobility and to achieving a society of future mobility full of smiles. I am truly thankful for having been given this opportunity to work together with a company such as Suzuki, which overflows with the spirit of challenge. Toyota looks forward to learning much," Toyoda continued.
Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said, "Under the leadership of President Akio Toyoda, Toyota was enthusiastic throughout our discussions regarding partnership, even though such was sought by Suzuki, which was concerned about the development of advanced technologies. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation.”
Suzuki-san further affirmed, “In response to Toyota's display of enthusiasm, Suzuki also intensively engaged in the discussions, and we now stand at the starting point for building a concrete cooperative relationship. I want to give this effort our fullest and to aim at producing results that will lead Toyota to conclude that it was the right thing for Toyota to have decided to work together with Suzuki."
There is no mention either way on the possibility of cross share-holding between the two companies, although looking at the
failed VW tie-up
 several years back, that is a path that Suzuki is unlikely to be willing to explore.
It is known, however, that the VW-Suzuki tie-up was motivated from Suzuki’s end by the desire to gain electrified powertrain technology whilst Volkswagen wanted to understand the secrets of Suzuki’s success in India and competency in building compact vehicles at low cost.


MITI Says Modern Proton Cars Are On Par With BMW, As Safe As Volvos

In a report published by the
Malay Mail Online
, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) says that
Proton
 has the capabilities to compete with international rivals and that the national carmaker is on the same level with premiums brands such as
BMW
.
Following a question from Batu Gajah MP, V. Sivakumar on whether Proton is capable of taking on imported cars, the ministry responded by saying that many of Proton’s new models were developed to feature advanced technology, high quality, and performance.
Models like the Proton
Exora
,
Suprima S
, and the recently-launched
Iriz
 came equipped with safety packages that included anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control (TC).
The ministry also cited other safety features such as ISOFIX child-seat mounting points, safety belts, and several airbags are among the common features that are found in premium imported cars. When paired to the brand’s “Lotus Ride and Handling”, this has helped improve the standard of Proton vehicles, the ministry claims.
Recently, the Proton Iriz managed achieved a five star rating from the Asean NCAP.
“This rating puts the Proton car models on par with other popular car makes like BMW, Volvo, Toyota and Honda,” the ministry said.